What Do You Think Of Weather and Earthquake Predictors Like Ken Ring?

Weather predictor Ken Ring was basically rubbished on air in an interview with John Campbell for the Campbell Live show last night.  I am often scepitcal of these people, but figure that it is stupid to write them off entirely.  So I suggest proceeding with caution!

The weatherman, who uses the moon's positioning for long-range weather and earthquakes forecasts, predicted the February 22nd earthquake in Christchurch.
In his blog posted on the 14th February, he says "the window of 15-25 February should be potent for all types of tidal action, not only kingtides but cyclone development and ground movement".
And he's predicting another big jolt on March 20.

Do you think we should listen to these types of people with their predictions based on opinion and science?  Do you think people like Ken Ring are just out for publicity through generic claims that could fit any situation (there are always earthquakes in Christchurch)?  I have heard from other sources that it is common for a not quite as big aftershock a month after a big earthquake.  Did you see the interview?

Check out the interview here

Ken Ring: 'I predicted the Christchurch quake' - Campbell Live - Video - 3 News



http://www.3news.co.nz/Ken-Ring-I-predicted-the-Christchurch-quake-/tabid/367/articleID/200226/Default.aspx?sms_ss=blogger&at_xt=4d6c4b770a390ef7%2C0


Check out the blog post and his website.

http://www.predictweather.com/Default.aspx

Will you be preparing yourself on March 20 for another earthquake?  Is the world going to end in 2012 like some people think?  Will there be a big earthquake in Wellington in June of an unknown year?

What Is In The Time Capsule Found In Statue Remains in Cathedral Square?

Two time capsules have been found in the rubble underneath the crushed statue of John Robert Godley in Cathedral Square.  What do you think was written on the piece of paper inside the capsules?  The mind boggles, but could it be something forecasting the Christchurch earthquake?

The capsules -- a broken glass bottle containing a handwritten note and a tightly-sealed metal cannister -- were found early today in Cathedral Square under the plinth of the statue of Mr Godley, known as the founder of Canterbury.
Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker said the "wonderful artifacts" would be preserved at the city's museum.
"We think that in these two things are contained the vision of our forbearers," he said.
"We think that when we open these we will gain an extra understanding of why they came here, what was their hope, what was their vision, what was their goal."
Mr Parker also said the statue would be repaired "with due regard to heritage".
"The first thing that we will do in this city is put back up on that plinth the man whose vision it was."
Two contractors who discovered the capsules, Sean Hegarty and Steve Proud, said what appeared to be a note fell from the glass bottle.
"We didn't dare touch it just in case it disintegrated," Mr Hegarty said.
"There was writing on it, very nice handwriting. You can't read it but there is writing on it."
The metal cannister was blank and sealed at both ends.
Mr Proud said the capsules would have to be carefully analysed by experts to prevent damage.

http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/top-stories/8928975/time-capsules-found-in-toppled-statue/

Places To Respect The Victims Of The Christchurch Earthquake At 12:51pm

There are designated areas to meet up as a sign of respect to the victims of the Christchurch earthquake.  These include the Civic Square, Parliament Grounds and Wellington Cathedral of St Paul.  Other centres are mentioned on the link below.  It is rare that there is something serious enough if New Zealand that gets radio stations, drivers and websites to shut down for one minute of silence (isn't that the traditional?) let alone two minutes of silence.  Is there a certain significance in it being two minutes (a category of disaster)?

Church bells will ring across the country at 12.51pm as New Zealanders observe two minutes' silence in respect of the victims of last Tueday's 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Christchurch.
As well as at a number of cathedral and church services throughout the country, people can gather in the public places to show their respects, one week on from the devastating earthquake.
Attendees are encouraged to wear red and black to show solidarity with Cantabrians.
Wellington
Civic Square, Wakefield Street, from 12.45pm.
Parliament grounds, from 12.30pm.
Wellington Cathedral of St Paul, from 12.30pm

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10709447

Christchurch Earthquake Gets Plenty of Attention - Western Bias?

We have all been overwhelmed by the Christchurch earthquake.  It has hit the nation very hard as people know someone who lives in Christchurch.  There are moment of silence overseas as western superpowers like USA, Japan, Great Britain and Australia seem to feel an affinity with New Zealand as we have a natural disaster with 148 confirmed deaths so far.  I just thought I would check out how the magnitude 6.3 earthquake at 5km depth compares with other natural disasters and see if there is a natural bias from Western countries towards fellow Western countries.

In the list of natural disasters on Wikipedia the Christchurch earthquake seems so small scale we are a small sparsely populated countries so it is so tough to imagine that the 2010 Haiti Earthquake killed over 316,000 people to sit third overall by fatalities, while the 2004 Boxing Day Earthquake claimed 230,000 people.  There have also been tens of thousands of people killed in earthquakes in the last ten years in Pakistan, China and Iran.

Other disasters in non Western countries like the tsunami in 2004 Indian Ocean claimed 230,000, while there were 40,000 people killed in heatwaves throughout Europe in 2003, while in 2010 there was a heatwave in Russia that claimed 15000 lives, but we hardly heard anything about that one.

We seem to mainly hear about disasters in countries near us or Western countries.  We did hear plenty about the 2004 earthquake and tsunami, but I can't remember having wall to wall coverage of the Haiti earthquake or the Russia heatwave which claimed thousands more lives.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_natural_disasters

Here are some disasters from the last two years

2009 Global Swine Flu- 11,800 dead


[edit] 2010 Haiti Earthquake- 316,000+ dead

Chile Earthquake- 750 dead

Iceland Volcanic eruption

Pakistan Flooding- 1,800 dead

Russia Heatwave-15,000 dead

Tibet earthquake-2220 dead

How much media coverage did we get of these?  The Iceland eruption and Global Swine Flu seemed to get plenty of coverage because they affected western countries in my opinion.
 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biggest_natural_disasters_from_2000_to_2010

Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005



Hurricane Katrina hit the USA and killed 1836 people which is far less than many other natural disasters, but because it hit USA, we had wall to wall media coverage, yet there have been more people killed in so many natural disasters since then that have had less coverage.
 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Katrina
 
September 11 2001, there were nearly 3,000 people killed by this (not a natural disaster) but the world heard about it for weeks on end.  News bulletins were dominated by this footage.
 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_11_attacks
 
We also heard plenty about the Black Saturday bushfires in Melbourne (I was in Melbourne at the time) and the floods in Queensland recently.  There were 35 deaths from the floods and 173 in the bushfires, but our news was dominated by these scenes for weeks.
 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010%E2%80%932011_Queensland_floods
 
In conclusion, there is far greater media coverage designated to those disasters that occur in Western countries than non-Western countries.  We also get more coverage of disasters near us like the Boxing Day tsunami than other disasters.  It is crazy that so many massive earthquakes happened in the last past year, but yet I can't remember seeing much coverage of these.  Obviously media coverage is easier to get into and from in Western countries, while Western countries tend to be less densely populated and so there are less casualties.  There is often far more value of damage in Western countries than in non-Western countries.  I am not trying to make the loss of life in Christchurch any less significant than it should be, but there are millions of people killed a year in natural disasters that don't get anywhere near the wall to wall coverage.  Does this make them any more or less significant? 

Marcos Rojas Leaving Wellington Phoenix - Gutted!

Wellington Phoenix's rising star and most exciting attacking player Marcos Rojas is set to leave the Phoenix for the Melbourne Victory.  It is so frustrating that the Wellington Phoenix have let their two most exciting players slip through their fingers in the last few seasons with Costa Barborouses dominating for Brisbane Roar this season after leaving the Wellington Phoenix.  At least these two guys are elligible for the All Whites!

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/4709934/Phoenixs-Rojas-likely-to-cross-ditch-for-Victory

Two Finalists Found For The Rock FM Win A Wife Competition

 The Rock FM who are giving one lucky guy a trip to the Ukraine all expenses paid to meet up with the woman of his dreams, have narrowed their competition down to two guys, with the winner announced on Monday.  It is a valuable prize, if not completely politically correct.  Who cares?  If it makes two people happy, who cares if her English is poor, she only wants a ticket out of her depressing country, yet is amazingly hot?  Good luck to both of the contestants.  It will be interesting to see what sort of guy wins.  I love the reasons they gave for applying.  Read below.

A New Zealand radio station giving away a mail-order bride. The Frisky tipped us off about Auckland's The Rock FM contest, where one lonely winner will pick from a roster of Ukrainian women (including teenagers) to have and to hold. He also gets an all-expense paid trip to her native land to collect her.
How can they do this? Legal loopholes, for starters. The station makes it clear that they're not paying for the bride's travel expenses back to New Zealand, even though they do give $2000 NZD to the winner to blow during the trip. They also changed their contest name from "Win A Wife" to the less litigious, but equally spam-y, "Win a trip to beautiful Ukraine for 12 Nights and Meet Easter European Hot Lady Who Maybe One Day You Marry."
The radio station program director has called the contest a "tongue-in-cheek idea" and the "opportunity of a lifetime". He's clearly never read anything about the abuse and dire circumstances of a bride-for-hire. The Ukraine's ambassador to New Zealand isn't laughing either. He called the contest an "indecent demonstration of low taste and cultural standards as well as utter disrespect and violation of human dignity directed not only at Ukrainian women but at the entire better part of the humankind."
There are currently two finalists for the prize on the station's website (which we are decidedly not linking to). They were selected based on their explanation of why they want to win a wife. One admitted he's unlucky in Ukrainian arranged love: he'd already traveled to the country to meet a woman, but their arrangement was canceled when he arrived. The other finalist, who is looking for a woman between the ages of 18 and 24, claims he wants a spouse for "Washing, iron[ing], f$#@ing." The winner is slated to be announced February 28, unless station advertisers retract their support.
To protest the contest please join the "Stop the Rock's Win a Wife Campaign" on Facebook.

http://nz.lifestyle.yahoo.com/general/features/article/-/8904788/mail-order-bride/

Give Lotto Winnings To Christchurch - Great Idea, But Not Legal!

Calls to give Lotto's $15 million draw winnings to Christchurch earthquake is a great gesture, but unfortunately it is illegal because heaps of people had already purchased tickets for both this weekend and next weekend's draw.  It would be interesting to see how much use $15 million would do to the earthquake which has an estimated total cost of around $16 billion dollars.  Some people probably think who cares about these people who have already bought tickets, or maybe they could get a refund?  But a lot of people who play Lotto are already struggling financially.  I wonder what would happen if the winner was from Christchurch?  There would be plenty of pressure on them or anyone else to give their winnings to the earthquake cause.

Despite calls for Lotto to cancel this week's $15 million draw and give the money to Christchurch, a spokeswoman for NZ Lotteries says it simply isn't legally possible. "Call for NZ Lotteries Commission to donate this week's $12M [sic] to Christchurch" had 3001 people "like" the page at 10am - up nearly 1000 from three hours ago.
But a spokeswoman for NZ Lotteries says while they would love to help, they are legally required to hold this week's draw.
"We've been inundated with comments and emails and obviously social media's been very active. We would love to be able to help out but our Lotto game is governed by a very strict legal framework that sets out how it can be run and how prizes can be distributed.
"People have already legitimately purchased tickets for this week's draw and next week's draw because people do buy multi-draw tickets so it is simply not legally possible for us to change the rules of the game halfway through the game."
When asked whether the Government could change the rules under the national state of emergency provisions, the spokeswoman said this was a question that had to be directed to the Minister of Internal Affairs, Nathan Guy.
Guy is currently in Christchurch and has not yet responded to an interview request.

 http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/christchurch-earthquake/4703056/Give-Lotto-prize-to-Christchurch-group

Live Streaming Cricket As The Blackcaps Play Australia Tonight At ICC Cricket World Cup

watch cricket world cup 2011 New Zealand vs Australia live streaming

Tags: watch cricket stream cricket cricket streaming

I have got a feeling that the Christchurch earthquake is going to inspire the Blackcaps at the ICC Cricket World Cup and they are going to beat Australia in today's match.  The Blackcaps have several members of the squad including Hamish Bennett and Brendon McCullum who are from Christchurch.  Watch live streaming here of the match (hopefully it works or clicks through to a site that does work) it is difficult to tell if it works until the match starts!  I have decided that the Blackcaps are paying good money in this match $2.90 last time I looked at the New Zealand TAB.  They have the players to do the job if they are on their game!  This game clashes with several dinner engagements and the Highlanders vs Chiefs rugby match!  It never rains, it pours!

Breast Milk Ice Cream - Would You Eat It?

Ice cream made from breast milk is set to be made by an Ice creamist in Covent Gardens in London.  The company is getting milk from 15 women and have created an ice cream called Baby Gaga which it plans to sell as an organic type of ice cream for 14 pounds each.  Would you eat this ice cream?  It is probably quite healthy for you full of nutrients, but the entire concept is not worth 14 pounds ($30NZ) for me.  It is a bit crazy, but could be a money spinner, who knows.  I guess getting suppliers will always be an issue!


http://www.stuff.co.nz/oddstuff/4703534/London-shop-to-make-breast-milk-ice-cream

Wear Red and Black To Work Tomorrow To Support Christchurch Earthquake - Yeah Right!

The latest strategy to get people to show support for the Christchurch earthquake by wearing red and black to work tomorrow will not get my support.  I feel for the Christchurch region and would love to give them support, but wearing red and black goes against everything I stand for as a non Cantabrian.  Since they stole Justin Marshall in 1994 and the Shield courtesy of David Latta I have just wouldn't show colours to support them.  Besides, I don't see it making any difference what wearing red and black in Wellington will do to people in Christchurch?  What do you think?  Are you going to wear red and black to work tomorrow?  I don't see the point in spending money to buy red and black clothes I don't already own.  I have given money to the cause and think that it is a better way of showing support!

Kiwis are being encouraged to wear red and black on Saturday to show support for Canterbury, while others are getting involved with by dressing in red and black tomorrow with their workmates. Are you going to take part?

http://www.facebook.com/#!/Stuff.co.nz?v=wall&story_fbid=10150106652179268&notif_t=like&refid=0

Victims of the Christchurch Earthquake

While the official list isn't released until later today, here are some of the victims.  There are heaps of people from Canterbury Television.  It is scary putting names and people to the numbers reported.  This disaster has wiped out workplaces, families, communities and friends.  It has affected people from all walks of life.

Donna Manning
Donna Manning loved seeing people step outside their comfort zone and succeed. And in her role with Canterbury Television she saw that all the time.
Read more about Donna here.
Jeff Sanft

A young father travelling on a bus in the city centre that was crushed in the quake is among the dead.
Read more about Jeff here.
Matti Makeekan
Tattoo apprentice Matti Makeekan died as Southern Ink Tattoo in Manchester St came crashing to the ground.
Read more about Matti here.
Samuel Gibb
Samuel Gibb, a journalist for Canterbury Television, was described yesterday as a loving husband and "the last person that deserves this".
Read more about Samuel here.
Murray Wood
Murray Wood's day job was managing director of Canterbury Television. But outside his office he would often be found hammering the keys of his piano around the garden city.
Read more about Murray here.
Andrew Bishop
Andrew "Bish" Bishop is supposed to give his sister away at her wedding.
Read more about Andrew here.
Phil McDonald
The Crusaders were yesterday coming to terms with news one of their own was dead.
Read more about Phil here.
Jo Giles
A long-time familiar face on regional television, mother of four Jo Giles was also known for high-adrenaline activities and even tried her hand at politics.
Read more about Jo here.
Matty Beaumont
Whether in front of the camera or behind it, Matty Beaumont was equally at home.
Read more about Matty here.
Susan Chuter
Aaron Waine's relief at being reunited with his wife turned to horror when he realised a building she had seen collapse was where his mother, Susan Chuter, 51, worked.
Read more about Susan here.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10708415

It's Too Soon As "Insulting" Sri Lankan Cricket World Cup Song Gets Banned

One of many Sri Lankan cricket videos has been banned for insulting lyrics involving labelling the Aussie cricketers as bird feed and the New Zealand cricket team still reeling from the Christchurch earthquake could have their jaw broken.  Surely it is too soon to make fun of the earthquake and this song is rightfully banned.  I followed a link to this You Tube video (above) which is not in English, so I am not completely sure if it is the correct video given how passionate the Sri Lankans are about cricket and how many songs they have written about it.  If I could understand the video I may find it funny somewhere down the line, but not at the moment, it is too soon!

A World Cup song which carries threats against defending champions Australia as well as earthquake-hit New Zealand has been banned on orders of the Sri Lankan president.




The song warns that Ricky Ponting's Australians will end up as bird food while New Zealanders, still reeling from the Christchurch quake, could have their jaws broken.



President Mahinda Rajapakse heard the Sinhalese and Tamil mixed song and wanted it taken off all state-run radio and television channels, an official close to the president told AFP.



He also censured sports authorities for allowing the "insulting" lyrics.



"The president was appalled that the song was allowed in the first place," the official said.



"He felt the song was in poor taste. What he wants is a song to inspire the team and fans and not insult other nations."



The president saw a video clip of the song when he turned up to watch Sri Lanka play Canada at their opening game at Hambantota on Sunday when the home side won by 210 runs.



A Sri Lankan cricket official said the song was the initiative of a private company which was sponsoring the national team.



Several private radio and television channels have also accepted that the song was in poor taste and stopped broadcasting it.



Sri Lanka, who are co-hosting the World Cup with Bangladesh and India, has already run into trouble with fans after banning music and placards at match venues.



Following intense criticism, police have relaxed bans on placards, posters and banners.

http://www.france24.com/en/20110223-sri-lanka-bans-violent-cricket-world-cup-song

65 Confirmed Dead But Where Will It End?

The latest Earthquake toll is 65, but judging by the large number of people unaccounted for in damaged buildings and with the lack of electricity and communication available, it seems that the toll could rise into the hundreds.  It is like something out of a movie, but who would have thought that the 7.1 magnitude earthquake which caused so much damage, would just be the entree, to this one which was smaller in magnitude 6.3 and only 5km deep?  The swarm of quakes that has been rocking Christchurch for such a long time have been weakening the structure of buildings around the city.  The aftershocks keep rocking, and it is disturbing to think that there could be more quakes to come!  Anyway, despite plenty of people hating the one eyed Canterbury sports fans and teams, at a time like this New Zealanders have to stick together.  The earthquake has international impact with the New Zealand dollar dropping a per cent against the Yen and Australian dollar, while many Australians and overseas networks are taking coverage.  You are not alone Christchurch.  It will be interesting to see what unfolds.  We are hoping there is a way upwards and out of this situation for the future of Christchurch.  There are so many things we need Christchurch ready for this coming year. 

At least 65 people have been killed in the Christchurch earthquake, Prime Minister John Key said tonight within minutes of arriving in the stricken city.




"We may well be witnessing New Zealand's darkest day," Mr Key said.



"This is an absolute tragedy for this city and for the people we care so much about...it's a terrifying time for the people of Canterbury. The death toll I have at the moment is 65 and that may rise."

http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/top-stories/8887324/at-least-65-dead-in-christchurch-key-says/

Daniel Vettori One of the Sexiest Men at Cricket World Cup - Do You Agree?

Blackcaps captain has been voted one of the sexiest men at the ICC Cricket World Cup by eight Bollywood stars.  It appears that some women like the intellectual look.  Other World Cup cricketers to get a mention were Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Kevin Pietersen and Shane Watson.  I am hoping that Daniel Vettori can also win accolades for his performances at the ICC Cricket World Cup.  Were these ladies right?  Who do you think should have won the vote?

Black Caps captain Daniel Vettori has been voted among the sexiest cricket stars at the World Cup.




With cricket fever soaring, Times of India asked eight leading Bollywood actresses to vote for their favourite cricket pin-ups.



Vettori, Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Virat Kohli received maximum votes from the women.

http://tvnz.co.nz/cricket-news/sexy-vettori-turning-heads-in-bollywood-4037367

Check Out The Google Christchurch Person Finder

If you are trying to track down people caught in Christchurch's latest earthquake, you can go to the Google link below and track them down.  It is a really cool tool!
http://christchurch-2011.person-finder.appspot.com/

Christchurch Earthquake 2011 - Confirmed Fatalities

 This is the Christchurch Cathedral

This was a Cathedral.
http://yfrog.com/h79togj
If you have any photos of the latest Christchurch Earthquake measuring  6.3 on the Richter scale at a depth of 5KM, then send them to me asap.  It hit at 12:51pm and brought phone lines down.  This is crazy times!  It sounds like there are people trapped and most likely killed in buses which were crushed by falling buildings.  I don't know many Cantabs, but hope there are no serious injuries, although this seems unlikely.  I wonder what would happen if this occurred during a Rugby World Cup Quarter Final?

The original quake was 7.1 magnitude but 10km depth.  This one is more shallow and this combined with already damaged buildings from the previous earthquakes could result in casualties.

Here are some useful links.  Click on the last three hours.

http://www.christchurchquakemap.co.nz/
http://www.geonet.org.nz/earthquake/quakes/3468575g.html

Here is some coverage from 
http://www.reddit.com/r/reddit.com/comments/fpwtc/reddit_another_massive_earthquake_has_hit/ Live flowing news
2:28PM "So scary, whole hospital is a massive mess. Stuff fell off the ceiling and there are massive cracks in the stairwell, Much. much scarier than any before."
2:26PM The Lyttelton road tunnel was been closed, but the level of damage was unknown. “It’s closed, that’s the only thing I know. We haven’t been able to get hold of any of our people down there,” Transit said.
2:23PM More images now available
2:21PM - Telecom NZ has downgraded service to ONLY emergency calls to 111. If you have service and can't connect, try again
2:20PM - "Orion Power says 80% of city has lost power and quake is far worse than last time as power transformers damaged"
2:19PM - My friend is OK. Phew.
2:18PM - "There's people dead. He was pulling them out of a bus. Colombo St is completely munted." Holy crap.
2:15PM - If you are injured now triage centres as: Latimer Square, Central City -Spotlight Mall, Sydenham -Sanitarium, Papanui
2:13PM - Holy crap, one of my best friends was down there.
2:12PM - Another earthquake has hit... more to come
2:11PM - Christchurch airport closed. All flights cancelled.
2:10PM - Further deaths confirmed; " Multiple fatalities reported @ several CBD locations, including 2 buses crushed by falling buildings"
2:09PM - The emergency bunker has been activated, John Key says contact is limited with CHCH
2:08PM - A live feed is now available from 3 news
2:08PM - Deaths have been confirmed by the fire service
1:30PM -- The damage is "far worse" than the September 4 7.1 magnitude quake. Civil Defence Minister John Carter says the situation is very serious. There has been an unconfirmed report of a death.

Here are some videos one of a landslop and the other of someone's driveway post quake!

True Grit - An Under-Rated Film

I took up the Snapper card Monday offer and went to Reading Courtenay on my own to watch True Grit.  The key when you are going to the movies alone is to arrive when the trailers are playing.  There are plenty of other really good movies on at the moment that overshadow this one, but it doesn't mean it isn't any good. It is quite liberating flying solo sometimes.  This movie is an interesting tale as a 14 year old girl hires a ranger to help her find her father's killer.  This film is a western style movie, but is very interesting.  Matt Damon is the biggest name in the cast.  I don't want to give too much else away, but the movie focusses on the interesting relationships that form between a 14 year old girl and "Rooster" Cockburn the ranger. 

I would give this film 7/10

Next films on my list of must sees is the Fighter, 127 Hours and Lovebirds.

Facebook Expands Relationship Status Options in Some Countries But I Think They Need More Options

 Facebook is expanding "relationship status" categories to also include civil unions and domestic partnerships in some countries.  Mark Zuckerberg and the people at Facebook are constantly updating their social media website.  Just last week the photos look completely different when viewing.  I guess they have to keep up with society. 

In the movie, The Social Network, the status was to know if girls were dating anyone or were single.  I would prefer if they take the relationship status even further by including the option of single and looking or single and not looking to the relationship status.  It could even be rephrased to "in the zone" or "on the prowl".  This way, you know at least if people are open to the idea of a relationship or completely shut off to the idea because they are not in a position to be involved in one.  It would be useful! 

What do you think of the actual changes only being for some countries?  What about my ideas?

Facebook on Thursday added civil unions and domestic partnerships to the list of relationships that its users can pick from to best describe their romantic status.
The world's largest online social network also gives its users the option to list themselves as single, married, in an open relationship or "it's complicated," among others.
The option for civil unions or domestic partnerships is only available to Facebook users in the US, Canada, the U.K., France and Australia, said the non-profit Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, which has been among the groups working with Facebook to add the options.
Facebook said it is rolling out the feature in countries where users asked for it.
"We will monitor user reaction and requests, and assess how to move forward with the rollout based on how this is going, and respond," said Facebook spokesman Andrew Noyes in an e-mail statement.
Facebook has well over 500 million users. About 70 percent of them live outside of the US.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/4684136/Facebook-expands-relationship-options-for-some

Heyday Wins Three Awards at the ONYA Web Industry Awards 2011

The website Down to the Wire won the Most Outstanding Website at the 2011 ONYA awards along with two other awards.  The ONYA Awards 2011 were part of Webstock and award website excellence. 

Digital agency Heyday has won three categories at the 2011 ONYAs web industry awards, including the supreme ONYA – Most Outstanding Website – for Down to the Wire.




The trio of gongs marks a fantastic six months for the agency which celebrated its 10th anniversary by relaunching itself as Heyday in the spring. This was the first time that the agency (formerly Doubleclique) has entered the ONYAs.



Down to the Wire (downtothewire.co.nz), which was created by Heyday to celebrate 21 years of New Zealand’s Internet, won the Best Content (Corporate) category as well as the award for Most Outstanding Website. Heyday’s own site (heyday.co.nz) won the ONYA for Best Use of HTML/CSS

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1102/S00461/heyday-scoops-three-wins-at-onyas.htm

Shakespeare in the Park - The Winter's Tale, It Pays To Do Your Research

I went to Shakespeare in the now famous (thanks to the Flight of the Conchords stars on The Simpsons) Wellington Botanical Gardens tonight to watch The Winter's Tale.  Like anything you watch, it pays to have done your research before hand so you know what is going on.  I didn't before the nearly three hour performance and paid dearly, struggling to follow it.  If I go and watch sport I know what is happening because I naturally do my research before, but with opera or Shakespeare it is especially important given how difficult it is to understand what is being said.  It was well acted and got a bit American hillbilly in the second half which made following it confusing, but overall it was well done.  It cost $15 and went for nearly three hours, so it is good value for money.  If money is an issue you could probably show up slightly late and walk in for free given the size of the area.  Make sure you pack plenty of food and warm clothing as three hours can drag if you are cold or hungry.  I sat on the benches for comfort.



Following a brief setup scene the play begins with the appearance of two childhood friends: Leontes, King of Sicilia, and Polixenes, the King of Bohemia. Polixenes is visiting the kingdom of Sicilia, and is enjoying catching up with his old friend. However, after nine months, Polixenes yearns to return to his own kingdom to tend to affairs and see his son. Leontes desperately attempts to get Polixenes to stay longer, but is unsuccessful. Leontes then sends his wife, Queen Hermione, to try to persuade Polixenes. Hermione agrees and with three short speeches is successful. Leontes is puzzled as to how Hermione convinced Polixenes so easily, and is suddenly consumed with an insane paranoia that his pregnant wife has been having an affair with Polixenes and that the child is a bastard. Leontes orders Camillo, a Sicilian Lord, to poison Polixenes.




When Camillo instead warns Polixenes and they both flee to Bohemia, Leontes arrests Hermione on charges of adultery and conspiracy against his life. Paulina, a woman of the court and an ardent friend to Hermione, attempts to visit Hermione but must settle with seeing her handmaid, who reports Hermione has prematurely given birth to a daughter in prison. Paulina, hoping the sight of his child will convince him where words have not, takes the child to Leontes. Leontes angrily dismisses all attempts to convince him he is wrong and he believes Antigonus, a Sicilian courtier and Paulina's husband, has conspired against him alongside Paulina. Paulina having gone, Leontes considers killing this child—which he believes to be the bastard of Polixenes and Hermione—before ordering Antigonus, instead, to abandon the infant far away.



At her trial for treason, Hermione delivers a heart-rending speech that fails to move Leontes. A report from the Oracle on the Isle of Delphos pronounces her innocence, but Leontes defies the oracle. But he then immediately receives word that his young son, Mamillius, has died of grief, a fulfillment of another of the Oracle's prophecies. Hermione faints and is reported to have died. Leontes laments his poor judgment and promises to grieve for his dead wife and son every day for the rest of his life.



Antigonus, unaware of Leontes' change of heart, follows Leontes' earlier instructions to abandon Hermione's newborn daughter on the seacoast of Bohemia. Antigonus recalls a vision the night before of Hermione, who told him to name the child "Perdita" (Latin: 'lost'). He wishes to take pity on the child, but Antigonus is then suddenly pursued and eaten by a bear. Fortunately, Perdita is rescued by a shepherd and his simpleton son also known as "Clown." There is a large amount of money with the baby and the shepherd is now very rich.



Time enters and announces the passage of sixteen years. Leontes has spent the sixteen years mourning his wife and children. In Bohemia, Polixenes and Camillo become aware that Florizel (Polixenes' son) has become infatuated with a shepherdess. They attend a sheep-shearing festival (in disguise) and confirm that the young Prince Florizel plans to marry a shepherd's beautiful young daughter (Perdita, who knows nothing of her royal heritage). Polixenes objects to the marriage and threatens the young couple. Quickly, the lovers flee to Sicilia with the help of Camillo, and Polixenes pursues them. Eventually, with a bit of help from a comical rogue/pickpocket named Autolycus, Perdita's heritage is revealed and she reunites with her father Leontes. The kings are reconciled and both approve of Florizel and Perdita's marriage. They all go to visit a statue of Hermione kept by Paulina. Miraculously, the statue comes to life and speaks, appearing to be the real Hermione, who went into hiding to await the fulfilment of the oracle's prophecy and be reunited with her daughter.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Winter's_Tale

Kiwis Drink Nearly 10 Litres of Alcohol A Year

Kiwis drink 9.6 litres of alcohol a year on average according to a World Health Organisation report.  There was plenty to come out of this study.  It shows that alcohol plays a huge influence in crime and deaths.  Another amazing statistic is that 45% of the world's population have never tasted alcohol.  I wonder if this is 45% of adults or includes children in that statistic?  You would think it would be 45% of all adults, which is difficult for us in New Zealand to fathom given that pretty much everyone I know has tasted alcohol.

I never used to drink at all, but these days there is more variety and acceptance of drinking in Wellington.  In Dunedin it was Speights or nothing, in Wellington, people meet up all the time for drinks (including the Christian scene) and drinking in moderation is actually a great way of increasing the enjoyment of social events. 

Mr Power said the report was more information useful to the alcohol debate. "Our own statistics show that alcohol is estimated to contribute to 1000 deaths a year, and is a major driver of crime, being implicated in 30 per cent of all police-recorded offences, 34 per cent of recorded family violence, and 50 per cent of all homicides."

ALCOHOL AROUND THE WORLD




28.8 per cent of alcohol consumed around the world is homemade.



Spirits are the most popular, followed by beer.



Alcohol kills more people around the world than Aids or tuberculosis.



One in five deaths in Eastern Europe is attributed to alcohol.



71pc of responding countries reported an increase in underage drinking.



11.5pc of people admitted to weekly binge drinking.



45pc of the world's population say they have never consumed alcohol.



Alcohol is responsible for 4.5pc of the global burden of disease and injury.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/4678096/Kiwi-drinks-750-stubbies-a-year

Redeem Those Whitcoulls and Borders Book Vouchers asap

Whitcoulls and Borders have sadly gone under administration.  It is a sign of the times that such big book stores can no longer exist.  People can get cheaper books online or just don't read as much anymore.  People also don't read as much anymore.  Some stores aren't actually accepting the vouchers now, while other stores are.  If you have an unused voucher sitting around from Christmas or your last birthday, then get in quick or you could miss out!



http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/4672686/Borders-Whitcoulls-under-administration

Terry Serepisos Scammed - Is This Irony?

 There are rumours circulating that Phoenix owner Terry Serepisos has been caught up in a scam which cost him about $750,000.  It does seem ironic that Serepisos who is a controversial character based upon his own shady dealings, should himself be scammed.  All I hope is that the Wellington Phoenix survive!  I am starting to doubt that there will be another season of the New Zealand television show The Apprentice.  Who could take anything that this guy says seriously now?

There are claims this morning that Wellington Phoenix football owner Terry Serepisos may have fallen victim to a Nigerian-style finance scam that has cost him more than three quarters of a million dollars.
The National Business Review says it has seen confidential documents relating to a loan that went bad in late 2009, offered by Western Gulf Advisory to an Australian developer.
It is the same deal being offered to Mr Serepisos.
His loan is supposed to be delivered today, but the transfer has been delayed and WGA has threatened the NBR with legal action after it started asking questions.
The NBR says the troubled property developer is being warned that his desperate attempts to secure funds from overseas bear all the hallmarks of a scam that should be reported to the Securities Commission.
The future of Mr Serepisos' property empire and the Phoenix appears to hinge on the loan deal going ahead.

http://nz.finance.yahoo.com/news/Serepisos-falls-scam-reports-irnnewstalk-3206427908.html;_ylt=Anim5LOYXZldnd1VtwPD8cpSK5NG;_ylu=X3oDMTE4ajIyOGxhBHBvcwMyBHNlYwN5ZmlUb3BTdG9yaWVzBHNsawNzZXJlcGlzb3NmYWw-?x=0

Who's Up For Horse Semen Shots? Go To Hokitika

 The Wildfoods festival menu has been released for the March 12 festival in Hokitika.  Remind me never to visit this festival with the realisation that last year's main course was ram's testicles and this year it will be horse semen shots.  Imagine doing 21 of them at your 21st!  What is the worst food you have ever tasted?

Ram's testicles are so passe - this year extreme foodies wanting a real taste test will be lining up for a shot of stallion semen.
Horse semen shots, to be followed with a swig of energy drink, are the new kids on the kitchen block at the famed Hokitika Wildfoods festival next month.
The shots will be provided by racehorse owner Lindsay Kerslake, of Christchurch, who says he came up with the idea after hearing about people drinking bull's semen.
"I thought, horses are all testosterone, they have hardly any cholesterol, so the idea is you'll have as much zizz as a stallion for a week afterwards," Kerslake said.
"It's all safe - we're getting the semen in the same way breeders do, using an artificial vagina and storing it in the formula they use. It will be like a milkshake."
Kerslake said some of the shots would be flavoured, and there might even be a possibility punters could request a particular horse.
The shot would be washed down with an energy drink called "Powerhorse", which was similar to Red Bull.
"We didn't want to use Red Bull cos that gives the idea of a bull, not a horse," Kerslake said.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/food-wine/4673865/Horse-semen-shots-on-Wildfoods-menu

Wellington Entertainment Book - Changes To Improve It!

The Wellington Entertainment Book is a great tool which saves me plenty of money each year, but I believe there are ways to improve it for the greater good.  Why is it that some retailers in the book are actually very reluctant to let you cash in your coupons?  I think given how much they pay to get into the book, they should embrace it, because that is often the only reason people try out new restaurants, yet because people aren't paying full price some places like Satay Kampong think that you deserve substandard service.

I think all retailers need to have it mentioned at their entrance that they are in the Entertainment Book, along with where they mention which credit cards and bank cards they accept.  They then need to replace the physical book with a swipe card that keeps tabs electronically on which places have been visited like a Snapper card.  Even just a card like the Gold Card, but for the entire book is needed.  Who wants to carry such a big book around these days?  I have just carried just the Gold Card around with me but because I don't know which restaurants or places accept it, I have been unsure where to go. 

Do you think this is possible?  What do you think of my ideas?

Coca Cola Recipe Revealed - Lets Make It At Home!

Check out this, supposedly the receipe for Coca Cola has been discovered.  We should get together and have a working bee, bottle it and sell it at a lemonade style stand.  What alcohol goes into Coke?

One of the biggest secrets in drink history has finally been unearthed. It's the secret ingredients lurking in a can of coke.




Coca-cola was first created in 1886 by pharmacist John Pemberton as a remedy to help him overcome his morphine addiction.



The drink originally contained coca leaves laced with cocaine. But after a prohibition law in the 1890s, the alcohol was taken out of the drink, and cocaine-free coca leaves have been used since 1904.



The recipe has been kept in such secrecy that, after it was sold for $2,300, the recipe was placed in a bank vault to ensure noone can see. Only two employees, who aren't allowed to travel together incase they are both killed in an accident, know the ingredients.



Until now... Radio show 'The American Life' thinks it has found the secret recipe after stumbling across a 1979 newspaper article.



The article is believed to be the exact recipe, published from a notebook that belonged to Pemberton's best friend.



The limitations of newspapers back in those days meant the recipe didn't travel far... but now, thanks to the trusty internet, the whole world can know the secret!



The recipe:



Fluid extract of Coca: 3 drams USP

Citric acid: 3 oz

Caffeine: 1 oz

Sugar: 30 (unclear quantity)

Water: 2.5 gal

Lime juice: 2 pints, 1 quart

Vanilla: 1 oz

Caramel: 1.5 oz or more for color



The secret 7X flavor (use 2 oz of flavor to 5 gals syrup):

Alcohol: 8 oz

Orange oil: 20 drops

Lemon oil: 30 drops

Nutmeg oil: 10 drops

Coriander: 5 drops

Neroli: 10 drops

Cinnamon: 10 drops

http://nz.news.yahoo.com/opinion/post/-/blog/xtra_upshot/post/37/comment/1

Did Hugh Hefner Forget To Clean The Pool? Disease Outbreak at Playboy Mansion

 I thought this was mildly amusing.  Guests at Hugh Hefner's February 3rd party have become infected with a form of Legionnaires' disease.  It appears someone forgot to clean the pool and the "Grotto" as guests have all come down with some pretty serious illnesses.  I guess his parties are probably not the most healthy environments, so it is hardly surprising that some people have caught things at his parties!  Oh no I have said too much!  Are we supposed to feel sorry for these people?

The toll is rising on guests falling ill from Hugh Hefner's February 3rd party - all potentially infected with a form of Legionnaires' disease.

Health officials say that approximately 200 people have fallen ill after attending or working at a fundraiser at the Playboy Mansion earlier this month, according to TMZ.
The public health department was first notified on Friday of a suspected respiratory infection outbreak among those attending or working at the Hefner party.
Officials from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health now say they suspect an outbreak of Legionellosis, or Pontiac fever, following the fundraiser at the Playboy manion.
Those who have suspected Legionellosis are reportedly experiencing symptoms mostly consisting of fever, chills, general discomfort (malaise) and extreme coughing.
Legionellosis is a milder form of Legionnaires' disease; it's caused by bacteria that grow in warm water. It is being suggested Hefner’s infamous swimming pool, or ‘grotto,’ was the incubator for the outbreak.
Hugh Hefner took to Twitter – at 84 years of age - to respond to the health scare rumours, stating:
"Despite rumors, there is no real evidence that anyone got I'll at the Playboy Mansion, but we're cooperating with health officials," he wrote (sic).
He then added: "With no evidence to the contrary, the Health Department has approved a party previously scheduled here for this Saturday."
Investigations continue.

http://nz.entertainment.yahoo.com/news/article/-/8856990/toll-rises-after-playboy-party/

Tui Billboard - I Applied For Aquinas College!

This is a photo taken by Stevo Downey outside Leith Liquor store in Dunedin.  It is so true as Aquinas is the Hall of Residence most people who don't make it into other halls go to.  It is a shame, because I have stayed there and Stevo works there and it is actually quite a nice place, just up a steep hill!  Is Aquinas College spelt incorrectly to avoid legal implications?  or to sum up the uneducated University students who get sent

to Aquinas after missing out on other halls of residence.

Which Sporting Event Will You Be Watching This Weekend?

It is a busy sporting weekend coming up with three massive competitions beginning.  The Super Rugby (Super 15) rugby competition kicks off on Friday night in Wellington with the Hurricanes and Highlanders playing.  On Friday night there is also the Hyundai A League playoffs.  The Wellington Phoenix play Adelaide United in what should be a great game with Paul Ifill returning.  The ICC Cricket World Cup also starts this weekend in the sub continent.  The Blackcaps have been written off, but they just need to click and you never know, they could make the semi finals.

What are you going to be watching this weekend?

Coffey Is Off The Menu!

TVNZ weatherman Tamati Coffey has announced his engagement to partner Tim Smith in a move that shouldn't be much of a surprise for most people.  Hopefully Tamati can use his weather skills to organise a nice day when the couple will have a civil union at the end of next year.  Sorry to break it to any of you ladies out there who didn't realise and were genuinely interested in Coffey.  He was last week announced as a finalist in the sexiest man category in the Best on the Box People's Choice Awards. Robbie Williams gets it correct in one of his songs - "All the best women are married, all the handsome men are gay".

http://tvnz.co.nz/entertainment-news/tv-one-s-tamati-coffey-announces-engagement-4030223

Man Charged For Standing Up To Camp Ground Bullies By Putting Poos In Handbag!

 Hands up, who has gone camping and been kept awake by some dickheads playing their music all night?  Wellington man and scientist Andrew Carman took the law into his own hands after a sleepless night at a Nelson Department of Conservation site by approaching where the loud music playing people had been staying and found only their car and a pile of human faeces (poos) so he opened their unlocked car and shovelled the poos into a handbag.  Someone saw him and told the car owner who then assaulted the guy and knocked him out.  Both guys are now in trouble with the law.  I sympathise with the Mr Carman, but realise that there should be far more civilised ways of dealing with all night music players.  It is funny in New Zealand though, no one often stands up to people who have music playing all night and get a sleepless night.  Sometimes the people don't even know they are keeping everyone awake unless someone tells them or gets noise control to tell them.  New Zealanders don't like treading on other peoples toes even if it means getting a sleepless night.  I have realised this and am now not afraid to complain or raise issues in a calm and controlled way rather than relying on someone else to do it (because they most probably won't).  If you want something done, you should do it yourself.  The moral of the story is, don't leave ammunition near your car!  I wonder if the girlfriend used her handbag again?  Or have I taken this too far?  Surely if they were playing loud music and crapping outdoors at a camping ground, they deserved what they got?

A forestry worker who beat up a man for putting human faeces in his girlfriend's handbag implied to police he would do it again if faced with a similar situation.
Lance James Mackel, 20, yesterday admitted a charge of assaulting Wellington man Andrew Carman with intent to injure when he appeared in the Blenheim District Court.
He was convicted and remanded to appear for sentencing on March 21.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Graham Single said Mackle told police Carman "deserved everything he got for doing a disgusting, offensive act".
"He was not remorseful about his actions and implied he would do it again."
Carman had been charged for his part in the incident, Single said.
The incident erupted at a Department of Conservation campground in Cow Shed Bay early on November 28 after  Carman, a camper at the ground, walked to a campsite where loud music had been playing all night, he said.
He was not happy about the noise and wanted to tell the noisy campers what he thought and get their car registration numbers, he said.
But there was no one at the campsite. He saw a pile of human faeces and in a "spur of the moment decision" shovelled the faeces through the open window of a nearby car and into a handbag on the front seat, Single said.
He did not think anyone had seen him and he walked back to his campsite. However, a friend of Mackle saw the incident.
Mackle confronted Carman, chased him and punched him in the head several times. Mr Carman was knocked unconscious.
Other campers saw the attack and stopped Mackle from continuing, Single said.
Mackle left and returned a short time later but was not allowed to see Carman because others believed he would assault him again, he said.
Carman was concussed and suffered severe bruising to his face, head and jaw, a cut to his eye brow and memory loss.
His right eye was blackened and swollen and he could not see out of it for several days, Single said.
He had also been diagnosed with a broken clavicle.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/national/4630650/Assault-admitted-over-poo-in-handbag-incident

The Hobbit Needs You!

 Here is your chance to be in the latest blockbuster film to be filmed in New Zealand.  The Hobbit by Sir Peter Jackson needs Elven horse riders and Elven Extras.  I know plenty of people looking for work right now, but you must be relatively tall to apply.  I actually fit the criteria and would love to do this, but I don't think it is worth taking leave from my regular job to do it!

OFFICIAL HOBBIT - ELF EXTRAS CALL

The production of the Hobbit films is currently looking for people to play ELVEN HORSE RIDERS and ELVEN EXTRAS.

The Elven physical build is tall and slender.

MEN - aged 17 - 40
Height 6ft (183cm) and taller

WOMEN - aged 17 - 40
Height 5ft 9 (175cm) and taller

If you have already been seen at a casting call there is no need to re-apply as you will be on file.

If you cannot attend the casting call and fit the Elven requirements please email us via the 'Apply online' button below and we will send out an application form.

DATE: Saturday February 26 2011
TIMES: 9.30 - 12pm AND 1.30 - 3pm
LOCATION: Te Whaea - National Dance and Drama Centre, 11 Hutchinson Rd, Newtown, Wellington.

If you do NOT fit into these height ranges please do not apply. Please expect a wait depending on numbers.

There will be casting calls in other cities as required.

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work permit.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-me-jobs/Other/listing-355009499.htm?key=383355

Paul Henry To Hit US Television Screens?

Paul Henry is in talks with American television companies and could actually host his own talk show in the USA.  I think he would be great at this and fit in with the crude American sense of humour.  Good on you Paul Henry, you are a unique character, so just go with it!

Former TVNZ Breakfast host Paul Henry may reappear on television screens in the United States, with the head of a production company in discussions with US network executives about the controversial broadcaster.
The founder of Ish Entertainment, Michael Hirschorn, whose production credits include TV shows such as Paris Hilton's British Best Friend and Rock of Love, has met with agents and network bosses in an attempt to get Henry on US television.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv/4658947/Paul-Henry-could-hit-US-TV-screens

Check Out This Video Of Serene Branson Getting Tongue Tied On National Television - Can You Translate?

Here is a video of CBS Los Angeles reporter Serene Branson who was taken to hospital after stumbling incomprehensibly over her words during a Grammy broadcast.  It is hard to know what she said, but there are suggestions that she may have suffered a stroke.  She has apparently been released from hospital since.  This video is slightly creepy, but strangely intruging.  It is not often you see reporters lost for words!  You wonder if she knew what was going on and just couldn't control herself or what?

Rugby World Cup Final Ticket or Riverbend Sports Camp?

I have been offered the chance to buy a Rugby World Cup 2011 final ticket and a Bronze medal match ticket for the Eden Park matches.  You would think I would be stoked with such an opportunity.  The only trouble is that Rugby World Cup 2011 clashes with my annual trip to Riverbend Sports Camp at Labour Weekend.  I am now uncertain which option to pursue. 

Rugby World Cup 2011 Option
A friend has offered me the chance to pay around $1200 including flights to go to Auckland for Labour Weekend and watch the Rugby World Cup final.  I have been a rugby fan all of my life and paying $750 for a ticket to this game and also purchasing a ticket to the Bronze medal match would in some ways be a dream come true.  The thing is that we don't know too many other people going to these matches and it is plenty of money.  The other factors also include the age old question "what happens if the All Blacks don't make the final?"

Riverbend Sports Camp 2011
Labour weekends have been brilliant at Sports Camp at Riverbend over the last few years.  I love this camp as it suits my lifestyle choice.  Last year they had a championship winning NBA player talking and there is sports on night and day.  The weather is warm and while this is tiring, it is also so much fun.  At my age I wonder how many more Sports Camps I have in me and we have got to win the football this year!  This weekend would be more social, cheaper and we would no doubt still be able to watch the final.

What do you think I should do as I have to tell my friend if I want to take the tickets or not?



 

RIP Grandpa From Outrageous Fortune and Speights Southern Man

Outrageous Fortune famous "Grandpa" West actor Frank Whitten has died aged 68. I thought he may have been older than that! It is a shame because he was always a bit of a crackup on Outrageous Fortune. He also used to be the Speights Southern Man bringing us the sayings "Good on ya mate!" and "You can call me old, but you can't call me stupid". RIP Frank Whitten!

Veteran actor Frank Whitten, best known for playing Outrageous Fortune's Ted "Grandpa'' West died during the weekend, his family and South Pacific Pictures, the production company behind the hit TV show, confirmed tonight.

Whitten died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday morning. He was aged 68.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv/4651960/Outrageous-Fortune-actor-Frank-Whitten-dead

Pippa Wetzel Most Desired Women

 

Former Breakfast host Pippa Wetzell has been voted New Zealand's most desirable woman ahead of Rachel Hunter and Samantha Hayes, in a recent study conducted by Colmar Brunton.

In a combined vote from both fathers and sons, the mother of three received 28 per cent approval from fathers and 15 per cent from teenage sons aged between 15 and 19.
Rachel Hunter took second place with 19 per cent among both dads and sons and former Nightline anchor Samantha Hayes took third slot with 10 per cent of votes – just as she leaves NZ’s shores to become TV3’s newly appointed Australian correspondent.
Wetzell gave birth to her third child, a boy, nearly two weeks ago.

I wouldn't disagree with this survey since it is done by Colmar Brunton and the top three are all worthy candidates.  I am obviously lucky to have talked to one of them in person Sam Hayes from TV3 who was my supervisor when I was at Radio One in Dunedin for my journalism training.

 Personally, I would have selected Anna Hutchison from Go Girls fame.  But Pippa Wetzel is still a worthy candidate. 

http://nz.entertainment.yahoo.com/news/article/-/8816306/who-has-been-voted-new-zealand-s-most/

Must See Movie 127 Hours Very Gruesome! Be Warned!

You may have heard of a movie just released called 127 Hours about a man who has to cut off his own arm when he gets it trapped when rock climbing, it is supposed to be really good, but gruesome.  The amputation scene that the movie is based around has left audiences worldwide gasping for air and fainting, but it is hard to know just how horrific it will be.  It is such a tough situation, but you get the feeling that the entire movie will be based around this scene, so they have to show it.  You have been warned!  It is based on a true story too, and I love these types of movies.  Who is keen to see this?  Is it worse than when the cycle helmet lady toured New Zealand?

Graphic scenes from the film 127 Hours, now screening in New Zealand, have caused people around the world to faint and last week at least three Sydney audience members suffered seizures.
In two days three movie-goers were taken to St.Vincent's hospital in Sydney after suffering a seizure, a result of a loss of blood and oxygen from the brain after fainting, during a graphic scene in Danny Boyle’s (Slumdog Millionaire) latest blockbuster.
Based on a true story 127 Hours recounts the ordeal that mountain climber Aron Ralston (played by Academy Award Nominee, James Franco) went through when his arm got trapped under a fallen boulder. Ralston spent five days trapped under the boulder considering his life and chances of survival. In the end Ralston realises that he has the courage to do what he needs to do, amputate his own arm to survive. Ralston had to crack bones, slice through muscle and sever nerve tissue with a pen knife to do so.

http://nz.entertainment.yahoo.com/news/article/-/8811971/127-hours-a-film-to-make-you-faint/

What To Give Guys For Valentine's Day? A Sebastien Chabal Doll? I Hope Not!

It is obvious that women enjoy the traditional favourites like flowers, chocolates and romantic dinners for Valentine's Day, but someone raised the question, what do you get for guys?  What about a Sebastien Chabal toy.  The above clip has a scary toy of the brutish French rugby forward.  This is the huge guy who broke Ali Williams's jaw.

According to a study by the National Flower Promotion Group, 70 percent of guys like the thought of receiving flowers for Valentine's Day, but most guys I know disagree.  Well they at least don't admit to liking flowers, but secretly might want them.  Who even knew that the National Flower Promotion Group exist and I wonder whether their study is authentic or just a way of boosting flower sales at this time of year.

This raises the question what to get guys for Valentine's (for all my female readers and fruity guy readers)? 

The following ideas have been discussed;

A dozen beers.
Baking
A singing telegram featuring guys in tutus.
Activities rather than goods like mountain biking, kayaking, mini golf etc.
A home cooked meal.
A slaughtered beast.
Power tools.


Any other ideas?  A David Bain jersey?  A Chabal toy?

The All Whites Clean Up At Halberg Awards - Do You Agree With The Results and Was John Key Tipsy?

The All Whites won the Overall Halberg Award along with the Team of the Year, Coach of the Year (Ricki Herbert) and Sporting Moment of the Year tonight.  They didn't win a match at the FIFA World Cup and won only one friendly match in 2010, but defeated the well performing Tri Nations winning All Blacks, Four Nations champion Kiwis, World Championship Gold medalists Eric Murray and Hamish Bond and the Silver Ferns who won the Gold medal at the Commonwealth Games.  Go figure! 

I think that the high profile of football, the way that they exceeded such low expectations and captivated a nation has something to do with it.  The other teams are always contenders given we are strong at them anyway, and if football is ever going to get an award it would have to be in a World Cup year given that they don't play many international friendlies.

Who do you think should have won it?

I think Richie McCaw deserved some recognition and was named Sportsman of the Year. 

Valerie Adams was a lucky winner in my opinion despite having an average year she beat Nikki Hamblin and Joelle King. 

By the way, did Prime Minister John Key seem really tipsy and make a bit of a fool of himself tonight?  That guy is such an enigma, but far more lively than Helen ever was!

Halberg award winners - full list
The All Whites celebrate Shane Smeltz's goal against Italy - Source: Reuters 2010 Halberg Award winners:

2010 Halberg Award: World Cup All Whites
Finalists:
Valerie Adams (Westpac Sportswoman of the Year)
All Whites (Westpac Sports Team of the Year)
Westpac Sportsman of the Year: Richie McCaw
Finalists:
Richie McCaw (rugby) Benji Marshall (rugby league)
Ryan Nelsen (football) Jossi Wells (X Games)
Westpac Sportswoman of the Year: Valerie Adams (athletics)

Finalists:
Nikki Hamblin (athletics)
Joelle King (squash) Alison Shanks (cycling)
Casey Williams (netball)
Westpac Sports Team of the Year: World Cup All Whites
Finalists:
All Whites (football) All Blacks (rugby)
Kiwis (rugby league) Silver Ferns (netball)
Eric Murray and Hamish Bond (rowing)
SPARC Coach of the Year: Ricki Herbert
Finalists:
Ricki Herbert (football) Graham Henry (rugby)
Stephen Kearney (rugby league) Gordon Tietjens (rugby)
Westpac Emerging Talent Award: Gareth Kean
Finalists:
Gareth Kean (swimming) Jacko Gill (athletics)
Julia Edward (rowing) Tyler Bleyendaal (rugby)
Inducted to the Hall of Fame: Michael Jones and Bill Baillie


http://tvnz.co.nz/football-news/halberg-award-winners-full-list-4021791

What Are Some Other Funny Names? Former Indiana Mayor's Name Too Funny To Name New Building After

I love funny names.  They have to go ahead and name this place after this guy Harry Baals.  I can just imagine with the local accent it sounding even more close to Hairy Balls.  What are some other great names you have come across?  Shaun Dick?  Tess Tickle?  or other names that make you snigger like when they are used on The Simpsons?  Mike Rutch?  Hugh Jorgan?  Helen Back?  Hugh Jass?  Seymour Butts?  Phil McCracken?  Wayne Kerr?   DCBC Directory may have some new entries this year!

A former Indiana mayor who won four terms in the 1930s and 1950s is proving less popular with modern-day city leaders, who say they probably won't name a new government centre for him because of the jokes his moniker could inspire.
Harry Baals is the runaway favourite in online voting to name the new building in Fort Wayne, about 120 miles northeast of Indianapolis. But Deputy Mayor Beth Malloy said that probably won't be enough to put the name of the city's longest-tenured mayor on the centre.
The issue is pronunciation. The former mayor pronounced his last name "balls." His descendants have since changed it to "bales."
Supporters said it's unfair that the former mayor can't be recognised simply because his name makes some people snicker. But opponents fear that naming the centre after Baals would make Fort Wayne the target of late-night television jokes.
"We realise that while Harry Baals was a respected mayor, not everyone outside of Fort Wayne will know that," Malloy said in a statement.
"We wanted to pick something that would reflect our pride in our community beyond the boundaries of Fort Wayne."
An online site taking suggestions for names showed more than 1000 votes yesterday for the Harry Baals Government Center. That's more than three times the votes received by the closest contender.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/oddstuff/4640301/Ex-mayors-name-too-funny-for-city-honour

Innovative Invers Icy Dry - Freeze Dried Ice Cream

Are these not a cool idea or what?  Freeze dried ice cream bars.  This Invercargill company is making them and it could be a great way to take ice cream to the beach without fear of it melting.  I wonder what they taste like?  

A new ice cream product will be appearing in dairies in the coming weeks, but you won't find it in the freezer.
Back Country Foods freeze dried ice cream bars are set to be distributed around the South Island in the next two weeks, but owner Brent Crossan said the "Icy Dry" bars are more of a sideline to its main freeze dried products.
The Invercargill company is believed to be the first in the world to commercially manufacture freeze dried ice cream bars, made from Deep South Strawberry ice cream.
Mr Crossan said the ice cream was poured into moulds and then frozen to -20 degrees Celsius.
The temperature is then dropped again to -40C and a vacuum is used. As heat hits the frozen bars the vacuum sucks up all of the moisture, leaving the flavour and nutrients in the product which does not shrink when freeze dried. The process takes about 24 hours.
Mr Crossan said there were indications they could sell 10,000 of the bars a week. The company can make 4000 each night, and in any flavour, but had started with strawberry.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/business/4638579/Hi-tech-ice-cream-out-soon

How Many Guys Want Flowers For Valentine's Day? Place Your Vote!

I read this interesting article on Stuff about how 70 percent of men would love to be sent flowers on Valentine's Day.  I seriously question the validity of results here.  Guys love more practical things that don't smell as nice as flowers. I wonder how reputable the National Flower Promotion Group is and if they surveyed people nationwide or just based it on the Ponsonby metrosexual?

Is it something like dressing up in a skirt that guys secretly like, but are too afraid to admit it?  Is it just a way of increasing sales in the floral sector?  How many guys would actually want flowers on Valentine's Day?  Vote down the side tab.  I will do my own research! 

According to the National Flower Promotion Group, men are increasingly happy to be on the receiving end of a floral delivery.
A recent survey showed that nearly 70 percent of men would like to be sent flowers, especially on Valentine's Day, the group said.
Auckland florist Iain Stephens backed up the figures, saying that around 20 per cent of his clientele are women purchasing for the men in their lives.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/valentines-day/4640925/Ladies-say-it-with-flowers