Category Archives: Hedonism

The Covid-19 pandemic has emptied restaurants across the capital, but people still need to eat. Fortunately, the UK governments latest measures to restrict movement and social contact still allow food delivery services and contact-free takeaway. Anna Solomon rounds up the eateries with Michelin-starred mopeds

When Britain was last on a war footing, it meant rationing: tins of Spam and carefully weighed portions of butter. Now, in his response to the threat of the Coronavirus crisis, Boris Johnson has been forced to restrict the right of freeborn Britons to go not only to the pub, but also to restaurants.

The long-term consequences for the hospitality industry could turn out to be disastrous, but several of our favourite London eateries have responded in admirable fashion by launching delivery services that allow customers to bring fine dining to the comfort of their own kitchen.

One of the establishments making the shift from silver service to mopeds is HIDE. The restaurant, which boasts a Michelin star, has partnered with SUPPER to deliver a menu of dishes from renowned chef Ollie Dabbous. And, of course, roast scallop, Jerusalem artichoke and black truffle wouldnt be the same without a wine pairing, so HIDE partner Hedonism are offering their finest libations alongside.

Hide at Home delivery offers some of our most popular dishes that travel well to our guests who, in the current situation, are unable to visit the restaurant, Tatiana Fokina, CEO of Hide, tells Spears.

Her team is launching the service to make isolation easier, she says, and to take the worry of cooking off the minds of the self-isolated and socially distancing. They even offer child-friendly options, as there will be so many more meals eaten all together now that the children are off school. Delivery services are also playing an extremely important role in allowing restaurants to keep their staff employed.

And of course, the business as usual adage plays a psychological function. Food and wine give us comfort, and enjoying them with your family is something that should help us all deal with the new reality, says Fokina. It is important to keep as many habits from our normal life as possible, and also not to forget to treat ourselves to small luxuries to help us keep in good spirits.

So what can hungry HNWs expect to enjoy as they put their feet up and get stuck into a box set? You can get everything from breakfast dishes, like home-made crumpets with Brillat-Savarin, to Ollies signature mains, like barbecued octopus and soft shell crab tempura, says Fokina.

Other stand-outs include white asparagus shavings with hazelnuts, wild mushrooms, sea truffle and duck egg mayonnaise, and 50-day-aged short-horn beef rib cooked over charcoal, served with rapeseed barnaise, crispy potato cake, baked shallots, braised rib cap and a salad of watercress, horseradish & pickles.

Desserts such as warm acorn cake with smoked caramel and Cornish clotted cream are not to be forgotten. And whats a quarantine without freshly baked bread? HIDE is also offering their finest viennoiseries right to your front door.

One of the big questions is whether measures introduced in the time of coronavirus will stick, as the world realises that many of the things that we used to do in person can be done without walking out of your front door. When we come out on the other side of this crisis we will continue home deliveries if there is a demand for it. We are trying to see new opportunities in this situation, says Fokina.

It is hard to imagine that eating scallops in your slippers will ever replace the buzz of an evening at a restaurant. For now, however, delivery services like HIDEs provide a charming alternative in the upside-down reality that we find ourselves in. If were going to be stuck inside for the foreseeable future, we might as well do it with a good cheese board.

Chef Eran Tibi brought the essence of Tel Aviv to Londons Bankside with his first solo project in Bala Baya. The restaurant is now bringing vibrant Israeli cuisine to any London location reachable by Uber. From prawn baklava to aubergine mess, the fare is always hands-on and always delicious.

Bocca Di Lupo is a family-run trattoria in the heart of Soho serving Italian cuisine that is almost entirely home-made; this includes breads, sausages, salami, pickles, mostarda, pasta and the freshest gelato from Gelupo. The rest is sourced directly from the sunny Italian regions.

This gourmet traiteur and delicatessen founded by Dimitri and Mira Plaquet boasts dishes created by executive chef Chris Hill, who is an alumnus of the Ritz. Try beef carpaccio with Harrys Bar dressing, indulgent lobster pasta, or the house specialty, beef Wellington.

The home of French haute cuisine in London, Le Comptoir revives the small plates concept of the late Jol Robuchon, who held the most Michelin stars awarded to any chef. Inventive dishes comprise a combination of Robuchon classics and inventive specials, including La Caille (quail, foie gras and truffle) and LOeuf Caviar (crispy egg, caviar, cream and smoked salmon).

Pasta Evangelists deliver fresh pasta kits across the UK, complete with beautiful sauces and garnishes sourced from Italy. Five star dishes such as black truffle and pecorino triangoli, trofie with walnut pesto, and pappardelle with beef shin embody centuries of artisanal tradition and can be prepared in just five minutes.

This famed omakase dining concept (whereby you entrust yourself to the chef) landed in London from New York earlier this month. Sushi on Jones offers traditional Japanese favourites at the highest quality, from uni to toto, to botan shrimp and wagyu.

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"There are so manysimilarities between the elation festivals inspire and that euphoric feeling that follows a workout, so why not bring the two together? asks Lauren Bath, founder of Kents LoveFit festival. Theres been a shift in the way we view fitness. Its no longer about punishing yourself in the gym, its about living life to the fullest.

Whether its restorative lakeside yoga or wild adventure and trail-running you seek, the rise of fitness and well-being on the UKs festival circuit is healthy hedonism at its best.

Festival-goers in 2020 want to come away from a weekend with more than just a hangover (that doesnt necessarily mean forsaking a drink or two altogether, although you may be more likely to find yourself nursing a kombucha or a green juice): either maximising the festival experience by packing in enriching activities, or retreating to an outdoor barrel saunaat the picturesque Wellbeing bythe Lakes festival, set in a Dorset sculpture park.

That doesnt mean all-star headliners and great music are out. People still love a festival vibe, but want to do right by their body and mind at the same time, explains Big Retreat Wales co-founder Amber Rich. Its not so much about giving up old habits, its about assimilating new ways of getting kicks and feeling all the better for it.

Wellness festivals are also evolving to embrace the topic of mental health, touching on what used to be taboo topics, often using comedy and inspirational speakers to break down barriers. Others encourage people to turn their hands to new disciplines, skills and crafts. Put that all in the mix with a special location, and a festival can have a hugely positive impact on well-being.

At dedicated festivals such as WellFest this year in both Dublin and Richmonds Old Deer Park, and Soul Circus in the Cotswolds, attendees flock to meet their wellness world heroes and to feel they are part of a community.

Personal trainers, yoga teachers, athletes, nutritionists, meditation gurus and mental-health advocates are celebrated as rock stars: a stellar line-up might include Third Spaces Alice Liveing (catch her at Balance festival), Thor star Chris Hemworths trainer Luke Zocchi (appearing at WellFest) and fitness legend Mr Motivator, appearing at LoveFits welcome party.

Meanwhile, arts and music festivals are also expanding their wellbeing offerings this year. "There are different festival crowds: some want a hedonistic party or a cultural gathering, while others want a more tranquil experience, explains Green Man festival director Fiona Stewart.

Whatever form your dose of festival well-being might take, theres a festival out there for you. Heres our pick of the best to book this year.

April 17-19

A celebration of feeling good in Shoreditch, with bookable big-name boutique studio workouts from Barrys Bootcamp (cardio and strength), Boom Cycle (spin, but with RuPauls Drag Race levels of sass), and F45s functional 45-minute circuits. It used to be cool to get drunk at music festivals, todays crowd is more into being genuinely in tune with themselves, the planet and feeling healthy, says founder Ludovic Rossignol-Isanovic.

Speakers include Stay Wild Swim founder Zanna van Dijk and elite performance coach Harry Jameson; recover at the Refuel Caf, in the Mindful Drinking Zone and in the Meditation Dome, and shop the stalls at The Market, featuring over 150 wellness products to sample, from vegan ice creams to raw chocolate. In The Locker Room, youll find athleisure gear and skincare experts.

The Old Truman Brewery; 15Hanbury Street, London E1 6QR; full day admission from 55; balance-festival.com

Ireland May 9-10 and London June 6-7

Europes largest outdoor health and wellness festival was previously held only in Dublin, but this year will also take place in the UK for the first time, headlined by fitness broadcaster Davina McCall. Other star guests include Seattle-based yoga teacher Patrick Beach, famed for his hatha vinyasa yoga.

People come to WellFest for a feel-good experience thats going to leave them inspired and motivated, but they also get the best parts of a traditional festival the setting, music, food and sense of community, says co-founder Helena Ryan.

Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin; wellfest.ie/festival; and at the Old Deer Park, Richmond, London; wellfestuk.com; weekend admission from 58

May 22-24

Billed as Britains biggest running party, RunFestRun 2020 is founded by Chris Evans and co-hosted by radio presenter, endurance runner and author Vassos Alexander.

The event sees running royalty Paula Radcliffe, Colin Jackson, Natasha Evans and Steve Cram captaining teams. Its a family-friendly gathering over three nights, with opportunities to take on your running route of choice, be it a 2.5k, a half marathon, a 10k, a relay or the popular family fancy dress run. This years music line-up includes All Saints, Basement Jaxx and The Feeling. Other special guests include Olympians Jo Pavey and Graham Bell.

Windsor Great Park, adult weekend tickets from 155; runfestrun.co.uk

May 22-25

Set amid Britains only coastal national park, in Pembrokeshire, special speakers this year include podcasters and comedians The Scummy Mummies, Richie Bostock (aka The Breath Guy) and Life Kitchen founder Ryan Riley. Attendees can take part in Clubbercise (a workout with glow sticks), Crossfit, triathlon training or roller skiing. In the calm of the yoga tent, binge on gentle yin yoga and gong baths. Most activities are included in the ticket price. Non-alcoholic drinks are increasingly in demand, so were having a Mindful Bar this year but also a Welsh gin bar for those that want to learn all about our wonderful gins! says co-founder Amber Rich.

Lawrenny, SA68 0PP; adult weekend tickets from 189; thebigretreatwales.co.uk

22-25 May

Named after the Leonard Cohen song, HTLGI is the world's largest philosophy and music festival, hosted by the Institute of Art and Ideas in an idyllic riverside location.

Get intimate with intellectuals in the inner circle tent, attend debates on topics including "Promiscuity and Power" with erotic capital theorist Catherine Hakim, or discuss the Power of the Present with McMindfulness author Ron Purser. Later, dance to Belle & Sebastian and The Correspondents, catch stand-up comedians like Olga Koch, and, once youve overdosed on culture, tuck into a long table banquet and hit up the wellness offering. The dedicated spa and wellbeing area offers classes, workshops, massage sessions, and alternative-healing therapies like Vortex Healing. Pay extra to stay in a luxury yurt, if youre feeling swish.

Wye End Road, Hay-on-Wye, Hereford HR3 5BG; 22-25 May; adult tickets with camping from 168; howthelightgetsin.org

July 3-5

A festival where ideas run wild: set in 50 acres of Capability Brown-designed parkland. As well as authors, speakers and academics like Philippa Perry, bands perform against the backdrop of a lake fringed with trees; theres fiery feasting from chefs such as Cabritos James Whetlor and Zoe Adjonyoh of Zoes Ghana Kitchen, plus rum shacks and tapas bars.

Whatever wellness is, you probably dont need 80 leggings to do it, posits this thoughtful festivals take on well-being, which offers eight pillars of well-being: lets get physical, community, environment, emotional intelligence, purpose in life, a spiritual element, new thinking and self-renewal. This could mean guided swims at sunrise, family acro yoga, Brazilian forr dance workshops, a cabaret show on a hay bale,songwriting, fermenting sourdough orimproving your improv with Richard Vranch, or listening to Professor Julian Savulescus discussion of love drugs and the chemical future of relationships.

Park Farm, Compton Verney, Warwick CV35 9HJ; adult weekend tickets 105; also-festival.com

July 2- 5

Trail-running music heads Thehttps://www.lovetrailsfestival.co.uk/o Larn-Jones and George Restall founded Love Trails on the Gower Peninsula in 2016. Just 35 close friends attended their first weekender; but this July theyre set to welcome over 3,500 attendees to enjoy running, adventure activities and music in equal measure.

Expect four nights of camping, parties and all-you-can-eat yoga: running novices are welcome scenic trail runs exploring the surrounding Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty range from 5km to 42km (run as far or as little as you like, Larn-Jones emphasises).

Some trails promise a new activity to try at the finish: we like the sound of Run to Coasteering, Run to Rock Climbing, Run to Surfing and Run to SUP. Alternatively, just take part in the World Beer Mile Relay Championships and hang around to see The Futureheads or Shy FX on stage, relax in the wood-fired sauna, and catch the 30 speakers appearing on the Campfire Stage.

Weobley Castle, West Castle Farm, Llanrhidian, Swansea, SA3 1HB; standard festival ticket 149 for three days; lovetrailsfestival.co.uk

July 17-19

Fancy a spin class in a forest after a strongman-style workout session with GymBox (featuring tyre flipping and sled dragging), or a morning of honing your aerial yoga skills, followed by woodland spa stint and vegan food from Wrap It?

Following a welcome party from Nineties fitness legend MrMotivator, thats exactly what youll get at LoveFit festival, which also features a speed wall from Clip n Climb Chelsea. Instead of driving there, keen cyclists can even opt for a group 35-mile cycle from Greenwich to Kent to getthere via the Surrey Hills (theyll take care of your bags).

St Clere Estate, Kemsing, Sevenoaks TN15 6NL; early-bird weekend tickets from 124; lovefitfestival.com

30 July-2 August

This years main stage at glitter-abundant Wilderness is dominated by Foals, Supergrass, Loyle Carner and Kelis. Theres theatre, arts and food and drink galore (this years notorious long table feasting tent will see guest chefs Angela Hartnett, Skye Gyngell and Richard Corrigan serving banquets) but theres also a wild swimming lake and spa offering soothing post-party treatments (Veuve Clicquot hot tub bubbles optional, but recommended).

In total, four dedicated spaces cater to wellbeing: The Studio, The Shala, Mindful Space and Wellbeing in the Wild, Alternatively, sweat it out in the Hotpod yoga tent or embark on a Wild Run with The Midnight Runners. We also like the sound of disco dodgeball, and plant medicine walks with rewilding expert and author Rachel Corby.

Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire; spring release adult tickets 185 (plus 11.25 booking fee);wildernessfestival.com

1-2 August

Described as the 'Woodstock of Wellness' by Russell Brand and also back for its second year, this festival from presenter-turned-mental health advocate and podcaster Fearne Cotton (who has penned numerous self-help books including Quiet: Silencing the brain chatter and believing that youre good enough) promotes positivity and a clear mind through yoga (dont forget to bring your mat, and be prepared to give hip hop, reggae yoga or animal movement a go), creative workshops and inspiring celebrity speakers and authors (last year welcomed authors including The Body Coach Joe Wicks and The Telegraph columnist, mental health and body positivity campaigner Bryony Gordon). The full 2020 line-up is yet to be announced.

Chiswick House and Gardens, Burlington Lane, Chiswick, London W4 2RP; day tickets from 35.75; happyplacefestival.com

20-23 August

Film, comedy and visual arts are a draw at this independent music and arts festival in the Brecon Beacons National Park, headlined by Michael Kiwanuka, Goldfrapp and Little Dragon. But wellbeing is also high on the agenda, says festival director Fiona Stewart. The spa area, Nature Nurture, is a place to soothe mind and body with sunrise yoga, restorative massages, meditation and mindfulness workshops, as well as the obligatory wood-fired hot tubs.

Einstein's Garden, the festivals science area, explores the latest research in health and the environment, and the spa area, Nature Nurture, is a place to soothe mind and body with sunrise yoga, restorative massages, meditation and mindfulness workshops, as well as health talks and wood-fired hot tubs. Green Man also offers a Settlers Pass which extends to a 7-day stay, encouraging pony trekking, hand gliding, waterfall walks and canoeing.

Crickhowell, Brecon Beacons; 195 for a standard adult weekend ticket; greenman.net

August 21-23

With dance parties from Roni Size and DJ Yoda come nightfall, soul setters at this holistic well-being festival can pick from over 400 workshops wrapped into the ticket price, including reiki, tai chi, hot yoga from Fierce Grace studios, live DJ yoga with Yogangsta, and breathwork in Lululemons Breathpod tepees courtesy of transformational breath coach Stuart Sandeman.

A highlight is the 20ft aerial yoga rig, featuring silks and hoops. Pole-dancing classes are new for this year, too. The Circus caf tent is a hub, with live music and wood-fired pizzas. Do book in advance for a treatment at lakeside Soul Spa they sell out fast. Its child-friendly, with discos, yoga sessions and crafts for kids. Confirmed highlights include teachers Stewart Gilchrist, Ana Forrest, Ambra Vallo, Michele Pernetta and NadiaNarain.

Hollow Farm, GL2 3SG, Gloucestershire; first release weekend tickets from 175; soulcircus.yoga

Sept 5-6

Verve Festival, set on an organic farm in the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, bills itself one of the UKs first zero-waste festivals, with a focus on nature and ecotherapy alongside health and wellness. As well as Pilates, breathwork, and fitness classes, there are bushcraft sessions and kids yoga plus opportunities to forest bathe and star gaze. Our disconnect from nature not only harms our environment but also our mental health, says founder Anna Hayward. Once youve had your fix, indulge in a hotstone massage at The Zest Spa and head to eitherthe sober curious cocktail bar, or the alcoholic cocktail bar (were not judging either way).

Broad Chalke, Salisbury SP55DR; weekend tickets 50; feeltheverve.com

Sept 11-13

Good Vibrations is the theme of this festival, set in Simon Gudgeons 24-acre sculpture park in the valley of the River Frome (think drumming circles, sound bowls and acoustic massage. Bliss). Back for its second year, it explores what it means to be mindful in a fast-paced world. There will be wellness speakers (last years line-up included Liz Earle MBE and Buddhist monk Gelong Thubten), talks on everything from modern career building to gardening for well-being, drop-in classes (qigong or kundalini yoga and dance fusion, anyone?), buzzing market stalls, cooking demos with produce fromthe on-site kitchen garden, creative art therapies and live music on Friday and Saturday evening until 10pm.

Pallington, Dorchester, DT28QU; super early bird three-day passes from 100, day passes from 35 (no accommodation on site); wellbeingbythelakes.co.uk

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The 14 best wellness festivals of 2020 - Telegraph.co.uk

MANSFIELD We will, we will, rock you at the Renaissance Theatre this weekend.

And by "we," I am, of course referring to the 20-person cast of "Rock of Ages," Broadways biggest celebration of the music of the 80s. The show stages March 7, 8, 14 and 15.

Directed by Michael Thomas with music direction by Kelley Knowlton, "Rock of Ages" tells the story of one of the Sunset Strips last epic venues, a place where the legendary "Stacee Jaxx" returns to the stage and rock-n-roll dreamers line up to turn their fantasies into reality.

"It's what's called a jukebox musical, it takes a bunch of music from a certain era and writes a story around it," said Scott Smith, who plays Stacee Jaxx. "This particular show is centered around the era of hair metal, debauchery, hedonism, drugs - you know, all the stuff that makes life worth living."

The way Smith tells it, "Rock of Ages" is a typical boy-meets-girl story. In 1987, an aspiring rocker named Drew Boley works as a busboy in the Hollywood bar/club called the Bourbon Room, owned by Dennis Dupree and assisted by Lonny.

He falls instantly for a girl, Sherrie Christian, who just arrived from Kansas hoping to make it big.

"Meanwhile, Stacee Jaxx is just a tool," Smith said. "He has tasted success as a rock star, but he's past his prime trying to hold on to it as hard as he can. He's manipulative and drunk and just totally self-obsessed."

Playing Lonny is AaronWiessing, a newcomer to the Renaissance stage. Serving as the narrator, Lonny frequently breaks the "fourth wall" to address the audience directly.

"A lot of these songs don't quite mesh together very well to make a story, so Lonny is there to fill in that gap," Wiessing said.

Lonny also plays right-hand-man to Dennis Dupree, played by Colton Penwell.

"He's a stoner intellect kind of guy," Penwell said of his character. "His claim to fame was a power rock trio back in the day, but he thinks he's this rockstar."

Additional cast members for "Rock of Ages" include Ryan Shreve, Matti-Lynn Chrisman, Maddie Penwell, Leiah Lewis, Joe Ball, Beau Roberts, George Swarn, Jake Riley, Jenna Krivosh, Emily Rose Bare, Katie Harrigan, Jessica Miller, Bryce Dials, Nykera Gardner, Hope York, Chantel Ross, and Ross Pruettmiller.

The production of Rock of Ages will also include live music by the band "The RENegades" featuring Kelly Knowlton, Zachary Chrisman, David Baer, Christopher Thompson, and Matt Chrisman.

The band helps bring to life songs from Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Steve Perry, Poison and Europe, among other well-known rock bands.

"The songs are difficult to sing well because they're all so high - that was the thing about the music, you had to be able to sing up there, and it's very difficult to do that, especially when I'm a baritone," Smith said. "But I grew up with this music, it's so much fun to sing."

Tickets for "Rock of Ages" start at $15 and are on sale now at RenTickets.org, at the Renaissance Box Office or via phone at (419) 522-2726.

"It's a two-for-one, you get a kick-ass, hilarious musical but it's like coming to a rock concert, too," Penwell said. "You're going to be singing along."

This story is brought to you in part by the Renaissance Theatre. For more information on upcoming shows, visit http://www.rentickets.org.

If you've ever experienced the joy of creativity and culture, then you know the value of the arts. Your support of our reporting enhances that. Become a Source member today.

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'Rock of Ages' brings the 80s back to the Renaissance - Richland Source

RaulstonNembhard

Wednesday, March 04, 2020

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Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the Lenten period has dawned this year within the context of one of the most dreaded epidemics (or pandemics) that has confronted the world in recent times. The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is not only infecting and killing people, but poses an existential threat to a globalised world economy that has begun to experience fallouts from its effects.

In the space of one week alone, trillions of dollars have been shaved from global gross domestic product (GDP). Stock markets have experienced precipitous declines, and there is every indication that this will continue, and even get worse, as the virus infects and kills more people around the world.

The worst things that can be done with any infection of this magnitude is to politicise it. Yet this is what some countries, noticeably the United States, seems to be doing with its own response to the crisis. Its president, Donald Trump; members of his Administration, and other Republicans have been seeing this as a political hoax intended to bring down the presidency; an act, in their view, no less egregious than the recent impeachment of him in the House of Representatives. It is clear that this is not true.

The nature and spread of the virus bears its own integrity outside of what human beings may think or devise. Therefore, any orchestrated attempt to tamp down the severity of its threat, not to be transparent and truthful about it or to demonstrate incompetence for purely political outcomes, will not change the trajectory of the virus. These things will, in fact, make things worse.

As I pondered Lent and the threat of this virus, I considered how humble we ought to be in the face of things we cannot see and control. Yes, we have had worse epidemics in the history of the world. This present threat too will pass. And, others in the future will arise. My hope is that we will be more prepared to confront them. But I cannot help but wonder silently at how one virus or strain of a virus could cause such perplexity and anxiety around the world; how a microscopic agent could cause such serious disruptions to our lives by its dislocation of the global economy. This could, in the end, bring economic powerhouses crashing into the dust.

My mind went to how fragile life is and how much we take things for granted until personal or collective crises roll around. It is then that we realise how powerless we can be against insignificant forces that might present an existential threat to our well-being. So, while we may strut in arrogance on the corridors of power, and believe in our invincibility because of the size of our bank accounts, we get reminded, as Jesus did the devil, that man cannot live by bread alone. That loyalty to the material things around is not sufficient to guarantee a life of peace and happiness. That there are far more enduring virtues to which we have to subscribe if life is to be enjoyed to its fullest, whatever that is.

In this Lenten season we are once again reminded of the fragility of life. That, indeed, we are but dust and to dust we shall return; that in Isaiah's rather gloomy assessment of the human condition, all flesh is grass which grows up and fades (Isaiah 40:6). Or, as the psalmist opines in an equally gloomy rendition, we are like new grass that grows up in the morning but is dried and withered by evening (Psalm 90:5-6).

This should encourage the discerning introspection and self-examination which is what Lent is really about. It is confronting life at a point at which we are afraid to look at the besetting sins that haunt us and the devastating habits that we indulge that we know we should really part company with. It is reassessing our significant relationships, especially our relationship with God.

It is a time when we realise that we are not sufficient to ourselves, but we dwell on a planet with other people to whom, too, we should be accountable. We are a society given to rampant hedonism and materialism at all costs, and often we trespass on the sacred spaces of other people, which is part of the violence that the society is experiencing.

So, there is a lot to consider this Lent. I will not encourage you to give up anything, but I urge you to take a second and more serious look at your life. Maybe there is something that you may just want to change; a habit that you know you really need to come to terms with; a family member whom you really need to make a phone call to and bury the hatchet of a too-prolonged animosity. Whatever it is, I do wish you a holy and peaceful Lenten season.

Dr Raulston Nembhard is a priest and social commentator. Send comments to the Observer or stead6655@aol.com.

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Of Lenten spirituality and the coronavirus - Jamaica Observer

The university experience can be an inspiring time for a lot of artists. The new friends, the new home, the unbridled hedonism, all contribute to a breeding ground of creativity. This has certainly been true for Oliver Hardingham, perhaps best known by his stage name Twin Complex. The track 242, named after his room in first-year halls, saw Twin Complex reminisce on the memories created in this time through the medium of euphoric ambient beats.

Twin Complexs first album, Permanence, was released in 2018. It focussed on creating songs that begin from a point of minimalism, and build into something complex and swirling with each new instrumental addition. The album flickers between techno beats and ambience. Perhaps what Twin Complex does best is create a body of work that offers something new on every listen. But it doesnt stop there, and Hardingham is excited by the idea of creating something even better with his impending release The Distance Between Us All. In this new work, he seeks to explore the human condition in all its idiosyncrasies: the spaces we occupy, the things we share and hide, the underlying melancholy that affects us all.

Hardinghams teenage years spent performing in hardcore bands piqued his interest in music from a young age and gave him a dedication to his craft which is unmistakable in Twin Complexs sound today. Moving to Manchester, and becoming part of its unmatched music scene furthered this sound. Hardingham cites the unique culture of Manchester and its music scene as a key inspiration to further pursue his art, and explore the myriad avenues he could take Twin Complex down.

Photo credit: Theodore Swaddling

Being part of Manchester has had a palpable effect on Twin Complexs sound. A moment of inspiration came from a night sat overlooking the city from a tower block. Hardingham observed the inner citys movements, surrounded by the quiet of distant hills. The mix of city lifes heady bustle and the calm of the surrounding area inspired Twin Complex to combine urban, techno dance music with swirling, atmospheric, epic soundscapes. Juxtapositions like this are the heart of his tracks. Best enjoyed in the early hours of the morning, Twin Complexs music is a must listen to for anyone looking for the best in rising Manchester DJs.

See Twin Complex perform at Art in Mancunia on March 26th.

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Art in Mancunia: Twin Complex - The Mancunion

Bjarke Ingels is a movie star of the architecture world, but he is also an artist and a trailblazing source of inspiration that goes beyond the structures he builds. A decade ago he started spreading the word on his philosophy of sustainable hedonism which bridges the gap between environmentalism and luxury they can coexist and Ingels showcases that in his work. What sets him apart is that everything he creates has drawn inspirations from ideas, things, art and even games that are totally unrelated to what he is building but still shines through subtly. The latest example to prove this point is the Voxel sofa for a Danish brand, Common Seating, which is a harmony of elements from Minecraft (which Ingels loves!), Q*bert video games as well as the work of Modernist architect Mies van der Rohe.

The Voxel sofa is, in the simplest words, made to adapt to the environment and the users needs. Bjarke Ingels firm, BIG, looked into how they design their architectural projects like their Lego House, 79 & Park apartment block and the 2016 Serpentine Gallery Pavilion when creating the modular sofa system. The team made a grid of pixel-like blocks to form the seats and called it Voxel. The name and aesthetic of the sofa come from the words actual meaning which is a graphic and interface design term for 3D pixel. Voxel will look and mean something unique to every individual user and space.

Voxel can be moved, repaired, flipped, added on to or reduced with ease based on its surroundings. It represents the future of modern furniture pieces designed to serve the user with multiple functionalities with a form that fits in every room. The sofa system is built with four major parts armrests, backrests, seats, and legs, and all of these can be interchanged and assembled in multiple ways. The pieces connect with simple metal cylinders that slide into holes and give it its modular essence. The grid-like system creates a family of units that can be configured into multiple seating scenarios, from single-unit couch to large configurations, says Jakob Lange, partner at BIG. With the rapid evolution of our culture and lifestyle, Voxel has the ability to mold itself organically to any ecosystem.

The sofas design reduces waste by encouraging owners to exchange or repair separate parts if needed, instead of throwing the entire piece out. Voxel is made on-demand and shipped directly from the workshop to ensure it only produces what is necessary and manages waste responsibly. Voxel promotes Bjarke Ingels idea of flexibility and sustainable living in its own didactic message of being able to modify and adapt to where we are in the moment with our core values intact. Lang goes on to say, If it were a person, [it] would be able to move, flex and adapt to different configurations, making it agile in any environment at home or at work and responsive to any individual. The person can really grow and live with this sofa long-term.

Ingels has always viewed architecture as the art and science of making things that fit the way we want to live our lives, it is a constant evolution of ideas. Ill leave you with this thought inspired by Bjarke Ingels sustainability is not a moral sacrifice but a design challenge and we have the tools to design ecosystems that optimize the flow of people, resources, economies evenso why not give back with the power to create?

Designer: BIG Group

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Architecture legend, Bjarke Ingels, 'pivots' their couch towards the future of flexible living - Yanko Design

Re: Issue 278, The Sex Issue

Actually, this letter isnt regarding that issue so much as its pivoting to a topic of far less acceptance and agility.

Backtrack with me through time for just a minute:

It was a blustery Sunday last spring. I was jostling my book bag up 2nd Street SE in Cedar Rapids when I heard a crescendo of homogeneity cascade out the doors of Veritas Church. Id bustled past the Veritas building before, and if not for the signage, I would have guessed it was some sort of Silicon Valley knockoff tech firm. Dash Coffee even has a pop-up shop inside!

Are you familiar with Veritas Church? Veritas, full of fresh-faced, wholesome minions imbued with the tinge of hipsterism that screams false inclusiveness. I think they even have a few self-described poets, scribes and artists among their ranks. Veritas, that nebulous congregation with a sheen of 21st-century progressiveness covering some rather dark views on redemption, sexual orientation and identity. Take, for instance, these excerpts from the recesses of their website:

As a result of sin, we deserve condemnation.

We believe in the resurrection of the body, the final judgment, the eternal felicity of believers who are redeemed by the grace of Jesus Christ and the endless suffering of those who deny His authority.

Those lines aroused my suspicions, so I scoured the internet and caught a whiff of this doozy from this online sermon from the esteemed (perhaps just steamed) Dr. Alex Tuckness at the Iowa City location:

Ive seen people use arguments where they observe homosexual sexual acts being committed by animals, and they say, Look! That proves its natural. So, if its natural, its natural for us to do it, too. And if its natural, its good. But thats taking our fallen nature rather than our original nature that God gave us and making that the norm. All of us have desires that are wrong.

My God, indeed! Now, that excerpt was tucked between lines about patience, but I only made it through about a third of that sermon before I felt my asshole puckering in preparation for the coming of the Final Judgement.

Im admittedly a lapsed Catholic with a bit of a party girl past so I understand the fervor of guilt and I suppose the time comes for all of us when we must square our affiliations with our convictions, but bless the Catholic church for at least being up front about it! Veritas is luring me in with buttery acceptance and artisanal lattes before bringing the hatchet down!

Give me the wolf over the fox any day!

Ill have to take a pass on both the coffee and the condemnation. But for those in need of a lil spiritual dirtying, Ill be leading a nightly non-denominational service of miscreants beneath the 12th Avenue bridge. We dont have a French press, but we do pass the Juarez bottle with wanton abandon.

Yours in Hedonism,Gwendolyn Sterling

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Letter to the editor: Coffee with a side of condemnation - Little Village

Dior AW20/ Charlotte Casiraghi at Paris Fashion Week AW20

Getty Images

Originally hailing from India, the bandana was used as a practical way to keep hair from the face in the heat, now it has metamorphosed into a style icon in its own right. Having seen many fashion reincarnations throughout the years, from flappers to fashionistas, its back on trend once again thanks to the likes of Dior and Charlotte Casiraghi.

Flapper Girl Josephine Baker, circa 1920

Shutterstock

In the roaring twenties it was all about Hollywood, high society and hedonism. Raucous parties were filled with flapper girls and silver screen sirens who tied printed silk scarves around their heads and danced the night away. Whether it was worn to the side or tucked into a turban style, the headscarf became a status symbol of glamour.

WWII Poster, 1943

Time Life Pictures / National Archives / The LIFE Picture Collection via Getty Images

It went back to its practical roots in the forties, with one of the most iconic images of WWII being Rosie the Riveter in the We Can Do It poster, who tied up her hair with a polka dot scarf in a bid to boost female worker morale. The image went on to become an emblem of feminism, and a hairstyle commonly referenced in pop culture.

Jackie Kennedy / Audrey Hepburn

Alain Nogues / Sygma via Getty Images, Silver Screen Collection / Getty Images

Returning to glamour in the sixties, fashions faces of the decade like Brigitte Bardot and Jackie Kennedy tied their scarves around their chins, a look often borrowed by the Queen today. It was a style so de rigueur to Audrey Hepburn she famously wore it on her wedding day to Andrea Dotti in 1969.

Diana Ross

Harry Langdon / Getty Images

Two main things ruled the heyday of seventies style; disco and hippy-luxe. Studio 54 was filled with dancing Diana Ross types with lam tied around their heads and actresses like Farah Fawcett and Natalie Wood kept it boho-chic in relaxed paisley prints.

Madonna

Michael Putland / Getty Images

The emergence of Punk, Dance-Pop and Hair Metal in the eighties made way for bold and extravagant fashion choices. Material Girl Madonna, known for her pioneering cool-girl style, popularised the bandana once again teaming it with tousled hair and tons of over-the-top jewellery.

Clueless

Moviestore Collection / Shutterstock

The Hip Hop movement paved the way for many of the street-style trends we see today and bandanas became very big with men on the rap scene at the time, like Tupac and Coolio. In a pivotal moment in 1995s cult classic Clueless, heralded for its camp interpretation of nineties style, Dionne Davenport dons a bandana in one of the most easily recognisable film stills.

Christina Aguilera / Paris Hilton

Getty Images, Michael Yarish / 20th Century Fox Tv / Kobal / Shutterstock

The A-List of the noughties counted Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez and Gwen Stefani among its ranks. Taking its cues from both street-style subcultures and the glamour of the twenties, the headscarf maintained its status as a must-have for the style savvy from Christina Aguilera's overtly sexy Xtina persona to the Rich-Girl style of Paris Hilton in The Simple Life.

Prada / Marc Jacobs / Gucci

Alessandro Lucioni / Filippo Fior / Gorunway.com

Fashion is once again falling in the hands of the headscarf, the accessory could be spotted at some of the biggest names in the game during Fashion Month. For Gucci it was chintzy prints, Dolce & Gabbana kept it chic in black and Marc Jacobs provided full pastel colourblocking with monochromatic looks teamed with matching kerchief. However you wish to style it for the new season, we suggest you invest in one now.

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The history of the headscarf - Tatler

Welcome to the world ofMaison Ware, where deviance runs rampant amongst progressive builds, and where caliginous hedonism melds effortlessly into searing bassa wholly sinister aesthetic perpetuated by his various Japanese influences. Returning tomau5trap with new EPMind, the producer's brooding sound still sees the authority of Tokyo's towering lights and dark back alleyways of the Shibuya district present, reflected by his choice curation of sound.

"Necessity," The producer shares of what inspires the sinister aesthetic of his project. "Everybody in electronic music is so fucking brand-conscious that they've sanded down all of their rough edges in an attempt to appeal to every breathing individual with a streaming subscription No artist should be for everyone, I'm just being proactive in discouraging any "casual" fans. Maison Ware is all or nothing."

An assiduously visceral journey deep into his core being,Mindfully encapsulates its disquieting origins with fleeting traces of soothing trustinviting listeners into a dark reverie of enchantment. Titular track "Mind" is contemplative, and opens its doors to a secret unlike no other. Lined with sultry-sweet vocals that juxtapose the dark bassline with sophistication, Maison Ware illuminates a shadowy pathway with acidic twists and turns befitting of bass music. Following, "Satisfy" is tinged with brooding flairs of tech-house, utilizing another set of alluring vocals to hook us into its reverbs. Its substantial experimental nods in melding all the darker genres of music together serves to remind us yet again, Maison Ware's brilliance in capturing our attention with midtempo mastery.

In addition to his the release of Mind, Maison Ware recently scored the film Spree, which premiered at Sundance 2020. Starring Stranger Things' Joe Keery, Spree is a product of Drake's production company Forest Hill Entertainment.

StreamMind here.

Connect withMaison Ware:SoundCloud|Twitter|Instagram

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Maison Ware will take over your 'Mind' with new captivating new EP - EARMILK

Thierry Busset is celebrating Mardi Gras with a month-long promotion that pays tribute to his mother by recreating her signature recipe for the sweet dough French confection beignets.PNG

The annual Fetes des Beignets is upon us, and maitre chocolatier and chef patissier Thierry Busset is celebrating Mardi Gras with a month-long promotion that pays tribute to his mother by recreating her signature recipe for the sweet dough French confections that became a childhood favourite.

It is not too late to take in Thierry Chocolates Mardi Gras offerings that include half a dozen French beignets made la minute and served with a choice of house made chocolate, raspberry or caramel dipping sauces (until March 19).

Thierry Chocolates is located at 1059 Alberni Street, Vancouver ,and is open from 7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on weekends.

The price of wine in the United States is at an all-time low due to an abundance of grapes, and some growers are choosing to leave grapes on the vine because it costs less than making the wine according to a new report from the Silicon Valley Bank Financial Group.

The oversupply of grapes isnt a reflection of the quality of the wine, but that the wine industry is increasingly missing the mark on consumer expectations.

Rob McMillan who wrote the report, told industry types they should be concerned. We arent engaging with the millennial consumer, and boomers who have driven wine sales for the last 30 years wont live forever.

He suggests better value wines could lead to millennials becoming more consistent wine buyers, but for now, the wine supply chain is full. McMillan thinks U.S. wine consumers will discover unprecedented retail value in 2020 through 2022 and should buy up. The lower prices may even last up to three years.

Stags Hollow Renaissance Meritage 2016, Okanagan Valley

$45 | 92/100

UPC: 626990057321

Wow, what a treat, and a further confirmation that 2016 is the best vintage we have experienced in the modern B.C. wine era. Clean, supple, and simply delicious to drink, it has the balance to go the distance but you can enjoy it now a rare combination. From dark chocolate to red and black fruits to silky tannins, its all here but in a tighter package that leans toward complexity rather than pure hedonism. It is already an excellent dinner wine that can take on most major meat dishes or a favourite cheese. It is 76 per cent Merlot, 13 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, 11 per cent Cabernet Franc. Well done.

Col dOrcia Brunello di Montalcino 2013, Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, Italy

$55.99 | 92/100

UPC: 8016760002446

The Orcia River marks the southwest border of the Brunello di Montalcino region. It sits below the hillside vineyard and winery facing south/southwest that bears its name. The nose is complex, earthy and aromatic, with mushrooms, cedar, tobacco supporting scents of bold cherries. The palate is a similar affair, with intense black cherry flavours flecked with spice and just a hint of oak. The tannins are already softening at six years old, making it drinkable, but there is no rush given its undeniable Brunello power in the finish. It will age for decades. Brunello di Montalcino by law must be 100 per cent Sangiovese. Grilled smoky meats or mushroom risotto is the ticket here.

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Is there more to this story? Wed like to hear from you about this or any other stories you think we should know about. Email vantips@postmedia.com

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Anthony Gismondi: B.C. wine of the week, wine to cellar and calendar items - Vancouver Sun