RobiNZ Personal Blog

Proof of how dismally Google+ knows me

I read this as: Robin, discover ‘delete delete’ no point reading any further Read more →

Roots, then and now

Quite sobering watching the 2016 version of “Roots” having visited the US plantation location used for episode one. I saw Evergreen Plantation, Wallace, Louisiana in 2007 when I was in New Orleans as part of a tour. Still privately owned it was rather unusual in retaining real evidence of the slave era which built these places. They had retained the less salubrious accommodation the slaves ‘enjoyed’ and evidence of their trade. I particularly remember a tax return on display; people valued, listed as assets. So elegant and lovely on a sunny day, such a bleak history. The only resident there... Read more →

@jessecase, thought of you as I posted my poo

I haven’t been a very active* listener to Jesse Case’s “Jessie Vs Cancer” podcast but have heard every episode and it has made a real impact. I first heard Jesse as a co-host on the “Probably Science” podcast but he started “Jesse Vs Cancer” to document life after being diagnosed with (in his words) “Stage IV arse cancer of the arse”. He doesn’t hold back in these podcasts and somehow kept on recording them through the worst of surgery, chemo and radiation therapy (thankfully all successful so far). It’s been an incredible journey and I really admire Jesse for sharing... Read more →

Dizzy and my Doctor prescribed YouTube!

Late last week I got a strange dizzy feeling walking up the stairs at work. Thought a bit odd as had just eaten lunch, so not low blood sugar, but it was more puzzling than disabling. I occasionally get mildly congested sinus, from allergies, so thought might be that but this felt different. After putting up with intermittent dizziness all weekend — not bad as could still bicycle and walk if didn’t shake my head too rapidly — it was off to the GP for a check-up. I knew it wasn’t an ear infection, have known that pain from surfing,... Read more →

Eight years on Kiva | #kiva @kiva

Another batch of Kiva (re)loans wing their way across the world and I got an email reminder that it has been eight years since the first. Who’d have thought a bunch of little micro-loans, reinvested as they are repaid, would add up to this: Read more →

Should cyclists carry ID? Yes, and why I do

New South Wales planned introduction of compulsory rider ID is causing controversy: Government to bring NSW riders to heel - Bicycle Network The fine and compulsion is not good but I think all cyclists should carry ID. I take this as —should something go wrong — along with ID one word might help someone else: Donor UPDATE 03/8/2016: Mark Hanna has a great post on what the word Donor on your licence actually means and more information on becoming a donor: Are You an Organ Donor? - honestuniverse.com Read more →

It must be too sunny for vacuuming

Vacuuming on a nice day sucks, even the machinery agreed. Seems those brilliant old, Dalek like, Tellus vacuum cleaners only last about twenty years. Then they stop sucking and emit a burning smell! UPDATE: Perhaps it is time to buy a Roomba! Read more →

Back A Dream in Honour of International Women’s Day, with Kiva

Kiva is a great way to support people around the world through microloans. Kiva gives you the power to help someone work towards improving their life through entrepreneurial activities or education. For a limited time new Kiva users can try it out and back a dream with a commitment-free trial. You can choose a woman whom Kiva should lend $25 to as your initial loan, at no cost to you. Looking at my Kiva portfolio, most likely due to the activities I prefer to fund, there is a pronounced gender bias! Back A Dream in Honour of International Women’s Day... Read more →

Not that special day!

Glanced at the phone yesterday and thought it was that special day which brings the whole community together, commemorated with the exchange of material goods without payment. Then realised I had forgotten to change the recurring appointment and rubbish day (usually Wednesday) was deferred to today. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! Read more →

Coming in 2014 - The most epic cycling trip I’ve ever contemplated!

I haven’t done any serious cycling beyond day rides around Auckland recently. My last real distance was on a trip around the top end of the South Island with Adventure South just before Xmas 2012. As that trip came to a close there were discussions on what to do next. Having covered all the South Island, and Northland we are starting to run out of New Zealand. Perhaps inspired by a fine meal, and accompanying wine, the Hawkes Bay and a vineyard cycle tour was a real possibility. Thus, I wasn’t really surprised to get a call from Bas mid... Read more →