Broadcasting out of a tiny shopfront on New York City's First Avenue, the legendary East Village Radio has been a solid citizen of the Big Apple for the past 11 years. But heavy licensing fees will see the independent online station forced to shut down, broadcasting its last show on May 23. Covering every genre from experimental, brash Brooklyn garage rock to phonograph recordings of old-timey pre-war singalongs, EVR has had some serious talent behind the wheel over the years. With presenters such as Mark Ronson, Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce (The Smiths), members of Das Racist, Elliot Wilson (Rap Radar) Hannah Rad (Diddy's Revolt TV), Bobby Friction (BBC) and many, many more, EVR has been responsible for both breaking green new artists and reminding listeners of legends they might have missed. Inviting countless big and small name guests into the tiny mirror-walled, glass-fronted studio wedged between a tattoo parlour and a local Italian eatery Frankie's (and sitting just around the corner from the former site of rock Mecca CBGB), EVR has formed an integral part of the New York music landscape over the years, with Lou Reed, Johnny Marr and Richard Hell popping in on occasion. And Drake. Popularity isn't the problem for EVR, with listenership rising daily for the online broadcaster since opening as a 10-watt FM radio station in 2003. But with each new pair of ears comes a price tag, one the station can't afford to front forever. According to the Congressional Digital Music Copyright Act of 1998, online broadcasters must pay a digital performance royalty for each listener. With EVR achieving over a million listeners a month, it seems popularity would bankrupt the beloved station. "Every time we get a new listener, it costs us more money with licensing fees and Internet costs," East Village Radio CEO Frank Prisinzano told East Village blog EV Grieve. "After doing some projections, we see that it is going to be very, very difficult for us to continue to break even." General manager and head of programming Peter Ferraro explained to the blog that the station was paying an unfair price for its own popularity. "It's almost like we are being penalized for our growth... We pay a higher rate for royalties and licensing than Pandora pays," he said. "We live in a world where these behemouth music-streaming services keep going in for more capital. It's very difficult for an independent medium music company to survive in a world where Apple is paying $3.2 billion for Beats by Dre." New Yorkers aren't the only ones who'll miss EVR. Broadcasting in an online capacity and through the EVR app, the radio station found most of its fanbase worldwide — particularly in the UK. Countless Australians have featured on the station, with drop-ins from locals The Presets, Flume, Courtney Barnett, The Preatures (pictured above), Kevin Parker, Jagwar Ma, Hiatus Kaiyote, Art vs. Science, Anna Lunoe, The Laurels, San Cisco, The Griswolds and many more. With just a few weeks of broadcast left, EVR presenters will have the chance to sign off in their own signature fashion. In a gesture of professional decency, the station will also release every last archived show to each DJ so they can hunt around for syndication elsewhere or land themselves another presenting spot. So crank up EVR while you still can and join the team for their last hurrah on May 23. Listen to EVR online here. Via EV Grieve and New York Observer.
Young South Korean artist JeeYoung Lee is generating quite a buzz for herself in the art world these days, and it's not hard to see why. A recent graduate of Seoul's Hongik University, the artist's dreamy, highly imaginative work surpasses our traditional expectations of photography. Plus, it's totally spectacular to look at. It's hard to believe it, but Lee's images aren't Photoshopped. Instead, displaying admirable patience, she spends weeks and often months turning her tiny little studio (only 3 x 6 metres) into an unimaginably intricate, detailed set. Once she's captured the essence of the particular dream, desire, nightmare, hope or conflict she had in mind, she places herself within the image, never facing the camera directly — in fact, often with her back to it. The result is a strangely beautiful kind of reality. JeeYoung Lee is considered an up-and-coming artist in her native South Korea. She won last year's Sovereign Art Prize and has exhibited at Seoul's OCI Museum, the Incheon Foundation for Art and Culture, the Kyoto Photographic Museum in Japan and early next year will open her first European exhibition at France's Opiom Gallery with this ongoing series of self-portraits, entitled Stage of Mind. Broken Heart Black Birds Nightmare The Little Match Girl Maiden Voyage Last Supper Treasure Hunt Top image: Resurrection. Story via Colossal.
Crowdfunding is a relatively new concept, but it's also been pretty controversial, especially after big-name artists started using it to fund albums (Amanda Palmer and Eskimo Joe, anyone?). But it's also being used as a starting point for some great ideas and inventions that may not have ever become a reality otherwise. In 2012, cycling enthusiast Izhar Gafni invented a bicycle made out of recycled cardboard, rubber and plastic — the total cost of the materials coming to just $9. Now, Gafni has launched a $2 million Indiegogo campaign to take the project to the next level, which would involve mass producing the bike with the ultimate aim of making it affordable and widely available to people all over the world. Gafni describes the technology behind the bike as 'game changing' and thinks it could be the start of a 'green revolution'. On his Indiegogo page, Gafni says that the bike "means that children in under-developed countries can have access to these bikes to get to school, and their parents can get to work" and "the funds we raise will allow us to establish the first cardboard bicycle production line, thereby creating jobs, affordable transportation and a cleaner environment. For the people, by the people." https://youtube.com/watch?v=jBa0Wy50X5Y Via PSFK.
After announcing that they would expand to Western Australia this year, the Falls Music & Arts Festival have this morning announced the dates for their four-city schedule and one kickass headliner: Childish Gambino. Yep, musical (and acting and writing) wunderkind Donald Glover will return to Australia to play all four shows over the New Years period. It's his first visit back since playing Listen Out Festival last year. As always, Falls will be heading to Lorne in Victoria for four nights, and Marion Bay in Tassie and Byron Bay on the NSW coast for three nights over New Year's Eve. They'll also be setting up shop in Fremantle for the first time with Falls Downtown, a two-day city festival slated to take place over the weekend of January 7-8. The main stage will be set up in Freo's town square, while an old-world ballroom and a stone-walled church will house the smaller ones. They'll also be taking over the abandoned Myer building, turning it into a creepy crib for art installations, "unexpected performance areas", markets and "bunkered basement danceterias". There'll even be a small number of glamping tents on the roof. It sounds similar to some of Melbourne Music Week's activations of abandoned spaces, and it sounds insane. This new iteration of the festival and the announcement of Childish Gambino as headliner is another win for Falls, who sell out their Lorne event basically every year. Since its inception in Lorne back in 1993, the festival has grown to span three cities, which include the original site on the Great Ocean Road, Marion Bay in Tassie and, since 2013, Byron Bay. But here's the dates. The full festival lineup will be announced on Tuesday, August 23. Start planning. Lorne, Victoria: December 28-31 Marion Bay, Tasmania: December 29-31 Byron Bay, NSW: December 31 - January 2 Fremantle, WA: January 7-8 For more announcements from Falls Festival, visit their website.
Mulatu Astatke was born in Jimma, Ethiopia, and, after studying music in London, New York City and Boston, created a new music style by blending traditional Ethiopian rhythms with Latin and jazz. Soon after, he came to be known as the 'Father of Ethio-Jazz'. Stardom in Africa followed, but it wasn't until Astatke appeared on the soundtrack for Jim Jarmusch's Broken Flowers that he became a big name in the West. At The Basement, he'll be joining forces with nine-piece funk band The Black Jesus Experience, who he met in Addis Ababa in 2009. Their collaborative album, Cradle Of Humanity, is due out in June.
Due to the laws of nature, 16-metre-high fibreglass pineapples aren't capable of growing — but Queensland's favourite towering attraction is expanding anyway. As part of a $150 million redevelopment, the space around The Big Pineapple is about to look a whole lot different. As well as viewing the giant tropical fruit, you'll soon be able zoom down a zipline, cool off in a water park, sink a few beers at a craft brewery and even stay for the night. For those keen on climbing and soaring, TreeTop Challenge's new course will be a big drawcard. It'll feature 120 activities across eight acres, including a two-kilometre stretch of high ropes and the 120-metre zipline — all up, it'll take half a day to complete. Alongside the water park, it'll form part of an 'adventure precinct', which is bound to get busy during peak tourism periods. Across The Big Pineapple's 170-hectare site, other additions range from a major concert event space — which means more ongoing music gigs like the Big Pineapple Music Festival — to a food hub, which will feature cafes and other eateries down the line. It will also be the new home of Sunshine Coast yoghurt company Coyo, and a new craft brewery and major distillery. [caption id="attachment_698027" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Anne and David via Flickr[/caption] For those keen to not only make the trip 90 minutes north of Brisbane to Nambour, but to truly make both a day and night of it, you'll soon be able to stay onsite too. Glamping was first mooted back in 2017, when proposals to reinvigorate the huge attraction were originally floated, and it looks set to be featured alongside an RV park, an eco resort and a hotel. In total, there will be 793 different accommodation options according to the Queensland Government's funding announcement. While the high-ropes course and zipline are due to launch in March this year, exactly when the other fresh additions will open also hasn't been confirmed. The Big Pineapple's existing attractions, such as the heritage-listed train, the Wildlife HQ zoo and the lure of snapping a selfie next to the enormous piece of fruit, will all remain. For more information about The Big Pineapple's redevelopment, visit the attraction's website. Top image: The Big Pineapple.
Promoters Live Nation have been forced to postpone tonight's Sydney instalment of Janelle Monae and Kimbra's Golden Electric tour, due to Monae coming down with a sudden illness. The Grammy-nominated singer had to step out of the first show of the tour in Melbourne on Saturday and will hang back in the Victorian capital today — Live Nation issued a statement saying Monae "has been required to remain in Melbourne under medical supervision to assess her recovery." The postponement of the Sydney Opera House show comes at an unfortunate time for moving things around, as the rescheduled show would have to land before Friday when Vivid LIVE takes control of the House for the next few weeks. After the tour-commencing Perth show was already cancelled, it seems The Golden Electric tour is in need of a few lucky rabbit feet. Live Nation are set to make an announcement tomorrow, recommending ticket holders sit tight and hang on to their stubs. https://youtube.com/watch?v=SyqltX5lRhQ Via TheMusic.com.au.
Jurassic Park still hasn't become a reality, but plenty of people are trying to build the next best thing. Brisbane played host to a virtual dinosaur zoo, Queensland could be getting a Jurassic Park-themed amusement park, an American attraction lets visitors roam through the desert with life-sized renderings and Jurassic World movies keep being made.. Now, an open-air dinosaur exhibition has popped up in Australia. Dinosaur Canyon is the latest addition to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs, aka the dinosaur-focused museum you mightn't realise sits in central Queensland. Perched on a cliff, the new section boasts a 300-metre floating, treetop-style concrete walkway that takes patrons over a gorge and past five galleries filled with dinosaur replicas. Cast in bronze and built to scale, they're not just statues of any old dinos — they're versions of the types of dinosaurs that have been found in the region. Yes, if you're wondering why the country's dinosaur haven resides in the middle of the outback — it's located just outside of Winton, which is approximately 1500 kilometres from Brisbane — it's because that's where dino fossils were found back in 1999. Local grazier David Elliott came across a piece while mustering, and then turned his attention to transforming the site into a natural history museum that delves into its previous inhabitants. Dinosaur Canyon opens to the public on April 16, offering a fresh attraction for dinosaur fiends who happen to find themselves in the dusty centre of Queensland. As well as checking out the new replicas against a stunning natural backdrop, visitors to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs can view bones, touch them — yep, touch actual dinosaur bones — and participate in both dinosaur digs and fossil preparation. Via ABC. Images: Sarah Ward / Australian Age of Dinosaurs.
While an airport's not usually the kind of place you scramble to spend time in, Singapore's Changi Airport has a knack for making the whole transit thing a little more fun. And right now, the major transport hub — which welcomes a cool 65 million visitors each year — is embracing the festive season, unveiling a new immersive Frozen-inspired winter wonderland pop-up. Running until January 5 in celebration of Disney's soon-to-be-released Frozen 2, the installation will see various parts of the airport transformed into snow-dusted fantasy worlds, evoking all those white Christmas feelings. The airport's new nature-themed retail and entertainment precinct Jewel will play host to a program of dazzling themed light and sound shows, splashed across its Rain Vortex: the world's tallest indoor waterfall. There'll also be a festive market selling a wide array of handmade goodies for last-minute Christmas present shopping, as well as an offering of workshops covering crafty endeavours like terrarium-making and ukulele-painting. Meanwhile, the T3 Departure Hall will feature an immersive enchanted forest pop-up, with four challenge zones inspired by the four elements of nature. Sure, it's a total kids' paradise, but there's also plenty to charm the young at heart, from jolly stilt-walkers to larger-than-life installations and roving carollers. The faux snow will be a-flying at regular intervals and Changi will even be graced by its biggest Christmas tree ever – a 16-metre-tall stunner, decked out head-to-toe in full festive finery and lit-up dramatically at 6.30pm each evening. Keep an eye out for it at the Jewel entrance near Terminal 1. Changi Airport sure knows how to keep a travel-weary person entertained between flights. During last year's Christmas period, it hosted an immersive Harry Potter-themed world, while earlier this year, it unveiled its new 14,000-square-metre Canopy Park, complete with mirror and hedge maze, topiary walk (which is currently filled with snow) and slide-filled sculptural playground. A Frozen Wonderland at Changi is located in Terminal 1-3 at Changi Airport until January 5, 2020.
We've said it before and we'll say it again: Nicolas Cage cures all woes. Whether you're having an average 2022 so far, or you're sad that the long weekend is over — or you're in parts of the country that don't get a long weekend mid-June and you're sad about that — watching one of the greatest actors alive make on-screen magic as only he can is always a thrill. Yes, that's true whether he's in an excellent or awful movie, too. Your latest excuse to see Nicolas Cage do his thing comes courtesy of The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, aka a movie that's gotten a fair amount of attention for one huge reason: it stars Cage as Cage. It was first announced back in 2021, then hit Australian cinemas back in April. Now, as a mid-winter gift — and because fast-tracking flicks from cinemas to digital has become the pandemic-era status quo — the film has made the very quick leap to video on demand. That means that you can now spend your next at-home movie night watching Nicolas Cage play Nicolas Cage — and playing a whole lot of different styles of Cage, too. There's serious Cage, comedic Cage, out-there Cage, OTT Cage, short-haired Cage, floppy-haired Cage, slick Cage, gun-toting Cage and every-facial-expression-imaginable Cage. Whichever kind of Cage you can think of, it's accounted for. All your favourite Cage titles also get a nod or mention in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, which sure does love absolutely everything about its leading man. There is a story behind the film's Cage-obsessed premise, of course. The fictionalised Cage is in a career lull, and is thinking about giving up acting, when he accepts an offer to attend a super fan-slash-billionaire's birthday. Getting paid $1 million is just too much to pass up, and he needs the money. But when it turns out that he might now be working for and palling around with one of the most ruthless men on the planet (played by Pedro Pascal, Wonder Woman 1984) — as a couple of intelligence agents (The Afterparty co-stars Tiffany Haddish and Ike Barinholtz) eventually tell him — things get mighty hectic. Also joining Cage playing Cage — not to be confused with his work in Adaptation, where he played two characters — are Sharon Horgan (This Way Up) as his fictional wife and Neil Patrick Harris (The Matrix Resurrections) as his manager. And, Are We Officially Dating? filmmaker Tom Gormican sits in the director's chair, because if there's anything else that this movie also needs, it's the director of a Zac Efron and Michael B Jordan-starring rom-com pivoting to total Cage worship. Yes, we've seen Cage break out of Alcatraz, sing Elvis songs, run around the streets convinced that he's a vampire, let his long hair flap in the wind and swap faces. He's voiced a version of Spider-Man, driven fast cars, fought space ninjas, hunted for his kidnapped truffle pig and stolen babies as well. Staying in his own shoes definitely stands out, though — as Cage himself always does. Check out the trailer for The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent below: The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is available to stream via Google Play, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review.
Sick of waiting in line to pick up a coffee? Have a drone fly one to you instead. Costa Coffee in the UAE has trialled "coffee-copter" delivery, ferrying caffeinated beverages to Dubai beachgoers. If there's an occasion that calls for aerial beverage service, it's lazing on the sand getting some sun. Coffee-loving customers had iced versions of their drink of choice in their hands within 15 minutes of ordering, with Costa's Jumeirah Beach Drive-Thru store stepping into the future to test out the concept. The move came after a survey of their patrons revealed 82 percent were open to getting their brews via drone. Really, the most surprising part is that 18 percent said no. Delivering food, drinks and more by drone is a concept that isn't going away, so prepare for more such instances in the future. Sushi, burgers, slurpees and pizza have all received the same treatment in the past, while Amazon wants drones to bring its packages to your door, and Aussie beaches will deploy the technology to patrol the beaches for sharks over summer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1S3OiTOemxY Via The National.
The good guys behind Astral People have teamed up with Strawberry Fields to do what they do best, which is amassing some of the freshest electronic artists around to invigorate Sydney’s underground electronic scene and make us realise what we’ve been missing while dancing to bastardised remixes of Gotye. This time they’re bringing four of the most exciting acts around right now for Land of the Giants. The inaugural event will see Tycho (USA), Baths (USA), Prefuse 73 (USA) and Synkro (UK) go head to head at The Metro Theatre in November, prefacing the myriad of major summer music festivals with a boundary-pushing four-headed audio experience said to span continents, planets and timeframes. Swirly San Franciscian Tycho will have a full band in tow to assist with generating the dreamy transcendental vibes as his makes his Australian debut. Intricate L.A. producer Baths will also be testing the waters here after knocking our socks off with his first album Cerulan, which he released two years ago at the tender age of 21. Synchro and Prefuse 73 will be bringing, respectively, the obligatory yet atypical dubstep and the lush glitchy beats. Land of the Giants will take place at The Metro Theatre on Saturday, November 24. Tickets are less than $50 and are on sale now through The Metro website.
Sydney trio Little May could be Australia's answer to folk warblers First Aid Kit. They've certainly been compared to the Swedish duo, and to New Zealand's Tiny Ruins, but at the moment they are carving out their own path. They've recently put out their debut, self-titled EP and just wrapped up an Australian tour with the legendary Rodriguez. But there's no rest for the wicked (or the wickedly charming, in this case). Little May are about to embark on a 12-date national headline tour to promote the EP. With hype following Little May wherever they wander — from appearances at Splendour and Laneway, to an intimate showcase in London, a string of shows at CMJ in New York, and now this tour back home — the trio know a thing or two about being on the road. With summer road trip season coming up, we thought we'd check in with Liz Drummond, Hannah Field and Annie Hamilton to get us all geared up for hittin' the ol' frog and toad. What's been your best road trip so far, whether with the band or on your own steam? Annie: When I was in Mexico a couple of years ago I hired a car and drove through the desert for a few days to a tiny town called Xilitla, where there is a magical rainforest filled with surrealist scultpures, towers, pools and waterfalls. I got lost in a maze and slept in a teepee that had teapots hanging from the ceiling. It was crazy and weird and amazing. Liz: The trip up to Splendour was probably the best. I always love road trips up to Byron, but having the excitement of playing Splendour was pretty unreal. Hannah: I went on a six-week road trip with my best friend, Kandis, when I was 19. We did a big chunk of Australia's East Coast in my old Nissan Pulsar 'Bruce'. At one point Kand vomited in her handbag, lost her wallet, replaced wallet, withdrew all her money from the bank as she didn't have an ATM card, then had said wallet stolen from the caravan park we were staying at in Coff's. It was so fun. Where are you heading on your road trippin' tour this time around? Liz: I think we will probably be flying to most places on this tour in November. On our last tour we drove everywhere. It was a bit touch and go at points, we left Brisbane and arrived in Melbourne just in time to go on stage. I think that was what was the most fun about it though. We will be driving down to Wollongong and Canberra though, which is always fun. Looking forward to any stop in particular? Annie: I've never been to the Sunshine Coast before, so definitely looking forward to that! We're up there in early December so will hopefully have a bit of spare time to go to the beach. Liz: I'm looking forward to driving down the South Coast, it's so beautiful. I love visiting Wollongong and playing there, and seeing friends and other bands we haven't caught up with in a while. We always play at Yours and Owls (it's now called Rad), which is the smallest but coolest venue. Hannah: I'm excited for Perth. We have a day off in between shows, so it will be really great to just hang out at the beach, explore and have adventures. https://youtube.com/watch?v=HwV2GCooJlg What do you drive on the road? Annie: Our amazing bass player, Mark, has a pretty awesome yellow troopie van from the 90s. He let us borrow it for the last few road trips, so fingers crossed we can use it again this time round! Then again, it has no air-con or radio, so we may not be too happy with it after a month-long summer tour... Hannah: It's the best. It hurts your bottom after a while though. What's on your road trip playlist? Liz: Cloud Control, Thom Yorke's new album, The National, Fink, Father John Misty. Hannah: You can't really go past Springsteen. He's my only necessity. Annie: At the moment it's the new alt-J album on repeat. What's your preferred road trip snack? Liz: Apples. And lollies. I am addicted to sugar. Hannah: Frosty Fruits and/or Nerds. Annie: After several long drives to Melbourne and Brissy earlier this year we all got pretty over Maccas and started packing hummus and carrots as car snacks. This is a great idea until you lose the lid and end up with warm hummus all over everything... Watch out for that. Know any good car games? Liz: We make up a lot of stupid games. Mark usually inspires something absurd. We have spent a lot of road trips listening to him make up characters, and then interviewing them. He is an awesome actor, so it can get really weird at times. It's not always funny — sometimes his characters are really sad, and we asked them really intense questions. Hannah gets really wigged out by it, it's pretty funny. Annie: All the classics. I Spy never gets old. If you're a tragic holiday Instagrammer like the best of us, got a favourite filter for roadies? Liz: I am pretty bad at taking photos, I don't take enough. But in all honesty, if I'm in the photo, I basically just go through the filters until I think I look the best. Everyone is guilty of doing that. Hannah: I am really bad at social media… But I think there is one I have used called Amaro? Quite nice. Nice vibes. Annie: After just browsing through all of the filters trying to decide I'm going to say anything except Kelvin (sorry Kelvin). Where would you like to road trip in the future? Hannah: Would love to do the States, that would be incredible. Annie: I would love to do a road trip around Europe. I've never been there before so hopefully we'll get a chance sometime in the future to tour there! https://youtube.com/watch?v=A1nnYFgidnI Catch Little May on their national tour this November/December: Fri 21 Nov Northcote Social Club, Melbourne With Winterbourne and HOWQUA. Tickets $15 through Northcote Social Club or 1300 724 867. Sat 22 Nov The Front Gallery & Cafe, Canberra With Winterbourne and HOWQUA. Tickets $15 through Oztix or 1300 762 545. Thurs 27 Nov Newtown Social Club, Sydney With Winterbourne and HOWQUA. Tickets $15 through Newtown Social Club or 1300 724 867. Fri 28 Nov Newtown Social Club, Sydney With I Know Leopard and HOWQUA. Tickets $15 through Newtown Social Club or 1300 724 867. Sat 29 Nov Gorgeous Music Festival, McLaren Vale Tickets through Oztix or 1300 762 545. Fri 5 Dec Solbar, Sunshine Coast With Winterbourne and HOWQUA. Tickets $15 through Oztix or 1300 762 545 Sat 6 Dec Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane With special guests Winterbourne and HOWQUA. Tickets $15 through Oztix or 1300 762 545 Little May's debut EP is available digitally now via Dew Process and UMA Recordings. Words by Jessica Surman. Interview by Shannon Connellan.
Two big-name Hollywood stars. One movie. One helluva face off. If that setup didn't exist, there'd be far few action-thrillers reaching screens — and Netflix's latest, the Ryan Gosling- and Chris Evans-starring The Gray Man, wouldn't exist either. Based on the novel by Mark Greaney, The Gray Man follows CIA operative Court Gentry (Gosling, First Man). Also known as Sierra Six, he was once the agency's most skilled killer — after being recruited out of a federal penitentiary — but now he's on the run after discovering secrets that his employer doesn't want anyone to know. That's where his ex-colleague Lloyd Hansen (Evans, Free Guy) comes in, putting a target on his head, sparking a manhunt by international assassins, and leaving Gentry fighting for his life with only the help of Agent Dani Miranda (Ana de Armas, No Time to Die). It all sounds as standard as action-thrillers go — and the just-dropped first trailer for the flick, which'll hit cinemas on July 14 and Netflix on July 22, is filled with exactly the kinds of things that all action-thrillers are. Gosling runs, Evans taunts, everyone smoulders and brood, things explode, fists are thrown and chases ensue. Gosling chats about his ego getting hurt, too, and Evans also gets saddled with quite the moustache — and quite the cheesy line. So, if you've ever wanted to hear the former Captain America say "if you want to make an omelette, you've got to kill some people", then this is for you. From its first sneak peek, The Gray Man also looks moodily shot — and, as the John Wick franchise and Atomic Blonde have both proven, an ace cast and style for days can be huge assets in this genre. Indeed, oh-so-many action-thriller flicks have served up a premise so familiar that audiences have seen it countless times before, but made up for it in the way it all comes together. Fingers crossed that The Gray Man is one of those movies. As well as heralding Gosling's first film since 2018 — so if you've been missing him in movies, that's why — and Evans getting villainous, The Gray Man also features Bridgerton's Regé-Jean Page, plus Billy Bob Thornton (Goliath), Jessica Henwick (The Matrix Resurrections), Indian star Dhanush, Wagner Moura (Shining Girls) and Alfre Woodard (The Lion King). Behind the lens, the movie marks the latest directorial effort by Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame filmmakers Anthony and Joe Russo — and reportedly didn't come cheap, costing $200 million and ranking as Netflix's most expensive production to-date. Check out the trailer for The Gray Man below: The Gray Man will screen in cinemas from July 14, and will be available to stream via Netflix on July 22. Images: Stanislav Honzik and Paul Abell/Netflix © 2022.
One-shot movies fall into two categories. Some hide their edits to make it appear as though they've been filmed in one continuous take, such as Alfred Hitchcock's Rope and the Oscar-winning Birdman. Others achieve the feat without resorting to cinematic trickery, including historical drama Russian Ark and Iranian thriller Fish & Cat. Either way, the intended effect is the same. By presenting an unbroken image free from cuts and interruptions, filmmakers try to plunge the audience so deeply into the on-screen action that they simply can't bear to tear their eyes away. Wandering from a Berlin nightclub to a cafe to a life or death bank heist, the adrenaline-fuelled Victoria joins the fold, unfolding in a single, unstaged take. Like all films that employ this technique, there's no denying the underlying technical wizardry on display in this heart-pounding German thriller. But writer/director Sebastian Schipper does more than simply jump on the latest movie-making bandwagon. Indeed, in his skilled hands, Victoria rarely feels like a gimmick. As the titular Spanish traveller (Laia Costa) catches the eye of the flirtatious Sonne (Frederick Lau) during a night out, and then tags along with him and his mates as they make the leap to the wrong side of the law, the uncut footage endeavours to take the audience along for the ride. Describing cinematographer Sturla Brandth Grøvlen's camera as one of the film's characters might be a cliché, but it's fitting. Victoria doesn't just want to make viewers watch its protagonist's wild night. It wants them to feel like they're in the thick of the frenzy, experiencing every single moment along with her. Here, variety and movement is key. While the screenplay crafts its own convincing dramas of the criminal and romantic kinds, it's not just the real-time story and changing locations that offer up a few unexpected elements. Equally unpredictable is the way Schipper uses the frame. Sometimes the visuals are claustrophobically precise and tight, while other times they're coasting and loose. The images lurch and circle, simultaneously going with the narrative's flow and creating their own momentum, and mimicking the feature's freewheeling mood while imparting their own urgency and personality as well. Of course, with the film clocking in at 138 minutes, Victoria's style does eventually threaten to overstay its welcome. Thankfully, Costa's naturalistic performance offers the pick-me-up fatigued audiences might need, even when she appears to be tired herself. The cast's improvised efforts add another layer of realism to a movie that could've just been the latest one-shot stunt. Instead, it's one of the most absorbing, surprising films we've seen in quite a while.
Summer, glorious summer: we spend all year waiting for the perfect weather and a respite from the responsibilities of everyday life but, too often, the holidays pass us by without any noteworthy adventures. No longer. To help you take full advantage of this summer break, we've teamed up with Expedia to select five destinations that are guaranteed to take your holidays from average to exceptional. Each location is less than a nine-hour flight from Sydney — perfect for a cheeky little trip — you'll be soaking up the good life in exotic surroundings before you know it. Because we know that you're all just as into food as we are, we've hunted down somewhere to eat once you get there, from fine dining, to cafe and street food and waterside restaurants. Happy adventuring. AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND FLIGHT TIME: THREE HOURS Overlooked by many tourists who rush onwards to the North Island's more famous landscapes, Auckland is something of a hidden gem. There are waterfront vistas that give Sydney a run for its money, world-class restaurants and a burgeoning art scene all to be explored. Book at room at the colourful boutique Hotel DeBrett and start your visit with a wander around Viaduct Harbour, a glittering precinct with numerous bars and restaurants offering gorgeous views over the harbour. With its acclaimed seafood dishes, Euro is a particular highlight. For your culture fix, head to the Auckland Art Gallery, home to over 15,000 works by Māori, Pacific Island, and international artists. Pop into the gallery cafe for delicious pastries and coffee served in a bright, airy space. Still hungry? If you're in town during a weekend, don't miss French-inspired farmers market La Cigale, where you can gorge yourself silly on a selection of cheeses, pastries, artisanal bread and other delicacies. Next, it's time to get outdoors. No visit to Auckland is complete without a trek up one of the city's 53 volcanic peaks. Mount Eden is a favourite for its jaw-dropping crater and sweeping views over the city. For a unique beach experience, head to the western shore, where black sand beaches are flanked by dramatic cliffs and dunes. More of a classic white sand/emerald waters person? Catch a 40-minute ferry to stunning Waiheke Island. The retreat of choice for Auckland's affluent types, the island is also home to dozens of world-class wineries (try the secluded Te Whau for its delicious blends and award-winning restaurant). EAT: KAZUYA Auckland's legendary Japanese restaurant Kazuya is not something to miss. At this fine dining establishment the waiters wear white gloves. Try the signature dish 'Texture' — 30 different types of vegetables, from tiny shavings of baby beetroot to exquisite mustard greens and perfectly cooked, bright green broccoli. Check out Concrete Playground Auckland for an entire city's worth of more handy eating, drinking and playing tips. [caption id="attachment_580107" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Levi Morsy.[/caption] BALI, INDONESIA FLIGHT TIME: SIX HOURS With its lush landscapes, gorgeous beaches, rich culture, and relative affordability, it's not surprising that Bali is on practically every Aussie's bucket list. Plus, the paradisiacal island offers something for everyone: from the party animal to the surf bum to the yogi. If it's nightlife you're after, skip overdone Kuta and head to still busy but less saturated Seminyak. Hang out at Ku De Ta, an upscale restaurant and bar that morphs into a club in the evenings or catch a live gig at Potato Head bar. If it's gourmet eats you want, Seminyak's buzzing foodie scene offers endless options. Two standouts are Sardine, where oh-so-fresh seafood is served in a bamboo structure overlooking emerald rice paddies, and Barbacoa, a South American joint with stunning decor. More of a beach type? Don't miss Uluwatu, an area famous for its pristine beaches, amazing surf, and awe-inspiring sunsets. Grab your board and spend the day riding world-class surf breaks, or simply grab a book and a cocktail and while the afternoon away on the sand. Keen to create your own version of Eat, Pray, Love (stay with us)? Then Ubud is the place for you. Bali's cultural heart offers yoga and meditation studios aplenty, and has spas on practically every street corner. Our pick is Putri Bali Spa, which offers an insanely affordable five-hour package that will leave you glowing. Book your visit just before you hop on the plane, and you'll return to Sydney entirely blissed out. EAT: DAMAI This poolside restaurant serves award-winning cuisine using local Balinese ingredients, many of which are grown in the restaurant's kitchen garden. Meat and shellfish come from the villa's boutique farm, and eggs and poultry are gathered from locals. Book a room in the accompanying, stunning villa and treat yourself. SUVA, FIJI FLIGHT TIME: SEVEN HOURS With dazzling sand, crystal clear waters, and palm trees at every turn, there's almost no better place than Fiji for a beach-heavy holiday (plus, your Instagram photos are guaranteed to make your mates cry with envy). Composed of 333 islands, choosing where to spend your time in Fiji will be the hardest part of your holiday. We suggest you start with Viti Levu, Fiji's largest island and home to the nation's capital city, Suva. Filled with striking colonial architecture, temples, mosques, and museums, this is the perfect place to get your culture fix before heading to the beach. If you're in town on a Saturday morning, don't miss the municipal market for a heady taste of local life and a great selection of fresh produce, clothing, and souvenirs. Once you've fully explored Suva, it's time to make a beeline for the ocean. For stellar snorkelling and diving, look no further than the impossibly picturesque Mamanucas and Yasawa Islands. For some of the world's best surfing breaks, head to Namatou Island, where you'll be spoiled for choice. In between your water activities, try some yaqona (or kava). This ceremonial drink is ubiquitous in Fiji and should be tried at least once — in fact, if you're invited to join a local kava ceremony, it's considered impolite to say no. Once you've soaked up the idyllic beachside lifestyle for a few days, tear yourself away from the water and venture into some lush island interiors. For gorgeous hikes through a protected rainforest with plenty of waterfalls and deep pools, try the Bouma National Heritage Park on Taveuni Island. For a stunning accomodation option, we reccomend the Tokoriki Island Resort — it has fishing, snorkelling and sailing on site. EAT: TRADITIONAL DELICACIES There are a wealth of restaurants to eat at when you're in Fiji, but the local cuisine trumps it all. Heavily influenced by the water that surrounds it, Fijian food is filled with seafood options — like octopus, sea urchin and fish. Each island in Fiji will have their own version of Kokoda — finely chopped raw fish dressed with a thick coconut cream, onions, spices and lime juice. It's traditionally served in half a coconut shell, or a clamshell. [caption id="attachment_574226" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Kai Lehmann via Flickr[/caption] SINGAPORE FLIGHT TIME: EIGHT HOURS Once just somewhere to kill time during a layover, the Lion City has reinvented itself as a destination in its own right. A melting pot of Asian cultures, the bustling city-state is a foodie's heaven and you could easily spend your entire holiday stuffing your face. In fact, that's exactly what we suggest you do — plan your itinerary around food and fill time between meals with a few of the city's top attractions. Of course, Singapore offers a lot beyond incredible food. For a slice of nature, head to the stunning Botanic Gardens, Singapore's first UNESCO World Heritage site, or spend hours wandering around the Bukit Timah Naturae Reserve. And don't miss the Singapore Zoo — the only place in the world where you can have breakfast with an orangutang family (really). Of course, no trip to Singapore is complete without a little shopping: for the best retail therapy, head straight to Orchard Road, which boasts 22 (!) shopping malls and six department stores. For a good home base, book a room at the stunning Park Royal — it's surrounded by the city's beautiful greenery. EAT: WAKU GHIN Seafood is the focus at Waku Ghin, a Singaporean restaurant by Tetsuya Waduka (of the legendary Sydney Japanese restaurant Tetsuya's). Save up and sit down for a degustation in a stunning, fine dining restaurant within the Marina Bay Sands hotel — which overlooks the Singapore bay. Cocktails and sake options are just as innovative as the food. While Singapore is home to many upscale restaurants, make like the locals and eat at the city's hawker centres, where you can sample the city's iconic dishes without burning a hole in your wallet. For the best Hainanese chicken rice, look no further than Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle in the Chinatown Complex hawker market. Other musts are chilli crab (head to Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant for this) and nasi biryani (Tekka Centre for South Indian cuisine serves up some of the city's best). OAHU, HAWAII FLIGHT TIME: NINE HOURS If you like your beach holidays with a generous helping of non-beach activities, you'll fall head over heels for Oahu. Hawaii's most populous island offers laid-back island living on its eastern and northern shores and the bustle of urban life in the capital Honolulu. What's not to love? Start by checking in and blissing out at The Royal Hawaiian hotel, then spend a few days on iconic Waikiki Beach, where you can snorkel, swim, or learn to surf during the day and relax over a few drinks and nibbles at night. To enjoy Oahu from a different vantage point, hike up Diamond Head crater for epic views over the island. For a more challenging climb, try the Olomana hike: your efforts will be rewarded with striking panoramic vistas. Make time to catch one of the island's legendary sunsets from the aptly-named Sunset Beach. Then, it's time to head to the North Shore. If you're an advanced surfer, you'll know this corner of the island is famous for its giant waves. Once you've worked up an appetite, feast at one (or a few) of the many food trucks or tiny restaurants that dot the area. Make sure to try the iconic poke (Pupukea Grill serves up particularly tasty bowls) or shrimp from Giovanni's Shrimp Truck, which has become something of a local institution. EAT: PEACE CAFE Maybe Honolulu's only vegan restaurant, Peace is located in a tranquil, tropical cottage in Honolulu. They serve up delicious sandwiches, sweets and lunchboxes made with organic vegetables and local ingredients. Pick up a healthy Vietnamese tofu or teriyaki tempeh sandwich for sustenance before heading off on a hike. Become an Expedia+ member and book your summer holiday — you'll have access to prices that others don't see.
This year, the AICE (Australia Israel Cultural Exchange) Israeli Film Festival, the only country-wide event to focus on Israeli film, celebrates ten years of bringing assumption-shattering documentaries and controversial features to Australian audiences. Opening night will see the national premiere of The Ballad of the Weeping Spring, nominee for nine Israeli Academy Awards and winner of four. Stylistically influenced by both spaghetti Westerns and samurai epics, it explores the often blurred lines between life and art in its portrayal of the emotional reunion of a once legendary band torn apart by tragedy. Other highlights of the fortnight-long festival include The Gatekeepers, an Oscar-nominated documentary in which six ex-leaders of the Shin Bet (Israel's internal secret service) discuss their success and failures in "overseeing Israel's war on terror"; Good Garbage, winner of Best Documentary at Shanghai's Magnolia Film Festival, which depicts the hardships of 200 Palestinian families who depend upon the Hebron Hills garbage dump for survival; and Zaytoun, a drama about the development of an unusual friendship between a Palestinian orphan and an Israeli fighter pilot. "The festival continues to highlight not only the breadth and strength of the Israeli film industry, but also presents the broad spectrum of Israeli society and everyday issues," explains co-curator Keith Lawrence. "A common thread in many of the films this year is that of the concerns of young adults — social, sexual and political — whether Jewish, Christian or Muslim." Thanks to AICE, we have ten double passes to give away to the Israeli Film Festival. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email hello@concreteplayground.com.au with your name and address.
Forest foraging doesn't pop up on many job descriptions, but for the people behind the pass at Biota Dining, it's an almost-weekly task. Many fine dining establishments run with the narrative of using locally sourced native ingredients but few do it as authentically as Biota. Based in the Southern Highlands, the restaurant has built a reputation for supporting and simultaneously relying on the regions' natural resources (and the people that grown them) to fuel an ever-evolving menu. And while the on-site Kitchen Garden contributes, the chefs also regularly venture further afield for ingredients and inspiration. Now, they're inviting you along. Throughout the year, Biota Dining will be holding a series of adventure experiences. You'll get to spend the day with the chefs in the wild getting your hands dirty. Following a coffee and snack at the restaurant at 9am, you will head into the Highlands. After a few hours of hunting for edible shrubs, flowers and berries, the chefs will transform the native finds into a campfire feast. With a full tummy and newfound appreciation for the flavours of nature, you will arrive back at Biota at 2.30pm, giving you the afternoon to enjoy the charms of Bowral. A spot will set you back $185, but it includes lunch and the whole adventure — the first one will be held on Friday, April 20.
Spring is upon us and there's no denying our rise and shine routines are becoming a whole lot less miserable. At this time of year, we often seek out a refreshing kick to our mornings and something to keep us enthused about the day ahead. The key to a successful day in our opinion? An inspiring breakfast. Here's our ten best spring breakfasts in Sydney. Join us in celebrating that spring in your step. 1. Cornersmith It almost feels like you're getting in trouble, writing your name on a chalkboard. But fear not, when your name is called you will instead be rewarded with a table and a nourishing meal. Sourcing everything as local as possible, the buzz about Cornersmith can't be blamed on the resident beehives. Simplicity is the key here and flavour imperative. Pickled sardines, caraway labneh, fennel, greens & wild green pesto ($12) is a fine example of a winning combination, so too is a homemade carrot, pear and currant loaf ($8) topped with ricotta and honey, from the roof. But the go-to dish would have to be the humble poached egg roll with pasture-raised ham, garlic aioli, smokey onion relish and fennel salad ($12). And then there's the coffee. It's darn good too. Tue-Fri 6.30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm; 314 Illawarra Road, Marrickville; 02 8065 0844 2. Dose Espresso First things first. Youu don't have to be a coffee nerd to come to Dose. Yes, the place radiates coffee and for good reason; the Di Gabriel coffee that is roasted off-site by owner Sam Gabrielian is excellent. A robust, well-rounded espresso ($3.50) will set you up for the day, yet with a breakfast menu that spells out deliciousness, you shouldn't need convincing to visit this treasure find. There are pastries and homemade, organic cakes from boutique bakery Hippie Lane (from $3) that could appeal to the sweet tooths. Wholemeal crumpets with Nutella ($6) or a milkshake ($4) bring on a fleck of nostalgia, and the bacon and egg roll ($10) with tomato relish and tasty cheese on schiacciata bread is always a winner. The crushed avocado, haloumi, roasted tomato and basil pesto on sourdough ($14) is also definitely up to a drool-worthy mention. Mon-Fri 6am-4pm, Sat-Sun 7am-3.30pm; 191 High Street, Willoughby North; 02 9967 255; doseespresso.com.au 3. Two Peas With two chefs on board who have previously cooked for culinary king, Jamie Oliver, Two Peas is a recent addition to the Glebe neighbourhood that won't disappoint a grumbling stomach calling for a breakfast. There is a wholesome and ethical approach to all the menu items. Homemade raisin toast ($7.50) eclipses any Tip Top version and comes with spiced butter and the mature cheddar and local beer Welsh rarebit ($9) is a fancier version of cheese on toast. Sorry mum, but this one beats yours. The frontrunner however is the whiskey and maple syrup cured salmon, fennel, rocket, chives and poached egg ($14.50), a mouth-wateringly bundle of satisfaction. Five senses coffee ($3.50) is smooth and for the hangover cure, there is always hair of the dog: Buck's fizz ($9) or beer with a slice of orange ($9), post 10am only. Mon-Tue 7am-4pm, Wed-Sat 7am-10pm; Shop4, 198-206 St Johns Road, Glebe; 02 9660 0553; twopeasrestaurant.com 4. The Grounds of Alexandria Advice to be taken seriously: start perusing the menu now. Decisions will be difficult. Recent spring additions to the menu at the Grounds are jaw-droppingly delicious. How is one meant to choose between Turkish style soft poached free-range eggs served in rich tomatoes with labneh, cannellini beans, spinach & pistachios ($16) or house cured ocean trout with soft boiled eggs, pickled cucumber, dill crème fraiche and micro herbs on sourdough ($19)? Did someone say gluten-free spiced fruit log with quinoa, sultanas, dried apricots, almonds and cinnamon ($11)? For a thirst quencher, there are fresh juices ($5) or get your coffee geek hat on with a Nicaraguan Maragopipe cold drip ($5). And if you prefer to sit in the grounds of the grounds, a takeaway flat white ($3.50) is nicely matched with a sweet almond croissant ($4.50) from the cake counter. The bacon & egg roll ($8) with tomato relish is an appetizing choice not to be missed too. Oh, the decisions. Mon-Fri 7am-4pm, Sat-Sun 7.30am-4pm; Building 7a, 2 Huntley Street, Alexandria; 02 9699 2225; groundsroasters.com 5. Revolver This gem of a café is something the regulars would prefer to keep hidden for themselves. Rightly so. Tucked down the back streets of Annandale, the friendly neighbourhood café has generous meals at reasonable prices and yes, pink lamingtons ($4) were spotted on the counter. The pocketed bacon and egg roll ($8) with rocket and 'awesome sauce' is the preferred staple. Ricotta hotcakes with rhubarb & strawberry compote and maple ricotta ($14.50) have got a reputation of their own, but it's the Revolver 'Big Vegie Brekkie' that could turn any carnivore: two baked eggs in housemade beans, sautéed mushrooms, roast tomato, avocado, Danish feta, beetroot relish, hummus and toast ($16.50). Spring juices ($3.50) will keep your health in check, but the tempting Guatemalan dark hot chocolate ($4) is full of antioxidants too…right? Mon-Sun 8am-4pm; 291 Annandale Street, Annandale; 02 9555 4727; revolver.com.au 6. Rainford Street Social Who said Crown Street didn't need another restaurant? Its latest addition, Rainford Street Social, is now open for breakfast on weekends and with a menu that is focused on local and seasonal produce, you'd be mad not to add it to your spring agenda. A Bloody Mary ($15) at brunch could be tempting or to steer clear of the booze, a freshly prepared North Pole ($7.50), apple, celery, parsley and pineapple, shouldn't go amiss. A quinoa tart with fried egg and grilled tomatoes ($15) is light and satisfying and the Rainford Rarebit and poached eggs ($12) is as simple as cheese on toast spiced with Worcestershire sauce and stout. Definitely worth getting social for. Wed-Fri coffee and pastries from 11am, lunch 1-5pm, dinner 6-10pm, Sat-Sun breakfast 9am-12.30pm, lunch 1-5pm, dinner 6pm-10pm (excludes Sun dinner); 500 Crown Street, Surry Hills; 02 9357 2573; rainfordstreetsocial.com.au 7. Reuben Hills The coffee at the Hills won't let you down. Owners Nathan Borg and Russell Beard have a love affair with the bean and travel to Central and South American countries to source the coffee directly. The specialise in cold drip, and thank god for that. It's delicious. And brekkie wise? The baleada hands down is the way to get started. The Honduran dish is a tortilla filled with cheese, black beans and eggs ($11) or for the carnies add some pulled Pimenton pork ($13). It's doubtful you'll have room after that for a Choc-Chilli milkshake ($7.50), but it's worth it if you can nudge that belt onto another hole. And the Dogs Breakfast ($9), an ice cream sandwich, will be the undoing for the sweet tooths amongst us. Mon-Sun 7am-4pm (Sun from 8am); 61 Albion Street, Surry Hills; reubenhills.com.au 8. Three Blue Ducks With Testuya-trained chefs on board at this Bronte newish kid on the block, there's no distrusting the fact that your breakfast here will be awe-inspiring. Three Blue Ducks has turned an unassuming café in to a one-hatted feasting destination and thankfully kept its cool. Snap up a table outside in the sunshine and delve into some toasted Iggy's sourdough bread with avocado, a herb salad and oven roasted tomatoes ($16). Packed full of flavour and spice is the baked eggs with chorizo, capsicum salsa and cannellini beans ($19), but be sure to steal some of your companion's orange and yoghurt pancakes with berry compote ($15)- whoever knew pancakes could be so fluffy? Tue-Sat breakfast 7am-12pm, lunch 12-3pm, dinner 6-11pm; 141-143 Macpherson Street, Bronte; 02 9389 0010; threeblueducks.com 9. Bondi Picnic Start working your appetite up now. This adorable corner café is kept away from busy Campbell Parade, but that doesn't mean snagging a wooden stool won't be hard. With a good food menu, Little Marionette coffee and a relaxed atmosphere, it could be the beginning of a beautiful spring love affair. Luxe bakery bread is deliciously transformed into fruit bruschetta ($9.50) or a brekkie sambo complete with pancetta and a 'jammery' tomato relish ($9). An apple and almond quinoa bircher is topped with watermelon and mint ($12); side this with a refreshing coconut and strawberry frappe ($6) and you’ve got a healthy start to the day. Don’t think a picnic basket ever tasted so good. Mon-Sun 7am-4pm; 101 Hall Street, Bondi; 02 8096 6561 10. The Carrington Cocktail with your eggs? Anything's possible at the Carrington. With a new Spanish-inspired breakfast menu, this frequented Bourke Street joint has heated things up. Hard drinks like the Mimosa ($10) and an Up and At Em' ($15) could welcome the weekend in, or a filthy Horchata with coffee and rum ($12) could be the ultimate hair of the dog. It's not all dirty cocktails though. Just like the place, the food menu is fun and flavoursome. Eggs Benedict is spiced up with smoked paprika and a morcilla and potato hash ($16) comes with a fried duck egg. Your neighbours will be groaning with envy if you order the torrijas ($16); the brioche French toast is devilishly sweet, but your detox can start on Monday. The beetroot lemonade ($6) is colourful and a banana, peanut butter and oatmeal thickshake ($6) could start a cult following. Sat-Sun breakfast 9am-1pm; 565 Bourke Street, Surry Hills; 02 9369 4714; the-carrington.com.au
Just a couple of months ago Brisbane was turned into a Marvel movie set for the filming of Thor: Ragnarok. Well, comic book and film fans — there's more where that came from. Come next year, you'll be able to grab your Mjölnir, your best Tom Hiddleston wig, an Infinity Stone and anything else that ties into the now 14-strong Marvel Cinematic Universe, and head to Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art for a massive exhibition dedicated to all things superhero. Talk about great timing. To be precise (and to state the obvious), Marvel: Creating the Cinematic Universe — which was announced by the Queensland Government yesterday — will showcase all things Marvel when it takes over GOMA from May 27 to September 3, 2017. Consider it a great lead up to Ragnarok's release in cinemas next October. It'll be the largest ever Marvel presentation in an art museum worldwide, and will feature original artworks, film props, costumes and more from the likes of Iron Man, Ant-Man, Captain America and Guardians of the Galaxy. We'd keep listing movies, but their box office success proves that you already know what we're talking about. And yes, you read that correctly — this isn't just a retrospective screening series featuring all the flicks you've been watching since Robert Downey Jr put on a robotic suit and wisecracked his way into starting the franchise back in 2008. Instead, it's a gallery-wide, government-championed, tourist-courting, super huge event. Of course, checking out all of the relevant movies on GOMA's big screen will be part of the program. After you've seen hundreds of MCU pieces drawn from Marvel Studios, Marvel Entertainment and private collections, you'll probably want to rewatch the films. If you've been to GOMA, you're probably used to seeing curated art and movie choices rather than such a pop culture blockbuster showcase. This will certainly be their most mainstream (and possibly most popular) event of either art or cinema to date. That said, their Australian Cinematheque typically dallies with bigger movie selections featuring better-known, broader titles at least once a year (the recent Monsters, Fairytales and Fables, and Myths and Legends programs, for example), albeit not quite on this mammoth level. However, if you've already donned your costume and possibly booked a trip to Brisbane, you'd better get your tickets — they're on sale now. Marvel: Creating the Cinematic Universe will show at GOMA from May 27 to September 3, 2017. Tickets are on sale now at qagoma.qld.gov.au.
It might just be Australia's brightest festival, and it's returning to light up Alice Springs once again. That'd be Parrtjima - A Festival In Light, which delivers its fourth and most expansive annual program so far between Friday, April 5 to Sunday, April 14 — a shift from the event's previous timeslot, moving from spring to autumn. The nation's first indigenous festival of its kind, Parrtjima announced its shift of dates earlier this year, as well as its continued focus on dazzling light installations. Now, the free ten-day public celebration of Indigenous arts, culture and storytelling has started to reveal its lineup. In 2019, as well as a closing night performance by Baker Boy, the festival will feature seven luminous displays gracing both Alice Springs Desert Park Precinct and Alice Springs Todd Mall. While Alice Spring's CBD will light up with new installations and events, just out of town, tourism and conservation facility Alice Springs Desert Park will also come alive with the festival's main attraction. Once again, a huge artwork will transform a 2.5-kilometre stretch of the majestic MacDonnell Ranges, showering it with light from 6.30–10.30pm each night of the festival — and featuring an audio track voiced by Aussie acting legend Aaron Pedersen. Visitors will also be able to immerse themselves in art and storytelling as part of the returning Ahelhe Itethe – Living Sands (Grounded), where installations are projected onto the earth accompanied by a striking soundscape. While Parrtjima's returning slate is strong, new additions to this year's lineup include an illuminated tunnel that'll greet attendees as they enter the festival space, called Angkentye Anpernirrentye-kerte – The Language of Kin; an array of over-sized sculptures that'll relay the social history of First Nations station workers and their language of the land, dubbed Angkentye Stockmen Mape-kenhe – The Language of Stockmen; and a series of sculptured large-scale moths, badged The Language of Moths, which'll brighten up Todd Mall. There'll also be a huge maze for kids and a set-up of three bush taxis displaying works by First Nations artists. As 2019 is the UN's Year of Indigenous Languages, the festival will also have a linguistic edge — as many of the light installations' names make plain. With a theme of 'Language Expressions', the full program will feature many talks and workshops focused on Central Australia's many Indigenous languages, with details to be announced in the coming weeks. Also on the bill is jam-packed program of dance, music, workshops and talks, sharing stories and celebrating First Nations' culture. It's a nice supplement to the area's Field of Light installation, which has been extended until 2020. Parrtjima – A Festival in Light runs from April 5–14, 2019 around Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. For more information, visit the festival website. Images: James Horan.
Since the 19th century, writers, filmmakers and musicians have fantasised about moving to Mars. And now, space agencies all over the world are working furiously to make it happen, though none has a 100% firm plan of action yet. After all, Mars isn't the friendliest place: the air is almost oxygen-free, temperatures swing from -150 to 20 degrees celsius and the winds are fierce. Despite that — and the prospect of never returning home — thousands of people applied to join Mars One, a Dutch non-profit hoping to send four travellers on a one-way mission to Mars in 2031. Meanwhile, NASA has its sights set on putting humans into orbit by the 2030s and on the surface by the 2040s. With Sydney Science Festival kicking off on August 8, we thought it the perfect time to dive into the possibility of one day colonising the Red Planet. So, we put our lab coats on and tracked down some of the people working to make this interplanetary dream a reality. Here, we chat with Josh Richards, one of 100 short-listed candidates for Mars One, and Dr Mitch Schulte, a scientist working on NASA's 2020 rover mission, about what living on Mars might involve. GETTING THERE Before stepping foot on the Red Planet, before testing the environment, before figuring out how to make Mars home, the first obstacle for the next giant leap for mankind is getting there. So far, two-thirds of all spacecrafts to have tried have failed. Mars's atmosphere is 100 times thinner than Earth's, which means that when a rocket enters, it takes much longer to slow down, making a crash landing a major risk. In addition, monstrous dust storms howl across the planet's surface, which is covered in hazardous rocks. That said, seven spacecrafts have made it successfully — all free of people, however — and right now, two rovers, Opportunity and Curiosity, are up there roaming around. "The rovers travel by direct trajectory. We send them directly from Earth to arrive at a particular spot," says Dr Schulte. "That requires going from 35,000 miles an hour when the rover hits the atmosphere to 0 miles at the surface. We slow them down with hypersonic parachutes, which open at incredibly fast speeds... When you send humans into orbit, you have to use rockets to slow them down, so that gravity captures the spacecraft." So, the trick now is figuring out how to slow humans down safely. "After we've successfully accomplished that and brought people back, we can think about putting them on the ground, as happened with the moon missions." [caption id="attachment_631550" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NASA.[/caption] BREATHING When or if anyone does manage to land on Mars in one piece, the next challenge will be breathing. The air is made up of 96% carbon dioxide and 0.2% oxygen, as opposed to ours which contains 21% oxygen. To live on the Red Planet permanently, we'd need to develop the technology to do some serious harvesting and storing. "One of the goals of the 2020 mission is to demonstrate an instrument that could extract oxygen from the atmosphere, but it would be used primarily for propellant grade oxygen for rocket fuel," says Dr Schulte. "At this stage, any human travelling to Mars would have to take all the air they need with them." Should things go as planned for Mars One, there'll be rovers capable of extracting oxygen from Mars's rocks and atmosphere by the 2020s. With this technology in place, the rovers will head up in advance of the crew, ensuring hundreds of litres of breathable air are ready to go. [caption id="attachment_631541" align="alignnone" width="1922"] Twentieth Century Fox/The Martian.[/caption] SETTING UP DIGS The first humans on Mars won't be spending much time outside. Mars One's idea is to have them living in inflatable pods similar to the BEAM module currently attached to the International Space Station but much bigger. Two of these pods are currently in orbit, having their resilience tested. "Each is fifty metres long; they look like big, white caterpillars," Richards says. "The first crew [on Mars] will be four people... [though] for the first two years, they won't be going out very much, unless it's critical." Richards explains how the team will operate similarly to winter crews in Antarctica. And as with the oxygen extraction technology, rovers will travel in advance to also bring and set up modules that'll provide spare parts and life support systems, like the SpaceX Dragon Capsule, explains Richards. Meanwhile, one of NASA 2020's goals is to deepen our meteorological understanding. "We'll be flying a weather package," says Dr Schulte. "It's a set of instruments to measure temperature, pressure, relative humidity, wind speeds and ultra violet radiation levels." Knowing more about these conditions will help set up a proper living environment for the future. [caption id="attachment_631544" align="alignnone" width="1921"] Twentieth Century Fox/The Martian.[/caption] EATING OFF THE LAND (EVENTUALLY) Some will rejoice, some will mourn, but it looks like life on Mars will be more than just vegan-friendly; once a food system has been set up, life will be vegan only. "We'll land with six years' worth of food," says Richards. "Then, we'll start growing food as quickly as we can, which means setting up greenhouses and, essentially, going vegan, which for me is a terrifying thought... It's the worst thing about going to Mars." Mars will understandably be a pretty sustainable place as well, where even human waste will be reprocessed and used as a resource. "There's an old saying on the International Space Station," Richards tells, "'Yesterday's coffee is today's coffee is tomorrow's coffee'. What you pee out gets cleaned, filtered and put back into the water supply." LIVING WITH LOW GRAVITY "The gravity on Mars is about 35% what it is on Earth," says Dr Schulte. If you've ever watched the moon landing, you'll know reduced gravity can make for some bouncy fun — though the Moon is a bit bouncier than Mars, with gravity about 15% what it is on Earth — but no one's sure of the long-term effects on the body. Astronauts living on the International Space Station, which is gravity-free, have noticed their spines lengthening and, if they don't exercise regularly, muscular atrophy. Richards says that a big part of each day will be spent testing and measuring bone density and muscle strength, to find out how he and the crew are faring. (He's also planning to pack a Kindle loaded with novels and his ukulele.) Plus, if all goes well, the team will be prepping for the arrival of the second crew, who'll set off two years after the first Mars One mission. [caption id="attachment_631548" align="alignnone" width="1921"] Twentieth Century Fox/The Martian.[/caption] MEETING THE NEIGHBOURS Finally, of course, there's the question of whether or not Mars is already taken. "The bottom line is, we don't know if life exists — or did exist — on Mars, but we do know it's geologically and geochemically similar to Earth," says Dr Schulte. "There are environments that indicate there was liquid water near the surface and that [there are] the kinds of rocks from which organisms could extract chemical energy. "The problem now, though, is that the surface is very dry and liquid water is not stable there, so it exists as ice or gas. If life were to exist now, it would have to be underground, where pressures and temperatures would be high enough — at least as far as we understand how life exists here on Earth." Could we see the colonisation of Mars in our lifetime? Time will only tell, but with the ferocity in approach and devotion to the cause by the likes of Mars One, NASA and others, it looks like a strong potential to us. Hear more about what life on Mars could be like from Dr Mitch Schulte at Life on Mars: The 2020 Rover Mission and from Josh Richards at Becoming Martian, both at Sydney Science Festival this month.
For three days of delectable aromas and delicious flavours dieters should ditch the calorie counter and prepare to get their taste buds racing as hundreds of leading food producers, wine makers and chefs come together at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre for the Good Food and Wine Show. With celebrity chefs, master classes and more dishes than a stomach can handle there’s so much to sink your teeth into (pun intended), at what has to be any food lover’s dream weekend. Fans of TV cook-offs can watch in awe as famous names like George Calombaris, Manu Feildel and Matt Moran show off their culinary craft at the Fisher & Paykel Theatre, or simply lose themselves in a sea of flavour. Concrete Playground has two double passes to the Good Food and Wine Show to give away. For your chance to win, subscribe to Concrete Playground (if you haven't already) then email hello@concreteplayground.com.au
After what has felt like an endless, unrefreshed eternity, the boycott of Carlton United Breweries and their products can finally come to an end. It was announced by the Australian Unions on Twitter this morning that the workers at the heart of the bitter feud had "won all their demands" and would be heading back to work for the brewery. A statement released by the Australian Council of Trade Unions this morning confirms that the 55 workers who were effectively sacked from the Abbotsford brewery would be returning to their jobs under "fair and decent union terms and conditions, which provide job security to the workers". BREAKING: #CUB55 just WON all their demands and will RETURN TO WORK! No matter how strong a multinational corp, we can fight them. And win. pic.twitter.com/PtRYs9cI3h — Australian Unions (@unionsaustralia) December 7, 2016 The whole debacle kicked off in June, when 55 maintenance workers were told that their contracts would be handed over to a new company, and that this new contract would include a pay cut that the workers, and the unions behind them, deemed unfair. This led to worker strikes in both Sydney and Melbourne, a national boycott by many members of the public on Carlton United products, and even attracted the ire of respected political commentators, The Simpsons Against the Liberals. Although Carlton United Breweries have publicly denied any allegations of wrongdoing, it appears that the brewing giant behind some of Australia's most treasured beers and beer ads has caved to the pressure applied by the workers, the unions and the general public. Lauded by secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, Dave Oliver, as a win for the 'little guy', he's clear about leaving the past in the past — although called on the Federal Government to introduce changes to labour hire and subcontracting laws. "We hope that the unqualified success of this campaign is a clear indication to all employers that sham contracting and abuse of the labour hire system will not be tolerated," he said in a statement. "We are glad to finally be able to end the boycott on CUB products, which are once again proudly union made at Abbottsford." So, now that the system has actually worked, we can let bygones be bygones and enjoy the first guilt-free Reschs in six months.
No longer a mere science-fiction movie concept or a gag in The Simpsons' Stonecutter's song, electric cars have slowly been riding their way into greater use. Last year, Tesla started production on its first mass-market electric vehicles — and, for those planning a road trip in Queensland, Australians now have an 'electric super highway' to drive them along. While the name sounds like something your grandparents might say — and will likely bring back cringeworthy memories of calling the internet the 'information super highway' — the idea itself is worth getting buzzed about. Over the past six months, the State Government has installed 17 electric vehicle charging stations between the Gold Coast and Cairns, enabling electric car drivers to trek the length of the state. Apart from the fact that the highway is the longest in one state in the entire world, as Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey announced, it mightn't sound like that big a deal; however, one of the crucial aspects of using an electric car is being able to juice them up. Regular cars need petrol, electric cars need power — it makes sense. That's all well and good if you're only driving close to home, but if you want to take your electric ride further afield, you need somewhere to plug them in. A network of fast-charging stations, which will power up vehicles in around 30 minutes, solves that issue. For those dreaming of an electric road trip, stations are located in Cairns, Tully, Townsville, Bowen, Mackay, Carmila, Marlborough, Rockhampton, Miriam Vale, Childers, Maryborough, Cooroy, Brisbane, Coolangatta, Springfield, Gatton and Toowoomba — with an 18th to come in Helensvale after the Commonwealth Games. They're also available for free for an initial phase, in an even bigger attempt to encourage more car owners to make the switch.
Sydney's literary scene used to look a little dry. But, while the Sydney Writers' Festival used to be the place to see stars of the written word, nowadays salons without the pomp like Even Books and Penguin Plays Rough are almost commonplace, joined by innumerable other ventures in spoken word like the Campfire Collective and the unexpected, yet appropriate, appearance of Late Night Library in Surry Hills. And now there's Caravan Slam, as well. Caravan is a poetry slam, and their first event was a three-stage progressive party up and down King St in St Peters, leading its guests to heats in one venue and the next, until the evening ended with a dramatic grand finale back where they'd started. For their August engagement, they're taking over a single bar in Surry Hills for a night of rhyme and rhythm. Caravan Slam entrants, experienced and new, compete in three minute pieces to be in the evening's final. Now the Slam has a second stanza to the evening, collaborating with the Academy of Emergency Art Sydney for Emergency Poetry, which tries to bring art about today's events into tonight's gallery, or slam. It's not too late to join the Caravan, or watch it marching by. Image by Jon Mann.
Tea lovers and naturalists should save some funds this pay day for the next venture by Table (formerly Nourish Talks). The not-for-profit runs a variety of social outreach projects focused on bringing organic food and likeminded people together and is best known for its inspiring and delicious talk series. In their newest collaboration, Anthia Koullouros (founder of Ovvio Organics) will run a herbal tea appreciation class in St Canice's Kitchen Rooftop Garden, followed by an outdoor tea ceremony. The two-hour introductory class will teach you how to blend your own herbal teas — but Koullouros won't simply help you make great tasting tea, she'll also provide an understanding of its visual, aromatic and therapeutic properties. Plus, there'll be wholefood snacks and of course, plenty of tea tasting. All ticket proceeds will support Table's upcoming horticultural GROW therapy program, in partnership with the Mental Health Unit at St Vincent's Hospital. The seven-week program helps people with mental illness learn the fundamentals of gardening and herbal medicine in an effort to foster independence and socialisation. This means your funds won't only help you find a sense of calm for the evening, but also go toward helping others achieve the same. Now that's bang-for-your-buck.
With music videos becoming ever more complex and expensive, entrepreneurs in India are providing aspiring musicians with film clips at a reduced cost. One such musician is Drew Smith, who recently outsourced the video services to a dancing school in Bangalore, India. With a distinct Bollywood feel and guys in Hindu masks, it's quite bizarre but certainly interesting and unique. Smith stated that he turned to India after realising that "the last thing the world needed was another low-budget singer songwriter video." Furthermore, he received the video after just a few emails and phone calls. If you're looking for your big break and sick of recording videos on your iPhone and webcam, India might be your next option for some stimulating visuals. Take a look at Smith's finished product below and see if it caters to your musical style. https://youtube.com/watch?v=DkurGf0e5MU [Via PSFK]
The legends behind Hashtag Burgers have been all over the place lately — but they're not done bringing you burger goodness just yet. Following the massive hype around their Campbelltown pop-up and their masterful Burgapalooza festival, Sydney's new-age burger heroes are teaming up with the former Mr. Crackles Head Chef Sebastien Cens to launch an In-N-Out-inspired pop-up in Sydney's CBD. Smartly dubbed Down-N-Out — not to be confused with the actual In-N-Out pop-ups that polarise Sydney every couple of months — the pop-up will open Wednesday, June 8 and run for a full month at the Sir John Young Hotel on Liverpool Street. As it's a homage to In-N-Out's classic combo of beef, bread and American cheese, the menu will be a simple one — but rest assured it will include a few Aussie twists (namely a vego option, which we're quite happy about). On the drinks side of things, shakes aren't the only way to go. Murray's Brewing Co. — a small brewery on the NSW north coast — is also getting involved, and offering the age-old pairing of burgers and beer with their Angry Man Pale Ale on tap. Keeping with the In-N-Out theme, 'secret menu hacks' are also promised, giving patrons the options to make their burgers animal- or protein-style if they choose. We're not quite sure what this means, but we'll happily head along to find out. The surprises don't end there either, with the pop-up being the first of many changes for the Sir John Young Hotel, in an attempt to revitalise the lock-out ridden area. American-inspired burger joints seem to be a reoccurring theme in Sydney's food scene, with the Shake Shack spin-off Jack's Newtown opening late last year. We just hope a Five Guys-inspired eatery is next on the list. The Down-N-Out pop-up will be launching at the Sir John Young Hotel, corner of George and Liverpool Streets, Sydney on Wednesday, June 8 and will run until July 6. More hints and clues on what to expect at the pop-up will no doubt be posted online over the coming weeks, so keep an eye on the Down-N-Out Facebook page for updates.
Ah, googly eyes. Such an expressive medium for the Millennial epoch, almost on par with the emoticon. There's something about the vacant, perpetually stunned and/or confused gaze that really captures our time. As you would know from this handy video, Christopher Walken uses googly eyes for protection. This is a helpful master text for us because as Walken explains, googly eyes help you to know where you stand with someone (or, in the case of his plants, something). Now artist Aiden Glynn has taken the guesswork out of relating to inanimate objects with the addition of a few well-placed teeth, tongues and eyes to the local urban terrain of Liberty Village, Toronto. As we all know, the world is full of anthropomorphic beings like this drunk octopus who wants to fight. Of a sunny afternoon Glynn likes to unveil monsters with queasy smiles and stunned expressions all over town, as a kind of public service. His adorable googly-eyed creatures include mustachioed intercoms and cigarette disposal chutes waiting to chomp your hand off. And who's that on the median strip? Why, it's Big Bird with a disproportionately large beak. Glynn's inventions don't come from nowhere: he's an animator by trade. Much like Michelangelo, who could look upon a block of marble and see the exquisite sculpture inside waiting to be revealed, Glynn can see the sensitive, drooling monster inside a garbage can. His blog Pizza and Pixels has many more cute and whacky characters for you to enjoy. Via Colossal.
UPDATE: OCTOBER 6, 2020 — Due to worldwide cinema closures and other concerns around COVID-19, Dune will no longer release in December 2020. Instead, it will now release on Thursday, September 30, 2021. This article has been updated to reflect that change. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. A beloved science fiction title. A star-studded cast. A Hans Zimmer score. Combining all three worked rather spectacularly in Blade Runner 2049, and now filmmaker Denis Villeneuve is hoping that it'll just turn out just as swimmingly with his Timothée Chalamet, Oscar Isaac and Zendaya-led version of Dune. In the latest adaptation of Frank Herbert's 1965 novel, Chalamet plays Paul Atreides — son of Duke Leto Atreides (Isaac), who has just been given stewardship of the planet Arrakis. In this futuristic tale, Arrakis is the source of 'the spice', the most valuable substance in the universe. It's also home to a population of people known as the Fremen, as well as to giant sandworms, and it's known for being dangerous partly due to the latter. And, once Paul, Leto and Paul's mother Lady Jessica (Doctor Sleep's Rebecca Ferguson) move to the planet, it's the subject of a bitter battle with malicious forces over the spice trade. If all of the above sounds more than a bit familiar, that's because David Lynch brought Dune to the screen back in 1984, with his Kyle MacLachlan-starring movie becoming one one of the most unfairly maligned sci-fi films ever made. Fellow director Alejandro Jodorowsky also tried to make his own version — a feat that wasn't successful, sadly, but was explored in the excellent documentary Jodorowsky's Dune. Just how Villeneuve's take will fare is still yet to be seen, obviously, with the film initially due to hit cinemas Down Under on Boxing Day 2020, but now slated to release on September 30, 2021. But the French Canadian director has an impressive resume — see: Arrival, Sicario, Enemy, Prisoners and Incendies, just to name a few titles on his resume — and with Dune, he's clearly reaching for epic territory. The long-awaited, just-dropped first trailer makes that case quite heartily. As well as serving up plenty of Call Me By Your Name and Little Women's Chalamet as the film's brooding hero, the sneak peek features sandy expanses aplenty, a scream-inducing box of pain, and many a confrontation. And, a stellar cast that also includes Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista, Charlotte Rampling, Jason Momoa and Javier Bardem, all getting caught up in a spice war. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9xhJrPXop4 Dune was originally scheduled to release in Australian cinemas on December 26, 2020, but will now hit screens on September 30, 2021. Top image: Chiabella James. Copyright: © 2020 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Sydney Design descends on this city annually to wrap it in a web of style, sweet-talking much of its otherwise design-agnostic population into appreciating the form, fit and function of the useful stuff in their lives. This year, it's focused around the theme of lace, including a central Powerhouse exhibition and events with thread-centric themes, like a bicycle culture tour that makes a crochet workshop pit stop. The Powerhouse will host the annual Young Blood: Designers Market and design awards, and visitors there are invited to add to Shane Waltener's giant lace sculpture, Knitted and Looped. Hamish Ta-mé will put together a huge paste-up on the side of a Surry Hills warehouse, weaving and reweaving the same portraits night after night each evening for Reworking the Paste-Up, while up the hill in Kippax Street, you can check out choice rooftop, design-themed movies at the Design Film Screening. In Chippendale, Allen Jack+Cottier have installed a cafe in their headquarters, wrapping it with an exhibition on the neighbourhood's slow march from brewing icon to caffeine addict. Meanwhile, COFA is running the COFA Design Festival as a Sydney Design mini-festival-within-a-festival. COFA's contribution includes the annual campus-wide, one-day forum Live Futures 2020, a series of design and sustainability-themed talks and two new exhibitions by COFA staff and students. COFA isn't the only artistic institution to huddle under the festival umbrella either, with innumerable shows featuring Bauhaus, the typewriter, sand, hand-made bikes and Italian seating.
One of the beautiful, beautiful things about living in a pluralistic society is that you can turn pretty much any cause, interest or activity into your raison-d’etre. Gather a few like-minded mavericks around you, and call it a club. Create a website and you’re an international force to be reckoned with. That’s right, you need never feel alone again (no matter how odd you are). Because on some far-flung corner of the earth, there’ll be a club for you. For example, are you ridiculously smart? I’m not talking about matching up to those sub-standard wannabe intellectuals over at Mensa. I’m talking about meeting entrance standards for The Giga Society. Only one in a billion people qualify. But if you’re more, let’s say, run-of-the-mill, how about sharing your passion for poodles? Or your penchant for swapping coffee cream lids? Or your need to dress up like Santa Claus, even in February? Or your fancying of pigeons? Or your love of, simply, getting naked? Photographers Ursula Sprecher and Andi Cortellini have made it their mission to capture some of the world’s most fun, eccentric and cutest clubs; collating them in a coffee table book titled Hobby Buddies. In every staged portrait, club members are shown holding the object most important to them, wearing the costume (or lack of costume) that gives them common ground or taking part in their favourite activity. According to Sprecher and Cortellini, the series is inspired by the "joy of pursuing a common cause or shared idea". Camping and Caravanning Club Swiss Garrison Dintefisch Diving Club Tram Club Tupperware Party Santa Claus Group Warriors Cheerleaders Coffee Cream Lids Swap Meet BDSM Regular's Table Orchid Club Association of Scientific Preparators Board Games Club Merriment Pipe-Smokers Club Via Beautiful Decay. Images by Ursula Sprecher and Andi Cortellini.
Over the past decade, Disney has made a hefty commitment to remaking its animated classics as live-action movies, as seen via the two Alice in Wonderland films, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Dumbo and Aladdin, to name a few. The next to get the same treatment is 101 Dalmatians, and the Mouse House is going with the same approach it used with the Maleficent flicks. Yes, there'll be spotted dogs in Cruella, but this Emma Stone-starring spinoff is all about its villainous namesake. Set to release in May — and currently slated for cinemas, rather than making the move to Disney+ like Mulan did last year — Cruella focuses on Estella de Vil before she becomes the puppy-kidnapping figure that everyone already knows. It's the 70s, she's in London, and she's an outcast and a grifter. Estella is also desperate to become a fashion designer, and draws the attention of industry veteran Baroness von Hellman (Emma Thompson, Last Christmas) as she attempts to make her way into haute couture's upper echelons. Obviously, Estella's relationship with the Baroness isn't going to end well. Even if you only have the faintest memories of 101 Dalmatians, Estella clearly has to morph into that tale's antagonist. And, based on both the first trailer for Cruella back in February and the just-released sneak peek now, she's going to do so in a movie that seems to have seen what Joker did — including the fact that it won Joaquin Phoenix an Oscar — and decided that's a good model to run with. As well as Stone, her two-tone hair and striking outfits — and Thompson, too — Cruella features Richard Jewell's Paul Walter Hauser, Outside the Wire's Emily Beacham, Yesterday's Joel Fry, The Good Place's Kirby Howell Baptiste and 1917's Mark Strong. The film marks a reunion between Hauser and director Craig Gillespie, after they worked together on I, Tonya, while the script is co-written by Isn't It Romantic's Dana Fox and The Great's Tony McNamara. If a live-action version of Cruella de Vil sounds familiar, that's because Disney has done it before. Back in 1996, Glenn Close took on the role in 101 Dalmatians, and then sported a heap of black and white again in 2000 sequel 102 Dalmatians. So, never one to leave its past works alone for too long, the Mouse House is following in its own footsteps in multiple ways with Cruella. Check out the latest trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40E7nrtAgdg Cruella releases in Australian and New Zealand cinemas on May 27. Top image: © 2021 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This weekend the world was brought to a standstill by a horrific attack on a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Fifty people were tragically killed and another 53 injured in the shooting. Vigils have sprung up the world over, with everywhere from New York to Paris to Tel Aviv paying their respects to the victims and the LGBTQI community. Last night, Australia held its own countrywide tribute. Vigils were held in Sydney's inner-west suburb of Newtown and the rainbow corner of Gertrude and Smith Streets in Melbourne, and landmarks were lit up in all our capital cities. Below, we've collected some of the best photos of Australian landmarks lit up in support of the victims and LGBTQI pride. SYDNEY We offer our condolences to those affected by the Orlando attack. The Sydney Harbour Bridge now has rainbow colours. pic.twitter.com/rNOpLIClq5 — Sydney Water (@SydneyWaterNews) June 13, 2016 We grieve and stand with you #Orlando pic.twitter.com/7jXxdekv0T — Mike Baird (@mikebairdMP) June 13, 2016 Here's our pink Sydney Town Hall as it gets darker #Orlando pic.twitter.com/7kKOueTQ0E — Clover Moore (@CloverMoore) June 13, 2016 MELBOURNE As a mark of respect for those touched by the attack in Orlando. Town Hall is lit in the rainbow #LoveIsLove. pic.twitter.com/awcHsgdFVr — City of Melbourne (@cityofmelbourne) June 13, 2016 In honour of the #Orlando victims & LGBTI people everywhere, our Spire will be lit in rainbow colours tonight. pic.twitter.com/y7cV2EIaah — Arts Centre Melb (@artscentremelb) June 13, 2016 BRISBANE Bloody sensational work Brissy, what a joint. Wonderful people and wonderful sentiment. #LoveWinspic.twitter.com/IN43f4gEXb — Dan Anstey (@Dan_Anstey) June 13, 2016 ADELAIDE A photo posted by Cetina Illies ♏️ GypsyAtHeart (@missci17) on Jun 13, 2016 at 6:58am PDT Top image: Sydney Water News via Twitter.
Sunset Cinema is a world away from the stuffy theatres you're used to. Nothing smells of stale popcorn and there are no pimply fifteen year olds trying to upsell choc tops. Instead, IMB Sunset Cinema invites you to enjoy a movie in the wilderness. Or, at least a kind of comparative wilderness for us in the inner suburbs. Kicking off on November 7 at the Lizard Log Amphitheatre in the Western Sydney Parklands, Sunset Cinema will be showing three movies a week until early December. These will range from new releases (Gone Girl, This Is Where I Leave You, Fury) to old, guilty pleasures (Dirty Dancing, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles). To make the evening perfect, you can hire beanbags, or bring along some squishy chairs to stretch out on. Picnic food can be brought from home or, for the lazier among us, gourmet pies will be available courtesy of The Baker & The Builder in North Parramatta. There's also a candy bar on site featuring all the old favourites. Quenching the thirst the only way that an icy summer cider can, a fully licensed bar will also be in operation for the duration of the program. FYI: Friday nights are family nights so, if you want to avoid screaming children, maybe opt for a Thursday or Saturday session. The IMB Sunset Cinema will be open for good times from November 7 until the December 6. Movies start at 6.30pm each Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Check out the full program and buy tickets here.
Thanks to the wonders of smartphones and dating apps, making connections has never been easier — and that now includes swiping your way to new pals. Launching in Melbourne this week, social media network Hobspot uses location-based services to connect like-minded people via their shared interests. That's right, there's finally a Tinder for making mates. Hobspot's co-founders Sam Ethell and Alfonso Ordonez met in a bar in 2014 and bonded over a mutual love basketball. Their friendship is what inspired them to create an app that would make it easier for people to connect and bond over shared interests, just like they did. Aaaawww, cute. The Hobspot smartphone app is available on iOS and Android. It has an easy to use interface, allowing users to create a profile, select their interests and start finding folks with the same hobbies to hang out with in their local area. Don't worry — there are hundreds of interests to choose from, including camping, sailing, bike riding, chess, movies, arts and crafts, and more. Whatever you like to do, now it's easy to find a friend to do it with. Ethell and Ordonez believe that for people moving to a new city, in particular international students, Hobspot could be a real game changer. The other major demographic they believe could greatly benefit from the app is recent parents. "Priorities change dramatically for this demographic and current friendships can be hard to maintain if you're the first person in your friend circle to have kids," they stated. Whoever you are, Hobspot breaks down the barriers that exist on other social media networks, allowing you the opportunity to make genuine friendships — and, while female friend-matching app hey! VINA has been bringing ladies together since early 2016, Hobspot is open to all genders. So, if you are looking to break outside of your regular social bubble this weekend, Hobspot might be the answer. Your new best bud could be waiting just around the corner. For more information on Hobspot, download it for iOS or Android, or head to the app website.
It just got real dark in Sydney. And in Sydney in summer, that only means one thing: a storm is coming. So 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 afternoon. After a slew of shorts storms over the last week (and last night), another one is heading our way for at least the next few hours. And not just any old wet weather, either. At 4pm today, The Bureau of Meteorology reported that heavy rainfall is on its way to Sydney, which "may lead to flash flooding, damaging locally destructive winds and large, possibly giant hailstones". A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Sydney, with south Sydney, the Sutherland Shire, Campbelltown and the south coast set to be the worst hit. https://twitter.com/BOM_NSW/status/1075619880790093825 The wild weather looks to ease later tonight. At the moment, public transport looks to be running on time and no major roads have flooded, but this could change as peak hour is about to hit. Stay dry out there. And remember to check Live Traffic, Transport Info and BOM for warnings and updates. Image: Live Traffic NSW.
Black Friday sparks flight sales. Cyber Monday does, too. And when Boxing Day hits, everyone knows that cheap airfares are also a part of the occasion. Fancy a travel bargain in-between? Qantas is doing a pre-Christmas sale, so you can give the gift of getaways — including to yourself. There's 800,000-plus cheap seats on offer, spanning over 170 domestic routes, with flights to 17 destinations available for under $150 one way. The starting price: $109, which will get you either from Sydney to Byron Bay/Ballina or Melbourne to Launceston (and vice versa on each route). Flights from Brisbane to Proserpine on the Whitsunday Coast start at $115, while fares between the Gold Coast and Sydney kick off at $119. If you're keen to journey between Melbourne and Newcastle or Brisbane and Hervey Bay, flights start at $129. Specials on the Sydney–Brisbane route begin at $139, as do Cairns–Townsville and Coffs Harbour–Sydney legs. Other sale options include Melbourne–Hobart for $159, Brisbane–Hamilton Island from $179, Perth–Sydney from $309 and Darwin from both Sydney and Melbourne from $329. The list of destinations and departure points also spans Kangaroo Island, Mackay, Tamworth, Toowoomba, Albury, Port Macquarie, Wagga Wagga, Dubbo, Mildura, Broken Hill, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Whyalla, Longreach, Broome and more. [caption id="attachment_688401" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Vivonne Bar/SA Tourism Commission[/caption] You'll be able to travel between Monday, February, 3–Thursday, April 3 and Tuesday, April 29–Wednesday, June 25, ranging across summer, autumn and winter trips, although the specifics vary per destination — as always. If you're keen, you'll need to get in before 11.59pm AEDT on Thursday, December 12, 2024. And yes, the usual caveat applies: if fares sell out earlier, you'll miss out. Inclusions-wise, the sale covers fares with checked baggage, complimentary food and beverages, and wifi. [caption id="attachment_928567" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tasmania, Luke Tscharke[/caption] Qantas' 'The sale before Christmas' runs until 11.59pm AEDT on Thursday, December 12, 2024, or until sold out. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
The Guinness World Book of Records has some pretty obscure (and oddly specific) entries. The longest distance keeping a table lifted with teeth and the most swallowed sword are really just a scratch on the surface of this weird things people will put themselves through in pursuit of a record. This year will be the year that Sydney gets in on the action – through drinking beer. On Friday, August 1, beer blogger The Beer Pilgrim will be hosting a free beer tasting session, in the hope of attaining the coveted title of 'largest beer tasting in a single venue', in commemoration of International Beer Day. The current record is held in Santa Anita Park in California with a total of 322 participants. In an attempt to outdo this record, the first 350 arrivals between 6pm-7pm will be privy to their own tasting paddle with three local and international beers. All for free! The competition will be held in Ivy Sunroom: Level 3, 330 George Street. Because if there's one thing Australian's take great pride in - it’s the consumption of beer. Lots and lots of beer.
If you could create the ultimate Australian outdoor festival destination, what would it look like? Waterfalls? Summer gardens, blossoming with natives? Beautifully landscaped rockeries? Mount Penang Gardens has it all. That's why they're home to the Central Coast's newest festival: Mountain Sounds. On Saturday, March 15, twenty-five home-grown music acts, gourmet food stalls and practising artists will converge on the gardens' eight hectares for a sustainably produced, boutique cultural experience. Both locals and travellers-from-afar comprise the line-up. From the Central Coast, there'll be eclectic indie band Sea Legs, alt rockers Elliot the Bull and Terrigal's The Lazys. Sydney is sending in reggae-garage-surf rock group Tropical Zombies, lo-wave duo Buzz Kull, distinctive, lyrical rock outfit Thieves and SOUSEME DJs, amongst others. Hailing from Melbourne is high-energy four-piece World's End Press. Other big names on the menu include Emma Louise, Ball Park Music, Midnight Juggernauts (DJ set) and Beni. Mountain Sounds is on March 15 at Mount Penang Parklands, and thanks to Mountain Sounds, we have one double pass to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au with your name and address.
Remember back in the '90s when people went crazy for Tamagotchis? They'd take them around in their backpack, forget about them for a couple of hours only to be greeted with a screen full of faeces and a terribly unhappy looking electronic friend. The Domsai is like a Tamagotchi for your desk, minus the annoying electronic beeps and constant need for attention. Designed and created by Matteo Cibic, each Domsai has its own personality. Handmade, blown and individually created to suit your aesthetic needs, they come in both white and gold, and are available for adoption now. Although they will set you back €100, the cactuses within require practically no upkeep and are so Art Deco right now.
Whether you're a Marshmallow or just a soul naturally curious about one of the most high-profile Kickstarter success stories around, you'll be happy to learn that the new Veronica Mars movie will be made available to rent or buy online on March 14 — the same day it hits cinemas in the US. Usually, there's at least a 90-day window between theatrical and DVD or VOD releases, but Warner Bros. is in a position to bypass it this time around, since they don't have a standard distribution deal and are instead renting the theatres that will screen the movie. They see a big market in couch-dwelling non-cinemagoers for this TV-to-film crossover, and they're tapping it. It's just one more way Veronica Mars is doing things differently. After becoming the most widely supported Kickstarter campaign in history with more than 91,000 backers, it has kept fans involved in the process throughout and will make its world premiere at SXSW on March 8. The Australian digital release date has not yet been confirmed, but it seems possible it'll be March 14 here too, and Moviehole is reporting it as so. You can preorder the movie on iTunes, or wait for a definite date before you plan your downloading strategy. As for whether anyone else is listening to consumer requests for timely, legal, convenient access to content, it's not looking so good. https://youtube.com/watch?v=wq1R93UMqlk
Theatre company Belvoir has made itself the hero of children, grown-ups, and welfare advocates alike by announcing its new production of Peter Pan will be free for families on Newstart. Belvoir's initiative is a big thumb-of-the-nose to the Federal Government, who on January 1 reduced the benefit available to single-parent families by moving them from the parenting payment to Newstart. It's attracted extra ire since Families Minister Jenny Macklin claimed she could live on Newstart, which is currently just $35 a day. "At Belvoir we think theatre is a necessity, but we know that for a lot of families it is a luxury, especially for single parent families," Belvoir said in a statement. "We'd like to share the joy of theatre with some of these families." Peter Pan, which opens tomorrow, is a perfect family show that comes complete with an ensemble cast of theatre's cheekiest. The poster boy for never-ending youth with the sociable habit of flying into strangers' windows will be played by Meyne Wyatt, who has brought a contagious energy to each show he's done from Silent Disco to Buried City and was most recently seen in the hit film The Sapphires. Charlie Garber, John Leary, and Geraldine Hakewill are his allies in Neverlandian adventure. The team claims to have been struck by the strange, wholly un-Disney-like quality of JM Barrie's original text, which is what they'll be bringing to the fore in their adaptation. The undertaking is helmed by artistic director Ralph Myers with Tommy Murphy as dramaturg — sure hands at plotting a course past the second star to the right and straight on till morning. The free tickets to Peter Pan are limited and can be secured by getting in touch with Belvoir.
Shipping container cafes and eateries might be on trend at the moment; however, as always, New York is a step ahead of the latest fashions. While the city that never sleeps has boasted its own four-storey shipping container house since 2013, the tiny abode is now opening its doors to Airbnb bookings. If you have a spare US$297 per night at the time of writing, you can get some shuteye in NYC's first (legal) home built entirely of recycled shipping containers, which you'll find on the other side of the East River in Williamsburg. Guests can stay in a self-contained private container apartment on the ground floor and enjoy what the hosts are calling "sustainable, comfortable, wonderful living". It might seem like a gimmick, but don't be fooled by the 8 foot by 40 foot home's compact dimensions. As your mum probably told you, good things come in small packages. Inside, you'll find everything you could need for a night away, including a wall full of books and boardgames, plus a kitchenette. As well as a full-size bed, the space also features a sofa bed, so four people can spend the night. As for the entire architect-designed structure itself, it was made out of six containers, is insulated by NASA ceramic-infused paint, and has two roof decks on top for outdoor entertaining fun. If you want to see more, the owners live on the second and third levels, and are happy to give interested guests a tour of the house. Via 6sqft/ Inhabitat.
Bloody Melbourne. They're having a great time right now, cuddling up to kitties while they sip their precious cat-flanked cappuccinos at Australia's first cat cafe. Yeah, enjoy it while it's exclusive y'lucky feline-surrounded jerks. Because an official campaign to bring yet another Sydney cat cafe (the first, Catmosphere, has apparently been funded) to fruition is under way and guess what? There's an adorable-beyond-all-reason pop-up kitten cafe coming to Paddington to mark the occasion. We'll say it again, just in case you closed your eyes for maximum squealidge. There's going to be a pop-up kitten cafe in Paddington. Next week. In association with Maggie's Rescue, Sydney Cat Cafe is hosting a pop-up cafe from May 14-17 at William Street Gallery. Sydneysiders can book cuddle sessions with fluffy little kittens handpicked by the Maggie's Rescue team, with the opportunity to pledge funds towards turning the Sydney Cat Cafe concept into a permanent fixture. Only 15 people can clamber into the pop-up at a time, booked on a half-hourly basis for $5 per person. And no little ones, for safety and tail-pulling reasons, this pop-up is restricted to cat lovers above the age of 8. While you're there, snuggling and nuzzling your new whiskered BFF, you can also think about pledging funds to towards the Sydney Cat Cafe Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign; hoping to raise $15,000 to cover part of the seed funds needed to realise the café. Alright, alright, donating, donating, how do we pat the kitties? Enquire after availability by emailing info@sydneycatcafe.com.au — and spots are already filling up, so get on it. KITTIES. The Sydney Cat Cafe and Maggie's Rescue pop-up kitten cafe is open at William St Gallery, 14 William Street, Paddington, running May 14 -17. The cafe is open 9am to 7pm Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm on Sunday.
The Red Bull Music Academy Weekender is gearing up for a second visit to Aussie shores. The globally acclaimed festival announced today that it will return to Sydney from August 31 through September 3, and, if last year's lineup is anything to go by, we're in for one cracking weekend of live music. The travelling event sees a sharp curation of performances, conversations, installations and club nights take over some of the city's best-loved venues, with a careful selection of internationally recognised artists coming together in a celebration of contemporary music. Sydney was lucky enough to be tapped last year, joining previous host cities including Tokyo, Dubai, Vienna, and Stockholm. Announcement of this year's lineup will drop next Tuesday, July 11, with tickets on sale the same day. Last year's program featured a sold out show with Flight Facilities and Sydney Symphony Orchestra, along with a massive club night at Oxford Art Factory and gigs by Stones Throw and Mr Fingers. Red Bull Radio will also be broadcasting live across all four days with a program of conversations, special guests, local stories, and live streams to accompany the tunes. The rest of the country is getting a taste of the action, too — this year's festival will kick off with a little help from the Road to Weekender, a series of events and lectures slated for Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne in the lead-up to Sydney from August 26 through 31. The Red Bull Music Academy boasts a long-held legacy of cultural celebration, fostering musical talent and collaboration across the globe. In Australia alone, the Academy has also hosted stages at Splendour in the Grass and Laneway Festival, as well as put on an industrial rave at Dark Mofo. Red Bull Academy Weekender and Road to Weekender will take over Australia from August 26 through September 3, with both lineups announced and tickets on sale next Tuesday, July 11. Keep an eye on this space for first dibs as tickets will no doubt sell out.
No longer just the realms of Monica Trapaga residencies and kiddie-aimed pantomimes, Twilight at Taronga presented by ANZ — the after-hours live music series that boasts perhaps the best view of Sydney Harbour as well as lots of adorable animals — has proven they've got some real cred when it comes to hosting outdoor gigs in the past few years. Aussie rock band The Rubens are making their Twilight at Taronga debut this year, and they've already sold out their first show. As a result, they've announced a second show on February 2. They'll be supported by pop punk legend (newbie) Bec Sandridge. Picnic-bringing is encouraged, but there'll also be incredibly delicious hampers available onsite — we tasted them, they're extremely generous and genuinely great. There's a bar on-site, and general nosh available from the canteen. Either way, it's actually the one of the best dates in Sydney — lock those tickets down. All proceeds from Twilight at Taronga go back into the zoo's ongoing conservation work, including support of the first global community action tool, Wildlife Witness, which helps fight against illegal wildlife trade. PLUS, your ticket includes free entry to the zoo on the same day and return public transport. That's a big deal. View the full Twilight at Taronga line up here and get your tickets to The Rubens here.
Just in case you needed a timely reminder that girls can, and indeed do, run the world, the Sydney Opera House's All About Women festival has a pretty inspirational lineup for its 2017 program. Set to return to the House on March 5 next year in the lead up to International Women's Day, the annual event both explores and celebrates what it means to identify as a woman in today's changing world. And, following on from a record-breaking attendance in 2016 — which saw the likes of Miranda July, Carrie Brownstein and Mallory Ortberg share their wisdom with the crowd — next year's festival is shaping up to be a doozy, as legendary ladies from across the globe descend on Sydney for a jam-packed day of talks, panel discussions, performances and female-centred fun. With 22 events, there's something in this lineup that'll speak to just about every woman out there. Academy Award-winner and advocate Geena Davis will be diving into the latest research on entertainment stereotyping and on-screen gender diversity, while Janine di Giovanni, Newsweek's Middle East editor, will discuss her own work on violence and the human cost of war. Elsewhere in the program, you'll find Jess Thom's eye-opening performance about life with Tourette's, Seattle-based writer and fat acceptance activist Lindy West talking about her memoir, comedian Zoe Norton Lodge's side-splitting storytelling session, and an insightful glimpse into some of writer and activist Clementine Ford's wildest hate mail. Image: Prudence Upton.
