Rugby's always a good topic when you're wanting to avoid other things isn't it?
So I thought I would look ahead to the World Cup and predict some upsets etc.
Pool A - in theory England and South Africa should finish on top, but I have a feeling Samoa could throw the proverbial cat amongst the pidgeons by beating England.
Poll B - Australia and Wales should qualify for the quarters, but who finishes first could be interesting - on current form my money would be on Wales.
Pool C - New Zealand will win easily. But Scotland v Italy could be interesting, historically you would have to back the Scots, but Italy did beat them earlier this year.
Pool D - The closest pool, and a pool that could fuck everything up properly for the hosts. France, Argentina and Ireland. On paper you would say Ireland and France, but bear in mind Argentina are ranked ahead of England now, and have beaten both teams in the last year. Could very well be any combination of the three. One of the three should have been in Pool C.
So say Italy qualify from C, England get up against Samoa, Wales beat Australia and Ireland and France go 1 and 2 in D the quarter finals will be...
Wales v England (or Samoa)
New Zealand v France
South Africa v Australia
Ireland v Italy
Lets say England keep it up and stumble to victory over Wales. NZ should beat France, South Africa should win, as should Ireland so it will be
England v New Zealand
South Africa v Ireland
So in theory a New Zealand v South Africa final. Which are the best teams at the moment. Simple.
I guess this also shows the potential implications for losses by Australia and England in the early rounds as that will determine who NZ plays later on (assuming we keep winning).
Monday, May 28, 2007
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Business time
HBO have put video of the first episode of the Flight of the Conchords new show up on their site - doesnt air in the states till June 17, and god knows when here.
HBO Conchords site here
In the meantime das robots
HBO Conchords site here
In the meantime das robots
Friday, May 25, 2007
Let's fuck it up some more!
Jesus, God, No.
George Lucas has apparently hinted that there is going to another Star Wars film. There was a time when this would have been greeted with great excitement - more additions to the holy trilogy, but not since Jar Jar, Lucas and Anakin went about destroying my memories.
Anyway its going to be another prequel, this time telling the story of how the Jedi over came the Sith originally. Now on paper for Star Wars fans like myself that does sound mouth watering, however given that we have the knowledge that 90 per cent of the film will be cartoonish CGI, I expect it will be rubbish.
What is with Lucas - youre involved with two of the greatest trilogies of all time (Indy being the other one) why return years later to fuck them up? (Indy 4 is currently shooting).
George Lucas has apparently hinted that there is going to another Star Wars film. There was a time when this would have been greeted with great excitement - more additions to the holy trilogy, but not since Jar Jar, Lucas and Anakin went about destroying my memories.
Anyway its going to be another prequel, this time telling the story of how the Jedi over came the Sith originally. Now on paper for Star Wars fans like myself that does sound mouth watering, however given that we have the knowledge that 90 per cent of the film will be cartoonish CGI, I expect it will be rubbish.
What is with Lucas - youre involved with two of the greatest trilogies of all time (Indy being the other one) why return years later to fuck them up? (Indy 4 is currently shooting).
Thursday, May 24, 2007
What a shock!
Remember when these things didnt seem quite so contrived? Maybe Im getting a little more cynical as I get older, but Im sure there used to be a little more class to things like this.
Its the week after the "bold" budget and surprise surprise the Police announce that they are going to try and charge Taito Phillip Field with bribery. Now don't get me wrong, the media speculation suggests he's as guilty as sin but still, the timing does look a tad convenient.
At the very least this clears the way for Labour's new candidate in Mangere - running a campaign against Field could have got ugly and wasted a lot of resources. Most people think that Manukau City Councillor, Sua William Sio, will be said candidate and when Ive heard him speaking on radio he has sounded pretty good and by all accounts he has quite a following in the Samoan community.
I only hope we get to actually have a by-election as I think that could be just the kick up the ass thats needed.
Its the week after the "bold" budget and surprise surprise the Police announce that they are going to try and charge Taito Phillip Field with bribery. Now don't get me wrong, the media speculation suggests he's as guilty as sin but still, the timing does look a tad convenient.
At the very least this clears the way for Labour's new candidate in Mangere - running a campaign against Field could have got ugly and wasted a lot of resources. Most people think that Manukau City Councillor, Sua William Sio, will be said candidate and when Ive heard him speaking on radio he has sounded pretty good and by all accounts he has quite a following in the Samoan community.
I only hope we get to actually have a by-election as I think that could be just the kick up the ass thats needed.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Hey Mr Tamborine Man
Rock the casbah! Bob Dylan is coming to Wellington on August 10 this year, also playing gigs in Auckland and Chch.
Question has to be asked - why do only old men come to town these days?
Bowie, Stones, Elton.... now Dylan. I only hope Macca doesnt come - I would have to go but im not sure I could sit through two hours of his solo bollocks (although yes granted his last album was pretty good).
Question has to be asked - why do only old men come to town these days?
Bowie, Stones, Elton.... now Dylan. I only hope Macca doesnt come - I would have to go but im not sure I could sit through two hours of his solo bollocks (although yes granted his last album was pretty good).
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Scratch that
David Bain Day 08 is on hold!
Just read a pretty compelling post on good ol' KiwiBlog based on the comment someone named "Dave" posted on the site about David Bain.
As I feared, things may not be as simple as Karam would have us believe. Here's some key points
1. Why did Stephen (who put up a strong fight with his killer) have fibres from David's jersey under his finger nails?
2. Robin (Father) had a full bladder after sleeping all night - why not take a piss before your murderous rampage? Or more to the point there was a time lapse between the mother and three children being shot and Robin being shot - why not piss then, you would be busting?
3. David's bloody finger prints were found throughout the house on light switches and on the bo of detergent in the laundry, where David supposedly just washed his paper round clothes when he got back - why the blood then? Was it something like "Oh look my family's all dead, best get out of these clothes with newspaper marks on them"? hmmm.
4. David's gloves were used by the killer and found on the floor in Stephen's room. Why use gloves if you're going to kill yourself? And if you're big on gloves - why not use your own?
5. David's clothes including underwear were soaked in blood, apparently consistent with splatter from close range shootings. The only blood on Robin was his head wound.
6. Robin was shot through the top of the head. While this is possible as a method, why not take the easy option and shoot up through roof of the mouth? Being shot down through the head while kneeling is consistent with David shooting while he prayed (as he did everyday on his knees).
7. The gun was smeared after being wiped down, the only print on it was an old hunting print of David's. Why wipe the gun down if you're going to shoot yourself? And how do you wipe the gun down after you've shot yourself in the head?
Now im sure Karam could hit back with half a dozen things, but this does at least answer how the Police arrived at their charges, and does raise a load of questions.
He has served 13 years, and from memory was eligible for parole soon anyway, but this does make you think that maybe a new trial could be worth pursuing to decide once and for all.
Just read a pretty compelling post on good ol' KiwiBlog based on the comment someone named "Dave" posted on the site about David Bain.
As I feared, things may not be as simple as Karam would have us believe. Here's some key points
1. Why did Stephen (who put up a strong fight with his killer) have fibres from David's jersey under his finger nails?
2. Robin (Father) had a full bladder after sleeping all night - why not take a piss before your murderous rampage? Or more to the point there was a time lapse between the mother and three children being shot and Robin being shot - why not piss then, you would be busting?
3. David's bloody finger prints were found throughout the house on light switches and on the bo of detergent in the laundry, where David supposedly just washed his paper round clothes when he got back - why the blood then? Was it something like "Oh look my family's all dead, best get out of these clothes with newspaper marks on them"? hmmm.
4. David's gloves were used by the killer and found on the floor in Stephen's room. Why use gloves if you're going to kill yourself? And if you're big on gloves - why not use your own?
5. David's clothes including underwear were soaked in blood, apparently consistent with splatter from close range shootings. The only blood on Robin was his head wound.
6. Robin was shot through the top of the head. While this is possible as a method, why not take the easy option and shoot up through roof of the mouth? Being shot down through the head while kneeling is consistent with David shooting while he prayed (as he did everyday on his knees).
7. The gun was smeared after being wiped down, the only print on it was an old hunting print of David's. Why wipe the gun down if you're going to shoot yourself? And how do you wipe the gun down after you've shot yourself in the head?
Now im sure Karam could hit back with half a dozen things, but this does at least answer how the Police arrived at their charges, and does raise a load of questions.
He has served 13 years, and from memory was eligible for parole soon anyway, but this does make you think that maybe a new trial could be worth pursuing to decide once and for all.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Front row baby
With all the Bain stuff and todays budget I forgot to talk about Dylan Moran.
I went along to Dylan Moran's stand up show at the St James on Tuesday night. For those who don't know him by name, Moran is 'Bernard' from the excellent BBC series Black Books.
It turns out Bernard isnt so much a character, but rather he is Moran - which made for a very funny evening.
I particularly liked his bit about quiting his job like a toddler would saying - "Im quiting because I hate you, and I I I hate your stapler and stuff" while kind of waving a stuffed toy elephant behind your back awkwardly.
Also his bit about Invercargill - "There's nothing there! Even the cows are queueing up to throw themselves off the cliff that isnt even there!"
But the kickest arseist bit had to be our seats - front row centre! He was litterally like 2 metres from us. Fantastic.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Bain of our lives
Was anyone else surprised how normal David Bain looked following his release on bail yesterday? Where was the knitwear??
As shallow as it sounds, you have to wonder why his defence team didnt allow him to appear at any of his previous hearings. I think he would have actually gained a lot of public sympathy if people thought of someone normal - rather than a funny looking 22 year old with weird jerseys and a paper round when thinking of 'David Bain'. I kind of hope now the crown let it go and dont pursue another trial.
But now we all like Bain, we shouldn't just let May 15 go by in future - somehow I think we should annually mark the day David Bain was freed. David Bain Day if you will. Next year on May 15 I urge everyone to pull out there most 'Bainest' piece of knitwear and wear it with pride!
Also another idea, why doesn't Te Kauwhata follow the great kiwi tradition of building big stupid "icons" - and build a huge David Bain jersey now its going to be his new home?? You could even make it a community event, get all the locals to each knit a square metre patch to make up the jersey! (You would have to ensure everyone did different - unmatching patterns though).
NB. The Second picture is an artists impression of what Angus or"Cosby" may look like on David Bain Day 2008.
As shallow as it sounds, you have to wonder why his defence team didnt allow him to appear at any of his previous hearings. I think he would have actually gained a lot of public sympathy if people thought of someone normal - rather than a funny looking 22 year old with weird jerseys and a paper round when thinking of 'David Bain'. I kind of hope now the crown let it go and dont pursue another trial.
But now we all like Bain, we shouldn't just let May 15 go by in future - somehow I think we should annually mark the day David Bain was freed. David Bain Day if you will. Next year on May 15 I urge everyone to pull out there most 'Bainest' piece of knitwear and wear it with pride!
Also another idea, why doesn't Te Kauwhata follow the great kiwi tradition of building big stupid "icons" - and build a huge David Bain jersey now its going to be his new home?? You could even make it a community event, get all the locals to each knit a square metre patch to make up the jersey! (You would have to ensure everyone did different - unmatching patterns though).
NB. The Second picture is an artists impression of what Angus or"Cosby" may look like on David Bain Day 2008.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Profiles in Courage
In the latest NewsWeek, they asked some of the leading Presidential candidates to name which President they thought displayed courage - the answers actually give some insight into the candidates.
John Edwards (D): Lyndon B. Johnson (over the Civil Rights Act)
John McCain (R): Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt (for regulating resource barrons on Wall St)
Barack Obama (D): John F. Kennedy (over the Cuban Missile Crisis)
Rudy Giuliani (R): Ronald Reagan (for walking out of the Reykjavik Conference)
Mitt Romney (R): George H. W. Bush (for serving in WWII)
The others are all nobodies so lets not worry - no Hillary though - maybe they thought she would just say Bill over the Monica Lewinsky thing??
Anyway, interesting all the same I thought.
John Edwards (D): Lyndon B. Johnson (over the Civil Rights Act)
John McCain (R): Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt (for regulating resource barrons on Wall St)
Barack Obama (D): John F. Kennedy (over the Cuban Missile Crisis)
Rudy Giuliani (R): Ronald Reagan (for walking out of the Reykjavik Conference)
Mitt Romney (R): George H. W. Bush (for serving in WWII)
The others are all nobodies so lets not worry - no Hillary though - maybe they thought she would just say Bill over the Monica Lewinsky thing??
Anyway, interesting all the same I thought.
10 Years since a low point
August from memory is actually the NZ anniversary, but still!
10 years ago this month was the turning point for the "britpop" phenomena. Oasis released the hugely anticipated Be Here Now.
In short the album was a shambles - average song length was around 5 minutes (so very long), culminating in the incredibly average All Around the World (fuckin 10 minutes long). If nothing else the album proves that you dont need a guitar solo between every verse and chorus.
To be fair there were some classics, Do Yer Know What I Mean was a fantastic anthem, Fade In Out (with Johnny Depp on slide guitar) kicked ass, and the title track came alive when they opened their ill-fated Wellington concert with it in 1998. I've also always had a soft spot for one of the most slagged off tracks - Girl in the Dirty Shirt - not entirely sure why (bad taste?)
But the album ultimately sufferred from Oasis' arrogance and drug taking (Noel Gallagher blames cocaine for the album). Its not their worst album though, and like Q say in their Be Here Now anniversary issue, its probably the last album by Oasis that people had a strong opinion on - which is true, a lot of the later stuff im completely indifferent to.
I guess the worst thing for Oasis was that only a month later, one of the greatest albums of all time was released by Radiohead, completely pushing the boundaries and taking listeners into what could have been uncomfortable territory.... but thats another anniversary on June 16 which will be covered then!
So this May, break out your copy of Be Here Now (if you dont have one - look in the $2 bins at Real Groovy lol!) and revisit what was one of the greatest follies on 90s music.
10 years ago this month was the turning point for the "britpop" phenomena. Oasis released the hugely anticipated Be Here Now.
In short the album was a shambles - average song length was around 5 minutes (so very long), culminating in the incredibly average All Around the World (fuckin 10 minutes long). If nothing else the album proves that you dont need a guitar solo between every verse and chorus.
To be fair there were some classics, Do Yer Know What I Mean was a fantastic anthem, Fade In Out (with Johnny Depp on slide guitar) kicked ass, and the title track came alive when they opened their ill-fated Wellington concert with it in 1998. I've also always had a soft spot for one of the most slagged off tracks - Girl in the Dirty Shirt - not entirely sure why (bad taste?)
But the album ultimately sufferred from Oasis' arrogance and drug taking (Noel Gallagher blames cocaine for the album). Its not their worst album though, and like Q say in their Be Here Now anniversary issue, its probably the last album by Oasis that people had a strong opinion on - which is true, a lot of the later stuff im completely indifferent to.
I guess the worst thing for Oasis was that only a month later, one of the greatest albums of all time was released by Radiohead, completely pushing the boundaries and taking listeners into what could have been uncomfortable territory.... but thats another anniversary on June 16 which will be covered then!
So this May, break out your copy of Be Here Now (if you dont have one - look in the $2 bins at Real Groovy lol!) and revisit what was one of the greatest follies on 90s music.
Monday, May 14, 2007
What happens when you get old
I thought given upcoming events this weekend this was very appropriate.
Click here to see what a group of preschoolers wrote in response to the question "What happens when you get old?"
My favourite has to be "They have gray hair and wrinkles and they die". That they do!
Fair to say, Im quite glad that certain readers of this site havent worked out how to post comments.
Click here to see what a group of preschoolers wrote in response to the question "What happens when you get old?"
My favourite has to be "They have gray hair and wrinkles and they die". That they do!
Fair to say, Im quite glad that certain readers of this site havent worked out how to post comments.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Shit
Pretty disappointing to read that Andrew Little has decided to not stand in 2008 and look to 2011 instead.
One columnist suggested recently that rather than Shane Jones, Little could be the next Labour Prime Minister. He has all the leadership skills, is fantastic in the media, and is prepared to not always toe the party line. Goff may take over from Helen at some point, but that will only ever be an interim measure, Little is far more likely to lead Labour to victory.
Labour needs to regenerate itself, and unfortunately the only stand out new candidate that I can now think of is Grant. Phil Lewin of Positively Wellington Business (who has been talked up as a future candidate since 1999) is also not standing according to the Dom - although the way it is written as a throw away line at the end, I'm hoping they've reported that wrong.
While Grant is a great guy and will one day be Foreign Minister, there need to be others. Swain will probably stand again as a backbencher in Rimutaka as there doesn't seem to be anyone better - which of course isnt the worst result, he should still be a minister, and is far from being one of the problem backbenchers.
I can't help but think a difficult challenge just got a whole lot harder.
One columnist suggested recently that rather than Shane Jones, Little could be the next Labour Prime Minister. He has all the leadership skills, is fantastic in the media, and is prepared to not always toe the party line. Goff may take over from Helen at some point, but that will only ever be an interim measure, Little is far more likely to lead Labour to victory.
Labour needs to regenerate itself, and unfortunately the only stand out new candidate that I can now think of is Grant. Phil Lewin of Positively Wellington Business (who has been talked up as a future candidate since 1999) is also not standing according to the Dom - although the way it is written as a throw away line at the end, I'm hoping they've reported that wrong.
While Grant is a great guy and will one day be Foreign Minister, there need to be others. Swain will probably stand again as a backbencher in Rimutaka as there doesn't seem to be anyone better - which of course isnt the worst result, he should still be a minister, and is far from being one of the problem backbenchers.
I can't help but think a difficult challenge just got a whole lot harder.
Predictive text
17 May is of course the 2007 Budget, and its probably the most important of the Clark Government. Why the most important?
Government's often change on the basis of a mood swing in the electorate - at some point people just 'change channel' and when that happens the gig is effectively over. Take 1999 for example, after 9 years of Tory rule, people said thats enough, we're having a change.
Now, I don't think we are quite there yet - but this Budget could be the final straw, so to speak, if it is like the 05 Budget - which lets be honest was a "bit of a let down".
So, what do I expect to be included in said budget to get the government back on the front foot?
Now I should point out - this is all based on my personal speculation, im of course not privy to any information.
Climate Change: Something small, that will be talked up as though its something substantive? Probably. There are indications that a "Cap and Trade system" for carbon emissions has cross party support - but what level is the cap set at? Hopefully Budget 2007 will tell us.
Business Tax: First up, Dunne is kidding himself if he thinks this will save his "party". Govt will cut Business tax from 33c to 30c, matching (but not bettering Australia). Hand outs for R and D will also feature according to most media.
Transport: Electrification of the Auckland Lines - finally (gauge still too thin). Regional Transport levy, local authorities will be given the authority to slap on a localised petrol tax in their area - Herald speculated this would be 10c/litre in Auckland. If this is as I suspect - left to local authorities to implement, it's a little smart arse. "We didn't increase it - your local council did".
Savings and Tax: I'm predicting this is the biggie, and Im thinking (hoping!) this will be twofold, Government will offer a 5 per cent tax cut which instead of being given back (that would be inflationary!! ARRGGH) will go into KiwiSaver. The Government will also offer tax free employee contributions. This is essentially salary sacrifice like in Australia - basically if you earn 50k pa, and you put 5k into KiwiSaver, you will only be taxed on 45k of your earning. This is very common in Australia and actually effectively increases your net earnings.
So there we have it. NZ Institute's David Skilling recently said that savings and infrastructure need to be the two main government priorities and I would agree. This would definitely help with savings, but infrastructure... hmmm. Still this would be a start and I think would be overall a popular budget.
Government's often change on the basis of a mood swing in the electorate - at some point people just 'change channel' and when that happens the gig is effectively over. Take 1999 for example, after 9 years of Tory rule, people said thats enough, we're having a change.
Now, I don't think we are quite there yet - but this Budget could be the final straw, so to speak, if it is like the 05 Budget - which lets be honest was a "bit of a let down".
So, what do I expect to be included in said budget to get the government back on the front foot?
Now I should point out - this is all based on my personal speculation, im of course not privy to any information.
Climate Change: Something small, that will be talked up as though its something substantive? Probably. There are indications that a "Cap and Trade system" for carbon emissions has cross party support - but what level is the cap set at? Hopefully Budget 2007 will tell us.
Business Tax: First up, Dunne is kidding himself if he thinks this will save his "party". Govt will cut Business tax from 33c to 30c, matching (but not bettering Australia). Hand outs for R and D will also feature according to most media.
Transport: Electrification of the Auckland Lines - finally (gauge still too thin). Regional Transport levy, local authorities will be given the authority to slap on a localised petrol tax in their area - Herald speculated this would be 10c/litre in Auckland. If this is as I suspect - left to local authorities to implement, it's a little smart arse. "We didn't increase it - your local council did".
Savings and Tax: I'm predicting this is the biggie, and Im thinking (hoping!) this will be twofold, Government will offer a 5 per cent tax cut which instead of being given back (that would be inflationary!! ARRGGH) will go into KiwiSaver. The Government will also offer tax free employee contributions. This is essentially salary sacrifice like in Australia - basically if you earn 50k pa, and you put 5k into KiwiSaver, you will only be taxed on 45k of your earning. This is very common in Australia and actually effectively increases your net earnings.
So there we have it. NZ Institute's David Skilling recently said that savings and infrastructure need to be the two main government priorities and I would agree. This would definitely help with savings, but infrastructure... hmmm. Still this would be a start and I think would be overall a popular budget.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Vision
In what may sound like an oxymoron UK Labour have started a You Tube site called Labour:Vision.
Its an interesting tactic, Im not often convinced by these sorts of things, who other than junkie/geeks like myself watch these things?
Anyway its good to see parties trying things with the ol' interweb (the information superhighway).
Plus they also have their own tv set - which looks like TV One in 1987.
Its an interesting tactic, Im not often convinced by these sorts of things, who other than junkie/geeks like myself watch these things?
Anyway its good to see parties trying things with the ol' interweb (the information superhighway).
Plus they also have their own tv set - which looks like TV One in 1987.
Back from the dead?
I know, I know Ive been quiet this week. Anyway I thought id share this fantastic spam I got today
George is back! my favourite line has to be that my email was "picked randomly by software powered by the Internet"
MICROSOFT INTERNATIONAL
2007 PROMOTIONAL PROGRAM
20 Howard Barking London,
7UA11G UNITED KINGDOM
REF: OYL /26510460037/02
BATCH: 24/00319/IPD
Dear Winner,
Your ticket number: 023-0148-790-459 with Serial number 5368/05 drew
the lucky number: 29
Congratulations!! you have just won yourself the sum of 'ONE
MILLION,FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND GREAT BRITAIN
POUNDS' in the satellite software email conducted by MICROSOFT
in which e-mail addresses are picked randomly by software powered by
the Internet. Your email address was amongst those chosen in this
quarter.
To file for your claim and more information on how you became a winner
of this sweeptake draw,do contact our claims agent:Mr.George Harrison
Contact Email: georgeharrison_2007@hotmail.com
Our special thanks and gratitude toBill Gate and his associates.
We wish you the best of luck.
Yours faithfully,
MRS: TESSY ANDERSON
MICROSOFT CYBER ANALYST
UNITED KINGDOM.
All gratitude to Bill Gate indeed!
PS Note its addressed - "Dear Winner" - they know, thats right baby im a winner!
George is back! my favourite line has to be that my email was "picked randomly by software powered by the Internet"
MICROSOFT INTERNATIONAL
2007 PROMOTIONAL PROGRAM
20 Howard Barking London,
7UA11G UNITED KINGDOM
REF: OYL /26510460037/02
BATCH: 24/00319/IPD
Dear Winner,
Your ticket number: 023-0148-790-459 with Serial number 5368/05 drew
the lucky number: 29
Congratulations!! you have just won yourself the sum of 'ONE
MILLION,FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND GREAT BRITAIN
POUNDS' in the satellite software email conducted by MICROSOFT
in which e-mail addresses are picked randomly by software powered by
the Internet. Your email address was amongst those chosen in this
quarter.
To file for your claim and more information on how you became a winner
of this sweeptake draw,do contact our claims agent:Mr.George Harrison
Contact Email: georgeharrison_2007@hotmail
Our special thanks and gratitude toBill Gate and his associates.
We wish you the best of luck.
Yours faithfully,
MRS: TESSY ANDERSON
MICROSOFT CYBER ANALYST
UNITED KINGDOM.
All gratitude to Bill Gate indeed!
PS Note its addressed - "Dear Winner" - they know, thats right baby im a winner!
Friday, May 04, 2007
May the 4th
May the 4th is of course International Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you - geddit? Oh forget it.... you people...)
Anyway make sure you make time to acknowledge the holy trilogy at some point today! Break out A New Hope, Empire, or Jedi - theyre always worth revisiting!
May the force be with you.
Anyway make sure you make time to acknowledge the holy trilogy at some point today! Break out A New Hope, Empire, or Jedi - theyre always worth revisiting!
May the force be with you.
Sad Kermit
Some of you may have already seen (or heard) this, but I thought it was worth chucking up here in any case.SadKermit.Com is a site set up by a Kermit the Frog impersonator who sings sad depressing songs - in Kermit's voice. Fantastic
The best two are Radiohead's Creep and Nine Inch Nails' song about heroin addiction, Hurt, which is probably more famous now for the incredibly haunting version done on Johnny Cash's last album. The version of Jeff Buckley's Hallelujah will have you wee-weeing yourself too.
Kermit singing Hurt
Kermit singing Creep
Kermit singing Hallelujah
There was apparently a Hurt video as well but the Jim Henson Workshop were a little dirty about their icon being associated with such a song, so thats been pulled.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Remarkable
Audrey Young said she was "flabergasted" at the turn of events today around the Anti-Smacking Bill - and I feel much the same.
But I think its a good flabergasted. Normally in ours and other Westminster style systems oppositions and governments often seem to oppose each other for the sake of it, rather than at least appearing to work towards what is best for the country.
Following discussions in Sydney at the Leadership Forum between Michael Cullen and National Leader John Key, the Prime Minister went to former PM and President of the Law Commission Sir Geoffrey Palmer to try to come up with some sort of middle ground that upholds the intent of the original bill, whilst recognising that it would be stupid if the law were to create a situation that led to tons of parents being prosecuted. Clark then got the Greens on board followed by United Future and most significantly National.
This was a welcome change of tack from the extreme positions that have dominated this debate thus far. While I admit it was odd seeing images of Helen Clark and John Key standing side-by-side announcing this, it was also somewhat exhilirating. Proving that actually yes, our politicians do have it in them to be constructive.
Often politics is more about different approaches to problems rather than solving different problems. I think we saw today that when people and parties realise they have the same goal, solutions can be found. Theres a lot to be said for locking people in a room and telling them to solve a problem!
This is a good day for politics.
But I think its a good flabergasted. Normally in ours and other Westminster style systems oppositions and governments often seem to oppose each other for the sake of it, rather than at least appearing to work towards what is best for the country.
Following discussions in Sydney at the Leadership Forum between Michael Cullen and National Leader John Key, the Prime Minister went to former PM and President of the Law Commission Sir Geoffrey Palmer to try to come up with some sort of middle ground that upholds the intent of the original bill, whilst recognising that it would be stupid if the law were to create a situation that led to tons of parents being prosecuted. Clark then got the Greens on board followed by United Future and most significantly National.
This was a welcome change of tack from the extreme positions that have dominated this debate thus far. While I admit it was odd seeing images of Helen Clark and John Key standing side-by-side announcing this, it was also somewhat exhilirating. Proving that actually yes, our politicians do have it in them to be constructive.
Often politics is more about different approaches to problems rather than solving different problems. I think we saw today that when people and parties realise they have the same goal, solutions can be found. Theres a lot to be said for locking people in a room and telling them to solve a problem!
This is a good day for politics.
Just plain mental
Tacked on the side of of Melbournes brand new tallest building the Eureka Sky Deck88 (what sort of name is that lol!) is a new attraction - The EdgeIts a three metre long glass box that hangs off the side of the building (pictured).
The best part of the media launch had to be the sound effects they included on the first extension of the box (it moves in and out) - they had cracking glass and groaning metal sounds playing in the box! If the media was anything like me - there would be quite a clean up required!
Story here
Best of the best
Last month the DomPost laid the smack down on some of Wellington's more hopeless property developers naming their top 10 worst Wellington buildings. I had a thing or tow to say about it here (as Im sure you will recall!).
Yesterday the Dom decided to be nice and did the top 10 best buildings.
And they were (not in any order)
Adam Art Gallery, Victoria University
Wakefield Appartments (that box on top an old building opposite New World)
Te Puni Kokiri (my favourite)
Futuna Chapel Karori
Freyberg Pool (has aged incredibly well!)
Hannah Playhouse (Downstage Theatre - agree externally, but the theatre itself has some awful sightlines)
Oriental Bay Changing Sheds and Toilets (These rule - and not that I normally hang out at public toilets at night, but with their lighting you should check them out at night - the kinda glow, would blow your mind if you were high!)
Conservation House (polar opposite of Environment House - a fantastic redvelopment of the old Mid City Cinemas into Wellington's most eco-friendly building)
Public Library and Civic Square
Westpac Stadium (agree actually has brought Wellington alive and while the design isnt that outrageous, it is difficult to imagine that structure anywhere else)
Other buildings that I thought could have been included
The Old Defence Headquarters on Stout St
Creative NZ (Old Public Trust Building)
The new and yes unfinished Meridian Energy Building
The Beehive, love it or hate it its iconic
Dixon St Housing NZ Flats - the ones that were made to look like a cruise chip, fantastic!
Yesterday the Dom decided to be nice and did the top 10 best buildings.
And they were (not in any order)
Adam Art Gallery, Victoria University
Wakefield Appartments (that box on top an old building opposite New World)
Te Puni Kokiri (my favourite)
Futuna Chapel Karori
Freyberg Pool (has aged incredibly well!)
Hannah Playhouse (Downstage Theatre - agree externally, but the theatre itself has some awful sightlines)
Oriental Bay Changing Sheds and Toilets (These rule - and not that I normally hang out at public toilets at night, but with their lighting you should check them out at night - the kinda glow, would blow your mind if you were high!)
Conservation House (polar opposite of Environment House - a fantastic redvelopment of the old Mid City Cinemas into Wellington's most eco-friendly building)
Public Library and Civic Square
Westpac Stadium (agree actually has brought Wellington alive and while the design isnt that outrageous, it is difficult to imagine that structure anywhere else)
Other buildings that I thought could have been included
The Old Defence Headquarters on Stout St
Creative NZ (Old Public Trust Building)
The new and yes unfinished Meridian Energy Building
The Beehive, love it or hate it its iconic
Dixon St Housing NZ Flats - the ones that were made to look like a cruise chip, fantastic!
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Virtual insanity
Well the State Virtual Cricket finished with the World Cup final on the weekend and it turns out that in the Virtual Sports world, I may have found my niche.
After all those years losing bets (I owe Nath roughly $300 - if he thinks im honouring those bets he can think again! lol) on the Virtual Rugby (Super 14 and NPC) Ive finally come through with a half decent result.
50th in New Zealand in the State Virtual Cricket, and frankly I owned Dinah and her shambolic selections.
Now while far less people play the Cricket than the Rugby - Im still pretty happy with the result. Not to mention the fact that this builds on the Football slaughtering of Angus "Mr Football" White last year! (had to get that in there)
PS. Yes, yes everyone is kicking my arse in the Virtual Rugby again.
After all those years losing bets (I owe Nath roughly $300 - if he thinks im honouring those bets he can think again! lol) on the Virtual Rugby (Super 14 and NPC) Ive finally come through with a half decent result.
50th in New Zealand in the State Virtual Cricket, and frankly I owned Dinah and her shambolic selections.
Now while far less people play the Cricket than the Rugby - Im still pretty happy with the result. Not to mention the fact that this builds on the Football slaughtering of Angus "Mr Football" White last year! (had to get that in there)
PS. Yes, yes everyone is kicking my arse in the Virtual Rugby again.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Time and place
Today was of course ANZAC Day which saw lots of people get up in the early hours to attend dawn services. I missed the services this year to watch Sri Lanka slaughter NZ in the Cricket World Cup semi finals. Over the last few years there seems to have been a growing interest in remembering our war-dead and the deeds of our forefathers (as Americans would call them!).
However this year the Wellington Dawn Services was disrupted by idiot protestors who reportedly blew a horn through the speeches and one set fire to a New Zealand flag. Naturally like most extremist protests they had mixed messages as to what they were protesting, and were frankly ill-informed.
The protest was organised by rent-a-protest group Peace Action Wellington (that nutty American woman leads them) and a new group Radical Youth (how very). They were protesting (and I quote) "New Zealand's War Machine" and how they had "invaded" Afghanistan, Timor Leste (East Timor) and the Solomon Islands and also protesting that "Sedition" should be removed as a criminal offence.
Firstly, Timor Leste only exists as a nation because of the work New Zealand and Australia put in, and the force we sent there - it would still be part of Indonesia if we hadn't gotten involved FFS. Secondly the other two "invasions" by our "War Machine" are actually UN sanctioned Peacekeeping missions - aimed at reconstructing the two nations. Retards. What should NZ have done instead? Left the Solomons in turmoil? Just stand on the sidelines like Switzerland turning a blind eye to injustices?
What pisses me off more though is their timing. Frankly I don't care if people want to protest anything and everything the government does (or doesn't do). But how dare you use a solemn occasion like a dawn service to pull off some lame stunt like they did. The New Zealand forces in both World Wars made the ultimate sacrifice for us and to act like such ignorant fools in front of veterans make me sick.
If you want a laugh - go and read about our vicious "War Machine" on their daft site here
Dare I say it - Farrar actually had quite a good idea - locking the leader of Peace Action Wellington in a room with Fred Phelps (the extreme right-wing US "Rev" who goes around protesting the funerals of US servicemen - as the US army now allows gays - so all servicemen deserve to die). Farrar's right - what's the difference? Phelps aptly named website is here - godhatesfags.com
However this year the Wellington Dawn Services was disrupted by idiot protestors who reportedly blew a horn through the speeches and one set fire to a New Zealand flag. Naturally like most extremist protests they had mixed messages as to what they were protesting, and were frankly ill-informed.
The protest was organised by rent-a-protest group Peace Action Wellington (that nutty American woman leads them) and a new group Radical Youth (how very). They were protesting (and I quote) "New Zealand's War Machine" and how they had "invaded" Afghanistan, Timor Leste (East Timor) and the Solomon Islands and also protesting that "Sedition" should be removed as a criminal offence.
Firstly, Timor Leste only exists as a nation because of the work New Zealand and Australia put in, and the force we sent there - it would still be part of Indonesia if we hadn't gotten involved FFS. Secondly the other two "invasions" by our "War Machine" are actually UN sanctioned Peacekeeping missions - aimed at reconstructing the two nations. Retards. What should NZ have done instead? Left the Solomons in turmoil? Just stand on the sidelines like Switzerland turning a blind eye to injustices?
What pisses me off more though is their timing. Frankly I don't care if people want to protest anything and everything the government does (or doesn't do). But how dare you use a solemn occasion like a dawn service to pull off some lame stunt like they did. The New Zealand forces in both World Wars made the ultimate sacrifice for us and to act like such ignorant fools in front of veterans make me sick.
If you want a laugh - go and read about our vicious "War Machine" on their daft site here
Dare I say it - Farrar actually had quite a good idea - locking the leader of Peace Action Wellington in a room with Fred Phelps (the extreme right-wing US "Rev" who goes around protesting the funerals of US servicemen - as the US army now allows gays - so all servicemen deserve to die). Farrar's right - what's the difference? Phelps aptly named website is here - godhatesfags.com
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Empire Australia's 100
Empire Australia have done their 5-yearly top 100 all time films. These always tend to be dominated by the two trilogies - Rings and Jedi, but hey they're still fun.
I dont agree with much of this top 100, the top 10 is a little obvious and some of the films that missed out should have easily be in there - Raging Bull, The Graduate, Chinatown, Fargo, Easy Rider, Exorcist, Trainspotting hell even Blue Velvet missed out!
So here goes the top 20 of Empire Australia's 100 all time films 07 (2002 result in brackets)
20. Back to the Future
19. Fight Club
18. A Nightmare on Elm St
17. Braveheart
16. Grease
15. The Godfather
14. LOTR: The Fellowship of the Ring
13. POTC: Curse of the Black Pearl
12. American Beauty
11. The Matrix
10. Goodfellas (2002 - Shawshank)
9. Amelie (2002 - Gladiator)
8. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (2002 - The Godfather)
7. LOTR: Return of the King (2002 - Titanic)
6. Donnie Darko (2002 - Empire Strikes Back
5. A Clockwork Orange (2002 - Silence of the Lambs)
4. Aliens (2002 - The Matrix)
3. The Shawshank Redemption (2002 - Pulp Fiction)
2. Pulp Fiction (2002 - Schindlers List)
1. Star Wars: A New Hope (2002 Star Wars: A New Hope)
And the stats! (the best bit)
Number of Empire 100 films I have seen - 85 (Ive seen the whole top 20)
Number of Best Picture Oscar Winners - 20 (Note Return of the King is the only top 10 film to win this)
Number of Best Director Oscar Winners - 18
Number of films by decade - 00s - 21, 90s - 22, 80s - 25, 70s - 18, 60s - 5, 50s - 4, 40s - 3, 30s - 2
Actor with most films on the list - Harrison Ford (6)
Director with most films on the list - James Cameron and Steven Spielberg (4)
Number of new entries compared to 2002 - 38
I dont agree with much of this top 100, the top 10 is a little obvious and some of the films that missed out should have easily be in there - Raging Bull, The Graduate, Chinatown, Fargo, Easy Rider, Exorcist, Trainspotting hell even Blue Velvet missed out!
So here goes the top 20 of Empire Australia's 100 all time films 07 (2002 result in brackets)
20. Back to the Future
19. Fight Club
18. A Nightmare on Elm St
17. Braveheart
16. Grease
15. The Godfather
14. LOTR: The Fellowship of the Ring
13. POTC: Curse of the Black Pearl
12. American Beauty
11. The Matrix
10. Goodfellas (2002 - Shawshank)
9. Amelie (2002 - Gladiator)
8. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (2002 - The Godfather)
7. LOTR: Return of the King (2002 - Titanic)
6. Donnie Darko (2002 - Empire Strikes Back
5. A Clockwork Orange (2002 - Silence of the Lambs)
4. Aliens (2002 - The Matrix)
3. The Shawshank Redemption (2002 - Pulp Fiction)
2. Pulp Fiction (2002 - Schindlers List)
1. Star Wars: A New Hope (2002 Star Wars: A New Hope)
And the stats! (the best bit)
Number of Empire 100 films I have seen - 85 (Ive seen the whole top 20)
Number of Best Picture Oscar Winners - 20 (Note Return of the King is the only top 10 film to win this)
Number of Best Director Oscar Winners - 18
Number of films by decade - 00s - 21, 90s - 22, 80s - 25, 70s - 18, 60s - 5, 50s - 4, 40s - 3, 30s - 2
Actor with most films on the list - Harrison Ford (6)
Director with most films on the list - James Cameron and Steven Spielberg (4)
Number of new entries compared to 2002 - 38
Monday, April 23, 2007
Nevermind the Sex Pistols Here's the Bollocks
While grazing in Slow Boat Records yesterday the wonderful staff put on a new album by California band, Artichoke - which on the basis of hearing two tracks, I bought!As you can see from the cover - its a full cover version of the Sex Pistols seminal Nevermind the Bollocks Here's the Sex Pistols - in a kind of folk music style!
Their version of Anarchy in the UK is what sealed the deal for me - listen to a sample here. God Save the Queen is also an absolute ripper - sample here
Fantastic - check it out!
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Armageddon
While on comic books etc, I went along to the annual Armageddon Expo at the TSB Arena today. Naturally I bought some merchandise that I didnt necessarily "need" but hey its all good! I picked up a hard-copy version of Frank Miller's 300, and a Voltron t-shirt. Kick assAlso while there I wasted nearly an hour listening to the Q and A session with Billy Dee Williams. Billy Dee who? you ask?? Lando Calrissian from Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi thats who. Frankly the guy's a nutter. Apparently there was life after Lando (although his IMDB file might beg to differ) Lady Sings the Blues was "very sucessful" and then there was his art, and fragrances which he spoke at length about. Yeah, he claimed he had a fragrance a few years back and is "going to work on another" his first was as popular as Liz Taylor's Obsession (sic - I think he means Passion). He was entertaining on one answer - Q. Were you annoyed that you didnt get to use a light-sabre? A. No because I had a cape! Other than that he was incredibly boring and un-interesting so much so - we were literally laughing out loud at how painful it was!
Anyway not a bad one overall and less smelly than previous years - so every cloud eh?! (normally the abundance of teenage geeks tends to create a somewhat unpleasant aroma).
Prepare for Glory!!
Last night I checked out a film that after seeing the trailer some time ago I wasnt that excited about. Oh how wrong I was.
300 absolutely rules and kicks the living shit out of Gladiator! Stylish, beautiful, brutal I think best describes it.
Of course 300 is the famous (and true) story of the Battle of Thermopylae (of course if you dont know the story clicking that link could be a spoiler). Spartan King, Leonidas, lead only 300 men against around 2 million persians under Emperor Xerxes. Now its true there were only 300 Spartans, but modern consensus says there were around 6000 Greeks in total - the Spartans did lead them though and pretty much all that was left in the end.
Anyway Thermopylae is still looked at as the way for a small force to defend itself against a large army. Basically the Spartans positioned themselves in "the hot gate" at Thermopylae, which is essentially a gorge. They drew the Persians into the thin gorge, where the huge size of their numbers didnt matter.
Of course this film is based on Frank Miller's graphic novel (comic book), and while it obviously glamourises a lot of the action, and is pro-Spartan, you really appreciate the heroic element of the battle, and the idea of serving one's state before oneself.
I thought this was a great telling of one of the great heroic stories. I definitely recommend it.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Thats not mine... honest
Oh how unfortunate, the "suspicious" package that caused a bomb scare at the Auckland Airport international mail centre actually turned out to be a "harmless" sex-aid.
Herald story here
And in other news (and you know its funny) Heather Mills, formerly Mrs Paul MacCartney fell over during her routine on the US version of Dancing with the Stars (her latest money-making venture). Thats karma baby!
Stuff story here
Lastly, John Key showed his hypocritical side this morning on bFM in his interview with Mikey Havoc. Havoc was actually pretty good on the smacking bill stuff, but it was the party pills where Key really shone. Apparently we should ban them now as BZP is bad. However three or four weeks ago they were all the rage with Matt Bowden, the main party pill lobbyist in NZ "popping" up in almost all the gossip column photos of Key's fundraiser in Auckland for hip-young under 40 year olds. One can only assume that Matt didnt offer enough of a donation?
Listen to the bFM interview via Scoop here
Herald story here
And in other news (and you know its funny) Heather Mills, formerly Mrs Paul MacCartney fell over during her routine on the US version of Dancing with the Stars (her latest money-making venture). Thats karma baby!
Stuff story here
Lastly, John Key showed his hypocritical side this morning on bFM in his interview with Mikey Havoc. Havoc was actually pretty good on the smacking bill stuff, but it was the party pills where Key really shone. Apparently we should ban them now as BZP is bad. However three or four weeks ago they were all the rage with Matt Bowden, the main party pill lobbyist in NZ "popping" up in almost all the gossip column photos of Key's fundraiser in Auckland for hip-young under 40 year olds. One can only assume that Matt didnt offer enough of a donation?
Listen to the bFM interview via Scoop here
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
You daft racist
The good old Herald eh? Their frontpage headline is a classic today (unfortunately theyve obviously realised so I can't link to a web version).
"Gunman who killed 32 people was a Chinese Immigrant"
The gunman behind the deadliest shooting rampage in American History may have been a 24 year old Chinese man....."
No he wasn't. Try Korean- or are asians all the same? Why not go the whole hog and just say "Chinaman" instead?
God we have a lazy media.
"Gunman who killed 32 people was a Chinese Immigrant"
The gunman behind the deadliest shooting rampage in American History may have been a 24 year old Chinese man....."
No he wasn't. Try Korean- or are asians all the same? Why not go the whole hog and just say "Chinaman" instead?
God we have a lazy media.
And then there were four
Havent been on here for a couple of days - been too busy with the Wii! Let me just say the Godfather game is a hell of a lot of fun. Nothing like beating the living shit out of virtual people huh?!?!
Anyway I realised this morning that I had neglected to talk about the great Cricket tournament that is rapidly drawing to a climax at the moment. Here goes!
The real Cricket World Cup begins now as we enter the knockout phase - New Zealand still has one game to go (against Australia) before the semis which we have already qualified for. We're pretty much through all the bullshit rounds, and left with only the games that matter.
England were again an embarassment this morning getting done by an underperforming South African team in what was effectively a quarter final. Meaning the top four will be Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and South Africa.
All going well we will overcome Sri Lanka, in the semis - they have stars but overall NZ is a better balanced side so I think we should win and then in theory we will face Australia again in the final.
Australia are of course head and shoulders above everyone else as favourites, but they arent unbeatable. If we forget about how great they are focus on the fact that we can beat them and that in reality we are only two good games of cricket away from being World Champions.
As the Chappell Hadlee series proved - anything can happen in the crazy nonsensical great game!
Anyway I realised this morning that I had neglected to talk about the great Cricket tournament that is rapidly drawing to a climax at the moment. Here goes!
The real Cricket World Cup begins now as we enter the knockout phase - New Zealand still has one game to go (against Australia) before the semis which we have already qualified for. We're pretty much through all the bullshit rounds, and left with only the games that matter.
England were again an embarassment this morning getting done by an underperforming South African team in what was effectively a quarter final. Meaning the top four will be Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and South Africa.
All going well we will overcome Sri Lanka, in the semis - they have stars but overall NZ is a better balanced side so I think we should win and then in theory we will face Australia again in the final.
Australia are of course head and shoulders above everyone else as favourites, but they arent unbeatable. If we forget about how great they are focus on the fact that we can beat them and that in reality we are only two good games of cricket away from being World Champions.
As the Chappell Hadlee series proved - anything can happen in the crazy nonsensical great game!
Sunday, April 15, 2007
A moment of madness?
In one of those spur of the moment decisions that will shock some people - Ive entered the world of gaming... well kind of. Ive bought a Nintendo Wii!What's more - I love it! Ive only played the free sports games that came with it so far, but loving the boxing and tennis. I got owned in the golf by a friend of mine though. Still, Ive recorded 5 knock outs in the boxing - 5-0 win-loss record so far! Kick ass.
Big ups to Nintendo too for broadening the gaming market by coming up with a console that anyone can use!
Im loving the Wii. If you havent tried one or hate conventional gaming consoles (like me!) I definitely urge you to check it out - You look like a prick jinking and jiving around your living room pulling off mac-daddy aces in the tennis - but its sooo much fun.
Friday, April 13, 2007
You just know its gonna be good
LaToya, Tito and Jermaine Jackson are going to be judges on some new show in the states based on American Idol - but looking for the next "family act". Brilliant! Michael and Janet aren't involved though... unless of course youre counting LaToya as Michael - It is a little hard to tell the difference!
Jermaine is my favourite Jackson, he's the one who always gives his opinion and "the family side" when ever Michael/LaToya or Janet fuck something up, he also looks like he sprays Armour-all on his face. Thats what we need on TV!
Jermaine is my favourite Jackson, he's the one who always gives his opinion and "the family side" when ever Michael/LaToya or Janet fuck something up, he also looks like he sprays Armour-all on his face. Thats what we need on TV!
Top 5 Beatles albums
Angus laid down another of his challenges today - top 5 Beatles Albums, so here we go. Starting at number 1.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Chuck Maurice
Hat tip to the Spare Room for finding this little gem!
Jeans designed to have an extra hidden gusset between the legs so you can kick people in the face more easily! If only Chris had these back in 1994 - his huge round house on that poor little 8 year old might have come off and wouldnt still be a laughing stock to this day!
I just know Angus is cracking up in Japan just thinking about the roundhouse!
Jeans designed to have an extra hidden gusset between the legs so you can kick people in the face more easily! If only Chris had these back in 1994 - his huge round house on that poor little 8 year old might have come off and wouldnt still be a laughing stock to this day!
I just know Angus is cracking up in Japan just thinking about the roundhouse!
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
The Worst of Wellington
Todays Dominion has a feature on the Worst Buildings in Wellington. Most of them I agree with so I thought I would list them here with some of the comments from the paper and of course a few of my own!
11. Circa Theatre (adjacent to Te Papa), criticised for having its back to the city, and not making use of its 360 degree site. To be fair the new paint job makes it look worse than it did originally and I think there are worse buildings - the Museum Hotel! (Disagree)
9th Equal. Environment House and Defence House, these are awful and completely lack any sort of design at all - brand spanking new and are basically just boxes with windows - missed opportunities. (Agree!!!)
8. Lyall Bay Megacentre, I disagree with this, its better that buildings of this kind (Warehouse etc) are tucked away in an industrial area like this - if it were closer to the city I would agree but in this case its harmless. (Disagree)
7. Renaissance Apartments, these are probably better known as the weird plain box style apartments on top of Burger King in Manners Mall. So plain and boring on top of a stunning building. (Agree)
6. Galleria on Tory, the ugly building tacked on top of Harvey Norman and the gym. The balconies have picket fences - ridiculous. (Agree)
4th Equal. Marickian and City Lodge Apartments, ugly box-like characterless structures built very cheaply - targetting students. Cheap and nasty the sad thing is there are plenty of other examples - the ones next to the Southern Cross! (Agree)
3. Courtenay Apartments, you will know this by sight if not by name - the ugly mint green apartment building with its crude attempt at blending in with the heritage listed building below. Prime site - awful building. (Agree!!)
2. Queen's Wharf Events Centre and Shell Office Complex (previously the Retail Centre), I always think criticism of this is a little harsh - yes its not pretty as such, but neither are the old sheds in the same area! I like the way Shell are using the old retail centre as their NZ Head Office - all open plan, very cool. Still this could have been built elsewhere, or at least built in a way that wasn't quite so inward looking. (Agree but further down the list - Overseas terminal is worse)
1. Wellington City New World, criticised for being built the wrong way around. If you swapped the carpark and building around you would have a direct view from the Basin to the waterfront. Poor use of space, plain characterless warehouse on a huge prime site, just blocking views. A supermarket could have easily been incorporated into the bottom of another development. Just plain ugly. (Agree!)
11. Circa Theatre (adjacent to Te Papa), criticised for having its back to the city, and not making use of its 360 degree site. To be fair the new paint job makes it look worse than it did originally and I think there are worse buildings - the Museum Hotel! (Disagree)
9th Equal. Environment House and Defence House, these are awful and completely lack any sort of design at all - brand spanking new and are basically just boxes with windows - missed opportunities. (Agree!!!)
8. Lyall Bay Megacentre, I disagree with this, its better that buildings of this kind (Warehouse etc) are tucked away in an industrial area like this - if it were closer to the city I would agree but in this case its harmless. (Disagree)
7. Renaissance Apartments, these are probably better known as the weird plain box style apartments on top of Burger King in Manners Mall. So plain and boring on top of a stunning building. (Agree)
6. Galleria on Tory, the ugly building tacked on top of Harvey Norman and the gym. The balconies have picket fences - ridiculous. (Agree)
4th Equal. Marickian and City Lodge Apartments, ugly box-like characterless structures built very cheaply - targetting students. Cheap and nasty the sad thing is there are plenty of other examples - the ones next to the Southern Cross! (Agree)
3. Courtenay Apartments, you will know this by sight if not by name - the ugly mint green apartment building with its crude attempt at blending in with the heritage listed building below. Prime site - awful building. (Agree!!)
2. Queen's Wharf Events Centre and Shell Office Complex (previously the Retail Centre), I always think criticism of this is a little harsh - yes its not pretty as such, but neither are the old sheds in the same area! I like the way Shell are using the old retail centre as their NZ Head Office - all open plan, very cool. Still this could have been built elsewhere, or at least built in a way that wasn't quite so inward looking. (Agree but further down the list - Overseas terminal is worse)
1. Wellington City New World, criticised for being built the wrong way around. If you swapped the carpark and building around you would have a direct view from the Basin to the waterfront. Poor use of space, plain characterless warehouse on a huge prime site, just blocking views. A supermarket could have easily been incorporated into the bottom of another development. Just plain ugly. (Agree!)
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
A joke that got peoples heckles up
I just read an interview in this week's Listener with Ana Samways of the Herald's Sideswipe column and the Spare Room blog (see the links column in the side bar) . In the interview she tells a joke that apparently led to all sorts of outraged emails and letters - I thought the joke was fantastic.
Here goes: Mahatma Gandhi, as you know, walked barefoot most of the time, which produced an impressive set of calluses on his feet. He also ate very little, which made him rather frail, and with his odd diet he suffered from bad-breath.
This made him a super-callused fragile mystic hexed by halitosis.
Apparently Gandhi jokes are a bit of a no-go area!
Here goes: Mahatma Gandhi, as you know, walked barefoot most of the time, which produced an impressive set of calluses on his feet. He also ate very little, which made him rather frail, and with his odd diet he suffered from bad-breath.
This made him a super-callused fragile mystic hexed by halitosis.
Apparently Gandhi jokes are a bit of a no-go area!
Pretty intense
I finally got to see Guillermo del Toro's much heralded Pan's Labyrinth last night at the Penthouse. Frankly I was blown away. It wasn't entirely what I was expecting - I was thinking it would be something 'magical' and a little Jim Henson-ish - kind of like Labyrinth. But this was on a whole other level.
Such intensity, I was litterally rivetted to the seat. This is an absolute must-see and makes a mockery of the Oscars - how on earth this didnt win Best Foreign Language Film I dont know - let alone Best Picture!.
At the other end of the spectrum I also recently saw Jonathan King's black-comedy/horror - Black Sheep. The trailer calls it the "Violence of the Lambs" - its kind of like Shaun of the Dead but on a NZ sheep farm - and with sheep as the Zombies. The effects were of course done by Weta. Hillarious - and very New Zealand, I really enjoyed it.
And finally yesterday I revisited a classic Aussie film - Hercules Returns. Its the story of a guy who buys a Cinema, and on opening night his competition sabotage everything by organising an Italian language version of the film Hercules. So the projectionist, cinema owner and their PR woman get a microphone and improvise the script. Its hillarious with characters like Labia from the town of Chlamydia and her lover Testiculi. IMDB calls it "Pant wettingly hiarious".
So on the whole three pretty good films. Pretty good. Pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty good.
Such intensity, I was litterally rivetted to the seat. This is an absolute must-see and makes a mockery of the Oscars - how on earth this didnt win Best Foreign Language Film I dont know - let alone Best Picture!.
At the other end of the spectrum I also recently saw Jonathan King's black-comedy/horror - Black Sheep. The trailer calls it the "Violence of the Lambs" - its kind of like Shaun of the Dead but on a NZ sheep farm - and with sheep as the Zombies. The effects were of course done by Weta. Hillarious - and very New Zealand, I really enjoyed it.
And finally yesterday I revisited a classic Aussie film - Hercules Returns. Its the story of a guy who buys a Cinema, and on opening night his competition sabotage everything by organising an Italian language version of the film Hercules. So the projectionist, cinema owner and their PR woman get a microphone and improvise the script. Its hillarious with characters like Labia from the town of Chlamydia and her lover Testiculi. IMDB calls it "Pant wettingly hiarious".
So on the whole three pretty good films. Pretty good. Pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty good.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Attention, attention all personnel
I went for a walk today down what can only be described as the coolest road in probably the whole world. (castle! radar! big fucking birds!)
I did the three km walk from the Brooklyn Windmill up to the Hawkins Hill Radar to mark Easter Monday (well kind of) - Anyway pics below
(Full marks to anyone who got the lame reference in the title - it's a Radar station and Radar used to say that on M*A*S*H.... oh forget it!)
I did the three km walk from the Brooklyn Windmill up to the Hawkins Hill Radar to mark Easter Monday (well kind of) - Anyway pics below
(Full marks to anyone who got the lame reference in the title - it's a Radar station and Radar used to say that on M*A*S*H.... oh forget it!)
Friday, April 06, 2007
Off to the Flicks
A new - New Zealand based film site has been launched - Flicks.co.nz and it actually looks pretty good. Pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty good.
To mark the launch they are asking people to log in an list their most loved and most hated films. They have also asked high profile NZers to do the same - Helen said her favourite film was The Motorcycle Diaries, but she didnt name a film that she hates. John Key on the other hand picked an absolute cracker for his favourite - Johnny English. I kid you not. His most hated film - The Exorcist (probably one the best horrors ever).
One little gem that I did find on the site was this - deleted scenes from Borat! - you have to check out the Sexy-Drown-Watch piss-take of Baywatch. Fair to say both Borat and his manager feature running in that swim suit.
Anyway, make sure you log on and list your favourite films.
My Favourites:
Amelie, The Big Lebowski, Do the Right Thing, The Godfather Part I, Sling Blade, Trainspotting, Pulp Fiction, Dr Strangelove, Full Metal Jacket, Chasing Amy.
My Most Hated:
Titanic, Magnolia, Mullholland Drive, Battlefield Earth, Tombstone.
To mark the launch they are asking people to log in an list their most loved and most hated films. They have also asked high profile NZers to do the same - Helen said her favourite film was The Motorcycle Diaries, but she didnt name a film that she hates. John Key on the other hand picked an absolute cracker for his favourite - Johnny English. I kid you not. His most hated film - The Exorcist (probably one the best horrors ever).
One little gem that I did find on the site was this - deleted scenes from Borat! - you have to check out the Sexy-Drown-Watch piss-take of Baywatch. Fair to say both Borat and his manager feature running in that swim suit.
Anyway, make sure you log on and list your favourite films.
My Favourites:
Amelie, The Big Lebowski, Do the Right Thing, The Godfather Part I, Sling Blade, Trainspotting, Pulp Fiction, Dr Strangelove, Full Metal Jacket, Chasing Amy.
My Most Hated:
Titanic, Magnolia, Mullholland Drive, Battlefield Earth, Tombstone.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
A poll of sorts
I got an email this morning from Barack Obama. Well me and probably thousands of other people! But anyway I like this news style of "e-campaign" where the candidate "emails you" with an update of how things are going - and asking you to "join with them" (read - give some money!). Essentially its just a regular email newsletter - but from a voters point of view - it reads way better.
Senator Obama was just letting me know that they have raised over US$25million towards the campaign - an incredible amount of money! 23.5 of this is eligible to be used in the primary campaign. As an indication of how huge these numbers are - at the same point in the 2000 campaign, Al Gore had raised US$8.9 million.
How this compares to others is almost like a poll if you will. Heres how they stack up. (all USD)
Hillary Clinton (D) - 26 million
Barack Obama (D) - 25 million
Mitt Romney (R) - 23 million
Rudy Giuliani (R) - 15 million
John Edwards (D) - 14 million
John McCain (R) - 12.5 million
What makes Obama's haul all the more impressive - is that there were twice as many people giving money than any other campaign. Over 100 000 people gave to the Obama campaign, Hillary was next best with just over 50 000. Some other stats - over 5000 community meetings have been held for the Obama campaign, 50 per cent of their donations were online.
This is fantastic "grassroots" campaigning by Obama, and I continue to be impressed!
To finish I'll leave you with some words from Obama's email
Senator Obama was just letting me know that they have raised over US$25million towards the campaign - an incredible amount of money! 23.5 of this is eligible to be used in the primary campaign. As an indication of how huge these numbers are - at the same point in the 2000 campaign, Al Gore had raised US$8.9 million.
How this compares to others is almost like a poll if you will. Heres how they stack up. (all USD)
Hillary Clinton (D) - 26 million
Barack Obama (D) - 25 million
Mitt Romney (R) - 23 million
Rudy Giuliani (R) - 15 million
John Edwards (D) - 14 million
John McCain (R) - 12.5 million
What makes Obama's haul all the more impressive - is that there were twice as many people giving money than any other campaign. Over 100 000 people gave to the Obama campaign, Hillary was next best with just over 50 000. Some other stats - over 5000 community meetings have been held for the Obama campaign, 50 per cent of their donations were online.
This is fantastic "grassroots" campaigning by Obama, and I continue to be impressed!
To finish I'll leave you with some words from Obama's email
"This milestone for our campaign proves something I learned as a community
organizer long ago: that together a whole lot of ordinary people can achieve
something extraordinary."
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
On this day - "free at last"
Just watching Campbell Live, they did their "on this day" thing - and I thought todays was worth acknowledging - in 1968, on this day Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated outside the Lorraine Motel in Memphis Tennessee. So to mark the day - here's some words from his most famous speech in August 1963.
"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal. "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. "I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood.
"This is our hope. This is the faith with which I return to the South. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day."
Not sure what the term is?
What sort of person would get their recently deceased father's ashes, mix them up with cocaine and snort it?
Apparently the lead guitarist of the Rolling Stones is the sort of person. Article here
Is there a term for that? Necro-crack?
Apparently the lead guitarist of the Rolling Stones is the sort of person. Article here
Is there a term for that? Necro-crack?
Monday, April 02, 2007
The Reynolds
I finally got around to getting the free John Reynolds work from the Free NZ Art exhibition block mounted - and im pretty happy with the results!
Ive put it up in my office which given what it says (pictured) and its caused a few laughs etc around the office - and the boss got a kick out of it so thats a pretty good result too I guess.
More information on the philosopher - Soren Kierkegaard
Apologies for the picture quality, but it was only taken on my phone.
PS. Was anyone else shocked that Chris hasn't fallen for the story below?
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Google continues the revolution
You may have seen this already if you use Gmail. Anyway Google have just launched another fantastic new feature on Gmail - Gmail Paper. Its basically a hard-copy version of your email that Google will send out to you for free. A great idea, especially for people who still like to receive proper physical mail. (and its environmentally friendly!)
Check it out here
Check it out here
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Heroes and Villains
After finding out im the Green Lantern (by far the coolest hero) I thought I better do the Villain test as well.Do the test here
Fair to say im less impressed by my Villain - Mr Freeze (more that he was the shittest villain in the movie versions of Batman, and played by Arnie). Oh well can't win-em all!
Friday, March 30, 2007
"young fashionable fun-seeker"
Research has been done by Nielsen Media Research into what sort of people buy what mobile phones - and while a little daft it is kinda interesting.
Im apparently a "young fashionable fun-seeker" since I own a Motorolla. Its funny cause I remember when Motorolla's were an embarassment - LV readers will recall Fenee Jeansen owning one! But no longer.
Nokia - likely to be middle-aged, health conscious, family types
Motorolla - young fashionable fun seeker
Samsung - career-oriented young women
Sony-Ericsson - go-getter young men
LG - mums
I love the LG one - just 'mums' - maybe its the modern pregnancy test?*
Stuff story here
* Note Im only suggesting ownership of an LG may indicate pregnancy - not that it is actually a pregnancy test - that could get very messy!
Im apparently a "young fashionable fun-seeker" since I own a Motorolla. Its funny cause I remember when Motorolla's were an embarassment - LV readers will recall Fenee Jeansen owning one! But no longer.
Nokia - likely to be middle-aged, health conscious, family types
Motorolla - young fashionable fun seeker
Samsung - career-oriented young women
Sony-Ericsson - go-getter young men
LG - mums
I love the LG one - just 'mums' - maybe its the modern pregnancy test?*
Stuff story here
* Note Im only suggesting ownership of an LG may indicate pregnancy - not that it is actually a pregnancy test - that could get very messy!
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Ole, Ole, Ole
Ive always wanted to own a sports team which is why I was stoked when Wellingtonian Terry Serepisos saved the hopeless New Zealand franchise in football's A-League.
Up till now no one had supported the teams (the Kingz and Knights as they have been called) and frankly they have been hopeless. So when NZ was going to be turfed out - in stormed Wellington with a bid and a few million from property developer Serepisos.
Now, granted this probably won't work, but I think its fantastic that a corporate is actually giving something other than horrific archtecture back to the city.
Yesterday the new name and logo was unveiled - and they went with my pick. The Wellington Phoenix FC. Rising from the ashes and all that - its perfect!
The All Whites coach is on board too, and after not wanting Wellington to take it off Auckland (who failed to support the team) SoccerNZ is also supporting it.
Serepisos should be Wellingtonian of the Year this year - he has provided a lifeline for football in NZ and has set an example to other corporates - sponsorship isnt only about making a buck - there are huge branding opportunities and a chance to create a positive relationship with a whole city.
I hope people get in behind it - I fully intend to get along to a few games.
There is even a supporters club underway - sign up here
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Top 10-athon continues
We seem to be in the midst of a top 10-athon. The latest challenge laid down by "Cosby" (its the nickname he gave himself... I know) is the Great Ryan Adams Top 10. This was the hardest so far, not entirely sure why but it was.
Counting down the top 10 as follows
10. Somehow, Someday
9. When the Stars Go Blue
8. Afraid Not Scared
7. A Kiss Before I Go
6. Sweet Illusion
5. Wonderwall (he won a Grammy for this performance, so it counts)
4. The End
3. 29
2. La Cienega Just Smiled
1. Blue Sky Blues
Counting down the top 10 as follows
10. Somehow, Someday
9. When the Stars Go Blue
8. Afraid Not Scared
7. A Kiss Before I Go
6. Sweet Illusion
5. Wonderwall (he won a Grammy for this performance, so it counts)
4. The End
3. 29
2. La Cienega Just Smiled
1. Blue Sky Blues
Friday, March 23, 2007
Masterclass
Today was the annual Diplomats vs MPs cricket game. I was representing the Diplomats XI.
Well I didnt get a golden duck, nor even a duck - i slashed, glanced, drove and cut my way to the emphatic opening score of 6. Which across both teams was the highest score by an opener.
The bowling went slightly better - finishing with figures of 1/8.
As for the game, we set 174/8 off our 30 overs, with the MPs only managing 129 all out in reply.
All in all a great day
Well I didnt get a golden duck, nor even a duck - i slashed, glanced, drove and cut my way to the emphatic opening score of 6. Which across both teams was the highest score by an opener.
The bowling went slightly better - finishing with figures of 1/8.
As for the game, we set 174/8 off our 30 overs, with the MPs only managing 129 all out in reply.
All in all a great day
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Everything in its Right Place
Since it seems to have been a week of top 10s of this and that - it's time for the definitive all time top 10 Radiohead tracks.
10. 2+2=5
9. Everything in its Right Place
8. Fake Plastic Trees
7. There There
6. The Tourist
5. Street Spirit
4. Let Down
3. Creep
2. Airbag
1. Pyramid Song
There it is people - bring the noise!
10. 2+2=5
9. Everything in its Right Place
8. Fake Plastic Trees
7. There There
6. The Tourist
5. Street Spirit
4. Let Down
3. Creep
2. Airbag
1. Pyramid Song
There it is people - bring the noise!
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Blair ain't bovverred
Zack Exley has blogged a hillarious video of Tony Blair hamming it up for Comic Relief in Britain.
Blair takes part in a skit with Catherine Tait in her role as Lauren Cooper - the smart ass teenage girl who gets out of awkward situations by just saying "I ain't boverred though" "Look at my face. Do I look Bovverred?" over and over - its funny stuff.
Classic stuff and reminds you what a great performer Blair can be (when he isn't helping George carry out coups!).
Check out the video here
Blair takes part in a skit with Catherine Tait in her role as Lauren Cooper - the smart ass teenage girl who gets out of awkward situations by just saying "I ain't boverred though" "Look at my face. Do I look Bovverred?" over and over - its funny stuff.
Classic stuff and reminds you what a great performer Blair can be (when he isn't helping George carry out coups!).
Check out the video here
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
The Ben Harper Top 10
Angus laid down another challenge - name your top 10 Ben Harper tracks. So here goes.
10. Brown Eyed Blues (Diamonds on the Inside)
9. By My Side (Fight for Your Mind)
8. Black Rain (Both Sides of the Gun)
7. Glory and Consequence (The Will to Live)
6. Ground on Down (Fight for Your Mind)
5. Take My Hands (There Will Be a Light)
4. Waiting on an Angel (Welcome to the Cruel World)
3. Where Could I Go? (There Will Be a Light)
2. I Shall Not Walk Alone (The Will to Live)
1. Forgiven (Burn to Shine)
10. Brown Eyed Blues (Diamonds on the Inside)
9. By My Side (Fight for Your Mind)
8. Black Rain (Both Sides of the Gun)
7. Glory and Consequence (The Will to Live)
6. Ground on Down (Fight for Your Mind)
5. Take My Hands (There Will Be a Light)
4. Waiting on an Angel (Welcome to the Cruel World)
3. Where Could I Go? (There Will Be a Light)
2. I Shall Not Walk Alone (The Will to Live)
1. Forgiven (Burn to Shine)
A challenge - are you ready to rock like its 1985?
Hat tip to the Spare Room
Its guess the classy 80s rock ballad time! Youre amongst friends here - dont be afraid to own your passion for Toto and Foreigner... not to mention that guilty secret Phil Collins collection.
Complete the test - here and drop back and let the group know how "well" you did.
Take a look at me now - I managed a score of 9/10 - you'll be surprised (ashamed) how many you know.
Its guess the classy 80s rock ballad time! Youre amongst friends here - dont be afraid to own your passion for Toto and Foreigner... not to mention that guilty secret Phil Collins collection.
Complete the test - here and drop back and let the group know how "well" you did.
Take a look at me now - I managed a score of 9/10 - you'll be surprised (ashamed) how many you know.
UPDATE: As you may have noticed a picture has appeared. Karen wanted to show her true colours - so provided the photo. I thought it would be wicked not to share something like that!
Granted it is a little more Aerobics Oz Style than RTR Countdown - but hey it certainly captures the 80s-ness of the rock ballad test and definitely makes up for the two questions she dropped in the test.
The challenge is - can you match Karen's 80s goodness by beating her on the test??
Monday, March 19, 2007
Leftfield I know
I had a discussion about this yesterday - and just thought hey I know where I can chuck that -
Counting down the Top 5 Weezer tracks
5. The World Has Turned And Left Me Here
4. Island in the Sun
3. El Scorcho
2. Buddy Holly
1. Say it Ain't So
Counting down the Top 5 Weezer tracks
5. The World Has Turned And Left Me Here
4. Island in the Sun
3. El Scorcho
2. Buddy Holly
1. Say it Ain't So
A little bit upsetting
Given Sky are only covering the Black Caps and key games at the Cricket World Cup, I was forced to follow the two games yesterday via Cricinfo's live score updates.
But that didnt make it any less exciting to follow the action as Bangladesh knocked off India (although Bangladesh have been consistently improving) and the game that has rocked the World Cup - Ireland, who are competing in their first World Cup, beat Pakistan by 3 wickets.
Pakistan had earlier lost to the tournament hosts, the West Indies, meaning they are goneburgers - knocked out in the first round. On paper the Pakistanis had a very strong side - Mohammed Yousuf has been averaging nearly 90 in the last three years (since he converted to Islam from Christianity - read into that what you will!). So this is definitely a shock.
India are also under pressure with their loss to Bangladesh, if they lose to Sri Lanka in their next game (and the Sri Lankans would be favourites) theyre also gone.
Todays Herald listed all the great Cricket World Cup upsets this morning - luckily none of them involve NZ - here they are..
1979 - Sri Lanka 283/5 (not a test playing nation at this stage) beat India 191.
1983 - Zimbabwe 239/6 beat Australia 226/7
1996 - Kenya 166 beat the West Indies 93
1999 - Bangladesh 223/9 beat Pakistan 161
2003 - Canada 180 beat Bangladesh 120
2003 - Kenya 210/9 beat Sri Lanka 157
2007 - Bangladesh 192/5 beat India 191
2007 - Ireland 133/7 beat Pakistan 132
But that didnt make it any less exciting to follow the action as Bangladesh knocked off India (although Bangladesh have been consistently improving) and the game that has rocked the World Cup - Ireland, who are competing in their first World Cup, beat Pakistan by 3 wickets.
Pakistan had earlier lost to the tournament hosts, the West Indies, meaning they are goneburgers - knocked out in the first round. On paper the Pakistanis had a very strong side - Mohammed Yousuf has been averaging nearly 90 in the last three years (since he converted to Islam from Christianity - read into that what you will!). So this is definitely a shock.
India are also under pressure with their loss to Bangladesh, if they lose to Sri Lanka in their next game (and the Sri Lankans would be favourites) theyre also gone.
Todays Herald listed all the great Cricket World Cup upsets this morning - luckily none of them involve NZ - here they are..
1979 - Sri Lanka 283/5 (not a test playing nation at this stage) beat India 191.
1983 - Zimbabwe 239/6 beat Australia 226/7
1996 - Kenya 166 beat the West Indies 93
1999 - Bangladesh 223/9 beat Pakistan 161
2003 - Canada 180 beat Bangladesh 120
2003 - Kenya 210/9 beat Sri Lanka 157
2007 - Bangladesh 192/5 beat India 191
2007 - Ireland 133/7 beat Pakistan 132
Friday, March 16, 2007
Cunis - he's neither one thing, nor the other
I have just finished reading Harry Ricketts' "How to Catch a Cricket Match". The book covers the second day of the second test between the West Indies and New Zealand at the Basin Reserve in 2006. I was of course there on this day, giving me a slightly different perspective.
Ricketts book is a great read for anyone with a passing interest in the great game. He shares stories of how he came to love the game, and how he would analyse the game and machinations of what could happen with his friends - just like every cricket follower does. He also talks of how cricket lovers can at times talk in code, for example how a line like Flemming cuts Edwards through backward point for four would be meaningless to most people, yet cricket followers know exactly what you mean.
The title of this article of course is a line from the book, in reference to the NZ player of the 1960s Bob Cunis, Ricketts recalls how the line was delivered dryly by the BBC commentators of the day - fantastic.
To finish Ricketts names his all time New Zealand XI, and his all time World XI. These are often pointless exercises, but fun all the same so here's mine. (I dont honestly expect anyone reading this to actually pick their own as well!)
New Zealand Test XI
1. Stewie Dempster, 2. John Wright, 3. Bert Sutcliffe, 4. Martin Crowe (captain), 5.Glenn Turner, 6. John Reid, 7. Chris Cairns, 8. Sir Richard Hadlee, 9. Adam Parore, 10. Daniel Vettori, 11. Shane Bond
World Test XI
1. Viv Richards (WI), 2. Michael Slater (AUS), 3. Sir Donald Bradman (AUS), 4. Ricky Ponting (AUS), 5. Sachin Tendulkar (IND), 6. Sir Garfield Sobers (WI), 7. Adam Gilchrist (AUS), 8. Shane Warne (AUS), 9. Sir Richard Hadlee (NZ), 10. Courtney Walsh (WI), 11. Muttiah Muralitharan (SL)
and while im at it, ill pick a one-day team too
New Zealand One Day XI
1. Mark Greatbatch, 2. Nathan Astle, 3. Andrew Jones, 4. Martin Crowe, 5. Stephen Fleming, 6. Chris Cairns, 7. Chris Harris, 8. Brendon McCullum, 9. Gavin Larsen, 10. Daniel Vettori, 11. Shane Bond.
Ricketts book is a great read for anyone with a passing interest in the great game. He shares stories of how he came to love the game, and how he would analyse the game and machinations of what could happen with his friends - just like every cricket follower does. He also talks of how cricket lovers can at times talk in code, for example how a line like Flemming cuts Edwards through backward point for four would be meaningless to most people, yet cricket followers know exactly what you mean.
The title of this article of course is a line from the book, in reference to the NZ player of the 1960s Bob Cunis, Ricketts recalls how the line was delivered dryly by the BBC commentators of the day - fantastic.
To finish Ricketts names his all time New Zealand XI, and his all time World XI. These are often pointless exercises, but fun all the same so here's mine. (I dont honestly expect anyone reading this to actually pick their own as well!)
New Zealand Test XI
1. Stewie Dempster, 2. John Wright, 3. Bert Sutcliffe, 4. Martin Crowe (captain), 5.Glenn Turner, 6. John Reid, 7. Chris Cairns, 8. Sir Richard Hadlee, 9. Adam Parore, 10. Daniel Vettori, 11. Shane Bond
World Test XI
1. Viv Richards (WI), 2. Michael Slater (AUS), 3. Sir Donald Bradman (AUS), 4. Ricky Ponting (AUS), 5. Sachin Tendulkar (IND), 6. Sir Garfield Sobers (WI), 7. Adam Gilchrist (AUS), 8. Shane Warne (AUS), 9. Sir Richard Hadlee (NZ), 10. Courtney Walsh (WI), 11. Muttiah Muralitharan (SL)
and while im at it, ill pick a one-day team too
New Zealand One Day XI
1. Mark Greatbatch, 2. Nathan Astle, 3. Andrew Jones, 4. Martin Crowe, 5. Stephen Fleming, 6. Chris Cairns, 7. Chris Harris, 8. Brendon McCullum, 9. Gavin Larsen, 10. Daniel Vettori, 11. Shane Bond.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Tonight ill be a rock n roll star
Angus challenged me to match his top 12 Oasis tracks with my own, so here goes
1. Supersonic
2. Cigaretes and Alcohol
3. Some Might Say
4. Fade In Out
5. Live Forever
6. Wonderwall
7. Songbird
8. Force of Nature
9. A Bell will Ring
10. Shakermaker
11. Lyla
12. Go Let it Out (rules requiring at least one from each album means this makes it in, rather like quota systems based on race for South African sports teams - I think its a little patronising. Go Let it out knows it doesnt belong!)
and Top 5 b-sides
1. Half the World Away
2. Talk Tonight
3. Going Nowhere
4. Acquiesce
5. Headshrinker
1. Supersonic
2. Cigaretes and Alcohol
3. Some Might Say
4. Fade In Out
5. Live Forever
6. Wonderwall
7. Songbird
8. Force of Nature
9. A Bell will Ring
10. Shakermaker
11. Lyla
12. Go Let it Out (rules requiring at least one from each album means this makes it in, rather like quota systems based on race for South African sports teams - I think its a little patronising. Go Let it out knows it doesnt belong!)
and Top 5 b-sides
1. Half the World Away
2. Talk Tonight
3. Going Nowhere
4. Acquiesce
5. Headshrinker
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Boys will be boys??
WARNING - this is pretty gross. Best not read this while eating your lunch - or especially while eating your lunch after taking a swim at the Thorndon Pool!
I just had to blog this. The Christchurch Press is today reporting that "Schoolboys are deliberately defecating in Christchurch swimming pools, apparently to score a free swim".
Apparently some of the pools have a refund policy for "faecal incidents" - which has led to kids bricking in the pool in order to get their money back!
Read the article here
I just had to blog this. The Christchurch Press is today reporting that "Schoolboys are deliberately defecating in Christchurch swimming pools, apparently to score a free swim".
Apparently some of the pools have a refund policy for "faecal incidents" - which has led to kids bricking in the pool in order to get their money back!
Read the article here
Sunday, March 11, 2007
By the power of Greyskull!!
What a weekend - well what a Friday and Saturday morning. As I said earlier, Hot Fuzz was having its NZ premiere in Wellington - and it was free for like 200 people who turned up at the right time.
After knocking off work at 3pm and standing in a queue for three hours (taking the piss out of the PR "guru" from Universal and discussing League of Gentlemen, Spaced etc with fellow queue-ers) - there was no holding me back baby. I'll put it out there - It fuckin ruled. Peter Jackson spoke briefly about his cameo and then introduced Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and the Director Edgar Wright, who all spoke briefly. It was great.
There isn't a lot to say about the film other than my rating - ***** (thats right the big 5!). Edgar Wright described the film during his intro as "If you ever watched Heartbeat or Miss Marple and thought there should be more shit blowing up - this is the film for you." Which basically captures the film. As funny, if not funnier than Shaun of the Dead - definitely check it out.
As for Saturday morning... the signing session... (pics below) Hell yeah - I got them to sign my 3 disc set of Spaced DVDs - I got them to sign one disc each, and Nick Frost wrote my favourite line from Hot Fuzz across the inside cover.
All in all - couldnt have kicked much more arse if we tried!
After knocking off work at 3pm and standing in a queue for three hours (taking the piss out of the PR "guru" from Universal and discussing League of Gentlemen, Spaced etc with fellow queue-ers) - there was no holding me back baby. I'll put it out there - It fuckin ruled. Peter Jackson spoke briefly about his cameo and then introduced Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and the Director Edgar Wright, who all spoke briefly. It was great.
There isn't a lot to say about the film other than my rating - ***** (thats right the big 5!). Edgar Wright described the film during his intro as "If you ever watched Heartbeat or Miss Marple and thought there should be more shit blowing up - this is the film for you." Which basically captures the film. As funny, if not funnier than Shaun of the Dead - definitely check it out.
As for Saturday morning... the signing session... (pics below) Hell yeah - I got them to sign my 3 disc set of Spaced DVDs - I got them to sign one disc each, and Nick Frost wrote my favourite line from Hot Fuzz across the inside cover.
All in all - couldnt have kicked much more arse if we tried!
Friday, March 09, 2007
Growing up in New Zealand
This was forwarded to me today as an email. Inititally I was going to forward it around given I thought it was fantastic - but then I realised I hadn't posted anything, so here goes!
GROWING UP IN NEW ZEALAND
I'm talking about hide and seek/spotlight in the park. The corner dairy, hopscotch, four square, go carts, cricket in front of the garbage bin and inviting everyone on your street to join in, skipping (double dutch), gutterball, handstands, elastics, bullrush, catch and kiss, footy on the best lawn in the street, slip'n'slides, the trampoline with water on it (or a sprinkler under it), hula hoops, jumping in puddles with gumboots on, mud pies and building dams in the gutter. The smell of the sun and fresh cut grass.
'Big bubbles no troubles' with Hubba Bubba bubble gum. A topsy. Mr Whippy cones on a warm summer night after you've chased him round the block. 20 cents worth of mixed lollies lasted a week and pretending to smoke "fags" (the lollies) was really cool!.. A dollars' worth of chips from the corner take-away fed two people (AND the sauce was free!!).
Being upset when you botched putting on the temporary tattoo from the bubblegum packet, but still wearing it proudly. Watching Saturday morning cartoons: 'The Smurfs', 'AstroBoy', 'He man', 'Captain Caveman', 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles', 'Jem' (trulyoutrageous!!), 'Super d'', and 'Heeeey heeeeey heeeeeeey it's faaaaaaat Albert'. Or staying up late and sneaking a look at the "AO" on the second telly, being amazed when you watched TV right up until the 'Goodnight Kiwi!'
When After School with Jason Gunn & Thingie had a cult following and What Now was on saturday mornings! When around the corner seemed a long way, and going into town seemed like going somewhere. Where running away meant you did laps of the block because you weren't allowed to cross the road?? A million mozzie bites, wasp and bee stings (stee bings!).
Sticky fingers, goodies & baddies, cops and robbers, cowboys and indians, riding bikes til the streetlights came on and catching tadpoles in horse troughs. Going down to the school swimming pool when you didn't have a key and your friends letting you in, drawing all over the road and driveway with chalk. Climbing trees and building huts out of every sheet your mum had in the cupboard (and never putting them back folded). Walking to school in bare feet, no matter what the weather.
When writing 'I love....? on your pencil case, really did mean it was true love. "he loves me? he loves me not?" and daisy chains on the front lawn. Stealing other people's flowers from their gardens and then selling them back to them...
Running till you were out of breath. Laughing so hard that your stomach hurt. Pitching the tent in the back/front yard (and never being able to find all the pegs). Jumping on the bed. Singing into your hair brush in front of the mirror, making mix tapes...
Sleep overs and ghosts stories with the next door neighbours. Pillowfights, spinning round, getting dizzy and falling down was cause for the giggles. The worst embarrassment was being picked last for a team. Water balloons were the ultimate weapon. Weetbix cards pegged on the spokes transformed any bike into a motorcycle. Collecting WWF and garbage pail kids cards.
Eating raw jelly and raro, making homemade lemonade and sucking on a Rad, a traffic light popsicle, or a Paddle Pop... blurple, yollange and prink! You knew everyone in your street - and so did your parents! It wasn't odd to have two or three "best friends" and you would ask them by sending a note asking them to be your best friend. You didn't sleep a wink on Christmas eve and tried (and failed) to wait up for the tooth fairy.
When nobody owned a pure-bred dog. When 50c was decent pocket money. When you'd reach into a muddy gutter for 10c. When nearly everyone's mum was there when the kids got home from school. It was magic when dad would "remove" his thumb. When it was considered a great privilege to be taken out to dinner at the local Chinese restaurant (or Cobb'n'Co.) with your family. When any parent could discipline any kid, or feed her or use him to carry groceries and nobody, not even the kid, thought a thing of it. When being sent to the principal's office was nothing compared to the fate that awaited a misbehaving student at home.
Basically, we were in fear for our lives, but it wasn't because of drive-by shootings, drugs, gangs, etc. Our parents and grandparents were a much bigger threat! Some of us are still afraid of them!!!
Remember when decisions were made by going "eeny-meeny-miney-mo" or dib dib's-scissors, paper, rock. "Race issue" meant arguing about who ran the fastest. Money issues were handled by whoever was the banker in Monopoly. Terrorism was when the older kids were at the end of your street with pea-shooters waiting to ambush you, or the neighbourhood rottie chased
you up a tree! The worst thing you could catch from the opposite sex was boy/girl germs, and the worst thing in your day was having to sit next to one. Where bluelight disco's were the equivalent to a Rave, and asking a boy out meant writing a 'polite' note getting them to tick 'yes' or 'no'. When there was always that one 'HOT' guy/girl.
Having a weapon in school meant being caught with a slingshot. Your biggest danger at school was accidentally walking through the middle of a heated game of "brandies". Birthday beats meant you didn't want to go to school on your birthday! Scrapes and bruises were kissed and made better. Taking drugs meant scoffing orange-flavoured chewable vitamin C's, or swallowing half a Panadol. Ice cream was considered a basic food group. Going to the beach and catching a wave was a dream come true. Boogie boarding in the white wash made you the next Kelly Slater. Abilities were discovered because of a "double- dare". Older siblings were the worst tormentors, but also the fiercest protectors.
Now, didn't that bring back some fond memories?? If you can remember most of these, you're an Kiwi legend!!! Pass this on to another Kiwi legend who may need a break from their "grown up" life... I DOUBLE-DARE YA!!!!!
GROWING UP IN NEW ZEALAND
I'm talking about hide and seek/spotlight in the park. The corner dairy, hopscotch, four square, go carts, cricket in front of the garbage bin and inviting everyone on your street to join in, skipping (double dutch), gutterball, handstands, elastics, bullrush, catch and kiss, footy on the best lawn in the street, slip'n'slides, the trampoline with water on it (or a sprinkler under it), hula hoops, jumping in puddles with gumboots on, mud pies and building dams in the gutter. The smell of the sun and fresh cut grass.
'Big bubbles no troubles' with Hubba Bubba bubble gum. A topsy. Mr Whippy cones on a warm summer night after you've chased him round the block. 20 cents worth of mixed lollies lasted a week and pretending to smoke "fags" (the lollies) was really cool!.. A dollars' worth of chips from the corner take-away fed two people (AND the sauce was free!!).
Being upset when you botched putting on the temporary tattoo from the bubblegum packet, but still wearing it proudly. Watching Saturday morning cartoons: 'The Smurfs', 'AstroBoy', 'He man', 'Captain Caveman', 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles', 'Jem' (trulyoutrageous!!), 'Super d'', and 'Heeeey heeeeey heeeeeeey it's faaaaaaat Albert'. Or staying up late and sneaking a look at the "AO" on the second telly, being amazed when you watched TV right up until the 'Goodnight Kiwi!'
When After School with Jason Gunn & Thingie had a cult following and What Now was on saturday mornings! When around the corner seemed a long way, and going into town seemed like going somewhere. Where running away meant you did laps of the block because you weren't allowed to cross the road?? A million mozzie bites, wasp and bee stings (stee bings!).
Sticky fingers, goodies & baddies, cops and robbers, cowboys and indians, riding bikes til the streetlights came on and catching tadpoles in horse troughs. Going down to the school swimming pool when you didn't have a key and your friends letting you in, drawing all over the road and driveway with chalk. Climbing trees and building huts out of every sheet your mum had in the cupboard (and never putting them back folded). Walking to school in bare feet, no matter what the weather.
When writing 'I love....? on your pencil case, really did mean it was true love. "he loves me? he loves me not?" and daisy chains on the front lawn. Stealing other people's flowers from their gardens and then selling them back to them...
Running till you were out of breath. Laughing so hard that your stomach hurt. Pitching the tent in the back/front yard (and never being able to find all the pegs). Jumping on the bed. Singing into your hair brush in front of the mirror, making mix tapes...
Sleep overs and ghosts stories with the next door neighbours. Pillowfights, spinning round, getting dizzy and falling down was cause for the giggles. The worst embarrassment was being picked last for a team. Water balloons were the ultimate weapon. Weetbix cards pegged on the spokes transformed any bike into a motorcycle. Collecting WWF and garbage pail kids cards.
Eating raw jelly and raro, making homemade lemonade and sucking on a Rad, a traffic light popsicle, or a Paddle Pop... blurple, yollange and prink! You knew everyone in your street - and so did your parents! It wasn't odd to have two or three "best friends" and you would ask them by sending a note asking them to be your best friend. You didn't sleep a wink on Christmas eve and tried (and failed) to wait up for the tooth fairy.
When nobody owned a pure-bred dog. When 50c was decent pocket money. When you'd reach into a muddy gutter for 10c. When nearly everyone's mum was there when the kids got home from school. It was magic when dad would "remove" his thumb. When it was considered a great privilege to be taken out to dinner at the local Chinese restaurant (or Cobb'n'Co.) with your family. When any parent could discipline any kid, or feed her or use him to carry groceries and nobody, not even the kid, thought a thing of it. When being sent to the principal's office was nothing compared to the fate that awaited a misbehaving student at home.
Basically, we were in fear for our lives, but it wasn't because of drive-by shootings, drugs, gangs, etc. Our parents and grandparents were a much bigger threat! Some of us are still afraid of them!!!
Remember when decisions were made by going "eeny-meeny-miney-mo" or dib dib's-scissors, paper, rock. "Race issue" meant arguing about who ran the fastest. Money issues were handled by whoever was the banker in Monopoly. Terrorism was when the older kids were at the end of your street with pea-shooters waiting to ambush you, or the neighbourhood rottie chased
you up a tree! The worst thing you could catch from the opposite sex was boy/girl germs, and the worst thing in your day was having to sit next to one. Where bluelight disco's were the equivalent to a Rave, and asking a boy out meant writing a 'polite' note getting them to tick 'yes' or 'no'. When there was always that one 'HOT' guy/girl.
Having a weapon in school meant being caught with a slingshot. Your biggest danger at school was accidentally walking through the middle of a heated game of "brandies". Birthday beats meant you didn't want to go to school on your birthday! Scrapes and bruises were kissed and made better. Taking drugs meant scoffing orange-flavoured chewable vitamin C's, or swallowing half a Panadol. Ice cream was considered a basic food group. Going to the beach and catching a wave was a dream come true. Boogie boarding in the white wash made you the next Kelly Slater. Abilities were discovered because of a "double- dare". Older siblings were the worst tormentors, but also the fiercest protectors.
Now, didn't that bring back some fond memories?? If you can remember most of these, you're an Kiwi legend!!! Pass this on to another Kiwi legend who may need a break from their "grown up" life... I DOUBLE-DARE YA!!!!!
Thursday, March 08, 2007
It just keeps getting better
I thought the rumours that it was the old man (that died 10 years ago) that fathered Anna Nicole Smith's baby were as weird as this would get but no no.
OJ Simpson now says it could be his! Brilliant - read all about it in the Herald here
OJ Simpson now says it could be his! Brilliant - read all about it in the Herald here
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Cue: girly screams of excitement
Sometimes the internet is really really cool. Wellington will host another film premiere this Friday, only this time - anyone can attend, and its free! The NZ Premiere of Hot Fuzz will take place this Friday at the Embassy theatre, and is only being promoted through word of mouth over the interweb (its a series of tubes, otherwise known as the "Information Super Highway").
Hot Fuzz is of course the new film from the people who made Shaun of the Dead, and the very excellent (and worth downloading for those people in Japan) series Spaced. This time they are playing hard-core cops in a small English town. Whats more Peter Jackson has a cameo as Santa, and Steve Coogan also pops up.
But making the premiere world class is the fact that - Simon Pegg, Nick Frost (the two stars, and main guys in Shaun of the Dead), director Edgar Wright, and Peter Jackson will all attend.
How cool is that? Given its first in first served, I am considering taking Friday off...
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Don't dream it - live it!
Angus in his latest post has been dissing the Hutt (don't worry Ive told him to stop being a hater) Well I'll admit it, I'll put it out there - Im quite a fan of the Hutt - Petone (Lighthouse Cinema, Chow, the beach etc) and also Eastbourne rock, sure some other bits arent that flash - but thats character isnt it? Admittedly they do also have a weird temple where people bow to the gods everyday - sorry its now called "Westfields Shopping Mall" but still its not all bad.
However, the best thing about the Hutt of course is their billboard campaign to encourage people to move out there. My favourites are below - you have to love a city with a sense of humour. I still think Levin should take the piss with a big signs saying "Sorry we're closed" "Back in 10" or "Last one out, turn off the lights". Of course my all time favourite is the Wellington suburb of Ngaio - "The end is Ngaio". Comedy gold.
Enjoy - You can see the rest of the Hutt billboards here
However, the best thing about the Hutt of course is their billboard campaign to encourage people to move out there. My favourites are below - you have to love a city with a sense of humour. I still think Levin should take the piss with a big signs saying "Sorry we're closed" "Back in 10" or "Last one out, turn off the lights". Of course my all time favourite is the Wellington suburb of Ngaio - "The end is Ngaio". Comedy gold.
Enjoy - You can see the rest of the Hutt billboards here
Monday, March 05, 2007
Kahukura
New addition to my walls - Gordon Walters' Kahukura (obviously not the original 0 but rather a print of it from Te Papa's fantastic redeveloped gift shop). This is to compliment Yvonne Todd's "Together" and the two Dick Frizzell cushions that I bought - but forgot to blog about last week. You can see them here in any case - Tiki and Tui are the one's I bought.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Sailing away
I spent half of yesterday sailing around Wellington Harbour on the Australian Navy's tall ship - Young Endeavour. The Young Endeavour scheme is kind of like NZ Spirit of Adventure ship or Outward Bound in NZ - except on a boat!
They took 40 or so of us for a sail around the harbour and we all had to help with pulling the sails up etc - it was a lot of fun! Below are pics - I forgot to take my camera, so the ones below are from my phone - and above is from their website (shows you what the thing looks like) We had the sails up just like it is above. A great way to spend an afternoon - smoking it around the harbour (well 17 knots anyway). The second photo is of the crew tightening the square sails after they were put away - fuck that for a joke!
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