Here is the scenario, you are in Tokyo, Japan on a business trip or you have a few days layover. You don't know anyone except your business contacts in Tokyo. What do you do? How are you going to spend your few days off? What do you want to do? Do you want to do what the guide books says or do you want to do what your Kiwi guide says?
Below are ten ideas I can give you that you can do in and around Tokyo, Japan that they might not talk about in the books but once you make the decision to go you will be happy you did.
1. Go to a public bath. For first timers this can seem weird and even a little daunting but I assure you after the initial shock of naked people walking around you will love it. I took my cousin a few years ago and he said in the changing room that it was the most bizarre thing that he was about to do in his life. Two minutes later he thought that it was really cool and thought out loud whether something like it would take off in Palmerston North.
2. Take a couple of hours and go to Kappabashi. This is only a five to ten minute walk from Asakusa that I'm sure all of the guide books will say to go to. Kappabashi is the area where you can find all of the fake food. The samples, the displays outside restaurants that show you what is on the menu. They have all sorts of other things too but the sample shops seem plentiful. Be warned though, they are available to buy but can be quite expensive.
3. Go to Tsukishima. This is a man-made island near Ginza that serves monjayaki. This is sort of the local food of the area and I won't lie to you in some cases it looks like that someone has vomited on the hot plate. I assure you that it is very delicious and most of the shops are small so you can really get to know the other customers. My father thought it was the highlight of his trip interacting with the locals.
4. Shoben Yokocho. This is translated as Piss Alley and the reason is that there is only one toilet for the whole street. Now, this is probably in your guide books but it is really cool and like Tsukishima you can interact quite intimately with the locals.
5. Maid Cafes. I have only been to one of these once and it was an interesting experience. For what it is, it is quite expensive for average food at the best and you get to see young women dressed up as maids treating you like you have come home after a long day at work. There is no sexual element to this besides the people who have that kind of fetish and it is a subculture of the Akihabara area of Tokyo where you can buy ay kind of electronic equipment that you can think of.
6. If you are in Tokyo during summer I suggest going down to the Shonan coast. It is about one hour out of Tokyo and it is where Tokyoites go to cool off in the Pacific Ocean. Please don't expect the water to be pristine and have golden sand on the beaches. They are packed and the water can be dirty but the interesting thing is that they have, dotted along the beaches tents called umi no ie. These are places that you go and sit down, have a beer, eat something, hire boogie boards and even have a shower. Some of them can be quite elaborate and will have events during the summer like salsa dancing and DJs.
7. If you are into sports and you are from a Commonwealth country I suggest you take in a professional baseball game. For cricket loving people you may not understand the strategies but the actual premise of the game is quite simple, try and score more runs than the opposition. Easy.
8. For those cricket players a trip to the local baseball batting centre would be fun for you. Just like facing a bowling machine you get lots of 20 balls thrown at you and you have to try and hit a home run. It is a lot of fun and you can challenge yourself at 150 clicks. I tell you after facing that my wagon wheel would look like I had hit all of my runs either through all over the slips. Some people out there would suggest that that is my reality anyway, so what is different.
9. Spend a night in a izakaya. These are one of the places in Japan where everyone can really wind down and have a few beers and something to eat. The food is usually shared and some of the places have great variety. My friends love them.
10. The last one is going to be on page one of all the guide books but this is my reason for going to this attraction. Tokyo Disneyland. Yes, you heard me correctly, Tokyo Disneyland. This is a great place and it is a type of place that adults should go at least once in their lives. It is a chance for you to be a child again. To throw away those adult inhibitions and insecurities and just be a kid again.
There it is, 10 places to see in and around Tokyo. There are others I have left out but you can always do your own research for places that you like and explore them.
Have fun!!!
Saturday, 13 October 2012
Friday, 12 October 2012
Not just for nerds
Dear the Manager of the Palmerston North Library,
As a regular user of your facility I must say that I am very impressed with the whole setup. I must admit at first glance it doesn't seem as though there are a hell of a lot of books but if I look for one invariably it is in the library catalogue. I also enjoy the DVD section and how cheap it is to hire them out for one week. (NZ$3 (US$2.45) is quite cheap compared to the DVD shops around town.)
I like how you have the computer system all set up where I can renew my books without leaving my seat. Also the fact that I can borrow ebooks is great as well. You are definitely keeping up with the times. Whenever I go to your facility I notice that almost all of the computers are taken with people surfing the net. I also see you can use the PlayStation type games. That is pretty awesome and you are definitely living up to the idea of being the living room of the city.
In saying that there is always room for improvement, so let me give you ten ideas I have come up while using your facility that will make it even more user friendly.
1. I understand that the library is for all members of the family which I agree that it should be and it is good that you have areas for all everyone including children but sometimes it is too noisy. It isn't your typical library environment. I would suggest building a separate room for children so people who are trying to read and study don't have to listen to the screaming and loud talking that sometimes distracts me from my work there.
2. I like that you have a small section for foreign languages. Is it possible for newspapers from different countries be placed in the library. I personally like Japanese papers. You don't have to do this everyday as I know that this could be costly and we can read all of it online but some of us "more experienced" people like to read the actual paper.
3. When I go to the library I tend to take a few books and my computer etc and when I sit down I like to work for a significant period of time, however it is really annoying that if I want to go to the bathroom I have to pack up everything and go and do my business and come back. My idea is to have some kind of locker in the desk where you can store things for a 10 minute period where you can go to the bathroom or check the shelves for a book or something similar.
4. Do you have facilities where we can watch the DVD's in house without having to pay for them? Is that legal? Or even if you pay $1 and then use the library machine and then you don't have to take it home. Do you lose many DVD's over the course of the year? This could be a cheaper way. I assure you that it would be very popular.
5. Please make the Sound and Vision returns slot on both sides of the library. It is a hassle only having it on the George Street side.
6. I use your wifi service when I am in the library and I think that it is a great service however when I am down the Main Street end of the library the connection can sometimes be quite weak, can that be improved?
7. Have you ever thought of a special room that has a bunch of desks in in which people can work in silence? As I said before it can be quite noisy and sometimes you want to put your head down and do some work and a special work room would be great.
8. A couple of more photocopiers would be nice especially if you only have one page to do and someone is in front of you doing all of his or her photocopying for the year in one hit. It can be frustrating.
9. I see that you have quite a few events there and school holiday programmes etc. Have you ever thought of doing other types of programmes for adults. I know you have book clubs but what about things like language classes or cultural activities. Palmerston North seems to have quite a good multicultural population and it would be shame not to get these people to introduce their language and culture to the people of this city. I know someone who could teach the Tamil language for instance.
10. I haven't noticed this yet and you may do this but why don't you have a section exclusively for Palmerston North authors. You can bet that this would be quite popular with the users of the library and it may even inspire some people to attempt to write their own books. That has got to be encouraged.
Keep up the good work. I look forward to using your library again in the near future.
Blair Leighton.
As a regular user of your facility I must say that I am very impressed with the whole setup. I must admit at first glance it doesn't seem as though there are a hell of a lot of books but if I look for one invariably it is in the library catalogue. I also enjoy the DVD section and how cheap it is to hire them out for one week. (NZ$3 (US$2.45) is quite cheap compared to the DVD shops around town.)
I like how you have the computer system all set up where I can renew my books without leaving my seat. Also the fact that I can borrow ebooks is great as well. You are definitely keeping up with the times. Whenever I go to your facility I notice that almost all of the computers are taken with people surfing the net. I also see you can use the PlayStation type games. That is pretty awesome and you are definitely living up to the idea of being the living room of the city.
In saying that there is always room for improvement, so let me give you ten ideas I have come up while using your facility that will make it even more user friendly.
1. I understand that the library is for all members of the family which I agree that it should be and it is good that you have areas for all everyone including children but sometimes it is too noisy. It isn't your typical library environment. I would suggest building a separate room for children so people who are trying to read and study don't have to listen to the screaming and loud talking that sometimes distracts me from my work there.
2. I like that you have a small section for foreign languages. Is it possible for newspapers from different countries be placed in the library. I personally like Japanese papers. You don't have to do this everyday as I know that this could be costly and we can read all of it online but some of us "more experienced" people like to read the actual paper.
3. When I go to the library I tend to take a few books and my computer etc and when I sit down I like to work for a significant period of time, however it is really annoying that if I want to go to the bathroom I have to pack up everything and go and do my business and come back. My idea is to have some kind of locker in the desk where you can store things for a 10 minute period where you can go to the bathroom or check the shelves for a book or something similar.
4. Do you have facilities where we can watch the DVD's in house without having to pay for them? Is that legal? Or even if you pay $1 and then use the library machine and then you don't have to take it home. Do you lose many DVD's over the course of the year? This could be a cheaper way. I assure you that it would be very popular.
5. Please make the Sound and Vision returns slot on both sides of the library. It is a hassle only having it on the George Street side.
6. I use your wifi service when I am in the library and I think that it is a great service however when I am down the Main Street end of the library the connection can sometimes be quite weak, can that be improved?
7. Have you ever thought of a special room that has a bunch of desks in in which people can work in silence? As I said before it can be quite noisy and sometimes you want to put your head down and do some work and a special work room would be great.
8. A couple of more photocopiers would be nice especially if you only have one page to do and someone is in front of you doing all of his or her photocopying for the year in one hit. It can be frustrating.
9. I see that you have quite a few events there and school holiday programmes etc. Have you ever thought of doing other types of programmes for adults. I know you have book clubs but what about things like language classes or cultural activities. Palmerston North seems to have quite a good multicultural population and it would be shame not to get these people to introduce their language and culture to the people of this city. I know someone who could teach the Tamil language for instance.
10. I haven't noticed this yet and you may do this but why don't you have a section exclusively for Palmerston North authors. You can bet that this would be quite popular with the users of the library and it may even inspire some people to attempt to write their own books. That has got to be encouraged.
Keep up the good work. I look forward to using your library again in the near future.
Blair Leighton.
Thursday, 11 October 2012
Training in PN
I learnt a new expression today, "The Loser Cruiser." WTF does that mean? So I read this article and it explained that "the loser cruiser" is public transport. Apparently in this country, especially in Auckland, public transportation does not the coolest thing going around and everyone hates it. I personally don't see anything wrong with it but I suppose my view is blurred from living for 15 years in Japan. I sometimes use the bus in Palmerston North when it is raining or when I can't be bothered biking in the "slight winds" we have in this part of the country. Does that make me a loser? Probably some people who drive around at $2.13 a litre think so. Who cares at the end of the day as I get to where I want to go and I don't have to pay for petrol, car parking charges, Warrant of Fitness, registration, insurance and maintenance charges.
What is my point today, I hear you ask. Well today I would like to discuss something that was asked of me a few months back at a Toastmasters meeting, that was does Palmerston North need a light rail system out to Massey University?
Today I would like to give 10 reasons why it is a good idea.
1. There aren't exactly traffic jams in Palmerston North but people will be able to get out to Massey or back into the city centre quite quickly. They won't be stuck in the vehicles trying to get down Te Awe Awe or other streets.
2. It could revitalize the city centre. My friend said he went into "town" on Saturday night and he said that the area was dead. Why is this? Could it be the very strict drink driving rules? Then if people knew that they could drink more without worrying about driving more money would be spent. Then they could get home quickly and safely. obviously this depends on how often the tram runs at night and where it stops.
3. A lot of students who don't have the way to get into the city centre would come in more often without spending all their time and money on campus.
4. If the route from the city centre to Massey was successful then there would be the possibility of other routes which would be good for the city. Maybe following the current bus routes. Obviously if the light rail was built then we would no longer have buses. I know which one I prefer.
5. I think something like this would be safer than walking home at night although you are still going to have idiots using the thing trying to prove they are older than what they are.
6. Not sure about this one but would big industry bring their factories etc to Palmerston North if they knew that there was an efficient and cheap transport system to get their employees to work?
7. If you look at the cars going out to Massey in the morning they are usually only a single occupant. Why does that need to be like that? Environmentally a light rail network would be a hundred times better for Palmerston North. (I can hear all of the doubters screaming with derision from here. "I won't my car, I don't want to be a loser." So, owning a car makes you a non-loser?)
8. The tram could also be used to go to the train station. Obviously if the Capital Connection is discontinued then this probably wouldn't be a good idea but it would make it easier for people going to the train in the morning or coming back at night.
9. Entrepreneurs would be able to set up businesses along the route. Imagine having a little kiosk at certain stops along the route.
10. More people could go along to sporting events without worrying about how much they drink. Special trams could go to the different sporting centres in the city. Bigger crowds and bigger benefits for those sports would eventuate.
To the right is an artists impression of how the light rail would look like. To the left of the picture is Fitzherbert Park and in the background is the FMG building on the Square. This picture was taken from the Massey University website after a student had proposed this in a report.
What is my point today, I hear you ask. Well today I would like to discuss something that was asked of me a few months back at a Toastmasters meeting, that was does Palmerston North need a light rail system out to Massey University?
Today I would like to give 10 reasons why it is a good idea.
1. There aren't exactly traffic jams in Palmerston North but people will be able to get out to Massey or back into the city centre quite quickly. They won't be stuck in the vehicles trying to get down Te Awe Awe or other streets.
2. It could revitalize the city centre. My friend said he went into "town" on Saturday night and he said that the area was dead. Why is this? Could it be the very strict drink driving rules? Then if people knew that they could drink more without worrying about driving more money would be spent. Then they could get home quickly and safely. obviously this depends on how often the tram runs at night and where it stops.
3. A lot of students who don't have the way to get into the city centre would come in more often without spending all their time and money on campus.
4. If the route from the city centre to Massey was successful then there would be the possibility of other routes which would be good for the city. Maybe following the current bus routes. Obviously if the light rail was built then we would no longer have buses. I know which one I prefer.
5. I think something like this would be safer than walking home at night although you are still going to have idiots using the thing trying to prove they are older than what they are.
6. Not sure about this one but would big industry bring their factories etc to Palmerston North if they knew that there was an efficient and cheap transport system to get their employees to work?
7. If you look at the cars going out to Massey in the morning they are usually only a single occupant. Why does that need to be like that? Environmentally a light rail network would be a hundred times better for Palmerston North. (I can hear all of the doubters screaming with derision from here. "I won't my car, I don't want to be a loser." So, owning a car makes you a non-loser?)
8. The tram could also be used to go to the train station. Obviously if the Capital Connection is discontinued then this probably wouldn't be a good idea but it would make it easier for people going to the train in the morning or coming back at night.
9. Entrepreneurs would be able to set up businesses along the route. Imagine having a little kiosk at certain stops along the route.
10. More people could go along to sporting events without worrying about how much they drink. Special trams could go to the different sporting centres in the city. Bigger crowds and bigger benefits for those sports would eventuate.
Wednesday, 10 October 2012
I am fat!!!
I had a bit of a long day at work yesterday which meant that I didn't get home until about 1.30am and then was back there at 9am, so I am a little bit jaded while writing this. Fortunately I have the day off tomorrow so I will be able to recharge my batteries and write an awesome blog post.
Anyway, lets get to the point. Last night at my place of work, we hosted Massey University's blues awards event. Outstanding sportsman who are studying at Massey receive an award for their achievements. It got me thinking as I served some highly tuned athletes. I also got a photo taken with Valerie Adams, a double Olympic shot putting champion who is about 6 foot 100. (That isn't a typo.)
Back to the topic, I am fat!!! I have been overweight for a long time but last night was the first time that I decided that I was fat. It's not good. I have to do something about it, so today I would like to talk about 10 things I can do in the next 24 to 48 hours to start doing something about my health. Obviously these have to be practical and they have to be, and this word is crucial, and it is also what my friend says a lot sustainable.
Here goes:
1. I have to admit that I have a problem and that I need to do something about. (Well, ladies and gentlemen, done that.)
2. Make a list of reasons why I want to lose weight.
3. Go for a short walk. (I'm not a great walker or runner but this is a good way to get out and about. I have noticed that I have not been breathing the best recently. I hope that it has got something to do with the hay fever that I have at the moment.)
4. Drink 2 litres of water. They say that this is very important in fat loss. I already drink quite a bit of water over the course of day but it tends to come in one or two sessions rather than a small bit every couple of hours which is what I should really be doing.
5. My friend suggests writing a food diary which I have done in the past. I think he would give a different justification for this but it does get a little embarrassing if you start writing: mince pie, coke, potato chips, Big Mac, one grape and a big serving of chocolate pudding. That's just not cool.
6. Go to the gym. I do really enjoy it there, when I get there. That is the most difficult part of it, getting there, when you get there it is fun. It is funny how stuff you put off all day like writing a blog post suddenly need to be done instead of going to the gym.
7. Eat two pieces of fruit. They say you should have five servings of fruit and vegetables a day. I tend to go for the biscuit (that is cookie for my North American readers) rather than an orange or an apple.
8. The last time I lost a great deal of weight I created a menu for the week. Did my shopping for the week on one day and stuck with it. I don't want to be that strict but it did help me with my shopping in the past having a menu and then during the week you didn't buy anything else so you were able to stretch your money. (I do have a soft spot for cashew nuts and crunchy peanut butter. Maybe I can treat myself from time to time.)
9. Take an ice bath. This sounds like hell and I assure you it is not too bad. This idea is from Tim Ferriss' book, The four hour body. One guy he talked to did these ice baths and his fat loss went down dramatically. I have tried a couple of times and I found if you had something to do then it isn't too bad. (I watched The Big Bang Theory on my iPad.)
10. Sit down and plan it. This is something that I am terrible at. No planning. I think if you sit down and think about it and plan then you can get stuff done.
There you have it 10 things to do in the next 24 to 48 hours. I'll be back within that time to report.
Anyway, lets get to the point. Last night at my place of work, we hosted Massey University's blues awards event. Outstanding sportsman who are studying at Massey receive an award for their achievements. It got me thinking as I served some highly tuned athletes. I also got a photo taken with Valerie Adams, a double Olympic shot putting champion who is about 6 foot 100. (That isn't a typo.)
Back to the topic, I am fat!!! I have been overweight for a long time but last night was the first time that I decided that I was fat. It's not good. I have to do something about it, so today I would like to talk about 10 things I can do in the next 24 to 48 hours to start doing something about my health. Obviously these have to be practical and they have to be, and this word is crucial, and it is also what my friend says a lot sustainable.
Here goes:
1. I have to admit that I have a problem and that I need to do something about. (Well, ladies and gentlemen, done that.)
2. Make a list of reasons why I want to lose weight.
3. Go for a short walk. (I'm not a great walker or runner but this is a good way to get out and about. I have noticed that I have not been breathing the best recently. I hope that it has got something to do with the hay fever that I have at the moment.)
4. Drink 2 litres of water. They say that this is very important in fat loss. I already drink quite a bit of water over the course of day but it tends to come in one or two sessions rather than a small bit every couple of hours which is what I should really be doing.
5. My friend suggests writing a food diary which I have done in the past. I think he would give a different justification for this but it does get a little embarrassing if you start writing: mince pie, coke, potato chips, Big Mac, one grape and a big serving of chocolate pudding. That's just not cool.
6. Go to the gym. I do really enjoy it there, when I get there. That is the most difficult part of it, getting there, when you get there it is fun. It is funny how stuff you put off all day like writing a blog post suddenly need to be done instead of going to the gym.
7. Eat two pieces of fruit. They say you should have five servings of fruit and vegetables a day. I tend to go for the biscuit (that is cookie for my North American readers) rather than an orange or an apple.
8. The last time I lost a great deal of weight I created a menu for the week. Did my shopping for the week on one day and stuck with it. I don't want to be that strict but it did help me with my shopping in the past having a menu and then during the week you didn't buy anything else so you were able to stretch your money. (I do have a soft spot for cashew nuts and crunchy peanut butter. Maybe I can treat myself from time to time.)
9. Take an ice bath. This sounds like hell and I assure you it is not too bad. This idea is from Tim Ferriss' book, The four hour body. One guy he talked to did these ice baths and his fat loss went down dramatically. I have tried a couple of times and I found if you had something to do then it isn't too bad. (I watched The Big Bang Theory on my iPad.)
10. Sit down and plan it. This is something that I am terrible at. No planning. I think if you sit down and think about it and plan then you can get stuff done.
There you have it 10 things to do in the next 24 to 48 hours. I'll be back within that time to report.
Monday, 8 October 2012
10 reasons why Mike Tyson should be allowed to come to New Zealand
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.
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.
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.
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