Just an hour to go until 2006. What has San Nakji got planned you ask? Well, he is off to bed! Yup, the last hour of 2005 can go to hell! See you all in a fresh new exciting 2006!
Happy New Year!
San Nakji for President!
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Happy New Year!
Just an hour to go until 2006. What has San Nakji got planned you ask? Well, he is off to bed! Yup, the last hour of 2005 can go to hell! See you all in a fresh new exciting 2006!
Happy New Year!
San Nakji for President!
Year in Review 2006
I haven't done one of these things before, so please bear with me. I have been thinking about this all week and what I should include, what I should leave out. I think the best style is list form, so here we go.... (Top Fives here)
The Year that Past, 2005, the year of the Rooster
Events that Should not be Forgotten (World)
1 - Boxing Day Tsunami
I thought a lot about whether to include this as technically it occurred in 2004. However the effects of this terrible disaster are still being felt and on a personal note I was run off my feet coping with all the problems that followed
2 - Kashmir Earthquake
A forgotten disaster. People still talk about the Tsunami, but this terrible earthquake, which killed so many and continues to kill many more, seems to have fallen off the radar. I can only hope that people reading this blog have not forgotten and please give a little more to your local charity working over there
3 - Continuing Violence in Iraq
Policies by a certain warmonger have not made the world a safer place. Innocent people continue to die in Iraq and I am not sure what this warmonger and his friends see that I don't, but I cannot see this ending. I am particularly disappointed in Tony Blair's performance. He has made sure that Britons now have no sure difference between their two major parties.
4 - Katrina
I debated whether to include this or not. Compared to what happens around the world almost daily, America got off lightly. A number of important lessons were learned here about our sole 'superpower' in the world. The first is that they are just as incompetent at dealing with disaster as everywhere else. I am not sure if that is comforting or not. The second is that there are still major issues in the US involving race and class. A related issue is American insistance that the Kyoto Protocol is bad for business. With this being the worst hurricane season on record, even a blind man can see something is happening. Mother Nature is doing her best to warn Mr Bush, is he listening?
5 - Human Rights Violations
This is still happening everywhere. Mugabe continues to rule with an iron fist destroying all opposition. The Australian government continues to imprison refugees. China continues to opress minority groups and holds the record for the highest amount of executions, yet again. Russia continues to kill Chechens. The US Government defends the use of torture and EU members support their stance. The Sudanese government continues to support militias who are killing black Sudanese in Darfur. It is funny how the more things change, the more they stay the same...
6 - Starvation in Niger
Food sits in the markets, but people still starve. There is something wrong here, we should all be ashamed.
Events that Should Not be Forgotten (Personal)
Actually, I can't complain too much about this year, but let's see what I have!
1 - The death of multiple actors
A lot of actors I was quite keen on died this year. As Kira's Slave kept pointing out, it was a not a good year for me on this front. It was probably worse for the families, but somehow I doubt it! Off the top of my head there was Don Adams (Maxwell Smart), Bob Denver (Gilligan), Ronnie Barker (British Comedian), Pat Morita (Mr Miyagi), Richard Pryor (American Comedian) and there were many more. Watch out Ricky Gervais!
2 - The rise of the right
There has been a swing to the right in Aotearoa and while the left still held on to power this election, there are more of those human rights trampling bastards in our parliament
3 - No trips
I am struggling for things here. I didn't have any holidays this year and didn't go anywhere. That's a bit sad really...
Highlights of the Year (World)
1 - The London Bombing Aftermath
No, I was not happy with the bombings. Anything that targets civilian populations is right down on my list of pleasant activities. What did make my highlights of the year was the way Londoners came together and stayed strong. They didn't overreact and took things in their stride. I think the UK can be proud.
2 - The Space Shuttle
On a year with a dearth of stunningly happy news stories, I was happy to see the space shuttle back. To me, space exploration is something that can unite the world. I can't wait for the manned mission to Mars.
3 - Live Eight
I have yet to decide whether this really was a highlight. It happened, people thought about poor countries, but did it really change anything? Only time will tell. There was some good music though
4 - The Fight Against ID
It pleased me to see science fighting against ID. The defeat of ID advocates in court shows that there is still sanity within the US justice system. The question is, what will creationists try next?
5 - New Zealand beats Australia
Well, not quite world news. But hell after 50 years of trying our New Zealand rugby league team finally beat Australia in a series. It was a wonderful year in sport for us, but it was topped by the 24-0 thrashing of Australia, yay!
Highlights of the Year (Personal)
1 - Meeting a New Friend
In October I met TJ, a new friend. He has really changed my life and I am sure we will be great friends for many years to come.
2 - Blogging
I am really enjoying this blogging lark. I have met many great people and have learned a great many things. I always appreciate the comments I receive
3 - Pay Raise
For the first time in over two years I got a pay raise. It wasn't a lot, but hell, it was something!
4 - iPod & Mac Mini
I am back in the world of Apple, and I am loving it. I didn't really get this digital music thing until I got my iPod way back in January. I now couldn't live without it. Podcasting is amazing and one day I will be able to afford one of those video iPods! I have to say though, Apple acts as though NZ doesn't exist. We have no iTunes store and cannot access half the stuff you luck overseas people can. I love my Mac Mini too, it has certainly meant more space on my desk!
5 - New Kitchen
Mrs San Nakji is right (don't tell her whatever you do!). Our new kitchen is pretty good...
6 - The Space Shuttle
I actually saw the space shuttle fly through the New Zealand night sky. That was cool!
Wishes for 2006 (World)
1 - Peace in the Middle East (hell, let's make it the world!)
Well, one can dream I guess...
2 - Equality in World Trade
If we are serious about this, then it needs to be a level playing field.
3 - Sorting Global Warming
It would be nice if the world actually did something about this
4 - Food for All
I am sick of all this starvation rubbish. There is plenty of food to go around, let's sort it out!
5 - Medical Advancement
I would like to see AIDS, Cancer and pretty much every other disease that plagues mankind sorted next year... On a personal note, if cancer could be sorted within the next month, it would make a family very close to me, very happy.
Wishes for 2006 (Personal)
1 - Health and Happiness for all my Friends and Family (blogging friends included of course!)
Got to start off with a selfless wish right?
2 - Money for Travel
We are planning two trips this year. One to Rarotonga (Pacific Island) and one to Korea (Asian country). Hoping for a lottery win to make sure these two trips happen!
3 - New Job for Mrs San Nakji
She is not too challenged in her current position. Hoping for good things for her in 2006
4 - New iPod
Dreams are free, iPods aren't!
5 - More Winning for our Pub Quiz team
We did well this year, want even better next!
------------------
I want to wish each and every one of my readers a very happy 2006. As I have said, I appreciate you taking the time to read my thoughts, convoluted though they are. I appreciate your thoughtful comments and well, just appreciate everything! I hope your wishes for 2006 come true and let us all hope for peace around the world!
San Nakji for President!
The Year that Past, 2005, the year of the Rooster
Events that Should not be Forgotten (World)
1 - Boxing Day Tsunami
I thought a lot about whether to include this as technically it occurred in 2004. However the effects of this terrible disaster are still being felt and on a personal note I was run off my feet coping with all the problems that followed
2 - Kashmir Earthquake
A forgotten disaster. People still talk about the Tsunami, but this terrible earthquake, which killed so many and continues to kill many more, seems to have fallen off the radar. I can only hope that people reading this blog have not forgotten and please give a little more to your local charity working over there
3 - Continuing Violence in Iraq
Policies by a certain warmonger have not made the world a safer place. Innocent people continue to die in Iraq and I am not sure what this warmonger and his friends see that I don't, but I cannot see this ending. I am particularly disappointed in Tony Blair's performance. He has made sure that Britons now have no sure difference between their two major parties.
4 - Katrina
I debated whether to include this or not. Compared to what happens around the world almost daily, America got off lightly. A number of important lessons were learned here about our sole 'superpower' in the world. The first is that they are just as incompetent at dealing with disaster as everywhere else. I am not sure if that is comforting or not. The second is that there are still major issues in the US involving race and class. A related issue is American insistance that the Kyoto Protocol is bad for business. With this being the worst hurricane season on record, even a blind man can see something is happening. Mother Nature is doing her best to warn Mr Bush, is he listening?
5 - Human Rights Violations
This is still happening everywhere. Mugabe continues to rule with an iron fist destroying all opposition. The Australian government continues to imprison refugees. China continues to opress minority groups and holds the record for the highest amount of executions, yet again. Russia continues to kill Chechens. The US Government defends the use of torture and EU members support their stance. The Sudanese government continues to support militias who are killing black Sudanese in Darfur. It is funny how the more things change, the more they stay the same...
6 - Starvation in Niger
Food sits in the markets, but people still starve. There is something wrong here, we should all be ashamed.
Events that Should Not be Forgotten (Personal)
Actually, I can't complain too much about this year, but let's see what I have!
1 - The death of multiple actors
A lot of actors I was quite keen on died this year. As Kira's Slave kept pointing out, it was a not a good year for me on this front. It was probably worse for the families, but somehow I doubt it! Off the top of my head there was Don Adams (Maxwell Smart), Bob Denver (Gilligan), Ronnie Barker (British Comedian), Pat Morita (Mr Miyagi), Richard Pryor (American Comedian) and there were many more. Watch out Ricky Gervais!
2 - The rise of the right
There has been a swing to the right in Aotearoa and while the left still held on to power this election, there are more of those human rights trampling bastards in our parliament
3 - No trips
I am struggling for things here. I didn't have any holidays this year and didn't go anywhere. That's a bit sad really...
Highlights of the Year (World)
1 - The London Bombing Aftermath
No, I was not happy with the bombings. Anything that targets civilian populations is right down on my list of pleasant activities. What did make my highlights of the year was the way Londoners came together and stayed strong. They didn't overreact and took things in their stride. I think the UK can be proud.
2 - The Space Shuttle
On a year with a dearth of stunningly happy news stories, I was happy to see the space shuttle back. To me, space exploration is something that can unite the world. I can't wait for the manned mission to Mars.
3 - Live Eight
I have yet to decide whether this really was a highlight. It happened, people thought about poor countries, but did it really change anything? Only time will tell. There was some good music though
4 - The Fight Against ID
It pleased me to see science fighting against ID. The defeat of ID advocates in court shows that there is still sanity within the US justice system. The question is, what will creationists try next?
5 - New Zealand beats Australia
Well, not quite world news. But hell after 50 years of trying our New Zealand rugby league team finally beat Australia in a series. It was a wonderful year in sport for us, but it was topped by the 24-0 thrashing of Australia, yay!
Highlights of the Year (Personal)
1 - Meeting a New Friend
In October I met TJ, a new friend. He has really changed my life and I am sure we will be great friends for many years to come.
2 - Blogging
I am really enjoying this blogging lark. I have met many great people and have learned a great many things. I always appreciate the comments I receive
3 - Pay Raise
For the first time in over two years I got a pay raise. It wasn't a lot, but hell, it was something!
4 - iPod & Mac Mini
I am back in the world of Apple, and I am loving it. I didn't really get this digital music thing until I got my iPod way back in January. I now couldn't live without it. Podcasting is amazing and one day I will be able to afford one of those video iPods! I have to say though, Apple acts as though NZ doesn't exist. We have no iTunes store and cannot access half the stuff you luck overseas people can. I love my Mac Mini too, it has certainly meant more space on my desk!
5 - New Kitchen
Mrs San Nakji is right (don't tell her whatever you do!). Our new kitchen is pretty good...
6 - The Space Shuttle
I actually saw the space shuttle fly through the New Zealand night sky. That was cool!
Wishes for 2006 (World)
1 - Peace in the Middle East (hell, let's make it the world!)
Well, one can dream I guess...
2 - Equality in World Trade
If we are serious about this, then it needs to be a level playing field.
3 - Sorting Global Warming
It would be nice if the world actually did something about this
4 - Food for All
I am sick of all this starvation rubbish. There is plenty of food to go around, let's sort it out!
5 - Medical Advancement
I would like to see AIDS, Cancer and pretty much every other disease that plagues mankind sorted next year... On a personal note, if cancer could be sorted within the next month, it would make a family very close to me, very happy.
Wishes for 2006 (Personal)
1 - Health and Happiness for all my Friends and Family (blogging friends included of course!)
Got to start off with a selfless wish right?
2 - Money for Travel
We are planning two trips this year. One to Rarotonga (Pacific Island) and one to Korea (Asian country). Hoping for a lottery win to make sure these two trips happen!
3 - New Job for Mrs San Nakji
She is not too challenged in her current position. Hoping for good things for her in 2006
4 - New iPod
Dreams are free, iPods aren't!
5 - More Winning for our Pub Quiz team
We did well this year, want even better next!
------------------
I want to wish each and every one of my readers a very happy 2006. As I have said, I appreciate you taking the time to read my thoughts, convoluted though they are. I appreciate your thoughtful comments and well, just appreciate everything! I hope your wishes for 2006 come true and let us all hope for peace around the world!
San Nakji for President!
Friday, December 30, 2005
Weekly Animal Picture - Mynah
This damn bird is currently nesting in a tree in my neighbours front garden. She and her mate are taking turns dive bombing my cats as they cross our front garden. India, please take all the mynah birds back, we don't need them anymore!
San Nakji for President!
Tall Tower
The tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere is right next to my office. Tomorrow night this will be where to watch all the fireworks!
San Nakji for President!
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Scenic Shot
Sorry for all the photos. Drawing a blank at the moment. Too hot and too tired to write anything substantial. This is a photo of our beach house to the north of North Harbour where I live. It is great up there now as the weather is hot and the beach down below is wonderful this time of year! Well, weekly animal pic tomorrow... My year in review too! So much to tune in for... make sure you are there!
San Nakji for President!
Charity
So some friends of SN, hereby known as FOSN, are getting married. After such a long time it is good that they are finally getting hitched. I suppose they had to wait until she was legal, but there you go. he he he (private joke to no one in particular)
San Nakji, the most verbose of all, is going to be Best Man. This may relfect the fact that FOSN have no other friends, but I like to think that it is because 2 out of three times my speech has come off ok. The other time involved too much wine... But we don't like to talk about that.
Anyway, the point of this post, yes there is one, is that FOSN have asked not to be given presents, but instead for us to donate the money we would have spent on a charity. Not thinking of any charity which would be worthy enough, San Nakji went online and found the Good Gifts Catalogue where I can buy something for charity in the name of FOSN. It is a great idea and I am kind of leaning towards buying a few acres of rainforest for them. Check out the site, there are many great charities represented. Here is an article about it from the BBC.
San Nakji for President!
San Nakji, the most verbose of all, is going to be Best Man. This may relfect the fact that FOSN have no other friends, but I like to think that it is because 2 out of three times my speech has come off ok. The other time involved too much wine... But we don't like to talk about that.
Anyway, the point of this post, yes there is one, is that FOSN have asked not to be given presents, but instead for us to donate the money we would have spent on a charity. Not thinking of any charity which would be worthy enough, San Nakji went online and found the Good Gifts Catalogue where I can buy something for charity in the name of FOSN. It is a great idea and I am kind of leaning towards buying a few acres of rainforest for them. Check out the site, there are many great charities represented. Here is an article about it from the BBC.
San Nakji for President!
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Another Actor Gone
Since the year is not quite over, we may as well kill off some other entertainers San Nakji quite likes. This time it's Vincent Schiavelli, most well known for his role as the crazy subway ghost in, well, Ghost. He was a great character actor and always played a great creepy guy throughout his career. Dead at 57 from lung cancer. That sucks.San Nakji for President!
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Tropical Aotearoa
Thought this photo might make our beach look tropical. Unfortunately I don't think pine trees can look tropical...
San Nakji for President!
The Perfect Way
to spend the last day of my holidays...
with 2000 of my closest friends.
People from the northern hemisphere tell me that they can't even imagine a Christmas without cold weather. Well, I can tell you it is great! What better than to have your holidays coincide with the best weather? It was 26 degrees (celcius, I don't do that other thing!) and the sun was burning down on me, Mrs San Nakji and TOLS (those of little significance). More beach this weekend for New Year. Can't wait!
San Nakji for President!
with 2000 of my closest friends.
People from the northern hemisphere tell me that they can't even imagine a Christmas without cold weather. Well, I can tell you it is great! What better than to have your holidays coincide with the best weather? It was 26 degrees (celcius, I don't do that other thing!) and the sun was burning down on me, Mrs San Nakji and TOLS (those of little significance). More beach this weekend for New Year. Can't wait!
San Nakji for President!
Monday, December 26, 2005
Not the Donuts.... Nooooo!
Israel's portly prime minister has advised fellow Jews celebrating Hanukkah to go easy on festive potato pancakes and doughnuts.
Ariel Sharon is back at work after suffering a mild stroke a week ago and has been urged to lose weight by US President George W Bush among others.
"You have permission to eat... but I recommend you don't overdo it," he said at the start of a cabinet meeting.
Mr Sharon's exact weight appears to be a closely guarded state secret.
Cabinet ministers laughed on Sunday when he offered his tip for the eight-day festival, which commemorates an ancient Jewish victory over foreign conquerors.
The day before Mr Sharon was admitted to hospital, he was reportedly seen feasting on kebabs, steaks in sauce, lamb ribs, salads and various cakes.
A journalist with Israel's Maariv newspaper described it as "a typical Sharon menu".
The prime minister's armoured convoy also reportedly made regular stops for fast food in the past.
Mr Sharon, 77, apparently likes to joke that his security services have not found an armoured vest large enough for his girth.
(From the Beeb)
San Nakji for President!
Ariel Sharon is back at work after suffering a mild stroke a week ago and has been urged to lose weight by US President George W Bush among others.
"You have permission to eat... but I recommend you don't overdo it," he said at the start of a cabinet meeting.
Mr Sharon's exact weight appears to be a closely guarded state secret.
Cabinet ministers laughed on Sunday when he offered his tip for the eight-day festival, which commemorates an ancient Jewish victory over foreign conquerors.
The day before Mr Sharon was admitted to hospital, he was reportedly seen feasting on kebabs, steaks in sauce, lamb ribs, salads and various cakes.
A journalist with Israel's Maariv newspaper described it as "a typical Sharon menu".
The prime minister's armoured convoy also reportedly made regular stops for fast food in the past.
Mr Sharon, 77, apparently likes to joke that his security services have not found an armoured vest large enough for his girth.
(From the Beeb)
San Nakji for President!
One Year On
One year ago today, Boxing Day, over 200 000 people we killed by the Indian Ocean Tsunami. In my job I had a lot to do with the events following this disaster and it is something that I wouldn't like to deal with again. I suppose it goes to show you can't beat Mother Nature. Let's all be thinking of all the countries affected by this awful tragedy today. For many the misery still goes on.
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Happy Birthday Winnie!
Happy 80th birthday Winnie the Pooh. I always loved the books when I was a kid (seems only yesterday...) Can't stand the cartoons and particularly the guy they got to do Winnie's voice. What's up with him?San Nakji for President!
Christmas, what else?
So as Aotearoa's Christmas comes to an end, Europe and America wake up to theirs. I get jealous about this time as I think of all those wonderful presents being unwrapped. I have no more to unwrap until next year dammit!
Christmas this year was a nice successful haul. Lots of yummy presents and lots of food. It is times like this that I think of the poor people around the world and am glad knowing that I am not one of them... As socialist as I am in my outlook, I don't shy away from the odd present or 100. I am conflicted with my need to acquire as many worldly goods as possible and my want for social justice. This is a cruel world I tell ya!
So in this time of receiving. (let's face it we all want receive!) my hope is that everyone can receive, just not as much as me.
Merry Christmas to the rest of the world, next stop New Year...
San Nakji for President!
Christmas this year was a nice successful haul. Lots of yummy presents and lots of food. It is times like this that I think of the poor people around the world and am glad knowing that I am not one of them... As socialist as I am in my outlook, I don't shy away from the odd present or 100. I am conflicted with my need to acquire as many worldly goods as possible and my want for social justice. This is a cruel world I tell ya!
So in this time of receiving. (let's face it we all want receive!) my hope is that everyone can receive, just not as much as me.
Merry Christmas to the rest of the world, next stop New Year...
San Nakji for President!
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Big Assed Baby
An Auckland Tongan couple are celebrating Christmas this year with a little more than they were bargaining for - their newest addition to the family is believed to be the biggest baby ever born in New Zealand.
Compared to other ethnic groups, Tongan babies are the heaviest on average, but Angelani, born last week, has taken this to a whole new level. The newborn weighed in at 6.63 kilograms (14.1 pounds), more than three kilos heavier than the average newborn weight of 3.5 kilograms.
While Angelani's parents George and Kalo Manu were not expecting such a large arrival, they are are relieved she has been given a clean bill of health as some overweight babies are known to have medical problems.
The Malo's say Angelani is the best Christmas gift but say their newest and eighth child will be the last addition to their family.
Yikes, the poor mother!
San Nakji for President!
Compared to other ethnic groups, Tongan babies are the heaviest on average, but Angelani, born last week, has taken this to a whole new level. The newborn weighed in at 6.63 kilograms (14.1 pounds), more than three kilos heavier than the average newborn weight of 3.5 kilograms.
While Angelani's parents George and Kalo Manu were not expecting such a large arrival, they are are relieved she has been given a clean bill of health as some overweight babies are known to have medical problems.
The Malo's say Angelani is the best Christmas gift but say their newest and eighth child will be the last addition to their family.
Yikes, the poor mother!
San Nakji for President!
Friday, December 23, 2005
Merry Christmas
So it's Friday here. I will get to go home in about three hours and then start the countdown to Christmas, yay! No matter what anyone tells you about the meaning of Christmas kids, just remember this. It is all about the presents! Second to the presents is the food. Got it? Oh my Christian friends may disagree I guess ;o)
So for you poor fools who are one day behind me, I will be thinking of you as I rip open all my lovely presents. I will probably forget you after that.... oh well, it's the thought that counts right?
Here's the best Christmas photo I can find. Maybe I will take something better tomorrow, Christmas Eve... who knows?
From Clay and all those at San Nakji's World, we wish you a Merry Christmas with Love... *gag*
San Nakji for President!
So for you poor fools who are one day behind me, I will be thinking of you as I rip open all my lovely presents. I will probably forget you after that.... oh well, it's the thought that counts right?
Here's the best Christmas photo I can find. Maybe I will take something better tomorrow, Christmas Eve... who knows?
From Clay and all those at San Nakji's World, we wish you a Merry Christmas with Love... *gag*
San Nakji for President!
Whales are Jerks
So says the great and all knowing Gasoline Hobo . I tend to agree when they write sideways and make crappy jokes like this...
San Nakji for President!
San Nakji for President!
Weekly Animal Picture - Kina
In New Zealand we call this a Kina, elsewhere it is known as a Sea Urchin. Maori, our indigenous people eat them, but they don't really grab me I must say. I think this may be one of the nicest pictures I have ever put up here...
San Nakji for President!
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Name the Cactus
One more thing in my office. My friend the cactus. He hasn't got a name, not even sure if he is a he... Any suggestions for names?
San Nakji for President!
Office = No Photo Ops
I've run out of things to photograph in this office. It's a little on the small side and quite dull when it comes down to it. Here is the collection I had being working on with the various drinks I have had this week. I build up the bottles and cans and then take them for recycling. What a good Nakji I am!
San Nakji for President!
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
What's Up With Them?
What's up with whales stranding themselves on beaches? Are the Japanese right? Is it really their destiny to be sashimi? This morning 123 pilot whales managed to strand themselves on a beach in the South Island of New Zealand. People have been working all day to get them back out to sea and they finally suceeded. However watching the news just now I see that 50 of the foolish beasts have gone and stranded themselves again. I have heard a number of theories about why they do it. One is that modern sonar / satellite communication is messing with their own sonar meaning they can become confused. Still, they have eyes don't they? There is some weird cult thing going on here. The cult of whale suicide. We need to organise an intervention... Are you with me?
San Nakji for President!
Get Well Soon Minty!
A good friend of San Nakji's World is not feeling too great. I hope you will all join with me in wishing Minty a speedy recovery. Get well soon Minty from all the Cats in Israel...
San Nakji for President!
V
In case you hadn't figured it out, I have splurged on a new camera for Christmas. As a result I have decided to inflict upon you photos that I take everyday. This photo was taken on the floor of my office, don't we have nice carpet? The drink is V, which is marketed by a New Zealand company called Frucor and apparently does quite well overseas, although I am not sure where. It is an enegy drink like Red Bull and comes in Green, Black and Red flavour... I like the red one.
Well, it doesn't get more exciting than that. I can't wait for Christmas!
San Nakji for President!
Cherries
These were sitting on my doorstep this morning. They are now sitting on my bench and many are lining my stomach... I LOVE cherry season!
San Nakji for President!
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Eating Dogs and Cats
Koreans are famous for their unusual taste in food. One of the strangest ones to 'westerners' is dog. I personally choose not to eat dog as I am uncomfortable about how some dogs are killed. However if the killing of a dog is as humane as the killing of chickens, cows, pigs or sheep is supposed to be, then where is the problem?
I bring this up as I have just seen an ad on TV for Animal Asia which was talking about the plight of bears in China (and Korea), which is something I feel very strongly about. Checking out their website, I saw they also have a campaign against the eating of dogs and cats. Apparently they are 'friends' not 'food'. I guess it's ok to campaign for the humane treatment of animals, which when you look at the way dogs are kept in China, I can well understand. My problem is why are dogs and cats different from all the other animals that we eat? There seems to be some kind of double standard where these animals are seen differently. I don't get it. In the country there are plenty of kids with pet lambs or pigs or whatever, but no one is protesting those animals being eaten...
My point? Either eat no animal, or shut up!
San Nakji for President!
I bring this up as I have just seen an ad on TV for Animal Asia which was talking about the plight of bears in China (and Korea), which is something I feel very strongly about. Checking out their website, I saw they also have a campaign against the eating of dogs and cats. Apparently they are 'friends' not 'food'. I guess it's ok to campaign for the humane treatment of animals, which when you look at the way dogs are kept in China, I can well understand. My problem is why are dogs and cats different from all the other animals that we eat? There seems to be some kind of double standard where these animals are seen differently. I don't get it. In the country there are plenty of kids with pet lambs or pigs or whatever, but no one is protesting those animals being eaten...
My point? Either eat no animal, or shut up!
San Nakji for President!
Christmas Lights
Watching American movies, where everything I see reflects real life, Americans seem to love to put up lights and models of Santa and Jesus and whatnot. It doesn't really happen here, San Nakji definitely won't be doing it as I can't be arsed and it looks like it will cost money... However, there is one house in our neighbourhood where they have gone all out. I was out with San Nakji's Pooch last night and I thought I would try to capture a photo for the blog. My new camera has a night function, but do you think I had figured that it has a special night function?
I was trying to be all covert while taking this photo as I felt kind of weird with my camera in the middle of the night... People kept passing by in cars and stopping to look at the house. The funny thing about this light thing here is that it doesn't get dark until 10pm here, so they have to wait a long time before they can turn those lights on!
San Nakji for President!
Monday, December 19, 2005
The Language of the Berbers
From the BBC
In a village school perched on a hill on the edge of Morocco's Atlas Mountains, Amazigh children are learning in their own language. Morocco has been dominated by Arabic culture since the seventh century when the Arabs swept across the Middle East and North Africa in the name of Islam. Now the original inhabitants of this country are reasserting their influence. The word Amazigh means free or noble, but the Arabs called the Amazigh people Berbers - or barbarians. Their language, however, is still called Berber. The six-year-olds at the school are part of a scheme to make Berber teaching compulsory in all schools in Morocco within the next 10 years - a major step forward in recognising Amazigh rights. Arabic is the official language in Morocco - with French also widely used - even though 60% of Morocco's population, some 18m people, is Amazigh. Berber is one of the oldest languages in the world - some historians place it at 5,000 years old. It was spoken across a huge swathe of North Africa before the Arabs came. "I like learning in Berber because it's easier - it's what I speak at home," he says. Traditional North African communities converted to Islam when the Arabs came and so were assimilated into Arab culture. Despite the dominance of Arabic, the original language has not died out. Berber dialects are still spoken from Morocco right across Algeria and Tunisia to Egypt and further south in countries around the Sahara desert. But in most areas, the language has essentially become an oral tradition. To resurrect the writing means bringing back an ancient script called Tifinagh, which originated around the same time as Egyptian hieroglyphics. "The language and writing of the Amazighs is a sister of ancient Egyptian," says Professor Mohamed Oujama, a Moroccan historian. "The Tifinagh script was lost because the Amazigh elite were wiped out three times with successive invasions of Morocco. Now the Amazighs want to write again using their own alphabet - not the Latin or Arabic alphabet." High in the Atlas Mountains, you can still see rocks with clearly engraved markings and crude pictures of animals and people, which were made before Morocco became part of the Arab world. These ancestors of today's Amazighs would have written with the ancient Tifinagh alphabet. In a village nearby, Sadia Bussta serves vegetable soup and dates to her family. Like most Amazighs in Morocco, her family all speak Berber but they can't write it because all their schooling was in Arabic. "Now that the ministry of education here in Morocco has integrated our language into public schools, we, as Amazighs will find our identity again. We are proud that our children can read and learn in our own language," says Sadia. Amazigh oral traditions - songs and poetry - have been vital for keeping their language alive. Now these people are once again learning to read and write in their own tongue.
San Nakji for President!
Mammoth News
No sooner have I written about the Mammoth than the BBC picks up the story...
Scientists have pieced together part of the genetic recipe of the extinct woolly mammoth.
The 5,000 DNA letters spell out the genetic code of its mitochondria, the structures in the cell that generate energy.
The research, published in the online edition of Nature, gives an insight into the elephant family tree.
It shows that the mammoth was most closely related to the Asian rather than the African elephant.
The three groups split from a common ancestor about six million years ago, with Asian elephants and mammoths diverging about half a million years later.
"We have finally resolved the phylogeny of the mammoth which has been controversial for the last 10 years," lead author Michael Hofreiter of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, told the BBC News website.
San Nakji for President!
Scientists have pieced together part of the genetic recipe of the extinct woolly mammoth.
The 5,000 DNA letters spell out the genetic code of its mitochondria, the structures in the cell that generate energy.
The research, published in the online edition of Nature, gives an insight into the elephant family tree.
It shows that the mammoth was most closely related to the Asian rather than the African elephant.
The three groups split from a common ancestor about six million years ago, with Asian elephants and mammoths diverging about half a million years later.
"We have finally resolved the phylogeny of the mammoth which has been controversial for the last 10 years," lead author Michael Hofreiter of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, told the BBC News website.
San Nakji for President!
Monday, Gloomy Monday
The rain is coming down today. It is much needed as it has just been so humid recently. Hopefully this will cool things down.
I was playing around with my camera at work today and took this photo which is the view from my office. You must admit that I am really blessed with the greatest view in our company. On the other side those poor saps must deal with sea views or views of the mountains. None of that rubbish for me. All I need is a good view of a concrete wall to keep me going!
San Nakji for President!
Friday, December 16, 2005
Weekly Animal Picture - Mammoth
You would be hard pressed to find a Woolly Mammoth wandering the streets of a major city, or even a minor one. Yup, this furry guy is extinct. I watched a thing on Discovery Channel a while back where they dug one out of the ice in Siberia. It actually didn't look nearly as cuddly as I had hoped. The other thing I heard is that they took DNA from this animal and with technology going the way it is, maybe one day we could clone one and see it for real. That would be great. Although with global warming, maybe we would have to shave it...
The weekend is here for me folks. Have a good one!
San Nakji for President!
Science and Religion
I was looking around for my animal of the day (more on that later) when I came across a website which proceeded to give proof about creationism. Now, I am sure you will have realised by now if you are any kind of reader of my blog, that I am not much for religion. I am quite keen on science and so this whole intelligent design thing has got me quite annoyed. Now, I am not against creationism per se. You can believe that if you want to. You can believe the world is flat, the sky is green, the moon landing was faked (that one I believe!) whatever you want. What I cannot accept is creationism or intelligent design being put forward as a science. Nope, will not accept this. The basic premise of science is that it must be open to scrutiny and constant testing. id therefore not be a science as when it comes down to it, God is the answer. Since we can neither prove nor disprove God, there can be no testing or scrutiny as it comes down to faith. Pure and simple. If you don't want to believe in Evolution, that's fine. Just tell your kids that it's not true. It is not a major part of the science cirricullum, so don't worry about it. The evidence put forward seems plausible when first thought about, but in the end there is only one answer and this is why it is most definitely not a science.
This stupid website, I won't link to it as it's not worth it, talks about rennaissance scientists as though they were the end of science. Not one 20th century or 21st century scientist is mentioned... Anyway, the website talks about the flood. Can someone tell me if Noah put all the New Zealand birds on his boat please? If not, why are they alive? If so, how did they get to NZ? Half of them can't even fly... Did he put our native insects on the boat too?
Sorry for the rant. This is definitely not an attack on religion, just on those who equate creationism with science.
San Nakji for President!
This stupid website, I won't link to it as it's not worth it, talks about rennaissance scientists as though they were the end of science. Not one 20th century or 21st century scientist is mentioned... Anyway, the website talks about the flood. Can someone tell me if Noah put all the New Zealand birds on his boat please? If not, why are they alive? If so, how did they get to NZ? Half of them can't even fly... Did he put our native insects on the boat too?
Sorry for the rant. This is definitely not an attack on religion, just on those who equate creationism with science.
San Nakji for President!
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Happy Birthday Minty!
He was keeping it a secret, but I cunningly found out that our friend Minty celebrated his 12th birthday last week. It could have been his 28th or perhaps his 53rd, I forget which. Anyway, happy birthday my friend!
ps. I only just figured out what Clorets is. I thought it was some kind of wine... Oh the isolation of this country!
San Nakji for President!
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
China Shoots Peasants
Funny, I thought Kushibo would have picked up on this story. Looks like the Chinese government is turning on its' own people again. The supporters of the revolution this time, the peasants...
(from the BBC)
A number of Chinese intellectuals have written an open letter condemning the shooting of protesters in the south.
Paramilitary police last week opened fire on villagers protesting over the seizure of land for a power plant in Dongzhou, Guangdong province.
The government has said three people were killed while villagers say that up to 20 were shot dead.
The bold letter draws parallels with the violent suppression of protesters in Tiananmen Square in 1989.
The signed letter, posted on the internet, calls on the government to release a list of the names of those who were killed.
It also demands the launch of a special investigation and for journalists to be allowed to report freely on the killings in Dongzhou, near Shanwei.
The statement describes China as a society in crisis, with the rich grabbing what they can from the poor, leading to ever more confrontations.
This open letter is a bold move, especially given that it condemns China's political system and says that without democracy such conflicts cannot be solved peacefully.
Discontent is on the rise with official statistics reporting 74,000 protests last year.
It is a sign that as people gain more understanding of their rights, that knowledge is bringing them into conflict with corrupt local officials and developers.
(from the BBC)
A number of Chinese intellectuals have written an open letter condemning the shooting of protesters in the south.
Paramilitary police last week opened fire on villagers protesting over the seizure of land for a power plant in Dongzhou, Guangdong province.
The government has said three people were killed while villagers say that up to 20 were shot dead.
The bold letter draws parallels with the violent suppression of protesters in Tiananmen Square in 1989.
The signed letter, posted on the internet, calls on the government to release a list of the names of those who were killed.
It also demands the launch of a special investigation and for journalists to be allowed to report freely on the killings in Dongzhou, near Shanwei.
The statement describes China as a society in crisis, with the rich grabbing what they can from the poor, leading to ever more confrontations.
This open letter is a bold move, especially given that it condemns China's political system and says that without democracy such conflicts cannot be solved peacefully.
Discontent is on the rise with official statistics reporting 74,000 protests last year.
It is a sign that as people gain more understanding of their rights, that knowledge is bringing them into conflict with corrupt local officials and developers.
Of course, no one will do anything about this as the money you can make from China is just too tempting.
San Nakji for President!
Graffiti
After my post about the Disco Sucks, F*ck Everything grafitti, I saw yesterday, I started thinking about graffiti. A lot of graffiti is just crap. Around our neighbourhood here there are numerous 'tags' where our local youth-with-too-much-time-on-their-hands have felt the need to mark their presence. That kind of grafitti I hate. The kind I like is the grafitti done by an artist. Either a painter-type artist or a wordsmith-type artist. Some of this graffiti is just amazing. I was lucky enough to be in Berlin as the wall was was being knocked down (the same trip I was deported from Czechoslovakia...). The grafitti on that wall was wonderful. Amazing painting and insightful comment. I even got myself a piece of the wall with the graffiti still on it. Cool huh?
The worst grafitti I ever saw was in Greece. I don't know what it is about the Greeks, but they just love to leave their mark. Maybe they are jealous of their ancestors who left all those wonderful buildings for future generations to enjoy? Who knows. When I visited Sparti in the south of the country, I found the museum to be covered in grafitti as was the park with its' classical statues. I was shocked, but it seemed to be the done thing over there.
An update on the Disco Sucks grafitti. I am sad to say it, but it has been partially erased. It now says 'ck Everything... how sad that such an artist with a way with words is being censored!
San Nakji for President!
The worst grafitti I ever saw was in Greece. I don't know what it is about the Greeks, but they just love to leave their mark. Maybe they are jealous of their ancestors who left all those wonderful buildings for future generations to enjoy? Who knows. When I visited Sparti in the south of the country, I found the museum to be covered in grafitti as was the park with its' classical statues. I was shocked, but it seemed to be the done thing over there.
An update on the Disco Sucks grafitti. I am sad to say it, but it has been partially erased. It now says 'ck Everything... how sad that such an artist with a way with words is being censored!
San Nakji for President!
Number Three Hundred
It is San Nakji's birthday today, well, kind of. 300 posts ago San Nakji's World was born. I am proud that I have managed to churn out the same old crap day after day, polluting the internet with rehashed opinion, mindless drivel and the odd picture or two. I hereby promise to continue in my attempt to bring down civilisation, one byte at a time.
Won't you join me?
One final thought from my friends the Korean people, "Even a fish wouldn't get into trouble if it kept its mouth shut"
San Nakji for President!
Update on the Big Burger
San Nakji has been investigating for all you hungry people who were loving the giant burger... Anyone out there living in Pennsylvania? Cos if you are, make your way to Denny's Beer Barrel Pub, fork out $23.95 (that's $33.86 in New Zealand money!)and you can munch on a 6 pound burger... The menu is quite impressive. My question is how many regular customers do you think Denny's has? I guess the average lifespan of someone who eats there on a regular basis would be 6 months top?
San Nakji for President!
San Nakji for President!
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
I Don't Get It
What's all this talk about an increase in obesity in the West?
I mean, we just eat normal food like everyone else...
San Nakji for President!
I mean, we just eat normal food like everyone else...
San Nakji for President!
Disco Sucks, F*ck Everything
Has anyone ever noticed those green box things that control traffic lights? Well, they are green here, I don't know about other places. Someone here in town (that's what we call our central city) noticed them and proceeded to paste really lame poetry on them. Freedom of expression and all that I guess. Beneath one of the poems was written "Disco Sucks, F*ck Everything". How profound is that? The weird thing is, the poem had nothing to do with disco and clearly did not involve everything.
San Nakji's Pooch, who has been kicked out of our house for excessive scratching, and I went for a walk last night. Walking through our local park, I saw an awesome sight. Three swallows (maybe they were... maybe they were just funny looking sparrows) were sitting on three reeds in the middle of a little pond. I reached for my super zoom camera, remembering that I actually didn't have one. So the Time picture of the year will have to wait.
I was thinking that it would be great to have a camera attached to your eye. Nicely tucked away in the skull, it would enable you to take a photo of anything you looked at. Like the Bionic Man you could also have a zoom function, or was that the Bionic Woman? My only worry about this would be that you would want to be sure that the camera was replaceable. There would be nothing worse than getting stuck with a 4 megapixel camera in your head when everyone else is on the 100 megapixel 3D cameras... Just a thought.
San Nakji for President!
San Nakji's Pooch, who has been kicked out of our house for excessive scratching, and I went for a walk last night. Walking through our local park, I saw an awesome sight. Three swallows (maybe they were... maybe they were just funny looking sparrows) were sitting on three reeds in the middle of a little pond. I reached for my super zoom camera, remembering that I actually didn't have one. So the Time picture of the year will have to wait.
I was thinking that it would be great to have a camera attached to your eye. Nicely tucked away in the skull, it would enable you to take a photo of anything you looked at. Like the Bionic Man you could also have a zoom function, or was that the Bionic Woman? My only worry about this would be that you would want to be sure that the camera was replaceable. There would be nothing worse than getting stuck with a 4 megapixel camera in your head when everyone else is on the 100 megapixel 3D cameras... Just a thought.
San Nakji for President!
The Stella Awards
It's time once again to review the winners of the annual "Stella Awards."
The Stella's are named after 81-year old Stella Liebeck... who spilled
coffee on herself and successfully sued McDonald's. That case inspired
the Stella awards for the most frivolous successful lawsuits in the United
States. Here are this year's winners.
5th Place (tie):
Kathleen Robertson of Austin, Texas, was awarded $780,000 by a jury of
her peers after breaking her ankle tripping over a toddler who was running
inside a furniture store. The owners of the store we! re understandably
surprised at the verdict, considering the misbehaving little toddler was
Ms Robertson's son.
5th Place (tie):
19-year-old Carl Truman of Los Angeles won $74,000 and medical expenses
when his neighbour ran over his hand with a Honda
Accord. Mr. Truman apparently didn't notice there was someone at the
wheel of the car when he was trying to steal his neighbour's
hubcaps.
5th Place (tie):
Terrence Dickson of Bristol, Pennsylvania, was leaving a house he had
just finished robbing by way of the garage. He was not able to get the
garage door to go up since the automatic door opener was malfunctioning. He
couldn't re-enter the house because the door connecting the house and
garage locked when he pulled it shut. The family was on vacation, and Mr.
Dickson found himself locked in the garage for eight days.
He subsisted on a case! of Pepsi he found, and a large bag of dry dog
food. He sued the homeowner's insurance claiming the situation caused him
undue mental anguish. The jury agreed to the tune of $500,000.
4th Place:
Jerry Williams of Little Rock, Arkansas, was awarded $14,500 and medical
expenses! after being bitten on the buttocks by his next door neighbour's
beagle. The beagle was on a chain in its owner's fenced yard. The award
was less than sought because the jury felt the dog might have been just a
little provoked at the time by Mr. Williams who had climbed over the fence
into the yard and was shooting it repeatedly with a pellet gun.
3rd Place:
A Philadelphia restaurant was ordered to pay Amber Carson of Lancaster,
Pennsylvania, $113,500 after she slipped on a soft drink and broke her
coccyx (tailbone). The beverage was on the floor because Ms. Carson had
thrown it at her boyfriend 30 seconds earlier during an argument.
2nd Place:
Kara Walton of Claymont, Delaware, successfully sued the owner of a night
club in a neighbouring city when she fell from the bathroom window to the
floor and knocked out her two front teeth. This occurred while Ms.Walton
was trying to sneak through the window in the ladies room to avoid paying the $3.50 cover charge.
She was awarded $12,000 and dental expenses.
1st Place:
This year's run away winner was Mrs Merv Grazinski of Oklahoma City,
Oklahoma. Mrs. Grazinski purchased a brand new 32-foot Winnebago
motorhome.On her first trip home, (from an OU football game), having driven
onto the freeway, she set the cruise control at 70 mph and calmly left the
drivers seat to go into the back make herself a sandwich. Not surprisingly, the
RV left the freeway, crashed and overturned. Mrs.Grazinski sued Winnebago
for not advising her in the owner's manual that she couldn't actually do
this. The jury awarded her $1,750,000 plus a new motor home. The company
actually changed their manuals on the basis of this suit, just in case
there were any other complete morons around.
San Nakji for President!
The Stella's are named after 81-year old Stella Liebeck... who spilled
coffee on herself and successfully sued McDonald's. That case inspired
the Stella awards for the most frivolous successful lawsuits in the United
States. Here are this year's winners.
5th Place (tie):
Kathleen Robertson of Austin, Texas, was awarded $780,000 by a jury of
her peers after breaking her ankle tripping over a toddler who was running
inside a furniture store. The owners of the store we! re understandably
surprised at the verdict, considering the misbehaving little toddler was
Ms Robertson's son.
5th Place (tie):
19-year-old Carl Truman of Los Angeles won $74,000 and medical expenses
when his neighbour ran over his hand with a Honda
Accord. Mr. Truman apparently didn't notice there was someone at the
wheel of the car when he was trying to steal his neighbour's
hubcaps.
5th Place (tie):
Terrence Dickson of Bristol, Pennsylvania, was leaving a house he had
just finished robbing by way of the garage. He was not able to get the
garage door to go up since the automatic door opener was malfunctioning. He
couldn't re-enter the house because the door connecting the house and
garage locked when he pulled it shut. The family was on vacation, and Mr.
Dickson found himself locked in the garage for eight days.
He subsisted on a case! of Pepsi he found, and a large bag of dry dog
food. He sued the homeowner's insurance claiming the situation caused him
undue mental anguish. The jury agreed to the tune of $500,000.
4th Place:
Jerry Williams of Little Rock, Arkansas, was awarded $14,500 and medical
expenses! after being bitten on the buttocks by his next door neighbour's
beagle. The beagle was on a chain in its owner's fenced yard. The award
was less than sought because the jury felt the dog might have been just a
little provoked at the time by Mr. Williams who had climbed over the fence
into the yard and was shooting it repeatedly with a pellet gun.
3rd Place:
A Philadelphia restaurant was ordered to pay Amber Carson of Lancaster,
Pennsylvania, $113,500 after she slipped on a soft drink and broke her
coccyx (tailbone). The beverage was on the floor because Ms. Carson had
thrown it at her boyfriend 30 seconds earlier during an argument.
2nd Place:
Kara Walton of Claymont, Delaware, successfully sued the owner of a night
club in a neighbouring city when she fell from the bathroom window to the
floor and knocked out her two front teeth. This occurred while Ms.Walton
was trying to sneak through the window in the ladies room to avoid paying the $3.50 cover charge.
She was awarded $12,000 and dental expenses.
1st Place:
This year's run away winner was Mrs Merv Grazinski of Oklahoma City,
Oklahoma. Mrs. Grazinski purchased a brand new 32-foot Winnebago
motorhome.On her first trip home, (from an OU football game), having driven
onto the freeway, she set the cruise control at 70 mph and calmly left the
drivers seat to go into the back make herself a sandwich. Not surprisingly, the
RV left the freeway, crashed and overturned. Mrs.Grazinski sued Winnebago
for not advising her in the owner's manual that she couldn't actually do
this. The jury awarded her $1,750,000 plus a new motor home. The company
actually changed their manuals on the basis of this suit, just in case
there were any other complete morons around.
San Nakji for President!
THE Carol of all Carols
Everyone loves a good round don't they?
Good King Wenceslas looked out on the Feast of Stephen,
When the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even.
Brightly shone the moon that night, though the frost was cruel,
When a poor man came in sight, gathering winter fuel.
“Hither, page, and stand by me, if you know it, telling,
Yonder peasant, who is he? Where and what his dwelling?”
“Sire, he lives a good league hence, underneath the mountain,
Right against the forest fence, by Saint Agnes’ fountain.”
“Bring me food and bring me wine, bring me pine logs hither,
You and I will see him dine, when we bear them thither.”
Page and monarch, forth they went, forth they went together,
Through the cold wind’s wild lament and the bitter weather.
“Sire, the night is darker now, and the wind blows stronger,
Fails my heart, I know not how; I can go no longer.”
“Mark my footsteps, my good page, tread now in them boldly,
You shall find the winter’s rage freeze your blood less coldly.”
In his master’s steps he trod, where the snow lay dinted;
Heat was in the very sod which the saint had printed.
Therefore, Christian men, be sure, wealth or rank possessing,
You who now will bless the poor shall yourselves find blessing.
San Nakji for President!
Monday, December 12, 2005
A While Between Drinks
I, San Nakji, couldn't help myself. I had just become too sick of PCs and all the problems they have been giving me recently. The new addition to our family is a shiny new Mac Mini. Yup, I have stepped back into the world of Apple. I have been to the world of Apple before. As a kid I went to computer camps and learned BASIC on an Apple IIe. 
It really was the only game in town. And the great games... wow, I still dream about them. Our family was hooked. It took a while for us to get our own computer, but when we got our first Mac, it was the Mac Classic...
It was great. I still have it sitting in my office along side my virus ridden PC and our new baby, the Mac Mini. Now I know some of you will say that it just isn't that powerful, blah blah blah. But when it comes down to it, I use my computers for three things. First and most important, surfing the World Wide Web. Second, storing music and third, storing photos. My new child does all these things and takes up very little space in the process. What could be better?
It suits me anyway, which has to be the main thing!
Why am I wanking on about this? Well, I don't have anything else to write at the moment and that has to be a big thing. Also, I have noticed that blogging via Safari, the Internet Explorer of the Mac World (nope I hadn't heard of it either!), all my font options and other fun things are not available. This means my posts look different from ones done from PCs. I must learn HTML one day I guess.
One thing that scares me about Mac is the zealots who worship it so. I definitely do not want to be one of them... Help!
San Nakji for President!
It really was the only game in town. And the great games... wow, I still dream about them. Our family was hooked. It took a while for us to get our own computer, but when we got our first Mac, it was the Mac Classic...
It was great. I still have it sitting in my office along side my virus ridden PC and our new baby, the Mac Mini. Now I know some of you will say that it just isn't that powerful, blah blah blah. But when it comes down to it, I use my computers for three things. First and most important, surfing the World Wide Web. Second, storing music and third, storing photos. My new child does all these things and takes up very little space in the process. What could be better?
It suits me anyway, which has to be the main thing!
Why am I wanking on about this? Well, I don't have anything else to write at the moment and that has to be a big thing. Also, I have noticed that blogging via Safari, the Internet Explorer of the Mac World (nope I hadn't heard of it either!), all my font options and other fun things are not available. This means my posts look different from ones done from PCs. I must learn HTML one day I guess.
One thing that scares me about Mac is the zealots who worship it so. I definitely do not want to be one of them... Help!
San Nakji for President!
Sparrow Dies, Record Set
A sparrow which was shot dead for knocking over 23,000 dominoes in the Netherlands is to go on display at Rotterdam's Natural History Museum.
The bird almost spoiled a televised world record attempt before it was killed with an air rifle.
The shooting caused a public outcry. Animal rights groups condemned the bird's killing last month and a website was erected in its honour.
On Friday, the bird's killer was fined for shooting a protected species.
Prosecutors said the exterminator who killed it should have known better and fined him 170 euros ($200).
The organisers argued the killing was justified, as more than 100 people had worked for a month setting up the dominoes, but they held a TV memorial for the bird.
They went on to topple about four million dominoes, claiming a new record - which still has to be verified by Guinness World Records.
The bird was kept in a government freezer after its killing became a criminal matter.
It will be placed on top of a box of dominoes in an exhibition on sparrows next year.
Official Condolence Website (In Dutch)
San Nakji for President!Sunday, December 11, 2005
You Have to Have an Invite!
HAVANA - American activists reached the halfway point in a long trek toward the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay to protest treatment of terror suspects, but it appeared unlikely the communist government would let them enter a Cuban military zone to reach the U.S. outpost.
The 25 marchers, who set out Wednesday, hope to arrive at — or at least near to — the naval base by Saturday, which is International Human Rights Day. The march was organized by the Catholic Worker movement, an anti-war and social justice alliance.
If denied entry to the base, they have said they will fast and pray for the abolition of torture by all nations.
Cuban officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the press, said it was unlikely that the island‘s Revolutionary Armed Forces would allow marchers to traverse the miles-wide military zone that has surrounded the American base since shortly after the 1959 triumph of the Cuban revolution.
Permission to enter the area is rarely granted to civilians — especially foreigners — and even then only after months of deliberations.
San Nakji for President!
The 25 marchers, who set out Wednesday, hope to arrive at — or at least near to — the naval base by Saturday, which is International Human Rights Day. The march was organized by the Catholic Worker movement, an anti-war and social justice alliance.
If denied entry to the base, they have said they will fast and pray for the abolition of torture by all nations.
Cuban officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the press, said it was unlikely that the island‘s Revolutionary Armed Forces would allow marchers to traverse the miles-wide military zone that has surrounded the American base since shortly after the 1959 triumph of the Cuban revolution.
Permission to enter the area is rarely granted to civilians — especially foreigners — and even then only after months of deliberations.
San Nakji for President!
*Sigh*
As the song goes, "Another One Bites the Dust". Richard Pryor dead at 65. I am sure I have said this before, but this is a bad year for the comedians I love. I loved Richard most when he teamed up with Gene Wilder, they were quite a team. I was also a big fan of the movie, The Toy. Of course his stand-up was always great if you could handle the "colourful" language!
I will miss you Richard...
San Nakji for President!
Friday, December 09, 2005
It Was 25 Years Ago Today
Well, yesterday really as it happened over there in Yankland. John Lennon was shot on December 8 1980 outside his home in New York. I was just watching NBC News and there was a poignant moment as they showed the breaking news story as it happened. I can think of many other people I would prefer to have taken that bullet...
San Nakji for President!
Weekly Animal Pic - Rhesus Monkey
Not the most exciting animal this week. However one interesting thing I found out today about the Rhesus Monkey is that, Albert, the Rhesus Monkey, was the first animal in space (not counting the fruit flies...). Unfortuantely for Albert, he suffocated in flight... Still he struck a blow for his species, I guess...
San Nakji for President!
Australia Tremble!
The Australian government is pushing ahead with harsh new employment laws. San Nakji, always on the ball, has managed to get a copy of thie legislation (covertly of course) and I can reveal it to the world...
Sick Days
We will no longer accept a doctor's statement as proof of sickness. If you are able to go to the doctor, you are able to come to work.
Personal Days
Each employee will receive 104 personal days a year. They are called Saturday & Sunday.
Bereavement Leave
This is no excuse for missing work. There is nothing you can do for dead friends, relatives or co-workers. Every effort should be made to have non-employees attend to the arrangements. In rare cases where employee involvement is necessary, the funeral should be scheduled in the late afternoon. We will be glad to allow you to work through your lunch hour and subsequently leave one hour early.
Toilet Use
Entirely too much time is being spent in the toilet. There is now strict three-minute time limit in the stalls. At the end of three minutes, an alarm will sound, the toilet paper roll will retract, the stall door will open, and a picture will be taken. After your second offence, your picture will be posted on the company bulletin board under the "Chronic Offenders category". Anyone caught smiling in the picture will be sanctioned under the company's mental health policy.
Lunch Break
Skinny people get 30 minutes for lunch, as they need to eat more, so that they can look healthy. Normal size people get 15 minutes for lunch to get a balanced meal to maintain their average figure. Chubby people get 5 minutes for lunch, because that's all the time needed to drink a Slim-Fast.
Death Clause
Any worker found dead at their desk will be promptly fired. All deaths will need to be applied for in advance and will only be approved if your can show that your death will not affect productivity.
Thank you for your loyalty to our company. We are here to provide a positive employment experience. Therefore, all questions, comments, concerns, complaints, frustration's, irritations, aggravations, insinuations, allegations, accusations, contemplations, consternation and input should be directed elsewhere.
San Nakji for President!
Sick Days
We will no longer accept a doctor's statement as proof of sickness. If you are able to go to the doctor, you are able to come to work.
Personal Days
Each employee will receive 104 personal days a year. They are called Saturday & Sunday.
Bereavement Leave
This is no excuse for missing work. There is nothing you can do for dead friends, relatives or co-workers. Every effort should be made to have non-employees attend to the arrangements. In rare cases where employee involvement is necessary, the funeral should be scheduled in the late afternoon. We will be glad to allow you to work through your lunch hour and subsequently leave one hour early.
Toilet Use
Entirely too much time is being spent in the toilet. There is now strict three-minute time limit in the stalls. At the end of three minutes, an alarm will sound, the toilet paper roll will retract, the stall door will open, and a picture will be taken. After your second offence, your picture will be posted on the company bulletin board under the "Chronic Offenders category". Anyone caught smiling in the picture will be sanctioned under the company's mental health policy.
Lunch Break
Skinny people get 30 minutes for lunch, as they need to eat more, so that they can look healthy. Normal size people get 15 minutes for lunch to get a balanced meal to maintain their average figure. Chubby people get 5 minutes for lunch, because that's all the time needed to drink a Slim-Fast.
Death Clause
Any worker found dead at their desk will be promptly fired. All deaths will need to be applied for in advance and will only be approved if your can show that your death will not affect productivity.
Thank you for your loyalty to our company. We are here to provide a positive employment experience. Therefore, all questions, comments, concerns, complaints, frustration's, irritations, aggravations, insinuations, allegations, accusations, contemplations, consternation and input should be directed elsewhere.
San Nakji for President!
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Podcast
I don't have a lot to say this post, although that may actually represent a majority of my posts.... I have listening to a lot of podcasts recently. Are other bloggers out there listening to them? I started manly because my favourite local radio station was "reformatted" and the music I wanted to listen to was no longer available. Podcasts are great as they offer a wide range of stations for me to listen to, on demand and free. My iPod is filled with an ecclectic mix of things like Ricky Gervais (my favourite comedian), the ABC Australia Science Show, Democracy Now and various BBC stuff. Mix the spoken stuff with some of my favourite music and I never need local radio again. The world is my radio station.... or something like that.
San Nakji for President!
San Nakji for President!
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
The Invasion of the New Zealand Movie
The New Zealand blockbuster season begins! (With a little help from American money) First off the rack is King Kong followed closely by The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. It is make or break time for the movie industry in Aotearoa, so make sure you get out and support our poor little country...
San Nakji for President!
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Ah, Summer
Summer's here, so in the spirit of nice weather, here is an amazing beach photo. My colleague here at SN Inc went there in the weekend. The best thing about New Chum's Beach (stupid name I know) is that there is no road to it. You have to walk over rocks and through bush to get there. The reward? A beautiful beach, named top ten in the world by some tourist magazine published somewhere, with not a person to be seen. Yay for Summer!
San Nakji for President!
Torture
So 'Condi' is flying to Europe this week where she can expect some severe questioning regarding the flying of 'terror' suspects beyond US borders. What concerns European nations most is the possible use of torture. Rather than denying torture, Condi and her fundi friends claim to be following their legal obligation under the 1984 UN 'Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and Punishment'. Under this convention torture is defined as the following, "Torture means any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person for such purposes as obtaining from him or a third person information or a confession, punishing him for an act he or a third person has committed or is suspected of having committed, or intimidating or coercing him or a third person, or for any reason based on discrimination of any kind..."
Now, going with this definition, here are the 'interrogation' techniques employed by the freedom loving CIA...
1. Grab: the interrogator grabs a suspect's shirt front and shakes him.
2. Slap: an open-handed slap to produce fear and some pain.
3. Belly Slap: a hard slap to the stomach with an open hand. This is designed to be painful but not to cause injury. A punch is said to have been ruled out by doctors.
4. Standing: Prisoners stand for 40 hours and more, shackled to the floor. Said to be effective, it also denies them sleep and is part of a process known as sensory deprivation
5. Cold Cell: a prisoner is made to stand naked in a cold, though not freezing, cell and doused with water.
6. Water Boarding: the prisoner is bound to a board with feet raised, and cellophane wrapped round his head. Water is poured onto his face and is said to produce a fear of drowning which leads to a rapid demand for the suffering to end.
Now, I may not be in the security forces but some of these sound like torture to me. Given that Condi has such a view on what torture isn't, I fear what is happening in these 'other' countries that prisoners are being sent to...
San Nakji for President!
Now, going with this definition, here are the 'interrogation' techniques employed by the freedom loving CIA...
1. Grab: the interrogator grabs a suspect's shirt front and shakes him.
2. Slap: an open-handed slap to produce fear and some pain.
3. Belly Slap: a hard slap to the stomach with an open hand. This is designed to be painful but not to cause injury. A punch is said to have been ruled out by doctors.
4. Standing: Prisoners stand for 40 hours and more, shackled to the floor. Said to be effective, it also denies them sleep and is part of a process known as sensory deprivation
5. Cold Cell: a prisoner is made to stand naked in a cold, though not freezing, cell and doused with water.
6. Water Boarding: the prisoner is bound to a board with feet raised, and cellophane wrapped round his head. Water is poured onto his face and is said to produce a fear of drowning which leads to a rapid demand for the suffering to end.
Now, I may not be in the security forces but some of these sound like torture to me. Given that Condi has such a view on what torture isn't, I fear what is happening in these 'other' countries that prisoners are being sent to...
San Nakji for President!
Friday, December 02, 2005
They're Going to Get Us!
Squirrels have bitten to death a stray dog which was barking at them in a Russian park, local media report.
Passers-by were reportedly too late to stop the attack by the black squirrels in a village in the far east, which reportedly lasted about a minute.
They are said to have scampered off at the sight of humans, some carrying pieces of flesh.
A pine cone shortage may have led the squirrels to seek other food sources, although scientists are sceptical.
The attack was reported in parkland in the centre of Lazo, a village in the Maritime Territory, and was witnessed by three local people.
A "big" stray dog was nosing about the trees and barking at squirrels hiding in branches overhead when a number of them suddenly descended and attacked, reports say.
"They literally gutted the dog," local journalist Anastasia Trubitsina told Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper.
"When they saw the men, they scattered in different directions, taking pieces of their kill away with them."
Mikhail Tiyunov, a scientist in the region, said it was the first he had ever heard of such an attack.
While squirrels without sources of protein might attack birds' nests, he said, the idea of them chewing at a dog to death was "absurd".
"If it really happened, things must be pretty bad in our forests," he added.
Komosmolskaya Pravda notes that in a previous incident this autumn chipmunks terrorised cats in a part of the territory.
A Lazo man who called himself only Mikhalich said there had been "no pine cones at all" in the local forests this year.
"The little beasts are agitated because they have nothing to eat," he said.
The tattooed squirrel seen in the picture is particularly scary....
San Nakji for President!
Weekly Animal Pic - Feather Tail Glider
Smaller than the Sugar Tail of last week, these guys are about the size of a mouse. A mouse that can fly! I once spent a long time watching a Feather Tail Glider in Sydney zoo. They are fascinating creatures. (Did I say too much?)
San Nakji for President!
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