James Rollerston and Te Kohe Tuhaka from Toa Fraser’s latest feature The Deadlands.
The Deadlands Interview
posted on October 28, 2014 by Justin in Random Style
A chat with South Auckland Butcher John Kirwan
posted on October 14, 2014 by Justin in Random Style
Always great catching up with Rugby Great John Kirwan. Last time we saw each other was on a stag do He talked about this new book, why he’s vain and why every bloke should buy more than one pair of jeans in a calendar year.
Why I got a ‘C’ in Art
posted on September 17, 2014 by Justin in Random Style
Because this guy was in my class at Kapiti College.
His name is Dylan Coburn and his TED Talk on creativity will make your day.
Have a watch and share if you like what you see!
Free credit!
posted on May 1, 2014 by Justin in Random Style
That moment when your name appears on the credits for one of your favorite films (in this case WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE) yet you never lifted a finger. And are definitely not a special effects technician.
Bruce Springsteen for President
posted on March 2, 2014 by Justin in Random Style
This picture was taken last night at Bruce Springsteen’s epic show in Auckland, New Zealand. He opened with a rendition of Lorde’s ‘Royals’ before embarking on a set list which made those lucky enough to be there smile like drunken goons.
His version of ‘Born to Run’ made me laugh out loud it was that damn good. And that’s what surprised me most. I never expected to laugh at a Bruce gig. He drags willing punters on stage to play his guitar and dance with his band. He’s a star but he’s ain’t precious. He’s the likable neighbor who hit the big time and wants everyone to join the party.
By the time he finished the entire ‘Born in the USA’ album I wanted to bow to him as if he were some kind of Rock God sent from space. Which makes this keynote speech at SXSW even cooler. Yes it’s an hour long – yes you’ll love it.
X-Treme School Holidays Kiwi style – Praying Mantis Vs Fly
posted on January 28, 2014 by Justin in Random Style
It’s school holidays here in New Zealand. When drawing, playing soccer and Mine Craft have run their course, my young girls normally set about finding a new hobby. In this case one that involves death and mayhem.
Goodnight, Mr Fly.
Snoopy’s Christmas Ruined
posted on December 11, 2013 by Justin in Random Style
40 things no one told me about life
posted on December 5, 2013 by Justin in Random Style
Turning 40 has me in a contemplative mood, so here are a few things I’ve learnt in the past four decades.
1. Yelling at the TV does nothing for the outcome of your favorite sports team
2. Arseholes get promotions
3. Once you’ve been burgled, you’ll never arrive home and think you haven’t been
4. Tequila is Satan
5. Girls come and go. Friends go and get beer
6. Aging doesn’t just happen to other people
7. Persistance isn’t sexy
8. No one knows what they’re doing. Those who look like they are, can only explain it by looking back
9. You’ll never stop writing ‘Yes please’ when a form enquires about your sex
10. Any funeral will set you off if you have formerly lost someone close
11. Don’t offer to write on the whiteboard if you don’t know how to spell
12. You will cry at the birth of your first child. Or any child for that matter
13. And probably at your wedding
14. Nothing beats learning a musical instrument or a language.
15. Crazy socks matter
16. Bad smells can bring good memories. Sewerage for this author = Barcelona
17. Sleepwalking can be dangerous
18. That hipster over there likes Huey Lewis and the News but can’t tell anyone
19. Everyone is facing their own battle
20. Eating green leaves gives you energy
21. Mechanics confuse you on purpose
22. Even Hawaiians have Mondays
23. Your parents knew where you were every goddamn second of the day
24. ‘Two sides to every story’ is a cliche until your friend ends up in the shit
25. Instead of giving us time to relax, modern technology just makes us do more
26. Life speeds up mainly because, unlike kids, adults do the same dreary stuff every day
27. You can have crap days on holiday
28. Just because the title says ’40 THINGS’ doesn’t mean you need to write ’40 THINGS’
Set your own rules. Use the force. Have an awesome life.
The day R2D2 threw me into a wheely bin
posted on November 24, 2013 by Justin in Random Style
I could barely sleep the night before Kenny Baker (the man who played R2D2) was set to join us on our radio show. And what a gentleman. 3 feet 8 inches tall, Kenny was a circus and cabaret performer before getting a phone call from George Lucas in 1977 that would change his life. Who knew there were two R2s? In the original Star Wars films, there were two models, one that was remote controlled and rolled on three wheeled legs, and another which was worn by Kenny and walked on two legs. Also a surprise was discovering Kenny’s lesser known role as Paploo the Ewok.
Most interviews have at least one awkward moment and the one with Mr Baker came when he asked if I might lift him onto a chair in the studio. It should be said the chairs we use for radio are relatively high, designed to almost fall onto from a standing position. But not when you’re 3 feet 8 inches. I thought lifting Kenny might be similar to lifting a toddler. Wrong. I gingerly put my hands underneath the armpits of a 76-year-old sweaty, muscular man and hoisted him onto the seat. He laughed and gave out a satisfying grunt. What a strange Tuesday.
‘Kenny, could we have a quick photo before you leave?’
‘Great, you jump in the wheely bin.’
‘Ah…sure.’
You kill it you eat it
posted on November 18, 2013 by Justin in Random Style
Or so said hunter and businessman Davey Hughes, whose memoir (Untamed) we wrote together a few years ago. Clearly Melissa Bachman, who produces programmes on the American outdoors, had never heard the saying normally reserved for kids when they think it a good idea to shoot a small bird, or any other defenseless animal. Look at that beautiful, big old cat. What a waste. And what a sad grin on the perpetrator.