$3.90 I S SN 0 1 1 3 -3 4 0 3 (P r int ) ISSN 1175-7140 (Online)
J u ly 2 0 0 9
Random rad ness! Tiki Taane, Daniel ‘Harry Potter’ Radcliffe, Basshunter, pro snowboarder Robett Hollis, Transformers 2
$1,000 worth of prizes! The new Samsung C5220, Basshunter/Smashproof/ 3OH!3 tickets, Dirty Dog goggles, Eminem albums
and stacks more!
NEWS QUIZ
Test your news nous with JONO PERKINS’
CONTENTS
media griller
News to you? What have a cobra, a sock and a dinosaur got in common? Yeah, not much really, unless your socks are made of some sort of lizard skin. But they are all part of the news quiz this month. So get your brain into gear and see how much news has been sucked into your mind recently…
5. By 2018, New Zealand will need an extra 5,000 prison beds. What is one way they are planning to cope with this overflow? a) Homes picked at random will have to accommodate these criminals b) Bunk beds will be put in shipping containers c) Once the prisons are full, they will release a certain number of criminals into the public and the ones who can escape get to stay free 1. After May’s fatal shoot-out between gunman Jan Molenaar and the NZ Police, John Key announced that there will soon be a fast roll-out of which kind of weapon? a) 9mm pistols – “Kill the mongrels” b) Tasers – “Give ‘em a shock they’ll never forget” c) African Spitting Cobras – “They cross the line, we make ‘em blind” 2. New Zealand has jumped on Mexico’s bandwagon and has well over 200 reported cases of which H1N1 flu? a) Crime b) Swine c) Devine 3. An Auckland man has recently sold a regular household item on TradeMe. So what? Well – he claimed that this item actually opens up a portal to a land and a time where dinosaurs roam freely! It once sucked his pants and socks off and his iron also got sent back in time. The item sold for over $5,000. What was it? a) A scary blender b) A scary toilet c) A scary washing machine 4. It’s been a few months now since the R&B star Chris Brown beat up another well known R&B woman singer, but he has finally pleaded guilty in court. Who was this girl he assaulted hours before she was supposed to perform at the Grammys? a) Mary J Blige b) Mariah Carey c) Rihanna
6. Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast needed bodyguards to protect her due to what incident? a) She tripped down the council steps and now needs someone to hold her hand b) Physical threats were made against her c) She simply needed the company 7. In which American state was the recent collision between two rush-hour Metro trains, killing many people? a) Washington DC b) California c) New York 8. A Palmerston North couple have recently had a significant rise in the amount of money ($333,333!) in their bank account due to a dead uncle who won first division Lotto last month. Which movie is this similar to? a) Waking Ned Devine b) Baking Bread is Fine c) Cake ‘n’ Dead Surprise 9. A Hungarian male tourist is on trial at the High Court after the murder of an elderly gay NZ man. The tourist allegedly bashed the man with a _____ before ramming [it] down his throat. a) Screwdriver b) Hammer c) Banjo 10. TV presenters Alison Mau and Simon Dallow have been together for 19 years now and have just recently announced what? a) They are separating b) They are having a baby c) They are moving to Australia because they will get paid more there
Answers at bottom of page 30
So, do you suck? Are you a complete sucker for the news or is your head full of air? 0-2: Airhead Supremo – we are overawed by your emptiness 3-4: Eco-brain – millions of people round the world yearn to live in the clean fresh air that circulates between your ears 5-6: Bread-head – you soak up bits of the news like blobs of lukewarm gravy 7-8: SpongeKnob ScarePants – need we say more? Steady... 9-10: Hoover-head – nothing can escape the powerful suction of your vacuum brain 2
Tearaway July 2009
Daniel Radcliffe: 4
The Lowdown: 7
Hi peeps… Right. It’s officially FA-REEZING season. I move we start a petition to have all school uniforms made out of duvets. Who’s in?
Many of you will be loving this arctic weather – in fact, you’re probably reading this while pulling some mean snowboarding move or other. Which is pretty coordinated of you. You should turn to page 7 immediately for our interview with Robett Hollis. The theme this issue can best be described as ‘the theme that wasn’t’. We had so many stories of people doing rad things that we decided to just chuck them all in. It’s a kind of ‘slices of Kiwi life’ show – also guest-starring a Swede, a Swiss dude, some Brits, a Chinese contortionist , Gorki the Mongolian truck, and some cars that turn into robots (no prizes for guessing what they are). RAIN FRANCIS, Editor
WIN $250
With our cover art competition. We want an original piece of art to grace the cover of September Tearaway. Theme: Tough Times (and overcoming them!) Medium: Anything you like Closing date: July 31 Secret tip-off: Go for a cool piece of art, don’t be too literal with the theme! Entrants must be no older than 20. What are you waiting for? Email rain@tearaway.co.nz. Pronto.
If you don’t read the newspaper, you are uninformed; if you do read the newspaper, you are misinformed – Mark Twain
Body art: 9
Special Features including behind the scenes with the superstars of bro’Town, bro’Town‘s guide to animation, bro’Town in the community and much more...
Cirque du Soleil: 10
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen: 26
SPECIAL FEATURES 4 6 7 9 10 12 23 26 30 30 38
Series 5
the hilarious fifth season
Interview with Daniel ‘Harry Potter’ Radcliffe Manga artist The Lowdown Flash flesh – body art Xtreme Cirque du Soleil Global Focus – do good with choc! St John: changing lives Transformers 2: on set in Cairo! Truck the world NZ Post Poetry Awards Young and Hungry theatre fest
MUSIC 5 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Talking to Tiki Taane Interview with Basshunter Interview with 3OH!3 Smokefreerockquest Interview with Eqwanox Kiwi music news with Kiwi FM Drew’s News – C4 Vodafone Select Live POSTER: J.Williams
REVIEWS, PREVIEWS AND GIVEAWAYS 28 30 31 32 34
Movies Games CDs Books DVDs
CHOICES AND CAREERS 24 35 36 40 42 44
AFS exchange Costume design Performing arts Sports science Technology Hotel management
REGULARS 2 News quiz 43 Grabbag 45 Cooking
July 09 cover Artwork by Tim Danko
Get it on DVD
TEARAWAY magazine is an independent publication of TEARAWAY Press Ltd. HEAD OFFICE: PO Box 7351 Wanganui Phone: (06) 349 0049 Fax: (06) 345 0071 TEARAWAY MAGAZINE IS PRODUCED BY AND FOR NEW ZEALAND YOUTH The opinions expressed within these pages are those of the individual writer, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Tearaway magazine. Editor: Rain Francis (editor@tearaway.co.nz) Sub-editor: Jonquil Brooks Operations Manager: Anita Smart (anita@tearaway.co.nz) Digital and Online Manager: Josh Kosmala (josh@tearaway.co.nz) Designer: Leo Francis CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE: Alex Behan, Florian Berger, Cam Carpenter, Tim Danko, Alexander Donohue, David Osten Gifford, Eva Grove, Annie Hawker, Fleur Jack, Duncan Lamont, Rhian Lawrence, Phil Luke, Jess Maccagno, Ceara Morton, Drew Neemia, Feilidh O’Dwyer, Jono Perkins, Andre Richards, Hannah Robson, Cassandra Scott-Laffey, Dru Seneviratne, Jamie Spittal, Ana Trenwith, Laura Vincent, Kelly Williams, Emma Wilson, Dianné Yang ADVERTISING: Josh Kosmala (josh@tearaway.co.nz) Anita Smart (06) 349 0049 (anita@tearaway.co.nz)
rAtiNg to Be CoNFirmed
Publisher and Executive Editor: John Francis CEO: Josh Kosmala (josh@tearaway.co.nz)
July 8th!
© 2009 Firehorse Films limited. All rights reserved.
Distribution: Anita Smart Printed by: Webstar, Masterton Subscription Enquiries: anita@tearaway.co.nz
The quickest way to health is to be who you are and do that thing that you love to do – Geddy Lee
www.tearaway.net.nz
3
MOVIES
Harry Potter reveals all! Muggle quizardry Six films, six questions. ANNIE HAWKER tests you muggles on your HP IQ
1. How did Harry Potter get his scar? a) Ran into a glass door b) Shaving c) Voldemort 2. The actor who plays Harry Potter in the Harry Potter films bares all in which production? a) Free Willy b) Equus c) Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory 3. Who plays Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter films? a) Rupert Grint b) Carrot Top c) Tommy Dawkins 4. Who is the ghost in the girls’ bathroom? a) Crying Calvin b) Whingeing Whitney c) Moaning Myrtle 5. The actor who plays Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films (Alan Rickman) plays who in Die Hard? a) John McClane b) Ron Weasley c) Hans Gruber 6. What is the longest of the Harry Potter books? a) Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone b) Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix c) Harry Potter is a book?!? Answers at bottom of page
Answers: 1-c, 2-b, 3-a, 4-c, 5-c, 6-b 4
Tearaway July 2009
You may have heard of this guy –
quite big. ;-)
How about karaoke? What’s your party trick? I’m brilliant at karaoke, actually. Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide by Bowie is my speciality. I blew them away singing that at the Equus wrap party.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is the sixth Harry Potter film. Will there be mixed emotions when you finish shooting? Definitely. It will be very, very odd to suddenly not be coming back to Harry Potter. It does act as a safety net, in a way, when you’re going off to make something else. Knowing that you don’t have that will be sad. I’ll be sad to leave the character behind and not see the friends I’ve made on a daily basis.
Right, you’ve been playing a serious role in Equus, on Broadway. Is it nice to be seen in things other than the Harry Potter films? Yes. Harry is brilliant, and I love playing him, but I do want to establish myself as someone other than that character. Equus did seem a bit of a change and some people were expecting that I would fail, so the fact that I didn’t is something I’ve enjoyed!
Daniel Radcliffe? Apparently he played a young wizard in something called
Harry Potter… We’ve heard it was
Will the new film show another side of Harry? There’s friction in this film. It’s much more to do with Ron and Hermione than it is to do with Harry. Harry is unhappy for a lot of this film, mainly because people keep trying to kill him. And his love life is awful, too. That’s what Jo [JK Rowling] does so well: combining everyday, mundane problems with this incredible other world. The Harry Potter film series has been a massive part of your life. Do you ever look back over the early films? There’s a certain amount of cringe in my own performance, so I don’t look back on the early films. I probably should watch them and take the positives from the way my performances have improved and developed over the years but it’s a little embarrassing to see yourself and hear yourself at that age. You’re a big indie rock fan. Discovered any gems this year? A band called Vampire Weekend are on my tip sheet. There’s a girl called Laura Marley, whose lyrics are astonishing. A girl called Adele is great, too. One of my favourite albums last year was by The Wombats – Love, Loss and Desperation. There’s another band nobody seems to have heard of called Beirut. They’ve had two albums and they’re both astonishing. I like The Mars Volta and I loved My Chemical Romance’s last album, even though I never liked anything they ever did before that. Therapy? I don’t need that. The roles that I choose are my therapy – Angelina Jolie
MUSIC
Remixin' it
With Tiki Taane
TIKI TAANE has just released Flux, a remix album of Past Present
Future, and it’s RAD! To celebrate, he’ll be touring 23 NZ venues this month with good mate, DJ Sambora.
Flux sounds awesome. Who did you work with on it? Chur, thanks. I got all my mates to do the remixes. It’s come up awesome so I’m really happy with it. How would you describe it? The remix album of the year! Any favourite tracks? I’m feeling Burning Fire by OoGuN, and Wotcha Got by Teknik. They get me going alright.
Photo: Duke Mule
Who would you most like to collaborate with (alive or not)? Jimi Hendrix.
Tiki firsts
On your website it says that as a youngster you were considering some ‘downward-spiralling pathways’ until you were given a guitar. What were these pathways? Mainly crime and aspiring to be a gangsta. That kind of lifestyle is exciting, dangerous, and fast, that’s why I was attracted to it. It took me a few years to work out that it was always gonna end badly, so playing the guitar and starting my band was far more positive. Most of the guys I knew from back then are either in prison or dead. What would you say to other young people facing those negative options? Sort it out. Start making some smarter choices, otherwise you will end up in prison or dead. It’s that simple.
First song you learnt to play: probably Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple – the most common first song to learn, I’d say First album you ever owned: INXS – Kick First gig you went to: probably my first performance. I was eight.
So how did getting the guitar at that point change your life? Would you consider that a turning point? It wasn’t a complete turning point, as I still did crime and still wanted to be a gangsta. But what it did was give me a huge amount of happiness, which then inspired me to write music, start a band, and book gigs. Once that became regular, and I could see that this was the life for me, that’s when I left the past behind.
First car you owned: Audi 80 First job you had: paperboy
Photo: Shane Gallagher
How important is family in what you do? They are the foundation of everything I do. Without my whänau and friends I wouldn’t be doing this music thing.
ENTRY CODE:
CD7TIK
A shiny new copy of Flux. You need this. Get yourself to www.tearaway.net.nz now.
It’s kind of like a funky sort of Afro-Cuban swinging jazz-rock sort of classical punk waltz reggae calypso sort of Scottish feel – James Morrison
How many musical instruments do you play? Well, I can make a noise out of most things – whether that is actually playing needs to be decided. Who are your favourite Kiwi artists? All the Kiwi crew who are on the Flux record are wicked. I’m also feeling Optimus Gryme, Truth, Shapeshifter, of course, and I really miss TrinityRoots. Do you prefer the studio or the stage? I live and love both. What can we expect from one of your gigs? The unexpected. What’s the secret to happiness? Optimism. What’s next for Tikidub Productions? More art. www.tearaway.net.nz
5
The Lowdown
Hitting the highs...
Eleven years of snowboarding! Intense, mate! Tell us a bit about your journey. It all started with some cheap school trips to Mt Hutt when I was at Aranui High. I was a poor li’l Mäori so when I was 13 I got a job at Cheapskates which got my foot in the door to try free rental gear, and get rides up the hill and super-cheap lift passes. Right after I finished school, I got hooked up with a job in Japan to teach English and do some snowboard coaching. When I got back to NZ, I went straight to Wanaka to do a snowboard instructors course through Otago Polytechnic. I had just turned 18 and had no idea about anything apart from the fact that I loved snowboarding and wanted to ride – and ride we did. We would snowboard six days a week in rain or shine, ice or powder, pipe or park, groomers or bumps – basically riding everything all the time. Over the next few seasons, I spent my NZ summers in the northern hemisphere in South Lake Tahoe, USA, doing some instructing and riding. From USA, Canada, Japan, England, France and Aussie to some epic holidays in Fiji, Rarotonga and Hawaii – snowboarding has opened up so many doors for me.
What was your worst snowboarding injury? A few years back I overshot the biggest jump at a resort, landed on my head and was knocked out cold. A helicopter was on the way as I wasn’t responding to the medics, so it wasn’t a good situation! Then I got knocked out again a week later and my body basically shut down for six weeks. My balance went out the door, I was sensitive to light and was a mess. That was a huge turning point for me, which made me decide to put more of my energy into the business aspect of snowboarding. I guess it was a good move because now I get to ride for fun without having to hit 100ft jumps and put my life on the line just to pay the rent. Haha. Are you are a non-smoker? Yes – and very proud of it. I have never smoked or done any drugs in my life. Hard to believe considering some of the situations and culture I am emerged in but it’s the truth. I just had no desire to do it whatsoever. What is your attitude to smoking? I hate the thought of it and feel sorry for people and their health when I see them smoking. I believe it just doesn’t make sense to pay money to inhale poison straight into your body. Plus spending a bunch of cash to shorten your life isn’t a concept that makes sense to me. Aren’t you supposed to spend money on things to make your life better? Plus it’s a recession right? Aren’t we supposed to be saving money? Haha. 6
Tearaway July 2009
And the lows From working at Cheapskates to touring the world as a pro snowboarder, Robett Hollis is having a pretty sweet ride! Despite having arguably the best job in the world, Robett has suffered from depression. He’s now a spokesperson for The Lowdown (www.thelowdown.co.nz), part of a campaign to help us understand and cope with depression. PHIL LUKE has a chat...
When the going got tough, what was the one thing that helped you through the dark days? A few years ago I had a full-on breakdown, dealing with depression. That seems crazy since I was very successful in all that I was doing, but I guess it was a feeling of an overloaded life all wrapped into one – my career, my commitments, realising who was fake around me, who really had my back, and all the rest of it. I was an actual mess! And what helped me? My close friends and being able to talk to my mum. She rules and keeps it super real and was always there to talk. You NEED to talk it out and deal with it because if you don’t front up to the issues it will only build up and take you further down the depression spiral. For those who experience depression, is there any fresh advice you can offer? Unfortunately there isn’t a super solution or instant fix for depression. Getting it all off your chest just by talking to someone is a simple, yet effective method that I believe more people need to do. Staying active and getting out there, doing the things that make you smile, all help too. Finding your passion and following it will help keep you on the right track mentally and emotionally. At the end of the day, it all boils down to you being happy with who you are, but at the same time knowing what makes you tick and how to deal with situations that may pop up in life. I now realise that the small hills you see on ski slopes are formed around the bodies of 47-year-olds who tried to learn snowboarding – Dave Barry
When you turn your iPod on, what is the first thing you go to? I LOVE music and am always listening to beats whenever I’m on my Mac – working on NZsnowboard.com – or on the hill riding with my buddies. But unfortunately, as far as playlists are concerned, I’m a victim for clichéd, mind-numbing music that has as much substance and backbone as the empty boot of a stolen car. In saying that, I do have a pretty heavy music archive so I try to mix things up, but for some strange reason the token cheesy club bangers keep on winning. For those who have not seen snow ever (such as myself), what advice would you give them when they start hitting the powder? For starters, if you’re getting involved with any type of snow it’s gonna be COLD! So off the bat you need to get some quality gear. Since I do a lot of work with the crew at Burton I’m lucky enough to get all my gear for free which makes life A LOT easier. After so many years on the grind it feels good not to have to worry about borrowing gloves with holes in them or jackets that are two sizes too small. The best thing you can do is go into your local snowboard shop and talk to salespeople who love the sport and who are snowboarders themselves. Don’t listen to anyone who is just trying to sell you stuff! Listen to those who know the sport, know the equipment and what will be best for you and your time on the slopes. Your local snowboard shop is your first step into the snowboard world and with the right crew you’ll be able to get set with all the basics. For your first day riding, get a lesson if you can afford it so you’ll be spending as much time enjoying life and not flailing around like an erratic grasshopper. It’s a lot of hard work to start off with, but when you can link your turns and start cruising around the hill I will tell you this – the feeling Robett Hollis of snowboarding is so fun, fresh, exciting and amazing that you’ll be addicted. FULL STOP! Plus, if you’re usually busy all week with work or whatever then it’s awesome to escape for a bit and get some fresh air on the mountain. It’s like most things in life – you just need to harden up and make the effort. Why did you decide to get involved in The Lowdown project? To see initiatives coming out that face the issue of depression head on was inspirational and I wanted to be a part of it. Every little bit helps and I was more than happy to do my part. Plus, if my involvement in any way makes a small change that’s positive to someone’s life then it’s definitely been worth it. Too often, people are so closed up emotionally they feel like they can’t have feelings or show any kind of weakness. One of the things that I have realised about life is that it’s gonna be super hard at times but then in time it will turn around and be epic again! It’s just all part of the game, but to know yourself and be confident with that is probably your life’s most vital phase. After you truly know yourself and your passions, the rest will just fall into place with hard work, positive thoughts and positive attitudes. BOOM! For those who see others experiencing depression, what should they do? REACH OUT and TALK TO SOMEONE. I may know 1,000 people but there are only a handful of friends that I will TOTALLY open up to about anything. Find these people in your life and forget the haters, drainers and the weak links. At some point or other, you need to learn to associate yourself with people who positively add to you and your growth as a human being. Positive people = positive thinking = positive doing! www.tearaway.net.nz
7
NZ Body Art
Awards 2009
The body beautiful
Do you have a secret desire to dress up in crazy gear or cover yourself in fluoro paint? Fear not, you are normal! In fact, there’s a whole festival just for the likes of you! It’s the NZ Body Art Awards.
This year’s theme is Fantasia Asia. Entrants will compete in over nine categories and three special awards, including the Mäori Myths and Legends section. There’s even a spot prize for the best-dressed audience member – quick, where’s my paintbrush? Kiwis are known internationally as leaders in the body art, makeup and special effects industry. The NZ Body Art Awards encourages interest in the art form, and helps ensure the success of our artists here and overseas. For more on the awards, check www.bodyartawards.co.nz. If you’re in Auckland, get yourself a ticket for July 25.
Human light bulbs and Geisha Barbies NAME: Ana Trenwith, 21 HOME TOWN: Wellington SCHOOL: Paraparaumu College and New Plymouth Girls’ High FAVOURITE SUBJECTS: art! I was lucky enough to be allowed to do five art subjects. I loved it! STUDIED: makeup artistry and special effects CURRENTLY: working full-time as a makeup artist and hairstylist for Minifies Makeup in Christchurch I first started competing in the NZ Body Art awards in 2007 while studying at Cut Above Academy in Auckland. The preparation before the awards can be very time-consuming and expensive, but we’re all so passionate about our work. A lot of us start preparing a year before! The night before the show we have a big rehearsal where models can familiarise themselves with how things will work including music and choreography etc. On the day, artists start painting at 8am, preparing their models for the 7:30pm show. It’s everything that I have ever wanted to do. You feel like you’re part of this amazingly talented group of people, and that you can let your creativity run wild on something so unique. It’s pretty special.
Animal vs human In my first year’s entry, I utilised my love for animal print in what ended up being a correlation of animal inspirations in the fluorescent section. I used my sister Nicole, an enthusiastic hip-hop dancer, to help portray the struggle of animal vs human.
Floral ballerina Body art by Carmel McCormick
8
Tearaway July 2009
In my second year, 2008, I entered two sections, fluorescent and masquerade. My fluorescent entry was rather time-
consuming with over 1,000 glowing beads sewn one by one onto fish netting!! The idea was to create a humansized chandelier ball, with my model inside as the glowing light bulb. My masquerade entry was a sculptured and then painted latex floral mask, coming together with a handmade costume to create a ‘floral ballerina’.
Geisha Barbie This year I wanted to somehow combine the Fantasia Asia theme with the 50th anniversary of Barbie. So what better idea than to find out if Barbie had ever been a geisha?! I am now doing a geisha Barbie in the handpainted section, a new section for me, including replicating a life-sized Barbie box!
Random things about me I have three missing fingers, and yet do what I do for a living – I’m a hairstylist, a makeup artist and I design and make clothing! I have a worrying obsession for leopard print. It’s like I have a sixth sense for it – or I’m forever stuck in the 80s! I have two past artworks of mine tattooed on my body, leaving little space left on my torso!
There’s a fine line between genius and insanity – I have erased this line – Oscar Levant
ART
CEARA MORTON is 17, an artist and autistic. After being bullied at school and thinking she would never be able to achieve her goals, she discovered her talent for manga art – and a dream was born...
Manga power I am 17 years old and I am a year 13 student at Tauranga Girls’ College. I suffer from a disability called autism. This affects me in many ways.
I have meltdowns a lot. During them, I scream, I yell and I bite my right hand. This scares my classmates and can be very distracting for teachers, so when I’m not in maths or English, I am in a room of my own with my teacher aide. Because of my condition, I underwent heaps of bullying; I was called ‘handicap’, punched in the back by a gang of girls, and locked in the toilet.
Shiny eyes In 1996 I watched a cartoon named Sailor Moon and was amazed by the large shiny eyes and their sparkly, heavily detailed artwork. I bought two toys from that series. It was my first experience of anime. As many of you guys may know, anime and manga are styles of cartooning in Japan which are getting increasingly popular in other countries. Manga is the drawn and printed-on-paper form, appearing in comics, magazines and other printed media. Anime is the animated form, appearing in movies, DVDs and on TV. In Japan there is manga for all ages, from young children and teenagers through to adults.
Scribbling The second anime that I saw, which was the anime that got me in to the style of manga, was Pokémon. I started scribbling Pokémon on paper in class. I have wanted to be a manga artist ever since then. All of the kids gathered around to see my scribbles and loved them. All art requires courage – Anne Tucker
Although from 1999-2002 my style was horribly drawn (characters looked like ‘starfish’ versions of themselves with pig-trotter hands), they were still very popular among the other kids. My mother noticed that I had a gift and she encouraged me to keep drawing.
Fan art In December 2006 I finally joined deviantART – a website for artists, photographers, poets, authors and manga/anime artists (www.deviantart.com). I started posting my fan art on the internet and got heaps of positive comments. Last year also saw me entering Arts Fest 2008. All my pictures were blown up and lots of people loved the five pictures that were chosen for the exhibit. Today I have over 1,150 pictures in my deviantART gallery and over 200 people watch my gallery. My school is fundraising for me to go to my first convention – Armageddon Pulp Culture Expo. I am looking forward to buying myself heaps of anime DVDs, manga and video games.
Turning point As this is my final year at school I have joined Turning Point Trust (www.turningpoint.org.nz) – a community group that helps people with mental disabilities and illness to further their careers on their chosen path. Being autistic, any goal that I had before becoming a manga artist was impossible due to my disability, but now I have a goal that I feel I can easily accomplish. www.tearaway.net.nz
9
Cirque du Soleil
Photos: Ryuichi Oshimoto
Forget what you think you know about ‘possible’ and ‘impossible’. In Cirque du Soleil, even the most unthinkably
X
insane stunts are proven possible. Their amazing show, Dralion, is coming to NZ this month, and it will blow your mind!
It began as a bunch of street performers doing their thing in Quebec, Canada. Cirque du Soleil is now massive – with 20 different shows, many of which are on tour around the world simultaneously.
e me em ttrre circus circus
East meets west Dralion is the fourth show to visit NZ. It fuses ancient Chinese circus traditions with the avant-garde style of Cirque du Soleil. The name Dralion combines the two main symbols – the dragon and the lion – East meets West. The show also explores the four natural elements of earth, air, fire and water, and these are represented through vivid colours and extravagant costumes. Before the show each evening, the artistic team will meet and decide which acts will run. As a result, the show is different every night.
Freaky stunts A clear favourite with the audience is the trampoline act. Performers rebound off huge tramps to run up curved walls, suspend at the very top and fall backwards from several metres in the air. With up to eight performers bouncing between the two tramps at any one time, it’s unbelievable that they don’t collide mid-air, or do the classic ‘double bounce’! In another act, girls stand on each other’s shoulders, as many as three girls high. As if that’s not enough, the girl underneath is standing on ballet pointe shoes, on top of a lightbulb, at times on one leg (with the other one up around her ear somewhere). Still not freaky enough for you? The top girl turns herself upside down and balances in a handstand with her legs in splits… mental.
No animals There’s also juggling, ‘extreme’ skipping rope, jumping through hoops, aerial work and clowning. If any of these things sound like tired old circus staples, they’re not! Each act is taken to a whole new level and is absolutely world class. The best part is, no animals are exploited or humiliated, as in circus days of old. (A couple of audience members are though – so beware!) It’s just not necessary when the human body is capable of doing such incredible stuff. It really makes you think what we can achieve if we put our minds to it (OK, and several hundred hours of training). Dralion is more than a show – it’s an experience. If you have any chance to see a Cirque du Soleil show, do yourself a massive favour and check it out. www.cirquedusoleil.com 10 Tearaway July 2009
Art will remain the most astonishing activity of mankind born out of struggle between wisdom and madness, between dream and reality in our mind – Magdalena Abakanowicz
Wang Junru -
you've got talent
Wang Junru is the 14-year-old Chinese girl who does the single-hand balancing act in Dralion. She is tiny, but seems to have the strength of a superhero.
Her act involves balancing on a cane with one hand, and constantly changing positions. Tearaway was lucky enough to see Junru practising backstage – and our brains were struggling to compute what we were seeing. What made Junru start training – at the age of four? Has she ever fallen or been injured? Should you run away and join the circus?
Snapped In 2004, Junru was performing with the Flag Circus. Casting scouts from Cirque saw her work and snapped her up, and she’s been on tour with Dralion ever since. After five years and eight countries, she is used to being away and doesn’t miss home. Cirque du Soleil does seem like a home away from home. It’s like a small city, which is laid out the same no matter where it travels in the world. Cirque is almost entirely self-sufficient, requiring only land, water supply and a sewer. It produces its own electricity and is equipped with everyone from chefs to carpenters to physiotherapists.
When she was little, Junru was inspired by a contortionist performing at a wedding. So, at the age of four, she began training with a private coach Bizarre Backstage in the performers’ area, it’s Rocky meets Fame. There’s a full gym set up and a couple of guys are doing chin-ups. Girls in tracksuits hang out in bizarre contorted positions, chatting casually. Under a massive trampoline, several bodies lie sleeping side by side... At least I hope they’re sleeping – not recent casualties from some daredevil stunt. A young guy wearing half a face of elaborate make-up walks by. Everywhere, there are brightly coloured costumes and props, including the huge Dralions themselves. Wang Junru is serenely practising her act, which she does for 15 hours a week.
Incredible discipline When she was little, Junru was inspired by a contortionist performing at a wedding. So, at the age of four, she began training with a private coach. Yip, four – when most of us were playing in sandpits and pulling the heads off Barbies. Amazingly, Junru has never been injured and never fallen in her act. It’s a testament to her incredible discipline.
“First of all, I need to stretch properly,” she says. “Once I am warmed up, I balance myself on a cane on one hand, constantly change positions and I don’t touch the ground. I do the different figures over and over. I also do different exercises to keep my flexibility.”
Run away with the circus? If you’re considering running away with the circus to avoid having to do school work, forget it. As many of the artists are so young, Cirque provides schooling too. Junru has 15 hours a week of lessons in maths, Chinese, English, history and geography. Believe it or not, Junru one day would like to go to a normal school, but wants to stay with Cirque “as long as I am able to perform my act and there is a place for me”.
True passion Outside of the circus, Junru is a pretty normal teenager. She likes shopping, reading, writing, watching movies and hanging out with mates. “I am also learning to play the violin and I love it,” she says. But it’s performing that’s her true passion. “I love to bring joy to the audience and I love their applause. Come and enjoy!! The great acrobatics and the beautiful costumes and music will take your breath away!” www.tearaway.net.nz 11
GLOBAL FOCUS
Human rights and chocolate in one tasty mouthful? Yes, get munching, because the good news is that by eating the right sort of choccie you can start tackling human rights abuses! CASSANDRA SCOTT-LAFFEY (15) of Just Write explains how you can take the bitter taste of child slavery out of your chocolate and replace it with the sweet taste of freedom...
That's not right! A life without mobile phones, TVs or computers seems scary enough in my life but there are people all around the world who face a life without shelter, enough food, or even their most basic rights, such as freedom. I consider myself lucky.
Human rights are everyone’s rights
Photo: International Labour Relief Forum
Everyone in the world is entitled to rights that allow us to live happy and healthy lives, such as the rights to liberty, security, an education, freedom of opinion and a life free of discrimination, torture and slavery. These rights can be found in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The UDHR was approved in 1948 by the General Assembly of the United Nations with the intention of ensuring an acceptable quality of life for all people. Even though, to someone like me, they seem like simple and logical ideas for how we should be allowed to live our lives, not everyone enjoys these rights, due to factors such as corrupt governments, war or poverty. I don’t have to worry about these problems personally, but any of us could have been born into a different situation. I am grateful for the life I lead and the fact that I don’t have to fight for basic rights, and I want to help those that aren’t so lucky!
UNCROC Millions of people throughout the world, many of them children, have their rights violated, or ignored, on a daily basis. Children are especially vulnerable, as they can’t always have their say, and don’t always have someone to speak for them. This is why 191 countries have adopted the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCROC). This document covers the particular rights that protect children while they are still dependent on others. Unfortunately, for many children around the world, their needs and rights still get overlooked. This could be because their rights aren’t always the first priority when a family is just trying to survive, or it could simply be because people are not educated about child rights. But none of these reasons should be considered acceptable.
You can change the world
Photos: Karunaker Rayker
While it may appear that we can’t stop human rights violations on our own, we can raise awareness of it so that together we can create change for a better future. One voice is small, but many voices saying the same thing together can change the world. Even buying a bar of fair trade chocolate can make a difference!
Do something! Take action Wherever things aren’t right, just one person can be enough to make a difference. Here’s what you can do: Buy fair trade whenever possible and keep an eye out in August for Trade Aid’s campaign on slave labour and the chocolate industry. But don’t feel guilty about eating your favourite chocolate bar, even if it isn’t made with fair trade cocoa; you just have to make a stand. Write letters, send emails and put pressure on the manufacturer to help put an end to child slavery! Support Stop the Traffik by joining the global movement of people from around the world who believe that people should not be bought and sold. www.stopthetraffik.org Become a human rights champion in your community and join your local Amnesty International group or, if there isn’t one, start one. www.amnesty.org.nz
Learn more For more information on human rights and fair trade, visit the following websites: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights: www.un.org/en/documents/udhr UN Convention on the Rights of the Child: www.unicef.org/crc Trade Aid: www.tradeaid.org.nz Fair trade pros and cons: http://tinyurl.com/nmpwvt Fair trade: www.fairtrade.net The International Cocoa Initiative: www.cocoainitiative.org Just Focus: www.justfocus.org.nz
12 Tearaway July 2009
To care for anyone else enough to make their problems one’s own, is ever the beginning of one’s real ethical development – Felix Adler
Right the wrongs with chocolate When we think of child rights, chocolate is not the first thing that springs to mind.
But, when you stop and consider how that chocolate got on our shelves, you will find that child labour plays a large role. Seventy percent of the world’s cocoa comes from West Africa where thousands of children are forced to work on plantations. These children, most of whom are under 14 years old, work 12 to 14 hour days in harsh conditions; they are often beaten and abused, fed one measly meal a day and paid just a few cents. They are being denied a proper life, an education and a chance to have a say in the matter. They are being denied their rights!
Why is this allowed? There is a huge demand for chocolate – we LOVE the stuff. Billions of dollars are spent on it worldwide every year! Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) is the biggest producer of cocoa, with over half a million cocoa farms. Every year, thousands of children are forcibly taken from their homes and sold into slavery to work on the plantations. This problem is particularly bad in Ivory Coast as years of corruption and civil war have resulted in two factions fighting each other, the breakdown of families and increasing poverty. While I am happy munching on a piece of chocolate, the children working on the cocoa plantations clearly do not receive a standard of living that anyone would be happy with.
What is being done?! Major companies in the chocolate industry, such as Cadbury and Nestlé, have been challenged about child slavery, yet have been slow in responding. In the past, they argued that little could be done because there was no way of telling where the cocoa originated. But this was just an excuse! Attempts have been made to improve the situation. For example, in the US, legislation was passed that tried to implement a labelling system for chocolate, which then led to the establishment of the International Cocoa Initiative (ICI). One of the ICI’s responsibilities is to ensure children are not being exploited, thereby eventually ending child labour in the industry. Although good in theory, it has yet to have any real impact. There are some positive things happening though - Cadbury’s dairy milk chocolate in the UK will be fair trade certified by the end of the year. With your help things can only get better from here.
Guilt-free choc Fair trade ensures that communities get a decent percent of the money earned from selling their produce, and therefore the producers get to live happier and healthier lives. By receiving a decent wage, people can provide food for their families, and the whole community becomes wealthier, meaning they are able to provide for and develop future generations. The rising availability of fair trade products has been raising awareness about issues like human rights abuses and child slavery. As demand increases for things like fair trade chocolate, it becomes even more accessible, meaning people actually get a say in where their chocolate comes from. Fair trade provides consumers with a choice, so buyers can take a bite out of their chocolate without the bitter taste of guilt.
Choc-word puzzle Complete the choc-word puzzle and go into the draw to win a fair trade chocolate pack. Send your completed puzzle, along with your contact details, to Fiona, Global Education Centre, PO Box 12440, Wellington 6144
Across 3. Biggest cocoa producing country (5,5) 6. A way to ensure communities are paid for their cocoa farming (4,5)
Down 1. The Universal _________ of Human Rights (UDHR) (11)
1 2 3
2. Something that has led to child slavery (5,3)
4
5
6
4. The work conditions of children working on plantations (5) 5. This company is going fair trade in the UK next year (7) EclipseCrossword.com
This Global Focus feature is a Tearaway and Global Education Centre project. This article was funded by NZAID – a government organisation helping out with aid and development around the world. The purpose of Global Focus is to provide young people with a forum and information about global issues. For more information, visit www.globaled.org.nz. If you want to be free, there is but one way; it is to guarantee an equally full measure of liberty to all your neighbours – Carl Shurz
www.tearaway.net.nz 13
MUSIC
Q: What’s the best thing to come out of Sweden since ABBA – no, wait – IKEA – er, hang on.... um... Vikings? A: Singer, songwriter, DJ and producer, Jonas Altberg, aka Basshunter.
RHIAN LAWRENCE found out that Jonas is a totally normal human. He’s scared of the dark, he has a crush on vampires, and he sometimes walks into lamp posts whilst perving. Basshunter is gearing up for a tour of all-ages gigs in Aotearoa, playing with Colorado’s 3OH!3 and our very own Smashproof.
Basshunter
What’s your favourite song to perform live? Angel in the Night. I had a dream when I was a child to play in a rock band. I’ve always wanted to combine rock music with something else and in this song I did.
Why did you write a song (Dota) about the game Warcraft? Dota is a map on the game Warcraft III. I’ve being playing it forever. I love the game. What/who are your influences? I don’t have any influences. It’s my brain and my creativity and my fantasy. I know what I want to do. You don’t need to have influences to be what you want if you know what you want to do. Do you play any instruments? I can play all instruments... on the computer. Oops, that was really geeky (laughs). I can play a little bit on the guitar and piano, no chords or anything but it’s good when it’s a cold night out and you just sit down and pull a few strings. I’m not an expert. What’s your favourite music? I listen to anything really as long as it’s good, you know? Music like Nirvana, Rob Zombie, Blink-182, Bob Marley. I really like reggae because you can do anything to it. What’s your favourite kind of movie? I’m a science-fiction freak. Any movie with a spaceship or in the future and I’m into it. I don’t watch horror movies though. The last one I watched was the Texas Chainsaw Massacre and that was a few years ago. I get really bad nightmares from them and have to sleep with the light on. I’m scared of the dark too. What’s your favourite place to visit? My own bed. It’s special. I spend so much time touring and see more of a hotel room than my own house. I like being in my home, playing PC games and being in my bed. On an average day, what do you do? On tour, I sleep as much as I can, do some research and write some lyrics. At home, I wake up, order breakfast, go and sit in my studio to listen to some vocals and music. I go hang with my friends, get coffee, play PC games, play some pool, go bowling, play Xbox and PS3. Are you looking forward to coming to NZ? Are you kidding me? Of course! Have you seen my YouTube video for New Zealand? Go to ‘New Zealand Meets Sweden’ on YouTube and watch that video. I made it especially for you guys. I just asked my friend what he was doing and he was like “nothing”, so I told him to come around and bring his camera, and we spent a whole day going around Sweden for this clip. I just wanted to show my appreciation for all the support and success I’ve received from you guys and it’s all for New Zealand. 14 Tearaway July 2009
Who, in your life, is important to you? My friends and family are very important to me. Behind a very successful man is a very successful mother. Moms rock. What’s your most embarrassing moment? Well, it’s happened a few times… You know when you’re walking down the street and you see a pretty girl walking the same way as you so you slow down to catch her eye. You smile and she smiles, you’re both looking at each other, and then BAM! You walk into a post or a bus stop or something and have just lost ten million brain cells (laughs). What do you think of vampires? I’ve always had a kind of crush on vampires. Not the Blade kind, but the Underworld kind, I totally love that movie. Vampires have played such a big part in people’s lives for hundreds of years and I guess I just find them interesting and sexy and stuff.
We’re giving away tickets to Basshunter, 3OH!3 and Smashproof! We also have a bunch of special edition Now You’re Gone albums, including DVDs with nine videos, to give away. Turn to Grabbag on page 30 to enter. For full details on the NZ tour, check www.basshunter.se You just pick a chord, go twang, and you’ve got music! – Sid Vicious
Controversial, genre-blurring, slick. CAM CARPENTER meets Colorado’s 3OH!3
3OH!3 Newsflash! Party animals 3OH!3 are joining Basshunter and Smashproof for an all-ages NZ tour! Don’t miss it!
3OH!3 are breaking the barriers of pop, with controversial lyrics, slick beats and body-popping dance moves. DJ Nathaniel Motte and MC Sean Foreman are the guys behind 3OH!3, with their roots lying in Boulder, Colorado. Like most DJs, they kicked off their careers in what Nat describes as a very lonely and dark isolated basement, with both the guys playing active roles in writing lyrics and mixing beats.
"We make music to have fun - I don't think people should be taking the lyrics seriously"
all corners of the world, peaking on the music charts in the United States, Canada, Finland and here in New Zealand.
Relishing it Even with all the attention it hasn’t gone straight to their heads. “It has all been really surreal and crazy the way things have blown up. I think we are managing to take it in our stride and relish in it too.” There has also been a bit of a Kiwi connection to the band with NZ DJs Kyle Bourke and Justin Sane behind the official remix of Don’t Trust Me. Nat and Sean heard the remix, thought it was pretty sweet and made it official. Combining the best of Colorado, Sweden (Basshunter) and NZ (Smashproof), the upcoming tour is one you don’t want to miss. We’re even giving away free tickets to all four gigs! Head to Grabbag on page 43.
“When Sean and I met, it immediately became clear that we shared a lot of the same musical interests and that we were interested in making music. So we honestly just started messing around and making music that sounded fun, different and had our own twist on it.”
Controversy From then on, it was all go for 3OH!3 who are all about making music that hits hard, pushes boundaries and blurs genres. Their controversial lyrics have sparked up websites claiming the group is promoting misogyny. Nat believes they need to relax. “We make music to have fun - I don’t think people should be taking the lyrics seriously.” Despite the controversy, 3OH!3 have built up a massive fan base from
ENTRY CODE:
CD73OH
Want it? Win Want, the new album from 3OH!3. Head to www.tearaway.net.nz www.tearaway.net.nz 15
Smokefreerockquest
The SMOKEFREEROCKQUEST regional finals have been kicking off all over the show this month. Unfortunately, we couldn’t fit all the winners here, so we just picked the three with the coolest pics.
Rockin' the regions The questions 1. Three words to describe your style? Hawkes Bay winners
2. Strategy for world domination? 3. Best/worst one-liner? 4. In a past life you were?
Manawatu winners
Northland winners
Bien Baiser Lindisfarne College
George Willis on bass, Tim Walker on drums and Hugh McHugh on guitar and words
Duane Te Whetu, James Hoskins and Lars Stevens-Cullinane
Kerikeri High School
Waiopehu College
1. Psychedelic bluesy rock
1. Andy Warhol (with a) chainsaw
1. Hard and fast
2. Post capitalism
2. Drinking tea, eating scones and doing laundry, whilst the robots do the rest!
3. “I am genuinely afraid to talk to some girls” (Tim Walker) 4. Investment bankers, bar Tim, who was a tortoise
Calum Dundas, Treye Liu, Ezra Simons
3. “Suicidal twin kills sister by mistake!”
2. Adopt 50 orphan babies, train them in the art of gymnastics and, country by country, take out the national gymnast title – in doing so, the world of gymnastics will be ours!!! Oh, the real world? 3. “BOOBIES!”
4. James Brown, a Pokémon (Scyther) and the gorilla from the Cadbury ad
4. Milk-churning cowboys’ pet frogs
Need more? www.smokefreerockquest.co.nz
16 Tearaway July 2009
Music can change the world because it can change people – Bono
MUSIC They have played with Billy Corgan and Seether, have a huge internet fan base and make sure their audiences (and themselves) have an awesomely good time at their live shows. CAM CARPENTER talks to NZ’s very own Eqwanox
Eqwanox
(Left to right) Aaron, Zakk, James, Nick
Eqwanox are causing an explosion in the New Zealand
Growing talent at Smokefreerockquest
punk scene, performing alongside big names like Seether
The band has been performing at the Smokefreerockquest Wairarapa regional finals for the past four years and Nick is really excited about the talent coming out of the competition. “The bands down there were the best I have seen at a Smokefreerockquest event, it was a bit of a guessing game to who was going to win. The band that won were the most unique on the night and that will serve them well in the rest of the competition I think.” Nick reckons it’s sweet that smoking has been banned from bars saying non-smokers shouldn’t have to put up with second-hand smoke during a night out. Eqwanox are in the process on working on their sophomore album and plan to do a full tour of the country late this year. www.myspace.com/eqwanox.
and The Bleeders.
Eqwanox formed in Te Awamutu while band members Nick, Aaron and James were still at high school. “Aaron and I were jamming in music class and then met up with James, an old friend of mine, at a party - and we went from there.” The band has continued to stay tight over the past five years, releasing their debut album in 2008 with their songs gaining airplay on both radio and TV. “We just wanted a product good enough to put online to get our sound out there. We didn’t have a huge amount of time or money to play with (it was done in 10 days) but for the time and money we had we got a good product back. “It was recorded at two studios (Dudley in Hamilton and Number 8 Wire in Auckland) with producers Captain Hook and Chazz Rabble.”
Keeping it fresh Taking influences from the likes of The Offspring, Seether, Lostprophets and Foo Fighters, Eqwanox focus on producing a wild rocky sound and take this to their live shows. “We put everything into giving the audience their money’s worth. We also like to make things new and exciting for ourselves to keep things fresh, so we quite often chuck in a cover or a new song.” Eqwanox have a massive internet presence, drawing on sites like YouTube and MySpace to promote their music. “Having stuff online has worked well for us overseas with people
Random facts In 2007, Eqwanox became a four-piece band. Guitarist Zakk was the missing link – now the band has a bigger sound and Nick says the writing process has improved heaps. Their fourth ever show was supporting Billy Corgan (from The Smashing Pumpkins). The boys were only 16 and 17 at the time! In 2008 they opened for Seether, one of Eqwanox’s favourite ever bands! Nick calls the gig “easily the greatest day in Eqwanox’s life so far”.
Who’s who? James Hanright (lead vocals, guitar) Aaron Clark (bass, backing vocals) Nick Douch (drums, backing vocals) Zakk Wetton (guitar, backing vocals)
purchasing our music online.” www.tearaway.net.nz 17
MUSIC
Catch up on the latest music goss with FLEUR JACK of Kiwi FM
KIWI MUSIC NEWS There's no place like Kansas Labretta Suede and The Motel 6 have been shaking their wild tunes and rock’n’rolling around NZ
Organic
random ness
The Randoms are a three-piece from Auckland who are climbing from strength to strength this year.
for the last few years.
They have a debut album out called Not Food Hungry which was followed up with an EP of NZ covers, and they have even shot a music video on a rooftop on K Road for their song Boogaloo. They’ve been offered a record deal from a small record label called Ninth Ward who are based in Kansas City USA, and are heading off there in August to record their next album. As soon as the record is completed they will take off on a tour of the US and end up in New York where they will base themselves for the rest of their stay.
April saw them touring around NZ supporting The Datsuns, and in June they took off and supported Head Like a Hole. They have spent a few months in the studio with producer/engineer Bob Frisbee and have released their third new EP Throw Your Knives. They have a very organic approach to their release, making only 100 handmade copies which have been distributed around NZ by Rhythm Method. They are currently back in the studio recording a split EP with the Murder Chord which they will release in a few months. www.myspace.com/therandoms3 www.therandoms.co.nz
Gig ‘n’ kai
Wanna catch a live gig, but don’t want to leave the house?! Check out Guess Who’s Singing For Dinner every Tuesday night @ 8pm. Burger Fuel puts on some food, a band comes in to play three live songs and have a chat about life on Indie Alt New with Fleur Jack. “I wanted to have a band on my show every week and I thought what better way than to lure them in with the promise of a darn tasty kai” – Fleur Jack Thanx Burger Fuel!! MONDAYS Mellow Mondays w/ The Good News Diary TUESDAYS Guess Who’s Singing For Dinner? WEDNESDAYS The Rock Factory Musicians Helpline THURSDAYS Indie Album of the Week Interview FRIDAYS Party Rock Night
18 Tearaway July 2009
102.2FM AKL 102.1FM WLG 102.5FM CHC
with FLEUR JACK Monday – Friday 7pm – 9pm The Best of I.A.N. Saturdays 12pm – 3pm & Sundays 1am – 4am Audio on Demand 24hrs, 7 day @ www.kiwifm.co.nz
Without music to decorate it, time is just a bunch of boring production deadlines or dates by which bills must be paid – Frank Zappa
Country congratulations Tami Neilson has just been awarded a Tui (NZ Music Award) for best country album this year at the NZ Country
New
Music Awards in Gore.
It is the most prestigious award that an artist can win, and more amazing that she took it out with her debut album. It’s called Red Dirt Angel and the first single from it Cry Myself to Sleep was also a finalist for the best country song award. However, the best song category was taken out by Wellington’s Jess Chambers with her song Stringing Me Along, which was recorded as part of her band The Woolshed Sessions’ debut album.
from Drew What is happening people!? Did
Tami Neilson
Jess Chambers
The place to be this month! The biggest all-ages event this month
will be held at the Ellen Melville Hall in Auckland on Saturday July 25.
Some of the coolest Kiwi bands will take to the stage and demand your attention – and then proceed to rock your socks off!
So, who’s on the bill? Cut Off Your Hands
Bionic Pixie
Cut Off Your Hands: these guys have spent all this year touring overseas and this will be their ONLY Auckland concert when they get home. Collapsing Cities: have been living in the UK for the last two years and are returning home to release their second album.
Collapsing Cities
Brand New Math: have had success on radio and have toured NZ and Australia. And then, last but not least, the very good looking Bionic Pixie who started this year at Big Day Out.
you miss me? For those of , you who said "no" I m really
disappointed with your attitude! Anyway, how cool is Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen!? It’s one of the best films I’ve seen this year. Maybe it’s because I’m in love with Megan Fox. OK, it is because I’m in love with Megan Fox. The movie is really good though – go out and see it if you get the chance. Take a half day off school and go to the movies. Jokes! Take the whole day off! (OK, joking! A weekend will have to do!!) C4 has a mean Transformers competition on our website at the mo so check it out www.c4tv.co.nz. If you miss that one, keep your eyes peeled for an incredible GI Joe competition coming soon too! Speaking of competitions, sadly our Michael Jackson winner, Faith, is not going to be able to see the King of Pop perform when she travels to the UK this month. The entire C4 office was really upset to hear of Michael’s passing. We hope you enjoyed our Michael Jackson specials in honour of the legendary performer. This month we have a couple of exciting international tours to be announced, so make sure you watch Vodafone Select Live every weekday afternoon. Locally, Midnight Youth are on a national tour! They are the best band I’ve heard perform live in a looong time. Make sure you see them if you can. Basshunter tickets are going fast too. Hurry up and get yours if you don’t already! Until next month, you stay classy New Zealand! Love, Drew
It’s only 15 bucks and will start at 7:30pm.
ENTRY CODE:
Brand New Math
KM7AAG
This will be the concert NOT to miss this month and we’ve got two single passes to give away! Head along to www.tearaway.net.nz with the entry code to be in to win.
Playing ‘bop’ is like playing Scrabble with all the vowels missing – Duke Ellington
Flick the page and check out the poster of J. Williams! You could be in his next music video! www.tearaway.net.nz 19
Vote for J Williams “Ghetto Flower” on Vodafo
one Select Live by texting s126 to 4440 (texts cost 50c)
IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE AA
tHe roCking Road saFETy caMpaIGn
WIn
Coming to YOUR SCHOOL!
It took me years of PRACTICE to become a champion racing car driver. I love racing, I love speed… …but this is something I keep for the racetrack, not the streets. Never take risks by racing on the street.
Greg Murphy Motor Racing Icon
•Auahi Kore Bags, Bottles & CD cases •Billy TK Jnr CDs
Always a SmokeFree event!
Supported by your District Council and regional Road Safety Coordinator.
I travel lots of kms on the road to get to my next show. I never take risks and always reckon it’s better to get there alive and sometimes a little late, than dead on time. Just like playing guitar, it takes PRACTICE to get good at driving.
Billy TK Jnr Guitar Icon www.billytkjnr.com www.myspace.com/billytkjnr
SPECIAL HOLDEN & AA OFFER TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!
Buy any new Holden using this coupon and you get $500 discount* AND your school receives a $500 donation! PLUS: How about this -
$38.50 for a Youth Membership offering 12 months AA Roadservice, free maps and guides, free technical and legal advice and much more AND $69 for AA Personal Membership for any parent joining AA, offering 12 months AA Roadservice, free maps and guides, free technical and legal advice, insurance and WOF discounts and much more. THIS CAMPAIGN IS PROUDLY ENDORSED BY: May 09 *Vehicle discount offer valid for 12 months from the date of this voucher. Terms & conditions apply. See: holden.co.nz/drivingtowardsafuature
ST JOHN
Once upon a time, JAMIE SPITTAL (17) of Nelson’s Waimea College tagged along to St John with a neighbour. Jamie’s been a member ever since, and is now National Cadet of the Year!
Change your life! And And save save others others
Jamie treats ‘a patient’, National Youth Festival
Being National Cadet of the Year, means that I am an ‘ambassador’ for St John cadets in NZ.
I first went through a selection process (of interviews, speeches and leadership tests) to become a Regional Cadet of the Year (RCOTY). I then spent a weekend in Queenstown, with the other four Regional Cadets, where we again went through a selection process – and I was chosen to be the National Cadet of the Year. I was totally blown away. When I was young, it seemed so out of reach, so to achieve it was pretty special.
Belonging By being involved with St John, you have a sense of belonging and camaraderie. I love the people in St John. They are there for you if you need it, and everyone is there for the same reason. It’s an organisation where people get to know each other really well. St John has the most amazing group of talented, selfless, funny people I have ever met, who have been role models and friends to me right throughout my life. I come back from St John events with the sorest abs from laughing so hard the entire time.
Gaining skills for life The opportunities offered are endless. I have gained so many skills and have met some of my best friends through St John.
We have division nights where we work on gaining badges, which contribute to gaining Grand Prior Awards. Badges vary from ‘St Johnny’ topics, such as first aid, caregivers and drill, to topics that gift cadets with skills that can be used every day, such as home technology, fitness and ICT. Cadets gain other skills, such as discipline, confidence and leadership, just by being involved in the organisation. There are also weekend camps, which vary from badge topics to leadership camps. The people skills are something that I have learnt and can use every day. St John has helped me be confident and comfortable around people.
Respect St John as an organisation is extremely important in communities. The many roles that St John plays, along with the ambulance service, offer a lot to society. I think the respect that NZ has for St John reflects this. Thankfully, I haven’t come across any major emergencies yet, just minor things. But it’s really reassuring knowing that you have the skills and the training to take control if something does go wrong. Definitely give St John a go. Head along to a division for a night, and see what it’s all about. There is so much to gain from St John, it is truly life changing.
Wisdom is knowing what to do next; skill is knowing how to do it, and virtue is doing it – David Starr Jordan
St John International Youth Festival Young people from all over the world will be meeting in Christchurch in January 2010, for everything from sports championships, dance parties, parades and of course, competitions. The festival is a week long and is going to be fun and culture all jammed together. Competitions are the highlight and can be both challenging and thrilling. There is so much training and effort and emotion beforehand. Winning competitions that you and your team members have worked so hard for is such a thrilling experience. For more on the St John International Youth Festival, check out www.ultimateyouthexperience.org
www.tearaway.net.nz 23
AFS STUDENT EXCHANGE
In the land where the Kiwis live FLORIAN BERGER leaves his home town (and his favourite cheese) of Gruyère in Switzerland to travel to Lord-ofthe-Rings-land for a year. So, after nine months in NZ, what does he make of us?
co-education school and doesn’t make the students wear uniforms. So, by chance, I fell into this rather artistic school where iPods and cellphones are allowed to be used while in the classes. It was so surprising for me to see a student going out of the class to answer his call without telling the teacher. In Switzerland, the cellphone would be confiscated for at least a week. Also, I love how Kiwis live in the present moment! Best plan, no plan!
And the verdict?
What a great place! Cape Reinga
One look back and I was off to the other side of the world, to New Zealand. As a friend told me, I couldn’t go further.
He was of course right, but also he made me feel a bit nervous about my decision, when I thought that I wouldn’t come back to Switzerland for a year. Now, nine months later, I can say that I couldn’t have made a better choice. New Zealand is amazing and is where I’m having the best time of my young life of 18 years.
From cheese to hobbits After 10 years of school in the region of Gruyère (where the famous cheese is produced that I quite miss), I was ready to take a break and apply for an AFS exchange. I wanted to see something new and be confronted with a new culture. I wanted to know about New Zealand, a country that was familiar to me through Lord of the Rings. I was fascinated by the various and beautiful landscapes that you can find here. Nowhere else in the world can you go from the sea, see rainforest, glaciers and amazing mountains, in one day!
by how green the landscape was. Actually it was raining when I landed but it didn’t matter – I was definitely too excited to complain about the weather. I flew down to Wellington and I can remember that the plane had some problems landing because it was really windy outside. Windy Wellington!
Surfing
I recommend to everyone who wants a new, exciting experience, to do a year abroad. I got a lot more confident and independent, because of being alone in another country. I had to go, for example, to the bank to open an account, get an EFTPOS card etc – all things that I wouldn’t have done at home. Also, I learned a lot about how to socialise with people and I learned how to share the love. To be honest, I wouldn’t like my exchange to have been any different. I am in Wellington, great city, with great people! I couldn’t wish for better.
Being a person of a very curious nature, I tried to do everything I could. Even though the water was really cold, I went surfing for the first time in August. Now I not only have the basics of surfing but also of windsurfing. To have the sea just next door is something great and something that I couldn’t get in Switzerland for sure! Switzerland is often confused with Sweden which has sea but also is in the north of Europe whereas Switzerland is in the heart of Europe, between Italy, France, Germany, Austria and Liechtenstein.
Kiwis are...
Green and windy A trip over Asia, a stopover in Hong Kong and another 13 hours later, I arrived in Auckland. When I saw New Zealand for the first time from my little window seat, I was so excited and amazed
I would say that the main difference between Swiss people and Kiwis is that Kiwis are a lot more relaxed about things. No student here seems to be stressed by school. School in New Zealand is indeed very easy and fun rather than work. I enjoy going to Wellington High School. It is a
e at the Fun with Anna and Sky Wellington One Love Concert in
Student Exchange Text AFS to 5900 to find out more Freephone 0800 600 300 or visit www.afs.org.nz 24 Tearaway July 2009
All texts will be subject to the standard network fee of your mobile carrier
Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living – Miriam Beard
On the Spirit of Adventure, on the third highest yard!
Ramblin’ man During the summer holidays, I travelled with three AFS students around the North Island. We organised our trip ourselves, which was not easy because we had to respect all AFS rules. So my friends and I were even more proud and excited that we got to see: Rotorua, Mount Maunganui, Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach in the Coromandel, Waitomo caves, the surfer paradise of Raglan, Auckland and Northland until Cape Reinga! What a great experience it was to travel all together during those 14 days. We got really close during this trip all on our own.
degrees while we had the most amazing time! A lot of experiences were amazing but also some parts were hard. The hardest part so far was saying goodbye to a friend from Italy who left halfway through my exchange. I would never have thought to get so close to someone in such a short time. It was the first time I was crying in New Zealand!
Experience of a lifetime The great thing about AFS, is that I met so many friends from all around the world. Now I have friends in Brazil, Italy, France, Germany, Finland, Argentina, Paraguay and other countries.
AFS finds the family for you, organises camps and a whole lot of other activities. I’m happy that I came with AFS to New Zealand. When I go back in less than a month, I will first of all have to say goodbye to a beautiful and exciting life and say goodbye to a whole lot of friends. It will be hard and probably linked with a lot of tears. Back home it will be summer. After the summer holidays I will go back to high school for two more years. But until then I still want to enjoy my time here in New Zealand, my second home and a lifelong experience!
Intense times In January I went on a trip in the South Island. We drove until Bluff at the very south of New Zealand! I did the Nevis Bungy in Queenstown, went whale watching in Kaikoura and swam with the Hector’s dolphins of Akaroa. It was a very intense time which I enjoyed a lot. My parents also visited me during this holiday and they met my host parents. In the Easter holidays I went on the Spirit of Adventure for 10 days. It was such a great trip. I met 39 Kiwis coming from all over New Zealand. Nobody had met each other before! In 10 days we became a crew through sailing on a boat of 14 sails. It was great!
Peaceful moment on Petone Beach with Davide and Tomas
Good bits and hard bits There are so many amazing moments that I had here in New Zealand. One of them was when we were on the Coromandel - we had beautiful weather, in the middle of November, 28 degrees. We were just amazed by the beauty of the place and we were so happy to be all together in New Zealand. We were thinking about our friends back home who were working hard at school in minus five www.tearaway.net.nz 25
MOVIES
Transformers: Transformers: Revenge Revenge of of the the Fallen Fallen Revenge of the Fallen Revenge Revenge of of the the Fallen Fallen
Talk about a film set with a difference – it’s all going on in the shadow of the Pyramid
Photo Credit: Robert Zuckerman
of Cheops, under the watchful eye of the Sphinx…
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is being created by a relaxed and chirpy director Michael Bay (wearing a baseball cap from the first smash hit Transformers movie) and his team. It is day 82 of a shoot that has seen stars Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Ramon Rodriguez and John Turturro travel the world, from Pennsylvania and New Mexico to Shanghai, Egypt and Jordan. 9 AM We are crossing a busy road over the Nile on the way to the set of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. The streets are packed nose to bumper with vehicles. It’s like any other hectic and overcrowded city scene. Then it’s as though we’ve been transported to the ancient world. The Pyramids appear through the morning heat haze. It is an awesome sight. The feeling of going back in time is increased when two riders on camels pass by. 9.46 AM The action that’s to be filmed is taking place at a once elegant palace that was built for Egypt’s King Farouk in the 1930s. Now, the building is battered and slightly crumbling but still manages to be impressive. On either side of the doors are huge replicas of ancient Egyptian gods. While the camera is being set up John Turturro looks cool and at ease. 26 Tearaway July 2009
It’s amazing he is so relaxed since he’s running about in the baking heat dressed in a leather bomber jacket with a fur collar! 9.50 AM Shia and Megan are filmed running into the palace, followed by John. We don’t know why they are in such a rush. All will most likely be revealed after the special effects are added to this sequence. And it doesn’t take a mastermind to figure that their swift movement involves some robot action. The camera stops rolling, much to Michael Bay’s surprise. “I don’t recall saying...Cut,” says Michael. “Oh, NOW we’re rolling,” he adds as his team slips back into gear. “Let’s get some of that Scorsese stuff,” adds the director. 10.18 AM Time for the yellow Camaro – the car that is the robot Bumblebee – to be on camera. As it speeds past the palace there are choking clouds of sand, and Michael Bay yells his approval. 10.30 AM Bumblebee has been joined by two more vehicles – little yellow and red Chevrolet cars. This is the first sighting of two new characters in Transformers 2. They are being referred to as The Twins because it seems no one is sure what names they will have in the movie.
But Michael Bay, while not giving very much away, reveals that they are a couple of Transformer robots who behave like a pair of naughty kids and that they will have quite a bit to do in the movie. 10.31 AM Shia is bouncing up and down on the spot right beside the green Chevy. He does this so that when ‘action’ is called he’ll be able to make it look as though he’s just dashed into shot. 10.35 AM Members of the crew, armed with brushes, sweep away the tyre tracks left in the sand by the cars, as Michael Bay gets ready to shoot the speeding vehicles again from another angle. 10.46 AM The cars fly by again. The clouds of dust seem even more impressive this time. “That was excellent – let’s do it again,” says a grinning Michael Bay. 11 AM There is a break. Shia strolls over towards Michael Bay; the young star crouches on the ground and eats some candies – a sugar rush during a morning of action scenes. 11.20 AM Time to move on to work on a new scene. The crew and cast are told they’ll be setting up to shoot at another Pyramid and the crew starts dismantling the gear. 11.40 AM After the set is cleared, suddenly all you can hear is the Imam calling the faithful to prayer. It’s another reminder that a Hollywood blockbuster is taking shape in a very different and ancient culture.
Photo Credit: Robert Zuckerman
The sequel we’ve been waiting for, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, is almost here. And Tearaway got an inside scoop from the actual set on location in Cairo – squeal!
Courtesy of Paramou nt Pictures
Photo Credit: Robert Zuckerman
iro On location, the Pyramids, Ca
Gort! Klaatu barada nikto! – The Day the Earth Stood Still
1.15 PM Lunch in the open air – which is a selection of traditional Egyptian treats – at a restaurant that overlooks the Pyramids and the Sphinx. If a chariot carrying a Pharaoh sped by you would not be surprised. 2.25 PM A bus drive along a bumpy track to the second Pyramid, where the latest sequence is being filmed. In front of the Pyramid, tourists queue for camel rides. The going rate seems to be 30 Egyptian pounds for a 10-minute ride. 3.15 PM One crew member is carrying a long metal rod, which has a vital role to play in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. The rod is the stand-in for robots like Optimus Prime – which are obviously going to be computer-generated. The rod is used to give the stars something to look at so that the scenes where they are supposed to be talking with a robot will be convincing. “It’s a window-washing pole,” reveals a smiling ILM boss Scott Farrar, of visual effects wizards ILM. “I believe in low tech for high effect.” 3.35 PM A 49-foot crane with a camera on the end is being used to zoom in on John Turturro as he scrambles up the stone blocks of the third Pyramid. Being allowed to clamber over the Pyramid is a big deal because there are signs – in English and Arabic – warning that climbing on the Pyramids is forbidden. Police are on patrol to ensure that anyone ignoring the ‘keep off’ signs is dealt with. Special permission has been granted for John to do this big scene. Michael Bay, who has arrived at his spot in an armour-plated Humvee, laughs when he’s asked if the scene might be dangerous. He says that it’s actually John’s double who is up there. Bay is doing some leg-pulling because the actor’s double is actually standing near the director, watching John scampering up the Pyramid for take after take.
3.50 PM As he climbs up the Pyramid, John is delivering lines into a walkie-talkie radio. Apparently he’s talking to a warship out at sea. “Holy mackerel! Wow!” shouts an almost breathless John as though he has just seen some heavy-duty robot action on the Pyramid. What he is supposed to be reacting to is guesswork because a teasing Michael Bay insists that the plot will remain secret. Secrecy is key on the production. Bay has even had fake call sheets left around so that nosey folk will be given a very wrong indication of the plot of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. 3.58 PM After a brief rest and some sips of water, John Turturro is off again, climbing over
blocks of stone on the Pyramid. As he finishes, the sun drifts behind a large cloud and the action stops while everyone waits for it to return. 4.33 PM The best of the sunshine has gone. But there is more filming that can be done in the half-light. The order is given for everyone to bail out and move on to shoot another sequence involving Bumblebee and The Twins. A squad of eight Egyptians use muscle power to help drag the giant crane through the sand and on to the road. 6.13 PM The visit to the world of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is over but crossing back over the Nile, there is a last sighting of the Pyramids, now lit up and glowing against the dark night.
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MOVIE PREVIEWS
From controversial and heart-wringing designer babies, to prehistoric trouble with dinosaur eggs and baby mammoths, to the quivering salivation of crazed Harry Potter fans, KELLY WILLIAMS faces an emotional slalom in this month’s movie round-up...
The wait is over! ICE AGE: DAWN OF THE DINOSAURS The Ice Age crew are back for yet another prehistoric adventure, just in time for winter. The third instalment of Ice Age sees Scrat (the squirrel/rat) continuing his epic nut chase, but are things looking up for the little guy in the love department? Manny (Ray Romano) and Ellie (Queen Latifah) are expecting a minimammoth of their own and Diego the sabre-toothed tiger is beginning to wonder if he’s been hanging around this strange herd too long. But the real trouble begins when Sid the sloth gets hold of some dinosaur eggs, and his loyal herd are called in to save him, venturing into a mysterious underground world… Director Carlos Saldanha (co-director of Ice Age and sole director of Ice Age: The Meltdown) returns, and funny man Simon Pegg (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz) joins the cast as the voice of Buck, the one-eyed, dino-hunting weasel. Definitely a film for all ages!
MY SISTER’S KEEPER From the director of The Notebook (one of the best movies of all time) and based on the novel by Jodi Picoult (one of the best authors of all time) comes a film with the potential to be… one of the best of all time. Sara (Cameron Diaz) and Brian Fitzgerald’s (Jason Patric) lives are altered forever when their two-year-old daughter Kate is diagnosed with leukemia. In order to save her life, the Fitzgeralds conceive another child through IVF, creating a genetically perfect match for Kate. Her name is Anna. After 11 years of being her sister’s life support, Anna (Abigail Breslin from Little Miss Sunshine) takes a stand. She hires her own lawyer (Alec Baldwin) and takes her family to court, fighting for the right to make her own decisions about how her body is used. The court case not only tears the family apart, but it also puts the already vulnerable Kate (Sofia Vassilieva from TV’s Medium) at greater risk. Tissues will be needed for this one!
HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE It’s that time again – grab your tickets and prepare to wait in line – the new Harry Potter film is finally here! The highly anticipated Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince sees the return of the usual cast – Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson as young wizards Harry, Ron and Hermione. It’s their sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and Voldemort’s return has thrown both muggle and wizard worlds into danger. Dumbledore calls on his old friend Professor Horace Slughorn to help find the key to defeating Voldemort once and for all. Once again, love is in the air amongst the students of Hogwarts, but will it all end peacefully? Two award-winning actors make their Harry Potter film debut. Jim Broadbent (The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) stars as Professor Slughorn, and Helen McCrory (The Queen) plays Narcissa Malfoy. Returning to the director’s chair is David Yates, who directed the 2007 film, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. There’s no doubt this film, just like the ones before it, will be a massive hit. 28 Tearaway July 2009
MOVIE REVIEWS
With all this Twilight hype, we thought it was time to take a look back at the classic vampire flicks, the ones that started it all. KELLY WILLIAMS delves into the shadowy world of the toothfull undead...
From the vampire vaults Bram Stoker’s Dracula
When I think ‘vampires’, I think Dracula. The red-caped Count who ‘vants to suck your blood’. But this film, based on Bram Stoker’s novel, delves a whole lot deeper and gives us the full story behind this mythical character and how he came to be… In the year 1462, a great warrior by the name of Dracula (Gary Oldman) loses his beautiful wife in tragic circumstances. Heartbroken, he renounces the church and becomes the immortal Count Dracula we all know. Centuries later, in 1897, solicitor Jonathan Harker (Keanu Reeves) journeys to Transylvania to assist the Count with his business dealings. But Dracula has other plans for Harker and his beautiful fiancé Mina (Winona Ryder) – who bears a striking resemblance to his long-lost love. Anthony Hopkins gives a standout performance as Abraham Van Helsing, the Dutch professor with a sense of humour, who is determined to rid the world of vampires, in particular Dracula (and yes, this is where Hugh Jackman’s character in the Van Helsing film originates). This film won three Oscars in 1992 and boasts a very impressive line-up of stars. It’s gory (plenty of blood and headless bodies) and erotic (lots of bare-chested women) but you can’t deny it, this film is a classic, and, in essence, a love story.
Interview with the Vampire As far as vampire movies go, this one is all class. Based on Anne Rice’s novel, the film boasts an all-star cast, an engrossing plot and impressive sets and costumes. Brad Pitt stars as Louis, a young man who, after losing his wife and child, has also lost the will to live. He is desperate for ‘release from the pain of living’. Lestat (Tom Cruise), the pure evil, yet charismatic master vampire, lures the vulnerable Louis into the world of the undead. But Louis does not share Lestat’s passion for killing, and he spends hundreds of years searching for answers. Who, what and why is he? The film also stars (a young) Kirsten Dunst, Antonio Banderas and Christian Slater. It’s definitely not a movie you can just have on in the background – well, not if you want to fully grasp the story. Of course there is blood and gore (it is a vampire movie after all) but this film is in a class of its own. And Cruise and Pitt are the sexiest vampires I have ever seen!
From Dusk Till Dawn Hmm... how do I define this film? I’d say it’s an action/crime/comedy/thriller/suspense/horror/crazy vampire movie. Yep, that just about covers it! The bandit Gecko brothers, Seth (George Clooney) and Richie (Quentin Tarantino), are on the run from the law, making their way across Texas heading for refuge in Mexico. Tarantino’s character is make-your-skin-crawl creepy. Eeuw. They kidnap a father (Harvey Keitel) and his two children and force the innocent family to smuggle them across the border. But as they bide their time at a seedy Mexican bar, things get a little out of control. This is the point where the whole genre changes, and it suddenly turns into a crazy vampire film. Green blood is spurting out everywhere, heads are flying, stakes are being stabbed through hearts etc etc. I really think Tarantino, as the writer, should have picked one genre and stuck with it. The film just didn’t gel. I would have happily continued to watch the action/thriller version without the blood-sucking vampires. www.tearaway.net.nz 29
GAME PREVIEWS ALEXANDER DONOHUE looks forward to
Cthulhu calls Brütal Legend DEVELOPED BY: Double Fine Productions AVAILABLE ON: Xbox 360, PS3
The latest game from genius writer/designer Tim Schafer is nearing release, and it looks... unique. Specifically, it follows Eddie Riggs, a band roadie (voiced by Jack Black!) who is transported to a fantasy world and tasked with defeating an army of demonic glam rockers with the power of heavy metal. The game is visually inspired by heavy metal album covers, and looks to be quite the stylistic accomplishment. I’m hoping Brütal Legend will have better gameplay than Schafer’s last game, Psychonauts, which was incredibly imaginative but somewhat frustrating. Guess we’ll just have to trust Schafer’s assurance that “the gameplay is awesome!”
Assassin’s Creed 2 DEVELOPED BY: Ubisoft Montreal AVAILABLE ON: Xbox 360, PS3, PC
After the horribly inconclusive ending of the first Assassin’s Creed, it will be a relief to see some continuation of the story in Ubisoft Montreal’s
solving puzzles with his old pal Cthulhu
upcoming sequel. Set in Renaissance Italy, you play nobleman Ezio Auditore da Firenze, who seeks revenge for a plot against his family. It sounds like Ubisoft are making an effort to deal with the first game’s numerous problems (repetitive missions, overly rigid AI, poor camera angles) while inserting interesting new elements. Chief amongst these is the inclusion of none other than Leonardo da Vinci, who takes time out from painting masterpieces to provide Ezio with neat gadgets like a prototype flying machine.
Scribblenauts DEVELOPED BY: 5TH Cell AVAILABLE ON: Nintendo DS/DSi
Initially, Scribblenauts sounds like a simple puzzle platformer, with a gameplay goal (collect all the objects on a level within a certain time limit) that you’ve probably seen hundreds of times before. Look a little closer at the game’s main feature, though, and you’ll see why Scribblenauts is generating so much hype. Basically, by writing on the DS touch screen you can request anything you feel you need to solve the game’s puzzles.
These things can be fairly ordinary (ladders, flamethrowers) or totally bizarre (God, Cthulhu and Longcat have all been included, apparently), and they will all interact with each other realistically. The possibilities boggle the mind...
Wii Sports Resort DEVELOPED BY: Nintendo AVAILABLE ON: Wii
As the name suggests, Wii Sports Resort is a sequel to Wii Sports, the game that introduced numerous non-gamers to the joy of trouncing family members at virtual sports. Sports Resort is due to feature games like Frisbee throwing, jet-ski racing and playing catch with a virtual dog. The game will act as an introduction for, and come bundled with, the MotionPlus – an extension pack for the Wii Remote, which allows more accurate, detailed control than was possible before. If widely adopted, the MotionPlus could have some interesting consequences for the development of first-person shooters and the like on the Wii.
Gorki, the truck
The national Schools
Poetry Awards have closed!
One lucky winner could be on their way to Auckland City to spend two days in a recording studio with Opshop’s lead singer/guitarist Jason Kerrison!
Entries have closed and our judges are hard at work sifting through piles of poems to generate a shortlist of only 10 finalists! There are some excellent prizes up for grabs including cash prizes of $500, a weekend for two at the New Zealand Post Writers and Readers Week in March 2010, or three days in Auckland at ‘The Lab’ recording studio with Jason Kerrison turning their poem into a song! A $500 book grant will also be granted to the winner’s school library. Winners will be announced at the New Zealand Post Poetry Awards ceremony on August 28 in Wellington. Keep an eye on www.tearaway. net.nz to read poems from all 10 finalists in the coming weeks. For more info visit www.nzpost.co.nz/poetryawards or be our friend on bebo!! www.bebo.com/NewZ903
30 Tearaway July 2009
Truck
the world
Alex (right) and Rikki
Two guys, planning, to attempt, to try, to get somewhere....
My name’s Alex, and I live in Mongolia, with my friend Rikki. We have a website called www.trucktheworld.com. On it you can find bits and pieces of our story as we undertake the most exciting adventure we’ve ever dreamed of. It’s not dangerous, like Nitro Circus, we’re not crazy like Jonny Knoxville or that idiot with the tattoo of himself on his back. We’re more like Burt Munro crazy, or John Britten crazy. We’re building a truck in Mongolia, and we’re planning to try to attempt to drive it to South Africa, through almost thirty countries, in the space of two years. My partner in crime Rikki, has been living here in Mongolia for the last three years, working for a mining company. Watch this space for updates, photos, and stories of places that don’t often get talked about – Mongolia, Kazakhstan (is it really like Borat says it is?), Tajikistan, and other countries I’d never heard of before conceiving this plan. If you want to be a crazy traveller, it’s easy – just watch. Video games are bad for you? That’s what they said about rock and roll – Shigeru Miyamoto
MUSIC REVIEWS
From soulful melodies to rage frenzies Mammal The Majority Dirty grungy Australian rockers... You’ll either love ‘em or hate ‘em. I’m not a fan, but I could name five of my friends who’d pay to see them. This is Mammal’s first studio album, and for a new band it’s a pretty good CD. Nothing amazing instrumental-wise, but I’d still rate them a little higher than average on my rock-band scale. Strumming rock to full-on rage-frenzy, it definitely has the range. My problem with them is the totally pretentious, clichéd style of their songs. It’s like they’re ripping off every good punk/rock band you know, and doing it in that twangy, rough-edged newcomer way. Again, some of my friends live for this sort of thing, but I can’t help but think of better bands, better songs, better albums, better use of disc space... but I should try to be less biased. For an old-school mosh-rock experience, you can tell these guys would be amazing in person. Just assume you’ll forget your history of great music from the repeated headbanging-related injuries (which is likely) – DAVID OSTEN GIFFORD
Alesha Dixon The Alesha Show Do you remember MisTeeq – the all-girl, British, R&B trio who hit the charts with One Night Stand and Scandalous? Well, this is the second solo album for former Mis-Teeq member, Alesha Dixon. The album opens with a short intro which, to be honest, is quite cheesy and pointless. But don’t stress, it gets better from here! The first full-length track, Let’s Get Excited, is poppy and upbeat and very Pussycat Dolls. The lyrics are a bit corny and unoriginal but it’s fun and energetic. Breathe Slow is one of the standouts of the album – definitely an anthem for the ladies. And The Boy Does Nothing is another hit, with a funky, mambo flavour that’s hard to resist.
There are one or two more catchy songs on the album, but I wouldn’t blame you for skipping the rest. Pop this CD on when you’re in the mood for a dance – at a party or just around the house! And for those of you who love to sing along but often get the words wrong – the lyrics are included. Don’t you love it when they do that? – KELLY WILLIAMS
New Found Glory Not Without a Fight New Found Glory are back with a solid effort on their seventh album Not Without a Fight. I can honestly say that I wasn’t the biggest fan of the band before this, thinking they were just another typical average pop-punk band. But I was pleasantly surprised to find that, since getting this CD, it has hardly left my car stereo! If you’re a fan of fun, up-tempo pop-punk then I can definitely recommend this album. It’s jam full of great songs that you just want to turn up straightaway. Highlights include the super-catchy first track Right Where We Left Off and Truck Stop Blues with their singalong choruses and energetic guitars. Most of the tracks (minus a few near the end) could be singles. If you’re after a CD that will cheer you up when the weather is rubbish this winter, then Not Without a Fight is just the one – EVA GROVE
We are working in a field of mystical resonance, sound and vibration... that’s what makes people cry, laugh and feel their hair stand up – Carlos Santana
Janelle Monáe Metropolis: The Chase Suite Genre-typed as electronica/dance, Janelle Monáe has created a very alternative and futuristic album based on space and robots, love and many other messages. Janelle Monáe sings soulfully and melodiously, weaving her voice around the music, adapting to the song she is singing no matter the tempo or type. She sounds like a very talented artist, although I’m not too excited about it. Smile, the song on the AMI ad, is featured on the album, but with Janelle singing it in a completely different tone, this is one track I actually did like. Alternative, rock, soul, electronica, afropunk and futuristic music fans should listen to this. I’m sure it will attract a lot of press – RHIAN LAWRENCE
The Rabble The Battle’s Almost Over The CD kicks off with Seeking, the single released over the airwaves, which leads into one hell of an album – one that reeks of attitude, faux-anger and a good ol’ scream or two. Actually, scratch that – a heck more screams than necessary. I swear to you that almost every line is screamed (or screeched) at least once. Now, bar the fact that everything lyrical sounds like it’s been thrown through a blender, the actual sound is quite good. Not heavy guitar, but there is the good ol’ riff to bob away to. But, like all rockers, there is the one flaw. Most of the time, what you hear is all jumbled up, and you can only grab one or two words out of the lyrics, leaving you to ponder what is so important that there is such an emphasis on ‘the’ and ‘or’. On the whole though, the album is good. The tracks vary and, most importantly, the guitars sound pristine. Now, if I could only understand the lyrics… – DRU SENEVIRATNE
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MUSIC REVIEWS Ciara Fantasy Ride More like being driven to school by your mum than a fantasy ride, but it’s still pretty good. Ciara’s back with a new album, and a whole bunch of collaboration tracks. The first single Love Sex Magic has Justin Timberlake; Ludacris leaps in for a great song, as do Young Jeezy, Missy Elliott and Chris Brown (cue hisses from Rihanna fans). I wasn’t overly impressed. It seemed awkward and a little weak, with Ciara doing her own thing half the album, and the other half with completely different beats in the guest artist’s style. The balance wasn’t quite there for me. This doesn’t mean the collaboration tracks are bad, it’s probably the opposite – they save the album from being just another run-of-the-mill R&B CD. Ciara is a hugely talented worldwide phenomenon, but her ‘solo’ tracks sound like any somewhat-talented artist on a slightly muffled microphone. Sweet and somewhat funky, but totally ordinary, totally PG mainstream. You enjoy this album in the same way you enjoy diet coke – it’s basically all there, but you’re not entirely satisfied – DAVID OSTEN GIFFORD
Flo Rida R.O.O.T.S. Let me get this straight. This is the first Flo Rida album that I’ve ever heard in one full go. And hopefully not the last. Flo is the current poster boy for mainstream hiphop music, with almost every single released breaking into the top 10. So of course, lyrically, R.O.O.T.S. has the expected mega-platinum hits already released, like Right Round. But if you listen to the other tracks, you’ll be confronted with something very unexpected. Flo Rida isn’t a total media tool. With tracks like R.O.O.T.S., you actually hear something that isn’t attached to a multi-millionaire producer. Anyway, now to the actual sound. To me, most of it was mediocre. The beats were good, but honestly, Flo just doesn’t sound right. It carried the obligatory attempt at euro-synth techno which most of the hip-hop industry is currently hooked on. Too bad this is nothing more than a million dollar bucket of fail. It just doesn’t seem to be any different from what is being perpetually churned out of the mainstream factories. With only a few standout tracks, like Jump and Sugar, the rest of the album is pretty much all the same, just with a different tempo. Sorry Flo, but you just ain’t cutting it at the moment – DRU SENEVIRATNE
Silverstein A Shipwreck in the Sand This is Silverstein’s fourth studio album. It is the same Silverstein formula but they seem to be getting better with age. There is also a definite Victory record sound. Anyone know what I mean? This album contains 14 songs that span four story-like chapters – chapters that flow like hot honey on toast. What can I say to do this album justice? If you’re a Silverstein fan then you are bound to love this. Who knew a shipwreck would be such a joyous event? To find this album, would be like searching a shipwreck filled with sand only to discover a diamond. Unexpected! The diamond may have a few flaws but on the whole, it is wicked awesome – ANNIE HAWKER
BOOK REVIEWS Let Fly! by Barry Cardno
Gone by Michael Grant
Agriculture is a very important part of New Zealand society and that includes the often dangerous activity of aerial topdressing. Many life-changing accidents occur in the industry, some are narrow escapes but others can be deadly. Let Fly! is the story of Barry Cardno, a young pilot desperate to get into the industry, and how his dream came to an abrupt end. He recounts his experiences, from the very first day on a training farm, in amazing detail. The detail can seem arduous for the reader but it rapidly establishes recurring themes about the unfamiliar world of topdressing. Corners are cut, limits are pushed and rules are disobeyed, which can have terrible consequences when flying planes loaded with fertiliser. Suddenly his plane smashes into the ground and Barry is left fighting for his life. After the accident, he can’t move on because the official reports are factually wrong and those who were involved with him in the topdressing industry shift the blame. He fights bureaucracy for justice and the closure he needs. It is an eye-opening story for people of all ages, because it seems like accidents are accepted by many as part of the job. But, more importantly, it shows how life can change so quickly and you have no control over it – EMMA WILSON
Gone provides a very insightful view into people’s lives, and then throws them into a situation of anarchy and disillusion. Throw in some superpowers and WHAM! – you have what is a John Marsden-esque situation where the kids are in control. Based in a small town where everyone knows everyone, there’s the genius blonde love interest, the very opinionated best friend and the token foreigner. And, of course, the protagonist is a social outcast who seems to become the designated leader in times of horror. Sounds bland? Actually, no. Grant carefully sculpts each character throughout the novel and establishes a very powerful sense of reality within them. The plot twists and turns and coils around you, holding you until the very end. A key to this is how Grant allows his characters to react. I don’t want to spoil it, but – it concerns the phrase ‘power corrupts’, and relates to the ‘powers’ that some kids have. Don’t get me wrong, Gone doesn’t just focus on superpowers, but also on the problems of the teenage generation, and paints a clear picture of how most of us would presumably act and the hierarchy that people seem to create. Gone is a very enthralling novel and a very, very powerful story. In short, it’s the best book I’ve read in recent times, and I’d recommend it – DRUVIN SENEVIRATNE
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She is too fond of books, and it has turned her brain – Louisa May Alcott
BOOK REVIEWS
Tall tales and true The Runaway Settlers by Elsie Locke The historical book The Runaway Settlers follows the Small family as they escape their violent father and husband in Australia to make a new life in New Zealand. A brave Mrs Small takes her six children off the farm and brings them to the big city of Sydney where they anxiously wait for space on a boat. Upon arrival in Lyttelton the hard work begins. Mrs Small builds a home while her sons go away to work off the cost of their boat voyage. Although they all have to bear harsh conditions and illtreatment, Mrs Small makes sure her family is selfsufficient and cares for them to the best of her ability. The locals can hardly believe how successful Mrs Small is and she also communicates with the neighbouring Mäori community, which is almost more surprising. The book is about a real family, and is an honest and true tale of how difficult it was for settlers exactly 150 years ago – EMMA WILSON
Frostbite by Richelle Mead Frostbite is the second instalment in the Vampire Academy series – the ones that aren’t anything like Twilight, except for the fact that they both include vampires. The two different kinds of vampires – the Moroi and Strigoi – are still at war, and Frostbite picks up directly from where Vampire Academy left off. Rose is a novice dhampir, or guardian, for her Moroi counterpart, Lissa – her best friend and the last remaining Dragomir. Lissa is a rare spirit user, but being one with the spirit comes at a price – her mental state is jeopardised so she has to take pills to keep her away from the spirit. As a novice, Rose must take a qualifier test in order to become a fullyfledged guardian. Her mentor and her total crush, Dimitri, takes her to the place where this is held. But what meets them there is something devastating for the entire Moroi world. Will they survive? Will Lissa find another spirit user? And will love blossom in the most difficult of situations? This is a fantastic follow-up to Vampire Academy. It’s a tearjerker, and includes every aspect of vampire antics. And if you haven’t read Vampire Academy yet, make sure you do, because this series is great! – HANNAH ROBSON
Second Star to the Right by Deborah Hautzig Leslie Hiller is a 14-year-old schoolgirl living in New York with her mum, dad and annoying little brother. Like many girls her age, Leslie is struggling with her self-esteem and body image. “If I were thin, my life would be perfect.” At 125 pounds (56.7kgs), Leslie starts dieting in an effort to reach her goal weight of 105 pounds (47.6kgs). But things quickly get out of control. Second Star to the Right brings to light the harsh reality of anorexia nervosa, while also highlighting
deeper issues of self-discovery and acceptance that all young adults can relate to. I was sceptical as to whether an author could deal with such a big issue in less than 200 pages of large print. But Hautzig has delivered with her direct and honest approach. Aren’t we always told not to judge a book by its cover? – KELLY WILLIAMS
Payback by Rosemary Hayes Rosemary Hayes tells the true story of a young Pakistani woman named Halima. Halima retells the tales of her life, from when she was a child living in Pakistan, to moving to London with her family, to finding out she has been promised to a businessman’s son back in Pakistan. She knows from talking to him on the phone that he is not the one for her. Besides, she has her eye on someone else. But what are her choices? Marry a man she’s never met and be his slave wife? Or run away, dishonouring her family, being an outcast and never seeing them again? This book is such a good read. It is intriguing and powerful but it is also sad to find out what some women go through in arranged marriages. You cannot help but feel for this girl – ANNIE HAWKER
GIVEAWAY Furnace: Lockdown by Alexander Gordon Smith ‘I’ve got to get out of here. If I don’t, it could be me the Wheezers come for. Me who’s dragged screaming from my cell. Me who’s brought back scarred, twisted and hungry for blood.’
Furnace: Lockdown is one of the most exciting thrillers to come out in the teen ENTRY BK7FUR CODE: market for many years. It is the near future and 13-year-old Alex has been framed for murder and sent to Furnace Penitentiary, the toughest prison in the world for young offenders. It doesn’t take long for Alex to discover that rowdy inmates and sadistic guards are the least of his problems. Furnace Penitentiary is a place of pure evil, a place where cruel experiments take place every day, where inmates are simply guinea pigs and where death can be the best option. In a desperate bid for freedom, Alex and his friend Zed begin to plan an unlikely and dangerous escape. But, as with everything in the Furnace, nothing is as it seems, and they discover the most horrifying truth of all… This is the first book in the terrifying and surprising series of three. Head to www.tearaway.net.nz with the entry code and be in the draw to win!
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DVD PREVIEWS
The Tale of Despereaux The Tale of Despereaux follows a brave and virtuous mouse, with comically oversized ears, who dreams of becoming a knight. Banished from his home for having such lofty ambitions, Despereaux sets off on an amazing adventure with his goodhearted rat friend Roscuro. Eventually, his journey leads him on a quest to rescue a distraught princess. Set in the faraway kingdom of Dor, this magical fable harks back to a time of honour and chivalry, when mice were truly noble heroes.
Gettin' reel Bride Wars
DV7TOD
Join NZ’s favourite bro’s, Vale, Valea, Mack, Sione and Jeff da Mäori, as they embark on another raucous journey together through the madness of Morningside. Watch as the bro’s are seduced by religious fundamentalists, and laugh as they harness their inner actors in seek of their own ‘truth’. We also see them swallowed up by cyberspace, abducted by meat men, and dancing very near the DV7BRO stars in this final series of bro’Town. As always, the boys are joined by their close and personal celebrity friends including Tim and Neil Finn, Keisha Castle-Hughes, Lucy Lawless, Scribe, Jemaine and Bret of Flight of the Conchords – and Morningside’s newest resident drama teacher, Sam Neill!
Wrestlemania 25th Anniversary
Samuel L Jackson and Bernie Mac (in his last movie before his untimely death) are estranged soul singers Louis and Floyd in this road-trip comedy. Out of shape and out of practice, the duo sets off on a cross-country journey to perform a tribute concert at the legendary Apollo Theatre in New York’s Harlem. They haven’t spoken to each other for two decades. Is a five day road trip long enough to settle their 25-year-old grudge?
DV7SLM
Ghost Town Director David Koepp’s fantasy comedy concerns Bertram Pincus (Ricky Gervais), a dentist who gains the ability to communicate with the dead after momentarily dying during a routine medical procedure. When the dearly departed begin requesting favours from Dr Pincus, the self-absorbed dentist finds that living with ghosts isn’t easy. Fortunately, recently deceased businessman Frank Herlihy (Greg Kinnear) agrees to keep the dead at bay if Dr Pincus will just agree to prevent Frank’s widow from tying the knot with a humourless lawyer.
DV7GTN
Hotel for Dogs
DV7WRS
The World According to Miley: The Unauthorised Story Miley Cyrus has taken the world by storm! Whether she’s having a blast playing Hannah Montana/Miley Stewart on her hit show, belting out songs on her record-breaking Best of Both Worlds tour and 3-D concert movie, or even walking the red carpet at the Oscars, Miley makes being famous look fun and easy. The limo’s out front to take you behind the DV7WAM scenes of Miley’s world. Find out how Miley grew up and how she learned to sing and act. Discover her favourite things, what matters most to her in her heart, and what her dreams are for the future.
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DV7BWS
Soul Men
bro’Town
It’s a pop-culture phenomenon entering its 25th year, as Houston tries to contain the superstars Raw, SmackDown and ECW. 25 years of WrestleMania built up to this year’s event, which saw over 72,000 passionate fans from 24 countries flock to Houston’s Reliant Stadium. This 3-disc DVD set contains the live main event, bonus backstage interviews, and matches that were not shown during the PPV broadcast, plus the entire 2009 Hall of Fame induction ceremony and the biggest WWE Superstars including Triple H, Randy Orton, Edge, John Cena, Undertaker and more.
Liv (Kate Hudson) and Emma (Anne Hathaway) are best friends who, since childhood, have planned every detail of their respective weddings. At the top of their bridal ‘must have’ list is a wedding ceremony at New York’s ultimate bridal destination, the Plaza Hotel. Now, at age 26, they’re both about to get married; they’re about to realise their dreams; and they’re about to live happily ever after. Or maybe not...
When two orphans find themselves in a foster home with a strict ‘no pets’ policy, they set out to find a home for their canine companion Friday and end up creating a haven for all the strays in the city. Andi (Emma Roberts) and her younger brother Bruce (Jake T Austin) fight to keep their 4-star Hotel for Dogs under wraps from the public. But when the neighbours start to get suspicious it looks like the game is up. An exciting and inspiring animal adventure which shows just how far friendship and imagination can take you.
DV7HFD
Flicks for nix! We’re giving away copies of all these DVDs! Grab the entry codes, www.tearaway.net.nz and get lucky.
You’ve got to ask yourself one question: ‘Do I feel lucky?’ Well, do ya punk? – Dirty Harry
COSTUME DESIGN
Haunting creations Duncan Lamont Brown (18) from Kamo High School in Whangarei, is officially the first male student to win the Bernina/Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand (SGCNZ) costume design competition.
His winning design was Ghost of Hamlet’s Father (pictured). Four finalists were selected and their costumes displayed at Shakespeare’s Globe in London! Seventeen-year-old Charlotte Taylor from St Cuthbert’s College in Auckland was runner-up with her costume for the mischievous Puck from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. As the Supreme Winner, Duncan will join 46 young actors and directors as the sole costume designer for the week-long National Shakespeare Schools Production which starts in Wellington in late September. Duncan with Jono Griffiths (Wellington) modelling the winning design
Throughout the week, the students are assessed and half will be selected to travel to the United Kingdom for three weeks of lectures, workshops and work experience at the Globe Theatre in London and in Stratford-Upon-Avon.
Ghost of Hamlet's father
Duncan’s original drawing
Duncan explains his creation – those inky spots, icosahedrons and silver car windshield screens...
I was inspired by traditional period armour and wanted to recreate it in a contemporary way, developing it into a modern asymmetrical silhouette. I then studied the background of the character and incorporated his situation in the play to his own costume. Hamlet himself is described as having inky blood, therefore I wanted to project this onto his father as a reflection of Hamlet’s own persona. To do this I dripped ink over his muslin tunic for the metaphoric meaning. This was also symbolic of the murder of his father by dripping poison in his ear. I was also inspired by icosahedron 3D shapes, which helped form the modernized armour constructed of an unusual material of silver car windshield screens. Materials that were used to make the costume were light sheer muslin for the tunic, underneath the silver car windshield sheets that formed the armour. The hardest part of the process was developing the idea of the formation, as I had to identify how the construction of the icosahedron shapes was going to form the 3D armour bolero and what material would give the best effect. The most enjoyable part was seeing the costume fully constructed and seeing how it had all come together. I don’t think it will be used for an actual play but I would love the idea if it did. Instead, it will be flown over to London and exhibited in the actual Globe Theatre! I became interested in costume design through my love of fashion and the way costume construction has somewhat defined many of our fashion trends. The development process and intricate way of construction really fascinates me and I believe it is really helpful to apply these techniques when designing for mainstream fashion. I hope to move to London in the next two years and study over there at Central Saint Martin’s School of Fashion and thus show the fashion world what New Zealand has to offer!
Duncan’s Trophy cabinet Northland Bernina Wearable Art Fashion Award Supreme winner 2007 Runner-up 2008 Inaugural Newmarket Young Fashion Designer Award Runner-up 2008
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CHOICES
Acting has always been DIANNÉ YANG’s secret passion and, as a
Creating tomorrow's stars
first year student studying drama and dance at EXCEL School of Performing Arts, she is seeing her dream growing into reality right in front of her face! Here’s one day in her busy life at EXCEL.
A secret passion
What the…? We’ve just heard that you can get an NZQA qualification for making a song and dance about something, and creating a huge drama.
Whoa – be still my beating heart. Is this for real? Yup, you can break out your inner muso/actor/dancer/singer and put on a real performance at EXCEL School of Performing Arts. EXCEL is a Christian-based school which offers a practical and performance-orientated course in drama, dance, or music (guitar, drums, keys, bass, vocals). Tutors are industry professionals, and the school provides a supportive whänau -type environment with an emphasis on personal development. Students learn techniques and skills that they then apply to the contemporary music, dance and drama styles of today.
Get yourself on stage! One of the great things about EXCEL is that students get the opportunity to go on tour and perform live. Selected first year graduates get the chance to travel New Zealand putting on shows in schools and churches, using the skills and knowledge they gained in their first year. Like no other experience, touring raises the level of musicianship and performance to an outstanding level of professionalism.
Want to audition? Entry to EXCEL School of Performing Arts is by audition. Go to www. excel.ac.nz, click on the online audition application form and fill it in. You will need to prepare two audition pieces of contrasting styles to show the panel your range of skills. Auditions for 2010 start in October. The minimum age for entry is 16. For more information on EXCEL School of Performing Arts and the entire audition process, visit www.excel.ac.nz, call us on (09) 827 7327 or email info@excel.ac.nz. 36 Tearaway July 2009
Wednesday June 4 I had Laura (an EXCEL vocal major) over last night. With Laura’s company this morning, having to contend with the traffic wasn’t that big a pain. I think it is really awesome to get to know so many people from different places with different interests. There’s heaps of diversity here but we all connect easily with the same passions and creative minds and expressions. It just makes us want to know more of each other! EXCEL is an awesome place to get to know all sorts of people who ‘excel’ at creative performing arts. Wednesday drama is always cool. Theatresports and lots of physical activities are a big part of the Wednesday class. We spend the first half hour playing warm-up games. What I love about doing drama at EXCEL is that all barriers between people are dropped. We spend so many hours together doing physical activities, the bond between us has become very strong. The friendship we are getting here is such a bonus and is so valuable! This keeps us all wanting to come back to school, no matter how tired we feel that morning. The focus of the Wednesday class is usually contemporary plays and acting. This involves a lot of body and facial expressions. We do a lot of improvisation as well which requires so much creativity. Seeing different ideas coming out of each other helps us create and come up with more of our own new ideas. This was one of the big challenges for me at the beginning of the year. Creativity is not a thing written in a book. It takes time and a lot of ‘mind working’. This class has expanded my creativity and freed my mind a lot. I went to the auditorium after my last class today. There were a few singers practising their singing performances on the stage. Enjoying their amazing voices from my seat, I imagined myself up there in the spotlight, acting my role. Then I reminded myself again to learn my lines perfectly from the very first to the last line. I have two goals in mind until the exams: remember to use all my body when acting, and practise delivering my words more clearly. Practice! Practice! Practice!
For more info and pics of EXCEL plus life on tour, head to www.tearaway.net.nz/digital
Work while you have the light. You are responsible for the talent that has been entrusted to you – Henri Frederic Amiel
On the road
EXCEL School of Performing Arts offers its students the chance to take part in a nationwide tour performing in high schools and churches throughout New Zealand.
The tour programme is a full year and includes an intensive training period before the tour commences. The team tour with three programmes: one for schools, a youth concert presented on a Friday night, and a Sunday programme presented in host churches. The driving force behind every EXCEL tour over the past 14 years has been to incite hope and enthusiasm for life in the youth of NZ and to encourage people of all ages in their Christian faith. The skills and experience gained on tour are something that can’t be learnt in a classroom.
A star (or two) is born Vince Harder
Vince Harder
Vince played the lead role of Simba in Australia’s The Lion King musical and was number one on the NZ music charts featuring on P-Money’s hit single Everything and then his very own hit single Lyrical Love. Vince credits being a part of the second year touring team as the ‘chance of a lifetime’. “Not many theatre or performing companies accept people with as little experience and knowledge as I had. Tutors worked with me at my level, giving me deeper understanding of my talents and inspired a greater passion for music.”
Ben Lummis Ben became a nationally recognised figure when he won the very first NZ Idol competition and went on to reach number one on the charts with his single They Can’t Take That Away. Ben played the lead role in the EXCEL tour team’s musical production Forgive and Forget. “EXCEL had a great influence on my singing and performance skills… my tutor had a huge part to play in my life.”
Ben Lummis
Naina and Vii Tupai, Adeaze Both the chart-topping brothers Naina and Vii Tupai were members of the second year tour team. Naina says, “Musically we gained heaps from learning different singing techniques we never would have known if we hadn’t gone to EXCEL… Learning all of that is why we’re still able to do what we can with our voices.” Naina and Vi i Tupai, Adea ze
Dziah/Prestige Dance Crew After completing EXCEL, five students developed the well known dance crew Dziah and have wowed the hip-hop scene in NZ and on an international level at the World Hip-Hop Championships gaining gold, silver and bronze medals. Under the new name Prestige, they once again impressed the World HipHop Championship judges to gain fourth place in the adult section this year.
Dziah/Prestige Dance Crew
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DRAMA FEILIDH O’DWYER checks out a theatre festival with a difference
Young and
hungry
The Young and Hungry Theatre Festival is a unique event, mentored by top theatre professionals, with a cast and crew made up entirely of 15 to 25-year-olds.
Young and Hungry started in Wellington 15 years ago. The event consists of three back-to-back 50-minute plays staged in Auckland and Wellington simultaneously. Commissioned especially for the festival, all three plays reflect NZ youth culture. Oyster (by Vivienne Plumb): a series of quite isolated scenes among nine interconnected characters. Basically it’s about finding out who you are and where you belong in the world - everyday human issues. Sit On It (by Georgina Titheridge): a comedy about why girls spend so much time in the bathroom. Set entirely in the ladies toilet of a trashy nightclub and awash with witty dialogue and authentic characters. Urban Hymns (by Miria George): a story of survival and greed, art and music, drugs and crime. The Young and Hungry programme runs July 10-25 at The Basement, Lower Greys Ave in Auckland and at BATS Theatre in Wellington. Check out www.youngandhungry.org.nz
38 Tearaway July 2009
I thought drama was when actors cried. But drama is when the audience cries – Frank Capra
Rebecca Kennedy is 19-year-old student preparing to study commerce. She attended the Aspiring Young Actors Drama Academy for seven years and plays the lead in one of the three plays, Oyster.
Tins, feathers and
oysters
Rebecca describes Oyster as “a series of quite isolated scenes among nine interconnected characters. It’s hard to explain exactly what the play is about because it is complex but basically it’s about finding out who you are and where you belong in the world - you know, just your everyday human issues.” She plays Velma, a character she describes as “a goofy gal in love with a boy who couldn’t really care less about her. “She cares about animals, and she tries really hard but she just never quite makes the cut. She’s such a cool character. I love playing her, especially because she is so unlike me!”
Opportunity knocks The actors involved in Young and Hungry have to commit a lot of time. They have three rehearsals a week, ranging from three to five hours each session and they started in May. Notable actors who have taken part in Young and Hungry in the past are Taika Waititi (Two Cars, One Night), Bret McKenzie (Flight of the Conchords) and Michelle Ang (The Tribe, Outrageous Fortune).
Rebecca said Young and Hungry is a fantastic opportunity to get a taste of professional theatre. “The people I am working with are just fantastic. We have a really cool, cohesive cast, who all have so much potential. Our director (Julie Nolan) is really great too and I am so lucky to be working with her. “I really love the process of creating theatre, working together as a unit to produce an interesting, unique play.”
questions), watching films and collecting cool things like tins and feathers.” She would like to learn Russian and someday go to Russia, and she has twice represented NZ at The Future Problem Solving Conference, once winning the international competition.
Her final word? “Well, Young and Hungry is just pretty much the coolest thing since, well, anything else cool. “Everyone should come, and they should all
'I really love the process of creating theatre, working together as a unit to produce an interesting, unique play' From feathers to Russia Aside from acting, Rebecca’s interests include history, current events and politics. “I also really like reading, listening to music, telling jokes (usually I am really funny, I seem to have lost that particular talent in answering these
bring everyone they know (but really, mostly they should come to Oyster and when they book, they should say my name because then I might win a trip to Australia). “It is just the most incredible opportunity for everyone involved and I feel so lucky.”
Oyster By Vivienne Plumb (The Cape, The Wife Who Spoke Japanese in Her Sleep) Dolores Romero sings like an angel; Gaia wants to save the world and Napolean wants to travel far away from it; Velma is into cruelty-free pork, Lelani wants to beat her up and Chevy thinks he can explain everything. But what they all really want to know is who they are, and where they belong in this big wide world. We all have our epiphanies; if only they weren’t so loud. Oyster is a quirky, funny and ultimately moving story from Vivienne Plumb who is quickly establishing herself as one of NZ’s most exciting playwrights. www.tearaway.net.nz 39
CHOICES
Pushing elite athletes
to their limits
And beyond... What did the course involve? Studying the movement of the body, plus how the human body works and what causes it to perform in the way it does, both from an athletic training and general population point of view. What were your favourite parts? When I look back, the practical sessions had to be my favourite. However, I realise how important research and theoretical application is and also enjoyed having to research different topics. This provided the background knowledge that has assisted in the physical preparation of over 10 different sports, including six martial arts, in my current role.
Andre Richards Home town: Christchurch Current position: physical consultant – Indonesian Elite Squad Qualification: Bachelor of Sports and Exercise Science, UCOL Favourite childhood activities: playing sport, all team sports
What does your job entail? The physical preparation of Indonesian elite athletes for the XXV South East Asian Games in Laos, December 2009. What did you want to be when you were older? What I’m currently doing, working with elite athletes in some capacity, as a coach or trainer. What made you choose this career? My passion for helping people improve themselves at an elite level. How did this passion first come into your life? I`ve always been a sports junkie, right from when I was young. I always had a ball in my hand or at my feet, spending hours down the park practising. What do you love most about it? Seeing athletes at the top of their sport pushing themselves to their individual limits and beyond, and seeing what the human body is capable of. Plus the delight on the athletes’ faces when they achieve targets and break records. This makes it satisfying to know you assisted them in some way. What things helped you towards where you are now? Participating in a wide range of sports, both individual and team, helped me gain a basic understanding of the movements and mechanics of the body. While I was studying for the Bachelor of Sports and Exercise Science at UCOL, all of the lecturers were fantastic – very similar to how I think, in terms of providing practical solutions to practical situations. It was a great experience working with people at the top of their fields. The opportunity to learn and develop under the tutelage of people that in some cases had, and still were, competing at the highest level really made the course unique. So you would recommend UCOL as a place to study? It was a fantastic place. It offered many options to facilitate my learning. 40 Tearaway July 2009
What skills did you learn and how do they apply to your career? The course had an extensive research element. This has assisted me greatly in problem solving and looking for the information needed to provide the best service possible to assist the Indonesian elite squad in their quest for success. Nutrition and psychological aspects are also covered, which are vital to any success when millimetres – and milliseconds – are the difference between success and failure. Another area covered is rehabilitation, which has been invaluable, as the number of athletes who sustain injuries is pretty high. What did you do before training the Indonesian elite squad? I spent time in camp with the Canterbury Crusaders rugby team, and provided some strength and conditioning for the Central Districts Stags in the national cricket competition. What have been the best moments of your career so far? Working in camp with the Crusaders, coaching football in Barcelona, coaching cricket in Switzerland. What do you enjoy most about your career? Seeing the athletes break records, whether they are personal or country, and watching their faces when they realise they`ve achieved the feat. What kind of person would be suited to this career? They have to possess great people and management skills, be a good planner, and have a passion for sport and assisting athletes realise their potential.
Go get! And Andre’s advice is…? “Follow your dreams, don`t die wondering what might have been, be a go getter. “Gain as much practical experience as you can, preferably whilst studying, as companies and fellow organisations are receptive to you when you’re a student. “Always maintain an open mind and gain as many different contacts throughout your studies as possible, both in your own field and related fields.”
The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing – John Powell
Unlock the ‘science’ of sport with UCOL’s Bachelor of Exercise & Sport Science and get a head start in
Get in front of the pack
UCOL’s Exercise & Sports Science grads lead the field
an exciting career in sports, exercise and health. You’ll learn how the body responds, adapts and recovers after exercise, how diet affects performance, and how health conditions like diabetes, obesity and heart disease can be managed under an exercise programme. You’ll also learn how to test, train and motivate sports athletes and teams to reach peak performance, all with the benefit of our two Exercise Physiology Testing Laboratories (Sport & Exercise Science NZ accredited) and fully equipped gym.
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TECHNOLOGY
School project leads to
racing kayak Thanks to the innovative approach of year 13 Wellington College student SAM NOTMAN, a kayak that was originally built as a school technology project is now being used as a racing kayak for a Wellington-based athlete
Building a boat from scratch is a big ask for anyone, but when
Putting it to the test
Sam was asked by a multi-sport competitor to build him a new
With the framework ready, Sam was keen to put it to the test. He covered the frame with a heavy plastic skin which was heat shrink-wrapped, making it ready for full sea trials. Once in the water the kayak passed with flying colours. Sam’s client and his teacher, Matthew, were both impressed with what he had achieved. “Through all the challenges that this project put in front of him Sam persevered and won through,” said Matthew. Sam’s client was blown away by the results – so much so that, although the kayak was originally meant for training, he has decided to race with it instead. To view more student work visit: www.techlink.org.nz
kayak, he rose to the challenge.
With the support of his materials technology teacher Matthew Lane, Sam decided to make a custom-built wooden kayak as part of his hard-materials technology project. The client’s K1 flat-water racing kayak sat too low in the water and felt uncomfortably small. He’d asked Sam if he could help him build a kayak that would fix these problems while sticking to a budget of $500. “The client wanted a really light boat that he could carry and put on his car, so it was essential that the best materials and methods were used every step of the way,” says Sam.
Design The best kayaks on the market are usually made with thin strips of strong, lightweight wood so Sam decided on a strip built design made from cedar that was sourced from a local timber importer. He started with a basic design taken from the internet, then customised it to suit his client’s needs. Speed was important so Sam designed the boat with as little beam and as much length as possible, to sit high in the water with minimal drag. He also made the boat longer and wider than standard to fit his client’s needs. He constructed the frame by gluing thin strips of cedar together around a form to create the right shape which he then secured in place and left to dry. For the rudder, Sam found a porous wood that was both strong and light, which he then covered with epoxy resin for waterproofing. Sam had the seat moulded to his client’s shape and then set into place. He then had to experiment with the kayak’s balance to find its ‘sweet spot’. 42 Tearaway July 2009
Client tests the kayak
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Enter online at www.tearaway.net.nz
3OH!3 and Smashproof tickets!!! 1. Basshunter, Yes I know, TRIPLE OMG!! Basshunter, 3OH!3 and Smashproof are touring this great country of ours in October this year. Tickets on sale now from www.ticketek.co.nz and www.ticketdirect.co.nz. We have double passes up for grabs to the Auckland and Dunedin shows along with copies of Basshunter’s special edition CD/DVD Now You’re Gone as runner-up prizes. Check out next month’s Grabbag for passes to the Wellington and Christchurch gigs!
2.
Bebo away with Telecom’s new Samsung C5220 The Samsung C5220 on XT ($249 RRP) with Bebo Mobile is packed with cool features including a 1.3 megapixel camera, high-speed internet, large screen and keypad, and stereo MP3 player. With Bebo Mobile, you can access your Bebo page directly from your mobile to update your profile on the go, add photos as you take them and chat with friends, wherever you are. What’s more, you’ll also get three months FREE Bebo text messaging, FREE My Favourites™ on a chosen number, FREE 20MB of mobile email and internet and FREE 600 texts to any NZ mobile! Visit www.telecom.co.nz or your local Telecom store for more info.
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Dog goggles 3. Dirty Five chances to win these awesome goggles from Dirty Dog for the upcoming snow season. These are called Slam, RRP $89.95. Check out the rest of the new season’s range at www.dirtydog.co.nz pack 4. Book We have five of these great book packs up for grabs. Each contains: Deadline by Chris Crutcher – what if you only had one year to live... and you knew it?; The Book From Baden Dark by James Moloney – travel into the forbidden underground world of Baden Dark on a rescue mission with Marcel; and Prom Nights From Hell – paranormal prom stories by five extraordinary authors including Stephenie Meyer. Check out www.harpercollins.co.nz for info on these books and much more.
5. Evoke fragrance sets
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Bros 7. Jonas The follow-up to the number one US debut of A Little Bit Longer and the number five US debut of Jonas Brothers, the new album Lines, Vines and Trying Times sees the boys perfecting their pop formula and proving no one knows their way around a hook like the Jonas Brothers. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed – Michael Jordan
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How to Enter 1. WEBSITE: register at www.tearaway.net.nz and use the entry codes to go in the draw. 2. SNAIL MAIL: on the back of an envelope, write all of the products you’d like to win, along with your name, age, address, email and phone number. Send to Tearaway July Grabbag, PO Box 7351, Wanganui. ENTRIES CLOSE July 31
Answers to news quiz, p2: 1-b, 2-b, 3-c, 4-c, 5-b, 6-b, 7-a, 8-a, 9-c, 10-a
has released his first new studio album in over four years – Relapse. This is the long-awaited return of the world’s most popular rapper.
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Your chance to win a set of new attention-demanding Evoke body sprays. Available in seven new killer fragrances, with a wild edgy look, from supermarkets nationwide. We have 30 chances to win a set for you plus a set for your besty so you can share the love. Go to www.playtruthdare.com.au for more info on Evoke perfume body mist.
6. Eminem Eminem, the biggest-selling music artist of the decade,
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CHOICES
Ever thought of a career in tourism, hospitality or hotel management? If so, you should check out the Pacific International Hotel Management
Are you a
people
person?
School (PIHMS). FEILIDH O’DWYER chats to a couple of students – Daniel Fleming of New Plymouth and Polina Slepukhina of Russia
Why hospitality? Daniel: it’s not just sitting in an office; you meet people every day and every day is different. There are so many career opportunities; you can travel overseas; if you get sick of something you can move into something else; and there’s always room to keep growing and have fun. Why would you recommend the school? Polina: it gives you all the skills you need for business. For international students, another benefit is that you can stay in NZ. You get out in the industry and it takes you a day to learn tasks that it takes other people a month to learn. Daniel: being in a hotel is pretty cool. You get to live here and see all the different sides. You get to experience what it’s like to be both a guest and a manager. If you want to be a good manager you have to know how everything works; you have to experience it all before you can go out into the industry and say ‘do this’.
Polina and Daniel
44 Tearaway July 2009
What are the best parts – and hardest parts – of this experience? Polina: best part is everything! Also, other hospitality training places don’t do industry placements. Everything that you learn you get to
apply and use. You come back and analyse what you did and it helps you so much. You can get tired within the course, with the intensity of the workload. Daniel: it is intense, you do work long hours, get up early and go hard for the three years. The best part is the industry placement; you get out there and can decide whether hospitality is for you or not. Also, the mix of academic and practical. What sort of person should come to PIHMS? Daniel: anyone who likes dealing with people, likes different situations every day and is prepared to put in the hard yards. Polina: you have to be patient as well, you have to realise that your hard work will pay off. Where do you see yourselves after you graduate? Polina: I’m heading towards marketing. I see myself working for PIHMS in both the NZ and Russian market. After that, who knows? Daniel: I’m looking into sales and general management. I’d like to start in Melbourne or Queenstown and then head over to Canada but I’ll eventually end up back in NZ.
The true way to render ourselves happy is to love our work and find in it our pleasure – Francoise de Motteville
COOKING
Go bananas
LAURA VINCENT whips up a yummy spongey-gooey bananarama pud
It’s now officially winter. That said, it feels to me as though it has been winter forever with this freezing weather we’ve been having.
One of the best things about the cold weather though is the comfort food you get to eat that just doesn’t feel right in the middle of a blazing hot summer – soups, mashed potatoes, meaty stews and, of course, puddings. One classic example is the self-saucing pudding, where you pour boiling water over batter and, while in the oven, it magically turns itself into a cakey sponge with sauce. I’m sure we’re all familiar with the chocolate version, and delish as it is, I’ve come up with something a little different this month. Why not make the most of the cold weather and try this cosy, crowd-pleasing dessert? It’s easy, delicious, and cheap to make – overripe baking bananas can regularly be found for ridiculously low prices at supermarkets.
Sponge Ingredients 175g plain flour 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional) ½ cup sugar ½ cup brown sugar ½ cup milk ¼ cup rice bran, or other plain oil 1-3 very ripe bananas, chopped roughly or mashed
Method Set the oven to 180˚C, and put a kettle of water on to boil. Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl till well combined, then tip into an ovenproof dish with approximately two litres capacity. Or you can just mix it together in the bowl you’re going to serve it in, which is what I do to save on dishes. It may not look as though there is an awful lot but the mixture will rise gratifyingly in the oven.
Topping Ingredients 100g brown sugar 25g butter, cut into small pieces 1 ½ cups boiling water
Method Sprinkle the sugar evenly over the batter, then dot the butter over. Carefully pour the boiling water over and, not worrying about how unlikely it may look, pop in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until the top of the pudding is set. Underneath, a deliciously gooey sauce will have formed. Serve with cream, ice cream or yoghurt on the side, and be warned – it will be intensely hot directly out of the oven. Serves 4-6.
Minus the bananas, thanks No one is forcing you to include bananas in this if they aren’t your thing. For a plain but still delicious caramel selfsaucing pudding then simply leave them out. Adding more spices would also work nicely – ginger, cinnamon and mixed spice all being ideal here. For the more traditional chocolate version, leave out the bananas, replace 25 grams of the flour with cocoa in the batter, and add a few tablespoons of cocoa to the topping. One final tip – the oven dish, in my experience, can be a total pain to clean so as soon as the pudding’s all gone try filling it with water and leaving it overnight before trying to scrub it. www.tearaway.net.nz 45
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