For the past few years, the minds behind The Beer Run have been using ice-cold beers at the pub as motivation to workout. Jog between breweries and bars, drink a brew at each one — that's how the boozy fun run plays out. No one is going to pubs, breweries, bars or watering holes at present, so The Beer Run's organisers have adapted. Meet The Virtual 5k Run, their isolation-friendly alternative. You'll still run, jog or walk briskly; however you'll do so wherever you like, be it your own street, your local park or at home on a treadmill. And if you'd like a beer afterwards, you'll need to supply your own. The run will kick off at 11am on Sunday, May 31 — and while it mentions five kilometres in the event's name, you can also hit the pavement across one or ten kilometres, too. And if you're wondering what makes this different from just getting sweaty by yourself, a live comedy host will be overseeing proceedings. Plus, there'll be prizes, including for best dressed — because dressing up and having a laugh is definitely encouraged. Keeping the beer theme going, the prizes are sponsored by breweries — and, while tickets start at $15, if you opt for the $25 option, you'll receive a Beer Run medal as well. The Virtual 5k Run is also donating $5 from each entry to a COVID-19 cause, which'll be chosen via votes from participants.
Neither the cash nor inclination to hotfoot it to Byron Bay this Easter? Your folks no longer willing to stash eggs in your backyard? Despair not. Not everything shuts down on this here holy holiday anymore — there's plenty going on in Melbourne, and staying in the city will provide some good ol' hometown fun. Whether you want to get down on your hands and knees and search for those foil-covered treasures, go to a gallery, see a comedy show or just have a few bevs, here's where you can do it on this glorious four-day Easter weekend.
It’s difficult to imagine, in the age of online media, that a blossoming new art style could have stirred up that much controversy. But Lurid Beauty: Australian Surrealism and its Echoes, the new exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria, will be exploring exactly that: the rise of sexual, psychological and controversial surrealist art on the Australian scene since 1930. Lurid Beauty will span many different mediums including installation, fashion and poetry. And prepare your psyche for representations of warped sexuality and perverseness, as surrealism was inspired by the theories of Sigmund Freud, which involves a fair whack of embedded misogynistic gender roles and Dali-esque dream madness. The exhibition will feature works from James Gleeson, Max Dupain, Albert Tucker, James Cant, Roy de Maistre, Peter Ellis, Tim Schultz, Julie Rrap, Pat Brassington, Clifford Bayliss, Rosslynd Piggott and many more.
New York City could soon be home to the world's longest skyscraper. No, not the tallest. The longest. An ultra-skinny, two-legged skyscraper that curves at its peak before returning back to earth, the fittingly named Big Bend would stretch 4,000 feet (1.22 kilometres) end to end, making quite a unique addition to Manhattan's already iconic skyline. The proposed luxury apartment block was designed by local studio Oiio. "The story of The Big Bend follows a recent trend that has appeared in New York City: the emergence of myriad tall and slender residential skyscrapers," explains the studio on its website. "But what if we substituted height with length? What if our buildings were long instead of tall? If we manage to bend our structure instead of bending the zoning rules of New York we would be able to create one of the most prestigious buildings in Manhattan." It's unclear exactly how narrow The Big Bend would be. According to The Telegraph, it would feature a lift that can travel both vertically and horizontally around the building's entire length. The proposed site for the super-long skyscraper lies around West 57th Street, just south of Central Park. Home to numerous luxury apartment complexes and high-rises, the area is sometimes referred to as Billionaire's Row. The Big Bend doesn't actually have planning permission as of yet. But you have to admit, it'd be a hell of a sight.
When you're watching The Room, or reading behind-the-scenes memoir The Disaster Artist, or seeing the star-studded film the latter spawned as well, one big fact is always glaringly apparent. It's inescapable. It's as obvious as Tommy Wiseau's lanky hair and awkward demeanour. It's as plain as the spoons scattered throughout The Room. Yes, Greg Sestero went through one helluva experience. Of course, if it wasn't for The Room, Sestero mightn't have enjoyed his current fame. When you're in a movie that's so bad it's bad but also someone great to watch — but definitely not great itself by any standards — that's a particular kind of success. So, Sestero has made the most of it. He penned The Disaster Artist. He popped up in the flick based on it. He reteamed on-screen with Wiseau for the two-part Best F(r)iends. And he heads to screenings, doing Q&As to chat about all things The Room, too. It's been five years since Sestero last came to Australia to indulge the nation's The Room fixation, but for a week from Sunday, February 12–Saturday, February 18, he's back. His timing is perfect given that Wiseau's disasterpiece notches up 20 years in 2023. Spoons at the ready, clearly. Sestero is heading to Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne to do two things: get talking about The Room as part of 20th-anniversary sessions, and also show his new horror film Miracle Valley. This one is a horror movie on purpose, rather than accidentally like The Room, and also marks Sestero's feature directorial debut. "Few other countries have embraced The Room as Aussies have," said Sestero, "so it feels right to celebrate twenty years of a film few expected would be remembered beyond the premiere with the fans Down Under. This will be my fifth visit to Australia, and I can't wait to get back there." For newcomers to The Room — with your pristine minds currently untainted by its wonders, and your vocabulary free from constantly saying "oh hi Mark" — it tells the tale of a banker, his adulterous fiancée, his conflicted best friend, a local teen caught up in a drug deal, a mother with cancer, a particularly tense party, a bunch of guys playing football in tuxedos and the worst apartment decorating scheme you've ever seen. Wondering how all of these things come together? Even the wildest combination you can come up has nothing on The Room. As for Miracle Valley, it's about an obsessive photographer and his girlfriend, who head off on a desert getaway but get threatened by sinister forces. No — disappointingly or welcomely, depending on how you feel about The Room — Wiseau is not among the credited cast. GREG SESTERO AUSTRALIAN TOUR 2023: Sunday, February 12 — Hayden Orpheum, Sydney Tuesday, February 14 — Dendy Coorparoo, Brisbane Wednesday, February 15 — Luna Palace, Perth Friday, February 17 — Palace Nova, Adelaide Saturday, February 18 — Cinema Nova, Melbourne Greg Sestero is touring Australia from Sunday, February 12–Saturday, February 18. Head to the Hayden Orpheum, Dendy Coorparoo, Luna Palace, Palace Nova and Cinema Nova websites for tickets and further details.
Fancy grabbing a drink and hitting a hole-in-one at the same time? How about working your way around two different nine-hole mini-golf courses in a venue that was once a church? If you answered yes to either of these questions and you're in Brisbane, you're in luck. Thanks to Holey Moley Golf Club, come September 29 you can do all of the above. Taking over the Fortitude Valley site that has hosted many a bar, club, gig and dance party in recent years — and many a religious ceremony before that — Holey Moley aims to get eager punters exclaiming its name several times over. That's an understandable reaction given that the leisure entertainment complex will include mini-golf, a cocktail bar and an all-round hangout hub rolled into one. Those keen on teeing off will be pleased to know that each of the 18 holes will have their own theme, with the venue hinting that a mashup of Alice in Wonderland, iconic surfing culture, puppeteers, arguably the best retro video game ever, Nirvana, Snoop Dog, Pharrell Williams and Chubby Checker, Game of Thrones and more is on the cards. And anyone eager to sample the space's other treats can look forward to cocktails such as the Tee Quila Mocking Birdie, Teeyonce Holes, Long Island Iced Tee and G & Tee, plus a food truck menu. If it all sounds like one of the most novel ideas for a new inner-city hotspot you've heard in some time, that's because it is — but hey, people probably thought that when Strike Bowling combined knocking down pins and knocking back beverages. In fact, the folks behind Holey Moley would know a thing or two about that, because they also started Strike. We can only assume that a frisbee-themed nightclub is going to be their next venture. Holey Moley Golf Club opens on September 29 at 25 Warner Street, Fortitude Valley. For more information, keep an eye on their website and Facebook page.
When Tasmania's Museum of Old and New Art's (MONA) hosts an arts and music festival, it doesn't just compile a standard lineup of shows and events. It curates talents that will hit other bills in other cities, of course, but it also hunts down the kind of gigs and experiences that you generally won't see elsewhere. Take 2023's just-dropped Mona Foma program as a prime example. It was already packed with Pavement, Bon Iver, Bikini Kill, Angel Olsen and Peaches (and Perturbator, The Chills and Kae Tempest), as announced back in October, but now it includes a tunnel of light, 'Complaints Choir' and punk bunker — because of course it does. MONA's summer fest — aka its sunny alternative to its sinister winter arts and culture festival Dark Mofo — will return in February 2023 in a big way. How big? With 370 artists across two weekends. The dates to get excited about: Friday, February 17–Sunday, February 19, 2023 in Launceston, and Friday, February 24–Sunday, February 26, 2023 in Hobart. Now, here's what you'll be seeing. [caption id="attachment_875442" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Debi Del Grande[/caption] Launceston's weekend-long Mona Foma stint will feature a free three-day party at a new hub in the city's decommissioned old TAFE called the reUNIÓN district, which is where those unusual vocals — singing local Launceston grievances — will echo. It's also where there'll be queer woodchopping in the quad, Soccer Mommy taking to the stage and that punk bunker featuring, yes, punk tunes played loud a bunker. Also on the list in Launceston, where Mona Foma has been hitting up since 2019: underwater electronica by Leon Vynehall in the Basin Pool; dance work Body Body Commodity from Jenni Large; James Webb's Prayer, where you will indeed need to kneel while listening to recordings of prayer, song and vocal worship; and Van Diemen's Band and Ensemble Kaboul teaming up for Afghanistan-meets-baroque music. [caption id="attachment_880157" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Prayer, 2012, James Webb. Photo credit: Anthea Pokroy. Image courtesy of the artist and Mona Foma.[/caption] Plus, there's a Fantastic Futures exhibition, a late-night book club overseen by 'sonic librarians', Kenneth Tam's Breakfast in Bed theatre experiment — featuring seven guys he found on Craigslist — and the delightfully named Anthem Anthem Revolution, where you're asked to beat a robot at a game of table tennis. A certain highlight is Hyperbolic Psychedelic Mind Melting Tunnel of Light, with Robin Fox letting attendees take over the light, sound and motion controls one person at a time. Also set to stun is CHANT, with Tasmanian women's sporting clubs performing historic and contemporary feminist protest chants; Lost in Place, a pairing of electro-ambient psychedelic jazz with live dance; Arnhem Land documentary Christmas Birrimbirr; and Martina Hoogland Ivanow's film Interbeing, which only used thermal cameras to shoot human interactions and capture the heat behind them. [caption id="attachment_880156" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Christmas Birrimbirr, (Christmas Spirit), (video still), 2011, Miyarrka Media. Image courtesy of the artist and Mona Foma.[/caption] MONA's summer event was initially held in Hobart, as seasoned fans will remember, and the fest hasn't forgotten its OG home. If that's where you're getting your Mona Foma fix in 2023, you have a stacked lineup in store as well. Many of the fest's big-name acts are playing there — Bon Iver, Bikini Kill, Peaches and Pavement all included — and the MONA lawns will also host a show featuring songwriters from the Pilbara town of Roebourne singing for freedom on the 40th-anniversary year of John Pat's passing in custody, as guided by Ngarluma and Yinjibarndi Elders. Also, Amber McCartney and Tasdance's dance performance Baby Girl will enjoy its world premiere, Nico Muhly takes over the fest as an artist in residence, and the Theatre Royal's program includes IHOS Amsterdam's time travel-inspired PRIMORDIAL For Piano and Diverse Media and film noir opera A Deep Black Sleep. [caption id="attachment_880154" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Climate Notes, Anna McMichael and Louise Devenish. Photo credit: Lucian Fuhler. Image courtesy of the artist and Mona Foma.[/caption] Or, see Climate Notes in Rosny Park, playing five new works for violin and percussion that all take inspiration from scientists' handwritten letters about global warming — and explore Tomas' Garden by Cici (Xiyue) Zhang, where monsters and spirits will feature in an immersive magical landscape. The list goes on, complete with Morning Meditations in both cities — and Chloe Kim doing 100 hours of public drumming over ten days. [caption id="attachment_784488" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Robin Fox laser installation at the Albert Hall, Launceston, Mona Foma 2019. Photo Credit: MONA/Jesse Hunniford. Image courtesy of the artist and MONA Museum of Old and New Art, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.[/caption] Already keen to get booking? Fancy a Tasmania trip in the interim? Our Concrete Playground Trips Hobart getaway might also be of interest. Mona Foma will take place from Friday, February 17–Sunday, February 19, 2023 in Launceston, and from Friday, February 24–Sunday, February 26, 2023 in Hobart. Tickets go on sale at 11am on Tuesday, November 29 — head to the festival website for further details. Top image: Regurgitator & Seja & Mindy Meng Wang on guzheng perform The Velvet Underground & Nico. Photo Credit: Mona/Rémi Chauvin. Image Courtesy Mona, Museum of Old and New Art, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. 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.
The last bastion of the phone-free two hours, the theatre, might be about to crumble. Melbourne's Malthouse Theatre this week announced that they'll be trialling special seating for social media users, internationally dubbed 'tweet seats', at select shows. Carlton indie theatre La Mama is already all over it, having set aside four tweet seats per show for their upcoming work RAT, and they're even free. Considering we've been live tweeting everything else — from films to talks, concerts and dinners — is the distinction around theatre an artificial one that's been destined to fall away? And is there any benefit to be gained from allowing us to whip out our phones mid-show? The Malthouse announcement has met with some backlash, even on Twitter. Popular opinion is, if you're live tweeting a performance, you're living the kind of hollowed-out half-life that means you may as well stay home and plug into the Matrix. But this is a personal value judgement and not a reason, practically or conceptually, against allowing others to make Twitter a part of their theatre experience. I struggle to express coherent thoughts for half an hour after a film or movie, let alone have any desire to do so while it unfolds and trade away the sense of immersion that comes with live performance. But that's just me, and that's just the shows I've seen. How about a small show built to feed off real-time responses? How about a big, bombastic opera that can't count on the nosebleed section being highly engaged? The LA Times technology blog attributes the first instance of live theatre tweeting to a 2009 staging of Gilbert and Sullivan's HMS Pinafore in Kansas — and it was a more constructive affair than you might assume. Audience members in the 100 special seats of the final performance could access tweets from the show's artistic director about the production, scenery and story unfurling on stage while tweeting their own questions and comments. It was an aid to their enjoyment of the piece, not unlike an audio tour of an art exhibit. Or the special features on a DVD. Or a post-show Q&A, during the show. It's since become common in the US and UK, mainly for ballets, operas and symphony concerts. With conditions tightly controlled — you don't want to distract the real-life cast and crew who need darkness to do their jobs properly — and the agreement of the individual creative team, theatre might continue to become a road more tweeted. But then there's this argument from Alex Roe, artistic director of New York's Metropolitan Playhouse, perhaps the most focused takedown of how your tweeting might affect other people's enjoyment: "Part of the whole theatrical experience is the thought of being present in the company of the rest of the audience and the actors," Roe said to NPR. "To me, the thought of encouraging people to tweet during a performance is necessarily a violation of that agreement." That might just be the tweet-seat deal-breaker.
Melbourne's ambitious Greenline Project on the northern bank of the Yarra River is one step closer to reality, as construction has now officially started on the Birrarung Marr stage of the redevelopment. The transformation was first announced in 2021, and detailed plans were released throughout the following years. But it's finally getting done. The Greenline Project will see the riverside precinct stretching from Birrarung Marr to the Bolte Bridge reimagined as one of the city's largest networks of green spaces, complete with a six-metre-wide and four-kilometre-long waterfront promenade. This walkway will connect five waterside precincts — Birrarung Marr, The Falls, River Park, Maritime and Saltwater Wharf — each of which will receive its own makeover. They'll feature a collection of promenades, parks, cultural activations and open space, with plans for environmental renewal projects to be incorporated and lots of native plants added, too. Currently, construction has only started on the Birrarung Marr Precinct. This will include a new and improved riverside promenade with terraced steps for lounging by the water, and performance spaces that will host cultural events throughout the year. A wetland habitat, a new park and a collection of rooftop venues above the Banana Alley Vaults have also been proposed for the Falls Precinct, while the River Park Precinct would include a new space for activities constructed beneath the Flinders Street viaduct. The Maritime Precinct looks set to feature new maritime-inspired artworks and improved boat access, and at the Saltwater Wharf Precinct, you can look forward to an expanded promenade and another brand-new park. "The Greenline Project will transform the underutilised north bank of the Yarra River to enhance Melbourne's world-renowned liveability, and will ensure Melbourne remains a beacon for global visitors and investment," explained Lord Mayor Sally Capp. For now, construction has only begun on the Birrarung Marr Precinct, which is slated to be completed by the end of 2024. Work on the other four precincts and connecting walkways will commence at a later date. You can find more details on the Greenline Project over on the City of Melbourne website or at the Greenline Project Hub at Federation Square — which is set to open in the coming months.
It's pretty clear the good folk behind Top Paddock, Three Bags Full and Two Birds One Stone are completely unable to sit still; they're opening a brand new cafe dubbed Kettle Black this month. Nathan Toleman, Ben Clark and Diamond Rozakeas are setting up their latest venture on Albert Road in South Melbourne, in a rather odd-looking building that fuses a Victorian terrace house with a modern apartment building. With the new cafe's fitout at the hands of South Yarra design firm Studio You Me, we’re expecting to see something pretty bold (the only sneak peaks we've seen on Twitter so far are wooden parquetry wall detailing and hexagonal tile-meets-concrete flooring). Just last year, Top Paddock won Best Cafe Design in the Eat Drink Design Awards and Best New Cafe in The Age Good Cafe Guide awards, so there's some relatively big shoes to fill right there. While the menu direction hasn't been hinted at yet, if Toleman, Rozakeas and Clark's other ventures are anything to go by you can expect top-notch service, Five Senses coffee pumping all day and a foolproof, freshly housemade smorgasbord of nosh options. Kettle Black opens at 7am on Thursday, July 24. Find the new digs at 50 Albert Road, South Melbourne. Via Good Food.
Not all that long ago, the idea of getting cosy on your couch, clicking a few buttons, and having thousands of films and television shows at your fingertips seemed like something out of science fiction. Now, it's just an ordinary night — whether you're virtually gathering the gang to text along, cuddling up to your significant other or shutting the world out for some much needed me-time. Of course, given the wealth of options to choose from, there's nothing ordinary about making a date with your chosen streaming platform. The question isn't "should I watch something?" — it's "what on earth should I choose?". Hundreds of titles are added to Australia's online viewing services each and every month, all vying for a spot on your must-see list. And, so you don't spend 45 minutes scrolling and then being too tired to actually commit to watching anything, we're here to help. From the latest and greatest to old favourites, here are our picks for your streaming queue for September. NEW STUFF TO WATCH NOW https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTjlurdbNnw I MAY DESTROY YOU Newly returned from a working trip to Italy, struggling to write her second novel after her first struck a sizeable chord and pushing up against a draft deadline just hours away, Arabella (Michaela Coel) takes some time out from an all-nighter to procrastinate with friends over a few drinks in a couple of London bars. The next morning, the Twitter-famous scribe is shaky, hazy and feels far from her normal self — and across the next 11 episodes of this instantly blistering 12-part series, I May Destroy You delves into the aftermath, as Arabella realises that she was raped that evening. Not only created and written by the unflinching and captivating Coel, but inspired by her own real-life experience with sexual assault, the result is as bold, raw and frank as it is sensitive and affecting. It also feels personal at every single moment. An immensely powerful series that intimately interrogates power on multiple levels and features an unsurprisingly potent performance by Coel, I May Destroy You is easily this year's number-one must-see show — and its absolute best. I May Destroy You's first season is available to stream via Binge. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDTg62vsV4U I'M THINKING OF ENDING THINGS For much of I'm Thinking of Ending Things two-hour-plus running time, the film's characters sit and talk as discomfort fills the space around them. The movie's protagonist (Wild Rose's Jessie Buckley) and her boyfriend Jake (Jesse Plemons) awkwardly chat as they drive through the snow to the Oklahoma farm where the latter grew up. They both endure several seesawing conversations with Jake's erratic and eccentric mother (Toni Collette) and father (David Thewlis) once they arrive. And, steam-of-consciousness narration also provides a soundtrack. But given this feature is written and directed by Being John Malkovich and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind screenwriter Charlie Kaufman, it was never going to be a straightforward flick about meeting the parents. Instead, it's a purposely ambiguous and complex exploration of identity, choice and the very nature of human existence — complete with sudden ballet dances, strange overnight stops at deserted dessert stands and flashes to an unhappy janitor (Guy Boyd) — and it's a fascinating, challenging, visually stunning trip the entire way. I'm Thinking of Ending Things is available to stream via Netflix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MN8fFM1ZdWo THE BOYS Suffers of superhero fatigue understandably rejoiced when The Boys first hit screens in 2019. Yes, it focuses on a group of caped crusaders just like seemingly every second blockbuster movie — but, in a world where viewers have been conditioned to lap up narratives about powerful folks who are supposedly better than most, this series both satirises and questions that very idea. Here, superheroes work for a corporation called Vought International. The top talent is known as The Seven; however when the public isn't looking, most — especially leader Homelander (Antony Starr) — are hardly role models. The show's second season picks up where its first left off, with determined, no-nonsense Brit Billy Butcher (Karl Urban) intent on bringing Vought and The Seven down with his own ragtag team, aka The Boys of the title. As well as once again following the complicated bond between The Boys' newcomer Hugh (Jack Quaid) and The Seven's Starlight (Erin Moriarty), the new season also throws Better Call Saul's Giancarlo Esposito into the mix as Vought's CEO, plus Aya Cash as social media star and new The Seven member Liberty. The first five episodes of The Boys' second season are available to stream via Amazon Prime Video, with new episodes added every Friday. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFAHiU0g0xQ PEN15 When Maya Erskine (Wet Hot American Summer: 10 Years Later) and Anna Konkle (Rosewood) decided that they were going to make a series about their 13-year-old selves — and, although they're now definitely and obviously adults, also play their younger selves — it was a decidedly risky move. It pays off, though. In fact, it's one of the savviest parts of PEN15, which is one of the most distinctive comedies on TV. There's nothing quite like reflecting upon that awkward adolescent phase by physically and literally revisiting it, as the two writers and actors do, all while their on-screen characters navigate the ups and downs of middle school at the turn of the 21st century. Returning for the first half of its second season, this comedy series steps back into the lives of Maya Ishii-Peters (Erskine) and Anna Kone (Konkle), deepens its exploration of being a teenage girl (and a teenager in general), and will have you cringing in recognition, laughing and recognising its insights simultaneously. The first seven episodes of PEN15's second season are available to stream via Stan, with another seven episodes set to drop at a yet-to-be revealed date. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJvKDp54YjM SPIRAL Not to be confused with the upcoming new Saw franchise film of the same name, Spiral gives a familiar premise a smart, topical and resonant twist. In the mid-90s, Malik (Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman, UnREAL) and Aaron (Ari Cohen, IT: Chapter Two) move to a small town with the latter's teenage daughter Kayla (Jennifer Laporte, iZombie), seeking a quieter, happier life away from the city. They're initially greeted warmly by neighbours Marshall (Lochlyn Munro, Riverdale) and Tiffany (Chandra West, Played); however, in general territory traversed by many a horror film before this, things aren't quite what they seem. Indeed, when Malik comes home one day to find a homophobic slur graffitied on their living room wall, he starts to get suspicious about the cliquey community they're now calling home — fears that Aaron doesn't share. There is clearly much about Spiral that fits a template, but director Kurtis David Harder and writers Colin Minihan and John Poliquin do an astute job of moulding this unsettling movie into a timely statement. The result: an unnerving feature that's as much about spooky terrors as societal ones, and that possesses a considerable bite. Spiral is available to stream via Shudder. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQ8CCg1tOqc #ALIVE Train to Busan and Peninsula aren't the only films to wonder how South Korea might cope with a sudden zombie outbreak. The unrelated #Alive also explores the concept, focusing on a video game streamer as an unexplained disease turns most of Seoul's residents into the guts-munching undead. Even holed up in the seeming safety of his family's apartment, Oh Jun-u (Burning's Yoo Ah-in) doesn't initially take the situation well. As shuffling hordes lurk outside, his dismal food supply rapidly declines and he worries about the safety of his parents and sister, he attempts to survive — and to fight off the gnawing feeling that perhaps his struggle is futile. A box office hit when it released in South Korean cinemas, #Alive never feels as formulaic as its premise might suggest. In fact, this horror-thriller proves constantly tense, and not just because pandemic films have that effect at the moment. Making his first feature, writer/director Il Cho handles the zombie scenes with urgency and makes ample room for quiet moments; however his best decision is casting the ever-watchable Yoo. #Alive is available to stream via Netflix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31rSR0w0z30 THE VOW Another month, another compelling true-crime documentary series. When it comes to delving into the minutiae of tales so wild that they can only be true, HBO has long been known for leading the charge — and, after McMillions and I'll Be Gone in the Dark already this year, The Vow is its latest addition to the fold. Its focus: self-improvement group NXIVM. If that name sounds familiar, that's probably because you remember the 2018 news headlines, when its founder Keith Raniere and member and actor Allison Mack (Smallville) were arrested and charged with a range of crimes that included sex trafficking. Featuring former NXIVM members sharing stories about their time in the cult-like group, The Vow details a rollercoaster ride of a story, not only unpacking the sinister and sordid aspects of the tale, but attempting to understand what appealed to people about the organisation in the first place. Filmmakers Jehane Noujaim and Karim Amer picked up an Oscar nomination for 2013's The Square, as well as Emmy awards and nods, and don't be surprised if they feature in the TV awards conversation in 2020. The first episode of The Vow is available to stream via Binge, with new episodes available every Sunday. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSzZxsX0_yE AP BIO In It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Glenn Howerton excels at playing arrogant, narcissistic, abrasive, selfish and misanthropic. He's been doing just that since 2005, and long may that continue. But, while before 2018, no one would've ever wondered what might happen if Howerton demonstrated the same traits in a high-school set sitcom, AP Bio answers that question in a consistently amusing way. Here, Howerton plays an ex-Harvard philosophy professor forced to return to his home town of Toledo after losing his dream job and reacting badly. He takes a gig as a biology teacher even though he has absolutely no interest in it, and he enlists his motley crew of students to help him enact his elaborate revenge plan. Three seasons in, this comedy happily veers in its own direction and keeps serving up offbeat laughs — including from Patton Oswalt as the school principal and the great Paula Pell (a Saturday Night Live writer for almost two decades) as his secretary. Also, the latest season dedicates an episode to an occasion known as 'Katie Holmes Day', which is as silly and yet still inspired as it sounds. All of AP Bio's third season is available to stream via Stan (and its first and second seasons as well). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaaC57tcci0 THE SOCIAL DILEMMA The idea that social media isn't all that great for humanity isn't new news. More than a decade after services such as Facebook and Twitter started taking over our daily lives, inundating us with notifications, fighting for our time, collecting our data and trying to monetise our attention to sell to advertisers, that fact shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. But just because The Social Dilemma stresses something that everyone should already know, that doesn't mean that it doesn't still pack a punch. This Sundance-premiering documentary proves more than a little clunky when it features dramatised segments showing both how social media can affect us all and visualising how algorithms work (the latter featuring multiple versions of Mad Men's Vincent Kartheiser). And, in its interview segments, it is hardly astonishing that an array of ex-tech company employees have unpleasant things to say about the industry. Still, this doco is both comprehensive and important — and, if you haven't spent much time thinking about the topic, accessible as well. The Social Dilemma is available to stream via Netflix. CULT CLASSICS TO REVISIT AND REDISCOVER https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azjw0hTkOIs FARGO More than two decades since it first hit the big screen, Joel and Ethan Coen's Fargo still ranks among their best work. Given the other movies to the sibling filmmakers' names — Raising Arizona, Barton Fink, The Big Lebowski, O Brother Where Art Thou?, No Country for Old Men and Inside Llewyn Davis, to name just a few — that's quite the feat. So, when the Fargo TV series arrived in 2014, it followed in some considerable footsteps. Telling a different crime tale each season, with a different high-profile cast, it instantly became one of television's must-watch dramas. Featuring everyone from Billy Bob Thornton and Martin Freeman (in season one), to Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons (season two) and Ewan McGregor playing brothers (in season three), every episode to-date has served up an entertaining treat — and those first three seasons have just hit SBS On Demand in the lead up to the Chris Rock and Jason Schwartzman-starring fourth season, which starts dropping in October. The first three seasons of Fargo are available to stream via SBS On Demand. Top images: I May Destroy You, Natalie Seery/HBO; The Vow, HBO; I'm Thinking of Ending Things, Mary Cybulski/Neflix.
If you've ever been to Cafe Gratitude in LA, you'll have witnessed the excess of positive affirmations that make up their menu. And even if you haven't, you can safely assume what it's like. Pancakes that reaffirm you are luscious and kale dips that instil a sense of community — that kind of thing. And although Yarraville is a far cry from LA, Heal.Thy Self Co. treads along a similar path. The smoothies have adjectives for names, and the staff pen your declaration on the side of the plastic takeaway cup: Lauren is passionate, mine said. No matter how you wish to be nourished though, this place has got you covered. It's organic, fresh, sometimes raw, and everything is filled with superfoods. If it's early (they open at 6.30am), skip the coffee and perk up with a their 'awakened' smoothie — it's got a double shot of espresso with banana, mesquite, vanilla and almond milk, and it gets the banana ratio just right. Otherwise you can go with something green, a cup of mango and passionfruit, or a concoction of berries and oats. All smoothies are $9. The space is small, but there's enough space to sit, albeit crowded by the people waiting for takeaways. It's an oasis of raw cheesecakes, food the colour of the rainbow and avo toast served on brown butcher paper. The food resembles what you might expect at Elwood's Combi; it's pretty and very shareable, the acai bowl ($12) is a work of fruit and nut art and the chocolate chia parfait ($14) is topped with edible flowers. But health is a holistic business, and so Heal.Thy Self Co. have an in-house naturopath and massage therapist if you'd like some extra services while you sip your smoothie. But if you'd just like to eat a piece of raw caramel slice (and it's one of the best out there), you can do that too. Don't question it — it's healing.
Leanne Failla's design practice involves investigating how objects play a role in shaping space and the 'intangible' influence objects play in our reading of physical locations. A collection of objects to retain from a collection of objects to discard sees Failla continue her long-held interest in this idea and introduces her own personal narrative by working with objects she owns and values – "reproducing their form using other objects in her possession". By using methods of deconstruction in her art practice, Failla dissects how objects shape space and our experience of it. Failla has previously exhibited her works at the Sheraton Hotel, Seventh Gallery and c3 Contemporary Art Space and has collaborated with Artland as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival. Failla is also the co-director of interior design practice Itself Studio, which she heads alongside fellow designer Jaime Vella. A collection of objects to retain from a collection of objects to discard is on at Blindside Gallery and runs from Wednesday, September 13 until Saturday, September 30. Image: courtesy of Leanne Failla.
Gone are the days when celebrating Easter just meant eating all the chocolate eggs you can handle and treating yourself to all of the hot cross buns while they're in stores. Keep doing both, naturally, because this time of year wouldn't be the same otherwise. But choc-flavoured cocktails have quickly become an Easter staple, too — and award-winning distillery Archie Rose Distilling Co's new lamington tipple has arrived at exactly the right time. Lamingtons are the dessert that just keeps giving: giving us vodkas, cruffins, croissants, gelato bars and sneakers all inspired by them before now, in fact. So, of course Archie Rose has joined the trend with its new Dark Chocolate and Raspberry Lamington Bottled Cocktail, which is indeed exactly what it says on the label. A limited-edition tipple — so, it's here for a delicious time, not a long time — it comes ready to pour either over ice or paired with soda. Archie Rose also recommends a garnish in the form of a berry skewer. That berry flavour is a big part of the cocktail anyway, which goes heavy on raspberry, chocolate, honeycomb and coconut. It's made on Archie Rose's signature dry gin, and also includes notes of citrus — for balance, the company says. You'll only find it via the brand's website, in its latest creative tipple in a range that's previous included riffing on ice cream, dropping a coffee whisky and taking inspiration from Vegemite. Archie Rose Distilling Co's Dark Chocolate and Raspberry Lamington Bottled Cocktail is available now via the brand's website, costing $59 per bottle.
A new year means a new season of whichever sport takes your fancy, including all of the unexpected thrills that come with it. For anyone fond of a pint while watching a game, race, match or the like, Brunswick Street has a few surprises of its own — namely, the now-open bar The Roy, from the team behind cocktail-slinging stalwart Polly. Of course, the new watering hole came as less of a surprise to owner Casey Gordon and manager Chris Hinds, who put in a solid two-year stint of renovations, shaping an unused nook at the back of Polly into a cosy drinking den. The result is what the pair describe as a laidback 'local's local', accessed via a rear laneway, decked out with a big screen for watching sport, and with a vibe that's a few notches more casual than its older sister. Here, you'll settle in for a brew or whisky while enjoying the on-screen action, in a space where decent drinks and sport go hand-in-hand. Indeed, expect the same attention to detail and boozy prowess as Polly, with the sibling venue's years of expertise shine through in The Roy's drinks offering. Taking care of your thirst is a six-strong tap rotation running from the classic to the crafty, a broad lineup of wines by the glass, and a hefty spirits collection to top it all off. The Roy is now open at the rear of 401 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. For more information, visit theroy.com.au.
Next time that someone hands you a $100 note, you can be forgiven for thinking that it looks a little different — because a new range of the green-hued currency will be released into circulation from Thursday, October 29. Australia's banknotes have been getting a makeover since September 2016, when a different $5 note started doing the rounds. It was followed by a revamped $10 in 2017, a sparkling fresh $50 in 2018 and a brand new $20 in 2019. For the upgraded $100 note, the design still celebrates engineer, soldier and civic leader Sir John Monash, as well as internationally famed soprano Dame Nellie Melba. They're both recognised in several ways on the new notes, with not only their portraits displayed prominently, but with microprint featuring excerpts of a letter written by Monash, as well as text from Melba's autobiography Melodies and Memories. As well as changed artwork (albeit keeping the same colour scheme as old notes), the new $100 boasts the same improved security features as the revamped $5, $10, $20 and $50 notes, which are largely aimed to stop counterfeiting. A clear window running from top to bottom is the most obvious, and contains a number of features such as a reversing number and flying bird. As mentioned above, the note also includes microprint, plus a patch with rolling colour. And, in great news for the vision-impaired, the new series of legal tender has a tactile feature to help distinguish between different denominations. As happened with the other denominations, the rollout will happen gradually. The existing $100 banknotes are still considered legal tender, so you can still keep using them. Australia's new $100 notes will start circulating from Thursday, October 29. For more information about the banknotes, head to the Reserve Bank of Australia website. Images: Reserve Bank of Australia.
As far as summer food/drink combos go, beer with guac and chips is definitely up there. But one brewery's just found a way to combine the two in one unusual but very intriguing beverage. The LA-based Angel City Brewery recently introduced Avocado Ale as part of their inaugural Avocado Festival on August 24, which celebrated the beginning of avocado season in California. The beer contains avocados harvested straight from brewmaster Dieter Foerstner's grandmother's farm, as well as other ingredients you'd normally find in guacamole, like crushed red pepper, garlic, lime and coriander. Angel City is no stranger to experimental brews — their previous creations include the Pickle Weiss and the less weird-sounding White Nite, a golden, chocolate- and espresso-flavoured ale. It looks like Avocado Ale's just a one-off local thing, but they're not the first brewers to take the 'Why can't we have both?' approach to beer and food. Sydney's own 4 Pines Brewery recently held a series of Beer Mimics Food events, featuring beer infused with HP sauce, apple and blackcurrant crumble and, even more bizarrely, a bento box lager. Foerstner, the man behind Avocado Ale, described it to LAist as a "love or hate kind of thing. It's not what traditionalists would expect a beer to taste like. It does have a well-pronounced avocado flavour, so people who don't care for the fruit to begin with might not enjoy it. But being an avocado lover, I love it." Via PSFK.
It's mid-August, so you should probably start getting your New Year's Eve plans in order. Victorian NYE festival Beyond the Valley has just announced the lineup for their celebrated four-day festival in Lardner, Victoria and it's pretty bloody good, so could be a solid option. Just four festivals old, the Victorian festival is still pretty fresh on the New Year's circuit, starting out in 2014. Despite this, they've managed to secure a rather colossal lineup, featuring charismatic rap headliner Schoolboy Q, Sydney electro legends The Presets, falsetto-flaunting folk favourite Matt Corby, UK grime gem Stormzy, East London 'wonky funk' singer Nao and 21-year-old Channel Islands-born producer Mura Masa. Beyond the Valley takes over Lardner Park, Warragul, Victoria from December 28 to January 1. Anyway, here's what you came for. BEYOND THE VALLEY 2017 LINEUP: Schoolboy Q The Presets Matt Corby Stormzy Mura Masa Stephan Bodzin (live) Little Dragon 2MNANY DJs (DJ Set) Adana Twins Âme (live) Amy Shark Andhim The Belligerents B.Traits Crooked Colours Cub Sport Cut Copy Dean Lewis DMAs Dom Dolla FKJ GL George Maple Harvey Sutherland & Bermuda Hayden James Hot Dub Time Machine Ivan Ooze Jack River Lastlings Late Nite Tuff Guy Marek Hemmann Meg Mac NAO Patrick Topping Pleasurekraft The Preatures Princess Nokia Ruby Fields Sampa The Great San Cisco Skegss Beyond the Valley is happening December 28 to January 1 at Lardner Park, Warragul, Victoria. Presale tickets on sale Wednesday, August 16, with general tickets on sale Thursday. August 24, from www.beyondthevalley.com.au. Images: Beyond the Valley.
Shelly is a normal girl. Normal enough, that is, until she finds herself starting to become more and more fish-like every day. Staying true to her piscine transformation, she takes refuge in the sea, alone. But the sea is no place for a human girl — even a scaly, gilled amphibian-type one who's taken a liking to blowing bubbles. The Sound of Waves is a fictionalised account of performer Jodie Harris' true story of losing her hearing and getting a cochlear implant. Written bespoke for her to perform solo by Gareth Ellis, the production is a whimsical, affirming tale six years in the making. Harris, a deaf actor, admits she was worried about performing it. But the oh-so-precious, encouraging words of the Weedy Seahorse — one of her multitudinous characters in the play — got her through that: "I can do this, and that — check it out! I can do this." The Sound of Waves plays at fortyfivedownstairs from October 3-12, and tickets are $30 each ($25 concession). We have two double passes to give away to the performance on Sunday, October 5, at 5pm. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au with your name and address.
What's big, spiky and attracts tourists from all over? Whether you grew up in the shadow of one of south-east Queensland's great tourist attractions, made the trek to the Sunshine Coast to marvel an oversized fake fruit, or always thought you'd snap a pic next to the pineapple to end all pineapples, you know the answer. Soon, however, you might be able to do more than just visit, take photos, browse the markets, meet some monkeys and eat the sweet, juicy food in question — you might be able to sleep there. Yes, glamping could be coming to the one and only Big Pineapple. If that's not news that'll make you hightail it to Nambour, then we don't know what is. With the iconic site under new ownership, the folks in charge are thinking big — well, bigger than the previous owners did, including the people responsible for building such a massive monument to a particular tropical fruit. Among the additions mooted for the 165-hectare site: a family fun park, an RV park, walking trails, outdoor sport and recreation facilities, and fancy, fancy tents so that you can stay the night. The plans are designed to help bring the Big Pineapple back to its former glory, with the 16-metre-high attraction's tourist trade not quite at previous booming levels. Since opening in 1971, the heritage-listed fruit tower has seen a few changes, opening and closing over the years, undergoing several revamps, and introducing the annual Big Pineapple Music Festival in 2013. "What we want to do is make a food-based and eco-tourism-based destination that incorporates the existing big pineapple, but adds other things ... and has outlets for local produce," co-owner Peter Kendall told ABC Sunshine Coast. "There's rainforest on the land that would lend itself to eco-walks [and] we've talked about things like zip lining." Existing favourites, such as the animal hospital and train, will be retained. And, for anyone who feels strongly about just what the Big Pineapple should add to the site, an open day will be held on February 18 for interested parties to offer their input into the new proposals. Via: ABC Sunshine Coast. Image: Holiday Point.
It was a sad day for Melbourne's dining scene when Teage Ezard's CBD institution Ezard announced its closure last June, after an impressive 20 years of operation. They're some pretty big shoes to fill. But if anyone's going to do it, it might just be Sydney's much-loved Mediterranean restaurant Nomad. Yep — the team's just revealed its first Melbourne outpost will open in the iconic Flinders Lane space from mid-November. Owners Rebecca and Al Yazbek have been busy transforming the Adelphi Hotel's lower ground floor into Nomad's new 100-seat southern iteration, replicating the ethos of the original, while championing a whole new menu filled with local produce. Celebrated executive chef Jacqui Challinor has been working closely with Nomad Melbourne's new head chef Brendan Katich (Gingerboy, Ezard) to develop the eatery's signature offering, centred around house-made cheese and charcuterie, and the kitchen's prized wood-fired oven. [caption id="attachment_829999" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The team[/caption] Fans will find just a handful of menu mainstays, backed by a lineup of brand new dishes, with plenty of locally-sourced meat and veggies cooked over flames among the mix. A sprawling wine list will focus on homegrown drops, with Victorian wineries and smaller producers given lots of love. And an extensive all-Aussie pouring list will rotate regularly, offering the chance to sample new wines with every visit, including premium creations served via Coravin. The space itself has been imagined with the help of Melbourne-based architect Clare Cousins, its elegant interiors tucked away behind a hidden entrance. Concrete columns and beams that were unearthed during construction have been used to help section the restaurant into various moody dining areas. The newcomer won't be Nomad Group's sole Melbourne operation for long, with further plans to open another restaurant and bar in The Cathedral Room of the Queen and Collins precinct next year. Find Nomad Melbourne at 187 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, from November 15. It's open for lunch Wednesday to Sunday, and daily for dinner.
It already takes the crown as Australia's biggest shopping centre, and ranks amongst the largest in the world, too. But Chadstone isn't stopping with the upgrades anytime soon. After adding a luxury hotel and a couple of new restaurants to its grounds in 2019, and enjoying plenty of upgrades in recent years, the centre today unveiled plans for its latest addition — a new entertainment and dining precinct dubbed The Social Quarter. Clocking in at over 10,350 square metres and a cool $71 million, the project is set to feature 18 new food and entertainment 'experiences', with a focus on al fresco dining. Designed for all seasons and occasions, it's gearing up to open its doors this summer. On the food side of things, you'll find new outposts from six different hospitality retailers, including New Zealand-born Asian-fusion restaurant White + Wong's and its sibling Sardine Bar, Italian eatery Cinque Terre and Melbourne's much-loved Piccolina Gelateria. The crew from South Melbourne's Half Acre is opening an all-day Euro diner called Cityfields. And there'll be a new venue from Urban Alley Brewing Co (also Docklands and Knox), complete with its own onsite brewery creating craft beer exclusively for The Social Quarter. When it comes to playtime, punters of all ages will be spoilt for choice with venues from Archie Brothers Cirque Electrique, Strike Bowling and Holey Moley, alongside a new iteration of Hijinx Hotel — Funlab's vibrant 'challenge room hotel' concept, which debuted in Sydney in winter. They'll complement Chadstone's existing Legoland Discovery Centre and Hoyts cinema complex. [caption id="attachment_868118" align="alignnone" width="1920"] White + Wong's[/caption] The Social Quarter is also set to show off some sleek design work, helmed by renowned architects Jackson Clements Burrows, along with Buchan, Decibel and Lat Studios. It's aiming for a 5 Star Green Star rating, will feature an art-covered facade with works by artist Matthew Johnson, and boast a cutting-edge louvred glass roof design made up of 468 individually glazed pieces. The precinct will also showcase views across to the CBD from its restaurant spaces. [caption id="attachment_868117" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Urban Alley[/caption] [caption id="attachment_868111" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bar Sardine[/caption] Find The Social Quarter at Chadstone Shopping Centre, 1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone, Victoria, from a yet-to-be-confirmed date this summer.
When you travel the world, you take your tastebuds on a journey with you, with trying local delicacies all part of the experience. If you find yourself at Sweden's new museum, however, you might not want to get adventurous with your eating — it's completely dedicated to disgusting foods. Of course, what one person considers gross, another entire country might slather on toast for breakfast. Yes, the Malmö-based Disgusting Food Museum will feature Vegemite when it opens on October 29. Other items don't include much-loved but highly polarising Australian spreads, but everything within the site's walls is considered food somewhere. Think Sweden's own surstömming, aka fermented herring; cuy, the Peruvian roasted guinea pigs; casu marzu, a maggot-infested cheese from Sardinia; hákarl, the Icelandic dish comprised of well-aged shark; and Thailand's notoriously pungent durian. In total, 80 foods from around the world will be on display until January 27, with liquorice, jell-o salad, fruit bat and bull's penis among the other exhibits. For an entry fee of 185 Swedish krona (approximately AU$29), visitors will have the opportunity to smell and taste selected items. The museum will also hold 'taste one for the team' sessions for groups of six or more, where you can challenge your friends to the kinds of tastings that you don't get every day. If you're currently asking yourself the obvious question — not 'what's wrong with Vegemite?', but rather 'what would inspire someone to open this kind of place?' — the Disgusting Food Museum is all about challenging accepted ideas of what's edible and tasty. It recognises that what one person finds delicious, another might find revolting and vice-versa. Speaking to Vox, curator and 'chief disgustologist' Samuel West uses Vegemite as an example, explaining that it initially tastes awful, but you can learn to like it. Find the Disgusting Food Museum in Malmö, Sweden from October 29. For more information or to buy tickets, visit the museum's website or Facebook page.
The Olympic Games bring nations together in a worldwide contest of sport and competition. But the Olympics do much more than this too by providing an arena for remarkable triumphs, terrible failures, true perseverance and utter determination. Even through devastating wars, ongoing global conflicts, drastic terrorism acts and natural disasters, nations of the world have managed to unite (almost) every four years for over a century in a demonstration of friendly competition and unity. With the approaching London Olympics, it got us thinking about the spectacular images from past Olympic Games — photos that make you think, laugh, cringe or cry. Here is our pick of the best photographs from each summer Olympic Games throughout history. Athens 1896 - The Starting Gun Fires The first international Olympic Games to be held in the modern era. Being the 'birthplace of the Olympic Games', Athens was a suitable first venue. Athletics events obtained the most international field of the sports on offer, with the major highlight being the marathon; this was the first time the event had been held in international competition. Paris 1900 - Women Compete for the First Time Women donned their sporting caps and get-ups (apparently dresses in those days) for the first time at an international sporting event in Paris in 1900, with Charlotte Cooper being crowned the first female Olympic champion. 1000 competitors took part in 19 sports at these Games, which was held during the 1900 World's Fair. St. Louis 1904 - 3rd Time Not Such a Charm The St. Louis Olympic Games almost became the last due to such poor management. Making the same mistake as Paris did four years earlier, the World's Fair was run at the same time, causing audience members to be lost to other cultural exhibitions and events. Many athletes were also a no-show due to the Russo-Japanese War. London 1908 - Kings, Queens and Cramming London only had a short amount of time to ready themselves for these games as the original location, Rome, had to focus funds on restoring Naples following the destruction of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius two years earlier. The London games saw the setting of the new official distance for the marathon; in an attempt to restore the importance of the monarchy, British officials changed the track to start below the window of the Royal Nursery and finish in front of the King. Stockholm 1912 - Women's Gymnastics The Olympic Games in 1912 was the year of many firsts - and one last. The final Games to issue solid gold medals, Stockholm also held the first Olympics to have art competitions, the first to feature the decathlon and pentathlon, the first to have an Asian nation participate (Japan), and the first death during competition after Portuguese competitor, Francisco Lazaro, died from hyperthermia in the marathon. The Games also had a whopping 48 women compete (most of which appear to be in the Norwegian's Gymnastics team above). Berlin 1916 - A No-Show The Olympics were due to take place in Berlin in 1916, and it was expected to be a grand affair with the development of the new 'Deutsches Stadion'. The stadium was released with a parade, 10,000 pigeons and 60,000 people. If only they could get that many people to turn up to the real event though, because the Games didn't go ahead in this year due to the turmoil embroiling Europe at the time with the outbreak 0f the Second World War. Antwerp 1920 - Return to the Stadium The Games of the VII Olympiad were offered to Antwerp to honour the suffering the citizens had endured during World War I. The Games had originally been set to appear in Budapest, however as a German ally, Hungary, and many other nations such as Germany, Austria, Bulgaria and Turkey, was banned from competing. France appeared strong in the games, as is evident through Suzanne Lenglen's valiant effort on the tennis court. Paris 1924 - The Old Switcheroo Known as 'The Flying Scot', Britain's Golden Boy, Eric Liddell, stubbornly refused to take place in the 100m finals, as the event was to take place on a Sunday. The devout Christian thus decided to simply swap events in favour of the 400m sprint, ignoring the vast differences in distances and strategies. Despite the public's low expectations of his abilities, Liddell managed to not only win the competition, but also tied the Olympic record. Amsterdam 1928 - Jumping for Joy After being denied the ability to play host to the Games in both 1920 and 1924, the Olympics were finally celebrated in Holland in 1928. This was the first games to have an Olympic flame lit during the event and was also the first time that 400m athletics tracks were used. Los Angeles 1932 - Jumping Hurdles Mildred Zaharias wasn't the only one overcoming hurdles and breaking records in 1932, with California attempting to look past the worldwide Great Depression plaguing the globe at the time. These Summer Olympics held less than half the number of participants that competed in its previous location, Amsterdam, because many nations were unable to pay for the trip to Los Angeles. However, this didn't seem to impact the US too negatively as newspapers reported that the Games nevertheless reaped a profit of US$1,000,000. Berlin 1936 - Showing Off After being denied their chance to host the games in 1916, Berlin gained a second opportunity in 1936. The games were held on the eve of the Nazi Regime's rise to power in Germany, which occurred two years later. In an attempt to outdo the Los Angeles Olympics four years prior, the Nazis built a new 100,000 seat track and field stadium, six gymnasiums and many other small arenas. London 1948 - Third Time is a Charm After the Games were cancelled in Tokyo in 1940 and again London in 1944 (due to the Second World War), the Olympics finally returned to the world stage in 1948. Due to the destruction the war had caused in Europe, the games became known as the 'Austerity Games'. No new venues were built for the games and rather than being housed in an Olympic VIllage, athletes were housed in existing accommodation. Helsinki 1952 - A Record Breaking Event Known for being the games in which the most number of records were broken (until the 2008 Olympics in Beijing that is), Helsinki also saw the return and first appearance of a large number of nations. A total of 69 nations competed in the games, a figure 59 higher than that of the 1948 Games. Japan and Germany both appeared this time, along with 13 totally new nations such as The People's Republic of China and the USSR. Melbourne 1956 - Exceeding Expectations Melbourne was selected by a mere one vote margin and many were skeptical of its suitability as the reversal of seasons would mean that athletes would be unaccustomed to the wintery weather at the Summer Games. The Games proved to be a success and later became known as the 'Friendly Games'. Betty Cuthbert (above) was a star for the Australian nation by securing three gold medals, in the 100m, 200m & 4 x 100m sprint relay. Rome 1960 - Frozen in Time After emerging from the quarter and semi-finals of the 100m with the quickest times, German Armin Hary jumped the gun by false-starting twice in the finals. By the third, time, he seemed to have honed his panther-like reflexes to run a speedy 10.2 second and take out the Gold Medal. Tokyo 1964 - Savvy Games The Olympic Games held in the Tokyo in 1964 were the first Olympics to be telecast internationally without the need for tapes to be flown overseas, as was required previously. They were also the first games in which South Africa was barred from participating due to its apartheid system. Mexico City 1968 - Black Power Although you've probably seen this image a thousand times, the use of sport for making overt political statements and to become a vehicle for change, which is embodied in this photo, cannot be ignored. The Black Power Salute, made by African American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos in the 1968, was a contentious gesture. Ostracised at the time, their demonstration only became recognised as a demonstration for dignity years later. Munich 1972 - Shadows The Games in Munich were largely overshadowed by the Munich Massacre, in which eleven Isreali athletes and coaches, a West German Police Officer and five terrorists were killed. Despite the event, the West German Government was determined to present a new democratic government, after the last games held in Germany was under the Nazi Regime. To this aim, the official motto of the games became 'the Happy Games'. Montreal 1976 - A Perfect Performance Romanian Gymnast Nadia Comaneci made Olympic history in the 1976 Olympics in Montreal by becoming the first female gymnast to ever be awarded a perfect score of 10 for her wondrous display on the uneven bars. Comaneci was also the the first Romanian gymnast to win the all-round event and was only 14 at the time - no wonder she appears to be floating on air. Moscow 1980 - Boycott Because of the Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan, the United States and a number of other countries boycotted the games in Moscow. As a result the games garnered a mere 80 participating nations, the smallest number since the 1956 Olympics. All in all a fairly non-eventful Games evidently. Los Angeles 1984 - Yep, another Boycott In retaliation to America's boycott four years prior, this time the Eastern Bloc nations boycotted the games. Seems like the fighting fire with fire approach is being employed here. Seoul 1988 - Cracking Under Pressure In the 1988 Seoul Olympics, the world's best diver at the time. Greg Louganis seemed to crack under the pressure - and that's not the only thing he cracked. In his attempt to complete a reverse 2 and a 1/2 pike somersault, the diver didn't get enough distance from the board and hit his head on the board, requiring temporary sutures. Barcelona 1992 - A Family Affair Renowned 400 metre sprinter Derek Redmond tragically tore a hamstring in the middle of the semi-final race at the 1992 Games in Barcelona. However, after his father tore past the security to go to his son's aid, Redmond was able to fight through the pain to complete a full lap, finishing with a standing ovation from the crowd. Atlanta 1996 - A Bombshell of an Olympics In the middle of the Atlanta Games in 1996, Eric Rudolph conducted his first of four terrorist bombings, killing two people and injuring 111. Rudolph bombed the Centennial Olympic Park, which was designed as the 'town square' of the Olympics. Sydney 2000 - Controversial Cathy Making the history books, Freeman brought glory to the Australian population by claiming the title of winner of the 400m track event. She was only the second ever Australian Aboriginal Olympic Champion. Following the race, the sprinter proceeded to (somewhat controversially and against Olympic norms) take a victor lap carrying both the Aboriginal and Australian flags. Athens 2004 - Making Waves Charnvudth Saensri of Thailand made waves with his strong stroke in the men's swimming 1500 metre freestyle heat in Athens. (Ok he didn't do that well but you can't go past the beauty of the photograph and his sheer determination). Beijing 2008 - As Fast as a Bolt Despite unfavourable wind conditions, Usain Bolt smashed through the 100m sprint world record with a swift 9.69 seconds. If that wasn't enough Bolt then went on to win gold and set another world record in the 200m. This made Bolt the first sprinter to ever break both records at the same Olympics.
Many Victorians started the new year getting reacquainted with their face masks, after mask-wearing rules were tightened on December 31. Now, the government has announced the state will revert back to its former, more relaxed set of mask regulations, which had been in place from December 6. Starting from 11.59pm this Sunday, January 17, face masks will no longer be mandatory in all public indoor settings. With many of the rules being relaxed, you'll no longer need a mask when in a restaurant, at a cafe, in a church, library or indoor workplace. Of course, under the loosened restrictions, people will still be required to don a fitted mask in certain circumstances, including when riding in a ride-share or taxi, or using public transport. Masks are also a must when inside a shopping centre and its retail stores, any large retail store over 2000 square metres, indoor markets and hospitals. Plus, the face coverings will be required at airports, as well as on all domestic flights in and out of the state. https://twitter.com/VicGovDHHS/status/1349545904928292865 While the new rules are set to be a lot more relaxed than we've become accustomed to in the past couple of weeks, you'd best not go losing the mask completely just yet — the Victorian Government is advising people to always carry one with them unless they've got a lawful reason not to. It's also still "strongly recommended" that you pop a mask on in any situation where you can't maintain 1.5-metres distance from others. New mask regulations will come into effect from 11.59pm on Sunday, January 17. For full details of the updated rules, see the Victorian Government's coronavirus website.
It might have been kicking on for close to three decades and an army of fans to its name, but it seems even that's not enough to save the legendary Lounge from extinction. The long-standing Swanston Street live music haunt and nightclub has called last drinks, announcing via Facebook that it'll shut its doors for good come April. According to Bookings and Marketing Manager Liam Alexander, Lounge's operators have been given little choice but to close, following their landlord's decision not to renew the lease. It's unclear what's planned for the site, but many would guess a redevelopment is on the cards for 243 Swanston Street. The Facebook post touched on the venue's long-running legacy and revealed plans for some hefty farewell celebrations. From January, Lounge will be rounding out its 29 years of operation with a special run 29 shows. The program features a mix of local and international artists who've been a part of the Lounge family over the decades, as well as return appearances by some of the parties and club nights from the days of old. Prepare to revisit former favourites like Butter Sessions, Pleasure Planet, Bunker, Technoir, Lucid and loads more. Across its colourful history, Lounge has seen an impressive lineup of artists walk through its doors, including Nick Cave, Björk, Kylie Minogue, Gil Scott-Heron and Jeff Buckley. It's known for its diverse programming, covering DJ sets, live acts, art installations, performance pieces, short film screenings, live radio streams, multi-day parties and everything in between. So it's safe to say it'll be missed by Melbourne's arts community. Lounge will throw its last party at 1/243 Swanston Street, Melbourne on Thursday, April 18. Entry will be $20 — find more details here. Updated: April 11, 2019.
Throw those feathered headbands, bubble bottles and novelty gumboots in your rucksack, Splendour in the Grass is returning to North Byron Parklands for another year of festival merriment. Triggering road trippin' pilgrimages country-wide since 2001, Splendour is a locked-in date for many a festival reveller (with lineup announcements and ticket sales mornings causing widespread panic and cold sweats). So who's playing this year? Confirmed as headliners after an awkward leaked post by the duo on the Splendour website, Outkast will be taking out the top spot on the first night. After a seven-year hiatus, Big Boi and Andre 3000 made a triumphant return to the stage recently at Coachella Music and Arts Festival in California. Cailfornian festival favourites Foster The People were a 'Pumped Up Kicks'-loving Splendour crowd favourite in 2011 and will return with more material this year. British trio London Grammar will bring their ethereal trip hop to Byron after their billing last year didn't work out due to timing. Two Door Cinema Club and Lily Allen will return to Australia for their first shows here in over a year. But one of the biggest surprises is the addition of Brooklyn's beloved Interpol, who no one really saw coming. After letting tour plans slip on triple j, Sky Ferreira can now officially confirm her spot on the lineup, returning quite soon after a recent Australian tour. Others who couldn't keep away include Danny Brown, Childish Gambino, Darkside, Parquet Courts and CHVRCHES, all of whom recently played killer shows around these parts. The Australian contingent (lead by deadset legends Hoodoo Gurus) sees Angus and Julia Stone and Spiderbait return to the stage, as well as RÜFÜS, Vance Joy, The Preatures, Hilltop Hoods, Sticky Fingers, The Jezabels, Ball Park Music, Courtney Barnett, DZ Deathrays, Violent Soho and more homegrown favourites sure to prompt All The Singalongs. There's a few wildcards sure to stir significant hype closer to the date, including Icelandic melodic folkster Ásgeir, New York punk rockers Skaters and returning eclectic folk-pop queen tUnE-yArDs. Splendour in the Grass 2014 will take place from Friday July 25 through to Sunday July 27, returning to the festival's new home of North Byron Parklands, Yelgun. Full lineup: Outkast (Only Aus Show) Two Door Cinema Club (Only Aus Show) Lily Allen Interpol (Only Aus Show) Childish Gambino Foster The People Angus & Julia Stone City And Colour London Grammar Sam Smith Hilltop Hoods Vance Joy Darkside (Only Aus Show) RÜFÜS Ben Howard Kelis Metronomy Hoodoo Gurus Chvrches (Only Aus Show) Grouplove The Jezabels Tune-Yards 360 Wild Beasts Danny Brown (Only Aus Show) Illy First Aid Kit Violent Soho Ásgeir Spiderbait The 1975 Ball Park Music Art Vs Science Buraka Som Sistema (Only Aus Show) The Preatures Parquet Courts (Only Aus Show) Sticky Fingers Peking Duk Sky Ferreira Future Islands Courtney Barnett Phantogram DZ Deathrays Skaters Gossling Jungle The Strypes Hot Dub Time Machine The Kite String Tangle Ry-X Mikhael Paskalev Wave Racer The Acid Saskwatch Kingswood Circa Waves Broods Dustin Tebbutt The Head And The Heart DMA'S Darren Middleton Little May Darlia D.D Dumbo Tkay Maidza The Creases The Wild Feathers Chrome Sparks Fractures Mas Ysa Nick Mulvey Triple J Unearthed Winners Plus DJs & Producers: Nina Las Vegas Yacht Club DJs Motez Touch Sensitive Indian Summer Wordlife L D R U & Yahtzel DJs Cosmos Midnight Sable Kilter Basenji KLP Fishing DJs Paces Charles Murdoch More information over here at the Splendour website.
Stages graced with international acts? Check. A hefty lineup led by Lizzo, Flume and Mumford & Sons? Check again. Gumboots aplenty, everyone from Pussy Riot to Tony Armstrong, and three wild days at North Byron Bay Parklands? Tick them off the 2023 Splendour in the Grass checklist, too. A graveyard, though? No one had that on their Splendour bingo card, but it's part of this year's fest thanks to ABC series War on Waste, which is drawing attention to fast fashion. Sometimes, you need to see a problem to truly grasp it. That's an approach that folks have been applying to the vast piles of textiles that end up in landfill for some time — in 2022, Joost Bakker filled Melbourne's Federation Square with 3000-plus kilograms of fashion waste, for instance. A cemetery symbolising discarded clothing items is another eye-catching away to get everyone thinking about the issue, with this pop-up gracing Splendour for its full 2023 run from Friday, July 21–Sunday, July 23. "Fast fashion has exploded! We've moved to ultrafast fashion, even though 30 percent of clothing in the average wardrobe has not been worn in the last year," said War on Waste host Craig Reucassel. "We're throwing out ten kilograms of fashion per person each year. To make only the cotton clothes that we throw out each year would take as much water as there is in Sydney Harbour. Meanwhile, over 60 percent of our clothes are made from plastic derived from fossil fuels." "Through this activation, we hope to engage the festival community in meaningful conversations about the impact of fast fashion and inspire them to embrace more sustainable and ethical practices. Buy less and wear it longer!" Reucassel continued. Splendour attendees will spot the graveyard opposite the Forum and Comedy Club, acting as a commentary on the 227 million kilograms of clothing that goes to Aussie landfills every year. The site's tombstones jokingly pay tribute to items bought and scrapped quickly, yet won't decompose for hundreds of years, and offer facts about the problem. Everything featured has been recycled or repurposed, and all materials used will be recycled or repurposed again after Splendour is over. As well as getting festivalgoers thinking about their outfits, the cemetery pop-up is timed to promote War on Waste's third season, which hits the ABC from Tuesday, July 25. Splendour in the Grass runs from Friday, July 21–Sunday, July 23, 2023 at North Byron Bay Parklands — head to the festival website for further details and tickets. Images: Georgia Jane Griffiths.
Not knowing where your bag is when you disembark from a plane is a downright travel nightmare, and also now hopefully a thing of the past if you're flying with Virgin Australia. In 2023, the carrier rolled out a free baggage-tracking tool to fix this much-hated situation, starting with a heap of domestic routes. Now, it's available across its whole network. Flying to Japan? Bali, Fiji, Samoa or Vanuatu? Queenstown? The bag-tracking app covers those destinations. Wherever you're heading, you'll get notifications when your luggage is ready to fly, then when it's on the plane and again once it is at the baggage carousel. Virgin started testing the new technology in May 2023, then launched it in August domestically on almost 70-percent of flights before January's full rollout. Unsurprisingly, the feature has been popular. Since last year, the app has been used around 1.3-million times by Aussie travellers. Obviously, this feature covers checked luggage only. If you're carrying your bags into the cabin with you, you'll know where they are. For those stowing their suitcases in cargo, however, you'll be able to see where they are across your entire journey. Here's how it works: you'll need that aforementioned app, and to check your bag. You'll also want to enable push notifications. From there, expect to be buzzed with all the relevant info — the app will tell you which baggage carousel to head to as well, solving another airport annoyance. "Australians find comfort in the ability to track food deliveries, postal deliveries, technology, even their heart rate, all via apps, and it made sense for travellers to be able to do the same thing when flying Virgin Australia," said Virgin Australia Group Chief Customer and Digital Officer Paul Jones. Virgin Australia's baggage-tracking tool is now available across all flights. Find out more via the airline's website, and download the app online as well.
I know what you're probably thinking. At Concrete Playground, we're very transparent about the awesome work we do with brands. So it might be reasonable to conclude that I'm going to fill the next 600 words or so with unadulterated praise about Milklab's new oat milk. But you'd be wrong. The first time I, a stubbornly exclusive drinker of full-fat dairy milk, tried oat milk, I made a face that made my walking buddy think I'd stepped in a big pile of dog shit. My next thought: immediate regret. You see, I'd challenged myself to make the switch to oat milk. I discovered while reading up about it, of the various plant-based milks that are now widely available in cafes, oat is supposed to be the closest in taste and creaminess to dairy. So, I thought, why not give it a go? I decided to commit to the oat for a whole week and document my experiences. But, after my first sip, I was immediately overcome with regret. A whole week on this was all of a sudden starting to look like it could be a long one. Was I going to make it? Was I going to cave? Or was I — perhaps unthinkably — actually going to enjoy it? Here's what happened. THE TASTE My first sip of an oat milk coffee was definitely a bit of a shock. For the uninitiated (as I was just a couple of weeks ago), there's a sweet, nutty, almost malty taste — as well as an undeniably oat-y one — that I knew was going to take a bit of getting used to. I don't take any sugar in my coffee, either, so I realised from that first sip that some adjustment (mainly of my own expectations) was going to be required. One almost immediate effect the sweetness did have was that it forced me to slow down, and to savour every sip. There was also a surprising richness to the milk that meant each sip just went that little bit further. I also tried different types of oat milk coffee: hot and cold, frothy and flat. I was surprised by the full flavour and roundness in the latte — especially an oat cap (more on that below). Meanwhile, the iced oat lattes I had were also very, very drinkable. Not only did these not leave me feeling bloated like a dairy version would, but it seems that not heating the milk neutralised some of the immediate nuttiness and sweetness. And while I could tell it wasn't dairy, it tasted pretty close to it. THE MOUTHFEEL This was, to be honest, the part that I was probably the most nervous about. One of the main reasons that I have stubbornly insisted on full-fat dairy milk is because I've found the alternatives either too watery for my liking, or far too overpowering in taste. The warm internal hug that a perfectly made latte with full-fat dairy milk provides is hard to replicate with the alternatives. One drink, though, changed my mind from the first sip: the oat cappuccino. While I am firmly of the belief that cappuccinos should remain in the 90s alongside sundried tomatoes and focaccia, the full velvety goodness of an oat cap was, to quote Jessica Simpson, irresistible. This is likely because oat milk stretches similarly to dairy, effectively resulting in a smaller margin of error on the part of the espresso puller and also creating that fuller mouthfeel. Another thing it took drinking oat to realise — especially on days I drank both oat and dairy to compare a little more directly — is the film that dairy can leave around the mouth, which is honestly... not okay. There was no such residue with oat, hot or cold. THE EFFECT Remember that warm internal hug I mentioned earlier? As pretty much any drinker of dairy milk can vouch for, it's not uncommon for your stomach to start to play dubstep after, or even during, that milk-induced inside-out embrace. Mercifully, no such beats were created after an oat beverage. Another thing I found interesting was that the post-caffeine crash I would usually experience — especially following my afternoon brew — did not come when I'd had my oat drink. This is surprising given that oat has less protein and more sugar than full-fat dairy, but what is undeniable is that an oatey boy seemed to keep me going for longer. The same can be said for the fullness factor. While its bloat factor means that dairy usually fills me more quickly, the fullness seems to be both more subtle and more sustained with oat. [caption id="attachment_824628" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rachel McDermott (Unsplash)[/caption] THE VERDICT Full disclosure: I'm writing this while drinking a full-fat dairy latte. But I'm not enjoying it as much as what I might have done a couple of weeks ago. I actually came to not only enjoy the taste of oat milk, but also crave it. Am I converted? Truth be told, I'll still be ordering dairy when the mood hits. But what I have discovered is that there is another option that does the job just as well — and, in some cases, even better. For more information on Milklab's new oat range, head to the website.
At a time when most IKEA furniture ends up deep in the Gumtree 'For Sale' ads or left on the side of the road, the Swedish retailer has come up with a pretty clever plan to give those unwanted flat-pack ensembles a second lease on life. In good news for those moving house and face with an accumulative collection of Malm blond wood pieces, IKEA has launched its furniture buy-back service at all of its Australian stores. From today, Australians will be able to bring in their retired IKEA pieces to be sold on to a new home — and score a voucher for their efforts. The program is being rolled out nationally after a year-long trial at Sydney's Tempe store which saw 1600 pieces bought back from customers. Now, you'll be able to do the same at the other two Sydney stores — in Rhodes and Marsden Park — as well as stores in Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide and Perth. The initiative was initially spurred by findings from the company's latest People & Planet Positive Report, which suggested Aussies threw away up to 13.5 million pieces of furniture that could have been recycled, reused or repaired. So how does it work? If you've got some furniture you want to get out of your life, you'll need to get an estimated quote online. Then, you'll need to take it and your furniture — still fully assembled, mind you — to the nearest IKEA store. Once there, your furniture will be assessed by an IKEA staff member, and they'll decide on a value and give you a buy-back refund card to use in-store. The buy-back scheme is only for IKEA furniture, and not for other products like lighting, mattresses, textiles, kitchen components or appliances. That's because the bought-back pieces need to be in good enough condition to be sold on to other customers in the As-Is store. It does, however, have separate recycling schemes for mattresses, batteries and light bulbs. If your Malm bed frame or chest of drawers isn't in quite good enough condition for the As-Is store, you might need to consider donating it to charity or finding another way to recycle it. And if you are buying new furniture, consider buying something secondhand from the As-Is store, or at least investing in something that you plan to keep long-term. You can get a quote on your IKEA furniture here, and then you'll be able to take it to the Tempe, Marsden Park, Rhodes, Richmond, Springvale, Logan, North Lakes, Adelaide, Canberra or Perth stores to redeem a refund voucher.
Whether you thrift for a good bargain, or to find hidden fashion treasure, are eco-conscious and want to combat fast fashion, or just enjoy some retail therapy as a hobby, you won't want to miss this news. This month, Savers Australia is working with The Social Studio, offering free alterations at its Brunswick store to help thrifters restyle, refresh and rethink their best Savers' pieces. Every Tuesday (from 10am to 2pm) and Thursday (from 5 to 8.45pm) in September, head to the Savers store on Sydney Road in Brunswick to meet with the skilled team from The Social Studio to upcycle your thrifted Savers finds. You only need your Savers' Brunswick receipt, your tag still intact, and a creative vision of how you want to elevate your pre-loved pieces. Whether it's hem shortening, sleeve or strap shortening or button replacements, the service will help breathe new life into your secondhand finds. And let us just reiterate that this service is free. The Social Studio is a not-for-profit organisation accredited by Ethical Clothing Australia that fosters employment opportunities and education for people from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Over the last 15 years, The Social Studio has helped more than 820 people through training, pathways to employment and paid work. Dewi Cooke, CEO of The Social Studio, says, "For us, fashion has always been a tool for change. Partnering with Savers lets us showcase our makers' skills and inspire more people to see the value in reimagining and reusing what they already have. Together, we're proving sustainable fashion can be creative, inclusive and accessible to everyone." The collaboration with The Social Studio is part of Savers' Thrift Proud movement, which celebrates community, creativity and the joy of thrifting. Michael Fisher, Managing Director at Savers Australia, says, "By giving shoppers the chance to tailor their thrifted finds, we're helping people love their clothes for longer, celebrate creativity, and support an incredible community-driven organisation." Images: Supplied. The free alterations pop-up will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout September (except for September 30) at 330 Sydney Road, Brunswick. There is a limit of two garments per person, and complex alterations are excluded.
Gone are the days when mobile phones didn't fit in anyone's pocket and Snake was the only game available; however the process of charging your trusty device hasn't changed much over the years. Cable ports might look a little different and smartphones have definitely gotten smaller, but juicing up your handset still takes the one thing we all don't have enough of: time. Well, it does at the moment — even if you have your own portable charger always sitting at the bottom of your bag, and even if you've scoped out every free charging station and spare powerpoint around town. Enter an Australian researcher who wants to make this timely chore not only quicker but instantaneous, all through the use of quantum batteries. In fact, the University of Adelaide's Dr James Quach is planning to build the world's first quantum battery, which will harness the unique properties of quantum mechanics. He's just been appointed the institution's newest Ramsay Fellow — a scheme that aims to keep local bright minds working to advance scientific research — and will now spend the next four years trying to create quantum batteries to replace the ones in everyday electronic devices. If you're wondering how it all works — and how your phone, Kindle, computer or other gadget will go from one to 100-percent charge faster than you can click your fingers — it's based on a feature of quantum mechanics called entanglement, which sees two objects sharing their individual properties. Accordingly, the more batteries that are placed together, the more powerful their charging capacity. "If one quantum battery takes one hour to charge, then two would take 30 minutes, three would take 20 minutes, and so on," Dr Quach explains. "If you had ten thousand batteries, they would all charge in less than a second." While the concept has been discussed in papers since 2013, the academic plans to "take the theory from the blackboard to the lab." More than that, the ultimate goal is to build larger quantum batteries for use beyond simply making sure your iPhone keeps buzzing. "The long-term aim is to scale up, to build bigger batteries which will support renewable energy technologies by making it possible for continuous energy supply no matter the weather conditions – rain, hail or shine," says Dr Quach.
The cinnamonny college-tastic whisky known as Fireball is under fire (#sorrynotsorry) this week after some pretty unwanted materials were discovered in a European shipment of the good stuff. According to The Daily Beast, it was revealed that Fireball whisky was being recalled in Finland, Norway and Sweden because the batch contains propylene glycol. Yep, that's a casual compound starring prominently in a little ol' thing called antifreeze. ANTIFREEZE. The chemical that helps protects your car's radiator and de-ices aircraft carriers. You won't be so quick to make a GoPro wedding video downing the spicy stuff now huh? European recipients of the batch in question were understandably unimpressed when the delivery rocked up; apparently the Fireball recipe with high levels of propylene glycol is aiiiight for America though. According to Huffington Post the propylene glycol is used to enhance flavour by absorbing water and is "generally recognized as safe" for use in food by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. But European (and Australian) regulations for food and drink ingredients are apparently tighter than the US — DB reminded us of the time Subway was all geared up to remove azodicarbonamide from its Australian and European bread (yeah, that's chemical commonly used in yoga mats, no biggie). Not in the States though, thing are more lax in the Yoo Ess of Ay. So, Fireball owners Sazerac are legally allowed to put more propylene glycol in their US/Canada bevvies. But don't grab your torches and pitchforks just yet. Sazerac were quick to make embers of this week's uproar, releasing a statement pointing out that propylene glycol is given the a-OK by the FDA in amounts up to 50 grams per kilogram — apparently that's about eight times the amount Fireball has hidden away in its party-starting belly. "Most people consume PG every day in soft drinks, sweeteners, some foods or alcoholic beverages," said the Fireball team, adding that "all Fireball formulas are absolutely safe to drink." "Unfortunately, Fireball shipped its North American formula to Europe and found that one ingredient is out of compliance with European regulations. Finland, Sweden and Norway have asked to recall those specific batches, which is what the brand is doing." Australian batches seem fine for now. Shots anyone? No? Fireball whiskey has antifreeze chemicals in it? So it tastes great and I won't freeze? Make mine a double! — Maddox (@maddoxrules) October 29, 2014 Via The Daily Beast and Huffington Post.
Step through the door of comfy Northcote newcomer Oh Loretta and you'll feel like you've just walked into a good mate's place. The space is warm, the vibe is a little retro and the offering is all kinds of comforting. Sporting cherry red banquettes inside and a dog-friendly courtyard out back, the wine bar has all the makings of a much-loved neighbourhood gem. Chef Dan Wayne (Ottolenghi, Etta) is heading up the food side of things, with a daily-changing menu centred around seasonal vegetables and his beloved hibachi grill. Settle in for thoughtful fare such as fried cauliflower teamed with a mustard crème fraîche ($10), baby cos hearts with pecorino and pumpkin seeds ($6) and sugar snap peas with buffalo ricotta ($10). The matching drinks list heroes favourites from Victoria's smaller wine producers, along with craft beers and an oft-changing lineup of revamped classic cocktails (all $18), including the hibiscus collins, mandarin negroni, cherry old fashioned and a giant G&T with cucumber juice. And while you're there, expect a warm, unpretentious musical offering by local DJ and PBS presenter MzRizk. You'll even catch vinyl picks from a rotation of resident guests every Thursday to Sunday, too.
Mazel tov ladies and gentlemen, for you have made it through the treacherous waters of 2016 and arrived at your destination: the end of the year, aka Christmas. This year we've had Turnbull, Trump, plane crashes, fires and earthquakes. We've said a teary adios to Bowie, Prince, Alan Rickman, and that nice lady from The Brady Bunch. Even Leonard Cohen has left the building. Perhaps what the world needs now is a little good karma to start 2017 off right — and you can do your bit towards righting the out of whack good-bad scales, starting with your Christmas shopping. This Christmas, why not bypass Myer and shop for a better cause than looking great on New Year's Eve? There are easy ways to do something a little bit nice for the world, and you don't have to spend a fortune. Below, we've put together a list of gifts sold by companies that use the proceeds to give back to charity or the community. If you're shopping online, you can even use this handy browser extension by Folo that gives a proportion of what you spend to a charity you nominate. The warm and fuzzy feelings are complimentary. [caption id="attachment_601295" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Thomas Martiinsen.[/caption] A BOTTLE OF SAV BLANC FROM GOODWILL WINES Wine is the sort of Christmas gift that will never go astray (unless your giftee is under the legal drinking age — best avoid that). Instead of going to Dan Murphy's, buy the annual bottle of Savvy B for Aunt Judy from Goodwill Wines, who are this year donating proceeds from certain wines to Animals Australia. Tasty wine and saving cute little puppies – Aunty J will be extra happy. goodwillwine.com.au A DOZEN ROLLS OF DELIGHTFULLY PATTERNED TOILET PAPER FROM WHO GIVES A CRAP Who gives a crap? Well, everyone should. Who Gives A Crap, who are A+ toilet paper suppliers all year-round (they donate 50 percent of profits to building toilets for those in need and save trees by only using recycled paper, bamboo and sugarcane fibres in their paper), also provide very viable Christmas pressie options. This year they put together a special holiday-themed print, but unfortunately they've all sold out already. Either way, their regular print is pretty cute, so give your Dad a dozen rolls or splash out on your sharehouse and chuck a 48-pack into your cart — we can guarantee that it'll be appreciated after turkey feasts on Christmas Day. au.whogivesacrap.org A MONTHLY SOCK SUBSCRIPTION FROM SOCIAL SOCK CLUB Buy your family or friends something worthwhile for both their toes and those in need — that is, a subscription to the Social Sock Club. One pair of socks a month is sent to the lucky person's door and, for every pair bought, another is donated to a homeless shelter or person on the street. It'll be a sock surprise bonanza once a month for whomever you're gifting, but a dear necessity for someone who needs them, too. socialsockclub.com A COOKBOOK FROM OZHARVEST The OzHarvest Urban Harvest Cookbook is the sort of cookbook that, while benefiting those who have tiny gardens on balconies in apartment blocks, also does more important work. Each purchase from OzHarvest aids their work of collecting perishable food excess from retail outlets and delivering it to charities across Australia — just one book purchase will help deliver 120 meals. ozharvest.com PYJAMAS FROM ONE NIGHT STAND Sleepwear generally finds itself into Santa stockings everywhere, so perhaps mix up the Kmart tradition a little by shopping from One Night Stand. Founded in Melbourne by Jamie Green, One Night Stand produces beautiful sleepwear with a big donation impact: 50 percent of their profits go to providing shelter and employment for young people sleeping rough. And, for every purchase, one meal is provided to a person in need. It's a win-win-win. onenightstandsleepwear.com.au DOGGY BANDANAS FROM EDGAR'S MISSION Edgar's Mission has long been a mainstay of the fight for humane lives for animals, with their sanctuary in Victoria playing home to a bunch of rescued, adorable, fluffy pals. Their mission is kindness, and you can take a leaf out of their worthy book this holiday season by either getting your pooch a snappy bandana, or buying someone a Gift of Kindness for Christmas — that is, a donation in their honour. This year, someone incredibly generous is matching all the donations Edgar's receives so there's no better time than now. edgarsmission.org.au A BACKPACK BED FROM SWAGS The Australian-made Backpack Bed is the most awarded ultra lightweight camping tent in the world, so buying one for your mate for their upcoming summer camping trip wouldn't go astray at all — especially as all the profits go to homeless projects. And, while you're at it, you can also donate one to a homeless person at the same time. A bed is an incredibly useful life necessity that many people couldn't do without, and if you're sleeping on the streets, having a Backpack Bed might just make the difference between life and death. Something to think about. swags.org.au AN UGLY RASHIE FROM KOZII AND THE CANCER COUNCIL What's Christmas for, if not wearing ugly things elderly relatives have hand made for you? This season you can tote around a bit of ugliness for a better cause than placating the oldies, and it's all down to the Ugly Xmas Rashie — a rash vest made in the pattern and colours of a Christmas sweater. Buy one for yourself or a family member, make sure you sport it on your next beach day, and rest assured all your dollars go to the Cancer Council Australia and their research. uglyxmasrashie.com.au [caption id="attachment_602546" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Hoo Doo Lou Lou on Etsy.[/caption] CRAFTY GOODIES FROM ETSY This season's Make For Good collection on Etsy is created by crafty Australian folk who also strive to empower females. The collection donates at least 20 percent of every sale towards the Because I am a Girl campaign — a movement devoted to ending violence against women and girls, and which advocates for full and equal rights for men and women. Make For Good has enough lovely jewellery, homewares and arty bits and bobs to appease your whole Christmas list, so get choosing. etsy.com/au A CANDLE FROM ENROU Enrou is an American website offering heaps of gift options that give back, but to start with, try their Prosperity Candle range. Each candle comes with a guarantee that its purchase provides employment for Burmese refugee women in Massachusetts, and the hours of work put into each product are listed too. The Atesby Votive Candle even comes with a little story card of the woman who created it, so anonymous internationally-made goods are a thing of the past over here. enrou.co
If there's a single universal truth that people of all denominations can agree on, it's that first dates are awkward as heck. What to wear? When to meet? Whether to reveal your dorky side or pretend to be cool? Should you spontaneously burst into flames right then or wait until you get home? It's a complicated equation to balance. There's one thing you shouldn't worry about though, and that's the venue. We've got you covered on that one. There are plenty of factors that make a venue ideal for a casual first date. After years of field research in the form of many, many awkward dates, we believe the magic sweet spot is somewhere between rowdy and stuffy, and between day and night. They have to serve food so you have something to stuff in your mouth and stop yourself from babbling, and, ideally, the venue should have that certain je ne sais quoi that's both buzzing and intimate. It's a tall order, but we've enlisted some help from American Express to uncover the least awkward places in Melbourne to take a casual date — where you can also tap and earn some points from that Amex you just signed up for. Now all you have to do is swipe until your fingers bleed and make it to the second date with your dignity intact. Got yourself in another dining situation and need some guidance? Whatever it is, we know a place. Visit The Shortlist and we'll sort you out.
Making its world premiere at Arts House in North Melbourne this week, Tremor is described not as a dance piece, but rather an 'intense sonic-kinetic encounter'. Created by Ashley Dyer in collaboration with sound artist Nigel Brown, the show will be performed on a custom-built eight-by-eight-metre vibrating floor covered with more than 200 metal poles. Music and sound shakes the floor, sending tremors through the poles and creating an ever-shifting artificial grassland. Over the course of almost an hour, Dyer, Brown and a trio of female dancers will examine the effect of pressure and vibration, on both the body and the earth, through a hypnotic combination of movement, performance and sound. Tremor runs from November 16–20, with a post-show Q&A on November 17.
Remember when your mum told you that it's what's on the inside that counts? At the Australian Interior Design Awards, that's definitely the case. Returning for 2021, the country's premier interior design gongs reward excellence in hospitality, installation, residential, workplace, retail and public design, as well as residential decoration — and it has just revealed its lengthy (and obviously eye-catching) 2021 shortlist. A word of warning for those who like their interiors swish, plush, luxurious and stylish all round: you're going to want to live in or visit all of the places vying for this year's awards. Thankfully, with plenty of bars and restaurants in the running, the latter is definitely possible. In Sydney, in the hospitality field, the likes of Harbord Hotel, Ciccia Bella, Sydney Tower and Atomic Beer Project are among the spots vying for glory. Well, for a shiny prize and plenty of recognition to go with their shiny interiors, to be exact. Melbourne's Farmer's Daughters, Poodle Bar and Bistro, First Love Coffee, Hero at ACMI, Byrdi, Citizen Snack Bar and Next Hotel also rank among the places in the running, while Brisbane's Industry Beans and Ping Pong Thai Restaurant also made the cut. In South Australia, Never Never Distillery and Hotel Indigo join the places in contention. [caption id="attachment_803565" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] First Love, Rebecca Newman[/caption] The list goes on — both for bars, cafes, restaurants and hotels, with 33 places in contention in total, and throughout the awards' other categories. A whopping 190 places have made it through to this stage across all fields, which means that there is no shortage of strikingly deigned new, revamped and refurbished places demanding your attention around around the country. After the event went virtual in 2020 — handing out its gongs via a virtual broadcast — this year's winners will be announced in-person at a dinner the Hyatt Regency Sydney on Friday, September 3. For the full Australian Interior Design Awards 2021 shortlist, head to the AIDA website. Top image: Sydney Tower, Robert Walsh.
Vancouver takes care of their own, even those without four walls to call home. A particularly high-five-worthy charity in Vancouver built pop-up shelters on benches, inviting homeless citizens to find shelter for the night. London is shuffling awkwardly across the Atlantic. Teaming up with Spring Advertising for a heartfelt and genuinely useful campaign, nonprofit RainCity Housing installed modified public benches to open eyes and raise awareness of local homelessness while actually providing homeless people a slightly improved temporary sleeping shelter. After London and Montreal's atrocious 'anti-homeless spikes' sparked furious debate and removals, Vancouver was successfully reminding the globe that it doesn't take much to offer a helping hand. RainCity, a nonprofit providing assistance to Vancouver's homeless population, designed two types of modified benches targeting citizens without shelter. The first boasted a convertible backrest which functions as an overhanging cover (with the address of RainCity Housing listed to encourage homeless people to "find a home here"). The second was more of an advertising campaign, but heartfelt nonetheless — during the day, the bench sports text reading "THIS IS A BENCH" and after sunset the text glows in the dark and changes to read "THIS IS A BEDROOM." Although this isn't a new ad campaign (in fact, the benches were installed last year), it didn't get much press amidst the London/Montreal spikes uproar. But seriously, somewhat useful covered benches win over 'anti-homeless' design any day. Via Gawker and Bustle. Images by Spring Advertising/RainCity.
When Sydney's new International Convention Centre opened its doors at Darling Harbour at the end of 2016, it was just one part of the area's ongoing revamp. Welcoming patrons from October 6, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour is another — a lush 590-room hotel that marks the city's first new internationally branded luxury accommodation since the 2000 Olympics. While most hotels like to think they're offering creature comforts that you won't find at home, SSDH isn't inflating its luxe claims. As designed by award-winning Sydney architect Richard Francis-Jones, and costing a cool $500 million, the 35-storey building features floor-to-ceiling views of the city and Darling Harbour, a French-inspired rotisserie and grill, a dedicated Champagne bar and a decadent pool drinking and hangout space. Those staying the night can pick between standard rooms or 35 suites, with the latter coming complete with in-bathroom TVs, soaking tubs, private check-in and their own sky-high guest lounge. Meanwhile, anyone just looking for a beverage or meal can pick from the site's signature restaurant and three bars, as well as between the likes of deconstructed bouillabaisse, cocktails in the lobby or by the 20-metre infinity pool, and over 20 types of champers. A 450-person ballroom, 6000 external LEDs that will be used for eye-catching light displays, and other design touches that nod to the indigenous clans of the Eora nation who lived in the area — think sail-like triangular accents, and colours of red ochre and blue — are also part of SSDH's package, as is a link with Marseilles. French-theming is part of Sofitel's general approach worldwide, so they've picked the southern port city as this hotel's inspiration. As well as the look and feel, that means patrons can expect Sofitel Wine Days, aka a month of celebrating French wine and living. Find Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour at 12 Darling Drive, Sydney. Head to the hotel's website for further details.
A few years back, prior to starting Concrete Playground, I worked at a creative agency in New York. The oversized SoHo loft it was housed in was an exciting place to find yourself working each day, and things got fun when I was transferred to work on the Converse account. One of the first big projects I was a part of in 2007-08 was a campaign called '3 Artists, 1 Song', created to celebrate the brand's centenary around the world. Pharrell Williams worked with his band, N.E.R.D, as well as The Strokes' Julian Casablancas and Santogold, on a brief to make a song as a group of artists. 'My Drive Thru' was the result. More than four years on and the project is still going strong. LCD Soundsystem frontman James Murphy was the person whose involvement was most coveted (on our end at least) on the original project, and now he has teamed up with Gorillaz and Andre 3000 from Outkast to create 'DoYaThing'. It's a good track, and it's free. You can get the download here. https://youtube.com/watch?v=yNeF30RverQ
Shop a smorgasbord of handmade goodies while supporting talented local creatives when the Makers and Shakers Market drops in for a four-week summer residency at Fitzroy North Primary School. The roving market is popping up on Melbourne's northside with a series of Sunday sessions to round out the summer — taking place on February 7, 14, 21 and 28. Here, you'll find a rotation of artisans slinging their wares, with a jam-packed lineup of art, beauty products, fashion, accessories, homewares and culinary delights on offer. Expect the likes of top-quality threads from Frske and Bobby Stitch, jewellery designs by Ellmabee and Little Hurricane Co, ceramic works courtesy of Adele Macer and Shewi, and pantry staples from The Lucky Cat Collection and Kiraana. Of course, there'll also be plenty of food stalls, baked goods and coffee to keep you fuelled for a big day of shopping, along with fun tunes and a classic raffle. And you can feel good knowing that your $2 entry fee is heading to support the folks at Fitzroy North Primary School.
Thanks to airport reads and movies based on them, everyone has heard of The Da Vinci Code. Leonardo da Vinci's Codex Atlanticus is the true stunner, though. The 12-volume set is filled with the artist and inventor's drawings and writings, detailing his thoughts and featuring his sketches on a wide array of topics. It dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries. It's priceless. Original pages from it are also on their way to Australia. From Saturday, March 16, Australia's first permanent digital-only art gallery The Lume will exhibit Leonardo da Vinci — 500 Years of Genius, the Melbourne venue's major 2024 exhibition. In its immersive fashion — because creating walkthrough art experiences is its approach — the site is paying tribute to the Italian Renaissance master. Most of the showcase will involve towering versions of artworks such as the Mona Lisa on the walls, plus pieces from his contemporaries as well; however, Codex Atlanticus will be a big feature, too. This is the first time that sheets from Codex Atlanticus will be on display in Australia. Since 1637, it has called Milan's Biblioteca Ambrosiana home. It's thanks to a relationship between the latter and Grande Experiences, which is behind The Lume and also Rome's Museo Leonardo da Vinci, that some of its pages can head this way. The Codex Atlanticus features entries from da Vinci from between 1478–1519, dating up to the year of his death. In his handwriting — in Italian, of course — and as sketched by his fingers, everything from flying machines and architecture to engineering and hydraulic systems are covered. [caption id="attachment_943630" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Biblioteca Ambrosiana[/caption] "These pages from the Codex Atlanticus represent not just a collection of sketches and writings but a gateway into the brilliance of Leonardo da Vinci's mind," said The Lume founder Bruce Peterson. "Their arrival in Australia is profound, allowing visitors to explore Leonardo in a once-in-a-generation opportunity." Leonardo da Vinci — 500 Years of Genius is clearly more than the world's most-famous enigmatic smile beaming down, then. The gallery is calling it its "most ambitious, immersive and breathtaking yet", which is quite the claim for a collection that follows a van Gogh celebration, a focus on Monet and his peers and the First Nations-centric Connection. The Last Supper will also enjoy the spotlight in a big way, while the Mona Lisa will link in with the segment of the exhibition that's all about French optical engineer Pascal Cotte, who invented a multispectral camera and has peeled back the artwork's layers using his research. Accordingly, get excited about Mona Lisa Revealed, which will include an exact 360-degree replica — the only one in the world — as created thanks to Cotte's 240,000,000-pixel multispectral camera. Also among Leonardo da Vinci — 500 Years of Genius' highlights: 50 of da Vinci's "machine inventions", which will be on loan from the Museo Leonardo da Vinci in Rome. This part of the exhibition will hero recreations made in Italy from the artist and inventor's sketches, and also using the materials and techniques he would've at the time. The exhibition will step through da Vinci's life, as well, including journeying through Florence's streets, Venice's canals and Milan — as brought to attendees via sight, sound, scent, touch and taste. That said, Leonardo da Vinci — 500 Years of Genius isn't solely about its namesake's well-known works, with the 3000-square-metre multi-sensory gallery also exploring his inspirations and those creating their own masterpieces at the same time. Botticelli's The Birth of Venus, Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling and works by Caravaggio will feature, for instance. In Queensland, at HOTA, Home of the Arts, Grande Experiences's Italian Renaissance Alive will also take a broader look at the period — but anyone wanting a glimpse of Codex Atlanticus will need to head to Melbourne. Leonardo da Vinci — 500 Years of Genius opens at The Lume, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 5 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf, Melbourne, from Saturday, March 16, 2024 — head to the venue's website for tickets and further information.
Amid wondering how everything and anything would cope with feelings — elements such as water, fire, air and earth being the current example — Pixar also enjoys venturing to infinity and beyond. The Disney-owned animation studio first became famous and beloved thanks to the Toy Story franchise, and a space ranger figurine who loved spouting an intergalactic catchphrase, but the company is no stranger to heading into the heavens in its movies. With 2022's Lightyear, Pixar left earth for obvious reasons. When you're making a film about said space ranger toy — well, about its inspiration, to be exact — space is part of the package. With 2024's upcoming Elio, the studio is instead playing with aliens and putting earth on trial. Oh, and hanging out with a kid who says he's the planet's leader. That child is the movie's namesake, who isn't short on imagination, but could never have dreamed up the adventure that awaits. In the feature's just-dropped first teaser trailer, Elio goes on an out-of-this-world journey when he's beamed up to the Communiverse. That's an interplanetary organisation that looks after galaxies far and wide — and it mistakes the kid for earth's ambassador. How does an otherwise ordinary child cope with being in space, meeting alien lifeforms and being put through a number of challenges? What does he learn about himself along the way? Cinemagoers will find out on February 29, 2024, with Pixar's next flick after Elemental arriving on leap day — a date that no one should forget. Adrian Molina, screenwriter and co-director of the gorgeous Coco, helms the movie, while the cast includes Yonas Kibreab (Sweet Tooth) as Elio, America Ferrera (Superstore) as Elio's mom Olga, Jameela Jamil (Poker Face) as Ambassador Questa and Brad Garrett (High Desert) as Ambassador Grigon. While 2023 will only see one Pixar movie hit screens, Elio is one of two slated for 2024. Also on the lineup next year: Inside Out 2. Check out the teaser trailer for Elio below: Elio will release in cinemas Down Under on February 29, 2024.
Fans of Australian mysteries, page-to-screen crime tales, Eric Bana (Dirty John) getting sleuthing and all things Aaron Falk, you'll have to wait a bit longer for your most-anticipated Aussie film of 2023. With the SAG-AFTRA strike currently in effect, and Bana a member of the union, Australian and New Zealand distributor Roadshow Films — in consultation with the filmmakers — has decided to push back The Dry sequel Force of Nature: The Dry 2 from its planned August release. "It is with some regret, but a large amount of conviction, that we have decided to postpone the release of Force of Nature: The Dry 2. I'm incredibly proud of this much-anticipated Australian film and want to be able to do it justice by promoting it thoroughly," said Bana in a statement. "Due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, of which I am a longstanding member, it is not possible to do that at this time. Just as we did with The Dry, our plan is to be face to face with the cinemagoing public through event screenings, Q&As and press appearances at the time of release. I stand in support of the changes that SAG-AFTRA are fighting for on behalf of all working actors. I apologise for any inconvenience it causes anyone who has pre purchased tickets to our already soldout Q&A sessions. Thanks for your understanding. See you at a cinema soon," Bana continued. When the Aussie star stepped into Falk's shoes in The Dry, more movies were always bound to follow. On the screen, the film became a massive Australian box-office hit in 2021 thanks to its twisty mystery, determined detective, stunning scenery and spectacular cast. It was capitalising, of course, on the story's proven success on the page. And, to the delight of movie producers and audiences, the beloved novel by author Jane Harper was just Falk's first appearance. Accordingly, throw that formula together again and you now have Force of Nature: The Dry 2, the big-screen sequel that no longer has a release date — with exactly when it'll hit cinemas now yet to be confirmed. This follow-up sees the core duo of Bana and writer/director Robert Connolly (Blueback) return, with the latter again investigating a case. This time, as both the movie's initial teaser and full trailer explore, Falk is looking into the disappearance of a hiker from a corporate retreat attended by five women. Alongside fellow federal agent Carmen Cooper (Jacqueline McKenzie, Ruby's Choice), Falk heads deep into Victoria's mountain ranges to try to find the missing traveller — who also happens to be a whistle-blowing informant — alive. Also featuring in Force of Nature, which has a powerhouse list of Aussie talent just like its predecessor: Anna Torv (The Last of Us) as missing hiker Alice Russell, plus Deborra-Lee Furness (Jindabyne), Robin McLeavy (Homeland), Sisi Stringer (Mortal Kombat) and Lucy Ansell (Utopia). Richard Roxburgh (Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe), Tony Briggs (Preppers) and Kenneth Radley (The Power of the Dog) pop up, too, while Jeremy Lindsay-Taylor (Heartbreak High) is back in the role of Erik Falk. Reteaming not just after The Dry, but also fellow 2023 release Blueback, Connolly and Bana make quite the pair when it comes to Aussie crime cinema — with Connolly the producer of one of the best local crime movies ever made, aka 1998's unnerving The Boys, and Bana famously the star of the similarly excellent Chopper. It's likely that this won't be the last big movie that's delayed due to the current actors' strike, with Hollywood talents fighting against diminishing residual payments for performers, and to establish firm rules about the future use of artificial intelligence in the industry. When they took action in mid-July, SAG-AFTRA's members joined their counterparts in the Writers Guild of America, who've been striking since May. Check out the full trailer for Force of Nature: The Dry 2 below: Force of Nature: The Dry 2 doesn't currently have a release date for Australian and New Zealand cinemas — we'll update you when one is announced. Read our full review of The Dry. Images: Narelle Portanier.
Record Collectors Corner merged their stock with the late and great Missing Link in 2010, thus creating a megastore that caters for a diverse crowd. They get the latest imports from the USA and Europe, as well as supporting local musicians both popular and independent. Missing Link used to be well known for its punk and metal music, but now Record Collectors Corner covers everything from classic rock to psych, prog, indie, blues, jazz, hip hop, reggae, soul and funk.
Calling all history buffs: now is an excellent time to plan a long weekend in Canberra, with an incredible exhibition celebrating the might of the Roman Empire arriving at the National Museum of Australia (NMA) on Friday, September 21. Rome: City and Empire is a collaborative exhibition with the British Museum and makes the NMA only the second institution to host it worldwide — and the only museum that will do so in Australia. The exhibition showcases over 200 jaw-dropping objects, including marble sculptures, illustrations, geometric jewellery, gold medallions and burial chests — many of which have never toured internationally, let alone reached the Southern Hemisphere. This is once-in-a-lifetime stuff. Whether you're a history aficionado who smashes all the ancient Rome questions at trivia or a total novice, the exhibition offers an opportunity to step back in time to experience what daily life was like in one of the most sophisticated, culturally diverse and creative civilisations the world has ever known. You'll leave with an insight into just how Rome became such a mighty empire — one whose aesthetics, ingenuity and approach to design continue to influence us today. Rome: City and Empire will run from Friday, September 21, 2018 to Sunday, February 3, 2019. Tickets can be purchased via the NMA's website. Images: Fragment of a diadem, Naukratis, Egypt, 67–98 CE, gold; Roman Republican coin for Julius Caesar minted in Rome, Italy, 44 BCE, silver; Mosaic panel, Halicarnassus (modern Bodrum), Turkey, 4th century CE ©Trustees of the British Museum
After keeping us all on the edge of our seats for a good six months, boutique music agency Novel has at last dropped the final details about its hotly anticipated new event space, B3. But we're not angry, because, as announced by the group today, the huge new venue is none other than the underground car park at Etihad (soon to be Marvel) Stadium. It's set to make quite the debut, too, as it plays host to the next edition of dance event Smalltown on Thursday, September 27, which is also AFL Grand Final Eve. This is the first time this space will have ever been used for a dance music event. Novel's already lifted the lid on the event's headliner, announcing German house techno boss DJ Kroze a couple of weeks ago. And now that we know the location of its shiny new playground, we've also got a peek at the rest of the international lineup: Belgian rising star Charlotte de Witte, and Germany's acclaimed Gerd Janson. B3 is an exciting proposition for Melbourne's dance music scene, with capacity for 5000, a very convenient late-night licence and a pretty incredible space to boot. "We cannot wait to turn that space into something that punters will never forget," said Novel Director Daniel Teuma. "Preparations are already underway to see how we can visually enhance the space's concrete facade, and on the night there will be interactive installations, art installations, and of course, Funktion-One sound.'" Novel's scored the exclusive rights to host dance music events at B3, which — perhaps the only bad part about this story — will be limited to just three or four a year. B3 is located in the underground car park at Etihad Stadium (to be Marvel Stadium from September 1), Docklands. The first event, Smalltown, will kick off on Thursday, September 27 — third and fourth release tickets are on sale now here.
Finding an effective way to cope with the ever-growing issue of urban density isn't easy. The more that big cities expand, the more crowded that they become. In a place like Tokyo that crams more than 37 million people into its metro area, it requires savvy thinking — such as a building that's also a vending machine, printing out the homes within its walls onsite and to order, perhaps? Designed by architecture student Haseef Rafiei, the pod vending machine house-dispensing skyscraper dispatches new, customisable, affordable pods that are chosen by its residents. After deciding upon size and inclusions — if you don't want a kitchen, you don't need to get one, for example — each modular dwelling is made there and then, and then added to the building. The printer sits on top, and will get higher it adds more apartments to the structure; aka, it grows as the need for more housing grows. It's just a proposal at this stage, but it sounds impressive. Expanding your home, or using the pods for offices, is also mooted. Basically, Rafiei has taken a busy city, 3D printing and tiny apartments, and thrown them into a futuristic blender to conceive the ultimate mashup. Taking inspiration from the avant-garde capsule structures proposed by Japan's Metabolist Movement in the '60s, his concept earned an honourable mention in architecture and design journal eVolo's 2017 Skyscraper Competition. The innovative skyscraper offers an addition to Tokyo's skyline, provides a potential solution to the city's cramped housing situation and reflects its penchant for robotics and technology; however if you've ever been to the Japanese capital, you'll recognise that it nods to another important facet of everyday living in the bustling locale. That'd be its love of vending machines. Spotting them on every corner, even in residential areas, is just part of walking through the city. Maybe one day, spotting buildings that double as apartment-printing vending machines will be as well. Image: eVolo.
