Other People

I mentioned listening to other people. 

You can tell when people are listening .It's a pleasure to behold when a bell rings and you switch on because someone is actually listening.

Some of us don't have loud voices. An aggressive manner. A dominant presence.

But observation can expose wonderful insights from thoughtful considered folks.

It was a surprise talking to the hairdresser this morning. I know hairdressers  are up there with  the best when it comes to gossip and the latest take on every news item that has graced the papers on the chairs for the waiting customers.

I have always been amazed at what I have learnt in that short time sitting in a chair while my locks are trimmed, shaped and trimmed some more because the conversation has been extended. Just think of  the wealth of knowledge gained by those hairdressers who have cut curls of blondes and brunettes and grey haired gits for countless years. I mean we go go back for more  unless we have a bald head .Every time we frequent the red blue and white signaled surgeon we tell more. The accumulated knowledge is immense.

The red on the barbers pole explains the historical fact that they once conducted surgery. Thank goodness it is not the case today. Even though the scissors and gear neatly laid out in wait for customers is pretty impressive and may reflect a wish to conduct fine surgery on unsuspecting customers hair.

Where was I.

I mentioned some issues relating to flood protection and solutions and rain events as my hairdresser had been understanding in previous visits. Well she unleashed. Here was that accumulated knowledge stored up from a line of long haired repeats that have divulged various aspects of their private lives and experiences in facing the wrath of nature.

I listened.

It was a pleasure to hear confirmation of a surprising quantum of logic obviously gleaned from looking in the mirror at wise heads. She had an outstanding understanding of a complex situation. A depth of understanding that surprised me. 

I walked out feeling enlightened in the head and lightened on the head .What a start to the day.

I wonder if all  hairdressers are listeners?        

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Common Threads

It's good to listen to interviews and commentary from a range of people covering a range of circumstances.

One gains perspective, balance, comparisons , facts, ideas, and sometimes the truth.

Truth is elusive. Always hiding .Too many facing consequences delay or obfuscate.

This morning I listened to an interview with Bernie Monk about the recently released film on Pike River.

What was apparent was the continuing desire by participants to hide from the facts.

It seems to be a common thread that runs through our system when we experience a disaster of major event. 

Think White Island, Christchurch earthquakes and the CT building and to me and other Hawkes Bay residents , Gabrielle.

Bernie touched on a number of issues that most have forgotten about. That's what happens. Time passes and we carry on with our lives as though nothing has happened.

Well that's for those unaffected .

Once you have experienced a major event it has a lasting impact. Reactions differ but leave an imprint in your mind.

So facts matter and the truth matters. We have cultivated a response in New Zealand that covers up. No one knows anything. No one is responsible.

A texter in response to the discussion mentioned the terrible situation that arose in the Esk Valley with Gabrielle.

The put down and condescending response from the host was infuriating. Obviously the person was connecting the lack of accountability following Pike River to the lack of accountability following Gabrielle (and it seems, other major events).

The swift reaction by authorities following Gabrielle was painted as a solution to help affected parties .I question now whether it was a swift move to save the butts of many parties involved before anyone noticed.

Too many in New Zealand are in a state of limbo.

Left behind. Not knowing where to turn for some accountability and explanation of the truth.

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 Another Study

"Almost 63,000 Bay of Plenty residents live in locations exposed to flooding from 1 in 100 year rainfall events new research led by Earth Sciences NZ reveals.

This number could increase to 72,500 with a further 3 degrees of warming.

Researchers modelled scenarios on the current climate and with an additional 3 degrees of warming for all parts of the country as part of a five year research programme studying flood risk.

Is this the right approach to living in a country that is subject to rain events from time to time. They happen .New Zealanders know this.

Suddenly we have modelling that can be played around with for five years to come up with answers that  could have been sourced from history. Could have been sourced from a wealth of experience held in the minds and hearts of residents or engineers who existed in a past time.

The huge fault with this gross expenditure of money is the assumption that the world will experience warming and to be specific, targeting  3 degrees warming  as a benchmark scenario.

I mean it's good work if you can get it.

Mention of the 'current climate' is interesting. Another assumption that we have a a current climate as opposed to a changing climate.

The time factor is ignored in small minds.

It is hard to believe that five years has been spent trying to understand nature.

I guess it's hard to perceive time , especially if your young .Try asking some questions about space and time may come in to perspective.

What if the world experiences a cooling scenario in the future? 

What about 0 degrees change ?

It will not matter if the temperature goes up or down we will continue to experience weather events. They are natural occurrences 

Us human beans have reacted to the weather since time immemorial .The weather is a continual challenge .We have built structures to fight nature. Sometimes  winning. Sometimes losing. 

Studies such as this five year justification for existence , are going to cause more expenditure that will cause more fear  and  nothing in the way of solutions.