Power to the people (too much and not enough) - 04/06/07

LOCAL NEWS

The big story this week was when a Samoan woman on oxygen died because power to the house was cut off. We had noise of the power company being charged with murder but I really cannot see how that could have any credibility. The family could have taken several mitigating actions, including: paying the bill, running an extension cord from a neighbour, taking the machine and woman to a neighbour, or just doing anything at all in the three hours between losing power and when the woman started to get uncomfortable. Three hours. I mean, come on, she could have caught a bus somewhere in three hours. It is common for people in such a position to have an oxygen cylinder as a backup. An Uncle paid the bill the next day and they got power reconnected. The media fought hard against the backlash from the population along similar lines to my view. They started making all sorts of excuses. It was utterly pathetic, but a staggering (and rare) example where the media were going very much against the popular view.

As the week progressed, we had all sorts of follow up stories on the killer power cut. Helen Clark attacked Mercury, wanted to change the rules. Then Mercury buckled big time and gave them $10,000 towards funeral expenses and have suspended disconnections. On Sunday, the Chairwoman of Mighty River Power, who I think must own Mercury, suggested she should resign (although it sounded pretty reluctant). Overreaction beyond belief.

Meanwhile MPs wrestled with the question of whether they should open the house with a prayer, and if so should they modify it. Much more important than trivia like why should 120 people (MPs) sit around while two people argue, or why there are often 43 people sitting around instead of 120.

Wellington schools have been told they can't hold their school ball in pubs (which are often cheaper venues), but strip clubs are okay (but only on amateur night, perhaps?).

From the "I told you so" department, a four year old girl asleep in a caravan, stepped out of it when she woke up. Unfortunately she was not awake enough to realise it was moving. More something I would consider to be likely done by a 14 year old male, it was exceedingly stupid and falls into the "dumb things parents do with their kids" category alongside the missing girl in Portugal.

Everyone feels sorry for psychopath Graeme Burton who is having a hard time in prison. After killing some random guy for no good reason, he lost his leg after being shot by police. Fellow prisoners are convinced he will lose the plot and kill again and aren't too keen on it being one of them. So, to lighten things up, they keep letting down the tyres on his wheelchair. I'm sure that won't push him over the edge.

We had Queen's Birthday Honours. They are a total pile of camel droppings. Giving a reality television broadcaster something is ridiculous.

WORLD NEWS

Heidi thinks I should have mentioned the rampaging male gorilla that escaped at a zoo in Rotterdam. It seems that the gorilla had been encouraged by a woman who was regularly visiting him. She seemed to have built up a relationship that the gorilla was hoping to take to the next level. A friend of Heidi's was there at the time and sought refuge in a toilet cubicle to avoid the gorilla's affections.

The Americans are seven dead soldiers away from the round number of 3,500 fatalities in Iraq. Not a particularly round number, but sums up the numeracy of the average American.

REAL SPORT

Not much real sport to speak of. Hannah had a soccer game, last of grading. Thought we had a chance against them, they were above us on the table. We were up 3-1 at half time, but some interesting refereeing kept the game going until it was 4-4. They end grading with two wins, two losses, two draws.

Rory has club polo trials this coming weekend, not sure they will make any difference to the team he gets in to.

SPORT

Team New Zealand started well in the Louis Vuitton finals, winning the first raced narrowly, the second one by 40 seconds, and convincingly won the third too (despite "losing" the start to get the favourable position).

The All Blacks played France, and won but not really that convincingly. It was 42-11 but really was a B team from France.

New Zealand women's soccer team played Canada and lost 0-3.

MY SAD LIFE

Went on a school visit to Auckland Girls Grammar this week. Was interesting. Think we are approaching a decision for Hannah's high school.

On Sunday we went to see New Zealand Women play Canada in soccer. Went with the Goodins, and Hannah's friend Josie. Rory denies he is interested in football but can't help yell out things. He wanted to run onto the field.

Rory had his science exam on Thursday. He had the day off and "studied" with Priya at our house. I think the correct term is "full contact study". We shall see the results and then judge the effectiveness of the study method.

On Friday it was the 11th anniversary of us moving in to this house. That's quite a long time.

Hannah's been cooking, she made lemon meringue pie on Saturday and lamingtons today. She hasn't attempted to replicate any of Brett's gastronomic dinners as yet.

Saw Tania Johansson this week, she popped in on the off-chance and I wasn't really busy. Was great having a chat. Her daughters are both at school now.

Bit of high drama at Western Springs College this week when a number of students were found to be in possession of cannabis. Four Year Tens were busted as "dealers", one of whom was pinching the stuff off his father (who grows it) and was making great margins. A large number of students have been interviewed. Will be interesting to see if this gets mentioned at the introduction night for potential new students.

I'M NOT A GEEK, I'VE GOT A GIRLFRIEND

Rory refused to attend a sci-fi swap meet with me on Saturday for the above reason. I think he needs the statement on a t-shirt.


Garth - Tania Johansson went to Avondale College, so did I. Not sure about before that though.