Archive for July, 2010

Get ready for a festive celebration at the Cambridge Hotel

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010
Dragons Abreast posters

The staff are gearing up for our special cabaret night - Lilia, Steven, Itzhak and Manja hope you'll join them for a night for fun and frolic - all for a worthy cause.

Greetings from Steven,

The Cambridge Hotel staff members have all been enthusiastic about supporting the amazing efforts of Dragons Abreast. Since teaming up to support this very worthy cause, some of the initiatives we have undertaken are the Pink Pig money boxes ay reception where guests can leave their loose change and the Dragons Abreast accommodation package, where 5% of the room revenue from this package is donated to Dragons Abreast. In our lobby we have installed a display cabinet selling and promoting Dragons Abreast Cancer Merchandise which includes the Keyring of Hope , Candle of Hope, Bracelet of Hope and this is only to name a few items. This to date has proved very popular with many guests buying and raising money for Dragons Abreast.

On the 27th of August the hotel will play host to a Charity night event. This promises to be a great night with lots of surprises and prizes. The beautiful Lesley Hancock will be performing her now famous comedy “Branson with the Stars” or commonly known as “Come Fly With Me”. This is a high energy show and at times a little risque, however a lot of fun!

We have prizes for the night such as McWilliams Wines, Cheviot Bridge Wines, Porterhouse Irish Pub, good old favourites including meat and veggie trays and this is to name just a few.

The staff has been working extremely hard to make this night a success. We have the Pink Dragons Breath Cocktail on arrival, this was specially invented for the night by our Food and Beverage Manager Itzhak, and the pink theme will continue through the whole night.

Our Dragons Abreast posters have arrived and I must say we’re all very excited to see the cabaret coming together. We’ve also been featured in a Channel 10 interview this week.

I can only say how proud we are to be associated with such an organisation, Dragons Abreast has injected a breath of fresh air for both myself and the staff at the Quality Hotel Cambridge – their enthusiasm, zest and sense of fun and life is contagious.

I know that the partnership will long continue past when I achieve my own goals.

Get ready for the night of your life. Book your tickets for our special fundraising night at Cambridge Hotel.

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Week 20 – The next step: setting new goals

Monday, July 26th, 2010

Anton’s Tip of the Week:

Exercise is all about goals: setting them, achieving them and setting new ones.
We all become complacent in life. We feel that once we have gotten to the goal that we have done enough and we can always do more later on.

It’s at this point that the battle is really only half won.

You have done a lot of hard work and it’s great to be able to say “I started this way and now I’m like this,” but it’s being able to maintain what you have done and to go further that takes more discipline.

I’m not saying that what you have previously done has been for nothing – but if you let yourself slip – then it has been.

It’s easy to slip back into bad habits and you can end up right back where you started a lot quicker than it took the first time.

So my advice is to keep at while you have the momentum behind you.

Thanks guys, more next time.
Stay healthy – Anton

To contact Anton email : fit_ant@hotmail.com

ladder

Keep on reaching for new goals

Weigh-in: 118 kg

Weight loss to date: 36 kg* (see below)

Support Steven’s efforts – MAKE A DONATION

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A big hello to all, I must admit that I have lived in Sydney for near on 25 years and can’t remember it being this cold – many of you have suggested that I am feeling the cold more now as I don’t have as much padding :) .

These 2 weeks has been a difficult 2 weeks for Anton’s training regime as I have had a severe gout attack during the last 2 or so training sessions. Anton is very patient and has worked around this. I also succumbed to a sinus infection which warranted a trip to the doctor. My doctor has been 100% supportive of my efforts and was again amazed at my progress and commented on my excellent blood pressure/blood sugar levels.

Over these past few training sessions, I have concentrated on building muscle and must admit I am starting to see changes (again I know that muscle weighs more than fat).

I do want to clear up the confusion over my progress and my weight loss tally above.

I started this journey at 158 KGs (I have told you previously how I started)

On this occasion, I was extremely serious about losing the weight, keeping it off and changing my lifestyle. I realised rather quickly that to break the pattern that I had done before – where I would get started on a weight loss program, do well in the beginning and then just veer off track – I would need help to achieve my goals. You all know from previous blogs how I was introduced to Anton. I began the process with Anton and my GP’s blessing with a goal of achieving 110 KGs.

When I reached 154 KGs, the directors of the hotel suggested that I pick a charity and declared that Cambridge Hotel would donate $100 for ever kilo I lost. You all know again from previous blogs how I come to pick and partner with “Dragons Abreast”.

I will again say that this has not been an easy journey, however I must emphasise that it has been a rewarding journey and it continues. I could not have done this without Anton’s help and the wonderful support from my family, my friends, co-workers and the wonderful ladies (and gentlemen) of Dragons Abreast – I am again thanking you all as last Saturday  - on my 17th weigh-in I achieve in what I can only describe as a milestone.

I weighed in at 118 KGs

Since the beginning approximately 5 months ago, I have lost 40 Kilos.

Anton has now fully prepared me for what comes next. I will now slow down on my weight loss, I still have 8 KGs to my next goal and I am hoping that I can achieve this in 8 weeks. It is quite surreal saying this and seeing that I will be 110 KGs, for those of you who have not experienced having a weight problem, it is a very rewarding feeling for me to be able to say that I am achieving my goals in weight loss.

The blogs will continue and, along with Anton and my GP we will see what happens when I finally reach 110 KGs (if you listen to the professionals they say my ideal weight is 90 KGs).

The second half of the year also brings challenges – “Awards Season” starts shortly in September and I have the UK/ Europe sales missions and many conferences in the second part of 2010.

As I always say, one day at a time.

Please mark in your diary that The Quality Hotel Cambridge will be hosting a Cabaret night for Dragons Abreast on the 27th August 2010, it promises to be a fantastic night.

Find out more about our fabulous Cabaret festivities!

Until next time, stay well, stay warm and cheers

Steven

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About Dragons Abreast

Ok I am back with the positive and the negative ——– the negative ‘yeah sure it might be cold in Sydney – but the positive is you’re looking good in your track suit’ :)

- Denise

Track donations that has been raised for Dragons Abreast or MAKE A DONATION.

You can learn more about DRAGONS ABREAST on their website:

http://www.dragonsabreast.com.au/

Posted in Steve's Biggest Loser | 9 Comments »

“Lights, camera, action!” Seeing Sydney through the silver screen.

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

The matrix in SydneyBeautiful Sydney has proved a popular backdrop and shooting site for many international blockbuster films. Whether it’s Sydney’s famous sites, iconic cityscape or the stunning beaches and other natural surrounds that attract filmmakers, many films offer a glimpse of Sydney and have called the city home during filming. Here are a few such films:

The Matrix.  This science-fiction-action and futuristic trilogy was filmed at Fox Studios and also at various locations throughout NSW – mostly within Sydney city.  The filmmakers made use of the Sydney CBD as a generic ‘contemporary city’ and took advantage of the mixture of skyscrapers and colonial style buildings to compliment the film’s commentary on a simulated reality borne of our machine obsession – the Matrix. The Sydney Harbour Bridge, ANZAC Bridge, AWA Tower, Martin Place and a Commonwealth Bank branch are visible in some shots, as is signage on buildings for the Sydney offices of Telstra and IBM Corporation.

Babe: Pig in the City. For Australian director George Miller, Sydney was a natural setting choice for Babe: Pig in the City. The iconic Sydney Opera House features prominently.

Mission Impossible: II. Much of this blockbuster film was shot in Sydney and surrounding suburbs and at the time it was the largest location scouting exercise conducted in Australia. Many of the action scenes were filmed in the suburb of Mosman and the Harbour’s North Head. Argyle Place in the Rocks district also featured. At the time of shooting, Tom Cruise (before he split with Nicole!) was often spotted around town.

Moulin Rouge! Another Australian directed international blockbuster film that was shot in Sydney, Moulin Rouge gained critical acclaim and although it was shot entirely in Fox Studios, tourists can still visit the studios were all the romance and drama was created.

Superman Returns: The ‘return’ of this classic TV-series was filmed in Sydney – in Fox Studios but also at various central Sydney locations. Wynyard Station, one of the city’s busiest train stations was closed for an entire weekend and other shots were taken at the Art Gallery of NSW and the Australian Museum as well as various other locales around the city.

If you’re interested in seeing Sydney through the eyes of Hollywood and the film industry, Sydney Movie Tours offer walking and sightseeing tours so you can see the backdrops and settings of your favourite movie scenes for yourself! For those visiting Sydney it’s a great way to see the city and get your film-fix at the same time.

What’s your favourite Sydney based flick?

Image credit: Flickr via Adactio

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Sydney’s City2Surf 2010

Friday, July 16th, 2010

Since 1971, come August, Sydneysiders flock to the streets to partake in one of the city’s most loved and favourite sporting events – the Sun-Herald City2Surf. Much of the city closes down and crowds line the course as participants make the journey from the city centre to iconic Bondi Beach – from the city to the surf, as the name suggests! At the heart of the event is the desire to raise money for charity – in 2010 the goal is to raise $3 million – but the race is also one of Sydney’s best community events that attracts all ages and walks of life and is not restricted to serious athletes. Racers can run, jog, walk, or even dance the course – one of the biggest attractions of the race is the colourful, weird, amusing and strange costume ideas that teams come up with!

The City2Surf is a sight to behold, and whether you’re a Sydneysider or a visitor, you’ll be impressed by the eagerness, excitement and passion that participants take to the streets with! If you’re visiting Sydney, it’s a great way to see Sydney as the course takes participants through some of city’s most beautiful and picturesque areas. Just be prepared for crowds!

Race history

According to the race history, the Sun-Herald City2Surf was modelled on the San Francisco Bay to Breakers run and started in Sydney under the encouragement of Fairfax Media’s US correspondent. From humble beginnings (with only 2,000 participants in the first race), 1.2 million people have entered and participated in the event since the race started 40 years ago. The first race was won by an American, but since then it has been mostly Australian runners who have taken out the line honours. Steve Moneghetti won the race four times and still holds the men’s record at 40.03 minutes while Susie Power – two time winner – holds the women’s record at 45.08 minutes.

Course

The race starts at the intersection of Park and College Streets in the CBD before heading up through William Street, past Rushcutters Bay, around Rose Bay before “Heartbreak Hill” hits. Up New South Head Road, this steep stretch is known as the toughest part of the course! It’s also the halfway mark. After that, participants make their way down to iconic Bondi Beach where the race officially ends. When Mother Nature puts on a show and the sun is shining the course offers some truly spectacular Sydney scenery.

Race quick facts –

  • The Sun-Herald City2Surf is a 14km race or walk from Sydney CBD to Bondi Beach.
  • Since the race started in 1971 1.2 million people have participated.
  • In 2006 – for the first time in the event’s history – more women registered for the event then men.
  • In 2007 a record number of 64,713 people entered the event.
  • In 2008 a record $1.25 million was raised for charity.
  • In 2009, The Sun-Herald City2Surf became the world’s largest run and was voted Sydney’s favourite sporting event.

Cambridge Hotel’s GM,  Steven Gargano, is taking on the City 2 Surf this year – why not join us??

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Week 19 – A fantastic family reunion

Monday, July 12th, 2010

Next step - weights!

Weigh-in: 120 kg

Weight loss to date: 34 kg

Support Steven’s efforts – MAKE A DONATION

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Well hi to you all and thank you all again for your words of encouragement.

It was a very big 3 days at the family reunion, starting on Friday night with a Harbour Cruise and Saturday (personally a big day as I was to announce if I achieved my goal) night, we had a Gala reunion dinner and on Sunday Yum Cha.

It was, as always, fantastic with lots of laughs, a few tears and a whole lot of hugging. This also was the first time a lot of the family had seen the weight loss.

I really didn’t think that I would be so taken back and was quite emotional as they were ALL blown away by my weight loss. You have to remember that I am the youngest of 13 and also have a massive number of nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces, great great nephews, great great nieces – my oldest brother is 75 years young. All of the reactions were quite extraordinary and truly quite motivating.

It was also great to see both my sisters, who are survivors of breast cancer, doing so well.

Saturday night we had a Skype video link with family in Italy (my father was Italian). Additionally, my oldest sister and her husband were celebrating 50 years of marriage. There were many milestones reached in 2010.

Did I achieve my goal – you ask. Well yes I did, my goal for the Saturday night of the family reunion was 120 and I was 120 KG. :D

Anton was a guest of the family on the Friday night Harbour Cruise and I think he is still in a state of shock. We are a very close, tactile family and always greet every one with a hug.  Anton, I did warn you.

I have now reached my 120 KGs and am on my way to the goal of 110 KGs (which is my final goal at this stage). I have started weights now on my get fit program to build a little muscle and also to help firm up loose skin and tone. I have been warned by Anton that this will  be reflected on the scales as muscle weighs more that fat.

I will keep you posted on my progress. After doing weight work for one week, I had discovered muscles that I didn’t know I had (this was from the muscle ache afterwards J). I stress that the weight work is for tightening and toning, I’m not ready to take on Arnold Schwarzenegger. J Thus begins another chapter in this journey.

Time to go, see you next week.

Cheers,

Steven

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About Dragons Abreast

Track donations that has been raised for Dragons Abreast or MAKE A DONATION.

Fantastic achievement Steven!! Well done – you are such a champ!!
Denise

Track donations that has been raised for Dragons Abreast or MAKE A DONATION.

You can learn more about DRAGONS ABREAST on their website:

http://www.dragonsabreast.com.au/

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Posted in Things to Do | 11 Comments »

Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb – the ‘Climb of your Life!’

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Embark on the climb of your life!

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of Sydney’s iconic landmarks and one of the most recognisable symbols in Australia. Nicknamed the ‘Coat Hanger’ by locals, it towers over Sydney’s sparkling harbour. Since 1998, with the opening of the Bridgeclimb, visitors and residents can now climb this world famous attraction for the ‘Climb of Your Life’. Decked out in special gear, climbers are given access to the ladders and catwalks of the Harbour Bridge, and at the peak can enjoy 360 degree views of Sydney. For visitors to Sydney, the Bridgeclimb is a must-do activity and an unforgettable holiday experience. The Lonely Planet has even rated it as one of the top ten experiences in the world! The Bridgeclimb is equally as popular with Australians, who are taking advantage of the opportunity to take in their beautiful city.

Since it opened, over 2 million locals and visitors have scaled the Harbour Bridge, which sits 134 metres above the beautiful Harbour and connects the Sydney CBD with the North Shore. But the Sydney Harbour Bridge is more than just a bridge. Stories and an enthralling history shroud the landmark, and the Bridgeclimb is a great way to get all the facts and juicy tidbits on the walkways and catwalks where it all happened.

Interesting facts of the Sydney Harbour Bridge

  • Construction of the bridge began in July 1923 and took 8 years to complete. Over 1,500 workers were employed each year throughout the construction period including engineers, surveyors and architects, blacksmiths, boilermakers, carpenters and concreters, stonemasons and painters. Of those workers, 16 lost their lives – a surprisingly low number considering that safety measures and precautions were virtually non-existant. With no harnesses, handrails or scaffolding workers were subject to extremely dangerous conditions.

  • The bridge cost over £10 million to build – double the original quote!

  • The bridge’s height of 134m is not fixed – the top of the arch rises and falls about 180 mm due to changes in temperature.

  • A militant monarchist, Captain Francis De Groot, hijacked the opening of the Bridge when he interrupted the ceremony on horseback and slashed the ribbon with his sword. The NSW Premier Jack Lang was supposed to have had the honour of declaring the bridge open for use.
  • The top of the Bridge has been the setting for over 2,500 marriage proposals since the Bridgeclimb began in 1998.

Did you know? Film star and comedian Paul Hogan, known as ‘Crocodile Dundee’ to most, was once employed as a painter on the bridge.

Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge is an unforgettable, adrenaline pumping experience, whether you choose to enjoy the views at dawn, during the day, twilight or at night. Join the list of celebrities such as Will Ferrell and Matt Damon who have undertaken the climb. But don’t have a big night out before you go… climbers are breath-tested and must have a blood alcohol reading of under 0.05%.

Enjoy your stay in Sydney – book yourself some great Sydney accommodation at the Cambridge Hotel and  embark on the climb of your life.

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Week 18 – Countdown to one of my big goals – stay tuned!

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

Weigh-in: 122 kg

Weight loss to date: 32 kg

Support Steven’s efforts – MAKE A DONATION

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Hi All,

Keep your goals in sight

Anton had asked me what my goals were when we first started; I had set out 3 goals and one of them was for my weight to be 120 kilos for the family reunion. I have been working hard and this week’s weigh in (I am weighing in tomorrow) will let me know if I met my goal!

Last week, I talked about how exercise has been the key to my weight loss journey. I cannot express strongly enough just how much getting active has helped. It was very small steps in the beginning and please remember that, when I started this I was 158 kilos (156 kilos when I joined Anton). I was also suffering with gout and had extremely high blood pressure.

Anton, with my GP’s blessing, worked on a program that would suit my fitness level (which was extremely unfit :) ). The first weeks were spent walking up the stairs at the South’s training ground in Redfern park – this literally started with me just being able to do one set, I am now up to 50 sets. I started with doing 50 punches and am now up to 1000.

I will never tell you that I am an exercise junkie, however, try it out and get moving – I guarantee you’ll feel better for it.

In saying that the training is fun, it has been cold lately and I am very happy to say that Anton has moved into his Studio where I trained (one on one, as it is still personal training) yesterday. The new equipment that Anton has has opened another world of pain :) . I am looking forward to learning new techniques and ways of slimming down further. I am never sure of what Anton’s tips will be, however a tip from me is to contact Anton as I am sure he will have opening introductory specials.

Next week starts the journey of what to do with the excess skin, as you are all aware I have been overweight for many, many years and this excess skin is a result from this.

Short blog this week as not a lot has happened.

Now for last Saturday’s weigh in, 122 Kilos and yes another 2 Kilo loss last week, fingers crossed that a lot of hard work, I will meet my first goal of 120 Kilos by the family reunion this Saturday.

In closing I must report that “Dragons Abreast” needs your support as they receive no government funding, the journey I have been on has raised over $9000.00 for this very deserving charity. Thank you for your generosity and the hotel will be hosting a charity night at the end of August, more info to come.

Keep well, keep warm and see you next week.

Steven

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About Dragons Abreast

Track donations that has been raised for Dragons Abreast or MAKE A DONATION.

Wow Steven!! Congratulations! Setting goals at the beginning is such a great thing to do, and it certainly looks like you are going to achieve this goal. Look forward to hearing the “120 is here” and of course all the comments from the Gargano Reunion.

Denise

You can learn more about DRAGONS ABREAST on their website:

http://www.dragonsabreast.com.au/

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