NEW WOW TV SPOT FEATURING CHUCK NORRIS UNVEILED 

Chuck Norris didn’t break a sweat filming the newest World of Warcraft television spot. Instead, he made the director cry and then cooled himself with the tears. 

Watch the new WoW commercial now.

WORLD OF WARCRAFT’S SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY 

World of Warcraft turns seven on November 23, 2011! It’s been a truly incredible seven years, and we’d like to thank you all for joining us for yet another fantastic year. To celebrate, players who log into the game between November 20 and December 3 will earn a feat of strength added to their Achievements and a “Celebration Package” item. Using your item will get the celebrations rolling by shooting off fireworks*, applying a (visual only) tabard to your character, and granting a 7% bonus to experience and reputation gains while active. 

We look forward to another year of adventures ahead and many more to come! 

*Please observe all goblin and gnome fire hazard warnings and celebrate responsibly.

A week of awards for Museum Victoria

Melbourne Museum’s Science and Life Gallery has taken out top honours at the inaugural 2011 Museums and Galleries National Awards (MAGNAs), held in Perth last week.

The Gallery won the Large Museum Permanent Exhibition award in a field of entrants from across Australia and New Zealand.

Judges for the award commented that the Science and Life Gallery was outstanding in its design and flow, and provided access to information through a combination of analogue and digital technology.

“The stylish mode of presenting 3D objects alongside intelligent use of multimedia and interactive technologies encourages visitors to see and assimilate information while engaging with the natural history of the world in new and memorable ways,” the judges said.

Completed last year in the largest exhibition redevelopment ever planned by Museum Victoria, the Science and Life Gallery includes the Dinosaur Walk, Wild: Amazing animals in a changing world, 600 million years: Victoria evolves, and Dynamic Earth exhibitions, all of which are united by the theme of change – whether it’s landscapes, climates or life forms.

With the assistance of $9.5 million in Victorian Government funding complemented by $500,000 in support from Rio Tinto, the Gallery has now won many international, national and state-based awards, including:

• 2011 Special Achievement in Innovative Design, American Association of Museums 23rd Annual Excellence in Exhibition awards
• 2011 The Best in Heritage “Excellence Club”, European Heritage Association/Europa Nostra
• 2011 winner, Gold MUSE Award, the American Association of Museums’ Media and Technology Committee
• 2010 winner, Gold MUSE Award, the American Association of Museums’ Media and Technology Committee
• 2010 Merit Award, International Society for Environmental Graphic Design, USA
• 2010 winner, Australian Interior Design Award for Installation Design
• 2010 winner, Australian Audio Visual Industry Award for innovative multimedia technology
• 2010 winner, Interior Design Excellence awards, Inside Magazine
• 2010 winner, Arts Portfolio Leadership Awards – Leadership in Technology category
• 2010 Eco-Buy Awards Winner: Victorian State Government category: Sustainable Exhibition Design Initiative

“Museum Victoria is committed to developing exhibitions that are informative and engaging for all our visitors”, said Dr Patrick Greene, CEO, Museum Victoria. “The Science and Life Gallery was created using the skills of in-house staff and local Victorian companies. This award recognises the creative and innovative design that is integral to its success and which has been greeted with great enthusiasm by many thousands of visitors, since it opened.”

Also announced last week, at a ceremony in Melbourne, was Museum Victoria’s Patrick Greene as CEO of the Year at the Australian Human Resource Institute Awards.

Dr Greene was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Museum Victoria in August 2002 and is has led a process of transformation of Australia’s largest museums organisation, which comprises Melbourne Museum, Scienceworks and the Immigration Museum, as well as the World Heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building and IMAX Melbourne Museum. Attendance across Museum Victoria venues has increased dramatically, reaching 2.3 million in the last financial year.

These awards come on the back of Melbourne Museum winning the award for Major Tourist Attraction at the RACV 2011 Victorian Tourism Awards last Monday night. The Victorian Tourism Awards were established to recognise and reward organisations that contribute excellence, innovation and commitment to the Victorian tourism industry.

“The last year has been one of landmark achievements for Melbourne Museum – and indeed, Museum Victoria as a whole – and we are delighted with the recognition that all three of these awards represent,” said Dr Greene.

“This would not have been possible without the continued support of government and our sponsors. The Board and staff look forward to continued success in 2012.”

For further public information on Museum Victoria, phone 13 11 02 or visit museumvictoria.com.au.

At long last, THQ and our friends at PlayStation® are proud to unveil additional content for Saints Row®: The ThirdTM owners on PS3™.  For all players that purchase Saints Row®: The Third™ on PlayStation®3 and redeem their online pass codes within the next 90 days, they will receive a digital copy of Saints Row® 2 (a $29.95 value)… absolutely free!

 
Go back to a simpler time, when the Saints were vying for control of Stilwater, before they were global icons, a household name, and a criminal empire. Before Professor Genki and the Syndicate, there were the Westside Rollers and the Brotherhood. Enjoy classic Saints Row activities like Septic Avenger, where you spray new homes with sewage in order to devalue property. And of course, enjoy a number of DLC packs brought to you by Volitions’ favourite Saints Row®2 producer, Tera Patrick.
 
Saints Row 2 will be available starting early next week for free, for all players who redeem their online pass in each new copy of Saints Row®: The Third™.  The offer expires at midnight on February 13, 2012, so be sure to redeem your online pass before then, and for those of you who have already done so, keep an eye out early next week for the content.
 
This offer applies to Australia and New Zealand, as well as the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom.
 
We hope you are as excited about this offer as we are!
 
Saints Row®: The Third and Saints Row® 2 are both rated MA15+

NEY, Australia – 21 November 2011 – Symantec Corp. (Nasdaq: SYMC) today announced the findings of its 2011 SMB Threat Awareness Poll, which revealed that while awareness is high, SMBs don’t consider themselves targets of cyberattacks. As a result, they are not implementing the proper safeguards to protect their information. The SMB Threat Awareness Poll examined the awareness levels of small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) regarding the dangers of security threats, and how well they are prepared to defend against them.

“While SMBs know the dangers of cyberattacks, many of them don’t recognise they are at risk,” said David Dzienciol, Symantec’s vice president for SMB and Channel, Asia Pacific and Japan. “Cybercriminals don’t choose their targets based on the size of the business. They are seeking confidential information for financial gain and SMBs are increasingly appealing targets when their guard is down.”

“It is more important than ever for SMBs to take the necessary steps to keep their information safe. Simple initiatives such as education and adopting best practice processes and technologies can significantly strengthen their cybersecurity measures.”

Survey Highlights

• SMBs are familiar with security threats

The survey shows that more than half of SMBs are familiar with many different security threats to the business, including targeted attacks, keystroke logging, and the risks that come with using smartphones for company business. More than half (54 per cent) stated that malware would cause a loss of productivity, and 36 per cent recognised that hackers could gain access to proprietary information. In addition, respondents said a targeted attack would impact the business. Forty-six per cent stated that a targeted attack would cause a revenue loss and 20 per cent said it would drive customers away.

• SMBs don’t see themselves as targets

Surprisingly, although SMBs know the dangers of cyberattacks, they don’t feel they are at risk. In fact, half of SMBs think that because they are a small company, they aren’t in danger – it’s primarily large enterprises that have to worry about attacks. This is in direct contrast to the evidence. According to data from Symantec.cloud, since the beginning of 2010, 40 per cent of all targeted attacks have been directed at companies with fewer than 500 employees, compared to only 28 per cent directed at large enterprises.

• SMBs not taking action

Because SMBs don’t see themselves as targets, many of them are failing to take basic precautions to protect their information. While two-thirds restrict who has login information, a shocking 63 per cent don’t secure machines used for online banking and 9 per cent don’t take any additional precautions for online banking. More than half (61 per cent) don’t use antivirus on all desktops, and 47 per cent don’t use security on mail servers/services.

Recommendations

In order to keep sensitive corporate information safe, there are several simple practices SMBs can follow to protect against cyberattacks.

• Educate employees: Develop Internet security guidelines and educate employees about Internet safety, security and the latest threats. Part of the training should focus on the importance of regularly changing passwords and protecting mobile devices
• Assess your security status: SMBs are facing increased risks to their confidential information, so safeguarding data is critical. One data breach could mean financial ruin for an SMB. Know what you need to protect. It’s important to understand your risks and security gaps so that you can take steps to protect your information
• Take action: Be proactive and develop a security plan. Consider items such as password policies, endpoint protection, the security of email and Web assets, and encryption. You should also evaluate whether on-premise or a hosted service would best suit the needs of your organisation

Symantec’s 2011 SMB Threat Awareness Poll
Applied Research fielded this survey by telephone in September 2011. They spoke with 1,900 organisations worldwide. Of the organisations surveyed, 25 per cent came from businesses with 5 to 49 employees, 25 per cent came from businesses with 50 to 99 employees, 25 per cent came from businesses with 100 to 249 employees, and 25 per cent came from businesses with 250 to 499 employees. In all cases they spoke to the person who managed their computing resources. The survey includes 700 respondents from 10 countries in the Asia Pacific and Japan region including Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam.

Resources

• Report: SMB Threat Awareness Poll Global Results 2011
• SlideShare: SMB Threat Awareness Poll Global Results 2011

Connect with Symantec

• Follow Symantec on Twitter
• Join Symantec on Facebook
• Subscribe to Symantec News RSS Feed
• View Symantec’s SlideShare Channel
• Visit Symantec Connect Business Community

About Symantec
Symantec is a global leader in providing security, storage and systems management solutions to help consumers and organisations secure and manage their information-driven world. Our software and services protect against more risks at more points, more completely and efficiently, enabling confidence wherever information is used or stored. More information is available at www.symantec.com.

New Free Muppets Music Game Will Have Fans Tapping Along To Music From Disney’s “The Muppets” Favorite Songs And Movie Soundtrack 

Sydney, Australia: November 21, 2011 – Disney Mobile has released “Tap Tap Muppets” for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.  Available for free from the App Store, “Tap Tap Muppets” brings Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Animal and the rest of the gang together for what fans will surely agree is the most sensational celebration of their favorite Muppet music. 

Based on the popular “Tap Tap Revenge” gameplay, the most successful mobile music franchise of all time, “Tap Tap Muppets” features six full tracks including three songs from Disney’s “The Muppets” soundtrack, which will be released by Walt Disney Records, through Universal Records on November 25. The app also includes three of the most memorable songs from the Muppets tribute compilation, “The Green Album.”  

“Tap Tap Muppets” Full Song List Includes:

·         “Life’s A Happy Song” Performed by Jason Segel, Amy Adams and Walter

·         “Let’s Talk About Me” Performed by Chris Cooper

·         “Me Party” Performed by Amy Adams and Miss Piggy

·         “The Muppet Show Theme” Performed by OK Go

·         “Movin’ Right Along” Performed by Alkaline Trio

·         “Night Life” Performed by Brandon Saller and Billy Martin (Good Charlotte)

“Tap Tap Muppets” is also jam-packed with video, character profiles, movie info, and more. In addition, players can connect socially to the Muppets. 

“Given the important role music has always played with the Muppets, it makes perfect sense that ‘Tap Tap Muppets’ is the first Disney-branded game for the ‘Tap Tap’ franchise,” said Bart Decrem, general manager of Disney Mobile. “This app gives Muppets fans and gamers alike an opportunity to experience the beloved music of the Muppets in an entirely new environment.” 

The launch of “Tap Tap Muppets” on the App Store precedes the theatrical release of Disney’s “The Muppets.” On vacation in Los Angeles, Walter, the world’s biggest Muppet fan, his brother Gary (Jason Segel) and Gary’s girlfriend Mary (Amy Adams) from Smalltown, USA, discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze Muppet Studios and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets’ former stomping grounds. To stage a telethon and raise the $10 million needed to save the studio, Walter, Mary and Gary help Kermit reunite the Muppets, who have all gone their separate ways: Fozzie now performs with a Reno casino tribute band called the Moopets, Miss Piggy is a plus-size fashion editor at Vogue Paris, Animal is in a Santa Barbara clinic for anger management, and Gonzo is a high-powered plumbing magnate. With a screenplay written by Jason Segel & Nicholas Stoller, the film is directed by James Bobin. Featuring signature celebrity cameos, Disney’s “The Muppets” hits the big screen January 12, 2012. 

The “Tap Tap Muppets” App is available for free from the App Store on iPhone, iPod touch or iPad, or at http://www.itunes.com/app/taptapmuppets.

SYDNEY, Australia. – November 21, 2011 – Electronic Arts Inc., (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced today that ‘It’s Tricky’ by RUN-D.M.C., the fan-favorite and anthem of the EA SPORTS TM SSXTM franchise, has been remixed by the artist, Pretty Lights for the SSX in-game soundtrack. The track will be triggered dynamically in-game as players achieve ‘tricky’ state by linking tricks together.

‘It’s Tricky’ made its iconic appearance in the aptly-titled, SSX Tricky on the PlayStation® 2 computer entertainment system. Synonymous with SSX Tricky, fans of the franchise flocked to the song as that title became arguably the most beloved in the franchise. SSX hits shelves February 16 in Australia and February 17 in New Zealand on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system.

“Music has always been an important element of the SSX franchise. ‘It’s Tricky’ had such a monumental impact on fans of SSX Tricky that we wanted to pay tribute to the song by introducing it to a whole new generation of SSX and music fans,” said Freddy Ouano, Audio Producer, SSX. “ We chose Pretty Lights to remix the track because he’s a phenomenal artist whose style fits well with the tone and direction of this rebirth of SSX.”

Remixed by Pretty Lights, the musical vision of the ultra-versatile Colorado based producer Derek Vincent Smith, the track features Pretty Lights cutting-edge party rocking beats, while staying true to the original version. Pretty Lights remixed ‘It’s Tricky’ in his mobile studio while on tour and debuted it at a live, sold out performance in Atlanta, Georgia.

“I’ve always loved hip-hop, video games and snowboarding, so it was truly an honor to put my twist on such a classic song for such a dope game. Can’t wait to play it!” said Derek Vincent Smith a.k.a. Pretty Lights.

A modern day reinvention of one of the most critically acclaimed arcade franchises of all-time, SSX will allow players to experience the franchise’s signature fun and adrenaline-packed gameplay across iconic regions all over the world. Using NASA topographical satellite data, SSX has a massive world for players to explore. Throughout nine expansive regions, SSX packs reality-defying gameplay into every run letting players Race, Trick, and Survive as they descend huge open mountains. In addition, Explore, Global Events and RiderNet – SSX’s recommendation engine – headline an online feature set that will revolutionize social competition for gamers, making it fun and easy to compete with friends with no lobbies or wait times.

Name: Yoshimitsu

Sex: Male
Age: Unknown
Birthplace: Base of Mt. Fuji, Japan
Height: 5’6″ (169 cm)
Weight: 132 lbs (60 kg)
Date of Birth: Unknown
Blood Type: Unknown
Weapon: Katana x2
Weapon: Name Yoshimitsu & Fu-Ma Blade
Dsicipline: Manji Ninjitsu
He was raised by Yoshimitsu the First. Ukon and Sakon are his confidants. He leads the chivalrous thieves of the Manji Clan.

Name: Aeon Calcos

Sex: Male
Age Unknown: (24 years has passed since he was human)
Birthplace: Sparta, Ottoman Empire
Height: 6’8″ or 11’4″ at full length (202 cm or 346 cm at full length)
Weight: 295 lbs (134 kg)
Date of Birth: Unknown
Blood Type: Unknown
Weapon Hand: Axe x2
Weapon Name: Ktinos & Anthropos
Dsicipline: Rapid Ares Style & Moves of His Former Preys
The memories of his family and homeland have mixed with the memories of his prey. He can no longer recognize them.

Name: Cervantes de Leon

Sex: Male
Age 44: (12 years since he acquired a new body)
Birthplace: Valencia, Spanish Empire
Height: 6’0″ (182 cm)
Weight: 196 lbs (89 Kg)
Date of Birth: January 1st
Blood Type: O
Weapon: Longsword & Pistol Sword
Weapon: Name Acheron & Nirvana
Dsicipline: Self-Taught & Memories of Soul Edge
Antonio is his second in command. He commands his crew with fear. Ivy is his daughter.

Name: Xiba

Sex: Male
Age: 16
Birthplace: Ming Empire/Grew up on Zhen Hang Mountain
Height: 5’5″ (164 cm)
Weight: 130 lbs (59 kg)
Date of Birth: April 20th
Blood Type: Unknown
Weapon: Rod
Weapon Name: Three Karmas
Dsicipline: Secrets arts of the Ling-Sheng Su Style Rod & Kong Style Rod
His master is Kong Xiuqiang. He is travelling with Maxi, Leixia, and Natsu. He is beloved by the villagers who live at the foot of Zhen Hang Mountain.