Explore the buildings and creative practices of Glenn Murcutt, Australia’s most internationally recognised architect, at the exhibition Glenn Murcutt: Architecture for Place, on show at Melbourne Museum from 15 July 2010. 

Glenn Murcutt’s architecture is known and celebrated around the world. His designs, which focus on sustainability and the natural environment, are at the forefront of contemporary architecture. Murcutt’s projects draw on Australia’s culture, diverse climate and topography, bringing the qualities of the surrounding natural and cultural landscape into the experience of his buildings.

“Melbourne Museum is committed to celebrating the work of Australian designers both emerging and established,” said Brett Dunlop, Manager, Melbourne Museum. “It is exciting to be showcasing an icon of Australian architecture like Glenn Murcutt, whose work inspires people around the world”. 

Glenn Murcutt: Architecture for Place explores a selection of Murcutt’s projects through his drawings and scale models. The projects are brought to life through photographs by Anthony Browell, which illustrate the harmony between building and nature that resonates through Murcutt’s architecture.

“For Murcutt, architecture is a path of creative discovery, and drawing plays a vital role in this discovery” said Lindsay Johnston, the Australian curator of the exhibition. “The exciting part of this exhibition is that visitors get to explore Murcutt’s creative practice through different stages of drawings, seeing more than just the finished project.”

The exhibition offers visitors a chance to discover many of Murcutt’s private residences that are not open to the public, such as the award-winning Arthur and Yvonne Boyd Art Centre at Riversdale, New South Wales. Also on display are conceptual drawings for a new Mosque in the Melbourne suburb of Newport.

Born in London in 1936 to Australian parents, Murcutt spent his early childhood in New Guinea, before moving with his family to Sydney. After graduating from Sydney Technical College, Murcutt travelled through Europe working in some leading architecture offices. Murcutt started his own practice in 1969 and from that time has worked predominantly as sole practitioner.

Murcutt has received numerous architecture awards including the Pritzker Prize, considered the equivalent of the Nobel Prize for architecture, and a RAIA (Royal Australian Institute of Architects) Gold Medal. He has been awarded the Order of Australia (AO), and in 2009 he received the Gold Medal of the American Institute of Architects.
Presented by Architecture Foundation Australia with the support of Visions of Australia.

Glenn Murcutt: Architecture for Place

Friday 15 July until Sunday 3 October 2010

Melbourne Gallery, Melbourne Museum

Melbourne Museum, Nicholson Street, Carlton, Adults $8, children and concessions FREE. For further information visit museumvictoria.com.au or phone 13 11 02.

http://www.rockstargames.com/videos#/video:4801.

ASUS today announced new Turbo Unlocker motherboard innovation for the latest Unlocked Intel® Core processors on the Computex show floor. ASUS also showcased its latest technologies, including Dual Intelligent Processors and Core Unlocker on motherboards, as well as the latest NVIDIA GeForce-based graphics cards. Additional recent innovations include the first widescale implementation of USB 3.0 and user-friendly autotuning for superior overclocking.

Taking Motherboards Forward
The new Turbo Unlocker optimises CPU ratios and boosts performance whenever added workload handling is needed. The new technology extends to the latest Unlocked Intel® Core processors, and offers significant performance improvements for better multitasking media-intensive tasks.

“The desktop performance tuning market is an exciting one where ASUS and Intel have been leaders for many years,” commented Zane Ball, General Manager of the Desktop Platforms Division at Intel. “Turbo Unlocker is a powerful utility that will enable performance tuners to take full advantage of Intel® Extreme Edition and Unlocked enthusiast processors.”

The Dual Intelligent Processors feature the TPU (TurboV Processing Unit) and EPU (Energy Processing Unit) in a dual-processing architecture that eases system loads while maximising power efficiency across the board.

New motherboards such as the M4A89/M4A88/M4A87 Series also deliver Core Unlocker to activate latent AMD CPU cores for added performance, the most complete and effective solution of its kind.

Elevating Visuals Beyond the Norm
New ENGTX400 series graphics cards from ASUS are based on NVIDIA’s GeForce 400 series technology, formerly known as Fermi, and add to the design with exclusives such as Voltage Tweak, which can speed up the GPU by up to 50 per cent. The ample power of these DX11 cards takes gaming and graphics to a whole new level, made even better looking through intelligent image improvement technologies such as ASUS Splendid HD. They further add full support for NVIDIA 3D Vision, extending the three dimensional gaming and movie experience to the home, even on multiple screens.

For More Information
Please visit the ASUS Computex 2010 press site (http://event.asus.com/2010/Computex/Press/) from May 31, 2010, 3pm Taipei time.

MeeGo is an optimised Linux operating system project that delivers a visually rich Internet and media experience across a broad range of devices, including netbooks, entry-level desktops, tablets, smartphones, in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) devices, smart TVs and media phones. Applications for these devices will be available through the Intel AppUp Centre beta.     

Also at Computex, Intel hosted the Intel® Atom™ Software Summit to discuss the growing momentum for MeeGo and Intel AppUp Centre.

• Acer Backs MeeGo – Acer endorsed the MeeGo project and announced plans to launch MeeGo-based netbooks in 2010. 

• ASUS Supports Intel AppUp Centre and MeeGo – ASUS announced plans to launch the ASUS App Store, powered by the Intel AppUp Centre, in 2010 and ship MeeGo-based devices in 2011.  

• MeeGo Tablet Demos – Intel displayed MeeGo-based tablet designs from Inventec and Quanta at Computex. These technology demonstrations showed how easily users can access applications through the Intel AppUp Centre beta. 

• MeeGo v1.0-Based Products – Multiple OSVs announced MeeGo v1.0-based operating systems for netbooks, tablets and other devices.
  o China Standard Software Company – China Standard Software Company, also known as CS2C, announced plans to launch a MeeGo v1.0-based tablet solution in collaboration with CZC, a Shenzhen, China-based OEM. More information.
  o DeviceVM – DeviceVM announced plans to deliver Splashtop™ MeeGo Remix targeting handheld tablets and smartphones, web-connected TVs and in-vehicle-infotainment systems. More information.
  o International Syst – International Syst will deliver Metasys MeeGo, a MeeGo 1.0-based operating system with a youth-oriented user interface (UI) created for the Intel-powered convertible classmate PC. Metasys MeeGo will be available in June 2010. More information.
  o Linpus – Linpus announced plans to deliver a MeeGo-based version of its Linpus Linux Lite product for netbooks optimised for Intel® Atom™ processors and featuring improved power management and Linpus LiveUpdate support. More information.
  o Mandriva – Mandriva announced plans to ship Mandriva Mini, an easy-to-use operating system based on MeeGo v1.0. Mandriva Mini will be available in the second half of 2010. More information.
  o Novell – Novell announced the SUSE MeeGo operating system based on MeeGo v1.0. Targeted to netbooks and other mobile devices, Novell expects SUSE MeeGo to be pre-installed in a variety of OEM devices over the next year. More information.
  o Pixart – Pixart will deliver OS Rxart based on the MeeGo v1.0 software platform to a number of industry segments and devices, including digital TV and the education-focused Intel-powered convertible classmate PC. OS Rxart MeeGo will be available June 2010. More information.
  o Red Flag – Red Flag Linux will deliver a MeeGo v1.0-based Red Flag inMini operating system for netbooks, amplifying the mobile features of the Intel Atom processor. Red Flag also announced the demonstration of MeeGo-based Midinux 3.0 for Intel Atom next generation handsets, tablets and other mobile devices. More information.
  o Turbolinux China – TurboLinux China announced plans to deliver GreatTurbo IVI operating system utilising MeeGo technology. GreatTurbo IVI operating system will be available in Q3 2010. More information.
  o VietSoftware – VietSoftware, with the support of Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training, will deliver Asianux Lite 2.2, a lightweight operating system for netbooks and entry-level desktops based on MeeGo v1.0. Asianux Lite will be available in June, 2010. More information.

• Service Providers Rally Around MeeGo – In addition to the OSV product announcements above, telecommunications companies also have announced support of MeeGo on Internet-connected TVs and other devices.
  o Orange – With MeeGo, the telecommunications carrier will deliver better services to its customers by enabling them to share applications and content among their Internet-connected devices. More information.
  o Telecom Italia – Looking for a way to innovate and deliver Internet-connected TV, Telecom Italia is embracing MeeGo to differentiate itself by enhancing standardisation and maintainability for faster time-to-market. More information.

• MeeGo Enabling Centre – The Moblin Enabling Centre in Taiwan will be renamed as the MeeGo Enabling Centre. Also, MEC announced Info Launcher, a touch-based UI for MeeGo mobile computing devices based on service-oriented UI technology. Info Launcher integrates 3D graphics and Internet application services into an intuitive and user-friendly design. Info Launcher will be available in 2010.

Shattered Horizon Gets Free Weekend on Steam 4 – 6 June

Zero gravity shooter free to play and 50 percent off to buy this weekend

HELSINKI, FINLAND – June 2, 2010 – Futuremark® Games Studio today announced that Shattered Horizon™, their PC exclusive multiplayer first-person shooter, will be free to play and 50 percent off to buy on Steam this weekend. Shattered Horizon’s innovative zero gravity gameplay has recently been enhanced with the Firepower weapons pack which added eight new weapons and three new grenades encouraging different styles of play and providing the opportunity for new team tactics. Shattered Horizon Firepower trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1X6z5gbzKak&fmt=22
 
“Shattered Horizon continues to evolve as we add new features requested by the community,” said Jaakko Haapasalo, head of Futuremark Games Studio. “This weekend PC gamers can play the complete game for free and experience the new Firepower weapons. And those who wish to continue playing can buy Shattered Horizon for just $9.99 /  €9.99.”

In Shattered Horizon, a catastrophic explosion on the Moon has filled near-Earth space with billions of tons of rocky debris. Teams of players fight in zero gravity to control the limited supplies that mean the difference between survival and death in the cold of space.
 
Firepower Free Weekend on Steam:
Starts 23:00 GMT Thursday 4 June (other time zones: http://bit.ly/coByIJ)
Ends 20:00 GMT Sunday 6 June (other time zones: http://bit.ly/bo9MSM)
Players can start pre-loading Shattered Horizon from Wednesday evening.

Weekend Sale on Steam:
Shattered Horizon will be 50 percent off to buy at $9.99 / €9.99 for the duration of the weekend.

System requirements:
Shattered Horizon requires DirectX 10, a DirectX 10 compatible video card, and Windows Vista or Windows 7. There is no support for Windows XP or DirectX 9. Minimum and recommended hardware requirements: http://www.shatteredhorizon.com/support/hardwarerequirements/

Dedicated Servers:
Players and game hosting companies who would like to put up their own servers during the free weekend can get the dedicated server files now from the Shattered Horizon website or from the Tools tab within Steam.

Shattered Horizon is available from Steam and the official website: http://www.shatteredhorizon.com/buynow/

Bounces Its Way Across Australia  SEGA Goes Bananas with a Limited-Time, Celebratory Sale Price of AUS $9.99 

SEGA® Europe Ltd. is pleased to announce the global launch of Super Monkey Ball 2: Sakura Edition™ for the iPad. To celebrate the international debut of AiAi, MeeMee and friends on the big screen, SEGA will be offering the game at a 20 percent discount for a limited time.

Featuring stunning visuals on iPad’s large screen, the Super Monkey Ball 2: Sakura Edition App offers gamers over 125 breathtaking levels including 10 all-new levels from the Far East World. To add to the fun, the game also includes the mini-game Monkey Bowling, found in the original Super Monkey Ball 2, and features three new mini-games – Monkey Target,Monkey Golf, and Monkey Base an iPad-exclusive multiplayer mini-game.

The game is available now worldwide via the App Store for a sale price of AUS $9.99.   For more information visit  www.sega.com/smb2sakura .

AVG (AU/NZ) Helps Business ‘Make the Match’ Between Online Threat Exposure and the Right Protection 

Melbourne, 31 May 2010:  AVG (AU/NZ) is offering any business which purchases its award winning AVG Internet Security Business Edition protection for network workstations and servers, a free copy of its AVG Internet Security suite for use at home by every employee covered under the business license. This premium combination delivers complete protection for the business, plus complete protection for staff at home. The special promotion runs until the end of July 2010.

AVG (AU/NZ) has seen the sophistication of online threats move well beyond viral attack. Switching from anti-virus to full Internet security protection is vital to business continuity, plus the integrity of business information and business IP. And the company also recognises the benefit of greater employee understanding of cyber threats and their impact on the business as a whole.

Lloyd Borrett, Marketing Manager of AVG (AU/NZ), said: “The Internet provides unrivalled business opportunities for competitive advantage, but also increases exposure to the hundreds of thousands of online threats and poisoned web sites which are being generated daily.

“When employees go online both at work and at home, they’re indirectly connecting with millions of other people via the Internet. That alone poses a big threat to the security of business data – never mind the disruption that comes from a malware infection that puts your business network out of commission for hours, even days.

“AVG (AU/NZ)’s offer of free AVG Internet Security software for employees not only provides broad reaching protection for staff at home, but also helps business owners raise awareness of cyber threats. With heightened levels of understanding, employees will reduce their unintentional or careless behaviour when online. Having staff conscious of their Internet safety and fully protected both at work and at home has benefits for all.”

Making the Match: Internet ‘active’ or Internet ‘passive’ – determining levels of protection

AVG (AU/NZ) is also helping businesses ‘Make the Match’ between their exposure levels to online threats and implementing the most appropriate level of Internet security.

Internet ‘passive’ business users, who use PCs in a limited way for internal data and systems, surfing the Internet and sending e-mails, can be confidently protected by AVG Anti-Virus Business Edition.

Internet ‘active’ businesses use the Internet for such activities as complete online transactions with suppliers or customers involving sensitive data; storing personally-identifiable information about customers or employees; or exchanging sensitive business information over e-mail and instant messaging.

These businesses have a very high level of exposure and need the complete protection of AVG Internet Security Business Edition, which is engineered to be light on resources and fast in operation. 

AVG Internet Security Business Edition’s multiple layers of protection include:

• High-efficiency Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware and Anti-Rootkit scanning to provide great malware protection without getting in the way of business
• Data Protection module to ensure safe online business transactions by adding a vital extra security layer of protection against unknown threats
• AVG LinkScanner® web protection technology which blocks access to poisoned web pages
• Enhanced Anti-Spam module which prevents e-mail from phishers, scammers and spammers from clogging workstations
• Anti-Spam Server Protection module which keeps the e-mail server running smoothly and prevents viruses and other threats from spreading via e-mail
• Enhanced two-way firewall which works in the background to keep hackers and botnets out without interrupting business
• Linux-based AVG Rescue CD which makes sure the network can be recovered from a serious existing infection
• Enhanced centralised administration and management with automated updates, remote repair and security policy enforcement

The award-winning AVG Internet Security Business Edition protects Windows based business workstations, file and e-mail servers. It’s used across the world by SMB, government, education and enterprise businesses to protect from 5 to 1000s of networked systems.

AVG Internet Security Business Edition is available both direct from AVG (AU/NZ) and via the extensive network of AVG resellers nationwide. Prices start at just A$318 for a 5 computer, 1 year licence, which with the special ‘Make the Match’ offer includes 5 free 1 computer, 1 year licences of AVG Internet Security valued at A$70 each.

In addition, AVG (AU/NZ) also has discounts of up to 50% off RRP available for schools, colleges and universities, plus up to 30% discount for local, state or federal government, churches, charities and other non-profit organisations.

About AVG (AU/NZ) Pty Ltd — www.avg.com.au

Based in Melbourne, AVG (AU/NZ) Pty Ltd distributes the AVG range of Anti-Virus and Internet Security products in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. AVG software solutions provide complete real-time protection against the malware, viruses, spam, spyware, adware, worms, Trojans, phishing and exploits used by cyber-criminals, hackers, scammers and identity thieves. AVG protects everything important and personal inside computers — documents, account details and passwords, music, photos and more — all while allowing users to work, bank, shop and play games online in safety. AVG provides outstanding technical solutions and exceptional value for consumers, small to medium business and enterprise clients. AVG delivers always-on, always up-to-date protection across desktop, and notebook PCs, plus file and e-mail servers in the home and at work in SMBs, corporations, government agencies and educational institutions.

Targus launches the lightest and most compact in-car charger on the market

Sydney, 31 May 2010 – Targus has launched one of the lightest and most compact chargers available on the market. Designed to work in cars, boats and even some airplanes, the new Mobile Laptop Charger can charge two devices simultaneously, including laptops and netbooks as well as mobile phones, GPS navigators, iPods, cameras and portable gaming devices. The new charger eliminates the need for a bulky AC adaptor, giving users the freedom to leave their AC cords at home and travel with a set of compatible tips.

The Mobile Laptop Charger includes nine laptop tips, a mini-USB tip and an iPhone/iPod tip, providing support for over 95 percent of laptops on the market and numerous other electronic devices. With the ‘Tips from Targus’ program, customers can also order new tips at no extra cost to work with other mobile devices in the household or new laptops purchased in the future. This means that the charger remains compatible even when the hardware changes.

The light and compact Mobile Laptop Charger is also the most eco-friendly power adaptor available on the market. The product requires 60 percent less materials to build and the interchangeable tips also mean that the charger caters to a variety of usage modes, hardware preferences and charging needs.

Arriving in stores in June, the Mobile Laptop Charger retails for $99.95 and comes with a two year limited warranty.

The Targus Mobile Laptop Charger is available from Harvey Norman, Bing Lee, WOW, The Good Guys, Officeworks, Joyce Mayne and Domayne. For further information, please call 1800 641 645 or visit the Targus website at www.targus.com.au.

Every kid has a baseball player they look up to… Kenny Powers is not that guy

EASTBOUND & DOWN The Complete First Season  

HIT HBO SERIES “EASTBOUND AND DOWN” DEBUTS IT’S FIRST SEASON DVD FOR $39.95RRP FROM 28 JULY 2010

This 2-Disc DVD set includes all six episodes from the first season of the new HBO® hit comedy series, plus uproariously funny bonus materials including: making Eastbound & Down, audio commentaries, deleted scenes, bloopers and more!

Meet Kenny Powers, a washed-up former Major League pitcher with an insufferable ego and a mullet to boot. Hilarious and profane, Eastbound &Down stars Danny McBride (Tropic Thunder, Pineapple Express) as Powers, whose boorish behaviour and fading fastball have led to a spectacular career flame-out.

Down, but hardly humbled, former Major League pitcher Kenny Powers returns to his hometown of Shelby County, North Carolina, to teach Phys Ed at the middle school he once attended. Still a loose cannon and non-stop offender, he wreaks havoc everywhere he goes and even makes a pre-emptive romantic strike on his former high school squeeze, now a teacher engaged to the school principal. Psyching himself up for his comeback with motivational tapes he recorded in his former life, Powers proves to be an over-the-top, sometimes unlovable, but always entertaining character.

Eastbound & Down also stars Katy Mixon (Four Christmases) as April Buchanon, Powers’former flame and current object of desire, who teaches at the school; John Hawkes (Me and You and Everyone We Know, Deadwood®) as Powers’ brother Dustin, a family man who is forced to take Kenny into his home to help get him back on his feet; Jennifer Irwin (Still Standing) as Dustin’s patient wife Cassie; Andrew Daly (Semi-Pro) as Terrence Cutler, the school principal; Steve Little (The Ugly Truth) as Powers devotee Stevie Janowski, the school’s band teacher; Ben Best (Superbad) as bar proprietor Clegg, a druggie pal from the old days and actor/comedian Will Ferrell guest stars as a local car dealership owner.

 Eastbound &Down is executive produced by Will Ferrell and Adam McKay (Step Brothers, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby) and Chris Henchy (Entourage®), who are also co-founders of FunnyorDie.com, as well as Jody Hill (The Foot Fist Way), Danny McBride and Ben Best. Hill, McKay and David Gordon Green (Pineapple Express) are the directors.

Episodes:

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

DVD

Special Features:

• Making Eastbound & Down
• Audio Commentaries
• Deleted Scenes
• Bloopers
• Kenny Powers: Greatest Hits,
• Two fake car commercials with actor/comedian Will Ferrell

Approx Runtime:

165 Mins

Rating:

MA15+

FEATURING THE SUPERSTAR IN HIS TRIUMPHANT RETURN TO HBO, AN ALL–NEW STAND-UP COMEDY EVENT ON DVD FOR $34.95RRP FROM 28 JULY 2010 

Chris Rock: Kill The Messenger will feature footage from three different performances, at South Africa’s Carnival City Casino, New York’s legendary Apollo Theatre and the Carling Apollo Hammersmith in London.

“I wanted to do the type of stand-up special that I’ve never seen before, and the

only place that I could see doing that is at HBO,” says Rock. “I love HBO because they want to take chances.”

“It is certainly a fun challenge doing something radical with an artist of the

magnitude and talent of Chris Rock,” observes Marty Callner, who is directing the special, and executive producing along with Rock. “Of course, it shouldn’t be a surprise when you blend a brave artist with a brave network.”

Rock recently set a Guinness World Record on The No Apologies Tour by playing

to crowds of 15,900 at Greenwich’s O2 venue, marking the largest audience for a stand-up comedy performance in British history.

Time magazine, which previously called Rock “The funniest man in America,” also named him one of the “100 Most Influential People In The World”. The New York Times has described Rock as “probably the funniest and smartest comedian working today,” while The Washington Post championed him as “a brilliant comic, a cheering presence, a humble star,” noting that “his comedy is full of intelligence, impudence and take-no-prisoners social comment.”

The multitalented Rock has won three Emmys® and three Grammys, and recently

starred on the big screen in “I Think I Love My Wife,” as well as contributing his voice to the animated hits “Bee Movie” and “Madagascar.” Chris Rock: Kill The Messenger follows four other HBO specials, including 2004’s Emmy®-nominated “Never Scared,” 2000’s Emmy®-nominated “Bigger & Blacker,” the groundbreaking 1996 Emmy® winner “Bring the Pain” and 1994’s CableACE winner “Big Ass Jokes.” His Emmy®-winning HBO late-night talk show “The Chris Rock Show” ran for four seasons and garnered critical raves. In 2005, Rock created the critically acclaimed CW series “Everybody Hates Chris,” which is based on his childhood experiences. The series is narrated by Rock, who also executive produces.

Chris Rock burst onto the scene in 1989, spending three years as a cast member

of “Saturday Night Live.” In addition to “I Think I Love My Wife,” Rock has starred in such films as “Head of State,” which marked his directorial debut, “The Longest Yard,” “Bad Company,” with Anthony Hopkins, “Down to Earth,” “Nurse Betty,” with Morgan Freeman, “Dogma,” directed by Kevin Smith, “Boomerang,” “Panther,” “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka!” and “New Jack City,” and he wrote, produced and starred in “CB4.” Rock was an executive producer of “The Hughleys,” which ran for five years and is now in syndication. In addition, his 1997 book “Rock This” was a New York Times best seller.

Legendary producer-director Marty Callner’s previous HBO credits include comedy specials starring Dane Cook, Jerry Seinfeld, Robin Williams and George Carlin. The executive producers of Chris Rock: Kill The Messenger are Chris Rock and Marty Callner; directed by Marty Callner; written by Chris Rock.

DVD

Special Features:

None

Approx Runtime:

95 Mins

Rating:

MA 15+