Germany in the 1950s was either a hoot or a horror, depending on what side of the post-war ideological divide you were on.West Germany had emerged from the cultural, economic and physical devastation of Nazism and WWII with a new lease on life. The so-called Wirtschaftswunder transformed West Germany into the world’s third-biggest economy, and living conditions in the Federal Republic were exceptional.This is perfectly epitomised by the stunning architecture of this gas station – things were so good in the West that even the humble bowser was beautiful.

A perfect example of 50’s modernist architecture, this 1958 photo of a gas station shows a pit stop that completely sh*ts all over the boxy, unfeeling sheds that we have on our modern roads.Another vintage touch you might notice is the filling station attendants, who could also be relied upon to check your tyre pressure or oil level. This is something quite alien for most of us today but is still a common feature of gas stations in some American states e.g. New Jersey or Oregon, or in countries like South Africa or Indonesia.This opulence, common in the West, lay in stark contrast to the austere conditions in the East. Economically crippled by the strict reparations they were forced to pay to the USSR, plus the brain drain caused by people fleeing to the West, the GDR was a stark and challenging place to live. In 1961, East Germany would build the Berlin Wall, literally cementing the disparity between East and West.

While the 1957 East German Trabant is widely regarded as one of the worst vehicles of all time, the 50s were a golden age for West German motoring. Iconic models such as the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, Porsche 356 and Mercedes-Benz 300 SL emerged from this period, and the automotive industry was one of the main forces behind the extraordinary economic recovery experienced by West Germany.The famous German autobahn network was greatly expanded in the West as well (and neglected in the East), further developing West Germany’s reputation as a driver’s paradise.Comparing something as mundane as gas stations might seem trite but it certainly reveals much about the traumatic history of Germany in the 20th Century. Almost thirty years after German reunification in 1991, eastern Germany still lags behind the west of the country economically, and the legacy of division is still obvious today.

The legacy of Germany’s division is still keenly felt, and remains a complex subject for many Germans. While it’s undeniable that the mass surveillance, cruel authoritarianism and cultural repression under communism was appalling, many former East Germans feel a sense of Ostalgie for the GDR.While we in the West might find it hard to understand why people would be nostalgic for East Germany, we can certainly understand being nostalgic for the architecture and machines of the West’s ‘golden age’ of motoring. Things might have been politically tense in the 1950s, but damn, aren’t those cars schön?

Read Next

• Timeless Photo Reveals What Bondi Looked Like Last Time There Was A Shutdown
• 10 Crazy Things You Can Only Do In Germany

The post German Gas Station Photo Reveals Forgotten Age Of Motoring appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

There are more cliches about Australians than you can throw a Flat White at. Likewise, loudmouths American travelers, fall victim to some unfriendly stereotyping too.

How much of it is justified we’ll leave up to you.

But despite both being turned into tropes, there are a number of areas American and Australian travelers diverge.

In light of the short-circuiting of the travel industry recent events, particularly regarding the ongoing shakeup of the restaurant and hotel industries, we spoke to Group Director of Food and Beverage at Ovolo Hotels, Vincent Lombino, to understand the differences in Australian and American travelers’ expectations when it comes to hospitality.

RELATED: The Coffee Skill Australians Think They Know But Really Don’t

While Vincent tells us the gap may not be as big as you think (“I used to think there were big differences”) he also admits there are a number of interesting ways in which demands diverge across the pond.

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A post shared by Lucía López (@lucialucelucira) on Oct 1, 2018 at 12:27am PDT

First up is ego anxiety: “American travelers get kind of anxious and want that ‘polish your shoe’ service you get in America, topping up your water every 5 seconds, ‘where’s the prices’ kind of freaked out.”

Australians, on the other hand, Vincent tells us, “respect and appreciate good service – particularly the finer points” without necessarily expecting it. They also, in Vincent’s experience, live up to their reputation for being “so kind” and “getting to know the staff, opening up and endearing themselves to people,” even if an establishment must first earn their trust.

“Aussies will be funny, they’ll come in and be standoffish anywhere you go, but once you crack that thing they’re lovely.”

Americans, conversely, “come in and want it right up front. They go, ‘Hey, what’s going on?’ They’ve got super expectations that if you don’t [match them] perfectly it goes down quite quickly.”

“Aussies don’t have as big an expectation [typically], but when you exceed it you blow them away.”

“I love to watch that and I watch how people over the years build this loyalty with people that come back,” Vincent adds.

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A post shared by (@gabrielleklpt) on Jun 24, 2020 at 1:18pm PDT

He also mentions that, though Australia, in the past, tended to follow American trends, now the relationship – when it comes to hospitality – flows more both ways. As Vincent confirms, avocado on toast isn’t the only Aussie foodie feature that has caught on in the US: “it has; the killer cafe culture and some of the bar culture [has caught on].”

“Everything [used to] come from America: ‘copy this; let’s do that.’ Now it’s going the other way around.”

All that said: it’s not as if Australians – particularly our own branch of foodies – are immune from error. There is a growing cultural divide in Australia between those who believe social media exposure is a legitimate currency and those who don’t – something which was brought to a head recently via The Australian food critic John Lethleans’ influencer spat.

Food for thought.

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• Food Critic Spat Reveals Bitter New Cultural Divide In Australia
• Wild Missouri Party Reveals Everything That’s Wrong With US Politics Right Now
• Cruise Ship Staff Reveal The Wildest ‘Activities’ They’ve Seen On Board

The post Australia Cafe Culture: What Americans Can Learn From It appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

If you haven’t seen the iconic 1996 sports comedy Happy Gilmore, let us give you the skinny: it’s about a former hockey player who becomes a golf success due to his insane slapshot-inspired drive. Even if you don’t care about golf (or Adam Sandler), the film’s a bonafide 90’s classic.Many golfers since have tried to best the fictional Gilmore’s crazy 400 yard (366m) drive record – no mean feat, even for professionals. The reality is that someone with a build like Sandler’s could never have the raw power needed to make a golf ball go that far.No, what you need is the ripped body and insane skills of someone like Kyle Berkshire, professional long driver and current world #1.Berkshire’s active on social media including on YouTube and Instagram, and regularly shows off his frankly ludicrous ability to punt marbles down fairways.

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Had a great time playing Rochelle Ranch! An absolute beast at nearly 8000 yards and 8500 feet of elevation I had an awesome finish on the 575 yard 18th hole! 1st shot: Drive up the left center (trackman #s on 4th slide) 2nd shot: 54 degree wedge from 135 yards to kick-in distance 3rd shot: tap in for

A post shared by Kyle Berkshire (@kyleberkshire) on Jun 18, 2020 at 5:17pm PDT

Not only does Berkshire have incredible technique; the man’s ripped. He makes Jason Day look like a beanpole in comparison.You don’t often think of golfers as being buff, but Berkshire puts that thought to bed. Of course, the reality is that like any professional sport, top golf athletes will be spending a huge amount of time working out to make sure they’ve got the strength and dexterity needed to perform under intensely stressful conditions.During lockdown, Berkshire gave us a sneak peak at the kind of fitness regime he runs in order to hit those world-class drives.

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A post shared by Kyle Berkshire (@kyleberkshire) on Apr 10, 2020 at 4:27pm PDT

The 23-year-old golfing prodigy showed off a tough bodyweight exercise regime and his small but well-equipped home gym, replete with pull down and chest press machines.Or maybe that’s just a huge bluff and the true secret to his power is in his luscious locks, a la Samson from the Bible story. Fingers crossed he doesn’t get a haircut any time soon, then.

Read Next

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The post Kyle Berkshire’s Happy Gilmore Drive Secret appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

When it comes to wardrobe essentials, we could talk about white and black t-shirts, chinos and minimal white sneakers until we’re blue in the face. But we have faith in you, the reader, that you’ll already have a decent collection of these pieces already. What you may not have, is a classic Breton-style navy and white striped sweater. That would be a shame because you really should.Specifically, you should have this cashmere stripe sweater in navy and white from American fashion designer Todd Snyder, yours for $188. The Breton stripe has been around since 1858, first being given as uniform to the French navy. Those original designs had 21 stripes, and we’re sad to say Todd Snyder’s sweater only has 18, but you’re not a French navy seaman, so it doesn’t matter.What does matter is that this sweater is made from a cotton cashmere blend in a medium weight, so not only will it be exceptionally comfortable, but it won’t cause you to overheat in the summer sun. Instead, it will be the perfect piece for when the sun goes down, not just to ensure you stay warm, but to keep you looking great until the day’s end.It’s a must-have summer piece if you ask us, and we know what we’re talking about. So head to Todd Snyder now and give you summer wardrobe a welcome update.Buy The Todd Snyder Striped Sweater US$188

The post Todd Snyder Sweater Is Must-Have Summer Wardrobe Investment appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Vegan food is big business. That’s probably not news to you if you’ve been to a café in Melbourne recently. $18 for a falafel burger? Pull the other one.

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While most Aussies aren’t quite ready to totally give up animal protein just yet, the demand for plant-based and ethical alternatives to our favourite meats is burgeoning and undeniable, Food Frontier communicates.

Regardless of what you think about vegans or their diet, you can’t ignore that businesses catering to them are a growth area. Even fast food chains like Grill’d, McDonalds and Hungry Jacks have started adding vegan options to their menus in order to court the meatless dollar.

DMARGE spoke to James Whelan, Investment Manager at VFS Group in Sydney, who related how even investors skeptical of veganism are increasingly interested in plant-based meats.

“I’m the son of a cattle farmer and even I think Beyond Burgers are tasty,” he laughs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Cheat on your meat with the Rebel Whopper – 100% Whopper, 0% Beef.

A post shared by Hungry Jack’s Australia (@hungryjacksau) on Oct 22, 2019 at 4:28pm PDT

Now, recent developments in the agriculture sector thanks to The Bat Kiss have got investors especially interested in the ever-growing alternative protein market.

Whelan relates how a recent abattoir shutdown in Germany thanks to COVID-19 reveals how exposed the meat industry is to pandemics and other shakeups in the global economy.

“This virus spreads like wildfire through slaughterhouses… Germany’s R Number almost tripled over the course of a weekend from 1.06 to 2.88 from basically one region’s abattoir. 6500 workers in a Rheda-Wiedenbrück abattoir and 1300 of them tested positive. That’s a big number and it’s apparently due to the working conditions the migrant workers are put through.”

Germany’s not the only country with this problem. China recently halted imports from Tyson Foods, one of the US’ biggest meatpackers, who’s faced fierce criticism for exacerbating the spread of the pandemic whilst simultaneously lobbying government to restart production and obfuscating infection rates. China itself has been grappling with a recent outbreak of the virus traced to salmon sold in the country’s largest wet market, Whelan reports.

Famously revealed in Eric Schlosser’s groundbreaking 1999 exposé Fast Food Nation (and earlier still in Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle in 1906), the conditions in abattoirs and meatpacking concerns are often horrendous and notoriously unsafe. It comes as no surprise that they are natural vectors for viral transmission.

At Tyson plants around the country, over 7,000 employees have tested positive for the virus. Workers continue to die from Covid-19.

On Sunday, China suspended poultry imports from a Tyson slaughterhouse due to coronavirus cases among its workers. https://t.co/VjAldls2tm pic.twitter.com/CUkW3aXcB1

— New York Times Opinion (@nytopinion) June 22, 2020

Animal slaughterers shutting down or having their exports banned will naturally affect the global meat supply and drive prices up for consumers, as well as cause economic instability.

“Expect meat prices to go up as companies bear the burden for improved working conditions and most likely put a hand out to the government to assist in this situation (since it’s virus-related),” Whelan predicts.

But that’s not the main takeaway from this meat industry health scare, he says.

These businesses shutting down not only affect the supply of meat, but have a huge knock-on affect for an entire supply chain. Logistics, retailers, and other businesses who use the byproducts of meat production will all be affected by the meat industry’s vulnerability to coronavirus.

“So… food is getting scarcer because virus or because politics or because both. Either way, buy a deep freeze and fill it up. Or buy a plant-based meat company.”

James Whelan

Look at it like this: animal meat is already becoming less and less popular, and is particularly vulnerable to this virus that demonstrably can devastate entire industries (and countries). Food security is a big deal – even if you don’t care about the ethical implications of animal meat, it’s hard to argue with the ‘COVID argument’, Whelan expounds.

Investing in businesses in the plant-based meat space right now makes sense because the way it’s made inherently contains far less chance of spreading the virus, is far less vulnerable to supply chain disruption, is ethically superior for both animals and humans, and is only likely to continue growing.

While lab-grown meats are yet to hit the market in a meaningful way, vegan food producers are your safest bet. Besides, it’s not just vegan meat replacements we’re talking about here: vegan milk alternatives and vegan leather will spike in demand if cows aren’t being killed, for example.

With no clear end in sight to this global pandemic, and an increasing consumer interest in worker’s rights, animal welfare and sustainable protein sources, investing in vegan and alternative protein businesses seems like a no-brainer.

You might not see us carnivores chowing down on a tofu burger any time soon, but our portfolios might tell a different story.

Read Next

• The Vegan Diet & The Truth About How It Will Impact Your Health
• Our Expert’s Scoop On The Best Australian Shares To Buy Right Now

The post Plant-Based Investments Are Bringing Home The Bacon appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Gyms, fitness studios and indoor swimming pools have now all (thankfully) reopened their doors to Australians in all states (Victoria was last to the party, with restrictions easing from 22nd June) and we imagine the vast majority of the nation will be – or perhaps already has been – keen to get back through the doors to start shedding the extra pounds put on during iso.We reckon F45 members in Bondi are especially grateful to get away from the grim outdoor conditions provided to them when laws were stricter.Despite gyms doors now being swung open (with perhaps a little less force than pre-COVID), there are still restrictions in place and guidelines to follow. Chief among these is a cap on the number of people allowed in a venue at any one time, which at the time of writing is 20 people. That limitation could, therefore, still cause a problem for many gym members wanting to get back into a routine, with their usual classes filling up quickly, or the coveted weights floor being overrun by a gaggle of gym bros.We, therefore, surmise that the still-restricted fitness climate could introduce a ‘new smoko’ of sorts, with the idea being that gym members will want to take breaks during the working day to head to their classes when they could be less busy. A great idea for their fitness levels, but potentially a hindrance on their work output.Rather than just pluck random information out of thin air, we spoke to John Field, owner and head coach of Agoga gym, a class-based facility in Bondi, NSW, to get his take on the current fitness landscape and if he thinks ‘the new smoko’ will become a mainstay in Australian culture.John admits that for Agoga, “it’s pretty much the same [as pre-COVID]”, but this is most likely due to the fact that full capacity for Agoga is “20 – 21 people”. However, of ‘the new smoko’, John believes it will be “largely determined by where members work.”

 

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A post shared by AGOGA Bondi (@agogabondi) on Jun 21, 2020 at 2:46pm PDT

For him, he’s noticing a lot of his members are still working from home and “because of that, we’re still keeping live streaming open.”“We’ve been able to get a collective group of members that will stay online so that they can break from their lounge room and then jump online at lunch to complete a workout in their own home. We’ve also extended the lunchtime offerings, adding more classes around the middle of the day, and they’re fully booked all week.”

“What we have noticed is that the ‘peak’ times members attend classes has changed. Pre-COVID, our 6 am classes would fill up quickly, but now we’re seeing the 7.15 am and 12.30 pm classes fill up instead, along with weekends.”

While John hasn’t been able to exactly confirm our hypothesis, the very fact Agoga has had to add extra daytime classes to cater for the influx of members needing to skip the peak morning times, suggests a changing trend in Australia’s current fitness habits.

“It’s clear our members aren’t quite ready to hit that 5 am alarm just yet, and would rather savour the extra time in bed because they know they can still workout early in the morning before starting the working day.”

Rather than just hear from the gym side of the argument, we wanted to find out if businesses would, in fact, be keen, or at the very least, understanding, of their workers’ incessant desire to regain their fitness.We reached out to Joe Ryan, a partner at 4Twenty Consulting, to ask if he – and the business as a whole – would be willing to allow staff to take workout breaks. He told us, “it’s definitely something we encourage at 4Twenty.”“We try to find a healthy balance between working and living to ensure our consultants are in great shape both physically and mentally.”

“Whether that’s attending a gym-class off-peak to avoid the crowds or perhaps getting the team together to take part in the Sydney Half Marathon. We think it’s important to provide the flexibility that the everyday professional needs and allow them to manage their own schedule.”

It’s a refreshing take, especially when, pre-2020, many bosses would have said f*ck off when asked if they would allow an extended lunch break.

Read Next

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• Best At-Home Equipment For Conquering Your Workouts

The post Australian Employers Sweating On Flexible Workout Hours Amidst Gym Restrictions appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Much has changed since March. Lockdowns have been replaced with ~wander bubbles~, offices are no longer so lonely, and the roaring of jets in the sky is on the up.

But The Virus is still out there.

Worse: it is more rampant in some countries than others, and some of those countries’ GDP’s depend on tourism like a socially awkward Brit does gin.

Speaking of Brits: citizens of the UK are now once again allowed to make their annual pilgrimage to Spain, quarantine free.

So too are a select group of Germans.

As CNN Travel correspondent Atika Shubert recently noticed on a media trip to Mallorca, “extreme” hotel hygiene rules have not deterred the Prussians from enjoying a sneaky sunny vacation.

Mallorca is renowned for attracting repeat customers everywhere from Berlin to Bristol, thanks to its heady weather and cheap flights.

Shubert spent time observing a selection of the 11,000 German visitors who have recently been let into Spain as part of a pilot program to test Pandemic Precautions and reopen Spain’s tourism economy.

The group she was there to observe was in Mallorca’s Riu Concordia hotel.

The “extreme” new rules she noticed include getting your temperature checked, putting on a face mask, cleaning your hands with disinfectant and donning plastic gloves – all before sipping your first morning coffee.

It doesn’t end there though: “In our lobby, a thermal camera scans guests when they walk in through the sliding doors: keep it cool and you get the green light to enter.”

“But if your temperature gets too high, reception gets a discreet red alert.”

Shubert also relates how the buffet, previously only disastrous for tourists’ waistlines, now poses another challenge: “navigating the breakfast buffet is tricky… I need to follow the red arrows on the floor to avoid colliding into others.”

“Predictably, I go the wrong way in an attempt to get to the fresh fruit. A smiling attendant kindly guides me back towards the tempting croissants and pastries I had only narrowly escaped on the first round, but only after giving me another squirt of gel disinfectant.”

All in all though, Shubert reports, it appears the first wave of tourists are enjoying their trips, with there being more space on the beach for your towel and – despite the vigorous displays of hand sanitizer rubbing – a relaxed poolside vibe.

 

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A post shared by TUI ReiseCenter Bochum (@tuireisecenterbochum) on Jun 21, 2020 at 3:20am PDT

The irony is: the only thing likely to spoil the atmosphere, Shubert admits, is the media there to report on it.

Read Next

• Majorca Just Became The Worst Place In The World To Skinny Dip
• The Embarrassing Statement Every Australian Makes In Spain

The post 'Extreme' Hotel Rules Prove Tourists Will Do Anything For Their Annual Jaunt appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Known for its relatively young demographic, Canberra – a young city in itself, having only been constructed in 1913 – has a bustling nightlife, full of trendy cocktail bars, clubs (hello Mooseheads) and places to eat. We’ve tackled bars in another article, this one focuses solely on tantalising your tastebuds with delicious eats.So if you have a trip planned or live in Canberra and are searching for somewhere new to spend a Friday evening, let us present to you a list of the coolest restaurants in Australia’s Capital to while away an evening.

Pilot

If you like intimate dining mixed with high-end cuisine, Pilot is the spot for you. The recipient of multiple awards and nominations, Pilot offers diners a 10-course degustation that is sure to send your tastebuds through the roof.Part of the appeal of dining at Pilot is that you don’t know what you’re going to eat until you sit down, as the menu isn’t published online. The wine list changes on a regular basis too, catering to different varietals and seasonal trends.

Address:

1 Wakefield Gardens, Ainslie, 2612

Phone:

02 6257 4334

Aubergine

Continuing with one-word restaurant names is Aubergine, which, if you look at reviews circling online, will immediately stand out as being not only one of the best restaurants in the Capital but in the whole damn country.The menu takes on a very experimental approach and you may need a glossary to understand some of it (although, what fine dining restaurant doesn’t need one?) but with head chef Ben Willis using tools such as liquid nitrogen for previous seasonal menus, you can be sure to expect a dining experience like no other.

Address:

18 Barker Street, Griffith, 2603

Phone:

02 6260 8666

Akiba

For an evening of fun times and good eats, head to Akiba. Neon signage lets you know what you’re in-store when you head through the doors of this Korean/Japanese fusion establishment: a busy atmosphere. Catering well to groups by way of plenty of sharing plates, Akiba is somewhere where you don’t mind getting your hands dirty – cutlery will only slow you down.

Address:

40 Bunda Street, Canberra, 2600

Phone:

02 6162 0602

EightySix

Another bustling eatery that consistently ranks among the favourites of locals and visitors alike. EightySix has been committed to a tried and tested method of placing the menu high above the bar for all to see, which reels off mouthwatering dishes such as pumpkin & mascarpone tortellini and black chicken with buttermilk slaw.Don’t expect an intimate conversation with a date, although if anything, the busy environment could work to your advantage by providing plenty of people-watching opportunities to discuss.

Address:

Mode 3 Building, Corner of Elouera & Lonsdale Street, Braddon, 2612

Phone:

02 6161 8686

Močan & Green Grout

The Instagram feed of this restaurant is enough to tempt anyone through the doors and to get themselves a table. Or should we say, to remain outside with a table, as Močan & Green Grout is a perfect place for summer dining, alfresco style. The menu is a bit simpler than some others on this list, but that means you’re even more likely to pick out a dish you know you’re going to love.

Address:

1/19 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra, 2601

Phone:

02 6162 2909

Raku

Love Japanese food and modern, swanky eating establishments that are incredibly tastefully decorated and impeccable in their approach? Then you’ll love Raku. A quintessential fine-dining experience, Raku serves up small plates that are designed to be shared among groups (although you could obviously take a date and splurge a little). With the menu hosting dishes such as Canadian scallop with jalapeno, green apple and garlic mayo, or a 150-day grain-fed Scotch fillet with wasabi sour cream and rhubarb salt, we wouldn’t be surprised if you phoned to book a table before reaching the end of this paragraph.

Address:

148 Bunda Street, Canberra, 2601

Phone:

02 6248 6869

Bar Rochford

For laid-back vibes with a few beers (and maybe a cheeky cocktail or two) and some casual plates of food to pick at, head to Bar Rochford. Situated in The Melbourne Building, Bar Rochford’s menu changes regularly, so it will soon become a venue you will want to keep revisiting to see what else they have in store. The wine menu showcases some of the best Australia has to offer (with a few from further afield if you fancy being a little continental) and the sounds pumping through the speakers only add to the completely casual experience.

Address:

First Floor, 65 London Circuit, Canberra, 2601

Phone:

02 6230 6222

Temporada

Widely regarded as one of the best restaurants Canberra has to offer, Temporada is a sleek and sexy venue serving up out-of-this-world food. Previously under the helm of chef Ben Willis (who has since moved to Aubergine) it’s no surprise it has become a cult favourite. The food menu is regularly rotated to adjust to each season, with local produce being given pride of place. Wines, too, are sourced as locally as possible, although for those with a particular palette, there are international bottles on offer too.

Address:

15 Moore Street, Canberra, 2601

Phone:

02 6249 6683

Ottoman

The most awarded restaurant in Canberra serves up Turkish cuisine in both its main dining room and three private dining rooms to entertain you and your guests. It’s a favourite of Australia’s politicians whenever they’re in town, and although they may not always get it right when it comes to policies, they certainly know how to pick out a good feed.You might expect your wallet to suffer for some of Canberra’s best food too, but on the contrary, the menu is actually incredibly well-priced. For colourful plates of food simply bursting with flavour, book yourself a table.

Address:

9 Broughton Street, Barton, 2600

Phone:

02 6273 6111

Tilley’s Devine Café Gallery

Tilley’s is less of a restaurant and more of an institution in Canberra. It first opened its doors in 1984, initially as a space just for women (men could turn up if they were hanging off the arm of a lady) and today is a place welcoming of everyone.It maintains its heritage though, with wooden booths scattered around and live jazz piano sessions taking place every Saturday night. The menu is far less fancy than some other establishment; it is a café after all, so a trip here is much more about the experience and sitting in a seat steeped in history.

Address:

Corner Brigalow & Wattle Street, Lyneham, 2602

Phone:

02 6247 7753

Read Next

• Coolest Hotels In Canberra
• Coolest Restaurants In Sydney

The post Coolest Restaurants In Canberra That Will Tantalise Your Tastebuds appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Against the backdrop of social upheaval we’re seeing in the US, Australia and around the world, more and more people are recognising the need for systemic change in our societies. It’s forced many of us to re-evaluate the prejudices rampant in our culture – against people of colour, against LGBTQI communities, against the disabled, and against sex workers.Sydney-based writer and escort Samantha X has vocally challenged popular misconceptions about the lives and roles sex workers play in our society for many years, as well as working to dispel myths about the kind of people that seek out her services.Her latest revelation? Most men aren’t seeing escorts just for sex.“Not once have I experienced a man who purely wanted sex,” she relates.“Sex takes 5 minutes and if that was the case, I would have 5 minute appointments. Men who see escorts are seeking something deeper.”Sam’s last few posts on Instagram reveal how many of her clients seek out her and other sex workers because they struggle with mental health concerns, are victims of domestic violence, or have had other traumatic experiences that they’re unwilling to share with their loved ones or a traditional counsellor or psychologist.

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To anyone who thinks this job is about swinging from chandeliers and drinking champagne, think again. This is the beautiful message Ken (previous post) sent me. Men need to be heard, they have a voice and they struggle just as much if not more than women. All they need is a safe space.

A post shared by Samantha X® (@samanthaxreal) on Jun 10, 2020 at 3:50pm PDT

“I often hear from men how they don’t want to see a psychologist or counsellor of fear of being judged. When a man is with an escort, at some point clothes come off and when we are naked, we are vulnerable and raw. We are all on the same level. Believe it or not, men feel they can open up, they feel comfortable and they feel whatever they say won’t be judged.”“For me personally, I have heard, seen and done pretty much everything so absolutely nothing could shock me. I’ve had big strong powerful men cry on my shoulder, or confide parliamentary secrets, or show me their most vulnerable side, and all I can do is support and be present for them… The thing [all] these men have in common is the need to connect on a physical and emotional level.”

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We hear about women in abusive marriages all the time. It happens a LOT to men too, they just don’t talk about it. Meet Ken. He’s 37, recently separated with two kids. His confidence is low, his self esteem lower. He left a 14 year abusive marriage where he was screamed at most days. “Imagine a pile of paper, and every year for 14 years, she would take one piece of paper out and chuck it in a fire. I was the paper and in the end, I had nothing left to give.” Then last year, a trip to the beach ended up in him almost drowning. “As I lay on the sand recovering, I could hear her yelling at me. I remember feeling bad I didn’t drown.” Ken blinked away tears as he spoke about his trauma. He has a solid build and works in a male dominated industry, where men don’t show emotion, let alone cry. “I’m incredibly lonely and it’s nice to be able to talk to someone.”

A post shared by Samantha X® (@samanthaxreal) on Jun 10, 2020 at 4:31am PDT

In many ways, Australian men’s mental health is an unseen pandemic. On average, one in eight men experience depression, one in five men experience anxiety, and around 75% of all suicides are men, Beyond Blue reports.The reality is that our society still aggressively stigmatises mental health, particularly for men. Outdated ideas of machismo and stoicism force many men to ‘bottle up’ their feelings – which, in the long run, is negative for everyone: for partners, children and men themselves.There’s also a strange modern mental health reality that’s somewhat unspoken. Millenials and Gen Z are more likely than previous generations to seek professional help, and are generally far more open about their mental health concerns. Younger generations have significantly shifted the needle around the polite acceptability of mental health.Yet that rings true for women more than it does for men. Young women, to an extent, are judged less harshly for talking about their mental health situation than young men. For example, it would still be considered ‘weird’ if a guy was posting about being depressed on social media, whereas it’s almost in vogue for women to do so.So even among the generation where there’s the least stigma around mental health, men experience more stigma. Not that it’s a competition – people of all generations and all gender identities struggle with expressing their mental health concerns. It’s not easy for anyone. But case in point: Men’s Mental Health Week just came and went, and we bet most of you didn’t even realise. People just don’t talk about men’s mental health.

It’s the fact I have asked two men about Men’s Mental Health week this week and niether of them knew about it. This says so much , men feeling like they can’t speak out about their mental health didn’t come out of nowhere. They do not receive equal attention. #MensMentalHealth

— aoife lawlor (@aoifelawlor8) June 22, 2020

Samantha has made a career out of challenging expectations, both as a journalist and escort. It’s perhaps no surprise then that she’s taken up the surprising mantle of men’s mental health advocate.“[It’s] why I love my job… what keeps me there. The money is great, but money comes and goes. It’s the connection, the companionship and the authenticity of the relationships I have, because it is a relationship, albeit a brief one at times, that I am passionate about.”

“Once you’ve experienced people at their most vulnerable and real, it is very, very hard to deal with fakeness and inauthenticity. We live in a world of fake photos, fake news and fake happy lives on social media so getting to the nitty gritty of real people and real issues is something I loved as a journalist and now an escort and coach.”

Now more than ever, it’s important to shine a light on men’s mental health, and make sure men are getting the support they need – whether that’s from their loved ones, friends, a psychologist or an escort.If you’re looking for some mental health advice, our Mental Health category has got you covered. Alternatively, check out Beyond Blue or Head to Health.

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