American Meltdown Midterms

Posted October 31st 2018 to the Southland Times Newspaper Invercargill NZ

At this point in time the USA is going through a frantic stage. They badly need change to deal with the impending future but their system is so inflexible the frustration is reaching a crescendo. It is getting to as point where Americans dare not talk too loud in public about politics as nerves are so on edge. Things could go very pear shaped in the next few weeks as all the pent up anger and disappointment comes to a head in the Midterms. The worst problem is the insecurity the status quo just fails to address the future in any logical way. If you listen to commentators those who are lucky enough to have bags of money they are looking at New Zealand as a bolt hole if things get out of hand.
Perhaps we might want to tell them that if they want to live in a Parliamentary Proportional Democracy they should try it at home first as running away is really not a good strategy. Besides we really won’t want NZ swamped by spoiled American Trust Fund Kids. Believe me! 

Leaky Mini Mansions of Queenstown NZ

Posted 8th October 2017 to the Mountain Scene newspaper Queenstown NZ

I have done a bit of building in my day, I had a grandfather who was a professional carpenter and I was looking at all the modern buildings
In last weeks edition showcasing architecture.

I was surprised to see a large proportion of expensive buildings have deliberately flawed roofing designs that require constant maintenance
making them likely to leak.

Roofs are not rocket science in an area with snow fall loading one must consider the traditional alpine style roofing that protects the building
From harsh weather.. but also excessive sunlight deterioration in summer.

So home builders you might want to ask your architect if common sense is right for you.

Remember in the 21st century, waste IS a terrible thing.