Why crush the boy / girl racers cars?

I was reading today on stuff.co.nz this article about a new law which will enable councils to crush car of excessively naughty boy and girl racers.

Why?

Firstly, if these naughty racers are driving cars which are blatantly not legal for the road and they are in an area which is known for illegal racing, then confiscate the car, take the racers license and get them in front of the judge FAST within the month.

Most of these racers are harmless and are simply just trying to drive around town, showing off their new rear wing, wheels and lowering kit that ruins the cars handling and makes them look ridiculously foolish.

It is the buffoonish behavior from one or two (normally intoxicated or insane) that cause harm to others. Those folks need to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The naughty racers normally have spent most of their money on souping up their horrendous looking vehicle and can't afford to pay any fines. No problem, take the car and put it up for auction ( not to be purchased by the perpetrator) and put the sale amount ( if any ) towards driver education programs and any previous outstanding fines. If the car does not sell then dismantle is and part it out or donate it to the local schools / Poly tech automotive departments for training up and coming apprentices.

Why crush with no one getting the benefit of the buffoonery?

A fine means nothing to most of these folks if they really do not get in trouble when they break the law. Give the Police the power to catch the naughty racers, give the courts the ability to move fast on the prosecution and don't give a car back to ANY driver until all fines are paid.

Fines for broken indicators, expired warrant / rego ( within a week ) and small and possible innocent problems should be low and they can be annulled with the owner of the car showing up to see the oversight has been fixed.

A person that has been caught 3- 5 times for having no rego / warrant, drivers license, spinning wheels, spreading diesel etc should be treated differently with a harsher penalty. A bit of time in a cell and a bit of hard labour as well as a bit of ridicule. How about every idiot looking vehicle that is impounded is inspected by a professional on tv who takes the mickey out of the modifications Top Gear style. The owner would be required to explain why they think the modifications are important and why they think recklessly spinning the wheels in a populated area makes them a bigger person. The naughty racer who proves to be the biggest idiot via online vote will get an extra 6 months of license suspension and will provide some comedy to the viewing public?

Greg Johnson video Kiss Me featuring Robert Good and Nicks BMW Z8

This is a cool video for the song Kiss me that has resurfaced from Greg Johnson's archives. It was filmed in 2004 and I even have a part in it...... Along with Nicks BMW Z8 Alpina that we "borrowed" for the day. SHHHH.

50,000 Hits

Onwards and upwards.... Thanks for checking in.

Star Trek the movie (2009)

I had the opportunity to preview the new Star Trek movie last night at the Paramount Studios.

James T. Kirk, the USS Enterprise and Spock were in full effect. This is a brilliant movie and I would expect that when it is released tomorrow it will gather quite a following.
There is an all star line up including Karl Urban a fellow Kiwi, Winona Ryder ( who I didn't even recognize ), Chris Pine who did a brilliant job as J T Kirk, Zachary Quinto who made a stellar appearance as Spock and .................... best of all Leonard Nimoy who put the ears back on and came back as his original but aged character from the original TV series.

I was not much of a Sci- Fi fan, but this is a movie that makes me want to become one. There is humor, originality and it is not unfathomable. I recommend you go to the cinema and watch this movie twice.Live Long and Prosper

One of these photos are not like the others. Obama - Chavez

7 years in USA today.

Time has flown, it seemed like just yesterday I packed up and said goodbye to family and friends in Auckland and hopped aboard NZ1 to LAX to make a new life in America. Well that was 3-27-2002.

When I first arrived after getting through the secondary inspection by immigration officers and got my passport stamped for permanent residency and employment I was greeted by my cousin Jo who allowed me to board at her house for a good few months. I got a job at Santa Monica BMW, mostly because a friend of mine in NZ knew the owner and due to that a job was offered. Moved on to Beverly Hills BMW and then back to SM BMW after a year. I then got into real estate with Keller Williams Realty which I am doing now and working with Nick at DHH.
When I first arrived it was shortly after 9-11. There were US flags everywhere and there was and still is a lot of patriotism. Now the US flags have been replaced with Obama / Biden stickers, but I will remain open as to how long that will last.
I have experienced most all of my friends getting married back in NZ and have 1 two or even 3 kids, so I have made it back a couple of times to witness the transfer for wedding rings, baby photos and swearing in's which is nice.
Rodney Hide is now a Minister, won Epsom twice and is making headway. Act has 5 MP's. Pablo is a councilor, on many important boards and is doing very well for the people of Auckland. John Banks got voted in for the second time, knocking off the cereal king, Simon Bridges has defeated Winston Peters to take the Tauranga seat, and at long last NZ has a center right government under the leadership of John Key MP.
USA has had 8 years of GWB. He didn't leave as the most popular President, but I respect him for doing what he did for USA. BHO #44 is a charasmatic President. He is starting to feel what it is like to step into the shoes of #43 and so far he is doing a pretty good job. I will give him some time to settle in bofore I become super critical.
So BBQ tonight, hot dogs and burbon.... Bit like NZ really except that apple pie tastes better here.

I celebrated the day by buying some shares.... Wonder how much they will be worth in 7 more years?

Question of the day. If Milo is such a NZ icon and staple, why is it made in Australia???

Greg Johnson's new animated video "I got opinions"

Just released, be the first to see Greg Johnson's I got opinions video. The animation took many months by a hard working crew in New Zealand and is very interesting. Enjoy.

Visiting New Zealand this week.

I am off to visit New Zealand for a week. Have an important wedding to attend and family and friends to visit. Looking forward to fishing, having some Bluff oysters, Kilkenny beer ( even though it is from Ireland ), couple of pies, some fish and chips, Dad's famous lamb shanks and of course a banana milkshake.

I will be attending a Greg Johnson gig at the Spiegeltent at the Aotea Center on Thursday 12th. It will be good to see Greg and Ted play their old favorites, and new hits. Tickets are on sale here. Come along and have a beer or two...

I am not the biggest fan of Air New Zealands 777's. I prefur the 4 engined 747-400. If 4 engines are required for the POTUS then they are good enough for me. I have my fingers crossed that the Air NZ management will join Lufthansa and order the new 747-800 which is yet to be produced. I am also looking to fly at the front of the plane, so if that is confirmed I will give a review. I hope my experience is better than Cactus Kate's, and I have no intention on sleeping in the nick on the plane. Every time I have flown Air NZ Business Premier I have had a great experience, except they are ALWAYS out of the reisling that I would have liked to try.

President Obama's speech to Congress

I watched President Obama's speech today to Congress. I felt it was effective and impressive. Gov Jindals response was ok, but could have been better.

Obama visits Canada

#44 took his first International trip today since taking office and visited Canada. It is a tradition for the US President to make his first International trip to Canada although #43 GWB broke that record by visiting Mexico first instead.
It is time for stronger US-Canadian relations and between PM Harper and President Obama I think it can be done. Canadians tend to have a slight negativity towards the USA somewhat like NZ and Australia, but when push comes to shove it is time to get over that as both countries are interdependent in many areas.
It looks like an agreement has been made between Canada and USA about clean energy. Afghanistan was talked about, as that is a touchy point for the Canadian people, and further energy sharing was discussed.
Last time that there was true leader friendship between Ottawa and D.C was with the 4oth President of USA Ronald Reagan and 18th PM of Canada Mulroney, they were great friends. I wonder if a bi-partisan friendship will be created with the current leadership?

Fancy a cup of cow urine?

Does your Pepsi lack pep? Is your Coke not the real thing? According to the Times online, India's Hindu nationalist movement apparently has the answer: a new soft drink made from cow urine. MMM yummy, just what the doctor ordered.

The bovine brew is in the final stages of development by the Cow Protection Department of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), India's biggest and oldest Hindu nationalist group, according to the man who makes it.

Om Prakash, the head of the department, said the drink – called "gau jal", or "cow water" – in Sanskrit was undergoing laboratory tests and would be launched "very soon, maybe by the end of this year".

"Don't worry, it won't smell like urine and will be tasty too," he told The Times from his headquarters in Hardwar, one of four holy cities on the River Ganges. "Its USP will be that it's going to be very healthy. It won't be like carbonated drinks and would be devoid of any toxins."

The drink is the latest attempt by the RSS – which was founded in 1925 and now claims eight million members – to cleanse India of foreign influence and promote its ideology of Hindutva, or Hindu-ness.

Hindus revere cows and slaughtering them is illegal in most of India. Cow dung is traditionally used as a fuel and disinfectant in villages, while cow urine and dung are often consumed in rituals to "purify" those on the bottom rungs of the Hindu caste system.

In 2001, the RSS and its offshoots – which include the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party – began promoting cow urine as a cure for ailments ranging from liver disease to obesity and even cancer.

The movement has often been accused of using more violent methods, such as killing 67 Christians in the eastern state of Orissa last year, and assaulting women in a pub in Mangalore last month. It also has a history of targeting foreign business in India, as in 1994, when it organised a nationwide boycott of multinational consumer goods, including Pepsi and Coca Cola.

The cola brands are popular in India, now one of their biggest markets, but have struggled in recent years to shake off allegations, which they deny, that they contain dangerous levels of pesticide.

Mr Prakash said his drink, by contrast, was made mainly of cow urine, mixed with a few medicinal and ayurvedic herbs. He said it would be "cheap", but declined to give further details about its price or ingredients until it was officially launched.

He insisted, however, that it would be able to compete with the American cola brands, even with their enormous advertising budgets. "We're going to give them good competition as our drink is good for mankind," he said. "We may also think of exporting it."

Good luck with that. Wonder if it will take off???

Bill in Congress to allow US Citizens the right to travel to Cuba.

While most of the nation focused on the stimulus bill winding through Congress, nine representatives introduced a bill calling for an end to the 46-year-old ban on travel to Cuba according to the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

The Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act introduced in the US House of Representatives on Feb. 4 would allow American citizens unrestricted travel to Cuba for the first time since 1963. The bill by Rep. William Delahunt, D-Mass., and eight co-sponsors would also lift limits on travel by Cuban exiles living in the United States. The president would not be able to regulate travel to the island unless an armed conflict or armed danger arises. I believe that this is something that President Clinton wanted to do towards the end of his term, but it didn't happen.

The bill has gone too far, said Francisco "Pepe" Hernandez, president of the Cuban American National Foundation. Cuban exiles should visit their families whenever they want, but tourists shouldn't spend money in resorts that Cubans are barred from. "It's improper and should not be allowed until the Cuban government makes some reforms," he said.

That's not the case for Jose Lopez, president of the Broward County Click here for restaurant inspectioLatin Chamber of Commerce and a staunch supporter of the trade embargo.

"It's a betrayal and it's not going to resolve anything," said Lopez, who left Cuba in 1961.

Tourism dollars spent in Cuba will inject more oxygen into the dying Castro regime, he said. Lopez also thinks Cuban exiles who want to return to the island whenever they please are abusing their refugee privilege.

Many expect US President Obama to back a change in the policy. As a candidate for the presidency, Obama spoke in favor of reducing restrictions on remittances and travel to the island.

It is time for fair and Democratic elections in Cuba. Their citizens are repressed and certainly need change. It appears that Raul is making come changes but clearly not enough. Will an influx of US travelers fuel their regime with an influx of US dollars, or will the government fall and open the door for a free Cuba?

Co-sponsors to the bill include representatives Rosa Delauro, D-Conn. Sam Farr D-Calif., and US Presidential candidate Ron Paul, R- Texas.

President Obama and Marine One

Looks like President George W Bush is not the only one to have trouble making his way onto Marine One.

Previous Governor Rod R. Blagojevich

Governor Rod R. Blagojevich has been impeached by the Illinois senate and is moving out of the Governors mansion as I write this. He is now the Previous Governor of Illinois.
Previous Governor Blagojevich addressed the Illinois senate this morning with a rather good speech, but it did not convince the senate. Lt Governor Pat Quinn is about to be sworn in.

Politicians certainly need to step it up a gear.

Former French President Chirac attacked.

Former French President Jacques Chirac has been taken to hospital because he was violently attacked by his clinically depressed Maltese dog... Te he he.

I am sure Saturday Night Live may have something to say about this.

We wish him a swift recovery.... Maybe he should get better security...

#44

He is now the 44th President of the Unites States of America, President Barack Obama. Change has come. Congratulations.

President George W Bush's final address to the nation.

This is a briefing of President Bush's final address to the nation this January 15th 2009. He still has 5.5 days to serve as President before President Elect Barack Obama takes the reigns.

The happy looking President said...

"
It has been an honor.

Best wishes to the President Elect and Obama family, thanks to Dick Cheney, Presidents family and the American people.

September 11th was talked about. He said that every day he had a security briefing to make sure it didn't happen over his watch. He mentioned the increase of Federal agencies also created and strengthened to make USA strong. USA has gone 7 years without another terrorist attack.

He thanked the Military and their families. His highest honor has been serving as their commander and chief.

Every taxpayer is paying lower tax.

Funding for Veterans has almost doubled.

Thanked his supreme court appointees.

Setbacks.... He would have done some things differently. He followed his conscience.

He made tough decisions. We may not have agreed with them.

Gravest threat is another terrorist attack.

We must resist complaitancy, must keep resolve and not let down our guard.

Must rejest isolationism.

If America does not lead the freedom the course will not live.

Good and evil present in the world. There must be no comprimise between the two.

Must speak out for justice and truth and piece.

In the toughest time we lift our eyes to the broud horizon ahead.

He brought some honored guests who he mentioned and spoke of.

We have faces danger and trial and there is more ahead.

USA will never tire falter or fail.

There has been good days and tough days.

Blessed to represent USA and honored to be a citizen of the USA. "

Finishes with a standing applause.

A very nice final speech. Wish the President the best in his retirement.

Kiwi's need to apply online before traveling to USA

It appears that as of today if you are using a NZ passport you will need to apply online for a "free" visitors visa to come to USA. This could cause some confusion for a while. Three things come to mind.

1. What happens if you have a similar name to someone on the watchlist? A la Cat Stevens.
2. What is the deal if you have a computer but no internet connection?
3. What happens if you get to the airport in NZ and you have not completed this form online, will you be bumped off your flight?

5 Presidents for lunch

Photo courtesy of whitehouse.gov

Putting his hand out in friendship and in a bi-partisan manner, current President #43 George W Bush invited #42 Bill Clinton, #41 George H W Bush, #39 James Earl "Jimmy" Carter, Jr and soon to be #44 Barack Obama to the Whitehouse for a private lunch today.

This is the first time all living Presidents have been together in the Whitehouse since 1981 when a US delegation was preparing to attend the funeral of Egypt's Anwar Sadat.

The last White House event to draw the former presidents was a November 2000 celebration in honor of the White House's 200th anniversary. But one of the former presidents, # 40 Ronald Reagan, was unable to attend as he was unwell with Alzheimer's.

President Bush said; "I want to thank the president-elect for joining the ex-presidents for lunch, even though he's not quite a member of that club yet.

One message that I have and I think we all share is that we want you to succeed. Whether we're Democrat or Republican we care deeply about this country, All of us who have served in this office understand that the office itself transcends the individual."

He added: "We wish you all the very best, and so does the country."

A very nice message to President Elect Obama indeed. I think President Bush speaks for all of us.

Would have liked to be invited to that lunch... Pity I can never be President unless they change the law...

First post 2009

This is the first post for 2009. All the best to you crazy blogger's and blog readers out there.

Puntiki in snowy Tahoe California.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone...

A photo I like

My two favorite Prime Ministers. New Zealand PM John Key and Canadian PM Steven Harper.

Photo courtesy of the PM Harper's site.

Snow on Las Vegas strip

A rare site indeed... Snow in Vegas and it is not illegal. The Las Vegas Strip has had 3 inches of snow today, beating the record of 2 inches in 1967. A few airplanes can land at the local airport, but none can leave as there is no de-icing or snow equipment onsite. What a shame, being stuck in Las Vegas.


Photo from www.drudgereport.com

Simon Bridges MP maiden speech

This is a great speech from the recently elected National MP for Tauranga, Simon Bridges. Expect to see more of him in the up and coming years.

Political Buffoons?

You tell me??? If you can name the folks and their party affiliation and country I will be impressed.

ACDC concert Los Angeles

Brilliant... Seats were great, music was LOUD (still deaf)...

10 out of 10.

O J Simpson sentenced

O J goes to jail for at least 5 years for as long as 15 years.

Goodnight Kiwi

It's great to have the goodnight Kiwi back long after a long absence, but aren't Kiwi's nocturnal birds?

Tagged by Heine

I don't really do these things, but I was tagged by Clint Heine to blog 7 things that most people don't know about me, so here goes. The rules are:

1. Link to the person who tagged you
2. Post the rules
3. Share seven random or weird facts about yourself
4. Tag 7 random people at the end of the post with their links
5. Let each person know they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

1. Puntiki is a made up name which was given to me by one very effective Auckland Councilor.
2. I can play the bag pipes ( sort of ), well not very well but I used to be able too.
3. The Rt Hon Jonathan Hunt once lost a bet to me for a bottle of wine and he paid up.
4. Rodney Hide once saved me from getting whacked by an angry rich lister. (Thanks Rodney)
5. I have been in Real Estate for 13 years and was previously a trained BMW parts technician.
6. I cant stand Jagermeister, Black Sambuca, gin or rum.
7. I am a member of the Cathedral Club. ( We need to meet more often )

I Tag.... Mike Stark, Aaron Bhatnagar, Andrew Sanderson, Cactus Kate, Blair Mulholland, Sage NZ and Trevor Loudon.

The future Cabinet?

At a secret location Friday November 14th 2008

Change of Government in NZ

Congratulations to PM elect John Key and the National Party of NZ for such a great result on Saturday 8th of November. Congratulations to Rodney Hide ACT Leader and re-elected MP for Epsom for getting 3.72% of the party vote and 5 MP's into government. It looks very likely that National / ACT and possibly The Maori Party and Peter Dunn will be involved in the next National led government. It is nice to have a change after 9 years of Labour. Helen Clark was a very strong PM and PM Elect Key has some big shoes to stand in. Helen Clark has stood down as Labour Leader and is expected to be replaced by Phil Goff.

Change in USA. Barack Obama President #44

Congratulations to President Elect Obama.

Today, he has been given a mandate from the people to lead us into a new history making era. As Sen McCain said in his honorable concession speech... We must get behind our new President #44 and give him our support, as I will.

I went out to the local after a nice dinner at friends place and there is a BUZZ in the air that I have never seen here before. The people I saw out were very happy about the outcome and it truly is time of change.

One America.....

Lewis Hamilton F1 World Champion 2008

It came down to the last corner. It looked like Massa was about to be World Champion thanks to some brilliant driving by Vettel in the Torro Roso overtaking Hamilton to put him in 6th and out of contention. When all of a sudden on the last corner Timo Glock of Toyota slowed to let Hamilton past and Hamilton won the championship but only just.
I do feel sorry for Massa.... He truly deserved it... Maybe next year.

A special message for you.

Update

Well it is all very exciting this week. The Brazilian F1 is being held tomorrow and either Lewis Hamilton of McLaren or Felipe Massa of Ferrari will be the world champion. It comes down to the wire as this will be the last race of the season and currently Lewis Hamilton is 7 points ahead of Massa. Massa is on pole with Hamilton positioned at #4 for the race. Massa will need to win or come 2nd with Hamilton making a serious mistake to tahe the championship but anything is possible.

The election in USA is tightening up. A lot of folks have voted early and there is 1-2 points in it which is within the margin or error. There is a realistic chance that the election could go to Democrat Barack Obama or Republican John McCain both Senators. This will be my first time voting in USA and I am looking forward to it. I hope that the result is clear cut and we dont need to have a Florida 2000 replay. Tuesday November 4th is the day.

In New Zealand it is looking fairly good for a National / ACT government after the November 8th election. John Key has publicly stated that he will work with ACT and there is a strong chance of ACT leader and MP for Epsom having a cabinet position after the election if National are in the position to govern. A party vote for ACT will enable National to get things done for the people of NZ in a way that is going to make a positive change. ACT is a reliable partner for National and they will work well together. I will be making the trip to NZ in time to watch the results. My mother is running for ACT in Rodney District and has been working very hard indeed. I am looking forward to hearing about the results with my folks and other party supporters on election night. Things are also looking good for National Candidate Simon Bridges in Tauranga, he will make an excellent MP. Winston may be looking for a job after the election.

SO get out and Vote......... The choice is yours.

Screw Labour

I got this from Blair Mulhollands blog..... thanks Blair...

Dear Mr Obama

National to have ACT in cabinet

withI was looking at David Farrar's blog and I noticed that he has a link to this interview with National Party leader John Key.

John Key says that after this election in New Zealand on November 8th that ACT Leader and MP for Epsom Rodney Hide would be in a National led cabinet.

This is only natural as ACT and National will be like competitive cousins when working together on the same team rather than a gang war as it could be under a new Labour led govt.

So bravo to John Key for his candid interview and Party VOTE ACT.

Question is: What Cabinet position will Rodney Hide get?

McCain climbing in the polls...

It seems that the polls are tightening very quickly before the US election on November 4th. The difference between Sen McCain and Obama is now within the margin of error. There is a lot of press out there about Obama enjoying the company of some undesirable characters and most people including "Joe the plumber" is concerned about Obama's true thoughts and intentions??? This election will go down to the wire. Will there be a Tom Bradley effect, will there be a last minute surge for McCain or Obama....This election has broken a few traditions so really anything that happens between now and November 4th could sway the vote.
Vote McCain.

A Dangerous Threesome

Greencard lottery time

It's Green Card lottery time

New Zealanders are eligible for the “Diversity Visa Lottery Program”.

Applications to win a Green Card to live and work in the US are open till 12 noon Eastern time on 1 Dec 2008.

More information at the State Department website which is: Here

If you have a previous drug charge, a DIC / DYI, or a conviction, don't bother applying. There is no payment necessary up front, you only pay to the US consulate if you win as a documentation fee (some people set up fake sites and charge you upon application and rip you off). If you win you will have the option to move to the USA upon being approved ( normally within 1 year of winning) and you will need to be in the USA for 6 months and 1 day of every year (for tax reasons). You will then be elegible to become a citizen after you have been in USA for 5 years (on US soil). This is a fantastic way of moving legally to USA. I encourage you to apply if you'd like the opportunity.

Cheers

Robert

Hydrogen filling station in West Los Angeles

I was getting my haircut at my usual place, which led to taking my car to be cleaned at the usual place and interestingly enough there is a hydrogen fueling pump just across the road on Santa Monica Blvd at the shell station. Upon close inspection it looked to be all hooked up, but alas there were no Hydrogen Bmw 7 series or Honda Hydrogen cars lining up. While the service station my have made the investment and at this time not getting a return, it is a great sign of things to come.

ACT

A message from ACT New Zealand for you to consider before voting in the upcoming election



For a change of government and a government of change: Party VOTE ACT