Posts by Tony Parker
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The Art Deco Trust has killed architecture in Napier, so that everything that is built must be a pastiche of a pastiche.
Not entirely true. Within the inner city there is encouragement to follow along Art Deco lines but no compulsion as such. If it hadn't been for the trust we probably would have had a lot more ugly monoliths like the Manchester Unity building in the main street. Now days people are advised more by the trust on colour schemes and how alterations can fit in with existing architechture. Mind you it hasn't stopped a number of faceless motels being built along Marine Parade. And the plans for the new art gallery and museum have little or no Art Deco features.
The new Scenic Hotel Te Pania manages to be beautiful and curvy and of its beachside location without the need for fibreglass sunbursts or chevrons.
Yeah that's not bad and benefits from being away from most other buildings so there no direct contrast with Art Deco. Just wouldn't wan't live behind it though.
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It's likely that residents of other New Zealand cities that weren't as flattened during the 1980s of speculation and development as Auckland and Wellington were feel similarly about their architectural traditions.
If it wasn't for Robert McGregor and a few others here in Napier all our Art Deco buildings would have been pulled down to be replaced by faceless modern stuff. His work with the Art Deco trust has led to a tourist attracting architectural point of difference for Napier culminating in the Art Deco weekend every year. It's also led to newer buildings taking on an Art Deco style in keeping with the surrounding architecure.
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They say it comes in 3's. Jay Reatard, Teddy Prendegrass and now Bobby Charles (See You Later Alligator, Walking to New Orleans, ran with Dylan, The Band, Neil Young, Dr John)
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Can you explain further Tony. What is this "easy to spot"?I understand any kid with lack of sleep (possibly due to irresponsible parents) but could you elaborate?
An inability to focus, listlessness, red eyes, drowsyness which could also be signs of tiredness but then you take into consideration the knowledge of family background and you make an assumption which may or may not be right. But with the 5 year olds in my room it's not a good thing either way.
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While I can to some extent agree with the above arguements and see that legalisation could be beneficial in a number of ways I do have a problem with the whole idea of easier access and greater freedom with regards to family life. As a teacher it is easy to spot the child in my class who has spent the weekend exposed to second hand cannabis smoke and it has a real effect on their learning, sometimes for a couple of days till it leaves the system. I'm not talking teenagers here but younger kids and it is a real problem. I agree also that alchohol has a just as much effect on families, it just manifests itself in different ways, violence etc. I'm not sure if this is part of the legalisation debate or not and probably has more to do with parents not taking on their parental role in a responsible manner. This highlights the problem I have with the legalisation debate is that the focus tends to be on the people with no family or responsibilities who just want to get high in social situations whereas there is a greater group of people using the drug in their normal everyday life. Legalisation would require a huge amount of education running alongside it. Of course everything I've said applies to alchohol also and I haven't touched on the problems of workplace intoxication.
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For you who live in Auckland I need a little help on a slightly related musical note. A US member of a Neil Young list I'm on is coming to NZ for a holiday and is going to the james taylor/Carol King concert and wants to know what accomodation close to the Vector is like. he's looking mid price range. Any help would be appreciated. :)
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In the scheme of things dance music/hip-hop electronica does little for me. I'm more of a singer-songwriter roots music kinda guy but New Order are the exception. Apart from the awesome power in their music it's the fact that their songs are songs-they have a tune, lyrics and hooks that make them great pop music and can be played by anybody on an acoustic guitar and still sound good.
Witness Frente with Bizarre love Triangle. -
I'm a sucker for a seated venue these days.
Does it for me too. Could be age! Works well even in places like the SFBH. Saw Vic Chestnut/Victoria Williams there last year (thankfully considering current events) and they had the tables and chairs set out. Such a pleasurable listening experience.
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Thanks Damian. Which local MP's have you got lined up?
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Damian-Which pub are you doing Backbencher in Napier? How does one get into these things?