We can't yet zipline around the entire world, though it does sound like something Elon Musk might dream up. We can, however, come up with an increasingly impressive holiday itinerary by touring the globe's scenic zipline spots. From this week, the Grand Canyon joins the list. Zooming along tightly stretched cables is already a reality at the world's longest zipline opening at Jebel Jais in the United Arab Emirates and across Dubai's skyline. London recently had one, currently letting locals and visitors fly across the city, as did Sydney did, stretching between two skyscrapers 75 metres above Circular Quay. Seeing the Grand Canyon from such lofty heights is now on offer at Grand Canyon West, at the Hualapai Ranch in Arizona, reaching 300 metres above the floor of the rock formation. Capable of accommodating 350,000 visitors each year, two ziplines have been strung across the natural wonder, one measuring 335 metres and the other spanning 640 metres while traversing a steeper run. Each consists of four steel cables running side-by-side, which means that groups can enjoy the experience together. Riders will reach speeds of up to 80 kilometres per hour. For those planning a high-adrenaline sight-seeing stint as part of their next US trip, tickets cost AU$115, with the zipline operating from Tuesday to Friday from 9am to 4pm. The ziplines join the resort's helicopter tours and 1.2-kilometre-high skywalk among its sky-high attractions. Via PR Newswire.
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.
Maybe you're desperate to hit up a Super Nintendo theme park. Perhaps you've always wanted to walk across Shibuya's famous scramble crossing. Or, you might just want to sing karaoke in a ferris wheel. Whichever applies — and if you'd prefer to scope out the Studio Ghibli museum, wander through a kaleidoscopic maze of digital art, or hit up all the izakaya or ramen joints possible, too — travellers from Australia and New Zealand now can on a trip to Japan. Before the pandemic, Japan had cemented itself as a favourite holiday destination for tourists from Down Under, but making the journey has been impossible for the past few years due to both local and Japanese border restrictions. Then, back in May, the Japanese government started trialling letting strictly controlled package tours — including with Aussies — into the country. Now, from Friday, June 10, it has broadened its entry rules and reopened to visitors from a heap of nations, albeit still with strict requirements in place. So, if a Tokyo trip has been at the top of your post-restrictions bucket list, that's now a possibility. The huge caveat: you can only head to Japan as part of controlled package tours. That means that travellers from Australia and NZ will need to be visiting with organised tours in conjunction with travel agencies, and must be chaperoned during their whole stay. Visitors also need to test negative to COVID-19 before leaving for Japan, wear masks everywhere — including outdoors — and have private medical insurance to cover your trip. And, physical distancing, sanitising and washing your hands frequently, and minimising time in shared dining areas is also required. The changed rules place Australia and New Zealand into the 'blue' band of countries under Japan's new border entry system, alongside 50-plus other nations. That's the highest tier, above yellow (which has vaccination and testing requirements) and red (which has even tighter vaccination and testing rules). In total, folks from 98 countries can now head to Japan — but there's also an entry cap of 20,000 people per day. Japan has reopened for package tours from 98 countries from Friday, June 10. For further details about visiting Japan and its border restrictions, head to the Government of Japan website.
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.
If you have an opinion about crying in baseball — if you're a big fan of baseball Down Under in general, actually — then you might have classic 1992 film A League of Their Own to thank. It starred Geena Davis, Madonna and Rosie O'Donnell as members of a 1940s women's baseball team, with Tom Hanks playing their manager — and famously deciding that tears didn't have a part in the bat-swinging game. Like almost everything ever made, including from the 90s, that movie has now scored a remake — and it's sliding into your streaming queue this winter. This time around, Broad City's Abbi Jacobson leads the show, and also co-created and executive produced it. She's joined by Voyagers' Chanté Adams and The Good Place's D'Arcy Carden among her teammates, plus Parks and Recreation favourite Nick Offerman as well. The new A League of Their Own marks Jacobson's first ongoing on-screen TV role since Broad City said goodbye — and it'll follow the same story as its big-screen predecessor. So, when it hits Prime Video from August 12, it'll again jump back to World War II, and follow a group of women who dream of playing professional baseball. That said, the new series also promises to expand further, charting a whole generation of baseball-loving ladies with that dream — and looking at both race and sexuality on and off the field in the process. All eight episodes of A League of Their Own will drop on the same day, ready for binging. And, Prime Video has just released a sneak peek teaser trailer of exactly what's in store. Also appearing on-screen alongside Jacobson, Adams, Carden and Offerman: Gbemisola Ikumelo (The Power), Roberta Colindrez (Vida), Saidah Arrika Ekulona (Better Call Saul), Kate Berlant (Search Party), Kendall Johnson (Sexless), Kelly McCormack (George & Tammy), Alex Désert (Better Things), Priscilla Delgado (Julieta), Aaron Jennings (Grand Crew), Molly Ephraim (Perry Mason), Melanie Field (The Alienist) and Dale Dickey (Palm Springs). Check out the first teaser trailer for A League of Their Own below: A League of Their Own will start streaming via Prime Video on August 12.
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.
Earlier this year, The Strand Hotel in Darlinghurst unveiled the first part of a huge full-venue transformation that it was undergoing. Stage one was The Strand Bistro, a lavish French restaurant that's taken over the ground floor of the building – complete with a luxurious French-inspired fit-out, creamy garlic mussels and leek tarts. At the time, it was promised it wouldn't be the last piece of The Strand puzzle, with a luxe hotel accommodation and a breezy rooftop bar on the way – both of which have now arrived. Up top, you'll find a sun-soaked rooftop courtyard above William Street boasting vibrant colours and a summer-ready drinks list. The house speciality? A dirty martini. "We've designed the rooftop to provide an unexpected and charming escape amongst the anonymity of William Street, with a deliberate strong contrast to the aesthetic experienced through the brooding texture and materials of the hotel rooms and Bistro below," says Public Hospitality and Public Design Studio's Tom de Plater who is overseeing the makeover alongside cult denim brand Ksubi's George Gorrow. There are also plenty of great bar snacks to enjoy, including the aforementioned tarts, prawn cocktails, corn gruyere croquettes and the French Kiss which combines Belvedere vodka with Oscietra caviar. Each weekend, the rooftop will host DJ sets and live entertainment until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and until 10pm on Sundays. Anyone looking to kick on until the early hours of the morning can then head down to the newly refurbished Club 77, just a few doors down. As for the hotel, there are 17 freshly renovated boutique suites. Starting from $199 per night, the rooms range from cosy one-person accom through to deluxe residential-style rooms. The stays are designed to appeal to both travellers looking for an inner-city Sydney oasis and locals wanting a staycation within walking distance of Surry Hills, Potts Point, and the CBD. "The Strand has been designed with the intimacy and personal service of a boutique hotel, creating a community hub of like-minded people, that makes you want to return again and again," says Gorrow. Bookings for The Strand Rooftop and The Strand Hotel, as well as the previously opened The Strand Bistro are all open now via the venue's website. And, if you want to add a bit of Parisian style to your next event, the bistro and rooftop bar are both available for event bookings. The Strand Hotel is located at 99 William Street, Darlinghurst. The bistro is open 6am–midnight Sunday–Thursday and 6am–3am Friday–Saturday, while the rooftop is open midday–midnight Wednesday–Sunday.
When Vivid Sydney took place in 2016, wearing pyjamas was acceptable. As Max Richter performed Sleep at the Sydney Opera House, the composer did so while attendees slumbered, which is what the eight-hour performance is specifically designed for. Did anyone taking a kip to the music dream up a future idea for a Vivid event? Audiences might find out when the festival returns in 2025 for its 15th year across Friday, May 23–Saturday, June 14. It's save-the-date time, with Vivid locking in its next winter return, aka when it'll next take over the Harbour City with its showcase of tunes, luminous sights, culinary events and conversation. Also revealed: 2025's theme, which is where dreaming comes in again. "Dreaming is something we all do. It's as old as time and as universal as life itself. Dreams don't discriminate — they are borderless, ageless and endless. They can be personal or public. When shared, our dreams can become a movement. They can inspire, motivate, spark excitement and connection," explains Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini about the event's next focus. "The whole world dreams, it is something we have in common, something that unites us. Our human story is embedded in dreams, they help explain our existence and our past," Minervini continued, also opening the call for expressions of interest to take part in 2025's Vivid. "We want the very best in homegrown talent to be part of our vibrant Vivid Sydney event program, with a unique opportunity to foster community connection, spark imagination and showcase the multitude of ways creativity can enrich our lives." "Each year, Vivid Sydney aims to deliver unparalleled artistic brilliance, and we look forward to welcoming the inspirations within our community that will help shape Vivid Sydney 2025 into a show-stopping cultural phenomenon." Vivid's lineup won't be announced until 2025, but you can lock in one venue: Taronga Zoo. Whatever pops up at the iconic spot can link into light, music, ideas and food, the four pillars that Vivid has at its core. If you're excited about which events will follow in past years' footsteps — 2024's lineup included Amy Poehler, Air, Budjerah, Yasiin Bey, Tekno Train by Paul Mac, a fan of light from Sydney Tower, artwork by Archibald Prize winner Julia Gutman on the Sydney Opera House's sails and plenty more, all ruminating on the theme 'humanity' — then mark your diaries accordingly. If you have a dream-inspired idea that you'd love to see come to life at Vivid 2025, no matter whether you're an artist, musician, chef, speaker or something else, then head to the fest's website to go through the expression of interest process. Vivid Sydney will run from Friday, May 23–Saturday, June 14, 2025 at various locations around Sydney. We'll update you when the program is announced next year — head to the festival website for further details in the interim. Images: Destination NSW.
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.
Sydneysiders have always liked writing obscurely profound things on the walls of the city. Sydney's the kind of city that breeds people like Arthur Stace, a reformed illiterate alcoholic who spent thirty-five years writing the word 'Eternity' in chalk all over the streets of Sydney in copperplate script, which can still be seen inside the bell of the GPO clock tower. And you still see street writing everywhere, from the scrawled messages on bus stops and railway underpasses, to the 'I have a dream' mural on King Street and heartfelt declarations like 'hands held violently onto words that meant nothing' on the back of St Stephen's Church in Camperdown Memorial Park. Now we can add to this list the moss poetry which has recently popped up in Sydney's own version of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Paddington Reservoir Gardens. The walls of the reservoir are currently covered in growing poetry, as part of a typographic installation entitled ''Modern Day Mossages. Created from locally sourced mud and moss, the words and phrases have been contributed by emerging Sydney poets paying tribute to John Thompson, founder of the resident action group The Paddington Society, after whom one of the Reservoir's gardens is named after. The moss poem is the product of a collaboration by members of Popperbox, a collective of Sydney-based artists, designers, illustrators and software engineers, who have been making experimental and accessible pieces since their formation in 2007. The installation aims to make you think about growth, nourishment, rejuvenation and the future, and was attached to the sandstone walls of the historic reservoir using a pungent mixture of heavy clay soil, beer and yoghurt. The artists are monitoring the growth of the moss daily in the hopes that it will continue to grow, although that shouldn't be a problem given the deluge which appears to be sticking around for the rest of the month. Modern Day Mossages is a short-term installation, one of three projects commissioned by the City of Sydney for the Paddington Reservoir Gardens in 2012. [Via D*Hub]
If this is the first time you've seen a story about Harvest Rock on Concrete Playground, you're either a first-time reader or you need to pay attention, because we're quite excited. It's the delight of South Australians and visiting festivalgoers alike, and we're here to run you through it one last time — tickets are still available but going fast, so read on quickly to find your ideal package before someone beats you to it. HARVEST ROCK 101 Firstly, some context, in case you haven't been keeping up with the news. Harvest Rock isn't quite a festival mainstay. It's actually a newcomer in the game — this year's festival is only the second iteration. After seeing 15,000 guests per day in 2022, the Festival is returning to Murlawirrapurka, also known as Rymill Park, and Ityamai-Itpina, also called King Rodney Park, Adelaide. Both sites are inner city parks, so this isn't a festival that requires extra travel beyond your flight. When it comes to the lineup, it's all hit and no miss. Starring acts include Jamiroquai, who will be performing their first Aussie show in over a decade, Beck will bring a full band to belt out 90s Californian anthems alongside new hits (both Jamiroquai and Beck are coming to Australia exclusively for Harvest Rock), musical satire and comedy specialists Sparks will draw from 50+ years of repertoire and many more. Expect to be wowed by legends since Harvest Rock is a project of Secret Sounds, one of Australia's leading festival organisers. BUDGET-FRIENDLY Where else to start but good old fashioned general admission tickets? Available in either one-day or weekend options, this is the basic go-to ticket for any first-time or financially-conscious visitor. Single-day tickets for either Saturday, October 28 or Sunday, October 29, are $239.48 for 18+ guests or $169.13 for guests aged 13-17. Two-day passes grant entry for the full festival at $412.79 for 18+ or $290.45. To make the experience even more memorable, you can upgrade to a collector's ticket for an extra $15.29 on either age group ticket fee and get some exclusive Harvest Rock II merchandise — perfect if you're a big fan of Harvest Rock. General admission, of course, grants you entry to the festival precinct and all the activities within, from catching tunes from the 30+ acts, enjoying a celebrity chef experience at the HELLO CHEF stage, accessing food from top-notch South Australian restauranteurs and imbibing in bespoke drinks from SA cellar doors. To unwind between activities, head to The Grape Escape wellness centre, where you'll find hot drinks, tarot readings, massages and more. TREAT YOURSELF There's nothing wrong with a little bit of self-love, as living without an occasional treat is pointless. Treating yourself at Harvest Rock II means booking your experience via the VIP Village or Harvest Lounge tickets. These two tiers offer the same basic VIP experience, with a few minor upgrades on the Harvest Lounge end. Being a VIP at Harvest Rock means you have access to the following: An express entry lane, an elevated viewpoint of the main stage, a concierge, fancy toilets, a cocktail bar, premium food, shading and seating and a complimentary drink daily. That's the VIP Village, comfortable, elevated, worthy of a treat yourself moment. The Harvest Lounge offers all of the above, plus a private lounge bar, an exclusive lawn area by the main stage, exclusive drinks at the VIP cocktail bar, and perhaps most importantly — complimentary phone charging. VIP tickets are only available to guests aged 18 and older. VIP Village tickets start at $341.43, and Harvest Lounge tickets start at $514.74. FEELING LUXURIOUS If treating yourself isn't enough, if you must go absolutely all out for your Harvest Rock II experience, then you've come to the right place. We've arrived at the most luxe and exclusive ticket options. The highest-end packages start with Platinum tickets, perfect to hit Harvest Rock like a rockstar. Platinum tickets include full access to the VIP Village and Harvest Lounge plus a whole range of extra goodies: front row or elevated seats to the main stage, an air-conditioned private bar, complimentary food and drinks, the Wildwood Restaurant dining experience, wine tasting, an exclusive entrance, private parking, lockers and phone chargers. And then, there are the suites. These are luxurious but also quite exclusive tickets — available only to groups of 30 to 50 people. If you have a large group of fellow festivalgoers, this is the ticket for you. Each suite includes elevated views of the main stage, shaded lounge seating and a viewing deck, a private bar, screens and speakers connected to the stages and options for food and drink packages to add on. Both Platinum and Suites are enquiry only, as price varies on the number of guests per booking. For more information on Harvest Rock 2023, including the lineup, how to get there or to book your tickets, visit the website.
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.
More totes, less plastic: that's been the motto of supermarkets and state governments around the country over the past few years, as plastic shopping carriers have been phased out by stores and the authorities alike. But if you're the kind of shopper who always leaves their own bags at home, you might've simply swapped the thin, single-use plastic variety for their thicker, reusable counterparts. Now, Woolworths and Big W are ditching those nationally as well. Announced to celebrate World Environment Day on Sunday, June 5, the two chains will phase out all of its remaining plastic shopping bags — which includes 15-cent versions at Woolies, and both 15-cent and 45-cent versions at Big W. The move also covers bags not only in stores, but for online orders as well. Exactly when they'll stop being available depends on the brand, with Woolies gradually making the move over the next year, and Big W committing to scrapping them completely by the end of June 2023. Those two timelines are very similar, though — so, by July 2023, you won't be buying reusable plastic bags if you've forgotten your own totes. Woolies will still keep its recycled paper carriers on offer, however, saving you from lugging out your purchases in your arms if you gone shopping without bags. And, Big W is introducing additional bag options alongside its existing printed totes and other fabric bags. Western Australian Woolies stores have already made the switch, since back in March. South Australia and Northern Territory will follow from September 2022, with other states doing the same afterwards — with exact dates for New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and the ACT yet to be announced. Yes, that means that your shopping will help do the environment a solid — although, there'll still be plastic bags available for fruit and vegetables, but the supermarket is exploring more sustainable options for those as well. Woolworths will start phasing out reusable plastic bags over the next year, while Big W will ditch them by the end of June 2023. For further information, head to the Woolworths and Big W websites.
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.
In The Boys, wins and chaos are rarely far away from each other. Something goes right for its characters — its namesake group fighting corrupt caped crusaders, or vice versa — and then something often goes pear-shaped. Fans of the series are in that situation themselves right now, with season four about to start streaming from Thursday, June 13, 2024, but showrunner Eric Kripke freshly revealing that there's only one more season left after this. The Boys was renewed for season five back in May, before season three hits, but now Supernatural alum Kripke has advised that it'll be a last hurrah. "The Boys season four premiere week is a good time to announce: season five will be the final season! Always my plan, I just had to be cagey till I got the final okay from Vought. Thrilled to bring the story to a gory, epic, moist climax," he tweeted. #TheBoys Season 4 Premiere Week is a good time to announce: Season 5 will be the Final Season! Always my plan, I just had to be cagey till I got the final OK from Vought. Thrilled to bring the story to a gory, epic, moist climax. Watch Season 4 in 2 DAYS, cause the end has begun! pic.twitter.com/3p7Wt4jGA6 — Eric Kripke (@therealKripke) June 11, 2024 Since first making the jump from the page to the screen from Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson's comics series of the same name in 2019, The Boys has told of a version of earth where caped crusaders are real, as are superpowers, and a group called The Seven are placed above all superheroes. But, digging into the dark side of the scenario, not everyone thinks that should be the status quo. The series has always stood out as an antidote to narratives about powerful folks who are supposedly better than most, by both satirising and questioning that very idea. Here, superheroes work for Vought. They're still the main form of entertainment, but they're real, the most-famous celebrities there are and inescapable in daily life. While The Seven are the absolute top talent, most are hardly role models when the public isn't looking. Yes, that has made quite the change from the usual cinematic universes as the Prime Video show has kept notching up the seasons. The Boys has never been afraid to splash OTT violence — gory carnage, too — across its frames along the way, or to parody reality within its superhero tale. The same proved true in 2020's second season and 2022's third, and also in college-set spinoff Gen V, which arrived in 2023 and has been renewed for a second season as well. In the cast: Karl Urban (Thor: Ragnarok), Jack Quaid (Oppenheimer), Antony Starr (Guy Ritchie's The Covenant), Erin Moriarty (Captain Fantastic), Claudia Doumit (Where'd You Go, Bernadette), Chace Crawford (Gossip Girl), Jessie T Usher (Smile), Laz Alonso (Wrath of Man), Tomer Capone (One on One), Karen Fukuhara (Bullet Train), Colby Minifie (I'm Thinking of Ending Things) and Cameron Crovetti (Boy Kills World) — with Jeffrey Dean Morgan (The Walking Dead), Susan Heyward (Hello Tomorrow!) and Valorie Curry (The Lost Symbol) joining for season four. There's obviously no trailer for season five yet, but check out the trailer for The Boys season four below: The fourth season of The Boys starts streaming via Prime Video from Thursday, June 13, 2024. Read our reviews of The Boys season three and Gen V. Season five doesn't yet have a release date — we'll update you when one is announced.
If you've been wondering about the story behind today's rainbow Google doodle, here's the low-down. With the Winter Olympics opening ceremony to be held tonight in Sochi, the online giant has put its weight behind the protest against Russia's discriminatory laws. Six stylised athletes are depicted participating in various winter sports, from ice hockey to figure skating to bobsledding. Underneath, a quotation from the Olympic Charter reads, "The practice of sport is a human right. Every individual must have the possibility of practicing sport, without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play." Activists all over the world have spoken out against the International Olympic Committee's decision to hold the Games in Russia, where the law bans the promotion of non-traditional sexuality and prevents under-18-year-olds from having access to information about homosexuality. On Wednesday, February 5, protests were held in 19 different cities. Yesterday, UN Secretary-General Ban-Ki Moon acknowledged the issue in his speech to the IOC, stating, "Many professional athletes, gay and straight, are speaking out against prejudice. We must all raise our voices against attacks on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex people. We must oppose the arrests, imprisonments and discriminatory restrictions they face."
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.
If it wasn't for composer and theatre impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber, the world of musicals would've looked mighty different over the past half-century. His songs and compositions echo through everything from the Phantom of the Opera and Jesus Christ Superstar to Evita and Cats. (Yes, he's one of the folks who helped the word "jellicle" become lodged in everyone's brains for nearly four decades now.) In short, Lloyd Webber boasts quite the resume — and, while his musicals aren't treading any boards in the present circumstances, they are coming to a brand new YouTube channel called The Shows Must Go On. Starting from April 4, it'll release a different high-profile production each week, with the chosen show playing for 48 hours from 5am AEST each Saturday. And, unlike tickets to Broadway or the West End, these streams are free. It all starts with the 2000 adaptation of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat starring Donny Osmond, Maria Friedman, Richard Attenborough and Joan Collins. The following week, over the weekend of Easter, the 2012 version of Jesus Christ Superstar will be available to watch — complete with Aussie comedian Tim Minchin as Judas and Spice Girl Mel C as Mary Magdalene. And, from April 18, The Phantom of the Opera will hit the stream, courtesy of the 25th anniversary staging of the famous musical. On the channel's penultimate weekend, By Jeeves will be available to watch from Saturday, May 9 till Sunday, May 10. Closing out the shows is Andrew Lloyd Webber's one and only Cats — let's hope this one is less of a catastrophe than last year's nightmarish film adaptation. Starring Elaine Paige and Sir John Mills and an eighty-piece orchestra, Cats will be available to stream from 4am AEST, Saturday, May 16 till Sunday, May 17. Plus, if you're eager to peek behind the scenes, you'll be able to take a gander at backstage footage and clips of famous performances as well. [caption id="attachment_766768" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] A scene from Jesus Christ Superstar by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice @ O2 Arena, London. (Opening 20-09-12) ©Tristram Kenton.[/caption] The Shows Must Go On will release a different production each week for six weeks, with future shows yet to be announced. Top images: Cats; By Jeeves; Jesus Christ Superstar, Tristram Kenton; and The Phantom of the Opera. Updated May 11.
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.
When it takes three years for one of the world's favourite shows to make a comeback — on one of the planet's most-popular streaming platforms, too — everyone can be forgiven for getting a little excited. Netflix itself has about the return of Stranger Things for season four, setting up a huge Upside Down rift on Bondi Beach, albeit only for a few hours. But, if a burger is on your menu in the near future, that's not the only way to show your love. Grill'd is getting into the Stranger Things spirit in two ways — one that you'll need to be in Sydney to enjoy IRL, and one that's available all around the country. First, for Sydneysiders, making the trip to Grill'd at The Galeries means eating your burg in an otherworldly dimension. The CBD burger joint has been decked out like somewhere that'd creep out Eleven, Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas and Max. Think: a cavernous rift-style entryway, because they're popping up everywhere (see above), floating spores, creeping vines and other touches from the show. It all looks suitably on-theme, and it's likely the most dramatic place you'll ever eat a burg. That interactive experience is only taking over Grill'd at The Galeries for a limited time, so getting in quickly is recommended — as it is when it comes to binging Stranger Things' new season. Also only available temporarily, until June 16 at all Grill'd locations except Melbourne Airport: a demogorgon burger. No, it isn't made using eggos. Yes, it's monster-sized (well, huge enough). It comes filled with a grass-fed Australian beef patty, roasted peppers, cos lettuce and dill pickles (because of course a demogorgon would like pickles). You'll also find burger sauce and sour cream inside, and you can dip it in buffalo dipping sauce as well — if you want make it look like something a giant creature has just thrown at you, or just like the taste, whatever fits. Costing $15.90 a pop, that burg can be munched on in-store, or ordered for delivery via Grill'd Delivery and Uber Eats. Find Grill'd's Upside Down-themed eatery at Grill'd Galeries, 500 George Street, Sydney — or grab a demogorgon burg from Grill'd stores nationwide (except Melbourne Airport) until June 16.
Think digital media is all about working on beanbags and not running work past your editor? Not true! (Okay, sometimes.) Come intern at Concrete Playground and learn the real ins and outs of producing arts, culture, food and lifestyle editorial in a fun and fast-paced online environment. We're currently looking for interns in Sydney to work with the team in our Redfern office one day per week. You will need to demonstrate excellent writing skills as well as a love of and engagement with Sydney's cultural life. Expressions of interest should be addressed to editor Rima Sabina Aouf at contribute@concreteplayground.com.au. Include a CV and 2-3 samples of your written work. Image from House of Cards. Does not resemble real life, where you'll have a desk, a real true desk.
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.
UPDATE: Originally scheduled for Saturday, November 25, 2023, Hot Jazz Picnic has been postponed until Saturday, February 10, 2024. Gather any jazz fans in your life to join you for the debut of Sydney's latest live music offering — Hot Jazz Picnic. Picture a spread of vibey musicians playing throughout the afternoon, attendees dressed in vibrant summer outfits and a wide range of luxe food and drink options, all with the backdrop of Sydney Harbour. That's the essence of Hot Jazz Picnic, which comes to Lyne Park in Rose Bay on Saturday, February 10, 2024, from 12pm—8pm. The jazz comes to play with Harry James Angus, Dan Barnett Big Band with special guest Emma Pask, Katie Thorne, The Vampires, Brekky Boy, Kate Wadey, The Morrisons, Ruby Jackson, all hosted by comedy duo Sketchshe. [caption id="attachment_926238" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Anton Rehrl[/caption] Spread out across the park and enjoy the jazz alongside lawn games, a gin garden, a pop-up bar from Pommery Champagne and an artisanal food market. On the food front, look for Mary's, Sonoma Bakery, Ta Ta Ta pizza, Rock Oyster Depot, Tuckerbox and the famous Mapo Gelato truck on site. To up the luxury, pre-purchase a premium (and exclusive) 'Keep Picnic' pack from Business and Pleasure, or book VIP tickets to access the Pommery Champagne bar and bar-to-blanket food and drink service throughout the day. And perhaps most importantly, the dress code is 'colour-block chic', and the best dressed get some extra goodies to take home. Hot Jazz Picnic comes to Lyne Park on Saturday, February 10, 2024, from 12pm to 8pm. The event is supported by Create NSW and Woollahra Council, and $1 from every ticket goes to support OzHarvest. Kids under 12 come free. For more information and to book tickets, visit the website.
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.
We've all been there. You are walking through Ikea, looking for that green flower print pillow cover or flexible floor lamp, when you somehow get lost in the kitchen section. Well, now you have a way out, thanks to Google Maps for Android. Google has expanded its cartography and announced that it is moving into the great Australian indoors. So now when you step off the street into the gargantuan megaplexes that house the biggest thing to come out of Sweden since ABBA, you no longer have to look silly asking for directions at every turn. More than 200 other iconic indoor locations across Australia have also been mapped, including Flinders Street Station, Sydney Opera House and Crown Casino in Melbourne, as well as many Westfield shopping centres. The bulk of the sites are in New South Wales and Victoria, but Adelaide Airport and Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre proudly represent their respective states and many more locations are on their way. The technology largely relies on local wi-fi networks and is currently only available on Android devices. No news of if or when the technology will be available for iPhone users. So if you're on Android, find your way indoors and head straight to that Gronkulla.
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.
The Intern is one of those films that’s not easily labelled. It absolutely feels like a romcom, especially with writer/director Nancy Meyers at the helm (responsible for the likes of Father of the Bride and It's Complicated), but there’s not really any romance in it to speak of. It’s also a funny film, though you’d fall short of calling it a comedy, and it consistently packs in the feels, only there are too many lighter moments for it to be an out-and-out drama. Ultimately, whether by chance or design, The Intern's indeterminate status actually offers us a neat reflection of the story within it, for this is a story about two individuals — the ‘retiree’ and the ‘working mum’ — both grappling with the expectations and misconceptions that accompany those characterisations. De Niro, the retiree, is a 70-something widower without a purpose. Intelligent, polite and openly uncomfortable with inaction, his character Ben Whittaker applies for (and secures) a place in a senior’s intern program at fashion tech startup About the Fit. Anne Hathaway, the ‘working mum’, is the company’s 30-something founder and CEO, Jules Ostin. Passionate and driven but overworked, Jules is fending off shareholder insistence that she hire a ‘proper’ CEO while simultaneously struggling to keep her family together on account of her relentless schedule and the restless ‘stay-at-home dad’ (another unhelpful label) waiting at home. When De Niro is assigned to be Hathaway’s personal intern, their initially uncomfortable partnership soon develops into an indispensable friendship: he the calming influence on her, and she his newfound sense of purpose. The early scenes in The Intern are enough to give serious pause. De Niro’s ‘old guy in a young person’s tech world’ shtick had the potential to be incredibly hammy, and moments like not knowing how to wake up his laptop or use a USB did not augur well for avoiding the tired ‘analog meets digital’ cliche. Hathaway’s character, too, was immediately unlikeable, wearing her wireless headset and riding her fixed-gear bicycle through the office from meeting to meeting. Thankfully, though, neither concern plays out for long. De Niro’s reserve — that trademark smile and gentle nod that has traditionally masked violent intent — works perfectly as a juxtaposition to the madness of the Gen Y workplace around him. His old-school approach to both work and life endears him to all, as he offers advice from fashion and accessories through to putting down the phone and actually talking to people. Similarly, as soon as Hathaway’s pristine veneer reveals its vulnerabilities, she becomes at once an entirely sympathetic character and a surprisingly cogent representation of the unresolved workplace gender debate. In many ways, The Intern plays out like an adaption of Annabel Crabb’s The Wife Drought or Unfinished Business by Anne-Marie Slaughter, the first female director of policy planning at the US State Department and author of the controversial ‘Why Women Still Can’t Have It All’ essay in the Atlantic. Both these texts highlight the difficulties and hypocrisies surrounding successful women in the workplace, including why we never hear the label ‘working dad’, and — at its heart — this is what The Intern ultimately concerns itself with. There are plenty of laughs along the way, as well as some admittedly saccharine scenes, but mostly this is a heartwarming tale of friendship and a constructive engagement with feminism and gender inequality.
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
