Category: FEATURES

Bohemian Rhapsody will reignite your love for Queen and Freddie Mercury

Rami malek as Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody

Updated: 26/03/2022

It’s the biopic tale to end 2018 about one of the world’s most beloved and renowned bands that ever was, Queen; and its lead-singer Freddie Mercury. And what a tale it is. The Bohemian Rhapsody movie is a masterfully executed story of one of the most effervescent, fabulous, largely closeted and widely beloved singers that took-on the world’s stage and the band that got him there. It’s guaranteed to make you love Queen more than ever before. With Rami Malek (Mr. Robot) taking-on the larger-than-life role of Mercury himself, he pays a respectful, tasteful, hilarious and moving homage to the vocalist who gave us such cracking hits as the movie’s namesake, Bohemian Rhapsody, Need Somebody To Love, Don’t Stop Me Now and We Will Rock You. Complete with prosthetic teeth insert to give him the famed Mercury overbite, Malek does the character, the band and the movie as a whole justice. Even the remaining boys of Queen, Bryan May and Roger Taylor give it all the thumbs-up. The movie is the biopic without being a biopic the world wanted about Mercury that has been a long time coming. It explores the story from Freddie’s perspective of his discovery as a vocalist, the tumultuous relationship he had with his Zoroastrian parents, how he grew to be the character that the public loved and his band loved/hated and his ultimate tragic demise at the hands of the AIDS virus just after the peak of its emergence. The movie is pleasantly peppered – but not overpoweringly – with details of Mercury’s relationship… Read More

Category: FEATURES, LIFESTYLE

Tags: bohemian rhapsody, bohemian rhapsody movie, bohemian rhapsody movie review, freddie mercury, queen, rami malek

Bhoomi is the new exotic Indian restaurant in Glebe that’ll have you hooked

by James Banham

Updated: 26/03/2022

Bhoomi is the step-up for Indian restaurants the cuisine needed. And once you’ve tried it, you’ll know why. Bhoomi has so many elements that all harmoniously come together in the semi-recessed bunker restaurant on Glebe Point Road in Glebe, it’s no wonder it gets as busy as it does. They’re playing along with the whole Indian colonial-era war bunker theme in terms of the restaurant’s situation, which surprisingly, wasn’t purpose-built and already existed in the space. Exposed brickwork makes the bulk of the aesthetic of the restaurant, split into a little bit of a maze of two large dining rooms, punctuated with looming columns, partition walls, purple fluorescent lighting and a divine concave ceiling that really give you the sense of being hidden away. Bhoomi means ‘earth’ in Hindi, so a lot of elements of the natural world come into play, too. Looking around the restaurant can easily eat-up a quick 20-minutes from when you first sit down. The menu is a continuation of the dream, too, which does Indian food, but not like you know it. Created by Head Chef Chanaka Nalin Gunasekarage, they have the curries, they have the papdums, they have the jalebis, but it’s how it’s done that makes the difference, not what it is. The menu at Bhoomi covers the whole Indian subcontinent, from the north in Nepal – they have the country’s famed momos on the menu – to the middle, working with dishes hailing from Hyderabad like biryani, to the south, offering goat curries and coconut rich vegetable kormas…. Read More

Category: ASIAN FOOD, CITIES, FEATURES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: bhoomi, bhoomi indian, bhoomi review, glebe indian restaurants, glebe restaurants, indian restaurant, the f bhoomi

LUMAS Gallery has a new exhibition of photographer Werner Pawlok

House of Maria © Werner Pawlok au.lumas.com

by James Banham

Updated: 26/03/2022

The culture capital has again turned it on at LUMAS Gallery, putting on a show for photography lovers the city/country-wide. The artist? Photographer Werner Pawlok, of course and it’s not stingy on the colour; if that’s your thing. Pawlok first started photographing his idol Jimi Hendrix way back when, and has now established a strong portfolio of profile and celebrities images including John Malkovich, Jean Paul Gaultier, Juliette Binoche and in a good Australian connection, Leigh Bowery. In 1988, Werner contacted Bowery after seeing him in a magazine and Bowery came to Pawlok’s studio for an exclusive shoot and his images have become some of the most synonymous with the performance artist. This exhibition in October at the gallery in Melbourne features a series of works capturing the homes of Havana across the last decade. So, if the reclusive Communist state that almost sparked the end of the world in the Cold War is your thing, then you need to go. The images offer a fascinating glimpse into life in the Cuban capital as it begins to undergo a process of momentous change and reflects on the former glory of its past. The images are stunning, rich blues and greens with old world chandeliers and antique furniture situated alongside to faded photos of revolutionary director Che Guevara. Pawlok has visited Cuba a number of times including for a Chanel fashion show with Harper’s Bazaar and seeks out less accessible places to shoot, literally driving around town for hours until he sees a building he is drawn too and then knocking on strangers doors… Read More

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

Tags: lumas, lumas gallery, lumas richmond, werner pawlok

A chat with Fitbit ambassador Drew Harrisberg on getting ready for summer

by James Banham

Updated: 28/11/2022

Spring is here and summer isn’t far behind and if you’re living in Australia, you know the pressure is on to put down the burgers, pick-up the carrot sticks and start heading outside to exercise more often. You don’t have to, of course, but new tech by the likes of fitness masters, Fitbit and their latest fitness tracker, the Fitbit Versa make it a hell of a lot easier and just more fun. It’s kind of the daywear version of the elite Fitbit Ionic, but using it the right way to help you on your way can always use a tip or two. So, we spoke to Fitbit ambassador Drew Harrisberg who’s all about fitness, the beach and doing the whole ‘keeping fit’ thing and here’s what he had to say. View this post on Instagram Self-inflicted agony aka stair sprints! Sprinting is one of the best ways to break through fat-loss plateaus. It increases the number and function of mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell) which is the site where fuel is burned. It also increases rates of fat metabolism for 24-48 hours after the workout is over. It’s called Excess Post Oxygen Consumption (EPOC) or ‘The Afterburn’. Basically, the anaerobic metabolites that accumulate during HIIT get metabolized aerobically in the hours and days following the workout. So, if you’re trying to improve your body composition i.e reduce body fat and increase muscle mass, you should really incorporate sprints into your training program. Be prepared for a crazy burn in your legs and lungs…. Read More

Category: FEATURES, HEALTH & FITNESS, LIFESTYLE, TECH & GADGETS

Tags: Drew Harrisberg, drews daily dose, f blog, f online, fitbit, fitbit versa, the f fitbit, the f online

Lunch at Frogmore Creek outside Hobart’s the best you’ll do

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

Frogmore Creek is nice. I’m fact, it’s better-than-nice; it’s an institution in Tasmania and only 20 minutes from town. It’s the privately owned and operated little producer of a veritable tonne of wines and varying wine labels to come out of our fair Southern state since it first came about. The Frogmore Creek name is synonymous a quality drop, but have you been to the winery? Just over the Tasman Bridge from Hobart and out of town by car for about 20 minutes, the winery sits on a little road, overlooking a helluva lot of vines and in the far distance, the largest space program in the country, the Mount Pleasant Radio Observatory. If you’re patient enough, so see the gargantuan satellite dish oscillate throughout the day. But it’s not the Frogmore location, or view that sets them a bottle above the rest, it’s what they do; their ‘bread ‘n’ butter’ as it were; their lifeblood – wine. Lauded as one of Tasmania’s host awarded wine makers, Frogmore is known for its 42 Degrees South, Single Block Series, Winemakers Reserve and Frogmore Creek label, of course, offering a wide and hugely varied set of premium varietals that can be found all over the country. All made, processed and shipped-out on-site they’re a huge operation, but where they really shine – if food’s your thing – is the restaurant at the cellar door. About the Frogmore Creek restaurant and cellar door They do tastings, of course, of the whole range and everyone behind the bar is… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, FEATURES, FOOD & DRINK, HOBART, LIFESTYLE

Tags: best places to eat hobart, frogmore, frogmore creek, frogmore creek winery, frogmore creek winery tasmania, hobart food, hobart restaurant guide, hobart wine, hobart wine guide, tasmania winery

Redfern Surf Club opens and locals are as into it as they are confused

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

Because Redfern is so known for it’s pristine white sand, crystal blue oceans, exponential horizons and endless supply of beach-goers, it only made sense for the place to open right in the thick of it all, the corner of Henderson and Botany Road. The new Redfern Surf Club is all the bits of Redern you love in one, complete with classic, fun bevvies with free popcorn and an inclusive, unpretentious approach to service. It’s the baby of Yannick Maslard, who used to be the manager of The Cliff Dive and Oxford Art Factory, so it’s got something good going on. Yannick and his pals wanted a place that stayed true to the ‘local’ that everyone has in their own community, right in the heart of the suburb, accessible all the time. That’s the spirit of the surf club. “We built the bar we all wanted to hang out in,” says Maslard, speaking for an extended family of Sydney hospitality regulars and friends who have chipped in to overhaul the sun-drenched, heritage-listed space – once a bank, and most recently a chook shop. Wielding paint brushes and power tools, a team of good mates have donated their time and creativity to help transform the former Grill King site into a lush indoor courtyard with a collection of curiosities and an enviable supply of plants. The walls have photos and paintings combined with surfing paraphernalia and a pool table. It’s about lazy summer holidays down the coast, right in the middle of town. It’s casual, easy and welcoming. They… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: redfern bars, redfern surf club, the f online, the f redfern, the-f

The boozy and bougie Sydney Brunch Club will serve up bottomless Moet on Sydney Harbour cruises

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

There’s a new brunch club in Sydney – and it comes with bottomless Moet. The Sydney Brunch Club is casting off for the first time from Woolloomooloo’s Finger Wharf at 10.00am on September 22 and 23, serving-up good times, sunny skies and endless food and champagne for its guests. From the moment you step aboard, you’re flute in-hand as you find a nook on board and be cruised around the Harbour ’til 1pm. After an onslaught of tunes on board by Dan Rowntree and food by The Blonde Butler, you then hop back on dry land for a yet-to-be-revealed party atop one beloved Woollomooloo rooftop nearby. Tickets are $150 a pop from the Sydney Brunch Club website.

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: sydney brunch club, sydney cruises, sydney harbour, sydney harbour cruise, sydney summer boat cruise, tickets sydney brunch club, where to go cruise sydney

The new MG ZS car is the ultimate entryway into owning a SUV

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

When you see a car like this, you think expensive… Sunday drives ? The new MG ZS SUV launched in 2017 as the second SUV from MG Motors and does style easily, and affordably ??? And the best bit? Has all the extras as standard and starts at $22,990! #mg #suv #newcar #testdrive #fourwheeler #sunday A post shared by T H E F (@the_f_online) on Aug 4, 2018 at 11:29pm PDT But, what you found out that the base model MG ZS – now owned by the Chinese SAIC Motor Company – would set you back only just over $20k? When it comes to getting into SUV ownership, MG Motors know what’s going on and have crafted a perfect to drive, easy-to-use and stylish-to-look at SUV for inner city driving that more than ticks all the boxes. It has scored a 6/10 rating on Cars Guide, which indicates two things: it looks good, the inside is nice and it’s good value for money, but it lets you down in a few areas, which if quality driving is high on your agenda, might lead you to rethink. The look It’s a handsome car. It’s the kind of set of wheels you’d happily park in your driveway for the neighbours to ogle. And ogle, they would. Despite its wheels that look a little too small for the size of the girth above them, it’s a nice, sleek design with a small-yet-spacious feel about it. The gradients on the body of the car look like a more modern age Mazda variation,… Read More

Category: CARS, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE

Tags: car review, car review mg zs, mg, mg car review, mg motors australia, mg suv, mg zs, review mg zs, test drive mg, test drive mg zs, the f mg

Exercise, health and fitness: Bulk Nutrients is changing it all

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

When you think ‘protein powder’, you think orange men, gigantic drums of whey powder in scary big portions with scary-bad flavours and the gym. If you’re into that; great! If you’re not and exercise for fun instead of a profession, then you’re going to be in the market for something else. This is exactly why Bulk Nutrients is as successful – amongst other reasons – as it is. And it hasn’t even been around that long. Took a tour of the Bulk Nutrients factory in Hobart. Wanted to nick a whole crate ?? #chocolate #bulknutrients #protein #bulknutrients @bulknutrients A post shared by T H E F (@the_f_online) on Jul 24, 2018 at 2:12pm PDT They do whey protein, casein, supplements, recovery supplements and heaps of other stuff for the most diligent of gym-goers, right down to the most casual. And the best bit is, it tastes great. And, when like me, you’ve just dropped a great big whack of weight, thanks to your efforts at F45 and want to give health and nutrition supplements a red hot go, and they offer to fly you to their Tasmanian mothership for a two-day fitness bender to try it all out – you know it’s going to be a good time. Bulk Nutrients is the wholly Australian owned and privately operated baby of Tasmanian local entrepreneur Ben Crowley. He started it back in 2007 as he was living abroad in Japan and found he spent so much time and money shopping online for his protein supplements from the US without… Read More

Category: FEATURES, HEALTH & FITNESS, LIFESTYLE

Tags: benjamin crowley, bulk nutrients, bulk nutrients protein supplements, Protein supplements, tasmania

How to take-on a two-day fitness bender in Hobart with Bulk Nutrients – and survive

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

Sure there’s exercise and fitness, but doing it in Sydney on Bondi Beach, glistening under the southern sun in a balmy 25-degrees is nothing compared to doing it in the freezing cold in Hobart. Or up an even colder mountain. But, when you and a contingent of six other faces and folks in the Aussie fitness industry get on a plane and head south from Sydney to do just that as guests of Tasmanian born-and-raised protein supplement manufacturer Bulk Nutrients, you know you’re in for something quite unique. Bulk Nutrients and its founder, Ben Crowley were keen to show off the best that Tasmania – his home state and the home to his upwards of $27 million business based in Grove just out of Hobart – had to offer. And that they did. With a group of personal trainers, fitness writers, Instagrammers and bloggers in-tow, the Bulk team put themselves and their group through our paces to test the benefits of what Bulk Nutrients protein supplements can do. And after and two day assault on the bod, it seemed pretty unanimous – they work! Here’s what we took-on, what we recovered with and what we personally back. Day one with Bulk Nutrients: Arrive at Hobart airport. It’s cold. Super cold. Like, single digits cold. Coming from Sydney, it’s a shock to the system, but we all survive, order our green teas and coffee at the single cafe in the terminal before piling in to the seven-seater people mover to head to destination number one: Raw Challenge… Read More

Category: CITIES, FAMILS, FEATURES, FOOD & DRINK, HEALTH & FITNESS, HOBART, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Tags: ben crowley, best protein, bulk nutrients, bulk nutrients protein, famil, fitness bender, mount wellington descent, protein powder, Protein supplements, raw challenge tasmania, where to buy protein

ARTS & CULTURE

breakdance head spin pexels pixabay 159273

Experience break dancing like never before this MAy

24/04/2024

By James Banham

Get ready to experience the ultimate celebration of hip hop culture, innovation, and artistry at Breakin’ Convention 2024. An international festival of Hip Hop dance theatre, it’ll be taking over Sadler’s Wells in Islington this coming May Bank Holiday. Enthusiastically helmed by the visionary UK hip hop maker and Breakin’ Convention Artistic Director Jonzi D, this festival has become a beacon for fans and creators of hip hop from around the globe. The excitement is palpable as we gear up for two days packed with jaw-dropping performances, interactive workshops, and live music that promise to electrify the Sadler’s Wells venues on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May. With an extraordinary lineup featuring international sensations like Femme Fatale (USA), Sons of Wind (France), and Jinjo crew (South Korea), alongside groundbreaking UK acts such as TRAPLORD, Boy Blue, and When Time Was New, this festival is set to showcase the dynamic and diverse world of hip hop dance theatre. Attendees of all ages can look forward to a vast array of activities including spectacular dance performances, bespoke graffiti workshops, freestyle sessions, and even live DJs sessions that guarantee to keep the energy high and the spirit of hip hop alive throughout the entire building. Not to mention, the festival coincides with the historic moment of breaking becoming an official Olympic sport at the Paris Olympics, adding an extra layer of exhilaration to the festivities. Beyond the performances, Breakin’ Convention 2024 invites audiences to engage directly with the hip hop community through unique events such as the Tiny… Read More

Opera Australia orchestrates a new era with Matthieu Arama as Concertmaster

24/04/2024

By James Banham

In a move that marks a significant milestone in its illustrious history, Opera Australia has announced the appointment of the renowned French violinist Matthieu Arama as the new Concertmaster of the Opera Australia Orchestra (OAO). This announcement follows an exhaustive global search, culminating in Mr. Arama’s selection, a testament to his extraordinary talent and leadership abilities. Set to join the OAO in August of this year, Arama brings with him a wealth of experience as the current Concertmaster of the Opéra National de Bordeaux, coupled with an impressive track record of performances with some of the world’s most distinguished conductors. View this post on Instagram A post shared by matthieu arama (@matthieu_arama) Arama’s role will be pivotal in steering the OAO towards achieving artistic brilliance across its broad annual repertoire, which spans over 250 opera, ballet, musical theatre, and concert performances for Opera Australia and The Australian Ballet. His recent engagements as Guest Concertmaster for Opera Australia on iconic productions such as La Traviata and Swan Lake, alongside The Australian Ballet, and a solo recital featuring opera and ballet excerpts, underscore his extraordinary versatility and musicianship. The enthusiasm within the OAO is palpable, with Acting Concertmaster Huy-Nguen Bui expressing excitement over welcoming Arama to the helm. “The OAO is excited to welcome an exceptional violinist and musician as our new Concertmaster. We look forward to reaching the highest levels of music-making through Mr. Arama’s artistic leadership,” said Bui. This sentiment is echoed by Opera Australia’s CEO Fiona Allan, Artistic Director Jo Davies, The Australian Ballet’s… Read More

Lauren Brincat When Do I Breathe 2024. Performer Jasmin Lancaster. Photographer Zan Wimberley. Courtesy of the artist

Public performance in Randwick Sydney by artist Lauren Brincat

22/04/2024

By James Banham

This week, the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct will experience an exceptional infusion of art and community spirit through a public performance by the celebrated multidisciplinary artist Lauren Brincat. Scheduled for one-night only, on Wednesday, 24 April 2024, Brincat’s performance marks the launch of the new Laneway Art Program. This initiative, commissioned by the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct and supported by Transport for NSW’s Safer Cities program, seeks to enhance perceptions of safety for women, girls, and gender diverse people navigating the streets and laneways of the Precinct. Brincat, along with Rochelle Haley, another leading Australian artist, has been entrusted with the mission to improve night-time connectivity and comfort within the precinct through performance-based and site-specific artwork. Both artists have engaged directly with health workers in the area to shape their projects, aiming to make the public spaces more welcoming and to strengthen the sense of community, safety, and inclusiveness across the site. The artwork, titled When do I breathe?, is an ambitious collaboration with sound artist Evelyn Ida Morris, UNSW Choral Director Sonia Maddock, and choreographer Charmene Yap. It invites the public to actively participate in shaping new paths across the precinct, offering a unique experience that encompasses three activation sites within the UNSW Kensington and the hospital precinct. The performance, beginning at 5:00 pm on the UNSW Scientia Lawn, is a reflection on the interconnectedness of local communities, especially those separated by differing work shifts and daily rhythms. Aiming to reclaim public space through collective action, When do I breathe? presents an… Read More

Good news for National Gallery London: Eva Gonzalès piece acquired

22/04/2024

By James Banham

On the occasion of the artist’s 177th birthday on Friday 19th April, the National Gallery has acquired La Psyché (The Full-length Mirror), about 1869-70, by Eva Gonzalès (1849-1883) thanks to three generous legacy gifts from Mrs Martha Doris Bailey, Miss Gillian Cleaver, and Ms Sheila Mary Holmes, and the National Gallery Trust. This is the first acquisition by the Gallery of a work by Gonzalès and the second acquisition of its Bicentenary year. La Psyché has not been seen in public for over seventy years and joins only one other painting by her in a UK public collection, The Donkey Ride, about 1880?2, at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. Gonzalès is the 20th female artist represented in the National Gallery Collection, marking a significant addition. The story of Gonzalès’s reputation, during and after her life, reflects some of the reasons why women artists are not well represented in the National Gallery. These include being offered fewer opportunities in life and the lack of interest shown, consciously or not, in works by women artists by collectors of the era and onwards, from whose acquisitions the National Gallery’s own collection was assembled. During her lifetime Gonzalès was an established artist who exhibited multiple times to acclaim at the official Paris Salon. She was the only official pupil of Edouard Manet (1832-83), with whom she studied from 1869. Gonzalès likely painted La Psyché around the same time that Manet was painting his portrait of her, Eva Gonzalès (1870). That work, in the Gallery collection, was the focal point of the recent exhibition, Discover Manet & Eva… Read More

film movie reel pexels daydream 20432081

Shooshfest: Australia’s first ever silent short film competition

17/04/2024

By James Banham

Australia’s Shooshfest, an inaugural silent short film competition, invites diverse creators to innovate in storytelling sans speech. Promising an immersive experience, it will connect with audiences, honour silent film and catalyse cinematic culture.