Category: BOOKS

Book Club key to surviving the winter blues? Top tips for starting one

Posted: 13/07/2021

– Lucy Pearson, Bibliotherapist and Scribd Ambassador It’s no secret that I have a love affair with reading. Beyond expanding my mind and helping me relax, one of the things I love most about a great read is discussing a text, whether that’s at the Bondi Literary Salon or with friends. Clearly I am not alone in this! Book clubs have seen a huge resurgence in the past few years, with everyone from Reese Witherspoon to Kaia Gerber starting their own book clubs. Attending a regular book club creates a sense of connection with others through a shared love of reading. Recently I’ve seen a lot of book clubs take up ebook subscriptions as a way to keep reading and maintain a human connection during this challenging time. I personally love Scribd, as it has a huge library of local and international content and shares personalised recommendations with me based on my tastes. For those feeling inspired to start your own book club, and want to be sure it lasts beyond the first cheese board – here are my my top five tips, from my favourite ebook service, to getting a great conversation flowing with discussion points. Happy reading! A compelling read A book club starts with a great read. Mix it up with fiction and non-fiction, local and international authors. Pick your selections from a diverse range of authors to step outside your comfort zone. This will keep your club engaged, and continually challenged. Share around the responsibility of selecting a title and think… Read More

Category: BOOKS, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Book club, books, How to start a book club

Why Covid was a dream for new writer Mark Ashbury: about his new book ‘The Fallen’

by THE F

Updated: 26/05/2021

If there was one thing Covid gave the world – other than unconquerable frustration – it was time. Time, which new author Mark Ashbury used well, to achieve new projects and mount new heights! His new book The Fallen, is the first volume one of the engrossing ‘Book of Souls’ saga. The new book has been 30 years in the making – and is an impressive tome – that tells the story of one young woman who fights to reclaim her home and her birthright. She enlists the help of ex-bomb disposal experts, catapulting the entire cast into an unforgettable fantasy adventure unlike anything else on the market. A cinematic-in-style sci-fi tale that taps into Ashbury’s creative narrative, he harnessed his time furloughed from work to achieve his aspirations and unfurl the tale of Lalitha that spans over the course of a series of books. For more information and to order a copy, go to Amazon

Category: BOOKS, LIFESTYLE

Tags: book review, Fallen book, Mark Ashbury, The Fallen, Why Covid was a dream for new writer Mark Ashbury about his new book The Fallen

How to get a good job after 50

by James Banham

Updated: 26/05/2021

After the last year or so we’ve all had, you could hardly be blamed for beginning to think well into the future, off the back of a lot of people’s reassessment of their lives, future and desires, right? So, thinking about your middle age and what that’s going to look like’s a pretty good idea, to that end! This is why the latest instalment of Rupert French’s work, How to get a good job after 50 is such a must-read for anyone. The book’s a step-by-step guide, for older job seekers, showing them how to take control of their careers with expertise and confidence. With age comes experience, reliability and practised skills, and this book explains how to market these qualities to prospective employers. Covering all aspects of the job search, this is a tried and tested recipe for career success! Due for release after 7 June 2020, the book’s a must for those who need to udnerstand how to qualify for a pension, maintain success, stay in the workforce longerand much more. Find out more at Exisle Publishing’s website

Category: BOOKS, LIFESTYLE

Tags: book review, How to get a good job after 50, How to get a good job after 50 book

Lockdown or not, don’t stop reading: try Terry Flynn’s ‘I Owe you One’

by James Banham

Updated: 12/11/2020

Lockdown might be done in Oz, but that doesn’t mean your capacity to and desire to read should vanish, just ‘cos you’ve got more on all-of-a-sudden, right? So with that in mind, for dudes and Dads all over the country, this is one for you: Terry Flynn: I Owe You One; the first book in the series by Australian author Matt Judd, who has created a character that both men and women will love and, it’s the perfect purchase for a funny, light read. Matt has people all over Australia laughing at Terry Flynn and all the trouble he gets into. As Marto from Triple M in Brisbane says, “Terry is the loser version of Les Norton”… but don’t be fooled guys and gals, Terry might get himself into trouble but he has a heart of gold and loves his Mum! What’s it all about? After observing a bloke at his favourite local pub acting strangely several times, Matt – who had wanted to write a book for over twenty years – decided that this was the guy to base his main character on. Thus, the character of Terry Flynn was born. Calm, mature, forgiving, honest, stylish, and sober, Terry Flynn possesses none of these qualities. Bumbling his way through life without any real direction, knockabout Terry is the first to admit he has never achieved anything of great significance in his 44 years. Seeking retribution from anyone he believes has wronged him is common practice, but when a degenerate gambler looks set to turn his world upside down, Terry is prompted to produce his greatest square up to date. It’ll make you laugh with… Read More

Category: BOOKS, LIFESTYLE

Tags: I owe you one book, Lockdown book guide, Lockdown reading, Lockdown reads, Terry Flynn

We’re all killing the planet: The Waste Less Workbook will help you be better

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

Try as we might, being more green can be hard. So, environmentally-friendly movements like Banish – a fast-growing Australian waste-reduction education platform and online market place – are doing what they can to make it easier! Say hello to the Waste Less Workbook, the answer Banish has come-up with to tackle our unintentional (hopefully) contribution of over 64 million tonnes of household waste each year, or the equivalent of 2.7 tonnes per person (*National Waste Report). It encourages and enables everyday Aussies to quit single-use plastic with ease, with 87% of consumers who completed the trial seeing an improvement in their habits in just one week*. Complete with an interactive guide that shows users how to recycle better, cut down on their household waste, live more sustainably and reduce their environmental footprint, it’s a first in putting the power of planet-saving into the hands of those who did it harm in the first place. While the majority of Australians recycle it’s estimated that ?10 to 15%? of the stuff we chuck is actually put in the wrong bin; this new book will aid the thought processes behind tossing stuff in the first place, eradicating waste with every toss. “Now more than ever people are wanting to change their habits to reduce their impact on the world around them but many are confused about how to start,” Banish, founder Lottie Dalziel says. “That’s why I created a step-by-step guide to make sustainable living a little bit easier.” How does the book work? The self-paced workbook covers… Read More

Category: BOOKS, ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE

Tags: banish, Banish Australia, Waste Less Workbook, Waste Less Workbook Banish

Water so good, they put it in a book: Lonely Planet’s latest release, ‘The Joy of Water’

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

You know the concept of the coffee table book, right? Now, blow it outta the water with Lonely Planet’s new addition to their range: The Joy of Water. For the Aquarius’ in the house, this is the book for you (and everyone else, really, too); because it takes a look at idyllic wild swimming holes, alluring lakes and dreamy coves, giving you – when you need it most, like during the Covid-19 lockdowns – a way to drift away from home of the world’s best places for joyful interactions with water. There’s no better time than now to take an armchair dive into some of theworld’s most far-flung corners in the search for sublime, serene and calming aquatic experiences. From wild swims off Britain’s most remote beach and coral reef-fuelledsnorkelling trips in idyllic Mozambique, to sumptuous soaks in Iceland’sgeothermally-heated pools and chill-out time with non-stinging jellyfish inPalau’s magical hidden lake, no corner is left unexplored. Get the book at book shops online or Lonely Planet online.

Category: BOOKS, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Joy of Water book, Lonely Planet book, Lonely Planet guide book, Lonely Planet the Joy of Water

Catch up on your reading list this Covid-19 lockdown with Readly

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

We’re all spending a lot more time at home with the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, so – though we’re three weeks of lockdown on – it’s kind of good to remember the world exists outside of Netflix. Think: reading! Magazines across might be going through a rough time but they live on, just in another form. And Readly is where to get them all. A cheap subscription service on your app, phone browser or desktop, it brings the best of all magazines from across the world to your screen. With over 5,000 magazines all accessible on your phone, tablets and laptops in more than 35 categories, there’s enough choice to keep you going. They’ve done the hard work and found 15 reasons why reading mags isn’t a thing of the past and a brilliant way to fill the time during lockdown… Stay healthy and fit Get training tips for workouts, exercise and sports you can do at home from fitness magazines Find clarity and improve your wellbeing with a new routine such as daily meditation or yoga found in wellness magazines Keep the kids engaged and entertained Harness your kid’s interests and get them exploring dinosaurs, space, planes and more – with a multitude of science based magazines to delve into Looking for a little light relief – comics will be sure to keep the kids entertained Organise your household Get motivated to declutter your home with tips from home & interior magazines Do an inventory of your garage, garden shed or basement. Maybe it’s time to start… Read More

Category: BOOKS, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Book list, Catch up on your reading list this Covid-19 lockdown with Readly, Covid 19 lockdown reading list, Pandemic reading list, Readly

Covid got you (locked) down? Why not remodel the house?

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

Nothing says ‘fresh start’ quite like a spring clean. And though it’s only spring on one side of the world, it’s worth taking-on the challenge and throwing open the doors as you play with some of your own interior handiwork. Here are the best books this season to get you there. Still: The Slow Homeby Natalie Walton Still invites readers to take on the philosophy of the SLOW movement: Living Sustainable. Local. Organic. And Whole. Our homes are ideally placed to support and promote this philosophy, through everything from the materials we source in construction to how we fit-out and furnish them. The choices we make don’t have to be at the expense of creating a space that feels warm and welcoming, though. Instead, it can actually make us feel better about how and where we live. A Scented Lifeby Pat Princi-Jones A Scented Life is a journey into the senses, bringing this ancient practice into today’s world. Aromatherapy expert Pat Princi-Jones details what different essential oils can do for you and demonstrates the many ways to mix and apply oils in your daily life for maximum long-term benefits. The healing properties of essential oils can relieve headaches, muscular pain, and cold and flu symptoms. A few drops in your skincare regime can increase hydration, treat acne and regenerate damaged skin. What’s more, essential oils can shift your mood, improve your sleep patterns and lower feelings of anxiety to make you feel restored, relaxed and renewed. Simply Living Wellby Julia Watkins Simply Living Well is a beautiful and timely… Read More

Category: BOOKS, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE

Travelling sustainably: Lonely Planet’s guide to not killing the earth while you holiday

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

Think off-grid camps, community stays, responsible wildlife encounters, cultural immersion tours, conservation opportunities, green hotels and more, the new guide book by Lonely Planet, available this March, has the Earth’s back. “While the global tourism industry has made great strides towards sustainability in recent years, achieving sustainable tourism is a continuous process,” Lonely Planet says. “This process is reflected in our book. When we asked travel writers from around the globe to tell us about their favourite sustainable travel accommodation and experiences, their top picks covered the spectrum of sustainability. Some options had sustainability at heart from conception, while others have made a concerted effort to improve. What unites them, is a commitment to enacting positive change.” How to use the book… There’re five chapters, each alongside a theme of escape: Nature, Relaxation, Culture, Urban and Learning. Within each chapter, the profiles are labelled with the key sustainability features you can enjoy while staying at the hotel or participating in the tour. Check it all out and get your own at the Lonely Planet website.

Category: BOOKS, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

What it’s really like to work in a corporate environment: ‘Dancing with the Bull’ reveals all

by THE F

Posted: 20/10/2019

Sure, the corporate life might pay well, but is it the be all? Matthew Simon was one of those people who thought so. Until he didn’t. He’d spent 25 years in senior executive roles for multinational companies, but one day he realised he’d had enough. That was in April 2011. In 2019, he released a book, inspired by his time in the suit, creating synergy, flagging emails, catching-up, 1:1s and all the ‘as per‘s’ you can count. The result’s his book, Dancing with the Bull. In the novel, Luke Glass, Matt’s fictional master of the universe, loses his job only to be offered another under mysterious circumstances. Soon after joining The Organisation he meets an unexpected ally, who slowly reveals the ways of the corporate world and how it manipulates those within its grasp. It’s a tale he wrote with a laugh in his mind and a the image of the machines that used to feed his life and reputation; he was known as Matt the banker. He explores the machinations that abound within the corporate world and bases a lot of it on Simon’s personal experience of life on the other side of the smokescreen, including the greed, misanthropy, egos and downright ruthless rogues. “I came to realise that, especially at the most senior levels, managers and executives were simply creating tasks and issues so that they appeared to be not only incredibly busy but also invaluable to the company,” says Matt. “Along with that came the willingness to target people who threatened their position… Read More

Category: BOOKS, LIFESTYLE

Tags: book review, Dancing Bull, Dancing with the Bull, Dancing with the Bull book, THE F book reviews, THE F Dancing with the Bull review

ARTS & CULTURE

A Golden Adventure awaits at the Australian Museum with new Machu Picchu Exhibition

21/11/2024

By Danielle Kirk

Sydney, prepare yourselves for a cultural gold rush. From November 23, the Australian Museum is rolling out its latest blockbuster, Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru. This dazzling exhibition is your passport to ancient Peru, featuring 134 priceless treasures from the land of the Incas and 14,000 years of history. Think glittering jewels, royal tomb artefacts, and a VR journey to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It’s more than a history lesson—it’s a time machine with all the bells, whistles, and human sacrifice relics you could dream of. Following the success of the Ramses Exhibition at the Australian Museum (fun fact, it became the highest grossing exhibition in the State’s history, selling over 500,000 tickets!), Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru is created in partnership with Peru’s Museo Larco, Museo de Sito Manuel Chavez Ballon, and Neon Global, taking you on a journey through five ancient Peruvian empires, spanning over 3,000 years of rich history. Parts of the collection have only been shown in four other cities around the world, in fact, some of the artefacts have never left Peru before, and now we’re lucky to set sights on them in Sydney. Expect to see the most opulent Andean gold collection to ever leave Peru, intricate ceremonial masks, and objects that whisper secrets of long-lost rituals. For the tech-savvy explorers, the Machu Picchu and the Spirit of the Condor VR experience will transport you above the clouds for a bird’s-eye tour of the legendary citadel. Guided by the… Read More

NGV Architecture Commission 2024: Home Truth by Breathe

14/11/2024

By James Banham

In a bold reimagining of Australian home design, Home Truth by Breathe has been announced as the winner of the NGV Architecture Commission for 2024. This captivating installation takes the form of a labyrinthine house-within-a-house, challenging the notion of ever-expanding home sizes in Australia. At the heart of this design is a powerful message: rethink how we build to create more sustainable, higher-quality, and community-orientated living spaces. Home Truth invites visitors to step into a space that questions the ethical and ecological ramifications of the sprawling, oversized homes that have become prevalent across the nation. An external frame mirrors the silhouette of the average Australian home, which, at 236 square metres, ranks as the largest globally. Nestled within this silhouette is a serene timber structure, representing a smaller, more sustainable living footprint. This juxtaposition of scales is not just an architectural statement but a call to action. By contrasting these two structures, Home Truth shines a light on how smaller, more considered homes could help reduce suburban sprawl, mitigate environmental impacts, and enhance community wellbeing. It is a thought-provoking invitation for audiences to consider alternative, sustainable housing models that could lead to positive lifestyle changes. Visitors entering through the expansive garage door of the larger house find themselves navigating a maze of rooms and corridors, eventually arriving at the intimate timber retreat. This wooden haven offers a space for meditation and reflection, presenting a tangible vision of a more sustainable housing future. Constructed from framing pine and Saveboard, Home Truth uses materials emblematic of current… Read More

LOEWE PRECO SS25 SUNA FUJITA CERAMICS RGB CROPPED 4X5 3 5

Suna Fujita, LOEWE & Melbourne Art Fair to exhibit works

14/11/2024

By James Banham

In an exciting fusion of art and fashion, Melbourne Art Fair has announced a groundbreaking partnership with LOEWE, the esteemed luxury fashion brand renowned for its dedication to craftsmanship since 1846. This collaboration brings to life an exquisite preview of Jonathan Anderson’s renewed partnership with the Kyoto-based ceramist duo, Suna Fujita, marking a world-first exhibition in Australasia. The LOEWE x Suna Fujita collection made its debut with an intimate showcase at LOEWE’s Melbourne Collins Street store, offering an exclusive viewing experience of twenty whimsical ceramic pieces. These delicate works, celebrated for their intricate hand-painted scenes featuring ocean creatures and cosmic animals, seamlessly blend artistry with everyday function, transforming accessories and ready-to-wear items into enchanting works of art. Fair Director Melissa Loughnan expressed her enthusiasm for this creative union, stating, “This partnership is a reflection of Melbourne Art Fair and LOEWE’s shared commitment to supporting living artists and creatives, and an exciting precursor to the 18th edition of the Fair, which promises to be one of our most dynamic and anticipated showcases yet.” The collaboration not only highlights the playful essence of Suna Fujita’s ceramics but also underscores the vibrant art scene that Melbourne Art Fair champions. Launching today, the LOEWE x Suna Fujita collection is available both in stores and online at loewe.com, continuing until 29th December 2024. This artistic venture paves the way for the 18th edition of Melbourne Art Fair, set to take place from 20-23 February 2025 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The fair will present a remarkable assembly of… Read More

Labyrinth in Concert comes to London’s Royal Festival Hall

12/11/2024

By James Banham

Prepare to be whisked away to the mystical realm of Goblin City with a legendary twist, as “Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: In Concert” makes its grand debut at London’s Royal Festival Hall. On Friday, 28th November 2025, fans of this beloved musical fantasy film will experience a spectacular fusion of cinema and live music that promises to be nothing short of magical. For the first time ever, Jim Henson’s original masterpiece, starring the one and only David Bowie, will come alive on stage with a captivating live band performance. Audiences will be treated to the enchanting melodies of Bowie’s original vocals, accompanied by the band in perfect harmony, all set against the backdrop of the movie projected on a large HD cinema screen. It’s a chance to relive the unforgettable music and adventure that has captured hearts for nearly 40 years since the film’s release in 1986. Produced by Black Ink Presents, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, this unique concert experience is set to enthral long-time fans and newcomers alike. Known for breathing new life into iconic films with live orchestras and bands, Black Ink Presents has previously dazzled audiences with events like Batman, Ghostbusters, and The Nightmare Before Christmas. CEO John Kinsner shares his excitement, stating, “I have always been a huge fan of the groundbreaking collaboration of Jim Henson, George Lucas, David Bowie, and Trevor Jones on this film, and bringing it to fans in a live concert screening experience is a dream come true. Getting to hear Bowie’s vocals with a live… Read More

Why rush to National Art School postgrad show

12/11/2024

By James Banham

Step into the vibrant world of the arts at the National Art School (NAS) as it proudly unveils the 2024 Postgrad Show, a spectacular showcase of over 400 works by Australia’s next generation of emerging artists. Open to the public until 17 November 2024, this annual exhibition has firmly established itself as a pivotal event in Sydney’s cultural calendar, attracting gallerists, collectors, and art enthusiasts eager to discover fresh talent. The Postgrad Show serves as a launchpad for these budding artists, featuring the final bodies of work by the Master of Fine Art (MFA) graduates. This year’s exhibition offers an eclectic mix of mediums including painting, sculpture, printmaking, video, collage, 3D printing, performance, photography, drawing, and ceramics. Each piece is a testament to the diverse themes being explored—ranging from natural and digital ecosystems to identity, the Anthropocene, philosophy, and personal narratives. Ceramics take centre stage with artists like Benjamin Akuila, who delves into themes of construction, authenticity, and plasticity, informed by his Tongan heritage. His work offers a compelling exploration of queer and diasporic identity through hybrid cultural narratives. Meanwhile, Chrystie Longworth uses ceramic forms to navigate femininity, identity, and domesticity, drawing inspiration from historical subversive messages crafted by women in textiles. Her work, with its tactile terracotta and pigment surfaces, invites viewers to experience a subtle play of light and texture. From the drawing studios, Quan Zhu Ma marries traditional Chinese philosophy with contemporary practices, using innovative materials like heated charcoal and ash. His work reimagines traditional ink art, creating a fusion that resonates… Read More