B3 - Bloggers Bar Bash

It can be a lonely life, that of the blogger, as we thump away on our keyboards so we can inform, amuse and yes sometimes even bore our fellow man.

But fear not, we have a solution: bloggers are welcome to join the Bloggers Bar Bash - B3 - which is to be held the first Thursday of every month. The next B3 is on the the 2nd of April from 6.30pm onwards at Galbraiths, 2 Mt Eden Road, Mt Eden, Auckland.

There are many seating areas in Galbraiths, so you may need to look around. Last time we were outside, but it might be too cold/wet for that? Peter and I have committed to attending so just look out for me in the head scarf and Peter, he's tall.

Non-Dorklanders: please stop in whenever you are in town, it would be great to meet you.

Obama's First 100 Days - Privileged Executive

I know he finds it hard, but Jon Stewart does occasionally manage to have the odd go at Obama - I think Jon would secretly like Bush back in office.

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Obama's First 100 Days - Privileged Executive

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things w/ Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Jim Cramer

Done

Righto, the shave was performed last night by the lovely and safe hands of Carol Potts. Still do not have a digital camera by which to take a photo of the results, so in the meantime I present myself in 2007 when a first lost my hair.

Thanks to everyone for their kind and generous donations. If you were waiting until I had performed the deed before donating then go for it here.

I'm suffering from heat transfer, it was amazing how warm the peach fuzz (or bum fluff as my lawyer so kindly called it) kept my head. Have to wear the head scarf all the time at the moment.

And isn't it cold at the moment - every night at about 6.30pm I turn into an iceblock and have throw myself under a hot 30-minute shower to thaw. Made all the more pleasant without that annoying thing you peasants wear called hair.

Update: raised so far $3,950!

Shave for a Cure 2009

It's that time again - Shave for a Cure - to raise money for the Leukaemia and Blood Foundation to assist with blood cancer research to find a cure - please quickly, quickly.

It's hard to believe that it's been a year - yay I made it. I was bald in 2007 and most of 2008 and I'm bald now, makes it difficult to do the shave thing, but there is a layer of white fluff all over my head that could be done away with, so I'm going ahead with the shave - donate here!

PS: being a good strong Kiwi woman not many things bring tears to my eyes, but this ad does.

The Economist

Anti-Dismal and The Economists: Drug War 20 years on.

The video below doesn't accurately represent Obama's views - he is actually pro the War on Drugs.



Ron Paul has the idea.

Fun Friday

I know, I know it's old, but I still think it's funny.

Ugly Bat Boy

Hey PC I've found a cat uglier than yours - ha ha!



But this is where the likeness ends because "He loves being petted, has a terrific disposition and is beautiful on the inside".

Juno you need to step up to terrific.

He's coming!

American satirist P.J. O'Rourke is in town on the 30th of April for the The 25th John Bonython Lecture and CIS Annual Dinner. Topic is 'Invisible Hand Versus Visible Fist' - I'll be there with bells on.

Phone or email me if you want to join a 10-person table.

Identity theft

David Beckham, Sean Connery and Keanu Reeves have had their images/identities stolen by a Chinese company to promote a Viagra-like product. Justifiably they aren't happy with this theft and nor should they be - China is notorious for copyright theft but being the tricky dickies they appear to be, I can't see it ending anytime soon.

But this kind of thing goes down here in New Zealand by the biggest tricky dickies of all, the government. The government proudly promote Fred Dagg (John Clarke) on this website, whilst over at Kiwibank they advertise the bank using Fred's voice and character - without John Clarkes permission and definitely no payment. Of course none of us can really be surprised by this, the government is the biggest thief of all and why would we expect it's entities to act honourably, especially one set up by the biggest thief of all, Dr Cullen.

Update

Chemo #5 started yesterday even though blood count was a little low. Doctors reduced my dose somewhat and there is discussion of not doing #6 for fear of stuffing my lungs - but no biggie either way - we shall wait and see. Don't you just love all the complicated medical jargon I use :o).

This week in daystay I have been inflicted by women talking, talking, talking - rather too loudly and with no regard for the rest of us - god they just go on and on. In all cases there was no need for the patients to bring along their extras. The only time I can really see a need for visitors in daystay is as an interpreter for the patient, when the patient is young, when patient goes the first couple of times or is sick or upset. Definitely none of these applied this week. Add to this that there is very little space for patients let alone extras and the stress levels rise. Wards are for visitors.

At the same time I've met some extremely lovely extras who have lit up my day and often make tea for their patient and everyone else in the room. But talking loudly in the middle of the room is not what they do - so maybe my real issue is they are just too loud - if only chemo would take away some of my near perfect hearing.

Update

Well chemo #5 was put off for a week as my white blood count was too low. There are no problems with this as it doesn't make any difference to the outcome of the treatment.

The bonus is - I get to go to Waiheke half a day early - yay!

From the Cactus

Read
this!

I told you so

I commented last week:
New Zealanders generally lack enthusiasm [for investing], so much so that they saw finance companies as a safer bet than shares. This ignorance of risk and investing is wide spread - now they head over to bonds and I can bet they won't read the prospectus this time either.

So it was with a good dose of "I told you so" that I read Brian Gaynor's article on the recent Fonterra bond issue. He opens with:
There are a number of disturbing features regarding the gigantic Fonterra bond issue.

In particular the overwhelming response from investors, and their advisers, before offer documents were widely available clearly indicates that we have learned little from the finance company debacles.

Exactly!

According to the Securities Commission: "If an investment is recommended by a financial adviser he or she should have read the prospectus." How many advisers had read the Fonterra prospectus before they registered their firm allocations?

My question: even if they did read the prospectus in it's entirety, how many understood the contents?

Another concern is the Fonterra Bond Issue was to raise $300m, but to date they have raised $800m. They appear to be willing to take on the extra $500m of debt - what for? Surely if the needed more than $300m they would have asked for it. This make me very nervous.

One other fact that Gaynor raises that should concern all is the lack of disclosure:
Neither the investment statement nor the prospectus contains any specific information on Fonterra's performance for the first half of its 2009 financial year, which ended on January 31.

This omission is unsatisfactory because the company probably had a poor six months and its debt levels may now be materially higher than they were at the end of its 2008 financial year.

Untrustworthy management - take care.

Why do we continue to make these mistakes?
Whenever I bring up money matters with Kiwis they tend to just shut down. They don't want to even discuss in on a general level, let alone on a personal level - especially if they are in financial trouble. Surely this is the best time to talk openly, the time you need the most help.

I've been lucky in my money education, I've had one smart mentor plus five other investors that I speak to whenever I have a question. Add to this membership to two investment clubs and you get the idea that money education requires some effort, a reasonable amount of natural inquiry and is a lifetime pursuit.

I'm not saying I've never made a mistake with my investing or trading, I most certainly have and will continue to - I'm after all not the smartest cookie in the jar. The difference between me and most Kiwi investors is that I learn from my mistakes and I don't whine that I was 'ripped off' or try to blame others. But the main difference is I talk to people who are wealthier than me - even if I look stupid or don't particularly understand everything they say - eventually it sinks in.

So get into it, it has boring moments, but it isn't hard, and eventually becomes very exciting, as your wealth and security grows.

If this is global warming ...

The 'if this is global warming then bring it on' rally

Yes, yes, alright!

I know it's been ages since I last blogged, I'm not sure why, I just didn't feel like communicating, but I'm being hassled by certain people to get to and write something, so ...

Tennis ruined
January brought us, once again, the ATP Women's and Men's Tennis at Stanley Street - yay! I missed the Women's as I was away and sick, but enjoyed watching proceedings on TV. Then the men's tournament started, I was on the improve, so went for an evening in a corporate box (thanks Dad).

Now tennis has been one of the few sports I enjoy watching (add to this skiing, gymnastics and hockey). But horror of horrors an evil spirit has invaded Stanley Street, the unholy addition is ... music!

Yes I know the 'E' word is not something one usually associates with music*. But anytime the players came off the court they would play LOUD, CRAP music. Apparently this happened for all centre court games for both men's and women's. It was so bad I marched off to find the DJ and to plead with him (yes it could only be a man that could make it that loud and irritating) to 'cease and desist' or at least turn the volume down so I could talk to the person next to me. Fortunately for his personal safety he was on the other side of the court and I didn't have the energy to walk all the way around and back again - why no one else tried to sort this out is beyond comprehension (we Kiwi's can be too useless for our own good). I actually think I might of been able to get the music turned off completely - who could turn down a ranting, weak, bald, cancer patient on a mission for 'higher standards and order'.

The atmosphere at the tennis has always been great fun, a wonderful buzz of excitement in between plays, with fans shouting out support to players and funny little comments flying around the court. All this ruined because some tosser (most probably from outside NZ) has tried to force a format on a wonderful game and a unique venue. Mind you I can't imagine that music is suitable at any tennis venue - surely the don't play music at Wimbledon?

In fact there are very few sports that loud music would enhance the event:
* Basketball - kind of makes sense, mainly because it is such a tradition.
* Netball - it's already ruined by the fans using those moronic clapping sticks, loud music would probably enhance the viewing.
* Rugby - I don't watch, so couldn't care-a-less, ruin away. Actually on this, I was developing into an avid fan, but then they just kept playing and playing and playing all the time - too much, too boring.
* Cricket - don't watch.

I've heard that the tennis players like the music - but surely it is the audience that is paying and I'm sure they would rather have an audience than empty stands - more prize money after all.

Complaints can be made here.

Investing
As we watch Mark Weldon - CEO of NZX - run around doing god knows what (Cactus Kate comments here and here), I put my head in my hands and imagine how much bigger our economy would be today if we were in possession of a robust capital market. An effective market requires great liquidity (definitely not available at NZX) and at least some enthusiasm for share participation by it's citizens. New Zealanders generally lack this enthusiasm, so much so that they saw finance companies as a safer bet than shares. This ignorance of risk and investing is wide spread - now they head over to bonds and I can bet they won't read the prospectus this time either.

I am told by the big softies amongst you that I should feel sorry for all those that lost money in these financial collapses. But the likes of these investors (if you can call them that) call traders like me crazy gamblers with little idea of what we are doing, nor the risks we are taking. Worse they think that we are responsible for the losses that they made on the sharemarket in the past. So frankly I don't feel sorry for them, if I did I would be saying to them that they did no wrong.

Anyway back to the NZX - the sooner they are taken over by the ASX and all NZ companies listed on the main ASX board the better. An effective market requires great liquidity and market enthusiasm. The public listings via the NZX generally have been disappointing to both investor and the listing company, my advice to any businessman thinking of listing their company on the NZ stock exchange is don't - go over the ditch.

Kiwis will never buy shares in enough numbers to make the NZX a viable market. They rarely seem prepared to buy the shares and join the business for the long term, these days Kiwi investors will only buy bonds and property - spreading risk is once again still an unknown concept - learning by experience strangely fails again. The Australians are eager participants on the sharemarket, this participation provides excellent liquidity and a healthy sharemarket.

NZX does nothing to encourage share participation. ASX run seminars all the time - I'm constantly sent emails inviting me to attend. My broker also provide regular speakers and events to attend. The only one I've seen run in NZ is by ABN AMRO Craigs for women - get in there gals and do it for yourself, your lack of ego makes you a better investor apparently.

My Health
I've taken to avoiding germs by shaking hands, rather than hugging and kissing people. All very awkward as the huggor/kissor heads for me and I dodge and dive out of the way, with an apologetic "no I don't do that at the moment". I was starting to wonder if it was worth all the bother until I looked at my latest blood report - white blood count low, low, low. So I think I'll carry on with this no kissy/huggy policy, along with my short nails and handwashing regime. Fortunately it is "too bloody hot" to go out much, so I'm not out in public much anyway.

Low white blood count plus lack of steroids equals lack of energy, but other than that I feel great. Feel like I can conquer the world actually, until I try to - bugger - back to the couch.

* except of course anything religious, country and western, disco, hip hop and probably a few more styles that have slipped my mind.

Update

Well I got back last week from a great holiday to an incredibly sore throat - couldn't eat, drink, swallow or blog. So headed to hospital on Friday for assistance and was given extra drugs and two bags of IV fluids. All improved from there and I fronted up on Tuesday for Chemo #4.

Because of my irritating ongoing cough and spiking temperatures my doctor wanted to do a chest xray. Came up clear but chemo had to be rescheduled for a week.

I must have played on the mind of my doctor who called me back in today for a CT scan. Two matters came out of this:
* I don't have any problems in my lungs.
* The tumours have pretty much gone.
So we carry on with the last three chemos and this course should be all over by mid-March.

I came off the Dexamethasone steroids I've been taking since May, so energy levels are very low. As much as I hate steroids I was kind of looking forward to my 10-days of Prendazone that I have as part of my chemo, anyway I should perk up again as my body adjusts to the steroid flux.

New Year 2009 - crikey!

Yes I know I'm early, but I'm going away on Boxing Day and I'm not taking my computer with me.

Well this is a milestone I didn't think I'd get to and I'd like to thank all of you that helped me get through the last 7 months since my grand mal seizure and brain tumour discovery. I am really lucky to have such great friends and family who have helped me in so many ways - some just entertaining, some talking through the cancer/dying process, some both - all good.

And yes I know I wasn't really meant to get to this stage, but given the number of visitors I received I wasn't the only one who thought I was on the way out in 2008.

Now that I've thank you all I now must apologise for any tantrums I have thrown (and will continue to). I blame the following:

* constant doses of steroids - by the end of my CEPP treatments it will be a whole year.

* people fussing around me - I know you mean well but if you knew me you'd know I'm not going to react rationally. Fortunately for me my darling flatmate Em is not anywhere near close to fussy - much appreciated.

* annoying national and international events - remember I get to watch ALL the news and read ALL the magazines (not the woman's ones).

* just generally not caring what people think actually. I know quite a few of you hadn't realised my 'worldly' opinions on matters and found them not to your flavour - frankly don't care - life's more fun this way - try it out. Unless of course you read woman's magazines, then we don't give a rats arse what you think, cause you obviously don't.

Anyway next milestone is a visit to the majestic South Island and my 41st in April 2009.

Have a great Xmas day - don't eat too much - it's all about quality, not quantity.

Much, much love to you all.
Annie Fox!

PS: oh my god I forgot to thank the amazing working bee team who fixed the garden. You'll all be pleased to know that the plants have all survived and the grass has grown lush and thick and looking fantastic. Particular thanks to Allan (brother) for organising all of this, without a foreman we would have failed and special thanks to his team of church friends. We've finished!

Matchmakers

Matchmaking is a process that most singles are forced into at some time or other. Personally I think that it's great that friends partake in this process for their single friends. Sometimes it is extremely successful (a friend of mind was matched into a blind date dinner in the opposite island - now married and extremely happy), but most of the time it isn't, but that's fine as long as the matchmaker shows a little bit of sensitivity:

1/ Put some thought into it - just because your single female friend (SFF) and single male friend (SMF) are both fancy free, doesn't mean they will fall for each other. They are after all single for a reason, fussiness is probably it. However if you follow rule 2 below you can put in less thought as it won't really matter.

2/ If you are planning to match your SFF and your SMF at a party/dinner/BBQ, then please only tell one party to the match. It is just incredibly awkward if both know about the potential match. My suggestion is that you tell the man. Woman generally like to be pursued and men like to pursue*. Of course some discretion can be applied here depending on their personalities.

3/ Do not under any circumstances tell other people at the party about the matchmaking. You may have got all excited by the prospect of fixing up SFF/SMF and think it's all terribly fun, but an audience can be rather humiliating.

4/ But not telling either party to the match is probably the best plan - just organise a party and see what happens.

* Not sure the rules of engagement for the gay and lesbian matching, but I'm sure it's more fun than the heterosexual dance that goes on.

P.J. O'Rourke's visit to Australia rescheduled

When you have terminal cancer you find yourself planning to live to see the New Year or birthdays or concerts or breakfast. One of my big plans was to survive to see P.J. O'Rourke visit New Zealand in November this year. Unfortunately he also was diagnosed with cancer and so the visit was postponed. But he seems to be back on his feet again because the following was announced recently:

The CIS is delighted to announce that US political satirist and journalist, P.J. O'Rourke, is doing well after his cancer treatment and will travel to Australia in April 2009 to deliver the postponed 25th anniversary John Bonython Lecture. At this stage, the Sydney event will take place on either 21 or 22 April, with possible interstate and New Zealand lectures under consideration. Further details will be available in the new year.

So if he doesn't come to New Zealand I'll have to take a trip up to my favourite Aussi city, SYDNEY!

Hat tip: Not PC

Update

Just to let you know I started Chemo #3 today - all going well, feeling stronger than a month ago. It is looking like I'm going to do six rounds instead of the planned four.

I can have a scan after the 4th round, but I think I'll wait until after the 6th.

Pain is increasing across my back, but not enough to take painkillers or to be a real problem, it just constantly reminds that I have cancer.