On the 15th of November of this year at the Vector Arena in Auckland, an Australian company called Markson Sparks will be putting on an event called Day of the Champions. The star speaker for the event which runs from 9am to 10pm is Mike Tyson, the former boxing heavyweight champion of the world.
I am considering going to this event, not necessarily to listen to Mike Tyson although he maybe interesting to listen to, I am interested to listen to the other speakers, in particular Willie Jolley who it seems talks about making comebacks, which is something that piqued my curiosity.
A few days ago, the news came through that Mike Tyson's visa application to come to New Zealand, bear in mind that he will be here less than 24 hours, has been declined. Many people had their opinions to this issue, including the prime minister John Key who supported the Immigration Minister Kate Wilkinson's decision to ban the former boxer.
So, should he be allowed here? Today I am going to say yes, for the following reasons:
1. I think that Mike Tyson has a good story to be told and why should us New Zealanders lose out on that? He has succeeded in the boxing ring, then lost all of his money and then made a comeback. Most people who have succeeded in life have made mistakes and comeback.
2. Many people could be inspired by his story of how he turned his life around so let him come. If one person hears something from 'Iron Mike' that helps him or her for the rest of their life then the visit is worthwhile.
3. Mike Tyson will be here for less than 24 hours, so what kind of trouble can he get himself in? Virtually nothing. I know that the law says no visas for people who have had a 5 year sentence or more but it also says that if there are special circumstances then it should be allowed. Allow it.
4. He was allowed to go to England so why not here?
5. There is speculation that another organisation will sponsor Tyson's visa. The reason they say they will do that is because they see Mike Tyson as a role model and they think that he can be a good influence for young people in the less affluent areas of our biggest city.
6. Mike Tyson was sentenced to six years in jail for rape. He served that time and came out a better man. (ear biting aside) Whatever happened to paying your debt to society and then giving someone a second chance? He made a mistake and paid for it. Give the guy a second chance.
7. I think New Zealand needs to hear stories like his. We have our heroes in New Zealand (not that I am saying that Tyson is a hero) but generally they are wearing black rugby jerseys and they win games. That's fine and we should look up to them for inspiration but it is nice to hear about other people and their own struggles in different parts of the world. Mike Tyson grew up in an area in which someone from Palmerston North, New Zealand will never be able to understand, so it is good to get an understanding of another culture, so to speak.
8. There are other very good speakers coming to New Zealand on the same ticket. If Mike Tyson eventually doesn't come then are we going to miss out on listening to the other speakers?
9. If this event doesn't go ahead, does that mean that other events like it won't come to New Zealand? Are other people going to see New Zealand as a difficult market to bring their product to?
10. It looks like a really cool event. I have been intrigued about going to these kind of events in the past so this is a good opportunity to go along and see if I want to spend more money on going to see people like Anthony Robbins. So, let Mike Tyson come here for me.
Currently I am thinking of going to this event. I don't mind if Mike Tyson doesn't come because I will get a lot out of the event anyway, but it would be nice to hear him speak and have opportunity to say that I was there.
Monday, 8 October 2012
Sunday, 7 October 2012
Up, up and away ...
Have you ever read this? Isn't it hilarious? Yes, the famous, if airlines sold paint dialogue. There are some well known blog posts or web sites out there that have gone around the traps. I'm thinking of the difference between a man showering and a woman showering or that personal note on Craigslist asking where she can find a rich guy. That reminds me of a poster I saw at a restaurant last night, it said, "chocolate, coffee, men, they are better rich."
Anyway, I digress. Hopefully by now you have read the dialogue about if airlines sold paint. If you read the dialogue I'm sure you will be able to relate to the frustration that is buying airline tickets.
At the moment I am not a heavy user of airlines, in fact I haven't been on a plane since the beginning of May. When I was living away from New Zealand, obviously, I used airlines quite a bit and I have my favourites and ones I would like to avoid if I can help it.
Lets say I want to use Air New Zealand on a regular basis what would they have to change for me to use them. I must admit that I am not a full time traveller like George Clooney in his movie, 'Up in the air' but I do know my way around an airport, especially Narita and Auckland.
So, Air New Zealand, how are you going to get more of my business?
1. Make your tickets cheaper. That is an obvious one. From Tokyo to Auckland, generally Air New Zealand was one of the more expensive airlines going around. Obviously it is nice to fly direct but I don't mind going home vis Seoul or Sydney to save a few hundred bucks. In the case of Sydney, you can fly to Wellington which is quite convenient too.
2. If people ask for upgrades do you give them? Wouldn't it be nice if you upgraded people from New Zealand if space was available? Do you think these people will use Air New Zealand after that? Of course they would and you would have some pretty loyal passengers.
3. I have been researching the possibility of using the Koru Club. Obviously if you travel quite a bit that kind of facility is quite nice however I noticed that you don't have that many lounges around the world and your partner airlines don't allow guests in some airports. It would be nice if you can allow your members to take guests in as if they are travelling in twos it would make it difficult.
4. I'm sure you look after all of your customers but can you look after New Zealanders more? Is that feasible? Is that discriminatory? Do other airlines do that too?
5. Can you make your ticketing prices more stable and transparent? It is really confusing for me and everyone else when you look one day and the price is $1000 and then you check 24 hours later and it is $1500 for the same flight. It doesn't make sense. I am sure that there is some reason for it. Care to share?
6. How about making more leg room for passengers so they can get a bit more horizontal than they are now? I know that you want as many people as possible on the flight but can you give up a few seats for customer comfort. Financially it would be worth it in the long run.
7. Raise the baggage allowance. I know that there are aerodynamic considerations to take into account when we talk about flying and I don't understand the science behind it. But raising the baggage limit would be good. I have heard that the 20kgs is just an arbitrary number and with jets in 2012 it can easily be a lot higher.
8. Domestic airports I have found are fine but lining up at an international airport is still a pain in the butt. Is it not possible to check in myself at an overseas airport. Every time I have used Air New Zealand from Japan I have had to line up for what seemed an age. Are you telling me to get off my ass and make some money so I can fly business or first class?
9. In the 1980's and 1990's the airline advertisements that remember the most are the Singapore Airline advertisements on television. The whole idea behind that advertising campaign was the flight attendants and it certainly got my attention. The flight attendant service on Air New Zealand flights is OK, in fact compared to other carriers it is quite good but there is still room for improvement, like when I push the button for service I don't expect to go looking for someone even if it is 3am in the morning.
10. If I am flying an international flight I would expect my domestic fare to be not much. I am spending a big wad of cash flying from Auckland to wherever so why can't my flight from PMR to AKL be free or a nominal amount? You could almost guarantee that I wouldn't look at any other carrier.
These are just some ideas for Air New Zealand. i have tried to make them practical. My first idea of having flight attendants in bikinis and having a jacuzzi in the middle of the plane is just nor practical and plain stupid unless your name is Donald Trump then maybe it might be OK.
Anyway, I digress. Hopefully by now you have read the dialogue about if airlines sold paint. If you read the dialogue I'm sure you will be able to relate to the frustration that is buying airline tickets.
At the moment I am not a heavy user of airlines, in fact I haven't been on a plane since the beginning of May. When I was living away from New Zealand, obviously, I used airlines quite a bit and I have my favourites and ones I would like to avoid if I can help it.
Lets say I want to use Air New Zealand on a regular basis what would they have to change for me to use them. I must admit that I am not a full time traveller like George Clooney in his movie, 'Up in the air' but I do know my way around an airport, especially Narita and Auckland.
So, Air New Zealand, how are you going to get more of my business?
1. Make your tickets cheaper. That is an obvious one. From Tokyo to Auckland, generally Air New Zealand was one of the more expensive airlines going around. Obviously it is nice to fly direct but I don't mind going home vis Seoul or Sydney to save a few hundred bucks. In the case of Sydney, you can fly to Wellington which is quite convenient too.
2. If people ask for upgrades do you give them? Wouldn't it be nice if you upgraded people from New Zealand if space was available? Do you think these people will use Air New Zealand after that? Of course they would and you would have some pretty loyal passengers.
3. I have been researching the possibility of using the Koru Club. Obviously if you travel quite a bit that kind of facility is quite nice however I noticed that you don't have that many lounges around the world and your partner airlines don't allow guests in some airports. It would be nice if you can allow your members to take guests in as if they are travelling in twos it would make it difficult.
4. I'm sure you look after all of your customers but can you look after New Zealanders more? Is that feasible? Is that discriminatory? Do other airlines do that too?
5. Can you make your ticketing prices more stable and transparent? It is really confusing for me and everyone else when you look one day and the price is $1000 and then you check 24 hours later and it is $1500 for the same flight. It doesn't make sense. I am sure that there is some reason for it. Care to share?
6. How about making more leg room for passengers so they can get a bit more horizontal than they are now? I know that you want as many people as possible on the flight but can you give up a few seats for customer comfort. Financially it would be worth it in the long run.
7. Raise the baggage allowance. I know that there are aerodynamic considerations to take into account when we talk about flying and I don't understand the science behind it. But raising the baggage limit would be good. I have heard that the 20kgs is just an arbitrary number and with jets in 2012 it can easily be a lot higher.
8. Domestic airports I have found are fine but lining up at an international airport is still a pain in the butt. Is it not possible to check in myself at an overseas airport. Every time I have used Air New Zealand from Japan I have had to line up for what seemed an age. Are you telling me to get off my ass and make some money so I can fly business or first class?
9. In the 1980's and 1990's the airline advertisements that remember the most are the Singapore Airline advertisements on television. The whole idea behind that advertising campaign was the flight attendants and it certainly got my attention. The flight attendant service on Air New Zealand flights is OK, in fact compared to other carriers it is quite good but there is still room for improvement, like when I push the button for service I don't expect to go looking for someone even if it is 3am in the morning.
10. If I am flying an international flight I would expect my domestic fare to be not much. I am spending a big wad of cash flying from Auckland to wherever so why can't my flight from PMR to AKL be free or a nominal amount? You could almost guarantee that I wouldn't look at any other carrier.
These are just some ideas for Air New Zealand. i have tried to make them practical. My first idea of having flight attendants in bikinis and having a jacuzzi in the middle of the plane is just nor practical and plain stupid unless your name is Donald Trump then maybe it might be OK.
Saturday, 6 October 2012
"Yeah!Baby!!"
10 ways to get back your mojo:
1. Accept responsibility for the fact that you are in your current position because of you no one else. Once you and I can accept that then we can take it one step at a time to get back to where we want to be.
2. Go somewhere. Take a few days off and go away to relax and be by yourself. Of course you are going to meet people along the way and possible start something great. Hmmm, where can I go? Wellington? Taupo? Napier? I could even get on a plane and go to Auckland. The destinations are endless.
3. Start doing some regular exercise. I think for me this is crucial. I have found in the past that if I can do this everything else goes along for the ride. Being active is the key.
4. Another idea is that you could start to learn something new. You may have always wanted to try something new and when you did it you found that it just wasn't for you. My example was about three years ago I wanted to learn the guitar. I always had. However, when I finally had lessons I found that it just wasn't what I was expecting. It wasn't me. Much to my friend's enjoyment. He has given me grief about since. But, hey that's OK, you have to give your freinds something to make fun of you from. I should be looking for something else to try.
5. You could have an awesome feed. It isn't good for the diet but sometimes having something good or in some cases naughty to eat can lift your spirits. Of course this solution is like finding it at the bottom of a beer bottle but if you don't over do it I can't see any reason why it can't help you.
6. See out the advice of a good friend. Sometimes and in my case it is true, your friends know you better than anyone else. They can lend a helpful ear to your problems. They can offer solutions or in some cases even though it is difficult to hear they can give you a hurry up.
7. Why not set aside time to daydream? This can be good to activate your imagination. It may be the fuel you need to get yourself going.
8. Some people suggest to get creative. They say to put some music in your iPod or whatever MP3 player you have and go for a walk. Sometimes just doing that can help you a lot and by just focusing on a walk can bring up things that an help you in your other areas of your life.
9. I have meditation good in helping me relax and concentrate but like a lot of things in my life I haven't yet created it as a daily habit in my life. On the precious few times i have done it I find that I become more relaxed and more productive.
10. The hardest part is taking that first step, the next hardest part is taking that second step. Can you see where I am going with this? This has been my problem for a long time. I take the first step all guns blazing, then I take another step and a few more then I grow bored and maybe even disillusioned and for away when I should be taking another steps. I must admit that sometimes I subconsciously think that taking the first step is good enough. That is terrible thinking and something that I should get rid of.
1. Accept responsibility for the fact that you are in your current position because of you no one else. Once you and I can accept that then we can take it one step at a time to get back to where we want to be.
2. Go somewhere. Take a few days off and go away to relax and be by yourself. Of course you are going to meet people along the way and possible start something great. Hmmm, where can I go? Wellington? Taupo? Napier? I could even get on a plane and go to Auckland. The destinations are endless.
3. Start doing some regular exercise. I think for me this is crucial. I have found in the past that if I can do this everything else goes along for the ride. Being active is the key.
4. Another idea is that you could start to learn something new. You may have always wanted to try something new and when you did it you found that it just wasn't for you. My example was about three years ago I wanted to learn the guitar. I always had. However, when I finally had lessons I found that it just wasn't what I was expecting. It wasn't me. Much to my friend's enjoyment. He has given me grief about since. But, hey that's OK, you have to give your freinds something to make fun of you from. I should be looking for something else to try.
5. You could have an awesome feed. It isn't good for the diet but sometimes having something good or in some cases naughty to eat can lift your spirits. Of course this solution is like finding it at the bottom of a beer bottle but if you don't over do it I can't see any reason why it can't help you.
6. See out the advice of a good friend. Sometimes and in my case it is true, your friends know you better than anyone else. They can lend a helpful ear to your problems. They can offer solutions or in some cases even though it is difficult to hear they can give you a hurry up.
7. Why not set aside time to daydream? This can be good to activate your imagination. It may be the fuel you need to get yourself going.
8. Some people suggest to get creative. They say to put some music in your iPod or whatever MP3 player you have and go for a walk. Sometimes just doing that can help you a lot and by just focusing on a walk can bring up things that an help you in your other areas of your life.
9. I have meditation good in helping me relax and concentrate but like a lot of things in my life I haven't yet created it as a daily habit in my life. On the precious few times i have done it I find that I become more relaxed and more productive.
10. The hardest part is taking that first step, the next hardest part is taking that second step. Can you see where I am going with this? This has been my problem for a long time. I take the first step all guns blazing, then I take another step and a few more then I grow bored and maybe even disillusioned and for away when I should be taking another steps. I must admit that sometimes I subconsciously think that taking the first step is good enough. That is terrible thinking and something that I should get rid of.
Friday, 5 October 2012
Marriage?
Same sex marriage. This issue polarizes people all over the world. Last night in Palmerston North there was a public meeting debating same sex marriages. I didn't go to it as I just found out about here.
Presently, the New Zealand Parliament are debating a Bill that will give equal rights to gay and lesbian couples in New Zealand.
If I was advising John Key about this I would say these things:
1. Don't listen to the religious nut cases when it comes to this kind of issue. Their lives are ruled by some book that tells a story about some characters from 2000 years ago and is their total life. Just because someone wrote that same sex marriages is a sin then should you decide that to?
2. As far as I am concerned a person does not just become hetro-sexual or homosexual, they are born that way or the other. Of course I do know that teenage males (and this is from personal experience) do have homo-sexual thoughts but this is just a natural thing as the body is changing. (For the record I like women.)
3. Same sex couples love each other as much or more than men-women couples. So why shouldn't they be able to commit to each other by going through the engagement and wedding processes?
4. Same sex couples should be allowed to adopt children. Why? On many occasions both members of the couple are professional workers who live a very good lifestyle in large houses with a big disposable income. It would be a very stable environment that the child is entering. Contrast that to some hero-sexual couples where the guy has 4 children with three different women, no job, on the dole and in and out of prison. Now ask yourself, which couple would you like to adopt your child?
5. There is no such thing as normal. What is normal? How long is a piece of string? Historically , yes, a man and woman have entered into the institution of marriage. By why shouldn't a man and man who love each other enter into that same institution? How is it going to affect your conservative life?
6. Raising a child in a same sex marriage isn't going to make the child that way inclined. Their sexuality will be determined at birth and their parents sexuality has no baring on it.
7. Some people may say that it is not a big deal and the fact that homosexuality is not a crime is a good thing and at least the homosexual couples can just live a normal life. Of course this kind of thinking would be by hetro-sexuals who can get married. It's like me saying in apartheid South Africa that it is no big deal. You can still do stuff. That just is not right.
8. We live in a secular country and governments over the years have decided for better or worse to listen to religious institutions. Why should we do this in 2012?
9. Don't say because they have the civil union right then they don't need marriage. Civil unions do not have the same right as married couples. Financial, medical and social rights and they should have. They are tax paying New Zealanders.
10. Issues such as teen suicide could be reduced. If the stigma of homosexuality is extinguished then teenagers will be more confident in themselves and they won't have to hide their sexuality as homosexuality will be considered normal, again, whatever that is.
Presently, the New Zealand Parliament are debating a Bill that will give equal rights to gay and lesbian couples in New Zealand.
If I was advising John Key about this I would say these things:
1. Don't listen to the religious nut cases when it comes to this kind of issue. Their lives are ruled by some book that tells a story about some characters from 2000 years ago and is their total life. Just because someone wrote that same sex marriages is a sin then should you decide that to?
2. As far as I am concerned a person does not just become hetro-sexual or homosexual, they are born that way or the other. Of course I do know that teenage males (and this is from personal experience) do have homo-sexual thoughts but this is just a natural thing as the body is changing. (For the record I like women.)
3. Same sex couples love each other as much or more than men-women couples. So why shouldn't they be able to commit to each other by going through the engagement and wedding processes?
4. Same sex couples should be allowed to adopt children. Why? On many occasions both members of the couple are professional workers who live a very good lifestyle in large houses with a big disposable income. It would be a very stable environment that the child is entering. Contrast that to some hero-sexual couples where the guy has 4 children with three different women, no job, on the dole and in and out of prison. Now ask yourself, which couple would you like to adopt your child?
5. There is no such thing as normal. What is normal? How long is a piece of string? Historically , yes, a man and woman have entered into the institution of marriage. By why shouldn't a man and man who love each other enter into that same institution? How is it going to affect your conservative life?
6. Raising a child in a same sex marriage isn't going to make the child that way inclined. Their sexuality will be determined at birth and their parents sexuality has no baring on it.
7. Some people may say that it is not a big deal and the fact that homosexuality is not a crime is a good thing and at least the homosexual couples can just live a normal life. Of course this kind of thinking would be by hetro-sexuals who can get married. It's like me saying in apartheid South Africa that it is no big deal. You can still do stuff. That just is not right.
8. We live in a secular country and governments over the years have decided for better or worse to listen to religious institutions. Why should we do this in 2012?
9. Don't say because they have the civil union right then they don't need marriage. Civil unions do not have the same right as married couples. Financial, medical and social rights and they should have. They are tax paying New Zealanders.
10. Issues such as teen suicide could be reduced. If the stigma of homosexuality is extinguished then teenagers will be more confident in themselves and they won't have to hide their sexuality as homosexuality will be considered normal, again, whatever that is.
Thursday, 4 October 2012
Super Over and Out
Mike Hesson? Who is this you ask? He is not really a household name around the world. He maybe known in various houses in New Zealand and possibly India but besides that his name doesn't remind you of anyone. Mike Hesson is the coach of the New Zealand cricket team. He is one of the unusual ones in that he has never played first class cricket.
In this article from Cricinfo he suggests that 20 over cricket games should not be decided by a Super Over. In a tied 20 over cricket game if the game is tied then each team has one over to decide the game's winner. Hesson suggests that in regular league games that Super Over should not apply and it should only apply in knockout games. New Zealand just lost two of three of their games in Super Overs.
We all know or should, anyway know that the reason why the International Cricket Council has put this Super Over in is to appeal to the USA market. I don't think it is any secret that cricket wants to get a foothold in the USA sporting landscape and 20 over cricket is the answer. It takes about the same time as a baseball game and we all know how much Americans like baseball. So with the big expatriate population in the USA can it become a major sport? I don't think so but it could follow soccer's lead and create a niche following.
Anyway, back to the solution for a tie breaker in20 over cricket. Here are my ten ideas:
1. Return to the bowl off. When 20 over cricket came into existence they had a bowl off. Bowlers from each team had one ball to try and hit the stumps. This was quite exciting, very much like a penalty shoot out in soccer. New Zealand did OK in them too.
2. Have another game the following day like replays in soccer. Obviously with the television schedule this just isn't feasible but at least you would get a true winner.
3. Toss a coin. Not good for television but it gets the job done.
4. Have a 6 hitting competition. Batsman are judged on the distance they hit it and how many in a six ball over. You have the same bowler for both teams.
5. We have had the bowl off, we have had the 6 hitting competition, so why don't we have something to do with fielding? You get you best fielder and they have six chances to hit one stump with a throw from the outfield. The fielder will get 6 throws from different parts of the field.
6. A decathlon type competition of a combination of all three disciplines.
7. In a tie, the higher ranked team in the competition needs only to tie or win to go through. What I mean by the higher ranked team is from the table in the qualifying tournament. So if Australia had 10 points in the qualifying tournament and India had 9 points then Australia go through in the advent of a tie as India needed to win outright.
8. Just accept the tie. Ties and draws are a major part of cricket. Some of the most exciting cricket test matches have ended in draws so the American audience will have to accept it.
9. Rather than a 1 over smash make it a five over smash. I know this will elongate the game by over an hour but 1 over just doesn't do it for me.
10. Scrap 20 over cricket and 50 over cricket all together and return to just first class and test cricket. I know the traditionalists will like that.
In this article from Cricinfo he suggests that 20 over cricket games should not be decided by a Super Over. In a tied 20 over cricket game if the game is tied then each team has one over to decide the game's winner. Hesson suggests that in regular league games that Super Over should not apply and it should only apply in knockout games. New Zealand just lost two of three of their games in Super Overs.
We all know or should, anyway know that the reason why the International Cricket Council has put this Super Over in is to appeal to the USA market. I don't think it is any secret that cricket wants to get a foothold in the USA sporting landscape and 20 over cricket is the answer. It takes about the same time as a baseball game and we all know how much Americans like baseball. So with the big expatriate population in the USA can it become a major sport? I don't think so but it could follow soccer's lead and create a niche following.
Anyway, back to the solution for a tie breaker in20 over cricket. Here are my ten ideas:
1. Return to the bowl off. When 20 over cricket came into existence they had a bowl off. Bowlers from each team had one ball to try and hit the stumps. This was quite exciting, very much like a penalty shoot out in soccer. New Zealand did OK in them too.
2. Have another game the following day like replays in soccer. Obviously with the television schedule this just isn't feasible but at least you would get a true winner.
3. Toss a coin. Not good for television but it gets the job done.
4. Have a 6 hitting competition. Batsman are judged on the distance they hit it and how many in a six ball over. You have the same bowler for both teams.
5. We have had the bowl off, we have had the 6 hitting competition, so why don't we have something to do with fielding? You get you best fielder and they have six chances to hit one stump with a throw from the outfield. The fielder will get 6 throws from different parts of the field.
6. A decathlon type competition of a combination of all three disciplines.
7. In a tie, the higher ranked team in the competition needs only to tie or win to go through. What I mean by the higher ranked team is from the table in the qualifying tournament. So if Australia had 10 points in the qualifying tournament and India had 9 points then Australia go through in the advent of a tie as India needed to win outright.
8. Just accept the tie. Ties and draws are a major part of cricket. Some of the most exciting cricket test matches have ended in draws so the American audience will have to accept it.
9. Rather than a 1 over smash make it a five over smash. I know this will elongate the game by over an hour but 1 over just doesn't do it for me.
10. Scrap 20 over cricket and 50 over cricket all together and return to just first class and test cricket. I know the traditionalists will like that.
Wednesday, 3 October 2012
If I won Lotto ...
A few weeks ago in New Zealand the national lottery which is called Lotto had one of it's biggest ever prize pools. The Big Wednesday game had a NZ$27 million prize along with international travel, a holiday home and a couple of cars. That kind of money got me thinking about how I would use NZ$27 million. Then I came across this article from the stuff.co.nz website. The article talks about certain celebrities and how they have stuffed up their finances. They have come into a big windfall and then blown it all on material objects and have gone back to square one. Hopefully they have learned things from their ventures and that they would be a lot better for the experience.
Anyway, back to the subject if I got NZ$27 million, what would I do with it?
1. My first thought would be how can I double this money? How can I use the capital (NZ$27 million) to live on? For me I would be wanting to use the interest from the capital to pay for all of those toys that you would really want. I would keep the cars and holiday home as I want these things anyway, so why dip into your capital?
2. Some family members have asked me the big 'if' question and would I give them any money. I think I put their noses out of joint when I said no. Why should I just give them $500,000? I would invest it for them and pay them the income from the investment. Doesn't that sound good? It is the gift that keeps on giving. Just giving them $500,000 is not going to solve any problems.
3. I would hire an adviser who I have on an annual retainer to help me manage the money. Of course you don't want to hire any old person and be careful about what someone tells you at the bar. Do your due diligence and find people that you can trust.
4. An accountant needs to be in your management team too. You don't want to stuck with massive tax bills at he end of the year. That would erode your capital very quickly.
5. If you decide to go into business or make investments, do get advice but go into businesses and investments that you understand. This is the secret to Warren Buffett's success.
6. It seems, judging from the article that a few of the celebrities think that just their name will get them through but they forget that it takes a lot of hard work. So if you get all of this money don't think that life is going to be sitting besides the pool sipping on a Pina colada, of course you can have this at times but you will still need to manage your investments and have meetings etc.
7. Help out people who have helped you in the past. Like I said before I would help out family and friends. For example if a friend wanted a house, I would help them with the mortgage. Remember you don't have to go through a bank, they could go through me and charge less interest and so everyone is a winner.
8. As the article says make sure you have your will all up to date. As it could cause a big problem when you pass into the next world.
9. Try an protect yourself as best you can. There will be a whole host of scams out there. Be wary.
10. Have fun. You are in a very fortunate position. You can do whatever you want but if you play it correctly then not only yourself but friends and family will be able to live your lifestyle for generations to come.
Anyway, back to the subject if I got NZ$27 million, what would I do with it?
1. My first thought would be how can I double this money? How can I use the capital (NZ$27 million) to live on? For me I would be wanting to use the interest from the capital to pay for all of those toys that you would really want. I would keep the cars and holiday home as I want these things anyway, so why dip into your capital?
2. Some family members have asked me the big 'if' question and would I give them any money. I think I put their noses out of joint when I said no. Why should I just give them $500,000? I would invest it for them and pay them the income from the investment. Doesn't that sound good? It is the gift that keeps on giving. Just giving them $500,000 is not going to solve any problems.
3. I would hire an adviser who I have on an annual retainer to help me manage the money. Of course you don't want to hire any old person and be careful about what someone tells you at the bar. Do your due diligence and find people that you can trust.
4. An accountant needs to be in your management team too. You don't want to stuck with massive tax bills at he end of the year. That would erode your capital very quickly.
5. If you decide to go into business or make investments, do get advice but go into businesses and investments that you understand. This is the secret to Warren Buffett's success.
6. It seems, judging from the article that a few of the celebrities think that just their name will get them through but they forget that it takes a lot of hard work. So if you get all of this money don't think that life is going to be sitting besides the pool sipping on a Pina colada, of course you can have this at times but you will still need to manage your investments and have meetings etc.
7. Help out people who have helped you in the past. Like I said before I would help out family and friends. For example if a friend wanted a house, I would help them with the mortgage. Remember you don't have to go through a bank, they could go through me and charge less interest and so everyone is a winner.
8. As the article says make sure you have your will all up to date. As it could cause a big problem when you pass into the next world.
9. Try an protect yourself as best you can. There will be a whole host of scams out there. Be wary.
10. Have fun. You are in a very fortunate position. You can do whatever you want but if you play it correctly then not only yourself but friends and family will be able to live your lifestyle for generations to come.
Tuesday, 2 October 2012
C'mon the Black Caps!!!
I woke up this morning to find that the New Zealand had once again lost a game in the Super Over and had crashed out of the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka. I am one of the few people in this country who like to see the team do well and it is disappointing to see them not reach their potential. I say this because I believe that half the cricket loving population in this country are not cricket lovers anyway and hope that the team is not successful so that they can say I told you so and go on talkback radio and tell the nation how bad the team is and so and so is a crap player and they should all listen to him because he played 4th grade cricket in Oamaru in the 1950's and knows a thing or to about the game.
I think that New Zealand has some very good players, some of them world class and rather than bagging them we should be supporting them as they have the potential to go deep into these tournaments as well as play some decent test cricket.
Below I have listed some ideas on how the New Zealand cricket team can realise it's potential and how cricket can become a dominant force in the New Zealand sporting landscape again.
1. In 2015, New Zealand are co-hosting the World Cup with Australia. In 1992 these two countries also hosted the same tournament and New Zealand went above all expectations, won their first seven games and hosted the semi-final and lost in the last over. If New Zealand can copy that performance then cricket will become popular again. The numbers playing on Saturday afternoon may not rise but you can bet your house that children's numbers will rise.
2. There are two types of rugby, 15-man rugby and 7-man rugby. New Zealand has two teams, they are completely independent, the players are under contract but don't play in each other's teams. What does happen though is for some of the 7's players they do become stars in 15's rugby. My point is i cricket there are three types of the game, test, 50 over and 20 over. New Zealand needs to separate the two and make specialists. The problem here is that all of the money is in 20 over cricket but I'm willing to bet that test specialists in various countries are paid quite well.
3. I'm not sure of the current regime but I think that the coach shouldn't be a selector. I think that it creates a conflict. Imagine if you were an international batsman and you had a problem with technique and you go to the coach wouldn't he at the next selection meeting bring up that you have a problem with the short ball. This would jeopardise your place in the team.
4. New Zealand cricket needs to encourage people who have been lost to the game like myself, to be coaches, umpires and groundsman. The catch is that people involved in cricket need a lot of time but if it was worth their while then they would stay in the game and the players with proper coaching/umpiring etc would stay with the game too.
5. We have to remember that the New Zealand cricket team will never be as dominant as the All Blacks on the world stage, so maybe we should lower our expectations when New Zealand play on the world stage. Then again we do want the team to do well so maybe our expectations are just.
6. At the moment there are six first class teams in New Zealand's domestic competition. Make it four. Abolish the regional teams and develop four teams that pay around the country. Nobody goes to watch these games anyway and you will get a stronger type of cricket where the best of the rest are going up against the best of the rest.
7. Retain the Hawke Cup competition. This is I believe a natural stepping stone to first class competition. And while we are back on the subject of first class competition the games should have an emphasis n first innings scores, so batsman know that they don't have to score 80 runs in 110 balls, they can bat for two days and set up their team.
8. At the moment the Palmerston North Boys' High School cricket team are in India and in another couple of days they will be winging to South Africa. They will get to experience the conditions of two vastly different cricketing countries. This has to be good for their cricketing education. Can this kind of opportunity be available to more cricketers?
9. Quit test cricket all together and concentrate on limited overs cricket. (I can hear the traditionalists yelling in derision all over the cricket. Another idea is to do the opposites. I hear the losers who call into the talkback radio stations shouting at that one.
10. Do nothing and hope that it will come better. It seems they are doing this already.
I think that New Zealand has some very good players, some of them world class and rather than bagging them we should be supporting them as they have the potential to go deep into these tournaments as well as play some decent test cricket.
Below I have listed some ideas on how the New Zealand cricket team can realise it's potential and how cricket can become a dominant force in the New Zealand sporting landscape again.
1. In 2015, New Zealand are co-hosting the World Cup with Australia. In 1992 these two countries also hosted the same tournament and New Zealand went above all expectations, won their first seven games and hosted the semi-final and lost in the last over. If New Zealand can copy that performance then cricket will become popular again. The numbers playing on Saturday afternoon may not rise but you can bet your house that children's numbers will rise.
2. There are two types of rugby, 15-man rugby and 7-man rugby. New Zealand has two teams, they are completely independent, the players are under contract but don't play in each other's teams. What does happen though is for some of the 7's players they do become stars in 15's rugby. My point is i cricket there are three types of the game, test, 50 over and 20 over. New Zealand needs to separate the two and make specialists. The problem here is that all of the money is in 20 over cricket but I'm willing to bet that test specialists in various countries are paid quite well.
3. I'm not sure of the current regime but I think that the coach shouldn't be a selector. I think that it creates a conflict. Imagine if you were an international batsman and you had a problem with technique and you go to the coach wouldn't he at the next selection meeting bring up that you have a problem with the short ball. This would jeopardise your place in the team.
4. New Zealand cricket needs to encourage people who have been lost to the game like myself, to be coaches, umpires and groundsman. The catch is that people involved in cricket need a lot of time but if it was worth their while then they would stay in the game and the players with proper coaching/umpiring etc would stay with the game too.
5. We have to remember that the New Zealand cricket team will never be as dominant as the All Blacks on the world stage, so maybe we should lower our expectations when New Zealand play on the world stage. Then again we do want the team to do well so maybe our expectations are just.
6. At the moment there are six first class teams in New Zealand's domestic competition. Make it four. Abolish the regional teams and develop four teams that pay around the country. Nobody goes to watch these games anyway and you will get a stronger type of cricket where the best of the rest are going up against the best of the rest.
7. Retain the Hawke Cup competition. This is I believe a natural stepping stone to first class competition. And while we are back on the subject of first class competition the games should have an emphasis n first innings scores, so batsman know that they don't have to score 80 runs in 110 balls, they can bat for two days and set up their team.
8. At the moment the Palmerston North Boys' High School cricket team are in India and in another couple of days they will be winging to South Africa. They will get to experience the conditions of two vastly different cricketing countries. This has to be good for their cricketing education. Can this kind of opportunity be available to more cricketers?
9. Quit test cricket all together and concentrate on limited overs cricket. (I can hear the traditionalists yelling in derision all over the cricket. Another idea is to do the opposites. I hear the losers who call into the talkback radio stations shouting at that one.
10. Do nothing and hope that it will come better. It seems they are doing this already.
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