Madonna---yes, I have a date with her tonight!

I once made a promise to my partner. Thirteen years ago, I discovered my then to be partner's love---no---obsession with Madonna. I promised that if Madonna ever came to Australia (remember I live in NZ!) that I would find a way for us to go to the concert. Promises are easily made and quickly forgotten. Now, many years later, not only is the 'Queen of Pop,' coming to Australia, she is HERE in NZ! Way back then, I thought that Madonna was on her last legs and couldn't possibly be still around in years to come. Once again this 'reinventing survivor,' is not only still around, she is going strong and her detractors will be flinging mud, casting slurs, but it is all water off a diva's back! TONIGHT WE ARE GOING TO Vector Arena and the promise will be fulfilled. The price of the tickets is horrendous for a Kiwi, but given that I paid for them last year,online from a parking lot in Turangi, on a road trip to Wellington, it sort of feels unreal. Somehow , paying by credit card, didn't feel so bad. TONIGHT, we have been told to arrive many hours before the concert kicks off. Our tickets are not the cheap ones, so hopefully we are going to get an eyeful of the raunchy show that the 'Papa Don't Preach,' girl delvers, in the way that she is so famous for. I am not sure if we can use phones, but rest assured that if we can I shall be in boots and all, with my clumsy, excited fingers,' doing their best to bring you the latest on FB. I think that my wish to do that, may be limited, but I shall certainly get some pics of the crowd and the goings on around us. I have heard many people 'cutting Madonna down, for a variety of reasons. For those who do it from an artistic point of view, I say---'cool---don't go, don't buy her music and STFU! If you have political reasons for your stance, that's OK too. I am not entirely happy re some of her positioning and the situation re her 'boy.' BUT----I am there tonight to celebrate an icon of the last 40 years. I can't wait to be with her tonight. I very much doubt that I will be in the position to ever afford such a luxury again. Lets just say---I saved up all the money for the 'shows' I did NOT go to, put it all in one place and then---splurged the lot on the 'Kissed For The very First Time,' Girl! Welcome to New Zealand, Madonna. #Madonna #Rebelhearttour www.authorneilcoleman.com

Gangs sell 'P' (Methamphetamine) to middle-calss and rich kids, but Judith has the answers!

Judith Collins has come out and set the scene to attack the gangs, that she accuses of selling 'P' to our vulnerable middle class and richer kids. That is hardly news. The biggest market for any 'substance' is always going to be those who can afford it! Then there is the market where those that can't will find ways to pay for their 'hits,' usually by being involved in the selling or manufacturing processes. The families of those involved get drawn in, suffering either through the 'neglect' that results or by being damaged by the violence and other aspects of the 'business.' The gangs have always been labelled as the 'marketeers' and the hit men of the underworld that is 'P.' It is the gangs that Judith Collins is now targeting, some say for political gain and other as part of a process to lift her ratings from any upcoming leadership struggle, because it must be obvious now, that at some stage in the next few years, Mr Key is going to be heading for ;'warmer climes!' The is also the question of the ;faceless people,' who hardly ever hit the headlines; those nameless so-called. 'white collar criminals,' the rich who are allegedly being the financing of much of the drug trade. I am sure many in 'authority, know just who those people are. The links to the gangs have been alluded to for many years. I am suggesting that Judith Collins is making a play for headlines, to enhance her status re future political gains---for herself! She may have bitten off a chunk of life that will prove to be way too much, but why should she care? She has times this to work in perfectly for 'developments' over the next 18 months. Watch this space, byut don't expect any real moves that could change what is an intolerable burden on society. It will tale a great deal more than political shenanigans to solve that!

Launching 'Talk To Me'---online!

We are almost at the point of launching Talk To Me,' online. I want an event and this is what I have come up with. (Well my sister did, actually) I would love to have a picnic, down at the Bay where it all began. naturally, dogs will be welcome so the food part may have to be 'creative.' How about I publicize the 'event' once I have a date, organize a bit of food and maybe some sponsorship from one of the dog food giants! (Send this to anyone you think is 'connected.') I need some ideas to make it fun! I can see people coming, with their 'technology' to do a mass download. It is not a costly exercise. Downloads from Amazon are usually very cheap---like US$3 or so. Maybe someone can sing a song---lol----not me! Perdy of course (who stars in the book as SPOT!) HAS volunteered, that is if I can get her to stay in one place for more than a moment. It may not be possible for some to download at the park, but they can still be part of the fun and 'do it in the privacy of their own homes.' OK---Some people will want hard copy of 'Talk To Me, ' but that will happen at a later date. Please send me your ideas and perhaps indicate if you would like to attend such an event---even 'remotely---from afar---in another country. ANYTHING is possible now! Cheers Neil (and Perdy (SPOT!)

Talk To Me----not long to wait now.

The wait is almost over for the launch of the eBook version of Talk To Me. The book will be available on Amazon, initially as the download version (Kindle or reading AP, then perhaps later as hard copy. A great deal of work has gone into this launch, a process that I am becoming familiar with, so much so, that nay future book should have a few less 'hooks. 'I am tossing u0p options re the launch; it is quite different to gathering people for a hard copy launch----I have asked for some ideas, but so far nothing strikes me as being 'right for Talk To Me.' Somewhere---way back in the dark recesses of my mind, an idea is forming re calling upon a 'friendly' talk-back host to come to the party, but my limited circle of influential friends does not quite stretch to such illustrious personages! Anyone have an idea for an introduction? I would like to have a bit of fun--after all, the book is not meant to be taken too seriously. It is not political, or meant to be an entirely accurate reflection of 'talk back radio,' although some in the industry may have reason to 'cringe' when they read it! OK---we are 'weeks' a way now from the launch. I shall keep you posted. Lets get this one done and dusted, then I can start on the massive task of getting Sons of Orpheus' edited and worked on. That is going to be a challenge that needs to be funded, so get on and download Talk To Me once it is out there.

Germany, France, Ukraine and Russia-----download my book(s)

I am pleasantly surprised to see how many people in France, Russia, Germany and Ukraine, are reading my blogs. Now I would love to observe thousands of downloads for my book, Roskill. In a few weeks you will be able to download 'Talk To Me.' my latest book. If you like two very different styles, check them out. Go to my website and follow the link. Roskill is a story that is representative of every country, where people turn to a dark side of life to alleviate pain and suffering, or maybe they are just bored. In New Zealand we call that substance they turn to----'P,' in Australia----Ice. You may know it as Methamphetamine. What would you do if a family member, or a friend enters the world of 'P,' becoming someone you no longer recognize? Roskill tells the story of a family who are faced with difficult choices. Roskill is a story of hope, a story and book that every parent should read---you know---when you say---'do as I say, not what I do!" Go and check it out! www.authorneilcoleman.com

'Talk To Me' is virtually finished!

Yes, the revamp for the Ebook version of Talk To Me is almost ready for release. I only need to approve the changes, cover and write a short 'author Bio' and it will go to the next step. I am most thankful to Martin Taylor for his expertise and understanding of my ineptness when it comes to the 'techie' things! Hey----who out here, would like to help celebrate the launch when it all comes to fruition?! LOL---It will need to be cheap, so the accent will be on 'creativity and fun!'

'Talk To Me,' is just around the corner!

No, I am not trying to 'pick you up!' No, I am not gossiping about who is venturing into pastures that are not for them! I am referring to Talk To Me,' my latest book. It has been around in a previous 'life-form,' but it has undergone extensive 'professional' upgrading. I am now satisfied with the efforts, from a range of people. Having a team of people who know what they are doing makes all the difference. I just wish I had them on board way back! There will be an online launch and at some stage, Talk To Me will be available in hard copy. Keep an eye out for details of the launch. Yes---you can keep downloading Roskill or get hard copy through me. neilcolemanauthor@gmail.com