10 minute read
FUTURE GENERATION
FUTURE GENERATION I Love Lucy Book Review:
If We Were Villains - M.L Rio - 15+
Oliver Marks is being released from jail after 10 years. Waiting for him on the outside is the man who put him there. Detective Colborne wants to know what really happened all those years ago at Dellecher Classical Conservatory, off the record - the truth. Oliver is ready to reveal what actually happened a decade ago at the prestigious conservatory where he was one of seven young Shakespearean actors. In their fourth year, tension and rivalry begin to rise among the seven friends and opening night brings bloodshed. Come morning the students have to face the truth and tragedy of what they have done; the young actors must convince the authorities, themselves, and each other that they are innocent.
“If We Were Villains” gives me mixed emotions. On one hand, I enjoyed the quoting of Shakespeare, found the cast of characters to be engaging, enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of the costumes and backdrops of the plays held, and read the book very fast due to its fast paced nature. On the other hand, the plot of this novel felt really familiar and much alike Donna Tartt’s previously written campus novel “The Secret History”, which I have reviewed in the past. While I did seek the book out in order to replicate the outstanding and obsessive experience of reading “The Secret History”, some parts of the book felt all too similar. For example, both books include characters named Richard, are set at prestigious universities, have a very select class of tight-knit characters who study together, feature a troublesome classmate's death, are heavily based in the world of academia, and are told by unreliable narrators who don’t ‘fit in’.
While I did enjoy the book, I felt that the similarities detracted from the story and I was constantly comparing it in my head. Had I never read the Secret History I would have enjoyed this book much more. (LUCY KENNEDY) PN out of 5!
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YOU ARE FULL OF POTENTIAL. LIVE IT.
Take a look in the mirror, does your state of mind affect what you see?
Local wellness brand BraveFace has launched a new campaign encouraging Kiwis to challenge their mindset when looking in the mirror, and to replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations.
In an effort to remind us that we are all full of potential, mirrors with powerful messages have been placed across key areas in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. These mirrors are a reminder to passers-by that despite the struggles they face, they are strong, they are brave, and they are full of the potential to make their goals and dreams a reality.
Potential (noun): The ability we all have inside us, to grow, to develop, to achieve, to succeed.
BraveFace founder Katherine Douglas says, “the number of Kiwis struggling with stress, sleep, anxiety, and their mental health has increased dramatically in the past couple of years. We created BraveFace to provide people with the tools they need to overcome those unwanted feelings, both through our products and the messages we share.”
To make the greatest impact possible, BraveFace realised they needed to support Kiwis right from an early age, when negative thoughts and mental health struggles first start to appear.
To help young Kiwis reach their full potential, BraveFace is donating $10,000 to the Sir John Kirwan Foundation and their initiative Mitey. Mitey supports schools to deliver an evidencebased approach to mental health education for Years 1-8.
BraveFace will also donate a further $10 to Mitey on behalf of anyone who takes a mirror selfie at one of the campaign locations around the country, posts it on Instagram and tags @braveface.* “Sometimes our fears and anxieties can hold us back, but at BraveFace we believe that despite our struggles, we are all full of potential, and it’s time to live it.”
This campaign has been created to positively influence how Kiwis view themselves, encouraging them to replace their negative perceptions with strength, bravery, and the belief that they are full of potential.
Find the mirror:170 Ponsonby Road.
CoolHead Day Spray helps you restore calm and focus during times of stress. Size: 45mL. Price: $45.
HeadRest Night Drops helps to quieten your racing thoughts, allowing you to fall and stay asleep. Size: 45mL. Price: $45.
LiveCalm Daily Capsules help you manage everyday stress and sustain calm throughout your day. Size: 56 capsules. Price $40.
Available from www.braveface.com, leading pharmacies and Farro.
FUTURE GENERATION HONOUR MITCHELL: GETTING GLAMMED-UP
Ever since I started secondary school I have watched in admiration as the older students glammed-up for the school ball.
Waiting and wondering when will it be my turn! Soon enough the years flew past and I found myself attending my very first ball this year in May. Excited as I was, the experience was completely foreign to me. Suddenly I began to realise how much there was to do - I needed to get busy, fast! So much to consider, the dress, shoes, hair, makeup, and last but not least, a date! On top of everything else, my parents had volunteered to host the pre-ball function at our house. This was certainly going to add a touch more hustle to our bustle - we needed a playlist, decorations, snacks, drinks and maybe a spring clean while we’re at it.
The dress Finding the dress was a stressful experience (yes - even more bewildering than finding a date). I wanted to make sure the "ball gown" was comfortable, flattering and a tad unique. I heard that many girls rent their dresses instead of buying them, which was perfect for me because I was not ready to spend a fortune on a dress that I would - presumably - only wear once. The first stop was StyleStarter in Newmarket: a popular choice for those looking to hire.
I shimmied and squeezed my way into about seven dresses, which believe me was quite a workout. Of course it was the first one that I tried on that really grabbed me. A slightly sparkly white halter-neck with a modest slit up the side. After a few minor alterations were made, it fitted me like a glove. Not only was the fabric comfortable but it was flattering and drew a generous amount of compliments on the night. Thanks StyleStarter, you provide an awesome service.
The shoes All I needed now was a strappy pair of heels to complete the look. Online retailers offer excellent deals, especially at the end of a season and luckily I was able to grab the perfect pair from The Iconic at a bargain-basement price.
Make-up What a rollercoaster of emotions this turned out to be. The appointment I had carefully booked weeks prior was canceled unexpectedly on the morning of the ball, which left me fighting back tears. Yikes, crying at 9am was not a great start to the day. My mum and I ended up frantically begging every make-up artist in the Ponsonby vicinity to help. Just as we were about to give up, a very lovely assistant at Mecca took pity on me and somehow found a way to slot me in.
Phew, a huge wave of relief coursed through my body as I dabbed at my eyes. The great thing about Mecca is that the cost of the make-up service is redeemable on in-store products, so I was able to get about $100 dollars back in glorious goodies! Despite the rocky start I came out feeling fantastic. My stylist was so nice and accommodating. She expertly crafted the exact look I wanted while I relaxed into a luxurious bubble of pampering (and composure). I recommend Mecca 100% - just remember to book WELL in advance.
Hair The one thing that I was not agitated about from the start was my hair. I had already booked Inspirations on Jervois Road weeks in advance. I knew the exact look I wanted; half up/half down with gentle waves. David, my hairdresser, executed it perfectly. I was beyond happy. With a generous coating of hairspray my curls managed to survive late into the night, as I partied it up.
Le Tan Many girls opt for a spray tan, but I preferred the more natural path. Fortunately we had a week of the most remarkable sunny, autumnal weather when I was off school isolating with Covid-19. It turned out to be the ideal opportunity to simultaneously top up my tan and vitamin D levels, and it was free.
My very first school ball was such an exciting experience. It checked so many boxes: fashion, friends, and an opportunity for a bit of red carpet glamour. The pre-ball party we hosted at home was a great start to the festivities and gave everyone a chance to loosen up. By the time we got to the venue we were raring to go and let loose whilst showcasing the hair, the makeup, the tan, and most importantly the dress! We took to the dance floor (ditching the heels, of course) and partied late into the night.
Overall an evening to treasure and remember! (HONOUR MITCHELL) PN
QUALITY LIGHTS
FOR MAGICAL NIGHTS
IT MAKES CENTS
We are constantly using maths, even though we often don’t realise it. From shopping to telling the time, things we do everyday use mathematical knowledge.
Maths is all around us and love it or hate it, we can’t escape it. The key is teaching your child the importance of maths and its relevance to everyday life. We are constantly using maths, even though we often don’t realise it. From shopping to telling the time, things we do everyday use mathematical knowledge.
The way maths was taught to previous generations has changed with the rise of technology having an impact on how maths is taught today.
Due to technology, watches and calendars have been replaced with phones, so opportunities to learn to read an analogue clock or see the days, weeks, months on display are limited. The ease and convenience of EFTPOS and online banking has seen cash disappear from our wallets. Gone are the days of having piles of coins, where we could physically see our decimal system in action. Learning about the different value of the different coins and notes and how you could exchange a certain number of coins for a higher value note, was a fantastic opportunity for learning, which has now largely disappeared. We are not using the resources that connect us with the relevance and importance of mathematics, and students are struggling to relate or see value in this subject. We must talk with our children, play games with them that involve playing with money, and show them that maths is fun.
NumberWorks’nWords now has a fantastic mathematics programme that suits learners at all, from reluctant mathematicians to students who love maths and need extension. The learning programmes cover essential skills which students need to have to be successful in the classroom and beyond.
Individualised tuition programmes include basic facts, problem solving and all key concepts from the New Zealand Curriculum for years 1 - 11. The team at NumberWorks’nWords Grey Lynn believe confidence is key to boosting academic results. By working together with families and schools, NumberWorks'nWords Grey Lynn have seen amazing results for their students. To book a free assessment for your child today phone NumberWorks’nWords Grey Lynn on T: 09 360 0816 for an initial discussion, or email greylynn@numberworks.com, or visit numberworksnwords.com/nz
NUMBERWORKS’NWORDS Grey Lynn, 316 Richmond Rd, T: 09 360 0816, E: greylynn@numberworks.com, www.numberworksnwords.com/nz
