Timothée Chalamet might be the most important fashion tastemaker in Hollywood.The fresh-faced 25-year-old actor, best known for his starring role in the cultural tour de force that was 2017’s Call Me by Your Name, is easily one of the most versatile and interesting style icons of the last decade. Alongside other celebrities like Harry Styles, Jared Leto and Cillian Murphy, Chalamet’s been responsible for pushing the boundaries when it comes to androgynous fashion and redefining what a modern male heartthrob is supposed to look like.Unlike some of his contemporaries, however, Chalamet’s got a particularly unique retro and surprisingly masculine edge. He’s got a knack for pairing really radical, genderfluid pieces with really classic ones, grounding his experimental tendencies in an irreverent and accessible masculinity that we think is just brilliant.Case in point: this outfit he wore to the 78th Annual Venice International Film Festival earlier this week for the premiere of his latest film, Dune. Chalamet looked slick as hell in a crystal-dotted Haider Ackermann ensemble, which he contrasted with some Wayfarer-esque sunglasses and a number of archival Cartier rings – like he was the world’s most fashion-forward Mafia consigliere. A young Corleone.

The two rings are from 2005 and 2017 respectively and are crafted from 18ct white gold, black ceramic and diamonds. He also pinned a Cartier brooch to his right cuff and wore a Cartier bracelet on his left wrist. They’re subtle touches but they’ve already got the fashion world buzzing, with Vogue gushing that “Chalamet makes the case for men’s jewellery”.RELATED: Cool Men’s Jewellery Brands That Will Stop You From Looking Like A PirateIt’s no secret why he’s wearing so much Cartier: Chalamet has just been announced as the famous French jewellery brand’s next ambassador – joining an illustrious crew that includes other big names like Jake Gyllenhaal, Rami Malek and Troye Sivan. Unlike those other men, however, who primarily work with Cartier’s watch division, Chalamet expressed a specific interest in working with Cartier’s jewellery division.That said, we wonder what Cartier watch Chalamet would wear. Something classic and demure, like a Tank? Perhaps something more iconoclastic, like a Pasha? We’ll just have to wait for the next red carpet to find out…

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The post Timothée Chalamet Channels 'The Godfather' With Cartier Rings In Venice appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

It’s easy to find a no fuss tequila at your local bar if you live Mexico, but for those of us wanting to enjoy the fiery liquid overseas, there is a whole world of buzzwords, celebrity endorsements, and Kendall Jenner to navigate.

There are a few mistakes we gringos make. The main one being that, regardless of price, we often don’t really know what we’re drinking.

Though we have a romantic vision of what’s burning our throat, with palabras like artisanal, agave and boutique ringing in our ears (and sitting on the label of the bottle), there’s actually a big problem in the industry with regards to transparency.

As Elle wrote in August, “Sure, there’s the red hat variety, the production for which we don’t really linger on because it’s cheap and usually has the intended effect of getting people very drunk, very quickly. But for the sort of tequila that you sip with intention, take as a dinner party offering, or treat your friends to, most of us have a specific vision of its birth: Deep in the hills of Jalisco, fields of blue Weber agave plants reach maturity.”

“Closely guarded family recipes are consulted, piñas are pressed by tahona, brick ovens caramelise the sugars, all of it painstakingly presided over by a seasoned maestro. You’re imagining that the liquid in your glass has been lovingly curated, hand-reared and fattened like a Wagyu calf, attended to as it ages, like a riddler daily turns each champagne bottle. And you’d be right. There are plenty of tequilas still made in this way, or in some variation on this general theme. But many, many are not.”

So: how do you know if you’re getting this epic process? Likewise: how do you know if you’re being duped by a high price tag, a fancy label and a quirky ‘About’ page?

 

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The industry is allegedly rife with tricks. Some aren’t that much of a big deal. But some are.

Elle reports, “From chemically accelerating the agave’s ageing process and diluting the product with low-cost sugar-based spirits, through to reliance on undisclosed synthetic additives to mimic natural flavour profiles, there are widespread tequila industry practices that you might not be aware of.”

“And throwing money at the situation is no guarantee that the tequila on the table is additive-free or made in the traditional way that you pictured. There’s every possibility that your favourite top-shelf tipple was mass produced in a factory along with 20 other brands. And the flavours that you had assumed were unique to the plant, process or ageing barrel are actually artificial.”

“While none of this is illegal, certain tequila activists have begun voicing their concern about implications for health, the environment, the preservation of Mexican culture and the spirit of transparency,” (Elle).

So here’s a thread of Mexican tequila brands you should support instead of Kendall Jenner’s, Nick Jonas or Dwayne Johnson’s. pic.twitter.com/lL4TexGTuY

— Dagger N4BS (@daggervengeance) February 17, 2021

DMARGE recently quizzed Alex Lacroix, Co-Founder of Siempre, to get his thoughts.

First off, we asked about celebrity endorsement. While some are highly suspicious of this ‘Clooney Craze,’ Alex actually credited it with doing some good.

“Well, first off, it has contributed to tequila’s widespread popularity over the last 24 months and that has advanced the industry quite a bit, we applaud that.”

He also said that, if you are enjoying what you drink, even if it’s been fiddled with a little, it’s not necessarily that big of a deal.

“Second, though we appreciate, purchase, make and promote good tequila that is made without cutting corners, we always tell people to follow their palates. If you like tequila, you like it, no matter how it’s made!”

“I may cook a grass-fed steak at home and roast organic veggies as an accompaniment but you could also find me at In-N-Out burger on occasion.”

So maybe the most classically gringo mistake we make, is actually obsessing too much over the detail, rather than just enjoying things that taste good?

Maybe.

 

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Alex also shared a few more of his thoughts on the celebrity tequila trend.

“After Casamigos [George Clooney’s brand, which has been praised for using traditional brick oven method] was purchased by Diageo, it’s rumoured that they started using a diffusor – Prospero also openly uses a diffusor as well, far from traditional or even sustainable practice.”

“Diffusors bypass the brick oven altogether and shoot acid into extremely young agave to soften them and commercially extract sugars for fermentation, creating the need for non-native additives. Tragic, really.”

He added: “We need to be mindful of the marketing language used by agencies that really don’t know the ins and outs of the business. It takes research beyond the surface to really understand what’s happening. A brand, for example, could build a tiny distillery, produce a batch once a year, then continue to purchase tequila from a distillery next door and claim they are small batch and have their own distillery.”

Though checking a bottle’s NOM (a seal showing where it came from) used to be a good way for savvy consumers to get wise to these kind of tricks, Alex tells us that’s not always going to help you.

“We won’t name brands that do this – but be wary of ‘ghost’ distilleries that only name one brand in production. Also, regarding a distillery mass-producing or having many brands on their NOM, this may be irrelevant depending on the brand’s involvement and whether or not they are running their own batches or simply purchasing the house product and using finishing techniques to differentiate it from others.”

Alex said, contrary to looking at a brand’s NOM, you should do some other things to figure out what you’re drinking.

“The number of brands to a NOM isn’t really a tell. Begin to look at the production methods listed, rate as many tequilas as you can, and begin to formulate your own opinion. You may not even like some of the tiny producer’s products, nor might they actually produce a good-tasting product or even use traditional methods.”

“Just like music, every genre isn’t for everyone and just because a band lives in a van and is still ‘underground’ it doesn’t mean they make great music. But: it is important to understand what you are signing up for when you chose to support a brand and its core values. That being said, some of our favourites these days are Viva Mexico, Fortaleza, Cascahuin, Calle 23, Lalo and G4.”

“Sometimes when it’s in a fancy bottle, you’re just paying for the fancy bottle, but that’s not always the case. Get familiar with what a diffusor brand tastes like and try before you buy! Also, educate yourself. We suggest some great classes and books provided by Tequila Aficionado and The International Tequila Academy – absolutely great, unbiased sources to educate yourself.”

Alex added: “The truth is, less than 1% additive is perfectly legal and at times it’s completely natural and makes for a deeply enjoyable product, other times it’s a foreign sweetener or flavour.”

He also said, if you want to get hands-on, you can use your fingers to learn about what’s in your glass.

“We touch the tequila before we drink it, dip our finger into the glass and rub your fingers together to see if it sticks, from there, smell and see if you get an alcohol forward smell or if you smell pure agave.”

We then asked him whether smaller, boutique producers are always better than larger, more industrial companies. Alex said the line is blurred, citing Jose Cuervo as being “ultimately family-run.”

“Not the best gauge looking at it that way, and on the opposite side of the spectrum, Patron is very corporately run and produces an extremely ethical, well-made product.”

“Try to search beyond what’s written on the bottle and see who owns the brand. Generally speaking, when it’s owned by a giant conglomerate, you’re in muddy waters but there are exceptions like Corazon (Sazerac), Patron (Bacardi), and El Tesoro (Beam) who are very well produced.”

Looking to the future, Alex told DMARGE he thinks there will be a trend of “limited editions that focus on production methods rather than packaging.”

“Different yeasts, agave from different regions, different still cuts, and interesting barrel aging and blends of this sort. The bad brands will weed themselves out and most who don’t put the heart and effort in die before they hit 20,000 cases sold.”

His final words of advice? Taste all you can and develop your palate: “Form your own opinions, do your own research and go beyond one source. If you use Tequila Matchmaker, that’s a great start but be sure to follow other tequila reviewers to cross-reference.”

Brain sufficiently tickled? Might be time for a glass of tequila…

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• Kendall Jenner’s New Tequila Brand Sparks Fierce Cultural Appropriation Debate
• Great Tequila Brands For Sipping Or Mixing The Night Away

The post ‘Gringo’ Mistake You’re Probably Making When Buying Tequila appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

In a bit of a change from talking about which celebrities are wearing which clothing brands, or rocking million dollar watches, some big news this week is the sight of a much slimmed down Kim Jong-un. With the global pandemic still wreaking some havoc around the world, it seems the Supreme Leader of North Korea has had to invest his time elsewhere, away from allegedly ordering executions or furthering the development of his country’s nuclear weapons program.Attending a military parade in the country’s capital of Pyongyang this week, to celebrate North Korea’s milestone 73rd anniversary, Jong-un provided shutterbugs with much to dissect. Not only did Kim Jong-un attend the parade looking slimmer than ever, but a crowd of public health workers marched in it, all dressed up in hazmat suits and gas marks, perhaps suggesting the country hasn’t actually got rid of Covid-19, contrary to reports.But it’s the news that Jong-un has lost weight that has journalists around the world (from Bloomberg to The Guardian) gobsmacked.News.com.au, cites North Korean journalist Martyn Williams as saying, “It’s striking how much healthier Kim Jong-un is looking in these photos from yesterday, however he is doing it — and there are theories — he looks a lot better than he did a few months ago.”

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North Korea has a long-held reputation for covering up stories, reporting manipulated information, or just not releasing details of any activity at all. With his health clearly being seen as a private matter, the manner of Kim’s weight loss is also being held under lock and key, perhaps only being released at the push of a big red button.Previous images of Kim Jong-un in his larger days have shown him with a bandage on the back of his head, which evidently wasn’t the result of a hair transplant, but led some to speculate his health was in a deteriorating state.If you’d like to take more of a peek into life in North Korea, check out these epic photos by this Australian photographer.

Check out this old-timer below who’s proof you’re never too old to start working out. [Watch video]

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The post Kim Jong-Un's Remarkable Body Transformation Leaves Global Media Shook appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Melbourne isn’t short of luxury watch stores. In fact, it was the first home for many internationally recognised Swiss watch brands such as Panerai and IWC. With such a strong watch community then, it makes sense that there are a number of watch repair shops and service centres to keep your watch ticking.

Because of course, your luxury watch will need routine maintenance to ensure a long and fruitful life, and considering it’s very much an investment piece, we imagine that’s something that will of paramount to you. Your watch is sentimental, after all, so if it breaks we doubt you’ll want to simply buy a replacement model, but rather, bring yours back to life.

The city of Melbourne knows this, and so can come to your aid with these best watch repair shops and service centres, dotted in and around the CBD.

The Watch Lab

No matter your issue, The Watch Lab in Melbourne CBD will be able to fix it. If it stops working, the store’s team of skilled watchmakers will be able to inspect it and take it apart with precision. But if it’s simply a service it needs, your watch will be disassembled and have every single piece cleaned and if necessary, replaced with original factory parts. No aftermarket or third party parts here. Need a new crown or a new piece of glass? No problem.

The Watch Lab is also a second-hand dealer for many big-name brands, including Rolex, Omega, IWC, TAG Heuer, Panerai and Tudor.

Address: Suite 514/Level 5, 343 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, 3000

Phone: 042 2088 834

Melbourne Watch Repairs

Melbourne Watch Repairs has been repairing and restoring luxury timepieces in Melbourne since 2010. Founded by Ashton Tracey, a WOSTEP Certified (Watchmakers of Switzerland Training & Education Programme) and a qualified watchmaker from the British School of Watchmaking and later joined by his dad, it’s his dad that now runs the store as Ashton now works for Rolex overseas. You can rest assured then that your luxury Swiss watch will be well looked after if you take it to Paul for repair.

From simple battery changes and pressure testing through to complete services – as well as a Concierge Service that includes a fully insured collection and return delivery service – no problem is too difficult.

Address: Level 10/92-94 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, 3000

Phone: 0407 311 197

Citizen Watch Repair

With over 30 years of repairing luxury watches in Melbourne CBD, Citizen Watch repair is one of the top service centres in Melbourne for Cartier, Omega, Breitling and Longines, and given the name of the shop, is an authorised service centre for Citizen watches. If you need to get the water-resistance checked or have some parts lubricated, Citizen Watch Repair will be able to help.

Address: 130 Russell Street, Melbourne, 3000

Phone: 03 9650 3561

David East Jewellers

For simple, affordable yet well carried out repairs, head to David East Jewellers. A jeweller and watch dealer first, but with a comprehensive list of repair services, David East Jewellers will take in your OMEGA, Rolex, Breitling, TAG Heuer, Rado to name a few, and repair and service them using 100 per cent original factory parts. Services include dial repair or replacement, bezel replacement, polishing and complete services of automatic timepieces.

Address: Suite 503/Level 5, 227 Collins Street, Wales Corner Building, Melbourne, 3000

Phone: 03 9654 6333

Watches Of Switzerland Service Centre

If you’re in the market for a Swiss watch, one of the first dealers you should check out is Watches of Switzerland, but the reputable dealer is also a dab hand at servicing and repairing. The Melbourne store has an on-site watchmaker that will happily take care of the majority of Swiss brands and all work is guaranteed for 12 months. If any issues arise within the manufacturer’s warranty of owning your watch, then WoS will send it to your brand’s official service centre instead.

Address: 294 Collins Street, Melbourne, 3000

Phone: 03 9671 3388

MigiTech Watch Repair

Also situated in what is essentially a small square area of watch repairers in MigiTech Watch Repair. Capable of servicing and repairing all watch brands and models, including pocket watches and brands such as TAG Heuer, IWC, Rado, OMEGA, Raymond Weil and many more. You can opt to have your mechanical watch movement replaced with battery-operated quartz or go for a complete restoration of a vintage timekeeper.

Address: Room 301/Level 3, 125 Swanston Street, Melbourne, 3000

Phone: 03 9943 0140

Rolex Service Centre

Melbourne is also the home of an official Rolex Service Centre, because, for a watch of Rolex’s calibre, only the best will do. A full service of your Rolex will include a complete overhaul of the movement, while the case and bracelet will be restored to as-new condition. If any pieces need replacing, they’ll be changed out for ones sourced directly from Rolex’s Switzerla nd and every service comes with a two-year guarantee.

Address: 7/18 Oliver Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000

Phone: 03 9654 3988

Bob Shao Watchmaker

Bob Shao doesn’t have a website or any major online presence, but his services speak for themselves and anyone who’s looking for a quality watch repairer in Melbourne should pay him a visit. He offers honest, upfront advice with regards to all repairs and is incredibly competitively priced, and will usually beat most other repairers. With some previous customers saying they would break their watch again so they could take it back to Bob, you can understand why he’s so well-loved.

Address: 100 Russell Street, Melbourne, 3000

Phone: 03 9650 3735

Watch Collector Co.

Watch Collector Co. was founded by Michael Chylinksi, who quit his dentistry qualification to pursue his dream of working with some of the finest watches on the planet. After being called upon by much of Melbourne’s second-hand watch trade to help refinish watches, Michael decided to open his store in 2011. He works by appointment only (there’s no storefront for walk-ins), so you can be assured your repair or service will receive the attention it deserves. Brands that Michael looks after include Panerai, Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, Heuer and TAG Heuer, to name but a few.

Address: Level 1, 22 McKillop Street, Melbourne, 3000

Phone: 1300 858 960

Swiss Watch Repair Service Centre

Swiss Watch Repair Service Centre offers every kind of service you require to help spruce up your wrist. Whether you need crystal replacement, battery replacement, water-resistance testing, strap and bracelet adjustment, clean or polishing, you get the complete service. Their on-site watchmaker is one of the best in the industry and has over 30 years of experience in repairing Swiss watches, so you know you’re in great hands.

Address: Suite 152 Level 5 343 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Phone: 03 9670 3884

Precision Timing

Precision Timing is known for providing quality services for all prestige Swiss watches. They have a deep love for all things old fashion, as Precision Timing specialises in the professional restoration of vintage wristwatches and antique pocket watches. Suppose you’re unsure of if your item is beyond repair, not to fret, as Precision Timing can assess the restoration potential of almost any vintage watch. Just book in a restoration appraisal, and they’re guaranteed to save your grandfather’s antique before you consider throwing it out.

Address: Level 6, 296 Collins St, Melbourne, 3000

Phone: 03 9663 1230

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The post Watch Repair Melbourne: Where To Keep Your Timepiece Ticking appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

When the times are tough, the tough get going – and there’s no vehicle tougher than the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, better known as the G-Wagen.One of the most iconic off-roaders ever produced, the boxy 4×4 has been in continuous production for over four decades, both as a military vehicle and more recently, an ultra-luxurious mall-crawler. It’s like a Jeep on steroids; a two-and-a-half tonne rolling monument to the efficient brutality of German engineering and Mercedes’ uncanny ability to put lipstick on a pig. There’s nothing quite like it and it’s certainly the most bizarre vehicle the storied marque makes.Both the workhorse and luxury variants have long been popular Down Under, the former utilised by outback tourist companies, off-roaders, tradies and the Australian Defence Force and the latter by rich yuppies who get off on intimidating pedestrians. But in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, G-Wagen sales have skyrocketed – which has forced Mercedes-Benz Australia to put a hold on new orders of the car in order to help clear their sizeable sales backlog.“Each G-Class is largely hand-built in Graz, Austria, a country that is currently experiencing a spike in COVID cases, while a global shortage of semi-conductors has severely hampered production for many brands including Toyota,” Carsguide explains.

“In Australia, 270 G-Classes were sold in 2020, but that figure has already been surpassed just eight months into 2021 with 422 new registrations to the end of August.”

“The new-generation G-Class, which launched in 2018, has also proven hugely popular overseas, with 7723 new registrations in the US last year – making 2020 its most popular year to date. The G-Class is also understood to be extremely popular in China and Russia, though sales figures for those two countries are harder to come by,” they continue.RELATED: China’s ‘People’s Tesla’ Overtakes Elon’s Model 3 As Best Selling Electric CarMercedes and other luxury vehicle brands often manufacture vehicles in those three big markets – China, Russia and the US – locally, in order to meet local demand (and in China’s case, comply with the country’s strict foreign ownership/production laws). However, G-Class stock for those three huge markets is sourced from Magna Steyr in Austria, intensifying the squeeze.COVID hasn’t just impacted production by keeping Magna Steyr’s employees off the job in Graz. As alluded to above, the world’s currently grappling with a global electronics and computer chip shortage that’s been dubbed the “chipageddon”. So in between the vehicle’s growing popularity, conditions in Austria and the computer chip shortage, no wonder Mercedes need to put a kibosh on further orders.

We’re not quite sure what explains the sudden rise in popularity the G-Wagen is enjoying. Maybe, in uncertain times, there’s something comforting about being ensconced in such a tough vehicle? More likely, it’s because high net worth individuals aren’t travelling thanks to COVID and are instead spending their money on luxuries like a six-figure 4×4.If you’re looking for an alternative to the G-Class, you’re probably out of luck – few vehicles boast the same combination of utilitarian, rugged looks; genuine off-road performance and luxury of the Teutonic terror – and the chip shortage + disruptions to production that Mercedes has been stung with has also affected virtually every other auto maker.There are a few options, however. The new Land Rover Defender might not look quite as boxy as the G-Wagen or the vehicle it replaces, but it’s still a capable off-roader and at its higher trim levels has more than enough luxury for the discerning SUV buyer. If you’re willing to wait a little longer, you could wait for the INEOS Grenadier to hit the market, too.RELATED: This Tough 4×4 Is The Land Rover Defender Revival We’ve All Been Waiting ForThe alternative, of course, is to suck it up and look for a G-Wagen on the second-hand market. But be warned: it’s a Wild West out there right now…

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The post Mercedes-Benz's Most Outrageous Vehicle Sees Popularity Spike During COVID appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Marijuana is associated more with turning you into a globulous, sofa-bound Dorito than someone who can strike precise holes in a punching bag (and lift heavy weights).But what about Joe Rogan?With recreational use of weed being illegal in most countries around the world, and some countries inflicting punishment with some serious jail time for having even a small amount on your possession, there is much to insinuate it’s a drug to be avoided at all costs.Yet, millions of people do still smoke it, and people will even talk about it openly in conversation, even those in the public eye (especially in America where it is becoming ever more legal). Case in point: Joe Rogan. The comedian and podcast host has been banging on about legalising pot ever since the early days of the podcast, and is so enthusiastic he has angered more than one right-wing guest in the process (even if they did later kiss and make up).Rogan isn’t one to shy away from his opinions on marijuana and openly talks about using it during his podcast shows. In one particular show – number 30 – he talks about the first time he ‘properly’ smoked pot with martial arts instructor and fellow podcaster and comedian, Eddie Bravo. He even, another time, got Elon Musk to puff a joint, briefly tanking Tesla’s share price in the process.After explaining how he had dabbled with smoking in his teenage years (but, essentially, during that period of his life, avoided it, fearing it would turn him into a deadbeat), it wasn’t until he was around 30 that he really, he says, appreciated it’s true potential for him.“We [Joe and Eddie] were doing jiu-jitsu together, and he was telling me how marijiuana was helping his jiu-jitsu, with his music, with creativity, and I was like ‘wtf is this guy talking about?'”“‘I’m like, man, marijuana makes you stupid, don’t you know?’ And then he gave me some to try and I remember thinking, ‘oh, this is what it is? I can’t believe it, that feeling.'”

Watch Joe Rogan talk about smoking pot and working out

Joe then explains how he would then smoke before he went on stage to perform his stand-up shows, and how it helped him get more creative with his comedic writing, as well as before practicing his jiu-jitsu: “I was like, ‘I can’t believe how zoned in it gets you with training.'”

“Smoking pot and hitting the bag is, to this day, one of my all time favourite things.”

“It’s a psychedelic experience, it’s a cleansing experience, hitting the bag with you’re high.”Rogan also theorised that – maybe – smoking weed before he works out is more than just a pleasure and actually makes him feel more sensitive of his own body.

“You feel balance when you’re high, you feel like, maybe if you got an injury, you feel it more. You feel when things are off.”

“For me, I feel my transfer of power better when I’m high, like certain techniques I really get the timing of when to turn the hip over, I feel it more when I’m high. I feel the connection with the tissue, I feel it all working together.”It’s important to point out here Joe was speaking about his subjective experience, and not giving explicit advice to anyone. He was just thinking out loud, saying what he thinks, and not being patronising with his listeners, which is what they love about his podcast.By the same token, it’s important to point out he could be totally wrong (we’ll get to that in a bit).Joe isn’t the only high-profile figure to enjoy getting high before working out. International playboy Dan Bilzerian, who owns a Cannabis company called Ignite, has also shown off his guns (and joints) in the gym.

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When he’s not posing with a bevy of models, Dan can most likely be founding hitting the gym or engaging in some other fitness discipline, and a post on his personal Instagram account even shows him smoking whilst at the bench press station.But why would you want to smoke a drug that can potentially inhibit your brain (and lungs) before attempting something that requires an awful lot of mental power (and cardiovascular exertion)?To find out what sort of effect cannabis has in correlation with working out, DMARGE spoke to David McIntosh, founder of the Synergy Performance Institute, to find out more.The short version is that there is far more evidence to suggest you shouldn’t smoke before training.“When discussing cannabis, the two main active ingredients are the focus of the conversation – THC and CBD,” David begins.“In 2017, a systematic review was published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. The findings were not favourable for things like strength training or aerobic performance.”“A concerning finding was a tendency to develop chest pain due to poor blood flow to the heart (angina). In 2018, the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine discussed the use of cannabis by elite athletes and again, found no convincing evidence for increased physical performance.”“In 2020, an article discussed the potential benefits of the CBD component alone, and highlighted there was no good evidence at the time of the article for promoting CBD, but there were potential benefits such as being anti-inflammatory and calming.”“Also in 2020, another review of the use of cannabis by athletes found no convincing evidence for enhanced physical performance.”“This year, an article in The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness found a significant deleterious effect upon athletic performance, based on more contemporary research. This included less work capacity, increased cardiac workload (leading to relative oxygen depletion in the heart), and poor balance.”

“So, with science rather than social media as our guide, it would seem sensible for those with desires for maximal athletic performance to [re]consider whether cannabis is a good choice or best avoided.”

Joe’s anecdotes, however, could also bring up the minefield that is the placebo effect. If he had a good experience the first time he smoked pot before “hitting the bag,” he could potentially only expect to continue to have good experiences moving forward.He also never claimed he did it in order to increase his muscle mass, but rather to enjoy himself, and because he felt it made him feel more sensitive to his body.Veronika Larisova, co-founder of Chief Bar, told DMARGE:“Placebo is more powerful than we think. There’s a whole science-based book on the topic called Biology of Belief. As a genetic testing practitioner, I know that just your belief can change the expression of your genes without taking any medications of supplements, or doing anything else other than thinking and believing!”“Placebo also works magic in athletic performance. Athletes who believed they were getting anabolic steroids has bigger strength gains than the control group, even though their ‘steroids’ were fake.”“Endurance athletes ran faster when they are told they were given coffee. There’s plenty of research on placebo and athletic performance. Clearly, Joe likes weed so he convinced himself it makes him train better.”

“Jokes aside, smoking weed has a relaxing effect and removing stress and anxiety can positively influence the performance of any task.”

“It just depends on the characteristics. Tasks requiring accuracy and precision and probably not going to improve when you are stoned.”

“The bottom line, don’t believe in anecdotal experiences and always read your research.”

In conclusion, Joe is free to smoke pot and work out if he wants (as are, depending on your jurisdiction, you).But smoking weed shouldn’t be something you do before working out, if performance, muscle mass (and general physical health) are your primary goals – there’s a reason most professional athletes don’t do it, after all.That said: we aren’t here to tell any individual what they should or shouldn’t do. If you’re prepared to sacrifice your lungs (as well as potentially other risks to your mental health) for enjoyment of a moment, or creativity, or perceived sensibility (or a blissful sense of release), that’s up to you.In any case, we’re not in any position to condone Marijuana’s use, and it’s by no means an athletic performance enhancer, but when you do have some celebrities speaking positively about its effects, we imagine it will be something many people will be willing to consider. But consider it with your eyes open.

Read Next

• I Took Joe Rogan’s Brain Boosting ‘Nootropic’ Pills For A Month. I Don’t Feel Any Smarter
• Savvy Joe Rogan Workout Hack Could Massively Increase Your Gains

The post Weed Workout May Be Joe Rogan’s Most Controversial appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

The pandemic has shaken the travel industry harder than a Molotov cocktail. Masks are now compulsory, international travel is now illegal for Australians, and there is also a lingering climate of cutbacks, as airlines attempt to recoup some of the costs they have suffered.Qatar Airways, however, is one of the airlines that has most Kept Calm & Carried On, being one of the few airlines with the resources to continue running flights to Australia all throughout (for expats returning home, and for citizens with an exemption to leave for essential reasons).RELATED: Why Qatar Airways Is Able To Keep Running Flights At Such LossesThat doesn’t mean it is immune to a bit of stingy behaviour, however. Speaking of which – we almost choked on our soy Flat Whites the other day when we logged onto Qatar’s website to have a browse of fares to Europe in 2022.What did we notice? You now have to pay to select your seat in business class.One frequent business class flyer we asked about this said: “Paying to select your seat is a joke.”

“They are now charging you to select your seat in business class. Even when you’re paying $7000 for a return ticket.”

DMARGE asked frequent business and first class flyer (and owner of Flight Hacks) Immanuel Debeer about this change too. He told us: “Would be fair if tickets were genuinely cheaper but hard to say (7k ish return isn’t cheap in my opinion).”He also said: “Yep happened in November last year when they introduced the ‘Classic’ unbundled fare type. No seat and lounge in exchange for cheaper ticket (supposedly). Same applies for award tickets.”It’s not quite as violent a shock as, say, Virgin Australia’s Noodlegate saga but still: a sign of the times.It’s also worth pointing out Qatar Airways isn’t the only airline with this policy. Some airlines, like British Airways, had such a rule in place before the pandemic even hit, much to some passengers’ consternation on Twitter.

@MartinSLewis having a debate with BA. Paying literally £1000’s to upgrade to business class flights yet you then have to pay £200 to select a seat next to your partner. It’s beyond wrong?

— simply sharing (@1973mlr) July 3, 2018

Hi Richard, whether seat selection is free or costs extra depends on a number of factors, including the type of ticket you purchase, your class of travel and your personal circumstances. Helen

— British Airways (@British_Airways) May 13, 2019

Hi Chris, you can pay to reserve seats in advance, however, they are still free to book 24 hours prior to your flight when you check in online. Lindy

— British Airways (@British_Airways) October 22, 2019

Sorry you’re unhappy with our seating policy, Bruce. I’m afraid we’re unable to comment on other airlines policies. The pricing of seats is available to view on our website prior to travel. ^Lisa

— British Airways (@British_Airways) November 2, 2018

It’s not the first time people have worried about the ‘Americanisation of business class’ in recent years.Last year Immanuel told DMARGE the Noodlegate incident was illustrative of “appalling cost-cutting in VAs business class.”

“I think Bain is on a cost cutting spree and these days you can get away with almost anything in the name of Covid.”

“Virgin used to have (in my opinion) the world’s best domestic business class product in terms of food, service and seats. Now we’re seeing the (don’t take offense) ‘Americanisation’ of business class.”

“Aussies are used to getting better so it’s no wonder the Bain ‘budget carrier’ approach won’t go down well unless the prices of the tickets reflect the actual service.”

Adele Eliseo, founder of The Champagne Mile, told DMARGE, “With all Virgin Australia lounges closed indefinitely and economy grade hot meals served in Business class, unfortunately there’s [now] very little to differentiate between the Virgin Australia’s onboard business class experience and the economy cabin.”Not to mention the incandescent Singapore Airlines passenger whose rant over champagne not being served due to pandemic health concerns went viral in 2020, both infuriating more reasonable souls, and also sparking an important ‘new normal’ debate.Storm in a delicate cup? Or The Big Issue Of Our Time? Much to ponder.While you mull that over, why not watch the following video, which shows the benefits of checking the seat map before you choose your business class seat.

Why You Should Always Check The Seat Map

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• Australian Man’s ‘Mortifying’ Business Class Moment Symbolic Of Much Greater Problem
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The post Qatar Airways Has Removed An 'Unalienable' Business Class Right appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Today, Thursday 10th September, is R U OK? Day in Australia: a day of action designed to bring attention to mental health. Held annually on the second Thursday of September since 2009, it’s one of the most successful mental health initiatives in Australian history, and has become a part of the national vernacular; the zeitgeist.

There’s never been a more important time to talk about mental health, either. The COVID-19 pandemic, which has dominated our lives for almost two years, has been immensely detrimental to our mental health. The quite rational and debilitating fear of illness and death combined with the dearth of social contact thanks to lockdowns and social distancing has been a hell of a one-two punch. Stats from the Australian Institute of Health & Welfare are rather sobering.

While in principle, R U OK? Day is a brilliant idea, a number of Australian intellectuals and public figures have criticised the observance, pointing out how hollow it can feel for some, if the companies promoting it only pay lip service to its message.

About 5 years ago we had to attend a mandatory, all-day wellness session. I was badly burned out and stressed about the work I would now have to take home and stay up til midnight finishing due to the session. The topic? Avoiding burn out and stress, and the importance of sleep.

— BLACK LIVES MATTER (@MyKidsMakeStuff) September 9, 2021

Part of an email I received this morning from a company that didn’t even hire me bc I kept having panic attacks at my training shifts but i’m still on their mass emailing list pic.twitter.com/83EHhuPkZQ

— Gwen (@FreedomForOrcas) September 9, 2021

My neighbour text me this morning to let me know his work was making them do laughter therapy for RUOK day, via zoom, at 8.30am.

— Tegan Richards (@TeganRichards) September 9, 2021

AusPost gave us a $30 Telstra prepaid SIM card (presumably expiring stock or something) to ‘call someone who cares’ a few years back.

— Jealous Craig (@jealouscraig) September 9, 2021

Jill Stark, an award-winning journalist, mental health advocate and author, put it this way on Twitter: “asking R U OK is meaningless if the answer is no and there’s nowhere to go.”

“Corporate cupcakes and trending hashtags are no substitute for affordable, accessible, properly funded mental health services. Many drivers of mental ill health are structural problems that could be fixed if there was political will.”

“Secure housing. Lifting people out of poverty, with a living wage. Funding family violence services. Tackling systemic racism, misogyny, homophobia, ableism and transphobia… The politicians who will today rush to promote R U OK Day are the same politicians who have ripped money out of social supports that help keep people well.”

Stark also decries how “influencers will also co-opt the day to sell you shit you don’t need, under the guise of caring about mental health. At a time when many people are far from OK, we need solutions and meaningful action, not empty tokenism to buy social or political clout.”

Acclaimed Australian philosopher Damon Young agrees. His take? “How ‘bout we change R U OK? Day to Fund Public Mental Health Services Day. And then fund them.”

RELATED: Mental Health Apps Finally Losing Stigma Thanks To Most Unlikely Source

It’s a tricky one. There’s no doubt that when businesses, politicians and even individuals jump in on observances like R U OK? Day (or International Women’s Day, or Earth Day, or Mardi Gras… take your pick, really) it can seem superficial, especially if they aren’t actually making any substantive changes. The Federal Government has recently announced funding boosts to mental health services during the pandemic, but these pale in comparison to the successive cuts they’ve made to health budgets over the last decade.

At the same time, are we being overly cynical? Is it better to have a discussion, even an insubstantial one, rather than no discussion at all? It’s why R U OK’s 2021 tag line, “are they really OK?”, is particularly pertinent: not only does it encourage Aussies to push past people’s tendency to be self-effacing or modest and actually get people to open up about their mental health, but it also encourages us to think more holistically; more broadly about mental health.

 

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A post shared by R U OK? (@ruokday)

At the end of the day, it’s easy to over-intellectualise these things but we shouldn’t discount the difference that simple, individual conversations about mental health can make. As former AFL player and R U OK? Ambassador Tom Derickx told DMARGE earlier this year:

“Originally it was quite difficult for me, but then I saw the benefit when my friends starting opening up to me, so I think it’s just about being in that comfortable environment where you can talk.”

“If there’s a relatable topic it can make it easier, or even just having another beer, it can help to open the door. You might even think, ‘you know what, neither am I mate?’, if they say they’re not OK. It’s just about making an environment where you’re comfortable to talk.”

RELATED: You Don’t Need A Psychology Degree To Ask A Mate If They’re OK

In short – it’s worth being critical about the impact that initiatives like R U OK? Day actually have, but that shouldn’t stop you from trying to make a difference, even if it is as simple as asking a mate if they’re OK.

If this article has brought anything up for you, check out Beyond Blue, Lifeline or Headspace if you need some help.

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The post Backlash Against 'R U OK? Day' Suggests Australia Needs To Change Its Approach To Mental Health appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Qantas isn’t mucking around when it comes to who it ferries back and forth the globe.

The airline’s CEO, Alan Joyce, has said multiple times now that Qantas is going to ban unvaccinated passengers from getting on the carrier’s international flights, when borders open.

His latest comments came while speaking to the Trans-Tasman Business Circle, which is a strategic growth partner for the region’s leading organisations in the private and public sector.

Joyce said Qantas is expecting only vaccinated passengers will be allowed to travel overseas and that the airline would implement policy to reflect that.

“When you vaccinate people, you will probably be able to enter into a lot of these countries,” he said.

“And Qantas will have a policy that internationally, we’ll only be carrying vaccinated passengers, because we think that’s going to be one of the requirements to show that you’re flying safe in getting into those countries.”

“We’re hoping that can happen by Christmas.”

7news.com.au, Traveller, The Age and news.com.au have all reported on Joyce’s comments, with their respective followers responding in various ways on Twitter.

Many were glad to hear it, applauding the airline’s stance.

Good! Now also ban them from interstate travel and open up the borders!!

— Miss Moo (@miss_moo) September 8, 2021

The right approach.

— Just Saying (@Just_Saying2021) September 8, 2021

“Good! Now also ban them from interstate travel and open up the borders!!” one Twitter user wrote.

Others made such remarks as “the right approach,” “enough said” and “excellent.”

Not everyone was so stoked.

Alan Joyce woukd be better suited to running the North Korean air service. Qantas is a national carrier not a medical regulator.

— Rob (@Rob3888) September 8, 2021

One user wrote: “Alan Joyce would be better suited to running the North Korean air service. Qantas is a national carrier not a medical regulator” (to which another said: “Qantas is a publicly owned company. The can set their own rules. If you don’t like them, fly with a different airline or stay home”).

7news.com.au reports that Joyce has also said the likely first overseas routes will be to “markets that have the same level of vaccination as Australia, at that stage.”

“That should be markets like the UK, North America, Japan, Singapore, Fiji.”

“We think that could be achieved by Christmas, if the states keep to the national plan.”

Joyce also indicated Qantas is hoping vaccinated Australians can undergo home quarantine upon return from overseas, rather than being put into a hotel for two weeks.

Here’s hoping.

Read Next

• Australians Playing ‘Russian Roulette With Overseas Flight Bookings In 2022
• Did Qantas Just Accidentally Reveal When Australia’s International Borders Will Open?

The post Qantas To Ban Unvaccinated Passengers From International Flights appeared first on DMARGE Australia.