Come 2021, you'll have one very convincing reason to book a trip to Sydney (or a Sydney staycation) — the city will be home to the first very Australian outpost of trendy US chain Ace Hotel. Founded in 1999, the boutique chain currently has its signature luxe-vintage hotels in Chicago, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, Pittsburgh, Portland and Seattle. Its first international location opened in London in 2013, and its next is slated to open in Kyoto in spring next year. Known for their great bars, pools, cool branding and merch, and quirky locations — such as a converted Denny's and a historic YMCA building — each Ace Hotel is individually designed to reflect its surroundings. The Ace Hotel in Downtown LA is in a 13-storey 1920s former movie theatre, and has art deco furnishings, a rooftop pool and three bars, while the Palm Springs outpost is swathed in white, and has swim club and an attached diner. For the local outpost, Ace's in-house design team — Atelier Ace — will be working alongside an Australian firm to design the hyper-local hotel. While exactly what that will look like both inside and out is still under wraps, it'll take inspiration from the food, art, architecture, design and culture of Surry Hills when it opens in an 18-storey building (formerly Tyne House) on Wentworth Avenue. [caption id="attachment_745633" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Render of Ace Hotel's proposed Surry Hills facade.[/caption] The Ace Hotel site was purchased two years ago by Australian property development group, Golden Age Group, who will also have a hand in the hotel. As well as 264 rooms, guests can look forward to a ground-floor lobby bar, a gym, restaurant, cafe, and rooftop bar and eatery. We'll keep our fingers crossed for a potential rooftop pool, too. It's just the latest boutique hotel to open in Surry Hills, which has seen the hyper-local Paramount House Hotel — complete with rooftop wellness centre — launch in March last year, and the 35-room Little Albion House (which you can book through Airbnb) follow in July. Real estate developer Cienna Group also has plans in the works to open a 12-storey laneway hotel on the corner of Riley and Campbell Streets. The Ace Hotel Sydney is slated to open at 49–53 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney in 2021. We'll update you with a specific launch date when one is announced. Top images: Ace Hotel London / Ace Hotel Downtown LA.
UPDATE, SEPTEMBER 6, 2020: Event Cinemas is now taking bookings for private screening packages for September at the same rate of $500 for up to 20 people. Bookings must be made before September 25, and a number of movies are on offer — including Bill & Ted Face the Music, The New Mutants, Tenet, Peninsula, The Broken Hearts Gallery and La Belle Epoque. If you're a film fan, there's nothing worse than being stuck in a cinema with anyone who doesn't observe social etiquette, including greedy armrest hogs and patrons who decide to bring along an entire three-course meal. Until the end of August, however, you won't need to worry about dealing with these frustrating behaviours and the pesky strangers behind them — because Event Cinemas is now offering private screening packages in its theatres. The promotion is available at Event Cinemas locations nationally, which means that you can book out your very own big screen until Monday, August 31, with reservations required by Friday, August 14 — and you'll pay just $500. You can bring along 19 of your mates, too, so that works out to just $25 per person. That's more than a regular movie ticket, of course. But, again, you won't have any annoying company. Each private booking package includes exclusive cinema use in the Event multiplex of your choice, in one of the chain's original cinemas (sorry, you won't be lapping it up in VMax, Gold Class, 4DX or Event's Boutique cinemas). You'll also be able to watch the movie of your choice, at the time and date of your choice (subject to availability). Plus, each booking includes unlimited medium-sized salted popcorn and medium-sized soft drinks. Films on offer include new releases such as Judd Apatow's latest comedy The King of Staten Island, the Dev Patel-starring The Personal History of David Copperfield, and top-notch dramas Waves and Babyteeth — as well as soon-to-open titles like zombie thriller Peninsula and superhero horror flick The New Mutants. Or, you can go retro with classics like like 10 Things I Hate About You, Fight Club, Grease and the original Mad Max, plus Moulin Rouge, Joker, Bohemian Rhapsody and The Matrix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVucSRLLeIM Event Cinemas' private booking packages are available until Monday, August 31, with reservations required by Friday, August 14. To make a booking, visit the Event Cinemas website.
Make your way down the Princes Freeway to immerse yourself in a world of colour and sound at Geelong After Dark this autumn. Now in its sixth year, Geelong After Dark's exciting showcase of art, design and performance will return on Friday, May 3. As night falls, the Gateway City's laneways, hidden spaces and buildings will be filled with innovative art installations, projections, music acts and live performances. If ever there were an excuse to skip the end-of-week work drinks and head out of town, this is it. The festivities will take place across three zones in the CBD, from Johnstone Park, down Malop Street and stretching down to the waterfront. The full program is yet to be released, but this year's theme, 'heighten your senses', gives a small clue of what to expect. Artists have created a number of site-specific artworks to be unveiled on the night — all of which are designed to encourage spectator interaction via touch, sound, taste, sight or smell. One commissioned artwork that filled this brief, Sensory Portals, was built by the city's arts and culture team in conjunction with Deakin University. It involves three separate installations that visitors can step inside and immerse themselves within. Be sure to also keep an ear out for three original songs that will be sampled within a number of the After Dark installations. These songs were written and performed by local unsigned musicians under the Connecting Songs project as an homage to the area. As part of the scheme, these musical groups were also given mentoring opportunities with well-known Australian musicians, including Adalita (Magic Dirt), Mick Thomas (Weddings, Parties, Anything and Mick Thomas and the Sure Thing) and Mark Wilson (Jet). Geelong After Dark will take place from 6–10pm on Friday, May 3. For more information, visit the website. Image: Reg Ryan.
Google has just released photos of their in-the-works augmented reality glasses prototype. And while the glasses might not be the sexiest on the market, they certainly have functional appeal. The initiative, 'Project Glass', represents the company's first attempt at a wearable product. The glasses appear and function much like regular eyeglasses...that is, if your eyeglasses' lens could stream video, text messages, maps, and the weather forecast - all in real time. Operating via voice command, these glasses can also record video or take pictures of what is being viewed through them. Project Glass' Google Plus press release stated the initiative's belief that, "technology should work for you - to be there when you need it and get out of your way when you don't." The beta release of the glasses is expected to generate conversation and feedback to the company about what customers would like to see from Project Glass. https://youtube.com/watch?v=9c6W4CCU9M4 [via PSFK]
Grab your bowling ball and swap your bathrobe for your best purple outfit — The Jesus Rolls, the two-decades-later spinoff to the Coen Brothers' 1998 cult comedy The Big Lebowski, is due to hit the big screen this year. Instead of abiding by The Dude (Jeff Bridges), this follow-up spends time with John Turturro's Jesus Quintana, whose love of flinging gleaming balls down lanes means that he obviously isn't a golfer. Of course, if you still want to pour a white russian to celebrate this return excursion to the Lebowski universe, that's both understandable and warranted. Turturro not only stars, but writes and directs The Jesus Rolls, which was actually filmed back in 2016. Cast-wise, he's joined by a heap of familiar faces, including Bobby Cannavale, Audrey Tautou, Jon Hamm, Susan Sarandon, Christopher Walken and Pete Davidson. In addition to following Quintana's exploits post-Big Lebowski, The Jesus Rolls also acts as a remake of 1974 French film Going Places. As per the official synopsis, the picture is set joins its eponymous figure "hours after being released from prison", when he"pairs up with fellow misfits Petey (Cannavale) and Marie (Tautou), and embarks on a freewheeling joyride of petty crime and romance". And that's exactly what happens in The Jesus Rolls' just-dropped first trailer. As revealed last year, the movie will release in the US in March, just in time for The Big Lebowski's 22nd anniversary — and while plans Down Under haven't yet been revealed, start crossing your fingers. Check out The Jesus Rolls' trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLAmpku4fyg&feature=emb_logo The Jesus Rolls hits US cinemas on March 6, 2020. We'll update you with local release details if and when they come to hand.
It’s a sad news day for all the swashbuckling pirates among you. Australian film company Village Roadshow has started a court action to shut down movie streaming website SolarMovie. After the Federal Government passed a bill to amended Australia’s copyright right laws in June of 2015, we were all expecting the worst. We’re sorry to say that while it’s taken eight months to affect any change, the laws are finally being utilised to our disadvantage. We’re assuming that half of you reading this zoned out, opened IMDB in a new tab and are now slowly finding torrents to download every film in the top 1000 while you still can. Graham Burke, co-chief executive of Village Roadshow told the ABC they’ll be targeting SolarMovie, because they’re a “vicious bunch of thieves.” Burke went on to say the site's advertising was harmful to children “If your kids go to that website, they're encouraged to gamble with no age limit; there's sexual ads there." For the record, it’s called ad-blocker dude, look it up. SolarMovie will most likely be black-listed for Aussies using DNS blocking, whereby the the DNS (domain name system), which connects readable site addresses with their internet address (IP address), is diverted and unable to connect the site name and the IP address. It's the simplest way to block sites but doesn't take the site offline at the source, so thankfully there are some easy ways around it. A VPN will do the trick, or there are more comprehensive (and free) services like TOR, which allows you browse anonymously but can seriously slow down your internet speeds as protects you by rerouting your web browsing over an encrypted network It’s only the first in a series of court actions aimed at decimating our human right to watch Broad City for free. Foxtel is expected to announce in the coming days that they will seek to block four of the biggest piracy websites, including dear friend to all poor students, The Pirate Bay. People around the world are up in arms about harsh anti-piracy legislation, often because it errs on the side of media conglomerates, can strip people of their autonomy and doesn’t address the problem at the core of it all ($14.95 for an overnight release from Blockbuster was too much, damn it). Australians have shown that they’re willing to spend money on legit streaming services (hello Netflix, Stan, maybe Presto) if easy and available and studies keep turning up the same data: people who pirate often spend more on media than people who don’t. Sigh. Guess it’s a good time to start shopping around for a VPN that works, guys. Via ABC.
Bear Grylls. The name alone brings many visions to mind: Grylls hiding inside a dead camel, Grylls drinking urine, Grylls stripping him off to swim naked across freezing waters. You can’t deny it; Mr. Grylls has quite a reputation. Whether he’s willingly putting himself in crazy situations and then getting out through even crazier ideas, his stories always sound edge-of-your-seat fantastic which can be attributed to why Man vs. Wild is so successful. This year, Mr. Grylls is travelling down under again. However, instead of being dropped in the Kimberleys to encounter snakes and crocodiles, he’ll be braving a tougher and much more foreign environment: a live audience and show. Travelling to our fair capital cities, this show is giving fans the chance to hear new stories and old favourites alike, told from a personal and fresh perspective. He’ll also be showing the amazing footage that was captured as he gallivanted around the dangerous parts of the world. Don’t miss this world premiere event and a chance to see Mr. Grylls up close and dangerous.
Good Food Month's Night Noodle Markets have officially kicked off. This year you'll find the expected — dumplings, bao and noodle stir-fries — and the unexpected — phorrito (yes, that's a pho and burrito mashup), kimchi fries and dessert ramen, plus all of these tasty eats are expertly paired with refreshing brews from Beer The Beautiful Truth. Pair a Bao Stop bao trifecta with a XXXX Summer Bright Lager, dig into a sampling of Let's Do Yum Cha treats with a Little Creatures Original Pilsner and slurp up some roast pumpkin noodles from Vintaged Bar & Grill, James Squire One Fifty Lashes in hand. And if you have a sweet tooth, you'll want to leave room for the many desserts on offer: dessert ramen (featuring blue noodles) from Harajuku Gyoza, Black Star Pastry's famed cakes and an unreal offering from Gelato Messina. See all that's in store for you at the markets in the gallery, figure out which food stalls you'll hit first with our recommendation of the top ten dishes to try and plan to head out — preferably tonight — to make your way through all the culinary treats at the Brisbane Night Noodle Markets. Hungry for more? Feed all your cravings at the Brisbane Night Noodle Markets with expert beer pairings presented by Beer The Beautiful Truth from July 19 to 30. See the full menu here. Images: Bec Taylor.
As the Reverand Mother says to Maria in the Sound of Music...when God closes one door, he opens another. Sixties musical references aside, this is exactly the case for the site of Barsoma, which closed its doors on Sunday and is soon to be resurrected into an exciting new venue for Fortitude Valley in May. Former Barsoma owner Nick Braban has teamed up with Adrian Mezzina and Steven Papas from the Arcade Creative team (behind Oh Hello) to bring Chilliwow. "We think this type of bar is perfect for this part of the Valley, which has evolved thanks to a number of innovative venues opening in the last few years," shared Braban. Chilliwow will have a strong Mexican theme with a unique drinks list accompanied by everybody's favourite snacks: tacos and chilli dogs. Co-owner Steven Papas says, "A venue like Chilliwow is something we’ve always wanted to do. It'll be first and foremost a really fun bar. A place to hang out with your friends, enjoy a really fun and unique drinks menu, some good, simple and fresh food and a great party atmosphere." Keep your eyes peeled for the venue opening in the Fortitude Valley in May.
South Coast-raised, buzzed-up designer Emma Mulholland has been raiding the stationery cupboard. Taking inspiration from Melanie Griffith's secretarial stylin' in 1988's Working Girl and John Hughes' timelessly cool brat pack, Mulholland's Risque Business line hits the shelves this week. One of our favourite collections from this year's Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week Australia at Carriageworks, Mulholland's Spring/Summer '14 line moves away from her signature in-face neon preferences to a more eighties-style pastel vibe — but keeping that acclaimed surf/streetwear schtick intact. Hinged around and unlikely design trigger, office supplies, the collection is made for jaded nine-to-fivers who relish in that glorious post-5pm period. Super bright bomber jackets, sheer zig-zagged shifts, clock face bikinis; the collection fuses workplace references (paper clips, post-its) with made-for-summer resortwear. Sequins rule the roost in Mulholland's new line, especially on one of the most adorably summery one-piece swimsuits you can actually get away with as a grown up. Accessories aren't left in the drawer for this collection either; Mulholland has teamed up with designer Celeste Tesoriero to craft ten new jewellery pieces for Risque Business, all taking inspiration from boring ol' office stationery. "The jewellery was inspired by what I used to make for myself in class at school, playing around with paper clips, bull clips but I wanted it to have a much more sophisticated look to it, hence getting together with Celeste," says Mulholland. The line also heralds a collab between Sam Stevenson from Pared Eyewear — six new bangin' pairs of 'wave temple' shades you'll want permanently on your face this summer. The perfect line for bringing summer music festival vibes to the staff common room, the arrival of Risque Business will infuse a little holiday in your daily grind. Now for a scrollfest: Emma Mulholland's Risque Business hits shelves this week. Check here for your nearest stockist or shop online here.
It's easy to peruse the lengthy list of movies that'll be screening at the Melbourne International Film Festival in 2024 and find parallels with the cinema celebration itself. Just like the claymation that brings Academy Award-winning animator Adam Elliot's work to life — including short Harvie Krumpet, 2009 feature Mary and Max and now MIFF's opening-night pick Memoir of a Snail — the fest expertly moulds its chosen materials into a reflection of the world around us. On par with every feature from David Cronenberg, it isn't afraid to push boundaries. As Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhang-ke ponders, it's deeply aware of both the past and the future. And exactly as all things Godzilla has, it's been a mainstay of the film world for seven decades. Running across Thursday, August 8–Sunday, August 25, Melbourne's annual celebration of moving pictures does indeed boast all of the above on its just-announced full program for this year. The Shrouds from Cronenberg (Crimes of the Future) sees the iconic body-horror filmmaker respond to the death of his wife IRL through the tale of a tech entrepreneur played by Vincent Cassel (Damaged) doing the same. The narrative of Caught by the Tides by Zhang-ke's (Swimming Out Till the Sea Turns Blue) spans over 20 years, using footage from across just as long. And the ultimate kaiju is getting a one-night, seven-movie 70th-anniversary marathon, starting with franchise's iconic OG Japanese flick and making its way through to Shin Godzilla. "This year's MIFF program features over 250 films, with more than 400 sessions across 18 days, bringing together incredible Australian filmmaking, world cinema, drama, comedy, horror, animation, bold experimentation — things you've been waiting months to see, and others you never thought you'd get a chance to," explains the festival's Artistic Director Al Cossar about the complete lineup. "The MIFF program this year, like every year, is a multi-faceted festival of cinematic excess, designed to delight and sure to bring out the best in your imaginations. We're thrilled to welcome audiences back — come along and settle in for all too many movies at Melbourne's favourite binge this winter." Some of the fest's new highlights fill its Bright Horizons strand, aka its competition — including Flow, an animation about animals on a boat; Janet Planet, the debut movie from Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Annie Baker; Inside, a prison drama with Guy Pearce (The Clearing), Cosmo Jarvis (Shōgun) and Toby Wallace (The Bikeriders) that's directed by Charles Williams, who won the 2018 short film Palme d'Or for All These Creatures; and The Village Next to Paradise, which is the first-ever Somali film play Cannes. Other standout additions to the program elsewhere span flicks that've had the international film festival circuit talking in 2024 — and Australia's by first showing in Sydney. The Substance is also the long-awaited second effort from writer/director Coralie Fargeat, who made a spectacular debut with 2017's Revenge and picked up the Best Screenplay award at Cannes for this Demi Moore (Feud)-starring body-horror effort. Megalopolis features Adam Driver (Ferrari), with The Godfather and Apocalypse Now filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola first conceiving of the picture back in 1977. Rumours gives the fest a dose of Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson and Galen Johnson behind the lens (reteaming after Accidence, The Rabbit Hunters and Stump the Guesser), plus Cate Blanchett (The New Boy) on-screen. The Seed of the Sacred Fig is the latest film from Mohammad Rasoulf (There Is No Evil), with the movie's place on this year's Cannes lineup seeing him forced to flee Iran after being sentenced to flogging and imprisonment. And All We Imagine as Light was the first Indian film to play in Cannes' competition in three decades. MIFF's winter stretch in Melbourne cinemas — plus sessions from Friday, August 9–Sunday, August 25 online; and across both Friday, August 16–Sunday, August 18 and Friday, August 23–Sunday, August 25 in regional Victoria — will also feature Berlinale Golden Bear-winner Dahomey, All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt from poet and photographer Raven Jackson, the maximum-security prison-set Sing Sing with Colman Domingo (Drive-Away Dolls), and Hong Sang-soo and Isabelle Huppert reuniting on A Traveler's Needs after Another Country and Claire's Camera. Amid its usual celebration of variety, Timestalker from Prevenge director and Garth Marenghi's Darkplace star Alice Lowe sits beside coming-of-age tale Bookworm's reteaming Elijah Wood with director Ant Timpson after Come to Daddy — this time playing a dad — and the Ilana Glazer (The Afterparty)-led Babes helmed by Pamela Adlon from Better Things. Or, there's the cinephile-catnip Martin Scorsese-presented doco Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger, Craig Silvey's Runt reaching the screen with a heap of local faces (Kaleidoscope's Jai Courtney, Colin From Accounts' Celeste Barber, High Ground's Jack Thompson and Total Control's Deborah Mailman), Indigenous Aussie horror via The Moogai, and The Dandy Warhols and The Brian Jonestown Massacre music documentary follow-up Dig! XX. If that — plus Wake in Fright getting the Hear My Eyes treatment — isn't enough, In Vitro is an Ashley Zukerman (Succession)-led Australian sci-fi thriller about a couple doing biotech experiments, the also-homegrown boxing drama Kid Snow features Phoebe Tonkin (Boy Swallows Universe), Ghost Cat Anzu brings a touch of Japanese animation, and the Kate Winslet (The Regime)- and Alexander Skarsgård (Mr & Mrs Smith)-led Lee is about WWII reporter Lee Miller. Three IRL Belfast rappers star as themselves alongside Michael Fassbender (Next Goal Wins) in comedy Kneecap; Problemista is directed by and stars Los Espookys and Fantasmas' Julio Torres opposite Tilda Swinton (The Killer); and Sasquatch Sunset, directed by the Zellner brothers (Damsel), gets Riley Keough (Daisy Jones & the Six) and Jesse Eisenberg (Fleishman Is in Trouble) playing a sasquatch family. Plus, Australia's own Romulus, My Father and Lake Mungo have scored restorations, the fest is spending an evening at Peninsula Hot Springs, an Iranian New Wave retrospective sees MIFF team up with New York's Museum of Modern Art, there's a whole strand dedicated to non-fiction films about the natural world, and Devo and The Black Keys also pop up in the Music on Film section. Not having anything to watch clearly isn't a problem at this fest. Whittling down your must-watch list? Now that's a different — and delightful — issue. [caption id="attachment_965567" align="alignnone" width="1917"] Barry Schultz, BarrySchultzPhotography.com[/caption] The 2024 Melbourne International Film Festival runs from Thursday, August 8–Sunday, August 25 at a variety of venues around Melbourne; from Friday, August 16–Sunday, August 18 and Friday, August 23–Sunday, August 25 in regional Victoria; and online nationwide from Friday, August 9–Sunday, August 25. For further details, including member tickets from 8pm on Thursday, July 11 and general tickets from 9am on Tuesday, July 16, visit the MIFF website.
No one ever needs an excuse to escape their daily routines with a stint of mini golf, ten-pin bowling or sleuthing through a challenge room, but on Tuesday, October 22, Funlab's venues are giving you a mighty great reason to anyway. That's when the company's Day of Fun rolls around for 2024, and lets you get putting, rolling and puzzle-solving for $8 a pop — all to help Headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation. All day at 45-plus venues Australia-wide, including in Brisbane, Funlab will donate all of its proceeds to the charity, which provides early-intervention mental health services to 12–25 year olds across Australia. So, you'll be aiding your own headspace — tap, tap, tapping your way around an indoor mini golf course will do that, for instance — and also showing some love to a great cause. Funlab's Brisbane's sites include multiple Holey Moley and Strike Bowling joints, plus B. Lucky and Sons in Fortitude Valley, Archie Brothers in Bowen Hills, and Hijinx Hotel in Chermside and Mt Gravatt — and the $8 deal covers bowling, darts, laser tag, an hour of games and nine holes of golf (all at $8 per activity). Booking in advance is recommended, but Archie Brothers and B. Lucky are doing walk-ins only. Obviously, if you'd like to add a few drinks — these venues serve plenty — that'll cost you extra. [caption id="attachment_681171" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent van der Jagt[/caption] Top image: Markus Ravik.
In recent years, Disney has bet heavily on a simple idea: fans of its classic animated films will flock to new live-action versions. So far that gambit has proven accurate, with Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, The Jungle Book and Beauty and the Beast all doing big things at the box office — and in the coming months, Dumbo, The Lion King and Aladdin are set to join them. Everyone's favourite flying elephant hits cinemas in mere weeks, while moviegoers will be feeling the love again come mid-year; however, a certain Arabian tale will soar onto screens right in the middle. If you've ever found a magic lantern, rubbed its gleaming sides and asked a supernatural being to remake this childhood favourite, your wish is now coming true. If you pleaded for Guy Ritchie and Will Smith to be involved as well, then there's your three wishes taken care of. Yes, Ritchie, the filmmaker behind Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch, the awful Robert Downey Jr-starring Sherlock Holmes movies and the very forgettable King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, is in the director and co-writer's chair for this journey to a whole new live-action world — and in good news, there's no signs of Cockney accents, rhyming slang or over-stylised action scenes in Aladdin's just-released first full trailer. As for Smith, he's stepping into the role of Genie, originally made famous by Robin Williams' energetic voice work. In other words, he's turning from a man in black to a spirit in blue. Aladdin's overall story will be familiar to anyone who has seen the 1992 movie, with an Agrabah street urchin once again trying to win over the Sultan's daughter and thwart a scheming sorcerer, with the larger-than-life Genie on hand to help. Canadian actor Mena Massoud (The 99) plays Aladdin, and Naomi Scott (Power Rangers) steps into Princess Jasmine's shoes, while Dutch star Marwan Kenzari (Murder on the Orient Express) takes on the role of Jafar. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foyufD52aog Aladdin opens in Australian cinemas on May 23, 2019. Images: (c) 2019 Disney Enterprises Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This month we commemorated 11 years since the devastating events of September 11, 2001. The events of that morning were beamed on to every television and front page across the globe and those images have come to define a generation. Phrases like the "war on terror" and "suicide bomber" became part of the vernacular of the Western world and international politics, the American identity and the concept of warfare were changed forever. The images of that day were of unthinkable devastation and destruction: billows of smoke shrouding lower Manhattan, people jumping from the skyscrapers to escape the inferno of glass and metal and all of New York joined together in mourning at the death of more than 3,000 of their brothers and sisters. Yet amongst the rubble there were incredible stories of hope, of the very best of human nature, of firefighters running into the fire and of a nation binding together, steadfastly and resolutely, during its darkest hour. An image may be able to tell a thousand words, but the most iconic images, the 'where were you when' images, can tell us so much more about humanity. About its creativity, its innovation and its potential but also about its ability to love and, often more powerfully, its ability to hate. So here are ten images that have stopped the world and ten stories that have shaped the course of history. Moon Landing, 1969 Almost undoubtedly the most famous 'where were you when' moment of the 20th Century, the landing of Apollo 11 on the moon was initially just a pipe dream of President Kennedy's. When in May 1961 Kennedy proclaimed that he wanted to land a man on the Moon "before this decade is out" it was seen as being exactly the sort of political point-scoring and voter-pandering that we have come to expect from our politicians, just on a much grander scale. But on 20 July, 1969 the dream of every science fiction geek became a reality when images of Neil Armstrong setting foot on the Moon were broadcast to every television across the globe. Tiananmen Square Massacre, 1989 The story of the Tiananmen Square Massacre is one of shocking brutality, with estimates of up to 2,500 people, mainly students, being senselessly slaughtered by the Chinese military for protesting against the dictatorial and corrupt communist regime. Yet it was not images of bloodshed and brutality that captured the attention of the world, but instead a startlingly powerful photograph of resistance and hope. An unknown student, armed only with a couple of shopping bags, refused to budge when four Chinese Type 59 tanks approached Tiananmen Square on June 5, 1989, the morning following the military's forcible removal of the one million protestors. The event was captured by a number of foreign journalists and photographers and distributed to newspapers across the globe, giving birth to a remarkable symbol of democracy and defiance. Migrant Mother, 1936 This is the image that gave a face to the Great Depression of the 1930s. This 32-year-old Californian widow had just sold her tent and the tires off her car in order to afford food for her seven children. This is one of many photographs captured by Dorothea Lange from her tours of rural California, which eventually helped convince the US government they were not doing enough to help field workers. While this farmworker's heartbreaking story was not dissimilar to millions of others across America, it was her story and her expression sitting somewhere between defiance and despair as she clutched her starving children that has endured as the Great Depression's most iconic image. Execution of a Viet Kong Guerilla, 1968 The Vietnam War was infamously the first televised wartime conflict and more than the rising death tally or the lack of military success, it was the images capturing the brutality of guerilla warfare that turned public opinion against the war. This Pulitzer Prize winning image depicts South Vietnam's national police chief, Nguyen Ngoc Loan, executing a Viet Kong captain in the middle of a street in Saigon. It was with this photograph that the shocking realities of modern warfare, that for so long had been shrouded in mystery, became tangible for every American. The Beginning of Life, 1965 Lennart Nilsson began taking photographs with an endoscope, an instrument that could see inside the body, as early as 1957 but it wasn't until 1965 when LIFE Magazine did a 16 page spread on his photographs that the world first saw a child inside the womb. Initially the editors of LIFE could not believe that these images were real, spending several months confirming their legitimacy before creating a worldwide sensation when they were published. Lynching, 1930 It is hard to believe but this image was not taken to condemn the barbarity of the racial hatred of the South but was in fact used as a postcard in order to promote white supremacy. The photograph was taken in Marion, Indianapolis and depicts the lynching of two black men accused of raping a white girl who were hauled from a country prison by a 10,000 man lynch mob bearing sledgehammers. Perhaps most frightening about this image is not the the men hanging from the trees but the smiling crowd of revelers who seem to be taking great joy in the horrific affair. Lynches were often seen as big community events, like a carnival or fair, and from the late 1800s to the 1960s more than 5,000 lynching cases were documented and endorsed as a legitimate means of justice. Betty Grable, 1942 Forget Marilyn Munroe and Rita Hayworth, Betty Grable was the original pin-up girl, and rather than being simply a form of cheap thrills, this iconic photograph of Grable represented the only connection that many American WWII soldiers would have with their homeland while serving overseas. With her girl-next-door charm, million-dollar legs and oodles of sex appeal Grable was the perfect antidote for the wartime depression and homesickness suffered by many soldiers. Even if she hasn't been as well remembered as some of her more voluptuous kinsmen, the enormous success of Grable's pin-up is responsible for kick-starting one of the world's most lucrative industries and every pouting, pruning model you see plastered all over your department store should pay a debt to Grable, the woman who started it all. Nagasaki Atomic Bomb, 1945 The effect that the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombs dropped in August, 1945 had on the course of history is hard to overstate. The numbers alone are staggering, with more than 200,000 dying as a direct result of the blast and countless more dying as a result of the nuclear fallout. While there are countless photographs taken from WWII that capture the inhumanity of the war, this image of the mushroom cloud swirling hundreds of kilometres above Nagasaki perfectly captures the sheer enormity of this event, providing the US and USSR with a stark warning against the awesome and terrible power of nuclear weapons in their the five decade Cold War stand-off. Hindenburg Disaster, 1937 The day the Hindenburg catastrophically and spectacularly came crashing to Earth, was meant to be the day that zeppelins became the world's favourite form of air travel. The Hindenburg's parent company in German had engaged in a massive PR blitz before the voyage into Lakehurst, New Jersey such that 22 photographers, reporters and cameramen were there the day of the crash resulting in the Hindenburg being the most well-documented disaster of the early 20th Century. While rumours still circulate as to why the zeppelin ignited and turned into a deadly fireball, the crash effectively sounded the death knell for the airship business with commercial flights ceasing following the Hindenburg disaster. Dali Atomicus, 1948 While this surrealist photograph may not have stopped the world, the world did seem to stop for this photograph. It took Latvian-American artist Phillipe Halsman six hours, 28 jumps, three angry cats, a roomful of assistants and bucketloads of water to capture this genre-defining portrait and homage to Salvador Dali. One of the most famous pieces of photographic art ever captured, the work explored the idea of "suspension" as inspired by the recent scientific discovery that all matter hangs in a constant state of suspension. While the end result was as bizarre and surreal as many of Dali's mind-boggling paintings, it could have been a whole lot weirder if Halsman had stuck with his original idea which involved exploding a cat in order to capture it "in suspension". Leading image credit: 010914-N-1350W-005 New York, N.Y. (Sept. 14, 2001) -- A fire fighter emerges from the smoke and debris of the World Trade Center. The twin towers of the center were destroyed in a Sep. 11 terrorist attack. U.S. Navy Photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Jim Watson. (RELEASED). From Navy.mil.
Despite some Australian weather maps saying the contrary this week, summer is officially on our doorstep. And what better way to celebrate than with a brand new range of creamy, ice cold treats from the legends at Gelato Messina? The famed gelateria's chefs have been hard at work over the past three months, creating an all-new line of its beloved cakes, all of which are set to hit stores across the country this week. The Dr. Evil's Magic Mushroom cake, with its recognisable polka dot shell, will be the only creation to carry over from the previous range, which has been winning fans and sweetening up group celebrations since way back in 2012. This is also the first time Messina's done a near complete overhaul of its cake offering all at once. In keeping with the usual Messina vibe, the newcomers are as whimsical as they are expertly crafted, and almost too good looking to destroy. Five follow the style of the classic gelato cake, while three "trans cakes" are designed to be enjoyed either from the fridge or straight from the freezer. In the lineup, you'll find intricate delights like The Golden 8 — featuring a Ferrero Rocher-inspired ball of hazelnut gelato, mousse and fudge, encased in a smooth chocolate orb — as well as more classic designs, like the coffee-infused Tiramisu Tart. There's also a big focus on using great local produce, too. The vibrant Strawberries & Cream cake features fruit from Messina's own strawberry farm in Dural, NSW, while the cow-like How Now teams house-made dulce de leche with jersey milk-soaked sponge and vanilla cream. As with the rest of the products, each cake's infused with creamy jersey milk from Messina's own Victorian dairy farm. Keep them in mind if you find yourself in charge of desserts for any impending festive celebrations. The nine new Gelato Messina cakes start at $58 and are available online or in-store from next week.
Well folks, it looks like the future is here — the world's first commercially available flying car is on the market. As CNBC reports, Dutch company PAL-V unveiled its very nifty design at the Geneva International Motor Show and is already taking pre-orders from keen (and cashed-up) potential owners. What's more, it'll start delivering the goods as early as 2019, once the vehicle passes all the necessary safety certifications. According to PAL-V, the two-person car can hit 160 kilometres per hour on road and 180 kilometres per hour in the air, reaching a maximum height of 3352 metres. It takes less than ten minutes to transform the vehicle from car to aircraft, and you'll need to have both a pilot's licence and access to a small airstrip to fly it. Of course, a machine like this doesn't come cheap and you can expect to fork out a cool €499,000 (that's $792,000 Australian dollars) to own the limited edition model. A cheaper model will be available later for an expected €299,000 ($474,000), plus a reservation fee of $10,000 USD ($13,000) if you fancy pre-ordering. Handily enough, the price includes a series of lessons to help you get the most out of your new toy. Start saving now and you might just be able to afford one by the time you're too old to drive. Via CNBC.
The best Australian horror film of 2023 is getting some more skin: Talk to Me, the smash-hit feature debut by Adelaide-born twins Danny and Michael Philippou — aka YouTubers RackaRacka — is scoring a sequel. A24, which released the flick after picking it up in a Sundance Film Festival bidding war, has announced that audiences will be spending more time in this possession thriller's world. Does that news call for shaking hands with an embalmed palm? Feeling the rush while being haunted? Having your mates watch and film it? Dealing with the spooky consequences? If you're game after seeing the initial movie, yes. Variety reports that the Philippou brothers will be back behind the lens, and that Danny is writing the screenplay with Bill Hinzman after the pair penned the first flick together. And the follow-up's name? Talk 2 Me. So far, a release date for the now-franchise's second effort hasn't been announced, nor stars; however, the Philippous have long had more than just one Talk to Me film in their sights. "It's so funny — we've written such an in-depth mythology bible about the backstory of the hand, the spirits that are possessing the kids, and there's just so many seeds that we planted," Danny told Concrete Playground in a chat before the first movie's release. "Even when we're writing the first film, I was writing scenes for a second film — and me and the other writer were always discussing it and talking about it. The idea of franchising or doing a sequel is so exciting to us." Danny and Michael made their leap to the big screen after racking up a huge following with RackaRacka's viral videos, and via behind-the-scenes work on Australian films such as The Babadook. Their debut feature has proven a big box-office success, taking in US$10 million on its opening weekend in America alone, which placed it second among A24's films after Hereditary. In Australia, it has notched up over AU$1.2 million at the time of writing since its July 27 release. Starring Sophie Wilde (The Portable Door), Miranda Otto (The Clearing), Zoe Terakes (Nine Perfect Strangers), Otis Dhanji (June Again), Chris Alosio (Millie Lies Low) and Alexandra Jensen (Joe vs Carole), Talk to Me sits alongside a mighty impressive lineup of other eerie flicks in A24's catalogue — The Witch, Midsommar, In Fabric, Bodies Bodies Bodies, Beau Is Afraid, X and Pearl, to name a few. Soon, Talk 2 Me will join that list as well. Check out the trailer for Talk to Me below: Talk to Me is now screening in Australian and New Zealand cinemas. Read our review, and our interview with Danny Philippou. Via Variety.
Its usual mission is to help optimise your lounging time, by hooking you up with comfy, affordable beds and sofas. But from this week, Aussie online furniture brand Koala wants to see you launching yourself off the couch instead, and into a heart-pumping living room sweat sesh. Yes — that same living room you've been seeing a lot of during lockdown. Koala has teamed up with Retrosweat — masters of the vintage-inspired workout — to bring you an at-home aerobics program doused in plenty of 80s Australiana, fittingly dubbed The Great Australian Workout. Best break out the leotards and leg warmers because this is the time-tripping exercise class your dance floor-deprived iso self has been waiting for. Across 12 fun, high-energy episodes, Retrosweat founder Shannon Dooley guides punters through a series of nostalgic workouts they can smash out in the comfort of their own home. With or without a healthy dose of spandex, of course. Expect plenty of old-school ocker lingo, a heap of 80s Aussie references and a fair dinkum retro workout wardrobe that promises to send you straight back to the days of Scott and Charlene's wedding, and Olivia Newton John's Physical. Clocking in at around three minutes each, the free live workout videos have just dropped over at the Koala website, so you can attack one each day or sweat your way through the whole bunch in one go. Plus, those following along on Tik Tok will have the chance to score some sweet prizes. Share a glimpse of some of your own 80s moves and blast-from-the-past workout threads, and you could win some Ken Done artwork or a Koala sofa for your efforts. Clear out that coffee table and get ready to throw down some moves. You can farewell lockdown boredom and catch The Great Australian Workout here. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
If you think attending a film fest is just about sitting down with your popcorn in a theatre and watching movies on a big screen, think again. At this year's Byron Bay Film Festival, they're throwing an alternative way to consume films into the mix — they're going virtual. Rest assured, coast dwellers: going to the cinema to catch a few flicks is still well and truly part of BBFF's tenth year. But if you're looking for something a little less traditional — or you want to find out why everyone is talking about virtual reality headsets Oculus Rift and PlayStation VR — then prepare to enter the virtual realm. If Cannes, TriBeCa and Sundance can tackle this new technological frontier, so can Byron Bay. Given that the festival doesn't take place until October, the full details of their VR program, called Ncube8, are still being finalised — however, you can expect head-mounted displays to be a prominent feature. A handful of mainstream movies already have VR components, such as The Martian, The Hunger Games and Star Wars, but BBFF will be encouraging the creation of fresh content. Not only will the fest host virtual reality workshops, but they'll help eight creatives take the leap into this new kind of storytelling, and offer awards for interactive and immersive experiences. The artistic possibilities are endless. That's great news for filmmakers, and for audiences as well — it will be a whole new way to experience a film festival. And given that Festival Director J'aimee Skippon-Volke and Technical Director Osvaldo Alfaro are also the driving forces behind nearby production house Greenhouse FX 3D|VR, expect BBFF to remain active in embracing VR technology. The 2016 Byron Bay Film Festival runs from October 14 to 24. For more information, keep an eye on their website.
Imagine a world where totalitarian forces rule the United States, women are subjugated to the point of being deemed property, protestors rally in response and the authorities try to keep everyone in line. Okay, imagine a fictionalised version of the above dystopian society — or let The Handmaid's Tale help you. Margaret Atwood's book has been doing just that since 1985, but has had a resurgence in popularity since the Elisabeth Moss-starring Hulu series came out last year. Now, the second season is set to air on SBS tonight, and a group of red-clad ladies have been seen on the streets of Sydney to promote it — and it's freaking people out. The handmaids were seen around Park Street and the Sydney CBD and at Sydney University. It's a very similar promo to one that happened at SXSW last year before the first season premiered. As you may know, handmaids walk in pairs, don't say anything, and generally unnerve everyone around them. If you don't, you have some homework to do. If you're up for even more anxiety-inducing tension, cancel your plans — the first two episodes are released on SBS On Demand at 5pm.
If you've ever dreamed of being a muse or walking artwork, the 19th Biennale of Sydney might just be your chance. Artist Deborah Kelly is on the hunt for 19 life-sized nude portraits to come from the Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane public. As part of an exhibition series entitled In All Our Glory, the portraits will be fashioned through a series of collage workshops through mid-October. The Aussie artist is known for politically motivated works that explore notions of power, and In All Our Glory should be no different. So, thankfully, you needn't be Miranda Kerr to fit the bill; Kelly is scouting portrait subjects of varying ages (18+), colours, sizes, genders and abilities. But there's still room for the camera shy to contribute: Kelly's also seeking donations of unwanted picture and reference books in any condition, in colour or black-and-white. So let the wind through your pubes and make the world take you in all your glory for the 19th Biennale of Sydney, themed You Imagine What You Desire for 2014. You'll be scoring the chance to catch yourself — an artwork — in the series from March 21 until June 9. To be the next Mona Lisa all you need to do is volunteer yourself as a portrait subject by shooting a pic of your face (just face) over to kellyproject@biennaleofsydney.com.au by Friday, 11 October 2013. Drop a line to the same email if you’d like to donate books, or join in on the collage workshops by contacting frances@biennaleofsydney.com.au.
If you've been making plans to revamp your style, but haven't been able to rustle up the coin or are sick of online shopping, here's your chance. Hugo Boss is hosting a mega sale at its outlet stores. You'll be able to score a further 50 percent off menswear, womenswear, footwear and accessories. Whether you're after a suit for a special occasion or looking to level up your work wardrobe, Hugo Boss's mid-year outlet sale will have you sorted for a fraction of the fashion label's usual prices. You'll have to get in quick to score a bargain though, with the sale running from Wednesday, July 7 until Sunday, July 11 (or until stocks last). To get stylish new threads, Melbourne mates can head to the Preston Boss outlet (Friday–Sunday only) or Essendon DFO, Perth pals to Perth DFO and Gold Coast friends to Harbour Town. The Hugo Boss mid-year outlet sale will run from Wednesday, July 7 till Sunday, July 11, or until stocks last. To find your closest outlet, visit the website.
Sha Sarwari is a visual artist who came to Australia as a refugee. He arrived from Afghanistan in 1999 and graduated from The Queensland College of Art last year. His art is rich, symbolic and biographical. "It is my way of understanding my experience,” he tells Quest Community Newspaper. And his latest solo exhibition at Jugglers Art Space is a pure, deep and moving depiction of peace and freedom from one of Brisbane's most achieved personal expressionists. Silent Conversation explores the notion of the found object and reinterprets it into multilayered poetic narratives. It gives comment on social and political issues, such as asylum seekers and refugees in Australia, as well showcasing an intuitive means of sculpture. From a barbed wire hammock to a boat made of newspapers, Sarwari's projects present a hard truth that is difficult to digest, even in art form. Opening night for Silent Conversation is April 10 at 6pm, where you'll be able to meet and hear from the artist with a thousand stories. The exhibition will only be open to the public until April 15 by appointment.
UPDATE: AUGUS 13, 2020 — 1UP Arcade is currently closed to walk-ins, but it's now offering full venue hire. So, round up your mates and hire out the space for a night of pushing buttons at the largest retro gaming video arcade in the country. When it comes to all things gaming, Brisbane has been levelling up over the past few months. First came Netherworld, the city's first arcade game bar. Then Super Combo arrived with its Street Fighter-themed burgers. Now, add 1UP Arcade's retro-style freeplay gaming to the mix. Setting up shop on the basement level of 230 Lytton Road, Morningside, 1UP allows patrons to mash buttons on usual suspects such as NBA Jam, multiple versions of Street Fighter and rarer finds like Garou: Mark of the Wolves, however, it has more than just pumping coins into machines in mind. In fact, the 80-machine joint wants you to play all of the above, plus the likes of Tekken, Cyber Sled, Puzzle Bobble, Bad Dudes Vs DragonNinja, and Aliens, The Simpsons and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles tie-ins too, without needing to continually reach for your wallet. Patrons will pay a flat $15 daily entry fee, or opt for a weekly ($29), monthly ($79) or quarterly ($129) membership, and then play to their heart's content. If you've been having Timezone lock-in withdrawals, you'd best start stretching your fingers now because you'll be in your element. We want to attract players of all ages and skill levels, and that means removing all roadblocks to enjoyment," says owner and founder Stephen Holmes. "Usually you have to feed a machine dollar after dollar to get enough playtime to improve — but not at 1UP." Yes, gaming is firmly in the spotlight — and, in a departure from the current trend, drinking and eating at the same venue isn't. While a selection of suitably retro snacks is on offer, including drinks such as TAB, Minute Maid and Cherry Coke, 1UP proudly stands alone as dedicated arcade, rather than falling within a bar or cafe. Staying true to old-school parts is also on the agenda, with Holmes focusing on authenticity, both among the machines he has in place, and in his forthcoming additions. Prepare to stare at arcade-standard CRT monitors in original cabinets for hours on end, with anything needing a bit of love being rebuilt from original bits and pieces. Game on.
UPDATE, February 15, 2024: The Wright House is now set to open in 2024. Head to The Talisman Group's website for further details. Brisbane's brewpub scene just keeps expanding, with spots to grab a freshly brewed beer over a bite popping up all around the River City. But, come September 2023, only one will boast two unique features: interiors inspired by architect Frank Lloyd Wright and a name that nods in his direction as well; and an intimate onsite chophouse that's all about a Mad Men-style theme. The place in question? The Wright House, which is setting up shop as part of the growing South City Square in Woolloongabba. Catering to 300 people, it'll make itself at home across two levels, and offer yet another stablemate for Italian bar and eatery Sasso, Chinese Peruvian joint Casa Chow, Palm Springs-inspired gin-pouring garden bar Purple Palm, and European-influenced wine bar and wine shop South City Wine — all hailing from The Talisman Group, Vincent Lombino and Jared Thibault's hospitality company. This time around, the outfit is focusing on the pub experience across both indoor and al fresco seating, and with craft beer pumping through its taps. One such brew will be whipped up by Aether Brewing exclusively for Talisman, while the rest of the drinks lineup will also span cocktails, spirits and Australian wines. Menu details are still scarce, but the food range will focus on Aussie pub classics with American flavours — other than in the 30-seat venue-within-a-venue called The Office. That's the Don Draper and company-adoring chophouse on the mezzanine level, which'll go all in on US-favourite dishes. Think: prime rib, clams casino, shrimp cocktails, creamed spinach and twice-baked potatoes. The Office will also boast a dedicated manhattan bar, which is where visitors will choose from a curated range of American and local whiskies. That said, because steak and wine is such a classic combo, expect an impressive vino selection as well, complete with South City Wine's entire wine list on offer. Find The Wright House at 148 Logan Road, Woolloongabba from sometime in September — we'll update you with an exact opening date when one is announced.
When the conversation turns to acquired tastes, the oyster is a natural example; our first oyster is typically offered up by an uncle-type (who probably introduced you to beer a few years later) getting his Christmas kicks from watching the next generation squirm, and then we hit 25 and suddenly we're knocking them back. But whether mum's reassurance that you'll like them you're older came true or not, many of us are still in the dark when it comes to this most lauded of mollusks. So we sat down with The Morrison Bar and Oyster Room's chef Sean Connolly to take the guesswork out of oyster culture. Oyster basics Let's start with some introductions: there are three different types of oysters grown in Australia: Sydney rock (or estuary), Pacific and Angasi. The last one, a rare goliath, is an Australian native that is attracting a lot of attention for its fleshy consistency — so oyster beginners should work up to this one. It can also command some pretty steep price tags, but according to Sean that isn't putting off the punters. "When you have Angasis [on the menu] they fly out the door." These days most restaurants will at least offer you a choice between Sydney rock or Pacific oysters. Now the simplest way to think of these two is tastier versus creamier. That doesn’t quite cover the full spectrum of differences between them, but it’s a nice launching pad for developing your pallet. If you can, split your order between the two—it gives you an edge of sophistication, and will help you learn the differences. Do you count as an oyster lover if you like toppings? No. Just kidding, the oyster community welcomes one and all, but maybe whisper your Kilpatrick (that's with cheese, Worcester sauce and bacon) requests. In Sean's mind it is simply about respecting the oyster, although he does seem pretty perturbed by oyster mornay (basically grilled cheese oysters). "That is the worst — haven't cooked one in years." What should you be embarrassed to order? Oyster lovers are undoubtedly a touch purist, but Sean insists "to a certain degree it's all good". If you are not quite ready to talk about the taste of the sea and how fresh shucking is paramount to good eating, just have a bit of fun. Order some of them deep-fried, use the juice for a dirty martini or pop an oyster in your shot glass. But remember, never the mornay. For the beer lovers amongst you, it could be time to head over to Young Henry’s Brewery in Newtown and check out their limited release oyster stout — Mother Shucka. The do's and don'ts of oyster shucking Nothing says host with the most like some freshly shucked oysters, so if you are ready to take home entertaining to the next level, buy yourself an oyster knife and get ready for a few cuts along the way. First off, make sure you have a good base (read bread board) and do not attempt doing this in the air, in your hand, or anywhere else that momentarily seems logical. Make sure that the curved side is on the bottom, and hold it down with a tea towel-clad hand. Now, edge your oyster knife into the side of the oyster, then prize it open by running the knife along the join. Once you have traced the entire edge simply flex the knife sideways to move the shells apart. "There is sort of like a 75 percent chance that you will hurt yourself," warns Sean. "Even I hurt myself shucking oysters at Christmas." I would probably add buy some protective gloves and download a how-to-guide. How to eat an oyster Discounting my childhood trauma theory, Sean doesn't see there being any real reason why people wouldn't like oysters — unless you're not eating them properly. So, here is his final word on how to eat an oyster: swirl it around your mouth, chew it twice and swallow. It sounds like something Lauren Bacall would purr in To Have and Have Not ("You know how to eat an oyster, don't you Steve?"), so it is a handy piece of trivia for your next dinner date, and it means you are getting all of the flavour you can out of your oyster. What to wash them down with There is good reason that people are known to enjoy the finer things in life, not the finer thing; well-paired delicacies have a habit of making evenings memorable and this brings us to the wine match. Take your time with the wine list, you do not want to lose all that freshly shucked deliciousness in the depths of a juicy shiraz. When matching wine to oysters some key words are minerality, acidity and flinty. I wouldn’t look further than something white and from Burgundy, but Sean points to a good savvy-b or dry riesling. Remember, if this is all new to you, grabbing the attention of your sommelier is always a good move and chucking in the word 'flinty' is sure to earn you bonus points. The best places in Brisbane to enjoy oysters Last weekend the South Bank Surf Club launched their oyster season with an all-you-can-eat event. We heard two girls managed to consume 13 dozen between them. That’s 78 oysters each! While all-you-can-eat might just be for the mad-keen oyster lover, those with a taste for classic seafood needn’t look far to find the good stuff. Pop in for half or full dozens on menus at The Jetty, Cabiria or Jellyfish. For variety, Bar Barossa in the city offer them natural, Kilpatrick, with grapefruit pearls, pedro Xienez jelly, spicy nahm jim or spanner mornay crab. Or visit the oyster man at West End markets every Saturday. Bring your gold coins, at $1 a pop these freshly shucked bad boys go down a treat for breakfast. Do they really have an aphrodisiac effect? The standard response to this question is a smirk and some nod to personal experience — the more erudite might even referenceCasanova’s breakfast — but a little research shows this theory has real legs. First of all the high zinc content keeps all of us generally strong and virile, plus it staves off herpes (pop that in the good-to-know basket). But, the science really heats up when you start talking amino acids. These little critters actually house two pretty unusual ones (D-aspartic acid and N-methyl-D-aspartate) that have been shown to boost testosterone in men and women's oestrogen levels. Who knew? The Italians were right all along. Do I need to know where they come from? Waters are to oysters as soil is to wine, so regions can say a lot about what an oyster is going to look and taste like before it gets to the table. It's all a little too involved for this article, but oyster masterclasses are held regularly all around Sydney if you are keen to learn more. But we can give you a few cheats: names to look out for include Coffin Bay (SA), Clyde River (NSW) and St Helens (TAS). Don’t be alarmed if your favourite restaurant starts offering you oysters from different regions; like most produce, the best oyster-producing region depends on the season. Ultimately, as Sean notes, it is about having "trust in the chef, trust in the establishment and then the proof is in the eating". How do Aussie oyster lovers rate internationally? We've had Europe lording it over us for years with their tails of natural sophistication, but Sean disagrees. "It's part of our culture," he insists in a broad Yorkshire accent — stopping to note that after 20 years in the country he has earned the right to say 'our'. It's marginally more than my years of life so I don’t fight him. Plus, he has a point; we have got some of the cleanest waters in the world for growing the things. “When I opened Astra [his first restaurant], about 17 years ago," Sean goes on, "we were shucking oysters to order and the clientele were sending them back because they were salty … But now everyone recognises a good oyster and everyone is look for that taste of the sea." By Ruby Lennon with Daniela Sunde-Brown.
In any given month in Brisbane, finding an excuse to eat, drink, dance, listen to live tunes and party on a rooftop isn't hard. But only February — and, in 2023, a few select dates in January — heralds the annual BrisAsia Festival, where all of those events focus on celebrating the city's ties with Asia, the many cultures that originated from the continent and Lunar New Year. If you live in the Queensland capital, then you've heard all about the Brisbane's connections northwards; we're the home of the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art and we've also hosted the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, after all. Since 2013, the BrisAsia Festival has been on that list as well, giving the city a three-week fest that spreads far and wide around town. In 2o23, that'll include 27 events across 12 suburbs, and feature 400-plus artists Running from Wednesday, February 1–Sunday, February 19 — with events also on January 13, 14 and 22 — the 2023 program boasts old favourites, new additions, and the fest's trademark mix of traditional and contemporary Asian arts. It all begins with those festivities before the official kickoff, with the TET Festival marking Vietnam's Hội chợ Tết across two days, then Fortitude Valley going all in for Lunar New Year on Sunday, January 22. From there, last year's laneway tea festival is back, this time in Burnett Lane in the CBD, and so is the Southside by Night event that combines street food with a car meet (yes, think Fast and Furious vibes). Pre-pandemic, the Lunar New Year Rooftop Party at Sunnybank Plaza was always a highlight, complete with traditional lanterns and fireworks — and the 2023 lineup builds from there. Fortitude Music Hall will host the launch party, which'll feature lion dancers, martial arts displays, Sydney-based DJ Nick Kim and local drag star Crimson Coco; Soul Gazing: A Journey through the Cosmic Skydome will take over the Mt Coot-tha Observatory; the BrisAsia Beats sessions return as well; and a big summer party will pop up at the South Bank Piazza. Elsewhere, you can check out an intercultural creative residency at Brisbane Powerhouse, dance in the Queen Street Mall for BrisAsia Dance Day, break out your K-pop moves and listen to stories about Brisbane's cultural evolution. Plus, Brissie's Asian Australian comedians will also take to the stage for a night of standup comedy, and the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens will host a night of love songs from around the globe in the lead up to Valentine's Day. After debuting in 2022, digital storytelling initiative Mother's Table is also back to showcase another round of local restaurant owners, all chatting about their eateries and signature dishes. BrisAsia 2023 runs from Wednesday, February 1–Sunday, February 19, with events also on January 13, 14 and 22. For further details, head to the Brisbane City Council website.
Last year, the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration announced that it would start making space dreams come true, and not just for astronauts. As part of the organisation's increased commercial push, it revealed plans to allow tourists to spend time on the International Space Station. If you've ever wanted to hang out in an artificial satellite that's orbiting the planet — and you have spare piles of cash secreted away to pay for it, of course — you no doubt started getting excited. Now, NASA has unveiled further details, naming just who'll be making the ISS's first habitable commercial module. And, that company — Axiom Space — has announced that it'll not only be creating its own commercial space station at the ISS, but also launching the first fully private human spaceflight mission to the station. Folks with hefty bank balances who like staring down at the earth while travelling in luxury are in luck, with said space digs looking rather luxe. As approved last month, Axiom Space's ISS module is designed by French designer Philippe Starck — and while he actually revealed just what they'd look like back in 2018, now his vision has officially been given the go-ahead. Think gold and cream hues, ample padding and exactly what everyone paying to holiday in space wants: a window with a helluva view. The designer said he wanted a fetal-like space that resembles "a comfortable egg, friendly, where walls are so soft and in harmony with the values of movements of the human body in zero gravity". Axiom Space's ISS pods will host both professional astronauts and ordinary folks, attaching to the station's Node 2 forward port. They're due to join the ISS from the second half of 2024 and, when the ISS reaches its retirement date, Axiom's additions will be able to detach and fly free as its own commercial space station. Also slated as part of Axiom's complex: an observatory with 360-degree views. If you're going to rocket into space, you'll really want to make the most of the view, after all. While Axiom's Starck-designed module isn't due to be completed for four years, the company is aiming to launch its first private spaceflight mission to the ISS — the first ever by a commercial entity — by the second half of 2021. The flight's crew will live onboard the existing station for at least eight days. Afterwards, Axiom is planning to offer up to two flights per year, catering to both professional and private astronaut flights, all as the company builds its own private space station. When NASA's ISS tourism scheme was first announced, it revealed that private astronauts will be able to spend up to 30 days on the station — and that two tourists will be allowed onboard at any one time. Cost-wise, visitors will need to pay US$11,250 a day for use of life support and bathroom facilities, plus an extra $22,500 per day for food, air and medical supplies. They'll also need to fork out for the presumably ultra-expensive trip to actually get there. As for NASA's broader commercial approach, other than opening the ISS to commercial ventures in general — including to private tourist outfits like Axiom Space, who'll arrange the privately funded, dedicated commercial spaceflights for eager visitors, take responsibility for flight crews, and ensure that private astronauts meet the necessary medical and training requirements — the idea is to create "a thriving commercial economy in low-earth orbit". Ideally, businesses will be able to operate out of the station. While more than 50 companies are already involved with the ISS, their work is currently restricted to research and development; however that'll no longer be the case. Images: Axiom / Philippe Starck.
Deck your halls with holly, then leave them immediately for a nice holiday. If there's one festive season motto that stands out to us, it's celebrating with family and friends and being thankful for the company. If there's another one, to be honest, it's leaving all that behind and escaping on a holiday on your own, or with a single loved one instead of your entire extended family. Nothing beats the sounds of silence, a cold dip in a pool, and the knowledge that you'll be able to remove your pants immediately after eating a huge Christmas-time meal and nobody will be there to mind. In partnership with Mr & Mrs Smith, here are ten getaway options for the Christmas / New Year period — and if you're stuck for present ideas, you can use the suggestions below (or 1000 more boutique hotels) on a Get a Room! gift card. Strongly suggest they take a you-shaped friend. COMO THE TREASURY, PERTH Como the Treasury was voted the second best hotel worldwide by the Condé Nast Traveler's Reader's Choice Awards this year, and its palatial rooms and incredible views of Perth clearly show why. The building may be 140 years old but the facilities aren't — there's a swimming pool, spa, and full fitness centre including yoga and pilates studios to really wave bye-bye to life stress. The top-floor restaurant Wildflower presides over the eating side of things, touting a menu infused with indigenous ingredients. Can't shake the kids while you're dining and yoga-ing? There are even babysitting facilities available. EMPIRE RETREAT AND SPA, MARGARET RIVER The Margaret River isn't a well-kept secret of a holiday destination, but it's a worthwhile Christmas drive just to stay at Empire Retreat and Spa. A lovely old stone farmhouse, it'll be like going back in time while simultaneously hitting an 11 on the luxury scale: the rustically modern rooms have everything you could need, and there's an on-site vineyard as well as the spa, so you should really consider kicking Christmas on for a few weeks more. Stay in a Luxury Villa, complete with sunken lounge and fireplace, or a Deluxe Balcony Suite – attached to the main lodge by a timber boardwalk. SAL SALIS, NINGALOO REEF Sal Salis is the type of place you evacuate to when your cat has knocked down the Christmas tree for the sixth time and you've lost your car in the car park again. A bush camp by the beach in Cape Range National Park, it's a safari by the sea but not without the trimmings: you might be sleeping in a tent but they're moored on timber platforms with own ensuite and deck, 30 metres from the sea. Sal Salis concentrates on eco-friendliness so expect composting loos and solar power — and unforgettable manta ray hangs when snorkelling. PRETTY BEACH HOUSE, CENTRAL COAST If eucalyptus is your calming scent of choice, consider coming to Pretty Beach House on the Central Coast to get your fix. Beautiful wood-panelled lodges make up this ideal holiday escape – a home away from home among the gumtrees, throwing in a private terrace and plunge pool for an extra warm welcome. There's a resident bar and an Italian restaurant by Stefano Manfredi complete with pizza oven so you'll be well fed and watered, too. For even more serenity there's a spa on premises and no children under 15 allowed — this is one for couples. ALILA MANGGIS, BALI If the options are "go to Bali or don't go to Bali" you should always pick "go to Bali". Find yourself surrounded by coconut groves at the Alila Manggis — a beachside resort located next to the sacred Mount Agung. There's a beautiful pool, a spa, and even the chance to be a mature age student: there's a cooking school on-site. The Alila Manggis also has its own organic veggie garden for extra goodness, so your body and mind will both say "thanks for taking me to Bali". BISMA EIGHT, BALI Another reason to up and get yourselves to Bali, if you needed more incentive, is the Bisma Eight resort in Ubud. A concrete oasis, the modern design isn't what you'd expect from a jungle paradise in Indonesia — but paradise it is. Aussie chef Duncan McCance run the restaurant on-site that puts to good use the hotel's organic garden. There's a pretty fancy pool and all rooms come with a Japanese soaking tub; plus, there's a fiery hot cocktail menu in the bar, so what are you even waiting for? THE CHEDI CLUB, UBUD Excuse us, but there's a butler service over here and also a 35m Balinese water palace pool. "Where do I book", you ask? If you're a guest at The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah in Ubud, you can stay in a Spa Villa, which has your own private spa room and massage beds. There is some mighty interesting culinary goodness happening over here with Singaporean chef Dean Nor working with "Mama Bali" and her local bumbu spices. All the rice comes from the nearby rice paddy fields; tours of these also run, as does the occasional Balinese dance performance. Off you trot, then. SALA, PHUKET Who says you can't relax in Phuket? Sala Phuket is making this a very valid reality for you in your time of need over Christmas and New Year, simply by providing you with a haven featuring multiple pools and much relaxation. Sala Pool Villas have enormous "merman sized" bathtubs, private pools and tropical gardens of their own; you're located near the beach and there's a spa, too, so the beautiful bodies of water never end. The champion of Sala might very well be the bar, with daybeds big enough to sprawl on while drinking a burnt lemon and vanilla margarita. Mmm. THE SAROJIN, THAILAND For a more secluded yet equally as tropical getaway, The Sarojin is a boutique hotel on the coastline of Phang Na set on 10 acres of garden. There's an infinity pool that is infinity types of inviting and has it's own pavilions at its edges. With a cosy seafood shack as well as a restaurant nestled under the huge fig tree that is the centerpiece of the gardens, you'll eat well — or can even charter a cruise to a private island for a romantic dinner for two. A seven-night minimum stay is required over Christmas, so we guess you guys will just have to suck it up. ZABORIN, JAPAN Japan — land of the best things in the world (sushi, good public transport, an island full of cats). It's also home to Zaborin Hotel in the Hanazano woods in Hokkaido, a 15-villa wonderland. Each villa has it's own indoor and outdoor onsen (bath) filled with volcanic water, and once you've soaked to your heart's content head along to the restaurant for a traditional kita kaiseki meal — an 11-course set menu differing with the harvest. Ski slopes are nearby, but we wouldn't be surprised if you lounged around at Zaborin forevermore (or as long as you can get off work). Grab someone you love a Mr and Mrs Smith Get a Room! gift card and send them on a summer holiday — available from $50.
When stationery brand Moleskine opened its first permanent cafe in Milan back in 2016, it shot to the top of every notebook lover's must-visit spots. Given the popularity of their products, it should come as no surprise that opening additional eateries is on the company's to-do list, bringing its minimalist aesthetic to more places around the world. First, Moleskine has opened the doors on its second digs, in Beijing in the city's Taikoo Li shopping centre. Boasting neutral colours, plenty of space and ample natural light, as you'd expect given their clean design-loving ways, the open-concept 150-square metre space features both individual and communal tables — both indoors and in an al fresco area as well. Like its Milan predecessor, it's part cafe, part gallery, part library and part store; the kind of place where you can marvel at the decor while you're sipping tea and leafing through a few pages, and then pick up a notebook on your way out. Next on the agenda are cafes in Hamburg, London and New York, which are all due to open in 2018. Digital Arts Online reports that the eateries' menus will combine Italian and local cuisine across breakfast and lunch options, and showcase creativity through exhibitions dedicated to architects, designers, illustrators and film directors. A roster of events, talks and workshops will also be offered. Via Digital Arts Online. Image: Moleskine.
The cutest little Jedi in a galaxy far, far away is back — and the most adorable one in our own on-screen realm as well. Although The Mandalorian won't release its third season until 2023, Disney+ has just unveiled the first sneak peak at the Star Wars spinoff's upcoming batch of episodes. The best and most important news? Grogu, aka Baby Yoda, returns (and obviously remains as charming as ever). If you've somehow missed it before now, the Emmy-nominated show follows the titular bounty hunter (Pedro Pascal, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent); however, it's his encounter with a fuzzy little creature first known as The Child, affectionately named Baby Yoda by everyone watching, and officially called Grogu, that's always had everyone talking. So, it comes as zero surprise that one of the Star Wars universe's best-ever double acts is pushed into the spotlight in the debut glimpse at The Mandalorian's third season. In fact, the trailer confirms that Mando, aka Din Djarin and Grogu's big reunion, picking up where The Book of Boba Fett left off. But the events of the pair's past streaming adventures have consequences, including seeing The Mandalorian disowned by his fellow Mandalorians. It wouldn't be a Star Wars series if everyone got along — the 'wars' part is right there in the franchise name, after all. Accordingly, this first sneak peek teases the obligatory battles, as well as the fallout when its namesake doesn't actually have that title any more. Oh, and plenty of Grogu, naturally. Yes, the Star Wars universe certainly does sprawl far and wide these days, both within its tales and in its many different movies, shows, books and games. When this one first arrived in 2019, it started five years after Star Wars: Episode VI — Return of the Jedi. Also on offer across its run so far: a cast that's included everyone from Giancarlo Esposito (Better Call Saul), Carl Weathers (Toy Story 4), Taika Waititi and iconic filmmaker Werner Herzog through to Timothy Olyphant (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood), Rosario Dawson (DMZ), Katee Sackhoff (Another Life) and Temuera Morrison as Boba Fett. While The Mandalorian fans will have to wait till next year to see what comes next, the Star Wars franchise has already delivered Obi-Wan Kenobi to streaming already in 2022 — and Rogue One spinoff Andor arrives on Wednesday, September 21. Check out the latest trailer for The Mandalorian below: The Mandalorian's third season will hit Disney+ sometime in 2023 — we'll update you with an exact date when one is announced. Images: ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
The Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA), curated by the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory in Darwin, are annual awards for First Nations artists from across the country. Due to the ongoing effects of COVID-19, the 2021 Telstra NATSIAA award winners will be announced via the Telstra NATSIAA website — and all Australians can get to know the finalists and winners via a virtual gallery, which will go live from 6pm AEST on Friday, August 6. Each year, the awards celebrates contemporary artworks across a broad range of disciplines. Think paintings, craftsmanship, photography and textile works. There are 65 finalists from across the country, and what makes the awards so special is the diversity in storytelling; there are perspectives from coastal regions, desert towns, cities and everywhere between. For 38 years, Telstra NATSIAA has represented the art of the nation — culturally, geographically and historically, as well as looking to our future — with 2021 marking 30 years with the awards' long-standing partner, Telstra. For those who plan to visit the Northern Territory, you can also experience the artworks in person at the Telstra NATSIAA Exhibition at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory from Saturday, August 7 right through till Sunday, February 6, 2022. And it's good news for those of us who'd usually miss out on the awards ceremony, as this year's presentation (usually held on the grounds of the Museum) will be broadcast online. You can join host Rachel Hocking on Friday, August 6 to find out which artists have won by visiting the website from 6pm AEST. While you're there, check out the fully interactive, virtual gallery and chuck a vote in for your favourites in the Telstra People's Choice Award, too. Head to the NATSIAA website on August 6 at 6pm AEST to catch the announcement of this year's winners. Images: Charlie Bliss and MAGNT
Captain Sustainability and brains behind Silo Joost Bakker has relaunched his cafe as a soup kitchen. Of course, it's no ordinary cooking-with-groceries soup kitchen; the stocks for the soups are made from bones that go unused by high-end eateries such as Rockpool, Attica and the European. It's called Brothl, the kind of pun that might have been best made and forgotten but is now the legitimate name of a place we'll be spending plenty of time in. Bakker, originally a florist and a designer, had been doing the flowers at Rockpool for years when he finally asked Neil Perry if he could take the discarded bones for soup stock. Perry did not hesitate to give them away. The result is four nutritious broths packed full of flavor: A Cape Grim beef stock simmered for 48 hours, a 24-hour chicken stock, 12-hour seafood stock made from marron and crab, and a vegetarian stock made using kelp foraged from the Bellarine Peninsula. On top of that, all of the broths are made with rainwater from Monbulk. If that’s not some thrifty practice, we’re not sure what is. For those who are both sustainability- and health-conscious, the menu includes details of which nutrients, vitamins and minerals each broth will bring you. Getting involved with this Brothl is going to be good for you in more ways than one, it seems. It will cost you a tenner for a hearty bowl of broth, and once you’ve got the base down you can add extras, such as sea bounty muscles, poached chicken, house-made soba or spelt noodles and seasonal vegetables. They even have chicken feet if you’re craving it. If you want to know more on this no-waste venture, just make sure you type Brothl exactly like that into your Google search; it will save you from seeing all the things you can’t unsee.
An opportunity to celebrate the birthday of a famous religious leader and founder at one of his renowned, infamous parties only comes around once a year. So unless you want to wait impatiently for another 365 days to receive your invitation, you should drop by South Bank between 29 April and 1 May and take part in the 15th Buddhist Birthday Festival. This celebration for the pious wonders of life, or in other words, all the things Buddhists endorse, is the biggest of its kind worldwide. Over the three days, South Bank will host a range of events in memory of the founder of Buddhism, Prince Siddartha Guatama. Coordinated by the Buddha’s Light International Association of Australia and Chung Tian Temple, both organisations have combined their knowledge in a hope that new crowds will get to experience their lifestyle. With this big-deal birthday comes the chance to partake in some authentic activities that are a daily part of practicing Buddhists lifestyles. The Ringing of the Peace Bell ritual is just one of many available. There are also heaps of other stuff to get you in the mood for Buddhism, like complimentary meditation and tai chi classes. All in all it has the potential to be a life changing experience (you never know) or at the very least a pretty peaceful time. And if I haven’t given you enough reasons to attend already, do you really want to be rude and not attend a birthday party you’ve been personally invited to?
Lena Dunham has announced a return to filmmaking. At the 15th New Yorker Festival, held over the weekend, she spilled the beans on her plans to adapt and direct Karen Cushman’s coming-of-age novel Catherine, Called Birdy. “I’ve been obsessed with it since I was a kid,” Dunham told author Ariel Levy on Friday night. In fact, in a 2012 interview with the New York Times, she identified it and Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita as the “two best books about girls” she had ever read. It's a project that will allow the Girls creator to extend her voice well beyond beyond her generation. Narrated as a diary and set in England in the 1290s, Catherine, Called Birdy recounts a 13-year-old girl’s struggle against arranged marriage. “[She] gets her period and her father basically says, 'Well, it's time for you to get married,' and she's like, 'Uh, no,'" Dunham explained. “It's hyper realistic and really pretty and it's full of incest and beatings, but it's a child's story.” Fortunately there were no Q-Tips in the 1290s, so audiences will at least be spared that Dunham-patented horror. The writer-director is intending to produce the film via her production company, A Casual Romance, which she set up with Jenni Konner, executive producer of Girls. However, they’re still in need financial support from “someone who wants to a fund a PG-13 medieval movie.” In the meantime, she is busy promoting her debut essay collection, Not That Kind of Girl: A Young Woman Tells You What She’s 'Learned'. Via Indiewire.
If you're always trying to stay up-to-date with all of the new shows and movies hitting Netflix, but you're also attempting to do so on the cheap — by borrowing a pal or your parents' login details — you might soon have to change your viewing strategy. Some of the service's subscribers have started reported receiving warning messages about using other people's accounts, with the platform currently testing a new feature to block password sharing. "If you don't live with the owner of this account, you need your own account to keep watching," states the message, which then gives users a few options. If you are indeed watching via your own account, you can get a verification code sent to you via email or text. If not, you can sign up for a 30-day trial. There's also a 'verify later' option, which'll let you keep watching — but only for a short but as-yet-unspecified amount of time — and then verify later. Images of the message have started appearing on social media, and Netflix has confirmed the move to media outlets such as The Hollywood Reporter and ABC News. THR reports that how the feature is being rolled out varies per country, and that protecting accounts from unauthorised use is one of the reasons behind it. To ABC News, a Netflix spokesperson advised that "this test is designed to help ensure that people using Netflix accounts are authorised to do so." Converting folks who use other people's passwords to access the platform into paying customers is obviously one of the strategy's aims, too, especially as more and more streaming services pop up in competition. And, after most folks have just spent more time at home than usual — and more time streaming Netflix, too — the company is likely looking at ways to keep growing its numbers. Whether the password-sharing block will become a permanent feature is yet to be seen, but it isn't the only thing that Netflix has been testing of late. The platform is also working on a shuffle function, that'll automatically pick your next thing to watch and save you from scrolling for hours and hours — which is expected to be rolled out in the first half of this year. Netflix's new password-sharing block is being tested now — we'll update you when more details are announced. Via The Hollywood Reporter/ABC News.
Returning for its fourth iteration, The Fork Festival sees top restaurants across the country offering sit-down meals for up to half the usual price. Yep, up to 50-percent off your total food bill, folks — think of it as the proverbial carrot luring you out of the house. Up and running as of today, Friday, April 22, the offer is a blessing for those feeling a little light-pocketed after Easter — or thanks to the spate of long weekends we're currently enjoying. To snag a half-price meal (or, in a few cases, 30-percent off), you just need to make a reservation through The Fork website or app at one of the participating eateries for any service (breakfast, lunch or dinner) during the six-week period. There are some great venues coming to the party, too. In Sydney, you'll find cheap eats at the likes of Kings Cross Distillery, Monopole, Sydney Brewery in Surry Hills, Diana at Potts Point, Bentley Restaurant & Bar in the CBD and Cirrus Dining at Barangaroo. Victoria's lineup includes Brunswick Mess Hall and the Sarah Sands Hotel in Brunswick, Gasthaus on Queen, Amazing Graze Tea Rooms, and everywhere from Korr Jee Chicken and Lezzet to Neo Lemonade and Scarpetta. In other states, the list is much smaller — so you'll need to head to TGI Fridays Robina in Queensland; the brand's outposts in WA as well; The Pelican Place in the ACT; and spots such as Pier Bar and Grill, Christies Beach Hotel, Sammy's on the Marina and Red Ochre Barrel and Grill in South Australia. You might want to revisit an old favourite or you could get a little adventurous and road-test somewhere new. Either way, there's ample time to squeeze in a fair few discounted feasts before the festival wraps up on Sunday, May 29. The Fork Festival runs from Friday, April 22–Sunday, May 29 at select restaurants nationwide, excluding the NT and Tasmania. Top image: Sarah Sands Hotel.
Curator and writer Lisa Bryan-Brown brings together a collection of Brisbane's best artists for the exhibition Less. Less is collection of work that explores the common ground and differences between ten early-career creatives: Helen Bird, Courtney Coombs, Michelle Eskola, Loki Groves, Madeleine Keinonen, Zoe Knight, Angelica Roache-Wilson, Matthew Sneesby, Rachael Wellisch and Elizabeth Willing. All work in the field of post-minimalism and broach the issues of affect, perception and beauty, with Less celebrating their fondness for abstract post-minimal practice and aesthetics.< Curator Lisa Bryan-Brown is also a writer whose recent essays include Leena Riethmuller: Bodily Purity and the Simultaneous Dichotomies in the work of Yannick Blattner catalogue for the It's all gone Shane Warne: 708 wickets in one hour exhibition with Inhouse ARI. Less will showcase at The Laundry Artspace this Thursday from 6pm.
Amy Commins presents a collection of her new work in FAKE Estate's latest exhibition, Landshapes. Using light, motion and video to explore the idea of landscapes, Commins delves into a form of vastness that exists in the everyday. Her work weaves notions of nature and digital practices to create unique re-imaginings of representational images. Amy Commins is a Brisbane visual artist who works across a variety of media, including painting, installation and video. She shows particular interest in exploring the distinction between 'representation' and 'reality' — a theme that come across strongly in this exhibition. Commins has presented throughout Brisbane as part of group exhibitions, and Landshapes is her second solo exhibition since her 2014 effort, Make Me Feel Some Type of Way. Landshapes is a one night only event, kicking off at 6pm this Saturday.
Hey, no one is perfect — and Caitlyn Reynolds is out to prove it. Her latest exhibition, Nice Stories About Good People, intends to capture the moments of personal deficiency and unmet social expectations i.e. when people mess up. Reynolds uses drawing, schematics, illustration and installation for this exhibition, and relies on intimacy and empathetic engagement to chronicle us pathetic human beings. Approximately a month before the proposed opening, Reynolds was told abruptly she could no longer use or access her studio, so went into artist crisis mode. In an exciting twist, Nice Stories About Good People has turned from a static exhibition of recent works into a living project and platform for the completion of the work intended for the show. Nice Stories About Good People exhibits at POP Gallery till April 10.
If you're a fan of catchy indie pop don't miss Oceanics debut EP launch, Bright People this Thursday night. Not even wallflowers would be able to resist dancing to the infectious tunes and enjoying the charismatic stage presence of this Gold Coast four piece. Oceanics have played numerous shows both in Brisbane and the Gold Coast alongside acts such as Ball Park Music, The Boat People, British India, The Like, San Cisco and Sparkadia. Plus, with a Big Day Out placement tucked tightly under their belts, it's fair to say Oceanics catchy tunes are creating a stir. Often compared to The Kooks because of their effortless, jangling guitar riffs as well as lead singer Elliot Weston's charming vocals, take this opportunity to suss them out for yourself. And what better night than Thursday, the ever celebrated student night at Oh Hello. Cheap drinks, good music and like minded people make The Oceanics EP Launch the place to be this Thursday. Cobra Kai DJs will keep the party kicking well into the night, and just incase if you need a little extra coaxing – there will be fairy floss.
David Hasselhoff is a man whose dreaminess has infected three generations of followers - a feat rivalled by few. From Knight Rider stud, to Baywatch heart throb, to the man who daringly sung atop the Berlin Wall, ablaze in lightbulbs and piano print, David 'The Hoff' Hasselhoff is undeniably the cream of our human species' crop. Fresh from headlining Edinburough Fringe Festival, The Hoff is back with his live show 'An Evening with the Hoff' at Brisbane's HiFi. In a world of Snookies and Kardashians passing themselves off as celebrities, it's a welcome relief to find an entertainer with legitimate talents, a substantial personality and real appreciation for his fan-base. Join this legendary actor, singer and entertainer at the HiFi in an evening of song, dance and audience participation. Discover where the Hasslehoff ends and the Hoff begins as he performs on stage, in the flesh, bearing all – maybe not as much as his Bay Watch years, but we can hope. A Hoff Classic 'Hooked on a Feeling'
For half a century now, The Rocky Horror Show has been astounding. And, with the Richard O'Brien-created production lasting that long, perhaps time really is fleeting. Either way, whenever this sci-fi/horror musical hits the stage — and wherever — a glorious kind of madness takes its toll. In 2023, Australian audiences will be able to listen closely — and watch Jason Donovan as Frank N Furter take a jump to the left, then a step to the right, too — when the famed musical heads around the country on a huge 50th-anniversary tour. The Rocky Horror Show's brand-new Aussie run will kick off at Theatre Royal Sydney in February, with other stops and dates yet to be announced. On offer: the tale that theatre audiences have loved for five decades — and movie-goers as well, thanks to 1975's iconic big-screen release The Rocky Horror Picture Show. For the uninitiated, the story involves college-aged couple Brad Majors and Janet Weiss getting a flat tyre, then wandering over to an old castle to ask for help. That's where they discover an extra-terrestrial mad scientist from the galaxy of Transylvania, plus his staff and his Frankenstein-style experiments — and, yes, doing 'The Time Warp' is essential. As well as Donovan slipping on Frank N Furter's fishnets (fresh from popping back up in Ramsay Street to farewell Neighbours), the new Australian tour will star Myf Warhurst as The Narrator. Also set to feature: Ellis Dolan (School of Rock) as Eddie/Dr Scott, Darcey Eagle (Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical) as Columbia, Ethan Jones (9 to 5 The Musical) as Brad, Deirdre Khoo (Once) as Janet, Loredo Malcolm as Rocky (Hamilton) and Henry Rollo (Jagged Little Pill the Musical) as Riff Raff. Since first premiering in London in June 1973, The Rocky Horror Show has played in more than 30 countries — and over 30 million people have seen songs like 'Science Fiction/Double Feature', 'Dammit, Janet!', 'Sweet Transvestite', 'Over at the Frankenstein Place' and 'Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me'. If you haven't been before, this is your turn to join in. The Rocky Horror Show's 2023 Australian tour kicks off at Theatre Royal Sydney in February, with tickets on sale from 10am on Monday, October 17. Head to the production's website for further details. We'll update you with information on seasons in other cities when they're announced. Images: Richard Davenport, The Rocky Horror Show UK tour.
Girls to the front — Bikini Kill are coming to Australia. The iconic Kathleen Hanna-fronted, Washington-formed band instigated the Riot Grrrl movement, and will perform their first Australian shows in more than 25 years on a seven-date 2023 tour. On top of already-announced appearances at Mona Foma and Golden Plains, the trailblazing trio have now dropped the dates for a series of headline shows, appearing in Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney throughout March. The solo shows will kick off at Brisbane's The Tivoli on Friday, March 3, before moving onto Lion Arts Factory in Adelaide on Sunday, March 5. They, they'll hit up The Forum in Melbourne on Wednesday, March 8, and the Sydney Opera House on Monday, March 13. In good news for the next generation of riot grrrls and underage rockers, all four of these headline shows will be all ages. Plus, Bikini Kill have also been added to the Perth Festival lineup, where they'll perform previously announced headliners Bon Iver and Björk — with the latter bringing her Cornucopia tour to Western Australia for the 2023 festival. [caption id="attachment_874299" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Debi Del Grande[/caption] "The quintessential band that blends activism and extreme fun, Bikini Kill, will take their rightful place on the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall stage for one of the most anticipated shows of the year," Sydney Opera House Head of Contemporary Music Ben Marshall said. "Kathleen Hanna, Kathi Wilcox and Tobi Vail are feminist performance-art punks whose moment never went away and are arguably needed now more than ever. Mesmerising, clever and surreal, this is a rare chance to see this legendary, razor-sharp live band that will blow you away, while revealing the constant struggle that animates them." Tickets for the Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne gigs will all go on sale at 9am local time on Monday, October 31. As for the Sydney show, tickets will be available for Sydney Opera House Insiders from 9am on Tuesday, November 1, followed by a What's On pre-sale at midday on Wednesday, November 2, and a general sale at 9am on Friday, November 4. Yes, either watching or rewatching the exceptional documentary The Punk Singer, about Hanna, should be on your must-do list right now. Fun fact: when Hanna spray-painted "Kurt smells like Teen Spirit" across her pal Mr Cobain's wall, the name of a certain grunge anthem was born. And, if you're in Sydney in any point leading up to the tour, drop into the Powerhouse Museum Ultimo, where Bikini Kill is currently being featured in the exhibition UNPOPULAR. The exhibition dips into the musical archive of entrepreneur Stephen 'Pav' Pavlovic to unveil never-before-seen photographs and footage of legendary and beloved musicians taking to Australian stages. Hanna, Wilcox and Vail appear alongside other decade-defining artists like Beastie Boys, Nirvana, Sonic Youth and Hole. [caption id="attachment_875372" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Unpopular exhibition view featuring Video, No Alternative Girls, directed by Tamra Davis, 1994. Courtesy of Tamra Davis, credit Zan Wimberley[/caption] BIKINI KILL 2023 AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES: Sunday, February 26 — Mona Foma, Hobart Wednesday, March 1 — Perth Festival Friday, March 3 — The Tivoli, Brisbane Sunday, March 5 — Lions Arts Factory, Adelaide Wednesday, March 8 — The Forum, Melbourne Saturday, March 11 — Golden Plains Festival, Victoria Monday, March 13 — Sydney Opera House Bikini Kill will tour Australia between Sunday, February 26–Monday, March 13. For all the details on when tickets go on sale in each city, head to the band's website. Top image: Debi Del Grande
Early in 2015, Brisbane music lovers and other creative types were pretty pumped about The Foundry. The new venue promised to become the city's new hub and hotspot, until post-opening issues put the place on hold temporarily. Thankfully, you can't keep a good venture down, as their relaunch has proven. Now, they're adding to the fold by throwing open the doors of their next phase: a record store. Yes, next time you're on Wickham Street looking for a music fix, The Foundry well and truly has you covered. By night, you can enjoy whoever is wowing the crowds in the 300-person bandroom, or chill out to some tunes at the adjacent rock ’n’ roll bar and beer garden. By day, you can browse for albums and tracks to take home with you. While rifling through the selection of vinyl, CDs and DVDS, you'll find a theme on the shelves to match the one on the venue's stage — i.e. a focus on local music. Brisbane bands litter the record racks, as overflowing with old, new, familiar and obscure options, and sorted by genre. Those fond of something other than the usual — such as zines and other merchandise — will be in their element, too. Foundry Records calls itself "a record store, bar, cafe, performance space and community hang", which means you can also enjoy in-store gigs, signings and listening parties, plus something to eat and drink. Blackstar Coffee and West End Tea Co provide the non-alcoholic beverages, so you know they're delicious, and Le Sebastian Bakery provides the pastry snacks. Find Foundry Records at 228 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley, or check out their website and Facebook Page for more information.
It has been 23 years since Mecca opened its first store in Melbourne, with the beauty retailer expanding to more than 100 Australian and New Zealand shops over that time. But none of its locations so far can match the company's soon-to-open latest addition — a huge new site in Sydney, which not only marks Mecca's first flagship store, but will also become the biggest dedicated beauty store in the southern hemisphere. Slated to open on Friday, November 27, the new shop will take over the heritage Gowings building on the corner of Market and George streets — sprawling across four levels and 1800 square metres. That's where Topshop used to sit and, if you're wondering how it compares to Mecca's other digs, it'll be more than twice the size of its current largest store at Highpoint Shopping Centre in Melbourne. It'll also span over 20 times more space than its very first store did two decades back. All that room means plenty of space for beauty products, of course — including a heap of new brands that the retailer hasn't stocked before. You'll be able to pick up Tom Ford, Moon Juice and Resorè items, which will join a curated lineup of more than 200 brands. Returning favourites range across everything from Nars and Shiseido to Drunk Elephant and Sunday Riley, plus Mecca's own signature lines Mecca Cosmetica and Mecca Max. As well as shelves upon shelves filled with foundation, lipstick, face creams, mascara, masks and more, Mecca's flagship store is dedicating more than a third of its floorplan to beauty services, too — such as naturopath Anthia Koullouros and hair salon EdwardsAndCo. Jewellery designer Sarah & Sebastian will also be on hand, doing piercing and bracelet soldering. Mecca's dedicated labs — for skin, makeup and brows — will be a feature, as will its biggest perfumeria yet. And, there'll be a Mecca gift-wrapping bar, which'll be present all-year-round but is obviously perfect for end-of-year shopping. Plus, the Mecca concierge will help point you in the right direction as you're wandering around the revamped, colour-heavy space, as designed by Sydney's Meacham Nockles. You'll be shopping while surrounded by neon yellow lifts, mosaic walls and a beauty chute — which transports products between levels. Find Mecca's new flagship store at 45 Market Street, Sydney, from Friday, November 27. Top image: Maksym Kozlenko via Wikimedia Commons.
Every year, the Japanese Film Festival, presented by The Japan Foundation, Sydney, takes over cinema screens across Australia. But, thanks to the global pandemic, the annual cinematic event will look a little different this time around, returning for its 24th year as a digital festival called JFF Plus. So, warm up the popcorn and get ready for ten days of Japanese flicks that you can catch from the comfort of your couch. If there's one thing that Japanese cinema is known for, it's variety. So, expect everything from heartfelt anime to time travel adventures and geisha-inspired musical comedies. Overall, there'll be more than 25 films in this year's online program, covering feature-length flicks, documentaries and shorts, with a mix of new titles and cult classics. Highlights include quirky rom-com Tremble All You Want, family drama One Night, a documentary on the on the world-famous Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo and legendary director Yasujirō Ozu's 1952 film The Flavour of Green Tea Over Rice. Oh and did we mention it's free? [caption id="attachment_788623" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Tsukiji Wonderland', 2016 Shochiku Co., Ltd.[/caption] To check out the full program, head to the Japanese Film Festival website. Top images: 'One Night', 2019 'One Night' Film partners; 'The Flavour of Green Tea Over Rice', 1952/2017 Shochiku Co., Ltd.; and 'Tremble All You Want', 2017 'Tremble All You Want' Production Committee.
Perhaps watching George Bailey witness what life would be like without him is one of your annual Christmas traditions. Perhaps you've never visited Bedford Falls and experienced Frank Capra's festive fantasy. Whether you know every line of the film by heart, or you're keen to discover just why everyone loves It's A Wonderful Life at this time of year, here's your chance. Thanks to Palace Centro, old fans and new viewers alike can catch the seasonal classic on the big screen this Christmas Eve. And yes, they know that it's the very best day for it. That's when the Jimmy Stewart-starring movie is set, after all. If you're going to show a seasonal flick on December 24, there's no better pick. Amazingly, not everyone originally thought that way. Fun fact: the film wasn't actually considered a hit when it first reached cinemas back in December 1946, and only became so highly regarded when it became a staple of television Christmas schedules. Thanks TV!
Travelling to a galaxy far, far away sounds rather nice at this point in 2020. If you're a Star Wars fan, that's actually quite easy, too. While this year won't deliver a new movie in the franchise for the first time since 2014, the second season of TV spinoff The Mandalorian's is heading to Disney+ from Friday, October 30. For those that missed it or need a refresher — the Star Wars universe certainly does sprawl far and wide, both within its tales and in its many different movies, shows, books and games — the Emmy-nominated show follows the titular bounty hunter (Pedro Pascal). In the series' first season, which was set five years after Star Wars: Episode VI — Return of the Jedi and aired last year, that meant tracking his latest gigs. And, it also involved charting his encounter with a fuzzy little creature officially known as The Child, but affectionately named Baby Yoda by everyone watching. Also on offer the first time around: Breaking Bad's Giancarlo Esposito playing villain Moff Gideon, aka the ex-Galactic Empire security officer determined to capture The Child; everyone from Carl Weathers and Taika Waititi to Werner Herzog playing ex-magistrates, droids and enigmatic strangers; and plenty of planet-hopping. Yes, it was firmly a Star Wars TV series, and yes, it plans to continue in the same manner. As both the previously released first trailer and the just-dropped new glimpse of The Mandalorian's second season shows, it also intends to once again focus on one of television's best pairings. Not only is Mando back, but so is the oh-so-adorable Baby Yoda. The duo's quest to return to The Child's home planet continues, and they aren't parting ways on the journey — "wherever I go, he goes," Mando advises. In addition to showering viewers in Baby Yoda's cuteness, the eight-episode new season will see Boba Fett (Temuera Morrison) pop up — it is a show about a bounty hunter, after all — plus Timothy Olyphant and Rosario Dawson join the cast. Behind the lens, directors include showrunner Jon Favreau, Jurassic World star Bryce Dallas Howard, Dope's Rick Famuyiwa, Ant-Man's Peyton Reed and Alita: Battle Angel's Robert Rodriguez, as well as Weathers doing double duty on-screen and off. If you're missing Star Wars on the big screen, don't spend too long stressing. Like any good rebel, this franchise is destined to keep returning. After introducing the world to new lightsaber-wielding characters, farewelling old favourites and delving into stellar side stories for five years straight between 2015–19, more Star Wars movies are planned, because of course they are — but wannabe Jedis won't be watching them just yet. Check out the latest trailer for The Mandalorian below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICuqzhViWAI The Mandalorian's second season hits Disney+ on Friday, October 30. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy. Top image: Disney+
If you're all about thinking green, living in a more eco-conscious way and doing your utmost for the planet, as we all should be, then you likely know about Brisbane's Green Heart Fair. For 17 years, this event has popped up regularly, taking over a leafy public space to celebrate sustainability — by giving away plants, teaching attendees about relevant topics and serving up plant-based food truck dishes. In 2025, the Green Heart Fair is no more — but only because it's had a name change. Meet the Sustainable BNE Festival, which is popping up with all of the above on the agenda once again, this time between 9am–3pm on Sunday, May 25. Also part of this festival, which has grown to attract 20,000 attendees each year and is headed to Roma Street Parkland for 2025: markets selling pre-loved threads, wildlife displays, yoga classes, a silent disco, live tunes, activities for kids (the Bluey show is back — for real life), and learning more about sustainability and gardening, plus other related subjects. If adding some greenery to your yard has particularly piqued your interest, there'll be native plants on offer — all for free. They're available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is recommended.
