Two views on trends in public and academic libraries

ArchNewsNow interviews two leading architects, Mark Schatz of Field Paoli and Ed Dean of Chong Partners, based in the States, on library design trends.

"Both architects talk about the renewed roles that all kinds of libraries have to play in our civic life..."

W: http://www.archnewsnow.com/features/Feature194.htm

Hurry up and slow down

"For most of us, fast, mass architecture is (broadly speaking) ugly, while slow, organically grown architecture looks picturesque or even beautiful. We loathe concrete jungle and new estate alike. We love Tuscan hill towns, Celtic fishing villages and untouched Kentish hamlets. But is it slowness that generates (what we see as) beauty? Or does our nostalgia for apparently slower times erupt as aesthetic experience?..."

W: http://www.smh.com.au/news/elizabeth-farrelly/hurry-up-and-slow-down/2006/06/27/1151174197851.html

4 Entrepreneurs featured in SMH

Article in SMH titled 'Lone Wolves': "Samantha Leader talks to four up-and-comers who set up their own businesses - Eugene Tan (http://www.aquabumps.com), Katie Roberts (http://www.groper.com.au), Peter Crocker (http://www.petercrocker.com.au/), Juniper Sikora (http://www.juniper.au.com/).

Tired of bullying bosses, pointless projects and crowded commutes? Working for yourself could be the answer. Of the 1.25 million small businesses in Australia, nearly 75 per cent are operated by one person, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics..."

W: http://radar.smh.com.au/archives/2006/06/lone_wolves_1.html

Kilojoules, kilograms and killer diets

"There's nothing like going on a diet to make you realise the world's become a conspiracy to make us fat. It's certainly helped me understand why so many of us have a weight problem. We're presented with temptation wherever we look. Whether you're running a supermarket, a food store or a restaurant, it's only ordinary business sense to make your product as enticing as possible..."

W: http://www.smh.com.au/news/ross-gittins/kilojoules-kilograms-and-killer-diets/2006/06/27/1151174197848.html

Article on cinematographer Dion Beebe

Article in the SMH on cinematographer Dion Beebe. His work includes: winning an Oscar for Memoirs of a Geisha, Chicago, Collateral, and Miami Vice.

W: http://www.smh.com.au/news/film/how-did-that-oscar-get-there/2006/06/22/1150845292222.html

NSW KM Forum - Know Your Market - 4th July

"Know Your Market - Eloise Lindsay, Market Intelligence Manager, Zurich Financial Services Australia

What: How can organisations better understand the markets they work in & the competiton they face? How does cultural analysis interplay with technological and systems analysis to create a high-performance research service? In order to answer these questions, Eloise will draw on her experience creating a market intelligence service from scratch within a high-pressure financial services environment.

Who: Eloise currently works as Market Intelligence Data and Services (MIDAS Manager) with Zurich Financial Services Australia where has designed and rolled out a company research service platform and database. Previously, Eloise was employed as Knowledge Services Manager by Wolters Kluwer Asia Pacific where she created a company-wide research service and database where none existed previously within a very short time-frame by redeploying existing intranet and electronic document managements systems."

When: 12.30 - 1.30 Tuesday 4th July - PLEASE NOTE TIME!
Where: Standards Australia, 286 Sussex Street, Sydney NSW 2000.
How Much?: Free!

If you plan to attend, please RSVP by e-mail to: nswkmforum@gmail.com

W: http://www.nsw-km-forum.org.au/wiki.pl?NextMeeting

Buffett to give $54b to charity

"Buffett, 75, pledged in an interview with Fortune to give away 85 per cent of his stock - worth more than $54 billion - in his Berkshire Hathaway investment firm, starting in July..."

W: http://www.smh.com.au/news/business/buffett-to-give-54b-to-charity/2006/06/26/1151174098161.html

Organic Expo 2006 21-23 July

At Exhibition Hall 3, Sydney Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour, Sydney

Friday 21st July 2006 2.00pm – 6.00pm (Trade Only)
Saturday 22nd July 2006 9.00am – 6.00pm
Sunday 23rd July 2006 10.00am – 5.00pm

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

You've got to find what you love - Steve Jobs

"This is the text of the Commencement address by Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Computer and of Pixar Animation Studios, delivered on June 12, 2005" to Stanford University graduates.

"I am honored to be with you today at your commencement from one of the finest universities in the world. I never graduated from college. Truth be told, this is the closest I've ever gotten to a college graduation. Today I want to tell you three stories from my life. That's it. No big deal. Just three stories..."

It is a really great speech. Well worth reading, listening to, or watching!

Text version: http://news-service.stanford.edu/news/2005/june15/jobs-061505.html

Audio version in mp3 and aac formats: http://www.wiredatom.com/jobs_stanford_speech/

Video version from the itunes music store for free(link from wiredatom.com). There are other lectures and speeches at this link also: https://deimos.apple.com/WebObjects/ITCSBrowse.woa/wa/Browse/StanfordPublic-1770144-1770146--1770159--13566653_25658415?i=1106939093

ten[d]ancy - Artists & curators: in conversation - 9 July

"Curated by Sally Breen & Tania Doropoulos ten[d]ancy is part exhibition, part intervention. Eight contemporary local and international artists – Gary Carsley, Shaun Gladwell, Hannah Furmage and Jonathan Jones working individually, and Claire Healy, Sean Cordeiro, Martin Blum and Simone Fuchs working collectively – were invited to develop site-specific installations which engage critically with the history, architecture and colonial structures – both social and political – that inform the Macleay family home, ‘the finest house in the colony’.

The curators will engage in conversation with each of the artists, unpacking the diverse and often complex ideas and concepts that inform the installations commissioned for ten[d]ancy.

Elizabeth Bay House | Sunday 9 July | 2pm - 3.30pm | Free with museum entry | Bookings not required"

See also related ten[d]ancy events at the link below.

W: http://www.hht.net.au/museums/ebh/exhibitionswhats_on

1 painting every day - blog

Jeremiah Palecek from the Czech Republic completes 1 painting a day and you can purchase these.

"The 1 painting every day blog started on may 8th 2005. Here you will find a new oil painting which I have finished every day. For this painting blog I intend on creating imagery from digital mediums, although occasionally I do more classical imagery. All paintings are for sale, email the title and date of the painting you are interested in, and I ll let you know the price. Smaller paintings begin at 100 dollars US. I hope to inspire others to do a painting a day..."

W: http://jeremiahpalecek.blogspot.com/

The Voice of Pod

Interesting article on podcasts and vodcasts (video casts) in the SMH with a few interesting links listed. "Homemade audio and video shows are making a big impact on the internet as their audiences grow around the world..."

W: http://www.smh.com.au/news/home-audio/the-voice-of-pod/2006/06/21/1150845243193.html

Young blood: designers market - 11-12 August

"Part of Sydney Design 06, 10th International Design Festival, 5 – 20 August 2006

After the enormous success of last year’s inaugural Young Blood: Designers Market, this year’s event returns for an extended two days during Sydney Design 06.
The Powerhouse Museum’s Level 3 courtyard will once again be transformed into a veritable feast for the senses, with over 60 stalls, plus food, refreshments and entertainment. Young Blood showcases original design, from fashion to furniture, jewellery, graphic, product, landscape and lighting design, and gives visitors the opportunity to meet the makers and talk about their work. The inaugural markets in 2005 proved to be a great launch pad for many designers who benefited greatly from the exposure and sales.

Calling all designers interested in applying for a stall
Download the entry form and return your application to the Powerhouse Museum.
This is your chance to get noticed in a high profile festival environment.

Entry closing date: 7 July
Email enquiries to: youngblood@phm.gov.au"

W: http://www.sydneydesign.com.au/youngblood/

Noise On Screen Ep 1 - June 27 and July 4

Meet six of Australia's most inspiring young artists.

NOISE on Screen Episode One
10pm this Tuesday night, June 27 on ABC TV

Featuring: Lang Leav, Dane Lovett, Anna Pogossova, Taz & Nick, Eugenia Lim & Neil Rabinowitz

Catch NOISE on Screen Episode Two next Tuesday, 10 pm, July 4, ABC TV
NOISE on Screen is a 2 part series on ABC TV profiling talented young artists.

W: http://www.abc.net.au/noise

Basix

Article in the SMH titled: 'Get the Basix right'. "The State Government is reviewing its guidelines for sustainable housing..."

W: http://www.smh.com.au/news/property/get-the-basix-right/2006/06/07/1149359784264.html

Desperate tenants in bidding wars

"Sydney's rental market has become so competitive that desperate house hunters are being forced to bid against each other to secure a lease. Critics say those with more money benefit and the auctions are not transparent...

- Last year median rents across Sydney increased by $20 a week.
- In January, vacancy rates fell to a five-year low of 1.7 per cent.
- Sydney's median rent in the March quarter was $300, up 3.4 per cent from the December quarter."

W: http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/desperate-tenants-in-bidding-wars/2006/06/16/1149964746442.html

Clearskin wines cheaper than water

Article in SMH titled: 'Cheers - at this price wine may as well be water'

"Water into wine? Why bother when in Sydney next week you can buy a bottle of 2003 chardonnay or a 2002 shiraz-cabernet for less than many leading brands of bottled water..."

W: http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/cheers--at-this-price-wine-may-as-well-be-water/2006/06/16/1149964746445.html

Bill Gates bids leisurely farewell

"WASHINGTON: Three decades after founding the most influential US technology company, Microsoft's chairman, Bill Gates, plans to step down from day-to-day work to focus his energy full time on the $US29 billion ($39 billion) foundation he started with his wife 12 years ago..."

W: http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2006/06/16/1149964736750.html

Architecture lecture: Stefan Korschildgen - 22 June

UTS: Leading Architect Lecture - by Stefan Korschildgen

"For the first time in Sydney, Stefan will present work from his Architecture and Design Practice Kalhoefer- Korschildgen, Cologne, Germany. His innovative practice pursues adaptable spatial environments and systems, promoting interpretive user functionality through flexible infrastructure. The work seeks to challenge the common frozen architectural outcome."

Free admission
Date: 22 June 2006
Time: 6-7.30pm
Location: University of Technology Sydney, Peter Johnson Building, Building 6,
Level 3, Room 322, 702 Harris Street Ultimo
Contact Steve Hatzellis phone: 9514 8782

W: http://www.dab.uts.edu.au/newsevents/event_detail.html?ItemId=3740&ItemDate=2006-06-22

Stefan Korschildgen Website: http://www.kalhoefer-korschildgen.de/

Snowyfest International Film Festival - 16-18 June

"Our purpose is to encourage and support the wide range of filmmaking talent in Australia (and particularly the capital region) and to encourage the sharing of new film ideas, styles and skills from overseas with the Australian community..."

W: http://www.snowyfest.com

Harry Seidler Tribute Exhibition - 29 June - 6 August

"The life and works of Australian architect and design icon Harry Seidler will be showcased at an exhibition presented by the City of Sydney and the Royal Australian Institute of Architects.

A tribute to the architect who died in March this year, the exhibition will be presented in Harry Seidler's distinct style. The multimedia exhibition will engage visitors in the vision and legacies of one of Australia's leading architects of the modern movement.

Held at Customs House, Circular Quay, from 29 June - 6 August, the exhibition will include films, wall panels, models and tributes from his admirers. It will reveal the many facets of Harry Seidler; mentor, father, artist, photographer, social commentator and activist.

The exhibition will highlight a range of seminal works such the Rose Seidler House, Blues Point Tower, and Australia Square. There will also be a tribute to international buildings including the Australian Embassy in Paris, the Hong Kong Club in Hong Kong, and Wohnpark Neue Donau in Vienna..."

What: Harry Seidler: A Tribute
Admission: Free
When: Thursday 29 June - Sunday 6 August 2006
Where: Customs House, Sydney, 1 Alfred Street, Circular Quay
Times: Weekdays - 8am - 7pm, Saturdays - 10am-4pm, Sundays - 12pm - 4pm

W: http://www.sydneymedia.com.au/html/2971-harry-seidler-tribute-exhibition.asp?orig=Home

Customs House: http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/customshouse/whatsOn/soon.html

Craftfair - June 14-18 Sydney

The Sydney Craftfair is being held at the Sydney Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour. Other States' and New Zealand's dates are listed on the website.

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

City Talk - What makes cities great? 20 June

"Two leading architecture and urban design experts will speak on the topic "What Makes Cities Great" at a free City Talk on 20 June 2006 at the City Recital Hall.

Director of Design and Culture at the City of Melbourne, Professor Robert Adams, and Chairman of Hassell, a successful design and planning practice, Ken Maher, will discuss the public domain in Sydney and Melbourne and explore examples of public space in other leading world cities.

The free City Talks presented by the City of Sydney and The Sydney Morning Herald, are designed to stimulate discussion on our urban environment.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP will introduce the speakers and media presenter Adam Spencer will MC the session.

Both speakers are leaders in the field of architecture and urban design:

- Professor Robert Adams has received over 65 state and national awards for excellence. He has over 30 years experience as a practising architect and urban designer. He will discuss how beautiful and sustainable cities develop and must be based on good urban design.

- Mr Ken Maher is also a Director of the Green Building Council of Australia and has received many international and national awards including the 2002 Sulman Medal for the redevelopment of Sydney's National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA). Mr Maher will discuss how design can make cities better places to live, work and play."

City Talks are free, however bookings are essential.

20 June 2006 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

City Recital Hall Box Office Tel: 8256 2222 or
http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?agency=CITYRECITAL2&organ_val=21763&pid=5779932

W: http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/WhatsOn/html/custom/2234-event-details.asp?EventID=13947

Waterloo skate park opening - 1 July

"Sydney's newest street skateboard complex, Waterloo Oval Skate Park, will be officially opened on Saturday, 1 July between 10.30am and 5.30pm.

A full day of activities has been organised by the City of Sydney in conjunction with South Sydney Youth Services including live music and the park's first ever Street Skate Competition.

Entry is free and prizes will be awarded to the best male and female skaters in four divisions - U/12, U/14, U/16 and Open.

Registration for the competition starts at 8.30am."

When: 1 July 2006 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Where: Waterloo Oval, Cnr McEvoy and Elizabeth Streets, Waterloo

W: http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/WhatsOn/html/custom/2234-event-details.asp?EventID=14034

Tadao Ando feature

Interesting feature on world-renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando. He's based is Osaka, started in boxing and started designing interiors, furniture and then architecture. He is now 64. He has no formal in architecture. First saw a link to the story on Jean Snow's website.

W: http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/features/culture/20060608TDY01001.htm

Jean Snow's website: http://www.jeansnow.net

Grab Your Fork - food blogger from Sydney

Came across this great food blog called 'Grab Your Fork because life is one long buffet table'. "Grab Your Fork is Helen's gastronomic journey around Sydney and abroad." Helen Yee takes lots of photos of each food item or food event she is blogging. It's a great site to check out. Makes you want to visit some of these places offering yummy goodies.

W: http://grabyourfork.blogspot.com/

Google to offer spreadsheets

"Although it's still considered a work in progress, Google's online spreadsheet will offer consumers and businesses a free alternative to Microsoft's Excel application a product typically sold as part of the Office software suite that has been a steady moneymaker for years..."

W: http://www.smh.com.au/news/technology/spread-em-google-takes-on-excel/2006/06/06/1149359713087.html

To take a sneak peak tour of the application and to sign up: http://www.google.com/googlespreadsheets/tour1.html

Sydney Writers' Festival talks available free online

Bigpond Broadband have put on 17 authors' talks from the Sydney Writers' Festival which took place between 24-28th May 2006.

Talks include Alain De Botton's 'Buildings as Guides to Happiness' talk, Neil Gaiman, David Malouf, Naomi Wolf and others.

W: http://swf.bigpond.com/

Alain De Botton's talk: http://bigpondguide.com/SWF2006VODAlaindeBotton001_29_

The Shootout - Newcastle 7-9 July

"The Shoot Out 24 Hour Filmmaking Festival is the most extreme filmmaking festival in the world. This is the film festival where filmmakers come together in one place to make a short film in 24 hours.

In 24 hours great stories are told in great short films using the most affordable and readily available equipment.

This is a filmmaking event where professionals do compete with aspiring filmmakers and the general public on a level playing field..."

Also happening in Toowoomba, Queensland during 11-13 August, and in Hamilton, New Zealand during 22-24 September, and Boulder, Colorado during 20-22 October.

W: http://www.theshootout.info

No nuclear plant while I'm in charge

"NSW Premier Morris Iemma has vowed no nuclear power stations would be built in NSW as long as he is premier..."

W: http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/no-nuclear-plant-while-im-in-charge/2006/06/05/1149359643971.html

Google Idol

"Gidol is a new online competition for the many talented (and not so talented) people out there who have been waiting for their moment of fame. The competition places publicly submitted videos from Google Video in a head-to-head knockout tournament of 4 heats and 2 semi finals leading up to the grand final when a winner is announced.

Popularity is judged by the public who vote for their favourite video - and you can vote once a day for the Gidol you want to win. Votes are tallied at the end of the competition and the video with the highest number of votes will be named the winner. Winners not only receive prizes for their efforts, but are also inducted into the Gidol Hall of Fame.

The competitions are based on two categories: Webcam and Music Video.
The Webcam competition includes videos which are filmed in a single shot/take in front of a video camera. The Music Video competition in contrast includes performances that contain higher production techniques like multiple shots & locations, lighting and professional editing..."

W: http://www.googleidol.com

James Hancock interview on Cyclic Defrost

"Hancock’s art and design – to him they’re inseparable – is built from the layering and recontextualising of everyday objects that the rest of us would either ignore or appreciate but not collect and obsess over. His work is a distinctive collage of fabrics, printing, drawing, painting and found objects. And while he is as at home on his laptop as he is with canvas, all his work maintains a tactile and homespun feel..."

Hancock also began the artist-run Space3 with two friends in 2000. "It became very well known as a place for artists, musicians and creatives to have the opportunity to collaborate and exhibit their work in a very free environment..." The history and events of Space3 have now been put in a book by Hancock.

Cyclic Defrost interview: http://www.cyclicdefrost.com/article.php?article=697

James Hancock's website: http://www.jameshancock.net
Go the 'motion' section and check out Josh Pyke's 'Middle of the Hill' video clip. The illustrations are cool.