What would you do if a family member starts taking 'P'? (Methamthetamine)

There would be very few countries in the world where the taking of illegal and often dangerous drugs is not a problem. Those that say they don’t have an issue probably have their heads in the sand.

New Zealand has a problem with ‘P’ which is our name for Methamphetamine.  It is known by various other names on other countries. The person taking the drug rapidly descends into a dark world where the family, business and individuals do not function as they used to. Families are ripped apart and business cease to exist as the ‘partaker’ takes more and more of the drug to chase the ‘shifting goal posts.’ After those first initial ‘hits’ where a state of euphoria is reached, they never quite hit it again; so begins the quest for that feeling. The problem is, all that ‘was’ starts to disappear as they search for the ‘holy grail.’ Too bad about the collateral damage along the way!

‘Roskill’, my second book, is a book for teenagers and their families. What would you do if your partner enters the world of ‘P’ and you watch as he/she starts to pull away. Your kids find their own way of coping, sometimes putting themselves at risk. Roskill explores this possibility and poses some dangerous solutions. Check ‘Roskill’ out on my website.  It has been recommended by Ron Phillips, author and psychotherapist, who has worked with families for many years. He is also a story teller and his work is widely known in numerous countries. Check out the link to his website and his work through my website. www.authorneilcoleman.com  You can also buy ‘Roskill’ and my other two books, ‘Coastal Yarns’ and ’Talk To Me’ from my site to through www.trademe.co.nz  and finally through me direct at neilcolemanauthor@gmail.com. Just ask and I can arrange delivery and payment.

 Have a great new year.

Is New Zealand all that different to the USA?

Recently we have seen many sad examples of how things can go horribly wrong in the USA. Of course most of you will be thinking about the ‘massacres’ at schools and other places by gun wielding individuals who we later find out have some sort of ‘mental health’ issues. We also see other examples of ‘societal rift’ in the USA. Why is this so?

Firstly, countries like New Zealand take a large part of their news feeds from the USA (and of course the BBC) and given that the Americans have a penchant for their sort of USA-centred news, we are therefore partaking and observing  all that is ‘bad’ and ‘good’ about the USA. Of course we have our own news gathering services but if you did an analysis of the news and the point of origin, then I think you get the picture---right? So NZ and other countries are fed news that gives a picture of the USA on a constant basis. This has happened for a good many years and naturally that has a knock on effect, re how we see the world---as an extension of the USA.

I’m pretty sure many people will disagree with my blunt and simplistic analysis (there we are--- I have given you the words to criticise my ‘position’) and may even react with anger. That’s OK, if it gets you thinking.

I headed my blog with a question---‘Is NZ all that different to the USA?’ Well it is and it isn’t. If you take everything I say in the context that the USA is many times bigger than NZ, both in population and in area, then you may come to the conclusion that in a larger pond there are more ‘creatures.’ The ‘creatures’ I refer to are of course the life-styles, beliefs and ways of behaving. It goes without saying that the bigger ‘pond’ is more diverse and possibly more ‘extreme’ in its variations.

Some people have stated, and here I am only reporting ‘others’ views,’ that “the further one travels from the coast of the USA, the more extreme (yes, and whacko!) the views.” Where does one find most of the ‘survivalists, fundamentalist religions and political views that verge on the ‘laughable?’ OH hell, there goes my chance of visiting such areas! I’m on the lynch list.

Add in of course the slavishly adherent love affair with an Amendment (you know which one I am referring to) that allows and possibly encourages citizens to bear arms; an amendment which was written at a time when the ‘guns’ were only effective at close range and the squirrel had to ‘pose for the camera in order to be hit.’ That icon of law could not and did not take into account the array of ‘weapons’ that would be used in its ‘upholding.’

Now add in my last ‘factor’ for this blog; the fact that nearly one in four teenagers in the USA is on some sort of ‘legal’ medication. God knows how many are on ‘illegal’ ones.’ This figure is a blemish on society and it is possibly replicated in NZ, although possibly on a lesser scale. (We are playing catch-up though) What is it about society that has changed so much in recent generations? Why is society so damaged that a large portion of its members have the need for ‘mental health medication?’  Let’s leave the answering of that for later blogs and for others to add their viewpoints. I merely make the point.

I come to the conclusion that apart from the scale and extremes, New Zealand is indeed following on from the USA. It is more a matter of time and scale that reveals the differences. Luckily, that which we follow is not all bad and the links between our two nations are strong and generally healthy. The USA is reaching a point where it is going to look at its very base building- blocks. The words will fly and we will see even more extreme viewpoints about what is needed to ‘fix it.’ Watch out for some colourful ideas and the politicians who will do their best to mould society in ‘their image.’ For the ‘fundy Christians,’ the word ‘Beast’ will be prominent in their protestations. For the liberals who will be throwing up their hands in disgust, not necessarily in worship, it will all be too much.

We will be watching from NZ and feeling a little smug,  knowing that in a smaller pond we can more easily see what the other ‘creatures’ are up to. THAT’S THE DIFFERENCE!

www.authorneilcoleman.com

 

When a woman feels unsafe in a police station___

India has a huge problem; one that has always been there, but has come to the fore after the sad death of the student on a bus. That many people around the world have pointed the finger at the conditions in India that have made this possible must not take away from the fact that it is India that must make the changes. That we see a woman on TV stating that she would never go to an Indian police station to report a rape of other sexual harassment issues at night without a male accompanying her, speaks for itself. That of course is not something India has on its own. Even in little New Zealand there have been issues, but the difference is that we all hear about it and are able to force change in the ‘culture’ of our police force. We have a way to go however.

For India the problem is endemic, and despite progress in reforming the vast police force in India, there needs to be a breakthrough in the way this diverse nation sees the position of women. No amount of liberal thinking will change this unless the issue of women in society is viewed and reviewed at all levels of society. Religion and long-held views on social position (casts) will be difficult to change.

There is a wide gap between what the law guarantees and the actual day-to-day life of Indian citizens. Putting into practice the ‘articles’ of Indian laws and constitutional rights has two very different faces. Any nation will have these ‘discrepancies’ but in a larger one comprising over one billion people, with a fragmented political system, albeit supposedly ‘democratic’ in nature, will be unwieldy in the enforcement of so-called rights.

There is a new energy in India; one that is demanding transformation to these long held beliefs and systems. The pathway to change is going to be fraught with danger and many people will become victims of this rapid process. There will be a ‘kickback’ from those unwilling to accede to these changes; often violent. But the tide will turn and a ‘new India’ will emerge; this time, one of their own making, but the rest of the world will be watching. Other nations will take heed of India’s progress and force change in their own countries. I suspect there are many despotic regimes and political forces that will be looking over their shoulders too.

Australia burns---yet again!

The sight of flames travelling at breakneck speeds towards homes and towns is one we witness very year. One wonders how Aussies put up with this annual event. The trend is increasing as yet more homes are built in the 'bush.' Every year lives are lost and countless hundreds have to rebuild their homes. The fact is that fires are a natural phenomenon in Australia; indeed many plants need them in order to reproduce. The Aboriginals (I guess there is a more PC term!) lived with nature and were able to adapt as the flames 'renewed' their natural habitat. So what to do? Try evolving with nature and building where it is safer. I'm sure Aussies will find the balance. Let's face it----you lot over the ditch can show us a thing or two about resiliency!

www.authorneilcoleman.com

 

French actors have hiisy-fits and gain Russian Passports!

What the hell are these two icons of the French and indeed world film industry trying to achieve by fleeing to Russia? What do they hope to gain other than a few weeks of publicity? Do they really think that life, if they choose to live in Russia will be a freedom filled delight? Just watch what happens if they find ‘causes’ to fight in Russia. They won’t have to look far, but then again we have seen such acts in Soviet times, whereby Western ‘runners’ found a place and then virtually disappeared from sight. Maybe the old regime used them from time-to-time but for the most part, they just became ‘has-beens.’

Ms Bardot’s hissy-fits about two elephants is maybe a bit over the top. Methinks that she will not follow through. She has made her point, but then again, she is an ‘aging’ beauty and maybe that is cause for her to hide from the prying eyes of a cruel press. As for the elephants, I wish them well in their fight against tuberculosis.

The other dude---well he wants to escape the higher tax rates of the new French Government. Perhaps he has made a deal with the ‘New Russia.’ I suspect that high rollers there all do! You know what--- nothing has really changed, no matter what the colour of the Government---in every country. ‘Oh so cynical,’ you say. The gap between rich and poor is forever widening and the quest for power and influence and retaining one’s ‘privilege’ is an age old fact. Would I be any different if I sold ten million books?  LOL----who knows?

www.authorneilcoleman.com

Perdy the Jack Russell stars in her own book!

Well, she didn't write it---- but I did and I changed her name to Spot. Hell, even a dog deserves some privacy but she just can't stay out of the lime-light. When her Dad, Garry, a 'talk back host' becomes the target of a publicity scheme gone worng, the ladies in the Onehunga Walkers Club team up and fight back. NO one---yes no one will harm a hair of Spot's lean and mean frame. Will she survive her ordeal? Find out. Buy a copy of 'Talk To Me.' I will of course sign and date it. NZ$23 and free postage in NZ. $8P&P if posted to Australia. Elswhere?-- Negotiable. Get in touch direct at neilcolemanauthor@gmail.com   or go through my website using Paypal. www.authorneilcoleman.com

Low- life tourist operators take advantage of Chinese tourists.

When I first heard about a tourist party attending a free Xmas day lunch that was intended for the poor and lonely in Auckland, I was a bit miffed. I decided that I should not react too strongly until I had heard the full story. Yes, at first glance, it appeared that the tourists were being selfish and looking for a free ride. I am therefore pleased that one of the tourists who attended this luncheon, has given an explanation; a very plausible one.

A local unlicensed Mandarin speaking operator had approached a group of Chinese tourists offering a ’hard to believe’ deal, whereby they would only pay NZ$88 for an amazing array of events, including a ‘garden visit, Kiwi BBQ, thermal park and a farm park visit, amongst others. Hell, for that amount, who wouldn’t take up the deal? Of course, none of these events involved an entry fee and the only expense for the operator was in transporting the tourists; easy and very cheeky money.

What got up most Kiwis’ craws was the fact that the Xmas lunch really is for those less fortunate. I am glad that no one gave the tourists a hard time on the day, because that would have been unseemly. However, the subsequent publicity would have caused embarrassment for the Chinese tourists if they had read about it. Now that one of the tourists has come forward to give their side of the story, the blame should be soundly and forcefully put at the feet of the operator. That firm should receive a hefty bill from the Auckland City Mission, but somehow I suspect they will put it down to experience.

What perhaps needs to be done is to ‘take out’ these unscrupulous operators, who give NZ a bad name and cause unnecessary embarrassment to groups of unwary tourists. The operator also owes New Zealand an apology and most certainly one to the tourists. Maybe the least he/she could do is take them out to a real dinner if they ever come back. New Zealanders do not like rip-off agents!