The Back to the Future franchise has pinned this decade all too well. In the next development of unbelievably futuristic sounding technology, Google-backed company Kitty Hawk released the first video footage of its flying car prototype yesterday, April 24. Yeah, Doc Brown's Delorean just got real. The company is financially backed by Google co-founder Larry Page and its chief executive Sebastian Thrun, is the founder of Google's 'semi-secret' X lab and a pioneer of the self-driving car. The 'Kitty Hawk Flyer' is described as an "all-electric aircraft" designed to operate over water. The open-seated, 220-pound single seater is powered by eight battery-powered propellers — it essentially resembles a mix between a jetski and a hoverboard, seemingly powered by what looks like a bunch of mini-drones. It will not require a pilot's license to fly, as it is considered an "ultralight aircraft" by FAA regulations, and Kitty Hawk claims drivers will be able to learn how to operate the vehicle "in minutes". Here's the just-dropped intro video, with requisite cheesy inspirational music and somewhat shitty acting: The company is trying to attract enthusiasts to test-drive the vehicle by offering a $100 three-year membership that includes waiting list priority, company-branded gear, flight simulator access and invites to company events and demonstrations. Members will also get a $2000 discount once the car does go to retail. Kitty Hawk is not the first company to attempt the flying car feat, with the Slovakian company AeroMobil making their flying vehicle available for pre-order by the end of 2017 and the aerospace firm Airbus releasing plans for its ground-air hybrid car at the Geneva International Motor Show last month. The government of Dubai, in partnership with a Chinese firm, EHang has also released plans to begin operating flying taxis by July 2017 and Uber is holding a conference in Texas on Tuesday to discuss details of their own "urban-air transportation" vehicle. Though the car is said to be in consumer production by the end of the year, no retail price has been given yet. As of now, the vehicle will only be shipped within the US, so Australians will have to wait a bit longer for a ride. Via The New York Times.
2024's working year might've only just begun, but it's already time to book in a big overseas holiday. Put in that leave request ASAP. Block out your calendar. Bust out your suitcase, too, and make sure your passport is up to date. Your destination: the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, because Coachella is back for 2024 with a characteristically impressive roster of acts. Mark Friday, April 12–Sunday, April 14 and Friday, April April 19–Sunday, April 21 in your diaries — including if you you're just keen to check out the livestream. (Remember, Coachella was livestreaming its sets long before the pandemic.) The full bill is a jaw-dropper, as usual, with Lana Del Rey headlining the Friday nights, Tyler, The Creator doing the Saturday nights and Doja Cat on Sunday nights. Also, the reunited No Doubt are on the bill, but without a set day so far. Also hitting the stage: a stacked array of acts that also spans everyone from Blur, Ice Spice, J Balvin and Peso Pluma to Sabrina Carpenter, Grimes, Lil Yachty and Flight Facilities. Whether you're after new tunes, the biggest music names right now or dripping nostalgia, it's on offer at Coachella 2024. Anyway, let's be honest, you haven't truly read any of those words — you'll be wanting this: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Coachella (@coachella) For music lovers planning to watch along from home, Coachella will once again team up with YouTube to livestream the festival. That's no longer such a novelty in these pandemic times but, given the calibre of Coachella's lineup, it's still a mighty fine way to spend a weekend. For those eager to attend in-person, you can signup for access to tickets over at the festival's website — with pre-sales starting at 11am PT on Friday, January 19 (aka 5am AEST/6am AEDT on Saturday, January 20). At the time of writing, the festival advises that best bet for passes is the second weekend. Coachella 2024 runs from Friday, April 12–Sunday, April 14 and Friday, April April 19–Sunday, April 21 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. Find out more information and register for tickets at coachella.com — with pre-sales starting at 11am PT on Friday, January 19 (aka 5am AEST/6am AEDT on Saturday, January 20). Top image: Casey via Wikimedia Commons.
French, Spanish, German, American, Japanese: Australia has no shortage of film festivals categorised by country. But what about the stories of those with no nation at all? Lighting up screens for the first time as part of this year's Refugee Week, the films in the Refugee Film Festival will explore the trials and tribulations of people fleeing persecution and war. The festival will be held at the State Library of NSW from June 17-18. Standout titles include The Staging Post, which chronicles the lives of two asylum seekers stuck in Indonesia as a result of Australia's policy of turning back boats; The Land Between, about sub-Saharan African migrants living in the mountains of northern Morocco; and Constance on Edge, a ten year project that tells the story of a Sudanese refugee family making a new life in Australia. Cinephiles outside of Sydney and Melbourne can also put their hand up to host a screening themselves. For more information on how to make that happen, as well as the full festival program, go here.
Bondi's beloved Neapolitan pizza, 100 percent handmade and traditionally woodfired, is coming to the CBD. Not content with the chilled out, communal dining vibes of Bondi, Da Orazio Pizza + Porchetta's Maurice Terzini has plans to extend his particular brand of stripped-back Italian to the city. Confirming plans with Good Food, Terzini is looking at possibly opening a new chapter of the super popular pizza institution in the CBD — perhaps on Sussex or Bridge Street. "It won't be exactly the same. It'll be an extension of what we're doing at Bondi. It might be Da Orazio Pizza and an enoteca, or a trattoria," he told GF. It remains to be seen whether head chef Orazio d'Elia (ex-Popolo) will move into the big city lights, or whether Melbourne architect Matthew Herbert will be on board — the man responsible for that slick, white communal dining vibe at the Bondi eatery. Then we're wondering whether this will be a six-hour, slow roasted pig sitch (the + Porchetta side of things) or whether Terzini will be content to have another woodfire pizza stove flown in from Napoli and transported to the site via crane, like the Bondi chapter. Terzini has a significant amount on his proverbial plate, having just today announced the annual, exclusive New Year's Day party at Bondi Icebergs and just a few weeks ago launching Sunday brunch there. You need something done, give it to a busy person. Via Good Food.
It's been a huge few weeks for Australian tour news — Kraftwerk! Meredith! Strawberry Fields! This That! Summer Camp! Paul McCartney! Harvest Rock! Pendulum! Flight Facilities! Weezer! Beyond The Valley! Field Day! Bluesfest! — but only one big announcement can whip it, whip it good. When Good Things returns for 2023, it'll hit Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane with new-wave icons Devo on the bill. The 'Girl U Want' band will be celebrating 50 years since first forming in 1973, and also saying goodbye on a farewell tour that'll mark their last-ever Australian shows. Devo's famous energy dome hats will be on display at Centennial Park, Flemington Racecourse and Brisbane Showgrounds this December, on a jam-packed Good Things lineup that is brimming with nostalgia-inducing acts — including Fall Out Boy. A day after teasing that they were heading Down Under, the group behind 'Sugar, We're Goin Down' and 'Uma Thurman' have been confirmed as festival headliners, playing both tunes dating back to their 2000s heyday and recent tracks. From there, Good Things keeps rollin', rollin', rollin', rollin' with Limp Bizkit; will see Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor hit the stage solo; and is guaranteed to burst with punk energy thanks to Pennywise. Bullet for My Valentine, Taking Back Sunday and I Prevail are also on the bill, plus Enter Shikari, Pvris, Behemoth and Sepultura. Fresh from featuring a reunited TISM in 2022, Good Things boasts a packed roster of local names in 2023, too, celebrating Australian alternative rock with Spiderbait, Frenzal Rhomb, Jebediah and Eskimo Joe. On both the international and homegrown front, the list goes on, including Hanabie, While She Sleeps, Magnolia Park, Short Stack, Boom Crash Opera, Luca Brasi and more. And yes, this is a fest where you can likely hear 'Whip It', 'Dance, Dance', 'Society' and 'Buy Me a Pony' live on the same day, plus 'The Last Fight', 'Leaving Home', 'Punch in the Face' and a very non-George Michael cover of 'Faith' as well. GOOD THINGS 2023 LINEUP: Fall Out Boy Limp Bizkit Devo (The Farewell Tour celebrating 50 years) I Prevail Bullet For My Valentine Corey Taylor Pennywise Spiderbait Slowly Slowly Enter Shikari Behemoth Sepultura Taking Back Sunday PVRIS Bloom Boom Crash Opera Eskimo Joe Frenzal Rhomb Hanabie Jebediah Luca Brasi Magnolia Park Make Them Suffer Ocean Sleeper Royal & The Serpent Short Stack Slaughter To Prevail Stand Atlantic Tapestry The Plot In You While She Sleeps GOOD THINGS 2023 DATES: Friday, December 1 — Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne Saturday, December 2 — Centennial Park, Sydney Sunday, December 3 — Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane Good Things will hit the Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane in December 2023. Pre-sale tickets go on sale from 10am, Tuesday, August 22, and general sales from 10am on Thursday, August 24. Head to the festival website for more info and to register for pre-sales. Top image: swimfinfan via Wikimedia Commons.
When you hear the word 'aurora', there are two possible things that pop into your mind. A lot of people will be reminded of fantastical images of the Northern Lights that colour the skies of Scandinavia — they're actually making their way over the UK right now. Then again, many of us will think of nothing other than Superintendent Chalmers yelling 'aurora borealis'. And, in our books, both are satisfactory responses. But what may not cross your mind is the lesser talked about aurora australis — the Southern Lights. Equally as magical and much closer to home, this phenomenal feat of nature may be visible from Australia and New Zealand this week. This Wednesday, NASA reported a huge sun flare that is currently hurtling its way towards Earth. As the ABC report, "the blast has sheared off a few billion tons of the sun's outer layer ... [it's] heading towards Earth at a speed of about 4 million kilometres per hour". And, while this sounds completely terrifying to anyone not well-versed in science, it's apparently a pretty good thing for those watching the skies. Once they arrive at Earth, the remnants of the blast could manifest themselves as beautiful auroras. NASA's already getting a preview of the show: The hot tip so far is to head to Tasmania, and locals are on high alert. Boasting over 14,000 members, the Aurora Australis Tasmania Facebook group is in constant chatter about the best place to see the magical lights and at what time they might strike. Though no definite auroras have been reported so far, the views aren't bad at all. Magaret Sonnemann, founder of the group and published author on the topic, is showing particular faith in the light's arrival. "We haven't seen an event like this for several years and we have no idea when it might occur again," she said. Though the event is incredibly difficult to predict, it's definitely worth keeping your eyes on the sky this week. Views like this would set the bar really high for next year's Dark Mofo. Via ABC. Images: Seabird NZ, 'J', Image Editor, Jonathan Esling Photography via photopin cc.
Throw us Sydneysiders a bit of sunshine and we'll take just about any inside activity to the great outdoors. Open-air moviegoing, however, is a clear favourite, so you'll be chuffed to learn that the Sydney Hills Outdoor Cinema is returning for a third year. Running for a month from January 12 to February 12 at the Castle Hill Showground, this al fresco event promises summertime cinema at its best. The 20-strong film program — which will show on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights — will cover both new releases and classics, across all kinds of genres. The season will kick off with the Michael Keaton-starring The Founder followed by a screening of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them the next night, and finish up with WWII film Allied, which stars Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard. But, really, the big screen stuff is just a tiny part of what this pop-up event has in store. Most importantly, Bilpin Cider is on drinks duty, with their fully licensed Garden Bar set to serve an assortment of summer-inspired cocktails, local wine, French bubbly, and the label's own collection of ciders. Meanwhile, a pop-up by local Dural café Wolfe & Co. will be taking care of those movie snacks, stepping beyond your usual popcorn selection to offer the likes of prawn cocktail rolls and beef brisket burgers. There's even a range of cheese and antipasto boards, for anyone wanting to really ace that date night situation. Crashmat beanbags will ensure total tush comfort, but if you really want to luxe up your cinema experience, why not try the four-person Koala Class viewing suite, complete with blankets and private butler service? Or you could get eight of your mates together, and shell out for a VIP bell tent — you'll get your own private viewing courtyard, a private butler, cover and all the creature comforts you need to spend a luxe evening under the stars. The Sydney Hills Outdoor Cinema will run from January 12-February 12, at the Castle Hill Showground. Gates will open at 6pm each night, for eats and drinks before the film kicks off at 8pm.
Great news, fans of LGBTQIA+ cinema: Mardi Gras Film Festival organiser Queer Screen is back with its second cinema celebration of 2023. That happens every year, but it's only been recently that the Sydney-based outfit's two fests both stream online — and nationally. So, getting cosy on the couch while watching your way through this year's Queer Screen Film Fest is 100-percent on the agenda between Wednesday, August 23–Sunday, September 3. Whether you're a Sydneysider with too heaving a social calendar to hit the picture palace in-person or you live outside of the Harbour City, a feast of new queer highlights and retrospective standouts awaits. Must-sees include the Berlin-set Drifter; the AIDS in Hollywood-focused Commitment to Life; and Equal the Contest, which follows regional women's Australian rules football team Mount Alexander Falcons in an exploration of the barriers still faced for women and gender-diverse people on the field. Gay, sapphic, and trans and gender-diverse shorts sessions are also streaming. And those retro titles? They span Anchor & Hope, about a trio's complicated relationship; German coming-of-age romance Centre of My World; rom-com Nina's Heavenly Delights, focusing on a woman reuniting with her Indian family in Scotland; and the southern Chile-set The Strong Ones.
One of the best pieces of Nicolas Cage news of 2023 has come to fruition, and your 2024 must-see list is likely to benefit. Back in May, word arrived that the inimitable actor was hopping from playing himself in 2022's The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent and then Dracula in this year's Renfield to becoming an Australian surfer in a film called, fittingly, The Surfer. Production has now wrapped on the movie's shoot — and the flick will land in cinemas and on streaming sometime in the future. There's no release date for Cage's Aussie stint as yet, nor a trailer, but there is a first-look image of the actor looking bloody in a car with the sun streaming in, binoculars around his neck and a bullet in his hand. Stan, which is behind the movie, has also dropped more details about the picture that adds to Cage's resume — slotting in alongside everything from crooning Elvis songs in David Lynch's Wild at Heart to having everyone see him when they slumber in Dream Scenario. [caption id="attachment_901588" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gerald Geronimo via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] The Surfer sadly isn't the only Point Break remake that needs to be made (forget the terrible 2015 do-over). Rather, it sees Cage star as an Australian expat returning home from America, then getting in a beach battle with a local gang of wave riders. Cage's titular character makes the trip Down Under after years in the US, only to get humiliated by other surfers in front of his teenage son. Cue a turf war, plus Cage's protagonist refusing to leave the beach. Cue the stakes escalating and the movie's namesake having his sanity tested, too. [caption id="attachment_901587" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Guillaume Paumier via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] The film shot in Yallingup in Western Australia, just in the single location, with director Lorcan Finnegan (Vivarium) helming and working with a script by screenwriter Thomas Martin. Featuring alongside Cage: an Aussie cast that spans Julian McMahon (FBI: Most Wanted), Nicholas Cassim (The Messenger), Miranda Tapsell (The Artful Dodger), Alexander Bertrand (Australian Gangster), Justin Rosniak (Mr Inbetween), Rahel Romahn (Here Out West), Finn Little (Yellowstone) and Charlotte Maggi (Summer Love). While we wait for the trailer for The Surfer, check out the sneak peek for Dream Scenario, Cage's next film in cinemas Down Under, below: The Surfer doesn't yet have an in-cinema or streaming release date — we'll update you when one is announced. Top image: Radek Ladczuk.
This April, we were titillated with news of an upcoming collaboration, a long spanning art exhibition hitting Sydney in the coming years. The National: New Australian Art is a home-grown exhibition rolling out in 2017, 2019 and 2021 (all off-Biennale of Sydney years) and will feature a coordinated exhibition across the city's major institutions: the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Carriageworks and the Museum of Contemporary Art. It's some of the best news the contemporary Aussie art scene has had in years — and they've just announced the lineup for 2017. Artists across the three venues have been curated thematically and, obviously and wonderfully, they're all Australian. The AGNSW is focusing on art developed from field research or archival footage, grounded in history and featuring many Indigenous artists. Carriageworks is taking a more introspective view, curating their exhibition around self and relationships, with a focus on collaborative work. And the MCA is zooming in further still for its contribution, exploring iterative issues through time and their motifs. They've released an artist list but at this stage it's not clear where each artist will be exhibiting, only that the lineup is packed with potential. Exhibiting artists for 2017 include: Khadim Ali, Zanny Begg, Richard Bell, Gordon Bennett, Chris Bond and Wes Thorne, Matthew Bradley, Gary Carsley, Erin Coates, Megan Cop,e Karla Dickens, Atlanta Eke, Emily Floyd ,Heath Franco, Marco Fusinato, Gunybi Ganambarr, Alex Gawronski, Ghenoa Gela, Agatha Gothe-Snape, Julie Gough Alan Griffiths, Dale Harding, Taloi Havini, Gordon Hookey, Ronnie van Hout, Helen Johnson, Jess Johnson, Richard Lewer, Peter Maloney, Nicholas Mangan, Karen Mills, Archie Moore, Claudia Nicholson, Tom Nicholson, Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran, Nell, Rose Nolan, Raquel Ormella, Alex Martinis Roe, Stieg Persson, Elizabeth Pulie, Khaled Sabsabi, Yhonnie Scarce, Keg de Souza, Simon Ward, Justene Williams, Jemima Wyman and Tiger Yaltangki. The National: New Australian Art will hit the Art Gallery of New South Wales from March 30 – July 16 2017, Carriageworks from March 30 – June 25 2017, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia from March 30 – June 18 2017. Entry is free to all exhibitions.
It's been a long time coming and a pretty rough road for LGBTIQ+ Australians, but same-sex marriage is set to become legal in Australia within the month. This thing is actually happening. At approximately 6pm AEST today, the House of Representatives in Federal Parliament held a final vote to finally, belatedly, once and for all, pass the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017 on its third reading. So what does this mean? To pull directly from the bill, it will officially redefine the Marriage Act 1961's definition of marriage from 'the union of a man and a woman' to the non-gendered 'union of two people'. The bill has been floating around parliament for a few weeks now. It was passed by the Senate on November 29 and has been debated in the House of Reps since Monday, November 4. Members have spent most of this week reading and discussing amendments to the bill — mostly ones related to religious freedom — of which none have been passed. To make it legal, the law needs to be ratified by the Governor-General, which could even happen this week. If all goes to plan, the ABC predicts same-sex marriages could start happening from January 8, 2018. The bill entered parliament after 61.6 percent of Aussies — that's a tidy 7,817,247 people — voted in favour same-sex marriage being legalised in the national postal vote survey. You can find a break-down of the votes for various electorates and the participation rates for different age groups on the ABS' survey results website. Cue the celebrations. We can practically hear the rainbow confetti cannons and collective cries of relief for the queer community from here (although, to be fair, our office is very close to Oxford Street). Image: Letícia Almeida.
Goodgod Small Club punters and regulars to The Dip were bitterly disappointed to find out the beloved American-style diner was closing this month. They needn’t be sad for long, as the internationally-renowned party house is spicing things up by announcing a cutting-edge collaboration. Jimmy Sing and the guys behind Goodgod will be teaming up with Damion Brown, the Jamaican-American chef behind Jonkanoo in Surry Hills. In a speedy turnaround, The Dip (which served its last hotdog this Saturday) will be transforming into an exciting new eatery called Jonkanoo Canteen. Opening Wednesday, the winter pop-up venture will be serving up relaxed Caribbean street food in the next chapter of Goodgod's trendsetting food and dancefloor combination. Jimmy Sing is enthusiastic about Goodgod's recent culinary reinvention. "I think it will work really well down here because a lot of people see Goodgod as a bit of a getaway from their day-to-day lives," he says. "To find a food that is really unique and you can’t find all across Sydney is something they’ll be excited about to come down to the club for." The launch menu will give revellers a chance to experience the melting pot of flavours, spices and colours in this 'one-of-a-kind' cuisine. Using Brown’s secret family recipe the kitchen will be preparing Jonkanoo's specialty jerk-seasoned dishes available in chicken, pork or squid. To name but a few enticing options of the authentic West Indian feast, expect fresh salads, Cuban sandwiches, tropical slaws and spicy curries. Jonkanoo (pronounced 'John Canoe') refers to a street parade or carnival found across the region, from the Bahamas and Jamaica, to Belize and Venezuela. The captivating atmosphere of the Caribbean will be much suited to Goodgod’s upbeat music venue and bar, which is has long had a distinctive Cuban vibe — strikingly decked out with 1950s Havana style furnishings and complete with indoor palm trees. According to Sing, the collaboration couldn’t have been more perfect. "We’ve always had a tropical feel to the look of the space, and reggae, dancehall and the sounds of the Caribbean have always been music that has inspired us, so it just feels like one of those natural fits." Snuggled in the club's cavernous basement with the heaters cranked up and the flowing crushed ice drinks, Jonkanoo Canteen will give you a sense of holiday right through Sydney’s chilly winter. This season the bar has been serving a variety cocktails which have a distinct Caribbean flair with a lot of fresh juices and lashings of Appleton golden rum. The Danceteria already hosts regular Jamaican dancehall parties — now with authentic food to boot and summer-inspired cocktail in hand, dutty dancing has never been so enticing. Grab a seat in one of Goodgod's legendary white booths, tuck into some tasty West Indian cuisine and dance the winter away to hypnotic Caribbean rhythms. Jonkanoo Canteen opens this Wednesday, July 16 at Goodgod Small Club; 55 Liverpool Street, Sydney.
Earlier this year, the NSW Government announced a set of new laws (read: new fines) for cyclists, which included a fine increase for not wearing a helmet and running a red light, and a new requirement that cyclists must carry ID when riding. A compulsory minimum distance of one metre between cyclists and cars was also introduced — presumably to ensure the safety of cyclists. But since the harsh new road rules came into effect on March 1, it's not those in cars that have started copping more fines. It's cyclists. In less than two months, more than 1500 cyclists have been whacked with a fine. And how many drivers have been given the same, you ask? Just four. According to The Guardian, in less than two months from when the laws were put in place, more than $350,000 in fines were documented from people riding without helmets alone. A total of 1100 cyclists were fined (a significant increase from the 710 fined in the same months last year), which makes up more than two thirds of the total number of infringement notices issued to cyclists this year. While 'safety' is still the party line NSW Roads Minister Duncan Gay is going with, the laws seem to be making a tidy sum for the government. Under the March 1 changes, the previous fine of $71 for not wearing a helmet was increased a whopping 350 percent to $319, a very large increase for an infringement that already existed. So, the fines have increased — but has safety for cyclists on the road? Well, there's no way to know just yet. According to Transport for NSW's Go Together campaign, on average, 11 bicycle riders are killed and 1500 seriously injured in NSW each year, so we'll have to wait to see if those stats improve. When these new fines were introduced, Transport for NSW said they intended to ensure that bike riders receive the same fines as motorists for high-risk behaviour. But as only four motorists have been fined under these new laws, that doesn't seem to be working out in practice. Interestingly, another nine cyclists have been fined for riding "furiously" or "recklessly". No joke. It would seem the new system shows a disproportionate targeting of cyclists. Garry Brennan of the Bicycle Network told The Guardian the fine increases were a clear "dash for cash", especially with the vigour with which they've been enforced. So if you're a strapped for cash, environmentally-conscious cyclist, just don't ride too furiously on your way to work today. Via The Guardian.
Do you ever bemoan the lack of serious theatre tackling hard-hitting topics of geopolitical import? This is not the play you're looking for. Psycho Beach Party is a tongue-in-cheek homage that lovingly mashes up surf and horror films and was originally called Gidget Goes Psychotic. The 1987 off-Broadway play starred playwright Charles Busch as the 16-year-old female lead, though the role was recast for the 2000 film. This version, playing at the Bondi Pavilion, is directed by Stephen Nicolazzo (sex.violence.blood.gore) and stars Ash Flanders (who as half of Melburnian queer theatre heroes Sisters Grimm has plays on in both the STC and Griffin 2013 seasons) in the role of Chicklet. Ingeniously, it will feature an actual psycho beach party, on the afternoon of Sunday, December 2.
It's 3am, you're drunk on Mojitos and each of your limbs feels heavier than a barrel of rocks. Who wants to brush their teeth at a time like this? What would be the point anyway, since your poorly aimed joustings with a mouldy old Oral B would do little to dislodge the mint leaves hiding in your dental crevices? Enter the Blizzident 3D-printed toothbrush, a furry mouthguard that does the brushing for you — apparently all you have to do is briefly chomp on it, since it's digitally tailored to your mouth and your mouth alone. Unlike those nasty, bourgeois off-the-rack toothbrushes at the chemist. Blizzident takes the concept of the chewable toothbrush (a most bizarre, toothpaste-encrusted plastic fur ball that can be purchased for one Euro in various far-flung toilet vending machines) to the next level. Its claim is that only six seconds of chomping is required to get the results of a traditional three-minute brushing. While that six seconds will probably feel pretty awkward and counterintuitive — like eating a hair pizza? — the Blizzident could one day make even an electric toothbrush seem like too much work, and plaque a thing of the past. Even flossing and tongue-cleaning are said to be covered by this thing. Thank you, 3D printing. Check out the vid below to see a rendering of the toothbrush in action. So how do you score one? Firstly, by getting a scan of your teeth done in the same way you might've gotten a cast for a retainer once upon a time. The cast must be taken to a dental lab to be converted into a 3D file. Then upload it to Blizzident, lay down $300 and voila, the vaunted six-second clean is yours via this strange-looking contraption perfectly customised to your bod. Has it been clinically proven effective? No, not really. But we are willing to listen out for any and all solutions to our 3am Mojito mint leaf issues. Via Gizmodo.
Everyone knows Batman is the best superhero. Superman and Captain America are too pristine and dull, Spiderman whines a lot and had an unfortunate stint as an emo kid in 2007. And though Robert Downey Jr is nearly enough to sway me on side with Iron Man, he just can't beat the brooding growl and moral complexity of the Dark Knight. As such it's no surprise that Batman fanatics are a particularly passionate breed. But what one of them has done now will truly baffle you. Zac Mihajlovic, a die-hard fan from Sydney, has spent two years creating a custom-made Batmobile. As a replica of the 1989 model used in Tim Burton's classically cartoonish Batman films, the six-metre-long chassis had to be custom built — its body panels were actually spares from the original set that were imported from the US. Completed with such skill and dedication, the resulting masterpiece was actually deemed roadworthy. Zac's been driving it around for the last few years, quickly racking up street cred as either the coolest or nerdiest man in the country (depending on your allegiances to commemorative geek memorabilia). Now, to mark the 25th anniversary of Tim Burton's original film, this absolute champion is renting out his ride to Sydney residents via Groupon. (We're not going to be offended if you immediately leave us for that link). For $250 you can experience 20 minutes in the passenger seat, or $2,500 will get you 'The Gotham Package' — a four-hour joyride with ten friends. To put this experience in perspective, this is the only Batmobile in existence in the Southern Hemisphere besides a prop at Movie World. Between 10-12 are believed to be around elsewhere, but Zac believes his is the only one with legit street registration. The creator himself has only taken it out casually a few times (because of the huge fuss it creates), and it's been predominantly utilised for kids in the Make-A-Wish foundation. Honestly, I don't even know why you're still reading this. Book it. Now. If you're not in Sydney, or don't have $250 lying around for joyrides in fictional cars that have magically manifested themselves into reality — not everyone can be as loaded as Bruce Wayne — then you'll have to settle for some mopey internet stalking instead. The rest of Zac's work/his life in general is totally worth checking out. Under the moniker of Batmobile Australia, he rents his Batmobile for weddings and conventions, and also shows off his accompanying Batbike and Batsuit. It's entertaining to flip through, but browser beware: it will dwarf every accomplishment in your own life. As for everyone else, this is your opportunity. You can be the hero Sydney deserves, but not the one it needs right now. You'll be hunted, but you can take it. Because you're not a hero. You're a silent guardian. A watchful protector. A Dark Knight. This offer expires Sunday, June 22 so get in quick. Via Gizmodo.
Sydney's latest delivery service is sending 'hard-to-kill' indoor plants to doorsteps across the city — and in brightly coloured ceramic pots to boot. Plant Girl is run by inner west local Felicity Keep, who wanted to add a bit of quirk to your average flower delivery. Customers can mix-and-match any combo of plant, pot or fabric planter, with the goal of creating a highly styled, personalised delivery experience — with predominately easy-to-keep-alive plants on offer. At the moment, the plants available include peace lilies, snake plants, bird's nest ferns and rubber plants, all of which land in the 'low maintenance' and 'hard to kill' categories. That means you don't need to worry about your recipient's green thumb (or lack thereof). For more experienced gardeners, the fiddle-leaf fig is also up for grabs. [caption id="attachment_729087" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hipster Mum[/caption] As far as the packaging goes, pots range from metallic to turquoise and magenta, while the fabric planter bags include leopard print, floral and 80s-inspired. Based in Marrickville, the service delivers a ten-kilometre radius from the suburb, which includes all of the inner west and the CBD — plus a chunk of the eastern suburbs and a bit of North Sydney and the lower north shore, too. And, if you order before 11am, you can opt for same-day delivery. For now, deliveries are only available Monday through Friday, so don't leave it too last minute. PlantGirl is now offering same-day delivery across Sydney from Monday–Friday. Prices start at $39. To order, head to the website. Images: Hipster Mum
You've filled your house with its minimalist designs and homewares, and dreamed of living in its flat-pack homes and tiny pre-fab huts as well. MUJI fans, your love affair with the Japanese home goods giant isn't over yet. First announced in 2017, the retailer has been opening its own range of hotels — and while sites in Shenzhen and Beijing in China are already welcoming guests, the brand's Tokyo abode now has a launch date. Come April 4, 2019, you'll be able to check into MUJI's very own Ginza site, aka MUJI Hotel Ginza. The company's first Japanese hotel, it'll be located in the same spot as its new flagship store. The shop will take up seven floors from the basement upwards, the hotel reception will be situated on level six, and 79 guest rooms will be spread across levels seven to ten. A diner, which'll be open to the public, will also make its home in the basement. MUJI fans, and anyone looking for somewhere different to stay in one of Tokyo's busiest districts, can expect the retailer's usual minimalist aesthetic — think recycled wooden interiors and spaces filled with plenty of the brand's furniture. The company describes it as "anti-gorgeous, anti-cheap", which fits in with its overall practical but quality vibe, with the concept and interior design managed by MUJI-owning company Ryohin Keikaku. The site will also feature the multi-purpose Atelier MUJI Ginza, a space on the sixth floor that's all about design and culture. Between shopping for MUJI goods and slumbering in a MUJI bed, guests can wander through two galleries that'll feature craft and design exhibitions, grab a drink in the salon, and peruse arts-related books in the library. There'll also be a lounge where MUJI will host regular events and workshops. Image: Mitsui Fudosan Co Ltd.
Sydneysiders, if you're currently reading this from somewhere dry, warm and cosy, we suggest that you keep it that way for the rest of the day. After a particularly stormy night that saw flash flooding across the state, the wet weather is set to stick around for the rest of the day. And not just any old wet weather, either. The Bureau of Meteorology is reporting that intense storms are on their way to Sydney, which are "likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, damaging winds and giant hailstones". A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Sydney and most areas in the state's east. The wild weather is a result of tropical cyclone Owen moving across the country, creating a low-pressure system in NSW. That means a high chance of heavy rainfall and lots of thunderstorms this evening and into tomorrow morning. At the moment, public transport looks to be running on time and no major roads have flooded, but this could change if the storm hits around peak hour. Stay dry out there. And remember to check Live Traffic, Transport Info and BOM for warnings and updates. Image: Live Traffic NSW.
Believe. That's Ted Lasso's (Jason Sudeikis, Saturday Night Live) standard advice, and it's going to come in handy in the hit Apple TV+ sitcom that shares his name's upcoming third season. On-screen, the American coach and his AFC Richmond team need to believe in themselves after their promotion to the Premier League, especially when everyone around them thinks they'll be relegated before the year is out. Off-screen, fans of this award-winner can simply believe that the show will finally be back, returning mid-March almost two years after its second season. Believing has played a part in both of Ted Lasso's season-three trailers so far, too, the latest of which has just hit the pitch. The choice of song accompanying the new sneak peek is telling, and just the kind of advice that Ted would give his squad: 'You Can't Always Get What You Want'. The new trailer is filled with glimpses of ups, downs and showdowns to come set to The Rolling Stones' tune, with AFC Richmond battling that lack of belief from outside, and also clashing with the club's former assistant coach Nathan 'Nate' Shelley (Nick Mohammed, Intelligence). He walked out on the team, and on his perennially optimistic mentor Ted, for rivals West Ham United. So, get ready for a hefty rivalry — but is Ted facing off against an adversary still going to be the usual Ted? Viewers will find out across 12 episodes, which will start streaming from Wednesday, March 15. Also, Ted has both work and personal struggles to deal with, Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein, Uncle) leans into his assistant coach role, Keeley Jones (Juno Temple, The Offer) is managing her own PR firm, and AFC Richmond owner Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham, Hocus Pocus 2) is all about defeating West Ham United (and her ex Rupert Mannion, played by Buffy the Vampire Slayer's Anthony Stewart Head, who owns it). While Ted Lasso has felt like streaming's biggest warm hug across its first and second seasons, it wasn't afraid to skew darker in the latter, including as Nate felt pushed aside, ignored and unloved by Ted. Viewers will know that the last batch of episodes culminated with Nate's defection — but as seen in the first teaser trailer for season three, the rest of the AFC Richmond crew still has plenty to believe in, taking one of Ted's favourite words to heart. Also part of the team, whether on or off the field: recent hotshot player Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster, The Devil's Hour), his teammates Sam Obisanya (Toheeb Jimoh, The French Dispatch) and Dani Rojas (Cristo Fernandez, Spider-Man: No Way Home), Ted's laconic second-in-charge and long-time friend Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt, Bless This Mess), and AFC Richmond Director of Football Operations Leslie Higgins (Jeffrey Swift, Housebound). As the sitcom's first two seasons have shown, viewers definitely don't need to love soccer or even sport to fall for this series' ongoing charms — although if you obsessed over the 2022 World Cup, it might help fill the gap until the 2026 version arrives. Kind-hearted in the way that Parks and Recreation, Wellington Paranormal, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Abbott Elementary have also proven, Ted Lasso will be in for a significant obstacle in 2023, thanks to Ted and Nate's battle. Usually, this series celebrates people who support each other, are always there for each other and form close bonds as a result. Indeed, that's what has made it so instantly likeable. But with Nate now working for the competition, change is afoot — don't expect to see the show mess too much with its winning formula, though. Check out the trailer for Ted Lasso's third season below: Season three of Ted Lasso will stream via Apple TV+ from Wednesday, March 15. Read our full review of season two.
At every change in season the folks at Seasoned Music create a one-off boutique music event. This season's autumn event is inspired by the concept of a German beer garden. Expect plenty of schnitzels and imported beer, to be enjoyed to the tune of some of the world's most-renowned musical artists. This season's playlist includes Swiss DJ Lee Van Dowski and Michel Cleis, both of Candenza Music. Sip your beer amid twinkling fairy lights and naturally, huge, high-quality speakers. The event is as much about the atmosphere as it is the music. Arrive early and dressed to impress. The enchanted autumn evening ahead of you is sure to make you forget your end-of-summer woes. Tickets are available via Moshtix here. To win one of three double passes to Seasoned Music: Autumn 2012, just make sure you are subscribed to Concrete Playground then email your name and postal address through to hello@concreteplayground.com.au
The act of fashioning sandcastles from the tiny grains of sand situated on the edge of the ocean's gently crashing waves holds a place in the heart of everyone's inner child. Standing armed with a spade and bucket on the seemingly never-ending expanse of sand at the beach is a thrill few can forget. The possibilities for creating mysterious cities, dangerous moats, impenetrable barriers, and elaborate decoration within the imagination of a young mind can be exceeded by very few people. However, highly skilled artists who can manipulate the sand so precisely and creatively to produce sandcastles that appear photoshopped or from a fantasy world are some of the few who make that cut. And sandcastle builder Calvin Seibert is one of those artists. Consisting purely of sand particles and water, Seibert's perfect geometric shapes of sharply angled turrets, perfectly curved ramps, and serenely smooth surfaces need to be seen to be believed. Each of the artist's masterpieces takes roughly a day to build, and although appearing as solid as concrete, each construction is merely a light step away from being crumpled into oblivion. Take a look at some of Seibert's astonishing sandcastles. They're sure to bring back the good old imaginative days of childhood - but they will also make you sharply aware of how imperfect your young hands and bucket really were. See more of Seibert's sandcastles on Flickr.
If you've wandered through Surry Hills or the CBD recently, you've probably seen quite a few passenger-less trams zooming around. And you've probably been wondering, like us, if they'll be taking passengers anytime soon. The answer is yes: by the end of the year (supposedly). It's been a heck of a long time coming, but after multiple delays, it looks like you might be able to board a tram on Sydney's new light rail by the end of the year. Finally. To summarise the saga that is the CBD and South East Light Rail project: it was first announced back in 2012, construction began in 2015 and, since then, it's faced legal stouches, cost blowouts and delays galore, due to everything from awry overhead wires and a discovery of thousands of Indigenous artefacts. It was initially meant to be completed in early 2019, but that was pushed out to March 2020. Now, Transport for NSW is confident the first commuter services will be up and running by December. Just in time for all that Christmas shopping and economy boosting, of course. The project's completion also tidily coincides with the scrapping of the lockout laws in the CBD. Cynics will say it's more than a coincidence. It's expected just part of the line, from Circular Quay to Randwick, will be up and running, however, with testing kicking off just last week on the Kingsford to Kensington stretch. Speaking of testing, there's a lot of it going on at the moment across the CBD–Randwick stretch of rail, so Transport for NSW is telling pedestrians, cyclists and drivers to keep a keen eye out for the trams. If you want, you can watch a tram safety video here. Commuter services on the CBD–Randwick stretch of the CBD and South East Light Rail are expected to start in December 2019.
Menai could be the latest Sydney suburb to get a culinary facelift. Located in Sydney's south, the suburb is a bit of a food wasteland hosting a small selection of takeaway joints and 'special occasion' venues. This could all be about to change with modern Australian chicken shop Little Bonny's due to open December 22. From the team that brought Michelin star-quality cafe dining to Cronulla, in the form of Blackwood Pantry, Little Bonny's will bridge the great divide between fast and quality fare for Menai and its surrounding suburbs. Owners Daniel Sorridimi, Rob Lechowicz and Paul Pisani are launching what they call a "refined take on the classic Australian chicken shop". Similar to revolution of cafe culture, of which Blackwood certainly improved the Shire's standing in, Sorridimi believes that chicken shops are coming back in to style — as seen in 2015's reopening of The Paddington. "[They] had sort of been forgotten, but they're making a bit of a comeback...we believe can raise the bar for the chicken shop scene." Little Bonny's won't be the gaudy chicken shop of old. The fit-out, by Luchetti Krelle (who has done the interiors of Acme, The Butler and Tequila Mockingbird, to name a few), will be casual, but not tacky, with communal dining for up to 50 people, a custom-built concrete bar and brass detailing. The main feature is the two brass French rotisseries which will pump out a rotating selection of proteins including chicken, lamb, whole fish, turkey and suckling pig weekly. The signature free-range chicken will be served in two ways: classic French style with stuffing — a tip of the hat to Lechowicz's Michelin-star history in France — or marinaded with chimichurri or garlic and chilli. Sides on offer include seasoned fries, potato and pecorino gratin, and a selection of salads ranging from traditional (coleslaw) to trendy (turmeric roasted cauliflower with radicchio and pomegranate). Seasonally flavoured soft-serves and Blackwood's signature milkshakes will kick those post-chook sugar cravings. Little Bonny's will be situated in one of Menai's three commercial centres hosting supermarkets, retail stores and professional businesses. Officially, Menai is an often-forgotten part of the Sutherland Shire in a pocket of suburbs located on the 'other' side of Woronora Bridge, but is a busy thoroughfare for traffic to and from the Shire and South Coast. As locals of the area, the team is confident that the location will work well. "We can capture traffic from local suburbs like Bangor and Illawong...but it is also such a short drive from [southern Bankstown suburbs] Revesby and Padstow," says Sorridimi. Little Bonny's will open on December 22, 2017, at F1.03 5–21 Carter Road, Menai. Stay updated via the Facebook page.
Platform sneakers, Union Jack-themed apparel, glittery outfits and anything that screams 90s girl power — it's all currently making its way around Britain as part of a huge new Spice Girls exhibition. Now open in London until August 20, moving to Manchester from August 24 to September 4, and planning to keep touring the country into 2019, Spice Up is exactly what it sounds like. If you wannabe indulging your nostalgia for one of the biggest acts of two decades ago, this is the event to zigazig-ah your way to — and attendees can also see the Spice Bus, aka the double-decker vehicle immortalised in Spice World. In total, more than 7000 items are on display, spanning everything from costumes worn by Melanie Brown, Melanie Chisholm, Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell and Victoria Beckham — hundreds of them, in fact — to as much merchandise featuring the group's name and likeness as the organisers could find. Or, if simply spicing up your life by looking at various Spice Girls-themed bits and pieces isn't enough, the exhibition has also recreated a typical fan bedroom from the group's heyday for the ultimate blast for the past. Tickets cost £10 (AU$17.57), if you happen to be in the UK in the next two months — and there's no word yet if Spice Up will take the show on the road beyond Britain. Just cross your fingers and say you'll be there if it does.
Baz Luhrmann is known for many things; however, as everything from Strictly Ballroom to The Great Gatsby has demonstrated, subtlety isn't one of them. When you're making a hip-shakin', gyrating, pompadour-sporting Elvis Presley biopic, though — and that characteristically huge film is your first movie in nine years — that trait isn't called for anyway. So, when the second trailer for the Australian filmmaker's Elvis calls its namesake a god, it couldn't feel more fitting. Actually, it has Tom Hanks sling that term the king of rock 'n' roll's way to ramp up the sense of importance. "In that moment, Elvis the man was sacrificed — and Elvis the god was born," he narrates, in character as manager Colonel Tom Parker. That said, Elvis, the film, doesn't look content to just take the Colonel's word for it. Instead, as its just-dropped new sneak peek and original trailer from back in February both show, it's diving into why the world's most famous blue suede shoe aficionado became the icon he did — what made him tick, what influenced him, what he stood for, and how that rippled out into the world and got the planet all shook up. That's a big aim, but again, Luhrmann isn't known to shy away from a challenge. Set to release Down Under on June 23 — after premiering at the Cannes Film Festival, hosting its local debut on the Gold Coast in early June and also having a flashy premiere in Sydney as well — Elvis stars Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and The Dead Don't Die's Austin Butler as the music legend. And yes, as the footage keeps demonstrating to the requisite soundtrack of Presley's hits, he looks and sounds the part. Shot in Australia with a cast that also spans a wealth of local talent — Olivia DeJonge (Better Watch Out) as Priscilla, Richard Roxburgh (Fires) as Presley's father Vernon, Oscar-nominee Kodi Smit-McPhee (The Power of the Dog) as singer Jimmie Rodgers, and David Wenham (The Furnace) as country artist Hank Snow, for starters — the film clearly has a big story to tell. Charting the king of rock 'n' roll's rise to fame, exploring the role that manager Colonel Tom Parker played in that success and examining how Presley became the symbol of rock 'n' roll that he still remains now, 45 years after his death, as everything from touring exhibitions to his enduring status in popular culture keep showing: that's all in the movie's remit, too. And, so is examining what that rise, and that ongoing love, says about America and pop culture. Check out the latest trailer for Elvis below: Elvis releases in cinemas Down Under on June 23, 2022. Images: Hugh Stewart.
If you're one of those fancy, fancy people with more Christmas party invitations than actual days on the calendar, you're going to need a good few outfits this December. Sure, you could crank a horrific reindeer jumper worthy of Seth Cohen to each one, but we've got something fancier for you to throw on. Formidable fashion duo, Romance Was Born, have made their mark as the go-to for party showstopper pieces. Just in time for Christmas, they're having a gargantuan sale, selling items from their RWB Spring '14 collection, Tripsy Gypsy, for anywhere between 30 - 50 percent off. That's some pretty epic discounts for some pretty epic threads. Nab special edition pieces straight from the archives, whether for your own glorious wear or for a hit-it-out-of-the-ballpark Christmas gift. But be prepared to get there early, this is some shiny, shiny must-have gear we're talking here. And be civil to each other, no hair-pulling, shirt-ripping etc. etc. Find the Romance Was Born sale in Sydney at Level 3, 101-111 William Street, Darlinghurst for one day only on Saturday, November 29, 10am-5pm. Image: Zan Wembley.
Every Martin Scorsese movie is worth waiting for, but Killers of the Flower Moon has been decades in the making. The nonfiction book that the acclaimed director's latest film adapts details events in the 1920s, in Osage County in Oklahoma, where members of the Osage Nation became wealthy through oil, then targets for white interlopers. And the feature that's bringing this true tale to the screen? It finally unites Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro in one of Scorsese's full-length flicks, after the filmmaker has spent decades working with both separately. Marty. De Niro. Leo. Yes, enough said. That's the basic maths behind Scorsese's first film since 2019's The Irishman, which premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival in May, will hit cinemas Down Under in October and then heads to Apple TV+ after that. De Niro and DiCaprio have been in so many of the legendary director's movies that it's rare for any of his titles to not include one or the other. The former's run gave viewers gangster masterpieces such as Mean Streets, Goodfellas and Casino; also spans the iconic Taxi Driver, Raging Bull and The King of Comedy; and covers musical New York, New York and thriller remake Cape Fear, too — and, of course The Irishman. The latter began leading Scorsese's films in the early 2000s, kicking off with Gangs of New York, then starring in The Aviator, The Departed, Shutter Island and The Wolf of Wall Street. That's a helluva resume for both actors, and for their favourite helmer. Enter Killers of the Flower Moon — which is actually the second time that De Niro and DiCaprio have joined forces for Scorsese, after they played themselves in the director's 2015 comedy short The Audition. The actors have a past on-screen beyond that thanks to the non-Marty helmed This Boy's Life in 1993, back when DiCaprio was still a teen. That's the Scorsese–De Niro–DiCaprio history. Its main talents aside, Killers of the Flower Moon has looking backwards on its mind as well. As seen in the initial teaser in May and just-dropped full trailer now, the film jumps into a series of real-life of murders. DiCaprio (Don't Look Up) and Certain Women standout Lily Gladstone play Ernest Burkhart and Mollie Kyle, a couple that gets caught up in the investigations surrounding the mounting killings. The deaths start when oil turns the Osage Nation into some of the richest folks on the planet, and quickly, which attracts the wrong kind of notice — attention fuelled by greed and envy, and resulting in manipulation, extortion and homicide. Killers of the Flower Moon surveys that story through Burkhart, Kyle and their romance. Scorsese also co-wrote the screenplay with Eric Roth (Dune, and an Oscar-winner for Forest Gump), adapting David Gann's 2017 non-fiction book Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI. And, as well as De Niro (Amsterdam), the movie co-stars Jesse Plemons (Love & Death), John Lithgow (Sharper) and newly minted Best Actor Oscar-winner Brendan Fraser (The Whale). Check out the full trailer for Killers of the Flower Moon below: Killers of the Flower Moon releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, October 19, and will then stream via Apple TV+ at a later date — we'll update you with streaming details when they're announced.
This article is part of our series on the 17 most unique things to have come out of Japan. Check out the other 16. International travellers can now try Japan’s super high-tech toilet, with the opening of a showroom at Narita Airport. The toilet comes from the company Toto, which revolutionised attitudes to toilet-going by teaching us to see the bathroom as a site for constant innovation. Largely thanks to Toto, Japan has long had the edge when it comes to toilet technology. The newest invention features a motion-sensing seat, which lifts automatically. And it eliminates the need for paper, providing, instead, a spout of warm water, followed by a warm breeze. The most advanced model allows you to decide at exactly what temperature and pressure you’d like to experience these elements. Go really fancy and you’ll score a seat that you can warm up, lights, music, pleasant scents and the ability to self-clean. The benefits aren't just sensory; they’re environmental, too. “We wash most things with water and wouldn't dream of wiping a dish or anything else with a piece of paper and calling it clean. So why should personal hygiene be any different?” Lenora Campos, a spokeswoman for Georgia-based Toto USA, told the New York Daily News. At Narita, the experience is enhanced with a tranquil, architect-designed space and colourful, glowing walls, where silhouetted women and men are seen dancing in celebration of just how much toilet technology has achieved. Via Quartz.
Independent art and design festival Finders Keepers is back for another season. The twice-yearly fair is a calendar staple for those on the hunt for unique, quality wares. Plus, there's an added bonus: the market supports local and emerging artists. This year, the Sydney event will run from Friday, May 4, to Sunday, May 6, and oh boy, is the lineup looking good. Prepare to set aside a good chunk of time foraging for artsy finds for yourself or a loved one — a friendly reminder: Mother's Day is the following weekend. Luckily, the trading hours this year have been extended to give you maximum shopping time, with things kicking off at midday on Friday. With close to 200 vendors planning to set up shop in Barangaroo's colossal entertainment space The Cutaway, you could quite easily become overwhelmed by choice. Rather than letting you walk around aimlessly, we have narrowed down the list to our top five favourite stalls. Make a beeline to these vendors to discover a bevy of bold, quirky and, in one case, tasty finds. And then you're free to explore the rest — truthfully, they're all stellar. [caption id="attachment_665519" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: supplied[/caption] FOR TOP-NOTCH CERAMICS: HAYDEN YOULLEY DESIGN There is often beauty in simplicity, and this is what makes ceramicist Hayden Youlley's designs so sought-after. His revered Paper collection, a series of classic tableware that incorporate random crinkles to create the appearance of crumpled paper, was first released back in 2011. It remains popular today due to its simple and functional design, and has since been expanded to include pops of colour. Another line titled Tessellate is a collection of small pastel dishes in geometric shapes. All of Youlley's designs are classy but cool — a safe bet for a Mother's Day gift or for adding to an eclectic ceramics collection. [caption id="attachment_665520" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Samee Lapham[/caption] FOR QUIRKY CANDLES: YOU, ME & BONES Sure, candles in glass or ceramic jars are nice. But if your aesthetic is a little more left-of-centre this stall is sure to catch your eye. You, Me & Bones is all about hand-poured wax products that will either make you giggle or squirm, depending on what side of squeamish you're on. Launched with a range of doll heads, the quirky candle line has now branched out to include brains, boobs and even sushi candles. They certainly make for unique gifts and you'll be supporting a one-woman operation, too. Win, win. [caption id="attachment_664988" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Image: supplied[/caption] FOR WEARABLE TEXTILES: VARIETY HOUR If you're of the sartorial opinion that one can never wear too much colour, the prints from label Variety Hour will be right up your street. Taking inspiration from flora and fauna (including our native galah) RMIT design grad Cassie Byrnes's wearable textiles are captivating, using bold colour and distorted patterns. All designs are hand-painted using water colour and pigment inks, which are then digitised and printed onto a variety of silk and linen styles. [caption id="attachment_665532" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Image: supplied[/caption] TO REFUEL: TSURU Given the monumental size of the markets, taking a moment to refuel is highly necessary. This year you have a buffet of choice — from stroopwafels to souvlaki. But we're most excited about the buns and baos from food 'kombi' Tsuru. It specialises in all manner of Asian street foods, including lemongrass chicken in a brioche roll, spicy pork belly buns, cassava chips and pandan pancakes. The perfect mid-shop pit-stop. [caption id="attachment_665517" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: supplied[/caption] TO SUPPORT UP-AND-COMING INDIGENOUS ARTISTS: INJALAK As part of its ongoing commitment to nurturing local and emerging artists, Finders Keepers has launched a new Indigenous Program. The initiative aims to support up-and-coming Indigenous makers and the inaugural recipient is Injalak Arts. This non-profit Indigenous Australian-owned social enterprise supports around 200 artists living in remote communities. Visit the stall at Finders Keepers to find paintings and basket weavings. For more information about the Sydney Autumn/Winter Finders Keepers Market and for the full list of vendors, head to the website. Top image: Mark Lobo
The 'F' word isn't Amanda Fucking Palmer's legit middle name, but the maverick muso has come to be known that way regardless. And with an aesthetic and persona that outsasses everyone, you can see why. Palmer — known as one half of punk cabaret duo The Dresden Dolls, for her solo work and for the cleverly named Grand Theft Orchestra — will be performing a raft of solo shows exclusively for the Sydney Festival. Running each night from January 9-19 (bar the 13th), her shows will enliven the Sydney Festival's intimate and atmospheric Spiegeltent. With enough tickets for everyone to enjoy, the NY icon's performances are sure to be ten nights of mayhem. Want more Sydney Festival events? Check out out top ten picks of the festival. Image by Shervin Lainez. https://youtube.com/watch?v=_J07cuUW2qI
NSW's famed coastline could soon be home to an expansive new marine park, in a proposal announced yesterday by the State Government. In an effort to protect and preserve the region's natural environment and biodiversity, 25 sites between Newcastle and Wollongong would become part of the proposed conservation park — with the whole thing split into three different zones. In the Sanctuary Zones, designed to boost biodiversity, you'd be able to enjoy activities that don't harm any animal, plant or habitat — including boating, snorkelling, surfing and diving — while the Conservation Zones would restrict fishing — and other marine life extraction — to only lobster and abalone diving. There'd also be Special Purpose Zones, put in place to address a specific threat, or reserved for a certain activity, such as special marine park facilities, or Aboriginal sites. A map of the proposed park shows large Conservation Zones near the Bronte-Coogee area and at Forresters near Gosford, while Special Purpose Zones are planned for spots like Sydney Harbour, Long Reef and Wollongong's Five Islands. While the government hasn't given too many details about how it will protect the sites from threats such as litter and pollution, it says it is hoping to find a balance between keeping the coastline beautiful, seeing its marine life thrive, and allowing residents to continue enjoying it all. The proposed marine park covers only a portion of NSW's expansive coastline — which 1750 kilometres and encompasses 826 beaches and 185 estuaries — it's a start. The NSW Government has also announced plans to drop $45.7 million on the first part of its 10-year Marine Estate Management Strategy, seeking solutions for some of the biggest threats facing the state's marine environment, including litter and pollution. Over the next six weeks, locals can have their say on the proposed marine park, as part of an extensive community consultation. Head here to share your thoughts. Image: Destination NSW
Aussies are known for being passionate about sports — it's kind of our thing. And in January it's all about tennis. Down in Melbourne, the Australian Open takes over the city for more than two weeks of tennis action. Sydneysiders need not despair, as there are plenty of ways to get into the spirit of the Australian Open if you can't make a trip down south. With the season soon to be in full swing, we've put together a few of the best tennis-related activities to jump into if you just can't get enough of the excitement. It'll be ace. HEAD TO THE COOGEE BAY HOTEL TO WATCH ALL THE ACTION If you're after a quintessential Aussie summer experience, round up your crew to watch the Australian Open on a big screen. Preferably you'll want to be outside in a lush garden with a few cold ones, before or after a dip at the beach, in which case Coogee Bay Hotel has you covered. It's bringing all the action to Sydney shores till Sunday, February 2. You can soak up the sun in the garden with an Aperol spritz or a pint of Stella Artois from one of the pop-up bars, and fill your hungry tummy with a burger and schooey special for $25, all while watching the nail-biting rallies go down on the giant outdoor screen. Between sets, you can enter one of the giveaways, with hats, fans and sunnies all up for grabs. You can find more details and RSVP for this one over here. BRUSH UP ON YOUR BACKHAND AT THESE COURTS AROUND SYDNEY There's something truly inspirational about watching sports superstars at the top of their game. So, when you're feeling the urge to pop on a visor, pull your socks up high and hit the courts, there are plenty of great spots around Sydney to hone your skills. Hit a few balls at the Eastern Suburbs Tennis Club (and follow it up with a swim at Coogee Beach), work on your serve at Paddington's Maccabi Tennis, hire a court among the trees at Cooper Park or enjoy Rose Bay views at Lyne Park Tennis Centre. On the north shore, head to Mosman's Rawson Park Tennis Centre or Primrose Park Tennis in Cremorne. If you're keen to get into the competitive spirit, rope a mate into teaming up with you in a mixed doubles match at social tennis event Social Serve, which is hosting a killer Australian Open themed event on Saturday, February 1. FOLLOW ALL THE GOSS ONLINE Keep up with what's happening behind the scenes by giving a few key players a follow on social media, especially all the Aussie gems who are using their platforms to support those affected by the devastating bushfires. See Ash Barty cuddling a koala on Twitter, follow Nick Kyrgios's donation tally on Instagram and Twitter (he's pledged $200 for every ace he hits for the entire summer) and support Dylan Alcott's $800-per-ace donation on the superstar's Instagram. You can also do your part and pledge your own donation as part of the Aces for Bushfires campaign. CHALLENGE YOUR MATES TO A SPOT OF PING PONG If you're not keen on hitting a full-sized tennis court, ping pong is the answer. Plus, it's probably an easier pick for a social afternoon with a couple of brews than heading to a court to work up a proper sweat. Coogee Bay Hotel's Australian Open shindig brings the goods, with ping pong available for a friendly competition or two. Otherwise, check out the free table tennis tables at the Ultimo Community Centre, Darling Quarter or The Goods Line in Haymarket — just be sure to BYO bat and balls. You can also find your closest table to hire on Table Tennis NSW. HAVE A MOVIE NIGHT WITH THESE TENNIS-THEMED FLICKS Hit the bottle-o for a case of beer or cider and invite your mates over for a night of Hollywood's finest tennis movies. Watch Emma Stone as feminist icon Billie Jean King in Battle of the Sexes, relive (or discover) Borg Vs McEnroe — the film about the epic Wimbledon match between the 80s rivals which stars Shia LaBeouf and Sverrir Gudnason — or learn a few things from recent documentary Love Means Zero. For sillier vibes, you can't beat Kirsten Dunst's gloriously cringeworthy Wimbledon or Andy Samberg and Kit Harington-starring mockumentary 7 Days in Hell. To check out the match times and to RSVP to Coogee Bay Hotel's Australian Open celebrations, head this way.
Remember when going on holiday meant asking your travel agent for impartial advice on where to stay, play or party? And though you suspected that Gladys Hamby had never actually stayed in that beachfront cabana soaking up cosmopolitan Broadbeach and throwing back stiff Long Islands, she scored you a free daily continental breakfast so you booked it anyway? These days you’re more likely to do your own research when planning an escape, but even better than scanning through an acquaintance’s holiday snaps on Facebook is new social travel website Hooroo. Enticing pictures are accompanied by untold stories, inside tips and destination inspiration, all from real people who really want to share their travel adventures. Once you’ve decided where to go and what to do once you’re there you can choose from thousands of discounted accommodation options all over Australia, from Melbourne and the Gold Coast to Kangaroo Island and the Fleurieu Peninsula. Get your name on their list before the site goes live on July 18 and those deals will be even sweeter. Go here and start hoarding annual leave. Sponsored post
These days, most Sydneysiders head to the Hunter or the Southern Highlands when they're looking for a local wine. However, back in the 19th century, it wasn't necessary to go so far. Vineyards flourished all over Sydney itself — from Macquarie Street, where Australia's first grape vines were planted 230 years ago, to Parramatta to Narrabeen. You pretty much couldn't travel in any direction without feeling tempted to stop for a glass or two. For the most part, these historical vineyards were paved over at one time or another, to make way for housing, roads and car parks. Now, though, Cracka Wines wants to bring grapes back to the city. How? By getting residents to grow them on their porches, windowsills and in their backyards. And, to encourage everyone to get started, they're giving away vines of the Pinot Noir and Riesling varieties, because they're the ones that grow best in Sydney's temperate climate. This ambitious, citywide initiative is called the Urban Vineyard Project. Once the vines are growing, participants will be invited to upload them to an online map, which lets them see where other vintners are busy at work. While they're at it, they can access some helpful instructions for cultivating and harvesting grapes, and, of course, making good wine. "On average, Aussies drink around 530 million litres of wine each year!" says Dean Taylor, founder and CEO of Cracka Wines. "We want to educate them further on the wine making process and bring everyone together over a shared love of wine." For more information, visit the Urban Vineyard Project website
If you were one of the many (46,000 to be exact) people on the waiting list for London's pop-up nude restaurant The Bunyadi earlier this year, then you'll be stoked with the news that Spain is set to open its own nude restaurant — only this one will be permanent. Yep, there'll be nude meals all year-round at Innato Tenerife, which will be located on the largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife. According to The Local, the restaurateur behind the concept Tony de Leonardis was inspired by the London pop-up and will have a similar no clothes, no phones policy. Unfortunately that doesn't mean no wallets though — you'll have to pay a hefty price of €70 for the privilege, which includes an all-inclusive buffet. Perhaps most interesting is the table situation — the waitstaff won't just bring your food, they'll stick around so you can eat it off them too. Yum? Apparently they will be wearing loin cloths and vine leaves though. For modesty. Apart from that weird feature, the setting sounds rather nice. Innato will be located in candle-lit private gardens in the town of San Isidro, with room for 44 to dine among fruit trees. Sounds very Garden of Eden. It will open on January 20 next year — here's the Facebook event if perchance you're naked and in town. Via The Local.
After a successful run in Melbourne last year, crowdfunding platform Pozible is bringing its pop-up love-in to Sydneysiders next month. Dubbed Anything's Pozible, the project will be taking over The Makery in Darlinghurst from March 7-13 to celebrate the already existing work of emerging creatives and develop their skills for the future. In a more straightforward way, that means workshops, film screenings, classes and performances — all at artist-friendly prices and bookable as (what else?) Pozible campaign rewards. To celebrate the great work that Pozible has already done, opening night on Friday, March 7, will feature a bunch of crowdfunding success stories, including the EP release of local dreamboat, Oliver Tank. It will also be a great opportunity to hear about the innovation behind smaller projects. See Sydney printmakers Rizzeria detail how they raised funds for a new stencil press, check out Trent Jansen's sustainable bicycle reflectors made from old road signs, or hear how James McKay raised over $65,000 on the idea of a single coffee cup. Throughout the following days, workshops will include printmaking (courtesy of the folks at Rizzeria); online marketing for design, film and publishing (courtesy of The Loop); and general crowdfunding know-how brought to you by Pozible itself. Even if you don't have a creative project on the horizon, it's probably worth heading along and mooching some creative inspiration off these people. Embrace the love-in. Find some ideas worth investing in. Registration for classes and workshops is open from Wednesday, February 5, via Pozible. Images from Melbourne's Pozible pop-up events.
Violent Femmes enamoured audiences in 1992 when they first visited Australia with Nirvana as their support act. They proficiently conducted a Falls Festival sea of fans to sing along to 'Auld Lang Syne' to welcome the new millennium and wrapped up a not-so-brief tour of the country in early 2007. Now, for the very first time, the legendary Violent Femmes will grace the Sydney Opera House at the end of this year. It's been over 30 years since the American trio released their debut self-titled album that sold nine million copies and impressed them into 1980s (and now) music history. The soundtrack to burger-eating and highway cruising, Violent Femmes has most certainly stood the test of time and will see the indie-rock professors perform as part of Music at the House, the program reinvigorating contemporary music at the Sydney Opera House. Founding members Gordon Gano and Brian Ritchie, with new drummer Brian Viglione will be performing the 1983 album that started it all in its entirety, as well as tracks from their impressive follow-up Hallowed Ground. Further Australian tour dates are yet to be released and such a late December diary entry does leave Falls Festival doors open. In any case, we've got 'Blister In The Sun' on repeat and are waiting tight. Violent Femmes play at the Sydney Opera House on Monday 29 December 2014. Tickets start from $59 +BF and will go on sale to the general public at 9am, Friday 15 August. Head to the Music at the House website for all the details. https://youtube.com/watch?v=ekL7o8BQkZM
Firstdraft has one last offering of emerging art to round off 2015. This month will feature four exhibitions, each exploring four very different facets of contemporary life. From the curatorial collective Acute Art Investments International (AAII), Portable Domains will look at how businesses and opportunities takes shape on and offline: the antiquated bricks and mortar model as opposed to the booming era of social media platforms. The collective will dip into the complex web of self-promotion, self-branding and self-curating, working to uncover ways in which artists can work cross-culturally. To quench your culture thirst, you can also catch Make or Break from Connie Anthes and Rebecca Gallo, The Infra from Peter Blamey and like, tabular knit gradient pleats cymophanous cabochon, like from Eddie Hopely.
Whether you want to stay rustic and pitch a tent, find the best spot to park your hippie van or lounge around in a luxe, beachfront bungalow sipping margaritas, there's a place on the Coral Coast for you. Here, we take a look at five of the best accommodation options between Perth and Exmouth — from the lush yet earthy Novotel Ningaloo to the friendly Kalbarri Seafront Villas to the laidback Dongara Tourist Park. LUXURY: NOVOTEL NINGALOO, EXMOUTH Novotel Ningaloo's primary bragging point is that it's the only accommodation on Sunrise Beach. But rather than imposing itself on its pristine surroundings, the resort aims to blend in effortlessly. That means earthy colours, natural materials and organic shapes. Rooms feature king-size beds, spa baths, high ceilings and private balconies, and vary from standard doubles to two-bedroom bungalows. Go for the latter if you're after uninterrupted ocean panoramas. Hit the onsite restaurant and bar for sunset meals and cocktails. HOME AWAY FROM HOME: KALBARRI SEAFRONT VILLAS These neat villas are located on the Kalbarri waterfront. They come with free use of dinghies, so you can explore the Murchison River at your leisure, and should you need any tips, your friendly hosts will help you out. Accommodation varies from studios to villas to a two-storey townhouse, with most rooms offering excellent water views. Plus there's an outdoor pool and a barbecue area. As far as value for money goes, this is one of the best options on the Coral Coast. HOMEY HIDEAWAY: OCEANSIDE VILLAGE, DENHAM, SHARK BAY If you were any closer to the water, you'd be sleeping in a submarine. Oceanside Village is on absolute beachfront, meaning that your door is literally 20 metres from the surf. Accommodation consists of free-standing, self-contained villas. Opt for one-bedroom or get fancy with the two-bedroom arrangement, complete with private balcony and panoramic views. Free Wi-Fi, free Foxtel, barbecue facilities and a pool are all part of the deal. COMFORT: BROADWATER MARINER RESORT, GERALDTON Stroll just 50 metres from Broadwater Mariner Resort and you'll find yourself at peaceful Champion Bay, a favourite swimming spot among Geraldton locals. The resort's 107 guest rooms are beautifully decorated and dotted among landscaped gardens. Choose accommodation to suit you — from studios to spacious, three-bedroom apartments. Next door, the L'attitude 28 Restaurant offers a menu inspired by local produce and a long wine list, with an emphasis on vintage and boutique drops. BUDGET: DONGARA TOURIST PARK Bring a tent, roll up with your caravan or book into a deluxe cabin — whichever way you want to holiday, Dongara Tourist Park can make it happen. You'll find its acres of green, rolling grass right on the coast at Port Denison, 3 kilometres south of the cute, sleepy village of Dongara. The marina is just three minutes away, for easy launching of boats, and during lobster season, you can buy fresh crustaceans direct from local fishers. If, however, you'd rather someone else do the cooking, there's a great restaurant just a short walk away.
For such a tiny island, Jamaica has had a disproportionate impact on global culture. Naturally, Bob Marley's ubiquitous portrait and defiant, uplifting anthems are the first exports to come to mind. But then there's the rest. It's thanks to Jamaica's 10,911 square kilometres of sundrenched Caribbean goodness that we can gawk at physics-defying athletes, fantasise about encountering Sean Connery or Ursula Andress under a waterfall, and luxuriate in the world's finest coffee and rum. THE FASTEST MAN IN THE WORLD One of his legs is a half-inch shorter than the other. During warm ups, when his competitors are stressed to the max, he's usually found dancing. His height measures in at 6 feet, 5 inches — too tall for sprinting, according to convention. And he describes himself as 'lazy'. Against quite a few odds, Usain Bolt, who grew up in a country town in Trelawny, Jamaica, is the fastest man on the planet. At the 2009 World Championships, held in Berlin, he set the current world record for both the 100 metre sprint, at 9.59 seconds, and the 200 metre sprint, at 19.19 seconds. EVERY JAMES BOND NOVEL YOU’VE EVER READ In 1946, Ian Fleming bought fifteen acres on a cliff-face on Jamaica’s north coast, built a house and named it Goldeneye. He then wrangled an agreement with his employer, The Sunday Times, which allowed him to take January and February off work. When each new year rolled around, he'd hole himself up in his Caribbean hideaway and write a new James Bond saga. By his death in 1964, twelve novels and two books of short stories were completed. These days, Goldeneye is a fancypants hotel and resort where people like Richard Branson and Harrison Ford hang out. BLUE MOUNTAIN COFFEE In Jamaica's Blue Mountains grow some of the most expensive coffee beans you'll find anywhere. Online, they'll set you back $180 a kilogram. They're cultivated in small acreages, between 600 and 1500 metres above sea level, where the moist, cool environment increases the ripening period to as long as ten months. Consequently, the natural sugars within the beans have oodles of time to develop, giving them their famous smooth flavour. JERK Finding a local eatery is never difficult to do in Jamaica. That's because the chief national dish, jerk, gives its whereabouts away, as a result of its mouthwatering aroma. Jerk cooking involves rubbing or marinating meat (usually chicken or pork) with a fiery blend of ingredients known as Jamaican jerk spice. Pimento and Scotch bonnet peppers are crucial, but you can also add cinnamon, nutmeg, thyme, cloves, garlic, salt and shallots. PREMIUM AGED RUM FROM APPLETON ESTATE When Christopher Columbus visited Jamaica in the 15th century, he brought with him sugarcane and rum. Thanks to the island’s lush climate, some of the finest spirits to ever pass the lips of humankind were soon in production. One such place is Appleton Estate — Jamaica’s oldest sugar estate and distillery — which is located in the heart of Jamaica on an incredible 4,614 hectares in the picturesque Nassau Valley. Appleton Estate has continued their craft in the traditional way, using copper pot and column stills for the distillation process, American oak barrels for ageing and naturally limestone-percolated water from the hills of cockpit country. A master blender then blends the spirit by hand, creating the distinctive flavour profiles and handcrafted feel for which Appleton is renowned. Fun fact: Appleton is one of the few rums in the world that can claim terroir: the unique flavour that only comes from being wholly produced in a single location. DUNN'S RIVER FALLS Dunn's River Falls is one of the few waterfalls in the world that you can climb without being in constant fear that you're going to tumble to some horrendous watery death. Even though they're 55 metres high, they're 180 metres long, because they're conveniently shaped like stairs, officially referred to as 'travertine terraces'. In Dr. No (1962), Honey Ryder (Ursula Andress) emerges from the sea at the base of the falls, where she runs into James Bond (Sean Connery). REGGAE, SKA, DUB, ROCKSTEADY Bob Marley might be the most legendary of Jamaican musicians, but he's just the start of the record catalogue. Peter Tosh, Jimmy Cliff, and Toots and the Maytals were all raised on the island too. Reggae took hold in the late 1960s, but before that, there was rocksteady, which The Wailers cut their teeth on, and earlier still, ska. With the '70s emerged dub, spearheaded by producers like Lee 'Scratch' Perry and King Tubby. A WAY OF LIFE THAT ISN'T AN –ISM Some people have fallen into the habit of describing Rastafari as Rastafarianism, but it's a term that followers don't use — and don't like to hear. That's because they're generally extremely critical of 'isms'. The Rastafari movement kicked off in Jamaica in the 1930s. Rastas worship Haile Selassie I, who was the Ethiopian emperor between 1930 and 1974. They refer to 'conventional society' as Babylon, rejecting what they see as its oppression, consumerism and way too much focus on quashing sensual pleasures. COOL RUNNINGS Cool Runnings might have been created by Disney, but its story was inspired by Jamaica and parts of it were shot there. The film hit cinemas in 1993, debuting at box office #3, and was the last movie featuring John Candy released before he passed away. It is (very) loosely based on the real-life experiences of Jamaica's national bobsled team, which made its debut at the Winter Olympics in 1998 at Calgary, Canada. CIVIL RIGHTS One of Jamaica's national heroes is civil rights activist Marcus Garvey. He founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) in Jamaica in 1914 before moving to Harlem in 1916. Like Martin Luther King, he was a rousing orator, and spent years travelling across America, attracting thousands and thousands of loyal followers. His major contribution was boosting African Americans' pride in their culture and encouraging their return to their homelands in Africa.
Kicking goals, winning hearts, starring in a docuseries, inspiring statues, making history on the field and on TV: in 2023, the Matildas have been doing it all. Next, the Sam Kerr-captained squad has been immortalised by the Australian National Dictionary Centre, inspiring Australia's latest Word of the Year. 'Matilda' has been chosen as the Australian National University-based organisation's pick of 2023 thanks to the Tillies' huge successes, plus the devotion they've inspired across the country. With huge crowds heading to the team's games at the Women's World Cup, then backing it up at the recent Olympic qualifiers — and millions of people watching the former on TV as well — the words 'Matildas' and 'Tillies' have certainly been uttered countless times by most of us this year. [caption id="attachment_912965" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Liondartois via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] "The team name (Matildas, or Tillies for short) and singular form (Matilda) were everywhere as Matildas mania swept the country, with Australians transfixed by every minute of play," advised the Australian National Dictionary Centre in a statement announcing its new Word of the Year choice. And if you're wondering about the word's history in Australia, "from the 1880s, matilda was one of the names for a swag, a bag of possessions carried by an itinerant man looking for work," explains the Centre's Director Dr Amanda Laugesen. "These days most people would only know this in relation to the song Waltzing Matilda." "It's only since the mid-1990s that the women's soccer team has been called the Matildas, but after this year's World Cup the word has once again cemented itself in the Australian lexicon." [caption id="attachment_913693" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rovena Rosa/Agência Brasil via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Matilda emerged victorious from a shortlist that also included 'noer', 'yesser', 'truth-telling' and 'hallucinate', with the first three linked to this year's referendum for the Australian Indigenous Voice to Parliament. In 2022, 'teal' was the Word of the Year, with 'strollout' getting the nod in 2021, 'iso' in 2020 and 'voice' in 2019. For more information about the Australian National Dictionary Centre's word of the year, head to the centre's website.
If you can't get enough of The Grounds of Alexandria, you can now grab a 6.15am workout along with your morning coffee. The Grounds are teaming up with Sweat for the Good Stuff to bring you Yoga at The Grounds. This 45-minute Vinyasa class kicks off on Wednesday, July 19, with five additional dates throughout August. Flow through your sun salutations surrounded by lush greenery in an indoor garden. The classes are held in their light-filled, heated atrium — so you don't have to worry about the winter chill —and all levels are welcome, from experienced yogis to wannabes. Plus, the $15 spent will not only better only your own mind, body and soul, but also go toward helping others do the same. Sweat for the Good Stuff will donate a portion of the proceeds to charity causes including mental health surf therapy, support for the homeless and suicide prevention. It's a workout worth waking up early for.
You've heard of bed and breakfasts. In fact, you've probably even stayed at a couple. They're all well and good; however a new cocktail-focused hotel is offering up something even better than brekkie with your room: a bed and beverage experience. If you're in the vicinity of Los Angeles from September onwards, head to ten-room The Walker Inn to enjoy an intimate and relaxing evening complete with a nightcap or several (and painkillers when you check out). And no, you won't just guzzle whatever's in the mini-bar in your vintage-heavy room. Instead, you'll get the kind of high-quality home bar setup you could only dream of having in your actual house, complete with a recipe book to guide you through the cocktail-making process. You'll be shaking, mixing and stirring your own drinks in no time. Don't think that The Walker Inn isn't for sociable clientele, though. With the '20s-style hotel also boasting its own bar, you'll have plenty of opportunities to sip on a mixologist-made beverage and mingle with other patrons, if that's what you'd prefer. Some rooms even have their own secret staircase leading back down to the shared lounge area. Basically, think of The Walker Inn as accommodation for those who want a couple of options for winding down after a nice meal out with friends, which is exactly how owner David Kaplan describes it. Similar establishments have popped up in Paris and Los Feliz, so it seems like this is part of a growing trend. Fingers crossed that some clever person brings the concept to Australia — and soon. Via PSFK and Skift.
The Verge Festival has everything. Experimental Cinema, claims of the Best Comedy Ever, great sunset film screenings and croquet. With origins as a festival of experimental art, the Verge has grown into a University-wide arts festival with events ranging from pure weird to straight up drama — but all of them with something that takes their efforts away from the everyday. Opening night is packed with music and art by its hosts, the charity-supporting Major Raiser, who'll be dedicating the night's efforts to youth mental health — a subject close to their heart. Closing night promises a laser maze on the dance floor, while the middle of the fest sports Pride Week Party and night markets. During the rest of the festival, the Uni's flashy promenade, Eastern Avenue, will be taken over by giant shipping containers as part of Uncontainable, as artists decorate the containers' outsides, and fill the insides with pre-made exhibtions. Some occasional Impro playmaking is promised, while Underbelly artists Fetish Frequency offer a DIY audio story to drag you around the Sydney University campus. There will be nights of nice words at Outspoken, and the Story Club's return from the Comedy Festival, starring Playschool veteran Benita Collings. SUDS is getting into the festival spirit by staging the bloody Titus Andronicus, as well in-situ drama like Animals at the University's tiny Roundhouse and and some Strindberg in the tennis courts.
When you head to a gallery or museum, peruse its walls and halls, and stare at a famous work of art, you spend time bathing in visible beauty. If you're peering at a painting, then colours, compositions and brush strokes grab your attention. Should you be looking at a sculpture, it's the lines, shapes and forms that stand out. Even if you're the most dedicated art fan, you're really only engaging one of your senses — that's why it's called visual art. You can't touch something as iconic as the Venus de Milo, for example. You certainly can't taste it either, and it doesn't emit a sound or aroma. But if you have ever found yourself wondering just what the ancient Greek work smells like, or how some of The Louvre's other notable artworks might tickle your nostrils, you can now douse yourself in perfume inspired by eight of the Parisian museum's pieces. For the first time, The Louvre has teamed up with French beauty brand Officine Universelle Buly to create a range of scents that draw upon the gallery's masterpieces — not only for art-lovers to spray over their body, but in scented candles, scented postcards and scented soap sheets too. As well as the world's most famous statue with missing arms — which apparently smells like lilies and musk — the lineup takes its cues from Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres' La Baigneuse and Grande Odalisque, Thomas Gainsborough's Conversation in a Park, Jean-Honoré's The Lock and Georges de La Tour's Joseph the Carpenter. You can also smell like Lorenzo Bartolini's Nymph with Scorpion or, still on sculptures, you can opt for the Winged Victory of Samothrace. If the latter sounds familiar, that's because it featured in Beyonce and Jay-Z's 'Apeshit' video last year. https://vimeo.com/347284474 Buly's collection of The Louvre-themed products doesn't come cheap — ranging from just under €6 for a postcard, to around €17 for soap, to €125 for a candle or perfume. If you don't have a trip to Paris in your future, you can order the artwork-inspired scented products online.
This Sydney Festival classic returns for yet another evening of gorgeous music by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra under the open night skies. Grab your friends, family, or current flame, pack a picnic basket and a blanket, and relax into the summery dusk for a night of music that will make you feel a bit like you're living in a film. No picnic? No problem: there will be food stalls aplenty on site. It's BYO so, if you're feelin' thirsty, remember to pack a bottle of something chilled. The Crescent, Parramatta Park, 20 Jan. Image: Jamie Williams
It's not a stretch to say that the beer industry is male-dominated. It's also not a stretch to say that the words 'beer' and 'high tea' don't usually appear next to each other. Here's where it all comes together though: a ladies-only beer high tea. Spend the afternoon chatting with some of the women in the industry over nine courses paired with some of Australia's best craft beers. This event is one of our top ten picks of Sydney Craft Beer Week. Check out the other nine.
Hey everyone, Kanye West is back at his Kanye best — being characteristically mysterious while simultaneously stirring everyone into a frenzy. Today he ambiguously announced on Twitter that he'll casually open 21 "Pablo temporary stores" around the world this weekend. 21 PABLO STORES WORLDWIDE THIS WEEKEND LOCATIONS HERE https://t.co/tYuzqs7kJW — KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) August 18, 2016 He's run this racket before. In 2013, he opened a pop-up shop on Bowery in NYC to commemorate the Yeezus tour and — as you could guess, it went bananas. This time around though the whole world is getting a taste. Life of Pablo pop-ups will open briefly in cities across the globe, including Melbourne and Sydney. It's unclear at this stage exactly what range of merchandise will be available, but Vogue is reporting that each city will be selling custom merch including t-shirts with the city's name spelt out in the custom Life of Pablo font (think of the re-sale value!). At previous pop-ups Kanye's sold copies of the namesake album and associated merch. Other cities that will be graced with a Pablo pop-up are Singapore, Amsterdam, Berlin, London, Cape Town, Toronto, Chicago, Detroit, San Francisco, Portland, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Boston, New York and Miami (so we're in pretty good company). He'll announce the exact locations 24 hours prior to their opening, so prepare to stalk, line up (early) and pounce on whatever Kanye's got in store for us. Via Vogue.
Nadine Labaki directs and stars in this amusing modern fable about a group of women in a remote Lebanese village who try to defuse mounting inter-religious tensions by finding obscure ways to distract their menfolk. Lead by the beautiful Amale (Labaki), the women of the village, both Muslim and Christian, band together to find various ways to stop the men from following in the civil strife that has engulfed their country. In an attempt to keep the peace, the women conspire to hire exotic dancers, lovingly drug sweet pastries and remove weapons from the village. However, not all of their extraordinary ideas go to plan, resulting in a serious of comic, and chaotic, incidents. Following on from Caramel, Labaki's second feature film in the director's chair made official selection at Cannes in 2011 and this year at Sundance, as well as making its debut on Australian screens at the recent Sydney Film Festival. Concrete Playground has ten double passes to give away to see Where Do We Go Now? To be in the running to win a pair of tickets, make sure you're subscribed to Concrete Playground then email your name and postal address to hello@concreteplayground.com.au
