For most of us, a bus stop is a means to an end, a necessary layover during our daily travels, and the place that helps you get from point A to point B. In Singapore, however, the transport hub on Jurong Gateway Road is the kind of place people might actually want to spend time at. When a bus stop has a rooftop garden and free books, you won't want to leave in a hurry. The structure has the bland-sounding name of Project Bus Stop, but it's anything but ordinary, as Australian commuters will instantly recognise. The rampant foliage certainly doesn't escape attention, with the six-metre-by-three-metre green roof boasting trees and drought-resistant shrubs, as well as planter boxes and even a swing underneath. If feasting your eyes on soothing natural sights isn't enough, you can bury your head in a book courtesy of a rack of novels available for everyone's reading pleasure — and if you can't find something that you like, e-books, magazines and newspapers are available to download for free. In fact, the entire bus stop is a tech-savvy delight, thanks to free wifi, phone charging stations, and interactive smartboards that display route and arrival information, Conceived by a group of designers from DP Architects, Project Bus Stop aims to turn the commuting space into a place of social interaction and make waiting for buses an enriching experience. Imagine that — actually enjoying waiting for a bus. Aussie cities, take note. Via Travel and Leisure. Image: Infocomm Media Development Authority / Our Favourite Place.
Unless you're heading to Higher Ground, Holey Moley or court, you probably don't spend much time in the CBD's bottom-end western pocket. Those four blocks between La Trobe, William, Bourke and Spencer streets have largely been subject to construction and big business and, as a result, have less buzz and character than other areas in the CBD. But now, design-savvy locals have the chance to change all that, thanks to a new competition by the Urban Land Institute (ULI). Having described the area as suffering from "a lack of identity, limited on-street activity outside of business hours, little open public space and community amenity", the international research and education think tank has set out to find someone brimming with ideas for its transformation. [caption id="attachment_684763" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The area up for development, supplied by the Urban Land Institute.[/caption] If you're an architect, urban planner or developer under the age of 35, you're invited to put forward your own thoughts on how to improve these lacklustre four blocks, through the 2018 Urban Innovation Ideas Competition. The hunt is on for proposals that would help boost the area's vibrancy, improve safety and transform it into what ULI calls a "24-hour neighbourhood". The point of the competition is to give young people a forum to discuss and visually express what they would like their city to look like. While the winning design won't be heading into development anytime soon, the winner will get the chance to present their idea at the 2019 ULI Asia Pacific Summit in Shanghai and potentially influence the future development of the City of Melbourne. Now in its third year, Urban Innovation Ideas Competition has previously seen entrants reimagine Sydney's George Street (2015) and put forward ideas for revamping the area linking Brisbane's CBD and Fortitude Valley (2016). The 2018 competition is open to both individuals and groups of four. ULI Melbourne Urban Innovation Ideas Competition opens at 9am on Friday, August 24 and closes on September 18. You can enter here. Image: Google Maps.
Watching The White Lotus isn't a passive pastime. Whether it's unleashing ultra-luxe hell in Hawaii or getting scathing in Sicily, HBO's Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning hit drama about the one percent, their lavish getaways, their deep-seated problems, and the gross inequality between the haves and have nots demands active engagement. And, even when it isn't airing, it still gets fans sleuthing — wondering where the show's next season will head, as we all have been since season two wrapped up. Before that last batch of episodes ended — just three episodes into season two, in fact — HBO announced that it was bringing the series back for a third go-around. Originally, The White Lotus was meant to be a one-and-done miniseries, but it was that excellent (and that popular) that it's now running with an anthology setup. Next stop: Thailand, probably. The best new show on TV in 2021, and one of the best returning shows of 2022 as well, The White Lotus will still keep with its new year, new vacation season, new gorgeous destination, new cast approach. After months of speculation, Variety is now reporting that it'll be set in Asia. HBO hasn't yet confirmed the news, however, but it's likely that's where you'll be lusting after holidays at next. As part of its prediction, which Variety has sourced from multiple folks close to the publication, it's expecting that The White Lotus season three might stick with filming at Four Seasons resorts — which've doubled for the titular fictional hotel chain for two seasons so far. That puts four spots in Thailand on the list: in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui and the Golden Triangle. Of course, wherever The White Lotus heads — and whoever it sends to its next scenic locale to have the supposedly best but actually worst time of their life, because the cast hasn't yet been announced — viewers will watch. Creator/writer/director Mike White (Brad's Status) has hinted at focusing on "death and Eastern religion and spirituality" already, too. "It feels like it could be a rich tapestry to do another round at White Lotus," he said in a clip at the end of season two's finale. When the show was renewed for season two, HBO hailed White's success with the series. "Reflecting on The White Lotus' humble, run-and-gun origin as a contained pandemic production, it's impossible not to be awestruck by how Mike [White, the series' creator] orchestrated one of the buzziest and most critically acclaimed shows," said Francesca Orsi, Executive Vice President, HBO Programming, Head of HBO Drama Series and Films. "And yet, he's only continued to reach new heights in season two, which is the ultimate testament to Mike's raw, unparalleled vision," Orsi continued. "His courage to explore the uncharted waters of the human psyche, paired with his signature irreverent humour and buoyant directing style, have us all dreaming of more vacation days at the resort we've come to adore. We couldn't be more thrilled to get the chance to collaborate on a third season together." There's obviously no trailer yet for The White Lotus season three, but you can check out the trailers for seasons one and two below: The White Lotus' third season doesn't yet have a release date — we'll update you when one is announced. The first and second seasons of The White Lotus are available to stream via Binge in Australia and Neon in New Zealand. Read our full reviews of season one and two. Via Variety. The White Lotus images: Fabio Lovino / HBO.
As well as offering up alternative places to stay and opening up the holiday accommodation market, Airbnb has proven a gift to anyone interested in architecture and interior design. While you're sleeping in someone else's house, you're getting a glimpse of different styles and trends. Sure, you can also flick through house and garden-focused magazines, but looking at pics isn't the same as actually seeing design in action. At PlansMatter, bunking down in a space that demonstrates ace architecture isn't just an added bonus — it's the entire point of the Airbnb-like house-sharing service. Started in 2016 by architects Connie Lindor and Scott Muellner, it only offers up "places that have architectural intention and a story to tell," according to their statement on the service's website. Each listing provides a thorough description, runs through the usual features and also includes a rundown of why it's included on the site. In fact, as well as simply browsing through a sizeable list of eye-catching architectural beauties — which not only include spaces in the US, where PlansMatter is based, but in Canada, Austria, the UK, Portugal, Sri Lanka, Denmark, Japan, Germany and Australia as well — users can also search for somewhere to stay based on the amazing designers behind the houses. If you've ever dreamed of kipping in a home designed by famous American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, or in artist James Turrell's Japanese House of Light, here's your chance. Of course, getting to live out your architecture nerd dreams doesn't come cheap, but if you're going to fork out a hefty stack of cash for a few nights away, there are much, much worse ways to spend it. For those keen on checking out the service close to home, a night in Magney House on the New South Wales south coast — and in a structure that was once featured on an Aussie stamp — will set you back $250 per night. Fairhaven Beach's landmark Pole House, which really is a house on a pole, starts at $434 per evening. Via Fast Co Design. Image: PlansMatter/Tsutomu Yamada.
Get ready to immerse yourself in a slew of new VR content thanks to a brand new initiative from Screen NSW. The screen body has just launched 360 Vision, a new virtual reality app developed by Triggar VR in partnership with the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS). Available now on Apple and Android devices, the free app will host original VR material from leading local producers, including The Pulse and Jumpgate VR. The app will also be compatible with Oculus in the coming weeks, with new content being added regularly. "VR offers incredible opportunities for our industry and we're only just beginning to understand the possibilities that can evolve from merging VR technology with narrative storytelling," said AFTRS CEO Neil Peplow. "AFTRS is very pleased to be joining with the 360 Vision partners on this important development initiative." In addition to the app, AFTRS and Screen NSW will collaborate with a number of partners, including Screen Australia, Event Cinemas and the ABC, on the 360 Vision development initiative that will create opportunities for Australian filmmakers in the emerging field. The program is set to launch on June 7 with a day-long lab at Carriageworks in Sydney. "We need our most creative and forward-thinking film and television producers, writers and directors to be involved in this space and we need audiences to start seeking our local VR content," said Screen NSW CEO Courtney Gibson. "360 Vision is about bringing both of these ideas together." 360 Vision can be downloaded now via the Apple and Android app stores. For more information visit Screen NSW on Facebook.
There's an antidote to winter and it's pubs with roaring fires, cosy whisky bars, experimental art galleries and winter dishes whipped up by brilliant chefs. You'll find all these in high concentration in the creative, inner-city Sydney neighbourhoods of Surry Hills, Redfern and Chippendale, just beyond the CBD. With a short break revolving around their famous galleries, bars and restaurants — and a night or two in one of the nearby AccorHotels properties — you'll be welcoming the cold weather rather than wishing it away. Here's your guide to a winter weekender in urban Surry Hills, Redfern and Chippendale. EAT AND DRINK Getting out of bed on a frosty morning is much, much easier when you know that good coffee awaits. You'll get just that – and, on a cloud-free day, a generous dose of sunlight – among the high ceilings of Surry Hills' Paramount Coffee Project. Another cheery spot is nearby Suzie Q, where the morning menu includes Wintertime Love: a brekkie bowl loaded with quinoa, almond hummus, fermented pumpkin, pickled cauliflower, kale, avocado, poached egg and toasted nuts. Alternatively, to warm up with freshly baked goods, swing by Chippendale's Brickfields Bakery or Redfern's extremely popular Donut Papi. Yes, a doughnut for breakfast is the definitive answer to the wintertime blues. Among the area's most tempting lunchtime offerings is fried chicken ramen, which you'll find at Butter, a hybrid eatery-retail space with an impressive rare sneaker collection. The dish was such a hit in 2017 that head chef Julian Cincotta brought it back for another round. Burger fiends, The O.G from Eve's Bar is one to tick off your burger bucket list: a classic beef, cheese, lettuce, tomato and mustard mayo combo topped with a mini cheese burger on top (because one is never enough). Another option is a Japanese-inspired burger at Ume — think crumbed chicken katsu with yuzu kosho mayo and tonkatsu sauce. That's pretty much enough fuel to get you through to spring. If you're ready to indulge at dinnertime, then head to the newish Kensington Street Precinct. The quintessential dining experience here is Automata, a 2015 opening that was named one of the Diners Club World's 50 Best Restaurants and whose head chef, Clayton Wells, has been showered with awards. This is a degustation-only deal where contemporary Australian flavours like romanesco, broccolini, sour cucumber, dory roe emulsion combine in one dish. The cluster of more casual restaurants and stalls around Spice Alley are Jason Atherton's Kensington Street Social also vie for your attention here. Other cosy dinner spots are double-hatted Ester, LP's Quality Meats for smoked and cured delights, Melbourne transplant Chin Chin for spicy Asian, Spice I Am for authentic Thai and Happy D's for dumplings. All wintry evenings should end with a beverage in front of a crackling open fire. In Surry Hills alone, there are three pubs with just that: The Dolphin, the Cricketers Arms and Harpoon Harry. Alternatively, for a cocktail, go to Mjolner, a labyrinthine bar filled with cavernous rooms inspired by Thor, or, for a whisky, the Wild Rover. DO With the lure of beach-going reduced, winter is a great time to catch up on art. And Surry Hills, Redfern and Chippendale are perfect places for it, being absolutely packed with galleries. Get started at Brett Whiteley Studio, where the famous avant-garde artist lived and worked, before heading to White Rabbit, to peruse one of the biggest collections of 21st-century Chinese art in the world. Afterwards, take a wander around Chippendale's back streets, to stumble across stacks of independent and experimental galleries. Look out for Galerie Pompom for shows by emerging artists, Tiny Tailor for designer creations and Goodspace, where, with the support of local pub the Lord Gladstone, artists exhibit commission-free. Come evening, swap art for live performance. There's jazz, blues and funk at Venue 505, rock bands at the Lansdowne Hotel, DJs and various live acts at Freda's and all kinds of sexy – and not-so-sexy – stuff at the Bearded Tit. Meanwhile, for theatre, comedy and talks, check out the Old 505, Giant Dwarf and the Seymour Centre. You'll be so busy, you won't have time to think about the cold. SLEEP To keep up with so many adventures, a super-sound sleep is crucial. The good news is there are a few nearby hotels where you can count on being cosy and warm. To go 4.5-star, book at the Novotel Sydney Central. The sunny, colour-splashed rooms feel happy — on even the chilliest of days. All come with lovely king-sized beds (or two queens, if you so choose) and the Superior rooms with private balconies. Wherever you sleep, you'll be welcome to swim in the heated rooftop pool and hang out in the garden terrace. Also be sure to make a stop at the Field House Bar during happy hour from 5–7pm and enjoy $5 house drinks and two-for-one cocktails, accompanied by live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights. An alternative is the 4-star Mercure Sydney, right near Central Station and a short walk from the sizzle of Spice Alley and Kensington Street. Keen to splurge? Reserve a city-view room, with panoramas of the Sydney CBD skyline. There's also a rooftop gym, sauna and indoor heated pool (winter dip, anyone?). For a fortifying meal before you hit the road home, stop by the in-house diner Eve's Bar for an OG Burger — not only does it have the works, it comes skewered with a mini cheeseburger. If you're looking for bang for your buck, then the Ibis Sydney World Square is for you. Located within a stone's throw of Surry Hills, Chippendale, Redfern and the CBD, it's spacious, clean and close to the wildly praised new bars and restaurants you came this way to see. Go to the AccorHotels website to book your stay in Sydney, and to discover more of NSW, check out Visit NSW.
Movie buffs, the day you've been waiting for is here. No, it's not Sydney Film Festival time just yet, but the fest has just unleashed their complete lineup — that is, the 244 films from 60 countries, including 25 world premieres and 139 Australian premieres, that you'll be feasting your eyes on come June 8 to 19. If you've been keeping up with the international film scene, you might've spotted that SFF's program launch falls on the same day the Cannes Film Festival kicks off. That timing isn't just a stroke of luck. With nine films heading to Sydney straight from the prestigious event — Xavier Dolan's sixth feature It's Only the End of the World, Pedro Almodóvar's eagerly awaited Julieta and Steven Spielberg's motion-captured take on The BFG among them — it's also a sign of things to come. "It's always incredibly difficult to secure films from Cannes before Cannes has even started," notes Festival Director Nashen Moodley. "We've done really well this year, so alongside collecting the best of cinema from over the last year, we have some of the very latest films that are going to cause a big buzz in Cannes." Partially Sydney-shot psychological drama Apprentice falls into that category, as does Brazilian offering Aquarius and Indian true-crime thriller Raman Raghav 2.0. Alongside Dolan's star-studded effort, they're also among the twelve films vying for SFF's official prize of $63,000 — as are Kelly Reichardt's Sundance hit Certain Women, innovative docu-drama hybrid Notes on Blindness, fictionalised historical tale The Childhood of a Leader, Portuguese love story Letters from War, and opening night's Goldstone. The latter was first announced last month, but should still rank highly on every cinephile's must-see list. Moodley describes Ivan Sen's Mystery Road follow-up as a "statement of intent" for this year's festival — his fifth at the helm, and the fifth to commence with locally made or focused content. "It is important that we highlight the cinema of this country," he explains. "And for me, it is a wonderful thing to open the festival with a world premiere of a great Australian film." On the Aussie-made front, Down Under is certain to raise a few eyebrows when it makes its first appearance at SFF, given that it turns the aftermath of the 2005 Cronulla riots into a black comedy. In fact, having a sense of healthy humour is almost a pre-requisite for festival-goers. Daniel Radcliffe plays a farting corpse in Swiss Army Man, Alexander Skarsgård and Michael Peña team up for buddy-cop satire War on Everyone, Tom Hiddleston climbs the darkly dystopian High-Rise, and the watery Chevalier offers up the latest Greek new wave absurdity. They're joined by the high-profile likes of Richard Linklater's '80s-set Everybody Wants Some!!, Michael Shannon playing rock 'n' roll royalty in Elvis & Nixon, Danish filmmaker Thomas Vinterberg going back to his Dogme 95 roots with The Commune, and actor-turned-director Diego Luna taking Danny Glover and Maya Rudolph on a Mexican road trip in Mr. Pig. A number of notable documentaries also feature, including Gimme Danger, Jim Jarmusch's love letter to Iggy Pop; Kiki, winner of Berlinale's Teddy Award for its look at New York's competitive voguing scene; Kate Plays Christine, which takes the meta approach to a real life prime-time suicide; and internet exploration Lo and Behold: Reveries of the Connected World, as directed and narrated by none other than Werner Herzog. A timely spotlight on ten emerging European female filmmakers, showcases of modern Korean and Irish cinema, the previously revealed Scorsese retrospective and a virtual reality program in the SFF Hub help round out the lineup, alongside the return of regular sections Box Set, Sounds on Screen and Freak Me Out. And while no one wants to think about the end of the festival just yet, penciling closing night into your calendar right now is a wise move. Who doesn't want to wrap up 12 days of film fun with Love & Friendship, particularly if you're a Jane Austen, Whit Stillman, Kate Beckinsale or Chloe Sevigny fan? The 2016 Sydney Film Festival runs from June 8 to 19. To check out the complete program and book tickets, visit the festival website.
How did Charlton Kenneth Jeffrey Howard become one of the biggest Australian musicians around the world right now? Attend SXSW Sydney in 2024 and you'll find out. The singer-songwriter better known as The Kid LAROI is the latest addition to the event's constantly growing lineup, in a key spot: the 'Stay', 'Without You', 'Thousand Miles', 'Love Again' and 'Girls' talent has been revealed as the fest's music keynote speaker for this year. In 2023, Chance The Rapper did the honours. SXSW Sydney isn't skimping on big names, clearly. On Saturday, October 19, 2024 at the ICC Sydney Theatre, expect The Kid LAROI to step through his career journey so far, from Redfern to streaming superstardom — and also what his future holds. The Kid LAROI postponing his Australian tour to this spring from February 2024 has worked out well for SXSW Sydney, then. As part of the event, he'll also help develop professional development workshops and performance opportunities for Waterloo and Redfern's First Nations communities. After he's chatted about his career to SXSW Sydney's patrons, The Kid LAROI will embark upon a seven-city Australian tour in support of his debut studio album The First Time. On the itinerary: HOTA, Home of the Arts on the Gold Coast, Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Commbank Stadium in Sydney, Perth's RAC Arena, Adelaide Entertainment Centre, MyState Bank Arena in Hobart and Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena. Migos frontman Quavo and Sydney's own ONEFOUR are also on the bill everywhere except the Gold Coast and Hobart. [caption id="attachment_926206" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adam Kargenian[/caption] SXSW Sydney's 2024 lineup just keeps expanding, after Lucy Lawless, Grace Tame and Tim Minchin — plus sports stars Nick Kyrgios and Noémie Fox, playwright Suzie Miller, former Bangarra Dance Theatre Artistic Director Stephen Page and more — also joined the program to round out August. Set to take place across Monday, October 14–Sunday, October 20 dates, the event began revealing its program back in May, which was just the beginning. Another announcement arrived in June, then not one, not two, but three more in July — and also another, focusing on the free hub at Tumbalong Park, at the beginning of August. Then came more music acts and speakers, still in August. SXSW Sydney 2024 will run from Monday, October 14–Sunday, October 20 at various Sydney venues. Head to the SXSW Sydney website for further details.
Beachgoers who aren't so keen on sharing their patch of sand with a swarm of strangers this summer have another (albeit much pricier) option: to buy their very own private beach. Northern NSW property agents Harcourts Northern Rivers have revealed a 22-acre parcel of beachfront has landed on the NSW market, boasting a whopping 500 metres of untouched ocean frontage and a cool $1.95 million price tag. The current Sydney-based owners have had the Patchs Beach Road acreage just south of Ballina for 15 years, though a busy schedule of overseas jaunts means they're now looking to pass it on to someone who'll be able to give it a bit more love and attention. While the idyllic spot currently has zero dwellings, it has been given the go-ahead for a two-level home to be built on 900 square metres. That means you can build a sweet, beachfront pad amid the rolling hills and native vegetation — y'know, with all those leftover pennies. You can check out the listing here if you're so inclined. We can dream. Via realestate.com.au. Images: Harcourts Northern Rivers.
If you're looking for a city break with a difference, head to a place where urban creativity meets Indigenous bush-tucker gardens meets a riverside retreat. That place is Parramatta, Sydney's city outside of the city, just 25 kilometres west of the CBD. In winter, a weekend in these parts means wandering along the Parramatta riverfront, feasting on authentic international food, strolling the Aboriginal Landscape Trail and drinking creative cocktails. Skip the traffic by catching a train or ferry — or better yet, book yourself into one of the AccorHotels nearby, and get stuck into the soul-nourishing activities below. EAT AND DRINK For one of the best brekkies in town, claim a table on Circa Espresso's sunny terrace — or the lamp-lit, book-filled back room. Among the Middle Eastern-inspired offerings are Ottoman eggs with crumbed eggplant, garlic labneh, burnt chilli, sage butter and seeded sourdough. The coffee is roasted in small batches: choose from Three Ropes — a buttery, chocolatey blend of Colombian, Guatemalan and Peruvian beans — or a single origin. Other spots for a good morning brew and bite are White Henry Espresso, tucked away in Fire Horse Lane, and country farmhouse-esque Paper Plane, which serves up Little Marionette coffee. Come lunch or dinner time, head to hybrid eatery-retail space Butter. Yep, this is the sibling of the Surry Hills original, but it's twice the size. Stay downstairs for fried chicken, Champagne and hip-hop; head upstairs for sneakers, hoodies, caps, socks and bags. Another couple of inner-city favourites to have set up digs in Parramatta are BL Burgers and Neil Perry's Burger Project. For a more local experience, try dining at Temasek. Prepare to queue for a table: foodies pack out this friendly, no-frills eatery for excellent Malaysian and Singaporean dishes, from laksa to nasi goreng. Meanwhile, just one train station — or five minutes' drive — away is Harris Park's cornucopia of Indian restaurants, where Chatkazz does tasty, affordable, vegetarian street food and Not Just Curries an array of regional dishes from all over India. Or, for something fancier, head to 350 Restaurant and Bar, the refined offering within the Novotel Parramatta Sydney, for a three-parter of blue swimmer crab with sweet corn veloute, Cape Grim beef cheeks and Frangelico panna cotta. It's recently nabbed a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, which goes to the spots with the top user reviewers. A couple of sweet spots for pre-dinner bevvies are ALEX&Co., whose cocktail bar overlooks Parramatta River, and the Riverside Brewing Company, which offers an ideal winter beer in the chocolatey Eighty-Eight Robust Porter. Note that the cellar door is only open Friday and Saturday, 2pm—6pm. After dinner, swing by Uncle Kurt's, a street-art-plastered small bar hidden away in a car park that feels as though it's straight out of Brooklyn and where head bartender Alex Colman makes every cocktail from scratch. Among his winter-friendly signature creations is the Westside, a heartening concoction of kaffir lime leaf-infused gin, yellow chartreuse, citrus, sugar snap peas, honey and ginger. DO Parramatta knows how to throw a festival just as well as the Sydney CBD. Coming up from October 9–12 is Parramatta Lanes, which takes over the area's laneways, plazas and hidden nooks. Roam the night and you might stumble across bands, street eats, pop-up bars, projections, glowing sculptures and interactive art installations. Before or after, book a ticket to a show at Riverside Theatres — the diverse program features everything from political satire to orchestral performances. During the day, Parramatta's surprisingly bushy outdoors offer stacks of escapades. To immerse yourself in Indigenous culture, head to Parramatta Park, where the Burramatta Aboriginal Landscape Trail travels through terrain that's been regenerated to reflect its state before European arrival. Meanwhile, among Parramatta Lake's 73 hectares of bushland, you'll find the Arrunga Bardo Bush Food Garden, crowded with edible and medicinal plants. Need to get warm? Jump on your bike and conquer one of Parramatta's many and varied cycle paths. The Heritage Ride takes in 27 historical spots; the Parramatta Park Ride is an easy, 3.5-kilometre loop through greenery; and the riverside route travels (mostly) along the waterfront to Sydney Olympic Park. If you have more of a lazy winter weekender in mind, then head to the Wentworth Atelier, a revamped Victorian terrace, for a blow dry or hot towel shave — with a top-shelf whiskey — at Dapper & Doll or to get measured up for a shirt or suit at the old-school Tailor & Co. SLEEP When you're on a wintry break, sleeping over in a snug spot is half the fun. For a stay right on the river — and just a minute's walk from the CBD — check into the Novotel Sydney Parramatta. The 4.5-star digs vary from Standard Rooms with queen or twin beds to Spa Suites with jacuzzis, but all come with massive windows that let in buckets of winter sunshine and splashes of earthy colours. There's an on-site gym, steam room, outdoor pool, restaurant and bar. For a more affordable option, book a room at the Mercure Sydney Parramatta, right near Rosehill Gardens Racecourse. You can count on a spacious, peaceful room, plus there's a tennis court, outdoor pool and the M Restaurant and Bar, serving contemporary Australian cuisine from head chef Roshni Bista. The new winter menu includes macadamia-encrusted barramundi with New York cheesecake for dessert. It's located near the M4, meaning getting back to Sydney or journeying on to the Blue Mountains is easy as pie. Go to the AccorHotels website to book your stay in Parramatta, and to discover more of NSW, swing by Visit NSW.
It has been three months since retail giants Coles and Woolworths farewelled single-use plastic bags from their checkouts. And the move — despite initially facing much customer backlash — has already proved a success, with new figures showing plastic bag use is down by 80 percent at retailers across the country. The numbers, released by the National Retailers Association (NRA) today, estimate that the ban has helped eliminate 1.5 billion plastic bags from the system, preventing them from ending up in landfill and in our oceans. According to the NRA, overall bag consumption has dropped by over 80 percent, with NRA Manager of Industry Policy David Stout saying in a statement that some retailers were reporting decreases in plastic bag usage as high as 90 percent. "The bulk of shoppers now use their own bags, which has been instrumental in reducing the number of plastic bags being consumed," Stout said. The supermarkets' plastic bag bans first kicked off this July, with both companies deciding to no longer offer customers free single-use plastic bags in-store. Days later, however, Coles and Woolworths paused their bans and began handing out reusable plastic bags for free after copping a heap of backlash from customers in-store and online. In late August, they both resumed their bans and now charge 15 cents for the reusables (or $1 for cloth bag alternatives). The bans impacted Woolworths and Coles in NSW, Victoria, Queensland and WA — with SA, the ACT, the Northern Territory and Tasmania already having state-wide plastic bag bans in place. The supermarkets' decisions also coincided with a state-wide bag ban coming into effect in Queensland, with Victoria set to follow suit next year. This leaves NSW as the only state or territory not to commit to a ban. With scientists predicting that plastic will outweigh fish in our oceans by 2050, reduced plastic use is important. In further wins for the environment, hundreds of retailers around the country have begun banning plastic straws, plastic-free aisles have begun appearing in shopping centres and the EU has pledged to phase out a heap of single-use plastic items by 2021. Let's just hope it's not too little, too late.
UK group The xx have announced the launch of their sophomore album, Coexist, which will be released in Australia on September 7. In more exciting news for fans, the band also confirmed via their Facebook page that they will be touring Australia in July. There is not yet any information on whether they will also be jumping across the ditch to New Zealand. Kicking off their tour in Melbourne, the band will play at The Forum on July 18 and then The Metro in Sydney on July 20. A ballot that started at 10am this morning has been set up for tickets - to see their Sydney show click here and for their Melbourne show click here.
It's not hard to believe that delicious Italian cuisine and persistent ball jokes are a recipe for success. Therefore it comes as no surprise that the Meatball and Wine Bar is extending their wildly successful restaurant franchise to a third location. Complementing the CBD flagship on Flinders Lane (Cityballs) and the southside follow-up on Swan Street (Richballs), the northern eatery will sit on the ever popular Smith Street — affectionately dubbed Smithballs. Sadly, this great gain comes with a small loss. Smithballs will be taking over the former location of much loved head-to-toe eatery, Josie Bones. But all is not lost. The former owners, Julia Jenkins and Chris Badenoch (of Masterchef fame) will now be turning their attention to a microbrewing venture in North Melbourne called Boneyard Brewing. And if any carnivores who haven't got the memo stroll into the old location, I doubt they'll be disappointed by the hearty ball-based foods on offer. For those not yet familiar with the meatball madness that has now officially taken over Melbourne, the Meatball and Wine Bar is your premier destination for innovative decadence and ball-shaped indulgence. Think truffle salami (aka small slices of heaven), meatball sliders and Tuscan Sangiovese. But this new location is about to take things one step further. Not only will they be serving a stellar dinner and lunch menu (think sandwiches with pea, mint, fregola salad and chicken balls), Smithballs will also be upping the stakes at their bar. A new pilsner and ale, appropriately named Balls Beer, have been created for the venue by Mildura Brewery and — ready yourself for this one — the bar will have Negroni cocktails on tap. Freshly made cocktails at the same speed and convenience of a pint of draught. We're sold. Smithballs will be officially opening its doors tomorrow: Friday, April 18. But get in quick. If there's one thing Melbournians love it's a new restaurant opening on Smith Street (and being the first ones to wrap their mouths around its balls).
How do you jump back into a superhero saga — a caped-crusader franchise within a sprawling, seemingly never-ending franchise, too — without your star? When Black Panther: Wakanda Forever arrives in cinemas in November, Marvel Cinematic Universe fans will find out. With Chadwick Boseman sadly passing away in 2020, the sequel to 2018's excellent Black Panther obviously isn't the film that returning writer/director Ryan Coogler (Creed) originally intended. Based on the just-dropped first teaser trailer, it's going to be unsurprisingly emotional, however. Marvel released the initial sneak peek at the eagerly awaited movie during this year's San Diego Comic-Con, and it's big on swirling, swelling feelings. "I am queen of the most powerful nation in the world, and my entire family is gone," exclaims Ramonda (Angela Bassett, Gunpowder Milkshake), T'Challa and Shuri's (Letitia Wright, Death on the Nile) mother, in a particularly climactic moment. While the teaser isn't overly concerned with Wakanda Forever's plot, it's firmly sets the mood. And yes, there's a tribute to King T'Challa among its frames. Story-wise, Ramonda, Shuri, M'Baku (Winston Duke, Nine Days), Okoye (Danai Gurira, The Walking Dead) and the Dora Milaje (including Florence Kasumba, Deutschland89) are charged with protecting their nation from world powers after T'Challa's death — and they'll need help from War Dog Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o, The 355) and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman, Breeders). Among the cast, joining the film are Michaela Coel (I May Destroy You) and Tenoch Huerta (Narcos: Mexico) — as well as Dominique Thorne (Judas and the Black Messiah) as Riri Williams, ahead of the character's solo Disney+ series Ironheart. Accordingly, the first glimpse at Wakanda Forever shows faces old and new, the same dazzling look and feel that was so essential to Coogler's initial film, and the Kingdom of Wakanda in a state of change. Dropping the trailer during a wide-ranging panel session that also included the latest look at Disney+ series She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, Marvel revealed that Wakanda Forever will wrap up the MCU's phase four — because this ever-growing on-screen superhero world is broken up into different chapters. Obviously, more caped-crusader stories are still in the works, though, with the Disney-owned entertainment behemoth also plotting out its plans across phase five and phase six, taking it up to 2025. One thing that wasn't mentioned: the previously revealed Black Panther Disney+ series set in Wakanda that was announced in early 2021. Check out the first Black Panther: Wakanda Forever trailer below: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever releases in cinemas Down Under on November 10.
At an altitude of 300 metres, winds are between five and eight times stronger than they are down here on earth. So a US-based startup is about to launch the world’s first flying wind farm. It’s set to hover above Fairbanks, Alaska, for 18 months, delivering power to more than 12 families. Dubbed the “BAT” (Buoyant Airborne Turbine), the machine is comprised of a donut-shaped, helium-filled shell, which supports a three-blade turbine. Lightweight yet super-strong tethers keep everything in position and send power to the ground. There’s no need for towers, subterranean foundations or cranes. The brains behind it, Altaeros Energies, have been planning lift-off for four years. “Our mission is simple,” the website reads. “To deploy the world’s first commercial airborne wind turbine to harness the abundant energy in strong, steady winds at higher altitudes.” Altaeros is particularly interested in providing a reliable source of low cost energy to the “remote power and microgrid market”. This sector, which largely depends on pricey diesel generators, includes remote and island communities; oil, gas, mining, agriculture and telecommunication firms; disaster relief organisations; and military bases. Established in 2010 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Altaeros Energies was the recipient of the 2011 ConocoPhillips Energy Prize. The US$1.3 million ($1.4 million) project has received funding and support from several high-profile organisations, including the US Department of Agriculture, the National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation Research programs and the Alaska Energy Authority. Via Inhabitat.
The Duffer brothers, aka Stranger Things creators Matt and Ross, have made a deal with their streaming god — and more time pondering Hawkins, the Upside Down, eerie monsters and all things 80s is now firmly in everyone's futures. Fancy adding a new Stranger Things spinoff to your Netflix queue? Keen to see how Stranger Things might turn out as a stage play? Like Kate Bush-loving teenagers battling demons, these things are now happening. Just days after the final two episodes in Stranger Things' fourth season arrived — aka just days after everyone tried to binge them so quickly that Netflix crashed for around half an hour — the Duffers and the streamer have revealed what's coming next. We already knew that there'll only be one more season of Stranger Things itself, with the show set to end after season five. Now, we have a couple of still-strange things to look forward to once the OG series says farewell. First, the spinoff — which comes as zero surprise given that Netflix has also announced that Stranger Things 4 is now in the number-one spot on the platform's all-time Most Popular English TV list. So, it's committing to leaping back into the show's world, via a new live-action series based on an original idea by the Duffers. As for other details, such as the storyline, cast and release date, they're as scarce right now as a drama-free day in Hawkins. Theatre-loving Stranger Things devotees can also rejoice, with a new stage play set within the world of the series also in the works. Who it'll be about, when it'll arrive and where it'll premiere also hasn't been unveiled as yet, but it'll be produced and directed by Stephen Daldry (The Crown, Billy Elliot, The Reader). Netflix and the Duffer brothers also revealed a few bits of non-Stranger Things news, if you're keen to see what the latter does next beyond creeping viewers out via Demogorgons, Vecna and the like. On their list, courtesy of the siblings' new production company Upside Down Pictures: a live-action TV adaptation of Japanese manga and anime series Death Note, a new original show from Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance's Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews, and a series that adapts Stephen King and Peter Straub's The Talisman. And yes, back to Stranger Things hitting the stage, that has already happened before — but as an unofficial musical parody. In fact, that satirical song-filled show is coming to Australia this year, playing Melbourne in November. Until more news about Stranger Things' Netflix spinoff and stage play arrives, check out the trailer for the second half of Stranger Things season four below: Stranger Things is available to stream via Netflix. Read our full review of Stranger Things season four volume one. Images: Courtesy of Netflix © 2022.
Having already been more successful in one career than most of us will, let's face it, ever be at any, Tavi Gevinson is about to extend her foray into a second: acting. The 17-year-old Rookie editor-in-chief is set to make her Broadway stage debut later this year in Kenneth Lonergan's comedy-drama This Is Our Youth alongside Michael Cera and Kieran Culkin. Cera and Culkin have played the same roles in a previous production, which played at the Sydney Opera House in 2012, when audiences flocked to see whether Cera could break the George Michael mould (a goal he finally achieved slapping Rihanna's bottom in This Is the End). The play falls firmly into the 'bored, disaffected New York youth' genre, elevated by its Reagan-era setting and a caper with cocaine and toy collection. After writing it in 1996, Lonergan went on to script Gangs of New York. Gevinson will play the character of Jessica Goldman — appropriately enough, a 17-year-old student of fashion. She's a character full of nervousness but also curiosity and hunger for experience. "I guess Jessica is often played by people who are older and have more distance from that time," Gevinson told the Chicago Tribune. "But I am living it. I really am cocksure of all my opinions, and I really do feel anxious when challenged. My issue, I think, will be having to zoom out of what I actually am experiencing." Everything Happens So Much http://t.co/ccZDEmufQf — Tavi Gevinson (@tavitulle) April 9, 2014 This production of the play will be directed by Anna D. Shapiro, the Tony Award winner who directed the super-famous August: Osage County for Steppenwolf Theatre Company. It will make its premiere at Steppenwolf's Chicago theatre before moving to Broadway in September. Gevinson, who also had a role in the 2013 film Enough Said, will miss her last couple of weeks of high school in order to appear in the play. A genius move if ever there was one.
In a world of pay-to-own content, companies like Spotify run to the sound of a different tune. Now, they're giving you the chance to quite literally do the same. The music streaming service today announced the introduction of Spotify Running, a new feature that automatically detects your running pace and plays tracks to match your tempo. Spotify Running will select music based on your listening history, incorporating different playlists as well as original compositions from DJs and composers around the world. Sensors in your phone will then detect how fast you're moving, with the music changing as you speed up or slow down. The feature will also be integrated into the Nike+ and Runkeeper apps later in the year. Of course, this isn't a new idea. There are already a number of third-party apps for both iOs and Android that will match music to your running pace, including Pace DJ and RockMyRun. However, Spotify is also working with musicians to develop customisable music, where the composition actually changes and rearranges itself depending on your speed. The new feature is one of several announced by Spotify at a recent New York media event. The Now page will better allow users to select playlists based on their personal preferences, mood and even the time of day. They’re also (finally) incorporating other forms of media such as video clips and podcasts (podcasts!), announcing partnerships with the likes of the BBC, Comedy Central, ESPN, TED, Adult Swim, Vice Media and NBC. The company will also launch Spotify Originals, shows and content that will be exclusive to the service. Turntable will pair musicians and chefs for a performance and a meal, while Incoming will cover the latest music trends. Artists including Icona Pop and Tyler the Creator will also be getting their own radio shows, while Dance Move of the Day, from Amy Poehler's Smart Girls, is exactly what it sounds like. No word yet on when exactly this content will be available for users in Australia, although Spotify Running is — pun very much intended — already up and running. The new features should add fuel to the competition between Spotify and its rivals, including Jay Z's Tidal, which already streams video content. Likewise, Apple is expected to launch a new music streaming service later this year, incorporating the recently acquired Beats Music. One of that service’s major selling points is its ability to deliver a personalised playlists based on user preferences and input, territory that the Spotify Now page appears to be cutting into. Game on. Spotify Running will be rolling out to all users globally from today.
In the long list of things we need to do to help the environment, cutting down on the amount of plastic that end up in landfill is right up there. Many countries including France, Italy, Ethiopia and South Africa have already banned single-use plastic bags, but France has just passed legislation that goes one step further. The European country will place a ban on plastic plates, cups and cutlery from 2020. Yep, all those Parisians picnicking at the Tuileries will see themselves dining differently in the park over the next four years — under the new rules, all disposable dinnerware will have to be made of biologically-sourced materials and have the ability to be composted. This includes plastic plates, plastic cutlery, plastic glasses, plastic dishes for takeaway meals, and even plastic cups in coffee machines. They're the first country in the world to introduce such a ban. Naturally, packaging and plastic manufacturers are none to happy with the French government's decision to implement the ban, claiming that it violates European Union's rules on free movement of goods, according to The Associated Press. They're also arguing that there's "no proof" bio-sourced disposable cutlery is any better for the environment. Either way, France — who also hosted last year's Paris Climate Change Conference — is doing its bit in making legislative changes to help the environment. By contrast, in Australia only Tasmania, South Australia, ACT and the NT have bans on single-use plastic bags in place at the moment — the bigger states are yet to commit to one. Via The Associated Press.
Feel like you already need a vacation to get over your yet-to-start Christmas vacation? As merry and jolly as the festive season is, all that fun, shopping, eating, drinking and partying in such a short space of time can have that impact. So, if that's your current vibe, you're not alone. And thanks to Jetstar, you can now make cheap post-Christmas holiday plans — as in $39 for domestic fares and $175 for international flights cheap, and to The Whitsundays, Byron Bay, the Gold Coast, Japan, Hawaii, Thailand, Bali and more. The Australian airline has just launched its 'post-Chrissy recovery' sale — and yes, technically it's a pre-Christmas post-Chrissy recovery' sale given the timing. Whatever you want to call it, it's an excuse to grab that suitcase and get excited about the getaway that'll help you recover from Christmas. Running from 12am AEDT on Thursday, December 8 till 11.59pm AEDT on Monday, December 12— or until sold out, if everything gets snapped up earlier — the sale's list of destinations is impressive just like the supremely affordable prices. Those starting fares cover Sydney to Byron Bay (from $39) and Sydney to Auckland (from $175), but the full list includes Brisbane to Proserpine from $59, Melbourne to the Gold Coast from $49, Cairns to Osaka from $259 and the Gold Coast to Tokyo from $299. Also on offer: Melbourne to Bali from $199, Melbourne to Phuket from $219, Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City from $195 and Sydney to Honolulu from $229. Yes, the list goes on. You will need to be happy to wait till around mid-2023 for your post-Christmas vacation, however. Dates for sale flights vary depending on the departure and arrival points, but expect to travel between early May and mid-September. There are a few rules, as is always the case. All sale fares are one-way, and they don't include checked baggage — so you'll need to travel super light or pay extra to take a suitcase. But, if you're a Club Jetstar member, you'll get the jump on the sale — with access from 12pm AEDT on Wednesday, December 7 until midnight. Jetstar's 'post-Chrissy recovery' sale runs from 12am AEDT on Thursday, December 8 till 11.59pm AEDT on Monday, December 12— or until sold out, if snapped up earlier. 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.
Are you sick of YouTube constantly delaying your enjoyment of cute animal videos? Do you want to avoid the awkwardness of sitting through an ad with a coworker who just wanted to show you a funny video of a guy ordering pizza? Need something else to add to your credit card statement? If you answered yes to all three of those questions, you might be interested to know that YouTube is launching its premium ad-free streaming service in Australia today. It's called YouTube Red and it's basically a way to make you pay for a premium version of an otherwise free service, much in the way that Spotify Premium works. It was launched in the US in November last year, and Australia is the second region to get the service. For a monthly subscription fee, you'll be freed of all advertising (including display and pre-roll ads) and be able to save videos to watch offline — which is pretty handy if you're jumping on a flight or your data provider is charging you through the roof. You'll also have access to original Red content, which at the moment includes shows from the likes CollegeHumor, Lilly Singh and PewDiePie. It's an obvious attempt to cut in on the success of Netflix's original shows (but show us a series as good as House of Cards and then we'll talk). On top of this, they've also launched their YouTube Music app, which aims to make listening to music on YouTube a much less roundabout and awkward experience. Recognising that there's a whole heap of people that use YouTube to crank tunes, YouTube Music simply arranges the mammoth amount of music content (including music videos, songs, albums, remixes, lyric videos and live performances) into a functional music browsing system. Like Spotify and Apple Music, they'll also have a radio function and will create personalise playlists according to your taste in tunes. Anyone can access YouTube Music, but if you have a Red account, you'll be able to listen ad-free as well as when you don't have the app open on your mobile. Unsure if this is a video streaming service or a music streaming service? We are too. It seems to take elements from both Spotify and Netflix's offerings, however the real drawcard will be in the original content they can produce. Price-wise, it's comparable to other streaming services — you can get a month free trial, and if you sign up before June 6, it'll cost you $9.99 a month (otherwise it's $11.99 a month). However, if you want to watch Beyoncé's Lemonade in full, you'll still need to get Tidal. Sorry.
His video collection is filled with 80s and 90s educational films. When we chat, he's staring at a Teddy Ruxpin doll. If anyone was destined to make Brigsby Bear, a delightful, insightful comedy about a fictional television show and its number one fan, it's Saturday Night Live star Kyle Mooney. With Mooney in the lead, his childhood pal Kevin Costello with him on co-screenwriting duties, and another of their friends, Dave McCary, in the directors chair, Brigsby Bear feels like it has been ripped not just from Mooney's mind, but from his heart. It's the most earnest and genuine film you could imagine about an adult discovering that his favourite show isn't quite what he thinks — one that isn't afraid to give nostalgia a hearty embrace while wading through dark terrain. It's also a perfect addition to a career that started with web sketches with his friends in comedy troupe Good Neighbour and segued into the most famous late night comedy show there is. Along the way, he's also racked up parts on Parks and Recreation, the US version of Wilfred and Hello Ladies. With Brigbsy Bear currently screening in Australian cinemas, we spoke with Mooney about turning his VHS obsession into a movie, getting the confidence to make the leap to film, and doing so with his best friends. ON FINDING INSPIRATION IN GREEK CINEMA AND 80s VHS TAPES "I don't know how it came to me — if I was just hanging around the house or in some sort of dream state or what, but I became really obsessed with this idea of a guy who watches a TV show that's being produced just for him," explains Mooney. "And I kept on thinking about that concept until eventually the story became not just that, but more about the world he explores after that, and outside of that." "There was a movie that came out a few years ago called Dogtooth. It has some similar qualities, with a family being raised in seclusion, so maybe that played a part. But generally I couldn't tell you where it came from, except from me being that obsessive myself, and watching these shows — I have a big VHS collection of kids shows, and I watch them over and over again." "It's mostly stuff that's made for kids, and mostly stuff from the 80s and 90s. I especially really like stuff that was released straight-to-video, and was produced regionally. And where there's maybe only 200 copies made. Educational films, religious videos, stuff like that. What I really like is when it has a low budget, and low production values, but you can tell that whoever's in charge of this thing is trying to do their best impression of Jim Henson or Walt Disney — and it's totally not working." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sgs81IOU0m4 ON MAKING THE LEAP FROM SHORTS, TO SNL, TO HIS FIRST FEATURE FILM "I started working on videos with Dave, our director, in my early 20s — right out of college. And with every video you learn something. And then, after a few of them you start trying new things, and you add people to the crew, or maybe start to put a little more money into the production. So it was kind of a gradual build where the stakes rise a little more each time." "By the time we got SNL — I went there with Dave and with Beck Bennett, who's a cast member who is also in our movie — again, there is a little more pressure at it, but you get used to it. And now you're working with a huge celebrity host each week! And you do that for a few years, and it has been building so that, by the time we were on set last summer shooting the movie, I felt pretty prepared." ON MAKING A MOVIE WITH HIS CHILDHOOD BEST FRIENDS "We had all of these shared experiences. With Dave and I, like, there was this very specific kid who went to middle school with us. And I can just be like, 'Jim said this in science class in 1998', or whatever it is, and we can get a laugh out of it. And there's just a level of trust that's there, I think, when Dave is directing me. He knows what I'm capable of. We have the same sensibilities, pretty much." "So it's easy for me, and I think it relieves a lot of the pressure of working on something and not knowing how it is going to turn out. We're also all in it together — and we fail together and we succeed together. But yeah, certainly like having so much history and sharing a sensibility helped." "And I had enough fun on that set that I felt like, 'if this is all we get out of it, I feel pretty good'. Even if the movie didn't turn out well, I would've just considered it a rad summer where we got to work on something together. When we weren't shooting, we would hang out in our hotel rooms or get beers or sing karaoke. It was truly a wonderful crew and cast, and it's nice that what comes through on screen is true to what the experience was like." ON THE FILM'S EARNESTNESS AND OPTIMISM "We have so much genuine love for the things we were trying to recreate. The Brigsby show that's in the movie — I love children's entertainment, and we never wanted to poke fun. I think we always really wanted to pay tribute to it." "And also, the film's underlying theme of creativity, or storytelling, or finding something that you love — we never felt like we wanted to make fun of that. We just wanted to embrace it. We just really liked the idea of playing everything earnest and honest, and hoped the laughs would come along naturally along the way." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MdrGM27yQ8 Read our Brigbsy Bear review.
This article is part of our series profiling the perfect Brisbane weekends of the city’s creative personalities. Brisbane is home to some amazingly talented folks. Whether it’s home by adoption or birth, the creatives that make their mark in Brisbane are inevitably drawn to the natural wonders of the south-east corner — the sun, surf and greenery. This week we continue the series with Mel Stringer, the artist extraordinaire. You probably know Mel from her prolific art Instagram, her on-point Etsy store Girlie Pains or through her cute and cutting zines. Or maybe you’ve seen her famous pug Grover zipping around a ball pit and being the most fashionable pug to ever live. Mel is a character illustrator, drawing pastel portraits inspired by life and real women. You might have already been papped by Mel and not even know it yet. And though she is originally from the Northern Territory, Mel calls Brissie home for the same reasons many others do. "Sometimes I've felt really isolated living somewhere too large," she says. "I think Brisbane is just right. It's not as intimidating as Sydney or Melbourne, and its subtropical climate appeals to me as well”. Aside from her life as an artist and crafter, Mel has her finger on the pulse and is one to listen to for the best tips on kawaii cafes and unfished vintage havens. It’s all part and parcel of her distinct aesthetic and all inspired by the streets and people of Brisbane. “Everything here inspires my art in one way or another," she says. "Though subtle, the lifestyle and kinds of people inspire me. I can't really pinpoint one specific thing, but I love going to the city, the beach or the countryside — there's always something that sparks inspiration in me”. Here are Mel's five steps to the perfect Brisbane weekend. To experience them for yourself, head to the Visit Brisbane website and get booking. BREAKFAST AT THE LOW ROAD “Wake up early and drag your best mate to go and chew on a yum breakfast and sip on some coffee from The Low Road in Windsor,” Mel says. “The kitsch paradise has a front garden adorned with hot pink flamingoes and palm trees, so you can't miss it. Their breakfast salad with lemony haloumi has also made many a friend.” The Low Road is worth a visit not only for the sumptuous food and drinks menu but for the quality chalk board messages like “Oh my god Becky, look at their café” and (inexplicably) “Hail Ants”. TREASURE HUNTING AT THE WOOLLOONGABBA ANTIQUE CENTRE “Check out any treasures that may be hidden at Woolloongabba Antique Centre. There are so many dealers here pedalling furniture, crockery and knick-knacks from yesteryear,” Mel says “If you pop in on a Saturday afternoon, you might catch their in-house jazz band.” The Antique Centre also brags of an in-house '50s style cafe that offers a mean milkshake and will transport you back to the American sitcoms we all know and love. OP SHOPPING IN WEST END West End is the hub for all vintage rummaging in Brisbane and has recently been injected with fresh blood in the form of SWOP and the Boundary Street night markets. Mel agrees. “Explore a few op shops in West End,” she says. “There are some good ones on and around Vulture Street. St Veronica on Hardgrave Road is wonderfully cluttered and full of rewards for those prepared to go rummaging.” But remember: rummaging is the key. Image via Swop. HAVE A KADOYA BENTO BOX LUNCH After a strenuous morning of shopping, you’ll need a decent lunch eaten from a beautifully crafted bento box (you’re worth it). “Next up: go and cry over how beautiful a bento box meal at Kadoya in the CBD is, then eat it,” Mel says “Each comes with a vegetable croquette, spring roll, Japanese pickles and rice — sometimes salad and deep-fried tofu too. The casual and pocket-sized restaurant feels like it really could be in Japan.” Image via Forever Craving. SIP A LYCHEE BOBA FROM LITTLE SINGAPORE AND GO FOR A WANDER A boba, for the uninitiated, is another term for a bubble tea — a pastel, picturesque milk tea with tapioca pearls that is almost too cute to drink. Mel recommends the boba from Little Singapore on Charlotte Street in the CBD. “Ask for the watermelon iced drink with lychee boba,” she says. “They offer a pretty extensive menu of bubble teas in plastic-topped takeaway cups. Head home while sipping it, go through all the treasures you found that day and have a nap.” Book your own Queensland weekender at the Visit Brisbane website or follow them through the Visit Brisbane Facebook page or Twitter at @VisitBrisbane and hashtag #brisbaneanyday.
No longer just the realms of year three excursions where your mum came as chaperone, Melbourne Zoo Twilights — the after-hours live music series that boasts perhaps one of the best summer nights out, as well as lots of adorable animals — has proven it's got some real cred when it comes to hosting outdoor gigs in the past few years. After all, the event has hosted headliners such as Kurt Vile, Cat Power and Ben Folds over the last few years. And this summer the event will return with a series of live sets every weekend from Friday, January 24 through Saturday, March 7. Last month, Zoo Twilights announced famed LA composer and singer Randy Newman — who has won two Academy awards and seven Grammys, and is behind songs in nine Disney and Pixar films — as one of its headline acts. And, now, it's just dropped the full 2020 lineup. Aussie pop royalty Missy Higgins, Twilight regulars The Cat Empire, seminal Jamaican reggae group Toots and The Maytals, Perth noir-pop band Methyl Ethel and dance floor starters Confidence Man will all taking the stage this season. A few big throwbacks are also on this year's program, including the pub-rock legends behind 'Great Southern Land' and 'Electric Blue' Icehouse, 70s English band 10cc — if you don't know the name, you'll definitely know their hit 'I'm Not in Love' — and US gospel queen and 99 Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Mavis Staples. UK-French avant-pop band Stereolab has also reunited after a ten-year break and will be treating to the crowd to its first live performance in a decade. Bringing your own picnic is encouraged, but there'll also be handy gourmet hampers available on-site, as well as a slew of food trucks to choose nosh from. Either way, it's one of the best dates in Melbourne. Plus, all proceeds from Zoo Twilights go back into Zoo Victoria's ongoing conservation work to help fight the extinction of the Mountain Pygmy possum. MELBOURNE ZOO TWILIGHTS 2020 PROGRAM Friday, January 24 — Confidence Man, supported by Wax'o Paradiso Saturday, January 25 — Icehouse, with special guests Friday, January 31 — Toots and The Maytals, supported by Systa BB Saturday, February 1 — An Evening with Randy Newman Friday, February 7 — Missy Higgins, supported by William Crighton Friday, February 14 — The Cat Empire, supported by Emily Wurramara Friday, February 21 — 10cc, supported by Russell Morris Saturday, February 22 — Methyl Ethel, supported by Hatchie Friday, February 28 — Julia Jacklin, supported by Weyes Blood Saturday, February 29 — Meg Mac, supported by Fergus James Friday, March 6 — Stereolab, supported by Mildlife Saturday, March 7 — Mavis Staples, supported by Emma Donovan and The Putbacks Tickets go on sale at 8am on Tuesday, October 22 at zootwilights.org.au. Updated October 16, 2019. Images: Ian Laidlaw
“You are now about to witness the strength of street knowledge”. So begins both the film and the song ‘Straight Outta Compton’, and it’s equal parts preview and warning. The ‘street knowledge’ of NWA’s leading trio — Dr Dre (played by Corey Hawkins), Ice Cube (O’Shea Jackson Jr, playing his real-life father) and Eazy-E (Jason Mitchell) — was an affront to the establishment, a threat, even, but also helped facilitate the group's rapid rise from neighbourhood group to musical ascendancy. Acquired over two decades of daily exposure to gang violence, racial vilification and police persecution, it instilled in them a bravado, passion and unyielding determination that permitted neither retreat nor weakness. It also came at a price, however, because not all streets are the same, and when Crenshaw Boulevard became Rodeo Drive, the blinders and shortcomings of that knowledge became all too apparent. Straight Outta Compton, then, is not just an NWA biopic but a cautionary tale about loyalty, friendship and the corrosive effects of celebrity. Directed by F. Gary Gray (The Italian Job), this is a slick, provocative and timely film that absolutely warrants your viewing. Straight Outta Compton (© 2015 Universal Studios) is in cinemas nationally from September 3, and thanks to Universal Pictures Australia, we have 10 double in-season passes to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter and then email us with your name and address. Read our full Straight Outta Compton review here. Follow the movie via its website or Facebook page. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au
Since opening late last year, all-day venue Citizen has been serving up cold beers and Japanese-influenced bar snacks to South Wharf dwellers. If you haven't been past yet, the fact that the cafe-bar is offering $1 coffees all February might be enough to get you there. Yep, one-buck coffee — all month. All you have to do is bring in your reusable coffee cup. Misplaced yours? Citizen will have HuskeeCups for sale if you need a newbie — they're made from old coffee husks, which help to close the loop on coffee production. Best part is that the cafe is open from 7am (and 8am on weekends) until late, so you can get your gold coin cup before, during or even after work. It does breakfast and lunch and, if you're there for happy hour (4–8pm weekdays), you can even get a rice or noodle bowl and a beer for a tight $20.
The 'art world' is a concept just as tricky to define as 'art' itself. Opinions on what distinguishes 'good' from 'poor', 'high-brow' from 'low-brow', 'contemporary' from plain bizarre are essentially endless. No one seems quite sure what qualifies an 'artist' to be labeled as such. And what is this 'world', this community, they belong in? One thing all artists and art enthusiasts cannot dispute, however, is a cold, hard fact. The Art Newspaper serves up an annual batch of exhibit attendance figures to reveal which exhibitions were best attended. No matter what your taste or opinions, 2011 brought an eclectic jumble to the forefront; here are 10 of the most attended exhibits. 1. The Magical World of Escher Where: The Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil Visitors per day: 9,677 This exhibition brought together the best-known trippy drawings and prints by the Dutch artist. 2. Kukai’s World: the Arts of Esoteric Buddhism Where: The Tokyo National Museum Visitors per day: 9,108 Featuring 99 items - some certified national treasures - related to Kukai, the famous Japanese Buddhist priest, this exhibit celebrates 'Esoteric Buddhism'. Kukai brought the practice with him from China during the early 9th century. 3. Landscape Reunited Where: The National Palace Museum Visitors per day: 8,828 Reuniting the two halves of Huang Gongwang's Chinese scroll painting Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains, this exhibit pieced together the 660-year-old work from the sections formerly split between China and Taiwan. The piece, considered one of the most important in Chinese painting, has not been exhibited in its entirety since 1940. 4. Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty Where: Metropolitan Museum of Art Visitors per day: 8,025 The Costume Institute's posthumous tribute to Alexander McQueen featured his groundbreaking works of fashion. 5. Claude Monet (1840-1926) Where: The Grand Palais Visitors per day: 7,609 The likes of this exhibit had been MIA in Paris for years, making this collection of over 200 impressionist Monet works even more of a must-see. 6. Photoquai Where: Musée Quai Branly Visitors per day: 7,304 A free, outdoor celebration of non-Western photography, Photoquai held its third edition in 2011. 7. Mariko Mori: Oneness Where: Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil Visitors per day: 6,991 Toyko-born, New York-raised Mariko Mori designed this contemporary exhibit to be interactive, with some pieces visually interpreting attendees brainwaves, and others lighting up when touched. 8. Monumenta: Anish Kapoor Where: The Grand Palais Visitors per day: 6,967 Kapoor's temporary, site-specific installation challenged the confines of the Grand Palais belle epoque exhibition hall. 9. Laurie Anderson Where: Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil Visitors per day: 6,934 For her first solo show in Brazil, Anderson chose to feature 31 works that "told stories". 10. The Prado Museum Where: The Hermitage Visitors per day: 6,649 Madrid's Prado Museum created its own little 66-piece museum inside of St. Petersburg's State Hermitage Museum as the first of a two-part exhibition exchange. The Hermitage Museum will be featured at the Prado through March 2012. [via Flavorwire]
Struggling to pay the electricity bill this month? What would you say to jumping rope instead? Innovative technology-with-a-conscience company Uncharted Play has come up with PULSE, a skipping rope that harvests energy with every single jump. That’s energy that can later be used to power electronic devices — including smartphones — and lights. Made of strong, resilient plastic, the device features 3D-printed handles which store the kinetic energy created by each spin. It’s converted to electricity via an adaptor. One hundred PULSEs, priced at US$129 each, comprise the first run. But Uncharted Play’s higher goal is to make the invention accessible to individuals and communities in the developing world, where electricity can be insanely expensive and resorting to high-risk alternatives such as kerosene is often the only option. If the initial distribution takes off, the company will start looking at ways to bring the price down. Previous Uncharted Play successes include the SOCCKET — an energy-harvesting soccer ball connected to an LED lamp — and a foldable, sustainable, recyclable, eco-friendly water bottle. All sales proceeds go towards providing SOCCKETs to disadvantaged children and lifting educational standards in remote areas. Via Springwise.
Live theatre, concerts and sport have been beaming their way into cinemas for some time now. Live television recreations of iconic films have been gracing TV screens for a few years as well. And yet, live movies themselves aren't something anyone has toyed with — until now. Lost in London Live is being called "an unprecedented live feature film event", and when you hear the details, you just might agree. The approximately two-hour-long effort will be shot in one take in real time as actors roam around the British capital, and it'll be broadcast directly to cinemas as it's being made. If the idea of watching a film come together before your very eyes sounds surprising — not to mention a logistical nightmare — that's understandable. If the fact that it'll also mark the directorial debut of Woody Harrelson, who'll star alongside Owen Wilson and Willie Nelson, does too, that is as well. The True Detective and Now You See Me actor will play himself as he tries to get back to his family over the course of one hectic night. "Run-ins with royalty, old friends and the law all seem to conspire to keep Harrelson from succeeding," the film's website explains. Yep, move over Birdman, Victoria and the raft of single-take (but not live) movies that have come before — there's a new ambitious film project in the works. Just how it will turn out is anyone's guess, but it's certain to be unlike anything you've ever seen before. With Lost in London Live sounding a little like performance art, perhaps Harrelson is taking a leaf out of Shia LaBeouf's book? "No one has ever shot a movie and live broadcast it into cinemas at the same time. No one's ever been that stupid," the actor offered in the film's video announcement. Whatever the end result, it'll come to fruition on January 19, 2017, and be broadcast to at least 550 locations. No word yet as to whether any Australian cinemas will jump on board, but keep an eye on the Lost in London Live site for more information.
The eternal fox in the hen house, Ai Weiwei, is stirring things up again. The controversial Chinese artist has thrown leftover paint all over his willing friends — all wearing one-off outfits from Comme des Garçons. The whole project developed after V magazine invited Weiwei to create a do-what-you-want editorial spread for the magazine, dubbed Children of the Comme. All they sent the artist was a box of garments from 14 different designers — and they were all one-offs. Treating the painstakingly-crafted pieces as destructively as his famed painted vase series, Weiwei stood his dressed-up friends on a custom-made pedestal and threw paint over the garments — the same paint used in his 2006/2008 Coloured Vases work. "Pouring a colour on an outfit creates a new condition for the design. It creates a midpoint between two conflicting ideas." Weiwei says in V. "Gravity and the shape of the clothes combine to create a unique moment. Using these cultural products as ready-mades celebrates and reinterprets the intention of creativity. I think this act shows my respect toward their creativity." This isn't the first time Weiwei has collaborated with Commes des Garcons; the artist has previously worked with the label's Joffe and Rei Kawakubo on their Tokyo store design, but most notably created an installation of backpacks inspired by the children lost to 2008's Sichuan earthquake. "It has always been an interesting and exciting experience. Rei Kawakubo is a person who has always supported and fostered unique ideas," Weiwei told V from Beijing (the artist cannot leave the country, with his passport confiscated and the focus of constant government surveillance). "For the last ten years, these 14 colours have existed in our studio colour chart for the production of Coloured Vases. It’s a complete coincidence that we had these 14 colours for exactly 14 outfits.” Via Hyperallergic and V. Images: Ai Weiwei.
Trust a mockumentary about the undead to keep coming back in new guises. Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement's What We Do in the Shadows first came to light as a short film in 2005, then made its way to cinemas in rib-tickling feature-length form in 2014, and already has a werewolf-focused sequel in the works. Now, it's getting a TV spinoff. Slated to air on New Zealand television in 2017, Paranormal Event Response Unit won't spend more time with everyone's favourite Wellington-dwelling bloodsuckers, even though Waititi and Clement conceived the six-part series. Instead, it'll follow police officers Karen and Mike, who WWDITS fans might remember came knocking at the vampire share house's door. The cop duo will keep trying to keep the city safe from supernatural happenings — and we're sure viewers will keep watching. On Twitter, Waititi described the show as "Mulder & Scully but in a country where nothing happens", should you need any more reason to get excited. And we know he likes buddy flicks with mismatched characters, so expect that kind of vibe to come through too. As for the ingeniously titled We're Wolves, aka the Rhys Darby-starring, wolfpack-oriented big-screen continuation we mentioned above, it's still in development; however Waititi has been more than a bit busy of late. His last movie, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, proved a runaway hit when it opened in cinemas earlier this year. And over the last few months, the filmmaker has been hanging out on Gold Coast and in Brisbane directing a little flick called Thor: Ragnarok. Via Radio NZ.
Is this just another clever advertising trick (which has succeeded in attracting plenty of social media attention)? Or a genuine demonstration of corporate interest in improving public spaces? However you judge it, this is one product of IBM's People for Smarter Cities campaign. Designed by French creative studio Ogilvy & Mather, the billboards, which can be found in both Paris and London, provide shelter, ramps and benches, all the while sporting the IBM logo. The advertising world is certainly impressed. In June this year, at the Cannes Lions Festival, the billboards saw Ogilvy win the Grand Prix in the Outdoor category. This award came on the heels of the studio's Brazilian branch's win of the Promo and Activations Lions category for its 'Immortal fans' campaign encouraging organ donation. IBM is 'calling all doers, thinkers, problem solvers, creators and dreamers' to upload their ideas and projects to the Smarter Cities site. Some of the popular concepts so far contributed include enormous fish sculptures made of plastic bottles, motor vehicles powered by both electricity and wind and 'smart airports'. [via Coolhunter]
After promising a return to Australian shores earlier this year, Coldplay have announced the details of their November tour. The band will be playing four stadium shows in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane plus Auckland in New Zealand from November 10-21. Australian talent The Temper Trap and US-based sister act, The Pierces, will be supporting. Coldplay are currently touring the world to celebrate the release of their fifth studio album Mylo Xyloto. In March, the band cancelled two corporate shows in Sydney due to personal reasons. Their last visit down under was in 2011 to headline Splendour in the Grass. “We can’t wait to get back to Australia and New Zealand this November. They’re such special places for us. These venues are pretty huge, the Aussie and New Zealand crowds are always incredible and we’ll be bringing everything we’ve got. It’s going to be big,” lead singer Chris Martin said on the band’s official website. Pre-sale tickets for Visa Credit, Debit and Prepaid cardholders will be released this Thursday, May 17. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, May 25.
In these tumultuous modern times — these times of Pottermore, Fantastic Beasts spinoffs and The Cursed Child — it's comforting to be able to take it back to basics. Basics, here, meaning the score of the first two Harry Potter films played live by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. That's right — just like their counterparts in Sydney and Brisbane, the MSO are taking us back to 2001 and 2002 when the first two of the eight Harry Potter films came out. It made us cringe (the acting — so bad but so good), marvel at how not hot Neville Longbottom was (boy, would we learn) and — most importantly — float away on a magical adventure thanks to the incredible score by John Williams. In four sessions taking place in November 2017 (yes, practically a whole year from now), you'll be able relive the magic of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets all over again when the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre screens the films scored by a real, live orchestra. Maybe they'll release live owls! Maybe not because that would be chaos. Maybe they'll release live rats? Actually, absolutely not — we all know rats are secretly fat old criminals hiding from magical law enforcement and waiting for the Dark Lord to rise again (lookin' at you, Pettigrew). As you might imagine, tickets are set to sell like pumpkin pasties; in Sydney the first concert was more popular than butterbeer, they even added extra sessions. So, you'd best get in quick or spend eternity griping about it like some Moaning Myrtle-type character. The Harry Potter performances are part of the MSO at the Movies series, and will screen at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre at from November 16-18, 2017. Grab tickets here.
Beaches, pools, rooftop bars, outdoor cinemas: nowhere in Australia can have too many when summer hits. For movie lovers, Sunset Cinema is one such spot to see a film under the stars — and it's back for its 2023–24 season with stops new and old, plus flicks that fit both categories. Over the the next few sunny months, then heading into autumn as well, this excuse to hit the pictures in the open air has seven stops on its itinerary: its new venue in Bondi, which is on now; a return to Canberra, which is also taking place at the moment; and comebacks at North Sydney, Mt Martha, Wollongong, St Kilda and Brisbane all to come. The dates vary, as does exactly how long that Sunset Cinema is getting its projector whirring in each place, but cosy date nights and easy group hangs outdoors all await. Bondi's season runs until Saturday, December 23 at Dolphin Court, with Jaws, Saltburn, The Marvels, and Christmas titles such as Elf, Love Actually, Home Alone and The Nightmare Before Christmas on its roster for its final days. In Canberra, you have until Saturday, February 24 to head to the Australian National Botanic Gardens, where highlights include festive fare — of course — as well as Barbie, an advance screening of the Mean Girls musical, Wonka, Priscilla and Poor Things. North Sydney will enjoy a three-month stint from Friday, December 8—Saturday, March 9 at North Sydney Oval. In addition to Christmas movies — a staple at every Sunset Cinema that's running in December — the lineup includes many of the above titles, as well as other standouts such as Past Lives, The Boy and the Heron, Ferrari, Force of Nature: The Dry 2 and perennial favourite 10 Things I Hate About You. From Wednesday, December 20—Friday, January 20 at The Briars at Mt Martha gets in on the action. Then, the Wollongong Botanic Garden joins in from Thursday, January 11–Saturday, March 24. In St Kilda, you'll be able to head along from February 2024, with exact dates and a venue to be announced. And Brisbane gets its turn from sometime in March 2024 at Maritime Green at Northshore, where Sunset Cinema set up shop in 2023. At all stops around the country, BYO picnics are encouraged, but the event is fully licensed, so alcohol can only be purchased onsite. Didn't pack enough snacks? There's hot food options, plus plenty of the requisite movie treats like chips, chocolates, lollies and popcorn. SUNSET CINEMA 2023–24 DATES: Bondi, NSW: until Saturday, December 23 at Dolphin Court Canberra, ACT: until Saturday, February 24 at Australian National Botanic Gardens North Sydney, NSW: Friday, December 8—Saturday, March 9 at North Sydney Oval Mt Martha, VIC: Wednesday, December 20—Friday, January 20 at The Briars, Mt Martha Wollongong, NSW: Thursday, January 11–Saturday, March 24 at Wollongong Botanic Garden St Kilda, VIC: from February 2024, exact dates and venue TBC Brisbane, QLD: from March 2024, exact dates TBC, at Maritime Green at Northshore Sunset Cinema's 2023–24 season runs at various venues around the country on various dates. Head to the Sunset Cinema website for further details.
We all have at least one mate whose avocado obsession is off the charts. After all, we've collectively chosen the tasty green fruit over the joys of home ownership, right? Well ironically, the two things have now – sort of – become one, as the world's first Avo-Condo lands at Sydney's Circular Quay. The latest edition of Things You Never Knew You Needed, this avocado-shaped tiny home has popped up in celebration of 'National Avocado Day' on July 31. The quirky, custom-built accommodation will set up shop at Campbell's Cove Lookout for just two nights, offering avo-crazed punters the chance to book a once-in-a-lifetime sleepover on Wednesday, July 31, and Thursday, August 1. Perched right on the footpath within its own white picket fence, the Avo-Condo boasts some primo real estate and top-notch views. Though the realistic avocado-styled exterior and avo-themed furnishings inside might be a little harder to ignore. Avo-Condo will be available to book exclusively through Booking.com, from 9am on Monday, July 29. Surprisingly, it's only a little more expensive than an actual serve of smashed avo, clocking in at $100 per night. Avo-Condo will reside at Campbell's Cove Lookout, 4 Circular Quay Way, The Rocks, on July 31 and August 1. Bookings will open at 9am on Monday, July 29 at booking.com.
Has every famous actor ever popped up in a Marvel movie at one point or another? With Captain America: Brave New World marking the saga's 35th film — and with entry 36 on its way via Thunderbolts*, then flick 37 courtesy of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, all before July 2025 is out — it can feel that way. So when the comic-book company-turned-cinema powerhouse announces the cast for one of its Avengers movies, there's plenty of talent to call upon. The ensemble for Avengers: Doomsday has just been revealed, and it's a stacked bunch. Set to be the 38th Marvel Cinematic Universe entry, Avengers: Doomsday will hit the big screen in autumn 2026 — Thursday, April 30 Down Under — which means that it's still over a year away. But expect Robert Downey Jr (The Sympathizer) rejoining the franchise, a few folks who've been in past Avengers films, recent additions to the fold and familiar X-Men faces, and more. [caption id="attachment_866265" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Photo by Jasin Boland. ©Marvel Studios 2022. All Rights Reserved.[/caption] At San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Marvel advised Downey Jr's return, fresh from him becoming an Oscar-winner thanks to Oppenheimer. Although the last time that he was in an Avengers picture, he played Tony Stark aka Iron Man — a role he portrayed in ten MCU movies — this time he's stepping into Victor von Doom's shoes. That, fans already knew before the rest of the Avengers: Doomsday cast was unveiled. It's a big list from there, starting with Chris Hemsworth (Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga) and Tom Hiddleston (Loki), alongside Anthony Mackie (Twisted Metal), Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice), Paul Rudd (Only Murders in the Building), Letitia Wright (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever) and Winston Duke (The Fall Guy) among those with Avengers experience. [caption id="attachment_877485" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 MARVEL.[/caption] Get ready to see a number of faces a couple of times over the next year, given that Wyatt Russell (Monarch: Legacy of Monsters), Florence Pugh (We Live in Time), David Harbour (A Working Man), Hannah John-Kamen (Breaking Point) and Lewis Pullman (Salem's Lot) will hop from Thunderbolts* to Doomsday. Pedro Pascal (Gladiator II), Vanessa Kirby (Napoleon), Joseph Quinn (A Quiet Place: Day One) and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear) will do the same from The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Simu Liu (Last Breath) returns from Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Danny Ramirez from Captain America: Brave New World and Tenoch Huerta Mejia from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Channing Tatum (Blink Twice) was in Deadpool and Wolverine, and will keep adding to his MCU resume. As Beast from the X-Men movies, Kelsey Grammer (Paper Empire) joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in The Marvels, while Patrick Stewart (Star Trek: Picard) brought Professor Charles Xavier to Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness — and they're back again now. [caption id="attachment_973924" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2024 MARVEL.[/caption] Ian McKellen (The Critic), Alan Cumming (Drive Back Home), Rebecca Romijn (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds), James Marsden (Paradise): they're on the list of X-Men stars — actors bring Marvel comics to the screen before the MCU even existed, but in films that were their own franchise until now — that are also part of Doomsday. Now that Disney owns Fox, which previously was behind the Deadpool, X-Men and Fantastic Four flicks, it's bringing characters from all of the above into its ever-sprawling screen saga. So, that's Thor, Loki, Captain America, Bucky Barnes, Ant-Man, Shuri, M'Baku, John Walker, Yelena Belova, Red Guardian, Ghost, Robert Reynolds, Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, Ben Grimm, Shang-Chi, Joaquin Torres, Namor, Gambit, Beast, Professor X, Magneto, Nightcrawler, Mystique and Cyclops covered. After helming Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, filmmakers Anthony and Joe Russo (The Electric State) are back as well, directing not just Avengers: Doomsday but also 2027's Avengers: Secret Wars. Check out the Avengers: Doomsday cast announcement video below: Avengers: Doomsday releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Top images: photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney // Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios / © 2025 MARVEL. // Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2023 MARVEL.
Australia, we're now one step closer to the potential music collaboration of the year: Lil Nas X and The Wiggles, that is. After the rapper tweeted about his wish to tour with the Aussie national treasures mere weeks ago, Falls Festival is now making that dream a reality — for one of its big headliners, and for audiences. At the beginning of 2022, plenty of people tipped that The Wiggles would win the Hottest 100. That's been just the start of the skivvy-loving group's huge year, though. Embracing their love of rainbows, they also played Mardi Gras. And, because folks who definitely aren't toddlers love the band, too, they've been touring a string of adults-only shows, too. So, taking to the stage at all three Falls Festival events over the summer of 2022–23 is clearly the next logical step. We're ready to wiggle with you! 💛💜💙❤️ — The Wiggles (@TheWiggles) April 27, 2022 Whether you're heading to Falls at Pennyroyal Plains, Colac in Victoria from Thursday, December 29–Saturday, December 31; North Byron Parklands, Yelgun in New South Wales from Saturday, December 31–Monday, January 2; or Fremantle Park, Fremantle in Western Australia from Saturday, January 7–Sunday, January 8, The Wiggles will be on the bill. The fest will host the group's OG lineup, too — aka Anthony Field, Murray Cook, Jeff Fatt and Greg Page. Naturally, they'll be playing all the usual songs — and Falls attendees can expect cameos from characters such as Captain Feathersword, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog and Henry the Octopus as well. The words you're looking for: yummy yummy. Whether The OG Wiggles and Lil Nas X will share the stage at the same time is yet to be seen, but we're betting that punters will hear the words "wake up Lil Nas X" at some point. When Lil Nas X' tweeted about wanting to tour with The Wiggles back at the end of April, the group responded that they were keen — and now they're taking their big red car on the road. The news comes just as Falls tickets go on sale — at 9am today, Thursday, May 12. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Wiggles (@thewiggles) And if you're keen for the full Falls Festival lineup, here's the rundown as it currently stands: FALLS FESTIVAL 2022 LINEUP: Arctic Monkeys Lil Nas X Peggy Gou Chvrches Jamie xx Aminé Ocean Alley Camelphat Spacey Jane DMA's G Flip Pinkpantheress Rico Nasty Amyl and the Sniffers Mall Grab Ben Böhmer DJ Seinfeld Genesis Owusu TSHA CC:DISCO! Young Franco Anna Lunoe Luude Lastlings MAY-A Choomba The Vanns King Stingray Peach PRC Beddy Rays Jean Dawson Telenovela Biscits Barry Can't Swim Elkka Floodlights Wongo Yng Martyr 1300 Moktar Magdalena Bay Dameeeela Ebony Boadu Rona. Elsy Wamayo Juno Mamba The OG Wiggles and more FALLS FESTIVAL 2022 DATES: Pennyroyal Plains, Colac, VIC — Thursday, December 29–Saturday, December 31 North Byron Parklands, Yelgun, NSW — Saturday, December 31–Monday, January 2 Fremantle Park, Fremantle, WA — Saturday, January 7–Sunday, January 8 Falls Festival 2022 will take place in December 2022 and January 2023 in Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia. General ticket sales kick off at 9am on Thursday, May 12. For more info and to buy tickets, visit the festival's website.
2020. It's a year so difficult to summarise that even the Oxford Dictionary couldn't decide on a single word of the year. Another brand is looking forward with similar indecisiveness, with Pantone's colour experts this week, on Friday, December 11, announcing not one but two hues as the 2021 Colour of the Year. Ultimate Gray (Pantone 17-5104) and the vibrant yellow Illuminating (13-0647) are the two colours that Pantone has chosen for the new year, describing them as "practical and rock solid" and conveying "strength and positivity". When paired together, they're designed to convey "a message of happiness supported by fortitude" — and to be "aspirational and give us hope". Yes, they're meant to get everyone looking up in 2021— something that hasn't been much of a factor in 2020. Pantone noted that optimism was a driving force behind the choices. "We need to feel that everything is going to get brighter — this is essential to the human spirit." Expect to see these hues popping up around the place when the new year hits, with Pantone suggesting how they can be used in fashion and accessories, home decor, design and beauty. Folks with greying hair are clearly ahead of the trend. If you suddenly have beachy images in your head, too, that's actually by design. Pantone notes that Ultimate Gray is emblematic of "the colours of pebbles on the beach, and natural elements whose weathered appearance highlights an ability to stand the test of time". As for Illuminating, it's described as "a warming yellow shade imbued with solar power". This year's colour of the year, Classic Blue, also evoked a beach theme. The year before, Pantone went with Living Coral, while 2018's colour was Ultra Violet and 2017's was Greenery. To find out more about Ultimate Gray and Illuminating — and to check out all the previous Colours of the Year — head to the Pantone website.
If you endured Morbius in 2022, finding joy only in the 'it's morbin' time' meme, you weren't alone: the annual Golden Raspberry Awards also deemed it one of the past year's worst movies. Famously designed to recognise that all films can't be great, good or even watchable, the accolades always drop its winners for the year just before the Oscars — and as the current awards season comes to an end, it's that time again. Morbius took home Worst Actor for Jared Leto and Worst Supporting Actress for Adria Arjona, with the supervillain flick tying with Blonde and Elvis for the most amount of wins: two apiece. Blonde, starring Ana de Armas in her Oscar-nominated role as Marilyn Monroe, was anointed 2022's Worst Picture and Worst Screenplay, while Baz Luhrmann's king of rock 'n' roll biopic Elvis notched up a pair of awards for Tom Hanks. Firstly, the beloved actor nabbed the Worst Supporting Actor prize for playing Colonel Tom Parker. Secondly, he took out the Worst Screen Combo Award for his partnership with his latex-laden face (and, in the words of the Razzies, "that ludicrous accent"). Elsewhere, Disney's live-action Pinocchio — which isn't the same as Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio, as the Razzies also point out — won Worst Remake, Ripoff or Sequel. And, Machine Gun Kelly's stoner comedy Good Mourning collected the Worst Director accolade for Machine Gun Kelly and Mod Sun. The Razzies also gave itself a gong: the Worst Actress Award. Back when its 44th nominations were announced, child actor Ryan Kiera Armstrong was among the Worst Actress contenders for Firestarter, which unsurprisingly sparked a backlash. So, the Razzies removed her from the nominees and took the prize itself instead. "The Razzies, for the first time in their history, took a Razzie themselves. After their blunder of nominating someone who should not have been considered, the organisation was put through the cyberworld blender," the awards said in its winners announcement. "They publicly apologised to the actress, changed the rules for anyone under 18, rescinded the nomination and put themselves in her place on the ballot — which won by a landslide," the Razzies continued. These accolades aren't just about calling out terrible movies, or terrible aspects of them — a task that, like handing out all awards, is subjective. The Razzies also give a prize to someone it decides has redeemed themselves from their past Razzie-level work. This year's recipient: Colin Farrell, awarded for going from 2004 Worst Actor nominee to 2022 Best Actor Oscar frontrunner (for The Banshees of Inisherin). Check out the full list of 44th Annual Razzie Award nominees and winners below: GOLDEN RASPBERRY NOMINEES 2022: WORST PICTURE Blonde — WINNER Disney's Pinocchio Good Mourning The King's Daughter Morbius WORST ACTOR Colson Baker (aka Machine Gun Kelly), Good Mourning Pete Davidson (voice only), Marmaduke Tom Hanks (as Gepetto), Disney's Pinocchio Jared Leto, Morbius — WINNER Sylvester Stallone, Samaritan WORST ACTRESS The Razzies for their 43rd worst actress nominations blunder — WINNER Bryce Dallas Howard, Jurassic Park Dominion Diane Keaton, Mack & Rita Kaya Scodelario, The King's Daughter Alicia Silverstone, The Requin WORST SUPPORTING ACTOR Pete Davidson (cameo role), Good Mourning Tom Hanks, Elvis — WINNER Xavier Samuel, Blonde Mod Sun, Good Mourning Evan Williams, Blonde WORST SUPPORTING ACTRESS Adria Arjona, Morbius — WINNER Lorraine Bracco (voice only), Disney's Pinocchio Penelope Cruz, The 355 Bingbing Fan, The 355 and The King's Daughter Mira Sorvino, Lamborghini: The Man Behind the Legend WORST SCREEN COMBO Colson Baker (aka Machine Gun Kelly) and Mod Sun, Good Mourning Both real life characters in the fallacious White House bedroom scene, Blonde Tom Hanks and his latex-laden face (and ludicrous Aaccent), Elvis — WINNER Andrew Dominik and his issues with women, Blonde The two 365 Days sequels (both released in 2022) WORST DIRECTOR Judd Apatow, The Bubble Colson Baker (aka Machine Gun Kelly) and Mod Sun, Good Mourning — WINNER Andrew Dominik, Blonde Daniel Espinosa, Morbius Robert Zemeckis, Disney's Pinocchio WORST REMAKE, RIPOFF or SEQUEL Blonde Both 365 Days sequels: 365 Days: This Day and The Next 365 Days Disney's Pinocchio — WINNER Firestarter Jurassic World Dominion WORST SCREENPLAY Blonde — WINNER Disney's Pinocchio Good Mourning Jurassic World Dominion Morbius RAZZIE REDEEMER Colin Farrell for going from 2004 Worst Actor nominee to 2022 Best Actor Oscar frontrunner.
Instead of renting an apartment for their vacation, rich European holiday-goers are now renting or buying entire villages. Villages like Engelberg, Deidesheim, Goldegg and Mariazell are also being hired by companies for business retreats and meeting, while others are allowing buyers to name street corners, use restaurants and bars as a local meeting place or even a hideout for the night. In Italy, the small medieval village of Valle Piola was for recently on the market for US$782,040, roughly the same price as a 2 or 3-bedroom flat in Sydney. Further north, Liechtenstein put itself up for rent with a $70,000/night price tag, which also includes its 30,000 residents. Snoop Dogg reportedly tried to rent the country for a music video but was turned away. [Via Born Rich]
Do you adore greenery, wish your house could be filled with blossoming petals and gorgeous leaves, but don't have the greenest of thumbs? That's a hugely relatable predicament. Now, a second question: do you firmly think that you never grow out of Lego, and also find building with the plastic bricks peaceful? The toy brand's latest range has answers to both queries. At the beginning of 2021, Lego unleashed its new Botanical Collection — part of its growing range for adults, because we're all well past pretending that Lego is just for kids. Back then, it boasted a flower bouquet and a bonsai, letting you add both to your home without worry about care, water, wilting or the expiry date that always comes with cut florals. Or, they made great gifts to your nearest and dearest for all of the same reasons. The two latest items in the range also tick those boxes. If you're terrible with keeping greenery alive, they're ideal for you, too. And no, even you can't kill these succulents or orchids — from under- or overwatering, not enough sun or too much, or the usual long list of things that can go wrong when you become a plant parent. The 771-piece succulent kit features nine different Lego cacti and the like in different shapes, sizes and hues, all in their own separate containers. Connect them together for one striking piece, or keep them apart and place them in different spots — the choice is obviously yours. As for the 608-piece orchid set, it'll see you build a towering bloom with six large flowers and two newly opened flowers, all in a blue fluted vase. And it really isn't small, measuring 39 centimetres in height. Available now in Australia and New Zealand, both kits are customisable, and also based on actual plants — so they look as lifelike as Lego succulents and orchids can. Sure, fake flowers exist, but they're nowhere near as engaging to put together as this build-your-own low-maintenance option. As well as catching the eye and adding some splashes of green to your decor, Lego's newest products are designed to help you destress and get mindful — something that the brand has been promoting for adults for a few years now. Both kits cost $89.99 each in Australia and $99.99 each in New Zealand. And if you're keen on more, the original two sets are still available, as is a bird of paradise in a pot, plus small sunflower, rose and tulip kits. For more information about Lego's new Botanical Collection, including the flower bouquet and bonsai tree kits, head to the company's website.
Film festival envy: it's a real thing. If you've spent the past week or so wishing that you were sitting in a darkened room in Austin, Texas, then you know what we're talking about. South by Southwest is fast becoming that other American film fest worth paying attention to at this time of year — if a potential indie hit or buzzy title isn't ready for Sundance, it'll likely turn up here. Indeed, the 2017 program featured more than 125 films on 13 screens over 9 days. Now that's some epic viewing. When you consider some of the movies that made the cut, you might agree. Edgar Wright's Ansel Elgort, Jon Hamm, Jamie Foxx and Kevin Spacey-starring Baby Driver made its debut at SXSW, as did the John Wick-meets-Lucy sounding Atomic Blonde with Charlize Theron. They're among the flicks we know we'll see in Australian cinemas, although we'll have to wait until August to do so. With the festival also highlighting a wealth of potential future cinematic classics, here's ten others we're hoping make it to Aussie screens too. SONG TO SONG Featuring an all-star cast that includes Ryan Gosling, Michael Fassbender, Rooney Mara, Natalie Portman, Cate Blanchett and Val Kilmer, put Song to Song in the safe bet category. Terrence Malick's movies usually find their way to Australia, even if they only make it to a handful of screens in a handful of capital cities like his last two features, To the Wonder and Knight of Cups. Here, the always divisive, suddenly prolific filmmaker behind Badlands and The Tree of Life tells a tale of two couples set against the Austin music scene, complete with appearances by Florence Welch, Patti Smith, Iggy Pop, The Black Lips, Tegan and Sara and more. As for whether he's balanced his usually gorgeous visuals with a meatier narrative, all signs point to no — but, love him or hate him, that's one of the things that has made his recent work absolutely unmissable. THE DISASTER ARTIST Oh hi, The Room fans. Now, before anyone starts throwing a football back and forth, add The Disaster Artist to your list of must-see movies in 2017. It's another movie certain to hurtle towards an Australian cinema soon, and to have spoons hurtled at it as a result. James Franco (who else?) not only stars as Tommy Wiseau in this behind-the-scenes look at the film everyone loves to not really love, but also directs a cast that features Dave Franco, Seth Rogen, Alison Brie, Sharon Stone, Jacki Weaver, Zac Efron, Bryan Cranston… the list goes on. If you lapped up Wiseau's so-bad-it's-still-bad flick, there's a very big chance that you'll do the same with this as well. MOST BEAUTIFUL ISLAND First things first: Most Beautiful Island won SXSW's narrative feature competition, an honour that the likes of Short Term 12 and Lena Dunham's Tiny Furniture previously achieved. The first feature from Spanish actress turned writer/director Ana Asensio, it follows one day in the life of Luciana — played by Asensio — as the immigrant to the US tries to make ends meet. Sounds timely, doesn't it? How could it not. With a game afoot, and the chasm between the privileged and the struggling part of the story, it also sounds like an intriguing thriller INFLAME Critic turned filmmaker Ceylan Ozgün Ozçelik makes her feature debut with a partly crowdfunded thriller that's both immersed in modern-day Turkey in its story and universal in its themes. Screening at SXSW after its Berlinale premiere, Inflame explores a subject the world has had to hear too much about of late, and often in all caps tweets. No prizes for guessing that we're talking about fake news. Here, a television news video editor is forced to tow the line when the powers-that-be decide that the station should no longer comment on politicians. To say that paranoia starts to set in is quite the understatement. SMALL TOWN CRIME If there's one thing that Small Town Crime boasts in spades, sight unseen, it's an interesting cast. Deadwood and Winter's Bone star John Hawkes plays an ex-cop turned unlikely detective when he comes across the body of a dead young woman, and he's joined by two-time Oscar nominee Octavia Spencer, plus Anthony Anderson, Robert Forster, Clifton Collins, Jr. and Michael Vartan. More Hawkes on screen is always a good thing. More Hawkes in the lead, even better. Writer/director siblings Eshom and Ian Nelms clearly agree, and you can bet their pulpy effort is all the better for it. [caption id="attachment_614358" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Noël Wells/Twitter.[/caption] MR ROOSEVELT Watched Saturday Night Live in recent years, or Netflix's Master of None? If so, you should recognise Noël Wells. As well as doing great things on screen, she's made the leap behind the camera, writing and directing the feature Mr Roosevelt. Actually, she stars too, playing a struggling comedian who returns to Austin after a loved one falls ill, and does what everyone does when they're forced to head back home: runs into an ex. Yes, films set in Austin are a trend at SXSW. And yes, the premise sounds familiar; however expect Wells to give everything some extra spark. FITS AND STARTS In 2015, Laura Terruso co-wrote the script for the endearing Hello, My Name Is Doris, which was actually based on her short film. With Fits and Starts, she takes on helming duties on her first feature — and, if you haven't already guessed it, providing ace up-and-comers with a platform for their debut efforts is something else that SXSW excels at. Story-wise, the movie follows a struggling writer and his much more successful wife as they attend a gathering at her publisher's home, with hijinks ensuing. It has been compared to Martin Scorsese's '80s comedy After Hours, which is great news indeed. GEMINI Sorry, Girls fans — Lola Kirke is fast becoming the family's standout screen talent, with Gemini the latest piece of evidence to support that inevitably controversial opinion. This neo-noir casts the Mozart in the Jungle star as a personal assistant to Zoe Kravitz's Hollywood celebrity, then plunges the two into the middle of a crime mystery, complete with John Cho as a detective. Sure, Los Angeles and seedy happenings seem to go hand-in-hand in film, but the combination seems to work. And, in this case, it seems primed to showcase Kirke's talents, with folks at SXSW well and truly singing her praises. DAVID LYNCH: THE ART LIFE With season three of Twin Peaks less than two months away from hitting our TV screens (yes, of course we're counting), there's never been a better time to delve into all things David Lynch. Let's grab some cherry pie, a cup of coffee and call it a damn fine time, actually, although this documentary isn't about his recent efforts. Instead, watch and listen as the filmmaker takes you on a tour of his upbringing, efforts to make Eraserhead 40 years ago, and artistic and musical output. Don't expect any answers — Lynch famously likes to let his work speak for itself, rather than speak about it — but do expect to spend an enjoyable time in the inimitable master auteur's company. I AM ANOTHER YOU After making this year's Academy Award shortlist for Best Documentary for her debut Hooligan Sparrow, Chinese filmmaker Nanfu Wang returns with I Am Another You. Meeting 22-year-old homeless man Dylan is just the beginning of her second effort, with the charming drifter taking her on a journey — not only through his life in Florida or his rejection of society's norms, but through that much-sought-after idyll known as the American dream. If it takes an outsider's eye to tell this tale then Wang has it, with her own experience as a newcomer to the US forming part of the package. Airing in SXSW's doco competition, the end result received special jury recognition for excellence in documentary storytelling.
If you think of famous artists, you may recall the likes of Picasso, Dalí, Monet, Michelangelo, Rothko and Warhol. One thing these artists have in common is none of them are Australian. Another is that they're all men. They are, undoubtedly, some of the greats. But this year the National Gallery of Australia is turning its focus to the Aussie women who have greatly contributed to the arts with an upcoming exhibition. Dubbed Know My Name: Australian Women Artists 1900 to Now, the free exhibition kicks off on Friday, November 13 and will run till Sunday, July 4— so you'll have plenty of time to catch it. The blockbuster exhibition is part of the gallery's ongoing initiative to increase the representation of female artists. As the name suggests, it'll showcase works by artists from the early 1900s to the present day, including some brand-spanking-new commissions. By bringing together artists of different times, as well as cultures, practices and places, the exhibition challenges the assumption of Australian art being male-dominated. There'll be more than 350 works on display, featuring everything from paintings to performance art and a floor-to-ceiling presentation of the artists' portraits. Highlights include a commission by the Tjanpi Desert Weavers; performance art by Bonita Ely and Jill Orr; Tracey Moffatt's key series of photographs, Something more; a huge painting by the Ken Family Collaborative; and an installation by Justene Williams. You can also expect works by KuKu and Erub/Mer artist Destiny Deacon, leading modernist painter Grace Cossington Smith, famed printmaker Margaret Preston, photographer Rosemary Laing, Anmatyerr artist Emily Kame Kngwarreye and contemporary painter Anne Wallace. [caption id="attachment_775540" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anne Wallace, 'She Is' 2001 , oil on canvas, National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, Purchased 2002, © Anne Wallace[/caption] Coinciding with the exhibition's launch will be a three-day conference, which will bring together established and emerging artists, curators and academics to discuss everything from creative practice to women and gender equity in the arts. The conference will run from November 11–13. Know My Name: Australian Women Artists 1900 to Now is showing at the NGA from November 13 through July 4, 2021. The gallery is open from 10am–5pm daily and entry is free. Top images: Yvette Coppersmith, 'Nude selfportrait, after Rah Fizelle' 2016, oil on linen, Private collection, ©Yvette Coppersmith; Roma Butler and Yangi Yangi Fox, from Irrunytju in Western Australia, with their sculptures, 2017, photo: Rhett Hammerton; and Grace Cossington Smith, 'The Bridge in building' 1929, oil on pulboard, National Gallery of Australia,Canberra, Gift of Ellen Waugh 2005. For the latest info on ACT border restrictions, head here.
Bars March is a month-long charity campaign letting you drink for a good cause. And that cause? Animals. Yep, you can spend March hopping around to different bars and smashing a tasty cocktail to help raise money for the Animal Welfare League. What's possibly even more exciting, is that the most of the bars involved are dog-friendly — so your pooch can come along, too. It's a win, win. Running for almost a decade in Sydney, the charity month has this year expanded interstate — which means animal-loving Melburnians can get on board, too. To get involved, you just need to show up to one of participating bars and purchase a Bars March charity cocktail, and a portion of the profits will go to the aforementioned charity. Some of the bars involved in Melbourne include dog-friendly whisky bar the Tipsy Cow and CBD bars Loch and Key, Golden Monkey and Captain Melville. Up in Sydney, award-winning drinking holes Lobo Plantation and Kittyhawk will be taking part, as will Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel and the East Village in Darlinghurst. [caption id="attachment_663076" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Tipsy Cow[/caption] A heap of venues will be hosting events, too, with Crown Street's new Italian restaurant Caffe Bartolo selling $10 charity brunch cocktails from March 1–3 and the Erko is throwing a dog-friendly Pints 4 Paws party on Saturday, March 2. Over the nine years that Bars March has been running, it has raised over $80,000 for the Animal Welfare League, which cares for and re-homes surrendered, neglected and abandoned animals across NSW. Bars March is a boozy charity initiative raising money for the Animal Welfare League. It runs from March 1–31 and you can check out the full list of participating venues and events at barsmarch.com and the Bars March Facebook page. Top image: Caffe Bartolo by Kitti Gould.
It's never too cold to party. At least, that's what the guys behind Snowtunes say. And for its third year, this Snowy Mountains music festival is coming back even bigger — twice the size actually. With the addition of a second night of festivities, the party people have also added a second stage so punters can enjoy live music at one and dance it out at the other, dedicated to EDM. And with our Snowy Mountains giveaway, you could be right there listening, dancing and partying with the snowy revellers. Who's expected to take to the stage at the festival? Plenty of Aussie-born talent, including L D R U, Gang of Youths, Nina Las Vegas, Mashd N Kutcher and Tigerlily, plus New Zealand-born singer-songwriter Mitch James and French DJ Klingande with some tunes from abroad. Mark your calendars and find some snow gear, because you could win a double pass to both days of Snowtunes on September 1 and 2, plus two nights accommodation in your own studio apartment. Enter your details below. [competition]631762[/competition] Image: Perisher Ski Resl.
"History has a way of repeating itself. The dangers we've seen foretell an even more menacing future." After growling about understanding real fear for the first time in the initial trailer for The Witcher season three, Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill, Zack Snyder's Justice League) is still painting a dark and brooding picture for the Netflix fantasy hit's big return, which also sees Princess Ciri (Freya Allan, The Third Day) with ghost cavalry on her tail — plus more sinister forces. Yennefer (Anya Chalotra, The ABC Murders) also has her own scares to deal with, and things are looking chaotic in general — not just in that debut sneak peek from a few months back, but in the just-dropped new trailer for The Witcher's third season. When this next batch of episodes tosses a coin to its namesake, it will take its cues from Time of Contempt, the second book in writer Andrzej Sapkowski's series. Season three hits streaming queues this winter Down Under, featuring eight instalments split into two parts. Volume 1 arrives on Thursday, June 29, with Volume 2 following on Thursday, July 27. Need a refresher on the story so far? Haven't watched the first two seasons yet? If The Witcher's name sounds familiar, that's because it's based on Sapkowski's short stories and novels — and, as well as being turned into comics, it was adapted the video game series of the same name. A Polish film and TV show also reached screens in the early 2000s, although they were poorly received. In the Netflix series, Cavill plays the witcher of the title. Geralt of Rivia is a monster hunter who prefers to work — aka slay beasts — alone in a realm called The Continent. But life has other plans for the lone wolf, forcing him to cross paths with powerful sorceress Yennefer and young princess Ciri. One of Netflix's hefty successes, The Witcher has been renewed for a fourth season, too, which happened back in 2022 long before its third had any trailers — something that also occurred with season three before season two dropped as well, and with season two before season one debuted before that. But instead of Cavill as Geralt, The Hunger Games, The Dressmaker and Independence Day: Resurgence's Liam Hemsworth will replace him, as also announced in 2022. The Witcher franchise doesn't just include the show itself, but also animated flick The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf, which hit Netflix in 2021. And, there's 2022 prequel series The Witcher: Blood Origin, which takes place 1200 years before Geralt's time, spans four episodes and stars Everything Everywhere All At Once Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh. Check out the full trailer for The Witcher's third season below: The Witcher's third season will hit Netflix in winter 2023 Down Under, releasing in two parts — with Volume 1 arriving on Thursday, June 29 and Volume 2 on Thursday, July 27.
If you're in the market for a blisteringly good weekend tipple, why not make it a premium concoction from the 2018 winner of Diageo's World Class Bartender of the Year? Melburnians can enjoy that very enviable situation this week, when internationally renowned mixologist Orlando Marzo launches his new line of bottled cocktails, dubbed Loro. Marzo is taking up residency at Gertrude Street venue At The Above, to showcase and celebrate his four new unconventional sips; including the deep, fruity Cherry & Cacao Manhattan and a fragrant Bergamot Negroni. On Saturday, February 26, head along to catch a festive launch party, where you'll have the chance to sample all Loro cocktails and a few other drinks at some very special prices. $25 gets you entry to the shindig and your first cocktail, plus an evening of DJ tunes, art installations and snacks — by Napier Quarter's Eileen Horsnell — to enjoy alongside the libations. Backing it up on Sunday, February 27, the pop-up bar will be open for casual walk-ins from 1–9pm, serving the full cocktail range for you to taste-test at your leisure. [caption id="attachment_844057" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 2018 Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year Orlando Marzo[/caption]
If you're a Game of Thrones fan still mourning the show's end back in 2019, you now know something: Jon Snow looks set to return. The hit drama is already getting a prequel series, with House of the Dragon start airing this winter — when else? — Down Under. But that clearly isn't enough GoT action for US network HBO. The Hollywood Reporter and Variety have gotten wind of news about a potential Jon Snow-focused sequel series, which'd continue the beloved character's story after the events of Game of Thrones' eighth and final season. You might recall that that last batch of episodes were rather eventful for Jon, even more than normal. He found out that he was born Aegon Targaryen, and that he has a claim to the Iron Throne. He also ditched Westeros — after being exiled — to head North of the Wall. Exactly what story this as-yet-unnamed possible new show would chart — and which other well-known GoT figures would pop up — hasn't been revealed, with the series only in very early development. But Kit Harington (Eternals) is set to reprise his role as Jon if the show does eventuate. And, given the character's strong links within Westeros, including as part of the Stark family, it's safe to expect that his sisters or other folks who survived the original series could show up. Again, everything is vague and tentative for now — but if HBO wants to make this happen, it'll happen. The network has spent years telling the world that the end of Game of Thrones wouldn't actually be the end, after all. Firstly, it announced that it was considering five different prequel ideas. It then green-lit one to pilot stage, scrapped it and later picked a contender to run with: the upcoming House of the Dragon. It also opted to give novella series Tales of Dunk and Egg the TV treatment, too, and to work on an animated GoT show. And, it's been reported that another three prequels are also under consideration. Throughout all of this, GoT fans have been told one thing over and over, even without it being explicitly said. Our days of watching fiery fights between famous Westerosi names — and games over who gets tot sit on the Iron Throne — are far from over, clearly, and won't be for quite some time. And, now that House of the Dragon is getting nearer, it's highly unlikely that HBO would want to pass up the opportunity to add another Game of Thrones series with such a well-known character at its centre to its programming. To bide you over until more Jon Snow news arrives, you can check out the latest House of the Dragon trailer below — before it starts its dance with dragons on Monday, August 22: House of the Dragon will start airing on Monday, August 22 Down Under via Foxtel and Binge, in Australia and SoHo, Sky Go and Neon in New Zealand. Via: The Hollywood Reporter / Variety. Images: Helen Sloan/HBO.
Melbourne's NGV International will celebrate the unique designs and lasting legacy of fashion icon Christian Dior, in a world premiere exhibition launching in August next year. Running from August 27 to November 7, The House of Dior: Seventy Years of Haute Couture will be one of three major surveys of Dior's groundbreaking work, alongside exhibitions in Paris and New York. The Melbourne show will include more than 140 show-stopping garments, stretching the length and breadth of the label's extraordinary history. "Highlights of the NGV's House of Dior exhibition will include one of the few surviving examples of Christian Dior's New Look collection, which revitalised women's fashion in the post-war era," said gallery director Tony Ellwood while announcing the exhibition at a launch event earlier today. "And of course it wouldn't be a Dior exhibition without their sculptural tailoring, their signature ball gowns and their glamorous evening dresses which have become synonymous with the fashion house." "Audiences will discover the nuances of Dior's fashion design, and observe the ways in which these have evolved through the decades. The exhibition will also celebrate the milestones of Dior's six successive designers," he added. A key element of the exhibition will be an exploration of Dior's historic 1948 spring fashion parade at David Jones in Sydney, considered to be the first complete Dior collection to be shown outside of Paris. The exhibition will also tie in with the gallery's first ever Gala Ball. "Think Met Gala, but with a Melbourne sense of style," said Ellwood. Speaking at the launch, Victoria's Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley called the exhibition "a major milestone for the gallery, for Dior and for our city." "The creativity and imagination of Christian Dior, the depth of his vision, and the range of his skills, could find no better city, and no better partner gallery, for a retrospective display, than Melbourne's National Gallery of Victoria," said Mr. Foley. The House of Dior: Seventy Years of Haute Couture will run August 27 to November 7 at NGV International. Image: National Gallery of Victoria and House of Dior announce House of Dior: Seventy Years of Haute Couture at NGV International, August 2017. Shot by Wayne Taylor.
