The bloodlust dies down for a moment and a more docile Floyd relaxes with Matt and Ryno.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
I finally got a good lesson in Auckland weather this time of year. The bad weather at the football cleared so me and Kat went for a run, setting off in sunshine with my washing drying nicely on the line outside.
After a couple of k's the clouds thickened up and an unbelievably stormy storm hit, and hit hard. It was lashing down and the sky was greyer than a grey man's cape as far as the eye could see.
We took shelter for a few minutes, then out of nowhere the skies cleared and the rest of the run was fairly pleasant.
Crowded House weren't kidding.
After a couple of k's the clouds thickened up and an unbelievably stormy storm hit, and hit hard. It was lashing down and the sky was greyer than a grey man's cape as far as the eye could see.
We took shelter for a few minutes, then out of nowhere the skies cleared and the rest of the run was fairly pleasant.
Crowded House weren't kidding.
The guys I play football with had the tournament they've been training for today.
This was a national tournament organised by their company (Danone) with the winner flying to Sydney to play off against the Australian champions. The prize for the winners of that game is entry in to the Danone World Cup which takes place in Portugal.
Obviously my input during the training games helped as Fraser (Si's mate) and the lads won a tense final 1-0 and fly off to Aussie in a few weeks.
Don't think this picture does justice to how bad the rain was
This was a national tournament organised by their company (Danone) with the winner flying to Sydney to play off against the Australian champions. The prize for the winners of that game is entry in to the Danone World Cup which takes place in Portugal.
Obviously my input during the training games helped as Fraser (Si's mate) and the lads won a tense final 1-0 and fly off to Aussie in a few weeks.
Don't think this picture does justice to how bad the rain was
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
New photos
Follow the link for a few NZ ones and a selection of pics from my leaving do...
I'll be adding a Donny boys and Watson Wyatt section soon. Excited?
I'll be adding a Donny boys and Watson Wyatt section soon. Excited?
Behind the scenes...
This post is for all you doubting thomassessessessess. I got a call from the production company on Saturday afternoon, asking if I was free for filming the next day. God damn right I was. So, at 7.30am I rolled up to the old Union Fish Company building in the city and reported for duty.
The brief was business people walking along a London street, so I was decked out pretty dapper and armed with a rain coat. I put myself forward for the first scene and got picked! No mean feat as there were only 12 of us for this shoot and there were 80 extras in total, most of which were attached to agencies. Get in.
We had to walk down the street in the rain, looking up at the sky and acting naturally. My slant on this was to talk into my mobile - this went down well and to cut a very long story every so slightly shorter, I ended up walking right to the camera and getting a lot of exposure. After each take I was talking with the director and getting some, well, direction. A lot of fun, and at the end the AD (assistant director for the laymen) took my name as if they use this shot I should get a bit of airtime...AND MORE MONEY. Totally worth getting soaked to the core.
The afternoon started really well as I got selected along with another guy to play the security guards in the airport scene. However, I wasn't in shot much in this one and essentially stood in the same place for about 4 hours.
I had a really good day all in all, drank lots of tea, ate some biscuits, had a really nice lunch and chatted to quite a lot of interesting people. The one downside though was I didn't have my camera with me - a common mistake for the novice blogger.
A DATE FOR YOUR DIARIES....THIS AD GOES TO AIR IN THE UK ON MAY 21ST DURING CORONATION STREET.
I shall be posting several reminders and probably sending several emails - wouldn't want any of you to miss my big moment now would I?
The brief was business people walking along a London street, so I was decked out pretty dapper and armed with a rain coat. I put myself forward for the first scene and got picked! No mean feat as there were only 12 of us for this shoot and there were 80 extras in total, most of which were attached to agencies. Get in.
We had to walk down the street in the rain, looking up at the sky and acting naturally. My slant on this was to talk into my mobile - this went down well and to cut a very long story every so slightly shorter, I ended up walking right to the camera and getting a lot of exposure. After each take I was talking with the director and getting some, well, direction. A lot of fun, and at the end the AD (assistant director for the laymen) took my name as if they use this shot I should get a bit of airtime...AND MORE MONEY. Totally worth getting soaked to the core.
The afternoon started really well as I got selected along with another guy to play the security guards in the airport scene. However, I wasn't in shot much in this one and essentially stood in the same place for about 4 hours.
I had a really good day all in all, drank lots of tea, ate some biscuits, had a really nice lunch and chatted to quite a lot of interesting people. The one downside though was I didn't have my camera with me - a common mistake for the novice blogger.
A DATE FOR YOUR DIARIES....THIS AD GOES TO AIR IN THE UK ON MAY 21ST DURING CORONATION STREET.
I shall be posting several reminders and probably sending several emails - wouldn't want any of you to miss my big moment now would I?
Notices
Someone within Watson Wyatt has seen it fit to promote this man...
...David Acres.
Congratulations Dave, who has made it to Band 3. This won't mean all that much to non-WW people, and probably not all that much to those who work with him.
I'm kidding Dave, I haven't met a more conscientious, hard-working, goal-oriented champion of the pensions industry. This promotion is well deserved and long overdue. Ahem.
...David Acres.
Congratulations Dave, who has made it to Band 3. This won't mean all that much to non-WW people, and probably not all that much to those who work with him.
I'm kidding Dave, I haven't met a more conscientious, hard-working, goal-oriented champion of the pensions industry. This promotion is well deserved and long overdue. Ahem.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
My photos...
Here is how to access my photo collection, should you want to...
1. Follow the link on the right
2. Create a yahoo sign-in (takes about a minute)
3. Once in to Flickr, do a people search for OWENLG
4. Look at photos
Currently there are just photos of my trip to NZ, but I'll be sorting out the rest soon. Have fun.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Carpet bombing...
It's getting a bit me, me, me on this site, so I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all the Watson Wyatt critters the best of luck in their exams. Saves having to do it one by one.
I've just noticed how the sincerity of my wishes isn't what it used to be. Could have something to do with me now not being around to get free booze on results night I guess.
I've just noticed how the sincerity of my wishes isn't what it used to be. Could have something to do with me now not being around to get free booze on results night I guess.
Running man...
I hung up my running shoes after my one and only 10k run in November 2004. However, I have been coaxed out of retirement for the Onehunga 10k.
I need a bit of an incentive to step up the fitness regime and this is perfect (although my dodgy knees and ankles would probably tell you different).
I'm a little puzzled though when looking at the results of previous races - if I had run the same time in the 2005 race that I did in Leeds (49m 24) I would have finished 15th and in 2004 I would have finished 10th.
The course is "flat and fast" so the pressure is on to beat my previous time. Predictions please..... (that might get the comments flowing)
I need a bit of an incentive to step up the fitness regime and this is perfect (although my dodgy knees and ankles would probably tell you different).
I'm a little puzzled though when looking at the results of previous races - if I had run the same time in the 2005 race that I did in Leeds (49m 24) I would have finished 15th and in 2004 I would have finished 10th.
The course is "flat and fast" so the pressure is on to beat my previous time. Predictions please..... (that might get the comments flowing)
Saturday, March 25, 2006
And that's a rap...
or is it "wrap"? anyway, had the audition this morning and what a very strange experience it was. I have to admit that I was a suspicious alloicious about the whole thing but it was all above board. In answer to Lunt's comment, why pay a load of actors on Equity rates when you can get people off the street without agents and pay them less?
Aaanyhoo, I got there to find only a handful of people were in golf stuff and it became pretty apparent that this ad wasn't just about golfers but about everyone in England getting over excited at the prospect of a few minutes sunshine. As if.
There were about 100 of us and we all had to walk from one end of the field toward the camera acting as if we were fed up that there was no sunshine. Then at the command of the director, the sun came out and we all had to go mad, strip off (if so desired) and run around celebrating the sun.
I've just read that back to myself and would like to make a couple of things clear....
1. It wasn't a porno, and just a few people took their shirts off (men, unfortunately)
2. The director wasn't God, the sun didn't actually come out at his request.
It was a lot of fun and I think I gave myself a better chance of making the final selection of people by keeping my shirt on. They'll be reviewing the film and contacting the lucky few needed for filming sometime this week, so fingers crossed.
Aaanyhoo, I got there to find only a handful of people were in golf stuff and it became pretty apparent that this ad wasn't just about golfers but about everyone in England getting over excited at the prospect of a few minutes sunshine. As if.
There were about 100 of us and we all had to walk from one end of the field toward the camera acting as if we were fed up that there was no sunshine. Then at the command of the director, the sun came out and we all had to go mad, strip off (if so desired) and run around celebrating the sun.
I've just read that back to myself and would like to make a couple of things clear....
1. It wasn't a porno, and just a few people took their shirts off (men, unfortunately)
2. The director wasn't God, the sun didn't actually come out at his request.
It was a lot of fun and I think I gave myself a better chance of making the final selection of people by keeping my shirt on. They'll be reviewing the film and contacting the lucky few needed for filming sometime this week, so fingers crossed.
Friday, March 24, 2006
Lights, camera....
I got a call yesterday from the casting company who invited me along to an audition on Saturday morning for this golf ad. How exciting. Ryno also got the call, and when I spoke to the girl on the phone I got the distinct impression they were inviting everyone back who filled in their details.
Bothered. I'm pretty sure that this audition makes me the biggest actor to come from Doncaster since Janet Dibley.
Time to dust off those GCSE Drama monologues me thinks...
Bothered. I'm pretty sure that this audition makes me the biggest actor to come from Doncaster since Janet Dibley.
Time to dust off those GCSE Drama monologues me thinks...
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
We're 4 again...
Kat has returned home from her month-long Asian shopping trip (buying jewellry for her business), so the house is back up to full compliment. I will now get a house photo taken of us and post it up on here so you can all see the kind of freaks I live with.
One other thing - WHERE ARE THE COMMENTS???? I'm blogging my guts out for you people (sort of) and there only seems to be Lunt and occasionally a few others who ever say anything. It's time to name and shame...
Donny - there aren't any real regulars (except James), and some of you haven't commented once (Groome/Heyes). I feel hurt.
WW - Caz, Acres, Bradbury (although I'd no doubt be deleting anything he'd put up), Tranter - where are you lot?
Actually, I've just had a thought...maybe the reason there are hardly any comments is that no one actually reads this site.
Naaaah, that can't be true - it's chuffin' brilliant.
One other thing - WHERE ARE THE COMMENTS???? I'm blogging my guts out for you people (sort of) and there only seems to be Lunt and occasionally a few others who ever say anything. It's time to name and shame...
Donny - there aren't any real regulars (except James), and some of you haven't commented once (Groome/Heyes). I feel hurt.
WW - Caz, Acres, Bradbury (although I'd no doubt be deleting anything he'd put up), Tranter - where are you lot?
Actually, I've just had a thought...maybe the reason there are hardly any comments is that no one actually reads this site.
Naaaah, that can't be true - it's chuffin' brilliant.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Weekend...
It's Sunday morning and I have a stinker of a hangover.
Yesterday I got up pretty early and went for a round of golf with my housemate Ryno. This turned out to be a pretty good move as whilst we were queuing at the first tee a couple of blokes from a casting agency came up to see if we were interested in being in an advert for Boots to be screened in the UK. This got a big old yes from me so they took my details and a couple of mugshots and will get back some time this week if they want me. This could be the start of a new career don't you think? If I'm honest, the biggest attraction to getting called up would be the $200 they pay for an afternoon of standing around. Sweet.
After the golf I met up with Si and went to watch Auckland City play a top of the table clash against Youngheart Manawatu. 2-1 to the home side, not that anyone really cares.
Then we went to meet Leanne and her friend Jessica in the boozer - and here begins the journey I went on to feel so rough today. A few beers, followed by champagne at Si and Leanne's to celebrate Jessica recently qualifying as a diving instructor, followed by more beers in another boozer. I'm using the excuse of not having any dinner for knocking a pint over Jessica's leg. I've still got the magic touch with the ladies, eh?
Football in a couple of hours - I may very well pass out.
Yesterday I got up pretty early and went for a round of golf with my housemate Ryno. This turned out to be a pretty good move as whilst we were queuing at the first tee a couple of blokes from a casting agency came up to see if we were interested in being in an advert for Boots to be screened in the UK. This got a big old yes from me so they took my details and a couple of mugshots and will get back some time this week if they want me. This could be the start of a new career don't you think? If I'm honest, the biggest attraction to getting called up would be the $200 they pay for an afternoon of standing around. Sweet.
After the golf I met up with Si and went to watch Auckland City play a top of the table clash against Youngheart Manawatu. 2-1 to the home side, not that anyone really cares.
Then we went to meet Leanne and her friend Jessica in the boozer - and here begins the journey I went on to feel so rough today. A few beers, followed by champagne at Si and Leanne's to celebrate Jessica recently qualifying as a diving instructor, followed by more beers in another boozer. I'm using the excuse of not having any dinner for knocking a pint over Jessica's leg. I've still got the magic touch with the ladies, eh?
Football in a couple of hours - I may very well pass out.
Rant
It was St Patricks Day on Friday...BOTHERED.
I stayed away from the city which was full of idiots wearing guinness t-shirts that haven't been out of the drawer for a year and massive green hats. Most of them spouting the phrase "I'm quarter Irish". A pointless day no doubt invented by Guinness to boost global sales. And yes, if you were wondering I also think Valentines day is another piece of coporate trickery to get money out of people.*
And as far as I'm concerned Tiny Tim would have starved and I'd have had that giant turkey to myself. Bah humbug.
Anyway, this is where I live. Not bad eh?...
*This opinion is in no way affected by me NEVER getting a valentines card.
I stayed away from the city which was full of idiots wearing guinness t-shirts that haven't been out of the drawer for a year and massive green hats. Most of them spouting the phrase "I'm quarter Irish". A pointless day no doubt invented by Guinness to boost global sales. And yes, if you were wondering I also think Valentines day is another piece of coporate trickery to get money out of people.*
And as far as I'm concerned Tiny Tim would have starved and I'd have had that giant turkey to myself. Bah humbug.
Anyway, this is where I live. Not bad eh?...
*This opinion is in no way affected by me NEVER getting a valentines card.
Saturday, March 04, 2006
'Cos he's a ladies man....
Lunt showing some of his killer moves. My sister clearly isn't impressed.
(Lunt, you didn't think you were going to get a link scot free did you?)
We could be in business people. Despite several hours (ok, minutes) googling indie clubs in Auckland and getting nowhere I could have found what I'm looking for when walking to work. It's called "The Indie Club" and is on every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Sounds promising, no?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
