Mello Yello has been re-released for a limited time by Coca Cola - Rock the Casbah! But anyway that wasnt what this post was gonna be about.
Well firstly - what was this guy thinking!?!?! It should probably be noted that in New Zealand, or Japan for that matter what this Congressman did would be perfectly legal - not entirely moral, but legal.... and its the moral point thats key. What I can't understand though is why can't they keep it in their pants?? The best bit of this is that the guy who did this, was behind the legislation that banned grooming of minors over the web! Which means he could now be put away under the legislation he created and promoted!
Now for some web goodies - White Heron Dairy in Parnell, Auckland has set up a blog - not sure you could find a more useless/kick ass blog??
While we're on about crap/funny/great websites check this puppy out - possibly the ultimate in design. (make sure you have your sound on - its totally worth it)
Now finally, while posting this I have been watching the very excellent/nerdy Mythbusters they have been looking at whether a Matchbox toy car would beat a real Dodge Viper on a gravity powered downhill run. They also tested how fast a Matchbox toy car could go before the wheels disintegrated. It got to 85mph which is about 136kph, before the car flew off - the wheels were fine.
Also here's something to ponder - theoretically could a plane take off on a conveyor belt??
Oh and the toy car won the downhill run over 100 feet.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Spooks in the Valley
Thirty years on from NZs great spy moment, the SIS agent who snapped a Russian spy is releasing a book on what happened and what a traitor the spy was.
Tonights Sunday show had an interview with the agent, and went into the whole thing. Basically at the height of the Cold War - while Vietnam was still going strong - in 1976 a young SIS agent was trailing a known KGB dude from the Soviet embassy, when he saw him hold a clandestine meeting with another guy - outside the Karori Bowling Club. It turns out the other guy was Bill Sutch, who was a high profile public servant, and former NZ Ambassador to the UN.
The SIS then trailed Sutch for another month or so, and one night was seen handing over a package to the KGB - which is when the SIS struck, arresting Sutch for Treason! The cool thing about this, is that the arrest took place in Aro Valley. The handover was witnessed by the War Memorial at the top of Aro St - where Raroa rd begins, and the arrest took place outside the public toilets, which were pulled down in 2000 - its where the clothing drop off bins are now.
To mark this site, there is a park bench next to the clothing bins, with a plaque on what was the back wall of the toilets.
So there you have it - NZs greatest spy episode took place just down the road from my place!
Sutch was acquited of Treason (the KGB agent managed to get away with the package - meaning there was no tangible evidence). Sutch denied he was a spy right up till his death from cancer a year later.
Tonights Sunday show had an interview with the agent, and went into the whole thing. Basically at the height of the Cold War - while Vietnam was still going strong - in 1976 a young SIS agent was trailing a known KGB dude from the Soviet embassy, when he saw him hold a clandestine meeting with another guy - outside the Karori Bowling Club. It turns out the other guy was Bill Sutch, who was a high profile public servant, and former NZ Ambassador to the UN.
The SIS then trailed Sutch for another month or so, and one night was seen handing over a package to the KGB - which is when the SIS struck, arresting Sutch for Treason! The cool thing about this, is that the arrest took place in Aro Valley. The handover was witnessed by the War Memorial at the top of Aro St - where Raroa rd begins, and the arrest took place outside the public toilets, which were pulled down in 2000 - its where the clothing drop off bins are now.
To mark this site, there is a park bench next to the clothing bins, with a plaque on what was the back wall of the toilets.
So there you have it - NZs greatest spy episode took place just down the road from my place!
Sutch was acquited of Treason (the KGB agent managed to get away with the package - meaning there was no tangible evidence). Sutch denied he was a spy right up till his death from cancer a year later.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Watch this space
Well not this space - but the title sounded good.
Over the last couple of days Ive been doing quite a bit of thinking. Since the high of the campaign last year - which basically dominated all my time/thinking from April to October, I have had something of a hole in my existence.
After working in such a high stakes game, naturally a year like this - just isnt nearly as exciting.
So anyway after watching Al Gore's stunning An Inconvenient Truth the other day I think Ive discovered another campaign to work on.
Im gonna have a word to some people about looking at kicking some sort of campaign off.... so watch this space I guess!
Over the last couple of days Ive been doing quite a bit of thinking. Since the high of the campaign last year - which basically dominated all my time/thinking from April to October, I have had something of a hole in my existence.
After working in such a high stakes game, naturally a year like this - just isnt nearly as exciting.
So anyway after watching Al Gore's stunning An Inconvenient Truth the other day I think Ive discovered another campaign to work on.
Im gonna have a word to some people about looking at kicking some sort of campaign off.... so watch this space I guess!
Review: Nacho Libre
Just been to see Jack Black's new flick - Nacho Libre.
Its the story of a Mexican priest who secretly follows his passion and becomes a Luchadore (wrestler)
The film has received a bit of criticism as the film was directed by the guy who did the very excellent Napolean Dynamite. Personally I think its ridiculous to compare the two - Nacho is clearly aimed at a broader audience, including kids. It follows the same style as School of Rock, but offers more for adults, has the same sentimentality in the end, but is just great comedy.
Jack Black is fast becoming a modern day James Belushi, consistently producing offbeat hilarious stuff.
This is well worth a watch.
Its the story of a Mexican priest who secretly follows his passion and becomes a Luchadore (wrestler)
The film has received a bit of criticism as the film was directed by the guy who did the very excellent Napolean Dynamite. Personally I think its ridiculous to compare the two - Nacho is clearly aimed at a broader audience, including kids. It follows the same style as School of Rock, but offers more for adults, has the same sentimentality in the end, but is just great comedy.
Jack Black is fast becoming a modern day James Belushi, consistently producing offbeat hilarious stuff.
This is well worth a watch.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
An Inconvenient Truth
Ive just got back from seeing Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth. That was easily one of the most important films I have ever seen.
Gore uses simple language to communicate such an important issue - Im completely inspired to actually do something about this.
Nuclear disarmament was our parents issue during the 70s and 80s, I cant help but think this is our issue, and we're at what Churchill called a "Period of Consequence" no longer is talking good enough we need action.
Gore uses simple language to communicate such an important issue - Im completely inspired to actually do something about this.
Nuclear disarmament was our parents issue during the 70s and 80s, I cant help but think this is our issue, and we're at what Churchill called a "Period of Consequence" no longer is talking good enough we need action.
A Bloody good cause
Im always keen to support a good cause, and having worked for rubbish pay and conditions at a supermarket Im with the EPMU and NDU in their current campaign.
As you may be aware, Supermarket workers at Progressive sites nationwide have been locked out of work for the past 20 or so days. At first this began as a 2 day strike, but then Progressive wouldnt let them back.
Progressive are owned by Woolworths Australia, and operate the Woolworths, Foodtown and Countdown brands in New Zealand. In the last 12 months they have recorded a $1.2 Billion profit increase - but are refusing to agree to a nationwide collective contract for supermarket workers (which means all staff get the same conditions - leave etc) and are refusing to increase their pay by the 8% demanded (which is reasonable).
If you have ever worked in a supermarket - you can appreciate how shafted these workers feel. The new Australian owners are treating their workers with contempt, and are attempting to enforce Australian conditions.
These workers shouldn't be forced to give up on their legitimate claim for a single national agreement covering the same work in different parts of the country along with a decent pay rise. Progressive are basically attempting to starve them into accepting their pathetic pay offer.
To show your support go to Shelf Respect or go to this site to donate to their cause - they have been without pay for 20 odd days now - and most of these workers have young families.
Otherwise show your support by boycotting Woolworths, Foodtown and Countdown (their stock isnt getting delivered anyway - so the shelves are empty!)
As you may be aware, Supermarket workers at Progressive sites nationwide have been locked out of work for the past 20 or so days. At first this began as a 2 day strike, but then Progressive wouldnt let them back.
Progressive are owned by Woolworths Australia, and operate the Woolworths, Foodtown and Countdown brands in New Zealand. In the last 12 months they have recorded a $1.2 Billion profit increase - but are refusing to agree to a nationwide collective contract for supermarket workers (which means all staff get the same conditions - leave etc) and are refusing to increase their pay by the 8% demanded (which is reasonable).
If you have ever worked in a supermarket - you can appreciate how shafted these workers feel. The new Australian owners are treating their workers with contempt, and are attempting to enforce Australian conditions.
These workers shouldn't be forced to give up on their legitimate claim for a single national agreement covering the same work in different parts of the country along with a decent pay rise. Progressive are basically attempting to starve them into accepting their pathetic pay offer.
To show your support go to Shelf Respect or go to this site to donate to their cause - they have been without pay for 20 odd days now - and most of these workers have young families.
Otherwise show your support by boycotting Woolworths, Foodtown and Countdown (their stock isnt getting delivered anyway - so the shelves are empty!)
Monday, September 11, 2006
Exciting stuff
I had a phone call the other night from Craig about getting a ride up to Hamilton for the wedding etc etc, which suddenly made me realise - this is all only really a week away when you take the whole stag-do into account as well. How cool is that?
Unfortunately we have a work team building/planning days next Tuesday and Wednesday which means I havent been able to take the whole week off, but anyway should be wicked.
Half the fun too will just be getting everyone together in a 'new' place - although Hamilton is just a big Palmerston North...... which is a big Levin, so I guess not that new??
Now for an Odd spot - this is classic
Unfortunately we have a work team building/planning days next Tuesday and Wednesday which means I havent been able to take the whole week off, but anyway should be wicked.
Half the fun too will just be getting everyone together in a 'new' place - although Hamilton is just a big Palmerston North...... which is a big Levin, so I guess not that new??
Now for an Odd spot - this is classic
Friday, September 08, 2006
Review - Clerks II
Dante - "Never go Arse to Mouth"
Randal - "Always go Arse to Mouth"
Pretty much says it all - more vulgar jokes, more discussions on everyday crap - which is better Star Wars or LOTR? etc.
(LOTR is just three films about going for a walk)
Clerks 2 picks up the story 10 years after the first Clerks, and begins with Randal leaving the coffee on at the Quick Stop, burning the place down, meaning Dante and Randal get jobs at fictional fast-food chain - Mooby's.
After a year at Mooby's Dante is about to leave for Florida with his dominating fiance. Clerks II follows his last day at Mooby's including covering the farewell that Randal organises - an Inter-Species-Erotica show.
Jay and Silent Bob of course feature - apparently they had escaped a drug conviction, and had to do re-hab - which is where they found Christ - which of course is hilarious. Shit dude did you know Jesus was Jewish
If you have seen - and liked Kevin Smith's earlier films, you'll love this, but its not likely to be the film that would draw you into the View Askewniverse.
You could criticise the fact that it basically follows the same format as the original (although the hockey game is replaced by a dance routine - to ABC) but this is good solid Kevin Smith, and I think his best film since Chasing Amy.
4/5
Randal - "Always go Arse to Mouth"
Pretty much says it all - more vulgar jokes, more discussions on everyday crap - which is better Star Wars or LOTR? etc.
(LOTR is just three films about going for a walk)
Clerks 2 picks up the story 10 years after the first Clerks, and begins with Randal leaving the coffee on at the Quick Stop, burning the place down, meaning Dante and Randal get jobs at fictional fast-food chain - Mooby's.
After a year at Mooby's Dante is about to leave for Florida with his dominating fiance. Clerks II follows his last day at Mooby's including covering the farewell that Randal organises - an Inter-Species-Erotica show.
Jay and Silent Bob of course feature - apparently they had escaped a drug conviction, and had to do re-hab - which is where they found Christ - which of course is hilarious. Shit dude did you know Jesus was Jewish
If you have seen - and liked Kevin Smith's earlier films, you'll love this, but its not likely to be the film that would draw you into the View Askewniverse.
You could criticise the fact that it basically follows the same format as the original (although the hockey game is replaced by a dance routine - to ABC) but this is good solid Kevin Smith, and I think his best film since Chasing Amy.
4/5
Monday, September 04, 2006
Simple pleasures
C4 now has some competition - MTV is back in New Zealand, which has made me a happy man.
Im not sure how C4 will survive given 90% of their programming - Punk'd, all their cartoons, Jackass, Viva La Bam, Dirty Sanchez, Wildboyz, Pimp my Ride etc is from MTV. But hey who cares.
MTV only features music videos every now and then, focussing on their shows - which is where I struck gold!
MTV Homewreckers - its Ryan Dunn from Jackass' new show, basically people who have had a prank pulled on them by mates, write in and Dunn then goes and "rennovates" their room - like turns it into urinal and such like. Inbetween these he teaches you how to do pranks around the home - like instead of using glad wrap on the toilet, use clear jello! (can only be removed by scooping it out - which if defecated on isnt the nicest!) or filling up the fans in someones car with dots from a hole punch - so they blow everywhere when the car is started.
If I had a top 5 current shows - it would be in there. The best of the shows by former Jackasses.
Im not sure how C4 will survive given 90% of their programming - Punk'd, all their cartoons, Jackass, Viva La Bam, Dirty Sanchez, Wildboyz, Pimp my Ride etc is from MTV. But hey who cares.
MTV only features music videos every now and then, focussing on their shows - which is where I struck gold!
MTV Homewreckers - its Ryan Dunn from Jackass' new show, basically people who have had a prank pulled on them by mates, write in and Dunn then goes and "rennovates" their room - like turns it into urinal and such like. Inbetween these he teaches you how to do pranks around the home - like instead of using glad wrap on the toilet, use clear jello! (can only be removed by scooping it out - which if defecated on isnt the nicest!) or filling up the fans in someones car with dots from a hole punch - so they blow everywhere when the car is started.
If I had a top 5 current shows - it would be in there. The best of the shows by former Jackasses.
Steve Irwin
Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin has been killed - not by a crocodile, but by a Stingray.
Apparently his wife hasnt been told yet - she is trekking in Tasmania.
Now I've never been a fan of Irwin but this is pretty shocking. I guess he died doing what he loved - which no one could complain about.
Apparently his wife hasnt been told yet - she is trekking in Tasmania.
Now I've never been a fan of Irwin but this is pretty shocking. I guess he died doing what he loved - which no one could complain about.
Friday, September 01, 2006
Dangerous driving charge against armless man dropped
Above is a headline from today's Herald
Over the last year or so I have collected daft headlines and stories like this one, and put them on the pinboard in my office.
After finding that gem this morning I though id share some of the small but growing collection...
Blind man kills deaf man in noise row
Cannabis raffled for $10 a ticket
Man of Steel not gay says director
Horse given party pill drug
Computer can read your mind
Schoolgirls vomit together
No napkins..... elderly might eat them
Quick victory for humans in caveman clash
The Lord will tackle National
US dismisses deaths as 'good PR move'
Personality disorder 'no excuse for killing'
and my all time fav is actually a pull quote which featured in the Herald when Air NZ had maintainence issues a couple of years back...
'Our goal is to land with all the parts we take off with' Air NZ chief technical officer, Bill Jacobson
I love the insanity of the media.
Over the last year or so I have collected daft headlines and stories like this one, and put them on the pinboard in my office.
After finding that gem this morning I though id share some of the small but growing collection...
Blind man kills deaf man in noise row
Cannabis raffled for $10 a ticket
Man of Steel not gay says director
Horse given party pill drug
Computer can read your mind
Schoolgirls vomit together
No napkins..... elderly might eat them
Quick victory for humans in caveman clash
The Lord will tackle National
US dismisses deaths as 'good PR move'
Personality disorder 'no excuse for killing'
and my all time fav is actually a pull quote which featured in the Herald when Air NZ had maintainence issues a couple of years back...
'Our goal is to land with all the parts we take off with' Air NZ chief technical officer, Bill Jacobson
I love the insanity of the media.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Football World Cup 2010 - downunder???
I know WTF? The Sydney Morning Herald this morning has reported that South Africa has dropped the ball with their hosting of the 2010 Football World Cup..... and the replacements would likely be New Zealand and Australia!
Basically theyve been too slow off the mark and are way behind schedule, meaning companies are now pulling out of the tendering process due to the ridiculous timelines.
Its all in the way it rotates around - after Africa, the America's would be due next, then Asia/Oceania, then Europe. But Brazil the lead candidate for 2014 is no where near ready (only has 1 or 2 Fifa standard venues) - opening the way for us - Aussie has 5 Fifa Standard venues - (Telstra Stadium, Aussie Stadium in Sydney, Telstra Dome and the MCG in Melbourne and Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane) plus Perth is currently building another, and New Zealand is of course upgrading venues, so will have 3 (Eden Park, Westpac Stadium, and Jade Stadium) potentially 5 venues (if Carisbrook is rebuilt as is planned and Waikato Stadium is big enough).
Now the final will obviously either be at the Olympic - Telstra Stadium in Sydney or the now even huger MCG, but still even if we only hosted a pool and maybe a couple of quarter finals - how sick would that be!
Its all reliant on South Africa continuing to make a hash of it - so keep up the good work!
Basically theyve been too slow off the mark and are way behind schedule, meaning companies are now pulling out of the tendering process due to the ridiculous timelines.
Its all in the way it rotates around - after Africa, the America's would be due next, then Asia/Oceania, then Europe. But Brazil the lead candidate for 2014 is no where near ready (only has 1 or 2 Fifa standard venues) - opening the way for us - Aussie has 5 Fifa Standard venues - (Telstra Stadium, Aussie Stadium in Sydney, Telstra Dome and the MCG in Melbourne and Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane) plus Perth is currently building another, and New Zealand is of course upgrading venues, so will have 3 (Eden Park, Westpac Stadium, and Jade Stadium) potentially 5 venues (if Carisbrook is rebuilt as is planned and Waikato Stadium is big enough).
Now the final will obviously either be at the Olympic - Telstra Stadium in Sydney or the now even huger MCG, but still even if we only hosted a pool and maybe a couple of quarter finals - how sick would that be!
Its all reliant on South Africa continuing to make a hash of it - so keep up the good work!
Sunday, August 27, 2006
My NZ Idol post
Alright yes it is rubbish - and frankly who cares, but hey thats what blogs are for!
Now with Idol, I always watch the first episode - to see the awful tragics, the first show with the whole top 10, and then possibly the last couple of shows.
Tonight was the first night with the top 10, and was also their soul music night, which was basically a Motown night. Soul is one of my favourite genres and is a great test - if you cant bring the funk you will be exposed by soul music.
So for me there were only three good performances and they were actually outstanding. The rest were frankly awful - not much better than karaoke.
Becks who sang Lady Marmalade, Ben who sang Aint No Mountain High Enough and Indira who pulled out Aretha Franklin's Think. One of those three should be the winner - none of the others can sing!
Also the best of the rest - Matt is from Levin! But he sang Stevie Wonder's Livin in the City - he was a bit out of depth, but hey LV represent!
Now with Idol, I always watch the first episode - to see the awful tragics, the first show with the whole top 10, and then possibly the last couple of shows.
Tonight was the first night with the top 10, and was also their soul music night, which was basically a Motown night. Soul is one of my favourite genres and is a great test - if you cant bring the funk you will be exposed by soul music.
So for me there were only three good performances and they were actually outstanding. The rest were frankly awful - not much better than karaoke.
Becks who sang Lady Marmalade, Ben who sang Aint No Mountain High Enough and Indira who pulled out Aretha Franklin's Think. One of those three should be the winner - none of the others can sing!
Also the best of the rest - Matt is from Levin! But he sang Stevie Wonder's Livin in the City - he was a bit out of depth, but hey LV represent!
Saturday, August 26, 2006
West Side Mofo
Well given the awful weather today I decided to use up the paint I had left over from the bathroom (Resene Geyser) I decided to paint the kitchen cupboards.
Naturally this got way out of control - I decided to also paint the splash back above the sink, but wanted an outrageous colour. So I charged down to Resene and for some reason didnt go with my usual red. (Red couch and rug in lounge, red mat and towels in bathroom)
No no the colour I went for was Resene West Side - which is a bright orange, almost tangerine. I half thought this was gonna clash horribly with the red couch - but it works!
I would link to the Resene site, but the colour shows up waayy duller.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Snapped!
I caught someone red handed this morning!
Doing what you ask??? Downloading "data" at work!
You see I have iTunes loaded on my machine. Now because we're on a shared drive, if someone else uses LimeWire to download free songs etc... everyone with iTunes can see it.
So this morning while listening to some Radiohead - Ok Computer (still awesome), I noticed that one of our IT support people from Unisys had been using LimeWire - meaning I could see his library. Now normally you find some gems for example - one media assistant from another office had a huge Bryan Adams (no no not Ryan) collection and also the Baywatch soundtrack (WTF?) so I was looking for a similar laugh.
HOLY FUCK was what I exclaimed when I saw this persons - five downloads listed, one song - a Justin Timberlake one it was too, and then four video clips - some of the titles as follows
"cumshot jessica fuck"
"blowjobs jessica drake tits" and so on.
You would think an IT guy would know better, and if not at least know how to cover his tracks!
After considering all sorts of blackmail and extortion - I did the decent thing and emailed him to tell him - you do realise everyone can access your LimeWire and see everything you've downloaded....
Fair to say its now an empty LimeWire.
What a dick, although it has provided much entertainment around the office - we have now coined a new phrase too: To do some gardening - his last name is Gardner.
Doing what you ask??? Downloading "data" at work!
You see I have iTunes loaded on my machine. Now because we're on a shared drive, if someone else uses LimeWire to download free songs etc... everyone with iTunes can see it.
So this morning while listening to some Radiohead - Ok Computer (still awesome), I noticed that one of our IT support people from Unisys had been using LimeWire - meaning I could see his library. Now normally you find some gems for example - one media assistant from another office had a huge Bryan Adams (no no not Ryan) collection and also the Baywatch soundtrack (WTF?) so I was looking for a similar laugh.
HOLY FUCK was what I exclaimed when I saw this persons - five downloads listed, one song - a Justin Timberlake one it was too, and then four video clips - some of the titles as follows
"cumshot jessica fuck"
"blowjobs jessica drake tits" and so on.
You would think an IT guy would know better, and if not at least know how to cover his tracks!
After considering all sorts of blackmail and extortion - I did the decent thing and emailed him to tell him - you do realise everyone can access your LimeWire and see everything you've downloaded....
Fair to say its now an empty LimeWire.
What a dick, although it has provided much entertainment around the office - we have now coined a new phrase too: To do some gardening - his last name is Gardner.
Monday, August 21, 2006
They're small!
Yes it is about time that the Reserve Bank has replaced our coins, and the new coins have made the wallet much lighter - but its the hell confusing when being given change - for example the new 50c coin is smaller than the old 20c! So just about everytime you get given change you give that old are you ripping me off look to the cashier.
Also what is funny about this whole shebang is that people are now selling their old coins on Trade Me. Campbell Live featured an article about the now extinct 5c coins - apparently if you have a 5c coin with the date '2004' on it - you're in the money! well kind of... on average theyre selling for about $50 due to the fact that it was a really limited run in 2004.
Check out www.newcoins.govt.nz
Thursday, August 17, 2006
TV Themes
Spareroom has blogged 25 of the greatest ever tv themes - including my favourites, CHiPs and Greatest American Hero.
There are some other classics though - Three's Company, Magnum PI, A Team, and of course WKRP in Cincinatti!
Check it out - theyre a crack up
Freedom! Forever!
This is actually a review of V for Vendetta, the Wachowski brothers (the Matrix) latest work.
V for Vendetta is based on the 1980s comic (sorry graphic novel) of the same name. Its the story of a fictional Britain ruled by a facist dictator - High Chancellor Sutler, and how a revolutionary - or terrorist (depending on your view point) named V, goes about undermining the government, murdering figure heads left, right and centre, and blowing the shit out of places like the Old Bailey and Houses of Parliament.
The original comic was written in the 80s for an 80s audience, using Thatcher's government as inspiration, however the movie takes on a modern theme suggesting that the facist govt is a result of the middle east conflict and terrorism. This works, and makes the story more relevant to modern audiences - it has pissed the writer off though, who distanced himself from the film.
This is one of the best political thrillers that I have seen - it is far enough removed from our reality to be entertaining, and would reach a far broader audience than most in this genre.
Hugo Weaving's performance as V is fantastic - wearing a mask for the whole film meant he really had use his voice to project V's emotions - no mean feat, and this isnt a robotic masked character like a Darth Vader, V is still just a man.
Natalie Portman looks the part of Evey, big innocent eyes and comes across strong, but her accent slipped in just about every scene - I wonder if they should have just abandoned the accent and had her speak naturally?
Anyway V for Vendetta is fantastic, this is definitely another purchase.
****
V for Vendetta is based on the 1980s comic (sorry graphic novel) of the same name. Its the story of a fictional Britain ruled by a facist dictator - High Chancellor Sutler, and how a revolutionary - or terrorist (depending on your view point) named V, goes about undermining the government, murdering figure heads left, right and centre, and blowing the shit out of places like the Old Bailey and Houses of Parliament.
The original comic was written in the 80s for an 80s audience, using Thatcher's government as inspiration, however the movie takes on a modern theme suggesting that the facist govt is a result of the middle east conflict and terrorism. This works, and makes the story more relevant to modern audiences - it has pissed the writer off though, who distanced himself from the film.
This is one of the best political thrillers that I have seen - it is far enough removed from our reality to be entertaining, and would reach a far broader audience than most in this genre.
Hugo Weaving's performance as V is fantastic - wearing a mask for the whole film meant he really had use his voice to project V's emotions - no mean feat, and this isnt a robotic masked character like a Darth Vader, V is still just a man.
Natalie Portman looks the part of Evey, big innocent eyes and comes across strong, but her accent slipped in just about every scene - I wonder if they should have just abandoned the accent and had her speak naturally?
Anyway V for Vendetta is fantastic, this is definitely another purchase.
****
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Rock the Casbah!
What a start to the day I had today! As you will recall, I bought a new car - a Peugeot 206 a couple of weeks back. The top of the line in compact hatchbacks - lovely stuff.
Anyway, this morning when I arrived in the building at work, and was about to storm into an elevator... my phone goes. "Hi is that Andrew? (before I could say anything) Its So and So here from Classics Hits 90-something FM, how are you this morning?" Great thanks I replied, radioman then said - I understand you bought a Peugeot 206 a couple of weeks ago from Shackel Motor Group? I said Yes I did, its fantastic! And he said well your name has been drawn and we are going to pay all your payments on the car for one year!
How cool is that!?!?! basically saving me $4600!
This is probably the first proper thing I have ever won!
Back of the net!
Anyway, this morning when I arrived in the building at work, and was about to storm into an elevator... my phone goes. "Hi is that Andrew? (before I could say anything) Its So and So here from Classics Hits 90-something FM, how are you this morning?" Great thanks I replied, radioman then said - I understand you bought a Peugeot 206 a couple of weeks ago from Shackel Motor Group? I said Yes I did, its fantastic! And he said well your name has been drawn and we are going to pay all your payments on the car for one year!
How cool is that!?!?! basically saving me $4600!
This is probably the first proper thing I have ever won!
Back of the net!
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Cuppa Joe's
Now for some good ol' US politics - just to bore the wee wee out of everyone!
Ive just been reading a fascinating article in the New Republic - one of the leading US political journals, talking about former Vice Presidential candidate, Joe Lieberman's failed primary election campaign to hold his seat in the Senate out of Conneticutt (sp? - im sure thats wrong anyway). Lieberman failed in his nomination for the Presidency in 2004, and was as mentioned Al Gore's running partner in 2000. Aside from these loses though, he has held a seat in the Senate for four terms, and was initially seen as a front runner in 2004 (before Howard Dean was endorsed by Gore, and John Kerry took the middle ground).
Lieberman's problem though, is that he is seen as pro-Bush, arguing that people shouldnt criticise the President at a time of war. Which if the country is under attack, or in a situation like WW2, then yes he is right - you don't need an opposition politicking at the sidelines. But the Iraq situation is different, there was/is no immediate threat and the Democrats were needing to act as an opposition (exactly the same problem for the ALP in Australia).
What is interesting though is how this Democratic Party primary could effect the main vote in 2008. Middle America were scared off by Bush's attacks on Kerry's indecisive - limp wristed "flip flop" nature in 2004. For the Democrats to abandon one of their senior players in such a fashion, could leave them open to the same attacks again in 2008.
In saying that Hillary Clinton is looking as solid as ever in the New York senate race, which is promising for 2008. However Howard Dean (avid Clinton hater), has taken over the running of the Democratic national body - the DNC, meaning that Hillary's ride will be rocky to say the least, and expect to see toes being tread on and blood spilt along the way.
The Democrats seem to almost be like NZ or UK Labour in the 90s, to busy fighting each other - therefore losing time and time again.
So looking to 2008, I expect to see the race being between Senator John McCain (Republicans) and Hillary (Democrats), to be honest - I could handle either, neither are nutbars of Bush proportions, and frankly from a New Zealand perspective McCain visits here a lot, and has been our biggest backer for a free-trade deal - he even referred to NZ as an ally, which we havent been called since ANZUS broke down over the Nukes issue in 1986. So while I will hopefully head over to campaign for Hillary victory, a McCain administration should suffice.
Ive just been reading a fascinating article in the New Republic - one of the leading US political journals, talking about former Vice Presidential candidate, Joe Lieberman's failed primary election campaign to hold his seat in the Senate out of Conneticutt (sp? - im sure thats wrong anyway). Lieberman failed in his nomination for the Presidency in 2004, and was as mentioned Al Gore's running partner in 2000. Aside from these loses though, he has held a seat in the Senate for four terms, and was initially seen as a front runner in 2004 (before Howard Dean was endorsed by Gore, and John Kerry took the middle ground).
Lieberman's problem though, is that he is seen as pro-Bush, arguing that people shouldnt criticise the President at a time of war. Which if the country is under attack, or in a situation like WW2, then yes he is right - you don't need an opposition politicking at the sidelines. But the Iraq situation is different, there was/is no immediate threat and the Democrats were needing to act as an opposition (exactly the same problem for the ALP in Australia).
What is interesting though is how this Democratic Party primary could effect the main vote in 2008. Middle America were scared off by Bush's attacks on Kerry's indecisive - limp wristed "flip flop" nature in 2004. For the Democrats to abandon one of their senior players in such a fashion, could leave them open to the same attacks again in 2008.
In saying that Hillary Clinton is looking as solid as ever in the New York senate race, which is promising for 2008. However Howard Dean (avid Clinton hater), has taken over the running of the Democratic national body - the DNC, meaning that Hillary's ride will be rocky to say the least, and expect to see toes being tread on and blood spilt along the way.
The Democrats seem to almost be like NZ or UK Labour in the 90s, to busy fighting each other - therefore losing time and time again.
So looking to 2008, I expect to see the race being between Senator John McCain (Republicans) and Hillary (Democrats), to be honest - I could handle either, neither are nutbars of Bush proportions, and frankly from a New Zealand perspective McCain visits here a lot, and has been our biggest backer for a free-trade deal - he even referred to NZ as an ally, which we havent been called since ANZUS broke down over the Nukes issue in 1986. So while I will hopefully head over to campaign for Hillary victory, a McCain administration should suffice.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
This is history
Today is the tenth anniversary of Oasis' landmark Knebworth gigs. The gigs were frankly huge and the zenith of the Britpop phenomenon. 125 000 people attended each night (10th and 11th of August), and to give an idea of how big this was the support acts on the first night were The Prodigy, Manic Street Preachers and Ocean Colour Scene followed by The Charlatans, Kula Shaker and The Chemical Brothers on the second. 1996 was the year that Britpop - and Oasis dominated and the Knebworth gigs became the stuff of legend. They were Cool Britiania.
The next year all the great acts faded - Oasis included, Blur disappeared, Sleeper produced their weakest work, Pulp took nearly three years to produce This is Hardcore and all of the bands listed above never scaled the heights of 1996 again. Knebworth was nirvana.
Also while marking this occasion, Top of the Pops after 40 years has been canned (hence the video) - to be fair I dont think it will really be missed! The world has moved on a bit. You should have noticed something strange with the video - Oasis upset the BBC in mid 1995 with this performance of Roll With It. After being forced to lip synch the lads spiced things up by having Noel act as lead vocalist (with no guitar) and Liam "play" lead guitar - making it obvious that they are lip synching. Great stuff
Stalking
Modern day stalking is soo easy - you can pretty much Google any one and at least be able to track their background etc (dont lie, you know you have) - and if they live in Wellington - get an aerial photo of their home!
But in the US, its got even jucier! Russell Brown in his Public Address column today has covered how AOL has made possibly the worst decision of all time by selling the search history of 500 000 of their clients to market researchers - who promptly put it online. Of course, once somethings online, you can't stop the spread. AOL Stalker has been set up, so you can search what people have been looking at! Trouble is of course - who would now use AOL? and probably the more worrying issue is - AOL is basically Google reskinned, so does this mean Google could do the same thing? Users could basically be held to ransom, or blackmailed with this information. This could ruin people.
Anyway here is a juicy snippet -
Woman searchs for flowers, venues etc for dream wedding... The fiance, not so much - he's more interested in "forced deep throat", "rape stories" and "lolita sex" ..... holy shit.
What a wonderful world.
But in the US, its got even jucier! Russell Brown in his Public Address column today has covered how AOL has made possibly the worst decision of all time by selling the search history of 500 000 of their clients to market researchers - who promptly put it online. Of course, once somethings online, you can't stop the spread. AOL Stalker has been set up, so you can search what people have been looking at! Trouble is of course - who would now use AOL? and probably the more worrying issue is - AOL is basically Google reskinned, so does this mean Google could do the same thing? Users could basically be held to ransom, or blackmailed with this information. This could ruin people.
Anyway here is a juicy snippet -
Woman searchs for flowers, venues etc for dream wedding... The fiance, not so much - he's more interested in "forced deep throat", "rape stories" and "lolita sex" ..... holy shit.
What a wonderful world.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Its on like Donkey Kong
Well after last week's slow start to my virtual picks for the Air NZ Cup, ive managed to pull a few points back - outscoring quite a few people, and now only sit 11 points shy of Hameadom. The Heartland Championship begins in Round 4, so that should mix things up a little - brings an element of luck - who knows who would win between Wanganui and Thames Valley? North Otago and Poverty Bay? Im actually willing to bet some of my competitors dont know where Poverty Bay is?? (and no googling doesnt count). Am I wrong?
Friday, August 04, 2006
The great Wikipedia Meme
Ok so this is a bit of fun, I saw it on another couple of blogs, and was actually surprised by the results!
1. Go to Wikipedia
2. In the search box, type your birth month and day but not the year.
3. List three events that happened on your birthday
4. List two important birthdays and one death
5. One holiday or observance (if any) - (mine is a cracker)
16 July
3 Events
- 1945, Manhattan Project - First plutonium nuclear bomb tested.
- 1951, Catcher in the Rye by J D Salinger first published.
- 1969, Apollo 11 launches - first manned mission to the moon.
and one more since its a good one
- 1994, Rwandan Civil War ends.
2 Births and a Death
- 1918, Tsar Nicholas II executed by the Bolsheviks during the Russian revolution.
- 1963, Fat Boy Slim born
- 1967, Will Ferrell born
A holiday or observance
National Ice Cream Day (USA) I kid you not, it was set up by who else..... Ronald Reagan!
1. Go to Wikipedia
2. In the search box, type your birth month and day but not the year.
3. List three events that happened on your birthday
4. List two important birthdays and one death
5. One holiday or observance (if any) - (mine is a cracker)
16 July
3 Events
- 1945, Manhattan Project - First plutonium nuclear bomb tested.
- 1951, Catcher in the Rye by J D Salinger first published.
- 1969, Apollo 11 launches - first manned mission to the moon.
and one more since its a good one
- 1994, Rwandan Civil War ends.
2 Births and a Death
- 1918, Tsar Nicholas II executed by the Bolsheviks during the Russian revolution.
- 1963, Fat Boy Slim born
- 1967, Will Ferrell born
A holiday or observance
National Ice Cream Day (USA) I kid you not, it was set up by who else..... Ronald Reagan!
Some people
Im having one of those mornings this morning.
First of all, the idiot messenger has now knocked over my Rubber plant - dont worry about cleaning it up eh! Though its not nearly as badly injured - may need re-potting at some point though.
On top of this though, and granted this wouldnt normally grate me quite so much - but doesnt it just annoy the tits off you when you say "morning" to someone - and they reply "afternoon" and do one of those heavy breath laughs - the "heeeeeee" while exhaling, as though thats funny. Actually it isnt the afternoon.
Argh
First of all, the idiot messenger has now knocked over my Rubber plant - dont worry about cleaning it up eh! Though its not nearly as badly injured - may need re-potting at some point though.
On top of this though, and granted this wouldnt normally grate me quite so much - but doesnt it just annoy the tits off you when you say "morning" to someone - and they reply "afternoon" and do one of those heavy breath laughs - the "heeeeeee" while exhaling, as though thats funny. Actually it isnt the afternoon.
Argh
Thursday, August 03, 2006
He's aliiivvve
First off the title should be read in a mad scientist style. Now who's alive you ask? My Yucca! With my care he has regained his strength, and has largely straightened himself (and yes he is a he) and the gardeners have (finally) turned up and put a stake in - so he's looking good. I did have to amputate a couple of leaves, but he is now expected to make a full recovery - after the early prognosis of - its a dead duck, and then the "well all going well hopefully just the top half will die".
Pictured is the Yucca, with its Rubber Plant friend on the floor (which as I said earlier has been cut in half) also take note of the David Brent album flyer on my noticeboard - free love on the free love freeway i say! (this was only taken with my phone - so apologies for the quality!
Review: Rather Ripped, Sonic Youth
Over the years ive never liked Sonic Youth that much - a little too avant garde for my liking, and I think arguably a little snobbish or pretentious. But over the years they have also produced some great stuff - 1997's Washing Machine, and 1998's A Thousand Leaves were both great albums - and the song Sunday from A Thousand Leaves would probably make my top 100.
Their new album has again taken the same route as Washing Machine etc, with less bullshit noise, sorry art, and more great songs. Rather Ripped has some great tracks - the opening Reena is stunning with unmistakably Sonic Youth riffs, and Incinerate kicks ass (which they performed on Rove Live last week - hardly the show you would expect to find alt-punk gods like SY), my favourite track though had to be Do You Believe in the Rapture? - a fantastic track.
All up this is a good album. Sonic Youth are a band that grows on you, but at times they're difficult to grasp, Rather Ripped is definitely one of their more accessible works.
****
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Let down
Before you think this is going to be about how some people are letting others down by not updating their blog for 12 days - its not.....
No im talking about this years Film Festival. Frankly the quality this year seems down on previous years - not much has grabbed my attention. Of course there was the compulsory Tristram Shandy (its starred Steve Coogan), and im probably going to see the Holocaust drama - Fateless but other than those - for the first time since Ive been in Wellington (7 years), Im just not into it.
Also the other let down of yesterday was my Yucca plant - which I had nurtured, grown to about 1m tall, and had sitting on my desk (blocking the view of my screen to people walking into my office) - the fucking messenger knocked it off my desk - bending its spine in half. Bastard. Its pretty much ruined - the gardeners will be up this morning, and i spent the day watering it etc, but prognosis isnt good. I still have my Rubber plant - but that has recently been cut down (apparently 2.5m is too tall!)and Ive had to bring in another subsititute - its some ugly leafy thing - not in the same ball park of cool as my Yucca. Gutted.
No im talking about this years Film Festival. Frankly the quality this year seems down on previous years - not much has grabbed my attention. Of course there was the compulsory Tristram Shandy (its starred Steve Coogan), and im probably going to see the Holocaust drama - Fateless but other than those - for the first time since Ive been in Wellington (7 years), Im just not into it.
Also the other let down of yesterday was my Yucca plant - which I had nurtured, grown to about 1m tall, and had sitting on my desk (blocking the view of my screen to people walking into my office) - the fucking messenger knocked it off my desk - bending its spine in half. Bastard. Its pretty much ruined - the gardeners will be up this morning, and i spent the day watering it etc, but prognosis isnt good. I still have my Rubber plant - but that has recently been cut down (apparently 2.5m is too tall!)and Ive had to bring in another subsititute - its some ugly leafy thing - not in the same ball park of cool as my Yucca. Gutted.
Monday, July 31, 2006
A slow start
Well the new Air New Zealand Cup kicked off over the weekend. The Air NZ Cup is essentially the old NPC Division One, with four teams promoted from the old second division - Hawkes Bay, Tasman (a combination of Nelson Bays and Marlborough), Counties Manakau, and Manawatu.
All teams actually performed pretty well. I went and watched Manawatu (arguably the weakest, and worst prepared - their coach walked out 4 weeks ago) play defending champions Auckland. To be honest, after the Lions (British) put 100 points on Manawatu last year - I wasnt expecting much with a team like Auckland coming to town - star studded backline and all. But Manawatu dominated the break-down, turning over a lot of posession, and won the lineouts - their scrum was weak, but thats to be expected.
Manawatu lock Hayden Triggs could well make the Hurricanes if he can keep performing like that, and the Manawatu loosies were outstanding, outperforming the Aucklanders - who were made up of Daniel Braid, Brad Mika, and Jerome Kaino - all of whom have played for the All Blacks.
My team, the Wellington Lions were too good for Taranaki, and while the other results were predictable, Counites should have beaten Otago - going down by four points, and Tasman pushed Harbour losing 33-27. Good stuff.
What wasn't so good was my performance in the Virtual Air NZ Cup - picking up only 18 points, nevermind its early days yet - and the Heartland Championship should be a leveller once that kicks off.
PS. Its a little odd that the Manawatu team are called the Turbo's - they are suppsoedly named after the Wind Turbines, which dominate the hills surrounding Palmerston North - so why not the Manawatu Turbines?
Thursday, July 27, 2006
206 - first class
This is from the 206 online fan club - says it all really
Thats first class. I'll take photo's this weekend and blog them early next week.There's nothing like 206. Innovative and seductive, appealing as much to the eye as to the heart, the shape of the 206 symbolizes a new generation of
Peugeot.
With its lean looks and muscular stance, the 206 conveys a sensation of movement even when standing still. The spacious cabin, the high-quality finish and the discerning choice of materials give it a feeling of luxury usually associated with a much larger car.
Stop the Clocks
Oasis have today announced via their very handy email newsletter that they are releasing a best-of titled Stop the Clocks. Apparently it will be the bands "ultimate set list" and will feature songs from all albums including "the best b-side ever" (if they say so themselves) Acquiese and also Half the World Away (which I would argue is better!) plus all their major singles.
This is apparently a stop-gap between the end of their Don't Believe the Truth tour and beginning the next studio album. Often best-of's are a sign that the end is nigh, but I hope not - Don't Believe the Truth is easily their best album since What's the Story and while its good to go out on a high, I think the lads still have another couple of great albums in them. Fingers crossed!
PS, in the handy email there wasn't a release date so I assume this is out now?
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Tate Modern
Art isnt one of my usual topics I know, but while dreaming of being on holiday this morning, I read an article about how the Tate Modern is going to expand. Tate Modern is the sister of Tate Britain or The Tate as it was known, and was opened in 2000, and because of the UK Labour govts most excellent policy of free entry to museums and galleries; instead of having 1.8m visitors per year - they get 4m! Hence the expansion. Tate was an absolute highlight of my time in London with level 5's Idea + Object and States of Flux galleries holding most of my attention - pictured is one of my favourites Jasper Johns' 0 through 9, from the State of Flux space - which also houses Warhol's Double Elvis and one of the iconic Marilyn Diptych's. Not only the art though, the Tate itself is stunning - it used to be a power station, you enter through what was the turbine hall - which is just massive. Looking at the "Pyramid" extension im not entirely sure about the design, but we'll see, and god knows London needs more stand out contempary architecture. If youre ever in London check that puppy out.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Sensational reporting
Keith Ng in his On Point blog on Public Address has done a fantastic take on the DomPost's ridiculous sensationalistic article on crime in New Zealand. Keith's article is definitely worth a read.
Shocking figures in the DomPost yesterday showed, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that there are places in New Zealand with more cases of MURDER per capita than any other place in New Zealand.
What's more, the statistics irrefutably show that this is not only true of MURDER, but also of robbery, assault, rape and cannabisism. Remarkably, in a country that we once thought of as safe, there now exists CRIME CAPITALS where instances of such crimes per capita is higher than anywhere else in New Zealand.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Dragons Den idea 1
Ive called this idea 1 as Im sure ill come up with others.
For those in foreign lands - Dragons Den is a show where people pitch their business ideas to "the Dragons" - 5 highly successful business people, who either invest - or slag them off telling them theyre rubbish. This is surprisingly addictive TV. The UK verison screened here earlier this year, and the Aussie verison has just finished - they are now calling for auditions for the New Zealand version!
My idea - online hookers.
Now almost every other part of the sex industry has moved online - porn, buying toys, picking up people through dating sites etc- so instead of cruising along Vivian St or Marion Sq, or K rd in Auckland - why not order your hooker/rentboy etc online?
Concept - set up a website where people sign up, load their Credit Card details, and then each time they visit, they simply pick what they want - M/F/MTF/WTM/?, Age, Race etc, select the service they want and for how long - their credit card is then debitted and the hooker meets them at the agreed location. Simple.
Prostitution was legalised in 2003, and this seems like the obvious next step - way more discreet. This works to much the same model that D'Vice use for taking toys to the mainstream - websites are non-judgemental and annonymous. Seems ideal to me.
Thoughts?
For those in foreign lands - Dragons Den is a show where people pitch their business ideas to "the Dragons" - 5 highly successful business people, who either invest - or slag them off telling them theyre rubbish. This is surprisingly addictive TV. The UK verison screened here earlier this year, and the Aussie verison has just finished - they are now calling for auditions for the New Zealand version!
My idea - online hookers.
Now almost every other part of the sex industry has moved online - porn, buying toys, picking up people through dating sites etc- so instead of cruising along Vivian St or Marion Sq, or K rd in Auckland - why not order your hooker/rentboy etc online?
Concept - set up a website where people sign up, load their Credit Card details, and then each time they visit, they simply pick what they want - M/F/MTF/WTM/?, Age, Race etc, select the service they want and for how long - their credit card is then debitted and the hooker meets them at the agreed location. Simple.
Prostitution was legalised in 2003, and this seems like the obvious next step - way more discreet. This works to much the same model that D'Vice use for taking toys to the mainstream - websites are non-judgemental and annonymous. Seems ideal to me.
Thoughts?
Bizarre night at the movies
This post should have been my review of Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story, which is Steve Coogan's new film, part of this year's Film Festival. But....... the Embassy's fire alarm went off, and the building was evacuated with about 10 minutes to go. At first the festival people said, sorry we havent enough time to play the last few minutes before the next film, but then attempted to, only for the projector to malfunction.
What was most annoying about this was the 14 minute short film played at the start. Now normally I like a short film as an entree, but this film was silent and acted through interpretive dance....... Break - the breakdown of a modern day family through interpretive dance.......... enough said on that really. Utter bollocks.
So anyway the film is about the making of "the unmakeable" 18th century novel - The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy. Coogan of course is outstanding, playing the lead role, and himself. Welsh commedian Rob Brydon plays the co-lead (or supporting actor role according to Coogan) is also great - insisting that while Coogan may deny that he talks like Alan Partridge, he in fact is Alan. Great cameos from Dylan Moran (Black Books), Ronni Ancona (Big Impression), Gillian Anderson (X Files), Stephen Fry (Blackadder), Tony Wilson (the actual guy Coogan played in 24 hour party people), Mark Walliams (Little Britain) and Kelly Macdonald (Trainspotting) amongst others.
The film is hilarious, there are scenes where you litterally convulse with laughter - I had tears in my eyes I was laughing so hard in parts - but ive no idea what the ending is like! So ill give it a provisional four stars.
http://www.tristramshandymovie.com/
****
What was most annoying about this was the 14 minute short film played at the start. Now normally I like a short film as an entree, but this film was silent and acted through interpretive dance....... Break - the breakdown of a modern day family through interpretive dance.......... enough said on that really. Utter bollocks.
So anyway the film is about the making of "the unmakeable" 18th century novel - The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy. Coogan of course is outstanding, playing the lead role, and himself. Welsh commedian Rob Brydon plays the co-lead (or supporting actor role according to Coogan) is also great - insisting that while Coogan may deny that he talks like Alan Partridge, he in fact is Alan. Great cameos from Dylan Moran (Black Books), Ronni Ancona (Big Impression), Gillian Anderson (X Files), Stephen Fry (Blackadder), Tony Wilson (the actual guy Coogan played in 24 hour party people), Mark Walliams (Little Britain) and Kelly Macdonald (Trainspotting) amongst others.
The film is hilarious, there are scenes where you litterally convulse with laughter - I had tears in my eyes I was laughing so hard in parts - but ive no idea what the ending is like! So ill give it a provisional four stars.
http://www.tristramshandymovie.com/
****
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Peugeot 206
Well, I took a car I had been perving at for a week online for a spin today - then bought it!
Its a smaller engine than what im used to - only 1400cc as opposed to 2000cc. Still it had quite a bit of pep, and was still able to cruise past everyone else on Ngaraunga gorge. Should be quite a bit cheaper petrol wise too!
Also as you can see its red, so quite a bit faster!
Friday, July 21, 2006
Fuck Fuckity Fuck
After posting the previous article and subsequent comments, Ive looked into the Top 20 with the highest number of fucks!
Counting down the Top 20 Fuck Films
NB fpm = fucks per minute
20. American History X, 214 @ 1.8fpm
19. Suicide Kings, 222 @ 2.1fpm
18. Eddie Murphy Raw, 223 @ 2.48fpm
17. The Devil's Rejects, 224 @ 2.06fpm
16. State of Grace, 230 @ 1.72fpm
15. True Romance, 234 @ 1.95fpm
14. Empire, 236 @ 2.62fpm
13. The Boondock Saints, 246 @ 2.17fpm
12. Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, 248 @ 2.38fpm
11. The Big Lebowski, 260 @ 2.22fpm
10. Pulp Fiction, 265 @ 1.72fpm
9. Reservoir Dogs, 269 @ 2.69fpm
8. Bully, 274 @ 2.42fpm
7. Running Scared, 275 @ 2.28fpm
6. Dirty, 280 @ 2.89fpm
5. Made, 291 @ 3.10fpm
4. Narc, 297 @ 2.83fpm
3. Goodfellas, 300 @ 2.07fpm
2. Jarhead, 335 @ 2.72fpm
1. Casino, 398 @ 2.24fpm
There you have it!
Counting down the Top 20 Fuck Films
NB fpm = fucks per minute
20. American History X, 214 @ 1.8fpm
19. Suicide Kings, 222 @ 2.1fpm
18. Eddie Murphy Raw, 223 @ 2.48fpm
17. The Devil's Rejects, 224 @ 2.06fpm
16. State of Grace, 230 @ 1.72fpm
15. True Romance, 234 @ 1.95fpm
14. Empire, 236 @ 2.62fpm
13. The Boondock Saints, 246 @ 2.17fpm
12. Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, 248 @ 2.38fpm
11. The Big Lebowski, 260 @ 2.22fpm
10. Pulp Fiction, 265 @ 1.72fpm
9. Reservoir Dogs, 269 @ 2.69fpm
8. Bully, 274 @ 2.42fpm
7. Running Scared, 275 @ 2.28fpm
6. Dirty, 280 @ 2.89fpm
5. Made, 291 @ 3.10fpm
4. Narc, 297 @ 2.83fpm
3. Goodfellas, 300 @ 2.07fpm
2. Jarhead, 335 @ 2.72fpm
1. Casino, 398 @ 2.24fpm
There you have it!
Fucking short version of the Big Lebowski
WARNING link includes a lot of Fucking Fuck F words, probably not best to listen to this at your place of work or around kids...
This is a 2 minute version of the Big Lebowski (one of my favourite films ever). They have basically edited all the F words together. Trust me its a crack up.
Funniest ad ever?
I only ever saw this ad once at the movies, but its for the car im probably going to buy this weekend!
Click here to watch the original Peugeot 206 ad
Click here to watch the original Peugeot 206 ad
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Review: Who the fuck's Arctic Monkeys ****
The most exciting band since Oasis took the interesting step of releasing a follow up to their record setting debut album - Whatever You Say I am, Thats What Im Not, with an EP only three months later.
Who the Fuck are the Arctic Monkey's? features five tracks, the single - The View from the Afternoon, which is arguably one of their strongest track, and four other new tracks.
Cigarete Smoker Fiona, and the title track - Who the Fuck are the Arctic Monkey's? are easily the standout tracks of the EP, while the others you almost get the feeling are just there to make up the numbers - on first impression dont seem to be much more than glorified B-sides.
Once again though, its Alex Turner's lyrics that are the standout feature, continuing his examinations of everyday life, capturing what it is to be young, and mucking about with your mates. Turner says way more in his lyrics than any of his peers, and has the potential to be the greatest songwriter of the last 10 years.
Arctic Monkey's are exactly what Noel Gallagher was talking about in 1994's Rock n Roll Star. While this EP isnt as strong as their debut album, it still kicks arse.
****
Things Ive learnt
In the latest issue of Empire, they have included a double sided movie trivia poster, linking movies together etc.
So here's what I learnt
- Kevin Smith and his team paid for Clerks on their Credit Cards. The total film cost was $25 000.
- Smith also originally shot an alternate ending to Clerks, based on the ending of Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing.
- Francis Ford Coppolla hired his friend George Lucas to be the Second Unit Director on The Godfather.
- Steven Soderbergh's (Ocean's Eleven) Sex, Lies, and Videotape was the first film Empire gave five stars.
- While playing a screenwriter in the Coen brother's Barton Fink, John Turturro was actually writing (in the scenes where he was shown typing) his own screenplay which later became 2005's Romance and Cigaretes.
Fascinating huh.
So here's what I learnt
- Kevin Smith and his team paid for Clerks on their Credit Cards. The total film cost was $25 000.
- Smith also originally shot an alternate ending to Clerks, based on the ending of Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing.
- Francis Ford Coppolla hired his friend George Lucas to be the Second Unit Director on The Godfather.
- Steven Soderbergh's (Ocean's Eleven) Sex, Lies, and Videotape was the first film Empire gave five stars.
- While playing a screenwriter in the Coen brother's Barton Fink, John Turturro was actually writing (in the scenes where he was shown typing) his own screenplay which later became 2005's Romance and Cigaretes.
Fascinating huh.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Catching up, putting your foot in it
Had an incredibly relaxing weekend, although was a little disapointed - I attempted to get out Do the Right Thing - Spike Lee's masterpiece, which the video store has "lost" so instead, I filled my "great black film" quota by watching Malcolm X instead (Spike Lee's other great film) which in my opinion is a stunning epic.
I spent Friday night catching up with Chris, Nath, Dan and Bridget, and then Saturday morning with Misty and the kids. I hadnt seen Nath in a year, and Dan in probably close to three years - if not longer! So it was fantastic to just talk shit like old times. Nobody has particularly changed - Dan trys to say he has, but just below the facade are the stories of getting in a fight at the railway station etc (whats new?). He also has a new tattoo - a star with bird wings with water spraying out making the word - "Savannah" his baby girl's name - who it must be said he adores.
Chris and Bridget have also decided on their suits/gowns etc for the wedding (which I finally remembered to get measured up for today). Fair to say my reaction to the silver waistcoats wasn't appreciated. You see one of my problems is that I have an opinion on most things, and tend to make said opinion known - which can of course rub people the wrong way.
Something to work on I guess!
Also you will remember in an earlier post, my rant about Sounds on Lambton Quay not being aware of EPs, let alone the Arctic Monkey's new release. Well guess what has arrived instore at Sounds today? Who the Fuck are the Artic Monkeys - thats what baby!Ahhh vindication!
I spent Friday night catching up with Chris, Nath, Dan and Bridget, and then Saturday morning with Misty and the kids. I hadnt seen Nath in a year, and Dan in probably close to three years - if not longer! So it was fantastic to just talk shit like old times. Nobody has particularly changed - Dan trys to say he has, but just below the facade are the stories of getting in a fight at the railway station etc (whats new?). He also has a new tattoo - a star with bird wings with water spraying out making the word - "Savannah" his baby girl's name - who it must be said he adores.
Chris and Bridget have also decided on their suits/gowns etc for the wedding (which I finally remembered to get measured up for today). Fair to say my reaction to the silver waistcoats wasn't appreciated. You see one of my problems is that I have an opinion on most things, and tend to make said opinion known - which can of course rub people the wrong way.
Something to work on I guess!
Also you will remember in an earlier post, my rant about Sounds on Lambton Quay not being aware of EPs, let alone the Arctic Monkey's new release. Well guess what has arrived instore at Sounds today? Who the Fuck are the Artic Monkeys - thats what baby!Ahhh vindication!
What's goin on?
Marvin Gaye sang What's goin on? in the late 60's, capturing the mood perfectly. At that time it was Vietnam/communism (perceived domino effect etc), race riots, Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy being murdered - everything seemed to be spiraling out of control.
This morning listening to Morning Report, and reading the Dom at my desk, I couldnt help but think of that track. Israel and Lebanon are now effectively at war with one another. Two Israeli soldiers were taken hostage by Palestinian militants, based in neighbouring Lebanon. So Israel basically invades Lebanon, and have murdered over 100 civilians to date, along with taking out several strategic targets - key bridges, the airport and rail lines. So Hizbollah (Palestinian militant group) have replied launching rockets into Israel, and have killed about 10 civilians, and another 10 or so military personnel (This could have been much worse if a rocket that struck a railway station had been launched at the correct time to strike at rush hour).
This seems to be escalating by the day, if not hour. The conflict between Israel, and basically the Arab/Islamic world is the cold war equivalent of modern times. Now being neither Jewish or Islamic I dont really have a side in this conflict - but this has potentially far reaching consequences, and no one seems to be either rational, or in control.
Essentially my feeling is that they are both as bad as each other. The United Nations need to grow a backbone and go in and give them both a right ticking off! Make them both stand in the naughty spots/corners as it were. I think long term the UN or another independent body will need to take control of the holy sites, and Jereusalam, and basically divy up the rest of the land creating a new Israeli state, and an independent Palestinian state - with neither having control of the holy sites.
Shalom.
This morning listening to Morning Report, and reading the Dom at my desk, I couldnt help but think of that track. Israel and Lebanon are now effectively at war with one another. Two Israeli soldiers were taken hostage by Palestinian militants, based in neighbouring Lebanon. So Israel basically invades Lebanon, and have murdered over 100 civilians to date, along with taking out several strategic targets - key bridges, the airport and rail lines. So Hizbollah (Palestinian militant group) have replied launching rockets into Israel, and have killed about 10 civilians, and another 10 or so military personnel (This could have been much worse if a rocket that struck a railway station had been launched at the correct time to strike at rush hour).
This seems to be escalating by the day, if not hour. The conflict between Israel, and basically the Arab/Islamic world is the cold war equivalent of modern times. Now being neither Jewish or Islamic I dont really have a side in this conflict - but this has potentially far reaching consequences, and no one seems to be either rational, or in control.
Essentially my feeling is that they are both as bad as each other. The United Nations need to grow a backbone and go in and give them both a right ticking off! Make them both stand in the naughty spots/corners as it were. I think long term the UN or another independent body will need to take control of the holy sites, and Jereusalam, and basically divy up the rest of the land creating a new Israeli state, and an independent Palestinian state - with neither having control of the holy sites.
Shalom.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Anniversary weekend celebrations
To mark this weekends 26th anniversary celebrations, I bring you what could well be an annual event.
Counting down the Top 50 all time tracks according to Andrew
50 Belle and Sebastian Sleep the Clock Around
49 Badly Drawn Boy Once Around the Block
48 Ryan Adams Harder Now that its Over
47 Beta Band Dry the Rain
46 Elastica Stutter
45 Ocean Colour Scene Travellers Tune
44 Morcheeba Part of the Process
43 Ben Harper By My Side
42 Flaming Lips Do you Realise
41 Radiohead High and Dry
40 Oasis Do you know what I mean?
39 Arctic Monkeys A Certain Romance
38 Smashing Pumpkins 1979
37 Mazzy Star Fade into You
36 Radiohead Climbing up the Walls
35 Ryan Adams Touch Feel Lose
34 Belle and Sebastian Boy with the Arab Strap
33 Oasis Songbird
32 Beck Lost Cause
31 Ocean Colour Scene The Day we Caught the Train
30 Ben Harper Where Could I Go
29 Aimee Mann Save Me
28 The Beatles Sexy Sadie
27 Morcheeba Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day
26 Johnny Cash Hurt
25 The Beatles Here Comes the Sun
24 Skunk Anansie Hedonism
23 Ben Harper Forgiven
22 Fleetwood Mac Landslide
21 Ocean Colour Scene You've Got it Bad
20 Pulp Common People
19 Blondie Atomic
18 The Beatles Blackbird
17 Radiohead Street Spirit
16 Ben Harper Waiting on an Angel
15 Marvin Gaye Lets Get it On
14 Radiohead Airbag
13 Oasis Live Forever
12 Nirvana All Apologies
11 Radiohead Creep
10 The Byrds Ballad of Easy Rider
9 Badly Drawn Boy A Minor Incident
8 Oasis Cigaretes and Alcohol
7 Marvin Gaye Whats Goin' On
6 The Beatles Two of Us
5 The Byrds Eight Miles High
4 Aimee Mann Wise Up
3 Radiohead Pyramid Song
2 Nirvana Smells Like Teen Spirit
1 Oasis Supersonic
Thats a rock solid top 10 if you ask me - but then I would say that! I imagine some of the calls will raise eyebrows - namely Aimee Mann sneaking into the top 5, but hey thats the standings this year.
Originally I was going to do a top 32 list - Nick Hornby style, but considering my shortlist blew out to 83, I thought culling it to a top 50 wasn't bad going!
Counting down the Top 50 all time tracks according to Andrew
50 Belle and Sebastian Sleep the Clock Around
49 Badly Drawn Boy Once Around the Block
48 Ryan Adams Harder Now that its Over
47 Beta Band Dry the Rain
46 Elastica Stutter
45 Ocean Colour Scene Travellers Tune
44 Morcheeba Part of the Process
43 Ben Harper By My Side
42 Flaming Lips Do you Realise
41 Radiohead High and Dry
40 Oasis Do you know what I mean?
39 Arctic Monkeys A Certain Romance
38 Smashing Pumpkins 1979
37 Mazzy Star Fade into You
36 Radiohead Climbing up the Walls
35 Ryan Adams Touch Feel Lose
34 Belle and Sebastian Boy with the Arab Strap
33 Oasis Songbird
32 Beck Lost Cause
31 Ocean Colour Scene The Day we Caught the Train
30 Ben Harper Where Could I Go
29 Aimee Mann Save Me
28 The Beatles Sexy Sadie
27 Morcheeba Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day
26 Johnny Cash Hurt
25 The Beatles Here Comes the Sun
24 Skunk Anansie Hedonism
23 Ben Harper Forgiven
22 Fleetwood Mac Landslide
21 Ocean Colour Scene You've Got it Bad
20 Pulp Common People
19 Blondie Atomic
18 The Beatles Blackbird
17 Radiohead Street Spirit
16 Ben Harper Waiting on an Angel
15 Marvin Gaye Lets Get it On
14 Radiohead Airbag
13 Oasis Live Forever
12 Nirvana All Apologies
11 Radiohead Creep
10 The Byrds Ballad of Easy Rider
9 Badly Drawn Boy A Minor Incident
8 Oasis Cigaretes and Alcohol
7 Marvin Gaye Whats Goin' On
6 The Beatles Two of Us
5 The Byrds Eight Miles High
4 Aimee Mann Wise Up
3 Radiohead Pyramid Song
2 Nirvana Smells Like Teen Spirit
1 Oasis Supersonic
Thats a rock solid top 10 if you ask me - but then I would say that! I imagine some of the calls will raise eyebrows - namely Aimee Mann sneaking into the top 5, but hey thats the standings this year.
Originally I was going to do a top 32 list - Nick Hornby style, but considering my shortlist blew out to 83, I thought culling it to a top 50 wasn't bad going!
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Heeyyyy
This is the funniest thing ive seen in a long time. The man himself James Brown doing an interview while off his face..
"I look good, I smell good, I feel good, and I make love good."
"I look good, I smell good, I feel good, and I make love good."
How thick can you possibly be?
This thick apparently. I came across this this on a NZ right wing blog, now most people must be aware of satirical "news" website The Onion but it turns out an anti-abortion blogger wasnt.
He blogs about how disgusting the woman in this article is - titled "I'm Totally Pysched About This Abortion!" Read his outraged diatribe here.
Its the Onion dumbass - its made up! I have an Onion article on my office wall titled "Study shows 72 per cent of high-fives unwarranted" surely you would realise from their headlines that its a joke!
He blogs about how disgusting the woman in this article is - titled "I'm Totally Pysched About This Abortion!" Read his outraged diatribe here.
Its the Onion dumbass - its made up! I have an Onion article on my office wall titled "Study shows 72 per cent of high-fives unwarranted" surely you would realise from their headlines that its a joke!
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
10 Top films of the 90s
Ahh the 90s, there was some junk, but also some of the greatest work ever. And what better way to celebrate the 90s than a top 10! Total Film (opponent of EMPIRE) has released their top 10 films of each year during the 90s.
Listed below are Total Film's No. 1 pick (the Oscar best pic winner*) and my pick
1999, Fight Club (American Beauty) American Beauty
1998, Out of Sight (Shakespeare in Love) The Big Lebowski
1997, LA Confidential (Titanic) Donnie Brasco
1996, Trainspotting (The English Patient) Sling Blade
1995, Seven (Braveheart) The Usual Suspects
1994, Pulp Fiction (Forrest Gump) Pulp Fiction**
1993, Groundhog Day (Schindlers List) True Romance
1992, Reservoir Dogs (Unforgiven) Malcolm X
1991, Silence of the Lambs (Silence of the Lambs) Barton Fink
1990, Goodfellas (Dances with Wolves) Miller's Crossing
* - These Oscar winners were released in the year noted, but won their Oscars the following year.
** - How good was 1994? - Speed, Clerks, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Ed Wood, The Lion King, Leon (aka The Professional), Shawshank Redemption and Pulp Fiction - not to mention the film that went on to win the Oscar - Forrest Gump. Possibly films greatest year?
A few notes - What the hell are Total Film on? and where can I get some? Out of Sight!?!?! Groundhog Day!?!?! WTF.
Some of these were a pretty close call - 1991, 1992, 1994 and 1996 for example were all close - in most cases owning the DVD was the deciding factor.
Listed below are Total Film's No. 1 pick (the Oscar best pic winner*) and my pick
1999, Fight Club (American Beauty) American Beauty
1998, Out of Sight (Shakespeare in Love) The Big Lebowski
1997, LA Confidential (Titanic) Donnie Brasco
1996, Trainspotting (The English Patient) Sling Blade
1995, Seven (Braveheart) The Usual Suspects
1994, Pulp Fiction (Forrest Gump) Pulp Fiction**
1993, Groundhog Day (Schindlers List) True Romance
1992, Reservoir Dogs (Unforgiven) Malcolm X
1991, Silence of the Lambs (Silence of the Lambs) Barton Fink
1990, Goodfellas (Dances with Wolves) Miller's Crossing
* - These Oscar winners were released in the year noted, but won their Oscars the following year.
** - How good was 1994? - Speed, Clerks, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Ed Wood, The Lion King, Leon (aka The Professional), Shawshank Redemption and Pulp Fiction - not to mention the film that went on to win the Oscar - Forrest Gump. Possibly films greatest year?
A few notes - What the hell are Total Film on? and where can I get some? Out of Sight!?!?! Groundhog Day!?!?! WTF.
Some of these were a pretty close call - 1991, 1992, 1994 and 1996 for example were all close - in most cases owning the DVD was the deciding factor.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
One of those dumb questionaires
Stmbled across this today, and thought why not?
1. How old do you wish you were? 15. Nothing you do at that age matters, but you don’t realise it until youre old.
2. Where were you when 9/11 happened? In bed. Got a phone call from my sister and flicked on the telly.
3. What do you do when vending machines steal your money? Kick it.
4. Do you consider yourself kind? Sure.
5. If you had to get a tattoo, where and what would it be? A line from the Beatles’ Blackbird Singing around my forearm.
6. If you could be fluent in any other language what would it be? French.
7. Do you know your neighbors? Most of them, yes.
8. What do you consider a vacation? Getting out of Wellington for at least three days with no work to be done.
9. Do you follow your horoscope? Never.
10. Would you move for the person you loved? Yes, that’s the point.
11. Are you touchy feely? No.
12. Do you believe that opposites attract? No.
13. Dream job? Lead guitarist of a kick ass band, although realistically a consultant.
14. Favorite channels? C4 and probably UKTV.
15. Favorite place to go on a weekend? Massey memorial/coastal drive on a sunny day, anywhere with red wine on a rainy day.
16. Showers or Bath? Baths have their moments, but showers are way more efficient.
17. Do you paint your nails? Not so much.
18. Do you trust people easily? Until they give me reason not to, so yes.
19. What are your phobias? I’m scared of heights, but not really a phobia.
20. Do you want kids? Not fussed.
21. Do you keep a handwritten journal? Not hadwritten.
22. Where would you rather be right now? Somewhere warm and sunny.
23. What makes you feel warm and safe? My 12 guage.
24. Heavy or light sleep? Heavy.
25. Are you paranoid? I don’t think so, what do you mean? What are you talking about? Why would you ask that?
26. Are you impatient? Only when driving!
27. Who can you relate to? Minister Farrakhan… Joking. Probably Nick Hornby
28. How do you feel about interracial couples? I don’t feel anything about them, doesn’t worry me in the slightest.
29. What’s your life motto? It can always be worse.
30. What's your main ringtone on your mobile? Hellomoto – the Motorolla one
31. What were you doing at midnight last night? Sleeping
32. Who was your last text message from? Tinks
33. Whose bed did you sleep in last night? Mine.
34. What color shirt are you wearing? Navy – Vamos Argentina!
35. Most recent movie you watched? One Day in September – actually a doco (and no it’s not about 9/11).
36. Name five things you have on you at all times? Wallet, Keys, Mobile, Shoes, Clothes!
37. What color are your bed sheets? White with Maroon pin stripes.
38. How much cash do you have on you right now? 50c
39. What is your favorite part of chicken? Thigh.
40. What's your favorite town/city? Wellington within NZ. London and Melbourne are also cool
41. I can’t wait till... I get paid tomorrow.
42. Who got you to join MySpace? I’m not.
43. What did you have for dinner last night? I didn’t actually.
44. How tall are you barefoot? About 1.8m.
45. Have you ever smoked crack? No.
46. Do you own a gun? Nope.
47. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Water, or if its a bad day- V
48. Do you have A.D.D.? No
49. What time did you wake up today? Around 6.20am.
50. Current worry? I don’t worry
51. Current hate? Tories, people finding a problem with everything – we don’t know how lucky we are/
52. Favorite place to be? Home in bed.
53. Where would you like to travel? Europe, Argentina and Central Africa.
54. Where do you think you'll be in 10 yrs? In Wellington or London.
55. Last thing you ate? A Trisha’s pie mmmmmm
56. What songs do you sing in the shower? Freedom isn’t Free
57. Last person that made you laugh? Anika Moa, performing TLC's "Scrubs" on Pop Goes the Weasel - Fuck are you dumb? I am TLC
58. Worst injury you've ever had? Probably when I smacked my head on the flying fox at Forest Lakes.
59. Does someone have a crush on you? Several I hope.
60. What is your favorite candy? Peanut Slab.
1. How old do you wish you were? 15. Nothing you do at that age matters, but you don’t realise it until youre old.
2. Where were you when 9/11 happened? In bed. Got a phone call from my sister and flicked on the telly.
3. What do you do when vending machines steal your money? Kick it.
4. Do you consider yourself kind? Sure.
5. If you had to get a tattoo, where and what would it be? A line from the Beatles’ Blackbird Singing around my forearm.
6. If you could be fluent in any other language what would it be? French.
7. Do you know your neighbors? Most of them, yes.
8. What do you consider a vacation? Getting out of Wellington for at least three days with no work to be done.
9. Do you follow your horoscope? Never.
10. Would you move for the person you loved? Yes, that’s the point.
11. Are you touchy feely? No.
12. Do you believe that opposites attract? No.
13. Dream job? Lead guitarist of a kick ass band, although realistically a consultant.
14. Favorite channels? C4 and probably UKTV.
15. Favorite place to go on a weekend? Massey memorial/coastal drive on a sunny day, anywhere with red wine on a rainy day.
16. Showers or Bath? Baths have their moments, but showers are way more efficient.
17. Do you paint your nails? Not so much.
18. Do you trust people easily? Until they give me reason not to, so yes.
19. What are your phobias? I’m scared of heights, but not really a phobia.
20. Do you want kids? Not fussed.
21. Do you keep a handwritten journal? Not hadwritten.
22. Where would you rather be right now? Somewhere warm and sunny.
23. What makes you feel warm and safe? My 12 guage.
24. Heavy or light sleep? Heavy.
25. Are you paranoid? I don’t think so, what do you mean? What are you talking about? Why would you ask that?
26. Are you impatient? Only when driving!
27. Who can you relate to? Minister Farrakhan… Joking. Probably Nick Hornby
28. How do you feel about interracial couples? I don’t feel anything about them, doesn’t worry me in the slightest.
29. What’s your life motto? It can always be worse.
30. What's your main ringtone on your mobile? Hellomoto – the Motorolla one
31. What were you doing at midnight last night? Sleeping
32. Who was your last text message from? Tinks
33. Whose bed did you sleep in last night? Mine.
34. What color shirt are you wearing? Navy – Vamos Argentina!
35. Most recent movie you watched? One Day in September – actually a doco (and no it’s not about 9/11).
36. Name five things you have on you at all times? Wallet, Keys, Mobile, Shoes, Clothes!
37. What color are your bed sheets? White with Maroon pin stripes.
38. How much cash do you have on you right now? 50c
39. What is your favorite part of chicken? Thigh.
40. What's your favorite town/city? Wellington within NZ. London and Melbourne are also cool
41. I can’t wait till... I get paid tomorrow.
42. Who got you to join MySpace? I’m not.
43. What did you have for dinner last night? I didn’t actually.
44. How tall are you barefoot? About 1.8m.
45. Have you ever smoked crack? No.
46. Do you own a gun? Nope.
47. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Water, or if its a bad day- V
48. Do you have A.D.D.? No
49. What time did you wake up today? Around 6.20am.
50. Current worry? I don’t worry
51. Current hate? Tories, people finding a problem with everything – we don’t know how lucky we are/
52. Favorite place to be? Home in bed.
53. Where would you like to travel? Europe, Argentina and Central Africa.
54. Where do you think you'll be in 10 yrs? In Wellington or London.
55. Last thing you ate? A Trisha’s pie mmmmmm
56. What songs do you sing in the shower? Freedom isn’t Free
57. Last person that made you laugh? Anika Moa, performing TLC's "Scrubs" on Pop Goes the Weasel - Fuck are you dumb? I am TLC
58. Worst injury you've ever had? Probably when I smacked my head on the flying fox at Forest Lakes.
59. Does someone have a crush on you? Several I hope.
60. What is your favorite candy? Peanut Slab.
Jagshemash!
The trailer for the Borat Movie is available here. If the movie is half as funny as the trailer its gonna be a stunner.
Monday, July 10, 2006
Miller takes gold
Well young Karen Miller played a blinder, dominating the challenge laid down by Hameadom.
I managed to come second, which Im pretty stoked with -although Nath also beat me in the mates list (im used to that though - no surprises there), but he wasnt in the challenge.
Final Challenge rankings as follows
Karen - 275 points
Andrew - 264
Hamish - 259
Angus - 241 (frankly embarassing)
Julian - 234
Caree - 169*
Nath finished on 274, which is also better than Angus.
* - There were rumours that Angus made this player up, so he could finish ahead of at least one person.
Oh and btw Italy won the World Cup after Zidane packed the mother of all spaz's - butting his head into the chest of an Italian defender earning himself a red card. Nice one.
I managed to come second, which Im pretty stoked with -although Nath also beat me in the mates list (im used to that though - no surprises there), but he wasnt in the challenge.
Final Challenge rankings as follows
Karen - 275 points
Andrew - 264
Hamish - 259
Angus - 241 (frankly embarassing)
Julian - 234
Caree - 169*
Nath finished on 274, which is also better than Angus.
* - There were rumours that Angus made this player up, so he could finish ahead of at least one person.
Oh and btw Italy won the World Cup after Zidane packed the mother of all spaz's - butting his head into the chest of an Italian defender earning himself a red card. Nice one.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Kapa o Pango
Well the All Blacks performed Kapa o Pango for the third time on the weekend - including the controversial throat slitting ending, and then went on to absolutely crush the Wallabies.
The ABs won 32-12 (4 trys to 2). I have never seen such scrum dominance - at times the Aussie front row were literally on their knees - Woodcock, Mealamu, and Hayman just shoved them around like rag dolls - incredibly impressive.
Former Wallabie halfback and captain Nick Farr Jones conceded after the game that their pack looked like they were on ice - skidding all over the show - "we were smashed".
Next up the Wallabies face South Africa in Brisbane, before the Boks come to Wellington to face us. Can't wait.
Naturally the media is again all over Coach Henry.
PS. Prime News carried footage of Jerry Collins having a slash on the field - during a break in play, Jerry was seen down on one knee - with his cock slightly poking out the leg of his shorts. Classy. Hey if you gotta go - you gotta go! - Watch it here
The ABs won 32-12 (4 trys to 2). I have never seen such scrum dominance - at times the Aussie front row were literally on their knees - Woodcock, Mealamu, and Hayman just shoved them around like rag dolls - incredibly impressive.
Former Wallabie halfback and captain Nick Farr Jones conceded after the game that their pack looked like they were on ice - skidding all over the show - "we were smashed".
Next up the Wallabies face South Africa in Brisbane, before the Boks come to Wellington to face us. Can't wait.
Naturally the media is again all over Coach Henry.
PS. Prime News carried footage of Jerry Collins having a slash on the field - during a break in play, Jerry was seen down on one knee - with his cock slightly poking out the leg of his shorts. Classy. Hey if you gotta go - you gotta go! - Watch it here
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Oddspot: Trains and Pies
This from today's Herald - a train driver stopped his train (partially covering a level crossing) so he could have a pie at a cafe. Apparently he didnt even get takeway - he dined for 20 minutes, meaning one person had 20 minutes added to their taxi fare!
Needless to say, Toll Rail are investigating. Gotta love this country!
Needless to say, Toll Rail are investigating. Gotta love this country!
Goalski
I'll let the cat out of the bag now. When Walter Hadlee led the NZ Cricket team to England in the 1940s, they knew they could never expect to win a test let alone the series, so they set more realistic goals for themselves - scoring x many centuries, winning x many county games, and attempting to draw a couple of the tests (They drew all the tests and bettered all their goals btw).
So in much the same way that Hadlee approached that tour I tackled the Football world cup virtual. I knew winning the virtual was nigh on impossible, so I had one main goal. Beat Angus. You see football is effectively his home turf, his castle if you will. This goal of mine was the equivalent of Millwall storming Old Trafford, or Horowhenua winning at Jade Stadium.But as it turns out - the Emperor is Naked!
Now to be brutal, he basically wasn't much chop. Angus will blame the Japanese, but the reality is that mine and Karen's football knowledge is superior to his. Frankly this morning he embarassed himself - picking Portugal - knowing everyone else would pick France in the hope it would come off - so he gets points and no one else does. But no, that call now means Angus cannot catch me - even if I don't make further picks.
Ahh the satisfaction.
So in much the same way that Hadlee approached that tour I tackled the Football world cup virtual. I knew winning the virtual was nigh on impossible, so I had one main goal. Beat Angus. You see football is effectively his home turf, his castle if you will. This goal of mine was the equivalent of Millwall storming Old Trafford, or Horowhenua winning at Jade Stadium.But as it turns out - the Emperor is Naked!
Now to be brutal, he basically wasn't much chop. Angus will blame the Japanese, but the reality is that mine and Karen's football knowledge is superior to his. Frankly this morning he embarassed himself - picking Portugal - knowing everyone else would pick France in the hope it would come off - so he gets points and no one else does. But no, that call now means Angus cannot catch me - even if I don't make further picks.
Ahh the satisfaction.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
You've got to laugh
Italy beat Germany this morning to dash the hopes of the host nation, and who picked this?? No one. Litterally no one in either of the challenges Im in or my general mates list picked Italy to win - let alone the score line.
Hows that for an upset?
This leaves only three games left, so from here Karen will have to have a shocker if anyone is to pass her.
Hows that for an upset?
This leaves only three games left, so from here Karen will have to have a shocker if anyone is to pass her.
Monday, July 03, 2006
Classic Chinese Commentary
Hat tip here to Tze Ming Mok on Public Address.
Click here to watch this clip of Australia getting knocked out - apparently the commentator quite likes Italy. Hilarious!
Translation as follows -
Click here to watch this clip of Australia getting knocked out - apparently the commentator quite likes Italy. Hilarious!
Translation as follows -
"Penalty! Penalty! Penalty! Grosso's done it, Grosso's done it! The great Italian left back! He succeeded in the glorious traditions of Italy! Facchetti, Cabrini and Maldini, their souls are infused in him at this moment!......
he continues - ........Goooooal! Game over! Italy win! Beat the Australians! They do not fall in front of Hiddink again! Italy the great!"
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Actually quite gutting
Well as a fella once said - its all over baby blue. Argentina are goneburger, but luckily England has too - so I havent lost too much face.
This is the first time I have closely followed a football world cup, I have watched parts of course before (watched Brazil kill Italy in the 94 final, and then France do the lord's work in 98, and "supported" Angus through his darkest hour in 02 etc). Normally football bores the piss out of me, and while yes some games achieved that this time around, for the first time I found myself caring about the outcome of games, supporting Argentina and Cote d'Ivoire (who I think could have made the 16 if they were in a different pool).
But now its basically over, I think Germany will probably be too strong from here, and while id like Portugal to play the final (I saw C Ronaldo while in Manchester - we have a connection) but I also think France will actually be too good - two weeks ago I would have laughed at that suggestion - but hey as I now know - thats football!
This is the first time I have closely followed a football world cup, I have watched parts of course before (watched Brazil kill Italy in the 94 final, and then France do the lord's work in 98, and "supported" Angus through his darkest hour in 02 etc). Normally football bores the piss out of me, and while yes some games achieved that this time around, for the first time I found myself caring about the outcome of games, supporting Argentina and Cote d'Ivoire (who I think could have made the 16 if they were in a different pool).
But now its basically over, I think Germany will probably be too strong from here, and while id like Portugal to play the final (I saw C Ronaldo while in Manchester - we have a connection) but I also think France will actually be too good - two weeks ago I would have laughed at that suggestion - but hey as I now know - thats football!
Friday, June 30, 2006
Eden Park redvelopment
The redevelopment plans for Auckland's Eden Park were unveiled today and I have to say im mighty impressed!
As part of the bid to host the 2011 Rugby World Cup, the Govt and NZRU guaranteed to expand Eden Park to at least 60 000 (up from the current 45 000).
Now if youre not familiar with Eden Park - it basically developed like a monster - building new stands one at a time - so basically its awful and an embarassment - certainly not in the same league as Twickenham, Ellis Park, Stade de France or Stadium Australia.
Basically what they are going to do is demolish the South West, South, and Panasonic Stands along with the archaic Eastern Terraces. They will be replaced by a three storey stand, and an extension to the 1999 built ASB Stand. Only the ASB Stand and the West Stand will remain - fantastic!. The facade of the new stand will be transparent too - so it should look cool too.
Its great to see that we're actually doing this right (i had heard rumours that temporary seating was to be added around the perimeter!?!?!?)
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Plastic Surgery
Well today I checked into my second bout of cosmetic surgery.
Now that everyone's either saying "Oh My Gawd!" or "Mmmm Yeah its about time" - ill explain. I went in to have a sty removed from under my eye - which you had probably noticed, and were just too polite to say anything. Only thing it turns out it wasn't a sty after all, it was a cyst.
So anyway my Plastic Surgeon - Mr Adams, injected a local anaesthetic into my lower eyelid in three places. This stung. Three times. Then using a scalpel, cuts it off, stiches my eyelid back together and we're done. All up it took half an hour.
Only slight issue (which they explained would happen in advance) is that I now have a black eye. When they told me it would happen - I said "fantastic, that'll do my street cred wonders".
So yeah im well hard. As I said to one of my colleagues when he said "What does the guy look like? ha ha" - Watch it son.
PS Whats my other bout of cosmetic surgery you ask? I was counting braces on my teeth! which is technically cosmetic surgery - just makes that opening line a little more shocking!
Now that everyone's either saying "Oh My Gawd!" or "Mmmm Yeah its about time" - ill explain. I went in to have a sty removed from under my eye - which you had probably noticed, and were just too polite to say anything. Only thing it turns out it wasn't a sty after all, it was a cyst.
So anyway my Plastic Surgeon - Mr Adams, injected a local anaesthetic into my lower eyelid in three places. This stung. Three times. Then using a scalpel, cuts it off, stiches my eyelid back together and we're done. All up it took half an hour.
Only slight issue (which they explained would happen in advance) is that I now have a black eye. When they told me it would happen - I said "fantastic, that'll do my street cred wonders".
So yeah im well hard. As I said to one of my colleagues when he said "What does the guy look like? ha ha" - Watch it son.
PS Whats my other bout of cosmetic surgery you ask? I was counting braces on my teeth! which is technically cosmetic surgery - just makes that opening line a little more shocking!
Burnt
I had a really good feeling about the Socceroo's, there was a romantic quality to their story - having the curse lifted by John Safran (i kid you not), actually making it to the round of 16 from a pool - in which to be fair they shouldnt have won a game, and going up against a thus-far woeful Italian team.
But my gut feeling has let me down for the first time in this virtual comp. I scored 0 this morning - zip, nada, nothing. And I blame Australia, and its people. Well them and the Swiss (I should have known better than to back that crowd - get off the fence! Nazis)
On the bright side, I still lead Angus (or "Cosby"as he likes to call himself - I know WTF?) by 20 points, Nath has now passed me, but considering he always beats me at these things - I can handle that, also Karen has extended her lead - but I just take comfort in the fact that she too is beating Angus.
Spain play France tomorrow and Brazil play Ghana. Hopefully I can pick up at least some points there!
PS. How much did England miss Peter Crouch and his wicked robot dance???
But my gut feeling has let me down for the first time in this virtual comp. I scored 0 this morning - zip, nada, nothing. And I blame Australia, and its people. Well them and the Swiss (I should have known better than to back that crowd - get off the fence! Nazis)
On the bright side, I still lead Angus (or "Cosby"as he likes to call himself - I know WTF?) by 20 points, Nath has now passed me, but considering he always beats me at these things - I can handle that, also Karen has extended her lead - but I just take comfort in the fact that she too is beating Angus.
Spain play France tomorrow and Brazil play Ghana. Hopefully I can pick up at least some points there!
PS. How much did England miss Peter Crouch and his wicked robot dance???
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Movie: Munich *****
And rounding out my freezing night in, Steven Speilberg's Oscar nominated, Munich.
The 1972 Munich Olympics are remembered for many things - US Swimmer Mark Spitz won a record 7 gold medals, New Zealand's rowing 8 won gold, and as a result the world heard God Defend New Zealand for the first time (before then God Save the Queen was played). But of course the event that cast the greatest shadow was the massacre of 11 Israeli athletes.
A group of Palestinian militants called Black September broke into the athletes village and took the 11 athletes hostage, before murdering them all - all the hostage takers were later killed by German police.
Speilberg's film basically covers what happened next.
Mossad (the Israeli secret police) were then ordered by Prime Minister Golda Meir to hunt down and assasinate the 11 people who were behind the attack.
This is some of Speilberg's best work if you ask me, he goes to great length to not condemn either people, pointing out that theyre both as bad as each other. While the group of Eric Bana led Mossad agents are hunting down everyone and anyone, we're continually being told of the revenge attacks by the Palestinians - which are in response to the Israeli revenge attacks, which were in response to....and so on.... You see Speilberg's point.
This is also some of Eric Bana's best work - the key thing is that he comes across as human - bursting into tears when he talks to his newborn daughter etc.
If you ask me Speilberg was robbed. Crash who picked up the Best Picture Oscar, while quite good - isn't a patch on this. The problem of course is that this film is waayyyy too political for the Academy. Also as New Zealander I guess I do look at this from a neutral perspective, and go into watching it with no particular agenda - completely generalising but you could imagine how an American audience would see nothing wrong with Israel's action in taking revenge for an act of terror - not seeing that there would be implications.
I fully recommend this, it gives a new perspective on terrorism, and how nations should react. As the saying goes - an eye for an eye leaves everyone blind.
The 1972 Munich Olympics are remembered for many things - US Swimmer Mark Spitz won a record 7 gold medals, New Zealand's rowing 8 won gold, and as a result the world heard God Defend New Zealand for the first time (before then God Save the Queen was played). But of course the event that cast the greatest shadow was the massacre of 11 Israeli athletes.
A group of Palestinian militants called Black September broke into the athletes village and took the 11 athletes hostage, before murdering them all - all the hostage takers were later killed by German police.
Speilberg's film basically covers what happened next.
Mossad (the Israeli secret police) were then ordered by Prime Minister Golda Meir to hunt down and assasinate the 11 people who were behind the attack.
This is some of Speilberg's best work if you ask me, he goes to great length to not condemn either people, pointing out that theyre both as bad as each other. While the group of Eric Bana led Mossad agents are hunting down everyone and anyone, we're continually being told of the revenge attacks by the Palestinians - which are in response to the Israeli revenge attacks, which were in response to....and so on.... You see Speilberg's point.
This is also some of Eric Bana's best work - the key thing is that he comes across as human - bursting into tears when he talks to his newborn daughter etc.
If you ask me Speilberg was robbed. Crash who picked up the Best Picture Oscar, while quite good - isn't a patch on this. The problem of course is that this film is waayyyy too political for the Academy. Also as New Zealander I guess I do look at this from a neutral perspective, and go into watching it with no particular agenda - completely generalising but you could imagine how an American audience would see nothing wrong with Israel's action in taking revenge for an act of terror - not seeing that there would be implications.
I fully recommend this, it gives a new perspective on terrorism, and how nations should react. As the saying goes - an eye for an eye leaves everyone blind.
Movie: Thumbsucker ****
You know its bloody cold when you drive to the Lyall Bay Warehouse to buy another fan heater (for only $12 too I might add).
So what better way to spend a cold saturday night than sipping merlot, eating fish and chips and watching DVDs?
I just watched Thumbsucker, it's about a 17 year old - Justin who funnily enough, sucks his thumb and is basically a coming of age tale.
Justin's buddhist orthodontist - Perry, played by a hilarious Keanu Reeves, hypnotises him and tells him he needs to find his inner animal (which is a deer btw) to stop his thumbsucking. Instead Justin finds prescription drugs (which enables him to become a champion debater), then pot, then sex to take his mind off his problems, before realising that everyone has their skeletons and issues.
Lou Pucci is stand out in his role as Justin, picking up Best Actor gongs at both Berlin and Sundance film festivals, and there are great turns by the odd debate coach - Vince Vaughn, and his mother Tilda Swinton (White Witch in Narnia).
This is a fantastic film in much the same style as Garden State, Donnie Darko etc. Thumbsucker makes it points well and and is very humourous along the way. Great first film for director Mike Mills.
So what better way to spend a cold saturday night than sipping merlot, eating fish and chips and watching DVDs?
I just watched Thumbsucker, it's about a 17 year old - Justin who funnily enough, sucks his thumb and is basically a coming of age tale.
Justin's buddhist orthodontist - Perry, played by a hilarious Keanu Reeves, hypnotises him and tells him he needs to find his inner animal (which is a deer btw) to stop his thumbsucking. Instead Justin finds prescription drugs (which enables him to become a champion debater), then pot, then sex to take his mind off his problems, before realising that everyone has their skeletons and issues.
Lou Pucci is stand out in his role as Justin, picking up Best Actor gongs at both Berlin and Sundance film festivals, and there are great turns by the odd debate coach - Vince Vaughn, and his mother Tilda Swinton (White Witch in Narnia).
This is a fantastic film in much the same style as Garden State, Donnie Darko etc. Thumbsucker makes it points well and and is very humourous along the way. Great first film for director Mike Mills.
Friday, June 23, 2006
Los Pumas
The All Blacks play Argentina in Buenos Aires this weekend. Naturally the largely arrogant NZ public are expecting a thrashing.... but im not so sure.
I expect the ABs to win, but we have never, and I mean never, played well in Buenos Aires. In 1986 we drew with Hugo Porta's side (the Maradona of Rugby in Argentina) and the last time we were there was in 2001, where only a last minute Scott Robertson try saved the ABs.
This time around the selectors have continued with their rotation policy, by selecting an entirely new starting 15 from the series against Ireland. Big Jerry will captain the side, and Dan Carter plays his first test this year.
The media are also saying we should only play our top 15 - you only have to look back at the 99 and 03 World Cups to see that doesnt work - both times we had players forced to play out of position to cover injuries - Cullen at Centre in 99 and MacDonald at Centre in 03 covering Umaga.
Personally I think its fantastic that we can effectively field two world class teams and expect to win. This doesnt devalue the jersey, it gives us the depth to have the best possible crack at the World Cup next year. Henry and Co are working on the assumption that we are going to probably lose one of our top line players, so its important that other options are there. Who's to say Carter or McCaw wont break a leg or pull a muscle the week before the final? At least we will be prepared.
So this weekend, given the ABs will be trying new options, and the intense nature of a game in South America - dont expect a thrashing.
For the record - My pick for the AB team that will win the Cup.
15. MacDonald, 14. Gear, 13. Muliaina, 12. Mauger, 11. Sivivatu, 10. Carter, 9. Weepu, 8. So'oialo, 7. McCaw (c), 6. Collins, 5. Eaton, 4. Jack, 3. Hayman, 2. Oliver, 1. Woodcock.
Reserves: Sommerville, Mealamu, Flavell, Lauaki, Kelleher, McAlister, Nonu.
UPDATE: Final score All Blacks 25, Los Pumas 19 (3 tries to 1). Referee was a disgrace, way out of his depth.
A wins a win and as captain Jerry Collins said during his post match interview - "Its not the sort of game people want to see, but ff oh ah who cares"
I expect the ABs to win, but we have never, and I mean never, played well in Buenos Aires. In 1986 we drew with Hugo Porta's side (the Maradona of Rugby in Argentina) and the last time we were there was in 2001, where only a last minute Scott Robertson try saved the ABs.
This time around the selectors have continued with their rotation policy, by selecting an entirely new starting 15 from the series against Ireland. Big Jerry will captain the side, and Dan Carter plays his first test this year.
The media are also saying we should only play our top 15 - you only have to look back at the 99 and 03 World Cups to see that doesnt work - both times we had players forced to play out of position to cover injuries - Cullen at Centre in 99 and MacDonald at Centre in 03 covering Umaga.
Personally I think its fantastic that we can effectively field two world class teams and expect to win. This doesnt devalue the jersey, it gives us the depth to have the best possible crack at the World Cup next year. Henry and Co are working on the assumption that we are going to probably lose one of our top line players, so its important that other options are there. Who's to say Carter or McCaw wont break a leg or pull a muscle the week before the final? At least we will be prepared.
So this weekend, given the ABs will be trying new options, and the intense nature of a game in South America - dont expect a thrashing.
For the record - My pick for the AB team that will win the Cup.
15. MacDonald, 14. Gear, 13. Muliaina, 12. Mauger, 11. Sivivatu, 10. Carter, 9. Weepu, 8. So'oialo, 7. McCaw (c), 6. Collins, 5. Eaton, 4. Jack, 3. Hayman, 2. Oliver, 1. Woodcock.
Reserves: Sommerville, Mealamu, Flavell, Lauaki, Kelleher, McAlister, Nonu.
UPDATE: Final score All Blacks 25, Los Pumas 19 (3 tries to 1). Referee was a disgrace, way out of his depth.
A wins a win and as captain Jerry Collins said during his post match interview - "Its not the sort of game people want to see, but ff oh ah who cares"
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Keane, Under the Iron Sea ***1/2
Bought Keane's new album late last week, and gave it a listen over the weekend.
Their last album - Hopes and Fears was fantastic, but it did have a problem, 90% of the songs were played with the same instruments, at almost exactly the same tempo, meaning it could get just a little tedious (although we're not talking James Blunt tedious).
The new album, Under the Iron Sea is good, but given they are trying new things, some parts just dont come off. The first single, Is it any Wonder, is loud, brash and and fairly rock n roll - its only ok, and already im a little over it - as its just not very Keane.
Stand out tracks for me, is track 10 - Try Again, which is a stunning quiet track and tracks 3 and 4, Nothing in My Way and Leaving So Soon? which are classic Keane.
Oh the whole though there are way too many holes for me to rate this. Hopes and Fears was a better alround album, but this still has some great tracks and is definitely worth a listen.
You can listen to track samples here
Their last album - Hopes and Fears was fantastic, but it did have a problem, 90% of the songs were played with the same instruments, at almost exactly the same tempo, meaning it could get just a little tedious (although we're not talking James Blunt tedious).
The new album, Under the Iron Sea is good, but given they are trying new things, some parts just dont come off. The first single, Is it any Wonder, is loud, brash and and fairly rock n roll - its only ok, and already im a little over it - as its just not very Keane.
Stand out tracks for me, is track 10 - Try Again, which is a stunning quiet track and tracks 3 and 4, Nothing in My Way and Leaving So Soon? which are classic Keane.
Oh the whole though there are way too many holes for me to rate this. Hopes and Fears was a better alround album, but this still has some great tracks and is definitely worth a listen.
You can listen to track samples here
Would you have invested?
This is an actual photo of the staff of Microsoft in 1978, note Gates at bottom left. Question is - would you have invested? You would be a millionaire now, but hmmmmm Im thinking not.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Japan wins whaling vote
Japan gained a majority at the International Whaling Commission (IWC) for the first time in 20 years.
Japan passed a resolution saying the the Whaling moratorium was no longer necessary by 33 votes to 32. Included in that 33 is the Solomon Islands where Australia and New Zealand both have large contigents of troops restoring the governments authority, and land-locked Mongolia and Mali, full list below.
All is not lost - for Japan to re-start commercial whaling, they would need a 75% majority. this resolution basically says that the commission (world) will turn a blind eye, by saying that whaling isn't wrong.
I think the Japanese need to be shown an economic argument - such as the amount of money that could be made through tourism etc.
Shame Japan.
Full voting as follows
(NZ and Japan are first in each list so you can pick the goodies from the baddies easily!)
AYES
JAPAN, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Denmark, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Guinea, Iceland, Kiribati, South Korea, Mali, Marshall Isl, Mauritania, Mongolia, Morocco, Nauru, Nicaragua, Norway, Palau, Russia, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & Grenadines, Senegal, Solomon Isl, Suriname, Togo, Tuvalu.
NOES
NEW ZEALAND, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Czech Rep, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, Oman, Panama, Peru, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America.
Abstentions
China, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Kenya.
Just a glance at those lists makes you realise its basically two groups - Whaling nations (Japan, Iceland, Noway Denmark) and the third world, versus the developed world. With all due respect, who has heard of Suriname?? Japan has poured aid into these countries (estimated $400m) and got them to join the commission, and vote for their outrageous resolutions.
PS. On the bright side, Japan did lose the vote to be able to hunt Dolphins and Seals - "for science".
Japan passed a resolution saying the the Whaling moratorium was no longer necessary by 33 votes to 32. Included in that 33 is the Solomon Islands where Australia and New Zealand both have large contigents of troops restoring the governments authority, and land-locked Mongolia and Mali, full list below.
All is not lost - for Japan to re-start commercial whaling, they would need a 75% majority. this resolution basically says that the commission (world) will turn a blind eye, by saying that whaling isn't wrong.
I think the Japanese need to be shown an economic argument - such as the amount of money that could be made through tourism etc.
Shame Japan.
Full voting as follows
(NZ and Japan are first in each list so you can pick the goodies from the baddies easily!)
AYES
JAPAN, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Denmark, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Guinea, Iceland, Kiribati, South Korea, Mali, Marshall Isl, Mauritania, Mongolia, Morocco, Nauru, Nicaragua, Norway, Palau, Russia, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & Grenadines, Senegal, Solomon Isl, Suriname, Togo, Tuvalu.
NOES
NEW ZEALAND, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Czech Rep, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, Oman, Panama, Peru, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America.
Abstentions
China, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Kenya.
Just a glance at those lists makes you realise its basically two groups - Whaling nations (Japan, Iceland, Noway Denmark) and the third world, versus the developed world. With all due respect, who has heard of Suriname?? Japan has poured aid into these countries (estimated $400m) and got them to join the commission, and vote for their outrageous resolutions.
PS. On the bright side, Japan did lose the vote to be able to hunt Dolphins and Seals - "for science".
Home renovations
Well kind of anyway, the weather has been just awful for the last fortnight. Freezing, raining/hailing etc.
Now the window in my bedroom had a rusty hinge, now it has a broken hinge, and was flapping in the gale-force winds last night. Naturally, being the home handy man that I am, I just had to fix this.
So ive nailed the window shut, and taped up the gap around the window (where the wind was blowing through) with duct tape. Hell yeah.
So I spent $8000 doing the bathroom up, and used nails and duct tape to fix the bedroom.
Now the window in my bedroom had a rusty hinge, now it has a broken hinge, and was flapping in the gale-force winds last night. Naturally, being the home handy man that I am, I just had to fix this.
So ive nailed the window shut, and taped up the gap around the window (where the wind was blowing through) with duct tape. Hell yeah.
So I spent $8000 doing the bathroom up, and used nails and duct tape to fix the bedroom.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Bloody hell
WARNING: Content is a tad disgusting.
Not sure how widely I had told the story of my blocked drain earlier this year, and you need to know the backstory to frame todays episode- so heres a little background.
Earlier in the year I heard a gurgling sound, went into the bathroom and found the bowl full - so i flushed and it went away - later that night there was more gurgling - but this time not just water was returned - in fact not too much water at all! This time the returned goods couldnt be flushed however, so I had to use a tupperware container (bucket wouldnt fit - so it was that, a dessert bowl, or a saucepan) to pitch the water - out the window. Now while i was scooping this out, I was recalling my recent "stools" and thinking that there was nothing that could have caused this level of blockage?? And then it appeared. A fucking tampon (hence the name of the article). You see my drain is shared with the flat above. So I got the drain unblockers around and they fished out all sorts of goodies including two, yes two maxi pads. Lovely. So that was sorted, toilet flushed again, we got on with the refurbishments etc.
But, this morning..... gurgling. So I yell (while in the shower) you fucking dirty bitch! Not my finest moment. Anyway so I get some more drain people around - these guys were the real deal with a camera and big machine thing. The only problem (well aside from the cost this time - $700) was these guys were so good they found that the bloody maxi pads werent the problem (though they didnt help). No no, it turns out roots have invaded the pipes and are blocking the drain - catching all the toilet paper, tampons etc.
So, now we (me and the owner of the flat above) have to replace the pipes in the ground. Luckily the City Council at sometime had replaced two thirds of it. If they hadnt the estimated cost was approx $17-19 000. Since they had though its only gonna cost $4000.
On a lighter note - their (the drain guys) slogan is "Our business is in the shit". Fantastic.
Anyway - so now not only do I have to fork out $2000, I now have to avoid my neighbour after calling her a fucking dirty bitch. Cue the Curb your Enthusiasm theme!
Not sure how widely I had told the story of my blocked drain earlier this year, and you need to know the backstory to frame todays episode- so heres a little background.
Earlier in the year I heard a gurgling sound, went into the bathroom and found the bowl full - so i flushed and it went away - later that night there was more gurgling - but this time not just water was returned - in fact not too much water at all! This time the returned goods couldnt be flushed however, so I had to use a tupperware container (bucket wouldnt fit - so it was that, a dessert bowl, or a saucepan) to pitch the water - out the window. Now while i was scooping this out, I was recalling my recent "stools" and thinking that there was nothing that could have caused this level of blockage?? And then it appeared. A fucking tampon (hence the name of the article). You see my drain is shared with the flat above. So I got the drain unblockers around and they fished out all sorts of goodies including two, yes two maxi pads. Lovely. So that was sorted, toilet flushed again, we got on with the refurbishments etc.
But, this morning..... gurgling. So I yell (while in the shower) you fucking dirty bitch! Not my finest moment. Anyway so I get some more drain people around - these guys were the real deal with a camera and big machine thing. The only problem (well aside from the cost this time - $700) was these guys were so good they found that the bloody maxi pads werent the problem (though they didnt help). No no, it turns out roots have invaded the pipes and are blocking the drain - catching all the toilet paper, tampons etc.
So, now we (me and the owner of the flat above) have to replace the pipes in the ground. Luckily the City Council at sometime had replaced two thirds of it. If they hadnt the estimated cost was approx $17-19 000. Since they had though its only gonna cost $4000.
On a lighter note - their (the drain guys) slogan is "Our business is in the shit". Fantastic.
Anyway - so now not only do I have to fork out $2000, I now have to avoid my neighbour after calling her a fucking dirty bitch. Cue the Curb your Enthusiasm theme!
Elephants flatten Bangladesh village
Another odd spot - (this week has been great for them) A Bangladeshi village has been flattened by a herd of elephants for the last few nights - apparently eveyone is living in boats now as the "beasts" (as the article calls them) come back every night to smash shit up.
Now, elephants have a really long memory and are reknown for holding a grudge - so what the hell did these villagers do?
Now, elephants have a really long memory and are reknown for holding a grudge - so what the hell did these villagers do?
Back of the net
24 points there today.... not that Im one to gloat - but that is the perfect score. Thats first class.
Ive now stormed up to third in our office comp, and second in hamedom's challenge. In fact the two people who arguably know the least about football are leading! Id be embarassed.
Angus is still last. As Cartman once said - Can I taste your tears? they taste so good!
Ive now stormed up to third in our office comp, and second in hamedom's challenge. In fact the two people who arguably know the least about football are leading! Id be embarassed.
Angus is still last. As Cartman once said - Can I taste your tears? they taste so good!
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
1939 all over again!
Tomorrow will be pun overload! Germany play Poland tomorrow - only this time its the Poles invading Germany. For those not up on their history (yes im talking to you Mr Whats Galipoli? (pronounced Galy Polly by this serial offender) the Nazi's invaded Poland in 1939 to kick WW2 off - yes yes this is a sick line of jokes and I probably will burn in hell. But im sure the Polish will be starved of possession.
Anyway in other footballing news - Angus is letting his family, country(s)... frankly everyone down with his performance in the virtual - this quote from the lad himself sums it up -
The language shocks me to be honest.
PS I get the feeling the German defence will suffocate the Polish tomorrow. Ok ok thats the last
Anyway in other footballing news - Angus is letting his family, country(s)... frankly everyone down with his performance in the virtual - this quote from the lad himself sums it up -
"whos idea was this fuckin gay virtual football thing anyway?.... fuck, fuck, fuck.... "
The language shocks me to be honest.
PS I get the feeling the German defence will suffocate the Polish tomorrow. Ok ok thats the last
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Police mistake rugby match for a brawl
An oddspot - A group of guys were playing a game of footy in some Russian city, only to be arrested - as the cops thought it was a brawl!
I guess to the un-trained eye rugby could look like a brawl??
I guess to the un-trained eye rugby could look like a brawl??
Monday, June 12, 2006
Bathroom nearly finished
Well given how shocking I did this morning on the virtual - we'll turn our focus to other things!First pic is the before, and the others of course are as it looks today - all thats left to do is the tiles around the wall (which are the floor tiles cut horizontally in half - they will measure 60cm wide, and 15cm high once ive cut them). and then the grouting - which happens tomorrow and Thursday. The second pic shows the wall colour better - you'll note the new bath mat - and matching towels on the ladder heated towel rail.
Go you good thing
Well after my weekend despair over the football shirts - Monday has delivered. Lifestyle sports (whom I wrongly crticised in the earlier article - it wasnt them it was footlocker) delivered big time.
They stock the shirts of most of the teams - not Cote d'Ivoire but hey who cares as long as they have something other than england and brazil.
But I decided against a shirt in the end - and I went for a addidas tracksuit jacket (you know the ones with the stripes down the sleeves). And which country you ask?
Argentina. They beat Cote d'Ivoire - and looked good in the process - theyre exciting to watch, theyre not England and frankly from what Ive seen so far - are probably the only team who might be able to take Brazil (granted - still a long shot - they beat them 3-1 from memory in qualifying). And the final reason for putting my lot in with them - the words across the shoulders. HAND OF GOD. Any who celebrates cheating to beat England - has my support!
They stock the shirts of most of the teams - not Cote d'Ivoire but hey who cares as long as they have something other than england and brazil.
But I decided against a shirt in the end - and I went for a addidas tracksuit jacket (you know the ones with the stripes down the sleeves). And which country you ask?
Argentina. They beat Cote d'Ivoire - and looked good in the process - theyre exciting to watch, theyre not England and frankly from what Ive seen so far - are probably the only team who might be able to take Brazil (granted - still a long shot - they beat them 3-1 from memory in qualifying). And the final reason for putting my lot in with them - the words across the shoulders. HAND OF GOD. Any who celebrates cheating to beat England - has my support!
Saturday, June 10, 2006
There's a World Cup on?
This years FIFA World Cup has actually got me quite excited, I got up this morning and watched both games - in full.
After that - and seeing that I was beating Angus "i couldnt pick a winner to save myself" white in the virtual, I thought I would go and buy a football shirt - to show my colours and all that.
Of course I used to own a Nederland shirt, which got stolen because Chris left the window open - if he had've closed the window of course, I wouldnt have needed to go buying today.
I stupidly thought that since the World Cup at just started that Rebel and Lifestyle etc would have shirts all over the show.... apparently not. Youre in luck if you support Brazil or England... anyone else - forget it!
There were a lot of All White shirts about too - which I guess is a pretty good thing, if only the Knights/Kingz werent so hopeless, football could actually grab this current momentum.
Btw I was of course looking specifically for Cote d'Ivoire - but considering that was unlikely, I had Portugal, Spain and Nederland again in mind.
UPDATE: My Rebel Sport contact (Boyo) tells me theyre slack and dont really do team shirts anymore. So ill have to turn to the internet. Also while chatting we discussed the football - how; boring England was/exciting argentina was/innevitable a brazil win is..... and also the looks on Angus and hamish's faces when theyre knocked out.... again.
After that - and seeing that I was beating Angus "i couldnt pick a winner to save myself" white in the virtual, I thought I would go and buy a football shirt - to show my colours and all that.
Of course I used to own a Nederland shirt, which got stolen because Chris left the window open - if he had've closed the window of course, I wouldnt have needed to go buying today.
I stupidly thought that since the World Cup at just started that Rebel and Lifestyle etc would have shirts all over the show.... apparently not. Youre in luck if you support Brazil or England... anyone else - forget it!
There were a lot of All White shirts about too - which I guess is a pretty good thing, if only the Knights/Kingz werent so hopeless, football could actually grab this current momentum.
Btw I was of course looking specifically for Cote d'Ivoire - but considering that was unlikely, I had Portugal, Spain and Nederland again in mind.
UPDATE: My Rebel Sport contact (Boyo) tells me theyre slack and dont really do team shirts anymore. So ill have to turn to the internet. Also while chatting we discussed the football - how; boring England was/exciting argentina was/innevitable a brazil win is..... and also the looks on Angus and hamish's faces when theyre knocked out.... again.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Of course I know what im talking about
Virtual World Cup Football has started, and just like NPC and Super 14, half the world has signed up- which means its time to talk football.
Anyway I was wearing my Man U hoody the other day, and a guy from our office starts going on about Man U, how wonderful they are etc, as though we're kindred spirits.
So do I admit to only buying the jumper cos I thought it looked cool? Hell no, I start on about them as well - Alan Smith was a rubbish buy - or so I say!
The problem is - now everytime we chat - its about football! I only know so much! Now its just a matter of time before the whole sham is exposed!
Go Cote d'Ivoire!
Anyway I was wearing my Man U hoody the other day, and a guy from our office starts going on about Man U, how wonderful they are etc, as though we're kindred spirits.
So do I admit to only buying the jumper cos I thought it looked cool? Hell no, I start on about them as well - Alan Smith was a rubbish buy - or so I say!
The problem is - now everytime we chat - its about football! I only know so much! Now its just a matter of time before the whole sham is exposed!
Go Cote d'Ivoire!
Monday, June 05, 2006
Anti Clarkson bollocks
Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson has been called an "outstandingly bigoted petrolhead" by Sir Jonathan Porritt, a British environmentalist.
Porritt came out with this because of Clarkson's dismissing of global warming - after he said something like, people like warm weather - so we should all drive big SUVs to encourage global warming.
Now its obvious he is saying this with tongue in cheek, bloody pathetic though to criticise him like that, and blaming him for people not taking global warming seriously.
Porritt came out with this because of Clarkson's dismissing of global warming - after he said something like, people like warm weather - so we should all drive big SUVs to encourage global warming.
Now its obvious he is saying this with tongue in cheek, bloody pathetic though to criticise him like that, and blaming him for people not taking global warming seriously.
Brazil 4 All Whites 0
The All Whites went down 4-0 to a star studded Brazil side this morning, in a World Cup warm up match (for Brazil).
It was less of a thrashing than everyone was expecting, mind you the NZ keeper stopped about 20 shots on goal!
Great experience for the All Whites though - playing Ronaldo, Ronaldhino, Kaka etc etc.
It was less of a thrashing than everyone was expecting, mind you the NZ keeper stopped about 20 shots on goal!
Great experience for the All Whites though - playing Ronaldo, Ronaldhino, Kaka etc etc.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Ridiculous
I wasnt gonna blog about this - but its got out of control! In case you hadnt caught up - a couple of Hurricanes got into a bit of strife after the Super 14 final.
Basically Canes flanker, Chris Masoe tripped over a guys leg at a bar after the game, thought the guy stuck his leg out - so he punched him. Tana Umaga grabbed Masoe, pulled him aside then while berating him, grabbed the closest object he could find - a womans hand bag which he repeatedly belted Masoe with. Reportedly Masoe then cried.
As it turns it turns out the mobile phone which was in the bag got broken, which Tana has paid for, and Masoe was fined $3000.
Now, the owner of the bag, bless her, has put the bag on Trade Me. They are keeping an eye on it, and removing daft bids (it got as high as $100million). I was shocked when the proper bids went past $2000, but at the time of blogging, its just on $55 000!
Apparently this is a genuine bid - Who the fuck would pay that??
I wouldnt pay more than $50 for that.
Somethings I just dont get!
PS in the three lines since I wrote 55 000, it has now got to $61 000!
Basically Canes flanker, Chris Masoe tripped over a guys leg at a bar after the game, thought the guy stuck his leg out - so he punched him. Tana Umaga grabbed Masoe, pulled him aside then while berating him, grabbed the closest object he could find - a womans hand bag which he repeatedly belted Masoe with. Reportedly Masoe then cried.
As it turns it turns out the mobile phone which was in the bag got broken, which Tana has paid for, and Masoe was fined $3000.
Now, the owner of the bag, bless her, has put the bag on Trade Me. They are keeping an eye on it, and removing daft bids (it got as high as $100million). I was shocked when the proper bids went past $2000, but at the time of blogging, its just on $55 000!
Apparently this is a genuine bid - Who the fuck would pay that??
I wouldnt pay more than $50 for that.
Somethings I just dont get!
PS in the three lines since I wrote 55 000, it has now got to $61 000!
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