Author: telboy2

Our violent world


Hollande: “C’est une horreur” by BFMTV

New violence and horror as attacks have just taken place in Paris. So far 120-140 believed to be have been killed after a highly organised series of attacks.

Shootings, suicide bombing and hostage taking prior to execution. Linked to jihadists and the war in Syria. This has come along just after the apparent bombing of a plane over the Sinai that was flying to Russia.

Who knows what the response will be. I listened to tv commentators who, using the example of the US after 9/11, think France may never be the same again.

I am sure we will have more security measures at airports etc will be heightened. It will be grist for those who hate foreigners or people who are different/outsiders. We will have calls for more surveillance-measures that can be argued have not worked. A broader response is necessary but will we have more of the same I assume. As the saying goes; download

Maybe I will be surprised. However, in the UK a security bill is going through the commons that will allow tracking of our internet use and storage of these data for a long time. Who will be allowed to argue against this in the light of these events?

Joe’s birthday

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The day marks the end of the teenage years.

A celebration with chocolate cake in the evening as opening presents before going to work is too much of a challenge now.

The lucky lad received a Warriors top, season pass for the Hurricanes and Lions for the next two seasons, plus a nice shirt chosen by his sister. Not bad.

Happy birthday

Prize-giving success

As ever late- but…

Nearly the end of the school year-exams are imminent. However, that means recognition for events and success during the year.Last Thursday we attended the senior prize-giving. An enjoyable if long experience. Speeches from the Rector (never really warmed to him), the head the board and the trust that owns the building-a high court judge in his real life. Generally good to listen to with music interspersed from the choir, successful barber shop quartet and the jazz group.

Isaac won three awards for Samoan, RE and English.

 

The very pleasant side of being a parent.

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The Flag

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Momentum is gaining on the discussion of the new flag in New Zealand.With the release of the final four for consideration discussion seems to have increased. On the whole the reception has been negative.

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A grand committee I assume of the ‘great and good’ have lead a process that has considered all the proposals, set a long-list and then a short list of four. The final selection is  driven by an unsurprising compromise of incorporating the common themes that seem to gain traction, aside of whether these components work in combination.

The task set I think is an impossible one. The flag is to represent the important features of what makes New Zealand ……New Zealand. I do not think other countries set such high expectations for its flag. Such desires need a painting or such like! Of course John Key is driving his preference-something fern like. Not particularly  mind stretching and he has reasonably been accused of just branding or corporatising the intent. How to make dollars, as if that is the way nations think of themselves. The problem with the fern and the colour black, another strong theme, for example is that they are already used widely by business and sports teams-the All Blacks of course. Hence the preference of Key, the currently great Ritchie McCaw and many Joe-Blokes (“ordinary Kiwis”).

FinalFourFlags_620x310The current four options to go into the planned run off against the current flag. I think there is a reasonable level of desire for change but the options have been received negatively.

A new one currently hitting big on ‘social media’ is below:

12569428 1441395328280At least this design  shows some imagination is design and offers meaningful interpretation rather than ‘the world knows us by the fern and the colour black”.

We will see but I do nor expect a change with these offerings. Key has been accused of using this process to define his heritage. One can see his fingers all over it. His usual suspects are lining up behind the offerings but I wonder if there will be some national tactical response.

 

Film festival revisited

So yesterday was the end of the Wellington setting of the NZIFF.

In the last 2 weeks we have squeezed a few more films. Last night was a viewing of 45 Years that seems to have been a hit with all the critics:

“It’s a film of small moments and tiny gestures that leaves a very, very big impression”

plus Shaz, but not me. It left me cold; too slow and with no particular expression the important issues. I obviously missed the point.

‘When Marnie was there‘ is the film that Isaac requested. I enjoyed this animated film as did he. It was a little unusual in that as a Japanese film it had a lot of European influence in the characterisation.

During the week we saw ’71 a drama set in Ulster while Shaz and Isaac saw ‘Saint Laurent‘ which was huge disappointment. Reading the reviews after the event was a  bit late which were in keeping with their experience.

When Marnie Was There_Key Still ©2014 GNDHDDTK-credit-0-520-0-390-crop

Les Misérables

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This has become a great musical piece for us to watch. From the first time we saw it performed as a school production at St.Pats, through to the film released in 2013 to now the version at Wellington East Girl’s College.

This time of course Isaac performed.

2015-08-09 10.39.41As I am parent of the year I saw the production twice. The last night was yesterday. A great performance with young people who can sing so well.

Now we await whether Isac makes it to centre stage the next time St. Pats put on their show.