Afgans on a plate

Lately everyday product, place or event marketing seems to have a 'home-made' aesthetic.

Today I was in another cafe with an 'uber-cool' aesthetic (what can I say I like their pastries). There on the counter are some afgans, bite-size in scale and individually bagged with cafe-branded folded cardboard strip stapled over the top. Though priced at some exobant rate, it was the cynical nature of this offering which annoyed me.

Seems everywhere you go now, the 'home-spun' trend of marketing is at work. Here is nana's baking ripped from its wholesome origins of charity and metal tins and re-worked into a desirable commodity.

There seems to be such an overload of reproduced alternative culture in the mainstream, it's hard to be excited and truly inspired by the 'originality' of it. I wonder how alternative culture will counteract this attack and maintain it's underground edge?

I like going to alternative craft fairs, zine fests and flea markets, but disappointed it is so accessible and heavily promoted. I'd love to just stumble across a random event again. Starting to forget what that feels like.

Back-Blogging

After being AWOL from this blog for several months, I've been confronted by the long list of "untitled posts" still to publish.

Back-blogging is terrible blog etiquette but is incredibly tempting.

The hardest thing is trying to remember what you were thinking about three months ago. Was I consumed by world events, rude drivers, a celebrity reality show or general day-to-day life?

Time to consult the diary! Failing that due to lack of entries, there is only one thing for it - write without a seasonal reference or make it up.

Have I fallen into yet another blog faux-pas? Are blogs real-life?

It is pretty difficult to tell whether blog entries are authentic reality episodes in someone's life. Never assume is a golden rule in Journalism.

But let's be realistic, some entries are so boring they have to be real life. Reality TV is always better scripted. 'The Hills' is a prime example.

Least I have avoided the bad 'I haven't blog for a while, but will soon' -promise of delivery without delivering is shocking. Readers aren't going to hang round while you feel guilty.

Time for some time-travel.

Modern Life

'Sim City' was my favourite computer game back in the day. Creating a virtual city of power stations, hospitals and roads for the Sim population to inhabit.
I would always built the infrastructure but couldn't seem to attract an actual population.

Fast forward to Playstation's 'Sims 2', where the player controls Sims interactions in certain environments. I'd love to play the Playstation version but have settled for the mobile phone version.

Must say it is a pretty addictive way to spend time! Sims need your help to do everything possible but you can only control their lives inside the house.

Monday to Friday, Sims escape to work, but nothing seems to happen out there. They come home hungry, bored and unwashed.
All their interactions and networking happens in the home. Friends or strangers drop by unexpectedly or by invitation, usually after your Sim has bought a Living Room upgrade or Party Room upgrade.

Sims make friends and fall in love almost instantly after talking for only a few minutes. Next thing you know they are moving in together or married then divorced.
Most "friends" are able to get your Sim a new job. From chef to personal trainer to DJ, your Sim doesn't need a qualification to be employed just increase their skill count around the house and the job is theirs.

Keeping up their energy levels, communication, food intake, washing and toilet requirements is one thing, but they also like to have fun.

To rescue them from boredom there are plenty of at-home toys such as a guitar, arcade game machine, TV or stereo.

We do live in a material world but I wonder if this is an accurate depiction of modern life?

Is the home becoming the centre of existence or are we still relying on real-life interactions out in the community or city to balance our lives?

Plot summary

Another movie, another plot.

To save me from watching countless bad movies, I like to limit trash to only 50% of my time, I consult the trusty IMDb site.

If you're lucky there are some super spoilers in the synopsis summaries- basically the entire plot.

Came across the 2007 'I Really Hate My Job' and am hooked by this anonymously written plot summary.

It's half profound if it wasn't so dramatic by likening career paths to a car crash.

'Every day is another day closer to the day I'll never have to do this again.'

"Five women, one restaurant, one night, one birthday, one breakdown. Then the phone rings. A famous actor is coming for dinner.

'I Really Hate My Job' is the story of an evening in a café in London's Soho. As in so many jobs, nothing much happens - except laughter, song, rage, collapse, intrigue, cooking, lying, nudity, conversation, secrets, love, friendship, ageing, hatred, rat-infestation and the arrival of a movie star.

I Really Hate My Job. Who hasn't said it? A career. It's what happens when you lose control of a car on a wet road and it slams into a brick wall. You might assume they're just three waitresses, one cook and one dishwasher but they see themselves as an artist, an actor, a lover, an author and a philosopher."

P.S

"P.S I'm going to the beach on Monday."

Found this line written in an old greeting card sandwiched between used books at tonight's Red Cross Bookfair.

It was a faded, spotted with age Mother's Day card signed 'Love Antony'. Must have been a bookmark displaced from its final resting place.

I wondered what the significance of the post script was, maybe a bach at the beach or old family home?

It made me sad that maybe this was all the communication between mother and son in a year.

Strange to catch glimpses of other people's lives in a greeting card at a bookfair of all places.

After shuffling around tables perusing book spines and walking around others fixed to their spot rather than give way, I stopped by the 'Children/Young Adults' section.

Several years ago, I gave away my large (150) collection of a particular young adults paperback series. I had written my name rather largely in the first page of each book.

I spied some of these titles on this table and couldn't help checking if they were mine. Instead each was printed with 'Corrine Brunt '84' inside.

Wonder if they'll ever resurface? Reminds me of how 'Love in the Time of Cholera' was used in the rather corny movie "Serendipity'.

My final haul from this year's bookfair included paperbacks: 'Valley of the Dolls', 'Once in a House on Fire' and 'Dreams of Leaving', couple of 'Your Home and Garden' magazines and a 'Pretty In Pink' movie soundtrack.

Hopefully will actually get around to reading them rather than becoming my latest decorative dust collectors before the next book fair.

Photo Blog

While drinking coffee last Friday, I caught this shot of the drink fridge with my mobile. The bottle is actually leaning against the glass.
We left the bottle like that, wondering whether it could be saved by the next door opener or if it was past the point of no return.
Next time we went it was gone and the fridge's stock had shrunk considerably.

Lately I've been capturing particularly random shots of life with this camera, only trick is to keep it still enough. I've come across random signs, pacifiers in toilets and daisies so have snapped a shot.

My friend and I already share a film review blog, why not a photo blog?
Its still in the planning stage, e.g. name/design but I can't wait to get it up and running.

In the meantime, I'll illustrate some posts with my random shots!

Alleyways and Tunnels

Change is as good as a rest, so they say.

I feel like I've been revamping my blog for a while, but just starting to see changes.
Behind the scenes, I've been adding more photos to older posts, designing a new header and generally pottering about. I should have been adding new blog posts at the same time, but there is always a price for creativity!

Anyway welcome any new readers I've picked up, thanks for visiting!
My blog is about being a city dweller- things that I've seen and my random experiences. I always find myself in alleyways and tunnels, hence the name.

My new header was shot when exploring an underground World War 2 gun emplacement above Karori in Wellington, N.Z. If I'm without my camera, I try remember the atmosphere and small details, it could end up as a collaged perspective!

I can draw with a ruler, so rely on collage to fill in the details. Any snippets I use I try to disguise their origins with colouring pencils, ink or by photocopying to fade the details.
For my efforts, I have many blunt coloured pencils and several overflowing shoe boxes of cuttings. Photoshop is the icing on the cake as it makes the image cleaner and stronger in contrast.

When I'm not being creative, I write articles, do fact research, bit of retail, blog and study lighting. What a crazy year 2009 has been so far!

Weebly Update

I mentioned Weebly, a free website host a while ago and have been meaning to post an update.
I'd nearly given up on it because it wasn't sitting right but today it finally came together, strange how these things happen.

Wintec's Spark International Arts Festival was on in Hamilton last week so I went to a few talks and events.
I loved working there as a PR intern last year as there was a never-ending buffet of goodies on offer, so to speak.

This year was no different but restricted myself to three events, which is a feat in itself.
I saw Helen Baxter- who writes the MsBehaviour files on The Big Idea website - all about utilising new media tools. Not surprising that her talk was about 'How-to-become-a-new-media-mogul'.
It was great, we know there is a world of possibilities out there, but its still inspiring to hear all about it.

A key point was the creation and maintenance of an online identity. I think the difficulty is keeping that identity cohesive. I've been alternating between citydweller1 and my full name for some time, but I'm trying to pull them together on all these social networking sites.

That's what is quite good about Weebly, you can start to pool your flickr pics, youtube videos and twitter in one place at least. My options are limited on a free account, but its still an actual site not just a blog.

Back to my progress report- still not published but oh so close!

Disco Underworld

The latest issue of Disco Underworld is out! For those of you who haven't checked out this creative online monthly magazine, it is definitely worth a look! Don't blame me if you soon need your monthly fix.

I started writing for Disco in April and have become a regular contributor. The video that I previously posted on this site was an illustration of an idea I had for reader contributions.
We interview people from all world with such unique viewpoints, its great to make an article out of their words.

In the August issue, I wrote about Amanda Ratcliffe, a Hamilton music photographer/album reviewer/radio DJ. It was really fun to do, her photos are fantastic and she loved the article!
She has also promoted it left, right and centre on her Myspace page, which has been an experience in itself! Hope it helps her profile.

Next issue here we come!

Gaslight

Saw 'Gaslight' at the local film club this week finishing off our yearly three film pass.

Reading its synopsis, I was easily hooked by references to atmospheric foggy London street scenes and there were plenty of them.

The basic plot focuses on a traumatised woman who moves back to the house where her aunt was murdered when she was young.

Ingrid Bergman does well in the lead role as she starts seeing and hearing things in the rather sinister house.
Her new husband convinces her she is going crazy and a young Angela Lansbury (Murder She Wrote) as the overly-confident housekeeper slowly dissolves her confidence. Who can save her now?

Though it was predictable, it built tension till the final scene. Would definitely watch it again.

Flat shopping

Been shopping for a flat to rent via Trademe recently. Not actually moving till there is a proper job offer, but it doesn't hurt to see what is out there.

Started off in selected areas and now roam the country with my mouse in the $250 weekly price range. One photo of the property doesn't really cut it, three or more is my minimum to even click on the ad. Then I can get a better idea of the whole flat.

Photos can be shots of just the outside, carpet, doors or windows, but not the actual room. A picture says a thousand words, if you look closely at the fittings and finishes they indicate the age and condition of the property.

Some don't know how to download big enough photos or how to rotate them! Have to turn 90 degrees to see the flat, I know I'm dedicated.

If they list the address and I'm tempted, I'll look at it virtually on Google Earth and size up the neighbourhood.

Most flats are vacant during their glamorous photo shoot but some are still occupied, giving a hint of the tenants' personality and culture. The more stuff in the shot, the bigger indication that there is little to no storage space.

Some vendors are cunning and have an alluring picture but rather disappointing summary. In the summary, it becomes more obvious that it's either a boarding house or a bedsit, studio or cupboard with toilets available at the local shops.

Unfortunately the majority look so grotty, they would have to pay me to move in! Or the wording of the summary is strange and unsettling.
One I looked at specified a male tenant as there wasn't enough room for excess female items, charming!
Still I'm addicted, the perfect flat is out there- just a matter of finding it.

Big Smoke

After a weekend of education in Auckland, decided to go into the city centre for coffee before driving home.

The bright lights of the 'big little city' haven't lost their appeal and I still enjoy spending time in the music stores, bookshops, art galleries and alternative cinemas when I'm there.

Smith and Caughey department store was in yearly sale mode, so it was teeming with people in every department. Upon entry, saw bored husbands with wives deciding on whether to buy discounted talcum powder from the bargain bins and massive lines for makeovers at cosmetic counters.

Proceeding to the next floor, there were plenty of bargain hunters in the women's section, hurriedly assessing each sale rack. Venturing to the household linens/kitchenware section up on the next level, there were men pushing babies in strollers, couples buying duvets and grandmothers sizing up their next crockery purchase.

Came in on a wandering mission so moved out on to the street in search of a Saturday 5pm coffee without a sale bag. We'd just been talking about how in Auckland you hardly see anyone you know as we crossed the road to the Civic Theatre complex.

Coming across Starks Expresso Cafe and Champagne Bar, we stopped in for a mocha/flat white and stuffed date. Its a cosy fit inside but since all the tables were taken, we stepped out into the roped off street dining section. It was bitterly cold but fine with the sun setting, casting Queen Street in dull shade.

When coffee plus extra came out, it was served by the host of NZ TV show 'The Kitchen Job'. Strange after saying we hardly see anyone, what a small world it is. He wasn't in the best mood, maybe one of his waiters had let him down and he had to serve/help out.

Still it was a nice coffee and treat to end our Saturday before returning home. Next time we are in the CBD we'll be stopping by again.

The Architects (Die Architekten)

Whenever the International Film Festival comes to town, I look forward to a copy of the upcoming schedule. Filled with interesting shots and plots, it takes a while to consume/sample and eventually cut out the memorable snippets.
Sadly it has missed Hamilton this year due to the lack of a suitable venue,so I turn my focus to the local film club.

As soon as I read 'The Architects' was filmed just before the collapse of East Germany, I circled the screening date. The subtitled film follows an idealistic architect eventually crushed by standardisation and streamlining in the communist era.
There were plenty of shots panning over the city and the multiple tower apartment blocks.

'The Architects' are a group of idealistic architects, friends from school designing a proposed community centre of dwellings,shops,restaurants,cinemas and activity areas.
Their schemes were definitely statements. Statements that were nit-picked till they were broken by officials.

Can't remember the last time I saw an architectural movie- I liked all the juxtapositions of life inside and outside buildings. One particular scene was a commuter train rushing by the windows of a one room stark apartment.

One more movie to see on the three ticket pass..we've chosen an oldie 'Gaslight'.

Believe it or not

I'm cynical but it's hard to believe in things these days. There are so many unsubstantiated claims of health, wealth and happiness from the supermarket to the latest self-help book.

I find it difficult to jump on the popular bandwagon, just because it is popular.

I remember having a cold at work and one of my co-workers advising me on suitable vitamin combinations. I told her I don't believe in vitamins.
I love the "I don't believe in...." line, its easier than offering a detailed explanation and stops any persistence dead.

Hype is huge in the marketplace and its easy to follow along/buy or indulge because it is the latest thing.

Hype is the magic bean that turns an average product or person into the greatest invention or talent for a decade.

"With my [insert product name here], I'll be the life and soul of the party."

Drones unite, desperate for social status, respect and admiration?- here is the product to solve your boring, ordinary lives! Shame everyone else also has that top, car or apartment-living lifestyle.

We'll never be ahead in the rat race with everyone following so close behind.

TV personalities are another hype- boosted product.

Soon they are so over-exposed, you can't channel surf without finding 'well-known' celebrities on every possible show or network promotional ad.

We are meant to lap this up and marvel at the talent of this increasingly dull person just because everyone else says so.

New Zealand does have a small population, but there are definitely more than 10 people who have the talent to be on air.

Wish a revolution would take place encouraging sheep to think outside the box rather than the Freedom furniture 'square you live in'.

Fitting Boxes

Recession or not, its time to bite the bullet and hit the shops with a deflated wallet for some desperately needed essentials!

Luckily stores are in permanent sale mode but as a cautious shopper I still like to try before I buy. That's the beauty of ready-to-wear.

I still hate the dreaded fitting room though.
Often a tortured honesty box of questions and reasoning, the environment itself is part of the problem.

Doors or curtains- the ultimate pretense of privacy. Whether its calico, velvet or a solid cubicle door, it never stops pesky and bored sales assistants from trying to entice me out.

Mirrors or lack of them! Once when trying on a salmon dress in an ill-lit tight cubicle, I concluded I could pass for a skinless sausage- pale pink is definitely not my colour. Suffice to say, I didn't buy it.

Without a cubicle mirror, its a complete guess. Another ploy to entice you out of the fitting room to see the result in the large store mirror and involve the sales assistant.
Next shop please!

Hooks can be rare or plentiful.
In Farmers' revamped fitting rooms, there are slogans above hooks as an organisational tool for the flustered shopper. "Definitely", "Maybe" or "Next Time?" are a rather cynical ploy.
I'd like it better if they added a "What was I thinking?" hook. I'd be tempted to put every hanger on it to start with.

Lighting makes a difference to how you look- tired, puffy or annoyed or all three. It also reminds you what kind of shop you're in and the price tag, the brighter big chain store or the low and atmospheric boutique.
A small mercy is the bigger the store chain, the bigger the "honest shopper" sign detailing the maximum of 3 garments in rooms at one time and camera surveillance.

Try before you buy = take it or leave it. At the end of the fitting session you can walk out, put them all on the reject rack or make polite comments to the assistant that it didn't suit. I love ready-made.

I'm not sure though if I'll ever get over feeling like I've tried to get changed in a sleeping bag, just to expand my wardrobe.