This is one of my favourite poems, written by New Zealand poet James K Baxter.
High Country Weather
alone we are born
and die alone
yet see the red-gold cirrus
over snow-mountain shine
upon the upland road
ride easy stranger
surrender to the sky
your heart of anger
Personal computers and data transport systems are changing the way we live our lives.
I’ve noticed that I’m increasingly using my PC in place of other tools that I would have used five, ten or more years ago.
For example, I use an electronic diary, whereas a few years ago I used a filofax, and before that, [...]
The anti-smacking debate is set to take centre stage again in New Zealand.
In 2007 New Zealand law was amended to make it a criminal offense to use force on a child, removing the statutory defence of ‘reasonable force’, but gave police discretion to not prosecute in cases where the offense is considered inconsequential.
A citizen’s initiated [...]
More of the strange and wonderful from the world of local advertising.
* For sale: an antique desk suitable for lady with thick legs and large drawers.
* Wanted: Unmarried girls to pick fresh fruit and produce at night.
* Have several very old dresses from grandmother in beautiful condition.
* If you think you’ve seen everything in Paris, [...]
Are our youngsters getting more violent, or are they just emulating their role models?
A weekend schoolboy rugby match between two of New Zealand’s prestigious schools has ended in an unseemly brawl that has focused attention on the role of teachers and coaches in encouraging violence in sport.
In a match watched by All Blacks coach Graham [...]
I spotted something interesting in today’s paper.
A Dad writing about what a disaster it is when he tries to dress his baby daughter. But he’s obviously not aiming for success, with comments like: “if there’s one thing us blokes are sure to be worse at than the ladies it’s getting the kids dressed.”
And of [...]
Continue reading about Kids’ fashion, or mini adult fashion?
Researching my story about bathrooms, I came across this wonderful page of dos and don’ts for shower enclosures. The advice has delightful appeal – it’s charming.
Here are some excerpts:
Towel Bar and Handle Warning
Towel bars and handles are not to be used as grab bars.
For many people, grab bars in showers are a great assistance [...]
A good shower was one of the must-haves about our new bathroom.
The bathroom had room for a stand-alone shower but no bath, so we looked at a variety of shower enclosures, and we were hoping to do something to improve the hot water system. This proved to be slightly tricky, but we came up with [...]
Are pedestrian areas more important, or is it making the buses more efficient?
These questions have been considered by Wellington City councillors and they have come down in favour of the buses. Much to the consternation of some pedestrians. But opinion is divided.
The Save Manners Mall campaign is attempting to change their minds, with posters here [...]
These advertisements from local newspapers in the US and around the world show how tricky the language can be.
* A superb and inexpensive restaurant. Fine food expertly served by waitresses in appetizing forms.
* Now is your chance to have your ears pierced and get an extra pair to take home, too.
* For Sale — Eight [...]