RobiNZ Personal Blog

Disney to sponsor Volvo round-the-world race entry

Is Mickey joining the crew in the next Volvo round the world race? Not quite, but Disney are getting involved: The Black Pearl, Aye, aye Johnny Depp ~ www.ybw.com Read more →

The media death watch

It seems that this Easter the world media was in “death-watch mode” chasing stories about people who are close too, if not yet experiencing, the final stages of life. Strangely, these are all recent events when usually its a time that a death 2005 years ago (or thereabouts) is the focus of the Christian world. Aspects of each story seem to expose failings in the way people and institutions cope, or don’t cope, with one thing thats certain for us all – death. Terri Schiavo I feel this decision can only be made by Terri and, if not capable, her... Read more →

Sport: Motor Sport: Dry Run For V8 Race Goes Well

The recent “Too Hot to Handle Motor Show” in Wellington was reported as being a test for the road closures planned if the Aussie V8 Supercars run there next year. By all accounts the whole weekend went OK. Seems like Wellington “can do” what Auckland decided was impossible. If the V8’s happen might also see some Speedway as it seems they also welcome that. Unlike the miserable “Auckland” residents that shut down Western Springs Speedway this summer. Dry Run For V8 Race Goes Well Read more →

Bernie and the Banks settle over F1 rights

Still can’t work out if the settlement will be good or bad for Formula One. Has Bernie been beaten or is it part of a grand plan? Ecclestone and banks settle F1 case STUFF : SPORT : MOTORSPORT Read more →

F1 chief has his wheels stolen

I thought this story was going to be about Bernie’s settlement with the Banks! They're off – F1 chief has his wheels stolen - Britain - Times Online The man who made his fortune from the world’s fastest cars is going nowhere Read more →

Will the Fiat payout kill a GM Brand?

In a Forbes article Jerry Flint speculates that the $2 billion GM paid to extract itself from the Fiat debacle was responsible for the death of the Zeta rear drive platform. Its possible the end of that platform could mean the demise of a GM brand – Buick and Pontiac are in the firing line. Holden are continuing with development of that platform but not, it seems, for other markets. So was it lack of cash or are there other factors that mean Zeta wont work globally – I wonder if the currency shift has impacted production economics? Forbes.com: GM:... Read more →

Mark Knopfler - Shangri-La Tour - Bowl of Brooklands NZ

Everyone I spoke to before going to New Plymouth said the Bowl of Brooklands was a wonderful venue. I hadn't been before but after a stunning day walking up through the park and into the venue I found that the descriptions were no exaggeration. In a natural bowl surrounded by Pukekura Park “The Bowl” has open covered stage with a small duck pond in front complete with an ample population of ducks! Beyond the pond is an area of shallow tiered seating in front of the stage (where I was) and then grass banking forms a natural amphitheatre (the photo... Read more →

Varsity NZ website

Even if you aren’t a student its worth a read. Some great reviews and articles from How to Use Apostrophe's to a Review of a Polystyrene Cup. The movie and CD reviews are also great. The Ultimate Resource for New Zealand Students [varsity.co.nz] Read more →

Adrian van Hooydonk: Chief Car Designer at BMW

Chris Bangle, the man who revolutionised BMW Design, has a new role as Creative Design Director. In addition to BMW he now looks after the design direction of Mini and Rolls Royce. Does this mean an end of the “Banglisation” of BMW? Top Gear have an interview with new Chief Car Designer at BMW: Adrian van Hooydonk Adrian van Hooydonk ~ BBC Top Gear “Van Hooydonk has just made it - becoming chief car designer at the most avant garde car firm in the world: BMW.” Read more →

Bridgestone accepts Ferrari blame

So how long before they respond, new tyres and new car for Bahrain? BBC SPORT | Motorsport | Formula One | Bridgestone accepts Ferrari blame Tyre manufacturer Bridgestone has admitted that it is to blame for Ferrari's poor showing in Malaysia…. UPDATE: 24–03–05: www.italiaspeed.com report that Ferrari will have the F2005 in Bahrain. Read more →