VISIONAIRE

it’s been described as ‘the couture version of a magazine’. Only three editions a year. Guest contributors – a who’s who of art, fashion and celebrity in general – explore a central theme. The format changes to suit. ‘Surprise’ was a series of intricate paper pop-ups. ‘Sound’ comprised five vinyl picture discs complete with a portable record player (a MINI Clubman Car!). The current issue is a tribute to Alexander McQueen featuring Lady Gaga and Mario Testino amongst others. Priced from $250 (to up to $5000 for selected back issues), it’s probably not available at your local newsagent. visionaireworld.com

Brixr

Brixr gives new meaning to the term ‘test tube’. Instead of buying a bottle of wine and just hoping it tastes good, Brixr lets you try before you buy. Visit the website and choose a tasting pack. Next thing you know a (very nicely packaged) selection of 50ml wine samples turns up on your doorstep. If you like the wine, buy a bottle (or twelve). If not, put it down to experience.  If you want to learn even more about the wine, you could do a virtual tasting: many of the packs have corresponding videos online where you can sniff, swirl and sip with the Brixr tasting panel. Unfortunately (like so many cool retail things online) you need to be living in the US to enjoy. Maybe give it a few years and things will improve.

www.brixr.com

The Gate

Chances are, the next great Sydney band will pop up out of the suburbs somewhere. However it’s the suburbs that are lacking live music venues. Enter stage left The Gate, a semi-regular venue located in a backyard in Ryde. The neighbours are on board. Capacity is around 150. Ticket prices are a minimum donation that goes back into running this not-for-profit venue. So now all that’s left to do is go to a gig and watch some of Sydney’s best independent bands and musicians live. Betty Airs + Border Thieves + Yae!Tiger are playing July 24. Guineafowl + Alps + Karoshi on August 14. thegatepresents.com

State of Origin

It started in an effort to bring the annual New South Wales vs Queensland rugby league series to a level playing field back in the 80s. Fast forward to 2010 and the Maroons (that’s Queensland if you haven’t a clue) have just completed the biggest run of series wins in the competition’s history. Not one. Or two. Or three. Or four. But FIVE. Yes, five. FIVE. And how did they seal this amazing achievement? With a 36-6 victory in game two. The Queenslanders have been so dominant, particularly in this series, that pundits are saying things are looking rather grim for the New South Welshman for years to come. But this is Origin, so you never know. Oh, and by the way, if you missed it, that’s FIVE series wins in a row.