40,000---I want a million!

 am very happy with the number if hits on my blogs, but that one million is way into the future. The number of countries is incrfeasing too. How about South Africa joins eh. Now i just wish it would translate into book sales.   www.authorneilcoleman.com  

Are secondary students going back to school with a feeling of hope?

Some may be, but I question that hope by saying that all the move to youth wages will do is shift those looking for work back onto the older workers as they lose their jobs to cheaper workers. The latest move by the Government is a cynical ploy to remove young people from the dole figures. Where are the jobs going to be coming from?

There is nothing new about this new policy. I see people quoting figures from before 2008, but they neglect to tell us about the consequent figures for those older than 50 who were unemployed. Playing with the 'deck chairs' is nothing more than 'Titanic politics.'

Columbus in Onehuga has changed hands---is it as good?

I think that you can say that with the Columbus franchise you can guarantee that that you will get a good value meal or snack. The Columbus café in Onehunga always was good, with a hardworking and friendly staff. I noticed a few weeks ago that the personal were different. I don’t know when the ownership changed; it could have happened ages ago for all I know.

Today, it was a bit windy and cold, so we decided to have a brunch at a cafe that has a nice sheltered décor, in other words inside. That meant of course I couldn’t take Perdy---she’s fine in the outside back part at Columbus on a nice day.

Now, to the main point---is Columbus in Onehunga as good as it was. In short, yes, it is. The choice of food is always good at all Columbus establishments, so I guess there is a fairly standard menu. It did feel like there were a few additions, and if they were unique, then good on them. We both enjoyed our food although there was a slight muck-up, possibly through our lack of being clear about the gluten free toast (I got it and didn’t notice, while my companion missed out). What stood out was the length the staff went to fix the problem. They brought some gluten free toast and didn’t charge the extra they could have.

Onehunga is a fabulous place to search out a café for the weekend breakfast as there is so much choice. There are maybe ten to choose from and its growing. Columbus is a choice that you should never regret. Well done!

You get what you pay for---generally.

I am sure many of us have been ‘guilty’ of grabbing a bargain when we can. There are lots of them out there and the big retail chains are very good at sucking us into their shops. You have all seen the signs---“50%-70% off.” Off we go with our credit cards warming in our wallets. We have forgotten the warnings from the various watchdogs (e.g. Consumer magazine) who tell us that some of these claims are spurious to say the least. What’s that you say? Give us an example.

OK, off I go to a nearby well-known house ware and goodies store. It has been in the news quite a bit for misleading advertising. I won’t name it in case they come and chase me. I was looking for a decent umbrella or shade device to protect me from the hot sun, especially in the summer.

The store was busy and as usual it was quite difficult to find anyone who could help with ‘expert’ advice. Perhaps the reason for the much reduced prices is that the store makes savings by having very few staff. Add on the fact that most of their merchandise is made in China and the mark-ups are actually huge, so there is a great deal of leeway when it comes to pricing.

There were a few umbrellas but what caught my eye was a one where it swung out and made for easy arrangement of deck furniture. Can’t you feel a Titanic statement coming on here? The price! Wow! --- $79 down from nearly $400. I just had to have it. I paid for delivery and shot off home. As it turned out a few days later it had still not arrived. They had stuffed up the order. Don’t go thinking that just because you have paid for it and you have seen them write down the facts as needed, that you will have a seamless business deal. Eventually it arrived.

I so wish that I had kept the receipt. As I often do, I lose it---- yip that’s my fault. It could have given me the facility to get a refund or a new umbrella. In barley a week it had come away from the top, meaning that it was more difficult to run out and I had to work my own little miracle just to make it sort of work.

Now looking back, I wish even more that I had done what I should have---taken the bloody thing back and throwing it on the floor in a fit of rage. Some ion my family could have manage that, albeit it in a ‘polite’ fashion. Looking back I have to say that this umbrella was the biggest piece of shite I have ever seen. If the wind was more than a gentle Zephyr, I had to quickly take kit down, because I could tell that it would disintegrate and [possibly end up in the next suburb. The said device now has pride of place, ripped and broken to shreds, on top of my shed, awaiting the next Council collection.

The moral of my little ditty---‘You usually do get what you pay for.’ I shall go out and seek a quality product and know that it will last more than a portion of one season. Any suggestions?

Frankfurt Book Fare--I should have been there!

The Frankfurt Book Fare was a highlight for me last year, when Coastal yarns was exhibited. Unfortunately I could get Roskill there this year because I just didn’t have the time to get the book re-edited and issued with the ISBN number. I have learnt a huge amount about the hard world of self-publishing, so at least I have that to be thankful for.

The road will still be rocky, but with luck hard work and sheer bloody mindedness, I shall be there next year with ‘Talk To Me and maybe the first part of Sons Of Orpheus. Thanks to all those people who are helping me and for not tiring of my in-your-face pushing of my books. Hell, if I don’t who will!

Welcome Pakistan---our thoughts are with you!

Great to see you Pakistan! I know I have been talking about Malala alot latley, but that is because her story has really moved me, as I am sure it has many in your nation and around the world. NZ and Pakistan are friends in our shared love of cricket and hockey. Now we can add another importnat link; the love of freedom, both within our countries and from those who would try to dominate our Governmental policies. My wish for you is that you get through this hard time and come out the other side, stronger and more resilient in your struggle to build a fairer society, free of extremes and inequality.
Kia Kaha---(all strength to you)

Pakistan---this is the 'turning point.'

A brave young woman, names Talala has taken Pakistan to the point where no one else has managed to do---the actions of this individual has galvanized a section, the majority section of Pakistani society to take a stand—for decency, tolerance and opportunity for the females of Pakistan.

Even your famous Mrs Bhutto paid a price and didn’t manage to raise Pakistan from the mire of religious extremism. Talala has put her life at risk, all in the name of fairness and empowering one half of a county that has not partaken fully in the life of this proud nation.

The block to a new beginning is the very existence of the Taliban; an organization that would doom Pakistan into the Pol Pot-like country of Asia. Until now, the majority of Pakistan’s population has been too frightened to take on the power of this insidious group. Whilst it is not alone in its opposition to progress in Pakistan, the Taliban is nothing more than a blight on the aspirations of not just Pakistan, but its neighbours and beyond.

History has taught us that these organizations do not fade into the background--- they actually replicate themselves as forces that are anti-humane, whereby the power is held in the hands of a despotic elite and anti-female echelon.

Pakistan, you are part of the Commonwealth of Nations, an organization that at its best purports to hold the dignity of all as its main premise. The existence of such groups as the Taliban does nothing to hold this ideal paramount.

The day will come when Pakistan will be able to hold its head high amongst nations.