Just because you are bigger than me, don't go getting ideas eh!

So you're are a big bitch--so what---You forget my breeding--I'm a Jack Russell! No one---yes, no one bullies me. I can get you from all directions, all at once, so there. I get you when you least expect it, in areas you didn't know existed; parts of your body that you havn't even sniffed. As for your size---what a laugh. That just means there's more for me to bite. Of course there's the other issue that I am quite shy about admitting---my Jack Russell brains.

I sat on my reading glasses---damn!

Don't sit on your glasses. They are meant to go on your head not your butt. However, there is an upside to the fore mentioned act of destructive sitting; firslty i can really get away with bad typing, because I cna't see what I am doing and I have an excuse to go and buy a new pair. Let's face it, I have had these glasses for 20 plus years and I don't think 'Humpty Dumpty' can be put together again.
It really is time to move on and at the same time, get two pairs of glasses. The pari I have been using at school was either from the Two Dollar Shop or the Warehouse, plus it onbly had lone arm--- not a good look. I suspect my clients think I am underpaid.
I have booked an appontmnet at Spec Savers in New Lynn andonce I mentiomned I was over 60, I was told there is a discount. Being a member of AA also attracks more discount so I'm on to a winner. I shall therefore take Perdy for a walk, then head on donw to my apponment with amnore appropriate and probably more correct form of vision. See--- adversity does lead to new pathways!
YOu can all do the speelcheck. Stuffed if I know what I wrote. Perhaps Perdy can proofread it.

I got a good deal from Spec Savers. Free test plus discount---2 pairs of dual stage glasses for $369. I went for 'function not fashion.' Well pleased with service and product.

The students go back to-----

This week and early next week sees the students of New Zealand going back to school. Their teachers are a pretty resilient bunch of people, but they must be wondering where things are heading in this very important sector of our nation.

We have the continuing debacle of the NovaPay system of paying teachers and support workers continually missing the mark. Many principals had their holidays badly interrupted as a result and teachers were left on a knife edge, wondering if they were going to be paid correctly, if at all.

We also have the continuing saga of the Charter Schools initiative. Despite a good deal of research; both here and overseas that points to a less than satisfactory outcome, the Government is hell-bent on pushing the first of the Charter Schools onto us. Many teachers, other groups and individuals are making submissions to the Select Committee, but that is not going to change this Government’s mind. It is locked into an agreement with its coalition partner, Act, and come what may, that is what is driving this move.

Our students have probably not taken much interest in the debate; one that will affect how our precious resources are carved up and therefore the students, and everything will carry on as planned. We need to ask ourselves as a nation---‘is it good enough that in the face of such determined opposition, that we have a Government that sees only one pathway? They are developing a suspicious ‘wobble’ that has all the hallmarks of a Government that is not listening to the people. By the time they are thrown out, the damage will be done and a huge amount of money will have been wasted---all in the name of ‘holding on to political power,’ no matter what the cost is to New Zealand as a whole-----short term gain, long term damage.

So students, do your thing and do your utmost to gain your qualifications. Maybe you won’t be tainted by the stupidity of a ‘non-hearing’ Government, and maybe when it comes to your turn to make the decisions, you may do it differently.

60,000 hits

No, that's not 60,000 different readers. I don't have any way of knowing that figurre. Some of them are automatic 'sends.' I met my target for the start of school and that is quite pleasing. Please send on my link to your contacts.
Cheers
www.authorneilcoleman.com

Ratana and the Labour Party--are they 'on' again?'

Up until recently the Labour party and Ratana had close ties, but that all soured for a couple of election cycles. It seems that the National Party and John Key in particular have lost their ‘new love’ and a return to the past ‘special relationship’ is underway. This time, the Labour Party cannot take for granted that such loyalty and support can be taken for granted. It is a ‘balancing act’ that will take upfront and honest expressions of intent and follow through. Although the Ratana movement does not represent the majority of Maori voters, they do however wield influence that is ‘noticed’ by all. This time, Labour, don’t assume that ‘she’ll be right mate.’

Vietnam---fantastic to see you!

Soon, the whole of South East Asia will be reading my bloggs. Great to see you, Vietnam. Wish I could visit, so I can eat to my hearts content, your wonderful healthy food. Check out my books on my website and buy them. Cheers
 Neil    www.authorneilcoleman.com

Nikki Kaye---actually, I never thought I would say it, but I quite like her

Yeah I know---me saying something nice about the National Party is sort of strange. Well don't get your nickers in a twist----it's Nikki Kaye I like and I believe she is in the wrong Party. I am sure you can say the same about quite a few Labour MPs too so I am making a balanced statement. Sometimes one needs to look beyond the limitations of party politics and see the 'person.' When you do that you may come up with a similar stance to me, re a range of our politicians. What I am also saying is that we have sme good politicians in all parties. It just so happens that for me, most of the ones I like tend to be in just a few parties. OK, so go for it Nikki and perhaps we can change your stance on Charter Schools, 'retirement age issues,' and making sure our hospitals remain in 'the Peoples' hands.'
We shall watch your 'progress' with interest, Nikki.