Gentlemen’s Club’s Returns - Bigger & Better
The Gentlemen's Club returns to Shore on Saturday, April 14 with all the treats that made the first edition an epic occasion as well as a couple of other extras. NecesCity is co-hosting the event for the second time, which is a perfect storm of entertainment because it makes no excuses about being just for men. We interact with women largely to reproduce and pay homage to the family paradigm but when it comes to social time, we like to be with other men. And the Gentlemen's Club is just the tonic.
Police pulled over a black Lamborghini on Route 29 last week after noticing the car had strange license plates. On closer inspection, the plates bore Batman symbols and the supercar was customised with yellow trim and intakes. When the driver got of the vehicle, police were equally astounded to see Batman was in town - or at least an average Joe dressed in full superhero regalia. Turns out he was on his way to lift spirits at the local children's hospital - what a legend.
Comebacks are what sport's about. The euphoria of a team rising from the ashes to clinch victory is unmatcheable. It re-writes history, the crowd goes berserk and we’ve got the 10 best of all time.
Camp in Tepees by the Beach
We don't normally like camping. We like white dressing gowns, menus with swirly writing, crisp sheets and people calling you 'Sir' even though you're dressed like an Aussie teenager but sometimes, just sometimes, it's good to get back to basics and the Palm Beach camp site on Lantau is the ideal destination. It doesn't have the beauty of Ham Tin but it's got standing tepees that take you back to the era of Chief Running Water. And it saves you from pitching a tent yourself which is the pits.
Cool Chinese Lomography Camera
Lomography is an analogue photographic genre that's just introduced the Diana F+ Cai Guo-Qiang camera. The limited edition snapper commemorates an exhibition by Cai Guo-Qiang in Doha which explores the artist's hometown of Quanzhou, China. We all know how crazy the Chinese go over anything limited edition - witness the frenzy over 'special money' we saw a couple of months ago - so this beauty could light the blue touch paper.
Ship's First Class Dinner Revived in HK
Hullett House is recreating the ten-course dinner served to the Titanic's first class passengers on April 14th, 1912, the last supper served on the ill-fated ship. The meal will be held in the JP Hennessy room (a suitably aged venue) with waiters wearing specially designed uniforms and guests eating from the same plates used on board the Titanic. It will be a magnificent occasion - so long as you forget the people who died after eating the same meal.
Cool Fridge Disguised as a Speaker
Some products reek of cool and the Marshall Fridge is one of them. It does exactly what it says on the tin (it’s a fridge that looks like a Marshall speaker) and it makes you want to be a rock star. Or at least play Guitar Hero in you living room at full volume with icy lagers pouring out of the fridge, surrounded by gorgeous leather bound women calling you their demi-god.
Playing in front of The South Stand
Drew Mitchell, the Australian rugby player, was in Hong Kong for the Rugby Sevens, and we caught up with him on a 'V1’ Volvo 60 Racing Yacht - once the fastest yacht in its class. Even though he’s been capped 44 times for his country (appearing at two World Cups) Drew wasn’t too thrilled by the venue, explaining that he “sometimes gets seasick in a bar.” The winger was ruled out of this year’s Sevens through injury, and a quick look at his purple, blue and green leg explained why. It also begged the question - what on earth happened there?
We were at dinner and my mate backed his Merc AMG onto my leg.
You weren’t injured playing rugby?
No, it was a A$200,000 car.
And what happened to your other leg? (pointing to a scar)
That was from playing - I dislocated my ankle - it’s happened twice since April of last year.
Do you get depressed from injury?
Yeah, you can. I just got told last week that I’m out for another four months.
How does it affect you - does it make you angry?
There is a bit of frustration but then you’re quick to realize there’s no point getting upset. There are times when it’s hard though - like when you see all the boys getting excited for the weekend. When they’re playing you just want to be out there helping them.
Who’s your favorite player?
Well, you become quite biased when you know the guys. I think Matt Giteau (below) is the guy though - he is just the best competitor. He’s good at what he does, he enjoys it as well and he has overall appreciation. Some guys take things a little too seriously but he has good balance about it – he knows when to switch on and off.
Proudest moment?
Aside from the obvious (representing your country for the first time) it would have to be coming back from injury to play in the 2011 World Cup. I didn’t have long to recover, I was a little up against it, and people weren’t expecting me to come back but I did. Unfortunately the consequence of not having everything in line was a torn hamstring.
Doesn’t your medical team tell you when you’re not ready?
Yeah, but it was tricky. I could run as fast as usual but the training and playing load is difficult to handle when you’re healthy, let alone when you’re recovering from an injury, and about three weeks into my second World Cup I tore my hamstring.
What do you want to do after rugby?
I don’t know, but with the injury I have had time to think a little more about it.
You’re still a young guy though?
I’m 28 so getting older in the rugby sense but I’m not the type of guy who could sit at a desk. I need to find something that keeps me going, something physical.
What would you be doing if you weren’t playing rugby?
I was one of those kids who changed what they wanted to do every week but my father and two brothers are in the army so there’s a fair chance if I wasn’t playing rugby I’d have camouflage on my cheeks and be sitting in a trench somewhere.
Sounds terrifying, have you ever been scared on the pitch?
Not really. Sometimes there’s a little nervousness when you see a guy bigger than you running straight at you but you’re not scared. The only time I was really scared was when I looked down and saw my foot and ankle facing the wrong way. The pain was one thing but mentally to see it was another. For a while every time I watched a game on TV and saw a tackle I felt like I was about to watch someone do their ankle in.
Do you think that that any team other than NZ could have won the 2011 World Cup?
Yeah, I’m not taking anything away from the Kiwis because in the end they deserved to win but in a tournament scenario you can have teams like France who weren’t playing consistently well but came within a few points of winning it. They had chances to win that game (2011 World Cup Final).
What’s the hardest thing for a team to get right?
Getting an even balance between everything. You can have the most talented players and the best coach but unless everyone is on the same page and buying into what you’re trying to achieve as a group then it just doesn’t work. Then mental application and endurance are the hardest things to come by because there are obstacles through long seasons and unless you are able to get through them, and refocus, then you’ll find it almost impossible.
What’s been the biggest change to the game over the last decade?
Defense. It’s become a lot better and players who were maybe skilled at other things have been pushed to become great defensively as well. It’s much more organized, it’s not as open and it’s just harder to score. Every team has a defensive coach and it’s much more structured.
Rugby has become more commercial in the past few years - do you think it’s affected the sincerity of the sport?
I think there are too many games in the calendar and that’s because of TV rights and the money being made from it. To play 50 tests matches for your country 10 – 20 years ago was huge, but now we have guys who are only four years into their careers and they’ve played 50 tests because there are 15/year now.
You’ve been to HK a lot?
I played in the Sevens in 2003 and have played a few other matches here so I think this is my fifth time to Hong Kong. When I usually come here I’m playing and the training and pre-game schedule keep you busy but this time I can enjoy it a bit more.
Partying it up?
Definitely been out a couple times but there is so much to do.
Is the South Stand distracting?
Well, it’s hard sometimes because the players stand there before the game and they can see and hear this massive party. It does you in mentally because you know the sooner you lose the sooner you get to join that crazy mob.
What do you drive?
Well, I’m sponsored by Volvo so I have a big X90 four wheel drive.
Have a cold beer after the game?
Oh yeah, after a game I like to get straight on the beers weather we win or lose. I don’t think you should just celebrate the wins - I think you need to come together after a loss so I’m the first one in the fridge fishing for the beers after the game.
You guys have to eat healthily and take care of your bodies but what’s your favorite thing to tuck into when you don’t have a care in the world?
A bucket of KFC. You watch the cricket all through the summer and there is a KFC advert in every TV break so when you’re managing your food intake it’s torture. You just end up driving down the road and getting it - that’s my Achilles heel.
Want some now don't you?
If you could have dinner with one person from history who would it be?
I think it would be someone fun loving like a rock star – not someone political. I would just want to kick on with them after dinner.
A colorful Chinese junk passes by the yacht we’re on and Drew says, “That’s a flash back.”
What flash back?
A teammate brought a Chinese junk down to Sydney for one of our end of season parties. We figured it was best to keep the carnage on the boat instead of in town because twenty odd guys rolling around drunk doesn’t usually bring us the press we desire. So we had our end of season party on the Chinese junk instead which resulted in some stories that are not in the press… and that’s a good thing.
Very HK of you guys, that’s a regular weekend for us in the summer. Enjoy the rest of the week here…
Hard not to, it’s the 7’s…
If you want to rent out the 'V1’ Volvo 60 Racing Yacht for the day, it’s available through Hong Kong Yachting.
Jungle Retreat Full of Adventure
The Sarojin is a small hotel in the Thai jungle that's ideal for couples who like a bit of adventure between their fierce battles with the sun. It's set back from a private beach and there are various things to do in the surrounding area such as quad biking and sailing. You'll be kept busy enough to actually deserve a massage rather than just get one because you can. Not that you need an excuse for a rub down, but it makes it easier when you come to settle up.
Authentic Mexican Restaurant Opens in HK
Authentic Mexican food is notably difficult to find in Hong Kong - read Jaspa's lobster nachos - but Taco Chaca has just opened in Sai Ying Pun offering excellent value. Their tacos cost about HKD45 (paying over HKD100 for a Mexican dish is ludicrous) and the food is the best you'll find in the city. It still won't compare to what you'd eat in America or Mexico itself but beggars can't be choosers. Apart from the bald lady who hobbles from Wan Chai to Central every night. She's great.
According to the UNICEF Annual Report The State of the World's Children, Afganistan is the worlds worst country in which a child can be born. The infant mortlity rate in the counrty is ccaculated at 257 deaths for every 1000 live births. Apart from the mitary strikes and operations against the Taliban insurgents, the lack of access to clean water and growing insecurities in the torn country make it almot impossible to carry out vital life-saving vaccination programs against numerous deseases such as polioyelitis and measels. Afganistan also has the world's lowest adult life expectancy at 43.8 years. Which leaves the the 43.6% of the population to be between the ages of 0 - 14.
At the Russian Babochki Anticafé customers pay by the minute but eat and drink for free. Patrons are charged 1.5 Kopecks/minute which equates to HKD40 cents/minute, while the price of all the snacks and beverages are waived.
The aim is to create a relaxing space where customers can do what they want with their time. The venue offers tea, coffee and desserts at no charge, and patrons can even bring their own refreshments. An assortment of board games are also available along with Xbox games, WiFi and a cinema room.
Who wants to try it in HK?
In the Czech Republic, CorruptTour.com is offering sightseeing trips around sites of political corruption in Prague.
The company caters for those wanting to know more about the Czech government’s less noble alleged activities, with tours taking in the Ministry of the Interior, the residence of President Vaclav Klaus – Prague Castle – and the building where former presidential advisor Marek Dalik, who was involved in a bribery scandal, began his career. CorruptTour.com says it is a unique proposition in the tourist world, providing access to some of the “leading practitioners of corruption” operating today. Tours last for an average of three hours and souvenirs are available.
This is not the first company offering this type of tour as there are various tour groups that provide this service in countries around the world, as corruption is a worldwide
Fabrice Muamba had a heart attack in the middle of an F.A. Cup game playing for Bolton Wanderers last weekend and was clinically dead for 78 minutes. Muamba, 23, collapsed on the football pitch and essentially died despite medical staff trying to resuscitate him in front of 30,000 fans. He was carried off the field and defibbed in the tunnel three times before being shocked a further 12 times in the ambulance.
After getting him to the hospital it was another 30 minutes before his heart started beating again, meaning Muamba was without breath or a heart beat for 78 minutes - and still survived. One of the doctors said, "if you are ever going to use the term miraculous, I suppose it could be used here."
Detox while Sitting Down
The Sevens have taken their toll but fortunately, inhalo, a new detox clinic, has brought a rather novel treatment to Hong Kong, salt-therapy. You essentially chill in a room inhaling air particles enriched with natural rock salt. It might sound like we're from the loony bin but we tested it out and would happily go back for more - particularly living in Hong Kong where your lungs get battered. Or you could just buy tonnes of Maldon sea salt.
Running Coach in your Pocket
Hong Kongers love to run and we've found a running coach that fits in your pocket. PEAR uses a wireless heart rate monitor and foot pod to deliver real time coaching. It's perfect if you've got a marathon round the corner, or if you have mummy issues and get off on someone barking in your ear.
If you have a camera that lets you adjust the exposure time then you can bend light and draw with fireworks and glow sticks. Here are a few images from amateurs to pros using long exposure and a rock-steady hand, or tripod.
Graffiti on graffiti
Spining lights gives you tron like circles
Write with light, this one says oooooooooooo
Sparklers can become a fire powered pen
Launch in Florida
One revolution of a lighthouse on a cloud dusted night
A trip to the store turns into a warp drive to the future
Spin some fireworks for armagedon
Walk through World’s Finest Art Galleries
Google has taken its Street View concept and transferred it to some of the greatest galleries in the world. The Google Chrome extension, Art Project, lets you walk through the likes of the Met in New York, the Uffizi in Florence and the Tate Britain in London without leaving the comfort of your sofa. For art lovers it's an incredible collaboration. For private gallery owners trying to make end's meet - not so much.
Good Wines at Great Prices
It's a mystery to us that the abolition of Hong Kong wine tax in 2008 hasn't really pushed prices down, but a relatively young company, Wine Rack, is now filling the gap bottle by bottle. Their focus is Australia and New Zealand and they’re about as cheap as you can get in Hong Kong. Think Welcome Vs Market Place. Or Mong Kok street walkers V Wan Chai.
Travel Japan’s Ancient Feudal Paths
Walk Japan has been running walking tours for over 20 years but the best of the lot is the historic Nakasendo Way, a guided journey between Kyoto and Edo, modern-day Tokyo. What makes the trip special is the heritage of the route (originally it was only used by feudal lords and their retinues) as well as the historic inns you stay at, some of which have been run by the same family for hundreds of years. They've got the katsu curry down to a T.
A co-founder for Invisible Children and the star behind the wildly was detained in Pacific Beach on Thursday for being drunk in public and masturbating, according to the San Diego Police Department.
Jason Russell, 33, was allegedly found masturbating in public, vandalizing cars and possibly under the influence of something, according to the SDPD. He was detained at an intersection in San Diego.
The CEO released this statement to defend the public inebriated wank, basically explaining that he whipped it out due to all the attention recieved from the Kony 2012 vid, that it had left him malnourished and apparently when you are malnourished you need to rub one out onto a car.
Jason Russell was unfortunately hospitalized yesterday suffering from exhaustion, dehydration, and malnutrition. He is now receiving medical care and is focused on getting better. The past two weeks have taken a severe emotional toll on all of us, Jason especially, and that toll manifested itself in an unfortunate incident yesterday. Jason’s passion and his work have done so much to help so many, and we are devastated to see him dealing with this personal health issue. We will always love and support Jason, and we ask that you give his entire family privacy during this difficult time.
At a bus depot in Northamptonshire, the drivers had waited three years for a lottery winner... and now 12 have come along all at once.
The lucky dozen have revealed they were in a syndicate which scooped the £38million EuroMillions jackpot on Friday night. And after they all failed to turn up for work the following morning, there are suggestions they could resign from the depot en masse – removing a fifth of the driving workforce in one fell swoop.
Sam Gellman is a travel photographer based in Hong Kong whose work has been published by the BBC, The Huffington Post and Wired to name a few. He’s taken some spectacular shots of the city and he's got some sage advice about how to get the best out of your camera in Hong Kong and abroad.
