Melbourne Museum and Scienceworks are celebrating National Science Week from 15 – 23 August 2009 with a variety of special events and activities. These include behind the scenes tours, a chance to meet inspiring scientists, an astronomy lecture, chemistry workshops for kids and more. 

For further information visit museumvictoria.com.au or phone 13 11 02. 

MELBOURNE MUSEUM 

Behind the Scenes tour

View fascinating objects from Museum Victoria’s science collection that have not been on public display. See deep sea fish, unusual crystals, ancient fossils and more in this rare opportunity to tour some of Museum Victoria’s science collection.

Date: Saturday 15 August

Time: 11.00am, 12.00pm, 2.00pm & 3.00pm

Cost: Free with venue entry

Location: Melbourne Museum foyer

Bring in a…

Ever come across something while bushwalking or gardening that has stumped you completely? Bring in a bug, bone, fossil or feather that you have found and make use of Museum Victoria’s expertise and free identification services at the Discovery Centre, Melbourne Museum.

Date: Saturday 15 August

Time: 10.00am to 4.00pm

Location: Melbourne Museum, Discovery Centre

Roaming Dinosaurs

Look out for the dinosaur puppets that roam the galleries of the Melbourne Museum. Beware – who knows when they will be right behind you!

Date: Saturday 15 August

Time: 11:30 – 2:30pm

Cost: Free with venue entry

Location: Melbourne Museum, Science and Life Gallery

Make a Dino Mask

Make your own Styracosaurus mask and wander through the Dinosaur Walk amongst some of the other fierce-looking armoured dinosaurs.

Date: Saturday 15 August

Time: 11.00am to 3.00pm

Cost: Free with venue entry

Location: Melbourne Museum

Meet the Expert

Come along and meet a museum curator, scientist or researcher. Find out about their exciting work and the latest research at Museum Victoria.

Date: Saturday 15 August

Time: 11.15am, 11.45am, 12.15pm, 1.15pm, 1.45pm, 2.15pm & 2.45pm

Cost: Free with venue entry

Location: Melbourne Museum

SCINEMA

In National Science Week 2009 we invite you to discover the talent across Australia with SCINEMA – exploring science through film. Sit back and relax with SCINEMA in the Discovery Centre and find out about all things science and the great Science Week events in the coming week.
Date: Saturday 15 August (Melbourne Museum), Saturday 22 August and Sunday 23 August (Scienceworks)
Time: All day
Cost: Free with venue entry
Location: Melbourne Museum, Discovery Centre and Scienceworks

SCIENCEWORKS

Inspiring Scientists
Biology? Biochemistry? Find out about your favourite “ology” by chatting to inspiring career scientists. Meet scientists from a range of research and career backgrounds and talk to an expert to find out what exciting and varied opportunities a career in science has to offer.

Date: Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August

Time: 11.00 to 4.00pm

Cost: Free with venue entry

Location: Scienceworks

Discover the Night Sky: Milky Way Galaxy

We are just one planet, orbiting one star, among the 400 billion-odd stars of our Milky Way Galaxy. It is truly magnificent; a swirling mass of stars, gas and dust. But what do we know of our home galaxy? And how did we come to discover it? Evening includes a planetarium experience, complimentary wine and cheese and stargaze through telescopes (weather permitting).

Date: Thursday 20 August   Note: Discover the Night Sky lectures also run Thursday 6, 13 and 27 August

Time: 7.00pm

Cost: $25 adults, $20 members, $85 season pass

Location: Melbourne Planetarium at Scienceworks. Bookings essential, call 9392 4819

BASF Kids’ Lab

Experience the fascinating world of chemistry! Run by BASF chemists, the chemistry workshops introduce chemistry to children in a fun and exciting way through simple and interactive hands-on experiments.

Date: Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August

Time: 11.00am, 1.00 & 3.00pm

Location: Scienceworks. Bookings essential, call 9392 4819

Australian Skeptics

The Australian Skeptics will be explaining the science behind the paranormal at Scienceworks. See magic illusions, try out a bed of nails and many more surprising demonstrations.

Date: Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August

Time: 11.00am to 4.00pm

Cost: Free with venue entry

Location: Scienceworks

This initiative is supported by the Australian Government as part of National Science Week.

(Tuggerah, NSW) – July 31, 2009 – Belkin Australia & New Zealand today announced the appointment of Patrick Domingue as Managing Director. Effective 20 July, Mr. Domingue replaced Jeremy Attwood, who served as Managing Director for Belkin ANZ for nearly two years.

Mr. Domingue brings a vast amount of Belkin knowledge and experience as well as
strong leadership and operational skills. With over nine years in the organization, Mr.
Domingue comes to Belkin ANZ from the UK where he served as Belkin’s European
Director of Operations for nearly three years. His accomplishments include increasing
inventory turns by 25 percent, achieving record-high service levels, and reducing returns by over 20 percent. Prior to his UK role, Mr. Domingue led Belkin’s Distribution Centre in Indianapolis, Indiana. His passion and strategic leadership will further solidify Belkin ANZ as a leader in the digital connectivity space.

“We are excited to welcome Patrick to the Australia & New Zealand offices of Belkin,”
comments Eric Tong, VP of Asia for Belkin. “In his various roles at Belkin, Patrick has
demonstrated an impressive range of accomplishments resulting from his strong
leadership qualities and his focus on process improvement. Patrick’s knowledge of best
practices combined with his success in scaling our US and European business will
certainly enable ANZ to reach new heights.”

Previously the Finance & Operations Director, Mr. Attwood has over 10 years of
experience with Belkin and has led the ANZ team to achieve fantastic results in driving
revenue growth. Mr. Attwood is transitioning to Belkin Europe in Rushden, UK, where he will assume the role of Operations Projects Director.

The Guitar Hero® stage continues to heat up as Shirley Manson, actress and lead singer of the Grammy-nominated alternative rock band Garbage, steps into the spotlight offering her likeness and distinct vocal stylings to this fall’s highly anticipated Guitar Hero 5.  Manson joins an all-star line up of in-game artists set to appear as playable characters in the game.  Guitar Hero 5 boasts 85 songs on-disc including a wide variety of genres from modern, alternative and indie rock to classic anthems and metal, and features Manson belting out “Only Happy When It Rains,” the breakthrough single off the band’s self-titled debut album, Garbage.  

This September, living room legends will rock any way they want in Guitar Hero 5. The entire set list is at players’ finger tips from the start, featuring genre-defining hits from more than 80 of the biggest rock artists and bands of all time, including The Rolling Stones, The White Stripes, Kings of Leon, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan and Vampire Weekend, plus more than 25 artists from a variety of music genres that will be making their music video game debuts. Players take complete control as Guitar Hero 5 allows gamers to personalise and customise how they experience music by being able to play with any in-game instrument combination — multiple vocalists, guitarists, bassists and drummers, in any game mode. With the game’s all-new Party Play Mode, players can now jump in or drop out of gameplay seamlessly, without interrupting their jam session. 

Scheduled to hit store shelves on September 16, Guitar Hero 5 is rated PG (Mild Course Language) and will be released for the Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 2. For more information about Guitar Hero 5, please visit gh5.guitarhero.com.

Subaru Rally Team USA driver and DiRT 2 Technical Consultant Ken Block features in new DiRT 2 trailer

– Wednesday 29th July– Discover Ken Block’s passion for DiRT and rally and watch stunning new gameplay footage as Codemasters® launched the latest Colin McRae™: DiRT™ 2 video, “Racing on DiRT with Ken Block”, available from www.dirt2game.com.

Jaw-dropping gameplay footage and clips of DC Rally athlete Ken Block’s Subaru WRX STi being pushed to its limits come together in the new video as Block, technical consultant on Colin McRae: DiRT 2, explains the exhilaration of rallying off-road and offers advice on how to succeed in the game. Gameplay footage shows the spectacular Battersea Power Station and the Subaru WRX STi and McRae R4 taking on one of the game’s Rally Stages set in Croatia.

Colin McRae: DiRT 2 is set to take racing games to a new level with thrilling new race disciplines, striking locations, big event atmosphere and a peerless line-up of super-charged speed machines, each selected to deliver spectacular, fast paced racing.

Taking players on an exhilarating World Tour, Colin McRae: DiRT 2 will deliver over 100 stunning events, including aggressive, multi-vehicle races and intense solo challenges, set in the most diverse and demanding real-world environments. From the muddy tracks of the Malaysian rainforest to spectator-packed stadiums in London and Los Angeles, racers will compete in contemporary off-road race disciplines covering Rallycross, Trailblazer, Raid, Landrush, and Rally.

Complete with full head-to-head competitive online play, get ready for the ultimate off-road competition when Colin McRae: DiRT 2 launches September 13th. For the latest news and videos, powerslide over to www.dirt2game.com.

Developed by Codemasters Studios, creators of the BAFTA Award-winning Race Driver™: GRID™ and powered by the third-generation of the award-winning EGO™ Engine, Colin McRae: DiRT 2 will be published for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Wii™, Nintendo DS™ and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system. A Games For Windows® LIVE edition will follow with support for DirectX® 11.

SYDNEY, Australia, — JULY 30, 2009 — Following the recent announcement of Logitech® Vid™ – the free, fast and easy way to make a video call with your Logitech webcam – today Logitech Australia introduced five new webcams – all ready to work with Vid. Whether you want to see your grandchildren’s smiling faces or just see your distant friends face-to-face, there’s a Logitech webcam for you. The new webcams include the Logitech® Webcam C600, Logitech® C500, Logitech® C300, Logitech® Webcam C250 and the Logitech® Webcam C200. 

“Now that Vid is changing the way people stay in touch, it’s the perfect time to pick up a new Logitech webcam and make video calling a regular part of your life,” said Gina Clark, general manager and vice president of Logitech’s Internet Communications business unit. “Logitech is a pioneer in the development of webcams, and our latest products make it easy to see your friends and family around the world.”

Logitech Webcam C600, Logitech Webcam C500

Because you delight in the details of your loved ones’ lives, the Logitech Webcam C600 delivers fluid HD-quality video and 8-megapixel snapshots (software enhanced), thanks to its 2-megapixel sensor and glass lens. You can even capture HD video at up to 720p – that’s TV-quality resolution. For those challenging lighting situations, Logitech RightLight 2 technology intelligently adjusts to give you the best possible images. Logitech Video Effects make it possible for you to personalise your conversations.                                                

When you want to show your distant friends and family how you really feel, the Logitech Webcam C500 offers a glass lens and 1.3-megapixel sensor for sharper images and fluid video. Its 5-megapixel photo capture lets you take high-resolution snapshots (software enhanced). Logitech® RightLight™ technology automatically adjusts the image, so you look your best, even in dim light, while Logitech Video Effects allow you to personalise your conversations.

Logitech Webcam C300, Logitech Webcam C250, Logitech Webcam C200

For a rich video calling experience, the Logitech Webcam C300 gives you up to 5-megapixel photo capture (software enhanced). Additionally, Logitech® Video Effects™ Fun Filters let you add some fun to your video call with neon splashes, fish-eye distortions, and more.

Seeing is believing with the Logitech Webcam C250. Featuring a VGA sensor, the ability to take snapshots at up to 1.3 megapixels (software enhanced), and Logitech Video Effects Fun Filters, the Webcam C250 makes it easy to share your life as you live it.

The Logitech Webcam C200 lets you see the people you care about in lifelike colour with a VGA sensor and snapshots at up to 1.3 megapixels (software enhanced). The Logitech Webcam C200 is metallic silver.

Because making sure your loved ones can hear your voice clearly is just as important as clearly seeing your face, Logitech’s newest webcams include a built-in microphone with Logitech® RightSound™ technology for clear, headset-free conversations without background noise.

Thanks to a universal clip, the Logitech® Webcam C600, Logitech® C500, Logitech® C300, Logitech® Webcam C250 and Logitech® Webcam C200 can attach securely to LCD monitors and notebooks.

Logitech Vid – the Free, Fast and Easy Way to Make a Video Call

Designed exclusively for video calling, Vid delivers a streamlined setup and a simple, intuitive interface. In fact, you can set up Vid in fewer than half the steps required by the major instant-messaging services.

Vid sets up automatically with your Logitech webcam. A few clicks and you’re ready to go. There are no screen names. And there’s no third-party software to download. When you’re ready to make a video call, Vid uses your friend or family member’s e-mail address to connect. Your friend simply accepts your e-mail invitation to participate in a video call on Vid, and you’re both connected and ready to chat.

Vid presents a simple, intuitive interface in which every element is designed to help you make a video call. You can make a call in just a few simple steps. Each one of your contacts is represented by a thumbnail picture. You simply click the picture of the person you want to contact, and Vid starts your video call.

Vid is compatible with PC and Mac® computers, as well as stand-alone and embedded webcams. Vid is available now for download at www.logitech.com/Vid.

To give you even more options, all Logitech webcams also work with popular instant-messaging applications including Skype™, Windows Live™ Messenger, Yahoo!® Messenger and AIM®.

Pricing and Availability

Logitech Webcam C600 – RRP: $129.95 AUD

Logitech Webcam C500 – RRP: $99.95 AUD

Logitech Webcam C300 – RRP: $89.95 AUD

Logitech Webcam C250 – RRP: $79.95 AUD

Logitech Webcam C200 – RRP: $59.95 AUD

Logitech webcams are expected in Australia from August.

About Logitech

Logitech is a world leader in personal peripherals, driving innovation in PC navigation, Internet communications, digital music, home-entertainment control, gaming and wireless devices. Founded in 1981, Logitech International is a Swiss public company listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI).

The eGames expo, running as part of the International Digital Entertainment Festival (IDEF), returns to Melbourne, Australia from October 30 – November 1, 2009. 

All the big names are back again for 2009 to present the newest games, latest products and all the excitement which makes this the biggest interactive event in Australia.

Showcasing the latest in the world of computer and video games. Play new and yet to be released titles on Playstation 3, Xbox 360, Wii and PC as well as handhelds such as Nintendo DS and Sony PSP.

There will be plenty of bargains to buy throughout the expo.

Featuring leading game publishers and developers, along with major brands demonstrating the latest products and technologies, eGames provides a ‘hands-on’ experience for gamers of all ages. A new feature to the show is the eGames ‘Kids Zone’ showcasing games and products for younger children.

The eGames Main Stage will provide a focal point with activities, presentations and entertainment.

The expo will also feature interactive areas like the Playstation Zone, and Xbox Zone for general game play and specific competition play to join in and have the chance to win one of many great prizes up for grabs. Play against Pro teams like Intel’s Team Immunity or challenge your mates to see who is the better player.

Located at the Royal Exhibition Building Carlton, a single ticket will enable entry into the eGames Expo, Digital Lifestyle Show and Develop ICT Skills andCareers Expo for the ultimate Digital Entertainment experience.

– New AMD offering professional high-end graphics accelerators with Genlock for video camera single source applications and Framelock for multiple 3D displays –

Sydney, Australia – July 30, 2009  – To meet the demanding synchronization needs of today’s professionals,  AMD (NYSE: AMD) introduced the ATI FirePro™ S400 Synchronization Module, providing framelock and genlock synchronization for demanding broadcast, video editing, visualization, simulation and rich display applications.

•Genlock enables video and graphics feeds from various devices – such as cameras, recorders, mixers, keyers and more – to “lock” to an externally generated signal, helping avoid jumping, flicker or scan lines that commonly arise when switching video sources.

•The ATI FirePro S400 is a single card solution with a dedicated processor capable of supporting clock-accurate, simultaneous GPU synchronization that professional video, broadcast, simulation and rich display applications demand, perfect for displays used in broadcast applications, or non-linear editing suites.

•Framelock synchronizes display output and 3D rendering across multiple graphics cards resulting in a smooth output across multiple displays or video projectors to create a smooth virtual canvas.

•ATI FirePro S400 delivers framelock functionality by combining synchronized display output and simultaneous 3D buffer swapping, to help ensure GPUs in connected systems present their outputs in perfect lock-step.

•The new ATI FirePro Synchronization Module supports four professional graphics cards, features a modern Serial ATA power connector and allows ATI FirePro graphics accelerators to receive signals and synchronize to virtually any video input source, including PAL and NTSC standard definition video black burst, high definition TV tri-level, TTL and SDI sync.

•The upgradeable firmware of the ATI FirePro S400 module is designed to allow future updates to be deployed without requiring internal access to the host computer, saving time and effort by allowing updates to be deployed in the field.

•Compatible with ATI FirePro™ V8750 3D graphics accelerators targeted at the high-end professional graphics market, and supporting existing software interfaces, the ATI FirePro S400 is a drop-in solution, fitting into standard PCI or PCIe slots and compatible with virtually any type of chassis or motherboard.

Pricing and Availability
•ATI FirePro S400 is currently available at the MSRP of US$799 and can be purchased from system integrators and channel partners worldwide.
•ATI FirePro 3D workstation graphics accelerators and  ATI FirePro S400 have been engineered to deliver innovation and reliability for a wide range of professional operating environments, including Windows® XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Linux. The unified driver, which supports all ATI FirePro workstation products, helps reduce the total cost of ownership by simplifying installation, deployment and maintenance.

Supporting Quotes
“Until now, synchronization modules available in the market only supported four graphics cards at a time, synchronized with a limited range of video outputs and were powered by older and increasingly outdated technology,” said Janet Matsuda, senior director, AMD Professional Graphics.  “Professionals need a module that can meet the high demands of current video and 3D applications with the flexibility to address new demands down the road, and the ATI FirePro S400 does just that at an affordable price.”

“Customers have demanding synchronized video and displays applications that require top notch operation today while being assured of a path of continued excellence for the future. The ATI FirePro S400 from AMD helps meet that need,” said Bob Kuehne, CEO, Blue Newt Software. “Blue Newt has worked with AMD from the early stages, and we have been delighted by the expertise and support from the AMD team in building this product.  Our end-customers will appreciate the exceptional performance provided by the combination of the ATI FirePro S400 synchronization module and the ATI FirePro V8750 graphics accelerator.”

Supporting Resources
•ATI FirePro™ 3D workstation graphics accelerators
•Follow AMD professional graphics updates on Twitter: @ATIFirePro
•For general AMD updates on Twitter follow: @AMDUnprocessed

About AMD
Advanced Micro Devices (NYSE: AMD) is an innovative technology company dedicated to collaborating with customers and technology partners to ignite the next generation of computing and graphics solutions at work, home and play. For more information, visit http://www.amd.com.

International guests join the line up for  A Night in Fantasia 2009

SYDNEY – Thursday 30 July, 2009 – The Eminence Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce the conformation of a number of international guests who will make their way from the USA to Sydney, Australia to be part of the ‘A Night in Fantasia 2009’ spectacular, which will be held at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on Saturday 26 September, 2009.

“We are really looking forward to bringing back A Night in Fantasia, particularly as it is a concert series recognised around the globe as the most popular brand of video game and anime concerts. This concert return is going to be truly spectacular and we thrilled to have a number of special guests joining us from the USA,” commented Hiroaki Yura, Founder and Director of Eminence Artists.

Steve Jablonsky, composer of the musical score for Transformers 2 the movie, Inon Zur (Crysis, Prince of Persia, Fallout 3 and Dragon Age) and Cris Velasco (Starcraft II and God of Warare) will appear as special guests of honour at A Night in Fantasia 2009.

Audrey Ashburn, who is recognised for her beautiful voice, as shown in her debut song ‘Around the Door’, will take to the stage to sing music from Inon Zur’s soon-to-be-released and much anticipated ‘Dragon Age’.

Not only will these special guests attend the concert to address the audience, they will also spend time meeting with the audience, signing autographs and talking about their music – something not done at previous concerts.

Featuring a full Symphony Orchestra, a mind blowing choir, special guest performers and boasting a score of popular tracks from the worlds of video games and anime, ‘A Night in Fantasia 2009’ is being billed as the biggest, boldest and best concert in the ‘A Night in Fantasia’ series to ever be held.

The score of tracks to be performed include AFRIKA, Ace Combat V, Darksiders: Wrath of War, Diablo III, Dragon Age: Origins, Metal Gear Solid, Prince of Persia, Red Alert 3, Shadow of the Colossus and a wide range of anime titles, including Astro Boy (which will hit cinemas in September), Studio Ghibli, Totoro, Laputa, Princess Mononoke, Deathnote, Steamboy and many, many more ….

The concert will be recorded and released on CD in the weeks following A Night in Fantasia 2009. A special CD with a ‘behind the scenes’ DVD will be released – in limited editions. Packages can be pre-ordered via the Eminence website, www.eminenceonline.com 

“Not only will fans be blown away by the musical extravaganza of ‘A Night in Fantasia 2009’, they will also love the impressive array of images that will be shown on the big screen. There will be just so much to see and experience. We’re taking A Night in Fantasia to a whole new level with this concert – we’re going to raise the roof,” Mr Yura concluded.

‘A Night in Fantasia 2009’ is a ‘don’t miss’ event…
so, make sure you don’t miss out!

To celebrate the blockbuster exhibition A Day in Pompeii, Melbourne Museum presents a series of Roman inspired lectures on topics including ‘Roman Erotica and the Evil Eye’ and ‘The Gladiators of Pompeii’.  

Roman Erotica and the Evil Eye: Uncovering the Sexual Imagery of Pompeii

Adults only, 18+

Hear Dr Philip Batty’s insights into how and why the citizens of Pompeii considered sex a gift of the gods and why the erect phallus, a symbol of virile fecundity, was a magical charm against evil spirits.

Date:    Thursday 17 September

Time:    6pm

Exhibition entry and lecture: Adult $35, concession $24. Bookings essential. Ph 13 11 02.