AUSTRALIA becomes Baz Luhrmann’s Biggest Movie Ever
On New Year’s Day 2009 AUSTRALIA, surpassed Moulin Rouge’s Australian box office record of A$27.7M to become the most successful Baz Luhrmann film of all time in his home country.
The film has taken A$28.8M at the box office to date and this has been achieved in just 5 ½ weeks, compared to 24 weeks for Moulin Rouge, and faster than most of the major blockbusters of 2008 such as Mamma Mia (8 weeks), Quantum of Solace (6 weeks), Sex in the City (15 weeks), Indiana Jones & The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (7 weeks).
Contrary to media reports of disappointing ticket sales, Twentieth Century Fox says AUSTRALIA is on track to sail past the significant milestone of A$30 million this week. The film enjoyed exceptional results in this country over the holiday season, grossing A$5.4 million between Boxing Day and January 4th. Read the story »
What’s Hot and What’s Not in 2009
The annual Hot & Not List of market researcher Klaus van den Berg has been released. Since the early 1990s Van den Berg has been studying consumers, costumers, trendsetters and stakeholders for companies, governments, NGOs and charities. The lists are based on analysis of cutting-edge international lifestyle media.
In 2009 Nigella Lawson (pictured) and Kate Ryan are HOT, but according to Van den Berg, Glamour, Hair Extensions and Desperate Housewives are NOT.
“In good times and in bad, new trends are always a hot conversation piece. This year the coolest charts will be the financial listings and economic overviews. Because people will act more aware, critical and cautious in all aspects of their consumer lives, trends will be cooled down accordingly,” Van den Berg said. Read the story »
2009 Summer Blockbuster Movies in Cinemas Down Under
The line up of summer blockbuster movies includes one come back of a former box office draw card, the reuniting of a much loved on-screen couple, and several family films released for the school holidays. World War II and movies based on other true events also feature heavily in the cinema line-up this summer.
Jim Carey will make his on-screen come back when Yes Man is released in cinemas on 1 January. The first day of 2009 will also see the release of the animated flick Bolt and the family caper Marley and Me.
Fans of Titanic’s epic love story will be delighted to hear that Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet (pictured) have reunited on screen as a young couple raising two children and struggling with personal demons in the Revolutionary Road. Read the story »
Australia’s Top 10 Social and Demographic Trends for 2008
In 2008 there were more Australian’s than ever before, with significant increases in the number of births and immigration, and a significant drop in the death rate.
Generation Z entered the teenage years, while Generation Y become the most concerned about Australia’s immediate economic future. 2008 may also be remembered the year in which the ‘Sandwich Generation’ appeared on the social research radar.
Some things never change and despite our love affair with American movies and music, Australian’s are still not fond of tipping and we are so over clichés. Read the story »
BEST & WORST OF 2008
Worst ‘Corporate Scrooges’ of 2008
The worst corporate “Scrooges” of 2008 - the CEOs who exhibited the worst kinds of unbridled...
‘Best and Worst’ Celebrity Baby Names of 2008
Harlow Winter Kate Madden and Caleb James Bice are the best celebrity baby names of 2008, according to...
NASA’s Top Science, Exploration and Discovery Stories of 2008
NASA landed on Mars, photographed distant worlds, added to the International Space Station, took part...
LIVING
Ten Tips to Beat the Baby Boomer Blues
Millions of baby boomers headed toward retirement are losing sleep at night because in most cases, they...
RSPCA School Holiday Program
The RSPCA is presenting a January a school holiday program for kid’s aged 10 – 14 years at the RSPCA...
2009 Australian Womens Health Diary
Start the New Year on a healthy note and buy the 2009 Australian Women’s Health Diary. You will be...
How People REALLY Lost Weight and Kept It Off
Time for that resolution to lose weight again! But a recent study by the U.S. National Weight Control...
SUMMER READING
The Messenger of Athens by Anne Zouroudi
Captain Corelli’s Mandolin meets Hercule Poirot in this evocative mystery set on a small Greek...
The Rest of Her Life by Laura Moriarty
A young girl and her family deal with the repercussions of a tragic car accident in this compelling tale...
SUMMER RECIPES
Crumbed Lamb Cutlets with Tomato Relish
Spice up the traditional Aussie summer with this fresh and easy recipe from Bakers Delight - Crumbed...
Gourmet BBQ Burger
Spice up the traditional Aussie summer BBQ with this fresh and easy recipe from Bakers Delight. Gourmet...
COMPETITIONS
Win a Trip to LA by reading Michael Connelly
Win a holiday to Los Angeles for two people valued at AU$8,000. Purchase a copy of the new thriller...
Win a $5000 Holiday in the Summer Reading Competition
Looking for the perfect escape? Win a $5,000 holiday with the Allen & Unwin Summer Reading competition! Buy...
Win the ultimate crime library with P.D. James
Win the Ultimate Crime Library featuring 39 titles written by some of today’s most popular crime...
News
4X4 Of The Year 2009Soccer Mums may be interested to know that the Mitsubishi NT Pajero GLS CDi (pictured) has been announced as the winner of the coveted...
Online memorial established for Jett TravoltaTributes.com has established an online memorial for Jett Travolta, John Travolta’s 16-year old son, who passed away Friday morning...
Games Industry and Xbox records biggest year everDespite a tough economy, the gaming industry held strong in 2008 and Microsoft Corp.’s Xbox 360 video game and entertainment...
Food Manufacturers Commit to Limit Advertising to KidsMajor Australian based food and beverage manufacturers have, for the first time, publicly made available company action plans which...
RSPCA Shelters Inundated During Holiday ‘Kitten’ SeasonThe RSPCA is once again urging cat owners to desex their pets after being inundated with kittens in recent weeks. RSPCA’s Sydney...




