What is it with Venice? It’s almost as if tourists can’t help themselves but get themselves in hot (or as the case may be, extremely cold) water, and the city can’t help itself but dole out fines.Welcome to Serenissima – the city of canals, serenity, history, gondolas, bridges atmospheric streets and carnival celebrations and bridges in 2022.That’s right – in recent years, Venice has become super overcrowded. This has involved a fair bit of finger pointing, with such ideas as banning cruise ships and taxing tourists upon entering the city both being floated (as well as making an example out of tourists who contravene standards of “public decorum and decency”) as the city attempts to determine the real cause of of its overtourism problem.In the meantime though, as authorities attempt to come up with a localised solution to the global problem of overtourism, Venice is trying to keep the crowds under control by at least getting them to behave. This involves fining tourists and banning them (temporarily) from the city for breaking rules.Speaking of which, a Czech woman has been fined 450 euros ($720 AUD) and banned (for 48 hours) from the city of Venice after sunbathing topless on a war memorial.RELATED: China’s Fury Over Tourist’s Photo Highlights Risk Of ‘Selfie Sightseeing’The 30 year old tourist left her stuff on the monument last Friday, as one might leave their towel on the beach, and jumped into the water in the freezing cold lagoon, then lay next to the statue, posing for photos taken by two companions.According to CNN Travel, the bronze statue, which is near the gardens of the Biennale, is of a “murdered female partisan” and is “dedicated to the women who gave their lives in their fight for freedom under fascism.”A local man, who witnessed the incident, told CNN Travel “it was incredible” that the tourists didn’t understand why their behaviour was a problem and that “they didn’t have the slightest inkling of what they were doing.”

Tourist thrown out of Venice for sunbathing topless on war memorial: The 30-year-old visitor from the Czech Republic was fined $513 and banned from the city for 48 hours, after she was caught swimming in the lagoon and posing topless for photos beside a statue of a murdered war… pic.twitter.com/OlAPwDyNiT

— griffith conner (@griffithconner1) January 25, 2022

He added: “It’s like going to Rome, leaping in the Trevi Fountain and then saying, ‘What do you mean, you can’t do this?'”“You can say, whatever, they haven’t killed anyone. But when I travel, if I see a fountain, I don’t have the urge to jump in. If I’m in Paris, walking along the Seine, I don’t throw myself into the river… It’s common sense. Why do people do these things in Venice that they wouldn’t do elsewhere?”RELATED: Venice To Treat Tourists Like Cattle, According To Latest ChangeThis is not the first time tourists have been fined for acting up in Venice. Two tourists were fined $1,500 for making themselves a coffee on a camping stove on the steps of the Rialto bridge in 2019. That wasn’t the only i9ncident of 2019. A bunch of tourists were filmed climbing aboard a gondola in that same year, uninvited, and taking selfies, before one of them headbutted the boatman.Oh and in 2020, two German tourists found themselves going from very cold water to very hot water, being fined AU $1,124 for swimming in the Grand Canal.So much for Serenissima…Read Next

• Venice Discovers True Nature Of Its Overtourism Problem
• Morning Coffee Mistake Costs Tourists $1,500 In Venice

The post Tourist Banned From Venice After Sunbathing In Biennale Gardens appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

We know that the first rule of Fight Club is you do not talk about Fight Club, but forgive us; we have to talk about Fight Club. More specifically, how the film was recently released on China’s streaming platform Tencent Video with a brand new ending.

The 1999 film’s original ending is iconic and is considered one of the best plot twists in movie history; we find out that the Narrator, played by Edward Norton has been imagining the smooth-talking Tyler Durden, played by Brad Pitt, the entire time and Tyler is nothing more than an alter ego of the Narrator himself.

Not only this, the Narrator goes on to ‘kill’ Tyler and allows the ‘Project Mayhem’ plan — bombing a number of buildings in the financial district in order to erase all bank and debt records, essentially destroying consumerism — to go ahead. Fight Club ends with the Narrator and his girlfriend Marla, played by Helena Bonham Carter, watching as the explosions detonate and buildings begin to collapse.

However, this ending has been completely removed from the Fight Club that’s just been released in China. Instead, a caption appears onscreen and explains that police figured out the bombing plan, prevented the bombs from detonating, arrested all the criminals involved and that Tyler Durden was sent to an asylum.

While China is notorious for having strict film censorship rules, meaning the China Film Admistritation (CFA) can either ban films entirely or remove certain scenes that are deemed ‘unsuitable’, this is a rare instance in which an entire ending of a film has been altered. And people are not happy.

Chuck Palahniuk, the author of the book Fight Club on which the film was based, sarcastically tweeted how wonderful everyone getting a happy ending is:

Have You Seen This Sh*t?
This is SUPER wonderful! Everyone gets a happy ending in China!

https://t.co/saVA2yro9B pic.twitter.com/20UzTi1nyI

— Chuck Palahniuk (@chuckpalahniuk) January 25, 2022

While Human Rights Watch has called the change “dystopian.”

Dystopian.

“The first rule of Fight Club in China? Don't mention the original ending. The second rule of Fight Club in China? Change it so the police win.” https://t.co/mxaoKwhmvy pic.twitter.com/kMzFTbv4nQ

— Human Rights Watch (@hrw) January 25, 2022

One user on the Chinese social network service, Douban was very displeased with the edited ending to Fight Club and wrote:

“This is disrespectful to art.”

It looks like the CFA was influenced by the Narrator’s line “I felt like destroying something beautiful” and decided to destroy Fight Club‘s ending. The irony is that Tyler Durden’s character wholly embodies rule-breaking, so we wonder how many Chinese viewers will be influenced by Tyler to break the CFA rules and watch the original ending…

Read Next

• Ricky Gervais Is Not A Fan Of Daniel Craig And His James Bond Movies
• Upcoming Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson Film Casts Marvel Star Chris Evans

The post ‘Fight Club’ Gets Chinese Alternative Ending – & Movie Fans Aren’t Happy About It appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Audemars Piguet is one of the most illustrious and influential watchmakers on the planet. Considered part of the ‘Holy Trinity’ of luxury watchmaking – alongside Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin – Audemars Piguet’s influence runs deep. But there’s one watch that defines AP more than any other: the legendary Royal Oak.Designed by the legendary Gérald Genta, the Royal Oak isn’t just AP’s most iconic watch, but arguably the most iconic watch on the planet. It was the world’s first luxury sports watch: bold, purposeful yet incredibly refined, it redefined haute horlogerie and remains one of the most sought-after timepieces on the planet.2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the Royal Oak, so we were all expecting AP to celebrate this milestone in style… But few could have anticipated just how hard they were going to celebrate. Not only has AP unveiled a whopping 42 new Royal Oak models, but they’ve also introduced what’s easily one of the biggest updates to the most important Royal Oak model of all time.

These days, AP makes literally hundreds of different Royal Oaks – and that’s not even counting watches from their Royal Oak Offshore or Royal Oak Concept lines. But the most popular is arguably the ‘Jumbo’. Thin, second-hand-less and faithful to the original Royal Oak from 1972, the Jumbo – in all its iterations – is to many the quintessential Royal Oak. It’s a legend.AP shocked watch fans last year when they announced they were discontinuing the ref. 15202, the latest iteration of the Jumbo. Naturally, this immediately fuelled speculation that AP would introduce a new Jumbo reference in order to fill the void – and now, in 2022, AP has done just that.RELATED: Orlando Bloom Shows Off World’s Most Impressive Audemars Piguet WatchThe new ref. 16202 is the first new Jumbo reference in 22 years and while it might look deceptively similar to the outgoing 15202, there’s a lot more than meets the eye. Firstly, the dial design has changed, with the ‘AP’ logo brought down from 12 to 6 o’clock, in line with the original Jumbo from 1972. The case and bracelet, too, have been subtly tweaked to make the watch more ergonomic and tapered.It’s what’s under the hood that’s really got watch fans frothing: it’s got a new, in-house movement. The calibre 7121 is more complicated, more accurate, more shock-resistant and longer-lasting than the Jaeger-LeCoultre-developed calibre 2121 that it replaces – yet the 16202 remains just as thin as the 15202 at 8.1mm. It also boasts a quick-set date mechanism: a real quality-of-life feature collectors will appreciate.

There’s four new 16202 references – two gold, one platinum, one steel – but it’s the latter that’s particularly notable, as it features a unique ‘Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50’ dial that pays homage to the blue dials found on 1972 Jumbos.All four 16202 references, as well as all the new references introduced this year, feature a unique 50th anniversary automatic rotor design, which AP will discontinue next year – making these new releases particularly special.RELATED: The Most Expensive Watches Ever, As Of 2022If you haven’t already twigged by now, this is all pretty big news. The main takeaway is this: AP have unveiled the most important update to their most important watch in decades, which makes the watch better in almost every way. It’s a big move for the brand and one that’s sure to further fuel interest in a watch that’s already insanely popular.Find out more about the ref. 16202 Royal Oak – as well as the bumper crop of new Royal Oak models – at Audemars Piguet’s online boutique here.Read Next

• Jay-Z Hires Jeff Bezos’ ‘Mega Yacht’, Buys $600,000 Audemars Piguet Watch To Celebrate
• More Celebrities Are Becoming ‘Watch Monogamists’

The post Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Gets A ‘Jumbo’ Update appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Video: TikTok users show off their worst Airbnb experiences

There are a lot of awful Airbnbs (and bed and breakfast) hosts in the world. From tales of Iceland guest house hosts (allegedly) holding guests hostage to the owner of Australia’s best Airbnb being charged with (allegedly) menacing a man who left a negative review we’re not short on stories to show how Airbnbs aren’t always amazing (though in many cases they certainly can be).

But the latest story to grace our screens isn’t about the host. It’s about the Airbnb itself. And it’s quite literally a stinker. What is it, exactly? It’s an Airbnb in which the toilet is located in the same room as the bed. In fact it’s barely three metres away. 

The most surprising thing, arguably, is that, other than the bizarre location of the toilet, it actually looks like quite a nice Airbnb. That being said, the guest who posted the photo to Twitter on Sunday – Reuters journalist Byron Kaye – wasn’t (it seems) impressed.

In typical Reuters style (though this was his personal Twitter account), he – unlike most aggrieved Airbnb guest reviews – appears to have stuck to the facts, simply writing: “I just drove five hours for an Airbnb with a toilet in the bedroom.”

I just drove five hours for an Airbnb with a toilet in the bedroom. pic.twitter.com/UrVmdTXVvE

— Byron Kaye (@byronkaye) January 16, 2022

Mr Kaye did not say where the Airbnb was. He reports on a lot of Australian news for Reuters though and Tweets about a lot of Australian happenings, and is based in Sydney, so our guess would be that it is in Australia somewhere. 

DMARGE contacted Airbnb and asked if having a toilet in the bedroom meets Airbnb standards in Australia. We were told Airbnb would look into this and get back to us. At the time of publishing we are yet to recieve a response.

Airbnb has also commented on the post, writing: “Hi, Byron. We’d like to take a closer look at this, can you please DM us the email address associated with your Airbnb account? We’ll be looking out for your reply.”

As for the commenters on My Kaye’s Tweet, many were quite certain it’s unacceptable. One wrote: “An innovative approach by a greed driven scam Airbnb landlord. I’m surprised there are not a few double bunks in the room as well to maximize income?”

Another wrote: “Not sure that would meet building regulations in Australia.”

RELATED: ‘HOW IS THIS LEGAL?’: Wild New York City Story Proves Why Airbnbs Are Always A Gamble

This commenter wasn’t alone, with another writing: “Unlikely to be compliant with the BCA (Building Code of Australia). After you leave, you might consider reporting it.”

Others were a little more facetious (fecesious?), with comments like “It’s cool that the owners can keep an eye on you though, make sure you’re ok, and pass you another roll of toilet paper should they see you are running low” and “Well your room is covered in faecal particles, if any of the previous guests left the lid up when flushing” rolling in.

“Five hours, that’s outrageous. I wouldn’t drive more than three hours for an Airbnb with a toilet in the bedroom.”

Another wrote: “Did you REQUEST the toilet NOT be in the bedroom?!”

It didn’t end there. Twitter commenters had a field day, penning such digital poetry as: “I’d be turning that wardrobe to make a false wall – and leave it like it as a statement,” “Probably fine if you’re a very short man peeing,” and “Nothing says romance like the auditory pleasure of listening to ones beloved move their bowels.”

“Au contraire, if you open one of those wardrobe doors, privacy is assured.”

The image also inspired some Australians to recount some of their close toilet encounters overseas, with Prague and London cropping up as examples various times.

“Haha! Lived in a flat in Swaffham, UK sometime in the ’90s with a shower in the kitchen,” said one.

“Sorry, but I’ve seen this in more than one French hotel,” said another.

“The technical term is ‘shithouse.'”

One wrote: “I stayed in dormitory style post war complex near Prague years ago. The showers had saloon doors from the waist up. Talk about disconcerting.”

Very European. We had a toilet in our room in Pisa. Or at least I thought we did, until I ‘went’ and then realised it was a bidet. Toilet down the hallway.

— Renae Carolin (@RenaeCarolin1) January 16, 2022

Others asked whether Mr Kaye had seen photos of the room before booking it, querying: “Would you have taken it if you knew?” and asking: “Surely this would have been mentioned in the reviews,” as well as asking if it’s really so different to an ensuite. 

“I feel like people are pretending that this isn’t exactly what an ensuite is. Sure, there’s usually a door, but really.”

Other theories included: “It looks like a section of flooring has been replaced and wall has not been painted from partition removal possibly for that huge flue” and “They probably spent all their money outbidding locals who wanted to do something outrageous like…use the place as a home.”

“Airbnb, seems quaint to visitors but it’s an absolute scourge in our regional communities.”

Some Twitter users, however, looked on the bright side. One wrote: “If that’s an attic bedroom, as a male who is getting older is actually be grateful, I didn’t have to go downstairs multiple times during the night.”

Another said even if it stinks, it could have been worse (or, at least, more dangerous): “I stayed in one in Tasmania that had a sunken spa in the floor…right next to the bed. Let’s just say I was VERY careful getting up in the middle of the night.”

One to ponder the next time you’re on the can…

Read Next

• Airbnb Host’s ‘Illegal’ Request Of Australian Travellers
• I Went To ‘Adelaide’s Andalusia’. It Ruined Me For Life

The post World’s Worst Airbnb Leaves Australians Stunned appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Looking to create an international fashion brand, or simply an elegant holiday in Italy? Take to Milan, where historical architecture meets contemporary style and the locals are never underdressed. With luxury brands like Cartier, Prada, Fendi and more, even the most experience shoppers will eventually have to drop. And when you do, the city of Milan offers a multitude of activities for you to take part in. But don’t move so fast.Before you go, explore these cool Milan hotels where you can take on the city by day and rest your head at night. From iconic views of the Duomo to the boutique stylings of Arte Povera, there is a home, a place of sheer Italian luxury, waiting for your presence on your next trip to the city of fashion.

The Yard

Only the most dapper and magnificent bastards stay at The Yard in Milan. A personal favourite of D’Marge, this cool hotel in Milan tells a story of the fine and elegant travels experienced by the gentleman behind it all. Come along for the adventure, as vintage trunks and hat boxes become the forefront for interior decor. Where whisky is served from luxe glass pourers, and gentleman can shoot dice, drink and converse at a boutique sports club on site. Take this opportunity to be a magnificent family man as well, for The Yard Milan offers services to entertain the wife and kids while you uphold to the true magnificent bastard inside yourself.VIEW OR BOOK @ AGODA VIEW OR BOOK @ MR & MRS SMITHVIEW OR BOOK @ BOOKING.COM 

ME Milan il Duca

The ME Milan il Duca leads the luxury hotel industry in Milan with their contemporary designs and locality. Nestled in Piazza della Reubblica square, you are a quick walk away from the metro, boutique shops and cultural landmarks, which is great! But they real reason guests stay at ME Milan il Duca… is the famous rooftop Radio Bar, perfectly perched for exceptional views of the city. Enjoy daily DJ sets, rare cocktails and women from all over the globe at this luxury penthouse bar right above your room. Considered the “high-tech hotel”, designer Aldo Rossi incorporates state of the art technology into every ultra-modern room to satisfy the needs of all digital nomads.VIEW OR BOOK @ AGODA VIEW OR BOOK @ MR & MRS SMITHVIEW OR BOOK @ BOOKING.COM 

Palazzo Parigi

In the heart of Milan lies the Palazzo Parigi. A home of sheer Italian elegance, where grandeur marble pillars support the neoclassical architecture which makes up this cool hotel in Milan. Welcomed by immaculate windows, each room creates an airy, yet majestic feel as you are escorted by natural light from the lobby to your boutique suite. Old world paintings, pristine decor and wood finishings create a calming environment for all to enjoy. When you’re ready, stroll over to the city center, where luxury brands like Cartier, Hermes and Louis Vuitton open their doors for you to shop. Return home for dinner, as the Palazzo Parigi offers a gastronomic menu with flavors for only the most refined palates around.VIEW OR BOOK @ AGODAVIEW OR BOOK @ MR MRS SMITHVIEW OR BOOK @ BOOKING 

Sina The Gray

A boutique hotel in all aspects, Sina The Gray is a 21 suite home located near the popular Italian heritage sites in Milan. As a magnificent bastard, crowds may not be your thing. But don’t let the location scare you away from the unique experience of staying at Sina The Gray. This cool hotel in Milan offers a theatrical play on the shades of gray, with chic comforts and contemporary styling. What sets this apart of the rest? The infusion of ethnic furnishings that helped create an eclectic, yet luxurious atmosphere which The Gray is known for. Take a seat on hot-pink shantung couches, or sleep in a bed that hangs from the ceiling. For each corner in this hotel offers guests a surprise, you never know when you’ll run into ostrich skin accents.VIEW OR BOOK @ AGODAVIEW OR BOOK @ BOOKING.COMVIEW OR BOOK @ WOTIF

Straf Hotel & Bar

What awaits you inside the Straf Hotel & Bar is an exclusive design that bucks the trend for boutique hotels in Milan. Designed to be different, Vincenzo De Cotis offers guests an ad hoc elegant experience without sacrificing luxury comfort. Step through the doors and join the movement where minimalist, artistic installations become luxe hotels. Split slate, polished brass,  and iron characterize an extremely hi-tech yet warm atmosphere. The decor? Gauze glass, worn mirrors and impoverished furnishings. Experience the boutique feel of Arte Povera, or poor art, that De Cotis decided to share with the world when designing one of the ultimate cool Milan hotels.VIEW OR BOOK @ MR MRS SMITHVIEW OR BOOK @ BOOKING.COMVIEW OR BOOK @ WOTIF

Armani Hotel Milano

Enter the world of Giorgio Armani, where sophistication and beauty align to create one of the most luxurious hotels in Milan. Dark tones, ultra-chic furnishing and ultimate comfort showcase the Armani lifestyle philosophy. In Milan, the lifestyle begins from the street. Where a classic Italian style building is capped by an iconic lifted glass roof. On the inside, marble walls and low lighting creates an ambient, yet mysterious environment. An environment where each piece of decor plays a role in creating the aesthetic of sophistication that Armani is highly regarded for. Join us for dinner at the Ristorante, where Michelin star rated Chefs plate the finest Italian flavors as you take in panoramic views of the city in this penthouse style space.VIEW OR BOOK @ AGODAVIEW OR BOOK @ BOOKING.COMVIEW OR BOOK @ EXPEDIA

NH Collection Milano President

Located in the historic district of Milan rests the NH Collection Milano President. Greeted by an open lobby with marble floors and minimalist decors, the hotel radiates an aura of luxury. Where public areas play on natural tones, accented with calming whites and reds. Complemented by boutique Italian furnishings and natural light. As suites become temporary modern homes, with views of the beautiful Duomo. An iconic cathedral known throughout the world for it’s absolute brilliance. As one of the cool Milan hotels, it offers local guides, bike services and a mobile connectivity pack, so you never lose a WiFi signal as you go about your day in this amazing city.VIEW OR BOOK @ AGODAVIEW OR BOOK @ BOOKING.COMVIEW OR BOOK @ EXPEDIA

Bulgari Hotel Milan

For classic Milanese luxury, look no further than the Bulgari Hotel Milan. Known for their bold, contemporary style, Bulgari offers a tasteful interior which showcases their elegant design. Explore the raw and precious materials used in harmony with chromatic tones, providing boutique comfort for those who choose to stay. Behind the doors of this 18th century Palazzo lies a secret, a getaway for the luxe-traveling man. A place where he can go to indulge in old world elegance. To become one with the roots of luxury, upholding standards that cannot be met by any other hotel than Bulgari. Let the story unfold as you tour the tastes of Italy, sip the finest aperitif and stroll through lavish gardens on your down time, taking in all that embodies the ambient desire to be, luxury.VIEW OR BOOK @ AGODAVIEW OR BOOK @ BOOKING.COMVIEW OR BOOK @ EXPEDIA

Mandarin Oriental

This 5 star metropolitan hotel allows guests a full immersion into the culture of Milan, with an Oriental twist. Built out of an 18th century building, the Mandarin Oriental provides classical aesthetics in the heart of Italy’s most fashion forward city. With a lustrous, ultra-contemporary design, each guest is welcomed by boutique luxury as they are escorted to their suite. For the family man, relax in knowing the Mandarin Oriental offers special amenities to ensure your children’s optimal comfort. Take advantage of the babysitting services and offer your partner a night on the town for drinks, dinner and a show at the Teatro alls Scala.VIEW OR BOOK @ AGODAVIEW OR BOOK @ BOOKINGVIEW OR BOOK @ EXPEDIA

The post Cool Milan Hotels To Visit In 2022 appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Crypto investors and blockchain enthusiasts haven’t exactly enjoyed a fantastic start to 2022. Excluding stablecoins, every single one of the top 100 cryptocurrencies by market cap are firmly planted in the red year-to-date (YTD). 

General sentiment and price action in the crypto market have been steadily moving from bad to worse for a while now, with a broad downturn persisting from mid-November last year. 

On November 10, Ethereum (ETH) hit a new all time high of US$4,878 (AU$6,693) and just 2 days later on November 12, Bitcoin (BTC) also reached a new all time high of US$69,044 (AU$93,482). Facebook had just transformed itself into Meta, NFTs were selling for the price of superyachts and the world seemed ready to embrace the new era of digital assets, decentralisation and the strangle lands of the metaverse.

For many crypto pundits, this recent downturn seemed to be directly at odds with both the financial and technological developments in the world of cryptocurrency.  Understandably, plenty of investors have been left scratching their heads, and trying to shake off the repeated wincing that comes with the compulsive checking of a crypto wallet that keeps sliding deeper into the red.

What’s Causing This Drop?

While there are many factors that have played a role in this recent downturn, they are all the result of the crypto market becoming more enmeshed with the world of traditional finance. According to Bloomberg and a host of other financial experts, the primary driving factors behind cryptos recent poor performance can be broken down into 2 main themes:

1. Fears of impending regulation from the SEC and the US Federal Government.
   
2. Fears of broader economic contraction and looming rate hikes.

Put simply, crypto belongs at the very top of a category of financial assets called ‘risk assets‘. When massive institutions like the Federal Reserve and central banks start to talk about increasing interest rates, investors generally tend to pull their money out of the “risk asset” category and put them in safer, more “boring” assets like bonds and non-volatile real estate.

Stephane Quellette, CEO of crypto platform FRNT Financial told Bloomberg:

“Crypto is reacting to the same kind of dynamics that are weighing on risk-assets globally.”

“Unfortunately for some of the mature projects like BTC, there is so much cross-correlation within the crypto asset class it’s almost a certainty that it falls, at least temporarily in a broader alt-coin valuation contraction.”

This general pull away from risk-heavy investing styles that comes with crypto has only been aggravated by fears of severe regulation and potential nation-wide bans. Historically, calls for regulation were treated with mild disinterest or were just laughed off as FUD by crypto pundits on Twitter.

I've been hearing regulation FUD for 10 years. They have the first question on the tax form asking if you own crypo. I mean it can't get much worse than that beside an outright ban, and if so, look at what gold did after being banned, kept on truckin lol. US won't ban it anyway.

— Zr1Trader (@ZR1Trader) September 30, 2021

However, the new Gary Gensler-led SEC has been utterly merciless in its quest to crack down on fraudulent and illegal practices in the chaotic ‘Wild West‘ of crypto. Adding even more fuel to the regulation fire, President Joe Biden made an announcement on the 22nd of January that a ‘government-wide strategy’ for dealing with digital assets could be introduced in the US as soon as mid-February.

And if you thought sentiment couldn’t sour any further, Russia, Singapore, Spain and the UK have all decided to jump on board the regulation train to varying degrees. Russia seems to be the most serious cause for concern outside of the US, with the Russian Central Bank introducing a proposal that could potentially see cryptocurrency and all of its associated activities (mining & the operation of exchanges) uniformly banned from the country.

What Can Investors Expect To Happen?

Anyone that’s remotely familiar with investing in cryptocurrency will tell you that making accurate predictions about this particular market is practically impossible. However, there are a few general trends and some well established indicators that investors can keep an eye on to see if things are likely to turn around.

Firstly, in times of extreme market decline and volatility, almost every digital asset still moves in accordance with Bitcoin. Analysts, from both Coinglass and Bloomberg are still unsure whether Bitcoin’s recent dip below its “famous” support levels of US$40,000 & US$34,0000 will prove to be disastrous, but they are sure about one thing: there’s probably more bad news on the way.

Antoni Trenchev, managing partner at crypto firm Nexo, told Bloomberg:

“Fear and unease among investors is palpable… if we see a bigger selloff in equities, expect the Fed to verbally intervene to calm nerves and that’s when Bitcoin and other cryptos will bounce.”

Owing to the absurd sums of institutional money now involved in the digital asset space, crypto is no longer the standalone market it once was. This means that investors can look to other similar assets in traditional financial sectors to get an idea where the money is going…

This sentiment is echoed by Art Hogan, chief market strategist at National Securities, who told Bloomberg:

“It’s useful to think of cryptocurrencies as living in the same space as other speculative sectors, including recent rapid-growth tech stocks and electric-vehicle makers (TSLA)… when the Nasdaq 100 or any of the other more-speculative, rapid-growth, momentum-type asset classes start to gain some traction, so too will cryptocurrencies.”

If investors want to get a better idea of what crypto markets might do, they should be keeping an eye on the other speculative assets in the stock market. It would be wise to keep an ear on the ground for announcements from the Fed. If they continue on the current warpath of hiking up interest rates, the sell-off of risk assets like crypto could get a lot worse from here…

Read Next

• I Bought $1,000 Worth Of Cryto Currency. It Was A Huge Mistake
• Best Crypto: 3 Best Cryptocurrencies To Buy Right Now

The post Bitcoin Is Toppling! Here’s Everything You Need To Know About The 2022 Crypto Crash appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Say bonjour to Paris, the global hub for haute couture and classical architecture that has inspired designers since the 1500s.The boutique hotels of the City of Lights have a sense of chic style that only Parisians can bring together. Each tells a story that transcends time, beginning streetside at the neoclassical structures of elegant townhouses and ending at the foot of your contemporary suite.The competition for the best is heavy and the options are plenty, but read on and explore our top picks for cool Paris hotels.

Grand Pigalle Hotel

Founded by three childhood friends, Grande Pigalle Hotel blends trendy eccentricities and a buzzy ambiance with the charm of living in one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods in Paris. Designer Dorothée Meilichzon’s Victorian-meets-Deco interiors are reminiscent of a stylish cocktail bar – a fitting choice, considering the hotel was imagined as a “bed and beverage” concept by the folks behind the much-loved Experimental Cocktail Club. The theme continues throughout the space, from carpets embellished with martini glasses to rooms featuring minibars stocked with small-scale cocktails bottled by the in-house bar.Book @ Mr & Mrs Smith From $156 per night.

Nolinski Paris

Located on the popular Avenue de l’Opéra, the Nolinski offers a modernist refuge from the historical streets of Paris. From the outside, draping plants and turquoise tinted shades complement a classic, sober structure. The reception, built from Carrara marble, radiates luxury from the moment you walk through the doors. A minimalist yet elegant design by Jean Louis Deniot joins classical prestige with modern aesthetic, while spice scented spaces and luminescent rooms ignite the senses. Meander through the Palais Royale gardens nearby, or have a drink at the Brasserie Rejane where local Parisians hangout and dine.Book @ Agoda From $432 per night.

Hotel Marignan Champs Elysees

Hotel Marignan Champs-Elysées offers guests the quintessential Parisian experience. Built out of a historic home in the 8th arrondissement, this cool hotel in Paris oozes exclusivity, with only 50 rooms and suites available. Pierre Yovanovitch, a designer known for his fresh takes on historic spaces, brought contemporary comfort to the hotel after a redesign in 2012. Now, guests can relax on the finest furnishings while people watching on a private, airy balcony or step outside to explore the beautiful buildings of the Triangle d’Or.Book @ Agoda From $315 per night.

Buddha-Bar Hotel Paris

The Buddha-Bar Hotel comes from the creative imagination of Raymond Visan. A globe-trotter himself, Visan designed this welcoming space to tell the story of “a voyage within a voyage”. More than a hotel, the Buddha-Bar embodies a lifestyle of luxury with personalized service, a vibe that combines contemporary French living with fine Asian culture, and a hip location in the heart of Faubourg St Honore. The Buddha-Bar is moments away from high-end boutiques, haute couture workshops and Parisian cultural attractions. Enjoy shabu-shabu, a Japanese-style enchanted forest and ultra-chic designs all in one place in this extraordinary hotel next time you’re in town.Book @ Agoda From $444 per night.

Hotel Bienvenue

Bienvenue is the latest addition to hotelier Adrien Gloaguen’s chic portfolio, which also includes nearby Paradis and Panache. With colourful interiors by Chloé Nègre, fantasy cake creations from baker Anaïs Olmer, and a garden courtyard adorned by artist Julien Colombier, Hôtel Bienvenue caters to a cool crowd with itchy Instagram fingers. The rooms are petite, as is the case in much of Paris, but the nightly rate is hard to beat and the bustling South Pigalle location will keep you too busy to spend much time indoors.Book @ Mr & Mrs Smith From $90 per night.

The Peninsula Paris

The Peninsula Paris was named a Parisian ‘palace’ by the French Tourism Department and it’s hard to argue with that distinction. This hotel defines chic tourism with an expansive, Renaissance-style structure built by Pierre Lescot in 1546. Spend the day exploring the home of haute couture with designers like Elsa Schiaparelli and perfumer Serge Lutens, or take tea and browse rare gemstones at the boutique of acclaimed jewelry designer Marie-Helene de Taillac. Luxury meets classical culture at the Parisian ‘palace’ of hotels.Book @ Agoda From $969 per night.

La Réserve Apartments

Explore the classical elegance of La Réserve Apartments, where your two-bedroom home away from home comes with a view of the Eiffel Tower. Located in a traditional Haussmann building, this chic stay showcases a 19th century exterior accompanied by the modern interior design of Rémi Tessier. Exclusivity is key at La Réserve. With only 10 apartments on site, guests enjoy immaculate and personalised service from the staff, as well as luxuries like a well-stocked wine cellar and grocery baskets. Airbnb who?Book @ La Réserve From $1,939 per night.

Hotel & Spa La Belle Juliette

Follow heroine Juliette Recamier as you experience the Hotel & Spa La Belle Juliette. Each floor of this immaculate 19th century space tells a different story about Juliette’s life. Each room has its own feel, with refined colours, carefully chosen materials and exquisite fabrics that are quirky yet harmonious. Relax in the garden or people watch from your window overlooking the tranquil rue du Cherche-Midi. Don’t miss the serene spa, where you’ll find a swimming pool equipped with massaging waterjets and a steamy Turkish bath.Book @ Agoda From $194 per night.

Le Roch Hotel & Spa

Le Roch brings a casual yet elegant environment to this suite of cool Paris hotels. Designed by city local Sarah Lavoine, the interior of the hotel plays on shades of black, blue and wood for a true Parisian ambiance. Natural light flows into each room, showcasing the high-end wooden accents and designer furnishings, and creating a calming vibe throughout the premises. The wellness area boasts an indoor swimming pool illuminated by carefully placed candles for a peaceful swim. When you’re finished, head through a secret passage for an exclusive entrance to the spa’s Turkish hammam on site.Book @ Agoda From $386 per night.

Hotel Montalembert

The Hotel Montalembert, built in 1926, is a 5-star stunner located in the heart of Saint Germain des Prés on the Left Bank. A 2016 renovation added contemporary tweaks to the hotel’s grand old-world aura, resulting in an elegant blend of mod and retro that perfectly suits the city. Guests can avail themselves of a library, a cosy den, a seasonal terrace, and in-room spa services courtesy of Carita. There’s even a VID (Very Important Dog) service that spoils your pup with canine-centric goodies like treats and a cosy basket.Book @ Mr & Mrs Smith From $316 per night.

La Maison Champs Élysées

Your experience at La Maison Champs Élysées begins at the airport, where guests who have booked a suite are treated to a limo ride to the hotel. You are dropped off at a Haussmann-style townhouse, inside of which you’ll find hidden theatrics and interesting art pieces courtesy of the mind of Martin Margiela. The non-conformist space offers unobtrusive luxury mixed with contemporary lines and more than a few playful touches. La Maison Champs Élysées is a place to be both spoiled and surprised.Book @ Agoda From $256 per night.

Le Burgundy

Haute couture is the Parisian way, and Hotel Le Burgundy does it best. Bringing together classical elements and timeless chic, this trendy stay defines modernity. Dine at Le Baudelaire, where Michelin-starred Chef Guillaume Goupil delivers vibrant flavours. Relax at the inviting Spa by Sothys. Flex your credit card in the endless boutique shops along rue Saint-Honore. The award-winning concierge at Le Burgundy will lead you in the right direction for all your travel needs.Book @ Agoda From $438 per night.

Saint James Paris

Arriving at Saint James Hotel makes you feel as if you’ve been transported back to an old-world European estate. A hotel particulier, this neoclassical home was constructed in the 19th century on the site of Paris’ first aerodrome. Today Bambi Sloan has given it a playful blend of eclectic design with deep, cultural heritage. Don’t be surprised if you see zebra heads alongside diamond chandeliers as you explore this exuberant château. The essential stops during your stay include the dining room of Chef Adrien Brunet, the library turned lauded cocktail bar, and the Guerlain spa.Book @ Agoda From $368 per night.

Hotel Particulier Montmartre

The Hotel Particulier Montmartre is a must-stay for any luxury traveller passing through Paris. Five exclusive suites populate this 19th century family home, each with its own distinct design. Step into the luxuriant gardens for a taste of the French countryside in the heart of the city, or enjoy gourmet dining and hand-crafted cocktails in an intimate setting that has charmed countless epicureans from Paris and abroad. Chic and romantic, the Hotel Particulier Montmartre is a golden secret amongst hotel connoisseurs.Book @ Agoda From $336 per night.

The post Cool Paris Hotels To Visit In 2022 appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Podcasts have been around since the early 2000s as a means for listeners to get their fix of radio-like shows, but at a time that is more convenient to them. It wasn’t until 2005 and Apple’s move to integrate podcasts with its iTunes music service that podcasts really starting to become noticed and listened to.

Today, you’re unlikely to find a single person who hasn’t listened to at least one podcast in their life, and many people swear by them as being a great source of entertainment as they offer an alternative to reading a book or burying your head in your Instagram feed while on the train to work, for example.

What makes podcasts even more appealing is the fact many of them are free, and as a result of their popularity boom, many celebrities and well-known industry figures have jumped aboard the podcast bandwagon to either host their own shows, or guest star on others.

Enter the podcast. No longer will you have to languish—bored out of your mind—on your daily commute listening to the inane chatter of Kyle and Jackie O. Now you can learn a language, listen to (highly addictive) true crime stories, be entertained to the point of laughter and stay informed with news that really matters (to you). All for free.

The beauty is that it’s personalised. Unlike TodayFM you can curate your podcast database to keep you up to date with specific aspects of business, sport and entertainment that actually affect your life (or that you are genuinely interested in).

Bonus: these expert podcasters will help you (sound like) you know what you’re talking about when it comes to politics, impress your date, get you a date, improve your relationship, understand nutrition and fitness, and open your mind to thought-provoking topics you’d never before considered.

The School Of Greatness

Hosted by Lewis Howes, ex NFL athlete, The School Of Greatness interviews the most successful and influential people of our time, from professional athletes to self made millionaires, having them share their story and give tips on finding your own path to greatness.

Best Episodes:

• Episode #151 – What Holds Us Back from Having It All. Danielle LaPorte, bestselling Canadian author, inspirational speaker and entrepreneur could be the kick up the arse you need.
• Episode #109 – 7 Simple Steps to Master the Game of Money. World famous self help guru Tony Robbins explains how to, as the kids would put it, “make bank”.
• Episode #189 – The Secret to Attracting Your Dream Relationship. Matthew Hussey, British dating coach and resident NBC matchmaker reveals how to find what you’re looking for.
• Episode #148 – Finding Your Passion and Following Your Purpose. Julianne Hough, American dancer, singer, and actress on what it’s really like to monetise your passion.

The Joe Rogan Experience

Whether you’re interested in martial arts, politics, comedy, finance, psychedelics, ancient civilisations, nutrition, hunting, isolation tanks, astrophysics, spirituality or self improvement, The Joe Rogan Experience (hosted by American stand up comedian, sports commentator and actor Joe Rogan) will quench your thirst—then double it. Running since 2009 the JRE is one of the OG podcasts, and its popularity means it attracts high profile guests like Elon Musk, Jordan Peterson, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Anthony Bourdain.

Stubborn in pursuing a point yet open minded in considering new ideas, Rogan’s interview style (which includes plying his subjects with everything from coffee to whisky and psychedelics) makes for some fascinating, hilarious episodes, and the long-form format means you get to see what his guests really think about a topic beyond just a few news bytes.

Highlights include:

• Episode #142 with Graham Hancock & Duncan Trussell. Even if you have zero interest in ancient history, Hancock’s controversial theory of a “lost civilisation” and Joe Rogan challenging him on it, as well as their discussion on how you can have a psychedelic experience—without taking a single mind altering substance—in an isolation chamber is, to say the least, interesting.
• Episode #1080 with David Goggins, a retired Navy SEAL and former USAF Tactical Air Control Party member who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Even if ultramarathon running and pull ups aren’t your jam, this man’s insights will still help motivate you to achieve your aims—in life and in sport.
• Episode #1051 with Duncan Trussell and Christopher Ryan. Existential life debate and discussion between comics—this episode is a great example of this trio’s incredible on screen chemistry.
• Episode #958 with Jordan Peterson, a clinical psychologist and professor often caught up in controversy over his critiques of political correctness. Whatever you think about his political views, Jordan has some quality life and self-empowerment advice.

How I Built This

Whether you harbour entrepreneurial ambitions, have a few back-of-napkin ideas or already have a bustlin’ side hustle, this is the podcast for you. Host Guy Raz dives headfirst into the stories behind internationally-renowned companies, pulling back the curtain on world famous innovators, entrepreneurs and idealists—and the movements they built. Apart from the episodes listed below, highlights include their interviews with the founders of Vice, Rolling Stone and AOL. The common themes here are improvisation and grit—like when the founders of Airbnb paid off their credit card debt and financed their startup by selling $40 boxes of cereal…

Best Episodes:

• Episode #22 Virgin: with Richard Branson, English business magnate, investor, author and philanthropist.
• Episode #62 Airbnb: with Joe Gebbia, the founder of… you guessed it, Airbnb.
• Episode #5 Clif Bar: with Gary Erikson, founder of a highly successful, organic energy bar company.
• Episode #79 Lonely Planet: with Maureen and Tony Wheeler, whose notes on how to travel on a shoestring became a book, which grew into the largest travel guide publisher in the world.

Coach Corey Wayne

Coach Corey Wayne is no sleazy dating coach. He gives a rare mix of intelligent, respectful advice and can help you in your dating life—whether it’s currently non-existent or you are 15 years into your marriage. From successful nightclub pick up techniques to re-igniting a stale relationship, or what to do when you run into your ex, Corey Wayne has you covered.

Best Episodes:

• Episode #3 – Is She Testing, Or Wasting My Time?
• Episode #6 – The Art Of Texting
• Episode #119 – The Art Of Being Mysterious
• Episode #20 – Women Bluff To Test Your Strength

The Barefoot Investor

There are a wealth of personal finance podcasts out there. But they tend to either be boring or niche. And often, unless you agree with each host’s personal finance strategies, they can come off a bit preachy. What’s great about Scott Pape, host of The Barefoot Investor is that he gives simple, practical advice (and easy to understand commentary) on a wide variety of investment strategies (including some of those from his book) and personal finance topics, and motivates you to follow through on them.

Best Episodes:

• Episode #9 – Addicted To Debt. In this episode The Barefoot investor talks about our countries least understood addiction, with 7 time world surfing champion, Layne Beachley.
• Episode #7 – It’s All About Investing. In this episode The Barefoot Investor explains his core philosophy, and gets secret trading tips from one of Australia’s best minds…
• Episode #12 (of season 2) – Getting Back Your Mojo. This episode details how to build your emergency fund, and why you should always have one.
• Episode #10 (of season 2) – Love & Money. In this episode Scott talks to one of his readers, who has applied “Barefoot” techniques to plan his dream wedding.

Masters Of Scale

Hosted by Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and Investor at Greylock, Masters of Scale is run by a man who very much “walks the walk” of the advice he gives. In each episode, Reid shows how companies grow from zero to a gazillion, testing his theories with legendary leaders. None of this has gone unnoticed; it won the 2018 People’s Voice Webby for Best Business Podcast. A must for anyone who wants to improve their business skills.

Best Episodes:

• Episode #33 with Facebook’s Mark Zuckerburg – if you want to know why, “If you’re not embarrassed by your first product release, you’ve released it too late,” give this one a whirl.
• Episode #2 with Instagram’s Kevin Systrom. Check this one out to learn how to scale big with a simple idea (and a tiny team).
• Episode #4 with Zynga’s Mark Pincus. Want to know how to kill your bad ideas? You know where to click.
• Episode #1 with Spotify’s Daniel Ek, on how to build trust fast.

Waking Up With Sam Harris

From meditation to politics, neuroscience to philosophy, Sam Harris is your go-to podcast for when you’re in the mood to focus on a new topic, expand your horizon, challenge your thinking, learn about politics, or keep up to date with international affairs. He deals with topics like North Korea, artificial intelligence, identity politics and self improvement. Not always an easy listen, but always worth your time. Apart from the episodes listed below, Freeing The Hostages, where Harris speaks to an FBI hostage negotiator, is also worth a listen.

Best Episodes:

• Episode #71 – What Is Technology Doing To Us. In this episode Sam interviews a design ethicist from Google about the arms race for human attention, the ethics of persuasion, the consequences of having an ad-based economy, the dynamics of regret, and other topics.
• Episode #32 – The Best Podcast Ever. Despite the ironic title, it is actually one of the most interesting podcasts he has produced. Harris considers this conversation a failure because it is basically a 3 and a half hour, ego-driven argument. This takes place with a cocky young lawyer/journalist, on the back of a highly critical article he wrote about Sam’s book “Islam and the Future of Tolerance.” Like episode #123 (“Identity and Honesty” with Ezra Klein) Harris found this interview uncomfortable as his interviewee treats the conversation like a debate to win at all costs, not a casual chinwag—but this actually makes for a more riveting experience for the listener.
• Episode #87 – Triggered. In this episode, Harris interviews Scott Adams, cartoonist and author of, “How To Fail At Almost Everything And Still Win Big” and, “Win Bigly: Persuasion in a World Where Facts Don’t Matter” in order to understand why people voted for Trump.
• Episode #107 – Is Life Actually Worth Living? This episode goes deep into the good and bad things in life, the ethics of existential risk, the moral landscape, the limits and paradoxes of introspection, the “experience machine” thought experiment and population ethics.

SmartLess

When high-profile celebrities present a podcast it’s always going to attract attention, and the SmartLess podcast, hosted by comedians Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Sean Hayes does just that. The trio uses the A-list power to invite a further ensemble of equally famous talent. Guests include Jennifer Aniston, Robert Downey Jr. and Kamala Harris.

The guest, however, is only known to one of the guys before being revealed to the other two during each episode. What ensues is some deep conversation that (hopefully) teaches us a thing or two – the idea being our ‘SmartLess’ mind is fed – and, naturally, you can expect plenty of laughs.

Serial

It’d be a crime not to mention award-winning podcast Serial in this list. From the creators of This American Life, Sarah Koenig hosts Serial, a series that tells one true story over the course of a season, allowing the plot and characters to change the story’s direction in real time. Season One investigated the 1999 murder of Hae Min Lee, an 18-year-old student at Woodlawn High School in Baltimore (it was such a hit that it was not only downloaded more than 80 million times but has played a pivotal role in the retrial of the accused Adnan Syed), and Season Two focuses on Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, an American soldier who was held for 5 years by the Taliban, and then arrested for desertion. Interest piqued? Hit play.

Best Episodes:

• Episode #3 – Leakin Park. This is one of the most entertaining episodes of the podcast, because it deals with the crime itself, and is where a lot of evidence comes to light.
• Episode #6 – The Case Against Adnan Syed. This episode shows Adnan lying to Sarah multiple times. Many argue it is the episode that gets closest to the “truth” of what happened in the series.
• Episode #1 (Season 2) – Dustwun. The first episode of the second season sets up the mystery in explosive style, and will have you wishing your commute was longer so you could keep listening instead of checking in to work…
• Episode #3 (Season 2) – Escaping. The crux of the story, many would have you believe. Have a listen and decide for yourself.

Freakonomics Radio

Stephen J Dubner, co-author of the Freaknonomics books has now turned his hand to podcasting, where he tells you things you always thought you knew (but didn’t) and things you never thought you wanted to know (but do)—from the economics of sleep to how to become great at just about anything. Dubner speaks with Nobel laureates and provocateurs, intellectuals and entrepreneurs, providing an awesome experience for the listener by being, as one fan put it, “Funny, kind and smarter than anyone in the room.”

“The flagship of all podcasts.”

Anyway, these are the best episodes.

• Episode #322 – People Aren’t Dumb. The World Is Hard. In this episode Richard Thaler, the founder of Behavioural Economics comes on the podcast to discuss his unlikely route to success; his reputation for being lazy; and his efforts to fix the world.
• Episode #323 – Why We Choke Under Pressure (And How Not To). In this episode you will hear from psychologists, economists, and the golfer who (some say) committed the greatest choke of all time. Ignore their advice at your own peril.
• Episode #34 – How To Be More Productive. There’s a difference between being busy and being productive. This episode will help you master it.
• Episode #247 – How To Win Games & Beat People. Listen to a chin wag with Tom Whipple, Science Editor for The Times in London. Your monopoly record will thank you for it.

Books On The NightStand

If you’re struggling to find a book that’s not about vampires or bondage sex, Books on the Nightstand is your new best friend. Hosts (and publishing industry insiders) Michael Kindness and Ann Kingman will give you tips you just won’t get from Amazon’s suggested reading list, and their mission in life (okay, podcasting) is to help you find your next favourite author. They explore literature of the past, present and future (books that haven’t been released yet).

Best episodes:

• Episode #381 – One-Sit Wonders. If you have a short attention span, or simply would like some recommended reading that can be knocked over in one night, give this episode a go.
• Episode #374 – Commercial vs. Literary Fiction. We’ll give you a clue—one sells, the other wins awards.
• Episode #363 – Favourite Books Of 2015. Self explanatory.
• Episode #361 – Why We Like The Books We Do. Your (lack of?) taste: explained!

Under The Skin

Comedian and actor Russell Brand has decided to go back to uni to study international relations, religion and politics, and wants to take you with him. With a new guest each week he interviews sexologists, psychologists, recovering drug addicts, diplomats, politicians, shamans and more.

Best Episodes:

• Episode #46 – Kindness vs. Power. In this episode he debates the gender pay gap, left vs. right wing politics, spirituality and self improvement with Jordan Peterson, a clinical psychologist and controversial Canadian university professor.
• Episode #23 – Can We Protect The Planet? In this episode Brand interviews former Vice President Al Gore about his new film “An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power”, his feelings about Donald Trump, the corruption of big money, and the future for renewable energy.
• Episode #27 – Can We Have More Connected Sex? In this episode Brand is joined by author Isabel Losada to discuss how we can all get better in the bedroom…
• Episode #29 – Is Anarchy The Answer? Here, Russell interviews Carne Ross, a former high-flying diplomat and Middle East advisor, pulling back the curtain on the British governments’ decision making process during the Iraq war.

Criminal Domain

You may think a podcast launched alongside some cybersecurity software sounds a bit strange, but that’s exactly what Criminal Domain is, as it’s been launched in partnership with NortonLifeLock. In true podcast style, Criminal Domain comprises several episodes, each of which follows a victim of cybercrime, with the first episode following 2018 Love Island winner Tayla Damir, who finds herself stranded in Lebanon after her bank account was drained of money following a personal data breach.

It’s a topic that should resonate greatly with the Australian public, with 1 in 5 claiming to have been a victim of identity theft, and the podcast launches alongside Norton’s Dark Web Monitoring software, which will let Australians know if their details have been sold on the dark web.

Podcasts FAQ

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The post 10 Best Podcasts For Men: Who Want To Win At Life appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

The sports jacket. Oh, that’s just a posh way of saying ‘blazer’ or ‘suit coat’, right?

Originally known as the ‘rich man’s coat’, the sports jacket was purchased by men who had excessive bank accounts in the Twenties, investing in the relaxed blazer – on top of their suit expenditure – so to stand out as style connoisseurs – be it, on the hunt or attending a sporting event.

Fast-track almost one hundred years, and the sports jacket still has its place in contemporary men’s wear. And one of the most unlikely yet brilliant pairings with the tailored coat? Denim. Let’s take a look at how to wear the common rugged jean with the historically pompous sports jacket. Because opposites attract.

How The Stylish Combo Was Born

Historically, the sports jacket has always been paired with a contrast trouser. Naturally, chinos or wool trousers come to mind. But with the denim renaissance of late, men are taking both expensive and cheap jeans with their tailored pieces too, and pairing the indigo-hued, cotton pants with the sophisticated sports coat.

The sports jacket, however, has undergone some changes since the era of the flapper, becoming far more streamline and unstructured – and for summer – for more lightweight; mixing up traditional fabrics and colours to reflect the climate.

Correct Jeans To Pick

The slim-cut jean is the in thing for men. Not too skinny, not too wide, this just-right jean is man’s best friend and pairs seamlessly with the sports jacket.

When shopping for a pair – or perusing the darker nooks of your closet – choose clean, mid-to-dark denim in a slim-fit silhouette or trouser-ish shape. Cheap jeans are also an option if you don’t want to go down the designer route.

Snub heavily distressed denim or washed out, faded jeans, and say (absolutely) no to baggy, bootcut jeans. Light denim can work for day time or spring looks with pastels but if we’re being picky (which is always good) stick to dark blue. Just to be safe.

Correct Jackets To Pick

The sports jacket generally has a more soft-shouldered fit compared to a suit jacket separate or a more conventional blazer. Essentially, it’s designed for layers to be worn underneath in cooler months – think knit or roll neck and shirt – or slim and smoothly over an unbuttoned shirt or basic t-shirt.

In some instances, elbow patches on the arms may feature on the common sports jacket, as well as a slit and pleats in the back; functional attributes that helped last century men be more agile on the hunt. But these signatures are more decorative these days (although they do provide increased mobility for modern guys on the go).

Finally, the sports jacket is often made from sturdy materials steeped in English heritage (herringbone, hounds or dog tooth, flannel, and tweed). Since its debut, the Italians have lent themselves to more summer ready versions, made from linens and wool/cotton/silk blends – perfect for the Aussie climate too.

Whatever the fabric, the sports jacket is big on textural patterns (made from the weave of the yarn), letting the depth of the jacket speed louder than vibrant colours or boisterous prints.

Suave Traveller

The sports jacket is a great travel companion for the frequent flyer. With a plain black tee and luxury sneakers, a grey, tweedy sports jacket offers a sharp, monochrome look with a buttery, leather carryall (also in black) and aviator shades. Keep the tee untucked (even though you’re wearing jacket) and always leave the sports jacket unbuttoned.

Other times, the weekend traveller welcomes a micro-print button shirt, under a Seventies-brown woollen jacket. Keeping the denim super dark (and not distressed) gives the jean a chino look; letting the button-down sit in the nonchalant half-tuck, casually cool so to step into a night soiree once you’ve landed.

Heritage Gent

For a look to make Ralph Lauren gush, take a preppy woollen jacket in smokey brown and place it over an olive cashmere cardigan and paisley long tie. Raw denim emphasises clean lines in a slim-cut (like trousers), tapered in with a tan belt and matching document holder. The denim shirt complements the neutral colour palette and naturalness of the fabric.

For a modern professor look, a herringbone jacket in black-and-white weave lets the waist coat feature in navy corduroy; the melange of texture between the two ramped up even more by a tonal blue woven tie and mid-blue denim shirt. It’s a rustic take on the three-piece suit and – with addition of silk woven tie – is wildly sophisticated for the heritage gent.

Summertime Sharp

Starting with a tweed sports jacket, layer a formal shirt (in a pastel hue like pink to match the brown) and tailored denim jeans in dark blue; ensuring the jacket top button is done-up for the look of a suit. A pocket square and chocolate monk shoes add fanciful formalities to the summer tailoring, before a garden party relaxedness sallies on in with the absence of socks and the quirkiness of a polka dot tie.

With heat’s peak, a light cotton sports jacket in taupe is a summer staple. A light blue button shirt (also cotton) is a sharp layer easy tucked into a chocolate belt – the graininess of the brown working well with the natural marks and lines of washed-up denim jeans.

A navy pocket square complements indigo’s hue, under metallic silver aviators.

Casual Fridays

A casual office environment is where the jean-and-sports-jacket affair truly heats up.

Summer looks like light-ish jeans and loafers (if your office permits) with a business blue shirt, under a navy cotton sports jacket and tastefully spotted long tie – sans weave.

For winter months, play around with a grey, flannel jacket and mid-blue jeans; keeping the shirting quasi-corporate with a cutaway collar and white cotton.

Fire up the romance with studious, striped socks, brown leather shoes and spotted pocket square – showing colleagues your Friday fashion sense is just as creative as your boardroom ideas.

Blazer With Jeans FAQ

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The post How To Wear A Blazer With Jeans To Look Casually Sharp appeared first on DMARGE Australia.