In some respects, ‘Not Suitable for Children’ is too cool for school. The Australian movie is so indie that the Wikipedia article, so far, consists of one not particularly descriptive line. Unsurprisingly, this lack of notoriety has resulted in prospective audiences that are uniformly clad in skinny jeans, flannel shirts, oversized glasses and a mobile fog of “Rockstar” hairspray. In other words, ‘Not Suitable for Children’ could be used as the masthead film of the Hipster Generation.

Indeed, even the basic plot of the movie sounds like a pretentious mishmash of various hyper-realistic pseudocomedies starring Joseph Gordon Levitt, or some other underdeveloped manchild who looks good in a beanie. In this case, the role of intense woolen hat-wearer falls on the lean Ryan Kwanten of “True Blood” fame.

Jonah (no surname) is a single, directionless, twenty-something party animal who lives with his two best friends, Stevie (Sarah Snook) and Gus (Ryan Corr), in the house left to him by his recently deceased mother. Jonah’s primary form of income is derived through hosting massive house-parties fueled by incredible amounts of drugs and alcohol. It is during one of these ragers, that a lump is discovered on Jonah’s testicle. The diagnosis is testicular cancer, and, as an eventual consequence, post-operative sterility.

In view of this prognosis, Jonah sets his mind to conceiving a child before his operation occurs, a few weeks in the future. That’s right, ‘Not Suitable for Children’ is essentially an Australian amalgamation of the American independent comedies, ‘Friends with Kids’ and ’50/50′– favorites amongst the cool kids. And, if the storyline was not enough, the most damning proof of this movie’s Hipsterdom undoubtedly lies in the presence of not one, not two, but three,“The Black Keys” songs featured prominently on the ubertrendy soundtrack.

But regardless of how one might feel about black nail polish and skillfully shaped facial hair, it is impossible not to appreciate how young, fresh, raw, well-made, and yes— cool— ‘Not Suitable for Children’ is. The movie approaches its subject with a wry, fairly unstudied, uniquely Australian wit that’s largely missing from ‘Friends with Kids’ and oozes a charming vivacity that, to a great extent,’50/50′ lacks.

Essentially, ‘Not Suitable for Children’ is stripped of the slick Hollywood self-consciousness that tends to stifle some of the unadulterated honesty that directors of lofi films claim to seek. Comparisons between ‘Not Suitable for Children’ and Diablo Cody’s  2011 ‘Young Adult’ would not go astray.

To be sure, it is amazing that a movie with such a contrived premise— things progress along fairly familiar lines— manages to appear both completely natural and decidedly watchable, despite the odd, unnecessarily abrupt, but nonetheless expected, plot turn. This movie is not trying too hard.

At least part of the credit must go to an incredibly fresh-faced performance by Snook, who is infinitely approachable and breathtakingly vulnerable. Kwanten, too, very capably fulfills his role as the bewildered, blank-faced, Jonah.

Perhaps the most striking thing about the film, is that it is stylistically stunning. Under Peter Templeman’s direction, the streets of Sydney burst with life, and Jonah’s parties are brash and intoxicating. The camera work is frankly beautiful, and manages to provide visual interest without disrupting in the least the narrative flow of the movie itself (the very graphic sex scenes are particularly well-shot. No doubt a labor of love.) A mixture of pushy Winding Refn-like non-diegetic and diegetic music brings everything together. The whole package is neat but powerful.

It’s a bloody cool movie, mate.

Grade: 4/5

Image Courtesy of   Not Suitable For Children

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Yoga Aid Foundation, an international nonprofit that raises funds for charities through philanthropic yoga events, announced that it will host the first-ever, one day, around the world yoga tour benefiting 15 humanitarian-based charities internationally.

On September 9, 2012, The Yoga Aid World Challenge will unite yogis around the globe in an effort to raise $1million with 100% percent of the proceeds going directly to the selected charitable organizations.

Starting in Sydney, the 24-hour yoga relay will travel around the world and end at sundown in Los Angeles. The Yoga Aid challenge will bring together renowned teachers, studios and students in over 20 countries, creating a united community, while focusing on raising money for charity. During these events, yogi participants will embark on a 2-hour yoga practice as a way to celebrate the funds they raised for the charity partners.

Unlike any other event, all expenses are supported privately – ensuring 100% of donations go straight to the charities.

The Yoga Aid Challenge supports select charities in each country. This year, the Yoga Aid Challenge has chosen four charities that all embrace the power of yoga to support for the USA leg of the world relay:

• Off the Mat, Into the World
• The Africa Yoga Project
• Ganga Action
• Yoga Across America

“The Yoga Aid family is calling on the entire international yoga community to band together and help us host at least 200 events in 20 countries and raise more than $1 million for charities during the 2012 Challenge,” said Clive Mayhew, Co-founder, Yoga Aid Foundation.  “We could not be more excited for the 2012 Yoga Aid World Challenge, as we hope to raise more money through yoga than ever before.”

Those individuals who are inspired by The Yoga Aid World Challenge are encouraged to signup and become Community Ambassadors. Ambassadors bring The Yoga Aid World Challenge home to their communities by creating, organizing and hosting a local event, whether the venue be a nearby park, studio or community center.

Furthering Yoga Aid’s commitment to giving, the Foundation will provide all of the necessary event tools and funding for the creation of any local event scheduled during the September 9th24-hour global yoga-relay.

“The Yoga Aid World Challenge is more than just our way to give back – it is an international charitable platform uniting all yogis for the greater good and activating a sense of joy in giving back to the world.”Eriko Kinoshita, Co-founder, Yoga Aid Foundation.

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Professional surfers from all over the world will be descending upon Manly Beach, known as one of Sydney’s most beautiful beaches which boasts miles of tree-lined soft white sand and the perfect surf, to participate in the inaugural Australian Open of Surfing Event, taking place February 11-19, 2012.

More than 100,000 surfers, tourists, and Sydney-siders are expected to flood the beach to attend the free 9-day event, which also includes an exciting world-class Skate Bowl featuring the world’s best skateboarders and live concerts featuring some of Australia’s top musicians.

“The Inaugural Australian Open of Surfing will reinforce Manly Beach and Sydney’s reputation as a top surfing destination, not just for pro-surfers, but for any traveler interested in a vibrant coastal lifestyle and all the activities that go along with that,” said Sandra Chipchase, Chief Executive Officer at Destination New South Wales.

“Manly Beach is a destination gem in Sydney, and this event will help to showcase all that it has to offer young travelers – not only an unbelievable surf location, but the hub of live music, surf lifestyle, great restaurants, shopping, museums, and art.”

Destination New South Wales, along with event sponsors Hurley and Billabong, are partnering to bring the event to Manly Beach.  While the surf competition will take center stage, the other activities have been designed to attract beach lovers, surfing enthusiasts, and youth travelers alike.

A unique wooden bowl structure, dubbed the “Beach Bowl,” has been constructed especially for the skateboarding competition, which will feature three divisions – Juniors, Pro, and Pro Masters – showcasing more than 80 competitors. The total prize winnings being awarded to skateboarders top $50,000 and promises to draw notable athletes from around the world.

Large scale music performances from Australian bands and artists will also hit the stage throughout the event, drawing music lovers out to the sand for some music in the famous Australian summer sun.

“I grew up surfing New South Wales’ beaches, and to me, there is no better surf destination in the world,” said Sally Fitzgibbons, winner of the ASP Women’s World Title at the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, CA in July 2011 and New South Wales native.

“New South Wales is full of incredible surf spots, and Manly Beach is one of the best in the world. I’m so excited that the surf community is recognizing the amazing surfing Australia and Manly Beach have to offer by hosting this world renowned event there.”

Along with the featured athletic events, attendees will also have the opportunity to partake in unique Manly Beach activities and Australian surf culture. The area offers extensive opportunities for waterfront dining, exciting nightlife, contemporary fashion boutiques, museums, and adventure activities.

Adventure and sports enthusiasts can partake in some of Manly’s  offerings such as beach volleyball, kayaking, paddle boarding, surf lessons, or even whale-watching while the more retail-oriented traveler can stroll through the stores, arcades, and boardwalks discovering Australian handmade jewelry, clothes, shoes, and artworks.

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A man marched into a Sydney law office with his 12-year-old daughter claiming he had a bomb. He demanded several thousands dollars and access to a lawyer during a 12-hour standoff with police, according to court documents. The man, whose name was not disclosed for legal reasons, was refused bail during the brief court hearing.

The 52-year-old had been charged with a range of offenses and had a lengthy and violent criminal history. A police tactical team stormed into the law office and managed to overpower the man after negotiations ended. “It was certainly a big risk and, again, I praise the courage of the officers who broke into that confined space, that barricaded space, believing that that person had a bomb.”

Denis Clifford, Assistant Commissioner, NSW Police said in a statement. His daughter was released safely beforehand. Barely able to stand, the girl was reunited with her family after being hold hostage for more than 11 hours. The police reported the the perpetrator had no bomb on him.

The siege ended without injury, but the man’s family have criticized police for not letting them talk to him during the standoff. According to police reports, the man lived in Orange, a city 160 miles (270 kilometers) west of Sydney. The offender demanded 4,500 Australian dollars ($4,760) from an Aboriginal Land Council, which is an advocacy group for Aboriginal rights, and access to a lawyer.

He also required legal action taken against another man. Documents filled by the police in court mentioned the man had a criminal record that included possession of firearms. The documents did not give any other details relevant to the case, such as what his reasons or goals might have been.

The charges he now faces include giving false information of danger, detaining a person with intent to obtain advantage, remaining in a building with intent to commit an indictable offense, common assault and three counts of destroying or damaging property, said statements released by local police. The statement also mentioned that he broke a window and two vases during the standoff.

The prison sentence facing the offender if convicted is still unclear. Due to the fact that the man did not appear in court for the hearing, the case had to be adjourned until September 15. This is not a singular case . Only a month prior to the standoff at the law office, an extortionist broke into a Sydney home and fastened a fake bomb around the neck of a millionaire’s teenage daughter.
Dumitrescu Ciprian-Florin / Shutterstock.com

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Often considered to be the crown jewel of Australia, Sydney is a world class destination with magnificent sights to be seen. Situated along the internationally famous Sydney Harbour, the pristine location of the city gives locals and visitors ample opportunity to experience what coastal living is all about, while still having a buzzing city lifestyle.

The combination of a cosmopolitan atmosphere along with the Aussie laid back attitude is exactly what Sydney is about. Whether checking out the legendary Sydney Opera House, catching some sun on Bondi Beach, or feeding some native kangaroos at the zoo, Sydney is a fantastic destination in the land down under.

Sydney’s most iconic landmark is the Sydney Opera House. Located directly on the Sydney Harbour, the opera house is a breathtaking architectural wonder that draws millions of visitors each year. Danish architect Jorn Utzon created the Opera House, which opened in 1973. By 2007, the Sydney Opera House had been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visiting the Sydney Opera House is a must while traveling to Sydney. Bask in its grandeur on its steps or admire its structure while riding a ferry. Visitors can also choose to take a guided tour throughout the inside of the Opera House, getting access to backstage areas while learning the history of the building.

For the ultimate viewing of the Sydney Opera House, people can attend one of its 40 shows a week, enjoying a live performance in a world famous masterpiece.

As a cosmopolitan city, Sydney is remarkably an easy one to get around by foot. Circular Quay, a main hub for ferries and other mass transportation, is located just steps away from the Sydney Opera House. Circular Quay gives way to a panoramic view of Sydney Harbour, with ferry boats and sailboats dotting the water and the extraordinary Sydney Harbour Bridge in the near distance.

A walk across the bridge gives way to stunning views of the harbor and skyline down below. Just a short walk from Circular Quay onto George Street is the Queen Victoria Building, a large shopping area full of retail stores and dining options. With historical significance, the Queen Victoria Building, known by locals as the QVB, was created in 1898 and has had many purposes throughout its existence.

It once housed a city library as well as the Sydney City Council, but now stands today as a prominent shopping center in the heart of the city. Just moments away from the QVB is Darling Harbour, a family friendly destination full of entertainment. Darling Harbour is the site for many of Sydney’s festivals and outdoor special events.

Attractions include an array of restaurants and shops, as well as movie theaters, museums, the Sydney Aquarium, and the Sydney Wildlife World. Nightlife in Darling Harbour is popular, with dozens of bars available there is something for everyone’s taste.

Darling Harbour hosts annual events, including celebrations for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Australia Day. Occurring in January, Australia Day is specifically for Australians to celebrate their culture and country with full day outdoor festivities.

A visit to Sydney wouldn’t be complete without a trip to one of its world famous local beaches. One of the most famous beaches in the region is Bondi Beach, just four miles from central Sydney. Bondi Beach is a hub for sun lovers and water sports enthusiasts. The soft sand is a great place to catch some golden rays of sun and play beach volleyball.

This beach is a favorable location for surfers who want to ride waves as well. Founded in 1907, the Bondi Surf Bather’s Life Saving Club is legendary to be the first club in the world designated to perform lifesaving duties on the beach. Easily accessible from the heart of Sydney, Bondi Beach is a place not to be missed.

The laid back attitude of Sydney and its residents has made the thriving city an exciting yet relaxing international destination. Australia’s largest city is full of exciting shopping, dining, and cultural attractions, as well as natural beauty from the harbor and nearby beaches.

Experiencing the diverse activities and culture of Sydney is the perfect way to spend some time in the land down under.

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