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ICT and media news

RUOK? survey reveals Aussies spend more time with screens than quality time with family and friends

We spend an average of 46 hours of our weekly downtime looking at TVs and devices, compared to 6 hours engaging with family and friends. About half of all Australians spend 2 hours or less weekly connecting with those who matter to them. Obstacles include distance, being too tired, being busy, housework and long work hours. Finding time in busy schedules is crucial. Strong and caring connections provide a safety net to help people cope with challenging times.

https://www.ruok.org.au/new-survey-reveals-aussies-spend-more-time-with-screens-than-quality-time-with-family-and-friends

 

Deloitte Media Consumer Survey 2016

Their 5th edition- more than 2000 Australians aged 14 to 69 were surveyed. The survey provides a snapshot of how consumers are interacting with media, entertainment and technologies. Results include:

 

* Huge influence of social media – the #1 digital destination; 84% are on a social network

*61% use social media every day; 84% of younger millennials use it every day

*Most used social media sites: 1.  Facebook (92%) 2. Instagram (28%) 3. Twitter (24%) 4. (All equal) Snapchat, LinkedIn, Google+ (18%)

*18% use social media sites as their most frequently used source of news (14% online papers; 6% print newspapers); many younger people use social media as their primary source of news

*Word of mouth is still the main influence on purchase decisions, followed by recommendations on social media (which has surpassed the influence of TV advertising)

*TV viewing, on any device, is the most preferred entertainment activity (62% rate it in top 3)

*Using the internet for social or personal interests is almost as popular as TV (60% rate it in top 3)

*Millennials prefer using the internet as their top source of entertainment; watching TV is the most popular with other generations

*Live programming is the most used method for consuming TV (42% of viewing time)

*Watching streamed programming is increasing (22% pay for a subscription)

*Millennials lead the uptake of streaming services such as Netflix, Stan and Presto

*Almost everyone likes to binge-watch (74% millennials; 50% others)

* 88% multitask while watching TV

*66% own tablet devices

*86% of households own a smartphone and a laptop; 85% own a TV

*67% rank smartphones in their top 3 devices

*Social media apps are the most popular with millennials; banking apps are also popular with younger people; older people like weather apps!

*10% intend to buy a Virtual Reality headset next year

*21% own a fitness band and 11% own a smartwatch

*Millennials (age 14 to 32) lead the way in engaging with the digital media universe

 

Preferred entertainment activities of all respondents – including books!

  1. Watching TV (any device) 2. Using the internet 3. Listening to music (any device) 4. Going to the movies 5. Reading books 6. Playing video games 7. Attending live performances 8. Reading newspapers (print or online) 9. Listening to the radio (any device/format) 10. Reading magazines (print or online)

*Reading books (in any format) is rated by 25% of people as a top 3 entertainment activity

*Reading books (in any format) decreased in popularity by 8% compared to 2015, despite gains for the past 4 years.

*Reading books and playing video games are almost equal in popularity as a top 3 entertainment activity (25% for books; 24% for video games)

*Movie-going increased in popularity by 5% over the past year

*Aside from using the internet and watching TV, millennials also favour listening to music, going to the movies and playing video games

*Aside from watching TV and using the internet, boomers and matures also like reading newspapers and books

 

Good short video and infographic: http://www2.deloitte.com/au/en/pages/technology-media-and-telecommunications/articles/media-consumer-survey-2016.html

The report: http://bit.ly/2cV9Ml2

Summary: http://which-50.com/social-dominates-digital-reshapes-media-habits/

Categories
books

Only Daughter by Anna Snoekstra

Only Daughter by Anna Snoekstra

Great to see Canberra born and raised author Anna Snoekstra  release her debut novel – a psychological thriller set in Canberra! The film rights were sold to Universal Pictures and the script has been completed by Erin Wilson (who wrote the scripts for The girl on the train and Secretary). The book follows the disappearance of 16 year old Rebecca Winter and the impostor who claims to be the missing teen 11 years later. The story is told in alternating chapters by both characters. Snoekstra said Canberra was the “perfect fit” for the setting, but the film sets the story in Arizona. Her next novel – Dolls – is due out next year.

 

“Only Daughter is a true psychological thriller. It is not just a little bit scary, or a little bit creepy – it’s an exploration into the psychology of young women; it’s a murder mystery; and on top of that, it’s completely riveting. This novel plays with the stereotypes of crime fiction by giving a voice to both the young woman Rebecca who disappears, and the woman who willingly takes her place…..It’s safe to say you won’t see the end coming.” (Melanie Joosten)

Review: http://www.annasnoekstra.com/?page_id=79

 

Review: “One woman’s dark past becomes another’s deadly future”: http://www.betterreading.com.au/book/only-daughter/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=BOW%2021th%20of%20September%20-%20Only%20Daughter&utm_content=BOW%2021th%20of%20September%20-%20Only%20Daughter+CID_f90fb0950a15e8e3a69f343e10b28939&utm_source=Email%20marketing%20software&utm_term=READ%20MORE

 

From Bluebeard to Gone girl: why I’m proud to be part of the ‘domestic noir’ comeback by Anna Snoekstra. All those books about ‘burnt-out, middle-aged male detectives’ have been replaced by numerous titles with female protagonists.

https://www.theguardian.com/books/australia-books-blog/2016/sep/07/from-bluebeard-to-gone-girl-why-im-proud-to-be-part-of-the-domestic-noir-comeback?CMP=share_btn_tw

 

Interview in Canberra City News: http://issuu.com/citynews/docs/160818_citynews/7?e=1141122/37942558

http://citynews.com.au/2016/digital-edition-18-august/

 

http://www.annasnoekstra.com/

Categories
books films literature TV

Good TV and films

Good things from the ABC and some good upcoming films…..

 

iView Arts channel

Art, fashion, books, film, photography, music….

http://iview.abc.net.au/channel/abcarts

 

iView Arts programs include:

 

Bookish

“A short-form digital complement to The Book Club – where books, reading culture and storytelling collide online”. Videos are 3 to 7 minutes.

http://iview.abc.net.au/collection/bookish-new-from-abc-arts

 

The Word

Poetry from writers and performers from diverse backgrounds. Videos are 3 to 10 minutes.

http://iview.abc.net.au/programs/word/IV1609H012S00

 

Meet the mavericks

Featuring iconic artists, performers, thinkers, cultural leaders and all round troublemakers. It pairs guests from different generations and fields who have aspects of their work in common eg. Tim Minchin and Phillip Adams; Ben Quilty and Warwick Thornton.

http://iview.abc.net.au/programs/meet-the-mavericks/AC1519H001S00

 

The critics

Examines screen culture from feature films to web series and video art. Videos are 10 minutes.

http://iview.abc.net.au/collection/the-critics

 

Anh’s brush with fame

8 part series from Wed 24 Aug on ABC. Comedian and artist Anh Do paints a portrait of a well-known person whilst getting to know them and learning about their life and formative years. The celebrities also share personal photos and videos. First up is Magda Szubanski, followed by Jimmy Barnes, Amanda Keller, Dr Charlie Teo, Kyle Sandilands, Craig McLachlan, Kate Ceberano and Anthony Mundine. Anh was a finalist in the 2014 Archibald Prize.

https://tv.press.abc.net.au/comedian-anh-do-paints-aussie-celebs-in-new-abc-series

 

ABC3 becomes ABC ME on 19 Sept

“The complete digital and broadcast service designed to reflect and celebrate the lives, interests and diversity of young Australians”. The channel is aimed at school-aged children and will have quality short and long form Australian and international content, with a new app that can be personalised. New programs include News to me (weekly pop culture review show); Prisoner zero (sci-fi action animation) and This is me (short documentary series). Returning programs include the acclaimed Nowhere boys, Little lunch and Behind the news. There will also be new strands that will allow children to share their ideas and opinions. ABC ME will be on Channel 23 free to air.

https://tv.press.abc.net.au/strictly-embargoed-media-release-abc3-becomes-abc-me

 

Good shows on the ABC for the remainder of the year…..

Man up – Looks at the disconnectedness of Australian men, mental health problems and suicide.

Jane Caro’s Compass series explores family relationships.

When TV was awesome – Short ABC archival gems get a comedy-mash-up makeover. Satirical, irreverent and shareable.

You can’t ask that – excellent insights into the lives of marginalised Australians who answer anonymous questions.

Looking forward to Upper middle bogan (series 3)….such a good show!

http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2016/08/abc-upcoming-highlights.html

 

Some good films….

 

Miss Peregrine’s home for peculiar children

Directed by Tim Burton. Based on the  bestselling dark fantasy/horror young adult novel by Ransom Riggs, which was illustrated with unusual vintage photos of children. Following  a family tragedy, 16 year old Jacob discovers clues to a mystery that spans different worlds and times, leading him to an abandoned orphanage on an island, inhabited by a variety of children with unusual traits and powers. Starring Eva Green, Asa Butterfield, Judi Dench and Samuel L. Jackson. Rated PG. Opens Sept 2016.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1935859/

Book: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9460487-miss-peregrine-s-home-for-peculiar-children

 

Pete’s dragon

The adventures of an orphaned boy who is rescued after an accident by a giant green dragon who lives in a forest. Remake of the 1977 film musical. Stars Bryce Dallas Howard , Oakes Fegley and Robert Redford. “The elemental friendship between boy and beast and a lovely affirmation of family, community, and the preciousness of the natural world” (Tobias). Out now.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2788732/

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/petes-dragon-2016

 

Fantastic beasts and where to find them

Prequel to the Harry Potter series, set in New York in 1926; the first in a film trilogy. Based on the book by J.K.Rowling/Newt Scamander (an approved textbook at Hogwarts). Follows the adventures of writer and introverted wizard Newt Scamander in New York’s secret community of witches and wizards. When Newt visits New York for a conference, a misplaced magical case leads to the escape of some fantastic beasts and an increase in violence, fear and tension between magical and non magical peoples. Directed by David Yates (who directed Harry Potter 5,6,7,and 8). Stars Eddie Redmayne and Colin Farrell. Opens 18 November.

http://moviepilot.com/p/fantastic-beasts-and-where-to-find-them-news-rumors-all-you-need-to-know/4076907

http://www.fantasticbeasts.com/

https://www.pottermore.com/fantastic-beasts

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3183660/

 

A monster calls

Based on the acclaimed book by Patrick Ness (a very moving, sad but wonderful story). An ancient yew tree helps a boy cope with his mother’s terminal illness and face the truth about an incident in his past. Stars Felicity Jones, Sigourney Weaver and Liam Neeson as the voice of the monster. The trailer looks excellent. Opens Jan 2017.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMgm20Di9Wg

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3416532/

Categories
Mental health

RUOK? Day Thursday 8 Sept

RUOK? Day is tomorrow Thursday 8 September and World Suicide Prevention Day is on Sat 10 Sept. We have a display of mental health resources in the library. It’s a great day to check in with someone you care about – students, family, friends and colleagues. And it’s ok to say “No, I’m not ok”.

https://www.ruok.org.au/365-day-resources

Inspiring conversations and stories: https://www.ruok.org.au/stories

World Suicide Prevention Day: http://wspd.org.au/

 

Getting help

 Lifeline https://www.lifeline.org.au/ 24hr crisis support on 13 11 14. Suicide prevention, crisis support and mental health services.

beyondblue  https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ Information about depression to consumers, carers and health professionals.

Black Dog Institute http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/  Information, self-tests and resources about mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder.

Headspace http://headspace.org.au/ Support, information and assistance for young people aged 12 to 25 years who are experiencing emotional or mental health issues and/or a substance use issue.

eheadspace  https://www.eheadspace.org.au/ A confidential, free and secure space where young people 12 – 25 or their family can chat, email or speak on the phone with a qualified youth mental health professional.

Reachout http://au.reachout.com/ Support for tough times, wellbeing, toolbox.

e-couch https://ecouch.anu.edu.au/welcome  Self-help modules for depression, general anxiety, social anxiety, relationships, bereavement.

MoodGym https://moodgym.anu.edu.au/welcome Learn cognitive behaviour therapy skills for preventing and coping with depression.

Kids Helpline https://kidshelpline.com.au/  24 hour telephone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. Ph. 1800 55 1800.

Living is for Everyone (LIFE) http://www.livingisforeveryone.com.au/ Suicide and self-harm prevention resource, dedicated to providing the best available evidence and resources to guide activities aimed at reducing the rate at which people take their lives in Australia.

Mens Line Australia  https://www.mensline.org.au/  A telephone support, information and referral service for men. Ph. 1300 78 99 78.

Suicide Prevention Australia https://www.suicidepreventionaust.org/   A public health advocate in suicide prevention.

Supportlink StandBy Response Service  https://www.supportlink.com.au/standby.aspxs  A community crisis response service for families, friends and associates who have been bereaved through suicide.

 

Living Is For Everyone (LIFE)

This Australian Government project is a suicide and self-harm prevention resource.

Excellent links, fact sheets and information: http://www.livingisforeveryone.com.au/

24 fact sheets:  http://www.livingisforeveryone.com.au/resources/individual-fact-sheets/

Brochure: Suicide – worried about someone?  http://www.livingisforeveryone.com.au/resources/suicide-worried-about-someone-brochure/

Excellent links to services for helplines, mental health, drugs and alcohol, youth, gender diversity, bereavement:  http://www.livingisforeveryone.com.au/links/