The Inbetweeners did pretty well on the telly, drawing an audience that appreciated seeing the troubles of youth coming of age, akin to Skins but perhaps not so dirty/dirty. But where Skins tried too hard at times to appear too cool for school, the characters on The Inbetweeners have always been okay with not taking themselves so seriously.

Anyway, so popular has the TV series been, that a movie has come to fruition, aptly titled, well, The Inbetweeners Movie. In it, the four main characters of Will (Simon Bird), Simon (Joe Thomas), Jay (James Buckley) and Neil (Blake Harrison) bid high school goodbye forever, and venture off on their first vacation together.

But their holiday in Crete is no picnic; rather a chaotic ride from the get-go. From disastrous accommodation, to much heartache on Simon’s behalf, to Jay falling asleep in an ants nest, it’s a comi-tragic coming-of-age flick where four boys become men. Or at least try to. Of course getting laid is a priority among the group.

‘The Inbetweeners Movie’ is out on Blu-ray and DVD through Roadshow Home Entertainment.

Henry Rollins really is a man of many hats; a jack of all trades: author, musician, radio announcer and DJ, television presenter… But what he is most famous for are his live stand-up performances. Antonino Tati chats to a spoken word icon about his tough guy image, travels to troubled destinations, and his thoughts on censorship.

To many, you kind of represent a pinup for the butch sensitive new-age man. Who do you see when looking out into your audience?
16 to 60 [year-olds]. About 50/50 male/female, primarily white. Past that, they are the audience. I am there to serve them. I don’t look too closely.

To be honest, when I was a kid and first saw you on TV, I thought you were the lead singer of a heavy metal band, what with the biceps, the tatts, the shaved head. Do you find your image still throws people off to this day?
I honestly don’t notice. I don’t take a lot of time to wonder how I am being evaluated by my appearance.
 

It’d be wrong to categorise your style of performance as stand-up. Your subject matter veers more towards serious topics than your average stand-up does. What would you call your delivery style?
For me, it’s never been anything more than a talking show. That’s what I have always called it. If I called it comedy, there would have to be more humour. I don’t know what you’re supposed to call it, so I don’t spend too much time on classifying it.

Do you feel there are some people in your audience who shed tears during your shows, torn between crying with joy at your jokes and with sadness through epiphanies your talk might trigger?
I’ve been told by people post show that is what happened. I have never seen it myself. I guess people run through all kinds of things at the shows. The topics tend to bring a lot of emotions into play.
 

When you are delivering what I would call spoken word, are you tempted to look out into one part of the audience or do you constantly move your attention around the room?
I will usually be drawn to the person texting, the person sleeping, the visibly bored, the person trying to secretly film me. I am drawn to the distraction basically. Past that, I usually look straight ahead.
 

What have you thought of other spoken word artists and storytellers, such as Gil Scot Heron, Michael Franti and Laurie Anderson?
I don’t know enough about them besides Laurie, who is just magic.
 

Do segues come quite naturally for you? Hope you don’t mind my asking but have you ever gotten stuck and stammered in the middle of telling a story?
I have gotten momentarily lost in a story if I am really tired and lose a little traction, but I do a lot of preparation, so I rarely get off track. It happens though. I am not stuck for more than a second. Not being high helps, I am sure.
 

How would you describe your radio DJ-ing style?
Loose, prone to error but heartfelt and enthusiastic.
 

Are you one for censorship on radio? Outside of the obvious swear words that might be censored, do you believe in full freedom of speech via the medium?
I don’t believe in censorship but curse words on the radio wear thin for me. I have satellite radio in the car. Some of these guys let it fly. I wouldn’t dare to stop them but it makes it hard to listen to at times. To me, it’s just lazy speaking.
 

What do you think of that newer democratic medium, the internet? Will there come a time when we’re censored on that, too?
I am sure there will be attempts. I would not be surprised if that came from the left side of the aisle. There is a lot of freedom to be had. I think it all depends on how much governments see things like Wikileaks as a true security threat and what they see as a way to minimise that problem. Past that, there’s a lot of money to be made, so people will try to regulate it if they can make a buck.
 

Tell me a bit about the television show you host on National Geographic, Animal Underworld – is it a risky, dangerous job at times?
Slightly dangerous. If you go the wrong way with a venomous snake, that could be bad for you, but for the most part, no, not all that dangerous. I wish it was a bit more risky. Keeps the blood thin.
 

Travel is a big thing with you. What/where are three of the world’s best kept natural secrets?
Good question. I don’t know. Most of the places I have been where there are not many people are pretty harsh and it’s not a wonder as to why they are not often travelled. I have always liked Southeast Asia but that’s a very well travelled bit of territory. Parts of Africa are very nice and not all that tourist-infested. Kenya has some nice parts that make you feel like you are somewhere really different.
 

You’ve travelled to some troubled destinations – Siberia, Burma, Bangladesh – how do you continue doing so without getting too depressed about some of the sad living conditions in these places?
I wouldn’t be all that effective if it becomes all too much. You have to see past the bad parts to stay clear. I do see some sad situations and I do get to leave them and not get any on me. I don’t feel guilt or that I am lucky, just from a different situation. I try to see it for what it is. I am not trying to be brutal or callous, just clear-sighted. In many cases, the only person feeling bad in an impoverished environment is me; everyone else is just getting on with things.
 

What can the everyday man do to help? Are there any particular charities you know of that really do help out?
Doctors Without Borders, Drop In The Bucket. Those two I have seen in action and they get it done, big time.
 

Do you have a checklist of what you really want to do outside of your performances on your forthcoming trip to Australia?
Past deadlines to be met, good workouts, and restorative sleep. I am pretty much just about the shows. I find that being mission-specific really helps the show.
 

You come across as an all-round workaholic, constantly on the road performing, writing books, acting in film, presenting on radio and television, and making music. What’s left for Henry Rollins to do?
I reckon it’s for me just to stay with it. That’s it. I don’t know of other things I want to do. I really like being onstage with the audience. I feel a great duty to them. I feel very lucky to have that outlet. Past that, I can’t think of anything on the list that needs checking off.

Henry Rollins plays the following dates in Australia:

Wednesday 18, The National Theatre, Melbourne (Sold Out)

Thursday 19 April, The National Theatre, Melbourne (Sold Out)

Friday 20 April, The National Theatre (www.ticketek.com.au or phone 02 9525 4611)

Saturday 21 April, The National Theatre (www.ticketek.com.au or phone 02 9525 4611)

Sunday 22 April, Her Majesties Theatre, Adelaide (www.bass.net.au or phone 131 246)

Tuesday 24 April, Panthers, Newcastle (www.moshtix.com.au or phone 02 4926 6200) 



Wednesday 25 April, Seymour Centre, Sydney (Sold Out)

Thursday 26 April, Seymour Centre, Sydney (Sold Out)

Friday 27 April Seymour Centre (www.ticketek.com.au or phone 132 849)

Sunday 29 April 29, Darwin Entertainment Centre www.darwinentertainment.com.au or phone 08 8980 3333)

Tuesday 1 May, Tanks, Cairns (www.ticketlink.com.au or phone 1300 855 83)

Wednesday 2 May, Powerhouse, Brisbane (www.brisbanepowerhouse.org or phone 07 3358 8600

Thursday 3 May, Powerhouse, Brisbane (www.brisbanepowerhouse.org or phone 07 3358 8600)

Friday 4 May, Powerhouse, Brisbane (www.brisbanepowerhouse.org or phone 07 3358 8600)

Saturday 5 May, Theatre Royal, Hobart (www.theatreroyal.com.au or phone 6233 2299)

Sunday 6 May, The Street Theatre, Canberra (Sold Out)

Tuesday 8 May, IPAC, Wollongong (www.ipac.org.au or phone 02 4224 5999)

Thursday 10 May, Margaret River Cultural Centre, WA (www.artsmargaretriver.com or phone 08 9758 7316)

Friday 11 May, Astor Theatre, Perth (www.perthcomedyfest.com.au or phone 08 9484 1133)

Saturday 12 May, Astor Theatre, Perth (www.perthcomedyfest.com.au or phone 08 9484 1133)

For more information visit www.henryrollins.com.

Recent studies by security adviser, AVG, reveal that Australian parents are ‘spying’ on their 14-17 year-old teenagers’ internet use, with almost half of parents concerned with their child’s use of the net.

The studies found that the three most prominent areas of concern are that kids are geo-tagging with their mobiles, ‘sexting’, and downloading illegal music.

AVG (Avalanche Technology Group) has a mission to secure and simplify the internet experience whilst providing peace of mind and control to users.

With the extreme popularity of social networks, parents are provided with a medium that can be used to monitor their teenagers without being too ‘heavy handed’.

On a related subject, according to AVG, 57% of Australian parents are ‘friending’ their teenagers on Facebook which leads to question whether this is a new form of parental relationship or simply ‘spying’.

For more information visit www.avgdigitaldiaries.com. 

Top consumer technology brand, ASUS, has released a must-have computer, the All-In-One PC ET2700 Series. This unique PC for function for the office or all-round entertainment in the home includes exclusive features such as 10-finger-multi-touch support and delivers outstanding performance. It’s sleek, stylish and comes in a smart, space-saving design.

Other features include an integrated Blu-ray combo drive, built-in hybrid digital/analog TV tuner, instrument suite software and an external subwoofer. With high definition quality, watching television, browsing the internet, listening to music, responding to emails, exploring recipes online and composing tunes is a rich, enhanced experience. Access to information and entertainment is made easy and only a few touches away.

The ASUS All-In-One PC ET2700 Series is available at Harvey Norman.

For more information visit www.asus.com.

Photography Amanda De Simone

Styling Fleur Egan

Makeup Kristyan Low

Hair Hair by Koh

Model Kelsey (at Priscillas)

(Above:) Feather Necklace by Samantha Wills. Nose Chain by Ms. Fitz.

(Above:) Top by Roxanna Zamani. Bracelets by Peter Lang. Tights, stylist’s own. Shoes, stylist’s own.

(Above:) Stripe dress by Aqua Couture at Trunk. Face piece by Suzy O Rouke. Necklace by Peter Lang.

(Above:) Houndstooth shirt by Shakuhachi. Lace Bowler by Suzy O Rouke. Brief by Kate Sylvester. Ring by Peter Lang.

(Above:) Rubber one-piece by Tallow. Face combs by Philomena Kwok.

(Above:) Neckpiece by Samantha Wills.

(Above:) Bodysuit by Ms Couture. Face Combs by Philomena Kwok.

DIRECTORY

Kate Sylvester

02 9380 4244

Ms Couture

(02) 9231 1622

Ms Fitz

www.msfitz.us

Peter Lang

www.peterlang.com.au

(02) 9319 7033

Philomena Kwok

www.philomenakwok.com

Roxanna Zamani

www.roxannazamani.com

Samantha Wills

www.samanthawills.com

(02) 9690 2122

Shakuhachi

(02) 9331 3074

Suzy O Rouke

www.suzyorouke.com.au

Tallow

www.tallowgallery.com

Trunk

(02) 9356 3519

Today there are numerous amounts of services available to cut costs on holiday phone bills whilst in roaming areas, yet almost half of Australian’s are being charged excessive fees – and mobile operators are getting away with it. Says John Assiter from gosim.com, an international SIM card provider saving Australians on their mobile costs, we don’t need to be paying so much when making calls and sending texts from overseas.

Assiter comments, “It’s absurd that operators still get away with charging anything between $15 and $20 per MB for using data abroad, and in some countries making voice calls can even exceed $5 per minute.” He claims that more needs to be done to protect consumers although this protection will not come from operators, such as Telstra, where roaming could account for up to 10% of revenues.

The EU has introduced legislation, making European operators dramatically reduce their roaming costs. If this is the case in Europe, why aren’t these changes being made in Australia by the TIO (Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman) to help protect paying consumers?

Anyway, gosim.com suggests it can save Australian consumers up to 98% on their mobile phone costs when travelling. What are you waiting for, then? Go to www.gosim.com for more info. 

Is there anything more delicious on television than Revenge? The show is like a cross between the family rivalry of Dynasty and the material fixations of Gossip Girl, and is getting more and more viewers hooked by the week. Currently, an average of two million Australians tune into Revenge each week, which airs on Channel Seven, and that’s a big chunk of television audience. The great news for fans is that the show’s main stars Emily VanCamp (who plays Emily/Amanda) and Josh Bowman (her beau, Daniel Grayson) will be visiting Australia at the end of this month for a publicity tour. Not that they need the publicity, really. The show’s going great guns on its own. Well, thanks to that good old-fashioned method of promotion: word-of-mouth.

‘Revenge’ screens 8.30pm Mondays on Seven.

As far as compilation products go, the Triple J Hottest 100 albums are hot property. But with the forever growing technological world we live in, brands have to keep their customers happy with bigger and better products. Cue the ‘Triple J Hottest 100’ DVD. As music videos are becoming more and more advanced in perpetuating the message of the audio accompaniment, what better way to flog Australia’s best countdown via another quality music video compilation.

This time ’round there are vids featured by Foster The People, 360, The Black Keys, Nero, Boy & Bear, San Cisco, Kasabian, Gotye and the lovely Lana Del Rey.

Volume 19 of the Hottest 100 not only features the music videos (all 45 of them) of the songs we loved throughout the past 12 months, but also a nifty juke box setting that allows the viewer to essentially create their own playlist to play on repeat. Perfect for a party, or even the backdrop of a lazy Sunday afternoon. Up to you.

Superstar Prince has been confirmed by Chugg Entertainment to tour Australia in May, and will be playing live on a 360-degree stage. He will only be visiting Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane for gigs. More music news this morning with Antonino Tati at 9am (WST) on www.boomradio.com.au.

The press release was short and sweet, announcing that “Calvin Klein, Inc announced today that actor Zac Efron wore Calvin Klein Underwear while in Sydney yesterday to promote his latest film The Lucky One”. And that’s all that needed to be said, really. The stud muffin was photographed standing at a table (what looked like a glass of orange juice for breakfast) with his grey Calvins strategically sticking it out (by about 6 inches at the rear) of his slacks, pictured. Not sure why he bothered to wear the belt, then. But who’s complaining?

Image © 2012 Splash News.