Art Sydney 06: June 22 - 25

"Established in 2003, Art Sydney 06 is held at the Royal Hall of Industries & Hordern Pavilion at Moore Park and plays host to over 100 Australian and international galleries over four exciting days - Thursday 22 June to Sunday 25 June 2006.

In addition to choosing from the myriad of art work available for purchase from over 70 top exhibiting galleries in the Royal Hall of Industries, the Art Sydney 06 program includes the VIP Night Party, 30 exhibiting galleries in the Collector's Room for those seeking more challenging contemporary art work, Off The Wall dedicated to unrepresented artists, lectures and fun industry panel discussions, print demonstrations, curated exhibtions including project spaces and installations, art publications, as well as contemporary and stylish bars, lounges and restaurants.

Choose from thousands of original pieces including paintings, sculpture, ceramics and glass, photography, indigenous works & limited edition prints at Australia’s largest, annual art event."

W: http://www.artsydney06.com.au/as06/home.asp

Vivian Massry Works on Paper & Installation: May 3-21

Typewriting-XXIV, Vivian Massry, 2006

"Remember Typewriters? Having had a digital overload Vivian Massry decided to go back to analog by creating a series of pattern drawings with the typewriter using the keys containing the letter “o” and the number “0”, giving her the sense of intimacy and immediacy that she missed so.

Having a love/hate relationship with the computer, Massry then went back again to digital to further explore the possibilities of this aesthetic, creating larger and more complex patterns, always within the constrain of using only Os to create these images.

After transferring these compositions onto paper using various printing methods, Massry was thrilled to give each image a life of its own while satisfying her obsession of coloring inside circles with mediums such as oil, ink, watercolor, gouache and pencil.

Vivian Massry was born 1968 in Mexico City, Mexico She received her MFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. She also earned a BFA and an AAS in Fine Arts from Parsons School of Design in New York City. She currently lives and works in New York and New Jersey..."

Vivian Massry: O's Works on Paper & Installation
Exhibition: 3 to 21 May 2006

Ground Floor Gallery: http://www.groundfloorgallery.com/

Don't Panic - freebie press

Don't Panic consists of a square brown paper package containing a poster, promotional fliers, postcards and bits and pieces inside. There's a few shops along King St, Newtown you can pick up a copy from. You don't what's inside till you open it. The cover looks so similar every time that I didn't realise it came out weekly. I think the colour of the font changes to distinguish between issues.

W: http://www.dontpanicmedia.com.au/

artwhatson.com.au

artwhatson.com.au is a website that enables you to search for artists, exhibitions and galleries in Australia. It's a flash driven website. If you're an artist or gallery, you can upload your work to the website for a fee. The cost depends on how long you want the information to be posted up on the website. The website was created by the 10 group in Newtown.

W: http://www.artwhatson.com.au/

Semi-Permanent06 - July 7-8, Sydney

Speakers in the line-up so far are: Paul Pope (USA), Anyhow (Australia), Stiletto (USA), Fafi (France), The Orphanage (USA), Joshua Davis (USA), ABCK (Australia), Rising Sun Pictures (Australia), Weiden&Kennedy (Netherlands), and Stereo (USA).

I quite enjoy events like these. It's good to hear the designers speak about their work, their process, what inspires them etc. It's a lot of fun.

Sydney event info: http://www.semipermanent.com/sydney/index.html

Auckland Semi-Permanent will be on August 19: http://www.semipermanent.com/auckland/

The Watershed - a Sustainability Resource Centre

Wanted to get some information on worm farms and composting. Walked to the Watershed in Newtown yesterday but it was closed by the time we got there. Walked by Mitre 10 and saw they had two styles of worm bins available for around $80. They both consisted of two layers bascially.

The other thing I've been wondering is that we all try and reduce the use of plastic bags by using those green bags when grocery shopping. But then what do you use to dispose of rubbish like the bit of leftover oil in the pan that can't be re-used, or other liquidy material/waste? I guess before plastic bags and containers were invented, people may have used newspapers to soak some of it up before putting it into the bin for weekly collection or did they pour the waste down the sink? Will have to do a bit of research into this.

A bit of info on The Watershed: "The Watershed has the resources and experienced staff on hand to advise on simple, cost-effective ideas to support more sustainable ways of living. Visit us to find out more about a wide range of environmental initiatives, including worm farming and composting, greywater reuse, rainwater tanks, energy and water efficiency, recycling, natural cleaning, sustainable housing, permaculture and more. Our environmental reference library is an excellent place to research a vast range of issues."

218 King Street, Newtown 2042. Open: Tuesday to Saturday: 10am to 4pm,
Email: watershed@marrickville.nsw.gov.au
W: http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Environment/TheWatershedSustainabilityResourceCentre.asp

Top 10 blogs - smh

SMH article: "David Stonehouse peers into the overcrowded world of internet opinion - and nominates his top 10 blogs..."

W: http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2006/04/26/1145861416169.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap2

Muji competition: 15 May - 31st August

Muji is like an Ikea of Japan, but focussed more on clothing, homewares, stationery type items rather than large furniture items, though they do sell items like sofas and beds. Muji means no name brand but their items are very nicely designed and look pretty cool.

"Muji is launching an international design competition. A project calling for entries from all over the world of designs that shake up and stir people. The results will be announced at the Milan Salone. Our first theme is “SUMI”, We're asking you to focus your design, not on the major pieces that are central to a room, rather to observe the extremes of the space, the unexplored areas of consciousness. We invite anyone in the world to propose a new Muji product!"

First prize is US $20,000.

W: http://www.muji.net/award

m.a.d. make a difference sustainble art

Visited the Sustainable Art + Design Centre in Newtown today. They had a diverse range of colourful, hand-crafted items made from recycled materials. It's a great place to find that unique gift for someone or to find some cool jewellery, clothing, bag, artwork, or card for yourself. Definitely worth a visit.

It's at: 55 Enmore Rd, Newtown, Sydney 2042, ph:(02)9557 3411, f:(02)9557 3021

Open: Wed+Fri: 11-5.30pm, Thurs: 11-7pm, Sat: 10-6pm, Sun:11-4pm, or by appointment.
Info: pr@reversegarbage.org.au

"Due to the success of our Art and Design exhibition 'Junk Love', and our passion for Re-Use in contemporary living, Reverse Garbage has now decided to take the leap and create our own Sustainable Art and Design Centre.

This space showcases all the talented Sustainable Artists and Designers we work with, focusing within our local community. Our aim is to create a unique space which will engender all that is Re-use and environmentally sound through the sale of art and designer goods that are both innovative and unique. This centre is a Reverse Garbage Initiative, continuing to follow the ethical work practices of a Not-for-Profit community Co-Operative..."

Reverse Garbage: http://www.reversegarbage.org.au (then click on the 'm.a.d. make a difference' square to get to the m.a.d. page)

I took a few photos and posted them in the 'Sydney' photoset.
W: http://www.flickr.com/photos/chaosgeneration/sets/72057594108376430/

Make your own fortune

Article in the SMH: "Free, independent advice online has given financial power to the people..."

W: http://www.smh.com.au/news/money/make-your-own-fortune/2006/04/24/1145861284670.html

The Art of Lewis Morley - 7 July - 10 September

"I don't like analysing photographs, I don't like analysing paintings. My whole attitude to life has been emotional and I depend on emotions to get my kicks. I always find myself resisting reading people's motivations for their work. It could so easily not be the truth. - Lewis Morley

The exhibition Lewis Morley is the first time the Gallery has focussed on Lewis' career. It covers his work from the 1940s until now and includes 150 of Morley's photographs covering fashion, theatre and reportage plus a large selection of contact sheets, magazines and ephemera. Many of these photographs have not been seen before said curator of the Lewis Morley exhibition, Judy Annear.

Lewis worked as a fashion photographer both in London and in Sydney and he used his interest in street photography to enliven his fashion work and portraiture. He worked for Tatler, London Life, Go! and She. Morley took the first fashion photographs of Twiggy and of Jean Shrimpton and in 1963 took that picture of Christine Keeler, which has become one of the most iconic images of the 20th century...

From Lewis' point of view, the fact that he was a self taught photographer was an asset. He could work out how to do things in efficient and interesting ways. In-between magazine work he continued to do his own work, having studied painting at art schools in England and Paris, whether with the camera or with objects...

Lewis who is 81 in June, continues to work steadily and his most recent photographs in the exhibition are from the last few years and include many location shots as well as portraits of British luminaries such as Beth Orton and Tracey Emin and Australia's Margaret Olley.

The catalogue accompanying the exhibition includes an interview with Lewis where he discusses his thoughts on Cartier-Bresson and Lartigue, theatre and photography of the late 1950s and 1960s, his Chinese heritage and its importance, his love/hate relationship with photography and the enduring power of the image."

7 July - 10 September 2006
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Art Gallery Road, The Domain, Sydney, Australia
Admission $6 full price, $4 concession

W: http://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/exhibitions/coming/lewis_morley

Call for Artists: Temporary Cities

Video Art & Architecture event
Deadline for applications: May 30, 2006

Location: Cultural Communication Centre of Klaipeda, Lithuania

email: artexpo@lucacurci.com
more details: http://www.lucacurci.com/artexpo

International ArtExpo is selecting all interesting video/short.films to include in the next 2006 Exhibitions:

Temporary Cities - Video Art & Architecture event at the Cultural Communication Centre of Klaipeda, Lithuania (September 14-16, 2006). The deadline for applications is May 30, 2006.

The number of works with you can participate is unlimited. All works must be on DVD (PAL or NTSC), no matter what the original source medium. The duration may be any, with a preference given to a max lenght of 15 minutes. If you are interested, send your video submissions (Name/Surname, City/Country, Film title, Running time, Brief film synopsis) with a CV/biography, videography and an introduction about the piece to:

arch. Luca Curci
via Casamassima, 75
70010 - Capurso (Bari) - Italy

International ArtExpo is a not for profit organization that provides a significant forum for cultural dialogue between all artists from different cultures and countries. We depend on the support of you. ArtExpo is grateful to all of the institutions, corporations, and individuals who support our efforts. We work with a number of national and international galleries as well as publishers, museums, curators and writers from all over the world. We help artists through solo and group exhibitions, gallery representation, magazine reviews and advertisements, press releases, internet promotion, as well as various curatorial projects.

Participation open to: professional artists, architects and designers, associate groups and studios.

Source: It's Liquid News enewsletter 19/4/06

ACP: Don't be Something Strong - Paul Knight

Photographs by Paul Knight
"Paul Knight's large-scale photographs of opulent interiors, urban streetscapes and subterranean panoramas suggest a psychogeography of human experience. Here environment is intimately connected to emotion and looking becomes inseparable from feeling. This solo exhibition by one of Australia's most insightful young photomedia artists features dynamic new works that describe ambiguous, highly charged physical relationships, offering a visceral counterpoint to the imagined possibilities of uninhabited space."

28 April - 3 June
Tue - Sun: 11.00am - 6.00pm
Galleries One, Two and Foyer

Curated by Bec Dean

See Also: Floortalk Saturday 29 April 2006 and http://www.paulknight.com.au

Cities within Cities: the Sydney Metropolitan Strategy

April 27. Lecture by Chris Johnson, Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Architecture, Executive Director Urban Renewal, Department of Planning

Time and Place: 6.00-7.30pm (unless otherwise stated)
Architecture lecture Theatre 1, level 2
Wilkinson Building, 148 City Rd
Free lecture

"The Faculty of Architecture at the University of Sydney invites you of its public program of Thursday Night lectures for the winter semester. Thursday Night Lectures investigate wide-ranging and interdisciplinary ideas about the culture of architecture, architectural science, urban design, and planning and allied arts."

W: http://www.arch.usyd.edu.au/web/general/tnl_current.html

Australia's Biggest Morning Tea

You can organise a morning tea at your workplace, home, school etc and help raise money for The Cancer Council Australia. The official date of the morning tea is Thursday 25th May but the morning tea can be held any day in May.

"Last year, Australia's Biggest Morning Tea raised an incredible $7.2 million Australia-wide. This money is used on research into the causes of cancer and into new and improved treatments. It's also used on education and prevention programs, and supports services for cancer patients and their families. The money raised really does make a difference: more than half of all cancers can now be successfully treated. Yet there is more to be done..."

W: http://www.biggestmorningtea.com.au

David Maister's blog

David Maister is a Boston based management consultant. He now has a blog on his website titled: Passion, People and Principles. You can also find podcasts, video and articles on his website.

In the AFR (Australian Financial Review) newspaper 28/3/06, he says: "It takes nine months to accumulate the material for a book and another nine months for the publisher to get it to the book stores... It is no longer a sensible way for any respectable author to get his or her ideas out there to the community.. I honestly don't believe I will write a book again..."

"Now, Maister has a feeder to monitor about 100 blogs and read for two hours a day... Maister says it is more useful to his readers to get 2000 words on a focused topic than a 300-page book..."

W: http://davidmaister.com/blog/

Coffee with a conscience

"You can make a big difference to the Third World at the checkout - at little cost to yourself.

If you could improve the life of a Colombian coffee farmer or a Ghanian cocoa grower by just changing brands, would you?

Millions of people worldwide have, simply by strolling into a supermarket in London or Berlin or Los Angeles or Sydney, and buying a Fair Trade product.

The blue-and-green Fair Trade mark appears on products as an independent guarantee that disadvantaged producers in the developing world are getting a better deal..."

W: http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2006/04/24/1145730846962.html

Great cities on the cheap

"You can spend thousands or, if you know where to look, you can experience these cities on next to nothing..." This SMH article tells you how to see and experience
London, Shanghai, Paris and New York for less.

W: http://smh.com.au/news/travel/great-cities-on-the-cheap/2006/04/22/1145344318314.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap2

A place to age in grace

"Elder-care innovators make senior citizens a vital part of the urban experience..."

W: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/04/23/REGJ9ID8RQ1.DTL

MobMov

The MobMov Manifesto: build your own drive-in that drives in

Introduction
"The mobile movie project has grown far beyond my wildest imaginations. What started as a hair-brained concept, first turned into something for friends to enjoy, and then quickly sparked an international interest. With humble intentions in saying so, now people from around the world are asking me how they can too start their own. Here we are and this is that."

Definition of a Mobile Movie
"A "mobile movie" or mobmov for short, is quite simply a drive-in that drives-in. Participating in a mobmov is very similar to attending a drive-in from the days of old, except now the projector is located inside and powered by a car, and the audio is piped in stereo over the FM band to the attendees’ cars. As a mobmov driver, you assemble the kit, decide on the movies, and announce your showings to friends and the community at large. Then everyone assembles in a dark place with a big wall, and you watch a movie. It’s a new technological twist to a nostalgic idea..."

W: http://mobmov.org/manifesto/

First sighted in the Springwise enewsletter: http://www.springwise.com/entertainment/popup_drivein_movies/

Radical Simplicity - book

Dan Price wrote about creating an authentic and simple life for himself in the book titled Radical Simplicity. He appreciates the natural world around him and doesn't buy into the conventional wisdom meters of success.

"...My main focus all along has been to somehow dodge all those lassoes being thrown by that darn cowboy called life... I'm trying to ignore all the societal pressures that try to define who I'm supposed to be or what is deemed 'successful.' I'd like to just honor our sacred earth by becoming so small, so quiet, and so unsubstantial that hte environment I inhabit feels barely a whisper of my miniscule existence... In this way nature is free to express itself fully while I try to comprehend and appreciate its vast universal rhythms..." (This blurb appears on the back of the back and is pretty much a summary of what Dan Price is on about).

"After spending 15 years trying to edit and simplify his life to the nth degree, d. price sat down long enough to write a big book all about the whole amazing experience. In those years Price went from living in a 6-room Antebellum Kentucky mansion to a cabin, a flophouse room, a 16ft tipi, a burlap hut, mountain tents, 6x10 shed and now on an 8ft circular underground room. (This blurb was taken from the Moonlight Chronicles website about the book).

His book consists of simply drawn illustrations of his various projects and ideas and also includes b/w photos of his projects. The book is beautifully laid out and reads like a journal and thoughts book. It's an uplifting read that inspires and makes you think and your mind begins to wander...

The book was published by Running Press in 2005.

Radical Simplicity website: http://www.radicalsimplicitybook.com/
Moonlight Chronicles (his hardcopy zine): http://www.moonlight-chronicles.com/

YouTube

Came across YouTube. It's like flickr for videos. You can upload video clips for the world or just your friends to see, you can tag your clips, watch other people's
public clips and so on...

W: http://www.youtube.com/

Bondi Beach

Went to the Bondi markets on Sunday. It's on every Sunday from 10am - 5pm. It's at the Bondi Beach Public School, Campbell Parade (opp the beach). There were a lot of crafty, designy type stalls there including cool t-shirts, bags, jewellery, children's clothing etc. Haven't been to the Bondi markets in a long time. Haven't been to Bondi for a long time.

W: http://www.bondimarkets.com.au
(not much info on the website), P: 02 9315 8988

For a list of other markets around Australia, go to: http://www.marketsandfairs.com.au

Caught up with a friend, grabbed a coffee, walked along Campbell Parade - lots of fast food places and a cafes, and had a look at the beach too, then it got a bit windy towards the late afternoon, so decided to call it a day.

Don't seem to get out to the beaches much. In Sydney, you can pretty much get your hot chocolate, books, magazines, food etc from your local area and it's so easy to not to venture out to another part of Sydney unless you're visiting someone or specifically want to go somewhere. There's lots of happening in the inner west and probably the only thing we don't have around here are the beautiful beaches Sydney's famous for.

Shocking truth of childhood obesity

"A groundbreaking study produces the first conclusive evidence that excessive eating - not lack of exercise - is behind rocketing levels of childhood obesity, challenging the Federal Government's refusal to restrict food advertising aimed at children..."

W: http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/shocking-truth-of-childhood-obesity/2006/04/21/1145344273755.html

Tokyo photos

Put up some images from the Tokyo trip from April last year onto my Flickr account. Had meant to put them up ages ago but time seriously flies. Will hopefully put some descriptions to the images sometime as well.

W: http://www.flickr.com/photos/chaosgeneration/sets/72057594108248134/

CG photo sets on flickr: http://www.flickr.com/chaosgeneration

The Cutting Edge: A War on Science on SBS tonight 8.30pm

Darwinian evolution or intelligent design? This doco looks at both sides of the debate...

This BBC film looks at both sides of the argument. ID's proponents include born-again Christian Phillip Johnson, biochemist Michael Behe and philosopher Stephen Meyer. The case for Darwinism is represented by zoologist Richard Dawkins and naturalist David Attenborough..."

W: http://www.smh.com.au/news/tv-reviews/the-cutting-edge-a-war-on-science/2006/04/17/1145126045634.html

Another Sun - Part 2 on ABC Apr 18, 25 at 9.20pm

"Foreign Correspondent brings you a special series of three programs, titled another sun, that explores the experiences of Australians living abroad. Beautifully shot in the sun-drenched fields of Tuscany, the crowded villages of New York, the fashion catwalks of Milan and the exotic surrounds of Shanghai and Beijing, the series was conceived, written and presented by Michael Maher, one of the ABC's most experienced international journalists.

Michael travels to Italy, New York and China to meet Australians who are making their mark on the world. Through their eyes, we discover what drives so many people to leave their homes and travel to foreign shores..."

Tuesday, April 11 at 9.20pm, join Michael Maher in Italy (missed this one)
Tuesday, April 18 at 9.20pm, join Michael Maher in New York
Tuesday, April 25 at 9.20pm join Michael Maher in China

(Repeat broadcasts on abc2: Thursday, April 13 at 7pm and 9.30pm; Thursday, April 20 at 7pm and 9.30pm; Thursday, April 27 at 7pm and 9.30pm

W: http://abc.net.au/foreign/anothersun/

For list of people interviewed go to: http://abc.net.au/foreign/anothersun/personalities.htm

Tonight's episode interviews Ben Lee among others.

Why Do People Buy Art? - April 18 on ABC, 10pm

"Written and presented by Ben Lewis, this film looks at the contemporary art market in New York, a big business dominated by the super rich who believe art pays better dividends than other investments. Contemporary art now outsells works by the Masters and allows an artist who has never held a show to sell a work for up to $US40,000 ($54,700)..."

W: http://www.smh.com.au/news/tv-reviews/why-do-people-buy-art/2006/04/17/1145126045606.html

Monday

Thought I'd try and make some congee/jook using some leftover steamed rice. Enjoy congee especially in colder weather. Googled some congee recipes. Seems you mainly add water, maybe stock and maybe some lettuce, or chicken or beef or thousand year old eggs (preserved eggs) to the rice depending what flavours you want. The recipes were mainly about starting from scratch with uncooked rice. But one article said it'd be a lot quicker with steamed rice.

So I added 4 cups of water to a large bowl of steamed rice in a saucepan. Kept an eye on it and added water to it periodically and an hour or so later it started looking like congee. But I didn't add enough water as the bottom of the saucepan started to burn. Anyway, I ended up with an almost congee like texture but it was a bit gooey. Tasted like very watery, mushy rice. Tried a bit and then thought I'd leave it. I think I need a slow cooker like a crock pot and leave it for 6-8 hours if I want to do it better next time.

I usually buy a tub of congee when I'm in Chinatown anyway to take home. I tend to favour recipes that take less time to cook.

After the experiment, I felt like going for a walk. We walked down King St and browsed the books at Pentimento then had some cheesecake at Cinque. It was a pleasant walk.

Watched the James Blunt interview on Enough Rope. He also performed his 'Goodbye my Lover' song. Really enjoy his music. The transcripts of that interview and that of the Australian cyclists involved in a car accident in Germany last year should be on the ABC website soon.

Worked on a feature I've been meaning to put up on CG for a while. Experimenting with some ideas to showcase a designer's work.

Also uploaded some images of 'The Bigger Picture' exhibition and a few images around Hyde Park I took on Saturday.

Congee recipe: http://chinesefood.about.com/od/breakfast/r/congee.htm

Chinese breakfast: http://chinesefood.about.com/library/weekly/aa100499.htm

Enough Rope: http://www.abc.net.au/enoughrope

James Blunt: http://www.jamesblunt.com/

Photos on flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/chaosgeneration

Alain de Botton - May 28

Sydney Writer's Festival event:
Alain De Botton on Buildings as guides to happiness

"Join international bestselling author, Alain de Botton for a beguiling, jargon-free tour through the philosophy and psychology of architecture. Turning the spotlight from the humble suburban home to some of the world's most renowned buildings, he considers how our private houses and public edifices - from those of Christopher Wren to those of Le Corbusier and Glenn Murcutt - influence how we feel, as well as how we could learn to build in ways that would increase our chances of happiness. It could for ever change the way you think about your home, your streets - and yourself."

Sunday, May 28 2006, 18:00 - 19:30
Sydney Opera House, Concert Hall
Cost: $30/$20
Bookings: 9250 7777
Tickets not available until 10/04/06
Presented by Barclays Capital and Virgin Atlantic

W: http://www.swf.org.au/index.php?option=com_events&task=view_detail&agid=289&year=&month=&day=&Itemid=81

Alain de Botton's website: http://www.alaindebotton.com/

Sydney Writer's Festival - May 22-28

Sydney Writer's Festival is on May 22-28. There's a huge program and many of the events are free to attend.

W: http://www.swf.org.au

Sydney Park

Went for a walk around Sydney Park oval in the evening. The oval was lit up and I liked the shadows being cast onto the asphalt as we walked around the park.

Easter eggs

Munching through some easter eggs and generally having a bit of a break. Happy Easter!

Wellington website

Wellington's a great place. Great getaway place.

W: http://www.wellingtonnz.com/

Saturday

The Bigger Picture Exhibition: Hyde Park, April 8-24, 2006

Went to the city this afternoon. Had some scones with jam and cream at Cellini's, QVB and a few hot chips. Then walked through the SMH photographic exhibition at Hyde Park.

This was followed by a walk to the to the Kinokinuya bookshop to have a look at the new design books and magazines that have come in. Saw the Flips beta 1.0 pack there. Got this a few years ago when it first came out. Thought this first issue had sold out completely everywhere. It was going for $15. The CD or DVD has Bjork's 'All is Full of Love' video clip on it. Worth getting just for that. And it comes with a booklet as well. May have to get another copy myself because I've been looking for my CD or DVD but seem to have misplaced it.

Then bought some soya chicken, congee and Chinese veggies from Chinatown before heading home.

Updated the links page tonight. Went through all the links and almost half of them are no longer in existence.

Thorpe illness could resurface

"The illness that floored swimmer Ian Thorpe has been diagnosed as a strand of glandular fever, which is likely to haunt him for the rest of his career...

It was the second time he had been hit by the virus that cannot be specifically treated and can return during periods of intense exercise or stress. Grant Hackett also battles glandular fever...."

Article: Thorpe illness could resurface http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,18816568-2,00.html

Article: Thorpe has glandular fever: http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/thorpe-has-glandular-fever/2006/04/15/1144521537393.html

Few takers for true adulthood

Article in the SMH: " "Thirty is the new 20." Straight out of the mouths of today's twentysomethings comes a truth that not only helps to explain their behaviour, but also sheds some light on yet another trend reshaping our society: we seem intent on slowing down our rate of passage through the life cycle..."

W: http://www.smh.com.au/news/opinion/few-takers-for-true-adulthood/2006/04/13/1144521461740.html

Eat less if you hunger for life

"A low-calorie diet, even in people who are not obese, can lead to changes in metabolism and body chemistry that have been linked to better health and longer life, researchers are reporting. The findings lend support to the theory that eating less, long known to prolong life in rats and mice, may do the same for people by preventing heart disease, cancer, diabetes and other diseases and by slowing ageing...

W: http://www.smh.com.au/news/nutrition/eat-less-if-you-hunger-for-life/2006/04/12/1144521401601.html

Joshn Agle aka SHAG exhibition - April

SHAG's "On the Shoulders of Giants" exhibition

"Out from Southern California Shag returns for his latest solo exhibition of original paintings with shows set for Melbourne and Sydney, both hosted by Outre Gallery. This time around Shag looks to the classics of art history and takes inspiration from some of his favourite paintings infusing them with his own playful twists and crisp style."

Outré Gallery, Melbourne: 249-251 Elizabeth St, Melbourne
Saturday 22 April booksigning @ our Elizabeth St gallery 12-2pm
Melbourne Show Dates: 22 April to 23 May

Outré Gallery, Sydney: 13a Burton Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Sunday 30 April booksigning @ our Darlinghurst gallery 12-2pm
Sydney Show Dates: 29 April to 28 May

W: http://www.outregallery.com/browse.aspx?Category=59

Lucas Ihlein's Bilateral Petersham project

You can read Lucas Ihlein's Bilateral Petersham blog. He's the artist-in-residence in Petersham, Sydney, Australia during April and May.

W: http://www.squatspace.com/petersham/

Ben Lee, Pete Murray, and Alex Lloyd

Enjoying the music of Ben Lee, Pete Murray, Alex Lloyd a lot at the moment. Very optimistic, thoughtful, hopeful, happy kind of songs.

Ben Lee: Touring South Africa, States, Canada in April and May
http://www.ben-lee.com

Pete Murray: Touring Australia and New Zealand in April
http://www.petemurray.com
Lyrics for Opportunity

Alex Lloyd: Touring Australia in April and May
http://www:alexlloyd.com
Lyrics for Brand New Day

Supanova - Brisbane April 21-23

Supanova Pop Culture Expo features animation, comics, collectable cards, fantasy, sci-fi movie things and more.

Guests to the event include: John Schneider of Smallville and The Dukes of Hazzard, Richard Taylor of King Kong and Lord of the Rings, Patrick Kake of Chronicles of Narnia, and Chew Chan.

Where: RNA Showgrounds, Gregory Terrace, Brisbane

W: http://www.supanova.com.au

Breath Palette toothpaste

Now you can have toothpaste other than the traditional mint flavour. Coming out of Japan, you've got 32 flavours to choose from including: kiwi fruit, green tea, tropical pineapple, sweet salt, pumpkin pudding and cola.

W: http://www.breathpalette.com

Newtown Flicks Short Film Festival - April 15-17

"The 2006 Inaugural Newtown Flicks Short Film Festival invited submissions from all Sydney filmmakers for their annual short film competition.

The Festival will feature a screening of short films showcasing the talent of upcoming artists and forums exploring issues relevant to today’s industry."

New Theatre, 542 King St Newtown

For program and more info: http://www.newtownflicks.com.au

Animation and visual effects talk - May 3

Lights, camera, magic! Exploring animation & visual effects

"The Australian animators behind Harry Potter and the goblet of fire, Will Gammon and Ian Cope from Rising Sun Pictures, will show how they helped to transform the fourth instalment of the Potter series into a box office hit. They’ll demonstrate their role in creating the look and development of the goblet of fire. This is the second event in the Library’s popular animation series.

When: Wednesday 3 May, 6 pm for 6.30 pm
Where: Metcalfe Auditorium, Macquarie Street Wing, State Library of NSW
Cost: $13.50 (booking required)
Hosted by Ian Brown, Australian Film Television & Radio School

W: http://www.atmitchell.com/Events/talks.cfm

Dad of Kiwi internet whiz gives it up

"Kiwi economist Gareth Morgan, who pocketed $40.5 million when Fairfax bought his son's internet auction business last month, is giving away his share to charity...

"I haven't worked for money for ages, I work because I enjoy it," he said. "As long as you live within your means it almost doesn't matter what your salary is..."

W: http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2006/04/04/1143916511997.html

Popcorn Taxi: The 'Craphound' and New Tech Guru Cory Doctorow

Debates The Digital Future + Q&A
Wednesday April 19th - 7:30pm - Greater Union Bondi Junction

"Popcorn Taxi is proud to present outspoken novelist, commentator and new-tech guru Cory Doctorow as he debates the future for filmmakers and media artists in this special event presented by Popcorn Taxi and the Australian Film Commission.

Doctorow asks where does Hollywood get off, "with its antiquated business model, in treating the media user as a criminal with their draconian copyright laws?...Such laws limit the creative possibilities for artists and users." What's the future for copyright ?

This is a must for media artists! Includes an interview and audience Q&A conducted by Marcus Gillezeau, filmmaker (Firelight) and a specialist in digital production technologies."

Admission: Free

W: http://www.popcorntaxi.com.au/Events.asp?Event_ID=443

Sony Tropfest: Best of the Rest - April 11, 12

See the premier screenings of 45 fantastic short-listed films entered into Sony Tropfest 2006.

At Greater Union, Westfield Bondi Junction at 7.30pm.

W: http://www.popcorntaxi.com.au/Events.asp?Event_ID=446

Glebe markets

Went to the Glebe markets on Saturday. Haven't been for a while. So parked over at the Broadway shopping centre then we walked over. Saw a few more designers setting up stalls selling their t-shirts, cards, badges, bags etc.

Really liked the the CHMO items designed by Richard Ellard. Bought 3 badges for $5 from his stall. The badges I bought were of cute illustrated characters.

Frejj was a stall with 2 girls selling hand-made leather bags and purses. They told me some of the material used is from recycled leather clothing etc, and some of the material used is from new leather. They also design commissioned bags. The designs were really cool and funky.

Lunagraph - Ed Hughes was selling photographic prints and cards. His website says: "A lunagraph is an image created using moonlight instead of sunlight." There's a gallery section on his website that shows some of the images I saw at his stall. I like the mood captured in the photos - a kind of mystic, calm quality.

Also saw a cool t-shirt, skirt stall with really cool illustration designs on the garments. I think the label was called Ruby Red or something similar. Couldn't find a website for them.

Then had a quick look at Gleebooks, then browsed some magazines at the newsagent in Broadway. Ended up getting 'Monster Children' no. 11, and 'Dwell' magazine, april 06.

Then got a hot chocolate from Campos in Newtown (193 Missenden Rd). Love the interior of the place. Felt like we were in Copenhagen or somewhere again. The hot chocolate was yummy too.

CHMO: http://www.chmo.com.au/
Frejj: http://www.frejj.com
Lunagraph: http://www.lunagraph.com.au/

Redfern-Waterloo Tour of Beauty

"SquatSpace invites you on the

REDFERN-WATERLOO TOUR OF BEAUTY
BONUS tour! on bicycles!

As part of the ArtLanguage: Every Publishable Place exhibition at The Cross Art Projects, Sydney’s SquatSpace will be running another popular ‘Redfern Waterloo Tour of Beauty’, a bicycle tour of a number of Redfern-Waterloo’s housing, development and historical hotspots.

NB: There are a few *strictly limited* places on the SquatSpace minibus for those with reduced mobility or no bike – please book immediately and let us know if you will be needing minibus transport (bookings - email info@squatspace.com).

WHEN: 2 PM-6 PM, Sunday April 9th 2006

WHERE: Meet 2 PM sharp in front of the (ex) TNT towers on Lawson St Redfern.
Enquiries: 0422771092 or info@squatspace.com. NB: BYO Bicycle!

COST: FREE!

BOOKINGS: Please let us know if you are planning to come along on your bike, or if you need a seat in our little van: email info@squatspace.com
We will be posting up latest news, photos and stories from the tours on our new blog."

Squatspace Redfern-Waterloo Tour of Beauty: http://www.squatspace.com/redfern/

Squatspace blog: http://www.squatspace.com/blog/