Nineteeen-year-old genius Boyan Slat has proposed building an Ocean Cleanup Array, a device that could remove 7,250,000 tons of plastic waste from the world's oceans. While in school, Slat analysed the size and number of all the plastic particles in the ocean. Slat continued to develop this project and went on to start the Ocean Cleanup Foundation, a non-profit responsible for the development of his projects. The Ocean Cleanup Array would be placed in gyres, which are five areas in the world's oceans that have accumulated the most amount of plastic and garbage. Its anchored network of 'floating booms and processing platforms' would span the whole radius of the gyre, acting as funnels that are slightly tilted, creating a force towards the platforms. The debris enters the platforms and is stored in containers within the device until being collected for sales and recycling. If you weren't already impressed with the feat of removing over 7 million tons of plastic waste from the oceans, then listen to this: According to Inhabitat, the Ocean Cleanup Array could save hundreds to thousands to millions of aquatic animals every year. It would also reduce the number of pollutants that are building up in the food chain, including PCB and DDT. And it could eventually save millions of dollars every year in ocean clean-up costs, lost tourism to designated areas and damage to marine ships. According to Slat's website, it would take approximately five years to clean up the world's oceans. Even though the device would clean billions of kilograms of plastic, the solution isn't perfect. It has drawn concern from some critics who worry about negative effects to marine life and it still requires more research. The ocean won't ever be 100 percent clean of plastic and debris, but this is a start. Via Inhabitat.
When Disney isn't keeping huge pop-culture franchises on our screens or ensuring that everyone's childhood favourites never fade into memory — and sometimes doing both at the same time — it happens to be mighty fond of scandals and true crime. Well, to be precise, the Mouse House-owned US streaming platform Hulu is, and its shows keep making their way Down Under via Disney+. The latest even promises a massive stripping-empire saga, sordid deeds driven by money and murder because of the dance floor. After exploring the story behind Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee's sex tape in the 90s-set Pam & Tommy to start 2022, Disney+ plans to end it with a jump into back to the 70s and 80s — aided by a whole heap of disrobing male dancers — courtesy of Welcome to Chippendales. And if watching the just-dropped first teaser trailer for the latter gets you thinking about the former, there's another reason for that: writer/executive producer/creator Robert Siegel is behind both. The focus here: Somen 'Steve' Banerjee, who was born in India, moved to the US, bought a Los Angeles nightclub and founded the striptease troupe turned worldwide hit that shares Welcome to Chippendales' name. Banerjee's tale involves outrageous success, but also turns into sinister territory. That's put it mildly; however, if you don't already know the details, you'll want to discover the rest while watching. Fresh from a superhero stint in Eternals, Kumail Nanjiani plays Banerjee — and the rest of the star-studded cast includes newly minted The White Lotus Emmy-winner Murray Bartlett, Yellowjackets' Juliette Lewis and American Crime Story's Annaleigh Ashford, as well as Dan Stevens (I'm Your Man), Andrew Rannells (Girls5eva), Nicola Peltz Beckham (Holidate), Quentin Plair (The Good Lord Bird) and Robin de Jesús (Tick, Tick... Boom!). WandaVision's Matt Shakman is in the director's chair and, if you're fond of the era, expect the appropriate soundtrack (and vibe) when the show starts streaming from Tuesday, November 22. It'll drop two episodes first up, then new instalments weekly afterwards across the eight-episode limited series' run. Move over Magic Mike: Welcome to Chippendales looks set to be everyone's next stripper-fuelled obsession, and new true-crime addiction as well. Check out the trailer below: Welcome to Chippendales will be available to stream via Disney+ from November 22.
Ever considered a quick jaunt to Sydney to experience Vivid? Now's the time to take the plunge. The epic light festival is back for its tenth birthday, and there's more to see and do this year than ever. With so much to fit in, it's often hard to know where to start and how to get off the well-beaten track. As always, there are the big lights dotting the harbour, but there are also heaps of hidden gems worth seeking out — down alleyways, against the water and even up in the air. With the help of our mates at Samsung, we've pulled together a list of some of the best works tucked away in and around The Rocks and Circular Quay. And once you find them, it'd be remiss not to snap a shot or two so you can take them home with you — especially if you have Samsung's new Galaxy S9 and S9+ phones, which allow you to take beautiful photos in the dark with its Super Low Light camera. Check out our Galaxy S9+ snaps taken by photographer Cole Bennetts, take note of his tips and make tracks to these hidden Vivid gems. CHRYSALIS — REIBY PLACE Just as a caterpillar in a cocoon needs the right conditions to emerge, so too does the butterfly within each of the illuminated shells in Chrysalis. The sound of the audience approaching causes the butterflies to stir, and as people get closer and their collective noise grows louder, the butterflies awaken. Finally, they spread their wings within their five neon homes and flit and flutter with the crowd's presence. Cole's tip: Avoid contributing to a newsfeed clogged with identical Vivid snaps by changing your perspective. Get down low or shoot from up high to make the picture more interesting. OASIS — ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN Oasis is a shimmering, bioluminescent-inspired sea of light. Set in a corner of the Botanic Garden devoted to "lonely, frightened, lost and abused children who never knew the joy of a loving family", the work is dedicated to Australia's forgotten children — those raised in orphanages, children's homes and institutions. Playing on the relationship between light and water, courage and vulnerability, the seemingly floating lights move with nature but are always steadied by their underlying strength, returning them to their upright position. PARROT PARTY — ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN Is it a flock of birds in the gardens? Or a clandestine party among the flora? Well, it's a bit of both, actually. The festive Parrot Party in the Botanic Garden bursts with colour and sound, that grows brighter and more jovial as people join in. Perched in a pavilion, the birds' song is modulated by the crowds who come and go. Made up of Kiwi kea parrots and Australian rainbow lorikeets — a nod to the close relationship between our two countries — the flock's song grows louder as the crowd draws in, bursting with a display of sweet calls and chatter. Cole's tip: Vivid has excitement at every turn. You don't want to miss the money shot, so keep your S9 at the ready. When you stumble across a hidden gem worth snapping, double-tap the power button to bring up the camera quickly. 555 NANOMETERS — KENDALL LANE Hanging above a historic laneway in The Rocks, 555 Nanometers' sheets of green light and integrated soundscape also draw people in with the sound and sights of Australian flora and fauna. Follow the noise of cicadas calling into the night, pulling you toward this canopy of light. The name of the installation is a reference to its yellow-green hue that specifically sits at colour spectrum 555 nanometers. The human eye is most sensitive to the colour and feels most at ease when looking at it. As you look up at the illuminated perforated sheets, you'll find yourself reminded of looking at light streaming through leaves on a bright summer's day. FUGU — THE ROCKS If watching David Attenborough's Blue Planet has taught us anything, it is that the goings-on in our oceans are both compelling and crucially important. Artists Amigo and Amigo depict this in their installation Fugu. It's a kinetic light sculpture in the form of a pufferfish, a peculiar critter that changes form for protection against predators. As audiences surround the spiky creature it comes to life, expanding, contracting and pulsating in glowing multi-colour. The piece represents the fragility of life under the surface and highlights the importance of conservation. As you explore and uncover the hidden gems of Vivid, get the best snap on the new Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+, designed especially for low light. Images: Cole Bennetts.
Canberra might once have been described as 'the ruination of a good sheep paddock', but tables have turned. Global travel publisher Lonely Planet has ranked the Australian capital third on its 2018 Best in Travel: Top Cities list. That's the highest position ever achieved by an Australian city — Melbourne and Sydney included. What's more, Canberra's the only of our metropolises to have made the top ten for next year. The guide describes Canberra as packing "a big punch" for a small city, noting its abundance of "national treasures", "boutique precincts" and "gastronomic highlights". Next year the capital will also host its first test cricket match and the 100th anniversary of the WWI Armistice. "These are the cities our travel experts say you should experience in 2018," Alex Howard, managing editor of Lonely Planet magazine US, told CNN. "Whether they've been overlooked, are celebrating milestones next year or have crept up on our radar lately, they all offer compelling reasons to go soon." Topping the list is Seville, a city in southern Spain that featured in Game of Thrones, but is probably better known for its tapas and flamenco. Seville is currently preparing to host the 31st European Film Awards next year. In second position is Detroit, also known as the Motor City, which took a hit when the US motor industry collapsed, but has since developed a thriving arts scene. If you're keen to take up Lonely Planet's recommendation, our weekender's guide might come in handy.
There aren't many directors whose work we look forward to more than Joel and Ethan Coen. The Oscar winning siblings behind Raising Arizona, Barton Fink, Fargo, The Big Lebowski, No Country for Old Men and Inside Llewyn Davis among many others, the pair have made a name for themselves with their memorable characters and masterfully constructed plots, often seasoned with liberal lashings of dark, esoteric humour. Their latest film is set to be released on February 25, and we've managed to get our hands on some complimentary tickets. Hail, Caesar! is a screwball comedy set in 1950s Hollywood, and concerns a famous film star, played by George Clooney, who is kidnapped by a mysterious organisation. Josh Brolin, Scarlett Johansson, Ralph Fiennes, Tilda Swinton, Jonah Hill and Frances McDormand make up the star-studded ensemble, along with Channing Tatum dressed as a sailor (which, quite frankly, seems like it'll be worth the price of admission on its own). [competition]558865[/competition] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMqeoW3XRa0
244 features. 91 shorts. Nine virtual reality experiences. 24 world premieres. 157 Australian premieres. 18 days. 22 venues. No, we're not just throwing figures at you for the sake of it — we're breaking down the most exciting event of the year for Victorian film fans. With the 2016 Melbourne International Film Festival a mere 23 sleeps away, they've announced their 65th annual lineup. And yes, all those numbers add up to a damn great program. If it's high profile efforts you're after, then MIFF's feast of films from July 28 to August 14 has plenty. In fact, the fest is filled with highlights, including closing night's neo-western Hell or High Water featuring Chris Pine, Ben Foster and Jeff Bridges. Elsewhere, you'll find the Michael Shannon-starring Sundance hit Frank & Lola; Tom Tykwer's latest collaboration with Tom Hanks, A Hologram for the King; and the animated Kubo and the Two Strings with the voices of Charlize Theron, Matthew McConaughey, Ralph Fiennes and Rooney Mara. Still on the subject of recognisable names, MIFF 2016 boasts more than a few features that have been doing the rounds of the international festival circuit, such as Danish effort The Commune, South Korean gem Right Now, Wrong Then and fraternity hazing drama Goat. In the doco realm, the potentially frightening Fear Itself and Beware the Slenderman will provide a scary factual viewing experience (and yes, the latter delves into the online meme). And then there's Kate Plays Christine, the docu-drama take of the real-life tale of a Florida journalist in the '70s — and also provides the flipside to the dramatised Christine with Rebecca Hall and Michael C. Hall that's also in the lineup. Plus, music aficionados can feast on-screen examinations of Gary Numan, Frank Zappa, Janis Joplin, Sharon Jones and Iggy Pop. And if you're into genre, expect to rush to put existential horror Men & Chicken, the freshly remastered version of cult classic Phantasm, and Aussie camping thriller Killing Ground starring Aaron Pedersen on your schedule too. In other themed strands focused on contemporary fare, the fest will shine a light on dance features like Ma (which re-imagines the Virgin Mary's story), films that survey the European refugee crisis like the Berlin-winning Fire at Sea, and culinary cinema, including Bugs' exploration of the kind of critters most diners don't find appetising. And because film festivals aren't just about the latest and greatest flicks, MIFF's retrospectives will screen all 12 films made by the Hollywood star Jerry Lewis, showcase the work of Japanese actress Setsuko Hara, explore the '60s avant-garde movement known as the Escuela de Barcelona, and present a range of little-seen movies made by female directors in '70s and '80s New York. If you've been playing along at home over the last couple of months — that is, watching as the fest has let slip sneak peeks of their full 2016 selection — then you'll know that the full batch of films builds on some already exciting announcements. You should already have opening night's time-bending love story The Death and Life of Otto Bloom, the likes of delightfully titled local feature Emo (the Musical), five-hour Japanese effort Happy Hour, and straight-from-Cannes selections such as Nicolas Winding Refn's The Neon Demon and the Adam Driver-starring Paterson on your MIFF viewing list. Now, there's just a couple of hundred other must-see contenders also vying to get in front of your eyeballs. The Melbourne International Film Festival runs from July 28 to August 14. For more information and to book tickets, visit the MIFF website.
Usually, Australia's various film festivals only pop up once every 12 months; however, there's little that's been usual about the past few years. So in these chaotic times, the fact that the Jewish International Film Festival is returning for a second stint in 2022 doesn't seem all that out of the ordinary. Already enjoyed the fest during its March and April run? Get ready to do so all over again. JIFF will screen 50 features and documentaries at this iteration, alongside episodes from two TV shows and three short films — covering titles from 21 countries as it tours Australia between October–December. Leading the highlights, filling JIFF's biggest-ever lineup: opening night's Armageddon Time, which arrives after premiering at this year's Cannes Film Festival and will have its Aussie debut at the fest. Starring Anthony Hopkins (The Father), Anne Hathaway (Locked Down) and Jeremy Strong (Succession), and written and directed by Ad Astra and The Lost City of Z's James Gray, it tells a coming-of-age story in 80s-era Queens. Also among the standouts, Charlotte Gainsbourg (Sundown)-led French drama The Accusation tackles sex and consent; Jeff Goldblum (Jurassic World Dominion) narrates Fiddler's Journey to the Big Screen, about bringing Fiddler on the Roof to the big screen; and Israel's Karaoke arrives after being nominated for 13 Ophir Awards. Or, there's doco The Art of Silence about mime Marcel Marceau — plus 60s-set comedy My Neighbour Adolf, featuring Udo Kier (Swan Song) as a Holocaust survivor in Colombia who thinks the German man who just moved in next door is Hitler. The full lineup includes closing night's As They Made Us, the directorial debut of directorial The Big Bang Theory's Mayim Bialik; Reckonings, about the negotiations between Jewish and German leaders that led to the 1952 Luxembourg Agreement; and three episodes of Bloody Murray, which follows the titular film lecturer, who specialises in romantic comedies. The list goes on, spanning — as always — a sizeable contingent of movies that examine World War II, the Holocaust and their lingering impact. JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2022 DATES — OCTOBER–DECEMBER SEASON Monday, October 24–Sunday, November 27 — Classic Cinemas and Lido Cinemas, Melbourne Tuesday, October 25– Monday, November 28 — Ritz Cinemas and Roseville Cinemas, Sydney Thursday, October 27— Sunday, November 6 — Dendy Cinemas, Canberra Thursday, October 27— Sunday, November 6 — State Cinema, Hobart Thursday, November 10–Sunday, November 20 — New Farm Cinemas, Brisbane Thursday, November 17–Sunday, November 27 — Dendy Southport, Gold Coast Thursday, November 24—Wednesday, December 7 — Luna Palace Leederville, Perth The Jewish International Film Festival's second 2022 season runs from October–December. For more information, or to buy tickets, head to the festival's website.
Eternity Playhouse, Prahran Hotel and 'Redfern Beach' (a.k.a. Prince Alfred Park’s re-styled pool) were among the 43 design achievements to win awards and commendations at the National Architecture Awards, held in Darwin last night. Five judges revealed their decisions across thirteen categories. The construction that ruled them all, however, was the University of Queensland’s Advanced Engineering Building, which took home three firsts: the Emil Sodersten Award for Interior Architecture, the Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Architecture and the National Award for Sustainable Architecture. Juror Lyndie Johnson described it as "exhilarating" and "immediately engaging". Across the board, there was an emphasis on architecture with a public purpose. "Many of the projects, particularly the public projects, achieved not only their immediate brief but also produced other social and community benefits," jury chair Paul Berkemeier said in a Guardian Australia interview. "That was certainly something we observed as being valuable. The successors go beyond the expectations of the brief." UQ wasn’t the only educational institution to have its facilities recognised. The CB Alexander College, Tocal, designed by Ian McKay and Philip Cox, scored the National Enduring Architecture Award. And, in addition to the Prince Alfred Park revamp nabbing both the Walter Burley Griffin Award for Urban Design and the National Award for Public Architecture, a couple of other water-inspired designs got the thumbs up. Tasmania’s irresistibly cute Bicheno Surf Life Saving Club received the Nicholas Murcutt Award for Small Project Architecture, while North Bondi’s super slick new Surf Life Saving Club was acknowledged with a Commendation for Public Architecture. Image credit: Darren Bradley. As University of Sydney Professor of Architecture Michael Tawa points out, the judges also lauded many of the buildings for their 'celebration' of immediate surroundings, some particular aspect of the Australian lifestyle or our heritage. Eternity, for example, which inhabits a 126-year-old heritage listed building, won the Lachlan Macquarie Award for Heritage. Check out the full list of 2014 winners here.
Great renewal news for fans of Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez, The Dead Don't Die), Oliver Putnam (Martin Short, Schmigadoon!) and Charles-Haden Savage (Steve Martin, It's Complicated) usually means bad news for the folks that the trio know on-screen. Only Murders in the Building viewers get more episodes, but that means more deaths within the hit murder-mystery comedy's narrative. That's exactly the case right now, with the series just wrapping up its Paul Rudd (Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania)- and Meryl Streep (Don't Look Up)-guest starring third season, then revealing that there's more in store — with the show locked in for season four. More instalments, more killings and more amusing antics are all on the way, then, for the series that first got Gomez, Short and Martin sleuthing in 2021's season one (aka one of the best new shows of that year), then followed it up with 2022's season two (aka one of the best returning shows of that year, too) before arriving for its third go-around in 2023. Details of when the series will return, who else will pop up and the like haven't yet been announced, but expect to spend more time in Only Murders in the Building's world. The show started with three residents of the same New York apartment building crossing paths after a murder in their building — hence the title — then bonding over true-crime podcasts. Next, they did what everyone that's jumped on that bandwagon knows they would if they were ever in the same situation, starting their own audio series that's also called Only Murders in the Building. That's how season one kicked off — and continued, proving a warm, funny, smart and savvy series at every step along the way. In the show's second season, another death needed investigating. That time, it was someone the main trio were all known not to be that fond of, so suspicions kept pointing in their direction. Indeed, every season, another death has given aspiring artist Mabel, Broadway producer Oliver and actor Charles-Haden another case to dive into. In season three, that involved looking into who caused Ben Glenroy (Rudd) to shuffle off this mortal coil at the opening night of Oliver's latest show. "Is this really happening again?" asked the theatre figure in the first teaser trailer for season three. "Yes, yes it is" was the answer from Only Murders in the Building's audience then — and still now. "The trio's journey is far from over," US streaming platform Hulu, which produces the show, announced on social media. There's no sneak peek at season four as yet, but you can check out the full trailer for Only Murders in the Building season three below: Only Murders in the Building's streams Down Under via Star on Disney+. Read our full reviews of season one, season two and season three. Images: Hulu.
While most people think of a concept before a title is given to the project, graffiti artist and satire king Banksy does the opposite. The reclusive English artist and activist ventured into the world of TV last Saturday with his show The Antics Roadshow, a title he claims was born before the show's concept. In a statement Banksy said that "Basically I just thought it was a good name for a TV programme and I've been working back from there." Banksy's foray into TV takes a look at a topic he is most familiar with: public pranks. But his approach is tongue-in-cheek; from the 2010 politically motivated prank by Russian performance art group Voina to the pie-in-face pranks of Noel Godin, The Antics Roadshow (a pun on the iconic British TV show Antiques Roadshow) celebrates the humorous side and, at times, poignant statements of recent pranks and pranksters. The hour-long TV show is currently being aired on UK's Channel 4 and is narrated by English actress Kathy Burke and produced by Jamie D'cruz (who also produced Banksy's 2010 film offering Exit Through The Gift Shop). https://youtube.com/watch?v=NdpVVgMRbKg
It's something we've all thought a million times before: "It's a Monday / It's so mundane / What exciting things will happen today?". In her huge single, 'Avant Gardener', Melbournian singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett has managed to capture our first world struggles perfectly in her hilariously matter-of-fact, charming drawl, stream of consciousness lyricism and folky-psychedelic tunes. Barnett has received a ton of press since last year's release of her double EP A Sea of Split Peas, on which 'Avant Gardener' was the lead single. She's been compared to Bob Dylan by Rolling Stone, debuted in the US on Jimmy Fallon, and had the privilege of performing at Glastonbury and Coachella this year. Now, you can catch her playing a string of shows on her headline tour around Australia (supported by Castlemaine's supremely talented multi-instrumentalist D.D Dumbo). Supported by D.D Dumbo and Fraser A. Gorman. https://youtube.com/watch?v=bcnIhzaDTd0
Melbourne's Queen Victoria Gardens will again play host to MPavilion, a four-month program of free talks, workshops, performances and installations from October 5, 2016 to February 18, 2017. This year, Indian architect Bijoy Jain of Studio Mumbai will install Australia's largest bamboo structure — of all time. The 282-square-metre art-chitecture project will be constructed using ancient building techniques and materials sourced from India and Australia. Along with the bamboo, Jain will use earth, stone and rope in order to create a structure that references both the Australian landscape and Indian tradition. Though it will be made simply from plant and earth-based materials, the structure sounds like it will be anything but simple. The roof will be made of karvi panels, which is created from a mix of cow dung and earth, and will be supported by 2.4-metre-high bamboo columns. White lime daub will act as a waterproofing agent and a 12-metre-tall tazia, an ornamental tower used in Indian ceremonies, will be constructed and viewable through the oculus in the suspended ceiling. Basically, it's going to be super, super cool. Jain told Dezeen that the creative space is meant to "suspend visitors between earth, ground and sky". Studio Mumbai is known for collaboration and often works with local artisans to design and build their projects with a connection to the environment it inhabits. If you want to get to know more about the man behind the plan, the RMIT Gallery is offering a preview, Bijoy Jain and Lore: Making MPavilion 2016, which will run September 9 through October 22. The exhibition explores Jain's inspiration and process, and features models and sketches of the new MPavilion prior to its official launch on October 4. MPavilion, presented by the Naomi Milgrom Foundation, is in its third year and will again serve as a hub for free cultural activities. Past years have seen the Gardens host AL_A's immersive petal-shaped structure and Sean Godsell Architects' walled garden with moveable exterior. This year's MPavilion will remain in the Gardens until February, after which time it will be moved to a permanent home within Melbourne's CBD. Via Dezeen and Inhabitat. Images courtesy Studio Mumbai. Top image: Nicholas Watt.
When The Many Saints of Newark ends, will it cut suddenly to black? Will Journey's 'Don't Stop Believing' somehow get a spin, even though the film is set in the 60s and 70s? How much ziti will be served throughout the course of the feature? And, how many overt and obvious links to The Sopranos will pop up? These are some of the questions you might have if you're a fan of one of the best TV shows ever made, you're excited about big-screen prequel The Many Saints of Newark, and if you woke up this morning and got yourself a hankering for a sneak peek at the latter. Fourteen years after HBO's hit mobster drama wrapped up its TV run, creator David Chase has penned this jump back to Tony Soprano's formative years. Yes, it's obviously one of the most-anticipated flicks of the year. The Many Saints of Newark hops into Soprano's story when he's a teen in the titular New Jersey city — a place under the sway of the DiMeo crime family, struggling with race relations and about to be caught up in the race riots of 1967. Young Anthony plans to go to college, but he also has a strong relationship with his uncle Dickie Moltisanti (Alessandro Nivola, The Art of Self-Defense). And, to answer the question that's just sprang into your head, Dickie is indeed the father of series regular Christopher Moltisanti. Anthony's connection to his uncle Dickie will have a huge impact on his life, and sway his path to becoming the panic attack-suffering, hot-tempered mob boss that The Sopranos followed for six seasons between 1999–2007. Family is a huge part of the film, as it was in the influential drama before it — and as as both the initial glimpse and just-dropped second trailer for The Many Saints of Newark both show. That's true not just in the narrative, however, but also in the casting. If young Anthony Soprano looks familiar, that's because he's played by Michael Gandolfini (The Deuce, Cherry) — son of the late, great James Gandolfini. Enlisting the younger Gandolfini leaves a significant imprint, even just from the trailers. Watching these clips, it's impossible to imagine this movie being made without him stepping into his dad's shoes. The Sopranos aficionados can also look forward to spending time with a few familiar characters other than Young Anthony — including Corey Stoll (The Report) as Uncle Junior, Vera Farmiga (The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It) as Anthony's mother Livia, and Billy Magnussen (Made for Love) and John Magaro (First Cow) as his future righthand men Paulie Walnuts and Silvio Dante. And, Leslie Odom Jr (One Night in Miami) and Jon Bernthal (Those Who Wish Me Dead) also co-star, while seeing Ray Liotta (Marriage Story) jump back into the gangster genre immediately conjures up memories of Goodfellas, the Martin Scorsese classic that also charted the rise of a young man within the mob. Check out the latest trailer for The Many Saints of Newark below: The Many Saints of Newark releases in Australian cinemas on November 4.
Rooftop bars are an integral part of Melbourne's nightlife culture. And we are fully supportive of that — sipping on some cold ones under the stars is a glorious way to spend an evening. Whether you're keen for a boogie or just want to hang out with some mates, rooftops bars are a must. The winter weather may be blowing strong, but with ample outdoor heating, no one can stop Melburnians from enjoying a night in the fresh open air. So, it's time to raise the roof and enjoy a drink from great heights. With help from our friends at Heineken, we've come up with a list of our favourite sky-high Melbourne establishments perfect for catching stars and savouring a beer.
It has been 12 years since RuPaul's Drag Race first premiered in the US, and its mission to unearth the next drag superstars shows no signs of stopping. Currently, the original series is airing its thirteenth season, while international versions also exist in the UK — also hosted by RuPaul — plus Thailand, Holland, Chile and Canada. Next, it's finally making the leap to Australia and New Zealand. RuPaul's Drag Race already airs locally, but, in exciting news, it's now it's being made here as well — courtesy of the aptly titled RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under. The just-announced eight-part series will focus on Aussie and NZ drag queens battling for supremacy, and will air on Stan in Australia and TVNZ OnDemand in New Zealand sometime later in 2021. And, while not all overseas iterations of Drag Race are hosted by RuPaul, RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under definitely will be. RuPaul will also take on judging duties with show veteran Michelle Visage, with the final judge yet to be announced. Just who'll be competing, and which celebrities will make guest appearances, will also be unveiled later in the year. Fans already know the format — so expect to see fashion challenges, workroom dramas and lip sync battles aplenty. If you're a newcomer to all things Drag Race, you'll watch Australian and NZ drag queens work through a series of contests to emerge victorious, and join the likes of US contenders Jinkx Monsoon, Sasha Velour and Sharon Needles in being crowned the series' winner. Revealing the news, RuPaul said "I cannot wait for everyone to see that Down Under queens have some of the biggest charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talents in the world". If you're eager for more until RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under hits, you can also check out the show's announcement below — featuring RuPaul, of course: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmlnWG_slkk&feature=youtu.be RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under will hit Stan and TVNZ OnDemand sometime later in 2021 — we'll update you with an air date once further details are announced. Top image: RuPaul's Drag Race.
Andy Bull is on one big ol' ride. The Sydney-based singer/songwriter has been unfathomably busy over the past year, juggling tour dates and life commitments while penning and producing his second album, Sea Of Approval. Just released on July 11, the 29-year-old's new record is a brilliant blend of insightful lyricism and exquisite electro pop. Bull's unique vocals and his knack for catchy hooks have caught the ears of listeners Australia-wide. Bull's latest three singles have notched up hours of radio play; you've definitely heard his voice on the airwaves. 'Talk Too Much', 'Keep On Running' and 'Baby I Am Nobody Now' have helped build anticipation for his second LP, which was almost entirely written and self-produced by Bull. We spoke to the Sydneysider not long after the announcement of his national tour in support of Sea Of Approval, starting September. An insightful young pop virtuoso with a unique take on the creative process, Bull took us through his penchant for DIY, staying sane in the business and dealing with second album demands. You've been unbelievably busy this year, how has 2014 run so far? I worked on the album over the last 12 months and I was busy, like some sort of insect in its hole, which was intense and strangely removed. Now that it is done, it's busy in this really external way; promoting, talking, playing and emerging back into the world sort of thing. You've just put out your second album, Sea of Approval, how long has it been in the works? Although it's been four years since I've put something out, this album was really done in the last 12 months. It was a pretty intensive period. There were ideas that were a bit older that had been hanging around, but the earnest work was pretty compacted. When you started piecing together the songs, was there any overall stylistic plan that you were working towards? Before I had songs, I had a vague idea of mood and sentiment. I had a sense of what I wanted, what I wanted it to feel like. It's a really hard thing to articulate until you start writing and recording and trying to materialise it. You have a sense of it all, but you don't really know if you can do what you are feeling and you don't really know how you will do it. The songs kind of came out of that initial mood and vision, but I didn't necessarily set out to do a full album. It began as a couple of tracks to see how they would go, to see if I could produce them myself and if anyone would care. It went well initially and then there was an expectation to do an album, so I got to work on it. At what point did you hit your groove? When did you know these songs would make a good second album? To be frank, it was very hard to get a groove going for a while. I did everything myself — I was being songwriter, lyricist, musician, producer, technician and rough mixer. I was doing all of those things constantly and I was trying to find solutions to creative problems and I didn't know where to locate the solutions. I got on a roll intermittently, but I wasn't cruising for 12 months. I generated so many ideas and about 30 percent clicked. You have a good day and on that day you will be more productive than the past two weeks. It's about slow builds; one day something will click. Did you do anything differently this time around? I wanted to take a hard look at myself. What you realise is when you step into a room you see that you aren't really on your own, because you have brought with you ten years of habits, values and aesthetics that you have inherited from other people. You've always got tonnes of baggage. Being alone and being willing to change your process, work hard and work against your old habits really makes a difference. The biggest change was an internal change where I didn't want to do what I had done before; I wanted to dig a little deeper and make music that matched my internal world in a more compelling way, using sounds and lyrics that told a vivid story and that the sounds would feel more personal, less traditional and more human. I wanted a change in tone, a different intent — not just to make things that worked and was pretty, but something that was useful to me. https://youtube.com/watch?v=JSGUxRWR_r8 Is it more nerve-wracking for you that this album is focused entirely on you and what you can create alone? Not nerve-wracking in the way you might think or that I might have expected. I am trying to, in my adult life, develop values and standards that are mine regardless of the expectations of other people. While I am sensitive to the reactions of other people, what I realise is that what I do has no potential value unless I am going to adhere to standards that are personal to me. It's a weird paradox; if you're not willing to abide by what you have done it might not have value in the outside world. In a way it's not nerve-wracking because I stand by what I have done, and although it's not perfect, it's a result of genuine questions and intent. When people judge it or decide that they like it or don't like it, that's fine because it is part of the process. It's not the end point or the beginning point, it's just part of the 'biz'. You've had three songs from the album do very well already, was that always part of the plan – to slowly trickle the songs to gauge a reaction? It was mostly because I didn't have an album finished. In the beginning I didn't know if I wanted to do an album or anything. I put a song out that I quite liked, 'Keep On Running', and it did quite well and people wanted another one. The next one I finished was 'Baby I Am Nobody Now' and then 'Talk Too Much' — it was really all on the go. Maybe it was the idea, but it also gives you a lot of pressure. There is no way to do this stuff without pressure. Once you put out a single, people expect another one. When you put out another one, people expect a record. I was constantly working to finish a record and to make it a good one, not a rushed one. You have to find a way to work comfortably, to have a buffer. If you are more focused on meeting a deadline then it narrows your options prematurely. If you are trimming before you have time to play, then sometimes your ideas don't come to fruition. You've mentioned how important it is "to stay sane and keep your integrity" when creating new work — how do you do that? How does that statement hold now that your album is out there? This is the key question in any process. Staying sane is basically about being gentle; having a self awareness and integrity means choosing what you are going to put your attention on and how you are going to interpret the events you are experiencing. To me, that's what sanity and integrity are — being able to analyse but not judge, being able to experience emotion without losing yourself to it, that sort of thing. How do you do that? It's difficult, but it's key. You've got to go slowly, appreciate that what you are doing is a long difficult process. You take a step forward and two steps back, you have to have a level of gentle acceptance if you want to stay sane in this environment. Keeping your integrity or authenticity is almost the same thing; if you can keep a calmness about yourself it allows you to choose what you are going to focus on and stay a step ahead. It takes constant maintenance to keep control of your attention and focus. Humility, patience and all the stuff that gets a bad wrap is important; we love the stories of creativeness being a huge, violent mess. That is a part of it but only a small part of it. I didn't necessarily do it well along the way, but the songs that I finished are the songs where I managed to find that headspace. If you gave your album to someone to listen to for the first time, what would you hope they respond to or take away from it? It's hard to say. Now that it has been given to people, it is amazing how many different responses there have been. The most you can hope for is that it would be of some use to people. You hope that it makes them feel ok about where they are at. In music you try to handle the ambiguities of life, the hope, the despair, all of the things because that is what life is. The best thing that music can do is even out the kinks in life. If you can even people out, that would be good. Sea Of Approval is out now through Island Records. Andy Bull National Tour Dates: Sep 7 — Spiegeltent at Brisbane Festival, Brisbane Sep 13 —The Metro, Sydney Sep 27 — Corner Hotel (SOLD OUT), Melbourne Sep 28 — Corner Hotel, Melbourne
Summer calls for margaritas, and this February, Patrón is hooking Melbourne up. For the entire month, the premium handcrafted tequila brand will take over the rooftop at South Yarra's The Emerson with laidback Mexican luxury, featuring a specialty menu curated around top-shelf summer cocktails — and we're giving away VIP access to opening night. The party starts on Thursday, February 1 from 7pm, with tunes by DJ Paul CLRK and signature Tommy's Margaritas. There'll also be grapefruit Paloma cocktails to be enjoyed with chipotle prawn tostadita and other Mexican eats, and you can top off the evening with Patrón's Perfect Espresso Martini — their twist on the classic espresso martini using their Silver and XO Café tequilas. Along with serving Patrón's exclusive cocktails, The Emerson's rooftop will be transformed into a Mexican oasis — think whitewashed timber and woven seating, all embellished with blue agave plants and other Latin American native flora. Continue your journey into the luxe world of Patrón by way of a dedicated virtual reality experience that guides you through the Hacienda Patrón in Guadalajara, Mexico through the eyes of a voyeuristic bee. The launch event is open to all from 7pm, but to get exclusive access to the launch, go in the running below. Our passes give you and three friends a reserved booth and two free cocktails each. [competition]654851[/competition]
It has been more than six months since the Australian Government introduced an effective ban on international travel in an attempt to stop the spread of COVID-19 within the country. And, over that time, there has been plenty of speculation about when jetting overseas might resume — including predictions that the entire global travel industry mightn't return to normal until 2023, and that Australia's borders could remain closed until 2021. When it comes to Australia's prolonged border closure, an exception has been floated, however. Receiving ample chatter over the past few months is the concept of a travel bubble with New Zealand, which would allow international travel between the two countries, even as they potentially remain closed to other nations. Now, the first stage of the bubble has been announced — but, sadly for some, it's only one way. In a media appearance today, Friday, October 2, Australia's Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack announced that New Zealanders will be allowed to visit New South Wales and the Northern Territory, without having to quarantine on arrival, from 12.01am on Friday, October 16. "This will allow New Zealanders and other residents in New Zealand who have not been in an area designated as a COVID-19 hot spot in New Zealand in the preceding 14 days to travel quarantine free to Australia," McCormack said today. [caption id="attachment_773731" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NT by Tourism Australia[/caption] The Deputy PM also said he hopes this is just the start of the two-country travel bubble, hinting to it expanding to further parts of Australia in the near future. "This is the first stage in what we hope to see as a trans-Tasman bubble between the two countries, not just that state and that territory," he said. Responding to the announcement, a spokesperson for New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden said the travel arrangements have not changed for New Zealanders. Which means, travellers to Australia would need to enter 14 days of managed isolation on return to NZ — and pay for it. Unfortunately, as mentioned, this is currently a one-way travel bubble, so Aussies shouldn't rush to book a holiday across the ditch — just yet. The ABC reported earlier in the week that Ardern had mentioned that travel from Australia to NZ might be possible on a state-by-state basis before Christmas. Here's hoping. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. To find out more about the virus and travel restrictions in New Zealand, head over to the NZ Government's COVID-19 hub.
Swapping the Californian coast for the sweltering Aussie summer, The Growlers are heading our way for a string of nationwide shows. Showcasing tracks fresh from their latest record Chinese Fountain, the Cali-based fivesome will be making their way from Melbourne to Maroochydore for fans this January. Blending garage rock rhythms with spaced-out gravely vocals, The Growlers are no strangers to our shores. Selling out four headline shows in March last year, the band will be putting on 14 ripper gigs in cities and regional spots across the east coast. With five studio albums and countless had-to-be-there shows dotted throughout their career, 2015 is set to be another standout year for The Growlers. Renowned for putting on a smashing live set, the band's beachside upbringing guarantees these to be some psychedelic, high-energy performances. A tad theatrical and a whole lot of fun, gear up for a night of 'beach goth' vibes to get your summer going. Supported by Babe Rainbow + Good Morning.
How about an evening of weird and wonderful liquid treats, to balance out all that eating and chewing you'll be doing during Good Food Month? Smith Street's Noble Experiment will be living up to its name and channelling a science lab for this one-off event, with bartenders delivering a lineup of creepy cocktails and creative canapés, the likes of which are sure to blow a few minds. Indulge your inner science nerd, or simply add a bit of mystery and excitement to your usual Thursday night cocktail session. The $75 per ticket includes three cocktails and seven snacks.
UPDATE, September 9, 2022: Dune is available to stream via Netflix, Binge, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. A spice-war space opera about feuding houses on far-flung planets, Dune has long been a pop-culture building block. Before Frank Herbert's 1965 novel was adapted into a wrongly reviled David Lynch-directed film — a gloriously 80s epic led by Kyle MacLachlan and laced with surreal touches — it unmistakably inspired Star Wars, and also cast a shadow over Hayao Miyazaki's Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Game of Thrones has since taken cues from it. The Riddick franchise owes it a debt, too. The list goes on and, thanks to the new version bringing its sandy deserts to cinemas, will only keep growing. As he did with Blade Runner 2049, writer/director Denis Villeneuve has once again grasped something already enormously influential, peered at it with astute eyes and built it anew — and created an instant sci-fi classic. This time, Villeneuve isn't asking viewers to ponder whether androids dream of electric sheep, but if humanity can ever overcome one of our worst urges and all that it brings. Dune tells of birthrights, prophesied messiahs, secret sisterhood sects that underpin the galaxy and phallic-looking giant sandworms, and of the primal lust for power that's as old as time — and, in Herbert's story, echoes well into the future's future. Blade Runner 2049 ruminated upon a similar idea in its own way, as many movies do. Indeed, Ridley Scott was hired to helm Dune before Lynch, then made the original Blade Runner instead, so Villeneuve is following him again here. Dune's unpacking of dominance and command piles on colonial oppression, authoritarianism, greed, ecological calamity and religious fervour, though, like it's building a sandcastle out of power's nastiest ramifications. And, amid that weightiness, it's also a tale of a moody teen with mind-control abilities struggling with what's expected versus what's right. That young man is Paul Atreides, as played by Timothée Chalamet in a stroke of genius casting that seems almost fated — as if returning Dune to the big screen had to wait for the Call Me By Your Name star. (The book also earned the TV miniseries treatment in 2000, and we should be thankful that a 90s iteration soundtracked by the Spice Girls' 'Spice Up Your Life' didn't ever eventuate.) When the narrative begins in Villeneuve and co-screenwriters Jon Spaihts (Prometheus) and Eric Roth's (A Star Is Born) retelling, Paul's life has been upended. House Atreides, led by his father Duke Leto (Oscar Isaac, Scenes From a Marriage), must leave its watery home planet of Caladan to take over the desert world of Arrakis. Previously run by their enemies in House Harkonnen, it's the source of the universe's melange stores, with the spice making interstellar travel possible. Spice also expands consciousness and extends lives — and, while forced by imperial decree, the monstrous Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgård, Chernobyl) isn't happy about handing Arrakis over. To say House Atreides' move doesn't go smoothly is like saying that its new home is a tad toasty, but the tricky transition is just one of Dune's concerns. Another: the plans for Paul. House Atreides' heir, he's being trained as such by the Duke, security expert Thufir Hawat (Stephen McKinley Henderson, Devs), swordmaster Duncan Idaho (Jason Momoa, Aquaman) and weaponry whiz Gurney Halleck (Josh Brolin, Avengers: Endgame). But Paul's mother Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson, Reminiscence) hails from the Bene Gesserit, an all-female group who pull the galaxy's strings, and she sees him as its fabled chosen one. On the page, Dune sports an abundance of plot, of which this film only relays half; its title card dubs it Dune: Part One, a move only backed up post-US release when Dune: Part Two was greenlit. This opening chapter is never overladen, however, even if the Fremen — Arrakis' blue-eyed Indigenous peoples, including tribal leader Stilgar (Javier Bardem, Everybody Knows) and the defiant Chani (Zendaya, Malcolm & Marie) — are clearly poised to enjoy a larger part in the sequel. Savvily, one of Villeneuve's big choices is to let Chani's narration introduce the movie. It immediately helps to side the feature with the oppressed, rather than merely embracing several layers of power from the get-go. It also signals a concerted effort to ensure this isn't primarily a story of men. It whets the appetite for more, too, including from Zendaya — who doesn't get much screentime, but still leaves an imprint that'd stick even in sand. Treading not only in Lynch's footsteps, but in Chilean French director Alejandro Jodorowsky's — whose aborted 70s stab at Dune is chronicled in stellar documentary Jodorowsky's Dune — is a mammoth task. Big-budget slams and failed visionary attempts tend to stick in filmic memory. Plus, Lynch's movie featured a heap of other future Twin Peaks stars, and Sting, and a score by Toto (no one blessed the rains, though). Meanwhile, Jodorowsky had Mick Jagger, Salvador Dali and Orson Welles, with Pink Floyd on soundtrack duties. To match, Villeneuve boasts a magnificent cast, all doing their utmost, while Hans Zimmer's throbbing notes set an intense and ominous mood as expertly as his immensely dissimilar work on No Time to Die also did. But what gleams brightest in this take on the tale is its breathtaking visuals, meticulous plotting, a pace that gives the narrative space to breathe and an alluring sense of mystery, as well as the ability to prove simultaneously vast and intimate. When Dune's desert landscapes linger as far as the eye can see, they shimmer with heat, texture and possibility. When the film lurks in palaces bubbling with political scheming, it hews slick, muted and brutal. As lensed by Australian cinematographer Greig Fraser (Lion), these are shrewd choices — pitting the expansive, grainy yet inviting against the confined, sleek and savage — in a movie that knows how to make every image both count and feel visceral. Awe-inspiring to behold, and operatic, Dune turns a literary giant into a cinematic one. It broods brilliantly, dreams vividly and muses sharply, as Villeneuve's work (see also: Arrival and Enemy) does at his best. It stages tremendously engaging action sequences, too, as Sicario also did. The one drawback: as grand and majestic as it is, and as much of an astonishing feast for the senses as well, it could use a slightly wilder streak. Dune rarely makes surprising moves — it doesn't quite take a "walk without rhythm and it won't attract the worm" ethos to heart, aka the line from the book that's immortalised in Fat Boy Slim's 'Weapon of Choice' — but it's always thrilling, immersive and spectacular.
Ain't nothing better than a well-placed cameo. They keep the Muppet movies relevant, made The OC better than it actually was (you know it) and give A$AP Rocky the chance to include even more of his friends on tour. When one of music's biggest calendar events, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, kicked off its opening weekend in Indio, California, the cameos ran freely and generously, with almost more pop-in names appearing than the actual lineup. Here's a little recap of the stuff you might have missed on Twitter, though we're not sure how you could have; the large majority of Coachella-goers were brutally happy to tweet their highlights right in your face. While there were plenty more Coachella cameos where these came from (Future, Killer Mike and Janelle Monae casually dropping in on Outkast, Drake and Donald Glover popping into Jhene Aiko's Gobi-tent, whatevs), it remains to be seen how jealous and grumbling second weekend ticket holders will be. Rumours will undoubtedly fly for the next few days; the usual finger crossing for David Bowie will commence. https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZpFeb-pnATE Debbie Harry Danced With Streamers and Arcade Fire Closing the final day of Coachella's 'gang's all here' first weekend, the legendary Debbie Harry joined Arcade Fire for a rendition of Blondie's 1979 single 'Heart of Glass'. Régine Chassagne matched soprano heights with Harry, with Win Butler playing them all the way to 'Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)'. Streamers were thrown, days were made, VIP tents were dissed on. https://youtube.com/watch?v=DcZ_XN-4hK4 Mary J Blige Brought the '90s Back to House with Disclosure Following AlunaGeorge's routine 'White Noise' appearance, Mary J Blige fronted her powerhouse vocal for 'F For You', recently re-released with Blige and sounding even more '90s British house than usual. Sam Smith also popped in to lend some vox to the duo's hit single 'Latch'. https://youtube.com/watch?v=zjsoBPD4rnM Beyonce and Solange Threw Down Slumber Party Choreography One for the Knowles fridge. For those of us who've choreographed unbeatable dance routines with our sisters (haven't you?), this cameo couldn't have been any better. Making a surprise appearance during Solange's super single 'Losing You', the formidable Ms. Carter took off her crown to share the stage with her sister, where they box-stopped, hair-flipped and step-touched like nobody was watching. https://youtube.com/watch?v=MwhtcruhT-8 Pharrell Held an A-List Karaoke Party In a set Spin called "the most well-attended karaoke party of all time", everyone's favourite mountie/producer Pharrell Williams jigged in his Vivienne Westwood hat beside Snoop Dogg; Tyler, the Creator; Diplo; Puff Daddy; and Busta Rhymes. Rasping his way through the set due to Californian dust throat irritation, Pharrell finally brought out his favourite 'Hollaback Girl', Gwen Stefani, for a big ol' throwback. https://youtube.com/watch?v=qqFbgBN5zKY Nas and Jay-Z Celebrated Their Make-Up Anniversary Once bitter rivals in the early 2000s, master MCs Nas and Jay-Z put their differences aside in 2005, publicly shaking on it and performing "Dead Presidents II" at Jay's I Declare War concert. Almost a decade later, Coachella 2014 marked the return of the legendary Queensbridge MC to the stage, delivering his seminal album Illmatic from start to finish. After midnight Nasty Nas was joined by Jay-Z to reignite 'Dead Presidents II' and 'Where I'm From', when rap fans collectively lost it. Chance The Rapper Allowed a Competition Winner On Stage... Sporting a white bucket hat and neckerchief, a fresh-faced young competition winner made his way on sta... Wait. Bucket-hatted pop drag racer Justin Bieber joined Chicago MC Chance The Rapper on stage to perform latest collaboration 'Confident'. Internet chaos ensued.
When Araliya announced they were opening a sister venue in St Kilda, it was a little surprising. Sri Lankan doesn't scream Fitzroy Street. Actually, it's not clear what Sri Lankan screams at all, but now southside has it's very own restaurant dedicated to the cuisine. It's Araliya number two, the second venue from Sam and Dee Wedande who, after a massive 30 years in Hawthorn, have taken this institution into new, unchartered territory. But this isn't just a clone of the Hawthorn outpost. And rightly so; that never would have worked. Araliya St Kilda, complete with new branding and steeze, now has a focus on small sharing plates, the bar and booze. Bartender Anton Turco Bertolotti has come on board to add cocktails into the mix — basil martini, anyone? — and to orchestrate more of a casual bar feel. Likewise, the fit out is sleek, modern and a world away from what you would have seen in Hawthorn. Aesthetically, it's somewhat reminiscent of Golden Fields (before it became Luxembourg) a few doors down. Sri Lankan food can be a bit of a mystery, so in order to demystify the process, here's the jist: sort of like a lovechild of Indian and African cuisine, the spices are heavy, thick and cockle-warming. In a way that's similar to African, the dishes are designed to be eaten with vegetables (ordered as sides) and lots of roti. Naturally, it's all made for sharing. If you're not sure how to go about ordering though, just ask the waitstaff. The highlight of our meal was, undoubtedly, the fennel curried duck leg ($18.50/$32). This is where Sam's lifetime of experience in the kitchen shines. If you order it — and the only reason you shouldn't is if you're morally disinclined to eat duck — expect the meat to fall right off the bone and, subsequently, melt in your mouth. It's best mopped up with roti (crisp, but still chewy — the best kind) or some thosai: pretty similar to dosa, they are Sri Lanka's own lentil (gluten free!) pancakes, served with green coconut chutney and herb salad ($8.50). While we found these dishes well priced, the same can't be said across the board. The Godhamba roti roll omelette with crab, goat's cheese, tomato and green chilli was holy by roti roll standards, but a bit too steep at $27 a pop. Particularly as you'll want another one. Similarly, the sides of veggies — shredded Brussels sprouts and coconut, lentils, pickled beetroot — were a necessary addition to the table, but an expensive one at $14 each. We'd suggest sacrificing your waistline for your wallet, though, and spending that dough on dessert. The roti cigars filled with fresh coconut, spiced, topped with treacle and served with an incredible cinnamon ice-cream ($15) are perfect, and manage to stay fresh without being too sweet. But that's what this place is: sweet. It's certainly St Kilda's sweetest Sri Lankan restaurant. In this weird place where your neighbours are both rowdy English backpackers and Andrew McConnell, the new and improved Araliya seems to have found a space to slot in.
It's the huge exhibition that took the world by storm, sending David Bowie's lightning bolt-adorned face everywhere from London and Berlin to Tokyo and Melbourne. His Ziggy Stardust costumes, various handwritten lyrics, an assortment of album artwork, rare photographs and even the magic orb he fondled as Jareth in Labyrinth, too. Organised by London's Victoria and Albert Museum, David Bowie is showcased a stunning range of around 400 objects from the David Bowie Archive, visiting 12 cities over six years and attracting more than two million visitors — and while it just finished its final run in Brooklyn, it's coming back in a new virtual format. In the coming months — autumn in the northern hemisphere, so expect it from September onwards — David Bowie is will exist as a digital recreation that you can access on your phone, as well as via virtual reality platforms. Fans can expect to tour the Bowie bonanza as an augmented reality experience, which will feature a sequence of audio-visual spaces highlighting the work and artifacts from Bowie's life. It won't just involve looking at 2D representations, either, with 3D scans used to preserve and present the artist's costumes and objects in detail. And while the final details are yet to be revealed, Bowie obsessives might even be able to virtually step into one of his out-of-sight outfits and see themselves in it. If you've ever wanted to become Aladdin Sane, the Jean Genie or just look like a real cool cat, this might be your chance to turn and face the strange — and experience some ch-ch-changes. A collaboration between Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc, the David Bowie Archive and the V&A, "these new digital versions of David Bowie is will add unprecedented depth and intimacy to the exhibition experience, allowing the viewer to engage with the work of one of the world's most popular and influential artists as never before," according to the exhibition website. How much it will cost is yet to be announced, but a portion of the profits will be donated the V&A and Brooklyn Museum. For further information — and to sign up for future updates, head to davidbowieisreal.com.
This year marks a massive milestone for Australia's Lavazza Italian Film Festival: 20 years. So, cinephiles can expect a whole lot more of the fest's beloved highlights when it takes over Melbourne's Palace Cinema Como, Kino Cinema, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Westgarth and The Astor Theatre from September 19 to October 16. There'll be plenty of parties — both on- and off-screen — as well. When you're not stepping into the glossy but murky world of professional footballers with opening night's The Champion, you'll be watching the world premiere of romantic drama Promised, which features a stacked Italian Australian cast. Or, come closing night, you'll be enjoying the sights and sounds of Ron Howard's Pavarotti, an intimate documentary about one of the country's biggest stars. Loved Paolo Sorrentino's acclaimed Silvio Berlusconi biopic Loro last year? This year, the new director's cut is on the bill. The festival also pays particular attention to new Italian cinema, specifically new Italian comedies, so viewers can immerse themselves in poignant tales of tragedy, slick courtroom dramas and cross-cultural rom-coms. Keep an eye out for ensemble piece If Only, which stars Alba Rohrwacher and Riccardo Scamarcio, and arrives in Australia fresh from premiering at the Locarno Film Festival; The Armadillo's Prophecy, based on a best-selling graphic novel, and exploring a young man's friendship with an imaginary armadillo; and the equally humorous and thoughtful Ordinary Happiness, which finds inspiration in the short stories of Francesco Piccolo. With 32 movies screening over the festival's month-long run, audiences can also dive into Italian art history courtesy of a couple of movies about Michelangelo Buonarroti and Leonardo da Vinci. The blasts from the past keep coming, thanks to a two-film Bernardo Bertolucci retrospective — including a restored version of his political thriller The Conformist, and the five-hour, Robert De Niro-starring drama 1900. The Lavazza Italian Film Festival 2019 will screen at Melbourne's Palace Cinemas from September 19–October 16. For more information and to book tickets, visit the website.
When David Foster Wallace committed suicide in 2008, David Lipsky voiced his appreciation of the author on America's National Public Radio. "To read David Foster Wallace was to feel your eyelids pulled open," he began. "You didn't slip into his books looking for story or information, but for a particular experience — the sensation, for a certain number of pages, of being David Foster Wallace." It's fitting that The End of the Tour highlights these words in its early stages, because the film tries to serve up the same — for those wanting to spend more time with the famous figure, and for those coming to him without any preexisting affection, too. Lipsky did both, back in 1996, when he was a reporter for Rolling Stone and Wallace's second novel, Infinite Jest, had just hit the shelves. Bitter about his own unsuccessful first book, Lipsky (Jesse Eisenberg) was sick of writing about boy bands and cynical about anyone who received acclaim. Wallace (Jason Segel) was the hottest thing in publishing, yet he was reluctant about his status, as well as the ample applause, rave reviews and awards chatter sent his way. For five days, the pair talked and travelled as Wallace's rounds of the literary circuit wound down — and for 106 minutes, director James Ponsoldt and screenwriter Donald Margulies chart their chatter about life and love, their sing-alongs to Alanis Morissette, and their struggles with their shared profession. Lipsky's memoir, Although Of Course You End Up Becoming Yourself: A Road Trip with David Foster Wallace, informs a script light on narrative and heavy with mood, as the transcript of their discussions becomes a two-person-centric, conversation-driven film. Sometimes Wallace and Lipsky's banter is friendly, and sometimes the two butt heads like adversaries. Whether they're agreeing or bickering — or subtly airing their envy and trying to best each other, as is common — Segel and Eisenberg bring their respective Davids to life with a sharp sense of their complications. Segel trades in sitcom goofiness for emotional depth and fragility not seen since his Freaks and Geeks days; Eisenberg lives up to his usual on-screen prickliness but never merely repeats his previous career beats. Indeed, The End of the Tour is as much a showcase for their efforts as it a chronicle of Wallace's complexities, insecurities and anxieties. Except, of course, the film isn't really a biopic, but a snapshot of a moment in time that lays bare Wallace's contradictions through his interactions with Lipsky. In fact, by shooting the feature in a manner that mimics the pair looking at each other, and by touching upon universal issues such as loneliness and ambition, the movie speaks to the human condition as well as its particular point of focus. Ponsoldt did the same in his previous features Smashed and The Spectacular Now, which told personal stories in thoughtful, observational and relatable ways. It's an approach perfectly suited here, and one that mirrors Wallace's prose in plunging the audience into his mindset.
Has your dog always wanted to sit on a 'Game of Bones'-style throne? More importantly, have you always wanted your four-legged sidekick to pretend that they're in Westeros — all so you can take the world's most adorable photo? If so, then you might just go barking mad for Australia's latest pop-up installation. It calls itself a museum, but it's really just an excuse for you to snap pics of your cute canine against extremely photogenic backdrops. Think Sugar Republic and Melbourne's Christmasland — but, instead of focusing on desserts and all things festive (and human), Pet Stars is all about those gorgeous little animal critters that we choose to spend our lives with. The name is a little misleading, because the pop-up is "encouraging dogs only", according to its website. That said, it is hosting VIP cats-only nights as well, should you have a Ser Pounce to take along. If you're the proud parent of a "larger animal, snake or scary creature", though, you'll definitely have to leave them at home. Debuting at the Gold Coast's Carrara Market Event Space on Thursday, November 28 ahead of planned 2020 seasons in both Sydney and Melbourne, Pet Stars will boast an array of themed spaces for puppers to frolic through. In addition to 'Game of Bones', there's a Kong dog ball pit, a room that's all about chewed shoes and a doggy high tea set-up. Or, maybe your furball needs a trip to the 'Doggy Style' grooming roomor the glamour room? Given the season, of course there's a Christmas-focused room on the premises — there's your end-of-year pics taken care of. As well as more than 20 snap-happy scenes, Pet Stars will feature pet cosplay and a hall of fame room. You can also hang out in a park area with your pooch, and meet other dogs and dog owners. And, you can buy merchandise while you're there — but if you want to treat your doggo to some actual edible treats, you're encouraged to bring them with you. During its Queensland run, which spans three weekends until Sunday, December 15, Pet Stars will be donating $1 from each entry ticket to the Animal Welfare League of Queensland (and it's safe to assume it'll do something similar in New South Wales and Victoria, too). Don't have your own pet? You're still welcome to head along. In fact, if you stop by the Pet Rescue Area run by AWLQ, you might even find a dog and cat to adopt, take back through the installations, snap in heaps of pics and become your life-long best friend. Pet Stars will launch at the Carrara Market Event Space, on the corner of Gooding Drive and Manchester Road at Carrara on the Gold Coast, from Thursday, November 28–Sunday, December 15 — with tickets on sale now. It's open Thursday–Sunday during its run, welcoming dogs from 12–6pm on Thursdays, 12–8pm on Fridays, 10am–8pm on Saturdays and 10am–4pm on Sundays. Cat nights take place on Thursdays from 6–7pm. Pet Stars will also head to Sydney and Melbourne in 2020, although dates haven't been announced — we'll update you when they are.
In his latest role after becoming everyone's favourite fictional TV chef in The Bear, Jeremy Allen White isn't cooking up a storm in the kitchen. There's still plenty of heat in sci-fi romance Fingernails, however. Here, the Shameless and Homecoming actor stars alongside Jessie Buckley (Women Talking) and Riz Ahmed (Sound of Metal), with the trio involved in a love triangle — even though science definitively tells people how their hearts feel. The idea beating inside Fingernails: what if couples took tests to prove whether they were really, truly, genuinely head-over-heels in love? What would that do to romance and relationships? Also, what would happen if the results went one way but you started having feelings for someone else? And, how complicated would the situation be if you worked at a love-testing institute, but still found your emotions disproving its theory? As the just-dropped trailer for Fingernails steps through, Anna (Buckley) and Ryan (White) took the test three years back, got a positive result and settled into their relationship. Then Anna meets Amir (Ahmed) at her job at the love-testing institute, which is where all that questioning comes in — as soundtracked in the sneak peek by Yazoo's 'Only You'. The film marks the English-language debut of Greek writer/director Christos Nikou, who first made a splash with the similarly high-concept Apples — and took a few cues there from The Lobster and The Favourite's Yorgos Lanthimos by adding a new entry to the Greek Weird Wave. That flick pondered and parodied a pandemic in glorious deadpan, imaging a world where amnesia has wipes memories at random. Nikou both helms and pens again with Fingernails, which premiered at this years Telluride International Film Festival and will release in select cinemas on Thursday, November 2, then stream via Apple TV+ from Friday, November 3. Alongside White, Buckley and Ahmed, the film features Luke Wilson (Fired on Mars) and Annie Murphy (Black Mirror). Check out the trailer for Fingernails below: Fingernails will release in select cinemas on Thursday, November 2 and stream via Apple TV+ from Friday, November 3.
Dubbed as the biggest night of the year for Sydney, the Mardi Gras Parade usually fills the streets of Darlinghurst and Surry Hills. In 2021, however, the celebration of LGBTQIA+ culture and communities — and its colourful array of hundreds of floats and performers — will actually take place in the Sydney Cricket Ground. Announced back in November, the parade has been moved to the SCG to help ensure social distancing is maintained. The 23,000-capacity event has been sold out for a while; however, a final release of tickets will go on sale from 2pm on Wednesday, February 17. If you're in need of some motivation to nab a seat, the parade's lineup should help. Rita Ora leads the bill, alongside Electric Fields, Montaigne and G Flip. Before the parade, DJs Kitty Glitter and Dan Murphy will hit the decks, with hosts Bob Downe and Julie McCrossin helping to get the crowd excited. When the floats start, however — after a Welcome to Country ceremony at 6pm — Nell Schofield and Kyle Olsen will be on voiceover duties. The full Mardi Gras festival runs from Friday, February 19 until Sunday, March 7, should you be wondering what else is in store around the main festivities. You can view all currently announced programming and events and stay up to date with all the news at Mardi Gras website. And, if you can't make it to the parade, it'll be broadcast live on SBS. Updated February 17. Images: Jeffrey Feng
If you're a fan of Ted Lasso, The Afterparty, Bad Sisters, Slow Horses, Hijack or Lessons in Chemistry, then you'll be more than accustomed to getting your streaming fix from Apple TV+. Across the first half of 2024, the platform has a heap more new shows vying for your eyeballs, plus a few returning series. And as Netflix just recently did, it has announced all the details, as well as a sneak peek of what's to come. To get your must-watch small-screen list started, new shows starring Ben Mendelsohn, Jonathan Banks, Noel Fielding, Kristen Wiig, Colin Farrell, Joel Edgerton and Jake Gyllenhaal are all on their way. Mendelsohn (Secret Invasion) will be gracing your television first, playing Christian Dior opposite Juliette Binoche (Both Sides of the Blade) as Coco Chanel in ten-part drama The New Look, which arrives from Wednesday, February 14. Also among the cast: Maisie Williams (Pistol), John Malkovich (Billions), Emily Mortimer (The Pursuit of Love), Claes Bang (Bad Sisters) and Glenn Close (Tehran). Noomi Rapace (You Won't Be Alone) and Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul great Banks star in Constellation, which also drops from February, about astronauts grappling with the reality of returning home. As for The Mighty Boosh's Fielding, he leads comedy The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin, which has more than a bit of Our Flag Means Death about it. The series riffs on a real-life figure, a British highwayman, with Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey: A New Era) playing the lawman on his trail. March will bring the Tobias Menzies (You Hurt My Feelings)-led true-crime effort Manhunt, about the hunt for John Wilkes Booth following Abraham Lincoln's assassination — and also Palm Royale, with Wiig (MacGruber) playing a woman trying to find a way into Palm Beach high society, and Laura Dern (The Son), Allison Janney (The Creator) and singer Ricky Martin also featuring. Sugar hits in April, enlisting Farrell (The Banshees of Inisherin) as a private detective looking into a Hollywood case. So does Franklin, with Michael Douglas (Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania) as Benjamin Franklin. Then in May, page-to-screen sci-fi thriller Dark Matter features Edgerton (The Boys in the Boat) and Jennifer Connelly (Bad Behaviour), while June has Presumed Innocent with Gyllenhaal (Guy Ritchie's The Covenant) as a Chicago chief deputy prosecutor mixed up in a complicated casw. Also, sometime midyear, dramedy Land of Women boasts Eva Longoria (Tell It Like a Woman). Among the returning slate, Apple TV+ has second seasons of The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy, Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, Maya Rudolph (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem)-starring billionaire satire Loot and The Big Door Prize on the way as well. And, the full lineup for 2024's first half also spans four-part documentary Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend, Acapulco season three and Trying season four. Check out Apple TV+'s trailer for its slate for the first half of 2024 below: New TV shows will hit Apple TV+ throughout 2024 — head to the streaming platform for its current catalogue.
Queenslanders are preparing to say goodbye to plastic bags and hello to a heap of change as the Queensland Government last night passed a bill to clear everyone's cupboards of both single-use plastic carriers and plastic containers — via a ban on the former and a refund-fuelled recycling scheme for the latter. Come July 1, 2018, all stores in Queensland will be ditching lightweight single-use plastic bags, including degradable and biodegradable options. The move brings the state into line with South Australia, the ACT, the Northern Territory and Tasmania, and follows the news that Woolworths and Coles will also be doing the same nationwide. And while it might seem like a long time coming...well, better late than never. Introducing a container refund scheme might also seem as though Queensland is playing catch-up, with SA and the NT already operating similar systems, and New South Wales bringing their own in from December this year. Hobart is aiming to completely ban the things by 2020. Applicable containers — which include cans and bottles of sizes between 150ml and three litres, though not any that hold plain milk, wine and pure juice — will each attract a ten-cent refund. Which can only be good for your overflowing recycling bin and piggy bank. To facilitate the scheme, designated collection points will be set up across the state, with reverse vending machines also likely to be part of the rollout. The receptacles will collect your containers and spit out refunds, (rather than vice versa) and will probably put an end to every conversation you've ever had about filling up your car with cans, driving to SA and filling your wallet. Let's hope Victoria and NSW follow suit.
Imagine a room filled with pinot noir, with red drops after red drops from wineries around the country poured for your sipping pleasure for hours. If that's your preferred type of vino, it likely sounds like your idea of boozy heaven. There's no need to just dream up the concept, however. Thanks to Pinot Palooza, it already exists, has been doing the rounds in Australia for more than a decade, and has locked in its return for 2024. A guiding principle here: that being spoilt for choice can be overrated when it comes to deciding which wine varieties you feel like at any given moment. So, let this event do the picking for you. Pinot Palooza celebrates exactly the type of vino that's in its name, and makes the sound of a light- to medium-bodied red wine sloshing around a glass its standard soundtrack, including in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne come spring. Expect to hear that noise a whole heap — before the pandemic, the Melbourne-born wine-tasting festival had notched up an estimated 65,000 tickets sold globally. In 2024, Pinot Palooza is hitting up its three east coast stops for a two-day stint in each. While that was first announced back in March, now venues have been confirmed. Across Friday, October 4–Saturday, October 5, Sydneysiders will be clinking glasses at Carriageworks. From Friday, November 15–Saturday, November 16, Brisbanites will get their pinot fix at the Exhibition Building at Brisbane Showgrounds. Then, come Friday, November 22–Saturday, November 23, the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton is the go-to destination in Melbourne. The Pinot Palooza team has also revealed that up to 100 wineries will be taking part in 2024, up from more than 50 winemakers last year, and surveying everything from organic and vegan to biodynamic and low-intervention drops. The full list of producers hasn't been unveiled, but Tasmania's Meadowbank, Oakdene from Geelong, Murdoch Hill and Vinteloper from the Adelaide Hills and New South Wales' M&J Becker are among the names that'll be involved from Australia. New Zealand tipples will be showcased by Two Paddocks, Burn Cottage, Mt Difficulty, Te Whare Ra, Greystone and others. As always, attendees will spend their session swirling and sampling that huge array of pinot noir, and making the most of up pop-up bars and food stalls between drinks. In Brisbane, though, a cheesy time also awaits. While dairy fest Mould has already taken place in the River City in 2024, it's teaming up with Pinot Palooza in October to give the Queensland capital a hybrid Pinot Palooza x Mould fest. Pinot Palooza 2024 Dates and Venues: Friday, October 4–Saturday, October 5: Carriageworks, Eveleigh, Sydney Friday, November 15–Saturday, November 16: Exhibition Building, Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane Friday, November 22–Saturday, November 23: Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton, Melbourne Pinot Palooza will tour Australia's east coast in October–November 2024. For more information, and for tickets, head to the event's website.
Brunswick is known for many things — it's one of the city's best spots for paste-ups and yarn bombs, it's the place to go if you're after personally tailored jeans on the cheap or a trolley full of second-hand swag, and it's pretty much the only Melbourne suburb where you can still get a fully-fledged house with a backyard for under $180 per room. But as of last month, it has one more jewel in its tatty second-hand crown — it has the world's best pizza. Last month Johnny Di Francesco, pizza chef and owner of Lygon Street's 400 Gradi, took out the top honours at the Campionato Mondiale della Pizza (World Pizza Championships) in Italy. It was a strange victory. But, much like the fact a Tasmanian single malt took out the title at the World Whiskey Awards just a month earlier, it proved Australians are a worldly bunch — currently beating everyone at their own game. Now you get to reap all the benefits! In light of his unprecedented win, Di Francesco is hosting a pizza-making masterclass at his award-winning restaurant on Saturday, May 17. In what will be a regular affair — scheduled for the third Saturday of every month — Johnny will be going back to the basics teaching novice pizza-chefs how to make the perfect margherita pizza. Di Francesco is a big advocate of pizza napoletana, so the end result will look nothing like the kind you might find at Pizza Hut or Dominos. Chewy, foldable and made with traditional ingredients, the pizzas at 400 Gradi are the real deal and this masterclass will give you a special insight into tricks of the trade. Learn how to make the perfect dough, how to cook the most delectable napoletana sauce, and how to sneak some bocconcini while your world-class teacher isn't looking. For more advanced (or adventurous) students, 400 Gradi also offers pizza acrobatics classes on the second Saturday of every month taught by Australian champion Daniele Caputo. Because be honest, you've always wanted to be able to spin the dough on your finger like you're the Magic Johnston of the pizza world. Frankly, if you knew it was possible to be a champion in pizza acrobatics you probably would have given up your job years ago. Don't worry, it's not too late. All classes are $70 per person and come with a complementary glass of Italian wine (and some hard-earned pizza). To book a place call 400 Gradi on (03) 9380 2320.
Not too many people can say they've got an actual museum in their backyard. But local architect and art collector Corbett Lyon sure can. He and wife Yueji have just opened the doors to their new Housemuseum Galleries — a public exhibition space for contemporary art, architecture and design, built adjacent to the couple's Kew home. Their original Lyon-designed Cotham Road pad — called the Lyon Housemuseum — is famous itself as a fusion of private residence and private museum, open to the public for tours and events on certain days of the year. The couple built it back in 2009, as a platform for challenging conventional ideas about public and private space. The following year, this groundbreaking home even scooped Victoria's highest architectural design award for residential architecture, the Harold Desbrowe-Annear Award. [caption id="attachment_721048" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Enter' by Tobias Titz.[/caption] Now that the striking new gallery space next door has joined the family, it'll play host to regular local and international exhibitions, with a focus on pushing the envelope as to how art is displayed and experienced. Showing off more of Lyon's design prowess, it's a contemporary beauty, complete with soaring 5.5-metre-high ceilings and five dedicated exhibition spaces. It even boasts its own enclosed sculpture courtyard, as well as a cafe and retail shop. And it's open to the public six days a week. The Housemuseum Galleries are making their debut with inaugural show ENTER, which showcases new works by 16 contemporary Aussie artists, including hyperreal sculptor Patricia Piccinini (her immersive white 'field' is pictured above), audiovisual artist Kynan Tan, sculptor and visual artist Callum Morton (whose giant Donald Trump head you would definitely recognise) and painter Esther Stewart. The Housemuseum Galleries are open 10am–5pm, Tuesday to Sunday, at 217 Cotham Road, Kew. ENTER runs until July 21. Images: John Gollings, Diana Snape and Tobias Titz.
The one Saturday night you decide to sensibly head home instead of hitting up AC/DC lane, the unthinkable happens. Lady Gaga, bonafide queen of art pop and undisputed champion of the absurd took her artRAVE afterparty to the iconic CBD rock dive, stripped to her ripped fishnets and a bra, and danced on the bar. You could have been there! This could have been your boob in her magical hand! This picture was posted by Cherry Bar this morning via Facebook and has been understandably met with an inundation of frustrated squeals from Gaga lovers who missed out. "So wearing practically nothing....Lady Gaga was dancing on the Cherry bar top till very late last night. True story," said another post. Of course, something like that tends to be well-documented so you can't really accuse them of lying. Lady Gaga partying in Melbourne. pic.twitter.com/h33GU0MiSd — Lady Gaga Now (@LadyGagaNowNet) August 23, 2014 I'm currently in a night club with lady fuxking Gaga — Ida | Lady Gaga (@LittleeMonsteer) August 23, 2014 Ms @ladygaga at #cherrybar Melbourne. So jealous. Taken by a non gaga friend (cc:@Artbyskings) pic.twitter.com/KNbrtKRCNX — Marc Andrew Davies (@MarcADavies) August 23, 2014 This isn't the first time Gaga has hit up Melbourne nightlife. Long-time Gaga stalkers will remember that she partied at Northcote Social Club in honour of Independence Day in 2012. However this was only after getting knocked back from Cherry Bar when they decided to honour a local act that was already booked to play the venue. Well-known for supporting local artists, hosting secret gigs and big-name afterparties, we're certainly glad Cherry Bar is still going strong. It was just last month that the bar's future seemed in jeopardy over the need for $90,000 in soundproofing refurbishments. Luckily, Melbourne music lovers came out in force and delivered a hugely successful fundraising effort. Lady Gaga has another show tonight at Rod Laver Arena. Please refrain from stalking her hotel room all day like some Melbourne fans, but if you feel like dancing on a bar with her tonight maybe keep a keen eye on Twitter. Image via Cherry Bar.
After blowing Sydneysiders away with her singing, dancing and towering cosmic structures at the Sydney Opera House last year for Vivid Live, Solange is heading Down Under once more. The Grammy Award-winning singer — composer, choreographer, actress, filmmaker, fashion icon — is coming back to the Opera House for four shows in January 2020. Mark it in your calendars, friends. If you were one of the lucky ones to score tickets the sold out show last year, you'll know what to expect come January: a stunning 360-degree stage, a live band, a team of incredibly choreographed dancers. Although this time, instead of singing and dancing to A Seat at the Table under a giant moon-like sphere, Solange will be performing her new album When I Get Home in Australia for the first time. Featuring hits such as 'Way to the Show', 'Dreams' and 'Binz' — and collaborators such as Pharrell, Sampha, Gucci Mane and Tyler, the Creator — the album is an ode to Solange's hometown of Houston, Texas. It was released alongside a 33-minute art film of the same name, which you can watch on YouTube while you're waiting for her Aussie return. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv_bpnIFr5g/?utm_source=ig_embed While the stage will look a little different to the one above, we're told to expect something similarly impressive. You can get a glimpse of what to expect from the new choreography, too, by checking out Solange's Instagram. The Sydney Opera House performances will be Solange's only Aussie shows, so, if you're interstate we suggest you start keeping an eye on cheap flights. Solange will perform four shows in the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall on January 27, 28, 30 and 31. Pre-sale tickets are available from 9am on Wednesday, August 21 with general sale starting at 9am on Friday, August 23 via the Sydney Opera House website. Images: Max Hirschberger
If you're particularly excellent at nailing a sourdough, crafting a camembert or perfecting the art of the cracker, you'll be gunning for backslaps at the Royal Melbourne Fine Food Awards. In a nutshell, this is the Australian Olympics of Gourmet Noms. Get ready for some acronyms. Run by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV), the Royal Melbourne Fine Food Awards (RMFFA) delve deeper than your umbrella restaurant/store awards, giving out medals for seriously niche producers. The awards were established to give national ups to Australia's best dips, oils, meats, jams, free-range eggs and more to both the wholesale industry and consumers. They've given out no less than 693 medals to date this season (164 gold, 299 silver and 230 bronze), a record number for the RMFFAs and significantly more than our Commonwealth Games taking. Why more shiny high fives? There's apparently been a 14% increase in overall entries — and their produce was just too damn good. A serious Big Deal for the fine food industry, these are the categories (with some super niche subcategories): SPRING 2014 CATEGORIES: Branded Beef Branded Lamb Dairy Sheep, Goat and Buffalo Ice Cream Gelato and Sorbet Delicatessen featuring Dips, Tapenade, Smallgoods and Uncooked Sausages Extra Virgin Olive Oils and Flavoured Oils Bread and Baked Goods Free Range Eggs Sweet and Savoury Preserves, featuring jams, vinegars and dressings “The Awards see entries from a variety of producers, who are provided with a unique and valuable opportunity to benchmark, promote and market their produce and products under a recognised seal of quality and excellence. They provide a level playing field for all producers to be recognised on a national level,” says RASV CEO Mark O’Sullivan. So how'd we do? Victorian breads nailed it, with Torquay's Zeally Bay organic artisan bakery picking up a first-time gold medal for their Southern Casalinga Sourdough in the White Sourdough class. "We entered not only to see where we sit but also to have a voice and to keep the integrity of the bread industry. We’re proud of our win, it enhances the credibility of what we’re doing at Zeally Bay and the response has been great so far," says Co-Founder John Farnan. Apollo Bay's multi award-winning ice creamery Dooley's dominated the Ice Cream, Gelato and Sorbet realms, taking out no less than 19 gold medals (there's different categories for single flavour, multi flavour, no inclusions, with inclusions and then there's sorbet). If you dabble in iced confections, Dooley's are the crew to beat. Cheese-wise Berrys Creek Gourmet Cheese (whose kickass tagline is "Dare to be Cultured") took out the Mould Ripened, Blue Mould or Cheese Containing Blue Mould category for their Tarwin Blue, while Preston-based Alberto's Delicacies nailed the Tapenade section with a gold for their olive concoction. There's still more accolades to come for the RMFFAs, with the Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Flavoured Oil categories to be judged later this month. For now, the gold medallists now have to sit tight; the official Awards Presentation looms for September 22 with more trophies on the line. But there's opportunities to join an exclusive Buyers' Tasting in late August as well as a spot in the Royal Melbourne Fine Food Deli in the Tastes of Victoria Pavilion during the 2014 Royal Melbourne Show. Nothing to be sniffed at; as far as dominating the tapenade market goes, this is battin' in the majors. For more info and announced winners, visit RASV. For more info, visit RASV.
Father's Day is just around the corner, and — considering it's been one helluva year so far — you may be thinking about getting your dad something a little special. Melbourne travel brand July wants to help you go the extra mile this year and is throwing in a bunch of extras. July offers up premium luggage, backpacks, suitcases and overnight bags — and you'll nab a whole heap of freebies when you order your dad a gift through the online shop this year. First up, you'll be able to add custom-printed, personalised lettering to your luggage of choice — for free. Your gift will also come with a complimentary Orbitkey leather key organiser (worth $45). All shipping to Australia and New Zealand is absolutely free, too, which is especially useful if you don't live near dad. Simply shop the Father's Day gift edit to get started. On the list are the Carry All backpack and weekender bags, along with Carry On and Checked wheeled luggage. All of the travel bags are custom embroidered too. And each one comes in heaps of colours, including black, blue, green and beige. July luggage comes with a lifetime warranty (plus five-year warranties for all travel bags) to boot. While dad might not be going on any overseas jaunts just yet, we're sure he's planning a road trip, beachside escape or mountainous adventure in Australia for sometime in the near future. And a fresh set of luggage will be just the ticket when he finally gets to jet off. To shop the Father's Day gift edit, head to the July website. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
The first of Red Rock Deli's Secret Suppers in Melbourne has been and gone, with Lover's head chef Paul Turner creating a feast in a rustic Richmond warehouse. The exclusive supper series — running until October at secret locations across Sydney and Melbourne — sees some of Australia's most talented chefs whipping up mouth-watering, three-course feasts inspired by Red Rock Deli's range of Premium Crisps. And when we say exclusive, we mean it — only 20 lucky guests get to tuck into each lavish dinner. On Thursday, September 19, top Melbourne chef Paul Turner put up a feast. After guests were picked up from Richmond Station and whisked away to a mystery location, Turner dished up plates inspired by Red Rock Deli's Deluxe Crisps flavour: parmesan and truffle oil. Across all three courses, Turner incorporated native Australian and seasonal ingredients — the entree featured burrata with maple-glazed pumpkin, buttermilk and saltbush and the main of braised short rib featured fresh truffle, nettle, goats curd and parmesan crisp. Meanwhile, the dessert featured roast white chocolate parfait, grilled pear and wood sorrel. Sounds like a meal that shouldn't have been missed but, if you did — or you went and want to recreate the magic at home — check out Turner's recipe for the braised short rib here. If Turner's dinner is anything to go by, the final Melbourne supper will be quite something. Giorgio Stefano from Cremorne's celebrated Ms. Frankie is up next. The dinner will take place on Thursday, October 19 and will be inspired by Red Rock Deli's Deluxe Crisp's chilli, roast garlic and lemon oil flavour. To nab tickets for Melbourne's upcoming Red Rock Deli supper, enter the ballot here to be given the chance to purchase tickets. Images: Kate Shanasy.
Kicking off a new side hustle or small biz idea can be a challenging quest, but with the right connections and resources it doesn't have to be. In partnership with Fiverr, we're spotlighting budding entrepreneurs who are getting their businesses off the ground in style. Ask most beer drinkers what they love about their favourite brew, and few would say it's the complex molecular structure that gets them craving a cold one. But Daniel Rojas, Gina Pacheco and Shivam Tandon aren't your run-of-the-mill beer enthusiasts. While the trio of chemical engineers are, like the rest of us, partial to knocking back a few brews at their local, they took things up a notch by making their own tipples. Together, they created The Zythologist, a new, science-based Aussie brewery founded at Monash University, where the three met. "We just love to learn how things work. We also love beer," Rojas told Concrete Playground. "For us, it's about understanding what's happening at a molecular level, [along with] how to bring [out] flavours and unique aromas." So, how do three chemical engineers end up making A-class brews? The three co-founders set out to understand the science of brewing and got hooked on the challenging process of making beer. It began with Rojas and Pacheco, who founded Monash Brewlab, Australia's first student-led nano-brewery, with Tandon joining shortly after. It has since become an educational lab, where students can apply the scientific principles learned in lectures and tutorials to create a product loved by uni students the world over: beer. Riding on the success of the uni-based brewery, the trio launched a commercial spin-off. Initially, they created Scholars Ink (a nod to the mates' tertiary achievements), which produced two debut brews — a mango lassi sour and a sessionable 4.2-percent dark ale. Both sold out in less than two months. Fast-forward to 2021 and they now have The Zythologist — and it's got big plans. [caption id="attachment_818393" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Melanie Desa[/caption] Not prepared to rest on their laurels, Rojas, Pacheco and Tandon brought The Zythologist back to where it all began. Their entrepreneurial idea was validated through the Monash University's central startup hub, The Generator, where they won a $5000 grant from Fiverr to help evolve their unique business proposition. For the uninitiated, Fiverr is a freelance marketplace that connects small business owners — or anyone with a burgeoning side hustle — with freelancers across a range of disciplines, including social media marketing, SEO services, illustration, and video and animation. Its easy-to-use design and global database of freelance experts makes it simple-as to get started and give your side hustle a leg up. So, what does all this have to do with The Zythologist? Well, first on the three mates' to-do list is to put some of that cash towards rebranding from Scholars Ink to the new-and-improved The Zythologist — with the help of Fiverr freelancers, naturally. "'Zythologist' comes from [the term] 'zythology', which is the study of beer and brewing, Rojas told CP. "We want to create this persona of The Zythologist [as] the connoisseur of everything related to beer." It goes without saying that their plans for The Zythologist don't stop at a new brand identity and shiny website. Rojas says he and his co-founders are keen to leverage their expertise to launch a consultancy and analytics service, while also making new brews and ensuring their product and production processes are kinder to the planet. The ultimate goal? To move the brewing industry in a more sustainable and efficient direction, with better beer across the board as a result. [caption id="attachment_818388" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Melanie Desa[/caption] If you weren't lucky enough to snap up a six-pack of the trio's maiden brews, don't worry — there are more on the boil (yes, pun intended). First up, The Zythologist is working on a big, dessert-like imperial pastry stout, brewed in collaboration with Burnley Brewing. And, not ones to do things by halves, Rojas, Pacheco and Tandon are also working on a non-alcoholic beer to tap into the growing no- and low- alcohol trend. "The science behind brewing can be quite complex, and every time you add another ingredient or treat it differently, the dimensions increase by an order of magnitude," Rojas told CP. "For non-alcoholic [beer], I think it's even more difficult, because what we want to do is emulate the [same] sensation you would have from a normal beer. Accomplishing that — and having [an ABV of] less than 0.5 percent, which is the threshold for a non-alcoholic beer — is actually quite hard." While Rojas, Pacheco and Tandon will likely dabble in more traditional brews like pale ales and IPAs eventually, it's pretty clear that these three mates are enjoying pushing the boundaries and making unconventional brews. As for the rest of us, there's really no better motivation to crack a cold one — alcoholic or otherwise — than knowing it's for science. Bottoms up. Have your own booming side hustle — or need a hand getting it off the ground? Check out the Fiverr website and connect with freelancers around the world, all just a click away. Lead image: Shivam Tandon, Gina Pacheco and Daniel Rojas. All photography by Melanie Desa.
For decades, Australians have been told that a hard-earned thirst needs a big, cold beer. In Iceland, a well-deserved soak also needs just that — and a whole tub full of brews. Helping keep the Scandinavian nation on the top of everyone's travel bucket list, it now boasts its first ever beer spa. Yes, that involves sitting in yeasty goodness while drinking it. Just opened in Árskógssandur in the country's north, Bjórböðin features nine tubs just waiting for beer lovers to take a dip in their favourite beverage. Seven two-person baths, made from Kambala wood, can be found inside, while two larger hot tubs capable of seating 8 to 10 people take the brew-soaking action outside. Each is filled with beer, water, hops and yeast, and don't worry — while you can knock back a few draughts while they're there, drinking the bathwater isn't on the agenda. Visitors steep themselves in the warm brew for 25 minutes at a time, then head for a 25-minute spell in a relaxation room. To get the most out of the soak (because bathing in beer is all about boosting your skin and hair, not just sitting in the tasty amber liquid), showering for a few hours isn't recommended. For those keen on making the trek, there's also a restaurant on site, helping everyone pair their drinking with a meal. And if you're eager to bathe in brews in more than one place, plan an Iceland-US round trip, with a beer hotel planned in Columbus, Ohio. Image: Bjórböðin.
In news that will enrage haters of performance art, legendary provocateur Marina Abramovic just announced her next artwork: "nothing". Yup. The woman who once cut a star into her stomach then lay naked on a block of ice and invited audience members to point a loaded gun at her head — this artist is going to be doing absolutely nothing for eight hours a day, six days a week, for 65 days. No tricks. For those more familiar with Abramovic's work, this new project at London's Serpentine Gallery sounds eerily similar to her most famous piece, The Artist Is Present. This 2010 performance work — which inspired its own documentary — involved Abramovic sitting in silence at the Museum of Modern Art staring at whoever sat opposite her. Dealing with intimacy and catharsis, the artwork became famous for its effect on audience members and spawned the fan blog Marina Abramovic Made Me Cry. From the pictures we can conclude that James Franco and Alan Rickman didn't shed a tear, but Jessa from Girls was bawling. So, if your last work consisted of silently sitting in a chair and staring at people for 736 hours, how can your next piece be "nothing"? It's like when you tell a smartarse friend you're doing 'nothing' and they point out you're breathing, standing or looking. What will she be doing? The real game changer here will be the audience. Stripped of all bags, jackets, watches, phones and cameras, each participant will enter the space where Abramovic has been completely disconnected from the outside world. The piece will be "unscripted and improvised", entirely dependent on audience behaviour and action. "There is not any work. It's just me," said the artist on BBC Radio. "The public is my live material. It is the most radical, the most pure I can do." Take a good look, people. At this point Marina Abramovic basically is art. Via Huffpost Arts & Culture.
Belles Hot Chicken has flirted with all sorts of chook-centric creations over the years, but, this time round, it's teaming up with a famed American chip for an extra-spicy limited-edition menu. Head Chef and Co-Founder Morgan McGlone has just gone and dropped the group's first-ever collab with Cheetos — and not just any ordinary Cheetos either, Flamin' Hot Cheetos. The red-hot menu is available for three weeks from Wednesday, August 28 and features three dishes all made with Flamin' Hot Cheetos: a Flamin' Hot chicken sanga ($13) with Cheetos-crusted chicken thigh, jalapeño and slaw on a toasted milk bun; the Hillbilly Taco ($12), made from white bread topped with Cheetos-coated Cloudy Bay clams, Alabama white sauce and pickled chilli; and Flamin' Hot mac 'n' cheese bites ($9) served with chipotle sauce. To drink, there are $10 Pabst Blue Tall Boys (473 millilitres), $10 glasses of BK Wines pét-nat and $10 alcoholic lemonades, too. While the menu will end after three weeks, Flamin' Hot fans will be happy to know that the spicy Cheetos are now available to purchase at Woolworths, Coles and some petrol stations and convenience stores. The Flamin' Hot menu is available at Belles Hot Chicken Fitzroy, Collins Square and Elizabeth Street, with the mac 'n' cheese bites exclusively at the Fitzroy store.
Tales of honour and vengeance will light up the screen in a blood-splattered new film program at ACMI this month. With a focus on one of the most influential film genres of all time, Samurai Cinema: The Way of the Warrior features 13 classic and contemporary samurai films from some of cinema's greatest auteurs. Unsurprisingly, the backbone of the program consists of four films by the legendary Akira Kurosawa. 1950's Rashomon introduced Japanese cinema to the West, while later masterpieces The Seven Samurai, Yojimbo and The Hidden Fortress would go on to serve as inspiration for The Magnificent Seven, A Fistful of Dollars and a little-seen film called Star Wars. Likewise, fans of Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill will recognise its bloody origins in Toshiya Fujita's 1973 film Lady Snowblood, which screens as part of an R-rated double bill with Kenji Misumi's Lone Wolf and Cub. Action devotees might also like to check out Takashi Miike's recent epic 13 Assassins. On the other hand, those looking for something a little less gory can try Yoji Yamada 2002 Oscar-nominated Twilight Samurai, or Jim Jarmusch's philosophy-laden mafia/samurai mash-up Ghost Dog. Both films offer a more meditative take on the genre, one that's so often dominated by decapitation and disembowelment. For the full Samurai Cinema program, visit the ACMI website.
UPDATE, December 21, 2021: Black Christmas is available to stream via Netflix, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video. A fun, feisty remake with a female perspective and a refreshing sense of sisterhood, Black Christmas is a college-set slasher flick for the #MeToo era. The latter gets thrown around a helluva lot of late — with Unsane, Ocean's 8, Booksmart and last year's latest Halloween instalment among those recently earning the label — but with this updated version of a 1974 cult movie, writer/director Sophia Takal (Always Shine) firmly leans into the term. Indeed, Black Christmas circa 2019 lives and breathes its #MeToo mindset, particularly in its story and characters. Here, a masked predator stalks women as the festive season swings into gear, specifically targeting sorority sisters at a stately university. There's a mounting body count, but these gals aren't merely a parade of powerless, disposable victims. It all starts with a setup that's familiar by design: a silent night, an empty street and a woman walking home alone. Hawthorne College student Linday's (Lucy Currey) pace quickens when her phone starts jingling with creepy messages from someone using the 200-year-old school's founder as an avatar — and, when a man pops up right behind her shortly afterwards, she even threads her keys through her fingers. This all happens in Black Christmas' opening reel, so it's no spoiler to say that she's soon making snow angels in a rather gruesome way. But the winter break carnage is just beginning, ramping up after MKE sorority members Kris (Aleyse Shannon), Marty (Lily Donoghue), Jesse (Brittany O'Grady) and the very reluctant Riley (Imogen Poots) attend a Christmas party held by fraternity DKO — and sing a traditional ditty that's been rephrased to call out campus sexual assault. In too many by-the-numbers horror films gone by, the way in which women are killed and the perpetrators behind their deaths are given more attention than most of the ladies themselves, but not in this new take on Black Christmas. From the moment that Takal introduces MKE's sisters, they're lively, interesting and sport distinctive, sometimes clashing personalities — especially when debating the best way to address the college's historic male leanings, such as petitioning for the inclusion of women authors on literature Professor Gelsen's (Cary Elwes) reading list. Kris is fearless about fighting for equality and empowerment, and about making as much noise as possible while doing so; however Riley has seen firsthand what speaking up can bring. Earlier in her studies, she was attacked by a DKO frat boy, but her assertion that she was raped fell on deaf ears. Accordingly, before these MKE ladies even twig to the psychopathic ho-ho-horror in their midst, Takal and co-writer April Wolfe fill Black Christmas with different renderings and facets of modern womanhood that are all highly relevant to the broader conversation today. The constant battle against societally entrenched misogyny, the quest to be seen as more than an object for male gratification, the fact that victims are routinely disbelieved — these notions all find a place among the film's multi-faceted key characters. Also pondered strongly and thoughtfully is the pain and terror of falling prey to shattering violence, then attempting to pick up the pieces afterwards, a struggle that Poots conveys with weight and substance in a textured and engaging performance. This is a movie that's keenly empathetic towards those usually treated like fodder by the savage and entitled, and Poots' Riley is far more than just a final girl. In a film that throws a hatchet through the idea that women constantly compete and squabble amongst themselves, too, she has plenty of company. Still, this is unashamedly a slasher movie. And while it's based on an ahead-of-its-time example of the genre — just forget the dire first 2006 remake with Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Katie Cassidy and Lacey Chabert — Black Christmas has tropes to play with and conventions to toy with. The mood is knowing and winking, with the film not quite venturing into Scream territory, yet clearly deploying well-worn elements on purpose and with a smile. So, when cliched lines of dialogue are shouted by various women in states of duress (including old favourites like "there's someone inside the house!"), this slick flick knows what it's doing. It knows that audiences might roll their eyes briefly as well, but reshaping the slasher formula to make a statement requires a hearty bout of nodding to all the genre's usual components. Admittedly, taking a few cues from forgettable 2000 horror film The Skulls doesn't prove the best move, but it's one of the picture's few mis-steps. Well-executed bumps and jumps, including inventive slasher scenes and creative use of Christmas decorations; a smart reworking of a classic with an incredibly timely message; fleshed-out female characters with flaws, complexities and agency played by a great cast — thanks to all of these, Black Christmas overflows with entertaining festive horrors. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gF4yRYbo1WE
The biggest horror movie of 2018 kept things muted. We're talking about A Quiet Place, of course, and we mean that in a very literal sense. The blockbuster monster flick tasked a young family with staying soundless, lest they be heard and then killed by giant spider-like creatures — and their efforts to survive became a huge box office hit. A Quiet Place's hushed tones were so successful, they had a flow-on effect. When you watched the film in a cinema, you probably glared whenever someone near you crunched popcorn, crinkled a packet of chips or started talking. Your ears keenly listened out for any noise that could put Lee (John Krasinski, Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan), Evelyn (Emily Blunt, Wild Mountain Thyme), Regan (Millicent Simmonds, Wonderstruck) and Marcus (Noah Jupe, Honey Boy) Abbott in jeopardy, and you didn't want some loud person in the next row ruining that viewing experience. The frightful aliens, the hushed tones and Emily Blunt in kick-ass mode — it's all back thanks to sequel A Quiet Place Part II, which hits cinemas Down Under on May 27 more than a year later than originally planned due to pandemic delays. Also returning: hoping that your fellow cinema-goers don't make a sound while you soak in every second of expertly calibrated stillness. Like the first film, this follow-up is directed and written by Krasinski, with Blunt, Simmons and Jupe all returning on-screen. The sequel's cast also welcomes franchise newcomers Cillian Murphy (Peaky Blinders) and Djimon Hounsou (Guardians of the Galaxy). And while Krasinski is due to pop up among the actors as well, going back and watching the original movie again will remind you of the type of role he'll be playing this time around. As the initial trailer way back in January 2020 showed, and the just-dropped latest sneak peek does as well, A Quiet Place Part II picks up where its predecessor left off. Both suitably unsettling glimpses start with a flashback to the day the monsters initially made their presence known, before jumping to Evelyn, Regan and Marcus' latest attempts to avoid the fearsome creatures. Expect plenty of bumps, jumps and — naturally — silence. Check out the new trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Id00Eq1j8M4&feature=youtu.be After being delayed from its original 2020 release date, A Quiet Place Part II will open in Australian cinemas on May 27. Image: © 2019 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved
Nostalgia alert: The Wiggles are coming to your streaming queue and you won't need to tune into children's programming to watch along. As announced in 2022, the famous Australian entertainers, skivvy fans, Hottest 100 winners, Big Red Car drivers, and Mardi Gras and Falls Festival performers are getting the documentary treatment. Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles arrives on Prime Video in October — and it now has a trailer. This behind-the-scenes look at the globally famous group will tell exactly the tale you think it will, following The Wiggles' career over more than three decades, including the new levels of fame and popularity that 2022 sent their way. Sure, Dorothy the Dinosaur mightn't need an origin story, but OG Wiggles Anthony Field, Murray Cook, Greg Page and Jeff Fatt are getting one, with Sally Aitken (Valerie Taylor: Playing with Sharks, David Stratton: A Cinematic Life) directing. How did four friends become one of the biggest names in Aussie music and TV? This is the tale that Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles tells. First, they met while studying early childhood teaching. Then, they turned their learnings there into a one-off album in the early 90s. After that, they made blue-, red-, yellow- and purple-wearing history, but not without getting rejections aplenty first. Also covered, including via lively to-camera chats as teased in the film's sneak peeks: the decisions and the reactions when four of the original group decided that it was time to wear clothing with looser-fitting necks and step away from being Wiggles. And, the doco covers Page's onstage cardiac arrest — with a crowd of adult fans watching — as well as The Wiggles' evolution over the decades, including now delighting both the young and the young at heart. Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles will arrive on Prime Video on Tuesday, October 24; however, that isn't the film's first stop. Before that, it'll enjoy its world premiere at the first-ever SXSW Sydney, showing as part of the event's Screen Festival. At the fest, The Wiggles in attendance for this trip down memory lane — their own, and everyone in Australia's as well — including for Q&As and performances. Check out the trailer for Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles below. Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles will stream via Prime Video from Tuesday, October 24.
If you like sipping Four Pillars' bloody gin, the distillery doubled your drinking options when winter 2023 rolled around. Last year, it didn't just make its bloody excellent Bloody Shiraz Gin, as it has annually since 2015. In addition, it also debuted a brand-new Bloody Pinot Noir Gin. Yes, the drop gives another grape variety the bloody treatment. Yes, it was popular. When winter 2024 started approaching, Four Pillars announced the return of its shiraz option; however, there was no sign of its other bloody tasty limited-edition wine-infused concoction for another vintage. Until now, that is, with the brand waiting until the thick of the cold weather to reveal that this too is a Bloody Pinot Noir Gin year. How much of a hit was the first vintage? It sold out in less than a week. So, if you're keen to add 2024's to your gin shrine, you'd best mark a few dates in your diary. It goes on sale around the country on Tuesday, August 13 — via the Four Pillars website, plus Four Pillars Distillery at Healesville in Victoria and the Four Pillars Lab in Surry Hills in Sydney — but you can get your hands on some from Wednesday, August 7 if you're a Four Pillars subscriber. 2024's tipple wasn't always a certainty. "When we had some early rain in the season, we weren't quite sure we'd be able to pull it off," explains Four Pillars Co-founder and Head Distiller Cameron Mackenzie. "But lo and behold, 2024 is pretty bloody good pinot. It also helps we don't just get grapes from one place. We source from a couple of vineyards and use multiple clones to get a more complex gin at the end. The only downside is we can only get so much of it." Like its shiraz sibling, the Bloody Pinot Noir Gin sources its fruit from Yarra Valley again, from Yarra Station and Upper Ngumby. The end result is lighter, brighter in colour, and with rhubarb, strawberry and rose petal notes. This vintage underwent a new process, soaking entire pinot bunches in Four Pillars' high-proof Rare Dry Gin for seven weeks, then pressing them and blending in more Rare Dry Gin. The best way to drink it? Four Pillars recommends using it in gin and soda, with just a squeeze of lemon and a lemon slice as a garnish. Head to the distillery's website for a few other cocktail ideas, too, including the Pinot Colada and the Pinot Blush. The 2024 Four Pillars Bloody Pinot Noir Gin will go on sale around the country on Tuesday, August 13, or on Wednesday, August 7 if you're a Four Pillars subscriber. Head to the Four Pillars website to make a purchase — or hit up the Four Pillars Distillery at Healesville, Victoria and the Four Pillars Lab in Surry Hills, Sydney.
Clouds are already pretty magical. They float around the sky above us, giving us shade (the good kind) and provide perfect material to gaze at while lying in the grass. Spotting shapes in clouds is a familiar childhood pastime for most of us — you see a monster, then your mum's face, then a flower. It's like an inkblot test for primary schoolers. Now the grownups have had their turn, and the results are kind of amazing. Argentinian artist Martin Feijoo bases his work on these moving blobs of cotton wool (or gas? — we're not great at science). From staring up and the sky and using his imagination, Feijoo has produced a gorgeous body of work from what he terms 'Shaping Clouds'. After taking a photo of the sky, the artist pencils in the full image he sees in his mind. This of course leads to some outlandish images. Giant sea turtles dive down to the earth below and a platypus with a giant neck attempts to walk on its hind legs. "When I was a child I was told that clouds’ shapes were created by expert balloon twister clowns who live in the sky," says the artist. "I imagine someone made [these clouds] for me." Now that the dreary skies of winter are gone, we can't wait to do some sky-gazing of our own. Check out the artist's Tumblr to see the full drawing process. Via Lost at E Minor and Daily Mail.
Romance prospects looking a little slim this Valentine's Day? Fear not — your mates at Abbotsford's Moon Dog have the perfect solution, involving some very good boys and plenty of furry (and perhaps a little slobbery) kisses. This February 14, the Abbotsford brewery is serving up a big dose of puppy love with its dog-filled Valentine's Day bash, complete with an adorable doggy kissing booth. It'll be manned by some of Moon Dog's favourite four-legged friends, offering smooches from 4–6pm. Who even needs love when doggy snogs are on the cards? Fittingly, this paw party also coincides with the launch of the latest drop from Moon Dog's Doggo Mates beer series: the big, hazy Leon's New England IPA. Rock up from 4pm and you can be one of the first to sample it fresh from the tap. And, of course, if you've got a pooch of your own, they're welcome to come along and join in the loved-up, Valentine's Day fun. CORRECTION: FEBRUARY 10, 2020 — This article previously stated that Valentine's Day at The Dog would be happening at Moon Dog World in Preston, this is incorrect. The event is happening at Moon Dog's OG Abbotsford Brewery. The article has been updated to correct this. Images: Kate Shanasy
