Patience is a virtue, especially at this time of year

Christmas time can be such a rush, can't it. That is, a stressful rush, fulled with ever-eager retailers, bustling shoppers, loud music, rush, rush rush, busy roads, busy schools, a busy community. It can all get to be too much, the work functions, the school concerts, the church functions even. The shopping especially, is to be avoided, but this is not often possible. So, patience is the key. I have already witnessed several altercations, just in shops...is there any need for this? Just count to ten, get out early if at all possible and just laugh it all off. I love Christmas, just not the stress! So, take a deep breath, make time for a sit down, a coffee and tea, and remember the spirit of the Season. Ho Ho. Patience. Always a good thing!

what is the point? Free speech compromised.

What is the point of being a party member if you are not really welcomed into the party except for receiving of the odd donation or the odd invite to the occasional event?

What is the point of being a party member if your anon but subtle and rather ordinary comments are not welcomed onto party blogsites, or if overly critical comments are not welcomed, or if your cover is compromised or uncovered? I don't have a problem with anon comments myself, as long as they're not rude ones. In fact, the more comments the better, it keeps life interesting.

If a party, or certain MP's of a party want to curb free speech, and especially the free speech of its own membership, what does that say about said party? If one can't contribute to discourse safely, and if one doesn't feel safe in the murky internet world, then I sure as heck don't feel like turning up at real-life party events.. I for one feel compromised on a certain party website, have noticed oddities and infringements and therefore prefer to stay away.

Is this any way to promote either the party cause or what they, this particular party, say that they stand for? Is this the way to gain and retain new or returning members? Is this any way to be fair and reasonable and inclusive to all? Yet I believe in the beliefs (a fair go for all, the working class roots etc) of the party, most of them that is. But I don't feel very wanted, and especially not on the party blog.  A shame. It could be so different. Generally, I do find the right wing blogs to be more open and more fun. I can't be bothered participating if robust and healthy debate is going to squashed rather than encouraged. They are shooting the messenger it seems, when they don't agree with the message. Free speech and healthy, robust debate should be more important than petty-minded, inner-party politics, should it not?

Is Facebook a good thing or merely a timewaster?

Having had a Faeebook account for a few years now (off and on), I sometimes wonder if it is a good thing to have. Yes, I have developed some real-life friends via Facebook, people whom I actually know in real life, but I also spend too much time on it, when I could probably be doing something more constructive.
I tend to use my FB account as a type of diary, and maybe this is giving too much away. On the other hand, I enjoy the social interaction of it, and sometimes,online chatting. FB can be a place of bullying, but it doesn't have to be. If any of my FB friends, people I know in real life or not, make rude or abusive comments, they are normally let go. But I've only had to do this a few times in four years, which is not bad. If I keep FB in perspective and use it only sparingly, this feels about right. It's also a good way of sharing events, reviewing films, books, concerts,  etc, which is neat. And of course, you can limit your time on FB, self-regulate or just stay away altogether!

why I prefer David Cunliffe for leader.

Upon reflection, and not that I get any say, I have decided that David Cunliffe would be the more effective leader for Labour. He has worked in politics for a long time, was a Cabinet Minister and is very good in front of the camera, speaking in public, and is well liked in the New Lynn electorate. He also has experience in the real world, going by what I've read. And of course, David Cunliffe offers oodles of solid political experience.

I have nothing against David Shearer, I just feel that Cunliffe is easily the stronger performer, and is more likely to lead Labour to victory in 2014. David Shearer is nice enough, but is this enough to oust the overly popular John Key? Maybe! But I'd still put my money on David Cunllife to win.

it's sad when politicians bag each other out

Saw in the Herald yesterday Peter Dunne having a go at his ex-colleague, calling him a 'serial nutter' and stating that the Conservative Party was welcome to him (believe this was over Copeland's stance on the gay marriage bill). Honestly, talk about nasty. Is Gordon Copeland not entitled to his own opinion without being taken to task by Dunne. How contemptuous, and nasty. Can't believe I ever voted for the so-called common sense United Future. Surely won't be again. And I heartily hope that come 2014, Dunners gets voted out. What I find especially repellent is the fact tht Gorden Copeland was obviously once a colleague and perhaps a good friend of Copeland.

Also, does Dunners give a monkeys as to the majority view of his electorate on the gay marriage issue?

short story. Hunting for A Home in Paradise...

Gorgeous. The villa in the country was nothing short of fantastic, and everything that Cheryl had ever dreamed of. It had class, character, style, space. Ticked all the boxes. However, how could she ever meet the $800,000 asking price? It was situated in one of Auckland's leafy suburbs and the demand for such homes were high. Cheryl did not want to have to settle for a home in the hinterlands or some dumpy do-up just so she could say she owned it...yet barring some miracle, there was no way on earth she could ever own this, or most likely, anything remotely like it.

The Auckland property market had gone nuts, and like many of her friends, Cheryl had totally missed the boat. Damn it. The bank would loan her only up to $400,000, and that had been a push. Still, she knew she was lucky to have been offered even that. It was all very well to dream...(to be continued)...

New name, new post, new President?

This is my first post in ages, just lost interest for a long while. Let's say, life got busy. Things are more settled now, thank goodness.

Have decided to rename this little-followed blog. Having voted for the Key government in 2008, I could kick myself. Overall, I am very disappointed with Key's performance and I'm surprised at how weak he and National as the govt have been, in all areas, from justice to social welfare. Also, Key comes across as too popularity focused, rather than focused on what's best for NZ.

Colin Craig comes across well, and I like what I see of the Conservative Party. Will be interesting to see what happens in 2014. I also think that David Cunliffe does a good job, and would make an excellent leader for Labour.

I am hoping for a Romney win today, but somehow, believe he will not quite get in...fingers crossed though. Roll on 2014...hoping to see a new PM for Godzone.