Ben and Jerry's open air cinema - review

Reviewed by Heidi Lockwood
Bondi beach is a surfer's paradise, a sunbather's dream and, for the next month, a movie buff's ideal location; as from January 24th to March 2nd Ben and Jerry's open air cinema has set up camp at this iconic destination. With a wide variety of films being aired, from beloved classics such as The Goonies, romantic chick flicks including Dirty Dancing, recent releases like The Wolf of Wall Street and comedic animations including Frozen, Ben and Jerry's open air cinemas has something to suit every film lover's taste.
Not only are you invited to watch a multitude of movies, your ticket will also allow you to experience an array of Australian musical artists and DJs. From the quirky folk singer-songwriter Anabelle Kay, to the bluesy pop singer Jordan Millar, and even DJ Bill who is likely to play some vintage 60's tunes, every musical genre is covered.
While you sit back and relax in one of Ben and Jerry's comfortable deck chairs or beanbags as enjoy the movie, why not tuck into some complementary Ben and Jerry's icecream. This season, in honour of Anchorman 2 (next aired on February 11th), the delicious new flavour: Scotchy Scotch Scotch is up for grabs. Don't worry though, if Scotchy Scotch Scotch is not your flavour, many of Ben and Jerry's other legendary icecream flavours are available to buy, along with other tasty snacks, including pizzas and salads, if you're still feeling peckish. And why not wash all this down with one (or more) of the many alcoholic or soft drinks on offer.
Ben and Jerry's open air cinema is a fun, laid back event in an ideal location which can appeal to anyone from those looking to chill out with friends while watching one of the latest releases and tucking into a pizza, to couples wanting to snuggle up during a classic rom-com while sharing a tub of Scotchy Scotch Scotch. Understandably tickets are selling out fast, head to www.openaircinemas.com.au to get yours today.

Have you lost your inner child?

It is a sad fact of today's society that we take life way too seriously. Children play less in the traditional sense and many adults don't play at all. As a consequence we get more stressed and our health suffers. The more stressed we become the less likely we are to function at our true potential and end up leading unhappy lives. Children generally are not taught to play which makes them, as adults, even less likely to become for-filed.  As an educationalists I saw this first hand in the UK when the National Curriculum was first established. It removed all forms of play and became solely focused on test results. Many young children were not ready for this structured regime and became destructive in the classroom. Children learn many life skills through play such as sharing, communicating and interacting with others, developing imagination and a range experiences.
These thoughts are shared by Dr Adam Fraser, evian Live Young expert and leading human performance researcher who said "play is not just for kids. In fact, it is vital that adults enjoy some play time each week."

This week Sydney-Siders can revisit their youth with the launch of evian Live Young Backyard. On Wednesday at Martin Place an oversized Hills Hoist clothesline which adults can swing from was there. Don't worry if you missed it, on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 October from 8 am - 5 pm it will be at Bondi Beach opposite Roscoe St Mall. Go along and awaken that inner child!
I did go and visit the Hoist while it was in Martin Place and yes I did have a go. It was certainly a hit, many men, women and children were up for a swing.  I did feel that it was more of a simple advert for evian water and think more could have been made of the importance of play. However, if you are reading this you now know!