The Bellarine Peninsula is set to welcome a stunning new hilltop retreat, opening just in time for that post-winter coastal escape you've already been plotting. Boasting a majestic piece of Point Lonsdale real estate, complete with 360-degree views of the bay, Lon Retreat and Spa is the latest incarnation of luxury accomodation Lonsdale Views. It opened its doors in October, following a huge, 18-month transformation of the 200-acre family-owned property. The luxury retreat features seven sanctuary-like suites, each one decked out differently to mirror a particular aspect of the surrounding landscape. Expect earthy, natural tones throughout, with most of the furniture, ceramics, artwork and lighting sourced or crafted locally. As well as the plush rooms, Lon boasts its own private beach access, a guest lounge with an open fire and views across the ocean, a private art gallery showcasing local works, and an indoor heated pool fed by mineral water. In the spa, you'll also find an OTT eight-jet shower. Outside the retreat, you'll find nature walks spread all across the property, if some fresh air and leg stretching is on the agenda. And, while there's no restaurant on site, guests can still indulge in a swag of local goodies, thanks to the honesty bar and a 'Makers and Growers Pantry', showing off top Bellarine produce. Room rates at Lon Retreat and Spa will start at around $360 per night, with a two-night minimum stay. The price includes access to the pool and a hamper full of breakfast treats courtesy of Annie's Kitchen in nearby Barwon Heads. Lon Retreat and Spa wis now open at 25 Gill Road, Point Lonsdale — an hour-and-a-half's drive from Melbourne's CBD. Images: Nikole Ramsay Photography. Updated: November 2, 2018.
It's a mad, mad, mad, mad world. Luckily Alirio Zavarce is here to guide us through it. Co-founder of the South Australian theatre company The Border Project, the Venezuelan-born performer hits Melbourne on July 17, and he's bringing his award-winning one-man show with him. A hit at last years' Adelaide Fringe Festival where it scored a nod for Best Theatre Production, The Book of Loco charts lunacy in all its forms, from the madness of war to that crazy little thing called love. Mixing wry observations with deeply personal anecdotes, the show sounds like it'll either be brilliant or insane. Or maybe, with a bit of luck, both. Also, did we mention that the set is made entirely of cardboard boxes? Well, it is. About 2000 of them in fact. So yeah…there's that.
SXSW Sydney is still three months away (yes, we're counting), but the first-ever South by Southwest to be held outside of the US just keeps getting bigger and bigger. So far, the conference-slash-festival has dropped an initial round of speakers, a batch of music highlights and must-attend parties, and details of its gaming strand. Now, it has unveiled more fascinating folks who'll be chatting behind a microphone. The SXSW Sydney Screen Festival hasn't yet revealed what it'll be showing; however, SXSW's Sydney debut has just added a stellar session on First Nations storytelling with three impressive filmmakers on the bill. Leah Purcell (The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson), Kodie Bedford (Mystery Road: Origin) and Jub Clerc (Sweet As) will all take to the stage at The Next Gen Blak Storytellers, which is about Indigenous talents telling 'modern' Blak stories. On moderating duties: Brooke Boney. Also familiar from plenty of screens is Osher Günsberg, who'll be on the SXSW Sydney bill recording an episode of his podcast Better Than Yesterday with a yet-to-be-announced special guest. Hailing from behind the scenes, Gone Girl, The Nightingale, The Dry, Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers producer Bruna Papandrea joins the lineup as a featured speaker, as does Binge's Executive Director Alison Hurbert-Burns. And, the SXSW Sessions lineup now includes Silverchair's Ben Gillies talking about creating music videos with AI, plus other talks on video-game collecting at the National Film and Sound Archive, plus death and dying in video games. Another of SXSW Sydney's new high-profile names: Layne Beachley, with the seven-time World Surfing Champion discussing facing retirement at 36 and reinventing herself afterwards. Fellow just-announced speakers include Indonesian Minister for Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, plus Expedia Group Chief Technology Officer and President Rathi Murthy. Also joining the program: connecting our minds to hands-free digital devices, e-waste, AI in the workforce, Aussie startups, NFTs, the future of news media, protecting the oceans, swiping right, sessions on lab-grown meat and more. Obviously, all of the above names and sessions — plus others already announced — are still just the beginning of what's promising to be SXSW's massive Sydney arrival. The entire event will happen within a walkable precinct in the Sydney CBD, Haymarket, Darling Harbour, Ultimo, Chippendale and more, with the fest's footprint operating as a huge hub. SXSW will also be packed with festivals within the bigger fest, exhibitions, talks, networking opportunities and streetside activations popping up everywhere. So far, venues named include Powerhouse Museum, ICC Sydney, UTS, Central Park Mall, the Goods Line Walk, The Abercrombie and Lansdowne Hotel. Attendees can hit up the SXSW Sydney Conference, which is where those keynotes, presentations, panels, workshops and mentor sessions come in — more than 400 of them. And, there's the SXSW Sydney Technology & Innovation Exhibitions, which is all about innovative and emerging tech and entertainment companies from across the Asia-Pacific region. Plus, at the Startup Village, up-and-comers from all industries and sectors will have space to meet, present and chat. SXSW's arts fests will span the SXSW Sydney 2023 Music Festival, which will be focused on live music venues in central Sydney — and the aforementioned SXSW Sydney Gaming Festival, complete with more than 100 local and international independent games to play at venues (alongside demonstrations, launches performances, exhibitions and social gatherings). Movie and TV lovers, get excited — because the SXSW Sydney Screen Festival isn't just a film fest. There'll be flicks to see, including at red-carpet premieres; episodic content; and digital, XR and social content. Expect Q&As and panel discussions with the folks behind them as well. SXSW Sydney will run from Sunday, October 15–Sunday, October 22 at various Sydney venues — head to the festival's website for further details. If you're keen to make the most of Australia's first SXSW, take advantage of our special reader offer. Purchase your SXSW Sydney 2023 Official Badge via Concrete Playground Trips and you'll score a $150 credit to use on your choice of Sydney accommodation. Book now via the website.
Fans of Donald Glover, excellent television or both, rejoice: after a four-year gap between its second and third seasons, Atlanta is a mere month away from returning to our screens. The show's creator, co-writer, sometime-director, star and all-round driving force has been more than a little busy since we last saw him play Earnest 'Earn' Marks — cancelling and rescheduling Australian tours, playing Coachella, voicing Simba in the photorealistic remake of The Lion King, dropping albums and making Guava Island with Rihanna, and that was all before the pandemic — but now the wait for new episodes of his exceptional TV series is almost at an end. Get ready to be all about that Paper Boi again — and all about Glover as Earn, obviously. If you're new to Atlanta, it follows Princeton dropout Earn after he returns home to the titular city, then starts managing his cousin Alfred's (Brian Tyree Henry, Godzilla vs Kong) rap career. The 30-something also has an on-again-off-again relationship with Van (Zazie Beetz, The Harder The Fall), with the pair sharing a daughter, which throws up complications on a regular basis After a phenomenal second season which ranked among the best things on TV back in 2018 (as the show's first season did in 2016, too), Atlanta's third season looks set to follow Earn and Alfred/Paper Boy on tour in Europe — based on its teaser trailer. And yes, that means it's still tackling the ins and outs of its characters lives, including the daily reality of being Black in America today, while examining race, money, relationships, parenthood, art, music and trying to get by on the road on the other side of the world. Lakeith Stanfield (Judas and the Black Messiah) also returns as Darius, Alfred's righthand man, with Atlanta also boasting one of the best casts on television. [caption id="attachment_843677" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Matthias Clamer/FX[/caption] After season two gave us the marvel that was the Teddy Perkins episode, it's basically impossible to guess what Glover has in store for his on-screen alter ego and his pals, and for viewers, this time around — but, when Atlanta's third season starts streaming in Australia via SBS On Demand on Friday, March 25, it'll be a definite must-see. That said, the good news keeps coming with the bad theses days, with Atlanta set to follow in Stranger Things' footsteps. We're not talking any storyline similarities, which truly would be wild. Instead, it's been announced that Atlanta also only has one more season left after its upcoming batch of episodes, so it'll end with season four — which is set to also air in 2022, arriving sometime during spring Down Under. Check out the trailer for Atlanta's third season below: Atlanta season three will start streaming via SBS On Demand from Friday, March 25.
Among all of the dream jobs that everyone wishes they had, picking the globe's top stretches of sun, surf and sand sits up there with taste-testing new gins and trying out every bar and eatery in Tokyo. That particularly proves true whenever a new list of the world's best beaches is revealed — although, Australians can always pretend by heading to one of the high-ranking spots on our own shores. In FlightNetwork's just-announced lineup of the planet's best beaches, which ranks 50 idyllic locations, four Aussie spots made the cut. And, in news that will come as no surprise to anyone, the Whitsundays' Whitehaven Beach came in at number two. It's the latest accolade for the picturesque Queensland favourite, after it was named TripAdvisor's best Aussie beach earlier this year. Hyams Beach in New South Wales' Jervis Bay also made the top ten, placing eighth, while Western Australia was responsible for the country's other two top spots — with Lucky Bay at 18th and Turquoise Bay at 29th. If you're wondering which coastal oasis beat them all to first place, that'd be Grace Bay Beach in Turks and Caicos. A British Overseas Territory situated around 1,000 kilometres from Miami in the North Atlantic Ocean, it boasts warm Atlantic waters, its own barrier reef and sunny weather approximately 319 days of the year. The picks were made by more than 600 travel journalists, editors, bloggers and agencies, aka folks who work in the travel and beach trade, and therefore know their stuff. Among their other selections, Anse Lazio in Seychelles, Pink Sands Beach in the Bahamas, Navagio Beach in Greece, Baia Dos Porcos in Brazil, Playa Paraiso and Hidden Beach in Mexico, and Trunk Bay in the United States Virgin Islands all rounded out the top ten. Thinking about taking your own trip to Whitehaven Beach? Check out our Outside Guide to the Whitsundays. Via: FlightNetwork. Image: Damien Dempsey via Wikicommons.
You've filled your house with their minimalist designs and homewares, and dreamed of living in their flat-pack homes and tiny pre-fab huts. MUJI fans, your love affair with the Japanese home goods giant isn't over yet. Next on the retailer's agenda is their own range of hotels, with sites slated for Shenzhen and Beijing in China, and Tokyo in Japan. In fact, the Shenzhen location will open on January 18, featuring 79 rooms, a new two-level concept store, and a diner and library for hotel patrons. Guests can expect MUJI's usual minimalist aesthetic — think recycled wooden interiors and spaces filled with plenty of the brand's furniture — plus interior walls and courtyards repurposed from the pillars and walls of traditional Chinese houses. It'll be joined by the Beijing establishment on March 20, while construction on a retail and hotel complex in Tokyo's Ginza began in June, working towards a 2019 completion for the 13-floor building. It'll be comprised of three levels below ground, and ten — including a two-floor penthouse — above. Seven storeys will feature shops, including MUJI's global flagship store, while five will boast their first Japanese hotel. Concept and interior design managed by MUJI-owning company Ryohin Keikaku. https://www.instagram.com/p/BcwNRpDjCEJ/?taken-by=muji_global Images: Mitsui Fudosan Co Ltd / Ryohin Keikaku Co.
Rachael Archibald’s current exhibition Carnate (in-pinking) on show at Paper-Thin is a tactile, textured, surreal wonderland — after all, that's kind of her thing. But the most intriguing point of difference is that Paper-Thin is a gallery that exists solely online. It's a unique new exhibition platform for digital artists who work on the threshold between material and virtual. You’ll have to install a few plugins to enter the gallery, but when you do, it’ll feel like the new-age art version of the Windows '98 3D maze screensaver. You can check out Archibald’s work from the comfort of your couch (or sneakily from work when your boss is distracted) as well as the work of fellow digital artists Alan Resnick, Hunter Jonakin, Daniel Baird and Haseeb Ahmed and Hugo Arcier. At this virtual gallery, you can stroll through the surreal white gallery space (using the forward and back arrows) and interact with the displays in a way they would never allow at the NGV. Check out Paper-Thin here.
Crack open a beer and catch a movie under the stars at Geelong's openair theatre. Popping up at the Little Creatures Brewery (where they also brew Furphy) over summer, the Furphy Outdoor Cinema will screen a selection of iconic Australian films while serving up top-notch grub and ice cold bevs. Fancy a trip down the Princes Highway? Lighting up the night on five consecutive Wednesday evenings, the season begins on January 31 with Chopper. That'll be followed by Strictly Ballroom on February 7, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert on February 14 and Red Dog on February 21 before the season comes to a close on February 28 with Mad Max. Doors at the Furphy Outdoor Cinema open at 7.30pm for an approximately 8.30pm start. Entry is via the brewery canteen, which will be serving up food until 10pm.
First, there were cat cafes, the cosy spaces where sipping a coffee and getting friendly with some cute felines go hand-in-hand. Next came pooch and pint sessions, where taking your doggo for a drink is heartily encouraged. While pubs that welcome puppers aren't all that rare in general, one US watering hole is taking all of the above concepts, combining them and turning it into their own animal haven. The end result is Fidos, an Oregon establishment calling itself the world's first dog tap house. With the words "Eat. Drink. Adopt." emblazoned on its walls, Fidos is part craft beer tap room, part foster home for shelter dogs, with the ultimate goal of rehoming the canines within its confines. Located outside of Portland, it encourages patrons to come in for a beverage and a bite — and, like a cat cafe, they'll will be able to play with the puppers — then take a new four-legged buddy home with them. Opening back in January, but holding a grand launch on February 13, Fidos boasts 40 rotating taps, a room dedicated to interacting with the doggos — which are provided by Oregon Friends of Shelter Animals — and dog videos playing on the onsite TVs. Events such as art shows and dog training demonstrations are planned, in an environment that's all about having a few drinks, celebrating man's best friend, and supporting dog and animal charities. For more information, visit www.ilovefidos.com. Via PR Newswire.
East Brunswick Village — home to Rumi, The Rocket Society, Bridge Road Brewers, Bellboy Cafe and FoMo Cinemas — is throwing a huge block party on Sunday, November 10, from 11am–5pm. Triple R's resident DJ Small Fry will be playing tunes throughout the day, while the precinct's food and drink venues will be slinging one-off dishes, signature creations and limited-edition craft beers. Bridge Road Brewers is providing beer for the occasion — made just for the Village Feast — plus, they'll be plating up epic house-made Bavarian soft pretzels loaded with jalapenos, olives, spring onion and cheese sauce, or smoked ham, hot pickles and cheese sauce. [caption id="attachment_977709" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tacoya's nori tacos[/caption] Rumi's chefs will be serving their famous HSP, and its sibling venue The Rocket Society will be pumping out homemade falafels with an optional natty wine pairing. You can also get around prawn and crab rolls from Bellboy Cafe, beer and wine from Blackhearts & Sparrows, and special sweet popcorn from FoMo Cinemas — featuring mini marshmallows, chocolate chips and crushed graham crackers. To top it all off, you'll also find a small makers market where over ten local artisans will be spruiking their wares, competitions, raffles and kid-friendly entertainment. It's all about the community feels at the Village Feast. [caption id="attachment_972176" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bridge Road Brewers[/caption]
"Texting is tacky," proclaims filmmaker/artist/writer Miranda July. "Calling is awkward. Email is old." So she's come up with a brand new way to communicate in the 21st century: an app called Somebody. Here's how it works. You send your friend a message, but rather than going directly to their phone, it goes to the Somebody user in closest proximity. This individual delivers the message, in person. Hence, the app facilitates all the instantaneity of modern digital communication, as well as a dose of good, old-fashioned face-to-face contact. As the Somebody site quips, it's 'half-app/half-human'. It's also a public art project. July first came up with the concept in March 2014 and developed it with the help of designer Thea Lorentzen and a team from StinkDigital, along with support from Miu Miu. The app and an accompanying film — the eighth commission in Miu Miu's Women's Tales series — premiered on August 28. https://youtube.com/watch?v=iz13HMsvb6o "Somebody is a far-reaching public art project that incites performance and twists our love of avatars and outsourcing — every relationship becomes a three-way," states the official site. "The antithesis of the utilitarian efficiency that tech promises, here, finally, is an app that makes us nervous, giddy and alert to the people around us." Your messages don't have to be restricted to words — your messenger can also follow actions and directions (i.e. dance, hug, cry and so on) — as long as they're game. If the timing isn't right, the recipient can decline involvement. Plus, the sender can select from a variety of potential messengers by previewing photos and performance ratings. When there's a lack of users in the vicinity, the message can be floated until someone turns up. July will speak publicly about Somebody at New York City's New Museum on October 9, and the app will be progressively launched throughout the Northern Hemisphere over Spring. Right now, hotspots are in action at the Los Angeles Country Museum of Art; Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco; the Portland Institute of Contemporary Art; the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis; and Museo Jumex, Mexico City. It's in these places that you're likely to find a high concentration of Somebody users. If you want get the trend happening here in Australia, get the ball rolling and download the app for free from the Apple store. Image: Miranda July and Miu Miu.
Few designers working today create pieces so idiosyncratic and fanciful they may as well be art. One is Romance Was Born, the Australian label started in 2005 by Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales. So it's perfectly fitting, really, that for this year's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia, they're smashing out a full, multi-sensory exhibition that is more guided acid trip than runway show. Collaborating with them on Reflected Glory is artist Rebecca Baumann, a technicolour master of her own with a practice spanning kinetic sculpture, photography, performance, digital animation and installation. She also happens to have won a Visual Arts SOYA the same year Plunkett and Sales won for fashion. Together, they're translating the never-boring design of Romance Was Born into a truly unwearable work of art, opening at Carriageworks on April 8. The promo video, released this morning by Carriageworks, shows the exhibition will be a kaleidoscope that plays off the unique light and space of the industrial venue. "We're really inspired by nightclubs and lighting and the feeling of when you see something sparkling in all its glory [and] it just has this fully beautiful, uplifting feeling," says Plunkett. Don't expect mere retrospective or showcase; the exhibition represents a completely new approach for the duo. "It's not like a collection of work; it's kind of just one big work, so the whole thing just feels like one immersive experience," says Sales. Reflected Glory opens at Carriageworks on April 9 and runs until May 11.
If you love movies and the magic that goes into making them, it's easy to get spirited away when you head to the cinema. Come late August, however, that will definitely prove the case, because Studio Ghibli's moving castles, cat buses and cute balls of fluff are taking over screens around Australia. From August 24, the acclaimed and adored Japanese animation house will be floating across movie theatres thanks to a month-long Celebrate Studio Ghibli showcase. The jam-packed program spans all 22 of their gorgeous flicks plus a behind-the-scenes documentary. Yes, that means devouring everything from Hayao Miyazaki's early efforts such as Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Laputa: Castle in the Sky, to perennial crowd-pleasers My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away, to later efforts like Ponyo and The Wind Rises. Of course, while Miyazaki might've become synonymous with the studio he helped build, he's not their only filmmaking force — as doco The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness demonstrates. Ghibli's other stars also get their time to shine, with the likes of Isao Takahata' Grave of the Fireflies, Only Yesterday and The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, Tomomi Mochizuki's Ocean Waves, Hiroyuki Morita's The Cat Returns, and Gorō Miyazaki's Tales from Earthsea and From Up on Poppy Hill also on the bill. Basically, whichever Ghibli movie is your favourite, you'll get the chance to revisit it on the big screen. Plus, Melburnian Ghibli fans can also catch 15 titles on 35mm during the showcase's stint at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, doing justice to their eye-catching artistry. Celebrate! Studio Ghibli screens at various cinemas around Australia from August 24 to September 25. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the showcase website.
As many a frustrated portrait painter knows, capturing an entire person in a single image is one of art’s toughest challenges. In response, Spanish designer and illustrator Alex Trochut has developed a new technique. He’s invented a way of including two different pictures on the same surface. One can be seen only when the lights are on; the other is visible in the dark. The fruits of Trochut’s work are on show in his new exhibition, Binary Prints, which explores the dual nature of some of the electronic music industry’s most famous faces. Last month, he told the creators’ project, ‘People are always a multifaceted polygon with many sides . . . Working on the duality and covering the two extremes of any spectrum creates a sequence, a change, a short narrative and hidden side that reveals what is not obvious behind the surface.’ So, we see James Murphy (LCD Soundsystem) illuminated in drowsy mode, yawning and scruffy-haired; then donning reflective glasses, a collar and tie once the lights are out. John Talabot appears concealing his face with his hands, as though seeking to block out the light, but peeking at us from the cover of darkness. Other DJs who sat for portraits include Caribou, Damian Lazarus, Four Tet, Acid Pauli and Lucy. ‘It was like a dream come true to be able to express myself through the artists that have fuelled my imagination countless times,’ Trochut explains. ‘Some connections were made in clubs, just by passing my cell phone to the DJ booth with a text on the screen saying: "Hi, my name is Alex, I'd like to invite you to a personal project, can I get your email?"’ Binary Prints made its debut at Barcelona’s Sonar Music Festival last month and is set to embark on an ongoing international journey to various galleries, art fairs and festivals. [via the creators' project]
Succession may be over, but the fight for the Iron Throne between half-siblings Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney, Rogue Heroes) and Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy, Mothering Sunday) is about to fill your streaming queue. Both want to rule the Seven Kingdoms. Both claim the famous seat as theirs. Both are destined for war — the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons — when House of the Dragon returns for season two. Fiery feuds are this show's baseline — this franchise's as well, since Game of Thrones was also full of them — so much so that when HBO last dropped a sneak peek at the upcoming second season, it did so with duelling trailers. Now, following the first teaser in late 2023 as well, the US network has followed with a full glimpse. Carnage, fire, dragons, conflicting factions, a trip to the north: they're all coming. So is watching House of the Dragon season two in winter, which is when it will arrive. If you haven't already, mark Monday, June 17, 2024 in your diary. And while a clash of Targaryens awaits, Rhaenyra knows that the role of ruler isn't about power but stability. "The Targaryen who sits the Iron Throne is not just a king or a queen — they are a protector of the realm," she says to open the new trailer. Also returning when the fray continues: Olivia Cooke (Slow Horses) as Alicent Hightower, Matt Smith (Morbius) as Prince Daemon Targaryen, Rhys Ifans (The King's Man) as Ser Otto Hightower, Eve Best (Nurse Jackie) as Rhaenys Targaryen and Steve Toussaint (It's a Sin) as Lord Corlys Velaryon, plus Fabien Frankel (The Serpent), Ewan Mitchell (Saltburn) and Sonoya Mizuno (Civil War). HBO is also adding new faces to the mix, with Clinton Liberty (This Is Christmas) as Addam of Hull, Jamie Kenna (Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story) as Ser Alfred Broome, Kieran Bew (Warrior) as Hugh, Tom Bennett (Black Ops) as Ulf, Tom Taylor (Love at First Sight) as Lord Cregan Stark and Vincent Regan (One Piece) as Ser Rickard Thorne. They join Abubakar Salim (Napoleon) as Alyn of Hull, Gayle Rankin (Perry Mason) as Alys Rivers, Freddie Fox (The Great) as Ser Gwayne Hightower and Simon Russell Beale (Thor: Love and Thunder) as Ser Simon Strong among the season two newcomers. When it premieres in June, House of the Dragon's second season will arrive two years after the first debuted in 2022. Game of Thrones was always going to spark spinoff shows. Indeed, when HBO started thinking about doing a prequel six years ago, before the huge fantasy hit had even finished its run, it was hardly surprising. And, when the US network kept adding ideas to its list — including a Jon Snow-focused series with Kit Harington (Eternals) reprising his famous role, novella series Tales of Dunk and Egg and an animated GoT show, to name just a few prequels and spinoffs that've been considered, but may or may not actually come to fruition — absolutely no one was astonished. So far, just House of the Dragon has hit screens; however, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight, the Dunk and Egg adaptation, is now due in 2025. With House of the Dragon, Game of Thrones' first spinoff jumps back into House Targaryen's history. When it initially roared into streaming queues, it became an instant success. Accordingly, as it delivered more complicated GoT realm relationships, flowing long blonde hair, dragons, stabbings and fights for power — and plenty to fuel a drinking game, as we created — it was quickly renewed for season two. The series kicked off 172 years before the birth of Daenerys and her whole dragon-flying, nephew-dating, power-seeking story, and gave HBO its largest American audience for any new original series in its history when it debuted. If you're thinking that House of the Dragon is basically a case of new show, same squabbles, as it was easy to foresee it would be, you're right. It's pretty much Game of Thrones with different faces bearing now well-known surnames — and more dragons. If you haven't yet caught up with the show so far, it dives into the battle for the Iron Throne before the one we all watched between 2011–19. Paddy Considine (The Third Day) started the series King Viserys — and it's exactly who should be his heir that sparked all the Succession-style fuss. The words "succession" and "successor" (and "heir" as well) got bandied around constantly, naturally. Also, Australian actors Milly Alcock and Ryan Corr were among the stars. This latest adaptation of George RR Martin's popular fantasy books — based on Fire & Blood, specifically — is bound to continue on for more than just two seasons, but that's all that's confirmed for the moment. Check out the full trailer for House of the Dragon season two below: House of the Dragon streams Down Under via Foxtel and Binge in Australia, and SoHo, Sky Go and Neon in New Zealand, with season two arriving on Monday, June 17, 2024. Read our full review of season one. Images: HBO.
This article is part of our series profiling the perfect Brisbane weekends of the city’s creative personalities. Oh Brisbane, you are truly the land of eternal summer. Although it’s officially winter now, temperatures are hanging in the 20s and we can still step out to enjoy the crisp, blue days in our beloved T-shirt-and-thongs outfit. But where will we go this weekend? We continue the series this week with Vlada Edirippulige, the owner and operator of comic book and zine haven Junky Comics. She's also known for her illustration work (under the name 'Junky') and as a member of the band Major Leagues. “The thing that I admire most about Brisbane is that it doesn’t have an ego yet,” she says. “Which is great! So great! I mean sure there are ‘scenes’ and maybe even ‘cliques’ but there is still so much room for us to grow here. We have one of the best modern galleries in Australia (personally I think it’s the best but, sure, whatever). We have so many wonderful, like-minded, motivated people who are doing really cool stuff.” Junky Comics opened earlier this year. Under Vlada’s guidance Junky has become a hub for creatives from many different fields to gather together and collaborate. “It’s hard when you only have the internet through which to showcase your work," she says. "I think people respond so much better to something that’s tangible. I’ve noticed that that in turn instils motivation in others to continue the cycle of making zines and comics”. Here are Vlada's five steps to the perfect Brisbane weekend. To experience them for yourself, head to the Visit Brisbane website and get booking. CATCH THE CITYCAT TO SOURCED GROCER Start your day by catching the ferry! You can catch the CityCat from Mowbray Park in East Brisbane and go down to Teneriffe and then go to Sourced Grocer and eat a delicious breakfast. The focus here is on seasonal produce so you can always get a taste of something different. VISIT THE GOMA AND THE QUEENSLAND MUSEUM If you end up going to GOMA (which you should, of course), make sure that you go from the Cultural Centre end, that way you can go through the whale tunnel between the galleries. You should also see all the taxidermy animals and the turtle room (my favourite) at the museum. CHILL OUT AT HIGHGATE HILL PARK Go up to Highgate Hill Park at the top of Dornoch Terrace with some friends and some picnic supplies and just hang out. The park has some pretty amazing views overlooking the city in West End (and in summer it’s breezy). DINNER AT MADTONGSAN II Madtongsan II, located in the city on Elizabeth Street, is amazing. They serve super-cheap and delicious Korean food. I recommend the lemon soju (yes pls) and the potato noodles with seafood (hnnnnngggg). KARAOKE AT THE BRUNNO Karaoke at The Brunswick Hotel on a Saturday night is a classic. There’s a big group of people who frequent the Brunno for karaoke on a Saturday night and that sense of community is so much fun (with many renditions of '90s pop classics). Book your own Queensland weekender at the Visit Brisbane website or follow them through the Visit Brisbane Facebook page or Twitter at @VisitBrisbane and hashtag #brisbaneanyday.
Knock knock, Matrix fans: the door to the sci-fi franchise, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2024, is reopening. Mere days after notching up half a century since the first film in the saga hit cinemas in the US — which happened on March 31 — Warner Bros has announced that it's making a fifth live-action movie in the Keanu Reeves (John Wick: Chapter 4)-led saga. The news also comes three years after The Matrix last returned to the big screen courtesy of 2021's The Matrix Resurrections. But whether Reeves will be back, or Carrie-Anne Moss (Accidental Texan) as well, hasn't been revealed so far. While the world wonders whether a live-action Matrix movie without Keanu and Moss is really a Matrix movie, one thing is certain: this new Matrix flick won't feature either Lana or Lilly Wachowski (Sense8) behind the lens. Together, they helmed 1999's first film, then 2003's The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions. Lana did the honours solo on The Matrix Resurrections. On the upcoming feature, Lana will now be an executive producer instead. In the director's chair this time: Drew Goddard, who helmed The Cabin in the Woods and Bad Times at the El Royale, and earned an Oscar nomination for writing The Martian's screenplay. He'll also be scripting and producing, but the tale he'll be telling also hasn't been announced. "Drew came to Warner Bros with a new idea that we all believe would be an incredible way to continue the Matrix world, by both honouring what Lana and Lilly began over 25 years ago, and offering a unique perspective based on his own love of the series and characters," said Warner Bros Motion Pictures President of Production Jesse Ehrman in a statement announcing the new film, as per Variety. "The entire team at Warner Bros Discovery is thrilled for Drew to be making this new Matrix film, adding his vision to the cinematic canon the Wachowskis' spent a quarter of a century building here at the studio." "It is not hyperbole to say The Matrix films changed both cinema and my life," added Goddard. "Lana and Lilly's exquisite artistry inspires me on a daily basis, and I am beyond grateful for the chance to tell stories in their world." So far, the saga that rightly claims that Keanu is the one began with with one of the best sci-fi films ever made, delivered two underwhelming sequels mere years later, also includes excellent animated anthology The Animatrix and then enjoyed its first decades-later comeback with The Matrix Resurrections. When its next instalment will land, and what it'll be called, haven't been revealed as yet, either. There's also no word as to whether any other Matrix cast members will return, with Resurrections also featuring franchise regular Jada Pinkett Smith (The Equalizer) — plus series newcomers Jonathan Groff (Knock at the Cabin), Neil Patrick Harris (Doctor Who), Jessica Henwick (The Royal Hotel), Priyanka Chopra Jonas (Citadel), Christina Ricci (Yellowjackets) and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom). There's obviously no trailer for the next Matrix movie right now, but check out the trailer for The Matrix Resurrections below: The new Matrix movie doesn't yet have a release date — we'll update you when one is announced. Read our review of The Matrix Resurrections. Via Variety.
The What We Do in the Shadows franchise shows no signs of dying, with the American TV comedy spinoff from Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement's hilarious movie still going strong. But one part of this saga did say goodbye, with fellow television sitcom Wellington Paranormal running for four seasons between 2018–2022. Been missing its comic take on Cops? It's now living on with a companion podcast. Back before Wellington Paranormal initially arrived, Waititi described it as "Mulder and Scully but in a country where nothing happens". With the brand-new podcast — which is called The Wellington Paranormal Podcast — the actors behind those fictional New Zealand police officers are chatting through the show. So, get ready to spend time with Karen O'Leary (Red, White & Brass) and Mike Minogue (My Life Is Murder), who played officers Karen O'Leary and Mike Minogue, as they dive into the making of the hit series. On TV, O'Leary and Minogue were Wellington's trusty paranormal investigators, with help from the always-eager Sergeant Maaka (Maaka Pohatu, Our Flag Means Death) and Officer Parker (Tom Sainsbury, Loop Track). That meant not only trying to keep the city safe from not only vampires and werewolves, but also from ghosts, aliens and more, in a show that was equally funny and silly — and never afraid to enlist familiar faces. As podcast hosts, O'Leary and Minogue will also be bringing in guests, including Pohatu and Sainsbury. Other actors will also feature, plus writers and directors, with exactly who else will be popping up left as a surprise. Listeners can tune into the end results from Thursday, November 23, with new episodes available weekly, via Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast apps. Definitely present from the get-go: O'Leary and Minogue's familiar banter. "Karen and I are excited to be bringing this podcast to our fans all around the world. They'll both be thrilled," said Minogue about The Wellington Paranormal Podcast. "We're looking forward to dissecting each episode as well as talking to both the people who created the show, and celebrity fans who, correctly, think Wellington Paranormal is the greatest thing to ever appear on screen." The Wellington Paranormal Podcast starts streaming from Thursday, November 23, with new episodes available weekly, via Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast apps.
Every July, the Melbourne International Film Festival unleashes a wealth of cinematic wonders upon the city's cinephiles. Every March, however, the Melbourne Queer Film Festival gets there earlier. Since kicking off in 1991, the showcase of LGBTIQ stories on screen has been shining a spotlight on the best, most interesting, and all-round latest and greatest queer movies, with its 27th event promising all of this and more once again. Taking place at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, Kino Cinemas and Cinema Nova from March 16 to 27, MQFF has plenty of films helping it fulfil its mission this time around — 135, in fact. Stats-wise, viewers can expect 47 features, 15 documentaries and 73 shorts from 30 countries, including six Australian premieres, 35 Melbourne premieres and ten special event screenings and forums. It's going to be a busy 12 days — and that's without even delving into the specifics of the lineup. First, the Franco in the room — as in James, of course. He keeps proving a favourite of Aussie fest programmers, and pops up in not one but two titles in this year's MQFF schedule, starting with opening night's I Am Michael. There, starring opposite Zachary Quinto, he plays a real-life queer theorist and gay activist, who then became an anti-gay Christian pastor. It's quite a different role for his second appearance in the program: as a porn producer in King Cobra, which makes its way to Melbourne after screening at Sydney's Mardi Gras Film Festival. Don't worry, MQFF boasts more than just the seemingly busiest actor in the world, including local indie fantasy Pulse's tale of sci-fi-laced transformation for those after a homegrown fix. Also on the intriguing stories front, Cannes Film Festival Queer Palme recipient The Lives of Thérèse explores the work and impact of French activist Thérèse Clerc, while fellow documentary Real Boy charts a trans musician's quest for acceptance. Some non-Franco star power arrives in the form 2016 Sundance duo Other People and The Intervention, the former starring Molly Shannon at her best, and the latter marking the directorial debut of actress Clea DuVall. Elsewhere, Stranger Things' Charlie Heaton features in '90s-set teen mystery As You Are, 1:54 delves into bullying with Mommy's Antoine-Olivier Pilon, Brazilian sci-fi The Cult ponders a bizarre future, and Fursonas examines the folks who like to role-play in furry costumes. Basically, film fans can expect to be spoiled for choice — including at MQFF's many special events, which spans the return of festival favourite Movie Matchmaking and a discussion on the work of John Waters. Plus, recognising that even the biggest movie buffs can only see so many movies in a short period of time, the program also features a heap of great queer-centric films that audiences might've missed at MIFF last year, such as the Riley Keough-starring Lovesong, vogueing doco Kiki, true crime biopic I, Olga Hepnarova and applauded French effort Being 17. MQFF screens at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, Kino Cinemas and Cinema Nova from March 16 to 27. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the festival website.
Christmas may not be on your mind just yet, but it's definitely on the mind of the Four Pillars owners, who have launched a pop-up gin store at Myer Melbourne Located in the Bourke Street department store, it's sticking around straight through to New Year's Eve and includes a store full of exclusive Four Pillars goodies. The gift shop will offer the entire Four Pillars core range of gins and merch, along with a few very limited releases from Four Pillars distillery, including the much sought after 2020 Australian Christmas Gin and new double-barrelled negronis. You'll also find a heap of gin-spiked products, including Christmas puddings, cranberry and orange relish, and a new dry gin salt created by Four Pillars and Olsson's Salt. This year's store won't have tastings or cocktails, unfortunately, but you can plan a trip to visit Four Pillars' OG Healesville distillery over the summer break. Four Pillars' Bourke Street pop-up is open from 9.30am–7pm Monday–Wednesday, 9.30am–9pm Thursday–Saturday and 10am–7pm Sunday.
Last time that Australian actor-turned-director Damon Gameau brought a new project to the country's big screens, drought was blighting the country, the nation had just sweltered through its hottest summer on record, and severe storms were popping up with frequency in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. That was back in 2019, and eco-conscious documentary 2040 couldn't have felt timelier as a result. It explored how the country might change — and how it might adapt to tackle climate change — in the space of just 21 years, and found welcoming audiences at festivals locally and overseas, and in cinemas in general. Now, Gameau is back with a similar project. Given the wet and wild weather conditions of the past week in Queensland and New South Wales, his latest film also arrives at a time when the environment and the changing climate are firmly on everyone's minds. This time around, however, he's going shorter — in the doco's length, and in terms of how far ahead he's looking to the future. With documentary short Regenerating Australia, Gameau ponders how the nation could look in 2030, but only if we start transitioning to a fairer, cleaner, more community-focused economy now — and putting in place changes inspired by the country's residents. Produced in partnership with WWF-Australia, the 17-minute film is poised as a news bulletin on New Year's Eve 2029, looking back at everything that's been achieved over the decade prior. And if you're wondering where Gameau came up with the answers, Regenerating Australia is based on a four-month interview process with a diverse range of Aussies, who all offered their thoughts, hopes and dreams on what they'd love to see happen. As the just-dropped trailer shows, the short is constructed from fictional news reports and press conferences — but real-life high-profile journalists, politicians, business leaders and citizens such as Kerry O'Brien, Sandra Sully, Gorgi Coghlan, Patrick Abboud, Larissa Behrendt and David Pocock all feature. Headed to the big screen like 2040 before it — and also Gameau's That Sugar Film before that — Regenerating Australia will premiere in Sydney on Friday, March 4 at UNSW Roundhouse, complete with a Q&A afterwards. It's then doing the rounds of cinemas across the country on a one-night basis, also accompanied by Q&As with expert panelists and live entertainment from local artists. Also, all revenue from adult ticket sales will go direct to participating First Nations speakers and local artists, while under-18s get in free. Check out the Regenerating Australia trailer below: Regenerating Australia premieres at on Friday, March 4 at UNSW Roundhouse, Sydney, before touring the country throughout March, April and May. For further information, head to the film's website.
After critical accolades at the Next Wave festival in May, James Welsby's evocative dance production Hex returns for a limited six-show run at the Malthouse Theatre. The show will be one of several major cultural events taking place in conjunction with the 20th International AIDS Conference, which this year will bring top researchers, artists and activists to Melbourne. Partly inspired by this controversial HIV/AIDS awareness ad from 1987, Welsby's show uses movement, music and allegorical imagery to chronicle the gay community's relationship with the devastating disease. To the tunes of Queen, Liberace and Michael Jackson, three dancers move fluidly through the gay scene of the early '80s, the onset of the AIDs crisis, all the way up to present day. In doing so, the hour-long show pays tribute to the countless lives lost to illness, while exploring its impact on young gay men today. Details about other AIDS Conference affiliated events can be found here.
Can you skip stones further than anyone else? Does your sleeping position, coffee preference, cholesterol level, morning erection or the way you wear your pants make you a better man? For six Greek men on a yacht in the Aegean Sea, the answer is a resounding yes. When they become bored with the usual holiday pastimes, the characters in Chevalier devise a tournament to test their masculine prowess. Points are awarded, with the overall champion receiving the titular ring as a symbol of their supremacy. Strange, unsettling hilarity soon ensues. In her follow up to Attenberg, writer-director Athina Rachel Tsangari begins her film with a spot of fishing, followed by the pals posing for a photo to display their catches. They haven't yet conjured up their contest, but they're already posturing, just as they are when they later turn a dinner chat about which different objects they'd each be into a game. When their heated conversation leads to the idea of battling it out to determine which of them is "the best in general", it's a natural extension of their testosterone-fuelled antics. Before long, literally everything becomes a competition. It's a concept that straddles the gap between ridiculous and painfully real — an exaggeration of the way men often act, mined for twisted comic effect. Along the way, Tsangari lays bare the group's vanity and insecurity. Most play along, desperate to emerge victorious, except the overweight Dimitris (Makis Papadimitriou). He knows he can't succeed — although, as the film makes plain, there are other ways that a man can be a winner. Tsangari co-wrote Chevalier with Efthymis Filippou, who also penned Dogtooth, Alps and The Lobster, making the film very much a part of Greece's recent big screen 'weird wave'. Indeed, dissecting human behaviour and the state of national affairs have gone hand in hand in Greek cinema for almost a decade. But Chevalier, in particular, is at once savage and insightful. If it feels as though the film is holding you at an arms length, it's likely intentional. Great performances invest each on-screen figure with the requisite depth, but Tsangari and Filippou are more interested in understanding what makes the characters tick – and what that means about masculinity and our male-dominated society – than they are in eliciting empathy from the audience. This feeling of analytical distance is reflected in Tsangari's visuals, which are drained of colour, often captured from afar, and peppered with telling shots of the ocean. Frankly, while verbal exchanges and disagreements are crucial to the story, Chevalier would be almost as amusing, feel almost as scathing, and leave nearly as great an impact without any words at all. Let's face it: you don't need dialogue to understand that a literal dick-measuring contests is both hilarious and profoundly sad.
It's not every day someone asks you to steal their things. Stolen Rum did just that. They posted notices to telegraph poles asking "Is this your sofa?" and kindly let the good people know where to steal them from. You steal it, you keep it; that was the deal, no tricks. On the same day across three countries — Sydney, Australia; Miami, USA; and Dunedin, New Zealand — people lined up for hours hoping to secure a sofa. Needless to say, all 150 sofas were burgled, plundered and nicked in less than seven minutes. Seven. With the average sofa weighing at least over 30kg, that's some speedy thieving. The Stolen Sofas Project generated a gargantuan amount of public interest, with budding thieves nabbing a spot in line hours before kick-off in each city. The first 50 lounge bandits in Sydney, Miami and Dunedin then had one job to do: nick the lounge and get the heck home. Punters scraped together their best burglary getaway vehicles, trucks, cars, bikes, even skateboards. But the purists simply came with ready hands and previous experience in moving house for their mates. The result? Pure, debaucherous international chaos. Stolen Rum, a new drop on the market, has been winning over hearts in bottle shops across Australia, New Zealand and the States. The company’s inspiration is a rebellion against the “tedious existence of work and pay”. “We cannot buy our lives back, nor can we beg them back,” writes the vagabond theorist on their site. “Our lives will only be our own when we steal them back — and that means taking what we want without asking permission.” Want to know where you can taste Stolen Rum? It's on the shelf at BWS Australia wide and in some of your favourite Sydney bars. Check out all the happy couch thieves from The Stolen Sofa Project day below. Sydney Dunedin Miami
Travel junkies, get planning, booking and packing: Black Friday is here, and Jetstar is serving up a heap of discounted flights to make your cheap getaway dreams come true. If you're keen on a holiday to Cairns, Byron Bay, Hobart, Uluru, Hamilton Island or more, you'll find sale fares here to help. And if you'd like to cross the ditch for a Queenstown jaunt, that's on the list as well. How cheap is cheap? Jetstar's Black Friday Fare Frenzy sale has fares starting at $39 one way, covering the Sydney to Byron Bay/Ballina route (aka always the cheapest leg when these kinds of discounts hit). But that's just the start of the sale offering, which runs for four days — until 11.59pm AEDT on Monday, November 28, unless sold out earlier. For folks travelling from Sydney, you can also make the trip to the Sunshine Coast for $59, Hervey Bay for $79, and either Hamilton Island or Cairns for $109. Given that summer is almost upon us, flights to Queensland feature heavily, although a fare to Darwin will cost $149. Melburnians can also head to the Sunshine Coast for $99, the Gold Coast for $69, Byron Bay for $79 and Hamilton Island for $129. Or, that Queenstown leg costs $209. Brisbanites, your choices include Newcastle/Port Stephens from $59, Mackay for $69 and Launceston for $99 — or, if you're happy to depart from the Gold Coast, Melbourne for $69, Cairns for $79 and Hobart for $109. Other cheap legs include Adelaide to Cairns from $159 and Perth to Cairns from $169. Wondering when to block out in your calendar? Dates vary depending on the departure and destination points, but the sale covers flights from mid-December 2o22 through till the end of March 2023. Also, don't forget that you'll either be travelling light, given that the sale fares don't include checked baggage, or paying extra for a suitcase on top. Jetstar's Black Friday Fare Frenzy sale runs until 11.59pm AEDT on Monday, November 28 — or until sold out. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
There's so much more to experience in Europe than what Tripadvisor will have you believe. If you're planning a multi-country, multi-city trip, don't break your spirit negotiating flights, sleeper trains, wild taxis and hellish overnight buses — cruise from stop to stop and set out to do things a bit differently. Experience an unfamiliar side of these countries at your own pace with the freedom of a river cruise, which includes food, a bed and most importantly, a unique waterside view of Europe's cities. And while you're in the planning stages, be sure to jot one or two of these ideas in your itinerary to make your Euro trip worthwhile. EXPLORE PARIS BY ROOFTOP Sure, The Catacombs of Paris are pretty mind-blowing, but once you've had a squiz at your 30th underground skull, we suggest you set your sights up. The Paris skyline is one of the most inspiring in the world; it's a city filled with rich and wonderful buildings, iconic slate and zinc rooftops, windows and façades of unrivalled grandeur, plus the Eiffel Tower, of course. Take your time sightseeing from Paris's rooftops. Join a Parisian Rooftop tour on the Seine cruise or choose to wander and show yourself around town. Start the morning doing the touristy thing at Notre Dame (if you get there at about 9.30am you shouldn't have to wait too long to get up top), head up to Canal Saint Martin for a weekend brunch or weekday evening charcuterie planche on the rooftop at the water-side Point Éphémère, and round off your day with drinks at Le Perchoir, overlooking the 19th and 18th arrondissements with Sacré Coeur in the distance. CLIMB SOME ROCKS IN SWISS FRANCONIA If you've sunk a few too many of Bamberg's famous smoked beers during your cruise through Deutschland, here's your opportunity to sweat it all out. This area of Bavaria, known as Swiss Franconia, is one of the most popular climbing regions in the world boasting over 6500 different routes. Test your strength and Spidey skills traversing crags, chimneys, boulders and overhangs, and you will be rewarded with some pretty spectacular views. If you're a climbing pro, you may want to give the Action Directe route a try, which has long been considered one of the most difficult free-climbing routes in the world. But novices needn't worry as there are plenty of guided tours, too. DINE IN AUSTRIA'S OLDEST WINERY After a day of strolling through Dürnstein's cobblestone lanes and castle ruins, head to the Nikolaihof winery. Steeped in over 2000 years of history and tradition, the estate is something to behold: the stone walls, which are left over from the site's time as a monastery chapel, are covered in creeping vines; the cellar is set in an ancient Roman crypt; and the courtyard is dominated by an enchanting 100-year-old linden tree. The Saahs family have been running the winery since the late-19th century and are seen as pioneers of organic winemaking; no herbicides or artificial fertilisers are used on the vines and grapes are harvested by hand. Settle in for a few top-notch drops and a home-cooked Austrian feast prepared with organic produce, before you continue on your way down the Danube. LISTEN TO CLASSICAL MUSIC IN VIENNA You don't need to know your Schubert from your Strauss to appreciate the musical nightlife of Vienna. While cruising the Danube, put aside a night to do nothing but sit back, relax and enjoy a schnitzel and bier at Vienna's famous concert cafes. Most of these cafes have an in-house pianist with others offering small bands and a rotating program of live music. Concert café Schmid Hansl is one of the city's most famous — during the war it still hosted jazz sessions. It's open late every night but closed Saturdays. The Cafe Museum is another worthy of a visit. Gustav Klimt, Peter Altenberg and Adolf Loos were all regulars of this little joint and we can't blame them; it's a great place to relax during the day and a magnificent option for a night of music. TASTE AUTHENTIC DUTCH CHEESE IN AMSTERDAM Between all the bike-riding and club-hopping, you're likely to expend quite a bit of energy in the 'dam during the Rhine cruise. So, what better way to refuel than with an afternoon of traditional Dutch cheese? Over the course of an hour, you'll learn all the ins and outs of Dutch cheese: how it's made, how to identify the characteristics between different varieties and how to pair them with wine like a pro. All with plenty of samples, of course. Your course will take place in the tasting room of the famous Golden Age Cheese shop, based in the heart of Amsterdam. It's a real gouda time. Next Euro trip, opt to explore the continent via their rivers. Find out more here.
Convinced that the world sounds just that little bit better on vinyl? Then head on down to Northcote Social Club on Saturday, July 19, and you'll find shiny new and beloved second-hand records for sale across a pretty mindblowing range of genres — some you weren't even aware were a Thing. Vinyl Records' latest one day pop-up looks set to be a big one. The impromptu store, based out of the NSC bandroom, opens its doors for business at midday on the dot. For the next three hours, audiophiles will be able to pick through the latest recordings from local and international artists, or browse the boxes of preloved classics that have been pressed over the past fifty years. They're also shining a big spotlight on Melbourne and Australian artists, while keeping entry free all day long. For more information about Vinyl Records' Pop-Up Store, check out the event page on Facebook.
Diane Kruger returns to her German roots with In the Fade, a tense, moving portrait of tragedy and vengeance, and the winner of the 2018 Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film. Helmed by German-Turkish director Fatih Akin, the film stars Kruger as Katja, a mother whose son and husband are murdered in a terrorist attack. It's an incredible performance, with the actress slipping into the empty, hollow-eyed space of insurmountable grief. She abuses drugs, alienates her family, and even attempts to take her own life. But she's eventually lifted out of her sorrow by the burning desire for revenge. For lack of a better category, In The Fade is a revenge story, one driven by Katja's personal mission to deliver justice for her family. We soon learn that the crime was committed by a pair of neo-Nazis, who are eventually acquitted after a lengthy, emotionally charged trial. We watch as Katja sits behind the plaintiff's desk, just a few short metres away from the accused, and feel her internal world becoming more and more pressurised. Kruger's performance is more than deserving of the Best Actress award she scooped up at Cannes. She's also stated that the process of making the film wore her out, to the point that she took six months off after filming. It's easy to understand why. Beyond Kruger's performance, what works best about the film is the format Akin employs. The narrative is split into three separate segments, set in three different environments, with three distinctive looks. In "Family" we see Katja cordoned off in her house, drowning in an ocean of grief, even as rain buckets down outside. Then there are the fluorescent lights and straight lines of the court room in "Justice". Finally we get to "The Sea", in which a softer, sunnier aesthetic belies the chapter's actual function – Katja has bid goodbye to her old life and is now bent entirely on vengeance. Perhaps less successful is the minutiae of the film's actual plot, including the fact that the two perpetrators are acquitted despite all the evidence against them. Nor are we given much insight into their twisted psyche. In The Fade provides a thorough study of its protagonist's state of mind, but could have benefited from doing the same for its villains. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyjnzhXJlHU
You've gotta love it when people solve problems that you didn't even know you had. At the moment, you're probably just wearing regular shoes that anyone could buy in any old store. Soon, you could be stepping out in electronic sneakers, complete with inbuilt flexible LED screens and eight embedded sensors for maximum personalisation. Yep, you'll never don the same kicks as someone else ever again if New York-based fashion-tech startup Vixole has their way (or, you'll actually wear the exact same shoes, but no one will be able to tell). The company is currently running a crowdfunding campaign for what they're calling "the world's first customizable mid-top E-sneakers", with three different models available. So how do they work? Well, whether you select the basic, the plus or the OLED, you'll be able to deck out your Vixole Matrix shoes with thousands of designs, animations and even photos via your smartphone — or "design, code, or remix your sneaker", as Vixole puts it. Each item of footwear features a LED screen built into its surface and wrapped around the back of the shoe, and is then covered by composite half transparency material to make it waterproof and even capable of withstanding snow, apparently. You'll be able to strut your stuff in them for eight hours before they'll need recharging on a wireless pad for two hours to power back up. Then there's the plus model, which has been dubbed "the shoe from the future". Motion sensors collect data about your movements and change the design of your shoes accordingly, while sound sensors do the same by interacting with whatever music you might be playing. They even include a sensor that can communicate with other Matrix wearers, exchanging contact details just by touching the tips of your sneakers. And, they'll link up with your phone to act as a navigation tool (vibrating on either your left or right shoe to let you know which way to go), or notify you when you're getting a call (again, by vibrating). The limited-edition OLED version does all of this, and boasts a high-resolution colour display, rather than a monochrome one. In the rapidly evolving age of wearable technology, smart sneakers might just be the next big thing. If you're keen on pairing some with your Snapchat snap-taking specs, solar-powered clothes, vibrating leggings and VISA payment rings, you can pre-order a pair via Indiegogo from US$225 (and yes, they ship worldwide). The manufacturing process is slated to start in January 2017, with the shoes delivered from June. Via Digital Trends.
Next time that someone hands you a $50 note, you can be forgiven for thinking that it looks a little different — a new range of pineapples have just been released into circulation. Australia's banknotes have been getting a makeover since September 2016, when a different $5 note started doing the rounds. It was followed by a revamped $10 in 2017 and now a sparkling fresh $50, which hit the streets on Thursday, October 18. The upgraded design celebrates inventor David Unaipon, who was also the country's first published Aboriginal author, as well as Edith Cowan, Australia's first female member of parliament. They're both recognised in several ways on the new notes, with not only their portraits displayed prominently, but with microprint featuring excerpts of Unaipon's book Legendary Tales of the Australian Aborigines, plus Cowan's maiden speech to the Western Australian Parliament. [caption id="attachment_694389" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Reserve Bank of Australia via Flickr[/caption] As well as changed artwork (albeit keeping the same colour scheme as old notes), the new $50 boast the same improved security features as the new $5 and $10 notes, which are largely aimed to stop counterfeiting. A clear window running from top to bottom is the most obvious, and contains a number of features such as a reversing number and flying bird. The note also includes microprint, as well as a patch with rolling colour. And, in great news for the vision-impaired, the new series of legal tender has a tactile feature to help distinguish between different denominations. According to the Reserve Bank of Australia, the $50 is the most widely circulated Aussie note, so expect to see quite a bit of this shiny pineapple. As happened with the other denominations, the rollout will happen gradually, as will the withdrawal of old $50s — which you can obviously still keep using. While some issues occurred when the new $5 and $10 note hit, particularly with cash-handling machines like ATMs, the RBA has consulted with banknote equipment manufacturers, retail organisations and financial institutions to minimise problems. And as for the other two values of Aussie banknotes, the revamped $20 is due in 2019 and then the new $100 in 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ci9SMlO3Sow
It's been five years since the Yeah Yeah Yeahs last album, and a few more than that since you belted out the lyrics to 'Gold Lion' in your high school bedroom or beat-down first car. Admit it: everyone wanted to be Karen O at some point in their lives. Now, this phenomenal queen of indie rock has once again proven how swoon-worthy she really is. Not only has she made a debut solo album full of lo-fi love tunes, she's previewing the entire thing online now ahead of its release. We're not going to be offended if you leave us now to listen to it. Streaming as part of NPR's First Listen program, the soon to be released Crush Songs is far from the indie anthems and general kickassery of her time as lead singer of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Instead, it draws heavily on the work she's done for film soundtracks in recent years. From the uplifting style of 'All is Love' in Where the Wild Things Are to the delicate ukelele-backed 'Moon Song' from Her, Karen O's solo work has drawn surprising comparisons to the likes of Juno-famous Kimya Dawson. Although this is the singer's first solo album, Crush Songs was actually recorded way back in 2006 and 2007. A deeply personal collection of stories, Karen O recorded these songs in private aside from her work with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Drawing on the album's appropriate name, the songs explore the singer's fears she'll never find love because she has too many crushes. Officially released on September 9 in the US, Crush Songs will also feature original drawings and hand-written lyrics from the legendary singer. Even if you're a die-hard fan of her work in the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, this is worth a listen. All in all, it's nice to know that even bona fide rock legends once scribbled people's names in little hand-drawn hearts. Via NPR. Stream the whole album here.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we take you to the heart of Beechworth, Victoria, and honey country. We've teamed up with Maker's Mark and Beechworth Honey to offer a totally exclusive Concrete Playground Trips deal to stay at The Hive Apartment and enjoy the fruits of their new partnership: The Gold Rush Cocktail, a symphony of pure Australian honey and the bold flavours of bourbon. Celebrate the coming together of liquid golds for a cocktail that's rich in character and richer in history. If Beechworth looks like your ideal historical stay then head to Concrete Playground Trips, where you'll find our travel deal – including two night's stay at The Hive Apartment, a bespoke Makers Mark x Beechworth Honey gift pack (complete with everything you need to make a Gold Rush cocktail), an exclusive honey tasting experience and a dining voucher. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? You can't get closer to the centre of Beechworth than The Hive Apartment. Owned and operated by Australian honey powerhouse Beechworth Honey, The Hive Apartment is your opportunity to explore historic Beechworth and stay in a piece of Australian history. The apartment is located in one of the most historic buildings in Victoria — originally built in 1856, it was actually the original residence of the bank manager of the Bank of New South Wales. Beechworth played a significant role in the Australian gold rush in the 1800s. Beechworth Honey pays homage to the town's gold rush past with a look to preserve the future. Stay in what was once the "Gold Office" where mined gold was stored and where a new liquid gold now calls home: honey. There are nods to honeybees everywhere from the bespoke breakfast basket (with a selection of Beechworth Honey samples) to bee-themed furnishings and gold elements throughout. THE ROOMS The self-contained apartment is situated on the first floor, providing an impressive outlook across Beechworth's two main streets, its historic buildings and its original architecture. It features a fully equipped kitchen and spacious dining and living room. You can look out over the Beechworth skyline from the comfort of the generous living room, cook up a feast in the kitchen and enjoy a meal in the dining room or on the couch while you take in a movie for a chill night in. The apartment can accommodate up to six guests across three bedrooms. The spacious king room offers a lovely light-filled space with windows on two sides overlooking Beechworth's iconic clock tower. The queen room offers its own private ensuite while the third bedroom is made up of two single beds, perfect for a family weekend away. The renovated master bathroom creates a sense of modern luxury, a place to relax and unwind from a day of exploring Beechworth's impressive sights. FOOD AND DRINK While guests can enjoy the homey Beechworth breakfast basket and kitchen amenities, there are also quaint cafes and rustic bistros footsteps from the apartment. Grab a meal at the historic Tanswell's Commercial Hotel — one of the earliest hotels opened in Beechworth and the first two-storey building in town. The menu is packed with local suppliers' produce, so guests can enjoy the best of what the local area has to offer. There's also a range of local wines, beers and spirits on offer to enjoy with your meal or alternatively to take away from the bottle shop — located in the pub's old safety deposit box. Another local favourite is The Ox and Hound Bistro, a relaxed and intimate spot along the main street that also heroes local produce. Chef (and owner) Sean Ford has stacked the menu with rustic French and Italian bistro classics including chicken liver parfait, goat cheese souffle, fettuccine with wild rabbit and the signature honey pannacotta — with cinder toffee, fresh honey and a lemon curd ice cream. Beechworth is also a small wine-producing region with local wineries producing fine examples of chardonnay and shiraz as well as some Italian varietals like sangiovese and nebbiolo. If beer is your preferred beverage, Beechworth is also home to one of Australia's oldest breweries: Billson's, founded in 1865. Settle in for lunch, a drink and a tour of the historic brewery site. [caption id="attachment_898228" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Beechworth, Gavin Green[/caption] THE LOCAL AREA The historic town of Beechworth is a treasure trove of iconic insights into the world that was. Visitors can follow the life and times of infamous bushranger Ned Kelly, starting at the Beechworth Historic Courthouse and Law Library — built in 1858 and in continuous service for 131 years — where the committal trial of Ned Kelly took place. Then move on to the HM Prison Beechworth — which held Ned Kelly as well as many of his sympathisers — and finish at the Beechworth Lockup where prisoners awaited trial. History enthusiasts will delight at the Burke Museum — named for the famous explorer and former Beechworth Superintendent of Police Robert O'Hara Burke — relive the Whatsapp of the past at the Telegraph Station, or pick up some bits and pieces at Dow's Pharmacy — a time capsule with over 4000 original items in its collection from the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Hive Apartment is located 300m meters from The Beechworth Honey Shop. Discover the wonderful world of Australian honey at Beechworth Honey's flagship store. With over 40 Australian single-varietal honey to taste, a working bee hive and a self-guided educational tour, your mind and tastebuds will be blown. The Beechworth Honey Shop is open 7 days, 9.00am–5.30pm — our Trips package includes a bespoke honey tasting at the iconic Beechworth Honey Shop. Don't forget to pack your walking boots as there's a range of walks, cycle tours and lookouts only a stone's throw from the apartment. The Beechworth Gorge is a popular walking, bike riding and driving loop with views to the Woolshed Valley and across the township. A little further afield, you can climb the 545-metre summit of Mount Pilot to enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside. THE EXTRAS The Hive Apartment is the perfect location from which to go back in time and explore Australia's Gold Rush era. And what better way to enjoy the stay than with a cocktail that celebrates the combination of two liquid golds the Maker's Mark and Beechworth Honey's Gold Rush cocktail? Book our Trips package and the Beechworth team will be on hand to ensure you have the sweetest and smoothest stay, from the private entrance and free parking to the bespoke honey breakfast package. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.
As much as we love catching a movie under the stars, outdoors cinemas are usually more of a balmy night activity. After all, it's sort of hard to focus on the story when your extremities are going numb. Enter Hot Tub Cinema Club. Coming back to to a secret Melbourne location for two weeks this October, this novelty nickelodeon works exactly the way you think it does: you and your mates strip down to your togs and enjoy a flick from the comfort of a bubbling tub. Melbourne has already tried the concept last year, and after a season in Sydney, the club is coming back down south for eight sessions between October 15 and 24. The program focuses on old crowd favourites rather than new releases, including Mean Girls, Lion King, Dirty Dancing and Anchorman. Seems like a missed opportunity to include Jaws or Splash, really. Tickets aren't cheap at around $54 for an individual spot or $220 for a whole hot tub that fits five people. Tub service is included in the ticket price though, so you don't have to hop out of the tub if you don't wanna.
In the global push for a healthier planet, we've seen some pretty creative recycling initiatives, with single-use plastic bottles transformed into Adidas kicks, discarded chewing gum used to make sneaker soles, and all sorts of other genius stuff being dreamt up in between. Now, a clever project happening closer to home will see a massive haul of soft plastics, glass bottles and printer cartridges recycled into 250 tonnes of asphalt and used to construct a road in Craigieburn, a suburb in Melbourne's north. The Aussie-first trial is the result of a collaboration between Hume City Council, infrastructure services company Downer, and local recycling organisations Red Group and Close the Loop, and it could be a game-changer for sustainability. As well as being cheaper to make and a whole lot easier on the environment, the asphalt is expected to be more durable, longer lasting and better suited to heavy traffic than its regular plastic-free counterparts. This particular stretch of road alone will save around 200,000 plastic bags, 4500 printer cartridges and the equivalent of 63,000 glass bottles from landfill. As Red Group Director Elizabeth Kasell explains, "it demonstrates a great step toward a circular system, where soft plastic packaging recovered through the REDcycle Program, and other materials previously destined for landfill, can be used as a resource for Australian roads". While the major supermarket chains will phase out plastic bags from next month, we still use a hell of a lot of plastic — so it would be great to see this being put into necessary infrastructure rather than adding to landfill.
Uber has become a worldwide phenomenon, expanding across the globe to more than 70 cities in its brief five-year history. The mobile app and car sharing service, bankrolled by investors including Google and Goldman Sachs, has caused waves with its recent valuation of a hefty US $18.2 billion. With growing business as smartphone ownership continues to spread, those in need of a post-gig ride home are viewing Uber as a more convenient — and often cheaper — alternative to a taxi. Now, the cabbies have finally had enough. Claiming that the mobile app is affecting their livelihoods, taxi drivers in London, Paris, Madrid, Berlin and Rio de Janeiro protested in the streets. Blockading access to major CBDs and shopping districts across these cities for hours on end, cabbies demanded tougher regulations to be imposed on Uber drivers. Taxi drivers in Europe often pay between $200,000 and $300,000 for their license, while Uber promotes their ‘No Sign Up Fee’ policy openly on their website. How could a cabbie compete with that? Taxi drivers in London slowed traffic to a crawl near Trafalgar Square, continuing on to Dowling Street where they honked their horns as they passed Parliament and the Prime Minister’s address. Home to the iconic black cabs, London saw the most monumental protests, with more than 10,000 taxis participating in the demonstration. Ironically, Uber reported an increase in downloads of the app by 850 percent in the past week. That's 850 percent. Similarly, cabbies from the other European cities cited severe damage to their income and loose, easily manipulated laws for those working under the Uber umbrella. In Rio de Janeiro, taxi drivers participated in the demonstrations ahead of the World Cup — seemingly apprehensive of the possible impact it will have on what should be their highest payday yet. The protests overseas come shortly after contention in Australia over the parameters of ride-sharing cars. The Victorian government was dishing up fines of $1,700 a pop to Uber drivers. The company’s response was to pledge that they would cover any and all of these penalties. Last month, the NSW government claimed Uber drivers could face a charge of up to $110,000 for being in breach of state law. It seems Australia has been imposing the regulations taxi drivers overseas so dearly wish to see in their own regions, yet Uber continues to be a viable — and profitable — business for drivers across the country. Cabbies in Uber-inhabited regions around the globe are feeling the brute force of an evolving world. It seems the tides of change are causing an insurmountable swell for the humble taxi driver, with no sign of an end. Via Reuters and Fast Company. Images via Mashable and Business Week.
If Tony Montana's "little friend" had instead been a BB gun, would that scene be quite so iconic? Hollywood fears not, it seems, because industry representatives have come out against the new gun control laws in New York, one of the few states to pass sweeping restrictions after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings. No, this does not mean that the (in)famously left-leaning film industry has had a sudden change of heart. Rather, the Motion Picture Association of America's complaint is that the new ban on weapons holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition will prevent films and television programs from using modified assault weapons on their New York sets. This means that for the 27 film and TV productions currently being shot in New York state, the machine guns and uzis will have to be replaced by some pretty cool-looking toy guns or the production companies may face legal action when the new legislation kicks in next January. While Governor Andrew Cuomo has previously supported amending the legislation so that Hollywood isn't an accidental victim, the law is unlikely to be changed, due to fears that it may not pass through the legislature a second time around. As such, Democrats have taken a sudden U-turn, now claiming that the new law will have no impact on the film industry. But does it have to be all doom and gloom for Hollywood and their lifelong love of big-ass guns? This could be a perfect excuse for the film industry to get a bit creative with their choice of weapons. If you can't have an AK47, why not try a giant laser? Or if Rambo V can no longer feature Stallone's favourite brand of M60E3 machine gun, maybe he can invest in a lightsaber? Here are five awesomely bizarre movie-gun substitutes in film. You're welcome Weinsten and Spielberg, you are welcome. 1. Point-of-View-Gun - The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Even if this space-age weapon didn't make its victims uncontrollably reveal their thoughts and even if it wasn't created by the "Intergalactic Consortium of Angry House Wives" as a means of ending marital arguments, this machine-gun-substitute would still be awesome. Mostly because Zooey Deschanel is wielding it. 2. Sick Stick - Minority Report The perfect weapon for any movie bad-ass who is hoping to incapacitate but not kill their foe. It does exactly what its name suggests: causes its victim to projectile vomit. We tip our hats to your subtle anti-gun weaponry, Mr Spielberg. 3. Zorg ZF-1 - The Fifth Element This gun-substitute, which vaguely resembles your childhood super-soaker, is a total sci-fi nerdgasm. I'm not sure what I like more about it: the fact that it includes a rocket launcher, poison arrow launcher, 3000-round machine gun, net launcher, flamethrower and freeze ray or the fact that it belongs to a terrifically hammy Gary Oldman, sporting perhaps the worst wig ever to grace the silver screen. 4. The AV Arc - Blade Trinity There are two surefire ways to splice up a disappointing threequel: put Jessica Biel in a bodice-hugging leather vest (check) and invent a weapon that uses a beam of UV light that is hotter than the sun to slice up those pesky vampire hordes (check). How this movie wasn't a hit befuddles me to this day. 5. The De-Evolution Gun - Super Mario Bros While video game-inspired films that tanked are not exactly a rarity, few films have done it quite so spectacularly as this shambles of a motion picture. Combined with the ridiculousness of Dennis Hopper playing a dinosaur (yeah, seriously) is the fantastical De-Evolution Gun. As the name suggests, the De-Evolution Gun turns back the evolutionary clock on its victims such that with one twitch of the finger you can turn your mortal enemy into a harmless, albeit quite pissed off, chimpanzee.
These days, having actual cash in your wallet is a real rarity. But it's probably not something you'll need to worry about when picking up your next copy of The Big Issue, with many of the charity magazine's street vendors accepting cashless payments from today. This move into the digital economy means customers can now purchase an edition of the magazine using a debit or credit card. Two cashless options are being rolled out by vendors across the country, including regular tap-and-go, and via mobile payment app Beem It, which can receive instant payments. The Big Issue street vendors are able to choose whether they'll offer one or both of the card options, or simply stick with the previous cash system. The fortnightly magazine, which provides work opportunities for homeless or disadvantaged people, without access to mainstream jobs, has been operating in Australia since 1996. It's hoped the new digital payment offering will boost sales of the magazine, reaching more customers and helping those selling it to increase their profits, putting more money back into the pockets of disadvantaged Aussies. As always, each of the fortnightly editions will sell for $7, with half of that kept by the vendor. The newest edition — aptly titled 'Cashless Revolution' — hits the streets today. Vendor images: Nicole Reed.
When Pantone's colour experts picked the shade they thought would define 2017, they went green. To be precise, they chose a hue called Greenery (PANTONE 15-0343) — a pick chosen to offer reassurance in trying times and symbolise the yearning to reconnect. Yep, we understand. Looking at it is one thing, however; setting foot in a house that brings the colour to life is quite another. Enter Airbnb and a London abode that's showering visitors in the "fresh and zesty yellow-green shade". Here, contrary to the advice Kermit the Frog has espoused for years, it is easy being green. Dubbed the 'Outside In' house, the Clerkenwell property casts aside traditional notions of internal and external spaces. How? Well, a plant-filled garden bedroom that even boasts a mown lawn and topiaries, herb garden kitchen, tropical lagoon bath, woodland reception area with a groundskeeper, and dining room that's actually an indoor greenhouse might just do the trick. It's designed to "provide an antidote to January blues and encourage all those who enter it to embrace 2017 with fresh optimism and excitement", and serves up more than just a unique, colour- and plant-centric place to stay. To promote Airbnb's new Experiences service, which endeavours to combine their accommodation offerings with ace things to see and do, guests can also take their pick from the house's greenery to build their own sustainable terrarium, learn the art of artisan printing using foliage, and pick tea leaves on-site for a tai chi and cuppa session. Sure, that all sounds good — but, if you like plant-based drinks, making your own gin is the definite highlight. Like the company's other attention-grabbing concepts — Dracula's castle, shark tanks, van Gogh's bedroom, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' secret lair , to name a few — the 'Outside In' house is only open for a small window of time: from January 27 to 30. For more information, visit the listing on Airbnb.
Architecture aficionados are in for a huge weekend this July if the just-launched Open House Melbourne Weekend lineup is anything to go by. Running from July 28–29, the weekend is the crowning glory of Open House Melbourne's annual, month-long celebration of local architecture — and this year's program, unveiled this morning, is its biggest yet. It sees a total of 220 buildings open their doors to the public across the weekend, including 70 new participants, 24 residential buildings and 81 City of Melbourne structures. Among the architectural delights you'll have the chance to get up close and personal is St Kilda's stunning new Stokehouse Precinct — the first five-star green-star building of its type in the country. More exciting still is that eco activist and artist Joost Bakker will be leading the guided walking tour. Explore the yet-to-be-completed 85th floor of the iconic Eureka Tower and marvel at its sweeping, 360-degree views, as part of an exclusive tour by architects Fender Katsalidas — or go back to school, with a close-up look at 37 significant sites across four of Monash University's campuses, including the striking, orange-accented biology building. One of the stunning buildings included in the residential section is Molecule Studio's five-person, small-footprint home, Triangle House. While most of the open house tours are free, a few require pre-booking and incur a small fee. To check out the full list and book tours, head to the website.
If things fall through with the whole politics schtick, President Obama has a future in stand-up. The lovable leader let the gags loose at the Annual White House Correspondents' Association Dinner over the weekend, beginning his address with a video spoof in which Steven Spielberg announced plans for a follow-up to Lincoln titled Obama. The president then pretended to be Daniel Day-Lewis reflecting on the difficulties of personifying Obama, beginning with the challenges of affixing oversized fake ears — "I don't know how he walks around with these things." The lolocoaster continued as the ultimate Renaissance man cracked jokes about his past as a "strapping young Muslim socialist", suggested the opposition should funnel funds into bribing him to drop out of the presidential race rather than spend money on negative advertising ("Michelle would have taken it. You think I'm joking") and even busted a move to DJ Khaled's 'All I Do Is Win'. Why can't Julia spend more time wining and dining the likes of Psy, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Kevin Spacey? Via BBC News.
Ever wished you could be spirited away into a Studio Ghibli film? Stop dreaming and start making travel plans. Turning movie magic into a real-life wonder, Japan's beloved animation house is opening its own My Neighbour Totoro theme park. Set to liven up the space known as Expo Park in Nagoya's Aichi Prefecture, the 200-hectare site will recreate the world of the 1988 film, building upon an existing attraction. Since 2005, the park has boasted a replica of Satsuki and Mei's house, the home of two characters from the movie. It'll stay, of course — and be joined by other, yet-to-be-revealed Totoro additions. Yes, we're all hoping for a cat bus, some susuwatari (those gorgeous little balls of floating soot), something umbrella shaped and tiny seeds sprouting into giant trees, in a place that'll basically transform that cute video of Ghibli characters out in the world into a reality. Here's hoping it'll nod to a few other Studio Ghibli greats too, although their current focus is understandable. Just try to go into a gift store in Japan without coming across a treasure trove of soft, cuddly Totoros that you can call your own — it's impossible. The park is scheduled to open in 2020, however, in the interim, Ghibli-loving visitors to Japan can still get their dose of animated joy at Tokyo's Ghibli Museum. Plus, back in 2015, it was announced that co-founder and all-round Ghibli legend Hayao Miyazaki was building his own park on Kume Island in the Okinawa Prefecture. Designed to preserve and celebrate nature, it's set to launch in 2018. Via Anime News Network.
It's pretty ironic that a YouTube clip criticising internet culture is going viral. Nonetheless this parody of The Wolf of Wall Street made by Half Day Today is pitch perfect. In a remake of the film's trailer, the hedonistic tale of American conman Jordan Belfort is transposed to the life of Buzzfeed CEO Jonah Peretti. Hilarity ensues. Everyone knows Buzzfeed is a bit of a black hole. You stumble across something in a Facebook newsfeed and suddenly you're falling into an internet-shaped abyss that no longer houses your study or work but only thousands of lists about Harry Styles, '90s cartoons and what '90s cartoons would looks like if they were recast with Harry Styles. This is your life now. And, while no one's saying it's directly Jonah Peretti's fault... it sure is nice to blame someone. "With these lists you can create a stupid GIF, write a nonsensical blob of text, and it will get retweeted millions of times without ever using an even number in your title," says the video's Peretti. Much like Jordan Belfort's dubious pathway to success using penny stocks, there seems to be something vaguely criminal about the Buzzfeed marketing strategy and it's somewhat confronting to see it played out in front of your eye. Still. We can't help ourselves. This is still 100 percent our reaction whenever we find a relatable listicle or a new viral video to share *coughcough*.
Playing ice hockey isn't a regular part of growing up Down Under, but watching a ragtag team of underdogs try their best on the ice has been a childhood staple since the 90s. The reason: the Mighty Ducks franchise. The three Emilio Estevez and Joshua Jackson-starring films hit screens between 1992–6, and have remained nostalgic favourites ever since. The trio of movies also spanned an animated show back in 1996; however, that's not the franchise's only leap into television. Because everything old is new again — including making that observation, because it just keeps proving relevant — Disney+ is bringing Mighty Ducks back courtesy of new series The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers. If Karate Kid can live on via the small screen, then so can this other beloved sports-focused saga, it seems. And like Cobra Kai, Game Changers is bringing back a familiar face when it debuts its ten-episode first season on Friday, March 26. That'd be Estevez, who reprises his role as Coach Gordon Bombay. Sadly, Jackson isn't involved this time around — but Gilmore Girls star Lauren Graham will feature as the mother of a hockey-loving boy who helps him create his own team. Aimed at all ages — so at kids just discovering Mighty Ducks for the first time, and adults with fond memories — the show looks set to follow the underdog formula established in the films, as both its first teaser trailer and its just-dropped full trailer illustrates. The series is set in Minnesota, where the Mighty Ducks are now a big deal, 12-year-old Evan Morrow (Brady Noon) gets cut from the team, and he and his mom (Graham) bring together their own crew in response — with the help of Bombay, of course. Check out the full trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZTouNvgPCM&feature=youtu.be The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers starts airing on Disney+ from Friday, March 26. Top image: Disney+.
Packing is no one's favourite part of going on holidays. If you're the kind of traveller who needs to cater for every occasion, stuffing your baggage is a massive task. If you like going light, whittling your outfits down but still ensuring that you've got the basics isn't as easy as it sounds. But, why not ditch all of that, and your suitcase? That's Japan Airlines' new solution thanks to its just-launched clothing rental service. Instead of tourists agonising over what to take to Japan with you — or stressing over what not to take — the carrier is offering a clothing sharing service with Sumitomo Corporation called Any Wear, Anywhere. You reserve a range of clothes, including choosing according to the season, and whether you're after a casual or smarter look. Then, that attire gets delivered to your hotel. When you're heading home, the rental clothes will be collected from wherever you're staying, too. And no, you don't have to do any laundry before handing them back over. The aim: not only to make travelling easier for tourists, but to do the environment a solid as well. If you're hiring clothes, less luggage needs to transported internationally. Japan Airlines will be monitoring the change in checked-in baggage weight thanks to the service, to see how it reduces the carrier's carbon emissions. Also, heroing the circular economy, the outfits on offer will be sourced from pre-owned clothing and excess stock from fashion stores. And, the airline is promoting the service as a way for tourists to support local options — not just for accommodation and food, but also for clothing. At this stage, Japan Airlines is trialling Any Wear, Anywhere from Wednesday, July 5, 2023 to Saturday, August 31, 2024 — and the service is only available for customers travelling to Japan via Japan Airlines. Price-wise, costs start at AU$42 / NZ$45 (¥4000) for a set of summer threads, which covers three tops and two bottoms. The most you'll pay is AU$73 / NZ $79 (¥4000), which gets you a winter range of six tops and three bottoms. You can keep the threads for up to two weeks, and bookings are available from a month before you travel. Wouldn't dream of travelling without a suitcase? Coming home, you can now fill it with souvenirs instead of dirty clothes. Japan Airlines and and Sumitomo Corporation's Any Wear, Anywhere clothing sharing service is being trialled until Saturday, August 31, 2024 — head to the Any Wear, Anywhere website for further details and bookings. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Forget celebrating Christmas in July — when the middle of the year hits, it's time to start working yourself up to the best occasion of the year. If you like scary movies, candy and dressing up in costumes, then you know the occasion. And in 2022, Halloween is almost here in more than a few ways. In just a few months, the spooky celebration itself will indeed arrive. Also hitting in October: the latest film in the Halloween franchise. A sequel to last year's Halloween Kills, as well as the third film in the trilogy within the broader saga that started with 2018's Halloween, it's been dubbed Halloween Ends. To that, we have two questions: will it really, and do we want it to? The just-dropped trailer for the new film certainly wants audiences to believe that this will be the last time that Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis, Everything Everywhere All At Once) and mask-wearing villain Michael Myers do battle. If the movie is a box office blockbuster, though, that might prove otherwise. Nothing ever truly dies these days in the pop-culture realm, especially successful big-screen series — and, since debuting back in 1978 with John Carpenter's OG masterpiece, the Halloween franchise has come back 11 other times before now. Story-wise, Halloween Ends will pick up four years after Halloween Kills, and see Laurie still processing the fallout — and living with her granddaughter Allyson (Andi Matichak, Foxhole) while writing her memoir. She wants to move on from Michael Myers, who hasn't been seen since the events of the last movie. Then, a young man (Rohan Campbell, The Hardy Boys) is accused of killing a boy he's babysitting. As well as Curtis and Matichak, Will Patton (Outer Range) will return as Officer Frank Hawkins, and Kyle Richards does the same as Lindsey Wallace — a part she also played back in the very first film. David Gordon Green (Stronger) is still in the director's chair for the third Jason Blum-produced Halloween entry in a row (and his third, too), and co-wrote the screenplay with Danny McBride (The Righteous Gemstones), Paul Brad Logan (Manglehorn) and Chris Bernier (The Driver). If the Halloween saga really does end here after 44 years, it'll wrap up one of horror's best franchises — albeit a series that also varies wildly from movie to movie. Again, the first flick is an absolute masterpiece, as well as one of the best horror films ever made. Since then, the slasher saga has delivered excellent and terrible sequels, veered into remake territory, both killed off and brought back its heroine, and completely erased parts of its own past several times. Check out the Halloween Ends trailer below: Halloween Kills will release in cinemas Down Under on October 13.
Injecting a little sparkle and shine into otherwise dull neighborhoods, these architectural designs celebrate all that glitters. Gilded in gold, sequins, crystals, and more, each structure looks fit to house a disco party, or perhaps a drag-queen. Peruse 10 of the world's most blinged-out buildings, and indulge in a little decadence, dahhhling. 1. Maison Martin Margiela @ Beverly Hills, US 2. Golden House @ Nuweiba, Egypt 3. 8 Woningen Kettingstraat @ The Hague, Netherlands 4. Zaha Hadid’s proposal for a new gold Lego-covered courtyard building at The Louvre @ Paris, France 5. Theresa Himmer's 'Glacier #01' @ Reykjavik, Iceland 6. Swarovski flagship store @ Tokyo, Japan 7. Copper sulphate crystal-covered abandoned housing estate @ London, England 8. Theresa Himmer's 'Volcano #01' @ Reykjavik, Iceland 9. Theresa Himmer's 'Waterfall #01' @ Reykjavik, Iceland 10. The Visionary Art Museum @ Baltimore, US [via Flavorwire]
Playing ice hockey isn't a regular part of growing up Down Under, but watching a ragtag team of underdogs try their best on the ice has been a childhood staple since the 90s. The reason: the Mighty Ducks franchise. The three Emilio Estevez and Joshua Jackson-starring films hit screens between 1992–6, and have remained nostalgic favourites ever since. The trio of movies also spanned an animated show back in 1996; however, that's not the franchise's only leap into television. Because everything old is new again — including making that observation, because it just keeps proving relevant — Disney+ is bringing Mighty Ducks back courtesy of new series The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers. If Karate Kid can live on via the small screen, then so can this other beloved sports-focused saga, it seems. And like Cobra Kai, Game Changers is bringing back a familiar face when it debuts its ten-episode first season on Friday, March 26. That'd be Estevez, who reprises his role as Coach Gordon Bombay. Sadly, Jackson isn't involved this time around — but Gilmore Girls star Lauren Graham will feature as the mother of a hockey-loving boy who helps him create his own team. Aimed at all ages — so at kids just discovering Mighty Ducks for the first time, and adults with fond memories — the show looks set to follow the underdog formula established in the films, as the first teaser trailer illustrates. It's set in Minnesota, where the Mighty Ducks are now a big deal, 12-year-old Evan Morrow (Brady Noon) gets cut from the team, and he and his mom (Graham) bring together their own crew in response — with the help of Bombay, of course. Check out the teaser trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zryz5mHXtw&feature=youtu.be The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers starts airing on Disney+ from Friday, March 26. Top image: Disney+.
Biding your time until the next seasons of Stranger Things and Orange Is the New Black start, or just looking for a fun new procrastination technique? Netflix's new online video game helps you do both — and outrun the Demogorgon, avoid prison cafeteria trays, send Pablo Escobar speeding through the Colombian jungle or Marco Polo dashing along a Chinese street. Four of the streaming service's popular original shows have been turned into levels in the free side-scrolling game Netflix Infinite Runner, and yes, the title is a great indication of what players will be doing. They each involve pressing the spacebar to send a running Mike Wheeler, Piper Chapman and company jumping over obstacles like Hawkins National Laboratory works and collecting items such as chickens. That's really all there is to it, but we all know that the simplest things can be the most addictive. Basically, don't underestimate how much time you're likely to spend playing them (and yes, we're talking from experience). Plus, in keeping with the low-res vibe, you'll also hear a version of each program's theme while you play. https://twitter.com/NetflixAsia/status/817263342838370311 Via The Verge.
Pakistani activist and history's youngest Nobel Prize laureate, Malala Yousafzai is heading Down Under, for two exclusive talks in Sydney and Melbourne this December. She'll appear as part of The Growth Faculty's thought-provoking Women World Changers speaker series — the same event that brought Hillary Clinton to Australia and New Zealand in May this year. Yousafzai was just 11 when she first launched her campaign to promote education for girls, penning a blog from her home city in Pakistan's Swat Valley. At 15, she survived an attack by the Taliban, and in 2014, went on to become the youngest person ever awarded the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize. Her remarkable story continues, as she sticks with the fight for education rights for every girl in the world. The activist co-founded the Malala Fund and currently studies at the University of Oxford. Now, for the first time, the inspirational 21-year-old will share her experiences with Australian audiences, speaking at Sydney's International Convention Centre on Monday, December 10, and at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre the following night. Catch An Evening with Malala Yousafzai at the International Convention Centre, Sydney, on Monday, December 10, and at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Melbourne, on Tuesday, December 11. Tickets are $99, available via The Growth Faculty's website.
