Entries Tagged 'software' ↓

MANCHESTER – the sale of the building housing Applejack Art Partners is on track and a closing is expected soon.

“We expect that the real estate closing will take place in the next week. probably in the next seven business days,” said Chief Financial Officer of Applejack Art Partners, Gordon Black.

The building is expected to be sold to WCW inc. – a new York mattress firm currently based in Hoosick Falls.

President of WCW inc., Jeff Wilkinson, said they hope to finalize the deal as soon as possible.

“We’re prepared for a closing as soon as we can make one happen,” Wilkinson said. “The timing involved in putting this all together has been difficult, but most everything is lined up for a closing right now and the hope is to close sometime by the end of next week.”

According to Applejack’s attorney, Jennifer Emens-Butler, the real estate will be sold to WCW inc. for $3 million. according to previous reports, Emens-Butler said the Applejack property was assessed in 2009 for $3.5 million.

WCW inc. is currently using about 50,000 square feet of the building primarily to perform manufacturing functions, Wilkinson said.

While Wilkinson said it was difficult to say when they might have all their operations moved into the building, there are plans to move other components of it into the building soon.

“The next building we’ll move will be our foam fabrication building and that we will move hopefully sometime within the next two to three weeks,” said Wilkinson. “Then we have our sewing plant that needs to be moved and I don’t know when we will move that currently. There’s not a date set for that.”WCW inc. announced plans to move its operations to Manchester in August. the company employs about 100 people, with some working at a call center in Bennington.

Prior to Applejack moving into the building – which they purchased in December of 2006 – it was left unoccupied for a period of time after Moore Wallace Computers left.

With Applejack Art Partners on the verge of liquidation, economic development officer Pauline Moore said having someone buy and occupy the building was advantageous.

“This [time] it’s really great that there won’t be a period where the building won’t be unoccupied,” she said.

McGaw Graphics – a company originally acquired by Applejack in 2009 – also currently operates out of the Applejack building. however, Black said that McGaw’s administrative offices would be relocating to the East Dorset Industrial Center on Route 7A. some of the operations will remain in the Applejack building though.

In a hearing on the disclosure statement on Monday, Emens-Butler said the judge addressed two minor issues – one of them being the timing of the sale of Applejack Art Partners assets to the United Kingdom based company Protocol Management Solutions, Ltd.

Emens-Butler said they are hoping to confirm the liquidation plan sometime in late December, which would finalize the deal.

“The confirmed plan would allow the liquidation by selling substantially all of its (Applejack’s) assets to Protocol for the credit bid and selling the excluded assets at auction,” wrote Emens-Butler in an e-mail. “The proceeds will be distributed and Applejack will no longer exist.”

The distribution of the proceeds would take place following both the sale of the building and the sale of Applejack’s assets. in the e-mail, Emens-Butler said the sale of Applejack’s assets to Protocol would take place immediately upon confirmation of the plan barring any objections. the excluded assets sale, she said, would be subject to the auctioneer’s schedule.

When Applejack goes out of business, the question then becomes what happens to the 75 jobs at the company. in a telephone interview on Tuesday, Black said that while he was unsure of how many, he acknowledged there would be some job loss.

“It would be great if everybody could maintain a job in some way. Our goal is to try to take care of everybody,” said Black. “We don’t want to see anybody unemployed, but we have to face the reality of the situation. It’s going to be difficult.”

Applejack filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last July and in December Protocol Management Solutions, Ltd. – a company that deals in telecommunications and other software consultancy and supply, according to the company’s Web site – purchased the company’s $1.7 million debt that was owed to Berkshire Bank.

According to previous reports, Emens- Butler said her understanding was that Protocol Management Solutions was going to buy continuing licensing agreements and pending contracts.

She added that the plan at one time was to have McGaw Graphics purchase Applejack Art Partners, but McGaw opted not to place a bid. McGaw and Applejack are both partially owned by Jack Appelman, who also owns Applejack Real Estate Partners, which in turn owns a number of commercial properties in the Bennington/Manchester area.

The plan was filed on May 23 with United States Bankruptcy Court in Burlington.

Applejack Art Partners was a company that bought licensing agreements from artists to sell reproductions. Black said that the company is still in operation on a small scale, but that they will cease to exist once a sale occurs.

Intertainment’s Ortsbo Continues Growth Achieving 15% Increase

of Unique Users To Over 20 Million in first half of October

NEW YORK / LOS ANGELES / SAN MATEO / TORONTO – October 24, 2011 – Intertainment Media Inc. ("Intertainment" or the "Company") (TSXV:INT / OTCQX: ITMTF / FRA: I4T) announces that its social media, real time, experiential communications platform, Ortsbo.com (ortsbo.com) continues to accelerate growth in October, achieving up to 15% growth of the measured key performance metrics over the same calendar period in September 2011, with over 130 Million Minutes of User Engagement, 63 Million Page Views, 26 Million Online Sessions from over 20 Million Unique Users, from over 170 countries and territories during the period of October 1st to 15th, 2011. Mobile metrics are not reflected in these results. With the recent launch of Ortsbo’s iPhone app, O2O for the iPad, available at iTunes, its Windows Phone 7 app, available in the Windows Marketplace and the release of its Android mobile app, users are now spending time both on Ortsbo via mobile smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktop based computers. the Company expects to begin reporting mobile metrics in early 2012 as its initial rollout of apps is completed. Trials of Ortsbo’s translation solution for sending and receiving emails through Microsoft Outlook, “O4O”, have been completed and commercial solutions will be available shortly. Record Results for October 2011 Ortsbo’s social media offering continues to accelerate achieving record results with substantive month over month growth in October 2011. Ortsbo has found that as new users become more adept with the site, the number of page views diminishes per user, as they do not require any of the support pages to use the site.

Oct. 1 to 15 Sept. 1 to 15 Period % Increase

Online Sessions 26,568,449 24,446,899 +9% Page Views 63,113,119 58,433,724 +8% Unique Users For Period 20,214,417 17,628,423 +15% Minutes of User Engagement 130,751,343 126,538,779 +03%

Ortsbo 040 Commercial – Ortsbo is preparing for the launch of its commercial version of Ortsbo for Microsoft Office based on a successful beta trial and excellent user feedback. October 30, 2011 – Stocks 2011 Vancouver, BC – David Lucatch, CEO of Intertainment Media Inc. will be a guest speaker at Stocks 2011 (stocks2011.ca). Stocks 2011 is an investment conference featuring expert insight into the stock market – from specific sectors and stocks to macroeconomic trends that affect the market. Small cap and emerging growth stock situations will be highlighted, with resource, clean & green tech, technology and industrial issuers offering upside potential to private and professional investors. – 2 – To become a Facebook Fan of Ortsbo, sign up at facebook.com/ortsbo Follow Ortsbo on Twitter For the Company’s corporate blog, please visit intertainmentmedia.com/blog about Ortsbo Inc. ortsbo.com Ortsbo (ortsbo.com) enables real-time conversational translation in over 50 languages and seamlessly integrates with today’s most popular social media platforms. Ortsbo Inc. is a subsidiary of Intertainment Media Inc., a Rich Media Applications leader, focused on delivering leading edge technology and marketing solutions enabling clients with power enhanced branding, loyalty initiatives and consumer engagement. Selected as a Microsoft Global Agency Initiative partner, Intertainment has joined an elite group of interactive agencies worldwide that Microsoft recommends to its Partners and Customers. Ortsbo’s flagship product for social media (ortsbo.com) supports global communications with instant translation capability, real time multi-lingual social media chat connects to PC and Mac computers, mobile browsers, as well as all major search engine chat platforms including Microsoft, Google and Yahoo!, along with Facebook, iChat, AIM, ICQ, Gadu-Gadu, Ovi, Lotus Sametime, LiveJournal and Tencent QQ and QQ International, China’s largest chat platforms and Twitter. Ortsbo allows users to communicate with family friends and colleagues around the world, providing users with the ability to break down language and cultural barriers through its easy to use, language centric interface. User demographics have continued to favor the BRIC countries with China remaining the number one usage country for Ortsbo. International rock legend, accomplished global entrepreneur and one of the world’s most recognized personalities, Gene Simmons has endorsed Ortsbo.com, having signed on as a business partner and to serve as Ortsbo’s official spokesperson. the personification of today’s globally connected, multi-cultural citizen, Simmons is fluent in five languages, including English, Hebrew, Hungarian, and German, as well as some Japanese and he’s working to add Mandarin to his repertoire. Simmons will lend his legendary personality to help spread the word about Ortsbo’s unique, translator experience platform that integrates seamlessly with the most popular social media platforms to enable users from around the world to instantly send and receive messages in their native language. Two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash to become an official spokesperson for Ortsbo. Leading Ortsbo’s global sports fan program, Nash will present and participate in a number of online fan chats with international athletes from a number of sports disciplines. Intertainment Media owns and operates a number of key properties including Ad Taffy, itiBiti, Ortsbo and Magnum. For more information on the Company and its properties, please visit intertainmentmedia.com Headquartered in the Toronto, Canada region, with offices in new York, Los Angeles and San Mateo, CA, Intertainment Media Inc. is listed on the Toronto Venture Exchange under the symbol “INT” (TSXV:INT) and in the US on the OTCQX under the symbol “ITMTF”. Intertainment is also traded in Europe, on XETRA under the symbol “I4T”.

neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain certain forward-looking information. all statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, is

forward-looking information and such information involves various risks and uncertainties. there can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. a description of assumptions used to develop such forward looking information and a description of risk factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking information can be found in the company’s disclosure documents on the SEDAR website at sedar.com. the company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

This release may contain forward looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of US laws. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward looking statements. Intertainment Media Inc. does not assume any obligation to update any forward looking information contained in this news release.

For Ortsbo / Intertainment Media Inc.:

Tel: 800-395-9943 / 905-763-3510

To learn more, visit: ortsbo.com

To learn more, visit: intertainmentmedia.com

Public Relations / Media Inquiries: SS | PR

Acer reported loss for the second quarter in a row, as the Taiwanese company struggles with sagging PC sales and the rise of tablets.

Acer’s net loss for the third quarter totalled NT$1.1 billion (US$36 million), lower than the company’s second quarter loss of NT$6.7 billion.

Revenue for the quarter fell 30 percent year on year, to NT$117.3 billion.

Acer, formerly the world’s third-largest PC maker, has fallen to fourth place in the market since the end of last year, according to research firm IDC. IDC said the company saw total shipments in the third quarter fall by 20.6 percent, with sales of mini-notebooks also declining.

The company’s struggles come as growth in the PC market has slowed, with shipments falling below analysts projections. a decline in spending brought on by wider weak economic conditions has caused consumers to look at other devices over the PC, according to IDC.

While most of Acer’s sales come from laptops, the company hopes to reverse its financial decline by selling tablets. Acer has previously said it expects to sell around 7 million tablets this year, with officials anticipating it will help improve revenues.

However, competition in this market is fierce: Market research firm Strategy Analytics reported Friday that Apple still held two-thirds of the tablet market in the third quarter, leaving Acer and other manufacturers of Android tablets to share 27 percent, or 4.5 million units, between them. the remaining 6.7 percent or so was composed of tablets running other operating systems, including Windows and QNX, the OS used in the BlackBerry PlayBook.

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October 10, 2011

This isthe final day of a two-day series updating the pollution cleanup efforts at the Massachusetts Military Reservation

- – - – - – - – - – -

All soldiers training at Camp Edwards are briefed on environmental issues, watch a video about the environment and are handed a field card that fits in their uniform pockets. Inside the card are some important dos and don’ts, as well as a map of the 22,000 acre installation.

The field card includes:

• List of phone numbers for range control and environmental officials
• Acceptable uses of training area
• Acceptable driving practices for military vehicles, including those with tracks
• What to do if there is a spill of hazardous materials
• Protection of habitat for wildlife on the reservation
• Respect for Native American artifacts and other cultural resources discovered
• What to do in case of fire or if unexploded munitions are found

Source: Massachusetts National Guard Environmental & Readiness Center

Just about a year ago, a monitoring well near the Bourne boundary of the Massachusetts Military Reservation showed levels of perchlorate six times the limit set by the state for safe drinking water.

To the public, the discovery came out of nowhere, but officials from the Army’s Impact Area Groundwater Study Program and environmental regulators say it demonstrates that appropriate safeguards are in place. they thought the plume from an area of Camp Edwards known as Demolition Area 1 was contained inside the base boundary, but the tests from monitoring wells proved otherwise.

Further study showed that a sliver of contaminated groundwater about the width of a tractor-trailer traveled underneath Route 28 to a neighborhood in the Pocasset Village of Bourne. Testing there in one neighborhood well, where the military had just gotten permission to sink a well, showed levels three times the acceptable limits.

The state Department of Environmental Protection considers levels above 2 parts per billion unsafe. one ppb is the equivalent of a half-teaspoon in an Olympic-size swimming pool.

“I wouldn’t characterize it as a complete surprise,” Gary Moran, deputy commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Protection, said. “They were required to do monitoring to make sure models were correct. In this case, the protective measures have worked.”

There is no immediate health risk because households in the neighborhood are on public drinking water supplies. Perchlorate, a contaminant found in fireworks and explosives, is known to adversely affect thyroid function, especially in small children.

Despite the discovery, Army cleanup officials and environmental regulators say it shows the constant monitoring of base contaminants is working at the Massachusetts Military Reservation where both the Army Impact Area Groundwater Study Program and Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment are overseeing two separate, massive cleanups of plumes caused by decades of pollution.

It’s those testing wells and the computer modeling that gives both the military and regulators confidence that they’re on top of what’s going on 100 feet or more underground.

“It’s unlikely there are undetected plumes that will create exposure,” said Lynne Jennings, cleanup team manager for the federal Environmental Protection Agency. “Is there another big plume out there? no, I don’t think that’s the case.”

Within a matter of months, the Army had installed extraction wells and a portable treatment system for the leading edge of the Demo 1 plume in Bourne, Kent “Hap” Gonser, program manager for the Army cleanup, said in a July interview.

Gonser has since left the cleanup program, but led it through the process of finding treatment plans and getting regulatory approval for nearly 10 years. “We’re proud of the fact that we found the contamination and put a system in within six months,” he said.

Unlike the Air Force, which has all of its treatment systems in place, the Army, after getting a later start, just this year came to a final decision with regulators on how to deal with contamination in what is known as the Central Impact Area at Camp Edwards. not only is there a plume beneath that 330-acre swath fouled by a toxic cocktail of perchlorate and Royal Demolition Explosives, or RDX, a known carcinogen, but the soil is littered with an estimated 4,000 to 9,000 unexploded munitions that make the cleanup more tricky and costly.

A combination of sandy soil and lots of rain forced perchlorate and RDX from those blasts deep into the groundwater, Gonser said. “The good deal is we’ve got plenty of water, but the bad deal is it’s easy to contaminate,” he said. “It’s also easy to clean up, but it takes time and money.”

The Army cleanup is expected to last well into the middle of this century at an estimated overall cost of $450 million. Combined with the $850 million it will cost for the Air Force to complete its cleanup of fuel and solvent spills, the overall price tag to taxpayers once the water is cleaned will exceed $1.2 billion.

Though the Air Force pollution was mostly caused by solvents and fuel spills, the Army contamination was caused by decades of firing mortar rounds, bullets and testing weapons systems on firing ranges that began as the U.S. entered World War II. In the midst of the Central Impact Area is a path known as Tank Alley where artillery and mortar rounds were frequently shot at targets. To date, only one weapons manufacturer, Textron, has been held responsible for its role in fouling the base soil and water. In 2007, the company agreed to pay $8.75 million, a portion of which has been distributed by the state.

The Army is also dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s on remedial plans for areas on the base known as the J-2 and J-3 ranges — the last of the areas where a final remedy is not yet in place.

In large part, the Army learned from the Air Force that pumping the tainted water, putting it through a carbon treatment and reinjecting it into the groundwater was the best way to deal with the contamination. Where possible, they’ve also shared resources. the Army has used portable treatment systems that the Air Force was finished with and is using excess capacity in one of the treatment plants to clean some of the water from the Central Impact Area.

The process for getting final remedies in place is complicated. It usually requires doing a preliminary assessment, a site investigation, a remedial investigation, a feasibility study, and then remedial action, Gonser said. “So you have this long process that can take many years, even decades to go through,” he said. “The way we approached it is to try and do as much of it simultaneously and concurrently as possible.”

That meant working with regulators to determine interim remedies that would likely become the final solutions, with limited tweaks, once the paperwork was completed, Gonser said.

“It was the chicken-and-egg thing,” Jennings said. “We were trying to get them to be aggressive and taking action when it came to groundwater contamination.”

Where things got more complicated, Gonser and Jennings said, is how to deal with the Central Impact Area. This is one of those areas where the military and regulators differed, but the final outcome under consideration reflects a compromise.

The military had considered letting the plume attenuate, a natural process that dilutes the contamination over time, because they don’t expect the site to ever be used for anything other than military purposes. Regulators pushed for treatment and removal of some unexploded ordnances, also known as UXOs, to prevent future sources of contamination.

The plan, which includes extraction wells and treatment, went through the public hearing process this summer and regulators are taking into consideration public comments before signing off on what’s known as the record of decision. the EPA is keeping a close eye on whether more of the UXOs need to be removed from the site to prevent future contamination, Jennings said.

Prevention has become a huge part of the culture at the military base. It was a forced change in the beginning with the cease fire instituted in 1997 by John Devillars, the EPA’s regional director, but has become a way of life for the four military commands — U.S. Coast Guard, National Guard, U.S. Air Force 6th Space Squadron and 102nd Intelligence Wing — that share the base.

Slowly, and with oversight from science advisers, community advisers and environmental experts governed by a memorandum of understanding entered into a decade ago, Guard soldiers have returned to shooting lead bullets at the base into specially-designed traps that capture the bullets and don’t allow toxins to leach into the soil. Recently, soldiers have returned to using simulated grenades — approved because they don’t contain any traces of perchlorate that are usually found in pyrotechnics.

“I think the protective measures in place are quite satisfactory and should prevent future problems,” said Larry Cole of Harwich, a member of the citizens advisory committee.

The memorandum of understanding was put into place to protect the 15,000 acres of undeveloped land on the base and to make sure that training of soldiers does not jeopardize the water supply or the habitat on the area known as the preserve.

The Guard and regulators have restored “transparency and trust,” Mary Griffin, commissioner of the state Department of Fish and Game, and chairwoman of the Environmental Management Commission, said. Griffin and the secretaries of the DEP and the Department of Conservation and Recreation, make up the Environmental Management Commission with Executive Director mark Begley serving as their eyes and ears on the military base.

It was the commission that first questioned whether the use of tungsten bullets — a so-called green bullet once used for training at Camp Edwards and other installations across the country — were really protecting the environment. Use of the bullets was stopped in 2006 when it was determined that tungsten had made it into the groundwater.

“We found they weren’t as green as they purported to be,” Begley said.

Follow-up investigations have only ever found tungsten in one well and its origin isn’t clear, Gonser said. a well next to the one where it was detected on a firing range came back clean, he said.

“There’s no plume or contamination we’ve seen at any other places,” he said.

All across the country, the Army stopped using the “green bullets,” but working with the commission, the Guard was able to install the bullet traps and return to safely firing lead bullets, which had also been banned as part of DeVillars 1997 cease fire, Griffin said.

That’s a recent example of how the Environmental Management Commission’s oversight has worked cooperatively to come up with an alternative that protects the environment and allows the soldiers to do the types of training they require, Begley said.

The commission meets with the Guard on a quarterly basis where it receives updates on training and considers whether to allow the return of some weapons systems. last year, for example, the commission added simulated grenades to a list of acceptable training munitions, but the Guard withdrew a request to use simulated artillery because they contained perchlorate, Begley said.

Meanwhile, the Guard’s Environmental and Readiness Center, with an annual budget of nearly $2 million that employs 18 full-time employees throughout the state, has worked to preserve the habitat for 37 rare and endangered species on the base. Natural resource officials for the Guard have done studies on Eastern box turtles, whippoorwills and the new England cottontail rabbit that flourish in the reservation’s pitch pine and scrub oak habitat, work that could ultimately keep the bunnies of the endangered list.

“We’ve learned a lot from them,” Griffin said. “It shows a real change in culture there.”

Maj. Shawn Cody, environmental program manager at Camp Edwards, said protecting the environment has become a natural part of a soldier’s training. “Environmental protection and stewardship is woven into the fabric of everything we do,” Cody said.

Soldiers are given an environmental checklist when they arrive for training that includes everything from how they should drive to what steps they should take if there’s an accidental spill of hazardous materials. Part of a soldier’s routine on the base these days includes making sure they put a drip pan under idle military vehicles and picking up pieces that fall to the ground after they shoot their guns during a training exercise — what they call “policing the brass.”

The job is made easier by working with a force that has recycling and environmental protection already ingrained in them, Cody said.

Among the initiatives underway at Camp Edwards to protect the environment is the use of mobile structures, instead of brick and mortar buildings, to ready soldiers for overseas combat, Cody said. the Guard is also looking into the use of copper bullets.

“We weave environmental protection into our training and even get it into a combat scenario,” Cody said. “We tell them, you don’t want to leave anything behind for the enemy to find out how many soldiers you have.”

The process for environmental oversight is working, Griffin and Begley said. “The public needs to be engaged in it and we all need to be vigilant,” Griffin said. “You can never assume it’s being taken care, but we’re working with good people.”

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Marketingweb 12 October 2011 Who has been awarded which account and what new campaigns are breaking.

ACCOUNTS

The Old Shanghai Firecracker Factory has won the Bestmed advertising account in a five way pitch. the old Shanghai will be responsible for all above-the-line and below-the-line advertising, as well as broker communication, and digital strategy and execution through Saatchi & Saatchi’s digital arm, AtPlay.

Red Carpet Concepts was appointed by Medac to manage the public relations and marketing portfolio for Rockets, a range of sports gear and compression apparel for men and women.

Y&R is back in full force after a few months sitting on the sidelines of the industry playground. not only is the agency celebrating its Gold Loerie for the ambient LG ‘washing tunnel’ idea, but it has also attracted a string of new business including HASA (Hospital Association of South Africa), JO’M Cosmetics, Playboy SA and Yahsat – Yahclick, working through Y&R Abu Dhabi.

Quirk marketing agency has announced a strategic partnership with Oracle Systems in an effort to cement the growing importance of eCommerce in the South African digital landscape. Quirk’s decision to partner with Oracle was influenced by their complementary approach to technology, in particular, the eCommerce platform ATG. Quirk Chief Technology Officer Craig Raw highlights the benefits of the partnership: “Quirk is already very strong in Java (an Oracle technology on which ATG eCommerce is based), so this partnership makes sense for us. Leveraging our development and UX (User Experience) skills to deliver enterprise eCommerce solutions on this platform is a tremendously exciting opportunity.”

Lowe Bull South Africa recently participated in a successful pitch with a number of its agency partners from the Lowe group, namely Lowe Roche Canada and DLKW Lowe London and Lowe@Alfred Amsterdam. the highly competitive pitch resulted in Unilever appointing Lowe@Alfred as the lead agency for the Becel brand, worldwide. Lowe@Alfred is the Dutch Lowe agency which was launched in early 2011 by Lowe and Partners and Alfred International.

CAMPAIGNS

Frank.net decided to get tactical with a new light-hearted life insurance advert, which all South Africans can appreciate as they come to terms with our beloved Boks’ early Rubgy World Cup exit. Frank.net has received brand recognition by differentiating itself in the life insurance market with a non-traditional, straight talking ‘you die we pay’ approach.

Creative director at FoxP2, Justin Gomes says, “Frank.net tells-it-like-it-is and is changing the way people think about life insurance (we don’t offer these yet) Therefore we create campaigns and use tactical opportunities that ensure talkability.”

Gomes adds, “We have tapped into the rugby frenzy by producing ads like: ; ‘If your blood really is green, we pay’ for serious Illness Cover, ‘If you choke like the All Blacks, we pay’ for Life Cover and ‘If your job is going the same way as the Div’s, we pay’ for Salary Protection.”

“The latest installment reads, ‘mr. Lawrence after Sunday’s match you may want to call 0860 111 735 for life cover,’” he adds. “It is a simple and straight-forward message but any South African who watched the game on Sunday will appreciate the humour.”

Draftfcb Johannesburg has created a dramatic print and outdoor campaign to launch Lexus’ new luxury hybrid hatchback, the CT 200h. Targeting young professionals, the eye-catching campaign depicts the hybrid in a surreal landscape alongside a creature made from the same materials as the vehicle. the implication is that the CT 200h is so advanced that, in this world, animals have evolved to incorporate its features. the comparison is also alluded to in the text, as well as in the radio spots that are supporting the printed executions.

The challenge put to the agency’s creative team of Aviv Weil, Sergio Ines, Louise Hutchinson, Ivor Forrester and Frank Kunene was to use the launch as an opportunity to break through to a younger target market, make the brand more youthful and inject it with energy and vibrancy.

Discovery Health has commissioned Provantage to run an in-Taxi Television campaign in a thousand taxis nationally. the TTV messaging focuses on Discovery Health’s affordable KeyCare product range which is amongst the most feature rich on the market, and is designed specifically to cater for emerging market consumers. the campaign runs until March 2012.

Retro enthusiasts will have another means to play their favorite 8-bit computer titles in late October thanks to the Elite Collection iOS apps.

Longstanding UK-based publisher Elite Systems has been slowly reviving the classic games of the ’80s thanks to its iOS apps, including a selection of ZX Spectrum titles and, more recently, a range of renowned C64-era games. Now, the publisher has confirmed the details of the “Elite Collection” iOS apps for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.

The Elite Collection will be available in late October for a price which has not yet been confirmed, and purchasing the app will also provide you with 12 bundled games. these include action adventure Black Magic; multiplayer strategy game M.U.L.E.; open world RPG Alternate Reality: the City; platformer first Samurai; shooter Uridium; racer Buggy Boy; excellently-titled shooter Enforcer: Fullmetal Megablaster; soccer management sim Bundesliga Manager 2.0; R-Type clone Denaris; board game adaptation Battleships; Punch-Out clone Frank Bruno’s Boxing; and Arkanoid variant Batty.

Some of these apps are already available in $.99 standalone format, but the Collection app will bundle them together for a value price and subsequently offer additional titles for purchase within the app itself. at launch, around 12 additional titles are expected to be available for purchase, with over a 100 joining the lineup over time. the full list will be confirmed along with the price shortly.

Elite’s intending on updating the Collection apps with new titles every couple of months, and also adding support for Apple’s Game Center service along with external devices such as the iCade. the company’s priority is, at this time, in signing the very best in computer games from the ’80s and early ’90s.

Watch out for the Elite Collection apps later in the month.

London, UK – 11th October 2011 – Education software specialist NetSupport is delighted to announce updates to two of its core education solutions. The technical landscape within the modern learning environment is continually evolving, offering students an increasingly wide range of inspiring computing opportunities. This presents educators with the challenge of ensuring that classroom technology is effectively managed and maintained, that the learning experience is enhanced through the use of technology, not impacted by students who prefer to ‘experiment’ with the equipment rather than focus on the task in hand. For over 22 years, NetSupport has consistently delivered the tools schools need to meet these challenges and with the latest updates to desktop security and content protection solution, NetSupport Protect, combined with a new version of Mac® and Linux-compatible classroom monitoring product, NetSupport Assist, the company continues its commitment to providing education with relevant and cost-effective software that guarantees to maximise ROI. DESKTOP SECURITY AND CONTENT PROTECTION Designed to help educational sites protect their Windows operating systems and desktops from unwanted or malicious changes, NetSupport Protect 2 provides a secure, reliable and productive computer environment ideal for shared use systems. ICT staff can create a secure desktop environment where system configuration and access from external sources are protected: where students can utilise available applications but are shielded from system resources and the temptation of investigating the workings of the desktop. NetSupport Protect version 2 offers a fresh user experience with a restyled interface, designed to ensure that lockdown features can be accessed with the minimum of effort, combined with enhanced support for Windows 7 and 64bit platforms. NetSupport Protect 2 integrates transparently with NetSupport’s Windows classroom management solution, NetSupport School, ensuring students are restricted from amending the configuration of their computers, while at the same time, teachers have full access as soon as they connect to the target computer remotely. CLASSROOM MONITORING FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF MAC® AND LINUX CLASSROOMS Launched in Spring 2011, NetSupport Assist – classroom instruction and monitoring software for Linux and Mac® platforms – responds to the growing use of this technology within the modern classroom, providing teachers with a powerful combination of monitoring, presentation and collaboration tools that help with the effective delivery of computer-led lessons. The introduction of Assist saw NetSupport become the first classroom management software vendor to offer compatible solutions across Windows (NetSupport School), Mac® and Linux environments. The latest version, v1.03, includes support for the Mac OS X Lion operating system and adds to the product’s existing language support for English, German, French, Italian and Spanish with a fully localised Japanese interface. Commenting on the dual product launch, NetSupport’s Development Director, Rob Hawkins, said: “With these two product updates, NetSupport confirms its continued commitment to delivering best-of-breed and current desktop support and management solutions to its education customers. “As an efficient endpoint security solution, NetSupport Protect 2 has all the angles covered. The ability to protect and lock down a desktop computer to avoid unwanted or malicious changes maintains operational efficiency and safeguards business critical content. However, if the worst happens and an error does occur, the product’s integrated hard disk protection and rollback technology can be called upon to restore the system in full, quickly and transparently. “Our Windows-based classroom management technology is already well established in the Japanese market and we are now delighted to be able to provide a fully localised version of NetSupport Assist, ensuring that whatever platform is in use, teachers have the appropriate software to help manage and monitor their classroom systems. As with all our products, we are continually looking to extend the functionality and range of supported languages, and customers can expect some exciting updates to NetSupport Assist’s feature set in coming months.” With over 9,500,000 systems worldwide supported by its technology, NetSupport’s range of complementary software solutions offer the perfect solution to safeguard your technology investment. you can learn more and download a free trial by visiting netsupportsoftware.com. About NetSupport Headquartered in the UK, NetSupport has been delivering market-leading remote control and desktop management software solutions since 1989. The product range includes the highly successful NetSupport Manager remote control and PC management application; NetSupport DNA, offering advanced enterprise asset management; web-based ITIL-compliant incident management solution NetSupport ServiceDesk; NetSupport School, the leading interactive classroom and training software solution for Windows and NetSupport notify, its mass notification and desktop alerting tool. NetSupport solutions and their derivatives are sold worldwide and enjoy market-leading status in many countries, with an install base exceeding nine million desktops. NetSupport is recognised as one of the fastest growing technology companies in the EU and was recently awarded Education ICT Exporter of the Year at the BETT Awards, and became winners of the Network Computing awards for the third consecutive year. NetSupport is a member of BESA. For more information about NetSupport, visit netsupportsoftware.com Press Contact: Mr Chris Lovesey c.lovesey@netsupportsoftware.com .

DETROIT — as the routine and repetition of batting practice unfold on the field, there’s Bobby Jones, standing by the cage, animatedly talking ball with Michael Young and manager Ron Washington. he is, in this moment before an American League Championship Series game against the Tigers, a world away from the Army firebase he once occupied in a remote region of Vietnam and, for that matter, a world away from the Triple-A terrain he calls home. Maybe the Rangers didn’t have to have Jones on board for another ride through the rigors of the postseason, but they know that their success as an organization is due, in some part, to the grizzled war vet who has been molding minds, young and old, in their system for more than two decades. “You won’t find a guy on this team that doesn’t love him,” general manager Jon Daniels says. “He’s universally loved.” and he owes a great deal to the war that changed him and the game that saved him. * * * the 62-year-old Jones spent 20 seasons in professional baseball as a player and has spent another 24 in the Rangers organization as a manager and coach. But those experiences have been shaped, in part, by the 14 months he spent in an infantry brigade artillery unit in Vietnam from 1969 to 1971. “Vietnam helped me,” Jones says. “It made me a better person. It made me realize how important life is, how short it is.” Jones was 19 years old, two years removed from being selected by the Washington Senators in the 36th round of the First-Year Player Draft, when a decidedly different kind of draft came calling his name in April 1969. an outfielder for Class A Shelby in the Western Carolinas League, Jones got a call from his mother. She was crying. “I said, ‘What’s the matter?’” Jones recalls. “I figured somebody was sick or passed away. She said, ‘Your draft notice came.’ I said, ‘Oh, my God.’” three other members of that Shelby team were drafted at that same time. they all reported for their pre-induction physical, but only Jones was assigned to an Army unit that would eventually ship overseas. he was officially drafted that July, then spent eight weeks at Fort Bragg, N.C., for regular basic training and another eight at Fort Sill, Okla., for artillery training.

during those final weeks of training, Jones was first told to prepare to go to Korea. Then Germany. and then, finally, Vietnam. he spent 29 days on leave before shipping off to parts unknown. “You come home, and you have 29 days to think about it,” he says. “You spend some time with your family, and then you fly from Baltimore to Oakland, and the next thing you know, you’re on an airplane heading to Vietnam. You’re going to some country you’ve never heard of. You’re 18, 19 years old, and then, all of a sudden, you’re in the thick of it.” and it was awfully thick for Jones and his fellow soldiers in the Army’s Americal Division. they were stationed at Landing Zone Siberia, an artillery base that sat atop a hill overlooking the Song Tran River, about 35 miles southwest of Da Nang. For 45 consecutive days in the spring of 1970, the North Vietnamese Army barraged the base with enemy fire. from early morning to late at night, the attacks were frequent in their persistence and unpredictable in their schedule. “They tried to overrun us,” Jones says. Jones and his infantry brigade fired back. many of the soldiers who had stood by his side were killed in the seemingly endless struggle. Jones survived, but he sustained significant, permanent hearing damage in both ears.

the attacks suddenly ceased in mid-May of 1970, and Jones, who received a Bronze Star for bravery, returned stateside in February of the following year. But as was the case for so many others who survived, the psychological wounds of the war would linger long after the fighting ceased. * * * Actually, it was Jones’ burgeoning baseball career that allowed him to, initially, return to some semblance of normalcy. Mere days after returning home, he reported to Spring Training in Florida, then to Class A Anderson for the 1971 season. and though his first prewar exposure to professional ball had resulted in mostly ho-hum numbers, his performance drastically improved that first year back, as he hit .321 with 23 home runs. Jones credits his Army training for making his hands and feet sharper and swifter, and the war experience for altering his attitude. “Seeing people get killed puts everything in perspective,” he says. “When I got back, I wanted to play, and I wanted to get into the big leagues more than anything in the world. But if I don’t? Hey, that’s OK. I’ve got both of my arms and both of my legs.” the Senators moved to Texas in 1972 and, two years later, Jones made his Major League debut with the Rangers. he would go on to play parts of the next nine seasons in the bigs with the Rangers and Angels as a part-timer in the outfield. It wasn’t until 1985 that the war’s horrors finally reached out from the recesses. on Opening Day that season, Jones filled in for an injured Larry Parrish as the Rangers’ starting right fielder. the game was in Baltimore, about an hour from Jones’ hometown of Elkton, Md., and Jones got in touch with a friend from his Army unit who lived in the area. the two hadn’t seen each other since Vietnam, and they spent an off-day between games reminiscing about their experiences and looking at photos from the base. A month later, the Rangers were in Milwaukee. Jones, suddenly and inexplicably, began having vivid flashbacks and nightmares from the war. Shaking uncontrollably, he told team trainer bill Ziegler about it, and the Rangers arranged for Jones to get professional help. “I saw a psychologist, a hypnotist,” Jones remembers. “They told me something had to trigger it, and they thought seeing those pictures that day in Baltimore brought it all back again. and whatever the hypnotist said or did worked, because it hasn’t happened since.” * * * Jones’ playing days came to a close in the Minors in 1987. the following year he became the manager at Class A Port Charlotte in the Texas system. He’s been at it ever since, spending 22 seasons as a Minor League skipper (including nine of the last 10 at the Triple-A level) and two on the Major League staff. In addition to notching his 1,500th career managerial victory this year, he was named the Pacific Coast League’s Manager of the Year after guiding the round Rock Express to a division title. He’s been noted for his knack of getting the most out of his players. “Love him,” says Esteban German, who has played four seasons under Jones. “He never gets frustrated, he never changes. He’s always the same guy, and he’s always positive. there are so many ups and downs in a season, but he’s always the same. he motivates.” the Rangers’ loyalty to Jones in a business prone to impermanence is striking. It’s a credit to both sides. “I’m just lucky, I guess,” Jones says with a smile and a shrug. But Daniels digs deeper. “I don’t think people realize how tough a job that is, meaning at that level, in particular,” Daniels says. “He’s got that balance. He’s able to create that baseball environment where there’s intensity and focus, but he still manages to keep things light. he doesn’t take himself too seriously, but he takes the game seriously.” before Young, Nelson Cruz, Ian Kinsler, C.J. Wilson, Neftali Feliz and Colby Lewis were postseason stars, they all played for Jones. Even 41-year-old reliever Darren Oliver played for him, long ago. and though such things can never be measured, the anecdotal evidence suggests that Jones has had a profound impact on all of the prospects who have come up the ladder in the Texas system. “It’s cool to see all these guys come up and now getting a chance to play and doing well,” Jones says. “To see this team in the playoffs two years in a row with a chance to go to the World Series, it’s a lot of fun, and it makes you feel good.” * * * here in October, with the Triple-A season long over, Jones is still lending a hand. his role is, as he puts it, to “throw BP and stay out of the way,” but his presence is clearly appreciated by Washington, the coaching staff and the players alike. when the Rangers reached the Series last year, they dubbed Game 4 at Rangers Ballpark “Welcome Back Veterans Day,” and Jones and several other player alumni spent that morning visiting with military veterans hospitalized at the VA North Texas Health Care system in Dallas. “We saw the guys who have real problems,” Jones says. “I’m one of the lucky ones.” the war still lingers in Jones’ life. He’s on disability from the government, and every three years he’s fitted for a new hearing aid in each ear. “They say I have a 20 percent loss in each ear,” he says. “My wife and family think it’s worse. But sometimes I think it’s a good thing in managing. I can’t hear when people are yelling at me from the stands!” with great humor and humility, Jones treasures each day he can spend not only at the ballpark but on this earth. he knows, more than most, the sport’s place among life’s priorities, even when such meaningful games are being played. “This is a game,” he says. “It’s not life or death. you play hard, do the best you can and, if you don’t win, that’s all right. as long as you’re giving an honest effort. That’s how I look at life now.”

What’s on this weekend? Who knows? Simone Whetton does!

Whether it’s an indoors event you’re looking for, or something with a bit of fresh air attached, there’s always something for you to do.

Note: this segment is heard on-air at approximately 8.50am Saturdays and 10.05am Sundays and it is updated and published online Friday afternoon.

All correspondence to Simone’s what’s on should go to: net.au

SATURDAY 8 October

OUT AND ABOUT

A big weekend for walking!!:

Walk4Autism: a large group of friends and supporters of the school Giant Steps will be walking to raise funds and awareness of autism. they will walk from Palm Beach to Manly on Saturday and on Sunday from Manly to Gladesville where the school Giant Steps is located. they are carrying donation buckets so sheer them on and give them a donation as you go past. walk4autism.com.au. When and were: Saturday and Sunday 8 and 9 October Palm Beach to Gladesville

Blue Mountains Lithgow and Oberon Festival of Walking: Kicks off this weekend with walks to Mount Solitary Katoomba on Saturday October 8, a walk down memory lane at Leura Village Fair on Saturday 8 October at 2pm, and more walks next weekend. . Where Blue Mountains, this weekend and next.

FESTIVALS

Art and About: have you seen the 24 metre wide lacework “Tsunami 1.26″ which is hanging above the Town Hall and is by artist Janet Echelman? it is made out of a rope that is 15 times stronger than steel in weight and is knotted to withstand winds. Where and when: George Street at Town Hall, on until 23 October. Also take a look at the art hanging up in Hyde Park

Art and About: take a look in Hyde Park at the gorgeous little pavilion that has been set up by Liane Rossler and Heidi Dokuli which is made from recycled timber pallets. there are public art projects and work shops over the next month in this little pavilion. Where and when: On now until Sunday 23 October in Hyde Park.

Crave Food Festival: The Crave Food Festival is on till 31 October. there are great activities such the Saturday and Sunday family lunches, the world dinners, the Strathfield food festival on 23 October and the Kid’s Crazy Island Tea Party on Goat Island on October 15 and 16, 22 and 23 and 29 and 30. there will also be a kids’ week of tastes from October 20 to 30 where children and families can have dinner at family friendly hours at various restaurants for reasonable prices. More details on cravesydney.com.

Local Harvest Rockdale City Council: from 9.30 till 12.00 at Carrs Park Community Garden hear a talk about how you can get your soil good and healthy for growing vegetables. there will be a bottling and preserving session on Sunday 9 October from 10 to 2 pm in Ramsgate. $50 and places are limited. 9562 1662. Other activities include a bush tucker walk and talk on Saturday 15 October from 10 till 12 at Stotts Reserve Bexley North off Slade Road, no dig gardening on Sunday 16 October 11 am to 1 pm, Syd Frost Hall, 7 Hawthorne Street, Ramsgate and native bees for honey workshop on Sunday 30 October 11 am till 12.30 at the Syd Frost Hall, 7 Hawthorne Street, Ramsgate. Where and when: activities for this weekend include Saturday 8 October 9.30 till 12.00 soil for healthy veggies at Carrs Park Community Garden, corner of Carlton Crescent and Carwar Avenue, Carrs Park and Sunday 9 October 10 till 2 pm Syd Frost Hall, 7 Hawthorne Street, Ramsgate.

ART

What’s in a Face? Aspects of Portrait Photography: at the Art Gallery of new South Wales an exhibition of 45 photographs of people’s faces from studio portraiture to more modern pieces. The photographers in the exhibition include Max Dupain, Olive Cotton, Ben Cauchi, Darren Sylvester and lots more. Free. Where and when: On now at the Art Gallery of new South Wales, The Domain.

Rabbitproof: at the Hardware Gallery visual artists and print media students will exhibit their works in an exhibition entitled “Rabbitproof” to celebrate the year of the rabbit. The concept and idea of a rabbit is explored in many interesting ways, from Alice in Wonderland, the Easter Bunny, politics including Kim Jong Ill. Free. When and where: On now, Tuesday to Saturday, 11.00 til 5.00 pm at the Hardware Gallery, 263 Enmore Road, Enmore.

Primavera 2011: The Museum of Contemporary Arts annual Primavera exhibition is on at The Rocks and if you take a look at some of the laneways around The Rocks area you can see work by Australian artists throughout the streets. When and where: On now until 13 November at The Rocks.

One hundred Flowers: Asian acquisitions. a delightful small exhibition is on at the Art Gallery called “One hundred Flowers” which features a range of works that have been added to the Art Gallery of new South Wales Asian collection over the last few years. there are beautiful Japanese folding screens, textiles from Southeast Asia and China and Indian miniature paintings amongst others. Free. When and Where: On now at the Art Gallery of new South Wales, The Domain.

Art Atrium – Kent Chuang and Megan O’Brien: Artists, Kent Chuang and Megan O’Brien are jointly exhibiting at the Art Atrium in Bondi Junction. Both artists’ works feature landscapes. Where and when: On now until 15 October, Monday to Saturday 11.00 am 4.00 pm, 181 Old South Head Road, Bondi Junction.

Slot Gallery – Tracy Luff: The Slot Gallery at the corner of Henderson Road, Alexandria features works by artist Tracy Luff. When and where: On now until 30 October in the windows at 38 Botany Road, Alexandria.

Predominantly Orange: Artist John Reid has an exhibition on at The Clubhouse with many works exploring the traffic cone! Where and when: On now at The Clubhouse, 77½ George Street, The Rocks!

The mad Square, Modern German art 1910-1937: this exhibition continues until 6 November and on 12 October as part of the Art after Hours series National Gallery of Victoria Director Gerard Vaughan will talk in the celebrity art talk. On Sunday October 9 from 1.00 till 2.00 pm Cabaret stars Dick and Christa Hughes will present a special cabaret performance outside the Gallery. Where and when: Art Gallery of new South Wales, this weekend and Wednesday 12 October.

Vignettes and Vistas: Blue Mountains Artists, Amanda Mayrhofer and Vic Hunter-Webb have an exhibition on at the moment at Blackheath. When and where: Blackheath National Park Heritage Centre, Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath. On until 31 October daily 9.00 to 4.30.

PERFORMANCE

Lair of the Werewolf: a murder mystery whodunit will be performed in Jenolan Caves by the Blue Mountain Theatre Company “Murder Mysteries in the Mountains”. Guests are invited to participate in the drama themselves – but you won’t be killed (well, not deliberately). The show starts at 4 pm on Saturday 8 October and you’ll be escorted through the Lucas Cave to the Cathedral Chamber for Act 1. after the show there will wine and cheese at Caves House. Tickets are $65/$38 and the show is not suitable for children under 10. Where and when: Saturday 8 October, 4 pm Bookings on 1300 763 311

No cold Feet: Come and have a look at an amazing performance (for free!) choreographed by Tess de Quincey. this is part of the Art and About Festival and the performance will be on at Cook and Phillip Park on this weekend 8 and 9 October and 11 – 16 October. it is approximately 40 minutes and starts on the steps of St Marys Cathedral and people walking by may be dragged into the action. Performers include Peter Fraser, Linda Luke, Vicki Van Hout, Victoria Hunt and mark Hill. Costumes by Albert Baldwin. Where and When: Forecourt of St Marys Cathedral in Cook and Phillip Park, 8 and 9 October and 11-16 October at 7pm

Four Flat Whites in Italy: at the Ensemble Theatre, catch “Four Flat Whites in Italy”. Directed by Sandra Bates this play is written by Roger Hall and is about two couples that travel together to Italy – but each couple has a very different travelling style. they are not the original foursome that planned to go but a replacement couple has stepped in at the last moment. Can they cope with each others differing ways or will it just end up a disaster? Starring Mary Regan, Henri Szeps, Sharon Flanagan and Michael Ross. you will laugh – but you might cringe too as you think of people you have travelled with and how you did or did not get on with them and what they might have thought of your travelling style! On now until 15 October and the show will then go to Canberra for a run during late October. Where and where: Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street, Kirribilli.

Kursk: Described as “an immersive theatre experience” this is a play set in the year 2000 and is about a crew in a submarine who are following a target. Based on the true story of the Russian submarine disaster in August 2000 and written by Bryony Lavery, this is suitable for ages 14 and above. ninety minutes no interval. Where and where: On at The Studio, Opera House 7.30pm, till 16 October 2011. Tickets $45/$39.

Loot: English playwright Joe Orton’s play “Loot” is about Hal and Dennis who try and rob a bank which is next door to Dennis’ job (in a funeral parlour!). But where do they hide the money that they have robbed? how about into the coffin of Hal’s mother who has just died! Hal and Dennis try to keep the local police force from finding out what has happened. Loot stars Caroline Craig, Darren Gilshenan, Robin Goldsworthy, Lee Jones, Josh McConville and William Zappa. this is a 2 act play of 2 hours including interval. When and where: Drama Theatre Sydney Opera House. On now until October 23.

And they called him Mr Glamour: Gareth Davies has written and stars in this one man show about self loathing and paranoia! When and where: On at the Belvoir Street Theatre downstairs on now until 9 October. Tickets $42/$36. Bookings 9699 3444

Summer of the Seventeenth Doll: Ray Lawler’s play is directed by Neil Armfield with set design by Ralph Myers. it stars Robyn Nevin, Susie Porter, Yael Stone, Helen Thomson, Dan Wyllie, Steve Le Marquand and TJ Power. An Australian classic about a group of people refusing to grow old and realise that their dreams are different from their day to day reality. Barney and Roo come down from Queensland for the 17th summer in a row, to spend it with Roo’s sweetheart Olive – who looks forward to the 5 months a year she spends with him when he finishes cutting the cane. this year it is different. Nance, Barney’s girl, has left to get married, not content with the knock about temporary life of that 5 months. Olive’s friend Pearl, a widow and mother of Vera is brought in as a sort of replacement for Nance but Pearl can see through the day dreams of Olive, Roo and Barney and won’t be part of it. The play explores the force of mateship between Barney and Roo and how pride and petty jealousies can break a friendship. these are ordinary people growing older and not wanting to confront their lives. Emma, played by Robyn Nevin, the old owner of the boarding house, is the only one that sees that. a terrific cast and a great set with a window overlooking the streets outside allowing a breeze to blow through perhaps as a reminder of the world outside that the characters are letting pass them by. The play is just under 3 hours. Tickets on 96993 4444. On now at 8pm (Tuesdays 6.30)until 13 November at Belvoir Street Theatre, 25 Belvoir Street Surry Hills.

10,000 Beers: Alex Broun has written a play about an end of season football trip taken by the Panorama Pirates from Adelaide who arrive in Sydney with plans for a 48 hour pub crawl during which they must drink 10,000 beers. The play is directed by Lee Lewis and looks at the dark side of male bonding exploring drinking, sport, violence and mateship. it stars Gus Murray, Andrew Steel, Anthony Taufa and Matt Zeremes. it is set on a playing field which doubles beautifully as the inside of many pubs on the pub crawl. you feel like you are watching a game in motion and the dialogue mirrors the action of the game. When and where: On now until 9 October, Tuesday – Saturday at 8pm, Sundays at 5pm; Matinees: Saturday 1 and 8 October at 3pm. Tickets: Adult: $37, Student Conc: $32, Senior: $30, Groups 10+: $30. Darlinghurst Theatre, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point

A Perfect Ganesh: Roz Riley directs a play by Terrence McNally about 2 women’s search for adventure and healing. Tickets: $30/$25. Bookings: 9439 1906. When and where: Star of the Sea Theatre, Manly, corner of Collingwood Street and Iluka Avenue, Manly, on till 15 October, evenings at 7.30 pm, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and Sunday matinees 3.00 pm.

Keating!: at the Town Hall Theatre in Campbelltown on Friday 7 October and Saturday 8 October, catch the musical by Casey Benetto. Tickets $25/$20. Bookings 02 4627 8289 or woftambookings@gmail.com. When and where: Friday 30 September 8.00 pm, Friday 7 October 8.00 pm, Saturday 8 October 2.00 pm and 8.00 pm at Town Hall Theatre, 297 Queen Street, Campbelltown.

Money Shots: Five short new works are performed at Wharf 2 at Hickson Road, Walsh Bay as part of the Sydney Theatre Company program. The works include The Arcade, Drill down, no Exit from the Roof, Fiddler’s Coin, and how to Get very Clean. Tickets $25 to $35. When and where: On now until 15 October at 8.15, Wharf 2, Sydney Theatre Company, Pier 4, Hickson Road, Walsh Bay.

Lucky: Written by Ference Alexander Zavros and directed by Sama Ky Balson, this is a physical theatre piece featuring actors of indigenous, Vietnamese and Spanish backgrounds telling a story about a person trying to escape their country through a people smuggler and into Australia. Tickets $30/25 and available on 1300 306 776 or at the door. When and where: On now till 22 October Tuesday to Saturday at 8.00 pm, Sunday at 5.00 pm. new Theatre, 542 King Street, Newtown.

Slow boat to Chinamans: this is a musical aboard a ferry which travels under the Harbour Bridge throughout the Harbour and back to Walsh Bay all while you watch a story about the history of the harbour through song and dance. Being on board the MV Mulgi you will hear stories about Billy Blue a freed convict who started the first ferry service across the Harbour when he was 70, Bennelong, Mary Bligh, Kate Leigh and Tilly Devine. Tickets are $137/117 and includes a dinner and complimentary beverage on arrival. 1300 793 008. When and where: On now until 4 December. Wednesday to Friday 7.30 pm, Sunday 7.30. Passengers embark and disembark from the MV Mulgi from Walsh Bay Wharf, Hickson Road, Millers Point.

OPERA

Italian Opera Foundation Australia Finals: 6 finalists are competing for a scholarship worth $50,000 and guest artists include Aldo di Toro and Tiffany Speight. Tickets are $75 including a post-concert cocktail party. Bookings 9744 7933. When and where: Sunday 9 October from 3.30 pm at the Italian Forum Cultural Centre, 23 Norton Street, Leichhardt. On site parking is available.

Macbeth: Giuseppe Verdi’s Opera Macbeth, based on the tragedy by William Shakespeare is sung in Italian and has just started at the Opera House. it stars Elizabeth Whitehouse as Lady Macbeth, Peter Coleman-Wright as Macbeth, Daniel Sumegi as Banquo and Rosario La Spina as Macduff. Conducted by Andrea Molino. this historical tragedy is set in a modern stylised forest with earthy costumes for the witches and lavish finery for the Scottish aristocracy. The witches chorus sets the scene of the dark events that are to follow. The aria sung by Macduff (Rosario La Spina), (Ah, la paterna mano) is also very moving with his determination to take vengeance after the deaths of his wife and children at the hands of Macbeth.The performance is approximately 2 hours and 30 mins with one 20 minute interval. When and where: On at the Opera Theatre, Sydney Opera House September October 8 matinee.

Don Giovanni: Mozart’s classic opera about the real bad guy in the opera world – Don Giovanni who is the ultimate seducer who eventually gets his comeuppance. Teddy Tahu Rhodes stars as the Don in a pair of very tight and fetching black leather shorts which are then all too soon replaced by some very tight and fetching black leather pants. his black boots remain for most of the time. Rachelle Durkin is a terrific Donna Anna and Jacqueline Dark is the marvellously persistent Dona Elvira. Taryn Fiebig is Zerlina a potential other conquest of the Don’s and Conal Coad plays his accomplice and frustrated servant Leporello. even though Don Giovanni is such a wicked man, it is a fun opera to watch with spectacular singing by the cast. Conducted by mark Wigglesworth, it also stars Henry Choo as Don Ottavio, Daniel Sumegi as the Commendatore and Andrew Jones as Masetto. The opera is approximately 3 hours including a 20 minute interval. When and where: On now at the Opera Theatre, Sydney Opera House, evening performances at 7.30 and some matinees on Saturday.

EXHIBITIONS

Sound Resources: An art installation by Sydney based Sound designer Jos Mulder which looks at the topic of mining and its impacts. On at the UTS DABLAB Research Gallery. When and where: On now to Friday 28 October 2011 Monday to Friday 10.00am to 5pm. Level 4 Faculty of Design Architecture and Building, University of Technology, Sydney.

Character of the Cross: People and place past and present: this is a photography exhibition on from 5 October 2011 with the theme “Character of the Cross”. Professional, student and non-professional photographers have entered and the exhibition is on at the Mercure, Sydney Potts Point. there will be a free story telling event on Sunday 16 October 2011 from 3-5pm with Mandy Sayer and Playwright Louis Nowra. When and where: Mercure, Sydney Potts Point (Hotel) Reception area 226 Victoria Street, Potts Point on now to 24 October and story telling on Sunday October 16.

Stacks 40 days of Poetry: at Customs House a new exhibition will start at Customs House featuring poems which were submitted by the public as part of a poetry gathering attempt where members of the public were asked to respond to a poem. these were gathered at Red Room Company.Org. Highlights of the poetry are displayed in the exhibition with a pop up book at animation by Tasman Munro. Free. When and where: Customs House, 31 Alfred Street, Circular Quay, on now till Sunday, 16 October.

Beauty from Nature: Art of the Scott Sisters: at the Australian Museum , this exhibition features the drawings of Harriett and Helena Scott. they lived in the mid to late 1800s and were talented natural history artists. this is the first time the Australian Museum has shown a collection of their material which includes water colours, handwritten manuscripts, sketches and letters and is a scientific resource for the museum. When and where: On now until 27 November at the Australian Museum, College Street.

Wiggles’ Exhibition: take a look at the Wiggles’ Exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum which is an interactive exhibition with theme spaces and lots of colour coordination. there are activities for kids to learn and play and there will be opportunities to sit in a big red car, make a fruit salad, wake up Jeff, make a rose for Dorothy and be part of the pirate crew. The exhibition traces the formation of the Wiggles and their global success. Tickets as part of the general admission to Powerhouse Museum $10/$5 and $6 concession. When and where: On now, Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Sydney.

NIU Warrior: at the Casula Powerhouse, the Pacific Rim Cultural Warriors past, present and future are featured in this exhibition. there are 50 art works from around the Pacific Rim on display. The exhibition looks at “modern warriors” who use art on their bodies to promote leadership and cross cultural understanding. this exhibition follows on from the body Pacifica Exhibition last year. as part of this exhibition there will be a Pacific BBQ on 1 October. When and where: On now until 4 December. Casula Powerhouse Art Centre, 1 Casula Road, Casula. Free parking.

The Analogue Crusader: a new exhibition at Customs House created by Tasman Munro features a short film about retaining old traditions. When and where: On at Customs House, Circular Quay daily until October 16.

Artisans in the Garden: this is an exhibition of art and sculpture at the Botanic Gardens and entry is free. Curated by Peta Rattray, this exhibition features beautiful individual items and there are home made cakes and tea and coffee available. All works for sale. When and where: Saturday 8 October to Sunday 16 October 10 till 4 pm daily, Lion Gate Lodge and Cottage Gardens, mrs Macquarie’s Road, Royal Botanic Gardens.

Eat History Exhibition: look at how cooking and eating has changed over the years in a special exhibition particularly focussing on trends in cuisine and food preparation in Australia. When and where: On now until February at the Bowen Library, Maroubra, 669 to 673 Anzac Parade, Maroubra.

Let me Entertain you: AT Hurstville Museum this weekend, as part of their current exhibition” let me Entertain you” which looks at entertainment and performance in the St George area, there will be a special dance class called “feel the beat” $10 per person with demonstrations and then you get to have a try!. Bookings on 9330 6444 Also kids activities including dress ups and activity sheets. Where and when: Saturday 8 October corner of Queens Road and Dora Street Hurstville.

KIDS ACTIVITIES

Big Drums for Small People: at the Q Theatre at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre in Penrith, the TaikOz artists will present “Big Drums for Small People” on Saturday 8 October. this is a very high energy drumming show suitable for kids aged 3-12. Tickets $15 or $48 for a group of 4. Bookings 02 4723 7600. this is part of the 2011 Sydney Children’s’ Festival. Where and when: Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre in Penrith. Saturday 8 October, 10am and 12pm.

The Secret of the Seven Marbles: The Tamarama Rock Surfers will be staging “The secret of the seven marbles” a play for children aged 5-12, written and directed by Nadine Helmi. it stars Di Smith, Jody Kennedy and Drew Failey, tickets are $16 and its about an excavation about a house in the Rocks and the finding of magical marbles at the archaeological dig. Bookings 8019 0282 or rocksurfers.org. When and where, Finishes Saturday 8 October 10.30 and 1pm (1 hour) at Bondi Pavilion Theatre, Bondi.

King Arthur’s Quest: The Marian Street Theatre for Young People is presenting “King Arthur’s Quest” – a play for kids which tracks the tale of a young boy, Arthur, who after reading about King Arthur and the Knights of the round Table is inspired to make his own round table and go on his own adventures. $22/$18 and families of 4 $68. Bookings 1300 306 776. When and where: On now until Saturday 26 October. Saturdays at 1.00 pm and during the school holidays daily 10.30 and 1.00 pm, Marian Street Theatre, 2 Marian Street, Killara.

Snow White and the Pirate Adventure: Sally Redman’s “Snow White and the Pirate Adventure” will be performed at the Sutherland Memorial Arts Theatre in Sutherland on the last weekend of the school holidays and the following weekend. this is a musical and tickets are $15/$10. Bookings 8230 0668. Where and when: Sutherland Memorial Arts Theatre, East Parade, Sutherland, Saturday and Sunday 8 and 9 October and 15 and 16 October at 10.00 am and 2.00 pm.

Check out the Dutch visiting vessel the Duyfken and learn how to make a model of the ship and some paper flowers. there are special sessions daily from till Sunday 9 October for $7. Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour. Pirate treasure hunts are on Saturday 8 October ($30 per child 5.00pm – 7.00pm) with a performance of the kids show Swashbuckled (Saturday 8 October 5.00pm – 7.00pm 9298 3655). Where: National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour.

Sydney Olympic Park School Holiday Activities: go on a Dinosaur Dig, Crack the Code on the Clue Trail, join in the Amazing Chase on your bike or try the Segway Rides at Newington Armoury. there is also a monster skate park where you can learn how to skate board and there are AFL clinics, floorball, the Brick Pit Ring Walk and lots more. Where and when: Finishes Sunday 9 October, Sydney Olympic Park.

SUNDAY OCTOBER 9

OUT AND ABOUT

Navy Open Day: HMAS Kuttabul will hold its annual open day at Woolloomooloo on Sunday 9 October. there will be four war ships on display: Anzac, Ballarat, Darwin and Melbourne and all gangways are open to the public. you can go on board and talk to the sailors and officers. The clearance divers will be demonstrating their skills and the Navy Band is also performing. All free. a shuttle bus will run between the Kuttabul Wharf and the Naval Heritage Centre. no car parking available on site, so catch the 311 from Central or the train to Kings Cross station and walk 1.2km to the entrance at Cowper Wharf Road. When and where: Sunday October 9 10.00am to 4.00pm, HMAS Kuttabul Woolloomooloo.

Garden music at Bundanoon: as part of the open garden scheme, Didgeridoo player William Barton and his mother Delmae together with Nicole Forsyth on viola will perform on Sunday 9 October. you will be able to walk through the heritage gardens and talk to the garden specialists as well as hear the beautiful program. at 3 pm there will be a special performance in front of the homestead. Tours of the garden $6.00, homestead and garden $16/13 and tours and concert $25.00. Bookings 02 4422 2100. When and where: Sunday 9 October 10 till 4.30 with special concert at 3.00 pm, Bundanoon, via Illaroo Road, South Coast.

ART

2011 Portia Geach Memorial Award: at the SH Ervin Gallery there are over 50 portraits of men or women distinguished in Art, Letters and Sciences and these work represent the Portia Geach finalists for 2011. this award is for portraiture by contemporary Australian women artists. Admission $7/$5. Where and when: On now until 6 November at the SH Ervin Gallery, Watson Road, Observatory Hill. Watson Road, Observatory Hill, The Rocks.

EXHIBITIONS

Check out the terrific exhibition “On sale” at the State Library. Find out how the first Fleets set up the shops in the early colony, the Sydney markets, the tradition of “Doing the Block” as you walked around the CBD block King, Market and Pitt – looking at certain shops, the development of the modern shopping mall and its locations in Sydney. When and where: On now till October 30 at the State Library, Macquarie Street.

TALKS

Zhongian Midway – An exhibition on at the Mosman Art Gallery. Guest speaker: John Monteleone from the Wollongong City Gallery (Program Director) will talk with artists, Guan Wei, Yang, Xifa and Julie Bartholomew. When and where: Sunday, 9 October, 2.00 pm at the Mosman Art Gallery, Mosman

COMING UP NEXT WEEK AND BEYOND

OUT AND ABOUT

2011 Sarcochilus Orchid Show: The Blue Mountains and Penrith Districts Orchid Society will host its sarcochilus orchid show on Saturday 15 October. Admission $2/$1 and lots of orchids will be for sale. When and where: Saturday 15 October, 9.00 til 5.00 pm and Sunday 16 October 9.00 till 4.00 pm, Girl Guides Hall, Corner of great Western Highway and Nepean Street, Emu Plains.

Bike riding events: Next weekend 15 and 16th October, enjoy a family cycling day in the Royal National Park where there will be demonstrations, bike maintenance and bike skills workshops. at Glenrock State Conservation Area, the world class mountain bike track will be opened. Bike rides and games will be on at the Kanagra Boyd National Park and also lots of bike riding fun at the Lane Cove National Park. When and where: Oct 15 and 16 around Sydney

Sydney Opera House Open Day: On Sunday 16 October check out behind the scenes at the Opera House with guided tours of backstage areas. you can take a peek into the dressing rooms, look at the set of the performance Kursk and see a range of costumes from Opera Australia, the Australian Ballet, exhibits from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the Australian Chamber Orchestra and lots more. there are special discount coupons for the day at sydneyoperahouse.com/openday. When and Where: Sunday 16 October 10-4pm.

Kids day out at Double Bay Library: The annual kids day out event in the Blackburn Gardens between Woollahra Council and Double Bay Library is on 23 October from 10 till 2. there will be drumming workshops, art and craft activities, jumping castle, barbecues and library activities. When and where: 23 October 10 till 2 pm, 536 – 548 new South Head Road, Double Bay.

Parramatta Park Heritage Rose Festival: Rumsey Rose Garden: On Sunday 16 October. take a look at the beautiful roses that will be in bloom at Parramatta Park and talk to the gardening experts who will be there. Stalls with garden plants, books and garden related items are available. The bee keepers at the Parramatta Amateur Bee Keepers Association will have honey for sale and bees wax candles. Music by the Valley Temple Trio and kids planting activities as well. When and where: Sunday 16 October 10 till 4 pm Rumsey Road Gardens, Parramatta Park.

Hazelhurst Print Fest: On 16 October at the Hazelhurst Art Gallery, enjoy the fun activities with exhibitions featuring works by David Rankin, family activities in the regional gallery using stamping and printing skills, workshops for children aged 8 to 13, adult workshops for beginners, films and guided tours and talks with Pamela Griffiths and David Rankin. Most of the events are free or low cost. Where and when: Sunday 16 October 10 till 5 pm Hazelhurst Regional Gallery and Art Centre, The Kingsway Gymea.

2011 Berry Garden Festival: Get out of Sydney and head to Berry next weekend for the Garden Festival from 13- 16 October. About 8 local gardens will be open and you can walk to many of them or some are a short drive away in Meroo Meadow or Broughton Vale. Buy a pass for $20 for all gardens or $ 5 for individual gardens and tickets on sale in Berry at Apex Park. Kids under 15 are free. berrygardens.org.au. When and where 13- 16 October Berry.

FUNDRAISER

Rainbow Club Australia: a fundraiser for this small charity that runs swimming lessons for kids with disabilities will be held on 22 October and it is a Ball with a Halloween theme! Bookings on 0412 504 052 and the Ball is on at The Marquee Room, Le Montage, Lilyfield from 7- midnight rainbow_clubaust@hotmail.com.

TALKS

New South Wales Australian Football History Society Lecture: at the Alexandria Hotel, Henderson Road, Alexandria at Midday on 24 October 2011. here a talk about Trumper Park in Paddington and the AFL’s use of the oval and locality for over 100 years. Miles Wilks will present the talk as well as interview former AFL players including Ellis Noack. Entry is $5. When and Where: Saturday 24 October from noon to 2pm, Alexandria Hotel, Henderson Road, Alexandria.

Paul Keating with Kerry O’Brien: Paul Keating will talk to Kerry O’Brien on a range of topics including the challenge of Asia to Australia’s Continuing need for economic reform, the role of the Monarchy, History of Native Title and lots more. Tickets are $30. Bookings on swf.org.au. this is a Sydney Writers Festival event. When and where: Sunday 30 October 2.30pm at the City Recital Hall, Angel Place, City.

Twilight Tour at Prince Henry Hospital Nursing and Medical Museum: Come along on a tour of the Prince Henry Hospital to see about the history of nursing, what it was like to be a patient in the 1930′s to 1950′s. Booking: 9387 4412. Light refreshments provided and a $5.00 donation. Wheelchair accessible venue. When and where: Wednesday, 12 October, 6.00 to 8.30 pm. Nursing and Medical Museum, 2 Brodie Avenue, little Bay (off Anzac Parade). this is a Randwick City Council event.

PERFORMANCE

Motherhood the Musical: this production returns to the Seymour Centre for 5 performances from October 11 to 13 and then on at the Glen Street Theatre Belrose from 19 to 30 October before travelling to Wollongong and Newcastle. this is about the lives of 4 mothers all coping with the stresses of motherhood in different ways. Directed by Terence O’Connell and featuring Amelia Christo, Ziggy Clements, Jacqueline Hoy and Rebecca Moore. Tickets $58/$43. When and where: Thursday October 13 to Saturday October 15, 8 pm evening performances matinees 12.30 pm Friday 12 and 2 pm Saturday 15 October at the Seymour Centre, corner of Cleveland Street and City Road, Chippendale.

Judith: Howard Barker’s play Judith – a parting from the body – is directed by Cathy Hunt and stars Louisa Hastings Edge, Anna Houston and Benedict Samuel. this is about the apocryphal of Judith – a historical story about loving one’s enemy. Tickets $33/25/21. Bookings 8019 0282. When and where: previewing 13 to 16 October and season 18 October to 6 November at the Bondi Pavilion theatre, Level 1, Bondi Pavilion, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach.

Who killed Mario Lanza? John Wregg directs this musical thriller about the death of Mario Lanza. Guy Noble is the musical director and it stars Aldo Di Toro, Tiffany Speight and Guy Noble. Tickets available through Riverside Theatre. When and where: Wednesday 13 October 7.30 pm, Riverside Theatre Parramatta.

No way to Treat a Lady: Darlinghurst Theatre Company presents a musical “No way to Treat a Lady” directed by Stephen Colyer and starring Jason Langley, Phillip Lowe, Julie O’Riley and Katrina Retallick. Musical direction by Craig Renshaw. this is a music comic thriller about a serial killer in the 70′s and the policeman that wants to track him down. Each victim has a red lipstick kiss drawn on its forehead – the killer’s calling card. Tickets: $37/$32/$27. Previewing 13 to 16 October. Opening Tuesday, 18 October and on until 13 November. Tuesday to Saturday, 8.00 pm, Sundays at 5.00 pm, Matinee: 29 October, 5 and 12 November at 3.00 pm.

When and where: Darlinghurst Theatre Company, 19 Greenknowe Avenue, Potts Point.

OPERA

The German Opera Scholarship concert is on at the Verbrugghen Hall, Sydney Conservatorium of Music and the winner will receive a $43,000 scholarship. Tickets: $35/$20. When and where: Conservatorium of Music, Sunday, 22 October, 4.00 pm, Macquarie Street.

MUSIC

River Rhythms at Sydney Olympic Park: Rockabilly performer, Scotty Baker performs on Sunday 9 October at the Armoury Wharf from 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm Where and When: Armoury Wharf, Newington Armoury, via Jamieson Street, Sydney Olympic Park. Free parking at Blaxland Riverside Park.

Circus Maximus: The Sydney Conservatorium of Music Wind Symphony with the Australian Army Band will perform, conducted by Steve Williams, at the Town Hall on Saturday 8 October. The concert features John Corigliano’s masterpiece “Circus Maximus” and expect to hear some fabulous brass performances. $30/$25/$20. When and where: Saturday 8 October 3.00 pm and 7.00 pm, Sydney Town Hall, George Street.

Lane Cove Music Event: The Pollard Awards Concert featuring finalists from the City of Sydney Eisteddfod is on at St Andrew’s Anglican Church, Lane Cove. The performers are 12 to 16 and will perform works on Violin, Piano, Classical Guitar, Saxophone, Trumpet, Cello and Flute. Tickets are $15 at the door and supper is included. Ph 9428 4287. When and where: St Andrew’s Anglican Church, Rosenthal Avenue, Lane Cove Tuesday 11 October at 8pm.

Sydney Philharmonia Choirs: at the Concert Hall on Thursday 13 October the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs conducted by Simon Kenway will perform the B Minor Mass by Bach. Soloists include Greta Bradman, Paul Goodwin-Groen, Tobias Cole and Paul McMahon. Tickets $80/45. When and where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House, Thursday 13 October 8 pm.

ART

Zhongjian: Midway: at Mosman Art Gallery, from 28 September a new exhibition is on entitled Zhongjian: Midway, which looks at Australia’s relationship to Asia including economically, politically and culturally. Chinese artist Jin Sha looks at the issue of “finding yourself” midway between cultures. there are works by 14 artists from China and Australia and the exhibition features paintings, sculpture, installation and video projections. there will be an exhibition overview on Sunday 9 October at 2pm. When and where: Exhibition starts 28 September and on until 20 November at Mosman Art Gallery, Mosman.

Art Exhibition at Menai: a free art exhibition to raise funds for the Sutherland Hospital is on from Monday 10 October to Sunday 23 October 2011 featuring 180 paintings by 90 local artists. The art is on sale and there are also raffles to raise money for the Sutherland Hospital. When and where: Menai Market Place 152-194 Allision Crescent, Menai Monday 10 to Sunday 23 October 9am-5.00pm and Thursday nights 10.00am – 4.00pm.

Richmond School of Arts: Celebration of 150 years since the establishment of the literary institute: An exhibition on from 14 to 16 October will be held at the Richmond School of Arts where historic documents dating back through the years of the Richmond School of Arts History. Free entry. When and where: Richmond School of Arts, Cnr of March and West, Market Street, Richmond. October 14, 15 and 16 from 11.00 to 4.00 pm.