philosophy, Reviews, travel

Je ne suis pas Lyonnaise… encore

Bonjour tous le monde, from a TGV (high-speed train). As I write this, I'm somewhere between Lyon and Zurich. As the third largest city in France, I did not know what to expect from Lyon. Already lucky enough to have visited Europe on two separate occasions, the only places in France I had been were Paris… Continue reading Je ne suis pas Lyonnaise… encore

entertainment, Music, Reviews, Technology

Childhood Nostalgia: 90s Tech Rewind

What makes you feel nostalgic? Music from my childhood. Specifically, almost anything by Crowded House, Bic Runga’s Get Some Sleep, Goldenhorse’s Northern Lights, and Tim Finn’s Before & After album. Oh, and Fat Freddy’s Drop. https://youtu.be/ag8XcMG1EX4?si=00gH2zkpuLkrVDOm https://youtu.be/qzTUSR3fbfU?si=Ay7nHSie9A_lerOg https://youtu.be/2aDG82wZUHs?si=_1ur3a2-eaxs49Wo https://youtu.be/Y7QQS5V3cnI?si=TdXdcO9hMxVA9h2y Beautiful Collision If I’m speaking a different language, you’re missing out. These are just some of… Continue reading Childhood Nostalgia: 90s Tech Rewind

entertainment, Reviews, travel

Legoland, Supersonic Speeds and a Glorious Croissant

Adulting at Legoland If you couldn't already tell, my partner and I are adult children. Birmingham's Legoland was her idea, and I was content enough to go along. During the day, it is typically a snotty, screechy, lego haven filled with mostly kindergartners to under 10s. However, once a month, they host adult-only 18+ evenings,… Continue reading Legoland, Supersonic Speeds and a Glorious Croissant

autism, entertainment, Movies, Neurodiversity, philosophy, Politics

Painful Politics, Indigenous Rights and Climate

It has been more than a little bit heartbreaking seeing the fear and frustration from students post-NZ election. Many of my students are fierce climate activists, proud tangata whenua, queer, trans and/or advocates against social injustice. One came up to me after class recently and said in a panic, will National really get rid of… Continue reading Painful Politics, Indigenous Rights and Climate

entertainment, Music, Reviews

Odd Time Signatures: Why Does it Sound Wonky?

I stumbled across the wonderful Madison Cunningham not so long ago via one Remi Wolf's feature in Hospital. Through an increasingly obsessive deep dive into Cunningham's catalogue I fell upon Anywhere, whose chorus strikes a chord with me: Any day nowI'll find myself free of itYou'llturn and see me theredaringto answer to no oneAny day… Continue reading Odd Time Signatures: Why Does it Sound Wonky?

Health & Wellbeing, Other, Reviews, Technology

The Global Scavenger Hunt You’ve Never Heard Of

Geocaching. It's the biggest worldwide game you've probably never heard of before. If you're an outdoorsy type, need some incentive to explore your city, or like me, you're just genuinely competitive, it could be your next hobby. Trust me, there is a deep satisfaction in locating unassuming containers in unexpected places. Think orienteering, but you… Continue reading The Global Scavenger Hunt You’ve Never Heard Of

entertainment, Music, travel

Adventures in Tāmaki Makaurau

Entirely due to a steep incline in my obsession with Remi Wolf, I did something ~highly spontaneous~, at least by Abby standards. They Cool, They Tight Somewhat late to the game, I hadn't an inkling that she was touring the Antipodes until my mate gave me a heads up. Unfortunately, The Babe Herself had sold… Continue reading Adventures in Tāmaki Makaurau

entertainment, LGBTQ+, Music, Reviews

JoJo x JoJo: The Interview We Never Knew We Needed

I have been going through a JoJo renaissance this past year. Ever since finding out how bad my childhood fave got fucked over by the music industry, she has come back on my radar. Perusing her recent Spotify releases, I've fallen back in love with JoJo's music. Ten years on, her lyrical storytelling has a… Continue reading JoJo x JoJo: The Interview We Never Knew We Needed

Health & Wellbeing, Movies, philosophy, Politics, Reviews

Musings on Mortality (Part Two)

Bridging clumsily into an extended climate change brain dump, I continue my quest. For what? ...to normalise discussions about our mortal souls, of course. In On Aging, Climate Change and Escaping Nihilism, I briefly summarise my climate anxiety: "Nature is Changing" "Staring me down in my older adulthood is the vortex of climate change, which… Continue reading Musings on Mortality (Part Two)

entertainment, Reviews

Theatre Review: Change Your Own Life

Reviewing a theatre show is definitely a first for me, but I have good reason for doing so - and that reason is that this show was very fucking good. If you have ever wanted to change your own life, you best sit down and view this stunningly gut-wrenching one wahine show from a femme… Continue reading Theatre Review: Change Your Own Life