NZ had a spot of bad weather recently and this is the result. NSFW language.

Eels in the Gutter

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"What an awesome night", quoth John Key, in an attempt to sound like an ordinary Kiwi once again.
( Results and opinion )

For the first time, I faxed my vote in, which felt weird, especially when the guy doing the faxing turned over the first sheet and looked at it. But it was cheaper time- and money-wise than going to the embassy.

My party vote went to the Greens because I appreciate their past achievements, they've consistently gotten the most out of their position ( Read more... )

Good stuff coming from Hamilton, this is Kimbra with "Settle Down". Video's a bit rubbish, so maybe it's best to just listen.

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[What's this still doing in Drafts?]

Claire kicked off her #FeministFriday by asking us to name our favourite female kids' TV characters. My mind went utterly blank. All I could think of was Manu from Play School, an iconic NZ programme (copied from the Brits). I seem to remember her as the quiet one. The other female character, Jemima, was ( Read more... )

Note to UK viewers, BBC3 is showing the World Cup final between the USA and Japan this evening. Kick-off's at 7.45pm and it should be a good one. I'm backing the US to win their third title but, like many, hope to see first-time finalists Japan win it ( Read more... )

Back in April, a question about what nursery rhymes New Zealanders sing sent me down memory lane to Wikipedia to find out about songs imported into NZ. I promised some homegrown favourites and here they finally are.

My number one favourite as a little kid was the song about learning colours in MaoriMā is white, whero is red, kākāriki green ( Read more... )

A nursery teacher told me that her small son had learned his large vocabulary from the many songs she sang to him. It's led to some interesting associations for him. Whenever he sees a horse, he shouts "Banbury Cross ( Read more... )

In honour of last night's supermoon, one of my favourite Headless Chickens songs.

Mr Moon

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Mr Moon, you walk upon the water
You shine like oil on machinery
You're sharper than a knife
And I'll love you all my life
Don't leave me here alone
Please take me with you

Thanks again for your kind comments, mails, etc. Words fail me at the moment. This is so big, so devastating. So I'll just point to the
New Zealand Red Cross Earthquake Appeal. You can also donate via the British Red Cross.

Arohanui Christchurch.