blogging it real

Why is Speights new low carb beer called "Traverse"?

Traversing is a form of climbing, requiring a large amount of energy. So shouldn't the beer have "twice the carbs of other beers", not "less than half the carbs of regular beers"?

You can trust me to notice the important things.

Labels: beer, carbs, wanky beer names

As part of our ongoing series offering free financial advice, a couple of stories have caught my eye lately. One case is particularly deserving of sympathy, and the other at least merits serious consideration for contesting a point of principle, but you really have to question the budgeting going on here:

Case 1: A young mother stricken with cancer finds Work & Income unwilling or unable to help her out with the costs of clothing her child. A fucking terrible situation you wouldn't wish on anyone ... but exacerbated by a pre-existing grant from said government agency of $920 "for a fridge and a washing machine." Hmm, I was in the top income tax bracket in Auckland and couldn't afford a new fridge or washing machine after I'd bought a house. So I got them off Trademe for $110 and $75 respectively. And the washing machine is still working fine four years later (touch wood). If working people can't afford new white-ware (not that I was complaining), how can non-working ones expect it? Honestly, there's nothing wrong with second-hand goods - that's what Trademe is for. Find a relative with a van, truck or SUV and you can pick them up for free. By all means the taxpayer should advance the money for secondhand goods, but I see no need for new ones.

Case 2: A beneficiary battles Work and Income through an internal appeals process, and then the courts, over two years regarding a $50 jumper and a $140 pair of shoes, arguing that the cost shouldn't be met through a repayable grant. I admire the balls on the guy, and I see the point of principle he's arguing. But ... later in the article "Act MP Dr Muriel Newman" [sic - that would be long-time former ACT MP Muriel Newman (or perhaps they're actually quoting current ACT MP Heather Roy), these right wing women are all the same eh?] is quoted as saying "People can go to an op shop and get a pair of shoes for $5 and he's definitely chosen not to take that path." And as much as it pains me to say it, she's quite right.

There's plenty of times when I've been working and had to forego luxuries like new clothes, new shoes, and new white-ware. I also had dial-up internet and no cell phone for years. It didn't occur to me to complain about it (much), although I did complain bitterly about having to drink cheap beer.

Labels: beer, free financial advice

Richard Boock highlights the inadequacies of Brian Lochore's rabble-rousing speech in a manner approximately 37-times more eloquent than my own effort. In fairness, he is paid to write, whereas I just dabble in my spare time.

I offer up the following highlights from Boock's article (thanks to Yamis for the link):

Sir Brian's comments were a reminder that great rugby players don't necessarily make great social commentators. In fact, they were a reminder that great rugby players sometimes have nothing to offer at all, apart from reminiscing on how things happened in their day. In SBL's world, that included children being physically chastised by all and sundry, children being left in the car at night while the parents were boozing, and men ruling the roost.

... on using an unsupervised motor vehicle as an overnight creche ... [i]t's as if he sees nothing wrong with the practice.

... His speech to a reported 1000 fathers carried a whiff of physical intimidation throughout. Consequences, lines in the sand, putting the hard word on people, and, of course, smacking but not hitting.

... another confused soul who doesn't understand the difference between violent and non-violent behaviour. "Yes, I smacked my children, but I've never hit them," said Sir Brian. "Yes, I smacked other people's children, but I never hit them." I know, that was then and this is now. But if he still genuinely believes that smacking is not a form of hitting, he needs to try it out on an adult some time. May I suggest Beatrice Faumuina for size? It might do them both the world of good.

...the shame is that he didn't take the chance to reject his own generation's misguided ways last week and reinforce to the many rugby players who hang on his every word, the need for tolerance and a completely non-violent approach to parenting. He could have urged young men to work closely and equitably with their partners, rather than trying to dictate proceedings throughout. Instead we heard only the anti-women slur: "our society is trying to turn fathers into male mothers". Why is that? Because intimidating, violent or wilfully reckless behaviour is now being discouraged?

Very well said, Richard.

Labels: beer, Richard Boock, rugby

We were stricken without power for about 4 hours last night. Luckily we mustered up a few candles before darkness fell, and I was able to head out for supplies - more candles, a dozen beer, chips, chocolate, and toilet paper.

The beer was the new Speights 'natural' brand, Summit. 12 for $20. Tastes like water and has about the same effect. I still have 9, for sale at a good price if anyone is interested.

I wasn't too upset about the power cut, to be honest, as our usage has surely skyrocketed since the arrival of Lil' Red. The washing machine and dryer are seldom off, and at least one and often two oil-fin heaters run 24/7 so the little guy can enjoy the temperatures he demands.

Warriors at home against the Storm today, should be a good match up. Might be a fight or two, too. My heart says the Warriors have a chance, and also that I should try and go to the game. However, Mrs and Lil' Red might have something to say about me abandoning them for the joys of Penrose for a few hours on a Sunday afternoon.

Staying with League, I see SBW has just buggered off to France for a baguette. Nice. Couldn't have happened to a nicer team than the Bulldogs. Or Les Chien de Taureau, or whatever "Bulldogs" might be in French!

Maybe this means the hapless Dragons will have a chance against the Doggies today. But what chance the Warriors versus the Storm? And what chance of DC_Red attending?

Labels: babies, beer, league, sonny bill williams, storm, warriors