An interesting social observation.

I have noted on numerous occasions that in NZ there appears to be a major difficulty with closing doors, and I think is a marker for the societal level of selfishness.

The observation has been made on numerous occasions at the chip shop. This is the case even on a Friday evening in winter, when the place is at its most busy. Despite the global recession, the place is still popular on a Friday. Kiwis will leave the shop and not shut the door, and so leave the rest of the customers to freeze. They walk around oblivious to the world, so much so, that when they walk in and leave the door open, and someone else closes it behind them, they still leave it open on the way out.

Recent evidence from last Friday was 70% left the door open.

Last weekend was notable for the amount of sporting activity. Currently we are in the midst of “finals football” for the National Rugby League, which is providing lots of quality action, from relatively evenly matched teams. Three members of the household have been glued to the screen, and the Parramata Eels have become favourites, along with the rest of the league fraternity. The Bulldogs, my original team, remain in the competition.

Of greater interest to the wider nation and Wellington specifically, there was an All Blacks international on Saturday which Joe and I attended. They were playing Australia, the first time I have seen them play the lads from across the ditch. Going to the game was recognition of Joe’s hard work at school and his good school report.

The stadium was full, and we were seated by a whole block of Ozzies, which was good as they generated some noise for a while, and we were entertained at the end when some of them left early, and they were being waved “goodbye” by the Kiwis.

The noise was louder than usual, but most noticeably for the anthems. After that, it was only slightly louder than usual, and of course, the dorks pulled out the Mexican wave after about 20 minutes.

We were seated behind an end, and so had a good view of the running lines of both teams. Though the ABs won convincingly, their running and handing looked lacklustre. A little more of the “running straight” and “let the ball beat the man” stuff of days gone by would have helped. The Aussie backs looked better with ball in hand, though they had little of it, the forwards being soundly beaten.

For the nation a win is a win. The heat is back off the team and coaches, but there is obviously still plenty to deal with.

And the best parts of the evening?

The choir from Joe’s school leading the singing of the national anthem and rushing home and being in time to watch the Broncos play the Dragons in the NRL!

Of course, with the successful qualification during the week I am a die-hard football fan.It is almost miraculous that England have qualified with games to spare.
I feel some degree of optimism, so I dare to think what the feeling is in England at the moment. The World Cup is already won I suppose.

It could be a double interest for us here, as NZ are still in the running to reach the finals. They are in a play-off against Bahrain, well known football powerhouse, for a place. The home leg is second and will be played in Wellington. It could be a big one.

Will success and its oxygen of publicity be a further dent to the place of rugby in the national psyche?

Isaac continues to make progress , and now can play a well known piece of music.

Sir Terry Wogan has announced he is to step down as presenter of BBC Radio 2’s breakfast show.

The 71-year-old told his listeners shortly after Monday’s 0800 news bulletin, calling his decision to go “the hardest thing I have ever done”.

We heard listening live yesterday. We have just bought a new radio in part so we could listen to Tel in the kitchen via the ‘tinternet. We had better make the most on the next few months.

I will not be so keen to listen to Chris Evans. Not sure how well the TOGs will take to him either.

Unlike the Silver Ferns, who have a bad week against the World 7, the SMC 18 netball team have taken the Haitaiti netball set up by storm. Yesterday they walked away tall and proud after winning against St. Catherine’s College in the final of the 4A division. After three tight quarters they raced away to win 26-17. EQ was a dynamic WA. She settled down from initial nerves, shown by her bullet passes, and displayed her maturing years with calmer decision making and fuller use of the court spaces.

A deserved success for the team and coach Steve who made them think like a team, and to concentrate on the task at hand during the season. A refreshing experience after two seasons of netball frustration.

Last Friday Isaac and I went to the top of Mount Kaukau to see the sun go down and enjoy the the night views. Isaac took some pictures and we had some male bonding.

Point of note now-it is pronounced “coco”.

As I write England are in pole position in the final test at The Oval. A very up and down series, and now Australia have 2 days score a record 4th inning score to win.
I watched midway thought the second session last night, as England were slowly trying to build a large target. My frustration was at Prior and Flintoff along with he commentary team.
Prior ran himself out going for a ludicrous single. You tell kids not to run when they hit it straight to the fielder. What was Prior thinking?

The there is the “Freddie” situation. A talisman yes, but aren’t his powers being somewhat overstated in the light of his retirement form Test cricket. I have always thought it a bit strange that some players announce their retirement ahead of the event. In so doing, they ensure are chosen and all that hubbub is generated. As a result AF has changed from a successful, respected cricketer to wonder god on whom the state of English cricket depends. His record does not deserve the levels of admiration he is currently receiving. A particularly British thing going on?
And so, he came out for his final innings, when the situation demanded some application to score some much needed runs. However, he plays as if it is a charity bash where he is expected to throw the willow in any manor he wishes, as long as it looks exciting. Atherton and “Bumble” I think it was, seemed to buy into this scenario, and laugh along with it all.
Thankfully after I went to bed, Trott continued his accumulative role, while Broad and Swann put effort in to produce the runs.

Lets hope for a famous victory, and that the attention goes to the appropriate participants.