Iraq and Afghanistan: Why?

Ayaan Hirsi Ali 21 April 2010 on Religion, Violence & South Park.

I fully support being in A (and for the US and/or us in I) if the cost, fighting and dying is aimed openly at human rights and helping people like Ali.
If not we should get the f@#$ out.

Winter Sport Begins

The 9 yo played 2 games last weekend. This year coach decided to jump a year and play them in the 11th grade with the 11 year olds.
Saturdays game was against the nemisis Ham North - their top team. My 13yo said 3 nil, I said "more likely 5 or 6 unfortunately".
Opened the can on them.
5 nil to us.
Special considering the 2nd half was ref'd by one of their Dads who went to Noumea for the U12 Oceania tournament with us. His now 13 yo - a special kid with a karate black belt + won the Waikato 1500m - has just scored a contract with West Brom. Giving stick from the sidelines was most enjoyable, having listened to him so often.
Sunday against Papamoa, 10th grade this time, about 8 nil.

Beats watching the Duck.

ANZAC Dawn Parade in Hamilton

I was one of the participants at

Hamilton's Anzac dawn service where more than 8000 people gathered under thick fog to remember those fallen

Observations:

Anthems
Advance Australia Fair was sung before ours. I thought it was a nice touch to acknowledge the A of the day and was impressed but not surprised by the volume. An uneasy feeling came upon me as the familiar notes of our dirge began.
Question: What proportion of the NZ'ers among the 8,000 know the maori version?
None around me. You'd have thought here were 10 times more Aussies than Kiwis there.
Sad but again predictable.
Can we change the song and get everyone singing before we change the flag?

The Fog and the Fly Past



When the RSA chaplain said there'd be a fly past by a C130 of the RNZAF. I looked at those crossed beams and the Waikato fog soup and thought:

"If they need 800m vis, I hope they don't come too low".

Minutes later the Herc droned overhead

"That sounds reasonably high up, their altimeter better be accurate"

Then a couple of minutes later the beast thundered over us so low I nearly ducked. Good effort guys.

Belated Anzac Day Tribute

I wonder how many Kiwi's know who William Malone was.

Wikipedia as of today has 4 lines about his actions at Gallipoli - this the guy who led his Wellington infantry to the top of Chunuk Bair on 8 August 1915 "the only success for the Allies of the campaign" (apart from the final bloodless withdrawal) after repeatedly refusing orders to commit his men to a daylight attack the day before.

Some success. He and almost all of his men were dead 2 mornings later.

Jesse Wallingford likewise is a Gallipoli hero - who served with the Auckland Regiment but as at 20 April had not a mention about his contribution on Wikipedia.
Easily fixed. Off to Waiouru to read his diary this week. (oops, Delores is on leave til June)

Peter Jackson. From 6.43mins speaking about his interest in Gallipoli.
"That story has yet to be told on film. I'd like to do that."

On Call Easter

I drew the short straw and will be working over the long weekend. Still ought to be able to get over to the Mt to see the Highlanders v Chiefs at Baypark and catch up with a fellow sauv blanc lover to discuss mining and possibly enjoy a snapper or 2.

March 2010 Fishing at Waihi Beach

You can't buy perfect mornings like this.
Mayor Island in the backgound.

More beautiful music

Saw Old Crow Medicine Show at the Tron last month. Can't convince the rest of the family but if you like banjo music they are good.

I Hear Them All and Wagon Wheel are their signatures.

Never heard Gillian Welch before but this cover is sublime.