forge anew

Greco-Roman

2006-05-26T10:22:00.000+01:00

Wandering around Thessaloniki we came across this Roman arch celebrating some victory by some emperor presumably (no details - Thessaloniki doesnt really cater to tourists in this regard). Thats me at the centre of the arch with my hands raised, alongside John (doing the same), Greg, and Siya (reclining against the fence).

Greece!

2006-05-26T10:09:00.000+01:00

My trip to Greece is over, and after returning to Londons colder and wetter May, looking at my photos now with their clear blue skies seems like Greece is indeed a world away... was it all a dream?

Here are some pics from my last few days in Greece, staying at the Blue Bay hotel near Thessaloniki - on the coast approx 1 hour bus ride south east. A bit of fisbee on the beach, lots of relaxing, reading books, swimming and trying not to get too sunburnt (I failed miserably). We had the place virtually to ourselves, as the summer tourist season hasnt quite kicked off. As far as I'm concerned it was perfect precisely because we didnt have to vie for recliners by the pool with throngs of other eurotrash. Temps were in the 30's. An idillic wee town within 20mins walk away had cafe's, restaurants and tourist shops selling Ray Bans for something like 10 euro, and other 'authentic' mechandise, as well as some less tacky art & craft shops.

A sane response.

2006-01-15T22:17:00.000Z

I like reading sane responses by people who are fed up with what is done in their name (supposedly). I am talking about the ID/ CS agenda in the US, which is a fairly hot topic at the moment.

I found this and really liked what he had to say.

the problems with tolerance and other things...

2006-01-14T23:28:00.000Z

An interesting read over here

Particularly under the follow up comments from "SteveG", who proposes (i think), minimising tolerance (and where it is required) by rationally determining where possible what the morally right action is. He terms this "Process absolutism" - believing there is a morally absolute correct answer, and trying to rationalise towards it, and where there is uncertainty, tolerance is required. (I'm mangling this terribly, so if you are interested head on over for a read). There are some interesting points -i swear.

Lets make Creation - Science not suck

2006-01-12T00:11:00.000Z

Excellent post, on a blog over here

I have real problems with CS being anything other than at best an oxymoron, and at worst, responsible for isolating genuinely intelligent people to write off Christianity as archaic and potentially evil nonsense. I may discuss further my views if I get around to it.

Things I miss about NZ

2006-01-09T21:45:00.000Z

I thought I'd have a brief winge about things I miss about good ol' NZ.
Its mostly to do with Food. The UK is a bit disappointing when it comes to good food and drink. They do know how to make a good beer though.
OK here goes:
*Cafe food -inevitably plain -toasted sammies, greasy food, or pastries, and I miss a good ol Eggs Benedict from Atomic Cafe in Ponsonby.
*Cafe Atmosphere. Either its a chain like Starbucks, Costa or Neros (ie same ol american-like shite), or its a bit lacking in atmosphere, whereas NZ cafes have Charm. Costas are at least reliable when it comes to an OK coffee.
*Coffee is just flavourless -watery, and no coffee scent that you get in NZ cafes (I am so puzzled as to how they just CANT do coffee?). They lack Flat Whites, and Long Blacks, Vienna, the Hot Chocolates are not made with frothed milk & no marshmellows, and they use something akin to Milo to make it with -Cadburys drinking chocolate over here is not as good as what you get in NZ either.
*Icecream -but then we always knew NZ icecream was the shiznit.
*Marmite -you can Vegemite over here, and even Vogels, but I'm a fan of NZ Marmite, and the UK stuff is horrid.
*Fish n Chips. Think of the worst FnC you've ever had in NZ, its likely to better than standard fare over here. To be avoided.
*Burgers. Burger Fuel and Burger Wisconsin make fine burgers, and trust me, they are better than anything over here.

There, now that thats off my chest I can stop being such a winge.

I do love the public transport, the building quality, the parks etc, the quality of the university, testament to the fact that the UK does think long term, and something NZ is certainly short of -long term foresight.

The Decline and Fall of the West

2006-01-05T02:16:00.000Z

The decline and Fall of the West

A very right wing opinionated piece, but nevertheless a fun read, and some good points regarding the future of the West, with our incredibly low birthrates - Spain is halving every generation at the current rate of decline! (assuming his data is correct).

And despite my dislike of intolerance, at the same time I can see his point clearly on the problem of Islam -it is an extremely intollerant religion. I'm definately at odds with Political Correctness and being free to call a spade a spade.

The decline and fall of the west can be blamed on one thing - the pill. Our desire to control our biology - our very mode of existence, will lead to our ultimate destruction.

Lumpenproletariat

2006-01-03T22:54:00.000Z

Doing some random surfing today and came across the term "chav" on a BBC News report describing modern terminology (along with blogging, dogging, and a number of other things I cant remember). Being semi-interested in English subculture, I turned to Wiki to fill me in on what I perhaps ought to know...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chav

Apparently, not a recent phenomenon - Marx had a term for this subculture as well: The Lumpenproletariat. Proletariat being of course the working classes, productive, hard working, and the ones Marx was keen to see ruling society. The lumpenproletariat however, were seen as the scum on the refuse pile of society, and completely useless to him and his plans for his revolutionary ideas.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lumpenproletariat

And I managed to find this excellent photo essay on "yoof" culture in London Council estates. While some may mock others for their poor taste in clothing, there is a very real sad story behing a lot of these individuals.

http://todayspictures.slate.com/inmotion/simon/

Kensington Gardens

2006-01-02T13:54:00.000Z

More pix. These are taken from the walk from Lancaster Gate through Kensington Gardens to the Prince Albert Memorial. Firstly in late summer, -around October, then more recent pics were between Queensway and High Street Kensington, walking past Kensington Palace. It had recently snowed that morning (27th December 2005).

This Second Image is the Albert Memorial. Its quite massive, the statues at the corners are of 'Africa' -stylised as an Egyptian queen (cleopatra inspired perhaps?), 'Asia' -styled as an Indian princess, 'America', and finally 'Europe'. More info, as always on wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Memorial

Interestingly, I always pass Korean (or japanese -I really shouldnt presume) tourists taking photos of old burtie -I guess they like big golden chaps sitting, but it is fairly impressive. The detail is really nice. It is situated across the road from Royal Albert Hall.

Third is this impressive building - A college for organists. Its in the same neighbourhood as Royal Albert Hall, and the Royal College of Music.

Now, the Royal School of Mines, part of Imperial College, London:

OK, some recent pix of Kensington Gardens & the Palace, with whats left of the snow (I was arriving back from Salisbury and it started snowing when I was at Gloucester Road station. So unfortunately I didnt get to take photos when it was fresh.

A statue of a young and very regal appearing Queen Vic. Just a dusting of snow left. Kensington palace behind.

The front gates to Kensington Palace. Once just a country house for the king, eventually encompassed by London as it grew.

Lastly, this statue, a gift from Kaiser Bill (relative of the Windsors through Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg), of William III of Orange. The dress reminds me of something out of "Three Musketeers". Love those boots.

London Pix

2006-01-02T12:45:00.000Z

Long overdue London Pix. These were taken back in September 2005 when I had arrived and having a good look around.
Image One: The London Eye.

Image Two: St. Stephens Tower, also known as "Big Ben"

The detail in the original photo (doesnt quite come through here) is exsquisite.

Image Three: A longer distance shot from the south bank of the Thames looking northward across to Westminster (the houses ofParliament).

Image Four: The British Museum, from the front entrance. Classical greek styling (Ionic columns etc). Saw the exhibition on the Persian Empire while there, in addition to the Egyptian, Assyrian, Roman and Greek antiquities housed in the Museum. The internal renovations are impressive too.

Londinium -or not as the case turns out.

2005-12-22T15:57:00.000Z

my bad,

been too busy to make an actual go of blogging on a regular basis.

Its two days before christmas 2005, and i have some time up my sleeve to make a post. Suprised I remembered my password to even get onto the site and make a posting!

Well, my last post 1/2 a year ago saw me pondering the election in NZ. Turned out the incumbent won for round three, but with thankfully a much reduced majority (I dont like one party getting all the power, as I feel democracy works better when theres a change of the guard).

Being outside NZ now, I care about the same things, but most of the issues seem more removed somehow. For one, I am not earning an income anymore and paying taxes. But it is interesting that the Student Loan promise has been made a reality (politicians following up on their promises? Never!).

Now NZers with student loans can have them for free (interest free) as long as they draw a salary in NZ. Its all designed to reduce the brain drain incentive, kind of a bribe to keep people with skills in the country. I can see it working, but only for those who have no desire to work overseas and travel. They are precisely the sort of people who stayed in NZ to begin with.
For those who yearn to travel and see the world, experience life in other places, this is another case of 'so what' -I had to pay my loan before, and now I still have to pay it while overseas - no change from the current scenario, and hence no disincentive at all!

Such people will view the interest as an investment anyway, and most people who do the OE have the incentive to return to NZ at some point (and usually do so after 3 -5 years), at which time the interest will stop increasing. Unless there is a change in government (and after 3 terms of Labour led government it is highly likely to go Nationals way next time), then there actually is no disincentive to allowing the loan to build up with compounding interest at market rates.

Long term, this was an election bribe, plain and simple, and despite them following through on it, I cant see this being sustainable for a slowing economy. Without stricter enforcement of who can take on student loans, this loan scheme will balloon in size beyond its already monstrous size. If individuals are now excused from paying the interest, then the state must make the repayments for them.

Well, I have rambled on about it, and I was going to talk about my experiences of London life, but that will have to wait for another post (including some pixs as well).

elections!

2005-06-03T06:04:00.000+01:00

forgeanew.blogspot.com

Order out of Chaos.

As the date for the election approaches I am finding I have differing opinions on issues within my own head, and no political party seems to cover truly a forward thinking long term startegic viewpoint -that i see as being sorely lacking in government. Long term stategic focus is a crucial aspect to sound government. How can you develop the country into a strong a vibrant place -strong economy, good jobs, low unemployment, a good healthcare system, world class education system, robust infrastructure, strong legal framework, and a legal and policing system that is just regardless of wealth, and status (be that financial or ethnic or otherwise)?

Most political parties seem to focus too much on some aspects, neglecting others to the detriment of the whole. Its is rather frustrating that you cant take a bit of this party, mix it with a few ideas from that party, throw in some new and fresh ideas and then create a government that has balance and the impetus to move forward on issues and Get Stuff Done.

While traditionally my focus has been on jobs and economy, we are in an interesting position where for the first time in 30 years we have incredibly low unemployment, and its hurting our growth - we cant get the people we need. Where are they?

Well, many of them left in late 80's early 90's -a time of high unemployment and "recession" -and many now call Australia and further afield home. What are the incentives for them to return ? Lower incomes (despite the demand in the workforce!), higher taxes, poorer infrastructure development, but hey, nicer, less crowded beaches in the summer, and local places to go skiing in Winter. As always, - and now more than ever, it's a lifestyle choice and financial sacrifice to stay and make your life here. Higher taxes, lower salaries/ incomes, and higher cost of living all amount to a much lower standard of living here -and its hurting us.

The lack of infrastructure is often blamed on the governments (local and national) for not having the vision and the balls to make that vision a reality. Where's the money going to come from? Us -you and me. Where is our money currently going? in Taxes, and Offshore as profit. Largely to Australia.
All of our major banks are now foreign/ australian owned. These banks make an absolute mint off us every year, and the profits dissappear back to their investors across the ditch. As is want to happen to foreign owned companies.

Where do NZers invest most of their cash? Answer: In owning their own home. Who profits from this investment - many times over it is the banks who make a huge profit from the interest taken from mortgage loans. And the money borrowed by the developer who builds new apartment blocks and subdivisions. Likewise other infrastructure development is often funded through loans made through banks.

I dont know enough about the system, but I'd hazard a guess that if the profit from borrowing was returned to NZ to fund further development, we'd be much better off as a country. Do you feel bled by Australian owned corporations? Maybe you dont, but you probably are being bled all the same -you just didnt know they were doing it to us.

has anyone investigated what profit made in this country leaves our soil (never to return)?...

It seems unjust to me that we are all working harder every year, and our quality of living is diminishing as a result. Who are the mugs? In the 1960s and 70s, 1 man, educated to school cert level, could work 35hrs a week, earning enough to support himself, a wife, 4 kids and a mortgage in a modest -middle income part of town. He didnt need to get a university degree to have a good life -and if he'd have done so it would have been free, and to world class standard. He paid modest to high taxes, but it didnt matter so much because he could still afford his mortgage, his bills and a hoilday every year to a bach by the sea, and he got a subsidy for each kid (kind of a tax rebate), and free doctors visits.

Now in the 2000's, 2 young people, with university educations -maybe two degrees or to Masters level, work 45-55 hrs a week each, have put off kids in order to pay for a mortgage in modest - middle income part of town. They would be about $20-30,000/yr better off in Australia (lower taxes, higher incomes, lower cost of living), and be able to afford kids, for which they would in addition receive a government subsidy/ tax rebate! Its no wonder people who have left do not return, and its a wonder, moreso why more NZ people dont pack up and go!

Which brings us back to the lifestyle choice. Perhaps it is a financial sacrifice to live in NZ, and such a beautiful environment. But I think that a whole lot more can be done to reduce the financial dissincentives to living here. My pet peive is the banks, but at the end of the day the government has the responsibility for deciding what is fair and reasonable for foreign companies doing business here and can have a say in how much profit leaves these shores. Some creative restructuring to encourage banks and other foreign owned corporations to reinvest a large proportion of their profit back into the NZ economy rather than taking it offshore would be highly welcome.
Then perhaps there would be more money for research and development, infrastructure development, and an increase in wealth generation activities, with spin offs being higher standard of living as wages rise. More of the right sort of people would be attracted to return to NZ at that point, and continue to grow the country. With more money in the economy, public services provided would increase without added tax cost to the public. Indeed to keep a bare minimum working system would be readily affordable, and tax reductions with no loss in services would be possible (as australia has recently benefitted from), further increasing growth.

well... its a nice idea. I dont see the banks rolling over on this one though!