Courier Post---is it always worth using online shopping and 'courier services?

No Doubt some of you have seen the clips of a NZ courier driver and his mates, 'handling goods' to be delivered, some of which were clearly labelled, 'Fragile,' being chucked and kicked around. The response was one of anger and derision of the Courier Post service. Hopefully, it was an isolated incident, but people did put up online the results of the same service and it did not make for 'pretty reading!' There is another aspect to shopping online. That in itself is an easy experience but it is the delivery that can be frustrating, leaving one with a sense of, 'Why did I bother!' Yes they 'try to deliver the parcel, but hey---do we have to stay around in order to sign for it? I usually do not mind if they just leave it on the deck, but I hear that the 'sender is often the one who demands the 'sign for' service. That means one has to be around to do this and who is going to know when they are coming? Sure---you can 'track' that the goods are in transit, but that is a very inexact science. They do not have the time or the will to say that they are near your house. The 'window delivery slot,' can be many hours. I wonder if it would simply be more efficient of one's time, to just go to the shops and get your 'stuff' in person. OH well-- where is that courier driver? Thank goodness, the items are 'soft clothes, that don't mind being chucked around. www.authorneilcoleman.com

Mexico is about to sell the 'Crown Jewels!'

It is sad to see yet another country go down the pathway that New Zealand and many other countries have journeyed. I mean the 'let's sell our State Assets in order to get our economy on a better footing,' brigade. That often equates to a narrow group of investors becoming even richer while the people at the bottom get nothing. It also transfers important, strategic assets into the hands of 'oligarchs' and friends of the government. Such processes are little short of corruption and do not in the long run make any difference to the economic performance of the country. Now, Mexico is joining this 'elite club' of countries that sell off assets that belong to the people. Sure there are issues in the Mexican economy, not the least being the battle between the 'drug lords' and the Mexican people. Sometimes it looks like those at the top, in government are part of the problem, certainly at the regional level. In the future, Mexico will regret having sold these important assets and it will join the list of nations who have passed much of their wealth into the hands of a small group of internationally connected groups. Governments are becoming 'less so' and the elites are gradually concentrating wealth and power to the point that they supersede the power of 'Governments. Maybe it is time for the 'worm to turn!

Egypt claims that the three journalists it has imprisonned, have damaged its reputation! WHAAAAAT!

I have heard some dumbass claims recently; some from North Korea, others from the UKIP Party, more from GOP politicians and even a few from 'head in the sand' politicians in NZ, but Egypt's claims that the three journalists working for Aljazeera that Egypt has imprisoned, for allegedly damaging Egypt's reputation, take the prize for their stupendous and outlandish travesty of justice. Come on EGYPT! Get real. What in the hell has imprisoning three journalists for 'doing their jobs' done for your reputation? It is a farce that is as big as the the pyramids!

Ed Sheeran----www.authorneilcoleman.com likes your latest 'collection!'

I am sure many of you have heard Ed's last big hit online, the radio or wherever! I kept hearing it and it got to me---in a nice way---it moved me--in a nice way. NICE---wrong word. I actually went out and bought his latest offering and I have not stopped listening. Nah---I didn't download it or get it from the 'cloud.' I don't understand those concepts. I just wanted to own it--in real format. Hell, I would have got it on vinyl if I had to! What is it about this dude's music. He is a 'rapper with a flow' as he says---sort of! None of the gangster stuff or words that I can't hear because of the 'slangsta' shite! NO---what gets me about his 'flowing-rapping' style is that I can relate, understand and enjoy--the words. Then he comes out with a beautiful 'easy on the ear' song. 'I don't know or care what the genre is---I just frecking like it! Even my Jack Russell listens and likes it. How do I know that?---why she talks to me of course. SO---Ed--- You are the 'man' and I love your music, your style! That's saying a lot from an oldie---hell I shall be a pensioner next year! That doesn't mean that I have to act like one! Now---you other older farts---get out there and listen to this guy--ED SHEERAN. www.authorneilcoleman.com

Crazy time of the year almost over!

Merry Xmas! Yeah, In know--for many this time of the year is anything but---that is for a variety of reasons. For many it is about money and the terrible debt that so people get into, while for others it is a time when they cannot even do that, simply because they are unable to 'achieve that' doubtful status! No one will give them credit. Their kids do not receive anything because there is nothing to give. The world of advertising is a cruel reminder that they are not part of the Xmas cheer! Xmas is a lie for them. That does not mean that they do not find joy in their families and friends but it is a difficult time. At the other end of the scale and for those 'in between,' Xmas can be a time of stress and sometimes people come together, simply because they feel they must. Then other factors take over. Old 'scores,' and strained relationships are further put to the test. Over indulgence of various 'substances' cause damage and families suffer as a result. BY the time 'Boxing Day is done and dusted, there are many who throw their hands up with a sense of---'Thank God, that is over for the year.' I am just grateful that it has been a time of simple pleasure, being with family and seeing friends, with little pressure to be or to 'provide' beyond that which I am not capable of. I now look forward to a new year, with hope and a healthy sense of 'challenge.' I wish everyone joy, peace and I hope that you find those 'treasures' you most value, whatever your faith, belief or station in life. www.authorneilcoleman.com

The ham before cooking.

Yes, this is the ham, 'before cooking.' We did all the 'decorating thing' and then cooked if for a few hours with a wonderful glaze. Oh---so good and heaps over for the next' year!" lol I shall freeze some in 'snap bags' (thanks for the heads up, Doug!) so that I can use it in soups and whatever. I just wish that everyone could have a nice ham like this or a turkey. In a world that was more caring--they could!

This is an 'outrageous statement!' OR--is it?

In the 19thC. the British 'declared war on China in a most unseemly manner. One usually thinks of war as one involving battles and yes, there were guns involved but it was the other 'weapon,' Opium that was the 'star'--the one that was used to force the Chinese to open their country to the influences of Britain and other major powers. It was for economic gain that the opium Wars were declared and 'fought.' China did open up and gradually became the nation that took another century to regain its united status that it enjoys today. Could one now say that the tables have turned. I do not mean the massive influence that China now has re its economic power, but the sourcing of a 'modern day opium'---the precursors for the manufacture of Methamphetamine or 'P' as we call it in New Zealand. It seems that hardly a week goes by, without hearing about a seizure or interception of a 'haul', either from China or Taiwan. (same country if you hold to Chinas 'one country policy) These substances are then manufactured (cooked) locally and sent to the gangs, the streets and go onto destroy people's lives. It seems a bit ironic that the tables have turned. Sure it is not a result of any Chinese Governmental policy. They too have to deal with a huge problem in their own country, one in which they impose far more dire consequences. To say that it is a war is a bit 'stretched, outrageous, but I merely point out a flip-flop of history and how such events flow and ebb. NZ amongst other countries now has to deal with the results of past failed policies. Perhaps cooperation between China and NZ is the way forward, a solution that was never considered in the days gone by when Colonial powers wreaked so much damage. I wonder what the Chinese Government's take is on this issue. No one asked them back in the 1840s! www.authorneilcoleman.com (I aim to 'provoke discussion!)