I'm officially a published writer. The October/November issue of Rip It Up hit stands on Monday, featuring like, five Jackie Cain bylines. It's very exciting.
Nothing is available online, so you're going to have to wait to flip through one of the copies I bring home. Unless you want to get a subscription.
I'm feeling preeeeetty done with this semester. Only five more days of classes, so that's good. Only one more (albeit huge and soul-sucking) story for magazine journalism, and one exam in November for NZ Political Studies. And then done.
I'm back Stateside in almost exactly five weeks. Is that ridiculous or is it just me?
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
The Capital City!
So, Wellington. First and foremost, I am so glad I went. I almost didn't, because of the plane tickets, but then Jane Cain talked me into it. She is always right. And it's true. Money comes and goes, people.
I flew in on Thursday night and took a cab to my friend Meghan's flat. I lived next door to Meg in our freshman year at Saint Mike's, and she was studying at Victoria University in Wellington this semester. I say "was" because Friday was Meg's last day of classes! Gooo Meg!! (She has a blog, too. You should check it out.)
I was wiped from the music awards, so we stayed in on Thursday night and I met Meg's friends and flatmates. Her flatmate Claire turned 21 at midnight, so we had a toast! Bed by 3 am, you know.
Meg had one class Friday morning, so I slept in a bit and when she got back at 10 am, we headed out toward the Wellington Botanic Garden. Meghan wasn't 100% sure how to get there, so we wandered, which was fine, because it was a beautiful day in the capital city and Lord knows I need the exercise. We stumbled upon the garden about an hour later, and discovered it was stupidly close to her flat... We pretty much circled the city. I got to see more of it that way. :o)
The gardens were beautiful; it's early spring here so we saw tulips in every color and a flock of baby ducks!
After the Garden, we headed toward town via the Parliament complex. I, for one, like the architecture of the controversial Beehive.
We had lunch at Mac's Brewery, the all-natural brewery that makes some of my favorite NZ beers. Unfortunately, they don't give brewery tours, but lunch was so worth it. They have a viewing platform from which you can watch the magic happen, and that was enough for me. And I got to try Sundance, the summer ale!
We walked through the shopping areas in Wellington after lunch. The city is accessible; it's possible to walk from end to end in something like an hour. But... it's so hilly. Meg is obviously in much better shape than I from hiking those hills all semester, and I was definitely huffing and puffing. But it's a great city; much funkier than Auckland, I must say. Also, it has more cafes per capita than New York! I tried four of them in my 48 hours there. Not bad, though I could have done better.
We met Meg's lab partner in the Uni Bar on campus, which was absolutely hoppin' at 5 pm on the last Friday of classes. Then we went back to Meg's flat for dinner. Then, we headed back to the Botanic Garden to go on the glowworm tour!!! Those little friends of mine also make their home in the damp gardens, and it's $5 to walk through after dark with a guide. Luckily, Meg and I were late and for some strange reason, there were legitimately about 60 people on the tour, so we were able to tack on without paying... I would feel guilty if I actually learned anything. Seeing the glowworms again was cool, and Meg hadn't seen them before. But the tour guides were useless; I told Meg about glowworms from what I learned in Waitomo.
After the walk in the park, we headed back to Meg's flat for Claire's 21st birthday celebration!! It was crazy; someone's mom shipped over a package of Solo cups to play beiruit. The Kiwis were really excited about that. The party went late, and then we went out dancing at Boogie Wonderland (seriously). Though I was out til 3 am, and I'm too old for that hour, it was a really fun time and Meg and her friends are fantastic.
When we finally stirred at 11 the next morning, we left to find a supposed farmers' market, which remains elusive. From there, we hiked Mount Victoria, including a swing on the rope halfway up. After the hike, we ate crepes and drank smoothies, mmm. I also bought The Bone People at a used bookshop; perhaps I'll finish it this time.
Hopped on the plane and was back in Auckland Saturday night at 8. What a fantastic weekend!
Tonight was fun, too, in Auckland. It's Amanda's birthday, one of the girls in the BU program. She had a pot luck dinner in her apartment! There was sooo muuuuch gooood fooooood. I made veggie friend rice; it got compliments. Now, I'm essentially in a food coma, so I'm going to bed.
I flew in on Thursday night and took a cab to my friend Meghan's flat. I lived next door to Meg in our freshman year at Saint Mike's, and she was studying at Victoria University in Wellington this semester. I say "was" because Friday was Meg's last day of classes! Gooo Meg!! (She has a blog, too. You should check it out.)
I was wiped from the music awards, so we stayed in on Thursday night and I met Meg's friends and flatmates. Her flatmate Claire turned 21 at midnight, so we had a toast! Bed by 3 am, you know.
Meg had one class Friday morning, so I slept in a bit and when she got back at 10 am, we headed out toward the Wellington Botanic Garden. Meghan wasn't 100% sure how to get there, so we wandered, which was fine, because it was a beautiful day in the capital city and Lord knows I need the exercise. We stumbled upon the garden about an hour later, and discovered it was stupidly close to her flat... We pretty much circled the city. I got to see more of it that way. :o)
The gardens were beautiful; it's early spring here so we saw tulips in every color and a flock of baby ducks!
After the Garden, we headed toward town via the Parliament complex. I, for one, like the architecture of the controversial Beehive.
We had lunch at Mac's Brewery, the all-natural brewery that makes some of my favorite NZ beers. Unfortunately, they don't give brewery tours, but lunch was so worth it. They have a viewing platform from which you can watch the magic happen, and that was enough for me. And I got to try Sundance, the summer ale!
We walked through the shopping areas in Wellington after lunch. The city is accessible; it's possible to walk from end to end in something like an hour. But... it's so hilly. Meg is obviously in much better shape than I from hiking those hills all semester, and I was definitely huffing and puffing. But it's a great city; much funkier than Auckland, I must say. Also, it has more cafes per capita than New York! I tried four of them in my 48 hours there. Not bad, though I could have done better.
We met Meg's lab partner in the Uni Bar on campus, which was absolutely hoppin' at 5 pm on the last Friday of classes. Then we went back to Meg's flat for dinner. Then, we headed back to the Botanic Garden to go on the glowworm tour!!! Those little friends of mine also make their home in the damp gardens, and it's $5 to walk through after dark with a guide. Luckily, Meg and I were late and for some strange reason, there were legitimately about 60 people on the tour, so we were able to tack on without paying... I would feel guilty if I actually learned anything. Seeing the glowworms again was cool, and Meg hadn't seen them before. But the tour guides were useless; I told Meg about glowworms from what I learned in Waitomo.
After the walk in the park, we headed back to Meg's flat for Claire's 21st birthday celebration!! It was crazy; someone's mom shipped over a package of Solo cups to play beiruit. The Kiwis were really excited about that. The party went late, and then we went out dancing at Boogie Wonderland (seriously). Though I was out til 3 am, and I'm too old for that hour, it was a really fun time and Meg and her friends are fantastic.
When we finally stirred at 11 the next morning, we left to find a supposed farmers' market, which remains elusive. From there, we hiked Mount Victoria, including a swing on the rope halfway up. After the hike, we ate crepes and drank smoothies, mmm. I also bought The Bone People at a used bookshop; perhaps I'll finish it this time.
Hopped on the plane and was back in Auckland Saturday night at 8. What a fantastic weekend!
Tonight was fun, too, in Auckland. It's Amanda's birthday, one of the girls in the BU program. She had a pot luck dinner in her apartment! There was sooo muuuuch gooood fooooood. I made veggie friend rice; it got compliments. Now, I'm essentially in a food coma, so I'm going to bed.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
The Music Awards
Wednesday was my red carpet debut at the 2008 Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards!!
It didn't really hit me until I got there how freakin' cool it was going to be. It was open to the public, via $60 general admission tickets. They let the "industry" (that's me!) get seated at their tables before opening to doors to everyone else, by way of a red carpet, and the fans were all lined up alongside it, watching everyone go in. When we were walking in, the MC guy (I don't know who he was) was like, "The Rip It Up crew in the house!!!" and people cheered. It was so exciting.
The opening performance by Tiki Taane was sooo cool, I think especially from the point of view of a non-New Zealander. Tiki is Maori, and it's like, his thing. He performed his newest single "Tangaroa," with 40-odd members of his iwi (tribe) dancing the poi and doing the haka (traditional Maori war dance) in traditional garb on stage with him.
Really disappointingly though, most artists weren't there! With the exception of the artists who actually performed, pretty much no one accepted their award in person. And most had some random crew member accept it on their behalf, so I saw no Finns, which was disappointing.
The Flight of the Conchords at least made acceptance videos for their four awards. Prime Minister Helen Clark presented the International Achievement Award to FotC; that was pretty cool. Also, Michael Franti presented some awards, including the Best Aotearoa Roots album to Tiki Taane. That was cool; he's American and I saw him this summer at Mountain Jam. If you want to see who won everything, read this.
I had SO MUCH FUN with the Satellite Media people, and everyone looked fantastic, and I felt fantastic. And I got a SWEET bag o' loot, including two pairs of thong underwear, a Moro bar, and a pound of coffee! So exciting, free stuff is.
The afterparty was crazy, and I got much free alcohol, which was great. Freaky mimes in drag floated around the arena, performing magic tricks and dancing weirdly in everyone's personal space.
In all, it was just a pretty incredible experience, almost entirely worth the next day's hangover.
See photos here. Also included in that album are pictures from Wellington, which deserves its own entry, which will be written sometime in the near future... definitely after I watch Snakes on A Plane on TV right now.
It didn't really hit me until I got there how freakin' cool it was going to be. It was open to the public, via $60 general admission tickets. They let the "industry" (that's me!) get seated at their tables before opening to doors to everyone else, by way of a red carpet, and the fans were all lined up alongside it, watching everyone go in. When we were walking in, the MC guy (I don't know who he was) was like, "The Rip It Up crew in the house!!!" and people cheered. It was so exciting.
The opening performance by Tiki Taane was sooo cool, I think especially from the point of view of a non-New Zealander. Tiki is Maori, and it's like, his thing. He performed his newest single "Tangaroa," with 40-odd members of his iwi (tribe) dancing the poi and doing the haka (traditional Maori war dance) in traditional garb on stage with him.
Really disappointingly though, most artists weren't there! With the exception of the artists who actually performed, pretty much no one accepted their award in person. And most had some random crew member accept it on their behalf, so I saw no Finns, which was disappointing.
The Flight of the Conchords at least made acceptance videos for their four awards. Prime Minister Helen Clark presented the International Achievement Award to FotC; that was pretty cool. Also, Michael Franti presented some awards, including the Best Aotearoa Roots album to Tiki Taane. That was cool; he's American and I saw him this summer at Mountain Jam. If you want to see who won everything, read this.
I had SO MUCH FUN with the Satellite Media people, and everyone looked fantastic, and I felt fantastic. And I got a SWEET bag o' loot, including two pairs of thong underwear, a Moro bar, and a pound of coffee! So exciting, free stuff is.
The afterparty was crazy, and I got much free alcohol, which was great. Freaky mimes in drag floated around the arena, performing magic tricks and dancing weirdly in everyone's personal space.
In all, it was just a pretty incredible experience, almost entirely worth the next day's hangover.
See photos here. Also included in that album are pictures from Wellington, which deserves its own entry, which will be written sometime in the near future... definitely after I watch Snakes on A Plane on TV right now.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Celebrity Sighting
I just saw Anthony Starr, who plays both Van and Jethro West on Outrageous Fortune, my favorite New Zealand prime time dramedy.
Anthony was sitting at an outdoor table at Conch, a really sweet vinyl shop/cafe across from the Satellite office that I go to like, every day. I think he was doing an interview? He was definitely having a conversation with someone... Which is good, because otherwise, I probably would have harassed him for an autograph for my roommates, who are completely obsessed (like, inappropriately so) with Outrageous. I texted them immediately; Jennifer's already texted me back to tell me she's hyperventilating because she's so jealous.
If you think about it, though, how uncommon can it really be to see the stars of the network television show filmed on location in this city of only 1 million?
Still exciting, though. We made eye contact. I smiled. It was a moment.
Anthony was sitting at an outdoor table at Conch, a really sweet vinyl shop/cafe across from the Satellite office that I go to like, every day. I think he was doing an interview? He was definitely having a conversation with someone... Which is good, because otherwise, I probably would have harassed him for an autograph for my roommates, who are completely obsessed (like, inappropriately so) with Outrageous. I texted them immediately; Jennifer's already texted me back to tell me she's hyperventilating because she's so jealous.
If you think about it, though, how uncommon can it really be to see the stars of the network television show filmed on location in this city of only 1 million?
Still exciting, though. We made eye contact. I smiled. It was a moment.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Weekend Update
Mondaaay.
The weekend was fantastic. On Friday I went to see Wall-E with my friends Ning, Bonnie and Kathy. Ning and Kathy had never seen it and Bonnie and I are obsessed, so it was a fun trip. I saw the film before leaving the US of A, and it just opened on September 18 in NZ. Wall-E is still as mesmerizing, beautifully animated, funny and smart the second time around.
Saturday was boring-ish. I kind of forget what I did; this is how I know it was boring. I remember that I cleaned a bathroom; that was gross. Oh, and then I went to an Oktoberfest party in Parnell with Ashley, Michelle, a Kiwi, a Canadian, and a bunch of Germans and Norwegians. It was a CRAZY party; it was fantastically decorated and there was a pretty bumpin' DJ, pretzels, and spice cake. I was not nearly drunk nor pigtailed enough to enjoy it fully but it was definitely an experience. After a random guy tapped me on the shoulder to tell me his friend "really likes" me, and then proceeding to have an awkward conversation with the German who "really likes" me, and pronouncing "Massachusetts" slowly six or seven times (he still didn't understand), I called a cab and was asleep by midnight. Good night, all around.
I woke up at 6 am on Sunday to leave for Waitomo by 6:30. Yessss. Waitomo is a little town about two and a half hours south of Auckland, so we rented a little Toyota and hit the road as the sun rose. The area is famous for its subterranean caves and subsequent glowworms and most of its economy is built on tourism. We had a 9:45 am guided black water rafting tour that was absolutely incredible! Snappy, our eccentric guide, helped us get suited up in our already damp and remarkably uncomfortable wetsuits, and we headed under ground for some spelunking in Ruakuri Cave. The cave is home to millions of glowworms: little maggots whose luminescent sack of waste at the end of their grub-like bodies illuminate the cave interior like the southern sky. Seriously, as disgusting as they actually, scientifically are, they're aesthetically lovely. And when you're floating 25 metres under them on the tranquil black waters in the pitch darkness, it really is a beautiful thing.
After the moderately boring but free Waitomo Caves Museum, we hit the road back to Auckland and were at UniLodge by 5 pm. A fantastic day trip! See photos, if you're into it.
And then Kathy, Bonnie and I watched five episodes of the Flight of the Conchords. My favorite so far is "Bret Gives Up The Dream," even though it features my two least favorite novelty folk songs. But anyway, it's the one where Bret leaves the band to persue his career of sign-holding, and then rejoins when he realizes Coco (like most girls) prefers guys in bands to professional human billboards.
And today was really a strange day. I set my alarm for 10; I usually wake up before then, but I don't have class until noon so if I can sleep in, I like to let myself. As usual, I woke up before 10, but instead of going back to bed, I decided to check out the tiny workout room in UniLodge?! I didn't want to fight the urge, however strange, so I donned the gym shorts which tooootally fit better before this semester and headed downstrairs. My workout wasn't fantastic-- I was done in less than 40 minutes-- but I worked up a little sweat and am quite proud of myself, I must say.
In between classes, to avoid doing a schoolwork, I vacuumed my entire apartment and made veggie fried rice for the week. Yumzor.
I just got back from the AUT library where I worked on a group project for the past four hours. It actually wasn't as painful as I thought it would be, even though it took four hours. But now it is DONE.
I booked a flight to Wellington today!!!!! I'm going THIS WEEKEND to visit my friend Meghan from SMC. She's studying at Victoria University this semester. I'm so excited to see her and the nation's capital!
How were your weekends?
The weekend was fantastic. On Friday I went to see Wall-E with my friends Ning, Bonnie and Kathy. Ning and Kathy had never seen it and Bonnie and I are obsessed, so it was a fun trip. I saw the film before leaving the US of A, and it just opened on September 18 in NZ. Wall-E is still as mesmerizing, beautifully animated, funny and smart the second time around.
Saturday was boring-ish. I kind of forget what I did; this is how I know it was boring. I remember that I cleaned a bathroom; that was gross. Oh, and then I went to an Oktoberfest party in Parnell with Ashley, Michelle, a Kiwi, a Canadian, and a bunch of Germans and Norwegians. It was a CRAZY party; it was fantastically decorated and there was a pretty bumpin' DJ, pretzels, and spice cake. I was not nearly drunk nor pigtailed enough to enjoy it fully but it was definitely an experience. After a random guy tapped me on the shoulder to tell me his friend "really likes" me, and then proceeding to have an awkward conversation with the German who "really likes" me, and pronouncing "Massachusetts" slowly six or seven times (he still didn't understand), I called a cab and was asleep by midnight. Good night, all around.
I woke up at 6 am on Sunday to leave for Waitomo by 6:30. Yessss. Waitomo is a little town about two and a half hours south of Auckland, so we rented a little Toyota and hit the road as the sun rose. The area is famous for its subterranean caves and subsequent glowworms and most of its economy is built on tourism. We had a 9:45 am guided black water rafting tour that was absolutely incredible! Snappy, our eccentric guide, helped us get suited up in our already damp and remarkably uncomfortable wetsuits, and we headed under ground for some spelunking in Ruakuri Cave. The cave is home to millions of glowworms: little maggots whose luminescent sack of waste at the end of their grub-like bodies illuminate the cave interior like the southern sky. Seriously, as disgusting as they actually, scientifically are, they're aesthetically lovely. And when you're floating 25 metres under them on the tranquil black waters in the pitch darkness, it really is a beautiful thing.
After the moderately boring but free Waitomo Caves Museum, we hit the road back to Auckland and were at UniLodge by 5 pm. A fantastic day trip! See photos, if you're into it.
And then Kathy, Bonnie and I watched five episodes of the Flight of the Conchords. My favorite so far is "Bret Gives Up The Dream," even though it features my two least favorite novelty folk songs. But anyway, it's the one where Bret leaves the band to persue his career of sign-holding, and then rejoins when he realizes Coco (like most girls) prefers guys in bands to professional human billboards.
And today was really a strange day. I set my alarm for 10; I usually wake up before then, but I don't have class until noon so if I can sleep in, I like to let myself. As usual, I woke up before 10, but instead of going back to bed, I decided to check out the tiny workout room in UniLodge?! I didn't want to fight the urge, however strange, so I donned the gym shorts which tooootally fit better before this semester and headed downstrairs. My workout wasn't fantastic-- I was done in less than 40 minutes-- but I worked up a little sweat and am quite proud of myself, I must say.
In between classes, to avoid doing a schoolwork, I vacuumed my entire apartment and made veggie fried rice for the week. Yumzor.
I just got back from the AUT library where I worked on a group project for the past four hours. It actually wasn't as painful as I thought it would be, even though it took four hours. But now it is DONE.
I booked a flight to Wellington today!!!!! I'm going THIS WEEKEND to visit my friend Meghan from SMC. She's studying at Victoria University this semester. I'm so excited to see her and the nation's capital!
How were your weekends?
Saturday, October 4, 2008
RIP Paul Newman
So, I just found out that Paul Newman died last week. I didn't know that. I spend a lot of time catching up on news from the motherland, but that tidbit slipped through, I guess.
I'm sad. I love Paul Newman. But, he was old. Old age is the leading cause of death, as my BU roommate would tell you.
That said, I think I want to have a Paul Newman marathon over winter break. I've only ever seen one of his movies?! And that one movie is Cars, so it only barely counts.
I plan on eating a lot of Newman's Own mango salsa, too. and Newman-O's. Proper homage.
I'm sad. I love Paul Newman. But, he was old. Old age is the leading cause of death, as my BU roommate would tell you.
That said, I think I want to have a Paul Newman marathon over winter break. I've only ever seen one of his movies?! And that one movie is Cars, so it only barely counts.
I plan on eating a lot of Newman's Own mango salsa, too. and Newman-O's. Proper homage.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Unfounded Political Observations from Across an Ocean
So, I just watched the vice presidential debate via live stream on nytimes.com, my favorite website of all time. I really have no grounds on which to make any political judgment, but here are some of my (unabashedly leftwing) thoughts.
I must admit Sarah Palin didn't completely flounder! I was hoping she would, really, for no other reason than Tina Fey getting to make fun of it on SNL. But, she more or less held her ground. I didn't enjoy listening to her, by any means; especially her insistence on including hokey phrases like "God bless [whoever's] heart," and "you betcha." Though Joe Biden did quote his own father, calling himself "champ." That was unnecessary.
That being said, I really feel like Sarah Palin is full of bullshit. Everything she said during the debate seemed contrived to me. She was absolutely putting it on for the American public. She mentions her son in Iraq and her mentally handicapped newborn as if they're campaign ploys. After she mentioned her "diverse family" about six times, each time with a condescending smile (and once with a WINK, for Pete's sake) Biden finally conceded and talked about his own family.
If it's news to anyone, the man is fully aware of the hardships modern American families face today. And when he legitimately choked up-- like, actually swallowed the lump rising in his throat-- I didn't want to punch him. That was real, that was a true moment of emotion. Sarah Palin spews information about her family life and "the issues that come up around the kitchen table" so much that it just goes in one ear and out the other. She is The Hockey Mom, she plays The Hockey Mom. For the sake of her demographic. And it's bullshit.
That said, too, I feel like the debate really centered on John McCain? Not Obama, and not Bush, and not the actual people at the lecterns. It was fine, and informative, but not the most exciting thing I've watched this campaign season.
I must admit Sarah Palin didn't completely flounder! I was hoping she would, really, for no other reason than Tina Fey getting to make fun of it on SNL. But, she more or less held her ground. I didn't enjoy listening to her, by any means; especially her insistence on including hokey phrases like "God bless [whoever's] heart," and "you betcha." Though Joe Biden did quote his own father, calling himself "champ." That was unnecessary.
That being said, I really feel like Sarah Palin is full of bullshit. Everything she said during the debate seemed contrived to me. She was absolutely putting it on for the American public. She mentions her son in Iraq and her mentally handicapped newborn as if they're campaign ploys. After she mentioned her "diverse family" about six times, each time with a condescending smile (and once with a WINK, for Pete's sake) Biden finally conceded and talked about his own family.
If it's news to anyone, the man is fully aware of the hardships modern American families face today. And when he legitimately choked up-- like, actually swallowed the lump rising in his throat-- I didn't want to punch him. That was real, that was a true moment of emotion. Sarah Palin spews information about her family life and "the issues that come up around the kitchen table" so much that it just goes in one ear and out the other. She is The Hockey Mom, she plays The Hockey Mom. For the sake of her demographic. And it's bullshit.
That said, too, I feel like the debate really centered on John McCain? Not Obama, and not Bush, and not the actual people at the lecterns. It was fine, and informative, but not the most exciting thing I've watched this campaign season.
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