THS Web Address
Please be aware that, as of 10 February, due to modifications to the Freehost service the URL for Tarrackin's Home Scroll will become:
http://juni0r.orconhosting.net.nz
Redirection will be automatic up until 15 May.
As of 20 February the URL hasn't changed so... dunno yet. The banners are in place but aren't too intrusive.
Okay, its now 29 March, and the new URL applies - http://juni0r.orconhosting.net.nz
Anzac Day, Complaining, Kiwi and Aussie... pansies.
08 May 2008
Comments by juni0r
Haven't been online for a while, as you can gather. Anzac Day was pretty
tough. But its the one time you can properly focus on such things without
bad attitudes coming your way. So... it is a good thing in this respect.
Still, I've been doing a bit of writing, even though study has been
central for this essay I'm doing, so plenty here too, to read. Its all
on the Diary.
With so many complaints about the US military, about New Zealand Army
wartime atrocities and what not, British imperialism, the war in Iraq
and so on, perhaps everyone should just pack up their gears and go home.
What a wonderful world it would be... I say again punters, she's all
in the Diary.
I think Mel Maninga might be right, if a bear couple of a percent of
men are playing footy these days, yet over forty percent are getting
facials and what not. Its a sure sign the male population is turning
into pansies. Well, he was talking about Aussie blokes. Kiwi jokers
aren't any different in this respect. Looking good is more important
these days than the qualities of real rough and tumble that exemplified
our pioneering forefathers. Cripes, and I remember, way back when I
followed the league almost twenty years ago, watching Mel play. I seem
to be saying it a lot lately - the world has changed a heck of a lot
in a single generation.
MY QUOTE OF THE WEEK: "Each generation must know
war, lest it forget the cost of it."
The Mind, Pain, Reality... and moaning.
24 April 2008
Comments by juni0r
I set to updating THS today, but my mind is elsewhere and has been for the past few weeks. It has been an eventful week with ups and downs. Still, one week ends another begins... My injuries have been playing up recently and of that I have no doubt why. Always good to have a gentle reminder of reality all the same, just keep your feet firmly planted on the ground.
It is Anzac Day tomorrow.
Sorry, but its mostly moaning and complaining on the Diary
this time around. Still, if that's happening, I must be a) alive, and
b) thinking - at least to some degree.
New Zealand Defence Force
[ NZDF ]
The following links are for the three branches of the New Zealand Armed Forces
[ NZ Army ] [ RNZAF ] [ RNZN ]
Skool Hols, subjugation, Clinton in Bos'... and thinking.
16 April 2008
Comments by juni0r
Two weeks holiday from skool, but as always, gotta be working away on
assignments. In this case an essay on realism using Saving Private
Ryan, as opposed some crazy art cinema, as a basis for study. Media
as gone sideways, but with the 300 popular music paper next semester
no problemo.
Got most of the technical hitches sorted but need to get my e-mail properly
sussed yet. Still, I'm not out of touch so things can't be that bad.
Was reckoning just now as I typed away how, with different systems there
are different means by which to subjugate a people. In some societies
it is more blatant, like Communist systems where people are battered
into the ground, war is made upon them. Capitalist systems are more
subtle and they tend towards dumbing you down, getting you obsessed
with superficial things. I'm supposing that, no matter the method, like
the initial intentions the end results are all the same.
Anyway, you can take a read of my Diary,
if you really must. Oh and there is a Rant
as well... about Nanny States and human rights.
You can see a piss-take video of Clinton's "experience" in
Bosnia, our being subjected to sniper fire and all that, ah, as my pommie
mates would say... porky pies. Head off to the following URL:
The local Bujinkan Dojo in Wellington city has moved to a new
location, so if you're interested in going along visit the Dojo website
for further details:
http://www.bujinkan.co.nz
I'll put the information up on the Dojo
page shortly.
"Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is the probable reason
why so few engage in it."
Henry Ford
First Update for April
04 April 2008
Comments by juni0r
Seem to have a lot to say for myself this time around, which you can
read on the Diary if you so
desire. Lots of different things being reported which I wanted to talk
about, a lot of different stuff on my mind as well. Good to keep the
brain active, even if it does get a bit sore sometimes :)
Hey, Kman, thanks for your efforts on the boots mate. Really appreciate
that. Everyone seems to have a big pile of boxes somewhere - they can
be a jungle! Might be able to score something at the local Army and
Navy Surplus store, that isn't too unserviceable.
They changed the Genre paper for next year to Horror. I think, if I
find myself finishing off in another semester next year, might just
pick it up. One of the 400 levels is SF though, so, as the Aussies say,
its all good.
Now, in any case I have much more writing to do, and a second essay
for FILM to think about, so must bug out. Take it easy and bear in mind
the URL has now changed. Please update your links and bookmarks and
tell anyone else you know who frequents THS.
http://juni0r.orconhosting.net.nz
A Kia Kaha to you all living in this crazy mixed up world - whether
you be animal, mineral or vegetable. We all seem to need help...
juni0r
Top ^
Many and Various Topics... and a S.T.A.L.K.E.R. update.
29 March 2008
Comments by juni0r
By the time this goes up my Film treatment will be all squared away,
thank goodness. A good experience though. To come up with a decent story
in a couple of weeks is pretty good going, then to refine it is really
rewarding. Got a chance to play S.T.A.L.K.E.R.
as well, so a wee write up on that. And many and varied things covered
on the Diary front, too.
Since I've finished that assignment, thought I'd mention something about treatments on the Writer's page. Last minute addition. Its another string for the bow, another way of branching out writing skills and critical if you're interested in the film industry.
A somewhat rare photo - my Bro', the Old Man... and Me.
Film Treatments, Movies, Personal Responsibility... and Communism.
21 March 2007
Comments by juni0r
The film treatment is coming along nicely enough. Still have to finish
the final act. So much going on. A multitude of climaxes is how I describe
it in the essay portion of the project. Had to be based in New Zealand.
Challenges a lot of predominant thoughts in this country, and there
are several elements of irony in there just to keep the cogs turning.
I visualise it... then I want to film it, make it come alive. At the
moment the thing still comes out as a bit of a synopsis so have to rework
it once I'm done so its more like traditional prose - a short story
if you will. That is how it has to be, so say the experts. A chance
to explore my world a little more, dig into what has gone on in New
Zealand at the time - though a few years before the events of Trails.
Went to see Vantage Point the other day. Has Dennis Quaid and
Forest Whitaker in it. My mate reckoned Quaid was Harrison Ford. She
hadn't seen him for ages and thought it was him lookin' old. She's not
a regular movie goer and I promised I wouldn't tell the world she got
him confused with Quaid. Must have lied :) Was a good night. Nothing
fancy here, all done before, but a new story. You know the drill...
Watched Forest Gump again the other night for the first time
in ages. You just can't loose with a film like this. A classic in its
own time. So few like this, they're real treasures when they come along.
It seems so much I debate comes down to common sense and people taking
personal responsibility - and those who don't making it suck for the
rest of us. Driving cars, playing "violent" video games, and
the right to bear arms. I ramble on more on such things this time round.
And complaining about communism. While New Zealand is about to be the
first Western nation to clinch a free trade deal with China, silence
is not so golden as protests find people dead in the streets of Tibet
and elsewhere.
If you've got nothing better to do, feel free to read my Diary.
Though it sure won't be for many, I wish you all a very fine Easter.
Presentations, Getting Through, Priceless in Iraq... and Chinese SF.
12 March 2008
Comments by juni0r
My quote for the week is...
"Yes... the pen is mightier than the sword. No weapon can compete with the power which authorises it."
I can just see it now, how many liberal peaceniks I've upset with that
one :) Because guns are evil... blah blah blah.
Very rare for me to begin enjoying a given TV serial these days. But
Boston Legal... must be because it is so politically incorrect. I find
it hilarious.
My presentation went really well. I may have even got the entire...
okay, say 90% of the overall 10% it was worth.
The whole Getting Thru adverts... have Kiwis really got that beyond
their pioneer and warrior roots that they need to be told this stuff
on national television? The answer is a resounding yes, they most certainly
have. But well, just in case, you can go to...
Something it won't help with is... well, on Monday I saw a wee snippet
on the news - yeah, amazing, something significant from beyond our borders.
Some Chinese SF boys going through some CRW drills, after an alleged
attempt by a Muslim group to crash land a Chinese airliner, foiled by
the crew. Okay, the plane thing wasn't a biggy, but these Chinese CT
teams were on the ball, new Norinco 97 bullpups in hand (not good for
urban work). They weren't SAS by any many of means but they knew what
they were about. Am sure the government is really glad they're keeping
them happy with a trade deal eh.
Just some Diary entries... and the piccie...
Pack of Marlboros $7.50
M-1A Abrams Tank $27,000,000
Trip to Iraq $80,000,000,000
Picture of US soldier smoking cigarettes in Saddam's living room...
PRICELESS
Sorry folks - forgot to put up the Rant. This time about the possible demise of the Film Department at university. Yeah, I'm pretty aggravated as you can imagine.
Top ^
Parting of the waters, War Protesters... and Film Department demise?
29 February 2008
Comments by juni0r
Got this one out of the latest RSA Review:
Moses and the Red Sea
Joey (9) was asked by his mother what he had learned in Sunday school.
"Well our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind
enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
When he got to the Red Sea he had his army build a pontoon bridge and
all the people walked across safely. Then he radioed headquarters for
reinforcements. They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and all the
Israelites were saved."
"Joey, is that really what your teacher taught you?" his mother
asked.
"Well, no," said Joey, "But if I told it the way the
teacher did, you'd never believe it!"
Great stuff.
And another one for the military humour collection:
Gen. Tommy Franks
Saying it how it is... soldier style.
The fine caption says: "...and when you men get home and face an
anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink
at his girlfriend because she knows she's dating a pussy."
I am sure, as one goes up through the ranks, particularly of the general
variety, one must become more reserved when it comes to comments, but
I can guarantee that General Tommy Franks would have thought it once
or twice for sure.
School has started again in earnest, final year, a pepper-potting (or
birdshot if you prefer) of 200 and 300 level courses to finish this
thing they call a degree. And they are talking about canning the Film
Department here. Well... I might have a thing or two to say about that.
Never thought I'd get involved in student politics, but this might be
the beginning of it. The Diary will
have more at some stage soon. If not now, later...
Almost forgot, you can go to the Film page if you want to read my review of Transformers, which I finally finished.
Recoil, Muppets, Assassination Attempts... and medals returned.
20 February 2008
Comments by juni0r
Got some seriously good pics from a mate last time around and want to share a couple. I know the far majority of my visitors will find them amusing and with solid points not so subtly made (often a reason for the amusement). A few might find them offensive, and therefore more amusing to the rest of us :)
Charid armour in Farscape is very Predator-like with its dreadlocks. As a species they are incredibly similar in look to the orc design Weta did for Lord of the Rings. Asides from Animal, my honest opinion is that Rygel and Pilot are the coolest Muppets ever. A real downer when you know you're approaching the end of an entire series. I had The Peacekeeper Wars to finish off with though which was good, particularly considering the last episode... Frell, its a bit pile of dren... Next it might just have to be B5.
The assassination bid by rebels in East Timor appears to actually have been a kidnapping gone wrong. I won't be going in there as a hunted rebel leader to try and kill my opposition. I might use a proposed meeting to discuss the issues as a cover for a kidnapping though.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7238142.stm
The stolen medals have been returned.
The Army Museum Director, Colonel Ray Seymour was heard to say in fine
military parlance, "We'll catch these bastards."
There is no doubt, as has been said by the go-between, only a few people
in the country could have done this and got away with it. Therefore,
by that rationale, they shouldn't be hard for the Police to track down,
unless they bug out for a while. Boy, they better not have got their
mitts on any of the reward money. It is obvious that they had this planned
all along - to get reward money for the medals' return. Can't sell them
and get away with it... Yeah, get the bastards and make a surefire example
of them to make sure no one else tries anything with such to taonga.
Where was I? Oh yeah, the Diary...
Communist Rules for Revolution
10 February 2008
Comments by juni0r
That all being said (repeated once more) there is one or two Diary
entries and also a three-thread Rant
for your consumption: Student debt, airline security, of which since
writing somehow a woman has managed to tangle with pilots on a flight
from Blenheim to Christchurch. Stabbing and a bomb threat. How does
that work? The third thing is these recent spate of murders here in
NZ. Been over all this stuff so many times before, but hey, always a
new slant :) Also an entry on the Writing
page, which is not offering up advice but more just a reflection what
writing is to me. So, yeah, a bit of a mixed bag.
The Russians are certainly flexing the ol' muscles with a renewed build
up in Defence spending, citing the perceived aggression of NATO and
the US with the anti-missile defence grid and what not. The Cold War
thawed out for sure... and this is something disturbingly fresh. With
gradually more money in the coppers with the death of communism at home,
and a more refined focus with reduced national borders, Russia is attempting
to make its place known in the world once more, under substantially
different global conditions. Planting the flag in the Arctic is just
one very convincing symbolic gesture. China, likewise is asserting itself...
Just a wee starter for ten... something my Ma passed on a few years ago.
COINCIDENCE?
In May of 1919 at Dusledorf, German the Allied Forces obtained a
copy of some of the "Communist Rules for Revolution."
Nearly 50 years later, the Reds are still following the rules. As you
read the first, stop after each item, and think about the present day
situation where you live - and all around our nation.
We quote the Red rules;
A. Corrupt the young; get them away from religion. Get them interested
in sex. Make them superficial; destroy their ruggedness.
B. Get control of all means of publicity, thereby :
1. Get peoples' mind off their government by focusing their attention
on athletics, sexy books and plays and other trivalities.
2. Divide the people into hostile groups constantly harping on controversial
matters of no importance.
3. Destroy the peoples' faith in their natural leaders by holding the
latter up contempt, ridicule and obloquy.4. Always preach true democracy,
but seize power as fast and ruthless as possible.
5. By encouraging government extravagances, destroy its credit, produce
fear of inflation with rising prices and general discontent.
6. Form unnecessary strikes in vital industries, encourage civil disorders
and foster a lenient and soft attitude on the part of government towards
such disorders.
7. By specious argument cause the breakdown of the moral virtues, honesty,
sobriety, continence, faith of the pledged word and ruggedness.
8. Cause the registration of all firearms on some pretext with a view
to confiscating them and leaving the population helpless.
HOW MANY OF THESE RULES ARE BEING CARRIED OUT IN THIS NATION TODAY,
OR IS IT JUST COINCIDENCE?
**********
Thanks to Mad Ogre for this one, or rather his mate that passed it on - guessing he's an Aussie bloke. Click on it for a bigger version. Love it!
Absolutely best spotter in the biz - a snipers best friend
Major Andy Olmsted, Media Design School, OC14... and uniforms, again.
06 February 2008
Comments by juni0r
I picked up the latest issue of Investigate magazine recently.
Most specifically there was an article, the final blog of Major Andy
Olmsted, US Army. He was recently KIA in Iraq. His buddy uploaded his
last post (which Olmsted wrote for the purpose in the event of his death).
He'd been writing for a US newspaper on a regular basis. It is a first
rate expression and honour to a fighting man's life. I for one will
be looking to the blog online, and hope that it remains up for sometime
to come.
http://obsidianwings.blogs.com/obsidian_wings/2008/01/andy-olmsted.html
I have to find out about Media Design School - an advert for them appeared in the last issue of Game Console magazine that I picked up from Magnum Mac. Graduate Diploma of Game Development sounds like me but, well, if it is programmer based then no... I am interested in all the other aspects. The one's that I can learn and practice.
Really need to get my hands on an old PC, 3D Studio Max and develop
the modding skills I've been after for years.
http://www.mediadesign.school.nz
I got the following pic for two reasons. A) the Groza, OC14. B) the camouflage pattern the soldier happens to be wearing, which is very much like British DPM. The Russians can make a decent rifle which reflects the needs of the modern battlefield, and they know a good pattern when they see it. They were the first to develop computer designs, and the first to think seriously on the urban patterns and thereby acknowledge their need.
Russian soldier in British DPM derived pattern uniform
Oh yeah, almost forgot again... the Diary entries. But as yet to have done my 1000 words for the day...
PS: Kman, thanks heaps for that bit of insight, and all those URLs. All I know is, it reminds me how much more work I've still got to do!
First Month Gone, Blacksite, Troopies... and Transformers.
01 February 2008
Comments by juni0r
Well folks, first month of 2008 already kaput. Bit scary really. Yes, the older you get the faster it goes... Your parents weren't lying to you.
If you are a gamer, you may want to check out the new FPS game Blacksite. I've yet to dig into it but it could be worth a look. The two page spread in Game Console magazine is a ripper, but I'd hope the troopies were rockin' with something a more substantial than a M4 carbine... It can be a worry when computer games and films become a default marketing tool for second rate equipment, particularly towards naive recruits.
Now, a few pics...
Interestingly, a larger version reveals the soldier on the left having a badge denoting prior service with the 1st Marine Division. He wears Interceptor Body Armour (IBA), an improvement on PASGT. The Minimi is a para version (of the M249 type) but features a M4 type collapsible stock. Knee pads are a must. They wear the new US Army issue ACU uniform, which I am really surprised to find out very recently won out over Multicam as the new pattern.
US Army soldiers on patrol
Still with uniforms, here is a picture of the Future Force Warrior concept (subsequent progress on the 21st Century Land Warrior) which features Multicam. Clicking on the pic will produce a bigger version. The pattern also features in Transformers used by the USAF Special Forces guys.
Oh yeah, before I forget... the Diary entries. 1000 words today should be enough I think...
Captain
Lennox - USAF Special Forces
Future Force Warrior featuring Multicam
Top ^
Screamers, Hot Air, Enlightenment... and a poem.
23 January 2008
Comments by juni0r
After several years I've finally squared away a review of Screamers, the SF film based off Philip K. Dick's short story Second Variety, staring Peter Weller. One of my favourite films despite its 'B' grade status. Although I could write significantly more on it, this will give enough of an overview of it to promote readers into watching it - I hope. I once wrote a short story, Microcosm of Space, based off the setting provided by the film. If you're struggling for something to read then send us an email and I'll flick you the PDF. The review is on the Film page.
Just when I think I've run out of steam, I start tapping away and more writings for THS emerge, keeping it alive. Well, it helps to keep me alive truth be told. Steam, yes, the result of hot air... Good or bad, who can truly tell, so long as I continue to be inspired, am challenged, annoyed or otherwise enlightened and feel the urge to share it will inexplicably persist to do likewise to my readers. Ah, a job well done. And thus, I suppose my Diary does continue to linger...
I have also finished a poem, which has been hanging about for a while now, thoughts in mind, until it recently found a proper purpose (not that it needed one, such as it is). There is another one that needs to be written, but, unlike the discipline of writing prose and my main focus, poetry isn't a thing to be forced. Anyway, you read it on the Poetry page, funnily enough.
THS Web Address
16 January 2008
Comments by juni0r
Got an email from Orcon
regarding Freehosting and changes to the URL. There will be automatic
redirection up until 15 May so that's cool, but if you're a regular
visitor, please be aware the changes will take effect on 10 February
2008. Change your bookmarks to reflect this if you've stored it up.
The new URL will be:
http://juni0r.orconhosting.net.nz
Orcon do basic webhosting for $12/month and $3/month for a domain...
so I'm thinking at less than $20 a month, I probably need to think up
a .co.nz address. Not sure what yet.
So that aside, got a Diary
entry, and a multifaceted Rant, on various
things including the writers' strike, pistachio nuts and the price of
butter in a country like New Zealand. Oh, and we can't dare mention
that Iraq is beginning to boom, with the surge resulting in a reduction
of militia attacks and bombings down to a quarter of what they were
a year ago. Can't report that, cause that's good news.
Back to school today...
Returning Home... and returning home.
10 January 2008
Comments by juni0r
Okay folks, so we're into the new year. Wasn't such a good end for me
personally, but it most certainly had it's highlights. Even at the end.
My grandfather passed recently so returning home was for those reasons
we all dread. At the same time, so much comes of it and it a direct
reflection, as I have recently said, of those you are fare-welling for
that last time. Strength and blessings to my family and close friends.
Thanks to everyone who has shared and supported in whatever way. As
in life, the memories of these passed days will not fade.
I am now back in Wellington and must visit relatives very soon, and
sort out Skool. Hey, Kman, got that stuff off to you today.
Blessings to you all for 2008.
Top ^
Back to Writing, A Few Flicks ...and Chinooks in the desert.
24 December 2007
Comments by juni0r
Got in a few Diary entries before 2007
draws to a close, including some reflections, and something about the
recent earthquake in Gisborne. There is something in there about bouncers,
which almost became a rant - perhaps should have been. A few movies
recently watched and various other ups and downs and all arounds. Live
is never boring for sure, from one precarious moment to the next. With
that comes the business of Writing,
of which I've written a little on as I rediscover my current project.
Watched Transformers again yesterday. More I watch it the more I like it. Quality action and CGI which is ideal for these guys. Great one liners and real tongue and cheek at our current society and "the system". A bit of everything for everyone. Also watched one of my all time favourites the other day Ghost Dog. Classy and destined to be a classic. Finished my book on The Secret History of the (US Army) Special Forces - ta very much Kman... and picked up Dan Brown's Angels and Demons even though I had a few others already started. Think it will be better than Da Vinci Code. Think they are even making a movie which will be out next year.
Here is some real guts, a photo recently sent to me from a mate in the
US. Parking up the tail end of a Chinook chopper to evacuate a wounded
mate in Afganistan. Seriously good piloting skills here. Remember, this
stuff is happening every day, even on Christmas Day.
Crazy ChopperJock in the Sandbox
Another Day Stranded in Paradise
14 December 2007
Comments by juni0r
A Diary entry, coming up to Christmas,
but more importantly, a Rant which goes
into the VCs and other medals stolen from the Waiouru Army Museum and
just how far we have to go to work on our attitudes in this country.
Its human nature, it seems, but we spend all our time complaining about
other countries and their inadequacies while our own are blatantly present...
Quite sickening really. We need to get our priorities right, and fast.
This things can only go for so long before their impacts come crashing
down. You feel all fine and dandy, comfortable as ever in your Nanny
state? Turn heaters on because you're too lazy to cut firewood or get
up and go to your room and get a jersey. Worse still, your jersey doesn't
match your pants so... If that is the case, don't bother going to the
effort of reading the rant.
Victoria Cross
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