Rory, what are you doing Monday night, and do you have any matches? - 25/10/04

I will explain the subject later, it's funny.
It's Labour Weekend which means today is a day off.

LOCAL NEWS

Another woman disappeared, this time a 49 year old woman in Auckland. In the meantime, it was revealed how the police did not take the other Auckland woman's 111 call seriously, and it has been reported that two police officers made "inappropriate comments" about her call at the time (this is the one they sent the taxi to. I suppose they get plenty of calls from weirdos, but they blew it this time.

The 49 year old was found wrapped in a duvet floating in the Waikato River. No sign of Iraena yet.

John Tamihere continues to be in the news about his untaxed handshake.

Been a bit of controversy about a Vodafone-run chat room where older men were picking up underage girls. They shut it down a week ago.

Whinging about penalty rates for Labour Day as usual (café's charge extra on public holidays, even though large stores have to pay their staff more and have 20% off sales and things instead).

WORLD NEWS

Paul said that a pair of Japanese climbers got snap-frozen on the cliff on El Capitan in Yosemite and the snow has come. We were there about four weeks ago and it was warm and very dry. The road out is closed. Probably for the winter.

There was an earthquake in Japan. From what I've read lately, I wouldn't buy a house in Tokyo.

The US election approaches it's climax. With 270 million people, it can't feel like your democratic right is worth squat, no wonder so few Americans vote.

REAL SPORT

Rory didn't have a game this week, but trained three nights, two were with an under 14 development squad.

SPORT

Australia saved the second test by praying for rain.

New Zealand had their first test against Bangladesh. Why do they bother. They are expected to win, so if anything goes wrong it is hugely embarrassing (Bangladesh's best fast bowling figures were 1/72 before this test, and the guy had an average of 202 per wicket). McCullum got a ton, Vettori got six wickets in the second innings, and one New Zealand bowler got a hat trick (the 32nd in test cricket history, so they don't happen often).

The Red Sox came back from a 0-3 deficit to beat the New York Yankees 4-3. It was pretty hard going, but they did it. It made the sports radio here all week.

The Kiwis lost to the Kangaroos in Great Britain in the League.

Canterbury beat Wellington 40-27 in the NPC final, and Northland survived a relegation match.

Liverpool, Everton, Chelsea, and Aston Villa won. Oh, who am I kidding, I don't care about that. Man Utd played Arsenal, on the longest undefeated run in the history of the premiership, 49 games without a loss, until Man Utd beat them this morning 2-0. Arsene Wenger was unhappy, but I really don't give a toss. They are beatable, and Man Utd proved it. I am going to change my shirt in honour of the day.

MY SAD LIFE

Hannah had her dance exam Tuesday, and her school hiphop competition of Thursday (which has been a hotbed and politics worthy of a reality series (which, let's be honest, doesn't say much)). Her group did not place, there were schools from all over competing. Diana watched.

Rory did not receive any further honours for his science project. He seemed a little disappointed.

I did too much on Saturday, I regretted it Saturday night. I reorganised the office, extracted heaps of stuff, sanded, painted, and installed shelves, had help from everyone including Nanny (she did the curtain) and Diana (she bought the paint). Hannah used the electric sander - her first power tool experience. Rory helped Gavin put the shelves together. Then, we visited Granny and I had a swim. Then we raced back to Pt Chevalier and I went kayaking. My shoulders were burning. I was also the cleanest I have ever been, having had three showers and a bath in one day.

After we promised to stop asking Gavin if he had heard from the Fire Service, Gavin finally heard that he is on to the next step for the Fire Service, an two hour interview in a week from today. He left the news in a message on our phone on Friday and Diana said she could tell he had the good news before he said it from the tone of his voice. He was pretty happy. In preparation for this, he is staying at Avondale Fire Station tonight, which he arranged with Gary (Diana's friend who is a firefighter). As we talked about this on Saturday, Diana asked what would he do if there were no callouts, then he turned and said "Rory, what are you doing Monday night, and do you have any matches?".

My reorganisation is nearly complete, but the garage has suffered and needs another go.

Thomas turns six on Wednesday, at least I think it is Wednesday.

Allan Chambers is in Ohio.

Well, time to go, another day off looms and I think I need it.