Never mind the statue, what's in my baggy?

No joy for the Wellingtonista present at today's Academy Awards in Los Angeles. Taika Waititi's brilliant short film Two Cars, One Night lost out (as Taika himself predicted in a TV interview we saw a couple of days ago) to British director Andrea Arnold 's film Wasp. And the Weta guys had no luck for their special effects in I, Robot. Still, eleven last year, so can't complain.

Anyway, we've seen this story about the Oscar nominee's gift bags on the night around a couple of places now. The CBS News one is a bit more hysterical than some of the others, but captures the tone...

You're up for an Academy Award, or "just" a presenter, or performer. You're big time. Sought-after, adored, celebrated, rewarded. You've got it all. So why do you need more gifts? What's with the free spa treatments, free TV's, and $1,500 steak dinners? Why do you get over a hundred thousand dollars worth of stuff and not have to pay for any of it? And you can way pay for it. Even free satellite cable for a year. You can't pay for your own cable? That's just greedy.

But, of course, the thing is, among all the 'greedy' 'got-it-all' US$20M-a-pop Hollywood stars is Taika (and presumably his short-film making mates, as well as some of the documentary makers). They must be stoked. Even if Taika sees even a half of the value of the rumoured US$100000+ that the gift bags are supposedly worth, he'll be absolutely laughing.

A lot of the value seems to come from the 'street price' for things like a three-night stay at San Ysidro Ranch, a popular celebrity honeymoon spot in Montecito, which is listed as being worth $US3000. But still, we can think of worse things than to have a few weeks worth of free luxury living at exclusive hotels and resorts dotted around the globe at our disposal. Nice work.

New Wellington Arts Centre

Just spotted on the excellent Feeling Great website - Wellington is to get a new Arts Centre, on Abel Smith Street (in the old Education Board Building between Cuba and Victoria Streets).

We're not sure if the old Arts Centre (the band rotunda down Oriental Parade, where we go for piano lessons every week, incidentally), will be kept on or not, but, either way, the new facilities look set to expand the number and range of artists and workshops able to be housed at any one time. The new space covers 3000 square metres of floorspace, over a total of seven floors in two adjacent buildings.

Rehearsal-room-deprived musicians should take note, there are also plans afoot for sound-proofed practice rooms. Finally.

Studios, meeting spaces and various facilities will be available from April of this year. If you want to lease a studio, get in now while there are still places available. More details and info on getting application forms are available from the Feeling Great website.

Weekend gig action

Moody rocker and increasingly funk-orientated Dimmer and Samoan hip-hopper extraordinaire Tha Feelstyle (it's not a typo, it is Tha) will be entertaining the students and anyone else who cares to turn up at the Victoria University Union Hall tonight (Fri 25 Feb). Should be an interesting combo of sounds.

The latest Dimmer album - You've Got to Hear the Music - which we initially wrote off as a bit of a boring funk work-out, has actually grown on us hugely over the last few months - and now makes our essential-buy-it-if-you-don't-have-it list of NZ albums. Funny how things like that happen. Tha Feelstyle album - Break it to Pieces - isn't bad either.

Tomorrow night (Sat 26 Feb), if you can drag yourself away from the Cuba Street Carnival [previous post], we recommend heading along to Sandwiches, where the The Kaikoura Roots Festival CD Compilation Launch is taking place. The show will feature the Salmonella Soundsystem - Rudeboy, Jagway and Skitter (Salmonella Dub), Kora, The Might Asterix, Rikki Gooch (TrinityRoots), Alion and MC Kyla.

There's all sorts of tasty pre-sale sweeteners on offer - take note: if you pick up your CD from Real Groovy, Sounds or the CD Store on February 26th you'll receive an invite to the Dub Conspiracy Kaikoura Roots Festival CD Launch party. Present your pre-order CD receipt at Cosmic Corner and receive a discounted ticket to the party, otherwise it's $15 on the door.

Matt Couper @ Janne Land Art Gallery

Wellington artist Matt Couper's new exhibition opened earlier this week at the Janne Land Art Gallery (which has recently moved to Unit 1, 13 Jessie Street).

According to Wikipedia, his most latest work illustrates imagery from his recent trip to the USA, and is concerned with Masonic symbolism, modern architecture and cultural paranoia. You know, that's exactly what I was thinking as I browsed the catalogue.

The exhibition is on until the 19th of March.

Free Acheh Protest

The Indonesian Ambassador is giving a talk at the Wellington Law School today, giving everyone the chance to voice their disapproval of his government's ongoing use of violence and torture in Acheh.

Bloggreen points out that there'll be a nice big banner to rally behind, but any other implements of protest (noise-makers, placards, that sort of thing) are most welcome.

The protest starts at 4:45pm, meeting point is the Cenotaph.

I'm thinking I might pop along just to protest against the Indonesian Embassy's NZ website.

More on Acheh:
Wikipedia - Acheh | Wikipedia - Free Acheh Movement | Achech Times

Cuba Street Carnival

Hopefully Wellington's glorious summer weather will hold on for another few days, and treat the city's citizens to what promises to be a fantastic Cuba St Carnival, this Saturday (Sat 26 Feb).

It's the last Carnival before the south end of Cuba St will be irrevocably altered by the impending bypass, so there's bound to be a few emotional performances and tributes to the old end of the street over the weekend.

One of the highlights of this year's event will be Saturday night's parade, which begins at the Courtenay/Cambridge Corner and going along Courtenay, up Taranaki, into Ghuznee and then onto Cuba, ending at Abel Smith Street.

The indie kids might want to be aware that the Phoenix Foundation and SJD are playing the main stage in the middle of the day (12.30pm and 2.30pm respectively). There's also a plethora of world, dub and dance acts playing tunes on the Cuba and World stages from early in the day 'til around midnight, so whatever your tastes, you'll probably find something you like over the course of the day. Except maybe country. Or classical.

Anway, there'll also no doubt be a big selection of random stalls down the length of the street selling an equally random number of goods and food. Looking for a hemp hat or a new crystal for your collection? Maybe a yummy vegan nosh-up? Perhaps a new pair of fire-pois? You'll probably find it all at the Carnival.

More Energetic Stuff!

I may as well keep with James's sporting spirit for the day, and tell you about an event coming up this weekend that's aimed at the fairer sex.

The Special K Triathlon series is in Wellington this Sunday, but, unfortunately, there are no more spots available for competitors, and no waiting list (and I was so keen to compete, too). Why tell you then? Well, the event is taking place around the wonderful environs of Scorching Bay, so if you want to get out there and cheer the women home, we encourage you to do so.

Start time is 1pm, map of the course is here. (Looking at the map, I suspect that if you're driving, you'll probably want to be coming from the Seatoun side, as opposed to taking the scenic route around Evans Bay, where the biking section will be held. The road will be open to traffic, but cars have a history of causing race event organisers all sorts of grief, so why not give them one less thing to worry about?)

Rugby Registration Day for Kids

Just a quick note for anyone with under 13yo kids who might want to play rugby this year - registrations for Wellington Junior Rugby is this Saturday (Sat 26th).

Junior Rugby is non-contact, non-tackle, and is graded to take weight and age into account.

There's more info on the game on the WRFU website, including a list of club contacts, or contact Anna Thompson (aka Camp Mother) at 380 2213, or via email: camp dash mother at xtra dot co dot nz.

Calci Kids Kiwitri 2005

Well, having popped down to Kilbirnie pool on Sunday morning for the traditional swimming lesson for the 5yo, and a splash around with my 2yo, I was a bit taken aback to find half of Wellington congregating in the park, having just finished their 8km Round the Bays run (my lack of blogging it didn't seem to have had any impact on numbers).

Feeling a bit abashed at the physical exertions of the rest of the city's citizens I have thus resolved to participate in the upcoming Calci Kids Kiwitri - a fun duathlon I can do with my 5yo, and which I heartily encourage other parents to enter as well. The parent/child race comprises of a 100m run (child), then 500m run (adult, I'm pretty sure I can still make it this far), then the child runs to the pool and swims/walks 50m (2 lengths) in the learners pool, then runs to the finish line. No bike required. Easy.

For the older children there's also age-group (7-8, 9-10, 11-12) individual and team triathlon events. The races take place on the 6th of March. Full details over at the FeelingGreat website.

Paul Forrest Exhibition @ The Studio

A new exhibition by Wellington artist Paul Forrest has just got underway at the Studio (what used to be known as the Space), located at 146 Riddiford Street in Newtown.

Paul's new exhibition was launched last week, and will be showing until the 27th of February, during which time he'll be hanging about the gallery, showing off his wares. He's also decked out the Studio in comfy chairs and sofas, put in some lovely lush plants, and the tea-pot is at the ready. Very nice.

Island Bay Trolley Races

The Island Bay Festival wraps up this weekend with one of the highlights being the Ribble Street Trolley Derby on Saturday afternoon.

The Trolley WOF's have already been sorted, so you're too late if you want to join in the racing, but there's plenty of danger and excitement to be had even just being a spectator (witness the Otago races last week), as young racers - protected with only a helmet, fledgling driving skills and a prayer - will be hurtling down Ribble Street at speeds of up to 50k.

Also check out other Festival events happening over Saturday and Sunday, and remember that the Karori Festival is also taking place this Sunday, at Ben Burn Park from 10am.

The Beige Brigade hit the Stadium

Well, we'll be heading off to NZ v. OZ one-day cricket match tomorrow not only to see (hopefully) a hard-fought contest between the two best one day cricket sides in the world at the moment, but also to see how much of the facial hair and lock-teasing action that graced last night's festive twenty20 game survives until the weekend.

Most of the kiwi lads had gone to some effort to get into the retro look, and it would be a waste to chop it. Particularly noteworthy were Cairnsy's 'I-am-my-old-man' style mo, Flem's mo (and the white toweling hat! magic), Craig McMillan & Matt Sinclairs' devilish handlebars, and the non-playing Dan Vettori, who got a huge round of applause every time the camera cut to him on the sideline, looking resplendent with his lambchop sidies and yet another handlebar moustache.

Despite the fact the Aussies smashed us out of the game, we hold out better hopes for the 'elongated' version of the game. And please keep the hair lads - if we can't win, at least we can look good losing. And it must be distracting to the Aussies, surely? Especially that 'fro - I mean, has anyone taken to the field in a professional sports game with a more outrageous hair-cut in the history of sport? Suggestions in the comments box please.

More Fringe Action

Just a quick update on what's going down in Fringe Festival Land over the next couple of days...

If theatre's your thing, try Origin 7 down at Frank Kitt's amphitheatre. "Two people, a man and a woman. Both in pursuit of childhood dreams of becoming astronauts awake to find themselves stranded on an unknown planet. They have never met before ... Together they face the ultimate burden of forging creation."

Box (see earlier post) continues its extravagant run down at the White Room, but if you've done that and need yet more energetic perfomances, try some of the dance shows being put on: Snapshot and Perforum both promise to be excellent shows.

We've seen Francesca Mountfort performing her spooky cello pieces before, so we can highly recommend you get along to her show - Nervous Doll Dancing - on Friday night at Happy.

And on Saturday there's 'Gorgeous' in Manners Mall at noon: a festival featuring "dramatic drag queens, lovely lesbians, terrific trannies, and gay gems". Showcasing the best gay-friendly talent in Aotearoa, stalls and street performers. Everyone, obviously, is welcome. And dress-ups are encouraged.

We've no doubt missed many worthy events - you can see the full programme on the Fringe site.

Goldenhorse & the NZSO

Auckland popsters Goldenhorse are in town at the Michael Fowler Centre tomorrow night (Friday 18 Feb) for a one-off gig with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

The band have already done a couple of similar exercises in with the Auckland Philharmonia and Christchurch Symphony, so the band should be peaking with the full national orchestra at their disposal.

Tickets from, urgh, Ticketek. (Might we suggest to the Ticketek webpeople that they put the dates of events on their search results pages. It would save a lot of clicking. Thankyou.)

Karapoti Classic

Those of you who like to get out in the fresh air on your mountain bike should take note that this year's Karapoti Classic is on 5th March, and entries are closing soon.

There's two races - the 50km Classic, and the 20km Challenge for those who might not quite feel up to the big race quite yet.

The race takes in some spectacular scenery around the Karapoti Park, and there'll be all sorts of other activities taking place on the day like bike throwing, tyre changing and our favourite (spectator) sport - blind slalom. Oh, and there's a $6000 cash pool for prizes, including $500 for the elite grade winner, and $1000 for the junior rider who comes closest to the course record in the 50km Classic.

There's only enough space for 1000 entrants, and after the 21st of Feb you'll also be asked to cough up a $20 late entry fee, so get onto it now.

Phoenix Foundation sign with FMR

Local lads The Phoenix Foundation continue their well-paced rise to the top of the musical pile, with the news that they've signed a deal with Festival Mushroom Records (FMR). The band have apparently been the subject of a 'bidding war' amongst at least a couple of the bigger Auckland-based labels, with some fine wining and dining action being laid down in attempts to woo the hirsute quintet.

The guys are obviously pleased with how things have worked out. Guitarist Sam Scott is reported as saying: "We're all so excited to sign with FMR ... 'coz we are broke arse mutha fuckers. I am personally very keen on drinking beer at their office and stealing as much Flying Nun stuff as I can until they call the cops on me for lifting those original Dave Mitchell 3Ds cover paintings."

The first fruit of this deal is going to be a new single, the name of which eludes us at the moment. 'Hitchcock' - the first single off the new album (entitled Pegasus, and now scheduled for an April release), was released a while back, and was a complete corker, so we're expecting more of the same.

And if you don't have the Phoenix Foundation's first album - Horse Power - in your collection (it was nominated for best album of the year at last year's NZ Music Awards, wouldn't you know, so it must be good), then do yourself a favour and buy it now. And keep an eye out for some upcoming gigs by the band:

Fri 18th Feb - The Sawmill Cafe, Leigh
Sun 20th Feb - 11.30 am - The Littleweed Festival, Katikati
Sun 20th Feb - 6.30pm - 95bFM Summer Series, Albert Park, Auckland
Sat 26th Feb - The Cuba St Carnival, Wellington.

Somes Island Weeding Mission

The ongoing effort by the Department of Conservation, the Council, and ordinary people like you and me to regenerate native flora and fauna around the city continues next month with a bit of a weeding mission out on Somes Island (aka Matiu).

DOC are calling for volunteers for a big weed-busting day on Saturday March 19 (Sunday 20th is the wet-day reserve). DoC will cover transport out to the island, and be putting on lunch. So, if you haven't had a chance to get out to the predator-free jewel of the harbour yet, here's your chance to do so while doing a good deed at the same time.

Contact the aptly named Jo Greenman at DOC for more details. Phone 4708416, or jgreenman at doc dot govt dot nz.

Bodega vigil

Those of you who reminisce about the old, smokey, smelly, loud and generally run-down Bar Bodega of yore are encouraged to head down to the old venue from about 5pm tonight (15th Feb), to participate in a evening vigil.

The bypass bulldozers have been slowly working their way up from Webb St, along Abel Smith and now virtually knocking on Bar Bodega's door. But fear not, the venerable old building isn't going to be demolished, and is due to be moved down the road a bit.

So, bring along any old memorablilia, and be prepared for a night of nostalgia.

And remember, the aim of the game is to not get arrested.

Box @ Fringe Festival

Wellington's Fringe Festival is up and running, and the one event we highly recommend you get along to see is the extremely complicated-sounding multimedia and performance extravangza which goes by the very simple name of 'Box'.

Doubtless there will be many more events of quality and acclaim, but when you put dozens of dancers, musicians, and assorted video jockeys and noise-makers together in the same room, it promises to be very very good. Or just plain scary. The only way to find out is by heading along.

Box is showing at The White Room off Lukes Lane from the 16-19th of February from 9pm, with an extra show planned for the 19th at 7pm. Tickets are $15 from 'Good as Gold' 140 Victoria Street.

Island Bay Festival

If you missed the last ever Whopper Chopper down at Island Bay, then be sure to make the most of the incredibly warm weather with a day by the beach this weekend, when the 21st Annual Island Bay Festival gets under way.

There's all sorts of good stuff for young and old. The suburb's main street The Parade lives up to its name at 2:30 on Saturday with a good old fashioned dress-up parade from the shops to the park, where the Festival will be officially opened.

From 3:30 it's bands in the park, with our favourite local band Ghostplane playing the rotunda, as well as the likes of Rhian Sheehan, Module, and, errr, Super Sausage.

There's more stuff to come next week as well (oooh! Soap Box Car Racing!) - we'll keep you posted.