Day 169

Today was Guy Fawkes, a British holiday that is enjoyed by pyromaniac Kiwis.

My understanding is that Guy Fawkes was part of a group that attempted to blow up parliament way back in the day. Apparently he got caught and was tortured, but he wouldn't reveal his co-conspirators. He was eventually convicted of treason and executed.

On Guy Fawkes day people shoot off a lot of fireworks. There have been fireworks going off all week, really. There is even a house down the street that is selling fireworks out of their garage. Initially I thought that people were shooting off the fireworks to celebrate Guy Fawkes & Co. standing up to the government, kind of like the Fourth of July... The only thing is, the Fourth of July is to celebrate independence from Britain... I don't think Guy Fawkes day is to celebrate Britain's independence from itself... I have since been advised, by a British person, that people are actually celebrating the capture and execution of Guy Fawkes. Apparently people in England put dummies in wheelbarrows on Guy Fawkes day, wheel them around and collect money... And then burn the dummies in a giant bon fire... Nice.

I have also heard that the movie V for Vendetta is about Guy Fawkes, but I never saw the movie so I don't really know.

Remember, remember
The fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot
I see no reason
Why gunpowder, treason
Should ever be forgot

Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes
He's intent
To blow up the Houses of Parliament
Three score barrels of powder below
Poor old England to overthrow

By God's providence he was catched
With a black lantern and a burning match
Holler, holler boys
Ring the bells, ring!
Holler, holler boys
God save the King

-Traditional

Movember 4

The Fu Manchu


Characteristics:

• Stringy
• Long
• Narrow
  

Theme song:
It's a Great Day to Be Alive - Travis Tritt

"Well I might go get me a new tattoo
Or take my old Harley for a three day cruise
Might even grow me a Fu Manchu"


Accessories to consider:

• Queue hairstyle
• Chinese cap
• Chopsticks

Example:

Fu Manchu












Jimi Hendrix












Rating:

Practicality (out of 10): 2
Originality (out of 50): 18
Difficulty (out of 40): 10
Overall style points (out of 100): 30

Cool factor bonus (out of 10): +4

Movember 3

The Toothbrush


Characteristics:

• Square
• Narrow

Theme song:

Power Mustache - Vandals

"Never trust a man with a butt broom on his face
It's the facial marking of the man who holds you down
The source of all your problems, every city, every town
Stalin, Hitler, Schneider, just to name a few
Got to kill the mustache before it grows on you"


Accessories to consider:

• Cane
• Bowtie
• Bowler hat
  

Example:

Oliver Hardy











Charlie Chaplin











Hitler












Rating:

Practicality (out of 10): 1
Originality (out of 50): 10
Difficulty (out of 40): 3
Overall style points (out of 100): 14

Cool factor bonus (out of 10): +1

Movember 2

The Dali

Characteristics:

• Waxy
• Pointy
• Curved

Theme song:

Da Da Dali - Todd Rundgren

"Dada Dali goodbye
Dada Dali don't sigh"


Accessories to consider:

• Crazy eyes
• A bowtie
  
• A paintbrush
  

Example:

Salvador Dali












Rating:

Practicality (out of 10): 3
Originality (out of 50): 42
Difficulty (out of 40): 33
Overall style points (out of 100): 78

Cool factor bonus (out of 10): +10

Movember 1

The Walrus

Characteristics:

• Bushy
• Droopy
• Walrus-like

Theme song:

I Am the Walrus - The Beatles

"I am the eggman
They are the eggman
I am the walrus"


Accessories to consider:

• A pipe
• Round-framed glasses
• Flippers

Examples:

Walruses







Mark Twain











Teddy Roosevelt









Rating:

Practicality (out of 10): 2
Originality (out of 50): 25
Difficulty (out of 40): 30
Overall style points (out of 100): 57

Cool factor bonus (out of 10): +3

Day 165

Dinner club conveniently fell on Halloween this month...

Jon made "Blood and Guts Baked Ziti"- it was a huge hit!

We also had "Spooky Salad", "Graveyard Cupcakes" and special punch with a frozen ice hand!!

Creepy!!

Tombstone cupcakes











Dirt and worms cupcakes











Mysterious punch

Day 163

Happy Halloween from New Zealand!

One of my biggest disappointments... Halloween isn't popular in New Zealand!

Newton is an extra spirited Kiwi, though, so he got dressed up.

Introducing: Newton as Michael Jackson, the Prince of Pup (or the Prince of Pug, if you prefer)





















You can't really tell, but Newton wore a custom red and gold silk jacket with a super cool Mandarin-style collar. He also had one silver glove.

Watch Newton's tribute to MJ here