For an old retro gamer like me this is amazing (but not the price, unfortunately). The only drawback is that it doesn’t have an Konami games, such as the incomparable Gyruss, a game that has consumed more of my money than any other. See Dream Arcades.

We’re all back home from the trip down south as of late this afternoon. The 6 of us drove West Auckland to Raumati, Raumati to Blenheim (via the Picton ferry), Blenheim to Christchurch, Christchurch to Kaikoura, Kaikoura to Upper Hutt (via ferry again), Upper Hutt to Rotorua (slowly through the around Taupo cycle event), and…

Some shots from the “road trip” Raumati Beach (north of Wellington) looking south to Pukerua Bay and Mana Island. Kaikoura looking north. Lyttleton Harbour on a bleak, windy day. St Martins in Christchurch at the park.

I see the NZQA’s comments here made it into cartoon over in North America here.

Auckland Regional Council’s Stadium Decision web page has a link to the feedback survey for the Auckland stadium decision. No idea how it’ll shape final decisions, but a place to express an opinion. (Seems to be identical link to one from Auckland City Council page).

Have arrived in the Riviera of the South Pacific (Christchurch) after driving down from Babylon (Auckland). A good trip – the ferry was smooth, if windy – and good hospitality has been enjoyed. Only hitch so far was the youngest getting car sick just north of Bulls and requiring a change of clothes due to…

Rob and Jenny’s wedding was great. Nice and laid back, with a deep sense of peace and calm about it. A good day with good company, not the least Naomi (bridesmaid) who handled lots of the organization. Where are the pictures, I hear you ask?

End of the week. Handed my supervisors the last bit of the thesis and returned an excessive number of books (50+) to four different libraries around Auckland. Tried (and failed) to buy a digital camera, but picked up the latest GL, GL Corps and Ion comics in town. Tomorrow, we’re off to the wedding of…

An interesting site that aims to teach young children reading skills. See Learn to Read at Starfall – teaching comprehension and phonics. Hat tip: Cool Tools: Starfall.com.

This is a clever idea but really… A Sunshade for Planet Earth — Kaiser 2006 (1031): 3 — ScienceNOW A technological solution to a problem that more about the human heart than anything else.