Fret no more about a frigid office or a sweltering apartment building. CrowdComfort, a new Boston-based startup, has come up with a web-based application that lets users input how they feel about the temperature of the area they are located, working out the hopefully happy medium. CrowdComfort bills itself as the first crowd-sourced thermostat. The app is installed on users' smartphones, where they can choose from five options (very hot, hot, just right, cold, freezing) about the temperature level in the particular space they are occupying. The responses are culled together and analysed, and a temperature recommended for each floor. The app's purpose is not solely to make building occupants more comfortable, though. The developers' larger goal is to reduce energy wastefulness through user feedback. Building maintenance can reduce costs and wastefulness while also providing more comfort to those in the building. CrowdComfort follows in the trend of recent cleanweb applications. Cleanweb refers to web applications and technology startups with the goal of improving productivity and efficiency while reducing energy consumption and waste. "Think of it as a gateway drug used to hook people on energy consumption awareness," said project leader Galen Nelson in a pitch meeting at VERGE Boston. https://youtube.com/watch?v=bk7QafAg7HM Story via Fast Company. Image via garrettc via photopin cc.
When Pixar is at its best and brightest, the animation house's gorgeous and heartfelt films flow across the silver screen. They glow with colour, creativity, sincerity and emotion. In movies such as WALL-E, Inside Out, Soul, Toy Story 4, Up and Ratatouille, the Disney-owned company's work floats beyond the ordinary as it flickers — and yet, it's also grounded in genuine feelings and insights, even while embracing the now Pixar-standard "what if robots, playthings, rats and the like had feelings?" setup over and over. Accordingly, it makes sense that the studio's Elemental draws upon the sensations that its features usually inspire. It seems like something that was always destined to happen, in fact. And, it's hardly surprising that its latest picture anthropomorphises fire, water, air and earth, and ponders these aspects of nature having emotions. What's less expected is how routine this just-likeable and sweet-enough film is, with the Pixar template lukewarm instead of an inferno and hovering rather than soaring. Elemental also treads water, despite vivid animation, plus the noblest of aims to survey the immigrant experience, opposites attracting, breaking down cultural stereotypes and borders, and complicated parent-child relationships. The Captain Planet-meets-Romeo and Juliet vibe that glinted through the movie's trailers proves accurate, and also something that the feature is happy sticking with exactly as that formula sounds. Although filmmaker Pete Sohn (The Good Dinosaur) draws upon his own upbringing as the son of Korean expats growing up in New York City and its distinctive neighbourhoods — that his family ran a grocery store is worked in as well — and his own marriage, his second stint as a director is too by-the-numbers, easy and timid. Elemental looks like a Pixar film, albeit taking a few visual cues from Studio Ghibli in some character-design details (its bulbous grassy creatures noticeably resemble Totoro), but it largely comes across like a copy or a wannabe. Ember Lumen (Leah Lewis, Nancy Drew), the feisty fire sprite at the picture's centre, has footsteps to follow in herself: not just William Shakespeare's most famous couple without the tragedy given that this is an all-ages-friendly Pixar release, but also her father Bernie's (Ronnie del Carmen, Soul). With her mother Cinder (Shila Ommi, Tehran), he left their homeland behind for better opportunities, worked hard to overcome prejudice and discrimination, and started The Fireplace, which sparked Element City's whole Firetown district — and, since she first started simmering, he has always told his daughter that it was all for her. But Ember's temper is heated. It's prone to boiling over with frustrating customers, which doesn't bode well for a convenience-store proprietor. So, while she's spent her whole life preparing to take over the terracotta- and iron-filled shop when her dad retires, he's never been convinced that she's ready. Bernie adores Ember, has put his entire flame into the family business and is as passionate about only one other thing, apart from Cinder. Due to the xenophobia and unkindness that greeted him when he first arrived in Element City, he's scorchingly certain that fire and other elements don't and shouldn't mix. Sohn and screenwriters John Hoberg (American Housewife), Kat Likkel (also American Housewife) and Brenda Hsueh (Disjointed) set out to extinguish that belief, which is where Wade Ripple (Mamoudou Athie, Archive 81) comes in. When H2O streams into The Fireplace via a busted pipe, it brings in the water element, who is also a municipal inspector. To save the store, the explosive Ember teams up with the go-with-the-flow, freely emotional Wade to work out what's caused the leak — and, although she's initially reluctant about him and leaving Firetown, romance gushes, as does an appreciation of burning beyond her comfort zone. As it lays its scene, Elemental also brings Pixar's 2022 highlight Turning Red to mind, which doesn't do the studio's new film many favours. That exuberant straight-to-streaming effort focused on a boyband-worshiping teen rather than a dutiful young woman who's a whiz at blowing glass (an advantage of being constantly and literally fiery). It honed in on its protagonist's relationship with her mother, rather than father-daughter bonds. But both movies are about struggling with balancing cultural traditions passed down through generations, and the strict expectations that can come with them, as kids try to become their own people and remain true to their own, heroes, dreams, desires and personalities. Sohn's film just combines those notions with an element-crossed lovers rom-com — Pixar's take on Moonstruck, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, The Big Sick and other multicultural romances. With everything that Elemental endeavours to ape — which is clearly a lengthy list — this 27th Pixar feature trickles from a lesser stream. That the flick's four different types of elements are thinly sketched out and lean on simplistic cliches dampens its impact, too, all uncharacteristic moves for the usually deeply thoughtful Mouse House outfit, and never more glaring than with the Lumens. With the director also receiving a story credit, there's again no faulting Sohn and his scribes' intentions in exploring societal inequality, decrying racism, and conveying a statement about inclusion and diversity at viewers young and old. Still, the film is at its most shimmering emotionally and narratively when it gets specific rather than broad. The more kindling that it adds to Ember, the stronger it beams. The more that it relies upon its familiar tropes and plot components, the more it recedes. Two parts of Elemental are perennially buoyant, however: the imagery and voice cast. Fire isn't easy to animate, let alone fire beings, but Ember is especially dazzling. She's always blazing, but those flames can grow and fade based on mood, be doused completely by water, get radiant in the dark and change hues depending on her surroundings — and, as a result, she's an expressive marvel. Also stunning: the world of Element City that's conjured up around her, as tinted with a dreamy palette and watercolour look, which its leads walk and talk through like they're in one of the Before movies. As they chat and swoon, and in general, Lewis matches her character's fire. Athie makes a suitably cruisy Wade, while Catherine O'Hara (Schitt's Creek) is an unsurprising delight as his mum Brook. And yet, Elemental also feels like Pixar is taking its titular term to heart in the worst way, making for rudimentary rather than particularly ravishing or resonant viewing.
These days, loads of places do raclette — Loluk, Handpicked Wines and Jardin St James are just a few that spring to mind. But you know who did it first? Bistro Papillon. And now the Clarence Street restaurant is bringing back its famed Soiree Raclette series — on the first and third Monday of each month, the charming French restaurant will dish up a fromage-filled feast of your cheesiest of cheese dreams. For $55 per person, the two-course dinner kicks off with one of Bistro Papillon's signature French-style entrees, like garlic and parsley baked snails, or a chicken liver parfait teamed with prune chutney. That's followed by the main event: a traditional dish of golden, oozy raclette. The cheese is scraped hot from the wheel straight onto your plate to complement an assortment of smoked and cured meats, potatoes and slices of crunchy baguette. Throw in a glass or two from the restaurant's all-French wine list and your week will be off to a very solid start. Book a table in advance on the website.
Heading on holiday and finding somewhere to stay isn't just about camping, glamping or checking into a fancy hotel. Sometimes it's about completely escaping into your passions. Love Marvel? You'll soon be able to stay in a superhero-themed establishment. Obsessed with Star Wars? Yep, you'll be able to sleep like you're in a galaxy far, far away as well. Have a soft spot for Toy Story? You guessed it — you can also slumber in spaces inspired by Andy's bedroom. Continuing Disney's love of immersing fans in their favourite movies, you'll soon be able to indulge your affection for Toy Story in Japan. In 2021, Tokyo Disney Resort is set to open a Toy Story-themed hotel. When you're done exploring the broader park, around 600 rooms will await, all nodding to Pixar's first and most beloved franchise. And it won't just be the hotel's interior that brings Toy Story out of the screen and into your waking — and sleeping — life. The building's exterior and its gardens will also look like they're made of toys. Inside, expect brightly coloured furniture and plenty of appearances by Woody, Buzz Lightyear and company. There'll also be themed dining options, as well as that theme park staple: a gift shop. If this is the news you need to lock in that 2021 Tokyo trip — to Japan and beyond! — that's understandable. If you can't wait, this isn't the first Toy Story hotel at a Disney theme park. In 2016, Shanghai Disney Resort took those honours — and, yes, everything from the sheets to the wallpaper to the complimentary slippers references the animated films. The Shanghai park also boasts a dedicated Toy Story Land as well. Via Disney Parks Blog.
Art enthusiasts, collectors and creators, we have news for you. The Other Art Fair is returning to Sydney this October for its second stop in the Harbour City for 2023. From Thursday, October 12–Sunday, October 15, you'll find the Fair in the sandstone expanse of The Cutaway at Barangaroo. This supersized concrete void of a venue boasts immense ceiling height, acoustics and ample natural light — perfect for an event with this much colour and popularity. If you aren't already in the know, The Other Art Fair is a roaming international art show that allows you to view, discuss and purchase art directly from an emerging artist, rather than deal with the red tape and hurdles of buying through a gallery or agencies. It's not only a good thing for those who appreciate and collect art, but it's also a great set up for artists who are yet to land representation or have the means to market their work to a broader audience. The Fair boasts an extensive roster of 130 artistic talents across multiple mediums — each selected by a committee of experts so you'll be purchasing quality work and supporting the local creative scene. And there's more than just the artwork — there'll be immersive installations, performances, DJs and a fully stocked bar. Some of the highlights you can expect at October's edition include a create-your-own animation station with cartoonist John Paine, a futuristic mind-reading robot locked in an indestructible cube and a pop-up tattoo parlour from Nah Mate Pokes and Ink Sphinx. Opening night tickets are available now for $35 before they go up to $40 on the door. If you head along to the first night, you'll be treated to free entry for the rest of the weekend. If you're just keen to attend between Friday–Sunday, you can score a $9 discount and purchase a $21 ticket in advance, or pay $30 on the door throughout the weekend.
Summer music festivals are all about embracing the best things in life — good vibes, great friends, and epic tunes. But Secret Garden Festival is about to turn the happiness factor up to out of control joy, announcing it'll host an actual wedding ceremony when it returns to Brownlow Hill Farm next February. Held from February 24-26, the annual festival is a 48-hour celebration of music, creativity, and disco-infused fun, held against a lush forest backdrop, just one-and-a-half hours outside of Sydney. It's renowned for its stellar lineup, with Gang of Youths, Montaigne, and Parquet Courts just some of the acts to have graced its stages in the past. But at 4pm on Saturday, February 25, the main stage will host a very different kind of celebration — the nuptials between Sydneysiders Alexis and Jimmy. Festival director Clare Downes says her crew is pretty stoked to be taking on wedding planner duties, promising one hell of a party for the lucky lovebirds, their friends and family, and all other festivalgoers who'll be getting in on the loved-up fun. "Alexis and Jimmy sent us an email a couple of months ago and I had to rewrite my response about nine times because I was way too overexcited," she told Concrete Playground. "They had already locked in the February 25 for their wedding, but they were just really struggling to find a venue and a celebrant etc — so it was a no brainer. I'm just so stoked they are letting us organise their wedding." While past years have seen Secret Garden host kissing booths, faux weddings, and plenty of dance floor pashes, Alexis and Jimmy's February knot-tying will mark its first official wedding ceremony. We just hope you've got your invite — tickets to the festival is already sold out. ❤️ Secret Garden's first ever REAL wedding... and they have asked us to plan it 😏💥🎉 A video posted by Secret Garden (@secretgardenfestival) on Dec 12, 2016 at 1:25pm PST Secret Garden Festival will take place on February 24-26, 2017 with Alexis and Jimmy's wedding taking place at 4pm on the Saturday on main stage. For more info on the festival, visit secretgarden.com.au.
Jumping in the shower has always been a reliable jet lag fix for long-haul travellers, but there's only so long cold water can prevent you from awkwardly slumping onto random people's shoulders before waking up with a start and thinking you’re late for something that happened yesterday. That might be a thing of the past if Delta's 'Photon Shower' comes into fruition. This Star Trek-like chamber showers light instead of H2O, so while it won't get that weird cabin odour out of your hair, it will give you a lasting boost of energy. The shower was exhibited at TED Long Beach Conference on Wednesday by Professor Russell Foster of Oxford University. Foster talked guests through his research on how the body responds to light, explaining that our responses can help reset the body clock during periods of exhaustion. This makes the photon shower a saving grace for travellers but also suggests it could provide refreshment to insomniacs, nurses on night shifts and people who have run out of coffee and can't be bothered going to the store. Using the photon shower starts off like using a self check-in counter and finishes with a sensation we imagine to be similar to stepping into warm sunlight after coming out of a movie theatre. Simply input your travel information, get inside and experience a sequence of (hopefully warm and tingly) light patterns designed to meet your individual needs. Just think of all the recent release in-flight movies you'll be able to watch without worrying about catching z's. Via Ad Age.
Online retail giant Amazon has finally hit Aussie shores, just in time for the mass shopping frenzy that is the month of December. Funny that. And if you're the kind of Christmas shopper that rates online stores over jam-packed shopping centres, well, amazon.com.au will most likely become your best mate during the festive season. The just-launched local website features a huge range of products across a number of categories and it's promising quick and convenient delivery on all purchases. So how will it work? Will it be heaps cheaper? Here's how Amazon's Australian presence will change the way you do your Christmas shopping. YOU'LL BE ABLE TO ORDER (PRETTY MUCH) EVERYTHING IN ONE SPOT While Amazon's Australian offering doesn't quite have the full gamut of services that it does elsewhere, the website boasts 'millions of products' across 20 categories — so it's still one seriously well-stocked online store. The lineup features well-known local brands, alongside smaller Aussie businesses and it's mind-blowingly broad. Find sports and outdoor equipment, video games, electronics, books, home improvement items, beauty products, tools, music, fashion, toys and Amazon's own devices, like the Kindle E-Reader and the Fire TV media streaming stick. You can shop with the Amazon Shopping app or online at amazon.com.au. And, you can trawl the growing Amazon collection, track your orders and read customer product reviews all in the one place, rather than switching between windows and suppliers. YOU'LL SAVE MONEY — BUT ONLY ON SOME THINGS There's been plenty of talk about how Amazon's price points will be way lower than elsewhere on the interwebs. While there are pretty low prices across the site, you're not going to be scooping up the savings with every last item you click on. In fact, some may even be more expensive. Still, you might save a few dollars buying things like kitchen appliances, clothing and beauty products here, rather than from competitors or even direct from the brand's own online store. But the really big wins are the ones you'll find in the technology department, where you can save yourself up to a couple of hundred dollars buying products like laptops, speakers and camera gear. We found a HP Laser Jet Pro printer for $666.95 on Amazon, which HP itself sells online for $899, while the Sonos Playbase speaker is going for $80 less than it is elsewhere. An online tools retailer is even selling a hydraulic rivet nut tool for a tidy $600 less as an Amazon seller than it is on its own website. ORDERS WILL BE SHIPPED FROM MELBOURNE In some metro areas of the US, Amazon offers free same-day delivery to its Prime members, made possible thanks to the huge collection of warehouses it has located throughout the country. Australia's currently got just the one Victorian fulfilment centre, but with Amazon's local expansion, we'll probably see delivery times shorten here as well. Although, it's hard to say how Amazon will be able to service Australia's vast spread. Right now, shoppers will score free delivery on eligible orders over $49 that are sold by Amazon, which ain't too shabby at all. Orders will be packed and shipped from the company's new Melbourne fulfilment centre in Dandenong South, so they'll be in your hands pretty soon after purchase. One-day priority delivery — for a $9.99 to $19.99 fee, regardless of how much your order comes to — is even available in some parts of the country.
For most of us, a bus stop is a means to an end, a necessary layover during our daily travels, and the place that helps you get from point A to point B. In Singapore, however, the transport hub on Jurong Gateway Road is the kind of place people might actually want to spend time at. When a bus stop has a rooftop garden and free books, you won't want to leave in a hurry. The structure has the bland-sounding name of Project Bus Stop, but it's anything but ordinary, as Australian commuters will instantly recognise. The rampant foliage certainly doesn't escape attention, with the six-metre-by-three-metre green roof boasting trees and drought-resistant shrubs, as well as planter boxes and even a swing underneath. If feasting your eyes on soothing natural sights isn't enough, you can bury your head in a book courtesy of a rack of novels available for everyone's reading pleasure — and if you can't find something that you like, e-books, magazines and newspapers are available to download for free. In fact, the entire bus stop is a tech-savvy delight, thanks to free wifi, phone charging stations, and interactive smartboards that display route and arrival information, Conceived by a group of designers from DP Architects, Project Bus Stop aims to turn the commuting space into a place of social interaction and make waiting for buses an enriching experience. Imagine that — actually enjoying waiting for a bus. Aussie cities, take note. Via Travel and Leisure. Image: Infocomm Media Development Authority / Our Favourite Place.
Watching The White Lotus isn't a passive pastime. Whether it's unleashing ultra-luxe hell in Hawaii or getting scathing in Sicily, HBO's Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning hit drama about the one percent, their lavish getaways, their deep-seated problems, and the gross inequality between the haves and have nots demands active engagement. And, even when it isn't airing, it still gets fans sleuthing — wondering where the show's next season will head, as we all have been since season two wrapped up. Before that last batch of episodes ended — just three episodes into season two, in fact — HBO announced that it was bringing the series back for a third go-around. Originally, The White Lotus was meant to be a one-and-done miniseries, but it was that excellent (and that popular) that it's now running with an anthology setup. Next stop: Thailand, probably. The best new show on TV in 2021, and one of the best returning shows of 2022 as well, The White Lotus will still keep with its new year, new vacation season, new gorgeous destination, new cast approach. After months of speculation, Variety is now reporting that it'll be set in Asia. HBO hasn't yet confirmed the news, however, but it's likely that's where you'll be lusting after holidays at next. As part of its prediction, which Variety has sourced from multiple folks close to the publication, it's expecting that The White Lotus season three might stick with filming at Four Seasons resorts — which've doubled for the titular fictional hotel chain for two seasons so far. That puts four spots in Thailand on the list: in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui and the Golden Triangle. Of course, wherever The White Lotus heads — and whoever it sends to its next scenic locale to have the supposedly best but actually worst time of their life, because the cast hasn't yet been announced — viewers will watch. Creator/writer/director Mike White (Brad's Status) has hinted at focusing on "death and Eastern religion and spirituality" already, too. "It feels like it could be a rich tapestry to do another round at White Lotus," he said in a clip at the end of season two's finale. When the show was renewed for season two, HBO hailed White's success with the series. "Reflecting on The White Lotus' humble, run-and-gun origin as a contained pandemic production, it's impossible not to be awestruck by how Mike [White, the series' creator] orchestrated one of the buzziest and most critically acclaimed shows," said Francesca Orsi, Executive Vice President, HBO Programming, Head of HBO Drama Series and Films. "And yet, he's only continued to reach new heights in season two, which is the ultimate testament to Mike's raw, unparalleled vision," Orsi continued. "His courage to explore the uncharted waters of the human psyche, paired with his signature irreverent humour and buoyant directing style, have us all dreaming of more vacation days at the resort we've come to adore. We couldn't be more thrilled to get the chance to collaborate on a third season together." There's obviously no trailer yet for The White Lotus season three, but you can check out the trailers for seasons one and two below: The White Lotus' third season doesn't yet have a release date — we'll update you when one is announced. The first and second seasons of The White Lotus are available to stream via Binge in Australia and Neon in New Zealand. Read our full reviews of season one and two. Via Variety. The White Lotus images: Fabio Lovino / HBO.
Get ready to immerse yourself in a slew of new VR content thanks to a brand new initiative from Screen NSW. The screen body has just launched 360 Vision, a new virtual reality app developed by Triggar VR in partnership with the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS). Available now on Apple and Android devices, the free app will host original VR material from leading local producers, including The Pulse and Jumpgate VR. The app will also be compatible with Oculus in the coming weeks, with new content being added regularly. "VR offers incredible opportunities for our industry and we're only just beginning to understand the possibilities that can evolve from merging VR technology with narrative storytelling," said AFTRS CEO Neil Peplow. "AFTRS is very pleased to be joining with the 360 Vision partners on this important development initiative." In addition to the app, AFTRS and Screen NSW will collaborate with a number of partners, including Screen Australia, Event Cinemas and the ABC, on the 360 Vision development initiative that will create opportunities for Australian filmmakers in the emerging field. The program is set to launch on June 7 with a day-long lab at Carriageworks in Sydney. "We need our most creative and forward-thinking film and television producers, writers and directors to be involved in this space and we need audiences to start seeking our local VR content," said Screen NSW CEO Courtney Gibson. "360 Vision is about bringing both of these ideas together." 360 Vision can be downloaded now via the Apple and Android app stores. For more information visit Screen NSW on Facebook.
Movie buffs, the day you've been waiting for is here. No, it's not Sydney Film Festival time just yet, but the fest has just unleashed their complete lineup — that is, the 244 films from 60 countries, including 25 world premieres and 139 Australian premieres, that you'll be feasting your eyes on come June 8 to 19. If you've been keeping up with the international film scene, you might've spotted that SFF's program launch falls on the same day the Cannes Film Festival kicks off. That timing isn't just a stroke of luck. With nine films heading to Sydney straight from the prestigious event — Xavier Dolan's sixth feature It's Only the End of the World, Pedro Almodóvar's eagerly awaited Julieta and Steven Spielberg's motion-captured take on The BFG among them — it's also a sign of things to come. "It's always incredibly difficult to secure films from Cannes before Cannes has even started," notes Festival Director Nashen Moodley. "We've done really well this year, so alongside collecting the best of cinema from over the last year, we have some of the very latest films that are going to cause a big buzz in Cannes." Partially Sydney-shot psychological drama Apprentice falls into that category, as does Brazilian offering Aquarius and Indian true-crime thriller Raman Raghav 2.0. Alongside Dolan's star-studded effort, they're also among the twelve films vying for SFF's official prize of $63,000 — as are Kelly Reichardt's Sundance hit Certain Women, innovative docu-drama hybrid Notes on Blindness, fictionalised historical tale The Childhood of a Leader, Portuguese love story Letters from War, and opening night's Goldstone. The latter was first announced last month, but should still rank highly on every cinephile's must-see list. Moodley describes Ivan Sen's Mystery Road follow-up as a "statement of intent" for this year's festival — his fifth at the helm, and the fifth to commence with locally made or focused content. "It is important that we highlight the cinema of this country," he explains. "And for me, it is a wonderful thing to open the festival with a world premiere of a great Australian film." On the Aussie-made front, Down Under is certain to raise a few eyebrows when it makes its first appearance at SFF, given that it turns the aftermath of the 2005 Cronulla riots into a black comedy. In fact, having a sense of healthy humour is almost a pre-requisite for festival-goers. Daniel Radcliffe plays a farting corpse in Swiss Army Man, Alexander Skarsgård and Michael Peña team up for buddy-cop satire War on Everyone, Tom Hiddleston climbs the darkly dystopian High-Rise, and the watery Chevalier offers up the latest Greek new wave absurdity. They're joined by the high-profile likes of Richard Linklater's '80s-set Everybody Wants Some!!, Michael Shannon playing rock 'n' roll royalty in Elvis & Nixon, Danish filmmaker Thomas Vinterberg going back to his Dogme 95 roots with The Commune, and actor-turned-director Diego Luna taking Danny Glover and Maya Rudolph on a Mexican road trip in Mr. Pig. A number of notable documentaries also feature, including Gimme Danger, Jim Jarmusch's love letter to Iggy Pop; Kiki, winner of Berlinale's Teddy Award for its look at New York's competitive voguing scene; Kate Plays Christine, which takes the meta approach to a real life prime-time suicide; and internet exploration Lo and Behold: Reveries of the Connected World, as directed and narrated by none other than Werner Herzog. A timely spotlight on ten emerging European female filmmakers, showcases of modern Korean and Irish cinema, the previously revealed Scorsese retrospective and a virtual reality program in the SFF Hub help round out the lineup, alongside the return of regular sections Box Set, Sounds on Screen and Freak Me Out. And while no one wants to think about the end of the festival just yet, penciling closing night into your calendar right now is a wise move. Who doesn't want to wrap up 12 days of film fun with Love & Friendship, particularly if you're a Jane Austen, Whit Stillman, Kate Beckinsale or Chloe Sevigny fan? The 2016 Sydney Film Festival runs from June 8 to 19. To check out the complete program and book tickets, visit the festival website.
Beachgoers who aren't so keen on sharing their patch of sand with a swarm of strangers this summer have another (albeit much pricier) option: to buy their very own private beach. Northern NSW property agents Harcourts Northern Rivers have revealed a 22-acre parcel of beachfront has landed on the NSW market, boasting a whopping 500 metres of untouched ocean frontage and a cool $1.95 million price tag. The current Sydney-based owners have had the Patchs Beach Road acreage just south of Ballina for 15 years, though a busy schedule of overseas jaunts means they're now looking to pass it on to someone who'll be able to give it a bit more love and attention. While the idyllic spot currently has zero dwellings, it has been given the go-ahead for a two-level home to be built on 900 square metres. That means you can build a sweet, beachfront pad amid the rolling hills and native vegetation — y'know, with all those leftover pennies. You can check out the listing here if you're so inclined. We can dream. Via realestate.com.au. Images: Harcourts Northern Rivers.
It has been three months since retail giants Coles and Woolworths farewelled single-use plastic bags from their checkouts. And the move — despite initially facing much customer backlash — has already proved a success, with new figures showing plastic bag use is down by 80 percent at retailers across the country. The numbers, released by the National Retailers Association (NRA) today, estimate that the ban has helped eliminate 1.5 billion plastic bags from the system, preventing them from ending up in landfill and in our oceans. According to the NRA, overall bag consumption has dropped by over 80 percent, with NRA Manager of Industry Policy David Stout saying in a statement that some retailers were reporting decreases in plastic bag usage as high as 90 percent. "The bulk of shoppers now use their own bags, which has been instrumental in reducing the number of plastic bags being consumed," Stout said. The supermarkets' plastic bag bans first kicked off this July, with both companies deciding to no longer offer customers free single-use plastic bags in-store. Days later, however, Coles and Woolworths paused their bans and began handing out reusable plastic bags for free after copping a heap of backlash from customers in-store and online. In late August, they both resumed their bans and now charge 15 cents for the reusables (or $1 for cloth bag alternatives). The bans impacted Woolworths and Coles in NSW, Victoria, Queensland and WA — with SA, the ACT, the Northern Territory and Tasmania already having state-wide plastic bag bans in place. The supermarkets' decisions also coincided with a state-wide bag ban coming into effect in Queensland, with Victoria set to follow suit next year. This leaves NSW as the only state or territory not to commit to a ban. With scientists predicting that plastic will outweigh fish in our oceans by 2050, reduced plastic use is important. In further wins for the environment, hundreds of retailers around the country have begun banning plastic straws, plastic-free aisles have begun appearing in shopping centres and the EU has pledged to phase out a heap of single-use plastic items by 2021. Let's just hope it's not too little, too late.
UK group The xx have announced the launch of their sophomore album, Coexist, which will be released in Australia on September 7. In more exciting news for fans, the band also confirmed via their Facebook page that they will be touring Australia in July. There is not yet any information on whether they will also be jumping across the ditch to New Zealand. Kicking off their tour in Melbourne, the band will play at The Forum on July 18 and then The Metro in Sydney on July 20. A ballot that started at 10am this morning has been set up for tickets - to see their Sydney show click here and for their Melbourne show click here.
At an altitude of 300 metres, winds are between five and eight times stronger than they are down here on earth. So a US-based startup is about to launch the world’s first flying wind farm. It’s set to hover above Fairbanks, Alaska, for 18 months, delivering power to more than 12 families. Dubbed the “BAT” (Buoyant Airborne Turbine), the machine is comprised of a donut-shaped, helium-filled shell, which supports a three-blade turbine. Lightweight yet super-strong tethers keep everything in position and send power to the ground. There’s no need for towers, subterranean foundations or cranes. The brains behind it, Altaeros Energies, have been planning lift-off for four years. “Our mission is simple,” the website reads. “To deploy the world’s first commercial airborne wind turbine to harness the abundant energy in strong, steady winds at higher altitudes.” Altaeros is particularly interested in providing a reliable source of low cost energy to the “remote power and microgrid market”. This sector, which largely depends on pricey diesel generators, includes remote and island communities; oil, gas, mining, agriculture and telecommunication firms; disaster relief organisations; and military bases. Established in 2010 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Altaeros Energies was the recipient of the 2011 ConocoPhillips Energy Prize. The US$1.3 million ($1.4 million) project has received funding and support from several high-profile organisations, including the US Department of Agriculture, the National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation Research programs and the Alaska Energy Authority. Via Inhabitat.
Having already been more successful in one career than most of us will, let's face it, ever be at any, Tavi Gevinson is about to extend her foray into a second: acting. The 17-year-old Rookie editor-in-chief is set to make her Broadway stage debut later this year in Kenneth Lonergan's comedy-drama This Is Our Youth alongside Michael Cera and Kieran Culkin. Cera and Culkin have played the same roles in a previous production, which played at the Sydney Opera House in 2012, when audiences flocked to see whether Cera could break the George Michael mould (a goal he finally achieved slapping Rihanna's bottom in This Is the End). The play falls firmly into the 'bored, disaffected New York youth' genre, elevated by its Reagan-era setting and a caper with cocaine and toy collection. After writing it in 1996, Lonergan went on to script Gangs of New York. Gevinson will play the character of Jessica Goldman — appropriately enough, a 17-year-old student of fashion. She's a character full of nervousness but also curiosity and hunger for experience. "I guess Jessica is often played by people who are older and have more distance from that time," Gevinson told the Chicago Tribune. "But I am living it. I really am cocksure of all my opinions, and I really do feel anxious when challenged. My issue, I think, will be having to zoom out of what I actually am experiencing." Everything Happens So Much http://t.co/ccZDEmufQf — Tavi Gevinson (@tavitulle) April 9, 2014 This production of the play will be directed by Anna D. Shapiro, the Tony Award winner who directed the super-famous August: Osage County for Steppenwolf Theatre Company. It will make its premiere at Steppenwolf's Chicago theatre before moving to Broadway in September. Gevinson, who also had a role in the 2013 film Enough Said, will miss her last couple of weeks of high school in order to appear in the play. A genius move if ever there was one.
Are you sick of YouTube constantly delaying your enjoyment of cute animal videos? Do you want to avoid the awkwardness of sitting through an ad with a coworker who just wanted to show you a funny video of a guy ordering pizza? Need something else to add to your credit card statement? If you answered yes to all three of those questions, you might be interested to know that YouTube is launching its premium ad-free streaming service in Australia today. It's called YouTube Red and it's basically a way to make you pay for a premium version of an otherwise free service, much in the way that Spotify Premium works. It was launched in the US in November last year, and Australia is the second region to get the service. For a monthly subscription fee, you'll be freed of all advertising (including display and pre-roll ads) and be able to save videos to watch offline — which is pretty handy if you're jumping on a flight or your data provider is charging you through the roof. You'll also have access to original Red content, which at the moment includes shows from the likes CollegeHumor, Lilly Singh and PewDiePie. It's an obvious attempt to cut in on the success of Netflix's original shows (but show us a series as good as House of Cards and then we'll talk). On top of this, they've also launched their YouTube Music app, which aims to make listening to music on YouTube a much less roundabout and awkward experience. Recognising that there's a whole heap of people that use YouTube to crank tunes, YouTube Music simply arranges the mammoth amount of music content (including music videos, songs, albums, remixes, lyric videos and live performances) into a functional music browsing system. Like Spotify and Apple Music, they'll also have a radio function and will create personalise playlists according to your taste in tunes. Anyone can access YouTube Music, but if you have a Red account, you'll be able to listen ad-free as well as when you don't have the app open on your mobile. Unsure if this is a video streaming service or a music streaming service? We are too. It seems to take elements from both Spotify and Netflix's offerings, however the real drawcard will be in the original content they can produce. Price-wise, it's comparable to other streaming services — you can get a month free trial, and if you sign up before June 6, it'll cost you $9.99 a month (otherwise it's $11.99 a month). However, if you want to watch Beyoncé's Lemonade in full, you'll still need to get Tidal. Sorry.
His video collection is filled with 80s and 90s educational films. When we chat, he's staring at a Teddy Ruxpin doll. If anyone was destined to make Brigsby Bear, a delightful, insightful comedy about a fictional television show and its number one fan, it's Saturday Night Live star Kyle Mooney. With Mooney in the lead, his childhood pal Kevin Costello with him on co-screenwriting duties, and another of their friends, Dave McCary, in the directors chair, Brigsby Bear feels like it has been ripped not just from Mooney's mind, but from his heart. It's the most earnest and genuine film you could imagine about an adult discovering that his favourite show isn't quite what he thinks — one that isn't afraid to give nostalgia a hearty embrace while wading through dark terrain. It's also a perfect addition to a career that started with web sketches with his friends in comedy troupe Good Neighbour and segued into the most famous late night comedy show there is. Along the way, he's also racked up parts on Parks and Recreation, the US version of Wilfred and Hello Ladies. With Brigbsy Bear currently screening in Australian cinemas, we spoke with Mooney about turning his VHS obsession into a movie, getting the confidence to make the leap to film, and doing so with his best friends. ON FINDING INSPIRATION IN GREEK CINEMA AND 80s VHS TAPES "I don't know how it came to me — if I was just hanging around the house or in some sort of dream state or what, but I became really obsessed with this idea of a guy who watches a TV show that's being produced just for him," explains Mooney. "And I kept on thinking about that concept until eventually the story became not just that, but more about the world he explores after that, and outside of that." "There was a movie that came out a few years ago called Dogtooth. It has some similar qualities, with a family being raised in seclusion, so maybe that played a part. But generally I couldn't tell you where it came from, except from me being that obsessive myself, and watching these shows — I have a big VHS collection of kids shows, and I watch them over and over again." "It's mostly stuff that's made for kids, and mostly stuff from the 80s and 90s. I especially really like stuff that was released straight-to-video, and was produced regionally. And where there's maybe only 200 copies made. Educational films, religious videos, stuff like that. What I really like is when it has a low budget, and low production values, but you can tell that whoever's in charge of this thing is trying to do their best impression of Jim Henson or Walt Disney — and it's totally not working." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sgs81IOU0m4 ON MAKING THE LEAP FROM SHORTS, TO SNL, TO HIS FIRST FEATURE FILM "I started working on videos with Dave, our director, in my early 20s — right out of college. And with every video you learn something. And then, after a few of them you start trying new things, and you add people to the crew, or maybe start to put a little more money into the production. So it was kind of a gradual build where the stakes rise a little more each time." "By the time we got SNL — I went there with Dave and with Beck Bennett, who's a cast member who is also in our movie — again, there is a little more pressure at it, but you get used to it. And now you're working with a huge celebrity host each week! And you do that for a few years, and it has been building so that, by the time we were on set last summer shooting the movie, I felt pretty prepared." ON MAKING A MOVIE WITH HIS CHILDHOOD BEST FRIENDS "We had all of these shared experiences. With Dave and I, like, there was this very specific kid who went to middle school with us. And I can just be like, 'Jim said this in science class in 1998', or whatever it is, and we can get a laugh out of it. And there's just a level of trust that's there, I think, when Dave is directing me. He knows what I'm capable of. We have the same sensibilities, pretty much." "So it's easy for me, and I think it relieves a lot of the pressure of working on something and not knowing how it is going to turn out. We're also all in it together — and we fail together and we succeed together. But yeah, certainly like having so much history and sharing a sensibility helped." "And I had enough fun on that set that I felt like, 'if this is all we get out of it, I feel pretty good'. Even if the movie didn't turn out well, I would've just considered it a rad summer where we got to work on something together. When we weren't shooting, we would hang out in our hotel rooms or get beers or sing karaoke. It was truly a wonderful crew and cast, and it's nice that what comes through on screen is true to what the experience was like." ON THE FILM'S EARNESTNESS AND OPTIMISM "We have so much genuine love for the things we were trying to recreate. The Brigsby show that's in the movie — I love children's entertainment, and we never wanted to poke fun. I think we always really wanted to pay tribute to it." "And also, the film's underlying theme of creativity, or storytelling, or finding something that you love — we never felt like we wanted to make fun of that. We just wanted to embrace it. We just really liked the idea of playing everything earnest and honest, and hoped the laughs would come along naturally along the way." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MdrGM27yQ8 Read our Brigbsy Bear review.
“You are now about to witness the strength of street knowledge”. So begins both the film and the song ‘Straight Outta Compton’, and it’s equal parts preview and warning. The ‘street knowledge’ of NWA’s leading trio — Dr Dre (played by Corey Hawkins), Ice Cube (O’Shea Jackson Jr, playing his real-life father) and Eazy-E (Jason Mitchell) — was an affront to the establishment, a threat, even, but also helped facilitate the group's rapid rise from neighbourhood group to musical ascendancy. Acquired over two decades of daily exposure to gang violence, racial vilification and police persecution, it instilled in them a bravado, passion and unyielding determination that permitted neither retreat nor weakness. It also came at a price, however, because not all streets are the same, and when Crenshaw Boulevard became Rodeo Drive, the blinders and shortcomings of that knowledge became all too apparent. Straight Outta Compton, then, is not just an NWA biopic but a cautionary tale about loyalty, friendship and the corrosive effects of celebrity. Directed by F. Gary Gray (The Italian Job), this is a slick, provocative and timely film that absolutely warrants your viewing. Straight Outta Compton (© 2015 Universal Studios) is in cinemas nationally from September 3, and thanks to Universal Pictures Australia, we have 10 double in-season passes to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter and then email us with your name and address. Read our full Straight Outta Compton review here. Follow the movie via its website or Facebook page. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au
Live theatre, concerts and sport have been beaming their way into cinemas for some time now. Live television recreations of iconic films have been gracing TV screens for a few years as well. And yet, live movies themselves aren't something anyone has toyed with — until now. Lost in London Live is being called "an unprecedented live feature film event", and when you hear the details, you just might agree. The approximately two-hour-long effort will be shot in one take in real time as actors roam around the British capital, and it'll be broadcast directly to cinemas as it's being made. If the idea of watching a film come together before your very eyes sounds surprising — not to mention a logistical nightmare — that's understandable. If the fact that it'll also mark the directorial debut of Woody Harrelson, who'll star alongside Owen Wilson and Willie Nelson, does too, that is as well. The True Detective and Now You See Me actor will play himself as he tries to get back to his family over the course of one hectic night. "Run-ins with royalty, old friends and the law all seem to conspire to keep Harrelson from succeeding," the film's website explains. Yep, move over Birdman, Victoria and the raft of single-take (but not live) movies that have come before — there's a new ambitious film project in the works. Just how it will turn out is anyone's guess, but it's certain to be unlike anything you've ever seen before. With Lost in London Live sounding a little like performance art, perhaps Harrelson is taking a leaf out of Shia LaBeouf's book? "No one has ever shot a movie and live broadcast it into cinemas at the same time. No one's ever been that stupid," the actor offered in the film's video announcement. Whatever the end result, it'll come to fruition on January 19, 2017, and be broadcast to at least 550 locations. No word yet as to whether any Australian cinemas will jump on board, but keep an eye on the Lost in London Live site for more information.
Trust a mockumentary about the undead to keep coming back in new guises. Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement's What We Do in the Shadows first came to light as a short film in 2005, then made its way to cinemas in rib-tickling feature-length form in 2014, and already has a werewolf-focused sequel in the works. Now, it's getting a TV spinoff. Slated to air on New Zealand television in 2017, Paranormal Event Response Unit won't spend more time with everyone's favourite Wellington-dwelling bloodsuckers, even though Waititi and Clement conceived the six-part series. Instead, it'll follow police officers Karen and Mike, who WWDITS fans might remember came knocking at the vampire share house's door. The cop duo will keep trying to keep the city safe from supernatural happenings — and we're sure viewers will keep watching. On Twitter, Waititi described the show as "Mulder & Scully but in a country where nothing happens", should you need any more reason to get excited. And we know he likes buddy flicks with mismatched characters, so expect that kind of vibe to come through too. As for the ingeniously titled We're Wolves, aka the Rhys Darby-starring, wolfpack-oriented big-screen continuation we mentioned above, it's still in development; however Waititi has been more than a bit busy of late. His last movie, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, proved a runaway hit when it opened in cinemas earlier this year. And over the last few months, the filmmaker has been hanging out on Gold Coast and in Brisbane directing a little flick called Thor: Ragnarok. Via Radio NZ.
Is this just another clever advertising trick (which has succeeded in attracting plenty of social media attention)? Or a genuine demonstration of corporate interest in improving public spaces? However you judge it, this is one product of IBM's People for Smarter Cities campaign. Designed by French creative studio Ogilvy & Mather, the billboards, which can be found in both Paris and London, provide shelter, ramps and benches, all the while sporting the IBM logo. The advertising world is certainly impressed. In June this year, at the Cannes Lions Festival, the billboards saw Ogilvy win the Grand Prix in the Outdoor category. This award came on the heels of the studio's Brazilian branch's win of the Promo and Activations Lions category for its 'Immortal fans' campaign encouraging organ donation. IBM is 'calling all doers, thinkers, problem solvers, creators and dreamers' to upload their ideas and projects to the Smarter Cities site. Some of the popular concepts so far contributed include enormous fish sculptures made of plastic bottles, motor vehicles powered by both electricity and wind and 'smart airports'. [via Coolhunter]
We all have at least one mate whose avocado obsession is off the charts. After all, we've collectively chosen the tasty green fruit over the joys of home ownership, right? Well ironically, the two things have now – sort of – become one, as the world's first Avo-Condo lands at Sydney's Circular Quay. The latest edition of Things You Never Knew You Needed, this avocado-shaped tiny home has popped up in celebration of 'National Avocado Day' on July 31. The quirky, custom-built accommodation will set up shop at Campbell's Cove Lookout for just two nights, offering avo-crazed punters the chance to book a once-in-a-lifetime sleepover on Wednesday, July 31, and Thursday, August 1. Perched right on the footpath within its own white picket fence, the Avo-Condo boasts some primo real estate and top-notch views. Though the realistic avocado-styled exterior and avo-themed furnishings inside might be a little harder to ignore. Avo-Condo will be available to book exclusively through Booking.com, from 9am on Monday, July 29. Surprisingly, it's only a little more expensive than an actual serve of smashed avo, clocking in at $100 per night. Avo-Condo will reside at Campbell's Cove Lookout, 4 Circular Quay Way, The Rocks, on July 31 and August 1. Bookings will open at 9am on Monday, July 29 at booking.com.
2020. It's a year so difficult to summarise that even the Oxford Dictionary couldn't decide on a single word of the year. Another brand is looking forward with similar indecisiveness, with Pantone's colour experts this week, on Friday, December 11, announcing not one but two hues as the 2021 Colour of the Year. Ultimate Gray (Pantone 17-5104) and the vibrant yellow Illuminating (13-0647) are the two colours that Pantone has chosen for the new year, describing them as "practical and rock solid" and conveying "strength and positivity". When paired together, they're designed to convey "a message of happiness supported by fortitude" — and to be "aspirational and give us hope". Yes, they're meant to get everyone looking up in 2021— something that hasn't been much of a factor in 2020. Pantone noted that optimism was a driving force behind the choices. "We need to feel that everything is going to get brighter — this is essential to the human spirit." Expect to see these hues popping up around the place when the new year hits, with Pantone suggesting how they can be used in fashion and accessories, home decor, design and beauty. Folks with greying hair are clearly ahead of the trend. If you suddenly have beachy images in your head, too, that's actually by design. Pantone notes that Ultimate Gray is emblematic of "the colours of pebbles on the beach, and natural elements whose weathered appearance highlights an ability to stand the test of time". As for Illuminating, it's described as "a warming yellow shade imbued with solar power". This year's colour of the year, Classic Blue, also evoked a beach theme. The year before, Pantone went with Living Coral, while 2018's colour was Ultra Violet and 2017's was Greenery. To find out more about Ultimate Gray and Illuminating — and to check out all the previous Colours of the Year — head to the Pantone website.
Instead of renting an apartment for their vacation, rich European holiday-goers are now renting or buying entire villages. Villages like Engelberg, Deidesheim, Goldegg and Mariazell are also being hired by companies for business retreats and meeting, while others are allowing buyers to name street corners, use restaurants and bars as a local meeting place or even a hideout for the night. In Italy, the small medieval village of Valle Piola was for recently on the market for US$782,040, roughly the same price as a 2 or 3-bedroom flat in Sydney. Further north, Liechtenstein put itself up for rent with a $70,000/night price tag, which also includes its 30,000 residents. Snoop Dogg reportedly tried to rent the country for a music video but was turned away. [Via Born Rich]
Film festival envy: it's a real thing. If you've spent the past week or so wishing that you were sitting in a darkened room in Austin, Texas, then you know what we're talking about. South by Southwest is fast becoming that other American film fest worth paying attention to at this time of year — if a potential indie hit or buzzy title isn't ready for Sundance, it'll likely turn up here. Indeed, the 2017 program featured more than 125 films on 13 screens over 9 days. Now that's some epic viewing. When you consider some of the movies that made the cut, you might agree. Edgar Wright's Ansel Elgort, Jon Hamm, Jamie Foxx and Kevin Spacey-starring Baby Driver made its debut at SXSW, as did the John Wick-meets-Lucy sounding Atomic Blonde with Charlize Theron. They're among the flicks we know we'll see in Australian cinemas, although we'll have to wait until August to do so. With the festival also highlighting a wealth of potential future cinematic classics, here's ten others we're hoping make it to Aussie screens too. SONG TO SONG Featuring an all-star cast that includes Ryan Gosling, Michael Fassbender, Rooney Mara, Natalie Portman, Cate Blanchett and Val Kilmer, put Song to Song in the safe bet category. Terrence Malick's movies usually find their way to Australia, even if they only make it to a handful of screens in a handful of capital cities like his last two features, To the Wonder and Knight of Cups. Here, the always divisive, suddenly prolific filmmaker behind Badlands and The Tree of Life tells a tale of two couples set against the Austin music scene, complete with appearances by Florence Welch, Patti Smith, Iggy Pop, The Black Lips, Tegan and Sara and more. As for whether he's balanced his usually gorgeous visuals with a meatier narrative, all signs point to no — but, love him or hate him, that's one of the things that has made his recent work absolutely unmissable. THE DISASTER ARTIST Oh hi, The Room fans. Now, before anyone starts throwing a football back and forth, add The Disaster Artist to your list of must-see movies in 2017. It's another movie certain to hurtle towards an Australian cinema soon, and to have spoons hurtled at it as a result. James Franco (who else?) not only stars as Tommy Wiseau in this behind-the-scenes look at the film everyone loves to not really love, but also directs a cast that features Dave Franco, Seth Rogen, Alison Brie, Sharon Stone, Jacki Weaver, Zac Efron, Bryan Cranston… the list goes on. If you lapped up Wiseau's so-bad-it's-still-bad flick, there's a very big chance that you'll do the same with this as well. MOST BEAUTIFUL ISLAND First things first: Most Beautiful Island won SXSW's narrative feature competition, an honour that the likes of Short Term 12 and Lena Dunham's Tiny Furniture previously achieved. The first feature from Spanish actress turned writer/director Ana Asensio, it follows one day in the life of Luciana — played by Asensio — as the immigrant to the US tries to make ends meet. Sounds timely, doesn't it? How could it not. With a game afoot, and the chasm between the privileged and the struggling part of the story, it also sounds like an intriguing thriller INFLAME Critic turned filmmaker Ceylan Ozgün Ozçelik makes her feature debut with a partly crowdfunded thriller that's both immersed in modern-day Turkey in its story and universal in its themes. Screening at SXSW after its Berlinale premiere, Inflame explores a subject the world has had to hear too much about of late, and often in all caps tweets. No prizes for guessing that we're talking about fake news. Here, a television news video editor is forced to tow the line when the powers-that-be decide that the station should no longer comment on politicians. To say that paranoia starts to set in is quite the understatement. SMALL TOWN CRIME If there's one thing that Small Town Crime boasts in spades, sight unseen, it's an interesting cast. Deadwood and Winter's Bone star John Hawkes plays an ex-cop turned unlikely detective when he comes across the body of a dead young woman, and he's joined by two-time Oscar nominee Octavia Spencer, plus Anthony Anderson, Robert Forster, Clifton Collins, Jr. and Michael Vartan. More Hawkes on screen is always a good thing. More Hawkes in the lead, even better. Writer/director siblings Eshom and Ian Nelms clearly agree, and you can bet their pulpy effort is all the better for it. [caption id="attachment_614358" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Noël Wells/Twitter.[/caption] MR ROOSEVELT Watched Saturday Night Live in recent years, or Netflix's Master of None? If so, you should recognise Noël Wells. As well as doing great things on screen, she's made the leap behind the camera, writing and directing the feature Mr Roosevelt. Actually, she stars too, playing a struggling comedian who returns to Austin after a loved one falls ill, and does what everyone does when they're forced to head back home: runs into an ex. Yes, films set in Austin are a trend at SXSW. And yes, the premise sounds familiar; however expect Wells to give everything some extra spark. FITS AND STARTS In 2015, Laura Terruso co-wrote the script for the endearing Hello, My Name Is Doris, which was actually based on her short film. With Fits and Starts, she takes on helming duties on her first feature — and, if you haven't already guessed it, providing ace up-and-comers with a platform for their debut efforts is something else that SXSW excels at. Story-wise, the movie follows a struggling writer and his much more successful wife as they attend a gathering at her publisher's home, with hijinks ensuing. It has been compared to Martin Scorsese's '80s comedy After Hours, which is great news indeed. GEMINI Sorry, Girls fans — Lola Kirke is fast becoming the family's standout screen talent, with Gemini the latest piece of evidence to support that inevitably controversial opinion. This neo-noir casts the Mozart in the Jungle star as a personal assistant to Zoe Kravitz's Hollywood celebrity, then plunges the two into the middle of a crime mystery, complete with John Cho as a detective. Sure, Los Angeles and seedy happenings seem to go hand-in-hand in film, but the combination seems to work. And, in this case, it seems primed to showcase Kirke's talents, with folks at SXSW well and truly singing her praises. DAVID LYNCH: THE ART LIFE With season three of Twin Peaks less than two months away from hitting our TV screens (yes, of course we're counting), there's never been a better time to delve into all things David Lynch. Let's grab some cherry pie, a cup of coffee and call it a damn fine time, actually, although this documentary isn't about his recent efforts. Instead, watch and listen as the filmmaker takes you on a tour of his upbringing, efforts to make Eraserhead 40 years ago, and artistic and musical output. Don't expect any answers — Lynch famously likes to let his work speak for itself, rather than speak about it — but do expect to spend an enjoyable time in the inimitable master auteur's company. I AM ANOTHER YOU After making this year's Academy Award shortlist for Best Documentary for her debut Hooligan Sparrow, Chinese filmmaker Nanfu Wang returns with I Am Another You. Meeting 22-year-old homeless man Dylan is just the beginning of her second effort, with the charming drifter taking her on a journey — not only through his life in Florida or his rejection of society's norms, but through that much-sought-after idyll known as the American dream. If it takes an outsider's eye to tell this tale then Wang has it, with her own experience as a newcomer to the US forming part of the package. Airing in SXSW's doco competition, the end result received special jury recognition for excellence in documentary storytelling.
If you think of famous artists, you may recall the likes of Picasso, Dalí, Monet, Michelangelo, Rothko and Warhol. One thing these artists have in common is none of them are Australian. Another is that they're all men. They are, undoubtedly, some of the greats. But this year the National Gallery of Australia is turning its focus to the Aussie women who have greatly contributed to the arts with an upcoming exhibition. Dubbed Know My Name: Australian Women Artists 1900 to Now, the free exhibition kicks off on Friday, November 13 and will run till Sunday, July 4— so you'll have plenty of time to catch it. The blockbuster exhibition is part of the gallery's ongoing initiative to increase the representation of female artists. As the name suggests, it'll showcase works by artists from the early 1900s to the present day, including some brand-spanking-new commissions. By bringing together artists of different times, as well as cultures, practices and places, the exhibition challenges the assumption of Australian art being male-dominated. There'll be more than 350 works on display, featuring everything from paintings to performance art and a floor-to-ceiling presentation of the artists' portraits. Highlights include a commission by the Tjanpi Desert Weavers; performance art by Bonita Ely and Jill Orr; Tracey Moffatt's key series of photographs, Something more; a huge painting by the Ken Family Collaborative; and an installation by Justene Williams. You can also expect works by KuKu and Erub/Mer artist Destiny Deacon, leading modernist painter Grace Cossington Smith, famed printmaker Margaret Preston, photographer Rosemary Laing, Anmatyerr artist Emily Kame Kngwarreye and contemporary painter Anne Wallace. [caption id="attachment_775540" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anne Wallace, 'She Is' 2001 , oil on canvas, National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, Purchased 2002, © Anne Wallace[/caption] Coinciding with the exhibition's launch will be a three-day conference, which will bring together established and emerging artists, curators and academics to discuss everything from creative practice to women and gender equity in the arts. The conference will run from November 11–13. Know My Name: Australian Women Artists 1900 to Now is showing at the NGA from November 13 through July 4, 2021. The gallery is open from 10am–5pm daily and entry is free. Top images: Yvette Coppersmith, 'Nude selfportrait, after Rah Fizelle' 2016, oil on linen, Private collection, ©Yvette Coppersmith; Roma Butler and Yangi Yangi Fox, from Irrunytju in Western Australia, with their sculptures, 2017, photo: Rhett Hammerton; and Grace Cossington Smith, 'The Bridge in building' 1929, oil on pulboard, National Gallery of Australia,Canberra, Gift of Ellen Waugh 2005. For the latest info on ACT border restrictions, head here.
Saturday night on the town in the Sydney CBD sans a hefty cover charge, long line, burly bouncers and under-agers? The Morrison is your answer. And if you've not yet indulged the place - which sits at The Rocks end of George Street - let us set the scene. Enter and you're greeted by an industrial chic interior complete with exposed brick, mosaicked tables, concrete pillars and greenery aplenty. It's New York loft meets French bistro. Atmosphere bustles as wine and cocktail aficionados sprawl across the venue and kick on well into the night. To celebrate the birth of the late, great Jim Morrison from The Doors (who the bar was named after), The Morrison is hosting a party replete with dancing, drinks and DJ-spun tunes this weekend that will set the scene for their regular late night Saturday nights as guests are welcomed to stay, cocktail in hand, until the early hours. The Morrison is giving Concrete Playgrounders the chance to win an incredible Saturday night out on the town. To win one of ten prize packs comprising drinks and nibbles for ten people for two hours from 9pm this Saturday, December 8, just subscribe to Concrete Playground (if you haven't already) then email hello@concreteplayground.com.au
Art and fashion are coming together for a night of romance with the return of the MCA Australia's late-night takeover Artbar, on Friday, November 8, with a program of artworks, performances and music. This time, the theme is romance, curated by Australian fashion house Romance Was Born, and promises a night of boundary-pushing activations across all kinds of different mediums. [caption id="attachment_976087" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Charlie Villas and Nikita Majajas, Chakita, photograph: Liz Ham[/caption] Artbar has a vibrant history, and the lineup for this spring edition looks primed to continue the colourful track record. The soundscape will come from a few sources: there's multidisciplinary DJ Aunty Jonny, Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Montgomery and a love song dedication offering from musical duo Chakita. There'll also be live performances from two talents: there's the Archibald Prize-finalist performance poet Meagan Pelham, and a recognisable face for any RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under fans, US-born drag model and performer Hollywould Star. And since this is an art museum after all, you'll find textile and sculpture installations from artists Kate Rohde and Troy Emery. [caption id="attachment_976089" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Troy Emery, photograph: Simon Strong[/caption] MCA Artbar: Romance is an 18+ event taking place on Friday, November 8, from 7–11pm. For more information or to get tickets, visit the website. This event is supported by the MCA's Major Patrons Chloe and Andrew Podgornik, and the Wheen Family Foundation. Header image: Luke Sales and Anna Plunkett, Romance Was Born, photograph: Tanja Bruckner
It's never too cold to party. At least, that's what the guys behind Snowtunes say. And for its third year, this Snowy Mountains music festival is coming back even bigger — twice the size actually. With the addition of a second night of festivities, the party people have also added a second stage so punters can enjoy live music at one and dance it out at the other, dedicated to EDM. And with our Snowy Mountains giveaway, you could be right there listening, dancing and partying with the snowy revellers. Who's expected to take to the stage at the festival? Plenty of Aussie-born talent, including L D R U, Gang of Youths, Nina Las Vegas, Mashd N Kutcher and Tigerlily, plus New Zealand-born singer-songwriter Mitch James and French DJ Klingande with some tunes from abroad. Mark your calendars and find some snow gear, because you could win a double pass to both days of Snowtunes on September 1 and 2, plus two nights accommodation in your own studio apartment. Enter your details below. [competition]631762[/competition] Image: Perisher Ski Resl.
Melbourne's NGV International will celebrate the unique designs and lasting legacy of fashion icon Christian Dior, in a world premiere exhibition launching in August next year. Running from August 27 to November 7, The House of Dior: Seventy Years of Haute Couture will be one of three major surveys of Dior's groundbreaking work, alongside exhibitions in Paris and New York. The Melbourne show will include more than 140 show-stopping garments, stretching the length and breadth of the label's extraordinary history. "Highlights of the NGV's House of Dior exhibition will include one of the few surviving examples of Christian Dior's New Look collection, which revitalised women's fashion in the post-war era," said gallery director Tony Ellwood while announcing the exhibition at a launch event earlier today. "And of course it wouldn't be a Dior exhibition without their sculptural tailoring, their signature ball gowns and their glamorous evening dresses which have become synonymous with the fashion house." "Audiences will discover the nuances of Dior's fashion design, and observe the ways in which these have evolved through the decades. The exhibition will also celebrate the milestones of Dior's six successive designers," he added. A key element of the exhibition will be an exploration of Dior's historic 1948 spring fashion parade at David Jones in Sydney, considered to be the first complete Dior collection to be shown outside of Paris. The exhibition will also tie in with the gallery's first ever Gala Ball. "Think Met Gala, but with a Melbourne sense of style," said Ellwood. Speaking at the launch, Victoria's Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley called the exhibition "a major milestone for the gallery, for Dior and for our city." "The creativity and imagination of Christian Dior, the depth of his vision, and the range of his skills, could find no better city, and no better partner gallery, for a retrospective display, than Melbourne's National Gallery of Victoria," said Mr. Foley. The House of Dior: Seventy Years of Haute Couture will run August 27 to November 7 at NGV International. Image: National Gallery of Victoria and House of Dior announce House of Dior: Seventy Years of Haute Couture at NGV International, August 2017. Shot by Wayne Taylor.
Groovin' the Moo has announced its 2013 line-up a day early after a Music Feeds source discovered a leak via Moshtix. And after reading through the list of acts appearing at this year’s festival, it's little wonder those involved got so prematurely excited. International acts hit double digits this year, with USA heavyweights The Bronx and The Amity Affliction, the UK's Frightened Rabbit and The Kooks and Canadian twins Tegan and Sara all set to strap on their gumboots and distribute their fresh sonic goods across five regional locations. Local heavyweights on the bill include Tama Impala, Flume, Hungry Kids of Hungary, Blue Mountains beatmaker Urthboy, Melbourne sextet Alpine, electronic trio Midnight Juggernauts and the awesomely named Yolanda Be Cool. Even dubstep gets a repping courtesy of Shockone. Besides music, the festival will provide local food stalls with fresh produce of the culinary variety, markets filled with knickknacks, licensed bar facilities, slingshot rides, and plenty of spacious chill-out areas. Presale tickets go on sale Thursday, January 31, at 9am via Moshtix with the presale ticket code Haystack #GTM2013 (also revealed today). Groovin' the Moo 2013 Line-up: Alison Wonderland Alpine The Amity Affliction The Bronx (USA) DZ Deathrays (DJ Set) Example (UK) Flume Frightened Rabbit (UK) Hungry Kids Of Hungary The Kooks (UK) Last Dinosaurs Matt And Kim (USA) Midnight Juggernauts Pez Regurgitator Seth Sentry Shockone Tame Impala Tegan And Sara (Canada) The Temper Trap They Might Be Giants (USA) Tuka with Ellesquire Urthboy DJ Woody’s Big Phat 90?S Mixtape (UK) Yacht (USA) Yolanda Be Cool Groovin' the Moo 2013 Dates: Saturday, April 27 Maitland Showground Blomfield St, Maitland NSW 2320 Sunday, April 28 University of Canberra Kirinari St Bruce ACT 2617 Saturday, May 4 Bendigo’s Prince of Wales Showground 42 – 72 Holmes Rd, Bendigo VIC 3550 Sunday, May 5 Murray Sports Complex – Townsville Cricket Grounds Mervyn Crossman Dr & Murray Lyons Cres, Idalia QLD 4811 Saturday, May 11 Hay Park (off) Parade Rd Bunbury WA 6230
Between his turn as that delightfully arrogant savant Sherlock, his somehow 19th-century visage and his whimsical name befitting a penitent clerk at the Ministry of Magic, Benedict Cumberbatch has us all infatuated. He's the stuff Tumblrs are made of. But as well as his roles in Sherlock and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Mr Cumberbatch recently starred in a production of Frankenstein that blew minds when it went on stage in London and has been talked about with gleeful conjecture the world over. And now we can see it, courtesy of National Theatre Live, which captures British stage shows for the screen. The new adaptation, directed by Danny Boyle (127 Hours, Slumdog Millionaire, 28 Days Later, Trainspotting; perhaps you've heard of them), is known for night after night switching the casting of its fatefully intertwined two leads, Frankenstein and his monster, between Cumberbatch and co-star Jonny Lee Miller (Boyle's Trainspotting alumnus). It's also known for its explosive opening scene, in which the creature experiences his birth on stage — naked, alone and having pushed through a membrane — and it continues to follow the tale from his isolated, rejected point-of-view. Both versions of Frankenstein will show on Sydney screens in June — with Benedict as the creature on Saturday, June 9, and Sunday, June 10, and Jonny in the role on Saturday, June 23, and Sunday, June 24. Participating cinemas include the Dendy Newtown and Opera Quays, Hayden Orpheum Cremorne, Chauvel and Riverside Theatres. There's been unprecedented demand, so book ahead. https://youtube.com/watch?v=zuYDiaT-mtg
Prepare your handlebar moustaches and jokes about rich mahogany; Ron Burgundy is returning in a sequel to 2004's Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. Appearing on the Conan O'Brien show on Wednesday night, Will Ferrell, in full Burgundy costume accompanied by his jazz flute, announced that a deal had been struck between Paramount and the character who launched a cult following eight years ago. Ferrell had previously written off the idea of an Anchorman sequel, saying it would be too expensive to get the cast back together, and while there's no confirmation as yet that Christina Applegate and Steve Carrell will return as Veronica Corningstone and Brick Tamland, respectively, it's expected the majority of the original cast will make an appearance in the sequel. After a couple of minutes of banter with Conan, Ferrell proclaimed, "I actually have an announcement. I want to announce this here to everyone in the Americas. To our friends in Spain, Turkey and the UK, including England, that as of 0900 mountain time, Paramount Pictures and myself, Ronald Joseph Aaron Burgundy have come to terms on a sequel to anchorman. It is official: there will be a sequel to Anchorman." And then he sauntered off backstage playing the jazz flute. https://youtube.com/watch?v=MrNA7RjU91I
What gets a new face every couple of years, and a different tone, too — and stalks stealthily through the dark but loves being projected big upon a glistening silver screen? Fans of Gotham City's famous purveyor of justice know the answer to that riddle, of course. Actually, after oh-so-many different iterations of the Dark Knight over the decades, the world in general does as well. In 2022, The Batman gave us a new version, with Robert Pattinson following in the footsteps of everyone from Adam West, Michael Keaton and Val Kilmer to George Clooney, Christian Bale and Ben Affleck. In fantastic news, the moody, brooding and gloomy end result is one of the best Batman flicks yet — and, although it only hit Australian cinemas just over a month ago, RPatz's turn in the cape and cowl has now been fast-tracked to digital. So, here's another conundrum: catch the Matt Reeves (Cloverfield, Let Me In, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and War for the Planet of the Apes)-directed, 70s crime thriller-style superhero movie on the big screen, or settle in to watch it without leaving the house? There's no right answer, because you now have options. That said, nothing beats the cinema experience — especially for a film that makes all things Batman feel new again, as this excellent effort does. Still, if that's your couch time for tonight sorted, you'll find The Batman available to rent digitally from all the usual places. In the process, you'll also find a bruised and battered take on the vigilante, a pitch-perfect turn from Tenet star Pattinson — including far more reluctance as the titular character's alter-ego Bruce Wayne than usual, and welcomely so — and a top-notch supporting cast. Also featured: Zoe Kravitz (Kimi) as Catwoman, Paul Dano (Escape at Dannemora) as the Riddler, Colin Farrell (he North Water) as the Penguin, Jeffrey Wright (The French Dispatch) as Commissioner Gordon and Andy Serkis (Long Shot) as Alfred Pennyworth. No one really needs a plot synopsis for Batman films by now, but when The Batman begins (not to be confused with Batman Begins), it's with the slaying of a powerful Gotham figure. A shocking crime that scandalises the city, it leaves a traumatised boy behind, and couldn't be more influential in the detective-style tale of blood and vengeance that follows. But viewers haven't seen this story before, despite appearances. It isn't the start of pop culture's lonesome billionaire orphan's usual plight, although he's there, all dressed in black, and has an instant affinity for the sorrowful kid. Behold the first standout feat achieved by this excellent latest take on the Dark Knight (not to be confused with The Dark Knight): realising that no one needs to see Bruce Wayne's parents meet their end for what'd feel like the millionth time. From there, The Batman follows its namesake's efforts to get to the bottom of the crime — a tricky task in Gotham, unsurprisingly. And yes, this film meant to stand completely apart from the most recent Affleck-starring DC Extended Universe version of the character. So, basically, what DC Films and Warner Bros Pictures did with Joker in 2019 — serving up a grimmer, grittier iteration of the infamous figure that has absolutely nothing to do with the rightfully hated Jared Leto version — they've done again for Batman now. Check out the trailer for The Batman below: The Batman is currently screening in Australian cinemas, and is also available to stream online via video on demand — including via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review.
The Kook is a short film made on a small budget that's taking the US independent film festivals by storm (and walking away with all the awards too). Already given the Official Selection title at a number of festivals, including Austin, New Orleans, Riverrun and Slamdance, the film is set to screen at several others in the US and Europe too. The film's story follows Fa, a gentle and unassuming member of an eccentric religious sect, as she inadvertently discovers an unsettling truth about the cult's leader. It's a dark comedy that plays with the realisation that everything Fa has ever believed in is fake, but it's not just The Kook's universal themes of truth and deception that has won audiences over. Although the cult's yellow jogging suits and dark bowl-cut hairdos probably make a lasting impression for many of the film's audiences, it's an 18-minute film that feels like nod to '80s soft-focus cinematography and the creation of a kooky world that's, worryingly, not too unlike our own. Actress T. Sahara Meer, who plays the naive Fa, recently received an award for best actress at a comedy festival in LA and, just a few days ago, the film's directors - New Yorkers Gregory Mitnick and Nat Livingston Johnson - took home the Audience Award at LES Film Festival in Manhattan. It looks like it'll be a big year for this little film. Now we just need to convince them to show it off down under. https://youtube.com/watch?v=t8u284szuk4
Urban beekeepers in Australia are on the increase, with more and more people besotted by an unusual new love affair with backyard native beekeeping. According to Sydney's Lord Mayor, Clover Moore, the new trend has brought an element of nature back to the city, where residents and native bees alike are reaping its benefits. The Asylum Seekers Centre community garden in Surry Hills is currently home to several hundred sugarbag bees. Volunteer Jess Perini says that asylum seekers are “hooked” on the beauty of the tiny bees, which produce roughly one kilo of sugarbag honey – an expensive, nutritious variety – a year. Not only do the creatures add to the splendour and biodiversity of the garden, they have also helped to break down language barriers for asylum seekers. Sydneysiders can expect the backyard beekeeping craze to stay with the instalment of native beehives in several community gardens later this year. In Brisbane, a code of practice for urban beekeeping has already been established. And in Melbourne, an organisation called Rooftop Honey offers people the chance to sponsor their own hives. Australia is home to ten different species of stingless bees which grow to only a few millimetres. Tiny and harmless, they quite literally take the sting out of a mutually beneficial relationship. Backyard beekeepers are able to harvest their own sources of honey, while the bees find sanctuary from the destruction of their habitats from land clearing. Native bees also play an important role in balancing the natural ecosystem by pollinating native plant species and crops. With so many environmental and community benefits, it’s not hard to see why urban beekeeping has generated such a buzz. And it’s not limited to Australia – since a ban on beekeeping in New York was overturned in 2010, the popular pastime has hit the roof on NYC's rooftops.
Pond want to give you a giant tortoise, Pitchfork have the hots for Jagwar Ma, and Cheyenne Tozzi has the voice of a chain-smoking angel. Here are five new tracks to put on high rotation this weekend. https://youtube.com/watch?v=qE9Dz0pl5mk 1. 'GIANT TORTOISE' — POND Pond just dropped this thrasher at lunchtime today, meaning that if you go here and download it for free you'll be one of the first (thousand) people in the world to get a taste of Hobo Rocket, the follow-up album to last year's wildly successful Beard, Wives, Denim. Crank up your speakers first. https://youtube.com/watch?v=qFLIU0Km3So 2. 'REACH YOU' — VAN HOORN When she's not doing Vogue covers or cavorting around Los Angeles with Paris Hilton, the Sutherland Shire's Cheyenne Tozzi sings in a band called Van Hoorn. And Van Hoorn is a pretty good band too, with plenty of dirty vocals and bluesy down-home guitars. They celebrated the launch of their EP last night at Bondi's Canteen. https://youtube.com/watch?v=1vU6a7Haw78 3. 'THE THROW' — JAGWAR MA The newest members of the Future Classic family, Jagwar Ma, have their Pitchfork-approved psychedelic dance track 'The Throw' visualised in this buoyant, neon-lit video. You can purchase the song and its 6:54 extended edition here. 4. 'CRANK' — JAYSWAYS When I was 16 I was still pretending not to like Good Charlotte, and here is this kid from Sydney making some of the best electronic music around right now. It would probably make you angry at him if he wasn't giving it away for free. https://youtube.com/watch?v=LRBCoXw4RDQ 5. 'IN A DREAM' — HIGH HIGHS Brooklyn-via-Sydney boys High Highs finally released their debut album Open Season last Friday, and celebrated with their first proper Australian show at the Oxford Art Factory last night. Here is the latest single from that record, a folksy and lyrical yet grounded combination of honeyed harmonies and subtly arranged synths.
If you listen carefully, you might just hear the sound of a light- to medium-bodied red wine sloshing around a glass. That's because the world's favourite celebration of pinot noir is returning again in 2023, with Pinot Palooza also settling back into its pre-pandemic spring timeslot. In its decade of life to-date, the Melbourne-born wine tasting festival has become a global affair, with an estimated 65,000 tickets sold globally before its 2022 events. But once COVID-19 hit in 2020, the popular event was shelved for two-and-a-half years, before making a comeback last year. This year — in the wine-swilling fest's 11th year — it has October dates locked in for Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, all for a two-day stint. So far, venues are yet to be announced. Also, tickets will go on sale in May. The vino-sipping fun will play out similarly to before, although exactly who'll be doing the pouring is also yet to be revealed. Whoever it is, Pinot Palooza's lineup always spans drops from Australia, New Zealand and further afield. Last year, more than 70 winemakers came to the party. As always, attendees will spend their session swirling and sampling that huge array of pinot noir, and hitting up pop-up bars and food stalls between drinks. And, while Pinot Palooza as a standalone fest only has east coast dates for 2023, in Perth it's part of an already-announced collaboration with cheese festival Mould. PINOT PALOOZA 2023 DATES: Friday, October 6–Saturday, October 7: Sydney, venue TBC Friday, October 13–Saturday, October 14: Brisbane, venue TBC Friday, October 27–Saturday, October 28: Melbourne, venue TBC Pinot Palooza will tour Australia's east coast in October 2023. For more information, and for tickets from May, head to the event's website.
Whether you're a particularly nervous flyer or usually keep it calm and cruisy, no one like turbulence when they're high in the sky. Tell-tale beeps telling you to buckle up your seatbelt and a few bumps and jumps are one thing; feeling like you're on a particularly adventurous rollercoaster is another. Thankfully, Boeing is hoping to solve the latter. The aircraft company can't control the weather, but they can create and implement a laser system that detects oncoming rough patches at a greater range. Called Light Detection and Ranging or LIDAR, the system is expected to "to spot clear-air turbulence more than 60 seconds ahead of the aircraft, or about 17.5 kilometres," Boeing's Stefan Bieniawski, the program's lead investigator, told WIRED. Specifically, it focuses on clear-air turbulence, which is the type that doesn't usually come with any warning signs — that is, it happens in clear not cloudy skies, as its name indicates. For those eager to know just how it works, LIDAR emits pulses of laser light from the nose of the plane, not that anyone watching will be able to see it. The beams then scatter off of small dust and other particulates, reflecting into segments and measuring wind speed along the entire direction of the laser. Software collates the results, with pilots given more time to steer around hazards. Boeing has been working on the system with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency since 2010, and plan to test the remote-sensing technology in 2018. If it works, knocked elbows and spilled in-flight drinks could become a thing of the past — and, if you're one of the lucky folks who can fall sleep during flights, rude awakenings to your slumber as well. Via Boeing / WIRED.
A conglomerate of sights, sounds and savouries, the Auckland cityscape of things to do is vast. From Waitemata Harbour in the north, to Manukau Harbour in the south, there's a bounty of things to eat, drink and discover, not to mention see, with stellar views in pretty much any direction you look. But for the time-poor among us (see everyone), taking time to explore the City of Sails may have been bumped down the to do list, whether you're Auckland dwellers in need of a staycation, Wellingtonians looking for a weekend escape, or even you Aussies hoping to up the ante on a short getaway*. That's where we come in. In partnership with Adina Apartment Hotels, we're giving away two days of accommodation, plus some spending money so you can hit up a few of our favourites spots in town. We've planned a pretty indulgent experience. Think two nights accommodation at Adina Apartment Hotel in Britomart, a massage for two, dinner at Amano where you can fill up on some of New Zealand's freshest pasta around, and $250 to spend at Ponsonby's Mea Culpa to top off the night with a few of their carefully crafted cocktails. Plus, we've slipped in some extra cash so you can splash out at all the shops around Britomart. With some of Auckland's creme de la creme right at the doorstep of your Adina Apartment Hotel abode, you'll be perfectly positioned to continue your exploration of the city. But if you're not sure where to head after massages and before dinner, you can use our local's guide to get some hot tips and start planning the rest of your stay. Enter your details below, say yes to the terms and conditions and you're in the running. Entries close on Wednesday, July 5 at 11.59pm. [competition]626226[/competition] *Prize doesn't include travel costs.
The Archibald Prize isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of artistic gadgetry. This coveted national portrait prize is often full of celebrities, sure, but they're usually rendered in expressionistic swathes of paint or meticulous photorealism. It's rare that we get treated to something on the vanguard — and even rarer to have someone deem Wil Anderson's familiar one-liners worthy of a place in one of the nation's best galleries. The portrait, which has been submitted for consideration of the Archibald Prize this week, is the work of Canberra artist Luke Cornish (aka E.L.K.). Predominantly known for his stencil work, Cornish has stepped out into unfamiliar territory creating an interactive artwork of the much-loved comedian that comes to life with the help of a video app. While the piece that hangs on the wall appears as a regular stencilled portrait, when you point a tablet of smartphone at the artwork, the image turns into a real-time video within the frame. A creepy virtual reality version of Wil Anderson leaps forth from your device and starts riffing on religion and Steve Jobs. It's as excellent as it is terrifying. The result of a collaboration with augmented reality specialist — aka the person with the coolest job ever — Amber Standley, this work looks like the start of something very exciting not only for the Archibald itself, but for art in general. "My plan is to start doing some large-scale mural portraits," the artist told The Herald Sun. "You can imagine walking down Elizabeth Street and holding your phone up to a mural and it just comes to life." A far cry from the unsightly QR codes that we still don't quite know how to figure out, this is some gadgetry we can definitely get behind. Instead of walking down the street flipping mindlessly through Instagram and Facebook we could now be interacting with the street art around us — while still firmly affixed to our phones, of course. As far as Cornish's portrait goes, we won't know if it's a finalist for the prize until July 10, and we won't be able to see it until the exhibition opens in Sydney on July 19. But, suffice to say, we have a good feeling it'll get through. Get your smartphones at the ready — this is definitely one to check out (even if you can't stand Wil Anderson). Via Herald Sun and Citynews.
Rohan Anderson is a man of his word. Though the terms “sustainability”, “ethics” and “green living” are slung about a lot these days, they are values that few people fully live by. But just a month ago, Anderson threw himself out of the cannon and into the unthinkable: he quit his job and started living off the land. “I was working part-time as a graphic designer,” he says. “I would go to an office under the fluorescent light and stare at the computer screen and do the work and put up with all the internal politics of the workplace. And none of it....none of it felt real. None of it made any sense at all. It was so unnatural and so unhuman.” He also, this month, launched a cook book called Whole Larder Love, based on his blog which chronicles his quest for semi-self-sufficiency in rural Victoria. Four years ago Anderson was feeding his kids frozen chicken nuggets. He now purchases “only really basic stuff: flour, sugar, salt, yeast, milk, deodorant, toothpaste. What we’ve eliminated from our shopping trolley is the cardboard packaged food, frozen food, fresh food that’s out of season and meat from supermarkets.” Anderson’s grimy-nailed, bloody-shirted, sweaty-palmed account of hunting, gathering and harvesting is miles away from the sanitised green consumerism spruiked by celebrity chefs from the safety of their stainless steel kitchens. Though the book contains epicurean delights like Rabbit with Mustard Sauce, he flatly rejects the term “foodie”. “My grandfather is from Barcelona. Imagine if you went up to him and said, ‘because you eat beautiful Spanish tapas, you’re a gourmet, you’re artisan because you love good food’. No, that’s just food. That’s just normal food. I definitely want to distance myself from being the wanker foodie that loves a bit of foam on the plate. I don’t eat out at restaurants. It’s not the reality of what food should be. Food shouldn’t be overcomplicated. Otherwise, you distance the notion of accessibility and being clever with basic ingredients.” Food for Anderson is not just a source of fuel or even gastronomical enjoyment, but a political and an environmental concern. “I hate calling Whole Larder Love a cookbook,” he says. “It obviously is a cookbook, but there’s more of a subversive intention there. I really do want to promote the idea of people going back to the old ways of growing their own food. It will dramatically reduce our reliance on supermarkets. Most people know that there are big lorries that drive all this food around and food is actually air- and ship-freighted from other countries. That takes a lot of finite resources. I don’t think that system can last much longer. We’re now in a system of food production where we’re relying on a pretty massive machine that one day could fall over. I have gone back to embracing my animalness, which means taking care of all my food with my hands as all other animals do in the natural world. I’m going back to the good life, and I grow my food and I hunt.” “The real philosophy behind it is that I want to show people that it is possible in 2012 and to marry old techniques and state of the art communication technology. Today I’ve just shovelled a trailer load of manure from Ballarat to go on the pumpkin patch. And the pumpkins will grow all summer, they'll be cured, and we'll have about forty pumpkins for winter for the six of us. Then this afternoon I’m going to go out and chuck two trailer loads of timber for firewood for preparation for next winter. Then I will sit there on my MacBook Air and write up a blogpost.” It’s a mindset loaded with idealism and a book that motivates people to pick up alternative ways of thinking, and more importantly, doing. “My lifestyle is not for everybody. But I will continue to communicate it. The best thing is when people send me photos of what they’ve harvested on the weekend, how they’ve been inspired, how they’ve bought some chooks and built a chook-house. I love that the blog has had an effect on some people.” As a result of his interactions with readers, Anderson reckons more people are bulking at the artificial delineations between the built and natural worlds. “I was in Chippendale a couple of weeks ago - they have worm farms and vegie gardens on the nature strips.” Along with growing your own produce, he says engaging with these kinds of community gardens and farmers’ markets are pragmatic ways to break down what he sees as “the boxed-in areas of nature” that typify unhealthy, unsustainable city life. And he insists that his hunting and gathering lifestyle doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing: city-dwellers can do it too. “People who even just have a balcony, a rooftop, a backyard - where-ever you are in the Western world - can grow food. In the big cities in Italy - Rome, Florence and Milan - the nonnas that live there have so many vegies growing on their verandahs. It’s like an oasis on your verandah, as opposed to your typical Aussie gas barbeque, a couple of dead ornamental plants and maybe somebody’s bike. These gardens in Italy were just full. It was so inspirational to see what could be done in very tight spaces. Someone had pumpkins on a verandah - they were massive and this person had trained these pumpkins to go vertical, diagonal, anyway in any space possible. That was a beautiful thing to see, that even in the cities, they want to grow and smell and feel fresh food. That’s such a beautiful thing.” Photos courtesy of Rohan Anderson.
Since he opened the first bills in 1993 and simultaneously stirred Sydney's obsession with communal dining, Bill Granger's restaurants have firmly established themselves to be institutions. Now, he's opening a new instalment in Bondi, to add to the Darlinghurst-Surry Hills family. You can expect all the charm and seasonal, fresh, local ingredient-based dishes you're used to from the first two bills — think the famous corn fritters, and newer additions like the shrimp burger with jalapeno mayo — plus some sandy-footed neighbouring diners. Granger wants beachgoers to come in for breakfast in their boardshorts, post-dip in the ocean. “Twenty-one years ago," Granger says, "Darlinghurst was my local. Now Bondi is. It feels only natural to have a place around the corner from home. I love its mix of roughed-up urban beach glamour and down-to-earth local vibe. What could be more Sydney?" We'd hazard a guess that more Sydney could be the opening week special. A collaboration with Gelato Messina (who also happen to be right next door), bills' signature ricotta hotcakes have been re-imagined as an exclusive gelato flavour, available at bills in Bondi and Messina outlets. The restaurant opens on September 17. It will have seating for 100, including an outdoor dining area and bar. The interiors have been designed by local interior designers, Meacham Nockles McQualter and are reportedly light-filled, spacious and unpretentious. We think they'll go well with your sandy feet.
South By Southwest's annual SXSW Festival offers technology and music enthusiasts the chance to convene and discuss the next big bands, apps, social networks and start-ups. Previous festivals have featured not-yet popular Twitter and Facebook, but one of the initiatives at this year's festivities, held in Austin, Texas, has sparked an ethical controversy. The instigator is Homeless Hotspots, a newly introduced initiative by ad agency BBH Labs,which has employed 13 local homeless people as 'Hotspot Managers'. Equipped with a wireless router, and clad in a "I'm a 4G Hotspot" t-shirt, each manager was paid to remain in a strategic place throughout SXSW, which is known for its mobile coverage black spots and lack of wireless internet, offering festival-goers wireless internet access for a small charge. Melvin Hughes (pictured above), a Homeless Hotspots employee, reports earning US$20 for each of the four 6-hour shifts he completed last weekend. Hughes keeps all of his earnings in full, and also has the opportunity to collect donations from generous festival-goers. Saneel Radia, the program's organiser, sought to clarify the program's payment methods on the company's blog, stating: "These volunteers were guaranteed [to] make at least $50/day, for a maximum of 6 hours work. This amount equates to more than the Texas state minimum wage of $7.25/hr for the same number hours....BBH provides a $20 cash ”stipend” to the volunteers each day regardless of their own sales." Still, accusations of commodifying and exploiting Austin's homeless contributed to the backlash against Homeless Hotspots. In response to the controversy surrounding the ethics behind the initiative, Radia said, "The worry is that these people are suddenly just hardware, but frankly, I wouldn't have done this if I didn't believe otherwise." Homeless Hotspots is reportedly modelled off the corner sale of newspapers by homeless people, incorporating the same goals of increasing the self-confidence and self-worth of the vendors. The company's ultimate goal for the initiative, however, is to provide homeless participants with a 'digital writing platform'.
We don't need much more of an excuse for summer celebrations than a sunny day and good company. And what better setting for such sun-soaked affairs than a chic at-home brunch party, complete with flowing prosecco? For one, there are no restaurant bookings or table limits to worry about. Better yet, you get to be the master of your own fun when you're at home. So, we've teamed up with winemakers Yarra Burn to help you put together the ultimate brunch fiesta. All you have to do is sort out the guest list, stock up on bottles of bubbly and follow these handy tips to become a boss of brunch. [caption id="attachment_778329" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jacqui Manning[/caption] HIT UP YOUR LOCAL FARMERS MARKET BEFOREHAND If you're looking to plate up a standout brunch menu, then be sure to pick up fresh, locally sourced ingredients, which will make all the difference — and have your guests singing your praises for days. So, make a trip to your local farmers market where you'll find all that top-notch produce. Venture there early to get your mitts on the best selection of meat and seafood, fresh fruit and veg, free-range eggs and artisanal goodies like bread, oils and plenty of cheese. You'll be able to trace your ingredients back to where they came from and the producers and stallholders will have lots of helpful tips should you need any last-minute menu guidance. DECK OUT YOUR SPACE WITH VIBRANT BLOOMS Nothing shouts summer louder than an abundance of fresh flowers. Not only will they brighten up any old table setting, but they also smell pretty darn good as well as provide an uplifting dose of Mother Nature. Insert a few colourful blooms into your home and you'll instantly transform your space from drab to fab. Instead of going overboard, though, keep things classy by selecting a specific colour palette for your posies, then swing past your local florist or market to see what's in season. PICK A CUISINE THEME This year's been especially light on globe-trotting adventures, so why not take your brunch crew on a journey? Serve up a little escapism by picking a cuisine theme for the day. You might want to jet those tastebuds overseas with a menu inspired by the food of somewhere like Scandinavia with smorrebrod and cured salmon, India with masala dosa and mango lassi or Italy with bruschetta, caprese salad and a big bowl of breakfast pasta. Otherwise, you could turn back the clock and pay homage to the 90s with some old-school tunes and retro fare. Or, as it's summer after all, take your feast to the backyard and embrace a picnic theme. [caption id="attachment_795159" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anthony Glick[/caption] TREAT YOUR MATES TO FREE-FLOWING PROSECCO A freshly popped bottle of prosecco shared with mates isn't just a must at brunch, it's also something that encapsulates that sense of celebration that's become synonymous with summer Down Under. And Yarra Burn's new limited-edition prosecco is your go-to drop for the balmy days and festive occasions to come. Fittingly named A Taste of Australian Summer, this special release was crafted in collaboration with Bondi Rescue lifeguard and professional photographer Anthony Glick, whose image of Bronte Beach graces the label. It's a sparkling primed for sunny outdoor gatherings — brunch included. HAVE SOME POST-PARTY GAMES ON HAND You'll find a bit of light entertainment proves just as important as that tasty food and endless flutes of prosecco, so it's a good idea to have a few party games up your sleeve that'll help keep spirits high long after dessert. Opt for some friendly rivalry that'll engage the whole crew. If you're embracing the outdoors, classic lawn games like quoits, Finska or croquet always goes down a treat. Plus, they can be easily enjoyed with a glass of prosecco in hand. Otherwise Twister is always a surefire way to have some laughs. To make your next at-home brunch a hit — and make it quite the celebration — stock up on Yarra Burn's limited-edition A Taste of Australian Summer prosecco. It's available nationwide at Dan Murphy's and Liquorland, as well as independent retailers.
Computing technology has long been praised for its potential paper-saving powers. Now, it's taking on air pollution. We know that the capacity for air purification is probably not the first thing that most laptop shoppers take into consideration. But, when you think about, why not? Why work in a cloud of cigarette smoke, city smog, dust or unpleasant aromas, when your brain (and nasal passages) could be benefitting from clean air? Well, that's the opinion of the designers of the new Fujitsu Lifebook AH78, anyway. Their creation is the world's first laptop to contain an air purification unit. Called a 'nanoe', it's produced by Panasonic. According to Fujitsu, company testing indicates that the nanoe reduces odours and allergens (including fungi, pollen, mold, viruses and mites) by 99% in an area of one square metre around the Lifebook. The technology is already available on Fujitsu's desktop PCs, so it's had a bit of a run in homes around the world. Its introduction to laptops means that those liable to allergic reactions and/or intolerant of nasty smells can work in public spaces in greater comfort. Fujitsu America's Vice-President of Mobile Management and Marketing, Paul Moore, is also excited about the Lifebook AH78's sleek 15.6 inch design. 'Design considerations for the future - delivering a device that fits the decor and can accomplish multiple tasks,' he said. 'Design is critical. Gone are the days when a PC looked like a piece of office equipment.' [via PSFK]
A stunning new Melbourne arts, cultural and entertainment precinct has beat out stiff competition across the globe to take out the Architecture of the Year prize at the International Design Awards 2017. Bunjil Place, which was designed by acclaimed architectural studio Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp (fjmt), also scooped up gold awards for two design disciplines: 'institutional' and 'landmarks, symbolic structures, memorials, public'. Opened to the public in October 2017, the $125 million Narre Warren project was imagined as "an inviting central heart for the community that celebrates participation, belonging and pride". Both its name and its impressive design are linked to cultural themes of importance to the traditional owners and inhabitants of the land, the Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. fjmt Design Director Richard Francis-Jones is understandably stoked with the win, though says he's been just as happy with the design's reception closer to home. "While recognition in the form of international design awards is much valued, more important has been to see the community embrace Bunjil Place as their own," he noted. Those keen to get up close and personal with the award-winning design can experience Bunjil Place during Open House Melbourne Weekend on July 28 and 29. It's set to host a whole range of activities, including film screenings, design talks and guided tours with VIP access behind the scenes. You can find Bunjil Place at 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren.
Wadjda (Waad Mohammed) resides within a system of oppression, yet refuses to accept her restrictions. On the cusp of adolescence, the ten-year-old rallies against her surroundings in Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh, be it the strictness of her schooling or the expectations of her gender — appropriate interests, friends and public behaviour included. She desires a green bicycle, but is told no. She wants to cycle in the street, but is strongly discouraged. She yearns to enjoy the same freedoms as her male counterparts, such as her neighbour, Abdullah (Abdullrahman Al Gohani). The feature's missive of female empowerment is evident in its protagonist, though its message is never bluntly handled. Of course, Wadjda's on-screen statement and subversion bears the weight of its revolutionary off-screen status, as the first feature shot entirely in Saudi Arabia, and the first full-length film made by a female Saudi director. Writer/director Haifaa Al-Mansour (who studied at the University of Sydney) remains subtle in her debut fictional effort. Lightness, rather than solemnity, is her pervasive tone. Read our full review of Wadjda here. Wadjda is in cinemas on Thursday, March 20, and thanks to eOne Films, we have ten double in-season passes to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email us with your name and address. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au https://youtube.com/watch?v=v-4kosdSXR8
