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.
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