Tim & Jean - The Next Big Thing

"What is it that makes Australian electro duo Tim & Jean so special? That's not meant as a corny opening line for this feature, that's a genuine question. We really want to know what kind of magic potion is running through the water in their hometown of Perth or how many virgins one needs to sacrifice in order to have what they have. With just one song circulating around at the moment, the blissful synth-pop jam Come Around, Tim & Jean have already blown bloggers and industry types away. Indeed, after wowing Australian audiences as part of Triple J radio’s Unearthed competition, the duo has found itself in the middle of a major label bidding war in the US, cementing its buzz as the next big thing set to go supernova in 2010. On Come Around the kids, and yes I do mean kids as the two are just 15 and 18 respectively, show off a surprisingly masterful knack for melding mirror-ball electronics with stomping choruses and irresistible hooks. With more gold like this on the way now's the ideal time to fall for Tim & Jean as you can bet you'll be hearing a lot of them very soon."

source: http://www.thecoolhunter.com.au/

check them out @ http://www.myspace.com/wearetimandjean

Empire of the Sun - Album of the Year @ ARIA's

"For years, Luke Steele has been hailed as the Next Big Thing in Australian music. Last night, the eccentric Perth performer climbed to the pinnacle of Australian music when his band, Empire of the Sun, dominated the 23rd ARIA Awards in Sydney.

Steele and his collaborator Nick Littlemore were the toast of the town when their electro pop duo collected four gongs including Album of the Year, Best Group, Single of the Year and Best Pop Release for its critically acclaimed debut album Walking on a Dream.

These accolades came after the band's success at the recent ARIA Artisan Awards, where it was awarded Best Video, Best Cover Art and Best Producer.

The awards consolidated a big year for the band, which counts Barack Obama and Jay-Z as fans and whose upbeat, sci-fi themed songs have been on high rotation on radio stations."

source: theage.com.au

'Sweet Disposition' - The Temper Trap

House on Carysfort Road - ODOS Architects

"This mid-terrace house in Ireland has been extensively refurbished into a contemporary live/work space. The new structure was conceived as a simple form which connects at ground level with the existing house. The tight site and strict planning constraints defined the form of the new extension from an early stage."

Carysfort Road, Dublin, Ireland, by ODOS Architects, via: The Architectural Review

Pranav Mistry @ TED INDIA 2009: The thrilling potential of SixthSense technology

Awsmazing!

Melbourne and Olympic Park Masterplan

The Melbourne and Olympic Parks masterplan aims to cater for the growing popularity of the Australian Open and to establish Melbourne and Olympic Parks as an unbeatable sports and events precinct.

The proposal places a strong emphasis on the comfort of patrons, with more open space and shade, increased seating capacity, better connections to public transport and the city, and easier movement into and within Melbourne Park.

The plan proposes:

• a new 'town square' with a lightweight roof to provide shade and protection for patrons in the centre of Melbourne Park
• improved player facilities
• more practice courts
• an international broadcast centre and better media facilities
• a roof for Margaret Court Arena
• new headquarters for Tennis Australia
• better pedestrian links between the precinct, Birrarung Marr and the new rectangular stadium.

The Victorian Government has provided $5 million for the preparation of a long term masterplan for the site, and detailed design and costings for the first stage of the project. The masterplan will take over 10 years to implement, and will need to be delivered in a way that allows the Australian Open Grand Slam and Rod Laver Arena to continue to operate.

Stephen Wiltshire draws NYC from memory

"Stephen Wiltshire is an artist who draws and paints detailed cityscapes. He has a particular talent for drawing lifelike, accurate representations of cities, sometimes after having only observed them briefly. He was awarded an MBE for services to the art world in 2006. He studied Fine Art at City & Guilds Art College. His work is popular all over the world, and is held in a number of important collections."

"Glow in the Dark" Book Promo - Kanye West

Awesome concert footage, can't wait for the DVD!