Myopic Vision

One of the great advantages of living in London is the easy accessibility to the rest of Europe. This works a charm when you feel the need to disappear over the weekend for quick city breaks. It's one of the things I've been doing a lot of in the last few months with trips to various places. I spent this past weekend in one of the most colourful, diverse and charming cities in Europe - Amsterdam. With its tree-lined canals, art filled Museums and lively social scene this is perhaps one of the best cities to visit. The fact that you can get around either on a boat, a tram or do what most Dutch do - a gentle bit of peddling makes this a fun place. And of course, unlike the rude locals of other places, the Dutch are a friendly bunch. Museum square is amazing with its famous museums like- the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum. The Rijksmuseum was celebrating the 400th Anniversary of Rembrandt and there were some amazing works on display. I also found mysel...

They were brutally murdered some 12 years ago. Yet Nicole Simpson and Roland Goldman were hardly just another statistic on the murder records. This was BIG NEWS not just in America but in the rest of the world. The sheer goriness of the crime, the memory of American sports star OJ Simpson being pursued by the police, and the “trial of the century” that followed is hardly something that people are likely to forget about. So it strikes me as nauseating, insensitive and in shockingly poor taste that OJ Simpson has written a book and is going to appear on the FOX TV two-hour special called “ If I Did It, Here’s How It Happened” to discuss the murders in a hypothetical sense. I can’t help but ask the blaringly obvious – • How sick does someone have to be to try and make a profit of a tragedy? Very Sick it seems. The truth is I don’t even think I’m shocked by OJ Simpson’s audacity to write his book or participate is in this twisted show. It’s common knowledge that he appeared in a D...

I was reading an article about 10 days ago on a NZ news website (www.stuff.co.nz/koreo), about a Treaty claim by Māori for UK pensions. The campaign is being spear headed by David Rankin an Auckland Unitec lecturer and a descendant of the Ngapuhi chief Hone Heke, who is the first Māori to have signed the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. I have to say, that while I am in favour of progressive campaigns for the economic and social improvement of Māori, I can’t stop wondering if this campaign seeking UK pension entitlement sets a debilitative precedent for Māori. Living in New Zealand, I’ve heard more unflattering comments about Māori than I’ve heard positive. It’s sad that Māori aren’t always perceived well. I’ve so often heard people refer to them as “those bloody lazy dole-pinching Māori”, or those “loud aggressive once were warriors types”. Conceivably, a large number of these stereotypes stem from ill- informed views or possibly, because people have just not seen solid examples of hard wo...

I do apologise for the long hiatus. It was never my intention to permit myself such a sustained absence. The truth is work (and a lot of it) has been claiming all of my energy and coupled with the gym, it leaves me far too exhausted when I finally get home each day. But I've been making a sincere attempt to get out of bed on the weekends and actually get out and enjoy myself. I spent one weekend with my friends Sam and Cathryn. Cathryn myself found our way to China town for really good Dim Sim at the "CHINESE EXPERIENCE" and then went to see the famous Aussie play VEGEMITE TALES, which was amusing and entertaining with equal measure. The following day, Sam and I went to see the BLACK DAHLIA, a film so bad I won't waste time telilng you any more about it. But we did stop for a good chat and coffee and some shopping in China Town. It was the good company, over the activity that made a difference to the weekend. I spent this last weekend with my couisn DC who is in Lon...

It was my birthday yesterday and so I'm lamenting the loss of my 20s. Technically I'm no longer in my 20s, but mentally I'm still 18 and probably always will be. I had hoped the day would pass off as just another day, but it didn't. My friend Sam (also from New Zealand) and I went to lunch. An hour, some good food, desserts and a few wines later we were suitably merry but certainly not legless. I got back to the office to be greeted by an exquisite and rather large bouquet of flowers and a large card from my bankers. I got spoiled when I got home with presents from my family in London. And loads of emails and some phone calls from friends and family. And this morning, I got a beautiful plant from my friend Sam. So all in all it has been a wonderful 18th Birthday. Thank you to everyone who made it special.

It’s hard to believe that the Steve Irwin is no more. It's always such a shame when someone who has devoted their lives to saving others (wildlife in his case) dies. I remember watching loads of the Crocodile Hunter series and they were always informative and entertaining. One always had a sense that although Irwin flirted with danger on a regular basis, he seemed to know what he was doing. He had an infectious enthusiasm and was passionate about wildlife. It's apparent from all the tributes flowing in that his conservation crusade reached many a home across the globe. His dedication should be applauded. The world has lost a true wildlife warrior and he will be missed.

Greetings from Mauritius! I consider myself a very lucky lady for managing to get out of Heathrow a couple of hours before they closed it down. I am holidaying with my family at the lovely resort of La Pirogue in Flic en Flac. The staff at La Pirouge are extremely friendly and everyone knows "La Famille Valladares" because there are just so many of us here. The weather is perfect and the people are friendly. Because of my Indian skin, I get mistaken for a local and so everywhere I go, I get locals talking to me in French or Creole and fully expecting a response. Fortuanately, I do manage a response in French even though I'm sure my grammar is terrible. Mauritian men are charming and flirtateous. I've been on the receiving end of their charm. But it is fortunately, all harmless. The good thing about being mistaken for a local is that you don't get hasseled by hawkers or taxi drivers.It also gives me a lot of confidence when bargaining at the local market stalls....

(Written during the Lebanon-Israeli war of 2006)  The anguished cry of the innocents shrouds the stillness of the night. The souring stench of death, the blood from their slaughter Seep through and stain the veil of the satin moonlit sky A country in turmoil, caught up in a battle it did not want to fight As murderous intents reign supreme, they harvest not heroes but killing machines Lessons from the past are ignored. The rabid campaign carries on. Who counts the bombs, the missiles, the precious lives lost? Is this a battle for freedom or the beginning of a new Holocaust?

Greetings from Helsinki, Finland - the land of the midnight sun. And I have to say, the sun has been out well past midnight on most days. I should ideally be in bed since I've been suffering from a bad cold, fever and delhi belly. But all of that has not stopped my penchant for rambling. I've sailed along the wonderful Helsinki Archipalgo several times now and I have to say the views are specatular. Helsinki is made up of about 314 little islands. The Helsinki zoo is on one of them and has Europe's only snowleopards(or so they claim). The market square is colourful with people selling fresh fruits, vegetables, ready cooked food like reindeer and fish, plenty of fresh fish here, some of it being sold on boats. My dad would love this place There are also vendors selling handpainted artifacts and handicrafts. Even reindeer skins and furs are a plenty here. The Suomenlina fortress is amazing and well worth the trip. I went into a World War II submarine and I felt so sorry for t...

As I watched the horrific images from Mumbai yesterday on the news, I was deeply saddened. Although I now permanently reside in New Zealand, I was born and raised in Mumbai. I lived in the suburb of Mahim, where one of the bombs exploded yesterday. Images of Mahim are in all the newspaper and television reports. Mahim has always been a volatile area, particularly during communal rioting. I've witnessed first hand the riots of 1991/92 and the bomb blasts of 1993. And I can tell you that the images from yesterday's bombings, are as lurid and macabre as they appear. Terrorism is certainly not a new phenomenon in Mumbai. For years, India has grappled with cross-border and internal terrorism. What is alarming, however, is the confounded ease with which terrorists seem to be planning and successfully executing their strikes. No one has claimed responsibility for the attacks yesterday. Both the suspected militant groups, Lashkar-e-Taiba and the banned Students Islamic Movement of I...

I was really disgusted early in the week when I read about Keith Macdonald. He is the scrounging 21 year old who is about to become a dad for the 7th time. Since the age of 13 he's been breeding like a rabbit - 7 kids with 7 different women, all of whom he has abandoned. He boasts of not having paid a single penny towards child support. Yet he callously dismisses any suggestions that he is an irresponsible parent. And he insists his children will be well provided for………WITH BENEFITS. Macdonald is a convicted criminal who gets a weekly allowance from income support. He spends all his time and OUR HARD EARNED MONEY on poker machines at game arcades. It is estimated the cost of supporting his seven kids until they are 16 will be £1 million - a bill that will be footed by the taxpayer. And I have to ask the question WHY?? Why is it that an able bodied young man, perfectly capable of producing children, is allowed to scrounge on the state? Explaining his decision not to support any...

A few votes from man tomorrow = Giant repercussions for whales An important vote in the Caribbean tomorrow, at the gathering of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) will decide the fate of the great mammals of the oceans - the whales. Tomorrow's vote is a power struggle between pro-whaling nations and the countries that condemn the practice. Leading the fight against whaling, are nations like New Zealand and Australia. Where as Japan, Norway, Iceland and other smaller island nations are hoping to gain a majority and thereby continue with their archaic and inhospitable killing of whales. Over the past 20 years Japan , Norway and Iceland have all still been hunting the great whales in defiance of the roughly 20 year international moratorium on their killing. They are also on a course to gain control of more than 50 per cent of the votes at the gathering tomorrow. The anti-whaling nations used to hold a controlling majority of the IWC votes, but Japan has craftily mustere...

So the long anticipated FIFA world cup kicks off today with a match between Germany and Costa Rica. I work in a large global bank and am surrounded by footy mad fans, most of whom come from Germany, Italy, Iran and France - all participating nations. So needless to say, the office is adorned with a variety of flags. One of the German Managers came in dressed up in his nations colours and handed out gummy bears. Now that really speaks volumes about National Pride. There is no escaping Footy Fever here in London where everyone and their mad dog seems to be swept up in a wave of euphoric anticipation. I'm not sure as to who I want to win the cup but I know my top 4 and in no particular order are Germany, Italy, England and Brazil. Oh it's going to be so exciting. gutes Glück Deutschland. Spiel Gut Heute

As my train drew to a slow halt at Edinburgh’s Waverly station on Monday afternoon, I could almost instantly, feel the difference in the air. I had left England four and a half hours earlier and was greeted, upon my arrival, by a tremendous outpouring of what the Scots like to call "LIQUID SUNSHINE" With that sort of optimistic take on the weather, one certainly does not get too perturbed about the lack of sunshine. In fact, I felt, oddly refreshed and ready to explore this historic land. From its cobblestone streets, to museums and gardens, its many monuments and of course its castles, Edinburgh is simply one of the most architecturally astonishing cities, I have ever visited. Like any other tourist, I was a bit awestruck. I took in the usual sights of the city like the famous Edinburgh castle- which is really worth a visit, the Princes Street Gardens, Camera Obscura and museums. Sadly, I did not have time to visit the zoo, but I heard it is really good and has Europe's...

I've been spending the day at East Dulwich, helping the local LIBERAL DEMOCRACTS (Lib Dems) with their canvassing. I'm not overly political, but I confess that I do have a motive for wanting to see the Lib Dems do well. My cousin Mark, is the local council chair and is a candidate for the Village Ward. The Lib Dems have been canvassing with a passion this year. I beleive that they started their rounds at half past five this morning. Now that is dedication. You won't catch me doing anything at that hour. I've done a few rounds of canvassing with my cousin Mark and the general outlook seems fairly positive. People have certainly noticed and made mention of the work of the Party. Time will tell how their fare at the polls, though I have to say, they have worked really hard with their campaign. Whatever the outcome, they will definately have done a lot better than they've ever done before. And so they have everything to gain. It is a long day and a longer night ahead. I...

I was appalled to hear Patricia Hewitt describe the NHS as having 'its best year ever'. Correct me if I'm wrong, but ever since I've been here all I've read about is how poor the state of the NHS is. I've read that nurses are being made redundant in their thousands, debts are escalating out of control and that many hospitals have to close some of their wards. Now if this is her description of a healthy NHS, then I shudder to think of what the 'bad years' will look like. I can only come up with 4 possible reasons for her comments. She is living on another planet. (I'm sure a lot of people wish she would leave the UK and move there permanently) She is being ill advised by her department. However, I find this a bit far-fetched as we live in an age of awareness, where information is readily available. She is attempting to camouflage the real issues, which she knows are not just disastrous, but have arisen because of her ill-planned policies. She knows, s...

I am not British, which is probably why I’ve never been much of a royalist. Yet, I sat up to watch the BBC documentary on the Queen on Monday night. I must confess that not only did I find the programme informative, but I seemed to have developed a sense of admiration for the woman who is one of the most adored and respected Monarchs in History. Like her or loathe her, there is no question about how widespread her appeal and influence stretches. She is after all, the only woman in the world, who does not need a passport to travel. The Queen is loved across all generations. Children turn up to greet her wherever she goes. While we seldom see the private face, behind the public image, I’m absolutely convinced that among other things, she is a doting grandmother to all of her grandchildren. You only have to look at pictures from Prince Harry’s graduation yesterday to recognise this. They are both smiling, at what would ordinarily have been a more serious occasion. His smile paints a pictu...

Someone sent this to me and I thought it was hilarious, so I decided to post it on my blog. Being a single bird, some may think that I should be offended, but hey I do have a sense of humour and besides this really points out the truth about what some women want. A store that sells husbands has just opened in NewYork City, where a woman may go to choose a husband. Among the instructions at the entrance is a description of how the store operates. "You may visit the store ONLY ONCE !There are six floors and the attributes of the men increase as the shopper ascends the flights. There is, however, a catch . .. you may choose any man from aparticular floor, or you may choose to go up a floor,but you cannot go back down except to exit the building." So, a woman goes to the Husband Store to find a husband . . On the first floor the sign on the door reads: Floor 1 - These men have jobs and love the Lord. The second floor sign reads: Floor 2 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, and l...

Lately it seems like there’s a plethora of news stories on celebrities getting into a spot of bother with the law. Naomi Campbell hitting yet another one of her staff, George Michael found slumped at the wheel and in possession of cannabis. There's the cocaine Kate story that is still running a variety of updates and of course, there’s Pete Doherty and his numerous arrests…the list is endless. I’m not a great celebrity watcher so I don’t particularly care for much of the gossip that surrounds these people. But what I do care about is the treatment meted out to them, under the law. I’m a firm believer in one law for all. So I fail to understand, how time and again, celebrities seem to get away with behaviour that would get the rest of us into serious problems. I have a serious bee in my bonnet when it comes to this issue. Let’s take the example of Pete Doherty. How many times has this crackhead been caught with substance possession and aggressive behaviour while under the influence?...

It is refreshing to know that good judgement and common sense still prevails in the courts in Britain. I’m referring here to the case of Shabina Begum, the young Muslim girl who took her school, Denbigh High School in Luton, to court over their refusal to allow her to wear a full length Islamic dress called a jilbab. Her claim was that the school acted in "violation of her human rights and denied her right to education". The Law Lords in Britain’s highest court ruled in favour of the school and rightly so. Had the decision been in favour of Shabina, it would force every school in Britain to allow their pupils to dictate to them, what dress code is appropriate for their religion. Further more, it would seriously undermine the authority of schools and be a huge victory for radical religious groups. This case had very little to do with human rights or the right to practice one's religion. It was merely another example of radical thinkers trying to enforce their rule in a sec...