Sometimes, enjoying the music festival experience involves gumboots, picking the best outfit with the most pockets and dancing in huge crowds. At other times, it spans making shapes at home while pretending you're at the real thing. Yes, the latter became familiar during the pandemic, but it's also been a way to live the Coachella life without heading to Indio, California for more than a decade now. And, for the 2023 fest, that means hitting up the YouTube livestream once again. This year, for the first time ever, the entire event is being beamed to the world — all six stages on all six days across two hefty weekends. Sure, you can still wish that you were at the Empire Polo Club across April 14–16 and April 21–23. Yes, there's nothing quite like being there in person. But if you're all about seeing the fest's impressive lineup — seeing as much of it as possible, too — without the plane ticket, make a date with your couch. 2023's bill is worth getting excited about, with Bad Bunny headlining the Friday nights, BLACKPINK doing the Saturday nights and Frank Ocean on Sunday nights. Down Under, you'll be tuning in on Saturday, Sunday and Monday to catch each, so mark your diaries now — actually, go one better with exact times too, now that Coachella has also announced its schedule for the first weekend. Also among the highlights on the Friday bill (so, Saturday in Australia and NZ) alongside Bad Bunny: The Chemical Brothers, Gorillaz, Blondie, Kaytranada, Pusha T, Idris Elba and last-minute addition blink-182, with the newly reunited group's classic lineup breaking out their live set before heading our way in 2024 on their latest live tour. On the Saturday lineup (so, Sunday Down Under) with BLACKPINK: Calvin Harris, The Kid LAROI, ROSALÍA, Charlie XCX, boygenius, The Breeders and Underworld — and more, obviously. And, come Sunday (yes, Monday Down Under), Frank Ocean will be joined by Björk, Fisher, Porter Robinson, Gordo and Weyes Blood, with the list going on there as well. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Coachella (@coachella) Coachella has been teaming up with YouTube for 11 years now. Earlier in 2023, the fest announced that it has locked in that arrangement till 2026. In-between this year's sets, YouTube will fill its feeds with more on-the-ground coverage, so you'll be able to scope out the art and installations around the fest, head behind the scenes, see how the acts get partying before the hit the stage and more. Bookmark Coachella's YouTube channel ASAP — or hit it up below: Coachella runs from April 14–16 and April 21–23 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. To watch the livestream, head to YouTube from 9am AEST on Saturday, April 15 Down Under.
Word is, good things come in threes, but if you're in the market for some new gear for your home, then it looks like the magic number this week is four. That's because furniture and homewares giant IKEA has kicked off a giant four-day sale, slashing the price of a huge range of products at stores across the country. Running from today until Sunday, October 21, the clearance sale is dishing up bargains on 400 different IKEA products, from flatpack furniture, to those random storage solutions you can never seem to have too many of. And the reductions are well worth battling one of IKEA's impossible maze-like stores for, with all sale prices promising at least 40 percent off. Venture in to stock up on budget-friendly pieces like coffee tables, chairs, beds and homewares — the offers are available in-store only. To check out what's discounted at your local store, head to the Ikea website and punch in your postcode. The IKEA Clearance Sale runs from October 18–21. For more information, head to the IKEA website.
Far outdoing their traditional duty as reminder memos, these 30,000 Post-its serve to shock and impress as components of Yo Shimada's 'Post-it Structures'. Shimada, of Tato Architects, collaborated with students at the Kyoto University of Art and Design to create this massive, neon-bright structure now on display in Kyoto City, Japan. Each Post-it is adhered to another to create a building-like structure which has walls running through the entirety of the gallery. Delicate and precarious-looking, the wall is reminiscent of a house of cards, a gentle balancing act. Gallery visitors are invited to respond to the work. Comments may be written via (what else?) Post-its and stuck to the facing wall of the gallery space. We want to know what happens if someone accidentally sneezes. [via Designboom]
Remember when your mum told you it's what's on the inside that counts? At the Australian Interior Design Awards, that's definitely the case. Now in its 14th year, the country's premier interior design gongs reward excellence in hospitality, installation, residential, workplace, retail and public design as well as residential decoration — and they've just revealed their 2017 shortlist. A word of warning for those who like their interiors swish, plush, luxurious and stylish all round: you're going to want to live in or visit all of the places vying for this year's awards. Thankfully, with plenty of bars and restaurants in the running — 116 tried their hand, and 41 have made it through to this stage — the latter is definitely possible. In Sydney, the likes of Ume Burger, Handpicked Wines, The Dolphin Hotel, Bar Brosé, and both Fred's and Charlie Parker's are vying for glory. Well, a shiny prize and plenty of recognition to go with their shiny interiors, that is. Melbourne's Crux & Co, The Penny Drop and Higher Ground are in the running, while the Gold Coast's The Star and The Kitchens at Robina Town Centre also made the cut. Overall, a record number of 525 entries were received across all categories for the 2017 awards, with more than 100 designs filling out the hefty selection. The winners will be announced on June 9 at a ceremony in Melbourne. For the full rundown, head to the Australian Interior Design Awards website — and then start thinking about heading to some of the hospitality spots on the list.
When you step inside an IKEA superstore, it feels as though you have been transported to a different world entirely. Endless floors filled with endless shelves, filled with endless minimalistic, cost-effective products. It's planet IKEA. And now we might not be too far from the real-life version. Not long after launching fully furnished IKEA homes, IKEA has published plans to build a private neighbourhood. Set to start construction next year, the neighbourhood will cover 11 hectares of land in London to be named 'Strand East'. It will incorporate 1,200 homes and apartments, all owned by the Swedish furniture company. “We are in keeping with the IKEA philosophy: we don’t want to produce for the rich or the super-rich; we want to produce for the families, for the people,” says Harald Müller, the head of LandProp, the property-development branch of Inter IKEA, told The Globe and Mail. IKEA promises that the all-rental homes will appeal to a variety of income levels, and 40% will be large enough to house a family. The neighbourhood will be peppered by condominiums and offices, and will include a hotel as well. Underneath it all will lie an underground parking lot to avoid cars cluttering the interior streets. It all sounds rather Utopian, but does a furniture company really have what it takes to manage 6,000 residents? “We’d have a very good understanding of rubbish collection, of cleanliness, of landscape management,” Andrew Cobden, the project manager, says. “We would have a fairly firm line on undesirable activity, whatever that may be. But we also feel we can say, okay, because we’ve kept control of the management of the commercial facilities, we have a fairly strong hand in what is said in terms of the activities that are held on site.” Mr. Müller says that IKEA will act much like a municipal government to its neighbourhood, organising community events and creating a "sense of place". Looks like IKEA execs have had a lot more on the brain than "Ektorp" sofas and Swedish meatballs. Welcome to Ikea-land. [via PSFK]
When you've created a huge hit HBO TV show that's known for filling its frames with parties, drugs, attractive actors and plenty of drama, what do you move onto next? If you're Euphoria creator Sam Levinson, you keep doing what's worked for you so far. The writer, director, producer and creator isn't done with his Zendaya-starring success just yet — it's been renewed for a third season, so more is definitely in the works — but he's also teamed up with Abel 'The Weeknd' Tesfaye on upcoming HBO series The Idol. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" is clearly Levinson's motto. "If it ain't broke, bust it out again elsewhere" works, too. This time, however, instead of exploring the ups and downs of high school, he's jumping into the music industry. Starring and co-created by The Weeknd — with writer and executive producer Reza Fahim also credited as a co-creator — The Idol is set to chronicle the chaos that comes with chasing pop stardom. From the just-dropped first teaser, it spans the parties and drugs as well. The focus: a self-help guru and leader of a modern-day cult, played by The Weeknd, as well as the up-and-coming pop idol that he starts a complicated relationship with. Lily-Rose Depp (Voyagers, The King) also stars. From there, details get thinner. The trailer sets a vibe but gives away few other narrative details, other than thrusting Depp's character into a heady new world — and having an unseen figure, presumably The Weeknd, ask if she trusts them. When it was originally announced in November 2021, The Idol was set to span six episodes, all filmed in Los Angeles — with She Dies Tomorrow's Amy Seimetz directing every single one. But back in April this year, it was revealed that Seimetz had left the project and reshoots were underway as a result. How that'll impact the end product is obviously yet to be seen. Exactly when The Idol will surface both in the US and Down Under hasn't been announced yet, either. Also set to pop up in the series: Troye Sivan (Boy Erased), Steve Zissis (Happy Death Day 2U), Melanie Liburd (This Is Us), Tunde Adebimpe (Marriage Story), Elizabeth Berkley Lauren (Saved By the Bell), Nico Hiraga (Booksmart) and Anne Heche (All Rise). That said, whether the show's cast has been affected by the reshoots also hasn't been revealed. Check out the first teaser trailer for The Idol below: The Idol doesn't yet have a release date, including Down Under — we'll update you when one is announced.
I know what you've been thinking. There's not enough poetry in your average movie. A few films (and their imitators) can quote Whitman, and Sally Potter did that whole movie in iambic pentameter thing. But while this handful's enough for some brief rhymed satisfaction, one film festival in Melbourne have taken it upon themselves to manufacture more cinema wrapped around beautiful verbs. The Poetry in Film Festival is in its second year, and having wrapped up its screenings and prize-givings down south, it's headed up to Sydney to give us a taste of the good word. This year's films were each based around a thirteen line poem submitted by Queenslander Belinda Hilton, Four Letters, Three Words. Each finalist has crafted a short film riffing off, or including, Hilton's lines meditating on the theme of secrets. While the secret of the winners may be out of the bag already, after watching all eight finalists at the Verona you can decide for yourself who takes the vocal to the visual with the smoothest art. Or who just has a sweet way with words.
Why spend your treasured lunch hour sitting in the same old spot, eating the same old sandwich? Swedes have discovered the magic of an off-beat lunch break by introducing a little mid-day clubbing. Lunch Beat, a trendy, non-profit lunchtime event, originated in Stockholm in June 2010 with a measly crowd of 14. Today, the monthly Stockholm events attract hundreds and have inspired copycat events throughout other European cities. For 100 kroner (around $15), attendees can dance to club beats beneath the flashing disco lights, enjoy a sandwich, and then return to their various jobs sweaty and energised. The party starts at noon, and lasts for an hour. "You just have to get in there and dance, because the hour ends pretty quickly," says organizer Daniel Odelstad. Lunch Beat only has two rules: no alcohol, and dance. "If you don't want to dance during your lunch hour, then you should eat your lunch somewhere else," says Odelstad. Lunch Beat draws an eclectic crowd, from the young to the old, and from secretaries to business-suited bigwigs; all have come looking for a good time. "It is absolutely fantastic!" says Asa Anderson, a coffee shop employee and Lunch Beat newcomer. "It is the first time I'm here. I'm totally happy and ecstatic, totally covered in sweat, and I'm full of energy. It does not get any better than this." [via Gawker]
If you go on picnics, or eat lunch on the go, or are just insatiably hungry at all times to the point where you get anxious when your next meal is unplanned (is this normal?) then Fold Project might have a solution. Fold Project is a start up company based in Auckland, and is the brainchild of entrepreneur slash industrial design lecturer, Oscar Fernandez. The company has recently announced their first product launch following a successful crowdfunding scheme, where they raised over $2000 towards their project. The star product is a fold up eating set. It’s like origami meets crockery. Basically plates, bowls, containers and cutlery that unfold into flat sheets of plastic for easy storage. Because one receives weird looks when one reveals their Shrek lunchbox in the office, and ice cream containers make a square bulge in your handbag, Fold Project’s eating set is minimalistic, stowable and uber practical. The sets are plain colours, and consist of a few tabs and slits for foldability. Fold it into shape to eat, then unfold it once you're done, rinse it off, tuck it back into your bag and you're away. The best part is that they’re all made in New Zealand and 100% BPA free. They’re recyclable and dishwasher safe. Low maintenance. And since the Fold Up team is just getting started, they’ve got a whole heap of expansion ideas on the horizon. Foldable chairs and tables are looking like promising next steps, but imagine a foldable tent and never having that actual-tent-is-seven-times-bigger-than-tent-bag struggle again. That’s the real dream.
"Wakanda Forever". A phrase that echoes throughout pop culture and the world. It became a rallying cry, a sign of respect and a salute to a film that shouldn't be described as anything less than art: Black Panther. The character dates back to the 1960s in the world of Marvel comics but made his live-action film debut in the 2016 entry to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain America: Civil War. Then came the wildly popular 2018 solo film Black Panther. This July, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra brings the film to life on the big screen with the soundtrack performed live, and where else to do it but the Sydney Opera House? We're here to tell you why this show is unmissable, and we're starting now. [caption id="attachment_879248" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Matt Kennedy ©Marvel Studios 2018[/caption] THE FILM 2018's Black Panther was a pivotal point for the Marvel Cinematic Universe and superhero culture as a whole. After his MCU debut in Captain America: Civil War, actor Chadwick Boseman became a household name as both T'Challa, king of the fictional African nation of Wakanda, and his superhero alter ego of the Black Panther. Boseman tragically passed away from cancer in 2020, but remains an icon of cinema and the superhero genre. Black Panther broke down barriers as the first Marvel film to feature a majority Black cast and crew. It also joined Marvel royalty as the first ever MCU film to win an Academy Award, collecting three in 2019. Here's what Concrete Playground's film expert, Sarah Ward, had to say in her 2018 review: "[Director Ryan] Coogler has crafted an entertaining, engaging and impassioned movie that is both proud of and confident in its differences, and is also committed to shining the spotlight on the people that blockbuster cinema so often ignores. What could be more awe-inspiring than that?" THE MUSIC One of the three Academy Awards won by Black Panther was for its soundtrack, the first superhero film to ever win an award in that category. That soundtrack was created by Swedish composer Ludwig Göransson, who created a score that not only holds the typical soaring crescendos representative of a superhero and memorable melodies of their antagonistic counterpart but does so using an excellent blend of traditional African music and modern Afrofuturist music. Göransson visited villages in West and South Africa to meet local musicians and research the ins and outs of traditional African music. Famed Senegalese vocalist Baaba Maal took him on a tour of his home country, and when Göransson returned to LA to start working, he knew Maal was perfect to perform the film's vocals. For his score, Göransson took traditional instruments and vocals, backed them with a full orchestra and in some cases merged the instruments with modern hip-hop beats. The result? A truly unique score that propelled Göransson into Hollywood stardom. THE VENUE If you're bringing a game-changing soundtrack like that to life, the venue needs to do it justice. Somewhere large, somewhere famous, somewhere with bloody good acoustics, somewhere like the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall. If you haven't attended anything in the space since its reopening post-renovation, here's what you need to know: from a technical point of view, the hall has been updated to improve the experience for performers and audiences alike. Without getting overly specific, adjustments have been made to the stage, walls and ceiling to allow for better acoustics and amplification of sound. So we've got an exclusively well-made show in an exclusively designed venue. It's also a very limited run, with performances spread across three nights from Thursday, July 27 to Saturday, July 29. THE ORCHESTRA We've talked about the movie, the venue and the music, but what about the musicians who'll be playing it? The Sydney Symphony Orchestra is one of Australia's most esteemed and accomplished musical institutions, with a rich history and record of exceptional performances. Established in 1932, the orchestra has evolved into a world-class ensemble that captivates audiences worldwide. Over the years, it has welcomed numerous acclaimed conductors, composers, and soloists, elevating its reputation for excellence in performing a wide range of classical, contemporary, and Australian works. The Sydney Symphony Orchestra's commitment to musical excellence is evident in their impeccable performances. Their highly skilled musicians, precision, and passion contribute to the exceptional quality of their renditions. The Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House is one of their most frequent venues, so the group has perfected playing for the space. It's an impressive resume, and the orchestra will bring all that experience and expertise to Black Panther in Concert. THE GUEST STARS For this concert run, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra is being joined by two special guest musicians. Conductor Anthony Parnther and percussionist Massamba Diop are joining the orchestra for this performance, bringing a mix of Hollywood talent and traditional musical skills. Parnther, known for his dynamic interpretations and work in film composition, has conducted prestigious orchestras worldwide. Joining him is percussionist Massamba Diop, who worked on the original Black Panther score recordings and is acclaimed for his rhythmic mastery and soulful artistry. Together with a full orchestra, these talented musicians will bring the groundbreaking Black Panther score to life, fusing orchestral brilliance with authentic African beats. This performance promises a mesmerising fusion of culture, music, and storytelling, immersing audiences in the captivating world of Wakanda next to our own Sydney Harbour. With the combined expertise and dedication of these musicians, the orchestra is sure to deliver an incredible experience. Black Panther Live in Concert is running across Thursday, July 27, Friday, July 28 and Saturday, July 29. To get tickets or find more information, visit the website.
On March 26, the Federal Government passed its controversial data retention laws, meaning phone and internet service providers must store the metadata surrounding your phone calls and internet adventures for two years. And not only must they store this information, 85 various agencies associated with security and policing can get access to it: no warrant necessary. While Attorney General George Brandis lauded the passing of the bill, describing metadata as “the basic building block in nearly every counterterrorism, counterespionage and organised crime investigation,” Greens Senator Scott Ludlam remained strongly against its “entrenching” of “a form of passive surveillance over 23 million Australians.” Such a hot topic is the ideal opener for the 2015 IQ2 debate program, run by the Ethics Centre (formerly St James Ethics Centre). On March 31, four speakers will gather at City Recital Hall to argue over the statement, 'Only the wicked need fear government spying'. Opposing the motion will be Suelette Dreyfus, author of cult classic Underground, and David Marr, who writes for Guardian Australia, the Saturday Paper and Quarterly. In the statement's defence will speak Rufus Black, Master of Ormond College at the University of Melbourne and government advisor, as well as Michael Wesley, Professor of International Affairs and Director of the Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs at the Australian National University.
Founder of McSweeney's and novelist of high-fivable acclaim, Dave Eggers, is heading to Australia. The 44-year-old Pulitzer Prize-winner is set to appear at a series of talks as part of Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane Writers Festivals — notably providing the closing address for MWF, opening for BWF and meeting up with organisations his own models have inspired like Sydney Story Factory. The poster boy for self-made journalists and novelists, the San Francisco-based writer and editor has cranked out no less than ten books including most recent releases Your Fathers, Where Are They? And the Prophets, Do They Live Forever?, The Circle and A Hologram for the King and his Pulitzer Prize-winning first novel and memoir A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius. Eggers also famously founded independent publishing company McSweeneys in the '90s out of SF, an endeavour that now counts a slam dunk of a website, books, a quarterly journal and a monthly magazine, The Believer, in its bag of tricks. But McSweeney's doesn't just publish personified accounts from the font Comic Sans, the team have also released the nonprofit book series Voice of Witness, which illuminates global human rights crises using oral history. Legends. But then there's Eggers' other, closer-to-home initiative, 826 National, the sweet network of eight tutoring centres across the States. It was the 826 model that inspired Australian organisations like 100 Story Building in Melbourne's inner west and Sydney Story Factory in Redfern. In Sydney, Eggers is set to appear in conversation with Sydney Story Factory director, Cath Keenan — whose Redfern organisation is based around Eggers' 826 National tutoring centre model. The pair will be having mad chats at Carriageworks on Wednesday, September 3 as an extension of SWF. In Melbourne, Eggers will apear in a series of Meet McSweeney's-type panels alongside managing editor Jordan Bass with former guest editor Chris Flynn at The Wheeler Centre, before delivering the closing night address for the MWF on Sunday, August 31 at Deakin Edge, Fed Square. In Brisbane, he'll kick things off with the BWF opening address on Thursday, September 4 before a one-off literary cabaret vaudeville show at Brisbane Powerhouse on the Friday. For more informaation, dates and events for Dave Eggers' Australian tour, head to Penguin over here.
Parramatta-based fans of Jamie Oliver are probably still mourning the loss of their very own Jamie's Italian. It's barely been a month since the restaurant closed abruptly amid a national ownership change. In April, The Jamie Oliver Group went into administration and handed over the management of its Australian restaurants to the Brisbane-based Hallmark Group; in June, The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the western Sydney outpost had been closed after the group couldn't reach a rental agreement. But now the site at Centenary Square is set to be a restaurant once more. Matt Moran's Solotel Group will open a second outpost of its CBD steakhouse Chophouse in October this year. The experience of the CBD venue — which Solotel bought from the now-defunct Keystone Group in 2016 — is set to be replicated in Parramatta, with the site set to score a new fit-out and a similar menu that features high-end cuts of steak, oysters, potato scallops and lots of sides. The new Chophouse will be Solotel's second venue in Parramatta — it also runs the Albion Hotel on George Street — but it sounds like there's more where that came from. "We've had our eye on expanding west for a while now," said director Bruce Solomon. "And when the offer to open a restaurant in the hub of Parramatta presented itself we couldn't say no." That, coupled with the fact that Surry Hills' Butter has opened in the suburb and Rockpool and Sake are slated to launch in 2020, makes it seem very likely that more and more inner-city restaurants will produce Parramatta clones. Fingers crossed one of them starts a $10 pasta deal to fill the void. Chophouse will open at Centenary Square, Parramatta in October 2018. Check the website for details — we'll keep you notified on an opening date.
Enmore Country Club, BTB Kirribilli and DOOM JUICE are joining forces to host a huge dinner party on Friday, April 28 — and you are invited. Inspiration for the night struck BTB Executive Chef Cam Voltano after some cheeky Chiantis and a screening of Stanley Tucci's Big Night. With the creative juices flowing, this hospitality trio unanimously decided to host an unforgettable dinner party. Head to the BTB's North Shore home, found directly under the Harbour Bridge, for a night of authentic Italian cuisine with a native twist, the Enmore Country Club's signature cocktails and glasses of Doom Juice wine. Voltano will bring his passion for native Australian ingredients to traditional Italian recipes, creating a uniquely BTB menu for the night. On offer, you may spot pepperberry cacio e pepe arancini, purslane-infused caesar salad, house-made focaccia and a truly giant meatball — potentially Sydney's biggest, according to the chef. To round out the night, a native-heavy take on neapolitan ice cream will be available, experimenting with a trio of wattleseed, davidson plum and Geraldton wax flavours. The hits start coming and they don't stop coming – alongside a stacked food menu, you will also be able to nab 70s and 80s-inspired cocktails by the Enmore Country Club. You can sip the night away with these re-imagined classics, or opt for the venue's famous boozy cherry cola. And to top it all off, Zac Godbolt — DOOM JUICE's Creative Director, the Enmore Country Club's Dynn Szmulewicz and Dan McBride, plus BTB's very own Adam Brcic will be on bartending duties. Whether you are after an inventive cocktail or a DOOM JUICE rouge, this triad of talent has got you covered. The dinner party starts at 7pm sharp, so don't be late. Head here for the tickets — they are limited so be sure to get in quick, or check out the Enmore Country Club's Instagram page to keep up to date with event details.
The Red Rattler is hoping for an extra-special birthday present this May; after five years, the alternative arts space, currently facing an uncertain future, is looking to the community for support. 'The Rat' was founded in 2008 by a quintet of queer artists and activists dedicated to independent arts and grassroots activism. They "hocked everything that they could" to create a space that is not only accessible but also legal, and able to survive the market vicissitudes threatening so many live performance venues. All too often, Sydney's exorbitant rent levels get in the way of the arts underground. Two of the five original founders are now departing to take on other projects, so the Rat has decided to adopt a new model, which will see a shift towards becoming a collective-owned, self-sufficient entity. The catch is that this will only be achievable if the venue can find the $40,000 needed to purchase a 40 percent share in the warehouse that it calls home. Enter crowd funding. Audience members, artists and patrons are being asked to donate to the Rat's Pozible campaign, which, at the time of publication, ends in 46 days and has reached 50 percent of its goal. A failure to meet the target amount may mean closure. Given the growing list of venues that have kicked the bucket recently, losing the Rat would seem a rather tough blow. The space occupies a particularly important position, in terms of its focus on community. "The Red Rattler prides itself on accessibility in terms of both affordability and a non-discriminatory mode of operation," says Jamie Ferguson, a member of the volunteer advisory management committee. "[It] was set up as a space where racism, homophobia, transphobia and sexism are not welcome on stage, in the audience, at the door or at the bar. The Rat has and continues to be a space where everyone feels welcome and part of a family, and able to be oneself and also be experimental. There is no judgment, which is a great thing for artists, and performers who want to push boundaries or simply try new things." Anyone wanting to become part of the Save the Rat campaign can make a contribution or offer their services as a volunteer. They're also invited to the venue's fifth birthday celebrations, which will take the form of a fundraiser on Friday, May 3. The line-up includes DJs Seymour Butz and Adonis, Mojo Juju, Wife, Venus Vamp, and "loads of cake".
Hold onto your paper plates Sydney, because Carriageworks has just announced another Night Market, this time to coincide with Vivid Sydney. The after-dark market launched a year ago as part of last year's festival program before returning for another two iterations later in the year. However, the outdoor nosh session appeared to get too popular for its own good — January's Chinese New Year Market was met with angry punters demanding refunds for their entry fee after they met long lines and a lack of food inside. This latest instalment of The Night Market — to be held on Friday, June 16 — will still have a $10 ticket price, but, this time around, there will be some changed. Organisers have reportedly taken on feedback form last time, and will be doubling both the space and the food available. "We have taken great care to ensure this exciting instalment of The Night Market addresses visitors' feedback from previous markets," said Carriageworks director Lisa Havilah. "Following extensive expert consultation, we are doubling the footprint of the area that the Market takes place over and doubling the number of restaurants and food offered on the night. There will be additional seating and increased security in place to facilitate service and ensure that everyone has a fantastic experience." The event will see a slew of stallholders take over Carriageworks from 5pm on the penultimate evening of Vivid. You can expect to once again sample goods from NSW's top tier of restaurants, winemakers, breweries and providores, as curated by Firedoor's Lennox Hastie who is working with the theme 'cooking with fire'. Billy Kwong, Young Henrys, Cake Wines 4Fourteen, No.1 Bent Street and Pepe Saya will be returning, and will be joined by the likes of Three Blue Ducks, Cairo Takeaway, Rising Sun Workshop, Lankan Filling Station and Hartsyard. Darren Robertson's yet-to-open North Bondi venue Rocker will be doing the drinks too. The Vivid instalment of The Night Market will take place from 5pm on Friday, June 16 at Carriageworks. To buy a ticket, visit carriageworks.com.au. Image: Tim da Rin.
People around the world are currently tuning in to watch the live stream of the Curiosity Rover landing on Mars today at 3.31pm (AEST). The aim for the landing on Mars is to analyse a range of samples drilled from rocks on the planet. This will determine whether there has been or ever will be microbial life on Mars. On the Curiosity Rover's Arm is a mounted Mars Hand Lens Imager which will be taking extreme close-up pictures of the rocks, soil and possibly ice, showing details smaller than the width of a human hair. The Imager can also focus on inconspicuous objects that are up to an arm's length away. Broadcasting live with Ustream [via Gizmodo]
Sydney is full of strange lace. Wrought-iron lacework drips from balconies and gates around the city, reminding us of foreign design fashions long past. The Powerhouse has always had an interest in lace too, but as part of Sydney Design they're bringing their interest to the fore. Love Lace is an exhibition drawn together around the theme, made up of finalists and winners of the Powerhouse Museum International Lace Award. From a laser-cut cardboard web, to a scarred lorry, to the more traditional cloth work, the award takes a broad view of what can be considered lacy; the Museum is even about to wrap its brick courtyard in a canopy of lace pillars, as part of its new renovation program. Alongside the show, the Museum is hosting professional masterclasses and a symposium. And if the exhibition itself doesn't satisfy your appetite for intricate looped needlework, lace from the age of Shakespeare on up is at their Lace Study Centre, where you can check out the older brethren of this year's competition winners, or even have a go at making some yourself. Image by boccalatte.
With every innovative project, we're discovering more about crowdfunding's potential to change the world. Large-scale malaria prevention, ultra-accessible tech and ethically manufactured clothing have all inspired generous donations from the pockets of the people. Rather than waiting for cashed-up corporate giants to give us what we want when it comes to socially conscious products and services, we've been taking matters into our own hands. Now, not-for-profit organisation Immunity Project has turned to Crowdhoster for help in the development of a HIV/AIDS vaccine. Partnered with the Until There's a Cure Foundation and supported by Y Combinator, the venture has some heavyweight backing in its favour. Here's how the vaccine works: A team of Stanford, Harvard and MIT scientists has been studying 'controllers' — the 1 out of every 300 people who can catch HIV yet never develop full-blown AIDS. The virus stays in their system in an inactive state. To cut a long (and complex) story short, controllers are the way they are because the 'rifles' in their immune systems are able to accurately attack HIV's biological markers, rendering the virus dormant. Non-controllers have the 'rifles' but their targeting skills are amiss. Through advanced machine learning, the scientists have managed to reverse engineer the controller's biological processes. Over the past few years, a vaccine prototype has been developed and successfully tested in laboratories. The next step is to prove that it can immunise human blood. Enter crowdfunding. Once that's taken care of, Phase I clinical trials will begin with the FDA. First dosing is scheduled to happen in Africa in June 2015. And the even more excellent part? The vaccine will be distributed for free. In fact, the Immunity Project team is committed to saving lives in sub-Saharan Africa, where access to retroviral drugs just isn't financially viable. More than 35 million individuals worldwide live with HIV. Every single day, another 7,000 are infected and more than 4,000 die. Since 1983, almost 30 million people have been killed by AIDS. https://youtube.com/watch?v=V231hDemqeo Via PSFK.
A day of sun, surf and sand shouldn't break the bank, and holidaying in Vietnam is the best way to ensure that remains the case. Three of the Asian country's beaches have topped Travelbird's annual Beach Price Index, which ranks 310 beaches from over 70 nations based on their affordability. Cua Dai Beach in Hoi An was dubbed the least expensive place to take a dip, with hitting the waves costing US$13.18. City Beach in Nha Trang (US$13.90) and Long Beach in Phu Quoc (US$14.42) took out the next two spots, with beaches in Egypt (Marsa Nayzak, Sunken City and Sharm El-Naga Bay) and India (Varkala Beach, Benaulim Beach, Palolem Beach and Cavelossim Beach) rounding out the top ten. Croatia and Germany are the only other countries to make the top 20. Travelbird bases their rankings on the cost of five beach essentials: sunscreen (SPF30, 100ml), water (500ml), beer (330ml bottle), ice cream and lunch (for one person, including a meal and a drink). If less than US$15 sounds cheap for all of that, then spending almost US$65 will sound mighty hefty, with Norway's Kristiansand Beach nearing that mark at the other end of the scale. In fact, five Norwegian beaches ranked among the ten most expensive in the world. As for Australian coastal hangouts, the ten included unsurprisingly fall on the steeper side — Blinky Beach on Lorde Howe Island is the cheapest at US$41.03. Queensland's Palm Cove, 75 Mile Beach and Whitehaven Beach, Western Australia's Cottesloe Beach, Mandalay Beach and The Basin, Darwin's Mindil Beach, and both Manly and Bondi in Sydney also make the cut, with Bondi the most expensive at US$44.06. Over in New Zealand, Karekare beach in Auckland (US$38.75) is the most affordable, followed by Piha and Orewa, and then Hahei in Waikato. Via Traveller. Image: Prashant Ram
Some real-life incidents just keep fascinating Hollywood, and the tale of Candy Montgomery is clearly one of them. Back in 1990, TV movie A Killing in a Small Town — directed by Stephen Gyllenhaal, dad to Ambulance's Jake and The Deuce's Maggie — stepped through her story. In 2022, Candy did the same with Jessica Biel playing the titular part. Now, Love & Death is set to do it all over again, this time having WandaVision's Elizabeth Olsen segue from playing a superhero gone dark to getting accused of being an axe murderer. Hailing from HBO — streaming via its online service HBO Max in the US, and on Binge in Australia and Neon in New Zealand — Love & Death turns the grisly details into everyone's likely next true-crime obsession, with the team behind Big Little Lies and The Undoing behind it. If you don't already know the story, it's best to discover all of the ins and outs while watching, but it all starts with two church-going couples in Texas. As the just-dropped full trailer for the seven-part show makes plain, Montgomery isn't thrilled with her suburban life, suggesting an extramarital dalliance. Soon, there's a body and plenty of suspicions going her way. How it all plays out is a matter of history, of course, and chronicled in the book Evidence of Love: A True Story of Passion and Death in the Suburbs. Love & Death takes inspiration from that text, plus a collection of articles from Texas Monthly, with viewers getting to see the show's take on the story from late April. Alongside Olsen, Love & Death stars Jesse Plemons (The Power of the Dog), Lily Rabe (Shrinking), Patrick Fugit (Babylon), Keir Gilchrist (Atypical), Elizabeth Marvel (The Dropout), Tom Pelphrey (She Said) and Krysten Ritter (Jessica Jones). TV veteran David E Kelley both writes and produces, adding another series to his hefty list after the aforementioned Big Little Lies and The Undoing — and Nine Perfect Strangers, Boston Legal, The Practice, Ally McBeal and more — while Lesli Linka Glatter (Homeland) directs the first four and the last episodes. Check out the trailer for Love & Death below: Love & Death will stream via Binge in Australia and Neon in New Zealand from Thursday, April 27. Images: HBO Max.
Been swooning over Ryan Gosling's crooning? Taken a fancy to Emma Stone's fine footsteps? Felt like La La Land's bittersweet, Los Angeles-set antics were shining just for you? Damien Chazelle's big screen musical has been winning over audiences, critics and awards bodies alike, including taking home seven Golden Globes and being tipped to fare quite well at the Oscars — and once it's done with dominating the movie world, it might just be making its way to the stage. Feels fitting, really. So far, the concept is just that; however it's one that Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, the company behind the hit flick, is looking into. Speaking to investors, co-president Erik Feig said that "if we want to do a stage show, we can do a stage show." Lionsgate has certainly been forging ahead with taking its other films to non-cinema realms; a live Step Up stage show is playing in Dubai, while The Hunger Games has spawned a popular touring exhibition, which is currently on display in Sydney. If La La Land does make the leap from the screen to the stage — with live tunes and routines, obviously, but surely without its high-profile movie stars — the musical will be in considerable company. The list of films turned theatre productions just keeps growing, with Amélie, Moulin Rouge!, The Bodyguard, Groundhog Day, Matilda, Singin' in the Rain, Heathers and Carrie all also receiving the singing, dancing theatre treatment in recent years. Via The Hollywood Reporter.
It's a movie no film-lover has forgotten over the past 12 years — and wouldn't even if their memories were erased, we're pretty certain. Soon, however, fans of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind won't just have to give their DVDs a workout to get their mind-bending romance fix. Like so many other big screen hits of late, the Michel Gondry-directed, Charlie Kaufman-written, Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey-starring effort is making its way to television. The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that a TV remake is in the works, from one of the folks who produced the original film. Of course, the project is in its very, very early stages, so little other information is available as yet — although one of the writers of spy series Chuck is reportedly in talks to write the script. He'll have big shoes to fill; the original screenplay won Gondry, Kaufman and their co-scribe Pierre Bismuth an Oscar, a BAFTA and a Writer's Guild of America award, among other gongs. That trio won't be involved in the new series, and we're guessing Winslet, Carrey and co-stars Kirsten Dunst, Elijah Wood and Mark Ruffalo won't either — but the show is being made by the company behind True Detective and Mr. Robot. And if the small screen version of Eternal Sunshine doesn't work out, we can just hope that eradicating bad memories really does become a reality. Basically, it's a good time to be a film fan and a TV viewer, given how frequently television takes on movie classics are being announced. Just last week, we learned that What We Do in the Shadows is getting a NZ TV spinoff. Because everyone loves nostalgia, other flicks either currently getting or slated to receive the TV treatment include (get comfy, it's a long list): The Lost Boys, Varsity Blues, Let the Right One In, Heathers, She's Gotta Have It, The Departed, Snatch, Get Shorty, Jack Ryan, Taken, Underworld, Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events, Lethal Weapon, The Exorcist, Westworld, and even Aussie efforts Wake in Fright and Picnic at Hanging Rock. Via The Hollywood Reporter.
From the summery banks of the Seine to the howling winds of Sydney's waterfront, the eternally stylish artisans behind Hermès are about to hit the Museum of Contemporary Art for an insider's look into their trade. From October 2 – 6, the brand's world-renowned Festival des Métiers exhibition will be visiting Sydney, and it'll be leaving a whirlwind of silk scarves and luxurious leather goods in its glorious wake. For those sceptical of luxury brands or dismissive of sentences that involve too many accented French words, Hermès is the fashion house behind those giant leather bags rich heiresses carry small dogs in. They're also well known for their glorious silk scarves that will set you back a hefty portion of your rent. But this upcoming exhibition is anything but snobby. Featuring a leather craftsperson, saddle maker, silk painter, silk engraver, tie maker, painter, gem setter and watchmaker, Festival des Métiers offers unprecedented personal access to the artisans behind the world-famous fashion brand. The MCA will be decked out in Hermès finest threads (and leathers) and visitors are encouraged to interact with the craftspeople while they create their signature goods. Here you'll see the ornate process involved in making those bags and scarves you lust over, and pick the brains of those who craft some of the world's most adored watches, gloves and jewels. The exhibition has already toured around the US, the UK and Asia to rave reviews. Around a quarter of a million people visited the event at Singapore and its time at Saatchi Gallery in London was an understandably lush affair. Originally launched in 2011 to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the label, Festival des Métiers looks to be much less a gaudy celebration of the brand and much more an inspiring celebration of the craft itself. Sure, the goods are still crazy expensive, but at least after seeing the très chic Parisian hand stitching the leather, you'll have a little more understanding as to where all that money goes. Hermès' Festival des Métiers will be exhibiting at the Museum of Contemporary Art from October 2-6. Admission will be free of charge.
Double Bay's having its fair share of hypeworthy openings of late, with newbies like Chinta Kechil and About Life sparking the curiosity of more western-living Sydneysiders. This December, the eastern suburb will see another top-tier addition to the dining scene with the opening of a brand new venue for acclaimed Japanese hat-winner Saké Restaurant and Bar. The newest project from Urban Purveyor Group (the team behind Ananas Bar and Brasserie, Bavarian Bier Cafe, The Cut Bar and Grill and Swine and Co.), Saké is set to open in December at 33 Cross Street, beneath the InterContinental Hotel. With sushi master and executive chef Shaun Presland commandeering the menu, the Double Bay establishment will serve the contemporary Japanese cuisine Saké is already celebrated for — joining hatted sister venues in The Rocks and Brisbane, alongside its Melbourne counterpart. We're talking 'gramworthy new-style sushi to significantly impress your date. "The launch of Saké Double Bay is a great addition to the Group and a welcomed expansion of the Saké brand as it allows us to take a very successful concept outside of Sydney’s CBD," says John Szangolies, proprietor at Urban Purveyor Group. "The venue will allow Saké customers to call in for cocktails, pull up a seat at the sushi bar or settle in with friends for the evening and savour the full Saké experience." The brand new Japanese eatery features indoor seating for 120 (with outdoor for another 30) along with a brand new bar. Of course, the restaurant's namesake won't be left out of this; with Saké's knowledgable staff serving up an impressive range of sake and shochu pairings with your chosen morsels. While you'll need to bring a padded-out wallet, you won't regret a bite. Saké is opening at 33 Cross Street, Double Bay this December. Why not brush up on your sake knowledge in the meantime? Images from Saké.
Each year for six years now, Australia's annual Wineslinger Awards have named the country's top spots for ace drops, picking where you should be sipping and buying vino. There are two parts to its annual selections, starting with a longlist, then naming four winners. 2023's Top 55 arrived in November, so now it's time for the main gongs — aka the best of the best in Aussie wine venues. Accordingly, Wineslinger isn't about vino itself, or bars in general. As the name makes plain, it's focused on watering holes that specialise in wine. The four prizes cover the best Wineslinger, Best New Haunt, the Maverick prize for places that push the limits and the People's Choice gong. While the first three awards are voted on by around 150 industry experts, the latter stems from vino aficionados at home. [caption id="attachment_884952" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Roberto Pettinau[/caption] Melbourne boasts 2023's Wineslinger recipient, thanks to Marion in Fitzroy. The awards recognised the venue for laying "reasonable claim to capturing the essence of what are, somewhat inelegantly, known as 'barstaurants'," said the Young Gun of Wine team, which runs Wineslinger. "Perhaps this pitching of wine and food in equal measure was not necessarily the intent, but having one of Melbourne's best-loved culinary sons orchestrating the food message was always going to draw crowds. Having said all that, with the shared resource of the flagship Cutler & Co, the wine offer has always been formidable, and deserving of just as much attention." Marion took out the Wineslinger accolade after Sydney's Dear Sainte Éloise scored it in 2022, Melbourne's Embla nabbed it in 2021 and the Carlton Wine Room picked it up in 2020. The Best New Haunt field also went to a Victorian venue, with Collingwood's Commis receiving the nod for a joint that the Young Gun of Wine crew described as "equal parts wine den, cocktail lounge, shared-plate bistro, chic art gallery and chilled neighbourhood hangout". In the Maverick category, Silver Sands Beach Club in Aldinga in South Australia came out on top, earning some love for being "the type of wine clubhouse that will ideally serve the neighbouring McLaren Vale region and the Fleurieu Peninsula beach community, plus a steady stream of wine nerds making the pilgrimage south from Adelaide". As for the People's Choice, Western Australian's The Corner Dairy in Doubleview took the honours. That means that no New South Wales, Queensland, Australian Capital Territory or Northern Territory sites made a showing in the four gongs, but all states and territories do feature on the full Top 55. The Wineslinger Awards were created by Rory Kent, who also founded the Young Gun of Wine Awards. Where the latter prize aims to recognise stellar up-and-comers, the former is all about excellent and innovative places where vino lovers can enjoy an ace drop. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Young Gun of Wine (@younggunofwine) WINESLINGER AWARDS 2023 WINNERS: Wineslinger: Marion, Fitzroy, Victoria Maverick: Silver Sands Beach Club, Aldinga, South Australia Best New Haunt: Commis, Collingwood, Victoria People's Choice: The Corner Dairy, Doubleview, Western Australia WINESLINGER AWARDS 2023 TOP 50: ACT Bar Rochford, Canberra Rizla, Braddon NSW 10 William Street, Paddington Bar Copains, Surry Hills Bar Heather, Byron Bay Bar Superette, Merimbula Beau, Surry Hills Bentley Restaurant & Bar, Sydney Caravin, Potts Point Dear Sainte Eloise, Potts Point Fix Wine, Sydney Le Foote, The Rocks Lil Sis, Chippendale P&V Merchants, Paddington The Sir George Hotel, Jugiong The Wine Library, Woollahra Where's Nick, Marrickville [caption id="attachment_623527" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To.[/caption] NT Stone House, Darwin QLD Agnes, Fortitude Valley Alba Bar + Deli, Brisbane Cru Bar + Cellar, Fortitude Valley Paloma Wine Bar, Burleigh Heads Snack Man, Fortitude Valley The End, West End Zero Fox, Teneriffe SA Alt. Wine Bar, Unley Good Gilbert, Goodwood Hellbound, Adelaide Jennie Wine Bar, Adelaide Loc Bottle Shop, Adelaide Silver Sands Beach Club, Aldinga Stanley Bridge Tavern, Verdun Stem Bar & Restaurant, Adelaide The Salopian Inn, McLaren Vale [caption id="attachment_860199" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Earl Carter[/caption] TAS Havilah, Launceston Lucinda, Hobart Molto Bar and Cellar, Hobart VIC Bar Marenda, Daylesford Carlton Wine Room, Carlton City Wine Shop, Melbourne Commis, Collingwood Geralds Bar, Carlton North Gimlet, Melbourne Marion, Fitzroy Osteria Illaria, Melbourne Public Wine Shop, Fitzroy North Torquay Wine Store, Torquay Union Street Wine, Geelong Winespeake, Daylesford WA Besk, West Leederville Lalla Rookh, Perth Mayfair Lane, West Perth Mummucc', Wembley The Corner Dairy, Perth Wines of While, Perth For more information about the Wineslinger Awards, visit the awards' website. Top image: Marion, Harvard Wang.
Sydney residents will be donning their gardening gloves and taking to the streets in an attempt to vivify the city’s increasingly banal footpaths. The City of Sydney has instigated a new gardening initiative, designed to increase the flora next to our city's streets, and thereby protecting local habitats, improving air quality and filtering storm water run-off. University of Technology urban ecologist, Dr Jane Tarran, revealed that increasing urbanisation and lack of vegetation throughout the city has caused a loss of connection with birds and wildlife and a gradual decline in contact with nature in general. Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP believes that “trees and other planting help absorb carbon pollution and help cool our city” and will thus help counteract the negative effects of urbanisation. The Footpath Gardening Policy has been developed in order to allow the public to establish a garden or nature strip without a development application. Council adopted the recommendation to allocate an impressive $50,000 for seeds and plant boxes to help kickstart this important process for the first six months. As well as having positive effects on the natural ecology, the increase in trees is also expected to be beneficial for human wellbeing as Dr Tarran says “they have a restorative power..., providing recovery from mental fatigue and information overload”.
Add a touch of glamour to your outdoors or music festival experience with a designer tent. Designed by a diverse group of artists, photographers and illustrators, FieldCandy tents feature quirky designs ranging from a wedge of cheese to a drawing of a little old granny. There is a jelly bean tent for the sweet tooth, a galactic-themed tent for the nerd, and many more. Adorable, yes, but these tents aren't just for show--they are all rough-and-tumble ready. Appropriate for those hardcore hikers and campers, and for those of us traveling no farther than our back yard, FieldCandy tents are sure to brighten up your camping experience. Looking for a place to getaway to? Check out Concrete Playground's favourite camping destinations.
Throw those GoPros, bubble bottles and novelty gumboots in your rucksack, Splendour in the Grass is returning to North Byron Parklands for another year of festival merriment. As usual, rumours have run wild in anticipation of the lineup announce, but the details for Splendour 2017 are finally here. And we're happy to report that some of the rumours were true. As announced by triple j this morning, there's no Lorde or Frank Ocean, but LCD bloody Soundsystem will be Splendouring — it will be the reunited band's first return to Australia since they played Big Day Out back in 2011. The lineup also doesn't state that Splendour is their only show, so stay tuned for news of a national tour (hopefully). It also seems that, happily, the predictions for The xx and Queens of the Stone Age were correct too. Joining them is one heck of a lineup that includes HAIM, RL Grime, Banks and Two Door Cinema Club, along with Future Islands and LA hip hip artist Schoolboy Q, who will be doing one-off Australian shows at the festival. Australian artists on the bill include Tash Sultana, King Gizzard, D.D Dumbo, Dune Rats, A.B Original, Big Scary and more. Anyway, we know what you're here for. We'll cut to the chase. SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS 2017 LINEUP The xx Queens of the Stone Age LCD Soundsystem Royal Blood HAIM Sigur Rós ScHoolboy Q (only Aus show) Vance Joy Two Door Cinema Club Peking Duk RL Grime Bonobo Father John Misty Catfish and the Bottlemen Tash Sultana Paul Kelly Stormzy King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard George Ezra Future Islands (only Aus show) Banks Bernard Fanning Dune Rats Cut Copy Ásgeir Allday Meg Mac Rag 'N' Bone Man Thundamentals Lil' Yachty San Cisco Client Liaison Real Estate Dan Sultan Vallis Alps D.D Dumbo Maggie Rogers Tove Lo POND Big Scary The Smith Street Band Oh Wonder A.B. Original Dope Lemon The Kite String Tangle Young Franco Julia Jacklin Kingswood Amy Shark Luca Brasi The Lemon Twigs Vera Blue Slumberjack Bad//Dreems Bag Raiders Topaz Jones Middle Kids Ocean Grove Confidence Man Bishop Briggs Late Nite Tuff Guy Julien Baker Kilter Lany Hockey Dad Kirin J Callinan Airling Cosmo's Midnight Gretta Ray Moonbase The Peep Tempel Tornado Wallace The Murlocs Mallrat Luke Million The Wilson Pickers Romare Jarrow Good Boy Kuren Oneman Winston Surfshirt Set Mo HWLS Harvey Sutherland and Bermuda CC:Disco! Enschway DJHMC Nite Fleit Alice Ivy Willow Beats Willaris. K Mookhi Plus... Swindail Dena Amy Andy Garvey Planète Sam Weston Super Cruel Christopher Port Lewis Cancut Kinder plus triple j Unearthed winners Splendour will return to North Byron Parklands on Friday 21, Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 July. Onsite camping will once again be available from Wednesday, July 19. Tickets go on sale Thursday, April 6 at 9am sharp AEST. More info will soon be available at the official Splendour In The Grass site. Image: Bianca Holderness.
Water repulsion is all the rage at General Electric right now. New hydrophobic, durable coatings that repel liquid could increase energy efficiency across all kinds of machine-based industries. While this is a great advance for technology, a pleasant offshoot is beauty: cue mesmerising slo-mo video of glittering droplets, artfully scattering and dancing in unison. To develop a superhydrophobic coating, GE's chemists looked to nature's own superhydrophobicity and specifically the "lotus effect" — the way raindrops stay intact and roll off lotus leaves without adhering or soaking in, thanks to nanoscopic hairs on the leaf surface. If you could harness this water-repelling power of the lotus, what would you do with it? GE's wind turbines and other machinery adversely affected by ice and moisture build-up will benefit from the coating, and a path ahead is also clear for self-cleaning and anti-fouling materials. Below, watch as the cute, scruffy Slow Mo Guys wear lab coats and utter sweet nothings with their British accents, all while applying macro-lens scrutiny to liquids bouncing off a superhydrophobic coating. This bouncing (or "splooshing" as the guys eloquently put it) creates tumbling, flower-like formations that expand and retract. Marvel as they mess around with food dye, back-lighting and ferrous liquid. It's not unlike the famous Sony Bravia bouncy ball ad, enhanced by an emotional synth soundtrack and the shape-shifting elasticity of water. Via Gizmodo.
With The Lansdowne's live music room set to close down next month to make space for more hostel rooms, any chance to visit the iconic venue should be relished. One of the final gigs scheduled for the hallowed stage is local pop singer-songwriter Thandi Phoenix who will be performing at the Chippendale venue on Saturday, March 26, as part of Great Southern Nights. Phoenix has carved out her name as one of Australia's top dance pop exports through her powerhouse vocals and collaborations with the likes of Rudimental and Sigma. Last year, she blessed us with 'Overdrive', a huge club-ready track produced by Sydney dance legend Paul Mac, accompanied by a video that will have you raring to hit the dance floor. In support are the equally talented Rissa performing her spellbinding blends of pop and neo-soul, and local DJ Nes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dk20ks5NFY Great Southern Nights is facilitating a heap of gigs across Sydney and regional NSW, ranging from icons like Jimmy Barnes in western Sydney or Archie Roach performing in Wagga Wagga, through to smaller acts like hyped young R&B singer Liyah Knight headlining a night of local music and DJs at Zetland's 107 Projects. You can find the full program at the Great Southern Nights website. Top image: Tim Carrafa
Known for its impressive cocktail list, eclectic interiors and nondescript entry, Freda's in Chippendale is a favourite among the suburb's locals and visitors alike. In a new addition to the family, homemade pizzas will be gracing the kitchen every night in the form of Moon Pizza. Drawing inspiration from the famed slices of New York City and Puglia in Italy's south, Moon Pizza puts a modern spin on the traditional favourites, with seasonal combinations rolling out every week. Highlights include the Melenzane (eggplant and ricotta), Not So Napoli (confit garlic, olives, fried capers) and Patate (potato, truffled ricotta, rosemary). Prices start from $10. In more news, the venue has introduced a natural wine list, with a selection of whites, reds, oranges and roses chosen by sommelier Andrew Ainsworth (Paddington's 10 William Street bar). To welcome Moon Pizza to the joint, Freda's is hosting a Moon Launch bash with The Good Boys performing live on August 16, with DJ Salami, Patch Free and Casually Ciara on the decks. Moon Pizza launches on August 16. Find Freda's at 107-109 Regent Street, Chippendale.
After extensive renovations, South Coogee Bowls Club has reopened, introducing a new casual restaurant straightforwardly dubbed Bistro on the Greens. Appropriately titled not only for its location overlooking a bowling green, the design, courtesy of David Veksler's team at Guru Projects (nel., Harry's Bondi, Charlotte's Little Sister), features banana leaf wallpaper, lime coloured cushions and vines cascading from the ceiling. It's kind of like The Greens meets Coogee Pavilion. The space is open and light, flowing seamlessly from indoors to out, making the most of its beachside location. The inspiration, according to Veksler, was "a desire to make the space versatile, flexible and something the community could be proud of." Restaurateurs Filomena and Gary Di Paola (Bankstown's La Piazza) have also refreshed the menu, with pretty old school bistro fare mostly designed for sharing. The usual suspects include caprese salad, a selection of classic pastas, arancini di zucca, well as bistro staples like beef nachos, grilled salmon and parmigiana. But considering its nearness to the ocean, there are also plenty of seafood options, such as chilli mussels, barbecue octopus and garlic prawns. If you're feeling particularly peckish, there's also the Greens Mega Burger with black Angus beef pattie, caramelised onion, pineapple, bacon and Swiss cheese — and it's a bistro, so pair it with sweet potato fries in a mini deep fry basket (you know). And for pizza heads, you'll find an extensive list of options, including the Bistro on the Greens special featuring mozzarella, mushroom, artichokes, sundried tomato, 22 bocconcini, ricotta, wild rocket and prosciutto. Find Bistro on the Greens at South Coogee Bowling Club at the corner of Henning Avenue and Moverly Road, South Coogee. Open Monday 5.30–9pm, Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday 12–2.30pm and 5.30–9pm. Friday and Saturday 12–2.30pm and 5.30–9.30pm.
No one likes to feel stuck. Whether it's training for an upcoming fun run or learning how to craft your own ceramics, developing new skills is how we grow and thrive. But, it can be uncomfortable to challenge ourselves to push harder, think creatively and try something new. That's where our support network comes in. They're the mentors, loved ones and cheerleaders that have our back no matter what comes our way; their reassuring words the keep us going during our 6am training sessions and inspire us to try again after another failed kiln firing. When it comes to growing a business, the same idea applies. You need to seek out guidance and advice from those who've done it all before, and those conversations can spark unexpected ideas. To get you started, we've teamed up with the City of Sydney as part of their Retail Innovation Program to give you five practical strategies passed on from local entrepreneurs to help you take your business to the next level. STEP OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE When Min Cha signed up to the City of Sydney's Retail Innovation Program he came with the hope of revolutionising his successful business, N2 Extreme Gelato. A few weeks into the program, it became clear to Cha that he needed to shift his focus into a new venture altogether. "I felt that Foodcostr will make a bigger, more positive impact than N2," he says. "I came to realise that I can use Foodcostr to help other hospitality businesses to improve their bottom line ... I think that would have a bigger impact." Foodcostr is an app that streamlines the food management processes for hospitality businesses, leveraging machine learning to predict what ingredients and quantities need to be ordered. His decision to shift gears was one that took a lot of guts to make. "I can talk about gelato till you fall asleep, but when it comes to new technologies like AI and machine learning it's all still new to me. I got very motivated about learning this new language and that ignited a passion that I used to have for gelato." UNCOVER YOUR (AND YOUR TEAM'S) WORKING STYLE Everyone has different ways of getting a job done. Some crave the freedom to make decisions alone, while others want the support of a group to bounce ideas around. And working as a team means juggling everyone's individual working styles. For Min Cha, growing a business like Foodcostr is all about learning to manage and harness his team's strengths and weaknesses. To keep everyone engaged, Cha has learned the importance of uncovering the working styles of his staff and himself. "I think the biggest learning is about myself: knowing what motivates me and how I work. And I think knowing that helps me be better with other people as well. Knowing what motivates other people makes me a better manager so I can get the best out of my team," says Cha. INVEST IN PROMISING TALENT Whether you're selling apparel or slinging coffees, people are the backbone of every great business. They're the friendly face behind the bar, the helpful pair of hands guiding you to the perfect gift and the reason you'll come back to that exact store again and again. But, as any small business owner will say it's not just about hiring and hoping for the best. Once you've found the right candidate, the challenge shifts to finding innovative ways to use their skills to help grow your business. Kate Fellowes, the owner of Glebe's Saint John Espresso, believes that fostering talent within her team ensures better experiences for every customer. "I'm constantly asking my team how we can be faster and better, and stand out from the crowd," says Fellowes. It's about thinking creatively and inviting your team to think outside the box. "My kitchen is tiny, but I've managed to attract chefs and bakers who want to challenge themselves with what they can do within a small space." [caption id="attachment_735021" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent van der Jagt[/caption] LEARN TO LET GO AND DELEGATE When you're in the thick of opening a new business, being a jack-of-all-trades is an essential part of the job. To keep costs down, it can be faster and more efficient to do everything yourself. However, with oversight of every part of the business comes the temptation to get things done at all hours of the day. Plus, as your operation grows and sales increase, it won't be long before you start to struggle with the increasing demands alone. Learning to hand over responsibility to her team proved a big step for Saint John Espresso's Kate Fellowes. "If you spend every waking minute in your business you can grow it, but only to a point. I'm finally at the point where I'm not the one waking up at 5am to do the baking. My family life really suffered, so I pushed myself to ensure I hired the right people who I could trust with my business. Getting time away from the business is where your next level of growth comes from." FIND A SUPPORTIVE NETWORK TO SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH Getting a new business off the ground takes grit, persistence and a whole lotta time. There are the endless seven-day weeks, late nights and early starts spent making more decisions than you thought possible. And for many, it can become an all-consuming experience that those around you may struggle to understand. For Michelle Matthewman, director of ethical Australian beauty brand CAIM & ABLE, building her business has been a rewarding and gruelling endeavour. As a solo businesswoman and single mother living in Sydney, Matthewman is no stranger to tackling a challenge, and her business delivers an impressive offering with 25 percent of profits from her locally made products going to crisis shelters supporting women and children escaping domestic violence. The secret to her success has been uniting with other entrepreneurs who know the struggles of running a business first-hand. "Developing a network of other entrepreneurs in the city, a team of other people just like you is essential," explains Matthewman. "They get why you are working 80-hour weeks and why you are still so passionate about your business." Learn more about the City of Sydney Retail Innovation Program here. Top image: Trent van der Jagt.
It made stars out of Adam Brody, Rachel Bilson, Mischa Barton and Ben McKenzie. It made everyone want to visit Orange County. And, in perhaps its longest-lasting effect, it also ensured that everyone would always sing the word 'California' in their heads in exactly the same way as the show's earworm of a theme tune (as you are right now after simply reading this sentence). We're talking about The OC, of course, which sits alongside Beverly Hills, 90210, Dawson's Creek and Gossip Girl as a teen TV drama all-timer. The 2003–7 show might've only run for four seasons, but its culture clash-driven setup — sparked by the adoption of a troubled teen by a wealthy family — and heightened adolescent antics had a hefty impact. If you've ever celebrated Chrismukkah, you know what we're talking about.
Montaigne has graced stages worldwide. They've represented Australia at Eurovision. They've won ARIAs, too. Now, they're the subject of an Archibald Prize-winning painting, with the singer-songwriter depicted in a piece called Head in the sky, feet on the ground — an artwork that just nabbed Sydney-based artist Julia Gutman Australia's most prestigious portrait prize in 2023. Gutman's win at the age of 29, scoring the $100,000 award, makes her one of the prize's youngest-ever winners in its 102-year history. And, she's also the 11th woman to win the acclaimed accolade — doing so for her first-ever Archibald Prize entry. [caption id="attachment_899546" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Winner Archibald Prize 2023, Julia Gutman 'Head in the sky, feet on the ground', oil, found textiles and embroidery on canvas, 198 x 213.6 cm © the artist, image © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Jenni Carter. Sitter: Montaigne.[/caption] "I'm so elated and overwhelmed to have won. Shocked, dumbfounded, but very happy. It's honestly completely surreal. I'm so grateful to be working at a time when young female voices are heard', said Gutman about her win, which was announced at the Art Gallery of New South Wales on Friday, May 5. "So much of my practice is devoted to revisiting, critiquing and contending with the histories housed in institutions. It's so affirming for that conversation to be recognised in such a public way." "Montaigne and I have been friends for a few years and there is a lot of alignment in our practices; we are both interested in creating our own forms and approaches rather than strictly adhering to any one tradition. Montaigne's work defies genres, while their mercurial soprano has become an indelible part of the fabric of Australian music," Gutman continued. [caption id="attachment_899549" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visitors in the 'Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2023' exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, featuring Archibald Prize 2023 finalists (left to right) Marie Mansfield, Yvette Coppersmith, Kim Leutwyler, Matt Adnate and Angela Brennan, photo © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Jenni Carter.[/caption] Her subject was just as stoked, unsurprisingly. "It's such an insane honour to be the Archibald Prize-winning sitter. I sure didn't see it coming, not because I don't believe in Julia's incredible talent and warm heart, but because you just never think this stuff is going to happen to you," said Montaigne. Head in the sky, feet on the ground emerged victorious from a pool of 949 entries and 57 finalists, and in a year that broke a pivotal record: for the first time, more women than men made the final list of contenders for the award. Other portraits up for the gong included plenty similarly showing famous faces, such as Claudia Karvan, Sam Neill, Archie Roach, Noni Hazlehurst and Daniel Johns. [caption id="attachment_899552" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Winner Wynne Prize 2023, Zaachariaha Fielding 'Inma', acrylic on linen, 306.2 x 198.5 cm © the artist, image © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Jenni Carter.[/caption] AGNSW pairs the Archibald Prize with two other awards: the similarly coveted Wynne and Sulman prizes. The Wynne received 726 entries, with 41 named as finalists, while the Sulman received 673 entries, naming 45 as final contenders. 2023's $50,000 Wynne Prize, which recognises the best landscape painting of Australian scenery, or figure sculpture, has been awarded to interdisciplinary artist and first-time finalist Zaachariaha Fielding. His winning work Inma depicts the sounds of Mimili, his community, which is part of the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in South Australia. The $40,000 Sir John Sulman Prize is presented to the best mural, subject or genre painting, with Doris Bush Nungarrayi doing the honours in 2023. The Luritja artist was a first-time finalist in both 2023's Sulman and Wynne Prizes, and is now the second Aboriginal artist to win the Sulman. In Mamunya ngalyananyi (Monster coming), she focuses on several Mamus — aka the ominous and malevolent spirits that terrify the Aṉangu people. [caption id="attachment_899553" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Winner Sulman Prize 2023, Doris Bush Nungarrayi 'Mamunya ngalyananyi (Monster coming)', acrylic on linen, 198 x 273.5 cm © the artist, image © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Jenni Carter.[/caption] If you'd like to see all of the above, plus the rest of 2023's finalists, they'll all be on display at the Art Gallery of NSW in Sydney from Saturday, May 6–Sunday, September 3. After that, they'll tour to select venues in NSW and Victoria. Gutman's Archibald Prize win follows Blak Douglas' portrait of artist Karla Dickens in the Lismore floods in 2022, Peter Wegner's portrait of fellow artist Guy Warren in 2021 and Vincent Namatjira's portrait of Adam Goodes in 2020, as well as Tony Costa's 2019 victory with his painting of fellow artist Lindy Lee and five-time Archibald finalist Yvette Coppersmith's first win in 2018. And, Head in the sky, feet on the ground is still in the running for another award, as are all of this year's Archibald Prize finalists. If you don't agree with the judges, you can cast your own vote for People's Choice, which will be announced on Wednesday, August 9. [caption id="attachment_899550" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Installation view of the 'Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2023' exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, featuring Archibald Prize 2023 finalists (left to right) Charles Mouyat, Oliver Shepherd, Paul Newton and David Fenoglio, photo © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Jenni Carter.[/caption] ARCHIBALD PRIZE 2023 DATES: Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney, NSW — May 6–September 3, 2023 Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, Victoria — September 15–November 5, 2023 South East Centre for Contemporary Art, Bega, NSW — November 18, 2023—January 7, 2024 Goulburn Regional Art Gallery, NSW — January 19–March 10, 2024 Hawkesbury Regional Gallery, NSW — March 15–April 28, 2024 Tamworth Regional Gallery, NSW — May 11–June 23, 2024 Glasshouse Port Macquarie, NSW — July 5–August 18, 2024 If you can't make it to any of the above dates, you can check out the award winners and finalists of the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman prizes on the Art Gallery of NSW website. Top image: Excerpt of winner Archibald Prize 2023, Julia Gutman 'Head in the sky, feet on the ground', oil, found textiles and embroidery on canvas, 198 x 213.6 cm © the artist, image © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Jenni Carter. Sitter: Montaigne.
Cinderella, Mary Poppins and Beauty and the Beast have all taken to Australia's stages in recent years, bringing beloved narratives that everyone associates with Disney movies from the cinema to the theatre. For the next show that falls into that category, no one needs to grow up. The inhabitants of Neverland, where Peter and the Starcatcher is set, certainly aren't known to. A five-time Tony Award-winner for its 2012 Broadway season, the production earned theatre's coveted accolades for its costumes, sound design, scenic design and lighting, and for Best Featured Actor in a Play — but the version that's hitting Sydney comes with a twist. For Peter and the Starcatcher's long-awaited debut Aussie season, which is touring the country Dead Puppet Society (The Wider Earth, Ishmael) is reimagining the stage favourite, which is a prequel to JM Barrie's Peter and Wendy. Accordingly, from Friday, January 31, 2025 at the Capitol Theatre, expect puppets helping to spin a tale that features more than 100 characters, as well as live tunes. Originally based on Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson's novel Peter and the Starcatchers, then adapted for the stage by Rick Elice (Jersey Boys), the play heads to Neverland before Peter Pan visited — before Captain Hook inspired terror, too. So, it's an origin story, complete with an island, a moustachioed pirate, an orphan without a name and Wendy's mother Molly.
Have you ever wanted a way to scientifically quantify which people in your life are literally the worst? You're in luck. A pair of Boston developers has just launched an app that allows users to catalogue their physical and emotional responses during interactions with other human beings. Called pplkpr (because vowels are also the worst), the free iOs app can be synced with third party Bluetooth-enabled heart monitors; like the ones already designed to track your heart rate during a workout. The app then prompts you to record which people from your Facebook friends list you're hanging out with, in order to determine how each of them makes you feel. The app can recognise a whole range of emotional reactions, including fear, boredom, excitement and of course, arousal. You can message people to let them know how they make you feel (if you're feeling confident), rank them based on which emotions they elicit, and ultimately determine which of your social contacts you might be better off without. The longer you use the app, the better it gets at reading your feelings, which definitely isn't creepy at all. Jokes about a grim, Terminator-esque dystopia aside, we suppose we can see the benefits of an application like this, especially if you're trying to cut down on the amount of stress in your life. Using software to 'auto-manage your relationships' may seem a little cold, but then again, is it really that much worse than Tinder? Pplkpr is available to download via the iTunes store. It's not currently available on Android, because as everybody knows, Android users are stressed out by every last one of their iPleb friends. Via Mashable.
Sometimes, vacations are the result of weeks, months and years of planning. At other times, they simply come about because an airline has cheap flights on offer. Both are perfectly acceptable ways to lock in a getaway, and you've likely had trips happen thanks to each — however, if you're ready to book your next getaway now based on Jetstar's latest specials, the airline is doing a big 48-hour sale with cheap fares to Hawaii, Thailand, Japan, Vietnam and New Zealand, among other destinations. Actually, the Australian carrier is doing discounted flights across Australia as well as to international spots — but venturing to other countries is on everyone's must-do list again after the past couple of years. Wherever you'd like to head, the key part of this sale is coming home without paying for the flight. Yes, Jetstar's 'return for free' sale is back again. Running from 12am AEDT on Thursday, October 27–11.59pm AEDT on Friday, October 28, or until sold out, it really is as straightforward as it sounds. Whatever flights you opt for as part of the sale, you'll get the return fare for nothing. On the list: fares from Sydney to Honolulu from $479 return, from Melbourne to Ho Chi Minh City from $339 return, from Cairns to Osaka from $444 return and from the Gold Coast to Queenstown from $270 return. Locally, options include Sydney to the Gold Coast for $88 return and Melbourne to Adelaide from $104 — among other routes, with Darwin and Perth legs also on the list. Tickets in the sale are for trips across a variety of dates depending on the destination. Fancy heading to the newly reopened Japan before summer hits? Skipping Australia's next winter by jetting over to Hawaii? They're among your choices. There are a few rules, as is always the case. You have to the same departure and arrival ports for the two fares — so you can go from Melbourne to Honolulu and back, for instance, but can't return via another place or to another city. And, the sale fares don't include checked baggage, so you'll need to travel super light or pay extra to take a suitcase. Also, if you're a Club Jetstar member, you'll get the jump on the sale — with access from 12pm AEDT on Wednesday, October 26 until midnight. Jetstar's 'return for free' sale runs from 12am AEDT on Thursday, October 27–11.59pm AEDT on Friday, October 28 — or until sold out. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Think that coffee and sleep don't really go hand-in-hand? Think again. While we're all accustomed to gulping down the former when we haven't had enough of the latter, a new Tokyo popup is combining the two for anyone eager for a restful slumber with their hot cuppa. Inspired by World Sleep Day on March 17, and taking over the Nescafe Harajuku until March 26, the bed-filled cafe doesn't just offer customers any old mattress. No, not at all. Those keen for a kip will bunker down on electronic reclining beds that sell for as much as $9,000. Each sleeping area also features adjustable lighting, and comes with a Sony Walkman filled with relaxing tunes. https://www.instagram.com/p/BRx7hGehdB4/?taken-by=_3.sta It'll be the fanciest snooze you've ever had; however anyone thinking about grabbing a fresh brew and some shut-eye will have to adhere to a few rules. Nap time comes in two-hour blocks, and is only available to folks who purchase a food item from the menu. Once you've ordered something to eat, you'll receive a cup of decaf to help you drift off and then a regular caffeinated coffee when you wake up. Of all of the quirky cafe trends Japan can't get enough of — cats, maids, owls, goats, mayonnaise, hedgehogs, Super Mario Bros, Pikachu, the list goes on — this is one worth dreaming about. Via Eater.
You made the decision to down that 3am cheapass cleanskin. You ordered the new-friend-securing tequila round. You woke up in your own drool with a stamp on your forehead and a headache bigger than the margarita jug you chugged to yourself. Nothing will make this seventh circle of Hades better on a Sunday morning, no amount of cold bathroom tiles or Too Late water-sculling. The only thing that can help you... is something made for the US Special Forces. You're in luck. Cue DripDrop, an allegedly 'elite hydration solution' that uses sweet, sweet science to obliterate your poor life choices and completely revitalise you after a big night. A cure for dehydration made for use by hospitals (particularly in developing countries), paediatricians and you know, US Special Forces, DripDrop is one of the most extreme dehydration cures out there. Cranking out three times the amount of electrolytes, sugar, sodium and potassium you'll find in your measly Powerade-fries-cheese-on-everything combo and apparently clinically shown to hydrate 34% better than water, DripDrop supposedly makes you feel better quicker than you slammed that Centurion the night before. "Built on decades of proven science, DripDrop is the first hydration solution to combine medical standards with great taste," claims the website. "DripDrop provides a simple, cost-effective solution that empowers everyone to treat mild to moderate dehydration with a safe, medical grade solution." Just dissolve two packets into a glass of H2O with your trembling, trembling hands and throw that sucker back. Apparently it works. For you know, task forces. Why not your sorry ass? DripDrop don't just cure hangovers for one-too-many noobs like us though. They've made some kickass progress in water-lacking developing countries, made a huge number of athletes and soldiers feel better on the run, as well as helping people suffering from inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. So you're not the only one feeling better thanks to these legends. DripDrop is yet to make its way to Australian pharmacy shelves but you can buy it online here. Or you know, put down the JD. Via SuperCompressor. Image: DripDrop.
If there was ever a film that made you wish you could step right into its frames, it's Wet Hot American Summer. The cult hit from 2001 took a satirical look at the American coming-of-age ritual that is heading off to summer camp, complete with Paul Rudd, Amy Poehler, Bradley Cooper, Elizabeth Banks, Molly Shannon and Michael Showalter along for the fun. And, while it wasn't the biggest money earner, its enduring popularity caused Netflix to fund both a prequel and a sequel series. Now, the eager folks at Devastator Press! want to help make all of our dreams a reality. No, they're not hosting a real-life summer camp, sorry (but Brisbane's Death Valley Fun Camp is doing a pretty good job, though, and Camp Kidinyou did the same thing in Melbourne late in 2016). Instead, they're turning WHAS into a role-playing game that'll ensure film and TV fans can play along as a camper, counselor or staffer at Camp Firewood — while wearing cutoffs and drinking beer, obviously. Even if tabletop role-playing games aren't normally your thing, we're betting you'd try out Wet Hot American Summer: Fantasy Camp; it's designed for newcomers to the genre, with "more emphasis on storytelling and party game craziness". At the time of writing, the game's makers have taken to Kickstarter to crowdfund their efforts. After just four days, the campaign has made US$10,802 of its US$12,500 goal, so it's pretty likely that it'll happen. Yes, basically one of the film's biggest fans is turning his favourite flick into a game, but it has the official tick of approval, and we all get to reap the benefits. Until you can get your own copy — they're expected to begin shipping in August — spend your time thinking about playing as a can of mixed vegetables. And as for that sequel series we mentioned earlier, Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later is due to drop on Netflix later this year.
In an attempt to bring back to our vocabulary some long-forgotten words, a blog called The Dead Words is using thematically appropriate typography to breathe new life into them. Curator of the project, Karen To, is attempting animate lost words which have slipped from our tongues, bringing them back into everyday language. Senticous, for example, means ‘prickly or thorny’ and is thus captured in green vine-like letters interlinked with one another. Sagittifero (suh-jit-uh-fer-oh) adj.1656 -1858; bearing arrows Celeberrimous (sel-uh-ber-ee-imuhs) adj.1768 -1768; very or most highly celebrated Bonifate(boh-nee-feyt) adj.1656 -1656; lucky; fortunate [Via Flavorwire]
These days, scrolling through miles of other people's holiday snaps is as much a part of planning that overseas jaunt as actually booking the flights. And the team at Lonely Planet have just made the whole research thing way easier thanks to their newly launched travel app, Trips. The interactive mobile platform lets users both publish their own content and perv on everyone else's, providing a simple way to discover and share travel experiences, all in the one spot. Similar to Instagram, Trips lets you upload content directly from your phone's photo library, and even bundle pics and videos together to craft stories — bringing to life your Machu Picchu adventures or that pub crawl you took through San Francisco. Creating a profile on the app allows you to follow other users, like their content and save your favourite stories, so you can keep returning to load up on inspo for your next adventure. Users can search by location or theme to discover others' trips or explore top recommendations, as curated by Lonely Planet's own team of writers and editors. Venturing into the world of apps seems a logical step for the digitally savvy travel media company, which launched a travel website long before it was cool. "We understand what the modern traveler wants and have delivered an interactive digital platform that offers an effortless, mobile-first way to document, share and discover remarkable experiences," explained Lonely Planet CEO, Daniel Houghton. Trips is currently available for free on iOS and is set to launch on Android later this year.
Tiny city living spaces can be frustrating at times, making entertaining or merely dining at home a challenge for urban dwellers. But Orla Reynolds' design, As If From Nowhere, may solve this problem. Reynolds has created a bookcase that stores tables and chairs. The bookcases are adjustable to fit in any area, and house four chairs and two tables (which can be placed together to make one larger table) that slide into them. This means that nothing has to be moved from the shelves when you want to use them. With a multi-functional approach to her product design, which delivers a sense of quirky playfulness, As If From Nowhere gives you both storage space and a dining set that can be easily assembled for unexpected guests.
If you like your sleep, chances are you missed catching Saturday morning's eclipse, when a red hued moon and the planet Mars put on a rare show at 5.30am. Well, luckily, that wasn't the last of the celestial treats in store this week — last night saw Mars really making its presence known, as it hung out closer to Earth than it's been in 15 years. According to NASA, the red planet only travels close enough to ours for these spectacular views once or twice every 15 or 17 years. Back in 2003, it made its closest approach in almost 60,000 years, and after this week's events, it isn't expected to make its next 'close approach' until October 6, 2020. https://www.facebook.com/nasasolarsystem/photos/a.164320877917.120400.79209882917/10155603764502918/?type=3&theater If you've been skygazing over the past few days, you would have seen Mars appear brightest from July 27 to 30, as it reached the point in its orbit that puts it closest to Earth. It was on show for most of last night, sitting just 57.6 million kilometres away from us — a relative sliver compared to the 401 million kilometre distance it reaches at its farthest. You'll be able to glimpse the planet for a few more nights, though it's set to get fainter by mid-August as it continues on its orbit. To catch the Red Planet, look east. "Mars will be rising as the sun sets, and rising high and high in the eastern sky during the evening," University of Sydney astronomer Tim Bedding told The Age. "Later in the evening it will be more prominent, passing overhead at midnight." If you find yourself stuck with anther cloudy night, NASA has kindly uploaded a four-hour video of the planet's approach from the Griffith Observatory in LA. Image: NASA
Ever worried about what your fashion habit is doing to the people who make your clothing, especially the women comprising 75 percent of the fashion workforce? Well Made Clothes, an Aussie online marketplace dedicated to ethical garments, is hosting an evening dedicated to this issue, and related problems. And, to celebrate, the company has created a gender equal tote bag. The bag, which features a gender equal image, was designed by Sydney-based artist Caroline Walls. She sent her plans to Freeset, which turned it into a real life product using organic cotton and fair-trade production. Freeset is a business based in Kolkata, India, that provides employment opportunities for women saved from sex slavery. The bag is now available online and you can buy it safe in the knowledge that all profits go straight to Freeset. I believe in gender equality and so does @wellmadeclothes_ . They've been working on a project that supports just that and as part of this project I designed a gender equal tote bag which has been made by @freesetglobal, a certified organic and fair trade company which employs women saved from Kolkata's sex slavery industry. Profits for the sale of these tote bags will be be donated to Freeset to help with the creation of a building at the entrance to the red-light distract which will provide services to women trapped in the sex slave industry. You can buy these bags through @wellmadeclothes_ website.. get behind this amazing cause #genderequality A photo posted by Caroline Walls (@carolinewallsart) on Feb 6, 2017 at 10:07pm PST Plus, if you happen to be in Victoria during Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival 2017, you can get along to Well Made Clothes' event, which is titled Good Evening: How Fashion Can Empower Women. To happen at Sunmoth, Melbourne, on Thursday, March 2, it'll involve cocktails by 42Below, canapés and a panel discussion featuring fashion journo Clare Press, Ethical Clothing Australia's Sigrid McCarthy, Kuwaii's Kristy Barber and Freeset's Jeff Ward. Just some of the issues up for debate are fair working conditions, media representations of women, designing for all bodies and ethical production. Tickets, available online, include entry and a complimentary tote bag. Book before February 12 to score earlybird prices.
When it comes to tipping buskers, 'no cash' will no longer be a problem, thanks to a new tap-and-go payment system being trialled by performers across the city. As reported by the Age, the pilot scheme, which is being headed up by online payment company Alipay, will see 20 City of Melbourne-licensed buskers issued with portable payment devices. They'll each get to set a certain small donation amount — of $2 or more — which passersby can then pay with a simple tap of their card. Customers will be able to tip extra with a few more taps of their plastic, and the system can also be used to buy merchandise. Buskers will only be hit with a small one-percent per-transaction free for using the system. No more digging in your pockets for coins, or feeling sheepish when you come up empty handed. Visitors from China, where Alipay originated, will also be able to pay via their smartphones, with the use of QR technology. The trial is expected to run for the next four to six weeks and could be rolled out across other cities if successful. Via theage.com.au
Australia's undying affection for Bill Murray has been shown through film tributes the country over — at Sydney's Golden Age Cinema, Brisbane's Catchment Brewing Co. and, most recently, Melbourne's Howler — but now the man himself is set to visit the country. It was announced this morning that the actor, comedian and all-round good guy will tour the country in November this year. But he won't be emulating Peter Venkman or Carl Spackler or even Steve Zissou — he'll be performing classical spoken and musical works alongside distinguished German–American cellist Jan Vogler. The show's called New Worlds, which comes from an album of the same name the pair released last year. In it, Murray takes a different turn to how you my have seen him on-screen — he performs vocals to classic American music, and excerpts from American greats like Mark Twain, Walt Whitman and Ernest Hemingway. This will be accompanied by classical scores (think Bach, Schubert and Ravel) by Vogel and his ensemble. The show has so far toured the US and will head to Europe for a few shows in June before making its way to our shores at the end of the year. Here's where it will be heading. NEW WORLDS 2018 TOUR Wednesday, November 7 — Riverside Theatre, Perth Friday, November 9 and Saturday, November 10— Sydney Opera House, Sydney Friday, November 16 — QPAC, Brisbane Saturday, November 17 — Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Melbourne New World will tour Australia from November 7–17, 2018. $99.90 and go on pre-sale at 9am on Wednesday, February 14, then the general public at 9am on Monday, February 19. Find more info here. Image: Peter Rigaud.
This past year has been one of the toughest for big music festivals. With the cancellation of Future Music, Soundwave and Stereosonic, it seemed like big festivals couldn't catch a break. So it comes as somewhat of a surprise that The Falls Music & Arts Festival this morning announced they're expanding their much-loved New Year's Eve musical romp, adding Fremantle to the Australian festival's touring schedule this summer. Here's the second surprise though: this new Western Australian incarnation of Falls (named Falls Downtown) isn't going to be held in the standard east coast format. Firstly, it won't be held over New Year's. And while Falls has always famously run the festival simultaneously in the three cities — Lorne, Marion Bay and Byron — the two-day Freo fest is slated to take place over the weekend of January 7-8. The second point of difference (as you may have noticed) is the location. It's in the city. Instead of setting up in a rural festival site, Falls Downtown will take over streets and "forgotten" buildings a short walk from the Fremantle beachfront. That means this won't be a camping situation (sorry, folks), but makes it more akin to inner-city festivals Laneway and Sugar Mountain. While the lineup for this year's Falls is still under wraps, they've got us pretty pumped about the location alone. The main stage will be set up in Freo's town square, while an old-world ballroom and a stone-walled church will house the smaller ones. They'll also be taking over the abandoned Myer building, turning it into a creepy crib for art installations, "unexpected performance areas", markets and "bunkered basement danceterias". There'll even be a small number of glamping tents on the roof. It sounds similar to some of Melbourne Music Week's activations of abandoned spaces, and it sounds insane. It's another win for Falls, who sell out their Lorne event basically every year. Since its inception in Lorne back in 1993, the festival has grown to span three cities, which include the original site on the Great Ocean Road, Marion Bay in Tassie and, since 2013, Byron Bay. There's no word on how much tickets will cost, when they go on sale or who'll be playing at the festival — yet. We're expecting that to come in the next month or two. Falls Downtown is happening in Fremantle on January 7 and 8. To keep updated lineup and ticket announcements, check their Facebook page.
