Youth Drinking Culture
01 July 2008
Comments by juni0r
Now I can't remember where it was, but it is so related to my prior
entries, sadly. Last week sometime a celebrity (might have been Kerry
Woodham or someone on them trying to find a "normal New Zealander"...
Whoever it was said how when they were young teenagers they were home
around 11-12 at night. Now she said, the kids head out at that time.
And I might add, after they're already tanked up. My generation was
the same. Me, I had far better things to do with my time, as I do now.
Not hard. Never been bored and I would have been ashamed at any stage,
and embarrassed for my mother if it had ever been otherwise.
Here's one - I was in the Army at 17. Now, you wanna argue the toss,
go and take a look at the drinking culture in the military these days,
and indeed throughout its history. But you make a choice.
Don't tell me anyone is holding a gun to kids' heads these
days - they can still make choices like I did.
So what happens if I don't end up in town on Saturday night rather than
Sunday... wee digger's birthdays 'ill do that. Add peas, carrots and
a fair dollop of snot and you have a heck of a show... but that's another
story :) How do you spell Iggle Piggle? Opps, sidetracked. Great cake
there, R.
So yeah, coming home on the train just prior to midnight, and instead
of the relative silence and lack of punters on a Sunday, the train carriage
was chocker block with teenagers. One girl even threw up before she
got into Wellington. And I thought, you haven't even got to a bar yet.
Kids make themselves very vulnerable and I wonder where the parents
are and what they think is acceptable. Bear in mind please that these
parents are my generation. How come suddenly there are no things called
hobbies, no things called sports, no things called creativity, or family
values...
I hope we are not satisfied as a society that these things are being
replaced with words like; assault, rape, intoxication, hangover, hospital
bill, and academic failure. To make matters worse the behaviour is being
endorsed by supposed inspirational figures and those we hold dear.
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60 Minutes and the Falwasser Case
30 June 2008
Comments by juni0r
I've just finished watching 60 Minutes. The main article was on the Falwasser case. Well, no wonder they didn't want to release the CCTV footage to the public. It only reinforces what I've already said before. The Police rhetoric is standard issue. The photographic evidence is pretty plain, pretty clear cut. These four are simply bullies of the highest order. Their combined experience - the most experienced sergeant of more than 20 years service - a complete insult to the institution and the uniform they wear.
Blood on the walls, the cut into the young guy's head was bad enough to need stitches and was clearly deep. When you consider that the baton was used in an aggressive way, rather than as a tool for restraint there is a grave potential for delayed concussion and / or swelling on the brain. For all the statements of working on public holidays and limited manpower there was obviously no regard for medical issues.
The combined experience of these officers was not enough to tell them
Falwasser was not high on P. Instead they used it as an excuse for their
carry-on. Evidence showed clearly he was not high on P but that wasn't
enough. No justice. He had never been in trouble with the Police before.
Suddenly he decides to go crazy for the heck of it? All he wanted to
do was remain where he was, in the cell, until his father arrived. One
would think that wasn't unreasonable. It is pretty evident that these
officers were looking for any excuse they could find in order to give
a kid a beasting.
I don't care how big someone is - if they aren't trained, they are going to raise their hands to protect themselves. It is unreasonable to expect otherwise - and these officers knew that. They knew that any jury who didn't know what they were looking at on CCTV footage was going to sway towards the Police.
This situation is about as crook as you can get. And all in good old
New Zealand. Be careful out there folks...
Oklahoma City Federal Building Bombing Doco
Later into the night on Al Jazeera I saw a really good doco on the bombing
of the Murrah Federal building in the US on April 19, 1995. More so
than documenting the event itself, it tended rather to focus on the
human spirit of the aftermath. 168 people were killed there. A massive
truck bomb did the damage. for those who don't know, Timothy McVeigh,
an American, was sentenced to death for the bombing, while a couple
of others who assisted him got long sentences (one, life without parole).
The fact that a father of one of the victims visited McVeigh's father and acknowledged that he would never be able to share stories of his son's life whereas this man could of his own daughter was the most telling thing in this documentary. I dunno what you call that but to me its huge.
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Violence and Sport
29 June 2008
Comments by juni0r
It appears that All Blacks and those in top grade sides are allowed
to bash people about and get away with it with relative ease. Paying
of a few bucks of which they are assured plenty more in professional
sport is far from accountability. How about being forced to tour schools
and admit the wrong, and to tell kids how violence is the last option,
not the first. In this case all you have to do is say you don't support
the All Blacks. How pathetic is that? No self control, no discipline...
and obviously no real problems in life.
Try it in many countries around the world and your average rugby player
would be torn apart by someone half their size who has done, or is in
military service.
It is totally unacceptable that Super 14 player Lucky Mulipola can throw
his weight around like he did in Dunedin. People like this are meant
to be an example to our youth coming up. No wonder youth is in such
a state, drinking and fighting and carrying on. Then there was the new
All Black - whatever his name was, getting in trouble in Invercargill.
And the selection board knew he was already up on charges before he
got the black jersey! Perhaps it is like the desperate need for Police
officers and permitting those with criminal records into the ranks...
Speaking of bullies, Mugabe is a classic, back in there at the helm.
At least we can hope, to some degree, the violence will dissipate. Kenya
is calling for more decisive action. We shall see... Another five years
of scumbag leadership. I certainly hope not. Will the UN do anything,
will the AU do anything?
And back here in New Zealand a woman is shot in the face and dies later
in hospital.
Who you gonna call... and how long will it take them to arrive?
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Navy Today, New Boots, No More Wet Socks... and the words of Mandela.
26 June 2008
Comments by juni0r
Checked the mail and my latest issue of Navy Today was there.
Some good reading to see what the boys and girls of the RNZN have been
up to of late. Something in their about an amphibious Ex so looking
forward to that. The Aussies would have been involved with that one
and their LCM. The whole carry on with HMNZS Canterbury has put a bit
of a dampener on things amphibious of late.
Also headed to Katmandu to score some new boots. My old ones,
well I just run out of duct tape didn't I. Old, worn out, with many
a mile under the sole. Winter sales are the best time to acquire new
kit at reasonable prices. Got some German made boots for $150 (normally
twice that) and I no longer have to worry about puddles and rain...
and wet socks. Am in OD but that's what its there for... yes, it was
becoming an emergency.
Nelson Mandela has spoken out about the situ in Zimbabwe but has been
hesitant (but its really not necessary to) mention Mugabe by name. This
goes a long way for making up for Thabo Mbeki's lack of action. It has
also promoted the ANC to actually speak out with real rhetoric, and
the African nations on a whole. Seems to me a real demonstration of
how useless the world is at large. Words, words, words... When it takes
an old fella who has really suffered only then do these outfits say
something. Like they have to be embarrassed into action. Junior (not
me, the soldier in Platoon) said it best... "its politics man,
politics."
And the Queen has withdrawn Mugabe's knighthood. Heck, he had one? For
what I might ask? In so many cases there seems to be a fine line between
hero and tyrant.
Here at home, the Falwasser case - amazing how highly trained the police
are, yes knowing they are being filmed. Interesting that the general
public is not allowed to view the tapes. I'd say then you see just how
many people wouldn't have given innocent to excessive force... if you
crack someone on the head with a baton you can kill them. Don't care
if they're on drugs or whatever, pull your head in, learn proper restraint
techniques and show some restraint yourself. Four against one is not
on. And I don't care if it was a public holiday, that's no excuse.
"Too many people I've met have been 'should'a, could'a, would'.
I said - let's go."
Jon Bon Jovi
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Tsvangirai Stands Down... and United Nations (in)effectiveness.
23 June 2008
Comments by juni0r
Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the MDC (Movement for Democratic Change)
has decided to step down citing the suffering of those people tortured
incarcerated and murdered by Mugabe's Zanu-PF party supporters. This
is really the last hope for the people of Zimbabwe's dashed. Plenty
of countries, the United Nations and whomever else have jaw-flapped
constantly on this one, but there's no real action. South Africa is
lead by a man who is a traditional ally of Mugabe, and there is much
talk of how Zimbabwe must sort out its own problems. Well... its all
been said before... and people continue to be tortured and die. And
so it will continue while these attitudes are maintained.
Threatening Mugabe with The Hague is... pointless. The evidence is overwhelming
and still nothing is done. Years of abuse. Much like the years I refer
to below regarding rape. Well, the international community is so on
the ball. I cringe at their capability for inaction. Much like other
institutions we expect to uphold law and protect us from harm I could
mention...
You are unlikely to see an UN official or dictator of government complain
about their horrific lifestyle. See, the few profit by huge margins,
while the many suffer. This is the reason why such circumstances persist.
Otherwise they wouldn't would they?
Hey now, if you really want to know how effective the UN is, (just considering
its relatively short life span, not the larger scope of human existence)
it has taken until now for them to classify rape as a "war tactic".
Interesting term of phrase - its a bloody war CRIME, crime against humanity.
The Balkans happened years ago, Rwanda happened years ago... Darfur
is going on right now. It is beyond me...
Now on better things, it was so good to see so many friends this morning as I made my way home. Hey A, how 'bout dinner sometime mate - no KFC for once. All the best with that interview. You'll kick arse. All in the personality eh.
Was almost at Burger King when I got a nice surprise from one of my
Uni mates who spotted me from their breakfast spot. Good to catch up
there S and K. See ya's in Sean's Asian Cinema class next semester.
I can say, in the pouring rain, all you need is Icebreaker.
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Afghan Army, Arghandab Offensive, Morale... and run rabbit run.
19 June 2008
Comments by juni0r
The Arghandab region in southern Afghanistan has been subject to a major
offensive, headed by Afghan forces but supported by Canadian troops
and light armour, and coalition air cover.
Kandahar, being part of a major trade route both internally and with
India, Iran and Pakistan there is no wonder this is a focus of attention
for Taleban and Al Queda forces.
The operation has been a success and has given the Afghan troops a much
needed lift in morale, showing themselves and the world they can take
charge and get the job done. Its a good thing to hear. Keeping the Taleban
on the move is the key - not letting up the pressure. The problem is
ensuring the manpower and associated resources to maintain that pressure.
Keep the enemy on the hop.
Also in the news is the Bush administration's call to lift the Federal
ban on offshore drilling. Of the 20 billion barrels they reckon are
offshore in the US, it is estimated it will only last two and a half
years. Not even enough to impact the markets. My question then would
be - why bother? That's a pretty broad insight though, and I know bugger
all about it. One would think you'd avoid the whole environmental issues
of doing such a thing for insignificant gain and focus your attention
on trading with those who already have things rolling. Better yet -
invest in proper viable alternatives... but that's not where the money
is, right.
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Critical Life Skills, Training, 9/11 Attitude... and skewered priorities.
18 June 2008
Comments by juni0r
On Close Up tonight there was the great story of a woman who
saved her husband's life with CPR. A life skill, first aid, one of those
things everyone should know. A St. John's chap was on the show to demonstrate
how its done. But here we are, there was no explanation on clearing
the airway, why you tilt the head back and how far, no check the mouth
for obstructions - broken teeth, tongue blocking the airway and so on.
So this rolls with the whole question of training. Don't get me wrong
- I'm sure if you go to St. John's and do a course you'll get it explained
correctly.
Now, I tend to get the paper several days after the event, thanks to
a good mate who stuffs them under my door a few times a week. So, what
do I see in the Sunday Star Times this morning but several celebrities
making similar comments to my own regards the recent crime spree in
South Auckland.
Michael Laws was one, regards the attitude of the Police and their SOPs,
their poor leadership and a general unwillingness to put one's self
into harms way for those they are meant to serve.
But, well, Raybon Kan the comedian happened to comment, as I did, using
a firefighter as a comparison. They don't just turn around and say I'll
wait out until those flames die down, until I go in and rescue whoever
might be inside there. He raises 9/11 as an example - those firefighters
and police who stepped up and more than their bit... some paid the ultimate
price. They did their duty.
Police in the US do it every day. It isn't gung ho as many Kiwis might perceive it. They step up to the plate, they do the business. Here, as was evident and extremely embarrassing, the New Zealand Police have a self-preservation orientated set of SOPs which have nothing to do with saving lives.
Rosemary McLeod raised the issue of our land's tendency to mollycoddle
the criminal - poor boy, oh he had a bad upbringing, etc... we need
to "understand them". Then when they commit the crime they
get free board and lodgings. The victim can suck on it. McLeod's piece
was titled "Marshal Law Has Appeal". Yes, people needing to
take law into their own hands because the police remain behind their
cordons... Defend yourself or your family while waiting for police,
just see what happens...
Top ^
Crime, Realities, Reactionary Attitudes... and The Machinist.
17 June 2008
Comments by juni0r
A 39 year old mother killed for her handbag. She died a dozen or so
hours after the attack. Yet, once more, another robbery at a Kiwibank.
The elderly Chinese lady I mentioned has now died.
People are talking about vigilante patrols because they no longer able
to count on the Police to defend themselves, their family or their property.
The government talks but no realistic action is taken. Urgent reviews
another examine of reactionary attitudes, after the damage is done.
I know what Immediate Action means in another institution. It isn't
getting ridiculous, it simply is. And it isn't politicians who are playing
the price. Well, they might get a cut their pay packet but they don't
end up in hospital, or dead.
Liquour ban? You make it illegal it makes it no different. Its all about
attitude, and if its not alcohol then it's P or whatever else. Pre-election
carry on. We all know it matters not who gets in. It matters who acts,
acts not talk and committees and sucking up more money for little or
no gain.
Interestingly on Close Up the PM not so cleverly sidestepped
Mark Sainsbury's question about the lack of leadership in the Police.
She replied by saying how it was important for members of the public,
the community, to take action. Well... sorry, but that's called taking
the law into your own hands - if it is to be actually practical and
effective. Private citizens will get thrown in the clink for doing the
job of the police... for protecting each other, their families, property.
Got to finally see The Machinist today. A very good picture
and well worth seeing. Kman, I finally got to see it. You weren't wrong
about Christian Bale's losing weight - a walking skeleton. This is a
quality film well worth a purchase. Michael Ironside also has a role
in this one, and Jennifer Jason Leigh stars as Bale's call girl.
A mate told me this morning that there has been more Defence
spending blowouts for all three services - the NH90 purchase for the
RNZAF, Project Protector vessels for the RNZN, and something which he
wasn't sure about for the Army. Nothing new there.
Top ^
Uni, Film 305, Civil Defence... and bursting pipes in a quake.
16 June 2008
Comments by juni0r
Headed up to Uni today, after flicking off a few emails and checking
the mail. Needed to have a yak to the lecturer about Film 305, the Scriptwriting
course. Sounds more straight forward than I expected. There was a muck
up in the administration with my registration and the lecturer grumbled
a bit due to people not doing what she'd told them to do... So I'm into
the limited entry course and have a few things to think about. Also,
it won't be offered next year so have to go for gold.
Later headed off to see about some support for this project I've got
in the pipeline and got several leads on outfits who can help and provide
funding. Three to be precise, and it won't be a problem, just have to
get a few things squared away so I have something to show them. More
later.
Been yarning to a mate about Civil Defence kind of things.
Discovered in Victorious, the Vic Uni alumni publication Vic
Rescue - http://www.rescue.vuw.ac.nz
But as we'd discussed as well, you always have to suss outfits out.
Just because you wear the orange overalls, and carry all the gear doesn't
mean you know what you're doing. Uniforms or equipment, or clipboards
can be deceptive.
Anyway yeah, one of the to core issues we yakked about was the high
numbers of tourists in the country at any given time. Sure, your average
Japanese tourist has an idea of what to do in event of an earthquake,
for example, but how do you manage so many people if some drama goes
down?
The second issue was that of old pipelines under the city - what sort
of condition are they in? There is obvious dangers of city sewage and
those of fresh water being in close proximity. I would doubt very much
that - deeming a city like Wellington, our capital, was built on a major
fault line, that anyone actually gave any thought to this critical point.
So even a moderate earthquake is going to create a great deal of mess
just on that basis alone. As a private citizen, I'd love to know what
state these things are in and, deeming the state of Civil Defence and
that of the Defence Forces in general to assist, I'm not very confident.
Three days supplies is very optimistic indeed.
Top ^
Power Savings? Light Bulbs, Swanndri... and food price hikes.
15 June 2008
Comments by juni0r
Sorry to say it ladies and gentlemen but I think this whole power savings
thing is just a crock. Why? Because people just can't be bothered doing
anything about it. I look out to the North West and every night I have
no problem pointing out Victoria University to new arrivals to the city.
Everyday, more than once I have to turn out lights which are not needed
to be on. People simply don't think because they have never had to do
without. They take electricity for granted. Simple. The same as water.
And lets face it - to put in perspective the typical highly common light
bulb is but 7-8% efficient. That means when you switch it on, you get
less than 10% light from the 100% which is sucked up in resources. Its
another blot on the whole idea of just how green New Zealand is.
Heck, its not hard, I haven't used a heater once in the four years I've
been back in the capital. I put on a jersey, my Swanndri, my Icebreaker.
But ya know, people are into looking good these days, its not about
practicality anymore. We have such a drama and a "power crisis",
I had to think how people would cope during a civil emergency.
Interesting how Friday's Herald tells us on the front page that the
price of food has gone up. Yeah, we noticed when we went to buy it.
Anyhow the price hikes (year to May):
Fresh Milk 21.5%
Cheddar Cheese 59.4%
Bread 13.9%
Butter 80.1%
Notice something - major export products there. Still going overseas
on a huge scale. To balance it out - who gives two stuffs if avocados
have dropped 51.7%? Honestly, people have got their priorities seriously
skewered.
Looking forward to a new season of NCIS which is starting up tonight.
Tomorrow have to go and suss out Uni courses and hopefully do a bit
of online stuff, and some more writing.
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Maori TV, Pig Hunting, Corrections... crime spree in Manurewa.
14 June 2008
Comments by juni0r
Now, ended up watching a snippet on Maori
TV, and this joker was over Aussie and out pig hunting there with
a couple of the local boys. Was really good to watch and only helped
to make me miss the bush and hunting and what not even more. Get myself
squared way, pack fit and might have to head over to the tramping club
- its just down the road after all. The particular series was sponsored
by Ridgeline. They have some sort of 5 garment pack which might be worth
a look. But I'm really not into wearing camouflage in the bush. Rather
the old swannie, with my cut off grey black bush shirt overtop.
William Bell was on parole with 102 convictions when he went on a rampage
in the RSA killings. Susan Couch survived and is going it looks like
the Corrections Department is finally going to be called to task and
be held accountable for their actions. About bloody time. Law abiding
citizens are sick to death with scumbags on our streets who are habitual
offenders like this being given both a free ride and open opportunity
to further lengthen their criminal records, often leading to increasingly
worse offensives as this case surely shows.
So now all seven wanted in connection with the liqour store shooting
of Navtej Singh have been arrested. The youngest was 17 years old. 17.
And this other robbery in Manurewa, shotgun armed idiot who stole $4000.
Just down the road, an 80 year old Chinese lady is badly beaten up in
her home and suffers broken ribs. On was it Campbell Live a
Maori warden is interviewed regards the first hold up and says if he
had been there at the time he would have just taken off... no one wants
to die. Suppose he could have got hold of the Police but it makes no
difference then. He did say though he reckoned without a doubt drinking
is the main problem. Well, if a 17 year old is behaving like this, I'd
say its a case of blaming the alcohol and not considering a) the parents
responsibility, and b) personal responsibility. And that's just for
starters...
Sure, big health issues attached to it right, but I agree with my mate
who says they should take these smoking ads and redirect towards alcohol
abuse. He reckons he ain't never seen anyone have a few cigarettes after
work and then decide, ah, what the heck must go home and bash my wife,
or hold up some joint.
Top ^
Right to Defence, Aid for Afghanistan, Police SOPs... and occupational frustration.
13 June 2008
Comments by juni0r
Wildfires in Northern California, and tornados and flooding in Kansas
and Iowa. Not a good look weather wise for a while now in the US. Several
people killed as a result too.
Understanding the initial motive for Guantanamo Bay is plain enough,
even rational given the circumstances which preceded it. So far as justice
goes, fair trials etc, the US Supreme Court have permitted those detained
to the right of defence in a civil court. I would only hope this is
for the betterment of all concerned. After so many years you could only
assume that it is, yet the war is far from over. After all, the minute
such a move backfires (and I have quiet confidence it won't) everyone
screams blue murder and you simply, well, can't turn the clock back.
Huge amounts of money being laid out for Afghanistan just now, yet after
a full seven years and counting, you would wonder how Hamid Karzai and
his clan are going to deal to the corruption that blights the country.
Throwing money at problems doesn't do jack if it isn't done properly
and there is no accountability to where it is going and how it is being
spent. This is the same for any country, but particularly relevant to
countries like Afghanistan. The standard of living for many Afghanis
simply hasn't improved since the Taliban have been given the biff, yet
there are plenty of officials and NGOs, UN type people doing the business
in flash vehicles who never have to worry about fresh drinking water...
Regardless of my thoughts on Police SOPs it is good to hear that they
have got seven people they want in connection with the store owner's
murder. Weapon parts have been found, as has the getaway car. The oldest
accused from my reckoning so far is 24, the youngest 17. This is just
crazy. Well, let justice be done, whatever that means these days. But
yes, my argument is, we could have been dealing with GBH, unlawful use
of a firearm - even attempted murder, rather than murder, but like the
above, you can't turn back the clock, only hope that things can be put
in place to prevent unnecessary death in the future.
If I had been one of those AOS guys I'd have been as frustrated as heck
not to be able to escort the St. John's people through the cordon. It
is about confidence and levels of training.
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Dirty Wars, More Writing, Border Tangle... and Defence Matters.
12 June 2008
Comments by juni0r
Last night's Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles wasn't too
bad. There was a bit of the war in there, dealing with visions from
Derek Reese, who is Kyle's brother. Cool to see that side of things
but unfortunately there isn't enough effort put into the look. Unshaven
doesn't mean beaten, ruff and wore torn. That ragged look they achieved
so long ago in the films is not a hard feel to manage. Dirty, bedraggled,
dirty uniforms, rips. Dust. Again it suffers from looking too clean...
shiny robot syndrome for the humans if you like. Still, it has enough
new material, a solid enough story to keep watching.
Was good to get a few hundred words down today, which was broken up
with another chapter (painful progress) of A Secret Atlas.
Have to finish that book. The HoA stuff I was doing was actually future
chapters which won't appear until part two of the overall story - since
the plan to split it up. One is essentially detailing Andrea's basic
training. The second is advanced tactical training. The difficulty is
to ensure it is a story, not a lecture, not just an a, b, c of events.
What happens needs to progress the story somehow, have a purpose. This
stuff is actually from old notes in one of my lecture pads. Had to get
it down or loose it forever. A little bit of a head start before I get
to the second part. Squared away about 1500 words. Interestingly I have
to refer all the way back to the days of the Role-playing Game. Tomorrow
it is a focus on the Bruce Peninsula for the current chapter.
The Afghan Pakistani border tangle is a bit of a rough one alright.
You can never know enough on these sorts of events to make a call. Always
ends up being so abstract. Unfortunate loss of life is all you can say.
There are so many elements at play in situations like this. Navigation
errors... Who fired first? Was there a genuine attempt to disengage?
Was excessive force used? If someone attacks you as a result of mistaken
identity, bottom line is, if you think you're going to die you don't
muck about. Borders are always dodgey places to be scrapping. In any
case, it demonstrates quite clearly what sort of result the Taliban
fighters were after. The alliance between the US and Pakistan is and
has always been on tender hooks, and these scumbags are just playing
that out. Classic guerrilla stuff where they don't care who dies. They're
the only types who don't have trouble sleeping at night after such an
exchange.
Speaking of scumbags, the Burmese junta seriously show their true natures
when (can't remember the name of the vessel) a US Navy LSD rolls up
to drop off supplies, including water purification pumps and they remain
off Thailand's coast because the junta won't let them do their job and
help the people. Unbelievable man.
Couple of days ago I finished my twelfth sub-600 word short, called
"It Isn't Easy Being Green". Time for a bit of printing I
think. Also sent off a "soapbox" article Defence Matters
to Investigate
magazine, so will let folks know if it gets published.
Now, although I ditch the diary entries half way or so through the following month I am keeping an archive. Just to let the regular visitors know for future reference. Having one of those proper fancy pants sites might make the whole business easier but I like my building stuff myself. In any case, I've got a record of recent history.
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Very Long Conversations
09 June 2008
Comments by juni0r
While my intentions where all well and good, didn't manage a single
word or phrase on the novel yesterday. Ended up writing other things
and yakking to my mate... from about half five in the afternoon until
three in the morning. Yes, 1730 - 0300. You heard correct. There are
just a few people I can possibly gum flap with for that long. Must have
covered ever subject that really mattered, and then some which were
inserted for comedy reasons I am sure. In any case, when a mate is about
to go on a tiki tour in bandit country, you sorta wanna have a good
yarn before they depart.
Today I am working my way through another chapter of HoA, once more splitting things up into manageable portions... and realising I need to do more research. This time on Bruce Peninsula in Canada.
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Good Kai, Late Night Calls, The Bush ...and heeding the warnings.
08 June 2008
Comments by juni0r
I slept late, yes... but still, I did see out an eight our stint on
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. and enjoyed every moment of
it, along with the company of good mates. You can't beat that. That...
and good kai. Want some pointers? Get a croak pot and cook that meat
low and slow :) I can still manage an all-nighter L. No worries :)
About an hour after I hit the hay I got a call from an old friend. About
midnight, but there you have it, such is time zones. One rings, another
is about to depart for Africa, shall we say, one of those less exotic
locations on the map.
Now, this morning, had to ask a couple of mates (though I had already
predicted the outcome, sadly) what the story was regarding this Polish
guy who went for a walk in the bush. If you prepare for a day and are
not heard of for a week its not going to be good news.
People are told constantly and it still happens. You may recall my intentions
to go into the Tararuas recently, when a friend expressed interest.
The New Zealand bush is not to be meddled with. It is not the French
Alps, it is like nothing else in the world - from the terrain to the
weather patterns. You come back safe and sound and the foreigner tells
you that you had nothing to worry about, it was lovely. Something goes
wrong and the family suffers dearly and not a word is spoken on your
warnings. You tell a friend you won't go because of what you see on
a map, that you don't have all the right gear, and you've not been there
yourself before - and they get all upset because they have all this
vast experience in Europe...
Well, once more, and after the Israeli girl dies, we have another example
of this kind of thing. People just don't heed the warnings. Still, I
am slowly getting together the gear I need and getting into a bit of
walking for pack fitness and look forward to getting out amongst it
again soon.
Anyway, after all that that, after a natter with a mate, it will be time for a few more hours on HoA. Cutting up chapters, expanding on some things and trimming up on others. Not throwing away any plans with reckless abandon but rather a alternation, a maneuvering with care within the minefield that is the very serious terrain of fiction writing.
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Clinton, Lying, Mugabe... Jaw Flap on Food... and a HoA update.
04 June 2008
Comments by juni0r
Looks like Clinton is out of the race all bar officialdom. Obama just
has too much money. And I think, while his church minister might have
raised a few eyebrows, it doesn't reflect directly on the man himself
- in as much as any friend or associate I happen to have doesn't share
all my thoughts and opinions verbatim. Unlike blatant lies which come
out of one's own mouth, particularly when there is documented proof.
Though it be but a single item on the agenda, this whole sniper fire
in Bos' really let everyone know you can't trust Hillary Clinton. Those
who believe it has anything to do with sexism just need to get off their
high horse and get with the program. No one forced her to say this stuff,
and lying is lying no matter your gender.
Mugabe... what do you say? Big world show on cost of food (or rather
living?) Several nations' representatives decided to walk out when this
tyrannical leader of several decades got up to speak. More garbage,
and bodyguards who act likewise, relative to occupation. Of course someone
who staves their own people is stupid, and logically enough is going
to apportion blame elsewhere. Well, no wonder he is the only human being
I currently hold specifically in a little bag of thought under the title
of "give me a gat, a ticket, and I'll do the job". So, along
with New Zealand, he blames our Aussie mates, and the "evil empires"
(no doubt) of the UK and the US. Everyone who knows recent history knows
just how prosperous... ummm err, ah, Rhodesia was. He turned it into
a dirt bowl with an inflation which will throw E's across the screens
of most first generation electronic calculators. He blames the white
man while he presses his own people to SA where they are beaten up and
killed by other blacks... My question is - why on earth doesn't the
world grow a pair and do something about this dog tucker mongrel? Gutless.
Oh man, I gotta stop now.
Anyway, on better grounds, I finished (at least tentatively) another
chapter of the new novel, and reorgnised things, realising that I will
be better served if it is around the 70-80,000 word mark. As such this
particular part will end several chapters short of the mark originally
planned. Several substantial chapters between where I am now and where
I need to get to have already been thoroughly planned or completed as
well. Given a decent commitment of time between semesters, it should
now be finished by year's end. Yay... or something like that.
Top ^
Icebreaker
02 June 2008
Comments by juni0r
Grabbed my first piece of Icebreaker
after considering it for a while, and saving a little money. Considering
back to the Tararuas trip which failed to eventuate due to weather and
not having the right gear, its a step back to where I want to be on
a regular basis. This stuff is not cheap, but what you get is quality,
natural product and something you don't need to be a scientist to take
care of. Talked to a mate a wee bit back who had this stuff and he swears
by it. Gotta have a yak with someone who isn't trying to make a sale.
Something that is wool, something that isn't going to burn, something
that isn't plastic... I'm sold.
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S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Trio MP
01 June 2008
Comments by juni0r
Got in a game of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.
with my mate and his brother-in-law. Somehow I pulled finger and managed
to get into mode relatively quickly. Maybe my old self is returning?
You just have to keep up regular sessions, and not do silly things.
I may have been the first to 15, but the score was 15-14-10, with some
very good competition, good moves and a new player who was very good
for his first time in the Zone. Not to mention, as Kryton said, a third
player is all it takes to remind you that you're no longer safe just
because you have an opponent in your sights...
Install of 1.0006 did a few bits and pieces but the most obvious and
practical one off the bat was that all of the MP maps now work, many
of which hadn't been for quite a few patches back. Some are still too
big for even three or four players but, since they're based off real
world environments they're all first rate, offering up challenges, hides
and a superb variety of tactical situations to work through.
Wasn't going to stay over, but so long as I get back home at a reasonable
hour. Wanna catch up with a mate. Sorta tough time for him right now.
Just a lot of impact on the grey matter. Meant to go for a coffee, have
a yak. You know, mate stuff.
Blimmin' great feed tonight L. Keep ya on mate :)
Top ^
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