If you think ‘Jonah Hill’ and ‘snappy dresser’ are combinations of words that shouldn’t belong together, then you’re behind the times.While the talented comedian and actor might have built his career off the back of playing schlubs and nerds, Hill these days has not only lost a lot of weight since his Superbad days but has evolved into one of the most fashion-forward male celebrities on the planet right now, even working with big-name brands like Palace, Marni and Adidas on campaigns, collaborations and exclusive collections respectively.His recent outfit has set the internet into a tailspin – although not for the reasons you’d think. Hill shared a photo of himself on Instagram yesterday wearing a classic white linen shirt and black jeans ensemble with the hilarious (yet confusing) caption “50 and thriving.” For the record, he’s 37, although that hasn’t stopped fans second-guessing themselves.Bewildering comment aside, it’s a winning look that’s easy to pull off and totally foolproof. It’s an outfit every man should own and every man can look good in.

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Australian men are well-known for their love of a linen shirt but like any fashion staple – like skinny jeans, leather jackets or a dress watch – they only look great if you invest in a quality example. Jonah’s is probably from The Row, who he’s been doing some modelling work for along with Zoë Kravitz.Hill’s black jeans and leather loafers bring the whole look together: it’s casual and comfortable, but significantly dressy enough to work in a wide variety of contexts.RELATED: The Best Loafers For Men To Buy In 2021Hill is set to appear in the upcoming Netflix political comedy satire Don’t Look Up alongside Meryl Streep, Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, and Jennifer Lawrence. He’s also working with acclaimed screenwriter William Monahan on a limited series covering the life of notorious Hollywood figures Lew Wasserman and Sidney Korshak, with Hill starring as the latter.

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The post Jonah Hill Rocks ‘Foolproof’ Outfit Every Man Should Own appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Looking after your mental health became almost as important (arguably more) as wearing a face mask over the last year. Lockdowns, being told to stay inside your home, not being able to travel internationally and not being able to have regular catch-ups with family and friends all made for one big lonely cocktail for many people. Looking after yourself has become more important than ever.But sitting up and taking stock of your personal mental health isn’t something we’re all accustomed to. Yes, there are millions who already practice meditation, reading positive affirmations back to themselves or phoning friends for advice or simply just to speak to somebody. But for others, the thought of where to start looking after their mental health is a battle all in itself.However, this is the 21st century. There are myriad apps available to download through the app stores on our smartphones that give us the tools to write down daily thoughts, give us guided meditations, or to act as a daily reminder to get into a positive routine.But as humans – and men especially – we want to be seen as stoic and tough, and we like to brush away any help because we like to accomplish goals on our own. Though this stereotype is finally starting to be seen for what it is (damaging), it’s still hard to just click your fingers and suddenly accept yourself for who you are (or what you need).Throw in the fact that our lives are already saturated with technology, and you start to see why many men are still reluctant to use mental health apps.The tides are now changing, however.Instagram – quite possibly the most popular app on the planet – could be a catalyst for change. The photo-sharing platform is a huge source of meme accounts, which traditionally are designed to create laughter or controversy, but there are a few that promote mental health apps – albeit in a meme-like fashion – that could help to pave the way to such apps being ‘seen’ by millions more users. And if only a handful of people download and use the apps as a result of seeing these meme posts, it’s still positive news.

One overzealous Instagram user on the DMARGE team spotted this particular post as an example. Found on the account @sarcasm_only, which is a goldmine for hilarious and shareable memes, the post refers to a self-care app that lets you create your ideal routine (and reminds you to do some of the basics that you might not feel like doing when you’re in a bad place).It also helps you realise you’re not the only one who might benefit from something like this.It’s not just the serious side of meme accounts that can help people. The jokes can too. Though we need to be careful not to confuse self-care with self-indulgence (see: Why We Should Be Wary Of Australia’s New Self Care Culture), Headspace, Australia’s National Youth Foundation Centre, has actually found that approaching mental health in a “non clinical” way, “Like finding a meme that captures your feelings and worries into a funny image,” is breaking down the stigma attached to talking about mental health issues.

“Two things make it easier to speak about difficult subjects: humour and distance — qualities that memes naturally provide.” (Headspace).

what you call a nervous breakdown i call oops, accidentally saw things as they are

— so sad today (@sosadtoday) June 25, 2018

Luke McLeod, Founder of, and Meditation Teacher at Soul Alive, told DMARGE, “I think overall any channel or opportunity to share and spread a good message is a good thing.”“Although I do get cautiously nervous when things become too ‘trendy’, as they tend to lose some of their depth when this happens and the original intention and essence can be dulled, or at worst, taken advantage of.”

“In saying this, I’m more in favour of infiltration and adoption as an effective means to sustainable change, rather than conflict campaigning.”

“Meaning, pro use of technology and meeting people where they’re at, rather than trying to convince them of another way.”

“The latter method, to me, seems to just prolong indifference and segregation. Where if we at least ‘join the party’ we then have the opportunity to change the music and vibe for everyone from within.”

Adding to Luke’s statements are some previous comments DMARGE received from former AFL star Tom Derickx about his battles with mental health and how he learnt to deal with issues and overcome them, to eventually become an ambassador for R U OK?.Admitting he was always “quite naive” about the very subject, and being “unaware of the symptoms of anxiety and depression”, Tom was always in doubt about whether to seek help or simply bottle up his emotions. This, as Dr Lars Madsen of The Mindshift Foundation has told DMARGE previously, is “not helpful really, the whole harden up, suck it up kind of mentality.”“We need to be able to be gritty to achieve to achieve those things that mean so much to us, and gritty means being able to stick it out and get through the challenging times,” Madsen said.

“However, [when this is] a blanket approach to [everything in] your life… then that’s when it becomes problematic. That’s when it’s toxic and damaging to people.”

As Tom found, “I just started learning about it and I kind of got obsessed with learning about it. Symptoms and ways to combat it.”“These tough guys see it as a weakness [to talk about their emotions],” he continues, “but if we slowly start cracking away at them, they get to experience the benefit of opening up.”

“One of my biggest messages that I preach is about connecting with others and community. I’m lucky to be surrounded by awesome family and friends, and we’re all very vocal about how we’re going, where we’re at mentally and physically.”

If mental health apps shared via meme pages can help encourage further conversation, then we’re all for it.

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The post Mental Health Apps Finally Losing Stigma Thanks To Most Unlikely Source appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

It's Men's Health Week in Australia and what better time to look at the country's most popular men's hair cuts for 2021. Rather than pull these cuts out of a hat, we've reached out to some of Australia's most respected barbers to see what men are asking for.

No longer are men expected to don exclusively short hairstyles, as anything from a buzz cut to luscious locks that fall well below the shoulders are all now commonplace in modern society. Australian men, in particular, could be seen to be in a world of their own when it comes to interesting and unique hairstyles, with the mullet – and even the skullet – being hairstyles that have been exported to other countries.

We're also a nation that loves to remain on-trend as much as possible, keeping up with the latest looks to ensure we're never "so last season." It's with this in mind that DMARGE reached out to some of the country's top barbershops to find out what the most popular haircuts for Australian men are in 2021.

RELATED: Daily Grooming Rituals Are The Secret To Better Mental Health

#1 Skin Fade Crop

[caption id="attachment_293224" align="aligncenter" width="678"] Innit, geezer.[/caption]

Trent Pridmore, Founder & CEO of The Emporium Barber, which has three shops in Brisbane and one in Bondi Beach, has noticed some slightly differing trends from his customers. One of the most popular men's haircuts he's seen is the skin fade crop, a modern haircut if ever there was one.

The skin faded crop, as the name suggests, is one that exposes a fair amount of skin on the side of the head, with just a short hairstyle – the crop – on top of the head. If you want to imitate this cut yourself, Trent says to ask: "for a skin fade as short as you can go on the sides, blended up into a 1, and with a textured crop on the top."

RELATED: Stylish Army-Approved Military Hairstyles & Haircuts For Men To Get In 2021

And as we all know, we can never fully recreate the look the barber gives us when we're at home, but to get as close as possible, Trent says to apply "a matte clay type product to towel-dried hair and just work it with your hands until you're happy with the result."

"In dry hair (you'll probably need a hairdryer) use a texture powder and again, work with your hands until you're happy."

Jacob Martin of Sydney barbershop Tate & Lyle has also dished out his fair share of skin fades at his shop, "Still on the list and still as ever popular! A few geezers have been opting for more low maintenance skin fade with buzz on top."

Khushwant Dhanoa of Truefitt & Hill told DMARGE that the guys at the salon in Canberra have also noticed the skin fade to be a popular haircut for men. "This is a modern take on the classic 1950's side part, combined with a skin fade on the sides. Still very professional but with a slightly more edgy look, especially when combined with a sharp parting line."

"Styling for this hairstyle is very versatile; for a shinier look go for a pomade, those looking for a medium shine and hold should use a past or fiber, whereas those looking for a more natural or matte look should use a clay or cream to style their hair."

#2 The Gentleman's Cut

[caption id="attachment_293225" align="aligncenter" width="920"] Manners maketh the man[/caption]

A slick, suave haircut, the Gentleman's Cut, as it is known, is one we suspect many inner-city workers will likely want to adopt for its sophistication yet stylish nature, which can carry you from boardroom to bar.

For this cut, Trent says to ask for a "fade from a 1 on the back and sides, blended up into a side part. Push it up and to the back and side on the top."

"We like to taper the hairlines [in the shop] rather than leaving boxy, heavy lines so they grow out more naturally."

"To style at home, use a matte cream of pomade on towel dried hair and comb it into your desired place."

#3 Slicked Back

[caption id="attachment_293220" align="aligncenter" width="920"] Jonah Hill is a recent slicked back specialist and your everyday man[/caption]

Another hairstyle favoured by young professionals is the slick back. A high shine hairstyle, it too has its place in the corporate workspace as well as in more casual settings. You'll need some good hair length to achieve a truly successful slick back hairstyle, so make sure you have the patience to grow it out if it's one that's new to you.

RELATED: Best Slick & Shiny Men’s Hairstyle Ideas That Will Get Heads Turning

When at the barbershop, Trent says to ask for "short back and sides and pushed back on the top." And to style at home, apply your favourite pomade to towel dried hair and comb into place, but for a more natural look, use your fingers instead.

Truefitt & Hill have also seen an uptake in slicked back styles, with in-store barber Aras telling DMARGE a middle length 1940's slicked back has been particularly popular. "Similar to the classic 1950's side part, but without the side part. This hairstyle is for those who like more texture and volume in their hairstyle. A more modern take on this style is to fade the sides."

"You would need a product that provides that shiny slick look and a pomade is the best for this for a high shine look. Alternatively, you could use a paste for a more medium shine whilst still achieving the slicked back look."

For a slightly more modern alternative, Aras says a low taper push back has been asked for numerous times in the shop. "This is a modern variation of the slicked back look. It could be done with different lengths of fade on the sides, usually with medium to longer length on top."

#4 Classic Scissor Cut

[caption id="attachment_293383" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Chris Hemsworth wearing a classic scissor cut[/caption]

They're called classic for a reason. A scissor cut is oh so timeless as it requires the barber to go back to the basics, before hair clippers were invented, and to simply wield a pair of scissors to work their magic.

Trent adds a classic scissor cut is "similar to the gentleman's cut, but is kept a bit longer and one that uses scissors for a longer and more textured look that appears more natural and softer. Tapering the hairlines here definitely makes a difference for the better."

"To style at home, apply a grooming cream to towel-dried hair, or you can first apply a texture spray, lightly dry your hair and then apply the cream. Then simply style with your hands until you're happy with the result."

Nathan Jancuaskas, founder of Men's Biz adds he and his team have also noticed "a lot more emphasis on scissor work rather than just skin fades," with some classic short hairstyles proving particularly popular, including "French crops and Caesar cuts."

#5 Mohawk Mullet

[caption id="attachment_293221" align="aligncenter" width="920"] Straya'[/caption]

Lastly, this is Australia after all, so it should come as no surprise that a mullet features on a list of most popular haircuts. For Trent and his team, he says "we like trying to keep them a bit more high class rather than full bogan, so ask for a 4/5 on the top and sides, with a tight burst fade on the sides."

"For a tidier look, ask for the back to tapered out."

As for styling, Trent asks us, "does this really matter for the mullet aficionado?"

"In all seriousness, if you're seeing your mum for a Sunday roast then use some texture powder in dry hair and style using your hands so it at least looks like you've made an effort."

Jacob has also seen a preference for mullet haircuts from the guys walking through his shop doors, "this has gained huge traction with Aussies and expats alike wanting the iconic Aussie cut - with so many prominent Aussie sports stars donning one it’s easy to see why!"

Nathan adds Men's Biz has also been "seeing a preference for longer styles with guys coming out of lockdown or not being able to get haircuts the last year, and taking advantage of the extra length." This is something Jacob has noticed too, "During the winter months we also see chaps experimenting with growing hair out this was even more popularised with lockdown cuts. Loads of texture easy to maintain for that Manly surfer vibe."

These longer haircuts include "mullet-inspired looks, curtain haircuts, faux hawks, pompadours and quiffs."

For the guys at Truefitt & Hill, they've seen a preference for the faux hawk, as opposed to full on mullets – perhaps that speaks to the city's political background? – "for those looking for something slightly more dramatic, this hairstyle if for them. Short on the sides with more length on top, it is edgy yet stylish."

"You would usually style this hairstyle with a matte finish product like texture clay or for a more natural shine use a fiber hair management product."

Read Next

• Men’s Long Hairstyles That Will Give You Follicular Envy
• The Complete Guide To Fade Haircuts For Men

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The post The Haircuts Australian Men Can’t Get Enough Of In 2021 appeared first on DMARGE.

The laidback lifestyle, the endless selection of beaches and some of the best restaurants that could have even London and New York quaking in their boots, there is much to entice tourists to world-famous Byron Bay.Nestled on the easternmost point of mainland Australia, the ‘hippified’ coastal town rarely spends a moment out of the limelight – and is currently on the end of a sea of negativity mixed with a hint of optimism with the forthcoming arrival of a Netflix-produced reality TV series – but is often seen as a Mecca for those wanting to cheer up, slow down and chill out, as the welcome sign says.It’s especially great for those wishing to actively tackle any mental health issues they’re dealing with, such as myself. I made the move from Sydney to Byron Bay in mid-February. I initially planned to move for only a couple of months to get away from the city and ‘find myself’ – how cliché – but have since settled in, made what I would consider to be lifelong friends and, perhaps best of all, have made great strides with my personal development.

One of the best rituals I’ve found to help with clearing my head and to make an attempt to rewire my brain for the better, is to tackle the notorious lighthouse walk. Technically known as the Cape Byron walking track, the 3.7km loop takes you through forests, past beaches and offers up some of the best views your eyes will ever be exposed to. While the official website for the walk recommends 1 to 3 hours to complete it, I prefer to take it on solo, and so complete it in around 30 – 40 minutes.The time alone could not be more beneficial.Not only is it a great cardio workout – I’ll take seascape views over a treadmill screen any day – the time alone in the fresh air and with headphones in my ears, allows me to escape whatever thoughts I may be thinking. Of course, there are myriad other walks in the Byron Shire and beyond, but for all my desire to get out in the great outdoors, I can be a little lazy, and the lighthouse walk is practically on my doorstep.

Plus, I know the walk, I enjoy the walk and I occasionally choose to run sections of it with the aim of improving my time. It’s quite possibly the best walk I’ve ever completed.And as a method for tackling mental health head on, I can certainly vouch for its effectiveness.Dr Lars Madsen of The Mindshift Foundation agrees that completing even just a short walk each day can work wonders for your mind.“The mental health benefits of going for a good walk are wide-ranging”, he begins.

“These benefits, combined with walking in a group, are an effective tool for promoting emotional wellbeing as it encourages interaction, social engagement as well as physical activity.”

“Walking is an inexpensive, low risk and accessible form of exercise,” he adds. Though this may be less true of the Lighthouse Walk (where if you’re not lucky enough to grab one of the few free car parking spaces, you will need to pay) the rest of the points still stand – combined with nature and a group setting, walking is a “very powerful, under-utilised stress buster.”

“Walking is low impact, can be done at any time of day and conducted at your own pace. You can get out and walk without the risks associated with more vigorous forms of exercise. Walking is also a great form of physical activity for people who are overweight, elderly or who haven’t exercised in a long time.”In relation to Lars’ comments, I have occasionally completed the walk in the company of friends, which is great for the social aspect. But ultimately, I prefer to go it alone, as it’s pretty much the only time I can guarantee I can have to myself, besides going to the gym.I encourage all visitors to the town, no matter how long they’re staying, to complete the walk at least once or twice. You’ll feel infinitely better both mentally and physically, guaranteed.

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The post Byron Bay Lighthouse Walk Is More Than Just A Tourist Attraction appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

The following article was produced in partnership with Myer.

The stereotypical Australian man is tough, stoic and rugged. A hunter, not a gatherer; a bloke’s bloke with a devil-may-care attitude; someone who isn’t afraid to get dirty. These stereotypes, however, are beyond outdated. This week is Men’s Health Week and we’re asking Australian men to look beyond those stereotypes and start taking better care of themselves.

A Closer Look At Men’s Health In Australia

Celebrated around the world, Men’s Health Week seeks to put an emphasis on not just the mental health of men, but their general health as a whole. It’s easy to dismiss things like Men’s Health Week, but it’s not something we should take lightly.Indeed, that’s the core of the issue. Many men are still reluctant to look after themselves or talk about men’s health out of a fear of not being considered ‘manly’. But it’s exactly this macho culture we often find ourselves engaging with that really does a number on our health.On average, one in eight men will experience depression and one in five men will experience anxiety at some stage of their lives, according to BeyondBlue. Furthermore, men make up an average seven out of every nine suicides every single day in Australia. It’s the leading cause of male deaths in this country, more than double the road toll. It’s something we need to take more seriously.The subject of men’s mental health may finally be receiving more attention, but there is still much work to be done. Men continue to believe they can’t show emotion, and if they do, they’re told to ‘man up’. And this is despite the well-known saying ‘real men cry’. It’s time we start practising what we preach.The same goes for our general health, too. Just as we men bottle things up when it comes to our mental health, we also tend to ignore our general health too. But again, men are at particular risk of many different health issues: 64.8% of skin cancer deaths in 2020 were men, 66.5% of deaths caused by liver disease were men and 58.9% of deaths caused by lung cancer were also male.This all sounds grim, but the reality is that it doesn’t take much to improve both your general and mental health – and you can do both at the same time. Having a strong, consistent daily grooming routine, for example, isn’t just great for keeping you looking good, but it’s also incredibly valuable when it comes to feeling good.

Myer; Helping Men Look Their Best For The Better

Myer, Australia’s favourite retailer for a variety of menswear and grooming products, is helping to lead the charge against dated male stereotypes, particularly those around grooming and personal maintenance.Beauty is still very much an industry associated with women, with men worried that if they’re seen spending too much time thinking about beauty or grooming products, that they’re somehow less of a man.Change is happening, as the men’s skincare market is growing at around 10 per cent each year. It’s certainly positive, but this figure needs to increase and more men need to be exposed to, and educated on, the benefits of investing in quality beauty products.No matter how tough the facade one presents to the world, all men have different skin types with different needs: sensitive, oily, dry… Looking after your specific skin type is imperative and Myer’s collection of stocked brands for men – including the likes of Lab Series, Kiehl’s, Aēsop, Hunter Lab and Clinique – offer some of the finest body washes, moisturisers, facial cleansers and more, all with the collective goal of helping men look and feel better in their body.

When Comes To Self Care, Convenience Is Key

Products from the mentioned above brands are all formulated specifically for men. Not just in terms of skin type, but for convenience too.Men don’t feel the need to spend hours in the shower each morning. We like the process to be as quick and efficient as possible. Myer’s carefully curated collection of men’s beauty and grooming products all offer convenience in a bottle, being quickly absorbed by the skin and without leaving a sticky residue.Most important of all, they’re designed to perform, and after just a few uses you’ll soon wonder how you ever managed to live without them.The same can be said of fragrance. While women will likely have their own virtual perfume shop at home, men will more than likely have one or two fragrances. If they do decide to change up their everyday smell, they’d rather their partner go out and buy it for them than be seen shopping for the latest fragrances themselves.But why? The vast majority of men do apply cologne on a daily basis, so we shouldn’t feel embarrassed to go shopping for a bottle of something new. Just the simple ritual of applying a cologne each day can help change a man’s approach to the world. Smell good, feel good.With such a wide range of choice on offer too, with Myer stocking leading name brands including Hugo Boss, Paco Rabanne, Chanel, Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren, you don’t even need to think about walking from store to store to find something new. Everything you need is under one roof.It’s no secret why Myer is shining the spotlight on Men’s Health Week. Not only does it stock a huge range of products dedicated to male beauty and grooming, but it is a business that cares strongly about its customers, wanting to give them the best possible in-store and online experiences and helping them to find the products that perfectly align with their lifestyle.Men’s health doesn’t have to be complicated – invest in a strong routine with quality habits and products, and you can make sure you’re always in tip-top shape.

The post Australian Men Urged To Improve Their Daily Rituals For Better Mental Health appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Welcome to Australia: a playground for the rich, the elderly and calcified thinkers. Didn’t appreciate that? Then you might want to consider what our international reputation will look like if we don’t get our act together on vaccinations.

As the Australian Financial Review reports, tourism industry leaders said on Monday that fully vaccinated Australian citizens should be able to move freely between Australian states and territories – even during lockdowns.

If this plan came to fruition, it would be a microcosm of what, to a degree, is already happening on a global scale.

Europe has already started a vaccine-passport scheme, which sparked debate in the U.K. at the start of this year, when some young people complained it was ‘wildly unfair’ and that it would see their grandparents head to Portofino – and the pub – before them.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CPoW6HNAgjF/

Though Australians are currently banned from travelling overseas (vaccinated or not), airline CEO’s like Alan Joyce have predicted governments are going to insist on vaccines for international travellers. And unless the whole world somehow gets down to the remarkably low rates of COVID seen in Australia and New Zealand, it seems unlikely we will be able to create vaccine-free travel bubbles with every country Australians want to be able to visit (read: all of them), going forward.

So the vaccine passport question is still a big one.

On that note: the slow rollout of Australia’s vaccine program is worthy of hanging from the ceiling from a chain, and having a jab at.

As was claimed on the ABC’s Q&A program in May, Australia had at the time vaccinated roughly 1.7% of its population against COVID-19. That paled in comparison, it was stated, to the United States’ 40% and even lesser developed nations like Kazakstan’s 5% vaccination rates.

Though we are now, at the time of writing, up to 2.6%, the point still stands.

So: has our government been stumped by bad luck? Or is it down to a low sense of urgency from constituents? Or is it incompetence? Everyone has their own theory. One thing is true though: it’s far too easy to be laissez-faire about getting your jab (or indulge in conspiracy theories) when people aren’t falling around dead around you. Selfish but true. And acknowledging it is the first step to overcoming it.

 

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Also, while we can’t travel anywhere overseas anyway, and while it remains relatively safe here Down Under without having been jabbed, there is little incentive to get vaccinated beyond human solidarity and foresight (two things we all, all too often, lack).

Maybe we’re being harsh. Maybe it’s not down to a lack of enthusiasm, but a bungled rollout. Maybe people really are lapping up the jabs as soon as they become available. Judging by the proud Facebook posts of some of those that have had it, there are certainly some people who are being conscientious (even if in a ~cringe~ but well-meaning fashion).

 

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Given how few vaccines have been available, it’s hard to tell for sure.

In any case, moving forward, we reckon it’s fine to appreciate Australia’s success (and fortune) in preventing the virus from ravaging our country as much as it has others. But it’s also important not to get complacent and shut ourselves off. Unless we want to become known as a hermit kingdom.

We must abandon fortress Australia at some point, says Sutton https://t.co/UBf8Z8eGKU

— The Sydney Morning Herald (@smh) May 15, 2021

As the Sydney Morning Herald reported in May, Australia’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton has said we must abandon our fortress Australia attitude at some point.

News.com.au also reported in May, “Better vaccination uptake and improvements to our hotel quarantine system could be needed to get ‘fortress Australia’s’ international walls down, experts have said.”

So the question is: does the government need to catch up to public sentiment, or is public sentiment what’s lagging behind?

Though increasing (and improving) our quarantine facilities would help in the short term, it’s not a great long term solution (though it certainly could play an important role in getting us to where we want to be).

In our view, a more viable long term fix is to get enough of the population vaccinated that travellers can simply quarantine at home (or, eventually, if and when the medical professionals advise the government it is safe to do so, not to quarantine at all).

Travel enthusiasts should be careful not to sound glib, either, preaching from their Worldly Towers about what ~the public~ should want. But when you weigh up the arguments… it’s hard to argue against opening up as soon as safely possible.

In the end, though, the debate is raging over exactly that: what constitutes, “safely”? It’s almost become a cop-out answer. Is “safely” only when 100% of Australians have been vaccinated (or had the opportunity to get vaccinated)? Or is it as soon as all vulnerable citizens have been vaccinated and authorities believe our hospital system could cope with a wide-scale outbreak among those of us left?

There’s only so much the science can tell you – this is a political decision some reckon we should be voting on. Instead, we are forced to let our policy makers decide for us (with the guidance of the best medical experts), and sit back and commentate from our armchairs.

There are avenues to pressure them to make the decisions we want. But then: who are we? A group of 25 million people with 25 million different opinions? Without delving into the roots of our whole political system, there seems no easy solution.

Also: given we have a centre right-wing government in office, it’s surprising they aren’t pushing for opening up sooner rather than later, given the economic benefits this could ultimately bring.

As The Economist recently reported, the whole world, not just Australia, is incurring a massive cost for being slow with the vaccine rollout: “To get roughly 70% of the planet’s population inoculated by April, the IMF calculates, would cost just $50bn.”

“The cumulative economic benefit by 2025, in terms of increased global output, would be $9trn.⁠”

 

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The fact Australia’s government hasn’t pushed for taking on more small risks (or even really talked much at all about the potential for doing so down the line) may suggest the hesitance really is coming from the people, not vice versa, and the coalition thinks its best chance of being re-elected is to appear to be as cautious as possible (without being accused of being laggards) and as cautious as they can get away with, in an appeal to our fearful nature. But maybe they are underestimating us?

For the whole world to get back on track the whole world needs to be brave. Without being stupid. This again brings us back to the whole: ‘how soon is too soon, what vaccination rate is enough to open up to what extent,’ debate.

What seems overwhelmingly clear is that – wherever you sit on the risk tolerance fence – getting vaccine rates up is crucial to being able to creak the door open to a more meaningful degree.

Aside from economics, as this Traveller article points out, Australia is a multicultural country and wanting to travel, for many citizens, is not out of selfish dreams of sipping cocktails in Mykonos. People want to see loved ones and places.

The following video by travel blogger @_thewanderlusttimes sums up the debate provocatively and poignantly.

 

“Please open the borders,” say Aussie travellers or people with family overseas, the skit begins.

“Nah, keep the borders closed forever,” say bogans who have never left their hometown, the skit continues, in a caricature of Australia’s current national debate (set to the tune of Olivia Rodrigo’s good 4 u).

“Like a damn sociopath,” the text overlay continues, in sync with Olivia Rodrigo’s good 4 u hit.

We never thought we’d defer to a pop song to make our point for us. But damn.

The debate continued in the comments.

“This is so simplistic,” one TikTok user wrote. “The reason we are doing so well and can eat out and have family members alive is bc we have a border policy.”

“Idk this seems a bit tone deaf?? Like making fun of people for not having travelled when it’s a privilege?”

@_thewanderlusttimes responded to this, writing: “it is a privilege but a privilege all aussie would have. even those who don’t work, when I was on Centrelink for uni I saved enough to travel a little.”

She later added: “Sorry it didn’t sit right with you was just supposed to be a light-hearted joke.”

User @brentperth chimed in with, “It’s about what’s best for the majority, not for the few.”

Another said: “Who’s gonna tell you 80% of people want the border to stay closed. It’s for the safety of all of us,” to which @_thewanderlusttimes wrote: “That’s not true. I don’t know one person that’s happy with borders staying closed forever. Where did you get that stat from?”

Another user came to to @_thewanderlusttimes‘s defense writing: “It’s a literal human right to let aussies back home but they don’t want to talk about that.”

A final exchange: “Not at all,” one user wrote. “It’s those who care about all Australians and those who care about themselves.”

@_thewanderlusttimes responded: “SO even once the rest of the world is vaccinated and living their normal lives, we should all still live in fear down here?”

“I think you have misinterpreted. Once the rest of the world is back to normal and doing better our government will reassess and create travel bubble.”

@_thewanderlusttimes: “I hope they do. They just have given us no indication that they will and keep extending the time frame, they’ve now said another year.”

“That’s a year behind everyone else.”

“Probably because they don’t know as its all new and seeing how the vaccines go,” the other user hit back. “It’s all subject to change and a year is a guide. They said nightclubs wouldn’t open again until mid this year and they opened earlier. It’s all watch and see.”

“Oh did they? I didn’t know that, that’s some positive news. I guess we do just have to wait and see yeah.”

Until we get some clarity on the government’s plan for border opening, expect the debate to continue. And even if and when such a plan is announced: expect it to stoke another argument of its own.

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The post Australia Risks Becoming One Giant Retirement Home With Its Vaccine Rollout appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

While we think of Jeeps as being quintessentially American vehicles, the reality is that almost from day dot, countries and manufacturers around the world have been producing their own versions of the hardy 4×4.The French manufactured their own version of the WWII-era Willys MB (the original ‘jeep’) all the way up until the 1980s. Indian auto maker Mahindra continues to produce a model called the Thar to this day, which is nearly indistinguishable from a CJ-6. Jeep Australia even used to make its own version of the CJ-5 locally that boasted a Ford Falcon engine and clutch, and the modern Jeep brand currently manufactures cars in countries as diverse as Brazil, China and Italy as well as in the United States.Despite being made across the globe, classic Jeeps like the Willys MB and the CJ are rather rare vehicles these days, especially in Australia. So we were quite delighted to discover this absolutely pristine example listed on Carsales by a Victorian dealership.Sure, it’s got a face only a mother could love, and it’s positively antiquated compared to modern off-roaders, but it’s got a charm all of its own. Indeed, this one’s even more special than usual, as it’s not American or even Australian – it’s actually Japanese.

Back in the day, Japan was a prolific manufacturer of Jeeps – which is somewhat ironic, considering Japan being on the losing side of WWII. Specifically, Mitsubishi manufactured around 200,000 CJs under license between 1953 to 1998 (meaning it long outlasted American production, which wrapped up in 1986). Unlike many international variants of the CJ, ‘Mitsubishi Jeeps’, as they’re known, look virtually identical to the American genuine article – although they’re often quite different under the skin.This 1988 Mitsubishi Jeep J53 is a dead ringer for an American CJ-5 ‘Golden Eagle’, except for the fact it’s got a big Mitsubishi diamond emblem on its grille. Other details quickly mark it out as something unusual, such as the myriad of Japanese text found throughout the vehicle, the ‘TURBO’ lettering on the side and the fact it’s right-hand drive. Most Jeeps of this vintage in Australia are left-hand drive (and all Willys MBs are left-hand drive too), making this a real novelty and selling point.RELATED: Australian Man Attempts To Sell Vietnam War Era Tanks To The PublicThe J53 was the final iteration of the Mitsubishi Jeep, and was outfitted with an incredibly hardy 2.7L turbo-diesel inline-four (how distinctly un-American!) good for around 69kW and a truly face-melting 0-100 km/h time of 18.4 seconds. Although you don’t get a vintage Jeep because you think it’s going to win any land-speed records…

Otherwise, the J53 is virtually identical to a CJ-3B, apart from the beefier diesel engine (although it must be pointed out that Willys ended production of the CJ-3B in 1968, and by the 80s, CJ-7s were available with more powerful AMC inline-six and V8 options which would handily outperform a J53).That is to say, it looks fantastically retro, is barebones yet highly functional, and could still match or even best most modern off-roaders. The roof and doors are just vinyl, so they’re completely removable panels – #justjeepthings – and you can also fold down the front windshield, for maximum bug-out potential.Oh yeah, and because it’s both a vintage Jeep and a Japanese import, you can take this to military shows, classic car meets and JDM gatherings and feel justifiably welcome at all three. It’s also got one hell of a back story, perfect for nerding out and one-upping people in the weird car game. You know, if that’s your thing.$24,990 buys it, which considering it’s only got 28,704kms on the clock and its pristine condition, is an absolute steal – and a lot cheaper than a Suzuki Jimny if you’re in the market for a cool-looking, compact 4×4. Get on it before we do.

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The post Oddball 'Japanese Jeep' For Sale In Victoria Is So Damn Ugly It’s Kind Of Cool appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Missing the thrill and glamour of international air travel in 2021? Maybe you’re an aviation buff who’s a sucker for flight instruments. Or maybe you’re a watch nerd who’s looking for something different to add to your collection.

Never fear: quirky French luxury watchmaker Bell & Ross has you covered with their new limited-edition BR 03-92 Red Radar Ceramic (ref. BR0392-RRDR-CE/SRB): a striking timepiece that upends horological convention while paying homage to the high-tech world of aviation that inspired the brand’s genesis back in 1992.

This is the second version of the Red Radar Bell & Ross have produced. The first iteration of this piece debuted at Baselworld 2011, and immediately caused a stir thanks to its uncanny resemblance to an aircraft’s radar screen. This version introduces a new spin on the formula – a ceramic case, hence the name – as well as further refining the innovative display system that made the original Red Radar so appealing.

Instead of hands, the Red Radar Ceramic features two rotating concentric discs: a passenger plane travels on the large, outermost disc, showing the hours; and a fighter plane flies on the smaller, inner disc, displaying the minutes. A slim, analogue central hand accompanies these two planes, showing the seconds. Graduations incorporated into the red-tinted sapphire crystal allow you to tell the time in a surprisingly intuitive yet unexpected fashion.

While the display is unconventional, the rest of the Red Radar Ceramic is pure Bell & Ross. You’ve got that iconic square case, this time with a 42mm diameter; 100m of water resistance – befitting of a true instrument watch; and a choice of either a chunky rubber strap or an ultra-resilient black synthetic fabric strap.

Its unique BR-CAL.302 movement features a 38-hour power reserve despite the added complexity of the unique display system: a testament to the quality of Bell & Ross’ Swiss manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Canton Neuchâtel.

RELATED: Roger Federer Relaxes In Switzerland With A Refreshing New Rolex

Limited to only 999 examples, the Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Red Radar Ceramic is easily one of the most distinctive watches of 2021 thus far – a real statement piece – and the perfect pickup for anyone craving something a bit different. I guess we’re saying, you should have it on your radar? We’ll see ourselves out.

Discover the BR 03-92 Red Radar Ceramic at Bell & Ross’ online boutique here.

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The post Red Alert: Bell & Ross Reveal A New Radar-Inspired Statement Piece Watch appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Sean Combs, a.k.a. Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, Puffy, or simply Diddy, is a man of many talents (and names). The 51-year-old rapper and record producer is one of the most successful businessmen in the entire music industry, with a real knack for finding talent – having crafted the careers of stars such as The Notorious B.I.G, Lil’ Kim, Janelle Monáe and Machine Gun Kelly just to name a few.On top of this, he’s been one of the most enduring celebrity style icons of the last three decades. From exceptionally crisp tailored suits to outrageous mink coats paired with kilos of bling, the man’s sartorial oeuvre is almost as expansive as his discography. Whether it’s with his music or his fashion choices, he’s not afraid to experiment or ruffle some feathers.Now the rapper’s (probably) got vegans hot under the collar – and himself, quite literally – stepping out in the middle of a steamy New York summer in a bright gold leather short sleeve shirt from Nanushka. Naturally, it matches with his gold Rolex Datejust and Nike Daybreak sneakers, but he’s also contrasted the lairy shirt with some white Homme Plissé Issey Miyake pleated trousers.It’s a bizarre look that we can’t quite picture anyone else but P. Diddy pulling off.

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As one fan put it on Instagram, “[I] would love to style him. I feel like he has the confidence to pull off whatever.”Leather shirts have long had a sleazy reputation – and, on a practical level, aren’t the best choice for warm weather thanks to their lack of breathability – but as this Wall Street Journal article relates, there’s a case to be made for their revival:

“Yes, they’re associated with nightclub lotharios drenched in Kouros cologne, but in their latest, more supple iterations, leather shirts are becoming rightful heirs to the beloved leather jacket. Just as that tough topper transcended its biker roots, evolving into a sophisticated choice for smooth celebs and NPR dads alike, leather shirts have been elevated and made more wearable by established menswear designers.”

RELATED: Cool Leather Jacket Brands You Ought To KnowMaybe the leather shirt will be the summer shirt trend of 2021? That might be bad news for public transport commuters (and animals, if you’re of the PETA persuasion), but good news for deodorant brands.

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The post P. Diddy Angers Vegans Everywhere With Gold Rolex & Shirt Combination appeared first on DMARGE Australia.