Spare Room Be our guest…

Yes it’s a viral video, but it’s a clever one. “Drambuie Research” was put together to draw attention to a microsite called Made for a Prince (not a bogan), the aim being to educate punters about the origins of the elixir and push Drambuie “into the hands of influential young males”. (Due to the colourful language employed by some of Australia’s most discerning drinkers, this clip is hereby declared NSFW. So just turn it down)…

International sex symbol Louis Favreau pitches his new album filled with love songs a REAL man would sing. (Via Neatorama)

Last week we launched our Gold Coast giveaway — a trip for two to the Gold Coast complete with rental car, high rise apartment and fine dining. All you have to do is sign up for our newsletter and flick us an email. A winner will be drawn on Christmas Eve. (Go here to do all that.).

Songbirds restaurant in Mt Tamborine, a short drive from the Gold Coast, was a highlight of our trip and had us cooing about moving to the area (until we saw the real estate prices).

A four hour lunch is an astounding accomplishment for someone who is not drinking (i.e. me; pregnant and driving) and says something about the relaxed atmosphere and divine food we had at Songbirds

After a climbing 40 minute drive up Mt Tamborine we found our destination, away from the road and nestled in the lush bush.

As Queensland Restaurant of the Year 2006 we were expecting great things and weren’t disappointed. The menu was impressive and light enough to encourage you to have all three courses. The wine list, flush with New Zealand wines due to the restaurant’s New Zealand owner was parochially flattering. We have yet to track down Steven’s favourite — the Astrolabe Pinot Gris from Marlborough.

We also enjoyed eavesdropping on the table nearby, who were celebrating a 50-something birthday. At one end of the table of eight bankers (a guess) and their wives (which included an ex-pat Kiwi) the conversation centred around Helen Clark (“on her way out”) and Robbie Deans (“there is no way the Wallabies would let in a kiwi coach”).

The Gold Coast giveaway includes airfares for two adults (from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch) to Brisbane, travelling return economy class on Air New Zealand.

The winner will stay three nights in a luxurious one bedroom apartment at the plush high rise Mantra Circle on Cavill in Surfer’s Paradise. You’ll also have a rental car (a Mitsubishi Colt Convertible) for four days, courtesy of Red Back Rentals and be treated to a lunch at the fantastic Songbirds Rainforest Retreat up in Mount Tamborine.

ENTER HERE.

Today’s Choice Links:Sing-a-long spelling hilarity at Christmas in the Park; Best Christmas e-card featuring religion; Fanuary tries to steal Movember’s PR oomph; Ali Ikram can’t sing; Sex in the City movie trailer; Classic telemarketer prank; And a new energy drink for men called Brawndo…

Torched Toys: A range of torched and burnt out toy cars, including the joy-ridden 2-door hatchback, The Mini Van Insurance Scam and The Petrol Bombed Jeep. Best part is that each “Urban Collectable” car has been individually hand burnt…