Watch Free Live Streaming WWE Wrestlemania 28 2012

Watch free live streaming WWE Wrestlemania 28 2012.

http://www.oleoletv.com/cat/wrestling/

Daylight Savings Finishes 1st April 2012 - This Is No April Fool!

Daylight savings finishes on Sunday 1st April 2012 at 3 a.m., this is no April Fool's Day joke. 3 a.m. becomes 2 a.m. when you have to wind your clocks back on 1st April 2012. I wonder how many people wake up at 3 a.m. just to change their clocks? It is funny that two days of such significance April Fool's Day and Daylight Savings happen at the same time. I always find that with the extra hour sleep I get, that I always end up going to bed two hours later, which defeats the purpose of making the most of drawing back into winter.



http://www.dia.govt.nz/Services-Daylight-Saving-Index

Anchorman 2 The Sequel Announced - The Legend of Ron Burgundy Returns

Something to refresh your memory

There will be sequel to Anchorman starring Will Ferrell's character Ron Burgundy it has been announced. I must admit, the first time I saw Anchorman I didn't find it that funny, but the more I watched it, the more hidden jokes I found which made it funny. I love the old fashioned suits they wear and all of the famous actors they get. Anyway, I am hoping the sequel is somewhere near as good as the original. Is anyone else looking forward to this?

Eight years after Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy hit theatres, Will Ferrell has announced he will return to role for a sequel.

Clad in his characters' trademark wine-coloured suit and playing the flute the actor appears on tonight's Conan show, but footage has already leaked out.

Ferrell starts off with the odd penis reference, then tells host Conan O'Brian he looks awful before dropping the bombshell.

"You look like someone put a bright red fright wig on a skeleton. And chucked it out of a helicopter," Burgundy tells O'Brian. "I'm being kind right here."

After giving him some advise how to better his appearance, he turns around to tell the audience that he has an announcement to make.

"As of 0:900 Mountain Time, Paramount Pictures and myself, Ronald Joseph Aaron Burgundy, have come to terms on a sequel to Anchorman," he said.

"It is official! There will be a sequel to Anchorman. There will be a sequel."

Movie website deadline reports that Anchorman 2 will be produced under mogul Judd Apatow's banner with Ferrell's and Adam McKay's Gary Sanchez Productions.

McKay would direct as well as write the script with Ferrell who will star again as Ron Burgundy along with the 2004 original's castmembers Steve Carell and Paul Rudd and David Koechner.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/film/6660621/Will-Ferrell-annouces-Anchorman-2

Trans-Tasman Belly Flop Highlights - Aussie Dugongs vs NZ Puku Plungers

Watch these highlights of the Australia vs New Zealand belly flop championships. Watch the Aussie Dugongs vs New Zealand Puku Plungers. It makes for interesting viewing watching these elite or not so elite competitors do their belly flop jumps into the pool.

Should belly flop become an Olympic sport? Should men that big wear togs that small?

Legendary New Zealand Television Moments

There is an awesome website called NZ On Screen which has a collection of all the classic moments of television in New Zealand history. There are some absolute classics here including when Thingee's eye falls out, always blow on your pie and David Tua's O for Awesome.

These three are my favourites which have shaped our nation. What are your favourites? There are heaps of classic videos below. It is worth checking out the New Zealand On Screen website below. I got my video clips off YouTube, but you can get them at the link below.


http://www.nzonscreen.com/collection/legendary-nz-tv-moments-collection

The KFC Double Down Is Back - But Only In Dunedin

It seems that the Otago Rugby Football Union's loss is the gain of the folk of Dunedin who will get to enjoy the heavily publicised KFC Double Down again. It is back, but in Dunedin only for a limited time. This is almost worth the trip!


Unique circumstances call for a unique response, that’s why this weekend we are bringing back the Double Down to our 3 Dunedin stores to help out the small businesses and individuals who are owed money by the Otago Rugby Football Union. We're keen to help out those folks in the Otago community, so $5 from each Double Down sold will be donated to help the cause.

The BBQ Double Down will be available from opening this Saturday and Sunday only at KFC Dunedin North, Dunedin South and Roslyn stores. Only while limited stocks last and only this Saturday and Sunday.

The rest of the nation doesn’t need to fear, we promised to bring back the Double Down to New Zealand and it’s still on the cards!


http://www.facebook.com/#!/kfcnz

Watch Free Live Streaming Football A League Wellington Phoenix

Watch Free Live Streaming Hyundai A-League Finals Football Wellington Phoenix.


http://www.vipbox.tv/sports/football.html

Watch Free Live Streaming Basketball NBL Finals New Zealand Breakers vs Perth Wildcats

Watch Free Live Streaming Australian National Basketball League Finals New Zealand Breakers vs Perth Wildcats from Vector Arena, Auckland, New Zealand.
http://www.oleoletv.com/sports/basketball/

http://www.vipbox.tv/sports/basketball.html

Friday 30th March Sporting Nightmare - New Zealand Breakers, Wellington Phoenix and Highlanders Which Game To Watch?

Friday 30th March is a busy night for sports fans in New Zealand with the New Zealand Breakers and Wellington Phoenix hosting finals of their Australian basketball and football leagues respectively and the same time as the Highlanders host the Rebels in a Round Six match in Invercargill. It is hard to know what organisers are thinking having so many important matches on at the same time?

This raises the dilemma of if it is worth going to watch my beloved Wellington Phoenix play at Westpac Stadium, at the expense of watching my Highlanders and Breakers?

Options

The best and cheapest option would be to watch them at a pub in town where you can keep an eye on all three at once. The only problem is knowing which one to watch the most.

Another option is to go to the Wellington Phoenix and record the other two matches. There is usually heaps of atmosphere at a Hyundai A League playoff match.

The Phoenix and Breakers must take priority given that they are playing in finals matches, but my preference first and foremost is rugby, this brings the Highlanders back into the equation, especially since they are playing at my childhood favourite ground, Rugby Park.

You can also watch free live streaming New Zealand Breakers, Wellington Phoenix and Highlanders on my website. It is a good thing that SKY Sport has three channels with the rugby on SKY Sport 1, football on SKY Sport 2 and the Breakers on SKY Sport 3.

Ladies, it is a good night for a night out with the girls, because not many red blooded males are going to want to go to floral arranging class tonight.

What are you going to watch? Which game is the most important? I think the Wellington Phoenix is my most important since I am an avid fan and this is a sudden death playoff match. But I do love my Highlanders!


2012 iiNET NBL FINAL SERIES GAME 1

Game Date: Friday March 30th, 7.30pm at the Vector Arena.

TV Broadcast: NZ Breakers v Townsville LIVE (19:30pm, SKY Sport 3)

Watch free live streaming NBL basketball New Zealand Breakers vs Townsville Crocs here

http://www.scottydonaldson.com/2012/03/watch-free-live-streaming-nbl-playoffs.html


Hyundai A-League Finals football
Wellington Phoenix vs Sydney FC at Westpac Stadium, Wellington at 8pm.

Watch free live streaming A League Finals Football Wellington Phoenix vs Sydney FC.

http://www.scottydonaldson.com/2012/03/watch-free-live-streaming-league.html



Super Rugby Round 6
The Highlanders vs The Rebels, Rugby Park, Invercargill kick-off 7:30pm.

Watch free live streaming Super 15 Rugby Highlanders vs Rebels.
http://www.superrugbytips.com/p/watch-free-live-streaming-super-15.html

Chris Cairns Not Guilty Of Match Fixing

Former New Zealand cricketer has been found not guilty of cricket match-fixing. This restores my faith in New Zealand cricket, but just shows how dirty cricket in the sub continent can be. There are so many seedy characters around, it seems. This is probably just the tip of the iceberg and is not the last we will hear about match fixing in cricket. What do you think of this verdict? Do you think those who accussed Cairns of match fixing were lying or are there two other New Zealand cricketers involved too? Are we naive?

Former New Zealand cricketer Chris Cairns has won a libel case against a former Indian Premier League boss who accused him of match-fixing.Cairns, 41, sued former Indian Premier League (IPL) boss Lalit Modi over a post he made on Twitter in January 2010, accusing him of match-fixing in the 2008 season of the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL).The high-profile former Black Cap said the claim was untrue and therefore libellous, and had damaged his reputation.Justice David Bean announced his judgement on Monday night NZT at the High Court in London."I have never cheated"During the nine-day trial, thought to be the first Twitter libel case of its kind, Cairns told the court: "I have never cheated."Modi's legal team told the court Cairns was corrupt when contracted to play in the ICL in 2008, and was dismissed because of the allegations.Cairns insisted his dismissal was due to an ongoing ankle injury which he failed to declare.Cairns told the court he was dismissed as captain of the Chandigarh Lions in October 2008 after a meeting with the ICL board.
He described how he was astonished when the ICL board asked him about rumours he was involved in match-fixing at the meeting.Cairns said he denied any involvement and said the allegations were "wholly untrue".The former cricketer said he was let go at the meeting despite having around $70,000-80,000 left to be paid out on his contract for that year.The defence questioned Cairns on why he had walked away with so little fuss from a contract that still owed him more than two seasons' playing time and pay.Modi's lawyer Ronald Thwaites QC told the court: "You left with your tail between your legs in the hope the match fixing wouldn't leak out."However, Cairns claimed he did not complain because he wanted to work his way back into the league."Profound effect"Cairns said the accusation of match-fixing put a strain on his marriage."It had a profound effect on my personal and private life," Cairns told the court.He described the allegations of cheating as damaging, saying if it was uncorrected it would "destroy" all that he had achieved over a successful 20-year sporting career.In his four-hour closing summary, Cairns' lawyer Andrew Caldecott QC told the High Court 10 days ago that his client was "a scapegoat of convenience" and was innocent of match fixing.ONE News Europe Correspondent Garth Bray has been posting live tweets from the High Court in London.

http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/cairns-wins-libel-case-4799151

Christian Pick Up Lines

Here is a great Christian pick up line. Do you think Christian pick up lines work better than normal pick up lines? I get the feeling that they are more of a joke than used in practise than regular pick up lines which probably have more success with people who have been drinking for long hours in some seedy bar.

If you like this then you will like these from an earlier post I did.

http://www.scottydonaldson.com/2012/02/christian-pick-up-lines-for-singles.html

Wellington Phoenix's Tim Brown Announces Retirement

This is bad news for the Wellington Phoenix and the All Whites with news that midfielder Tim Brown will retire at the end of the 2012 A League season (in the next few weeks) but it is good news for Brown who will study overseas instead. It will be interesting to see how both the Phoenix and All Whites replace Brown who is one of the first players listed on the team sheet each week.

Wellington Phoenix midfielder Tim Brown today stunned New Zealand football followers by announcing he will retire from the game when the Phoenix’ Hyundai A-League campaign ends.

Admitting it had been a massive decision that he had been thinking about for a number of weeks, Brown said he was quitting playing to return to his studies.

The opportunity has arisen for him to study for a Masters degree in Management at either the London School of Economics or Cambridge University.

“It was an emotional decision to make, but an exciting one for me,” Brown said today.

“The opportunity to continue my studies at either of those places is fantastic.

“It was tough making the decision to leave what has been a dream job but I believe it is the right time for me having just turned 31.”

Brown has never been one to seek out the limelight and when he made his mind up on where his future lay his gut feeling was that he should keep it to himself and “just drift off in the off season”.

“I spoke to Ricki (Herbert) on how I should handle it and he was adamant I should share it with the team,” Brown said.

“I told the boys and management team at dinner while we were in Melbourne recently and I’m so glad I did.

“It was good to share it with a bunch of guys who are all real friends as well as team-mates. I thought it would be easy to do till I stood up. It was quite an emotional moment.”

Brown’s announcement was probably all the more surprising in that the All Whites are soon to begin their qualifying campaign for the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil.

Having missed out getting on the field during the World Cup finals in South Africa after sustaining a shoulder injury against Australia in a lead-up game, it must have been tempting for Brown to continue.

“The New Zealand team is different to the Phoenix but special in its own way,” Brown said.

“It is probably one of the most talented New Zealand sides that I can remember. It is a hugely exciting group.

“But when you embark on a journey like that (World Cup qualifying campaign) you have to give it everything. That’s what we did last time and we were rewarded.

“You can’t be half-hearted and if you are starting to think about other things, as I was, I couldn’t be certain I could give 100 per cent.”

One of Ricki Herbert’s first signings when the Phoenix was founded, Brown has played 110 times for the club but was reluctant to pick out memorable moments.

“I can dwell on the past later but at the moment it is all about the present,” Brown said.

“When you are going to the playoffs, as we are on Friday, you know that each game is potentially your last.

“I’ve felt all along that we could do something special this season and while I don’t want to believe in fairy tales it would be great to go on and win something with this group of players.

“What a great way to finish that would be.

“That’s why I didn’t want to make a fuss about retiring. You can’t get too emotional when there is an important game to be played on Friday.

“I want us to finish the season strongly. It is a shame we have gone off the boil a little in the last couple of games but we can’t afford to leave anything in the tank over the next couple of games.”

Asked how he would like to be remembered by football followers, Brown said “as someone who didn’t take anything for granted”.

“I’ve tried to be grateful for every opportunity I’ve been given because I know most people would give their left arm to be in the position I am and to have had the opportunities I’ve had.”

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/wellingtonphoenix/news-display/Tim-Brown-Announces-Retirement/46466

David Tua Retires From Boxing - Did We See The Best Out of Him?

Watch this great footage of Lennox Lewis vs David Tua, what about the hairstyle?




New Zealand boxer David Tua has retired from boxing aged 39, but did we see the best of him? Tua won a bronze medal in the 1992 Olympic Games, but his most famous fight must be the World Heavyweight title fight where he lost to Lennox Lewis. There were plenty of belts and titles he fought for, but did we see the best of him?

I would say that Tua had so much natural talent with such a strong punch that he could never be discounted in any fight, but his conditioning was a mixed bag. Sometimes it seemed like David Tua didn't care, but when you think about it he did so well to get where he got.

We have to remember that he only got third at the 1992 Olympics and to go all the way and get a heavyweight title from a small country in the South Pacific is awesome. I think we expected Tua to be the best in the world which is unrealistic and while it was disappointing that Tua wasn't always in the best shape, fought some real journeymen and struggled to handle his dealings with manager Kevin Barry, I am still proud of what David Tua achieved.

The Tuaman has announced his retirement from boxing, saying he has to walk away from the ring.

David Tua, aged 39, says he is no longer in a position to prepare physically and mentally for the top echelons of professional boxing.

The announcement ends his hopes of fulfilling his earlier self-proclaimed "destiny" of being crowned heavyweight world champion.

"See my boots ... one is on the ground and one is hanging up. Right now, as of this very moment, I am retired," Tua told the Sunday Star-Times.

"Where things are at, I am retired.

"I love it [boxing], it is my life. I may have retired from the game itself, but I will never retire from daily challenges ... you always face challenges, no matter what."

Tua turned pro shortly after stunning the boxing world by winning a bronze medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, when aged just 19. Within the space of eight years, he had transformed himself from a kitchen hand to a multimillionaire sportsman.

But tough times soon struck after he unsuccessfully challenged for the world heavyweight title against Lennox Lewis in Las Vegas in late 2000.

His relationship with the management team of Kevin Barry and Martin Pugh ended with a costly six-year legal battle; court documents reveal Tua's legal bill had ballooned to $4.2 million.

For the past two years he has battled numerous family tragedies, a $2m bill from the Inland Revenue Department and the break-up of his marriage to his wife Robina, who recently did a tell-all interview with a women's magazine.

Tua said a motivation to "stay true" to himself, his family and friends, fans and the sport of boxing had inspired his decision to retire.

"I need to take care of a few matters," he said. "I really love and respect the fans, I really love and respect the game, but I need to approach it and honour it by being well-prepared ... I can't keep doing it the way it has been.

"That is why I need to sort it out before there is a chance of [ever] getting back into the ring."

The brutal nature of boxing meant that those who aimed for the top had to be able to approach it with their "whole being", Tua said. That was something he was currently unable to do.

"It is a lot more than taking care of the IRD. Sometimes the toughest fights are outside and inside," he said.

"Unfortunately, it is not like rugby or league where on the day of the fight you can turn up and not feel the best and someone is there to take your spot. In boxing, you can't have a bad day ... on the actual day you still have to take the walk."

Tua will walk away from heavyweight boxing with no rewards – financially and asset-wise – to show for it.

After splitting with Robina last year, he now sleeps in his modest Onehunga, South Auckland, boxing gym – Kamp Tua – or at his mother's house.

He described his current paid job as "senior cleaner" at Kamp Tua, with his workday starting at 4am.

It's a far cry from when he was paid a $12m purse for his unsuccessful world heavyweight challenge against Lewis in Las Vegas. But looking back, he said he had no regrets.

"I am very happy with what I have been able to accomplish so far. I don't live regrets. And success for me will be my boys. That is it.

"There is nothing to be sad about. I have my health. Every day above ground is a day in paradise.

"Sometimes we take advantage of the greatest miracle, and that is to be alive."

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/6632561/David-Tua-hangs-up-his-gloves

Why Men Shouldn't Wear Their Pants Below Their Butts

This is a public service announcement why "Men shouldn't wear their pants below their butts". Read it, it is very informative. Apparently men who wear their pants below their butts are telling homosexual male criminals that they are available. Do you think this is true? I wouldn't want to test this theory out, but I would imagine that the type of market which is supposedly attracted to this would be the butch gay prison guy in the picture on the right below. He reminds me of some men I saw in Amsterdam when I was there recently!

Boogie Wonderland Is Back!

Boogie Wonderland Wellington is back and is having a revival party this Saturday night in Wellington. While I won't be able to attend, I am hoping this means that they must have completed any renovations or upgrades which were necessary (isn't that why they were shut?). It used to get disgustingly hot in there, although that could have been to make people buy more drinks. I am not going to lie, I have missed hitting up Boogie Wonderland on a Saturday night. There is something about 1980s music that I love. There were rumours circulating that it had shut for good, but alas it is open! I am wondering what it is like now.

There is an offer on GrabOne today for Boogie Wonderland too.

Harry Potter Star Jamie Waylett Jailed For His Part Of London Riots

Harry Potter star Jamie Waylett has been jailed for his part in the London riots. Waylett played Hogwarts bully Vincent Crabbe in six of the films. It must be tough being famous so early in life and being widely recognised as the fat kid in the Harry Potter films when you walk down the street. It does mean that he was cast very well as a bully of sorts, given his violent conduct during the riots and reputation in the Harry Potter films.

Actor Jamie Waylett, who played Hogwarts bully Vincent Crabbe in six of the Harry Potter films, was jailed for two years for being part of a mob during last summer's riots in London.

Waylett, 22, was found guilty of violent disorder by a jury at London's Wood Green Crown Court, the Press Association reported.

Waylett, who already had a previous conviction for cannabis possession, was with a gang of at least four people who went into the Chalk Farm area of north London last August on the third day of violence in the capital.

He was captured on CCTV at various points during the evening, often with a hood over his head.

The footage shows him accepting a bottle of champagne from a rioter who had just looted the supermarket he was standing outside.

Judge Simon Carr sentenced the actor to two years for violent disorder and 12 months for handling stolen goods, to run concurrently.

Jailing him, the judge said: "Anyone watching the footage in this case can only imagine the mayhem that took place on the streets.

"You chose to go out on to the streets on what was the third day of the violence. You were pictured on a number of occasions with a bottle full of petrol with a rag as a wick.

"I accept ... that you did not throw or have any intention of throwing it, but merely being in possession of it would have been terrifying to anyone who saw you."

Judge Carr told Waylett he would be eligible for release after a year in jail.

The star, who had a shaved head and a goatee beard, wore a white shirt with an open collar and a dark suit to hear the sentencing.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/europe/6610777/Harry-Potter-actor-jailed-for-rioting

Facebook Narcissism Link - Does This Sound Like Anyone You Know?

Here is an interesting article based on research suggesting that there is a link between narcissism (how much you love yourself) and Facebook.
Does this sound like anyone you know?

Be careful, your Facebook page reveals more about you than you might imagine, research finds.

How many friends you have, how many messages you post and how many photos you tag of yourself on Facebook have been directly linked to how narcissistic you are.

Hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders use Facebook every day - but while some are careful about what they share, and who they share it with, others post intimate details about themselves, numerous photos and will become Facebook friends with people they don't even know.

Narcissism is an excessive love or admiration of one's self.

While social media skeptics have long believed that there are links between Facebook and narcissism, a new study, published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, now confirms it.

Researchers at Western Illinois University studied the Facebook habits of 294 students, aged between 18 and 65, and tested two "socially disruptive" elements of narcissism, The Guardian reported.

They discovered that people who scored highly had a very active Facebook presence, regularly updated their newsfeeds, posted photos of themselves and had a lot of Facebook friends.

They often changed their profile picture and would respond more aggressively to negative comments made about them on the site.

Victoria University acting head of psychology Marc Wilson said narcissists tended to use Facebook as an outlet.

"Facebook is a great way for people who think they're particularly flash to index how flash they think they are," Wilson said.

Narcissists were likely to add more friends than others "but they're not friendships, they're not even acquaintances.

"Narcissists might be particularly careful about who they friend. They might only friend people who they think are physically attractive as that reflects better on them."

The socially disruptive elements that were measured were grandiose exhibitionism which includes self absorption, vanity and exhibitionistic tendencies, and entitlement/exploitativeness, which the researchers described as "a sense of deserving respect and a willingness to manipulate and take advantage of others".

The higher someone scored on the grandiose exhibitionism scale, the more Facebook friends they were likely to have.

The research stated that they crave attention and were likely to make inappropriate comments because they couldn't stand to be ignored or waste an opportunity to self-promote.
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Those who rated highly on both scales were also more likely to seek support from their social network, but less likely to offer it.

Research from the United States has shown that young people are more narcissistic these days than they were 20 years ago, Wilson said.

Research the psychology professor had conducted himself in New Zealand showed that teenagers and those in their early 20s were more narcissistic than people older or younger than them.

"We live in a society these days where people are told to believe in themselves and that they're special."

Whereas in the 1950s children were taught that the most important thing was to be obedient, they were now being taught "to believe in themselves," Wilson said.

"There are clearly lots of pluses to this but there is a downside to telling people that they're the best thing since slice bread."

http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/6605379/Always-on-Facebook-You-might-be-a-narcissist

Why Do I Live In The North Island Again - Bad Weather Hits North Island

The North Island is getting more stormy weather and as the map above indicates, why do I live in the North Island again? The South Island gets the better weather again like it did over much of the New Years holiday period.

Bride Marries Herself - Should Singles Be Entitled To Throw Solo Weddings?

Should singles be entitled to throw single weddings? This comes following the wedding of Nadine Schweigert to herself as a symbol of equal rights for singles and couples. I guess it is a great excuse for a party and while you would cover the costs yourself, at least you would get to invite whoever you wanted to and get presents for yourself. You also don't have to worry about any pre-nuptials either.

Should more single people have solo weddings? Is it legal? Do you have to apply for divorce if you want to get married to someone else?

Here comes the single bride. Last week, Nadine Schweigert married herself in a symbolic wedding ceremony. The 36-year-old divorced mum of three wore blue satin and clutched a bouquet of white roses as she walked down the aisle before a gathering of 45 friends and family members in Fargo, North Dakota.

She vowed to "to enjoy inhabiting my own life and to relish a lifelong love affair with my beautiful self," reports Fargo's InForum newspaper. After the ring was exchanged with the bride and her inner-groom, guests were encouraged to "blow kisses at the world," and later, eat cake.

Schweigert, who followed the ceremony with a solo honeymoon in New Orleans, claims the wedding was her way of showing the world she's learned to love and accept herself as a woman flying solo.

"I was waiting for someone to come along and make me happy," she told reporter Tammy Swift . "At some point, a friend said, 'Why do you need someone to marry you to be happy? Marry yourself.'"

Not everyone was in agreement. Some of Schweigert's friends, who'd undoubtedly seen Carrie Bradshaw register for a pair of Manolos on season 6 of Sex and the City, thought she was going a little far with the single pride thing. Schweigert's 11-year-old son was her biggest critic: "He said, 'I love you, but I'm embarrassed for you right now.'"

This is clearly a polarizing issue: should a single person be entitled to the same wedding rituals as couples? Even Shine's editorial staff couldn't agree. So I enlisted Shine's Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Romolini for a friendly debate.
Point: Single people should have the same rights as couples

I believe everyone has the right to marry, regardless of sexual preference. For some people being alone is what feels most natural. Shouldn't they too be entitled to tax breaks? Don't they get a moment in the spotlight, the chance to rationalize a way-too-expensive dress, the two weeks off from work unquestioned, the ridiculous kitchen appliances they'd never have bought for themselves?
It's time we did away with the stigma of 'old maids' and the belief that you're not really complete without a partner. Some people are actually proud of their solo relationship status and even ready to commit to it. Maybe if more people could reap the benefits of a wedding without a partner, there would be a lower national divorce rate. And while we're on the subject of weddings, consider the benefits of a one-person affair. No dueling families, no massive guest list, no pre-wedding am-I-doing-the-right-thing meltdowns. It may seem indulgent to plan a big reception for yourself, but imagine how much less stressful it would be for your guests? They can all bring dates. Nobody's seated with strangers and forced to ask 'do you know the bride or the groom?' If anything, I'd like to see more solo brides and grooms. Say you marry yourself and then cheat, the split would be free of fights, lawyers and custody battles. You get everything. Problem solved.

http://nz.lifestyle.yahoo.com/general/features/article/-/13203692/bride-marries-herself/

Tui Yeah Right - Match Fixing Explains The Blackcaps' Results

The latest Tui "Yeah right" billboard - Match fixing explains the Blackcaps' results. I think it could well explain why they have won some matches in recent times, especially against Pakistan and at a pinch Australia, but that could be opening up a can of worms!

Flight of the Conchords New Zealand Tour Dates - Who Wants To See This?

Who is keen to see The Flight of the Conchords in concert when they tour New Zealand in June this year? Now that Bret McKenzie is an Oscar winner, and Jemaine has appeared in some big movies, this is quite a high profile concert probably bound to sell out. It is in Wellington on a Tuesday night which seems strange.

I wonder if the dry nature of their humour will be a bit much after a while? Surely these guys with their ability to make stupid songs will be awesome.

Kiwis will at last get the chance to see musical comedy duo Flight of the Conchords perform on home soil.

Oscar-winner Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement will hit the road in June on a 10-date tour of New Zealand.

"It's going to be great to play New Zealand again. I can't wait to perform where people can understand our accents," McKenzie said.

The tour comes after McKenzie last month won the Oscar for Best Original Song for Man or Muppet, written for the film The Muppets.

In 2008, Flight of the Conchords won the Grammy for Best Comedy Album for their EP, The Distant Future. That same year the pair was nominated for four Emmy awards.

Following the success of the television series Flight of the Conchords, which aired on US television network HBO for two seasons, the pair did sell-out tours in the US and Europe.

Tickets for the New Zealand tour go on sale on Friday, March 23.

Dates:
Wednesday, June 13 - Hawkes Bay Opera House, Hastings.

Thursday, June 14 - Founders Theatre, Hamilton.

Saturday, June 16 - Town Hall, Auckland.

Sunday, June 17 - TSB Showplace, New Plymouth.

Tuesday, June 19 - Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington.

Wednesday, June 20 - Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington.

Saturday, June 23 - Regent Theatre, Dunedin.

Sunday, June 24 - Events Centre, Queenstown.

Wednesday, June 27 - Trafalgar Centre, Nelson.

A Christchurch show will be announced shortly.

http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/top-stories/13170382/flight-of-the-conchords-announce-nz-tour/

Man vs Wild Star Bear Grylls Fired By Discovery Channel

It seems that we have seen the last of Man vs Wild as Discovery Channel has fired Bear Grylls over contractual matters. While Man vs Wild was cool, you wonder if people grew a bit tired of a man supposedly so isolated in testing conditions yet he had a camera crew nearby him.

Still, there are plenty of reality television shows to keep the viewers happy, although they probably aren't as educational as Man vs Wild. He taught us how to go skinny dipping at the North Pole and how to drink our own urine. You wouldn't learn that on just any television show!

No more eating wetas, drinking his own urine and almost freezing to death on TV show Man vs. Wild for Bear Grylls.

The British adventurer and star of survival show Man vs. Wild, has been fired by US cable television network Discovery Channel in a contract dispute.

Grylls, 37, who was dropped into hostile places to survive by eating insects, wading rapids and drinking his urine, has hosted the TV show since 2006, becoming a celebrity around the world.

But Discovery Channel said today that "due to a continuing contractual dispute with Bear Grylls, Discovery has terminated all current productions with him."

Grylls was in New Zealand to film two episodes for his show on the South Island when the devastating earthquake hit Christchurch on February 22 last year.

"I was on a traverse - a big river with a wire across it - and the whole thing was wobbling. I got to the other side and the crew said the whole ground was shaking," he said.

Grylls, who is known to eat some daring things during his travels, also says he tasted one of the worst things he has ever eaten while in New Zealand - the tree weta.

"I thought it should be fine - I've eaten a lot of things like this. But it took me completely left field. I've never tasted something that tastes like you would imagine poo would taste."

He went on to raise money for both the families of the Pike River miners and the Christchurch earthquake relief.

A spokesman for Grylls said he and Discovery had been unable to reach agreement on new programming and had parted ways.

"Bear's goal has always been to make life-empowering shows for his many fans around the globe, and he has taken great risks to bring Discovery such award winning programming over seven seasons," said Heather Krug, publicist for the wilderness expert.

"Unfortunately, Bear and Discovery have not been able to come to mutual agreement on new programming, and he disagrees with Discovery's decision to terminate current productions. Bear has loved the Man vs. Wild journey and looks forward to producing further cutting edge content again soon for his loyal audience."

The details of the dispute were unclear but trade publication The Hollywood Reporter quoted industry sources as saying it revolved around two unannounced projects for which Grylls was contracted.

The sixth and most recent season of Man Vs. Wild was broadcast on Discovery in July and August 2011. It featured one episode in which Grylls was joined in a remote part of Iceland by actor Jake Gyllenhaal.

Other episodes have seen Grylls dropped by parachute into jungles and deserts, surviving for days by eating snakes, sleeping in snow holes and wrapping a urine-soaked t-shirt around his head to combat dehydration.

Man vs. Wild is shown in some 200 countries around the world.

Grylls climbed Mt Everest at the age of 23 and served for three years in Britain's elite Special Air Service, training in parachuting, jungle warfare and combat survival.

He also has found fame as a motivational speaker and written several books, including teenage fiction and a best-selling autobiography.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv/6573207/Man-vs-Wild-star-Bear-Grylls-fired

Encyclopedia Britannica Stops Printing Books - The End of an Era!

The heavily trusted Encyclopedia Britannica are stopping publishing their books because of the onset of the digital era. Don't worry, you can still use them digitally, although with the advent of Wikipedia and Google it is difficult to know how popular it will be.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- After 244 years, Encyclopedia Britannica will cease production of its iconic multi-volume book sets.

Britannica usually prints a new set of the tomes every two years, but 2010's 32-volume set will be its last. Instead, the company will focus solely on its digital encyclopedia and education tools.

The news is sure to sadden champions of the printed word, but Britannica president Jorge Cauz said the move is a natural part of his company's evolution.

"Everyone will want to call this the end of an era, and I understand that," Cauz says. "But there's no sad moment for us. I think outsiders are more nostalgic about the books than I am."

In truth, Cauz says, the death knell sounded long ago. Though the name "Britannica" calls the print sets to mind, Cauz says they represent less than 1% of the company's total sales.

"The print set is an icon. But it's an icon that doesn't do justice to how much we've changed over the years," Cauz says.

The online version of the encyclopedia, which was first published in 1994, represents only 15% of Britannica's revenue. The other 85% is sales of education products: online learning tools, curriculum products and more.

That's not surprising to Michael Norris, a senior trade books analyst at Simba Information, who says reference books have taken the worst hit with the rise of digital.

"People still buy, read and love print books. But the relationship they have with a novel is very different than what they have with a piece of information they need," Norris says.

"This has been the reality of reference texts for years now," Cauz says. "Updating dozens of books every two years now seems so pedestrian. The younger generation consumes data differently now, and we want to be there."

Will people pay for Britannica? That younger generation is accustomed to finding content for free via Google (GOOG, Fortune 500) or that other online encyclopedia: Wikipedia. It's unclear whether people will be willing to pay for a household subscription, which costs $70 per year, or an app version for $1.99 per month.

"Google's algorithm doesn't know what's fact or what's fiction," Cauz concedes. "So Wikipedia is often the No. 1 or No. 2 result on search. But I'd bet a lot of money that most people would rather use Britannica than Wikipedia."

Britannica will start offering more free content to entice potential subscribers. But Cauz doesn't expect Britannica to replace or even overtake Wikipedia. He sees the situation as "different senses of responsibility."

He adds: "Wikipedia is a wonderful technology for collecting everything from great insights to lies and innuendos. It's not all bad or all good, just uneven. It's the murmur of society, a million voices rather than a single informed one."

As a result, Cauz says, consumers are craving accuracy and are willing to pay for it.

"We have an important role to play," Cauz says. "I think Wikipedia sees us as a relic of an old era. But facts always matter, no matter what form they take. Our mission hasn't changed, just the method."

In a nod to those changes, Britannica is relaunching its site in three weeks to add more social connections and interactivity.

Cauz says he celebrates those changes, as well as the end of the print set -- which was first published in Scotland in 1768. In fact, Britannica is throwing itself a party on Wednesday.

"We're going to have a cake in the shape of a print set to celebrate," Cauz says, laughing. "Is that morbid?"

http://money.cnn.com/2012/03/13/technology/encyclopedia-britannica-books/

Homeless People Turned Into Internet Hotspots - Exploitation or Opportunity?

This is an interesting marketing tactic of using homeless people to advertise for WiFi internet hotspots. They got money for the job, but do you think this is exploitation or a good way of helping homeless people? I say it is an excellent opportunity to give these people money and experience in advertising. It is the new form of selling newspapers or sandwich boards, which I might add got paid decently well when I was in the London in 2006.

A marketing project aimed at modernising street newspapers is turning homeless people into walking internet hotspots.

The brainchild of branding company BBH New York, the Homeless Hotspots 'initiative' was spotted at a music and technology conference in Texas by a New York Times reporter, the Daily Mail reports.

Homeless people dressed in T-shirts proclaiming 'I'm a 4G hotspot' stood amongst those gathered for the conference to provide web access through MiFi devices which connect to the internet via the 4G phone network.

Despite profits from the exercise being donated to charity or the willing participants of the project, the idea has been described as 'shameful, hideous, patronising' and 'dehumanising'.

On its website, BBH says its Homeless Hotspots project is aimed at bringing street newspapers into the digital age : "Obviously, there’s an insane amount of chatter about this, which although certainly villianises us, in many ways is very good for the homeless people we’re trying to help."

At homelesshotspots.org, the project is described as "a charitable innovation initiative - it attempts to modernize the Street Newspaper model employed to support homeless populations."

"As digital media proliferates, these newspapers face increased pressure. Our hope is to create a modern version of this successful model, offering homeless individuals an opportunity to sell a digital service instead of a material commodity."

http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/world/13154467/homeless-people-turned-into-wifi-hotspots/

Wanted: Free Taylor Swift Concert Ticket For Christian Female in 20s

I know heaps of Christian females in their 20s, but I am unsure how many would be willing to go to a Taylor Swift Concert for free if they accompany a nice young Christian man? This is a great way of getting a date for a concert and I thought I would help out this guy out. He sounds like lots of my friends, although I don't know about the ginger and white cat! If you are a Christian woman in your 20s get amongst it! You have eight hours.

I have 2 tickets to Taylor Swift at Vector Arena but don't have anyone to go with.
Tickets are Floor GA row7
I am looking for a female date(age 20s), preferably christian who is honest, kind and caring (like me :) I can pick up in the central /upper north island. I just want to share this once in a lifetime experience with someone who also likes Taylor Swift :)
A little bit about me, I like animals and own a ginger/white cat who likes to chase his tail lol, also like spongebob, not a big drinking fan, like sports, church, chilling out and going on mega road trips!
If you go to my other listing ,flatmate wanted, you will find my cell number to contact me for any inquires
Feel free to ask any questions on here
cheers

http://www.trademe.co.nz/travel-events-activities/event-tickets/concerts/auction-455738721.htm

Men and Body Hair Waxing - Do You Manscape?

Two University of Auckland lecturers are conducting research into how much bodily hair men get removed. I have noticed that many guys seem to have very little hair on their bodies even into their thirties which I think is a sign of manscaping. In my opinion I think there is plenty of manscaping, trimming the hedges, whatever you call it to improve appearance. This goes against my rugged Southland upbringing, but shows that more men seem to care about their looks than they used to. Men generally get more hairs sprouting in more places as they get older.

If you are aged between 18-35 then fill out the survey at the bottom of this post. I am intrigued by this research and would think that most guys do some form of manscaping, even if they don't admit it.

Is a hairy chest acceptable? Most people generally don't like hairy backs!

If you don't want to spend 45 minutes on a survey then answer the column down the right column of this blog.

Do Kiwi men wax their underarms? How about their legs? Is it acceptable to have excessive amounts of back hair?

Two University of Auckland psychology lecturers are conducting a nationwide online survey of 18 to 35-year-olds to find out what people think about, and do with, their body hair.

Dr Virginia Braun hit upon the idea when she was at a conference in Germany. "[The presenter] talked about the fact that amongst the youngest cohort of men in Germany, 70 per cent of them were removing their underarm hair.

"A majority were removing pubic hair and a high proportion were removing leg hair."

Braun said the results surprised her and led her to question Kiwis' attitudes and practices.

"Body hair removal for women, certainly leg and underarm hair, has been so normal and common and expected for so long, that it's almost taken for granted. But men's bodies are at the cusp of change."

Braun said some men would find the change liberating, others confounding.

The pair are two-thirds of the way through their data collection, and have more than 300 responses to a 45-minute online survey. The aim is to get 500 responses, with a healthy majority of men's voices.

Braun's co-researcher Dr Gareth Terry has kept an eye on the incoming data.

The responses showed that what people do with their body hair is seen as a private matter or personal choice, he said.

"Some [go] as far as saying they've found answering the questions a little difficult, even in an anonymous survey.

"Everyone assumes a lot about what everyone else is doing, but they don't often talk about it, even with close friends."

Respondents haven't gone into a lot of detail with their answers, he said, but one of his favourites so far, on why men might remove their public hair was "to make the tiger stand tall on the plain".

"I found it pretty funny when trawling through the data, hearing people talk about pubic hair removal quite seriously and then this pops up."

Of the people he has talked to about the research, Terry said he was "a little bemused" by the disgust that crept into their voice when they talked about back hair on men.

"Some of the most liberal people I know, who might question women shaving their legs or being expected to wear makeup, still find it quite reasonable to visibly express disgust when talking about men's back hair."

A therapist at Auckland's Bare Waxing and Skin Centre said that when she started working in the industry nine years ago women were a lot more secretive about what they did with their body hair and a Brazilian was seen as quite risque.

However, it's now "normal to have a bikini wax", she said.

"It's not such an embarrassing subject, people come in with their friends."

The centre does "intimate male waxing" and the therapist admitted that men were a little more coy.

"I wouldn't announce it in the reception for example that `I'm booking you in for a Brazillian'."
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As for pubic stencils and shapes, that's something Kiwis tended to leave to Americans and Europeans she said.

www.surveymonkey.com/s/6PTXTVX

http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/beauty/6555618/Hunt-on-for-bare-facts-about-blokes

New Zealand Cricketers Involved In Match Fixing or Falsely Accused?

Following the Chris Cairns court case trying to clear his name from match fixing, new information has been reported that two New Zealand players were involved in match fixing in 2010. This is massive claims given the magnitude of the money involved around $100,000 NZ for scoring slowly as a batsman or conceeding runs or around $1.4 million for ensuring a result.

I would like to hope that our players didn't give into these scum bag Indian bookies, but the carrot is massive and it is hard to know if a player is just having an off day or if he is fixing a match or spot fixing? It brings every result in cricket into question and it is very difficult to prove anything, although Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were caught recently.

Any ideas on who could be the New Zealand cricketers involved? The only trouble with our cricket team is that it is difficult to know who would be spot fixing and who is just not up to international cricket!

Mind you, it is often a players word against an Indian bookmaker who are generally low on the credibility scale.

Read this interesting article from the New Zealand Herald.

New Zealand Cricket says claims some New Zealand cricketers have been involved in match-fixing simply aren't credible.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has started an inquiry after the Sunday Times in Britain revealed details of the network which claims to be able to fix the results of matches, including international fixtures.

Undercover reporters posing as bookmakers were told by some of India's most influential bookmakers that match-fixing was rife.

Players for all the main cricketing nations took part, the bookmakers claimed, and New Zealanders were currently being offered to bookmakers to help fix matches.

One bookmaker claimed to have fixed matches with two New Zealand players - who he named - in 2010. The newspaper did not publish the names.

Former New Zealand cricketer Iain O'Brien reacted angrily to the news on Twitter overnight.

"If I find out ANYONE I've EVER played with is involved, it'll ruin everything I've stood for in cricket. They'll have ruined cricket!

"I gave this game everything I could. For some p***k to 'not' have kills me."

O'Brien, who retired from international cricket in 2009, reiterated those sentiments to nzherald.co.nz.

"I don't necessarily think anyone has done it while playing for New Zealand, but if they've done it outside of that ... if these are guys I've played cricket with it would wreck things."

The medium-pace bowler said the game has been tarred since the Pakistan Lord's test spot-fixing scandal.

"We know it happens, us cricketers know it happens. We've all seen things that don't look right. Whether it be internationally or domestic tournaments, by domestic tournaments meaning ICL, IPL, even county cricket in the UK.

While O'Brien said he has seen "weird cricket being played at times by people", he has never witnessed an incident he was certain was match fixing.

"If I had suspected something that would have been something I would have voiced."

Last night New Zealand Cricket Players' Association boss Heath Mills told the Herald the allegations were a slur on every player in New Zealand.

"There is no doubt that those who play on the subcontinent will inadvertently come into contact with people of ill repute.

"But I don't believe anyone I work with is or has ever been involved ... I would be highly surprised and bitterly disappointed if that was the case."

The allegations were very serious, he said, but no action would be taken until the alleged match-fixers were named publicly.

"They need to start putting up evidence or shut up."

NZ Cricket chief executive David White said the allegations were not credible "whatsoever".

"We are not interested in unsubstantiated rumour or speculation.

"The integrity and reputation of the game is paramount and NZC have absolute confidence that our players share these ideals.

"We have been in contact with the ICC anti-corruption unit and this is now a matter for them to follow up on."

Cricket sources told the Herald that NZC had been in contact with the ICC's anti-corruption unit and the matter was now in their hands.

The Sunday Times said match-fixers boasted of recruiting players from New Zealand, England, West Indies, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh to throw part or all of international fixtures.

Last year's World Cup semi-final between India and Pakistan is apparently one game under scrutiny.

One of Delhi's most influential bookmakers, Vicky Seth, told an undercover reporter match-fixing was rife and "will always carry on" because of the millions of dollars which changed hands after every match.

"It's easy to do as long as people don't talk."

"Obviously the big money is to be made in big matches - test matches, Twenty20s, the IPL [Indian Premier League] and BPL [Bangladeshi Premier League]."

In the secretly-filmed meeting, he claimed to have paid at least two New Zealand players to cheat.

"At the moment we've got connections with New Zealanders. I did some fixing with [names a player] and [names another player] back in 2010," he claimed.

"I met them direct in Delhi. [One] is still working with us. After that we got some Pakistani players."

Another bookie, Monubhai, claimed he had worked with players from most of the top cricketing nations and had recently been offered a chance to sign up New Zealanders.

"I was invited to strike a deal with some New Zealanders but I didn't go. The IPL starts on April 4, then everyone will be doing it [match-fixing]," he said.

The Sunday Times said a batsman would usually be offered £44,000 ($84,000) for slow scoring and bowlers £50,000 ($95,000) to concede runs.

Players or officials who could guarantee the result of a match could be paid as much as £750,000 ($1.4 million).

Indian law enforcement officials have described corruption in cricket as endemic, and an ICC spokesman said betting on cricket continued to grow.

"With many, many millions of dollars being bet on every match, the threat of corrupters seeking to influence the game has not gone away."

The ICC is aware of the activities of a Bollywood actress suspected of trying to subvert players after four players reported her suspicious approaches.

Another Delhi bookmaker told the Sunday Times England players were sometimes persuaded to engage in fixing through the use of "honeytraps".

"Many players are now wary of being seen with fixers or bookies, so if all the deals are done through their supposed girlfriend, then it is the perfect solution."

Last year three Pakistan cricketers were convicted of criminal charges for conspiring to bowl no-balls during a 2010 test match against England.

And last month, English county cricketer Mervyn Westfield was given a four-month prison term after admitting he received £6000 ($11,400) to concede at least 12 runs in his first over in a 2009 game.

Former Black Caps cricketer Chris Cairns is involved in a court battle over allegations of match-fixing made against him by ex-Indian Premier League commissioner Lalit Modi.

Cairns, 41, is claiming damages over Modi's 2010 Twitter posting that claimed Cairns was axed from the Indian Cricket League for match-fixing in 2008.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10791456

Chris Cairns Match Fixer or Falsely Accused?

The Chris Cairns match fixing case being heard in the High Courts of London is intriguing. He is trying to clear his name following his career and accusations of match fixing in the Indian Cricket League. It is difficult for us to know what actually happened or whether Cairns even said something in jest which could have been taken the wrong way. It seems that situations from countries like India are very controversial. They were taking evidence from one Indian player and then this information was quashed because it was alleged that he was actually trying to cover his own tracks. It will be interesting to see what happens. While I think Chris Cairns was a strong personality in New Zealand cricket who ruffled a few feathers, I would like to hope that he would stay clear of the dirty bookmakers in India or has this case highlighted how much match fixing goes on in cricket and potentially still takes place flying under the radar?

Guest blogger David Lim from Two Minute Sports looks at the situation.

As you all know by now, one of New Zealand's greatest cricketers is currently in the middle of a major trial at the High Courts in London, fighting against allegations of match fixing by former Indian Cricket League (ICL) chairman, Lalit Modi. The sight of Cairns and his wife walking the cold spring streets of London to court has been a key feature of the nightly news bulletins.

The waters are rather murky with more evidence that Cairns may have been involved in match-fixing while he was captain of Chandigarh in the ICL. Even cricket commentator, Tony Greig has weighed in saying the former New Zealand all-rounder did in fact prevent the younger team members from playing for the team in order to please the bookies.


However, there are of course always two sides to the story as in all major court cases. But Lalit Modi's abstinence from taking the stand has certainly put a chip in proceedings, to the disgust of Cairns who had to be restrained after hearing the news.

So is Cairns really guilty of match-fixing or has he been framed by his teammates? Was that seemingly innocuous tweet of 150 characters by Modi in 2010 accurate or just defamation?


Firstly, New Zealanders, in general are from the least corrupt people on earth. In fact, New Zealand is often considered one of the most uncorrupt countries in the world and people are aware of things like fixing matches for money. Yes there are people alleged to have been involved in such practices like New Zealand lawn bowler, Garry Lawson but they would be given a very dim view by the media and become instant villains - as they should.

Cricket is certainly a sport that has been dogged by match-fixing in its history. Of course we've recently seen the three Pakistani cricketers spend time in jail for match-fixing during the 2010 tour of England. We've seen high profile cricketers who previously had clean reputations - and a Christian background to boot - have their careers ended by match-fixing, i.e. Hansie Cronje.

Chris Cairns is certainly a hero for all Kiwis although he has had his problems with alcohol in the past. However, Cairns is fondly remembered by all sports fans in New Zealand whether its for those big sixes and bowling exploits or for his philanthropy efforts, i.e. a campaign to stop Kiwi drivers speeding through train crossings following the death of his sister in Rolleston as a result of a train-car collision.

So if Cairns really did match-fix, it would be a major shock for the New Zealand sports community and I believe he should be exonerated from these very dodgy allegations. But then again, I don't know all the facts am not qualified to provide legal advice so it's really down to the courts. But I pray for the Cairns family that these allegations aren't true.

http://www.twominutessport.blogspot.co.nz/2012/03/chris-cairns-match-fixer-or-falsely.html

Jeremy Coney's Cricket Coaching Video Featuring A Young Chris Harris - This Is Gold!

Watch these highlights from Jeremy Coney's Cricket Coaching Videos from the 1980s featuring Chris Harris with hair. This is pure gold! Maybe some of the current New Zealand Blackcaps could still learn a thing or too! It was hard to know what to make of the section on putting on cricket pads (slightly dodge).

Quit School Bus

This advertisement encouraging people to quit smoking has been placed on the back of a school bus with humourous consequences which encourages people to quit school!

Beards Aren't Attractive To Girls But Are Hot For Guys!

Research shows that beards aren't attractive to women but are held in high regards by men who think they show masculinity. This study has been done in New Zealand by Victoria University, so it must be reputable.

Bearded men are less attractive to women but command more respect from other men, according to a study.

Wellington anthropologist Barnaby Dixson found 200 New Zealand and Canadian women interviewed for his Victoria University thesis preferred men without facial hair.

Pictures of 19 men from New Zealand and Samoa were shown to the women as part of the study titled Behavioural Ecology.

The women thought facial hair made the men look older, more aggressive and less attractive.

They also said those with full beards were significantly more attractive when they were clean shaven.

Men interviewed for the study said the men looked older and angrier when bearded.

But both sexes said facial hair added "gravitas", and men viewed bearded men as having a higher social status and commanding more respect.

The results suggested that beards sent a signal of masculinity to other men but do little to attract women, the Science Media Centre website reported.

http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/top-stories/13109478/lets-face-it-beards-arent-sexy/

Prince Harry Races Usain Bolt and Wins!

Prince Harry has a running race against Usain Bolt in Jamaica and beats him easily. Somehow I don't think Bolt was trying! I wonder who is the bigger name in the world? Harry would be more famous in the Commonwealth countries, but I wonder if Bolt would be more famous worldwide?

It is like The Simpsons letting Mr Burns win at the staff picnic.

Prince Harry vs Usain Bolt Race who will win ????? Prince Harry had a mock race with the world's fastest man, Usain Bolt, after touching down in Jamaica as part of his Royal tour of the Carribean.

Sporting a Jamaican colours track suit the young Royal lined up in the blocks against the Olympic track star at the University of the West Indies stadium in Kingston.

But the Prince stole a march on Usain Bolt by sprinting off on a false start before faking a leg injury as he crossed the line.

Huddle Ignite Sports Presents - Sports Panel Discussion Involving Nick Willis

There is a sports panel discussion about the challenges Christians face in the world of sport including Olympic silver medalist Nick Willis, triathlete Martin Van Barneveld and Hayden Shearman, I am tempted to go as this will be an interesting discussion especially for those with an interest in sports ministry.

A panel discussion on the challenges faced by Christians in the world of sport, and the opportunities sport presents to make a difference.

Panel members include:

* Nick Willis (Athletics) - Olympic 1500m silver medallist
* Martin Van Barneveld - Elite Triathlete and Track athlete
* Hayden Shearman - National level runner and author of Wellington Runners guide.

For sports people with a Christian faith, it can often be a struggle to outwork a faith in God and a passion for sport. Many aspects of sport are far removed from the church, yet sport can also be a great place to connect and serve people who don't know Christ.

As part of the evening you will get to hear a range of perspectives from well known Christian athletes, and have opportunity to hear about a framework which Ignite Sport is developing designed to support and equip Christian's to 'make sport thier mission'.

Where: Ignite Sport Office 73 - 75 Queens Drive, Lower Hutt
When: Thursday, March 15th, @ 7:30pm
Cost: None
RSVP: to Steve Willis by Monday March 12
Light supper provided
Go to Ignite Sport's Facebook page

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ignite-Sport/125969378868

Please feel free to pass this on to someone you know who might be interested in this opportunity.

This is part of the 'Huddle' a non-denominational volunteer network of Christian sports people, established (by Ignite Sport Trust in 2011) to encourage athletes, coaches, sports volunteers and people passionate about sport, to be intentionally involved in sport. Currently the Huddle meets monthly on the third Thursday of the month, and is a chance for people to meet and mix with other Christians involved in sport, and to be equipped and motivated to positively influence the various sports communities they are involved in.

Being on Fire For The Lord

One of the most cliche desirable Christian traits is to be "On Fire For The Lord", while this is a good thing to search for, I think that judging someone's heart by their external behaviour is a dangerous game.

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11). “Do not put out the Spirit’s fire” (1 Thessalonians 5:19).

Sure, often there is the garbage in, garbage out theory where if people surround their life with bad stuff then they will start behaving badly, but I think there are plenty of people who may not seem like the stereotypical happy clappy Christian on fire for the Lord, but show it in other ways.

Just because someone doesn't raise their hands in a church service or dance down the aisles, doesn't mean that someone isn't "On Fire For The Lord". Some people have been raised in more conservative churches or with more laid back personalities (guys usually) but they still love the Lord with all of their hearts.

They may not do things that get a high profile in the church like being in the music team or preaching or welcoming people at the door, but it is often these types of people who have a heart on fire for God, but they just don't broadcast it to everyone. They often to tireless work behind the scenes which are often overlooked.

Finally, although reading the Bible fuels the fire, I question how many people are actually on fire for the Lord. The problem is that only 11 percent of Christians who go to church regularly read their Bibles daily and a total of 24 percent read it weekly. That isn't very many people. It makes you wonder if people who question if someone is on fire for the Lord or how someone's Christian walk is going should look at themselves. Is reading the Bible the only way to be on fire for the Lord?


I just think that it isn't fair the way that some Christians judge how "On Fire For The Lord" someone is based on their external behaviour, when only God can judge us and it is what is in the heart that counts.

Man Sues Baptist Church For Ruining His Chances Of Playing For Manchester United

A retired semi professional footballer has sued the Baptist Church for 10 million pounds in lost earnings. He thinks if he didn't convert to being a Christian at a Baptist Church that he could have made millions playing for Manchester United. Has this guy not heard of life groups or evening services which would surely have helped him free up his heavy schedule playing for Manchester United on weekends? I think this man is disillusioned about what might have been in his fledgling life as a professional footballer. This suggests that we should give 100% and live in the now, rather than look back wondering what might have been. You can still be a committed Christian and be an elite professional sportsperson.

A retired semi-professional footballer is suing the Baptist church for £10m, claiming the 19 years he spent as a "fervent evangelist" ruined his chances of playing for Manchester United.

According to the London Evening Standard, 46-year-old Arquimedes Nganga, who currently lives in Forest Hill, London, but used to play for a third division side in his native Portugal, quit the sport at the age of 25, two years after he converted to the Baptist faith. He believes he could have earned £20,000 a week, despite never making more than £200 a month playing semi-professionally.

"I could definitely have had a long career in the Premiership," Nganga said. "I see many players playing today who I am not inferior to – and perhaps even better than. Most midfielders are either defensive or attacking but I was both. I had something new."

Nganga has filed papers at the high court, accusing the leaders of the Baptist Union of Great Britain of destroying his social life, causing him "psychological harm" and defrauding him of money through compulsory donations.

The church said it will vigorously contest the claim.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/mar/05/footballer-sues-church-manchester-united?fb_action_ids=3387128927016&fb_action_types=news.reads&fb_source=other_multiline

Should The Wellington Phoenix Tweeter Be Red Carded?

Should the Wellington Phoenix Tweeter have been red carded for his crudely funny, but borderline Tweets? These remind me of the hilarious 12th Man commentary by Billy Birmingham, but I guess it depends what sort of image the Phoenix are going for here. I say don't red card this guy, give him some credit. The one about Tony Lochead filling his pants is brilliant. Maybe he should set up his own unaligned Twitter account and post updates. He would definitely get plenty of followers.

In summary, this Tweeter is funny, but if he wasn't aligned to the actual football club. He obviously has some talent, so should look at posting updates from his own Twitter account and get followers.

The person engaged to do live match updates on the Wellington Phoenix's Twitter account has been red-carded by club officials after some distasteful tweeting during Sunday's A-League victory over Gold Coast United.

Some tweets, best described as edgy, pushed the boundaries for a club's official account, but others stepped over the mark with sexual references that several followers regarded as highly inappropriate.

One post in particular, involving a save by goalkeeper Mark Paston, had a strong sexual theme while others were in bad taste.

"Pav was sent through by Ifill - he had a couple of bites of the cherry like he was at a prom. It fell to Ward who eventually scored."

"Lia is filling his boots at LB [left back]. Meanwhile, Lochead is filling his pants at home."

Tony Lochhead missed the game through illness.

Among those offended were former Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata, who tweeted: "Phoenix Twitter person makes the club look very amateur. Bad, bad look... no need for that type of humour."

The Phoenix agreed, with the club's head of marketing, David Dome, revealing yesterday that they had severed ties with the tweeter.

"For those home games, I guess you could say we outsource it to some of the local football people, but despite firm instructions about what is and is not acceptable, they over-stepped the mark at the weekend and won't be used again," he said yesterday.
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"We gave clear directions on the Phoenix voice, which were not followed, so they will be relieved of their duties. We were pretty disappointed. The excuse they gave was that they got carried away on the day."

Dome declined to name the person, saying it would be unfair to them, but the club had engaged "some people with a social media background" to do the live updates because Phoenix staffers were busy on matchdays.

There had been no formal complaints, just the feedback on Twitter, which was divided.

"We don't want to be a boring voice, but we've got to be respectful," Dome said.

"Edgy is fine but that went over the line. It's a learning process for us."

http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/phoenix-tweeter-sacked-over-amateur-posts-4760565

West Indies Cricketer Runako Morton Dies In Car Accident

West Indies cricketer Runako Morton has died in a car accident aged 33. He was a bit controversial in his time after getting into some trouble for possession of drugs during his playing career. Morton was my age.

Former West Indian batsman Runako Morton has died in a car accident while driving in Trinidad.

The 33-year-old former test and limited overs star crashed into a utility pole after playing in a club match.

Morton was a controversial character during his time with the West Indies and his career spanned eight years, but he played just 15 tests and 56 ODIs during that time.

In 2002 he was banned from playing for a year after being found guilty of misbehaviour during an 'A' team tour and lying about the death of his grandmother to get released from the ICC Trophy squad.

And last year the right-handed batsman was expelled from West Indies' Elite Athletes Assistance Programme after he was arrested for possession of marijuana.
Morton averaged 33.75 in his ODI career, including an impressive 110no against the Black Caps in Napier.

http://nz.sports.yahoo.com/cricket/news/article/-/13092786/west-indies-cricket-star-dies-in-crash/

Watch The David Bain Interview Video Here!

http://ondemand.tv3.co.nz/60-Minutes-The-David-Bain-Interview/tabid/59/articleID/5577/MCat/22/Default.aspx
Watch the David Bain interview on TV3's 60 Minutes. Has it changed what you think about David Bain being innocent or guilty? I still think he did it, but am intrigued on life in prison and how he coped, along with what life is like for him now. I think even if he was guilty, he has served plenty of time and has to cope without a family for the rest of his life. I also think that the Dunedin Police force at the time just weren't used to something of the magnitude of this. David Bain could have done it and psychologically may well have blanked it out of his mind.

Anyway, he seems to be living a quiet life these days, being an engineer and riding horses.

He emphasises what a gentle guy David Bain seems to be. I wonder if we see him on the next series of Dancing With The Stars?

Have You Seen This Naked Man? Contact Sergeant Bigwood

Have you seen this man? A naked man is being sought by Paraparaumu Police Sergeant Noel Bigwood for getting a bit excited while walking down Peka Peka Beach. Here are five interesting points to make out of this case.

1) This guy at least wears sensible shoes (Asics) walk shoes and socks for his beach walk.
2) Is it a coincidence that the Police man is called Sergeant Bigwood?
3) How do you explain taking a photo of an excited naked man at the beach. I am doing this for evidence darling. You would want to delete it rather quick.
4) How unfortunate for this guy and people who know him as the guy that gets excited. I guess the photo will help raise public awareness which is I guess an attempt to deter him. Has he broken any laws though? It would be a bit embarrassing if it was your dad or something.
5) Finally, guys can't always control when they get excited. Maybe he is on Viagara.

Anyway, if you know this guy, then get hold of Sergeant Bigwood!

Otaki police are trying to identify and track down a man photographed nude and in state of arousal on a Kapiti beach.

Sergeant Noel Bigwood said he was sent the photo a couple of days ago of a man with an erection on the beach between Te Hapua Rd beach access and Te Horo.

The photo was taken by local resident Brian Whitaker at 3.15pm on December 27, who was on the beach with his family.

Mr Whitaker rang the police but by the time Mr Bigwood got there the man had disappeared.

If police could track the man down they would consider laying charges, Mr Bigwood said.

"I was on the scene fairly quickly. I went straight to the hot zone, near the Te Hapua Rd entrance. Beachgoers said they had seen nude people, but not one in the state of arousal. A father with his family said he had told a nude guy he found it offensive and the man got a towel.

"If we can find the man it could be prosecutable, given there were young families around. If I was down there with my grandchildren and a guy came past standing proud, I would be upset.

"Expectations of behaviour at a Sunday school picnic are somewhat different to a public bar on a Friday night," Mr Bigwood said.

A group of local residents have been upset recently about nudity and nude men parading on the beach near Te Hapua Rd access.

Mr Bigwood is urging locals to contact the police immediately instead of sending letters of complaint to Kapiti Coast District Council, but which time anyone causing offence has gone.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/6526353/Peka-Peka-nudist-sought-by-police