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?).
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