Today I have no opinion

For Icecream Girl

Nada - zip as they say.
Apathy rules when the outside temp drops below 5 degrees.
Still waiting for IG's essay on why he hates skiing.
At least Boston Legal was good tonight..... sigh

If I dont win Lotto soon I wont know what to do with myself!

American Skin

A re-occuring theme of my posts recently seems to be free speech. Tonight I was listening to a CD called The Essential Bruce Sprinsteen, and heard a song called 41 shots (AmericanSkin). The song was pretty haunting, and when I got home I looked it up on the web. Here's an abridged look at the lyrics and the song can be downloaded here .

41 shots....
and we'll take that ride
'cross this bloody river
to the other side
41 shots... cut through the night
You're kneeling over his body in the vestibule
Praying for his life

Is it a gun, is it a knife
Is it a wallet, this is your life
It ain't no secret
No secret my friend
You can get killed just for living in
Your American skin

41 shots and
Lena gets her son ready for school
She says "on these streets, Charles
You've got to understand the rules
If an officer stops you
Promise me you'll always be polite,
that you'll never ever run away
Promise Mama you'll keep your hands in sight"

41 shots
And we'll take that ride
Cross this bloody river
To the other side
41 shots
And my boots caked in this mud
We're baptized in these waters
And in each other's blood

The song was in reference to four New York City Police officers who fired 41 shots at and killed an unarmed man,Amadou Diallo in February of 1999.

The song, doesnt seem to point any blame - just to say that it's a tragedy when an unarmed man is killed. Of course not everyone saw it that way.

"American Skin" is, however, an attempt by Springsteen to tell his audience that the music is about more than just the people listening to it. Since he began his current tour in March of last year, Springsteen, now reunited with the E-Street Band, has consistently played to packed houses in Canada, Europe, and the U.S. There was no new studio album to promote with this tour. The implicit understanding has been that Springsteen was going to sing all the old songs that his fans wanted to hear. If anything, this was an act of preaching to the converted. But with "American Skin," Springsteen is saying that this isn't enough. He is telling the audience that yes, your lives are valuable but so was Amadou Diallo's. And that his music is about that life as well. Springsteen is trying to create a community where people like Diallo have a place.

source

A single performance of "American Skin" was enough to launch a new chapter in the culture wars. Before even hearing the song, the nation s battalion of armed art critics sprang into action. The head of the NYC Police Benevolent Association called on the city s 27,000 cops to boycott the concerts by refusing to moonlight as security guards. NYC Police Commissioner Howard Safir supported the boycott and added his own insightful critique, "I personally don't particularly care for Bruce Springsteen s music or his song."
All were outdone by the president of the state chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), Bob Lucente, who was forced to resign after his ugly outburst: "[Springsteen's] turned into some type of fucking dirtbag. He goes on the boycott list. He has all these good songs and everything, American-flag songs and all that stuff, and now he's a floating fag, and you can quote me on that."

For a balanced view on this perhaps it's easier to see it googled here, and make your own mind up.

There's also some cam footage from a live concert here if you're interested;

Blast from the Past

Courtesy of the Kodak snap I take you now to Peter Fish's 21st. Again the late 80's or early 90's

Sheik Delmorphious and Terry with his Coro Street hat (and the blue shirt again, no less).
I remember many a night in the company of these two gents. Whether it was a late night meal at the Dragon Cafe, or a party at Dick Street, the place to be, was where these guys were.
I'm sure it still is - but it seems my love of partying ebbs around the time theirs seems to heat up -and I fear this will always be the case.

Del-boy - you're a legend. I look forward to catching up in August. The Mornington Tavern on a Thursday night? See you there :)

Friday Lyrics

How come, we don't even talk no more,
And you don't even call no more,
We don't barely keep in touch at all,
And I don't even feel the same love when we hug no more,
And I heard it through the grape vine we even beefin' now,
After all the years we've been down,
Ain't no way, no how,
This bullshit can't be true,
We family, aint a damn thing change - unless it's you


We were so young,
So full of life and vibrance,
Side by side wherever you was ridin', I went,
So close or most us some Bonnie and Clyde shit,
When Ronnie died you was right by my side,
With a shoulder to cry on and a tissue to wipe my eyes,
And a bucket to catch every tear I cried inside it,
You even had the same type of childhood I did,
Sometimes I just wanna know why,
Is it that you sur-came to yours,
And mine I survived it,
You ran the streets I nine to fived it,
We grew up, grew apart this time went by us,
Then I blew up to both yours and mine surprises,
Now I feel the vibe I just cant describe it,
Much as your pride tries to hide it,
You're cold your touch is just like ice,
And your eyes is the look of resentment,
I can sense it and I don't like it

Dunedin Radio Depot Circa 1990

Click on this photo - dare you :)

I'm not sure when this photo was taken, but I can tell you it was after U2's "Love Came to Town" tour. Maybe early 90's.

Who would have thought that of this group;

No one works for Telecom, 'though two work for Vodafone.
One is dead, and the rest of as are like leaves scattered to the wind.
Steve Tree's in Sydney
Simon's in Canada, Jim Bob's in Wellington.
Terry looks the same - I think he still wears that shirt!
David works at Otago Uni, and Dangermouse is still a pain in the arse.
Some retired in their 30's [ correction 24yrs - Ed ] only to fly helicopters in their spare time, while others are still counting the years.[Why didnt I buy my first house at 17?]
Some are the big kids they always were, and others have grown up (and out).
Some own their own business, and others still work for "the man".

The sad thing is that when this photo was taken we had no idea how the transition from the Post Office to Telecom would impact on us. It wasnt pretty for anyone.

Still I'm happy where I am right now, and I'd imagine most would feel the same way. Except the dead guy - obviously!

It's been a while

I sometime wonder if i haven't made enough mistakes.
Getting to forty is a pretty harrowing experience i grant you, but compared to some I've managed to make it relatively intact, and with few physical scars to show for the journey. Don't worry: this isn't the start of a mid life crisis, I just wonder if the path less travelled is simply an easier path to walk after all.
I mean; I never got someone pregnant, never ended up in trouble with the law. I never skinny dipped (I can't swim), did drugs, or slept with someone I shouldnt have. The list goes on.
I believe now that it is entirely possible, that by mostly doing the right thing I've become incredibly boring, and missed out on some amazing life experiences. Some say you learn from your mistakes - And I have as well. It's just that I wonder if I could have learnt a little bit more by taking a few risks every now and again.

Perhaps I could have even written an amazing song like this...

And it's been awhile
Since I could hold my head up high
And it's been awhile since I first saw you
And it's been awhile since I could stand on my own two feet again
And it's been awhile since I could call you

And everything I can't remember
As fucked up as it all may seem
The consequences that I've rendered
I've stretched myself beyond my means

It's been awhile
Since I can say that I wasn't addicted
And it's been awhile since I can say I love myself as well and
And it's been awhile since I've gone and fucked things up just like I always do
And it's been awhile but all that shit seems to disappear when I'm with you

And everything I can't remember
As fucked up as it all may seem to be
I know it's me
I cannot blame this on my father
He did the best he could for me

And it's been awhile
Since I could hold my head up high
And it's been awhile since I said I'm sorry

A good thing - or bad?

Superman sux

While surfing Hate Sexy the other day I read Jon's post about how excited he was about the new release of Superman.
I never really liked Superman as a character. I never understood why until I watched Kill Bill 2. Here's Quentin Tarentino's take on the issue, and I'm inclined to agree.

An essential characteristic of the superhero mythology is, there's the superhero, and there's the alter ego. Batman is actually Bruce Wayne, Spider-Man is actually Peter Parker. When he wakes up in the morning, he's Peter Parker. He has to put on a costume to become Spider-Man. And it is in that characteristic that Superman stands alone. Superman did not become Superman, Superman was born Superman. When Superman wakes up in the morning, he's Superman. His alter ego is Clark Kent. His outfit with the big red "S", that's the blanket he was wrapped in as a baby when the Kents found him. Those are his clothes. What Kent wears, the glasses, the business suit, that's the costume. That's the costume Superman wears to blend in with us. Clark Kent is how Superman views us. And what are the characteristics of Clark Kent? He's weak, he's unsure of himself... he's a coward. Clark Kent is Superman's critique on the whole human race.

Cold? Nah....

For Green Street Girl.

Friday Lyrics

In much happier times

Time is never time at all
You can never ever leave without leaving a piece of youth
And our lives are forever changed
We will never be the same
The more you change the less you feel
Believe, believe in me, believe
That life can change, that you're not stuck in vain
We're not the same, we're different tonight
Tonight, so bright
Tonight
And you know you're never sure
But your sure you could be right
If you held yourself up to the light
And the embers never fade in your city by the lake
The place where you were born
Believe, believe in me, believe
In the resolute urgency of now
And if you believe there's not a chance tonight
Tonight, so bright
Tonight
We'll crucify the insincere tonight
We'll make things right, we'll feel it all tonight
We'll find a way to offer up the night tonight
The indescribable moments of your life tonight
The impossible is possible tonight
Believe in me as I believe in you, tonight

B. Corgan

Carnies - small hands......

Brains.....Brains.....

The dead do walk the earth. This i discovered to my horror only yesterday.
They "walk", in case you were interested, in our supermarkets.
They hold on to their trolleys with a vise like grip, shuffling in a halting manner, perhaps in time to some horriffic elevator music, not - i note, the actual horriffic elevator music playing in this specific supermarket.

I have discovered that my proximity to said zombie shoppers, has a distinct, yet annoying effect.
To simplify: the closer i get to them, the slower they push their trolley.
In what some could call shopping hell - they stop suddenly as I draw near, only to rush off, and in a sudden burst of speed when I give up following them, and try another route to the deli counter. It's maddening I tell you!
And dont even get me started on how I feel when two of them stop side by side blocking the isle.

I'll have an O for Awesome

Some reasons why sports stars shouldnt be role models;

M. Mexted - Genius

"Nobody in Rugby should be called a genius. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein." - Jono Gibbs - Chiefs
"I'm going to graduate on time, no matter how long it takes." - Rodney So'ialo - Hurricanes - on University
"You guys line up alphabetically by height." and "You guys pair up in groups of three, then line up in a circle." - Colin Cooper - Hurricanes head coach
Chris Masoe (Hurricanes) on whether he had visited the Pyramids during his visit to Egypt: "I can't really remember the names of the clubs that we went to."
"He's a guy who gets up at six o'clock in the morning regardless of what time it is." - Colin Cooper on Paul Tito
Kevin Senio (Auckland), on Night Rugby vs Day Games "It's basically the same, just darker."
David Nosafora (Auckland) talking about Troy Flavell "I told him, 'Son, what is it with you. Is it ignorance or apathy?' He said, 'David, I don't know and I don't care.'
David Holwell (Hurricanes) when asked about the upcoming season: "I want to reach for 150 or 200 points this season, whichever comes first."
"Andy Ellis - the 21 year old, who turned 22 a few weeks ago"(Murray Mexted)
"Colin has done a bit of mental arithmetic with a calculator." (Ma Nonu)
"He scored that try after only 22 seconds - totally against the run of play." (Murray Mexted)
"We actually got the winning try three minutes from the end but then they scored." (Phil Waugh Warratah)
"I've never had major knee surgery on any other part of my body." (Jerry Collins)
"That kick was absolutely unique, except for the one before it which was identical." (Tony Brown)
"I owe a lot to my parents, especially my mother and father." (Tana Umaga)
"Sure there have been injuries and deaths in rugby - but none of them serious." (Doc Mayhew)
"If history repeats itself, I should think we can expect the same thing again."(Anton Oliver)
"I would not say he (Rico Gear) is the best left winger in the Super 14, but there are none better." (Murray Mexted)
"I never comment on referees and I'm not going to break the habit of a lifetime for that prat." (Ewan McKenzie)
Murray Deaker: "Have you ever thought of writing your autobiography?"
Tana Umaga: "On what ?"
"Well, either side could win it, or it could be a draw."(Murray Mexted)
"Strangely, in slow motion replay, the ball seemed to hang in the air for even longer."(Murray Mexted)

Yeah I know

Chill - right?

We ought to live each day as though
It were our last day here below.
But, if I did, alas, I know
It would have killed me long ago

-- Piet Hein - "More Grooks"

Life beats down and crushes the soul and art reminds you that you have one. -- Stella Adler

Spin.

source

The suicides of three detainees at the US base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, amount to acts of war, the US military says. "They are smart. They are creative, they are committed," he said. "They have no regard for life, either ours or their own. I believe this was not an act of desperation, but an act of asymmetrical warfare waged against us."

Others say; If it's perfectly legal and there's nothing going wrong there - well, why don't they have it in America? Harriet Harman UK Constitutional Affairs Minister

Ken Roth, head of Human Rights Watch in New York, told the BBC the men had probably been driven by despair. "These people are despairing because they are being held lawlessly," he said. "There's no end in sight. They're not being brought before any independent judges. They're not being charged and convicted for any crime."

Imagine how you would feel if your countrymen were afforded the same rights as those held for nearly four years without charge. I have no doubt that some of those held at Guantanamo are guilty of terrorism - but if you cant prove the guilty from the innocent - how long can this go on?

The fact that the US chooses to detain these men without conviction, far from the protection US Law offers, is a sad inditement on the Bush administration. History will not serve him well.

And so now suicide is an act of war?

Govt:1 Free Speech:0

Glad he's off to jail- the little creep!!

An Auckland District Court jury took just three hours to find Tim Selwyn, 31, guilty on one charge of publishing a statement with seditious intent.
He was acquitted of a charge of being party to a seditious conspiracy.
He faces up to two years in prison. He was released on bail to return for sentencing on July 18.

Just a quick look at previous convictions show that most, if not all of the below charges would have been dismissed by the courts if tried today. Full story here.

A HISTORY OF SEDITION CONVICTIONS
* 1913: Maoriland Worker editor Henry Holland and unionist Tom Barker were charged with sedition during the 1913 waterfront dispute. Holland was sentenced to prison for a year, of which he served 3 1/2 months. Barker received a three-month sentence. Seamans union leader William Young was jailed for two months for sedition and inciting violence.
* 1916: Peter Fraser, later Labour Prime Minister, was sentenced to 12 months, which he served, for calling for an end to conscription through repeal of the Military Service Act. Fraser's defence was that in arguing for the repeal of the law rather than disobedience or resistance to it, he was acting within his constitutional rights.
* 1916: Hubert Armstrong was sentenced to a year's imprisonment after he told a street-corner meeting that conscription was more about controlling and intimidating a disaffected proletariat than about beating Germany, and would be unnecessary if soldiers were adequately paid.
* 1918: Hiram Hunter campaigned against compulsory service as secretary-treasurer of the United Federation of Labour. In 1918 he received a three-month prison sentence for sedition, but was released after 19 days.
* 1942: The Rev Ormond Burton, editor of the Christian Pacifist Society newsletter, was convicted in the Supreme Court in 1942 for "editing, publishing and attempting to publish a subversive document". Burton argued for his democratic right to think and speak as conscience dictated. Justice Archibald Blair disagreed, telling the jury it was a time when the mouths of cranks would have to shut. Burton was sentenced to 2 years' prison.
Sources: Caslon Analytics (www.caslon.com.au), Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (www.dnzb.govt.nz/dnzb/)

Otago Rocks!

Jeff Wilson (Otago)

Full article here.

Officially the Highlanders have turned their backs on the Super 14 draft, but in practice it may take more than southern ideals to end the days of northern imports at Carisbrook. The Highlanders boldly announced yesterday plans to pick only players from Otago, Southland and North Otago for next year's Super 14 squad. The Highlanders have drafted 48 players in 11 seasons, and just six of those went on to transfer south. They used four in 2004, six in 2005 and eight this year, but chief executive Russell Gray believes using local players will build loyalty among players and fans. At their peak in 1998-99 under coach Tony Gilbert the Highlanders drafted only one player each year.

Finally something to celebrate! By using people who choose to live and breathe Otago Rugby, we can develop (over time) a culture befitting this proud region. I hope it works!

First Ammendment rights

I am the law - fear me

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution is a part of the United States Bill of Rights. Textually, it prevents the U.S. Congress from infringing on six rights. It forbids laws that: * Establish a state religion or prefer certain religion (the "Establishment Clause"); * Prohibit the free exercise of religion (the "Free Exercise Clause"); * Infringe the freedom of speech; * Infringe the freedom of the press; * Limit the right to assemble peaceably; * Limit the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Heady stuff indeed. I have never lived in the US, but I get to see a lot of their TV law drama's on TV, and First Amendment rights interest me greatly.

This is perhaps because in some way we seem less aware of our legal rights in New Zealand. And that can not be a good thing. Not to know how the law can protect you, and that those laws can be eroded, are a concern indeed.

The people who change the law, are representitives of you and I - they are our employees. I do not put them above us, and neither should you. I would suggest you treat with them respect, as you would any member of our community, or until they demonstrate they no longer warrant it - but at least, at first, give them the benefit of doubt.

Where is this leading I hear you ask? Here [abridged for clarity].

On 18 November 2005 an axe was lodged in the window of Prime Minister Helen Clark’s Sandringham Road electorate office. After an anonymous tip-off to a radio station, flyers were found on the corner of Ponsonby Road which purported to explain the attack. The flyers said the axe was a protest against “the Government's attempts to steal, by confiscation, Maori land in the form of the Seabed and Foreshore Bill”. A group of “concerned Pakeha” claimed responsibility, and called on “like-minded New Zealanders to take similar action of their own”. In December, Auckland man Tim Selwyn was arrested and later charged with making a seditious statement, seditious conspiracy and conspiracy to commit criminal damage. Whatever one thinks of Selwyn, the axe through Clark’s window, or any possible connection between the two, there are plenty of reasons to be concerned that Police have resurrected the long-dormant offence of sedition.

Source

A seditious intention is defined in section 81 of the Crimes Act as intending: - To “bring into hatred or contempt, or to excite disaffection against, Her Majesty, or the Government of New Zealand, or the administration of justice”; - To “incite the public or any persons or class of persons to attempt” to change the laws of the country by unlawful means; - To “incite, procure or encourage violence, lawlessness or disorder.” - To “excite such hostility” between “different classes of persons as may endanger the public safety”. - To “incite, procure or encourage the commission of any offence that is prejudicial to the public safety or to the maintenance of public order.”

For the government to raise such a charge against Tim Selwyn is interesting: he has already pleeded guilty to the criminal damage charge. When you consider a different charge was laid against Mike Smith when he chopped down the tree on top of One Tree Hill in Cornwall Park, with similar motivating factors, you have to wonder the governments intent in this case.

I just wonder if our rights to civil disobedience are being eroded just as much here, as in other parts of the world.
Remember: The extremes of socialism and fascism have the same result on the populations they control.

The other side of the fence

My existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives. You don't want the truth because deep down in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me on that wall, you need me on that wall. We use words like honor, code, loyalty. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said thank you, and went on your way, Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon, and stand a post. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you are entitled to. - Aaron Sorkin again (A Few Good Men)

Because you should never forget the first casualty of war, or the good work the men and woman in our armed forces do. Nevermind the reasons why they're there, the decision was made for them, and regardless of their own opinions, they do their job.

America in the spotlight.

America isn't easy. America is advanced citizenship. You've got to want it bad, because it's gonna put up a fight. It's gonna say, "You want free speech? Let's see you acknowledge a man whose words make your blood boil who is standing center stage and advocating at the top of his lungs that which you would spend a lifetime opposing at the top of yours. You want to claim this land as the 'land of the free'? Then the symbol of your country cannot just be a flag. The symbol also has to be one of its citizens exercising his right to burn that flag in protest. Now show me that, defend that, celebrate that in your classrooms. Then you can stand up and sing about the 'land of the free.'"- Aaron Sorkin (The American President).

Nightwork

Shaun of the Dead

Here I am, a product of the modern age. Sitting in my workmate Gary's fold-out beach chair typing on my Panasonic toughbook, connected via bluetooth to my Nokia 6630 running on a proper 3G network.

From my deckchair I can connect to work through a secure client VPN circuit and check my emails and network updates- surprisingly few new emails at 00:23 - why are they all at home sleeping while I work!

For the last three weeks, I have lived the life of a vampire, sans the obvious bloodletting. We are upgrading software on cellular switches called BSC's (a fancy name for a cellphone "telephone exchange"). We have to re-boot the systems after the upgrade which drop all customers on calls at the time, hence the 1am start. Then with fingers crossed, we await the switch restart, then embark on numerous tests to ensure all is well before we go home at around 4am to sleep.

The problem with this plan of attack is that we become like the walking dead during the day. We have to check out of the hotels we stay in at 10am, but more often the sun streaming in though the blinds wake us long before then. We have actually taken to "nanna naps" during the day, something I havent done since I was three.

Tonight is the last night - the trouble is now I cant get to sleep until 2am, so the cycle of sleep will take a while to change. Unfortunately I end up sleeping through most of my weekend.

Gary at work

Mr Darcy in the English Patient?

IG often say's to watch "The English Patient", one must be English and Patient. To which I say Bollocks!
It's a great read - my copy is absolutely dog eared, as I'm always looking for a bit about broken reeds (as it's a very good bit). Trouble is I keep forgetting said "bit about the broken reeds" and have to go hunting for it again. Damn my OCD - wheres that bloody book!

I have the film on DVD, and have seen it many times, but by accident I came across this page, about Colin Firth, and his role in the movie. (BTW the bit about the reeds isnt in the film)
Bollocks I said again; it's a damn have: an internet piss-take.
But turns out he was in the English Patient, as the very lucky man who is married to Kristin Scott Thomas, but not so lucky as she runs off with Ralph Fiennes, or come to think of it mostly unlucky as he crashes his plane trying to kill her.

Lifes been hard for our Mr Darcy. But it's at times like this, I'm reminded that this is actually a fictional story, and Colin Firth probably slips off to sleep at night counting his money rather than sheep. Oh life is hard indeed Mr Darcy.

Handbag Blues

More proof that New Zealand is going "to Hell in a Handbag";

Umaga running from the scene

Wellington - All Blacks flanker Chris Masoe took a financial hit on Tuesday to add to his embarrassment after a scuffle in which reportedly he burst into tears when team-mate Tana Umaga hit him with a woman's handbag. The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) fined Masoe NZ$3 000 and found him guilty of hitting a man in a Christchurch bar early on Sunday morning, hours after the Hurricanes' Super 14 final loss to the Crusaders. The NZRU said it accepted the word of former All Blacks captain Umaga that he was trying to defuse the situation and found he had no case to answer.

Full story here.

It's the biff if you get the haka wrong guys!

Dancing with Celeb's

Ms Bloomfield and partner

For the last few week's I've been visiting Tumorboy and Scrabble Queen for Dinner on Sunday nights.
Them feeding me has become a tradition of sorts, not unlike watching Dancing with the Stars on TV afterward .
When I say watching - i mean in the least accurate sense of the word, as I find "live" television programs to be incredibly hard to stomach.
I glance at the screen momentarily, instead preferring Tumorboys running commentary to the actual watching process - much like listening to a rugby game on the radio.
All this is because I secretly fear that I have the "power to jinx" the competitors. It's funny but if i see someone stuff up on live TV I always feel in some way responsible.
The main reason we "watch" this particular program is because Angela Bloomfield is in it, and she is one of Scrabble Queens friends. Scrabble Queen informs me that should Angela get voted off, we will not have to watch any more of the program: this suits me, as I can then relax, knowing my super powers of disruption can no longer harm others. All the same I wish her all the luck in the world - Damn the others: Ms Bloomfield is a national treasure, and unlike Rodney Hide, can actually dance.

This weekend was also the second of my two 20th birthday parties. An excellent night was had by all. Quizmaster Girl organised an excellent dinner at a Mongolian restaurant, before we rushed to Newmarket for a two hour kareoke session, organised by Sixth Sense Girl. Kareoke is definitely a fun thing, especially with a little "dutch courage" and a team of willing contestants. Quizmaster Girl baked an amazing Chocolate Cake, and I got to hear SweetP sing Tom Jones's Delilah. A once in a lifetime experience - especially the gleam on SweetP's face when she sung "She saw the knife in my hand - and she laughed no more". Goalie Girl Girlfriend looked horrified.

Oh and the skiing was excellent as well, my carve is coming together, and I await the checking of my Lotto tickets to confirm my upcoming Ski-Bum existence. Fingers crossed!

Becoming a Browncoat

I've moved on from Scrubs, and am now devouring Firefly, which is an old cancelled TV show written by Joss Whedon.

It's shiney, and I've noticed, just a few episodes in, that I seem to be picking up the vocab.

Whedon has created another amazing universe to go along with his other creations Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel.

Ironically Quizmaster Girl has recently purchased the full box set of Buffy and Angel and cant - stop - watching - them. It's the new drug I conjure.

Anyway, I'm only five episodes in but I tell you - it's the most interesting series I've seen in a long time. Rent it if you can.

So seriously - is it really that good? Thats the notion!

Finally! ; at last a quote that seems to sum up my life thus far - especially when people give me "that look" - as if to say "What the hell...."

I should now say "You just can't open the book of my life, and read from the middle."

Amen to that - so you better be going now - lest the Reever's get you.

Ya cant stop the signal Telecon

Telecon advert removed from YouTube.

Telecom NZ are now telling overseas ISP's hosting their now infamous "Telecon" spoof advert , to remove it as it was made without their permission. Idiots - dont you know it's already in everyones email inbox?

But assuming you dont already have it, it's here for free. Its around 3 Megs but well worth sharing. So spread the love :)

Gotta love the Internet - Take that Telescum!

P.S Thanks to my mum for the file !

Wrong wrong wrong!

WELLINGTON (Reuters) - Edmund Hillary, the first man to climb Mount Everest, has blamed the commercialisation of climbing the world's highest mountain for the death a British climber, a newspaper reported on Wednesday.

New Zealand's Hillary, who conquered the summit in May 1953 with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, said he would have abandoned his own summit bid if another climber's life had been in danger.

"It simply would not have happened. If you have someone who is in great need and you are still strong and energetic then you have a duty really to give all you can to get the man down and getting to the summit becomes secondary."

Inglis told New Zealand television earlier that about 40 people had passed Sharp on their way to the summit, while his party was the only one that stopped to check on him.

"On that morning, over 40 people went past this young Briton. I radioed and (expedition manager) Russ said: 'Mate you can't do anything. He's been there X number of hours without oxygen, he's effectively dead'. So we carried on," he said.

The simple fact is that once you climb above the deadzone, you are already dying. The effort taken to get someone suffering from extreme oxygen starvation down from the summit ridge of Everest is next to impossible. For Sir Edmund to suggest that they attempt to save this man is folly, and ultimately sad, as it takes some shine off Mark Ingles incredible achievement: the first double amputee to climb Everest.

Photoshop is my friend

Chuck

I dropped by at Dooce the other day and came across this humourous piece.
I can totally understand the number of OCD afflicted types that wrote in complaining that the dog's collar was upside down, and I like totally enjoyed the way Heather coped with it. Priceless!
At the same time I must work, on like, saying totally, and like, like, as well. Damn you OCD!

By the way by using the magic of photoshop, I have been able to rectify the problem. Look here for my fine work. No doubt Tyler would have done a better job, but the dog would have probably been "lowered" and "slammed" with 20 inch chromes. It would probably look better tho - I grudgingly admit....

Self medication

Thoughts abound.

Today I had lunch with Quizmaster Girl. It was great to have a catchup in Cafe Frolic, on a sunny Sunday morning. The conversation flowed through a myriad of topics, only to pause between brunch bites, and sips of Chai Latte. Unfortunately there is no sophisticated way to drink tea.... English Breakfast tea mind you....

Speaking of sophisticated - I was thinking of Claire Danes today, specifically her role in The Hours. Though a dour film in it's subject matter, I found the performances to be top shelf, an obvious reflection of the stellar cast. I felt Nicole Kidman's fake nose got too much exposure, and conversly Claire Danes barely rated a mention, even though her understated performance in this film deserves many Kudo's. Her recent turn in The Family Stone, only goes to establish her as an actress who makes the most of any role, no matter how slight. The girl rocks.


Enough already - I'm off skiing this afternoon, which probably explains my mood today.

Happiness

I can't believe you have that picture on your wall.
You like Chagall?
I do. It feels like how being in love should be. Floating through a dark blue sky.
With a goat playing the violin?
Yes - happiness isn't happiness without a violin-playing goat.

Celebrating Mediocrity

I find it sadly ironic how these days, it seems the most enduring memories of a person's endeavors seem to revolve around mediocrity.

Take Ellen Feiss as an example... watch this (old) advert.



Immediately, there was rampant speculation that Feiss was stoned. It was fueled by the ad's unavailability on Apple's web site for a few hours, attributed to Apple getting cold feet. But the problem seems to have been a technical glitch; the ad is again online and airing on TV. A print version is running in magazines and on billboards. Teenager Ellen Feiss, the "is-she-stoned?" star of one of Apple's new "Switch" ads, is quickly becoming a Web celebrity but not necessarily for reasons that would please the advertiser. says a Wired staffer There is Ellen Feiss, the fan site and the Ellen Fan Club: beep beep beep , which has set up a Cafépress Web store to sell T-shirts, coffee mugs and flying discs adorned with her image.
Feiss is featured in a large number of Photoshop parodies making the rounds in e-mail and chat forums.





Feiss has been turned into a set of computer icons that, curiously, can be converted to display on machines running Windows XP. She is also the subject of some wallpaper pictures that decorate a computer's desktop. Jake Brown of Glorious Noise, an online music magazine, is another PC user who created a fan site devoted to Feiss. "We at Glorious Noise thought she deserved some kind of tribute because she's brought a smile to so many people's lives," Brown said. "I watched the ad online and thought it was brilliant and that Ellen was totally charming and funny." Brown said his tribute to Feiss is purely platonic. "I'd like to talk to Ellen, but I'm not a weirdo stalker maniac," he said. "I am a happily married 30-year-old guy who just got a kick out of her ad. I think she's worthy of a place in American pop culture and I want to make sure her 15 minutes -- well, 30 seconds -- of fame lasts as long as possible."

Is this all there is? Seriously?

Letter to Katie

Hi Katie,

Your Dad sent me this photo to me the other day, after you broke your arm.
Did you know that your Dad used to break bones all the time? Back when he was a teenager he was always wearing a cast. He was very clumsy I think - ha ha
Your Dad said you were very brave, and he said you are already back at school. I wish I was there so I could sign your cast.
I hope your sister Georgia is being nice to you, and helping you tidy your room.
Be good - I look forward to seeing all you guys when I come down in August .

Lots of Love
Mark.

The Leaning Tower of Pizza's

"They" say that we are only four missed meals from anarchy, and after what I saw today I am inclined to believe in MI5's assesment of the human existance.

Today, you see, i did something I haven't done for ages: I went to Pizza Hut for a sit down meal.
Normally the all you can eat premise does not appeal to me, and although it may in some way appeal to my overeating alter-ego, currently I seem to be able to limit my calorie intake: i emphasize currently.

Anyway, as i ate dinner with my work mates, I noticed a disturbing sight; that being the horror of the other patron's eating habits.
Society is in decline, I thought as I saw teenagers switching from desert to pizza and back to desert again - were they born in a cave? Where were their mothers? Dying of shame I think!

The serving staff brought out some fresh pizzas to calm the starving masses, yet the concept of "all you can eat" had not permeated into the primitive homo-pizzahutians skulls. See food - eat now, was the only thought in mind.

I realized, as they piled pizza after pizza slice onto their little plates one on top of the other -
this was possibly a sub-conscious attempt to prove the whole Pizza Hut "Works Deal" fundamentally flawed. I was wrong.

It was sad to see the dine-in equivalent of pig's at the feeding trough, and i noted with every extra slice of pizza slapped on top of the last, the horror on the faces of other patrons yet to get to the serving table, and the ever diminishing slices, so they could do the EXACT SAME THING when they got there.

Four days my arse! If the pizza ovens weren't in "full swing", churning out pizzas, we would have seen the downfall of society start at the Whangarei Pizza Hut restaurant: And you would have read it here first.

How many sleeps to Q'town?

When you live in a big city - anything is possible. And today, because I was bored, I went skiing at Snowplanet.
Much joy and merriment ensued. Many hours later the smile has yet to be wiped from my face.
I dont, for the life of me, understand why IG doesnt like it - perhaps I'll get him to blog on his reasons...
But - God, I love skiing. Should I have won Lotto this week, I believe skiing will feature a lot in my future. It shall be so - oh yes it will...

Redemption

Paul J's 1974 GSR GTO

I've always found redemption to be a powerful theme in most of the movies I love.
The power to undo some wrongdoing, in the hope of some kind of salvation.
Don't get me wrong - I don't mean in any religious sense, but perhaps more correctly by seeing something wrong, and trying to right it.
An example of this for me, is taking something old and damaged, and restoring it to it's former glory.
It always bothered me that some "things" should have a shelf life - That time, when passed, any said item is past it's best, and should succumb to the natural order of things - then cease to be.
In my mind - as long as someone cherishes an ideal, or a thing, it should live on; regardless of it's age, or worth to others.
So when I see a bike - or an old car that means something to me, I love nothing better than to take that rusted bent piece of metal, and restore it to it's former glory - or even better yet - to a condition exceeding is original factory status.
So many people let go of the beautiful things that surround them - so it's nice to break the cycle one in a while.

In the Pink

This is Pink unplugged - God this girl can sing!

Enjoy :-) Especially if you dont like G Dub-ya.

Totally stolen from Green St Girl :)

Click on the image.

I prefer tea

I don't drink coffee I take tea my dear
I like my toast done on one side
And you can hear it in my accent when I talk
I'm an Englishman in New York

Like Sting I prefer tea, but I'm surprised at the lengths some go to for the ultimate coffee.

See the article below for a very special blend - passed by a Luwak.

The luwak is a small wild cat, closely related to the skunk with a fondness for ripe coffee cherries. When the luwak excretes it's waste the coffee bean is left mainly unchanged which is then picked up by farmers. The bean is then cleansed and shipped to roasters who turn it into a more distinguished version of the drink you have everyday, called 'Kopi Luwak' or coffee. What makes this coffee different? Reasearch shows that while being passed through the luwak's digestive system it is chemically altered, reducing bitterness. The luwak itself will also only eat the ripest of beans, which means Kopi Luwak coffee is of uncomprised high quality. Whilst the quality is outstanding, with a price of $US300 per kilo it makes for an expensive cappuccino.

I shit you not! :-)

Granny State

Ok, this is my last post for the week about serious issues - I promise.

Cigarette smoking is a vile habit, but the last time I checked it was legal, and the NZ government makes a shit load of money from taxing smokers.

Now the Government is making the tobacco companies put graphic pictures of the effects of smoking on cigarette packets in an effort to reduce the number of people smoking. The article (including an image) can be found in full here.

The ministry is today releasing the images it would like to see on cigarette packets ahead of a government decision on whether to cover two-thirds of packaging with anti-smoking messages.

The pictures include those of an ulcerated mouth, gangrenous toes, a close-up of a damaged heart and lungs, and a deformed human eye to convey the message that smoking can cause blindness.

The release of the images has been timed to coincide with a Government review of tobacco regulations, particularly with regard to labelling. The regulations were last reviewed a decade ago.

If the Government were truely serious about stopping people smoking they would raise taxes on cigarettes to a point where the majority of people couldn't afford them. Having these "images" on the packets just makes it easier for the law makers to sleep nights - right?
I'm sure that after a few weeks "regular users" getting a "fix" wont notice the images anymore, but those of us who dont smoke will be subjected to the horror advertising for a habit we will never take up.

Grow up for God's sake!
Those who smoke make a consistant effort to do so.
Stop treating smokers like children.
Make sure the taxes collected from their habits pay for any treatment down the line - or don't allow tobacco to be sold here.
But stop trying to have it both ways.
Youre insulting my intelligence!

Corporate Greed.

Feeling guilty for copying your store brought CD to your ipod because it is against the law? Worry a little less.

NEW YORK - Rock bands Cheap Trick and The Allman Brothers Band are suing Sony Music, claiming they are being shortchanged on royalties for songs downloaded legally over the Internet.

The suit, filed at a federal court in Manhattan, claims Sony has failed to live up to a contract requiring that it pay its musicians half of the net revenue it receives from licensing songs to download services like iTunes and Napster.

Sony has been paying the aging rockers less than that amount, in part because their record deals predate the existence of legal music sales over the Internet.

According to the suit, the record company is treating digital downloads like traditional record sales, rather than licensed music, triggering a different royalty deal.

Under that old rubrik, the record company deducts fees for the kind of extra costs they used to incur when records were pressed on vinyl, including packaging charges, restocking costs and losses due to breakage.

Tracks sold over the Internet usually go for about 99 cents. About 70 cents of the sale price goes to Sony. The bands are getting about 4 1/2 cents per song, according to the suit, rather than the approximately 30 cents they claim is rightfully theirs.

"I feel strongly that the record company is doing the wrong thing," said Brian Caplan, an attorney for the bands.

A spokesman for Sony BMG did not immediately respond to inquiries about the lawsuit.

The bands are seeking to have the suit declared a class action, which would cover all Sony artists who signed deals between 1962 and 2002. The Allman Brothers Band signed its current Sony deal in 1989. Cheap Trick's deal dates to 1976.

While the amount of money at stake per song is small, it could add up to millions of dollars for Sony if a court rules for the bands.

Caplan estimated that there may be 2,500 recording artists covered by the class.

Coke - It's the Real thing....

An interesting war is raging on kiwiblog this week (be patient - this link can take a while to open). The discussion I'm referring to is the preference between Diet Coke, Coke Zero, and the other varieties of Cola Drinks.

One of the posts mentioned an additive to Coke called HFCS or High Fructose Corn Syrup. It seems that initially "fat" Coke used to be made with Cane Sugar, but in most of the world the manufacturing of Coke now has moved to the cheaper HFCS.

This wouldn't make any difference if it weren't for the following information I found on the net. Please note I can not validate any of the following quotes (in italics)

According to an article in the American Journal for Clinical Nutrition, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is the possible culprit for the obesity epidemic in America. HFCS, which has been linked to diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and breast cancer among others, is almost ubiquitous in foods and beverages in the United States. There has been a 76% increase in Type II diabetes in adults 30-40 yrs old since 1990. The percentage of overweight children in the United States has tripled since 1980. The epidemic of type 2 diabetes cases across the nation will likely lead to a substantially higher incidence of strokes among middle-aged adults and newly diagnosed diabetics. I've found out that people who consume HFCS increase their triglycerides 32 percent relative to people who use mostly sugar. Elevated triglycerides is a precursor to elevated cholesterol. This is not speculation. This is according to University of Minnesota professor John Bantle. The body metabolizes high fructose corn syrup differently than sugar. It blunts the body's ability to recognize when it is full and increases a person's appetite. The more of it you consume the more you want to consume.

A reference to articles on HFCS can be found here.

The reason Coke uses HFCS is simply one of economics

Some quick numbers, on why Coke would use HFCS over sugar.
Annual US Per capita consumption of Coke in servings: 411
People in the United States: 297,890,000
Servings of Coke in the US, per year: 122,432,790,000
How much a 5 cent cost increase in sweetner, per serving, would affect the bottom line of Coca Cola: $6,121,639,500
How much a penny (1 cent) cost increase in sweetner, per serving, would cost Coca-Cola:
$1,224,327,900
How much 1/10th of a cent increase in sweetner, per serving, would cost Coca-Cola:
$122,423,790 (per year). Still nothing to sneeze at?

The making of HFCS can be found here.

A further quote from www.thundercloud.net states;

I'm not saying that sugar is good for you. I'm saying HFCS is very bad for you. Much worse than sugar. And you can hardly avoid eating HFCS if you live in the United States. If you don't believe me, get up right now and look at the label on a loaf of bread. Go into your refrigerator and look at the salad dressing, pickles, ketchup, juice drinks, soda pop - look in your pantry at the canned goods. You'll find in HFCS in almost everything - even in foods you don't consider "sweet".

At this stage I have no idea if HFCS is being used in New Zealand, but I'm going to drop an email to Coke (NZ) to ask...If I stop answering my phone you'll know why !

Rules for online dating

How's this for unsolicited information on online dating - one girl has this as her introduction....




DO:
- HAVE A CURRENT PHOTO (or even better - several). Theres nothing worse than meeting someone you have been mildly flirting with online, and finding out they are really 10 years older, 10 stone heavier and only have 10 hairs left! Be realistic, and approach someone who you think you would match with....hey and the lady with the mo is free on friday ( :
- 'Be yourself!' Who wants to wake up in 6 months time with a stranger next to them. If they don't like what you have to say, then they're not the right person for you.
Most girls love being around someone they feel comfortable enough with, to open up to. Although, there is a fine line between revealing too much too soon. For example, if they already know everything there is to know about you in the first 2 hours....don't expect a second date! ( ;
- 'Honesty is the best policy'...tactful, not rude. How many people add to their profile- looking for someone who plays mind games and leads me on - ???
- Do ask the other person questions - its NOT all about you. Showing a genuine interest in someone and letting them know a bit more about you, is far more appealing.
- Other attributes that score highly....a fun sense of humor (not sick!), reliability (the ability to make plans and stick to them...yes there is such a thing!), loyalty (yes...another dog quality), being able to hold an interesting conversation that doesn't revolve around 'I like drinking with my mates on Thursday's, Friday's and Saturday's....ummm.... Yeah' - (thats why your single dumbarse....go play with the boys!!!).
- Do respect her if she's not willing to jump your bones after 2 hours of being in your delightful company.

DON'T:
- Playing hard to get (or on the flipside - too easy or somewhat desperate) is possible going to turn someone off. Make the time to get to know someone who's interested in you. Most girls think its sweet when a guy texts straight after a date or the next day, to compliment that they had a really cool evening (if they did). But if you're texting or ringing 10 times a day, every day after your first meeting....you'll soon be catagorised as 'stalker freak!'
- It pays not to consume copious amounts of alcohol with your mates before a date to calm your nerves....who's ever met an intelligent, witty, sexy extremely drunk person???
- Don't try and fit two or more dates into one night...you'll either get seriously snapped or you'll receive some seriously bad karma!
- Don't be fooled by sites that are too good to be true. That hot Russian actress who wants a sweet, wholesome man in her life, as she is sick of all the players from her past, and is seeking an average Joe, and is willing to participate in threesomes (its your mates messing with you!).
- When you DO meet someone with great potential, DON'T keep up your addiction to this site!

Updated - the week that was.

The sun is out , and it's a beautiful day in the City of Sails, and the great news is I've managed to enjoy the weekend.
Last night I caught up with Tumorboy and Scrabble Queen, who plied me with food, icecream, and good cheer: a most excellent combo.
This morning I've caught up with friends for lunch, and I've done a few mods to the blog, like adding a countdown timer for my upcoming ski trip.
My helicopter has been modified to allow for easier starting, and is one step closer to its first flight, and I've finally managed to start sorting through the photo's I took when down in Dunedin.

Whilst talking photo's I see the Qantas Photography Award finalists are here. While I may have an issue with how the media slant their print articles, photographs by themselves allow an individual to apply their own opinion and emotion. Perhaps a truer medium than print?

Finally, just for fun, I found my band name is "The Gagging Pope". Excellent!

Your Band Name is:

The Gagging Pope

Band Name Generator

Things I know

1. I was never this cute

Jack

2. I was never this focused

Sasha

So much potential yet untapped in all of us - lest we forget.

The World According to Cox

Marriage

And bam! The shine's off the apple. And that's when you find out that that pretty little girl you married isn't a pretty little girl at all. No, she's a man-eater. And I'm not talking about the "whoa-whoa, here she comes" kind of man-eater. I'm talking about the kind that uses your dignity as a dishtowel to wipe up any shreds of manhood that might be stuck inside the sink. Of course, I may have tormented her from time to time; but, honest to God, that's what I thought marriage was all about. So much so that, by the end of that relationship, I honestly don't know who I hated more - her or me? I used to sit around and wonder... why our friends weren't trying to destroy each other, like we were. And here, it turns out, the answer's pretty simple: They weren't unhappy. We were.

Relationships

Relationships don't work they way they do on television and in the movies. Will they? Won't they? And then they finally do, and they're happy forever. Gimme a break. Nine out of ten of them end because they weren't right for each other to begin with, and half of the ones who get married get divorced anyway, and I'm telling you right now, through all this stuff I have not become a cynic. I haven't. Yes, I do happen to believe that love is mainly about pushing chocolate covered candies and, y'know, in some cultures, a chicken. You can call me a sucker, I don't care, because I do believe in it. Bottom line: it's couples who are truly right for each other wade through the same crap as everybody else, but the big difference is they don't let it take them down. One of those two people will stand up and fight for that relationship every time. If it's right, and they're real lucky, one of them will say something.


In all seriousness Scrubs is one of the best comedies on TV today. I have recently purchased the first three seasons of Scrubs and have been watching a few episodes every night. Maybe I'm OD'ing as I'm starting to have "Scrubs dreams" at night.
In the morning I just have to keep reminding myself..... I am not JD .... I am not JD. But it's getting harder every day..... arrrrggghhhh. I now have an inner monologue.

J.D and "Tasty Coma Wife" (Season2)

Wikipedia also has a good synopsis here.

Oh so XtraAverage

Homer discovers Bart brought Telecom NZ Shares

About bloody time.

I actually lived to see the day the government decided to unbundle Telecom's monopoly.

After a last gasp effort from Telecom to try and win over the New Zealand population with the claim of lower broadband prices, Telecom fails dismally, because their advertising was simply untrue.

If you want cheaper broadband, almost any other Internet Service Provider (ISP) can provide it for you: at least in New Zealand.

And depending on what ISP you choose, you can get a faster service, and no upload data cap for a similar price.

The interesting thing is that almost every ISP relies on Telecom to supply their broadband. This only goes to show Telecom's contempt of their customers, who are offered what increasing looks like a second class service.

With a recent reduction in Xtra services and Telecom's ongoing fiscal focus, charging certain services already offered by others for free, I suspect much darker days for Xtra and its owners yet to come.

Telecom adverts say "There's never been a better time to get broadband". In the coming months that statement may actually come to mean something significant. Perhaps even for their own customers.

As Homer would say....IN YOUR FACE TELECOM!

Portishead on my Mind

The summer sun is fading as the year grows old
And darker days are drawing near
The winter winds will be much colder
Now you're not here.

The thing about depression is, that it happens to all of us at certain times of our lives.

Be it the death of someone close of us, the coming of winter, or a passing illness, depression can grab a hold of you, and submit you to what seems like a 12 round bout in the ring with a heavyweight boxer.

I've been fortunate not to suffer from clinical depression, however, I have at times, seen a glimpse of what a personal hell that must be.

Last week I was lapping up the sun in Dunedin, enjoying the company of my friends and family. On the last night in Dunedin I got a nasty Novavirus - specifically at 4.00am. This meant the time I had set aside on my last day in Dunedin was spent in bed wanting to die. The fact I had to spend 3 hours in an airplane at 5pm was hanging over me was a major source of concern, as I struggled to keep fluids down and my pants up. It wasn't fun I can tell you.

The flight home was uneventful thanks to the drugs my mum managed to get me to keep down, and almost a week later I am starting to feel myself again.

The problem for me has always been perspective:
Weighing up the two weeks in Dunedin feeling good, against the return to Auckland feeling decidedly ill.
Seeing the sun disappear so soon in the day and the onset of SAD's.
Being on Holiday, being back at work.
Being around so many good friends versus fitting back into my normal Auckland life with a smaller yet equally important support group.
My latest findsomeone match is 4 years older than me with 2 kids who doesn't want anymore kids (I do) but is willing to adopt a child from overseas (Ala Bradgelina).

It wasn't an easy transition.

The solution for my bouts of "depression" is always the knowledge that "in three days I'll be fine". This is always the case with me, and for that I'm grateful, but with the remnants of my Novavirus, and an unexpected relapse it stretched to six days- and that, my friends, scared the absolute crap out of me.(If you'll forgive the pun)