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JUNE 2020 ISSUE 107

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POWER UP DY

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P. 62 H E A LT H

COVID-19 LOCKDOWN

MICHAEL JORDAN: FROM BASKETBALL STAR TO BILLIONAIRE T IT

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AUTO FOCUS: SUPERCAR BARBIE

CONTENTS ISSUE 107 — JUNE 2020

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SPOTLIGHT BAHAMIAN SIREN CHASE CARTER IS SET TO CONQUER THE WORLD AUTO FOCUS HOW AUSSIE INSTAGRAM BABE, SUPERCAR BLONDIE, LEVERAGED SOCIAL MEDIA INTO STARDOM MACHINES THE 715-HP BIJAN EDITION ASTON MARTIN, WALT SIEGL’S DUCATIS & MV AGUSTAS AND DEBOLEX’S ONE-OFF MASTERPIECES

HEALTH COVID-19 REPORT — HOW TO BEAT THE SOCIAL RECESSION

MAXIM AUSTRALIA OFFICIAL 2020 CALENDAR SEXY SOCIAL MEDIA SAVVY TWINS, AND SWIMWEAR DESIGNERS, BIANCA & YASMIN WILSHIN BUSINESS HOW MICHAEL JORDAN MADE HIS BILLIONS BAR WE TRAVEL TO OAXACA IN SEARCH OF MEZCAL'S ORIGINS AND AUTHENTICITY COVER GIRL ULTRA TUNE RUBBER GIRL LAURA LYDALL

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SPORT LE MANS — THE WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS ENDURANCE RACE FITNESS HOW TO POWER UP YOUR BODY AND MIND SEX CAN CANNABIS IMPROVE LOVEMAKING? WE EXPLORE THE PROS AND CONS MODEL PROFILE STUNNING SOUTH AUSTRALIAN BOMBSHELL EMILY LAWSON TRAVEL HOW TO LIVE AMONG THE GODS IN SINGAPORE, ONE OF THE MOST SYBARITIC CITIES ON EARTH WOMAN OF THE WORLD BUXOM BRAZILIAN BEAUTY ELIANA BRASIL FILM A LOOK BACK AT THE ORIGINAL 1977 STAR WARS 24 HOURS TO LIVE JACQUI LAMBIE DISCUSSES HER LAST DAY ON EARTH

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Santi Pintado (spintado@nuclear.com.au)

COVER LAURA LYDALL P H OTO G R A P H E D BY B R I A N B H AY E S

Phone Mail Email Web facebook twitter instagram youtube Art Director

National Advertising Manager

Marketing Director Managing Director

Fashion Editor Grooming Editor Motoring Editor Gaming & Tech Writer Staff Writer

+612-9363-1464 PO Box 230, Double Bay NSW 1360 maxim@maxim.com.au www.maxim.com.au maximau maxim_aus maxim_aus maximaustralia Luke Shaddock (lshaddock@nuclear.com.au) Dave Van Oosterom (dvanoosterom@nuclear.com.au) Natalie Downs Michael Downs

Adriana Dib Shonagh Walker Bill Varetimidis Chris Stead Reilly Sullivan

MAXIM WORLD WIDE BRAND LICENSING

Chairman and CEO, Biglari Holdings Inc. Mr. Sardar Biglari Senior Paralegal & Rights Manager Catherine Baxter

© 2020 MAXIM Inc. The name “MAXIM” and the MAXIM logo are registered trademarks of Maxim Media Inc., and used under license by (publisher). All rights reserved. The United States edition of MAXIM is published monthly by MAXIM Inc. 268 W. 44th Street 5th Floor New York, NY, 10036 For international publishing or licensing inquiries: maximworld@maxim.com

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SPOTLIGHT

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BABY After being discovered in Australia, Bahamian siren Chase Carter has her sights set on conquering talk shows and runways alike...

FACE Ph o t o g ra p h e d b y G I L L E S B E N S I M O N S t y l e d b y R A P S A R M I E N TO Te x t b y T H O M A S F R E E M A N

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hase Carter, the 22-year-old model with pool-blue eyes, golden hair, and a baby face, muses, “I think it was all the wake surfing I did,” by way of explaining the hoarse voice she came home with from a trip to Sardinia for a UNICEF gala. We’re speaking by phone on a late summer afternoon. “And not showering after I got out of the ocean and keeping my swimsuit on all day — the stuff that your parents tell you to stay away from when you’re a kid and you don’t listen to them.” Such are the common workplace hazards for the Bahamian beauty, who is now based in New York City but spends much of her year on white-sand beaches the world over. “It’s so funny. I don’t recall going to the beach until I moved to New York,” Carter says, realising the irony in light of having grown up in the Bahamas. “I don’t think I was ever a beach girl, but I’ve turned into one.” She has modelled for an impressive array of clients, including Victoria’s Secret Pink, Maybelline New York, Urban Outfitters, and Good American, Khloé Kardashian and Emma Grede’s sizeinclusive denim and activewear brand. Still, her sunny beauty and athletic physique have proven particularly well suited for swimsuit editorials and campaigns. Carter occasionally sniffles throughout our phone call, but signs of her lingering cold dissipate whenever she discusses the greatest ambition she has beyond modelling: becoming a television host. “I just love talking, and I love the nonscripted part of TV,” she says in her usual ebullient manner. “My family business back home is actually radio and TV broadcasting, but now I’ve finally decided, Yep — that is what I want to do.” At the 2018 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue launch party, Carter cohosted the red carpet alongside television personality Jeremy Parsons, even when she could have been celebrating. She also hosted a segment for E! at the Oscars. It has been an exciting foray into the field, although her dream is to have her own sportsthemed or other talk show. “As soon as I get up, no pun intended, I watch [ESPN’s] Get Up!, and I watch Stephen A. Smith, because his opinions are so outrageous and unfiltered,” she says. “I watch every game I can. My main interests are basketball and football, and I’m getting more interested in baseball now.” Rumours of a romance with New York Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton have been swirling in the tabloids, but when asked, she responds with a coy “I’m not commenting.” She is an open book about all other matters, however. Here, rising model Chase Carter tells MAXIM about her childhood in the Bahamas, her early love of sports, her whirlwind modelling career and what’s next for the ambitious beauty. What was it like to grow up in the Bahamas? It’s really close-knit, and I thought that was how the whole world worked. Everyone’s your cousin, or everyone is a relative of some sort. You go to the grocery store and you bump into all of your friends’ parents. It’s also very slow-paced, which was interesting for me because I’m a pretty high-strung individual. When I got to be around eight or 10, my mum said I was ready to get out of the house. Were you always active in sports? I played every single sport for my high school, but that is such a Bahamian thing, because there are not enough kids. They start bribing you and saying, “You don’t have to show up to practice or do that assignment today if you play the game.” I was on every national sports team, too, because of the lack of children. I was the number one javelin thrower in the Bahamas — because I was the only one.

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Blazer and sandals, VERSACE; Bodysuit, BLUEBELLA; Stockings, WOLFORD; Ring, earrings, and bracelet, BONHEUR JEWELRY

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Shirt, GIANFRANCO FERRE; Hat, EUGENIA KIM

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SPOTLIGHT

This Page: Bolero, DIESEL; Panty, COSABELLA; Earrings, necklace, and bracelet, BONHEUR JEWELRY; Boots, VIVETTA Opposite Page: Sweater, DIESEL; Panty, AGENT PROVOCATEUR; Earrings, ERICKSON BEAMON; Boots, GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI

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“I’VE NEVER LOOKED AT OTHER GIRLS AND GOTTEN COMPETITIVE. I GET COMPETITIVE WITH MYSELF.” How did modelling enter the picture? We were in Sydney, Australia, in the airport, and I FaceTimed my friend from the Bahamas because I had missed three days of orientation for high school. I guess I was talking a lot about the Bahamas in the conversation, and this agent-looking woman came up to me and said, “I have a model shooting in the Bahamas. Are you on the same shoot?” I said, “What? Excuse me? No; I don’t model. I’m really into sports. I’m gonna go to college; I’m gonna get a scholarship.” She and my mum started talking for a couple of hours, and she said, “This is fantastic. I’ll set up five meetings with agencies in New York. When is your break from school?” So we got back to the Bahamas, and my dad said, “This is a scam. You can’t just see someone in an airport and then fly to New York.” And my mum said, “We’re doing it.” When did you trade sports for modelling? I started making money the summer when I was 16 years old. I remember going to Chicago for Seventeen magazine, and Miami for Ralph Lauren. I got to travel by myself, and I got to be independent and out of the house like I always wanted. I always said to myself, “I’ll go back to school,” because I missed the routine and playing sports. I would keep up with my team and asked if I could still play games even though I was doing online school. Two years after I graduated, I saw that all my friends were doing was drinking and partying, and I said, “I’m fine here. I can live in New York and do whatever I want and not have to depend on my parents for financial support and be my own person.” How did being an athlete prepare you for modelling? The competitiveness. I’ve never looked at other girls and gotten competitive. I get competitive with myself. I say, “Chase, why do you think you didn’t get that?” or “What can I do differently?” When I have my mind set on something, it’s really hard to get it off that thing. What would be your dream TV hosting job? LeBron James has this show on [his website] Uninterrupted, and he interviews athletes about the grind and how they became these superstar athletes — the before rather than the during. Hosting my own TV show like that would be fantastic, just like LeBron James, my favourite athlete in the world, is doing. Who else do you admire? This is going to sound funny, but Kevin Hart. He’s a yes-man. He does anything he can get himself into. The guy doesn’t sleep, and I really look up to him for that. If he can have all that energy, then so can I. I look up to Tyra Banks and Heidi Klum because they transitioned into what I want to transition into. They are their own confident, beautiful women, and they’ve made careers out of their voices. Lastly, what is the best advice someone has given you? A friend of mine said to me, “If it were easy, then everyone would be doing it.” I’ve lived my days of hard workouts and travelling through that. ■

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Opposite page: Jeans and belt, CHROME HEARTS; Earrings, JENNIFER FISHER This page: Bra, AGENT PROVOCATEUR; Jeans and belt, CHROME HEARTS; Sunglasses, RETROSUPERFUTURE; Earrings, JENNIFER FISHER

Make-up, CAMPBELL RITCHIE FOR ART DEPARTMENT; Hair, GIANLUCA MANDELLI FOR ART DEPARTMENT

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AUTO FOCUS

CATCH HER IF YOU CAN How Aussie SUPERCAR BLONDIE leveraged social media into stardom... Te x t b y K E I T H G O R D O N

t’s possible you don’t know who Alex Hirschi is, but in today’s social media-dominated world, there’s almost no doubt that you’ve heard of her professional handle, Supercar Blondie. The Australian-born, Dubai-living former radio personality has built her fanbase of around 14 million combined followers on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, on her passion for speed and the enthusiasm she brings to her videos and posts. It would be easy for a cynic to assume it’s the “Blondie” side of the persona that has attracted her legions of followers, but the truth is Hirschi stands apart from the horde of influencers and enthusiasts because of her genuine passion for sharing supercars with the world. She initially used her journalism degree to land a job in Dubai as a radio host. Soon, she discovered a perk of the job was the opportunity to test and review exciting vehicles, of which she took full advantage. Soon automakers like Bentley, McLaren and others were seeking her out to share their creations with the wider world. Her reviews became more detailed, and her videos more polished, until she decided to commit to covering supercars full-time. “Just like anyone would, if you were given a McLaren, you would start uploading photos of your experience, and some videos and stuff,”

to your personal Instagram account, Hirschi tells us. “I didn’t have any intention of making this a thing on social media.” But soon, the videos she created with her husband led to a growing following that couldn’t be ignored. “I think probably a year after we started uploading on Instagram and working every weekend [and] every night after coming home from the radio job, it became a second full time job really,” she recalls. “I got to 60,000 followers and that’s when I just decided, hey, if we’re going to make this into something, we may as well just take the leap, quit the job and just go for it. And that’s what happened in April 2017.” That was the start of her meteoric rise, and soon Supercar Blondie was attracting more fans across various platforms and she hasn’t looked back since. “Since I quit my job, I’ve gone from 60,000 followers to about 14 million, so in two and a half years, I suppose it did go crazy and it seemed to make that massive jump.” While she clearly knows what she’s talking about when reviewing a new model from Ferrari, Lamborghini or Bugatti, Hirschi believes that her content is successful because it’s not only for the automotive obsessed. “What I have made clear was that I’m not actually a car expert, and that is actually one of the reasons why my content, I think, relates to a lot of people. Because I don’t go in talking about all of the really complicated

“MY PROFILE SOMETIMES GIVES THE WRONG IMPRESSION THAT I’M JUST THIS RICH GIRL WHO’S BEEN GIVEN EVERYTHING.”

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statistics about a car, and how a car all functions and works and all of that. There are a lot of people doing that already. And, there is an audience for that, but it’s very, very small. “I mean, when you think about it, a lot of us love cars, but not a lot of us are interested in exactly how they work,” she muses. “We just want to see a great car and hear how it sounds, look at all the gadgets and functions. So, I approach it in a way that is going to appeal to 99% of people, instead of the one percent of car experts.” Her strategy seems to have paid off, enough to enable her to make her supercar dreams a reality — she’s now the proud owner of a Lamborghini Huracán, named Lucy. “My profile can sometimes give the wrong impression that I’m just this rich girl who’s been given everything and I have a million cars in my garage,” she says. “That’s not the case at all. I just work really hard to fly around the world, find the coolest cars, and show them off, and that’s what comes across on my profile. But, what people don’t know is I’ve really had to work super hard to get to where I am and what I’ve been able to afford…. So, I’m really proud of that.”

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NOT-SO-MELLOW YELLOW The 715-HP BIJAN EDITION ASTON MARTIN DBS SUPERLEGGERA is the ultimate designer supercar... Te x t b y J A R E D PAU L S T E R N

or over half a century the DBS designation has been applied to the vehicles at the “pinnacle of the Aston Martin production range,” as the iconic British marque puts it. Now Nicolas Bijan, owner of the legendary Beverly Hills-based menswear and lifestyle brand House of Bijan — recently relocated to a new, larger location on Rodeo Drive — has collaborated with them on the ultimate custom DBS, with the first one finished in his signature shade of yellow. Based on the new DBS Superleggera, with a 5.2-litre V12 twinturbo engine that produces an amazing 715 hp, and customised

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in partnership with the brand’s Q by Aston Martin bespoke personalization service, the limited edition grand tourer was unveilled at a special gathering of global Bijan and Aston Martin collectors during Monterey Car Week in California. “This special edition perfectly embodies everything that is Bijan — the ultimate attention to detail, sophistication, and of course timeless elegance,” Bijan says. We spoke to him about his love of cars and latest automotive creation, which is available by special order through authorised Aston Martin dealers worldwide, as well as at the House of Bijan:

Which cars do you have in your collection? At the House of Bijan we have had the honour to collaborate creatively with some of the most recognisable and iconic automobile companies in the world. In the collection are a few of these special pieces of drivable art. There is the 2008 Bijan Limited Edition Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Coupe, the 2014 Bijan Limited Edition Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé, and of course the 2020 Bijan Edition Aston Martin DBS Superleggera. The three Bijan Edition automobiles are the most unique and special cars in the collection, however, there are a few others which are a bit more low-key. Which is your favourite? The new Bijan Edition DBS Superleggera which was just unveilled to the public this year in Pebble Beach. It represents two years of collaboration between our two companies and is really the culmination of all our previous experience designing special-edition automobiles. It is powerful, elegant, young, and aggressive all at the same time! It is definitely my current favourite. What sparked your love for beautiful cars? Ever since I was a young child I have always had a love for beautiful cars. This was something my late father and I shared and bonded over; we would drive together every weekend and I have so many beautiful memories with him. This love and passion for cars expanded and evolved over time into cobranding opportunities. The House of Bijan is much more than a menswear brand; it is a lifestyle brand, so these opportunities were a logical fit.

clientele of our two brands. I visited the Aston Martin design studio in 2018 and, after seeing the clay model, it immediately became clear their flagship DBS Superleggera would be the best one. What are the key points of the design and why did you choose them? Some of the key features in the Bijan Edition DBS Superleggera are the hand-painted tone-on-tone paisley design on the bonnet, touches of colour on carbon fiber detailing, alligator detailing inside the cabin, and of course the owner’s initials monogrammed into the veneer. I felt as if the car is such an aggressive design that we should focus on details throughout the exterior and larger changes on the interior. What design challenges presented themselves? I must admit that the team at Q by Aston Martin are so talented that they didn’t seem to be too challenged by these unique design features. I thought for sure they would have difficulty executing the “ghosted” paisley design on the bonnet, but when I finally saw the finished product, I couldn’t believe how beautifully it was made. I was also sure the layout of the alligator leather interior detailing would be a challenge, however they were able to implement this feature perfectly.

What inspired you to collaborate with Aston Martin on a bespoke model? I met with Marek Reichman, Chief Creative Officer at Aston Martin, in 2017 and we hit it off. I was inspired by his talent and saw similarities between Bijan and Aston Martin, for example how the historic brand was now attracting a younger, more dynamic client base. As we explored the possibility back then, it wasn’t immediately clear which model would be most suitable to the MAXI M.COM.AU

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SILVER DREAM

WALT SIEGL’s custom Ducatis and MV Agustas are breathtakingly beautiful...

Te x t b y D U N C A N Q U I N N

assimo Tamburini’s limited edition Bimotas are legendary. Constructed in Rimini, Italy using Japanese superbike innards cannibalised from brand new bikes, then shoehorned into superior frames with visionary aesthetics. Also responsible for designing the Ducati 916, and the MV Agusta F4, Tamburini was an icon. In the Top Trumps game of cards the Bimota was always the most expensive piece of kit. Which made sense, given they threw away most of a brand new bike to make every one. Today, if you are looking for an exotic and beautiful beast of a bike like a Bimota your list will be short. Right at the very top with a star will be someone who shares more than a few things in common with Tamburini. His name is Walt Siegl. And for a cool US$36,000 you can join an elite cadre of petrolheads basking in the glory of machinery so beautiful it makes grown men go weak at the knees. And your granny come over all of a quiver. Without Brad Pitt offering her a ride in her nighty on one of his. It’s a long way from dropping out of art school in Austria to becoming one of the finest custom motorcycle builders in the USA

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Ph o t o g ra p h e d B y DA N I E L A M A R I A

today. But it was also a long way from pipe fitting school dropout to co-founding Bimota and later designing the Ducati 916 and MV Agusta F4 for Tamburini. One thing he and Siegl share in common is being self taught. Both guys with no formal training who loved going fast while looking good. Becoming renowned for tuning bikes both aesthetically and mechanically. You could just as easily stick one of Walt’s creations on a pedestal in your Ferris Bueller-esque man cave as thrash it to within an inch of your and its life. But as with all the very best things, Walt’s bikes are not simple head-turners with no brains. Each is a precise accumulation of decades of experience and experiences, hours of meticulous research and meditation, and just as many man hours of meticulous construction. Colin Chapman, the founder of Lotus, is often quoted as saying his main objective was to “simplify, then add lightness.” Walt builds his bikes with this same ideal in mind. And with perfect geometry and balance. My two favourites of his “production” bikes, the Leggero and Bol d’Or, are built around a Ducati heart on the one hand, and an MV Agusta on the other. Yet more parallels with Tamburini for those so inclined. The Leggero is powered by the classic Ducati

“PEOPLE BOUGHT DUCATIS BECAUSE THEY EVOKED A CERTAIN FEELING THAT OTHERS WERE NEVER ABLE TO CAPTURE.”

Siegl’s Duacti-based Leggeros, including this “Brave”, use “classic sport design elements that are clearly recognisable as such”, he says. "That includes almost all spects of the build, from exhaust to frame design.”

more to riding pleasure than horsepower and straight line missile-like hyperspace. His obsession with lightness and the correct delivery of power, chassis flex, suspension and rubber leads to a riding experience very different from that of today’s high-tech crotch rockets. Superlative analog in a world of digital bits. As he says himself of the Ducati powerplant, “It’s that 90 degree, two-valve, Desmo engine that won so many hearts, including mine. There is no engine out there with the same characteristics. It’s a brilliant performer that can be hammered on the racetrack or ridden to the café. No, it won’t have 200 horsepower, but that was never really what owning a Ducati was all about. People bought Ducatis because they evoked a certain feeling that other manufacturers were never able to capture. They made you fall in love. No matter what engine size, be it a 650 or an 1100, you have plenty of grunt out of corners: You dip the bike in, and as soon as you clip the apex you feed the throttle in and it makes you grin stupid. It’s how these engines make power that is so much fun — and at the end of the day your jacket smells like spent fuel.” If his breathtakingly beautiful hand built Leggero and Bol d’Or are not fantastic enough, you can work with him to spec your own. Like the silver dream machine that is the Leggero “Brave”, or the David Yurman Project. And if Brad Pitt pokes his head around the door with your granny with smiles for miles, don’t be surprised.

Desmo engine, and the Bol d’Or an MV three cylinder mill. Both deconstructed and heavily modified to attain the performance Walt demands. He raced competitively in his younger days in Marseille, France, so understands the addiction of speed. But also that there is Top: Siegl outside his workshop in Harrisville, New Hampshire; Middle: Every exposed element of the Leggero “Brave” exudes beauty; Below: The custom tachometer/speedometer is minimalist in design

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MACHINES

BIG RED

Britain’s deBolex Engineering coachbuilds one-off masterpieces...

Te x t b y D U N C A N Q U I N N P h o t o g ra p h e d b y A M Y S H O R E

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summer’s day in Provence. Lazy afternoon sun. Lavender fields as far as the eye can see. A sweet floral haze tasting of aquamarine and purple. Black sticky tarmac lanes. And a whiff of perfectly burned high octane fuel. Crisp. Metallic. Rich and oily. The glow of an engine block shimmering in the heat. I wake up. And yet, there was more. Something beautiful. Spellbinding. Toned. Sleek. Curvaceous. And fast. God may have invented fast bikes. But deBolex Engineering, a two-man custom motorcycle builder based in Croydon, England, created this. An experience so ethereal no mere mortal could resist. I say experience, as to describe their Ducati 803 as “ just” a motorcycle is to

describe Elle Macpherson as “ just” a girl. They are Pininfarina. Or Zagato. For deBolex do not build motorcycles, as much as coachbuild on top of rolling chassis. The 803 was created as part of a series of one-of-a-kind commissions. Inspired by 1960’s Italian GP racing bikes, then coachbuilt on reliable mass-produced engineering. For the 803 the donor was a Ducati Scrambler, but other manufacturer donors including Triumph and Buell have also been used. Each of the special oneoffs bears the moniker “1/1” on the coachwork. And each is one of the “One of One” prototypes built by deBolex. They have one more “One of One” left in them, based on a

Kawasaki ZXR. Once complete they will turn their hand to the bit that is important for you to understand. A series of limited edition bikes, the “Lightweight Sports” will begin production. A total of 25 LS bikes will be built with the aesthetics of the 803. But a little more grunt to boot. Aluminum will give way to carbon fibre. And you will be able to specify colours, fabrics and finishes, together with technical upgrades to wheels, brakes and exhausts from the stock Ducati 1200 Monster donor. Whatever happens, we are sure it will be the beginning of a love affair. So get the £25,950 required ready, and take a ticket to get in line behind us. We’re gonna be living the dream. ■

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HEALTH

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BROOKE BENSON CAMPBELL (BHSc Nut Med) investigates how the new regulations and coronavirus guidelines are affecting us, both physically and psychologically, and gives some tips on how to overcome this current social slumpâ&#x20AC;Ś

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The study found that many quarantined individuals experienced both short- and longterm mental health issues, including stress, insomnia, emotional exhaustion and substance abuse.

t this stage of the social isolation game, you may have noticed an obvious divide emerging among your friends. As distancing and self-imposed quarantine wear on and workplaces begin staggering employees in-office days to cope with regulations, the COVID-19 outbreak has left many people feeling alone and detached in ways never thought possible. Some of us respond by hunkering down into cosy domesticity: baking banana bread, reading books or taking long baths alongside a trusty IPA. Others challenge themselves to return from seclusion with inflated muscles and a spray tan in a show of over-exercise meets ‘whatever doesn’t kill me makes me stronger’. And yet by this stage, more and more of us are beginning to fray: Zooming with friends (or colleagues that you previously wouldn’t have given any attention to) becomes a necessity rather than a luxury; the closure of a favourite coffee shop is cause for tears (and withdrawal tremors); and the walls are closing in Jumanji-style. Regardless of how hipster-hygge you’re feeling at the moment, experts suggest that the negative feelings and experiences associated with prolonged social isolation will come for us all. So, how are the new regulations affecting us, physically and psychologically, and what can we do to beat the social recession? Read on… While the coronavirus pandemic is an extreme, largely unprecedented moment, the kind of seclusion that’s been causing people to display their tragic dance skills on TikTok over the last few weeks is not as uncommon an experience as you might imagine. The impacts of social isolation on our bodies and minds have been felt and studied in a variety of different groups over the years, from astronauts to incarcerated criminals and Antarctic researchers. The patterns that have emerged from their experiences with radical isolation illuminate ways to understand and improve our own. And whilst research on the psychological toll of social distancing during epidemics is thankfully limited, a review in the March 14 Lancet provides some clues into how people are affected during outbreaks of 3 2

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infectious disease. Researchers evaluated 24 studies looking at the psychological outcomes of people with were quarantined during outbreaks of SARS, H1N1 flu, and Ebola. The study found that many quarantined individuals experienced both short- and long-term mental health issues, including stress, insomnia, emotional exhaustion and substance abuse. Another study looked at the effects of the 2003 SARS outbreak on 549 hospital workers in Beijing. Those who were quarantined or worked in high-risk settings — almost half the sample group — reported higher levels of alcohol abuse three years later than workers with less-intense exposure to the outbreak. And certain factors increased the risk of psychological problems, such as quarantines lasting longer than 10 days (which was associated mostly with post-traumatic stress), poor information about the rationale for quarantine and lack of access to necessary supplies and telecommunication services. Thankfully, for Australians, we have had an abundance of information and exceptional telecommunication services to mitigate this type of stress throughout the last few months. Still, though most people living in coronavirus-stricken countries aren’t officially quarantined, research suggests that even less-extreme forms of social distancing, such as staying several feet away from other people or avoiding regular outings will take a toll on our psyche as a whole. Why? First of all, it is important to remember that self-isolation doesn’t just numb your brain with boredom and have you attacking household cleaning duties with the excitement of a five-year old at the cinema lolly bar. Research shows that people start to become physically lethargic when they don’t have positive external input. Perhaps even more concerning is that the psychological strain of loneliness manifests itself physiologically, too. In fact, some studies show that social isolation over many months has the mortality effect on the human body of smoking 15 cigarettes per day. In many people (particularly the elderly population), social isolation

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also seems to exacerbate any pre-existing medical conditions, from cardiovascular disease to Alzheimer’s, but this effect can influence us all. In interesting trials, researchers who study stress immunology at the University of Munich have seen similar radical changes in the bodies of people participating in simulations of manned spaceflight missions. Participants, some of whom were only isolated for three months, experienced severe changes to their sleep, their immune, endocrine and neurocognitive systems, and alterations to their metabolism. It seems quite clear — if you change your environment in an extreme way, it will change you. Physically, studies show that people who are more socially connected show less inflammation, and chronic inflammation is linked to a downturn in cardiovascular function — blood pressure, heart rate, circulating stress hormones and cellular aging are all affected. However, it is important to note that while a single period of a few weeks in isolation should not lead to inflammation and risk of cardiovascular trouble, periods of social isolation can still have immediate and short-term effects on our physiology. And one of the reasons people can suffer in social isolation is because inherently personal relationships help us cope with stress. We have evolved to be social creatures. For the history of humanity, people have been in large family structures and group; we have evolved to crave and rely on interaction between others. Interestingly, the human brain has limited bandwidth to solve problems and to regulate emotions, and so our intense sociability serves yet another purpose: to expand that bandwidth. In short, our brains process all manner of information more efficiently in the presence of other people than they do while alone. Touch is also essential; studies have shown that simply holding hands with a loved one can decrease the anxiety that causes a person a\ Z\b[a N `a_R`` _R`]\[`R N[Q RcR[ _RQbPR NPaVcVaf V[ aUR x[Rb_\Y\TVP pain signature’, resulting in an analgesic effect similar to Panadol. Touch quietens the brain’s emotional activity and is something we just don’t get from that online Houseparty conversation. Thankfully no matter what your individual situation, there are many things you can do to improve your experience whilst being socially isolated. These include: ● Aim to create as much structure and predictability as you can with the pieces of your life that you have control over. Pursue neglected projects, continue working and stimulating your brain, but also be patient with yourself — both now, and when this strange time ends. Research shows that people who go through a period of self-isolation and social distancing (whether they’ve been on the International Space Station or in quarantine) often experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms and struggle when integrating back into their ordinary routine. Regardless of how excited you are for a Parmie at the pub with your mates, this situation may seem strangely anxiety-causing initially as you allow yourself to regroup, regather and rejoin society. ● You are not in this alone, and you shouldn’t leave others that way either. This is a time for strengthening weak connections, so if you haven’t heard from a friend for a while, email or text them to say hi. With any luck, you’ll emerge from social distancing a whole lot closer. While tech isn’t the perfect substitute for a game of touch footy, you will still get some benefit by engaging with others digitally; and the richer the format, the better — a phone call is better than a text, a video conference is better than a phone call and so on. ● Find benefits. Looking for the good in a situation is an important psychological strategy. Globally the COVID-19 crisis has seen companies putting aside their competitive focus and profit-making activities as they transform products and services to overcome

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We need to ask ourselves, when this is over, when life returns to a new normal, and when our daily lives return to a hurried bustle of energy, over-exhaustion and distinct lack of worklife balance, what will we take with us? shortages in equipment and facilities. We have seen families spending more time together and a renewed discovery of nature as people are truly appreciative of their limited time outdoors. We see people growing their own vegetables, making their own bread and buying fresh local produce instead of frozen supermarket fruit that was shipped via container eight months ago from Europe. We see people relishing human connection and simple things we once all took for granted. In some ways, necessity is the mother of invention, and from this pandemic we will see exciting innovation and new ways of connecting, exploring and growing as a whole. We need to ask ourselves, when this is over, when life returns to a new normal, and when our daily lives return to a hurried bustle of energy, over-exhaustion and distinct lack of work-life balance, what will we take with us? Will we prioritise connection? Will we learn to live in the moment? Will we continue to appreciate the value of social effort? It is true that our experience through this pandemic will inevitably change us (both psychologically and physiologically) but do we have the strength and foresight to acknowledge that in some ways, this change may be for the better? Use this time to prepare, think and goal-set, because Post-COVID, the future is ours for the taking. ■

Brooke Benson Campbell (BHSc) is a Clinical Nutritionist and Naturopath, speaker, writer and presenter with a passion for all things health, beauty and wellbeing. A self-proclaimed human test subject, she is constantly trialling the newest products, seeking the latest discoveries and reading the current clinical studies, in order to share her findings with the public through private practice, social media and industry education. Follow Brooke on Instagram at: @the.b.b.c

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Bianca & Yasmin If you haven’t already got your copy of the incredibly stunning MAXIM Australia Official 2020 Calendar it’s not too late to do so. This essential item features 12 of our gorgeous local and international models, shot on location at Namale Resort, Fiji, and this month we introduce you to sexy social media savvy twins, and swimwear designers, BIANCA & YASMIN WILSHIN … P h o t o g ra p h e d b y B R I A N B H AY E S

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Status Update NAMES: Bianca Wilshin and Yasmin Wilshin HOME TOWN: Newport Beach, Sydney, Australia

The MAXIM Australia Official 2020 Calendar is available at www.maxim.com.au/ calendar, RRP $19.95

FIVE-WORD SELFDESCRIPTIONS: “Spontaneous, adventurous, driven, motivated and dynamic.” FAVOURITE DRINKS: “Margaritas!” LIFE MOTTO: “If you don't like the road you’re walking start paving another one.” INSTAGRAMS: @Bianca.Wilshin and @Yasmin_ Wilshin ARCHIE & WOLF SWIMWEAR INSTAGRAM: @archie.and.wolf TWITTER: @ArchieAndWolf WEBSITE: archieandwolf. com.au

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BUSINESS

AIR FORCE

With the brilliant Netflix doco Last Dance the flavour of the month, we take a look at how basketball star turned entrepreneur Michael Jordan became a billionaire... Te x t b y T I M S T R U BY

ne evening last September, 250 guests packed Catch Steak, the slick New York City Meatpacking District hotspot. As the deejay spun, a bevy of A-listers including Spike Lee, Michael Strahan, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Les Twins ate, drank and grooved. But the supernova amidst the stars was the one-and-only Michael Jordan, five-time NBA MVP, six-time NBA champion, owner of 10 NBA scoring titles, and according to ESPN,

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among others, the greatest athlete of the 20th century. The occasion on this night had nothing to do with sports, however. The bash was the official launch party for Cincoro Tequila, the all-new ultra-luxury tequila brand in which Jordan is a pivotal partner. Three years prior, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d had dinner with some fellow NBA team owners: Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Wes Edens, Lakers lead owner Jeanie Buss and Celtics lead owner Wyc Grousbeck, with his then-girlfriend

(now wife) Emilia Fazzalari. The talk turned to tequila, said to be MJ’s favourite libation. “It was a great night,” Fazzalari, co-founder and CEO of Cinco Spirits Group and Cincoro Tequila, tells us. “We discovered we all had this shared passion for tequila and we saw an opportunity in the market.” By the night’s end, the seeds were planted for Michael Jordan to get into the tequila business. There’s no shortage of celebrities who have played the tequila game. The spirit has attracted marquee names such as Sammy Hagar, Adam Levine, The Backstreet Boys, The Rock and most notably George Clooney and Rande Gerber, whose Casamigos brand was bought by spirits behemoth Diageo for a staggering US$1 billion in 2017. Yet it isn’t likely that Jordan is daunted by the competition. Throughout his career, both on and off the court, the 57-year-old’s business savvy has been almost as impressive as his stat sheets. Sixteen years after last stepping on the hardwood as a pro, his projected 2019 earnings were US$145 million, more than the US$127 million of Barcelona star Lionel Messi, the year’s highest paid athlete. In fact, Jordan’s US$1.9 billion net worth made him the highest paid athlete of all time, according to Forbes. His present day empire began as soon as he left the University of North Carolina after his junior year. As the number three pick in the 1984 draft, the star shooting guard inked a US$6 million dollar contract with the Chicago Bulls. More importantly, Jordan chose Nike as his shoe sponsor. The Beaverton, Oregon company was not only offering a five-year, US$500,000-a-year deal, but something almost unprecedented for an NBA rookie (at the time): his own sneaker. That fall, his Airness stepped onto the court against the New York Knicks in the first Air Jordans, a black and red high-top, and the athletic footwear industry would never be the same. Jordan’s human highlight-reel skills, determination and endless ability to come up with the buzzer-beating shot or the dominating performance turned him into a global cultural icon that transcended sport. In 1997, Nike announced the Jordan Brand, a subsidiary that in addition to Jordan footwear would include apparel. For the fiscal year ending in May 2019, that brand generated US$3.14 billion in revenue. “Michael’s story is about success, hard work, winning, failing some and winning more,” says Patrick Crakes, of Crakes Media Consulting. “Those are all touchstones of what make us Americans.” Most Americans might have been satisfied with the steady stream of cash from Nike. Not Jordan. Four years after acquiring a minority share in the Charlotte Hornets (then the Charlotte Bobcats), MJ bought the team in 2010 from BET’s Bob Johnson. At the time, the move didn’t make a tremendous splash. The Hornets

were a smaller market outfit valued at a mere US$175 million. But like any visionary, Jordan saw immense potential. And in less than a decade, bolstered by the NBA’s US$24 billion TV deal, skyrocketing global popularity (especially in China) and increased revenue sharing, the Hornets were valued at US$1.3 billion. Throw in Jordan’s other ventures — his longtime endorsement deals with Hanes, Gatorade and Upper Deck, plus other business interests that include several restaurants, a car dealership and investments in the tech sector — and his Airness continues to prove that it’s just as easy for him to win off the court. Although the Cincoro Tequila venture might appear to outsiders as a vanity project or a whim, Jordan has every intention of winning the tequila wars. He has partnered with seasoned and wealthy executives on the brand. The industry itself is booming; in 2018 the United States knocked back more than 18 million cases, or more than half of the global consumption, and high-end tequilas sales have risen almost 20% every year since 2013. And Jordan is certain to apply the same intensity and dedication that made him the NBA’s most feared competitor. It’s already evident in his devout, hands-on approach. “Michael’s been an integral part of the team since the beginning,” says Fazzalari. “He’s one of the key tasters when exploring and evaluating the tequilas. He approves every batch.” That meant the team tested over 1,000 different samples in order to help find the perfect blend and balance for their four Cincoro expressions: blanco, reposado, añejo, and an extra añejo (which is aged for up to 44 months and retails for US$1,600 a bottle). Jordan also spearheaded the everimportant bottle design, enlisting Mark Smith, Nike’s VP of Innovation Special Projects and MJ’s longtime collaborator. “Mark said that MJ had called him and said, ‘I need a tequila bottle,’” recounts Fazzalari. Something “sleek, contemporary and unique.” The two men more than delivered, as the statuesque glass bottle is a semimasterpiece onto itself. Turn it to its side and it resembles an agave leaf. It’s crafted with 23° angles as a nod to MJ’s jersey number. And if one lines up 23 bottles from top to bottom, they’ll not only form a perfect circle, but its diameter will be about the same as the centre on a basketball court. Signs already point to Cincoro Tequila taking off. According to Fazzalari, the brand sold out in some of the 12 states where it launched and expansion is imminent. “We hope to be in at least another 15 states in 2020,” says the Cincoro CEO. After that, the team will be looking towards international markets and perhaps another round of global domination for Michael “Air” Jordan. Just as he likes it. ■

JORDAN’S US$1.9 BILLION NET WORTH MAKES HIM THE HIGHEST PAID ATHLETE OF ALL TIME

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SPIRIT GODS As MEZCAL becomes the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trendiest spirit, we travel to Oaxaca in search of its origins and authenticity... Te x t b y N I C O L A S S T EC H E R

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ll too often ignorantly dismissed as tequila’s “smoky cousin,” mezcal remains one of the most nebulous and misunderstood spirits in the canon of alcohol. The mythology of Mexico’s indigenous Zapotec people tells of a lightning bolt striking an agave plant, releasing its cooked and enhanced juices for the people to enjoy ever since. To this day its divine origins explain why indulging in mezcal does not make one drunk (in theory) but rather brings one closer to god. Even the agave plants themselves are fundamental to indigenous life: Dried leaves used to thatch homes, stalks and stems with which to sew and hunt, and fibers for clothing and rope come from some species. No wonder its magical juice is also said to be imbued with powers of healing. Walking the streets of Oaxaca city, the sense of authenticity is impossible to miss; antiquity and primitive spirituality bubble from the cobblestones. Oaxaca is one of Mexico’s poorest states, and also home to the largest percentage of the Zapotecs. A visit during Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), the homage to those who have passed, and the ancient festival’s connection to the great unknown — never mind the spectacular costumes and villagers dancing in the streets — radiate a vibe like you’re on a beautiful but alien planet.

Visiting Oaxaca’s palenques, or primitive mezcal distilleries, only strengthens that feeling of terroir. The clay ovens and mule-powered tahonas crushing agave strike a stark contrast to the gleaming modern tequila factories just a couple of states away. Mezcal can only come from this nation’s arid soil; you get the indelible feeling its plants are the Earth’s gift to the people. For nearly half a millennium, mezcal has been a fundamental manna of the country’s indigenous people, yet it was tossed aside as provincial or even a lesser swill by the uninitiated. But in less than two decades that perception has changed dramatically — not only in the Instagramworthy bars of Mexico City but across the planet. By now, dimly-lit mezcalerías have taken root in culture capitals across the globe; but recently even smaller towns and villages are sprouting dedicated temples of agave. Since 2009, mezcal sales in the U.S. have exploded nearly 10 fold (from fewer than 50,000 to 445,000 cases, equal to US$90 million in revenue, in 2018). No other spirit comes close. Think of this as a primer to the spectacular holy nectar — the how, what and why. But it’s critical to note that as agave acolytes spread to the far corners of the world and sales skyrocket, mezcal’s popularity brings with it both wild benefits and unexpected challenges to those who have been conjuring this spirit for around 450 years. Here are the basics... MAXI M.COM.AU

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A BRIEF HISTORY OF MEZCAL Deriving from the Nahuatl words metl and ixcalli (“cooked agave”), mezcal was historically a catchall term used across Mexico for any spirit distilled from agave (or maguey). Historically, this has included tequila for hundreds of years, but the denomination of origin (DO) laws scripted in 1974 finally defined tequila in a more specific manner — only distilled from blue agave in five states, centering in Jalisco — from the larger mezcal category. Twenty years later, mezcal carved out its own rules: distilled only from varieties of the agave genus, in several states centring on Oaxaca. The new DO drew a thick, controversial line in the desert sand between mezcal and the much more popular tequila. From there things get pretty wild. More than 200 types of agave grow worldwide, but fewer than a quarter or so can be used to make mezcal. Production varies immensely from village to village, mezcalero to mezcalero, palenque to palenque. The terrain in many areas is so rugged and remote that nearby hamlets are cut off from one another, creating pockets of deeply insular culture. Plant species, length of fermentation, type of still and fermentation vats, number of distillations, airborne yeasts, soil conditions, and climate are all variables in the alchemy of a mezcal maestro. The wild variety of variables in the mezcal algorithm creates a polychromatic stew allowing for arguably the most far-flung flavour profiles of any single spirits category. In fact some experts claim that mezcal is the largest DO in the world. There are processes and agaves that yield delicate notes of chocolate and mint; others are herbaceous and piney, or fragrant with bursts of orange blossom. If you stop at “smoky” you’ve totally missed the point. “Agave spirits are a beautiful rainbow that I’m excited to look at,” notes Arik Torren, co-founder of Fidencio Mezcal and importer of a portfolio that includes several agave spirits under the Fidencio Spirits banner. “As you travel through Mexico you see big variations on all of these influences which result in a wonderful opportunity for exploration.” This multiplicity results in a wide swathe of product. In 2020 alone, Fidencio Spirits will feature 20 producers, and 24 unique species in its portfolio including agave and sotol (distilled from desert spoon, a plant related to but not agave) using 18 unique types of stills. “Mexico,” Torren gushes, “is amazing.” If you love that copita of mezcal in your hand, cherish it — you’ll probably never taste it again. Because of the artisanal aspect of the spirit, the alchemy of the maestros and the various wild card elements, it’s nearly impossible for the same batch to ever be exactly replicated.

Opposite: Celebrating with Montelobos Mezcal during the Día de Los Muertos festivities in Oaxaca, the heart of mezcal country

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And that ephemerality is part of the potion’s sorcery: Espe-cially in comparison to corporate spirits that have been formularised to death, mezcal is, for now, anyway, closer to an esoteric art than to a science. “We believe the history of our family, the legacy of their past and present work, proves mezcal is not based on a chemical or botanical study but rather in our observations of nature every day,” argues Graciela Angeles Carreño, who is from the fifth generation of a family of mezcaleros and the general manager of Real Minero. “The challenges are with ourselves: perfecting the knowledge they left us, constantly questioning what we do [and] why we do it.”

TO BE OR NOT TO BE MEZCAL Of course there are agave-based spirits not distilled in states included in either the tequila or mezcal DOs, which further expand what were once all collected under the mezcal banner. The Consejo Regulador del Mezcal (CRM) commenced certification operations in 2003 to set some order to this madness, to ensure mezcal’s continued quality and protect its producers. “I disagree with most of the application of the denomination of origin,” states David Suro Piñera flatly. “The problem isn’t necessarily

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be written on the subject, but many labels like Ilegal, Montelobos and others are pledging to use only cultivated agaves, while others have policies of replenishing three or more agaves for every plant harvested. Award-winning Sombra Mezcal favors sustainability efforts that go so far as upcycling agave fibres and byproducts into bricks for building homes; Banhez is a cooperative owned by more than 35 mezcalero families themselves, meaning they pilot their own futures. With dozens of agave varieties used across Mexico to create traditional mezcals, the colour palettes attainable from these plants is kaleidoscopic. Espadín is the most widely cultivated and therefore popular (and sustainable), although Montelobos has flourished with tobalá as well. When you create an ensamble, or blend of two or more agaves, the palate blossoms into even wider spectrums of flavour. All which is to say there are a lot of magical, mind-meltingly delicious agave distillates worth hunting for like the yeti. There is no magical formula for divining a good mezcal, although maestros can discern a lot about quality and ABV just by shaking the bottle and examining las perlas, aka the bubbles, like reading tea leaves.

THE FINE PRINT

about who the DO is protecting, but rather, who it is not protecting. The focus of the DO should only be on protecting the interests and well-being of the producers.” Having opened the Mexican restaurant Tequilas in Philly in 1986, Suro Piñera’s agave obsession led him to start importing rare and small-batch mezcals, including acclaimed labels like Mezonte, Siembra Spirits (of which he is founder and president) and Don Mateo de la Sierra. Now Suro Piñera takes the health of the agave personally. He elaborates that DO rules for mezcal were essentially copied and pasted from those of tequila, and fears the same corporatized standards that adulterated a once-great spirit could do the same to its so called smoky cousin. “That,” he argues, “is the wrong direction.” Cinco Sentidos’ founder Jason Paul Cox, whose delicious spirits cannot be labelled mezcal because they lack the CRM’s blessing, describes bureaucratic interventions like forcing the distilleries he sources from to modify their recipe, or endure visits from CRM inspectors as a nuisance for his producers. “The last thing I want to do as a brand owner is to force a mezcalero to change a centuries-old family recipe in order for their mezcals to comply with some arbitrary certification standards,” he explains. “Some of these producers have been distilling for over four decades,” Cox points out. “Just because their spirits may not comply with a lab test doesn’t mean that they aren’t exceptional.” At the end of the day the industrialisation of a traditionally artisanal activity needs to be carefully strategised — both for the preservation of spirit’s quality and for the livelihoods of the maestros and families that preserved this art form for nearly half a millennium.

Certainly there is quality in larger mezcal brands, with resources available to invest great time and energy into producing the finest nectar. So while it is critical to support the small artisanal mezcalero, don’t let that stop you from enjoying a sustainably sourced espadín from a nationally distributed label. But one thing many mezcaleros argue for, whether artisanal or high-volume, is promoting transparency in the industry — both holistically and in labelling. Many brands have unofficially united in a pledge to clearly state the most pertinent info on their labels, and this is something to look out for when perusing unknown bottles on a shelf. Pay attention to elements like: who (distiller, family); what (agave species, type of still, mashing style); where (village or city, state); and how much (quantity produced). Other details like cooking process, fermentation, and postdistillation adjustments may also be displayed. While this level of transparency certainly is not a flawless guarantee of quality, chances are that if producers are willing to be this forthright, then they consider their product a badge of pride. ■

A GUIDE TO AGAVES Some silvestre, or wild agave, can take up to 35 years to mature so sustainability is certainly an issue — especially as these more rare (and expensive) plants are over-harvested and/or poached. Entire books can 4 4

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Top: Andrea Gandarillas sips mezcal at La Mala Cantina y Comedor in Oaxaca; Above: Photographer Fer Arce poses in front of his portrait of maestro mezcalero Pedro from Santa Catarina Minas at an exhibition in Mexico City

COVER GIRL

QUEEN OF THE

DESERT When she’s not filming controversial TV ads with big-name celebrities, travelling the world (when possible) or being an ambassador for car servicing company Ultra Tune, glamourous Rubber Girl LAURA LYDALL is posing for MAXIM… P h o t o g ra p h e d B y B R I A N B H AY E S (@ B R I A N B H AY E S _ P H OTO) In t e r v i e w B y S A N T I P I N TA D O Ha i r & Ma k e - Up N I K K I V I TA L E

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uality cover shoot, Laura — the California desert suits you — and congrats, this is your fourth cover for MAXIM Australia! How do you feel? I’m very excited! The first one was truly a dream come true and each other one after it just gets more and more special. What have you been doing with yourself since we last saw you? Well, I filmed a television commercial for Ultra Tune with former Baywatch beauty Pamela Anderson. She was really lovely and it really has been so much fun working with Ultra Tune as their ambassador. I’m really looking forward to filming this year’s ad – we are actually collaborating with Pirelli tyres. I’ve also been working on designing a swimwear collection which hopefully I should be able to show you something later in the year! Nice. In the Pammy ad you star as one of the Ultra Tune Rubber Girls. Yes, my role is a lifeguard — we are a team of lifeguard Rubber Girls who take control of the unexpected situation and save the

day. Pamela Anderson is very friendly and was quite particular and professional throughout the filming. She’s also very down to earth and had a good sense of humour. Made it all even more fun! Besides getting to work with her, what else did you like about the ad? I enjoyed the hot summer days and filming on the beautiful Gold Coast beach. Any funny on-set stories you can share with us about shooting this ad? It was quite funny having to walk through the hotel in a red Baywatch-style swimsuit after filming each day. Previous Ultra Tune commercials have featured men such as Charlie Sheen and Mike Tyson as the hero — it must be great having a woman be the lead star this time? Definitely! It was so good having a woman as the star this time especially someone so iconic as Pamela who was very particular and professional to work with – she knew exactly what she was doing.

“YOU HAVE TO MAKE SURE TO GIVE A WOMAN PLENTY OF TIME TO DO WHAT THEY LIKE DOING.”

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COVER GIRL

“IT WAS QUITE FUNNY HAVING TO WALK THROUGH THE HOTEL IN A RED BAYWATCHSTYLE SWIMSUIT AFTER FILMING EACH DAY.”

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Describe the difference in working with Pamela Anderson compared to the aforementioned men? Charlie was more laidback and he changed the script a little bit by adding new jokes and dialogue, which was funny. Past Ultra Tune ads have been labelled “sexist” and “out of touch”, supposedly portraying women in an out-dated manner. Has political correctness gone too far? Absolutely – and the media has definitely gone way too far this time! What do you love most about being an Ultra tune ambassador? Meeting exciting celebrities and always having fun filming anything we do for Ultra Tune.

When you’re not starring in Ultra Tune commercial or posing for MAXIM what else do you do? I own a laser clinic in Sydney and I love to travel overseas as often as I can – that’s my real passion in life. Travelling has obviously been a difficult thing to do with the whole COVID-19 restrictions. How have you been keeping yourself busy? I got a French Bulldog puppy and have been training it to do tricks. You know, while I’ve been coming up with designs for the swimwear collection, of course. What’s the weirdest thing someone has sent you via social media? Just all the strange offers to meet up, which I politely decline.

“LIKE EVERYONE ELSE, I REALLY NEED A HOLIDAY AFTER THIS WHOLE ISOLATION SITUATION IS OVER.”

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Any advice on the best way for a man to win his way to your heart? Just by being fun and not too clingy. You have to make sure to give a woman plenty of time to do what they like doing. Got any big plans for the rest of 2020 once COVID-19 is sorted? Being able to travel to shoot with the other models for my swimwear collection would be a great start! Obviously gearing up to film the next Ultra Tune TV ad is also on the horizon and, like everyone else, I really need a holiday after this whole isolation situation is over. ■

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“IT WAS SO GOOD HAVING A WOMAN AS THE STAR THIS TIME ESPECIALLY SOMEONE SO VERY PARTICULAR AND PROFESSIONAL TO WORK WITH.”

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Status Update NAME: Laura Lydall BORN: July 31 HOMETOWN: Melbourne, Vic LIVES: Sydney, NSW FIVE-WORD SELFDESCRIPTION: “Fun-loving, spontaneous, easy-going, loyal and charismatic.” HOBBIES: “Gym and sunbaking at the beach.” PHOBIAS: “Spiders!” HIDDEN TALENT: “I’m very flexible – if that’s actually a talent?!” FAVOURITE DRINK: “A lychee martini, please!” LIFE MOTTO: “You only live once and, if you do it right, once is enough.” INSTAGRAM: @laura_lydall

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SPORT

Le Mans contenders line up on the world-famous racetrack in France

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JOURNEY TO

LE MANS Making the scene at the world’s most famous endurance race... Te x t b y D U N C A N Q U I N N

“RACING IS LIFE. ANYTHING THAT HAPPENS BEFORE OR AFTER... IS JUST WAITING”

have driven faster. But so has my co-pilot. So much faster that most of you would be blubbing like small children poked in the eye with a stick. Pleading to slow down to the point where the world made sense again. It’s Le Mans 2019. Famed racing driver Derek Bell and I are belting down the Mulsanne Straight flat out in an original Bentley from 1930. At a tear-inducing 79 miles per hour. A far cry from Bell’s days pushing the outside of the envelope going faster than almost anyone has since. Epic. Magnificent. Emotional. The “24 Heures du Mans” Automobile Club De l’Ouest’s endurance race was first held in 1923 in and around the small town of Le Mans in northwestern France. Each team of drivers shares a car, and the challenge of achieving as many laps as possible, without breaking down, in 24 hours. One of the first entrants was a Bentley driven by John Duff and Frank Clement in 1923. They didn’t win the first time around. But their cohort of gentlemen racers, the mythical, “Bentley Boys” went on to win five times in the next seven years. And this year, for Bentley’s 100th anniversary, one of the streets of Le Mans that Bell and I whipped ‘round was renamed “Rue des Bentley Boys” in their honour. As I sat in Derek’s passenger seat parading around this legendary track, I had a lot to ponder. Derek won Le Mans overall five times. Visions of Steve McQueen and his 1971 film Le Mans, Porsche 917s, Enzo Ferrari, Ford GT40s, and all the ghosts of legends past and present flickered through my mind. He was showing me his form at the wheel bedecked in leather driving gloves and a smile, regaling me with tales of catapulting down the same straight at 246 mph in 1971. Strapped into a voluptuous, wide-hipped, glorious, thundering, blue and orange Gulf Racing Porsche 917. A rumbling, slippery, missile that rolled and flexed and gave you a nod and a wink before everything let go. Before you smacked into the Armco barrier; or worse, the trees, engulfed in pyrrhic flames. The chicanes that were later added to the famed Mulsanne Straight did not exist at the time. And neither did safety. Or Brembo brakes. Or computers. But glory and glamour did, with plenty to spare. The aesthetics established back then continuing to inspire every brand with macho pretensions today. Just cast your eye over a photo of McQueen during filming on Le Mans, sporting a racing suit and his now iconic Heuer Monaco watch, surrounded by cars in bright popping colours and bold racing stripes. Then close your eyes and reopen them in 2019, and see. And dream of owning Count Rossi’s early 1970’s street legal Martini Racing Porsche 917. Derek Bell was there in 1970. Flying down the track through the Maison Blanche corner with McQueen tailing him just as fast. The living, breathing, flesh incarnate of a line from the movie, “Racing is life. Anything that happens before or after… is just waiting.” McQueen had convinced the 1970 Le Mans race drivers to join his crew for the movie. Who better to lap the track than the guys who actually did it for death or glory, after all? And, of course, Derek confirmed what we already knew. Steve was the real deal and could drive with the best of them. McQueen came second in the 12 hours of Sebring in 1970 with Peter Revson in a Porsche 908 and had wanted to enter Le Mans himself that year. Rumour has it the company insuring the movie MAXI M.COM.AU

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wouldn’t underwrite it if he did. So he chose to film, not race. One day on set, after a day of lifting off to 70 percent on each take, Derek was bored. He decided full race speed was in order for the final take. Flying through the corner at Maison Blanche in his Ferrari 512 without lifting, he saw McQueen in his shadow all the way. Then as he slowed to a halt and hopped out of his car McQueen came running over, shouting, “This bloody lunatic just tried to kill me.” “You didn’t have to follow me,” Derek replied. McQueen told Derek he would get him back. And he did. Egging him on in a motorcycle challenge around the track while they were still filming the movie. Derek ended up in the garbage dump covered in rubbish. Steve ended up with a laugh, and chalked the score to 1-1. At this year’s race I was camped out in an RV by the permanent Bugatti Circuit part of the track since Thursday as it’s the only way to truly immerse yourself in something like this. It’s now 12am on Sunday, and the cars have been racing since 3pm on Saturday. I have an eight million calorie jamón ibérico sandwich in my hand. Procured against a backdrop of floodlights and fairground rides from a food stall of gnarly Iberians with grizzly, muscular, forearms; and a passion for black, acorn-gorged pigs. Fat, salt, sugar and protein are hitting my system and temporarily kidnapping the pleasure centres of my brain. Caffeine is sloshing around at levels high enough to erase all thought of sleep. And there is a good chance I would fail a breathalyser test. But I am here to soak up the atmosphere. Not to attack each corner at breakneck speed with metronomic precision as the drivers are doing. In the background you hear what sounds like a swarm of steampunk flying insects. Playing a riff on Wagner’s “Ride of the Valkyries.” With the deep thumping bass of the Corvettes, the popping tenor of the LMP cars, and the high pitched buzzing of Porsche 911s. The Brembo Racing crew and I are about to attempt to bypass security and watch the action from a corner of the track in the small village of Mulsanne. The Mulsanne. By climbing onto workmen’s cabins at the corner at the end of the infamous straight. I had been told that this was one of the best places to watch as the cars come flying out of the darkness at over 200 mph, before decelerating to a fraction of that in a few hundred feet, thanks to carbon Brembo brakes lit up like fireflies in the dark. Ferrari and Ford are again locked in their 50-year-old battle, immortalised in the movie, Ford v Ferrari starring Christian Bale. Another actor, Patrick Dempsey,

is leading his own Porsche team here at Le Mans hoping for a repeat victory in their class, while at the top of the technological totem pole Toyota is racing its LMP1 Hybrids against itself. Le Mans is a place of mists and magic and pilgrimage. Glory, glamour and legend hang in every breath in the air. Mingling with the smell of beer, sweat, grease, and high octane racing fuel. And death, and glory. This is holy ground for motor racing fans. As Harry Tincknell, driving for Ford Chip Ganassi Racing this year in their failed bid to recapture Ford’s 1960s GT glory days told me, “drivers want to win Le Mans more than at any other race.” One look at former Formula One Champion — and now twotime Le Mans winner — Fernando Alonso shoehorning himself into the Toyota Gazoo Racing LMP1 car and you immediately understand this. This race has always drawn drivers to its sadomasochistic siren call. Across disciplines, continents, and oceans. For this is the magical charm of Le Mans. A place where as another alumnus, Mario Andretti, who drove the original Ford GT40s, once put it, “If everything seems under control, you’re just not going fast enough.”

Top: Derek Bell giving Steve McQueen some racing tips; Bottom: McQueen and the Gulf Racing Porsche 917 in 1971’s Le Mans; Opposite: scenes from the track at Le Mans including Princess Charlene of Monaco waving the starting flag; the actor and Porsche racer Patrick Dempsey; and Fernando Alonso’s victory lap

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“LE MANS IS A PLACE OF MISTS AND MAGIC AND PILGRIMAGE. GLORY, GLAMOUR AND LEGEND HANG IN THE AIR.”

Le Mans On Film Steve McQueen’s 1971 film Le Mans remains the definitive movie about the iconic endurance race. However, a new contender threw itself into contention when Ford v Ferrari from James Mangold, director of Marvel’s The Wolverine and Logan, was released last year. The autobiographical action flick stars Matt Damon and Christian Bale in the tale of Ford’s epic triumph over longstanding Le Mans champs Ferrari with the incomparable Ford GT40 in 1966. The GT40, designed by Carroll Shelby (played by Damon in the film) went on to win Le Mans three more times in 1967, 1968 and 1969. It all started because of a feud; in 1963 Henry Ford II had a deal in place to buy Ferrari. But when Enzo Ferrari backed out at the last minute, an enraged Ford told his lead negotiator to “go to Le Mans, and beat his ass,” whatever the cost. – Jared Paul Stern

Top: Pit stops during the gruelling race are equally fraught with excitement; Left: Racing at sunset; Above: Le Mans movies past and present

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FITNESS

Can’t make it to the gym? We’ve got you covered. MAXIM fitness guru ALEXA TOWERSEY shows you how to build up your body and mind…

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aybe you’re trying to hold onto your gains during a pandemic, maybe you just want to be equipped for high-quality home workouts when it’s challenging to make it to the gym, or maybe you just want to save money and not pay for a monthly gym membership. Regardless of the situation, all you have to do is hop on the DUP Gain Train. Daily Undulating Periodisation (aka DUP) is essentially high-frequency training, where you hit a muscle group or perform the same lift multiple times per week, primarily just varying the rep range and tempo. DUP allows for more volume on a working muscle per week, which is a major driver for muscle growth and strength gains. By continually adjusting the weight, reps and sets, you allow yourself to promote different adaptations, but also do more work over the course of a week since you’re able to recover slightly better. Let’s break it down to give a brief overview: Daily: Pretty self-explanatory. Undulating: This refers to the fact the weight/ intensity/load changes on a session by session basis. Periodisation: The program is set up in such a way that it is progressive, and has periods of light, moderate and heavy work.

The basic guidelines of setting up a DUP routine are as follows: 1. Pick basic exercises – you can vary hand or foot position. 2. Set your week up so you work each exercise in different ranges. Each session is broken down into a heavy, moderate and light day. Heavy days will primarily use the 1-6 rep range with the most technical exercise variation. Moderate days, the 8-12 rep range. Light days, 15-20 reps. which can put you on a more productive roll.

TOP TIP

Don’t forget to warmup. Being in isolation means a lot more sitting down than usual, so to make sure we keep the core and posterior chain accountable, I’ve given you a generic warmup to use before each session.

What this could look like: ● Workout 1 – Strength: 5 Sets of 5 Repetitions ● Workout 2 – Hypertrophy: 4 Sets of 12 Repetitions ● Workout 3 – Muscular Endurance: 4 Sets of 20 Repetitions MAXI M.COM.AU

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Sample Program Warmup: ● 20 x Deadbugs ● 15 x Side Plank Hip Touch each side ● 8 x Hamstring Sliders ● 15 x Single Leg Glute Bridge ● 2 rounds

N B. Y use any ou can sq dependin uat variation g on equ availabil ity, and ipment if you do have a ta n’t ble, you c a n us bed shee ts locked e through a doorwa y.

TOP TIP Don’t forget to warmup. Being in isolation means a lot more sitting down than usual, so to make sure we keep the core and posterior chain accountable, I’ve given you a generic warmup to use before each session.

Day 1:

Day 2:

Day 3:

For all exercises, use the tempo 3310. This means a three second lower and a three second pause at the point of most tension. Rest 90 seconds between reps. A1. 5 x 5 Decline Pushups B1. 5 x 5 Sissy Squat C1. 5 x 5 Feet Elevated Table Rows D1. 5 x 5 Bulgarian Split Squat

You will perform these as supersets i.e. complete all reps of A1 then A2 for 4 rounds total before moving on to B1. For all exercises, you will perform a ¼ rep at the point of most tension. A1. 12 x 1¼ Pushups A2. 12 x 1¼ Bulgarian Split Squats B1. 12 x 1¼ Table Rows (legs straight) B2. 12 x 1¼ Squats

Complete all reps of all exercises. Rest 60 secs rest, repeat for a total of five rounds. A1. 20 x Squat Jumps A2. 20 x Tricep Pushups A3. 20 x Bulgarian Split Jumps each leg (front leg leaves the ground on the concentric) A4. 20 x Table Rows (bent legs)

Strength utilising paused reps

Hypertrophy utilising 1¼ reps

Muscular Endurance

TOP TIP If you want to beef up those biceps, try utilising isometric tension. Find a hard surface, place your hands underneath palms up, lock in the elbows at 90 degrees and pull up as hard as you can for 3-5 sets of 15-25 seconds.

Staying Safe And Sane How a structured routine can be a game changer... The first thing you put in your mouth in the morning (minds out of the gutter, people), can dictate what you are likely to eat for the rest of the day. If you eat a breakfast full of carbs and sugars, chances are you’ll be gravitating towards the pasta and dessert buffet as the day goes on. The same is true for how you behave when you wake up. It’s true what they say, “Win the morning, win the day.” 1. Step away from the snooze button. If you are consistently pressing snooze, you’re encouraging procrastination right from the get go which will seep through into the rest of your day. 2. Earn some self-respect with a two-minute cold shower. Not only will you reap all the physiological benefits like increased blood flow and circulation but you’ll also clear any brain fog, gain some focus and clarity and you’ll have ticked off a challenging task straight off the bat. 3. Just breathe. A five to 10-minute guided meditation (Headspace is a great free app you can download on your phone), can help reset your mind, bring you back to the present and allow you to set an intention for the day. 4. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Write down three things you are grateful for RIGHT NOW. This will help to reframe your current situation and put you in a more positive state of mind. 5. Make your bed. Decluttering your personal space helps declutter your mind. And you’ve ticked off the first task on your “to-do” list, which can put you on a more productive roll. ■ 6 4

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ABOUT ALEXA

“Action Alexa” is an internationally published celebrity trainer, sports model and nutrition and lifestyle coach with over 15 years’ experience in the health and fitness industry, and has worked with NZ’s world champion rugby team, the All Blacks. She has qualified for the Ironman 70.3 World Champs and was named as one of the Five Toughest Trainers in Asia during her seven-year stint in an MMA gym in Hong Kong.

SEX

Does cannabis improve your love life? We explore the pros and cons… By SA L P LU M M ER

irst things first: I am biased. I love smoking weed before sex. I have my most intense orgasms when I’m high. I’m way more engaged with the entire experience and there’s a way deeper sense of pleasure because of it. For me, it seems like a no-brainer that weed and sex make excellent bedfellows. Weed makes everything better — it makes food taste better, it makes music sound better and naturally it makes sex better, too. Surely if chocolate is considered an aphrodisiac, so should weed. Alas, I’ve found this is not to be the case. There’s no scientific evidence that proves cannabis is an aphrodisiac (same goes for chocolate, actually) despite it being used with and for sex for thousands of years. Some studies say it increases libido and others that say it suppresses libido. Some say it causes erectile dysfunction and others say it cures it. I decided to gather my own data. I asked around. My friends, all in all, had positive things to say, a resounding thumbs up. One said it makes him a “sex pest”. Another friend said she didn’t orgasm at all until she had sex stoned. The most nuanced answer was probably my friend who said sometimes he gets caught in his high thoughts but his girlfriend really gets off and ultimately that makes it a positive influence in his sex life. I did hear, through the grapevine, about how a friend of a friend had sex with a stranger who wanted him to hit it from behind while she hit her bong. None of this really helped with the bias problem anyway. I wanted answers. Does weed actually make sex better? I turned to the good ol’ worldwide web. I read articles and scientific papers, I combed 6 6

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through Reddit, I watched YouTube videos and even had a look at some weed porn (which, yes, is a thing). Let’s turn to the history books. The bond between sex and cannabis goes way, way back. Almost every ancient civilisation, in one way or another, connected the two. In the 2,000 years before Christ, civilisations of Ancient Mesopotamia often used cannabis, mostly as an incense for spiritual reasons. The Aryan fire worshippers introduced cannabis and eroticism to Mesopotamia through a drink called haoma. It contained cannabis and ephedra, a naturally-occurring amphetamine. In fact, there are plaques depicting women bent over an altar drinking through a straw, men entering them from behind. In Ancient Egypt, there is evidence women used a mixture of weed and honey that they inserted vaginally to help with childbirth and menstrual cramps. There are written records connecting the dots between weed and an increased sex drive as well as the positive effects of hemp seeds on male fertility. Some people in Ancient Rome worshipped the Greek god of the erect penis, Priapus. There were rituals in which men received dildos coated in a special concoction of snake venom, alcohol, ivy and cannabis. The aim being a spiritual erection in honour of Priapus that ended in intense highs and orgasm. However, there’s also evidence that the Romans prescribed cannabis as a sex suppressant. Probably the most notable ancient civilisations using cannabis and sex in tandem is those that practiced Tantra as early as 700 AD. With influence in both Hinduism and Buddhism, the Tantrics believed having sex while high was a spiritual experience that created oneness between the parties involved and more importantly with the universe at

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large. They served it in a milky drink called bhang which is still widely served throughout India today. In Ayurveda, the ancient medicine of Hinduism, they will prescribe cannabis, sometimes even the traditional bhang drink, for a wide range of sexual issues like low libido or premature ejaculation. Throughout the Inquisition, in Medieval Europe, cannabis, used for an assortment of ailments including low libido, was banned in the name of Christianity. Allegedly, there were still satanic gatherings where witches came together and did the dirty high on cannabis and other available herbs like opium, hemlock and belladonna. Essentially, weed-fuelled orgies. Some researchers actually believe that women would apply this ointment intravaginally with a phallic household item â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a broomstick â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and that perhaps this is the origin of the whole witch flying high on a broomstick thing. Despite humans treating weed as an aphrodisiac for time immemorial, todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s science is woefully inconclusive. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really no scientific research that proves cannabis has any direct influence on sexual experience. That doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean the connection doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t exist. Firstly, within the science of sex and sexuality, there are a lot of question marks. Pleasure is physiologically complicated, in and of itself, and becomes even more so when you bring in emotional, social and cultural factors. And with cannabis across the board, there just isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enough research â&#x20AC;&#x201D; period. We have harsh drug classifications to thank for that. It creates an administrative barrier that makes conducting research difficult, sometimes even impossible. There arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t rigorous double-blind, randomised, placebocontrolled experiments to test cannabis against sexual functioning. Mostly, there are self-reported surveys which are definitely interesting but ultimately pretty unreliable. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one statistic that gets quoted a lot. According to a Stanford University study, regular cannabis users have 20 percent more sex than non-cannabis users. The survey also

concluded that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just more sex, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s better sex, too. They used the annual survey from the Centre of Disease Control in the U.S. and looked at a sample size of about 50,000 people. The results arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t necessarily cause and effect, though. Some have poked holes at this study, attributing the 20 percent to the individual rather than the cannabis, arguing that those who regularly smoke weed may just be more open and experimental all around. Another interesting study done by NYU was a drunk sex versus high sex comparison. When we think of having sex â&#x20AC;&#x153;under the influenceâ&#x20AC;?, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s usually alcohol weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re thinking of. There is a culture around alcohol and sex â&#x20AC;&#x201D; meeting people at bars, going for drinks, one night stands. But, you know, what about beer goggles? And letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not forget whisky dick. The NYU researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 24 heterosexual adults in an effort to learn more about marijuana use and sexual behaviour. It was a purposely small sample size. They wished to gather qualitative data to inform later more quantitative studies. It seems to me high sex takes the win. Drunk sex is, all things considered, riskier. Where both alcohol and weed can release inhibitions, alcohol goes one step further by impairing judgement. This is where beer goggles comes in and, more consequential, unprotected sex. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With weed I know who Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m waking up with. With drinking, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know. Once you start drinking, everybody looks good,â&#x20AC;? explained a female subject in the study. It found that the most commonly reported buzzwords after drunk sex were regret, shame and embarrassment where this was rarely the case with weed. I quite liked the two cents from a male subject â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the breakfast part at least: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to cook the person something to eat (after sex) when Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m high. When Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m drunk, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like, x6yZ \ba \S UR_Ry \_ xTRa NdNf S_\Z ZR y{ AUV` ZVTUa have something to do with another pattern the study

â&#x20AC;&#x153;WITH WEED I KNOW WHO Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;M WAKING UP WITH. WITH DRINKING, YOU DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T KNOW. ONCE YOU START DRINKING, EVERYBODY LOOKS GOOD.â&#x20AC;? 6 8

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highlighted. Drunk sex is more often associated with strangers whereas high sex was commonly reported between partners of friends who knew each other beforehand. Smoking usually takes place at home, it’s more intimate. If you weren’t convinced already, the cons of being drunk can be way worse than the cons of being high. Two words: the spins. Subjects reported dizziness, nausea, vomiting and blacking out killing the mood. With marijuana, it’s more in the head, being distracted or tired. There was one subject that reported smoking didn’t make him horny. And sometimes you can trip yourself out as perfectly put by another respondent: “You’re so high… you start thinking sex is weird. What is sex?” And what about the pros? Where alcohol numbs sensations, weed enhances them. Sometimes drunk sex can last a long time, and not in a good way. High sex can be shorter but more intense. They found both men and women vouched for longer and more intense orgasms high. High sex was more sensual and emotional and ultimately better. As marijuana goes more and more mainstream, it seems the culture around weed and sex has changed and will only continue to do so. Hello, Netflix and chill. With casual sex embracing getting high as the substance of choice, I think there’s opportunity for sex with strangers to become not only better sexually but also safer, more respectful and honest. You can enjoy the sex and the company in a way that’s more chill then drunken blackouts and puking in foreign toilets. Where it gets confusing is some of the contradictions in findings. Some studies say it makes men last longer and others say that it makes getting an erection more difficult even if it helps with arousal. Then another study concluded that it actually lowers the libido. It’s believed the mixed messaging is due in part to dosage, more specifically that higher dosages can have the opposite effects of lower dosages. It can also be chalked up to the fact that everyone’s different. Everyone’s body responds to weed differently. Everyone approaches sex and sexuality in their own way. They’re both complex processes that make finding a causal relationship a difficult task. Here’s what we do know. Our bodies make endocannabinoids which are essentially naturally occurring cannabinoids. As compounds in the brain, there are a significant amount of receptors in part of the brain that have to do with sexual function like the amygdala and the hypothalamus. There’s even recent research that suggests that a type of endocannabinoid is released after orgasms. Cannabis is a vasodilator. It opens up blood vessels to increase blood flow. This is why your eyes get bloodshot after you smoke. A similar process happens naturally in the body when we are aroused. Blood flows to our genitals. In this way, cannabis may induce the processes of arousal. The increase in blood flow also heightens our senses, most importantly for sex we become more sensitive to touch. This is because our skin and nerve pathways have cannabinoid receptors as well. Sensory perception is further affected by the increases in levels of dopamine and serotonin that occur when high on marijuana. That makes sex more pleasurable while also aiding in reducing stress and anxiety. THC decreases cortisol levels overall. It can increase cortisol levels in some people especially infrequent users hence the occasional anxiety and paranoia caused from smoking weed. There’s even been reports of a spike in testosterone levels which is actually believed to cause the promiscuity related to alcohol consumption. While some of the physiological effects are backed by credible data and analysis, the direct link between cannabis and improved sex is yet

to be discovered in the scientific community. In the name of murky cause-and-effect links, I’d like to talk about a well-known scientist who was a (closeted) proponent of cannabis. Carl Sagan, renowned astronomer, astrophysicist, astrobiologist, published over 600 scientific papers, authored, co-authored or edited 20 books. Writer and host of the show Cosmos, he was most known for popularising science, inspiring Bill Nye and Neil Degrasse Tyson to do the same. It was discovered after his death in 1996 that earlier in his career he penned an essay advocating for cannabis under his pseudonym Mr. X. In it, he had this to say about cannabis and sex: “Cannabis also enhances the enjoyment of sex — on the one hand it gives an exquisite sensitivity, but on the other hand it postpones orgasm: in part by distracting me with the profusion of image passing before my eyes. The actual duration of orgasm seems to lengthen greatly, but this may be the usual experience of time expansion which comes with cannabis smoking.” I found out about that essay on Reddit, where I looked to gather my own qualitative data. What I found at first was an ungodly amount of discussion around the sex and weed numbers which you may have guessed are 69 and 420 (i.e. a picture of a microwave with the time 4:20 and 69 seconds left till it’s done). Someone asked, “When will Redditors stop laughing at the sex and weed numbers?” To which someone helpfully replied, “Your mom.” There was an overwhelmingly positive response from Redditors on the age-old combo of sex and weed. Many highly encouraged it if someone posted a thread asking about it. Every so often, someone would chime in saying that obviously stoners would say that, but it

“THERE WERE RITUALS IN WHICH MEN RECEIVED DILDOS COATED IN A SPECIAL CONCOCTION OF SNAKE VENOM, ALCOHOL, IVY AND CANNABIS.”

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goes way beyond that. There was one story from a female about her experimentation with weed lube. Sex had always hurt for her and this changed everything. It was truly a spiritual experience. In her case, she made a homemade lube consisting of coconut oil and, of course, weed. In legal cannabis markets like the U.S., there are a wide array of both THC and CBD sex products for those interested in the benefits of having sex high without having to smoke it. And even beyond that, there are also plenty of products that reflect the union of sex and weed. There’s a pipe that’s also a dildo. And even a strain of weed called Sexxpot which is designed specifically to optimise sex. It’s no surprise there’s a market for sex-related weed products and my guess is this will be an ongoing trend as cannabis legalisation continues to spread. On Youtube, I found a Vice video on Ashley Manta, who is a selfproclaimed Cannasexual. She is a sex educator who runs courses as well as private coaching for people looking to use cannabis to improve their sex lives. There was another video of a friendly presenter going around Amsterdam on 4/20 asking people where they stand on high sex. Some said it makes them sleepy. Others said it was the best. Still, more positive than negative reviews. What was really interesting is a video titled Ask A Pornstar: ‘Does Marijuana Make Sex Better?’. What came as a surprise was the amount of no’s in this video. Just as with sex products, there is definitely crossover between the cannabis industry and the porn industry. Kristen Penn, a spokesperson for Emerald Triangle Girls, a porn studio focusing on the niche of lesbian weed porn, said in an interview, “I think porn and weed are sister industries. Each carries its own stigma, misinformation from the outside, and taboo, although both are multi-billion-dollar industries.” It’s true. Some porn stars, retired or otherwise, have moved into the weed business merchandising rolling papers, grinders and even strains of weed as is the case with Skin Diamond. There’s a whole genre on PornHub devoted to “Smoking”. While some come from proper studios, many are amateur videos. On set, porn stars don’t actually smoke real weed whereas you assume home-videos do. Not that this is entirely relevant to my argument but for

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the sake of scientific discovery, I should quickly mention xblaze.com, which was supposedly the first exclusively porn-cannabis crossover website. The link doesn’t work anymore nor could I find any of their content, unfortunately. From what I gathered, they came out hot in 2018 with lots of publicity stunts. They offered Elon Musk US$150,000 to appear in a non-sex role in one of their videos after he smoked weed on Joe Rogan’s podcast. After Roseanne Barr, long-time cannabis advocate, was in the limelight for a racist tweet, they penned an open letter urging her to get involved with their productions. Anyway, all that’s left of XBlaze as far as I could find is the residue of their marketing efforts. I’m all for the normalisation of smoking weed and having sex. Not only do I think it’s better, I think it makes for a more emotionally safe environment which in the long run benefits everyone. Sex is great but at the end of the day it’s a really intimate thing, arguably one of the most intimate things we humans can do. Cannabis can help bring people’s focus into the body and out of the mind, increasing pleasure and decreasing stress and anxiety. It allows for an intricate attention to our bodies, feeling out what feels good and what doesn’t. This also helps to slow time down, to savour each and every bit. It’s a deeper way to have sex. It makes foreplay just as satisfying and interesting as sex, itself, making the exchange less of a transaction and more of a mutual exploration. There’s a reason cannabis has been used for spiritual purposes for as far back as recorded history goes, across virtually every ancient civilisation from the Mayans and Aztecs to Ancient Persia and beyond. As new-age as it sounds, it facilitates a sense of connectedness with those you’re with and the world at large. Even though that can sound a bit heavy, particularly if you don’t have a partner, sex is better — even with a stranger — if there’s a sense of trust and open-mindedness. Sex is all around us. Let’s be more mindful about it by smoking more weed? ■

MODEL PROFILE

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Meeting

EMILY EMILY LAWSON. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re welcome... Ph o t o g ra p h e d b y R O C K Y B ATC H E LO R P r o d u c e d a n d s t y l e d b y B E L I N DA R O E LO F S L o c a t i o n TA U M E A S I N A I S L A N D R E S O R T

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Tell us a little about yourself. I’m 18 and currently employed by my family business. I’ve just recently started taking modelling seriously and am enjoying my time travelling around meeting new people. I am very social media oriented and enjoy sharing my daily antics over Instagram when I’m not at work or spending time with family and friends. What would people be most surprised to know about you? I’m the only female at my current job in a factory working alongside eight other male tradies including my brother and my dad. What is your best asset? I really value my confidence. When do you feel sexy? Being sexy and feeling sexy is a big part of my personality so I tend to feel my sexiest when I am in a happy, confident mood – it’s all about feeling good on the inside. Would you ever date one of your social media followers? Yes, but I prefer meeting people organically – in real life. Describe your ideal date? Take me to Disneyland! What do you look for in a man? There’s no looks or preferences – if a guy has a nice personality that is all that matters and should outweigh whatever else. Whats next for you? I’m hoping to build a lot of connections and meet lots of new people – I know this won’t be the last time you hear of my name! ■

“ I TEND TO FEEL MY SEXIEST WHEN I AM IN A HAPPY, CONFIDENT MOOD — IT’S ALL ABOUT FEELING GOOD ON THE INSIDE.”

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Status Update NAME: Emily Charlotte Lawson BORN: April 24, 2001 HOMETOWN: Adelaide, South Australia FIVE-WORD SELFDESCRIPTION: “Creative, thoughtful, smart, independent and pretty.” HOBBIES: “Modelling, shopping and partying.” GO-TO DRINK: “Shots and more shots! Specifically Fireball.” HANGOVER CURE: “Fast food and a long sleep-in won’t hurt.” LIFE MOTTO: “Even though this is a little clichè, I genuinely believe everything happens for a reason.” BEST HIDDEN TALENT: “Doing other people’s make-up.” INSTAGRAM: @emily.lawson SNAPCHAT: emilylawson24

Ha i r & m a k e - u p b y SIMMY CARR Swimwear and lingerie by MARY HOLL AND LINGERIE V i d e o g ra p h y b y ALEX SCAPENS Special thanks to S A M OA A I R WAYS

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LION EAST How to live among the gods in Singapore, one of the most sybaritic cities on Earth... Te x t b y K E I T H G O R D O N

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“NOT ONLY IS SINGAPORE HOME TO PLENTY OF BILLIONAIRES, IT IS ONE OF THE MOST EXPENSIVE CITIES IN THE WORLD.” MAXI M.COM.AU

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n July, when billionaire entrepreneur Sir James Dyson purchased a US$32 million Good Class Bungalow, with prime views of the Botanic Gardens in one of Singapore’s most exclusive neighbourhoods, it might have been a case of déjà vu for local residents. After all, he had just completed the purchase of the most expensive penthouse apartment in the city-state only weeks prior, the US$54 million super-triplex at the elite Wallich Residence in the tallest skyscraper in Singapore. Even in a city of exorbitant wealth, limited space, and a premium for real estate, Dyson had made a statement. In a city of billionaires, the British inventor wasn’t going to settle, he insisted on the best. But for a country whose large number of billionaire residents belies its small size, with 22 calling the city-state home, it was the Good Class Bungalow purchase that caught the public’s attention. Due to limited space, this category of home (there are only around 2,800 that exist), consisting of more than 15,000 square feet and typically including ownership of the land itself, is a symbol of wealth and one of the most

The infinity pool atop the Marina Bay Sands is one of the must-visit attractions in Singapore, and one of the most stunning vantages in all of Asia

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sought-after purchases in the city. Singapore’s role as an international centre of business and commerce might only now be getting the attention it deserves as one of the world’s great financial centres, but the truth is the city-state has maintained its vital importance to the global economy for centuries. Despite a location that has ensured its geographical significance in Asia for more than 700 years, it wasn’t until the British established a trading post there in 1819 that it started to become the economic centre it is today; but since then it has become a bridge between Asia and the rest of the world, developing into a hub of economic activity for the region, and eventually the world. Not only is Singapore home to plenty of billionaires, it is one of the most expensive cities in the world for residents of any tax bracket. While this makes day-to-day living expensive, it also means that those visiting the city have access to a lifestyle of luxury and opulence found in few other places on Earth. While not everyone can afford to purchase their own Good Class Bungalow, or penthouse, the city offers a selection of world-class hotels that can make anyone feel like a billionaire. Five-star options abound, such as the St. Regis Singapore, where no detail is overlooked, from

the world-class private art collection to the Presidential Suite, which may be the most exclusive accommodation in the city with a Breche de Benou marble bathroom and a master suite that could make rooms in Versailles jealous. Crystal chandeliers, unrivaled personalized service and the St. Regis Butler Service are just a few features that produce a level of opulence that stands out, even amongst its peers in the St. Regis collection. Located near the posh Orchard Road shopping district, the property offers the best of the city just outside its doors, assuming you can be convinced to explore outside of this cathedral of luxury. Mandarin Oriental, Singapore is another contender for the city’s top hotel with its tradition of service, refined design and elite dining and spa options. Located in the Marina Bay district, the hotel is ideal for tourists and business travellers alike. Be sure to visit the Oriental Club Lounge, located on the 19th floor, where one can enjoy a peaceful retreat while overlooking the city’s incredible skyline and partaking in the champagne breakfast that is an ideal way to start one’s day. The Fullerton Hotel Singapore is quite literally a National Monument, awarded such status in 2015. More than 90 years old, the building is one of the most striking architectural designs in the city, and has played a significant role in the its rich history. While it may be more

restrained in its opulence than some of the newer additions to the city’s skyline, it sacrifices nothing in terms of service or guest experience. Furthermore, it claims to possess the most exclusive hotel suite in all of Singapore with its Presidential Suite, and it’s hard to argue that claim considering the suite’s private elevator, baby grand piano, and glass-enclosed veranda just off the exquisite dining and living rooms. Even if you stay at one of the other five-star hotels in the city, it should be mandatory for visitors to experience the Marina Bay Sands and its world-renowned infinity pool, located 57 floors above the city below. A hotspot for global celebrities and tastemakers, the hotel is exquisite, but the infinity pool is the crown jewel, and any visit to the city is rather incomplete without a few hours spent lounging by its edge with a glass of champagne in hand. These towering heights are also where you’ll find Cé La Vi Club Lounge, a nightclub and restaurant that will keep the experience going well into the night. The hotel also houses the two-Michelin-star Waku Ghin by Tetsuya Wakuda restaurant, serving a 10-course JapaneseEuropean menu that rivals any found in this city of impossibly high standards. Foodies the world over are left anxiously anticipating what it will offer after its recent renovation and reimagined dining.

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As a global economic centre, it’s not surprising that the elite restaurants that call Singapore home are diverse in their cuisines as well. Burnt Ends offers Australian barbecue that brings the traditional backyard cuisine to exalted levels of refinement and quality, both in its menu and its atmosphere. The Michelin-starred Corner House offers food as art, with dishes so spectacular in design and execution that one is hesitant to eat the edible artwork placed in front of diners… until the first bite that is. Its “gastro-botanica” identity applies to both its food and its surroundings, as the building itself, dating back to 1910, and its adjacent horticulture act as inspiration for the menu. The restaurant is sure to

wow even the most jaded of culinary aficionados. But the most elusive reservation in this city of exclusivity is likely Odette. It’s truly impossible to determine if the food or the surroundings are more impressive, but ranking 18th in the entire world according to The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Odette provides unmatched French culinary precision, despite being thousands of miles from Paris. The Kampot pepper-crusted pigeon has earned raves, but nothing that leaves the kitchen at Odette is short of mind-blowing. But you’d better plan ahead if you want to savor this heavenly culinary experience as,

Top: Billionaire British inventor James Dyson has snapped up two of the most expensive, and exclusive properties in all of Singapore in the last year, following his decision to move his company’s headquarters to the city-state; Middle: One of Dyson’s purchases was a Good Class Bungalow, a category of private home only available to the wealthiest and most connected of Singapore’s elite; Above: Gardens by the Bay features some of the most unique, and visually stunning, architectural design and sculptures found anywhere

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The entire park is an Instagrammers’ dream, combining extravagant architecture, extensive botanical sections, and art installations and lighting that make the park fantastical, like a Disney World for billionaires. Comprised of three separate waterfront gardens, Bay South, Bay East and Bay Central, Gardens by the Bay is not just one of the must-see attractions in Singapore, but one of the most distinctive, bold and beautiful excursions found anywhere in Asia. For those looking for some adrenaline-filled activities to balance out all of the relaxation and pampering, be sure to explore the Formula One circuit that weaves through the city. Of course, one doesn’t experience an F1 track on foot or bike. Instead, ask your concierge about obtaining a Ferrari, Lamborghini or McLaren supercar with which you can live your fantasy of being Lewis Hamilton or Sebastian Vettel, even if only for a few laps. For those with a love of being on the water, your concierge may also be also to set up guests with a private yacht charter, allowing you to cruise the Singapore Strait with its jaw-dropping views of the island while sipping the finest wines or cocktails. It’s a fantastic luxury experience for those who don’t have the means to bring their own yacht with them to this urban, island paradise. Singapore is a land of billionaires. But it’s also a city where those of us without that level of wealth can feel like a billionaire, whether it’s for a week, a day or even a single meal. It truly lives up to, and even exceeds, its reputation as Asia’s Monte Carlo — a playground for the wealthy and an aspirational escape for the rest of us.

according to Howard Oh, Concierge Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, “Odette is now the buzzing name for almost all of the tourists who are visiting Singapore; even calling a month in advance may not guarantee a reservation.” For those seeking even more exclusive culinary experiences, the newest trend in Singapore is private kitchens. These small, hardto-book restaurants are found in apartments and homes throughout the city, and offer the same exquisite menu offerings as their larger counterparts but with an intimacy appreciated by the global elite. Establishments like FatFuku, Lucky House Cantonese Private Kitchen, and Lynnette’s Kitchen are just a few of the private kitchens that are gaining worldwide reputations for both their exquisite food and unique experiences. For instance, Lynnette’s Kitchen is hosted by Lynnette Seah, co-concertmaster of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, and if you’re fortunate enough to get a seat at her table, she might just entrance you with a violin accompaniment to your meal. While it’s tempting to remain ensconced in the unparalleled luxury and comfort of Singapore’s elite hotels and restaurants, one must journey out into the city itself to truly indulge in all that this metropolis has to offer. The most striking destination has to be the Gardens by the Bay, home to the Flower Dome, the largest glass greenhouse in the world, as well as to the Cloud Forest and its 30-metre waterfall, the tallest indoor waterfall in the world.

Top: The Parkroyal on Pickering, Singapore integrates elevated terrace gardens into the building’s design, evoking a striking balance between modernity and natural space; Above: A globally renowned DJ and actress, Singapore native Jade Rasif, showing off the style and luxury for which the island-city has become famous

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The Return Of Raffles Singapore’s most iconic hotel reopens after a major renovation Te x t b y J A R E D PA U L S T E R N

It first opened in 1887 with just 10 rooms, was declared a National Monument a century later by the Singapore government, and has played host to everyone from Grace Kelly and Queen Elizabeth to Karl Lagerfeld. The iconic Raffles Hotel Singapore at 1 Beach Road is one of the most famous hotels in Southeast Asia, and with good reason. And it recently reopened after 18 months, having undergone a reportedly multimillion- dollar restoration led by designer Alexandra Champalimaud, looking better than ever. “There are few hotels in the world whose names have become virtually synonymous with the cities in which they are located, and none more so than the Raffles Hotel in Singapore,” notes Christian Westbeld, the property’s General Manager, who cites its unique combination of “distinctive architecture, heritage and legendary service.” From the famous Long Bar, where the Singapore Sling is often said to have been invented in 1915 [see opposite page], to the gracious palm-lined courtyard, the place simply exudes luxury, style and timeless sophistication with a uniquely tropical and colonial air. The revitalised hotel is designed to offer an even more attractive mix of “culture, beauty and gentility.” Among the improvements are lavish new suites, exclusive dining concepts, including one by famed One of the pillars of the Singapore luxury scene, Raffles Hotel Singapore has become synonymous with the island-city it calls home, such is its history and significance to Singapore’s modern era 8 2

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chef Alain Ducasse, and “vibrant lifestyle experiences,” while guests are waited on hand and foot by the iconic Raffles Butlers. Their pair of Presidential Suites, Singapore’s grandest, are particularly impressive at nearly 2,800 square feet, complete with parlour, dining room, living room, dressing area and a private balcony overlooking the Palm Court. And a new chapter in cocktail history is set to be made with the renovation of the Writers Bar, which pays tribute to the many famous authors who have stayed at the hotel over the years, including Rudyard Kipling, Noël Coward and Somerset Maugham. We hope they’re saving a barstool for us.

19th century’s Golden Age of cocktails and fine drinking, delivering on its name with a glamorous yet modern space reminiscent of old New York.” Ranked as Asia’s Best Bar for two consecutive years on the list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, it is also home to to the world’s first in-hotel rickhouse, referring to a space used to store barrels of aging whisky — about 100 of them, in this case. In his gorgeous and thirst-provoking 2018 book 150 Bars You Need to Visit Before You Die, sommelier and spirits connoisseur Jurgen Lijcops lists a total of 10 must-visit watering holes in Singapore. In addition to Atlas and Manhattan, he cites Gibson bar, Smoke & Mirrors and the aptly-named Tippling Club (a Tales of the Cocktail winner in 2017), among others, as being remarkable for both the beauty of their design and the quality of their libations. Smoke & Mirrors,

Singapore Slings The famed city is home to some of world’s best bars Each year at the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s Spirited Awards, the high-end drinks industry conference and festival held in New Orleans, the trade’s top professionals present awards honouring the world’s top bars, bartenders, and cocktail experts, both here and abroad. And 2019 was something of a sweep for Singapore in the latter category. Two of the city’s most famous bars took home top honors: Atlas bar won Best International Cocktail Bar while Manhattan bar at the Regent Singapore hotel claimed Best International Hotel Bar. Singapore can now legitimately assert supremacy on the international cocktail scene, and with good reason. Although historians of mixology will tell you this is actually nothing new. The Singapore Sling is often said to have been invented in 1915 at the Long Bar at Raffles Hotel. However drinks called slings were apparently being slung in Singapore as far back as 1897, according to Imbibe magazine. Regardless, Singapore’s bars have moved on to more modern concoctions — although a Sling at Raffles is still de rigeur; the decor has evolved as well. Rather than imitate the Long Bar’s impeccable colonial style, Atlas bar and Manhattan evoke the Gatsby-esque glamour of other bygone eras. Atlas was designed as a celebration of “the great Art Deco lobbies of Europe and their rich culinary and beverage traditions,” as the bar puts it. Manhattan meanwhile is a “grand hotel bar inspired by the

Top left: The butler service available at the St. Regis Singapore can handle almost any request, but it’s the behind-the-scenes attention to detail that can impress most of all; Top right: The newest iteration of the spa at the St. Regis Singapore offers world-class treatments in surroundings that are as peaceful as they are luxuriant; Above: The den is just one of the unique spaces to be found in The Warehouse Hotel, a relatively recent addition to the Singapore luxury hotel community, offering 37 rooms to those looking for the highest level of service in a boutique hotel setting

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an indoor-outdoor aerie located on the roof of the National Gallery Singapore, offers up incredible views of Marina Bay along with its riffs on classic cocktails. Singapore Tatler notes it “sets out to elevate guests’ cocktail experience by bringing the three senses of taste, sight and touch into every sip,” via “cocktails that use chef-inspired techniques to artfully challenge perceptions with an intricate play on names, presentation and flavors.” Make mine a double…

Billionaire’s Playground According to real estate powerhouse Knight Frank’s annual Wealth Report, Singapore was home to 3,598 ultrahigh-net-worth individuals in 2018, and several are billionaires. The South China Morning Post (SCMP) notes that in addition to British inventor Sir James

Top: A celebration of Europe’s greatest Art Deco lobby bars, Atlas raises the luxurious ambience, décor and drink selections to a rarefied level, on par with any of the iconic European venues that inspired its design and atmosphere; Bottom right: What the Po restaurant in the Warehouse Hotel eschews in terms of design complexity, it more than makes up for with its exquisite versions of classical Singaporean cuisine; Bottom left: Located within the National Gallery Singapore, Odette is not only the hardest reservation to get in the entire city, but chef Julien Royer’s modern French culinary creations make this one of the most in-demand fine dining establishments in the world

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Above: At 282 metres above Singapore, 1-Altitude is one of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most stunning nightlife options, with a 360-degree view of the city thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s incredible at sunset and only improves from there as the night progresses and the city lights up

Dyson, the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s billionaire residents reportedly include Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin and Valencia football club owner Peter Lim. According to Forbes, as of August 2019 the collective wealth of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 50 richest residents had reached a record US$130 billion, up more than 12% since 2018 despite global trade tensions. In the top spot, with an estimated net worth of US$16.3 billion as of September 2019, is restaurant tycoon Zhang Yong, who never finished high school according to the magazine. Ranking second are brothers Robert and Philip Ng with an estimated US$12.2 billion, who control the Far East Organisation, Singaporeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest private landlord and property developer. Facebookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Saverin, worth an estimated US$10.5 billion, has resided in Singapore since 2009. According to the SCMP heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s currently living it up in a `^ Ć&#x2020; ]R[aU\b`R V[ aUR @PbY]ab_N ._QZ\_R UVTU _V`R X[\d[ for its â&#x20AC;&#x153;cantilevered swimming pools, tilted facade and glass fins that envelop the tower,â&#x20AC;? designed by famed architect Carlos Zapata. â&#x2013;

DJ and actress Jade Rasif is a fixture on the Singapore nightlife scene, whether sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performing at one of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clubs or just enjoying nightlife that can rival any great metropolis

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WOMAN OF THE WORLD

Getting to know…

ELIANA

This month we get more acquainted with this beautiful buxom Brazilian beauty as she takes our quick questionnaire… P h o t o g ra p h e d b y A R T H U R S T. J O H N (@ A R T H U R S TJ O H N ) Ha i r & m a k e - u p b y TAY LO R J A Z Z (@TAY LO R _ J A Z Z )

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WOMAN OF THE WORLD

T HE BEST THING ABOUT MY MAXIM FEATURE IS… We got to do our photo shoot in beautiful Malibu Beach in California and working with Arthur St. John and Taylor Jazz was a great experience. MY BEST ASSET IS… My butt – because I’m Brazilian! I FEEL SEXY WHEN… I’m comfortable because I’m myself. WHEN I’M NOT POSING FOR MAXIM I’M… Working on my fitness, travelling the world and enhancing my business ventures. I CAN BEAT ANYONE AT… Board games. THE LAST THING THAT MADE ME LOL WAS… A lot of different memes. THE MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT IN MY LIFE SO FAR IS… Nothing. I don’t get embarrassed easily. THE FREAKIEST THING THAT SOMEONE HAS SENT ME VIA SOCIAL MEDIA IS… The usual nude pics, of course. THE BEST PERSON TO FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM OTHER THAN ME IS… My fan page – haha! WHAT I FIND SEXY ABOUT MEN IS… Their mind and charm.

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“RESPECT AND TRUST GO A LONG WAY.”

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WOMAN OF THE WORLD

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“MY HANGOVER CURE IS MORE ALCOHOL.” A GUY COULD WIN HIS WAY TO MY HEART BY… Being genuine. MY PERFECT DATE WOULD INVOLVE… A romantic candlelit dinner on the beach at sunset. ONE THING A GUY SHOULD ALWAYS KNOW ABOUT WOMEN IS… Respect and trust go a long way. THE WORST PICK-UP LINE I’VE EVER HEARD IS… “Is that a mirror in your zipper? Because I can see myself in you.” MY GO-TO DRINK IS… Wine. MY HANGOVER CURE IS… More alcohol. THE BEST JUNK FOOD IS… Ice cream. MY FAVOURITE MOVIE IS… The Notebook – you know why! MY GIRL CRUSH IS… Jennifer Lopez. PUBLIC NUDITY IS… Sexy. AT BEDTIME I WEAR… Nothing. IF I COULD SPEND A DAY WITH ANYONE IN THE WORLD IT WOULD BE… My mother. ONE THING I’D CHANGE ABOUT THE WORLD IS… Equality for both men and women. THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE ANYONE HAS EVER GIVEN ME IS.... Just be yourself, stay true. MY LIFE MOTTO IS… Carpe diem. ■ MAXI M.COM.AU

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Status Update NAME: Eliana Brasil BORN: Brazil LIVES: Las Vegas, Nevada USA FIVE-WORD SELFDESCRIPTION: “Positive, passionate, loving, ambitious and outgoing.” HOBBIES: “Painting and fitness.” PHOBIA: “Bugs!” INSTAGRAM: @ElianaBrasilOfficial

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“MY PERFECT DATE WOULD INVOLVE A ROMANTIC CANDLELIT DINNER ON THE BEACH AT SUNSET.”

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A STAR WARS STORY:

GEORGE LUCAS With recent talk of a new Star Wars theatrical release scheduled for 2022 and a new galaxy far far away series planed for Disney+, we take a look back at the making of the original 1977 Star Wars movie courtesy of its director George Lucas. In this special extract from George Lucas: A Life it’s easy to see why the creator of The Force didn’t think his then problem-plagued, budget-straining film would became a box-office blockbuster hit that would change the movie world forever...

George Lucas, with actor Anthony Daniels, in costume as C3PO on the set of Star Wars in 1977 9 4

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Making a movie is a terribly painful experience,â&#x20AC;? says Lucas (above, with camera), seen here behind the camera on the Star Wars set creating magical scenes like these ones

2-D2 refused to work. It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stubbornness on the part of the droid â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a trait that would endear the character to millions of Star Wars fans around the world. Rather, as the first day of filming began on Star Wars in the Tunisian desert on the morning of March 22, 1976, R2-D2 wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work. His batteries were already dead. The little droid wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the only one with a problem. Several other robots, operated via remote control by crew members standing just out of sight of the movie camera, were also malfunctioning. Some fell over, others never moved at all, while still others had their signals scrambled by Arabic radio O_\NQPN`a` O\b[PV[T \Ĺ˝ aUR QR`R_a Ĺż\\_ `R[QV[T aURZ PN_RR[V[T dVYQYf out of control across the sand or crashing into one another. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The robots would go bananas, bumping into each other, falling down, breaking,â&#x20AC;? said Mark Hamill, the sun-washed 24-four- year-old actor playing hero Luke Skywalker. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It took hours to get them set up again.â&#x20AC;? The movieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s director, a brooding, bearded 31-one-year- old Californian named George Lucas, simply waited. If a robot worked properly, even for a moment, Lucas would shoot as much footage of it as he possibly could until the droid sputtered to a stop. Other times, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d have a malfunctioning unit pulled along by invisible wire, until the wire broke or the droid fell over. It didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter anyhow; Lucas planned to fix everything in the editing room. It was where he preferred to be anyway, as opposed to squinting through a film camera in the middle of the

desert. It was the first of what would be 84 long, excruciating days filming Star Wars â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 20 days severely over-schedule. And the shoot was a disaster almost from the beginning. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was very depressed about the whole thing,â&#x20AC;? Lucas said. Lucasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s misery was due partly to the fact that he felt he had already lost control of his own film. He laid the blame at the feet of parsimonious executives at 20th Century Fox, who had nickel-and-dimed him every step of the way, denying him the money he needed to ensure that everything worked. But the suits at Fox were skeptical; science fiction, they insisted, was a dead genre, and the necessary props, costumes, N[Q `]RPVNY RĹ˝RPa` dR_R Re]R[`VcR .` SN_ N` aUR `abQV\ dN` P\[PR_[RQ Lucas could get by on a shoestring budget, and simply fix his robot problems as he went along. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was purely a case of Fox not putting up the money until it was too late,â&#x20AC;? seethed Lucas. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every day we would lose an hour or so due to those robots, and we wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have lost that time if weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d had another six weeks to finish them and test them and have them working before we started.â&#x20AC;? It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just the remote-control robots that were giving him trouble. Anthony Daniels, a classically trained, very British actor whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d been cast in the role of the protocol droid C-3PO, was miserable inside his ill-fitting, gleaming gold plastic costume, and unable to see or hear much of anything. With every movement he was poked or cut â&#x20AC;&#x201D; â&#x20AC;&#x153;covered in `PN_` N[Q `P_NaPUR` { UR `VTURQ ~ N[Q dUR[ UR SRYY \cR_ N` UR \Ć&#x2020;R[ QVQ he could only wait for someone on the crew to notice and help him to his feet. Within the first week of filming, Daniels despaired that he would MAXI M.COM.AU

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ever complete the movie in one piece. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was very, very difficult getting things to work,â&#x20AC;? Lucas said later. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The truth is that the robots didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work at all. Threepio works very painfullyâ&#x20AC;Ś I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get Artoo to go more than a few feet without running into somethingâ&#x20AC;Ś Everything was N ]_\a\af]Rp YVXR x4RR dRy_R T\V[T a\ ObVYQ aUV` ~ dR UNcR [\ Z\[Rf but have to try to make this work. But nothing really worked.â&#x20AC;? Lucas vowed heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d never cede control over his films to executives at the studios again. What did they know about filmmaking? â&#x20AC;&#x153;They tell people what to do without reason,â&#x20AC;? Lucas complained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sooner or later, they decided they know more about making movies than directors. Studio heads. You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fight them because theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got the money.â&#x20AC;? If Star Wars worked out, one thing would have to change for sure: heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d control the money. Still, there were some things heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d never control, no matter how much he might wish otherwise. The wildly unpredictable weather in Tunisia, for example, wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t making production any easier. 1b_V[T aUR SV_`a dRRX \S SVYZV[T Va ORTN[ _NV[V[T V[ Ab[V`VNy` ;RĆ&#x2020;N Valley for the first time in seven years and didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop for four days. Equipment and vehicles bogged down in the mud, requiring assistance from the Tunisian army to pull everything out of the muck. 6a dN` \Ć&#x2020;R[ P\YQ V[ aUR Z\_[V[T N[Q OYNgV[T U\a Of NĆ&#x2020;R_[\\[ N[Q Lucas would begin most days in his brown coat, hands shoved deep in the pockets as he peered through the eyepiece of the camera; as the sun _\`R UVTUR_ V[ aUR `Xf UR d\bYQ `U_bT \Ĺ˝ UV` P\Na ]ba \[ UV` `b[TYN``R` and direct his actors in a checked work shirt, with a baseball cap pulled low over his eyes. When it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t raining, high winds tore up the sets, ripping apart the sandcrawler and blowing one set, as a crew member put it, â&#x20AC;&#x153;halfway

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to Algeria.â&#x20AC;? And sand, it seemed, got into everything, stinging eyes, abrading skin, and getting into nearly every crack and crevice. Though Lucas kept his Panavision cameras wrapped in plastic sheeting to prevent any damage from wind and sand, a lens from one camera was still nearly ruined. He was plagued by equipment problems as well as just plain bad luck. A truck caught fire, damaging several robots. When trucks failed, Lucas would move equipment on the backs of donkeys. By the end of the first two weeks of filming, Lucas was exhausted. With the constant setbacks caused by bad weather, malfunctioning droids, and ill-fitting costumes, he felt heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d gotten only about twothirds of what heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d wanted on film â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and what he had, he wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t happy with. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It kept getting cut down because of all the drama,â&#x20AC;? said Lucas, â&#x20AC;&#x153;and I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d turned out very well.â&#x20AC;? He was so upset he even skipped a party he hosted himself to mark the end of the Tunisian shoot, shutting himself into his hotel room to wallow in his own misery. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was seriously, seriously depressed at that point, because nothing had gone right,â&#x20AC;? he sighed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everything was screwed up. I was desperately unhappy.â&#x20AC;? A little more than a year before it was scheduled to hit theatres, if it ever did, the Star Wars project was a mess, and the movie was going to be terrible. Lucas was PR_aNV[ \S Va GEORGE LUCAS: A LIFE by Brian Jay Jones, published by Hachette Australia, RRP$35.00

P H O T O S ÂŠ L U C A S F I L M LT D . & T M . A L L R I G H T S R E S E R V E D

7`cW_k]gY Zfca hcd `YĆ&#x160; . Lucas today; the Tunisia desert (the location for the planet Tatooine in Star Wars); R2-D2 and C-3PO; the original movie poster

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24 HOURS TO LIVE

Jacqui Lambie The outspoken

Tasmanian Senator discusses her final day on earth…

In t e r v i e w b y R E I L LY S U L L I VA N

Who inspires you? My Dad and my Mum – life wasn’t easy for either of them and they did their best for us. We always felt loved. What do you know now that you didn’t know at 25? That I should have stopped complaining about the size of my arse by the age of 25 – looking back, my arse was amazing! What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about Jacqui Lambie? I’m good at numbers. Always was. You’re a favourite on MAXIM’s HOT 100 list each year, most recently at #98 in 2019, why do you think you resonate so much with our readers? Number 98? I’m complimented and crushed – I’m clearly not doing enough right. Why aren’t I higher on the list? Do you need me to put more cash in the envelope? To whom on Earth do you owe an apology and why? I’d like to apologise to the police officers who gave me a pass when I was 15, drunk and had exploded a bottle of Spumante under their cop car – accidentally, I might add. But yeah, naughty! As an army veteran, you’re a huge champion for the rights and welfare of veterans. Why do you believe we need a Royal Commission into the Department of Veteran’s Affairs? Veterans are killing themselves at the rate of one a week – it may well be more. That’s simply unacceptable. We’ve had inquiry after inquiry, most of the recommendations aren’t implemented and the Prime Minister’s idea of a rolling commissioner is just the DVA and Defence policing themselves. No more pussyfooting around – we need a Royal Commission. And reach out to veterans in your own lives, ask them if they’re doing OK, don’t assume that because someone doesn’t have injuries on the outside, they’re not damaged. Lest we forget!

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What will it say on your tombstone? Never say die! My favourite is Spike Milligan’s – “I told you I was ill.” Finally, what’s one thing everyone should do on a trip to Tassie? Now you’re trying to get me into trouble – I can’t choose a favourite spot. Tasmanians are very passionate about the whole Island and I want to be re-elected you know?! Honestly, the whole place is pretty bloody special. For resources and details of her campaign to support veterans, go to lambienetwork.com.au

“LOOKING BACK, MY ARSE WAS AMAZING!”

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Articles inside

FILM A LOOK BACK AT THE

TRAVEL HOW TO LIVE

MODEL PROFILE

SEX CAN CANNABIS IMPROVE

BAR WE TRAVEL TO OAXACA

SPORT LE MANS THE

COVER GIRL ULTRA TUNE

FITNESS HOW TO POWER

SPOTLIGHT BAHAMIAN

MACHINES THE 715-HP

AUTO FOCUS HOW AUSSIE

BUSINESS HOW MICHAEL