To text, post, like, swipe, chat and livestream, or not to? In today's always-online times, that truly is the question. For wannabe influencer Lucy (Charlotte Nicdao), the answer is simple, much to her friend and housemate Daisy's (Gemma Bird Matheson) growing dismay. The perky, impulsive and attention-seeking Brisbanite isn't going to become famous for living the best version of her life if no one's watching, after all. No, for her dream of internet stardom to come true, she'll need to have her fingers constantly glued to her smartphone's buttons. Welcome to the world of Content, the ABC's new short-form web series, which is dropping episodes on ABC iView and YouTube weekly. With the show playing out on Lucy and Daisy's smartphone screens, that title does double duty. Firstly, it recognises that pumping out an endless stream of texts, DMs, Facebook posts, Instagram pics, Tinder swipes, video chats and other online content is just part and parcel of modern-day living. We're all smartphone addicts, and we might as well admit it, really. But the show unpacks the flipside as well, realising that continually negotiating our existence via an always-connected rectangle might not be the best path to lasting happiness. Lucy and Daisy are each accustomed to a ceaseless sea of notifications lighting up their screens. Working, dating, driving, bushwalking, graduating from uni — regardless of what they happen to be doing at any given moment, their smartphones are in their hands. Lucy takes that notion to another level, however, with her determined quest for glory knowing no bounds. When she hops behind the wheel, she livestreams it. When she crashes, she keeps filming. When the cops arrive at the scene, she's more interested in chatting to her followers than being taken to hospital. And when the video of her accident goes viral and becomes a meme, giving Lucy the moniker '#Flipgirl', it's the best moment of her life. If the above story sounds familiar, that's because it has been splashed across news headlines over the past week. After Content's first episode dropped, footage of Lucy's fictional fender bender hit Reddit, was mistaken for the real thing, and the reaction spread quickly. Art imitated life, then life imitated art, with a show about a millennial going viral almost instantly going viral itself. Created by Ludo Studios, directed by Daley Pearson and Walter Woodman, and written by Anna Barnes, the seven-part series proves equally hilarious, insightful and — as the Reddit incident demonstrates — authentic. It's both a sign of the times and a window into our 21st-century souls. Looking over someone's shoulder to steal a peek at their smartphone screen has become today's ultimate casual act of voyeurism, because the pocket-sized computers are just that integral to our lives. So, with that in mind, Content lets us watch. The end result isn't just equally perceptive and entertaining, although both terms apply. Framed vertically — aka designed to be watched on your own smartphone, naturally — Content is part of a growing trend called 'screenlife'. Relaying narratives purely through computer and phone displays, the technique has driven films such as Unfriended, Profile and Searching. And, as long as we all keep living our lives through our screens like Lucy, that list will only keep growing. Check out the first episode of Content below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALEdgJj1iQI&feature=youtu.be New episodes of Content drop weekly on ABC iView and YouTube.
No two neighbourhoods are the same in Singapore. From swanky Marina Bay to lively Little India, buzzing Orchard Road and idyllic Sentosa, each area of the Lion City has its own distinct character and offers unparalleled adventures. Katong-Joo Chiat is no exception. The vibrant region has roots tracing back to the early 19th century, gradually evolving from coconut and cotton plantations to an affluent coastal retreat in the 1920s, which drew a strong community of Straits–born Chinese and Malay descendants — otherwise known as the Peranakan community. Now, the neighbourhood is a colourful cultural hub that still upholds remnants of Singapore's Peranakan culture. With the help of Singapore Tourism, we're showcasing some of the top experiences around Katong-Joo Chiat, so you can dive into the area's rich and diverse history. What to See Wandering through Katong-Joo Chiat will take you on a journey through time. Here, you'll find heritage landmarks interspersed with contemporary boutiques and eateries that pay homage to the area's Peranakan history and culture. Discover Peranakan architecture at the pastel-hued shophouses on Koon Seng Road. Built in the 1920s, these restored dwellings interweave traditional Peranakan design with European and Chinese influences, such as floral tiles, ornate frames and intricate motifs. You're welcome to take photos, but keep in mind that these are occupied residences. Want to see it all but don't know where to start? Hop on a Vespa sidecar to see the area from a different vantage point. Singapore Sidecars runs tours throughout the city on vintage Vespas, while you take it in from the comfort of a sidecar. The Katong-Joo Chiat tour takes you along hidden laneways to see Koon Seng Road, Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple, street murals and local coffee houses. If you're still keen for more, add on an extra hour and you'll get to explore a pre-war school and an old residential area, and enjoy a meal at a hawker centre or shophouse eatery. [caption id="attachment_980366" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Danny Santos[/caption] What to Do Continue your exploration of Peranakan culture at Rumah Kim Choo and Rumah Bebe, where you'll be able to venture inside old shophouses. Rumah Kim Choo is a two-storey shophouse with a gallery and Kim Choo Kueh Chang eatery. Head upstairs to join a beading workshop or private tour, before sampling traditional Peranakan snacks downstairs, including savoury rice dumplings and sweet Nyonya kueh, which the family-owned business has been making since 1945. [caption id="attachment_980370" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yik Keat[/caption] Similarly, Rumah Bebe sells Peranakan collectibles and clothing in a vivid blue shophouse, with classes and tours upstairs. After you've learnt about beading techniques and tried on some Nyonya garments like sarongs and kebayas, round out the experience with some Peranakan cuisine at the restaurant downstairs. The menu includes small bites, curries, a traditional ayam buah keluak (chicken or pork ribs cooked in tamarind gravy) and a selection of sweet kuehs. [caption id="attachment_982044" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Danny Santos[/caption] For shopping and souvenirs — that will bring you back to the present era — make a beeline for Cat Socrates and The WYLD Shop. Cat Socrates has a selection of homewares, books, decor, lifestyle goods and gifts by Singaporean designers. You'll even find knickknacks inspired by the neighbourhood, including a linen wall calendar of Joo Chiat Road, glass mugs with Peranakan tiles, sandals with shophouses and Southeast Asian fruits, and art prints of local scenes. The WYLD Shop also carries a range of local brands across clothing, accessories, beauty, homewares, lifestyle goods and gifts. Get some mementos of your trip to bring home, such as a tea towel with the shophouses of Koon Seng Road, a candle inspired by the tropical scent of Singapore, facial oils by a locally made brand, and brightly printed kimono jackets. What to Eat Your Katong-Joo Chiat visit wouldn't be complete without some treats to reward your day of exploration. Established in 1925, Chin Mee Chin Confectionery is a neighbourhood institution that has withstood the test of time. First opened as a coffee shop, the bakery and eatery evolved with the times and is still managed by some of the original family to this day. Be sure to have a taste of the signature kaya toast, sugee cake and kaya swiss roll when you're there. [caption id="attachment_983639" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Birds of Paradise Facebook[/caption] Get some respite from the humidity at Birds of Paradise. The store serves heaping scoops of creamy gelato, but you won't get any traditional flavours here. Instead, expect flavours derived from natural botanicals (without any artificial additives) and inspired by Southeast Asian tastes and aromas. Options range from the delicate white chrysanthemum and fruity lychee raspberry to the rich pandan coconut caramel and nuanced macadamia butterfly pea. Book your Singapore holiday now with Flight Centre. All images courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board.
Food trucks tick all the right boxes when it comes to those late night what to eat dilemmas. They're cheap, fulfilling, fast and guaranteed to be made fresh on the spot, so it comes as no surprise that they've been steadily growing in popularity on the streets of Brisbane. The Bun Mobile's legendary steamed buns are something you would've heard about if you've been following the local food truck scene from the beginning. Tracking down their distinctive red and blue coloured trucks proves to be a bit of an adventure in itself; their location every night is shrouded in mystery, so diners have to look them up on Facebook or their website to check where they'll be parking on their chosen day. The family-run business, who have a background in international fine dining, cook up a variety of fillings for their pillowy buns — Louisiana chicken, twice-cooked pork, wagyu beef and a variety of specials — and all for under $10 a pop too. Thankfully, graphic designer and photographer Erika Budiman has done a service for us all in getting hold of The Bun Mobile's recipe for their sous vide pork belly as part of her new recipe book, Food Truck Feasts, a culmination of her year long quest exploring Australia's multicultural food scene. Now that's a job we want. Get ready for the inevitable blissful food coma. SOUS VIDE PORK BELLY You'll need a slow cooker to create this dish. A food vacuum sealer is also helpful, although standard zip-lock bags are also sufficient. Serves 4-6 4-6kg pork belly (we prefer skin on because it enhances the flavour) 2 tablespoons kosher salt (you can use regular salt if necessary) 4 cups water 200ml stock from sous vide pork 100ml dark soy 100ml usukchi shoyu* 100ml mirin 4 star anise 1 teaspoon (heaped) five spice powder 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, chopped steamed bun creamy coleslaw butter lettuce fried shallots sliced green onions To prepare the pork combine the salt and water in a large container to make a brine mixture. Mix until the salt has completely dissolved. Place pork in the brine mixture, Cover and refrigerate for 12 hours. Remove the pork from the liquid and pat dry. Place the pork into a zip-lock bad and seal, ready to sous vide. Heat the water (enough to cover the zip-lock bag) in a large pot or in a kettle to 63°C (test using a thermometer) and then pour the water into the slow cooker. Submerge the zip-lock bag with pork inside. Slow cook the pork for 24 hours. Remove the pork and rest it. To prepare the braising liquid combine the stock, dark soy, usukchi shoyu, mirin, star anise, five spice powder and ginger in a medium-size pot. Slice the pork and place it in the braising liquid. Gently simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Serve the pork belly in a steamed bun, with creamy coleslaw, butter lettuce, fried shallots and sliced green onions. *Usukchi shoyu is a lighter, saltier soy sauce, available from most Asian supermarkets. Via Food Truck Feasts, published by Explore Australia Publishing, RRP $34.95, www.exploreaustralia.net.au.
Australia mightn't be home to any of the globe's top restaurants for 2023, but love is pouring out for our wineries. Among the many lists of the world's best — which also includes bars and steak joints — the World's Best Vineyards ranking names the planet's top wine destinations. Earning a spot this year: three South Australian winemakers. From the Aussie contingent, McLaren Vale's d'Arenberg nabbed the highest placing, coming in at 17th. Sprawling around a giant cube might've helped. That five-storey square is quite the centrepiece, but the Osborn family's organic and biodynamic tipples score plenty of attention on their own. The awards also praised the vineyard for living "up to its billing as 'more than just a cellar door'". Next on the list: Henschke in Eden Valley, which boasts a vineyard that was planted more than 150 years ago, and nabbed 26th spot. Then comes Magill's Penfolds Magill Estate, which dates back to 1844 and is particularly known for its shiraz, in 44th place. None of these wineries were anointed the best in Australasia, however. That honour went to New Zealand's Rippon, in Central Otago, which also sits in 11th spot in the top 50. The awards heaped praise onto the Southern Alps favourite for producing "a highly lauded range of pinot noir from this magnificent landscape and its biodynamically farmed vineyards". While Down Under was well-represented among the Best 50 Vineyards, 23 vineyards in this year's list hailed from Europe. France alone scored nine spots, the highest number for any single country. That said, the top placing went to Argentina's Catena Zapata, which also won overall South American vineyard. Next came Europe's first listing, for Spain's Bodegas de los Herederos del Marqués de Riscal, followed by Chilean vineyard VIK in third, Creation in South Africa in fourth, and France's Château Smith Haut Lafitte in fifth. Completing the top ten: Bodega Garzón in Uruguay, Montes in Chile, Germany's Schloss Johannisberg, and both Bodegas Salentein and El Enemigo Wines in Argentina. If you plan your getaways around vino, consider this list a handy piece of travel inspiration. If you're just interested in the drops, consider it a guide for your next trip to the bottle shop. The World's Best Vineyards also names a 51–100 list, which saw New Zealand's Craggy Range come in at 58th, Man O' War at 77th and Kumeu River Wines at 81st, plus Australia's Seppeltsfield Barossa at 98th. To check out the full World's Best Vineyards Top 50 and 100 lists, head to the awards' website. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Our Melbourne comrades are doing it especially tough right now, currently pushing through the fourth long week of their current stage four lockdown. But if you know a southerner who could use a distraction from their 8pm curfew and five-kilometre travel restrictions, you can now send them a little sweet relief courtesy of Uber Eats. This week, the delivery service is allowing interstate mates to send Victorian friends free dessert or ice cream, via its new #lockdownlove offer. From today, Monday, August 31, to Friday, September 4, you can surprise your Melbourne mate with a free Uber Eats dessert delivery, up to the value of $20 (including delivery fee). There are 1000 of the freebies available each night, starting from 8pm. To share the love, simply plug your friend's address into the app, order from one of their local dessert venues and enter that day's promo code (it's 'mondaylove' for Monday, 'tuesdaylove' for Tuesday and so on). Once you've ordered, you can click 'Share This Delivery' at the top of the app and your pal will be able to track their sweet treat on the move. Brighten their day with some Pidapipo gelato, send some Greek doughnuts from Lukumades, or maybe treat them to a wedge of cheesecake courtesy of the iconic Brunetti. If you're a sweet-toothed Melburnian who could do with some free dessert, we just send this article to an interstate friend — as a very unsubtle hint. [caption id="attachment_687498" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Doughnuts by Shortstop[/caption] Top image: Lukumades
First came the return of the Kirra Beach Hotel, pouring drinks again after three years out of action while the surfside pub was rebuilt as an all-new 1300-square-metre watering hole with a sunny beer garden. Then arrived Kirra Beach House, with multiple spaces to eat and drink — and cabanas for both — on the beachfront. Now, for everyone heading to the Gold Coast to take advantage of the two venues, or just in general, Kirra Point Holiday Apartments is up and running. Out-of-town visitors and staycationers alike have a new spot to stay at Kirra Point, the precinct that's reshaping this part of southeast Queensland's coast. If you're keen to slumber for at least two nights — with longer trips welcome, too — this sleek new accommodation boasts one-, two- and three-bedroom options, all in a prime location. Killer views from each apartment overlooking the beach are a huge highlight. So are expansive balconies that are designed for hanging out outside as much as in, whether you're going solo, or you're with your partner, mates or travelling as a family. No one usually books a holiday apartment with more room than they need — and with prices starting at $395 per night, that'll prove the case here — but whichever size abode you pick, you'll still be peering at the water. Beach vistas are part of every apartment, so you won't miss out on making the most of the scenic surroundings. Fancy taking a splash, too? That's where the block's elevated pool deck comes in, also with stunning views. As you swim in the 25-metre heated pool or kick back on the poolside lounges, you'll have an uninterrupted vantage of the beach. The communal al fresco area also includes barbecue facilities and an outdoor shower. Back inside, expect a contemporary aesthetic; sizeable bedrooms, with the main featuring a king-sized bed; a full kitchen with European appliances and a Nespresso coffee machine; a 65-inch television with a Chromecast; internet access; and a full laundry. Plus, Kirra Point Holiday Apartments has its own air-conditioned gym, and hires out beach carts, umbrellas and bikes for exploring the area. Need a charcuterie platter or picnic hamper to make your stay even better? They can be delivered. If you're new to Kirra, you'll be venturing 70 minutes from Brisbane, 30 minutes from Broadbeach and 45 minutes from Byron Bay. And if this is the first that you're hearing about the Kirra Point precinct, it's all about giving folks the beach life whether they're dropping by for a sip and a meal, residing onsite or temporarily calling it their home away from home. Find Kirra Point Holiday Apartments at 4 Miles Street, Kirra, Queensland — head to the apartments' website for bookings and further details. Images: Elise Hassey.
Get ready for battle: House of the Dragon is returning in 2024 and, based on the just-dropped first teaser trailer for the Game of Thrones spinoff's second season, things are getting even more fiery. "There is no war so hateful to the gods as a war between kin — and no war so bloody as a war between dragons," Rhaenys Targaryen (Eve Best, Nurse Jackie) tells her niece Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy, Mothering Sunday) in the just-dropped sneak peek. Also glimpsed in the debut look at the Targaryen-focused show's next eight episodes: dragons, obviously, plus Rhaenyra and Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke, Slow Horses) going head to head — and Prince Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith, Morbius) looking brooding while suiting up in armour. Troops preparing to fight, burning soldiers and the Iron Throne (also obviously) all pop up as well, as do serious words about what's to come. Set to arrive in winter 2024 Down Under — because, yes, winter is always coming — House of the Dragon's second season will arrive two years after the first premiered in 2022. Game of Thrones was always going to spark spinoff shows. Indeed, when HBO started thinking about doing a prequel five years ago, before the huge fantasy hit had even finished its run, it was hardly surprising. And, when the US network kept adding ideas to its list — including a Jon Snow-focused series with Kit Harington (Eternals) reprising his famous role, novella series Tales of Dunk and Egg and an animated GoT show, to name just a few prequels and spinoffs that've been considered, but may or may not actually come to fruition — absolutely no one was astonished. So far, just House of the Dragon has hit screens, which jumps back into House Targaryen's history. When it initially roared into streaming queues, it became an instant success. Accordingly, as it delivered more complicated GoT realm relationships, flowing long blonde hair, dragons, stabbings and fights for power — and plenty to fuel a drinking game, as we created — it was quickly renewed for season two. The series kicked off 172 years before the birth of Daenerys and her whole dragon-flying, nephew-dating, power-seeking story, and gave HBO its largest American audience for any new original series in its history when it debuted. If you're thinking that House of the Dragon is basically a case of new show, same squabbles, as it was easy to foresee it would be, you're right. It's pretty much Game of Thrones with different faces bearing now well-known surnames — and more dragons. If you haven't yet caught up with the show so far, it dives into the battle for the Iron Throne before the one we all watched between 2011–19. Paddy Considine (The Third Day) started the series King Viserys — and it's exactly who should be his heir that sparked all the Succession-style fuss. The words "succession" and "successor" (and "heir" as well) got bandied around constantly, naturally. Also, Australian actors Milly Alcock and Ryan Corr were among the stars. House of the Dragon's returning season two cast includes Rhys Ifans (The King's Man) as Ser Otto Hightower and Steve Toussaint (It's a Sin) as Lord Corlys Velaryon, plus Fabien Frankel (The Serpent), Ewan Mitchell (Saltburn), Tom Glynn-Carney (Rogue Heroes) and Sonoya Mizuno (Shortcomings). HBO has also announced new faces for the show's comeback, with Clinton Liberty (This Is Christmas) as Addam of Hull, Jamie Kenna (Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story) as Ser Alfred Broome, Kieran Bew (Warrior) as Hugh, Tom Bennett (Black Ops) as Ulf, Tom Taylor (Love at First Sight) as Lord Cregan Stark and Vincent Regan (One Piece) as Ser Rickard Thorne. They join Abubakar Salim (Napoleon) as Alyn of Hull, Gayle Rankin (Perry Mason) as Alys Rivers, Freddie Fox (The Great) as Ser Gwayne Hightower and Simon Russell Beale (Thor: Love and Thunder) as Ser Simon Strong among the season two newcomers. This latest adaptation of George RR Martin's popular fantasy books — based on Fire & Blood, specifically — is bound to continue on for more than just two seasons, but that's all that's confirmed for the moment. Check out the first teaser trailer for House of the Dragon season two below: House of the Dragon streams Down Under via Foxtel and Binge in Australia and SoHo, Sky Go and Neon in New Zealand, with season two arriving in winter 2024 — with an exact release date yet to be announced. Read our full review of season one. Images: HBO.
War on Waste, the ABC documentary series presented by The Chaser's Craig Reucassel, brought some shocking statistics into lounge rooms all over the country earlier this year. 1.6-million viewers discovered that Aussies use more than ten million plastic bags per day and chuck out 3.3 million tonnes of food waste per year. The good news is that the show seems to have triggered some action. In mid-July, Woolworths and Coles announced that, over the next twelve months, they'll be phasing out plastic bags. And, a few days ago, the City of Sydney pledged funding for the Responsible Cafes campaign, which is helping local cafes to get rid of disposable cups. Meanwhile, the City of Melbourne is running a project that transforms cigarette butts into plastic products. Every week, the council collects more than 200,000 butts from 367 dedicated bins across Melbourne. "[It's] litter that may otherwise end up being washed down drains and into the Yarra River," said Lord Mayor Robert Doyle AC. Unfortunately, cigarette butts are not biodegradable and take ages to break down. So, in collaboration with Enviropoles (who does the collecting) and TerraCycle (who does the recycling), the City is ensuring the butts are turned into usable items, including plastic furniture and shipping pallets. Funding comes from the Victorian Government, via the Litter Hotspots program. "[So far], we have collected 1.2-million butts from around Melbourne's universities and hospitals and busy CBD locations that can be repurposed," Lord Mayor Doyle said. To draw attention to the project, there's a Perspex box filled with cigarette butts in Queensbridge Square, on the banks of the Yarra. The initiative follows the lead of Vancouver, Canada, and New Orleans in the US. "Cities around the world are looking for new ways to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfill," said Councillor Cathy Oke, Chair of the City of Melbourne's Environment portfolio. Photo via City of Melbourne.
Something delightful is happening in cinemas across the country. After months spent empty, with projectors silent, theatres bare and the smell of popcorn fading, Australian picture palaces are back in business — spanning both big chains and smaller independent sites in Sydney and Brisbane. During COVID-19 lockdowns, no one was short on things to watch, of course. In fact, you probably feel like you've streamed every movie ever made over the past three months, including new releases, comedies, music documentaries, Studio Ghibli's animated fare and Nicolas Cage-starring flicks. But, even if you've spent all your time of late glued to your small screen, we're betting you just can't wait to sit in a darkened room and soak up the splendour of the bigger version. Thankfully, plenty of new films are hitting cinemas so that you can do just that — and we've rounded up, watched and reviewed everything on offer this week. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-M4qEmF268 FREAKY Blumhouse Productions has already turned Groundhog Day into a horror flick via Happy Death Day and Happy Death Day 2U. It gave 70s TV series Fantasy Island an unsettling makeover, too, with downright awful results. Now, it's Freaky Friday's turn. Body-swap movies span far beyond films starring Jodie Foster (in 1976) and Lindsay Lohan (in 2003), but given that Freaky sets the bulk of its action on a Friday, it's clearly nodding in the obvious direction. The movie begins with a prelude on Wednesday the 11th (yes, not only will most of the chaos go down on a Friday, but it'll happen on Friday the 13th). In the opening scene, four small-town high schoolers do what teens do in the first moments of slasher flicks: talk, party and make out in an empty old mansion, then get killed by a mask-wearing psychopath. Before the quartet meets that fate, its members explain who is responsible. The Blissfield Butcher (Vince Vaughn) is known to have terrorised the area but, due to a lack of recent murders, the serial killer has mostly become an urban legend of late. Not only is the Butcher real, as writer/director Christopher Landon (Happy Death Day and its sequel) and his co-scribe Michael Kennedy (Bordertown) quickly show, but he steals a cursed Aztec dagger that lets him swap bodies with his next victim. So, when shy teen Millie (Kathryn Newton, Big Little Lies) crosses his path, she wakes up in his very tall and male guise the next morning — and vice versa. That's great news for the Butcher, who can now blend in with the adolescents that he likes to murder. It's a troubling predicament for the bullied high schooler that suddenly looks like him, though. Given that Freaky sports a big twist right there in its premise, no one should expect a surprise-laden narrative here. It does add some depth to its high-concept horror-comedy idea, including calling out society's accepted notions of male power and making it plain that women are never seen in the same fashion, but the movie proves a patchwork affair overall. In other words, sometimes things fall into place entertainingly, and sometimes they don't. The slick, fast-paced flick is particularly engaging when it ramps up either the gore-splattered horror or the over-the-top comedy, though, and it sports top-notch lead casting choices. Indeed, without either Vaughn or Newton, it might've resembled The Hot Chick meets the worst Nightmare on Elm Street sequels rather than Freaky Friday meets Friday the 13th. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KW_3aaoSOYg HILLBILLY ELEGY Adapted from the 2016 memoir that shares its name, Hillbilly Elegy is filled with Acting and a Message. Yes, those words should be capitalised. It's an awards-seeking showcase for its two big-name stars, Amy Adams and Glenn Close — neither of whom have an Oscar on their mantles despite 13 nominations between them (six for Adams, seven for Close). It's also a sombre-toned, melodramatic attempt to explain, presumably to the so-called 'coastal elites' that are often characterised as the enemy of ordinary Americans by certain sections of the country's media, that folks crudely nicknamed 'hillbillies' or 'rednecks' are people, too. And, although Ron Howard sits in the director's chair and screenwriter Vanessa Taylor also co-wrote The Shape of Water, Hillbilly Elegy is about as subtle as an Appalachian-born grandmother yelling at teenagers to get off her porch or she'll shoot them. That's something that happens in the film. There's a difference between unpacking stereotypes and propagating them and, despite its obvious intentions, Hillbilly Elegy falls firmly in the second category. A deglamourised Adams plays drug-addicted ex-nurse and single mother Bev. With just as much frizzy hair, Close steps into the shoes of Bev's mother, Mamaw, who gave birth to her when she was 13. Their lives haven't been easy, although they've each constantly strived to do what's best for their poverty-stricken family. Adams and Close give big, overt performances that make their character's struggles known in every fierce glare and public meltdown, but even their visible efforts — and the work they're putting in is always forcefully apparent — can't lift this simultaneously earnest and bland affair. The true tale is all actually seen through the eyes and memories of Bev's son and hardworking Yale law student JD (Gabriel Basso, The Big C). When his mum overdoses while he's trying to secure a summer internship with a prestigious firm in DC, he heads back home, looking back on his childhood (where the character is played by Paterson's Owen Asztalos) across both the hill country of Jackson, Kentucky and also the downtrodden Middletown, Ohio in the process. The real-life JD literally wrote the book, but all those words inspire here is formulaic, mawkish, over-the-top and often fittingly beige-hued awards-bait that noticeably says little about the world that it so superficially feigns to explore. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYUO1xmwxTQ THE COMEBACK TRAIL It's never a great idea to fill a screenplay with verbal references to cinematic masterpieces gone by. If your movie doesn't come anywhere near close to matching Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho or Orson Welles' Touch of Evil, for instance, you've already inspired an unflattering comparison. Those classic titles are mentioned early in The Comeback Trail, and it's well and truly evident by then that this comedy will never sit in their company. Its predecessor certainly doesn't, with this Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, Tommy Lee Jones and Zach Braff-starring, 1970s-set film based on a 1982 movie of the same name. Here, De Niro and Braff play an uncle-nephew pair of movie producers, Max Barber and Walter Creason, who are known for making average-at-best flicks and even inspiring protests at their premieres — and it doesn't take long for viewers to wonder if the inescapably cheap-looking The Comeback Trail is indicative of the terrible and unsuccessful features pumped out by its central pair. After the aforementioned picketing of their latest release, the duo owe $350,000 to gangster Reggie Fontaine (Freeman). Max could sell a beloved script to a rival producer (Emile Hirsch) to rustle up the funds; however, he stumbles upon another plan instead. Soon, he's in even more debt to Reggie, but with a scam in mind — setting up a suicidal old western star, Duke Montana (Jones), for a big accident so that he can claim an insurance payout. Naturally, nothing pans out as it's supposed to, in a film filled from start to finish with laugh-free moments. Max and Walter try to explain to their female director (Kate Katzman) that she's a bad fit because they're making a manly film, which was never going to be funny. Max gets kicked by the horse he's trying to use to injure Duke, and that inspires zero hilarity, too. Contrived, predictable, strained and grating, The Comeback Trail squanders the three acting veterans among its cast. In fact, it makes you wish they'd be more selective with their on-screen choices. De Niro has worked with filmmaker George Gallo before, with the latter writing 1988 comedy Midnight Run, but their reunion couldn't be more painful — and De Niro couldn't be further away from his excellent efforts in The Irishman just last year. If you're wondering what else is currently screening in cinemas — or has been lately — check out our rundown of new films released in Australia on July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23 and July 30; August 6, August 13, August 20 and August 27; September 3, September 10, September 17 and September 24; October 1, October 8, October 15, October 22 and October 29; and November 5. You can also read our full reviews of a heap of recent movies, such as The Personal History of David Copperfield, Waves, The King of Staten Island, Babyteeth, Deerskin, Peninsula, Tenet, Les Misérables, The New Mutants, Bill & Ted Face the Music, The Translators, An American Pickle, The High Note, On the Rocks, The Trial of the Chicago 7, Antebellum, Miss Juneteenth, Savage, I Am Greta, Rebecca, Kajillionaire, Baby Done, Corpus Christi, Never Rarely Sometimes Always, The Craft: Legacy, Radioactive and Brazen Hussies. Top image: Hillbilly Elegy via Lacey Terrell/Netflix.
Ever wished you could be spirited away into a Studio Ghibli film? Stop dreaming and start making travel plans. Turning movie magic into a real-life wonder, Japan's beloved animation house is opening its own My Neighbour Totoro theme park. Set to liven up the space known as Expo Park in Nagoya's Aichi Prefecture, the 200-hectare site will recreate the world of the 1988 film, building upon an existing attraction. Since 2005, the park has boasted a replica of Satsuki and Mei's house, the home of two characters from the movie. It'll stay, of course — and be joined by other, yet-to-be-revealed Totoro additions. Yes, we're all hoping for a cat bus, some susuwatari (those gorgeous little balls of floating soot), something umbrella shaped and tiny seeds sprouting into giant trees, in a place that'll basically transform that cute video of Ghibli characters out in the world into a reality. Here's hoping it'll nod to a few other Studio Ghibli greats too, although their current focus is understandable. Just try to go into a gift store in Japan without coming across a treasure trove of soft, cuddly Totoros that you can call your own — it's impossible. The park is scheduled to open in 2020, however, in the interim, Ghibli-loving visitors to Japan can still get their dose of animated joy at Tokyo's Ghibli Museum. Plus, back in 2015, it was announced that co-founder and all-round Ghibli legend Hayao Miyazaki was building his own park on Kume Island in the Okinawa Prefecture. Designed to preserve and celebrate nature, it's set to launch in 2018. Via Anime News Network.
Nine days after Woolworths implemented its nationwide plastic bag ban, it has reneged on the ban — well, temporarily. After being inundated with complaints from customers in-store and on social media, the supermarket giant this morning posted to Facebook saying it will be giving out free reusable plastic bags until July 8. The reusable bags, which for the past nine days cost shoppers 15c, are thicker, more durable and are made from 80 percent recycled plastic — and were meant to encourage shoppers to bring them back, again and again, rather than buying a new one each time. The temporary, complimentary bag offer is only valid in certain states, NSW, Vic, WA and Qld, as the other states and territories have already had single-use plastic bag bans in place for several years (SA leading the pack, introducing it back in 2009). With Coles set to introduce its nationwide single-use plastic bag ban on Sunday, July 1, it will be interesting to see if the supermarket giant follows Woolworths' lead or, even, delays the start of the ban. Either way, the supermarkets will need to have their single-use bag bans running soon as Queensland will flat-out ban single-use plastic bags from July 1, and Victoria is set to do the same next year. NSW is yet to announce whether it will join suit.
The permanent closure of Newstead Brewing Co, one of the first key names in Brisbane's craft beer scene, remains a heartbreaking development for the River City. The doors to its former Milton home didn't remain shut for long, however. Last Man Standing Brewing has not only announced that it has taken over the Castlemaine Street location — under its management, the site is already up and running again, opening its doors mere days after Newstead announced that it had bid farewell. Since Friday, March 14, 2025, the brewery co-founded by Olympian Steven Bradbury is pouring its Australian-owned and -made lager at the Suncorp Stadium-adjacent spot, and running the place in a temporary setup. If that sounds like a quick turnaround, that's because it was, with the onus on getting the place up and running ASAP — both bar service and the kitchen — before the proper Last Man Standing brewery experience launches on Friday, March 28. Befitting the Brisbane-born brewery's ownership, which also includes the sons of former Wallaby Roy Prosser, the venue's new guise will be all about sports, including big screens showing games and pub fare on the menu. And yes, if you know your Aussie Olympics history — and how short-track speed skater Bradbury won gold in the 1000 metres at the 2002 Salt Lake City games after his competitors in the final all crashed — then you'll know why Last Man Standing has its name. "Opening our own brewery and venue is not only the logical next step in our growth, but it's the realisation of our plans, dreams and hard work over the past five years," said Managing Director Damian Prosser, one of Last Man Standing's co-founders, about setting up shop in Milton. "The opportunity has come a little sooner than expected, but this is a fantastic venue in an iconic location and we're excited to create an exciting space. We'll keep the taps pouring for sports fans and locals while we get set up properly." "Independent Aussie brewers continue to be under threat from ridiculous taxes, overseas corporations, pandemics and up here, the weather — but we're not going to be swayed from our mission," added Bradbury. "We want to bring some good news to the industry, buck the trend and inspire fellow indie brewers to push on. Courage, determination, self-belief and just a little luck — that's what being the Last Man Standing is all about, and I should know!" "I love Australia, I love sport and boy do I love a few beers with my mates, and I can't think of a better sporting venue in the country to sit alongside than Suncorp Stadium. It would be a crime for this fantastic brewery to be closed while there's so much happening at the stadium and in Brisbane. We had to step in and make sure that didn't happen," Bradbury continued. Although it announced the news afterwards, Newstead Brewing Co closed down before Tropical Cyclone Alfred. As Brissie was shutting up ahead of the wild weather, so was this favourite — but forever, sadly. When it revealed that it had said goodbye, the brewery's team said "it's a sad time for Brisbane craft beer and our beloved industry," via a statement on social media, but looked back fondly on its beginnings, plus what came next, before noting the impact of the 2022 floods and how it avoided closure at the time only to say farewell now. In its prime, Newstead Brewing Co not only boasted its original location on Doggett Street — which it left in 2023 — and its second home in Milton, but also a taphouse inside Brisbane Airport's domestic terminal. Find Last Man Standing at 67 Castlemaine Street, Milton — head to the brewery's website for more details.
No matter how much we might want to, we can't all attend every music festival ever. And when one of those events is the huge behemoth that is Coachella, we definitely can't all nab highly sought-after, quickly selling-out tickets each and every year — or, indeed, even any year — either. But, thanks to Indio, California's huge annual drawcard, we can stay home and live our best Coachella lives by livestreaming along. The fest has been teaming up with YouTube to beam its tunes to the world for 11 years now — and it has just locked in plans to keep doing so until 2026. YouTube and Goldenvoice, the company behind Coachella, have announced the multi-year renewal of their partnership, which includes behind-the-scenes content on YouTube Shorts, playlist integrations within YouTube and YouTube Music, YouTube Shopping exclusive merchandise drops, exclusive content for YouTube Premium subscribers, live chats, and onsite activations with YouTube creators and artists — and, of course, that crucial and supremely popular livestream. Make a standing couch date each April, then, if trips to the US to head along in-person aren't in your future. "Our partnership with YouTube brings Coachella to everyone around the world," said Paul Tollett, Goldenvoice's President, in a statement announcing the news. "The 2023 lineup sees performers from Brazil, France, Iceland, India, Jamaica, Nigeria, Puerto Rico, South Korea, Spain, and beyond, and bringing international fans closer to their hometown artists is important to our team." 2023's fest announced its lineup earlier in January, and will be headlined by Bad Bunny, BLACKPINK and Frank Ocean. Also on the bill: everyone from Calvin Harris, Gorillaz, The Chemical Brothers, ROSALÍA and Blondie through to The Kid LAROI, Björk, Fisher, Charlie XCX, Porter Robinson and Idris Elba. Coachella will unleash that impressive collection of talent over the weekends of April 14–16 and April 21–23, which is Saturday, April 15–Monday, April 17 and Saturday, April 22–Monday, April 24 Down Under. While livestreaming is no longer a novelty in these pandemic times, given the calibre of the fest's lineup, it's still a mighty fine way to join in. Wondering who else is on the bill? Here you go: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Coachella (@coachella) Coachella 2023 runs from April 14–16 and April 21–23 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. It'll stream via YouTube from Saturday, April 15–Monday, April 17 and Saturday, April 22–Monday, April 24 Down Under.
There is nothing quite like an international design competition to put the world's leading architecture firms into a bit of spin. And that is exactly what has happened since the Busan Metropolitian City Government in Korea sponsored a competition to find a design for Busan's new Opera House, set to begin construction in 2014. The brief was fairly straightforward - the winning design needed to completely reenvisage the Busan Opera House on the harbour of South Korea's second largest city, Busan, and create a new cultural landmark which would resonate with the residents of Busan and the surronding marine culture, yet would also put Busan firmly on the international stage. In practical terms, the brief also stipulated that the design had to include an Opera Theatre, a multi-purpose theatre, and provide areas for people to congregate and enjoy views of the city skyine and the ocean. The competition certainly has fired up the imaginations of architects worldwide The Swiss-based architecturel firm Kubota and Bachmann have put forward a design based on Korean traditions, featuring an impressive artificial body of water, while a German firm, Peter Ruge Architekten, have gained significant attention with their sustainable design. Sydney-based architects Lascoste and Stevenson have also weighed in with their pod-shaped design. The final decision on the design of the Opera House will not be known until the second stage of the competition. But whatever the result, it looks like post 2014 Sydney may not be the only harbour city with an enviable Opera House.
When Brisbanites initially stepped inside Naldham House in the 1800s, they weren't greeted by a brasserie and terrace, then a supper club upstairs. In a building with history across three different centuries, that's firmly a 2024 experience. Behind its white facade on Felix Street, this heritage-listed former shipping office is now all about drinking and dining — and, decor-wise, about strikingly rich colours adorning every surface, with a huge 1110 different hues used. It was back in June that the venue's latest guise was announced. Venturing to the Eagle Street side of Brisbane's CBD has long meant being dwarfed by gleaming skyscrapers, but this is the building that predates them all. Although the year listed above its entrance is from four decades back, the structure was first built 140 years ago. The site began its life as a shipping office, then underwent major renovations in 1988. From there, it became the Brisbane Polo Club from 1994–2015. Now, since mid-July, it's the River City's newest drinking and dining destination — still under the name Naldham House. Thank DAP & Co to transforming this patch of the inner city into a three-venues-in-one hub. The hospitality group co-owned by Andrew Baturo, Denis Sheahan and Paul Piticco, which is also behind The Gresham, Popolo Italian and Walter's Steakhouse and Wine Bar, has launched the first two of those venues together, with the other to come in spring. So, while you wait to hit up the site's third level, you can still be hang out at Naldham House Brasserie & Terrace on the ground floor, plus supper club-style cocktail bar and lounge Club Felix on the second storey. Part of the Waterfront Brisbane project that's revamping this area of town, the new Naldham House is a project four years in the making. DAP & Co can't be accused of holding back, be it on ambition for the site, on multiple experiences at one address or, via that plethora of jewel tones, on colour in the fitout by interior designer Anna Spiro. How do you put so many hues to use? They've been deployed to ensure that each level has its own identity and vibe. Naldham House Brasserie & Terrace takes its cues from both European brasseries and grand hotel lobbies around the globe. If you can't be elsewhere, pretend, basically. The markedly old-school atmosphere extends to the pianist playing the grand, and also the service, whether you're among the 95 people that the venue can cater to inside or the 120 outside on the terrace with its own bar. Meal options in the brasserie include hand-cut beef tartare, chicken liver parfait and a beetroot tart among the snacks, then oxtail ragu pasta, crumbed rock flathead and noisettes of lamb from the mains. You can also share a pork tomahawk, the market fish or rib steak, then finish up with a berry mille-feuille — aka a vanilla slice — plus crème caramel, three cheeses and a chocolate Paris-Brest. Outside, the terrace menu sports the likes of crispy chicken skin with whipped cod roe and caviar, smoked mortadella and potato croquettes, steak frites, a wagyu cheeseburger and a king salmon gravlax sandwich. Whether you choose to get comfortable indoors or out, a 28-page drinks list awaits, filled with European and Australian wines both by the glass and the bottle, beers both local and international, and a hefty array of spirits. The cocktail selection hops from spritzes to signatures, and then from classics to zero-alcohol sips. A mandarin spritz might take your fancy, or a Yuzito made with gin, orange curacao and yuzu soda — or perhaps a negroni or the non-boozy Watermelon Sugar. Images: Dexter Kim.
When Westworld finally returns for its third season next month, it's time for a big farewell and a few huge hellos. Firstly, say goodbye to the futuristic show's status quo, with the series finally stepping outside of everyone's favourite android amusement park. Then, prepare to watch a heap of series newcomers — including Aaron Paul. Yes, the Breaking Bad actor is joining Westworld for its next batch of episodes. As seen in the initial trailer for the third season, his new character was promised a better world, but this dream hasn't come true so he's now searching for something real. In the just-dropped full trailer, we see him join forces with Dolores (Evan Rachel Wood), who is free from the theme park's confines, well aware of what she is and undertaking a similar justice-fuelled search herself. When it comes to newcomers, Paul is joined by Vincent Cassel (Black Swan), Lena Waithe (Master of None), Scott Mescudi (How to Make it in America), John Gallagher, Jr (The Newsroom) and Tommy Flanagan (Sons of Anarchy) — with Cassel playing a mysterious figure who isn't too fond of Dolores' plans. Obviously, plenty of familiar faces are returning for the third season as well, including Jeffrey Wright, Tessa Thompson, Thandie Newton, Ed Harris and Luke Hemsworth. If you feel like you've been hanging out for new Westworld for years, that's because the show's second season aired back in 2018. If that seems like a long time between android dramas, remember that the first season of the show arrived 43 years after the Michael Crichton-directed movie that it's based on, and 40 years after the film's sequel Futureworld. If you haven't done so already, both are worth viewing while you're waiting for the TV series to return. Check out the full trailer for Westworld's third season below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDJbFA32_QY Westworld's third season will air from Monday, March 16 — screening in Australia on Foxtel.
Prior to 2020, if someone told you that Chess the Musical was a very real thing that definitely exists, you could've been forgiven for being a little perplexed. But it does and, with everyone obsessed with the chess-focused Netflix series The Queen's Gambit over the past few months, it's hitting Australia's stages in 2021. Chess the Musical actually dates back decades, first hitting London's West End in 1986. In line with that era, it's set against the background of the Cold War. Here, Soviet and American forces both try to use an international chess championship for political gain, and manipulate the outcome. The tale that also involves a love triangle, between Hungarian-born refugee Florence Vasse and two chess grandmasters. If you thought that singing about chess mightn't be all that exciting, ABBA's Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus wrote the tunes, while Ulvaeus and musical veteran Tim Rice (Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King) penned the lyrics. And, if you've ever heard 80s tracks 'I Know Him So Well' and 'One Night in Bangkok', they actually hail from Chess the Musical. Folks in Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane will get to experience the show for themselves from April–June next year, with the production hitting up Melbourne's Regent Theatre on Saturday, April 24, Perth's Concert Hall on Saturday, June 5 and Brisbane's QPAC Concert Hall on Thursday, June 10. It's doing two shows on each date, at 2pm and 7.30pm — each with a 25-piece orchestra. Tickets are on sale now for Melbourne and Perth, and will be available from 9am on Thursday, December 17 in Brisbane. Keen for a glimpse of what you're in for? Check out the video for Elaine Page and Barbara Dickson's 'I Know Him So Well' below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2SDInk6voA Chess the Musical heads to Melbourne's Regent Theatre on Saturday, April 24, Perth's Concert Hall on Saturday, June 5 and Brisbane's QPAC Concert Hall on Thursday, June 10 — for more information, and to buy tickets, head to the production's website.
Last week, Robert Pattinson popped up on our screens in the trailer for upcoming Netflix movie The Devil All the Time. At present, he's also starring in cinemas in Tenet, which is finally earning a release. And, right this instant, he's stepping into a very well-known character's shoes (and cape and mask) — as seen in the just-dropped first trailer for The Batman. Yes, as well as featuring in a Christopher Nolan-helmed movie, Pattinson is playing a character that Nolan helped bring back to cinemas 15 years ago. This time around, Cloverfield, Let Me In, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and War for the Planet of the Apes filmmaker Matt Reeves is in the director's chair, overseeing a new take on Batman that actually stands completely apart from the most recent Ben Affleck-starring DC Extended Universe version of the character. Basically, what DC Films and Warner Bros. Pictures did with Joker in 2019 — serving up a grimmer, grittier iteration of the infamous figure that has absolutely nothing to do with the rightfully hated Jared Leto version — they're doing for Batman now, too. Also following the same playbook: enlisting a top-notch star in the lead role. Remember, it was only earlier this year that Joaquin Phoenix won an Oscar for playing the clown prince of crime. The Batman isn't slated to hit cinemas until more than 12 months away — at the end of September 2021 in Australia — however, as this first sneak peek shows, it's shaping up to be a suitably dark and brooding affair. And, as well as Pattison as the titular character and his alter-ego Bruce Wayne, it stars Zoe Kravitz as Catwoman, Paul Dano as the Riddler, Colin Farrell as the Penguin, Jeffrey Wright as Commissioner Gordon and Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth. For those keeping count, Pattinson is the third actor to play the Dark Knight on the big screen in the 21st century, after Christian Bale and Ben Affleck. He also joins a long list of actors who've donned the outfit, including Adam West, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer and George Clooney. Check out The Batman trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLOp_6uPccQ The Batman is currently due to release in Australian cinemas on September 30, 2021.
That glass of wine or icy cold beer you've been sipping solo and feeling guilty about it — it's about to become a thing of the past if you're a pet owner. Our furry companions share life's ups and downs, and now critters of both the feline and canine variety can share a beverage too thanks to the invention that is animal-friendly wine. It's the tipple that'll make humans feel better without even drinking it, and one that cats and dogs will enjoy... we think. Actually, it might just be something two-legged folks like the idea of more than their four-legged friends — but who doesn't want to pour their kitty or pooch a hard-earned drink? Currently available in the US, pet wine doesn't actually involve alcohol. Don't give your mouser or pup real booze, folks. Instead, it's made from beets, herbs and catnip, and comes in cutely named varieties such as The Doggy Mary, The Meowmosa, Catbernet, Chardognay and Pinot Meow. They're just some of the products startup Apollo Peak has been selling for the last two years, alongside special cat wine glasses — and they now have competition thanks to Pet Winery and their Catinis and Dog Perignon. Like all great ideas, someone else got their first, with a Japanese company releasing Nyan Nyan (or meow meow) Nouveau for cats back in 2013. Still, your purrfect pal surely won't mind, even if felines are known for their discerning tastes. Plus, your barking buddy now gets to join in the fun too. Via Good Food.
Since the Mansfield Tavern closed for renovations at the end of 2024, locals have been hankering to get their hands on a cold pint. Fortunately, the time has arrived for the legendary suburban pub to relaunch, with this new chapter giving the 50-year-old venue more than just a fresh coat of paint. Instead, both long-time barflies and newcomers will discover a revamped feel, primed for family-friendly gatherings and brash nights in front of the big screen. First up, an expansive light-filled bistro has slotted into the transformed space, offering no-fuss pub fare that's bound to hit the spot. Think comfort food staples, fresh flavour-forward options and share plates, like the Mansfield smash burger, a classic chicken parmi, and a 180-gram pasture-fed eye fillet with garden salad and chips. Featuring floor-to-ceiling glass doors, this laidback space flows into a newly landscaped courtyard with a kids' play area. Running adjacent to the bistro, an openair beer garden has also received a significant spruce-up. Here, festoon lighting and relaxed seating combine to make this locale a go-to destination for visitors looking to relish the not-too-distant summer nights. This space leads directly into the new-look sports bar, where a top-to-bottom renovation makes catching your fave events that much more enticing. "The Sports Bar has had a complete refresh, with all the upgrades you can think of, from new furniture, pool tables, and a feature six-metre-wide LED screen wall for the ultimate viewing and more," says venue manager, Claire Maskill. The venue's upbeat entertainment space, The Arena, is also ready for its next era. With a storied history dating back to the 1970s, this space is now more equipped to host new and old live music legends. Over the years, the likes of Midnight Oil, INXS and Violent Soho have graced the stage. Plus, this dynamic space regularly comes to life with live comedians, kid-friendly entertainment and sports like Muay Thai. To help guests get acquainted with the updated Mansfield Tavern, the venue is presenting its Locals Welcome Weekend from Friday, June 27–Sunday, June 29. Along with live entertainment throughout the event, there's also mouthwatering barbecue cuisine, a meat raffle, live sports action and free kids' entertainment, including an animal farm. So, get down to Brisbane's southside to experience this reborn watering hole. The Mansfield Tavern is open daily from 10am–3.30pm at 181 Wecker Road, Mansfield. Head to the website for more information.
Twenty-four year-old interaction designer Joanna Montgomery, from the UK, has come up with a futuristic invention that is getting long-distance lovers very excited. 'Pillow Talk', which is being launched by Montgomery's company Little Riot, is an invention that lets you hear the real time heartbeat of your lover when you’re apart. Taken from Montgomery’s blog, the promotion video shows how each partner can wear a ring which transmits the soothing sounds of your lover’s heartbeat to your pillow, all through the wonders of wireless technology. The pillow lights up to show that your loved one is also lying down in bed. From the company’s Facebook page, it’s certainly piqued the interest of those in military jobs, and couples who regularly work overseas. For the skeptics out there, yes, we did say real time - so we assume time zones may be a problem, as well as (dare we say it) any unexpected raised pulses.
Start your engines, RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under fans — come Saturday, July 30, the Australian and New Zealand version of the hit series will return to Stan in Australia and TVNZ OnDemand in New Zealand for a second season. RuPaul is back playing host, of course. Michelle Visage and Rhys Nicholson also return as judges, too. And, based on the just-dropped trailer, the challenges are taking the whole Down Under part extremely seriously. Well, one challenge is. Just as everyone in Australia will start paying an extra dollar for their Bunnings sausage sizzles — a price increase that NZ has been spared — Drag Race Down Under is throwing some snags on the barbie. Yes, there's a sausage sizzle photo shoot, as well as all the puns that you'd expect. Obviously, it looks glorious. Competing for the title of 'Down Under's Next Drag Superstar' this time around: three contenders from Aotearoa and seven from Australia. Aubrey Haive hails from Timaru in NZ, and will be representing the country alongside Spankie Jackzon from Palmerston North and Yuri Guaii from Auckland. In the Aussie contingent, Brisbane's Beverly Kills, Adelaide's Kween Kong and Newcastle's Molly Poppinz will be doing the honours alongside Sydney's Faúx Fúr, Hannah Conda, Minnie Cooper and Pomara Fifth. This fierce roster of queens will don eye-catching outfits, navigate plenty of dramas and vie for glory — and endeavour to follow in the footsteps of Kita Mean, who took out RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under's first season. The second season's lineup of celebrity guests hasn't been revealed, however, after 2021 saw Kylie Minogue, Dannii Minogue and Taika Waititi all pop up. If you're a fan, you already know the show's format, which spans fashion challenges, workroom dramas and lip sync battles aplenty. If you're a newcomer to all things Drag Race, you'll watch these new Australian and NZ competitors work through a series of contests to emerge victorious, and join the likes of Mean and US contenders Jinkx Monsoon, Sasha Velour and Sharon Needles in being crowned the series' winner. Before it made the leap Down Under last year, the US version of RuPaul's Drag Race had already been on the air for more than a decade, first premiering in 2009 — and wholeheartedly embracing its mission to unearth the next drag superstars ever since. The original US series just aired its 14th season this year, so this is a program with proven longevity. It has also spun off international iterations before, including in the UK — where it's also hosted by RuPaul — plus in Thailand, Holland, Chile and Canada. Check out the Ru Paul's Drag Race Down Under season two trailer below: RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under will return for a second season in 2022 on Stan and TVNZ from Saturday, July 30.
When home video, the internet and mobile phones with inbuilt cameras each arrived, six words could've been uttered: get ready to look at dicks. New HBO comedy Minx is set the early 70s, so before all three, but the same phrase also applies here. It's true of the show itself, which isn't shy about displaying the male member in various shapes and sizes. It also stands tall in the world that Minx depicts. When you're making the first porn magazine for women — and, when you're making a series about it, even if it's all purely fictional — penises are inescapable. Also impossible to avoid in Minx: questions like "are erections consistent with our philosophy?", as asked by Vassar graduate and country club regular Joyce Prigger (Ophelia Lovibond, Trying). Idolising the magazine industry and unhappily working for the dispiritingly traditional Teen Queen, she has long dreamed of starting her own feminist publication — even penning a bundle of articles and making her own issues — but centrefolds splashed with male genitalia don't fit her ideal pitch. No one's buying what Joyce is selling, though; The Matriarchy Awakens, her dream mag, gets rejected repeatedly by the industry's gatekeepers. Only one is interested: Bottom Dollar Publications' Doug Renetti (Jake Johnson, Ride the Eagle), but he's in the pornography business. In Minx's premiere — which is now streaming alongside its second via Stan in Australia, with future episodes dropping in pairs weekly — Joyce and Doug are poised as opposites. When they first meet at the Southern California Magazine Pitch Festival, they contrast so forcefully in a visual sense that the show's Los Angeles-set frames may as well be screaming. She's buttoned up in a three-piece pantsuit, while he hasn't seen fit to fasten his shirt above his navel. Her gaze is steely and resolute; his couldn't be more casual. As created by Ellen Rapoport (Clifford the Big Red Dog) and executive produced by Paul Feig (Last Christmas), Minx plays up this clear and blatant contrast, and gleefully so, but little that follows is ever as easy and obvious. A streaming series about feminism, penises and 70s porn for women: that's Minx. A program about all of the above that unpacks and subverts Joyce and Doug's initial impressions: that's Minx as well. Indeed, it uses that first interaction as a spark for everything it carves into once it truly kicks into gear. Together, the pair pledge to create a feminist erotica magazine, and a savvy yet breezy workplace comedy results. The fact that nothing is ever just one thing — be it people, ideas, or everything that feminism and porn encompass — is a straightforward observation, but it's laid bare in a winning way in this quickly likeable show. Joyce is many things, in addition to being Minx's editor, driving force and sole doubter about male centrefolds. She worships Gloria Steinem, hands out The Kinsey Report to her colleagues, and is committed to giving the mag depth and intelligence — marital rape and contraception for single women rank among her ready-to-go article topics — but she's also prudish about nudity and sex toys, and incurious about her own desires. And, as the series points out, she benefits from a layer of white privilege and financial comfort that's given her the space to even fantasise about her passion project in the first place. Doug is equally multifaceted; a slacker on par with Johnson's New Girl claim to fame, he isn't. He's laidback, naturally, but he's astute about business, great at reading people, eager to make bold leaps and values having talented folks around him. Just as Joyce isn't merely a patriarchy-smashing go-getter stereotype, Doug isn't a sleazy but charming peddler of porn, either. Teamwork makes the Minx dream work, of course, and the crew assembled to get the magazine into the hands of women keeps challenging archetypes, too. Blonde and perky, Bambi (Jessica Lowe, Miracle Workers) models for Doug's other publications, has a knack for the creative side of the business and could never be dismissed as a bimbo — and sees nothing wrong with everything the term typically describes. Shelly (Lennon Parham, Veep), Joyce's sister, is more open about sex and its place in print, all while slotting into the conventional homemaker role expected of her gender. There's also Tina (Idara Victor, Shameless), Doug's whip-smart righthand woman, who rightly won't stand for being underestimated because she's Black— but isn't simply around to offer that reminder — and gay Latino photographer Richie (Oscar Montoya, Final Space), who is never a best friend-type sidekick. If Minx, the series, sounds a little like The Deuce meets Mrs America — but lighter, sweeter and funnier — that's because the comparison fits. Pick a beloved workplace sitcom, make it about feminism and porn, and Minx would slide in there, too, especially with its pitch-perfect ensemble cast. Of course, TV comedies aren't normally filled with so many phalluses, but this series knows that it can't tell a tale about embracing the female gaze if it doesn't embody the very concept. It's thoughtful about it at every turn as well; when Joyce rationalises the mag's first centrefold by flipping a real-life situation that women have endured too often, it's part of Minx's ongoing conversation on a range of essential topics. The many forms that feminism takes, how women have been conditioned to view sex, the stigma surrounding porn: they all bubble up in Minx's first five episodes (from a ten-instalment debut season). So too do sexism within advertising and in life in general, boys' club mentalities, censorship, the wowser-driven political war against anything salacious, the way that women judge each other and the power dynamics at the heart of romance. Obviously, the list of subjects that could fall into Minx's remit is lengthy — and, like its two lead characters, it sports the ambition to keep spreading its message far and wide. It's also as determined and unapologetic as Joyce, charismatic and flirty like Doug, and as layered as everyone in its frames. Minx's dicks don't talk — that's left to Pam & Tommy — but this newcomer is a full-frontal delight. Check out the trailer for Minx below. The first two episodes of Minx are available to stream via Stan, with two new episodes dropping weekly.
A quick word of warning: If you suffer from FOMO, the following images may send you on a path of unending regret. The first weekend of Coachella has come and gone and not only have you forfeited a chance to soak up the likes of Blur and Phoenix but you've also missed out on chilling with some of the coolest over-50s to ever grace the festival. (And, before you ask, the answer is yes. They've still got it.) 1. Clint Eastwood Pictured here with daughter Francesca, Clint may appear a little dazed and confused. Never fear though; once Benny Benassi dropped the bass on 'Satisfaction', no-one partied harder. 2. Pierce Brosnan Mr Bond is always keen for a mosh. If he looks apprehensive, it's because someone offered him a stirred martini while congratulating him on the success of Skyfall. 3. Danny DeVito Men of Danny DeVito's stature are in short supply at plebeian events such as the Coachella Valley Music Festival. It was no small matter to have Danny present. Because, really, who thinks little of him? Also: Melanie Griffith! 4. David Hasselhoff National hero or national embarrassment? Neither. He is a god. 5. Coachella Rave Dad While you might not recognise this gentleman right away, that doesn't mean that he wasn't born for fame. Say hello to 'Coachella Rave Dad'; the greatest discovery of the weekend. When you're ready, click on each Vine image to witness sweet, sweet moves.
When Otto Ristorante launched in Brisbane back in 2016, it set up shop in one of Queen Street's newest developments. But at the start of 2021, the Italian-focused eatery made another move — reopening over at South Bank in the striking, ultra-scenic riverfront space that was previously home to Stokehouse. Since Otto Ristorante moved in, Brisbane's waterside spot has had a big revamp, but it still boasts one of the best views in the city. And Otto Brisbane is putting it to great use. You can now peer out over the water from the venue's three different ventures: Otto Ristorante, the al fresco bar called Otto Osteria and Otto's own event space. At Otto Ristorante, head chef Will Cowper still leads the charge. His menu heroes Italian meals made with regional produce, as inspired by the European nation's southern regions. So, you can head by for lunch and dinner from Wednesday–Sunday to tuck into a daily-changing raw seafood dish, Western Australian scallops with muscatels, spaghettini paired with Champagne lobster, and a spatchcock, pancetta and cavolo nero combination. There's also a cheese selection to finish things off, plus affogatos among the dessert offerings. Brisbanites keen to check out Otto Osteria will munch through a menu inspired by northern Italy, with the walk-in-only joint serving up cured meat boards, fresh oysters with lemon, mini focaccias, fried artichokes and beef carpaccio. Given the outdoor setup, it's a great place for a few drinks with a killer vantage from midday until late between Wednesday–Sunday — so get ready to sip wines from the same area of Italy, plus a selection of cocktails. For events, three spaces are available for private and semi-private bookings, so you can choose between a spot above the main dining room, or two berths on the ground level. Otto first started out in Sydney, and still boasts a restaurant at Woolloomooloo — which is also located by the water with an impressive backdrop. Appears in: The Best Restaurants in Brisbane
Drop everything, it's time to book a holiday for next year. At this time of year, every dollar counts, and when else can you book a return flight (domestic and international) and only pay for half the fee? Jetstar — ever the patron saint of affordable getaways — has just announced its latest special offer: three days of deals that offer essentially two flights for the price of one. From midnight tonight (or midday today if you're a Club Jetstar member), customers who purchase an outbound starter fare on select flights will get their return flight completely free, until 11.59pm on Sunday, November 30, or until the 90,000 available fares sell out. As mentioned, the offer is available across both domestic and international trips. Sydneysiders could skip the eight-hour drive to Byron and instead book a flight to Ballina from $42, or to Cairns from $102. Brisbane travellers can book a Whitsundays flight from $63, and Perth locals looking to go cross-country can fly to Melbourne from $199. If you're going out of the country, you're spoilt for choice. Sydneysiders looking for a quick and easy trip to Bali can do so from $249, Melbournians can immersive themselves in the cultural melting pot that is Singapore from $209, and if you're part of the Aussies that have yet to visit the 'it' destination of 2025: you can fly from Brisbane to Tokyo from $373 and Sydney to Osaka for the same price. Just next door is South Korea, which has gone underappreciated for too long — but Brisbanites can fly to Seoul from $309 in 2026. In terms of dates, the availability varies per route, but the offer is open for domestic flights between early February and late October 2026, and for international flights between early February and mid-September 2026. The Jetstar Return for FREE Black Friday sale runs from 12pm AEDT on Thursday, November 27 for Club Jetstar members, and from 12am AEDT for the general public. The sale will run until 11.59pm AEDT on Sunday, November 30, or until fares sell out. Visit the Jetstar website for more information.
Swapping Saturday Night Live for an entertainment-parodying sitcom worked swimmingly for Tina Fey. Since 2019, it's also been going hilariously for Chris Kelly and Sarah Schneider. Not just former SNL writers but the veteran sketch comedy's ex-head writers, Kelly and Schneider have been giving the world their own 30 Rock with the sharp, smart and sidesplitting The Other Two. Their angle: focusing on the adult siblings of a Justin Bieber-style teen popstar who've always had their own showbiz aspirations — he's an actor, she was a ballerina — who then find themselves the overlooked children of a momager-turned-daytime television host as well. Cary (Drew Tarver, History of the World: Part II) and Brooke (Heléne York, Katy Keene) Dubek are happy for Chase (Case Walker, Monster High: The Movie). And when their mother Pat (Molly Shannon, I Love That for You) gets her own time in the spotlight, becoming Oprah-level famous, they're equally thrilled for her. But ChaseDreams, their little brother's stage name, has always been a constant reminder that their own ambitions keep being outshone — and in a first season that proved one of the best new shows of 2019, a second season in 2021 that was just as much of a delight and now a stellar third go-around that streams from Thursday, May 4 via Binge, they've never been above getting petty and messy about it. Back in that debut run, Kelly and Schneider made a simple but savvy choice: naming each instalment around whatever Chase was doing, whether he was getting a girlfriend or a nosebleed, turning 14 or dropping his first album. The series may be called The Other Two, but even the episode titles put Cary and Brooke to the side, fitting in an extra running joke about their brother coming first. Season two kept the trend going; however, it split most of its monikers between Chase and Pat as the latter's success eclipsed her son's. So, Pat connected with her fans, became number one in the daytime market and, with Chase, all-round killed it. Then a big realisation dropped, with Brooke's work as an entertainment manager — first to Chase, then to Pat — and Cary's thespian quest becoming just as much of an everyday reality. What's season three to do now that the titular other two aren't just hanging around with stars in their eyes and resentment in their hearts? The better question, as Kelly and Schneider know, is what will Cary and Brooke do? They've spent the past few years constantly comparing themselves to Chase, then to Pat, but now they're successful on their own — and still chaotic, and completely unable to change their engrained thinking. Forget the whole "the grass is always greener" adage. No matter if they're faking it or making it, nothing is ever perfectly verdant for this pair or anyone in their orbit. Still, as Brooke wonders whether her dream gig is trivial after living through a pandemic, she starts contemplating if she should be doing more meaningful work like her fashion designer-turned-nurse boyfriend Lance (Josh Segarra, The Big Door Prize). And with Cary's big breaks never quite panning out as planned, he gets envious of his fellow-actor BFF Curtis (Brandon Scott Jones, Ghosts). Striving, seeming like you're thriving but still diving: that's The Other Two's three-season arc. The series has always been as acerbic about getting to the top as yearning for it — Chase has never been all that fussed with his fame, including now that he's 18 — and it doesn't waver in its latest splash. Outlandish situations, grounded insights and emotions: that's The Other Two's realm, too. Pat is at the owning-her-own-network stage of Oprah-dom, but pines for the easy pleasures of a family dinner at Applebees that can only happen through movie magic. Brooke is so obsessed with doing something worthy that she can't see what her nearest and dearest are truly worth. And Cary is both unhappy in a relationship with a more-famous actor (Fin Argus, Queer as Folk) who never slips out character and desperate to do anything himself to stay relevant. Even more so in season three, The Other Two isn't afraid of getting existential, or dark. It's still as cutting about everything from social-media trends and celebrity fixations to ridiculous filler reality shows, however — and as gleefully absurd and surreal. One episode revolves around the quest to drive a photo of Chase's armpit across America because it's his first snap as an adult and it's that coveted. Another sees Brooke literally disappear at a glitzy party when she decides she's ditching the industry. And when Cary craves attention for his straight-to-streaming flick Night Nurse, which was back in action when season two ended and premiering when this season begins, he spends half a day on public transport to get to an interview with TheBrooklynBuritto.com. This time around, The Other Two also finds room for lengthy satires of Pleasantville, Romeo + Juliet, Love, Victor and Angels in America, all via gags that are as inspired as they are amusing. Wes Anderson's penchant for symmetry gets a delicious jibe, and Teen Wolf's Dylan O'Brien, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina's Kiernan Shipka, The White Lotus' Lukas Gage and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings' Simu Liu make game guest stars. The one-liners keep dropping with 30 Rock-esque speed, while the writing is as piercing and astute as Barry at its best. Reliably, Ken Marino and Wanda Sykes remain in vintage form as Chase's manager Streeter and record-label executive Shuli; thanks to Party Down and Curb Your Enthusiasm, both are veterans at skewering show business. Indeed, with York, Tarver, Shannon, Segarra and Jones as well, The Other Two has one of the best casts on TV. The funniest comedy on television deserves to. The show's stacked roster of talent is just as outstanding when season three gets dramatic, including when calling Cary and Brooke out on their egotism, having the ever-charming and -chill Lance get tired of being pushed aside and seeing Pat glean what all this chasing dreams has cost — always with just as much riotous laughs as feeling, of course. Check out the trailer for The Other Two's third season below: The Other Two streams via Binge from Thursday, May 4.
When you're playing tourist in a city, be it your own or somewhere far from home, there are two tried-and-tested ways to get a great glimpse at your surroundings. If you're fine with heights, head up. If you're comfortable with hitting the water, get cruising. A new Sky Deck is on its way to Brisbane to help with the first option — and, with the second, so is the return of glamorous floating venue Seadeck. This three-level vessel is no stranger to joining the Queensland capital's list of things to do near, around, in or on its very own river, but it hasn't made its way to Brisbane for six years. That drought breaks from Saturday, August 10, when Seadeck is doing both brunch and sunset cruises on weekends. Then, come Brisbane Festival time for 2024, it'll become the fest's Art Boat for this year. It's actually thanks to that Bris Fest berth that Seadeck is making a comeback until the end of September, after the event was keen for fellow floating venue Oasis to do the honours for its on-the-water art experience. With Dave Auld, Managing Partner for both vessels, organisers came to the conclusion that 42-metre Seadeck with its two bars, loungers aplenty and retractable awning would be a better fit, however. Sydney's first permanent floating venue, Seadeck initially debuted in the Harbour City in October 2016, then made trips to Brisbane in both 2017 and 2018. When it launched, it was designed to be the epitome of handcrafted luxury — from the handmade tiles and custom-designed brass bar to the bespoke furniture from every corner of the glove, everything you see was tailored for floating. Each of the three decks is connected by sweeping staircases and cast iron lace railings, an homage to Hollywood's golden age of the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s. Yes, the word "swank" should come to mind. For its third stint in the River City, Seadeck is doing both brunch and sunset cruises each Saturday and Sunday between August 10–25. At the first, which costs $150 per person, you'll tuck into canapes over beer, wine and bubbles — plus either a bloody mary or a mimosa to start — while scoping out the city. At the second, you'll pay for what you want to eat and drink on top of your $30 ticket.
Australia and New Zealand, you're getting more chances to dance the night away: Dua Lipa's already-huge Radical Optimism tour has expanded its trip Down Under. When it was first announced, there were three shows on the itinerary. Due to demand — and before general tickets even go on sale — the tour has been expanded to nine gigs. It's still only playing three cities, however. Accordingly, Dua Lipa fans will still need to head to Sydney, Melbourne or Auckland to catch the Grammy-winner's live shows. She's now doing three gigs in the New South Wales capital, four in the Victorian capital and two in Aotearoan city. Dua Lipa last travelled this way to bring her Future Nostalgia tour Down Under in 2022, and hit the stage at the post-parade party at the 2020 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras before that. The Radical Optimism gigs kick off in November 2024 across Asia, with concerts in Singapore, Jakarta, Manila, Tokyo, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Seoul. Fans in Australia and Aotearoa get their turn to find the star under lights and turning the rhythm up in March and April 2025, thanks to shows at Rod Laver Arena, Qudos Bank Arena and Spark Arena. [caption id="attachment_963582" align="alignnone" width="1917"] Raph_PH[/caption] 2024 has been a huge year for the 'Don't Start Now', 'Physical', 'Break My Heart', 'Cold Heart' and 'Houdini' singer, with her third studio album Radical Optimism releasing in May and then the artist headlining Glastonbury. She also popped up in Argylle in cinemas. 2023 was no slouch, either, given that 'Dance the Night' graced the Barbie soundtrack and Dua Lipa featured in the film as a Barbie. The Aussie and NZ leg will restart the Radical Optimism tour in 2025, with dates also locked in across Europe in May and June next year, and in North America in September and October afterwards. As well as Radical Optimism and Future Nostalgia, Dua Lipa has tracks from her self-titled 2017 debut record to bust out, including 'Be the One', 'Hotter Than Hell', 'Lost in Your Light', 'New Rules', 'IDGAF' and 'Blow Your Mind'. [caption id="attachment_972947" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tyrone Lebon[/caption] Dua Lipa Radical Optimism Tour 2025 Australia and New Zealand Dates Wednesday, March 19–Thursday, March 20 + Saturday, March 22–Sunday, March 23 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Wednesday, March 26 + Friday, March 28–Saturday, March 29 — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Wednesday, April 2 + Friday, April 4 — Spark Arena, Auckland Dua Lipa's Radical Optimism tour heads Down Under in March and April 2025, with general ticket sales from 1pm local time on Friday, September 20. Head to Dua Lipa's website for more details. Live images: Raph_PH via Flickr.
Australians, you won't be holidaying in New Zealand for the next two months. NZ residents, the same applies to you regarding going across the ditch. After the two countries started a trans-Tasman bubble back in April that let Aussies take a getaway in NZ and vice versa, all without having to go through quarantine upon arrival, the arrangement has been on pause since July. And today, Friday, September 17, the NZ Government announced that it'll remain that way for another eight weeks. "When quarantine-free travel (QFT) was established with Australia, both our countries had very few recent cases of COVID-19 community transmission, and a very similar elimination strategy. This has changed significantly leading to our decision to suspend QFT for a further eight weeks," said COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins in a statement. "Uncontrolled community transmission is still occurring in Australia, with case numbers continuing to steadily increase in New South Wales, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory. A small number of cases also continue to appear intermittently in other states and territories. In New Zealand as well, we're getting on top of an outbreak in Auckland," the Minister continued. "Protecting New Zealand from any possible further spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19 is our absolute priority. We have made great progress to contain our current outbreak and are working hard to ease restrictions next week. Reopening quarantine-free travel with Australia at this point could put those gains at risk." At present, both Greater Sydney and metropolitan Melbourne are in ongoing lockdowns, while New Zealand reported 16 new cases in the past 24 hours and has 457 community-acquired cases at present. Back in April, when NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern first announced the two-way bubble between Australia and New Zealand back, she noted that it could and would be paused if and when outbreaks occur. And, when NZ first started this current suspension back in July, stopping quarantine-free travel to and from all Aussie states and territories, it wasn't the first time that the bubble had been put on hold — including with all of Australia, with the same thing happening at the end of June. The arrangement has been paused with individual Aussie states before, too, on multiple occasions. But this suspension was already the longest pause yet, and that's set to remain the case given that the bubble won't be considered again by NZ for two more months. "We will review this decision in mid to late November to give more time for our vaccination rates to climb higher," advised Hipkins. "This recognises that the QFT was established on the basis that there was little to no community transmission in Australia, and that future settings are likely to change." To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. To find out more about the virus and travel restrictions in New Zealand, head over to the NZ Government's COVID-19 hub.
In the global push for a healthier planet, we've seen some pretty creative recycling initiatives, with single-use plastic bottles transformed into Adidas kicks, discarded chewing gum used to make sneaker soles, and all sorts of other genius stuff being dreamt up in between. Now, a clever project happening closer to home will see a massive haul of soft plastics, glass bottles and printer cartridges recycled into 250 tonnes of asphalt and used to construct a road in Craigieburn, a suburb in Melbourne's north. The Aussie-first trial is the result of a collaboration between Hume City Council, infrastructure services company Downer, and local recycling organisations Red Group and Close the Loop, and it could be a game-changer for sustainability. As well as being cheaper to make and a whole lot easier on the environment, the asphalt is expected to be more durable, longer lasting and better suited to heavy traffic than its regular plastic-free counterparts. This particular stretch of road alone will save around 200,000 plastic bags, 4500 printer cartridges and the equivalent of 63,000 glass bottles from landfill. As Red Group Director Elizabeth Kasell explains, "it demonstrates a great step toward a circular system, where soft plastic packaging recovered through the REDcycle Program, and other materials previously destined for landfill, can be used as a resource for Australian roads". While the major supermarket chains will phase out plastic bags from next month, we still use a hell of a lot of plastic — so it would be great to see this being put into necessary infrastructure rather than adding to landfill.
With 1654 stores to its name worldwide, Five Guys' burger joints have become a common sight across America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia — and soon, they'll also be opening in Australia and New Zealand. The cult-favourite chain is making the leap Down Under as part of a master franchise agreement with Seagrass Boutique Hospitality Group, aka the folks behind The Meat & Wine Co, Hunter & Barrel, 6 Head, Ribs & Burgers, Italian Street Kitchen and Butcher and the Farmer. Sydneysiders can start getting excited first, with Seagrass currently looking for suitable locations in the city's CBD. "Our aim is to identify high-visibility ground-floor sites in high-traffic areas," said the company's Chief Marketing Officer David Ovens in a statement. But burger lovers in other states, and in New Zealand, can also prepare their stomachs, with around 20 stores due to launch in Australia alone — although exactly where and when Five Guys will be popping up is yet to be revealed. What we do know is why Five Guys has amassed quite the reputation — and why, given the number of big-name US burger chains with hefty followings, such as Shake Shack and In-N-Out, it stands out. Its made-to-order burgers skew in the classic rather than oversized, jam-packed direction. They come with two hand-formed patties on toasted buns with your choice of toppings (including pickles, grilled mushrooms and jalapeños), plus bacon cheeseburgers that add two strips of bacon and two slices of Kraft American cheese as well. Five Guys also serves up hotdogs, sandwiches, hand-cut fries (with or without Cajun spices) and vanilla milkshakes. Don't go thinking the latter are boring, though — you can add bacon, bananas, peanut butter, salted caramel and even Oreo pieces to your design-your-own beverage. The chain started back in 1986 in the Washington, DC area and, as anyone with allergies should note, only cooks its fries in peanut oil. Five Guys is currently looking for sites in the Sydney CBD, with stores in other Australian states — and in New Zealand — to follow. No opening dates have been revealed as yet — we'll update you when more information comes to hand.
If you liked choosing your way through Black Mirror: Bandersnatch — or telling Bear Grylls what to do in interactive series You vs. Wild — then Netflix has more where that came from. Come Tuesday, May 12, you'll be able to decide what happens to everyone's favourite kidnapping victim turned wide-eyed New Yorker in a one-off Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt special. While the Tina Fey co-created, 18-time Emmy-nominated comedy finished up its regular run with 2019's batch of episodes, which closed out the show's fourth season, it's coming back this month to put viewers in control. Netflix has actually been in the interactive game for a couple of years thanks to its children's shows like Puss in Boots, Buddy Thunderstruck and Stretch Armstrong; however this'll mark the streamer's first interactive comedy. Always wanted to curb Kimmy's (Ellie Kemper) ample enthusiasm? Keen to steer ex-socialite Jacqueline White (Jane Krakowski) towards a few sensible decisions? Think that landlord Lillian (Carol Kane) could be more eccentric and misanthropic? Just love everything that aspiring actor and singer Titus Andromedon (Tituss Burgess) does? Then this is for you, obviously. If you're fond of Jon Hamm's Reverend Richard Wayne Gary Wayne, too, you're also in luck — this interactive episode is called Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend, after all. A whole heap of other famous faces co-star as well, including Daniel Radcliffe, Amy Sedaris, Fred Armisen, Chris Parnell, Jack McBrayer and Johnny Knoxville. Story-wise, as the just-dropped trailer shows, Kimmy is preparing to marry Radcliffe's Frederick in three days. Then she finds an old library book in her beloved childhood backpack, which sets her on a collision course with the Reverend — who just might have another bunker hidden away. Viewers can expect a wedding, a journey across three US states, explosions, an evil plan and potentially starting a war against robots. Along the way, you'll help Kimmy decide if she should make out with Frederick, and choose whether Titus should wait 4000 minutes for an Uber instead of walking — and they're just the two decision points shown in the trailer. Announcing the special last year, Tina Fey explained that "fans will be able to make choices on behalf of our characters, taking different story paths with, of course, different jokes," in a Netflix statement. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZWmRUxOj9g Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend will hit Netflix on Tuesday, May 12. Top images: Netflix.
Life is a bit of a rollercoaster ride at the moment. Yes, that's an understatement. Lockdowns, restrictions, new community cases, growing exposure sites lists — they're all providing quite the ups and downs, and have been throughout the pandemic. Prefer to ride the peaks and troughs on actual theme park attractions? We all do, and now Disney+ has a new series about just that. Across ten episodes — the first five of which will drop on the streaming platform on Wednesday, July 21 — Behind the Attraction covers exactly what's on the label. It heads to the Mouse House's sprawling theme parks, checks out some of the popular rides found within them and tells their tales. Disney loves an origin story, after all, and it has the Marvel and Star Wars movies to prove it, so of course it's now giving its real-life attractions the same treatment. Viewers can find out more about Disney's Haunted Mansion attraction and Space Mountain ride, as well as The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and the Star Tours that form part of the recently launched Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. And, Jungle Cruise also earns some attention, complete with Dwayne Johnson lending a hand — with the movie of the same name, starring Johnson, due in cinemas from Thursday, July 29 and on Disney+ on Friday, July 30. As well as talking heads expressing their enthusiasm for these attractions and explaining how they work, the series features archival and never-before-seen footage and photographs that step through the rides' histories. Explaining how they've evolved, and how technology has assisted, is a part of the show as well. Clearly, Behind the Attraction is basically an advertisement for Disney's theme parks. Physically hopping on a rollercoaster hasn't been high on most folks' to-do lists during the last year or so — and definitely isn't right now if you're a Sydneysider or Melburnian currently in lockdown — so consider this a way to scratch that itch from home. Check out the trailer below: The first five episodes of Behind the Attraction will be available to view via Disney+ from Wednesday, July 21.
Sydney vino makers and switched on marketers Cake Wines have always been pretty savvy when it comes to marketing activations — from label art comps to pop-up bars at All of the Creative Launches Around Town. But their latest brims with pure love for the little guy - the support band. In a new Australia-wide campaign dubbed 'Support the Support', the Redfern-based crew are rewarding the punters who turn up early and check out the support band instead of wasting the time pre-drinking at a mate's. "By heading to gigs earlier in the night and checking out the support act, no matter what happens...everyone wins," says Cake. "The artist plays to a crowd, you'll be supporting the venues that showcase music, the more people in the venue the better the vibe, and maybe, just maybe, that little support act no one’s heard of yet, could well be the next Radiohead or James Blake or Fugazi or Arcade Fire...and you saw them first." Support the Support runs through May across 35 music venues in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. Early birds turn up to check out the support, post a sweet, sweet filtered pro shot to Instagram with the hashtag #cakewines, show the bartenders and you'll get a free wine. FREE (ACTUALLY GOOD) VINO. Egads. The actual support bands get some love too, gig listed and given a shout out in the Support the Support calendar and given bespoke posters of their band to help bring in more of a crowd than their obligated high school chums. Fashionably late ain't so any more. You can support the support here: SYDNEY Good God Small Club, Oxford Art Factory, The Green Room, 505, Civic Hotel, 616 Foundary, Beach Rd Hotel, Spice Cellar. MELBOURNE Howler, The Toff, Revolver, The Retreat, Bennetts Lane, Wesley Anne, The Post Office Hotel, The Old Bar, The Evelyn, New Guernica BRISBANE Dowse Bar, Black Bear Lodge.
No matter how many times you let them up on the couch, how will your pet truly know you love them unless you've got their furry little face emblazoned on your togs and beach towel? Well, you might soon be able to turn that slightly weird dream into a reality, thanks to a Sydney company called Petflair and its range of customisable swimwear. Currently funding on Kickstarter, the project will allow devoted pet owners to upload an image of their animal and have it splashed across one of Petflair's colourful swimsuit designs. It isn't all indulgence either — Petflair has been created to support local rescue and re-homing charity Pound Paws, who aim to encourage Australians to adopt from shelters and pounds. So not only will you get to spend the summer swanning around with your pooch, kitty, bunny or bird printed on your swimmers, but you'll be doing it for an excellent cause. The team's designed swim briefs for guys and a trio of women's one-pieces, all crafted from durable Italian fabrics, as well as a beach towel and a canvas beach bag. They've even got some nifty sticker sets, if, for some reason, you want a slightly more subtle homage to your four-legged mate. If after reading this you've already taken out your credit card, you can donate to Petflair's Kickstarter campaign up until October 12. At the moment they need to raise $5000 to reach their goal of $15,000.
Some stories are so wild that they can only be true, and the tale of Australian cult The Family is definitely one of them. That's worth remembering when it finally becomes your next homegrown streaming obsession — in fact, you probably won't be able to forget it — with Disney+ taking inspiration from the sinister Aussie sect for a new eight-part series called The Clearing. If you're new to The Family — and you didn't see the excellent and supremely creepy 2016 documentary that shares the cult's name, or the 2019 series The Cult of the Family, both by filmmaker Rosie Jones — then strap yourself in for quite the story. It was very real, forming in the 1960s around Melbourne, with charismatic yoga teacher Anne Hamilton-Byrne at its head. A cult run by a woman is already extremely rare, but this tale also includes adopting kids who looked identical, dressing them in matching clothing, claiming that Hamilton-Byrne was a living god and, because that's not enough, a lot of LSD. Police raided the sect's Lake Eildon compound back in 1987, all those children were removed from the property, and Hamilton-Byrne and her husband fled Australia, but were arrested in the US in 1993. [caption id="attachment_611844" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Family[/caption] There's more to this tale, which inspired JP Pomare's novel In the Clearing — and that's what The Clearing adapts. The show will step into the fictionalised but still chaotic details by following a woman who starts to confront her nightmarish past to stop a secret cult that's gathering up children to serve its master plan. Unsurprisingly, the mood will be tense, with the Disney+ series firmly a psychological thriller. Cast-wise, almost every famous Aussie acting name possible is involved, or so it seems, including Teresa Palmer (Ride Like a Girl), Miranda Otto (True Colours) and Guy Pearce (Mare of Easttown), as well as Claudia Karvan (Bump) and Mark Coles-Smith (Mystery Road: Origin). Also set to appear on-screen: Hazem Shammas (The Twelve), Kate Mulvany (Hunters), Xavier Samuel (Elvis), Anna Lise Phillips (Fires), Harry Greenwood (Wakefield) Erroll Shand (The Justice of Bunny King), Doris Younane (Five Bedrooms), Miah Madden (Dive Club), Julia Savage (Mr Inbetween), Gary Sweet (Wentworth), Alicia Gardiner (Offspring), Matt Okine (The Other Guy) and Jeremy Blewitt (The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart), plus Lily La Torre (Run Rabbit Run) and Ras-Samuel Welda'abzgi (Neighbours). We told you it was a hefty list. [caption id="attachment_862740" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Cult of the Family[/caption] Behind the lens, Jeffrey Walker (Lambs of God) and Gracie Otto (Seriously Red) are on directing duties, with Elise McCredie (Stateless) and Matt Cameron (Jack Irish) creating and writing The Clearing — with help from co-writer Osamah Sami (Ali's Wedding). The Clearing is one of Disney+'s first three newly commissioned local scripted dramas — its first three ever, in fact — alongside The Artful Dodger and Last Days of the Space Age. There's obviously no trailer for The Clearing yet, but you can check out the trailer for The Family below: The Clearing will stream via Disney+, with a release date yet to be revealed — we'll update you with further details when they're announced. Top image: The Cult of the Family.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your text trip. In this instalment, we take you to The Hotel Britomart, where you'll find modern eco-friendly accommodation set on Auckland's city harbour. If you're due for a VIP escape to this sensational hotel, you're in luck. Right now there's an ultra exclusive Auckland getaway, curated by our editors, that you can snap up on Concrete Playground Trips. But we only have 20 packages (for two travellers) so when we say 'ultra exclusive' we really mean it. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? This is where luxury design and amenities are perfectly paired with sustainable practices (it is New Zealand's only 5-Green Star hotel). THE ROOMS Each of the 99 rooms is designed for tranquil escapism. Think of Hotel Britomart like a city retreat, lined in natural and sustainably sourced timber. Guest rooms all come with in-built sofas, hand-made ceramics and minibars full of locally sourced treats. Attention to detail is on point. But that's just your entry level experience of Hotel Britomart. You've then got the hyper luxe suites, each with their own unique selling point. The Poraenui Suite is one of their very best, giving a whole new meaning to rooftop living. This 74-sqm living space occupies a glassy pavilion tucked discreetly onto the rooftop of the heritage Buckland Building (blending heritage with modernity). Up here, both the living room and bedroom open onto a private 28-sqm terrace with views across neighbouring heritage rooftops to the city and Takutai Square. Pick a book from their mini library, order up some local New Zealand wine, and you have just found your new happy place. You won't regret staying up here. FOOD AND DRINK The in-house restaurant, kingi, is also a must-see. It is set within the heritage Masonic House, and showcases sustainably caught seafood paired with unique wines. Chef Tom Hishon has devised an evolving menu that's perfect for this all-day food-consuming haven (you'll usually find a mix of guests staying at the hotel as well as local foodies). Expect dishes like octopus carpaccio and pan-roasted snapper, alongside stories about the talented fishermen and women who sustainably caught the produce on your plate. It's all traceable and tasty. THE LOCAL AREA The Britomart area is located in central Auckland, right along the harbour. It's a 24-hour hub of culture, food and shopping. Boutique stores championing local designers are scattered all over. Restaurants, bars and pop-up food stalls keep the local workers and the tourists equally happy. And you can easily get all around Auckland from here. THE EXTRAS You can rest peacefully knowing you are staying in one of the most sustainable hotels in New Zealand — it is New Zealand's only 5-Green Star hotel. You can even make your stay eco-friendlier by booking a Green Package. For every day you're there, these guys plant a native tree at sister property The Landing, located in the Bay of Islands. Guests even have the option to fly there via helicopter, for an even longer and more luxurious getaway. And lastly, to add to its green credentials, Hotel Britomart rents out its own bikes so that guests can get around town without having to call cabs or use public transport. You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
It's not every day someone asks you to steal their things. Stolen Rum did just that. They posted notices to telegraph poles asking "Is this your sofa?" and kindly let the good people know where to steal them from. You steal it, you keep it; that was the deal, no tricks. On the same day across three countries — Sydney, Australia; Miami, USA; and Dunedin, New Zealand — people lined up for hours hoping to secure a sofa. Needless to say, all 150 sofas were burgled, plundered and nicked in less than seven minutes. Seven. With the average sofa weighing at least over 30kg, that's some speedy thieving. The Stolen Sofas Project generated a gargantuan amount of public interest, with budding thieves nabbing a spot in line hours before kick-off in each city. The first 50 lounge bandits in Sydney, Miami and Dunedin then had one job to do: nick the lounge and get the heck home. Punters scraped together their best burglary getaway vehicles, trucks, cars, bikes, even skateboards. But the purists simply came with ready hands and previous experience in moving house for their mates. The result? Pure, debaucherous international chaos. Stolen Rum, a new drop on the market, has been winning over hearts in bottle shops across Australia, New Zealand and the States. The company’s inspiration is a rebellion against the “tedious existence of work and pay”. “We cannot buy our lives back, nor can we beg them back,” writes the vagabond theorist on their site. “Our lives will only be our own when we steal them back — and that means taking what we want without asking permission.” Want to know where you can taste Stolen Rum? It's on the shelf at BWS Australia wide and in some of your favourite Sydney bars. Check out all the happy couch thieves from The Stolen Sofa Project day below. Sydney Dunedin Miami
Thanks to the trans-Tasman travel bubble, Australians can finally visit New Zealand for a holiday again. The Federal Government has also floated the possibility of opening a similar arrangement with Singapore, perhaps by July, although nothing has been announced as yet. But if you were hoping to fly out of the country whenever you like and travel to wherever you like, Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan have bad news for you — because Australia's international border isn't likely to open this year, or until well into next year. The Trade Minister discussed international borders on Friday, May 7, and noted that, regarding opening back up, "the best guess would be in the middle to the second half of next year." He continued: "but as we've seen throughout this pandemic, things can change. So, the hope would be that we might be able to see a few more bubbles set up and would be able to see more travel being undertaken. But we're in a pandemic so, this is a best guess at this stage." Then, on Sunday, May 9, the Prime Minister also offered his thoughts on the subject — first in an interview with News Corp, and then in a follow-up post on his Facebook page. "I don't see an appetite for that at the moment," he said in the interview, also noting that "we have to be careful not to exchange that way of life for what everyone else has." On his social media post, he advised that "international borders will only open when it is safe to do so." The Prime Minister continued: "We still have a long way to go, and there are still many uncertainties ahead. Australians are living like in few countries around the world today. We will continue to do everything we can to work together prevent a third wave and roll out our vaccination programme. And, as always, we will continue to listen to the medical advice and make decisions in the best health and economic interests of all Australians." Also on Sunday, the Treasurer spoke with the ABC in the lead up to the budget, and echoed the sentiments of his colleagues. He said that the budget, which will be announced on Tuesday, May 11, has been crafted with a 2022 date for opening international borders in mind. "This is showing you how fluid the economic situation is with respect to the virus. But we have an assumption based on the borders opening. It's in 2022." Statements like these have been common over the past 14 months since the Australian Government implemented an indefinite ban on international travel, only allowing Aussies to leave the country in very limited circumstances. Last year's prediction that opening up to the rest of the world wouldn't happen in 2020 proved accurate — and, earlier this year, Australia's ex-Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy (now the Secretary of the Department of Health) said that we might not be going anywhere until 2022. Back in March, the Federal Government also extended the human biosecurity emergency period under the Biosecurity Act 2015, so that it now spans until June 17, 2021 — which'll mark 15 months since it was first put in place. It's the piece of legislation that keeps the international borders closed, and it has been extended several times. Based on the recent statements made by the Prime Minster, Trade Minister and Treasurer, it's likely to be extended again as well. With Australia's vaccination campaign underway, Qantas and Jetstar have begun selling tickets for overseas flights for trips scheduled from October, demonstrating hope that the country's international travel rules could ease by then. Of course, the fact that you can book a trip doesn't mean that you'll actually be able to take it — and, again, it's looking highly probably that anyone with tickets for an overseas trip before mid-2022 will be doing a bit of rebooking and rescheduling. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
Is there anything that Bill Hader can't do? While watching Barry's third season, that question just won't subside. The deservedly award-winning HBO hitman comedy has been phenomenal since 2018, when it first premiered. When it nabbed Hader an Emmy for his on-screen efforts in 2019, it had already proven one of the best showcases of the ex-Saturday Night Live performer's talents so far, too — yes, even beyond SNL. But season three of Barry three slides into another stratosphere: it's that blisteringly clever, deeply layered, piercingly moving and terrifically acted. It's also that exceptionally well-balanced as a crime comedy and an antihero drama, that scorchingly staged during its tense and thrilling action scenes, and that willing to question everything that the show and its eponymous character are. Hader has always lit up whichever screen he's graced, big or small — be it during his eight-year SNL stint, including as New York City correspondent Stefon, or in early supporting movie parts in Hot Rod and Adventureland. In 2014's The Skeleton Twins, opposite fellow ex-SNL cast member Kristen Wiig, he'd never been better to that point. But Barry is a tour de force both in front of and behind the lens, and a show expertly steeped in the kind of deep-seated melancholy that Hader can so effortlessly exude even when he's overtly playing for laughs. He doesn't just star, but writes and frequently directs. He co-created the series with Alec Berg (Silicon Valley), and he'll also helm every episode of its in-the-works fourth season. And, every choice he makes with Barry — every choice the show has made, in fact — is astounding. Freshly wrapped up on Binge in Australia and Neon in New Zealand — and so now available to stream in full — Barry's third season is propulsive. It knows its premise: a contract killer does a job in Los Angeles, catches the acting bug and decides to change his life. It also knows that it has to keep unpacking that concept. And, it's well-aware that there are repercussions for everything we do in life, especially for someone who has spent their days murdering others for money, even if they're extremely relatable and likeable. There has long been an air of The Sopranos to Barry, and of Mad Men as well, both of which seep through season three. It's both a portrait of someone who does despicable things, and a dive behind the gloss of an industry that sells a dream: an ex-soldier turned assassin-for-hire rather than a mob boss, and entertainment instead of advertising. Three seasons in, Barry Berkman (Bill Hader, Noelle) still wants to be an actor — and to also no longer kill people for a living — when this new batch of episodes begins. That's what he's yearned for across the bulk of the show so far; however, segueing from being a hitman to treading the boards or standing in front of the camera has been unsurprisingly complicated. Making matters thornier are the many ways that his past actions, as an assassin and just as Barry himself, have caused inescapable ripples. Season three focuses on history biting back again and again, including the investigation into murdered police detective Janice Moss (Paula Newsome, Spider-Man: No Way Home), the fallout with Barry's beloved acting teacher Gene Cousineau (Henry Winkler, The French Dispatch), his relationship with fellow actor Sally Reed (Sarah Goldberg, The Night House) after she gets her own show — plus the dramas that causes for Sally — and the vengeance sought by his ex-handler Monroe Fuches (Stephen Root, The Tragedy of Macbeth). Chaos ensues, emotional and physical alike, because Barry has always been determined to weather all the mess, darkness, rough edges and heart-wrenching consequences of its central figure's actions. That's true of his deeds not only in the past, but in the show's present, and it's one of the series' smartest and most probing elements. Hader and Berg know that viewers like Barry. You're meant to. That's what the first season so deftly established, and the second so cannily built upon. But that doesn't mean ignoring that he's a hitman, or that his time murdering people — and his military career before that — has ramifications, including for those around him. Indeed, season three also spies the reverberations for Gene, Sally and Fuches not just due to Barry, but thanks to their own shortcomings and questionable decisions as they keep mounting. It's no wonder that Barry is one of the most complex comedies currently airing, and that its third season is as intricate, thorny, textured and hilarious as the first two to begin with — and even more so as each new episode gives way to the next. That's no small feat, but it's an even bigger achievement given that it's ridiculously easy to see how cartoonish Barry would be in far lesser hands. (Or, how it might've leaned into a lazy odd-couple setup with Hader as the titular figure and Bill & Ted Face the Music's delightful Anthony Carrigan as Chechen gangster Noho Hank). But Barry keeps digging into what makes its namesake tick, why, and the effects he causes. It sinks in so deeply that this, not chasing an acting dream, is what the relentlessly gripping show is truly about. And, it follows the same course across its entire main quintet. In reality, perfect and flawed aren't binary options for any single person, and this sublime piece of TV art mirrors life devastatingly well. With visual precision on par with Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, two of the most stylishly and savvily-shot shows ever made — two series where every single frame tells a tale without saying a word, and no aesthetic choice makes the expected move — Barry's third season is also spectacular to look at. It ends with an image that as simple as it is truly haunting, after a climactic finale episode that also features an intense showdown set against a purposefully stark backdrop, plus an action scene handled with more finesse and flair than most big-screen releases. As a dramatic motorcycle chase and vivid raid earlier in the season also illustrate, Barry is as devoted to staging dynamite action scenes as it is at plunging deep into its characters. And, as every intelligently penned and outstandingly performed episode just keeps proving, too, this masterful show is downright stellar at that. Barry's third season also remains immensely funny, and also savagely unsettling. Yes, it and Hader can do it all. The third season of Barry — and the first and second seasons as well — is streaming in full via Binge in Australia and Neon in New Zealand. Images: Merrick Morton/ HBO.
When Sydney scored an expansive coastal walk spanning from Bondi to Manly, it was a huge addition to the city, particularly if you like putting one foot in front of the other while soaking in stellar waterside sights. Soon, you'll have another option, too: a new 91-kilometre shared — and continuous — pathway running from the Sydney Opera House to Parramatta. The idea was first proposed by The McKell Institute, a think tank aligned with Labor, back in 2020. The same year, it was adopted by by then-New South Wales Treasurer and now-Premier Dominic Perrottet, with $500,000 funded in the 2020-21 NSW budget to explore moving ahead. Now, current Treasurer Matt Kean and Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes have confirmed that the walkway is in the works — and yes, it's as huge as it sounds. The NSW Government will put $60 million towards the pathway, which has been dubbed the Parramatta to Sydney Foreshore Link, and will be able to be used by both pedestrians and cyclists. It'll start by the harbour and end at Parramatta Park — or vice versa, depending on which direction you're heading. In the process, it'll become one of the city's longest transport connections, spanning a whopping 18 suburbs. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rob Stokes MP (@robstokesmp) Some existing pathways will be included in the overall track, but others will need to be built. Indeed, part of the funds will go towards working out how to make currently inaccessible foreshore sections accessible. That new stack of cash for the Foreshore Link will be committed in the 2022-23 budget, although exactly when you'll be able to get moseying hasn't yet been revealed. Also included in that $60 million: design work, building on the initial feasibility study and prioritising works in consultation with councils. Whenever it comes to fruition, stunning views will be a big feature, naturally. "This pathway will take in some of our most spectacular sights and unlock the incredible lifestyle and accessibility opportunities the route offers for the benefit of locals and visitors," said Kean, announcing the news. "Since 1811. our city's prosperity has been propelled by road and rail connections between the settlements of Sydney and Parramatta. This new connection will allow walking and cycling trips to proliferate, making lives easier, healthier and more enjoyable for locals, commuters and visitors for centuries to come," added Stokes. For more information about the Parramatta to Sydney Foreshore Link, head to the NSW Government website.
Ah, gin, how we love thee. Pretty bottles, lesser hangovers and the smell of botanicals in every sip. Bombay Sapphire are giving you the opportunity to embrace gin at its fullest by matching it to food at their annual pop-up event, Project Botanicals, happening September 8-18. There are ten different botanicals in Bombay Sapphire gin, much more than just juniper. The dishes to be served at Project Botanicals have been tailored to bring out each of the botanicals – whether it's lemon peel, coriander, orris root or almond. Because Melburnians love their gin, tickets sold out quicker than you could say G&T. But, don't worry — you can still head along to the pop-up bar for your gin fix (no ticket needed) or try making a simplified version of it at home. This here is a simple version of the Orris Spice Trader – a blend of turmeric, lime and ginger beer with gin in a cocktail best paired with a coconut curry. ORRIS SPICE TRADER Botanical: Orris root INGREDIENTS 60ml x Bombay Sapphire gin 1 tsp x caster sugar 20ml x lime juice 120ml x ginger beer ¼ pinch x grated turmeric METHOD 1. Take a highball glass and add 20ml lime juice and 1 teaspoon of caster sugar. 2. Add ¼ pinch of grated turmeric. 3. Pour in 60ml Bombay and 120ml ginger beer and 4. Stir with ice. 5. Step up the botany further with the garnish – fresh mint. Images: Steven Woodburn. Project Botanicals will take place at Taxi Riverside from September 8-18. Unfortunately all tickets have sold out, but you can still drop by the pop-up bar from Thursday to Sunday. Get all the details here.
It added booze to bowling, turned mini-golf courses into bars, and gave mashing buttons and hitting the arcade an alcohol-fuelled makeover as well. That'd be Funlab — and, if you like indulging your inner kidult over a few drinks, odds are that you've hit up its venues such as Strike, Holey Moley, Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq, and B Lucky and Sons over the past few years. That's the company's remit, after all: taking the kinds of activities that you enjoyed back when you weren't old enough to knock back cocktails, then adding the hard stuff. And, that's exactly what it's doing at Hijinx Hotel, its next venture. No, you can't stay there — but the world-first concept will see you hanging out in a space that's been decked out like a hotel, and then solving mental and physical puzzles as you wander through it. Funlab has dubbed Hijinx Hotel a 'challenge room hotel'. So, each of its 15 rooms will be filled with challenges for you to work through — with points awarded for how well you do within four minutes. Some rooms will see you play Twister or The Floor is Lava. Others will be decked out like the Titanic. There's one called the cereal ball pool room as well, which sounds chaotic. Basically, if you're a bit of a sleuth or you're never known to turn down a dare, you'll be in luck. Set to open in Alexandria in Sydney on June 3, Hijinx Hotel aims to riff on the escape room concept — but serve up fun that's far less stressful. Design-wise, it will look still like a hotel, even if you can't slumber there. There'll be a faux hotel reception and all, and the venue will take its aesthetic cues from the likes of The Grand Budapest Hotel and Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. Based on the renders so far, there's also a bit of an Overlook Hotel vibe — but sorry, The Shining fans, this new hangout isn't meant to be sinister. And yes, obviously there's a bar. Actually, there'll be three. Exactly what'll be on the menu hasn't yet been revealed, but expect booze and bites to eat. Whether you're a Sydneysider now planning your next stint of kidulting or you live elsewhere and you're making plans for a trip to the Harbour City, Hijinx Hotel visitors will find the venue alongside a huge new Holey Moley that'll feature 27 holes — including some that are ten times the size of those at other spots. And if you're wondering exactly where both newcomers will sit, they're joining the location that currently boasts Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq. Usually, Funlab launches its new concepts in one city, then shares the love across other east coast capitals. So Melburnians and Brisbanites, cross your fingers that Hijinx Hotel will eventually pop up closer to home. Find Hijinx Hotel at 75 O'Riordan Street, Alexandria, Sydney, from June 3 — we'll update you with further details when they're announced. For further information about Funlab, head to the company's website.
The Germans and Brisbane have had a long-term relationship for as long as as our short history allows. If you thought The German Club was just some fun drinking hole for post-Gabba shenanigans, then you were wrong. It wouldn't be right not to share this photo of the original Brisbane German Club from 1896. Boasting some bad-ass turrets, sadly this guy burnt down in the 40s. Immediately it becomes clear that despite the inclusion of beer halls, the German Club is now tragically sans turrets. The beauty of the club is that it is one for all ages. Membership costs $5 for five years and may be the best $5 ever spent. If you are still undecided about whether you wish to pay for membership in this worthy club, then let these words assist you: 'Brisbane's Best Pork Knuckle'. The German Club's 130+ year-old restaurant Zum Kaiser makes this claim boldly, in lights at their entrance, and there is little disputing this. If you want German pork knuckle, this is the place to go in Brisbane. At $25.90 for a slow-roasted pork hock with fried potatoes, sauerkraut and smoked beer gravy, this is why you visit. The meal is enormous, but when else can you have an entire pork roast, with a surface area that is almost 100% crackling, all to yourself? If you find navigating a knife around a giant hock too finicky, and you're too dainty (or well-mannered) to pick it up and gnaw the bone, then the pork belly — coal roasted with buttered parsley potatoes and braised sweet red cabbage ($24.90) — is a pretty solid second choice. Ja, das ist schmeckt lecker. If you are not there for the pork knuckle (though it must be to accompany someone who is) there is something for you too: schnitzel (chicken, pork or veal), sauerbraten (German style beef pot roast in a red wine vinegar marinade with potato dumplings and braised sweet red cabbage), bratwurst and knackwurst with mashed potato, sauerkraut, vegetables and mustard are all warming and filling. They have a huge selection of German beers, but consider their signatures to be the Schlösser Alt (with a dry and malty finish) and the Munich lager, Löwenbräu. Unless you are a member of the hungry and thirsty horde that descends upon the German Club, don't bother trying to get a table after a match. The place attracts a reasonable crowd on most evenings, but it practically bursts at the seams on game days with folks streaming in from the Gabba.
It's pretty ironic that a YouTube clip criticising internet culture is going viral. Nonetheless this parody of The Wolf of Wall Street made by Half Day Today is pitch perfect. In a remake of the film's trailer, the hedonistic tale of American conman Jordan Belfort is transposed to the life of Buzzfeed CEO Jonah Peretti. Hilarity ensues. Everyone knows Buzzfeed is a bit of a black hole. You stumble across something in a Facebook newsfeed and suddenly you're falling into an internet-shaped abyss that no longer houses your study or work but only thousands of lists about Harry Styles, '90s cartoons and what '90s cartoons would looks like if they were recast with Harry Styles. This is your life now. And, while no one's saying it's directly Jonah Peretti's fault... it sure is nice to blame someone. "With these lists you can create a stupid GIF, write a nonsensical blob of text, and it will get retweeted millions of times without ever using an even number in your title," says the video's Peretti. Much like Jordan Belfort's dubious pathway to success using penny stocks, there seems to be something vaguely criminal about the Buzzfeed marketing strategy and it's somewhat confronting to see it played out in front of your eye. Still. We can't help ourselves. This is still 100 percent our reaction whenever we find a relatable listicle or a new viral video to share *coughcough*.
Kawaii alert: Hello Kitty and her adorable entourage are opening a colourful cafe in the heart of Melbourne. Opening on Friday, May 9, the Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe will be the first of its kind in Australia, bringing Sanrio's most iconic characters to life through food, art and, naturally, super-cute design. Popping up at Melbourne Central, this immersive, multi-zone experience merges Japanese pop culture with a bold dose of Melbourne flair, and is no doubt set to become a must-visit spot for fans of Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, Kuromi and My Melody. The whole concept has been brought to life by a team of Australian creatives, including art director Eddie Zammit — who was behind the striking visual identity for Hello Kitty's recent Chadstone pop-up — and illustrator Travis Price. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Eddie Zammit (@eddiezammit) Inside, you'll find four themed spaces, each dripping in pastel tones and Sanrio references aplenty. At the centre of the action is Cinnamoroll World, an ode to the eponymous cinnamon roll-tailed puppy. You can also explore the Friends Garden, where bespoke illustrations of Sanrio characters share the spotlight with Melbourne Central's iconic Clock and Coop's Shot Tower. In a rush? Stop by the Hello Kitty Corner, ideal for a quick, but no less cute, refuel to break up the shopping with a takeaway coffee and pastry. On the menu, you'll find appropriately kawaii Japanese-inspired picks, like strawberry sandos, fresh rainbow poke bowls and character-themed bento boxes that feel more like collectibles than meals. And that fourth themed space? That'd be a gift shop, stocked with limited-edition merch you won't find anywhere else. Think: embroidered patches, tees, plushies, key rings and monthly drops, all designed by Aussie creatives to celebrate the mash-up of the Hello Kitty world and Melbourne's creative energy. "This one-of-a-kind experience is a true celebration of two icons — Hello Kitty and Friends, and the vibrant city of Melbourne," says Silvia Figini, Chief Operating Officer Sanrio (EMEA, India and Oceania) and Mr Men (Worldwide). "We're proud to have seamlessly blended Sanrio's beloved aesthetic with Melbourne's unique spirit and creativity." The Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe opens on Friday, May 9, at Melbourne Central. For more info, head to the Melbourne Central website.
Nothing says summer like a novelty apron, a hot barbecue and a cold beer. If the size of your outdoor space has held you back from being able to make this sunny dream come true, look no further than the Weber Lumin. The Lumin is a compact, multi-functional, fully electric barbecue that can be used in the smallest of spaces, including apartment balconies or patios. All you have to do is plug the barbecue into a power outlet and you're ready to fire up. Whether you're prepping a picnic, wooing a date or hosting family and friends in your summer-ready outdoor space, we've teamed up with Weber to round up five of our top barbecue recipes for summer. Barbecued BLAT Bagels Whether you're fuelling up for a day at the beach or packing a scenic picnic lunch, you can't go wrong with these barbecued bagel sandwiches. The foolproof recipe can be pulled together in a pinch with ingredients you likely already have in your fridge. Prepare your barbecue to cook with direct medium heat and then throw the bacon and bagels on for less than five minutes. While that's going, season the tomato slices with salt and pepper. Once it's all crisp and cooked, just add some cream cheese, tomato slices, lettuce and avocado, and you're ready to pair that with a glass of orange juice or refreshing lemonade. Grilled Prawn and Guacamole Bites With grilled prawns and fresh avocado, these bite-sized appetisers are summer in a mouthful. The Mexican-inspired recipe calls for only three components and can be ready to serve in under half an hour, making it an effortless option for any hosting duties this festive season. Prepare the guacamole and Cajun seasoning while the barbecue preheats. Coat the prawns in the spices and grill them on skewers until cooked through. To serve, simply top a corn chip with a spoonful of guacamole, a prawn and coriander. Barbecued Barramundi with Quick-Pickled Onion and Salsa Verde If you've got an exciting summer evening planned, the last thing you want is to fall into an afternoon slump after a heavy meal. Opt for a hearty and nutritious feed instead with this simple barbecued barramundi. The buttery, mild fish is paired with tangy pickled onions and herbaceous salsa verde for a hit of flavour with every bite. The only advance prep you'll need to tackle are the quick-pickled onions, which should sit for at least 30 minutes. Otherwise, it's as easy as seasoning the fish fillets with olive oil, salt and pepper before cooking until the skin is crispy, and blending the chopped herbs, capers, lemon juice and olive oil for the salsa verde. Greek Lamb Share Plates with Baba Ganoush This heaping plate of lamb and accompanying sides may look daunting, but actually only takes ten minutes of prep and 25 minutes on the barbecue. That said, it's a surefire way to impress a group of guests at a laidback long lunch on your balcony or in the backyard. Be sure to have an apron and icy bev on hand, as the recipe requires a fair bit of work on the barbecue. Along with the lamb rump steaks, you'll be grilling eggplants, cherry tomatoes, olives, lemon and flatbreads. Your efforts will be well worth it in the end though, as the charred eggplant and caramelised lemon will create a smoky and aromatic Baba Ganoush. Grilled Donut S'mores with Chocolate Dipping Sauce Level up your camping game with these decadent s'mores that use donuts instead of graham crackers. Fluffy melted marshmallows and tart strawberries are sandwiched between warm, brûléed donuts and topped with a rich chocolate sauce. Whisk cocoa powder, cream, brown sugar and a sprinkle of salt over low heat to make the chocolate sauce. On the barbecue, halve and grill the donuts to create a caramelisation on the glaze, and melt the marshmallows on half of the donut slices. Lay strawberries on the other half and assemble it together, and you're ready to coat it in as much chocolate as you wish. Find out more about the Lumin at the Weber website.
