Yet Another Christmas. Merry.

A blog from a Christian Perspective, says I. Well, what I mean is, I'm learning.
The Christian path is a lifetime journey, long and curving, with many lessons along the way.
I admit, I am not much of a Church goer, I have done in the past. Does this make me less of  a true Christian?
I read the Bible often, daily is the aim, and try to learn from it.
I do sometimes go to a Bible study group, for the interaction and sharing of thoughts. For the learning.
I try to live the Christian lifestyle, to follow the golden rule of kindness, the do unto others rule.
Try to give away what I can and to close my eyes to our Materialistic world.
Trying to make my time here worthwhile and to be friends with a broad spectrum of people.
In New Zealand,  I know that we live in a paradise and are very lucky.
Try to remember this.

Merry Christmas, the day that is all about the birth of Christ. I try my best not to get too distracted, but I know I often fail!!

Blast From the Past

Recently whilst watching the 1985's Live Aid concert on DVD, I was musing how fast times have changed in so shorter time. Back in 1985 things actually were simpler: only a few people owned cellphones, access to the internet was limited, no Facebook, no alcopops, no blogging, and no grunge music, not quite then.

Watching the bands of Live Aid is a jaunty blast from the past as well, from Nik Kershaw to Duran Duran, Tom Petty to David Bowie, Thompson Twins, Neil Young, Patti La Belle, The Cars. To name just a few. I dunno Those so-called New Wave acts seem breezy, happy, entertainnig. Sometimes painful. My twelve year old son thinks they're funny to watch, but I suppose my own view is aided by rose-tinted glasses that are smeared with nostalgia. No You Tube. But lots of MTV and rock videos. VHS and rental shops. Not to mention the quality BBC comedies, and the plethura of wonderful American TV shows too.

How did things ever get so complicated since then? Where did the good times go? Yep, I pine for those easier, care-free and simpler times. Must be getting old, I guess! And the pop music back then is so different to that of today. Of course, there was no The Voice or American Idol back then either...no reality TV....no endless cooking shows...and on...and on....instead MTV,U2, A ha, Duran Duran, many good TV sitcoms and some of the best Hollywood flicks yet made. Slower times, simpler minds...a less complex world just  Climate change a term not yet coined. A different political world. I yearn for the fun, colour and simplicity of the 1980's at times. Getting old, I guess! Lady GaGa - so like Andy Warhol or David Bowie!

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?