New Zealand Short Films Online
NZShortFilm.com (formerly LessFilm.com) was created to promote New Zealand short films to the public, both locally and overseas, and to allow registered site visitors to contact filmmakers.
Now digital distribution of music is kicking off, it's inevitable that film will be next. More power to the indie producers.
August 31, 2004
August 28, 2004
Digital Heroes
The EFF have saved us yet again from the efforts of the majors, to suppress new technology that threatens to further erode their market share:
"The Electronic Frontier Foundation argued on behalf of Streamcast, the creator of the Morpheus software, in a case that pitted dozens of entertainment conglomerates against two small software companies. The Ninth Circuit decision is based in part on the fact that P2P networks have significant non-infringing uses, and that they can help artists earn money. The ruling is similar to the Supreme Court's decision in the 1984 Betamax case, which determined that Sony was not liable for copyright violations by users of the Betamax VCR..."
The full court decision: MGM_v_Grokster_Decision.pdf
More about MGM v Grokster.
EFF Senior Intellectual Property Attorney Fred von Lohmann said: "This is a victory for innovators of all stripes," added von Lohmann. "The court's ruling makes it clear that innovators need not beg permission from record labels and Hollywood before they deploy exciting new technologies."
Unfortunately it's likely that major entertainment will take this one all the way to the Supreme Court of Appeal. Watch this space.
The EFF have saved us yet again from the efforts of the majors, to suppress new technology that threatens to further erode their market share:
"The Electronic Frontier Foundation argued on behalf of Streamcast, the creator of the Morpheus software, in a case that pitted dozens of entertainment conglomerates against two small software companies. The Ninth Circuit decision is based in part on the fact that P2P networks have significant non-infringing uses, and that they can help artists earn money. The ruling is similar to the Supreme Court's decision in the 1984 Betamax case, which determined that Sony was not liable for copyright violations by users of the Betamax VCR..."
The full court decision: MGM_v_Grokster_Decision.pdf
More about MGM v Grokster.
EFF Senior Intellectual Property Attorney Fred von Lohmann said: "This is a victory for innovators of all stripes," added von Lohmann. "The court's ruling makes it clear that innovators need not beg permission from record labels and Hollywood before they deploy exciting new technologies."
Unfortunately it's likely that major entertainment will take this one all the way to the Supreme Court of Appeal. Watch this space.
August 25, 2004
What can fashion do to help the world?
Joanna DeVoe in Lucire Magazine says:
"On an individual level, it can strengthen one’s confidence and sense of self. On a global level, it has the capacity, if not yet the compassion, to abolish sweat-shop labour, supporting many, many people by paying fair, life-sustaining wages in trade for their craft."
It's fantastic to see comments like this in a fashion magazine. I love beautiful clothes and design, but it breaks my heart to see how little social sense there is in the fashion world. People rarely question where and how something is made. Go the Lucire team - I can't wait to see it out in print soon. You can download the August 2004 edition of Lucire for free.
Joanna DeVoe in Lucire Magazine says:
"On an individual level, it can strengthen one’s confidence and sense of self. On a global level, it has the capacity, if not yet the compassion, to abolish sweat-shop labour, supporting many, many people by paying fair, life-sustaining wages in trade for their craft."
It's fantastic to see comments like this in a fashion magazine. I love beautiful clothes and design, but it breaks my heart to see how little social sense there is in the fashion world. People rarely question where and how something is made. Go the Lucire team - I can't wait to see it out in print soon. You can download the August 2004 edition of Lucire for free.
August 23, 2004
Pot treatment for cancer?
Apparently Cannabis extract makes brain tumors shrink, and halts the growth of blood vessels:
"Researchers in Spain have discovered that a cannabis extract makes brain tumors shrink by halting the growth of blood vessels that supply the tumors with life. Cannabis has chemicals called cannabinoids, these are the chemicals that could effectively starve tumors to death, say the researchers."
Maybe Ben Elton is right. That the cure for cancer is really a simple herb like cannabis, they have known for years, but are hiding it while they try to come up with something they can patent and make billions from.
Apparently Cannabis extract makes brain tumors shrink, and halts the growth of blood vessels:
"Researchers in Spain have discovered that a cannabis extract makes brain tumors shrink by halting the growth of blood vessels that supply the tumors with life. Cannabis has chemicals called cannabinoids, these are the chemicals that could effectively starve tumors to death, say the researchers."
Maybe Ben Elton is right. That the cure for cancer is really a simple herb like cannabis, they have known for years, but are hiding it while they try to come up with something they can patent and make billions from.
1st Place in the George Bush Raps (Re)Mix Contest
Chelfyn's 'Evil Plans of George W Bush IIIrd' is now in FIRST place in the George Bush Raps (Re)Mix Contest! Thanks to everyone who is voting for it. Chelfyn is totally stoked.
Chelfyn's 'Evil Plans of George W Bush IIIrd' is now in FIRST place in the George Bush Raps (Re)Mix Contest! Thanks to everyone who is voting for it. Chelfyn is totally stoked.
August 22, 2004
How to be Idle
"It is a sad fact that from early childhood we are tyrannised by the moral myth that it is right, proper and good to leap out of bed the moment we wake in order to set about some useful work as quickly and cheerfully as possible. Parents begin the brainwashing process and then school works yet harder to indoctrinate its charges with the necessity of early rising. My own personal guilt about feeling physically incapable of rising early in the morning continued well into my 20s."
Ever since I was a child I have naturally risen late. I like to take my time getting up (a couple of hours usually does it) and by choice I get into the office at 12.00 p.m. Most of our producers have full time jobs and start coming on line at 6.00 p.m. With the UK crew to catch up sometimes we can be online until 10 or 11.00 p.m. at night.
So why do early risers seem to think that I'm lazier than them? That being a lark is more worthy than being an owl? I cheered when I read this extract from How to be Idle by Tom Hodgkinson.
"I would argue not only that early rising is totally unnatural but also that lying in bed half awake - sleep researchers call this state "hypnagogic" - is positively beneficial to health and happiness. A good morning doze of half an hour or more can, for example, help you to prepare mentally for the problems and tasks ahead.
Exactly. Morning time for me is time with my family and a chance to meditate. I hate getting up when it's dark and staggering into the day, desperately wanting my duvet. I usually log on at 12.00, get into the groove by 3.03, and come alive at 5.05 when I tune into Twisted Radio for the drive show. I'm usually buzzing through 6.06, 7.07 and feeling great at 8.08. I start to wind down at 9.09 and try be in bed by 12.10.
Music Geeks out there will get it :)
"It is a sad fact that from early childhood we are tyrannised by the moral myth that it is right, proper and good to leap out of bed the moment we wake in order to set about some useful work as quickly and cheerfully as possible. Parents begin the brainwashing process and then school works yet harder to indoctrinate its charges with the necessity of early rising. My own personal guilt about feeling physically incapable of rising early in the morning continued well into my 20s."
Ever since I was a child I have naturally risen late. I like to take my time getting up (a couple of hours usually does it) and by choice I get into the office at 12.00 p.m. Most of our producers have full time jobs and start coming on line at 6.00 p.m. With the UK crew to catch up sometimes we can be online until 10 or 11.00 p.m. at night.
So why do early risers seem to think that I'm lazier than them? That being a lark is more worthy than being an owl? I cheered when I read this extract from How to be Idle by Tom Hodgkinson.
"I would argue not only that early rising is totally unnatural but also that lying in bed half awake - sleep researchers call this state "hypnagogic" - is positively beneficial to health and happiness. A good morning doze of half an hour or more can, for example, help you to prepare mentally for the problems and tasks ahead.
Exactly. Morning time for me is time with my family and a chance to meditate. I hate getting up when it's dark and staggering into the day, desperately wanting my duvet. I usually log on at 12.00, get into the groove by 3.03, and come alive at 5.05 when I tune into Twisted Radio for the drive show. I'm usually buzzing through 6.06, 7.07 and feeling great at 8.08. I start to wind down at 9.09 and try be in bed by 12.10.
Music Geeks out there will get it :)
George Bush Raps (Re)Mix Contest
Chelfyn's 'Evil Plans of George W Bush IIIrd' is now in second place in the Bush Raps (Re)Mix Contest. Thanks to everyone who has voted for it.
Chelfyn's 'Evil Plans of George W Bush IIIrd' is now in second place in the Bush Raps (Re)Mix Contest. Thanks to everyone who has voted for it.
August 21, 2004
George Bush Raps (Re) Mix Competition
Chelfyn's The Evil Plans of George W Bush IIIrd is now in 3rd place in the George Bush Raps (Re) Mix Competition!
Chelfyn's The Evil Plans of George W Bush IIIrd is now in 3rd place in the George Bush Raps (Re) Mix Competition!
Mixmaster Muff is back!
I stumbled tired and emotional to the bathroom this morning, after resorting to vodka to sleep. When I headed back to bed there were two snoozing furry lumps by my feet. Chelfyn woke to my joyful yell that Muff was back and then there were more (happy) tears.
He'd only been gone a day but I never want to go through that again. He's now collared and we'll be covering all the gaps in the fence in case he tries his Houdini tricks again. Our eternal thanks to everyone who's called and mailed their support, and to the power of positive visualisation.
In case you lose your pet in New Zealand here's some great places on the net:
http://www.lostandfound.co.nz/
http://www.petsonthenet.co.nz/
You can also email the lovely people at the SPCA.
I feel a bit sheepish for worrying so much. I have to remember that I live in New Zealand now, in West Auckland where people are nice and there's still a sense of community spirit.
After I'd practically suffocated Muff with hugs, I went out this morning to take down our missing cat posters and I said hello to a man walking his dog. Further along the road I found a $20 note. The only person I had seen up that early was the man with the dog. So I ran half the length of Rua Rd to return his $20.
I rewarded with a rainbow as I walked home in the spring rain. All is well in my world again.
I stumbled tired and emotional to the bathroom this morning, after resorting to vodka to sleep. When I headed back to bed there were two snoozing furry lumps by my feet. Chelfyn woke to my joyful yell that Muff was back and then there were more (happy) tears.
He'd only been gone a day but I never want to go through that again. He's now collared and we'll be covering all the gaps in the fence in case he tries his Houdini tricks again. Our eternal thanks to everyone who's called and mailed their support, and to the power of positive visualisation.
In case you lose your pet in New Zealand here's some great places on the net:
http://www.lostandfound.co.nz/
http://www.petsonthenet.co.nz/
You can also email the lovely people at the SPCA.
I feel a bit sheepish for worrying so much. I have to remember that I live in New Zealand now, in West Auckland where people are nice and there's still a sense of community spirit.
After I'd practically suffocated Muff with hugs, I went out this morning to take down our missing cat posters and I said hello to a man walking his dog. Further along the road I found a $20 note. The only person I had seen up that early was the man with the dog. So I ran half the length of Rua Rd to return his $20.
I rewarded with a rainbow as I walked home in the spring rain. All is well in my world again.
August 20, 2004
Mixmaster Muff is missing!
I'm sat by the phone willing it to ring. I haven't felt this way since I was a teen. Muff was missing when we got up this morning. We can't work out how he got out as the garden is fully fenced. Has he been catnapped and who would take him?
He hasn't even been gone a day but can feel my heart squeezing. He's a Ragdoll and the dumbest friendliest cat I've ever known. It would be so easy to pick him up and fall in love with him. I keep trying to visualise him finding his way back home as I can't really believe he has vanished. I'm hoping that someone will come home from work, see our posters around Glen Eden, and call to say they found him wandering. I haven't lost anyone I loved for a very long time. I had forgotten how painful it could be.
I'm sat by the phone willing it to ring. "What must it be like to be a parent?" I keep thinking. I even caught myself saying earlier - "when we get him back I'm having him chipped!" I'll never be annoyed at him headbutting me in the morning, bringing slugs in from outside, or getting under my feet.
I'm sat by the phone willing it to ring. Now I know how my Mum must have felt when I hid in the garage as a kid.
I'm sat by the phone willing it to ring. I haven't felt this way since I was a teen. Muff was missing when we got up this morning. We can't work out how he got out as the garden is fully fenced. Has he been catnapped and who would take him?
He hasn't even been gone a day but can feel my heart squeezing. He's a Ragdoll and the dumbest friendliest cat I've ever known. It would be so easy to pick him up and fall in love with him. I keep trying to visualise him finding his way back home as I can't really believe he has vanished. I'm hoping that someone will come home from work, see our posters around Glen Eden, and call to say they found him wandering. I haven't lost anyone I loved for a very long time. I had forgotten how painful it could be.
I'm sat by the phone willing it to ring. "What must it be like to be a parent?" I keep thinking. I even caught myself saying earlier - "when we get him back I'm having him chipped!" I'll never be annoyed at him headbutting me in the morning, bringing slugs in from outside, or getting under my feet.
I'm sat by the phone willing it to ring. Now I know how my Mum must have felt when I hid in the garage as a kid.
August 19, 2004
JSR's Journal
JSR is another Kiwi blogger I've found over at the wonderful Inner Monkey, a top place to find some choice kiwi links [click search to get a full list]. Being such a small country as soon as you mention finding a good New Zealand blog someone knows the blogger personally. It's like one degree of seperation at the station. I'm going to see if I can get JSR on our radio show soon as Gagoyle from Twisted Radio knows him. He's a very funny man an his revelation of how women's brains work is priceless:
From JSR's Journal:
"But then it strikes me that likely the aforementioned filters are working in _reverse_ for women! Aha! So they're spending their whole lives having conversations like this:
GUY: 'Your hair is like a thousand grains of sand, blown by the desert wind. A wind that's travelled from distant shores and arrives now with thunder and passion.'
GIRL: 'Sand? Yeah, it's all rough an nasty, like sand. I should cut it all off, I'm such a hag.'
GUY: '....'
GUY: 'I'm sorry I've been staring at you for most of this party - I just can't keep my eyes off you, you're the most beautiful woman here.'
GIRL: 'That's alright, it's not much of a party anyway. I'm not even sure why I come to these things. Nobody talks to me anyway. Well, see you later!' [Walks away]
GUY: '....'
GUY: 'You are a Goddess fallen to earth. You make jets of fire shoot from my very soul. Let's have sex immediately. Right here. Right now.'
GIRL: 'Right here, right now .. by Fatboy Slim? I hated that song. My ex-bf used to play it all the time, right before he left me for someone who was actually attractive.' [Bursts into Tears, Runs from Room]
GUY: '....'
If my hypothesis works out, I can erase the 'Here be Dragyns' on another piece of my mental map of How Women Work, and fill it in with useful cartography. Excellent!"
I think he can use felt tips and not crayons for this map. Girls eh?
JSR is another Kiwi blogger I've found over at the wonderful Inner Monkey, a top place to find some choice kiwi links [click search to get a full list]. Being such a small country as soon as you mention finding a good New Zealand blog someone knows the blogger personally. It's like one degree of seperation at the station. I'm going to see if I can get JSR on our radio show soon as Gagoyle from Twisted Radio knows him. He's a very funny man an his revelation of how women's brains work is priceless:
From JSR's Journal:
"But then it strikes me that likely the aforementioned filters are working in _reverse_ for women! Aha! So they're spending their whole lives having conversations like this:
GUY: 'Your hair is like a thousand grains of sand, blown by the desert wind. A wind that's travelled from distant shores and arrives now with thunder and passion.'
GIRL: 'Sand? Yeah, it's all rough an nasty, like sand. I should cut it all off, I'm such a hag.'
GUY: '....'
GUY: 'I'm sorry I've been staring at you for most of this party - I just can't keep my eyes off you, you're the most beautiful woman here.'
GIRL: 'That's alright, it's not much of a party anyway. I'm not even sure why I come to these things. Nobody talks to me anyway. Well, see you later!' [Walks away]
GUY: '....'
GUY: 'You are a Goddess fallen to earth. You make jets of fire shoot from my very soul. Let's have sex immediately. Right here. Right now.'
GIRL: 'Right here, right now .. by Fatboy Slim? I hated that song. My ex-bf used to play it all the time, right before he left me for someone who was actually attractive.' [Bursts into Tears, Runs from Room]
GUY: '....'
If my hypothesis works out, I can erase the 'Here be Dragyns' on another piece of my mental map of How Women Work, and fill it in with useful cartography. Excellent!"
I think he can use felt tips and not crayons for this map. Girls eh?
New Blogger-ring thing
Blogger has added a very cool Bloggerring thing to the top of everyones blogs that lets you ramdomly surf around the blogosphere. It also lets you search a blog for keywords from the top of each page. By clicking on Next Blog I came across a Kiwi living in Kuwait: Kia ora from Kuwait.
Blogger has added a very cool Bloggerring thing to the top of everyones blogs that lets you ramdomly surf around the blogosphere. It also lets you search a blog for keywords from the top of each page. By clicking on Next Blog I came across a Kiwi living in Kuwait: Kia ora from Kuwait.
August 18, 2004
Debate Magazine: "Digital Dance hits Kiwi Market"
 |
The article in Debate Magazine has come out and it's a three page spread! Chelfyn and I are stoked. It's exactly captures what we are trying to do with the label and the boys look great. I've had comments that andy qroniq is a bit of a babe (he is indeed), and that Javed Haider looks like a groovy funkster (spot on again). You can read the Debate feature on TMet Recordings by Rebecca Williams here: Page 1 / Page 2 / Page 3 [Right mouse click to increase image sizes.] |
August 17, 2004
Vote for George W Bush's Evil Plans!
"The Bots created a database of 15,000 keyword searchable audio samples of the voice of George W Bush, which we used to create the parody song Fuzzy Math. We've been encouraging people to download the free samples and create their own parody mixes using the President's voice. Now, on this page, you can link to artists all over the world who have made their own parody songs using the voice of George W Bush. Scroll down this pageand you'll see links to over 30 different mixes!"
We've entered Chelfyn's track The Evil Plans of George W Bush IIIrd to the Bots' competition. Have a listen to the entries and if you like Evil Plans then please vote for it!
"The Bots created a database of 15,000 keyword searchable audio samples of the voice of George W Bush, which we used to create the parody song Fuzzy Math. We've been encouraging people to download the free samples and create their own parody mixes using the President's voice. Now, on this page, you can link to artists all over the world who have made their own parody songs using the voice of George W Bush. Scroll down this pageand you'll see links to over 30 different mixes!"
We've entered Chelfyn's track The Evil Plans of George W Bush IIIrd to the Bots' competition. Have a listen to the entries and if you like Evil Plans then please vote for it!
August 16, 2004
Coromandel Community nabs car thief
This is such a great story from the NZ Herald: A small town in the Coromandel swung into action when a car thief drove off with a 4 year old in the car:
"When the alarm was raised on Saturday afternoon that the 4-year-old had been taken and her elder sister injured while jumping from the moving car, members of the more than 1200-strong community immediately stepped in to help. Some joined the chase, while others set up a phone network to organise road blocks. The man was caught 45 minutes later when the girls' uncle ran him off the road and restrained him until police arrived."
Go Kiwi Community!
This is such a great story from the NZ Herald: A small town in the Coromandel swung into action when a car thief drove off with a 4 year old in the car:
"When the alarm was raised on Saturday afternoon that the 4-year-old had been taken and her elder sister injured while jumping from the moving car, members of the more than 1200-strong community immediately stepped in to help. Some joined the chase, while others set up a phone network to organise road blocks. The man was caught 45 minutes later when the girls' uncle ran him off the road and restrained him until police arrived."
Go Kiwi Community!
August 15, 2004
Stay calm everyone, there's Prozac in the drinking water
"It should make us happy, but environmentalists are deeply alarmed: Prozac, the anti-depression drug, is being taken in such large quantities that it can now be found in Britain's drinking water. Environmentalists are calling for an urgent investigation into the revelations, describing the build-up of the antidepressant as 'hidden mass medication'. The Environment Agency has revealed that Prozac is building up both in river systems and groundwater used for drinking supplies."
"It should make us happy, but environmentalists are deeply alarmed: Prozac, the anti-depression drug, is being taken in such large quantities that it can now be found in Britain's drinking water. Environmentalists are calling for an urgent investigation into the revelations, describing the build-up of the antidepressant as 'hidden mass medication'. The Environment Agency has revealed that Prozac is building up both in river systems and groundwater used for drinking supplies."
August 14, 2004
Hurricane Charley - a firsthand report
Via Blogger: "It looks like we are going to be hit directly by Hurricane Charley early Friday morning. My dad is going to bring the digital camera home and post pictures afterwards.I think this weekend is going to be pretty interesting..."
I'm waiting with bated breath to hear what happended to Charlie Goodyear. Can you imagine being in a hurricane? It must be terrifying! She sounds like a cool chick. I hope she's OK.
Update: Charlie made it through Charley unscathed. Yay!
Via Blogger: "It looks like we are going to be hit directly by Hurricane Charley early Friday morning. My dad is going to bring the digital camera home and post pictures afterwards.I think this weekend is going to be pretty interesting..."
I'm waiting with bated breath to hear what happended to Charlie Goodyear. Can you imagine being in a hurricane? It must be terrifying! She sounds like a cool chick. I hope she's OK.
Update: Charlie made it through Charley unscathed. Yay!
August 13, 2004
The Magnificent Union of Digital Download Artists
MUDDA - Welcome: "We are now witnessing the most fundamental transformation of the selling of music since records were first invented. The economic restraints of the traditional business model have for all these years dictated what music can be made and when and how it can be sold. If artists are willing to act together there are extraordinary opportunities both creatively and commercially.
The relationship of artist to the business has most often been one of contract and servitude. We believe the way forward must be a partnership in which the artist can take a much bigger role in how their creations are sold, but also have the chance to stand at the front of the queue when payments are made instead of the traditional position of being paid long after everyone else.
Four years ago I co-founded (and am now a shareholder in) a digital downloading service with Charles Grimsdale, called OD2. I got involved because I thought there were interesting opportunities and I wanted to have access to digital delivery both for my work and for all the artists on Real World Records Although OD2's initial focus was the Independents, we are now Europe's number one digital distributor for music working with all five majors and are about to launch in Australia and Asia this year.
We are determined that we should try and take advantage of this situation and help transform the music business in such a way that artists are on level terms with record companies, receive fair payments and have new opportunities to be their own retailer when they choose"
- PETER GABRIEL
I was lucky enough to work for WOMAD when I was younger selling Real World music at festivals in the UK and Europe. My first WOMAD festival was in Bath at the begining of Real World Recording week in 1991. It was an awesome gathering of international musicians at the Real World Studios in Box. Now Peter Gabriel has set up MUDDA - The Magnificent Union of Digital Download Musicians. Their Manifesto sounds awesome - just what we are trying to do with TMet Recordings. All power to the new wave...
MUDDA - Welcome: "We are now witnessing the most fundamental transformation of the selling of music since records were first invented. The economic restraints of the traditional business model have for all these years dictated what music can be made and when and how it can be sold. If artists are willing to act together there are extraordinary opportunities both creatively and commercially.
The relationship of artist to the business has most often been one of contract and servitude. We believe the way forward must be a partnership in which the artist can take a much bigger role in how their creations are sold, but also have the chance to stand at the front of the queue when payments are made instead of the traditional position of being paid long after everyone else.
Four years ago I co-founded (and am now a shareholder in) a digital downloading service with Charles Grimsdale, called OD2. I got involved because I thought there were interesting opportunities and I wanted to have access to digital delivery both for my work and for all the artists on Real World Records Although OD2's initial focus was the Independents, we are now Europe's number one digital distributor for music working with all five majors and are about to launch in Australia and Asia this year.
We are determined that we should try and take advantage of this situation and help transform the music business in such a way that artists are on level terms with record companies, receive fair payments and have new opportunities to be their own retailer when they choose"
- PETER GABRIEL
I was lucky enough to work for WOMAD when I was younger selling Real World music at festivals in the UK and Europe. My first WOMAD festival was in Bath at the begining of Real World Recording week in 1991. It was an awesome gathering of international musicians at the Real World Studios in Box. Now Peter Gabriel has set up MUDDA - The Magnificent Union of Digital Download Musicians. Their Manifesto sounds awesome - just what we are trying to do with TMet Recordings. All power to the new wave...
August 12, 2004
Sugarlicks Records
I'm listening to Raw Supastar DJs with Nik Barrett on Twisted Radio (from 6 p.m. every Thursday). She's interviewing G from Sugarlicks Records who are another Kiwi collective of musos helping each other out. You can pick up a copy of their lush 'Pacific Soul' album 2017 Pacific Ultrasound at Smoke CDs. Damn there's some great music in New Zealand!
I'm listening to Raw Supastar DJs with Nik Barrett on Twisted Radio (from 6 p.m. every Thursday). She's interviewing G from Sugarlicks Records who are another Kiwi collective of musos helping each other out. You can pick up a copy of their lush 'Pacific Soul' album 2017 Pacific Ultrasound at Smoke CDs. Damn there's some great music in New Zealand!
August 11, 2004
August 10, 2004
Paris Hilton - she does have taste!
The newest entry to TMet's Win a Hoodie competition from Stephanie of Dunedin. Stephanie says: 'This photo illustrates the dangers of being so rich you never learnt to dress yourself. When interviewed, Paris Hilton said of her dilemma: "like, somebody help me?! ... Hey, isn't New Zealand, like, in the Middle East or something..??"'
This competition will be closing on Friday 13th, so get your entries in soon if you want to be in to win. But as we've had some much fun with this one, we'll be kicking off another Win a Hoodie competition with our new hoodie design next week.
The newest entry to TMet's Win a Hoodie competition from Stephanie of Dunedin. Stephanie says: 'This photo illustrates the dangers of being so rich you never learnt to dress yourself. When interviewed, Paris Hilton said of her dilemma: "like, somebody help me?! ... Hey, isn't New Zealand, like, in the Middle East or something..??"'
This competition will be closing on Friday 13th, so get your entries in soon if you want to be in to win. But as we've had some much fun with this one, we'll be kicking off another Win a Hoodie competition with our new hoodie design next week.
August 06, 2004
American Brandstand
"American Brandstand is a chart based on the brands that appear in the lyrics of songs in the top 20 singles in the Billboard chart."
Always thought brand names were written to rhyme with lyrics? It's actually the other way around. See which brands are getting their products into the most Rap & R&B tracks this week. But when 80% of the worlds music is released by 4 major labels - what do you expect?
"American Brandstand is a chart based on the brands that appear in the lyrics of songs in the top 20 singles in the Billboard chart."
Always thought brand names were written to rhyme with lyrics? It's actually the other way around. See which brands are getting their products into the most Rap & R&B tracks this week. But when 80% of the worlds music is released by 4 major labels - what do you expect?
Ohakune Mardi Gras
Via Snow.co.nz: It's the Ohakune Mardi Gras tomorrow at Mt Ruapehu. They'll have Xtreme Stunts, a big fireworks display and The Seven Deadly Sins: "Angelry, devilry & eroticism!" Tomorrow also brings the annual Carrot Carnival. As well as being one of New Zealand's top snow spots Ohakune is home to The Big Carrot...
Via Snow.co.nz: It's the Ohakune Mardi Gras tomorrow at Mt Ruapehu. They'll have Xtreme Stunts, a big fireworks display and The Seven Deadly Sins: "Angelry, devilry & eroticism!" Tomorrow also brings the annual Carrot Carnival. As well as being one of New Zealand's top snow spots Ohakune is home to The Big Carrot...
The Boyfriend Pillow
"SINGLE women in Japan have been offered the ultimate bedtime mate: he won't stay out late, he doesn't snore and he won't hog the doona...
"SINGLE women in Japan have been offered the ultimate bedtime mate: he won't stay out late, he doesn't snore and he won't hog the doona...
August 04, 2004
Newcomers to the TMet Hoody Gallery
Pics: Bevan McDonald of Auckland. To win a TMet hoodie & CDs send your own pics...and see your work at our Hoodie Gallery. Winners will announced on Friday 13th.
 Winston PetersHanging with his homies, and wearing TMet at the weekends. |  Robert Muldoon: Prime Minister, Statesman, TMet fan. | ||
 Funnyman Billy T in his TMet Hoody. |  The Lovely Jane Yee from Squeeze TV. |
Pics: Bevan McDonald of Auckland. To win a TMet hoodie & CDs send your own pics...and see your work at our Hoodie Gallery. Winners will announced on Friday 13th.
August 03, 2004
Earthdance / Spring Equinox 2004: Saturday 18 September 2004
Massive Productions have been organising parties for over nine years and have organised a few in that time. This is the first time we have attempted two in one day though. Earthdance falls on the same date as our traditional Equinox party, so to give ourselves a challenge we decided do both, in different sites on the same date. So first up, Earthdance, giving peace a dance at Victoria Park. Celebrated in over 100 cities and 50 countries Earthdance is the world's largest dance party...
M*A*S*S*I*V*E Productions in Christchurch say that they have been "Inciting lawful public assembly since 1995". Good on em I say!
Massive Productions have been organising parties for over nine years and have organised a few in that time. This is the first time we have attempted two in one day though. Earthdance falls on the same date as our traditional Equinox party, so to give ourselves a challenge we decided do both, in different sites on the same date. So first up, Earthdance, giving peace a dance at Victoria Park. Celebrated in over 100 cities and 50 countries Earthdance is the world's largest dance party...
M*A*S*S*I*V*E Productions in Christchurch say that they have been "Inciting lawful public assembly since 1995". Good on em I say!
August 02, 2004
Save Blowhole FM!
"Urgent press release, 2 august 2004
Dear friends, it only seems like such a short time that we last sent a press release out to you all explaining our excitement in receiving a temporary licence to transmit “Blowhole fm” Tauranga to the Bay of Plenty.
This believe it or not was now 3 years ago and since this time. Blowhole, as expected has become one of the purest and most loved radio stations to grace the airwaves in the Bay of Plenty in its history. In October 2003 the Ministry of Economic development posted and held an ascending auction of all surplus radio fm frequencies in which our 97.4mhz frequency was a part of.
Blowhole fm as well as numerous other small radio stations around New Zealand were put into a situation during this time in which we had to bid for our operating frequencies against all other associated and non associated bidders (the auction was open to any one and every one).
The problem incurred in this auction was one of very simple proportions – as it was a requirement to continue to bid in every round to remain in the auction – all other bidders to keep the cost of their own frequency down were forced to bid against another listed frequency to stay in the running pushing the prices of the frequencies through the roof – way out the reach of small profit stations such as Blowhole.
Finally after approx 190 rounds and two months, our frequency sold to the “radio network” for over eighty thousand dollars (the frequency is rated at 30 watts one of the smallest in NZ”!!!
Although “the radio network” has allowed us to remain on the frequency “97.4” for the first half of 2004 allowing us to pursue a new frequency through the NZ government this request of our government to award Blowhole with a replacement has fallen on deaf ears.
In response to this “non response” from our government, we now call on our listening family – the media of our great land - our wonderful entertainment industry family and you to help us gather enough support to show that Blowhole fm will not be taken off the airwaves - rather be awarded a full time solution to allow us to continue to bring free radio and the continuation of support for the New Zealand music industry to you..
To date we have received a incredible amount of support from the net and the response from our listening family beyond what we ever expected – we thankyou all for you support of our cause and ask you now to stand up and support what freedom within the airwaves still exists.
To allow Blowhole fm to be squeezed out of the commercial radio world is a crime – help us to stop this from happening.With your support - help us to get the powers that be to listen to our plight and agree to let us keep this unique radio service on the air for all generations to come.
Please send you support to: blowholefm@xtra.co.nz
Love the Blowhole fm team xxxx"
TMet Recordings would like to express their support for Blowhole FM, and to urge the NZ government to provide an alternative frequency for this station. Blowhole plays one of the highest percentages of New Zealand music in the country, and its loss will have a lasting impact on the New Zealand music scene. Regional stations are essential to provide airplay for local artists, who have little chance of airplay on the larger networks, and Blowhole is a perfect example of a station that strongly supports the NZ music community. The last thing New Zealand needs is another bland commercial station cluttering up the airwaves with Top 40 Shits and wanky AOR. Help save Blowhole FM - email your support today!
"Urgent press release, 2 august 2004
Dear friends, it only seems like such a short time that we last sent a press release out to you all explaining our excitement in receiving a temporary licence to transmit “Blowhole fm” Tauranga to the Bay of Plenty.
This believe it or not was now 3 years ago and since this time. Blowhole, as expected has become one of the purest and most loved radio stations to grace the airwaves in the Bay of Plenty in its history. In October 2003 the Ministry of Economic development posted and held an ascending auction of all surplus radio fm frequencies in which our 97.4mhz frequency was a part of.
Blowhole fm as well as numerous other small radio stations around New Zealand were put into a situation during this time in which we had to bid for our operating frequencies against all other associated and non associated bidders (the auction was open to any one and every one).
The problem incurred in this auction was one of very simple proportions – as it was a requirement to continue to bid in every round to remain in the auction – all other bidders to keep the cost of their own frequency down were forced to bid against another listed frequency to stay in the running pushing the prices of the frequencies through the roof – way out the reach of small profit stations such as Blowhole.
Finally after approx 190 rounds and two months, our frequency sold to the “radio network” for over eighty thousand dollars (the frequency is rated at 30 watts one of the smallest in NZ”!!!
Although “the radio network” has allowed us to remain on the frequency “97.4” for the first half of 2004 allowing us to pursue a new frequency through the NZ government this request of our government to award Blowhole with a replacement has fallen on deaf ears.
In response to this “non response” from our government, we now call on our listening family – the media of our great land - our wonderful entertainment industry family and you to help us gather enough support to show that Blowhole fm will not be taken off the airwaves - rather be awarded a full time solution to allow us to continue to bring free radio and the continuation of support for the New Zealand music industry to you..
To date we have received a incredible amount of support from the net and the response from our listening family beyond what we ever expected – we thankyou all for you support of our cause and ask you now to stand up and support what freedom within the airwaves still exists.
To allow Blowhole fm to be squeezed out of the commercial radio world is a crime – help us to stop this from happening.With your support - help us to get the powers that be to listen to our plight and agree to let us keep this unique radio service on the air for all generations to come.
Please send you support to: blowholefm@xtra.co.nz
Love the Blowhole fm team xxxx"
TMet Recordings would like to express their support for Blowhole FM, and to urge the NZ government to provide an alternative frequency for this station. Blowhole plays one of the highest percentages of New Zealand music in the country, and its loss will have a lasting impact on the New Zealand music scene. Regional stations are essential to provide airplay for local artists, who have little chance of airplay on the larger networks, and Blowhole is a perfect example of a station that strongly supports the NZ music community. The last thing New Zealand needs is another bland commercial station cluttering up the airwaves with Top 40 Shits and wanky AOR. Help save Blowhole FM - email your support today!
We Fought Fashion and Lost: World 1989 - 2005
There's a great exhibition coming up at the Auckland museum (from August 27th - November 7th) of outfits from World, one of the most avant garde design houses in New Zealand. Theatrical, outrageous, eye popping -just a few terms used to describe their collection at last year's NZ Fashion Week. Timed to coincide with this years Fashion Week in Frocktober - the collection will showcase World collections from the past 15 years. You know you've made it when Te Papa buy 10 couture gowns to add to their collection. For Kiwi couture this exhibition is a must see.
In Stacy Greggs book "Undressed" which tells the stories of 15 New Zealand Fashion Labels, you get a sense of the huge impact World had on the Auckland 80s fashion scene. Some might even say they created it. They were the first people to sell coloured denim, printed tshirts and international fashion magazines. World Designer Denise L'Estrange Corbett is now a member of the NZ Order of Merit and a upstanding member of the establishment, but it was not always this way. Their initial funding of $300 was made by putting on dance parties called 'Sex', and they have been pushing boundaries ever since.
There's a great exhibition coming up at the Auckland museum (from August 27th - November 7th) of outfits from World, one of the most avant garde design houses in New Zealand. Theatrical, outrageous, eye popping -just a few terms used to describe their collection at last year's NZ Fashion Week. Timed to coincide with this years Fashion Week in Frocktober - the collection will showcase World collections from the past 15 years. You know you've made it when Te Papa buy 10 couture gowns to add to their collection. For Kiwi couture this exhibition is a must see.
In Stacy Greggs book "Undressed" which tells the stories of 15 New Zealand Fashion Labels, you get a sense of the huge impact World had on the Auckland 80s fashion scene. Some might even say they created it. They were the first people to sell coloured denim, printed tshirts and international fashion magazines. World Designer Denise L'Estrange Corbett is now a member of the NZ Order of Merit and a upstanding member of the establishment, but it was not always this way. Their initial funding of $300 was made by putting on dance parties called 'Sex', and they have been pushing boundaries ever since.
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