First things first, day seven has come and is nearly gone and I have yet to shave (other than some touchup). What will be the result of tomorrow's voting? If you ask the typical Kiwi I think most would say (hopingly) that the democrats will rout the republicans. I don't think it's going to go down like that. I suspect that Wednesday will be much like Tuesday. Remember fully read your ballot before voting and leave no hanging chads :) We played deplorably tonight at Pub Quiz night. Placed 7th out of 10 teams. Note to self: must get to bed before midnight one of these days. ... read more

Guy Fawkes Day - An Excuse to Hoard Fireworks Happy Guy Fawkes Day, the day British Commonwealth countries celebrate the failed attempt by Roman Catholics (lead by Guy Fawkes) on Novermber 5th, 1605 to murder the Protostant King James I. In many ways the celebration activities are similar to our July 4th celebration. Families get together for barbeques, outdoor activities, and of course fireworks. The main difference is New Zealand’s ultra liberal politicians and private citizens have regulated fireworks to such an extent that you can only purchase them over a five day period before Guy Fawkes, the other 360 days it is illegal to sell and buy fireworks. Firworks that shoot into the air (sky rockets) are illegal, so you are left with small roman candles, sparklers, snakes, and other minute pyrotechnics. I say if ... read more

After work I went to an indoor cricket field with some colleagues. I’ve never really watched more than five or ten minutes and definitely never played a game. If you’re the batter or a player positioned near the batter you are subject to a bombardment by heavy balls traveling at whopping speeds. For fielders you’re playing the ball without a glove or mitt. Wow, stopping a ball traveling that fast with your bare hands stings. I’ve got a few nice bruises from the ball both as a batter and as a fielder. If you’re a batter you’re responsible to protect your wicket from the ball, even if that means stepping in front of the bowled (pitched) ball. I’d like to see an MLB player jump in front of balls in the strike zone to prevent the ... read more

November is known as Movember in New Zealand. Movember is a chance for men to grow facial hair and raise awareness and money for prostate cancer. Today I was pressured into growing a mustache to support the cause. I don’t know if I’m looking forward to this experience, the last time I let my facial hair start to grow out I found that I must suffer from male pattern baldness on my face. I suspect my facial hair will come in splotchy, straight, and too blonde to really look good. I’m sure I’ll be happy to shave whatever monstrosity grows on my face at the end of the month. The worst thing about this is that if I decide to back out I’ll be out at the very least another $25. The event is sanctioned by ... read more

We did it, we finally did it. Despite being gone for a long three day weekend road trip and going completely mad (tmd sav g) I managed to show up to the quiz night with my game face on. We finished a strong second place and took home the $50 bar tab. Nothing like a celebratory drink to draw to a close a Tuesday evening. Do we dare aim for first place two weeks from now? PS there were seven teams competing tonight so second place was an accomplishment not a forgone conclusion. Watch for my photo blogs from my road trip.... read more