He may have been the ultimate one hit wonder, and David Bowie may have sued him for knicking the famous Ice Ice Baby dun, dun, dun, de, de, dun, dun from Under Pressure - but he's back on the mic baby.
Vanilla Ice is touring Australia apparently - only question is why isn't he coming here?? There is still such a large fan base here too! (I just joined the Facebook group)
As the man himself would say - WORD TO YOUR MUTHA.
Check out the Vanilla Ice Downunder Site
PS his westside-esque 'V' hand signal thingy is bad ass!
Friday, December 28, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Christmas Cards
In general Im not a big fan of greeting cards. Although I did particularly like the card my aunty sent to my old man. It was a fairly non-descript card - but her message was priceless - "I hope you have a reasonable day". We think she was referring to the weather - but I like to think she isnt. Im going to make cards for 08 with that inspiring message.
Anyway, ex-LRUer Diana has a great article on awful family Christmas cards. Very funny.
Also who knew - but she also does stand up now!?!
Anyway, ex-LRUer Diana has a great article on awful family Christmas cards. Very funny.
Also who knew - but she also does stand up now!?!
Review of 07 part one
I see in the Sunday Star Times in an interview with our Helen, that her favourite film of the year was The History Boys - so I thought I should come up with my own little list.
Although before I go on, I am interested to know what others thought of that film. Obviously I liked it, but it's treatment of what was essentially kiddy-fiddling irked me a bit - or am I being a little over dramatic?
Its been a long and winding year for film - so many good ones kicked it off, but to be fair it did slow a bit.
Notes on a Scandal was great, as was the Last King of Scotland. The Queen was way better than expected, and For Your Consideration was the opposite. Shortbus was fantastic (I still laugh when I think of the old lady who litterally fell out of seat) and Pans Labyrinth was amazing. Also I shouldnt forget Transformers - it was more than meets the eye and 300.
I should also mention a couple of NZ efforts - Black Sheep was hilarious, as was Eagle vs Shark and The Devil Dared Me To from the Back of the Y guys was pretty good. At the other end of the scale, Out of the Blue, was incredibly well done - especially given the risky nature of the material.
On the doco front there was Michael Moore's Sicko which was ok, and the excellent but scary Jesus Camp.
But I actually think that while it may not fit the usual mould - By the power of Greyskull, my film of 2007 is Hot Fuzz. Now of course this is as much about attending the premiere and what not, as it is about being a kick ass film. I don't care - I think it ruled. To borrow from Spaced - Hot Fuzz was TFU (The Fuckest Uppest).
Although before I go on, I am interested to know what others thought of that film. Obviously I liked it, but it's treatment of what was essentially kiddy-fiddling irked me a bit - or am I being a little over dramatic?
Its been a long and winding year for film - so many good ones kicked it off, but to be fair it did slow a bit.
Notes on a Scandal was great, as was the Last King of Scotland. The Queen was way better than expected, and For Your Consideration was the opposite. Shortbus was fantastic (I still laugh when I think of the old lady who litterally fell out of seat) and Pans Labyrinth was amazing. Also I shouldnt forget Transformers - it was more than meets the eye and 300.
I should also mention a couple of NZ efforts - Black Sheep was hilarious, as was Eagle vs Shark and The Devil Dared Me To from the Back of the Y guys was pretty good. At the other end of the scale, Out of the Blue, was incredibly well done - especially given the risky nature of the material.
On the doco front there was Michael Moore's Sicko which was ok, and the excellent but scary Jesus Camp.
But I actually think that while it may not fit the usual mould - By the power of Greyskull, my film of 2007 is Hot Fuzz. Now of course this is as much about attending the premiere and what not, as it is about being a kick ass film. I don't care - I think it ruled. To borrow from Spaced - Hot Fuzz was TFU (The Fuckest Uppest).
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Dude, we can see you
This is almost too hilarious to be true (big ups to the journalist for some of those classic sentences too)
From the Manawatu Standard -
From the Manawatu Standard -
Sex act blamed on exam stress
A student masturbated in changing rooms in Kmart because he was under exam stress, a Palmerston North court heard yesterday.
But a judge said he doubted this was the whole story because he had a report that suggested the 24-year- old was sexually aroused by trying on new trousers.
However, Judge Gregory Ross in the end decided not to convict the masturbator, who admitted offensive behaviour in the store, and banned publication of his name. He ordered a $100 payment toward the cost of prosecution.
It happened in the middle of the day on December 5, Sergeant Chris Whitmore told the hushed court.
The student went into the changing rooms with two pairs of trousers, pulled down his own trousers, sat on the floor of one of the rooms, and began his venture into onanism.
But there was a metre gap between door and floor and two people saw what he was doing.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Rodents of Unusual Size
It turns out The Princess Bride was right! Rodents of Unusual Size do exist!
They have been discovered in the form of giant rats in the remote jungles of Indonesia - five times the size of those found in cities!
They are calling them 'Mega Rats' - badass
Stuff story here
They have been discovered in the form of giant rats in the remote jungles of Indonesia - five times the size of those found in cities!
They are calling them 'Mega Rats' - badass
Stuff story here
Monday, December 17, 2007
With great Gusto
On the weekend I checked out Craft 2.0 over in the Hutt. I almost bought a pair of cufflinks - but credit-card guilt set in and I though better of it.
However, while over there we discovered a new (11 days old) brunch option - Gusto Bistro on Jackson St. I don't normally do the whole cafe review thing - but this was outstanding.
The coffee was fantastic - which for Petone is a big deal - I had the damn fine Eggs Benerizo with a Rosti, which was basically Eggs Benedict but with chorizo instead of ham, and a hash brown. The chorizo will blow your mind, and by all accounts the french toast was a taste sensation!
Its in an old dental chambers, but it looks more like an old bank, with wood panelled interiors. It seemed like a place that would be great for an evening meal too.
If I had a top 5 brunch spots (watch this space) this would make it. Check it out.
However, while over there we discovered a new (11 days old) brunch option - Gusto Bistro on Jackson St. I don't normally do the whole cafe review thing - but this was outstanding.
The coffee was fantastic - which for Petone is a big deal - I had the damn fine Eggs Benerizo with a Rosti, which was basically Eggs Benedict but with chorizo instead of ham, and a hash brown. The chorizo will blow your mind, and by all accounts the french toast was a taste sensation!
Its in an old dental chambers, but it looks more like an old bank, with wood panelled interiors. It seemed like a place that would be great for an evening meal too.
If I had a top 5 brunch spots (watch this space) this would make it. Check it out.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
100 000 strong for the Phoenix
The Herald has a good article on how the Phoenix have gone. It covers how, for the first time, a NZ team's crowd figures have passed 100 000 for the season (excluding the Beckham game and training - another 47 000).
In drawing on Friday night, the Phoenix can no longer qualify for the play-offs (it was a long shot anyway), and I was worried that our dopey media organisations would stand back and moan that this is just like the Knights. It clearly isnt. The Phoenix had not much more than two months to pull a competitive side together - and they managed it. The crowd numbers have bettered what the Wellington Lions were getting for Air NZ Cup games, and have been, on average, ten times greater than what the Knights achieved.
What is most interesting in the article is that 14 December (the date the Phoenix passed the 100k mark) was the date in 2006 when the Knights had their League Licence revoked. Which captures the stark contrast perfectly.
So it was nice to see some recognition of what has been achieved - especially from the Auckland paper!
In drawing on Friday night, the Phoenix can no longer qualify for the play-offs (it was a long shot anyway), and I was worried that our dopey media organisations would stand back and moan that this is just like the Knights. It clearly isnt. The Phoenix had not much more than two months to pull a competitive side together - and they managed it. The crowd numbers have bettered what the Wellington Lions were getting for Air NZ Cup games, and have been, on average, ten times greater than what the Knights achieved.
What is most interesting in the article is that 14 December (the date the Phoenix passed the 100k mark) was the date in 2006 when the Knights had their League Licence revoked. Which captures the stark contrast perfectly.
So it was nice to see some recognition of what has been achieved - especially from the Auckland paper!
Huckabee's first family
How disturbing is this? Its new Republican front runner, Mike Huckabee's Christmas Card... this time next year - that could be the new first family.
Suddenly the Mormon and the adulterer aren't looking so bad!
Suddenly the Mormon and the adulterer aren't looking so bad!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Quality innit
There are a couple of great new shows on UKTV for the summer.
Jam and Jerusalem is Jennifer Saunders new show, and it features a who's-who of British Comedy in the cast - Joana Lumley, Dawn French (obviously), Sue Johnston, and Sally Phillips. Its about the Womens Guild in a small british town - Clatterford St Mary - and its crazy characters - French is outstanding as a sorta-slow-semi-retarded-but-well-meaning local. Its kind of like League of Gentlemen in many ways - but not anywhere near as dark.
Another outstanding pick is Steve Coogan's excellent show Saxondale, about his new character Tommy Saxondale - an ex-roadie who now runs a pest control company called "Simply the Pest". It screens Thursday nights at 9ish and is worth giving a shot - even though its nothing like Partridge. Plus after you've watched that hang around for the fantastic repeats of british drama/comedy Shameless at 11.
Also its good to note that Catherine Tate has hit the mainstream here with her excellent show screening on TV2, Friday nights.
And another thing - if you get bored - for those who remember the game show Shooting Stars on TV4 (Matt Lucas' first tv gig) check out their online games here on the BBC site. Uvavu!
Jam and Jerusalem is Jennifer Saunders new show, and it features a who's-who of British Comedy in the cast - Joana Lumley, Dawn French (obviously), Sue Johnston, and Sally Phillips. Its about the Womens Guild in a small british town - Clatterford St Mary - and its crazy characters - French is outstanding as a sorta-slow-semi-retarded-but-well-meaning local. Its kind of like League of Gentlemen in many ways - but not anywhere near as dark.
Another outstanding pick is Steve Coogan's excellent show Saxondale, about his new character Tommy Saxondale - an ex-roadie who now runs a pest control company called "Simply the Pest". It screens Thursday nights at 9ish and is worth giving a shot - even though its nothing like Partridge. Plus after you've watched that hang around for the fantastic repeats of british drama/comedy Shameless at 11.
Also its good to note that Catherine Tate has hit the mainstream here with her excellent show screening on TV2, Friday nights.
And another thing - if you get bored - for those who remember the game show Shooting Stars on TV4 (Matt Lucas' first tv gig) check out their online games here on the BBC site. Uvavu!
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
The Obama/Oprah show
Ok I promise this is my last post this week on the US Elections!
But I had to mention the Obama/Oprah roadshow and what looks like a surge in support for Obama. Obama is a Bobby Kennedy style figure - gift of the gab, talks about 'hope' a lot and is the sort of person you would be proud to have as a leader.
However, till recently he has been well behind the Clinton machine - so he called in the big guns - namely Oprah. Oprah is able to make a book a best seller just by giving it some profile - and it may well be that her endorsement is a crucial moment in the Dem campaign.
In South Carolina, they had booked out an 18 000 seat indoor arena for their roadshow - it was too small, so they moved to a baseball stadium - and 29 000 people came to hear Obama and Oprah. In key battleground state of Iowa - 18 500 came out. Huge numbers in anyones language.
Below is a video of the "highlights" - if you want to watch their whole speeches go here
But I had to mention the Obama/Oprah roadshow and what looks like a surge in support for Obama. Obama is a Bobby Kennedy style figure - gift of the gab, talks about 'hope' a lot and is the sort of person you would be proud to have as a leader.
However, till recently he has been well behind the Clinton machine - so he called in the big guns - namely Oprah. Oprah is able to make a book a best seller just by giving it some profile - and it may well be that her endorsement is a crucial moment in the Dem campaign.
In South Carolina, they had booked out an 18 000 seat indoor arena for their roadshow - it was too small, so they moved to a baseball stadium - and 29 000 people came to hear Obama and Oprah. In key battleground state of Iowa - 18 500 came out. Huge numbers in anyones language.
Below is a video of the "highlights" - if you want to watch their whole speeches go here
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Bush Makes Surprise Visit To Work
In a fantastic piss-take, The Onion, has done a parody of Bush's visit to Iraq - with a piece on him making a surprise visit to the White House to do some work.
The article says that opponents have claimed that the trip was staged as a "media ploy" intended to convince the public that the administration's occupation of Washington, D.C. was not a lost cause.
"President Bush wants us to believe that he is in touch with the Bush administration," political analyst Garry Wills said.
Some of the best bits below -
and
Read the article here
The article says that opponents have claimed that the trip was staged as a "media ploy" intended to convince the public that the administration's occupation of Washington, D.C. was not a lost cause.
"President Bush wants us to believe that he is in touch with the Bush administration," political analyst Garry Wills said.
Some of the best bits below -
"Am I late?" Bush joked to the group of approximately 200, who were led to believe they would be attending a ceremony to honor Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters. Bush's entrance received a standing ovation.
"It is incredible to see firsthand what you brave men and women do every day," Bush said to rousing applause. "You are all heroes."
Telling the group he wished he had the time to work alongside each and every one of them, Bush made general inquiries about conditions at the executive mansion, recruitment of new personnel, and where everyone was eating for lunch.
According to sources close to the president, Bush barely had time to rest during the four-hour visit. He first met face-to-face with several high-ranking U.S. officials, who briefed him on the situation in Washington. Bush then signed a number of documents, took a guided tour of the facilities, and in a symbolic show of support for the current administration, shook hands with the vice president.
and
"For most members of the White House staff, it was their first chance to meet the president. Many said they were "overcome" with excitement.
"When I was getting ready for work this morning, the last person I ever thought I'd see was the president of the United States," said Alexander Mistri, special assistant to the president for legislative affairs.
"I actually got to shake hands with the president," Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao said. "He seems like a very nice man in person.".
Read the article here
Haven't we had enough?
The Huffington Post has launched a series of great posters/billboards attacking the Republicans.
They list either people (Bush, Cheney, Libby, Rove etc), events (Abu Ghraib, Katrina etc) or the Bush Administration's slogans (pictured). I think they're a great way of capturing everything that people are sick of and framing the debate. The Huff Post are also calling for peoples ideas for future editions.
They list either people (Bush, Cheney, Libby, Rove etc), events (Abu Ghraib, Katrina etc) or the Bush Administration's slogans (pictured). I think they're a great way of capturing everything that people are sick of and framing the debate. The Huff Post are also calling for peoples ideas for future editions.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Stormin Morman
Republican Presidential candidate, Mitt Romney, made his big "don't fear me because im morman" speech recently, replicating Kennedy's catholic speech. But unlike Kennedy, who by talking about his faith - shut the issue down, Romney appears to have made matters worse.
While in most countries I don't think it would matter too much that you were Morman, it does in the US - with some states taking a particularly dim view of it. However, Romney had been competitive in most polls till uber-Christian, Mike Huckabee stormed ahead of Romney and the morally liberal, Giuliani. Hence, Romney is trying reach across all faiths in attempting to court the religous vote.
In this very good article, Matthew Yglesias rips into Romney following the speech -
However, my main issue with Romney is actually his flip-flopping. When he ran for Governor of the liberal state of Massachusetts he was pro-choice and pro-gay rights. Now he is running for President and trying to get the red-neck vote - he's pro-life and anti gay rights. Be one thing or the other and stick to it.
What is most pleasing is that while he may be polling well within the Republicans, he trails the leading Democrats in head-to-head polling according to the latest Curia newsletter.
Romney v Clinton (Clinton by 11 per cent)
Romney v Obama (Obama by 13 per cent)
Romney v Edwards (Edwards by 15 per cent)
While in most countries I don't think it would matter too much that you were Morman, it does in the US - with some states taking a particularly dim view of it. However, Romney had been competitive in most polls till uber-Christian, Mike Huckabee stormed ahead of Romney and the morally liberal, Giuliani. Hence, Romney is trying reach across all faiths in attempting to court the religous vote.
In this very good article, Matthew Yglesias rips into Romney following the speech -
It's hard to see this as anything other than an effort to trick people; the Mormon emphasis on Gethsemane rather than the crucification is not a trivial theological difference, nor is the fact that Mormons believe in "another," more important, Testament of Jesus Christ in addition to the Christian Bible. I don't personally have a stake in that quarrel but I paid enough attention in Bible class at Grace Church School to know that this isn't some nothing to be papered over.
However, my main issue with Romney is actually his flip-flopping. When he ran for Governor of the liberal state of Massachusetts he was pro-choice and pro-gay rights. Now he is running for President and trying to get the red-neck vote - he's pro-life and anti gay rights. Be one thing or the other and stick to it.
What is most pleasing is that while he may be polling well within the Republicans, he trails the leading Democrats in head-to-head polling according to the latest Curia newsletter.
Romney v Clinton (Clinton by 11 per cent)
Romney v Obama (Obama by 13 per cent)
Romney v Edwards (Edwards by 15 per cent)
Friday, December 07, 2007
Is this wrong
Im kind of comforted that im not the only person who wants to pash their new Mac!
Yes people it is official - after the whole Noel Leemings debacle, I have gone out and bought a new Mac (from Dick Smith - I am honouring the Noel Leemings Trade Embargo). I have flirted with the idea of getting a Mac for years, but always thought changing OS would be more trouble than its worth - its not - I love it, its ridiculously easy and I will never buy another PC again.
I even have the whole Skype whatsit downloaded! (or whatever you call it)
I guess this is one small step for man, one giant leap for Blackbird Singing.
Yes people it is official - after the whole Noel Leemings debacle, I have gone out and bought a new Mac (from Dick Smith - I am honouring the Noel Leemings Trade Embargo). I have flirted with the idea of getting a Mac for years, but always thought changing OS would be more trouble than its worth - its not - I love it, its ridiculously easy and I will never buy another PC again.
I even have the whole Skype whatsit downloaded! (or whatever you call it)
I guess this is one small step for man, one giant leap for Blackbird Singing.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
My god I agree with Kerry!?!?!
Mayor Kerry has said we need to build a second Terrace Tunnel and a second Mt Victoria Tunnel. I have been harping on about this for ages!
We shouldnt be encouraging more cars into Wellington via Transmission Gully till the bottle necks have been dealt with! The Mt Vic tunnel especially is diabolical at peak times - as is the single southbound lane in the Terrace. We have major roading issues within the city - and encouraging more cars in without fixing existing problems is daft. (Also where will they all park?!?! There aren't enough parks now!)
While also actually finishing highway one by duplicating the tunnels, we should also improve public transport - so people don't feel they have to drive from areas like Paraparaumu and Waikanae. If we had fast, reliable rail (say a 20-25 minute trip) to the Kapiti Coast - then the need for Transmission Gully in the immediate future would greatly reduce. There is quite a good argument that the Gully would provide an alternative route out of Wellington - which is currently at risk of being cut off in a major disaster (if there are slips along Centennial Highway or Paekakariki or on highway 2 in the Rimutaka's).
What I would also love to see would be the revitalisation of the Railway Station - with a light-rail service link to the Airport - and why not have check-in kiosks at the Railway Station if you only have carry-on?
I just think spending a billion dollars on Transmission Gully before doing these things is stupid.
We shouldnt be encouraging more cars into Wellington via Transmission Gully till the bottle necks have been dealt with! The Mt Vic tunnel especially is diabolical at peak times - as is the single southbound lane in the Terrace. We have major roading issues within the city - and encouraging more cars in without fixing existing problems is daft. (Also where will they all park?!?! There aren't enough parks now!)
While also actually finishing highway one by duplicating the tunnels, we should also improve public transport - so people don't feel they have to drive from areas like Paraparaumu and Waikanae. If we had fast, reliable rail (say a 20-25 minute trip) to the Kapiti Coast - then the need for Transmission Gully in the immediate future would greatly reduce. There is quite a good argument that the Gully would provide an alternative route out of Wellington - which is currently at risk of being cut off in a major disaster (if there are slips along Centennial Highway or Paekakariki or on highway 2 in the Rimutaka's).
What I would also love to see would be the revitalisation of the Railway Station - with a light-rail service link to the Airport - and why not have check-in kiosks at the Railway Station if you only have carry-on?
I just think spending a billion dollars on Transmission Gully before doing these things is stupid.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Beckham for sale.... well his leftovers
There's a really odd story on Stuff today about how Beckham's half finished glass of cola, half eaten corn-cob and the cuttlery he used during his now famous visits to Nandos are available to buy on Trade Me.
Apparently the waitress heard cash-registers ringing in her head and nicked off with it all to sell. The manager is in full support of this too.
In a sign that there is some sanity in the world - there havent been any bids yet. If you're nuts (or a stalker - not pointing any fingers... Gus) the starting bids for the cuttlery is $50 and $100 for the fucking corn cob.
I just hate think what else would be for sale if he used the bathroom!
Apparently the waitress heard cash-registers ringing in her head and nicked off with it all to sell. The manager is in full support of this too.
In a sign that there is some sanity in the world - there havent been any bids yet. If you're nuts (or a stalker - not pointing any fingers... Gus) the starting bids for the cuttlery is $50 and $100 for the fucking corn cob.
I just hate think what else would be for sale if he used the bathroom!
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
NZ's actual best soul singer
I bought Whirimako Black's new album, the imaginatively titled 'Whirimako Black Sings' as a Christmas present for my old man (along with a pair of Man Pants screenprinted with a weta from the very excellent Wanda Harland store in Petone - he said "he always needs new underwear" when I asked him what he wanted."). So I gave it the obligatory listen - and I absolutely love it.
Black beats the pants off the highly touted Holly Smith. Smith is young and great and funky and all that - but for absolute cool factor, Black is fantastic. She comfortably pulls off a traditional soul style - while dropping in phrases of Te Reo. If you dig soul music at all (or think Holly Smith is great) - check it out, you're bound to dig it (or buy it for your parents and take a listen).
Monday, December 03, 2007
Nando's??
Well Beckham came and conquered the Phoenix in their friendly kick about on Saturday night. We did manage to see some fantastic passes and cross balls - and of course his goal (well penalty - which was a dubious call (the guy tripped himself) - fairly sure since he hadnt had a free kick they decided he needed to score a goal).
The other stuff he did was interesting - dinner at Monsoon Poon on Thursday night - but it was his lunch at Nando's that really surprised me - all that money and he still goes for the fried chicken sandwich!
Regardless of what people think of the guy - no one else could have got a crowd of 32 000 along to a football game in New Zealand.
When you add on the 15 000 strong crowd for the public training the Galaxy did on Friday and the nearly 19 000 at the Phoenix/Adelaide A-League game on Friday night - around 66 000 people attended football events at the stadium on Friday and Saturday. Only Rugby could normally attract a crowd like that here - so IMO it was definitely worth bringing Beckham and the LA Galaxy to Wellington.
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