Starting my weekend off from work by making a paper aeroplane for my two sons. I used to know how to make them with paper, sticks, bamboos, gum and thread. But I guess I haven't utilised the skill and been out of practise for more than 50 years! Just look at what my nearly 7-year-old son has made---a futuristic type of aircraft. I see some similarities with the ones he's watched on video like Star Wars, etc. But the ones I used to make were simple and I particularly remember this one wherein I just folded the side of the paper and put a string on it, to make it fly like a kite.
Modern technology has allowed my sons to visualise what they want to make or build by looking/watching at YouTube, follow the instructions and voila create their own. It's gratifying for my family to see that my sons are not enslaved by technology. They are creative enough to make new things out of what they've seen. And when the technology is not working, they can still create the old fashioned way of using their minds and imagination.
Lessons learned: its not the design but the time spent making the paper aeroplane that's important---it's family bonding time through paper aeroplanes. The paper planes I made may and did not fly, but the time and love we've shared will fly forever!
May 31 has been declared by the United Nations as World No-Tobacco Day. I've quit smoking 14 years ago after going from cigarettes to cigar and ending with pipe tobacco for nearly 15 years. This year's theme is Raise Tobacco Tax, Lower Death and Disease.
Although 'smokes' are quite expensive here in NZ, it has not deterred people from getting into the habit. I see very young people, even kids, puffing away. Age and gender doesn't matter when it comes to smoking. And it goes for the sickness and disease too. Young and old, male and female gets sick and die from smoking. I read somewhere that even those who are not smoking, gets sick and may die from what is known as 'second-hand smoking.' It may only be me, but as a former smoker, I really get irritated with people who don't give a care whether their smoke invades my space.
I think this country is trying to be 'smoke-free' by 2020, which is a just a mere 6 years away. Can we do it? Is it possible? We'll have to test the 'if there's a will there's a way' concept to the limit.
Without you knowing it, the month of May is just about to end. And officially it will be winter here in New Zealand. The days and nights are getting colder and wetter. Warm clothing is a must---the more layers the better. But there are still things and events that you can do even with this kind of weather.
I met two Kiwis today, a father (60s) and son (mid 30s) who were out in the shed cleaning the various kinds of fish that they caught. They started out on a boat at the crack of dawn and were able to catch a sizable number of fish. They had snapper with the correct size and number as required by law, kahwai and some other species. They had filleted them and kept the fish heads too. I remember in the past when Kiwis didn't really like fish heads. But with the influx of other cultures who are found of fish heads, they are now sold in supermarkets.
Asked why they ventured out to sea on a cold nearly wintry day, both were affirmative that it was their way of bonding with each other. With their very busy lives they haven't seen and been with each other for quite sometime. And that was my wow moment for today!
The UK is celebrating National Pet Month. Kiwis being known as pet lovers and with most people feeling a close affinity with the UK, this celebration should be observed here too.
I am truly amazed by the amount of space that supermarkets devote to pet supplies. There is a huge variety of products, supplies and services available. I grew up in a house filled with all kinds of pets: we had 5-8 dogs, 3 cats, chickens, rabbits, pigs, as well as fish together with turtles and seahorse in an aquarium. I also grew up not knowing any better about pet health. Here in NZ, I would like to take care of a dog or two. I've always been partial to dogs. However, I feel that having a dog is just like having another child in the family. It will also entail the same costs of feeding, clothing and going to the vet.
Media is all over the case of the missing and now murdered Filipino woman Blessie Gotingco. She is the news. From the moment it was discovered that she was missing, the police and media had been on top of her case. In NZ, cases like this are rare, maybe that's why it has attracted a lot of attention not only from media but ordinary people.
She came from a country where incidents like this are common. But for this to happen in a safe haven like NZ, one has to think, is NZ really safe now? In the past my Kiwi friends would regale me with stories about leaving their doors unlocked and nothing would be missing or happening to them or their belongings. It is laudable however, that the efficiency of the police has lead to the swift capture of the perpetrator of Blessie's death.
I do hope that those people who are fond of equating anything negative to migrants and migration will not use this unfortunate event for their own personal advancement. For now, we offer our prayers and condolences to all the loved ones that are left to carry on.
I really don't know the context behind what Mark Twain was quoted as saying that "politicians and diapers must be changed often, and for the same reason." Did he have a terrible time dealing with politicians? I've been trying to do a bit of research about this but I just couldn't find any affirmation on this quote. It is a great quote for people aspiring for public office, and a cheeky way to get the attention of voters.
It is a great quote though, that speaks volumes! I've seen on the web certain personalities and politicians using this quote in their speeches. It does make for a good conversation piece and with the media landscape nowadays, media handlers for politicians can use this to make for a good sound bite.
It's always refreshing to see Nikki Kaye the MP for Auckland Central. I don't know her personally but she was gracious enough to answer my Q&A. Thank you for that Nikki. She walks the talk as the Youth Affairs Minister. She could be the poster girl for the youth of this country.
With parliamentary elections coming up in September 20, this lady has a proven track record under her from 2008 when she was first elected and again in 2011 when she was reelected. Her focus on digital literacy is a welcome one if New Zealand wants to excel in the digital landscape.
Q: What's your proudest achievement up to this moment?
A: Taking through Cabinet a package of funding of over $200 million to enable every state school in New Zealand offered uncapped fast crown funded Internet connections.
Q: Name 3 people, dead or alive, you'll like to have dinner with and why?
A: Hillary Clinton - to try and understand one of the most competent, female, political leaders. My Uncle Hamish who died before I was born - so I could meet the man that died so young, did so much and continues to be adored by everyone in my family. Forever loved. Elvis - it would be a great fun dinner with wonderful soul music and good Southern food.
Q: Are you a cat or dog person, and why?
A: Cat person - it's in the genes. My mum and grandmother love cats too.
Q: Where in NZ is the place you can call as your sanctuary, and why?
A: Great Barrier Island - because the people and land have no pretence, it is just untapped raw beauty. It is breathtakingly rugged, beautiful and very peaceful. One Barrier sleep is worth at least a week.
Q: Something not many people know about you?
A: I love gherkin and cheese sandwiches.
Q: If you could travel back in time, where/when would it be, and why?
A: Ancient Athens for many reasons - because they established the first democracy, and further developed legal systems. I would love to meet Shakespeare and JFK too.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: To make the greatest difference I can and help the most people. I think that will lead me to many different places.
