Cretins---what more can I say about the fools who tried to bring live scorpions into New Zealand?

New Zealand is a lucky country in that we do not have snakes, scorpions, really dangerous spiders, crocodiles and other 'nasties' that many countries have as their 'normal' inhabitants.Tourists can rest assured that they are not going to be harmed by our natural fauna and flora. Yes, there are a few spiders that are mildly annoying and the occasional (only 8 since records began in the 19th Century) fatal shark attack.
When a group of people tried to bring in live scorpions one can only say they are nothing less than traitors to New Zealand's good name. We are indeed lucky that our border control and other officials were able to intercept these creatures. I am of course talking about the scorpions but I guess the same label could be applied to the criminals who attempted the stupid act. I will be happy to read that they have received the maximum 5 years prison or (although I say--'and') NZ$100,000 fine. A clear message must be sent to the fools who did or would bring in 'threats to the New Zealand fauna and flora and hence our good name as a safe destination. I also wonder at the 'thinking' behind these acts of eco-terrorism!
www.authorneilcoleman.com
 

Syria-- a dilema that will not go away and one that can inflame a region.

The West along with a few Middle-eastern nations is about to launch a war on---well who? We all know that events in Syria are ripping apart that nation and the main victims are those who can least defend themselves. The incumbent murderer President is fighting for his very life and his opposition intent on bringing about his end. That is all that is clear.

When one looks at the ‘opposition,’ there are some disturbing factors. Firstly they are not inclusive and the concern is that once they gain power they will be merely puppets for other forces that are lurking on the side-lines. All Syrians will not be represented in any parliamentary body that emerges from the carnage. If the West is involved in setting up such a body, then one only has to look at past military interventions to see the sad results of such moves.

The West cannot impose a ‘western style’ democracy on nations that have no roots in such institutions. They will simply be inflaming an already divisive society. There is a distinct feeling that a ‘third party’ is waiting in the wings for the dust to settle; that organization has possibly been a ‘player’ already and it is not ‘home grown Syrian,’ nor does it have the best interests of Syria as its focus. I mean of course the very organization that is tearing Pakistan, Iraq and Afghanistan apart.

I am not being cynical when I make the claim that the above organization has a master plan that supersedes the wishes of the vast majority of the peoples of the countries I have listed. It is this group that is going to be the main winner in the event of a Western led ‘invasion or intervention in Syria. All they have to do is wait, watch and step in once the ‘dirty work’ has been achieved for them. That the USA, Britain, France and their lackeys do not see this is disturbing to say the least. Dare I say it that even little New Zealand can be drawn in as it has been so many times when the Lion roars.’

I do not necessarily support the stance taken by Russia and China re their opposition to any intervention, but their caution, based as it is on their own political ambitions in the area, should be a word of warning that unless there is clear evidence for a need to intervene and a plan that all agree to, post intervention, then the losers will only be those killed by such actions and of course the people of Syria. Will we never learn from history; recent history?!

www.authorneilcoleman.com

I saw the surgeon today!

My visit to the surgeon was a very short one today. Usually I pay $120 but he said, he felt fraudulent taking my money so it was FREE! It seems that he was very pleased and the only thing he wants me to do is drink more water. 'Yes we can,' I said. I won't be seeing him again for another six months. I doubt that I will be losing much more weight. I am actually quite happy with the 40kgs I have lost. Now it's time to up the walking and exercise. I was also thinking that I need to start another book. I had thought that maybe I should write one using my recent journey re bariatric surgery as a base. Then I thought, 'FECK THAT!'  unless I make it a totally un-PC and over the top story. I actually need to generate a lot more sales re my other three books two, before I contemplate spending yet more on other dreams. So, if you want to see a new book, make sure you download ROSKILL.  Just go to my website www.authorneilcoleman.com and follow the link to the Amazon Kindle version. Of course you will need a Kindle or a Tablet to complete the process, which will cost you the princely sum of $US4. My other books, COASTAL YARNS and TALK TO ME will follow soon.
 

"I will resign if the age for 'Super' goes up," says Mr Key. Really?

Mr Dunne’s ‘flexi-super’ will let Key off the ‘wiggling’ hook! The idea that a part payment for ‘Super’ could be available to those from 60 on seems to have thrown a lifeline to John Key. Remember his statements from recent years about resigning if the ‘pension’ age went up? The roundabout solution as proposed by Peter Dunne (I am not disagreeing with the concept) is a perfect opportunity for John Key to go back on his word and he will manage to sell the idea as one that does not go against his original statement. I shall watch as he wriggles and turns in order to hide from his words. We will see more of the body language he has exhibited in the last year or so as things don’t always go his way. Watch him closely; you too will come to your own conclusions about the real John Key as he squirms his way through the next year. It is fascinating watching a politician, who was so self-assured, dropping his composure as the real questions are put to him. Time is not on his side this time!

www.authorneilcoleman.com

If you are stupid enough to pay$NZ7 for one capsicum, then don't bitch about it!

Sometimes I want to be wrong---very wrong, but if reports that people are paying up to $7 for one capsicum are correct then I can only say, ‘more fool them!’ I do not feel sorry for such people. If they really want to have the delights of a fresh, green, red or whatever colour capsicum, then at least get real and go along to the markets like the Avondale or Otara markets and purchase the same item for much less.

For goodness sake---be you a restaurant owner or the ‘cook at home,’ just use whatever brains you have and adapt your menu to reflect seasonal prices and availability. If you have demanding customers, intent on having out of season produce, then they have to pay the price too.

I will on occasion buy Northern Hemisphere fruit but I fully expect to pay more. Actually if truth ‘leadeth’ the charge, haven’t you noticed that some stone fruit from the ‘North’ is often cheaper than our NZ versions, in season? Makes you wonder eh.

So, in conclusion, NZ Herald, don’t waste your space by reporting what is not actually news; it’s just page filling unnecessary crap!

www.authorneilcoleman.com

Try this cheap soup---lunch or dinner.

I love making soups and this one is a variation on ones I have put up in the past. The accent is on health and being economical. First off, go and buy some bacon bones (or any shin bone). I usually make gluten-free soups so if that is an aim just don't use the pearl barley or make you own dried soup mix.  This soup made a small pot full (or a smaller slow cooker). It would serve about 4-5 normal adults. Yeah, I know, I am no longer 'normal' when it comes to eating, since the Bariatric surgery.
Here goes. Place the three bacon bones, a cup of soup mix (from the bulk bins) a cup of split peas (lentils are fine too) and any vegetables you have in the fridge. I put in a head of broccoli because it was cheap. Add some pepper, a couple of cloves and top the mixture up with water. Gently simmer for about 2 hours and then once the meat falls off the bone, turn it off and you have lunches for a few days or enough feed the family, with home made scones (Biscuits in the USA and Canada).
Optional extras: I had at tray of tomatoes I had cooked down and frozen as ice cubes. (I put in three) I made them when tomatoes were cheap and in season. I also added a clove of garlic and some dried capsicums that I had dried myself in the summer, using my fan oven on a low setting.
Nourishing, healthy and super cheap. Who needs takeaways?
www.authorneilcoleman.com

Team New Zealand about to go up against the USA (Oracle) for the America's Cup.

Now that New Zealand has won the right to challenge the mighty Oracle Team, lets hope that the racing will take place 'on the water,' not in the damned court rooms like so often has occurred in the past. I am proud to support Team New Zealand! What else can I do? Hell, I live there!
I am not that keen on the huge crafts, catamarans, to be exact. The fact that there were only a few challengers speaks for itself. I would love to see a return to 'real' yachts, like those that we have come to love; crafts that more nations can realistically produce, making the tournament more of a 'fair go,' that very special Kiwi attribute. Having got this far, though, I am sure my compatriots will of their best, knowing that the majority of NZers (minus the killjoys who insist that it is all a waste of money and completely fail to see the economic gains resulting from the exposure of our incredible boat building industry and the flow-on affect for other sectors in our economy) support our team.
Go Kiwis!
www.authorneilcoleman.com