https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1727804147
July 21, 2019
Snob's Guide to New Zealand
Shameless self-promotion here; my latest book Snob's Guide to New Zealand is available on Amazon in paperback and kindle. It's very accurate, an example is not a single word in the book needs to be changed about what I had to say about cricket in NZ. The chapters are organised alphabetically, cricket being dealt with under the chapter...Sport.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1727804147
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1727804147
July 19, 2019
Russell Westbrook to the Rockets
The Houston Rockets make it hard for me to be a fan. They acquired Carmelo Anthony, remember how that went? Now they've taken on Russell Westbrook, the most selfish player in the NBA today. Will he bring a title now that he's back with James Harden? It's hard to see how quite frankly, Harden has grown and become something special and I just don't see the two playing together any longer, how could the two egos work? One would have to accept a secondary role and that seems unlikely. We'll have to wait and see, but just as with Anthony, I'm not holding my breath.
July 18, 2019
Serena Williams
Serena Williams looked decidedly second-rate against Simona Halep in the 2019 Wimbledon final. She should think about retiring, these new young players are too good. Williams game has been one of overpowering opponents, effectively bludgeoning them into submission. But these days the new guard have that play and finesse as well.
And Williams doesn't deserve her current high seeding in tournaments. The way she played against Halep illustrates my point, she was terrible. Fans will start watching less if they think Williams will show up playing so badly. I say lower her seeding or don't seed her at all.
And Williams doesn't deserve her current high seeding in tournaments. The way she played against Halep illustrates my point, she was terrible. Fans will start watching less if they think Williams will show up playing so badly. I say lower her seeding or don't seed her at all.
July 16, 2019
Baldwin Street No Longer World's Steepest
I got to walk up Baldwin Street in Dunedin, N.Z. before it lost its crown as the steepest street in the world. Some imposter street in Wales has got the nod from the Guinness World Records outfit. Thing is, this title steepest is a bit dodgy to begin with, have they checked every street on earth? I doubt it, the title is actually world's steepest that they know of.
Here's how to get the title back. Are you listening Dunedin? Rename the lower and flatter portion of Baldwin Street something else, Baldwin Street North perhaps, then put in more signs and something to indicate a new road is starting, and call the steep section Baldwin Street South. The steep section would have an average gradient over 40%. Job done. Oh and don't forget to blueprint the changes.
And if the above solution is a no go, simply repave the street in such a way as to increase the gradient to more than the street in Wales.
Here's how to get the title back. Are you listening Dunedin? Rename the lower and flatter portion of Baldwin Street something else, Baldwin Street North perhaps, then put in more signs and something to indicate a new road is starting, and call the steep section Baldwin Street South. The steep section would have an average gradient over 40%. Job done. Oh and don't forget to blueprint the changes.
And if the above solution is a no go, simply repave the street in such a way as to increase the gradient to more than the street in Wales.
July 15, 2019
ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: The Final
New Zealand played England in the Cricket World Cup final, the match ending in a tie after each had completed their 50 overs (241 runs each). The contest then went to so-called "super overs" where 6 extra balls are bowled by each team. The team scoring the most runs wins. However, the super overs also ended tied. That handed the world cup to England as they had scored the most boundaries in the match.
[ Update: NZ actually won the game, scoring 241 runs to England's 240. No need for the so-called Super Over. Turns out the umpires got it wrong on the third to last ball of the match, awarding Ben Stokes 2 runs plus 4 overthrows, a total of 6 off the ball when it should have been 5 runs scored - see this link: Ben Stokes Incident
This illustrates why I prefer baseball over cricket. Coaches and key players know their rules in baseball. I have said it many times, NZ have proven themselves to be a bunch of amateurs at this cricket biz. They should have stopped the game to have the correct score registered (this is not to criticise England, Stokes did nothing wrong and he's entitled to take everything that comes his way)]
After a day playing such a closely fought match, it's kind of hollow to decide things by count-back of boundaries (it also penalises teams that collect runs in singles and two's and who do not get bowled out accumulating their score). Why do they not play the way basketball does when the scores are tied? Keep playing extra time until a result is obtained. In cricket that would mean adding super over after super over until the result.
Many will say that NZ redeemed themselves a little after their capitulation to Australia in the final four years ago. But I'm not so generous, the reason NZ lost runs a little deeper, it goes to the culture within the team.
Leading up to the final the NZ trainings looked like a team just happy to make the final. They didn't look like a team desperate to avoid losing another final. Then during the game they could not set a worthwhile total, NZ's final 10 overs with the bat were average at best. To illustrate, consider the very last ball NZ faced. The batsman ducked out of the way and no run was scored. What he should have done is throw his bat at the ball as there wasn't another ball to face. Defending, NZ fielded well, but they too often find themselves defending a total that's too low. Thus, their results are often much closer than they need to be and this latest final was a classic example of that.
England looked like they were choking under the pressure of home town expectations. They got there - just. NZ has to learn to keep their foot on the throats of their opponents. Oh and while NZ were robbed, England did deserve the win. Why? NZ only won one of their last five matches played in the tournament.
[ Update: NZ actually won the game, scoring 241 runs to England's 240. No need for the so-called Super Over. Turns out the umpires got it wrong on the third to last ball of the match, awarding Ben Stokes 2 runs plus 4 overthrows, a total of 6 off the ball when it should have been 5 runs scored - see this link: Ben Stokes Incident
This illustrates why I prefer baseball over cricket. Coaches and key players know their rules in baseball. I have said it many times, NZ have proven themselves to be a bunch of amateurs at this cricket biz. They should have stopped the game to have the correct score registered (this is not to criticise England, Stokes did nothing wrong and he's entitled to take everything that comes his way)]
After a day playing such a closely fought match, it's kind of hollow to decide things by count-back of boundaries (it also penalises teams that collect runs in singles and two's and who do not get bowled out accumulating their score). Why do they not play the way basketball does when the scores are tied? Keep playing extra time until a result is obtained. In cricket that would mean adding super over after super over until the result.
Many will say that NZ redeemed themselves a little after their capitulation to Australia in the final four years ago. But I'm not so generous, the reason NZ lost runs a little deeper, it goes to the culture within the team.
Leading up to the final the NZ trainings looked like a team just happy to make the final. They didn't look like a team desperate to avoid losing another final. Then during the game they could not set a worthwhile total, NZ's final 10 overs with the bat were average at best. To illustrate, consider the very last ball NZ faced. The batsman ducked out of the way and no run was scored. What he should have done is throw his bat at the ball as there wasn't another ball to face. Defending, NZ fielded well, but they too often find themselves defending a total that's too low. Thus, their results are often much closer than they need to be and this latest final was a classic example of that.
England looked like they were choking under the pressure of home town expectations. They got there - just. NZ has to learn to keep their foot on the throats of their opponents. Oh and while NZ were robbed, England did deserve the win. Why? NZ only won one of their last five matches played in the tournament.
July 08, 2019
NBA: Kawhi Leonard and Paul George to the Clippers
I just heard the lead sinker fall to the floor. Oh no, hearing the news Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are signing with the Clippers has got to be the worst move ever or they're both geniuses.
For Leonard, he has nothing to prove having won titles with the Spurs and Raptors. But George is taking a much bigger risk as he's linking up with an outfit that has never won an NBA title and never looked like winning one. The Clippers have never advanced past the second stage of the playoffs (correct me if I'm wrong, I didn't look it up).
The Clippers play in the Staples Center and get second choice on all the booking slots. That's because the owner of the Staples Center also owns a share of the Lakers and the Lakers play at Staples. For Leonard and George they're effectively wilfully choosing to play for the B team.
Compare with Durant and Irving going to Brooklyn. The Nets have at least won two titles when part of the ABA, and they've got hot talent brought together by the savvy Sean Marks. And add DeAndre Jordan to the list at Brooklyn.
So Leonard and George may be making a huge belly-flop into the pool. I never rate the hapless Clippers, if there is a way to lose, they'll find it.
For Leonard, he has nothing to prove having won titles with the Spurs and Raptors. But George is taking a much bigger risk as he's linking up with an outfit that has never won an NBA title and never looked like winning one. The Clippers have never advanced past the second stage of the playoffs (correct me if I'm wrong, I didn't look it up).
The Clippers play in the Staples Center and get second choice on all the booking slots. That's because the owner of the Staples Center also owns a share of the Lakers and the Lakers play at Staples. For Leonard and George they're effectively wilfully choosing to play for the B team.
Compare with Durant and Irving going to Brooklyn. The Nets have at least won two titles when part of the ABA, and they've got hot talent brought together by the savvy Sean Marks. And add DeAndre Jordan to the list at Brooklyn.
So Leonard and George may be making a huge belly-flop into the pool. I never rate the hapless Clippers, if there is a way to lose, they'll find it.
July 04, 2019
ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: New Zealand
The New Zealand cricket team is proving itself to be very average. Its world ranking is far higher than it really deserves and now we can see why: the Kiwis have no fight in them.
They're poorly lead and play like a bunch of amateurs. The problem with NZ cricket goes deeper too; they're a team of upper middle class guys. That's a recipe that'll never get the job done. To win you've got to have a bit of mongrel in there, look at the All Blacks for inspiration. For summer sports the men with that mongrel are out fishing or hunting, or they're in motor sport or baseball. They're not going to stand around all day saying inane things like ' great shot Whitherrington' or 'c'mon lads give them a bit of what-o.'
At the world cup in 2019 I've been following Afghanistan, they've got some fight in them which is a stark contrast to the chinless wonder Kiwis. One day Afghanistan may even win at the top level, won't that be a day to celebrate! But watching the NZers is like watching concrete set, boring and always a disappointment. For me Kane Williamson getting out against Australia said it all, when walking off having amassed a disappointing 40, he looked like he was taking his dog for a walk in the park, not like he was gutted he'd just let his team down.
They're poorly lead and play like a bunch of amateurs. The problem with NZ cricket goes deeper too; they're a team of upper middle class guys. That's a recipe that'll never get the job done. To win you've got to have a bit of mongrel in there, look at the All Blacks for inspiration. For summer sports the men with that mongrel are out fishing or hunting, or they're in motor sport or baseball. They're not going to stand around all day saying inane things like ' great shot Whitherrington' or 'c'mon lads give them a bit of what-o.'
At the world cup in 2019 I've been following Afghanistan, they've got some fight in them which is a stark contrast to the chinless wonder Kiwis. One day Afghanistan may even win at the top level, won't that be a day to celebrate! But watching the NZers is like watching concrete set, boring and always a disappointment. For me Kane Williamson getting out against Australia said it all, when walking off having amassed a disappointing 40, he looked like he was taking his dog for a walk in the park, not like he was gutted he'd just let his team down.
July 02, 2019
Hong Kong Crisis
Things are going downhill fast in Hong Kong. I hope these young demonstrators don't get too carried away as the Chinese government are not known to be restrained in how they retaliate against anyone challenging their power. Remember, China is not a democracy, it is a brutal dictatorship.
It was funny to see the old Hong Kong flag being unfurled by these protesters. Britain has a lot to answer for in its acquiescence to China back in the 90's, but it's touching the youngsters, who may not have been born when Hong Kong was handed back to China by the British, are still clinging to some semblance of freedom.
It was funny to see the old Hong Kong flag being unfurled by these protesters. Britain has a lot to answer for in its acquiescence to China back in the 90's, but it's touching the youngsters, who may not have been born when Hong Kong was handed back to China by the British, are still clinging to some semblance of freedom.
June 30, 2019
ICC: Cricket World Cup 2019
Two comments come to mind: the New Zealand v Australia match - it looked to me as if NZ were trying to lose, giving the Australians easy outs. That's the only way to describe a woeful batting performance from the Kiwis.
And media seemed to spend more time talking about fighting between Afghanistan and Pakistan fans than on the game itself. The game was a gripping encounter and deserved more favourable comment.
And media seemed to spend more time talking about fighting between Afghanistan and Pakistan fans than on the game itself. The game was a gripping encounter and deserved more favourable comment.
June 28, 2019
NZ Labour: Build Houses
Why can't the New Zealand Labour government build houses? They're the party that invented the state house. Housing Minister, Phil Twyford has just been sacked, fair enough he proved useless but you also have to question the entire Labour team. There is a real dearth of talent in the NZ parliament right now.
June 22, 2019
Toronto Raptors: Chip on their Shoulder
Not a single player in the champion Raptors side was an NBA lottery pick. The following article details how each player was acquired and where they were in the draft. It's an interesting read and just goes to show, a team of players with something to prove can achieve greatness.
https://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2019/04/11/how-the-2018-19-raptors-were-built.html
https://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2019/04/11/how-the-2018-19-raptors-were-built.html
June 21, 2019
War with Iran
Who is behind the ramping up of tension between Iran and the USA? Would it be Saudi Arabia? A bit obvious this, given that the Saudis are under investigation for murdering the journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the bombing of civilians in Yemen, and now they're under attack from Houthi rebels on Saudi territory with the Saudi Army apparently running away whenever they come under fire.
June 17, 2019
Kim Kardashian for President
The US has had its first reality television star become President, so why not the first female President also a reality TV star? Face it, she'd be better than the Donald. Better looking too. I know Kanye West said he was going to run, but with his mental stability an issue then it's over to his wife with her new legal training. Embrace the vision.
June 15, 2019
Toronto Raptors Win NBA Championship
The Raptors have pulled off a massive upset, beating the Golden State Warriors 4-2 in the series. Game 6 was even tighter than the close score suggests. For the losers, Klay Thompson stood out, when he dislocated his knee he had the presence of mind to crawl back onto the court to ensure he was down while fully in the field of play, then when carried from the area he returned to make his free throws. Now that is tough. I hope he's all right. And for the winners, what a great team effort, with Kawhi Leonard the man who can do anything.
June 12, 2019
New Zealand Defence Capability Plan
Those wanting to read the latest dreams and schemes put out by the NZ Defence establishment can read it here:
https://www.defence.govt.nz/publications/publication/defence-capability-plan-2019
This is an improvement but still doesn't go far enough. Readers will note that there are still no plans to regain NZ's air strike capability. Also lacking is a firm commitment to acquire drones which are a must-do in my book. They're also continuing with cuts even though the replacement capability is not ready. I'm talking here about the immediate removal from service of two inshore patrol boats, leaving just two in service. That's likely because they can't find crews to man them.
Then consider it appears the multi-role vessel HMNZS Canterbury is a failure. Read between the lines, it is spelt out bold and clear.
The NZ Government don't appear to be able to get its priorities right. Those priorities must be:
Navy
Air Force
Army
...in that order. Having two old and incapable Frigates to secure 11% of the earth's surface is ludicrous. Grow up New Zealand.
Oh and consider this announcement a bribe of sorts from NZ First's Ron Mark. But before voters consider giving them a chance in 2020, please remember that this lot shut down oil and gas exploration. They acted to harm the NZ economy, so they can't be trusted with defence either.
This was my blueprint published in 2017 https://kenhorlor.blogspot.com/2017/01/blueprint-for-new-zealand-armed-forces.html
https://www.defence.govt.nz/publications/publication/defence-capability-plan-2019
This is an improvement but still doesn't go far enough. Readers will note that there are still no plans to regain NZ's air strike capability. Also lacking is a firm commitment to acquire drones which are a must-do in my book. They're also continuing with cuts even though the replacement capability is not ready. I'm talking here about the immediate removal from service of two inshore patrol boats, leaving just two in service. That's likely because they can't find crews to man them.
Then consider it appears the multi-role vessel HMNZS Canterbury is a failure. Read between the lines, it is spelt out bold and clear.
The NZ Government don't appear to be able to get its priorities right. Those priorities must be:
Navy
Air Force
Army
...in that order. Having two old and incapable Frigates to secure 11% of the earth's surface is ludicrous. Grow up New Zealand.
Oh and consider this announcement a bribe of sorts from NZ First's Ron Mark. But before voters consider giving them a chance in 2020, please remember that this lot shut down oil and gas exploration. They acted to harm the NZ economy, so they can't be trusted with defence either.
This was my blueprint published in 2017 https://kenhorlor.blogspot.com/2017/01/blueprint-for-new-zealand-armed-forces.html
June 10, 2019
Toronto Raptors: Defense
It's all about defense, that's my reasoning behind the Raptors surprise upsets over the Golden State Warriors in the 2019 NBA finals. I know a lot of people are going on about their offesne, but look at the scores, the Warriors are being restricted. Leonard, Gasol, Ibaka, Siakam and Green are all defensive heavyweights.
June 09, 2019
New Zealand: Clash of Polls
The latest political opinion polls show a completely contrasting picture. TVNZ's 1 News has National ahead of Labour, while TV3's Newshub have National plummeting to new lows. What's going on?
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12238789
Something the two media organisations did agree on; the minor parties are looking shaky. They're both on or just over the 5% threshold, which is good news for both Labour and National, but especially National.
The real story I think is being rarely mentioned, and that is that voters are browsing around looking for someone to support, hence the erosion of support for the minor parties in parliament, and the emergence of new political movements such as the new Christian party and a new Green party called Sustainable New Zealand.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12238789
Something the two media organisations did agree on; the minor parties are looking shaky. They're both on or just over the 5% threshold, which is good news for both Labour and National, but especially National.
The real story I think is being rarely mentioned, and that is that voters are browsing around looking for someone to support, hence the erosion of support for the minor parties in parliament, and the emergence of new political movements such as the new Christian party and a new Green party called Sustainable New Zealand.
June 08, 2019
2019 NBA Finals
Wow, it's now 3-1 to the Raptors in the series. Drake really has proven to be a lucky charm. The Warriors appear completely psyched out, with incidents like the co-owner pushing a Raptors player at courtside. I'm sure the Raptors are making the most of every incident no matter how slight they are. And now the Raptors get to go for the series win at home with Drake cheering on. It's entertaining.
June 07, 2019
Rihanna New #1 All Time
Rihanna has been named as the biggest female artist of all time, exceeding Beyonce and Celine Dion to the top earner prize. This is how I imagine she feels upon hearing the news:
June 06, 2019
Game 3 NBA Finals 2019
The series is locked up 1-1 and it's looking as if injuries are going to be a critical factor. Kevin Durant is out for the Warriors and Klay Thompson is looking doubtful. What was looking like a stroll to a third straight title for the Warriors, is now far from it.