Robert’s Weekly Movie Review (RWMR)
Posted by Robert Pond in Movies on July 16th, 2010
Welcome to the first of what is going to become a weekly review on movies ranging from new release at the cinema to recent releases from the video store and even classics that I may watch on TV. I hope you enjoy.
So this week I have two movies to review, Karate Kid and Knight and Day.
I will start with Knight and Day: Staring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz.
Knight and Day is a action comedy about a secret agent who is pursued by a government agency prepared to do what ever it takes to get back an item of national security back. June (Diaz) is a unsuspecting volunteer used by Roy (Cruise) which finds her in the middle of life and death situations from the moment she meets him.
The movie has some over the top action scenes and is non stop action from pretty much the opening scene, however the director manages to add plenty of comedy with the interplay between Cruise and Diaz as well as dropping in a love story in the middle of it all. The movie is quite predictable and simple but that does not take away from the fun and enjoyment you get from it.
The best bit of advise I can give is don’t take the movie to seriously, I would recommend it to all ages and give it 4/5 stars.
The next movie is Karate Kid: Staring Jayden Smith and Jackie Chan.
This remake of the original 1980’s movie follows are very similar story line, Dre (Smith) is a 12 year old boy who is force to move to China when his mother is transferred there for work. He finds himself at odds with a group of bully’s in his school and tries to avoid them until the maintenance man in his building (Chan) ends up forcing him to enter a Chung Fu tournament to face the bully’s.
If you have seen the original Karate Kid you will know how the story ends however this does not take anything away from this remake. The relationship that develops between Smith and Chan is heart felt and you fully believe the connection that grows between them, throw in some very funny scenes and a innocent but endearing love story for Dra and the movie has everything it needs.
You may be hesitant to watch a remake but though the movie follows a very similar story line as the original it has enough subtle differences to make it a very good movie in it’s own right. I give it 3.5/5 stars.
Next weeks movie will be Inception a suspense thriller staring Leonardo Di Caprio, and maybe a couple of classics that I watch during the weekend.
Boys Club “Claim 2 Fame”
Posted by Hayden Jury in Uncategorized on February 17th, 2010
The much anticipated addition to the boys club rituals has been confirmed. Tim Calder has false started however we will not hold this against him as his virgin celeb was the one and only “speedy”. How Tim managed to catch speedy in itself is an accomplishment, let alone throwing a cheeky grope in their as well is almost unbelievable. Sceptics in the photography industry have put forward claims that the photo was edited using photoshop however these reports are unsubstantiated. Rather than be jealous of such an accomplishment I feel as a club we all should endeavour to meet these high standards set by Tim Calder. Each year we will revisit all submissions for that year and vote accordingly. We are in the pipeline to hopefully have the photos posted on our website to keep a tally and leaderboard.
Goodluck
P.S Safety is paramount so when confronting such people like Joan Butcher tread carefully.
Living without glasses.
Posted by Robert Pond in Uncategorized on February 6th, 2010
I made the decision late last year to get laser eye surgery. I contact the Laservision eye clinic in Christchurch and was told that I would need to come in for a Orb Scan to find out if surgery is an option for me. There are some circumstances were the surgery is not an option, things like the corneal shape and thickness and the type of condition someone has will determine weather of not you can have the surgery. Luckily none of this was a problem for me and I got the all clear. I made my appointment and before I knew it I was flying up to Christchurch on the 3rd of February, the surgery was booked for the 4th. On the day of the surgery I had a final check with the Ophthalmologist (surgeon) Ian Dallison and again got the all clear, now all there was to do was wait until 5.30pm for the surgery to begin. Once in theater I had anaesthetic and antiseptic eye drops added to each eye, a protective dressing was placed over the eyelid and lashes of the eye that was being worked on. This was followed by an instrument called an eye speculum to hold the eyelid open to prevent me from blinking or closing my eye during the procedure. Once this was in place the surgery began. It started by creating a corneal flap, a suction cup was applied to the front of my eye which allowed the flap to be created, once the flap is finished the suction ring is removed. The flap is then lifted and the eye positioned for the laser treatment. The laser treatment last between 3 to 25 seconds, the flap is then replaced and the eye is left to settle for 1-2 minutes before removing the eyelid speculum and repeating the process on the other eye. I have to admit that the process was painless however it was not the most comfortable thing I have experienced. The suction was a very odd feeling and the smell of burning during the laser treatment itself was not the most pleasant thing I have been through. After the surgery I spent 20 minutes in a recovery room and the surgeon rechecked the correct position of the corneal flap. Once this was done I was off home for a night of relaxation and rest, which turned into a meal in Christchurch with some friends and a night out on the piss with some very special clear goggles stuck to my face. Two days later I can say the surgery was a complete success, my eye sight is better then it has ever been with the prospect of it getting a little better as the healing process continues over the next month. I have routine follow ups with my optometrist at one week, one month, three months and six months and some eye drops to help with the healing process. I’ve added the photo to help you appreciate what I mean by special clear goggles.
Tour, Writing and Dubai & now the work starts…
Posted by Jonny Love in Uncategorized, University of Otago on November 6th, 2009
Hi all,
I’ve had a great time these last 2/3 months travelling around the country on various tours and playing music for all sorts of people. Loving life!!
Thanks one and all who came along to one of the shows on my debut national tour. Without your support it could never happen and I’m happy to say it was a great success! Each gig was completely different and they all had their special moments which will stay with me. Particularly pleasing was the response to the new stuff…
The heading says ‘Now the work starts’ and what I mean by this isn’t really work, but is a lot of time and effort. I’m now home and with my free days am getting a chance to finish off the demos for my 2nd album. I’m really excited about what’s coming out, and can’t wait to be able to share it with everyone. It’s really a notch up from my last album musically and emotionally. The tracks are great fun to play live and it’s been fantastic to see so many people up dancing along to them. There’s still going to be the odd ballad here and there but this album is definitely drawing more on my Editors/Oasis/Codes roots rather than the singer/songwriter path. I’m thrilled to also mention that Daragh Anderson from Codes will be joining my studio band for my next album. I can’t wait to work alongside him. If you haven’t checked out their stuff yet you should: http://www.myspace.com/codesofficial.
It’s a busy period leading into Christmas and I’ve got plenty of gigs booked in, including playing the competition winner from my tour to ‘Take me Home’. I’m going to go out to her place and play a private show for her and her friends. It should be a great night!! Also off to Dubai this year, playing after the final of the 7’s and then at the Kiwi ball. Should be a great few days…
Then I think I’m going to be a bit quiet for a while and take a couple of months off to finish the next album properly. So it’s going to be a bit of last hurrah over the next wee bit, but then an explosion with the new album next year!!
Until then hope everyone’s loving life,
Cheers,
Jonny
Cameron vs Tua
Posted by Robert Pond in Uncategorized on September 20th, 2009
October 3rd is the night that New Zealand will finally see its two most successful heavy weight boxers go toe to toe in the ring and I for one am going to be watching. The bout is being labelled ”The fight of the century” and as I am the for most expert on boxing in my flat
I am going to take this opportunity to tell you that Shane Cameron is going to be the victor on the night. Tua, though he has produced some spectacular knock outs in his day, is no longer in his day and I believe that Cameron is to much of a boxer for him. I don’t believe that it will be a one sided fight and Tua most differently has the ability to knock Cameron out but I just can’t see it happening. I also don’t see Cameron knocking Tua out. I believe that it will go the distance and Cameron will be the stronger boxer on the night and out score Tua for the victory. I have to admit that I would love to see Cameron come away with the win but as long as there is big hits, some blood and a great fight I don’t think I will care who wins.
New vid coming, RSPCA and other stuff
Posted by Jonny Love in Uncategorized on July 31st, 2009
Just finished shooting the video to ‘Take me Home’ a couple of days ago. We did it over 2 days, the second day being an all-nighter from 4pm to 830am the next morning!! We shot over 8 hours of footage so I don’t envy the job of the directors to cut it down to a 4min30sec track!!! I think it’s going to be great though and am really excited to see the finished result…
In other news… The RSPCA have expressed an interest in me working with them in an ambassador role as well as perhaps using the song ‘Take me home’ in the future. It’s great for me as it’s a charity that I really believe in and I’m looking forward to getting more involved in their work.
It also looks like I’ll be re-packaging the album for an international release. So those of you who’ve messaged me about buying an album outside of NZ, it’s not too far away!! I’ll put up details when I’ve got them.
I’m also just putting together details for a National tour to support the release of the new single and re-packaged album which should be happening end of Sept/Oct. Some ideas behind it that should provide some opportunities for any budding musos around the country - once again will update shortly…
Apart from that I’m also busy writing for another album. Some great stuff coming out, I was a bit worried for a while as the creative juices weren’t really flowing well. It’s a worrying state of affairs when you wonder if you can write anything good again!! But thankfully I’m over that and am really enjoying what I’m doing at present.
Hope everyone’s enjoying life - and as I say I’ll update soon about some great opportunities and video etc…
Chur!
Bloody boys club admin
Posted by Jonny Love in Administration on June 21st, 2009
So after I went to the immense trouble of writing a blog Timmy Calder decided to delete it.
I may never write again.
Meanwhile enjoy this…
The Blue Watch
Posted by Tim Calder in Administration on June 15th, 2009
Drawing on the very same traditions for inspiration that has influenced Highlanders Rugby we have proposed that our Stadium seating block be named after the most famous of Scottish Regiments the Black Watch. Last night at the Robbie Burns a ballot was draw for the first seats to be picked in the new stadium amongst our Lounge Membership group. I was extremely fortunate this night to be standing next to Professor John Burke whose number was called first. Not knowing what seat to choose John asked me to help him whereby I got to select the two best seats in the entire stadium for both him AND me! So you may say that I had first pick of the 31,184 seats available at the new Forsyth Barr Stadium at the University Plaza, and of course I chose the best ones to go with our Lounge Membership package!
It all began in 1725 when General Wade, as leader of the King’s Army in Scotland, set up six companies of the Highland “Watch”, dressed in what was to become known as The Black Watch tartan; inadvertently he created one of the world’s greatest and most enduring military brands.
In 1739 George II amalgamated these companies that had performed with such distinction to form a single infantry regiment which became known as ‘The Black Watch’.
The regiment spent the next 266 years fighting for King, Queen and country from its first great battle at Fontenoy in Flanders in 1745 to Fallujah in Iraq in 2005. Along the way The Black Watch collected an incredible 164 battle honours, 14 VC’s and a reputation that places the regiment in a category of its own.
Blue Bulls empty their load on the Chiefs
Posted by Luke Bache in Super 14 Rugby on May 31st, 2009
The Chiefs, valiant in their embarrassing loss can hold their heads high, as they will always be remembered. ..As the team who lost by the biggest margin EVER in a final.
Unfortunately the Chiefs came to the finals with only a plan A. How many games will it take before the All Blacks and the New Zealand teams realise this all attacking beautiful game is flawed.
What happened in 03 when the All Blacks attempted to run from deep in their own half? Mortlock under the posts, and the mighty England lifting ‘Bill’ in the air proudly. Thats Mr. Ellis to you kiwis, who haven’t seen him in the professional era of the game. And in 07 after ‘les bleus’ figured out your plan A, what happened. You went on a plane home, along with Scotland and Fiji, two minnows in the rugby world. As any ski diver will tell you , you need a second parachute, and you my friends need a plan B.
The Chiefs came into this game, full of confidence after a sound win against the Hurricanes. However the Hurricanes are highly overrated, So’oailo is too busy doing off the ball cheap shots, ‘penguin’ Weepu is checking out his butt implants and ‘Chicken’ Smith is paranoid Col. Sanders is after him. They will never be a top side.
After 10 minutes into the Final you knew the game was over. The Chiefs played right into the Bulls hands. The Bulls have a solid defense, an almighty lineout and are sublime counter attacks. Habana, the master of the intercept, must have been trying hard to hide his smile at the Chiefs completely flawed game plan. Don’t get me wrong South African rugby is formidable at the moment, i expect a 3-0 series whitewash over the Lions. But all i ask for is for New Zealand to realise this all-attacking rugby justn’t isnt finals football.
As the Chiefs fly home i want the rugby obsessed nation of New Zealand to take a long hard look in the trophy cabinet, that is after you have brushed all the cobwebs away. No Webb Ellis, no Super 14 trophy and not even the usual sevens championship.
I bid farewell to Mils Moolooiana and the valiant Chiefs, until next year and i hope the chainsaw carrying mascot hasn’t done himself any harm after seeing his teams’ complete and utter annihilation in Pretoria.
I leave you with a quote from Vincent Lombardi, ” Winning isn’t everything it’s the only thing.” New Zealand, write that down.
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