Sneaking around

Save perhaps the high heel, the humble sneaker has inspired more artists than any other kind of footwear in history. From Chuck Taylors to Air Jordans, there’s a story behind every shoe. No longer the domain of greasy-haired teenagers, sneakers are finding a home in the wardrobes of urban professionals. And as sneaker enthusiast Hadyn Green writes, they’re not just a fashion statement; increasingly, sneaker culture is becoming a subculture in its own right.

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Apple of my eye

Apple users (and fans), mark September 10 and 11 in your planners now—and if you’ve already got plans, start rescheduling, because CreativeTech, a forum devoted to all things Apple, is coming to Auckland. Sponsored by AUT and Idealog, it’s the first event of its kind in Australasia, offering a broad mix of presentations to suit all tastes. CreativeTech’s Mark Webster says attendees can pick and choose from topics including design, music, photography, movie-making, business administration and more. Keynote speaker Mark Pesce is a former Apple employee, while other speakers include several iPhone developers and former Australian Macworld editor Matthew JC Powell. And you’ll also be able to buy the latest gadgets in the ‘Trade Space’, plus even get free advice at the Wired Dog Helpdesk. Tickets start at $120 for a one-day pass and are available now.

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Tough love

The all-powerful Film Commission has caused many a fledgling filmmaker to quake in their boots. And those same writers, directors and producers were the first this week to welcome Sir Peter Jackson’s recommendation to shake up the industry and find a better way to develop and fund movies locally. The key, he says, is to get back to basics and create great screenplays, focusing on the people who come up with compelling and original ideas. Blogger Peter Griffin offers an aspiring screenwriter’s perspective on our website.

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Super Semi

Do you work in the creative industries? If so, then you need to be at Semi-Permanent 2010—New Zealand’s largest annual design symposium and the only event of its kind in Australasia. A 15-strong lineup will take over the Aotea Centre in Auckland next month, featuring local creative duo Karen Walker and Mikhail Gherman, and with father-and-son team Dick and Otis Frizzell rounding out the Kiwi contingent.

Also on the schedule are Pixar’s Andrew Gordon, who just wrapped production on Toy Story 3; legendary graphic designer and filmmaker Storm Thorgerson (often referred to as the sixth member of Pink Floyd); New York illustrator and typographer Jessica Hische; and Light Surgeons founder Christopher Thomas Allen. Tickets are $290 (student discount available), or pick up a VIP pass for $495 and meet the speakers.  All tickets, of course, include the legendary Semi-Permanent goodie bag, complete with event book and access to the after-party. And while you’re at it, check out Semi-Opinionated, a social media site for the industry designed to spark online debates and discussions.

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Daring to dream

No matter how the request might be couched, most of us would be horrified at the idea of asking our friends and family for money. But when faced with the need to expand, that’s just what 42 Below founders Geoff Ross and Justine Troy did. And thanks to their fellow ordinary Kiwis who dared to invest, a little vodka brand became known the world over. They spoke to Matt Cooney about the nay-saying experts who continue to give inventive New Zealand companies the cold shoulder and the importance of ditching modesty in order to bring our story to the world.

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Out of this world

Ever wondered what would happen to a human exposed to the extreme vacuum effects of space? Sure you have, and back in 1965, one man found out first-hand. According to this video, before passing out, his last conscious memory was of the saliva on his tongue beginning to boil.

In good company

A lightbulb that lasts nearly 20 years. Environmentally friendly knickers. Key-shaped USB drives for your keyring. Whether you’re in the mood for a dose of inspiration, or to simply sit back and admire the brilliance of others, take a few minutes to digest the list of winners of Fast Company’s 2010 Idea contest.

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One man and his motorcycle

Helmut Hirler is one of a rare breed of photographers who takes to the road armed only with his motorcycle and his panoramic camera. His name is synonymous with dramatic landscapes, from sprawling deserts to the wooded landscapes of his native Germany, all shot in black and white with a mere four images per film. But it’s New Zealand that Hirler has chosen as home, and now, Wellingtonians have the chance to see and buy some of his work at the Forgotten Kiwis exhibition.

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Representing at reGeneration2

Speaking of photography, Auckland artist Geoffrey Short—a recent graduate of the Elam School of Fine Arts—was the only New Zealander chosen from 730 candidates worldwide to participate in reGeneration2—Tomorrow’s Photographers Today, an exhibition organised by the Musée de l’Elysée in Switzerland. The Musée de l’Elysée is a prestigious museum entirely devoted to photography, with reGeneration2 showcasing the work of 80 people from 25 different countries. The collection is now making its way around Europe, after which it will continue touring in the US, China and South Africa.

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On your feet

The Deloitte Fast 50 is canvassing the landscape for businesses that have mastered the art of growth. Now in its tenth year, the index is an opportunity for businesses—large or small, public or private—to benchmark and celebrate their success. It honours innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit of those that make business growth look more like an art form than science. So if you’ve mastered the art of growth or know of a business that has, check out the 2010 Deloitte Fast 50.

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Beers with the best

On the first Wednesday of every month, the Icehouse opens up to entrepreneurs who are hungry to understand the steps to business success. You’ll get the chance to meet Icehouse executives, experts and angel investors (chairman Greg Cross just won the TechNZ Hi-Tech Inspiring Individual of the Year), and talk to previous incubator residents over a beer. It’s not just about networking, either; startups director Ken Erskine will present a seminar on five rules for successful entrepreneurship based on his ten years of experience. And did we mention that it’s all completely free? Register to attend the next session here.

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Musical Frankenstein

Take one broken cabinet handle, one chimney cap, some castoff guitar pickups, a broken bass neck, several piano keys and various other bits and pieces. Shake, stir and combine to create the ultimate hybrid, the Bassoforte.

Quote of the week

“In other countries growth businesses are the lifeblood; they are encouraged in so many different ways, and here we just smack them around until we beat them into submission. And occasionally one survives the beating. ”

— Justine Troy on outlasting the nonbelievers.

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