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APRIL 2020 ISSUE 105

FITN ESS H E A LT H

POWER UP!

THE SIX PILLARS TO

HOW TO BUILD FOR BATTLE P. 62

P. 58 #H IG HTI M ES

THE HISTORY OF

Michaela

CANNABIS IN AUSTRALIA P. 42

VA

THE SLOVAKIAN BEAUTY MAKES HER MAXIM DEBUT P. 48

FACEBOOK/MAXIMAU TWITTER/MAXIM_AUS

INSTAGRAM/MAXIM_AUS YOUTUBE/MAXIMAUSTRALIA

VICTORIA’s SECRET: STUNNING AUSSIE SHANINA SHAIK TRAVEL: THE BEST OF THE MALDIVES

W W W. M A X I M . C O M . AU

SPORT: 2020 FOOTY SEASON PREDICTIONS

INC GST

PRINT POST APPROVED PP 100003469

AUST/NZ $9.95

CONTENTS ISSUE 10 5 — APRIL 2020

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SPOTLIGHT VICTORIA’S SECRET AUSSIE SHANINA SHAIK IS HOTTER THAN EVER

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ADVENTURE GETTING LOST IN THE DESERTS OF JORDAN STYLE WHY CUSTOM ROLEXES ARE MASTERWORKS MACHINES THE NEW GLICKENHAUS 007 AND THE BENTLEY EXP100 GT GAMES WE TAKE A LOOK AT RESIDENT EVIL 3 AND DOOM

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MAXIM AUSTRALIA OFFICIAL 2020 CALENDAR MEET APRIL BABE NIKITA ROIKITA FOOTY NRL EXPERT 202 SEASON PREDICTIONS BAR LENNY KRAVITZ’S ROCK STAR COLLABORATION WITH DOM PÉRIGNON HIGH TIMES THE HISTORY OF CANNABIS IN AUSTRALIA COVER GIRL GORGEOUS SLOVAKIAN ENTREPRENEUR MICHAELA VYBOHOVA

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HEALTH THE SIX PILLARS AND TIPS TO WELLBEING FITNESS HOW TO BE A POWER ATHLETE MUSIC BRISBANE BAND VIOLENT SOHO MODEL PROFILE FORMER MAXIM ’S FINEST AUSTRALIA WINNER CLAUDIA JOVANOVSKI TRAVEL THE ULTIMATE MALDIVES EXPERIENCE

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WOMAN OF THE WORLD MRS U.S.A. 2020 CASSANDRA LANG SPORT L.A. LAKERS NBA STAR DANNY GREEN RELATIONSHIPS WHAT IS ENTITLEMENT DATING?

MAXIM REWIND WE REVISIT DENISE RICHARDS 24 HOURS TO LIVE AWARD-WINNING SCOTTISH COMEDIAN DANIEL SLOSS

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

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SPOTLIGHT

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SHAIK, RATTLE & ROLL

Australia’s exotic Victoria’s Secret beauty SHANINA SHAIK is hotter than ever...

BY Z EYN E P YE N I S EY

P H OTO G R A P H E D BY G I L L E S B E N S I M O N

STYLE D BY CAR O L I N E C H R I STIAN SS O N

I

n a world that suddenly seems overpopulated with “supermodels,” there’s only one Shanina Shaik; her striking hazel eyes casting a seductive gaze, her flawless skin a glowing bronze with a dusting of freckles, the unmistakable exoticism that sets her apart from the rest of the beautiful people.

Despite her booming success, Shaik’s diverse background — an Australian-Lithuanian mother and a Pakistani-Saudi father — wasn’t always an asset. While her striking features are celebrated and desired by designers today, early on in her career, her uncertain ethnicity was a bit of a hindrance. “At times being so mixed hindered me from getting jobs as clients couldn’t place me in a ‘category’ of race,” Shaik tells MAXIM, “which I thought was absurd and really unfortunate.” Thankfully those days are behind her, and Shaik is now one of the most coveted and recognisable faces in the industry.

“Now, I’m happy to be an inspiration to young women who may not fit into one specific category.”

Growing up in Australia, “you would always be outside riding your bike or playing with the other kids,” Shaik notes. “I always wore sports gear and wanted my hair in a tight ponytail. I was more of a tomboy.

My favourite sport was basketball, and the boys would always choose me to be on their team before most of the male students in my class.”

Despite her self-proclaimed tomboy phase, Shaik knew as a young girl that she wanted to be a model. “When I turned 14 I blossomed into my girly side. My mum was the one who always said I should go into modelling, and I was also scouted by agents who recommended the same.” Trading her sports gear for glamour, Shaik swiftly moved her way up the modeling ranks, leaving her home country for New York to chase her dream after starring in the Australian reality series Make Me A Supermodel. Since making her debut at New York Fashion Week in 2009, she has gone on to walk the runway for Chanel, Oscar de la Renta and Tom Ford, as well as shooting Ford’s lookbook, among other high profile work.

On top of her early success, she got a big break when she booked her first Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2011, which changed her career forever. “Before I walked in that show, I was always told that I was ‘too commercial’ and couldn’t walk in high fashion shows.

That changed after the Victoria’s Secret show.”

Having walked in five VS shows, Shaik was regular on the lingerie giant’s famed runway, but the euphoria she felt during her very first show will never fade. “I couldn’t believe I finally booked it.

My mum cried when I told her because she knew that’s all I wanted.

I will always remember that day for the rest of my life. The experience was magical.” Not that she takes anything for granted. “You have to work extremely hard for what you want,” she muses. “Nothing comes MAXI M.COM.AU

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SPOTLIGHT easy. There will be a lot of struggle and pain along the way but you must believe in yourself to make your dreams come true.”

Beyond modelling, Shaik has broken into the entertainment industry as well, most notably landing the role of an Arabian princess in the 2017 Universal Pictures movie The Mummy, starring Tom Cruise. “Acting I found to be much more difficult than modelling,” she relates. “I loved the experience and the challenge and I hope to do more movies in the future.” With one major film to her credit, Shaik wrapped filming on another flick last November in which she stars alongside Isla Fisher and Steve Coogan, a satire called Greed.

In 2018 Shaik married Gregory Andrews — better known as DJ Ruckus — in an intimate ceremony on the idyllic Bahamian island of Eleuthera following a two year engagement. Before that she had been linked to Justin Bieber, with whom she had reportedly spent time with on a yacht in Ibiza, a sort of modelling rite of passage, you could say. Despite the colourful reports in the press, Shaik has been treated extremely kindly by the British tabloids, but sadly she and Andrews separated in June 2019, with Shaik filing for divorce after a year of marriage.

“I believe every marriage should have communication, trust, and respect,” she informs us. “It’s also important to be each other’s friend.”

And the key to her heart? “Romantic gestures, spontaneity, and a combination of both is even better.” Especially given the demands of her hectic work schedule. “My life usually doesn’t have a typical day because of my career,” she says. “When I’m working, I’ll begin my morning on set, and after, I try to squeeze in a workout or I’m usually running to the airport to catch a flight for another job.” Off duty, things are a little more relatable. “I like to start my day with a workout, run a few errands, and catch up with friends when I’m not working.”

Despite constant bookings, with high profile photo shoots and glitzy events that keep her busy around the world, it’s a priority for Shaik to make time for one of the greatest and most important pleasures in life: sleep. “I need to sleep at least eight to 10 hours every day,” she says, much to the jealousy of her sleep-deprived counterparts. Getting enough shut-eye is only one of the ways Shaik stays healthy, radiant, and in supermodel shape, and says she owes her show-stopping body to Pilates, jump rope, and dance. “Most of my workout sessions are in a class with my favourite trainers or with a friend, which keeps me motivated and makes my workouts fun.”

Of course, with all of her hard work, she deserves to treat herself every once in a while. Her greatest indulgence? Sweets. “I can’t get enough of chocolate and ice cream!”

If she weren’t too busy gracing magazine covers and runways around the world, Shaik would be leading a much different life, working with children instead of hair and makeup teams. “If I wasn’t a model, my dream job would be a child psychologist,” she says. “I love working with kids, and I hope that my job today can lead to working with more children in the future.”

Things are clearly working out well for Shaik, from her success as a world-famous model to her promising acting career, but she’s just getting started. Ambitious plans await, including being in charge of her own company. And this photo shoot for the cover of a MAXIM U.S. edition marked a major milestone. “I’ve created a dream board for my bucket list of things I want to accomplish in life,” she says, “which included being on the cover of MAXIM. I can finally tick this off my bucket list! To work with Gilles Bensimon is a huge honour, he works with only the best and creates the most beautiful and iconic images. I’m extremely happy to be in front of his camera… and this is something to show the grandchildren one day.”

As for the future: in five years’ time, she says “I would like to have a beauty contract, be cast in more movies and be the boss of my own company.” We can definitely see all that and more on the horizon for this gorgeous, intelligent superstar. ■

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T H I S PA G E : DRESS, 3.1 PHILLIP LIM O P P O S I T E PA G E : SHEER WHITE DRESS, ALB E RTO ZAM B E LLI

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SPOTLIGHT

“I LOVED THE EXPERIENCE AND THE CHALLENGE AND I HOPE TO DO MORE MOVIES IN THE FUTURE.”

T H I S PA G E : H AT, E R I C J AV I T S ; SU NG LASSES, AC N E STUDIOS; BRA AND THONG, FOR LOVE & LEMONS; RING A N D B R A C E L E T, SY D N E Y E VA N O P P O S I T E PA G E : S W E AT E R A N D H E E LS, MAISON ALAÏA; RINGS, CH ROM E H EARTS

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SPOTLIGHT

“THERE WILL BE A LOT OF STRUGGLE AND PAIN ALONG THE WAY, BUT YOU MUST BELIEVE IN YOURSELF TO MAKE YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE.”

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O P P O S I T E PA G E : F U L L LO O K , CH ROM E H EARTS T H I S PA G E : SHEER LIGHT BLUE B U T TO N U P A N D J E A N S , AC N E STU D I OS; N ECKLACE, BALLESTR I N

MAXI M.COM.AU

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SPOTLIGHT

“I’M HAPPY TO BE AN INSPIRATION TO YOUNG WOMEN WHO MAY NOT FIT INTO ONE SPECIFIC CATEGORY.”

S H I R T A N D PA N TS , MAISON ALAÏA; EARRINGS, SY D N E Y E VA N

A S S I S TA N T S T Y L I S T, R A P SAR M I E NTO; M A K E - U P, S T E V E N C A N AVA N ; H A I R , YO I C H I TO M I Z AWA

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ADVENTURE

The LAST CRUSADE Getting beautifully lost in the deserts of Jordan...

BY N I CO L AS STE C H E R

T

P H OTO R G R A P H Y BY A B D U L L A J A A FA R I

he sun is torrid and there is no breeze. The entire world feels like an oven set on broil, merciless and angry. And yet we’re grinning idiotically like drunks with bellies full of the good stuff. The reason for our joy is simple: we’re driving high-tech 4x4s through an ancient, rugged landscape. It’s like a cheat code of mechanical differentials, burly body-on-frame fortitude and petrol engines so big they can swallow the nearby cliffs.

The thrill is hard to articulate. Barrelling down an open swathe of Arab desert, the pedal is floored as the world opens up before us. All around the cliffs of Wadi Rum, some spiraling almost 3,000-feet into the sky, rise from the red soil like sentries. The sun is about to set over

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Jordan, hovering not too far above the horizon, so it takes turns shining hot and dipping under the tallest of mountains, playing peek-a-boo with the senses.

Suddenly to our left another Infiniti QX80 in our caravan zooms up bravely, mammoth 5.6-litre V8 rumbling, the mechanics clanging on bigger dips, rooster tails of red plumage swirling from behind its rear axle. It doesn’t feel exactly like a race, maybe more like a dance. I hear loud hollering from inside the cabin, and with a bit of surprise I realise it’s not coming from my co-driver Matt but rather from my own open mouth. We just left the ruins and bubbling spring which allegedly played home to T.E. Lawrence in

Cars taking on a hot, dry day in a desert of sand and rocks in Wadi Rum, Jordan MAXI M.COM.AU

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ADVENTURE 1916 as he prepped the Great Arab Revolt — as dramatised in David Lean’s legendary 1962 epic Lawrence of Arabia — and we’re now pulling up to a towering edifice of stone called the Seven Pillars of Wisdom. The moniker is an ode to Lawrence, but it’s not because he named it; rather it was dubbed so after the British Army officer’s death, as an homage to his memoir of the same name. Let’s just say that Lawrence’s shadow looms large over Wadi Rum. Sitting on the warm hood we watch the sun slowly disappear, lighting up the Seven Pillars with a torch. The land here is ruddy, a rich ochre that meets the orange sky like a Rothko painting. The hue is unlike any you’ve ever seen. It’s been described as everything from blood to brick red, but that doesn’t quite do it justice. It’s more like a pungent rust. The sky as well; both are so rich it’s as if God turned the saturation slider on His Instagram filter up a notch too high.

When the sun has completed its burlesque show we jump back in the QX80s and point our bows to another corner of Wadi Rum. Nestled in an alcove deep in the canyons, the Memories Aicha Luxury Camp encompasses an array of geodesic domes, their glass facets shining like weird diamonds in the gloaming.

For dinner that night we eat in a cave on the cliff wall, and someone pulls out a bottle of Moët & Chandon from a bucket of ice for a celebratory toast.

Exhausted, we stay up smoking shisha, taking long pulls of the sweet tobacco as the curls of smoke rise up into the darkness.

It’s still deep evening outside when we awake at 4am, but you can make out the silhouette of nearby cliffs through our dome windows. Walking out into the desert, washed entirely in purple moonlight, the heart swells at the feeling of acute loneliness and isolation. Dubbed the Valley of the Moon, you just might mistake Wadi Rum for being there, but it’s actually more like other heavenly bodies.

Mars, or maybe the 5th moon of Saturn. After all not only was The Martian filmed here but also Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Prometheus and even the new Dune.

We load up in the SUVs and head north, beginning a long fourhour trek to a city founded in the 4th century BC by a nebulous civilisation known as the Nabataeans: Petra. It’s sleepy and quiet in the cabin as “Scheherazade” — Russian composer Nikolai RimskyKorsakov’s symphonic ode to The Arabian Nights — oozes out of the Bose Performance Series Audio system’s 17 speakers. A perfect

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soundtrack, as we’re on the same dirt road Lawrence once drove his Ford Model T through. Grainy footage exists of that journey, the Ford’s rickety wood wheels looking like they’re holding together for dear life. All around the Lieutenant Colonel ride Arabs on proud horses, muscles rippling in the sun.

That was only a century ago, but with steam locomotives, single shot rifles and 20-horsepower Ford Model T’s for transportation (or 1-horsepower horses) it seems like another lifetime. Still, the overall aura of that era persists here—even if we’re seeing it through the windshield of a 21st century Infiniti.

We arrive at Petra just after dawn, disembark and begin our long walk down the narrow canyon to the Nabataean capital city. As the hub of their trading empire, Petra amassed fabulous wealth during the kingdom’s peak, and its placement at the center of a natural geological fortress made it almost impenetrable. The walk in alone requires a milelong hike through the Siqit: a narrow fault cutting through the earth, with smooth stone walls towering above. Parts of the road underfoot date back two millennia; you can make out ruts from wagon wheels polished into the cobblestone.

As you descend, horses with carriages clip-clop past, blurring the time/ space continuum.

The hike is like an Ayahuasca tea ceremony preparing your mind for takeoff.

When you finally break from the Siq into the first plaza — the vertiginous Al-Khazneh (aka The Treasury) opening up before you, carved out of the sheer rock face — your heart drops into your stomach, and it feels like you’ve just been clobbered over the head with an anvil. Even if you’ve travelled the world over, twice, you will have never seen anything like what you will witness walking through the city’s corridors.

Prehistoric skyscrapers carved from the sandstone rise up on either side, their facades remarkably unblemished, ornate and grand. As with many, the first time I saw this place — as the secret chamber of the Holy Grail — was in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. But no film, even Indy, can compare to the real thing. Al B’doul Bedouins, eyes painted black like Dothraki, ride by on camels and mules, offering tea and selling their wares. Matt and I break off at the amphitheatre and climb to the High Place of Sacrifice for a better view. At the top of the 700 steps the wind blows so fierce it almost cools the air. We look down entranced at the carved city and Jabal Al-Madbah, which some believe to be the Biblical Mount Sinai.

“EVEN IF YOU’VE TRAVELLED THE WORLD TWICE OVER YOU’VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THE LOST CITY OF PETRA.”

Sweat beads on our foreheads and streams down our temples.

Hours, maybe days, later we climb down the long stairs and head back up the long stretch of the Siqit to the Petra Guest House Hotel at the lost city’s entrance, the one locus of modernity in the area.

As soon as we arrive I feel strangely repulsed by the buzz of tourists hammering away on their phones, so I quickly duck back outside.

Remembering a cave door we passed en route, I find it and enter; built as a tomb 2,000 years ago, the Cave Bar is appropriately dark, still and cool. I pull up a stool at the end of the room and signal the bartender. Pointing to the draft spout I order a tall mug of Carakale, the local beer, and he delivers it with a smile and a salaam. I drink deep. It is cold, and delicious. ■

OPPOSITE: the lost city of Petra; TOP: the two preferred methods of transport in the glorious desert; ABOVE: the Memories Aicha Luxury Camp is a true oasis MAXI M.COM.AU

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STYLE

THE KINGS OF CUSTOM Artisans de Genève’s exquisitely rendered custom Rolexes are masterworks in their own right...

BY J A R E D PA U L S T E R N

Spike Lee (pictured right) and Lenny Kravitz are not ordinary men, nor would we ever expect them to wear ordinary watches. To say that they are individuals who put their unique stamp on everything they touch is understating the case. Even a rare vintage Rolex Daytona would be a bit too quotidian a timepiece for a pair of idiosyncratic geniuses and true icons who have had such a profound effect on our culture. A unique, bespoke Rolex Daytona with one-of-a-kind design details that acts as both an homage to classic watchmaking and a contemporary expression of timekeeping, however, is the perfect accessory.

Of course, there are very few horological design houses that could, or would, carry out such a commission. Bamford Watch Department and MAD Paris spring to mind.

But there is only one that could execute it with the panache, style and painstaking attention to detail that is the hallmark of Artisans de Genève, the Geneva based watchmaking workshop that has created some of the most coveted customized Rolex watches in the world. The supremely beautiful customised Daytonas they produced in collaboration with the world famous director (Spike Lee’s Cool Hand Brooklyn) and even more renowned

TIMEPIECE PERFECTION (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT): Spike Lee’s custom Daytona in a blue and orange colour scheme; a custom Daytona in “John Player Special” colours made for Lenny Kravitz; Spike Lee with his custom Spike Lee Cool Hand Brooklyn Rolex Daytona by Artisans de Genève; The La Montoya Gold skeleton dial Rolex Daytona; 2 6

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COURTESY OF ARTISANS DE GENÈVE

rock star (the Lenny Kravitz LK01) were milestones in a watch customisation juggernaut that now debuts several designs a year, which go far beyond mere finishes and color changes to create something entirely new yet unmistakably Rolex.

Rolex never has, and may not ever, officially endorse customised versions of its watches; any alteration voids the warranty, for one thing.

But we have to think that even the stoic gentlemen in their signature Rolex green neckties appreciate the work of their fellow Genevan craftsmen, not to mention the association with the likes of Lee and Kravitz.

“Having always had a profound admiration for Spike Lee’s body of work, creating a timepiece reflective to his image was a great challenge,” Artisans de Genève notes. “In our opinion, this fine balance between future and past is one of Spike Lee’s most notable characteristics.” Born out of a chance meeting between Lee and Artisans de Genève’s Creative Director, John Isaac, at an Apple Store, the watch case is an homage to the iconic Rolex Daytonas of the 1960s and the timepiece itself pays tribute to Brooklyn, the borough that looms so large in Lee’s oeuvre. Its key features are a reworked dial and bezel — while the general blue and orange color scheme is reminiscent of Lee’s beloved New York Knicks basketball team — and a custom blue alligator NATO strap, while the name is a reference to the famed Paul Newman film Cool Hand Luke.

“This watch encompasses excellence, tradition, style and love,” Lee, who notes that he “owns several [Daytonas] from back in the day,” enthuses. “John and I have often talked about what if one of us [had] not decided to go to the Apple Store in Soho that fateful day, we would have never met, there would be no watch. The fact is, the powers in the

universe made our meeting possible and I believe it was meant to be.”

Among other timepieces, the mods to the Lenny Kravitz LK01 also pay homage to an iconic 1960s “Paul Newman” Daytona, the “John Player Special,” so called because its black and gold color scheme resembles that of the Lotus Formula 1 cars sponsored by the British cigarette brand in the ’70s. To achieve the effect, the LK01’s case was given a blackedout DLC (diamond-like carbon) treatment while the custom bezel is made of golden Bakelite. The final touch is a decidedly rockand-roll black leather bund cuff-style strap.

“I’ve been collecting watches for more than 20 years now and have always had a special affection for classic timepieces,” Kravitz noted, “loaded with history and life. When I met Artisans de Genève, I immediately seized the opportunity to create my own version of the classic [Daytona]. It was also extremely important that the timepiece was to be made by true experts without any compromise in the quality.”

John Isaac tells us that Artisans de Genève’s expertise is hardly incidental, calling the company formed in 2005 a “reunion of retired watchmakers who have worked for the greatest watchmaking houses”; one can only speculate that Rolex itself might be one of them. More recently ADG has evolved its retromodern Daytona design ethos in collaborations with a pair of motor racing legends, Juan Pablo Montoya and Rubens Barrichello. Montoya has not only won Formula 1 races including the Monaco Grand Prix and Italian Grand Prix, but the Indianapolis 500 and the Rolex 24 at Daytona as well. Barrichello

meanwhile is one of the highest points scorers in F1 history, with an impressive 11 race wins and six years as a Ferrari factory driver to his credit.

Both watches are extremely cutting-edge thanks to their openworked “skeleton” dials, a feature of higher-priced models offered by several top luxury watchmakers, but presumably too avantgarde for Rolex (so far).

The dials not only add a contemporary flair to the timepieces but reveal Artisans de Genève’s modified automatic movements as well; their artistry does not end on the watch’s surface, another trait which sets them apart from most other top watch customisation houses. Both watches are also offered in gold as well; the La Montoya Gold, as it’s called, will be made in a limited edition, available by special order and priced at about US$70,000 apiece.

As Rolex’s own contemporary Daytona model with its black Cerachrom bezel is it itself an aesthetic homage to the Paul Newman era, upping the ante with a skeleton dial — a first for a bespoke Daytona — has shown beyond a shadow of a doubt that Artisans de Genève’s workmanship is truly world-class. ■

MACHINES

ROAD WARRIOR Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus’s new Glickenhaus 007 looks to Le Mans and beyond...

BY J A R E D PA U L S T E R N

N

o American-made car has won first overall at the 24 Hours of Le Mans since Ford’s legendary sweep from 1966 to 1969 with its iconic GT40s. Former film writer, director and Wall Street money manager Jim Glickenhaus has made no secret that he plans to change that, and the new Glickenhaus 007 from his Sleepy Hollow, New York-based Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus marque might just make it happen.

The FIA Endurance Commission, a joint venture by Le Mans governing bodies FIA and ACO, has announced that racing variants of road-legal hypercars will compete in the replacement of its top LMP1 prototype class starting in September 2020, opening the field to the

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likes of SCG. Glickenhaus, a world-class Ferrari collector before he got into the manufacturing game, is best known for commissioning the Ferrari P4/5, designed with Pininfarina and unveilled in 2006, one of the most beautiful customised Ferraris ever made. His next venture was the P4/5 Competizione, built in 2010, with no input from Ferrari but with plenty of fans among racing enthusiasts and the automotive press.

Paying homage to the legendary Ferrari 330 P3/P4 endurance racers of the 1960s, the P4/5s partly paved the way for SCG’s first in-house car, the SCG 003C, launched at the 2015 Geneva International Motor Show, and followed by a street version, the SCG 003S. In 2017, the SCG 003C became the only privately-manufactured race car ever to

score pole position at the famed 24h race at Nürburgring, which runs a close second to Le Mans in endurance racing circles. Likewise the Glickenhaus 007 will start out as an LMPH racer to be followed by a limited run of street-legal beasts — which should be eligible to compete at Le Mans in the new hypercar class.

And Glickenhaus seems to be spoiling for a fight. He posted early photos of the Glickenhaus 007 LMPH to social media with the caption, “Cry Havoc and Let Slip the Dogs of War.” Details on the car are scarce so far, but most notably it will have a traditional internalcombustion setup in the form of a a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6, bucking the hybrid trend, while its curves and red colour scheme are firmly in

the Italian endurance racer mold. Horsepower for the road-legal version has been tipped at around 750 hp, which, if it seems a bit low, might be limited by the new race rules. Testing is set to begin in this year, giving SCG about a year to get ready for Le Mans in 2021.

Of course Glickenhaus is likely to face fierce competition from the likes of McLaren, Koenigsegg, Lamborghini and others with plenty of experience building street-legal hypercars that are poised to compete in the new Le Mans class. SCG’s endurance racing credentials will certainly be an advantage. But whether Glickenhaus ends up with a recordbreaking win or not, we predict the limited-run Glickenhaus 007 will sell out quickly even with an expected US$1 million-plus price tag.

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MACHINES

BY B I L L VA R E T I M I D I S

\aUV[T `Nf` Y\\X Na ZR Ybeb_f ^bVaR YVXR RePR``VcR sickening amounts of space, which is why Bentley’s 100th birthday present to itself is viewable from the moon. In a very un-Bentley-like live stream, Bentley revealed their EXP 100 GT Coupe concept to the world — dedicated to their milestone and their egos.

It's large, luxurious and on brand at 5.79 metres and 1899 kg — but unlike its bros, it's entirely electric. But despite being petrol-less, it has enough power to haul to 100 km/h in only 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 300 km/h. Battery range is good for about 729 km.

One major can't-look-away-from focus point is that massive grille, which isn't actually a grille at all — because of all the electric-ness.

Its purpose is to display and communicate (through LEDs) whether the car is in autonomous mode or not. Bentley's are usually all bonnet, but there is no big W12 engine to cover up here. Length is

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represented in the doors, which scissor upward like a Lamborghini Diablo’s — and are as long as a whole Mini Cooper.

Inside, biometric sensors monitor head movements and blood pressure and adapt to boost the wellbeing of ]N``R[TR_`( `\_a \S YVXR N[ \[O\N_Q 4= ]`fPU\Y\TV`a x2[UN[PRy Z\QR PN[ _R]YVPNaR ReaR_[NY P\[QVaV\[` a\ aUR V[`VQR x0\P\\[y b]` aUR NV_ ]b_VSVPNaV\[ N[Q x0N]ab_Ry _RP\_Q` Z\ZR[a` a\ OR _R]YNfRQ V[ x?R 9VcRy Z\QR 2cR_faUV[T V` ZN[NTRQ Of aUR /R[aYRf =R_`\[NY .``V`aN[a .6 N [Rea TR[ x<8 4\\TYRy dUVPU ]N``R[TR_` can interact with by waving their hands or ringing a bell.

Bentley claim everything is rooted in reality, but the onboard Artificial Intelligence butler and interior materials such as 5,000 year-old oak and leather made from discarded wine-making grape pulp, make it more rooted in virtual reality. â&#x2013;

GAMES

GUESS WHOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BACK FROM THE DEAD?

BY C H R I S STEAD

Capcom isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just polishing up the visuals of survival-horror classic Resident Evil 3, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s redoing the whole game with a modern spin...

GAME OF THE MONTH Game Name: Resident Evil 3 Developer: Capcom Genre: SurvivalHorror Formats: PC, XBO, PS4 Release: April 3

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C

apcom is on a run with its revered survivalhorror series Resident Evil. After some soso action-focused games in the early 2010s, it went back to its horror basics in 2017â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s virtual reality enabled Resident Evil 7: Biohazzard.

It was excellent! Then Capcom surprised everyone in 2019 with a remake of Resident Evil 2, which was so well done it crept its ways into many â&#x20AC;&#x153;best games of the yearâ&#x20AC;? lists. So, unsurprisingly, Capcom has woken yet another one of its favourite monsters from slumber.

Now bare-boned HD re-releases is something weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen a lot of lately. A few modern conveniences and an HD polish is nice, but it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make a game feel new.

The Resident Evil 2 remake, however, went all out.

It completely redid the controls and camera system. It restarted the visuals and audio from scratch. It implemented a much needed save system, too. And all while retaining the brilliant story beats that made the original an instant classic in 1998.

The result was a game that felt fresh, bringing in new gaming and veteran fans alike.

A Resident Evil 3 remake was always going

to demand the same treatment. The original released on the PlayStation One in 1999 as Resident Evil 3: Nemesis. It was a big hit, ramping up the atmosphere, enhancing the scale of the world and the puzzles, and ensuring there was an eclectic mix of zombie bad dudes ready to scare your pants brown.

But it didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t age well. Mostly this was due to the `aVSS PUNYYR[TV[T xaN[X{ P\[a_\Y` N[Q SVeRQ PNZR_N system. Like the Resident Evil 2 remake, that complaint has now been eradicated via a genuine, third-person shooter control system that modern gamers will feel right at home with.

The game looks and sounds gorgeous, too. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re worried that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able to see through the cracks and spot the 21-year-old bones beneath the game, then you can stop stressing. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no different to N[f \aUR_ TNZR _RYRN`RQ V[ V[ aR_Z` \S Va` ^bNYVaf The story remains intact, and for those new to the series, the events here occur at the same time as those in Resident Evil 2. However, we see the world through the eyes of a different protagonist in Jill Valentine who is attempting to escape Racoon City and its zombie citizens even as a biological weapon called Nemesis tries to hunt her and other S.T.A.R.S agents down.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a linear story, either, with branching paths that can alter the final encounter.

And what would a modern game be without multiplayer? A new online mode called Resident Evil: Resistance adds an asymmetrical competitive experience to the game. One player, the mastermind, plays God, creating traps and hazards, spawning enemies and manipulating the environment. Then four other players work in co-op to try and survive in a battle of wits.

So basically, Resident Evil 3 is an already great game, turned up to 11. What more could you want?

MAXIM AUSTRALIA OFFICIAL 2020 CALENDAR

NIKITA ROKITA P H O T O G R A P H E D B Y B R I A N B H AY E S

The incredibly stunning MAXIM Australia Official 2020 Calendar is out now and is the essential item of the year.

Featuring 12 of our gorgeous local and international models, shot on location at Namale Resort, Fiji, this month we introduce you to gorgeous April girl Nikita Rokita â&#x20AC;¦

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STATUS UPDATE NAME: Nikita Rokita BORN: April 20 HOMETOWN: Chicago, Illinois U.S.A. :=J9ʔKCF8 G9@:ʔ DESCRIPTION: “Independent, sassy, fun, down-to-earth and polished.”

FAVOURITE DRINK: “Hendrick’s and soda with muddled cucumber.”

LIFE MOTTO: “I’m down!”

INSTAGRAM: @keytonikita

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

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SPORT

S E A S

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R E D I C T I

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As the National Rugby g y League g kicked off this month,, we enlisted the expertise of the FOX LEAGUE commentary team, including some former NRL greats, to give us their season forecast for all things footy in 2020…

TO OP THREE PLAYERS TO O WATCH: W 1 – Harry Grant – He may not be a household name yet, but Harry’s move from the Melbourne Storm to the Wests Tigers in 2020 could be a masterstroke.

He’s done his apprenticeship under the Cameron Smith and will be ready to prove himself on the big stage.

2 – Kyle Flannagan – he’s the man to replace Cooper Cronk at the Sydney Roosters, which won’t be an easy task, and he’s got a pretty handy halves partner in Luke Keary.

3 – Latrell Mitchell – all eyes will be on Latrell after his highly publicised move from the Roosters to the South Sydney Rabbitohs, but there’s no doubting his talent and ability.

MOST IMPROVED: I’m tipping a big year for the boys from North Queensland this year.

They’ve signed really well with the addition of Valentine Holmes and Scott Drinkwater is primed for a big season.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT: I don’t want to say that certain sides overachieved last year because that would diminish the amazing

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job they did, but there were sides who surprised mostt fans.

I didn’t expect to see Manly climb as high on the ladder as they did in 2019 and in that sense they probably have the most to lose this year.

BIGGEST OFF-FIELD DRAMA: The NRL runs out of tickets! We’ve seen the impact Bankwest Stadium has had on crowds for the Parramatta Eels and I’m tipping Queensland Country Bank Stadium will be the same for the Cowboys.

The thirst from fans to attend both stadiums is massive and there’ll be a stack of sellouts this season.

TOP FOUR TEAMS AT END OF REGULAR SEASON: 1 – Roosters – they’ve been

the best side the last tw two years and will be e tough tou to beat again this season.

2 – Eels – they’ve got one of the best spines in the competition and have turned Bankwest Stadium into a fortress.

3 – Storm – as long as Cam Smith is leading the side on the field and Craig Bellamy is calling the shots off it, the Storm will be a massive threat.

4 – Raiders – they were the breakout side of 2019 and went within a whisker of winning the lot, so I’m tipping another big year for the men from the nation’s capital.

TOP: Brisbane’s Payne Haas is one to watch; BOTTOM: Will the Parramatta Eels finish in the top four as the experts predict?

TOP THREE PLAYERS T S TO WATCH: 1 – Payne Haas – the Broncos enforcer is a man mountain. He stands at 194cm, weighs 119kg and when he decides to unleash he’s unstoppable. With Matt Lodge facing an extended period on the sidelines, Haas is now the go to man for the Broncos.

2 – Billy Waters – he played two games for the Storm last season and has moved to the Wests Tigers where he should see more minutes this season.

3 – Damien Cook – there is no faster player out of dummy half than the Rabbitohs’ hooker.

His ability to get his side over the advantage line and link with Adam Reynolds and Cody Walker makes the Bunnies a tough prospect this season.

MOST IMPROVED: There’s plenty of sides who’ll be looking to improve on their 2019 form, but one side I can see some serious growth in is the Penrith Panthers. I can’t see them missing the top eight again this year. With James Maloney no longer at the club it’s up to Nathan Cleary to steer them around the park and I think the extra responsibility will do him the world of good.

have had them in their top eight.

I m wrong wrong, but I think I hope I’m Manly will find it hard to back up their form of last year in 2020.

BIGGEST OFF-FIELD DRAMA: It’s been a while since the NRL has had a salary cap issue, but 2020 could be the year. There’s been plenty of player movement in the off-season and there will be a number of clubs looking to move players around to balance the books again this year.

TOP FOUR TEAMS AT END OF REGULAR SEASON: 1 – Eels – they were outstanding last year and look strong on paper again in 2020.

2 – Roosters – they’re the back-to-back premiers for a reason and could be the first team since the Eels to win three in a row.

3 – Storm – there’s no more consistent team in the NRL than Melbourne and as long as Cameron Smith and Craig Bellamy are at the club they’ll be tough to beat.

4 – Panthers – I like the look of their forward pack and think Nathan Cleary is in for a big season.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT: This is a tough one but I’m going to say Manly. They were the surprise team of 2019, finishing sixth, and I don’t want to say they over achieved, but at the start of last year most punters wouldn’t

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SPORT

TOP THR REE PLAYERS TO T WATCH: 1 – James Tedesco – he’s the reigning Dally M winner for a reason and I can see him having another big year for the Roosters. Teddy is currently a superstar of the game and by the end of the season I’m tipping he’ll be a megastar!

2 – Mitch Moses – he has really matured as a playmaker over the last two seasons for Parramatta and if his form continues he could find himself in a NSW Blues jersey come Origin time.

3 – Ryan Papenhuyzen – one of the breakout stars of 2019, Ryan has speed to burn and create something out of nothing for the Melbourne Storm.

MOST IMPROVED: The Newcastle

Roosters dynamo James Tedesco (right) and equally electric Rabbitohs playmaker Latrell Mitchell (below)

Knights have promised so much in the last two seasons but I think 2020 is the year we’ll see them burst back into the eight. I’m tipping the two P’s – Pearce and Ponga – to lead the Knights into September where anything is possible.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT: I have some concerns for the Sharks this season. They’ve lost their leader in Paul Gallen and have had several off-field distractions during the off-season that could derail their start to the season.

They may be in for the fight of their lives in 2020.

BIGGEST OFF-FIELD DRAMA: I’m hoping the drama in 2020 will be the lack of headline-grabbing drama for journalists to report on.

TOP FOUR TEAMS AT END OF REGULAR SEASON: 1 – Roosters – although they’ve lost Cooper Cronk, they’ve got one of the best halves in the competition in Luke Keary who’ll be ready to explode this season.

2 – Storm – you’re a brave person to back against a side that has the game’s best coach in Craig Bellamy and a future immortal in Cameron Smith.

3 – Rabbitohs – although they’ve lost Greg Inglis and Sam Burgess in the last 12 months, I like the addition of Latrell Mitchell – if he fires, the Rabbitohs will be tough to beat.

4 – Eels – I really like the look of their squad this season and Bankwest Stadium gives them a major advantage over visiting sides.

WATCH YOUR TEAM, EVERY ROUND, LIVE AND AD-BREAK FREE ALL IN ONE PLACE, ON FOX LEAGUE ON FOXTEL 3 8

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TOP THREE PLAYERS TO WATCH: 1 – George Williams – the big name signing for the Grand Finalists.

Will he deliver and help the Canberra Raiders go one better? With the loss of Rapana, Leilua and Sezer, there’ll be plenty of eyeballs on the new Raiders number seven.

2 – Api Koroisau – another important off-season move.

The Panthers will be hoping the classy number nine can provide much needed leadership and support on field to leading man Nathan Cleary.

3 – Kalyn Ponga – a full preseason back at number one with a fresh set of hands driving the Knights in Adam O’Brien. We should see Ponga light up the NRL.

TOP THREE PLAYERS TO WATCH: 1 – Brodie Croft – Brisbane need him to be better than he was at Melbourne; will he rise to the challenge?

2 – Tom Trbojevic – if this bloke gets an injury-free run for Manly this year, the Dally M Medal will be well within his grasp.

3 – Luke Keary – can he do, for the Roosters, across a season what he did in the 2018 Grand Final?

MOST IMPROVED: The Knights will be a much better team in 2020 – new coach, fresh ideas and continued improvement from some bright

young stars. They have on ne of the best halvess in the game in Mitchell Pearce and one of the game’s best game breakers in Kalyn Ponga. If these two players fire – look out!

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT: I can see it being a tough season for the Rabbitohs based on the loss of some world class leadership and go forward. Sam Burgess has been the leader of the Rabbitohs pack and along with John Sutton he will be sorely missed. With those players gone Damien Cook, Cody Walker and Adam Reynolds will be less effective behind a weakened forward pack.

MOST IMPROVED: The Cowboys – whilst I haven’t been able to fit the team from Townsville in my top eight, they have every reason to be far better than their 14th-placed finish in 2019. A new stadium, signing of star Val Holmes and, by all reports, a fresh approach from Paul Green – the only way should be up for the North Queensland side.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT: A Paul Gallen-less Cronulla to miss the eight for just the second time in nine seasons. Consistency will continue to be the problem for the homeless Sharks.

BIGGEST OFF-FIELD DRAMA: NRL announce expansion and shock relocation

plans. It doesn’t matter where the p NRL decides to expand, whether N it’s a second team in Brisbane, a sside in Perth, Central Queensland or the moon – there’s going to be o o one group of very happy fans and a group of unhappy fans.

TOP FOUR TEAMS AT END OF REGULAR SEASON: 1 – Storm – they’ve been the most consistent side of the last decade and will again be there when the drums are beating this season.

2 – Roosters – they may have lost Cooper Cronk, but I’m a massive Luke Keary fan and think he’s in for a massive season.

3 – Eels – they have signed well in the off-season and have experienced players in key positions.

4 – Rabbitohs – the South Sydney spine is one of the best in the competition.

BIGGEST OFF-FIELD DRAMA: It’s the headline we’ve been waiting for the last few seasons, but I’m tipping the biggest drama of 2020 will be the year that the great man, Cameron Smith, announces his retirement from the NRL. TOP FOUR TEAMS AT END OF REGULAR SEASON: 1 – Roosters – they’ve been the best team for the last two seasons for a reason. Great coach, great squad and super consistent.

2 – Storm – Cam Smith and Craig Bellamy. Nothing more needs to be said.

3 – Raiders – they’ll be smarting after last year’s grand final loss and will be gunning for revenge in 2020.

4 – Eels – they were one of the breakout teams of 2019 and will only improve this season. ■

ABOVE (LEFT TO RIGHT): The Canberra Raiders, George Williams and Brodie Croft set for a big 2020

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BAR

TOAST OF THE TOWN

Lenny Kravitz’s rock star-worthy collaboration with storied champagne house Dom Pérignon...

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Dom Pérignon’s newly released Vintage 2008 cuvée and magnum and the Rosé Vintage 2006 cuvée as well as special gift boxes for them. Inspired by goldsmiths, Kravitz reimagined Dom Pérignon’s iconic shield in hammered metal, giving it a glamorous sheen and a distinct dose of rock star style.

For the even more impressive Vintage 2008 magnum Kravitz designed a presentation case that transforms into a candelabra for “setting the tone for celebrations and rituals” — especially those calling for large format bottles of bubbly.

The velvetlined case has a snakeskin-inspired finish, and comes with black candles that can be set in an incision in the top of the box. And the pièce de resistance is a black YNP^bR_RQ aNOYR dVaU O_b`URQ O_N`` a_VZ with panels that deploy to reveal a hidden compartment holding several bottles of Dom Pérignon — the Kravitz editions, natch — as well as champagne glasses, and an ice bucket in its lighted center.

“I wanted to create something that would

elevate the ritual of drinking Dom Pérignon,” Kravitz, says, “that would bring people together.” Opening the table, lighting the candelabra and above all popping the bottles should certainly achieve the desired effect, we’d say. ■

P H OTOS: C O U RTE SY O F D O M PÉR I G N O N

I

t’s no surprise perhaps that a rock star would be fond of champagne.

Lenny Kravitz’s affinity for Dom Pérignon goes beyond the tour bus tipple however. The iconic musician, record producer and design guru, who was named Creative Director of the LVMH-owned brand in late 2018, has now collaborated with the famed French prestige cuvée, whose heritage dates back to the 17th Century, on three limited edition new bottle designs as well as a candelabra and table-bar intended to enhance the consumption of what is arguably the world’s most famous wine.

The collaboration comes on the heels of a series of photographs taken by Kravitz at a Dom-fuelled dinner party at his house in Los Angeles, images from which were later used in an ad campaign, featuring the likes of designer Alexander Wang, actor Harvey Keitel, former soccer star Hidetoshi Nakata and model Abbey Lee Kershaw. That led to the logical next step for a lover of both wine and design: creating custom labels for

CANNABIS

BY SAL P LU M M E R

As Australia moves forward on the legalisation of cannabis, it’s important to take a look back on the marijuana chronicles in our country and how much public perception drives policy. From the magical discovery of a ton of free and wild weed to a politicised mafia murder mystery, it’s been a wild ride — so far...

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he last five years have seen an emergence — technically, a re-emergence — of cannabis legalisation and decriminalisation in Australia. That’s reflected not necessarily in policy (although there’s definitely been some good steps forward) but more so in public sentiment. Today, it’s become increasingly normalised, with many more companies and organisations to get involved with. Since 2016, we’ve had the travelling Hemp Health and Innovation Expo offering education and advocacy.

There’s also been the Who Are We Hurting protests, garnering national media attention, as well as the 420 In The Park demonstrations — aka Cannabis Picnics — on April 20 in Melbourne, Sydney, Nimbin, Hobart and now Canberra.

AUSTRALIA’S FIRST WEED DEALER As you may remember from history class, Great Britain decided to colonise Australia because of convicts. In 1779, Sir Joseph Banks stood before a committee of the House of Commons in Westminster. There were more convicts than they knew what to do with and his “solution” was Australia. The opposition thought it was too risky and too far with a sailing-time of six months. But Banks fought for the colonisation of Australia, eventually swaying the minds of his influential friends — King George III amongst them — to become the “father of Australia”.

Sir Joseph Banks was also the first recorded weed dealer in England and Australia. He was a botanist and, more importantly, a cannabis firebrand. There was another possible reason Great Britain decided to colonise Australia, one you probably don’t remember from history class — cannabis. Back then, hemp was to Britain as oil is to us now — vital. It had been this way, a critical natural resource, for thousands of years reaching a new level of importance from the 15th century onwards. While the Age of Exploration evolved into the Age of Imperialism, the entire global economy depended on ships and thus cannabis — it made the sails and ropes. Fun fact: the word

‘canvas’ originated from the word ‘cannabis’.

Britain’s wealth and power directly depended on its access to hemp. Around 100 tons of rope and sails went into each ship, much of it replaced every couple of years.

That’s a lot of hemp needed to sustain both their naval and merchant fleets. Almost all of their hemp came from Russia; it was the Achilles heel to their world dominance. They tried to produce hemp domestically — in 1533, King Henry VIII required all farmers to grow hemp and 30 years later his successor, Queen Elizabeth I, increased the required amount as well as the punishment for lack of compliance.

Yes, it was illegal not to grow weed. So much so that the queen licensed local drug squads to investigate and enforce the fine. Despite these efforts, England’s arable land mass was never going to satisfy the demand for hemp. Enter, America.

Britain’s hemp problems were solved… sort of. Their plan to make America their own glorified hemp farm backfired when hemp became the bedrock of their domestic economy. The colonists industrialised hemp products like textiles and paper eventually competing against Britain in the global market. As the colonies grew in wealth and numbers, they wanted to rid themselves of Britain’s dominion on trade.

Once again, Britain needed its own hemp supply to thwart off the Russian monopoly. Sir Joseph Banks believed Australia was the answer. Upon his request, in 1788, the First Fleet arrived at Botany Bay with hemp seeds in tow. The Botany Bay Debate is an unresolved question among

historians as to why exactly England decided to colonise Australia. While some have argued it was cannabis, the fact that it never actually became a thriving hemp colony indicates otherwise. That’s not to say Banks didn’t try.

In 1803, NSW Governor Philip King wrote to him: “From a pint of hemp seed, sent from India in 1802, I have now sown 10 acres for Government… it grows in the utmost luxuriance, and is generally from six to 10 feet in height.” However, Banks and his cultivators failed to realise the difference between Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica, the latter being psychoactive and ineffective for material. This may be the reason Australia was never a major hemp producer.

REEFER MADNESS For Australia, cannabis’s debut in legislation came from the League of Nations in the 1925 Geneva Convention on Opium and Other Drugs. It wasn’t originally on the docket, but delegates from South Africa and Egypt successfully fought for its inclusion as one of the “other drugs”. It became legally analogous with morphine, heroin and cocaine.

Public perception of cannabis began to change and was further propagated by the United States. The U.S. had its own reasons for rebranding cannabis – they started by giving it a new name: marijuana. After the Mexican Revolution of 1910, a record-number of Mexican immigrants settled in America introducing the recreational use of cannabis.

Prejudice against Mexican immigrants spun a tale, violent and dangerous, about marijuana and the people who smoked it. Interestingly,

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HISTORY OF CANNABIS IN AUSTRALIA cannabis was commonplace, used in many medicines at the time. You wouldn’t know that from the headlines: “Delirium or death: terrible effects produced by certain plants and weeds grown in Mexico”; “Mexican, Crazed by Marijuana, Runs Amuck With Butcher Knife”; “Deadly Marijuana Dope Plant Ready For Harvest That Means Enslavement of California Children”.

The Great Depression exacerbated things. Unemployment and financial distress triggered deeper fears and anxieties about immigrants and general “other-ness”.

Marijuana was their weapon. It made Mexicans violent and deranged. It made the black jazz musicians of New Orleans make “Satan’s music”. They were corrupting schoolchildren and they had to be stopped.

That was public sentiment and media frenzy when a man named Harry Anslinger became the first commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics in 1930.

The grandfather of America’s War on Drugs, Harry Anslinger took his position just as the prohibition of alcohol was falling apart (it was officially repealed in 1933). He had previously said the idea of marijuana making people violent or crazy was an “absurd fallacy”, but changed his tune when he took his position. Chasing narcotics alone wasn’t enough to keep his department busy so he went after cannabis with gusto. He went to the public, on radio shows and in op-eds, pushing his racist, anti-drug agenda.

After contacting 30 scientists, 29 of which reported that cannabis wasn’t dangerous, Anslinger presented to the public the one doctor who said otherwise. He aggressively stoked the “Reefer Madness” paradigm, a term for the anti-marijuana hysteria taken from a documentary of the same name. He drafted

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THERE WERE THE DROVES OF U.S. SERVICEMEN ON LEAVE FROM VIETNAM BRINGING IN SOME OF THE BEST WEED IN THE WORLD. IT TRULY WAS AUSTRALIA’S GOLDEN AGE OF GANJA the Marijuana Tax Act which then became law in 1937. After it was passed, the U.S. consul wrote to the Australian government asking about cannabis regulations and including an FBN fact sheet on the dangers of marijuana. Soon, Reefer Madness reached Australia. In April 1938, newspaper Smith’s Weekly published an article headlined “New Drug That Maddens Victims”.

It read, “A Mexican drug that drives men and women to the wildest sexual excesses has made its first appearance in Australia.”

The word “marijuana” was introduced to the Australian public. Consequently, a member of the Prime Minister’s Department wrote a memo to the Director of General Health bringing it to his attention. Among his response, he included: “I have to advise that the drug has been known for decades and the hemp plant has been under cultivation in Australia for over 50 years.”

Australia had never considered cannabis a public health issue. In 1894, the Indian Hemp Royal Commission investigated cannabis use and concluded that there were no serious physical or mental health risks. It was grown commercially and widely used medically. You could buy spliffs known as Cigares de Joy, believed to help with asthma, bronchitis, hay fever and shortness of breath. Following in Britain’s footsteps, Australia had historically used a medical approach to address drugs and addiction. That began to change with the American propaganda criminalising drugs and their users.

Back at it, two months later, Smith’s Weekly published another article with ridiculous claims: “A few

cigarettes containing marijuana — the drug which causes its victims to behave like raving sex maniacs, and has made pathetic slaves of thousands of young Americans — have been smoked at recent parties in Sydney.” Henry Anslinger with the Bureau of Narcotics was behind the dissemination of anti-marijuana propaganda in Australia. They’d been eyeing Australia after failing to sway the U.K. to join in their anti-marijuana agenda. Unfortunately, they were successful, and Australia banned cannabis on the basis of tabloids rather than medical professionals.

THE WEED RAIDERS November 16, 1964 — the Vietnam War was raging on, Beatlemania was peaking and fields of cannabis were plastered all over Australian televisions and newspapers.

The story broke that there was a 65-kilometre stretch of wild cannabis growing in the NSW Hunter Valley. Televisions showed workers spraying the stalks of cannabis, waist high.

Newspapers warned of the “dreaded sex drug” infesting your backyard and destroying your teenagers. The local police announced “would-be marijuana hunters” would be charged with narcotic possession. And there you have it, from the forest of cannabis came the Weed Raiders.

The local Department of Agriculture received constant phone calls from people asking how one would go about getting the drug from the plant. The next day, the Maitland Mercury published an identifying picture of the plant and an article including the handy fact that “flowering tops of the female plant or the leaves could be cut and dried and used immediately”. Little birdies started telling other little birdies the secret trails that would get you to all the weed you could dream of. The cops and weed raiders played countless games of cat and mouse. There were rumours that the police turned the farmers into bounty hunters, rewarding anyone who could successfully help catch a weed raider.

In Dr John Jiggens’s thesis Marijuana Australiana (a good deep dive), he quotes an

old surfer who was there: “You could pick the weed at many riverside locations but getting back to the highway with a sugar bag full of heads and the cops on the prowl could be pretty nervy. Some guys used to fill their hub caps with grass. Others went quietly on moonlit nights and took their time to pick pounds and pounds of the herb. From then on, all our lifestyles started to change.”

Change, it did. Of course, cannabis existed in Australia before this but the culture of cannabis started in the Hunter Valley. It’s pretty extraordinary to think about — there were 200 hectares of it, some patches were 40 hectares alone. For reference, one hectare is one rugby field. All along the East Coast of Australia, weed raiders valiantly returned from their expeditions with a bounty of their own.

The day after the discovery went public, the NSW Department of Agriculture classified cannabis as a noxious weed and announced its immediate eradication campaign. They assured everyone it would be cleared in a few weeks. It took five years, keeping all the hippies high as a kite.

One of the craziest things about it was no one knew where it came from.

Authorities were stumped. It wasn’t native to Australia, and the sheer scale indicated no one was behind the cultivation. It was just there. Naturally. There were lots of theories — it grew from bird seed which usually had hemp seed; it was from the Chinese market gardeners (not the first time the Chinese-Australian population was unjustly scapegoated). All the theories were unfounded. That might be because the NSW Dept. of Agriculture also reported it as the first case of marijuana growing in Australia, which is, as you now know, absolutely untrue.

In more recent times, the most probable theory is that it had been there for 150 years.

In 1823, brothers Archibald and William Bell arrived in the Upper Hunter as the first white settlers. Their father was a firm believer in Australia’s potential to be a hemp colony.

It’s likely that the brothers started growing it when they moved there. This is corroborated

by Dr Francis Campbell who, in his 1846 book A Treaties on the Culture of Flax and Hemp, wrote about a hemp growing wild “in the greatest luxuriance on the sandy bank of the river Hunter”. Campbell wasn’t sure if it was indigenous or introduced by a settler.

However, it’s highly likely it was the Cannabis Indica mistakenly grown under orders of Sir Joseph Banks way back when. Well-versed farmers of the time reported similarly that the mysterious Hunter Valley weed did grow ‘in the greatest luxuriance’, claiming these plants had one of the fastest growth rates ever seen.

Who really knows now, it was exterminated.

ABOVE: In 1972 young voters in Australia were successful in electing a progressive candidate in Prime Minister Gough Whitlam (left), while in the U.S. they went for President Richard Nixon (right) and his War on Drugs

However, it and the brave weed raiders live on in our marijuana folklore.

There seemed to be an endless supply of bud. From 1964 to 1969, there was the Hunter Valley crop, and as that started to dwindle and become more dangerous to pick, there were the droves of US servicemen on leave from Vietnam bringing in some of the best weed in the world. It truly was Australia’s Golden Age of Ganja. With amateurs on the front line, the whole scene was created and run by stoners, for stoners. Marijuana became a symbol for The Revolution. This worked both ways — the more conservative (older) populous saw it as the magnum opus to the young, the alternative, the Left. They fought for its abolition. The Liberal Party and its members regularly discussed it along with other topics of concern like Keith Richards’ marital status.

Fighting against drugs was fighting for all the traditional social conventions the

hippies were so merrily breaking. For a little while, they lost the fight. Unlike the 1972 election in the U.S. (where the young voters failed to elect their progressive candidate, getting Nixon and his War on Drugs instead), Australian hippies were successful. The Labor party won in 1972 and Gough Whitlam was made Prime Minister.

Within two weeks of his election, sweeping progressive changes were made: the conscription abolished, troops withdrawn, voting rights extended to all Australians over 18, to name a few. As for marijuana decriminalisation, the numbers say it all. In 1966, upwards of 80% of cannabis users were jailed. In 1972, only 20% of cannabis cases saw jail time, and none for possession or use.

By 1974, there were zero cannabis-related prosecutions. But in 1975, the same year the Whitlam cabinet was writing legislation to decriminalise cannabis federally, he was

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HISTORY OF CANNABIS IN AUSTRALIA

dismissed as Prime Minister in what is known as the greatest political and constitutional crisis in Australian history. The next 10 years were grim.

MAFIA MURDER MYSTERY Donald Mackay owned and operated Mackay’s Furniture in Griffith, NSW, a major city in what’s known as the food bowl of Australia. He was a family man, loving husband to Barbara and father of four. On a Friday evening, he was heading towards his company minivan when he was brutally shot three times by a 0.22 revolver.

To this day, his body has never been found.

It was July 15, 1977 and from then on, Donald Mackay became a martyr for the Liberal Party and their Nixon-style War on Drugs.

The two years after Whitlam’s dismissal, organised crime infiltrated the Australian drug scene. The days of hippies putting good times over profits were over. All throughout the country, they received visits from big mafia dudes coming at night, roughing up their homes and giving them the choice to deal heroin or get out.

Similar to the results in America, cracking down on marijuana created a vacuum that heroin filled. The new Liberal government cared more about going against Whitlam’s decriminalisation policies than they did about public health. What followed was the Great Draught, hippie dealers were expelled by either police or the mafia plus the biggest raid in Australian history took place, the same raid that led to Donald Mackay’s murder.

It started in February 1974 when members of the Sergi and Barbaro families were arrested for the two pot plantations they were running in Griffith. In court, they played dumb, claimed they didn’t know it was marijuana, they thought it was “American tomatoes”. But it was the sympathetic testimony from a local detective that got them off with a slap on the wrist and a marginal fine. This sparked outrage in the community and especially so in the Mackay household.

Barbara Mackay wrote a letter to the Griffith Area News expressing her distress over the fact that teenagers in Griffith had just received fines of $900, $600 and $300 for smoking marijuana when these two men were only fined $250 and $500 for growing a quarter-of-a-million dollars’ worth of it.

And her husband, Don, took it upon himself to find out where exactly these carefully concealed crops were and how to go about

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getting them removed. He put together a dossier and, because he didn’t trust the local authorities, he sent it to the NSW Attorney General. It included information about their fronts in Sydney and other tentacles of their operation as well as the man he believed to be at the helm — Bob Trimbole.

Bankrupt only a few years earlier, he now was owner of two retail store and a nice, new brick home. The Attorney General did nothing. Mackay then went to some members of the Drug Squad in Sydney which led to the seizure of 31 acres of marijuana, 60 tons worth of pot with a street value of 60 million dollars. Five Italian-Australians were tried and convicted. Unfortunately, Don Mackay was named as an informant and murdered.

The NSW government launched a Royal Commission into Drug Trafficking led by Justice Philip Morgan Woodward.

He unveiled the power and influence of the Calabrian mafia in Australia although not much really came of it. The Calabrian mafia was never really served justice nor was the person or people responsible for the death of Donald Mackay. In fact, a few of the main suspects had a solid alibi: they were on a pub crawl with some local police officers.

Right before the escalation of events in Griffith, the Queensland authorities were under scrutiny for their raids of two hippie communes — one was the Tuntable Falls Cooperative and the other more notably was Cedar Bay. The latter became the centre of international news. The raid was excessive — a helicopter, naval ship and lots of cops only to arrest 12 hippies for drugs and vagrancy. They burned all their huts, destroyed their food and water supplies and had a party after with all their alcohol. It was inexcusable but after the media hoopla with Griffith and Donald Mackay, drugs were the enemy meaning young people were, too.

The anti-drug sentiments from the postWhitlam era are entrenched in the policies we still see today. There’s been some ups and downs in the debate. For example, when in 1994 the Australian National Task Force on Cannabis concluded in their report that the harms of prohibition greatly outweighed the harms of cannabis, itself. However, much of

the policy has remained relatively gridlocked despite the reality that cannabis consumption has increased. Each state has its own laws which vary in the degree of punishments for different offenses. This stayed the same for decades until very recently.

CANNABIS IN AUSTRALIA TODAY You may have heard about how the ACT passed a bill in 2019 legalising cannabis possession for personal use of up to 50 grams as well as allowing each person to grow two plants with a maximum of four in a household.

The law was enacted on January 31, 2020.

It was the first major legislative milestone towards cannabis decriminalisation since the Whitlam days. It came after a few years of slow and steady progression.

Australia is an excellent position to capitalise from the predicted growth of the global cannabis industry, especially considering it already has experience in the agri-pharma industry producing half of the world’s legal poppy supply for prescription opiates. Some regulated and experimental hemp production has taken place and marijuana exports were legalised in 2018. Moreover, medical marijuana was legalised in 2017 although it is quite an arduous process getting approved for cannabis-based treatments.

Even with the recent ACT law, because cannabis remains a criminal offense federally, there’s a lot of grey area. Buying and selling is still illegal and federal laws can still be enforced there. It’s a move towards decriminalisation rather than legalisation.

That said, it’s still a move in the right direction. Across the ditch, New Zealand is expected to legalise weed in the foreseeable future. And as other countries in North America and Asia pave the way towards legalisation, the stigma around cannabis use, both medicinal and recreational, changes and hopefully that’s reflected in our policies here in Australia. Considering the cost of enforcement and the potential economic gains from a cannabis industry, it seems there’s a whole lot of pros with only marginal cons. Let’s see what happens – in other words, to be continued… ■

COVER GIRL

Introducingâ&#x20AC;¦

MICHAELA VYBOHOVA P H O T O G R A P H E D B Y R YA N D W Y E R

I N T E R V I E W BY S A N T I P I N TA D O

P R O D U C E D BY LU I S R O D R I G U E Z @MAI N STR E ETP R O D U C TI O N S HAIR & MAKE-UP BRIDGET MARTINEZ

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H ey Michaela, congrats on your firstever MAXIM Australia cover. How do you feel?

Yay, thank you! I have some of my favourite memories from Australia, it’s one of my most loved places on earth, so it makes this cover even more special for me. What does it mean to you to be on our cover?

It’s overwhelming, in the best way possible.

You’ve had so many incredible women on this cover and it’s very humbling to be in this bad-ass gorgeous boss lady crew!

Tell us about this photo shoot This was a super fun day. We shot it in California in Orange County which is about a 40-minute drive from L.A., and to get to the first location we had to go on a 30-minute hike and climb under a cave which was flooded, so we had to swim out of it. We ended up in the studio nearby, all of us were completely soaked, but we rocked the wet hair look and it ended up on the cover of this issue!

Well, you look gorgeous. When do you feel you are at your sexiest?

Aw, thank you! I feel most sexy when I’m dancing around, not wearing too much, not overly dolled up and just being silly and having fun. When you are having fun you just radiate happiness and confidence and that’s what’s attractive to me.

What is your best asset?

I consider my best asset the relationships I have with my best friends and family. For me, this is the most important thing and also where happiness comes from.

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“I FEEL MOST SEXY WHEN I’M DANCING AROUND, NOT WEARING TOO MUCH, NOT OVERLY DOLLED UP AND JUST BEING SILLY AND HAVING FUN.”

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COVER GIRL

“I DON’T WANT TO TALK ABOUT WORK — JUST TALK ABOUT LIFE, BOYS, PUPPIES AND HAVE FUN.”

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For those who don’t know a lot about you, tell us a bit more about yourself.

I was born and raised in Slovakia by a single mum, I dreamt of living in the U.S. since I was about seven, I always wanted to be in fashion, a designer, or just assistant in a fashion house and learn – I ignored anyone who told me otherwise. My only other acceptable option was to eat M&M’s for a living – haha! My first “foot in the door” was when, at 16, I was discovered by accident while being a support to my friend who wanted to be a pageant queen or a model. She took me to model search in a mall and I ended up placing with a modelling agency in Istanbul, Turkey. This was my first time stepping out of Slovakia and… the rest is history.

How did that happen exactly and how did your friend react?

My friend wanted us to go together and both of us to compete and hold hands until the final – we were best friends.

I wasn’t up for it. It was more of a pageant and not really something I was interested in. I ended up going with her only as a support and sat in a coffee shop across from the casting while she was waiting in line. This lady came up to me and put the paperwork down in front of me, I told her I wasn’t interested but she said that I would be waiting for my friend for at least couple hours so I might as well fill it out.

I did and I ended up in the final round – one of the judges was a modelling agent and placed me with my first agency. My friend wasn’t exactly thrilled but it was her idea to begin with so she couldn’t be too mad and supported me through it.

At 14 you owned an eBay shop where you sold swimsuits you designed yourself, right?

I always had a summer job and all I wanted to do is to help out my mum because she was at work all the time and I only got to see her later in the evenings – she was gone when I woke up most days. I loved fashion and as every little girl wants I wanted pretty things but I didn’t want to ask mum for money. So, I started making my own things – I bought plain things on eBay and sewed patches or crystals on them. As time passed by I became pretty good at it, all my classmates wanted these things I was making and I saw an opportunity. I sold few things in school, but I wanted to go to a wider market than that, and I created a little shop on eBay where I started selling my creations. I set up a “warehouse” in all of our drawers and “studio” in our living room and my girlfriends

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COVER GIRL

“WHEN YOU ARE HAVING FUN YOU JUST RADIATE HAPPINESS AND CONFIDENCE AND THAT’S WHAT’S ATTRACTIVE TO ME.”

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played models for me after school. My mum was watching all this in shock — to this day she says, “Nothing surprises me anymore”.

And now you are the CEO of your own shoe company, Michaela V footwear.

Yes. I always wanted to create something on my own and was mesmerised by designers and runway, couture, high fashion and heels. The way these things make women feel and how they get so confident and sassy when they have the right shoes on… it’s an obsession for me. Since I was the little girl who watched it from afar and could never afford it, my goal was to blend these two worlds into one so I created Michaela V shoes. I did everything in my power to source the best materials and keep them affordable.

When you’re not posing for MAXIM what else do you do?

Play – seriously. I get so busy with my company and modelling that when I have free time I spend it with my friends. I don’t want to talk about work – just talk about life, boys, puppies and have fun.

How would you describe yourself in five words?

I just texted three of my friends this question, so this is probably the most accurate answer you can get – passionate, ambitious, compassionate, generous and funny.

What would people be most surprised to know about you?

That I’m a tomboy in heels — I love boxing, beer and sarcastic and dirty humour.

Finish this sentence: Public nudity is…

Ooh la la! Brave, bold, could be exciting at times.

You mentioned you’ve been to Australia…

YES! Please bring me back, I will go tomorrow! It was one of my favourite trips I’ve ever been on. I was there for a modelling contract with IMG, I kept busy with castings and jobs but I made so many friends that I’m still in touch with.

I felt so welcomed from the first day – Australian people are amazing and I have so many memories that I will never forget.

I have an album of my trip and I get so excited when I hear someone with an Australian accent – I feel like we will be best friends in one minute.

What do you know about Australia besides koalas and kangaroos, that is?

That you have Australian alps that get

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COVER GIRL

“I GET SO EXCITED WHEN I HEAR SOMEONE WITH AN AUSTRALIAN ACCENT — I FEEL LIKE WE WILL BE BEST FRIENDS IN ONE MINUTE.” Status Update FULL NAME: Michaela Vybohova BORN: January 25, 1997 HOMETOWN: Banska Bystrica, Slovakia LIVES: New York City, U.S.A. HOBBIES: “Horseriding and Gummy Bears – a lot of them!”

FAVOURITE DRINK: “Baileys. I have a big, sweet tooth and some sugar with a kick is the way to go for me.”

HANGOVER CURE: “There is none… except Netflix, maybe. But really, I need tips!”

BEDTIME ATTIRE: “I wear only a men’s T-shirt – oh, it’s the best thing ever.”

LIFE MOTTO: “You can’t fail until you stop trying and never forget where you came from.”

INSTAGRAM: @michaelav SNAPCHAT: @michaela_v

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so much snow and it’s on every ski enthusiast’s bucket list. That you have the best Mangoes I’ve ever had in my life. How much you love Vegemite – so do I now by the way! And that Tasmania’s air is one of best in the world – it’s my dream island to visit.

What do you look for in a man?

Kindness. I meet some beautiful people with horrible personalities and it’s such a turn off, so first I look for a kind soul, then humour, confidence, empathy and ambition.

If I’m dating someone I’m their biggest fan and support them in any I can – I like when someone has goals and know what they want, either in life or a relationship.

What’s the best way for a man to win his way to your heart?

Just to be yourself, and if it’s a match it’s a match, but a little effort never hurt nobody either.

What’s one thing men should always remember when it comes to women?

That when we say “It’s fine” it probably isn’t.

Describe your ideal date?

Depends if it’s a first date or if I’m already in the relationship. For a first date I like something casual – drinks in a cosy, quiet place somewhere where we could talk. If I’m in a relationship my ideal date is anywhere from Netflix and takeaway to a spontaneous flight anywhere with a beautiful sunset – I’m a hopeless romantic.

Would you ever date one of your social media followers?

I haven’t yet but never say never.

What’s next for you? Any exciting projects on the horizon you can share with us?

Yes! I can’t share too much but please stay in touch with me and you will see everything along the way.

Where would you like to be in five years?

I have a vision of where I would like be career-wise in five years but I like to keep that for myself. I feel like if you really want something and then it doesn’t happen you get pity and it makes it so much worse and if it does you surprise people in the best way and it’s a celebration. With personal life its unpredictable, I just hope to be happy with whoever I am or single. ■

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H E A LT H

The

SIX PILLARS TO WELLBEING What constitutes es true â&#x20AC;&#x153;healthâ&#x20AC;? and why is it important to be healthy and not just fit? Clinical Nutritionist BROOKE BENSON CAMPBELL (BHSc Nut Med) shares her tipsâ&#x20AC;Ś

L

etâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s start by shattering the ultimate myth â&#x20AC;&#x201D; being healthy and fit are not one and the same. In reality, they can be very separate states of being. You can be really fit and not very healthy, and you can be very healthy and not very fit. So before we go any further, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s define the difference: Health has been defined by the World Health Organisation as a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing, and not merely the absence of disease.

6a V[PYbQR` NTV[T dRYY Y\[TRcVaf N[Q ^bNYVaf \S YVSR Fitness, on the other hand, is defined as a set of attributes that people have or achieve that relates to their ability to perform physical activity. Sure, you may be able to pump heavy weights or lift a Mini Cooper, but if your cholesterol is high, or your mental health is suffering, hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the thing: you are not healthy. So, how do we tweak our wellbeing regime to balance both total health and physical fitness? Here are some handy hints:

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EAT FOOD FOR A REASON First thing is first: you can’t call yourself healthy if you’re eating perfectly rationed poached chicken and green vegetable meals for lunch and dinner every week. Sure, this food philosophy may compliment your shredding gym routine, but as far as health goes — it’s a big fail. Likewise, the all-toocommon protein shake as meal replacement.

Synthetically processed powder in water is not a food. Your grandmother wouldn’t recognise it as such, and neither will a nutritionist. Why? Because as humans, we eat food for a reason.

That reason: fuel (and I’m not just talking about fuel for your muscles, but also for your brain, your organs, your blood mass and your skin). A switch from chocolate powder to a meal full of vegetables, fruits, protein and whole grains will keep your energy high and f\b_ S\Pb` `a_\[T } `b_R Va _R^bV_R` PURdV[T but hey, you’re not eight months old anymore, so use those gnashers like a grown up.

Never forget that “the food you eat can either be the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison” — a ^b\aR Naa_VObaRQ a\ .[[ DVTZ\_R N[Q aNbTUa to every nutrition student on Day 1 of study.

Your food decisions today will inevitably impact your health in years to come, so choose

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wisely. Make sure you’re getting omega 3s from oily fish to fuel your brain (and build those biceps), vitamins and minerals from fruit, nuts and seeds to power your \_TN[` N[Q f\b_ ^bNQ` N[Q dUR_R ]\``VOYR upgrade your additions.

Sprinkle nutritional yeast (high in protein and B vitamins for energy) onto anything savoury — it adds a nutty cheesy flavour to pasta sauce, soup and vegetables. Throw pumpkin seeds into smoothies, on greens and into granola: they add magnesium, potassium, calcium and zinc to any meal and can be eaten before bed to provide a rich source of tryptophan (converted in the body to the sleep hormone, melatonin). Dot your muesli, your salads and your trail mix with goji berries — with over 500 times the vitamin C of oranges and with 20 trace minerals these little beauties pack a nutritional punch to support your immune system. Put chia seeds on everything for a dose of plant-based Omega 3s and protein. The list goes on, but the message is clear — add these little gems of nutritional glory to your existing diet: they are cheap and easy, but nutritionally fortifying to guarantee both health AND enjoyment.

MENTAL HEALTH IS HEALTH, TOO Let’s all say it together: “There is no health without mental health”. Without that brain of yours turning over, without neurotransmitters being able to control electrical impulses and balance hormones, and without focus and rational thinking, true health will always be illusive. In fact, having a serious mental illness like depression can reduce life expectancy by 10-20 years.

And mental health isn’t just about severe disease states: it’s all about positive thinking, too.

On average, 80% of thoughts we have each day are negative. In short, we’re conditioned to put ourselves, our circumstances and our lives down 80% of the time, and that isn’t exactly screaming #healthjourney. If you can change that percentage, one positive thought

at a time, you can then change your body, your life and your wellbeing, because that is the core of what real health is about anyway — so, one thought at a time.

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H E A LT H

3

SUCCESS ISNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T ABOUT WILLPOWER AVZR S\_ Zf SNc\b_VaR AVZ 3R__V``y ^b\aR' â&#x20AC;&#x153;Losers have goals. Winners have systemsâ&#x20AC;?.

And one by Malcolm Gladwell: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Achievement is talent plus preparationâ&#x20AC;?. These guys arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wrong. Most people think they can will their way to good decisions; couple that with the fact that a 2011 study of over one million people around the world found that people think selfcontrol is their biggest weakness or character failure, and collectively, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in for a willpower car-crash. Social psychologist Roy Baumeister has found that willpower is like a muscle â&#x20AC;&#x201D; it can be strengthened or fatigued with use.

Every time you desire to do something that conflicts with your goals and your willpower overrides that desire, part of your finite supply of willpower is depleted. The stronger the desire and the harder it is to resist, the more of your willpower fuel is burned up in the process, meaning you need to have strategies in place to support that inevitable decline.

And the need for self-control kicks in more times each day than you probably realise.

In one study, participants were given beepers that randomly went off seven times a day and were asked to record what they were experiencing when they heard the beep.

Researchers found that at any given moment, 50% of the participants were feeling a desire

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when the beeper went off â&#x20AC;&#x201D; whether to sleep, eat, have sex, surf the web, flirt, shop or abandon their workplace â&#x20AC;&#x201D; N[Q N[\aUR_ ^bN_aR_ \S aURZ UNQ experienced a desire in the few minutes preceding the beep.

All in all, researchers found that on average, people spend four hours each day resisting desires and burning through their willpower.

So what can you do to guarantee supply to last through each day? Make your most important decisions in the morning, before you experience willpower depletion. Chart your course for the day, exercise first thing and decide on your daily meals when the sun rises and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll move through the day, achieving your goals, with less effort. Build a routine that you follow to eliminate desire and decision making that may thwart your way to health and fitness, and follow Mr Ferrissâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; advice in The Four Hour Workweek: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Capacity, interest and mental endurance all wax and wane. Plan accordinglyâ&#x20AC;?.

BREATHEâ&#x20AC;Ś PROPERLY Did you know that when we breathe incorrectly, our autonomic nervous system, our bodiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; oxygen/carbon dioxide balance, our cranial shape, our brain health, and our posture will be negatively impacted? These changes then manifest in tight muscles, painful or deteriorating joints, underfunctioning organs and unhealthy neural (brain and nervous system) tissue. In fact, there is not a physical attribute of the human body that is not impacted â&#x20AC;&#x201D; either directly or indirectly â&#x20AC;&#x201C; by poor breathing. Also, the more you breathe through your mouth, the more you will suffer from poor dental health and encourage the above symptoms.

The more you breathe into your chest rather than your abdomen and intestinal area, the poorer your digestion and detoxification will be. The faster you breathe, the greater the imbalance in your autonomic nervous system, which can lead to anxiety and panic attacks. Aim to breathe around six to eight breaths per minute by practicing slow, deep breathing. Focusing on slow exhalation rather than inhalation is a great strategy for attaining aUV` .[\aUR_ b`RSbY aRPU[V^bR V` a\ RePYb`VcRYf

nose breathe while exercising (although, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t try this with a cold or flu). It is the most basic of human habits, and yet most of us are doing it wrong â&#x20AC;&#x201D; give yourself a week of intense breath-coaching and reap the health rewards.

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DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T OVER-EXERCISE This one may seem counterintuitive, but getting too much exercise can have serious P\[`R^bR[PR` S\_ f\b_ O\Qf N[Q O_NV[ . _RPR[a study found that light to moderate runners had a lower risk of death than people who didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t exercise (no surprise there). BUT, in a shocking turn, people who ran at a faster pace for more than more than three times per week had a similar risk of dying as the non-runners.

It seems running too much, and too intensely, can undo some of the health benefits gained from regularly running. Extreme endurance exercises, like ultra-marathons, may also lead to heart damage, heart rhythm disorders and enlarged arteries in some people. One study found that repeated extreme exercise can â&#x20AC;&#x153;remodelâ&#x20AC;? the heart, thickening the muscleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s walls and scarring tissue. If thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not enough, for men, intense exercise has been shown to decrease libido due to a lowering of testosterone levels.

Another current study from Australian sports journal Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, also shows that intense physiological stress (re: exercise) on the body

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can trigger Leaky Gut syndrome â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a condition in which the gut lining weakens, resulting in the passage of germs and toxins into the bloodstream. And not only are those who over-exercise more at risk of illness, but theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doubly as likely to end up bed-bound thanks to cortisolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interference with bone building.

When cortisol is in the bloodstream (and this rises during exercise) more bone-tissue is broken down than is deposited. This means that exercise addicts, whose bodies remain in a constant state of stress, put themselves at higher risk of fractures and breakages.

9N`aYf `abQVR` V[a\ x<cR_a_NV[V[T @f[Q_\ZRy show that those who overtrain portray the same biochemical markers as those with clinical depression â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the amount of serotonin and tryptophan in the brain is altered in both disorders â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and the Technical University of Munich found that young athletes who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have enough time to recover are 20% more likely to suffer from depression. It turns out that for ultimate health, putting in those hours in the gym is as important as putting aside `\ZR ^bNYVaf aVZR \[ aUR `\SN

HYDRATE FOR HEALTH The role of water and hydration in physical activity, particularly in athletes and the military, has been widely studied, and we now know that under relatively mild levels of dehydration (as little as 2%), individuals engaging in rigorous activity will experience decrements in performance related to reduced endurance, increased fatigue, altered thermoregulatory capability, reduced motivation an increased perceived effort.

However, what has only been recently established is waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role in cognition. Mild levels of dehydration can produce disruptions in mood and cognitive functioning, and impact upon attention span, alertness, focus and memory recall. As with physical functioning, mild to moderate levels of dehydration can impair performance on tasks such as perceptual discrimination, arithmetic ability, visuomotor tracking and psychomotor skills, making work life challenging.

Also important to remember is that dehydration and mineral depletion go hand in hand, so not only will you be suffering from a depletion in both physical and mental performance, but your muscles, bones and

blood will suffer from a lack of magnesium and calcium, potassium, phosphorus and sodium, causing bone weakness, muscle cramping, migraines and changes to heart rhythm and blood pressure. The take-away: Dehydration does not a healthy person make.

To flip the switch on hydration, and develop new habits (while minimising that finite willpower), aim to drink two glasses of water each day upon rising (and, if the water is filtered, add a tiny pinch of pink Himalayan salt to boost mineral intake â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the water shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be salty, so use sparingly). This will alleviate water loss that occurs during the night (particularly for mouth breathers), and also aim for a glass of water around 20 minutes prior to each meal to help stimulate the QVTR`aVcR ]_\PR``R` N[Q R[`b_R NQR^bNaR SYbVQ` are on hand to allow for saliva and stomach acid to do their digestive work. Sip a glass throughout the day and those IQ points will be working to full effect â&#x20AC;&#x201D; maximising health.

Sometimes the simple things really are the best, so before you invest in your collection of superfood powders, remember to do the basics to ensure long-term health and wellbeing. â&#x2013;

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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FITNESS

POWER UP! MAXIM fitness guru ALEXA TOWERSEY shows you how to look, feel and be built for battleâ&#x20AC;¦

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W

e all know someone who can lift the entire weights room but can’t seem to get out of their own way. We also know someone who is lightning fast, yet a slight breeze could knock them over. But what is far less common is the annoying but devastatingly dominant mofo who possesses that rare combination of both strength and speed. And that is POWER by definition — equal parts strength and speed. In geek talk this equates to work/ time. In Laymen’s terms, it’s simply the ability to move heavy loads quickly.

The problem when training to be all powerful is that it often comes with a higher risk of injury — think Olympic Lifting gone bad. And whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned athlete, injury is the enemy. Enter CONTRAST TRAINING — possibly the most simple and effective yet safest way to develop power.

Contrast training is exactly as its name suggests. You’re essentially pairing a heavy lift with an explosive movement that mimics the mechanics of the heavy lift. Think squats followed by jump squats. Bench presses followed by explosive push-ups. Pull-ups followed by medicine-ball slams. Training in this manner produces a phenomenon known as “post activation potentiation” (PAP).

This just means that the explosive capability of a muscle is enhanced after it’s been forced to perform maximal or nearmaximal contractions.

GETTING PAPPED Yuri Verkhoshansky, a Russian sports scientist, would describe PAP by asking you to imagine what would happen if you lifted a half-full can of water when you thought the can was full. There’d be a mismatch between your perception of the force needed to move the can, and the actual force required. The can would move twice as fast as you intended, and you can only hope someone else will clean up the mess you made.

With athletes, contrast training builds strength and power simultaneously. When you perform an explosive movement immediately

after an exercise that requires all-out strength, you are teaching your body to recruit more motor units for tasks like jumping, sprinting or throwing a punch. And show me an athlete who doesn’t want to run faster, jump higher or hit harder.

For non-athletes, it’s a great way to tap into high-threshold motor units to build more muscle and get jacked AF, or to boost the metabolism to become a lean, mean fighting machine. And while you’re accomplishing those objectives, you’re also changing up your workout in a way that’s fun and challenging.

THE HOW TO OF CONTRAST TRAINING ● For each contrast set, the weight should be around 85-90% of your 1RM so that the lifter performs 1-3 reps of the heavy lift followed by 3-5 reps of the high-velocity movement. ● You should add a 30-second rest interval between the heavy lift set and the explosive movement. This gives the involved muscles time to recover, while still allowing the lifter to take advantage of PAP from the heavy lift.

TOP TIP

● The addition of a further 15-second rest after each rep of the explosive movement will allow for maximum velocity on each rep.

After finishing your explosive reps, rest for 3 minutes before the next set. ● Since it’s unwise to start off by throwing 90% of your 1RM around, include 3-5 warm-up sets before piling the weight on. However, to avoid muscle fatigue before the work sets, only do enough warm-up reps to get your blood flowing.

Mobility exercises between sets help support optimal alignment, preventing injuries and increasing the effectiveness of the strength-power couplets. I suggest including a calf stretch for 15 secs each side in between your squat based sets, a hip flexor stretch with your deadlifts and a set of prone YTW’s with your upper body push/pull.

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THE FUNDAMENTAL EXERCISES With a little creativity, you can use contrast training for any movement pattern or muscle group, but for the most part, here are the six basic multi-joint examples…

LOWER BODY KNEE DOMINANT Strength Exercise: /N_ORYY @^bNa (front or back) Contrast Exercise: /\e 7bZ] \_ @^bNa 7bZ] LOWER BODY HIP DOMINANT Strength Exercise: Deadlift Contrast Exercise: Broad Jump or Banded Kettlebell Swing UPPER BODY PUSH Strength Exercise: Bench Press Contrast Exercise: Medicine Ball Chest Pass or Plyometric Pushup UPPER BODY PULL Strength Exercise: Pullup Contrast Exercise: Medicine Ball Slam TORSO ROTATION Strength Exercise: Band or Cable Rotation Contrast Exercise: Medicine Ball Rotary Toss or explosive band/cable rotation LOCOMOTION Strength Exercise: Heavy Sled Push/Drag Contrast Exercise: 20-25m Sprint

TOP TIP The key to making contrast training work for you is to create a genuine contrast between the two exercises you’re doing for each movement pattern. You want to use enough weight on the strength exercise to develop strength, and you want to perform the second exercise with as much explosive power as you can. Each rep of each set should be performed with purpose.

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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.

MUSIC

As Brisban A-OK, this

A-OKAY

ing Is ack…

P H OTO G R A P H E D BY I A N L A I D L AW

“SLEEP YEAR” We originally played around with the idea of the acoustic song “A-OKAY” being the opener, but as soon as I demoed the guitar “chuggs” at the start of “Sleep Year”, I knew the record had to open with it. I don’t think there’s another song I’m more desperate to play live! I found it difficult with guitar tones on this song not to make them more gained and thicker like our older songs, but Greg [Wales, who produced the record] convinced me to keep it cleaner so you could hear the bends and let the riff really come through the

VIOLENT SOHO, FROM LE FT TO R I G HT: LU K E H E N E RY (BASS), M ICHAE L RICHARDS (DRUMS), JAM ES TI DSWE LL ( G U I TA R ) A N D L U K E B OE R DAM (VOCALS)

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amp with nothing but tubes.

This song best epitomises the different guitar sound on the record. It’s not over-saturated, its more pulled-back. It’s letting the drums push most of the energy. Lyrically, it’s quite short, it’s about giving up on confrontation, kind of being swept away in a mess with no control over how we act in a moment.

that room when I wrote our first record, the second time I had to go back there was after we got dropped by our American label in 2010, and now I was back here again years later – the same damn f—king room!

To me it sounds like the mothership of the record – it instantly framed everything.

I knew exactly where to take the whole record after that.

“VACATION FOREVER” Funnily enough this was actually the first song written on the record. A bunch of shit happened in my life and basically I was at my parent’s house with a suitcase and nowhere to go. I just wrote every day because that’s all I could do – the song is really just describing where I was at the time, basically it was pretty… shit. The lyrics came together pretty quick, that’s the bonus that comes with a painful epiphany. Lyrically, I’m trying to describe a certain frustration. No matter what I did in life I always ended back there. I was living in the

“PICK IT UP AGAIN” This was one of the earlier songs written for the record, along with “Vacation Forever”.

We got to try it out at Big Pineapple Festival in 2018.

We rarely get to try out new stuff live so it was great to see an instant reaction.

After we played it we knew it had a place on the record. Took loads of influence from older Aussie bands on this one and I feel like you can hear it. It’s got a swing in the chorus kind of like You Am I’s “Berlin Chair” and then breaks into a mosh-centric chorus, like

something more from a Grinspoon song. I really tried to give it a more laidback feel than our older songs. It’s probably one of the most personal songs on the record – just about finding resolve and moving on.

“CANADA” I can’t really explain the lyrics on this one, as soon as I came up with the riff the lyrics just came to me. I had this image of planning to escape to Canada because of doom/ gloom scenarios with global warming and it being some sort of last remaining outpost.

The main guitar riff just got me reminiscing of a holiday and all the times we toured through Canada. It’s always been like home but at the opposite end of the world.

It doesn’t have this

overt cultural identity to get your head around like America – the people are nice and they’re laidback, a bit like Australia. I’ve always found it so funny you can literally cross the border from Niagara Falls, arrive in Toronto and confidently say it’s feels like Melbourne.

“SHELF LIFE” This track questions how much control/agency you have over yourself and your actions – i.e. one of the lyrics “Secret Soul came out and through my veins”. We’re always told we have so much control – each decision we make leads to an outcome that is directly within our reach. How much of what you desire or base your identity on is actually a construct of opinions/ideas around you?

It feels like everyone is shopping for an identity and Instagram is the supermarket.

“SLOW DOWN SONIC” When I demoed this and approached the band, I kind of thought it was going to be thrown to the back of the record, or not even make it.

Stylistically, it’s a bit different – sometimes acoustic songs become too unnatural to fit with everything else on the record – but as we jammed

it we knew it had a place and it felt amazing to attempt something different and more laidback. We’re connecting with that sound more than our heavier stuff. Lyrically, it’s drawn from personal experience but essentially it’s about looking for answers that aren’t there and accepting it.

“LYING ON THE FLOOR” I don’t think this needs explaining – it’s all in the song. A lot of this record was triggered from personal experiences I’ve had over the past few years, and writing and recording them has really helped. I’ve never really felt that with music in previous records, because I’m usually singing about “non-personal” stuff.

This time it was really a form of catharsis – both a rejection and acceptance of the world how it is, and moving forward.

“EASY” I remember I was trying to write a song that sounded like Shellac, but it ended up having the really heavy “pop” chorus.

Think this is some of Mikey’s best drumming – the demo was shit but once he played

on it the whole thing opened up – it was amazing.

“PITY JAR” Although lyrically spawned from personal experience, this song took another direction. It’s about how we’ve been trained to turn every connection and image of ourselves into a brand and, in turn, think each sentimental comment has more impact than a global Nike tagline.

In reality, however, you’re just a digital “bit” among billions – your emotion and agency in the world, which used to be signified by meaningful human connections, is now lost in an attempt to advertise the soul. You can cry, scream and tag all you want, but it all just ends up being thrown in another “pity jar”.

“A-OKAY” The last song written before recording the album. I was writing and working on demos at the Grove (where we eventually recorded) in a secluded barn house at the other end of the property. I had one day left after a week-long stint and was pretty much packing up my gear, but thought I’d better try one last idea. I nearly didn’t finish this song – it was just an unformed scrap of notes written from a year-old iPhone recording I stumbled upon. I’d given up any prospect of it actually going anywhere but the band had paid for the studio time so I thought I better attempt

another track! I remember wanting it to sound lazy/ laidback kind of like Mac De Marco and have everything sound close-mic’d in a small room – like earlier Elliot Smith.

Once I started recording, the whole thing came together really quick. The more I layered all the guitars it started to get this “Built to Spill” thing happening and I couldn’t stop.

The whole song was super influential on heaps of guitar sounds I pulled for the rest of the record. It opened things up in a way – that’s why it’s such a good title track. Lyrically, a lot of my songs are about escapism but this song is about looking straight at the mess we’re in and accepting it – we can complain all we want but where will that get us? ■ VIOLENT SOHO’S EVERYTHING IS A-OK IS OUT APRIL 3

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MODEL PROFILE

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I, CLAUDIA P H O T O G R A P H E D B Y W AY N E D A N I E L S

I N T E R V I E W BY S A N T I P I N TA D O

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MODEL PROFILE INCE MY FIRST APPEARANCE IN MAXIM IN 2018 I HAVE… launched my personal website; been published in multiple international magazines in the USA, Canada, South Africa and Australia; been fortunate to shoot any large brands including Mizuno, Rebel Sports, ASICS, Chobani, Fitbit, Celius and more! I’ve also been on over 10 international trips including Fiji, China, Indonesia, U.S.A. and South Africa. Oh, and I won an International Bikini Fitness show — The Arnold Classic Africa.

THE BEST THING ABOUT THIS MAXIM FEATURE SHOOT IS… the cheeky shots of my bottom!

WHEN I’M NOT POSING FOR MAXIM... I’m working, exercising, modelling. I must confess I’m a workaholic – I have my hands in many pies at the moment and have no intention of slowing down any time soon. I’m a business owner, online body transformation coach, professional bikini-fitness competitor, international model and influencer.

MY BEST ASSET IS… my quick wit because who doesn’t love a good joke?!

I FEEL SEXY WHEN… I’m in high heels and lingerie – the female form is exquisite.

High heels and lingerie is like wrapping paper on your gift.

I CAN BEAT ANYONE AT… tequila shots!

THE LAST THING THAT MADE ME LOL WAS… Two elderly foreigners with thick accents, a husband and wife. They parked their car in two-hour parking spot.

The husband says to his wife, “We can only park here for two hours. The wife points at the parking sign, which reads in bold 2P, then replies to him, “No, stupid, it means we can park here from 2pm.”

A GUY COULD WIN HIS WAY TO MY HEART BY… being genuine, down to earth, kind and respectful.

WHAT I FIND SEXY ABOUT MEN IS… directly below the belt – haha!!

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“THE FEMALE FORM IS EXQUISITE. HIGH HEELS AND LINGERIE IS LIKE WRAPPING PAPER ON YOUR GIFT.”

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MODEL PROFILE

“NOBODY EVER GETS TIRED OF BEING MADE TO FEEL SPECIAL.”

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ONE THING A GUY SHOULD ALWAYS KNOW ABOUT WOMEN IS… never stop wooing her. I’m not talking about expensive gifts, etc… I’m referring to making an effort, giving her your time and making her feel special. Just a quick text to check in with her or tell her you love her smile or you are thinking of her. Nobody ever gets tired of being made to feel special.

MY PERFECT DATE WOULD INVOLVE… Something active. Bonus points if the date is outdoors in nature.

THE WORST PICK-UP LINE I’VE EVER HEARD IS… “Are you Australian?

Because you meet all my koala-fications!”

THE WEIRDEST THING SOMEONE HAS SENT ME VIA SOCIAL MEDIA IS… a playlist they had named after me which contained every song I had ever posted on my 24-hour story.

I CONSIDER MYSELF AN INFLUENCER BECAUSE… I create content that is able to provoke my audience.

Being an effective influencer gives you the power to encourage your audience to buy and consume certain products, provoke their emotions (smile, laugh…), and alter their mindset.

THE BEST PERSON TO FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM OTHER THAN ME IS… Celeste Barber – I love a good giggle after a long day in the office.

Status Update FULL NAME: Claudia Jovanovski BORN: February 4, 1993 HOMETOWN: Cape Town, South Africa LIVES: Sydney, NSW FIVE-WORD SELFDESCRIPTION: “Funny, Intelligent, Positive, Active, genuine.”

BEST HIDDEN TALENT: “Dancing.”

PHOBIAS: “Losing my drive and passion.”

LIFE MOTTO: “Whatever you do, give it 100 percent.”

INSTAGRAM: @claudia.jovanovski WEBSITE: claudiajovanovski.com

HAIR & MAKE-UP

MY GO-TO DRINK IS… coffee first thing in the morning. Wine, vodka-soda, tequila on a night out.

DANA CAS E & FR I NG E ON CROWN STYLI NG AG E NT P R O V O C AT E U R

MY HANGOVER CURE IS… coconut water.

MY FAVOURITE MOVIE IS… The Lion King – it has many underlying morals and lessons.

MY GIRL CRUSH IS… Emma Watson because she’s cute, intelligent, well-spoken and seems kind.

PUBLIC NUDITY IS… encouraged.

AT BEDTIME I WEAR… Lion King PJs – sorry to ruin any fantasies!

MY SUPERPOWER WOULD BE… healing.

ONE THING I’D CHANGE ABOUT THE WORLD IS… increased education.

THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE EVER GIVEN IS... do what you love! ■ MAXI M.COM.AU

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T R AV E L

Some Like It Hot

THE MALDIVES With nearly 1,200 islands, the Maldives is in no danger of being overcrowded — unless you count the celebrities, influencers and beauty addicts flocking to its shores...

BY KE ITH G O R D O N

I

n 2019 alone there were 20 new resorts planned in the Maldives, a minute archipelagic nation some 370 miles off the coast of India. Made up of nearly 1,200 islands that barely register on a map, it has nonetheless has become the season’s hottest exotic getaway, what the Wall Street Journal calls “a destination for the 1%” that has attracted flocks of celebrities, influencers and well-heeled travellers thanks to its exotic appeal, luxe resorts, and Instagramworthy scenery (7.4 million #maldives posts and counting).

Though it ranks as the smallest country in Asia, the Maldives 7 4

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has outsized appeal. Perched in the Indian Ocean and comprised of 26 natural atolls surrounded by a protective coral reef system, it has attracted the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Joe Jonas (who honeymooned there) and Prince William and Kate Middleton. The island nation is famous for the overwater villas that extend over its shallow waters as if to further invite visitors to become part of their spectacular natural surroundings. Perhaps the only thing that can attempt to match the sheer natural wonder of the islands is the level of luxury and privacy that many of the world’s top hospitality brands have brought to the

An infinity pool overlooks the pristine beach at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

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“IN 2019 ALONE THERE WERE 20 NEW LUXURY RESORTS PLANNED IN THE ISLAND NATION OF THE MALDIVES.”

C O U R T E SY O F T H E S T. R E G I S M A L D I V E S V O M M U L I R E S O R T

A-list archipelago. In the Maldives guests can experience the beauty and tranquility of one of nature’s most stunning environments, while enjoying the five-star level of service that one might expect only in the heart of the world’s great cities. And with a relatively consistent temperature in the ’70s and ’80s, it’s a reliable escape any season of the year.

Most visitors will fly into Malé, the capital city of the Maldives and the home of the nation’s governmental institutions and its economic centre. But with the abundant hospitality and culinary offerings spread across the rest of the nation’s islands, seaplanes or small boats are the preferred mode of transport for getting to and from these prime destinations, adding to the sense of adventure.

The reliance on these crafts to travel around the country does make going out to dinner a more complicated affair; but the worldclass resorts more than make up for this with the level of culinary extravagance found on the premises, with many offering multiple restaurants of the highest quality serving everything from Maldivian cuisine using the freshest local products, to European and Asian menus that would rival those in New York, London or Tokyo. In fact, many visitors will find all of their needs and desires fulfilled without ever leaving the island they’ve chosen, thanks to the arrival in the Maldives of many of the world’s most elite hospitality brands, including Raffles, Fairmont and Waldorf Astoria.

Just as it delivers first-class service to its guests in the world’s great metropolises, the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort brings its uncompromising luxury to this remote utopia. Located in the Dhaalu Atoll, and accessible by seaplane, the resort offers unparalleled seclusion, but with seven restaurants and the luxuriant Iridium Spa, guests will find nothing less than the epitome of service expected from the iconic brand. Seventy-seven villas, including 44 over water and another 33 on land, range from the merely spectacular garden villas with private plunge pools to the John Jacob Astor Estate, a threebedroom overwater villa with an infinity swimming pool and amenities one would only find in the most fabulous luxury mansions. If the seven restaurants, each exquisitely designed, don’t satisfy your culinary desires, have your butler arrange a private dining experience for the ultimate romantic evening.

When Czech financier Ji í Šmejc, a frequent visitor to the Maldives, decided to develop his own resort, reportedly investing around US$220 million, the end result was the spectacular Velaa Private Island Maldives. A playground for the global elite, the island offers plenty of activities for those who prefer a more active time away, with a gym, tennis and squash courts, in addition to a climbing wall and even a golf academy. Housed in a tall, architecturally-striking tower is the teppanyaki grill, Tavaru, which serves mouth-watering offerings with elevated views of the surrounding island and turquoise waters. Velaa also offers one of the most exclusive dining experiences in the entire country, at Gaushan de Silva’s Aragu, where the worldrenowned chef lets guests choose from a list of ingredients, with which he creates a menu on the spot that will dazzle even the most jaded foodies.

The Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, one of several Four Seasons properties in the Maldives, is heavily inspired by its natural surroundings. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve wilderness allows guests to savour both the expected beach paradise on one side of the property and a lush jungle on the other, a duality of natural seclusion to satisfy any guest’s preferences. Explore the surrounding area with the resort’s Flying Triggerfish seaplane, its DeepFlight submarine or its manta ray program that allows visitors to swim up-close with one of the largest known manta population on Earth. The Three- Bedroom Land and Ocean Suite allows guests to stay both over water and on land simultaneously, with lagoon-based dwellings in one of the most private spots on the entire island.

The Whale Bar at the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort MAXI M.COM.AU

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COMO Hotels and Resorts also has offerings in the Maldives, with a beautiful location on Cocoa Island, but the stunner has to be the COMO Maalifushi, located on the pristine Thaa Atoll in the southern Maldives. In addition to the incredible diving found throughout the archipelago, Maalifushi is also a destination for those luxury travellers who love to surf, as it’s home to some of the premier waves in the entire region. Of course, luxury comes first and one would be hard-pressed to top the experience to be had in the COMO Villa, the most exclusive abode at the resort.

The Villa itself offers more than 4,300 square feet of overwater space, managed and curated by the guests’ personal butler and situated to ensure the utmost seclusion and isolation on the property.

With two large bedrooms in the Villa, this is ideal for either a couple’s getaway or even a double-date vacation, with isolated sleeping spaces letting couples enjoy their vacations with friends, without sacrificing the privacy they also desire throughout their stay.

Living up to its brand’s reputation, the Cheval Blanc Randheli is an artistic experience by design. The magnificent and expertly curated art and design throughout the property is eye-catching yet seamlessly compliments its natural surroundings, and even the dining offerings are considered “culinary arts,” as Randheli’s five restaurants and four bars ensure that each meal is an experience for guests to cherish with both their eyes and finely-tuned palettes. The crown jewel is likely Le 1947, a 12-course gastronomical celebration that combines worldclass French cuisine with a playful approach that is ideal in such laidback surroundings.

As for accommodations, each villa has its own appeal, but nothing can top the Cheval Blanc Randheli Private Island. On this isolated island just offshore, an entire team of Ambassadeurs, Cheval Blanc’s version of butlers and concierge attendants, take care of every need, desire and whim of guests. And with a master suite in addition to multiple guest bedrooms, it offers an unrivalled option for those with

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families, or groups of friends wishing to vacation together and enjoy the private spa room, screening room and panoramic views of the magnificent surrounding sea.

For those choosing to stay at the exclusive Soneva Fushi resort, a choice exists between the two sides of the island. The more active should choose the “sunset side,” which has extensive reefs for underwater exploring and even dolphins that frequent the waters just offshore. On the “sunrise side,” privacy is the catchword, with endless vistas looking out over the ocean and the ideal piece of paradise for feeling completely disconnected from the rest of the world. As with its fellow Maldivian luxury resorts, Soneva Fushi focuses heavily on providing world-class culinary experiences on the premises, and arguably none offer a finer selection.

TOP AND OPPOSITE PAGE: The tranquil and alluring scene at one of the pool villas at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa; ABOVE: The Subsix underwater supper club at the Niyama Private Islands Maldives resort

T O P : C O U R T E S Y O F S H A N G R I - L A M A L D I V E S ; B O T T O M : C O U R T E S Y O F N I YA M A

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PRIVATE LIFE For the ultimate Maldives luxury experience, private islands are the answer

BY J A R E D PA U L S T E R N

When it comes to private islands, well-heeled travellers to the Maldives are spoiled for choice. You can rent or purchase one with a beautiful house on it, but buying out an entire private island resort may be the most baller move of all. Essentially you can “own” a world-class five-star property for the duration of your stay. And it’s not just

lesser known brands that offer this opportunity. Take The Nautilus Maldives, which opened in 2019. It’s the only Maldivian member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux association, which includes some of the world’s finest luxury hotels and resorts, and which maintains an extremely high standard for wine and cuisine.

Located in the Baa Atoll, The Nautilus is home to 26 beach and ocean abodes situated like private residences in one of the Maldives’ most picturesque locales. You don’t need to occupy every one of them; just luxuriate in knowing that you and your guests are the only ones allowed to do so. You’ll be attended to by a private butler — there is one assigned to each ocean dwelling — while the property’s five-star dining is described as “unscripted” and “about liberating the palate;” even the menus are mere suggestions, offered as “inspiration only.”

Practically the only thing equal to, if not better than, a buyout of the The Nautilus would be a buyout of Kudadoo Maldives Private Island by Hurawalhi, named the best new luxury resort in the world by Luxury Travel Intelligence in 2018. The members-only online resource for affluent travellers cited the entirely solar-powered private island property’s posh overwater residences, of which there are only 15, as well as its host of luxe amenities. These include 24-hour butler service as well as wine and cheese cellars, a spa, private beach, an infinity pool and a high staff-to-guest ratio. Now all you have to do is choose 50 of your closest friends to join you in paradise.

TOP: Hurawalhi Island Resort is a picture-perfect example of what a Maldives escape should look like; BOTTOM: Hurawalhi’s 5.8 Undersea Restaurant gets its name from being 19 feet (or 5.8 metres) below the sea

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C O U RTE SY O F H U RAWALH I

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NOT JUST A MAGAZINE WAITING AN ENTIRE MONTH FOR OUR MAGICAL PUBLICATION TO ARRIVE IN SHOPS CAN BE EXHAUSTING. THAT’S WHY WE OFFER YOU A LOT MORE THAN JUST THE INK AND PAPER IN YOUR HANDS RIGHT NOW...

MAXIM.COM.AU Visit MAXIM Australia online for your fix of girls, entertainment, sport, tech, lifestyle, competitions, and the web’s hottest video content. Well, the hottest content that doesn’t involve the words “feeder fetish webcam”. We know you’ll totally search for that after you read this.

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“GUESTS CAN EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY OF ONE OF NATURE’S MOST STUNNING ENVIRONMENTS AS WELL AS FIVE-STAR SERVICE.”

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Fresh in the Garden, with its organic, planet-based menu, and So Hands On, the sushi bar in collaboration with a three-starred Michelin chef from Japan, are both must-visits for Soneva Fushi guests, while the Once Upon a Table experience is considered culinary theatre, as a rotating roster of renowned chefs create world-class meals without preset menus. But the absolute gem of the roster is Shades of Green, a plant-based, Nordic-inspired, garden-to-table experience.

The five-course menu begins with a tour of the garden from which the food is grown, and diners are invited inside the creative process as Chef Carsten Kyster turns these colourful ingredients into truly worldclass culinary presentations.

While visitors to the Maldives are more than welcome to journey from island to island, with seaplanes and speedboats available aplenty, the manner in which the most exclusive and luxurious resorts offer every amenity and service within their own property makes secluding oneself in these refuges of tranquility all the more reasonable.

SET SAIL WITH THE FOUR SEASONS

C O U RTE SY O F FO U R S EAS O N S MALD IVE S

Not all of the Maldives’ most exclusive experiences are found on land. The Four Seasons Explorer is a 128-foot luxury yacht operated by the famed hospitality brand that you can live aboard in high style while sailing between the enchanting islands of Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru, both home to five-star Four Seasons resorts.

The brand offers three-, four- or seven-night cruises aboard the well-appointed three-deck catamaran, which takes you through the incredibly beautiful UNESCO Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve.

Each itinerary — with names like Aquariums and Caves, and Sharks and Shipwrecks — features diving schedules arranged so you can view the maximum amount of vibrant undersea life, including manta rays, whale sharks, dolphins and pilot whales.

Culinary and cocktail offerings onboard are unrivalled, with chefs and stewards to see to your every need. Only 22 passengers can embark at any one time, and the onboard accommodations include posh staterooms that rival anything you’ll find along the way; the 484-square-foot upper-deck Explorer Suite offers panoramic windows, contemporary teak furnishings, and a signature Four Seasons Bed. Best of all, you don’t even have to get out of it to enjoy the glorious sunrise and sea views.

The Four Seasons has several luxury hospitality offerings in the Maldives including five-star beachfront resorts and a private yacht with a posh suite that rivals anything on land MAXI M.COM.AU

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“CULINARY AND COCKTAIL OFFERINGS ONBOARD ARE UNRIVALLED, WITH CHEFS AND STEWARDS TO SEE TO YOUR EVERY NEED.”

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TOP: A chartered yacht sets out from the COMO Maalifushi resort; BOTTOM: A jetty juts out into the sparkling sea at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa

TO P: C O U RTE SY O F C O M O MAALI F U S H I R E S O RT; B OT TO M: C O U RTE SY O F S HAN G R I -LA MALD IVE S

T R AV E L

T H I S PA G E : C U R T E SY O F C O N R A D M A L D I V E S R A N G A L I I S L A N D

WITH THE FISHES

DEEP DIVES

BY J A R E D PA U L S T E R N

BY KE ITH G O R D O N

In 2018 the Maldives made headlines for something that you would normally only see dreamt up by a set designer in a Bond movie — the world’s first underwater hotel residence. The Muraka at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort is more like an entire semi-submerged villa than a mere suite, with two levels, one above the waterline and one 16 feet below it. Under the waves is a bedroom, bath and living room, while topside, there’s a second bedroom, living room, dining room, entertainment space, infinity pool and sundeck.

Rates start at US$22,000 per night, and you have the option of enjoying luxe services like a seaplane transfer, private chef and even VIP customs clearance. The property also has an underwater eatery, Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, so you can continue the vibe, which boasts 180-degree panoramic views of the surrounding vibrant coral gardens. Time to find out if lobster and Wagyu beef taste even better when consumed underwater.

Late last year, the Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort was planning to follow suit with two villas with underwater bedrooms, and we expect more primo properties to jump on the below-thewaves bandwagon in the months to come. Meanwhile the Niyama Private Islands Maldives resort has its own form of undersea entertainment. Called Subsix, it’s a sort of submerged supper club, accessed via speedboat and a three-tiered staircase that descends to nearly 20 feet below sea level.

On your descent, you’ll find Italian chandeliers made to resemble coral, while inside there’s a giant clam-inspired bar, and seating designed to look like sea anemones, while the ceiling is covered in swathes of suspended oyster shells, making for a truly surreal nightlife experience. You can order a bottle of Dom Pérignon and sip away while watching an incredible parade of sea creatures, including parrotfish, butterfly fish, moray eels and hawksbill turtles, float past in place of the supermodels one might find at a nightclub in Miami.

Since it’s essentially a glass box two stories underwater, there’s probably no danger of making too much noise — the fish couldn’t hear you anyway. Just try not to get deep-sixed.

If there’s one thing that connects all of the atolls and islands of the Maldives, it’s the surrounding Indian Ocean. Crystal clear blue waters, many with reef structures, make it possible to do extraordinary scuba diving and snorkelling from most places within the archipelago, and almost all resorts offer diving opportunities within a short distance of the property. But there are still a few off-the-beaten-path spots that any serious diver should consider visiting during a trip to the Maldives, as they are truly special undersea experiences.

Located some 75 miles north of Malé city, Lhaviyani Atoll has been popular with knowledgeable divers for decades, and for good reason. Madivaru Kandu, located nearby, is a highenergy channel that provides for concentrated levels of beautiful sea life while experienced explorers will make a beeline for the two diveable shipwrecks in the area. But while some of these areas are well-established, there are still enormous swaths of lesser-visited dive sites that offer the chance to discover new wonders, and even interact with the 15 species of shark seen in Lhaviyani Atoll’s local waters thus far.

Perhaps the most diverse of dive spots in the Maldives, the South Ari Atoll offers dozens of surrounding dive sites ranging from the Vilamendhoo caves to coral-covered seamounts and dramatic dropoffs. Visitors can take a day trip to Maamigili for the chance to see enormous whale sharks, or take the highly recommended night dives that provide an entirely different diving experience.

Advanced divers can even find extraordinary dive trips right from the country’s capital city, as North Malé Atoll nearby offers adventurous types the chance to visit the channel at Kuda Faru or the drop-off at Voshimas Tila, where divers can share the water with reef sharks cruising the currents below. There’s also a fantastic shipwreck in the area that has been reclaimed by colourful sea life, providing unforgettable dives for even the most seasoned of undersea explorers. ■ ABOVE: The Muraka at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort is like an entire semi-submerged villa MAXI M.COM.AU

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WOMAN OF THE WORLD

G E T T I N G

T O

K N O W …

CASSANDRA This month we get more acquainted with pharmacist, international runway model and Mrs U.S.A. 2020 CASSANDRA LANG… P H O T O G R A P H E D B Y M O S A A B A L S A R AY @ M O S A A B A L S A R AYA R T HAI R & MAKE-U P AS H LE E AN N

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WOMAN OF THE WORLD

When do you feel sexy?

When I wear heels because it elongates my already long legs.

What do you love most about this MAXIM feature shoot?

Being a MAXIM Model. It’s been a dream of mine since forever.

What can you beat anyone at?

Cupcake baking!

What superpower would you love to have?

Reading people’s minds because I would never have to question a person’s trust. ell us a bit about yourself, Cass.

Well, I graduated with my Doctorate of Pharmacy degree in the top of my class in 2016 and also hold a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry. I love competing in pageants and I’ve walked all the major fashion runway shows in the world. Also, I married my husband of eight years and we have a three-year-old son, Cameron.

So, when I’m not posing for MAXIM I’m a pharmacist, personal trainer, wife, mum, international runway model and currently Mrs USA 2020!

How would you describe yourself in five words?

Witty, funny, intelligent, caring and giving.

My best asset is my personality because I’m a friend to all and I can make you laugh.

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How does a guy win his way to a woman’s heart?

By romancing her and treating her like a lady. A guy is more likely to win me over with manners and offering to pay on the first date.

Describe your perfect date.

It would involve a sporting event and a draught beer. Yep, my perfect date would be watching a game at a venue or sports bar with wings and beer. I’m a simple girl.

What is something you find sexy about men?

A beautiful smile.

Worst pick-up line you’ve ever heard?

“I lost my number, so can I have yours?”

What’s one thing a guy should always know about women?

We a complex and our bad moods are usually solved with food.

Finish this sentence: Public nudity is… … beautiful, bold and shows confidence.

Who is the best person to follow on Instagram?

J-Lo because she’s my inspiration.

What’s one thing you’d change about the world?

Its view on people. We just need to love, encourage and empower each other and always be willing to give and help.

What’s the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?

Never give up. Fight for what you want and you will succeed.

What is your life motto?

Life is short so spend your money on travelling the world with people you love and make memories.

What will you be doing in the next few months?

I will be walking the runway at the annual Miami Swim Week event.

Where would you like to be in five years?

To be listed in the MAXIM HOT 100! ■

“MY PERFECT DATE WOULD BE WATCHING A GAME AT A VENUE OR SPORTS BAR WITH WINGS AND BEER.”

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WOMAN OF THE WORLD

Status Update FULL NAME: Cassandra Lang BORN: January 23, 1989 HOMETOWN: Cave City, Arkansas U.S.A. LIVES: Conway, Arkansas U.S.A. HOBBIES: “Lifting weights, baking and pageants.”

BEST HIDDEN TALENT: “I tap dance.”

GO-TO DRINK: “Red Bull and vodka.”

HANGOVER CURE: “French Fries – they solve everything.”

BEST JUNK FOOD: “Chips and salsa.”

FAVOURITE MOVIE: “Save The Last Dance because it’s about overcoming adversity and achieving your dreams.”

FAVOURITE SONG: “Anything by Drake or Cardi B.” GIRL CRUSH: “Scarlet Johansson — she’s a 10.”

PHOBIA: “I’m so scared of worms!”

INSTAGRAM: @Cassandra_Lang_ MrsUSA2020 SNAPCHAT: mrs_lang13

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“IT’S ABOUT OVERCOMING ADVERSITY AND ACHIEVING YOUR DREAMS.”

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SPORT

GREEN MACHINE

The L.A. Lakersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; DANNY GREEN plans slick moves both on-and-off-court...

BY TI M STR U BY

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Now in his 11th NBA season 32-year-old Danny Green has won two NBA Championships — one with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014 and the other last year with the Toronto Raptors

C

all it The Shot. Late 2019. A Friday night at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. The 3-1 Los Angeles Lakers, kicking off a gruelling three-game road trip, are facing the surprising 3-1 Mavericks. Dallas leads by three with 6.4 seconds left and the entire crowd is on its feet, holding its collective breath. Lakers shooting guard Danny Green inbounds the ball that is then fed, naturally, to LeBron James. As The King drives towards the hoop on the far side of the court, Green rubs off a Dwight Howard screen and makes for the baseline. James leaps. But instead of shooting, he dishes to Green. With 1.1 seconds on the clock, the Lakers guard calmly fires off a high-arching rainbow of a three-pointer. Time expires. The ball swishes through the net and 20,358 fans drop their heads in disbelief. The Lakers go on to win 119- 100 in overtime.

Clutch? Without question. Nervewracking? “Nah,” says Green, who’s been in the league too long to sweat a shot, no matter

how much is on the line. “I just hope the play works out the way it’s meant to. I hope I get that open look.” Just another day at the office for Danny Green.

The 32-year-old New York native makes big shots — especially big three-point shots — look easy. Now in his eleventh NBA season, Green had a career .405 percentage from beyond the arc, as of November. In 2013, he broke the record for most three-pointers in the NBA Finals, draining 27 against the Miami Heat. He’s won two NBA titles, first with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014 and last year with the Toronto Raptors.

In addition to having a rep as one of the deadliest long-distance shooters, the 198cm guard is also considered one of the top defenders in the league, and was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2017. In July 2019, the Lakers snatched up the sought-after free agent and rewarded him with a two-year, US$30 million dollar contract.

Green likewise rewarded the Lakers and their

fans with a 28-point performance in the season opener. “It wasn’t like I couldn’t miss,” explains the always-humble Green. “It was more like a good rhythm. I was comfortable.

I wasn’t thinking much and when you’re able to play without thinking, it makes it much easier.” That rhythm led to the highest-scoring debut in Lakers history, besting both Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and LeBron James.

Even as he has established himself as one of the most valuable role players in the league, the nature of that role — primarily a perimeter shooter — is one of swings. Hot and cold streaks. Sometimes those cold streaks have come at the worst times, like the 2019 Eastern Conference Finals where Green shot a frigid 4-23 from threepoint land against the Milwaukee Bucks, missing 14 of his last 15 attempts. A brutal experience—bad runs always are—but he’d learned to avoid getting down on himself. To keep searching for that lost rhythm.

“Obviously it’s frustrating,” admits Green.

“You just have to work through it. Try to get some easy ones. Maybe from the free throw line.” Sometimes it’s simply about fundamentals. “Continue to do other things,” he says. “Play defense. Stay active. Try to do the little things — running the floor, get some good looks, take your time — and just lock in and take each shot like it’s your last.”

Although Green’s last NBA three-pointer isn’t coming anytime soon, he’s well aware that’s he’s now an elder statesman in the league. “Every year you have to get smarter,” explains Green. “As your body gets older, you lose a step with everything, whether it’s jumping, speed or explosiveness.”

His version of smarts means predicting the angles an opponent might be taking and studying players’ tendencies on and off the ball; evolving in all aspects.

“Life after basketball is definitely something I’m looking into,” says Green. To that end, the former communications major is already working towards a possible new career: broadcasting. Green matriculated at the National Basketball Players Association’s Sportscaster U. tutorial, served as an All-Star weekend colour commentator for TNT’s Rising Stars Challenge, and in 2018 launched a basketball podcast called Inside the Green Room with Danny Green. At the time it only lasted two months, but new episodes began airing in November 2019.

While there’s far less at stake with a podcast then, say, a last second, game-tying three-pointer against a conference rival, Green approaches all of it with the same mentality.

“You have to continue to work and stay ready,” he says. “Doing the little things that got me here and not take it for granted.” ■ MAXI M.COM.AU

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R E L AT I O N S H I P S

ENTITLEMENT DATING Have dating apps created a hook-up culture? Wellness expert and lifestyle coach ANDI LEW looks at the behaviours in apps for matching with potential love interests…

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hen did “get in, get on, get off, get out” behaviour become so common? “Hit it and quit it” is hardly Tinder’s fault, but the dating apps’ mechanisms for matching vary and some create a psychological response for zero care factor, while others create care culture. The answer is in your swipe.

When you swipe you’re saying that “left” is “next!” and “right” is a match — if the other party is also “swiping right.” The mere swift swipe action can conjure up feelings of “I don’t have time.” What don’t we have time for? Pretty much everything, right? These days we have busier schedules and shorter attention spans and our dating needs to be quick, too. It’s the speed dating movement on “speed!”

With haste like this, your rejected candidates are not even considered for more than aesthetics but your matches make you feel like you won the jackpot. Some graphics can even appear that confirm these feelings — like “boom!” pops up on Bumble. Boom in the room? Boom bam, wham? Or is this a feeling of a type of win that you now feel entitlement to? Here lies the problem.

Matching makes you feel entitled to a date or sometimes more and it actually ruins your chances of even connecting properly because all of a sudden you’ve forgotten

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how to get to know someone, court, flirt respectfully and find yourself cutting to the chase. A 30-something attractive blonde from Melbourne says, “Andi, I have been told a few times, ‘This is Tinder, not eharmony’ when I refused to meet up with guys clearly wanting a quick hook-up — generally after about one or two sentences — said as a greeting!

It’s like they think if you’re on there, you’re up for it, with anyone. Of course, it’s not all guys on there, but it’s reasonably common.”

In the light of the #MeToo movement and the age of women empowerment, this type of online communication isn’t going to

work anymore, nor will it be tolerated. What worked in 2019 won’t work in 2020. Blonde single girl adds, “I’ve had it to a certain extent on Bumble as well, but not so much, as guys have to wait for girls to message first!” I agree that the swipe factor is making people start to think of matches as items to be discarded, rather than real people with real feelings.”

“Entitled to your match” or just expectations that kill any hot vibe you guys had going on? Mel in her 40s says, “I’ve seen this from both genders. To be fair, I probably consider it ‘over investment’ a lot of the time, rather than entitlement. For me, chatting online is the lowest form of interaction. Just because people chat online doesn’t mean they’re even going to meet. I don’t consider that I owe them anything and any level of over familiarity which includes sex talk, expecting some level of exclusivity or telling me what to

wear or say. It’s likely to just make me pull the pin on meeting them. I used to feel bad about it, but now I couldn’t give a f—k”.

It seems women have had enough of this type of DM chat. They’re turning to apps like Hinge which is known as the relationships app and where you get a notification when joining, saying, “Designed to be deleted.”

You’re encouraged to put a heart on a photo or make a comment on inspired talking quotes in the bio to get to know someone based on their personality. I’ve always said “how someone thinks makes a person more attractive.”

Keep in mind that if you match, you’ll need to lose the entitlement attitude that is “don’t match if you won’t chat.” You’re still needing to prove yourself worthy of a conversation by how you show up. How you show up is what you’ll attract, so treat your match like a queen so that you can feel like a king. You’re both still auditioning each other and the element of surprise is always the greatest foreplay.

Go into a match chat with no expectations and all the “netiquette” that smacks of respect and it won’t matter which app you’re on — you’re going to feel good about all your interactions. For an opportunity to turn texts into dates, read my latest book (details on this page). ■

ABOUT ANDI As a certified wellness and dating expert, lifestyle coach and bestselling author, Andi Lew appears on several TV shows, both in Australia and in the U.S., helping one and all with her handy relationship and professional advice. Stay connected with Andi via her Instagram @andi.lew

#INSTALOVERS – DIGITAL DATING, DM DISASTERS AND LOVE STORIES

by Andi Lew is out now, rrp$27.99, in book stores across Australia or 50% off available at andilew.com

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FLASHBACK

MAXIM Rewind:

RICHARDS o r con c s oo s rom e pas q ar er o a cen r an ca c up with the women who’ve helped make MAXIM the biggest and most exciting men’s magazine brand in the world...

I N T E R V I E W B Y R E I L LY S U L L I V A N

O

n screen and in life, Denise Richards has had a plethora of roles. For 007 fans, she’s Bond Girl, Dr Christmas Jones from The World Is Not Enough. For millennials, it’s homicidal Beauty Queen Becky Leeman in cult favourite Drop Dead Gorgeous. And for a few avid tabloid readers, she’s the high profile ex-wife of bad boy actor Charlie Sheen. Nowadays, this mum of three juggles motherhood, a new husband, acting and starring in reality TV juggernaut The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, where she’s a fan favourite — it might just be her greatest role yet.

Back in 2001, ahead of the release of her slasher film Valentine, a young Denise Richards sat before Antoine Verglas’ camera and posed for the cover in the February edition of MAXIM U.S.. Wide eyed, and dressed in just an unbuttoned white shirt, a thousand fantasies were born. Here, Denise reminisces about the now iconic MAXIM photo shoot and talks Housewives, when she feels sexy and her expert tips for finding love.

Hey, Denise, has there been one highlight moment in your career so far?

My memories of each film are usually what was happening behind the scenes or where I was personally in my life. Starship Troopers stands out as being very memorable. All us actors were at the same level in our career and we were so excited to be in a movie that was going to be a big budget film! There

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was a great bond and comradery with us and I’m still close with many of them.

You’ve played so many iconic roles. Is there one you’ve yet to do that’s on the bucket list?

My husband would love for me to be in a Marvel comic movie playing a villain or superhero and I would have to agree!

Your 2001 MAXIM cover shoot by Antoine Verglas made quite an impression the first time it hit newsstands. What was the energy like on set?

The energy was great on set and I loved having Antoine shoot me for it — these are some of my favourite pictures of all the magazines I have done.

What does MAXIM represent to you?

MAXIM is a sexy magazine and I’m honoured to have been one of the cover girls.

When do you feel at your sexiest?

I’m a beach girl, so I feel sexiest

natural, in a bikini and right out of the ocean with salt water in my hair and on my skin.

You’ve quickly become a new fan favourite on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. How do Housewives fans compare to your movie fans?

Of all the movies and TV shows I’ve done, I can’t believe the amount of attention around Housewives of Beverly Hills.

I think one difference is fans of the show feel like they know me and my family and feel a connection.

Yes, viewers have really loved getting to know you on the show, particularly your efforts to remain cordial with Charlie Sheen and meeting your new hubby Aaron.

What advice do you have for people going through a divorce or break-up who are looking to find love again?

My advice would be to stay open and not think of the break-up as a failure. Life’s a journey, I was never bitter about my divorce.

I believe people come into each other’s life for a reason. Charlie is very much a part of my life, we will always have children together.

Our journey had shifted and gone in another direction – had it not I wouldn’t have met my husband Aaron. ■

You can catch Denise in The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills on Hayu and Foxtel On Demand

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24 HOU RS TO LI V E

Daniel Sloss As he takes his latest stand-up tour, Hubris, across Australia this April, the award-winning Scottish comedian sheds some hilarious light on his last day on earth…

P H OTO G R A P H E D BY T R OY E D I G E

I N T E R V I E W BY S A N T I P I N TA D O

What can audiences expect from your upcoming shows?

Jokes. And just jokes this time. I’ve done four years of emotional wank, where at one point in the show I go serious and play with tension in the room, cashing in on peoples awkwardness. And much like everyone else, I’m bored to f—king death on it.

I just want to go back to being funny and upsetting stupid people who I hate.

a bleak afterlife. I’d spend every day grabbing Jesus by his bitch-ass beard going, “I thought this place was supposed to be brilliant.

Why is my gran here?!

She’s young and hot too, you sick twat. Where’s the manager? He’s busy?

WHERE?! Not in Syria, I can tell you that.” I’d spend most of it trying to find another way to kill myself.

How do you want to leave this world?

Shooting myself in the head.

I’m an absolute wimp when it comes to pain. I don’t want to die slowly or of old age or any of that stuff. I wouldn’t have the grace or decorum to handle it. I’d much rather realise it was my time, take myself out back like an old farm dog and end it as quick as possible over something as small as a broken ankle or a forgotten Playstation Plus password.

What’s your last meal?

Ass. Are you going to Heaven or Hell?

Neither. Grow up. But for the sake of the question I’d rather go to Hell. Who wants to spend the rest of their lives hanging out with a bunch of Christians? Singing hymns and not masturbating – what

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Would your Jigsaw standup material go better in Heaven or Hell?

Hell. No-one in Heaven has a sense of humour. Divorce is a sin, adultery is a sin, sex before marriage is a sin, wanking is a sin, being gay is a sin, being a woman is much closer to being a sin than it is to being considered a person in the Bible, condoms are a sin, tattoos are a sin. My people exist in Hell, so we’d all go down and have an orgy.

What’s the dumbest thing you ever did on Earth?

My girlfriend’s sister.

What are your mates saying over your casket?

“Aim for his mouth.”

What’s written on your tombstone?

Graffiti, I imagine.

What are your final/ parting words?

“Legalise it” ■

“MY PEOPLE EXIST IN HELL, SO WE’D ALL GO DOWN AND HAVE AN ORGY.”

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