Archive for the ‘Encouragement’ Category
Farewell Sam Neill RIP
I remember seeing Sam Neill in the movie Sleeping Dogs, not immediately it came out, but actually after I’d read the book the movie was based on, C K Stead’s Smith’s Dream — a dark, gritty, violent book, and all too plausible in the days of Robert Muldoon. Then later, he was the glamorous star […]
Jane Kelsey, a lifetime of leadership
Here’s a fantastic interview by Moana Maniapoto talking with law professor and courageous public intellectual Jane Kelsey, on her retirement from university life. The whole 17 minutes is really worth watching. It’s good to place Prof Kelsey in context with this brief, accessible retrospective look. She has always struck me as an articulate, determined, fiercely […]
This is not a dress rehearsal
Bill Murray interviewed by Charlie Rose.
Farewell Jeremy Hardy. RIP
Jeremy Hardy has died, aged 57, from cancer. He was a hero of mine, an absolute craftsman with words. In a world that values eloquence and intelligent, good faith argument, but has to often make do with ‘debate’, Hardy stood apart as a man who could couch the toughest criticisms in a comedy shell. He […]
Goosebumps! Morgan James slam dunks another big song
Wow. Again. I remember being struck by this talented vocal artist Morgan James, and her wonderful self-awareness when I bought her album Hunter (we used do that, remember? Before streaming). I posted a nice video (which still works!) at this post: Wow. The talented and likeable Morgan James. The last line she speaks in the […]
Farewell Stephen Hawking
What can you say about this hero? Boom! By his beliefs he has stopped existing now that he is dead. Fair enough. But few people make the impact he did – those that do, live on in our memory. Their insights ‘live’, recorded in books or other media. What a shadow he cast. – P […]
Simplify
I wish you well this holiday season. Go well. If you can, refresh & simplify. That second aspect, simplifying, is a path I have been on for a little while now. I’m not finding it easy, but I do feel lighter for every bit of baggage I shed. Also: cycles, seasons & timing are real, […]
Alec and Sierra ‘Animals’
I loved this couple when they won X-Factor USA. This is from their 2016 album ‘As Seen On TV’. Cool. Sadly for fans like me, they announced in September this year that they’ve decided to stop being a group, after ending their romantic relationship some time earlier. Too bad, but one has to respect their […]
Hey kids. Be smart. Be like Todd Barclay. Don’t talk to the police.
Fairfax NZ reports today No charges from Todd Barclay re-investigation – police Former National Party MP Todd Barclay will not be prosecuted by police after he once again refused to speak to them. Police reopened an investigation into allegations Barclay, the former MP for Clutha-Southland, illegally recorded a staff-member after it emerged in July that […]
Kicking off for the swimming season
First swim of the season at ‘my’ beach this morning … brrr! But totally worth it.
If you can keep your head …
Joni Mitchell, from her 2007 album Shine, which was (initially) distributed through a deal with Starbucks Coffee chain – I bought my copy there, like, in person – but of course now it’s on streaming services like Apple Music and Spotify. I find this track ‘If’, based on the poem by Rudyard Kipling (now derided […]
Michael Hayden on James Comey
Former CIA boss Michael Hayden talking on BBC Newsday about what an honest, careful, note-taking, honourable and honest opponent James Comey is, in his experience. Archived here in case BBC audio fails to play. MP3 file “Michael Hayden on James Comey” by BBC Newsday 8 June 2017 prior to his appearance before the US Congress […]
Life consists of …
So guard your mind. – P Sorry, I didn’t adequately note who I pinched that image from. If you know, please tell me and I’ll credit it.
But I always thought I’d see you again
I lost an old friend today. Farewell Andrew. – P
Authenticity is not always a journey in a straight line
Where did this brave young woman have to get to? How low did she need to go, to come back with such courage? I’m so impressed with how she comes clean and asks for support as she admits and challenges the grip of a powerful addiction and affliction. I don’t know her or anything about […]
