FLURO MAG

HERE YOU GO!

2010-01-06T15:32:00.005+13:00

Well, it's finally here. Go HERE to download the latest and last issue of FLURO Magazine. Due to economic bullshit we haven't been able to print this issue so online the only way you can get it. Spread it wide and far! The FLURO crew is heading off on worldly adventures this year so we are splitting for the meantime. We have had a blast bringing the magazine to you all for the last few years and will miss it for sure. A huge thanks to everyone who helped out and put up with us while we hammered it out. Also to all the advertisers, we could not have done it without you.

Cheers

Also if you would like to get your hands on physical copies of back issues we have limited numbers available for 5 bucks a piece with free postage. Just send us an email with which ones you'd like and we'll sort it out. contact@fluromag.com

Large Paint Supply

2009-09-27T12:33:00.010+13:00

I still remain in a flabbergasted state after last years Muto, the wall animation by Blu.

In a collaboration with David Ellis he has slopped down paint to produce yet another mind blowing animation project for this years FAME festival. Run your beady little eyes over these:

All quiet on the Western front...

2009-09-20T18:56:00.002+12:00

Heres why we've been all hushed up for so damn long. FLURO 10 is coming. We promise. If you have been finding it hard to cope without your latest issue why not head HERE for some brilliant life advice from someone well in the know. We'll be with ya'll shortly.

2009-08-17T12:56:00.003+12:00

I want these please:

You can buy them for me here

FFFOUND

2009-08-16T15:14:00.004+12:00

These are all images from my favourite site where I go to find beautiful/provocative/inspiring images. Its called FFFOUND!

2009-08-15T14:39:00.002+12:00

'Art' or 'advertising'

Yes this probably is the best ad in the world.

BRAND NEW MATH

2009-08-14T09:21:00.004+12:00

Woohoo! We love BNM, and lucky for us - they're coming to Welly again.

Yes boy and girls, as part of their 'August Excursion' they're playing in Chch tonight, at Mighty in Welly tomo - and back up to Auckland again.

Hang on, doesn't that qualify as a full NZ tour???

This is what happened to the crowd last time they played: I'm not quiet sure what that was a about...

It looks pretty amazing!

Tomo with Tiddabades and DJ Shorty K - it's gonna be a sweet night

xoxo

The googlization of everything

2009-08-13T11:34:00.003+12:00

Perhaps contradictory to the last post, I'm putting it out there: The age of 'tangible texts' is certainly up in question. What with online journals, videos, novels, forums, emails, photo albums, diaries ( read: blog entries) the list goes on and on... you get my drift?

So when you die, what will become if this 'intangible' YOU?

I stumbled across this site yesterday http://googlization.com/ and I think it's hilarious for making comment on this cultural shift...

Because if you can't be googled - do you really even exist?

Bringing back mystery and romance to books...

2009-08-11T20:33:00.004+12:00

Aww bless.

It's Wellington library week and the staff must having been working into over time to implement the loveliest idea.

Lots of books have been wrapped in brown paper with a short plot description, allowing you to get out a mystery book, take a gamble and perhaps discover a new author.

Choosing a book has never been so much fun, it takes me back to the days of lucky dip at school galas.

This one says:
Two famous Paris couturiers lived a magical life in the sixties, but then the excesses of the seventies and eighties cast a shadow over their lives.

Oooh, I wonder what it is.

HILARIOUS ANIMALS COME IN THREES

2009-08-11T19:39:00.002+12:00

A few vids 'doing the rounds' at the moment that are somewhat related. Aww yeah.

so awkward

2009-08-08T21:41:00.000+12:00

BRAINS THIS WED

2009-08-04T23:26:00.003+12:00

Cool poster eh?

Oh how times have changed:

2009-08-04T23:11:00.001+12:00

TONIGHT! SCRATCH 22, TOURETTES AND TOMMY ILL

2009-07-31T10:41:00.006+12:00

Scratch 22 and Tourettes are in Welly ( having battled with their fear of flying) to perform at Mighty Mighty - Tonight! Along with Tommy Ill, you'd have to be stupid to miss this.

There's even 3 posters circulating for the event. WOAH! LOL>

Absolutely chuffed with his loaf

2009-07-30T23:08:00.002+12:00

"I almost don't want to eat it...just look at it. *Pat Pat*
But I am going to eat it"

Winter warm fuzzies

2009-07-27T13:42:00.005+12:00

If winter is getting a bit to much and you need something extra special to lift you day check out the lovely toys on offer at www.badanimals.co.nz
My friend Amy has been toiling away the winter months making sweet things for little and big kids alike. Each is handmade, born in Wellington and uniquely one of a kind.
Not only are they ridiculously adorable they are incredibly afforable.
I want the Yeti!

New World Metro embraces the diversification of marriage

2009-07-26T22:35:00.005+12:00

That's right folks. You saw it here first. Click on the image for more detail. New World Metro now provides

-straight bride and groom
-lesbian bride and bride - matching tux
-gay groom and groom- again matching tux
-dancing bride and groom
-mini dancing bride and groom
-lone bride - ouch
-ethnic bride and groom - sari included
-funky gay groom and groom - zany tie and balding provided

For all your wedding needs, New World metro is the place...unless you are an ethnic gay couple. Hideous background cake included.

Looking to the week ahead

2009-07-26T11:41:00.006+12:00

MUM is coming to Wellington for the second time this Sat! With a reputation for being epic/awesome/amazing/incredible- you better be there.

With Bang Bang Eche, Over the Atlantic, Tommy Ill, DJ's and more...It's gonna be real sweet me thinks

IGNORANCE IS BLISS

2009-07-23T18:05:00.020+12:00

After days of being stuck inside, curled up next to the heater and constantly sipping on hot tea - I've decided enough is enough. My fantasies of warm weather, soaking up the sun and jumping in the sea - are driving me crazy
Sadly however my 'solution' is not to buy a ticket to Fiji

I've decided that my next day off will be spent at the closest swimming/gym establishment near to me

There I intend on spending THE WHOLE DAY jumping from the sauna to the spa, to the sunbed, to the pool - and to do this over and over and over again. Mostly the sun bedding part. (I know right? How tacky.)

But if I can't get the real thing, maybe I'll fake it

Because I am in SERIOUS need of summer, and some Vitamin D!

2009-07-20T21:05:00.017+12:00

There are some issues I struggle to comprehend. No matter how many people I ask, articles I read, or bulletins I watch, I'm consistently left confused and asking- why? Zimbabwe and just exactly what kind of leader President Mugabe is ( or has become) is one of these.

For my entire life Mugabe's face has been popping up at 6 o'clock, and stories of injustice, starvation, accounts of heroism, bloodshed and hate ( not to mention the 'D' word) have filled my head with all kinds of conclusions.

So I decided to rent out this FABULOUS DOCUMENTARY which I recommend you all go and see. ( I've only seen it at the Library so far, but it may be lurking in stores.) It provides a first hand account of those still willing to speak out and traces a short, but very complex history of Mugabe's reign.

At 85, and after 25 ( or so) years in power, it's high time he steps down, but as the film makes all to clear, for as long as he can - Mugabe will rule. I'm still a bit hazy, but a few of my H,W,W,W and W's have been answered.

Because of the immense danger journalists or anyone daring to speak out will face, those who appeared on the film were forced either to go into exile - or be punished by Mugabe's supporters.

Shocking, disturbing, heart wrenching ( the list goes on) I implore anyone with an interest to go rent this DVD.

Desperate times call for desperate measures!

2009-07-19T14:00:00.008+12:00

Falling behind on rent? Need an extra dollar or two? Well here's the solution for you! Go supermarket shopping and seek out deformed fruit and vegetables. Come up with 'kooky' names....and sell!

For example: 'The Man Orange' as recently listed on Trade Me.

Starting bids sit at $1, but just watch this baby soar!

So long Dash Snow, you were wonderful

2009-07-16T22:01:00.003+12:00

Joining the infamous 27 club...

The god of Tap Guitar

2009-07-16T16:31:00.001+12:00

Andy McKee can play guitar better than you.

I, on the other hand, am almost this good.

THE THERMALS DO IT DIY...

2009-07-16T11:12:00.002+12:00

I've always had a kind of dubious relationship with The Thermals in the sense that I've hated to love them. They come from a totally pop punk perspective, which generally I HATE, but their lyrics and musicianship belies the simplicity of their overt pop songs. Anyway, was awesome to discover them hanging in a cemetary playing acoustically; gave weight to both Hutch Harris' ability and my appreciation for them. Check it out on the below, and for more info check out their record label Kill Rock Stars' website HERE

Episode #8.1: The Thermals - "Now We Can See" from Off The Beaten Tracks on Vimeo.

Get ready for FRIDAY

2009-07-13T12:29:00.002+12:00

The International Film Festival is about to begin!

You can download a Wellington Screening Schedule HERE

Yus!

A call for change...

2009-07-12T21:37:00.013+12:00

So a friend of mine recently got back from a super short stint in the States, jet setting from Coast to Coast, and returning with a wad of culture shock stories in tow. Among the myriad of Venice Beach “it is actually what it looks like in the movies – there are people totally pumping iron on the shore and groups of ‘sex kittens’ parading bikini bodies on roller skates down the promenade" – and Disneyland – they went during off season so they could go on every ride and it was Amazing – stories, we finally settled into tales from the more culturally sound area of Brooklyn, New York.

Spending the majority of his trip in this particular burrough he divulged the type of social culture they uphold, in relation to music and partying and general community atmosphere, which ended up partially explaining why this area has recently become a mecca for creative pursuits.

It basically boiled down to the simple but often overlooked nuance of supporting ones friends rather than supporting ones party at all costs. So Brooklanders would pay cover charges, arrive before the bands played, and consistently turn out to nights that were more organically community focused chill out times.

Don’t get me wrong (or him – he was actually there after all) on the nights they party, they party – think free pouring shots when mixing drinks and cocktails (read: uber strong and dangerous) but they are also consistently supportive of almost every event taking place.

Anyway, this friend came back super morose. Wellington is the same size as Brooklyn – the Cuba Street and surrounding areas anyway – and yet the only time people go out is after midnight on a Wednesday, Friday or Saturday, refusing to pay cover charge, missing bands, and generally just being obnoxious drunks.

Coincidentally, a couple of friends (Scott Nicolson from Radioactive, and Gemma Syme of The Kitchen Sink and Radioactive) and myself had jump-started the idea of hangin’ around in Wellington with The Listening Post.

OK, so it's an idea that's been kicking round in Auckland as The Eavesdrop, but it's so perfect, we had to copy! Particularly in the time of blogs and MP3’s and record labels folding and record stores closing down, the ‘real’ side of music has sort of been lost; you know, actually spending time with the physical album, looking at the artwork, listening to great songs in a social environment and discussing them.

PLUS, board games. Brilliant. So we hold it on the last Thursday of every month at The Watusi, and from this month on there, along with the board games and great music, will be a Happy Hour of some description from 9-10p.m, to coax punters from their semi-warm flats into the cold. And all on a Thursday night to ease you into the more salubrious weekend pursuits. If you’re in Wellington come along, we will totally make it worth your while and you might just learn something!

You can check out previous Run Lists at www.thekitchensink.co.nz

Written by CJS

Picking up that paintbrush...

2009-07-11T13:02:00.006+12:00

My art teacher told my mother in sixth form that I could, and I quote, 'paint a pretty picture, but had no good ideas.'

Although I loved painting and was damn well good at it thank you Mrs you-know-who-you-are, I soon quit and never really touched a brush again (well, not with any confidence anyway.)

This experience now baffles me. Who has any 'great ideas' at 16? Who was she to determine my future/potential? Who cares anyway - it's 6th form right!?

It's funny how children are encouraged to think about 'what they're 'good' at' or 'what they'll be successful doing'...or, and is often the case, 'what will earn a lot of money.'

'It's pursuing things you enjoy that make your life worth living' they should tell you.

'Who cares if your crap, you think your alright and that's OK' they should consider.

'You'll probably become an accountant anyway, but damn it'd be cool if you could paint pictures for Xmas' they should contemplate.

Because, as my guiding philosophy states:

TONIGHT!!!

2009-07-11T09:51:00.002+12:00

Tagline: 'The Worst Bands in NZ - all in one night!"

No not really, but you all know that....right?

At Watusi ( that's 6 Edward Street) i'd say around 10.

Woohoo

HOLLANDAISE YOU ROCK MY WORLD

2009-07-10T14:04:00.009+12:00

When I was about ten or so, Eggs Benedict was a Saturday ritual. Never to be missed, always savoured and enjoyed. For whatever reason, maybe it was in a short live vegan faze, Bene went off the menu. What a silly decision THAT was!

This morning me and Bene were reunited and by god, did I miss it.

No other food warms me up, numbs that hang over or makes me smile like Bene does.

YUM!

BECK GETS HIS [ONLINE] ACT TOGETHER

2009-07-09T08:32:00.003+12:00

So although Beck doesn't have any new angry-with-the-world-and-the-people-within-it slash Scientology rambling albums in the pipeline just yet, he is putting his time out from touring and recording to good use.

I'd never been on the official Beck website before now, but apparently it used to be a chaotic affair. Well no longer, and he's got a whole heaps of little projects going down to keep you entertained.

The one that initially caught my eye was 'Irrelevant Topics', which is going to be (there's only one just yet) a series of interviews between artists and creatives that are "free of promotional drive or editorial direction."

So I guess the idea is to have totally pure interviews with these creatives in the hope of discovering something the many journalists who have probably already asked these questions haven't tapped in on. Here's hoping, particularly as the first one is with Tom Waits, imagine the secrets he has! Check 'em out HERE, and maybe ponder what it is that keeps Beck looking so damn young at the same time.

DEAR SOUTH AFRICA...

2009-07-08T10:33:00.004+12:00

There is the cutest little band from South Africa that I have just discovered via a miriad of web links which led to a beautiful website and video clip for single Great White Bear. In it, a lonely man finds love with a spider by giving her eight red heels so they can dance together and then she weaves a heart spiderweb and then they both get beaten up - the classic story of the general public not understanding the outsider I guess. Anyway, give the illustrated gem a watch HERE and check their website which is equally as impressive HERE

The new bible.

2009-07-07T15:32:00.004+12:00

Wikible. It's got a ring to it. Now Wikipedia (or 0.01% of Wikipedia, to be precise) is available in a book. Not the kind of book you can put on your coffee table, either. At some 5,000 pages and 1ft 7inches high, it would pwn that pathetic coffee table of yours.

Fact: The English edition of Wikipedia Encyclopedia contains around 3 million articles as of now and if someone were to print the entire Wikipedia encyclopedia into a book, the size of that book would roughly be equivalent to 952 volumes of the Encyclopedia Britannica.

It's kind of a sad thought that the second this book came off the press, it was out of date. That's a lot of work to be made redundant in a very short period of time. I guess it's a statement that says something about the nature of the www.

www.rob-matthews.com

Life in the capital city

2009-07-07T11:21:00.014+12:00

Moving to a new city is probably one of the most invigorating things you can do. Everything is new when you move. There are streets you have yet to walk, hills yet to climb and bridges yet to jump off. Yes when I moved to Wellington from smokey old Auckland, I looked upon the capital as if it were my very own adventure playground. And over the summer, and then for one winter, it was.

However after two, just like I had in Auckland, I've fallen into the trap of complacency. I have a good friends, we go to 'this' bar or 'that' and on my days off, rather than studying a map and thinking 'what have I yet to see/do,' I'm guilty of trudging down to our local cafe to enjoy the scene.

However just like moving to a new city, showing tourists where you live- can be just as exciting. When your with people who've yet to see home, that rush of possibility comes flooding back to you. And over the last few days, this is exactly what's happened.

So here's a 'top five' guide ( oh the tourism business down here will love me) of everything that's SPECTACULAR about this fine city.

1.) Ice creams at Oriental, even when it's winter. The best thing about Welly is that regardless of where you live, 'getting away from the city' is no more than five minutes away.

2.) Cliche yes, but the Botans. If you can get off work/school/life for a day and just lie down reading a book- this is bliss. 3.) At number three is Wellington's cultural/social hub- Mighty Mighty. Other bars really just can't compete with the 'dress up/get down' buzz and atmosphere of Mighty. Anyone who's ever played here has been there, and anyone who lives here, ends up there. Best toasties in town!

4.) Maranui surf cafe for brunch. If you've been there, you know.

5.) And at number five....I'm going to say eating/getting coffee anywhere on Cuba. Always good, always a face you know.

I'm soon moving, so it's probably appropriate I'm getting all nostalgic over this city - god damn it's been a lot of fun. Auckland eat your heart out.

TONIGHT!!!

2009-07-04T15:38:00.003+12:00

FIRST OF MANY, YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT!

DJ'S START AT NINE, BANDS 10.30

WOOOOOO

Japanese Legend

2009-07-04T15:23:00.004+12:00

Japanese photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto tancends time with his photographs. Each image capturing a sense of longevity and a glimpse into an unseen time and place. Obsessed with time travel, Sugimoto's subjects include wax figure dioramas where something lifeless can become full of life in a still image, seascapes that cannot be affected by time or humans and theatres lit by the light of an entire lenght of a film. Worth a look.

Woman's Day on acid

2009-07-03T18:02:00.007+12:00

Mr. Ill

2009-07-03T13:02:00.005+12:00

Rapper Tommy Ill has just created a pretty sweet new website. Ever modest and appropriately titled, tommyillrapsbest.com
I did a wee interview with him for another blog HERE.
Book shows, download tunes...Tommyillrapsbest.com
Wooo!

The Listening Post Tonight!

2009-07-02T16:26:00.002+12:00

Brought to you by Fluro, The Kitchen Sink and Radio Active...
8pm, The Watusi,
Woot!

For richer, for poorer

2009-07-01T00:18:00.006+12:00

In the last year, for some reason, my heart has turned into a cold block of concrete and I find it hard to cry. 'Raised by Wolves' by Jim Goldberg has conjured a total of four glorious glistening tears. Nice work Jim.

His slice of gritty American photography is something to be reckoned with. So far I have only got my hands on 'Rich and Poor' and 'Raised by Wolves' but it is good. Two excellent books to look out for.

Lyrical Dreamscapes:

2009-06-30T10:43:00.007+12:00

Our talented friend Melissa ( she's responsible for the pics in this issue's Dream Boy) is part of an exhibition opening tomorrow night...

Lyrical Dreamscapes: 'born from a shared desire as friends to step out of the creatively restrictive perimeters of our conceptual-based study and workplaces, enabling us to exercise our illustrative abilities and bring it into a gallery context. The works featured are inspired by music and lyrics as they play into our lives and influence our creativity. Our three unique styles are brought together to take you on a dreamlike journey through a lyrical realm.'

Drinks between 5:30- 7:30 at Pixel Ink Gallery...Diana Rozz, Tommy Ill and the Ch5 at Mighty Mighty after - it's going to be big!

BEARD OF THE WEEK

2009-06-29T17:16:00.005+12:00

The Full Body Beard

This guy is amazing and I mean no disrepect. He is Yu Zhenhuan from China and is 98 percent covered in hair. This is really old news, this story broke HERE in 2004 when he planned to become a rockstar to bring attention to his condition and to cope with treatment from others. Unfortunately I couldn't find any recent stories on him, if anyone has heard anything please let us know. An interview could be in order.

My mom, an exhibition...and a trade me fib!

2009-06-29T14:43:00.015+12:00

This Wednesday my mothers solo exhibition 'Pretty, as a Picture' will open at Sophie Canon Gallery. Yep real proud... might even be bragging a bit.
Anyway you should pop along if your in town - Melbourne town. It'll be sweet. She's even managed to get the gallery to take this down.... So booze will be on the list. I think the turn out will be alright however, seems New Zealanders know who she is. I just found this listing on Trade Me...
'Sarah Smuts Kennedy Candelabra'...what a total fib!

R.I.P MJ

2009-06-29T12:06:00.009+12:00

Andrew Tidbal has added a MJ tribute segment to his music website, CHEESE ON TOAST. Oooo and would you look at that - a tribute from Fluro! You can view them all HERE

Henrik

2009-06-29T11:37:00.006+12:00

Blogger CJS declared her love ( HERE) and thus introduced me, and perhaps you, to the inspired/peculiar/AMAZING Danish-fashion-phenomenon that is Henrik Vibskov. All week I've been viewing images from Paris fashion week exhibiting his new Spring/Summer 2010 collection. True to form it's as eccentric as ever.

Images courtesy of NY Mag. You can view more HERE

DEM BANGS

2009-06-28T12:24:00.009+12:00

I'm sure you've read a million tribute posts, so I will refrain from summing up Farrah Fawcett's life..and death..and get straight to the point of this post.
HER BANGS. When ever I go to the hairdressers I take this picture along with me....God DAMN I'm obsessed with her hair.

LONG LIVE THE KING

2009-06-27T14:54:00.011+12:00

In 2007 1,500 plus inmates from the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center, took YOUTUBE by storm. Do you remember this?

Yesterday, along with everyone/anyone who shared a love for music, they mourned the loss of MJ. Byron Garcia, provincial security consultant of the Cebu Provincial Detention Centre told GMANews that 'Michael played a big part in our program. If it weren't for Thriller the Cebu inmates wouldn't have global recognition.'

I remember seeing this a few years back and being incredibly amused. However you can't help but question the morality of the practice. Dancing inmates? And we think making prisoners build accommodation is wrong?!
R.I.P MJ, Your legacy lives on.

PRINT IS ALIVE AND WELL

2009-06-27T12:04:00.002+12:00

Since starting to collect Wonderland magazine a couple of years back, it has consistently outshone any other print publication I've checked out. It's beautiful and intelligent, and articles are time sensitive as well as timeless.

The April May 2009 issue which has just hit our shores is no different, with interviews with everyone from Kim Basinger to Vivienne Westwood and Little Boots. The fashion shoots are as inspiring as they always are; there're a good four massive spreads, from ghost-like white women in ephemeral garb to a rave circa 2001 throwback (but it works believe it or not) of which the cover image is a part of.

All this at only ten bucks; pack your lunch one day this week and buy Wonderland instead!

It's official! Mum is coming to Welly!!!

2009-06-26T13:12:00.002+12:00

Auckland's favourite clubnight comes to Wellington!
MUM - which runs every Friday at Cassette #9 - is kicking off Saturday July 4th at the San Francisco Bathhouse, and the first Saturday of every month from now on.

With bands and DJs bringing the fun from 9pm til morning time, it's going to be mega-party like never before!

SOHOMO THIS SAT, MUM NEXT... you'd almost think this was Auckland :)

RIP :(

2009-06-26T13:02:00.000+12:00

Dreamy

2009-06-25T22:33:00.000+12:00

Sohomo this Sat!!!

2009-06-25T20:43:00.003+12:00

Sohomo is in Wellington this Sat and it's going to be a goodin. Lotion, DJ Shorty K, BRAND NEW MATH and more...
$10. SAN FRAN!!!

Trouble is my business

2009-06-25T16:26:00.007+12:00

WOW. You have got to see this film. A documentary which follows the day to day life of Mr Peach, deputy head master of Aorere College in Mangare.

I went to a school in central Auckland which was attended largely by girls who lived waaaay out south. Their mothers would beg and plead to get them in..... and now I understand why.

Go see this film - I implore you!!

Sally Shand and Ssswwonderful Opening Tonight!

2009-06-25T11:12:00.007+12:00

Sally Shand is the brain child of Ragdoll Illustrations - a booming business which is super cute!

Tonight is the official release soiree at Swonderful which will exhibit her third collection, 'Sibels.' God damn that's a lot of sssss.

You can read a little Q and A about this HERE

Or simply pop along at 6 to see for yourself!

Super!

FROM THE BLEACHERS

2009-06-23T22:49:00.002+12:00

We were lucky enough to meet the lovely Charlotte Ryan from 95BFM in Auckland when she interviewed us recently on her morning show. Anyway, on Wednesdays she hosts something many of you might find far more interesting than listening to us blabbering on.

From the Bleachers is a conversation between Ryan, Duncan Greive - editor of Real Groove magazine - and Troy Ferguson, talking about music related issues, and pretty much just arguing in the way that critics and any people obsessed with a particular industry are good at doing.

On the back of the slack Simon Sweetman has received for his less-than-glowing reviews of some Kiwi musicians, the trio discussed the relevance of music reviews in general, what makes a good review, a bad review etc., which inevitably led to discussions around the future of print music media and the like. Super interesting if music industry related chit chat interests you, or you really don't like Simon Sweetman, because neither do they. Check it HERE

It's nearly that time of year again

2009-06-23T14:20:00.007+12:00

Winter turns me into a pathetic sloth who lurks around the house. Imagine my joy and excitement regarding the fact that verrry soon I can stop lurking around the house/watching bad week night television/frightening my flatmates. Instead I can lurk around the cinema! The New Zealand International Film Festival is just around the corner and this year the line up is looking GOOD. The Festival was inaugurated with seven films in 1972 to supplement the meagre options of Wellington filmgoers. Thirty years on and the Festival continues to grow, showing over 130 programmes to audiences in excess of 71,000.

My picks for what looks good this year include:
Balibo
The First Day of the Rest of Your Life
Wendy and Lucy
Blind Loves
Dogtooth
Ponyo

There are a lot of films so if you're interested in seeing some goodies a bit of planning maybe in order. Film guides have been dropped around town with all the info but you can also check out www.nzff.co.nz

Wellington festival 17 July -2 August
Auckland festival 9 July - 26 July
AND it is screening throughout the rest of the country so check the website for your nearest screening.

...speaking of monumental Alice in Wonderland dreamscapes...

2009-06-23T12:36:00.006+12:00

...check out these images of concept art for the Tim Burton make of 'Alice in Wonderland' due for release in March 2010. This movie looks like it's going to blow some minds, mine included.

Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter

Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen

Mia Wasikowska as Alice

Matt Lucas as Tweedledee and Tweedledum

Ohhhh it's another Eavesdrop!

2009-06-23T08:51:00.004+12:00

To all the boys and girls living in the city of AK, head along to Eavesdrop this Wednesday (that's tomorrow) to hear some awesome new tunes...Including ( but not limited to) Dinosaur Jr, Mono, Deerhunter, MSTRKFT, The Gossip Eels, Filthy Dukes, Elvis Costello, Wilberforces, Brand New Math, Street Chant, Faith No More, The Airborne Toxic event, Matt Joe Gow and the Dead Leaves AND MUCH MUCH MORE!

Take your friends along or go and make some new ones.

From 7pm, The Wine Cellar, St Kevins Arcade...seriously, why wouldn't you!?

WHO LAID THE GOLDEN EGG? TIM WALKER!

2009-06-22T20:57:00.010+12:00

So it's not news that I'm obsessed with magazines of all shapes and forms blah blah blah. And the appeal of a lot of these magazines has something to do with the beautiful shoots that are in place within, and a lot of the time I find myself having these deja-vu moments where shoots from different magazines look really similar and you have some idea that it's probably a designer or photographer or stylist working for both that's pulling those aesthetic similarities together. But I've never really try to pin down the base point or person involved until giant golden eggs and Viktor and Rolf dressed as circus clowns and WWII planes-in-living-rooms starting popping up all over the place, creating the most monumental Alice in Wonderland moments since Lewis Carroll fell down the rabbit hole and took everyone else with him, including me, who was completely in the dark about the proprietor of such dreamscapes until a design / stylist genius friend of mine pointed out Tim Walker in a Vogue.

Check out the images above, and his website HERE and tell me there is a better person to take accompanying photographs to lullabys and the like? Multi coloured kittens? OF course.

BEARD OF THE WEEK

2009-06-22T16:49:00.003+12:00

“ Jack Passion is to the sport of bearding what Tiger Woods is to the sport of golf."

— Phil Olsen, Founder and Self-Appointed Captain, Beard Team USA

Word ups to HameDMC for the tip on this one.

Jack Passion recenly won first place in the all natural beard category at the World Beard and Mustache Championships in Anchorage, Alaska on May 23, 2009. Taking third place overall his whiskers are damn impressive considering he is only 23 years old. Always one to give back to the community he is also the author of 'The Facial Hair Handbook' Every Mans Guide to Growing & Grooming Great Facial Hair. Purchase.

And for a special treat heres a cut of that stupid fucking boat song with some serious beard action. Enjoy.

ISSUE NINE ONLINE NOW!!!!

2009-06-16T20:03:00.000+12:00

DOWNLOAD NOW

your daily fodder: fuck yeah animals with casts

2009-06-15T21:50:00.003+12:00

The website is pretty self explanatory

http://fuckyeahanimalswithcasts.tumblr.com/

poor little tykes.

The logos. Oh the logos.

2009-06-15T20:09:00.010+12:00

For all the graphic designers out there... logos can be a bitch to design. Thankfully, the chances are that there will always be a worse logo design out there than any that you do. And here's the proof: www.yourlogomakesmebarf.com

These logos are classic - I can just see those idiots - "we don't need to spend hundreds of dollar on a logo for our business, I'll just whip one up in that Paint programme all the kids are talking about... now where's my Windows manual?"

Check out some of these:

Hmm. What the fuck.

"I know, we'll badly clearcut an eagle, bring up the levels 'til it's slightly past a nice red, go with some striking 'hand-drawn style' typography that will give it that corporate edgy look and slap it all on a bright blue background. Where's my raise?"

My favourite. Didn't think too much about your choice of typography here, did you, Tubes n Hoses? Or is it Pubes n Hoses? Pubes n Hoses would be more interesting.

Check out more here.

x

BEARD OF THE WEEK

2009-06-15T17:57:00.004+12:00

I hate rugby with all my heart but I am partial to a good beard. I just so happened to catch the haka at the start of that big game over the weekend and this guy stood out. I think it was the way he growled at the A.B.s during. It was as if he was about to pull out a battle axe at any moment.

Apparently he "has even become an enigmatic sex symbol." link

And he also eats babies. link

An actor out of work...boo hoo hoo

2009-06-15T11:37:00.004+12:00

Our good friend Andrew Tidball runs a site called cheese on toast. It's pretty good aye, and at about 11 last night he asked me to put together a wee list of my five fav 'new' songs. You can check his site HERE.

Anyway, I included St Vincent ' An actor out of work' and thought I'd post the video here. Its not the most amazing video I've ever seen, but I think it's simplicity ups the intensity of the clip. As an actor out of work ( boo hoo hoo) I really think it works.

STOP START STOP START. START!

2009-06-14T21:14:00.001+12:00

Wildbirds and Peacedrums are a band who I discovered a little while ago and have been quietly tracking and waiting for their album to get distribution here after it was unavailable on Amazon.com when I went to buy it. Anyway, they definitely have undertones of that whole African chic tribal biz going on which I'm getting pretty fucking sick of, but they do it in such a minimalist way (read: no A Capella!) that it eventuates into more experimental rock duo than trip to the African plains.

Here's the videoclip for new single 'There is no Light' from their new album The Snake. Beautiful example of experimenting with the 'playing live' music video and pulling it off.

Quote of the day

2009-06-13T11:37:00.002+12:00

" I like being a geek. It pays better." - Kerryn.

We're a lazy generation...

2009-06-13T10:28:00.006+12:00

Oh but we do love to shop! Luckily the Internet is forever providing new and increasingly lazy ways for me to get my clothing fix! This is a site i look upon regularly - it's called pullyoursocksup and it's a cheap and cheerful vintage site run by Angela Crane. The wife of Murray Crane, you know 'little brother' ...'Murray Crane Clothing'..

Yes well, basically the idea behind the site is that Ange goes shopping and sells her prized items onto lazy sit-at-home punters like you and me.

I guess it's more of a glorified trade me profile than a fully comprehensive vintage site, but here in lies its appeal. First in first serve. And lots of waiting in between.

PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE NOTES!!!

2009-06-13T09:50:00.006+12:00

Don't you just hate notes? 'Please put out the rubbish' ' You keep us awake all night' 'Learn to shower.' Let me tell you, receiving these just ain't nice.

However reading others can be great fun! ENTER : Passiveaggressivenotes.com

A site full of 'real' aggression and snarky comments, which aren't directed at you! Brilliant!

We did a little interview..

2009-06-11T11:00:00.003+12:00

The loverly Charlotte Ryan interviewed Fluro when we were up in AK...
You can listen to it HERE
Technology rules!

CHEESE ON TV...

2009-06-10T11:15:00.004+12:00

Andrew from Cheese on Toast invited us onto his new venture, Cheese on Toast TV (HERE) to chat about Fluro Magazine in time for the release of our latest issue. Thanks for having us on!

There's also a super rad website La Blogotheque (HERE) that does these things called Take Away Shows with bands proceeding gigs and the like. They're super organic and really beautiful, shot by Vincent Moon.

HELLO AND WELCOME BACK

2009-06-09T13:47:00.014+12:00

Fluro has been in Auckland over the last five days (hence our slack blogging) and we've all had an amazing/ incredibly tiring time. I'm definitely looking forward to 24hours solid sleep !!! Photo's from our Issue Nine launch party 'The Error of Excess' are up now!Thanks heaps to everyone who came! La Beat, The Sings Songs, Diana Rozz and the Tiger Tones who played - you rule x
And thanks Tiger for all the free beers and Vada Salon for making us look puretty. Bye Auckland, we'll miss you! xox

Five O'clock Shadow or Lumberjack?

2009-06-05T11:20:00.004+12:00

Portland and Beards are like Wellington and Coffee.
But girls! don't feel left out. Look what I found on Etsy! Local Etsy vendor Imadeyouabeard has a variety of styles and colours available for you.

ahhhh, the things people do with their spare time.....

Gavin Hurley

2009-06-05T09:08:00.014+12:00

Gavin is an artist renowned for portraits which employ the technique ( or at least the aesthetic) of traditional collage. Rather than seek to represent the likeness of a person, he focuses more on their character and uses the age old craft of collage and highly disciplined oil on canvas to do this.

His latest show" A - Z" will open next Wednesday and he recently took a few moments to chat with me...

What has inspired your latest show ? This current exhibition is based on the past ten years of art practice (post -art school). I decided to make a publication to accompany the show called "A-Z".The subjects almost organised themselves into this format of a slightly more grown up version of a school exercise book.

What is the recurring theme in your work?
Looking at what I would call my favourite subjects from the past ten years, its obvious there are recurring themes of boyhood fantasies of exploration, detectives and sea captains. I'm not a historian although many characters are derived from tales of colonists and there are a few homages to artists who have been inspirational such as Christian Boltanski, Sam Mitchell and Rita Angus.

What's keeping you stimulated at the moment? I'm stimulated 'right now' by seeing work being made , planning the next show and getting some time to get to the second-hand bookstores.The Internet is great but so is a dusty old book sometimes.

And how do you find being an artist in New Zealand? Being an Artist in New Zealand has been pretty good so far, I've never once considered doing anything else, washing dishes was ruining my hands.

"A - Z" will open June 10th at Anna Bibby Gallery.

underused word of the week: Beatnik

2009-06-04T04:35:00.005+12:00

Retro New Zealand band The Clean are playing at Holocene here in Portland September 18th. This video is a classic! the word beatnik is officially becoming part of my vernacular.

and if you're not in Portland.... check out the Holocene website anyway, they have great bands playing on a regular basis in a big two room warehouse space. Click around on some band links and you might just find a new favourite.

NEONSLEEP

2009-06-03T20:38:00.026+12:00

A wee interview with the brains behind NEONSLEEP! Welfe Bowyer has in many ways been responsible for creating a new kind culture. It's one that dares to stay up all night, isn't scared to let loose, lives for adventure and is increasingly global in scope! As Welfe explains NS is much more than a home for 'party photo', it's an original and innovative NEW kind of space. A hub for high fashion, street culture, jewellery and much much more...

You've changed the format of NeonSleep drastically, what's the concept behind the new site?
The new site is designed to act like a cultural hub, allowing fans to easily navigate all the aspects of NS. All sections are equal, whether your into the photos or street fashion or art.

How do you see the site evolving?
Treating each section as equal, allows each to also grow and shrink as needed. The new fashion sections, Sidewalk and Look are starting to gain momentum, with various NZ labels seeing the potential and getting on board. It would be great to have Auckland street fashion on there too. So any budding fashion photographers out there!?

What is about NZ culture that inspires you? What would you like to see more of?
NZ'ers are so do 'DIY'. Its an old cliche, but the reality of it is that NZ gives you a very good chance to do what you want. And you might just find your one of the only people doing it! There's less competition, which gives you more attention. This is good and bad, as designers are often pushed further amongst competition. So I would like to see more competition for sure.

Less?
Less P would be nice. People should just chill out with a nice cup of Peppermint tea.
And where would you like to see NeonSleep five years on from now?
In 5 years, I would like to expand the brand to include photographers from other cities around the globe. That's been the idea from the start. We've been mixing in photos from Berlin for 2 years now, and would be great to see some other cities (on one site) too! But yeah, just generally focus more globally, which hopefully just strengthens NZs position next to work from around the world.

You can check out NEONSLEEP HERE ( and don't forget to navigate all the features!)
Cheers Welfe! x

THE POP MANIFESTO NEW ISSUE!

2009-06-03T15:06:00.005+12:00

Just as our issue is dropping right about now (well, Saturday Night AK, Monday rest of country), sweet online magazine The Pop Manifesto has dropped a sweet new issue! Check it HERE, featuring sweet interviews with my favourite Henrik Vibskov and the dreamy Fever Ray.

'The End of the Suburban Dream'

2009-06-03T12:35:00.006+12:00

Dropping very very soon!!!

Thought shall not die

2009-06-03T10:46:00.007+12:00

I came across this picture yesterday and it made me smile. Anyone who knows me, knows I'm obsessed with flowers. From my perfume ( 'Daisy' by Marc Jacobs' or 'FlowerBomb' Viktor and Rolf) to a giant collage on my wall, duvet cover, myriad dresses and even a range of earrings, it's fair to say - this is a fully fledged obsession! And it is one that I developed at a very young age. When no one was around to play, or the adults were busy talking, I would go out to the garden to pick lavender and roses - to squash. Pressing flowers is a rather old past time, ( that my dear neighbour taught me) , but I believe it's one in need of a comeback!

I used to just stick them in books found lying around the house, wait till I remembered ( or my mother found them) and then stick them on my wall. I have since been introduced to a more comprehensive 'how to'. You can follow it HERE. Dreamy!

Sugar Plum Fairy

2009-06-03T06:57:00.003+12:00

Sugar Plum Fairy Storm from David Frampton on Vimeo.

It's been a consistent swampy 32deg here in Portland, and I should be basking in it. Still this video made my throat swell and I miss the wild Wellington coast like never before.

Follow the link to watch it larger.

A rather poetic ending...

2009-06-02T13:50:00.007+12:00

So for those of you who are not making the mission up, there is something rather peculiar happening in Wellington this Saturday. A DIAMOND RING HUNT! ( Valued at $5, 120.)
I was invited to this via FaceBook, and it appears totally legit.

Event : The ring I am giving away Sat 6th of June...This is a ring I bought for a real cool chick, who didn't want it. I would never give it to another girl, and selling it is no good. So, I will leave it somewhere in Wellington city, thus turning an unlucky token into something very lucky for someone else. I will be putting clues on my twitter: donoogle_com. Join up & follow me to score yourself a free ring. Oh, I think this is a public album, so feel free to pass it on to anyone who may be interested. Would be good if it went to someone deserving :).'

Wow. I've heard of someone throwing a rejected ring in the sea, melting it into a pendant for their mother... or 'saving' it for someone else, but creating a hunt via twitter! This guy wins!!! It's a rather beautiful/tragic offering don't you think?
Sign up and Good Luck!

This Saturday!!!!

2009-06-02T11:15:00.004+12:00

Issue Nine has almost dropped, and this time we decided to do things differently. To celebrate, we're putting on a kick ass party at Whammy Bar on K'rd. With FREE drinks from Tiger Beer and 42 Below, it's going to be an epic night. With The Tiger Tones, Diana Rozz, The Sing Songs, La Beat Debauchery and DJ Shorty K!!!
$10 Bucks on the door!
YAY!!!

MY PARENTS ARE REALLY NICE PEOPLE MUTHA FUCKER

2009-06-02T10:51:00.003+12:00

I got shown this last night, and I can't get it out of my head. In a bad way.

The future of print?

2009-05-31T19:50:00.022+12:00

A few issues ago Fluro explored discussions surrounding the future/death of print. There are valid arguments on both sides of the debate, as although the Internet is changing the way we interact, there will always be a market for media one can touch, cut and keep.

Personally just the smell of print excites me and I savour retreating to my room, or laying under a tree, to pour over fresh pages.

Somewhat ironically however, and rather typical of many, most of my time is spent reading new information on the web. So where does this leave the future of print? Enter : The online Mag. This new format, although much less prolific than the blog, is popping up everywhere. Here are a few of my fav's..

1. *ANTLER magazine*, a Canadian fashion, art and music focused mag that's really informative and rather beautiful too!

Dummymag.com, a former music magazine which re-launched as an online mag earlier this year. Based in London and full of great reviews, interviews and rants!

3. Last but not least, AucklandFuckingCity.com. I'm not actually sure if this is still in action ( the intention was merely to exist for a few months), but nonetheless it's still relevant. Embracing the belief that objectivity is for the 'dull and spineless', AucklandFuckingCity presents interviews that, despite their length, are impossible not to finish.

What are yours?

Rona Green's Poppet Prize

2009-05-30T10:34:00.008+12:00

Thanks for all the amazing entries, they were VERY good indeed. Prize goes to...( drum roll)...Jo! Because your entry was ridiculous and make me giggle!!!!

'This gritty little poppet needs to become part of our family. The rest of our soft toys have become way too contented up here in the hills we call home, too comfortable, taking advantage of our hospitality and expecting everything to be done for THEM! We need some corruptive character to move on in and shake things up abit, let them know it's not good enough to just sit there and be cute. This poppet is the one to do it. I just know.'Please email lucy@fluromag.com and we will have this sent out to you.

Say hello to your new favourite treat

2009-05-29T17:21:00.004+12:00

Hmmm mmmm mmm - you just gotta love MEAT!! Well now, thanks to Bacon Floss, you can enjoy the REAL TASTE OF PIG, every chance you get!
'Bacon floss lets me enjoy that tasty fleshy meat taste, in between meals and snacks' - Alison Smith.' It's so small and discreet, I carry Bacon Floss with me constantly' - John Brown. Wow, so easy, so tasty and it smells just like meat! This really is the perfect after dinner, in between and pre breakfast treat! YUM.

word of the day: insipid

2009-05-29T14:41:00.001+12:00

Police Slog Through 40,000 Insipid Party Pics To Find Cause Of Dorm Fire

Makin things pretty, sale.

2009-05-29T11:26:00.002+12:00

Droog Design

2009-05-29T09:26:00.006+12:00

Somewhere in between my day job and my ever growing collection of hobbies I'm lacking time to write down my opinions on things for you this month. I could just hug Lulubelle for her prolific posting. But here's a link for you to make your own opinion about.

Droog Design is a design collective based in Amsterdam and since 1993 they have been creating inspiring and innovative design shows, products, prototypes and publications. Some ideas are hit and miss but they are always thought provoking.... and everyone needs some thought provocation now and then.

p.s (don't miss the Poppet competition down below, he's too cute!)

Winners for Tonight!!

2009-05-29T08:45:00.006+12:00

So the winner for this weeks Double Pass To The Ruby Suns, Signer and CrackHouse 5 at Mum Clubnight in Auckland goes to - Hannah Jo!!! For everyone else it's $10 bucks on the door, but there's super cheap drinks before 11 and who really needs convincing anyway- ITS THE RUBY SUNS! And the two winners who will receive a double pass each for Shazam tonight at Mighty Mighty - are Claire and Penny! Thanks to everyone else who entered, they will be more comps next week...It's going to be an awesome night wherever you are!! Yay!! xoxoxox

Monkey Eats Bananas

2009-05-28T16:46:00.005+12:00

I love Princess Chelsea's new video for 'Monkey Eats Bananas!' Seriously, how cute is this!!!???

Do you heart music???

2009-05-28T14:20:00.012+12:00

The Kitchen Sink, Radioactive and FLURO present to you - The Listening Post at Watusi! Tonight!!!

It's all about new music, board games and a few glasses of wine...so bring along your friends ( or come and make some new ones), relax and enjoy!! That's 7pm at 6 Edwards Street.

And a wee reminder for all those wanting to save a few pennies this weekend - Today is the last day to enter for The Ruby Suns double pass (here) and Shazam tickets (here). Good luck!

X WAY VISION

2009-05-27T12:16:00.005+12:00

If you can spare 8 bucks and are in Wellington it'd be worth checking out the Film Archive tonight at 7pm. X WAY VISION is a 50 minute collection of rare performances from bands off Xpressway Records from Dunedin in the late '80s early '90s. The label was formed by experimental musician Bruce Russell to release noise music that would not fit the mainstream New Zealand mould.

"He established the Xpressway record label, which was active from 1985 until the early 1990s, releasing mostly cassettes and a few records. Russell then founded the Corpus Hermeticum record label. Xpressway released only music by New Zealanders, usually song-based. Corpus Hermeticum releases, in contrast, may feature New Zealand or international artists, and they eschew song forms in favor of free-form, experimental, usually improvised sounds." (WIKI)

Flashy Tasty : Win a POPPET!

2009-05-27T10:43:00.016+12:00

Rona Green is an artist from Melbourne known for her peculiar images of creatures bearing marks and scars that tell of past experience. Her first New Zealand Show entitled 'Flashy Tasty' runs from 20 May until the 13 of June and is being exhibited at Solander Gallery in Wellington.

Flashy Tasty explores ideas about identity and the darker side of the psyche and features 'various breeds from all walks of life...where chalk and cheese co-exist to battle the sodden elemental.' Her work is represented in over 40 public collections including the National Gallery of Australia, Artbank and Chiang Mai Contemporary Art Museum, Thailand...And she's generously giving FLURO one mini work to give away on our blog!

This soft sculpture doll, which she refers to as a 'poppet', is 10cm high and made with her very own blood, sweat and tears. Figuratively of course! To win this original art work simply tell us why you'd like a Rona Poppet to call your own!

"I scratch my mind, I think about life and stuff sometimes..."

2009-05-26T21:42:00.007+12:00

The greatest display of overdubbing since Hercules Returns.

Popular Fictions!

2009-05-26T13:02:00.005+12:00

The Massey School of Art presents - Popular fictions!
A group show featuring our good friend Gemma Symme and a few extraordinarily talented others...
(There are rumours going around there will be lemonade and fairy bread!)
Tomorrow- 5.30pm, The Engine Room
x

Oh man, I found this clip and gonna RULE the D Floor

2009-05-26T10:57:00.005+12:00

The fact that this clip was made to take this piss takes away from the humour a little bit ( I'm presuming that was the intention...?) but none the less - just how these guys manage to keep a straight face is beyond me! And to be fair there are some pretty AMAZING DANCE MOVES! The Ping Pong? I've definitely seen that before, 'Pet the dog?' - That's a Good Luck Favourite and if you've been to Mighty you would have definitely seen a few drunkards 'milking the cow.'
Enjoy!

And for those of you in Auckland....!

2009-05-25T13:45:00.006+12:00

This Friday MUM @ Cassette is presenting...THE RUBY SUNS w Support from Signer and Wellington's own, The Crackhouse 5.THIS IS GOING TO BE AN AMAZING NIGHT! Because who doesn't heart the Ruby Suns???

The loverly Mr Crawley is providing one double pass for the viewer who can come up with the BEST explanation for how 'The Ruby Suns' were named.

Most entertaining answer wins! :)

WIN WIN WIN

2009-05-25T13:43:00.003+12:00

This Friday is a bit special at Mighty Mighty - Epaulette and NEONSLEEP are bringing to town Sahazam!

It's going to be one hell of a night and a must for Modular Records fans! DRESS UP AND GET READY TO DANCE!

We have 2 double passes to give away...Just tell us what superhero you're going as and why! Most creative concept wins!

A comment on life, death, beauty and decay

2009-05-24T11:36:00.027+12:00

'Mr Potato Face!' - The concept takes on a whole new meaning in Ginou Choueiri's latest art instillation. Rather than use canvas, Choueiri has chosen to depict hundreds of portraits on none other than the humble potato!

'I chose the potato to portray human faces because of the many striking parallels. Not only is their skin porous like ours, but their skin texture and color is very similar... Potatoes grow, live, and then decay, mirroring the ephemeral existence and fragility of our own human nature.'

Wow and I just thought they were tasty to eat!

And the winner is...

2009-05-23T10:19:00.010+12:00

The winner of 5 packs of CAFFE L'AFFARE'S FAIR TRADE HOT CHOCOLATE goes to - JAMESS!!
In reply to our question 'tell us which flavour is your favourite, and how you like to have it?' He submitted this...

'Smothered in snow crystals and the heavy memories of a trek best forgotten, the slight, crippled traveller staggers down the hill towards his cabin. The pine needles that quilt the dead earth are too cold and frozen to be anything but painful upon his frostbitten, bible-black feet, but he meanders on. Clinging to the branches that have become his life support on the downhill battle, he spies the flickering fire of his cabin. Reborn with the desire to once more drink from the mug of Dark Hot Chocolate he knew would await him, his flailing corpse of a frame stumbles the remaining metres to the door. Clutching at the doorknob, the aroma hit him instantly. Its intensity enveloped him, wrapped him up and warmed him like no blanket, duvet or throw could. His hot chocolate awaited. He was home.'

Thanks to all our other entries! It was hard to deny this boy a prize, as his answer was much more creative than our question! Jamess, keep up the adventure trekking and happy drinking!