MMP for Canada???

There is a possibility that after the federal electons in Canada on January 23rd 2006, that if a certain polition gets his way MMP may be on the way in in Canada. Is this a good thing???????...... View Here

Having fun in Canada

I am here at my sisters place on Vancouver Island. Had a great Christmas meal and lots of presents. FUN FUN.

I am interested to see that the right wing Canadian Conservative Party and it's leader Stephen Harper is catching up nicely with the long in the tooth Liberal Party. The elections are on January 23rd.

Go the right.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all. Have a great holiday and I look forwards to blogging with you all in 2006.

Alonso to move?

Here

Arnold withdraws

Here

It snowed

Tahoe California. December 17th 2005

Squaw Valley USA

I am ready to make my way to Tahoe again in a hour or two. I have to do a final check of the house before New Years, and have a beer of two at the Irish Pub there in Squaw Valley tonight. I am only going for 1 night, so I expect to be back in LA late tomorrow. SNOW is expected, so I best take some pictures......

Let it snow let it snow let it snow.

US-Mexico border fences to be built.

It is about time. According to drudgereport.com, the House of Representatives voted to build a wall along the US border with Mexico to stop illegal immigration. I don't know why this was not done long ago. It is a very simple way for all sorts of riff raff to get into the USA easily, along with drugs and who know what else.

The 260-159 voice vote on an amendment to a bill on illegal immigration "mandates the construction of specific security fencing, including lights and cameras, along the Southwest border for the purposes of gaining operational control of the border.

"Fencing has been designated in sectors that have the highest number of immigrant deaths, instances of drug smuggling and illegal border crossings," because of the large number of would-be immigrants who die in the desert attempting to cross the US border.

The US border with Canada was not forgotten. The bill "includes a requirement for the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct a study on the use of physical barriers along the Northern border."

The US-Mexico border is 3,200 kilometers (2,000 miles) long, the US-Canadian is bigger.

I used to live right on the border of USA and Canada. At the time the only thing to worry about was the young lads smuggling a keg or two from USA to Canada. Now it is a bit different as it is rather easy to immigrate to Canada. With all the politically correctness there, the USA is concerned about dodgy Canadian citizens born in other countries coming into USA to cause havok.

Howard Stern off to satellite radio

The free ride for Howard Stern fans ends today. Stern, a New York radio fixture for 20 years and host of a syndicated show for 12 million daily listeners, bid farewell to his fans with a final show on terrestrial radio. On Jan. 9, Stern makes his move to sirrus satellite radio where his once-free speech will cost listeners $12.95 a month. If you buy a new BMW with Satellite radio it is free for the first year.

"Good morning, and welcome to the last show on terrestrial radio," Stern said to launch his grand finale. The sound of "Taps" played in the background.

The show opened with a Stern-centric remake of the classic "What A Wonderful World," and John Lennon's "Imagine."

Stern later planned a two hour midtown Manhattan party to say goodbye to any loyal listeners who turned up and scores already had, despite a driving rainstorm. Stern planned to deliver an address to his radio fans, finishing up a quarter-century on terrestrial radio as arguably its most influential figure.

Stern leaves behind a plethora of imitators spawned in the wake of his success, when his show enjoyed an unprecedented ratings run to hit No. 1 in New York, Philadelphia, Washington and Los Angeles. No point imitating him, you'd need to be different to take his place. Rumor is that David Lee Roth is going to try and fill his boots?

His move to Sirius Satellite Radio, while somewhat risky, comes with a huge financial reward: Stern signed a five-year, $500 million contract to create two new channels for Sirius. The salaries, overhead and other programming costs come out of his windfall. Still, Howard although already wealthy, has hit the windfall with this offer.

During his career, Stern evolved into the center of attention in First Amendment issues and censorship. Infinity Broadcasting paid $1.7 million in 1995 to settle complaints by the
Federal Communications Commission against Stern. In April 2004, Clear Channel dumped Stern from six stations because of his show's content. Satellite radio has NO censorship at this stage.

Sirius is depending on Stern to reverse its money-losing ways. Since the 51-year-old shock jock announced his move last year, the number of Sirius subscribers jumped from 600,000 to more than 2.2 million. That figure is expected to hit 3 million by the end of the year. WAY to go Howard........

Below is the cover of his 1997 movie "Private Parts". If you have not seen it, get it out at your video store.

No drivers license if you drop out?

Ontario, the capital province of Canada is taking steps to become the first province to deny the privilege to drive to high school students that drop out before the age of 18.
It seems a little like the ordinary rights of a citizen are being taken away, but a drivers license is a privilidge not a right. If that was to happen in NZ, then there would be a backlash, and a lot of youngsters without a drivers license.

The provincial Liberal government introduced legislation Tuesday that would force young people under 18 to prove they are an active student in order to get their driver's licence. If a student drops out before graduating or turning 18 they could be punished by being refused a licence to drive or having a licence already in their possession suspended. Too bad if you have a job a long way from your house.

Ontario's education minister said the government wants to take the unusual step to impress upon students that staying in school will lead to a better future.
I fully agree that staying in school and getting qualifications is the best thing to do, but if you are legally entitled to leave school at 16 or 17 then to prevent the teen the right to drive unless you stay in school seems a bit like bribary to me.

Part of me thinks it is a good idea, and another part thinks it is going to simply create a quagmire of 16 and 17 year old Ontarian drop outs with anti govt views.

Renees Bar Christmas party.

Went to the Renee's Bar Christmas Party at the Hotel Cafe in Hollywood last night. Ted Brown, Gregory Johnson, Minibar and all of the regular crooners from the famous Sunday nights were there, and it was a particularly good show. Everyone was on form and I even managed to try a new drink...... A Washington Apple.



Greg, Simon (Minibar) and Ted.

Photo ripped from Gregs site.

Went to taping of the Tonight Show.

Today Gregory and I went to see a live taping of the Tonight Show with a couple of friends from this side of the world. We even got showen around back stage which was cool. Sir Anthony (Tony) Hopkins was on the show along with some other fellow and Coldplay. Jay Leno gave a fantastic recommendation for The worlds fastest Indian, which Sir Tony is in as well as it being filmed in NZ about a NZ character. Coldplay was good, and the other fellow seemed to be hyped up over some new show that looks interesting. If and when you make it to LA, I fully recommend getting to Burbank and watching a taping of the show.... It was very very fun.

At last... Villeneuve on top

Jacques Villeneuve got to grips with his new BMW V8 engine on Saturday as he set the clear pace on the fourth day of testing at Jerez in southern Spain. The Canadian's best lap of 1m18.782 was enough to keep him comfortably ahead of McLaren's Pedro de la Rosa (with a limited V10 engine) and the two 2006 Toyotas of Ricardo Zonta and Jarno Trulli.

This is great news..... That tells me that BMW is improving the set up, and Jacques can actually do it. After a rather embarassing time in 2005 with Sauber, I am predicting that with BMW power, some motivation, and the right set up, Jacques might actually be competitive in 2006

Way to go Jacques.

You are not The Prime Minister

And you will never be.

1 Year today.

CONGRATULATIONS

May you have many many many more happy anniversary's.

Shaq becomes an officer again.

According to the NZ Herald today. In Miami Beach, the extremely long arm of the law is attached to a 7-foot-1-inch (216cm), 147kg basketball superstar.

Shaquille O'Neal, the Miami Heat centre regarded as one of the world's best players, was sworn in on Thursday as a reserve police officer with the Miami Beach Police Department. You wouldn't want to get bashed by Shaq, watch out if you are in Miami.

O'Neal, who has long been interested in a crime-fighting career and wants to become a police chief someday, has a uniform, badge, gun and the power to make arrests.

He worked as a reserve officer in Los Angeles during his years with the Lakers and has been training in Miami Beach since his trade to the Heat in July 2004.

O'Neal won't be put on street patrol - an enormous world-famous athlete in a police uniform might be a distraction - so he is working in the detective bureau on child exploitation crimes.

"He made it quite clear he didn't want to be used for photo ops and recruitment work when he came here," Miami Beach Police spokesman Bobby Hernandez said.

"He wanted to get down and dirty."

In September, O'Neal witnessed an assault on a gay couple and followed the suspects in his vehicle while calling for backup and flagging down a passing police car, Hernandez said. His actions resulted in an arrest.

O'Neal, who earns about US$20 million ($28.86 million) a year as a National Basketball Association star, must do a minimum of 20 hours work a month, when he's not busy with his other job, Hernandez said.

As a reserve officer, he has all the law enforcement powers of a full-time officer.

"The only difference between a regular police officer and reserve is I get paid and he doesn't," Hernandez said.

When I met Shaq at Beverly Hills BMW in 2003, everyone was surprised to see him pulling up in a Ford Crown Victoria undercover police car. The reason for it as it said above was that he was also an Officer in LA. Quite smart really, you don't see hooligans racing up to what is suspected as being a police car and looking in do you? Plus it had very dark tinted windows, so he would not be detected by adoring fans.

WAY to go Shaquille..... It does send a good message that although he makes plenty of folding, he is concerned with helping the community. Plus if there is a fight on the ball court, he can arrest the opposition.

NZ's biggest home in my old town?

According to the NZ Herald, a Coatesville house estimated to cost $30 million is being developed by interests associated with the founder of the flourishing Chrisco Christmas Hamper Club. I was brought up in Coatesville, a lovely area which had dairy farms, gravel roads, and lots of horsie girls...... Now it looks like things have changed.

Richard Bradley, in his mid-50s and a British migrant who lives on the North Shore, is in a group building what is thought to be New Zealand's largest house, on Mahoenui Valley Rd north of Albany. I wonder if it is the same Richard Bradley that immigrated from UK and sent his kids to Coatesville primary in the LATE 80's. They also lived on Mahoenui Valley Road, but sold up due to business problems I think. Looks like things turned around for the better.

Despite his apparent wealth and global business, Mr Bradley has never appeared on the National Business Review Rich List, which has a $25 million minimum. He started the Chrisco business in Britain in 1978, has been here since 1992 and runs Chrisco in Canada and Australia. If they have been here since 1992 it is not the same folks unless there is a mistake by the journalists.

New Zealand's most expensive house sold is at Boatshed Bay on Waiheke Island. Mark Hotchin, who heads finance company Hanover Group and is a part-owner of the NZ Warriors, reportedly paid $13.8 million for the house this year.

Dozens of tradesmen have been working on the Coatesville house. The site, shielded by high stone walls, has an arbour of mature palm trees, tennis courts, a maze garden, ponds and a large pool.

My parents owned a real estate company in Coatesville called "Good Realty" for many years. My mother once sold a 10 acre block for a record price on Mahoenui Valley Road. It was approx 1990, and she sold the prime block for $312,000. So things change. Have to add another zero or two to move to Coatesville now.

A building a kilometre high?

According to the NBZ herald today, a new building is being proposed within a multi-billion dollar Arabian city, the 250-storey tower would form the centrepiece of a development that the Kuwati government hopes will establish it as a serious global player. Maybe Osama will leave this one alone?

London-based architect Eric Kuhne & Associates is in talks with Kuwaiti government officials over the project, according to a report published in the Architects' Journal.

The 1,001m tower will form the centrepiece of the Madinat al Hareer, or "City of Silk", that would house 700,000 people. I have not been up the skytower, so if I am ever in Kuwait when this is finished, you wont catch me up it.

Kuhne claims constructing the city and its infrastructure - including four ports - would cost $150bn (NZ$214bn) and take 25 years.

The next highest building in the world is the Burj Dubai, the landmark tower in the Middle Eastern tourist hotspot designed by US architect Skidmore Owings and Merrill.

Still under construction, its height is likely to be between 700 and 800m when it is completed in 2008.

The tallest completed building is Taipei 101, in Taiwan, which measures 509m, so the proposed new building will nearly be twice the height..... CRAZY.

More well known man made giants include the Empire State Building, which was the tallest structure in the world for 41 years, and almost 75 years after it was built it remains the world's ninth highest skyscraper at 443m. I nearly went up the Empire State Building when I was in NY in July, but changed my mind...

The Eiffel Tower in Paris measures 320m. The line up was too large when I was in Paris to go up this one....

At 328 metres Sky Tower in Auckland is the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere, offering breath-taking views for more than 80 kilometres in every direction. Never wanted to go up that after my issue with the Space Needle below.

I have been up the CN tower in Toronto, which is 553 meters tall.... I had a problem when I went up the Space Needle in Seattle with my buddy Riaz Khan. The building which is only 162 meters high started wobbling, and I had to crawl on my hands and knees to the bar where I promptly ordered a Jack and Coke before getting back to terra firma.

What is the point of building a building 1 kilometre high?


CN Tower 553 metres high

No automatic right to NZ citizenship

According to stuff.co.nz: Not all babies born in this country will automatically become citizens of New Zealand under a law change coming into effect on January 1.

The change will affect some of the babies born to up to 500 couples who travel to New Zealand each year to give birth so their children can obtain a New Zealand passport. This is similar to my previous post here about USA thinking of stopping the same thing with illegal immigrants coming to have children to obtain passports.

The children born here to couples who have no claim to New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency will not be entitled to citizenship under the new rules. Fair enough I say. There is enough bludging going on in NZ as it is.

Registrar-general of Births, Deaths and Marriages Brian Clarke, said the change would only affect a small number of babies of about 500 so it seems.

"The new rules will not affect the vast majority of children born in New Zealand.

"If at least one parent is a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident their new baby will be a citizen of this country. This generally includes Australian citizens and permanent residents.

Mr Clarke said that it also applied where at least one parent was a permanent resident of the Cook Islands, Tokelau or Niue.

Children born to New Zealand citizens outside of New Zealand will generally acquire New Zealand citizenship by descent as they should.

There is no reason to grant citizenship to children of non residents unless they apply and get approved as with any other person wanting to immigrate to NZ. There is a security issue there too, and I am glad that the loophole will be closed as of January 1st 2006. I only wish that USA would do the same thing soon.

Go right Canada

Canada is due to have an election on January 23rd, it's second in just as many years. The country has been run by the left wing Liberals since 1993 under the control of Jean Cretien, and now Paul Martin the previous finance minister. Quite frankly, I believe that Canada has been drained of it's ability to be a world leading country since the Liberals took control.

The country is very PC, the unions cause a strike practically every month. The US/Canadian relations are poor, Quebec is a thorn in the side, and the taxes are way too high. Canada has the ability to really be a world player, but it is currently perceived as the snow covered Switzerland of the north.

There is hope, and that is the Conservative Party of Canada. The Leader of the party Stephen Harper has announced the party's intention to have a reduction of GST from 7% to 5% if they win the election. He has said that the Military will be considerably boosted, and they are planning on getting tougher on crime. It has been stated that drug trafficers caught in Canada currently spend an average of 87 days in the slammer... That will change.

Canada is a brilliant and beautiful country, but there is a few major problems... One of them can be changed by electing in the Conservative Party and getting Canada back on track.

Problem is that the Conservative is perceived as a Western Canadian Party. The liberals have a large stronghold in Ontario (East), which also has the largest of the electorate votes.... It is going to be an uphill battle, but there is a chance.

I am afraid that Canada may well be doomed for another short term Liberal party controlled election win......

Lets hope that the Canadians see the light.....

Beautiful California weather again

I left the snowy grounds of JFK in NY and arrived back in warm LA. Plane was over an hour late leaving but it was a good flight. Kate Moss was on the flight... Wonder what she is doing, ( or shouldn't be doing ) in Los Angeles.

It is late here, and I have a meeting bright and early tomorrow, so I will sign off. Best I get on to Paritai Drive part 2 soon..........

Leaving Manhattan

Had a brilliant time here in NY. Went out yesterday with the developer of a building that we are interested in. Had a great Italian meal complete with truffles, sweet bread, oxxo busco? and some rasperry crepe's flambed in something nice. The developer seems to be rather hooked up and know most everyone. The stories were great, and it was good to talk about his love of cars too.

Off for brunch with the Real Estate agent now.

In the Big Apple

Finally made it to the Big Apple via Denver. The weather here is clear and cool, but notas cool as Tahoe. Went to Wall Street today to look at some spectacular apartments. Off to a dinner and a boogie at a private club tonight...... Manhattan ROCKS.

Tahoe was spectacular

Tahoe was spectacular. The day we landed in Reno, it was snowing. By the time we got to the house in Tahoe by taxi we were in a virtual blizzard. It must have snowed a foot. It was really beautiful, and I must say that the X5 with snow tires preformed magnificently. Visit Squaw Valley in Tahoe.

Off to NY and Tahoe today

I am off shortly to Tahoe and NY, the Big Apple is beakoning..... so blog light for a week....

# 43 is smarter than most people think!

George W Bush the 43rd President of the USA is a lot smarter than most people believe. He was a figher pilot, that takes some brainpower. He received a MBA from Harvard, that takes some intelligence. He was Governor of Texas 4 times, that requires some smartness. He speaks fluent Spanish, that requires a some concentration and memory power. HE IS the President of the USA for the second term. A stupid person would have given up long ago......

Nokia 8801

I have had the priviledge of doing business with Frank Nuovo who is Nokia's chief designer. Nokia have just released the Nokia 8801 here in the USA, and it looks like the telephone to have. I just reluctantly got the Motorola Razor, which I must say I have been happy with so far, so I guess I will wait a month or 3 before I spash out on this cool new Nokia. What do you think?
Nice

Test drove this car....

Look here The lease on my 2004 BMW 325i is up in February. I have done just over 12,000 miles in her, and was contracted for 24,000 so someone is going to get a good car later. Anyway, yesterday I thought that it was time for me to drive the 2006 BMW 325i. My current car is the E46, and the new car is the E90, therefore the 06 is a new model. The 2006 325i is powered by a 3.0 inline 6 cylinder engine putting out 215hp. The E46 is a 2.5 inline six putting out 183 HP. The new car does feel faster as it should, it is more economical and the lease would not be too much more than my current vehicle. BUT... I really want the 330i which has 255 HP and plenty of great standard options. Problem is, is that being part Scottish, I don't want to pay the extra for the 330i, so it really is down to chosing the right options for the 325i. I guess that there could be worse things to do.

Eliminating birthright US citizenship

According to foxnews, birthright citizenship is the right in which babies born in the United States, even to parents in the country illegally, automatically become American citizens.

Critics call them anchor babies, and say the laws should be changed to prevent automatic citizenship that could, in the end, reward illegal immigrants. You have to be a citizen and 18 years old to sponser a family member into the USA. This means that the child or children would be entitled to live and work in the USA, but the parents are still illegal till sponsered in by the child. This is going to change.

"By granting the child citizenship, that child then is able, down the road, as he becomes an adult, to legally make the parents citizens of this country as well," said Rep. Nathan Deal, R-Ga.

Now, a bill sponsored by Deal is gaining support in Congress. It would deny automatic citizenship to children born to undocumented immigrants. A good call I think... there is a lot of illegal people here, and it has always been a way around immigrating the right way by having a sneeky child in America.

"The idea that somebody could come here, five minutes later give birth and have a brand new United States citizen is simply something that most people in their gut feel is wrong," said Ira Mehlman, a spokesman at the Federation for American Immigration Reform.

"It would be just wrong for us to deny such a basic right to just this population," said Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, or CHIRLA.

Critics of the plan also warn that denying birthright citizenship to illegal immigrants could result in a divided culture such as the one that was demonstrated so vividly in the recent wave of arsons and vandalism in France....... BUT these people are illegal...... They have NO rights. They should go home to their country.

The 14th Amendment states, in part, that "all persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the U.S." Backers of birthright policy say changing the way that clause is interpreted would be unconstitutional and un-American.

"It goes against a tradition of really integrating immigrants into our society in order to unify us as a nation, and what it actually does, it further marginalizes a whole community," Salas said.

Deal says supporters are missing the meaning of the phrase "subject to the jurisdiction thereof," which he argues excludes anyone in the United States in violation of the law — like illegal immigrants.

"If you look at the original debate of that amendment in the Congress, it was obviously not intended to give carte blanche birthright citizenship to anyone who happened to be born on American soil," Deal said.

Provisions to drop automatic citizenship are also part of several other immigration reform plans circulating on Capitol Hill, and the idea is gaining public support. A recent poll shows 49 percent of Americans oppose automatic citizenship for everyone born on U.S. soil with only 41 percent in favor.

I was not born here, but I am here legally, therfore if I was to father a child in this country, it currently is and still would be the childs right to have US citizenship.

Rodneys ride.

Rodney Hide MP for Epsom has got a new ride. A brilliantly sign written Smart Car. Now this car is going to attract attention, as it did when he gave me a ride up Parnell Rise in it on November 11th. The car is going to appeal to the Greens, as it is very fuel efficient, and it might just remind the previous MP for Epsom that it is time to eat humble pie, and conceed defeat. The car is surprisingly spacious, and is rather peppy, so keep an eye out for the Boss driving the Smart through the Epsom Electorate soon.
Way to go Rodney.

Rodneys Post

# 3 Paritai Drive, Orakei

Although there is no correlation between this article in the Herald today Paritai P Lab and my old humble abode above, I thought that I would share a few stories about my year and 1/2 at #3 Paritai Drive, Orakei.

The house was owned by a Chinese family from HK. The husband spent most of his time out of NZ, and his wife was in control of the properties they owned in NZ.

Daniel F King, who was trying to give the P.M a run for her money as the ACT candidate in Mt Albert, and I decided that it was a good idea to get a flat together (separate rooms before you ask), as we got on well and both were (are) very keen ACT supporters. We figured that we could come up with a plan to have ACT as the second largest party in NZ, and that would start with Daniel taking Mt Albert by storm.... HA.

Daniel wanted to spend up large, or at least look like it, so we decided to target Paritai Drive. We went to visit Mr John Boscawen who lived on the Drive, and Daniel bluntly asked where we could move too in the area. John suggested that that # 3 was available and he informed us as to where the owner lived.

We rushed home and got dressed up. I picked up a rental agreement from my office, and we went directly to the owners place.......... Before long we had viewed the house which had 6 rooms, a swimming pool, and views to DIE for. We struck up a fair deal with the owner, and her translator who was there as a back up. She wanted $800 per week, but happily shook and signed on $750 per week if we took if for a year and paid the deposit right away. I asked that we were allowed a cat, and the right for another year renewal, and it was signed off. We were to move in in two weeks............

The next morning at 6am the lady owner called me and said that it was not a deal unless we agreed to pay $800 p.w. I told her that we had a deal and it was binding. She then started getting mad. *Let me note that the house was on the rental market for a long time, and she was delighted that we wanted to rent that place the day before... it was a DUMP of a house but acceptable for a group of bachelors*.

I told Daniel that we had some trouble on the horizon, and was concerned that she may not give us the keys in 2 weeks time.... I called the tenancy tribunal and asked if we had done anything wrong..... They said we had a binding agreement and it seemed fair, so I stuck to my guns. I would get a call from the owner every second day and they got weirder and weirder..... I was getting more concerned.

The HAPPY day arrived, Daniel and I were going to be big shots with a Paritai address and neighbours like Mr Kirkpatrick, The Hujlich's, Mrs Gibbs, The Staisny's and some guy with a Lamborghini next door. Problem was is when we arrived to inspect the property and get the key, the front gate was locked...... (It had not been locked for about 5 years prior). This is when all the fun began......

Dan and I went to the owners place, and I knocked on the door. It opened and the rental agreement was pushed out side of the door with the figures changed.... to $800. We pushed them back in politely and said that we were here for the keys. The door was slammed. We knocked again....... Door opened, bottle of champange was waived out of the front door... For us when we agreed to pay $800..... We said NO to champagne. Door slammed. Knocked again and this time I jokingly said to Daniel that this was about the time that I expected a shotgun blast through the door. Daniel took note and stood behind me.

The bloody door swung opened only to be stopped by the chain catch.... The owner was waiving a meat cleaver at us wildly and madly. We both instantly decided to RETREAT. Daniel nearly leaped a 9 ft fence in a single bound, and I made it to the car quicker than the neighbor could have in his Lamborghini. It was back to the drawing board.

Unfortunately we had to lay a complaint with the local police. We were legally entitled to live in the house and the owner was in the wrong. The police visited her and the next day the front gates were unlocked after she rang to apologise. We collected the keys and were delighted to see the owner had had a change of heart and left a nice note saying "Everything is beautiful, do not worry, good lucky!" along with the champagne. Phew, best we get a dead lock installed........... Gary Probsting moved in as well, and it was down to getting the place filled up so as it didn't bankrupt us.......

End of part 1

Pablo in full effect on the radio

My buddy and fellow blogger Aaron "Pablo" Bhatnagar has got himself a weekly radio gig. It is at 6:50am every Friday morning on Radio Pacific 1476am with no other than former Mayor, and next Mayor of Auckland Mr John Banks. Pablo is heading up... "A bloggers perspective on the week in politics". Congrats Pablo....... Maybe this will open up the door for a career in politics and radio?

Pablo's link

Next stop Tehran

It looks like the Iranians are getting themselves in hot water with their persistance in making a nuclear warhead. Now I think I'd prefer to moonlight as a mailman in Iraq rather than have the Iranians get their hands on anything more than a double happy.

Nothing like a paranoid trigger happy country that really does not like or care for the west.

I am predicting that the next stop for the UN forces could well be Tehran. Now that would certainly start WW3 so hopefully the authorities in Iran take serious note to what the EU, US and UN are saying.

KEEP your hands off the uranium, or brace yourself for visitors.

Turkey in the oven

So we went out last night and purchased a 23 Pound turkey. It says that it takes 5 1/4 hours to cook, but I am expecting it will take a little longer according to relatives and friends in the know. It has been in for 1 hour and 15 minutes, so I guess 5 hours to go....

It is fantastic listening to Kiwi FM on the computer...WOO HOO.

Weird.... She ate a 10lb turkey in 12 mins.

This is odd. How could anyone eat a 10lb turkey in 12 minutes without feeling ILL? According to CNN Sonya can do it...........

A day before millions of Americans sit down to eat traditional Thanksgiving dinners, a Virginia woman grabbed the world turkey-eating title on Wednesday by gobbling down a whole roast bird in 12 minutes. Unbelievable

Sonya Thomas, 37, who weighs just 105 pounds (47.5 kg), beat seven men in the annual Thanksgiving Invitational: a race to eat a 10-pound (4.5-kg) turkey. She must have fasted for a week....

The smallest in the field, Thomas put her victory down to "swallowing fast."

"It was very dry and the skin was very dry," said Thomas, holding her trophy, a roasting pan, over her head. "I just tried to eat fast."

Venerated in competitive eating circles as "The Black Widow", the Alexandria, Virginia woman said she trained for the event, held at a delicatessen in New York, by chewing gum to get her jaw in top form.

She said she plans to eat turkey again on Thursday, but much more slowly so that she can taste every bite. Maybe she should get fish and chips instead.

Her victory was no surprise. She is ranked as the No. 2 competitive eater in the world, behind Japan's Takeru Kobayashi, according to the International Federation of Competitive Eating, which sponsored the turkey-eating event.

Thomas, who collected $2,500 in prize money, has also dominated her opponents in egg, cheesecake, baked bean, crab-cake, meatball, and fruit-cake eating contests.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING........

Kiwi FM Rocks

I am very happy to hear that I can log into Kiwi FM from the good old USA and listen to my favorite tunes from NZ. Previously it was only available in NZ which I thought was silly, as I was missing out. So if you are overseas and you want to hear Kiwi sounds log in......on my links......

Lots of flying.

I just got back to the City of Angels. I flew from LA on Sunday, and landed at Reno Nevada. Got a rental car at Reno, and drove to Squaw Valley @ Lake Tahoe, California. The house in Squaw is spectacular, and I was up there to try and get it all finished for when the CEO and his family come up for Christmas. It was a bit of a rigmarole, and I still have more work to do, so I will be back next week.

Anyways I sampled the large hot tub last night, and nearly got the shock of my life when I thought a Bear was coming to visit me, it turned out to be a false alarm, but my heart was pumping fast.

The temperature there was 26 F today which is -3.5C. The funny thing is that there was no precipitation, so it was absolutely beautiful. This time last year they had 6 feet of snow on the ground. Nothing to date this year. I expect to see some next week when I am back though.

I drove back to Reno this afternoon, the plane was slightly delayed, but managed to make it to San Francisco for a quick cup of clam chowder and some famous sour dough bread before hopping on the 757 for LAX. I have not been to San Fran since I was 18, so it was great to see the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge out of the plane window.

Now I am back in LA, so it is time to do some more work and enjoy Thanksgiving which is on the 24th this year.

Happy Thanksgiving to you.

Ted Brown Live at the Gin Room

For those of you in Auckland, Ted Brown is having a Gig at the Gin Room, which is upstairs at the Queens Ferry in Vulcan Lane. This is on Wednesday 23rd of November. Tickets will be at the door. You may know Ted as Greg Johnsons sidekick here in USA and NZ. Ted has his own style of music and it is brilliant, so support the Kiwi's and go and watch Ted play.

Bunny Party

Went to another party last night in Hollywood. It was interesting to see that there were some playboy models there and one of them was moonlighting as "The worlds best looking DJ". Well she was rather good looking, and probably had the ability to turn the record player on and flip sides, but I didn't hear a lot of mixes. I was disappointed that she was only on for 20 minutes, as it was not enough time for me to get the jist of her skills. Have to give it to her though, I was at the party with DJ-VMO, and she got wind of it and became nervous. We all went up afterwards and congratulated her on a good show. For a blonde she is very cute.



Off to airport soon. Will blog light for next 2 days.

Hollywood Party

Went to a exclusive party last night at a club called Ivar. It was a invite only type situation, complete with red carpet, photographers, and complimentary beverages. I was extremely surprised to see that they were serving 42 Below feijoa and passionfruit vodka.



After the Ivar, we went to the Rok Bar on Las Palmas. It was another private party for the producer of the Howards Stern show. We were interviewed on camera upon arrival. I hope I was photogenic. The Rok bar did not have 42 Below, but to my surprise it has Hoegarrden Beer on tap. That is EXTREMELY rare in USA, so I had to have at least one. The music was really cool, in fact it reminded me of JD's nightclub in Auckland. They even played My Sharona by the Knack...... Ahh the memories.

Need to pack for Tahoe......

Back in LA, off to Tahoe (again)

It is wonderful to be back in Los Angeles. The weather is beautiful, and it is even a lot warmer than NZ. It was great to see everyone in NZ and I will look forwards to posibly popping down for New Years 2007.... Time will tell.

I am off again to Tahoe ( on business ) on Sunday. This way I have enough time to go to a party tonight in Hollywood, and then pack for a 2 day jaunt to Tahoe the following day. I am thinking that there may even be some snow...YEE HAAA.

I hope I remember where I am when I wake up tomorrow......

The new Boeing 747-800

I am delighted to see that Boeing is to produce the 747 Advanced, or 747-800 as she will be known. It was mandatory for Boeing to update the magnificent 747-400, or else Airbus would be stealing all the limelight and sales with the new A380.

The 747-800 is going to be a massive upgrade on the current 400 version, and it will use composite materials, more efficient engines, and it will be bigger. Check the Boeing site out...

747-800 site

Photo of the day

Winston in full effect......... Wonder what he is pulling out of his pocket?

Back to the CIty of Angels

Today is my last day in Auckland. I am not sure when I will be back next, althought I have a hunch it may be Christmas next year? I have had a great time catching up with everyone. I certainly will sleep well when I get back to LA, as I have been on the go the whole time. 12 days was just enough time to do everything I needed to do.

Pablo, Pete, Dion, Alan, Gary, DJ, Hamish, Dave, Snapper and Timmy B were in full effect last night at Denim Bar. It really is a cool place on Parnell Rise, so if you haven't been there do it, you'll have fun.

I am off to buy a whole lot of Kiwiana to put in my 1980's suitcase and take back to USA for slow consumption. I am thinking that this will be my list.

1. Vogels Bread
2. L & P
3. Chi
4. K Bars
5. Rashuns
6. Barocca
7. Black Knight liquorish.
8. Feijoa juice of some kind.
9. Pineapple lumps
10. Tangy fruits
11. NZ Fishing mag
12. NZ Autocar
13. The Exponents greatest hits cd that was just released.
14 That is all I can think of.

There will be NO vegemite or marmite, as I think that both of them taste like axle grease.

I am going to be busy today.

Canadian elections again?

Having lived in Canada for a few years, I must say I love the place, but the politics and political correctness of Canada is out of control. It now seems that just after a recent election were Jean Cretchien and the liberal party won AGAIN, and handed power over to the new Prime Minister Paul Martin after Jean retired, there is prospects of another election very soon...... This from canoe.ca......

A defiant Liberal government rejected opposition demands for a February election setting the stage for a campaign over the Christmas holidays.

"A lot will be lost to serve the opposition's demands," Tony Valeri, the Liberal House leader in the Commons, predicted Sunday.

"Families will be interrupted by candidates campaigning on their doorsteps through the Christmas holiday season."

The comments came after the three opposition party leaders, in a newly forged strategic alliance, gave Prime Minister Paul Martin two unpalatable choices:

Agree to call an election on his own in the first week of January face a non-confidence motion that would topple his government before the end of November.

The first option would see voters cast their ballots in mid-February. But it would also see Justice John Gomery deliver his second report on the federal sponsorship scandal in mid-campaign.

The second option would launch a campaign that overlaps the Christmas-New Year festive season, although the actual voting day would be Jan. 9.

I will be in Canada for Christmas, so it should be extra interesting.....

Fishing with the boys

Yesterday I went fishing in the Auckland Harbour with Paul "Moo" Bartley, Riaz "Traka" Khan and Greg "The Muss" Sillitoe. It was a pity that Darren "Spoodles" Benett couldn't make it. I got some good photo's which I will post when I get back to LA. Paul caught a shark, and so did Greg, although Greg's got away. Riaz caught the only keeper, a snapper, plus 2 parrot fish, and I managed to hook one or two but nothing to brag about.
Got sunburnt again even thought I had hat, jacket, sunglasses and sunblock. Very weary of the Kiwi sun now. Had a great day though.

Had a spectacular night at the Denim Bar

It was great for me to catch up with a lot of my old and good friends last night in Parnell, some of which I had not seen for 5 years or more. The folks at Denim Bar put on a good show and the bar tab lasted for a good portion of the night. I must say with the closing hours of bars in LA at 130am, I am feeling rather tired today as I was out till 5am....... I had a great time though.. Thanks to everyone for showing up.

What up with Arnold Schwarzenegger?

According to Fox news, the democrats won governerships in New Jersey and Virginia in off-year elections this week, while voters in California voted against ballot initiatives supported by GOP Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Not too good for Arnoold, as his popularity seems to be tied into that of the President. Both are not polling to well at this stage. Arnold has said that he will put his hand up for the elections for California Governor next year, so I hope he manages to pull finger and get the % up.

Arnold is a great Governor in my opinion and has stuck to his plan of cutting the crap in Sacramento. It seems that with the way the propositions were played over tv advertisements in California, everyone was confused. It really boiled down to not what is good for California, but what is anti Bush. Anti Bush would be the Democrats. With California being full of Democrats, the propositions failed. Arnold is an actor, as was Ronald Reagan, and he will be able to overcome this.

Lots to do in Auckland

I have been busy catching up with friends and family. I have lost track of what day it is. Looking forwards to catching up with everybody on Friday in Parnell. It should be a great event. Have to go BACK to the dentist on monday, fishing on sunday, relaxing on saturday, and tonight I am catching up with Pablo, and his lovely wife for dinner in Remuera. Hopefully we wont get into trouble...

Greg's show rocked.

I am finally back in NZ, and after a lack of sleep on the plane I managed to get myself together and get sunburnt within 10 minutes of sitting in Mission Bay with Roofie.
Anyways, after a day of acclimitising, it was time to go to the Aotea Centre and watch Gregory and Teddy Bear perform magnificantly with a 72 piece band. The show was a great success and it was good to see lots of old friends there.
It would be good if they released a live recording of the show....

Who's fault is it really.

According to the NZ Herald yesterday.....Petrol prices may have finally been falling around the country but a rural South Island service station undercut all the opposition late last month, reducing its price to just 14.9 cents a litre, $1.34 a litre below the standard price at the time.

Unfortunately for motorists who cashed in on the bargain price, it was all a big mistake........... Well too bad for the service station. It was priced at 14.9 cents a liter and the pump was working and on. I would think that it is perfectly legal for the buyer to take the gas at that price as long as he / she paid the 14.9 cents per litre.

The Challenge Riwaka petrol station, near Motueka, inadvertently slashed its price to 14.9 cents a litre after a staff member set the decimal point in the wrong place on the overnight self-service Eftpos pump on October 21 and 22......... So sack the employee for negligence, or something. Use your error and emmissions insurance and make a claim.

Challenge placed an advertisement in a newspaper today asking those who benefited from the blunder to come forward and pay the difference............ Why, they made a mistake.

Anyone who hasn't done so by Sunday can expect to have their Eftpos details handed over to Motueka police................. Now that is darn right sneaky. If they made the mistake and someone filled up then they will have to deal with it. There may well be people out there that didn't even realise that they purchased the fuel for that price.

Challenge owner-manager Jeff Roger said this morning no-one had owned up yet. "We're upset, really. Some people have got the fuel and just come back several times knowing the machine is wrong."........... How did the buyer not know that it was some sort of promotion?

The staff member involved had made a honest mistake and was not in trouble, he said.......... Well he or she should be in trouble. I'd be mighty pissed off if I was traveling and happened to fill up at the station on route. Imagine getting to your final destination and having the police accusing you of theft. I don't think that people in their wildest thoughts would have expected to get fuel for 14.9 cents per litre.

Senior Sergeant Grant Andrews of Motueka police confirmed there were 50 Eftpos transactions on the self-service pump over the two nights.

"Challenge has offered these people an amnesty until Sunday night.

"Come Monday morning we'll be following up on theft complaints and then we'll be tracking down the people who have made the transactions.

"In some cases, there has been a transaction of 30 or 40 litres of fuel and a short time later 100 litres of fuel to that same Eftpos card.

"So we are looking at theft or using a document to obtain a pecuniary advantage -- there are penalties for that," he said.

"They will know that they've purchased petrol at that price. You could fill your car for $7, so they will know.'.................. Yea... So you fill up for $7 and realise that the charge is 14.9 cents per litre.... What do you do, put it back in the pump. That is impossible. The gas station made a mistake and should pay for it. If people who live locally volunteer to pay the extra because they filled up at teh low rate, then good Kharma for them, but otherwise...TUFF

Riots in Paris

Hmmm, maybe the French government will now realise the importance of law and order world wide, including in Iraq and Afghanistan...... Is this Kharma working on the French? An interesting thought.

Off to New Zealand

I am off to NZ today. I am expecting to have some nice weather and to get the opportunity to do a spot of fishing. I am concerned that the boat might sink again like last time, but that is a different story and I don't really have the time.

I hope that by the time I am there Aaron (Pablo) has had the opportunity to update kiwicarlovers.blogspot.com , but only time will tell.

I am especially looking foward to seeing everyone, as well as eating a couple of steak and cheese pies, and having the opportunity to make some small explosions with fireworks on Guy Falkes evening after the Greg Johnson show, which is November 5th.

I am looking forwards to strawberries, fresh food, Chi, kbars, 42 below feijoa, vogels and reading the Sunday star with some orange juice and dare I say it, a proper donut with real cream mmmmmmm.

I hope my cell phone works in NZ.

The Prince and the President

I am interested in following how the US press cover the tour of the USA of Prince Charles and his wife Camilla. On fox news they seem to be putting a lot of coverage on air. I am not sure what The President and the Prince would be talking about over their private lunch, but it is expected that Prince Charles is going to push environmental issues. I am sure that George would prefer to discuss the war on terrorism, or baseball, but I guess only they will know......

Greg Johnson at Aotea Centre November 5th

Gregory Triple Johnson is playing a gig with Ted Brown at the Aotea Centre in Auckland this coming Saturday the 5th. I mentioned this before, but they will be playing with the Auckland Philharmonia and it will be a great and unique show. Tickets are selling fast, but if you have not got yours yet, go to ticketec and get some, or click here: Greg Johnson tickets I will be there......

Stefan Johansson, keep an eye on this guy.

I have been helping in the set up of a business in which Nick Wood has masterminded over the last couple of years. It is due to be launched soon, and I will release details when we are ready to go.

Also involved with the business amongst others, is Stefan Johansson. He is an ex Formula 1 driver for the likes of McLaren and Ferrari just to name two.

The reason for me mentioning this is that he will be racing in the Grand Prix Masters series against the likes of Nigel Mansell, Alan Prost, Alan Jones, Rene Arnoux, Emerson Fittipaldi and more. I wish Stefan all the best, and I expect to see him on the podium soon. Keep an eye on Stefan Johansson.

Murray Walker is BACK......

In reading the Grand Prix Masters website, I am excited to see that after having announced his retirement at the 2001 U.S. Grand Prix, legendary TV commentator Murray Walker today returns to the commentary box with new racing series Grand Prix Masters. The fan's favourite is gearing up again to say "Go, Go, Go!" when the inaugural Altech Grand Prix Masters South Africa race is launched in Kyalami on 11th - 13th November 2005.

'The voice' as he is affectionately known is instantly familiar to millions of viewers around the world and during a historic gathering of Grand Prix Masters drivers at Silverstone today, Murray was emotionally re-acquainted with many of the racers who he so famously commented on during his 53-year reign as the people's favourite. Stefan Johansson, Nigel Mansell, Emerson Fittipaldi, Ricardo Patrese, Derek Warwick, Andrea de Cesaris, and Patrick Tambay were amongst some of the great names who participated in the two-test session at Silverstone ahead of the inaugural race in two weeks time.

This is going to be a bloody great series. I hope that Speed TV in USA and TVNZ, or SKY, or Canwest in NZ pick it up. The racing will be spectacular with all of these marvellous ex F1 drivers hitting the track in virtually identical 600hp open wheel racing cars. I think that it will give all of us F1 fans a chance to watch something very interesting after F1 is finished for the year, and even if it is run simultaneously. Grand Prix Masters

Bangers and Mash

I had lunch at the King Head in Santa Monica with fellow Kiwi friends Mat and Nadine. We had the specialty bangers and mash. I particularly like the old English pub meals, and for desert we were all very excited to have rhubarb crumble and custard. The Americans really don't know what they are missing out on.

Mat like myself has been lucky enough to just win a greencard in the greencard lottery....... Congrats.

Odd weather

Today in Santa Monica, it was just over 30 degrees C. Now it is the first of November and traditionally it should be cooling down by now. That is the benefit of Southern California. You know the weather is going to be good, you just hope that there is some wind too blow the smog away.

City of Angels

Well I am back in LA. I got most of everything done that needed to be completed on my quick trip to Colorado and Tahoe. On the way to Eagle Vail Airport, I ended up flying on a small propellor plane, but all was well and there was no turbulence. It was beautiful in Beaver Creek. The house is in good order, and thank goodness the heating system works well. The hot tub was at 100 degrees F and the outside temp was about 42F.

I then flew to Reno Nevada, and rented an el cheapo and drove the 50 miles to Squaw Valley in Lake Tahoe California. I was surprised to find that the weather in Tahoe was a lot colder than Colorado, even though Tahoe is about 2000 feet lower than Beaver Creek. The house is in the process of getting furnished, and slowly but surely we are getting there. The new hot tub is in place and looks great, although I had no time to hop in.

Went out with the real estate agent Ken, his twin brother and his girlfriend the night before I left and I will tell you it was a rather large evening. We ended up at a house party and a small head ach.

On the was back I flew on what looked like a Lear Jet, but it was a Canadair CRJ 50. It was a very nice new plane and made for a great flight.



I got collected at the airport upon arrival, and proceeded to get dressed up for a brilliant Halloween party in a house on the beach in Venice. I went as a person who had been run over by a car, complete with fake blood. Most of LA's best looking ladies were there, and the music rocked. I have decided that the drink of the month is a Dirty martini......

Off to the Beaver.

I am off again to Beaver Creek in Colorado tomorrow. Time to check up on the house for the winter season and make sure that all the necessary work has been completed before serious snowfall hits. After Colorado, I go to Reno Nevada and drive to Tahoe California to check up on the house there too..... It is going to be a hectic week, as when I get back to LA I will only have 3 or 4 days before I go to NZ..... Busy Busy.

Bunny and Blairs farewell.

Last night we all went to Ma'kai and Renee's to see Anita and Blair Wolfgram off. They have been successful up here in the USA for about 3 years and have decided to go back to NZ and settle down. It was great to have them both here in Santa Monica and I wish them well. Hope they have fun in South America on the way to the land of the long white cloud.

Visitor of the week.

This is my friend Todd Bidois from New Zealand. He popped up to Florida this week to support David Tua in his victorious boxing fight and comeback. Todd is currently sleeping on the Air New Zealand 747-400 enroute to Auckland. Good to see you Todd.

Syria may have to feel the heat.

Hariri (deceased) and President G.W Bush above.

According to CNN and Fox news, President George W. Bush on Friday called on the United Nations to convene a session as soon as possible to deal with a U.N. investigative report implicating Syrian officials in the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. I heard Dubya mention this live, and I am thinking that there may be an opprotunity for the USA to pop into Syria sometime soon.

"The report strongly suggests that the politically motivated assassination could not have taken place without Syrian involvement," Bush said after helping dedicate a new pavilion at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Southern California.

The President is at the Reagan Museum in Simi Valley CA for the grand opening of the Air Force One 707 showcase. It was President Reagan's dream for the public to be able to see inside Air Force One, and now it is a reality. I will be visiting soon.

The U.N. investigative report, which Bush called "deeply disturbing," established a link between high-ranking Syrian officials and their Lebanese allies in Hariri's murder February 14 in Beirut.

Earlier Friday, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said she was deeply troubled by the U.N. report. She said the international community must find a way to hold Syrian authorities accountable. I am waiting to see if the strong anti terrorism push comes out of the UN meeting. If so as I said above, we may see US forces in Syria soon.

The Tuaman back in action in USA.

It has been brought to my attention by Todd A. J. Bidois who is in USA to support the fighter, that this evening, David Tua will make his United States return when he meets Cisse Salif on a pay-per-view card promoted by Cedric Kushner. The fight is at the new Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida. It marks just the second fight over the last two years for the Samoan (Kiwi) strongman. Best he wins and then flys out of there before Hurricane Wilma hits and uproots everything.

Tua, who is 32 years old, has been involved in a long and bitter lawsuit with his management team back home in New Zealand. That was the primary reason for his inactivity. He was asked earlier this week what he had done during the time off.

"I was washing dishes," the heavyweight said. "I thought I did a good job. My wife didn’t think so. She told me, ‘Now go out there and fulfill your dream and become heavyweight champion or I’m going to hit you with a frying pan.’" Funny how the ladies always seem to wear the pants.....

Now when it comes to weight between the fighters for tonights match up, that is an issue. Tua who is 5 ft 9 and 1/2 inches tall, expects to weigh about 240 pounds for the return bout ("The time away has seemed to put more beef on my thighs," he said), but at times he’s weighed more than 250. Salif, who has a 17-4-2 record, is 6ft 4 and will likely scale 265.

So it is not going to be a push over for Tua to win, but I guess if he pretends that Salif is his previous manager then it will be a fight that goes down in history.

Go the Tuaman.

Sharks are everywhere

This guy caught a huge Great White in Raglan last week, Australia wants to start a cull of the sharks, and now this......according to CNN. Wont catch me on the surfboard...

In BODEGA BAY, California, a surfer received a bad gash Wednesday when a 14-foot shark bit her leg in the waters off northern California, and pulled her underwater, authorities said.

Megan Halavais, 20, was paddling into the water off Salmon Creek Beach in Sonoma County around 11 a.m. when the shark attacked her from behind. Surprise Surprise, hadn't she seen Jaws?

Halavais, an experienced surfer, said she got away after she hit the shark on its tail, according to sheriff's Lt. Roger Rude.

Halavais, of Santa Rosa, was helped from the water by other surfers.

She was taken to a hospital with a bite that stretched from her thigh to her calf, Rude said. She was listed in good condition.

The beach has been the site of several shark attacks in recent years, Rude said.

Police believe the shark likely was a great white. They have closed the beach and warned surfers in nearby locations.

It's raining.

It has been raining in Los Angeles all day today. It is nice to have some rain as it clears away the smog and cleans the streets.... It has not rained like this for at least 6 or 8 months.

Rocky is coming back.....

Well it seems that retro is all popular at the moment, and according to Fox News, Sylvester Stallone is getting back into the ring. He is reprising his role as boxer Rocky Balboa in a new movie of the same name.

The film will be co-produced and co-financed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Revolution Studios and Columbia Pictures, and distributed by Columbia Pictures.

"Rocky," which won the 1976 Academy Award for best picture, was the story of a down-and-out club fighter from Philadelphia who got a shot at the heavyweight title.

In the sixth installment, Stallone's character, known for his familiar greeting of "Yo, Adrienne," is drawn back to the boxing ring after retiring to face a new champion. He also faces a personal tragedy.

"'Rocky Balboa' is about everybody who feels they want to participate in the race of life, rather than be a bystander," Stallone said in a statement Monday. "You're never too old to climb a mountain, if that's your desire."

The film is the first to be approved by MGM since it was acquired by Sony Corp last year, MGM said in a statement.

Shooting is scheduled to begin in early 2006. Hopefully Stallone doesn't expire before the filming is finished.

Air New Zealand

I was searching for a flight on airnz.com. I thought that I would express my pleasure in knowing that the 747-400's that travel between LAX and AKL will be upgraded soon, and I will be able to watch videos on my own screen even in economy. It is about time as QF has been running the private screens for some time, but when given the choice I always fly Air New Zealand.

The puzzle is placed together.

It has been done. Labour is forming a government for the 3rd time, and Winston is Minister of Foreign Affairs. Seems that he will be out of the country most of the time and Helen likes the thought of that I am sure. It will be very intresting to see how this pans out. I hope for the sake of NZ it doesnt blow up into a million pieces.

Bond, James Bond

Daniel Craig unveiled as new James Bond





This guy is blond, just like me. Daniel Craig, who is a 37-year-old, sandy-haired Englishman was introduced Friday as the new James Bond, ending months of speculation.

His selection was revealed as he was whisked down the Thames River aboard a military Rigid Raider boat to a news conference.

Craig replaces Pierce Brosnan in the role of the suave spy in "Casino Royale," due in theaters next year.

"It is a huge iconic figure in movie history, and those things don't come along very often," the star said, after posing for photos with producer Barbara Broccoli and director Martin Campbell.

Craig revealed he only discovered on Monday that he had definitely been given the role and had to consider the offer. How could you turn down the role of James Bond, even if the script is cheese ridden? Way to go Craig.

Clinton vs Rice in 2008?

I am watching Fox news on the television and according to them, the only candidates currently out polling democratic Senator Hillary Clinton in polls for the Presidential election in 2008, is Mayor Rudi Giuliani and Senator John McCain...... both republicans.

Having said that, it is said that in a recent poll Hillary is only 2% higher at 44% than Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice at 42%. Dr Rice has not said if she will run for President, and probably will not, but it is America, and anything is possible.



Bill O'Reilly was mentioning that Senator McCain may not be as popular in the republican party as one might think, and that Rudi may not be up to it..... Bill is thinking that the best way to run against Hillary is with another lady, and she being Condoleezza.

Now USA has never had a female President, and neither has a President been black, so it seems like a large step to me that either lady will get the nomination of their party, although I think it is a great idea.

I would suggest that if the ladies don't get their parties nominations, that who ever does chooses them as the VP. This would open the door for a 2012 or 2016 election of all elections, once the public has seen that a great job can be done by them in the highest office of the land. Therefore either way, it could still be Clinton vs Rice in 2008. It will be a very politically interesting year.

Oh boy...

This just doesn't look right.....

Got a new cell phone today.

Go here to see it

I got this new phone today as my trustee Nokia stopped working after being dropped a lot over the last 2 years. I never seem to have much luck with Motorola's, as they always seem to break after 3 months, so there was a hint of reluctance to go ahead and get this one. Thing is that this little beauty has a lot of good features and if it breaks I have insurance. Just hope it doesn't break first time I drop it.

Greedy tart, nasty dictator.

This couple of freaks need to be brought into line and punished for their ignorance towards their own people. This is an example on money and greed, and it needs to be stopped.

Grace Mugabe, wife of brutal Zimbabwean dictator Robert Mugabe, likes to be called the “First Lady”, and she has nothing but contempt for the starving millions living in the nation that her husband trys to lead. She is dubbed First Shopper and Grabbing Grace by her people.

She is far more likely to be found stripping top European boutiques or lounging in five-star hotels than listening to the desperate needs of Zimbabwe’s hungry and homeless. What makes her frivolity so disturbing is that while she shops, ordinary Zimbabweans starve.

Last year Grace, 39, blew an estimated £75,000 in just TWO HOURS in Paris fashion houses. Her spending has reached such ridiculous levels many have accused her of being addicted to Gucci.

On her French jaunt, the former secretary had bought so much her aides needed an extra car to transport her goods to the airport.

Meanwhile, back in her home country inflation is now rife. It is cheaper to use a 1,000 Zimbabwean dollar note as toilet paper, than use it to purchase loo roll.Today, 4,000 Zimbabwean dollars are worth less than 50p.Two out of three of the country’s workers earn just £1 a day.

Her idiotic husband Robert Mugabe, 40 years older than she is, does not shy away from indulging his well-built wife. He even bought her a lavishly equipped DC-9, formerly owned by Playboy baron Hugh Hefner. The gift was to help with Grace’s shopping. With her own plane she was able to go on regular shopping jollies to New York, London and Rome. Maybe it will get a massive loss of cabin pressure at 35,000ft and she will die instantly.

Now that she has her own plane, other Air Zimbabwe passengers are spared the humiliation of being turfed off flights to accommodate their first lady and her numerous purchases. When she used to use the country’s commercial airline she would also order pilots to land at military air bases instead of the normal airport so she could avoid paying duty on her purchases. She would also supposidly take rather extensive detours, some costing the Government MILLIONS of $$$$$$$$$.

She and Mugabe now own at least SIX luxury properties. Grace laughed off outraged criticism after it was revealed that she used public funds to build an incredibly vulgar home called Gracelands in a plush Harare suburb.The finance came from a US aid programme intended to help the poor. Gracelands was then sold to the Mugabes’ pal Colonel Gaddafi for three times its original price. What the hell would Gaddafi want to do in Zimbabwe?

But the Mugabes have acquired another house nearby and are investing £10million in it. The mansion is stuffed full of imported Italian tiles, pillars, sunken baths and chandeliers.The master bedroom alone has as much floor space as an entire typical semi-detached home.She is overseeing the installation of a gym, sauna, library, bar and billiard room.

Among their other homes, the Mugabes also own a three-storey mansion overlooking a golf course.

Apart from her relentless greed, little else is known about Grace’s background. What is clear is that she started an affair with the President while she was a secretary at the State House in Harare. Mugabe married Grace bigamously as his first wife, Sally, was dying. Perhaps Grace is now given such freedom because she gave Mugabe what he most desired, a son, Robert junior. She has since borne him a daughter and a second son. Someone needs to castrate him, and sterilise her.

Grace, who was a student at her Catholic school, married Flight Lt Patrick Guririza in her teens. But once her affair with Mugabe began, her husband was conveniently posted to Beijing, and surprisingly has yet to return. At least while he was with Sally, Mugabe managed to publicly maintain his socialist credentials. But we now know he squandered many millions of pounds donated by Britain and the world to help in the redistribution of land to homeless blacks.

They need to be stopped.......... Zimbabwe was once a reasonable place. For the sake of the inhabitants of the country....... Mugabe (both of them) should be forced to live with some of the desolate and forgotten people of their land. Maybe just maybe they'd get what they really deserve.

“One day the Mugabes will pay heavily.”

Tax differences between ACT, National and Labour

I am interested in tax policy from some of the right and left wing parties in New Zealand. Below is my calculations as to how much tax you'd pay if ACT or National got their way, and how much you DO pay in New Zealand under the current tax rates.

ACT Policy

A lower rate of 15% for incomes up to $38,000. This is affordable and would boost economic growth rates by 1%.

ACT proposes a flatter, simpler tax system of just two rates:
a top tax rate (and company tax rate) of 25%

Therefore if you earn $65,000 you will pay:

$38,000 x 15% = $5,700
$27,000 x 25% = $6,750

total tax = $12,450

National Policy

The new tax rates and thresholds would be:

A company tax rate of 30%.

Income up to $12,500 will be taxed at 15%.
Income between $12,500 and $50,000 will be taxed at 19%.
Income between $50,000 and $100,000 will be taxed at 33%.
Income above $100,000 will continue to be taxed at 39%.

Therefore if you earn $65,000 you will pay:

$12,500 x 15% = $1,875
$37,500 x 19% = $7,125
$15,000 x 33% = $4,950

total tax = $13,950

Labour Government ( current tax )

Income up to $38,000 IS taxed at 19.5%
Income between $38,001 and $60,000 IS taxed at 33%
Income $60,001 and over IS taxed at 39%


Therefore if you earn $65,000 you pay:

$38,000 x 19.5% = $7,410
$22,000 x 33% = $7,260
$ 5,000 x 39% = $1,950

total tax = $16,620

So if you earn $65,000 NZ per year, under Labour you now pay $16,620.

Under National policy you'd pay $13,950, saving $2,670

Under ACT policy you'd pay $12,450, saving $4,170

and keeping a further $1,400 in your pocket over National policy.

Now it seems that tax cuts didnt really matter too much to the voters in the election this time. But an extra $2,670 - $4,170 in your pocket would allow you to spend more, therefore boosting the economy. With a lower corporate tax companies would invest or re invest into NZ and everything should boost from there. Higher taxes are not the answer....... Now social welfare has to be taken into account, and defence needs to be worked in as well, but with the current surplus available I'd predict that before that gets consumed the economy would be roaring ad the tax intake would be higher than it is now.........

So next time make sure you make a tactical decision to vote right allowing ACT the party vote and electorate vote in decided electorates, and Voting National for the candidate in the rest of the electorates.

Under cover Dolphins

I read this interesting one in the NZ Herald today. It appears that one of the strangest stories to emerge from the ruins of Hurricane Katrina is a tale of military trained dolphins on the loose in the Gulf of Mexico.

The animals were reportedly being used by the US Navy to detect stray torpedoes and mines, and were controlled using signals transmitted to a neck harness. It is possible some were armed with toxic darts tied to their backs to immobilise terrorists or enemy agents. So not only do surfers have to watch out for Jaws and Man'o'war, but now flipper might mistake them for the swimming Osama and terminate them.

"If divers or windsurfers are mistaken for a spy or suicide bomber, they could fire," warned an accident investigator close to the US Government's marine fisheries service. All fun in the waters of the Gulf Coast.

I would never underestimate the power of the US Military.... Nothing would surprise me..... Nothing

John Banks considering running for Mayor in 2007

According to the NZ Herald, John Banks is considering a political comeback for the Auckland City mayoralty he lost by a whopping 19,016 votes to businessman Dick Hubbard a year ago.

It seems that most people are disappointed with the way Dick Hubbard is panning out as Mayor. Auckland seems to even be sliding backwards. At least John Banks was a strong leader who knew what he was doing.

Just like Arnold ( who knows what he is doing ), Hubbard was possibly voted in because of his celebrity status. Hubbard has failed and he needs to go.

Mr Banks a former National Cabinet minister, said he would decide in the next six to 12 months whether to run and if so would mount a 12-month campaign.

He said Mr Hubbard's first 12 months had been a disaster, with colossal rates increases.

Mr Banks said he was beaten fair and square by someone "who, frankly, offered a political fraud and has been uncovered".

.... As Pablo would say... " Bring back Banksie ".

Labour party looking into Rodney Hide's spending in Epsom.

According to the NZ Herald today, the Labour Party is investigating ACT leader Rodney Hide's spending in Epsom with a view to lodging a petition in the High Court. What this tells me is that they are concerned that there might be a revolt from the red, and they are knit picking in case Winston, the Maori Party, and Peter Dunn decide to go with National. They don't want ACT there to clinch the deal.

Mr Hide won the seat from National's Richard Worth by over 3000 votes, and brings to Parliament one other MP Heather Roy.

Should a petition be successful a by-election would be held in which Mr Hide would not be able to stand.

Labour Party president Mike Williams told NZPA local members in Epsom were looking into the spending. The party would make a decision by October 25 whether to proceed with the petition or not.

Rodney is not a silly person, and i'd be VERY surprised if there was any overspending in the election campaign by him or ACT. The signs went up later than Richard Worth's according to Aaron, and there was a lot of door knocking and energy focused on Epsom. Not something that really required spending. I think that Labour are barking up the wrong tree, and if they proceed with this, they will spend a lot of tax payers money on a whole lot of left wing spin.

Is there something bubbling with National?

Is the right going to form a government after all? According to the NZ herald today: National has renewed its overtures towards the Maori Party as it tries to frustrate Helen Clark's attempts to form a government.

Maori Party MPs yesterday confirmed talks with National had swung into gear again.

Co-leader Pita Sharples said there had been several meetings initiated by National "who seem to be having a discussion across the board in an effort to build up their numbers". He believed National was also talking with NZ First and United Future.

I am not really sure how the Maori Party and National would work together conidering that National was wanting to abolish the Maori seats, but where there is a will there is a way. It seems that the political parties know that if they back track slightly and join the right then NZ can have a government formed under the leadership of Dr Donald Brash, and NZ can steer away from the left.


United Future leader Peter Dunne said he had met National leader Don Brash after the election and again last week.

The numbers below show where we are. Do your calculations and figure out what is possible.

The Left

Labour 50
Greens 6
Progressives 1
Total: 57

The Right

National 48
Act 2
Total: 50

The Rest

New Zealand First 7
Maori Party 4
United Future 3

Tom got Katie pregnant....

According to the people magazine, Tom Cruise's fiancée, Katie Holmes, is pregnant with the couple's child, Cruise's spokesperson, Lee Anne DeVette said. Well well, what can I say..... Maybe he is not a man who does with other man then....

"Tom and Katie are very excited, and the entire family is very excited," says DeVette.

Cruise, who has two children, Connor, 10, and Isabella, 12, with ex-wife Nicole Kidman, began dating Holmes in mid-April. He proposed to her atop the Eiffel Tower in Paris in June. DeVette says there is no wedding date set.

DeVette would not comment on the baby's gender or say how far along the pregnancy is. The rep did say that Holmes, 26, "has never felt better."

Cruise, 43, is currently shooting Mission: Impossible 3 in Los Angeles.

Hmmm, that will cause some eyebrow raising in Hollywood.

A particularly good post by Cathy.

Cathy Odgers has done it again...... I think she should write a book, or even dare I say it...run for office one day..... Now I am sure she will deny wanting to do either, but a good suggestion none the less.

check it out

Moose in them there woods.....

According to the Otago Daily Times, A hunter says DNA tests have confirmed the existence of a Canadian moose in a remote part of Fiordland.

The results are the second since June 2001 to suggest at least one of the animals - introduced from North America in 1910 and last seen more than 30 years ago - is still very much alive. Evading the cameras much like Loch Ness.

Mr Tustin and his wife, Margie, collected the sample during a regular visit to the thickly wooded and steep area opposite Oke Island in October 2002.

Hamilton-based researchers Deer Improvement sent the Tustins' sample, the already tested Harper hair, and about 40 other samples to a forensic laboratory at Trent University in Ontario, Canada, this year.

The laboratory returned the results late last month and both samples were confirmed as having come from a moose, said Deer Improvement director Peter Gatley.

Ten Canadian moose were introduced to Fiordland's Supper Cove in 1910, but their population declined steadily under pressure from red deer. The last rumoured sighting was in 1971. Maybe some more should be added to boost the #'s

Moose had eluded cameras in the area but bedding spots and browsing and antler marks suggested up to 20 animals might live there, Mr Tustin said.

A Natural History NZ camera took a blurred image of a suspected moose in 1995.

NZ is UK's favourite place to visit.

According to the NZ Herald, Readers of London's Daily Telegraph newspaper have voted New Zealand as their favourite place on earth, for the second year in a row. Woo Hoo

More than 25,000 readers were polled in Britain's biggest survey of travel habits and the results were announced at the eighth Telegraph Travel Awards reception at the Royal Opera House in London. Nothing like good publicity for the land of the long white cloud.

"Affection for New Zealand owes much to the spectacular box office success of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, which was filmed there, but also to greater accessibility," the newspaper said. Well thank you Peter.

NZ is getting a lot of good publicity at the moment, and I say bring it on. Tourism is a great money earner for the country, and more of it is needed. Now if the corporate tax was only 30% or less, that would help get more investment into NZ.

Paris

According to CNN today, Paris Hilton has ended her five-month engagement to a Greek shipping heir, a celebrity magazine reported. I would have thought that after 5 months the male Paris would have been begging to get away and probably have broken it off anyways.

The celebutante broke off wedding plans with Paris Latsis, according to a report posted Friday on Us Weekly's Web site.

"I'm sad to announce that I've called off my engagement," Hilton told the magazine.

"Over the last couple months I've realized that this is the right decision for me," Hilton said.

"We remain best of friends, and I'll always love him," Hilton's statement added. "I hope people will respect my privacy during this emotional time".

I am wondering if this is even worth posting, but it really is amazing what the attraction people have to the woman that really is nothing but wealthy?

I bet there is more to this than we know.....

Election results...

The final results of the election after the special votes, has National loosing a seat and Helen Clark and Labour in the position to form a government. It shows me that if the right want to win, they will have to come up with a multi party plan to get a result that will allow National to form a government next time there is an election, with the likes of ACT and hopefully ACT only. Now is the time for BOTH National and ACT to rebuild and plan for an election that may not be too far away?

Westwood film festival

Last night I went to another function a the W with my friend Laurie. It was too celebrate the Westwood film festival and, as with the Katrina Hurricane function, they supplied fantastic food and cocktails. There was a photograph board at the gate so as everyone could pose and hope that they are in the next people mag. But I like to sneek in and out of these event without too much fuss, so we both declined photos.
The lady from the Bangles played music and even played Manic Monday which was cool. I spotted Mike Myers, and was thinking of turing into Austin Powers, but thought Ali G would be better. My plan was quashed when some other folks bumped in front of him and short of looking like a FREAK, I kept Ali G to myself.

Great night. Ended up at Renees afterwards.... Todd rolled up, Greg was there and Kelli, Ananda showed, and all was good.

LAX gun range

I went to the LAX gun range with Dr Craig Campbell's father, an ex NZ policeman. He told me that the guns they used when he was in the Police in NZ was the Smith and Wesson 38. The guns we shot yesterday were the 9mm glocks which I beleive the NZ police use now. It was a lot of fun and we all managed to be reasonably good at hitting the targets.

After finishing the shooting, we hopped in the car and the outside temperature was 36 degrees C. Clearly one of the hottest days of the year in LA. It is almost like earthquake weather, as it was not much higher than 20 the days before.

So I am waiting for the shaking.......... Hopefully I will not be in a highrise as that would cause extra issues with my ability to keep calm.

National swallowing ACT ?

There is some talk going on that ACT should fold and quit while they can and join National. Well for starters that would not go down well with the ACT and National Party members, and really what would it achieve?
In my opinion nothing for the right other than a National having the added brain power and expertise of Rodney Hide. Why would National want any of the EX ACT MP's that were not effective in the previous election?

As I said on Aaron's blog, It is what it is, and it is VERY SIMPLE. ACT and National are on basically the same side. It is not helping by arguing amongst ourselves. National will always be in the larger position unless something drastic changes. ACT will always be the rather loyal sidekick. They need to be distinct of each other and on the same note FRIENDLY towards each other. We are all waisting perfectly good energy on this topic, hence I will finish my post.

Greg Johnson concert at Aotea Center November 5th

Gregory is having a concert with the Auckland Philharmonia on November 5th. It should be a fantastic show. All the various musical instruments will certainly make for a different sound which will be great. I am planning on attending if the plane arrives in time, so go and get your tickets now and we can all enjoy it.

Go here to get tickets

Fernando does it.

Fernando Alonso of the Renault F1 team clinched the 2005 drivers world championship today at Interlagos in Brazil, taking the honor from Michael Schumacher. McLaren are currently ahead on the constructors points by two thanks too Juan Pablo winning the race and Kimi coming second.

Congrats Fernando.......

Time to support ACT

If you are happy that Rodney Hide won the Epsom electorate in the NZ elections, and if you are disappointed that ACT did not get the party vote support that you expected, then now is the time to step up and join ACT.

This is the time that the party needs to rebuild and your support is important. It is $10 to become a member of ACT and with your support ACT can rebuild and come back stronger next time. I encourage you to make a further donation over and above your membership. Everything helps.

www.act.org.nz

Minotaur rocket over LA

I was on the deck speaking to a friend of mine Regan from NZ, and I saw this flying object flying close to the house with some sort of technicolored fuel or spray coming out of the back of it. The spray was like a rainbow and it was spreading over the city. It was dark so I knew that what I had just witnessed was not normal. It was not a airplane, and it was making no noise. Well I was thinking that I was viewing a top secret military aircraft, a out of control UFO, or maybe some sort of weapon being unleashed over the city by terrorists. Some photos were taken and I began ringing anyone I knew who was involved with aircraft or planes.
My friend Ananda said that what I saw was reminiscent of rocket fuel and he predicted that something was fired from Vandenburg Air Force Base.

Well thank goodness he was right...After some rather frantic searching of the internet I found the launch schedule for Vandenburg AFB and it was indeed a Minotaur Rocket...

HMMM.... and I was planning my exit to Tahoe.



This photo from the LA times with the rocket powering over LA.

Uncle Jim to the rescue

According to the NZ Herald today, Cabinet minister Jim Anderton and his wife Carole has been commended by police after their quick actions saved the life of a homeless man.

Power to them, Carole is a very nice person who assisted my Grandmother in Christchurch before she passed away a couple of years ago, so I am thankful for that. Although I don't care for Jims political views, he is also a effective MP and pleasant person.

The 67-year-old Progressives leader and his wife Carole found the man with blood gushing from his arm in the middle of a Sydenham street in Christchurch as they drove home about 9pm on Tuesday.

The man had cut an artery when he jumped through the window of a Selwyn St home to escape an attack. He then stumbled about 100m - as blood gushed from his arm - down the street, and into the path of the Andertons' car.

Mr Anderton used Carole's possum and merino fur scarf and his own silk tie as a tourniquet to stem the bleeding, while his wife called emergency services. The Andertons also used a bundle of clothes they were planning to deliver to a charity shop to further slow the bleeding.

Mr Anderton said he had feared for the man's life. "He was losing blood like Niagara Falls. I didn't think he was going to live," he said.

The man passed out before emergency services arrived. He was taken to Christchurch Hospital.

Police have said the man could have died if the Andertons had not come to his rescue.

"He was really lucky members of the public assisted him and tried to stop the bleeding," said Detective Sergeant William McIvor.

The man was discharged from hospital yesterday after surgery to repair the cut artery. Lucky guy I say..... Cheers to the Andertons for their quick assistance.

W Westwood Katrina hurricane charity event

Last night I went to the W in Westwood with Nicolas and Gregory. It was a great charity event for the victims of the Katrina Hurricane in New Orleans and surrounding states. I found myself standing next to Randy Gerber, and I must say his wife Cindy Crawford certainly looks a lot nicer in person than on the television. John Goodman was also there and Jason Biggs from American Pie fame amongst others.. It was a great evening for a fantastic cause. I won the first two years of Seinfeld on DVD, and Nicolas won a coach bag. Amber will be happy, as it doesnt suit him and I would guess it will be a nice present for her. Well worth going....

Leah and Simon Petty

Went to the wedding function of Leah and Simon Petty last night. It was a great event, with the bride looking beautiful and the groom in the full swing of singing lullabys to his bride..... Everyone from Renee's was there except we were all dressed up. It was particularly brilliant to see Mr Sid Jordon and Gregory Johnson wearing ties. Congrats Leah and Simon.

Rodney Hide wins Epsom

Congrats Rodney. Brilliant result.

L.C. Plum at the Viper Room

Went out to the Viper Room in Hollywood to watch Del, Zac and Eric from L.C.Plum strut their stuff and play some brilliant music. The Viper Room is a bit of a legend place, so I took the liberty of having a nice soothing JD and Coke while enjoying the atmosphere and music. Be sure to check out the web site at www.lcplum.com

Vote ACT in the elections

On Saturday 17th September give ACT your party vote. If you live in Epsom, as well as the party vote, also give Rodney Hide of ACT the electorate vote. DO this, and enjoy your freedom and tax cuts in a National led government with ACT as a partner. If Winston is involved ACT is the perfect partner to keep him honest..... Vote ACT.



*** Brillaint Result for Rodney winning Epsom ***