Australian election---Yawn!

I think our Aussie cousin are waking up each day, a little more bored with the choices they have re the upcoming election. For a short time there, it seemed that Kevin was going to bring a bit of relief into the race, but the electorate has quickly found out that he the same old Kevin they used to know. Then on the other hand, thye get to witness Tony making embarassing  (but bloody funny) gaffes. Put the two together and I hear that there is a movement to emulate the Boat people, but this time made up of Aussies wnating to flee the bredom of the Aussie elections. I hear that some have even become 'wannabe gays' in order to come to NZ for  a marriage ceremony. Of course being the welcoming people we are, then I say, come on over my frineds. You may even decide to stay. I shall arnage for the navy to assist in the relocation so that you can arrive in comfort and safety. NO leaky boats for you---ooops, hang on. I did say the NZ navy. Maybe that's a bit too mucvh to ask for. OH well, I hope you don;t get driven to desperation and seek out other palliatives to your boredom. Just chuck anothoer prawn on the barbie mates!
www.authorneilcoleman.com
Yeah, nah, I didnt speel check this one. Had to give you something to do other than listen to Tony and Kevin!

Apparently, this is what I ate for dinner tonight!

Silly question? Not really---the 'dogfruit' was delicious, cooked Indonesian style. I thought I was eating potatoes in a rich gravy. No, it was the vegetable described below. That is why I always eat first then ask what the hell it was later. If I had read the bottom part, maybe I would have had second thoughts. So far I am still alive. without complications. 

Archidendron pauciflorum, commonly known as Jengkol, Dogfruit, or Jering is a species of flowering tree in the pea family, Fabaceae, that is native to Southeast Asia. Despite its strong smell, the beans are a popular food in Indonesia, and also consumed in Malaysia (where they are known as jering), Myanmar (where they are called da nyin thee), and in Southern Thailand, where they are called luk-nieng or luk neang.^[1] The large brown legumes are very popular and cooked as satay or curry, especially rendang, in Indonesia. In Burmese cuisine, the da nyin thee is either roasted or boiled, and often eaten along with a pickled fish sauce (Ngapi yay) on steamed rice.
The beans are mildly toxic due to the presence of djenkolic acid, an amino acid, which causes djenkolism (jengkol bean poisoning). Symptoms include spasmodic pain, gout, urinary obstruction, and acute renal failure.^[2] The condition mainly affects men, and is not determined by how the beans are prepared. Individuals can consume the beans on multiple occasions without incident, to develop renal failure on another occasion.^[3]

References[edit source | edit]

www.authorneilcoleman.com

The belt that wouldn't fit! Do I make two?

When I first started this downsizing ‘journey, I had one belt that fitted me. Indeed, every few months I had to add another hole to accommodate my ever-increasing girth. I won’t even try to describe how I felt at that time.

Now, nearly 5 months on, I am still adding holes to my belt(s) but at the other end. I suspect that I now have some belts that more holes than anyone else, catering for all possible sizes. I must make sure that they are donated to a ‘museum of dieting or downsizing’ as an example of ‘what was’ and ‘what can be.’ Of course, I am not on a diet as such and I am happily progressing with my new direction. We took the picture at work today and I came to the decision that just maybe, I should buy a trendy new belt.

Honestly, the belt almost goes around me twice now. I have started to settle on my new weight; one that is very OK for me. Having lost almost 40 kilos, I think I can now look to maintaining that and just increasing my fitness. I think that Party, my jack Russell will play a big part in that. Any regrets? Absolutely NOT!   

www.authorneilcoleman.com

Let Mubarak back into the mix if you really wnat to see Egypt self-destruct!

If the powers that be (read, 'the military) release ex-President Mubarak, then all hell will break loose in Egypt. Is that what the present Governmnet wants; a complete breakdown in Egyptian sicieity, one that will allow the military to do as they wish, much like they did under former presidnets. All we need now, in my cynical opinion is for ther to be another Arab-Israeli war. Afterall, is this not about consolidating power, back into the hands of those who have always ruled in this ancient country. War is a tool that is age-old. Don't let this criminal out. Eygpt deserves so much more and I don't mean a 'Morsi!'
www.authorneilcoleman.com

3 races and no real winner so far in America's Cup

What's thepoint of this fiasco? Three races and so far one of the boats has pulled out through gear failure. Bring back the good old days of old fashioned (yes, with state of the art technology!) boats. OH, drop the bullshit off the water though!
www.authorneilcoleman.com

Perdy gave me that 'I wanna smack my child,' in the supermarket feeling today!

After work today, I took Perdy down to the park at Lynfiled. It is not an 'off-the-leash' area, but I do let her go over the far side of the field and she chases the ball until she is stuffed. Everything went well for a while and she chased a few seagulls and magpies just to add variation.  She seemed to be in a particularly 'vibrant' mood and after abut 30 minutes we headed back to the car park, where from past experiences she has always behaved and jumped into the back seat and off we go.
NOT THIS TIME!
Oh no, she seemed to sense the presence of some unknown 'beastie' in the bushes not far from where we were parked. Off she ran and after a few seconds set up a manic barking. I know that sound. It cried out 'cat!' I just knew I was in for a hard time. Sure enough, after I had crashed my way through the dense undergrowth (I use that description to magnify what was about to come!) I came upon a scene that held no promise of a peaceful end to my afternoon.
A brown possum-coloured cat was perched way up in the tree, looking down disdainfully at my rabid pooch. (I know, another total over-the-top description, but hell, I'm on a roll, brought on by my 'remembered frustration.) I tried to keep calm, as I was not alone. NO, a guy was standing by his car, maybe rolling a joint. He certainly gave me the impression that I was intruding on his 'pastime.' I decided to ignore him and I attempted to ask Perdy nicely to accompany me to the car.
She cast a backward glance over her shoulders as if to say, 'Feck off---can't you see I'm busy!'
She completely ignored me. My voice became more strident and my language more colourful.
'Get in the fucking car you little shit!' I said uselessly. I imagined being still in the park, after they had shut the gates for the night. That thought gave me reason to increase the level of my 'directive language,' all to no avail. In an attempt to draw her way I threw (gently of course) some dry sticks I her direction and if one of them had connected, I doubt that I would have been consumed with guilt. Man, I will never be condescending in my attitude when I see parents trying to clam (Yes I meant clam, not calm) a screaming kid in a supermarket, ever again!
Perdy continued to avoid me and to jump up about two metres up the tree trunk. The cat just looked down and gave me a distinct impression that it would gladly pee on Perdy if it could!
I returned to my car and started the engine. No luck. That usually works down at the bay in Onehunga, but then again, cats don't tend to frequent that dog-in festered place.
I tried another ploy. I grabbed the ball and thrower and when she popped her head out of the bushes, I threw the ball across the car park. She gave chase, returning it to me. She kept glancing back towards the tree and I threw the ball way out onto the sports field. She followed and we began a game a dog and mouse. Yes, I made that up, because even as I write this while Perdy sits CALMLY and watching the rain fall on the deck, I shudder at what could have been even worse.
My salvation came in the form of a beautiful black Labrador/Alsatian-cross. The friendly owner could see what was driving me spare and let his ten month old puppy go. She chased Perdy who turned on her to discipline her. The owner was delighted. I well remember other dogs doing the same for her. Finally, while Perdy was telling off the gorgeous doggie, I managed to grab her tail. I then got her leash attached and that was the end of Perdy's manic run. I thanked my gallant  knight and made my way towards the car. Once in the back seat I left for home.
Perdy watched the receding treeline, probably  marking the spot where that damned cat frequented. Will I take Perdy there again? Yes, but she will be on her leash way before I get anywhere near the car park. Maybe I am being punished for making up my own 'off -the-leash' rules. I am so sorry, oh great God dog of Jack Russell 'terrorists.'
www.authorneilcoleman.com

Love your body day at James Cook High---in the rain!

Every Year the PSSP team (Peer Sexuality Suppport Programme) has a 'LOve YOur BOdy Day.They get the message out there that it's OK to be you, no matter what shape, colour or sexuality you are. Be Proud.
Of course the team got everything ready and were going just fine. Yes, this is Auckland and one minute the sun shines and then it bucketed down. So much for good planning. Take a close look at how the message changed. Blame it on the rain!