I note the words of wisdom below. My turn to chip in! I've been thinking about the wonderful situation I find myself in work-wise.
Worked hard at school. University for 6 years. 8 years of working long hours as a public servant. And my reward at the end of this? Unemployment. Uncertainty over what jobs are available. Unsure whether we can stay in our own home - bit hard to fund the mortgage with fresh air (although a spider may be an option).
The mealy mouthings from politicians about involving staff in decision making really is lip service. Until there's buy-in from senior managers, it's all just words (how rare).
No wonder contracting (in its many forms) is so popular. No one wants to pay you regularly for your skills, might as well chase the mighty dollar.
Apparently we all work because we *love* it so much.
Grump, grump. Must be a pinot noir around here somewhere!
The Rose
Friday, February 26, 2010
SOE’s and a big flaw in NZ legislature....
Right-o, this has been brewing for a bit. Why on earth are we tolerating SOE’s posting such massive profits? Seemingly every couple of days we have another major SOE in NZ posting millions of dollars profit and reporting increases in the ranges of 15% or better. When we have a wholesale interest rate below 3% and are struggling to climb out of a recession do they really think a big profit grab is actually doing anything for the average Kiwi ? Just going by what is in the paper, we have had dividends totally more than 1 billion NZD paid in the last 6 months by the state power companies and airline. For a country of 4 million people and a viable work pool of less than half that, that represents a colossal rout of funds from the average working citizen. Now you may say that the money goes back to the shareholder who is “the people”. This is true so why pay it in the first place? The culprit is the SOE act which states that an SOE should run and operate as a viable, competitive business and return the same margins as a privately run company. Guess what, it’s a recession... No one else is returning a 15% or better dividend. Most people are lucky to be in business at all at the minute. For once it’s be nice if they looked at the fundamental flaws in legislation like this and re write them into a slightly more fitting role. How about a return that mirrors the current inflation conditions? That would guard against the business becoming worthless. And before I get some ill conceived rant about this being a device of the National party, remember they want to sell the damn things and create a competitive market place with them. Which they should... Then, when they are exposed to the prevailing market conditions they will have to perform without their fluffy protective blanket of legislature. Sell the lot of them and invest in infrastructure. You never know what might happen if we have the means to do things, we might even catch Aussie!
The Dragon
The Dragon
Monday, February 22, 2010
Job Hunting...
Well today marked an interesting twist in my hunt for a new job. Something that wasn’t just a computer emailed me back and acknowledged my application. This has only taken three weeks to happen. Can’t help thinking I am close, really close....
The Dragon
The Dragon
Friday, February 19, 2010
Real sports
In the NZ vs Bangladesh test, Shakib Al Hasan was given out following a catch by Brendon McCullum that turned out to have bounced. Chaos ensues.
I think everyone is looking at this the wrong way. This is the perfect opportunity to integrate backyard cricket and so-called "real" cricket.
We all know the complex rules of backyard cricket. It occurs anywhere, preferably a sloping site, obstructed by trees, possibly with a downhill run-up or, as superbly demonstrated in my house as a kid, running round the corner of the house to give the all important delivery. Wickets do not match. Bails are optional and regularly fall off. The ball may be a piece of plant life. The bat has seen better days.
However, one of the two key rules should apply in the current situation.
1) One hand, one bounce - you're still out. Suffer.
2) Six and out - an important rule that if you're the smart bugger who hits the ball over the fence and the game has to stop for 10 minutes until it's found, you can have the score but be punished for showing off.
I reckon McCullum was working on rule 1. Bringing it to the people. Great stuff.
The Rose
I think everyone is looking at this the wrong way. This is the perfect opportunity to integrate backyard cricket and so-called "real" cricket.
We all know the complex rules of backyard cricket. It occurs anywhere, preferably a sloping site, obstructed by trees, possibly with a downhill run-up or, as superbly demonstrated in my house as a kid, running round the corner of the house to give the all important delivery. Wickets do not match. Bails are optional and regularly fall off. The ball may be a piece of plant life. The bat has seen better days.
However, one of the two key rules should apply in the current situation.
1) One hand, one bounce - you're still out. Suffer.
2) Six and out - an important rule that if you're the smart bugger who hits the ball over the fence and the game has to stop for 10 minutes until it's found, you can have the score but be punished for showing off.
I reckon McCullum was working on rule 1. Bringing it to the people. Great stuff.
The Rose
Monday, February 15, 2010
Genuine evil
The truth is no longer out there, it's in here.
The most evil thing in the world is...
the common cold.
FFS, how much moisture can one person make?
The Rose
The most evil thing in the world is...
the common cold.
FFS, how much moisture can one person make?
The Rose
Work stuff.....
The calm after the storm.
Back at work today, seemed like an age since I left but the same old sagas were merrily dragging on. I share my pod with 2 others (poor bastards) and as the weeks whizz by the lot of us get more cynical. You see, we have been “restructured”. In the corporate IT sense this means that management have failed to understand your job and to a degree, the role of IT within the organisation. Pens are waved, contracts put to tender and the whole thing tries to limp along without direction until the new order gets a bit of traction. Today, I endured a meeting to discuss budget requirements that wouldn’t have totalled the hourly wage of the attendees for the time we spent talking about them. IT would be a marginally worthwhile career if we ever did any....
The Dragon
Back at work today, seemed like an age since I left but the same old sagas were merrily dragging on. I share my pod with 2 others (poor bastards) and as the weeks whizz by the lot of us get more cynical. You see, we have been “restructured”. In the corporate IT sense this means that management have failed to understand your job and to a degree, the role of IT within the organisation. Pens are waved, contracts put to tender and the whole thing tries to limp along without direction until the new order gets a bit of traction. Today, I endured a meeting to discuss budget requirements that wouldn’t have totalled the hourly wage of the attendees for the time we spent talking about them. IT would be a marginally worthwhile career if we ever did any....
The Dragon
Friday, February 12, 2010
Product review: Garmin MAP60CSx
The inaugural post!
Product review : Garmin MAP60CSx (with optional Freshmap 1:50000 Topographic map of NZ)
We picked up a GPS receiver before the latest trip away to help navigate the slightly less travelled routes around the country. It would have to easily be one of the most useful and coolest toys all in one. This particular GPS is a handheld unit that does all the usual things along with having a barometric altimeter and electronic compass. It has easy to use buttons instead of a touch screen and with the topographic map loaded can zoom into a very fine level of detail. The reception is brilliant. The only time it had a problem finding where we were was when we had 2km high peaks all around us. Even then it only took 10 seconds or so to pick up the location. The altimeter and compass work independently of the GPS so while it is finding satellites for a position, you still get a highly detailed map, heading and altitude.
On the toy side of the ledger, it will record the trail of where you have been, your highest speed (which naturally was 100 Kph... :) ), average speed and half a dozen other data streams that really don’t help but are cool to see. It also makes a good tour guide if you want to know what you are looking at from a boat trip or walking trail.
If you are actually trying to use the unit as a tool however, the detail will not leave you wanting. The map was excellent and the accuracy is frankly amazing. Giving your navigator (who is very talented by the way) the ability to tell you what is over the next crest before you can see it is worth every penny, especially when there isn’t really a road but there is about to be a river that you need to ford. Battery life was good (we got approximately 12 hrs per set) and it is happy on rechargeable AA’s.
Definitely money well spent and am well impressed with the design and finish. 10/10.
The Dragon
Product review : Garmin MAP60CSx (with optional Freshmap 1:50000 Topographic map of NZ)
We picked up a GPS receiver before the latest trip away to help navigate the slightly less travelled routes around the country. It would have to easily be one of the most useful and coolest toys all in one. This particular GPS is a handheld unit that does all the usual things along with having a barometric altimeter and electronic compass. It has easy to use buttons instead of a touch screen and with the topographic map loaded can zoom into a very fine level of detail. The reception is brilliant. The only time it had a problem finding where we were was when we had 2km high peaks all around us. Even then it only took 10 seconds or so to pick up the location. The altimeter and compass work independently of the GPS so while it is finding satellites for a position, you still get a highly detailed map, heading and altitude.
On the toy side of the ledger, it will record the trail of where you have been, your highest speed (which naturally was 100 Kph... :) ), average speed and half a dozen other data streams that really don’t help but are cool to see. It also makes a good tour guide if you want to know what you are looking at from a boat trip or walking trail.
If you are actually trying to use the unit as a tool however, the detail will not leave you wanting. The map was excellent and the accuracy is frankly amazing. Giving your navigator (who is very talented by the way) the ability to tell you what is over the next crest before you can see it is worth every penny, especially when there isn’t really a road but there is about to be a river that you need to ford. Battery life was good (we got approximately 12 hrs per set) and it is happy on rechargeable AA’s.
Definitely money well spent and am well impressed with the design and finish. 10/10.
The Dragon
Trip piccies
Well, cat has survived and is currently home. And we successfully managed to administer medication without loss of limb (she must still be unwell).
In a concerted effort to avoid work, I have gone through copious photos of the recent trip (and any others lying around on the 3 PC's in the house in an attempt to desperately deny the pile of paperwork on my desk).
There are more on FB, however for your viewing pleasure...
Day 1 - Mackenzie & Hakataramea Passes. These gravel roads run from Burke Pass, just out of Lake Tekapo, across country to Kurow as a ridge that links the Rollesby and Dalgety Ranges. It's an easy drive in 4WD, only a few fords, and could probably be managed in a 2WD with good clearance (and shocks that you're not too worried about). The 4WD South Guide (Mark Wilson) states that "In March 1855...Scottish sheep drover James McKenzie was caught in possession of 1000 sheep known to belong to the Rhodes brothers of The Levels Station at Timaru. He was convicted of theft and jailed, but after only nine months in prison he was conditionally pardoned." I'd recommend his 4WD guide!
Marker for James McKenzie
Top of the Hakataramea
Top of the Hakataramea is a nice stop for a sandwich!
Day 2 - Nevis Valley Road
This is definitely a 4WD trip and, in my opinion, not recommended for soft roaders or light 4WD. You wouldn't want anything smaller than a Terrano, Bighorn or Surf. Some of the departure angles from the fords would not be forgiving on long wheelbase 4WD utes either.
Still, what a beautiful road. This runs from Bannockburn, over the Carrick Range (Duffers Saddle), through the Nevis Valley to Garston. Gravel (at best!) the whole way. The first 30km from Bannockburn are manageable, although even in summer we were driving down parts of the road that were closer to waterfalls on clay than roading! The views are amazing - you can see the mountains of the Divide from Duffers Saddle.
Lots of interesting ruins of the hardy souls that inhabited this region during the gold-rush, including a small cemetery. Some hardy souls remain at the Ben Nevis Station.
The Lower Nevis valley is more questionable - you get pretty tired of driving through fords! The signs say 31 however there were a few bonus ones on the day we did it. The Garston end is not as well maintained and the road shuts late Autumn - I'd imagine it is impassible to mere mortals after this time! Definitely recommended to start from the Bannockburn end as you may need to turn back once you hit Commissioners Creek in the Lower Nevis and there is great wine to drown your sorrows in Bannockburn! A good GPS with topographic map is helpful :)
Top of the Carrick Range (Duffers Saddle)
Bridge over the Nevis River - take advantage, most of the other crossings are fords!!
The old Nevis cemetery
Ruins of the old Nevis settlements
Vital information - Bannockburn is quicker!
Understatement?!
Day 3 - Manapouri Power Station
This was a fun, touristy day. Really enjoyed the trip over Lake Manapouri to the power station where you travel via a 2km tunnel underground to the power station before driving across parts of the Wilmot Pass towards Doubtful Sound. The plus for us was that for the price of one person to go on the full Doubtful Sound cruise, we could both do the power station and glow worm tour. Money well spent!
And yes, I have a thing for moss and trees!
Looking back up the tunnel
The generator floor
Mosses on the Wilmot Pass
Day 4 - Milford Road
You can't go to Te Anau without cruising the 120km to Milford Sound. No plans on this trip to actually cruise the Sound - we've done that before in summer and would really like to repeat the cruise in winter! Milford itself can be a little touristy (= 1 000 000 buses and tourists all falling over each other to buy tickets and photograph Mitre Peak) however the drive is fantastic and ever-changing. And yes, it is sealed (and has been for years!!)
A fantastic stop on the way - The Chasm. Beautiful example of water wearing away stone.
Cleddau River
Falls Creek - hanging out the side of the car over the bridge, as usual!
Keas near Pop's View - causing trouble
Tutoko River
Personally, if you're going to visit only one part of NZ, make it Fiordland.
The Rose
In a concerted effort to avoid work, I have gone through copious photos of the recent trip (and any others lying around on the 3 PC's in the house in an attempt to desperately deny the pile of paperwork on my desk).
There are more on FB, however for your viewing pleasure...
Day 1 - Mackenzie & Hakataramea Passes. These gravel roads run from Burke Pass, just out of Lake Tekapo, across country to Kurow as a ridge that links the Rollesby and Dalgety Ranges. It's an easy drive in 4WD, only a few fords, and could probably be managed in a 2WD with good clearance (and shocks that you're not too worried about). The 4WD South Guide (Mark Wilson) states that "In March 1855...Scottish sheep drover James McKenzie was caught in possession of 1000 sheep known to belong to the Rhodes brothers of The Levels Station at Timaru. He was convicted of theft and jailed, but after only nine months in prison he was conditionally pardoned." I'd recommend his 4WD guide!
Marker for James McKenzie
Top of the Hakataramea
Top of the Hakataramea is a nice stop for a sandwich!
Day 2 - Nevis Valley Road
This is definitely a 4WD trip and, in my opinion, not recommended for soft roaders or light 4WD. You wouldn't want anything smaller than a Terrano, Bighorn or Surf. Some of the departure angles from the fords would not be forgiving on long wheelbase 4WD utes either.
Still, what a beautiful road. This runs from Bannockburn, over the Carrick Range (Duffers Saddle), through the Nevis Valley to Garston. Gravel (at best!) the whole way. The first 30km from Bannockburn are manageable, although even in summer we were driving down parts of the road that were closer to waterfalls on clay than roading! The views are amazing - you can see the mountains of the Divide from Duffers Saddle.
Lots of interesting ruins of the hardy souls that inhabited this region during the gold-rush, including a small cemetery. Some hardy souls remain at the Ben Nevis Station.
The Lower Nevis valley is more questionable - you get pretty tired of driving through fords! The signs say 31 however there were a few bonus ones on the day we did it. The Garston end is not as well maintained and the road shuts late Autumn - I'd imagine it is impassible to mere mortals after this time! Definitely recommended to start from the Bannockburn end as you may need to turn back once you hit Commissioners Creek in the Lower Nevis and there is great wine to drown your sorrows in Bannockburn! A good GPS with topographic map is helpful :)
Top of the Carrick Range (Duffers Saddle)
Bridge over the Nevis River - take advantage, most of the other crossings are fords!!
The old Nevis cemetery
Ruins of the old Nevis settlements
Vital information - Bannockburn is quicker!
Understatement?!
Day 3 - Manapouri Power Station
This was a fun, touristy day. Really enjoyed the trip over Lake Manapouri to the power station where you travel via a 2km tunnel underground to the power station before driving across parts of the Wilmot Pass towards Doubtful Sound. The plus for us was that for the price of one person to go on the full Doubtful Sound cruise, we could both do the power station and glow worm tour. Money well spent!
And yes, I have a thing for moss and trees!
Looking back up the tunnel
The generator floor
Mosses on the Wilmot Pass
Day 4 - Milford Road
You can't go to Te Anau without cruising the 120km to Milford Sound. No plans on this trip to actually cruise the Sound - we've done that before in summer and would really like to repeat the cruise in winter! Milford itself can be a little touristy (= 1 000 000 buses and tourists all falling over each other to buy tickets and photograph Mitre Peak) however the drive is fantastic and ever-changing. And yes, it is sealed (and has been for years!!)
A fantastic stop on the way - The Chasm. Beautiful example of water wearing away stone.
Cleddau River
Falls Creek - hanging out the side of the car over the bridge, as usual!
Keas near Pop's View - causing trouble
Tutoko River
Personally, if you're going to visit only one part of NZ, make it Fiordland.
The Rose
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Why oh why?
Apparently it's fashionable to have a blog. I thought I'd start with a rant, which is traditional in this family.
Holidays. They seem like such a good idea at the time. Away from work, escape the stresses of life, go and explore the countryside. The holiday in Sydney was just that.
We've just returned from the proverbial great escape to Fiordland that went as follows:
Day 1 - drop off the cats. Trip down to Burkes Pass. 4wd down the MacKenzie and Hakataramea Passes. Fantastic scenery, things are going well. Decide to push through to Wanaka and pitched the tent which went OK apart from hard ground that destroyed tent pegs. Nice walk and dinner.
And then the English tourists arrived...who were still drinking booze and partying at 1.30am. Bugged out and drove over the Crown Range, ending up sleeping in the car at Lake Hayes. Maximum sleep hours = 1 1/2. In 10 minute bursts.
Day 2 - 4WD down the Nevis Road which was fantastic - pictures to follow. As the Dragon says, there aren't enough times when you essentially drive down waterfalls AKA the road. Arrived in Te Anau and found a fantastic tent site (all kudos to Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park). Call from the cattery, one cat very unwell. Air bed goes flat over night. A second night sleeping in the car. Sleep hours = 4-5.
Day3 - being a tourist! Great day tripping over Lake Manapouri, checking out the power station, driving over the Wilmot Pass. Trip out to the Te Anau glow worm caves which were fantastic. Kudos to Real Journeys! New airbed successful! Sleep obtained! Cat well! Holiday looking up!
Day 4 - nipped off to Milford Sound and some local walks. West Coast fail - forgot the fly spray for this trip! Fantastic drive. Get back to the campsite, cat very unwell, on IV fluids, xrays, etc etc. Very expensive. Rest of holiday cancelled.
Day 5 - return home, copious anxious phone calls about the cat currently in after hours care. Will she make it? Guess we'll find out tomorrow.
And returning to the ongoing rubbish at home including ongoing job uncertainties and frustrations. So, why do we do it?
Winners - small tent, Te Anau camping, Te Anau food, Real Journeys, Nevis Road
Amazing care from Cat Habitat for our poor little kitty.
Losers - the bank balance, the plot, relaxation.
Can only get better right?
The Rose.
Holidays. They seem like such a good idea at the time. Away from work, escape the stresses of life, go and explore the countryside. The holiday in Sydney was just that.
We've just returned from the proverbial great escape to Fiordland that went as follows:
Day 1 - drop off the cats. Trip down to Burkes Pass. 4wd down the MacKenzie and Hakataramea Passes. Fantastic scenery, things are going well. Decide to push through to Wanaka and pitched the tent which went OK apart from hard ground that destroyed tent pegs. Nice walk and dinner.
And then the English tourists arrived...who were still drinking booze and partying at 1.30am. Bugged out and drove over the Crown Range, ending up sleeping in the car at Lake Hayes. Maximum sleep hours = 1 1/2. In 10 minute bursts.
Day 2 - 4WD down the Nevis Road which was fantastic - pictures to follow. As the Dragon says, there aren't enough times when you essentially drive down waterfalls AKA the road. Arrived in Te Anau and found a fantastic tent site (all kudos to Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park). Call from the cattery, one cat very unwell. Air bed goes flat over night. A second night sleeping in the car. Sleep hours = 4-5.
Day3 - being a tourist! Great day tripping over Lake Manapouri, checking out the power station, driving over the Wilmot Pass. Trip out to the Te Anau glow worm caves which were fantastic. Kudos to Real Journeys! New airbed successful! Sleep obtained! Cat well! Holiday looking up!
Day 4 - nipped off to Milford Sound and some local walks. West Coast fail - forgot the fly spray for this trip! Fantastic drive. Get back to the campsite, cat very unwell, on IV fluids, xrays, etc etc. Very expensive. Rest of holiday cancelled.
Day 5 - return home, copious anxious phone calls about the cat currently in after hours care. Will she make it? Guess we'll find out tomorrow.
And returning to the ongoing rubbish at home including ongoing job uncertainties and frustrations. So, why do we do it?
Winners - small tent, Te Anau camping, Te Anau food, Real Journeys, Nevis Road
Amazing care from Cat Habitat for our poor little kitty.
Losers - the bank balance, the plot, relaxation.
Can only get better right?
The Rose.
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