Auckland is even better when many people leave for the holidays!

I love to be in Auckland when those who can, travel to other destinations. The roads become more sensible and you get a sense of what it used to be like generations ago. Of course it has many new attractions but some remain the same. I shall let the picture speak for itself. Look at the beautiful volcanic island (Rangitoto Island) behind us. The picture was taken from North Head.

Turkey needs to make up its mind about where it belongs!

We have all seen the terrible pictures of nations been torn apart by religious (or is it just power- hungry politicians?) violence and failed governments. The same can be said for parts of Africa. The proud nation that has given much to the world, Turkey is also at risk of sliding into this position, if things go much further there.
Turkey is moving away from the vision of its modern founder and many in the country must be worried about the direction of its present leader.
Turkey has aspirations to be part of Europe, yet it gives all the signs that it wants to be a' regional power' in the Middle East. The problem is and will continue to be---can it do both? It will not belong in any EU organization if it travels more along the road to being an Islamic Republic, at least not a 'fundamentalist format. Many of its citizens support the direction its leader is travelling but there is a large section of the population that wants something more balanced; a nation that takes into account the aspirations all of its people. It is becoming obvious that trouble is brewing at the upper levels of the Governing party and one has the sense that a 'tip-point' has been reached. The nest few days will tell us much about the future of Turkey. My hope is that Turkey does not descend into the hellish scenes we are witnessing in its near neighbours. Go well, Turkey and may you have the peace you so desperately need.We need you to be a strong and stable influence in the vitally important region you control; but, your direction is just that---YOURS!
www.authorneilcoleman.com

Kindle versus the 'real thing.'

As some of you may know, I have been pushing the merits of Kindle and other reading Apps of late, mainly because one of my books, ROSKILL, is available on that platform. You know how to download it, by going to my website at the bottom of the page and following the links. I thought it would be timely for me to launch a discussion about the merits of using these electronic readers, as many of you may have received one in your Xmas stockings. Let's look back at my experience with my Kindle.
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of 'The Luminaries,' by Eleanor Catton,' the Booker Prize winner from New Zealand. The book is a paperback version and the first thing I noticed was the shear size of the book. It comes with a flimsy cover and holding it while reading in bed is quite  task. It flops around and getting used to this medium again is 'interesting.' Yes, I like the feel of a real book but when they come at 700 pages plus, it takes the shift getting used to it. The convenience of using a Kindle or other reading App has some distinct advantages. However, I am not aware of being able to access this wonderful book in an electronic format, as yet. I am sure I would have found the accessing much easier if it was. Maybe if The Luminaries came with a hard cover it would be better, but obviously more expensive.
So would I still recommend that you all go out and buy a Kindle? Of course I'd like that, especially if you then down;loaded my book(s) but I am trying to present an unbiased case here, so I would settle on a position that goes like this.
We are all different and I would never say that an electronic format suits everyone. Indeed I would hate to see the hard copy version of books taking a back seat and despite what some commentators say, I do not believe that Kindles and their like will ever replace the hard copy so many of us swear by. There is a place for both and the future may yet throw up other platforms that exist only in the brains of those who will hoist them on us at a later date.
I will use both formats re my books and those that I read from other authors. You will make up your own minds.
One things I must say is that having started The Luminaries, I have been blown away by the story and the style of this fantastic new author. She has a style that draws you in to the inner workings of the characters. Eleanor taker us to a place where language is king and time is needed to fully enjoy her incredible use of the English language. I have not yet downloaded any Kindle book that is quite so deep and wonderful. Maybe that is because I have been locked into a particular genre; one that lacks the depth that she has uncovered for us. It is a reminder that there is a huge and creative world out there in the books available. I shall continue reading Eleanor's book and then return to a more varied menu on my Kindle, once I have finished.
You----go and try the Kindle books but never forget the libraries and bookshops that overflow with the hard copy versions of the stories we all love.
www.authorneilcoelman.com  

Boxing Day Sales---madness or good economics!

Life is about choice. One can begin the day, walking the dog down at the bay where no one else is present or chose to brave the mayhem of a Boxing Day Sale at a popular clothing retail outlet. I am not one who likes to have choices imposed, merely by the fact that 'others' are doing the later. I also had a plan that I was going to take a modest amount of money to the 'sales' and buy clothing that I could not normal afford. I felt that I should reward myself for the year's journey re the Bariatric Surgery I undertook in April. Now that I am down in weight by 44 kilos (well over 34% of my former body weight) I convinced myself that I deserved a reward.
To keep a balance and after listening to the early morning radio reports of the traffic mayhem near the big malls I decided to take the walk first then attempt to 'assail the walls' of the clothing outlet stores in Onehunga.
I dropped Perdy off at home after our peaceful walk and headed toward the stores. I sensibly parked the car well away, avoiding any possible 'car park anger,' where some people morph into impossible creatures, completely devoid of any humane tendencies. They must 'win' at all costs---what?---I am not sure. The 100 metres closer to the mall they parked must somehow rank extremely highly with them. I swear I saw some of them still searching with stress-ridden demeanours, for that elusive car park, while I strolled quietly past them, having parked a simple 5 minute walk from the object of my journey.
I entered the 'halls of clothing paradise' and was immediately struck by the seething mass of people. I have shopped in the Great Jakarta Sale and various other venues, but I am sure that the zombies I encountered on this day surpassed the worst I have ever seen.
I headed towards some of the stores that I had planned to visit; bugger---I could hardly enter the doors and when I did, it seemed that something nasty takes over in peoples behaviours. They grab, just as I was about to take a quiet inspection of a clothing item. My mistake was that the table I searched, had a notice saying, 'nothing over ten dollars.' OK I got the gameness; if I wanted even a modicum of sanity, I was going to have to go 'a little upmarket.' Sorry Hallensteins, you just didn't do it for me today. Hey, I love your clothing, but I shall get it on-line. My nerves are just not up to it. I do not want to compete with 'snatchers, pushers, harassed shop assistants or the plain bloody-minded manners of my fellow shoppers. I headed to other sections of the big mall.
 I came upon two 'nice' shops that were obviously more expensive; namely Barkers and Bing Harris and Co. It turned out to be a most sensible choice. If I sound like a snob--hell, I have earned that privilege, just for one day!
Sure, I did not buy as many items but it was most definitely a case of that wonderful adage I so often talk about re my writing---'less is more.' I brought quality rather than quantity. Was that not the purpose of the visit? As soon as I had purchased my 9 items (for less than the budget) I left the premises, running into another 'dog walker,' who was about to enter the fray. She steeled herself and waved goodbye, hopefully to be seen down at the park---if she survives!
I took the picture and deliberately distorted it (OK I just shot it and it turned out crap, so I can claim that I was protecting the images of the crazy ones who also sought bargains)
God, it is so good to be home again and rewarding myself for a light lunch and later, a walk with Perdy.

www.authorneilcoleman.com

A distorted view of the shoppers at the Boxing Day Sales or is that what they actually saw as they struggled win a bargain!

Maybe I am not overtly 'religious,' but I do like to see Christmas decorations in our streets and malls---BUT----

Have you seen some of the over-the-top 'decorations' that festoon the streets, buildings and malls in some cities that owe little to the 'Christian' tradition. Take for example, Dubai, Hong Kong, Shanghai and even a city like Jakarta, which although having a significant Christina population, is predominantly Islamic. These cities are ablaze with colour and lights, creating the impression that they celebrate Christmas in a manner that leaves the city of Auckland looking like a very poor relative indeed. One has to search out a more 'Christmassy' scene in Auckland; probably arriving at Franklin Road in Ponsonby or other scattered attempts to celebrate the festive season. Sure, you can find the odd shop that does its best to remind us of the season and it is as much about attracting our wallets (which of course it is in the cities aforementioned) as it is about anything else.
Drive down Queens Street, but don't expect to be uplifted by the experience, even less  suddenly be impacted by the fabulous decorations (NOT!) to open your wallet or even feel the real 'spirit' of Xmas. There is only one redeeming feature of a Xmas in Auckland--at least we have not succumbed to that sad PC behaviour that emanates from the USA and the UK where you must say 'Happy Holidays' rather than Merry Xmas. Oh no---we can't have that---it would offend 'other' religions. What a load of cods-wallop! I am regularly greeted by Hindus and Muslims amongst other religions in NZ who wish me a Merry Xmas, so what gives New York and London?! Let's celebrate all of the festivals that are based on joy or yes, suffering too, but not water down the very roots of a faith or belief system, all in the name of some misguided attempt to be politically sensitive. And yes, I would love to see the big 'boys' of business take a break form merely taking our money and put a bit more back into 'lighting up our beautiful 'queen city.'
www.authorneilcoleman.com

Putin's cynical attempt to appear magnanamous---no better or wrose than what the USA has been doing for ages.

Power, naked power at that is alive and well in all forms throughout the world. We see it under the guise of religion in the Middle East, in Africa and parts of Europe. In the USA is manifests itself through the 'accepted' institutions' of government and  its various agencies. That Putin  is exercising it in a manner that is nothing more than an attempt to calm sensitive 'Western' nerves on the eve of the Winter Olympics should come as no surprise.
Take the example  the release of Greenpeace protesters and two members of Pussy Riot as examples of his devious machinations. I am happy that the above are now partially free to go about their lives, but he has underestimated the resolve of both groups. The Pussy Riot women were possibly putting themselves at risk by undertaking their 'adventure on the church.' They must have understood that their protesting in a place that many Russians hold as a special place, would play into Putin's hands.It should have been obvious from his past publicity stunts that he would use them for his own purposes; give them a time in a 'Gulag' and then show mercy by releasing them at a later date.
The bottom line is that he is only concerned about his continued stranglehold on the highest position in the new Russia; a position little different from that of the old, Tsars or even Stalin. The difference between his approach and that of President in the USA is that the latter cannot stand for election more than twice. Of course they have other means of keeping their hand in re power and influence.
The rest of the world is often consumed by issues playing out in other parts of the world; like terrorism, economics, oil and energy concerns and the ever growing list of 'failed states and all of what is involved in working through the ramifications as per refugees set upon finding new lives in other countries (read --the West).
The Pussy Riot members have made it quite clear that they will not return to a more 'acceptable and non-speaking-out' position. They will continue to put themselves at risk. We should not  be surprised to observe this. In the past, many Russians have taken brave stands against despots and who would point out and resist corruption and the suppression of freedom. Nations who take similar stands, like the Ukraine will suffer similar fates as Putin and his like put their foot on the throat of such 'expressions of hope.'
We should all keep a close watch on what transpires for the Pussy Riot women and those who would dare take on the Russian State.
As for the USA; we are well aware but equally powerless to lessen their hold on world events and issues. Now all we need is for the emerging giant that is China to show its hand in a more obvious way. The other old colonial powers and newly emerging nations, like Brazil, India and others---well just watch them playing catch-up!
In the meantime, lets all keep a watch on the fate of the women and others like them who represent hope and the continuing struggle against power that corrupts!
www.authorneilcoleman.com

Is anyone having trouble with Windows 8 or 8.1---hell, I am!

Before my crazy jack Russell destroyed mu computer, I was happily working with it using Windows 7. When I received my new (Samsung) computer, it had Windows 8 on it and then the issues began. They got even worse when I installed the 8.1 version that was offered free. It cut out all the time and I had problem after problem until it crapped out completely. I rang the people who had fixed me up re the insurance part of the deal and they reinstalled the Windows 8 version and fixed, they hoped a few other issues. Once gain, things went haywire and it was only rather a huge effort on the part of my very smart nephew, Tim, that things returned to some sort of normally. We stopped using Internet Explorer as my browser and tired Firefox. Even then I still had problems and we then used Google Chrome. That worked better and now the only real issue (apart from the reuter disengaging from time to time) is that the damn clock will not stay set with the correct time. Buggered if I know  what to do. I feel like ringing my insurance company and saying---take this stupid computer back and give me a cheaper one that works or is it that the real problem is with Windows 8?!
In your 'helpful replies, please do not get too technical, cause I won't understand a bloody word. I shall just convey your polite suggestions to my nephew and possibly to the computer company that has tried to be so helpful. Go and download ROSKILL on your Kindle before you reply. Get it from my website. Hopefully all of you will get a new Kindle for Xmas.
www.authorneilcoleman.com