"I have been called many things: a charlatan, a con man, or, most flatteringly, the culprit responsible for turning British popular culture into nothing more than a cheap marketing gimmick" - Malcolm

Having fought its way past incredible technical obstacles the Hayabusa probe is due to return to earth in Australia this June. This fridge sized device has been in space since May 2003 and will be the first machine to have rendevouzed with an Asteroid and then return a sample to our planet (Woomera range intended touchdown). Its actually three years late ... lets hope she dosn't burn up on reentry

One of the winners in the "Electronic House" systems contest that showcases domestic installations from the USA was this rather fine fully enclosed video wall comprising three 65 inch plasmas fully recessed into the wall of the clients living dining area and then matrixed so as to be able to display up to 18 independant sources at the same time.

"Electronic Systems" Magazine - Annual Awards.

We note with no surprise that the Electrical Appliance chain of Clive Peeters has called in the Receivers this week with debts approaching 150 million dollars. LG Australia (who apparently made a $13,000 profit on a turnover of nearly $1 Billion) are said to be owed $25m, employees are likely to lose their entitlements, and customers are likely to lose their deposits.

The 50 winners of the coveted iF gold awards were announced at a lavish award ceremony at CeBIT. The Loewe Reference caused a sensation receiving a total three gold iF awards. The internationally renowned jury, which included designer Sophie Lovell (Berlin), Cédric Ragot (Montreuil) and Chiaki Murata (Osaka), had particular praise for the outstanding design of the Reference 52 TV, the Reference Sound Standspeaker electrostat speakers and the Reference Floor Panel Medium set-up option. “Here, once again, material and design quality are united in complete harmony. Understated, elegant and extremely unusual and innovative as an ensemble, Loewe succeeds in constantly surprising us and reinventing itself. The design, however, remains true to the line, fitting perfectly into the product range".