Prepare to stare at the moon in all of its glory — up close, without a telescope and without zooming into space. Measuring seven metres in diameter and featuring renderings of the celestial body's surface based on NASA imagery, the Museum of the Moon is a detailed installation by UK-based artist Luke Jerram. The giant sculpture has been touring the world since 2016, displaying in New York, Hong Kong, Mumbai and plenty of spots around Europe. Between December 1, 2018 and April 28, 2019, it'll add Melbourne to its orbit. Inspired by Jerram's time living in Bristol and "noticing the huge tidal variation as he cycled over the Avon Cut each day" according to the Museum of the Moon's website, the artwork recreates the moon at a scale of approximately 1:500,000, with each centimetre equating to five kilometres of the lunar surface. And if you're wondering just how intricate the 120dpi imagery is, the high-resolution NASA photograph that it uses is 21 metres wide, and was taken by by a satellite carrying the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera. The spherical sculpture is lit from within, so it'll add a glow when it comes to Scienceworks for five months. It also combines its imagery and light with a surround sound piece created by composer and sound designer Dan Jones, and just how each venue displays it is up to them. Basically, it's never the exact same installation twice. Jerram has multiple moons, with several touring simultaneously — so the Museum of Moon will also be on display in Newcastle in the UK across some of the same period. Its stint at Scienceworks will mark the Museum of the Moon's second visit Australia, following 12-day showing on the Gold Coast during the city's Commonwealth Games-adjacent arts festival earlier this year. Museum of the Moon comes to Melbourne's Scienceworks from December 1, 2018 to April 28, 2019. Keep an eye on the sculpture's website for further details.
Every autumn, a the Eta Aquarid meteor shower sets the sky ablaze. It might not be as famous as Halley's Comet, but the Eta Aquarids are actually a distant relation — the bits and pieces you see flying around were on Halley's path a really, really long time ago. And, rather than only being visible every 75 years (the next Halley's Comet sighting is in 2061), you can catch the Eta Aquarids annually. This year, the shower will be at its most spectacular this weekend — here's how to catch a glimpse. WHEN TO SEE IT The shower will reach a peak in the early morning of Saturday, May 6, but will still be able to be seen for the another day or two. The best time to catch an eyeful is just before dawn after the moon has set, so around 4am. At that time, you'll be in the running to see as many as 30 meteors every 60 minutes. Each will be moving at about 225,000 kilometres per hour, shining extraordinarily brightly and leaving a long wake. The shower's cause is, essentially, the Earth getting in the comet's way, causing stardust to fry up in the atmosphere. WHERE TO SEE IT Being in the southern hemisphere, we get some of the best views in the world. So, if you're living in the city, it could be time for a last minute trip to a clear-skied camping spot. The trick is to get as far away from light pollution as possible. For Sydneysiders who don't mind a long drive, this could mean a trip to the Far South Coast. We reckon Picnic Point campsite in Mimosa Rocks National Park might be a winner. Or, if that sounds too far away, Booderee National Park in Jervis Bay is pretty light-free. Alternatively, head west — after all, you'd be hard pressed to find better views than at The Dish, just outside of Parkes. Melburnians might consider a journey to Wilsons Promontory or along the Great Ocean Road, as far as Killarney Beach. For somewhere closer, there's Heathcote, which is just an hour from the city, but is an excellent vantage point. For a real escape, head to Snake Valley in the Central West, where there's hardly a light in sight. For a quick trip out of Brisbane, try Lake Moogerah, Lake Wivenhoe or Lake Somerset, which are all rather dark, considering their proximity to the city. If you have a bit more time, head two-and-a-half hours west to Leyburn, which has come of the busiest skies in Queensland, or eight hours west to the tiny town of Charleville in the outback. HOW TO SEE IT The shower's name comes from the star from which they appear to come, Eta Aquarii, which is part of the Aquarius constellation. So that's what you'll be looking for in the sky. To locate Eta Aquarii, we recommend downloading the Sky Map app — it's the easiest way to navigate the night sky (and is a lot of fun to use even on a non-meteor shower night). If you're more into specifics, Time and Date also have a table that shows the direction and altitude of the Eta Aquarids. They've been updating this daily. Apart from that, wear warm clothes, take snacks and be patient. Happy stargazing.
Following Brisbane’s recent flood disaster it’s important to remember to value of community. The Ideas Festival is focused on uniting community involvement through inspiring people to delve a little deeper into their thinking. With a huge line up of guest speakers hosting conferences and events, The Ideas Festival invites Brisbane to come along and dissect ideas new and old. Tackling many global and local issues such as sustainability, sexuality, gender, education, youth homelessness, global warming and politics, Ideas Fest’ have really gone the extra mile to cover almost anything you may be concerned about. But it’s not only the hard-hitting issues that will be discussed! Why not converse about your interests too? There will be events on gaming, television, blogging, cooking, design, and fashion. If you do decide to attend ideas festival there is one event that must not be missed. For the first time in seven years the presenters of Cheez TV, Jade and Ryan will be reunited. If you’re a member of the Gen Y cohort, you may have just pee’d your pants. Calm down; change your shorts and mark in down in your diary.
Buzzing at the heart of Blue Beetle are two contrasting notions: fitting in and standing out. Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña, Cobra Kai) wants to feel at home not just in his own slice of El Paso-esque Texan spot Palmera City, but beyond his neighbourhood. When he assists his sister Milagro (Belissa Escobedo, Hocus Pocus 2) working at the well-to-do's houses, he searches for opportunities, especially given that he's in need of a steady job to help his family save their home as gentrification swoops in. Thanks to a run-in with Kord Industries, its warmongering CEO Victoria Kord (Susan Sarandon, Maybe I Do) and an ancient artefact known as the scarab, however, the recent Gotham Law University graduate will soon be his hometown's most distinctive resident. Getting covered in blue armour, being able to fly — wings and other bug appendages come with the suit — and hearing a robotic voice (Becky G, Power Rangers) chatting in your head will do that, as will having a multinational company try to swat you down because it wants to deploy the technology RoboCop-style. So scampers the latest entry in the DC Extended Universe — a movie that grapples with the same concepts as the ever-earnest Jaime beyond its storyline. It slots into its franchise while providing something new 14 entries in, before the DCEU comes to an end with the upcoming Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (under fresh DC leadership, a different silver-screen saga is coming, which might still link in with Blue Beetle). Directed by Ángel Manuel Soto (Charm City Kings), this is the superhero genre's first live-action flick with a Latino lead, be it from DC or Marvel. It's a family drama as much a caped-crusader affair. It's a story about immigrants striving to thrive and retain their own culture. And, it revels in an 80s sheen and sound. Blue Beetle battles enthusiastically to claim its own space, then, as almost constantly seen and felt. Alas, that doesn't stop it from getting generic as well, as much save-the-world fare is. When it soars in its own direction, Blue Beetle does indeed make an impression. When it marches dutifully in the standard superhero line, it can play like another by-the-numbers movie about great powers and great responsibilities in an ever-sprawling on-screen realm. Mostly, the former outweighs the latter — and Blue Beetle's charms go a long way. Accordingly, this initially made-for-streaming picture serves up a case of taking the struggles with the highlights, which is another of its messages. And there are highlights, particularly whenever Soto's feature feels like it's in a world away from Shazam! Fury of the Gods, The Flash (just to name 2023's other DC movies so far) and the like. That approach worked for Joker and The Batman, two DC films that aren't in the DCEU or new DC Universe, and are each scoring sequels. Jaime's journey to becoming Blue Beetle is instantly familiar: Marvel's also insect-focused Spider-Man and Ant-Man flicks have spun similar origin stories. Here, alien biotech-slash-treasure sparks his big change, as given to him for safekeeping by Victoria's niece Jenny (Bruna Marquezine, God Save the King) because she disagrees with her aunt's combat-for-profit ways. Thanks to Blue Beetle's dedicated, warmhearted embrace of cultural specificity, Jaime's family are always along for the ride, adding a Spy Kids vibe to Soto's film. His mother Rocio (Elpidia Carrillo, Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities), father Alberto (Damián Alcázar, Acapulco), Nana (Adriana Barraza, Penny Dreadful: City of Angels) and uncle Rudy (George Lopez, Lopez vs Lopez), an inventor with a firm individualist streak, are swiftly immersed in the chaos — and Milagro, too — as Victoria keeps valuing the scarab, suit and cash she thinks they'll inspire over any human fallout. Although Blue Beetle has an 84-year history on the page, the eponymous figure's solo live-action cinema debut is as much for newcomers as devotees. Soto's love letter to inclusion isn't only about shining a spotlight on Latinx characters and their experiences, or putting the full Reyes crew at its core — or delivering a clash between the one percent and everyone else, blending the eat-the-rich trend with caped crusaders. It's about accessibility as well; at a time where big film franchises have become so serialised that they're akin to ongoing TV shows on the big screen (and with bigger budgets), and so laden with fan service that the off-screen cheers are virtually choreographed, Blue Beetle doesn't require hours and hours of viewing homework or years and years of devotion to jump in. Again and again, it's plain to see how Soto and screenwriter Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer (Miss Bala) clearly want their feature to stand apart, even when it leans into the superhero template. Also easy to spot: how Blue Beetle would've stuck much closer to the usual mould without such warmth showered upon its characters and its committed performances. Affection goes two ways here, raining down from Soto and Dunnet-Alcocer, then beaming back up from Maridueña and his co-stars. Jaime and his relatives could've stepped into Blue Beetle from a heartfelt TV series that charts the ins and outs of their lives as a loving and hardworking migrant family in a place brimming with prejudice and corruption. They could take the opposite route now instead and it'd feel just as fitting. It's hardly surprising that Sarandon is cartoonish by their side — but, other than giving the plot a threat while personifying corporate and American evil, plus the lust for power and wealth at any cost, she's not being asked to do much else. The respect, detail and authenticity that's evident in Blue Beetle's cultural homage, family focus and casting help give Blue Beetle its gleam. It still becomes a sea of smashed-together pixels late in the piece, though, just with well-portrayed characters that the audience cares about, and also ample splashes of neon and synth like this is Tron with superheroes. What does a twentysomething who's undergone a Peter Parker/Miles Morales-esque life shift with a Venom-meets-Iron Man technology end up physically fighting? Something comparable and visually bland, even if said nemesis gets a backstory rife with suffering at Victoria's hands. Blue Beetle isn't without aesthetic flair beyond its nostalgic riffs, with one scene that's shot to resemble an immigration department raid both grabbing attention and making a statement. It also doesn't lack heart anywhere. And, it's fun with something meaningful to say, neither of which are givens in this genre. That said, finding the balance between being oneself and having another force and its influence flittering around isn't only an issue for Blue Beetle's likeable protagonist.
You've seen the TV series, following an incredibly relatable tale of trying to balance work, life, love and the like. Now, see the play that inspired the show. Before Fleabag was winning TV awards all over the UK, including a BAFTA for best female performance in a comedy for writer/creator/star Phoebe Waller-Bridge, it was a similarly applauded one-woman stage piece. And it's heading to small screens across the country. From Friday, April 10 till Sunday, May 31, you can watch Phoebe Waller-Bridge stepping through the story of Fleabag's titular character online via Soho Theatre's on-demand streaming site. Recorded at London's Wyndham's Theatre and broadcast as part of National Theatre Live in 2019, the show will cost £4 (about $8 AUD and $8.30 NZD) to stream, with all proceeds going to charities supporting those affected by COVID-19. Funds will be split across the National Emergency Trust, NHS Charities Together, Acting for Others and the Fleabag Support Fund, which provides grants to out-of-work freelancers in the theatre industry, If you're unfamiliar with the theatre or TV show, Fleabag's existence is perhaps best described as chaotic. Friends, family, job interviews, keeping a guinea pig-themed café afloat...they're just the beginning. The idea behind it came at one of Waller-Bridge's pal's storytelling nights, as a challenge to create a character for a ten-minute slot. If you're a fan, you'll want to see where it all began. If you've just heard everyone talking about Fleabag, and haven't watched it yet, here's your chance to jump on board. Top image: Fleabag at National Theatre Live by Matt Humphrey Updated May 11.
In what resembles a scene from a high-end gangster rap video, guests at London's Cadogan Hotel will be able to bathe in 122 hand-poured bottles of Dom Pérignon. Since cleaning yourself with water is for plebs and commoners, a range of champagnes will be avaliable for guests to bathe in. These include Louis de Custine Brut, Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut, and other alcoholic beverages with extravagantly opulent European titles. This bathing option will be available from Valentine's Day, and will run for a year at the Cadogan. Purchasing this cleansing experience will also give you the benefit of a butler to serve you complimentary champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries. Customers may also choose to have the champagne set at whatever temperature they prefer. The Dom Pérignon bath will set you back a mere £25,000 for two people. Lee Jones, the sales and marketing director for the Cadogan, states that one customer has already placed a deposit for this super-expensive soak. Slightly less rich people can opt for a bath as cheap as £4,000. Chump change. Replacing water with champagne in traditional cleaning rituals is a definitive sign that you have officially achieved ultimate baller status. If you grab a bath for two for Valentine's Day, you better be sure that she's the one. https://youtube.com/watch?v=XK-KFfYA2Vk [via PSFK]
Not many bands can say they have survived and thrived in the Australian music scene for the past 15 years; even fewer can rave their latest album is available on a wearable button - but Regurgitator can. Yes, I mean a button you pin to your shirt which connects to a pair of earphones, delivering you optimum, fresh Regurg’ tunes whenever you feel like listening. Look out Steve Jobs, Regurgitator and their new attire attachable album are back in town with their Annual Sale tour and they’re a damn lot cooler than the iPod. If you were lucky enough to get ticket to their flood appeal show at the Hi-Fi earlier this year, you will know the importance of pre-booking tickets. Every man and his dog will be there, hanging out for beers, bands and buttons so make sure you get in like Flynn and get those tickets early! Supported by NZ artist, Disasteradio, plus locals Oh Ye Denver Birds and Ponyloaf, it’s sure to be a night to connect with your inner rock electronica. Maybe you'll even get a chance to see the gravy rainbow.
Ruben Guthrie, like a lot Australians, enjoys a drink. And, like a lot of Australians, believes that it is ‘un-Australian’ not to join in the festivities on every occasion, large or small by downing a drink - or twelve. As creative director for an advertising agency he attends an industry awards night at a major hotel, and after a big night at the event he comes to the sensible conclusion that he has the ability to fly, and proceeds to jump off the hotel roof. This somewhat flawed decision is the tipping point for Guthrie’s mother, who hauls her son off to Alcoholics Anonymous, an event which makes him face some harsh realities and has a life changing impact. Ruben Guthrie was the brainchild of actor/writer extraordinaire Brendan Cowell who wrote the play after a year of sobriety. During the year off the grog Cowell realised that his life had become very dependent on and surrounded by drinking - he socialised, networked and relaxed with a drink in his hand (a reality most of us would have to face if we did some reflecting). Out of this realisation was born the character and story of Ruben Guthrie, a man forced to face his alcoholic demons and change the course of his future.
Not content with doing big business in cinemas over the past decade, Marvel is bringing its superhero tales to the small screen, as part of Disney's already-announced plans to broaden out the Marvel Cinematic Universe. That was always going to be the case once the Mouse House moved into the streaming realm. In fact, producing a slew of high-profile titles for Disney+ was on its agenda right from the beginning. But, while Star Wars fans have already been able to enjoy The Mandalorian — which aired one season in 2019, and launched its second season last month — Marvel aficionados have had to hold out a little longer to get their episodic caped crusader fix. And, that wait isn't over yet. Back in September when a trailer for WandaVision dropped, the show was slated to come out by the end of this year. Disney+ has now updated that timing to 2021 — with the show premiering on Friday, January 15, to be specific. When it does start streaming, WandaVision will become Disney+'s first MCU show. Yes, plenty more are on the agenda. In this spinoff series, however, Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) take centre stage. Story-wise, the show follows its titular characters in their home lives. As a sneak peek back in February initially teased, and the recent trailer demonstrated in a little more detail, that premise definitely isn't as straightforward as it seems. At first, Wanda and Vision appear to be stranded in a classic 50s sitcom and experiencing the epitome of suburban living. To really stress that feeling, these scenes are rendered in black and white, too. Of course, as anyone who remembers the path the characters' arcs took on the big screen will guess, this seeming domestic bliss will come with a twist. As well as Olsen and Bettany, the trailer also features Kathryn Hahn (I Know This Much Is True) — while Kat Dennings is set to reprise her Thor and Thor: The Dark World character of Darcy Lewis; Randall Park will step back into his Ant-Man and the Wasp role as FBI agent Jimmy Woo; and Teyonah Parris (Mad Men) will play Monica Rambeau, an older version of Maria Rambeau's daughter from Captain Marvel. WandaVision's six-episode season was actually originally due to hit Disney+ after The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, which focuses on Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan) and Sam Wilson/Falcon (Anthony Mackie), but it appears that plan has changed. The latter doesn't currently have a release date — and as for Loki, starring Tom Hiddleston, it's supposed to drop in 2021. Check out the WandaVision trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yy0DLVQfL_I&feature=youtu.be WandaVision will hit Disney+ on Friday, January 15, 2021.
For a glorious month this winter, the Matildas were everywhere. When the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup took place Down Under in July and August, Australia's national women's soccer team made history on the pitch and on TV screens, and the country revelled in every moment. Been missing that time, living and breathing all things Sam Kerr and Mackenzie Arnold, being on calf watch, and donning green and gold? For the next week, the squad is back on home turf to play three matches. The Tillies' players have been busy since August, of course, thanks to their regular club seasons around the world. Some of the Matildas ply their trade year-round in England, in the Women's Super League; some hit the turf on home soil; and others are in teams everywhere from France and Spain to Sweden and Mexico. But, kicking off on Thursday, October 26 — and then also taking to the field on Sunday, October 29 and Wednesday, November 1 — this is the first time that the squad is back together since their Women's World Cup campaign. [caption id="attachment_912896" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Disney+[/caption] The reason? Qualifying matches for the 2024 Paris Olympics, with the Tillies playing all three games in Kerr's hometown of Perth. First up at 10pm AEDT / 9pm AEST / 7pm AWST on Thursday is Iran, followed by The Philippines at 6pm AEDT / 5pm AEST / 3pm AWST on Sunday and then Chinese Taipei at 10pm AEDT / 9pm AEST / 7pm AWST on Wednesday. If you're in the Western Australian capital and want to go along, or you're keen to head over, you'd best already have tickets as all three games are sold out. The match against The Philippines had already been moved to the 60,000-seat Optus Stadium to fit more fans in. The other two games are being played at the 20,000-capacity HBF Park — so that's 100,000 seats sold, a feat that's given the Matildas 11 soldout games in a row. [caption id="attachment_913693" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rovena Rosa/Agência Brasil[/caption] To watch along from home, 10Play, 10Bold and Paramount+ are your destinations — plus Network 10 on regular TV. As for the squad, Kerr, Arnold, Alanna Kennedy, Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Katrina Gorry, Hayley Raso, Cortnee Vine, Emily van Egmond and Tameka Yallop are among the team. After this, you have a few more chances to get your Matildas fix this year. The team will play two friendlies against Canada in Canada on Saturday, December 2 and Tuesday, December 5 — and, in Sydney, Arnold, Fowler and Kennedy are doing a live fan stadium event on Thursday, December 21. MATILDAS OLYMPIC QUALIFYING MATCHES IN PERTH: Thursday, October 26 — versus Iran at 10pm AEDT / 9pm AEST / 7pm AWST Sunday, October 29 — versus The Philippines at 6pm AEDT / 5pm AEST / 3pm AWST Wednesday, November 1 — versus Chinese Taipei at 10pm AEDT / 9pm AEST / 7pm AWST The Matildas' Olympic qualifiers in Perth take place from Thursday, October 26–Wednesday, November 1 — and you can watch via 10Play, 10Bold and Paramount+.
As well as being strikingly shot with neon hues aplenty, British thriller We Hunt Together boasts quite the memorable concept. Its title refers to two sets of characters. Firstly, detectives Lola (Eve Myles) and Jackson (Babou Ceesay) are trying to track down a couple of murderers terrorising London. If that sounds rather standard, the series also spends a significant amount of time with former child soldier Baba (Dipo Ola) and his new girlfriend Freddy (Hermione Corfield) — who go on a revenge-seeking, kill-happy spree, sparking the police's investigation. Consequently, this is a show that willingly lurks in murky terrain — especially where Baba and Freddy are involved. He's trying to gain asylum in the UK to avoid being sent back to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and their first encounter involves him saving her from an attempted sexual assault.
When the Victorian government committed to funding the Melbourne Metro Rail project, easing inner-city congestion was the topic on everyone's minds. With new transport infrastructure comes new names, however. With five new underground train stations set to join the city's network from 2026, suggesting those monikers has now been tasked upon the state's residents. If you've always wanted to name a piece of Melbourne, here's your chance. Naming is now open for stations at Arden, Parkville, Domain, and under the northern and southern ends of Swanston Street, with a deadline of October 22 for submissions. Entries can be lodged online, must be no longer than three words or 25 characters unless they're in an Indigenous language, and should be relevant to the geography or heritage of the place in question. Names of people held in high regard by the community will also be accepted, although participants are asked to avoid those of people who are still living. Alas, before you go thinking what we're all thinking, one idea has already been ruled out: Station McStationface. "Try to come up with something more original," the Premier posted on Facebook, clearly hoping to stop a repeat of the British Boaty McBoatface situation. That said, Trainy McTrainface was ruled a perfectly fine name in Sweden. "We want as many Victorians as possible to have their say on what they'd like the five new underground stations to be named," is the Premier's official statement, but entries will go through a vetting committee according to The Age. As for the new Metro Rail itself, it will includes two new tunnels as well, and create a new path into the city that doesn't rely on (but connects to) the City Loop. Here's what it will look like: Image: Binayak Dasgupta via Flickr.
Drift, written and directed by Morgan O'Neill (Solo), carries us into the world of Australian surfing in the 1970s, when 'the dream' began its transformation into an industry. In remote coastal areas, surfers reluctant to trade their freedom for the drudgery and exploitation of dull, nine-to-five jobs started selling surf gear from their backyards, giving birth to (now) household names like Billabong and Rip Curl. Tiny towns became hotbeds for tensions between maintaining authenticity and 'selling out', and as the money rolled in, so too did heavy drugs and hard-nosed competitive interests. The tale of a family fleeing domestic abuse propels the film's storyline. Desperate to escape her violent husband, Kat Kelly (Robyn Malcolm) throws her sons Andy (Myles Pollard) and Jimmy (Xavier Samuel) in her beat-up secondhand car and drives across Australia. Their journey ends in idyllic Seacliffe, a fictional village in Western Australia's Margaret River region, where life moves at an easy pace and the break is never crowded. As the boys undergo the difficult business of becoming men, each develops his own set of troubling traits. Jimmy, despite displaying the potential of a pro surfer, is lured into theft and deceit by Miller (Steve Bastoni), chief thug of a local bikie gang. Andy, on the other hand, decides to start a home-run surf gear enterprise, but his hotheaded stubbornness gets him into strife. Meanwhile, Kat, struggling to pay the mortgage, is perpetually on the brink of eviction. Whether or not Andy will 'make it' is the central hook, and a sequence of traumatic twists and turns in the plot aims to heighten dramatic tension: With the bikies comes heroin, to which a close friend falls victim. A Kombi-driving hippie, JB (Sam Worthington), arrives, challenging the notion of the commercialisation of surfing. His attractive female travelling companion, Lani (Lesley-Ann Brandt), draws the attention of both brothers, threatening heartbreak. Andy clashes with a surf comp sponsor, and there are even a handful of near fatal accidents. All of these stories are valid. Each of them is relevant to the era. They are told against a stunning backdrop — the cinematography is breathtaking. However, in trying to touch on such a plethora of misadventures, Drift has a hard time giving each the depth of treatment required to give it weight. We walk away with a broad brush impression of the flavour of the period, but our connection with the characters is minimal and the approach taken to their concerns is simplistic. Moments of laboured dialogue do not help. While Drift's intention to present a grand fraternal-driven narrative is admirable, the film falls short on delivery. O'Neill's skillfully directed, intelligently written, classy debut, Solo, showed that he is capable of so much more.
Sometimes, when one of Stephen King's books is adapted for the screen, movie magic is made. At other times, an intriguing TV show awaits. And, average and awful films and series have taken inspiration from his pages, too — which, given the huge number of flicks and programs that are based on his novels, is hardly unsurprising. Of course, fans of the famed author will be hoping that the latest page-to-screen adaptation of one of his books has more in common with The Shining and Misery — more than with IT: Chapter Two and the recent TV version of The Stand, at least. The next novel getting the audio-visual treatment: Lisey's Story. And, it isn't just based on King's 2006 tome. This time around, King is penning the whole eight-episode series himself, too. He's just one of the show's big names, with plenty more in store when it starts airing on Apple TV+ from Friday, June 4. Julianne Moore (After the Wedding) stars as the eponymous Lisey, while Clive Owen (Gemini Man) plays her deceased husband — a famous novelist, because plenty of writers pop up in King's works. Joan Allen (Room), Jennifer Jason Leigh (Possessor), Dane DeHaan (Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets) and Ron Cephas Jones (Dolemite Is My Name) also co-star, and so does Sung Kang (Fast and Furious 9). And, behind the lens is Pablo Larraín, the exceptional Chilean filmmaker responsible for No, The Club, Neruda, Jackie, Ema and the upcoming Kristen Stewart-starring Spencer about Princess Diana. Narrative-wise, Lisey's Story follows its central figure two years after her spouse Scott's death. She's blocked some memories of their time together from her mind, but a series of events brings them back to the fore. And yes, chills and thrills then result. Lisey's Story will premiere its first two episodes on Apple TV+ on Friday, June 4, with new instalments following weekly afterwards.
Move over The Last of Us and The Super Mario Bros Movie — when it comes to turning video games into TV shows and films, there's another must-see dropping our way in 2023. This one focuses on a button-mashing favourite that also drips with tension and boasts a ridiculously catchy theme tune. That title? The one and only Tetris. The king of all puzzle games, the best way to spend your time obsessing over tumbling blocks and an addiction for many, Tetris first arrived in 1984 courtesy of Soviet software engineer Alexey Pajitnov. How did it become the global phenomenon it is and always will be? That's the tale that the movie also called Tetris will tell when its line itself up on your streaming queue via Apple TV+ on Friday, March 31. This film knows the truth about Tetris, too: that once you play it even for a few minutes, it haunts your brain and never departs. Early in the just-released trailer for the flick, star Taron Egerton (Black Bird) gives voice to something what every Tetris player has experienced. "I still see falling blocks in my dreams," he says as Henk Rogers, the man who secured the rights to the title for distribution on video game consoles like Nintendo's Game Boy. The path from Pajitnov (played by Six Empty Seats' Nikita Efremov) creating the puzzle favourite and everyone everywhere playing it isn't straightforward or smooth. In fact, Tetris, the movie, looks set to unfurl as a wild Cold War-era thriller. When Rogers discovers the game, he makes the trip to the Soviet Union to meet Pajitnov — but the story from there involves far more than just four-piece blocks raining down on a screen. Filmmaker Jon S. Baird (Stan & Ollie) directs, working with a script by Genius' Noah Pink, while Toby Jones (The English) also features among the cast. To answer three crucial questions about the film flick from its trailer: yes, it features the requisite music; yes, it'll get that tune stuck in your head; and yes, you'll want to play Tetris ASAP. Check out the trailer for Tetris below: Tetris will be available to stream via Apple TV+ from Friday, March 31.
Sometimes, drinking beer can be a bit of a lucky dip: one person's favourite tasty ale or refreshing lager is another's least-preferred brew. But what if you could down a yeasty beverage that you were guaranteed to like, such as a tipple that had been crafted to suit your specific, distinctive tastes? Following in the footsteps of gastronomy wizards Bompas and Parr and their bespoke cocktails tailored to your DNA, London's Meantime Brewing Company are doing the same thing with beer. Meantime Bespoke uses a saliva sample to assess whether your tastebuds prefer the sweet or bitter side of things, with personal genetics company 23andMe probing down to the genetic and hereditary levels. Then, the service maps out a flavour profile for what should you be favourite drink (thanks science!). Once Meantime has come up with a proposed style of beer, you get to head into the brewery to help make your unique tipple come to fruition. Yep, that's the fun part — other than the drinking. Sounds like the solution to making a wrong choice at the bottle-o or having to stomach whatever beer your mate bought off the tap, doesn't it? Yes, but it comes at a very hefty price. Expect to pay a minimum of £25,000 for 12 hectolitres, or the equivalent to over 2000 pints. The fee also includes a course on the brewing process, and — although this isn't officially stated — the knowledge that you've spent a whole lot of money to ensure that your next drink is just right. Via Mental Floss.
When Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead hits cinemas this Friday (and only this Friday), do yourself a favour and remain indoors. The feature film debut of the Sydney-born Roache-Turner brothers, this is a gruesome zombie apocalypse movie with a grungy, DIY aesthetic — the duo spent three-and-half-years on the project, and their hard work and enthusiasm can be felt in every frame. But enthusiasm alone doesn’t excuse derivative storytelling. Nor does it make the film’s casual racism and leering misogyny any less unpleasant to watch. The movie begins — as such movies tend to do — with the downfall of civilisation. Specifically, a meteor shower, which for some unknown (possibly biblical) reason turns a majority of the population into zombies. It’s especially bad news for blokey auto mechanic Barry (Jay Gallagher), who’s forced to execute his wife and daughter before they make him a meal. Armed to the teeth — and with a homemade armoured vehicle to match — Barry and a group of survivors make their way down the outback highway, in an attempt to rescue his sister Brooke (Bianca Bradey) from a similarly grizzly fate. Wyrmwood is being sold as a cross between Mad Max and Dawn of the Dead. It should probably go without saying that it doesn’t hold a candle to either. This is bargain-bin horror filmmaking, and although the brothers endeavour to throw in a few new twists on the zombie genre, ultimately the formula remains the same. It’s a movie more focused on interesting kills than interesting characters; Barry has less personality than a reanimated corpse, while his sidekick Benny (Leon Burchill) is a cartoonish collection of belittling Aboriginal stereotypes. Even more distasteful is Wyrmwood’s handling of its only significant female character. While Barry and Benny slice their way through the zombie hordes, the scantily clad Brooke finds herself chained up in a laboratory, at the mercy of a syringe-wielding mad scientist. Dull and repetitive, the subplot serves zero purpose in the film, other than to give pervy male audience members ample opportunity to star down Bradey’s top. This kind of sexism is all too common in the low-fi horror world, and frankly, it needs to be stamped out. Technical specs are solid, particularly given the film’s presumably minuscule shooting budget. The camerawork recalls the madcap energy of Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead film, although with next to none of that series’ ingenuity or humour. Credit also to the effects and makeup teams for credibly bringing the film's monsters to (un)life. Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead will have its Australian premiere at Moonlight Cinemas around the country on Friday, February 6. These screenings will be followed by a one-day theatrical engagement on Friday, Feburary 13.
In 2022, West End became home to a new Friday night market, spanning all the food, drinks and stalls you'd expect, plus live music as well, and also fire twirlers, stilt walkers and fortune tellers — and a neon forest. The destination for all of the above: Westoria, which takes place weekly from 4–10pm on Jane Street next to the regular West End Markets site. Getting weird, wild and wonderful is the vibe here every time that it's on; however, with Halloween upon us for 2023, the Westoria crew is ramping things up a few notches. So on Friday, October 27, it's hosting The Wicked Witches of Westoria, complete with spooky stalls, street food and sips. Also on offer: a dance class to teach you 'Thriller' moves, roving entertainers getting into the theme, bites to match the occasion and cocktails. Entry is free — and if you embrace the time of year and get witchy, you might be treated to the best-dressed witch title.
May has the Eta Aquarid meteor shower. Come December, the Geminids light up our skies. In the middle, it's worth peering up to catch another sight: the Delta Aquariids. Arriving in the thick of winter, the Delta Aquariids may not be quite a famous or frenetic, but it's still considered a strong meteor shower, with around 15–25 meteors hurtling across the heavens per hour during its peak. In good news for those Down Under, it's also typically best seen in the Southern Hemisphere. Caused by the breakup of the Machholz comet, the shower is expected to be visible from Friday, July 12 to Friday, August 23. The ideal time to catch it will be between Sunday, July 28 and Tuesday, July 30, however — and, like many astronomical shows, catching an eyeful after midnight is recommended (aka when the moon has set and its light will not interfere). According to The Conversation, the Delta Aquariids will also coincide with the Alpha Capricornids and Pisces Austrinids, giving stargazers extra reasons to look up. The former is noted for its bright meteors and even fireballs, although they're infrequent, at around two-to-nine per hour. As for the latter, they're even slower. For your best chances of getting a glimpse, the usual advice applies. Get as far away from bright lights as possible — this could be a good excuse to head out of the city to a clear-skied camping spot — and pray for no clouds. The Delta Aquariids' name comes from the constellation from which they appear to come, Aquarius. So that's what you'll be looking for in the sky. To locate Aquarius, we recommend downloading the Sky Map app — it's the easiest way to navigate the night sky (and is a lot of fun to use even on a non-meteor shower night). The Delta Aquariids meteor shower will be at its peak across Sunday, July 28 and Tuesday, July 30. Image: Mike Lewinski via Flickr.
We all have the memory of the Seinfeld episode when George recalls dating a performance artist who dumps a bowl of chocolate sauce on him as her artwork (and then he keeps the shirt with the chocolate stains because ‘the collar is still good’, oh George!). This is quite a limited idea of performance art! exist-ence gives us the chance to extend on this limited knowledge, and explore and engage with unique, beautiful and brave art practitioners from around the globe. These artists will explore the unknown through their works, but all will be grounded in the idea that we exist together. Audiences can interact and engage with this bold work through performances, artist talks, networking events, films, forums and symposia. Curated by Rebecca Cunningham and Thomas Quirk, this is an exciting and different festival on the Brisbane art calendar. exist-ence follows on from the success of exist in 08 which Rebecca curated, and which was highly acclaimed for connecting and enthralling new audiences across Brisbane. So get on down to the Powerhouse and Metro Arts to be shocked, amazed and drawn to new artworks that will change perceptions on your existence.
Is there anything more popular in the world at the moment than Game of Thrones? The fantasy juggernaut transcends boundaries, enabling readers and viewers of all preferences to immerse themselves in arguably the most dense fantasy offering in literary history and be enthralled by its scope, unable to stop reading and watching. It's wonderfully rewarding but also immensely frustrating, as your favourite character(s) can suddenly be taken out of the game without a word of notice. Well, thankfully you now have the chance to ask why, oh why the Red Wedding happened and gain a unique insight into the wonderful world of the Seven Kingdoms and beyond, as writer George R.R. Martin makes his way to Brisbane. He'll be joined by Peter Dinklage, the actor who brilliantly portrays Tyrion Lannister, Martin's favourite character. The man who has sold more than 20 million books worldwide will be providing a window into his incredibly innovative imagination and aspirations for the future of the series, as well as entertaining your questions at the Supanova pop culture expo, which runs from November 8-10. Dinklage, meanwhile, has mastered the witty love-him-or-hate-him nature of Tyrion, deservedly winning Emmys and Golden Globes along the way, and is ready to share the intricacies behind translating the page to the screen as well as plenty of on-set secrets. This is a must-see for any fans of the epic saga — finally, the chance to ask Martin your most pertinent questions. Just don't ask him when the next book will be released.
Since 1994, the year when Australia first observed January 26 as the national holiday (not a state-based holiday), the choice of this date has continued to divide Australians, given the fact that the day is a Day of Mourning for many Indigenous Australians. The movement to change the date of the national holiday has continued to gather momentum and support in recent years, and NITV's #AlwaysWillBe project has become an important component in the movement. Cue 'Change The Date', a quick-spit rhyme that's both lyrical and political from some of Australia's best hip-hop artists, produced in partnership with NITV. The single has been released as both an audio track and a 360-degree virtual reality experience, both available for free online, and features Nooky, Birdz, Urthboy of The Herd, Thundamentals, L-Fresh the Lion, Tasman Keith, Ozi Batla, Kaylah Truth, Coda Conduct and Hau of Koolism. The NITV #AlwaysWillBe initiative focuses on presenting the views of the Indigenous population on January 26, and 'Change The Date' takes aim at the celebration for its insensitivity to how the colonisation of Australia affected the people who were already living here, with lyrics including, "Some say what's in a day/ Some say what's in a name/ Australia Day, Invasion Day/ Homie, that's one in the same." It's important to note that the song does not come across as a message of aggression or condemnation, but more of a call for unity and understanding. While the discussion of an inclusive and respectful celebration of our nation has attracted what Fremantle City Councillor Sam Wainwright has called a "happy-clappy nationalist and racist narrative", the song itself takes the approach that only a message of consideration and unity will bring the country together over this divisive issue. Rather than espouse a vitriolic stance towards the backlash that is all too common when this issue is on the table, the song ends with Hau's rhyme that, "I know this will come at a price/ but it's only a small sacrifice/ as soon as the others open their hearts and open their eyes/ we will rise up." Turn it up:
Cover your ears if you love local music; another Aussie festival is in serious trouble. Newcastle-turned-Sydney experimental darling Sound Summit has announced they'll be taking a 2014 hiatus in order to reassess their "ongoing financial viability". Cue anxious collar pulling and angry pub rants about the end of festivals altogether. However bleak it sounds, organisers aren't yet throwing in the towel. "This decision has not been made lightly and was made with the aim to develop a more robust platform for the festival’s long term sustainability," said festival representatives. "Sound Summit [are] currently seeking out a range of funding and partnership options within a revised business plan." With a history spanning over 13 years, it's definitely a cause worth fighting for. Originally held in Newcastle as part of the This is Not Art Festival (TiNA), Sound Summit has since made a name for itself in the realm of experimental and alternative music; and looked to be on the rise after expanding to Sydney just last year. The 2013 lineup boasted the likes of Oval (Germany), Tyvek (US), Heatsick (UK), Angel Eyes, Bushwalking, The Stevens, Ooga Boogas; and past years have seen bigger names such as Aloe Blacc and Ariel Pink. Times are tough all 'round for festivals these days with the cancellation of Harvest, Homebake and Pyramid at the end of last year alone. Throw in the ongoing drama with the Big Day Out/pretty much anything AJ Maddah touches, and the outlook doesn't look great. Sound Summit, for the moment at least, are staying resilient. Festival co-director Liza Harvey will be conducting an in-depth review of the festival to find a way to stay afloat and MusicNSW are on the lookout for any feedback from ex-festivalgoers that can help. They will also be holding smaller isolated events through the year, to ensure an ongoing platform for innovative new artists. If anyone out there's solved the problem facing Australian festivals, feel free to speak up now. For the moment at least, we got nothin'.
All aboard the Catbus to a world of whimsy and imagination: the best of Studio Ghibli is coming to a theatre near you. Featuring recent films The Wind Rises and The Tale of Princess Kaguya, alongside adored classics My Neighbour Totoro and Grave of the Fireflies, the special two-week season, which also includes a pair of behind-the-scenes documentaries, will play on selected screens around the country, highlighting the legacy of Japan's most famous animation house, one that has been working its magic on audiences for near on 30 years. In celebration of the studio's wonderful stable of work, here's five underappreciated Ghibli films you owe it to yourself to see. If you love Totoro and Spirited Away, then these should be right up your alley. https://youtube.com/watch?v=6zhLBe319KE NAUSICAA OF THE VALLEY OF THE WINDS (1985) Although technically made before the studio's foundation, Nausicaa is still generally considered the beginning of the Ghibli cannon. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, the film takes place in a post-apocalyptic world in which a young sky-sailing princess must help maintain peace between neighbouring kingdoms as well as the fearsome behemoths that roam the toxic wastes. While the plotting is a little rougher than many of the studio's later works, all of Miyazaki's storytelling signatures are here, from his self-reliant female protagonist to his strong environmental and anti-war themes, as well as his life-long fascination with flight. https://youtube.com/watch?v=4vPeTSRd580 GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES (1988) Released the same year as My Neighbour Totoro, Isao Takahata's first film under the Ghibli banner is a significant departure from the more fanciful films of his co-founder Miyazaki. Adapted from the novel by Akiyuki Nosaka, the film follows two siblings, 14-year-old Seita and his infant sister Setsuko, as they struggle to survive during the last months of the Second World War. The grim subject matter is juxtaposed with moments of incredible animated beauty, both of which are guaranteed to have you sobbing buckets by the time the movie ends. Grave of the Fireflies remains one of the best anti-war films ever made, and perhaps the most emotionally affecting entry in the studio's body of work. PORCO ROSSO (1992) Another anti-war film, but with a very different tone, Porco Rosso recounts the exploits of a WWI ace fighter pilot now making his living as a bounty hunter in the Adriatic sea. The wrinkle? Thanks to a mysterious (and never fully explained) curse, Porco has been transformed into a talking, anthropomorphic pig. Originally written as an in-flight short film for Japan Airlines, Miyazaki was inspired by the breakout of the war in Yugoslavia to expand his script into a feature. The result is a mix of swashbuckling comic adventure and critical commentary on the looming threat of fascism. It's an odd blend to be sure, but the final product works like a charm. PRINCESS MONONOKE (1997) When Harvey Weinstein considered editing Princess Mononoke for US audiences, Ghibli producers reportedly sent the American studio boss a katana sword in the mail along with a two-word note: "no cuts". A historical epic infused with breathtaking images from Japanese mythology, this tale of demons, spirits, heroes and warrior princesses once again sees Miyazaki challenging traditional gender norms and pushing a strong environmental message, while also adding another string to his bow with some stirring samurai action. One pertinent side note: the director announced back in '97 that Mononoke would be his final film. He ended up going back on that just four years later with Spirited Away, the studio's most beloved and successful work. In other words, take his recent retirement claims with a healthy dose of salt. FROM UP ON POPPY HILL (2011) Still, if Miyazaki Sr. does close up shop, it's comforting to know the family business is in capable hands. Hayao's son Goro began his Ghibli career on ignominious terms, with the fairly awful Ursula Le Guin adaptation Tales from Earthsea. But his follow-up, the bittersweet coming-of-age story From up on Poppy Hill, demonstrates a great deal more promise. Set in a small coastal town during the early 1960s, Poppy Hill tells the story of Umi, who each day raises signal flags for her father, lost at sea during the Korean War. The film's loving recreation of period Japan, along with its slice-of-life plotting, makes it seem closer to Takahata's films than the fantasies of Goro's father. Even so, it's nice to think that the apple hasn't fallen too far from the tree.
With social networks now pivotal for most businesses, entrepreneurs, artists and pretty much anybody with an Internet connection, it's not surprising that new websites are popping up more often than ever. The latest website to gain some real momentum around the world is Pinterest, a 'digital scrapbooking' website that lets you present and organise all of your interests and share them with the world. Users cluster their favourite things into small boards such as 'food' and 'music', with each interest receiving a neat image and hyperlink if applicable. Building upon the aesthetic appeal of visually-based websites such as Instagram and the sharing capabilities of Facebook, Pinterest has all the correct elements to become a huge success. In late 2011, it broke into the Top 10 most popular social media websites, and its recent growth has seen it become a bigger traffic referrer for women's websites than Facebook and Twitter in the U.S. However, if the revolving door of social media has taught us anything, it's that websites can fall just as fast as they skyrocket, and that trends can be embraced fully before fading into obscurity. The biggest challenge for Pinterest will be keeping up with technology and offering users greater ways to integrate the website with their daily routines and ideas. There are 12 million American users of Pinterest, and an overwhelming 83% of those are female. Complying with traditional gender stereotypes, the most popular Pinterest profiles are largely focused on fashion, decoration and interior design. This overwhelming dominance of female users has even caught the attention of the US Army, who are looking to Pinterest as a source for more women to join the ranks. Pinterest's simplicity and organisation have made it a joy to explore when online. Many companies have already taken to 'board hacks' in order to slice their favourite images and present them in creative ways. Like all effective social media websites, this allows users to personalise their pages with great innovation. Will you jump aboard the Pinterest bandwagon? Concrete Playground has already started to fill the Pinterest boards with all the best and brightest cultural news. Follow us here and share the love.
If you're an Australian or New Zealander who has spent the COVID-19 pandemic fantasising about a Greek getaway, your dream holiday is now one step closer. As part of the European nation's gradual reopening to tourists, Greece has revealed that it'll allow visitors from 29 countries to enter the country from June 15, including from Australia and New Zealand. As announced by Greek Minister of Tourism Haris Theocharis, Greece's borders will reopen in mid-June to residents from Down Under, as well as to folks from Albania, Austria, Northern Macedonia, Bulgaria, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, Estonia, Japan, Israel, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Malta, Montenegro, Oman, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic and Finland. That list of countries is expected to expand from July 1. In a statement, the minister advised that "the list of 29 countries was formed after a study of the epidemiological profile of the countries of origin of tourists". Australia and New Zealand both currently boast low coronavirus case numbers — an average of 12 new cases each day in Australia over the past week, and only one active case in NZ as at 9am on Friday, May 29 — with the two nations now easing out of their respective lockdowns. Flights will be allowed into Athens and Thessaloniki airports, the Greek Minister also revealed in an interview, and visitors could be subject to sample COVID-19 testing. The news comes as Greece continues to ease its coronavirus restrictions, with the country's reopening plans announced in early May, and limits on leaving the house, exercising, shopping, work and schools gradually lifting. Restaurants and year-round hotels will be allowed to open from June 1. Of course, being allowed to enter a foreign country such as Greece is only one part of the equation for eager travellers from Down Under. Being allowed to leave Australia or New Zealand for a holiday is another matter entirely. In Australia, a travel ban is still in place, with Aussies unable to depart the nation unless they seek an exemption from Home Affairs. And in New Zealand, the government still currently advises that all New Zealanders do not travel overseas at present. For further details about Greece's eased tourist restrictions, visit the Greek Ministry of Tourism website.
For those of you who want to transform your morning walk into a catwalk, the lovechild of activewear brand Jaggad and high fashion mogul J'Aton Couture has just the outfit for you with their new collaboration. Launching November 10, the team-up's new activewear line is touted as 'haute couture meets high-performance wearability', and features an undeniably striking line of leggings, crop tops and muscle tanks. Described as a "capsule collection of activewear for the everyday consumer", with prices ranging from $79.95 for rose gold running shorts to $159.95 for the Baroque Contour 7/8 leggings, the line certainly isn't for the shallow-pocketed. For the Melbourne couture house with only 100–150 dresses being produced each year for high profile women around the world including Nicole Kidman, Poppy Delevingne, Ellie Goulding and Margot Robbie, J'Aton claims the collaboration is an opportunity to reach a wider audience. Whether or not this audience will necessarily be able to splurge for a $160 'panelled–bodice' running jacket is another question, but there would certainly be few who would turn down the opportunity to look this flashy in the weights section. J'Aton have also been the recipients of many prestigious awards, including the 2009 Prix de Marie Claire Awards for Best Eveningwear Designers. It remains to be seen if this line could score the 2016 'Best Leggings to Squat In' Award. The capsule collection is available online and in-store at Jaggad stores and extended local retailer boutiques from November 10, 2016.
Some people like to sit at home with their feline friends, soaking in their purrfect company. Others prefer to head to a cat cafe and cuddle up to a whole room filled with kitties. And, others still might fancy walking in their paws and getting a sense of their point of view. As well as offering some feline-themed fun, that's what Australia's first cat-themed human obstacle course is designed to do. In case the concept isn't clear, or your kitty-loving head is already seeing visions of mice, the Felix Clever Cat-a-thon lets two-legged people run, jump, climb, hang, claw and pounce like their favourite four-legged creatures, all while navigating a 16m long, inflatable space the event is calling "the most cunning human-sized cat obstacle course ever devised". While in feline mode, they'll compete against each other for glory. Think '90s TV show Gladiators, but with people acting like kittens. Two Cat-a-thons are currently slated, so folks in both Sydney and Melbourne can join in. The former takes over Circular Quay's Overseas Passenger Terminal on November 12 and 13, while the latter takes place at Queensbridge Square, Southbank on November 26. Yep, if you've ever wanted to claw your way up onto a window sill, weave through breakable items, climb onto kitchen counters and more cat-like antics, this is your chance. Dressing up like your favourite mouser is recommended, of course. Eating lasagne like Garfield beforehand, not so much. The Felix Clever Cat-a-thon takes place at Circular Quay's Overseas Passenger Terminal on November 12 and 13, and Queensbridge Square, Southbank on November 26. For more information, visit the event website. Image: Steve Garner.
With every new project, MAD Architects live up to their name with increasing conviction. Thanks to them we now have curvy skyscrapers in Canada, Hutong Bubbles in Beijing and an 'irregular nucleus' serving as a museum in Ordos, Inner Mongolia. Now, the futuristic and nature-oriented studio has developed an art museum that's actually an artificial island. Currently under construction, the Pingtan Art Museum will soon house Asia's largest private art collection, which consists of over one thousand items. The museum will be attached to the Island of Pingtan by what the architects describe as a 'slightly undulating pier, which, in turn, bridges artificial and natural, city and culture, as well as history and future'. As the biggest island in China's Fujian province, and the Chinese island closest to Taiwan, Pingtan looks set to become an important point of communication (for both trade and culture) over the next decade. The museum will become the centre of a new city that is still under planning. MAD describes the architecture as inextricably linked with surrounding organic forms: 'The sea, the beach, the oasis and the slope all interconnect with each other, forming a harmonious capacious space with the mountains in the distance,' they explain. 'The building is constructed with concrete that is blended with local sand shells. The indoor space, formed by the rise and fall of the formal movements, looks similar to ancient caves.' [via the creators project]
Putting such stationary, non-bouncy arts venues as the Sydney Opera House to shame, Ark Nova is the world’s first-ever inflatable concert hall. The striking travelling structure, designed by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki and British artist Anish Kapoor, was created to act as a kind of morale boost for regions affected by the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami, where it is currently touring. Capable of seating 500 people, the structure is 18 metres tall and externally resembles a large, shiny eggplant (or a giant jelly donut, depending on your perspective). Spreading out across 720 square-metres, the hall features benches made from tsunami-damaged cypress trees and a large white helium balloon above the stage that acts as both a sound and light reflector. The venue is not the easiest structure to manage. It was difficult to get the acoustics right. Air needs to be constantly sent in through an external vent. There’s no temperature control and it’s pretty sensitive to wild wind and weather conditions. But its designers believe the challenge to keep it up and running is worth it. In a statement about the project, Kapoor said, “Music can give solace and bring community together and in so doing can help us to see we are not alone.” Via Spoon & Tamago.
Have you heard the word kicking about town regarding a new Brisbane-based creative mag? Lovely local magazine Seam is a new independent press fostering the creative and covering all the important content - art, craft, music, fashion, design, photography, travel, and food, plus heaps of pretty bits and pieces. Too long has there been a gap in Brisbane's arts scene for a creative little indie magazine that lives and breathes the culture and imagination that exists in our little city. Now we’ve got a new publication to call our very own that we can get excited about. Seam are celebrating the launch of their first issue this Sunday at the city’s favourite coffee stop Brew, and it's expected to be an afternoon of tea, coffee, cocktails and cupcakes. The Start-Ups issue includes everything Seam has become renown online for: their sense of style, inspirational writing, stimulating imagery and their support of emerging creatives. Get in early to grab your copy before they’re all snapped up, and enjoy a cuppa and a little something sweet while you're at it.
You can now bring a bit of the beach into your home while passing the time in lockdown, with a new set of jigsaw puzzles featuring some of the city's most picturesque coastal spots. Similar to the immensely popular Australian Unseen puzzles, local photographer Dharma Bendersky and his gallery Salty Gallery have turned his stunning shots of Sydney beaches into 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles. There are currently six idyllic puzzles on offer from Salty Gallery, featuring Bondi, Bronte, Coogee, Little Bay and Sydney Harbour. "I started selling puzzles last year as a way to share my photography in a new way and at a lower cost point," Bedersky says. "Last summer on a 40 degree-plus day I did a photoshoot from a helicopter, and ended up with some fantastic aerial shots of the eastern suburb beaches; so for this most recent puzzle collection I used a selection of these images." Each puzzle is $59, includes free shipping Australia-wide, can be delivered internationally, and are shipped in eco-friendly compostable bags. If you've worked your way through all six puzzles or you're a fan of concrete-covered bays, Bedersky plans to unveil more designs featuring Maroubra, Clovelly and other eastern suburb beaches later this year. You can also browse Salty Gallery photography collection online where you can purchase framed and unframed prints as well as beach towels. Salty Gallery jigsaw puzzles are available through the gallery's website.
Whether you loved it, were intrigued by it, or didn't warm to its absurdist scenario, The Lobster was one of the most intriguing films to grace cinemas screens in 2015 (for the record, we're in the first camp). What does a filmmaker do once he's made a Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, John C. Reilly and Olivia Colman-starring dystopian flick about single folks being forced to attend a romance bootcamp to find love within 45 days — and get turned into the animal of their choosing if they fail? If you're Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos, you make a TV dark comedy starring Kirsten Dunst. On Becoming a God In Central Florida will focus on "the cult of free enterprise and one woman's relentless pursuit of the American Dream in the early '90s," as first reported in Deadline. Fresh from trifling with frosty crime in the Fargo television series, Dunst will play recently-widowed Orlando water park employee Krystal Gill, who "lies, schemes and cons her way up the ranks of Founders American Merchandise — the cultish, flag-waving, multibillion-dollar pyramid scheme that drove her to ruin in the first place." The show is being developed by AMC, aka the American network behind the likes of Mad Men, Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead, and will be executive produced by George Clooney. There's no word yet on any other cast members. Still, as is always the case when it comes to the helmer behind not only The Lobster, but unconventional (to say the least) family drama Dogtooth and 2012 Sydney Film Festival winner Alps, it sounds mighty interesting. Alas, Lanthimos isn't writing the script, so it mightn't be quite as weird as his big screen ventures — which will also include the surgeon-centric The Killing of a Sacred Deer with Farrell, Nicole Kidman and Alicia Silverstone sometime this year. If you're wondering, yes, the worlds of film and television are continuing to collide, not that they were ever really that separate to begin with. Add On Becoming a God In Central Florida to your must-see small screen list for an as-yet-unannounced date in the future, alongside a heap of other shows with movie ties — such as Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind; the What We Do in the Shadows spinoff; Studio Ghibli's first TV show, Ronja the Robber's Daughter; and every other flick you can think of that's either already getting or is bound to receive the television treatment. Via Deadline.
Master sommelier Madeline Triffon describes Pinot Noir as 'sex in a glass', while winemaker Randy Ullom calls it 'the ultimate nirvana'. One of the most challenging grapes in the world of vinification, it's also one of the most surprising and rewarding. No wonder Bottle Shop Concepts — the good folk who brought Game of Rhones our way in June — are coming back to town with Pinot Palooza, an epic travelling wine festival celebrating all things Pinot Noir. For just one day, wine connoisseurs in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane will have the chance to sample more than 150 drops, direct from the Southern Hemisphere’s best producers. Think Ata Rangi, Yabby Lake, Bay of Fires, Rippon, Kooyong, Mount Difficulty — and that’s just the first few leaves on the vine. Whether you’re a newbie who wants to start with something light and inviting, or a Pinot pro ready for the biggest, most complex mouthful on the menu, there’ll be an abundance of selections at either end — and plenty along the spectrum, too. You’ll even be able to vote for your favourite and go in the draw to win some wine-driven prizes. If, at any point, you need to take a pause in your tasting adventures, you’ll be able to pop into the Alfa Romeo Lounge. There’ll be cosy places to sit and mull over your chosen Pinot, loads of food and the epic Burgundy Bar – a kind of Pinot Noir mecca where you’ll be able to sample bottles worth $150+ at affordable, by-the-glass prices. Expert sommeliers will also be on hand to help you make selections. What's more, those keen to fuel their brains (and not only their taste buds), can indulge in a 'Back Stage Pass'. It's a chance to partake in a master class with some of Australia's smartest wine educators and learn all about what's happening in Burgundy, France — Pinot Noir’s spiritual home. Pinot Palooza will hit Melbourne on Saturday, October 4 at St Kilda Town Hall, Sydney on Monday, October 6 at Carriageworks and Brisbane on Sunday, October 12 at Light Space. Tickets are $60, which includes tastings, a take-home Riedel 'Heart to Heart' Pinot Noir glass and the latest issue of Wine Companion magazine. You can buy tickets right here.
As a drama series, Squid Game might've been the 2021 success that no one knew was coming, but everything that's followed the Netflix hit's popularity doesn't fall into the same category. Of course a second season was greenlit. Of course a television show about 456 people competing to win big was going to spawn a reality TV version that riffed on the concept, but without the death. And of course that IRL take, aka Squid Game: The Challenge, was going to score a second go-around itself. Squid Game: The Challenge arrived for season one in mid-November, dropping its ten episodes in three batches. Ahead of the finale releasing, Netflix has revealed that more is on the way. Keen to take part next time? The streaming platform has also opened the signup process for green tracksuit aficionados. So, let the games begin for a second time, with Squid Game: The Challenge still getting its 456 players competing for a huge cash prize while wearing the appropriate attire, being overseen by red-clad figures, and playing hopscotch, marbles, sugar honeycombs and tug of war. Again, there's no murder, but much otherwise takes its cues, look and feel from its inspiration. If you're one of the hordes of viewers who watched Squid Game when it instantly became one of the best new TV programs of 2021, as we all are, then you'll understand how Squid Game: The Challenge plays out even without the compete-to-the-death angle. The outfits, the games, the decor, the music and, yes, the notorious Red Light, Green Light doll: they're all accounted for. And the prize? $4.56 million, aka the biggest cash prize in reality-show history, which will be the case again in season two. How does it work? Again, you already know the details. Those 456 folks — all ordinary people, and not actors — try to score the $4.56 million by playing a series of games inspired by the extremely fictional South Korean thriller, as well as a few new additions. Also, competitors are eliminated as the games go on, and forming strategies and alliances plays a huge part. So, Squid Game: The Challenge is clearly designed to get as close to the OG Squid Game as possible, just without the body count. It's all overseen by a Front Man, too, because of course it is. Netflix has dubbed it "the biggest reality competition series ever" — and it certainly has the biggest cast. Making a gripping and brutal TV show that satirises capitalism, then bringing its games into real life does sound like something that might happen in Squid Game itself if the show was getting meta. Check out the trailer for the first season of Squid Game: The Challenge: Squid Game: The Challenge streams via Netflix. Season two doesn't yet have a release date, but we'll update you when it does. Squid Game's first season is available to stream via Netflix . Images: Netflix.
When it comes to the Ekka public holiday, those who want their crowded outings with more horses and drinking head to the races. Now, those who want their drinking with less gambling and grass stains also have something to do, thanks to The Flying Cock and The Birdman Cage. The latter is the name they're giving the Smuggler's Bar for an evening of post-races shenanigans. Whether this is the afterparty following your big day out, or the main attraction on your day off, expect all the themed cocktails and good vibes you could ever want.
It has been seven years in the making, but Splendour in the Grass is moving into its new digs — the North Byron Parklands — just 20 minutes north of NSW's Byron Bay. Securing a location for the winter pilgrimage has been a hazardous task over the last few years, which included a two-year stint in Rockford, Queensland from 2010-11. But today organisers announced that the long-intended permanent home is prepped and the 2013 festival dates are set for the weekend of July 26-28. Today's press announcement also teased at "the next chapter" for avid festival-goers as it settles into 660 idyllic acres. Like all things Byron, festival co-producers Jessica Ducrou and Paul Piticco emphasised staying true to their roots: "Onsite camping has always been a high priority for us. It creates a real sense of community at the show." Splendour has worked hard to earn its reputation for pulling the big internationals over the last few years — Coldplay, Kanye West, Jack White and '90s favourite Pulp are among the esteemed list of headliners past — while showcasing a strong Aussie punch in their lineups. The 2013 lineup announcement might be a little while off, but the question on our minds is, can we beat the 43-minute record sell-out time of last year?
In the space of just a few weeks, we've been promised appearances from Usher, Salt-N-Pepa and Eve for RnB Fridays, and Aqua and Vengaboys for a So Pop tour, along whole stack of others. But, just when you thought no more of your teenage dreams could come true, there's yet another juicy serve of musical nostalgia heading our way early next year. The next edition of RNB Vine Days is set to deliver a lineup that'll have you throwing back hard to the good ol' days. The one-day festival differs a little from the aforementioned arena spectaculars — instead of being held in stadiums, the concerts will take over wineries across the country. It makes sense — the tour comes from the same minds that brought you A Day on the Green. Similarly, RNB Vine Days will be all ages and bring with it a star-studded cast of old-school music icons. Hitting the stage this time around is none other than UK pop royalty Craig David, who'll be performing alongside his full live band. Brit-Canadian girl group All Saints will send you tripping back in time as they revisit smooth hits like 'Never Ever' and 'Pure Shores', while renowned rapper Nelly will be getting the crowd 'Hot In Herre' as he throws down previous gems like 'Dilemma', 'Ride Wit Me' and 'Just A Dream'. Singer-songwriter Amerie and RnB Fridays Live resident DJ YO! MAFIA round out the lineup, to be be enjoyed alongside a day of sunshine, gourmet eats and the venue's own signature wines. RNB VINE DAYS 2019 TOUR Saturday, February 2 — Bimbadgen, Hunter Valley, NSW Sunday, February 3 — Sirromet Wines, Mount Cotton, QLD Saturday, February 9 — Mt Duneed Estate, Geelong, VIC Sunday, February 10 — Leconfield Wines, McLaren Vale, SA Wednesday, February 13 — Kings Park & Botanic Garden, Perth, WA RNB Vine Days will tour Australia in February 2019. Tickets go on sale here from 10am this Friday, November 2.
Smartwatch manufacturers Pebble have busted Kickstarter’s crowdfunding records, raising more than US$2 million in less than an hour. How did they raise so much so quickly? Ten thousands of 'early bird' donors each contributed US$159 in return for first dibs on the new Pebble Time watch, helping the company reach their target of US$500 000 in just 17 minutes. The figure currently sits at over US$7 million, which sort of begs the question: just how good can this thing possibly be? What's making so many buyers jump on board? First of all, it's not the first release. Pebble Time is the third generation Pebble watch. Upgrades from the second gen Pebble Steel include a colour screen and an inbuilt microphone, as well as perhaps most enticingly, a seven day battery life, significantly longer than competing Android Ware devices or the upcoming Apple Watch. Unlike those devices, however, the Pebble Time doesn’t have a touch screen, and is instead operated by three buttons on the right hand side of its display. On the flipside, it’s one of only a handful of smartwatches that is compatible with both iPhones and Androids — so Pebble doubles the buyer market. The Pebble store also currently boasts more than 6500 third-party apps, from timers and alarms to a Domino’s takeaway pizza tracker (although tragically, that one’s only available in the US). The success of the Kickstarter campaign can also be attributed to the discount offered to donors. Although the early bird option has already expired, a US$179 pledge now is still US$20 less than the recommended retail price of US$199, which you can expect to pay in stores when the watch becomes available in May. Lastly, Pebble have been here before. The company experienced similar crowdfunding success in 2012, when it burst onto the scene with a Kickstarter campaign that made a whopping US$10.3 million. At the end of the day, they're no spring chickens to a splash like this. Via The Guardian.
Radiohead's headline performance at Coachella last night had fans at the Indio, California festival completely entranced. The world's greatest band played some of their classics along with songs from their two latest albums, The King of Limbs and In Rainbows. A ponytailed Thom Yorke was in fine form, getting the set underway with 'Bloom'. The 43-year old lead singer told the audience "You know those people who are only talking to you because they want something from you? You need to take a cold shower afterwards", then launched into an incredible rendition of 1997's 'Karma Police'. Luckily for music fans around the world, the Coachella YouTube channel has been live streaming three festival stages simultaneously, and Radiohead's full performance is now available to watch online at your leisure. You can also see the full set list at At Ease. [via Pitchfork]
It might be nothing fancy, but it will be side-splitting. Finally, Judith Lucy is back in Brisbane. The popular Australian comedian is in our city for five days on her Nothing Fancy tour. It is a stripped back 60 minute show where Judith will comment on everything from party pies to beards. No stranger to the stage, Judith Lucy has had a career in comedy spanning over two decades. The best-selling author has made several appearances on radio, television and film but is best known for her ridiculously funny stand up shows. Receiving countless rave reviews and a bevy of fans, Judith Lucy has cemented her place as one of Australia's finest comedians. Catch her at the Powerhouse where this comedic genius is guaranteed to tickle your funny bone!
We all know that a picture paints a thousand words but some pictures have the ability to not only tell a story but make us feel something. Often movement in pictures is captivating and provokes emotion as it plays with concepts of time and our perceptions of reality. QUT Creative Industries precinct has created an exhibition to explore powerful images that capture movement entitled, Paper Place Urban Screens. The showcased artists work within photography and have created images that capture movement in a single moment. Featured artists include Petrina Hicks, Owen Leong, Jess MacNeil, Murray McKeich and Murray Fredericks. This exhibition is part of Queensland Festival of Photography 5: Photography and Fictions. For more information about the program, check out the website. The festival includes exhibitions, conferences, featured artists and loads more to please any photography fan.
Since Black Mirror started taking humanity's growing dependence upon technology, turning it into science-fiction nightmares, and turning those into must-see dystopian-themed TV, a strange phenomenon keeps occurring. Every time something bizarre happens — a reality television star becoming a world leader is just one example — it seems that Charlie Brooker's TV show got there first. "We're living in an episode of Black Mirror" has become a common statement on social media, and now London's Barbican Centre is making that claim a reality as part of its new sci-fi exhibition. Opening on June 3 and running through until September 1, 2017, Into the Unknown: A Journey Through Science Fiction will dive into everything that makes the genre so great, exploring sci-fi's attempts to answer the important questions of our time. Before immersing patrons in a wealth of thought-provoking material, it'll make them walk through a Black Mirror video installation, which will take over the Barbican's Silk Street entrance hall. The show's second-ever episode "Fifty Million Merits" is in the spotlight, and it's a fitting choice given that it probed just how obsessed we've all become with screens. Before he starred in this year's horror hit Get Out, Daniel Kaluuya was stranded in a society that rewards exercise with credits, shovels out mindless television a distraction while folks try to get fit, and judges those who don't work hard enough off-screen with the same viciousness it directs towards the contestants on TV. The more people work up a sweat on an exercise bike, the more points they earn, which helps them audition for the shows they're watching and get voted for, mocked, cheered and booed themselves. Yep, it's quite the cycle — and, in endeavouring to replicate the experience, clips will be displayed on six-foot-tall screens as visitors enter the exhibition. As far as bringing Black Mirror to life — well, more than is already proving the case, that is — it's one of the easier setups to copy; however it also sounds like quite the mind-bending sight to behold. For anyone that finds themselves in London later in the year, Into the Unknown will also feature all the sci-fi highlights you'd expect, spanning manuscripts by Jules Verne, props from the likes of Star Wars and Godzilla, and a new interactive work by the effects wizards behind Ex Machina and The Martian. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jROLrhQkK78 Via IndieWire.
On student night, Cobra Kai always puts on a good show. Live music, delicious DJ sets, an inviting dance floor and cheap drinks – what more could we ask for? This week they're dishing up two standouts of Australia's next crop of indie music groups. Brisbane's own Young Men Dead's stage show is high energy and full of fun. Groovy bass lines, tasty tribal beats and their charismatic front man add a bit of cheek to their colourful performances. These guys know how to have a good time. Having shared the stage with the likes of Tim and Jean, Yuksek, The Holidays and Kate Nash, the boys are eager to share their new tracks on Thursday. Melbourne boys, Oscar + Martin, have mastered smiley and sweet music through their unique blend of smooth R&B beats, catchy melodies and sweeping synths. Specialising in magical and minimal electro pop, their tunes are perfect for the dance floor and chilling out. Oscar's soulful falsetto and Martin's impressive percussion skills make this duo a must see. Their songs of lost love and vulnerability make their music refreshingly heartfelt, innocent and stripped back. Revel in their liveliness and enjoy a dance with Young Men Dead, then be wooed by Oscar + Martin's charming music this Thursday night.
This weekend sees the opening of Marquee Sydney, the city's brand new superclub, brought to us by The Star. It's well known that The Star, formerly Star City casino, has been attempting to rebuild its image over the past year. They want you to see it as the kind of classy place jet-setters hang out at, as opposed to the image people had previously - over-priced drinks and square-eyed gamblers mechanically pressing buttons on pokie machines in a vast room that reeks of Brut and broken dreams. Marquee is the most anticipated part of their grand plan to erase that image. Marquee Sydney is being brought to us courtesy of nightlife operator Tao Group, which operates a number of superclubs in the US including the Marquee Nightclub and Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas. Marquee is promising to bring "a monumental change to Sydney's nightlife landscape." It's an unusual claim to make, given that Sydney's nightlife over the last few years has been focused on improving and innovating the small, boutique bar scene and creating the kind of places people can sit around in black skivvies reading books and drinking chardonnay - like Melbourne, if you will. And everyone has very much enjoyed the explosion of small bars, which provide a welcome alternative for those not so keen on side-stepping the drunken punch-ups outside Kings Cross nightclubs at three in the morning. Marquee is set to take up the entire top floor of the reinvigorated Star's new harbourside entrance. 20,000 square feet of floor space will host a 30-foot projection stage with an LED DJ booth and two dance floors, a "stylish library-style" lounge complete with a working fire place, a seperate DJ area on a patio, a chillout area and a unisex "bathroom lounge," which will surely be the most wholesome spot in the club. The VIP launch party this weekend will feature will.i.am and Afrojack of The Black Eyed Peas playing to 'celebrities' such as Nick Lachey, Ashlee Simpson and Paris Hilton.
Ben Quilty has had a pretty colourful life. He grew up in Sydney's north-west, graduated from the Sydney College of the Arts at the University of Sydney and from the University of Western Sydney with a Bachelor's degree in Visual Communication. In 2011, the artist was deployed to Afghanistan as an official war artist. In this role, it was his responsibility to listen to the stories of the Australian soldiers and express them through art giving the public a direct insight into the realities of war. After returning home he spent six months creating his collection. His stunning pieces capture the internal battles these men and women have experienced and his art portrays the holistic toll that war has on a person. The Archibald Prize winner's (2011) work will be showcased at Griffith University Art Gallery in South Bank as part of the Australian War Memorial’s travelling exhibition. Quilty's story was investigated by Australian Story in 2012. For a more detailed view of his interesting life, have a read of the transcript.
British India are taking a break from writing material for their fifth album to play what's sure to be a knock-out set at The Zoo this weekend. This super hard-working group have been busy entertaining crowds at both city and regional shows throughout last year as they took their fourth album, Controller, on the road. British India have had an exciting past year with their hit single, 'I Can Make You Love Me', earning them their first ever gold record. They are no strangers to success as the band have had three ARIA Top 10 album debuts, five tracks voted into Triple J's Hottest 100 and played sell out shows across the country. Join the bevy of other fans of the rock pop group as they belt out singles such as 'I Said I'm Sorry' and 'Tie Up My Hands'. These school friends are masters of executing polished performances and have played at the likes of Big Day Out, Falls, Pyramid Rock, Southbound, Homebake and Splendour In The Grass.
Many people have a complicated relationship with Sunday nights. They mark the last moments of freedom before the working week rolls around, yet often they are used to cram study or work in that somehow slipped off the radar over the weekend. This weekend you can enjoy Sunday in all of it's glory as Monday's public holiday holds the promise of an oh-so-sweet sleep in. There is plenty going on to ensure you make the most of your weekend. One such event is at The Bowler Bar, who are hosting T. Williams and New York Transit Authority this Sunday night. T. Williams wowed the crowd at The Bowler Bar in 2013 and has since released his EP, Feelings Within. Similarly, New York Transit Authority is no stranger to the club and also has new music up his sleeve. Local supporting acts include Cosmo Cater, Xavier Rousset, Taifau and Percy Miracles. Long weekends are few and far between so make sure this one is a cracker.
