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The myth that publishers have stacks of manuscripts  and that writers have to line up in a long queue was deflated by Jennifer Bacia during her talk at the Gold Coast Writers Association meeting . ‘Actually, that is not the case’ she stated. According to Jennifer, publishers are always looking for something that will make […]

IT Forum Gold Coast (ITFGC) is the best place to network with industry peers, potential clients and employers.  The Federal, State and local Governments give well-deserved recognition to ITFGC for being an active voice of the IT industry on the Gold Coast and Brisbane. Being a member gives you an unprecedented opportunity to stay informed […]

“Linking You Locally”    “Linking You Locally” was masterfully organised by the Gold Coast Helensvale Branch Library and Gold Coast Medicare Local with the benevolent support of many local businesses.   Gold Coast Medicare Local is a not-for-profit independent and locally run company and their generous sponsorship to the local event was greatly appreciated.     Despite the gathering grey clouds in the early morning the event started on time, at 9am and cheerfully welcomed the local community with colourful displays on both floors of the Helensvale Library; inside and outside. The event was officially opened by Councillor William Owen – Jones and was followed by the Latin inspired fitness dance Zumba. It was loud and full of colour. Many participated in the exhilarating ‘fitness-party’.    It was inviting, motivating and inspirational and many wonderful activities followed for the next few hours. Activities included a theatre performance, Pilates class, circus workshop and Basketball.  It was free and available ... Read the rest of this post

Only three years have passed by, since tablet computers became a globally known product category, thanks to the Apple release of iPad. These days, almost everyone I know regardless of age has a tablet. No doubt these devices are the ultimate in electronic simplicity but are they rally so easy to use? And which one is better? The second question is easy to answer. Usually the choice of a tablet is a matter of the user’s preference. Apple stands alone against countless manufacturers of Android tablets and the only significant difference is in the operating system. But does it really bother the users to even know what these systems are? Not really…  Young people have got it right; they do not hesitate to try every button out of curiosity or ask each other what button to press in order to have what they want. The majority of the older generation is ... Read the rest of this post

At some point in our life we will face the fear of public speaking when we need to deliver a speech during a special occasion, address an audience, make a professional presentation or simply tell a story to a group of strangers; it is inevitable.  Public speaking can be and really should be a satisfying experience.  However, the majority of people feel fear, anxiety or experience stage fright. So, how can it be avoided? To answer this question I went to a ‘Dare to Speak!’ workshop at the Helensvale library which was organised by members of Toastmasters International. It wasn’t news to me that learning public speaking skills can be beneficial to effective communication and help to become a better leader. However, my pen was filling pages very quickly and I am happy to share what I learnt with you. ‘Dare to Speak!’ was well-organised, presented and lead by the Master of Ceremonies – ... Read the rest of this post

• Develop your expertise. I’m a history nut and I enjoy current events. I’ve parlayed my interests into multiple magazine and newspaper articles, photo layouts, blogging gigs, and website writing.
• Establish relationships. So, you don’t know the editor of the local press? Go introduce yourself! Network!  I didn’t know the editor or staff of a regional magazine, but once I pitched a story and spoke with him on the phone, I made a point to learn the hierarchy of their editorial staff. Now I know not to send a query to the assistant editor. I would not have know that if I hadn’t taken a vested interest. 
• Fine-tune your pitch.  Don’t count out any ideas. A friend who is an avid reader landed a book column in a local newspaper! One trick that helped land a steady assignment was analyzing what was covered in-house and what work was farmed out to freelancers. Once you see what needs a publication has, you can adapt your platform to fit their needs.

Visit and explore the Sunshine Coast (Queensland, Australia). The answers about the Sunshine Coast from personal experience. What can be better than to take a couple of days, jump in the car with couple of friends and explore your own regional area along the coast and into the hinterland? Particularly if you, like me, live in one of the most beautiful places on Earth where nature’s pristine playground is all around you in the Australian State of Queensland. You can just take a map, close your eyes, place your finger where you wish and choose a weekend destination at random. My friends and I did just that and discovered some of the countless places to visit and explore along the Sunshine Coast. (Photo above was taken from http://beachmere.blogspot.com.au/2011/06/visiting-hinterland-glasshouse.html ) We booked a little motel for one night in Mooloolaba, put a full esky with lunch in my car and off we went towards Lake Baroon, so-called ... Read the rest of this post

Personal Confession My name is Elena Ornig and I confess to encourage you to live your dreams.   At four, I was the only child in kindergarten who could fluently read.  Often, the nannies would sneak out for an extra gossip break, leaving me inside of a circle of children; I just loved it. At 15, as a dedicated volunteer researcher of Moscow Regional history, I was invited to write for a local newspaper and I just loved it. At 16, known by every local librarian as a book monster, I was encouraged by one of them to write my own book and I put all my effort into it. And I just loved it because I dreamed of becoming a great writer. Nevertheless, I thought I needed a professional opinion to be sure I was on the right path.  At my school I approached a teacher who was regarded by almost everybody as “the guru” ... Read the rest of this post

Rediscovering Byron Bay after 15 years was an unforeseen revelation. (Part One) The only reason I went to Byron Bay (NSW, Australia) more than a decade ago was as a spontaneous romantic breakfast with my husband. Even then I wouldn’t stay for more than couple of hours. My general perception on the place then was associated with “…you’re spinning me out, man…” type of people. It wasn’t my honest opinion from experience, rather a perception gained from a collection of many comments by the respectable Gold Coast crowd. I took it as a warning: “Murky place with unstable people.” But last Thursday, I received a short note invitation from my friend who flew from LA to relax at Byron Bay for a week. “Relax?” – thought I to myself. I was sure that she had no idea of what she was talking about. However, seeing her was more important than worrying about the place or my peace ... Read the rest of this post

Why Every Man Should Update His Wife. Warning – for men only. Exploring men’s sexuality in graphic detail, this controversial book delves into motivation, purpose and futility of persisting with unsatisfactory relationships. It exposes stark views on marriage, on having children and apparently worthless social values.   $3.99 AUD is a fair price for eBook WHY EVRY MAN SHOULD UPDATE HIS WIFE!     To buy – go to Hot Digital Books and read more.  

What makes one happy- something that you want and get or the something that you already have and are able to appreciate? The something that you want and get – involves two steps. First, you have to understand and decide what you want, exactly, and then pursue it till you get it. This is risky but exciting. It has thrilling energy in the act of persuasion, but what if you will never get what you want? Isn’t it depressing to even think about it? What if the concept of what you want will be lost in the process of identification? What if a dream, an idea of having something or somebody, will never be yours? What is the point then to even go that way?   What is the point of leaving yourself open to that depressing and disappointing possibility to never understand what you want or to never get what you ... Read the rest of this post

 Answers from Elena Ornig That is how I see intuition – a very special sharpener of my thoughts.   Travelling and exploring new places has many great benefits in terms of life experience. It works wonders on your perception of life and on your understanding of your inner self. It enables you to experience the sweet feeling of freedom and learn new things. Any trip can be an eye-opener.   You can be a whole television crew in one. You can create your own reality-television serial, with you as the main star, regardless of your acting talent or appearance. The excitement of not knowing how it will turn out; a great drama, hilarious comedy, unforgettable romance or even a real horror story is alluring and tempting for all of us. Who doesn’t like travel?   As a traveller, you suddenly become windswept and interesting to others. Others would happily award your tales with ‘Oscars’ or ‘Golden Globes’, ... Read the rest of this post

Answers from Elena Ornig.     Every photo in this post was taken from Gold Coast Info. Please visit and enjoy the countless and  most beautiful photos.     The Gold Coast is well known around the world as a holiday destination. It sits comfortably in South East Queensland (QLD), the second-largest state of Australia or ‘Downunder’. Our state is certainly pretty big – just look at the map. 1.72 million Square kilometres! The largest ocean in the world, the Pacific Ocean, forms our coastline and it’s warm all year round. We are certainly very lucky to experience mostly warm or hot weather. People love to live in ‘The Sunshine State’, and their desire is what has made Queensland the fastest growing state in Australia.   Our capital is Brisbane, centred on the Brisbane River, named after Sir Thomas Brisbane – a former governor of New South Wales. The city is quite hilly and very pretty. The CBD is ... Read the rest of this post

Anaswers from Elena Ornig     The man with a gift, that many refer to as “blessed by God”, giving his heart, mind and expeience to the next generation.     At the National Convention Centre of the Australian capital, Canberra, just a few days ago (30th July), the world renowned and legendary Muay Thai fighter ‘John’ Wayne Parr won again. He never stops, regardless of being an eight times world champion ‘John’ Wayne Parr continue to fight, but more importantly he continues to teach, to guide and to share his love and life dedication for Muay Thai, it’s traditions and the philosophy behind it.   Known around the world, he is a true legend of Australia, but he is becoming ever greater – the man with a gift, that many refer to as “blessed by God”, giving his heart, mind and experience to the next generation; sharing his own life long legacy.  “My wife and I ... Read the rest of this post

Answers from Elena Ornig. I was never a skinny kid, rather quite the opposite. During my life time I tried everything I heard of to slim down because earlier in my life our local doctor declared that I was definitely overweight. To be honest I didn’t need to know his opinion, I could see it in the mirror, everyday. I felt ashamed of my visual physical appearance and couldn’t work out why I was much fatter than others, including my youngest sister. Later on, I learned that a factor of our own metabolism has significant effect on our weight because it is directly involved in the process of maintaining body weight. Every living organism has its own rate of metabolism that is simply the speed at which the body works on a chemical and physical level. That is why you sometimes hear people say, “My metabolism is low” or “My metabolism is ... Read the rest of this post