2744 days ago

45 by 45 - first one done!

Shannon Beynon Reporter from Christchurch Mail

The first thing off my list of 45 things to complete by the time I'm 45 has been completed. Admission - it was in the wind before my birthday, but it was still something I had wanted to do, and it was serendipitous that it all happened around the same time.

I performed in front of an audience.

For eight weeks last term, I was part of a rag-tag bunch of twenty or so individuals who got together every Monday night, telling stories, making stuff up and having a hell of a lot of fun. We were teachers, tattoo artists, students, personal trainers, professionals. All with our own reasons for coming, and united in our desire to step outside our comfort zones and try something new - and maybe make some friends along the way.

Our tutor, Emma Brittenden, was an absolute breath of fresh air while being incredibly encouraging and delightfully naughty. She encouraged us all from the get-go to always be 'a bit shit'; to give ourselves permission to not be perfect. It's this lesson that's at the heart of improv, and, if you ask me, life itself.

Improv isn't just about acting or comedy or making a dick of yourself on stage. It's about sharpening your brain, inspiring your partner and failing spectacularly and being more than comfortable with it.

We learned story structure and we learned the rules of the games, but we also learned how to read cues and how to step back and let someone else lead. We learned to let go. We learned to relish our failures.

A couple of weeks ago we showcased what we'd learned in front of an audience of family and friends. And it was both terrifying and terrific.

If you're keen to repeat my madness, I highly recommend this class as a way of dipping your toes in.

Spontaneity One runs at the Court Theatre every Monday night from 6pm-7.30pm. No experience necessary!
$127 per term (8 weeks).
Book at courteducation.org.nz.

The full list of my 45 by 45 can be found on my blog: shewillbealright.wordpress.com.... I'll update as I go.

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More messages from your neighbours
20 hours ago

💡 A Little Brain Buzz for You— Solve These! ⚡

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

You can ask this question all day long and get a completely different answer, yet all the answers will be correct. What is the question?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

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C
4 hours ago

recall reminder for faulty bathroom heaters prone to fires

Charles from Somerfield

Recall reminder for faulty bathroom heaters prone to fires
3:28 pm today

www.rnz.co.nz...

The Serene S2068 model that was recalled last year due to a manufacturing defect. Photo: Supplied / WorkSafe

Households are being urged to check their bathroom heaters to ensure they're not a recalled model that has caused numerous fires.

This time last year the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) issued a compulsory recall for a specific model of Serene heaters, warning of a significant risk to lives and property.

Since then 16,000 heaters have been decommissioned, but MBIE estimates there are still thousands in operation in Kiwi homes.

MBIE spokesperson Ian Caplin said the recalled heaters have caused 19 fires, including two after the recall notice was issued.

"That's 19 fire events too many, they're obviously very dangerous.

"They've been recalled but it is something where there are plenty of them about so we would urge people to check if they've got them. If they've got them, switch them off."

Caplin said MBIE estimates there are approximately 28,000 Serene S2068 heaters still in properties across the country.

"Technically it is a criminal offence to use them because they are prohibited from use.

"They're considered by the regulator to be so unsafe that it's not just an offence to supply and sell them, it's an offence to switch them on."

He said anyone who discovered they had a recalled heater should switch it off and get it professionally disconnected by an electrician or the supplier it was bought from.

"We know over Christmas there were two fires because of these heaters, and as the heaters get older and the known issues inside them get worse, and as we get into colder months, we are likely to see more and more fires occur."

MBIE had been working with Master Electricians to improve the information available around the recall, both to New Zealand households and to the electricians and suppliers who were undertaking the recalls.

"We have also discussed the recall with the Insurance Council who have advised that a fire that occurs from these heaters may not be covered by your home insurance if you do not act on the recall guidance, so keeping them in your homes not only risks lives, but your savings too," Caplin said.

"We've heard from our overseas counterparts that they only see around 20 percent of the products returned when a recall is issued.

"The fact that we have almost 37 percent returned really highlights the work being done, but also the need for more people to make sure they are checking their bathrooms."

Find out more about how to check if your heater was included in the recall, what other models pose a risk, and what you can do if you have one of these heaters on the Consumer Protection website

6 days ago

Poll: Is your nearest emergency department up to scratch?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Concerns have been raised about Nelson Hospital with complaints of lack of staffing and excessive wait times. Do you have confidence in your local emergency department?

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Is your nearest emergency department up to scratch?
  • 36.8% Yes, it serves us well
    36.8% Complete
  • 62.4% No, I have concerns
    62.4% Complete
  • 0.8% Other - I'll share below
    0.8% Complete
1492 votes