Any watch collector worth their salt is sure to have a Rolex or two in their collection. Basically a by-word for horological excellence and luxury, Rolex watches are incredibly desirable, and unlike many other watches (or indeed, many other luxury investments) tend to appreciate – some wildly so. Even people not really into watches know what Rolexes are, and want to snap them up.

But the contrasting valuations of these two 70s Rolexes on sale in Sydney are sure to bewilder any rookie collector.

This pair of ‘Pepsi’ GMT Master IIs (ref. 1675) on Vintage Watch Co.’s online storefront both feature a coveted ‘long E’ matte black dial, period ‘Oyster’ bracelets and look absolutely stunning, but where one has but a slightly worn bezel (not surprising seeing as it’s an almost 50-year-old watch) the others bezel is almost completely ‘ghosted’; sun-faded to a point where you can barely tell what colour it is any more.

But ironically it’s the faded ‘Pepsi’ that’s worth more than the unfaded one: the former commanding an asking price of A$33,500 compared to the latter’s A$26,500 – a $7,000 difference; enough to buy you a new TAG Heuer Carrera and have more than enough money left over for a coffee.

To the untrained eye, this price difference seems absurd. Why would I need to pay more for the watch in worse condition?

Simple: the faded watch comes with ‘punched papers’ (that means that its warranty certificate was punched by the original Rolex dealer – a big plus for collectors), a letter from Rolex Canada dated 1972, a valuation document from 1994, and its original box. That’s about as good as you could hope for when it comes to vintage Rolexes.

In comparison, the unfaded watch can only be dated from its bracelet, which also is marked 1972 – but as bracelets are fairly easy to change, it’s not the same as having all your original papers. It does come with its original box and can be identified as a 70s model thanks to its dial and other features, but the provenance makes a big difference.

In fact, leaving aside provenance, the faded watch could still be considered more valuable than the unfaded, precisely because it’s so worn.

One of the main reasons people collect vintage watches instead of going out and buying new ones is because they tell a story. The faded dial says that it’s been worn out in the sun, yet has been well maintained. Well-loved, is a more appropriate description. Despite how good fake watches have become, you can’t fake that sort of wear; that sort of history. Guitars attract a similar sort of valuation and are another useful case study for this phenomenon.

Take these three examples of the classic Gibson Les Paul, one of the most popular electric guitars ever made. A new ‘Les Paul Standard 60s’ (basically, a new guitar modelled after the version of the Les Paul sold in the 60s) costs US$2,500. Gibson also sell a ’60th Anniversary 1960 Les Paul Standard’ – which again is a new guitar, but rather than simply being modelled after a vintage Les Paul, uses period-correct electronics and is ‘aged’ from the factory in order to resemble a real 60s Les Paul. It costs US$6,500.

Then, compare those prices to this genuine 1960 Les Paul Standard, currently being sold alongside its original hard-shell case by Seattle-based vintage guitar dealers Emerald City Guitars for a whopping $179,950.

‘Factory aging’ is a big business in the guitar world, precisely because people actually desire the wear-and-tear of a vintage guitar. The watch world’s no stranger to this either – bronze watches have become incredibly popular in recent years, such as the Panerai Submersible Bronzo 47mm, precisely because bronze will naturally and quickly develop a noticeable patina, particularly when exposed to sea water.

Read Next

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• 2020 Could Be Watch Aficionados’ Best Chance Yet To Score A ‘Grail’ Rolex

The post Vintage Rolex Valuation: Sydney Listing Highlights Counterintuitive Approach appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Renowned ‘cardio strongman’ Ross Edgley is an ultra-endurance legend. Not only is he the author of best-seller The World’s Fittest Book but he’s also a perennial record-breaker.

During his 34 years on this planet, Edgley has achieved such milestones as being the first person to swim around the UK, completing a rope climb equivalent to Mount Everest’s height in 19 hours and running ‘the world’s strongest marathon’ while tethered to a small car.

He’s also proved Herculean strength and triathlete-tier fitness don’t have to be mutually exclusive (something DMARGE reported on last year).

However, he may now be facing his toughest task yet: staying fit in Australian hotel quarantine. Edgley told his followers he was going on a trip to Australia a few weeks back and since arriving has been sharing sneak peeks of how he is keeping fit during lockdown limbo.

His two saviours? An exercise bike and free weights.

 

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A post shared by Ross Edgley (@rossedgley) on Sep 18, 2020 at 12:35pm PDT

That said, just because he has a few pieces of equipment doesn’t mean Edgley is immune to the struggles many other travellers in Australian hotel quarantine have reported.

“Ross 0 vs 5 Jetlag,” Edgley captioned the above post. “The battle continues through the night… Truth is I don’t actually mind the solitude, I train and write all day back home anyway, but this feels quite nice with the mini routine I’ve created… almost like a monk (for those who’ve read #TheArtOfResilience you’ll know what I mean).”

Edgely also yesterday shared a tongue-in-cheek image of a rather grim-looking rotator cuff workout, apparently conducted on his hotel room sofa.

 

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A post shared by Ross Edgley (@rossedgley) on Sep 21, 2020 at 12:39am PDT

Beneath the post, Edgley wrote: “Do you even ‘rotator cuff’ bro? Determined to emerge from quarantine with ‘Delts of Doom’ to superset swimming and surfing with slices of cheesecake.”

Besides proving a hint at what Edgley plans to get up to once his 14 days of limbo are up (as well as the sparse resources available to those hoping to stay ripped in quarantine), this hotel quarantine fitness post also demonstrates – arguably – the perfect ‘pre-Australia’ workout for any Poms moving down under and hoping to test themselves in the aquatic playground that is the Land Down Under. Those broad surfer’s shoulders don’t make themselves…

The posts also encapsulate Edgley’s approach to fitness, which – as he described last year on Instagram – involves “training anything and everything, anywhere and everywhere.”

Presumably, once Edgley is done with quarantine and able to work out in earnest once again, it will also demonstrate another underlying fitness truth: if you’ve been strong once it’s much easier to get it back than if you’ve never been that way ever.

Edgley also recently (on September the 12th) shared a photo of himself doing sand sprints – his last on British soil for some time – before leaving for his trip to Australia.

This, combined with the aerobic workouts demonstrated above on the stationary bike, and the strength-generating free weight exercises demonstrated on the sofa, are a great combination of springtime exercises we’d argue any aspiring Australian fitness freak would do well to emulate (adjusting the intensity to their level of preparation).

 

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Last sand sprint session on British soil for a while as I leave for Australia Sad to be leaving, but excited to be arriving since the burger game in Oz is SO strong but first… 14 days quarantine #Gymshark

A post shared by Ross Edgley (@rossedgley) on Sep 12, 2020 at 9:14am PDT

“Your joints will thank you in the long run, along with the rest of your body.”

Inspired? The sand dunes, weights and your dusty old exercise bike all await…

Read Next

• If You’re Going To Follow One Fitness Influencer In 2019, Make It This ‘Cardio-Strongman’
• The Simple Secret To Getting Ripped Faster, Explained By A Professional Strongman

The post Ross Edgley Workout: How To Keep Fit In A Hotel appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

While things are hardly back to normal here in the Harbour City, it’s easy to be lulled into a false sense of security as to the state of things right now. Venues are opening back up and restrictions are easing; South Australia and Queensland are starting to relax their borders with New South Wales; and COVID cases are on the way down in the state, with zero locally acquired cases of COVID-19 recorded for the second consecutive day, The Sydney Morning Herald relates.

But something that’s far from back to normal is the economy, which despite recovering better than most other economies, has still yet to fully bounce from the devastating blow this global pandemic has dealt it.

“It’s tempting to think we’re almost out of the COVID hole, but this is beyond anything experienced since the Great Depression… this week’s unemployment figures brought some good news – but that number also disguised a lot of ongoing worries,” The Guardian’s Greg Jericho explains.

If you believe the pundits and stats, unemployment seems to be on the way down – but closer analysis, as well as convincing on-the-ground evidence, would suggest things are far more dire, as this Reddit thread reveals.

A member of the /r/australia community shared a screenshot of a job listing for a dishwashing position in Sydney’s inner suburbs on popular Australian careers site Seek, which shows that over 6,190 applicants had already applied for the position. The outrageous number of applicants shocked /r/australia users, who had some insightful observations about the state of the Australian job market.

“The gov is also bringing back the mandatory job search criteria for JobSeeker,” the top commenter related.

“Soon all jobs will have this many applicants as poor f*ckers put in for jobs everywhere just to fulfil the requirements. And oh, there’s only 1 job for every 13 people right now.”

Another commenter dryly quipped, “if everyone washes one dish, they can all get hired”. Which is perhaps not so far from the truth, Greg Jericho elaborates.

“No one was expecting the unemployment rate to drop from 7.5% to 6.8% [last week]. It certainly did not square with what we were seeing in the weekly payroll job numbers.”

“The Bureau of Statistics noted that… almost all of the increase in employment was due to sole traders. And as AMP Capital Senior Economist Diana Mousina suggested, this was because of the partial reinstatement of mutual obligation requirements to qualify for unemployment benefits… this meant these changes may have encouraged [workers] to report a return to employment even though they aren’t doing much”.

“So it might not actually be a sign that there are more jobs, rather that people are pretending to work so they can access government benefits. A more rational person might suggest this highlights just how dumb and counterproductive mutual obligation requirements are, but let us leave [those] arguments for another day.”

It highlights a big problem with the government’s reporting of employment figures, which has persisted since well before The Bat Kiss. Despite the fact that zero-hour contracts and freelance employment have little in common with the typical 9 to 5, they’re counted the same way – which means that underemployment is a far bigger issue that the stats would lead us to believe. Things have only gotten worse during COVID, too.

The other concern Redditors had for this job listing was for whoever was handling the hiring process.

“Do you want to be the first or last to submit an application in this instance,” a commenter mused.

“If you were the first is it at the top of the pile or the bottom? If you logged in as an someone hiring and was slapped in the face with 6190 applications how would you even begin? For a dish washing position?”

Read Next

• Crucial Rules For Australia’s New Generation Of ‘Pandemic Investors’
• $20 Billion Melbourne Property ‘Black Hole’ Has Economists Clutching Their Calculators

The post Casual Jobs Sydney: Massive Interest In Grim Job Posting Reveals True State Of Australia’s Economy appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

The City of Angels has always been a destination for well-heeled expats from around the world: actors, artists, the rich and famous… One of its most famous transplants is the Canadian singer/songwriter Justin Bieber, who can regularly be spotted cruising the streets of Beverly Hills in his Lamborghini Urus, picking up coffee and wearing Crocs. You know, usual celebrity stuff.

It seems as if he’s really taken the Los Angeles lifestyle to heart – his fashion choices moving from ‘effortless’ to effortlessly cool. Outside an LA fire station, shooting clips for his latest album Changes, Bieber was spotted in a particularly crisp workwear-inspired outfit, consisting of a textured terry cotton shirt over the top of a cotton tank top, dark Carhartt WIP Master trousers, a cap from Perth-based skate brand Butter Goods, and Dior x Nike Air Jordan I sneakers.

We say ‘luxury’, because not only are those ‘Air Dior’ sneakers worth tens of thousands of dollars, but he was also wearing a $100,000 gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak at the time – putting the Casios of most LA hipsters to shame.

RELATED: David Beckham’s Unique Footwear Choice Outclassed By Impeccably Dressed Family

Without the conspicuously luxurious touches, you could easily mistake Bieber for a South Central skate rat – which is of huge credit to Bieber’s sartorial stylings.

Workwear and streetwear regularly overlap, and both fashion trends owe a lot to skateboarding culture. Indeed, skateboarding was invented in LA, and this whole ecosystem of fashion owes a lot to the city. Skaters originally adopted cotton drill work trousers from brands like Dickies or Carhartt as skating attire, and donned basketball sneakers like Converse Chuck Taylors well before skate brands like Vans were making shoes. The 1985 Air Jordan I also has a unique relationship with the subculture, regularly used by pro skaters contrary to its sporting origins.

Read Next

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• Johnny Depp’s Latest ‘Punk’ Outfit Proves 70s Style Will Never Die

The post Justin Bieber Clothes: Singer Steps Out In Super Cool Workwear Outfit appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

It’s widely acknowledged that Australia has some of the best driving roads in the world. But it’s no good having great driving roads if you don’t have a similarly great car to enjoy them in.

It’s also widely recognised that BMW has some of the best performance cars money can buy. While BMW is far from the only German carmaker that makes sporty cars, unlike many other marques, performance comes first at BMW. Some BMWs might be luxurious but they always prioritise driving dynamics over everything else: that’s why they’re so well-regarded, particularly in Australia.

But not all BMWs are made equal. BMW’s M division takes normal BMWs and turns the dial up to eleven. Originally founded to facilitate BMW’s racing program, BMW M is now one of the world’s most respected factory tuners, an ‘M’ badge just as coveted (if not more so) than an AMG badge on a Mercedes or a Nismo badge on a Nissan. ‘M cars’ are, quite frankly, insane – truly the ultimate driving machines, as the tagline adroitly says.

In an unprecedented move, BMW have chosen the Land Down Under for the global launch of their newest (and hottest) hotted-up beauties: the 2021 BMW M3 sedan and BMW M4 coupé. Under a veil of secrecy during the COVID-19 crisis, BMW snuck the two speedsters into Australia for a unique launch film, playing with the idea of ‘rumours’: rather than dispelling or ignoring the rumours surrounding their hotly-anticipated M cars, BMW instead decided to embrace the whispers, literally whipping the media up into a frenzy, leaving the speculation in the dust.

It’s a truly special opportunity for Australia, which as an automotive market tends to play second fiddle to bigger regions, such as North America or Europe. In an exceptionally appropriate move, the M3 and M4 are decked out in lustrous green and gold – Australian national colours and new shades exclusive to the pair of performance heroes. But why has Australia been chosen for the global launch?

It’s simple – few countries love M cars more than Australia, BMW Australia’s Head of Product Brendan Michel told DMARGE exclusively.

“The M brand is incredibly strong here,” he proudly relates.

“Australia is one of the top three markets worldwide for M cars… One in five BMWs sold in Australia are M cars, ahead of both the UK and the US.”

Indeed, the only two countries more in love with BMW M are our neighbours across the Tasman in New Zealand and world watch capital Switzerland. That’s perhaps no surprise, as all three countries boast incredible driving roads (as well as citizens who know a thing or two about cool cars, clearly).

There’s a lot of information to digest regarding these Bavarian beauties, so let’s go over the most important features.

Aesthetics

The biggest question looming over the M3 / M4 pair (designated the G80 and G82 internally) was whether they were going to feature the controversial new ‘kidney grille’ design that debuted on the new second-generation (G22) 4 Series. The larger interpretation of the classic BMW grille design had many BMW fans fuming, and the rumour mill has been in full swing as to whether the M3 / M4 would have a similar grill, too.

The short answer? Yes, the pair do feature the new grille design – but it’s not what you think.

The 4 Series’ grille is larger, more angular, has both apertures pinched close together and features a honeycomb design. The M cars’ grille however has glossy black horizontal slats and a far less severe appearance. It looks more like a jet engine intake than a pair of nostrils, which is sure to elicit a huge sigh of relief for BMW purists. They also have the net benefit of making the cars look wider and more purposeful – a point hammered home by the M car’ characteristically widened stance and burbling quad exhausts.

Compared to the outgoing F80 M3 and F82/83 M4, the pair are far more angular and aggressive, continuing BMW’s move towards more geometric design. It makes the cars look far less staid and gives them far more presence than previous models, and sets them apart from the rest of the market.

As alluded to above, the pair come in three exclusive new shades: ‘Toronto Red’ metallic (which is yet to be revealed), ‘Isle of Man Green’ metallic and ‘São Paulo Yellow’ non-metallic – as demonstrated on the M3 and M4 respectively. At DMARGE, we’re big proponents of green cars, so the Isle of Man Green has got our mouths watering – but the São Paulo Yellow is arguably even more exciting. That it’s been showcased on the M4 like this is especially apt; it suits the coupé perfectly.

RELATED: Why It’s Time For Australians To Rethink Their New Car Colour Choices

Another aesthetic first for the new M3 / M4 is that you can choose the colour of your brake calipers from the factory – red, blue or black, for the record.

Of course, the biggest visual difference between the two cars is the number of doors. BMW haven’t said anything explicit yet about the new M3 Touring as part of this launch, but we have it on good authority that it’s on its way too (look at us, getting involved with the rumours too!) Otherwise, they’re basically identical under the skin, right down to performance figures.

Performance

Speaking of, the 2021 M3 and M4 have raised the stakes when it comes to driving dynamics – they’re faster and more capable than ever before.

Both are powered by a formidable straight-six engine – the twin-turbocharged S58 that first appeared in the G01 X3 M – which is to be offered in two states of tune depending on the transmission offering. Buyers have a difficult choice to make: basically, you can get the M3 and M4 with a six-speed manual transmission, but only in the ‘base’ trim. The higher ‘Competition’ trim delivers more power but is only available with an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission.

That’s not to say that you’re in any way missing out if you choose the manual. The non-Competition models will deliver 353kW and 550Nm and achieve standard sprint times of 4.2 seconds, and the Competition models take power and torque levels to 375kW and 650Nm with a standard sprint time of 3.9 seconds.

All variants will be offered in rear-wheel drive initially before the M3 and M4 Competition debut later next year with the acclaimed BMW M xDrive four-wheel drive system. This marks the first time that either the M3 or M4 has ever been offered in anything other than rear-wheel drive.

BMWs are famous for their exceptional handling and the new M cars are no exception, featuring extra bracing and adaptive M suspension across the range for better cornering.

Technical Specifications

• Engine: 3.0 L S58B30T0 twin-turbo I6 making 353kW / 550Nm in standard guise and 375kW / 650Nm in Competition spec
• Rear-wheel-drive configuration to be offered on M3 and M4 initially, with M xDrive all-wheel-drive system available for Competition models in late 2021
• Manual transmission available; Competition models to be offered with eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic for ultra-fast, precise shifts
• Standard sprint time achieved in just 3.9 seconds for M3 and M4 Competition (4.2sec standard)
• Aggressive styling packages, wide track and flared body elements provide commanding stance and focused performance potential
• Adaptive M suspension standard across all models
• New BMW M Drive Professional system includes features such as M Traction Control and M Drift Analyser
• Available M Carbon bucket seats feature structure-based design, lightweight construction and integral head restraints that can be dismantled for track driving

Read Next

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• 2020 Might Be Australians’ Best Chance Yet To Sell Their Old Car

The post BMW M3 2020: Aggressive Changes For Australia’s Most-Loved BMW appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Flashing lights. Sweaty bodies. Banging beats. Think we’re talking about a nightclub? Think again. Walk around any Australian city at 6am in 2020 and you’re more likely to see patrons exiting boutique gyms than thumping discotheques.

However, though they have similar operating hours, gyms and nightclubs have not suffered equally from the pandemic. Though both were hamstrung by lockdowns early on in 2020, Australia’s nightlife was already weak when the pandemic hit, and its fitness industry was undergoing something of a renaissance.

Now, as restrictions have eased around the country (with Melbourne, bar any major setbacks, set to follow), Australia’s gyms are once again working up a head of steam. They may also have an extra advantage coming out of 2020 – as Australia’s nightlife scene struggles, boutique gyms around the country are providing patrons with much more than a workout.

 

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A post shared by Camilla Bazley (@coach_camilla) on Sep 18, 2020 at 4:13pm PDT

Not to mention: with fewer Australians partying late into the night, early morning gyms now have a larger potential customer pool to draw from.

So: after for years being mocked for being ‘cultlike’, boutique gyms like Crossfit and F45 may now get the last laugh, as more everyday Australians turn to them for a sense of purpose, community and socialisation.

 

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A post shared by F45 Training Bondi Beach (@f45trainingbondi) on Aug 2, 2020 at 6:23pm PDT

Sparked by your correspondent’s realisation that, from 6am to 9am, (almost) every second building in his neighbourhood is either a boutique gym blasting reggaeton or a bakery full of gym-goers having a post-workout coffee, DMARGE put the question to Ben Lucas, Director of Paddington based gym Flow Athletic: are gyms the new nightclubs?

“Absolutely, we see our members congregating all the time at Jackie’s, Orchard Street all the time. Our run club is especially social… and of course they sign up to a lot of the events together. We are waiting for them to start kicking off again!”

Mr. Lucas said Flow Athletic has seen an uptick in customers since lockdown, “both in the studio and our online classes.”

“We actually had to launch a pop-up studio across the road… because we couldn’t fit all of our members into our spin room.”

Mr. Lucas also told DMARGE Flow Athletic has seen a boost to its community feel (despite such an atmosphere already existing pre-COVID), and a broader range of customers: “There certainly has been an air of excitement since we were able to reopen.”

“We have had quite a lot of new members, we have also had a lot of friends of members who want to join the fun and have signed up too.”

Aaron Warburton, Director and Co-Founder at The Sponsorship Department & FAN+, and client of Flow Athletic agreed, telling DMARGE he had noticed more socialisation since lockdown.

“Yes definitely. From the moment the gym re-opened, Flow was full of happy smiling faces. Not that the gym wasn’t a happy place prior to lock-down, I just think it just made people more grateful for what we had. In turn, people were more chatty and open to say hello.”

That said, Mr. Warburton isn’t quite ready to call gyms ‘the new nightclubs’…

“I wouldn’t say gyms are becoming a nightclub replacement per se. It’s nice to be able to go to the gym and focus on your training and focus on the reason you turn up in the first place. For me that’s to improve my physical and mental state.”

“I’m not sure mixing romance and working out is a smart move. Happy to be proven wrong, however!”

 

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A post shared by Camilla Bazley (@coach_camilla) on Jul 18, 2019 at 3:32pm PDT

Andrew Blake, co founder of Co Houz and a member of Virgin, told DMARGE he too has noticed a lot of new people lately at his gym, which brings a “fresh vibe” and has led to inspiration, new friends and even some new business clients.

“The gym has always been a second nightclub; the healthy nightclub. You can really see what a person looks like at the gym, [rather] than a dark night club.”

“Plus you can sweat with a towel, [rather] than sweaty balls in jeans on the dance floor of a night club…”

DMARGE also spoke to Michael Jordan, CEO of 12RND Fitness, a fitness studio with clubs all over Australia.

Mr. Jordan told DMARGE that in the states that have reopened “there has been a significant uptick in new members and a very strong reactivation of existing members.”

Another element to the attraction, Mr. Jordan posits, is that – unlike nightclubs – gyms allow you to kill two birds with one stone, boosting your health and socialising all in the same breath.

“With Covid-19 causing a reduction in social gatherings at sports clubs, churches and pubs, gyms are becoming the ‘third space’ in people’s lives, other than home and work, where they can get a regular in-person social connection. Our members come to have a laugh, and catch up with their fellow members who are also driven to improve themselves, while having a good time while doing it.”

“This is a big appeal in a society that has a greater focus on health – so you get two really important things in your life (social connection and improved health) from the same place.”

As for the clientele, Mr. Jordan told DMARGE, “I would say that there hasn’t been any difference to the actual ‘customer’ we’re seeing in the club, just a change in behaviours where the social aspect is becoming more high value, potentially more so than the training.”

“Our style of training and our club environment has always attracted a certain type of clientele that values a sense of community, a team training environment and the sports-style feeling you get with the camaraderie and support between both members and coaches.”

 

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A post shared by 12RND Fitness (@12rndfitness) on Apr 11, 2020 at 4:00pm PDT

Despite the ‘doomsday 2020’ stereotypes then, could it be that the pandemic is inspiring everyday Australians to get healthier than ever before?

Mr. Jordan told DMARGE: “I believe the lockdowns in particular reminded us of how important social connection and physical activity is for our mental health. We live in an age where technology draws us away from these two critical elements we need in our life, and then by also taking them away by closing gyms during lockdown, Australians realised how important these facilities are for fulfilling this factor in our lives.”

“As much as fitness operators, including ourselves, pivoted to provide digital training programs to support members while they were at home, there is no way the online training platforms will ever takeover the bricks and mortar facilities. We are social creatures. We need to connect and boutique gyms are becoming the common spaces for people to come together outside of their work and home.”

Now that more Australians are seeing boutique gyms can be valuable to many aspects of their lives, rather than just overpriced injury factories (as the stereotype goes), what’s crucial is to ensure said fitness clubs get the balance right between motivating clients to push themselves, and stopping them from going overboard.

“There’s something about the in-studio vibe that helps you push a little harder in your workouts and enjoy the sessions, and this is why our members consistently see great results.”

“All of the equipment is ready to go with different weight options, you can see the movements on screen and our trainers walk everyone through all of the exercises before class, so even if you’re new to HIIT training – we can get you started. Our trainers are highly skilled and can modify any of the exercises to suit any injuries or limitations, and can also do 1:1 consults to assess each member’s fitness goals. From there we can make a plan with our members to get them on track to where they want to be.”

Read Next

• What Happens To Your Muscles & Body When You Stop Lifting Weights
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The post Boutique Gyms: Pandemic Sparks Australian Exercise Revolution appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Ever heard of the cheerleader effect? It’s a form of cognitive bias that leads people to believe that individuals are more attractive than they are when they’re in a group. Originally just a gag in the sitcom How I Met Your Mother, the cheerleader effect has since been backed up by scientific research in both 2013 and 2015 studies.

What has this got to do with the Beckham family? Well, the sheer attractiveness of the family has served patriarch David well, distracting from an otherwise questionable footwear choice.

The entire clan (sans eldest sibling Brooklyn) came out in force to support matriarch Victoria Beckham at the debut of her namesake clothing label’s spring/summer 2021 collection in London. Victoria and daughter Harper looked very classy, Harper in a flowery dress and matching face mask, and Victoria in stiff denim pants and a bolo tie – but it was the boys who got tongues talking, the three decked out in full Christian Dior.

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A post shared by UpscaleHype (@upscalehype) on Sep 21, 2020 at 3:16pm PDT

Sons Romeo and Cruz both rocked pieces from the ‘Air Dior’ x Nike collection – Romeo wearing the capsule’s flagship item, the incredibly popular (and expensive) Dior Air Jordan sneakers. Cruz also wore one of the French brand’s classic ‘saddle bags‘ as well as another pair of ‘hyped’ Jordans: the collaborative KAWS x Air Jordan IVs from 2017.

RELATED: Influencer’s ‘Outrageous’ Disrespect For Rare $20,000 Sneakers Sends Hypebeasts Into Meltdown

David instead opted for a long black jacket, drawstring pants and the rather surprising choice of socks with slides – a sartorial aberration we might be more inclined to smear if he (as well as the rest of his family) didn’t look so effortlessly cool. Hence the ‘cheerleader effect’.

The Beckham clan are no strangers to wild footwear choices. Take 17-year-old Romeo’s head-turning choice of fluro orange Crocs on holiday in Cornwall earlier this year – like father, like son when it comes to controversial on-foot style, we suppose.

It also goes to show that an outfit is more than the sum of its parts. Beckham (unlike fellow socks-and-sandals lover Nico Rosberg) can make the ultra-casual look work, particularly paired with the crisp black palette of his other garments. He looks like a designer Noel Gallagher as opposed to a clueless German holidaymaker.

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The post David Beckham’s Unique Footwear Choice Outclassed By Impeccably Dressed Family appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Fishing is an incredibly popular sport in Australia with well over 3 million of us (at the last count) investing in rods, bait and tackle, casting our lines and hoping to catch some mighty fine fish. For those well versed in the art of fishing or if you’re a complete newbie and are looking to make waves, you’ll be pleased to know that Brisbane is a fantastic place to start out.

While you could, of course, check out Sydney’s best fishing spots, which inevitably includes the iconic Sydney Harbour, Brisbane is home to some of the most picturesque fishing spots around, not to mention, some great species of fish that, if you’re allowed to keep them from the area you’re fishing, will make for some fresh and delicious meals.

However, fishing comes a strict set of rules set by each state’s individual government that have been implemented to protect various fish species and to keep numbers healthy. The good news is, however, that unlike in NSW, in Queensland, you don’t need a license to fish recreationally. The only time you will require a permit allowing you to fish is if you set up in some stocked impoundments.

You will also need to be aware that only certain fishing equipment can be used depending on the water you’re fishing in, for example, cast nets are not permitted in freshwater and must not exceed 3.7m from the point of the rope attached to the rest of the net if you’re fishing in tidal waters.

A full breakdown of the regulations regarding fishing equipment can be found on the Queensland government website.

As with there being rules on the equipment you can use, there are also rules to define which fish you’re allowed to catch and keep and which are totally protected and cannot be caught – either because they may pose a threat if eaten, or to help maintain/grow population numbers.

A full list of protected species can be found on the Queensland Government website. 

So, now you know the dos and don’ts of fishing in Brisbane, it’s time to take you through some of the best spots around.

Shorncliffe Pier | Shorncliffe

 

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A post shared by Stephen Finkel (@stephenfinkel) on Oct 11, 2020 at 3:22am PDT

Shorncliffe Pier is worth a visit for being a landmark attraction alone. The timber pier is the longest in Brisbane – and popular with both tourists and fishers – giving you plenty of space to pick a spot and cast into the saltwater below. With so much water flowing around the structural support of the pier, you’re highly likely to catch Bream, Flathead and Yellowfin and Winter Whiting.

Fishing Type: Pier Fishing
Type of Fish: Bream, Flathead, Yellowfin Whiting, Winter Whiting, Tailor

Cameron Rocks Reserve | Hamilton

Brisbane City Council is keen to encourage recreational fishing and so has installed a number of fishing platforms at various sites to not only indicate where you’re likely to find fish, but to give you a solid ground from which to fish from. The fishing spot at Cameron Rocks Reserve is geared more towards experienced fishermen due to the currents of the river, but persevere (and head down in the evening) and you’ll be rewarded with some excellent catches.

Fishing Type: Land Based Fishing
Type of Fish: Flathead, Yellowfin Bream, Mangrove

Port of Brisbane

 

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If saltwater fishing is your jam then you’ll do well to head down to the Port of Brisbane. It caters to both land-based fishers and those who prefer to venture out on a boat (just to be sure to abide by the access restrictions) with the latter being able to benefit from deep waters that should serve up Mangrove, Jewfish and Bream. Bear in mind, however, that with deep water comes a more difficult fishing experience.

Fishing Type: Land Based/Boat
Type of Fish: Bream, Threadfin, Salmon, Mangrove Jack, Jewfish

Manly Boat Harbour Rock Wall | Manly

 

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Offering up a couple of different vantage points, Manly’s boat harbour rock wall is best visited either side of the changing tide. The deeper water should give a good return for bream, Whitehead and flathead, which will likely be hiding underneath the numerous moored boats.

Fishing Type: Land Based
Type of Fish: Whitehead, Flathead, Bream, Cod

Wynnum Jetty/Creek | Wynnum

 

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Wynnum Jetty is another spot in Brisbane that offers keen fishermen the chance to cast off into deep water and really test their skills, but if you’d rather settle for something a little more user-friendly, you can send your line into shallower waters closer to the rock wall where you should find bountiful bream, whiting and flathead.

Fishing Type: Jetty Fishing
Type of Fish: Bream, Whiting, Flathead

Breakfast Creek | Albion

Follow the Brisbane River northeast and you’ll come across Breakfast Creek that offers multiple chances to reel in some fish at various times throughout the day. While at high tide the current can be strong, making it nigh on impossible to catch anything, it’s when it goes slack that presents your best chance to pounce. During this period, you’ll be able to have a crack and catching threadfin salmon, jackfish and mangrove jack.

Fishing Type: Land Based
Type of Fish: Salmon, Jackfish, Mangrove Jack, Snapper, Bream, Jewfish, Mullet

Wellington Point Jetty | Redlands

 

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For beginners or experienced anglers looking to teach their kids, Wellington Point Jetty offers a great entry point into the world of fishing. You’re virtually guaranteed to catch something when casting off from the side railings into shallow water, while the point at the end of the pier where the water is deepest presents slightly more of a challenge. Best of all, fish are available to catch no matter the time of day, so whether you head down at dawn or dusk to avoid crowds or can only make it during the day, you should leave feeling accomplished.

Fishing Type: Jetty Fishing
Type of Fish: Snapper, Flathead, Bream

Peel Island | Moreton Bay

 

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Admittedly you will need a boat to get to Peel Island, but secure yourself one and you’ll be rewarded with one of the most picturesque fishing spots Brisbane has to offer. The island can be hit quite often with some northerly winds and if this is the case when you visit, you’ll want to moor up at Horseshoe Bay to protect yourself. Also on a wise note, if you plan to fish Peel Island at the weekend, get there as early as you can as it consistently proves to be a crowded place.

It’s easy to see why though, as Peel Island gives fishermen the chance to catch a wide variety of fish, including snapper, grass sweetlip, cod, bream, parrot fish and spotty mackeral.

Fishing Spots Brisbane FAQ

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Airbus yesterday in Toulouse unveiled three concepts for the world’s first zero-emission commercial aircraft which could enter service by 2035. Each of the three concepts represents a different approach to achieving a zero-emissions flight, exploring various technology pathways and aerodynamic configurations in order to support Airbus’ goal of leading the way in the decarbonisation of the entire aviation industry.

Airbus has announced all of these concepts rely on hydrogen as a primary power source – an option the company believes holds “exceptional promise” as a clean aviation fuel and is likely to be a solution for aerospace and many other industries to meet their climate-neutral targets.

“This is a historic moment for the commercial aviation sector as a whole and we intend to play a leading role in the most important transition this industry has ever seen. The concepts we unveil today offer the world a glimpse of our ambition to drive a bold vision for the future of zero-emission flight,” said Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO.

“I strongly believe that the use of hydrogen – both in synthetic fuels and as a primary power source for commercial aircraft – has the potential to significantly reduce aviation’s climate impact.”

The three concepts – all codenamed “ZEROe” – for a first climate neutral zero-emission commercial aircraft, Airbus has said, include:

Turbofan

A turbofan design (120-200 passengers) with a range of 2,000+ nautical miles, capable of operating transcontinentally and powered by a modified gas-turbine engine running on hydrogen, rather than jet fuel, through combustion. The liquid hydrogen will be stored and distributed via tanks located behind the rear pressure bulkhead.

Turboprop

A turboprop design (up to 100 passengers) using a turboprop engine instead of a turbofan and also powered by hydrogen combustion in modified gas-turbine engines, which would be capable of traveling more than 1,000 nautical miles, making it a perfect option for short-haul trips.

Blended-Wing Body

A “blended-wing body” design (up to 200 passengers) concept in which the wings merge with the main body of the aircraft with a range similar to that of the turbofan concept. The exceptionally wide fuselage opens up multiple options for hydrogen storage and distribution, and for cabin layout.

“These concepts will help us explore and mature the design and layout of the world’s first climate-neutral, zero-emission commercial aircraft, which we aim to put into service by 2035,” said CEO Faury. “The transition to hydrogen, as the primary power source for these concept planes, will require decisive action from the entire aviation ecosystem. Together with the support from government and industrial partners we can rise up to this challenge to scale-up renewable energy and hydrogen for the sustainable future of the aviation industry.”

According to Airbus, to tackle these challenges, airports will need significant “hydrogen transport and refueling infrastructure” to meet the needs of day-to-day operations. Support from governments will likewise be key to meet these “ambitious objectives” with “increased funding for research & technology, digitalisation, and mechanisms that encourage the use of sustainable fuels and the renewal of aircraft fleets to allow airlines to retire older, less environmentally friendly aircraft earlier,” Airbus has stated.

While this is a big step in terms of a needle-moving company aiming its rudder at a more eco-friendly future, for some, it’s neither good enough nor quick enough.

“Would be amazing if it’s 2025 Instead of 2035,” one Instagram user wrote under Airbus’ social media announcement (the same user later admitted they were commenting as an “avgeek” not necessarily as an environmentalist).

“Not sure how will you achieve net zero emissions because hydrogen is produced from natural gas. So you still fossil fuel to produce a fuel to use in airplane,” commented another.

“They changed only fuel from high octane to hydrogen… that’s all,” another said (in a claim that needs checking out).

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In celebration of this #ZeDay #ZeroEmissionsDay, we’re so excited to unveil our 3 #zeroe concept aircraft fuelled by hydrogen. Each option takes a slightly different approach that will help us to realise our ambition of bringing a zero-emission commercial aircraft to market by 2035! Check our #Story for more details! #airbus #airbuslovers #cleanaviation #aviation #aviationlovers #plane #instaplane #instaaviation #innnovation #futurofflight

A post shared by Airbus (@airbus) on Sep 21, 2020 at 9:01am PDT

Other Instagram users were more complimentary: “Hydrogen!! Yesss, finally. No electric,” remarked one.

Another called for Boeing to innovate too: “Airbus always pushing forward not like Boeing. We just need a clean way to do hydrogen now, the energy of the future.”

This links to a broader cultural ‘clenchpoint’ – Prometheanism vs. the ‘back to basics’ school of thought. The former argues we should use resources freely, innovate with no limits, and have faith in human ingenuity to solve the problems that arise down the line, the latter of which argues we should cut the excess out of our lives, live more frugally, and not take those round the world trips to begin with (at least not until we’ve already found an innovative way to do so in an environmentally friendly manner).

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