Well, certainly a big week in some areas.
Friday was quite a biggie, although I suppose all weekend was full-on.
Attended the annual PC World Awards, my tenth. Also completed my column on Friday for February, now have a career as a PC World columnist spanning three decades (started in Oct 89). I suppose, given the decade, it also spans two centuries and two millenia (well maybe in 2001).
It was the day that Scott Watson, convicted murderer of the much missed Ben & Olivia, was sentenced to 17 years without parole. This is the longest non-parole period given in NZ so far. In the US, where they do things so much bigger, the record is 4.6billion years.
Massive road clog on Friday, 400 litres of ink spilled off a truck on the harbour bridge about 1:30pm, cleared finally by about 8pm. 30km queues down the southern motorway northbound.
Prior to Friday, sod all happened. Labour looked like beating National by 10%. They leaked a few tidbits about various cockups during the week to keep the Nats on the back foot. Wednesday night, Immigration Minister Tuariki Delamere was sacked due to some shenanigans with letting Asians in only if they invested in Maori-related projects. Not good publicity for Tank Commander Spice.
Joke going around during the week:
They know who is going to win the election on Saturday - Australia, they have won everything else.
A 49yo samoan tatooist died from massive head injuries in South Auckland, a 53yo woman was arrested about a day later.
Went to the FIFA semi-final Wednesday, on the way to the game we heard the penalty shootout between USA and Australia which Australia won. Then Brazil and Ghana went to a shootout as well, which Rory was very happy about. Brazil won that. Some footage shown of the two teams in the tunnel, they were threatening each other - so much for FIFA Fairplay. Peter saw the Polish threatening to smack the NZ players so not a surprise.
NZRFU Chairman Rob Fisher announced he was stepping down, and a couple of others on the board are also doing so.
The Southern Traverse was won by Steve Gurney and friends, in about 76 hours, no real surprises. About ten hours ahead of second. The guy is an animal. (maybe next year, Rog?)
The Aussies pulled out of strife in the second test (?) in Tassie, after being in trouble they batted to win needing the third highest fourth innings score in test history. Typical. After first day they were pretty much on top of the Paki's in Perth, haven't heard since. Sri Lankan bowler got a hat trick of first three balls of the second over in test against Zimbabwe, should have retired then, pretty good figures. England were in trouble against SA and the Windies arrived here.
News during the week that Grant Dalton will race a big Catamaran at the end of 2000, around the world non-stop.
The election was pretty much as expected, late in the week I decided that it was time to admit Labour was ahead by nearly ten percent and vote by trying to minimise their need for coalition partners. This meant I voted Labour. Winston may have scraped in, with an election night majority of 323, and NZ First wallowing with 4.3% (5 is the magical mark). If he loses the Tauranga seat, then good night. The Greens were expected to get close to 5, they did - 4.9%. Their leader was supposed to win Coromandel too, but lost it narrowly (again, final counts to confirm this). Labour and Alliance together have 63 out of 120 seats. A pretty reasonably margin. Their first item on the agenda is legislation to prevent party hopping.
Major winners include Georgine Beyer, first transexual MP, and losers include Alamein Kopu (Manu Wahine party, couldn't get her list in on time, screwed up everywhere, first defector last time, scored around 300 votes total), Ian Revell of the parking ticket fiasco out in his electorate and not on the list. Marie Hasler lost in Titirangi, ACT candidate (my aunt) got 644 although the list vote in Titirangi was nearly 2000 for ACT.
Business community very anti-Alliance, supposedly very nervous. I know Clear wanted Labour to be in to loosen up telecommunications. Let's see what happens.
A boy died in Mangawhai after digging a sand cave in a dune. Evolution at work there.
Yesterday was the 20th anniversary of Mt Erebus being damaged by an Air New Zealand aircraft, in what was a terrible environmental accident to a pristine part of the planet's conservation estate.
An Australian Amateur won the Aussie golf open (typical, now they have amateurs who are better than professionals).
Under 17 finals were great. Ghana played well to beat USA 2-0 in 3rd/4th playoff. Bet $10 on Australia to win against Brazil in Final, and they finally lost after nine shots each in a penalty shootout. This was my "emotional arbitrage", bet on the team you don't want to win, then if they do win, at least you get to spend some money. Not as exciting as the 3/4th game, but a big day in soccer in NZ. 22,100 people attended, including all of us (with Nanny). Was about eight hours from when we left to getting home again, long day.
We had cricket in the morning, the team lost narrowly. Other team was all pretty good players and we had three weakish ones in our squad. All things considered, not a bad game, lost by about 7. Rory got a wicket and hit a few good runs, but lost a wicket too. Hannah lost a wicket, snuck off when it rained, so only bowled one over. Only two batters didn't lose a wicket in our team. Rory nearly took an awesome catch, slipped through his fingers with a bit of a dive to his right, could have won us the game nearly.
ManuU lost to Fiorentina 2-0, but the Kingz beat Adelaide 3-2.
America's Cup - no racing, round 3 starts December 2nd. Prada well ahead with american syndicates behind.
Found out during the week that a client of mine, Tereza from Hamilton, stuck her hand in the chute on the lawnmower and knackered some fingers. The A&E cocked up, after four hour wait they used non-dissolving stiching on internal sutures, failed to notice broken bones. Two days later she goes to her GP and then straight to hospital. Last I heard on Friday she had been 36 hours with one meal waiting for an op to try to save the fingers. Nice. Safety tip - never assume the blade is not close enough to be a worry.
Rory finished reading "only you can save mankind" by Terry Pratchett last night. He wants novels about dinosaurs. Getting well into being able to read proper books. I suppose I will have to hide the Wilbur Smith (if there are any left). Hannah finally got a new outfit, after nagging about a dress she saw last Sunday. It was deafening.
We all went to Toy Story 2 preview yesterday morning, thanks to Mai FM. Took Jessie, Zurg, and Galactic Buzz. Saw kids with other toys there, including Woody. We had the only Jessie and Zurg (thanks to Paul). Spent the afternoon at home, quite knackered despite having only sat in a theatre in the morning.
Hard to tell there was any news on the telly last night, other than the election. As with the news last night, this morning's paper would make you wonder if anything else happened in the country.
Watching the election results on the web was good, first time for that, but was too stuffed to watch after waking at 4:30am so the following morning just printed off a summary to read. A glimpse of the future, sort of.
Talked to Ross yesterday, him and Kath saw an accident with a pretty sad looking person in, he didn't know if she was okay or not. Bit of carnage on roads with people who couldn't face a labour government. Thomas was asleep when we talked.
Well, we face a week of jubilant victors, gracious defeat, early moves to take over, the usual thing. I just hope someone discovers a cure for acne or something happens to distract the news readers.
Have a good week, less than a month to Christmas and 33 days until the big one.
29 November 1999
22 November 1999
Under 17 Soccer Tournament in full swing - 22/11/99
Cricket was cancelled on Saturday, which was good in a way because I didn't want to get rained on. Have a cough again.
The euphoria of Monday's good sporting news wore off a little when the Black Caps lost the final game convincingly. Some news about match fixing went on beforehand. Dubious umpiring decisions were definitely playing a part with three wickets we lost. Apparently they have never won a one day series overseas (don't do it too often at home either).
Tuesday night was last big game for Under 17 All Whites. Nobody expected them to win, after losing to the two other teams that had both drawn with Poland, it didn't look good. Nil-all at half time, better than many expected, but we had the wind with us in the second half. Then we got a goal, and soon afterward another. 2-0 up with about 20 minutes to go. We held on to the lead although Poland got a goal in the last minute before extra time. I think they are a pretty boring team, Poland. None of the European sides made it to the quarter finals, with Spain, Poland, and Germany all failing. Australia won the pool of death, with Brazil (2nd) and Mali as well as Germany in it. Ghana were the only African side left. Paraguay, Uruguay, Mexico, Brazil, USA, and Qatar making up the eight. Although we didn't qualify, we weren't the worst team. Mali scored no goals, but conceded only one, the best team to not qualify in some ways.
Took Rory and Hannah to the Poland game, they enjoyed it. Hannah sat next to what she called the cheerleaders, they were Under-17 groupies if you ask me. We sat right next to the tunnel, the NZ goalie high-fived Rory and Hannah on the way out for the second half. We did some penalty shootouts at the practice pitch on the way home, and Rory was practicing bicycle kicks on Wednesday night. Hannah has now been to three soccer matches.
Barbara Kendall won the board sailing thing, no real shock there.
The poms lost to the scots 1-0, but qualified for Euro 2000 on the away goal rule. Aussie blew a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 in the second game against Brazil. MUFC beat Derby 2-1.
Took Rory with Harry to the Quarter, Mexico up 1-0, then missed a penalty, then lost 3-2 to USA. Ghana won, Australia won, Brazil won. Brazil play Ghana here on Wednesday. I really hope the Aussies don't win this World Cup.
Latest poll on Friday puts Labour into a reasonably convincing lead with 37%, with Greens and Alliance they could govern without Winston. A result that doesn't require NZ First is probably the most basic need. Can't say I am looking forward to that prospect. The Greens had some controversy mid-week as a link to eco-terrorist sites was exposed. Shipley and other members of government had their contact numbers listed on another website. If you do something on the web, it is news. Live farts will get coverage soon. But seriously, the Greens seem to be getting close to getting 5% on their own, which given they were part of the Alliance last time is a great way for the Alliance to up it's impact. I don't think I want to see Jim Anderton as even Deputy PM but he comes across better than "The Return of the un-Living Helen" who does excellent boring lop-sided corpse impressions. I know physical appearance and how she sounds shouldn't make a difference but even Tank Commander Spice has more appeal as a leader. NZ will appear to the world like a country of in-bred undead with her fronting things.
I think now the way is clear, I am going to have to vote for a corpse to eliminate the need for Winston, and perhaps minimise the lunacy of Jim.
BY THE WAY - YOU EX-PATS
You can actually vote by contacting the local NZ embassy. They are taking votes now. Your contribution may make a difference, give it a go this week. Lots of people didn't know they could do that - tell every NZer you know. Save us poor bastards still here from Winston (and maybe Jim but I won't hold my breath).
Come next Monday, I should have some results for you, Saturday is the big day.
Massive flooding around Otago, with record levels around the Clutha, Alexandra, Queenstown, you name it. No Japanese tourists were killed on the jetboats because they didn't go anywhere. Some stone on lake Wanaka commemorating the great flood of 1878 nearly floated away. Started to normalise by Thursday night. I talked to a guy from Wanaka on Friday, his house was on higher ground, enjoyed the show mostly.
No worries about lake levels for power around there now. (mind you, before the water levels had dropped we were getting news of whinging farmers in Otago who needed water - pretty bad taste if you ask me).
Didn't see much of Havoc, don't think any self-abuse was involved.
Bad luck story of the week - some guy from the ACT (a state in Aus, not the party) was stuck in a snow cave for four days during the bad weather. Finally rescued to find mum and dad here for him, then on Friday afternoon they pranged the rental and dad was killed, mum and the son went to hospital with reasonably nasty injuries. What a bummer. Knowing their luck they are lucky they weren't flying to Egypt.
Speaking of Egypt Air, sounds like another suicidal pilot like that crash in Indonesia where the co-pilot was a kiwi (why they would let a flightless bird control an aircraft I don't know). Next time I fly I think I want to see a full psyciatric examination of the pilots before I get on the plane. Only problem is I have less faith in psychiatrists than would make me comfortable. Maybe three assessments. Committing suicide is one thing, taking 250 people along for the ride is a little excessive in my opinion, and certainly more than a trifle selfish.
Claire Elder had her funeral on Tuesday. Lots of Jack's political colleagues were there (Labour, National, and other MPs and ex-MPs), no news coverage of it. Nice that so close to the election the PM and other "luminaries" were willing to show their respect without the lure of a photo opportunity. Bunter Hunt was there. I guess the public rivalry takes a back seat sometimes. Some of these people were mates with Jack at university. Jackie said there was sod all room for Claire's friends and half of them had to sit in a neighbouring room watching on the video. Edward helped carry her casket, didn't seem to aware of what was happening.
Went to a Clare family barbie yesterday. The kids played very well together. Amy is so cute. Jared gets on well with Rory and Hannah. Braden and Rory seem to get on but Jared seems to come between them. Thomas will be able to fool around with everyone within a year or so. I am sure he said "go" when I was pulling him around in a bucket. We kicked a soccer ball around, I built a sand castle with the tower for a princess with Hannah, on a rock, which survived until the tide reached peak. Kev's friend Rob does some pretty impressive low-impact tackles on the kids, he was a goalie in a previous life. Saw Kath's Nana (Mum - she reminds me of Dell, we get on like a house on fire), first time for a while, she's in pretty good form. Is a bit of a shame she lives so far from them all but she comes up for a good while now and then.
We saw Paul Grant on Friday night, kids scored a few pressies, including some Toy Story 2 items. Hannah did Paul a little card that is cute. We watched a DVD movie on his laptop connected to the TV. He brought heaps of disks with him. Good to see him again, although now he is nearly in Singapore with Roger for ten days (should see all of Singapore twice in that time). At least this means Roger has someone he can beat at squash for a while, and the pregnant finn will be unable to win in another ten days.
Hannah spent all weeking whining about a dress she saw. I pity the man she marries. He better have a gold card.
22/22/99
The euphoria of Monday's good sporting news wore off a little when the Black Caps lost the final game convincingly. Some news about match fixing went on beforehand. Dubious umpiring decisions were definitely playing a part with three wickets we lost. Apparently they have never won a one day series overseas (don't do it too often at home either).
Tuesday night was last big game for Under 17 All Whites. Nobody expected them to win, after losing to the two other teams that had both drawn with Poland, it didn't look good. Nil-all at half time, better than many expected, but we had the wind with us in the second half. Then we got a goal, and soon afterward another. 2-0 up with about 20 minutes to go. We held on to the lead although Poland got a goal in the last minute before extra time. I think they are a pretty boring team, Poland. None of the European sides made it to the quarter finals, with Spain, Poland, and Germany all failing. Australia won the pool of death, with Brazil (2nd) and Mali as well as Germany in it. Ghana were the only African side left. Paraguay, Uruguay, Mexico, Brazil, USA, and Qatar making up the eight. Although we didn't qualify, we weren't the worst team. Mali scored no goals, but conceded only one, the best team to not qualify in some ways.
Took Rory and Hannah to the Poland game, they enjoyed it. Hannah sat next to what she called the cheerleaders, they were Under-17 groupies if you ask me. We sat right next to the tunnel, the NZ goalie high-fived Rory and Hannah on the way out for the second half. We did some penalty shootouts at the practice pitch on the way home, and Rory was practicing bicycle kicks on Wednesday night. Hannah has now been to three soccer matches.
Barbara Kendall won the board sailing thing, no real shock there.
The poms lost to the scots 1-0, but qualified for Euro 2000 on the away goal rule. Aussie blew a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 in the second game against Brazil. MUFC beat Derby 2-1.
Took Rory with Harry to the Quarter, Mexico up 1-0, then missed a penalty, then lost 3-2 to USA. Ghana won, Australia won, Brazil won. Brazil play Ghana here on Wednesday. I really hope the Aussies don't win this World Cup.
Latest poll on Friday puts Labour into a reasonably convincing lead with 37%, with Greens and Alliance they could govern without Winston. A result that doesn't require NZ First is probably the most basic need. Can't say I am looking forward to that prospect. The Greens had some controversy mid-week as a link to eco-terrorist sites was exposed. Shipley and other members of government had their contact numbers listed on another website. If you do something on the web, it is news. Live farts will get coverage soon. But seriously, the Greens seem to be getting close to getting 5% on their own, which given they were part of the Alliance last time is a great way for the Alliance to up it's impact. I don't think I want to see Jim Anderton as even Deputy PM but he comes across better than "The Return of the un-Living Helen" who does excellent boring lop-sided corpse impressions. I know physical appearance and how she sounds shouldn't make a difference but even Tank Commander Spice has more appeal as a leader. NZ will appear to the world like a country of in-bred undead with her fronting things.
I think now the way is clear, I am going to have to vote for a corpse to eliminate the need for Winston, and perhaps minimise the lunacy of Jim.
BY THE WAY - YOU EX-PATS
You can actually vote by contacting the local NZ embassy. They are taking votes now. Your contribution may make a difference, give it a go this week. Lots of people didn't know they could do that - tell every NZer you know. Save us poor bastards still here from Winston (and maybe Jim but I won't hold my breath).
Come next Monday, I should have some results for you, Saturday is the big day.
Massive flooding around Otago, with record levels around the Clutha, Alexandra, Queenstown, you name it. No Japanese tourists were killed on the jetboats because they didn't go anywhere. Some stone on lake Wanaka commemorating the great flood of 1878 nearly floated away. Started to normalise by Thursday night. I talked to a guy from Wanaka on Friday, his house was on higher ground, enjoyed the show mostly.
No worries about lake levels for power around there now. (mind you, before the water levels had dropped we were getting news of whinging farmers in Otago who needed water - pretty bad taste if you ask me).
Didn't see much of Havoc, don't think any self-abuse was involved.
Bad luck story of the week - some guy from the ACT (a state in Aus, not the party) was stuck in a snow cave for four days during the bad weather. Finally rescued to find mum and dad here for him, then on Friday afternoon they pranged the rental and dad was killed, mum and the son went to hospital with reasonably nasty injuries. What a bummer. Knowing their luck they are lucky they weren't flying to Egypt.
Speaking of Egypt Air, sounds like another suicidal pilot like that crash in Indonesia where the co-pilot was a kiwi (why they would let a flightless bird control an aircraft I don't know). Next time I fly I think I want to see a full psyciatric examination of the pilots before I get on the plane. Only problem is I have less faith in psychiatrists than would make me comfortable. Maybe three assessments. Committing suicide is one thing, taking 250 people along for the ride is a little excessive in my opinion, and certainly more than a trifle selfish.
Claire Elder had her funeral on Tuesday. Lots of Jack's political colleagues were there (Labour, National, and other MPs and ex-MPs), no news coverage of it. Nice that so close to the election the PM and other "luminaries" were willing to show their respect without the lure of a photo opportunity. Bunter Hunt was there. I guess the public rivalry takes a back seat sometimes. Some of these people were mates with Jack at university. Jackie said there was sod all room for Claire's friends and half of them had to sit in a neighbouring room watching on the video. Edward helped carry her casket, didn't seem to aware of what was happening.
Went to a Clare family barbie yesterday. The kids played very well together. Amy is so cute. Jared gets on well with Rory and Hannah. Braden and Rory seem to get on but Jared seems to come between them. Thomas will be able to fool around with everyone within a year or so. I am sure he said "go" when I was pulling him around in a bucket. We kicked a soccer ball around, I built a sand castle with the tower for a princess with Hannah, on a rock, which survived until the tide reached peak. Kev's friend Rob does some pretty impressive low-impact tackles on the kids, he was a goalie in a previous life. Saw Kath's Nana (Mum - she reminds me of Dell, we get on like a house on fire), first time for a while, she's in pretty good form. Is a bit of a shame she lives so far from them all but she comes up for a good while now and then.
We saw Paul Grant on Friday night, kids scored a few pressies, including some Toy Story 2 items. Hannah did Paul a little card that is cute. We watched a DVD movie on his laptop connected to the TV. He brought heaps of disks with him. Good to see him again, although now he is nearly in Singapore with Roger for ten days (should see all of Singapore twice in that time). At least this means Roger has someone he can beat at squash for a while, and the pregnant finn will be unable to win in another ten days.
Hannah spent all weeking whining about a dress she saw. I pity the man she marries. He better have a gold card.
22/22/99
15 November 1999
Hannah got a wicket and we swim - 15/11/99
The all blacks returned home, some were there at 5:30am to greet them. We seem to be getting over it all, as a nation, slowly. Heard a guy on the radio the other day that got abused because of his van - Starchi and Starchi, shirt cleaners - because of the letter from Kevin Roberts of Saatchi and Saatchi. The all black commemorative weetbix tins are on special at foodtown, wonder why.
After much speculation, Jonah signed with NZ rugby for a further two years. He is worth more to Adidas and others as an all black. He intends to live in Wellington, where his girlie is from, so may play for the Hurricanes this coming Super 12 season. I am glad he didn't disappear to a UK club although not sure the ab's need him that much.
The World Under-17 Soccer Champs kicked off on Wednesday, very bloody wet. Junior All Whites (note the capitals I use only for proper teams now) played well, were up 1-0 at half time. Then Mulligan got a second yellow card and therefore sent off early in the second half and they struggled (against USA this was). Lost the game 2-1 in the end. The wind was a major factor and they played into it in the second half. Goalie did really well but let one in he shouldn't have (saved about five he shouldn't have too). Took Rory, Paul Chambers, Jackie, and Nicola, plus Paul's friend Allesandro.
Classic conversation during the game:
Rory: These guys are all 16 and 17?
Paul: Yes.
Rory: How old are you?
Paul: 16.
Rory: So how come you aren't out there?
Paul thought that was hilarious, not sure if Rory was being a scumbag or just wondering.
Didn't go to the Thursday night, wanted a day at home. Was Uruguay vs Poland. Then double header on Saturday. Saw Uruguay beat NZ 5-0, although was 0-0 until nearly half time. Shit they were fast. Couple of soft goals, but they are pretty good, or at least looked pretty good against us. Their captain plays for their full national side. I won a soccer ball with the 2002 World Cup on it. So did Jeremy Smith, but Rory, Jared, and Natasha Smith all missed. We saw half the match between USA and Poland, which ended 1-1.
The Kingz lost to Woollongong 4-2 in Christchurch Saturday night, exciting but they never really got close to catching them, same team they drew 3-3 with. England beat Scotland 2-0, which almost guarantees them to qualify for Euro-2000 as away goals count for double. Scholes scored both (MUFC player).
The Australian team lost 2-1 to Brazil. Apparently grown-up Brazil is playing two games against Australia in Australia but Ronaldo went back to InterMilan after a spat. Thailand was beaten 6-0 by Spain so NZ isn't the worst team in the tournament yet.
Excitement as one of the American boats bent in the middle, they abandoned ship then towed the boat home. Nippon then broke their mast the next day of racing, probably halfway through round 2 now. Not really that exciting, without NZ involved.
Michael Schumaker sold the space on his forehead for NZD15 million. I am now going to sell space on my arse, given the size in proportion to Schumaker's, I should make about 50c.
Speaking of petrol head stuff, was Bathurst yesterday. Didn't watch much - maybe last three laps (Futurama was about to start). Greg Murphy won, although a kiwi his partner was Australian (they use two drivers for the whole six hours. Paul Radisich was leading but hit something and failed.
Very happy news this morning with the Bathurst result, then news of the Johnnie Walker Classic in Taiwan. Tiger Woods having won four in a row, NZer Michael Campbell was in lead on first day with two others, then with one other one second day (a different person), then three shots clear the third day on his own, then won by one shot on the final day. I think his biggest payday ever.
We lost a couple of one dayers badly in India, after winning the first, then looked liked losing the third in a row at 33 for 3. Then they managed to pull off a win. Got 236, and India were 27 for 3 and the middle order not much use. They won by 48 runs.
Lennox Lewis won the boxing, as he should have last time, although sounded touch and go at one stage. Some bullshit about the IBF taking away their belt so technically he isn't undisputed, but I don't think anyone will care. Lennox Lewis is the first British born heavyweight champion this century (left their run a little late, so will be the last too).
Various polls are all over the place. ACT seems to be firming up well beyond the 5% barrier. Peter's had another problem when the remaining highly ranked woman list candidate was found to be getting sued by the IRD for GST fraud. The signs all round about "keeping them honest" seem to be sadly ironic. A day later, she resigned, with noise about conspiracy and so forth. News this morning that she doesn't think she has resigned and NZ First disagree. Not going to help them at all, one of the other disgruntled women on the list has been attacking Peters publicly.
Some disagreement publicly between Labour and Alliance, not sure it will make any sort of impact. Nothing yet gives either Labour and Alliance or National and Act the magical 61 seats. I wish someone would edge ahead.
The McGillicudy Serious Party nearly got my vote with the announcement of their first genetically modified candidate. The man is half man, half fish. He thinks it is because he worked on a salmon farm and ate lots of fish. He wants to promote genetic engineering to bring back the moa, and the honest politician.
Saw Havoc on Tuesday where they showed a moron stapling (with heaps of staples) his tackle to a pretty solid crucifix (looked like it was made from four by two), dangled the crucifix by it, and then set fire to it. Apparently you have to shave yourself first because burning pubic hair really stinks. They are pretty weird in Christchurch. Then the Christian Heritage Party went apeshit about it. Mikey Havoc then atoned by bungeeing off the harbour bridge to celebrate 11 years of bungee jumps. Christians felt the bungee should have been attached to HIS tackle (preferably with staples).
Jetboat fatality on Shotover Jet, the first after nearly two million passengers. One Japanese newlywed won't be stapling anything from now on.
A truckload of frozen chickens and prawns was hijacked, truck turned up later empty. Chickens are a staple for many people. For the Japanese, rice is a staple. They don't really like chicken. Tend to eat raw waste from fish processing plant.
Speaking of chickens, the Football Kingz initials are KFC (Kingz Football Club). Should jack them up as sponsors.
Liam Williams-Holloway, the 3 year old boy with a tumour on his jaw whose parents refused conventional cures and went into hiding, has got the tumour back. But his mother assured the media that she knew it would have come back with chemotherapy anyway. The boy and his father flew to Mexico for a new alternative cure. Then the Halberg Trust and some other companies paid for his mother to fly over. I thoroughly disagree with this. If they want to ignore the healthcare that is good enough for most and available here, they should pay their own damn fares. Beans are a staple in Mexico (who lost their game in the Under-17s to Ghana 4-0). Don't think japs eat beans. That weirdo from Christchurch stapled his beans. Perhaps he was a confused Mexican.
Flooding around the place during the week, including in my car. Not helped by some bastard breaking into it and nicking my computer bag - no computer in it but nevertheless a pain, they smashed a rear window in Victoria St Carpark at 10:00am on a Thursday morning. Wouldn't mind finding the bastard and stapling his knackers to a crucifix. Rang the carpark later:
Carpark Attendant: Have you filled out a form?
Me: Ah, no. Wasn't aware there was one.
CPA: You have to fill out a form.
Me: Well if it happens that often that you have a form to fill out, perhaps the tickets should all carry instructions to that effect.
CPA: We can't do anything if you don't fill out a form. Come in and fill one out.
Me: Can you fax me one?
CPA: No.
Me: So, what exactly do I get out of filling out this form?
CPA: We might let you have the video.
Me: And what exactly do I do with the video? Hunt down the person and kill them?
CPA: You have to fill out the form.
Me: I think we have wasted enough of each others time. If you aren't concerned that people are ripping off your customers, that is your problem.
Very unsatisfactory. Didn't ring the police. Don't know that I should have. Not really sure what they would do either.
Heaps of rain, with La Nina or whatever, news during last week about waterfront property on the East Coast being eroded away at something like 100m in thirty years. Will save mowing the lawn for some people I guess. Should push property prices up too. INVESTMENT TIP - Buy a property one section back from the beach and wait until it becomes beachfront.
Jackie Chambers' friend Claire died on Saturday, aged 47. She found a lump in her breast and did nothing about it. Lesson there for all you women. I think Jackie checks herself daily now. Claire was wife of Jack Elder, former Labour MP turned NZ First, turned undecided. Is not standing again, will have to look after their 11 year old son now (can't remember his name, kind of weird, used to only go places dressed as Superman, Edward I think). Claire was pretty excited about being the wife of a cabinet minister, but didn't manage to last the whole three years. Quite a tragedy for the family. Jackie is handling it pretty well, she spent a fair amount of time with her in recent months.
Was a note on page 3 in the paper today, says she was 49 and Edward 13, not sure that is right.
In real sport, the kids played Western Heights. Their 11-strong team was full of newbies and we were down to 7 players. Always let more balls through with less fielders. Rory stupidly lost a wicket while meandering between the wickets, even if he hadn't gone out, wouldn't have been a run, more like a walk or a wander. First he has lost for ages, I was very disappointed. We lost four wickets in the innings. Then we bowled. We got 8 wickets, including Hannah's first which the batter played onto the stumps. Was very pleased, to say the least, because her interest was waning. But after being the wicket-taking girl all weekend I think she will keep going for a while at least. She conceded no runs, so her figures were pretty good, a maiden and a wicket maiden. Got her a furby shirt as a special treat in recognition of the achievement. Both her and Rory got snotted with me for juggling them in the bowling order, but it was so the better bowlers faced the better batsmen. Pointless to make a five year old face Harry or Michael and no need to let Hannah or the other new players get bashed all over the ground. The parents of the other team were a bit much in the protectiveness area. Half the kids had someone holding their arm while they bowled and a couple of batters had a dad with size nines making it impossible to hit the wickets. Once the dad actually moved his foot to stop the ball from hitting the stumps. One of our parents wasn't too happy about that. I don't worry too much, we don't have to report the result to anyone, but we won 105 to 78. Without parental interference it would have been another 20 runs I reckon. Is hard to get things right when you have some good players and some not so good.
The kids had Athletics on Wednesday, saw a bit of it. More PC watered down non-competitiveness. No wonder the ab's think it is okay to lose. Events such as "walk a bit then fill up a bottle with water until the grown-up says enough and then wander back", and the much watched "high jump with a piece of rope and hitting the rope is okay and everything without any sort of pressure". Give me strength. Playing on the playground was an event for God's sake. Supposedly they get more serious in middle school. Couldn't be less serious for sure. At least there weren't any events involving staplers and crucifixes.
Rescued a family of ducks on Meola Road on Sunday. Mother and thirteen ducklings trying to cross the road. Heard from the chicken that it seemed like a good idea, I guess. I stopped the car, took off after them, with Diana, and guided them along the grass verge, onto the soccer field, down to Motions Creek. They paddled under the bridge to happiness and freedom. The duck-god loves me now. I am also now a qualified duckherd. Ducks are a staple in China.
Went down to the school swimming pool for the first time this season. Managed a full length under water. Hannah did a whole length with flippers. Has lost a bit of technique since they stopped lessons.
Saw Thomas on Sunday, he kept giving me his fluffies. Otherwise he was a box of fluffy ducks. Not ducklings. Kathryn is learning to sail, when she isn't busy employing everyone she knows. I might apply for a job as an apprentice fabricator some day soon. Would love an aluminium kayak. Speaking of kayaks, figured out how to do shape for my trundler. Will have to have a go at making it. Got a car in the garage yesterday, after tidying things up a bit. Fixed the shed door and now I keep slamming it because you used to have to push really hard to budge it. Did a few other maintainence type things around the section, including an abortive attempt to flatten the grass where we play cricket. Anyone have any ideas for making your own wicket?
Well, have a good week. Let's hope Poland don't cream the Junior All Whites, and the Black Caps do something to win the series, last game this week. Paul will be here before the next edition, and then probably in Singapore a week from now, and really sick of aircraft food.
After much speculation, Jonah signed with NZ rugby for a further two years. He is worth more to Adidas and others as an all black. He intends to live in Wellington, where his girlie is from, so may play for the Hurricanes this coming Super 12 season. I am glad he didn't disappear to a UK club although not sure the ab's need him that much.
The World Under-17 Soccer Champs kicked off on Wednesday, very bloody wet. Junior All Whites (note the capitals I use only for proper teams now) played well, were up 1-0 at half time. Then Mulligan got a second yellow card and therefore sent off early in the second half and they struggled (against USA this was). Lost the game 2-1 in the end. The wind was a major factor and they played into it in the second half. Goalie did really well but let one in he shouldn't have (saved about five he shouldn't have too). Took Rory, Paul Chambers, Jackie, and Nicola, plus Paul's friend Allesandro.
Classic conversation during the game:
Rory: These guys are all 16 and 17?
Paul: Yes.
Rory: How old are you?
Paul: 16.
Rory: So how come you aren't out there?
Paul thought that was hilarious, not sure if Rory was being a scumbag or just wondering.
Didn't go to the Thursday night, wanted a day at home. Was Uruguay vs Poland. Then double header on Saturday. Saw Uruguay beat NZ 5-0, although was 0-0 until nearly half time. Shit they were fast. Couple of soft goals, but they are pretty good, or at least looked pretty good against us. Their captain plays for their full national side. I won a soccer ball with the 2002 World Cup on it. So did Jeremy Smith, but Rory, Jared, and Natasha Smith all missed. We saw half the match between USA and Poland, which ended 1-1.
The Kingz lost to Woollongong 4-2 in Christchurch Saturday night, exciting but they never really got close to catching them, same team they drew 3-3 with. England beat Scotland 2-0, which almost guarantees them to qualify for Euro-2000 as away goals count for double. Scholes scored both (MUFC player).
The Australian team lost 2-1 to Brazil. Apparently grown-up Brazil is playing two games against Australia in Australia but Ronaldo went back to InterMilan after a spat. Thailand was beaten 6-0 by Spain so NZ isn't the worst team in the tournament yet.
Excitement as one of the American boats bent in the middle, they abandoned ship then towed the boat home. Nippon then broke their mast the next day of racing, probably halfway through round 2 now. Not really that exciting, without NZ involved.
Michael Schumaker sold the space on his forehead for NZD15 million. I am now going to sell space on my arse, given the size in proportion to Schumaker's, I should make about 50c.
Speaking of petrol head stuff, was Bathurst yesterday. Didn't watch much - maybe last three laps (Futurama was about to start). Greg Murphy won, although a kiwi his partner was Australian (they use two drivers for the whole six hours. Paul Radisich was leading but hit something and failed.
Very happy news this morning with the Bathurst result, then news of the Johnnie Walker Classic in Taiwan. Tiger Woods having won four in a row, NZer Michael Campbell was in lead on first day with two others, then with one other one second day (a different person), then three shots clear the third day on his own, then won by one shot on the final day. I think his biggest payday ever.
We lost a couple of one dayers badly in India, after winning the first, then looked liked losing the third in a row at 33 for 3. Then they managed to pull off a win. Got 236, and India were 27 for 3 and the middle order not much use. They won by 48 runs.
Lennox Lewis won the boxing, as he should have last time, although sounded touch and go at one stage. Some bullshit about the IBF taking away their belt so technically he isn't undisputed, but I don't think anyone will care. Lennox Lewis is the first British born heavyweight champion this century (left their run a little late, so will be the last too).
Various polls are all over the place. ACT seems to be firming up well beyond the 5% barrier. Peter's had another problem when the remaining highly ranked woman list candidate was found to be getting sued by the IRD for GST fraud. The signs all round about "keeping them honest" seem to be sadly ironic. A day later, she resigned, with noise about conspiracy and so forth. News this morning that she doesn't think she has resigned and NZ First disagree. Not going to help them at all, one of the other disgruntled women on the list has been attacking Peters publicly.
Some disagreement publicly between Labour and Alliance, not sure it will make any sort of impact. Nothing yet gives either Labour and Alliance or National and Act the magical 61 seats. I wish someone would edge ahead.
The McGillicudy Serious Party nearly got my vote with the announcement of their first genetically modified candidate. The man is half man, half fish. He thinks it is because he worked on a salmon farm and ate lots of fish. He wants to promote genetic engineering to bring back the moa, and the honest politician.
Saw Havoc on Tuesday where they showed a moron stapling (with heaps of staples) his tackle to a pretty solid crucifix (looked like it was made from four by two), dangled the crucifix by it, and then set fire to it. Apparently you have to shave yourself first because burning pubic hair really stinks. They are pretty weird in Christchurch. Then the Christian Heritage Party went apeshit about it. Mikey Havoc then atoned by bungeeing off the harbour bridge to celebrate 11 years of bungee jumps. Christians felt the bungee should have been attached to HIS tackle (preferably with staples).
Jetboat fatality on Shotover Jet, the first after nearly two million passengers. One Japanese newlywed won't be stapling anything from now on.
A truckload of frozen chickens and prawns was hijacked, truck turned up later empty. Chickens are a staple for many people. For the Japanese, rice is a staple. They don't really like chicken. Tend to eat raw waste from fish processing plant.
Speaking of chickens, the Football Kingz initials are KFC (Kingz Football Club). Should jack them up as sponsors.
Liam Williams-Holloway, the 3 year old boy with a tumour on his jaw whose parents refused conventional cures and went into hiding, has got the tumour back. But his mother assured the media that she knew it would have come back with chemotherapy anyway. The boy and his father flew to Mexico for a new alternative cure. Then the Halberg Trust and some other companies paid for his mother to fly over. I thoroughly disagree with this. If they want to ignore the healthcare that is good enough for most and available here, they should pay their own damn fares. Beans are a staple in Mexico (who lost their game in the Under-17s to Ghana 4-0). Don't think japs eat beans. That weirdo from Christchurch stapled his beans. Perhaps he was a confused Mexican.
Flooding around the place during the week, including in my car. Not helped by some bastard breaking into it and nicking my computer bag - no computer in it but nevertheless a pain, they smashed a rear window in Victoria St Carpark at 10:00am on a Thursday morning. Wouldn't mind finding the bastard and stapling his knackers to a crucifix. Rang the carpark later:
Carpark Attendant: Have you filled out a form?
Me: Ah, no. Wasn't aware there was one.
CPA: You have to fill out a form.
Me: Well if it happens that often that you have a form to fill out, perhaps the tickets should all carry instructions to that effect.
CPA: We can't do anything if you don't fill out a form. Come in and fill one out.
Me: Can you fax me one?
CPA: No.
Me: So, what exactly do I get out of filling out this form?
CPA: We might let you have the video.
Me: And what exactly do I do with the video? Hunt down the person and kill them?
CPA: You have to fill out the form.
Me: I think we have wasted enough of each others time. If you aren't concerned that people are ripping off your customers, that is your problem.
Very unsatisfactory. Didn't ring the police. Don't know that I should have. Not really sure what they would do either.
Heaps of rain, with La Nina or whatever, news during last week about waterfront property on the East Coast being eroded away at something like 100m in thirty years. Will save mowing the lawn for some people I guess. Should push property prices up too. INVESTMENT TIP - Buy a property one section back from the beach and wait until it becomes beachfront.
Jackie Chambers' friend Claire died on Saturday, aged 47. She found a lump in her breast and did nothing about it. Lesson there for all you women. I think Jackie checks herself daily now. Claire was wife of Jack Elder, former Labour MP turned NZ First, turned undecided. Is not standing again, will have to look after their 11 year old son now (can't remember his name, kind of weird, used to only go places dressed as Superman, Edward I think). Claire was pretty excited about being the wife of a cabinet minister, but didn't manage to last the whole three years. Quite a tragedy for the family. Jackie is handling it pretty well, she spent a fair amount of time with her in recent months.
Was a note on page 3 in the paper today, says she was 49 and Edward 13, not sure that is right.
In real sport, the kids played Western Heights. Their 11-strong team was full of newbies and we were down to 7 players. Always let more balls through with less fielders. Rory stupidly lost a wicket while meandering between the wickets, even if he hadn't gone out, wouldn't have been a run, more like a walk or a wander. First he has lost for ages, I was very disappointed. We lost four wickets in the innings. Then we bowled. We got 8 wickets, including Hannah's first which the batter played onto the stumps. Was very pleased, to say the least, because her interest was waning. But after being the wicket-taking girl all weekend I think she will keep going for a while at least. She conceded no runs, so her figures were pretty good, a maiden and a wicket maiden. Got her a furby shirt as a special treat in recognition of the achievement. Both her and Rory got snotted with me for juggling them in the bowling order, but it was so the better bowlers faced the better batsmen. Pointless to make a five year old face Harry or Michael and no need to let Hannah or the other new players get bashed all over the ground. The parents of the other team were a bit much in the protectiveness area. Half the kids had someone holding their arm while they bowled and a couple of batters had a dad with size nines making it impossible to hit the wickets. Once the dad actually moved his foot to stop the ball from hitting the stumps. One of our parents wasn't too happy about that. I don't worry too much, we don't have to report the result to anyone, but we won 105 to 78. Without parental interference it would have been another 20 runs I reckon. Is hard to get things right when you have some good players and some not so good.
The kids had Athletics on Wednesday, saw a bit of it. More PC watered down non-competitiveness. No wonder the ab's think it is okay to lose. Events such as "walk a bit then fill up a bottle with water until the grown-up says enough and then wander back", and the much watched "high jump with a piece of rope and hitting the rope is okay and everything without any sort of pressure". Give me strength. Playing on the playground was an event for God's sake. Supposedly they get more serious in middle school. Couldn't be less serious for sure. At least there weren't any events involving staplers and crucifixes.
Rescued a family of ducks on Meola Road on Sunday. Mother and thirteen ducklings trying to cross the road. Heard from the chicken that it seemed like a good idea, I guess. I stopped the car, took off after them, with Diana, and guided them along the grass verge, onto the soccer field, down to Motions Creek. They paddled under the bridge to happiness and freedom. The duck-god loves me now. I am also now a qualified duckherd. Ducks are a staple in China.
Went down to the school swimming pool for the first time this season. Managed a full length under water. Hannah did a whole length with flippers. Has lost a bit of technique since they stopped lessons.
Saw Thomas on Sunday, he kept giving me his fluffies. Otherwise he was a box of fluffy ducks. Not ducklings. Kathryn is learning to sail, when she isn't busy employing everyone she knows. I might apply for a job as an apprentice fabricator some day soon. Would love an aluminium kayak. Speaking of kayaks, figured out how to do shape for my trundler. Will have to have a go at making it. Got a car in the garage yesterday, after tidying things up a bit. Fixed the shed door and now I keep slamming it because you used to have to push really hard to budge it. Did a few other maintainence type things around the section, including an abortive attempt to flatten the grass where we play cricket. Anyone have any ideas for making your own wicket?
Well, have a good week. Let's hope Poland don't cream the Junior All Whites, and the Black Caps do something to win the series, last game this week. Paul will be here before the next edition, and then probably in Singapore a week from now, and really sick of aircraft food.
8 November 1999
Don't Mention the Rugby - 08/11/99
The week when even the word "Bugger!" doesn't cover it. Apparently someone in Australia objected to the Bugger advert, too.
I have to say to those of you overseas, you probably did the right thing.
The foster parent who punished a ten year old boy by making him wear a shirt doused in petrol, then lit it, was referred for psychiatric assessment, other charges are pending.
Heavy rain on Wednesday, rain warnings all over the place during the week.
More leaders debates, some have been quite entertaining.
NZFirst copped some serious flak when they announced their party list and the two woman MPs turned out to be lower on the list than expected. If voting reflects polling, neither are likely to get returned. Both have been the subject of controversy (a requirement for NZFirst MPs) one with excessive overseas travel, the other registering her car with postage stamps or something semi-fraudulent like that. Not a good look for Winston, who may lose a little ground with women voters because of it.
Alliance pulled out of Wellington Central, in favour of Labour candidate to try to oust Richard Prebble, leader of ACT. Now Labour may pull out of Coromandel to help Green Party leader. This tit for tat sort of thing is pretty shonky. I suspect it may have the opposite of the desired effect with some voters. We are heading into the home stretch now with about three weeks before the election.
Latest poll has ACT getting 9%, Alliance about 7%, NZF about 6% and the other two pretty close to each other at about 32% or something.
NZFirst now says it will not be in a coalition, Shipley hinted at holding a second election rather than have Winston call the shots from the middle of the house. I say here and now, if Winston does hold the balance power, we will emigrate.
NZ horses didn't get a look-in at the Mebourne Cup.
The crash of the Eqypt air flight was not high on the countries list, no kiwis on board, although if the all blacks were on it would have been better. One person got off the flight at New York, they were a grief councillor for the airline. Fat lot of use he would have been:
A phone rings
Grief Stricken Relative: (tears and sobbing)"Hello?"
Councillor: "Hello my name is Lucky Bastard, I am grief councillor for Egypt Air. I feel your pain."
GSR "Like fuck you do, you got of the sodding plane. My little Jimmy didn't."
Councillor: "Um, yeh, dead lucky wasn't I? Haven't been able to wipe the smile off my face. What do you reckon the chances were, eh? Better go buy a Lotto ticket. Oh well, sorry your son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, and pet cat were on the plane. Better luck next time, eh? And don't forget to buy travel insur-"
-Click-
Yes, he would be really useful.
A bunch of Epsom schoolkids got stuck by the rain in the Waitakeres, they shouldn't have gone out, teachers were stupid. Nobody died so that was okay.
The Aussies voted no to a republic.
Vitriol has run thick over the AB loss to France. Roger first wanted their passports cancelled, then decided they were just trick or treaters pretending to be the ABs and we had to play SA on Friday because of French sanctions. Saw another mail from a disappointed supporter who wanted them dumped from 100 feet up out of a topdresser, then decided naked in g-strings in the hero parade being whipped by someone french-looking. I think the ABs have lost a lot of ground with the public over this.
Some bastard in Wellington put $400 on France to win by 12, he won $66,000. Every rugby supporter in NZ wants him dead. He has gone into hiding.
Some jokes, mainly tired old ones re-worked, came out of the woodwork:
What is the main function of the all black coach?
To take the players to the ground and back to the hotel.
What is an All Black hat-trick?
Conceding three tries in three minutes.
Why didn't the AB back line need pre-tour travel injections?
They don't normally catch anything.
All Black supporter decided he couldn't handle the defeat, dressed in all his gear and prepared to do himself in.
A neighbour spotted the problem and called the police. They arrived in time, removed his All Black jersey, cap, and underpants, then dressed him in stockings, suspenders, teddy, lipstick, and ladies wig. They then started to leave. When he asked them why they did this, the police said "we didn't want you to embarass your family."
Why are All Blacks and drug addicts similar?
Both spend most time wondering when their are going to get their next score
Rumour has it that the ABs have got a new sponsor: Tampax.
The NZRB thought it was an appropriate change as the team is having a very bad period.
Then we lost the playoff for third and fourth to South Africa by four points, 9:00am kickoff our time. An error ridden game that gave me no pleasure. Despite everything all week, I wanted them to win. Years of feeling that the ABs were my team, memories of watching Grant Batty and Stu Wilson against the Lions with my Grandfather on his COLOUR telly, it was too much and I wanted them to win. I wasn't that interested in Super 12 this season, and NPC wasn't much fun with all the ABs gone. I am very disappointed in rugby. Well f**k them all, I am a soccer person now.
Speaking of soccer, Man U beat Leceister with Cole scoring two awesome goals, and even better the Kingz beat Sydney Olympic away with a scorcher by Harry Ngata. The Under-17 tournament kicks off on Wednesday.
John Hart resigned late Friday night, heard it live as I was bored and the fireworks were all going off. Will at least quieten some debate on Radio Sport. Had to happen. New team will have to be a bit new-look I think. I suspect John Hart will emigrate, as he won't be able to cross a street without someone trying to run him over.
The Aussies the won the cup. Kind of glad Craig hasn't told me his new email address yet. Don't want to talk to any Australians.
The Kiwis played Australia in the Tri-Series, lost by two points. Was close, but no cigar. Wasn't really too into it. Aussies have lost a league series since 1954 or something. Wonder what it would be like to have a team like that.
The Black Caps managed to save the third test, well draw it anyway. Best batting display of the series in their second innings. After the rugby my interest in the cricket increased. Then, on Friday night, while the Kiwis fought hard, the Black Caps played India in a one dayer. They scored 349 for 9, their highest against India, although earlier on I thought they could have got more. Astle scored 120 then got 3 for 40 bowling in a game where every bowler's figures sucked. The pitch was a batter's one. It was hard work getting the wickets for both sides. The Indians reached 87 in 11.4 overs. They did well.
First cricket practice last monday, was abominable, twelve kids all really carried away. They had their moments but I wasn't in much shape to handle them after getting up at 4am. Was still somewhat sleep deprived on Tuesday.
Painted and cut down a bat of Rory's (that Craig gave him, but he has outgrown it). It is now Hannah sized and the first pink cricket bat in recorded history. Me and Hannah had a lovely time painting it.
Tree people had fun in our street this week. They hacked holes in them to make room for the power cables. Now looks like the guy who wrote tetris has gone into the tree pruning business. We have the rudest looking trees lining our street, with all sorts of geometrical shapes missing.
Kids narrowly won their game on Saturday. Hannah ran once, didn't go out. Rory played well. Got rained on again. Speculation mounts as to what they are going to play for a summer sport.
Saturday night was the night of the "big do" at Ross and Kath's. The viewing of the final on a big screen wasn't a priority. Spent a while in the pool with Rory and others. Bruce Pye was there (Blair) with his very pregnant significant other. Robin also came but I didn't get to speak to her much. Tania didn't make it, haven't seen her for ages, perhaps since she became pregnant. Also saw the Batenburg's. Gabrielle is almost as tall as Sue (Kath's sister). Gaby is eight. Kids were well-behaved, pretty much, but stuffed. Hannah slept until about 9 the next morning, I didn't wake up until 8, almost a personal best for me.
Quiet day yesteday, except for when a can of polyurethane exploded (sort of) in my hands. Felt sticky all day despite shower, turps, rinse and repeat. Did manage to get some on Hannah's bat though.
Went for a small bike ride with the kids, and later on we saw a cyclist who seemed to have suffered an altercation with a car, without the benefit of a helmet. Good lesson for the kids there.
Well, only four years to the next Rugby World Cup, this time I think we need to adjust our expectations a bit beforehand.
I have to say to those of you overseas, you probably did the right thing.
The foster parent who punished a ten year old boy by making him wear a shirt doused in petrol, then lit it, was referred for psychiatric assessment, other charges are pending.
Heavy rain on Wednesday, rain warnings all over the place during the week.
More leaders debates, some have been quite entertaining.
NZFirst copped some serious flak when they announced their party list and the two woman MPs turned out to be lower on the list than expected. If voting reflects polling, neither are likely to get returned. Both have been the subject of controversy (a requirement for NZFirst MPs) one with excessive overseas travel, the other registering her car with postage stamps or something semi-fraudulent like that. Not a good look for Winston, who may lose a little ground with women voters because of it.
Alliance pulled out of Wellington Central, in favour of Labour candidate to try to oust Richard Prebble, leader of ACT. Now Labour may pull out of Coromandel to help Green Party leader. This tit for tat sort of thing is pretty shonky. I suspect it may have the opposite of the desired effect with some voters. We are heading into the home stretch now with about three weeks before the election.
Latest poll has ACT getting 9%, Alliance about 7%, NZF about 6% and the other two pretty close to each other at about 32% or something.
NZFirst now says it will not be in a coalition, Shipley hinted at holding a second election rather than have Winston call the shots from the middle of the house. I say here and now, if Winston does hold the balance power, we will emigrate.
NZ horses didn't get a look-in at the Mebourne Cup.
The crash of the Eqypt air flight was not high on the countries list, no kiwis on board, although if the all blacks were on it would have been better. One person got off the flight at New York, they were a grief councillor for the airline. Fat lot of use he would have been:
A phone rings
Grief Stricken Relative: (tears and sobbing)"Hello?"
Councillor: "Hello my name is Lucky Bastard, I am grief councillor for Egypt Air. I feel your pain."
GSR "Like fuck you do, you got of the sodding plane. My little Jimmy didn't."
Councillor: "Um, yeh, dead lucky wasn't I? Haven't been able to wipe the smile off my face. What do you reckon the chances were, eh? Better go buy a Lotto ticket. Oh well, sorry your son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, and pet cat were on the plane. Better luck next time, eh? And don't forget to buy travel insur-"
-Click-
Yes, he would be really useful.
A bunch of Epsom schoolkids got stuck by the rain in the Waitakeres, they shouldn't have gone out, teachers were stupid. Nobody died so that was okay.
The Aussies voted no to a republic.
Vitriol has run thick over the AB loss to France. Roger first wanted their passports cancelled, then decided they were just trick or treaters pretending to be the ABs and we had to play SA on Friday because of French sanctions. Saw another mail from a disappointed supporter who wanted them dumped from 100 feet up out of a topdresser, then decided naked in g-strings in the hero parade being whipped by someone french-looking. I think the ABs have lost a lot of ground with the public over this.
Some bastard in Wellington put $400 on France to win by 12, he won $66,000. Every rugby supporter in NZ wants him dead. He has gone into hiding.
Some jokes, mainly tired old ones re-worked, came out of the woodwork:
What is the main function of the all black coach?
To take the players to the ground and back to the hotel.
What is an All Black hat-trick?
Conceding three tries in three minutes.
Why didn't the AB back line need pre-tour travel injections?
They don't normally catch anything.
All Black supporter decided he couldn't handle the defeat, dressed in all his gear and prepared to do himself in.
A neighbour spotted the problem and called the police. They arrived in time, removed his All Black jersey, cap, and underpants, then dressed him in stockings, suspenders, teddy, lipstick, and ladies wig. They then started to leave. When he asked them why they did this, the police said "we didn't want you to embarass your family."
Why are All Blacks and drug addicts similar?
Both spend most time wondering when their are going to get their next score
Rumour has it that the ABs have got a new sponsor: Tampax.
The NZRB thought it was an appropriate change as the team is having a very bad period.
Then we lost the playoff for third and fourth to South Africa by four points, 9:00am kickoff our time. An error ridden game that gave me no pleasure. Despite everything all week, I wanted them to win. Years of feeling that the ABs were my team, memories of watching Grant Batty and Stu Wilson against the Lions with my Grandfather on his COLOUR telly, it was too much and I wanted them to win. I wasn't that interested in Super 12 this season, and NPC wasn't much fun with all the ABs gone. I am very disappointed in rugby. Well f**k them all, I am a soccer person now.
Speaking of soccer, Man U beat Leceister with Cole scoring two awesome goals, and even better the Kingz beat Sydney Olympic away with a scorcher by Harry Ngata. The Under-17 tournament kicks off on Wednesday.
John Hart resigned late Friday night, heard it live as I was bored and the fireworks were all going off. Will at least quieten some debate on Radio Sport. Had to happen. New team will have to be a bit new-look I think. I suspect John Hart will emigrate, as he won't be able to cross a street without someone trying to run him over.
The Aussies the won the cup. Kind of glad Craig hasn't told me his new email address yet. Don't want to talk to any Australians.
The Kiwis played Australia in the Tri-Series, lost by two points. Was close, but no cigar. Wasn't really too into it. Aussies have lost a league series since 1954 or something. Wonder what it would be like to have a team like that.
The Black Caps managed to save the third test, well draw it anyway. Best batting display of the series in their second innings. After the rugby my interest in the cricket increased. Then, on Friday night, while the Kiwis fought hard, the Black Caps played India in a one dayer. They scored 349 for 9, their highest against India, although earlier on I thought they could have got more. Astle scored 120 then got 3 for 40 bowling in a game where every bowler's figures sucked. The pitch was a batter's one. It was hard work getting the wickets for both sides. The Indians reached 87 in 11.4 overs. They did well.
First cricket practice last monday, was abominable, twelve kids all really carried away. They had their moments but I wasn't in much shape to handle them after getting up at 4am. Was still somewhat sleep deprived on Tuesday.
Painted and cut down a bat of Rory's (that Craig gave him, but he has outgrown it). It is now Hannah sized and the first pink cricket bat in recorded history. Me and Hannah had a lovely time painting it.
Tree people had fun in our street this week. They hacked holes in them to make room for the power cables. Now looks like the guy who wrote tetris has gone into the tree pruning business. We have the rudest looking trees lining our street, with all sorts of geometrical shapes missing.
Kids narrowly won their game on Saturday. Hannah ran once, didn't go out. Rory played well. Got rained on again. Speculation mounts as to what they are going to play for a summer sport.
Saturday night was the night of the "big do" at Ross and Kath's. The viewing of the final on a big screen wasn't a priority. Spent a while in the pool with Rory and others. Bruce Pye was there (Blair) with his very pregnant significant other. Robin also came but I didn't get to speak to her much. Tania didn't make it, haven't seen her for ages, perhaps since she became pregnant. Also saw the Batenburg's. Gabrielle is almost as tall as Sue (Kath's sister). Gaby is eight. Kids were well-behaved, pretty much, but stuffed. Hannah slept until about 9 the next morning, I didn't wake up until 8, almost a personal best for me.
Quiet day yesteday, except for when a can of polyurethane exploded (sort of) in my hands. Felt sticky all day despite shower, turps, rinse and repeat. Did manage to get some on Hannah's bat though.
Went for a small bike ride with the kids, and later on we saw a cyclist who seemed to have suffered an altercation with a car, without the benefit of a helmet. Good lesson for the kids there.
Well, only four years to the next Rugby World Cup, this time I think we need to adjust our expectations a bit beforehand.
1 November 1999
A slight reprise - 01/11/99
Well, here we are, nearly an hour after the end of the game. The Adidas All Black web site seems a little outdated now. Radio Sport is devoting the day to discuss the loss, can't wait to miss that.
Manchester United beat Aston Villa 3-0, Scholes, Cole, and Keane scoring. Sunderland are beating Watford 4-0 as I write this. I think I have ceased to be interested in rugby.
Shipley and Clark launched their campaigns yesterday. Yawn.
A woman is held by police after a 10 yo boy was set on fire. Foster parent using stricter punishment than one normally expects.
Nobody died at Piha over the weekend.
Feel really sorry for Gavin Thompson, who is over in England for the World Cup. Excellent reason why I wouldn't spend the money on that sort of thing. Have to ask myself why I didn't use my strategy of betting against the ABs. That way, if they lose, I get some money to spend to cheer me up. France was paying $10 for the win. Dork. New Year's resolution number 1, bet against the team I support in important games. I had an idea for a travel package promotion, increase the price and put hte extra money on betting for the the other team, tell the customer they get their money back if their team loses.
I had been saying for a while that I was going off rugby, and I felt too much importance was placed on the World Cup. Now I think that is definitely true, but I wish I was more sure of myself.
I hear now the All Blacks have never conceded 43 points in an international, doesn't sound right to me.
Focus is now going to swing to the America's Cup, I am sure.
Manchester United beat Aston Villa 3-0, Scholes, Cole, and Keane scoring. Sunderland are beating Watford 4-0 as I write this. I think I have ceased to be interested in rugby.
Shipley and Clark launched their campaigns yesterday. Yawn.
A woman is held by police after a 10 yo boy was set on fire. Foster parent using stricter punishment than one normally expects.
Nobody died at Piha over the weekend.
Feel really sorry for Gavin Thompson, who is over in England for the World Cup. Excellent reason why I wouldn't spend the money on that sort of thing. Have to ask myself why I didn't use my strategy of betting against the ABs. That way, if they lose, I get some money to spend to cheer me up. France was paying $10 for the win. Dork. New Year's resolution number 1, bet against the team I support in important games. I had an idea for a travel package promotion, increase the price and put hte extra money on betting for the the other team, tell the customer they get their money back if their team loses.
I had been saying for a while that I was going off rugby, and I felt too much importance was placed on the World Cup. Now I think that is definitely true, but I wish I was more sure of myself.
I hear now the All Blacks have never conceded 43 points in an international, doesn't sound right to me.
Focus is now going to swing to the America's Cup, I am sure.
Well, National are going to lose the election - 01/11/99
The time is 5:45 am, I have just watched (live) the 1999 World Cup semi-final between New Zealand and France. If you don't already know, the All Blacks did the opposite of win. We looked on top for most of the game, ahead 17-10 at half time, Penalty count was about 12-2 in our favour. Some dirty play in there, looked like the French number three was getting more than affectionate with Taine. After half time, Jonah got himself a second try, 24-10, then they drop kicked a couple in about two minutes, then they started a run of three tries with 20 minutes to go. We got a consolation try at the end to Wilson, but it was nowhere near enough. 43-31 or thereabouts. If they play like that last 20 minutes again, they will beat Australia. I am not sure they will, they tend to be up and down a bit. I think this was their Final, to use a cliche. Australia are likely to be the only team to win the World Cup twice. Can't believe the frogs did that. The French team were booed off the ground three times during the early stages of the tournament. They came last in the Five Nations, they played out of their skins and the ABs blew it. I think there will have to be some changes in the team now. They get to play South Africa for third and fourth. We could yet come fourth.
The French have been steadily improving, but I think they are going to struggle to beat the Wallabies.
As a result of this loss, and the ABs not even making the final, National don't stand a chance. The morale of the country will sink.
Welcome to Roger Grant, brother of Paul (long time victim of this message) and Symon (my boss on the building site). For those who don't know, Roger used to work with me and Peter at Foundation and was our most successful employee (also least fraudulent) and he abandoned us to look after Nokia who was my biggest customer, about three or four years ago. But such is life. Anyway, Roger now works in Loin City (his words) otherwise known as Singapore. He is a veteran of two Guy Fawke's night Rangitoto kayak classics. Gavin thinks he left when he did as he wanted to escape a third, he also thinks Paul is timing his arrival in NZ to miss the same event (he did attend the inaugural event). As a matter of interest, Gavin wants to go again next Friday. Not sure I do.
I was particularly negligent last week in not mentioning the America's Cup. The Louis Vuitton challenge has now completed round 1 of the round robins, with Prada unbeaten (they may be a client of ours now, not sure). Was a prang, and a guy got hit in the head with a spar (not a spa pool) and otherwise is was pretty tedious. Peter Montcommentary achieving orgasm at every mark, beat, jibe to windward, and so on, as is his way.
The plane crash with Payne Stewart was big news here, with the Australian wife angle thrown in. No NZers were on the plane so it wasn't that interesting. Someone described the plane running on auto-pilot as a good analogy of the government. Steam on the windows but nobody visible running the thing.
Mike Tyson fight was fizzer, and now David Tua wants to fight him. Tyson is only fighting to pay off his debts, has to fight another seven bouts before he gets any money himself or something. Berk. Tua should cream him at the moment.
Two fathers died at Piha when they rescued their daughters from the tide. Lifeguards had gone home at 4:00pm after telling the only people on the beach who were swimming. Sad but I can't help but think that they know the risks. Hope the two girls feel suitably guilty and crappy. Still think that people should give a visa card number or get thrown back in when they are rescued. The lifeguards do it for nothing. Was a few newsitems about how they deserve more recognition. Personally, I think they are dead easy to recognise. Just walk along a beach and you can tell who the lifeguards are. Then a fisherman drowned a few days later. All three dead people were immigrants.
Following my advice recently, Jono is now dead in the big London Train Crash for student loan purposes. Just send money to me, rather than flowers.
Big news on Friday, Justin Marshall goes onto the bench and Byron Kelliher wears the number 9 jersey for the first time. His mum was dead proud. He played well, but in a losing team.
Coroners inquest into accident where four youths died found that blood alcohol of six times the limit in the driver was a factor (no! who would have thought), turns out the driver was on a provisional license and just failed the test for the step up. Not really sure why a coroner was needed for any of this. Hardly takes a doctor to say "the guys head got ripped off in the accident, he died of not being alive any more". The driver would have been charged with manslaughter if he wasn't one of his own victims. This I disagree with given that the three in the back weren't wearing seatbelts and the one that survived was wearing one. I have to say the other three are unlikely to have been bound, gagged, and forced into the car against their will.
Last cricket test in India started on Friday, we didn't have a hope so I didn't pay much attention. Last I heard Indians got about 500-odd runs and we were 110 for 4. Ian Healy (Aussie wicket keeper) retired, I think he is 52 so it is about time.
A priest got done for molesting people. A sportsman got done for fraud. Both cases seem to be pretty common and now I think we should just number crimes like this. From now on, the priest thing is a #27, same but with a teacher or headmaster, is a #28. Fraud by ex-sportsperson will be a #32. This will save us all time. Have sent a note to the Department of Courts to let them know. Figure that will save them time reading charges etc in court. For #27, they please either Virgin Mary or Judas, as appropriate. For #28, they can plead A Pass, or Detention. For #32, the plea is either Safe or Out. Haven't had a letter of thanks from them on that yet.
Leaders debate on TV3 on Wednesday, wasn't too bad. Pretty lightweight stuff. They don't really change much, always dropping in things like "we should do this like Finland" and "Australians pay this much tax" and that sort of thing. Jenny and Helen weren't very impressive. Frankly I think the winner was John Campbell, the interviewer. He is a real laugh. Confirmed weed and Wellington rugby supporter. Winston came across well, as did Jim Anderton. That's just what we need, people encouraged to vote for the lunatic fringe. The Greens are making noises about winning Coromandel which could make it really excellent in parliament with six parties and nobody able to make any decisions.
News from Australia is pretty thin at the moment, some stink about getting tickets for the Olympics and a fuss about becoming a republic. Heard sod all locally about either. First I heard about the republic vote was John Eels, Wallaby Catpain (sic.) talking about it on the sports pages.
Thomas became a one year old, and no longer measures his lifetime in mere months.
I was kind of bored on Friday afternoon, sent many of you a copy of the "f**k them all" song for the World Cup. If any others want it, let me know. Choked my mail server for a couple of hours sending it out. Perhaps it isn't quite so much fun now.
First day of the cricket season on Saturday, practice abandoned due to bad weather twice during the week. Hannah played very well. Jessica, the other girl in the team, couldn't cope but Hannah did well. Got clean bowled once, didn't get a wicket, but so what. She was bowling awesomely when we practiced in the back yard. Nearly ripped my kneecap off with one delivery. We scored 122 the other team 61. We lost 5 wickets, they lost 13. Rory batted well, didn't go out, and took two wickets. plus a couple when he was keeping. Rained during the game but came right and we finished the match. Played the Holy Cross (given that X denotes a wicket, it seems an appropriate name).
Rory went to Lilly's birthday party after cricket. Still seems to be lots of parties for the kids at the moment.
Went on a solo bike ride with Hannah to the shop and then the school midweek. She ran into the hall stairs, broke her front reflector, no damage to her at all. She is ready to ride to school one day when the weather is nice. Weather was crap all week, about a week late for Labour weekend.
Took the whole family to the Football Kingz (the Z still makes me wince) on Saturday night, including Nanny, plus Paul Chambers and Allesandro. Played Woolongong Wolves. We were down one goal after about 5 minutes. Two of their players got sent off in the second half, drew 3-3. Scored the equaliser in about the fourth minute of extra time, bit like the Springboks against Australia (was a crap game without the tension at the end and the extra time). I was really happy that the whole family went.
Went to the Goodin's yesterday, kids had a swim, think that Ross will have to fill the pool in if he wants peace on the weekends. Then went to a hallowe'en party last night, not a late one. Rory went as Ganryu, a character from Tekken, wore nothing but a red bit of material around his middle. We call Ganryu "Big Red Nappy Man", he is a sumo wrestler. Hannah went as Scary Barbie, in a Barbie outfit with a pistol in her handbag.
So, I start the week tired after getting up at 4:00am, somewhat disappointed with the rugby. Kind of takes the shine off the idea of watching the final next weekend at Ross & Kath's house during their "do" this Saturday. Can't say I intend to be up at 4:30 in the morning next Saturday night when NZ isn't playing (is that sour grapes?).
The French have been steadily improving, but I think they are going to struggle to beat the Wallabies.
As a result of this loss, and the ABs not even making the final, National don't stand a chance. The morale of the country will sink.
Welcome to Roger Grant, brother of Paul (long time victim of this message) and Symon (my boss on the building site). For those who don't know, Roger used to work with me and Peter at Foundation and was our most successful employee (also least fraudulent) and he abandoned us to look after Nokia who was my biggest customer, about three or four years ago. But such is life. Anyway, Roger now works in Loin City (his words) otherwise known as Singapore. He is a veteran of two Guy Fawke's night Rangitoto kayak classics. Gavin thinks he left when he did as he wanted to escape a third, he also thinks Paul is timing his arrival in NZ to miss the same event (he did attend the inaugural event). As a matter of interest, Gavin wants to go again next Friday. Not sure I do.
I was particularly negligent last week in not mentioning the America's Cup. The Louis Vuitton challenge has now completed round 1 of the round robins, with Prada unbeaten (they may be a client of ours now, not sure). Was a prang, and a guy got hit in the head with a spar (not a spa pool) and otherwise is was pretty tedious. Peter Montcommentary achieving orgasm at every mark, beat, jibe to windward, and so on, as is his way.
The plane crash with Payne Stewart was big news here, with the Australian wife angle thrown in. No NZers were on the plane so it wasn't that interesting. Someone described the plane running on auto-pilot as a good analogy of the government. Steam on the windows but nobody visible running the thing.
Mike Tyson fight was fizzer, and now David Tua wants to fight him. Tyson is only fighting to pay off his debts, has to fight another seven bouts before he gets any money himself or something. Berk. Tua should cream him at the moment.
Two fathers died at Piha when they rescued their daughters from the tide. Lifeguards had gone home at 4:00pm after telling the only people on the beach who were swimming. Sad but I can't help but think that they know the risks. Hope the two girls feel suitably guilty and crappy. Still think that people should give a visa card number or get thrown back in when they are rescued. The lifeguards do it for nothing. Was a few newsitems about how they deserve more recognition. Personally, I think they are dead easy to recognise. Just walk along a beach and you can tell who the lifeguards are. Then a fisherman drowned a few days later. All three dead people were immigrants.
Following my advice recently, Jono is now dead in the big London Train Crash for student loan purposes. Just send money to me, rather than flowers.
Big news on Friday, Justin Marshall goes onto the bench and Byron Kelliher wears the number 9 jersey for the first time. His mum was dead proud. He played well, but in a losing team.
Coroners inquest into accident where four youths died found that blood alcohol of six times the limit in the driver was a factor (no! who would have thought), turns out the driver was on a provisional license and just failed the test for the step up. Not really sure why a coroner was needed for any of this. Hardly takes a doctor to say "the guys head got ripped off in the accident, he died of not being alive any more". The driver would have been charged with manslaughter if he wasn't one of his own victims. This I disagree with given that the three in the back weren't wearing seatbelts and the one that survived was wearing one. I have to say the other three are unlikely to have been bound, gagged, and forced into the car against their will.
Last cricket test in India started on Friday, we didn't have a hope so I didn't pay much attention. Last I heard Indians got about 500-odd runs and we were 110 for 4. Ian Healy (Aussie wicket keeper) retired, I think he is 52 so it is about time.
A priest got done for molesting people. A sportsman got done for fraud. Both cases seem to be pretty common and now I think we should just number crimes like this. From now on, the priest thing is a #27, same but with a teacher or headmaster, is a #28. Fraud by ex-sportsperson will be a #32. This will save us all time. Have sent a note to the Department of Courts to let them know. Figure that will save them time reading charges etc in court. For #27, they please either Virgin Mary or Judas, as appropriate. For #28, they can plead A Pass, or Detention. For #32, the plea is either Safe or Out. Haven't had a letter of thanks from them on that yet.
Leaders debate on TV3 on Wednesday, wasn't too bad. Pretty lightweight stuff. They don't really change much, always dropping in things like "we should do this like Finland" and "Australians pay this much tax" and that sort of thing. Jenny and Helen weren't very impressive. Frankly I think the winner was John Campbell, the interviewer. He is a real laugh. Confirmed weed and Wellington rugby supporter. Winston came across well, as did Jim Anderton. That's just what we need, people encouraged to vote for the lunatic fringe. The Greens are making noises about winning Coromandel which could make it really excellent in parliament with six parties and nobody able to make any decisions.
News from Australia is pretty thin at the moment, some stink about getting tickets for the Olympics and a fuss about becoming a republic. Heard sod all locally about either. First I heard about the republic vote was John Eels, Wallaby Catpain (sic.) talking about it on the sports pages.
Thomas became a one year old, and no longer measures his lifetime in mere months.
I was kind of bored on Friday afternoon, sent many of you a copy of the "f**k them all" song for the World Cup. If any others want it, let me know. Choked my mail server for a couple of hours sending it out. Perhaps it isn't quite so much fun now.
First day of the cricket season on Saturday, practice abandoned due to bad weather twice during the week. Hannah played very well. Jessica, the other girl in the team, couldn't cope but Hannah did well. Got clean bowled once, didn't get a wicket, but so what. She was bowling awesomely when we practiced in the back yard. Nearly ripped my kneecap off with one delivery. We scored 122 the other team 61. We lost 5 wickets, they lost 13. Rory batted well, didn't go out, and took two wickets. plus a couple when he was keeping. Rained during the game but came right and we finished the match. Played the Holy Cross (given that X denotes a wicket, it seems an appropriate name).
Rory went to Lilly's birthday party after cricket. Still seems to be lots of parties for the kids at the moment.
Went on a solo bike ride with Hannah to the shop and then the school midweek. She ran into the hall stairs, broke her front reflector, no damage to her at all. She is ready to ride to school one day when the weather is nice. Weather was crap all week, about a week late for Labour weekend.
Took the whole family to the Football Kingz (the Z still makes me wince) on Saturday night, including Nanny, plus Paul Chambers and Allesandro. Played Woolongong Wolves. We were down one goal after about 5 minutes. Two of their players got sent off in the second half, drew 3-3. Scored the equaliser in about the fourth minute of extra time, bit like the Springboks against Australia (was a crap game without the tension at the end and the extra time). I was really happy that the whole family went.
Went to the Goodin's yesterday, kids had a swim, think that Ross will have to fill the pool in if he wants peace on the weekends. Then went to a hallowe'en party last night, not a late one. Rory went as Ganryu, a character from Tekken, wore nothing but a red bit of material around his middle. We call Ganryu "Big Red Nappy Man", he is a sumo wrestler. Hannah went as Scary Barbie, in a Barbie outfit with a pistol in her handbag.
So, I start the week tired after getting up at 4:00am, somewhat disappointed with the rugby. Kind of takes the shine off the idea of watching the final next weekend at Ross & Kath's house during their "do" this Saturday. Can't say I intend to be up at 4:30 in the morning next Saturday night when NZ isn't playing (is that sour grapes?).
25 October 1999
Better Latte Than Never - 25/10/99
Well, labour day got in the way, sorry folks. Spent all my times having flat whites in cafe's, well one or two. Send your complaints to the subscriptions department at rackoff.noddy@email.co.nz.
Went away for the weekend, in a bach with no aerial, tv and two radios that didn't work. Something interesting might have happened in NZ, I just don't know about it yet.
In sport, the ABs beat Scotland this morning, not convincingly exaclty but never looked in danger of losing. Now advance to semi-final against France (who beat the Argies). Australia beat Wales and South Africa beat England and they play the other semi. Dream result is that Aussie lose to South Africa but Bobby Skinstadt and Joost Van Der Westhuizen suffer injuries that put them out for ten days and Honiball gets cited and misses a week. Getting down to the business end, happens right sharpish sometimes, dunnit? Fiji lost to the poms, Scotland beat Samoa, and the Argies just beat Ireland midweek.
I heard a rumour that the Football Kingz drew away with Newcastle this weekend, not a bad result if true. Man U lost to Olympic Marseilles I think.
Kiwi League team beat Tonga 67-0 or something but Stacey Jones broke his wrist, not a good result at all. Aussies beat the poms but don't know the score (neither do the poms half the time).
Auckland beat Wellington in the NPC final, no idea who did what in the other two divisions. Was trying to avoid all media until I saw the Scotland game this afternoon when replayed at 4:00pm.
Back caps disassembling themselves so they can lose the second test, should be over by the time you read this. We were five wickets down with about ten runs needed to match their first innings score.
Don't know if anyone died on the roads, but someone died in a freak rafting accident (althpough it was referred to as a canoeing accident in one bulletin). This was when someone who looked like the elephant man was driving the boat, one assumes. Surely a freak accident is when the bearded lady cuts herself while shaving? Silly really.
We are almost exactly one month from the election. Nothing happened of interest this week in that department, each poll is a few percent up or down on the last. No trends to speak of.
Took Hannah for a bike ride today, just me and her. She is improving and the confidence is growing. Momentous occasion, we no longer need a car seat or booster for either child now. Makes life one bucket load easier getting around.
While we were away, we got a new shower. An Englefield one with Gohe tap type stuff. Kids tried it out tonight. Starting to see benefits of the whole renovation thing, at last. Second turd-server could be on-line tommorow.
Today went to R&K's house, had a swim. Saw actual walking by Thomas who turns one on Wednesday.
Got your message Koos, what was there a call anyone in NZ for 5 quid offer on or something? Shame we missed you, couldn't really ring you by the time we got the message and I had finished talking to Sjaan (thought you might be here).
We holidayed in Mahurangi, went to Ti Point and fished (caught eight shrimps), had a ride in the glass bottom boat at Goat Island, had fish and chips at Leigh, went for a small kayak ride, visited downtown Puhoi (not discernable from uptown Puhoi). Nice break, kids had a good time. I need more of a break than that, but we shall see. Working out of home seems to be working so far. Spent all day out at clients one day so didn't really feel like a day at home. Snuck off to the Observatory with Rory's class trip another day. Not bad, I suppose. Cricket starts this saturday. Practice tomorrow.
Went away for the weekend, in a bach with no aerial, tv and two radios that didn't work. Something interesting might have happened in NZ, I just don't know about it yet.
In sport, the ABs beat Scotland this morning, not convincingly exaclty but never looked in danger of losing. Now advance to semi-final against France (who beat the Argies). Australia beat Wales and South Africa beat England and they play the other semi. Dream result is that Aussie lose to South Africa but Bobby Skinstadt and Joost Van Der Westhuizen suffer injuries that put them out for ten days and Honiball gets cited and misses a week. Getting down to the business end, happens right sharpish sometimes, dunnit? Fiji lost to the poms, Scotland beat Samoa, and the Argies just beat Ireland midweek.
I heard a rumour that the Football Kingz drew away with Newcastle this weekend, not a bad result if true. Man U lost to Olympic Marseilles I think.
Kiwi League team beat Tonga 67-0 or something but Stacey Jones broke his wrist, not a good result at all. Aussies beat the poms but don't know the score (neither do the poms half the time).
Auckland beat Wellington in the NPC final, no idea who did what in the other two divisions. Was trying to avoid all media until I saw the Scotland game this afternoon when replayed at 4:00pm.
Back caps disassembling themselves so they can lose the second test, should be over by the time you read this. We were five wickets down with about ten runs needed to match their first innings score.
Don't know if anyone died on the roads, but someone died in a freak rafting accident (althpough it was referred to as a canoeing accident in one bulletin). This was when someone who looked like the elephant man was driving the boat, one assumes. Surely a freak accident is when the bearded lady cuts herself while shaving? Silly really.
We are almost exactly one month from the election. Nothing happened of interest this week in that department, each poll is a few percent up or down on the last. No trends to speak of.
Took Hannah for a bike ride today, just me and her. She is improving and the confidence is growing. Momentous occasion, we no longer need a car seat or booster for either child now. Makes life one bucket load easier getting around.
While we were away, we got a new shower. An Englefield one with Gohe tap type stuff. Kids tried it out tonight. Starting to see benefits of the whole renovation thing, at last. Second turd-server could be on-line tommorow.
Today went to R&K's house, had a swim. Saw actual walking by Thomas who turns one on Wednesday.
Got your message Koos, what was there a call anyone in NZ for 5 quid offer on or something? Shame we missed you, couldn't really ring you by the time we got the message and I had finished talking to Sjaan (thought you might be here).
We holidayed in Mahurangi, went to Ti Point and fished (caught eight shrimps), had a ride in the glass bottom boat at Goat Island, had fish and chips at Leigh, went for a small kayak ride, visited downtown Puhoi (not discernable from uptown Puhoi). Nice break, kids had a good time. I need more of a break than that, but we shall see. Working out of home seems to be working so far. Spent all day out at clients one day so didn't really feel like a day at home. Snuck off to the Observatory with Rory's class trip another day. Not bad, I suppose. Cricket starts this saturday. Practice tomorrow.
18 October 1999
The New Frontier - 18/10/99
Well. A variable week, I must say. Thursday was the low, really shitty day, nothing went right. Lowest ebb was when I grabbed the tomato sauce at dinner, realised I really wanted the parmesan, put the sauce bottle down (after managing to valiantly resist the temptation to hurl it across the room), ran my fingers through my hair, and in doing so pioneered the use of tomato sauce as a hair treatment.
Then, later on, when all hope had long gone, the f*&king things in my new office started to work. I hadn't done anything other than un-install the program on the client PC and it started to work (don't even go near trying to figure that out, it works so be happy for me).
In news, god knows. There was a parade for the America's Cup on Friday (racing starts today in the Challenger series and the defenders are starting to race too). Peter Montgomery must be wetting himself in anticipation (Peter calls him Peter MontCommentary).
Build up to rugby NPC semi-finals. Harbour lost to Auckland and Wellington beat Waikato. Final at Eden Park this weekend, Michael Jones' last game.
We just beat the Aussies in the League on Friday night. Up 24-4 at half-time, finished 24-22. It was closer than it should have been really, think they were knackered after the first half. Pretty happy though. Would have been such a bummer to lose to the Aussies again so soon after the netball.
B-Team ABs beat Italy 101-3, Jeff Wilson now highest try-scorer in NZ history. The signed Action Man Jeff went up in price, although Thomas's saliva does seem to dissolve the ink.
Samoa upset the Welsh, Graham Henry demoted from God-position. Fiji have to play England to get to the quarter finals after being robbed of a try by a pathetic Paddy O'Brien (NZ ref, normally decent).
Been stuff in the news but nothing really grabs me. Pakistan was big with the Indian test going on with NZ (we salvaged a draw after blowing the position we were in on Day one, could have easily lsot so not a bad result really).
Max Bradford, education minister, took out a protesting student with a hand to the throat. Made the news for a couple of days. Looked good, have to admit. I think he was attempting the Vulcan death grip. Many think his fend should mean he was called up to replace Carlos Spencer rather than Bruce Reihana. As for the student, well, his little dive has earned him a nomination in the NZ Film and TV awards, Drama category and a contract with an Italian football club. Was funny at least.
More bus strikes are threatened, apparently there was some road chaos but I never saw it.
A student working part time at a BP station risked life and limb by jumping on a 4wd that took off without paying for $5 worth of petrol. Dork. Anyway, who would buy $5 worth of petrol, use more getting into the station and out again. Price did drop last week, after a series of three rises in recent weeks. Price of bread went up in reaction, no mention of it dropping now that petrol has gone down....
Nothing newsworthy election-wise. Tempted to put up some billboards of my own saying things like "Hi there from Rob" and make a noise about how rude they are and who gave them the right to put them up and how come the Resource Management Act hasn't got some sort of relevance.
Ansett say they have just about got things sorted, but I think they are mostly screwed now. Will have lost heaps of customers.
After the hard slog on Saturday last week, my back and shoulders were really sore. Monday night this became almost crippling and I could barely move.
Diana massaged me and it made a big difference, defying all expections that we both had. Drove to Hamilton for Tuesday, achieved most of what was required, and despite four hours of driving my neck.shoulders were improving. Was my first trip to Hamilton since my grandfather died. Spent Wednesday working on installing a new mdaemon and wingate server for a client (dry run for my fun on Thursday). Hard but eventually rewarding in that it worked.
Shoulders etc were better so I played squash and pulled a muscle in my forearm (doh!). My hopes of being in reasonable shape for the move on Saturday were not so good.
Then Thursday, please, don't mention Thursday. Not a good one at all.
As Arthur Dent said in HGTTG - "This must be Thursday, I could never quite get the hang of Thursdays"
Nothing went right, people misunderstood other people and rang me. Then the people they misunderstood rang me. Then people who barely spoke English from somewhere like Singapore wanted to explain to me stuff I already knew. All during which I was trying to make something work. I was stressing and freaking and wondering if I would ever receive email ever again. Good fun all round. Notice this has been sent with a new address. No idea if it will change permanently.Could be a quiet week for email this week.
Friday went much better. Looks like the 0800 thing will actually start off again. Give me something fun to do.
The weekend was kind of mixed. Did sod all helping Symon. Moved the toys out of the office to a lock up on Saturday morning with help from Allan, Colin (Emori's bro-in-law and a complete stranger to me), Emori (supplier of truck, known him for about seven years, works at a clients, he is Fijian), Gavin, Peter, Ross, Scott and Sarah. The truck was great, needed two trips but heaps of room in the second haul. Was home soon after 12. Diana finished the cleaning in the office and was home by about half twelve.
Spent the afternoon stuffing around with cables and things. Have three power boards on the wall. Have two shelving units now elevated above the desks and on the wall. Wired for sound and all sorts. Server, desktop, fax, hub, modem, zip drive, Psion cable, three phones, cellphone charger, monitor switchbox, you name it. Got caller-id on the main phone. Wired. Did a bit on Sunday two, powreed it all up last night, it actually worked! First time and everything. Who would have thought.
Went to Ross & Kath's Sunday morning, no actual evidence of Thomas walking, but rumours continue. Went for swim in their slightly heated pool (just under 20 degrees). Kids froze, I was okay after inital acclimatising.
Went to see Sixth Sense on Saturday night. Hard going to start, but worth it in the second half.
Highlight on Sunday was going to my first match for the Football Kingz (let's not mention the Z okay). Took Hannah with me, plus Paul Chambers and friend Allesandro (Rory went to a birthday party). They played South Melbourne, who are in the world club challenge, and won 1-0 !!! Their first win, and we were there. Cool. Awesome. Rory wasn't happy, I let Hannah wear his ManU outfit and I wore my shirt. And Man U beat Watford, something Liverpool couldn't manage.
So, anyway, today is my first day working form home. No more commuting to the office. I can charge someone for going anywhere in my car now.
Have a happy week, I just hope this one is better than the last one as far as I am concerned. Note the new email address may be temporary (did I mention that already?)
Then, later on, when all hope had long gone, the f*&king things in my new office started to work. I hadn't done anything other than un-install the program on the client PC and it started to work (don't even go near trying to figure that out, it works so be happy for me).
In news, god knows. There was a parade for the America's Cup on Friday (racing starts today in the Challenger series and the defenders are starting to race too). Peter Montgomery must be wetting himself in anticipation (Peter calls him Peter MontCommentary).
Build up to rugby NPC semi-finals. Harbour lost to Auckland and Wellington beat Waikato. Final at Eden Park this weekend, Michael Jones' last game.
We just beat the Aussies in the League on Friday night. Up 24-4 at half-time, finished 24-22. It was closer than it should have been really, think they were knackered after the first half. Pretty happy though. Would have been such a bummer to lose to the Aussies again so soon after the netball.
B-Team ABs beat Italy 101-3, Jeff Wilson now highest try-scorer in NZ history. The signed Action Man Jeff went up in price, although Thomas's saliva does seem to dissolve the ink.
Samoa upset the Welsh, Graham Henry demoted from God-position. Fiji have to play England to get to the quarter finals after being robbed of a try by a pathetic Paddy O'Brien (NZ ref, normally decent).
Been stuff in the news but nothing really grabs me. Pakistan was big with the Indian test going on with NZ (we salvaged a draw after blowing the position we were in on Day one, could have easily lsot so not a bad result really).
Max Bradford, education minister, took out a protesting student with a hand to the throat. Made the news for a couple of days. Looked good, have to admit. I think he was attempting the Vulcan death grip. Many think his fend should mean he was called up to replace Carlos Spencer rather than Bruce Reihana. As for the student, well, his little dive has earned him a nomination in the NZ Film and TV awards, Drama category and a contract with an Italian football club. Was funny at least.
More bus strikes are threatened, apparently there was some road chaos but I never saw it.
A student working part time at a BP station risked life and limb by jumping on a 4wd that took off without paying for $5 worth of petrol. Dork. Anyway, who would buy $5 worth of petrol, use more getting into the station and out again. Price did drop last week, after a series of three rises in recent weeks. Price of bread went up in reaction, no mention of it dropping now that petrol has gone down....
Nothing newsworthy election-wise. Tempted to put up some billboards of my own saying things like "Hi there from Rob" and make a noise about how rude they are and who gave them the right to put them up and how come the Resource Management Act hasn't got some sort of relevance.
Ansett say they have just about got things sorted, but I think they are mostly screwed now. Will have lost heaps of customers.
After the hard slog on Saturday last week, my back and shoulders were really sore. Monday night this became almost crippling and I could barely move.
Diana massaged me and it made a big difference, defying all expections that we both had. Drove to Hamilton for Tuesday, achieved most of what was required, and despite four hours of driving my neck.shoulders were improving. Was my first trip to Hamilton since my grandfather died. Spent Wednesday working on installing a new mdaemon and wingate server for a client (dry run for my fun on Thursday). Hard but eventually rewarding in that it worked.
Shoulders etc were better so I played squash and pulled a muscle in my forearm (doh!). My hopes of being in reasonable shape for the move on Saturday were not so good.
Then Thursday, please, don't mention Thursday. Not a good one at all.
As Arthur Dent said in HGTTG - "This must be Thursday, I could never quite get the hang of Thursdays"
Nothing went right, people misunderstood other people and rang me. Then the people they misunderstood rang me. Then people who barely spoke English from somewhere like Singapore wanted to explain to me stuff I already knew. All during which I was trying to make something work. I was stressing and freaking and wondering if I would ever receive email ever again. Good fun all round. Notice this has been sent with a new address. No idea if it will change permanently.Could be a quiet week for email this week.
Friday went much better. Looks like the 0800 thing will actually start off again. Give me something fun to do.
The weekend was kind of mixed. Did sod all helping Symon. Moved the toys out of the office to a lock up on Saturday morning with help from Allan, Colin (Emori's bro-in-law and a complete stranger to me), Emori (supplier of truck, known him for about seven years, works at a clients, he is Fijian), Gavin, Peter, Ross, Scott and Sarah. The truck was great, needed two trips but heaps of room in the second haul. Was home soon after 12. Diana finished the cleaning in the office and was home by about half twelve.
Spent the afternoon stuffing around with cables and things. Have three power boards on the wall. Have two shelving units now elevated above the desks and on the wall. Wired for sound and all sorts. Server, desktop, fax, hub, modem, zip drive, Psion cable, three phones, cellphone charger, monitor switchbox, you name it. Got caller-id on the main phone. Wired. Did a bit on Sunday two, powreed it all up last night, it actually worked! First time and everything. Who would have thought.
Went to Ross & Kath's Sunday morning, no actual evidence of Thomas walking, but rumours continue. Went for swim in their slightly heated pool (just under 20 degrees). Kids froze, I was okay after inital acclimatising.
Went to see Sixth Sense on Saturday night. Hard going to start, but worth it in the second half.
Highlight on Sunday was going to my first match for the Football Kingz (let's not mention the Z okay). Took Hannah with me, plus Paul Chambers and friend Allesandro (Rory went to a birthday party). They played South Melbourne, who are in the world club challenge, and won 1-0 !!! Their first win, and we were there. Cool. Awesome. Rory wasn't happy, I let Hannah wear his ManU outfit and I wore my shirt. And Man U beat Watford, something Liverpool couldn't manage.
So, anyway, today is my first day working form home. No more commuting to the office. I can charge someone for going anywhere in my car now.
Have a happy week, I just hope this one is better than the last one as far as I am concerned. Note the new email address may be temporary (did I mention that already?)
11 October 1999
It's....um....like....nineteen....ninety....five...all over again! Lomu !!!! - 11/10/99
Well, we beat the poms. The above is a direct quote from the much venerated Keith Quinn (the Quinster) after Jonah's little run to break the 16-16 deadlock and open the game up with a pretty damn good try. The way the poms pronounce his name, some think that Joanna Lumley is playing in the number 11 jumper. Excellent stuff though, and Byron Kelleher again came on to replace that tosser Justin Marshall and scored a try. If the opposition don't get sixty minutes of a geriatric half-back they would be awake, I suppose but really, why do we insist on continuing with Marshall? Anyway, the easier route to the final is ours, and the poms have to beat South Africa in the quarters probably, which will be fun after they play a fairly physical Tonga next. Interestingly, it was a Fijian that got sent home after a minor headbutt. Share prices should improve today, after our win.
The front page of the herald devotes about four centimetres across the bottom to East Timor, otherwise it is all rugby.
Blair, got you comment about Chelsea, no comment. Did you make it to the game? Looked hard in the crowd and couldn't see you. There were two NZers that died in that horrific train crash were going to go to that game, their parents went over. "I know he would have wanted me to go to the match" said one Dad, whose wife wouldn't let him go to the World Cup but now had a good excuse to stay for the final. But seriously, I know the Dad of one of the two dead guys, Peter Macaulay, he used to run The Number One Software Company that sold WordPerfect in it's heyday in the eighties. I also got a photographer to take a pic up his kilt once at a PC World awards do. There was something worn underneath, thankfully. We put the pic in the mag, saying "do you recognise this face?". Anyway, becomes more meaningful when you know someone involved. I am assuming that Jono has made efforts to ensure that police think he was in the crash too, so as to escape liability for his student loan.
In other sport, NZ were unlucky to not make the next round of the Dunhill Cup in golf, with Spain eventually winning.
The first cricket test in India started with the Indians all out for 83, we are 199 for 3 overnight. Dion Nash with 6/27 not a bad effort. If they can rack up a decent score in their first innings we could have a win on our hands.
Lots of analysis of the netballers. They choked, simple as that.
Auckland play Harbour at Eden park in one semi, Waikato play Wellington in the other. First semi for Wellington since this scheme was put in place, and first time no South Island team not in the top four since about 1982. Having 17 players away on all black duty is probably a good reason why. They had a bye-bye for Michael Jones over the weekend against Counties. Northland won their fourth game of the season at home against Canterbury, Wellington beat Otago in the very last game at Athletic Park.
The America's Cup Challenger Series starts today (I didn't know until I saw something about Tim Finn in the paper this morning). I don't know that anyone cares for the moment, the rugby is where it is at.
Parliament closed for the year this week, like anyone notices when it is open. The advert for Whittakers Peanut Slab is running regularly:
Man comes to door, knocks: Hello, I am Max Gerbils, running for parliament in your electorate.
Man in bathrobe hands him a peanut slab, Max starts eating it.
Max: My party stands for basically whatever we think will get us elected, which will all change once in power. I intend to defect from my party shortly after that and basically hold the country to ransom while running up huge bills on junkets with my wife and mistress. I will spend a lot of time in bars and massage parlours, at your expense.....
and so he goes on. Could be the most meaningful ad of the election campaign.
No more Jack Elder, John Banks, and a few others. Yawn. Now Banks says he wants to be mayor of Auckland. J
A big natural dam formed somewhere down south, residents are worried about it breaking. More exciting stuff overseas, with a school washed away in Mexico while we opened a new school to replace one that got flooded a while back.
News seems pretty hard to come by other than regarding sport.
Bit of building done, just Saturday. gibbed most of the bathroom. Can still remember the number of nogs I have cut. Did some bits of gib on my own too. Still an almost builder though. Place is still pretty messy, but liveable.
Rode up the Bullock Track with Rory on Monday night, Rory pushed his bike most of the way, rode the last 20 metres so he can say he rode to the top (just not from the bottom). Went down Zoo Hill, again walking (me too, I had to hold his bike or we would still be there now). He went from about a third of the way from the bottom, but didn't use his brakes so shot past me like a flaming rocket. Hannah worked on her riding, doing well.
Life is exceedingly complicated between renovating and shifting offices. Should all be over by next Monday, but if you get no mail you will know the email bit isn't quite right.
Saw Thomas and parents yesterday, he didn't want to show us walking. He ate a hammer. Not a very baby friendly house at the moment. Charles, the package arrived, well done.
So, have a lovely week, bask in the glory of an important win, pray for the Black Heads to win the test in India
The front page of the herald devotes about four centimetres across the bottom to East Timor, otherwise it is all rugby.
Blair, got you comment about Chelsea, no comment. Did you make it to the game? Looked hard in the crowd and couldn't see you. There were two NZers that died in that horrific train crash were going to go to that game, their parents went over. "I know he would have wanted me to go to the match" said one Dad, whose wife wouldn't let him go to the World Cup but now had a good excuse to stay for the final. But seriously, I know the Dad of one of the two dead guys, Peter Macaulay, he used to run The Number One Software Company that sold WordPerfect in it's heyday in the eighties. I also got a photographer to take a pic up his kilt once at a PC World awards do. There was something worn underneath, thankfully. We put the pic in the mag, saying "do you recognise this face?". Anyway, becomes more meaningful when you know someone involved. I am assuming that Jono has made efforts to ensure that police think he was in the crash too, so as to escape liability for his student loan.
In other sport, NZ were unlucky to not make the next round of the Dunhill Cup in golf, with Spain eventually winning.
The first cricket test in India started with the Indians all out for 83, we are 199 for 3 overnight. Dion Nash with 6/27 not a bad effort. If they can rack up a decent score in their first innings we could have a win on our hands.
Lots of analysis of the netballers. They choked, simple as that.
Auckland play Harbour at Eden park in one semi, Waikato play Wellington in the other. First semi for Wellington since this scheme was put in place, and first time no South Island team not in the top four since about 1982. Having 17 players away on all black duty is probably a good reason why. They had a bye-bye for Michael Jones over the weekend against Counties. Northland won their fourth game of the season at home against Canterbury, Wellington beat Otago in the very last game at Athletic Park.
The America's Cup Challenger Series starts today (I didn't know until I saw something about Tim Finn in the paper this morning). I don't know that anyone cares for the moment, the rugby is where it is at.
Parliament closed for the year this week, like anyone notices when it is open. The advert for Whittakers Peanut Slab is running regularly:
Man comes to door, knocks: Hello, I am Max Gerbils, running for parliament in your electorate.
Man in bathrobe hands him a peanut slab, Max starts eating it.
Max: My party stands for basically whatever we think will get us elected, which will all change once in power. I intend to defect from my party shortly after that and basically hold the country to ransom while running up huge bills on junkets with my wife and mistress. I will spend a lot of time in bars and massage parlours, at your expense.....
and so he goes on. Could be the most meaningful ad of the election campaign.
No more Jack Elder, John Banks, and a few others. Yawn. Now Banks says he wants to be mayor of Auckland. J
A big natural dam formed somewhere down south, residents are worried about it breaking. More exciting stuff overseas, with a school washed away in Mexico while we opened a new school to replace one that got flooded a while back.
News seems pretty hard to come by other than regarding sport.
Bit of building done, just Saturday. gibbed most of the bathroom. Can still remember the number of nogs I have cut. Did some bits of gib on my own too. Still an almost builder though. Place is still pretty messy, but liveable.
Rode up the Bullock Track with Rory on Monday night, Rory pushed his bike most of the way, rode the last 20 metres so he can say he rode to the top (just not from the bottom). Went down Zoo Hill, again walking (me too, I had to hold his bike or we would still be there now). He went from about a third of the way from the bottom, but didn't use his brakes so shot past me like a flaming rocket. Hannah worked on her riding, doing well.
Life is exceedingly complicated between renovating and shifting offices. Should all be over by next Monday, but if you get no mail you will know the email bit isn't quite right.
Saw Thomas and parents yesterday, he didn't want to show us walking. He ate a hammer. Not a very baby friendly house at the moment. Charles, the package arrived, well done.
So, have a lovely week, bask in the glory of an important win, pray for the Black Heads to win the test in India
4 October 1999
Another week, another month, another term - 04/10/99
Well, a new term, the last of the year, for the kids today. Hannah goes back to a larger class than she left with all the newly-turned five year olds arriving.
Caught sod all news during last week. Peter was away for three days so I didn't see many papers.
Safe to assume that East Timor featured, with more troops going over after they finished winding up their tanks and getting corks from wine bars in Ponsonby Road (ammo for their pop-guns). Costing NZ $75million so far, sending the bill to the presidente, I should think.
Electioneering continued, though nothing interesting. Centre-left holds slender lead but Winston seems to be bouncing back. I will not forgive the country if they vote him into a coalition again.
Weather was good, news was mostly the sort of thing they do on a quiet news day.
Far more interesting crap coming down overseas. Earthquake in Taiwan, Mexico, Nuclear disaster in Japan. We are sooo boring in NZ. What I wouldn't give to be able to report a nice eruption, or perhaps a tidal wave. News the other day that we were working on a bomb to create tidal waves during WWII. Canned the project after the war finished but tested it on Whangaparoa peninsular (test it now and government would save heaps in pensions).
In reality, news bulletins were dominated by sport, as they should be.
Netball was all over the telly, with basically a game every day for the Silver Ferns. Lots of whinging from the West Indians, reckoned they were getting picked on, maan. The South Africans lost to England in a close game in the quarter finals, shame. We lost to the Australians by one lousy point, we were up more often than them, very sad.
Rugby World Cup kicked off on Friday night our time, much excitement with Christian Cullen at centre and Jonah back on the wing to start. We played Tonga, and although it was close in the first half, we won about 45-9 or so. Play England this weekend, the big game.
Wellington beat Canterbury in a surprise result, Auckland just beat Taranaki, Waikato did their last Ranfurly Shield defence successfully against Otago. North Harbour just beat Counties, Northland beat Southland. I figure Auckland has a home semi regardless of the last round next week, so should Waikato. North Harbour play Canterbury, the winner will be third place semi-finalist and Wellington at home should beat Otago to clinch fourth.
We won some golds in a bowls world champs in KL (yawn).
Man U pulled one out of the hat mid-week, Andy Cole scored a superb Pele-style goal and they won 2-1 over some loser team in the Euro Champs. They lead their group. Then, last night, they lost their first championship game in 29 or something, a convincing 5-0 loss to Chelsea. Rory was philosophical. He hates Chelsea now, known as the mincers.
First ever game for the Kingz FC, the first ever professional football club in NZ. I was at an Italian Dinner. I don't even like Italian football. They missed a penalty and lost 3-0, better than Man U this weekend so not all bad.
Kids spent the week going to yet more birthday parties. They went to Rainbows end one day, for a party. Diana got soaked on one of the rides, was the highlight for Hannah, I think.
I keep doing my bit preparing to move the office. Chaos at home and work.
The house is getting there slowly. Moved the washing machine and dryer, new basin by the old toilet. Ripped out the wall where the mirror was in the bathroom, which now extends to where the old toilet door was. Not much gib on the walls, yet, pretty drafty. The bath was replaced yesterday, with a new one, pretty hard fiddling work. (Rossco - it is a real pain to have sellotape holding the plastic on that creates a mission to remove, all the stickers are much easier to remove. Also, Rory says it should say pipework or pipes, not piping on the sticker about not lifting). The new bath has jets and stuff, which I think the kids will overuse.
Worked damn hard yesterday on the house and not really ready for this week at all, need a rest and it isn't even 10:00 yet. Cut my first nog, nailed it in. Carried gib and fetched and carried for Symon, whilst burning wood most of the day. Should start coming together in the next fortnight or so. Haven't lost the shower yet, that will be a major pain. Get heaps of wiring work done this week hopefully, in the bathroom (heater, lights, mirror demister, heated towel rail, shaver socket, extractor fan for shower, gear for bath) uses more power than a server room I think.
By the way, we did the daylight saving thing in NZ over the weekend - that was big news too. It must be twenty years since the farmers started bleating about it. They have bitched about the seasons being all wrong for millenia so not much of a surprise.
No news of Thomas over the weekend, although his health improved during the week.
Anyway, everyone be happy, definitely on the downhill route to the end of the year now. Start buying for Christmas.
Caught sod all news during last week. Peter was away for three days so I didn't see many papers.
Safe to assume that East Timor featured, with more troops going over after they finished winding up their tanks and getting corks from wine bars in Ponsonby Road (ammo for their pop-guns). Costing NZ $75million so far, sending the bill to the presidente, I should think.
Electioneering continued, though nothing interesting. Centre-left holds slender lead but Winston seems to be bouncing back. I will not forgive the country if they vote him into a coalition again.
Weather was good, news was mostly the sort of thing they do on a quiet news day.
Far more interesting crap coming down overseas. Earthquake in Taiwan, Mexico, Nuclear disaster in Japan. We are sooo boring in NZ. What I wouldn't give to be able to report a nice eruption, or perhaps a tidal wave. News the other day that we were working on a bomb to create tidal waves during WWII. Canned the project after the war finished but tested it on Whangaparoa peninsular (test it now and government would save heaps in pensions).
In reality, news bulletins were dominated by sport, as they should be.
Netball was all over the telly, with basically a game every day for the Silver Ferns. Lots of whinging from the West Indians, reckoned they were getting picked on, maan. The South Africans lost to England in a close game in the quarter finals, shame. We lost to the Australians by one lousy point, we were up more often than them, very sad.
Rugby World Cup kicked off on Friday night our time, much excitement with Christian Cullen at centre and Jonah back on the wing to start. We played Tonga, and although it was close in the first half, we won about 45-9 or so. Play England this weekend, the big game.
Wellington beat Canterbury in a surprise result, Auckland just beat Taranaki, Waikato did their last Ranfurly Shield defence successfully against Otago. North Harbour just beat Counties, Northland beat Southland. I figure Auckland has a home semi regardless of the last round next week, so should Waikato. North Harbour play Canterbury, the winner will be third place semi-finalist and Wellington at home should beat Otago to clinch fourth.
We won some golds in a bowls world champs in KL (yawn).
Man U pulled one out of the hat mid-week, Andy Cole scored a superb Pele-style goal and they won 2-1 over some loser team in the Euro Champs. They lead their group. Then, last night, they lost their first championship game in 29 or something, a convincing 5-0 loss to Chelsea. Rory was philosophical. He hates Chelsea now, known as the mincers.
First ever game for the Kingz FC, the first ever professional football club in NZ. I was at an Italian Dinner. I don't even like Italian football. They missed a penalty and lost 3-0, better than Man U this weekend so not all bad.
Kids spent the week going to yet more birthday parties. They went to Rainbows end one day, for a party. Diana got soaked on one of the rides, was the highlight for Hannah, I think.
I keep doing my bit preparing to move the office. Chaos at home and work.
The house is getting there slowly. Moved the washing machine and dryer, new basin by the old toilet. Ripped out the wall where the mirror was in the bathroom, which now extends to where the old toilet door was. Not much gib on the walls, yet, pretty drafty. The bath was replaced yesterday, with a new one, pretty hard fiddling work. (Rossco - it is a real pain to have sellotape holding the plastic on that creates a mission to remove, all the stickers are much easier to remove. Also, Rory says it should say pipework or pipes, not piping on the sticker about not lifting). The new bath has jets and stuff, which I think the kids will overuse.
Worked damn hard yesterday on the house and not really ready for this week at all, need a rest and it isn't even 10:00 yet. Cut my first nog, nailed it in. Carried gib and fetched and carried for Symon, whilst burning wood most of the day. Should start coming together in the next fortnight or so. Haven't lost the shower yet, that will be a major pain. Get heaps of wiring work done this week hopefully, in the bathroom (heater, lights, mirror demister, heated towel rail, shaver socket, extractor fan for shower, gear for bath) uses more power than a server room I think.
By the way, we did the daylight saving thing in NZ over the weekend - that was big news too. It must be twenty years since the farmers started bleating about it. They have bitched about the seasons being all wrong for millenia so not much of a surprise.
No news of Thomas over the weekend, although his health improved during the week.
Anyway, everyone be happy, definitely on the downhill route to the end of the year now. Start buying for Christmas.
27 September 1999
Waikato name their heavenly XV and election day is set - 27/09/99
Well, I suppose the big news is that election day is the 27th of November. Those of you interested may be able to vote, not sure how many of you will bother. It seems that 18-39 year olds are a bit apathetic about the whole thing. Given the performances over the last three years it is not very surprising. Our parliament had more defections than Russia during the cold war. Mind you, it is full of defectives so hardly a great shock. Wish someone would stand up and say "hey, if we all vote for Labour (or whoever) then we can keep mad Jim and wacky Winston out of the show".
News late last week that growth for the last quarter was so low it was actually shrinkage. Perhaps the economy had spent too much time in a cold swimming pool. This sort of news does not help those with a rather shakey grasp of what remains of power. Realistically there is little doubt that the Nats are going to be leading the opposition at best come November 28th. Just want to avoid the nightmare scenario which would include Winston holding the balance of power whilst desperately trying to balance his ego in the other hand.
So, we have about nine weeks of full-on election coverage, as compared to pseudo election coverage for the last couple of years. Can hardly wait. Already I see billboards everywhere telling me that Donna Awatere can ACT, and Jim hasn't lost touch with those poor people who work for a living.
I will not mention Timor, except that I have half a mind (some would say less than that) to complain to the broadcasting standards authority about coverage of it. We get hanged people and dismembered bodies on the TV, and they talk about it on radio bulletins. Not much fun trying to explain it to Hannah or Rory, have to try and turn the radio off. They could just be descriptive, you know the sort of thing "more evidence of atrocities found" and so forth. Not "We have found 2000 body parts in a well, won't know how many dead are in there until we have pieced them all together". Can't they just shut up, and count the fingers and divide by ten?
Some woman who reckons she hasn't eaten for five years is causing some sort of trouble, not sure how she relates to NZ, but she lives on light. Name must be Daisy I suppose, has a greenish pallor I shoudn't wonder. Written some books and inspired a whole bunch of anorexics.
Squabble over sport between TVNZ and Sky continues, pathetic really. We have coped without Sky for more than a week now. We did without Playstation for a week too, that was probably harder.
Another Waikato rugby player died, James Sweetman, in a car accident. After Aaron Hopa dying last year, all other James Sweetman's are changing their names just in case.
Didn't catch the AFL final, no idea who won. Watched a chunk of the NRL Grand Final, which was a good game. Melbourne were well behind at half time, 14-0 or thereabouts. They snuck in at the death to win 20-18 after a penalty try which I don't think anyone in St George/Illawarra could whinge about. It was very most likely going to be a try until a St George player tried to rip the guys head off. It is Melbournes second season in the NRL and they have already got some major silverware (or is it bronze). Two NZ players are in the Melbourne team, Tawera Nikau and Stephen Kearney. Missed the dying minutes of the game for the first episode of Futurama, the new cartoon from Matt Groening. Should be fun.
Netball World Championship is well underway. NZ beat Sth Africa 68-39 or thereabouts. Wasted Canada 80-12 and creamed a few others. Not a very even competition. Australia is the big threat, they just beat England by about 5 goals, and had a big scrap with Jamaica who are pretty good. Jamaica had someone sin-binned in that game.
The AB's left for the World Cup which starts in about a week or so. Auckland beat Waikato, Counties beat Northland, Harbour beat Taranaki, Canterbury beat Otago, and Wellington beat Southland 61-3. Auckland well clear on top, with Canterbury and Waikato next. Then Wellington, Harbour, and Otago all in fourth equal place.
I hear the yanks won the Ryder Cup (Golf) this morning. Devlin said it must be the yanks because a bunch of Barbie lookalikes ran onto the green. Apparently all the American players except one have partners with long blonde hair (one is Willie Nelson, but otherwise they are female).
The Football Kingz (I hate the z) have their first match, NZ's first professional game of soccer, on Friday night. I may not be going. I have a dinner to go to. Hmph.
I finally succumbed to pressure from Peter Smith (my business partner, a diehard Liverpool supporter), after his harassing of Rory twice during the week, and bought myself a Manchester United shirt. Rory picked it out for me. Didn't want the away strip. We are now scum.
Rory came in on Wednesday to help fill a jumbo bin, in preparation for moving the office home. We are ahead of schedule on that front. Paul Chambers came too. We've filled one 3 metre bin and painted the sleepout. Spent Saturday running cables under the house with Rory. Ran three - ethernet, phone, and security for a PIR - all at once, before we gibbed the laundry. We now have it mostly gibbed and the new linen cupboard door is on. Symon spent most of the weekend working on it. Think he achieved most when I wasn't there. I got distracted in the afternoon at a birthday party, a joint one with Adam from the Soccer team and Quinn, from the Tigers (he's a Newcastle supporter). It was at the kindy, with a rather unsubtle Star Wars theme. There were six Orcas there, plus a few others I knew. Me and Mick did very badly in the three legged race (Mick is Quinn's Dad, described by Quinn at Rory's party as a boozer and a pig, really nice guy in reality).
Rory and I rode down to Western Springs yesterday morning, another beautiful day, and met up with the girlies. Diana got majorly pissed off with what I have known for ages were inadequate trainer wheels on Hannahs bike. Anyway, I took them off and gave Hannah a little push, and she rode about thirty metres in a straight line on her own. YIPPEE!! Starting off is a bit of a problem, she needs to work on that, but she can ride her bike properly now. She was a very tired but happy girl.
Snuck off from work about 10am on Friday and went to a picnic at Coyle Park with a few other families. I played cricket, soccer, frisbee, mega-howler, forceback, even let some of the other kids play. I took a few down to the beach and we checked out rock pools. What was supposed to be morning tea lasted about five hours. Gary Lane spotted his wife's car and stopped with his fire engine. The kids all got in, and Matthew and Brittany (his kids) gained heaps of kudos. Was a good way to spend a Friday, completely stuffed afterward.
After Rossco got full of ear infection, he gave it to baby Thomas (now a seasoned air traveller after his weekend in Sydney). So now Ross has guilt as well as a sore ear. We seem to know heaps of people who have had ear infections. Maybe some GM activist has been using germ warfare in the factory that makes cotton buds.
Happy birthday Hayden, I hear you turned 18 on Saturday.
Kids are on holiday for another week, Hannah can't wait to get back to school. They have heaps of birthday parties to go to, so entertaining them won't be hard.
News late last week that growth for the last quarter was so low it was actually shrinkage. Perhaps the economy had spent too much time in a cold swimming pool. This sort of news does not help those with a rather shakey grasp of what remains of power. Realistically there is little doubt that the Nats are going to be leading the opposition at best come November 28th. Just want to avoid the nightmare scenario which would include Winston holding the balance of power whilst desperately trying to balance his ego in the other hand.
So, we have about nine weeks of full-on election coverage, as compared to pseudo election coverage for the last couple of years. Can hardly wait. Already I see billboards everywhere telling me that Donna Awatere can ACT, and Jim hasn't lost touch with those poor people who work for a living.
I will not mention Timor, except that I have half a mind (some would say less than that) to complain to the broadcasting standards authority about coverage of it. We get hanged people and dismembered bodies on the TV, and they talk about it on radio bulletins. Not much fun trying to explain it to Hannah or Rory, have to try and turn the radio off. They could just be descriptive, you know the sort of thing "more evidence of atrocities found" and so forth. Not "We have found 2000 body parts in a well, won't know how many dead are in there until we have pieced them all together". Can't they just shut up, and count the fingers and divide by ten?
Some woman who reckons she hasn't eaten for five years is causing some sort of trouble, not sure how she relates to NZ, but she lives on light. Name must be Daisy I suppose, has a greenish pallor I shoudn't wonder. Written some books and inspired a whole bunch of anorexics.
Squabble over sport between TVNZ and Sky continues, pathetic really. We have coped without Sky for more than a week now. We did without Playstation for a week too, that was probably harder.
Another Waikato rugby player died, James Sweetman, in a car accident. After Aaron Hopa dying last year, all other James Sweetman's are changing their names just in case.
Didn't catch the AFL final, no idea who won. Watched a chunk of the NRL Grand Final, which was a good game. Melbourne were well behind at half time, 14-0 or thereabouts. They snuck in at the death to win 20-18 after a penalty try which I don't think anyone in St George/Illawarra could whinge about. It was very most likely going to be a try until a St George player tried to rip the guys head off. It is Melbournes second season in the NRL and they have already got some major silverware (or is it bronze). Two NZ players are in the Melbourne team, Tawera Nikau and Stephen Kearney. Missed the dying minutes of the game for the first episode of Futurama, the new cartoon from Matt Groening. Should be fun.
Netball World Championship is well underway. NZ beat Sth Africa 68-39 or thereabouts. Wasted Canada 80-12 and creamed a few others. Not a very even competition. Australia is the big threat, they just beat England by about 5 goals, and had a big scrap with Jamaica who are pretty good. Jamaica had someone sin-binned in that game.
The AB's left for the World Cup which starts in about a week or so. Auckland beat Waikato, Counties beat Northland, Harbour beat Taranaki, Canterbury beat Otago, and Wellington beat Southland 61-3. Auckland well clear on top, with Canterbury and Waikato next. Then Wellington, Harbour, and Otago all in fourth equal place.
I hear the yanks won the Ryder Cup (Golf) this morning. Devlin said it must be the yanks because a bunch of Barbie lookalikes ran onto the green. Apparently all the American players except one have partners with long blonde hair (one is Willie Nelson, but otherwise they are female).
The Football Kingz (I hate the z) have their first match, NZ's first professional game of soccer, on Friday night. I may not be going. I have a dinner to go to. Hmph.
I finally succumbed to pressure from Peter Smith (my business partner, a diehard Liverpool supporter), after his harassing of Rory twice during the week, and bought myself a Manchester United shirt. Rory picked it out for me. Didn't want the away strip. We are now scum.
Rory came in on Wednesday to help fill a jumbo bin, in preparation for moving the office home. We are ahead of schedule on that front. Paul Chambers came too. We've filled one 3 metre bin and painted the sleepout. Spent Saturday running cables under the house with Rory. Ran three - ethernet, phone, and security for a PIR - all at once, before we gibbed the laundry. We now have it mostly gibbed and the new linen cupboard door is on. Symon spent most of the weekend working on it. Think he achieved most when I wasn't there. I got distracted in the afternoon at a birthday party, a joint one with Adam from the Soccer team and Quinn, from the Tigers (he's a Newcastle supporter). It was at the kindy, with a rather unsubtle Star Wars theme. There were six Orcas there, plus a few others I knew. Me and Mick did very badly in the three legged race (Mick is Quinn's Dad, described by Quinn at Rory's party as a boozer and a pig, really nice guy in reality).
Rory and I rode down to Western Springs yesterday morning, another beautiful day, and met up with the girlies. Diana got majorly pissed off with what I have known for ages were inadequate trainer wheels on Hannahs bike. Anyway, I took them off and gave Hannah a little push, and she rode about thirty metres in a straight line on her own. YIPPEE!! Starting off is a bit of a problem, she needs to work on that, but she can ride her bike properly now. She was a very tired but happy girl.
Snuck off from work about 10am on Friday and went to a picnic at Coyle Park with a few other families. I played cricket, soccer, frisbee, mega-howler, forceback, even let some of the other kids play. I took a few down to the beach and we checked out rock pools. What was supposed to be morning tea lasted about five hours. Gary Lane spotted his wife's car and stopped with his fire engine. The kids all got in, and Matthew and Brittany (his kids) gained heaps of kudos. Was a good way to spend a Friday, completely stuffed afterward.
After Rossco got full of ear infection, he gave it to baby Thomas (now a seasoned air traveller after his weekend in Sydney). So now Ross has guilt as well as a sore ear. We seem to know heaps of people who have had ear infections. Maybe some GM activist has been using germ warfare in the factory that makes cotton buds.
Happy birthday Hayden, I hear you turned 18 on Saturday.
Kids are on holiday for another week, Hannah can't wait to get back to school. They have heaps of birthday parties to go to, so entertaining them won't be hard.
20 September 1999
A funny old week really - 20/09/99
The news was fully of Apec, Timor, and Bill early in the week.
Forgot a classic joke, Bill was going to play golf with Sean Fitzpatrick:
"Now, Jenny, that's not what I meant when I asked you to tee me up with a hooker"
Timor continued to entertain, Thursday night Tank Commander Shipley decided to send a thousand-odd NZ troops to their possible deaths. Remarkably, all parties supported the move.
Ansett has been copping flak big time with their pilots in a scrap over conditions. They are arguing about conditions and have been cancelling flights all over the place. People who have supported the airline are starting to stop doing so, it will cost them dearly in the long run I think.
Troops left NZ and Australia over the weekend. Stories mostly seem to suggest the rebels are going to have a go at the Aussies, as the "big brother" next door I suppose. The NZ force will possibly guard a telephone box or similar sized area.
Pam Corkery has done a book on life inside the Alliance. Jim Anderton has been painted a bit of a despot. Not sure what the book is trying to achieve, can't say I will buy it.
A family of dorks attacked the tree on what is now called Half a Dead Tree Hill. The spirits told them to, not sure if it was Jack Daniels or Johnny Walker.
Spotty the sperm whale was found dead near Kaikoura, someone hacked a chunk of his jaw bone, but probably after he died.
A bit of action on Friday night, a man holed up with a woman in South Auckland, didn't hear how that ended. Someone was murdered outside a hostel in Wigram, haven't found that person yet.
Melbourne and Illawarra/St George through to NRL Grand Final. NZ player Steve Kearney will be cited for a careless high tackle and be suspended just long enough to miss a test or two I bet (plays for Melbourne now).
Didn't spot much of the NPC, Sky no longer comes to our house as of Thursday. Northland upset things by beating Canterbury (now two wins in one season). Otago was thumped by Auckland, North Harbour beat Southland, Waikato only just beat off a shield challenge from Wellington, Taranaki whipped Counties. I think there is about two weeks to go until the World Cup. Oh, and 102 days until the new millenium.
Using a cellphone in your car may be bad while driving, but last week some guy got out of his car to get better reception on state highway 2 and was killed by a truck. So, stay in your car.
Netball World Champs starts this week in Christchurch. With that, the rugby WC, the Under 17 soccer, the Football Kingz have their first game Oct 1, the America's Cup challenger series starts in October, the sports people are going to be knackered.
Big news late last week, after a little tiff between Sky and TVNZ over the Rugby World Cup, TV3 will show rugby, cricket, and league from December 1st. TVNZ said this will free up about $30mil to spend on locally made programs. I suspect their sports coverage is now going to heavily lean towards competitive face painting, rythmic gymnastics, and gaelic football.
We (me, Rory, his friend Ryan, Allan, Paul, and Paul's friend Donatello or something) went to see the Chatham Cup Final at North Harbour stadium on Saturday night. Dunedin Techical who lost the game the week before (and the final last year), played Waitakere City who beat Central United early on to get to the final. Dunedin Tech won 4-0, was 2-0 at half time. Still some hope for Waitakere until the score hit 3-0, then it was mostly all over. Waitakere supporters were what I would term "particularly vocal" except for a few minutes after each goal.
Diana went to see "Waking Ned Divine" with Jackie while we were soccering.
The big week continued for us, with Hannah having her leaving at kindy, which I attended for a while. Then it was off to school on Wednesday, I came along for a little while for that too. She had a pretty happy few days. Rory kept an eye on her, she got hit in the head with a ball once and Rory took charge. Fooled around with her on Friday morning at school as well. Now she is on holiday for two weeks for her second term begins.
Saturday was party day, Hannah was so excited about that. We had eight or nine little girls running around the place, plus Guy and Rory. Bluebelle entertained them, Rory supplied heckles from the back, and Bluebelle handled him pretty well (used him for the finger chopping off trick). Girls were all pretty well behaved. Some are already at school and many are about to start. We had tears once, and that was all, so not too bad all things considered. We are seriously thinking of sending Rory somewhere else for next year's party. We could just lock him in a cupboard I suppose.
Sunday was mostly quiet, rain came. Diana and I rearranged the sleepout in preparation for the shift from the office, which is not due to complete until 31 October. Will be busy until then between that and building (none this weekend).
No news on Thomas, Charles, as he is on holiday in Australia. Forgot they were away, rang the house, Sue answered, I got dead confused. They were all tired after the huge party they had on Saturday night and the carpet cleaners will still trying to get a couple of stains out (oh, by the way, some local carpet cleaners had to try to remove a loo bloo stain on Air Force One last week, talk about your fifteen minutes of fame - "famous bits of carpet around bogs I have cleaned" is the new book coming out).
Forgot a classic joke, Bill was going to play golf with Sean Fitzpatrick:
"Now, Jenny, that's not what I meant when I asked you to tee me up with a hooker"
Timor continued to entertain, Thursday night Tank Commander Shipley decided to send a thousand-odd NZ troops to their possible deaths. Remarkably, all parties supported the move.
Ansett has been copping flak big time with their pilots in a scrap over conditions. They are arguing about conditions and have been cancelling flights all over the place. People who have supported the airline are starting to stop doing so, it will cost them dearly in the long run I think.
Troops left NZ and Australia over the weekend. Stories mostly seem to suggest the rebels are going to have a go at the Aussies, as the "big brother" next door I suppose. The NZ force will possibly guard a telephone box or similar sized area.
Pam Corkery has done a book on life inside the Alliance. Jim Anderton has been painted a bit of a despot. Not sure what the book is trying to achieve, can't say I will buy it.
A family of dorks attacked the tree on what is now called Half a Dead Tree Hill. The spirits told them to, not sure if it was Jack Daniels or Johnny Walker.
Spotty the sperm whale was found dead near Kaikoura, someone hacked a chunk of his jaw bone, but probably after he died.
A bit of action on Friday night, a man holed up with a woman in South Auckland, didn't hear how that ended. Someone was murdered outside a hostel in Wigram, haven't found that person yet.
Melbourne and Illawarra/St George through to NRL Grand Final. NZ player Steve Kearney will be cited for a careless high tackle and be suspended just long enough to miss a test or two I bet (plays for Melbourne now).
Didn't spot much of the NPC, Sky no longer comes to our house as of Thursday. Northland upset things by beating Canterbury (now two wins in one season). Otago was thumped by Auckland, North Harbour beat Southland, Waikato only just beat off a shield challenge from Wellington, Taranaki whipped Counties. I think there is about two weeks to go until the World Cup. Oh, and 102 days until the new millenium.
Using a cellphone in your car may be bad while driving, but last week some guy got out of his car to get better reception on state highway 2 and was killed by a truck. So, stay in your car.
Netball World Champs starts this week in Christchurch. With that, the rugby WC, the Under 17 soccer, the Football Kingz have their first game Oct 1, the America's Cup challenger series starts in October, the sports people are going to be knackered.
Big news late last week, after a little tiff between Sky and TVNZ over the Rugby World Cup, TV3 will show rugby, cricket, and league from December 1st. TVNZ said this will free up about $30mil to spend on locally made programs. I suspect their sports coverage is now going to heavily lean towards competitive face painting, rythmic gymnastics, and gaelic football.
We (me, Rory, his friend Ryan, Allan, Paul, and Paul's friend Donatello or something) went to see the Chatham Cup Final at North Harbour stadium on Saturday night. Dunedin Techical who lost the game the week before (and the final last year), played Waitakere City who beat Central United early on to get to the final. Dunedin Tech won 4-0, was 2-0 at half time. Still some hope for Waitakere until the score hit 3-0, then it was mostly all over. Waitakere supporters were what I would term "particularly vocal" except for a few minutes after each goal.
Diana went to see "Waking Ned Divine" with Jackie while we were soccering.
The big week continued for us, with Hannah having her leaving at kindy, which I attended for a while. Then it was off to school on Wednesday, I came along for a little while for that too. She had a pretty happy few days. Rory kept an eye on her, she got hit in the head with a ball once and Rory took charge. Fooled around with her on Friday morning at school as well. Now she is on holiday for two weeks for her second term begins.
Saturday was party day, Hannah was so excited about that. We had eight or nine little girls running around the place, plus Guy and Rory. Bluebelle entertained them, Rory supplied heckles from the back, and Bluebelle handled him pretty well (used him for the finger chopping off trick). Girls were all pretty well behaved. Some are already at school and many are about to start. We had tears once, and that was all, so not too bad all things considered. We are seriously thinking of sending Rory somewhere else for next year's party. We could just lock him in a cupboard I suppose.
Sunday was mostly quiet, rain came. Diana and I rearranged the sleepout in preparation for the shift from the office, which is not due to complete until 31 October. Will be busy until then between that and building (none this weekend).
No news on Thomas, Charles, as he is on holiday in Australia. Forgot they were away, rang the house, Sue answered, I got dead confused. They were all tired after the huge party they had on Saturday night and the carpet cleaners will still trying to get a couple of stains out (oh, by the way, some local carpet cleaners had to try to remove a loo bloo stain on Air Force One last week, talk about your fifteen minutes of fame - "famous bits of carpet around bogs I have cleaned" is the new book coming out).
14 September 1999
Hannah is now five and finding it hard to contain herself -14/09/99
Sorry about lateness. Yesterday was a pseudo mental health day while APEC was on.
Well, what an action packed week or so.
APEC dominated news, especially with Indonesians being here including Jose Ramos Porta or whatever his name is (been on telly more than the newsreaders lately). So we were thoroughly thumped between those two, all week and weekend.
I assume you know about all the horrible shit that is going down in East Timor.
Was terribly inconsiderate for the Ben & Olivia trial to conclude during the week, with the verdict on Saturday (the day Bill Clinton arrived). Scott Watson was found guilty. Once that came out, we found out what a true creep he really is. Now he is appealing (legally, I mean, he isn't particularly appealing to me, in case you are worried). I think they need good reason before an appeal should be called, repeating a 500 witness process seems stupid to me.
So many other things happened, I am going to forget most of it.
There was rugby, Auckland lost to Canterbury due to a last minute drop goal and a try that was disallowed that was really a try (calls for the video ref continue, being trialled in Australia). Waikato modestly beat Southland, Wellington beat Taranaki, Harbour beat Northland, so Otago must have beaten Counties. Didn't watch much of it. Story during the week that Josh and Todd Blackadder are going to play in Japan, seems like crap mostly.
The Roosters lost, sorry Craig, but they blew it. Melbourne are in the semis, as are St George. Manly and Norths are going to merge, probably.
Netball World Champs start in CHCH this weekend, 27 teams, a billion games. Should give the media something to think about.
Agassi was lucky at the US open, didn't think Serena Williams would win, but she beat Hingis. She looks like a bloke from behind, must be caterpillar fungus or something. The two sisters won the women's doubles. Talk of Mr Williams mating with Mrs Hingis to produce super-tennis player.
Rory played some tennis with me and Ross on Sunday, Ross beat me 6-4, our first game for a while. I stuck a piece of wood in my foot on Saturday evening to slow myself down, it worked. Wasn't too bad, but couldn't stand up for the rest of the day. Foot mostly better now. Rory is quite keen on the tennis so I will encourage it when I can, as long as Hannah stays out of his range.
Man U scored one goal against Liverpool, but won 3-2 as Liverpool scored two against Liverpool as well. Peter not too happy.
Worked on the house Friday, Saturday, and pathetically in Sunday. Been burning down the house in the fireplace to get rid of the wood. Made a picture frame out of some of it yesterday, also put the wood bits on my wood vice, put up another shelf in Rory's room (had to after removing so many at the back door, was just feeling a bit funny.
We have some gib up in the new laundry, with the cat-door now fitted, and cats are using it.
Last night, I wet myself at about 12:30am, knocked my water over (practically full), straight onto my pillows and the bed. Slept on a very damp towel the rest of the night, but still slept well so must have been tired.
Kids had yesterday off due to APEC. Went to see Tarzan with Rory yesterday, Hannah was off at a friends place. She rang up and said "Hello, it's Hannah here. Can I please speak to Emaline, Corrine?" Sounded sooooo cute.
Gavin lent us Tekken 2, Diana doesn't really approve, and Hannah is the best player so far. Rory started martial arts lessons on Thursday night, going for about ten weeks.
Traffic turned out to be mostly okay, despite APEC, because most people stayed away. Random motorway closures today for various dignitaries (complete gits). Motorcades just drive through traffic lights without stopping, could be fun. Some army driver caused a five car prang early last week and was taken off driving duties. And now we have the cute little electronic signs on the motorway to inform us of what is happening, cool huh?
Massive present opening this morning. Furby was DOA, so getting replacement today. Opened front door this morning to find a present from Penny and Craig (what timing). Things from Mum arrived yesterday. Rory bought Hannah a soccer outfit for Barbie. Wanted me to carry it to the checkout so he didn't look like a dork.
Hannah doing the kindy leaving today, then school tomorrow. Met her teacher last week, and went to kindy with her for last time on Friday, also took her home.
Well, that about sums it up, better go do some quick work before I go to kindy.
Well, what an action packed week or so.
APEC dominated news, especially with Indonesians being here including Jose Ramos Porta or whatever his name is (been on telly more than the newsreaders lately). So we were thoroughly thumped between those two, all week and weekend.
I assume you know about all the horrible shit that is going down in East Timor.
Was terribly inconsiderate for the Ben & Olivia trial to conclude during the week, with the verdict on Saturday (the day Bill Clinton arrived). Scott Watson was found guilty. Once that came out, we found out what a true creep he really is. Now he is appealing (legally, I mean, he isn't particularly appealing to me, in case you are worried). I think they need good reason before an appeal should be called, repeating a 500 witness process seems stupid to me.
So many other things happened, I am going to forget most of it.
There was rugby, Auckland lost to Canterbury due to a last minute drop goal and a try that was disallowed that was really a try (calls for the video ref continue, being trialled in Australia). Waikato modestly beat Southland, Wellington beat Taranaki, Harbour beat Northland, so Otago must have beaten Counties. Didn't watch much of it. Story during the week that Josh and Todd Blackadder are going to play in Japan, seems like crap mostly.
The Roosters lost, sorry Craig, but they blew it. Melbourne are in the semis, as are St George. Manly and Norths are going to merge, probably.
Netball World Champs start in CHCH this weekend, 27 teams, a billion games. Should give the media something to think about.
Agassi was lucky at the US open, didn't think Serena Williams would win, but she beat Hingis. She looks like a bloke from behind, must be caterpillar fungus or something. The two sisters won the women's doubles. Talk of Mr Williams mating with Mrs Hingis to produce super-tennis player.
Rory played some tennis with me and Ross on Sunday, Ross beat me 6-4, our first game for a while. I stuck a piece of wood in my foot on Saturday evening to slow myself down, it worked. Wasn't too bad, but couldn't stand up for the rest of the day. Foot mostly better now. Rory is quite keen on the tennis so I will encourage it when I can, as long as Hannah stays out of his range.
Man U scored one goal against Liverpool, but won 3-2 as Liverpool scored two against Liverpool as well. Peter not too happy.
Worked on the house Friday, Saturday, and pathetically in Sunday. Been burning down the house in the fireplace to get rid of the wood. Made a picture frame out of some of it yesterday, also put the wood bits on my wood vice, put up another shelf in Rory's room (had to after removing so many at the back door, was just feeling a bit funny.
We have some gib up in the new laundry, with the cat-door now fitted, and cats are using it.
Last night, I wet myself at about 12:30am, knocked my water over (practically full), straight onto my pillows and the bed. Slept on a very damp towel the rest of the night, but still slept well so must have been tired.
Kids had yesterday off due to APEC. Went to see Tarzan with Rory yesterday, Hannah was off at a friends place. She rang up and said "Hello, it's Hannah here. Can I please speak to Emaline, Corrine?" Sounded sooooo cute.
Gavin lent us Tekken 2, Diana doesn't really approve, and Hannah is the best player so far. Rory started martial arts lessons on Thursday night, going for about ten weeks.
Traffic turned out to be mostly okay, despite APEC, because most people stayed away. Random motorway closures today for various dignitaries (complete gits). Motorcades just drive through traffic lights without stopping, could be fun. Some army driver caused a five car prang early last week and was taken off driving duties. And now we have the cute little electronic signs on the motorway to inform us of what is happening, cool huh?
Massive present opening this morning. Furby was DOA, so getting replacement today. Opened front door this morning to find a present from Penny and Craig (what timing). Things from Mum arrived yesterday. Rory bought Hannah a soccer outfit for Barbie. Wanted me to carry it to the checkout so he didn't look like a dork.
Hannah doing the kindy leaving today, then school tomorrow. Met her teacher last week, and went to kindy with her for last time on Friday, also took her home.
Well, that about sums it up, better go do some quick work before I go to kindy.
6 September 1999
More Power! Power tool heaven - 06/09/99
Hard to know where to start really.
We got mains pressure and gas hot water in the house on Tuesday. Wednesday morning I got thrown across the shower cubicle as I tried to adjust the direction of the shower head, dropped the soap (and I was ALONE) and knocked the thing onto cold and was blasted with cold water to add insult to injury. For the rest of the week I showered in my wetsuit with a bullet-proof vest and my lifejacket, with the soap on a piece of string.
Two dead blokes in Henderson on Tuesday turned out to be a house owner who fell victim to his new flatmate (a recently discharged -against medical advice- psychopath). The owner was axed and then the psycho gassed himself in a car. Not a gay murder suicide as first thought by some of the more cynical members of the community (not me, honest). Second murder by a psycho in Henderson in a couple of months (the guy who did the ACC woman was also a looney tune).
Little fusses about APEC all week, god please let it finish. One week until APEC, so the mail might be late next week. Police have been searching sewers, roof's, wheelie bins, used fag packets, you name it. Choppers overhead so often it is boring.
A chicken processing factory keeps getting faxes from US security people, been somewhat entertaining.
News also today that more gas is good, so men world over can feel less guilt about farting. However, they are also supposed to use the stairs more and lose the remote control to increase their exercise.
In sport, the Warriors definitely did not play. Sydney City lost (wallies), Melbourne lost, Brisbane lost, Newcastle Knights lost, so Sydney City get to stay for the next round (Brisbane and Newcastle are out).
Northland won their first game since 1997, beating Wellington. Canterbury beat Counties 82-22, with a few records set during the match. Auckland beat Southland 35-7, Taranaki lost in a ranfurly shield game to Waikato who continue to hold it. Otago only just beat North Harbour who were unlucky to lose with a penalty at the death, a game with three penalty tries awarded (a record).
Horse Trials in Burleigh. Mark Todd was innocent, coming 1st and 3rd. Imagine in motorsport if Mikka Hakkinen could do that. Anyway, Blythe's Taits horse was guilty of breaking Bylthe's leg and another rider was killed - the fourth in recent months. Equestrian is more dangerous than competition scrabble now.
In politics, Shipley, with a horrendous case of athletes tongue, managed to get the boss of Lotto to resign after divulging he earned over $400,000 pa (second highest paid govt employee). National are down heaps and I am beginning to seriously consider voting Labour just to keep Winston out and minimise Jim's influence.
News this morning that Labour has leaped to 43.8%, Alliance has slumped to 5%. National on 35.7, NZ First surged to 5.5% (what did I tell you a while back, typical). News also that the Alliance, Act and United (like they count for anything) will not leap into be with NZ First. That offers some hope, I suppose. The Nats issued their list over the weekend and a number of dorks are not on it at all, after feeling a little miffed at being somewhere in the 120's. Murray McCully (former Tourism screw up) and Ian Revell (the dork with the car parking problem a while back) are both now officially "listless", perhaps they need to take vitamins.
The Ben & Olivia trial goes into summing up this week I think. Some progress on the Kirsty Bentley murder last new year, but not an arrest. Sentencing for the four people that killed Angela thingy with neglect, one person still has name suppression, like to know why.
The independence vote in East Timor proceeded, heaps of violence and bloodshed. An NZ policeman rescued a couple of others with a coffee table (this is fair dinkum). They were being pelted with rocks and stuff, and he used the furniture as a shield. It is rumoured he broke off a couple of the legs and chased the mob with them. Heralded as something of a hero, he was mentioned by US Person Madeleine Allbright so he must famous. Now we will have copycat heroism with other items. "Family rescued by youth with tallboy" is likely. Angry mobs will probably start brandishing furniture polish or little boxes with borer or termites. Oh, the vote was overwhelmingly for independence by the way.
Personally, it was a full-on weekend. Had the Smiths over on Friday night. Is looking like me and Peter might start working from home, save a bucketful in rent. Might be kind of nice too.
Then, Saturday, I assisted Symon in the removal of bits around the old back door and we now have a floor, and weatherboards and a new window. Will make that bit heaps bigger. He even let me use some of his tools (nail gun and the Ramset!). Sent Rory under the house to help out at one stage, wasn't keen but didn't want to come out. Thoroughly stuffed on Saturday night, but successfully defended my Father's Day sticky date pudding from all comers. Thomas came over and brought his parents with him. He is increasingly mobile and understands quite a lot now. "No" means go faster before it goes away.
Sunday was Father's Day, which begun with a short lie-in, then had to empty the former outside cupboard for work that day, then prepare for returning soccer gear. Last soccer games on Sunday, beat the Bats 3-0, hat-trick for Harry. Rory played well and Joseph was awesome in defence, they pushed us pretty hard. Then had a picnic at Coyle Park and the kids beat the parents 5-4 with some vary dubious decisions all round. The parents had three goalies at once. Diana scored the first goal for the parents, and Rory the first for the Orcas. Was a good match. So, completely and utterly stuffed and am at work for a rest.
We (Rory and I) also finished Ape Escape on the PlayStation over the weekend. We took some marbles to school on Friday morning and built a tower that you roll marbles down that was taller than me. A marble took over a minute to complete the journey from top to bottom. It was a lot of fun, was a bit late for work that day.
Anyway, lots of things to do in the house during the week in preparation for the weekends construction. Hope everyone is happy.
We got mains pressure and gas hot water in the house on Tuesday. Wednesday morning I got thrown across the shower cubicle as I tried to adjust the direction of the shower head, dropped the soap (and I was ALONE) and knocked the thing onto cold and was blasted with cold water to add insult to injury. For the rest of the week I showered in my wetsuit with a bullet-proof vest and my lifejacket, with the soap on a piece of string.
Two dead blokes in Henderson on Tuesday turned out to be a house owner who fell victim to his new flatmate (a recently discharged -against medical advice- psychopath). The owner was axed and then the psycho gassed himself in a car. Not a gay murder suicide as first thought by some of the more cynical members of the community (not me, honest). Second murder by a psycho in Henderson in a couple of months (the guy who did the ACC woman was also a looney tune).
Little fusses about APEC all week, god please let it finish. One week until APEC, so the mail might be late next week. Police have been searching sewers, roof's, wheelie bins, used fag packets, you name it. Choppers overhead so often it is boring.
A chicken processing factory keeps getting faxes from US security people, been somewhat entertaining.
News also today that more gas is good, so men world over can feel less guilt about farting. However, they are also supposed to use the stairs more and lose the remote control to increase their exercise.
In sport, the Warriors definitely did not play. Sydney City lost (wallies), Melbourne lost, Brisbane lost, Newcastle Knights lost, so Sydney City get to stay for the next round (Brisbane and Newcastle are out).
Northland won their first game since 1997, beating Wellington. Canterbury beat Counties 82-22, with a few records set during the match. Auckland beat Southland 35-7, Taranaki lost in a ranfurly shield game to Waikato who continue to hold it. Otago only just beat North Harbour who were unlucky to lose with a penalty at the death, a game with three penalty tries awarded (a record).
Horse Trials in Burleigh. Mark Todd was innocent, coming 1st and 3rd. Imagine in motorsport if Mikka Hakkinen could do that. Anyway, Blythe's Taits horse was guilty of breaking Bylthe's leg and another rider was killed - the fourth in recent months. Equestrian is more dangerous than competition scrabble now.
In politics, Shipley, with a horrendous case of athletes tongue, managed to get the boss of Lotto to resign after divulging he earned over $400,000 pa (second highest paid govt employee). National are down heaps and I am beginning to seriously consider voting Labour just to keep Winston out and minimise Jim's influence.
News this morning that Labour has leaped to 43.8%, Alliance has slumped to 5%. National on 35.7, NZ First surged to 5.5% (what did I tell you a while back, typical). News also that the Alliance, Act and United (like they count for anything) will not leap into be with NZ First. That offers some hope, I suppose. The Nats issued their list over the weekend and a number of dorks are not on it at all, after feeling a little miffed at being somewhere in the 120's. Murray McCully (former Tourism screw up) and Ian Revell (the dork with the car parking problem a while back) are both now officially "listless", perhaps they need to take vitamins.
The Ben & Olivia trial goes into summing up this week I think. Some progress on the Kirsty Bentley murder last new year, but not an arrest. Sentencing for the four people that killed Angela thingy with neglect, one person still has name suppression, like to know why.
The independence vote in East Timor proceeded, heaps of violence and bloodshed. An NZ policeman rescued a couple of others with a coffee table (this is fair dinkum). They were being pelted with rocks and stuff, and he used the furniture as a shield. It is rumoured he broke off a couple of the legs and chased the mob with them. Heralded as something of a hero, he was mentioned by US Person Madeleine Allbright so he must famous. Now we will have copycat heroism with other items. "Family rescued by youth with tallboy" is likely. Angry mobs will probably start brandishing furniture polish or little boxes with borer or termites. Oh, the vote was overwhelmingly for independence by the way.
Personally, it was a full-on weekend. Had the Smiths over on Friday night. Is looking like me and Peter might start working from home, save a bucketful in rent. Might be kind of nice too.
Then, Saturday, I assisted Symon in the removal of bits around the old back door and we now have a floor, and weatherboards and a new window. Will make that bit heaps bigger. He even let me use some of his tools (nail gun and the Ramset!). Sent Rory under the house to help out at one stage, wasn't keen but didn't want to come out. Thoroughly stuffed on Saturday night, but successfully defended my Father's Day sticky date pudding from all comers. Thomas came over and brought his parents with him. He is increasingly mobile and understands quite a lot now. "No" means go faster before it goes away.
Sunday was Father's Day, which begun with a short lie-in, then had to empty the former outside cupboard for work that day, then prepare for returning soccer gear. Last soccer games on Sunday, beat the Bats 3-0, hat-trick for Harry. Rory played well and Joseph was awesome in defence, they pushed us pretty hard. Then had a picnic at Coyle Park and the kids beat the parents 5-4 with some vary dubious decisions all round. The parents had three goalies at once. Diana scored the first goal for the parents, and Rory the first for the Orcas. Was a good match. So, completely and utterly stuffed and am at work for a rest.
We (Rory and I) also finished Ape Escape on the PlayStation over the weekend. We took some marbles to school on Friday morning and built a tower that you roll marbles down that was taller than me. A marble took over a minute to complete the journey from top to bottom. It was a lot of fun, was a bit late for work that day.
Anyway, lots of things to do in the house during the week in preparation for the weekends construction. Hope everyone is happy.
30 August 1999
One small step for man - 30/08/99
A giant leap for catkind. (Spent Saturday on the end of a jack hammer destroying (Symon came and helped, Paul) the unused back steps and now the cats have to jump to get to the cat door, you have to admit the phrase sounds appropriate). This means we are starting to actually do stuff on the house.
We are gearing up for APEC slowly, with signs up everywhere warning of delays on the 13th. Lots of people are contributing with meanings for APEC in their advertising and cartoons.
- Another Pathetic Excuse for a Conference
- All Politicians Excrete Crapola
- Always Puerile Especially Clinton
- Ambiguous Pronouncements Endlessly Chanted
You get the idea. Some sound like cryptic crossword clues.
America's Cup village is continuously getting ready. Bit of a stink when TAB Sports Cafe personnel invaded one compound to check out their boat. They manage to stay in the news on a regular basis, mostly rubbish (AC not TABSC).
My desk clock has gone stupid. Guess I need a new battery (it was given to me when Clear opened their computer centre in May 1991 so I guess I can't complain too much).
A toilet cleaner (person not product) found the Taihape public toilets full of carrots over the weekend. Not just a toilet full, but cubicles full. Police think (and this is fair dinkum) that it may be the work of a reformed vegetarian. The "carrot-age" was done by someone who they think got carroted away. I think it was just someone trying to ensure George Michael couldn't use them.
Real happy day on Thursday, on my way to the last training session for the soccer season and I spent two hours getting from East Tamaki to Western Springs. Left at 3:30 and got there at 5:30, so wasn't exactly peak all the way. Two trucks went splat on the Cook St flyover about 2:30 and wasn't cleared until after 6:00. I spewed big time, was not happy about letting the guys down. Diana covered for me and Joseph's step-dad stepped into the breech and got them going. They didn't want to stop at 6:00, was quite funny.
We got a game on Saturday, last official game of the season. Played at Ellerslie, the Moas, who were extinct before they ran on to the pitch (a bit like the all blacks but I am not talking about them yet). Rory nudged a ball into the goal early into the game to make it four for the season, moving him into third place in the goal scoring for the team (behind Harry with about 10 and Joseph with about 22). They all played well, Harry and Liam played for the other side for the first half and we were outnumbered 8 to 7 for the first half. 2-0 up at half time. Harry came back for us after half time, having had some blistering cracks at our defence. Liam tried to save a goal with his hand in the first half (the old Maradonna "hand of god", we aren't supposed to have a goalie) but it still went through in the top corner. Logan and Harry got themselves goals, and of course Joseph got himself another two. We finish the season with 11 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss.
Started practising cricket in the back yard with Hannah yesterday, in between gardening work.
The Warriors, whom I now choose to discuss in depth, had their player of the season type stuff on Thursday. Stacey Jones was back of the season, and some other guys got stuff but I forget who. The Aussie guy who was injured last season, forget his name. I was wrong, they had one more game, burying Wests 60-16, it was their last game before they merge and Tommy Radonicus, or whatever his name is, is a big loser. They have won four in a row, their best result ever. They came 11th in the competition, don't know out of how many. Sydney City came fourth, I hear.
Auckland beat North Harbour in NPC, Southland were unlucky to only draw with Otago after being ahead, Waikato thumped Canterbury in Christchurch 20-6, Wellington beat Counties 46-28, Taranaki whacked Northland 57-21. Auckland at top of table, three points clear of Otago, then one back to Canterbury and Waikato.
Rob Waddell, NZ single sculler extraordinaire, retained his world title over the weekend. His wife also rowed at the champs. Now he is married, shouldn't he be a married sculler?
A soccer ref was headbutted in Whangarei during a soccer match, by a defender who had just been warned about dangerous play, obviously the guy didn't understand the ref wanted LESS dangerous play, not more. The player has been given a black card - banned from the club for life.
The guy who went all funny in the 50k walk at Kuala Lumpur made it at the world champs, came 8th as he predicted, some suspicion there. Beatrice Faumuina came 5th, which was disappointing for her, she was the incumbent champ.
The records kept falling at the Pan Pac swimming, with Thorpedo doing his bit. I am glad I am not in Australia this week.
Five people died on the roads. A while back they pointed out that the Waikato region is responsible for a full third of fatalities.
It is 25 years since Norman Kirk died this week.
So, the All Blacks. Biggest loss to Australia in 97 years. Woe and misery on the news, RadioSport (surprise), and everywhere. Saw a sign outside a pub yesterday that just said "Ouch!". Much misery on RadioSport, feel sorry for people who went over to be there. Everyone was way too cocky in the news here. Hope we turn it around bloody quick, the World Cup kicks off in about a month or two.
I don't care, my real team won, and more importantly they played well. I said to Rory and Jarod yesterday (in an interesting reversal of the statement in the movie Fever Pitch) "Well guys, who would you rather win, the All Blacks or the Orcas?" They said, in unison, "Orcas!". We have our priorities right.
We went out to Karekare in the afternoon yesterday with the Elliott's (Jarod's family, Lynne, Bruce, and sister Rachael whose tyro soccer team came 5th out of 8 in their first season). Awesome weather, no cloud, watched the sun set over the water right on the dot of 6:00pm. Was a nice finish to the weekend.
Saw baby Thomas in the morning yesterday, helped Ross remove the spa pool. We kind of chopped it in half then it still came out in one piece. So now Thomas can play safely in the back yard. Charles, you better start thinking about sending a present over for his birthday, only about two months to go.
Hannah's first visit to school was a success. Henry, a friend from kindy leaped to his feet when the teacher said "I was you to pick someone you can look after". He grabbed Hannah with one arm and put his other in the air to ensure there was no doubt. Hannah was very happy to be there and didn't really care whether Diana was in the room or not. One girl there wouldn't let go of her mum's hand and this was her fifth visit. Henry spent playtime trying to track Hannah down, she was having too much fun to need looking after. Fifteen sleeps until her birthday.
We are gearing up for APEC slowly, with signs up everywhere warning of delays on the 13th. Lots of people are contributing with meanings for APEC in their advertising and cartoons.
- Another Pathetic Excuse for a Conference
- All Politicians Excrete Crapola
- Always Puerile Especially Clinton
- Ambiguous Pronouncements Endlessly Chanted
You get the idea. Some sound like cryptic crossword clues.
America's Cup village is continuously getting ready. Bit of a stink when TAB Sports Cafe personnel invaded one compound to check out their boat. They manage to stay in the news on a regular basis, mostly rubbish (AC not TABSC).
My desk clock has gone stupid. Guess I need a new battery (it was given to me when Clear opened their computer centre in May 1991 so I guess I can't complain too much).
A toilet cleaner (person not product) found the Taihape public toilets full of carrots over the weekend. Not just a toilet full, but cubicles full. Police think (and this is fair dinkum) that it may be the work of a reformed vegetarian. The "carrot-age" was done by someone who they think got carroted away. I think it was just someone trying to ensure George Michael couldn't use them.
Real happy day on Thursday, on my way to the last training session for the soccer season and I spent two hours getting from East Tamaki to Western Springs. Left at 3:30 and got there at 5:30, so wasn't exactly peak all the way. Two trucks went splat on the Cook St flyover about 2:30 and wasn't cleared until after 6:00. I spewed big time, was not happy about letting the guys down. Diana covered for me and Joseph's step-dad stepped into the breech and got them going. They didn't want to stop at 6:00, was quite funny.
We got a game on Saturday, last official game of the season. Played at Ellerslie, the Moas, who were extinct before they ran on to the pitch (a bit like the all blacks but I am not talking about them yet). Rory nudged a ball into the goal early into the game to make it four for the season, moving him into third place in the goal scoring for the team (behind Harry with about 10 and Joseph with about 22). They all played well, Harry and Liam played for the other side for the first half and we were outnumbered 8 to 7 for the first half. 2-0 up at half time. Harry came back for us after half time, having had some blistering cracks at our defence. Liam tried to save a goal with his hand in the first half (the old Maradonna "hand of god", we aren't supposed to have a goalie) but it still went through in the top corner. Logan and Harry got themselves goals, and of course Joseph got himself another two. We finish the season with 11 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss.
Started practising cricket in the back yard with Hannah yesterday, in between gardening work.
The Warriors, whom I now choose to discuss in depth, had their player of the season type stuff on Thursday. Stacey Jones was back of the season, and some other guys got stuff but I forget who. The Aussie guy who was injured last season, forget his name. I was wrong, they had one more game, burying Wests 60-16, it was their last game before they merge and Tommy Radonicus, or whatever his name is, is a big loser. They have won four in a row, their best result ever. They came 11th in the competition, don't know out of how many. Sydney City came fourth, I hear.
Auckland beat North Harbour in NPC, Southland were unlucky to only draw with Otago after being ahead, Waikato thumped Canterbury in Christchurch 20-6, Wellington beat Counties 46-28, Taranaki whacked Northland 57-21. Auckland at top of table, three points clear of Otago, then one back to Canterbury and Waikato.
Rob Waddell, NZ single sculler extraordinaire, retained his world title over the weekend. His wife also rowed at the champs. Now he is married, shouldn't he be a married sculler?
A soccer ref was headbutted in Whangarei during a soccer match, by a defender who had just been warned about dangerous play, obviously the guy didn't understand the ref wanted LESS dangerous play, not more. The player has been given a black card - banned from the club for life.
The guy who went all funny in the 50k walk at Kuala Lumpur made it at the world champs, came 8th as he predicted, some suspicion there. Beatrice Faumuina came 5th, which was disappointing for her, she was the incumbent champ.
The records kept falling at the Pan Pac swimming, with Thorpedo doing his bit. I am glad I am not in Australia this week.
Five people died on the roads. A while back they pointed out that the Waikato region is responsible for a full third of fatalities.
It is 25 years since Norman Kirk died this week.
So, the All Blacks. Biggest loss to Australia in 97 years. Woe and misery on the news, RadioSport (surprise), and everywhere. Saw a sign outside a pub yesterday that just said "Ouch!". Much misery on RadioSport, feel sorry for people who went over to be there. Everyone was way too cocky in the news here. Hope we turn it around bloody quick, the World Cup kicks off in about a month or two.
I don't care, my real team won, and more importantly they played well. I said to Rory and Jarod yesterday (in an interesting reversal of the statement in the movie Fever Pitch) "Well guys, who would you rather win, the All Blacks or the Orcas?" They said, in unison, "Orcas!". We have our priorities right.
We went out to Karekare in the afternoon yesterday with the Elliott's (Jarod's family, Lynne, Bruce, and sister Rachael whose tyro soccer team came 5th out of 8 in their first season). Awesome weather, no cloud, watched the sun set over the water right on the dot of 6:00pm. Was a nice finish to the weekend.
Saw baby Thomas in the morning yesterday, helped Ross remove the spa pool. We kind of chopped it in half then it still came out in one piece. So now Thomas can play safely in the back yard. Charles, you better start thinking about sending a present over for his birthday, only about two months to go.
Hannah's first visit to school was a success. Henry, a friend from kindy leaped to his feet when the teacher said "I was you to pick someone you can look after". He grabbed Hannah with one arm and put his other in the air to ensure there was no doubt. Hannah was very happy to be there and didn't really care whether Diana was in the room or not. One girl there wouldn't let go of her mum's hand and this was her fifth visit. Henry spent playtime trying to track Hannah down, she was having too much fun to need looking after. Fifteen sleeps until her birthday.
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