The news of a second mass sentencing to death of members of the Muslim Brotherhood is most disturbing and it seems that even by the standards re how a nation should be governed from the USA's perspective, Egypt's leaders have gone too far. I am glad to see a senior Senator stand up and say he will block all military aid to this nation that once had an Arab Spring, that quickly turned to chaos and suffering. It seems that no matter who leads this nation, holding power can only come through repressive means. I do not admire the Muslim Brotherhood but neither do I hold the military in high regard. Yes, it is easy to judge from afar and the situation in Egypt is complex but the two huge sentencings of opponents of the present military regime cause one to think that Egypt has fallen into the category of a failed state. Egyptians have taken to the streets in the recent past but they have had their wishes for a better future hijacked from the two extremes; on by the clerics and the other by an entrenched military oligarchy. Sound familiar!?
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Get Aucklanders on to trians but there is a bit oif an issue re parking at Onehunga raliway station.
I am going to take my first 'real' trip on then new electric train today form Onehunga, but as I drove past that car park today, after walking my dog down at the 'bay,' I was struck by the fact that there were no empty car parks. Now I know some of you may be saying that I should bus to the station and leave my car at home. thereon lies a problem. We are not going to get Aucklanders on to public transport in one move. The fact that we have the new trains rolling out is not the answer alone. We must do this in stages; for example, driving to large car parks on the fringes of the city or even in outer suburbs, being able to leave the cars safely there and then getting onto a bus or train in order to keep the motorways and inner city less crowded is a good first move.
So until the car parking possibilities in Onehunga and other 'hubs' is much increased, expect people to drive past and carry on into town, further increasing the bedlam we already face. Just a point folks, but one that is realistic and not flying up there in the lala land of tree hugging heaven whereby everyone is going to leave their cars at home. Let's be realistic and gradually encourage people to take that first vital step. Right, what am I going to do today? Why, of course I shall just have to find a car park nearby the station but I can tell you from my quick look this morning, that this could be a difficult task.
So until the car parking possibilities in Onehunga and other 'hubs' is much increased, expect people to drive past and carry on into town, further increasing the bedlam we already face. Just a point folks, but one that is realistic and not flying up there in the lala land of tree hugging heaven whereby everyone is going to leave their cars at home. Let's be realistic and gradually encourage people to take that first vital step. Right, what am I going to do today? Why, of course I shall just have to find a car park nearby the station but I can tell you from my quick look this morning, that this could be a difficult task.
Monday, April 28, 2014
Singapore===what's up. Glad to see you.
12 hits from Singapore in one day. Hey, I'm not complaining; I'm ecstatic. I just hope you continue reading my blogs and better still you download my books or buy the hard cover version from Amazon once they are released very soon. I am still in the process, or more to the point, my producers are, re getting them back online. So, thankyou for your attention, Singapore.
www.authorneilcoleman.com
www.authorneilcoleman.com
Sunday, April 27, 2014
'Legal Highs'---the next phase will be most difficult.
The government has signalled that it is going to make the 'legal high' industry go away. This coincidentally happened after the Labour Party and others said that they wold rid us of these leeches who sell misery in the corner shops of so many towns and cities in NZ. It seems that the planning did not take into account the 40 plus varieties on sale that somehow managed to sneak through the processes put in place by Peter Dunne, the Minister who's son is acting on behalf of the 'industry.' OK, I don't care who does it as long as something happens to take these nasty substances out of our communities.
That also means that there will be an element t of 'underground activity, controlled no doubt by the gangs and other criminals. This must be measured against the fact that at least it will not be so visible and as visible or available as it is now. Not everyone is prepared to take that next step and deal with gangs and other unlawful 'citizens.'
There is another ramification to any successful law change; one that makes it harder for the ordinary person to buy these substances and that is the large number of people who are dependant on their daily fix(es). There will need to be a massive input re resources to help these people, because sudden cold turkey is not going to work for many of them. We need to step up and take the next step and make sure that help is available, but having said that, there is a shortage of resources for other users of substances, both the illegal ones and the legal like alcohol.
The Government has taken a huge step (and that means all of us) re the next phase of the battle against 'legal, soon to be illegal highs' but please do not leave these very vulnerable people in the lurch. They must be supported or we will be creating a whole new group, ostracised by society and withdrawn and attracted to the underworld. That will mean a substantial input from us the taxpayers because if we don't, the cost will be very much higher in every sense. Let's work together on this difficult problem, because what we have seen so far is only the tip of an iceberg that has been in our waters for quite some time.
That also means that there will be an element t of 'underground activity, controlled no doubt by the gangs and other criminals. This must be measured against the fact that at least it will not be so visible and as visible or available as it is now. Not everyone is prepared to take that next step and deal with gangs and other unlawful 'citizens.'
There is another ramification to any successful law change; one that makes it harder for the ordinary person to buy these substances and that is the large number of people who are dependant on their daily fix(es). There will need to be a massive input re resources to help these people, because sudden cold turkey is not going to work for many of them. We need to step up and take the next step and make sure that help is available, but having said that, there is a shortage of resources for other users of substances, both the illegal ones and the legal like alcohol.
The Government has taken a huge step (and that means all of us) re the next phase of the battle against 'legal, soon to be illegal highs' but please do not leave these very vulnerable people in the lurch. They must be supported or we will be creating a whole new group, ostracised by society and withdrawn and attracted to the underworld. That will mean a substantial input from us the taxpayers because if we don't, the cost will be very much higher in every sense. Let's work together on this difficult problem, because what we have seen so far is only the tip of an iceberg that has been in our waters for quite some time.
Potato Bake--using 'whatever.'
If you have a few potatoes in your pantry and some other miscellaneous items then you have the makings of a cheap and tasty meal.
Slice three (or more) potatoes, with the skin on. A good sharp knife is better than those stupid 'As Seen On TV) ones that take ages to clean and you end up cutting yourself!). Now---if you are an anti-cholesterol butthead and believe all the hype about fats, then stop reading because your blood pressure will just go through the roof! My issues with weight in the 'past' only came about because of trying to adhere to diets and low fat, low carbs and God knows what else 'they' say is bad for you.
OK, they've gone so we can proceed.
USE BUTTER or Olive oil for this or even combine the two.
Put a layer of those big fat mushrooms on the bottom of a baking dish. Sprinkle with herbs (dried or fresh) and some Parmesan cheese with a dash of pepper. (OK---use any damned cheese you like!)
Now, layer some of the thin potatoes, dot with as much butter as you wish and throw in some sliced Spring Onion (YOU may call them green onions or scallions---who knows what the vagaries of international cuisine come up with!)
Us up the potatoes and liberally add the butter, some more pepper, herbs and cheese.
Bake in oven at about 170 for as long as it takes for that lovely golden brown crispy look.
Enjoy and if you are still worried about the calories and other evils, just don't eat the whole damn thing on your own. Get some friends around, make a green salad and serve with a small steak. Go beyond that, and well----been there done that! After a nice coffee, or even delay that, go for a walk with your dog and your guests. Invite their dogs too. Such fun and good cheap and tasty food that does not have to be unhealthy.
Crunchy with real butter!
Slice three (or more) potatoes, with the skin on. A good sharp knife is better than those stupid 'As Seen On TV) ones that take ages to clean and you end up cutting yourself!). Now---if you are an anti-cholesterol butthead and believe all the hype about fats, then stop reading because your blood pressure will just go through the roof! My issues with weight in the 'past' only came about because of trying to adhere to diets and low fat, low carbs and God knows what else 'they' say is bad for you.
OK, they've gone so we can proceed.
USE BUTTER or Olive oil for this or even combine the two.
Put a layer of those big fat mushrooms on the bottom of a baking dish. Sprinkle with herbs (dried or fresh) and some Parmesan cheese with a dash of pepper. (OK---use any damned cheese you like!)
Now, layer some of the thin potatoes, dot with as much butter as you wish and throw in some sliced Spring Onion (YOU may call them green onions or scallions---who knows what the vagaries of international cuisine come up with!)
Us up the potatoes and liberally add the butter, some more pepper, herbs and cheese.
Bake in oven at about 170 for as long as it takes for that lovely golden brown crispy look.
Enjoy and if you are still worried about the calories and other evils, just don't eat the whole damn thing on your own. Get some friends around, make a green salad and serve with a small steak. Go beyond that, and well----been there done that! After a nice coffee, or even delay that, go for a walk with your dog and your guests. Invite their dogs too. Such fun and good cheap and tasty food that does not have to be unhealthy.
Len Brown, the good Brown---thanks for pushing the rail for Auckland!
Yesterday Auckland had a red letter day as the first of the 57 new electric trains were rolled out fore the public to 'assess' and it was happiness all round, especially as the occasion was free. Even the food was there for those feeling a little peckish. Mayor, Len Brown was in an ebullient as he saw a chance to push for yet more for the ever suffering public of Auckland and the crowded streets. her was an opportunity to push for an earlier start to the 'loop,' a grandeur pie-in -the -sky' from the Government's perspective, especially The 'other Brown;' the one in Cabinet who doesn't really give a toss for Auckland their silly train dreams. That attitude may come at a cost as Aucklanders take to the trains in their thousands. They will ask the obvious question: 'Why stop there?' Yes, it is time to finish the overall plan supported by Mayor Brown and most Aucklanders; not just the loop but the rail to the airport and around the eastern suburbs. You ignore Aucklanders at your plight Mr other Brown. Listen to your namesake--you know the one.
Good on you Len! Love the new trains.
Good on you Len! Love the new trains.Saturday, April 26, 2014
Electric trains arrive in Auckland---about time---fantastic. Mayor Brown was aboard.
Yes, the trains have finally arrived, after many years of deliberation, going right back to the days of Mayor Robbie. Today I had the pleasure of being one of the 'chosen,' (Don't go thinking I am getting above my station in life---my sister almost sat on her computer in order to score two tickets for the short ride between Britomart and Newmarket).
We left my car at the Onehunga railway station (the first of the trains will be running from there, tomorrow onwards) and joined a merry bunch of wannabe 'firsties,' so that they can say--'I was there on that auspicious occasion.' The flash new ticketing system that should dispel tickets if one does not have a HOP card didn't work as it had run out of paper, like the proverbial dunny. The nice conductor of the train we travelled on to town (Yes the old 1980's versions we purchased from Aussie--they love to give us their hand-me- downs when they aren't bowling underarm!) told us not to worry. Wow---a freebie.
Our fellow and felowess travelling companions were all in the same frame of mind as us; just happy to be out and about on a gorgeous day and ready to sample the 'travel of the future.' People 'talked to one another; no hiding behind Kindles (I wouldn't have minded if they were reading Roskill!) or newspapers. There was an air of expectancy and as we neared the delightfully lit up Britomart station in the centre of the city we all felt like we were old friends. NO---we were not all oldies. The passengers represented a great cross-section of who and what Auckland is now; kids, teens, parents and the much excited oldies, from every imaginable ethnic group. We were united in our desire to experience what we have lacked for so long in our fair 'city of sails'.
As we disembarked form the rattly old, smelly carriage, we set out eyes on the shiny new slimline train. They looked magnificent.
People took pictures and girls dressed in garish blue were giving out lollies. There was a real party atmosphere and even though we had to line up for our wrist bands, which designated when we would be travelling the short distance to Newmarket, finding out that we had more than an hour to wait, our mood stayed like that of kids waiting to open their Xmas presents.
We wandered around for that time, consuming the free food and drink before finally, we were called to the gates--well they were human gates, dressed as those bars that protect cars at railway crossings. The new small of the carriages and the long view down the entire length of the three carriages struck me straight away. The middle one was especially designed to allow easy wheelchair entry.
Once the train was underway, the first thing we noticed was the silence---what difference from the old ones. I bet the people living near the railway tracks will be happy!
As we emerged form the underground part of the journey, the driver (is that what they are called or is there a new PC name?) put his foot down. We could feel then power of the new engines and we were told that they are pretty fast by NZ standards, not that they will bet much of a chance to go much over 100 kilometres per hour as stations soon appear, making for a fast slow-down. That slowing -down process actually feeds power back into the system, making a saving of 20%.
In our part of the train, we had the privilege of the mayor's company. Earlier on we had witnessed the usual 'protestors with signs, decrying the Mayor for his recent 'transgressions.' Sorry folks, I am not one who casts stones at him---move on and yes, I know I have lost a certain sector of my readers for actually saying what I just said. To make matters worse, I had my picture taken with my arm around him. So shoot me! He was in a great mood and I don't blame him, [plus we heard him saying that he knew about a petition from Pukekohe residents who want the service (Electric) to be extended to that big town. He said that they needed two or three more trains before that can happen, so Pukekohe people---put the pressure on!
Our short 'return' journey to New market and back was over all too quickly. We all clapped, having partaken in a little bit of 'people history,' promising ourselves to use these cool new trains in the very near future.
What a neat way of spending a day. Call us kids or whatever else you wish, especially for me getting cuddly with the Mayor, but for me-----lets do it again---the train ride that is, but a much longer one next time!
The new ones on the left.
Can't wait to get on!
NO---it's not me!
You can see from end to end.
Cuddling up with Len Brown, the Mayor--so what---I like him!
We left my car at the Onehunga railway station (the first of the trains will be running from there, tomorrow onwards) and joined a merry bunch of wannabe 'firsties,' so that they can say--'I was there on that auspicious occasion.' The flash new ticketing system that should dispel tickets if one does not have a HOP card didn't work as it had run out of paper, like the proverbial dunny. The nice conductor of the train we travelled on to town (Yes the old 1980's versions we purchased from Aussie--they love to give us their hand-me- downs when they aren't bowling underarm!) told us not to worry. Wow---a freebie.
Our fellow and felowess travelling companions were all in the same frame of mind as us; just happy to be out and about on a gorgeous day and ready to sample the 'travel of the future.' People 'talked to one another; no hiding behind Kindles (I wouldn't have minded if they were reading Roskill!) or newspapers. There was an air of expectancy and as we neared the delightfully lit up Britomart station in the centre of the city we all felt like we were old friends. NO---we were not all oldies. The passengers represented a great cross-section of who and what Auckland is now; kids, teens, parents and the much excited oldies, from every imaginable ethnic group. We were united in our desire to experience what we have lacked for so long in our fair 'city of sails'.
As we disembarked form the rattly old, smelly carriage, we set out eyes on the shiny new slimline train. They looked magnificent.
People took pictures and girls dressed in garish blue were giving out lollies. There was a real party atmosphere and even though we had to line up for our wrist bands, which designated when we would be travelling the short distance to Newmarket, finding out that we had more than an hour to wait, our mood stayed like that of kids waiting to open their Xmas presents.
We wandered around for that time, consuming the free food and drink before finally, we were called to the gates--well they were human gates, dressed as those bars that protect cars at railway crossings. The new small of the carriages and the long view down the entire length of the three carriages struck me straight away. The middle one was especially designed to allow easy wheelchair entry.
Once the train was underway, the first thing we noticed was the silence---what difference from the old ones. I bet the people living near the railway tracks will be happy!
As we emerged form the underground part of the journey, the driver (is that what they are called or is there a new PC name?) put his foot down. We could feel then power of the new engines and we were told that they are pretty fast by NZ standards, not that they will bet much of a chance to go much over 100 kilometres per hour as stations soon appear, making for a fast slow-down. That slowing -down process actually feeds power back into the system, making a saving of 20%.
In our part of the train, we had the privilege of the mayor's company. Earlier on we had witnessed the usual 'protestors with signs, decrying the Mayor for his recent 'transgressions.' Sorry folks, I am not one who casts stones at him---move on and yes, I know I have lost a certain sector of my readers for actually saying what I just said. To make matters worse, I had my picture taken with my arm around him. So shoot me! He was in a great mood and I don't blame him, [plus we heard him saying that he knew about a petition from Pukekohe residents who want the service (Electric) to be extended to that big town. He said that they needed two or three more trains before that can happen, so Pukekohe people---put the pressure on!
Our short 'return' journey to New market and back was over all too quickly. We all clapped, having partaken in a little bit of 'people history,' promising ourselves to use these cool new trains in the very near future.
What a neat way of spending a day. Call us kids or whatever else you wish, especially for me getting cuddly with the Mayor, but for me-----lets do it again---the train ride that is, but a much longer one next time!
The new ones on the left.Can't wait to get on!NO---it's not me!You can see from end to end.Cuddling up with Len Brown, the Mayor--so what---I like him!
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