Axl Rose arrested in Sweden

Guns and Roses lead singer Axl Rose was arrested in Stockholm Sweden this morning for allegedly starting an argument with a lady at the Berns Hotel, and being to drunk to speak. He was also accused of biting a security guard in the leg. He has been released and paid a fine and some cash to the security guard, so I guess it is now business as usual.

It is great to see that G'N'R are on a world tour at the moment. The first in quite a while. It is also good that they have not thrown the towel in and cancelled shows randomly, as they have done in the past, causing riots and anarchy.

I am crossing my fingers that the show makes it to Los Angeles..... Last time I saw G'N'R was in Auckland on Axl's 30th birthday. He is now 44.....

Rock on.

Music videos from the 80's

I found this link on Clint Heine's blog. It absolutely rocks. There are links to about 1400 of your favorite music videos from the 80's. First song I played was Flashback Heart attack by EZO. I have been looking for it for years.....

So if you like Autograph, Guns and Roses, Quiet Riot, 2 live crew, Trio, Patrick Hernandez, The Proclaimers or practically anything else you can think of from the 80's.

Link here and enjoy

Cheers Clint.

PM Tony Blair nearly got egg on his face

British Prime Minister Tony Blair narrowly missed being hit by an egg as he travelled to southwest England to meet crime victims.

Blair, whose Labour Party is sagging badly in public opinion polls, was greeted with jeers from a 60-strong crowd as he arrived at a community centre in Bristol city.

One woman threw an egg at him, but it missed its target and broke over the road instead. Police later confirmed that she had been arrested in connection with the incident.

Blair travelled to the deprived Southend district of Bristol to hear a group of 16 local residents describe how they have been intimidated by local thugs, only to be badly treated when they gave evidence against them in court. Sounds like Tony and his boys need to work harder on crime prevention.

His two-day visit to Bristol came as his government tries to underline its commitment to overhauling the criminal justice system and rebalancing civil liberties in favour of the victims. Well he has had plenty of time to do so.

He is expected to launch a nationwide debate on crime during a keynote speech in the city on Friday.

In May 2004, Blair was hit on the back of the left shoulder when a pair of fathers' rights activists hurled a condom full of purple-dyed flower at him in parliament.

Looks like it is not all good for PM Blair in the public opinion polls..... Is it time for a change in UK?

Air Force 2

I am now back in LA, and as I was leaving Eagle/Vail airport this morning in Colorado, I noticed USAF 70400 (pictured) and USAF 90402 on the tarmack. 70400 is the plane that Vice President Dick Cheney uses, and as it was at the airport, it confirms that the VP was at the AEI meetings in Beaver Creek. Would be nice to go for a flight in that plane.

Dick Cheney in Beaver Creek

BEAVER CREEK, Colorado. A man was arrested by Secret Service agents when he tried to approach Vice President Dick Cheney in Beaver Creek Village yesterday afternoon, said Secret Service spokesman Eric Zahren.

This explains to me why I saw 2 armor plated Cadillac Limo's when I arrived at the Eagle Vail airport being followed by 2 secret service Surburbans. There was also a C17 Globemaster parked on the tarmack.... There have been military copters flying past the house also....All comes to place now.

Cheney is attending the AEI World Forum conference in the Vail Valley, an unofficial summit, created and hosted by former president Gerald R. Ford. Former world leaders, current government officials, scholars and business leaders from around the world are invited to discuss important global issues, organizers say.

I wonder who is here? HMMM, maybe they will invite me next year.

The worlds fastest Indian

I am up here in Beaver Creek Colorado again overseeing the completion of this magnificent home that Distinctive Holiday Homes owns.
It was just my good luck that the media room was completed today, so I decided to test the system by watching the world fastest Indian.
It is a story about a rather old Kiwi bloke that had a dream of running his home modified Indian motorcycle at the Bonneville salt flats in Utah. He wanted to hit 200mph and everyone said he was an old fool with no chance of making it.
Burt Munro, who is the old Kiwi bloke, is played by Sir Anthony Hopkins, and he does a great job. There has certainly been some great New Zealanders in motorsport. Bruce McLaren, John Britten, Burt Munro, Scott Dixon, and me...HA.
Burt Munro was from Invercargill, and when I met Tim Shadbolt last year at the Tiki lounge in El Sugundo Los Angeles, he said he was up here something to do with an movie about an Indian.... I must say that after watching the movie, I wasn't expecting to see Tim Shadbolt in it, but he plays a great part....Well done Mayor of Invercargill.
I really liked the movie, and it shows that with a bit of Kiwi ingenuity and some tenacity just like Burt Munro, your dreams can be fulfilled....
If you know much about New Zealanders, or if you are from there and have not seen this movie, do so. Get the dvd out and enjoy. I thoroughly recommend it.

Rumor has it in the F1 paddock.

Rumor has it that McLaren F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya will leave the team at the end of this season. There is no rumor of where he might go. He is a great driver, and I'd like to think that he would retain a drive for 2007.
It also seems that another rumor is that Kimi has signed for Ferrari.... If that is the case then who will be driving with current world Champion Fernando Alonso at Mclaren next year?

George W Bush visits Baghdad

US President George W Bush has paid a surprise visit to the Iraqi capital Baghdad, his first since November 2003 when he also made a surprise visit to Iraq. The Whitehouse wanted to show Iraqi leaders that USA is here to support them.

Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri Maliki was only given a five-minute warning before meeting the guest for talks at the US embassy in the fortified Green Zone.

Iraq's future is in your hands, Mr Bush told the Iraqi prime minister. The President told PM Maliki that he was there to look him in the eye. PM Maliki thanked George for visiting, and they had high level discussions.

#43 is due to leave Iraq in a matter of minutes, as 5 hours is the amount of time that he was planning on visiting. He is currently talking with US troops before leaving.

A good move.

North Korea getting a bit touchy

North Korea's Air Force Command has threatened to "punish" the United States for its spy flights over the communist state, recalling the fate of a US Navy plane it shot down 37 years ago.

In a statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency, the air force said that a US RC-135 reconnaissance plane had made flights over its territorial waters on June 6, 8 and 10. I would have thought that if they could have shot the US Navy plane down then they would have. I wonder what sort of plane the US was using?

Describing the alleged US espionage flights as "openly crying out for a preemptive attack" on the communist state, the command warned of a possible repeat of 1969, when it shot down another US Navy plane, killing all 31 crew.

"The North Korean Air Force seriously warns the US imperialists that it will sternly punish the aggressors if their planes continue illegally intruding into the sky ... on espionage missions," it said. Thing is... does North Korea only know that a plane has overflown them once it has long gone?

"They had better not forget the miserable end EC-121 met in the 1960s."

North Korean fighters shot the reconnaissance plane down off the country's east coast in the Sea of Japan East Sea in April 1969.

Another US-North Korean incident occurred when North Korea fired missiles at an SR-71 spy plane in August 1981. The "Blackbird" jet was undamaged. That is because it was the fastest plane in the world at the time and nothing could catch it. I only wonder what the replacement for the SR-71 is? Is it the SR-75, I guess we will only know when we are told.

North Korea has been sensitive to US spy flights, with its media citing military sources as issuing a monthly report on US aerial espionage. Sunday's statement was rare in that it was issued in the name of the Air Force Command.

North Korea has claimed the United States is preparing to invade the communist country despite repeated US denials. I am not sure that there would be any benefit of invading North Korea, other than freeing the citizens of the country. Diplomacy is going to have to be the way to stare the North Korean government down.

The two sides are locked in a standoff over North Korea's nuclear weapons program.

During six-way talks in September, North Korea agreed in principle to dismantle its weapons program in exchange for diplomatic and economic benefits and security guarantees.

But North Korea has boycotted the talks since November when it said US financial sanctions imposed on Pyongyang over allegations of money laundering were blocking progress.

Pyongyang has said it would return to talks which involve both Koreas, the United States, China, Japan and Russia only after the sanctions are lifted.

Did anyone see Team America World Police?

Democratic Presidential candidate poll

In a straw poll in the State of Iowa, it appears that Democratic Vice Presidential candidate in 2002 John Edwards is the most popular choice for Democratic Presidential candidate in 2008. I rather liked John Edwards, and I think that if the Democrats make it in the next election then he could well make a good President. This is an early poll and the nominations are a while away, but it makes me think that if the lineup was Edwards as President and Hillary as VP, then the GOP best pull John McCain out of the hat with either Rudy as VP of maybe they current Secretary of State Rice?

Time will tell, but it is going to be VERY intersting.

John Edwards on 30%
Hillary Clinton on 26%
John Kerry on 12%
General Wesley Clark is at 2%

Rodney Hide MP drops out of Dancing with the stars.

Good on Rodney Hide MP for Epsom and ACT Party leader for lasting so long on Dancing with the Stars..... He learnt how to dance from scratch with his attractive dance partner Krystal Stuart and managed to pull through dancing in front of a live audience until last night. I think it was a great thing for him to do, even if it was for that fact that he lost a whole lot of weight and is getting into shape. Time will tell if the poll #'s for ACT increase, but one thing is for sure. More people in NZ are aware of Rodney Hide MP.

Walk the line

I viewed Walk the line last night. It is the movie about Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash that was released in 2005. It stars Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon who both put on a stellar performance. If you like Johnny Cash, and you have not seen the movie, I recommend it.

Greg Johnson "Here comes the caviar" released USA 6/6/2006

Greg Johnson's much acclaimed album "Here comes the caviar" with songs like; It's been so long, Save yourself and Handles of pearl amongst others, has been released today in the USA on the Baria records label.

Greg is currently touring with Ted Brown, Malcolm Cross and Sid Jordan across the USA to enthused crowds. The momentum is building and I expect Here comes the caviar to be a hit record.

If you live in the USA buy the album, it is great. It is available on Amazon.com, cdbaby.com and at your local borders. If the album is not in store be sure to ask for it.

Rock on Gregory.

Rodney Hide continues.......

It appears that ex Shortland Street Star Angela Bloomfield and her dancing partner Jonny Williams have been booted off Dancing with the stars last night.

That leaves rookie dancer, leader of ACT and MP for Epsom Rodney Hide and his partner Krystal Stuart still in the game. Having not seen the program, I have been told that while Rodney is doing well, it is reasonably clear that he has room for dancing improvement... although he gets better with every stride. Therefore they must be popular voting with the public as they keep staying on.

Good luck Rodney and Krystal, keep up the good work...... St Johns is a great beneficary of your donation.

Tom Cruse building a house in Coatesville?

Is this true? I was brought up in Coatesville. Interesting if this is true.

HMMM

Who does this remind you of?

Does this picture remind you of anyone? I have a birthday dress up party to go to tomorrow night, so I wanted to go as one of my favorite Presidents. All I need is the accent now.

Gibbs Quadski

Looks like fun

Beaver Creek Colorado rocks

I had a great 5 days in Beaver Creek Colorado. I was there with a friend and business associate from New Zealand. The company that we are involved in owns a magnificant newly renovated 7000 sq foot home there and I was there to check that the renovations were completed. The home is magnificent and has been transformed.

While we were there, we found time to visit my favorite French restaurant in Vail called The Left Bank. It has phenominal food and wine. I thoroughly recommend it.

The first day the temperature rose to 83 degrees F which is about 27C. That is a big change from January when it was minus 18C on my day of arrival. The mountains were beautiful and the golf course looked very inviting. Pity I am not a golf pro (yet).

The week before there was 3 brown bears on the property, one of them was a cub. I wanted to see them, but we only managed to hear them from a distance.

Upon leaving Eagle Vail Airport, I counted no less than 13 private jets lined up. While we were flying over the rockies, I decided to listen to a bit of John Denver on my ipod. That was a mistake, as as soon as he got into chorus the plane hit violent turbulence. I then remembered how he died and changed the song. It smoothed out after that.

Upon arriving at LAX airport, I only counted 12 private jets... HMMM.

A good trip.... If you want to buy a spectacular home in Beaver Creek for US$5,995,000 let me know.

Schumacher's dodgy pole in Monaco

It seems that 7 times F1 world champion Michael Schumacher has caused controversy upon messing up the qualifying, by having a bizarre virtually impossible crash, while in poll position for tomorrows race in Monaco.

It seems that both Alonso and Webber were behind Schumacher on flying laps that were quicker than him when Schumacher made a sudden move and stalled on the track without damaging his car. This brought out the yellow flags and the flying laps by the others were not valid. Therefore Michael Schumacher held onto pole.

Jacques Villeneuve has lashed out at Schumacher mentioning that anyone who would have such lack of control of his F1 car to get in such a position does not deserve a F1 superlicense. Jacques said that he wouldn't even expect that sort of driving from Ide who was recently dropped from Super Agri and had his super license taken away. Michael Schumacher has been known to pull dodgy tactics in the past......

DO you think Michael purposely caused the incident? I wouldn't be surprised.



UPDATE: Naughty Schumacher sent to back of the grid. News here

Going to Beaver Creek

I am off to Beaver Creek by Vail in Colorado tomorrow to check the house that Distinctive Holiday Homes has there. It has been transformed with a 3 month renovation, so I am looking forwards to seeing an as new home. I hear that the weather is rather warm up there now, so all is good. Back memorial day all being well.

# of blog hits

Of all the blogs I have or write for, it seems that goodfactor.blogspot.com is not doing the best at just under 600 hits, make some noise folks, pay goodfactor a visit.

autoreports.blogspot.com has had just under 1000 hits, although no comments for a while, check it out.

kiwicarlovers.blogspot.com is not doing too badly with just under 10,000 hits. I will make sure that some more regular postings are done with these blogs above.

puntiki.blogspot.com is my most popular blog with just under 3600 hits since I started the counter in January. I will make more of an effort to post interesting articles on this blog so as it makes it more interesting for you to return and make comments.

Thanks for checking in. Happy blogging.

Another photo I like

Australian PM Howard in Canada visiting Canadian PM Harper.

Die Hard 4, Bruce is back

According to the BBC, Bruce Willis's first turn as wisecracking cop John McClane made him a star.

Now a fourth instalment of the Die Hard series could be in cinemas by summer 2007, Bruce Willis has announced at the Cannes Film Festival.

"We're as close as we've ever got to getting Die Hard 4 started," the 55-year-old actor said.

Scriptwriters were forced to rewrite the film's plot due to similarities with the Hurricane Katrina tragedy in the southern US last August.

Die Hard, released in 1988, made Willis a star and led to a host of imitations.

"It won't be called Die Hard 4 but that will be the story. Hopefully it will be out next summer," he said on Friday in the French resort. Excellent. My friend works in the Fox Tower which was the building used in the first movie. It is cool to see it on a regular basis. Die Hard 1 was one of the best movies ever.

Before it was rewritten, the plot was to involve an oil tanker explosion on the Mississippi river that sent huge waves crashing into New Orleans.

Willis reprised his role as tough and sardonic cop John McClane in Die Hard 2 in 1990 and Die Hard: With a Vengeance in 1995. Roll on.

Immigration reform

President Bush made this speech today. I think it is reasonable and fair. This is a big topic in USA at the moment, and I hope it gets sorted quickly. I am glad that the border is going to be made secure with increase in Border security forces and the use of the National Guard in the interim. I have met many hard working and friendly nice people from Mexico and South America while being here. They are great people and do a lot of jobs that you'd probably never see others do.

I think that the Presidents remarks are good, and if the Congress makes this happen it will be good for all of us in USA.

President's speech here

R.I.P

R.I.P Sarge. You will be missed.

But Bruce Willis?

Danny Di Vito would clearly be too short, but Bruce Willis... What is Rodney thinking?

Who should play the role of Rodney?

Lookie here

Are you an NZ Economics and Trade expert wanting to move to USA?

If the answer is yes to the above title, then maybe you should apply for this job with the NZ Consul General in Santa Monica......

Job description here


I will vouch that Santa Monica is a great place to live in LA, so here is an opportunity for you.

Borat Ali G movie

I went to dinner tonight with some people who know some people, and the word was that the new Borat movie is in post production and is expected out soon....

Nice......Nice, I like.

G W Bush thinks his brother should run for President

According to Fox News, President George W Bush suggested Wednesday that he would like to see his family's White House legacy continue, perhaps with his younger brother John Ellis Bush (JEB) as the chief executive. Is it time for another Bush in the White House?

The president said Florida Gov. Jeb Bush is well-suited for another office and would make "a great president." Some would beg to differ, some might agree.

"I would like to see Jeb run at some point in time, but I have no idea if that's his intention or not," Bush said in an interview with Florida reporters, according to an account on the St. Petersburg Times Web site.

The president said he had "pushed him fairly hard about what he intends to do," but Jeb has not said.

Jeb Bush, 53, will end his second term as governor in January. His brother George ends his second presidential term in January 2009. Neither can seek re-election because of term limits. Maybe they will both end up fishing on George's boat in Crawford?

Jeb Bush has repeatedly said he is not going to run in 2008.

Former President George H.W. Bush told CNN's "Larry King Live" last year that he would like Jeb Bush to run one day and that he would be "awfully good" as president.

The Florida governor laughed when asked about his father's comments last June. "Oh, Lord," he said and shook his head no. "I love my dad."

I am thinking that I would like to see Senator John McCain take the Republican nomination for President in 2008, with maybe Dr Rice as VP. If I could decide for the Democrats, I'd like to see John Edwards or even Howard Dean with Hillary as VP. That would be an interesting show. I think Jeb Bush should have 4 years off before deciding to run for President. What do you think?

Guns and Roses touring in 2006

It looks like Axl and the boys from Guns and Roses are about to get on the road again and do some touring this year. Great news, especially if they follow through with all the dates and don't pack it in like has happened in the past. I am sure that Axl and the band are motivated and ready to preform, therefore the fans will overlook the past just to see them live again. I would like to go to one of the NY concert next week, but alas they are sold out. I will have to wait for them to play in Los Angeles or somewhere a little closer. It would be great if they could put their differences aside and the remainder of the original band reform (Slash etc). That would be legendary, although I am sure that as long as Axl is the lead singer, G'N'R will rock.

I am looking forwards to the new album coming out sometime soooooooon.


Rock on Axl. Rock on Guns and Roses.

Tidal Wave was coming?

...................................................................

There seems to be an element of confusion in NZ in regards to how the local councils and Civil Defence handled the warning yesterday that a tidal wave was expected to hit.

I heard the news up here at about 945 am local time PST and promptly called family and friends that lived or live close to the water. I had a couple of people evacuate their waterfront apartments, a couple and their dog took a drive inland and another friend promptly put his wife, children and beloved alsation into the car and was driving up MT Eden until the threat was dropped.

I am glad that nothing happened, but who is responsible for waking up people in the middle of the night if there is a threat. Surely Kiwi's cant rely on people overseas ringing up to see if they are ok?

What is the Civil Defence's policy? Who makes the call and where do you go?

We are all lucky nothing happened, but it certainly gets you thinking, because it can happen at any time without warning. What is your plan if a earthquake, volcano, or tidal wave hits?

Monopoly my favorite game

According to CNN Money, Monopoly, invented in 1935, is getting with the times.

The game's updated Here and Now edition, which is due out this fall, will replace Atlantic City landmarks with legendary streets, neighborhoods and national monuments.

Until May 12, fans can vote on www.monopoly.com for their favorite landmarks from 22 cities — including New York's Times Square, Chicago's Wrigley Field, Honolulu's Waikiki Beach, Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive and San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge.

Additionally, the votes will determine where each landmark will appear on the game board, the city with the most votes landing on the coveted Boardwalk spot.

"We encourage Monopoly fans to help create the look of our new game board by voting often at our website for their favorite landmarks," Matt Collins, Vice President of Marketing for Hasbro, said in a statement. "Your vote could be the difference needed to land your favorite American city on a blue property space."

Among other changes, the railroads will be replaced by New York's JFK airport, Chicago's O'Hare, Los Angeles' LAX and Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson.

Property values will rise, money will be in higher denominations and "Community Chest" and "Chance" cards will reflect more modern scenarios.

But, the original version will still be available for sentimental fans of the game.

Bill Clinton peacemaker

I have never been backwards in mentioning to people my admiration of President Clinton. I must say that he certainly spent plenty of time working on creating peaceful solutions throughout the world, and was instrumental in trying to get Israel and Palestine to be favorable of each other. I found Bob Harts blog which is aptly named and there is a brilliant video of President Clinton being whipped onstage and asked to sing with 40 Jewish and 40 Arab children. I notice that in the audience was Ariel Sharon, so I guess it was taken sometime last year before he became ill.

You'll need a fast internet connection, but be sure to watch the video it is great.

Bobs blog

Rodney Hide loses 11 kilos

I noticed in the Sunday Star times, that Rodney Hide ACT Leader and MP for Epsom has lost 11 kg recently in preparation for his role on Dancing with the Stars. Good on you Rodney, I think I will do the same (lose 11kg).

Mat (Snapper) Clark comes to LA

A friend of mine from NZ Snapper came up to LA for a couple of days. We did a bit of a tour and yesterday we went to the LAX gun range and hired some 9mm H&K and Beretta pistols. That was fun, Snapper isn't a bad shot although as you can see by the following pictures he can look a bit scary at times... The gentleman running the gun range certainly kept a close eye on him, but we made it out of there alive.


Me with H&K and Beretta 9mm pistols


Snapper with the targets after shooting.

After the gun range we went to California famous In 'N' Out burger which is strategically placed along one of the landing runways at LAX. Managed to snap a 747 at about 100 feet coming in from somewhere far away.




747 coming in for landing

All in all a good time. I just dropped Snapper off to San Pedro so as he can take a cruise ship to Mexico for a business trip. He will be back next week for another night, so I am sure that there will be more stories to tell......


It may have all been a little too much for Snapper?

If you were the President of USA

If you were George W Bush right now, what would you do ( within reason ) in regards to the war in Iraq, the Iranian situation as well as world diplomacy?

This is a subject that I often discuss with my friends up here in Los Angeles, and I am interested to know your opinion, your sitting in the Oval Office, what to do?

Rodney Hide jiving to the beat.....

I found this link posted on Rodney Hide's site by James..... It is a great show of Rodney moving to the beat....... He even does the splits I can't believe it...... See for yourself.

View Here

Larry Ellisons boat

Went for a bike ride with a buddy of mine yesterday from Santa Monica to Marina Del Rey and back. When we got to Marina Del Rey, we stopped at the marina itself and I saw this mega yacht moored called Ronin. This boat is owned by none other than Larry Ellison... I hear that he has a McLaren F1 as well...... The boat was in great condition and it seems to be about 191.9 feet long. I was disappointed to see that there really was no place to put a rod over the side and go fishing....... She'll do 30 knots and is well equipped.... He sold another of his boats Katana which was well over 200 feet long. I wonder what he'll get next?

Rodney Hide on the dance floor

I found this on the Sunday Star today....Looking every bit the part in tails and tuxedo, Act leader and Epsom MP Rodney Hide (The Boss) spent yesterday practising his dance moves for the next series of Dancing With The Stars. Looks like it is all go go go...

It is understood the truck driver's son with a love of the limelight will be confirmed as one of the show's stars tomorrow. Either that or he is practicing for the Beehive Ball?

Hide says he is taking the competition seriously, yesterday concentrating on holding his arms just right in keeping with his political stance.

After knocking on the door of nearly every house in his Epsom electorate at last year's election, Hide looks trimmer and ready to again use footwork to impress a voting public. Rodney is looking trim and ready to win. I think he needs to change the photo's on his web site.

Other contestants are believed to include world champion discus thrower Beatrice Faumuina and Olympic double gold medallist Danyon Loader. Well that will be some tough competition for Rodney.... All the best..... Wish I could see the show, someone will have to send me a copy of it ????/

The show starts early next month on TV One and will once again be hosted by Jason "The Ace" Gunn and Candy Lane.

Good luck Rodney...... You can do it.....

Rumsfeld vows NZ-ban review

It looks like US Secretary of Defence Donald Rumsfeld has had a meeting with NZ Defence Minister Phil Goff. It seems that Dr Don Brash was also in the vacinity. During the meeting Donald Rumsfeld acknowledged that it made sense where we are working together if there is clarity and transparency about the rules in regards to the US ban on military exercises with NZ which was executed in 1987.

Mr Goff also suggested to influential analysts and officials present for his address to the US National Defence University yesterday that NZ would welcome to its shores the return of most US surface ships, since all are conventionally powered except for aircraft carriers.

This is good news, especially if Donald does something about it..... I guess it is common knowledge that the US does not hold nuclear weapons on their surface ships these days. The real nuclear machines are the submarines.

Full story here

ACT MP joins the NZ Army

According to stuff.co.nz, ACT list MP Heather Roy has signed up for the territorial army.

And after all the mud-slinging in Parliament, crawling on her belly through muddy ditches at Waiouru holds no horrors for the 42-year-old Karori mother of five, who is to start her six weeks of basic training this weekend. Way to go.

"I thought long and hard about it and have been considering doing it for some time," she said. "It's now or never."

Ms Roy, who has been going to gyms for 12 years, said she passed the basic fitness test with ease and was looking forward to the training "with equal amounts of enthusiasm and trepidation".

"I know it's going to be pretty hard but I'm looking forward to the challenge."

Asked if the public would get good value for the salary she was paid as an MP, she said she had timed her army training so she lost the least parliamentary time possible. She had also made provision for her parliamentary work to be covered while she was away.

To avoid any suggestion of double dipping she plans to give her territorial pay to a charity approved by the Returned and Services Association. You can't say that is a bad idea.

"What the taxpayer will get out of me is somebody who has a much better perspective of how things operate at a grass-roots level in the defence force."

She said there was unlikely to be any clash between soldiering and politics, or her role as ACT's national security spokeswoman. In fact it will give her some excellent insight on how the military needs to be built up in NZ.

"I don't expect there are going to be any state secrets." Is there any though?

Military rules will bar her from political activities while she is on duty or in army uniform as you'd expect. I am sure it would raise some eyebrows in the house if she rocked up to Parliament in Military fatigues.

She said there was no argument about her absence from ACT leader and Epsom MP Rodney Hide, the party's only other MP, and she had the blessing of Defence Minister Phil Goff and Speaker Margaret Wilson.

Excellent... NZ needs more people like ACT MP Heather Roy. Good on you.

Question is..... Do YOU think it is a good idea for her to be doing this?

LA County is the most populous in USA

According to California Association of Realtors of which I am a member... :

Of the 20 fastest-growing counties in the USA between July 1, 2004, and July 1, 2005, 13 were located in the South, four in the West and three in the Midwest, according to a recent report by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Flagler County, located along the Atlantic coast in Florida, was the nation's fastest-growing county with a 10.7 percent population increase between 2004 and 2005.

In California, Tuolumne (4.5 percent), Yuba (4.2 percent) and Riverside (4.1 percent)
counties also were among the top 100 fastest-growing counties in the country.

With 9.94 million residents, Los Angeles County (where I live) continues to be the most populous county in the nation, according to the report. Orange and San Diego counties are also among the country's top 10 largest counties, with 2.99 million residents and 2.93 million residents, respectively.

Being more populous than many countries, it looks like there is plenty more folk to buy and sell property then... Woo Hoo

Chinese President hangs with Bill Gates

Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in Seattle on Tuesday and was warmly received by Microsoft’s founder Bill Gates, Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire and Starbucks Chairman Howard Schultz amongst others.

A three-course, 100-guest reception dinner was held in Gates $100 Million mansion, hosted by Gov Gregoire. Everyone seemed to have fun.

Hu then visited the Redmond campus and the Microsoft Home of the Future which seemed to impress him.

Although the itinerary appears to be largely trade-based, Hu and Gates seem to have struck an amicable friendship.

During the tour, Hu was greeted by elementary school students from Seattle's John Stanford International School. Hu wrote for the children "Long live the China-America friendship," in Chinese on a Microsoft Tablet PC.

While expressing admiration for what Gates has achieved at Microsoft, Hu also added jovially that, “Because you, Mr. Bill Gates, are a friend of China, I'm a friend of Microsoft," according to The Seattle Times.

"Also, I am dealing with the operating system produced by Microsoft every day," he added, amid laughter. I hope that it doesn't crash too much for the Chinese President?

"I'd also like to take this opportunity to assure you, Bill Gates, that we will certainly honor our words in protecting intellectual property rights," Hu said. That will be the day, but at least they are trying.

In efforts to allay Microsoft’s concerns before setting off on this trip, the Chinese government issued a notice on Apr. 12, to call on computer manufacturers to pre-install legal operating system software in their machines, so that manufacturers and buyers will be less likely to use pirated Windows software.

Recognizing this too, Gates responded: "Thank you, it's a fantastic relationship. And if you ever need advice on how to use Windows, I'll be glad to help."

Hu will only meet U.S. president George W. Bush tomorrow for a “social lunch”, after visiting Boeing plant in Everett for a showcase on the Boeing 787. I suspect that President GWB will be talking about copywrite and privacy laws, as well as Taiwan, Iran and North Korea with President Wu.

Earlier, also on Apr. 12, Chinese Vice-Premier Wu Yi led the signing of the purchase agreement for 80 Boeing Next-Generation 787 airplanes valued at $4.6 billion, in hopes of easing the tension that the U.S. is feeling against the growing trade deficit with China which I beleive was $202 Billion last year.

I hope George puts on a good old Texas BBQ for President Wu.

Oil hits $74 US per barrel

Oil hit a record $74 a barrel Wednesday on fears Iran's intensifying dispute with the West may hit oil supplies and after U.S. gasoline stocks dropped.

Where does it go from here? Might be time to pump up the tires on the mountain bike.

Donald Trump State Park

According to CNN, Property Billionaire and TV star of sorts Donald Trump is donating 436 acres in New York City's northern suburbs for a new state park that will be named after..... Donald Trump.

The new Donald J. Trump State Park will comprise two separate areas along the Taconic State Parkway, near the Franklin D. Roosevelt and Fahnestock state parks.

Trump and Gov. George Pataki announced the donation Wednesday from the top of Indian Hill, which consists of 282 acres of woods, meadow and wetland straddling Westchester and Putnam counties about 45 miles north of Manhattan.

The second parcel, known as French Hill, encompasses 154 acres in Westchester, entirely within the New York City watershed and about 4 miles south of Indian Hill. It is heavily wooded and has a 20-acre wetland that Gov Pataki said was "invaluable."

The Governor said the donated land was within one of the hottest real estate markets in the world. "I can't put a price tag on the 436 acres, but I can tell you this would not be open space but for Donald Trump."

The Donald mentioned that "People have told me the land is worth about $100 million."

The 59-year-old real estate magnate bought the properties in the 1990s for $2 million and had considered projects including golf courses and a housing development.

There was some local opposition, however, and Trump said he concluded that new golf courses would hurt the one he has in Briarcliff Manor. He said he decided with his family to "do something really spectacular" and donate the land for conservation.

Besides the Trump National golf course, the developer's other recent forays into the suburbs include a Trump Tower in White Plains. His previous gifts include renovation of the Wollman skating rink in New York's Central Park, but that is another story.

Way to go Donald Trump..... Keep up the good work.

?? Fuel prices ??

With fuel priced at more than $1.60 per liter in NZ and hovering just above $3US per gallon in the USA isn't it time that something is done to stabilize the cost of fuel? I still think investing in alternative fuel research now will pay off in the future... Hydrodgen, Ethanol, biofuel.......

George is working on it in the USA and Brazil is nearly self sufficient by means of Ethanol this year.

What is really happening in NZ?

Ethanol as an oil alternative?

Over the past three decades Brazil has worked to create a viable alternative to gasoline. With its sugarcane-based fuel, the nation may become energy independent this year. Brazil’s ethanol program, which originated in the 1970s in response to the uncertainties of the oil market, has enjoyed intermittent success. Still, many Brazilians are driving “flexible fuel” cars that run on either ethanol or gasoline and allow the consumer to fill up with whichever option is cheaper – often ethanol. Countries with large fuel bills such as India and China are following Brazil’s progress closely.

The US is taking small steps towards the use of ethanol, but its process, relying on corn, is lengthier and more expensive. In addition, countries such as Japan and Sweden are importing ethanol from Brazil to help fulfill their environmental obligations under the Kyoto Protocol. Running cars on carbohydrates instead of fossil fuels may not be a new idea, and ethanol has drawbacks such as high water content can damage engine parts over the long term, and ethanol burns at a higher temp to conventional oil based petrolium therefore creating starting problems in the morning if the temp is cool. The thing is that ethanol offers an attractive alternative as oil prices climb, and it is possible to make the stuff from pretty much anything that you can brew alcohol out of.

New Zealand / USA does not grow sugarcane to my knowledge, therefore the corn option seems to be the best bet although sugarcane based Ethanol is more potent than corn based ethanol. Brazil has got to the point now that they can get about 6000 liters of ethanol from 2.5 acres of land. When they started in 1975 with their project that was at 2500 liters. Brazil is the world leader in this technology. I think that they are going to reap their rewards from now on as the really have everything covered from spending money in their own country to power their vehicles, to excess power generation created by the ethanol plants which in turn sell the power to the local grid..... All very self sufficient.

I think that NZ should take advantage of Brazils knowledge and start producing Ethanol in NZ to subsidise our dependence on international oil. The other option is to do as Sweden and Japan is doing and importing Brazilian Ethanol for the time being until an infastructure can be created. It is not going to be difficult to get flex fuel vehicles produced for the NZ market, and hey.... It is green and good for the environment.

Time that someone within the governement looks into this.



UPDATE: Upon searching NZ and Ethanol, I found out that in NZ bioethanol (petrol ethanol mix) is made as a by-product of the dairy industry. Lactose is fermented in whey with special yeast that converts this sugar into alcohol. The alcohol is then distilled into bioethanol.

In the future bioethanol could be made in New Zealand from waste paper, straw or forestry residues, sugar beets are an option too.

Greg Johnson and Baria Records

It looks like NZ singer / songwiter Greg Johnson has, or is about to sign a two record deal with Baria Records. Greg, Tedd, Michelle and the band have put a lot of hard work into the USA and with massive radio play here, especially the East Coast, it is a natural progression for them to sign with a label.

Good luck and Congratulations.

DJ VMO releases Estimulo

US and Ibiza resident DJ VMO is putting his new creation "Estimulo" to press as we speak. The single will be available on CD or vinyl. As per tradition there will be release party(s) upcoming. I have had the opportunity to hear his latest creation, and I must say, Estimulo works well, especially if you are in Ibiza. Listen to it loud.

Soup Nazi

While I was in Manhattan I noticed an advertisement in the local paper about The Soup Man and the location of his store. I put one and one together and realised that this is the man that was portrayed as the Soup nazi in the Seinfeld series. I promptly took to my feet and went to the shop which was just around the corner from the Helmsley Hotel where I was staying. I was expecting to be kicked out for ordering chicken noodle soup, but alas the staff were polite and nice, and there was no chicken noodle soup. This guy Al Yaganeh who the character is portrayed and the owner of the "Original Soup Man" franshise makes real gourmet soup.

I ordered a chicken curry soup which had a name I cant remember, along with a ham and swiss sandwich. The presentation was great, and they even put a piece of bread, some grapes, a strawberry and a chocolate in to make my soup eating all the better.

The soup was fantastic, no wonder it was such a cult thing on the Seinfeld series....... although I did outlay just over $14US for the opportunity.

A great experience although I was hoping to get into some sort of verbal tussle with the Soup Nazi..... Maybe he was in Argentina?



Soup Man

Snowing in New York

I was surprised and rather unprepared for a cold snap and snow in Manhattan yesterday. The snowflakes were some of the biggest that I had seen. This was because the lower the flakes got to the ground, they warmed up and stuck together creating a super flake.

New York rocks.

MAC take the Apple to Windows.

I was reading The New York Times today and on the front cover they say that Apple has created a platform for it's intel powered machines which allow you to run on Windows or OSX. You will need to shut down to change between the two, but at least it is a point of difference. Hopefully this will allow Apple to increase it's share of the Personal Computer market from the 5% they are currently on.Apples stock also went up 10% on the news. If you have an intel based Mac, download "Boot Camp" for free from the Apple site.

Going to the Big Apple

I am off again to New York. I will be staying there a week this time, so hopefully we can close a deal on a nice property in Manhattan this time. The weather may be a bit dicey, so best I pack a warm coat. If the opportunity arrises I'd like to see a show on Broadway and do some socialising with the classy NY ladies......

I think I could live in NY.

Happy Birthday Dad.

Happy birthday today Dad. Have a great day.

Trilateral talks

The photo is of Canadian PM Harper, US President Bush and Mexican President Fox. They are having trilateral talks in Cancun, Mexico. President Fox and President Bush were pleased to accept, on behalf of their country's, Prime Minister Harper's invitation to host the next trilateral leaders meeting in Canada in 2007.

It is good to see that these meetings are taking place. I hope that some good comes of them.

Is Rodney Hide going to compete on Dancing with the stars?

That is the question?

I can see all the cynics out there sneering at the thought of Rodney doing the boogy woogy with some young temptress, but really what has Rodney or the ACT party got to loose by doing this?

The only thing that will have you all saying "I told you so" will be if Rodney gets booted on the first show. I can't imagine any sympathy votes being won if that happens, so the challenge to Rodney if he decides to do it is.... WIN WIN WIN. Good lucky.

Peter Leong 30 today.

Happy birthday Peter Leong (Center in photo) 30 years old today. All the best buddy. Have a great day. Don't get tooooo drunk tonight.