As I type this we are sat listening to NZ national radio playing Chelfyn's 'Evil Plans' for a second night running in a prime slot. What was even more amazing was what the DJs asked just before playing it ...does NZ really wanted to be bullied into going to war for a country [US] who are motivated by trade sanctions..."
Some companies just don't get the whole concept of the Internet. Take Elephant for example. I'm trying to get insurance quotes online, it's past midnight in the UK and I get this when I submit my details.
"You can get a quote and make changes to your car insurance policy online from 6.30am to 11.30pm every day."
Doh! One of the best things about the Internet is that time is irrelevent.
Hey meant to mention this yesterday, but got my first serious article online - You Gov - and I'm working on a couple of others. I guess this blog has got me over the lurker syndrome and well on the way to being a virtual gobshite!!!
Just noticed something spooky, look at the time of the previous post about the evil plans of Mr Bush - 9:11 PM...
Chelfyn's just had a phone call from Channel Z (an NZ radio station) to say that they've aired 'Evil Plans' on one of their primetime slots. Needless to say he's a bit chuffed!
Just got back last night from a week away down south at Mount Ruapehu, home to the North Island's only substantial snow fields. There's two main skifields: Whakapapa and Turoa. I was told that Whakapapa was the better, more established site, but I'm inclined to disagree. We spent most of our time at Turoa and it was more laid back and a lot more fun.
We stayed in a bach in Okakune which seems like a normal ski resort until you discover the giant carrot which, in true Kiwi fashion, proclaims it's position at the heart of NZ's market-gardening regions. Even their winter festival revolves around carrots!
Snowboarding is great. A pain in the ass or the knees, depending on which way you tend to fall and it's even worse when the snow is hard and icy, but it's definitely worth the hassle. Having both feet strapped in means you have to be aware of your balance and where you put your weight otherwise it's a face full of snow and a lot of swearing! By the time I left I had full use of my brakes and could do turns both goofy (right foot forward) and natural (left forward). Most people have a preference, but I seem to be comfy either way.
One of the other highlights of my holiday was discovering the Powder Horn's indoor hot pool which had an intercom buzzer direct to the bar. Press the button and wait for the booze to appear - very dangerous!
Anyway, funds allowing, I'll be going back for some more. The season doesn't end till mid/late October so I should have plenty of time to practise.
Kiwi Guide
Remember that here 'wh' is pronounced 'f', so Whakapapa is said Fakapapa… that's rude!
Bach - holiday house.
On a more serious note I came across this article, President Bush Plans a War of Aggression. It feels as though the whole world is waiting on the whim of one man who doesn't seem to have a very good handle on the world outside of Corporate America. Anyway the author coined a brilliant phrase that seems to fit quite a lot of their foreign policies… "The issue that motivates this planned aggression, is not weapons-of-mass-destruction: it is resources-of-mass-attraction." Perfectly put.
You don't have to dig very deep to see the guy doesn't have a great track record, and if they didn't like the father in the Oval Office why on earth did they think the son would be any better at the job?
Sorry if anyone finds this offensive, but spending 11th September 2001 stuck in Baltimore would be an eye-opener for anyone. I don't even have an urge to go back, and this is from the girl who loves going to new places.
Anyway to lighten things up a little listen to: The Evil Plans of George W Bush III, just make sure you turn it up loud.
If you prefer your humour in the gutter then check out: An Apology To Our US Readers, and if you decide to follow up with their archives beware. The humour is vicious in places, in others downright offensive.
Umm... sun. Don't you just love it. It's been blissfully warm sunshine, blue skies and token fluffy clouds all week.
I'm doing the Brit thing and talking about the weather again. But when you're accustomed to unpredictable summers, which have a habit of feeling suspiciously like late autumn, four beautiful sunny days in a row is a big deal.
If I can be out sunbathing in early spring (think March in the UK) then I can't wait for summer. OK it'll probably be unbearably hot, there'll be the constant application of sun block, but it'll be warm. We'll be able to plan our beach trips, for surfing and partying, weeks in advance with no worries about it pissing it down on that one day.
Umm… bliss.