The Ezra team is back with an exciting new opening just one door down on Kellett Street. Raja will swing its doors open on Tuesday, July 18 with a menu of flavour-packed eats that go above and beyond what many Sydneysiders have come to expect when visiting an Indian restaurant. Former Firedoor chef Ahana Dutt leads the kitchen, bringing over the acclaimed steakhouse's passion for produce-driven cooking. Raja works closely with a serious list of dynamite local producers including The Gourmet Goat Lady, Newcastle Greens, Martins Seafood, Crooked Veg and CopperTree Farms in creating a menu that compliments the best seasonal ingredients. "I've realised that the way I cook now is very much influenced by Firedoor," says Dutt. "I think at its core it's a restaurant that celebrates produce, and the fire just brings out the best of the best produce, if that makes sense." Dutt has teamed up with Ezra and Raja co-owners Nick and Kirk Mathews-Bowden to conceptualise this celebration of some of the tastiest dishes you've probably never tried. There's galho, a northeast Indian rice soup that shares more similarities to Chinese cooking than your typical Indian affair; albacore 'toast' featuring pathrado, a bread generally found on the Konkani coast that Dutt perfected while working in Mumbai for three years; and goat riblets, which are perfectly paired with the Raja Cutter cocktail. "I'm Indian and I feel a lot of pride in being about to showcase that food," continues Dutt. "I think there is a lot of food that goes underrepresented — not just here, but even in India, because it is such a big country it's just not actually possible to know everything." The cocktails have been curated with help from PS40's Michael Chiem, who Dutt previously linked up with during a Firedoor Takeover Tuesday at the CBD cocktail bar. The Raja crew and Chiem have crafted a cocktail list that continues the throughline of Indian spices from the food — with creations like the aforementioned Cutter or a jackfruit old fashioned. "Raja will tell a story through chic interiors, fresh and light ingredients, elegant cocktails, natural wines, a killer soundtrack and genuine hospitality," said the Mathews-Bowdens. Find Raja at 1A Kellett Street, Potts Point — open 5.30pm–late Tuesday–Thursday, plus 12–3pm and 5.40pm–late Friday–Sunday. Images: Nikki To.
Cyclists in the city could soon find themselves with their heads in the clouds, with Premier Daniel Andrews yesterday announcing that the State Government will build an elevated bicycle highway in Melbourne's inner west. If you're a regular commuter cyclist from Footscray, Yarraville or Werribee, this should be music to your just-beeped-at ears. The proposal — which was floated by the government in June last year — is set to come to life as part of the West Gate Tunnel Project, which will see a four-kilometre tunnel and freeway above Footscray Road be built as an alternative to the always-congested West Gate Bridge. The two-and-a-half-kilometre cycling 'veloway' — starting at Footscray's Shepherd's Bridge and finishing on Dudley Street in Docklands — will sit above Footscray Road, elevated from street-level and underneath the future flyover. As well as allowing cyclists to skip traffic lights and get to the city much faster, the separation of cyclists and motor vehicles will significantly increase the safety of those on their bikes. While Footscray Road does have a bike lane, the new elevated infrastructure will allow cyclists to bypass dodgy intersections (like at Sims Street and Shepherd Bridge) and more fluidly connect with other major bike paths, such as the Capital City Trail. The Footscray Road bike path won't be disused though — in fact, it will be widened. And with the new flyover road and the 24/7 truck ban that is set to be instated on surrounding Francis Street, Somerville Road, Buckley Street and Moore Street, we're guessing it will be a bit less precarious too. The West Gate Tunnel Project now has to be assessed through an Environment Effects Statement (EES), with construction set to start in early 2018. It's very focused on car transport, so we're happy to see that cycling infrastructure is getting a look-in too. The more we can do to encourage people to give up their cars for a healthier, more environmentally-friendly form of transportation, the better. Via The Age. Image: Yarra River Business Association. By Tom Clift and Lauren Vadnjal.
Sydney is a global city and we — both as individuals and businesses — have access to products and materials from pretty much anywhere in the world. But there's also a wealth of glorious produce, materials and people doing amazing things right here in the city. Plus, there are huge benefits to supporting local businesses — both economically and environmentally. So, it's time you knew about some local spots that are ahead of the curve in this arena. A bunch of blossoming local businesses have recently been participating in the City of Sydney's Retail Innovation program, which has assisted them in growing their innovative concepts into staple businesses for their local neighbourhoods. These businesses are dedicated to buying produce from nearby suppliers, manufacturing goods within Australia, working with local artists and providing ethical and locally sourced goods for local communities to enjoy. We spoke to four business owners about how the Retail Innovation program has helped them in their quest to champion the incredible produce and producers that Sydney has to offer. [caption id="attachment_694678" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Luisa Brimble.[/caption] RARA "Find local suppliers that understand your business and work together." This beloved modern noodle house is headed up by husband-and-wife team Scott Gault and Katie Shortland. Gault learned the secrets to making a rich tonkotsu broth and Hakata-style noodles by training with ramen masters in Japan, but in his kitchen in Redfern, he prioritises local produce. He says RaRa relies significantly on its close relationships with local suppliers — it even employed the assistance of a local butcher to help source ethical, free-range pork as demand grew and the line of hungry ramen lovers became longer and longer each night. The eatery also features an extremely locally focussed drinks menu. Gault says relationships with local breweries, wineries and producers are extremely important to RaRa's success. Local produce and suppliers are also imperative to the deliciousness of each bowl of ramen. "Keeping things local means we know the true source of what goes into each bowl of ramen," he says. [caption id="attachment_655426" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anson Smart.[/caption] KOSKELA "We have the joy of working with some of the world's best manufacturers right here in Australia — true masters of their craft." This delightful company is all about designing and creating environmentally friendly and sustainable furniture that actually looks good. Founders Russel Koskela and Sasha Titchkosky ensure products are made in Australia, try to use as much local and recycled material as possible and make sure products have longevity to be sustainable. Koskela sells the largest range of Aussie-made homewares and furniture in the country and, two years ago, it became a Certified B Corporation — which means the business is part of a global movement of people trying to make progressive change. As well as championing local designers, artists and materials, Koskela also dedicates one percent of its profits towards partnering with Aboriginal artists from all around the country to aid the continuation of traditional practices, create an additional source of income for artists and to spotlight the wealth of artistic talented people from Australia's unique Indigenous cultures. [caption id="attachment_731490" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent van der Jagt.[/caption] CITIZEN WOLF "Fast fashion is like junk food: cheap, addictive and ultimately bad for you and the environment." If you're sick of buying t-shirts that don't quite fit you right — an estimated 81 percent of people experience this — then Citizen Wolf is here to help. This sustainable company makes and tailors t-shirts that fit correctly and last longer, and it exclusively uses local materials and manufacturing services. Citizen Wolf buys all of its fabric — cotton, organic cotton and Merino wool — from a series of ethically accredited mills in Melbourne and every single garment is made to order in the micro-factory in Darlinghurst. One of the company's co-founders, Zoltan Csaki, had previous experience with a company that used overseas manufacturing and says he was driven to create something that goes completely against the exploitative nature of mass production. "I've been there and done that, and I didn't want to do it again," Zoltan says. [caption id="attachment_731491" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kimberley Low.[/caption] COURTESY OF THE ARTIST "[Keeping things local] is important to nurture the community and enrich our culture." Founders of Courtesy of the Artist, Nina and Cesar Cueva, opened their first small gallery in a Surry Hills laneway in 2004. Now, 15 years later, the contemporary jewellery company has three spaces in Sydney's grand Strand Arcade to represent and showcase over 80 Australian artists. The company is the polar opposite of fast fashion. Everything is unique and made to order — meaning zero mass production. Courtesy of the Artist is hellbent on spotlighting Aussie materials, workers and talent — it works with local artists, miners and fossickers, and uses recycled gold from Western Australia in its jewellery, as well as ethically sourced and sustainably mined gemstones from all over the country. It also holds community workshop events in the airy upstairs space, The Loft, so local jewellers and artists can come and learn new skills. Learn more about the City of Sydney Retail Innovation Program here.
In 2020, as Sydney kicks back into gear after COVID-19 shutdowns, hearing that one of the city's cultural institutions is reopening has become commonplace. But the latest venue to announce its return actually closed its doors long before the pandemic — and makes its comeback after a huge renovation. That'd be the Australian Museum, which temporarily shut in August 2019 to facilitate its $57.5 million makeover, called Project Discover. Come Saturday, November 28, Sydneysiders will be able to head back to the popular William Street site and see the results. Even better — you'll be able to do so without spending a cent, with the venue making general admission free for everyone. When it said farewell before its closure, the museum did so with a free weekend. Now, it's making that arrangement permanent. The aim is to not only welcome the city's residents into the Australian Museum's exhibitions, but to turn it into "a popular meeting space and new after-hours event space for Sydney," explains the site's Director and CEO Kim McKay AO. "Like a public square, we will be able to host music and performances as well as provide a place to relax and contemplate, discuss and debate, enjoy a coffee and experience an exhibition," she noted. [caption id="attachment_787662" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] James Alcock[/caption] Of course, those exhibitions — and the space that hosts them — are still the main attraction. As part of its renovation, the Australian Museum has added more than 3000 square metres of public space to its layout, including expanding its touring exhibition hall from 850 square metres to 1500 square metres and creating a Grand Hall in the centre of the museum. And, within the next 12 months, two new gallery spaces are also slated to open. From November 28, visitors will be able to shop at a new Museum Shop, grab a bite to eat at a second onsite cafe, and store their belongings at new cloaking facilities, too. The Crystal Hall entry plaza and lobby space has also been expanded, as has the members lounge. A new central staircase has been added as well, plus new escalators. When the site welcomes patrons back in, it'll do so with two big drawcards: Tyrannosaurs — Meet the Family, which updates one of the Australian Museum's existing exhibitions; and the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year 2020, the popular annual showcase that highlights stunning snaps of the natural world. Both will kick off on November 28, with the former making its return after touring the US and Europe, and the latter taking over the Grand Hall. ThenAustralian Museum will reopen on Saturday, November 28. For further details, visit the museum's website. Images: James Alcock.
Sydneysiders love a market, especially one where you can revamp your wardrobe. There's nothing like finding that new 'fit for your next night out. There's the thrill of searching through the racks to stumble upon the piece. Plus, shopping second-hand and upcycled clothing is more sustainable than buying your clothes new. If all of the above sounds relatable, head to the Second Life Markets when the popular pop-up returns to Darlinghurst on Sunday, August 20. The event will host 100 stalls boasting vintage, second-hand and upcycled clothing and span all ranges of clothes with masculine, feminine and gender-neutral pieces all on offer. Nab a Prada purse, vintage Carhartts or a pre-loved 90s tee. The Second Life Markets run successful quarterly events across Sydney, Perth and Melbourne — with lines around the Darlinghurst block whenever they hit Sydney. The seasonal events bring together local sellers and independent designers, as well as a heavy dose of good vibes. There's DJs providing the soundtrack and Haven Coffee on-site to provide your morning caffeine fix. The market will run from 10am–3pm. The cost of entry varies but is $11 max and, in the sustainable spirit of the market, it's asked that you bring your own reusable shopping bags with you on the day. If you want to make a day out of it, there are plenty of quality spots to grab lunch after you shop (if you don't spend all your hard earned on cute outfits). Our local picks are Bloodhound, Sandotichi and Chaco Ramen.
Acclaimed the world over — and named the World's Best Gin Producer for two years running to prove it — Australian's Four Pillars has built up quite the following in boozy circles. Since 2013, the Yarra Valley-based distillery has given Aussie gin lovers plenty of covetable drops to drink, including via famed tipples such as its beloved Rare Dry Gin and bloody great Bloody Shiraz Gin. Even if you don't sip the hard stuff, you've heard of Four Pillars. You've also got a mate with a gin shrine filled with Four Pillars bottles, because everyone does. But now, thanks to the distillery's latest range, folks who don't indulge in alcohol can taste what all the fuss is about — and anyone who is having a break from cocktails for whatever reason can keep knocking back the brand's beverages. Meet Bandwagon, Four Pillars' new booze-free line, which'll arrive for hangover-free drinks at the end of June. Those two popular tipples mentioned above, Rare Dry Gin and Bloody Shiraz Gin, have been given the sans-alcohol treatment — after the distillery spent two years getting everything just right. With Bandwagon Dry, the Four Pillars team started with the same ten botanicals that make up the Rare Dry Gin. Those flavours are extracted in a different way for this boozeless version, though, with the oils and flavours from juniper, lemon myrtle, coriander seed and the like gathered using steam distillation. And, each is distilled separately in order to control the flavour contribution and the quality. They're then mixed together with a water base, and combined with steamed and vacuumed fresh chilli to give the not-quite-gin the heat that comes with alcohol — and with a natural fructose from plants for weight. As for Bloody Bandwagon, it starts with Bandwagon Dry. Bloody Shiraz Gin is made with a base of Rare Dry Gin, too, so that process is replicated — but without alcohol. Then, the clear Bandwagon Dry liquid is mixed with shiraz juice, which is crafted with shiraz grapes that haven't been fermented (so, no booze). Basically, forget soft drinks — you only need to drink these booze-free spirits from now on. When the Bandwagon range hits shelves just in time for Dry July, you'll find it at the Four Pillars Healesville Distillery and Surry Hills Laboratory, as well as from BoozeBud, Coles Local, Dan Murphy's, IGA, Liquorland and Sans Drinks. You'll also be able to pick up just Bandwagon Dry at First Choice Liquor, Vintage Cellars and Woolworths. Wondering how to drink both tipples? Four Pillars co-founder and distiller Cameron Mackenzie recommends using "around 60 millilitres of Bandwagon Dry with 100 millilitres of of your favourite tonic. As ever, use plenty of ice and an orange slice as a garnish." For Bloody Bandwagon, Mackenzie says "this is a unique, purple, and slightly sweet alcohol-free spirit that you can use just as you would your Bloody Shiraz Gin. Combine 60 millilitres of Bloody Bandwagon with 100 millilitres of tonic or soda and you'll have yourself a deliciously grown-up, booze-free drink." It's also advised to use a bit more of the Bandwagon drinks with your mixers to help highlight the flavour. And no, Mackenzie didn't initially think a decade back that this is something that Four Pillars would ever whip up. "When we launched in 2013, never in our wildest dreams did we think we would make a non-alcoholic product. But as we've grown older and wiser, booze is not always your go-to and you a need quality alternative. Enter Bandwagon," he said. Four Pillars' Bandwagon Dry and Bloody Bandwagon will be available to buy from the end of June at the Four Pillars Healesville Distillery and Surry Hills Laboratory, as well as from BoozeBud, Coles Local, Dan Murphy's, IGA, Liquorland and Sans Drinks. You'll also be able to pick up Bandwagon Dry at First Choice Liquor, Vintage Cellars and Woolworths.
Six years and $88.6 million in the making, the Parramatta Aquatic Centre has taken a big step towards opening, with its pools filled with water. Since the popular community swimming spot was demolished in 2017, Western Sydney residents have been pining for a summer when they could once again cool off with a dip in the Parramatta pool. This summer looks set to offer just that, with the 40,000-square-metre facility projected to open sometime in spring. Over 2.5 million litres of water has been pumped into the aquatic centre's four pools: a 50-metre outdoor pool, a 25-metre indoor pool, an indoor learn-to-swim pool and an indoor water playground. These will be joined by a spa, sauna facilities, a cafe, a fitness centre and community facilities at the long-awaited centre. All of this will be located within Parramatta Park, in the heart of Sydney's second city. "By the time the weather warms up, Parramatta will have a brand new place to cool down," says City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Sameer Pandey. "Our new aquatic centre will be a place where local kids learn to swim their first lap and potentially a training ground for our next Olympians." Sustainability is also a big part of the upgraded facilities, with 358 rooftop solar panels being installed, generating 273 megawatts of power every hour. If you want to sign up to become a Foundation Member of the aquatic centre, you can do so through the City of Parramatta website. The membership entitles you to full access to the pool, gym, pilates classes, spa and sauna, as well as lockers, two hours of free parking, and a pair of two-week free passes which you can gift to a friend or family member. The project is partially funded by the NSW Government's Restart NSW Fund, which has provided an initial $38.5-million investment in building the centre, and has promised a subsequent $11.6 million to help future-proof the facility as Parramatta continues to grow. The Western Sydney hub is currently experiencing plenty of change, with high-rise buildings continuing to be erected and the new Powerhouse Museum currently under construction. There are also plenty of exciting new venues popping up in the suburbs, from fellow Parramatta Park dweller Misc. to Circa Espresso's decadent new bakery Lucien Baked Goods. We'll be sure to update you when we get an official open date for the new Parramatta pool. The Parramatta Aquatic Centre is set to open in spring 2023 — for more information, head to the City of Parramatta website.
Been spending the first few months of 2021 pondering the future? Given how the past year has panned out, that's only natural. But tonight, on Tuesday, April 27, you might want to look to the skies as well — and feast your eyes on a luminous lunar sight. For folks located Down Under, this is when you'll see this year's 'pink supermoon'. While super full moons aren't particularly rare — two usually happen each year — there are plenty of reasons to peer upwards this time around. If you're wondering why, we've run through the details below. WHAT IS IT? If you're more familiar with The Mighty Boosh's take on the moon than actual lunar terms, here's what you need to know. As we all learned back in November 2016, a supermoon is a new moon or full moon that occurs when the moon reaches the closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, making it particularly bright. They're not all that uncommon — and because April 2021's supermoon is a full moon (and not a new moon), it's called a super full moon. It's also a pink moon, too, which doesn't refer to its colour but to the time of year. In the northern hemisphere, April and spring go hand-in-hand — which means the April full moon usually arrives with the onset of the year's floral blooms, and with the first flowers from the pink-hued wild ground phlox specifically. Of course, it's currently autumn in the southern hemisphere, and the wild ground phlox are native to North America — but the name still sticks. WHEN CAN I SEE IT? If you're keen to catch a glimpse, you'll want to peek outside on Tuesday, April 27. While timeanddate.com notes that the super pink moon is expected to be at its peak at 1.31pm during the day today in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane — and at 1.01pm in Adelaide, and 11.31am in Perth — it's still worth looking up for once evening hits. If you're eager to take some pictures — and see if you can outdo previous supermoon snaps — moonrise is expected at 5.33pm AEST tonight. That's when the moon will first peek above the horizon for the evening, and it'll move higher into the sky across the night. WHERE CAN I SEE IT? You can take a gander from your backyard or balcony, but the standard advice regarding looking into the night sky always applies — so city-dwellers will want to get as far away from light pollution as possible to get the absolute best view. Typically, haze is predicted for Sydney, and Brisbane and Perth have partly cloudy forecasts — but the Bureau of Meteorology only tips light morning showers for Melbourne, and sunny conditions for Adelaide. If you miss out tonight, another supermoon is due on Wednesday, May 26 — and it's called the flower moon. Via timeanddate.com / space.com. Image: Andrew C.
A popular public transport route on Sydney's Northern Beaches has had a new dress code instated by the local council, with a new ruling passed that bans passengers from boarding if they're in swimwear. The Hop, Skip and Jump bus route is a free service operating between Manly, Balgowlah and Fairlight, the immediate area surrounding one of Sydney's most popular beaches. The decision comes from a number of complaints from older passengers, who say that swimwear is confronting clothing, especially "thong-style bikinis", but the council defended the decision by citing legislation that permits drivers to refuse entry to passengers whose clothing is "likely to dirty or damage the vehicle, or cause inconvenience or damage to other passengers or the driver". In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, Northern Beaches Council Deputy Mayor Candy Bingham said, "The girls get on and all they have on is their bikinis. People are worried about the hygiene aspect when they sit on the seats … swimmers, wet from the beach and covered in sand, make a mess and leave the seats damp". View this post on Instagram A post shared by 7NEWS Sydney (@7newssyd) Now, stops along the bus service are clearly signposted: "Please dress appropriately. Clothing must be worn over swimwear." As expected, the responses from the community have been mixed. Comments on the news when shared by 7News on Facebook include everything from one person writing "Seems like a clear violation of the first amendment of the Australian constitution," while another points the finger at the source of the complaints, writing "boomers doing boomer things." Many others support the decision though. One commenter proclaimed, "Good! Not hard to put clothes on," and another pointed out the Hop, Skip and Jump is a council-run service, not a Sydney metro bus, saying, "Not a normal bus route, so not a big deal! Sydney metro buses do allow it though." Image: iStock
Bourke Street would probably argue, but everyone knows that Queen Street in Woollahra is the Paris of the East. Nothing better to close the case on the matter than the new Woollahra Artisan Market. Setting foot in the market, one immediately hears French accents selling cheese, canelés and salami. Come for your weekly provisions from stalls selling organic produce, grass-fed meats, free-range eggs and organic breads. There are also plenty of breakfast/brunch/lunch options, with pastries, bagels and bacon and egg rolls on offer. Our pick is the pho by Eat Fuh (make sure you get the extra lemon and chilli) — it makes for great slurping in the sun. The usual bunch of health nuts appear, with stalls selling herbs, paleo snacks, fermented stuff and gluten-free loaves heavy enough to do your bicep curls with. There are plenty of opportunities to blow cash on jams, oils, chocolates, cakes, ceramics and, of course, designer dog biscuits. This is Woollahra, after all. The Woollahra Artisan Markets runs every Sunday from 8.30am - 2.30pm in the car park next to Zigolini's on Queen Street.
In 2012, Imogen Heap appeared on a Wired stage wearing what seemed to be magical gloves. Every time she moved, the music responded. One sweeping gesture would incite a dramatic crescendo; one wiggle of the index finger would provoke a shift from major to minor; one flick of the wrist would mute an entire string section. Liberated from laptops and mixing decks, Heap was transformed into a wizard/conductor/interpretive dancer who seemed to have every sound in the universe at her command. She liked it so much that she wants to pass her superpowers onto the world. She and a team of tech-experts have been hard at work creating a set of electronic gloves that anyone can use. Having come up with a prototype, they’re now looking for Kickstarter support to raise the £200,000 necessary to facilitating a first production run. The gloves, dubbed Mi.Mu, allow the user to interact with their computer through gestures. A series of sensors measure the hand’s position, direction and force of movement and this data is transported wirelessly, then transformed into musical elements. Heap has been developing the technology for four years, initially motivated by a desire to inject more expression into her live performances. "In order to free myself up on the stage from my various bits of technology and to bridge the gap between what’s going on on stage and the audience, I wanted to create something where I could manipulate my computer on the move wirelessly so that music becomes more like a dance rather than a robotic act like pressing a button or moving a fader," she told Dezeen. Early versions of the gloves were connected to a pack worn on the upper body and required elaborate set-up procedures. But the latest are much more accessible. The inclusion of an x-IMU board containing an accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer and wifi has rendered the pack unnecessary. "It's really simple," Heap explains. "It just sees this exoskeleton as a device and then it comes up on your computer as a wifi device and you're ready to go. It's super simple and it's great." It’s expected that Mi.Mu’s uses will expand beyond music, to include design, sign language and, um, driving a vehicle. "I suppose as long as you can access your computer inside your car, there's no reason why you couldn't just sit in the back of your car and indicate right or left," Heap muses. "It's a remote control. It feels like an expressive musical instrument sometimes but it's essentially a remote control and anything that you could potentially do with your hands, you could do with your gloves." With Heap at the wheel, that could be one interesting ride. [via Dezeen]
With its endless ocean views, (usually) stunning weather, and abundant green spaces, Sydney has a helluva lot going for it. And there are few better ways to take full advantage of these bountiful natural blessings than a good few hours of outdoor dining. Whether it's the weekend or an I-need-a-pick-me-up hump day, there's nothing like stuffing yourself silly while simultaneously getting your required dose of vitamin D. Throw in some wine or an ice cold beer and you've got yourself the perfect set-up. To help you sift through the options, American Express helped us round up some of the city's solid gold spots to grab a meal while surrounded by water views or greenery. Plus, these venues are all Amex-accepting, so you can up your points balance while getting your tan on. So slap on the sunscreen, grab your most dramatic sunnies, and make like a Hollywood star on a much-needed summer holiday — if only for a precious few hours. Got yourself in another dining situation and need some guidance? Whatever it is, we know a place. Visit The Shortlist and we'll sort you out.
If you're the kind of person who loves new years for new calendars — and, the thrill of filling in all of the fun things on your agenda for the 12 months ahead, specifically — then you just scored something huge to pop in. It wouldn't be a winter in Australia without Splendour in the Grass, which has locked in its 2024 midyear dates. From Friday, July 19–Sunday, July 21 this year, North Byron Parklands beckons. That timing might be exactly what you expected; however, knowing the exact dates means that you can start planning, booking your leave and getting excited. Camping will be available from Wednesday, July 17 if you'd like to make more than a few days of it for Splendour's 22nd birthday. Now that you've blocked out a massive weekend, you're probably wondering who'll be on the bill. That hasn't yet been revealed, but organisers promise that details are coming soon. 2023's full lineup arrived in April, with Lizzo announced as a headliner in March. Pre-COVID-19, Splendour's lineups would start being unveiled between February and April. For now, the Splendour crew is promising "your favourite, freshest and most-exciting global acts" to follow in the footsteps of everyone from Flume, The Strokes, Lorde and Mark Ronson to Outkast, Childish Gambino, Kendrick Lamar, Florence + the Machine and more from past years. Ahead of the 2023 lineup announcement, Splendour Member applications are now open until 5pm on Tuesday, January 30 for guaranteed tickets in a dedicated presale. To qualify, you need to have purchased tickets and attended Splendour five times or more before. And, if approved, you can buy up to four tickets. Who are you hoping will be on Splendour's 2024 bill? Start speculating. Splendour in the Grass will take over North Byron Bay Parklands from Friday, July 19–Sunday, July 21, 2024. We'll update you with the lineup details when they're announced. For more information in the interim, head to the festival website. Images: Charlie Hardy, Bianca Holderness and Claudia Ciapocha.
There's no such thing as a perfect movie, but there may be one you wouldn't wish to be any different. Such is the magic of The Artist, which has ridden into theatres on an almost unprecedented wave of acclaim. The French-made, Hollywood-set black-and-white silent movie follows the changing face of the film industry that comes with the advent of 'talkies' in the late 1920s. Silent film star George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) finds himself suddenly out of favour, while the star of a girl he recently discovered and clicked with, Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo), correspondingly rises. After George stakes his fortune and career on a self-made, stubbornly silent blockbuster that flops, everybody abandons George except his dog, his eventually unwaged valet (James Cromwell) and Peppy, who watches over her idol from afar. Cinephiles clearly can't help but love this film — it's all about the history of cinema, the charm unique to cinema, and the rarely considered shared lineage of silent films and musicals. It reflects the practice of going to the cinema back at us, and somehow uplifts our trackie-dacks-and-choc-top experience to the venerated level we see on screen, where women dressed in gowns and gloves applaud a live orchestra. But the reason why people of all kinds, from everywhere, love The Artist so much is almost certainly its generosity, sweet spirit and complete lack of pretension. The film is nostalgic and old-fashioned — as in old Hollywood and new Bollywood, it's a love story in which the lovers never kiss. Without turning saccharine, it has a gorgeously innate ability to strip your well-worn cynicism right off you. You'll smile like a baby. You can't think a mean thought. It also helps that the three leads — that's Dujardin, Bejo and the uncannily expressive dog, Uggie — are monumentally charming. You've never really been charmed by someone, you'll find, until you've been so charmed without words. It's also fun to spot great familiar faces John Goodman and James Cromwell in supporting roles. Seeing The Artist is precious, and that's better than perfection.
If you have ever been fist-deep into a bag of chicken salt-dredged fish and chips only to think, 'How good would this be as a cocktail?', we've got news for you. It's time to put that theory to the test with the newly launched nostalgia-inspired cocktail menu dubbed 'Memory' at Smoke at Barangaroo House. For those that came up in the late 90s and early noughties, this menu acts as a sensorial step back in time to an era when the compilation CD reigned supreme, mobile phones weren't smart enough to connect to the internet and low-rise flared jeans were all the rage — wait, that last one has inexplicably come back. The playful cocktail menu includes eight cocktails sure to delight fans of Spice Girls' bangers and the Y2K age. Remember when bacon was on everything? Well, it's back with the Hawaiian or Margarita — a pizza-inspired cocktail made with bacon-infused tequila, caramelised pineapple, Cointreau, roasted tomato syrup and lime. It's served in a margarita glass with dehydrated bacon around the rim — yes, you read that correctly — and a chaser of Coca-Cola to bring up memories of takeaway pizzas on Fridays. For lovers of martinis, Smoke has given them a salty twist with the Chicken Salt Martini. The cocktail is made with Four Pillars' olive leaf gin and a house-made chicken salt sherry and rice syrup, garnished with a deep-friend potato twill. You could go for the Half Time Orange for something more citrusy. It's a boozy homage to the simple snack we munched at sporting events, but with a grown-up twist. Made with Patron Reposado, blood orange, sweet vermouth, carrot and tamarind-infused Campari, it's garnished with an edible jello orange wedge. Another fruity option is the Fruit Cup: a boozy fruit slushie with peach, cranberry and cognac garnished with a house-made fruit roll-up. Do you love the smell of freshly cut grass? Opt for the Livin' is Easy cocktail. It's a floral concoction made with mandarin vinegar, house-made karkalla rose geranium cordial, Bombay Premier Cru gin and Aperol. It's served with a spritz of cut grass scent and a plantable card — perfect for the plant daddy of your group. Did you spend your childhood by the beach waiting for the ice cream truck? There are a couple of options to relive those memories. The Salt Kissed Sun is a milkshake-inspired cocktail made using coconut-washed rum, house-made macadamia orgeat, banana and pineapple whey and calvados. Served with a mini suncream bottle, because of course it is. Save the Day is Smoke's take on a classic 99. It's a raspberry horchata with vanilla whey, vodka and Saint Feliz aperitif shaken, strained into a highball and topped with raspberry and vanilla foam with 100s and 1000s or a flake. Last is the ironically named Pick Me, in honour of the oft-maligned black jellybean. It is an anise-flavoured and jet-black cocktail made with Monkey Shoulder whiskey, absinthe, green chartreuse, house-made black sesame, fennel blackberry syrup and egg white shaken and garnished with, you guessed it, jellybeans. There's no word on how long the menu will last, so head down to Barangaroo and relive your summer childhood with a twist. Find out more details on the Smoke website.
After 18 days of the world's finest and most cutting edge films back to back to back, the Melbourne International Film Festival has packed up the popcorn and projectors. Here's what our critics loved, loathed, admired and squirmed over. The Best Films MOMMY The latest film from 25-year-old enfant terrible Xavier Dolan pours unconstrained emotion into a claustrophobic space. Shot in boxy 1:1 aspect ratio, the film tells the story of fiery widow Dianne and her troubled teenager Simon, a pair of bombastic outsiders in a white-bread, buttoned-down world. Anne Dorval and Antoine Olivier Pilon are both stunningly good, their performances positively glowing with uninhibited feeling. The tightness of the frame, meanwhile, reflects Di and Simon's limited options, even as their energy threatens to force the edges apart. This is a funny, earnest, devastating film, one that's vitalised, rather than limited, by its intriguing technical conceit. -Tom Clift https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ifhu51tLv5g FORCE MAJEURE I really wish this wasn't my favourite film of the festival. For the sake of my own credibility, I would prefer that my favourite film wasn't a film released by the company for whom my wife works as marketing manager. But the heart wants what it wants, and I'm talking about both her and the film when I say that. Force Majeure, which won the Un Certain Regard Jury Prize at this year's Cannes Film Festival, is a film that manages to completely deconstruct the concept of masculinity while also being utterly hilarious at almost every moment. It leaves you in a state of shock, but it's so entertaining and funny, you immediately want to watch it again regardless. An amazing achievement on every level. -Lee Zachariah https://youtube.com/watch?v=Jkjn5ICqmJI LISTEN UP PHILIP The blending of ambition, arrogance, inspiration and irrelevance troubles Jason Schwartzman's titular Philip in Alex Ross Perry's third feature. His second novel isn't garnering the requisite attention, and his girlfriend, Ashley (Elisabeth Moss), is better off without him. So when his mentor, Ike (Jonathan Pryce), offers up his holiday home, Philip quickly accepts. Yet, as astute as Perry's rendering of the familiar writer's self-absorbed struggle is, the film tells not just his story but Ashley's and Ike's too. Such structural daring matches an embrace of the abrasiveness of artistry, as played with acerbic comedy, cast with perfection and shot with the warm texture of super-16mm. -Sarah Ward https://youtube.com/watch?v=cX4Hhqjt6J8 BLIND Forgive the pun, but sometimes at a festival, it's best to go in blind. A film without a huge amount of pre-MIFF buzz, the directorial debut of acclaimed Norwegian screenwriter Eskil Vogt concerns a woman named Ingrid struggling with the loss of her sight. Alone in her apartment, she constructs an elaborate fictional narrative through which she works through her fears and insecurities — particularly in regards to her husband, who she fears may be having an affair. It's compelling, self-reflexive, sensual and funny. Think Stranger than Fiction — only full of incredibly graphic sex. -TC The Boldest Experiments MAIDAN You'd think that a largely static camera quietly observing the protests in Ukraine, with no narration and very little context, would be dull as dishwater. Yet Maidan is one of the most incredible documentaries I've seen in a very long time. When the protests begin in the Ukrainian square, they are peaceful and friendly. Children sing on a stage to an appreciative crowd. As the months drag on, the authorities become more tense, and we observe the situation devolve into something horrific and violent. The final moments, which include possibly the most beautiful sequence ever captured on film, leave not a dry eye in the house. -LZ https://youtube.com/watch?v=UgwSi3XVT4E LA ULTIMA PELICULA Alex Ross Perry didn't just direct one of the best features of the festival, he also stars in a creative highlight. Focused on a filmmaker trekking through Mexico circa 2012 to make an apocalyptic effort on the last reels of celluloid, La última película channels a distinct sense of the disjointed in its pseudo-documentary callback to Dennis Hopper's The Last Movie. Formats switch alongside tone and intention, the narrative meanders and rambling improvisation reigns — yet so does affection for its thematic aspiration and aesthetic beauty. That Mark Peranson and Raya Martin's film both probes and parodies the conversation surrounding its conceit also adds to its offbeat appeal. -SW https://youtube.com/watch?v=r2GN3wdfqbA OBVIOUS CHILD A brilliant response to weirdly conservative pregnancy comedies like Juno and Knocked Up, Gillian Robespierre's Obvious Child is probably the most entertaining movie about abortion you'll ever see. Former SNL cast member Jenny Slate is hilarious as Donna Stern, a struggling New York comedian who gets pregnant after a drunken one night stand. The film's progressive, level-headed treatment of abortion makes it a rarity amongst American films, which when you think about it is fairly depressing. In any case, Obvious Child was early one of smartest, funniest comedies at the fest. -TC Most WTF Moments https://youtube.com/watch?v=ibffxoK5gs0 GOODBYE TO LANGUAGE 'Trolling' is something that is usually the domain of adolescents on social media. It's rare that an 83-year-old director will engage in such behaviour, but that's where Jean-Luc Godard — hero of the French New Wave — disagrees. Following on from his nigh-unwatchable Film Socialisme in 2010, Godard again creates something deliberately designed to irritate his audience. Goodbye to Language is filmed in 3D, and some shots contain the most impressive 3D I've ever seen. There is a depth to many of these shots that no Hollywood film has yet achieved. Yet for the majority of the running time, the 3D is specifically designed to make you cross-eyed, pushing the two angles just a little too far away from each other. Or in some cases, way, way too far away from each other. Detachable eyes are essential to watching this film without incurring a migraine. -LZ OUT 1: NOLI ME TANGERE The entirety of Jacques Rivette's 13-hour opus invites exclamation; it's not called the cinephile's holy grail without reason. Seemingly impenetrable extended sequences of experimental theatre, intertwined with a man (Jean-Pierre Leaud) caught in a conspiracy and a woman (Juliet Berto) fleecing the unsuspecting, evolve into a patchwork portrait of a time, place and mood. As it ebbs and flows, plays and provokes, everyone strives for but struggles to achieve their target. Though Out 1 offers no neatness in narrative or certainty in climax, neither does it leave the viewer unsatisfied. Instead, Rivette constructs an experience unparalleled in its insidious intrigue. Once you commit, you can't look away. -SW https://youtube.com/watch?v=_-ZtW5fWRjI WHY DON'T YOU PLAY IN HELL The shining star of the otherwise tepid Night Shift section, the latest film from Japanese splatter-head Sion Sono is a blood-soaked love letter to the movies. An absurd, exuberant mix of western, mob movie and samurai flick, the story follows a group of amateur filmmakers who get hired to 'direct' the showdown between two rival Yakuza clans. Packed with profanity, gore and over-the-top action, Why Don't You Play in Hell? is two straight hours of cinematic insanity. -TC Most Disappointing Films https://youtube.com/watch?v=aCponfeWNOI WISH I WAS HERE To say we were disappointed by Zach Braff's Wish I Was Here implies we were looking forward to it. Even those with fond memories of his debut Garden State (and hey, we count ourselves among them) will find it hard to stomach this privileged, tone-deaf family dramedy. It's a shame the phrase 'first world problems' has now been overused into oblivion, because it would be aptly deployed in this film, where very few of the problems faced by the leads are possible to sympathise with. Rich people struggling with not being quite rich enough? Yeah, it's not exactly Sophie's Choice. -LZ JACKY IN THE KINGDOM OF WOMEN It's a premise with promise and a production and pedigree with the same potential: a Monty Python-esque skewering of gender stereotypes and fundamentalism, filtered through a Cinderella-like story from graphic artist turned filmmaker Riad Sattouf (The French Kissers), and brought to life by a cast including Charlotte Gainsbourg and The Artist director Michel Hazanavicius. It's also a plain example of an idea ill served by its execution, with everything broad and blatant in the role-reversal comedy that eventuates. Laughs are few, as are subtleties, despite the spirited attempts of the director and performers. Jacky in the Kingdom of Women should boast ingenuity but instead languishes in obviousness. -SW https://youtube.com/watch?v=9KrhMbS9uh8 THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ELEANOR RIGBY The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby was one of the more unique entries of the program, in that it's actually two separate films that together recount the breakdown of a marriage. Eleanor Rigby: Her is told the perspective of the wife, Eleanor, played by Oscar-nominated actress Jessica Chastain. Unfortunately, while the formal conceit is fascinating, the script leaves a lot to be desired. Dull, mopey and full of unconvincing dialogue, the first film ended up being so disappointing that we didn't even bother with part two. -TC By Tom Clift, Sarah Ward and Lee Zachariah.
It's been over six months since Sydneysiders have been able to pull up a cushion on the edge of the Harbour and take in the stunning views with a cocktail in hand. The pandemic forced Opera Bar and Opera Kitchen to close their doors earlier this year, but now they're ready to welcome back patrons with open arms (1.5 metres away, of course). Both venues are usually synonymous with big crowds and a decent line at the bar — especially on a balmy Sydney eve — but new COVIDSafe measures means there are a few changes you can expect. Instead of instructing your mates to split up to hunt down the nearest free table, you can now reserve your spot online with a booking of up to ten people. There will also be a maximum capacity of one person per four square metres and physical distancing guidelines that will see tables spread out a bit more spaciously. Opera Bar and Opera Kitchen will also be implementing measures that have quickly become the norm at venues across the city, including registering with a QR code on entry, cashless payment, and hand sanitiser stations dotted around the facilities. And after those pain-free formalities, you can sit down with your mates and enjoy the brand new menus both venues have on offer including a fresh, yet decadent seafood platter at Opera Bar. [caption id="attachment_782902" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] Renowned Australian chef Matt Moran designs the Opera Bar menu and sounds pretty keen to welcome customers back for a drink or two just as the weather begins to warm up. "Sydney, we've missed you!" Moran wrote on Instagram, announcing the venue's all-new booking system. While Opera Bar and Opera Kitchen are usually popular stop-offs for interstate and international tourists, now is the perfect time for Sydneysiders to visit and enjoy one of the most spectacular views in the world with plenty of space to stretch out. Opera Bar and Opera Kitchen are now open on the lower concourse, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point. To make a reservation, head to the website.
It's going to be a spicy summer in Bondi this year with the arrival of one of the country's beloved hot chicken chains. Belles Hot Chicken has built a passionate fanbase — and landed on our favourite Sydney fried chicken spots — through its Circular Quay, Glebe and Barangaroo eateries in Sydney, alongside multiple Melbourne venues. Now, it has hit the Harbour City's east with an inaugural Bondi outpost on Hall Street. The Belles team has transformed the former site of Fonda into a 60s- and 70s-inspired American-style diner serving up all of the chain's favourites. Four kilometres of natural Australian timber has gone into the venue, lining the walls and ceilings. Adding to the throwback energy are retro floor tiles and stained-glass lampshades reminiscent of old all-you-can-eat Pizza Huts. The menu features plenty of fried chook, available in the signature spice levels ranging from Original to Really F**kin Hot — plus chicken sandwiches, crinkle-cut fries, buffalo cauliflower and top-notch beverages. The drinks selection is always a highlight at Belles Bondi, with playful cocktails, top-shelf spirits, a refreshing house lager, natty wines and boozy slushies all mainstays across the Melbourne and Sydney locations. If the pairing of spicy fried chicken sandwiches and spiked whisky slushies by the beach on a hot summer's day sounds like an absolute match made in heaven, you are not alone. There are some notable additions to the beverage menu for Bondi. If you're a high roller, you can enjoy a glass of Pappy Van Winkle 15-year for a casual $85 a shot; the wine list features everything from funky pét-nats to vintage Dom Perignon; the cocktail range has been given a retro revamp with the addition of long island iced tea and piña colada milkshakes; and there's a range of shots on offer to kick off the weekend. Sydney's east has been known to be a little cliquey at times, so in order to win over the locals, Belles is offering 20.26 percent off all items for any Bondi residents for its first 20 days of trade. All you have to do is flash your ID proudly displaying the 2026 postcode on it. Belles Bondi is the latest edition to the vibrant culinary precinct that is Hall Street, joining the likes of Da Orazio, bills and the recently-revamped China Diner, as well as nearby favourites like the Bondi outpost of Chaco Ramen and sunny brewery bar Curly Lewis. Belles Hot Chicken Bondi is now open at 85 Hall Street, Bondi Beach — operating from 11.30am–9pm Wednesday–Thursday and Sunday, and 11.30am–10.30pm Friday–Saturday. Images: Pat Stevenson.
Local Newtown legends Young Henrys are taking their brewhouse to the next level — and it's all in the name of sustainability. The beer brand has added a glowing bioreactor among its tanks, which they hope will drastically reduce the brewery's carbon emissions. While the green tank may look like a radioactive science project, it's actually just a big ol' vat of microalgae. The single-celled organism is basically the super computer of photosynthesis and produces more than 50 percent of the world's oxygen. It does so by consuming CO2 (carbon dioxide) — one of the main byproducts of the brewing process — and produces O2 (oxygen) in its place. To give you a sense of the impact, it takes a tree 48 hours to absorb the CO2 emissions created from brewing just a single six-pack. Young Henrys' 400-litre bioreactor has the potential to produce as much oxygen as one hectare of Australian forest and to consume a lot of the brewery's CO2 byproduct in the process. If you're wondering why producing lots of CO2 is a bad thing, let us detour into some chemistry 101 for a hot minute. Carbon dioxide is a key greenhouse gas, which collectively trap heat from the sun and keep it close to the earth's surface. Initially that was great, it meant the earth was habitable for humans and animals — but, thanks primarily to the burning of fossil fuels, the earth's atmospheric levels of CO2 are the highest they've been in the past 400,000 years, which has lead to global warming and the increase in extreme weather events, ie. climate change. This project is partly funded an Innovation and Connections government grant and is in partnership with the scientists from the Climate Change Cluster (C3) at UTS. The group is working to find and develop uses for algae that can help combat climate change, and this project aims to pave a path for the wider brewing industry to become a carbon neutral process. Young Henrys' microalgae bioreactor is just the first phase of the partnership with C3. The second phase will involve a large biomass of algae that will provide even more carbon capture and help the brewery to eventually become carbon neutral — more details on this will be released later in the year, so keep an eye on this space. Find Young Henrys at 76 Wilford Street, Newtown.
You're in a rush trying to make it to work on time when you see them — that one acquaintance that just does not know when to stop talking. You try to duck into the nearest alleyway, but they've already spotted you. Cloak, a new app for the iPhone that calls itself "the antisocial network", can now help you avoid these situations. Cloak gathers location information from Instagram and Foursquare and uses this knowledge to create a map of where the user's 'friends' are currently based on places they have recently tagged as their location. It then creates a map that displays the distance between a user and their friends built around where the user is situated. Cloak allows users to flag particular people they are not especially keen to run into on the street, so when that person comes within a pre-determined radius, a notification is sent directly to the user's phone. Living in self-obsessed time, where friends are constantly sharing their latest haircut on Instagram, mundane thoughts on Twitter and relationship status on Facebook, more and more people are becoming fed up with the barrage of useless updates from friends, co-workers and acquaintances. This feeling of fatigue is met with the rise of the antisocial network. Instead of creating the next Facebook, app developers are more concerned with creating the complete antithesis to Facebook. Nextt is designed to help users plan in-person meet-ups with their friends, and Rando is a picture sharing site similar to Instagram, but users have no followers and no ability to like photos; instead, they randomly view photos from users all over the world. No stranger to antisocial networking, former creative director of BuzzFeed Chris Baker is one of the creators of Cloak. He has also developed apps like unbaby.me that replaced pictures of babies in your Facebook newsfeed with pictures of cats, which expanded into Rather, a Google Chrome extension that blocks unwanted Twitter and Facebook content. Hate with Friends, another app Baker created, allows the user to select Facebook friends they hate and will notify the user if the feeling is mutual between any of these "friends". Currently, the only apps Cloak collects location information from are Foursquare and Instagram, but the creators hope to eventually incorporate Facebook as well. Via Mashable.
Banish any hump day woes with a trip to the picturesque Redleaf Pool. A favourite of eastern suburbs locals, Redleaf Pool (or Murray Rose Pool) is a long serving gem for all ages. Swim out to one of the two pontoons or lap up the final rays of afternoon sun while along the boardwalk. Either way, bring a little picnic (chilled rose and cheese encouraged) and someone special and settle yourself in for the afternoon. Come sunset, watch the sun dip below the horizon, as the waves gently lick the supports below and remember, you're more than halfway through the working week. Image: simplethrill / Flickr.
Those Wachowski siblings certainly know what they like. Building intricate worlds, diving into stylised sci-fi, and exploring capitalism and control are at the top of their list, served up with dashes of action and a sense of humour. The Matrix trilogy, their Speed Racer manga-to-TV-to-film adaptation and the period-spanning Cloud Atlas all followed this pattern. Now, with their passion at its most dazzling, it’s Jupiter Ascending’s turn. Once more, Andy and Lana Wachowski write and direct a tale of an innocent learning that life isn’t quite what they think. Jupiter Jones (Mila Kunis) is a house cleaner unhappy with her lot yet unprepared for her destiny, particularly when a medical procedure for cash is interrupted by an attack by otherworldly creatures. Ex-military fighter and human-wolf hybrid Caine Wise (Channing Tatum) saves the day but also delivers strange news. It seems Jupiter is the key to a family feud over property and resources between wealthy, greedy, wannabe-immortal alien beings, courtesy of genetic reincarnation. That can’t be good. If the narrative sounds a bit messy, that’s because it is. Storytelling is far from Jupiter Ascending’s strong point, despite relying upon staple themes and familiar plot points. Though they remain masters of their own universe, the Wachowskis aren’t afraid to nod to other movies and classic tales, mashing up The Fifth Element, Star Wars, Dune, Brazil, Cinderella and more. It’s an awkward mix of imitation and originality, and it shows. The filmmakers certainly don’t take the most direct route in making everything plain, either, clearly relishing the chance to spend as much time in their brightly coloured realm as possible. In keeping with their back catalogue, they throw everything they can into Jupiter Ascending: bees that can detect royalty, an extended bureaucracy gag, an over-the-top wedding and an unrelated — but no less goofy — romance included. Narrative coherence be damned. Of course, part of the joy of watching a Wachowski-made movie comes from seeing them run with their particular brand of indulgent, existential fantasy on a grand scale, which they do here with aplomb. Marvelling at the scenery and the style is a given, and while spectacular special effects-driven sights, chaotic choreography and more than a few frenetic flights and fights can’t patch over the clumsiness of the story, they certainly help. Luckily, the cast knows exactly what kind of film they are in, and play their parts perfectly in tone, if not polish. Content to drift around a space soap opera, Eddie Redmayne is worlds away from Oscar nominations, but he’s clearly having fun as the pouting, sneering bad guy. Tatum does his usual beefy, brooding but slightly comic thing (sometimes without his shirt off), and though Kunis has to play it blank and straight in contrast, her transformation from doe-eyed to determined works. Even a stern-faced Sean Bean looks like he’s having a good time — and if you’ve seen how his film and TV appearances tend to turn out, you’ll know that’s rare. Perhaps, just like the audience should be, he’s just happy going with the Wachowskis' sometimes silly, always fascinating flow.
Stay tuned. More info coming soon. Images: Jacquie Manning.
Have you ever found getting through more than 17 syllables of news takes far too much effort? Well luckily for you the New York Times has designed an algorithm that deconstructs news stories into everybody's favourite Japanese poem style, the haiku. For those unaware, a haiku is a short style of poetry with a specific syllabic structure of five syllables in the opening line, seven in the following and five in the concluding. Although there are other elements to haikus, this is the format the algorithm operates on as other aspects of this poetic style are "a lot harder to teach an algorithm", according to Jacob Harris, the senior software designer for the NYT and the author of the advanced algorithm. The haikus are constructed when the algorithm periodically scans articles published on the newspaper's home page. It then breaks down these articles sentence by sentence, looking for potential haikus via an online dictionary that counts syllables and even encompasses a word like 'Rihanna' to process the language employed by the New York Times. Reversing the typical trend of technology, the computer needs humans to operate successfully as it cannot distinguish between a harmonious haiku and a horrid one by itself. Once a journalist has selected a poetic pearl, many of which encapsulate the article's essence, it is then transformed into an aesthetically pleasing image in order for the poems to "retain their visual integrity" as they are shared online. The coloured lines may seem illogical but they are actually delicately designed to match the metre of the first line of the poem. Our favourites are below but check the NYT haiku blog as it is updated daily. Via PSFK.
Josie Long is great, just great. You’ll never catch her without a smile on her face, and it’s infectious. In fact, she could just walk on stage and be silent for an hour and you’d still leave with a grin. Thankfully, she will also tell some heartfelt personal stories in that time that will engage you deeply and have you exiting the theatre believing you just met your soul mate. This is one of our top picks of the Sydney Comedy Festival. Check out our full top ten.
Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn are finally back together on the big screen. Whilst they may not be crashing weddings, they are still making everyone laugh, this time as 'dinosaur' salesmen torpedoed by the digital age. When they're forced to compete against the younger generation of brains for a prestigious position at Google, hilarity ensues (with Quidditch even appearing at one point). The Internship also stars John Goodman and Rose Byrne, and they are not the only big names involved; Google has played a large role. The film features a range of Google products as well as a cameo from co-founder Sergey Brin himself. It looks to have been a smart PR move from the internet giant, which must have learned from the hard lesson taught to Mark Zuckerberg when he opted not to be involved in the creative process of The Social Network. The Internship is in cinemas June 13, and thanks to Twentieth Century Fox, we have ten double in-season passes to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to our newsletter (if you haven't already) and then email hello@concreteplayground.com.au with your name and address.
Earlwolf is the amalgam of Odd Future (or Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All, or OFWGKTA) alumni Tyler, the Creator and Earl Sweatshirt, two of the most talked about hip hop artists of the decade. Whilst that talk is often based around the controversy they create, with Tyler's most recent artistic foray into commercial curation causing heated debate, there is no denying that when it comes to music the two are innovative virtuosos changing the sound of the genre with their subversive aural experiments. Their Australian tour is their first visit to our shores since Tyler's most recent release, Wolf, and with 19-year-old Earl's follow-up to his critically acclaimed debut, Earl, to be released so soon — and with it promising to be very tidy indeed if his new single 'Whoa' is anything to go by — there is no better time to catch the two most prestigious talents of Odd Future. Be aware, though, that whilst the two are excellent at what they do, this is probably not for you if you are offended easily. The hip hop duo are bringing their explosive sound to Sydney on June 6, so get in quick and witness the future of hip hop.
New York punk rockers Skaters are a throwback to the sound that defined their home city decades ago. Blasting out tunes stripped back to their bare bones and exuding pure energy, it's no surprise that the band's debut album Manhattan is being critically acclaimed — especially with tracks like the uncontrollable-dance-inducing 'Miss Teen Massachusetts'. Thankfully, those good folk over at Splendour in the Grass convinced the American quartet to bring their sound to Australia. The lads have subsequently decided to take in the sights while they're here and you can catch them at their sideshow at Oxford Art Factory in all of their pre-festival glory. No exhaustion, just pure, thrashing-about excitement. Joining Skaters are fellow Splendour band Darlia, who were last year described by BBC Radio 1's Nigel Harding as "the most exciting new guitar band in the UK" — and Harding knows his stuff. Having only been in the game for a year, the British trio have headlined for the impressive likes of The Libertines. Their sound has been described as the eclectic blend of flavoursome Britpop and Seattle nineties grunge. Nineteen-year-old lead singer, Nathan Day, says that he has been preparing music since the tender age of ten. In an interview with BBC he explained that he composed music with intimate venues in mind. He likens the endurance of rock music to that of mould. "The longer you look at mould and don't do anything about it… it will just get bigger." Weird, but we'll take it. Two hypeworthy acts for a bargain price? Right on. Words by Matt Watson and Natalie Freeland. https://youtube.com/watch?v=WSaPHFsZTZo
Purported as putting "the hilarity back into charity", the Cupid's Undie Run tells hopefuls to leave their Sunday best at home and don nothing but their underwear. Participants raise money for the Children's Tumour Foundation of Australia, an organisation dedicated to fighting neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder which can cause deafness, blindness, cancer, and chronic pain. Runners are rewarded for their good deeds with prizes, post-race entertainment, drinks, and awards.
Listen to Autre Ne Veut's album Anxiety and you will quickly understand the hype surrounding this young American R&B artist. If you don't have time, just take in 'Play By Play'. Have your credit card handy whilst doing so as by the end of the first chorus you will be reaching for it to secure yourself a ticket to hear that falsetto live as it sends everyone into a dancing frenzy (who would have thought a falsetto could do such a thing?). Join me there. If you would prefer to go with your friends you already know, then that is fine too, just make sure you do not miss Autre Ne Veut, else you'll miss out on the opportunity to say 'I saw him when' five years down the track. https://youtube.com/watch?v=j9uE46sMugw
Why Torture Is Wrong, And The People Who Love Them will leave you confused. Not because the script or themes are disarmingly perplexing, but rather because you’re unsure how to feel at the play's conclusion — it’s a feeling that continues to resonate on reflection. There's many a laughworthy opportunity in WTIWATPWLT (!) but you’ll also pick up on a great many frustrating elements. You’ll be rooting for the female characters to get their revenge, but then the play wimps out at their point of redemption. Rather than coming away from the performance with something meaningful, you merely depart with ambiguity — which is a real shame given how enjoyable the play's opening scene is. Felicity (Ainslie McGlynn) wakes in the arms of a man she quickly learns is her new husband Zamir (Terry Karabelas), who she drunkenly married at Hooters the night before. Classic. Watching McGlynn wrestling free from Karabelas' big spoon grip will have you in stitches, but watching Felicity's inability to break free from the terrifying misogyny Zamir exerts over her over the course of the next two hours will not. He threatens her with violence and date rapes her, and while you’re hoping (and expecting) Felicity to get her revenge, she doesn’t — instead offering Zamir hope and forgiveness. What could have been a powerful statement against a huge societal problem is forgone and the play and its audience are worse off as a result. Thankfully, in amongst the play's exploration of misogynistic terror, there is Felicity’s mother (Alice Livingstone). Livingstone steals the show with her hilarious and absurd portrayal of a wife who escapes from the reality of her life by burying herself in theatre. She is an extreme exaggeration of why we go to the theatre and because of that baseline connection with us all, the audience is drawn towards Livingstone's wonderfully realised character — and left wanting much more stage time from her. Sadly though, Livingstone is the only real reason to go and see Torture. Whilst the play’s analysis of post-Bush America’s obsession with terror and its misunderstandings is scripted brilliantly by playwright Christopher Durang, it’s delivery unfortunately doesn’t drive the point home as deep as it could. The torture scenes between Felicity’s father and Zamir are clunky, buried in noise and distracting blocking — and featuring a character named Looney Tunes that makes those scenes just frustrating to watch. Just give us more of Felicity’s mother. There are enjoyable times in the show (mainly involving Alice Livingstone), but the rest of the play doesn’t go near these well-executed heights. Reviewing Torture has actually proved quite cathartic in retrospect — the more you think on it, it seems the play doesn’t leave you confused, just disappointed.
Texan rockers The Black Angels are bringing their psychedelic music Down Under, fresh off the back of releasing their fourth album, Indigo Meadow. The band that was instrumental in raising the profile of the genre along with heavyweights such as Black Rebel Motorcycle Club were here for Harvest Festival last year, and their fans have demanded a solo show, a cry The Black Angels somehow heard over their pulsating guitars and driving drums. The Velvet Underground-inspired band will be gracing The Enmore on June 15 with their cathartic style and will be supported by Australian rockers The Laurels and Zeahorse. If you are unfamiliar with the band, then take a listen to their most recent single, 'Don’t Play with Guns', which encapsulates their sound. It will be a kaleidoscopic evening that harks back to the much-hyped sound of a decade ago.
A Night of Horror International Film Festival is back for another year, ready to curl your blood and scare you senseless. Originally conceived as a one-night event seven years ago, the festival has gone from strength to strength and will this year run for 11 spooky nights at Dendy Cinema Newtown from Thursday, April 11, to Sunday, April 21. The festival provides homage to horror films in their purest form. It celebrates all aspects of the genre through a perfect blend of comprehensive and specific scopes, from twisted tales of torture and monster movies to zombie films, supernatural chillers and dark tales of distress and decapitation. This year will see a wide range of violent visuals splatter the screen as A Night of Horror takes on Fantastic Planet to present a festival stitched together by horror, sci-fi and fantasy. Opening night will showcase a double feature starting with the Australian premiere of All Superheroes Must Die, an indie (ghost) train ride through the lives of four superheroes who wake without their powers. Space Milkshake, another premiere featuring Billy Boyd (who you might remember as Lord of the Rings' Peregrin Took) will follow this. The scares will continue every night until April 21 when the festival closes with a triple-header of shorts, the Lovecraftian Resolution and the alien-infested The History of Future Folk. The festival is a haven for true horror fans. Whilst Hollywood has largely hijacked horror films and stripped them down to their tropes, A Night of Horror demonstrates that the dimensions of horror remain dark and diverse and ready to shock you in the way only independent horror films can. So pack your screams and get ready to delve into the dark and gritty underworld of horror films next month. Tickets can be booked by phoning (02) 9550 5699 or online at www.dendy.com.au.
When we take that first sip of our barista-brewed coffee on a workday morning, we often say to ourselves, and our friends, "I can't imagine living without coffee." Well, what about living without a roof over your head or a guaranteed meal? Unfortunately, this is what many homeless people around Australia face each day, but on Friday, June 7, you can help out simply by purchasing a coffee as part of CafeSmart. CafeSmart is an annual event from StreetSmart that raises money and awareness for the homeless and is back for its third year running, aiming to build on the $74,477 raised last year. From every coffee purchased at a participating cafe, $1 will be donated towards local projects, so if your cafe is not participating, head to one that is, just for one day. You can also donate at the counter, so if you prefer a hot chocolate, then you can still help out. It's one day when the little things can definitely make a big difference.
The Political Hearts of Children seeks to explore the evolution of the human character by reminiscing about the past and recapturing the essence of childhood. Everyone has childhood stories, and this brand-new piece of theatre seeks to delve into how deep these tales influence our lives and leave us questioning exactly what we can and cannot salvage from our youth. The subtlenuance production bumps into TAP Gallery for a short time only, April 11-21, and continues the company's drive to produce creative Australian theatre. It is created and influenced directly from the actor's personal experiences, and these established and emerging Sydney performers will take you on a "journey back to the lost land of childhood" that traverses entertainment, awe and loss. Bookings can be made by calling 0481 514 945.
It's a new year, and with it comes a fresh crop of food trends. The twelve months of 2013 were full of sliders, Mexican waves, salted caramel anything — and it's about time those smoke alarms have a rest. This year, we've gotten a tad greener: hybrid snacks will turn some faces green (ramen burger anyone?) but spit-roasting feasts may turn others green with envy. We’re getting back to nature and becoming all green and eco-friendly by eating at zero-waste cafes, meeting farmers and salvaging scraps. Save all your jam jars, too: there’s some serious fermenting sessions bound to happen, and if we're not eating at home, we'll be dining at Korean BBQs. Hybrid snacks A new wave of outlandish fusion foods is emerging and gourmet junk is on the rise. We want high-fat, high-flavour street food. Why all this (albeit, somewhat delicious) madness? Trend forecaster Chris Sanderson of The Future Laboratory says it's all about Gen Y being "experience-hungry" and "searching for food as fun". "Some days they'll eat nutritionally well, but other days they're gorging on high-cal, high-spec treats," Chris says. Enter the cronut. A cross between a croissant and a doughnut, the calorific treat was created at a Bakery in Manhattan back in May 2013 and has attracted a loyal following since. Our very own King of Sweets — Adriano Zumbo — swiftly jumped on this fad and crafted his own version, aptly named ‘The Zonut’. What ensued were lengthy lines outside his patisserie and other bakeries across the nation dusting off their deep-fryers. Not a fan? Don't worry, it won’t be all cinnamon-sugar coated. Other hybrid snacks that are appearing include savoury waffles and ramen burgers (yes, precisely what you think they are: ramen noodles moulded into the shape of a bun with a burger patty sandwiched between). Also, keep an eye out for the fabled 'townie' — who wouldn't love a brownie and a tart all in one? Superfoods Kale and quinoa will continue to reign as superfoods. According to Sanderson, the ancient grain and verdant vegetable are still pretty obscure foodstuffs for the mainstream, so expect to see more of them for a few years yet. Oscar-worthy appearances for quinoa can be seen in dishes such as salads, soups, sushi, porridges. Sidekick freekah is set to pop up more often too: the green wheat grain from the Middle East has a nutty flavour and is also very 'super'. The 'queen of greens' has without a doubt, singlehandedly supported Breville's blender department. Morning smoothies will remain green for 2014, and keep throwing it in frittatas and salads. Kale chips are the favoured party snack now too — Smiths crinkle cut are so 2012. Hyper-provenance Hyper- what? Hyper-provenance. It involves getting up close and personal with the food we eat — literally. We’re seeking more information than just the country of origin on our food. Sanderson notes that there's a new breed of consumer demanding to know which farm produces their favourite cheese and even which cow was milked. It's all about getting back to our 'roots' and becoming deeply connected to the sources of our food. Already we’ve seen a steady increase in cafes and restaurants highlighting that the tomatoes are from Linda in Petersham and the basil is from Terry in Earlwood. Boutique butcher Feather & Bone visit every producer for firsthand experience to ensure that the farming practices are sustainable: they can tell you where it was raised, what it was fed, right through to slaughter and ageing. Pepe Saya knows the farmers down in Picton, NSW that make the cream for his cultured butter — seasoned with Murray River Pink Salt. But it's not just the small-scale quirky food producers: mainstream brands are getting involved, driving to the farms and saying g’day to Farmer Joe. Australian egg producer ecoeggs has gone one step further to allow consumers to watch its chickens live via a ChookCam. Lays Chip Company in the US has even mapped out their maize. "For a number of years now, they've been able to indicate which farm each of it hundreds of thousands of packets of tortilla chips has provided the maize," says Sanderson. Fermentation and Pickling #ferment4life #healthybugs #fermentation #picklery #picklepickle We may be indulging in the gourmet junk some days, but other days we're all about the good bacteria. We're going to get ourselves into quite a pickle this year. In a good way though — fermented vegetables are the next big thing; pickling classes are being held everywhere. So dust off the granny aprons and save all those jars for your next sauerkraut batch, because it's not just for the yoga-pant-wearing raw-food survivalists. And it is actually super-easy to make at home: all you need is salt and a vegetable in a sealed jar. Store it at room temperature for ten days or more and watch the bubbly activity build healthy bacteria. Yes — it's good for our gut. You might be squirming at the thought of it all, but fermented foods are everywhere. Who doesn't love a pungent spoonful of pickled cabbage alongside your roast chicken? Pigs on parade It might be the year of the horse, but it's all about pigs in 2014. The ovens are being fired up, the spits are turning, pork ribs are being marinated in preparation for sticky-finger feasting and charcuterie boards are being carved to lay the groundwork for a menu replete with cured meats. Continuing with the theme of sustainability, there's a new generation of butchers and chefs that are dedicated to using the entire carcass, not just the prime cuts. A new mobile phone app, called Nose to Tail, promotes full use of the animal and provides information about more than 200 cuts, including recommended preparation. Moreover, embracing a paddock-to-plate attitude means that the pigs being used are healthier and fatter. And we know what fatter means — more flavour and better texture. Hungry diners are enjoying slow-roasted spit roasts and smoky platters of sticky ribs with homemade BBQ sauce. Chefs are perfecting the art of crispy, succulent pork belly that is dripping with all the evils of tastiness: you can get it sandwiched between a soft white bun with cabbage salad and mayo now at any cafe. And if they're not roasting or BBQing it, they're curing it. Move over cheese platter, it's time for the charcuterie board to take the limelight. Think spicy salamis; rich, gamey pates; and translucent, paper-thin prosciutto. Zero waste Food waste is hitting an all-time high. We might all be embracing the sustainable food production and living culture, albeit according to Oz Harvest, Australians are throwing away 3 million tonnes of food every year — the equivalent of 136 kilos per person. So what shall we do with all this? Sanderson's trend alert team says that brands are taking action and "transforming out-of-date produce into edible feasts". Charities all over Australia such as FareShare have a team of volunteers and chefs that transform wasted food from eateries into edible, nourishing meals and also distribute all those untouched restaurant meals to the less fortunate. It may sound off, but it's not the scraps. An estimated 20-40 percent of fruit and vegetables don't reach the shops due to the supermarkets unreasonable aesthetic standards — that’s a lot of jamming and chutney-making to be done here. And if we’ve done all the jamming we can do, visit eateries such as Silo by Joost in Melbourne, who have a "loop-based system whereby packaging and waste is reduced to a minimum", says Sanderson. It literally is a zero-waste cafe: all organic waste is treated in a waste dehydrator and steriliser. Time to take a trip to Bunnings to get that compost bin, perhaps? Korean food We were all about burgers and hot dogs in 2013 — and the American cuisine is set to stick around for a bit longer. Bust out the bibs again, as there's a trending forecast for Southern fried chicken and smoky barbecue stuff to continue hitting our menus. However, Asian food is something we're familiar with and now we're starting to apply great things to it. Korean dishes are set to take centre stage. We’ve done our dash with Thai and Vietnamese, but the travelled foodies are realising that if you venture not too far east, there's an incredible Korean experience waiting to happen. The pickling affair will fit right in here too: the fermented vegetable dish kimchi hits the mainstream, along with ssamjang and gochujang. Fire up those hot pots and spicy BBQs — it's fresh, healthy, packed with vegetables and spice and an ideally complimented with an icy cold lager. One-food wonders Restaurants have been specialising in just one or two dishes for a while now, be they dumpling houses, burger joints, espresso bars, bagel places — there's even an artisanal food craze in San Francisco with cafes solely serving toast (and the lines aren't short). Is it a sign of the economic times or just the tip of the hipster spear? Either way, these extremely curated menus may only have a few items but are all about idiosyncrasy and creating an atmosphere. The increasing taste for specialisation means the chefs can focus on the ingredients and achieve the best possible buns/crepes/tacos/ramen possible. Diners are craving the authentic tastes and more characteristic variations with fewer dishes. Case in point: Mary's in Sydney has a concise food menu of only three burgers. Los Hermanos in Melbourne has only eight menu items, mainly tacos. Wonderbao only sells steamed buns. But isn't there a danger in having such limited choice? Not at all; if it means more time chatting to our pals and less time spent reading the novel-like menus, we're all for one-food wonders. To hear more from the Future Laboratory, check out their Australian events: SYDNEY TREND BRIEFING SERIES Date: Wednesday 19 February Time: 8am – Registration and light breakfast 9am – 12.30pm – Trend Briefing Venue: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh Tickets from Eventbrite. LUXURY FUTURES FORUM, SYDNEY Speakers: Chris Sanderson, Martin Raymond, Megan Quinn, Chris Kyvetos, Loh Lik Peng Date: Thursday, 20th February 2014 Time: 1.30-6.30pm Venue: Golden Age Cinema, Paramount House, 80 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills Tickets via Eventbrite. MELBOURNE TREND BRIEFING SERIES Date: Wednesday 12 February Time: 8am – Registration and light breakfast 9am – 12.30pm – Trend Briefing Venue: ACMI, Federation Square/Flinders Street, Melbourne Tickets via Eventbrite FOOD AND DRINK FUTURE FORUM, MELBOURNE Speakers: Chris Sanderson, Martin Raymond, Jill Dupleix, Any Gaunt, Andrew McConnell Date: Thursday 13 February 2014 Time: 1.30pm to 6.30pm Venue: RMIT University Design Hub – Building 100, Carlton Tickets via Eventbrite.
If you've read this far, you may have already surmised that Barrington Tops is a great spot for mountain biking — and the vast array of rugged terrain and beautiful scenery are arguably even better experienced on two wheels. While you're spoilt for choice in terms of which path to take, we recommend starting with the Barrington trail, a well traversed dirt and gravel road spanning nearly 15 kilometres and, running from Mount Barrington past Brumlow Top and on to Polblue Mountain. On this trail, you'll have access to incredible views, a diverse spread of forest habitats and perfect mountain air. Image: Doug Beckers
Engaging, topical, entertaining and (mostly) free. The Woollahra Festival is held over four days in November, bringing together a diverse programme of shows, talks and community events to celebrate world music and visual arts, as well as provoking intelligent discussion on contemporary ideas and global issues. For a small event that’s produced entirely by local residents, there’s a heck of a line-up; from Tai Chi and belly dancing to debating foreign policy, local architecture and iconic literature. Plus it’s family-friendly too: this year’s festival has a ‘magic’ theme for the kids, including illusionists, acrobatics, dance, hula hooping and pretty pooches. Now in its third year, some of the festival’s most popular events – like Dinner on the Village Green (a three-course dinner at $150 per person, as part of the closing event on Sunday 18 November) – will be sure to sell out quickly. But there are plenty of free and $10 events, including talks from well-known writers, journalists, architects, politicians, chefs and more – as well as free gigs from an impressive list of world musicians.
It's time to sparkle, darling. If you've ever watched the Aussie cult classic film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, you need a book a trip out to Broken Hill for the Broken Heel Festival, an annual celebration of the film's release in the town of its setting. It's three days of nothing but discos and divas in the capital of the western NSW desert. The festival runs from Thursday, September 7 to Monday, September 11, the country town will be overtaken with comedy, cabaret, live music and social events dedicated to the film. Cultural personalities from around Australia will be participating, including DJs, showgirls, and drag kings and queens. If you know your performers, starring acts include German native Hans, Ru Paul's Drag Race Down Under alumni Kita Mean and dancing queen Rita Menu. From the lower-key Friday welcome party to the headline Saturday main drag parade (which the entire town usually turns out for), every event will appeal to different crowds — or go hard and make plans to attend all that you can. Some are limited to Broken Hill, but others will spread out to the neighbouring village of Silverton. There'll be dedicated food and drink menus, plus drag markets where you can shop until you drop. Broken Heel Festival runs from Thursday, September 7 to Monday, September 11 in Broken Hill and its surrounds. For more information, including the program, tickets and accommodation, visit the website.
More than 60 people have been injured and 19 hospitalised after a stampede at Falls Festival's Lorne leg on Friday evening. The incident occurred after DMA's finished their set on the Grand Theatre Stage, when many in the crowd tried to make their way to see London Grammar on the Valley Stage. The Age reports that a number of patrons slipped and lost their footing during the move, resulting in leg, rib, hip, pelvic, head, facial and spinal injuries and fractures, as well as cuts and bruises. "It was quite a chaotic scene and required a major response," said Ambulance Victoria state health commander Paul Holman. Punters took to social media to post about the traumatic and chaotic experience, including reports of broken bones, panic attacks, people passing out, trampling and many fearing for their lives. "This was the most scariest thing ever! I will never forget what I saw last night," wrote one Falls attendee. "It's hectic and she said it was the worst thing she has ever experienced in her life," posted the sister of another. https://twitter.com/kewesting/status/814859083740102656 Festival organisers also took to social media to issue a statement, reflecting the fact that entertainment in the Grand Theatre was suspended for the remainder of the evening, but noting that normal programming will resume on Saturday. Many responses to their post have been rightfully critical of the setup that allowed the incident to occur in the first place — this isn't their first time hosting a popular event of this size, with a mass migration between stages and sets a common occurrence not just at Falls, but at every other music festival. The Lorne crowd crush occurs just days after a 21-year-old woman was struck and killed by a falling tree branch at the Lost Paradise festival on the NSW Central Coast. With plenty of festivals in full swing over New Year's — and the peak festival period upon us during summer — here's hoping for a safe rest of the season. If you're attending a fest, look after each other. Image: Falls Festival.
To combat the multitude of incoming phone calls which remain unheard in the depths of your purse, Nokia is seeking a patent for magnetic-ink tattoos which would alert you to every phone call. The company's 'Haptic Communication' patent describes an electronic device (your smartphone) which will generate a magnetic field. This will stimulate the ferromagnetic ink that has been stamped on, taped to, or - yes - tattooed on skin. The ink will then react with stimuli that corresponds to the digital content of the original device. Similar to the 'vibrate' setting on existing phones, different vibration patterns would be received, and felt, for a voicemail, text message, etc. This technology may aid users in distinguishing which type of notification their phone is receiving from their back packet or book bag - all without audio. It all may sound a tad drastic, but who knows? Perhaps some fresh ink will finally allow us to unglue our phones from our palms. [via Wired]
One of the best in the west is heading to Surry Hills this weekend, when chef Pasi Petänen takes over the grill at Shwarmama for one day only. The famed Finnish chef who is behind Newtown restaurant Cafe Paci — and an earlier Darlinghurst pop-up of the same name — is heading east to serve up ox-tongue shawarma and loaded snack packs, plus choc-meringue cookies. The limited-edition dishes will be available from midday until sold out. After that, it'll be the kebab shop's usual lineup of sabich stuffed with eggplant and egg, hummus plates and shawarma filled with spiced, marinated chicken. To drink, you'll find coffee, Yulli's Brews beers and a couple of wines on tap. The takeover is to celebrate the first birthday of Shwarmama, which is a joint project by Mat Lindsay (Ester, Poly) and Paramount Coffee Project's Russell Beard (Reuben Hills), Mark Dundon and Jin Ng. Making it through the past 365 days (relatively) unscathed is definitely worth celebrating. Images: Kitti Gould
With the Seymour Centre's Emerald City Garden Bar taking over Festival hub duties from 5 Eliza, this former library and current Fringe headquarters gets reborn as 5 Eliza's Juke Joint. The Joint fashions itself in the style of Mississipi delta blues, with one of the standout appearances at this haven of Southern sound being local country/bluegrass band the Green Mohair Suits. The group has gone from friends turned bandmates to playing backup to Josh Pyke at Beck Hansen's Song Reader fundraiser last year at the Standard. They'll be joining other Joint luminaries, including the Cope Street Parade, the Hoo Haas and Mic Conway and Liz Frencham. Read the rest of our top ten picks of the Sydney Fringe Festival 2013.
Studios thrive on mystery. Walt Disney's famous studio was defined by Disney the man, who strutted the public stage with a persona drawn as deliberately as his animated stars. There's no doubt that his work had character, passion and flair. There's also no doubt that the real-life Disney was more troubling than the public figure, which begs the question: should the artist have the stature of their work? The Object Gallery is giving you the chance to find out, as a select few enter elusive design studios across Sydney to get a closer look at the designers behind the designs. The Object Gallery already got you a peek into smaller workshops in its August exhibition Big: Inside Sydney’s Small Studios. This time, they’re going to get you into some of the larger spaces. Studios across the inner-city will throw open their doors on Friday afternoon — just a crack, just for a day. Sixteen studios, including Object renovators Architect Marshall, eco-furniture designers Schamburg + Alvisse and more-than-jewelry-makers Dinosaur Designs, will take guests inside their space and process. So book in quick before these studios are full to their mysterious brims.
It was meant to be the sci-fi hit of 2020. It ended up being one of 2021's standouts instead. It picked up a heap of 2022 Oscars and has a sequel about to drop. Spice saga Dune is also now back on the big screen in Australia and New Zealand, giving audiences another chance to see it in the best way possible. Directed by Denis Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2049), the 2021 film followed in David Lynch's footsteps, making a new adaptation of Frank Herbert's 1965 novel — and managing what Alejandro Jodorowsky sadly couldn't (see: excellent documentary Jodorowsky's Dune) in the process. It also gave the world a stunning new science-fiction cinema classic, which started its return season in cinemas on Thursday, February 8, 2024 Down Under in preparation for part two arriving at the end of the month. The initial Villeneuve-helmed Dune flick scored ten Oscar nominations and six wins for beginning the space-opera series' story. In the 2021 film, Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet, Wonka) headed to Arrakis because his dad Duke Leto Atreides (Oscar Isaac, Moon Knight) had just been given stewardship of the planet and its abundance of 'the spice' — aka the most valuable substance in the universe — and then got caught up in a bitter feud with malicious forces over the substance. It also saw Paul meet the population of people known as the Fremen, including Chani (Zendaya, Euphoria), plus Javier Bardem's (Lyle, Lyle Crocodile) Stilgar, which is who he and his mother Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson, Silo) are with in Dune: Part Two. The second film has also taken the long way to cinemas, after originally being slated to release in November 2023, then postponed during Hollywood's strikes. It will now keep the tale going from Thursday, February 29. This time, war has arrived on the franchise's spice-laden planet, and Paul and the Fremen are ready to fight. The former doesn't just want to face off against the folks who destroyed his family, but for the sandy celestial body, with Chani at his side. Expansive desert landscape, golden and orange hues, sandworms, Villeneuve's reliable eye for a spectacle and Hans Zimmer's (The Son) sonic best: they're all part of the first movie. So are Josh Brolin (Outer Range), Dave Bautista (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3), Stephen McKinley Henderson (Beau Is Afraid) and Charlotte Rampling (Benedetta) among the cast. Some cinemas are also doing Dune double features on Wednesday, February 28, the evening before the second part officially releases, if you want the full Chalamet-led Dune experience so far in one sitting. Check out trailers for Dune and Dune: Part Two below: Dune returned to cinemas Down Under on Thursday, February 8, 2o24. Read our review. Dune: Part Two will release in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, February 29, 2024.
Picture a traditional Chinese landscape painting and you'll probably visualise a mountain with a pagoda half-shrouded in mist. Knowing this, and hoping to make an unequivocal comment on China's pollution problem, photographer Yao Lu has pulled a neat piece of visual trickery: in New Landscapes he creates idyllic vistas that at first appear to depict nature in all its glory but which are actually composed of landfill trash. After arranging the piles of waste into something resembling organic forms and photographing them disguised under construction netting, Yao Lu used editing techniques to insert the conventional artistic elements of trees, pagodas and the red seal. The result raises the question: is this where China's natural world is headed? The works are on show at Bruce Silverstein Gallery in New York. Via PSFK.
The summer holidays might be only just over, but chances are, you're already contemplating your big international trip (or trips) for the year. So, we thought we'd do some research for you. Whether you're gearing up to lay down a deposit on a flight or looking for some deskapism to get you through to knock-off, here are ten international destinations to add to your 2017 wish list. We've got magical Indian cities dotted with blue temples, South American wilderness filled with giant-sized glaciers and a World Heritage listed, volcanic island. [caption id="attachment_606508" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Dennis Jarvis.[/caption] TULUM, MEXICO The world's biggest natural aquarium, Mayan ruins atop a 13-metre high cliff, wild jungles, white sands on the edge of the Caribbean... Tulum is the kind of place people visit and drive their friends mad talking about when they get home. Stay in a traditional, palm-thatched cabaña just a stone's throw from the beach and linger over cocktails in rustic, waterfront bars. Unlike the touristy areas to its north, Tulum is UNESCO-protected from development, thanks to its limestone foundations and biodiversity. [caption id="attachment_606607" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Eva Blue.[/caption] CUBA Fabled land of dancing in the streets, cigars, classic cars and sticking it to the US, Cuba holds mythological status in many a Westerner's imagination. After all, it's been really hard to get to for a really long time. And, now that Fidel Castro has passed away, there's fear that the island will modernise rapidly. Should you make it this year, be sure to wander along Havana's multi-coloured Malecón boulevard meeting poets and philosophers, get lost in the winding alleyways of Camaguey and laze about on Cuba's stunning beaches. [caption id="attachment_606606" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Bernd Thaller.[/caption] MONGOLIA If you love wide open spaces, four-legged beasts running free, sleeping in gers and calligraphy, then make Mongolia your destination. It's in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, that you'll come across galleries dedicated to the mighty pen and, while you're there, be sure to catch a spot of throat singing and a contortionist show or two — Mongolia's are among the best in the world. Next up, head into the Gobi Desert's 1.3 million square kilometres, where you can experience daily life with a nomadic family and drink airag, an alcoholic spirit comprised of fermented horse milk. [caption id="attachment_606604" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Norton Ip.[/caption] SOUTH KOREA Your first reason to swing by South Korea is Jeju, a World Heritage-listed volcanic island, where former lava tubes have turned into some of the biggest caves on the planet. There are hiking trails a-plenty and a bunch of pretty, pretty swimming holes. For a startling contrast, spend the other half of your holiday among Seoul's ten million residents, drinking makgeolli (a sweet rice wine), checking out traditional arts and crafts at the Gahoe Museum, strolling around 600-year-old Bukchon Hanok Village and taking five in a tranquil tea house. [caption id="attachment_606611" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Shannon Connellan.[/caption] HONG KONG Foodies, this one's for you. To make the most of your trip, be there between October 26 and 29, 2017, when the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival takes over the city. You'll be sampling your way through more than 300 stalls, offering gustatory delights of all kinds — from single malt whiskeys to handmade cheeses. Take matters further by booking yourself in for a master chef-prepared, multi-course feast, with matching wines. Equally abundant is Hong Kong's contemporary art scene. Make your way to Kowloon to see the best of it, where a massive, new cultural precinct is under construction, or, if you're after something a little unexpected, take a hike on the lush Lamma Island. [caption id="attachment_606601" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Umesh Gopinath.[/caption] RAJASTHAN, INDIA India's biggest state, found in the country's northwest, gives you 342,000 square kilometres of intense sights, sounds and smells. Jaipur, the capital, is an established tourist destination worth dropping by, but we recommend focusing on some of the smaller cities. To meet artists and reminisce over Octopussy, get yourself to Udaipur (also known as the Venice of the East). To see one of the biggest completely preserved fort cities in the world, check out World Heritage-listed Jaisalmer. And to mix with mystics among blue temples and the humming of Hindu prayers, stay in Pushkar. Then, of course, there's the famous blue city of Jodhpur, with its labyrinthine, medieval streets. [caption id="attachment_606509" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Miguel Mansilla.[/caption] PATAGONIA, ARGENTINA Prepare to feel like a character out of Honey I Shrunk the Kids. Patagonia's one million square kilometres are filled with titanic landscapes. Make your first stop Glaciar Perito Moreno, a 30-kilometre long, five-kilometre wide, 60-metre high kingdom of ice that moves at a rate of two metres per day, causing colossal icebergs to crash into a nearby channel. After that, head to Parque Nacional Los Alerces, to wander among pristine creeks, sparkling lakes and lush mountainsides, and meet a 4,000-year-old tree species. Meanwhile, along the coastline, you'll be treated to epic whale shows, dolphins, seals and penguins — all year round. [caption id="attachment_606609" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Harshil Shah.[/caption] BRISTOL, UK Keen to experience the UK's vibrant music and arts scene, but not so keen on shoving your way through crowds in London? Skip the capital and go straight to Bristol. Found in England's southwest, on the River Avon, this 500,000-person city punches well above its weight when it comes to all things cultural and maintains a laidback, friendly atmosphere. If you can, time your vacation with the epic Bristol Harbour Festival, which takes over the waterfront from 21-23 July 2017, bringing free music, dance, circus performances, live art, food, drink and more. Any time of year, you'll get excellent coffee at Small Street Espresso and tasty vegetarian food at Roll for the Soul, a not-for-profit, community cafe, bike workshop and event space. [caption id="attachment_534322" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Peter Saw.[/caption] TOULOUSE, FRANCE Another alternative European city to add to your itinerary is Toulouse. Despite being the fourth biggest city in France, it's yet to become a tourist hot spot, so you can walk around art galleries without bumping into people. What's more, it's the nation's festival capital, which means that, during summer, rarely a weekend goes by that public spaces aren't packed with dance, live music or theatre. Be sure to explore Les Abattoirs (an ex-slaughterhouse turned contemporary gallery), the Musee des Augustins (an ex-convent seized by revolutionaries in 1793) and Marché Victor Hugo, the biggest of Toulouse's 13 food markets, crowded with local produce and wine-tasting opportunities. You'll find more Toulouse tips over here. [caption id="attachment_606610" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Tim Sackton.[/caption] BOSTON, USA Already visited NYC, LA and San Fran? Looking for a new place to explore in the US? We present, Boston. Found on the east coast of Massachusetts, this 700,000-strong city is legendary for its love of learning, innovation, ideas and the arts, partly because it's where you'll find Harvard Uni. If you're into American history, take the Freedom Trail, which carries you through the leadup to the War of Independence. For cracking Italian restaurants, hit the North End. And, when you're ready to go further afield, set sail for the Boston Harbour islands.
