What hope now, America?

Yesterday the USA Senate rejected President Obama's initiative to take a more serious look at 'gun controls.' These proposals were hardly radical, just a tweaking to take away some of the worst aspects of the right of US citizens to have unbridled access to guns and other issues around multiple magazines etc.. Anyone sane should have been able to see that his actions were not an all out attack on their special right to bear arms. Indeed, I doubt that much would have changed, but at least it signalled  that the President wants to make the USA safer.
 It appears that the various lobby groups and the scare tactics used have influenced the Senate. This is most disturbing and as  result we can expect to see more headlines about deaths of people which are the direct result of guns being in the hands of individuals (and groups) who I wouldn't trust with a pitchfork! I know, no amount of legislation will totally protect people from the acts of criminals or those on the 'fringe.'
Combine the USA's large population and the ingrained thought processes that go along with gun ownership, the history of 'nation making,' that incorporated guns as a fulcrum, add in the criminal underclass and you have a potent mix. Now add the myths that accompanied  much of the film and entertainment industry and the resulting 'nowness' of guns in American society then you have all the ingredients for a society beset with weapons and a means of using them on one another. Unfortunately, counterbalancing responsible owners you have so many others who flout, exploit and use guns for reasons that border on psychopathic and criminal purposes. Then you have groups that stand up and politicize the ownership issue in ways that have entrenched guns as an infallible right. Time and technology have 'multiplied' the ramifications of gun ownership, leaving us with the situation we now see in the USA. Other than 'failed states,' no other country witnesses such carnage on the streets and in the homes of its people. Yes, Mr President, you have every right to be angry with your narrow-minded Senate.

Fig Tree Cafe in Ngatea

Ngatea is a little village on the way to Tauranga and the Thames area of New Zealand; that is if you divert slightly off the main road. It is one of quite a few towns and villages on the Hauraki Plains. Today I decided to visit my brother in Paeroa, another town, snuggling up to the ranges and famous (in NZ) for being the birth place of  Lemon and Paeroa, an iconic NZ soda drink.
I had breakfasted at home on Qinoa Porridge so I was feeling like a nice cup of coffee. There are several cafes in this little town of Ngatea, but we chose one, simply because it was easy to park right outside.
Enter the simply furnished Fig Tree café. The menu board was clean and clear, offering breakfast and lunch dining. All the 'usuals' were there and a few 'of the day' specials. The prices were fair and I couldn't see anything over about NZ $15 (except for the big breakfast. With my new 'regime' firmly in place, (remember, I had just had bariatric surgery two weeks ago, so big meals are out) I reluctantly limited myself to the coffee. Next time, I will have breakfast! Sometimes when I order coffee in cafes, even their small options are too much for me now, so I was delighted to see that I could chose a small tulip shaped cup. While I was waiting I visited the toilet. I don't usually comment on 'toilets,' but they are a good guide to the overall cleanliness of an establishment. I was most pleased---it was extremely clean and nicely 'decored,' for want of a better word.

ROMAN, the friendly barista.

On returning top my table , the coffee came. I noted that they use Gravity coffee and the combination of that and the skilled presentation made my visit most pleasant.
I decided to talk to the 'barista' on leaving and  he happily posed for my badly focused picture. I am bloody useless at tasking pictures sometimes. I think that Roman and his Mum (oops, not his mum, but a relative)  own the café and they should be proud of their little establishment on the way to 'points' on the Hauraki Plains. The Fig Tree is well worth the stop-off and they deserve to do well. Their simple plan seems to work: good coffee and no-nonsense food, presented in an impeccably clean environment. Well done Roman!

We went back again, this time with Perdy. Picture by Rio. 2/05/13

Are you considering Bariatric surgery?

Making the decision to go down the surgery pathway in order to lose weight is a momentous and should only be followed through after a great deal of thought and seeking out good advice. To have arrived at such a point in your life, means that you have tried everything, from failed diets right through to all of the accompanying health issues. These may include, diabetes (Type 2), high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, cholesterol issues, just to mention a few. If these 'affliction' have progressed, then you may also be facing other complications, all of which point to an early grave.
 Perhaps you have been enticed into the fitness and dieting industry which gathers in vast amounts of dollars from our pockets, only to fail yet again. You will most certainly have listened to nasty comments about your 'lack of will power' and possibly face discrimination re employment and even 'entry into' some night clubs. Thank God my age precluded me form then later.
Think of the 'unspoken words' you 'heard' as you entered a room. The one thing in your favour; especially in the USA, NZ and other Western nations--- you are fast becoming part of a significant minority. What to do then?
Most governments take the short  term view and play around with policies that may or may not address the issue of the 'fattening of their populace.' We hear talk of 'fat taxes,' and airlines wanting to charge overweight people more. We all know about the 'fast food crisis' and the looming financial drain that diabetes (Type 2) will become on our public health systems.
I support all moves that will get people to change their life styles, in order to avoid having to make the decision I did, and I strongly urge that young people are turned back to the past, re their food intake. I support  a return to eating more natural and unprocessed foods and turn away from those that have as their main ingredients, 'salt, fat and sugar.' These three culprits are the reason so many of us are fat.
But---- is Bariatric surgery' for you? Go check out the site that am benefiting so much form. No---- I did  not receive payment for writing this. Hell, I m ay even be in trouble for pushing it. But--- I can not speak highly enough of the support and professional, sensitive service I received. I know that the State pays for a small number of these procedures and that this is only for those under 50 who can display that they will benefit from the operation. Would it not be better to pay for more of this and look at the long term savings for the taxpayer. Surely a 'one-off' payment of around NZ$20,000 is a lot cheaper than the huge amount of money that will be needed to treat people on Dialysis and other expensive medical procedures?
Unfortunately, our politicians don't take the long term view.
Don't get me wrong here. I am NOT saying that Bariatric Surgery is a panacea for all people who are over weight. It is not an easy journey, but it is most certainly effective for some.
So---- go check out   the auklandweightlosssurgey site.

First Jackie Blue and now, possibly Tim Grosser!

What's happening with these high flying National MP's and in one case a Cabinet Minister? I know Labour had a few leave while in office, but two in quick succession seems to point that maybe 'the
chairs are being rearranged' on the Titanic.' From what I hear, the next two on the National list, don't do much for 'rejuvenating' Nationals 'list MPs in parliament.
John Key must be wondering who's next to 'jump ship.' Hell, at this rate he may have a complete turnover of his list MPs. I suppose he must be considering his list (and possibly electorate MPs) as now just being 'in training' for the real thing, because their tenure is becoming a 'limited time' thing.' Oh well, I guess you have to sort out your members one way or another and having part-term MP's system is as good as any. Deep down, Jonny boy is probably freaking out. That 'look' he has acquired of late, (causing some to wonder at his 'state of mind') will become a permanent part of his demeanour. Perhaps he is going to take us back to the Muldoon days, when reporters became the target for the latter's nasty attacks while the 'nation' begins to wish for an early election. The difference will be that John Key will be sober when he announces the date!

Going, going gone! Goddbye 100's and hello 90's.

No, this is not a sale unless you want to buy my 'fat.' Oohh, yuck, the very prospect dims my wits. Yes, I am happy to see it go and being in the nineties (Kilos) for the first time in about 6 years is a very satisfying place. I will now head for the 80's. The boring Optifast and enduring the operation seems very worthwhile this morning and I am surviving with my new regime quite happily. Hell, I am even going out for breakfast with my sister and Perdy. Perdy loves that because she knows that she will eat something from my already meagre 'breakfast.' She can have the bacon.
Yesterday the surgeon said I can introduce slowly, some more food options. That's great because I feel ready.
OK-----for the obligatory walk before we go and then another one later in the day after a nap.
Catch ya..

A terrible day in Boston.

The USA has it's detractors and many around the world hate the foreign Policy played out on a daily basis, 'as seen on TV,' every night. This has probably been so since the Vietnam War and possibly earlier during the onset of the 'Cold War.' Prior to that, we lapped up everything 'American'  from Coca-Cola to the movies from Hollywood.
There is no doubt that the USA is becoming a target for 'groups opposed to American policy and if they can't 'take it to them on the battlefield, simply because 'they' lack the means then they are going to take it to the heart on the USA. Such groups and I am sure you can name a few, know that by disrupting the very 'soul' of American life; that is in the cities and towns of the USA, then real damage is done, not just in the numbers of the dead and injured but in the 'threat' that such actions as we have witnessed today pose to all citizens of the USA.
We are not yet sure about who was responsible; it could have even been 'fringe groups opposed to the 'Government;' something we have seen before. 'Home-grown' terrorism is and will continue to be a threat in the USA.
If fundamentalist Islamic groups have committed this crime, not just against USA citizens, but against many other nationalities present at this august marathon race, then they will have sickened far more than Americans alone.  What is totally certain is that the people of the USA and others will not be cowered into some sort of 'giving in to such actions. Nothing other than a more resolute USA will result from this. If anything, people will line up behind their Government to defeat such actions. No matter how you view the policies of the USA, internally or abroad, few would say that 'terrorist' actions, be they home-grown of from outside, will have the effect of changing such policies. History tells us that when 'stung' the USA rebounds with renewed vigour and a sense of righteousness, to fight any threat. Unfortunately that has not always served the USA well.
Finally, we should think of those who were killed or horribly injured. Our prayers should now be with them, the innocent victims, who are no different to the majority of 'us.'

Mission Estate Wineries--- the first hint of an excellent 2013 vintage!

I love the wines from Mission Estate Wineries. I remember a few visits to the beautiful estate, with it's top class eatery and the glorious grounds.  I was wondering how their harvesting was going for 2013, given the inclement weather they are about to face. I stumbled on a Facebook entry that said that all the grapes are picked. This enticed me into making inquiries (very inpatient of me, I know) about how this years vintage might 'pan out.' I received  a quick response that simply had my 'wine tasting buds 'on full alert. I shall be checking out the vintage as soon as I am able. That may well equate to being my first 'post-surgery' experience with the 'good stuff from bottles. It will however most definitely be a case of 'less is more.' Go Mission Estate Wineries!
Read the response to my inquiries:

Hi Neil, if you insist on early hints....the vintage promises vibrant, intense Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc,
juicy, ripe HB red wines, including velvety Cabernet Sauvignon, full and round Malbec, fruit driven Merlot.
The Gewurzt and Riesling are looking aromatically stunning. Clean and crisp. Can't wait!

How about that for a promising vintage?