Get those busses in Auckland running right!

It is in the interest of us all that our bus services are on time and get us to work on time. Reports in the NZ Herald this morning that commuters in Lynnfield were late to work because of ‘no shows’ must be taken seriously. WE are told to use busses and other forms of public transport because our roads are overcrowded and because such use is environmentally’ kind’ Excuses were put forward by the administrators but they do not hold water. If we do not have enough busses or the services don’t make enough money, then we need to increase the subsidies the companies are paid. It is essential that we increase and maintain services if we want a modern and viable city. Get off your butts, administrators and make things work. It is in the interests of us all!

Wondering when the weight loss will stop!

Mind you. I'm not complaining and it has settled down to less than a kilo a week now.  My aim is to get to 80 kilos by Xmas---that means another 7 to go. I think it is going to be hard, hence the next weapon in my arsenal. Hell, I hope I spelt that right----could have put an entirely different slant on things eh. The new weapon? Why, Pilates of course. My good friend, Lisa is helping me out. I went to her apartment yesterday and she showed me a few tricks. I didn't know I had those muscles. I am told they will be hurting this time tomorrow. It's not all about pounding and impact; it's more about using technique to stretch and bring back some tone to this aging body. My biggest surprise was finding out that I could sit cross-legged again on the floor. Remarkable feeling.
So, do I have nay regrets? NO---- I don't miss pigging out on food that was killing me, I don't miss the lack of energy, I don't miss taking all those pills, I don't miss calling my CPAC Machine (for sleep apnoea) 'Elle, because she has gone! I don't miss the big food bills and I can quite happily say that it is quite fun shopping for new clothes. Last night I even got a bit tiddly on one glass of wine. That was quite fun and inexpensive.
I am not saying that my solution for ridding myself of my former hugeness is for everyone. But for me, well--- I am most thankful for my chance to experience a new lease on life---a much longer one. Please feel free to comment, ask questions and contact me directly, through my website, if you wish.
www.authorneilcoleman.com

Turkey's woes---we have seen it all before.

Turkey has a 'democratically' elected government, albeit one that has increasingly spurned some of the ideals that go along with such a government. The present leader is no doubt popular, particularly with those holding a more conservative and religious outlook. In the many rural areas his hold is almost total. Now that he has been in power for ten years and the country has a higher profile, he is beginning to go down a path that so many 'long term leaders' travel. He is becoming arrogant and possesses a sense that 'he is right' and that any opposition is based on groups who want to wreck the economy or image of the country.
Actually, he is doing a pretty good job of achieving that himself. Recent reports that journalists who oppose his autocratic rule are losing their jobs and ending up in prison are most disturbing. RT (Russian TV) has reported that his regime is targeting doctors and other medics who have been assisting those injured in the protests. This smells significantly like the events we witnesses from the despotic regime in Bahrain where torture and other inhumane acts were perpetrated on those opposing that regime. The question must be asked -----is Turkey about to return to a non-democratic past, all in the name of a leader who wishes to retain power? One hopes that the people of Turkey hold a very different view!
www.authorneilcoleman.com

Roskill is going digital!

Yes I am preparing the much edited and formatted ROSKILL for e-booking on Kindle. I employed a really god editor (Stephen Stratford) and asked him to format, proofread and edit the book so that it is more reader-friendly. No one wants to see countless mistakes and bad formatting.

I was most pleased with the result and after spending many hours going through the result, I feel that I shall be able to feel more confident about the product. I shall let you know when it is available on line. Let’s face it—paying the tiny amount required when viewing a book on Kindle, is the way to go. I shall still sell hard copy of course.

Talk To Me will follow and then I shall return to working on Sons Of Orpheus, a trilogy set during the New Zealand Land Wars. Watch this space.
www.authorneilcoleman.com

You are a tough pack of buggers, Australia!

It never suprprises me when I read of some of the antics various Australians get up to , especially near an election. We have all seen the polls that predict a huge defeat for Labour at the upcoming elections. That many Ausies have lost sight of the fact that the Labour (OK lest use the Aussie way---Labor) has made a real difference to many 'working' people. Education has been made more accessible to more people at the lower end and there have been gains re health for those at the bottom. Yes, it's true that Julia has gone back on her word on a few issues, something dictated by events way beyond her control. We have heard the posturings of that 'would be leader,' Tony and note that he seeks every opportunity to belitlle Julia's policies. I am not saying that this is a move that differs in any way from what we expect from opposition leaders, but I am syaing that his negativity around many issues, including the 'boat people' problem do little to offer Australia a way forward. Some of his 'backers' have reached incredibly low levels in their manouvering to garner favour, for when he comes into Government. Take the rediculous spectacle of that dopey radio reporter asking Julia to consider the fact that 'all hairdressers (and thereofor her partner) are gay. Then look at that twit who degraded Julia with his stupid 'menu.' It is not good enough to say that it was all just fun----these commentaries stick with the public and those who make such protestations do influence the popular psyche. Tony and his friends do not necessarilly agree with these moves, but they should go out of their way to promulgate good values that represent what Austrlaia surley is--- a diverse country with wonderful people; but sometimes prone to a brashness that does not do it credit.

Out with the big old stuff and in with the new---less is more!

I have a new rule. If I buy any new clothing, I must chuck out, or give away at least one item in my wardrobe. If I don't I shall rapidly reach a 'wardrobe version of obesity.' Then I would have to operate and discard until I could see the railings again, something akin to being unable to see my feet before my bariatric journey began.
I am enjoying seeking out new clothing and now I have decided that I must also attempt to garner a bit of 'colour,' replacing the dark and dour examples I have been sporting of late. Black's fine, but it needs the addition of something 'contrasting.'  So, where to begin. I hit upon two outlets, (yeah I still check out the nearby Warehouse) Postie+ and the online shop, Ezibuy. The former is a bit cheaper, while the latter has some quite good offerings, including the Next range. I haven't received my first order form Ezibuy and I hope that I have got the sizing correct. Time will tell.
I happen to be watching an item on Fair Go about online shopping, so I think I have a lot to learn, especially about returning 'unsuitable'  goods.

Get your slow cookers and crock pots out!

There is no excuse for complaining about expensive shopping if you own a slow cooker or crock pot. If you don't have one, then get on down to the local op shop and I am sure they will almost give you one.
Next, go to the bulk bins and buy split peas and lentils or if you feel really lazy, one of the 'soup mixes.' All you need then is some bacon bones from the Mad Butcher or Aussie Butcher (your own butcher or supermarkets too) and chuck everything into the cooker with boiling water. Feel free to add garlic, onions and any left over veggies. If you are the adventurous type, then add a few cloths and pepper. Let it all cook and swerve it up with toast or scones (also cheap and easy to make). All this is good for your pocket and your health, so stop sitting on your butts and get to it! Yes, I'm talking to you! What I have just outlined is one hell of a lot cheaper than KFC or other takeaways.