The weekend--- love it but for some these days, it hardly exists

There was once time when the weekend in NZ was a time when one could relax; that is if you didn’t include family chores and various other responsibilities, but that was, that it was time away from work.

Sadly, things have changed for many people, probably not just in NZ. Gone for many are the sleep-ins, leisurely breakfasts, picnics and BBQs at the beach, reading a book (no Kindles then), watching your kids playing rugby, visiting your favourite Aunt (because she did all of her own baking), talking to your neighbour over the back fence (do you even know your neighbour’s name?), going shopping before the shops closed for the weekend at mid-day, sending the kids off to the matinee at the cinema (knowing that they were quite safe to go alone), cooking the Sunday roast (the leftovers would go into a curry the next day) and finally, once the lawns were mowed, you could actually do—well--- NOTHING.

Now, the chances of a family being together, (I don’t mean the marriage---that’s another issue) for the weekend are greatly diminished. At least one partner will be working; even teenage kids may have a job. Some families will of course be together, because neither parent has a job. For them, it may feel like a sentence, because they will have little in the way of ‘discretionary’ spending.

For others, it maybe that working in the weekend is a requirement, in order for the company they work for to keep a hold on the niche they have managed to find in the larger world they now do business with.

It is not a ‘Brave New World;’ it is more a Cruel new economic-driven reality world.’ We have changed because we have had to and we have lost much as a result.

For me, I can hardly remember when my partner last had a clear weekend off. What’s next-----schools joining the move for a seven day week?

Thanks for reading the musings of a sentimental guy trying to remember what he thinks the world used to be like.

I Think I have offended my Russian readers!

Yes, my criticism of Putin and his abuse of power must have struck a raw nerve with my Russian readers. I have been unfair and painted him as a tyrant and a power- hungry throw-back to the past. That is so wrong of me and my prediction that Russia is going back to the past is entirely unwarranted----NOT!

There may be another reason of course. Perhaps those lovely Russian ladies seeking partners in NZ have realized that I am not the ‘catch’ they thought I was. Gosh, life is full of disappointments.

Please tell me I have heard it wrong--NZ's SAS troops heading for a revenge attack in Afghanistan!

I have got the wrong end of the stick, haven’t I? New Zealand is NOT going to send our elite SAS troops on a retribution attack on the insurgents who killed five of our soldiers in Afghanistan. OMG---it’s true! What is the bloody point? Our troops died there but what will be solved by going on this mission?

For a start, it is us who is in their country, (yes there are many in the Taliban who are not Afghanistan citizens) so it could be argued that a section of the population sees us as the invaders. Secondly, revenge is an ugly word; one that smacks of everything that is wrong in this world. Payback will never resolve anything and that comes from ‘one’ who does not espouse any particular religion.

The whole exercise is one that is futile. For the PM to actually talk about the fact that we are sending these soldiers on this perilous mission has in itself put the men and women at risk. It is like saying---‘Hello, Taliban. We are coming to get you and you have plenty of time to get ready for us.’

We should be trying to get out of that Godforsaken country. Just look at the history and learn. NO ONE CAN WIN. It is a complete waste of the lives of our men and women and serves as nothing more than appeasing the Americans. They too are finally learning what the Soviet Union did--- the hard way.

Now that the Prime Minister had opened his big mouth yet again, we could well be facing more funerals and sad families. It is all so unnecessary. I truly wish that, firstly out troops were not going and secondly that our fool of a PM has spoken so prematurely.

Are they becoming a sick joke?---The Government.

Actually no, they are not. Yes, some sectors, including the Education Sector are actively engaged in survival mode, especially in the Canterbury region, but the Government still has a good deal of support.

Rubbish, you may say. I think from the tone of my previous blogs, you have figured that I am not a card-carrying member of the National Party, but many people, silently support the issues that John Key has raised.

Have a conversation about Educational issues or ‘water rights,’ for example, and it’s what people don’t say that tells you that he still has support. So, what I am saying is that although some of the things that JK and his various Ministers (like Parata and Bennet), are ringing true for a huge number of NZers.

The battle is way from over and even further from being won, on so many issues.

The last few weeks has seen JK and his Ministers looking pretty damned stupid in the light of serous opposition from Maori and teacher/parents alliances, but the body language from the above mentioned is still one of arrogance and sense of ‘we know that we are doing.’

We are not going to shut up and take it; we need to mobilize that group that sits and says nothing, even though they have a growing sense that things are going in a direction that is not good for New Zealand.

If you have read this short blog to the end, then you are on the right path. Now, go and respond---keep the discussion going.

Is your right to 'free speech going to be 'right' for others?

At what point do we say that your right to free speech is superseded by the right of others to ‘live?’ I am of course speaking about a French magazine and the fact that it has gone ahead and published cartoons denigrating Islam and the ‘Prophet.’ As a result, the French Government has had to temporarily shut some of its embassies and consulates along with some schools.

Not only has the action of the magazine caused inconvenience to many people, it has possibly placed those individuals who work or study in the above institutions; it has actually put them at risk, given the over-the-top reaction from some in the Islamic community.

I am sure that our forefathers who went to war, with the words of politicians echoing in their heads about ‘fighting for freedom’ and various other catchcries, would be turning on their graves at the actions of this French magazine.

Freedom comes with a duty to use it with ‘understanding’ and sensitivity; but nothing re the events of the last few weeks, be it ignorant film makers or magazine publisher would indicate that thought has preceded actions. No way am I condoning what has happened as a result of these stupid, insensitive ‘publishings,’ but has not history taught us that such ‘reactions’ are inevitable?

Now, we must wait until ‘Friday Prayers’ to see if the feared outcomes eventuate. I say the price is too high, just as much as I say that the riotous behaviour is way out of proportion. The bottom line is that we all share this world and we have a range of beliefs, some held to the extreme. It seems logical and right that we do not insult one another. It is also obvious that those religions who talk about turning the other cheek, do not practise what they espouse. Hopefully level heads will win out in the end. A forlorn hope?

Sweden---the land of the midnight sun joins us.

One more country joins us. You are so very welcome. I hope you enjoy my blogs and books.
www.authorneilcoleman.com

I have recieved the first run of 'Talk To Me.' Now all I need is for you to buy  them.

How stupid can they get? French magazine's cynical actions.

It is reported today that a French magazine is about to publish some cartoons that will even ‘shock those who are hard to shock.’ I am of course talking about images that deeply offend Muslims. Having seen the snippets from the film that caused so much reaction around the world, I see this latest move as nothing more than a publicity stunt. I also see it as a hate crime in a most sinister form.

The film that has caused so much angst represented a level of ignorance that is child-like, but to knowingly go out to provoke even more violent reactions is tantamount to supreme stupidity and I suspect headlining behaviour. It is pretty damn obvious that the magazine’s sales will reach new heights.

How can the producers of this magazine justify their act? They will no doubt claim freedom of the press and that it is their right to publish what their readers want, but they need to know that they are also responsible for the inevitable deaths of embassy staff, many of whom are local citizens of the countries where the embassies or consulates are situated. More policemen and women will be injured and others will be caught up in the violence.

I do not support those committing violence, but the actions of this magazine are nothing more than premeditated murder, because the owners and controllers of the magazine know exactly what they are doing. No words can convey a position that they can be cast as proud defenders of freedom. The bottom line? ---- Freedom comes with responsibilities.