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As the New Year receded into the past but the holiday feeling was still hanging in, I caught up with an old university friend returning to New Zealand for a family visit. I can't remember the last time Lester and I caught up, but it's more than a decade and maybe less than a couple. We chatted over burgers, bringing each other up to speed on our families and professional lives, and then headed off.
As we parted, Lester observed a funny thing about relationships. He speculated that men seem to be able to have no contact for years but pick up the conversation as it left off. Women, on the other hand, have to get up to speed either by re-laying the groundwork, or not falling out of contact in the first place.
This story is from the January 27 - February 02, 2024 edition of New Zealand Listener.
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This story is from the January 27 - February 02, 2024 edition of New Zealand Listener.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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A never-coming-of-age tale
Across 14 chapters, we chronologically follow the fortunes of George, from age 12 through to almost 40. George is an unlikeable character and we should be thankful that he is a fictional creation, because in real life no one would tolerate his deliberate and calculating cruelty.
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Past glories
Debut novel takes a leaf out of the book of modern Irish writing, hurtling classical antiquity into the present.
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A touch of flamboyance
Miki Magasiva fell in love with film at an early age and has finally launched a debut feature that takes a tragi-comic look at grief and families.
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Pushing all the buttons
The fourth film in the hit romcom series arrives with familiar charms and fresh blokes. But it would be a good place to stop.
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Gone to ground
The Te Aroha-filmed detective series that blends Irish and Māori cultures is back.
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Refinding the self
Strokes and brain diseases can radically change our personalities. But with more understanding of how brains work, a leading neurologist says sometimes, our old selves can be restored.
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In the cross hairs
Danish actor Claes Bang's late-career boost shows no sign of abating, as he moves from TV villain to big-screen hero.
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Fabric of time
Tapa cloth samples collected from Polynesian nations on Cook's voyages have made their way into our museums and libraries.
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Let's dance
Kiwi dancer, teacher and choreographer LEILA LOIS visited one of Manila's innovative dance companies as it celebrated its 10th anniversary.
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Don't stop the dance
In this edited extract from Our Brains, Our Selves, neurologist Masud Husain meets a young woman whose limbs appear to have a mind of their own.