Get Ready to Run!

So before we really get stuck into the content, this week I'd like to quickly promote an event I'm organising in January...

It's a photo scavenger hunt crossed with The Amazing Race, and it's called "The Run" (no relation to the new Need for Speed game released recently). If you're interested, and can get a team of three to make it to the Wellington Waterfront by 11AM on the 8th of January, read on for more details and how to enter!



First, a bit of background...

I first came up with the idea of a family photo scavenger hunt when we were on holiday in Taupo some years back. It worked out great, and since then we've done other hunts in places like the Auckland CBD and Coastlands. Now for the next instalment I've been putting a bit more effort into planning and for the first time ever I'm opening The Run up to other teams!

Here's how it works. If you're a fan of The Amazing Race you'll already understand some of the format, but read on anyway.

Each team of three will receive instructions to travel around a predefined area taking pictures (or videos) of sometimes simple or complex objects or actions (ranging from items like "A traffic cone" to "A rooftop view" to perhaps things like "Seven people doing the Hokey Tokey").

Before a preset time limit teams will need to check in to the finish line and hand in their camera's SD card so the photos can be judged, and the points tallied up. Naturally the team with the most points wins.

Now the Amazing Race influence... before teams can reach the finish line they will need to solve a series of clues contained in envelopes around the area, known as a "Check Point". Some check points may require a task to be performed, a certain number of objects already photographed, or may simply have a list of more objects to be photographed for the team to score more points. Each check point will lead to the next one, and will eventually lead the teams to the finish line.

Also hidden around the area will be a single "Turbo Boost" envelope. Only the first team to find and collect the envelope will be awarded a points bonus and will contain the locations of all check point envelopes in the area, which may help the team acquire first place at the finish line. At some point in the race, teams will receive a turbo boost clue at the same time they reach a check point, which will contain a puzzle teams may or may not choose to solve during the hunt, which will reveal the envelope's location.

Finally, we have the "Game Twist". This could be absolutely anything and is unique to each iteration of The Run. What is it this time? You'll have to find out...

This is simply an event for fun, and NOT for one million dollars as per the televised counterpart. It is due to end around lunchtime so teams can mingle with each other afterwards.

So that's the gist of how it all works. If you are interested in participating, I am opening registration up to five teams of three people only. Here are the criteria required for submitting a team:

• At least one member of the team must be over 18 years of age
• Must supply one digital camera that uses an SD card OR if the camera uses a different card, please supply an SD card converter. If a USB cable is the only option it may be used, but please only as a last option.
• Teams must be able to make their own way to Te Papa Museum, Wellington by 11AM on Sunday, the 8th of January 2012. Teams are also responsible for transportation back home.

To register, please send an email with subject line "The Run 4" to sontaiknu@gmail.com by 9AM, Friday the 6th of January 2012 with the following:

• Team name
• Team member's names (and ages if under 18)
• Camera model used
• Contact email address
• Contact mobile phone number (used only for team communication during the day)

If you are successful you'll receive additional information within 2 days, and if the slots for teams are full you will be put on a waiting list; however if team demand is large I may consider opening up space for more teams.

I look forward to hearing from interested teams soon, and best of luck to everyone! And hey, if you know someone that'll be into this and readily available, pass this post on before spots get filled! Blogger has been kind enough to supply some buttons at the bottom of this post to share on Facebook, Twitter, Email...

...Or there's the Facebook event page, which you can find here.

Onwards to something different.

...wow that really was different. And now this!

Anyone remember the movie Wall-E? Well Pixar did a short film about another robot, Burn-E; it had its own little storyline loosely tied in with the main one. If you've got around 8 minutes to spare, check it out on Vimeo here.

You know, I also find it strange I had to look up the Hokey Tokey on Wikipedia just to check the New Zealand spelling. Funny how Wikipedia is practically the primary source for all my casual knowledge.

And when you get the chance, try searching 'let it snow' on Google for a cool little Easter egg. But it's Christmas... so maybe that's not the right term for it.

That's enough from me, have a merry Christmas and I'll see you next week!