Category: LIFESTYLE

Why you’re due a visit to Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle

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Updated: 16/11/2022

If wedding dresses and renowned designers are in your wheelhouse, then news of Princess Beatrice’s wedding dress available at Windsor Castle is just what you need. The dress is well-and-truly steeped in history and tradition, having been designed by the renowned British fashion designer Sir Norman Hartnell, the dress was loaned to Her Royal Highness by Her Majesty The Queen for her wedding to Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi on 17 July 2020. It is made of ivory peau de soie taffeta, and the skirt is trimmed with a band of ivory duchesse satin. The dress is an example of Hartnell’s signature crinoline silhouette and love of embellishment, as seen in the geometric hand embroidery in crystals and diamantés over the bodice, waist and hips. And that’s not even the half of it; with an entire life story all its own, the dress is only one of the most exciting things to see at the famed palace, open all year. Book tickets and make your plans to visit at the Windsor Castle website.

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

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If only you can see how powerful women are leading us out of the pandemic this International Women’s Day

Women work

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Updated: 08/03/2021

While reading a recent Forbes article entitled “Do Women Make Better Leaders In A Pandemic? Don’t Trust The Data,” I was reminded of my Anthropology 101 professor telling us that “data do not exist.” In fact, out-of-context data points have no meaning. Our brains have a fascinating ability to only see what we want to see and those usually are those facts that support our own story. It has little to do with what is evidence-based research or “factually supported” data.  Furthermore, we are usually the hero in our story, so we keep searching for data that makes us feel secure and certain of what to expect. Nancy Doyle, the author of the Forbes article, would like us to rethink the arguments that have emerged praising the way in which women have led their countries’ responses to the pandemic brought on by the coronavirus. Whether they are presidents or prime ministers, such as  Angela Merkel in Germany, Prime Minister Erna Solberg in Norway and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in New Zealand, and elsewhere all across the globe, people are linking the success of their country’s response to the virus with the style of these female leaders. Articles claim that they were decisive in their decisions, used scientists and brought together experts, relied on technology in innovative ways, and rallied their country’s people to believe that their quarantines and sacrifice were the right approach – and in fact their countries results were far better than those of male-led countries, be it the US or Brazil or… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE

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What pandemic pounds? The future of home gyms is here

Vitruvian fitness

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Posted: 02/09/2020

Exercise is single-handedly one of the best things you can do for yourself, with research showing its ability to improve a myriad of physical traits, increase cognitive function and better your mood. With the advent of home equipment such as Resistance Bands or the TRX Suspension trainers, one can create a dynamic workout within our ever-busy work schedules. But a pitfall of these workouts is that often they can get stale for a user classically to them not being challenging enough of lacking variation. Training Fundamentals As a sport scientist, successful training should consist of 3 key elements: 1) Progressive Overload through challenging stimuli, 2) Engagement – for a user for continued adherence and 3) Measurement – as quantification is vital for progression and ultimately achieving results. These three elements culminate to facilitate progress and reaching a specified goal hence is an essential consideration when embarking in purposeful training. To make it easier to follow, I’ve also underlined some key points within each category so you can adapt it to your training even if you don’t have the Vitruvian Form. The Future is Here: Viturivian Form Trainer There’s a new player on the block the Vitruvian Form or V-Form for short, using an innovative take to home training within a sleek, compact design that can be easily stored and set up in literally minutes. The V-Form Trainer blending precision engineering with the forefront of sports science brings a training medium that was once only accessible to elite athletes into your living room and within the… Read More

Category: HEALTH & FITNESS, LIFESTYLE

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National Gallery London: Artemisia Gentileschi is back with more

Artemisia Gentileschi

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Updated: 16/11/2022

The National Gallery London first announced the display of some work by the famed Italian female artist, Artemisia back in 2019 and now, she’s back again. At a time when female artists were not easily accepted, Artemisia Gentileschi was exceptional. Her career spanned more than 40 years and she gained fame and admiration across Europe, counting leading rulers among her patrons. She was the first woman to gain membership to the artists’ academy in Florence.  Although Artemisia was greatly admired during her lifetime, she was essentially rediscovered in the 20th century. Certain elements of her biography – particularly her rape as a young woman and the torture she endured during the trial that followed – have sometimes overshadowed discussions about her artistic achievements, but today she is recognised as one of the most gifted painters of the Italian Baroque period. Her art and life continue to inspire novels, films, documentaries, musical and theatrical productions. The earliest work in the exhibition will be her first signed and dated work, Susannah and the Elders (1610, Kunstsammlungen Graf von Schönborn, Pommersfelden) painted when she was just 17. Artemisia returned to this subject throughout her career, approaching its story afresh with each retelling, and her last-known painting, of the same subject, dating from 42 years later, will also be included in the exhibition (Susannah and the Elders, 1652, Polo Museale dell’Emilia Romagna, Collezioni della Pinacoteca Nazionale, Bologna). Arranged chronologically and complete with supporting texts, documents and other gathered works, the exhibition is not one to miss. Book in advance at the… Read More

Category: ART, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

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ACO Transfigured – The Australian Chamber Orchestra is bringing back live performances

Australian chamber orchestra

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Updated: 16/11/2022

The Australian Chamber Orchestra will return to the concert hall for the first time in six months to present ‘ACO Transfigured’, a limited week-long season performed in front of a live audience. It’ll be socially distanced and take to the stage at Sydney’s City Recital Hall from 5-11 September 2020.  The Covid pandemic hit the orchestra in a way they couldn’t have predicted, with artistic director Richard Tognetti having retooled and found himself increasingly behind the camera, working to present an innovative and engaging digital season for audiences around the world.  “We have been waiting for this moment since March and are thrilled to be able to share our music with a live audience once again. The COVID-19 pandemic compelled us and orchestras around the world to find new ways to bring music to a world in lockdown. ACO is a national orchestra and although we are grateful that current restrictions allow us to reunite with our audience in Sydney, we will continue to develop and expand our digital offering to reach our audiences across the country and overseas, until we can begin touring again,” he said. The orchestra will perform among other pieces, Mendelssohn’s beloved String Quartet in D major Op.44 No.1 arranged for strings, and Schoenberg’s masterpiece, Verklärte Nacht (‘Transfigured Night’), which will bring the one hour concert with no interval to an exquisite close. See more at the ACO website Tickets start from $59 and will go on sale to ACO Donors and Subscribers 10am Thursday 27 August and to the general public 9am Friday 28… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, MUSIC, SYDNEY

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Aussie music artist Tom Thum understand the importance of good music tech

EfCoCbdU0AIQLdV

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Updated: 16/11/2022

Sennheiser has released a new piece of tech, for those of us obsessed with good sound. They’ve called it the MOMENTUM True Wireless 2 and have even teamed-up with iconic Australian artists; Dami Im, Bag Raiders and Tom Thum, to curate a series of playlists that showcase the latest tracks that inspire each. We spoke to Tom about what’s up with Beat Boxing and how the new Sennheiser tech does his sound a heap of wonder. So beatboxing. Why? It was one of the only instruments I could learn that would keep my hands free enough to be able to fill out applications for real jobs while I was rehearsing. That and I think I am just super hyperactive and really just gravitated to the rehearse anywhere/ anytime nature of it.  How’d you keep occupied during lockdown?  I mixed an album that I have been working on with a symphony orchestra, pressed a 7” and a whole bunch of video projects. Also gardening, talking to the birds in my backyard and just doing things around the house. It’s kind of been nice to just accept it and slow down. As a beatboxer, do you listen to others for inspo, or just do your own thing?  Mainly just do my own thing. I often find that too much outside influence can colour my sound too much. There will be certain things I hear where I like the ideas and want to try something in a similar vein though. I think it’s important to not be totally closed off.  Why did… Read More

Category: FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, TECH & GADGETS

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Emerging art trends during Covid

Art Lumas

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Updated: 26/08/2020

Just when we thought the world as we knew it was over and we’d never be permitted into another art gallery, we spoke to Lumas Galleries Australia and it turns out things have been moving along regardless. There have been some art trends to emerge out of the Covid-19 lockdown pandemic and no one’s mad about it! Exploration, self-discovery, and freedom have long been themes central to artistic expression. As the world tackles the coronavirus pandemic, day by day we’re observing new trends emerging from the art world. These trends apply across the way we consume, produce and engage with the arts & culture sector in powerful ways. One major change is that the way we used to participate with the arts has evolved now that social gatherings are limited or restricted. We can no longer attend art fairs, museums, or attend exhibitions in large numbers. But that doesn’t mean communication, building communities, and expression has stopped. In fact, engagement with arts & culture has arguably increased. As artists, galleries, and other cultural institutions transition into leveraging digital platforms, accessibility to the arts have become easier and more attainable. Creativity knows no bounds. Whether it’s artists using the extra hours in the days staying indoors to produce more art than they have before, or discovering and finding inspiration in the emotional whirlwind of the world we live in today, one thing is clear – contemporary art will continue to evolve and adapt to any circumstance it is faced with. With all this in mind we… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE

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IRIS headphones: The music tech that offers a holistic experience

Iris headphones

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Updated: 16/11/2022

Their own unique creation, the IRIS headphones – new to market as of July – offer something really different. The first of their kind to have inbuilt technology that is proven to increase states of focus, performance and relaxation, as well as creating a fully immersive and ‘live’ listening experience, they’re as unique to use as they are to look at. Complete with state-of-the-art wireless functionality, IRIS incorporates their own game-changing patented technology. It’s all abut dramatically improving the audio experience while offering neurological benefits backed by Mount Sinai’s School of Medicine.  IRIS headphones are also backed by music giants such as Queen’s Sir Roger Taylor as well as the world’s largest independent music and theatrical rights company, Concord. Check them out and people’s testimonials about them here:

Category: FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, TECH & GADGETS

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What’s Withings – and why you need them in your home

Canterbury mens gym fitness rope

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Posted: 29/07/2020

When you’re staring down coast-after-coast of beach upon beach and the desire to get your kit off and enjoy it’s just that bit too strong, then you want to do your best to channel all the confidence and body positivity, right? So, with that in mind, welcome to the scene Withings. They’re tech for life, bringing you connectedness to all the bodily insights you’d want and need. Since 2009, when they revolutionised connected health by launching the world’s first Wi-Fi scale in 2009, they’ve grown – big – all in a moving effort to bring meaningful measures into easy-to-use devices to help people take the right decisions for their health. Today, their ecosystem of connected health devices includes a range of smart scales, stylish activity trackers, a sleep-tracking mat and medical devices such as ECG watch and blood pressure monitors with ECG and digital stethoscope. And more. Here’s what’s the know about some of their top tech. Hybrid Smartwatch for life A competitor to any of the other leading fitness smartwatches out there on the market, the luxury craftsmanship meets smart health tracking is what really sets this apart. It’s been pretty masterfully designed to go with your life, allowing the Steel HR to move with you from the office to the gym and everywhere in-between. Add to that, the perks you’d expect, like heart rate and multisport tracking, a connected GPS to track pace, elevation, distance, water resistance, and your sleep, it gives you the info you need to smash life. Multisport Hybrid smartwatch So, with the same perks… Read More

Category: HEALTH & FITNESS, LIFESTYLE, TECH & GADGETS

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Looking at fully comp or third-party insurance? Minimise your premiums with these tips

Man driving red car

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Posted: 21/07/2020

Shopping around for car insurance isn’t exactly the most exciting thing in the world, however, it’s something every responsible driver must do. It’s easy to think that you’re stuck with the car insurance price you’ve been quoted – click the link for car insurance cover comparisons – but with some careful planning and some simple changes, you can dramatically reduce the cost of your insurance premiums. Here we’ll examine some simple ways you can minimise your insurance premiums, whether you’re looking for third party or comprehensive cover.  Compare, compare, compare!  If you already have a policy in place and you’re due for renewal, don’t just sit there and accept it. By allowing your car insurance policy to roll over every year, you’re simply missing out on the opportunity to save on your cover. As soon as you get your renewal price, speak with your insurance provider to negotiate a better deal. You should also compare your current cover and price online to see what other options are available. Remember, you are not obliged to stay with the same insurance provider year on year – it’s their role to provide you with the cover you need at a price that you can continue to afford.  Take a defensive driving course This one is recommended for new and inexperienced drivers who are likely to be facing high premiums. Which is why taking commendable steps to become a safer and more skilled driver with a defensive driving course is often rewarded by wary insurance companies. Taking an accredited… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE

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