Looters: Muppets & Losers

Times of stress and danger bring out the best and worst in human nature. Whilst it has been amazing to see the incredible energy and sense of community right across Canterbury at the moment we are of course let down by the few who take advantage of the situation. Facebook is naming a few who have been charged with looting and burgling the homes of people (see link here).

Like many I feel like gut shooting these individuals for their stupidity and selfishness. To be honest what annoys me the most is that it tarnishes the many positive acts people are doing each day. They are not worth the effort and I think should just be dealt with by our court system and whisked off to the slammer.

I don't want to focus on their actions. Scum bags always surface and do their thing and every village has a number of idiots! Generally what goes around does come around and I'm sure they will be dealt with without a focus being put on their acts.

To all those working hard in our city giving their time, support and expertise.....thanks for being Southern Legends.

Southern Legend: Dr Stuart Philip of Brisbane

This afternoon I heard an interview on Radio New Zealand with Dr Stuart Philip. Dr Philip is a New Zealand born and trained Urologist who was in Christchurch at a conference when the earthquake struck. Finding his wasy to the Police kiosk in the square to volunteer his skills, he was taken to the PGC building.

Here he quickly became involved (along with a female doctor and an anaesthetist) with a man who was pinned at the back of the building. It became obvious that the only way to save the mans life was to amputate both of his legs. Trapped in a very confined space the female Doctor was the one who had to do the amputation.

After consulting each other and making the decision they used the only tools on hand, a leatherman tool and a tradesmans hacksaw. You can read more about this story by linking here: NZ Herald. The man has survived and Dr Philip had spoken to him by phone prior to flying back to Australia. The man (who does not want to be named) was recovering in Waikato hospital surrounded by his wife and children after coming out of intensive care.

What an example of leadership and making tough decisions in very stressful circumstances. I'm sure this is one of many such stories that will come out, but listening to Dr Philip speaking and how scared he was to be inside the building in that tough situation you just have to take your hat off to the man.

Dr Philip and your two colleagues.......thank you for doing your bit, for stepping up and being brave enough to do what it took to save this mans life. I know you carried on and worked with many others.

You are a Southern Legend!

Bugger off Mother Nature!

ture

Dad got out of this unhurt. Legend!

Life in Christchurch has been like being an extra in a B Grade Hollywood disaster movie. Our work was pretty decisively disrupted just after lunch on Tuesday afternoon and life hasn't been the same since. Whilst I have been blessed to have my family unhurt physically, my father had a very close call. He was in my brothers house in Redcliffs when it was hit by rocks falling from the cliffs. in fact a 6 ton boulder landed on top of a boat which blew up (presume a spark from the battery). Concurrently the house was hit with rocks and somehow Dad managed to get his way out through the damage, past the fire and to safety. A lucky call and I am so glad Dad is still here because we could so easily have lost him.

The heavy loss of life within our city is very sobering. We are a small nation and a small city and I already know two of those who have lost their lives and like so many I dread the days ahead as names are released. I think we have again been so lucky to have such able leadership from our Prime Minister John Key and our Mayor Bob Parker. Also our rescue teams, Fire service, Police, Military and Urban Search Teams have been incredible and their response well co ordinated. The contribution of specialists and the support provided by New Zealand's allies and friends has also been amazing.

I have no doubt Canterbury will come through this and whilst at times it seems the job ahead and the ongoing after shocks will be tough to face I'm sure we will all do it a day at a time with the realisation that we are lucky to be alive after such an event. Mother nature is a big beast!

My thoughts remain with those who have lost loved ones.

Kia Kaha.

Southern Legend: International Tenor and Ashburton Lad Simon O'Neill

I have been lucky enough to know Simon O'Neill most of my life. He played music during High School years with my brother, they attended Otago University together and he has been part of the family furniture. He is larger than life, smart, funny, family orientated and passionate about the South Island, Ashburton, things family and good old Kiwi land.

He also just happens to be one of the top Tenors in the world ( the best I reckon but I don't know many others!) and juggles his family (wife Carmel and twins) with a schedule of travel, performances (in a number of languages) and endless rehearsal sessions. Last night he performed at the Isaac Royal Theatre here in Christchurch alongside Kiri Te Kanawa as a fund raiser for the Mayoral earthquake fund.

Today, over a few beers at my brother place I shot the breeze with him and asked him a few questions;

What do you like the most about life?  My gorgeous wife and my great twins (Tom & Grace) aged 2 and a half years. I get to travel the world and to take them sometimes too.

What are your favourite thing about the South Island? The scenery of the south and the contrasts, Sims pies and pasties from Tinwald, The Crusaders, sheep.....especially eating them.....love NZ lamb. I love driving on roads and seeing no other cars for ages. I particularly love Central Otago. I genuinely love Ashburton. It is home, laid back and where my family roots are. Its just nice to come home to after so much travel and the fast pace of life.

What is your favourite NZ beer? Normal Speights. You can have all the fancy stuff but I'll go anywhere for the old 3 star Speights. Old is good and I love that original brew. We drank a ton of it at Otago University.

Simon with twins Grace & Tom at home in Matakana.

What rocks the most about being a professional musician? Getting to perform some of the greatest art that humanity has produced. I love travelling and performing.

What sucks about it? Travelling........I hate being away from my twins and my wife for long periods.

Do you get nervous before you go on stage? Yes good nerves though. I try to turn my nerves into positive energy. When I am nervous I know I am going to do well out there.

Besides classical music what do you listen to? I love Dolly Parton.....she is a genius. I love music in general. I tend to listen to a huge variety of music. Ray Charles is a legend. Shihad, The Exponents and the Dub are gold!

Whats your most prized possession?  It used to be my MG convertible. Now its my villa in Matakana........it rocks. Sea views and we are restoring it. One day I want to live there permanently.

Who do you admire most in the world? My wife Carmel without doubt.

Ever punched anyone? Hell yes but not since my rugby days. I was playing prop for Ravensborne in Dunedin. There are a few grippers I would like to thump.....does that count?

Are all your Facebook friends real? Of course I only let real friends on!

Favourite Movie? Downfall about the last days of Mr Hitler.

Where are you based at the moment? London, England

How was it last night at the Isaac Theatre Royal with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa?  It was a great honour to be involved and a small gesture for Christchurch city. I was delighted at how well the performance was received. It such a great old theatre.

Read more about Simon on his website. Link here.

Good on ya mate.

Good on Ya Mate: Speights Coast to Coast

One of the awesome things about living in Sumner is that a lot of things happen here. Today it was a short stroll down the road to watch a mate come in on that great Southern event we know as the "Coast to Coast".  The good old "Coast to Coast" seems to be on many a Kiwi's bucket list and you get all shapes, sizes and nationality's rocking in down the "finish" shute. It gets into the blood of many who return year after year to endure what the South Island can throw at them. Some who make it in sure deserve that can of sponsors beer thrust into their hand at the finish line........you just have to marvel at how the hell some of those bodies carried them over the hill!

Unlike last year when the weather caused major disappointment and a last minute change in course (down the Avon river!), this year it was suitably hot and humid. I was there to see an Army mate of mine cross the line after the individual two day event.

The Coast to Coast would be nothing without the sponsorship of that great southern brand "Speights".

Good on ya mate!

Halberg Awards: Mediocrity Rocks....thats the Spirit!

Picture courtesy of NZ Herald

The recent Halberg Awards have caused a fair stir. Now before I get into it I'd like to state that the All Whites did incredibly well at the recent world cup. I think their coach is fantastic, there were some great one off moments and displays of skill and they punched well above their weight.

But, Awarding them the "Halberg" has got to be taking the piss? Surely sport is about winning? The Halberg recognises sporting excellence and one logically expects that a winning team represents sporting excellence?  As a proud Southerner I expect our sports teams to win.......call me old fashioned!

I'm not the only one to think so either.  Halberg judge Dick Taylor quit in disgust over the whole incident (see NZ Herald: link here) and bloody good on him for doing so! There has been pretty robust debate about it in every quarter of the media. It does raise a good question though. What is sporting excellence? There were a number of teams entered in the awards that have excelled. Take our Silver Ferns or our All Blacks as just two of them!

I personally think it sets a poor standard, lowers the bar and sends the message that as long as you show up and do your best then thats the spirit! Our Aussie neighbours would never condone it and they expect all their sporting individuals and teams to win and I admire them for it. So should we!

It is complete rot and it seems to be setting in. Hell our cricketers have had flashes of brilliance in amongst their normally drab performances. Maybe they will be up next year as long as they give it their best. If the All Blacks come 5th in the Rugby World Cup do you think they will be up for the award next year if they give it their best?......Hello!

Come on New Zealand this is mediocre. It is OK to win and to define sporting excellence by coming first!

A Cult Movie Clip to Bring a Smile........

This movie is a cult in itself, a bucket list watch! The background....SAS soldiers get leave after fighting in the Vietnam jungle. Before heading into town for the first time in months they go to change their money at the Administration office and meet an administration officer......what happens next is pure gold probably happened!

Remember to Live in the Moment a Little........

This video clip is gold. Remember to live a little, stress less and accept yourself as you are! There thats my tip for the week.

Time for a beer and to watch the Wellington Sevens!