Featuring over 800 shoes from the 16th century to now, Recollect: Shoes will showcase its diverse collection at the Powerhouse Museum this November. From the first elastic-sided boots in the world (worn by Queen Victoria) to a pair of Charles Jourdan heels worn by Nicole Kidman in the film Moulin Rouge, a pair of cricket boots signed by Sir Donald Bradman and designer names such as Louboutin, Yves Saint Laurent and Prada, this event is one design lovers, fashionistas, artists, shoe fetishists and history buffs alike won't want to miss. But shoes don't just make themselves. The exhibition comes full circle without a range of shoemaking equipment, including an early 20th century clicking press, shoe lasts and patterns to demonstrate the process of making bespoke shoes, in addition to a collection of recent acquisitions, fashion photographs and an special exhibit about caring for shoes. DIY types will want to attend the shoemaking drop-in sessions by designer Jodie Morrison (10 January and 18 April).
UPDATE: May 24, 2020: Zombieland: Double Tap is available to stream via iTunes — and via Amazon Prime Video from Monday, May 25. What a delight the original Zombieland was. Led by Emma Stone, Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg and Abigail Breslin, and proving witty and wildly creative in handling its gory subject matter, the unconventional zombie road movie breathed new life into a stagnating genre. Featuring playful additions like cutaways to various zombie kills of the week, plus zombie survival rules that were neatly and contextually transposed across the screen during the action, the film paired horror, comedy and a top-notch troupe of actors to deliver an instant cult classic. Fast-forward ten years and many, many zombie films later, and we get Zombieland: Double Tap (with its name serving up a clever play on its sequel status, as well as referencing rule #2: 'the double tap', aka two shots to a zombie's head to ensure that it's truly dead). From the get-go, Double Tap reminds viewers about its trope-subverting approach, with Eisenberg's voiceover thanking the audience for choosing to watch this movie when there are so many other zombie options out there. Funny, yes, but is our allegiance rewarded? Only just. With the team now living safely in the White House, Double Tap finds itself in similar territory to season three of The Walking Dead. The zombies no longer represent much of a threat, meaning that the bulk of the tension comes from interpersonal, human-to-human conflict. Of that, there's a lot to choose from. Columbus and Wichita's (Eisenberg and Stone) romance has entered the ho-hum phase, while the de facto father-daughter relationship between Tallahassee and Little Rock (Harrelson and Breslin) is at once suffocating and frustrating, with both eager to head back out in search of adventure (and people their own age). Sure enough, the group soon splits, setting the film up for a rescue mission storyline — because, inevitably, things go awry. Relegating zombies to the level of mere background nuisance is always a risk, and in Double Tap it doesn't pay off — instead, it sucks much of the energy out of the film. Even the actors seem bored most of the time, leaving it to the movie's new additions to up the ante. Luckily, that's where Double Tap really delivers. Supporting players such as Rosario Dawson, Luke Wilson, Avan Jogia, Thomas Middleditch and Zoey Deutch provide periodic shots of cinematic epinephrine, jolting the film back into life each time it begins to fade. Deutch, in particular, delivers a cracking performance as Ugg-booted, tracksuited mall girl ditz Madison, managing to find incredible range for such a one-note role. Her casual invention of Uber (to the mockery of everyone else) is one of the film's funnier and smarter moments, as is the arrival of Wilson and Middleditch, albeit borrowing heavily from Shaun of the Dead. Directed by the original's Ruben Fleischer (who also helmed last year's Venom), and written by fellow returnees Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick with Godzilla's Dave Callaham, there's just enough in Double Tap to justify its existence, offering smatterings of new material amid the admittedly still amusing trip back to very familiar territory. Stay put, too, for the credits, which gift us a welcome secret cameo from an old favourite. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUW5ZYwk2zQ
When we caught up with Whole Larder Love author Rohan Anderson, we became immediate fans. We love that not only does he talk green, he gets right in on the action. So the prospect of spending an afternoon in his company, discussing his often unconventional philosophies and picking up some tips for living off the land has us excited. Anderson will be making an exclusive Sydney appearance at Stories from the Cellar, organised by Sydney Living Museums and Wildwon Projects and to be held at Elizabeth Bay House on Sunday, February 23. Leading a journey into the dwelling's secret cellars, he'll be explaining how he went from part-time graphic designer to full-time gardener, forager, hunter and "family cook" in rural Victoria. Plus, there'll be demonstrations of some of his finer skills, like skinning rabbits and preparing game. Several Sydney food experts are also lending their expertise on the day. Turophiles will love artisan cheesemaker Kristen Allan, who'll be showing how to make labna, ricotta and assorted dairy delights from scratch. If you're partial to a dose of Italian seasonal goodness at Berta, you won't want to miss an opportunity to meet head chef O Tama Carey, who'll be conjuring up quick pickles and chatting about raising pigs for charcuterie. For fans of Fish Place, head smoker Steve de Launay will be engaging with all things sustainable and aquatic. Working up an appetite just reading about it? The good news is that the five-hour session will involve not only watching and preparing food but trying it out too. There'll be various samplings, as well as a long, lingering supper, created by Dan the Man Cooking and sponsored by Salumi, with drinks provided by Murray's Craft Brewing Co and live music from harpist and composer extraordinaire Jake Meadows of the Myall High Club. Stories from the Cellar is on February 23 at 3pm. Tickets are $70, or $65 if you book in a group of four. Book here. Thanks to Sydney Living Museums, we have one double pass to giveaway. 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.
Each year we vow to be better gift-givers, but when the office secret santa rolls around, and Christmas parties start to ramp up, we're left with limited time to find a truly good present, one that says we genuinely care. Well, not this year; this time we're prepared. In partnership with Square, we've searched through Australia's independent shops to bring you a gift guide to match all the colleagues you might be assigned this present-giving season. If you are a small business owner, Square has the tools you need to take payments and maximise your sales, including an ebook with tips to help you get started this holiday season. FOR THE WORK PARENT Plant and self-watering planter from The Plant Society, $30 Melbourne plant hunters Jason Chongue and Nathan Smith set up The Plant Society in 2016 and now the small business ships its green shoots, ceramics, homewares and planter kits to people across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. When you're looking for a gift that says thank you to the office parent — the one that mops up the spills, has painkillers when you need them and a shoulder to cry on — we suggest giving a little love back. Buy them an indoor plant already potted in a self-watering planter. You can choose the pot colour and plants, which range from tropical philodendron super atoms to the popular monstera deliciosa. FOR THE BIG CHEESE Gift card from Mould Cheese Collective, $25–85 No matter how much you love your boss, when you've drawn the big cheese of your workplace for this year's gift exchange there's a lot of pressure to get it right. Choose a dud: everyone feels awkward. Pick something special: early marks all round. We say, send them a box of cheesy delights from The Mould Cheese Collective, a Victoria-based club for cheese lovers. You can shop for gooey goodness on its website, but for the safest bet, there's a trusty gift voucher of either $25, $50 or $85. The bonus: it's an instant gift, so no need to wait for shipping. The downside: not suitable for lactose intolerant leaders. FOR THE WANNABE DJ Dolly Parton's Blue Smoke from Cottonmouth Records, $55 Sydney's Cottonmouth Records has a loyal local following for its record store and bar in Enmore, but you don't need to live nearby to take advantage of owner Zachery Williams' eclectic vinyl collection. Its online store has black gold in all shades of nostalgia, from Beastie Boys and Mariah Carey to Pearl Jam and The Prodigy. It's not all about the throwbacks — there are plenty of recent releases available on vinyl here — but, when shopping for the coworker who controls the playlist, we think there's a lot of joy in Dolly Parton's back catalogue. We've picked Blue Smoke, but you can also order Jolene for $39, which is an absolute steal. Shipping is $15, or free for orders over $100. FOR THE ETHICAL ONE Face mask from Second Stitch, $18 Melbourne-based not-for-profit Second Stitch is a social enterprise that employs refugees, migrants and people seeking asylum. It beat lockdown in Victoria by making cute reusable cloth masks in uplifting patterns and colours. When your kris kringle recipient is that work mate who likes to support charities and ethical businesses, this practical gift will go a long way. Not only are the two-layer cotton masks an environmental solution to an ongoing pandemic, but also your purchase directly provides meaningful employment for some of the most disadvantaged members in the community. Now that's what the spirit of Christmas is all about. FOR THE SALAD-FOR-LUNCH ONE Citrus Trio from Mount Zero Olives, $25 If the only thing you know about Nic from HR is that they like to bring their own meals to work every day, be the teammate who celebrates their forward planning and discipline by getting them something that'll bring them a little joy every lunchtime. This trio of extra virgin olive oils from Mount Zero Olives is better than your supermarket drizzles, as they're pressed with citrus fruits rather than infused with synthetic flavours. The family-owned Victorian company says the lime, mandarin and lemon oils pair well with seafood, egg brekkies and roast veggies, so they're versatile too. Shipping is $12, or free for orders over $100. FOR THE CAFFEINE GEEK How to Buy It, Brew It from Market Lane, $25 If you've got a work buddy who places coffee high on their daily to-do lists, look to Melbourne roaster Market Lane for a gift to match their beverage of choice. Market Lane ships beans, coffee making equipment and literature across Australia. And, for a present that'll last longer than a bag of freshly ground coffee, you should pick the in-depth guide to a good brew How to Buy It, Brew It, written by Market Lane's co-founder Jason Scheltus. You can ask for it to be wrapped in paper designed by artist Julia Stewart for no extra cost and shipping is just $8. FOR THE IT'S-5PM-SOMEWHERE ONE Four-pack of Peach Sauce from Sauce Brewing Co, $20 We've all got a coworker who's a bit of a craft beer nerd. The one who plans their weekends around brewery crawls, goes out of their way to order the most obscure ales on tap, and loves to share their knowledge of local drops. Lean into the passions of this person and get them a four-pack of tart, tangy, crowd-pleasing Peach Sauce. The berliner weisse is one of many creative brews from Sydney microbrewery Sauce. There's also hazy pale ale Caribbean Fog, New England-style IPA Bubble & Squeak and a tropical Frisson Raspberry, ready for the summer of seltzers. FOR THE SNACK QUEEN Bubble O Bill cookies from Dough Re Mi, $18 Wagga-based bakery Dough Re Mi specialises in custom-made cookies designed to brighten someone's day. And we couldn't think of anyone more deserving of a treat than the snack kings and queens of your office. They're always ready with a bag of chippies or choccies when deadlines are tight and everyone needs a mood booster. You could go all out and order ones with a motivational message, but for us the winning choice is Bubble O Bill's face on a butter biscuit, complete with a bubble gum nose. You can order a single cookie for $5.50, or a gift box for $18. And Dough Re Mi ships Australia-wide. FOR THE NEW PERSON Notebook from Studio A, $15 Thrown right in the deep end, just before the festive season, the workplace newbie has to be one of the toughest people to buy for when it comes to secret santa time. However, it couldn't be worse than actually being the newest person to join the team. Think of all the catching up they've got to do — and that's just on the office goss. Pick them something they'll be proud to use every day, like a notebook designed by one of Studio A's talented artists. The Sydney-based studio supports artists with disability, providing a workspace and materials for artists to realise their aspirations. We like these ones by Lisa Scott, left, and Thom Roberts, right. Shipping is an additional $10, so order one for yourself while you're at it. FOR THE FASHION ICON Sturt's Desert Pea Socks from Julie White, $30 Adelaide-based designer Julie White creates bold and colourful designs inspired by Australian flora and fauna. She draws all the designs by hand, including ones of lorikeets, midnight orchids and Sturt's desert peas. Her head and neck scarves are 100-percent silk, and the silky-feel knee-high socks are nylon. If your secret santa budget is $30, order a set of statement socks for the most fashionable person in your workplace. They'll feel seen. And, as a treat for you, shipping is free within Australia for orders over $30. Find out how Square is supporting small businesses with the tools they need to grow, here. If you are a small business owner, Square has guidance on how best to maximise sales in the run up to the Christmas holiday period in its ebook, found here.
If you've ever picked up a loved one at the airport, sometimes you might get caught up in the sheer beauty of the moment and simply not know what to say. Those in Amsterdam don't have to worry about becoming a stuttering emotional wreck anymore, as the Schiphol Airport Bannerxpress now allows people to print welcome home signs from a vending machine at the airport. The machine has been under development for the past three years, and recently made its debut at Schiphol Airport. Vending machines now house much more than your standard soft drink, as you can customise these signs with different sizes, fonts, artwork and themes. Depending on how fancy you banner is, this will set you back between 4 and 15 Euros. Depending on the popularity of the machine, Bannerxpress co-founder Thibaud Bruna says that there are plans to place the machines at sporting events and concerts. [via Trendhunter]
Ah, gin, how we love thee. Pretty bottles, lesser hangovers and the smell of botanicals in every sip. Bombay Sapphire are giving you the opportunity to embrace gin at its fullest by matching it to food at their annual pop-up event, Project Botanicals, happening September 8-18. There are ten different botanicals in Bombay Sapphire gin, much more than just juniper. The dishes to be served at Project Botanicals have been tailored to bring out each of the botanicals – whether it's lemon peel, coriander, orris root or almond. Because Melburnians love their gin, tickets sold out quicker than you could say G&T. But, don't worry — you can still head along to the pop-up bar for your gin fix (no ticket needed) or try making a simplified version of it at home. This here is a simple version of the Orris Spice Trader – a blend of turmeric, lime and ginger beer with gin in a cocktail best paired with a coconut curry. ORRIS SPICE TRADER Botanical: Orris root INGREDIENTS 60ml x Bombay Sapphire gin 1 tsp x caster sugar 20ml x lime juice 120ml x ginger beer ¼ pinch x grated turmeric METHOD 1. Take a highball glass and add 20ml lime juice and 1 teaspoon of caster sugar. 2. Add ¼ pinch of grated turmeric. 3. Pour in 60ml Bombay and 120ml ginger beer and 4. Stir with ice. 5. Step up the botany further with the garnish – fresh mint. Images: Steven Woodburn. Project Botanicals will take place at Taxi Riverside from September 8-18. Unfortunately all tickets have sold out, but you can still drop by the pop-up bar from Thursday to Sunday. Get all the details here.
In an industry that can sometimes come across as vapid and insipid, Patti Smith has remained the fortified voice of punk rock and guardian of good music since the '70s. With a career that has included prose, poetry, genre-defining rock and roll and a whole lot a heartbreak, Smith is coming to the Sydney Opera House in April to give a one-off talk that traverses the breadth and depth of her oeuvre. The appearance will come at the end of her Australian tour, which will see her headline Bluesfest, perform her 1975 debut album Horses in full at the State Theatre, and do a gig with Courtney Barnett at Melbourne's Festival Hall. It will be her only solo appearance of the tour, and will comprise of a magical mix of discussion, reading, and even a few songs from one of musical history's all-time greats. Tickets for In her Own Words go on general public sale at 9am on Friday, February 24. Image: Ferial.
Plays like You Know We Belong Together aren't a common sight on Australia's stages, and that's one of the reasons that it exists. Created by and starring actor and writer Julia Hales (ABC's The Upside), it features a cast performers exploring the daily reality of Down syndrome — and the fact that actors with Down syndrome are so rarely featured in Australia's cultural output. The starting point is right there in the Sydney Opera House-bound production's name, which should've instantly gotten one particular song stuck in your head. You Know We Belong Together takes its moniker from the first words to Home and Away's theme tune, a soap opera that Hales has been a life-long fan of. Watching the show's Summer Bay-set antics, she also noticed the inescapable fact that she wasn't represented in its melodramatic antics. "I want people to see us for who we are and what we do as part of the world," says Hales. "I watched every single episode of Australian soap opera Home and Away since it first aired in 1988, but I've never seen another person with Down syndrome in the cast." "I used to dream of landing a role in it and finding love. So I created You Know We Belong Together. This is a story for us, by us." Hales continues. You Know We Belong Together features Hales alongside six other Western Australian actors, all of whom draw upon their own lives and personal experiences with Down syndrome. The result combines monologues, video, scenes, dance and song, and also takes place on a replica of Home and Away's diner — allowing Hales to live her Home and Away dream. Co-written by Hales with playwright Finn O'Branagáin and Clare Watson, ex-Artistic Director and Co-CEO of Perth's Black Swan State Theatre Company, the play will hit the Opera House's Drama Theatre from Tuesday, September 6–Saturday, September 10. Watson directs, too. It comes to the venue after proving a hit in WA and overseas, including seasons at Perth Festival 2018, at Black Swan State Theatre Company in 2019, and at Edinburgh International Festival and London's Southbank Centre. As well as being committed to showing how people with disability are needlessly othered, and endeavouring to rectify that, You Know We Belong Together will feature integrated Auslan interpretation and captioning during its film segments. There'll also be a quiet space in the Drama Theatre foyer during the play's Opera House run. You Know We Belong Together plays Sydney Opera House's Drama Theatre from Tuesday, September 6–Saturday, September 10. For more information or to buy tickets — with pre-sales from 9am on Tuesday, June 21 and general sales from 9am on Friday, June 24 — head to the Opera House's website. Images: Toni Wilkinson.
Paul Allam and David McGuinness opened Bourke St Bakery in 2004 and worked their way into the heart of inner-Sydney with their quality handmade baked goods. This month they will extend their reach to the city’s outskirts with the launch of The Bread & Butter Project, the 'Makers of Bakers', a social enterprise designed to skill-up the disenfranchised and take the tastes of Bourke St to high-end provedores, restaurants and cafes — it's an old-fashioned everybody wins scheme. The project will be starting up at their Marrickville bakery with six refugees coming on board from greater Sydney for a 12-month paid traineeship in the art of making some of this city's best bread. On graduation the trainees will not only have experience working at a high-standard bakery but be armed with TAFE-accredited credentials for the jobs marketplace. All profits from the enterprise will be reinvested back into the program, which hopes to double its intake of future bakers next year. But it's not just goodwill that will keep the bitter taste in your mouth at bay; the bread range is available on their website, and with offerings like a white chia and goji berry semi-sourdough, this initiative looks set to follow in the success of its older siblings, Bourke St Bakery and Wilbur's Place eatery. Bread & Butter will soon be available at DJs Food Halls in Bondi Junction and the CBD, along with Thomas Dux Crows Nest and from the Sydney Food Connect Organic Fruit and Vegetable Delivery Service. Bread will also be available direct to the public through local markets — The Entertainment Quarter and The Sydney Morning Herald Grower's Market in Pyrmont — and at select restaurants and cafes.
Time to scope out an enormous bib and the hardiest pair of gloves you can lay your hands on. On June 2, House of Crabs will host a one-off seafood orgy by the name of 'Endless Bag Monday'. And yes, it means exactly what you think it does. You get to eat as much crab (and as many prawns, mussels and clams) as you, your stomach and your shell-cracking knuckles can handle. The feast kicks off at 6pm. We suggest you arrive right on time because you'll have only two hours to get your money's worth. Tickets are $100, which ain't cheap but, the boil is banging and the atmosphere streaks ahead of the city's hotel seafood buffets. Given that the venue inspires queueing on regular nights, bookings are most definitely recommended. Guarantee yourself a bottomless bag by calling (02) 9699 3177 or sending an email to houseofcrabs@drinkndine.com.au.
Harvest is back for its second year and the official lineup has now been announced. International favourites on the lineup include Beck, Sigur Ros, Grizzly Bear and Santigold. At Harvest's debut last year, festivalgoers witnessed performances from Portishead, The Flaming Lips, The National and TV On The Radio at what most hoped would be the first of many festivals to come. With rumours about the 2012 installation circulating for weeks, it was hard not to be excited when the full lineup for the November events came through at last. Tickets go on sale to the public on Thursday, June 28 at 9am from Harvest Festival, Oztix & Ticketek. Harvest Festival 2012 lineup: Beck Sigur Ros Grizzly Bear Mike Patton's Mondo Cane Santigold Beirut Cake The Dandy Warhols The Black Angels Chromatics Ozomatli Liars Ben Folds Five F**K Buttons The War on Drugs Dark Dark Dark Plus many more to be announced... Harvest 2012 dates: Sunday, November 11 at Melbourne's Werribee Park Saturday, November 17 at Sydney's Paramatta Park Sunday, November 18 at Brisbane's Botanic Gardens
Getting stuck in the Upside Down mustn't be fun. Fighting demogorgons really wouldn't be either. And, neither would being imprisoned in a Russian jail, fighting secret government agents and seeing your home town rocked by a satanic panic-style witch-hunt. They're all among the grim things that Stranger Things has thrown its characters' ways over the years, including in the just-dropped first half of its long-awaited fourth season — and now waiting for the final two episodes in the season isn't that much fun as well. Obviously, spending the entire month of June listening to Kate Bush is on most Netflix viewers' agendas. But if you're after a bit more than that, the streaming platform has just released its first teaser trailer for the second volume of Stranger Things season four. Due to arrive on Friday, July 1, it'll dive back into the current tussle with Vecna — although, as this clip shows, he's decided that no one can stop his chaos now. The new sneak peek is brief, and it won't make any sense if you haven't already seen what the residents of Hawkins, Indiana have been up to lately. It still keeps the hefty slasher and horror vibes going, though, and teases another showdown between Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown, Godzilla vs Kong) and the series' new big bad. Need a refresher on where things are up to? Season four is set six months after the season three's battle of Starcourt, and sees Eleven living in Lenora Hills, California, with Will Byers (Noah Schnapp, Waiting for Anya), his brother Jonathan (Charlie Heaton, The Souvenir Part II) and their mother Joyce (Winona Ryder, The Plot Against America). But, despite her claims that things are sunny — in letters to her boyfriend Mike Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard, Ghostbusters: Afterlife), of course — they really aren't. The same proves true back in Hawkins, too. There, teens are turning up dead, and metal-loving outcast Eddie Munson (Joseph Quinn, Small Axe) — who also runs the high school Dungeons & Dragons club — is the prime suspect. Dustin Henderson (Gaten Matarazzo, The Angry Birds Movie 2), Max Mayfield (Sadie Sink, Fear Street) and Lucas Sinclair (Caleb McLaughlin, Concrete Cowboy) all know better, though, and enlist help from Steve Harrington (Joe Keery, Free Guy), Robin Buckley (Maya Hawke, Fear Street) and Nancy Wheeler (Natalia Dyer, Things Seen & Heard) to work out what's going on. That's the basic overview — with season four so far also spanning nods to 80s flicks aplenty, a wonderful horror cameo, explorations of Eleven's past and powers, road trips, and Jim Hopper's (David Harbour, Black Widow) whole situation in a Soviet gulag. As for what'll happen next, things look as eerie, tense and chilling as ever. And no, the new trailer isn't set to 'Running Up That Hill'. Check out the first sneak peek at Stranger Things season four volume two below: The first seven episodes of Stranger Things season four are available to stream now via Netflix, with the remaining two set to follow on Friday, July 1. Read our full review of Stranger Things season four volume one.
Any film that critics compare to being "stabbed in the head" would normally be something that people would want to avoid. But when it comes to The Room, the harsher the reviews the better. The 2003 melodrama, about a love triangle between a banker, his best friend and his treacherous fiance, has spawned a massive cult following, with audiences all around the world coming together at late-night screenings to celebrate its cringe-worthy performances, horrendous dialogue and baffling, incomprehensible plot. The mad genius behind The Room is its writer-director-producer-star, the mysterious Tommy Wiseau. Blessed with a confidence that far exceeds his ability, it's Wiseau's virtuosic incompetence that plays a huge part in the movie's appeal. Interviews with Wiseau tend to raise more questions than they answer. A more forthcoming subject is actor Greg Sestero, who co-stars as the best friend, Mark. Sestero recently co-penned a book, titled The Disaster Artist, full of behind-the-scenes stories about the movies' turbulent production. In the lead-up to a promotional visit to Australia, Sestero spoke to Concrete Playground about the book, Wiseau and his dubious double-edged fame. https://youtube.com/watch?v=mQ4KzClb1C4 When you meet Tommy Wiseau "He was the ultimate character," remembers Sestero of his and Wiseau's first meeting, in a Los Angeles acting class back in 1998. "He didn't take no for an answer. As a nineteen-year-old aspiring actor who was doubting myself, he was the perfect person for me to meet at that point in my life." Slowly, the two became friend. Even so, when Wiseau first approached Sestero about making the movie, the actor was reluctant. "I agreed to help him make the film behind the scenes, [but] he really wanted me to be in it," says Sestero. "The night before filming he made me an offer I couldn't refuse. I was an unemployed actor working retail, and I didn't think anybody would see it. Fortunately I was wrong." Production proved a disaster, with cast and crew members regularly quitting or being fired over the course of the six month shoot. "You were dealing with somebody who had never made a film," says Sestero. "He wanted to honour his vision, and anybody who got in the way was shown the door. It was a very trying experience for a lot of people … but he had a very unique way of making art, and more power to him. Unique stands out, and here we are eleven years later, still talking about The Room." When you want fame but get notoriety "I always thought the movie was very funny and very campy, but I was shocked when it found an audience," says Sestero. "It developed a small LA fanbase around 2005, 2006, and then there was an article written in Entertainment Weekly that really blew it up. It wasn't until 2010 that I did an appearance at a theatre in New York at which twelve hundred people showed up. I think at that point I realised The Room had arrived." Of his own performance, and the questionable celebrity the film brought him, the actor remains upbeat. "For something that I just phoned in and didn't expect anything from, I can't really complain," says Sestero. "When you put yourself out there and you read bad things about yourself, it stings. But with this project I was kind of in on the joke from the beginning." And frankly, no one would argue that the cast didn't have their work cut out for them. "With the dialogue, even if you did try to act well, you would have been doomed," reflects the actor. "Even Daniel Day-Lewis probably would have had some trouble getting those lines out." When James Franco and Seth Rogen want to act out your memoirs "I think the book has kind of redeemed the whole experience," says Sestero. "Ever since I made this movie, there were so many crazy stories. I thought that if I took them to a publisher, they wouldn't even believe it as fiction. Then as time went on and the cult began to grow, I felt like the story behind it became even more compelling." Now, in a fittingly strange turn of events, James Franco and Seth Rogen have announced that they'll be adapting the memoir into a film. Franco will direct, while his younger brother Dave will play Sestero. "It's still in the early stages, but I think James Franco and Seth Rogen have made so many great films," says Sestero. "They're a great fit for the project." Despite all The Room has done for him, Sestero is looking forward to moving on. "At the end of the day, it's really Tommy's movie," says Sestero. "It's what really defines him. I think we were all just passengers on this ship. The book was a start to doing things that I'm really excited about, and to kind of show that there's more to me than just this bad movie."
Remember March 2020, when lockdowns first hit, panic-buying toilet paper became a thing and everyone watched the same true-crime docoseries? It now seems like an eternity ago, but our memories do still stretch back that far. We'll all always equate the beginning of the pandemic with Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness, after all, and do the same when it comes to last year in general and Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin-related news. Netflix isn't done with all you cool cats and kittens just just yet, however. When Tiger King became a huge hit, another season of the docuseries itself was floated — and now the streamer has confirmed that Tiger King 2 will surface before 2021 is over. Exactly what it'll focus on hasn't yet been revealed, but an incarcerated Exotic pops up in the brief snippets seen in the platform's new trailer for its upcoming true-crime slate. Also featured: Baskin, obviously. Last year, when news of more Tiger King first did the rounds, it was expected that the filmmakers behind the popular doco would actually turn their attention to a different big cat-related tale: the 2003 mauling attack at a Siegfried and Roy show. That might still come to fruition; however, for now, all you cool cats and kittens are heading back to familiar territory. And yes, other projects leapt on the Joe Exotic bandwagon over the past 18 months, endeavouring to capitalise upon the worldwide obsession with him, Baskin and the duo's strange intertwined story. So, in the near future, you'll also be watching a dramatised series with Kate McKinnon as Baskin that's been shooting in Australia this year. Sadly, another drama with Nicolas Cage as Exotic that was announced last year has since been scrapped. Back to Netflix, the platform also has four other big true-crime titles in the works. In January 2022, three-part series The Puppet Master: Hunting the Ultimate Conman will hit the service, with the filmmakers behind The Imposter telling a tale that dates back to 2005 but still has new developments today. Then, in February 2022, get ready for The Tinder Swindler, a film that's clearly about another conman — one who posed as a billionaire playboy on Tinder — and the women who decided to bring him down. Also arriving next year sometime is movie Trust No One: The Hunt for the Crypto King, about investors trying to get to the truth behind cryptocurrency multimillionaire Gerry Cotten's suspicious death, and also attempting to find the missing $250 million they think he stole. And then there's Bad Vegan, a series that sees celebrity restaurateur Sarma Melngailis get scammed out of millions after a man convinces her that he can grow her food empire and make her beloved pit bull immortal. Yes, really. Check out the teaser trailer for Netflix's true-crime slate below: Tiger King 2 will hit Netflix sometime before 2021 ends — we'll update you when an exact date is announced. For further information about the streaming platform's upcoming true-crime slate, head to the Netflix website.
The future is officially here, and the subject of many-a sci-fi novel and the dream of every comic book geek is set to become a mass-produceable reality. Google have been the brains and big bucks behind this astounding innovation, with the company's founder Sergey Brin stating that "you can count on one hand the number of years until ordinary people can experience this." This story has been doing the rounds on social media in the recent weeks following California governor Jerry Brown's signing of SB1298, a law which makes driverless cars legal in the state of California. While the project is still in the prototype stage, Google's driverless cars have now done more than 300,000 miles of travel without incident, which at this stage makes them statistically safer than normal automobiles. According to Brin, driverless cars will revolutionise the way we travel and commute. Anyone, and they mean anyone, can "drive" Google's driverless cars, with the elderly, the young, the blind and perhaps most significantly the intoxicated all capable of operating the self-driving car. Similarly, traffic could become a thing of the past if we are to believe Brin's analysis. "Why does the congestion happen to begin with? The fact is that on a normally operating highway, cars take up a very small fraction of the space. Mostly it's just air between you the the car in front of you, to the sides of you, and so forth. Self-driving cars can actually 'chain together' and use the highways more efficiently, potentially eradicating congestion" he said. While the image of thousands of cars roaring down the highway "chained together" does really like sound something out of a Ridley Scott film, Google are confident this image could become a reality in the coming years. The big question for most people in the advent of self-driving cars has been one of safety. Can we trust these things or are we looking at some sort of Matrix-style revolution where artificial intelligence takes over the world? In terms of accidents, so far so good. The only significant accident involving a self-driving car occurred when a driver was operating the car in manual mode. Google as well has stated that self-driving cars will never run a red light and so we are close to reaching a point where driverless cars may not only be the most ultra-modern driving experience but also the safest. While there are a long list of "what ifs" Google are still trying to iron out and overcome, if you are hoping to turn your Prius into something worthy of a James Bond film, have a look at this video to see what the ever-closer future will look like.
Gauchito Gil is Argentina's Robin Hood. As such, it seems fitting that Australia's own Malbec World Day has been borrowed from the South American country, where the majority of the world's Malbec comes from. If this day is a donation from the grape god, it's one we're happy to accept. After a successful three years in Melbourne, Gauchito Gil is bringing Malbec World Day to Sydney with a five-hour wine bonanza at the National Art School's Cell Block Theatre on Saturday, April 23. The event comes from the organisers of the Pinot Palooza and Game of Rhones, and mirrors the free-reign tasting set up. Your $50 ticket will include a wine glass, and from there you'll be able to move around, sampling over 80 Australian and Argentine Malbec varietals. Other events have been known to get a little boozy, so to soak up all that wine, Porteño will be cooking up an epic Argentinian feast. Think empanadas, think asado, think yum. It really doesn't matter if you know everything there is about Malbec or if you don't know much at all, because Malbec World Day is about education and celebration of the Argentine grape. And what better way to celebrate than with an bottomless glass of wine? Malbec World Day will take place at the Cell Block Theatre at the National Art School, Darlinghurst on Saturday, April 23 from 1-6pm. Tickets are $50 and include a Plumm wine glass and tastings of all the wines on offer. For more info and to buy tickets, visit their website.
If you've ever played along with McDonald's regular Monopoly promotion, then you'll want to watch McMillion$. The marketing campaign itself is rather simple — handing out Monopoly tokens with burger purchases, which corresponds to the game's squares and lets customers win big. But in the 90s in America, someone worked out how to rig it and handpick the lucky folks taking home $1 million cheques, as well as other prizes. Smartly, McMillion$ plays this 100-percent true tale as a whodunnit. If you don't already know the details, we'd advise you to keep it that way until you watch the docuseries' six very compelling and very bingeable episodes. You might not think that a show that spends so much time talking to FBI agents in nondescript offices would prove quite so gripping, but the case they uncovered is both complex and jaw-dropping. The interviews with the promotion's controversial winners, and with other figures involved with the scam, also have to be seen to be believed.
Riparide is a new online venture which aims to provide surfers from around the globe with an easier means of coordinating holidays and trips. The brainchild of Australians Marion Law and Dane O’Shanassy, Riparide allows surfers to seek accomodation and equipment from locals at their destination. Conversely, surfers who would rather catch waves than go to work can offer their own services in return for cash. O’Shanassy stated that “we’ve gone to places where we know the people with boards and places to stay, but not everyone’s lucky enough to know people in, say, Hawaii.” This is a great service which will only tighten the global surfing community. Staying with other locals will also give you a greater insight into the area and a more authentic experience. Who knows, you might find yourself staying on the couch of the next Kelly Slater. [via PSFK]
The Beach Boys, one of the world's most influential bands, are reunited for the first time in more than two decades. Stops in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth mark their fiftieth anniversary, and an end to years of resentful animosity. Playing forty hits spanning over six decades, the tour's new show is described as being "complete and comprehensive", with these old gods once again bringing their summer sound to a wintry Australia. Since forming back in 1961 in California, The Beach Boys have cemented themselves as one of the world's most iconic rock bands, with hits like 'Surfin' USA' and 'I Get Around' still being listened to by all age groups even today. Their 29th album, That's Why God Made The Radio, was released in June this year, propelling the band back to the top ranks of the the US chart where they belong. https://youtube.com/watch?v=RljRp1JgaBQ
It was a sad day when Polaroid announced it was going to stop producing film. The iconic camera was used by artists Andy Warhol, Chuck Close, Helmut Newton and Robert Mapplethorpe and nothing quite matches the simplicity and beautiful graininess of Polaroids. But now, you don't have to feel glum whenever you look at your photo wall - it's not all over yet. The clever clogs at Polaroid have found a way to keep the camera alive without using the traditional film. Meet the Polaroid Z340. It is a 14MP camera with a 2.7-inch LCD display and an integrated printer that produces 3x4-inch color prints. The printer uses inkless printing technology from Zink Imaging where special print paper has embedded dye crystals which are activated by heat to form the image. It's not cheap at $299.99, and a pack of 30 photos costs $19.99. But hey, instant gratification is priceless. Fingers crossed that the images will still have that dreamy imperfection that makes them unique.
Change is coming to The Witcher, with Henry Cavill (Zack Snyder's Justice League) set to relinquish Geralt of Rivia's icy locks after Netflix's hit fantasy series' upcoming third season. Before that big switch — which will see The Hunger Games, The Dressmaker and Independence Day: Resurgence's take over the role — fear is coming first, as the just-dropped first trailer for the show's next batch of episodes teases. "Now, for the first time, I understand real fear," growls Geralt to kick off the debut sneak peek at The Witcher season three — complete with his sword at the ready. Elsewhere, Ciri (Freya Allan, The Third Day) has ghost cavalry on her tail, while Yennefer (Anya Chalotra, The ABC Murders) has her own scares to deal with. Need a refresher on the story so far? Haven't watched the first two seasons yet? If The Witcher's name sounds familiar, that's because it's based on the short stories and novels of writer Andrzej Sapkowski — and, as well as being turned into comics, it was adapted the video game series of the same name. A Polish film and TV show also reached screens in the early 2000s, although they were poorly received. In the Netflix series, Cavill plays the witcher of the title. Geralt of Rivia is a monster hunter who prefers to work — aka slay beasts — alone in a realm called The Continent. But life has other plans for the lone wolf, forcing him to cross paths with powerful sorceress Yennefer and young princess Ciri. When it tosses a coin to its witcher again, season three will take its cues from Time of Contempt, the second book in Sapkowski's series. The new batch of episodes will hit streaming queues this winter Down Under, featuring eight instalments split into two parts. Volume 1 arrives on Thursday, June 29, with Volume 2 following on Thursday, July 27. One of Netflix's big successes, The Witcher has been renewed for a fourth season, too, which happened back in 2022 long before its third had a trailer or a release date — something that also occurred with season three before season two dropped as well, and with season two before season one debuted before that. But instead of Cavill as Geralt, Hemsworth will replace him, as also announced in 2022. The Witcher franchise doesn't just include the show itself, but also animated flick The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf, which hit Netflix in 2021. And, there's 2022 prequel series The Witcher: Blood Origin, which takes place 1200 years before Geralt's time, spans four episodes and stars Everything Everywhere All At Once Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh. Check out the first teaser trailer for The Witcher's third season below: The Witcher's third season will hit Netflix in winter 2023 Down Under, releasing in two parts — with Volume 1 arriving on Thursday, June 29 and Volume 2 on Thursday, July 27.
Come one, come all! Roll into the Courthouse this Australia Day in your best bogan attire and thongs for a celebration befitting Australia's national holiday, featuring a Bogan Pageant hosted by Dinni and followed by the very competitive Thong Toss Competition. As if this event could be any more Aussie, the Courthouse will be streaming Triple J's Hottest 100 all day long, and will also feature (what else?) an Aussie BBQ. Representing Australia's best side, throughout the day $1 from every VB Tinnie purchased will go towards supporting beyondblue.
We've all been disappointed by express post services at one time or another. But your own bureaucratic blip falls into perspective when you see Sameday Service or Sooner (2008), a life-size TARDIS flat-packed for shipping. The mobility of the Doctor Who police box, capable of travelling anywhere in time and space, has been absurdly inverted upon contact with our current best method of conveyance. Like so much of the work of Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro, it makes you laugh, then it makes you think, and then it makes your brain hurt a little. This is the first major museum survey of the two Sydney-based artists, who have developed a rich catalogue of work since starting their collaboration in 2001, while fresh out of art school. It's one room that captures their probing spirit and insists on the relevance of contemporary art to our everyday lives. You don't need to have written or even read a thesis on conceptual art to relate to their playful works, which commonly use found objects that have iconic status in ways that render the items foreign, ridiculous, or redundant. Typical is Future Remnant (2011), an arrangement of IKEA furniture assembled beneath the bones of a replica dinosaur fossil. The colourful tower is suggestive of our culture of disposability and impermanence as well as of the potentially bizarre archaeological legacy we will leave for someone to one day dig up. The idea of archaeologising the present, and so viewing it from a distant perspective, recurs in Healy and Cordeiro's work, starting with their very first, Cordial Home Project (2003), which took apart a whole suburban house and rearranged it into layers of like materials reminiscent of geological strata. The looming family home, it turns out, is surprisingly small. IKEA is a constant source of inspiration and materials here, but the duo's most impressive works are the large-scale installations that defy the allen key. Don't miss Stasis (2012), the new commission on the quayside lawn that points an orange aircraft at the MCA.
When it was first published in 2011, A Discovery of Witches swiftly became a bestseller. Thankfully for readers instantly enamoured with Deborah Harkness' supernatural novel, there was more where that came from. The book was just the first instalment in the All Souls trilogy, with its follow-ups arriving in 2012 and 2014 — and, since 2018, fans have been able to watch a TV adaptation starring Australian actor Teresa Palmer as a Yale University historian and witch, as well as Downton Abbey's Matthew Goode as a biochemistry professor and vampire. Palmer plays Diana Bishop, with A Discovery of Witches chronicling her story after she finds a bewitched manuscript and gets reluctantly drawn back into the magical world. Where the show's first season charted her initial efforts to protect the enchanted text, known as Ashmole 782, the currently screening second season kicks off with a jump back to London more than four centuries ago.
Commuters travelling through King's Cross this morning would have been greeted by an unexpected site, after a group of protestors from Greenpeace scaled the intersection's iconic Coca-Cola billboard. Police arrived on the scene shortly after 8am this morning to find a number of protesters standing atop the famous advertisement refusing to come down. The environmental group has confirmed that the stunt is part of their #StopCoke campaign, which opposes attempts by the soft drink company to stall a state government recycling scheme. "Coke spends millions every year to maximise its corporate profits, and is trying to undermine a solution to our massive pollution problem," said Greenpeace Australia Pacific spokesperson Nathaniel Pelle in a media release. "We chose this ad space to tell Coke to get out of the way, and implore Mr Baird to put the community before the interests of a soft drink company." 5 #Greenpeace protesters on top of the Coke sign at #kingscross this morning - made for an interesting commute! pic.twitter.com/FJNTvoZHJ2 — Naomi_Midwinter (@Naomi_Midwinter) March 22, 2016 Your mother was a hamster... @CocaCola @Greenpeace #kingscross pic.twitter.com/rSpRM7lpjA — Dave Baskind (@davebaskind) March 22, 2016 The protestors planned to unfurl a banner reading "Stop Coke Trashing Australia," however they were prevented from doing so by police. Seven people have been arrested for trespassing, and surrounding streets have been temporarily shut down. Premier Mike Baird last year announced a plan to introduce a 10c cash for containers scheme similar to the one that exists in South Australia, complete with vending machines where the public can deposit used cans and bottles. However several beverage companies, including Coca-Cola, oppose the plan. "In NSW, drink containers make up at least 44 per cent of all litter; in South Australia it's less than 3 per cent," said Pelle. "We cannot have a fizzy drinks company dictating our waste policy or blocking effective solutions to a major global pollution problem." Via Pedestrian and news.com.au.
Serving up culinary adventures across two thriving venues, RAFI has established a stellar reputation for its show-stopping cuisine and inviting atmosphere. Whether you prefer the multi-zoned elegance of RAFI North Sydney or the surf-inspired ambience of RAFI Urbnsurf, getting amongst a new weekend long lunch is bound to impress. Held every Saturday and Sunday, the set menu roams from one signature favourite to the next. Complemented by two hours of bottomless mimosas, premium wines and select beers, this elevated dining experience is perfect for a slightly sophisticated weekend get-together with friends and family. With everything designed to be shared, highlights include pita and silky hummus, green asparagus with egg yolk and tarragon salsa, alongside a delectable spring lamb. Situated on Urbnsurf's upper level, head to the sun-drenched terrace for the best experience, as you sip and dine while watching the surfers attempt a few barrels. Incredible food and drinks await, no matter which restaurant you choose. Bottomless lunch is $120 per person, with a minimum of two people required per booking.
Last night's Marrickville Council meeting represented a victory for Sydney's independent music scene. A unanimous vote saw the passing of a motion stating the Council's intention to undertake research concerning the legal and financial pressures on live venues and to become involved with the Leichhardt Council's Sydney Live Music Precinct plan. On March 26, Leichhardt Mayor Darcy Byrne successfully persuaded his council to back a proposal to transform Parramatta Road’s inner west section into a bustling cultural hub. The following day, he told themusic.com.au that he would next seek the support of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore and Marrickville Mayor Victor Macri. For now, he can safely count on the latter. The Council agreed, not only to "assist with the development of programs and policies that could support the proposed Parramatta Road initiative" but to expand its geographical scope. Marrickville's network of alternative warehouse spaces may soon become part of the big picture. The government also recognised that increased consultation with independent artists might lead to a more sustainable music scene. In the past year or so, both legal and underground spaces have gone down the gurgler at an alarming rate, often due to the obstacles presented by miles of red tape. The Annandale, Notes, The Sando, Dirty Shirlows and Midian are just a few of the names on the deceased list. According to the motion, the Council has now committed to undertaking research into "why legal venues such as Notes Enmore and The Sando Newtown have closed down in recent months. This research should include factors such as economic sustainability, liquor licensing laws, BCA requirements and accessibility requirements," and to investigate "informal feedback" indicating that "the fire, safety and accessibility requirements expected of the venues make it financially unsustainable for small business owners to open and operate a music venue legally." Hundreds of musicians, organisers and promoters crowded into the Council offices at 2-14 Fisher Street, Petersham to show their support. Ali Avron, founder and director of DIY space The Newsagency, was one of the many in attendance. "It was a really great atmosphere ... so many people coming out in support of their community and the culture we're breeding here," she says. "It's definitely a step in the right direction ... It's really hard to start a venue, with the current model ... but now the picture is looking bright." Image: The Newsagency.
Sydney Good Food Month is gearing up to turn the big 2-0 and it's set to mark the occasion with its most expansive program yet, dishing up a huge array of food-focused festivities across October. This year's milestone lineup will both look back in time and nod to the future, celebrating the famed restaurants and innovative chefs that have made Sydney's food scene what it is today, as well as those young guns now carrying on the legacy. The festival's Palm Springs-themed pop-up restaurant Hyde Park Palms makes its colourful return to Hyde Park North, hosting culinary greats from near and far across a program of inspiring feasts, talks and parties, from October 4–21. Home-grown heroes like Stephanie Alexander, Bill Granger and Lune's Kate Reid feature alongside international names including LA's Jason Neroni and Italy's Isabella Potì. There'll be throwbacks aplenty, from a 20th birthday feast helmed by Christine Manfield, Neil Perry and Ross Lusted (The Bridge Room), to a long lunch that sees Andy Bowdy (Saga) and Victor Liong (Lee Ho Fook) kicking it old-school with some quintessential 90s flavours, and a noughties lunch with ACME's Mitch Orr and the aforementioned croissant queen Kate Reid. Acclaimed Smith & Daughters chef Shannon Martinez works her signature brand of culinary magic with a three-course vegan Italian dinner, and some of Australia's female food heroes — including Saint Peter's Alanna Sapwell and Momofuku Seiobo's Kylie Javier-Ashton — headline the Culinary Women of Influence feast. And the pasta battle returns, this time helmed by LuMi's Federico Zanellato, Federica Andrisani from Hobart's Fico and Joal Valvasori-Pereza from Perth's Lulu La Delizia. Meanwhile, Ume and Cow & The Moon team up to deliver the ultimate date-night situation, complete with burgers, ice cream, booze and a screening of 10 Things I Hate About You. And of course, Good Food Month's ever-popular Night Noodle Markets are back for another season, taking over Hyde Park from October 4. Along with a tasty assortment of over 40 street food stalls, and a program of performers, live acts and DJs, this year's edition also features a pop-up stall showcasing a rotation of the city's hottest chefs and eateries. For those not wanting to spend heaps of cash, the affordable Let's Do Lunch returns, allowing punters to dine at Good Food hatted restaurants for only $45 — which includes a lunch main and wine or beer. Tickets to Sydney Good Food Month are on sale from 9am Tuesday, July 30, via the website. Image: Night Noodle Markets, Letícia Almeida; Hyde Park Palms, Nikki To; Pasta Battle, Griffin Simm
It has won 11 Tony Awards. It's one of the Obamas' favourite musicals. A filmed version of its Broadway production was nominated for several Golden Globes. Now Lin-Manuel Miranda's game-changing musical Hamilton is finally making its way to Australia, with its Sydney Lyric Theatre season kicking off on March 17 — and, if you're as keen to attend as its namesake was about American politics in the 18th century, you just might be able to nab yourself a cheap ticket. As happened with The Book of Mormon before it — and is presently happening with Harry Potter and the Cursed Child's current Melbourne season, too — a ticket lottery is being held for Hamilton. And, this one is cheap. Very cheap, in fact. Via Today Tix, you can sign up for your chance to score a ticket for just $10. Yes, that figure is accurate. You won't want to throw away your shot to see the most talked-about musical of the decade for less than the price of a cocktail. To take part in the lottery, you will need to download the Today Tix app — which is available for iOS and Android — and submit your entry each Friday for the next week's performances. The lottery will go live at 12.01am every Friday morning, starting from March 5, with winners drawn between 1–6pm on the following Thursday. If your name is selected, you'll have an hour to claim your tickets from when you receive the good news. If you need a reminder, you can also sign up for lottery alerts via Today Tix, too. [caption id="attachment_731122" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Joan Marcus[/caption] The critically acclaimed hip hop musical, for which Miranda wrote the music, lyrics and the book, is about the life of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, as well as inclusion and politics in current-day America. As well as its 11 Tony Awards, which include Best Musical, it has nabbed a Grammy Award and even a Pulitzer Prize. After hitting Broadway in 2015, then West End in 2017, Australians are finally getting their turn. Usually, tickets will set you back $70–250 a pop — so the $10 lottery really is an absolute bargain. There's no word yet on whether Hamilton will head to other Aussie cities later on. It's possible, as other big musicals, such as The Book of Mormons, have. But, if you don't want to risk it, those located interstate should to start planning a trip ASAP — we think it'll be more than worth it. Of course, if you're hoping to make the journey to NSW from elsewhere, you'll want to keep an eye on internal border requirements. This isn't Miranda's first musical to hit Australia, either, with his take on the classic 2000s film Bring It On: The Musical hitting Melbourne in 2018 and quadruple Tony Award-winning In The Heights playing a short season at the Sydney Opera House in 2019. In the meantime, you can watch the filmed version of Hamilton with the original Broadway cast on Disney+ — yes, it's as phenomenal as you've heard. Hamilton will make its Australian premiere at the Sydney Lyric Theatre from Wednesday, March 17–Sunday, September 5, 2021. To enter the Today Tix $10 lottery, download the company's iOS or Android app, and head to the company's website for more information — and to set up an alert. Images: Hamilton, Broadway. Photos by Joan Marcus.
If you find that your temptation to play World of Warcraft greatly outweighs any need to talk to friends, eat food or breathe fresh air, you may be suffering from an addiction to the internet. And now the detrimental effects of spending hours online may be solidified in the American Psychiatric Association's "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders," a widely-cited guide for medical practitioners and others in the field. There are proposals for internet addiction to be classified as a substance-related disorder in the manual, which is due to be published again in mid-2013. This proposal is hardly surprising, given that a recent survey of 250 people in the journal Psychological Studies found that people had a greater urge to check Facebook than have a cigarette or alcoholic beverage. So how can we do we classify somebody as a certified internet addict? Many of us use the internet for hours on end, either for leisure or employment purposes. Dr. Jerald L. Block stated in the American Journal of Psychiatry that symptoms include "excessive use... withdrawal... and negative repercussions, including arguments, lying, poor achievement, social isolation, and fatigue." Oh no. Sounds like me on weekdays. If internet addiction is indeed classified as a mental illness, it will be interesting to see how this affects the community at large. Will more people begin to blame their crimes and failures on the crippling need to get a fix of Facebook? If so, how will the legal system respond to this new-found mental illness? Furthermore, it will be interesting to see how one gets cured of internet addiction. Maybe a healthy dose of television will do the trick.
Remember the animation devices of ancient times, such as the zoetrope, praxinoscope and phenakistoscope? No, of course you don't. Fortunately, we have artist and technician Richard Balzer, who has taken it upon himself to perform the necessary updates. For more than 30 years, he has been dipping into cabinets of curiosity and combing through flea markets in order to find detailed drawings, diagrams and photographs from the old world and breathe new life into them through the popular gif image. From an early fascination with the magic lantern, Balzer has accumulated a comprehensive collection of optic toys and illustrations. These forms of visual entertainment were originally developed as an attempt to better understand the functioning of the eye and the brain. Enthralled by the phenomenon of illusory movement, Balzer has spent the last five years curating a virtual museum, bringing the image-making magic of these devices to the web. Peruse the catalogue and uncover innumerable psychedelic head-spinners, from galloping devils to backflipping knights in armour to monstrous faces swallowing and re-swallowing each other. Balzer's aim is simply to share his passion with as wide an audience as possible, whilst preserving and digitising an art archive on the verge of being forgotten. Via psfk and Colossal.
Established in 1987 by composer-violinist Alexander Balanescu, the Balanescu Quartet claim to have "a sensibility nearer to a band than a classical group". The long-standing ensemble have a pretty rock 'n' roll reputation in the contemporary musical world, having spent around 25 years challenging traditional expectations about the limits of what a string quartet can do, or should do. They're known for their dynamic, energetic (some might say hypnotic) live performances, and they've collaborated with everyone from Pina Bausch to Kate Bush. They're especially famous for their complicated Kraftwerk covers, which featured on their album Possessed. This particular show is a performance of their 2005 album Maria T, which is inspired by the legendary Romanian folk singer Maria Tanase and actually uses some of her original recordings. To provide a visual as well as aural feast, the quartet are collaborating with Austrian video artist Klaus Obermaier. So maybe take advantage of the hall's amazing acoustics and embrace a one-night-only opportunity to catch a unique string quartet at the peak of their game. https://youtube.com/watch?v=aENrG-STVx4
It has been almost three months since Queensland closed its borders to Greater Sydney, making the Sunshine State off limits to residents of specific local government areas in the New South Wales capital. Over that period, the status of Queensland's borders has changed multiple times — as it has throughout much of 2020 — including shutting out all of NSW, then reopening to areas down to Byron Bay. But Sydneysiders won't be able to make the trip up north anytime soon. Today, Friday, October 30, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced that Queensland will remain closed to folks from 32 local government areas in Sydney. On the list: Bayside, Blacktown, Burwood, Camden, Campbelltown, Canada Bay, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Hornsby, Hunters Hill, Inner West, Ku-Ring-Gai, Lane Cove, Liverpool, Mosman, North Sydney, Northern Beaches, Parramatta, Penrith, Randwick, Ryde, Strathfield, Sutherland Shire, Sydney, The Hills Shire, Waverley, Willoughby, Wollondilly, Woollahra and Sydney Harbour (Unincorporated). The Queensland border will also remain shut to people in Victoria, covering the entire state. In good news for NSW residents outside of Sydney, however — and for Queenslanders keen to head to parts of the state without quarantining upon their return — Premier Palaszczuk also revealed that the Sunshine State will open up to the rest of NSW come 1am on Tuesday, November 3. The announcement arrives a day before Queensland's next state election, which takes place on Saturday, October 31. Back in August, Premier Palaszczuk had already noted that the state was unlikely to reopen its borders to Victoria and Sydney until there has been no community transmission in those areas, so today's news wasn't unexpected. https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1321968426349256704 Going into detail about the decision, Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said "it is all about numbers. There are 4.8 million people who live in those 32 LGAs in Sydney. They are the risk, they are the ones moving around". She also noted that there have not been any cases in the past 28 days outside of those 32 LGAs, hence the move to open Queensland up to the rest of NSW. If you're a Queenslander now keen on a southern getaway, you can do so by flying via Sydney airport at Mascot — and that isn't counted as entering one of the 32 LGAs. But you can only travel through the airport, flying in and then flying out to somewhere outside of Greater Sydney. If you go anywhere else in the city, the quarantine rules come into effect upon your return back north. Whichever way you're heading — whether you're a NSW resident from outside of Greater Sydney who is keen to come to Queensland, or a resident of the latter eager to venture beyond the state's borders for a bit and then come home — you will still need a border pass. It isn't required to leave the state, but NSW folks will need one to enter and Queenslanders will need one to come back. To obtain a pass, you'll need to apply online, with each one valid for seven days. Regarding when Queensland might open to Greater Sydney, Dr Young said that she couldn't predict a date. "I genuinely do not know — it depends what happens with the virus. We are learning more and more about it every day. And what we are learning is that it is actually very contagious so we just have to look at the evidence, and I look at the evidence every single day, seven days a week, and work out what is the best advice." For more information about Queensland's border policies, head to the Queensland Government website.
The 79th Annual Wee Waa Show, while 'a highlight of the district calendar', was never destined to be more than a warm up for the big 'eight oh' in 2014. We all knew this. Of course, the 'Wee Waa Has Talent' contest (alongside the showgirl, wood chop and mouse racing competitions) is always a riot. And let's not forget the demolition derby! But the 80th Annual Wee Waa Show was the party on everyone's mind. Then along came two helmeted Frenchmen, whose music has been described as "a dafty punky thrash", with an announcement that would shake Wee Waa (and the entire internet) for weeks to come. Their new record Random Access Memories, out May 21 through Columbia Records, will be launched at the festival on the evening of Friday May 17. The global release party for Daft Punk's first studio album in eight years... in Wee Waa. And, unless you're already locked in as a 'wool steward' or wood chop competitor, chances are you missed out on the 4,000 tickets that were released and exhausted in April. But read on, oh readers, for we may have good news for the desperate Daft-devotees among you. Concrete Playground is giving readers the chance to win ten (!) tickets to the Daft Punk album launch at the Wee Waa Show. That's right, one lucky reader will get to take 9 of their friends along to the most hyped album launch OF ALL TIME. To go in the running, enter your details below. The competition is now closed. Congratulations to our winner, Bianca Macliver.
While Messina's main jam is crafting supremely scoffable varieties of gelato, the brand's love of food extends far beyond the freezer. Back before the pandemic, the cult gelateria would team up with a savoury-focused culinary hero every couple of months, then throw a big ol' food party in the car park at its Rosebery headquarters to celebrate the collaboration. For the next edition of the series, the Messina team is teaming up with an old Rosebery favourite, Ricos Tacos, who will be returning to its old stomping ground outside of Messina HQ for a two-night pop-up. Ricos used to call the Rosebery car park home, before setting up a permanent brick-and-mortar restaurant in Chippendale. Taco King Toby Wilson and co will be serving up their fan favourite tacos and hash browns on Friday, July 22 and Saturday, July 23, with some top-notch desserts. The tacos come in sets of two with fried fish, beef, mixed mushroom and pork carnitas varieties on offer. The beef and mushroom sets are birria tacos, so you'll score a hot beef or mushroom consomé for dipping on the side. Finishing things up are hot fried churros paired with salted dulce de leche or Messina hot chocolate with a toasted cinnamon marshmallow. The pop-up will open from midday each day and stay open until late.
How do you capture the essence of a pub in a drink? How do you make sipping a cocktail conjure up the feeling of hanging out in a hotel's front bar, with your feet almost glued to the carpet and the unmistakable smell of beer in the air? How do you whip up a spirit that pays tribute to an iconic Australian watering hole that's closing in on a century and a half of pouring beverages, too? These are the questions that Four Pillars is answering with its Sticky Carpet Gin. This tipple dates back to 2018, when it arrived as a boozy ode to the legendary haunt that is The Espy in St Kilda in Melbourne. First, you could only try it in cocktails at the pub it was inspired by. Then, it became available by the bottle in 2019, but only as a limited release. Now, Four Pillars has brought it back — and also given it some tinkering. The Healesville distillery had one aim from the outset with its Sticky Carpet Gin: capturing the spirit of a venue that's meant many different things to different people for many, many years. Four Pillars co-founder and distiller Cameron Mackenzie's first effort was such a success that it's become the gin that more folks request to be brought back than any other of the brand's gin. Start saying cheers to Sticky Carpet Gin again, then, given that it's back in Four Pillars' online store now. The new version of the tipple still wants to give everyone that's sipping it an unmistakable pub feel. This time, however, Mackenzie has swapped out roasted dark stout for using Little Creatures Pale Ale in the gin's base. The beer goes into the still with juniper, coriander, barley, cassia, macadamia nuts, orris root, lemon myrtle, honey, lavender, ginger and lemon peel, plus the base spirit. Also, hops hang in a bag over it to extract the aromatics. "The Little Creatures brewers have made a beer that is the benchmark for American-style pale ale, with slightly tropical and resin-y flavours, like Sierra Nevada, my fave US beer," said Mackenzie. "In a way, this is the closest we've come to making a Jenever-style of gin. It's a dense canvas of resin-y juniper with deep brown spice notes. There's a chewy, malty hop character that hangs onto the macadamia nut and it's a touch fruity with bright citrus notes, too. As well as buying Sticky Carpet Gin online for your gin shrine or getting it from Four Pillars in-person — it retails at $88 for a 700-millilitre bottle — it's on offer at The Winery in Surry Hills in Sydney; both The Regatta and Riverland in Brisbane; Yarra Botanica, The Espy (of course) and Garden State Hotel in Melbourne; and the Claremont in Perth. The Espy is also hosting a free launch party on Wednesday, April 17 from 6pm, complete with free gin and tonics upon arrival. You'll need to nab a complimentary ticket to attend, however — and you'll catch live sets from Floodlights and Back Pocket as well. For those knocking it back at home, Four Pillars recommends using Sticky Carpet Gin in a new twist on the G&T called Sticky and Tonic, in a boozy pink lemonade spider, with cordial, or as part of a lemon, lime and bitters sour. Four Pillars Sticky Carpet Gin is available to purchase online, from Four Pillars in-person, and from select bars — head to the distillery's website for more details.
Do the drab walls of your over-priced office space make you cry a little inside every weekday? Does working from home make you realise that there is such a thing as a too comfortable workspace? Meet the co-working space: fashionable cousin to working from home and a place that has seen a slew of small businesses and organisations sharing spaces and experiences, all while saving some dosh. Hub Australia is one such space that is opening its Sydney doors for free and, to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week, they're allowing you to experience what it's like to have a pretty-looking space to while away the working day. Suss out the Hub kitchen on an office tour, get a taste of the shared office life with networking sessions and workshops, and listen to talks from guest presenters and experts on all things innovation. Participants will even be invited to the Hub's weekly, sufficiently self-explanatory 'Wine Down' from 5pm onwards. Fuel your office envy and register for free here. Image: The HUB Melbourne
"Well sir, there's no easy way to say this. Your wife isn't who she says she is." So starts the just-dropped full trailer for the fifth season of Fargo, the anthology TV show inspired by the big-screen Coen brothers masterpiece. Spinning blackly comedic crime tales just like the movie, this series charts a different caper with each go-around — and enlists a different cast, too — with the wife being spoken about here played by Ted Lasso's Juno Temple. Like season one, two and the movie, Fargo season five spends its time in Minnesota and North Dakota. The year: 2019. Dorothy 'Dot' Lyon (Temple) is the otherwise-ordinary person falling afoul of the law, or so it seems. Indeed, as her husband Wayne (David Rysdahl, Oppenheimer) learns, she not an average Midwestern housewife. And, as also seen in two prior sneak peeks, there's plenty more to this story. With Jon Hamm (Good Omens) also starring as Roy Tillman, the North Dakota Sheriff (and preacher) on Dot's trail, this tale is set to get twisty fast — and also include a heap of other familiar faces. Joining Temple, Hamm and Rysdahl: Jennifer Jason Leigh (Hunters), Joe Keery (Stranger Things), Lamorne Morris (Woke), Richa Moorjani (Never Have I Ever), Sam Spruell (The Gold) and Dave Foley (The Kids in the Hall). In a case of spectacular casting, Keery will put his famous hair to good use as Tillman's son Gator, in a franchise that also loves unpacking the ties of blood that bind and cause chaos. Spruell plays a drifter who is enlisted to help on the search for Dot, while Leigh hops onboard as Wayne's mother, aka the 'Queen of Debt' thanks to being a debt collection company CEO — and Foley plays her in-house counsel. Among the cops, there's Moorjani as a deputy from Minnesota and Morris as a North Dakota counterpart. Oh you betcha there's accents, crime capers, dedicated cops, and people doing dark deeds for selfish reasons and then getting karmic comeuppance, with Fargo season five arriving in Australia via SBS On Demand on Wednesday, November 22. 2023 marks almost a decade since writer, director and producer Noah Hawley leapt from Bones, The Unusuals and My Generation to diving back into crime in often-frosty American places with sly laughs. The first two seasons arrived back to back in 2014 and 2015, with season three then following in 2017 and season four in 2020. Now, after another three-year gap, the show returns with another new story and cast, but still set in the same world as the Fargo movie. Check out the full trailer for Fargo season five below: Fargo season five will start streaming via SBS On Demand on Wednesday, November 22. Images: Michelle Faye/FX.
A smart, self-effacing send-up of the entertainment industry, Top Five, like most of Rock’s best material, feels at least partly autobiographical. Rock plays Andre Allen, a comedian turned Hollywood superstar and recovering alcoholic, best known for his role in the million-dollar Hammy the Bear franchise. Unfortunately, Allen’s funny bone has been blunted since going sober, and his first attempt at a ‘serious’ film — playing Haitian slave revolutionary Dutty Boukman — is shaping up to be a box-office bomb. Even more out of control is his upcoming televised wedding, to Kardashian-esque reality star Erica Long (Gabrielle Union). Enter Chelsea Brown (Rosario Dawson), a sardonic, whip-smart writer for the New York Times, who’s been assigned to profile Allen over the course of a single day. Although initially suspicious of Brown and the Times, whose resident film critic has made a career out of tearing his movies to shreds, Allen soon finds himself opening up to the writer, as the pair begin to trade stories while walking around NYC. Top Five (©2015 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.) is in cinemas on March 12, and thanks to Paramount Pictures, we have ten double in-season passes to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter and then email us with your name and address. Read our full review here. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au
Having won the Audience Award for Best Documentary at both the Sydney Film Festival and Melbourne International Film Festival in 2010, Bill Cunningham New York is finally landing in Australian cinemas on November 3. Directed by Richard Press, the documentary follows the life and work of 80-year old Bill Cunningham, photographer for The New York Times and candid fashion icon. For decades he has documented the world's fashion trends through his lens, and subsequently become one of the best renowned street photographers of all time, becoming king of his craft while The Sartorialist and Garance Doré were still running around in nappies. Bill Cunningham New York highlights the man's work in one of the world's busiest fashion capitals. Cunningham captures both the elegance of high fashion and the eccentricity of downtown street culture beautifully. What results is a visually stimulating piece of cinema that represents Bill and the Big Apple. His impressive catalogue of work has been treated as a testament to the changing nature of fashion trends throughout the last century. Notable American icons Anna Wintour, Tom Wolfe, Brooke Astor and David Rockefeller all appear in the film. More than just a showcase of fashion, Bill Cunningham New York takes a deep insight into the history behind the man responsible for such stunning images. It reveals his relationship with celebrities and the public, his often secretive personal life and the reasons behind his fascination with clothing and culture. Thanks to Madman Entertainment, Concrete Playground has ten double passes to giveaway. To win tickets to see Bill Cunningham New York, just make sure you are subscribed to Concrete Playground then email your name and postal address through to hello@concreteplayground.com.au https://youtube.com/watch?v=NYqiLJBXbss
Anchoring Sydney Festival 2012 are some international heavyweights from the world of theatre. A text that has survived some four hundred years of stirring outrage and distaste — John Ford's 'Tis Pity She's a Whore, a tragedy of only-incest-will-do proportions — will be performed by one of the world's most well-known and sprightly theatre companies, Cheek by Jowl, and directed by one of the company's founders, Declan Donnellan. Frantic Assembly and the National Theatre of Scotland have teamed with playwright Bryony Lavery to create Beautiful Burnout, a show that promises to pull you into the intense and masculine world of boxing in much the same way their 2008 Sydney Festival hit Black Watch pulled you into the intense and masculine world of the military. The dance front is particularly well fortified, as choreographers Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui and Damien Jalet join forces with sculptor Antony Gormley for Babel; Chunky Move and Victorian Opera present the wondrously crowded Assembly; Wesley Enoch directs the frantic fusion of new Aboriginal expression that is I Am Eora; and Kate Champion premieres her new work with the Sydney Theatre Company, Never Did Me Any Harm, a journey into parental fears and the unexamined consequences of family life. In the Spiegeltent, they've declared Meow Meow's Little Match Girl the successor to the endlessly popular Smoke and Mirrors, while moving towards the fringes, you'll find the likes of A History of Everything from fearless Belgian explorers Ontroerend Goed (last here for Once and for All We're Gonna Tell You Who We Are so Shut Up and Listen), and the sweetly whimsical journey into one man's basement that is L'Effet de Serge. The circus, meanwhile, is pitching its tent in Parramatta: all-Aussie Briefs in the Spiegeltent offshoot and surreal Czech pub characters La Putyka at Riverside Theatres. One of the festival's biggest drawcards is a lone man with a preternatural storytelling ability that draws in millions of worldwide listeners each week to what is often considered a tired old medium: National Public Radio's This American Lifehost Ira Glass will be mixing stories with a twist at Sydney Town Hall for one night only. Back to Main Page
Lean in to winter, forget about being cosy and snug indoors for just one day and head to Australia's highest peak — Mount Kosciuszko. This chilly season, Thredbo's got you sorted for an energetic, sub-zero (but hot on the scale of 'you should be there') adventure with Kosci in Your Cossies. Warning: this is not an event for those who feel the cold easily. The free event starts at the Bullwheel Bar & Bistro (at the top of the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift) and winds up at The Alpine Bar. Brace yourself and strip down to just a pair of Kosciuszko Pale Ale x Budgy Smugglers and whiz on down the mountain. After your snow ride, you'll head inside the bar to warm the cockles of your heart and all the bits of you that went down the mountain uncovered. You'll also receive a beanie for your valiant efforts. Once you've recovered, stick around for the Kosci Apres Party, with drink specials, a DJ set from Joyride and a live performance from Groove City. From 2–7.30pm, you'll be able to watch the sunset over the mountains as you sip a well-deserved cold one. And after the after party, there's the Kosciuszko Pale Ale Banger Party in Keller Bar post-9pm, also featuring Joyride and Groove City — because why stop the kick-ons? Kosci in Your Cossies is free, but registration is required and can be done so here. Registration is only open to persons 18 years or older. For more information visit the Kosci in Your Cossies Facebook event or the Thredbo website. Image: Mount Kosciuszko. Remember to Drinkwise.
It's almost that time of year, somehow. Christmas is fast approaching, winter is behind us, both New South Wales and Victoria have announced their plans for transitioning out of lockdown, and you're probably thinking about your summer shenanigans. While we don't know exactly when jetting overseas might become an option again for Australians just yet — other than likely at the 80-percent fully vaxxed rate — many Aussies can still make plans to roam around parts of this country we all call home. Border rules remain in place due to NSW and Victoria's COVID-19 outbreaks; however, for plenty of Australians, a trip to the Northern Territory is not only possible but comes with an extra incentive. Last year, the NT Government and its tourism body launched the NT Summer Sale campaign, which offered discounts on trips to Australia's Red Centre and Top End. To all of the Northern Territory, actually. This year, it's doing the same, but with two caveats. Firstly, the special is only open to Aussies who've had both their jabs. So, it joins the growing list of offers, giveaways and discounts that reward people who've rolled up their sleeves — and encourage those who haven't yet. It's also the first vaccine incentive by an Australian tourism body. Secondly, to take advantage of the discount, you'll need to come from a non-hotspot part of the country as deemed by Territory officials. That currently rules out all of NSW and large parts of Victoria — but the 2021–22 NT Summer Sale does run from Friday, October 1, 2021–Thursday, March 31, 2022, so it's possible that Sydney and Melbourne won't be on the NT's hotspot list for that entire period. What's on offer? For each $1000 you spend up to $5000, you'll receive a $200 discount. It maxes out at $1000 off, but that's still 20 percent off the price. The discounts are available for a number of things too, covering plenty of essential elements of every holiday. You can use them on flights, accommodation, tours and attractions, and vehicle hire. You will need to both book and travel between that six-month October–March period, though. The other big stipulation: you'll need to book through one of Tourism NT's campaign partners to score the discount. They include retailers such as Holidays of Australia, Helloworld Travel & Viva Holidays and NT Now. If you've always been meaning to make the trip — and you've had both Uluru and its incredible Field of Light installation on your must-see list for ages — here's a mighty fine excuse to put those dreams into action. Border-wise, it's best to keep an eye on the NT Government's coronavirus hub for the current rules — and any future changes, For further details about the NT Summer Sale campaign — which will be on sale between Friday, October 1, 2021–Thursday, March 31, 2022 for travel within the same period — head to the Tourism NT website. Top image: Tourism NT, Kyle Hunter and Hayley Anderson.
The Killers are taking a shot at the night, Satellite Stories are letting the lights go low and Cruiser want you to kidnap them. So kick off those work-week blues and listen to these five tracks to soundtrack your weekend. 1. 'SHOT AT THE NIGHT' - THE KILLERS This is a new direction for The Killers. It retains the anthem attributes fans love, but it presents a new element to their sound, courtesy of production by Anthony Gonzalez of M83 fame. It is like the two bands had a sonic love child, and this is it. It is a wonderful way to celebrate the Las Vegas quartet's tenth anniversary and is one of two new tracks to be featured on a greatest hits (so far) album, with 'Just Another Girl' also due to drop soon. The album Direct Hits will be released globally on November 11 so let this tide you over in the meantime. 2. 'BED PEACE' - JHENE AIKO FEAT. CHILDISH GAMBINO This is the smoothest song I have ever heard. Jhene Aiko's gentle vocals perfectly compliment Childish Gambino — otherwise known as Donald Glover — and his playful voice. When layered over the top of the simple R&B vibe it creates a song that is both graceful and sexy. You can play it to fall asleep, when you bring someone home or just on a lazy Sunday. This is an angelic song for all occasions. 3. 'LIGHTS GO LOW' - SATELLITE STORIES Satellite Stories have been receiving a lot of deserved hype lately. The Finnish band's sound has drawn a number of comparisons to Two Door Cinema Club, but there is one difference — they sound like they could be even better. Now that is saying something, as Two Door Cinema Club is this writer's favourite band. However, they just have an excellent understanding of the music they are trying to make, resulting in tracks like this that your ears will love you for offering to them. 4. 'KIDNAP ME' - CRUISER Cruiser is Philadelphia native Andy Stykes and he could not have dropped this summer-sounding track at a better time. So as the sun begins to heat things up, soak up this track's resplendent musical rays and please do not kidnap Cruiser. We need him to continue making music and his ransom would be far too high given how good this new track is. 5. 'DAWN' - CLOUD BEHIND Cloud Behind are a band from Thailand that make truly beautiful music. 'Dawn' is an excellent showcasing of their talent and has perfect timing, starting slowly before building momentum into a heartwarming ending. This is the type of music that accompanies life-changing decisions in indie movies so pop it on and see what epiphanies come your way.
When the ancient Greeks dreamt up democracy many moons ago, they surely knew their labour of political love would reap plentiful rewards for humanity — barbecuable rewards. Why else would our society have evolved so deliciously to the point where Election Day is synonymous with hot snags in bread? Yep, here in Australia, voting and sausage sizzles go together like Q&A and provocative tweets. But thanks to a bit of ingenious technology, you don't have to simply cross your fingers and hope your local voting booth is one of the ones firing up the barbie on voting day. There's a nifty online map that'll tell you exactly where to find those glorious democracy snags. The Democracy Sausage website crowdsources data from social media sites, as well as from direct audience submissions, to map out the polling places that feature sausage sizzles and other food and drink offerings. While the site has offered a comprehensive sausage database for various elections since 2016, it's currently getting a run for the upcoming 2022 federal election, which takes place this Saturday, May 21. [caption id="attachment_839440" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elliott Kramer[/caption] Jump onto the map to easily identify which polling places will be slinging sausage sizzles, cake stalls, bacon and egg rolls, and coffee. You'll even spy separate icons marking those spots that are serving vegetarian food and halal options. According to the website's own stats, there are currently 722 polling places confirmed to feature sausage sizzles for this weekend's voting, with more to come. Of course, since the map is built largely off community intel, it's not entirely exhaustive — if you've got some goss about sausage sizzle locations, you can help by sharing it with the team via a direct message or tweeting #democracysausage. If you're a diehard fan of the humble Election Day snag, you'll also find a selection of snag-related merch available on Democracy Sausage's Redbubble online store. Of course, if you're one of the many Aussies who took advantage of early voting or postal voting for this election, you might have to settle for a Woolies run and a home-cooked homage to that democracy sausage instead. To plot your sausage haul during the federal election on Saturday, May 21, head over on the Democracy Sausage website. Top image: Jonathan Taylor, via Unsplash.
The premiere Australian festival of journalism and storytelling is back in Sydney, and this year Storyology 2017 expands north to Brisbane, too. Brought to you by The Walkley Foundation, you could win a chance to network and mingle with journalists from Australia and abroad as they address today's big questions about the forever-changing industry. What will newsrooms look like as new technologies arise and develop? How does one go about turning their stories into successful podcasts? How has the 'Trump Effect' impacted media outside of the US? Topics like these and many more will be discussed in conversations lead by Buzzfeed and Google executives, Pulitzer Prize-winning critics and journalists flying in from across the world. The Sydney lineup includes founding editor of The Wire, Siddharth Varadarajan, and Boston Globe art critic, Sebastian Smee, and in Brisbane, we'll hear from 2015 Gold Walkley winner at Four Corners, Caro Meldrum-Hanna, and Kerry O'Brien, one of Australia's most notable journalists. The festival first kicks off in Brisbane on Thursday, August 24 with Storyology After Dark for a 'night of great yarns', then makes its way to Sydney on Wednesday, August 30, where it finishes up with the Storyology Social on Thursday, August 31 — a celebration of all the issues, ideas and stories discussed throughout. We have a full festival pass for two to giveaway in both Sydney and Brisbane. For your chance to win, enter your details below. [competition]630459[/competition]
For five years between 2005–2010, David Tennant played one of the most iconic roles there is; however, he'll never just be known for his work on Doctor Who. Since stepping out of the TARDIS, the British actor has been filling his resume with supremely interesting parts. Miniseries Deadwater Fell is the latest — and yes, if you've spotted that Tennant has become very comfortable in crime thrillers, drama and mysteries, you're completely right. Here, he plays Tom Kendrick, a doctor in a Scottish village who is also the only survivor when his home catches ablaze. Over four tense episodes, the twisty series explores the events and aftermath, including its impact upon the local community. It's not all what it seems, of course, which goes with the territory. In terms of actual terrain, the show is set in a fictional town, but expect to feast your eyes on plenty of scenic Scottish sights.
Dancing in a crowded room while tunes are piped directly into everyone's ears via wireless headphones? That's yesterday's news. Today, it's all about skating on ice while doing the same. Or, at Sydney's first Silent Disco Ice Skating Festival, it will be from September 23 to 29. Taking place at Central Park Mall's Chippendale Green, the event really shouldn't need much explanation — but here goes. You'll glide around on the ice pretending that you're in Blades of Glory, Ice Princess or the three-strong The Cutting Edge film series, all while two live DJs play everything from old school classics to newly released tracks, and you listen in via your own personal head-set. While ice skating at the pop-up venue is an all-day affair, with the rink opening at 10am daily, the space doesn't turn into a silent disco until 4pm each afternoon. The 45-minute sessions are limited to 45 participants at any one time, and kick off on the hour, every hour. Oh, and they're free, so expect them to be rather busy. Generations in the future, we'll tell our kids about a time when people moved in public to music that even passersby could hear, and they won't believe us. Other than offering a whole lotta fun, the Silent Disco Ice Skating Festival might also answer the question we know you're now pondering: if you fall over at a silent ice skating fest, can anyone hear you scream? The Silent Disco Ice Skating Festival takes place from September 23 to 29 at Chippendale Green, Central Park Mall, 28 Broadway, Chippendale. For more information, visit the event website.
This Saturday, October 29, what will you be doing? If the answer isn't celebrating the Mexican Day of the Dead holiday, then you might have to re-evaluate your plans because Espolón Tequila is having a party on the last Saturday of October. The traditional Day of the Dead holiday actually runs over two separate days on November 1 and 2, when it's believed that the souls of those who have passed to the underworld can come back to visit. Families in Mexico and Latin America (and around the world) come together to welcome their loved ones back with their favourite food, drinks, candles, flowers and incense to celebrate the meaningful holiday. Espolón tequila is handcrafted and distilled by artisans in the Los Altos region of Mexico, which makes it the perfect drink to celebrate the Day of the Dead with. The celebration at Taylor's kicks off at 8pm — that's when they'll start mixing up a whole menu of margaritas. It's free to attend — and they'll have Day of the Dead face painters on hand to help you out with an authentic costume.
