RANDOMINANITY

Finding History II

2009-08-15T13:13:00.002+12:00

11th November 2006 Somewhere near Aswan.As I write this we're gently cruising down the Nile on our Felucca, lying in the sun, and generally just blobbing out. I bought some supplies this morning - 24 bottles of water and 24 bottles of beer. I also picked up a kheffiyah and along the way sold my watch. I got about 50 bucks for it so I've actually come out ahead on the haggling today. More so

Finding History

2009-07-15T19:38:00.003+12:00

So I've just moved house. Shifting is always an interesting experience. Not so much for all the hassle and stress, but more for the stuff you find that you forgot you even had.After having most of my possessions packed away in boxes for the best part of three years opening some of them turned up all sorts of unexpected stuff.Case in point the travel diary I kept from a trip I did almost 13 years

Doomed.

2009-05-02T20:59:00.004+12:00

'Tis the end of days ....apparently.BTW what I had last week (see below) was in no way related to the current goings on.Although I may have said that I had Swine Flu before it became fashionable.

Sick

2009-04-22T10:08:00.003+12:00

Yesterday afternoon I was sitting at a press conference of a soon to be retired MP when the first stirrings happened.Deep down in the recesses of my gut things began to get a bit squirelly. You might know the feeling. It's when you think your OK but deep down somewhere inside you have this suspicion there's a little demon that's about to fuck you up.The longer the press conference went, the worse

The Basin Reserve and Significant Moments in NZ Cricket

2009-04-05T10:59:00.005+12:00

Well, at least the ones I have been at.February 1986 - Richard Hadlee gets his 300th test wicket claiming the scalp of Aussie Captain Allan Border.And then there's yesterday. Saturday April the 4th 2009.Perennial test batting bunny Chris Martin calmly lofts Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh back over his head for a four.(and I'm gutted I can't find a photo of this momentous occasion)

A Funny Thing

2009-03-24T11:37:00.007+13:00

Yesterday Christchurch hosted an international conference on potatoes.Ok that's strange enough. It's kind of weird that something so humble as a potato can be the the subject of international focus.But what made the event so delightful was one of its attendees.Yes it was former NZ Prime Minister Jim Bolger - aka "Spud" Bolger.Delightful!

Dark Days

2009-03-17T20:41:00.003+13:00

It's a pretty fraught time to be a journalist in New Zealand at the moment. Retrenchment, lay-offs, cut-backs, and redundancy are words with which we are all becoming too familiar. A wide range of broadcasters; TRN and Radioworks in radio, and Prime and TVNZ in television, are all in the process of shedding staff.Or, as out bosses like to tell us, adjusting to the current economic climate.90

Thieving Bastards.

2009-03-05T19:23:00.003+13:00

I'm a smoker.It's a dirty disgusting habit and becoming less fashionable every year. But before you moralise at me, let me remind you the additional tax revenue the Government gets from my addiction is helping pay for your healthcare, retirement, and the like.You're welcome.So it's fair to say I am somewhat pissed off at the practices of Bellamy's - the firm that holds the monopoly on catering

The Kiddie Effect

2009-02-28T18:29:00.003+13:00

There's a major difference between our current Government and the previous one that I only found out about today.It turns out the current National Party led Cabinet is a lot more fecund than that of the old Labour regime. Apparently, between them, our current collection of Ministers have 19 school age children.That compares to just two when Helen Clark was chairing the meetings.Now I'd hate for

Never Fuck With a Dentist.

2009-02-24T21:48:00.002+13:00

This morning I was having one of those terrible semi-muffled conversations with my dentist.You know the one. He's talking away merrily while you're making vague grunts through a mouthful of medieval torture implements.Anyway ...He was apologising for the lateness of my appointment. Apparently the early morning downpour had caused traffic chaos and his efforts had not been helped by a small

Stupidity Is ....

2009-01-30T14:42:00.003+13:00

Doing this ....City to Upper Hutt returnFind more Bike Rides in Wellington, New ZealandThe weather Gods weren't smiling. Guess exactly where the wind decided to switch directions meaning I had a head-wind in both directions.

A Necessary Evil.

2009-01-29T15:34:00.003+13:00

A couple of weeks ago in a fit of blind enthusiasm, with absolutely no hope of ultimate success, I decided this would be the year when I'd get back into doing the occasional cycle road race. Unfortunately such aspirations require exercise.So instead of taking a well earned break I've been doing things like this.&lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/new-zealand/welington/577232843"&

Rhyme Time Again

2009-01-04T15:25:00.003+13:00

There are those that don't really count limericks as proper poetry. Mainly because of their tendency to lapse into the lewd and the profane. Personally I kind of like them - especially those that spark a response.One of the best examples of this is the Nantucket limerick.There was a man from Nantucket,Who kept all his cash in a bucket.His daughter named Nan,Ran off with a man.And as for the

Technophobe

2009-01-03T19:40:00.004+13:00

I've just set up my first wireless home network.Apparently, as promised by the set up instructions, it's supposed to be easy.Bollocks to that!For what it's worth the task was completed - though it did require swearing, angry cigarette breaks, and acts of casual violence.I guess I'll never be an IT sort of a guy.

Suitable for Kids (apparently)

2008-12-27T22:31:00.003+13:00

I was fossicking around through some of my old books today and came across something my parents gave me when I was quite young. It's called "Coles Funny Picture Book" and was a reprint of a childrens' book that was first published back in 1905. It'd be fair to say there was definitely a much different moral imperative back then - well compared to today anyway.I give you:A Deed of Horror - By J.W.

Since It's Christmas

2008-12-25T21:29:00.000+13:00

Political Musings for 2008

2008-12-25T11:05:00.006+13:00

After a year of playing poli' chaser I guess it's time to sit back and reflect on the highs and lows, as well as the fuck ups, achievements, and happenings of the year.George W Bush Award for Dumbest Statement:Winston Peters for his "no" comment on receiving donations from businessman Owen Glenn.That, along with all the finagling and hypocrisy over NZ First's party funding, effectively killed

Mistletoe and - Oh Shit - Some Bugger's Pinched Me Wine!

2008-12-18T20:06:00.000+13:00

These boys are in the shit. And deservedly so.Yes in the wee hours of this morning - around 2.30 am to be precise - they were nabbed making off with 37 bottles of wine from the Press Gallery's annual Christmas Party. Three boxes worth actually - and they'd even had the cheek to pinch a chilly bin and pack it with ice so they could keep the chardonnays and sauvignon blancs nicely chilled.To be

Good Behaviour Bond

2008-12-18T20:02:00.000+13:00

In the past the Radio Awards have been known for, shall we say, moments of colourful behaviour. It seems steps have been taken as next year the event has a code of conduct.Anyone care to place a bet on whether it'll be breached?

Breaking a Trend

2008-12-09T20:37:00.001+13:00

Now I'm normally the sort of guy that adopts a "bah humbug" approach to Christmas - yes I am a grinch and proud of it - but even a sour old bastard like me finds this pretty damn cool.Apart from the soppy beginning. Meh!

People Who Deserve a Smack.

2008-12-07T17:13:00.001+13:00

Today was the day of the annual Thorndon Street Fair. Now I'm not normally one to bag a good cause (and it is a good one), but I do feel the need to vent my spleen at some of the idiots who attended this year.Particularly the friends of humanity who thought it would be a good idea to come onto our property and tip the contents of their curry lunches all over one of the landings. Cheers for that -

Karma

2008-11-22T21:15:00.000+13:00

What follows is, for me, the best story of the 2008 election campaign. Unfortunately I wasn't there to witness the occasion but quite a few people that I know well were there so I can vouch for this tale's authenticity.In the last moments of the campaign, as matters were reaching their frenetic conclusion, a group of reporters were camped outside National Party Leader John Key's Parnell residence

A Right Banker

2008-11-21T17:19:00.000+13:00

It's a funny old thing this credit crunch. Especially the way it appears to have tightened the sphincter muscles of certain banking types.A little over a year ago, when the property boom was in full swing, I approached my bank to see how much they would lend me should I consider splashing out and buy myself a home. As it turned out they were happy to lend me something in the vicinity of a quarter

Get a Grip

2008-11-18T20:12:00.000+13:00

I note a few of the Kiwi political blogs, particularly those with right of centre leanings, have decided to up sticks and call it quits now the election is done and dusted.Fair enough.But for those who are claiming that their efforts in some way influenced the outcome of the election ... Please. Give me a break!You (like me) are really that not special and your efforts, while no doubt impressive

Back Soon

2008-11-13T20:57:00.000+13:00

Once this whole figuring out the Government thing is sorted.(probably next week)

Sudden Impact

2008-10-24T19:28:00.000+13:00

So there I am having a quiet moment at home after a frantic week of chasing politicians and 15 hour days and all of a sudden there's this almighty crash from outside.I look out the window and, lo and behold, the demon intersection has struck again.It's kind of a regular occurrence. People trying to get onto the motorway are forever running the lights and coming of second best. As this businessman

We Prefer Our Staff Clothed.

2008-10-11T17:44:00.000+13:00

Apparently they do.It's a bit of a worry that the employees need reminding though.

Tax Cut Theory

2008-10-02T20:11:00.000+13:00

Just a theory based on a bit of random supposition - feel free to explode it if you like.But ....If National's looking at ways of covering the cost of its tax cuts package and alterations to KiwiSaver are in the mix, then what's the chance of the $1000 Government kick-start contribution being the part they alter??Logically the employer tax credits are unlikely to be in the mix. Targeting that

Grandiose Delusions

2008-09-28T20:38:00.000+13:00

When it comes to the relationship between bloggers and journalist I notice some bloggers seem to think that journalists feel threatened by them. In their view they think reporters see bloggers as competition in efforts to communicate with the public. Based on that the bloggers assume reporters hold some antipathy towards then and are "out to get them" - as it were. Some even believe journalists

Stop Bloody Cribbing John

2008-09-26T13:06:00.000+12:00

In his closing speech to Parliament today John Key was quoted thusly;Mr Key says Labour's a walkman in an iPod world.However he says the walkman batteries have gone flat and the music's stopped playing.Now normally I wouldn't have a problem with this as it's not a bad metaphor. A little glib maybe, but not a bad turn of phrase.Except ....In 2006, in his adjournment speech to Parliament shortly

The Truth Hurts

2008-09-26T11:03:00.000+12:00

Visit this guy. His stuff is fantastic.And, if the whole credit crunch/sub-prime mortgage crisis has you confused then I strongly suggest you visit here. It's international finance made easy.

How Not to Market

2008-09-25T00:53:00.000+12:00

A small word of advice to Investigate Editor Ian Wishart.If you're touting for business and trying to get paying subscribers to sign up to your online publication try checking exactly who you're sending the email to.I can't see many journalists signing up after reading this little missive which forms part of the email. And believe me I know I'm not the only one that got it.I would make the point

And You Thought You Were Having a Bad Day...

2008-09-24T12:39:00.000+12:00

No sound - it really doesn't need any Ultimate Nut Bust | Viral | SPIKE.com

Rhyme Time

2008-09-24T12:32:00.000+12:00

I've come to the conclusion most political stories/scandals can be summed up in terms of childrens' playground rhymes.For example:The Winston Peters/NZ First funding scandal."Liar, liar. Your pants are on fire."The tiff on who can we trust between Labour and National. John Key and his Tranzrail shares vs Helen Clark not letting on about her knowledge of Winston Peters' funding arrangements."I

Politically Incorrect Joke of the Week

2008-09-20T20:47:00.000+12:00

A bloke goes into a bar and says to the bartender "I'd like a Winston Peters".The bartender's perplexed having never heard of such a drink before."Come again? What was it you were wanting?""A Winston Peters" says the customer."Look" says the bartender, "I'm sorry I have no idea what that is"To which the customer replies, "A Lion Brown".[with apologies to the office of the race relations

Game Time

2008-09-14T14:39:00.000+12:00

OK things are set to be very hectic over the next couple of months as I gallivant all over the country chasing politicians in the build up to the election.Depending on how riveting it is (and if there's any decent goss') I may post on it from time to time. Though I suspect work commitments will be the over-riding priority.It'll definitely mean no time for exercise which will be real bummer as

Billboards

2008-09-10T11:15:00.001+12:00

A Quick Prediction

2008-09-09T23:17:00.000+12:00

Based on Owen Glenn's testimony today and comments subsequently made by the Prime Minister here's how I think the rest of the week will play out.Winston Peters will give his evidence tomorrow night.Helen Clark will consider it.And on Thursday, or Friday at the latest, Winston Peters will be ....And why do I say this?Well the Emissions Trading Scheme, for which the Government needs and has NZ

It Really Ought to Happen to Someone Else

2008-09-06T12:52:00.000+12:00

When you're a bloke you tend to go through much of your life under the impression that you are indestructible. It's about the time you pass 30 that you start to find out this assumption no longer stacks up as much as one would like it to.For example; any medical issues relating to the lower gastrointestinal tract are supposed to be solely reserved for the drooling, wrinkly geriatrics in the over

The Evolution of Winston.

2008-09-04T17:35:00.000+12:00

(or a three line political history)1993 - THE GREAT REDEEMER1996-99 - THE GREAT PRETENDER2008 - THE GREAT DECEIVER??

Doublespeak, Evasions, Fibs, and Downright Lies.

2008-09-02T20:45:00.000+12:00

I'm talking about you Mr Peters.Administrative error my arse!

Things That Piss Me Off

2008-08-31T19:22:00.000+12:00

Number 1 (in a series of hundreds)- companies that put out video press releases instead of fronting for interviews. Cadbury NZ you can fuck right off!- media outlets that use said video press releases (you know who you are)- wingnuts that think New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters deliberately put himself in a position where he could be investigated by the Privileges Committee and the

Pain

2008-05-11T17:03:00.000+12:00

It started with a slight itch behind a wisdom tooth. The itch became became a burning feeling. Just a tiny ulcer was my thought, a salt water gargle and all will be well.The burning became a dull throbbing pain and I steeled myself to look inside my mouth. A bit puffy, definitely red - not good.Decision time. To see the dentist or to tough it out? Do I confront my phobia about being poked,

Accidental Policy

2008-04-27T16:03:00.000+12:00

Here's an interesting theory for you; what if the immigration rant from New Zealand First last month was a balls up in a way you would never expect?What if Peter Brown's position on future Asian population figures was never supposed to happen?It requires one hell of a suspension of belief but the weird thing is the theory might just have some legs.Let me explain. It involves a convergence of

Cartoon of the Day.

2008-04-25T10:56:00.000+12:00

Still Taking the Piss (literally)

2008-04-24T11:36:00.000+12:00

This time a look at the debate last year on raising the legal purchase age for alcohol. Powered by Podbean.com

Actually ....

2008-04-22T20:45:00.004+12:00

While I'm on this audio tangent here's a little blast from the past. A taste of New Zealand politics in late 2006.Click here for more information about the songsClick here to create your own MySpace Playlist

What Goes Around Comes Around.

2008-04-22T20:16:00.002+12:00

Well I guess if you get in the business of using musical ditties to take the piss out of others it's kind of inevitable someone will return the favour.

Hypocrites and Whining Bitches.

2008-04-19T21:54:00.000+12:00

First the hypocrites.Take a bow Labour you win this award over the so called parody song aimed at National Party Leader John Key. For the moment let us set aside the relative merits (or lack of) in the song itself. Suffice it to say the tonal quality was somewhat reminiscent of hearing a feral cat having its entrails extracted via its nasal passage.We should be truly thankful backbencher Jill

A Question of Sport.

2008-04-14T18:13:00.001+12:00

What happens when a bunch of media and communication types, along with other assorted malcontents, decide to give an account of their sporting efforts?Here's the answer.(Disclaimer: the author of this blog may be involved with aforementioned malcontents.)Oh and if you're feeling a little frustrated with your job/career/immediate supervisor then I heartily recommend that you go here to vent.

Back in Training

2008-03-23T15:20:00.000+13:00

Now that the disaster that was the cricket season is over (3 wins, 12 losses) I'm back on the bike again. I had been thinking about doing one of those 100 km events but on the basis of how I feel after today's effort there's no way in hell I could make the distance.For your edification here is the route.And here's the height profile.65 km and I'm absolutely poked.

"ACT"ing Out

2008-03-22T21:36:00.001+13:00

When I read this I really couldn't help myself.So in the interests of bad taste, poor humour, and generally taking the piss I give you this.Actually while I'm taking the piss I must add this cartoon as well.Blame these chaps.Have a great week!

Some Days

2008-03-13T21:27:00.000+13:00

You know it's a bad day when you have higher blood pressure than your boss who is 20 years your senior.You know your day is even worse when a 71 year old's blood pressure is lower than yours.All I can say right now is "what the fuck?" (and potentially question the quality of my paternal genes)

Blank

2008-03-09T21:56:00.000+13:00

Just to explain it's not a lack of inspiration that keeps me from blogging, it's more a lack of motivation. Currently I have a severe case of can't be arsed syndrome.Anyways what have I learnt lately:The resumption of my cricketing career proceeds apace (though it will be curtailed by the end of season next week) and it is now official - I am so shit at this game. The talent of my youth has

Bus Trips From Hell

2008-02-05T19:28:00.000+13:00

A word to the wise from one who knows.If you're about to take a 12 hour bus trip and you're feeling a little peaky then think long and hard about delaying your journey.Do not do what I did in Turkey last month. While eating dinner an hour before an 800 km trip from Istanbul to Goreme I started feeling slightly nauseous. Not wanting to be a big girls blouse and go through the hassle of rebooking

A Low Down Dirty Shame.

2008-02-04T16:11:00.000+13:00

I've learnt a valuable lesson in travelling. Not matter how much you love a place it's probably best not to revisit 10 years down the track. Odds are it'll have changed and potentially for the worst.That's what I discovered when I was in Turkey last month. Overall it's still a great country but tourism has, and is, harming it.For example Istanbul is a lot more touristy than it was 11 years ago.

Travels and Travails

2008-01-31T20:20:00.000+13:00

As a part of my recent overseas trip I spent a week and a half in Turkey. It'd been 11 years since I was last there and I was really looking forward to going back as I'd absolutely loved the place and have spent the last decade urging almost everyone I know to make sure they went there.Suffice to say it's changed a lot, and not all of it has been for the best. More on this shortly.Firstly let us

Pondering International Travel

2008-01-30T18:30:00.000+13:00

I just got back this week from a lengthy trip around various parts of Europe. I'll write something more meaningful in due course but for now I'd like to make a few observations.Britain; why is it, in a nation where cooking shows run 24/7, that no-one cooks and supermarkets are dominated by disgusting frozen heat and eat meals?Foxes in Marylebone central London?! What the hell?If ben Nevis wasn't

Haute Cuisine

2007-12-26T22:12:00.000+13:00

When the significant other and I were recently discussing my European sojourn (we're catching up after 18 months apart while she does an OE) the subject of Xmas dinner came up. The question was asked as to what would I like for the occasion. I'm sorry to say that I took the piss to a certain degree and rattled off a list that included foodstuffs such as duck and venison. I assumed she would know

Trails and Travails

2007-12-26T02:07:00.000+13:00

OK so I'm on the road again. It's been 10 years since I was last in Europe and now I'm revisiting some old haunts as well as my love interest. I'll update when and where I can but what follows is a precis of one of the longest trips I've ever taken.[take note; flying direct to London from NZ is a very bad idea - especially at Christmas]22/12 2.30 pm Leave flat for Wellington Airport. It turns out

F**k Moving!

2007-12-16T10:44:00.000+13:00

If there's one thing in life I hate above all else it's moving house.So guess how I've been spending my weekend?This is the state of my bedroom at the moment as I wrestle with my overly large library.And the living room is not a hell of a lot better.Seriously it has been bloody awful and I have to say I'm not overwhelmed with felicitous feelings for my former landlord who chose to put our old

A Step in Time

2007-12-08T10:05:00.000+13:00

Here's a tentative headline and opening par for what may happen at the next RWC given yesterday's decision by the NZRFU.RUGBY'S DARKEST DAY.Auckland, October 14 2011.New Zealand rugby fans are once again in the depths of despair after the All Blacks were once again bundled out of the Rugby World Cup. After dominating all-comers for the past two years the Graham Henry coached side went into the

Off the F**king Deep End.

2007-12-07T21:31:00.000+13:00

This story's made a headline or two of late. It's a train-wreck all by itself.But then I discovered the woman at the centre of the story has been blogging about it.I suggest you read the comments - if you can stomach them.Un-fucking-believable.

The Perfidy of Wellington's Wind

2007-12-02T19:51:00.000+13:00

I've been in Wellington a little over a year and a half now and I'm still getting my head around the wind. Honestly I really should just recall what it was like the last time I've lived here - back when I was in high school two decades ago.You see there's always wind in Wellington (though today was the exception to the rule) but it tends to come in only two directions; north and south. Most days

Age, and Why it Fucks You.

2007-11-24T20:54:00.000+13:00

Today, in a fit of mindless optimism with no hope of success whatsoever, I played cricket.Actually it wasn't completely my idea. I was roped in by a guy I know through work as his team was a few players short and they were desperate for a few ring-ins. The fact he called me shows how desperate they were. You see I haven't actually played the game in about 12 years. There was a time, when I was

The March

2007-11-15T20:27:00.001+13:00

Should have posted this yesterday but the pic's got lost in the Telecom aether.Anyway the Tuhoe Hikoi hit town yesterday so I tagged along and got a few shots on the cellphone.Instead of piling up to Parliament and speechifying, like most protests do, the Hikoi did a quick march down Molesworth St and along Lambton Quay. It kind of took the Police by surprise as it appeared they weren't expecting

Terror Struck

2007-11-08T21:53:00.000+13:00

While the wingnuts and basket cases from the left and the right are collectively frothing at the mouth over today's decision by the Solicitor General, albeit in different directions, one does have to wonder about the legislative capacity of our Parliament.Put aside for a moment for the rights of wrongs of last month's actions by police and focus for a moment on the fact it's probably the law

Bliss

2007-10-20T09:34:00.000+13:00

After chasing politicians around in the tropical heat for four days nothing beats kicking back on a nice quiet beach.I give you Pangaimotu Island.I mean, seriously how cool is this.Though I did end up with one of those patchwork sunburns. The peril of travelling solo is that there's no-one to smear the sunscreen on the parts of one's back that can't be reached single handedly. I would have

Hot Times in Tonga

2007-10-18T18:12:00.000+13:00

Since Monday I've been on the ground in Tonga covering the Pacific Forum leaders meeting and let me tell you it's been an experience.On the work front it's been quite frustrating. Traditionally these events have been quite media friendly. Generally the media have been able to hang outside the meeting centre and nobble passing politicians for comment pretty much willy nilly.Well that hasn't been

Headlines We'd Never See

2007-10-14T16:25:00.000+13:00

In light of this event over the weekend I was wondering how would I headline it?I mean "Banks to the Future" isn't bad but I kind of like this:"BANKS BEATS DICK!"I mean given there was a porn king running in the same mayoral race it is kind of appropriate.

Bunch of Bleeding Muppets.

2007-10-11T08:59:00.000+13:00

Dear Vodafone, in this modern IT dominated age when we rely on our cellphones for important communication why do you choose to embark on a week long upgrade of your computer systems which means your customer service (which was damn poor to begin with) becomes completely non-existent?Please do tell me, what company in its right mind would allow it to be in a situation where customers

One of Those Days.

2007-10-09T23:03:00.000+13:00

It seems there is a God and he appears to be a jealous one. At least so far as my loyalties (or lack of) to the All Blacks are concerned.Today began with the discovery that my car battery is flat/kaput/finis. That meant my much needed run to the supermarket had to be by foot and I had to lug the bloody things back by hand. While at the supermarket I got a call from the landlord who informed me he

Setting Goals

2007-10-07T20:44:00.000+13:00

When the All Blacks last won the World Cup I was 14 years old. At that tender age I did not have the money to buy an All Black's jersey to show my support for our national side. But I promised myself when I was 18 and the All Blacks contested the World Cup again I'd definitely buy myself a jersey after they'd lifted the trophy.I'm now 34 and still no jersey (sigh)But on the brighter side, in 1999

Missing in Action

2007-10-01T19:55:00.000+13:00

No not me.TV3's new midday bulletin.It was supposed to play for the first time today (yes ahead of tomorrow's Sunrise launch) under it' flash moniker "3News@12". It had been discussed in the news team's morning conference call and it seemed it was all go.We all dutifully tuned in at midday and what did we get?Everybody Loves Raymond.The journo's at TVNZ are pissing themselves.

On the Road

2007-09-23T12:47:00.000+12:00

Every now and then, just for a change, I give the mountainbiking a miss and take the road bike for a spin.Here's this morning's effort.Bays Ride ex ThorndonFind more Bike Rides in Wellington, New ZealandAnd here's what it looks like in terms of hill climbs.Mind you the route I took yesterday is a lot more fun. Less traffic and better scenery.Makara LoopFind more Bike Rides in Welington, New

Tipping over the Edge

2007-08-26T16:30:00.000+12:00

Here's another in the list of mountainbike trails that I've been posting here from time to time. Today's little number is the Tip Track. As you can tell from the picture it's a groovy little descent.And you can even stop to admire the view on the way down.Take it from me it's a track you want to always do in the downward direction. Biking up it would require a fortitude not found in mere

Paying it Back

2007-08-25T10:05:00.000+12:00

I heard an interesting little story when I was ambling through Parliament the other day catching up with a few contacts. It involves Winston Peters, New Zealand First, and the party's election spending as identified by Auditor General Kevin Brady last year.For about the past 10 months the Press Gallery has been hounding Winston on a regular basis asking him when he intends:a) releasing the legal

The Fashion Police

2007-08-24T16:59:00.000+12:00

Where have I been? Blame Facebook. It's the greatest timewaster I've come across in an age thanks to Scrabulous. I've been play Scrabble almost incessantly for the past 3 weeks with various friends scattered from NZ, to the UK, and Papua New Guinea.I guess it has its benefits - apparently "qi" is a word and so too is "jow". There's nothing like having some more useless information to add to the

Parliamentary Porkie Pies

2007-08-01T21:24:00.000+12:00

And believe it or not I'm not talking about David Benson-Pope.On Tuesday Herald journalist Simon Collins had a beaut wee scoop about a new anti domestic violence/child abuse initiative that was about to be launched by the Government. naturally this had every other journalist in the Press Gallery scrambling to match it.But what was the response from the office of Minister of Health Pete Hodgson?

Flatting. A Necessary Evil.

2007-07-29T16:14:00.000+12:00

Flatting at my age is not something I do out of choice. It's determined by burgeoning interest rates, over inflated Wellington property prices, the realisation I don't want to be landed with a mountain of debt, and the fact what I made from my selling my last home is appreciating quite nicely thank you very much.However by having made the business decision not to buy when the market is high I've

Mortality

2007-07-18T23:17:00.000+12:00

I'm feeling a little down tonight. Late last week I got the news that someone I've been professionally associated with for some time was quite ill and in hospital and not expected to last much longer. I won't name him here as it's not appropriate, but suffice it to say I consider him a friend and a thoroughly decent chap.For the past few days I've been mulling over whether I should visit him or

Bumf.

2007-07-08T16:21:00.000+12:00

It's been a while since I did a substantial overseas trip. About 11 years to be precise (that's not counting a couple of jaunts to Australia and elsewhere in the South Pacific). So I was a little bit surprised when I went to collect my tickets from the travel agents.You see in the old days your travel envelope was fairly straight forward. Tickets, luggage tags, and maybe an immigration form was

Vive la Revolution

2007-06-28T20:16:00.000+12:00

Politics is a strange racket sometimes. It sort of goes without saying that, by and large, your average politician (and most of them are distinctly average) is a fairly thick skinned creature. It's not the sort of career one chooses if one is easily hurt by criticism. For most politicians a personal attack slides of their hide like mud off a basking hippo.But when it comes to the media it seems

Nice Work If You Can Get It

2007-06-24T15:27:00.000+12:00

Well the rumour mill is bubbling about the salary being paid to TVNZ's new communications manager Peter Parussini. The word is it's around $250,000 which is a hefty sum and more than what some of the presenters actually get.It's also equivalent to the salaries of five intermediate level journalists - do you think the 30 odd news staff that have just been axed in TVNZ's cutbacks might be a little

A Week in Politics

2007-06-16T12:15:00.000+12:00

Sheesh, what a week it's been. The corridors of power have been flat tack with spin, innuendo, and the truly inane.Lets start with the last first.Inanity of the Week.This has to go to the minor parties (Greens, Maori Party, United Future, and ACT) for their proposed code of conduct. To see Rodney Hide and Peter Dunne talk about the need to remove personal attacks from the House was ludicrous

The Human Touch

2007-06-09T15:05:00.000+12:00

This is one of a series of videos produced by a group of young Iraqi men. They're attempting to show what it's like for civilians living in Baghdad. I seriously recommend you take the time to watch it. It's a side of the Iraq story we don't get to see through the media and it's a perspective we need to see.

How Not To Leave a Country.

2007-06-08T23:25:00.000+12:00

Again I'm being lazy and blogging something I recently posted on a discussion group. But given the length I really can't be arsed typing it out twice (even if it does blow my semi-anonymous blogging status). It's yet another tale from my multitudinous fund of OE stories - enjoy.Back in 1990 and 1991 when I was in my late teens I was living and working in Japan looking after a showjumping team.

Which One?

2007-06-07T20:30:00.000+12:00

Ok go here and take a long hard look at these health representatives both appointed an elected.Then take a guess - which one is the internet dater?

How RNZ Broke the Muliaga Story

2007-06-04T20:32:00.000+12:00

I've just figured out how RNZ got the scoop of the year. I'd been wondering why the name of the Muliaga family spokesman, Brenden Sheehan, was so familiar. The fact he was a unionist was well known but what I'd forgotten was that his union represents RNZ. It turns out I've even blogged about him before.

What if Tintin was A Scouse?

2007-06-03T20:55:00.000+12:00

Here's how Tintin might have turned out if he was a Manchester United fan.[this is most definitely not workplace friendly]

The Scottish Gangsta

2007-06-03T10:47:00.000+12:00

Have you ever thought about what might happen when rap music mixed with Scottish culture?Here's the result.Bizarre - yet kind of catchy.

What's a Human Life Worth?

2007-05-30T20:26:00.000+12:00

Apparently it's about $168.40.

Taito

2007-05-27T21:26:00.000+12:00

The only thing an MP should ever take from a constituent is their vote.'Nuff said.

Hard Slog.

2007-05-27T15:01:00.000+12:00

It's a rare weekend in Wellington that you are lucky enough to be blessed with two clear, calm, and sunny days. Luckily for me this has been one of those occasions. They're few and far between but they're bliss when they happen.So as promised. Here's Deliverance.This bit is at the top - note the gnarly tree rooty goodness. There's more of that all the way down. I would have taken more photos but

Nutters I have Met. Part 1.

2007-05-26T22:14:00.000+12:00

OK so I'm cheating a little bit. I posted the following tale on a discussion group that I'm a member of and have decided to copy and paste it here. It's just one of those weird things that happens to you from time to time when you are a journalist.It dates back to the time (late 1999) when the then Chch City Council manager Mike Richardson had created a bit of a media firestorm over a few

Lead Me Not Into Temptation

2007-05-26T18:24:00.000+12:00

Actually scrub that. You can grab me by the hand and lead me there, but just make sure there are mountainbikes involved.I'll hope you'll excuse the rather oblique and inane references I'm making but I've just discovered another mountainbike trail up in Karori. And it happens to be called Temptation - hence the really bad pun.It's a beaut' wee trail. Not difficult or technical but it flows really

If I Was a Super hero

2007-05-25T15:06:00.000+12:00

Your results:You are ApocalypseApocalypse 100%Magneto 99%Lex Luthor 83%Dr. Doom 81%The Joker 76%Juggernaut 74%Dark Phoenix 72%Venom 71%Mystique 70%Mr. Freeze 64%Catwoman 64%Green Goblin 54%Poison Ivy 50%Kingpin 49%Two-Face 46%Riddler 40%Click here to take the "Which Super Villain are you?" quiz...

Inquiring Minds Want to Know.

2007-05-21T18:00:00.000+12:00

I'm sure Ian Wishart won't mind this as he appears to be great fan of maximum disclosure in all matters public and private.The thing is I'm slightly curious about the John Dallison Flannery that is listed as a shareholder on HATM Magazines Limited - the firm responsible for publishing Investigate Magazine. Is he the same John Flannery that was formerly a director of John Flannery and Associates?I

On Top of the World

2007-05-19T16:23:00.000+12:00

Occasionally, just every once in a while. Wellington will put on an absolute stunning day. Luckily today was one of those days and what better way to make the most of it than get lost on a mountainbike on the hills behind Maungaraki. This is the same place I was blathering about a few weeks ago .... however it really is a fantastic place to explore.Seriously it's another world up there. No-one

The Ultimate Irony.

2007-05-17T23:27:00.000+12:00

Without a word of a lie I swear this is among the wine selection at the post Budget drinks of Finance Minister Dr Michael Cullen tonight.It was a pungent little number with a big nose and an bitter aftertaste of sour grapes.For context go here or here.I swear to God you just can't make this stuff up.