Monday funny

Aparantly this photo has done the rounds on the email but I hear that it was featured on the news also. I'm guessing they'll be up for some legal battles in future =) but hey its a good laugh

Succesful Streak Comes to an End

Over the last 4-5 years I have been sucessful in predicting the sex of a baby over a streak of 19 correct guesses. People have often asked how I do it but honestly its just a feeling and unfortunately my record now has to stand at 19. My good friend Kylie had a healthy boy where my guess is that it would be a girl based more on statistics than my gut feeling which I clearly should have run with.

The first in the series was my niece Danika where as soon as Karyn decided on a name I instictively told her not to even bother with boys names as there just wants any other choice. Same with Makayla, I knew she was a girl from the get go and couldnt be happier.

Being a parent is hard but rewarding, so congrats to the parents of the 19 correct guesses and the 1 incorrect one =)

International Credit Crunch

Last week, ANZ bank put out a notice for staff wishing to take voluntary redundancy, and now I hear that at least one recruitment company is also making cut backs in regards to staffing numbers with more to follow I should expect. As previously noted in a posted blog not too long ago, that each day almost you read about more property developments going under in the NZ heralds property or business sections. I was milling this over whilst walking to work this morning thinking on the other factors of employment statistics where builders, construction workers and other trades would suffer reduced work/income due to these property developers crashing and burning. The way I see it is that the effects are only subtle at this stage but remain constant and believe bigger affects could be on the horizon so as a worsecase scenario if we can protect ourselves against that we should be sitting well.

The seriousness of the global economy is now at high risk, especially for those in and around realty, banking and car sales. Car sales has taken a huge hit dropping by 30% in annual returns and less and less prestige cars are going on the roads than ever with the avereage NZdr opting to down size their cars and in some instances go for older & smaller cars than what they already own.

If we recall the affects of the Great Depression, there was always money floating around, it just simply went into fewer pockets and we are starting to see similar affects now. This may only be the beginning but economists always knew that it would happen again it was just a matter of when. So its important to align ourselves in put in place strategies that will protect yourselves and family. We all want a better future so its time to review a structured plan and get moving today.

Maks update Saturday 27th 2008

Today I woke up early as had to run into work for a few hours to see if I could make a few more deals as running tight on my monthly targets. Once home i picked maks up from my sisters house and we went to spend a lovely day with friends Lana, Steve and their 1 year old Jade.

We arrived to find Jade enjoying a little snack meal and making a right mess of it too. Ah yes I remember those days which seem like a lifetime ago but was only 2 years ago that I was in the same situation. We jumped into the one car and drove out to devonport where the kids had fun in the park shown in the photos placed here, here and there. We spent maybe 15 or 30 mins in the park on swings, slides, see-saws and blowing bubbles before we jumped back in the car heading back to lana's stopping off to pick up some food on the way. We met Steve there as he'd spent the morning helping his boss move house so we just chilled out with the kids having fun. Lana turned on the Wii game and i attempted to teach Maks how to bowl which wasnt all that succesful but she enjoyed it nonetheless.


Time was creaping on so I piled maks into the car and told her that she could take a nap so I could make a quick stop off at the auckland fish market and get us some dinner. Once home I cradled her up in my arms putting her down in her bed to sleep. I cleaned up the place a little before I got tired and turned the tv on but it was already set on the kids program and maks hearing the familiar sounds to one of her favourite programs quickly rose from her slumber and ran out into the lounge saying "my program" all before I had time to settle down in relax mode and change the channel. DANGIT, now i was stuck with her channel so I let it run as she jumped up on the couch next to me and took the remote off me.

When the evening finally set it I started about her dinner as she sat back watching Barbie the Island Princess, AGAIN, only cos she enjoys it so much and now likes to sing along to the songs. I cooked up the fish which she ate infront of her barbie movie as I watched the sports channel with no sound and finished my dinner. Once i'd let our meals rest I drew her bath and gave her a good scrub down and washed her hair which is about the time that simon showed up ready to watch the Warriors game. It was now about 08.30pm as I sat maks infront of me drying her hair then tied it back out of her face as we all sat back watching episode 5 of The Long Way Down which maks enjoyed for part of before climbing up over me and rested her head down on my shoulder snuggling down and was fast asleep about 5 mins later. i held her there keeping each other warm until the rugby came on which is when I tucked her into bed giving her a kiss on her forehead before sitting back to watch the Warriors suffer a humiliating defeat kissing their hopes of making the grand finale goodbye.
The game was that bad that it was easy for me to pop up out of my seat to check on maks to make sure she hadn't kicked her blankets off during her slumber. It actually came to the point that we changed channels all before the game finished as we couldn't bear it any longer.

Maks had a great sleep and was ready for sunday...

SUNDAY
About 11am I dressed her in one of her favourite dresses and we jumped in the car and met up with Simon and Yoni at the Takapuna markets walking around seeing what was on offer but there wasn't much time left as several stores were already packing up but they did buy a few items. Afterwards we walked through the mall where I bought maks a lovely hot chocolate as I enjoyed my latte. Afterwards we all took a walk around the mall after I let maks take a ride on Thomas the Tank engine. Each store we entered (or didnt) shed run rampant backwards and forwards here there and everywhere. Once in the car I thought that after running around so much shed want a nap but she didn't even after we got home so at about 2pm I took her for a walk down the road. We walked down around the Ferry building and then across and around the viaduct looking at all the boats which her mind racing away asking questions about different boats. About halway home I picked her up and she snuggled her head down on my shoulder and went to sleep, YAY, so once in the door I placed her down for a good nap. When she woke up her aunty kaz was visiting with Danika but she still ran around to me sitting on the couch and threw her arms around me not caring about the guitar i was holding and the fact she gave me no time to put it down.
She and Danika enjoyed watching the Island Princess again in more of a singalong mode as they didnt care much for the movie just wanted me to play the songs.

They both enjoyed that for a time before I changed her clothes and got her ready to go back to Donne's. She hugged and kissed everyone goodbye then skipped her way out the door. Thats my weekend with my Princess, seems like forever in between the times we see each other but once together its like nothings changed.

maks update Friday Sept 26th

3pm Arrived to pick maks up from her kindy where I found her outside with good friend Rosie. She hadnt noticed me as was busy filling her sun hat with handfuls of sand. When i called out to her she looked up with two lovely boogies hand from her nose so I popped inside to grab some tissues as she ran in after me. After wiping her nose I shook all the sand from her hat while she gave rosie a big hug before we jumped in the car and off home.

She called out for tickles on the redlights which I endolged for a short time but we hit too many red lights so I soon tired quickly. We stopped off at Foodtown for the weekends groceries as she sat in the trolley helping me stack the food and then unpack at the checkout counter. Then without prompting as we walked down the ramp she looked out the window across that road turning to me with a questionable look saying "hey daddy, thats where you work ay."

When we got home I decided that I'd let her watch her kids programs while I sorted out putting the groceries away then decided that I would take her for a swim. So I packed the arm floats, togs, towel and change of clothes and we walked down te road to the pool. We found ourselves all alone for a while so I taught her how to kick her legs properly and move her arms through the water. She did so well and was so confident that I would be able to let her go and following some good instructions she was able to swim to me unassisted which made me so proud. We havent been able to get down there too much as she was always too sick to risk it but we were in the pool for a long time and dont think either of us wanted to really get out but was time to get her home and organise dinner.

After dinner, I cleaned her up and changed her into her PJs and settled in for a relaxing evening. Not sure of the time probably soon after 8pm she was nestled into my shoulder and fell asleep. I kept her there as she was keeping me warm like a nice heated cushion for a short while before putting her into bed and following suit not long after.

SNL Parody - Clinton & Pailn

Here is the full version of Saturday Night Live's intro sequence with Tina Fey returning to SNL to portray Sarah Palin and did a wonderful job. Absolutely Funny

Financial Markets

With the announcement of the US Govt. to spend $700b to bail out their woeful financial crisis as it looms ever closer to imitating the Great Depression of the early 1900's forged a refreshing light of hope in the global economy today with the NZ share index doing better on monday's trading. Japan also saw a rise but still far from recovering at this stage. The NZ Herald marked that the US Govt's spenditure on its 'bail out' plan is 6-7 times that of the NZ GDP which is equivalent to NZD$1T(one trillion).
Now thats a spicy meat ball.
In the time of 9/11, the economic industry was hit quite hard but it quickly recovered. However, the emergence of the Global Credit Crunch, rising fuel & food prices has meant that this will be around a little longer making short term gains. NZ has entered into a recession which I'm unsure if it has been fully declared but has been noted by many of our Govt leaders in many instances recently. We have seen property prices bottom out and realty sales drop and interest rate stay high where only recently they have started a slow reduction process but has meant financing for the overage NZdr almost a nightmare especially for the first home buyers.

The economic future of New Zealand is yet to be determined after Nov 8th elections where the gap between National and Labour parties is large at present, is expected to narrow in preceeding weeks to the debates and electoral votes.

The Ryder Cup

Even without Tiger Woods on the American side they still managed to take the win over the European side 16 1/2 - 11 1/2. Besides Europe having a strong team it was unfortunately not enough to secure the cup allowing the America's to take the cup home.

Friday Night Football

Victory found the Vodafone Warriors on Friday night at Mt. Smart Stadium as they took a decisive win over the Roosters (30-13). The intensity of the home crowd filling the statdium with loud cries as the team circled the field about 20-30 mins prior to kick off set the mood that would only intensify further during the match.

The Warriors were greeted onto the field with long winded screams of excited joy from the surrounding stands and a fireworks display which by personal observation was only seen by those not still screaming for the Warriors or focussed on the Cheersleaders.

The first try was to the Warriors within moments of kick-off which followed by several terrible calls by the ref and the Roosters taking 2 converted try's and a drop goal before half time. Coming into the second half the Warriors came out hungry for points and, they got em too, breaking thru the definsive lines to find the try line. During the course of the game the Warriors had two tries disallowed by the ref upstairs and each of those decision's were met with shock and awe from the crowd in sheer disbelief over the terrible call. The errie silience as all eyes fixated on the screen watching the replays came with held breath until the decision was called to the dismay of viewers whom expelled their their anger over the call with questionable expressions exuding disgust & confusion.

The last 10 seconds brought the stadium into one unified support structure as the count down commenced followed by raised hands high into the air, clenched fists punching the air and screams filling the air with exhilleration which only continued as the triumphant Warriors walked the stadium to the claps and cheer from the crowd.

To describe the win as fantastic is an understatement, the crowd were so enthralled over the win that even after waiting in Traffic for an hour to exit the car park, no-one cared. Mostly we all just hung around our trasport pooling in groups still cheering on the win we had been witness too. In the car park, groups including ours could be seen still jumping with excitement hanging around their vehicles chatting with strangers and friends.


The Warriors played a great game, and will face Manly whom are having a very strong season. If succesful they will go on to the Grand Finale in Sydney.

GO WARRIORS

Auckland Logo Follow up

Here is the final product of $174,000 worth in spending

I honestly believe that this is a premature move for Aucklands tourism at this stage and figure it would have been more strategic to push a new branding of Auckland closer to the Rugby world cup such as a year out. That way we could have incorporated more of auckland and used those funds to better auckland city. ie, the roads in Auckland are forever dug up and then patched over time and time again until they look like a black and white version of Jason's Techni-coloured raincoat. I think it is a move by local authorities to make the roads as poorly as possible to deter people from driving their cars through central Auckland streets.

Quay street is a very busy area for tourism and business yet the section of road between the Viaduct through to Tangihua Street is terrible and would require very soft suspension just so not to shake the fillings from your teeth.

The LV Pacific Cup which will hopefully become an exciting annual event would very much incorporate Aucklands 'City of Sails' Theme which has after all these years been scratched from existance which doesnt give much hope that anything was clearly thought through in the development of the design.

John Banks and Mike Lee have been avoiding the issue which is taking on widespread criticism from the public and neither has taken responsibility. The branding logo came from the Metro Project action plan (a business arm of the ARC) which Mr. Lee Chairs. John Banks commented he's only seen the logo once before and no further comment was given, so who is responsible for pushing this new brand of logo through?

Former Akld Mayor Dick Hubbard was quoted "the logo symbolised a city that is frayed at the edges," Which as hard a statement it does bears some truth to it.

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A recent comment made to my blogsite by another fellow blogger has designed and improved version of the logo and can be viewed here

The Kiwi Cup : Yachting

Auckland will early in the new year play host to an America's Cup style regatta to be held off the shores of Aucklands North Shore where the America's Cup races were held in 2000 & 2003 but will be much closer to the shore for land spectators to gail in the marvell of yachting and hopefully bring much thrill back into the sport.

After Alinghi took the win last year retaining the cup, their has been much debacle surrounding the cup and I'll admit I've somewhat lost interest in all the legal issues between BMW Oracle/Team New Zealand v's Alighi. Alighi were the most unsportsman like people on the face of the earth following their 1 second win over Dean Barker and team who were pushed to the side during the presenting of the cup. They have made the whole issue worse by delaying the next cup and still not sorting out the circumstances about the race boats. During this time the other syndicates are loosing money and TNZ have had to let several key people go. However with the Kiwi Cup going on offer it will hopefully bring life back to the sport which it so needs, especially to get the backing and support of kiwi's everywhere.

Invitations have gone out to all syndicates including Alighi for the first race to begin late January. It will not be a long drawn out regatta but a friendly competitive race much like in Golfing pro-am's. Teams will once again face off bringing excitement back in the air and will also be great for Auckland tourism as well on a small scale but if succesful it may hopefully become an annual event so would bring long term benefits.

Louis Vuitton whom have pulled out from their affiliation with the America's Cup mostly because its becoming too commercialised have associated their name with the Kiwi Cup where the winner will receive a specially crafted Louis Vuitton Trophy.

New Auckland Logo

I woke up this morning reaching over to my bedside to grab my remote for the tv and tunned into Breakfast tv and whilst laying back building up energy to hurl myself out from the warmth and comfort of my bed I listened to a report that Auckland has spent $170k plus on rebranding a new logo.
Now before I go further I should explain that wellington uses a whispy font with the slogan 'Positively Wellington' and Christchurch has a soft green background with subtle font with the slogan 'the garden city'.

The new logo (which I cannot find anywhere on the net-hopefully a good sign) is a large captial A in full blast red with parts of the side being stratched out, and AUCKLAND written boldly beneath all on a white background and no slogan is present. Its a horrid and aggresive looking design and cant believe my tax paid money is being spent in such a fashion. The shear sight of it and when you lay your eyes on it too (hopefully you never do) you'll get the impression that Auckland is a rage of fury and so are its people.
Only after they debated it for a while on Breakfast tv that they were advised that it was to signify Rangitoto erupting and even they said "where do you get that?."

While they at it, why dont they make the colour grey and solem for that is what auckland is to our tourists, a totally depressing city. Check out blogs, facebook or bebo and you'll read peoples comments on the city.

Why spend $170+k taking away our slogan, City of Sails? Why would you do that, especially now that Auckland is set to host an America's Cup type race sponsoured by Louis Vuitton (not affiliated with the America's Cup). Makes no sense at all, its just inconceivable.

Motorsport news

Phillip Island Enduro Race
While your never shy of a drought at Phillip Island, Holden ended their drought by taking out the Enduro race in the lead up to the 'big one' up the Mount (Mt Panorama) and by that I mean Bathurst.

The team of Tander and Skaife clinched the win from Whincup in the closing laps where on lap 103 of 115 they overtook the Ford team of Lowndes & Whincup and held out until the end taking the checkered flag.

Tander mentioned his wife giving him advice being a top F3 driver and familiar with the course in the rain. All I have to say is I'm happy to have Holden back on top of the podium and hope they take bathurst back from Ford.

F1
I'm hoping that this is not going to become a habit for Hamilton being so close to taking out the season when its almost coming to an end.His point standings now only put him 1 point ahead and I mention this only as he lost the championship title last year (in his first year) in the last race. It'll be nail biting coming down to the wire and he and team will need to pull out all stops to secure the victory making decisive tyre choices, strategic pits and just let Hamilton do what he does best and drive the heck out that car.

2008 Elections

Helen Clark announced that the elections will take place on November 8th 2008 pushing the date back from October which was the initial scheduled time.

How this move will favour Labour is unsure but not the best move in the short term but will enable them more time to push forward. Their first course of business was a blitz move on National putting a squeeze on their policies. This shows that Labour and now National are in full campaign mode as the elections move ever closer.
Labour are dropping in the polls under a personal opinion is fantastic, but the conspiricy surrounding Winston Peters isnt helping their cause at all and Phil Goff has had to step into Peters shoes for the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers meeting in New York to cover the topic of action against Fiji. Helen Clark has taken over as Acting Foreign Minister in the mean time and Phil Goff will be handling the Trade Talks in America as part of the P4 which should be intereting.

ACT has made a strong increase in the polls up from 0.6% to 2% from lastmonth showing a growing support of NZs but a long road to go yet. National have increased in their poll and hold at 53% and Labour at 33%.

The latest poll:
National 53
Labour 35
Greens 5
Act 2
NZ First 1.8

Source: TV One/Colmar Brunton

Maks Update 15th Sept 2008

Had a wonderful weekend with the little knee biter filled with loads of laughs.

When I arrived at kindy I found her on the swings with her bestest friend Rosie as they swung back n forth laughing and challenging each other to go higher. Rosie was asking "Is that your dad Makayla?" and she screamed out happily "thats MY daddy!!!." I let them swing happily together for a while before she jumped off and demanded we go home. So I zipped up her jacket and then Rosie's as well cos it was chilly and they both asked me too. I held maks hand as we walked inside with Rosie holding maks hand as they laughed all the way. Maks gave rosie a big hug then we grabbed her bag and popped out the door as she waved thru the window. A little boy ran up to the fence saying "bye makayla" and reached his hand thru to her which she shook saying "I have to go home with my daddy now." then turned to me and gave me a big hug.
On the drive home we laughed and giggled as my little backseat driver warned me about the traffic lights so I decided that if the light was red I'd reach back and tickle her which she would laugh n laugh. Game lasted about half the way home as she would say "uh oh, red light hehehehe."

Once home we settled down for the afternoon taking a walk down the road then home for dinner bath, a short play time then to bed.

The next day was quite busy with Danika coming around and we took the two of them across the road to ride their bikes as they happily raced each other. Was great for us to finally get outdoors after being couped up for months due to the weather. Just as I was putting the two kids into bed I received a phone call from a friend Danille and my Godson Jaren who stopped by with some unfortunate news but that can wait. After the kids had gone to bed, I sat back with mate Simon to enjoy the Rugby as the All Blacks won the Tri-nations and the Bledisloe cups, WHOO HOO!!!.

Sunday, well that was quite a busy day. In the morning the kids went for another bike ride along with Jaren (danille stopped by again) and maks let Jaren take a ride as she helped him along pushing the bike from behind. She's an absolute darling and I'm so proud of her.
The ride was short lived as we had to race back upstairs and get ready for Daria's Birthday party (she turns two). Daria is the second child of friends Kylie and Robin and to note, the third is only a week away. Maks had a good nap on the way out as its a fair drive so took my time making a stop off on the way so I could get a RedBull and allow her extra time to nap. But once there took her all of 5 mins to settle in before she was munching down the food and playing with the other children. we were only there for a few hours before we came home to rest and when I mean rest I was hoping that she would so I could do the same. But it worked out that I would relax on the sofa as she sat on my legs watching her kids programs until we sat down to allow her more practise in writing her name then we jumped in the car to drop her back to her mom.

We had a full on weekend and most of it was filled with hysterical laughs and from that I'm feeling on top of the world today, Thank you my dear dear baby girl.

Audi A5/S5 by Caractere

This is probably the best front layout of an Audi I have probably seen and just hope to god it hits production soon. A soft face with strong aggressive lines that are only subtle but stand out saying "see me, love me...or I'll step on you"

Hybrids - will they learn?

French car maker's Peugeot have for a while been releasing odd looking cars but more recently have been putting out some stunning looking cars. The one I have shown here albeit rather dark as a rendering picture is a Hybrid concept car we hope to have in production very soon. But after the god awful Toyota Prius we wish would just shoot off into outter space never to be seen or heard of again, Honda are releasing a competitor which looks almost as awful. I mean look at that rear, its totally prius and I hate it. The front looks like a modern upgraded look of the Odyssey and the only thing they can say is "well, its cheaper than the prius when it first came to market." Absolutely astonishing that the way they deem the forward momentum of the hybrid technology is to continue to god awful design that make my eyes bleed.

Why have the french got it right and the Japanese still having lost the plot.

TELETHON IS MAKING A RETURN

During my childhood I was entranced by this program of Kiwi personalities raising money for charity and wondered why it ever got dropped. But next year it makes a heroic return on June 20-21st running for 22 hours (I'm sure the original went for 24-guess we getting soft nowadays).

As a child we got to see their dares, laughter, excitement when the got the raised money past a certain point which is when they would dance around the studio. The show ran annually in the 70's & 80's and most are probably too young to even understand just how 'BIG' a thing is was back then.

Raising $1m was an increadalbe feat in those days and I look forward to its return next year.

First Fathers Day

Also to note that Riley Al-johary who's Son is just over a month old, Steve Jennings who's daughter had her first birthday this week and Carl Dilner for his Son "Skipper" are all having their first Fathers Day.

Welcome to the Club boys.

Upcoming Movies

Between 2009 and 2011 we will see these movies.

Video Games
Halo, Gears of War, Zelda, Prince of Persia, Metal Gear Solid, Bloodreign, Tekken, Dance Dance Revolution, Max Payne, Silent Hill 2, Spyro the Dragon, Street Fighter, World of Warcraft & The Sims.

How do you make a movie out of a computer game 'the Sims'? This is the game where you build your own city.

Sequals
Final Destination 4, Underworld 3, the Grudge 3, Jeepers Creepers 3, The brazilian job(follow up the the Italian Job), Spiderman 4, Jurassic Park 4, The Departed 2, Ghost Rider 2, I am Legend 2, Toy Story 3, Terminator 4, Transporter 3, I.Robot 2, Shrek 4, Zorro 3, Beverly Hills Cop 4, Transformers 2, Sin City 2 & 3, Crank 2,

I querry Crank 2 for the guy falls out of a helicopter at the end of the movie and goes splat? so how does he come back to continue? Only in Hollywood. I am Legend continues also and I'm pretty sure he's pretty much roasted come the end of that movie. I am however looking forward to Terminator & Transformers though and possibly Jurassic Park. But sometimes you just dont know when to kill off the franchise to some of these ie. Beverly Hills Cop I mean Leave him cool Axel Foley was great just let it rest. The Departed 2, pretty sure most of the main cast were killed at some point during the show.

Remakes (running short of ideas)
The Karate Kid, Ronin, Tron, The Thing, Army of the Dead, The Birds, Conan the Barbarian, The Big Chill

I'm absolutely keen on seeing the remake of Tron but the rest I wish were kept as we remember them. They were great but let it die.

Cartoon/Comics
He-man and the marsters of the universe, Justice Leage, GI Joe, Hong Kong Fuey, Johnny Quest, Reboot, Captain America, Superman Man of Steel.

Horror Movies
Halloween has 9 sqequals and is spawing a new one
nightmare on elm st has 8 sequals and is now being remade
jason (friday 13th) has a total of 11 sequals but another is pending
Hellraiser has 8 sequals with a remake on the way

New ones from books
Childrens book, Where the Wild things are - The book is only a few pages long !!! it'll take 15-20 minutes of the movie just to turn that one page.

Oh and from the Bible
Noah's Ark & David and Goliath

Fathers Day 2008

Makayla's little voice came across the phone with a "happy fathers day" telling me that she had made me a lovely blue card but I couldnt see it.

Sometime around noon..ish Donne dropped Makayla to me at Mission Bay where we met with Mom, Kaz and Danika for lunch. Just before we met up with the trio we walked across the park as Maks suddenly and randomly announced "I'm beautiful, and Danika's beautiful..." I didnt know what to say as it caught me off guard but I swooped her up in my arms with a "you sure are" =)

I decided to take lunch in at Portifino's as the girls sat quietly still and reserved for at least a minute or so. Maks (via mom) gave me a 'My Dad' book so I sat Maks on my lap as we read the book together showing Danika the pictures as we flipped through the pages. We enjoyed a lovely lunch but once the meal was put down we were going to head up to the Domain as it was just to windy at mission bay and I had maks bike n helmet in the boot of my car. But as we headed back the weather started to turn so we headed back home where I tried to put maks down for a nap but she had far to much energy. about half an hour before I planned to take maks back to the Moults I decided to sit down with her again and teach her how to write her name. I purchased a doodle book for her to draw in so we used several pages to practice the M A & Ks in her name. Shes improving bit by bit and if we stay focussed I think we could have it nailed in no time. I praised her for her great work and they were pretty good letters so I'm proud that she stuck it out.

We got in the car as my little back seat driver set about trying to find a white car, then a blue car. Later we joked about her sucking her thumb, I'd mention that daddy doesnt suck his thumb and she replied what about cars? Cars dont have thumbs sweetie I would laugh. What about trees? No they dont have thumbs either but they do have limbs I joked back in reply which was returned by, why dont cars have thumbs!!.
This jokingly went on for another 2 minutes before we broke into a song. I was told that I was singing it wrong and it should be sung like she sang it.

later that afternoon after dropping maks home, I went to see a movie my Sister had given me $20 to go see with strict instructions. The movie is called Tropic Thunder so I raced on out to get a ticket, take in a quick dinner bite then run into the theater. I have a few things to say, it was a great idea for a movie but was ruined by Ben Stiller I'm sorry to say. Took me a while to recognise Tom Cruise in make up and loved the fact that Robert Downey Jnr's character played so much on Russell Crowe.

All n all it was a quiet fathers day but very nice.

SOME LIGHT FUNNIES

Sometime when you deal with people who arent helpful you just want to lose-it completely in such times as these I list below. Bear in mind that these are true clients I have dealt with.

Client confirming the last 3 digits of his phone number
"I cant remember if its 477 or four double seven"

Question "how many children under the age of 18 are dependant...?"
Answer "All of them!"

"May I please confirm your home address"
"2 7 3 5 8 9 3 3"
"May I please confirm your phone number"
"87b coglans road..."
"May I please verify your date of birth"
"Sorry I dont have that on me right now" or "I cant remember"

caller "can i please have some money"
Acct Mgr "what amount of funds do you need?"
caller "oh I dont know!!!" (its surprising how often this comes up)

caller"i want a loan to get a barbie doll"
Acct mgr "how old are you?"
caller " 7 "

client "I'm missing page two of your document and I cant find it as I only have the first page of two"
Acct mgr " Not a problem, simple mistake we will send you a full copy again but firstly can you turn the page over and confirm that there is nothing printed on the otherside please."
Caller " oh there it is"

One instance 2 weeks ago, I came across a lady who called me up on the phone for help in replacing the light in her fridge as it had gone out.

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these are recent calls from the last week
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Other funnies, My time at Freedom Air, I think it was Donne took a call from a guy wondering if our flights going to Australia departed from Manurewa where too my knowledge, the largest open area there would be a schools rugby field.

Jake during his time in the Carribean was once asked if there was water on the other side of the island and in another case was requested to confirm if the island would 'float away' in a hurricane.

Worst question I've been asked to date is 'What time does it become Tuesday here in New Zealand' having asked me that on a tuesday morning. When I replied at Midnight he was shocked and surprised that it was the same here in New Zealand, just amazing.

maks n me

This is how I was greeted early one morning. She came into my room and cuddled up saying "morning daddy, morning daddy...get up now" to me while I was very much still half asleep and still waking up, beats any alarm clock thats for sure. So I reached over to grab my camera which lay next to the bed from the day prior when Danika and Maks were taking photos of each other (shown below) then we got up to chow down a fine healthy bowl or muesli and fruit as we watched her morning kids playhouse channel on Sky. She mustve picked it up her mothers home for she now knows what channel to key in on the remote, so I should teach her how to find daddys sport channel LOL. Anyway, here are some photos that Maks and her cousin took during their fun n games one day.
Photo taken of Danika by Makayla
Photo Taken of Makayla by Danika

Car News

Electric cars while able to produce zero emmissions, also produce zero sound. If your a regular reader of our car blog 'Kiwicarlovers' then you would had read several entries as to modern day electric cars. The latest being the Lightning GT, which while looks great has a fatal flaw is that the loudest sound it would produce would be the tyres running on the road. I've mentioned that these cars would be deadly in suburban areas and especially around schools as they wouldn't hear you driving up the road. While the battery life is being extended and distance travelled increased per charge the fact that where ever you go would be deafly quiet. No more roar of a V8 or even the high rev sound of a 1.6ltr vehicle just the sound of your own breathing.

A call has come to the car industry that electric or even hybrid cars when running on electric will need to be outfitted with an audiable sound to warn pedestrians they are approaching. This is certainly effective for the blind whom are the first to issue the request as they find it hard enough to navigate when they can hear a car let alone when they cant. So it may be possible that in future for the electric/hybrid car that a small motor/speaker is installed to immitate the sound of the car.

Use of Cell Phone Whilst Driving Rule

I believe that yesturday, a Road User Amendment Rule proposing the ban of using a cell phone whilst driving has been released for public consultation. This rule would still allow use of a cell phone while driving but it 'must be' handsfree operated. The rule has been issued due to an increasing number of accidents casued by drivers not paying attention to the road and are focused on their phones. The rate they of accidents as more than doubled in the last 6 weeks alone and they state that using a phone under these circumstance raises the liklihood of an accident by 4 times.
Mobile technology is ever increasing where in fact if you want to track how fast technology over all in accellerating, just look at your cell phone. They have come leaps and bounds in only a short time for the new Iphone G3 is a great example bringing new technology to the forefront. When they first combined a phone with a digital camera the pictures were terrible but a great idea, now they are combined with features such as MP3, video, video calling, accessing email, even making stock exchange buy and sell options. So we can see with all these functions available, how can a typical driver concerntrate on driving without replying to a text straight away or missing a stock option.

Its probably a fair call and being a responsible driver I personally would feel much safer on the roads, especially with a child in the back. If I was the best driver in the world it could all come crashing down with just one person not paying attention on the road.

So people Drive responsibly, Drive safe.

The Long Way Down

When I first watched the Adventures of Ewan Mcgregor and Charley Boorman travel from London England to New York City I couldnt help myself but become immersed in their adventure as they travelled through eastern europe into the likes of Mongolia and the Road of Bones in eastern Russia.

Once again the duo have pulled the same team in again with a new medic, Dai, as they travelled from the Top of Scotland, John O'groats, all the way to the southern most tip of Africa. So as I sat back and watched the new adventure unfold even as a viewer it was exciting to feel like your joining old friends on an new adventure.

There was a moment when Ewan broke his leg prior to their departure which as I watched livid, to the negative discussions by advisors about travelling through Libiya was all very riviting and when the journey commenced and they spent a night camping on the Silverstone Race track that just set my heart racing. Pitching your tent in the middle of the racing circuit is just something you dont ordinarily think of but it was a first by any means. Again they met with many friendly people even setting up camp next to nearby villages and immersing themselves in the culture.

Ewans wife Eve even joined them for 10 days riding alongside on her own motorbike which was something different from the original trip to New York. They even suprised Ewan by flying his mother out during their trip as she pretended to be a waitress offering him a soda to his pleasant suprise.

Its amazing that two friends both passionate about their motorbikes have joined together for an adventure as thrilling as this and doing Unichef work along the way is just marvellous. I have great respect for these two, not only in their adventure but for the fantastic work they do whilst travelling these increadible distances.

me =)

Taken in April this year,unfortunately while I was having my lunch at work.

METRPOLIS TOWER

The Metropolis holds 350 apartments from studio styles, 1-2-3 bedroom, to the penthouse sweet on the top levels. For me it is still the most eye appealing building that Auckland has to date.

As of late the Ascott Group's lease expired and for a short time was rebranded under Millenium Hotels but have failed to execute continuance of operating due to a lack of owners allowing their properties to be taken up in the hotel pool of rooms. With the exit of Millenium it will be interesting to see how the upkeep is managed as it is or was a very stylish building from the renovated courthouse entrance through to the amenities and apartments.

The rooms I recall had stunning views of auckland and its a shame it will no longer be operated by a hotel therefore will be interesting to see what happens to the body corp levy or whom will take over management of the building. Only 55 owners were happy to have their apartments included in the hotel pool of 350 apartments. I'm advised its largely owner occupied now, which in my day was quite the opposite with 315 rooms being in the hotel pool. Its a shame as it is a beautiful building and would be a shame to see it deteriorate, not that I see that happening.

After the two year guaranteed return promised by Kruickzeiner Properties fell through it caused quite an uproar as could be expected and at that stage saw several rooms dropped off our lilst but not a large amount to be concerned at that time. We or I just had to set up a program to manage the returns and ensure our front desk and reservations rotated the usuage of leased apartments given in our hotel pool, caused me quite a headache I must say.

But still if your a regular reader of this blog you will understand my disgust with many developments going through in Auckland and the sheer sight of some of these new apartment buildings is enough for even a blind man to say "oh dear god."
For me the benchmark is still the Metropolis standing high and proud.
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On a lighter note, I've always said jokingly in the past that Wellington may have the Beehive, but we in Auckland have the Bee's Butt.
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Its a Hard Knock Life

Being a Single Father is not always easy but then again not always hard either but a fine balance. But yesturday I was struck down by a callous email constructed by my childs mother which caught both my mother & I off guard & totally brought my world to a crumpled up pile of dust. I can accept any such concerns she may have but the manner in which it was delivered was disrespectful & unjust. Speaking generically, we as single father's get little respect or support and can be easily stereotyped as the underdog in relation to the mother but thats our society isnt it. Men have come along way yet females CAN still exert their dominace and we are forced to cave in any situation.

The remarks that were covered upset me deeply in that I was marked as having some sort of 'Agenda' to fill my childs heads with some crazy thoughts. I love my child, and hold no agenda at all with the exception of one which is simply to wake up every morning breathe in and out and continue to do that for as long as I can. What I teach my child is nothing negative, its just unconditional love, teaching her strong morals and values, allowing her to learn and experience new things, support her learning, keep her fit & healthy and grow in life. I was marred for the fact that my daughter wanted to spend more time with me which I dont think is a crime but somehow I would be made the evil wrong doer. For the past month or more she has wished to stay longer, but I've always talked that over with her and that it was time for her to return to mommy. She is well aware of that fact and is familiar with the routine that her Mother and I have agreed too but this however doesnt stop a 3 year old demanding certain things or accepting when we draw the line that they still wont try crying as a form of a childs terrorism tactics LOL.
It is heart warming that she would want to spend more time with me & my relationship with my daughter never stays the same, we grow together and learn from each other which strengthens our relationship as Father & Daughter but in my time with her we share no ill will towards her mother or family and never would, not only would that be counter productive, we are not the family to ponder that scenario, ever. We support her as two sepearte families that she is apart of, and for my fatherly love which is without contestation shall continue till I breathe no more.

Her mother and I will often hit brick walls as this is not the first and not the last yet I will adapt and move on but I hold no negativity or ill will towards her at all regardless of her email as much as it upset met. She 'is' a lovely person and a great mother but for the record, tends to misplace her trust in people unjustly. I respect her for being one of the bravest and strongest people I know and there have been good times and really fucked up times but for me thats just life, roll with the punches.

St. Patrick's Square

On Monday September 1st 2008, construction commenced to the upgrade of St. Patrick's square following the refurbishment of St. Patricks Church which was completed earlier this year. Work is roughly scheduled to be completed by November 2009 with plans to minimise disruption of walkways and nearby offices, businesses and apartments.

The new design will feature art sculptures and a larger more open area for people to socialise.

Further information can be viewed on the Auckland City Website.

(click on the title to link through)