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Tuesday, March 29, 2011

New York governor's dilemma - look after the rich or the deprived...

HEMPSTEAD, NY - OCTOBER 18: Democratic guberna...Image by Getty Images via @daylife
New York governor's dilemma - look after the rich or the deprived...


Gov. Andrew Cuomo is facing a choice: Throw thousands of homeless kids into the streets of New York -- or give tax breaks to millionaires.

You heard that right. Gov. Cuomo may approve a budget this week that includes drastic cuts for homeless youth services -- cuts that will slash funding to state homeless shelters by more than half, forcing thousands of kids out of shelter beds and onto the streets of New York.

That includes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) young adults, who make up nearly one-third of New York City’s homeless youth population. These kids already have too few places to turn to for help. Many have been rejected by their families, forced to flee homophobic foster homes, or have experienced institutionalized homophobia from social service providers.

But there is a way for Gov. Cuomo to prevent these brutal cuts. As the New York Times editorial board wrote last week, he can try to extend the “high earner surcharge” on the top 2.8% of New York taxpayers, which is set to expire at the end of the year.

With the state budget due April 1, time is running out for Gov. Cuomo to reinstate funding for youth homeless services. Click here to join more than 17,000 Change.org members in signing an urgent petition telling Gov. Cuomo not to balance New York’s budget on the backs of homeless kids.

As our friends at the Ali Forney Center, a homeless shelter for LGBT young adults in New York City, have told the Cuomo administration, the impact of these budget cuts could be devastating for homeless LGBT kids. LGBT homeless youth are at profound risk of harm if left on the streets, experiencing increased rates of drug use, depression, risk of violence, and a high possibility of being exposed to STDs, including HIV.

Indeed, more than 60 percent of all homeless youth report considering or attempting suicide because they feel like they have no place to go, and no one who supports them.

Please sign the urgent petition below and send the Cuomo administration the message that cutting youth shelter beds is no way to solve a budget problem.

http://www.change.org/petitions/tell-gov-cuomo-dont-abandon-lgbt-homeless-youth?alert_id=SWJnrOHxWJ_VAyXVrBGjD&me=aa

Your support right now could make a big difference to these kids. Thanks for taking action and telling Gov. Cuomo to do the right thing.

- Acknowledgements:  Eden and the Change.org team

http://change.org

http://huttriver.blog.co.uk

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Monday, March 28, 2011

Does a mosquito windscreen contact slow down your car...


A panoramic windshield on a 1959 Edsel Corsair...Image via WikipediaA mozzie splat. Does a mosquito windscreen contact slow down your car?

So there you are Kiwi motorist cruising down the Auckland southern motorway at a 100kph, and splat - a mosquito smacks into your windscreen. Does your car slow down as a result?

Yes, according to the laws of physics - but only by a millionth of a kilometre an hour, dropping your speed to a more sedate  99.9999999 kph.

At least youwon't get a ticket.

http://communitybloggersevolve.blog.co.uk
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Sunday, March 27, 2011

Vacuum faux pas...

Staubsauger ZubehoerImage via Wikipedia


Vacuum Faux Pas...


A little old lady answered a knock on the door one day, to be confronted by a well-dressed young man carrying a vacuum cleaner.

"Good morning." said the young man.

"If I could take a couple of minutes of your time, I would like to demonstrate the very latest in vacuum cleaners..."

"Go away!" said the old lady. "I haven't got any money!" and she proceeded to close the door.

Quick as a flash, the young man wedged his foot in the door. "Don't be too hasty!" he said. "Not until you have at least seen my demonstration." And with that he emptied a bucket of horse manure onto the floor. "Now if this vacuum cleaner can't remove all traces of horse poop from your carpet, Madam, I will personally eat the remainder."

The old lady stepped back."Well let me get you a fork,"she announced, "because they cut my electricity off this morning."

http://jokerswild.blog.co.uk

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Thursday, March 24, 2011

Double jokers...

Lake Tekapo, Central Otago, South Island, New ...Image by Sandy Austin via Flickr
Double jokers...





An elephant, a penguin and a kiwi walk into a Central Otago Pub.

'Whats going on?' asks the bartender suspiciously.

'Is this supposed to be some kind of joke?'




Kent and three of his buddies have gone fishing every Saturday for nearly forty years.

One Saturday, the guys are fishing along a highway when a furneral processional drives by.

Well, Kent lays down his pole, stands up in the boat, takes off his lucky hat and places it over his heart.

This processional is huge and takes nearly five minutes to pass.

Once it passes, Kent sits down, puts his hat on and cast out without saying a word.

Needless to say his buddies are floored by his actions.

One of them finally speaks up and says, that sure was a respectful thing you did there when they went by.

Kent replied, it seems the least I could do seeing as how I've been married to the woman for over forty years!



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Hans Olaffson is his name...

Sushi @ Jasmine Chinese Cuisine And SushiImage by dionhinchcliffe via Flickr


Hans Olaffson is his  name...



Walking through the Chinatown in Australia, a tourist is fascinated with all the Chinese restaurants, shops and signs. Suddenly he sees a building with the sign "Hans Olafson's Laundry."

"Hans Olaffson?" he muses. "How the heck does that fit in here?" So he walks into the shop and sees an old Chinese gentleman behind the counter.
The tourist asks, "How did this place get a name like "Hans Olaffson's Laundry?"

The old man answers, "Is name of owner".
The tourist asks, "Well, who is the owner?"
"Me," replies the old man.
"You? How did you ever get a name like Hans Olaffson?"
"Is simple," says the old man. "Many many years ago when I come to this country, I stand in line at Documentation Centre. Man in front was big blonde Swede.

Lady look at him and go, "What your name?"
He say, "Hans Olaffson."
Then she look at me and go, "What your name?"
"I say, Sem Ting."

http://anzacbloggersunite.blog.co.uk

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Wednesday, March 23, 2011

The Lone Ranger and Tonto went camping...

Dynamite Entertainment's The Lone Ranger #4 co...Image via Wikipedia
The Lone Ranger and Tonto went camping in the desert.

After they got their tent all set up, both men fell sound asleep.

Some hours later, Tonto wakes the Lone Ranger and says, “Kemo Sabe, look towards sky, what you see?”

The Lone Ranger replies, “I see millions of stars.”

“What that tell you?” asked Tonto.

The Lone Ranger ponders for a minute then says,

“Astronomically speaking, it tells me there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets.

Astrologically, it tells me that Saturn is in Leo.

Time wise, it appears to be approximately a quarter past three in the morning.

Theologically, the Lord is all-powerful and we are small and insignificant.

Meteorologically, it seems we will have a beautiful day tomorrow.

What's it tell you, Tonto?”

“You dumber than buffalo shit. It means someone stole the tent.”

Acknowledgements: Lets Laugh

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Should I tell her the war is over...

A penitent confessing his sins in the former L...Image via Wikipedia
ShouldI tell her the war is over...…

An elderly Italian man who lived on the outskirts of Rimini Italy, went to the local church for confession. When the priest slid open the panel in the confessional, the man said:
“Father.. During World War II, a beautiful Jewish woman from our neighborhood knocked urgently on my door and asked me to hide her from the Nazis. So I hid her in my attic.”

The priest replied: “That was a wonderful thing you did, and you have no need to confess that.”
“There is more to tell, Father.. She started to repay me with sexual favors. This happened several times a week, and sometimes twice on Sundays.”

The priest said, “That was a long time ago and by doing what you did, you placed the two of you in great danger, but two people under those circumstances can easily succumb to the weakness of the flesh. However, if you are truly sorry for your actions, you are indeed forgiven.”

“Thank you, Father. That’s a great load off my mind. I do have one more question.”

“And what is that?” asked the priest.

“Should I tell her the war is over?”

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Monday, March 21, 2011

One liners to make you laugh today...



One liners to get you laughing today...




No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery.

The maths teacher confiscated a rubber band slingshot in her class because it was a weapon of maths disruption.

Where can men over the age of 60 find younger, sexy woman who are interested in them? Try a bookstore under fiction.

I used to work with two guys named Alan Beatty and Neville Buist. The pair made a great "Beatty and the Buist".

Scientists say they have found the missing link - a little monkey. It lived on mostly twigs and berries, which makes it a direct ancestor of today's supermodel.

The anti-aging ad I'd like to see is a baby covered in cream saying,"Oh, I've used too much!"

I keep my office cold. Just because my dreams have died, that doesn't mean they shouldn't be well preserved.

"A good education is the next best thing to a pushy mother."

Lord, give me patience...and the time to recover.

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Sunday, March 20, 2011

How to Make a Difference: Volunteer Mataura

How to Make a Difference: Volunteer Mataura

Friends in whom we trust and rely on...

“The Daily Telegraph”Imag
Friends in whom we trust and rely on...


How many true friends do we really have? According to the Daily Telegraph the average Briton has only three true friends (he or she)can really rely on. One study on friendships found that among reasons that cause a typical person to lose touch "with an average of 36 friends over the years" were a busy lifestyle; in case of 43% polled, a falling out for some reason..and a decision never to speak again; nearly one fifth confide in colleagues, having no-one else to confide in. A poll spokesman commented that it takes someone special to be trusted and relied on.

Maybe so. But many people have changed jobs, addresses, even towns and have just lost contact with their former friends. People can lose contact with friends who are also workmates when they retire. Yes, in my opinion it does take a special person in whom you are prepared to place your trust in and to be relied upon. It could well be a colleague.

http://communitybloggersevolve.blog.co.uk

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Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Saint Patricks Day today...

Saint Patrick stained glass window from Cathed...Image via Wikipedia
Saint Patrick's Day today...



Today is Saint Patrick's Day which will be celebrated throughout the world.

Just who was this man? Celebrants will dress in green and in some places a special brew of beer will be served, also in green.

Saint Patrick was the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland who is credited with bringing christianity to Ireland. Most of what is known about him comes from his two works, the Confessio, a spiritual autobiography, and his Epistola, a denunciation of British mistreatment of Irish christians. Saint Patrick described himself as a "most humble-minded man, pouring forth a continuous paean of thanks to his Maker for having chosen him as the instrument whereby multitudes who had worshipped idols and unclean things had become the people of God.

www.st-patricks-day.com/about_saintpatrick.html

http://communitybloggersevolve.blog.co.uk

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Lionel Richie's ancestors...

Lionel Richie in concert at the Chumash Casino...Image via Wikipedia


Lionel Richies' ancestors...


American singer and entertainer Lionel Richie certainly 'fessed up about his ancestors on Kiwi TV tonight.

He told us about his great,great,great, grandfather who was a plantation owner in the South who moved in with his equally as great 'grandmother, herself his slave, and stayed with her for the rest of his life. She even inherited his plantation on his death.

What a fantastic story, and Lionel thought so too!

http://communitybloggersevolve.blog.co.uk

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Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Who is the ultimate gay icon of all time? its Britney Bi***

Singer Britney Spears is the best selling fema...Image via Wikipedia


Who is the ultimate gay icon of all time? It`s Britney, Bi***




"Pop star Britney Spears has been named the ultimate gay icon of all time in a poll by the Equality Project, having beaten off competition from Lady Gaga, Barack Obama and Cher.


Spears took 31 per cent of the vote. Madonna was ranked second with 25 per cent and bisexual Lady Gaga took 22 per cent of the vote in third place. Ironically, Lady Gaga is considered to be the world`s most influential gay rights advocate."

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2011/02/17/britney-spears-named-ultimate-gay-icon/

Lady Gaga, Britney Spears and Madonna are the Holy Trinity of gay icons.

Lady Gaga doesn`t pose a serious threat to Spears` reign as the most beloved gay icon. Lady Gaga may have millions of gay monsters who adore her, but some critics accuse her of pandering to gays and lesbians. Gays and lesbians don`t need the blessing of a publicity hungry celeb to legitimize their community.

However I predict that Madonna will be back on top before you can say "Snap." Madonna has staying power and she`s had a long relationship with gays and lesbians. All girlfriend has to do is release a new album or launch another concert tour and she`ll be the ultimate gay icon again.

Follow Robert Paul Reyes on Twitterhttp://twitter.com/robertpaulreyes

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Monday, March 14, 2011

Jesus knows you're here

10-year old RottweilerImage via Wikipedia
Jesus knows you're here...








 



A burglar broke into a house one night. He shined his flashlight around,
looking for valuables when a voice in the dark
said,

'Jesus knows you're here.'

He nearly jumped out of his skin,
clicked his flashlight off, and froze.

When he heard nothing more, after a bit,
he shook his head and continued.

Just as he pulled the stereo out so he could disconnect the wires,
clear as a bell he heard, 'Jesus is watching you.'

Freaked out, he shined his light around frantically,
looking for the source of the voice.
...................................
Finally, in the corner of the room, his flashlight beam
came to rest on a parrot.



'Did you say that?' he hissed at the parrot.

'Yep', the parrot confessed, then squawked,
'I'm just trying to warn you that he is
watching you.'

The burglar relaxed. 'Warn me, huh?
Who in the world are you?'

'Moses,' replied the bird.
'Moses?' the burglar laughed.
'What kind of people would name a bird Moses?'

'The kind of people that would name a
Rottweiler Jesus.'

Acknowledgements: Barbara, Lower Hutt

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Sunday, March 13, 2011

Talking dog for sale...

A black Labrador Retriever named Cooper.Image via Wikipedia

Talking dog for sale...

A guy is driving around the back woods of Montana and he sees a sign in front of a broken down shanty-style house: 'Talking Dog For Sale ' He rings the bell and the owner appears and tells him the dog is in the backyard.

The guy goes into the backyard and sees a nice looking Labrador retriever sitting there.

'You talk?' he asks.

'Yep,' the Lab replies.

After the guy recovers from the shock of hearing a dog talk, he says 'So, what's your story?'
The Lab looks up and says, 'Well, I discovered that I could talk when I was pretty young. I wanted to help the government, so I told the CIA. In no time at all they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders, because no one figured a dog would be eavesdropping.'

'I was one of their most valuable spies for eight years running. But the jetting around really tired me out, and I knew I wasn't getting any younger so I decided to settle down. I signed up for a job at the airport to do some undercover security, wandering near suspicious characters and listening in. I uncovered some incredible dealings and was awarded a batch of medals.' 'I got married, had a mess of puppies, and now I'm just retired.'

The guy is amazed. He goes back in and asks the owner what he wants for the dog.

'Ten dollars,' the guy says.

'Ten dollars? This dog is amazing! Why on earth are you selling him so cheap?'

'Because he's a liar. He never did any of that shit.

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Saturday, March 12, 2011

Gay icon Lady Gaga sees red...

Lady GaGa visit Sweden at Sommarkrysset, Gröna...Image via WikipediaGay icon and pop singer  Lady Gaga has threatened to sue a specialist ice cream parlour in London for naming its breast milk ice cream Baby Gaga.

Matt O'Connor, founder of The Icecreamists in Covent garden, said he had received a letter from Lady Gaga's lawyers informing him that the singer planned to sue him over the name."She's threatening  to bankrupt us," he said.

O'Connor denied the flamboyant gay icon and singer inspired the name he chose for the dessert made from breast milk blended with Madagascan vanilla pods and lemon zest.

Acknowledgements: Wellington Dompost
dompost.co.nz

Gay Bathhouse
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When humans lost their penile spines and began enjoying their sexual relationships...

California: Stanford University - Iris & B. Ge...Image by wallyg via Flickr
When humans lost their penile spines and began enjoying their sex...

This week from Britain: It is a genetic mutation for which all men and their sexual partners can be grateful for. Scientists have identified the stretch of DNA that caused the human penis to lose its spines.

While many other mammals including chimpanzees, macaque monkeys, cats and mice have hard bristles on the sides of their penis, the male sexual organ is mercifully smooth in human beings. This has been traced to the loss of a genetic switch that activates the growth of penile spines.

This mutation almost certainly evolved as human beings became monogamous. As well as causing discomfort for the female, spines make the penis more sensitive and thus shorten the length of intercourse. Their loss would have made sex more satisfying, promoting pair bonding.

This discovery, published recently in the journal NATURE, offers important insights into human evolution. The research was done by by scientists at Stanford University in California.

Acknowledgements: The Times

http://huttriver.blog.co.uk

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Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Once upon a time in the Kingdom of Heaven...

Cover of "Kingdom of Heaven (2-Disc Wides...Cover via Amazon


Once upon a time in the Kingdom of Heaven...


Once upon a time in the Kingdom of Heaven, God went missing for Six days. Eventually, Michael the Archangel found him, resting on the seventh day. He inquired of God, "Where have you been?"

God sighed a deep sigh of satisfaction and proudly pointed downwards through the clouds, "Look Michael, look what I've made." Archangel Michael looked puzzled and said, "What is it?"

"It's a planet, replied God, "and I've put LIFE on it. I'm going to call it Earth and it's going to be a great place of balance".

"Balance?" inquired Michael, still confused.

God explained, pointing to different parts of Earth.

"For example, Northern Europe will be a place of great opportunity and wealth while Southern Europe is going to be poor; the Middle East over there will be a hot spot."

"Over there I've placed a continent of white people and over there is a continent of black people" God continued, pointing to different countries. "And over there, I call this place America.

North America will be rich and powerful and cold, while South America will be poor, and hot and friendly. And the little spot in the middle is Central America which is a Hot spot. Can you see the balance?"

"Yes" said the Archangel, impressed by Gods work, then he pointed to a smallish land mass and asked, "What's that one?"

"Ah" said God. "That's New Zealand, the most glorious place on Earth. There are beautiful mountains, rainforests, rivers, streams and an exquisite coast line. The people are good looking, intelligent and humorous and they're going to be found traveling the world. They'll be extremely sociable, hard-working and high-achieving, and they will be known throughout the world as diplomats and carriers of peace. I'm also going to give them super- human, undefeatable, strong in character citizens who will be admired and feared by all who come across them".

Michael gasped in wonder and admiration but then exclaimed, "You said there will be BALANCE!"

God replied wisely. "Wait until you see the buggers I'm putting next to them"

http://communitybloggersevolve.co.uk

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In Strailya mate...

A wheat beer glassImage via Wikipedia

In Strailya mate ...


An Australian, a Kiwi and South African are in a bar one night having a beer.

All of a sudden the South African drinks his beer, throws his glass in the air pulls out a gun and shoots the glass to pieces.. "In Seth Efrika our glasses are so cheap that we don't need to drink from the same one twice," he says.

The Kiwi, obviously impressed by this, drinks his beer, throws his glass into the air, pulls out his gun and shoots the glass to pieces. "Wull mate, in Noo Zulland we have so much sand to make the glasses that we don't need to drink out the same glass either," he says.

The Australian, cool as a Koala, picks up his beer and drinks it, throws his glass in the air, pulls out his gun and shoots the South African and the Kiwi. He turns to the astonished barman and says," In Strailya mate, we have so many bloody South Africans and  Kiwis that we don't need to drink out of the same glass twice.

Acknowledgements: Best of Kiwi and Aussie jokes

http://anzacbloggersunite.blog.co.uk

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"The Spitfire"...

This Spitfire Mk 2A, now owned by the Battle o...Image via Wikipedia
George Kerevan of The Scotsman has written a wonderful tribute to the Spitfire on the occasion of its 75th anniversary. An article that I just had to draw your attention to for its poignancy and the skill of its writing. The article is simply entitled- "The Spitfire - An Appreciation". You won't read anything like it in the NZ Herald.

75 years ago today, as darkness loomed across Europe, an achingly beautiful aircraft soared into the heavens on its maiden flight. The plane would become both an eight-gunned instrument of freedom and a near-spiritual symbol of it. The Spitfire was born.

AT 4:35pm on the afternoon of 5 March, 1936, a pilot called Joseph 'Mutt' Summers walked across the grass of Southampton Airport - currently a hub for Flybe. Summers had spent a tiring day testing a new RAF bomber. Now, he had to squeeze in the first flight of a new fighter called the "Spitfire". A plane that would become a legend and - arguably - hold the pass in 1940 long enough to save us from fascism.

[..]The Spitfire was the inspired creation of a true engineering genius, Reginald Joseph Mitchell. He was born in 1895, the son of two Stoke-on-Trent primary school teachers. His poor background precluded university, so he began an engineering apprenticeship with a locomotive builder.

[..] The Spitfire is one of the most beautiful aircraft ever designed. One Battle of Britain veteran later called it "flying totty". Its trademark elliptical wing curves like a piece of Lalique glass. But the wing was more than an ornament. It gave the Spit the manoeuvrability and turn of speed that proved the edge over the Luftwaffe's Messerschmitts during the Battle of Britain.

These are just excerpts. If you're interested in this kind of stuff, please go and read the full article, it is well worth it. Mr. Kerevan finishes off thus-

The nearest the non-pilot will ever get to what it felt like to sit alone in the cockpit of a Spit is a poem by John Gillespie Magee, a Scots-Irish American who came to Britain in 1941 to fight the Nazis:

"Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth;
"And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
"Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth;
"Of sun-lit clouds - and done a hundred things;
"You have not dreamed of…
"And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod;
"The high untrespassed sanctity of space;
"Put out my hand and touched the face of God."

On 11 December, 1941, Magee was killed when his parachute failed to open. He was 19. At a time when the RAF is being cut to shreds, we should remember the Spit. But we should also remember the men and women who built it and flew it.

I have to reflect too on a man like Magee, who wrote that wonderful poem at 19, but more, came from America to the UK just to fight against the Nazis. At that young age. And what of today's youth with their nihilistic worldviews and their cellphones and their gaming? Would they go and fly that plane and shoot down other men in planes? Would they write such a poem? A more stark measure of what we have lost would be hard to come by.

Acknowledgements:   NZ Herald

http://huttriver.blog.co.uk


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Monday, March 7, 2011

Some of the trials and tribulations of earthquake-riven Christcurch...

Aerial view of AMI Stadium, December 2005Image via Wikipedia


Some of the trials and tribulations of earthquake-riven Christchurch...


Further to my recent  post,"Taking Things for Granted", I want to comment further about the trials and tribulations of Cantabrians residing in the Garden City of Christchurch.

I mentioned the state of homes and streets in my home town - the damage, the loss of roofs or is it rooves(?)broken bricks, the dried and watered liquefaction - a new word that emanated after the Sept 4 earthquake. There are now heaps of liquefaction lying on the side of the road, waiting for collection by contractors. These are the results of the efforts of home-owners who have shovelled and wheelbarrowed the filthy grey crap from their sections. At the height of the earthquake this filthy grey oozing crap seeped through the ground and over properties and streets, in school yards, factory sites, church grounds and everywhere else. Streets and roads have been damaged by this assault of the "Grey Blob". Does anybody remember the 1960's horror 'The Blob' that attacked an American town and absorbed all lifeforms in its red path? But this stuff still smells a fortnight after the quake.

The eastern suburbs are a mess, and in some streets houses and other buildings will have to be torn down. Some will never be rebuilt there. Some areas will eventually become parkland and reserves.

Power has been restored to over 80% of homes, water to most, but seweage to only 50%. Portaloos are being distributed slowly around these suburbs, and chemical toilets from America are also being distributed to homes in the worst areas.

In the CBD and some suburbs, AOS police (Armed Offenders Squad) are patrolling armed with Glocks on their hips. Kiwi cops are like their British counterparts unarmed on general patrols. This should have some effect on any potential looters or other criminals. These AOS cops are crack shots with handguns and rifles. These policemen in their dark blue are having a positive on crime figures which are about average on normal crime statistics. The regular police in their light blue can concentate on other areas. The 300 Aussie cops are still around assisting their Kiwi counterparts.

I must say I will never forget the international assistance given to Christchurch, especially by our Aussie neighbours and cousins who reacted immediately when the offers of help were accepted. NZ battled away successfully on their own during the first earthquake on Sept 4, but our leaders knew this time it was too big a job for the resources of our country alone. I saw at first hand the results of the second quake two weeks today.

After shocks continue - about seven last night alone. These are badly affecting the nerves of Christchurch residents, including my own family, who have problems sleeping properly. There have ben around 5,000 altogether after the two earthquakes. School has started again for some of the children, but many schools are damaged. The psychological effects on the children, and adults for that matter, are unknown

Seventy thousand people have left Christchurch, most short term, some in the medium term, and others who will never return.

The earthquake of Sept 4 was 7.1 on the Richter Scale, but while the second on Feb 22 was less at 6.3, it was much shallower and had the power of a nine!

The death-toll is currently 166, and should be less in total after it was discovered that the 22 supposed fatalities from the rubble of the Cathedral's spire, did not occur. Forty four names have been released. Despite complaints from the Japanese about the slowness of releasing names, only about ten Japanese family members remain in Christchurch. The NZ coroner has defended the alleged slowness taken by qualifying it was important for families to have the information correct, and rightly so.

From a sporting point of view the Crusaders Super 15 rugby franchise's home games are in doubt at AMI Stadium (the old Lancaster Park)and two will be played in Nelson. A new home is being sought because Nelson is a small ground and the Crusader's franchise has to have regular income. It is not inconceivable that one game could be played against a South African side at Twickenham, possibly the Sharks. Some other sporting events in Christchurch have been relocated as well, notably the Anzac Rugby league test against Australia.

From a more disturbing viewpoint AMI Stadium could be in doubt for the Rugby World Cup. There are visible signs of damage to the stadium. The turf that has been destroyed by liquefaction can, of course, be relaid. It comes in rolls now, just like carpet.

So these are some of the effects on Christchurch from my point of view. I, unfortunately, had to go down to Christchurch to attend my younger brother's funeral, and witnessed the effects on my home town. While I was there I witnessed some aftershocks - one of which was quite sharp and scary, and also learned that Wellington had a couple of earthquakes too while I was absent.

Where else to go? Northland never has earthquakes they say. Christchurch never had a faultline too. Yeah right!

http://communitybloggersevolve.blog.co.uk

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