Kia Ora,
Been a while since sorting out plans for the future. Thanks to the kind comments on the last blog as well.
They contrasted favourably with the abusive comment from someone claiming to be a CBD business owner on a previous post, which will not be published as they will not put their name to it.
It also showed why they are small minded, don't have a clue what they are talking about when it comes to security, & the reason it makes my decision for the future easy.
When a current commitment finishes & issues have been sorted with my former corrupt, incompetent accountant(why are all the real criminals I deal with accountants?) then like many others I will be leaving Christchurch. Many others want too but are unable too due to poor leadership.
Why am I leaving? It is certainly not the Earthquakes. In fact the most likely option I will take will have me virtually living on the Alpine Fault.
I suspect talking to people that the reasons I am leaving are pretty much the same as most others now.
Again lack of leadership from the New Zealand Government, CERA, the Council, many business groups with people like the CBD business owner who are living in a world of make believe.
It was quite obvious almost immediately to anyone who has lived on the land & to the majority of residents that the land in the East of Christchurch is pretty much munted. There was a reason why much of it was green belt(probably too because of likely liquifaction in those areas in the earthquakes on 1868, 1870) in former times until developers convinced someone it was OK to build on. Its not!
For many of those people its the uncertainty. Initially many did not want to be Red zoned, now most do. You get the Insurance companies come in & say well this house is a goner.
Many are now saying its the insurance companies that actually have the realistic view. Because you then have EQC come in & agree, pay over $100,000 then later say after a review say no its only needs $39,000 worth of repairs as in one case(you are starting to hear a lot more).
Problem there is thinking their property is a goner, get the payment from EQC with the forthcoming payment from the insurance company they look to the future, sign up to a new property & Wham!. Suddenly the Insurance company doesn't have to pay & these people are left with probably a mortgage on the first one still to pay off & now a second property & not enough funds. Not to mention the fact they may have to pay a large part of the payout back.
Those in the Blue/green zones could not know what is going to happen for another two years(some quotes are talking already $250,000 just for foundations for some properties in these zones).
A woman with a blue/green property the other day said to me that she just was hoping there was another real big earthquake so then they could have their property written off & get on with things. Probably leave.
Not only do they not know but the decisions have to be good ones. There was a quote the other day not sure who by but it was a good one & that was the sum of the knowledge of the community outweighs that of the experts or something to that effect.
Then we get to the CBD.
First we have the Historic places people. There is nothing Historic in Christchurch except if you uncover the old Kainga (village) used by Waitaha & Kati Mamoe but not Ngai Tahu or the urupa(burial ground) that was built over by the early settlers. Nothing else is old enough.
In fact the absence of a Ngai Tahu presence should of sent a message. It is easy to work out. Having been part of Civil Defence for a short time they always looked at two scenarios as worst case. A Tsaunami in particular one caused by a mudslide into the Pegasus end of the Kaikoura Trench & an earthquake of 8 or more on the Alpine Fault.
That earthquake would cause liquifaction in the areas identified in a Map overlay which coincide with what has happened. The last 8 on the Alpine Fault was about 1717 we are told & that was likely to have caused any kainga to move. But of course they were only Maori & no European of the time was going to listen to Natives.
There seems to be no lessons learnt. Like now we hear all the time in particular from the historic people that this was rebuilt in this or that country after a war or an earthquake. Yet they all seem to forget that right from the start that the amount of liquifaction was well in excess of what had been experienced in any built up area to this time. Suppose everyone else is just not stupid enough to do it.
Much of what they quote though is on good hard ground. They also forget the 'black maps' which chart the early creeks in the CBD. It is easy to track the Black maps as the worst destruction on February 22nd 2011 appears to have occurred right where those creeks ran(& they are already rebuilding buildings on top of them).
Then there are the developers. There was one shown in a documentary saying how they wanted to bring down a building for safety after the September 4th 2010 earthquake. Agreed totally, but maybe they weren't being totally honest.
Recently that same developer was in the media complaining that the requirements engineers were putting on rebuilds in the CBD.
Having worked alongside structural engineers over the last year, the majority I would trust & have had too on their assessments of properties when entering them.
There is also at least one company I would not trust with a house of cards.
One of his gripes is that the ground when they were digging in was so hard. But the drillers testing the ground in the CBD have allegedly said that. In many places in or around the CBD there is a hard cap of land on top then sand down to in places 30 metres underneath.
It also flies in the face of the new buildings that also didn't stand up to the shakes. There was the reported build of a new property to double earthquake standards post the September shake that was just finished prior to the FEbruary shake. It had to be pulled down after the February earthquake.
More recently, as people do working in the CBD, was talking to someone else who has completed a lot of work in there. They were saying a second newly(post the initial lare quakes) built commercial buildng had had to be pulled down.
One problem I have raised on Facebook with people is the fact that you are not supposed to drive piles into ground subject to liquifaction. Someone raised the point that though that was right they now can use the slow drill type pile driver.
Actually seen one of them but when you think about it though not as energtic as normal pile drivers they would still be putting the pressure on the soil.
However when in there all you hear is the pile driving type. Comments from CTV building survivors reflected on how pile driving had appeared to rock the building prior to the quakes & in particular it seems prior to the February shake.
All you have to do is try & find the Hotel New World incident(if the Singapore Government hasn't totally supressed it as they try to of any negative comment on the country).
The reason given for its collapse at the time was pile driving into liquifiable soils. When asked how many piles it would take to cause issues with the building next door. The Kiwi engineer in charge of the rescue effort replied to a reporter. "One". How many had been driven in? Forty!
It just defies common sense to actually even think of rebuilding in the CBD.
As one structural engineeer pointed out, the earthquake on the 22nd February 2011 was not what buildings were built to withstand. In his words Christchurch CBD was 10 seconds from total collapse. Forget the shortcuts taken though they did weaken buildings. They just weren't built to take the power of that shake as the ground speed was well above anything recorded.
Which brings me to the next point. When working security I wear body armour, when cycling I wear a cycle helmet. When either of those does the job for which it is designed I throw them away & get a new one.
So when it was said that the building codes are only there to protect lives not buildings to me it meant the same thing. An engineer the other day admitted they are now looking at that for the future.
Not only would it work out probably cheaper for a rebuild but safer.
How many people are actually going to go back into a rebuilt Christchurch CBD?
I don't mind working in there as a safety officer or security or even labouring. I know the risks & are ever mindful of the possibility of another big one(most people in Christchurch expect another big one now).
But what about the rebuilt or fixed buildings?
Too easy to become complacent & forget. Though initially they could have real problems just getting people in there.
As one business said as quoted in the "Press" I thnk it was, that when they reopened in their undamaged building on the edge of the CBD 3 months after the February shake, they just had to shift as clients would come in look at the CBD & burst into tears.
You notice it even now with buildings that appear not to be set for demoliton at present in the outer CBD with notices saying tenants had moved, yet no one is trying to set up in those buildings.
Yet despite all that & the general publics feeling in I would say the majority of cases even today you hear how they are going to rebuild certain buildings in the same place.
Then as someone said the other day. "would you go to AMI rebuilt or fixed in the same place after been through those quakes? I know I wouldn't". No one disagreed with him.
Then you have the response to another deadly earthquake.
As I said earlier I had being part of Civil Defence for a short time a few years ago. Whilst unusally for an organization it is very good at the top with its permanent staff, it is the volunteers & in Christchurch now the burearucrats of the City council that are the problem.
In fact that was an issue during the September Earthquake with the council trying to bring in some new system resulting in one welfare centre it taking a day & a half apparently to just sort out the seating around a table.
I left after a short time as a volunteer because of the unrealistic way they viewed disasters. The comment was "we won't need help we will save them all" by one group of senior volunteers. They were the ones short cutting the system(which is Ok as long as you tell someone you have done it).
Funny I heard that comment repeated on February the 22nd as upset would be rescuers came to us on the cordons.
People claim though that this was so big no one was ready. That is not right or shouldn't be as Civil Defence have always been aware of what would happen in Christchurch if an 8 or greater on the Alpine Fault hit. In one scenario they said the city would be flattened.
Other issues are how much of the work that is around is not going to those of us in Christchurch.
Its all going to people from overseas or out of town. Many who are upseting the locals treating the place as just a party, others are spending as much time on drugs as passed to me by some jn certain areas of security(though dissatifaction with police responses means it is not been passed to them), but also apparently a snap drug test on one out of town work group over half were positive(17/32).
There is not the work they are claiming either. Because I keep my options open with busnesses having a full time job is not something I can do. So have for years signed up to a number of agencies for Temp work. When there is a lot of work around you are getting offers all over the place. At times 3-5 jobs a day.
At present you hardly get work at all. Agenices actually have been saying they are tending to build lists in preparation for when the work does start.
Yet from a business perspective temp labourers are the best option particularly in Christchurch at present with so much up in the air.
There are a lot more people leaving than the Government claims that is clear. So many items been given away on Freecycle from certain areas, or offers on Trademe with comments "must sell & be settled by this date as leaving the country the next day".
It would appear, & heard someone say it the other day though in slightly different words, the NZ Government CERA & Christchurch City council are trying to destroy Christchurch as an entity.
That they have no real interest in what the people think has shown in the city plan so far.
The City council asked for input from the citizens, yet despite producing something that appeared to reflect many of those ideas, in recent weeks there have been plans showing from developers & corporations which totally go against those ideas.
Not to mention comments from business groups which fly in the face of those ideas.
Though it is not all doom & gloom. Despite the fact I planned my security business around the fact that there was a possibility of a major earthquake or Tsaunami(based on those overlays seen all those years ago), the whole aim was to once successful move into the country or I should say back into the country.
This has just hastened it & allows me to take a path to achieve one of the goals I have set myself. I had hoped it would be in place by now & it would of been very welcome by many in Christchurch over the last year.
An ex army mate told me a few years ago to get out of Christchurch as there was something not great about it. We had both worked in Iraq & my comments that it was more dangerous here than in Baghdad he agreed with as have many others.
Then the general reaction to that statement tended to show the lack of reality that now shows in the plans for the future of Christchurch.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Showing posts with label government. Show all posts
Showing posts with label government. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Who can you Trust?
Kia Ora,
Over the last few years New Zealand government departments have been embarrassed by people in high positions being exposed for having falsified their CV's.
A recent investigation made the comment that basic procedures had not been followed.
Probably the biggest issue though is bureaucrats sticking to a system that has been shown to be flawed. That is the use of referees. Government departments stick to this like glue, but in reality it is so easy to manipulate.
Several years ago whilst at a seminar a leading member of the recruitment industry made just this point. Your referee is always someone who is going to say the best about you & easy to set up someone who will actually be in on any lies you put in your CV.
Personally if I am required to provide referees I use ex army mates as I know they will give honest answers even if that means I might miss out on something. A CV & most referees can never actually tell you how someone will be in the position.
A good point the person from the recruitment industry made was see if you know the businesses in the CV & ring them or someone in that industry. Get a warts & all appraisal.
It is that warts & all that any security style check needs to know. Not what courses you can put on paper.
Have said it before there are many coming out of courses who have little actual knowledge of security or any other industry. The education system is dumbing people down so any paper work is worthless when looking at what a person can provide for the employer.
The Essential Guide to Recruitment: How to Conduct Great Interviews and Select the Best Employees
For the security industry it should be the ability to think for yourself, honesty & lack of drug use. It is an industry where experience will teach you more after an initial base training.
Government departments it should be how efficient you are, how you can think for yourself & again how honest you are.
In the latest high profile situation the actual work face members of that department(the military)should of had a greater say than they obviously did in the employment of this particular individual.
Due to a yearly exchange of personnel across the ranks structure, exercises & other commitments the New Zealand Military has a lot of contacts within the British Military system that should of exposed this person as a fraud a lot sooner.
Recruiting with Social Media: Social Media's Impact on Recruitment and HR
That information would of been coming from people they trust. It is obvious now that any referees must of been in on the scam because it was nothing else but a scam.
Despite all this on going problems with recruiting in particular offshore qualifications & experience government departments are still going down the 'referee' road when it quite obviously is open to major abuse. This creates security issues that need to be sorted.
You know how much you can trust someone you actually know. As opposed to a nameless person on the end of the phone or these days computer.
How do you know that the person you are talking too is not the person applying?
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Over the last few years New Zealand government departments have been embarrassed by people in high positions being exposed for having falsified their CV's.
A recent investigation made the comment that basic procedures had not been followed.
Probably the biggest issue though is bureaucrats sticking to a system that has been shown to be flawed. That is the use of referees. Government departments stick to this like glue, but in reality it is so easy to manipulate.
Several years ago whilst at a seminar a leading member of the recruitment industry made just this point. Your referee is always someone who is going to say the best about you & easy to set up someone who will actually be in on any lies you put in your CV.
Personally if I am required to provide referees I use ex army mates as I know they will give honest answers even if that means I might miss out on something. A CV & most referees can never actually tell you how someone will be in the position.
A good point the person from the recruitment industry made was see if you know the businesses in the CV & ring them or someone in that industry. Get a warts & all appraisal.
It is that warts & all that any security style check needs to know. Not what courses you can put on paper.
Have said it before there are many coming out of courses who have little actual knowledge of security or any other industry. The education system is dumbing people down so any paper work is worthless when looking at what a person can provide for the employer.
The Essential Guide to Recruitment: How to Conduct Great Interviews and Select the Best Employees
For the security industry it should be the ability to think for yourself, honesty & lack of drug use. It is an industry where experience will teach you more after an initial base training.
Government departments it should be how efficient you are, how you can think for yourself & again how honest you are.
In the latest high profile situation the actual work face members of that department(the military)should of had a greater say than they obviously did in the employment of this particular individual.
Due to a yearly exchange of personnel across the ranks structure, exercises & other commitments the New Zealand Military has a lot of contacts within the British Military system that should of exposed this person as a fraud a lot sooner.
Recruiting with Social Media: Social Media's Impact on Recruitment and HR
That information would of been coming from people they trust. It is obvious now that any referees must of been in on the scam because it was nothing else but a scam.
Despite all this on going problems with recruiting in particular offshore qualifications & experience government departments are still going down the 'referee' road when it quite obviously is open to major abuse. This creates security issues that need to be sorted.
You know how much you can trust someone you actually know. As opposed to a nameless person on the end of the phone or these days computer.
How do you know that the person you are talking too is not the person applying?
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Friday, April 1, 2011
Hail the Black Sheep!
Kia Ora,
Pretty full on at present with tasks resulting from the February earthquake. So will also be publishing posts written when an upcoming task was not going to allow me to blog.
It might seem strange for a blog about security & security related issues but I am all in support of a families Black Sheep. Better known these days as Peter Freedom the person who has successfully(whilst travelling the world) for two years de frauded our Social Welfare department exposing it as corrupt & incompetent.
As someone who once was on a benefit as a back up(as it is supposed to be) it was always galling to see all those that didn't help themselves getting a hand out whilst those of us who tried to help ourselves got no help at all. In fact our names got passed from case manager to case manager to make them look good. You either help all or none equally otherwise you just encourage people to give up.
Now there has been an article in the 'Press' where the CEO of WINZ tries to defend the department handing out cash to a 'charity' run by an overstayer. Seems they have not learnt the lessons.
Many in the US think they are now a socialist state. They have no idea but in saying that some things the government needs to pick up especially in a small country where the population just isn't big enough to provide everything.
Recently Public service chiefs were said to be angered over the publicity of how much they earn. Tough! When they are earning up to $380,000 more than most workers they are answerable when they are not providing the services they are expected too.
Being on Welfare is soul destroying but that doesn't mean that people can't be provided with actual assistance that some might just need to kick start. Right at this moment the government is looking to trim people of these benefits which is great except the system is set up to penalize them if they try. There is no incentive to get off really apart from personal. Most try initially but give up after so many knock backs.
From Poor Law to Welfare State, 6th Edition: A History of Social Welfare in America
Also there are just not the jobs out there in the current economic climate & are less likely to be as the financial crisis worsens. Problem here is successive governments have spent years dumbing everybody down giving them 'financial education' that isn't that very few can see the best route out is to start a business for themselves. Of course governments, in particular New Zealand ones have made the requirements to be in certain businesses so onerous in the wrong ways that people find it hard to start.
When I say onverous in the wrong ways I mean we do, despite some sections in society saying otherwise, need good regulations to ensure people get the best. The market does not actually offer that as claimed by some because to compete means everyone will lower themselves to lowest common denominator to stay in business. There needs to be a good mix of both.
More often than not though the regulations cause the opposite to happen. They tend to be written by those with no practical knowledge of an industry or a role.
Transformation of the Welfare State: The Silent Surrender of Public Responsibility
So I hail the Black Sheep of his family for exposing at least some of the poor systems, corruption & incompetence in our civil service.
Really if they want to get people back to work & cut crime the best option is for the government to provide policies that allow businesses to start & flourish. As an Australian said when moving here to start a business "easy to set one up here but after that it is just apathy".
An efficient, competent civil service could help there. But ours tends to make the comedies 'Yes Minister & Yes Prime Minister' look like reality TV.
Just another slave of the welfare state - Bumper Sticker
They can't say it is not continuing as I know it is. Last year I had a flat mate move in before I threw him out two weeks later who was & is a con man as well as appearing to be a gambler.
So far I am the only one he hasn't been able to rip off from my knowledge. Correction next place he moved into threw him out in one week.
But recently I have begun receiving mail for him from our welfare department which I have returned saying gone no address & he was only here for two weeks a year ago.
Just another slave of the welfare state Long Sleeve T-shirt Large White
Having dealt with this type of thing before I can envisage what has happened. He has recently needed an address so has given this one. They are sending out mail whilst he rips them off. They will not stop as he has to change the address even if you tell them he is no longer there. The other option is He got a loan from them back then & only now are they chasing it up. Either way despite them been told at some stage a debt collector or PI will show up on the door.
Funny thing is all the fingers, in particular from the department, are been pointed at the Black Sheep. Their own faults are the problem.
If he returns to New Zealand he is to be prosecuted for defruading the department. I hope they are lining up the case manager & the CEO to stand along side him. Their corruption is what allowed this to happen.
Go the Black Sheep!
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Pretty full on at present with tasks resulting from the February earthquake. So will also be publishing posts written when an upcoming task was not going to allow me to blog.
It might seem strange for a blog about security & security related issues but I am all in support of a families Black Sheep. Better known these days as Peter Freedom the person who has successfully(whilst travelling the world) for two years de frauded our Social Welfare department exposing it as corrupt & incompetent.
As someone who once was on a benefit as a back up(as it is supposed to be) it was always galling to see all those that didn't help themselves getting a hand out whilst those of us who tried to help ourselves got no help at all. In fact our names got passed from case manager to case manager to make them look good. You either help all or none equally otherwise you just encourage people to give up.
Now there has been an article in the 'Press' where the CEO of WINZ tries to defend the department handing out cash to a 'charity' run by an overstayer. Seems they have not learnt the lessons.
Many in the US think they are now a socialist state. They have no idea but in saying that some things the government needs to pick up especially in a small country where the population just isn't big enough to provide everything.
Recently Public service chiefs were said to be angered over the publicity of how much they earn. Tough! When they are earning up to $380,000 more than most workers they are answerable when they are not providing the services they are expected too.
Being on Welfare is soul destroying but that doesn't mean that people can't be provided with actual assistance that some might just need to kick start. Right at this moment the government is looking to trim people of these benefits which is great except the system is set up to penalize them if they try. There is no incentive to get off really apart from personal. Most try initially but give up after so many knock backs.
From Poor Law to Welfare State, 6th Edition: A History of Social Welfare in America
Also there are just not the jobs out there in the current economic climate & are less likely to be as the financial crisis worsens. Problem here is successive governments have spent years dumbing everybody down giving them 'financial education' that isn't that very few can see the best route out is to start a business for themselves. Of course governments, in particular New Zealand ones have made the requirements to be in certain businesses so onerous in the wrong ways that people find it hard to start.
When I say onverous in the wrong ways I mean we do, despite some sections in society saying otherwise, need good regulations to ensure people get the best. The market does not actually offer that as claimed by some because to compete means everyone will lower themselves to lowest common denominator to stay in business. There needs to be a good mix of both.
More often than not though the regulations cause the opposite to happen. They tend to be written by those with no practical knowledge of an industry or a role.
Transformation of the Welfare State: The Silent Surrender of Public Responsibility
So I hail the Black Sheep of his family for exposing at least some of the poor systems, corruption & incompetence in our civil service.
Really if they want to get people back to work & cut crime the best option is for the government to provide policies that allow businesses to start & flourish. As an Australian said when moving here to start a business "easy to set one up here but after that it is just apathy".
An efficient, competent civil service could help there. But ours tends to make the comedies 'Yes Minister & Yes Prime Minister' look like reality TV.
Just another slave of the welfare state - Bumper Sticker
They can't say it is not continuing as I know it is. Last year I had a flat mate move in before I threw him out two weeks later who was & is a con man as well as appearing to be a gambler.
So far I am the only one he hasn't been able to rip off from my knowledge. Correction next place he moved into threw him out in one week.
But recently I have begun receiving mail for him from our welfare department which I have returned saying gone no address & he was only here for two weeks a year ago.
Just another slave of the welfare state Long Sleeve T-shirt Large White
Having dealt with this type of thing before I can envisage what has happened. He has recently needed an address so has given this one. They are sending out mail whilst he rips them off. They will not stop as he has to change the address even if you tell them he is no longer there. The other option is He got a loan from them back then & only now are they chasing it up. Either way despite them been told at some stage a debt collector or PI will show up on the door.
Funny thing is all the fingers, in particular from the department, are been pointed at the Black Sheep. Their own faults are the problem.
If he returns to New Zealand he is to be prosecuted for defruading the department. I hope they are lining up the case manager & the CEO to stand along side him. Their corruption is what allowed this to happen.
Go the Black Sheep!
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Thursday, March 10, 2011
What needs to be done to get moving again!
Kia Ora,
Many think I criticize to just see the negative. Actually I see opportunities across the board from the faults found.
Some actually are learning from their mistakes. Today EQC & the government have annouced that they do not need a claim but will visit every property in Christchurch with a quick visit then catergorize them for further visits. Brilliant & what should of happened the first time considering that the building code is only to save lives.
Next thing that needs to happen is a quick total review of the building standards. I was telling a relation, who happens to be a former master builder, what a member of the US USAR team told me about the stairways & poor building practices. He finished it off as apparently it is something the building industry has not been happy with much of the building code as it is. So he was aware of what the failure was likely to be.
I would suggest going back to the Ministry of Works standards. I haven't checked but from memory the Ministry of Works really came about during the 1930's depression & so their standards would of been brought about by the Napier earthquake. It is quite evident that those buildings built to those standards are solid in comparison to others old & new. From what I have seen in the CBD & in the Eastern suburbs as many new design buildings have suffered fatal damage as old ones.
But as happens over time with no further quakes in a city people have forgot the lessons of the past(just like with what is happening financially)& thought they knew better.
The big issue is getting businesses moving & creating new jobs. If people have jobs & cash flow then they are less likely to turn to crime or violence. Less likely to become frustrated & angry with the recovery. That is not to disrespect those that have died, but to ensure the living are taken care off or more importantly can take care of themselves.
So as much as we know people in other parts of New Zealand want to help, it is giving the jobs to local businesses where they can. I know that hasn't been happening in all situations in the security industry.
Government departments in particular but banks also have to stop looking at their little boxes to tick off. There is a package to help businesses with no income but when I look at it my business does not fit their little tick boxes. My personal situation as I discovered when dealing with ACC does not fit their little boxes. Now I have three companies(not overly successful yet but working on it) after the September earthquake the bank one of those businesses has an account with claimed they had called all their business clients once & were checking again. That is a lie. I am still waiting for that call. In fact after both major earthquakes the only government department or major corporates I have heard from are Te Puna Kokiri & Meridian Energy. Oh & the police to check me off their missing persons list even though I had gone through the required procedure to help there.
Last of all we need a huge overhaul of how Civil Defence works. It needs to change the mindset so it encourages dynamic thinkers in a fluid situation who can use resources that appear to best use them. Not stand around spouting we will save everybody & saying they don't need help. They also have to stop halting people who just want to help unless they are in danger that they are unaware off. People feel they are making a difference when helping whether paid or unpaid.
This will not make some people happy but I would say that Civil Defences actions on the day probably resulted in people dying. In the first few hours some UN approved accreditation is not important.
It is now that people with good ideas need to be supported more than those who 'fit' because those that 'fit' will just continue the system that is casuing much of the frustration & anger.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Many think I criticize to just see the negative. Actually I see opportunities across the board from the faults found.
Some actually are learning from their mistakes. Today EQC & the government have annouced that they do not need a claim but will visit every property in Christchurch with a quick visit then catergorize them for further visits. Brilliant & what should of happened the first time considering that the building code is only to save lives.
Next thing that needs to happen is a quick total review of the building standards. I was telling a relation, who happens to be a former master builder, what a member of the US USAR team told me about the stairways & poor building practices. He finished it off as apparently it is something the building industry has not been happy with much of the building code as it is. So he was aware of what the failure was likely to be.
I would suggest going back to the Ministry of Works standards. I haven't checked but from memory the Ministry of Works really came about during the 1930's depression & so their standards would of been brought about by the Napier earthquake. It is quite evident that those buildings built to those standards are solid in comparison to others old & new. From what I have seen in the CBD & in the Eastern suburbs as many new design buildings have suffered fatal damage as old ones.
But as happens over time with no further quakes in a city people have forgot the lessons of the past(just like with what is happening financially)& thought they knew better.
The big issue is getting businesses moving & creating new jobs. If people have jobs & cash flow then they are less likely to turn to crime or violence. Less likely to become frustrated & angry with the recovery. That is not to disrespect those that have died, but to ensure the living are taken care off or more importantly can take care of themselves.
So as much as we know people in other parts of New Zealand want to help, it is giving the jobs to local businesses where they can. I know that hasn't been happening in all situations in the security industry.
Government departments in particular but banks also have to stop looking at their little boxes to tick off. There is a package to help businesses with no income but when I look at it my business does not fit their little tick boxes. My personal situation as I discovered when dealing with ACC does not fit their little boxes. Now I have three companies(not overly successful yet but working on it) after the September earthquake the bank one of those businesses has an account with claimed they had called all their business clients once & were checking again. That is a lie. I am still waiting for that call. In fact after both major earthquakes the only government department or major corporates I have heard from are Te Puna Kokiri & Meridian Energy. Oh & the police to check me off their missing persons list even though I had gone through the required procedure to help there.
Last of all we need a huge overhaul of how Civil Defence works. It needs to change the mindset so it encourages dynamic thinkers in a fluid situation who can use resources that appear to best use them. Not stand around spouting we will save everybody & saying they don't need help. They also have to stop halting people who just want to help unless they are in danger that they are unaware off. People feel they are making a difference when helping whether paid or unpaid.
This will not make some people happy but I would say that Civil Defences actions on the day probably resulted in people dying. In the first few hours some UN approved accreditation is not important.
It is now that people with good ideas need to be supported more than those who 'fit' because those that 'fit' will just continue the system that is casuing much of the frustration & anger.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Another day another disaster!
Kia Ora,
What a day & night it has been. Carried out another job I am doing on a part time basis then headed into Christchurch city centre for an interview over the new Security Personnel & Private Investigators Act 2010. Was going to take the bus but decided to take my vehicle which is now stranded in the centre of the city.
If you are not sure what the situation is Christchurch New Zealand was struck by a second large earthquake in six months but this time it has led to fatalities.
What I will be writing about is my experience of the day so it will be a long post with some comments on my observations. Also based on comments from others during the day.
When the quake struck was about to use an ATM(since they are all down now it would of been nice to get in two minutes earlier but sh.t happens). Instantly you knew it was a big one coming, but as several others have commented many though froze or ran into the most dangerous areas. Right from the start some people took charge by virtually ordering people to do things or they were doing nothing. Managed to get some people moving in direction I was towards square. Luckily not too fast as part of Cathedral collapsed in front of us.
Joined the first really good person I met on the day. Young Israeli woman who obviously had a bit of experience in rescue type situations. I stopped at the door to the Cathedral, as you just could not see due to dust & there was a worry about the rest of the roof coming down. So initially yelled for people to come towards us. Young Israeli woman says no we will have to go in so we went in yelling, as any firemen will tell you, as the dust cleared we started to notice people in all sorts of place & had to basically order people out. As we got the last of about ten people out a staff member arrived & says to stop yelling.
But as I say you through out the day virutally had to order a lot of people as they went on auto pilot or in shock so you needed to get them moving.
Shortly after that it was noticed despite the situation that people were walking or posing for photos beside the leaning parts of the Cathedral. So with another good person who appeared that day, a young guy from City Care, who managed to find a bull horn we assisted the police to first keep people back from the Cathedral then move them out of the city centre.
The police were awesome there just weren't enough of them. Once the Square was clear we were asked to leave as well, but when we got to the outer edge of the cordon we found the police trying to move on large numbers of people who were trying to get back in or refusing to move further. Together we helped move them back over the bridge then joined the police on the cordon.
Again police were awesome as were the fire service who with no water to fight fires with took to checking out buildings were empty. Of course the Ambulance service were covering what they could, but also police cars were used as makeshift ambulances.
But at the cordon we began to have to deal with the anger. Now previously I have posted about the building anger & frustration which at recent earthquakes overseas has boiled over in riots, violence & crime quicker due to deaths.
There are a number of images that come to mind.
First in the Square just the amount of stunned looks & crying. Then when first on the cordon, after we had pushed everyone back & directed them to Hagley park processing centre or the Art Gallery if they wanted to help, a guy coming up on seeing the damage to the Cathedral down the street just burst into tears & couldn't stop.
Then the two angry guys. Well there were three but one was an idiot.
The first was an angry husband who was threatening to get in anyway he could to find his wife. Like many others they were coming back from where us & the police were told to direct them to to get information to say there was no information.
Next was the young boy on a bike angry at been sent here there & everywhere who could not find his parents. Unfortunately at the time we were dealing again with a lot of people trying to get through so cound't afford him much time but to turn him back.
Then the idiot. drunk turned away several times who wanted to get his car. In the end the police had to remove him, but they didn't want to clog up the cells so had to take him home in the country.
Oh forgot the other idiot. The one who in the middle of all this pulled a pistol on someone in another part of the city so police had to arm up & go find this w....r.
An elderly couple decided they needed to go to the toilet so decided to try to use a damaged empty building & also had to be ordered out by the police.
Finally we got the highly experienced helpers(not to mention the groups of well meaning helpers usually with shovels who were also frustrated), like a group of cavers, who just had enough of waiting to help & came like many others to the cordon to see if they could help were frustrated & angry over the disorganization.
It appears of all the groups involved the one that didn't learn much from the previous earthquake were Civil Defence. Having been part of Civil Defence & seeing them operate during the last earthquake there are too many people that don't want to make decisions.
Personally I think it is time to maybe scrap civil defence & use the army in its place. On a previous emergency whilst part of the army just a little military tip helped streamline a civil defence response. The difference is the military use this system all the time & can be set up quickly to provide effective command control & most of all effective use of resources. Though Civil Defence search & rescue teams were well drilled.
Once the police didn't require our services anymore had to walk home in the rain but that is a minor discomfort compared to what has happened. But some of the idiotic driving seen on the way home was beyond belief. Then a young guy named Mike stopped & gave me a lift home. He was on the way to comfort his ex girlfriend as she had rung very upset & not handling it. He was one of those good people who made a little difference.
Why do some people get in & do things when others stop or are in shock? I know in my case it is just what you do & that great training from the New Zealand army helps big time. But it is also experiences like working in Iraq.
In fact when a reporter asked myself & the young Israeli woman why we went in & then was it a worry. "Not really worked in Iraq & this young lady is from Israel so to us it is just like another day".
Experience counts but there are also others who just naturally just get stuck in & help as best they can.
One of those recently called themself a loser. He is not a loser, he gives his all to help others. That is the type of person whom we identify with as a real Kiwi. A person that will get on & make the best of what gets thrown at him.
www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
What a day & night it has been. Carried out another job I am doing on a part time basis then headed into Christchurch city centre for an interview over the new Security Personnel & Private Investigators Act 2010. Was going to take the bus but decided to take my vehicle which is now stranded in the centre of the city.
If you are not sure what the situation is Christchurch New Zealand was struck by a second large earthquake in six months but this time it has led to fatalities.
What I will be writing about is my experience of the day so it will be a long post with some comments on my observations. Also based on comments from others during the day.
When the quake struck was about to use an ATM(since they are all down now it would of been nice to get in two minutes earlier but sh.t happens). Instantly you knew it was a big one coming, but as several others have commented many though froze or ran into the most dangerous areas. Right from the start some people took charge by virtually ordering people to do things or they were doing nothing. Managed to get some people moving in direction I was towards square. Luckily not too fast as part of Cathedral collapsed in front of us.
Joined the first really good person I met on the day. Young Israeli woman who obviously had a bit of experience in rescue type situations. I stopped at the door to the Cathedral, as you just could not see due to dust & there was a worry about the rest of the roof coming down. So initially yelled for people to come towards us. Young Israeli woman says no we will have to go in so we went in yelling, as any firemen will tell you, as the dust cleared we started to notice people in all sorts of place & had to basically order people out. As we got the last of about ten people out a staff member arrived & says to stop yelling.
But as I say you through out the day virutally had to order a lot of people as they went on auto pilot or in shock so you needed to get them moving.
Shortly after that it was noticed despite the situation that people were walking or posing for photos beside the leaning parts of the Cathedral. So with another good person who appeared that day, a young guy from City Care, who managed to find a bull horn we assisted the police to first keep people back from the Cathedral then move them out of the city centre.
The police were awesome there just weren't enough of them. Once the Square was clear we were asked to leave as well, but when we got to the outer edge of the cordon we found the police trying to move on large numbers of people who were trying to get back in or refusing to move further. Together we helped move them back over the bridge then joined the police on the cordon.
Again police were awesome as were the fire service who with no water to fight fires with took to checking out buildings were empty. Of course the Ambulance service were covering what they could, but also police cars were used as makeshift ambulances.
But at the cordon we began to have to deal with the anger. Now previously I have posted about the building anger & frustration which at recent earthquakes overseas has boiled over in riots, violence & crime quicker due to deaths.
There are a number of images that come to mind.
First in the Square just the amount of stunned looks & crying. Then when first on the cordon, after we had pushed everyone back & directed them to Hagley park processing centre or the Art Gallery if they wanted to help, a guy coming up on seeing the damage to the Cathedral down the street just burst into tears & couldn't stop.
Then the two angry guys. Well there were three but one was an idiot.
The first was an angry husband who was threatening to get in anyway he could to find his wife. Like many others they were coming back from where us & the police were told to direct them to to get information to say there was no information.
Next was the young boy on a bike angry at been sent here there & everywhere who could not find his parents. Unfortunately at the time we were dealing again with a lot of people trying to get through so cound't afford him much time but to turn him back.
Then the idiot. drunk turned away several times who wanted to get his car. In the end the police had to remove him, but they didn't want to clog up the cells so had to take him home in the country.
Oh forgot the other idiot. The one who in the middle of all this pulled a pistol on someone in another part of the city so police had to arm up & go find this w....r.
An elderly couple decided they needed to go to the toilet so decided to try to use a damaged empty building & also had to be ordered out by the police.
Finally we got the highly experienced helpers(not to mention the groups of well meaning helpers usually with shovels who were also frustrated), like a group of cavers, who just had enough of waiting to help & came like many others to the cordon to see if they could help were frustrated & angry over the disorganization.
It appears of all the groups involved the one that didn't learn much from the previous earthquake were Civil Defence. Having been part of Civil Defence & seeing them operate during the last earthquake there are too many people that don't want to make decisions.
Personally I think it is time to maybe scrap civil defence & use the army in its place. On a previous emergency whilst part of the army just a little military tip helped streamline a civil defence response. The difference is the military use this system all the time & can be set up quickly to provide effective command control & most of all effective use of resources. Though Civil Defence search & rescue teams were well drilled.
Once the police didn't require our services anymore had to walk home in the rain but that is a minor discomfort compared to what has happened. But some of the idiotic driving seen on the way home was beyond belief. Then a young guy named Mike stopped & gave me a lift home. He was on the way to comfort his ex girlfriend as she had rung very upset & not handling it. He was one of those good people who made a little difference.
Why do some people get in & do things when others stop or are in shock? I know in my case it is just what you do & that great training from the New Zealand army helps big time. But it is also experiences like working in Iraq.
In fact when a reporter asked myself & the young Israeli woman why we went in & then was it a worry. "Not really worked in Iraq & this young lady is from Israel so to us it is just like another day".
Experience counts but there are also others who just naturally just get stuck in & help as best they can.
One of those recently called themself a loser. He is not a loser, he gives his all to help others. That is the type of person whom we identify with as a real Kiwi. A person that will get on & make the best of what gets thrown at him.
www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Is there hope for the world after all this?
Kia Ora,
With all the unrest, increasing crime, poverty & revolution across the world you would have to ask is there hope for the world?
Well yes there is & it goes surprisingly to many by the name of Justin Bieber!
Before people think I am mad this is the situation.
Anyone who has read a few of my blogs will know I follow Robert Kiyosaki. Though I would have a slightly different view of government versus privatization. That is based on the fact that in countries like the US it has failed to keep up the infrastructure it has taken over. Here in New Zealand because we did have, compared to what we have now, an efficient civil service. Now we have a poor civil service & even worse areas that were privatized or made into SOE's(state owned enterprizes).
There must be a better way to combine both or at least have private means also deliver social outcomes. Working on it & it is the knowledge that has come from the financial education path that makes me see it is possible.
One thing that the likes of Robert Kiyosaki teach is real financial education not the crap governments dish out. Sorry but that is the only word that can describe the 'accepted financial education/advice'. They so much don't want people to know there is another way of looking at things that recently here in New Zealand they made it illegal to give an opinion or advice unless a licensed financial advisors. Of course they all trot out the party line which is effectively stealing peoples currency from under them.
Compare that to the real financial education that allows people to come up with plans to achieve their dreams & make the world a better place. If the young take this up then real change will be achieved.
So what has this to do with Justin Bieber?
Getting there.
Robert Kiyosakis book Rich Dad Poor Dad really took off after appearing on Oprah in the US. More recently Will(thats right the movie star)& Jada Smith were also on Oprah & said how they were getting their children in the Rich Dad swing of things.
In the last few days Robert has posted where he was reading 'Vanity Fair' to see Justin Bieber quoted as saying he is reading Rich Dad Poor Dad after been told to by Will Smith.
So What?
Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money--That the Poor and the Middle Class Do Not! (Miniature Edition)
The comment also mentions that Justin struggled in the school(slavery) system & doesn't read much. From reading Roberts books I would say that applied to him too.
Myself I was good in the school system until I lost interest. It wasn't until I joined the army that I realized that not everyone shines in the school system but will shine elsewhere.
Wouldn't we all like to shine like Justin at present?
Like many in his situation he could be easily parted from his cash if he doesn't have the right mindset & learn how to use it. But you don't have to be rich from been a superstar to use this knowledge. It all takes is a brain.
You don't have to be an 'A' class student either.
Rich Dad's Rich Kid, Smart Kid: Giving Your Children a Financial Headstart
Sometime back I took my game of cashflow 101 to a friends who had other friends over. One of the kids wanted to play but as the game progressed it was evident he could not read. But what he did work out real quick was what was a good deal & what wasn't. The issue was his parent. They just kept saying he was dumb & would be no good at the game. Yes he needed some help reading the words & figures but no way was he dumb.
If Justin can pass that message on it would help millions to see their is hope despite where things are heading at present. It could divert many from a life of crime when they realize they can achieve as much as anybody as long as they have the knowledge & the ability to see opportunities(the knowledge will give them that).
Rich Dad Cashflow for Kids
So what has this to do with unrest, crime & revolution?
Well it is youth that are leading this new world & the change that is going on. It is the young that are at the heart & soul of the protests & revolutions starting to sweep the world.
Right now is said to be the biggest transfer of wealth & power in the history of the world. But if more of the world were aware of the formulae like Robert shows through his games & books then maybe there would be a more equal balance after all this has settled down.
Sometimes what you think you are getting is not what you are getting at all. So to make it worth while people need to start thinking differently. Thinking for the future. Recognizing the old ways do not work anymore or if they do in a totally altered form.
Rich Dad Cashflow 101 board game (with CD's)
If someone as influential as Justin Bieber can learn from this, it is set up for all learning styles based on the cone of learning & how most people learn, then pass on or encourage millions of his fans to learn then there is real hope for the world after the current 'leaders'(if you can call them that) have been manipulated to destroy everything as it currently stands.
Already there are new ways to earn billions not thought of 20 years ago. What in the next 20 years?
There really is hope after all & it goes by the name of Justin Bieber!
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
With all the unrest, increasing crime, poverty & revolution across the world you would have to ask is there hope for the world?
Well yes there is & it goes surprisingly to many by the name of Justin Bieber!
Before people think I am mad this is the situation.
Anyone who has read a few of my blogs will know I follow Robert Kiyosaki. Though I would have a slightly different view of government versus privatization. That is based on the fact that in countries like the US it has failed to keep up the infrastructure it has taken over. Here in New Zealand because we did have, compared to what we have now, an efficient civil service. Now we have a poor civil service & even worse areas that were privatized or made into SOE's(state owned enterprizes).
There must be a better way to combine both or at least have private means also deliver social outcomes. Working on it & it is the knowledge that has come from the financial education path that makes me see it is possible.
One thing that the likes of Robert Kiyosaki teach is real financial education not the crap governments dish out. Sorry but that is the only word that can describe the 'accepted financial education/advice'. They so much don't want people to know there is another way of looking at things that recently here in New Zealand they made it illegal to give an opinion or advice unless a licensed financial advisors. Of course they all trot out the party line which is effectively stealing peoples currency from under them.
Compare that to the real financial education that allows people to come up with plans to achieve their dreams & make the world a better place. If the young take this up then real change will be achieved.
So what has this to do with Justin Bieber?
Getting there.
Robert Kiyosakis book Rich Dad Poor Dad really took off after appearing on Oprah in the US. More recently Will(thats right the movie star)& Jada Smith were also on Oprah & said how they were getting their children in the Rich Dad swing of things.
In the last few days Robert has posted where he was reading 'Vanity Fair' to see Justin Bieber quoted as saying he is reading Rich Dad Poor Dad after been told to by Will Smith.
So What?
Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money--That the Poor and the Middle Class Do Not! (Miniature Edition)
The comment also mentions that Justin struggled in the school(slavery) system & doesn't read much. From reading Roberts books I would say that applied to him too.
Myself I was good in the school system until I lost interest. It wasn't until I joined the army that I realized that not everyone shines in the school system but will shine elsewhere.
Wouldn't we all like to shine like Justin at present?
Like many in his situation he could be easily parted from his cash if he doesn't have the right mindset & learn how to use it. But you don't have to be rich from been a superstar to use this knowledge. It all takes is a brain.
You don't have to be an 'A' class student either.
Rich Dad's Rich Kid, Smart Kid: Giving Your Children a Financial Headstart
Sometime back I took my game of cashflow 101 to a friends who had other friends over. One of the kids wanted to play but as the game progressed it was evident he could not read. But what he did work out real quick was what was a good deal & what wasn't. The issue was his parent. They just kept saying he was dumb & would be no good at the game. Yes he needed some help reading the words & figures but no way was he dumb.
If Justin can pass that message on it would help millions to see their is hope despite where things are heading at present. It could divert many from a life of crime when they realize they can achieve as much as anybody as long as they have the knowledge & the ability to see opportunities(the knowledge will give them that).
Rich Dad Cashflow for Kids
So what has this to do with unrest, crime & revolution?
Well it is youth that are leading this new world & the change that is going on. It is the young that are at the heart & soul of the protests & revolutions starting to sweep the world.
Right now is said to be the biggest transfer of wealth & power in the history of the world. But if more of the world were aware of the formulae like Robert shows through his games & books then maybe there would be a more equal balance after all this has settled down.
Sometimes what you think you are getting is not what you are getting at all. So to make it worth while people need to start thinking differently. Thinking for the future. Recognizing the old ways do not work anymore or if they do in a totally altered form.
Rich Dad Cashflow 101 board game (with CD's)
If someone as influential as Justin Bieber can learn from this, it is set up for all learning styles based on the cone of learning & how most people learn, then pass on or encourage millions of his fans to learn then there is real hope for the world after the current 'leaders'(if you can call them that) have been manipulated to destroy everything as it currently stands.
Already there are new ways to earn billions not thought of 20 years ago. What in the next 20 years?
There really is hope after all & it goes by the name of Justin Bieber!
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
How long & far will the Dominoes fall?
Kia Ora,
Many of the financial commentators I follow are of the opinion that the US is likely to have either a revolution or civil war based on the fact that the actions been taken by the Federal Reserve have now made conditions worse than the French Revolution. All it needs is a few tweaks & it will all come tumbling down. Tweaks like inflation causing the amount spent weekly on food from the take home pay to rise.
That has been seen as the real trigger behind the continuing unrest in the Middle East.
Meanwhile here in New Zealand the belief it will never happen here. But then that is the claim for just about everything here.
One person said to me that New Zealand would never have a revolution as it is all too PC so no one would want to offend anyone.
Though I think it is more complex than that & the PC New Zealand is actually breeding conditions right for it to happen.
We have had in the past what amounted attempts to change governments. The 1913 waterfront strike been the first broken up by what became known as Massey's Cossacks as Terroritorial mounted units rode to town to break it up. Both sides were a year later fighting for King & country in Egypt & a year later Gallipoli.
Then in 1951 again it was the water front strike where the Unions took on the government who sent in the police & army.
The Oxford History of the French Revolution
The difference these days is the power of social media to quickly organize then mobilize people. In particular young people(its the young that have been at the heart of all recent issues around the world) who because of our PC society think they have all the rights. Right there is one requirement for a riot from the start. A shared common belief.
For years now our youth like those across the world have been using different forms of social media to organize. Not long after returning from security work in Iraq I was called to help at a birthday party. The expected 70 people went to 300 in about five minutes by use of text(SMS) messages. Good use of a note book & knowledge of the law soon had that back to the expected 70.
A week later two young girls died when a party got out of control & police were confronted by up to 1000 people also organized by text message.
The Dragonfly Effect: Quick, Effective, and Powerful Ways To Use Social Media to Drive Social Change
More recently facebook has been used to organize parties on beaches in Auckland then even more recently a party in Greymouth where police were attacked.
It is no mistake that governments in the middle east shut down social media but by then it was too late.
As they used to say a person would tell six people if they were upset who would tell six people. With emails it was said this changed to 200 people told. With social media you tell the world & once it is out there right or wrong there is no stopping it.
30 Days to Social Media Success: The 30 Day Results Guide to Making the Most of Twitter, Blogging, LinkedIN, and Facebook
For those a bit older like myself it has been hard to understand first the appeal then how it could affect what we do or our society. We did know that society was changing especially in the likes of security because we were confronting it often & still are.
It was one of those 'aha' moments to realize how immensely powerful these new tools were. Governments still do not realize just how powerful. By their nature bureaucarcies move slowly even when efficient which they generally are not. They can not combat the speed at which social media works.
Using New Zealand as an example of what may happen there needs to be a focal point. Now similar to what happened in Italy at one part where one march was joined by several groups with different gripes with the government resulting in unrest could happen here.
The New Social Learning: A Guide to Transforming Organizations Through Social Media
For example shortly there is likely to be a Hikoi(march on a point of disagreement by mainly the Maori community) heading to Wellington(our capital city) now other groups could join in at Wellington such as Unions, citizens of Canterbury upset about the poor government response to the earthquake(as happened in Italy) so you suddenly have a lot of upset people in one place.
It would be easier with social media to suddenly add to that a large group of youths who have been watching youtube & think it would be great to emulate others around the world.
People say others would not take part but once something like a riot starts or builds people get caught up in the feeling. From there seeing what has happened around the world it is only a short step to the next level then another dominoe falls.
Social Media 101: Tactics and Tips to Develop Your Business Online
What has started in the Middle East could easily continue around the whole world & with social media involvment no country is safe from its effects. It really is that powerful when combined with other ingredients & like a row of dominoes.
There is word now that Algeria has stockpiled food to give out to its people to help settle tensions. China has not just stockplied commodities to keep its industry going through the hard times but guaranteed access to some food, though they have banned the people from hoarding food.
It will be interesting to see if this time tested form of appeasing people can stop the dominoes or even outpace social media?
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Many of the financial commentators I follow are of the opinion that the US is likely to have either a revolution or civil war based on the fact that the actions been taken by the Federal Reserve have now made conditions worse than the French Revolution. All it needs is a few tweaks & it will all come tumbling down. Tweaks like inflation causing the amount spent weekly on food from the take home pay to rise.
That has been seen as the real trigger behind the continuing unrest in the Middle East.
Meanwhile here in New Zealand the belief it will never happen here. But then that is the claim for just about everything here.
One person said to me that New Zealand would never have a revolution as it is all too PC so no one would want to offend anyone.
Though I think it is more complex than that & the PC New Zealand is actually breeding conditions right for it to happen.
We have had in the past what amounted attempts to change governments. The 1913 waterfront strike been the first broken up by what became known as Massey's Cossacks as Terroritorial mounted units rode to town to break it up. Both sides were a year later fighting for King & country in Egypt & a year later Gallipoli.
Then in 1951 again it was the water front strike where the Unions took on the government who sent in the police & army.
The Oxford History of the French Revolution
The difference these days is the power of social media to quickly organize then mobilize people. In particular young people(its the young that have been at the heart of all recent issues around the world) who because of our PC society think they have all the rights. Right there is one requirement for a riot from the start. A shared common belief.
For years now our youth like those across the world have been using different forms of social media to organize. Not long after returning from security work in Iraq I was called to help at a birthday party. The expected 70 people went to 300 in about five minutes by use of text(SMS) messages. Good use of a note book & knowledge of the law soon had that back to the expected 70.
A week later two young girls died when a party got out of control & police were confronted by up to 1000 people also organized by text message.
The Dragonfly Effect: Quick, Effective, and Powerful Ways To Use Social Media to Drive Social Change
More recently facebook has been used to organize parties on beaches in Auckland then even more recently a party in Greymouth where police were attacked.
It is no mistake that governments in the middle east shut down social media but by then it was too late.
As they used to say a person would tell six people if they were upset who would tell six people. With emails it was said this changed to 200 people told. With social media you tell the world & once it is out there right or wrong there is no stopping it.
30 Days to Social Media Success: The 30 Day Results Guide to Making the Most of Twitter, Blogging, LinkedIN, and Facebook
For those a bit older like myself it has been hard to understand first the appeal then how it could affect what we do or our society. We did know that society was changing especially in the likes of security because we were confronting it often & still are.
It was one of those 'aha' moments to realize how immensely powerful these new tools were. Governments still do not realize just how powerful. By their nature bureaucarcies move slowly even when efficient which they generally are not. They can not combat the speed at which social media works.
Using New Zealand as an example of what may happen there needs to be a focal point. Now similar to what happened in Italy at one part where one march was joined by several groups with different gripes with the government resulting in unrest could happen here.
The New Social Learning: A Guide to Transforming Organizations Through Social Media
For example shortly there is likely to be a Hikoi(march on a point of disagreement by mainly the Maori community) heading to Wellington(our capital city) now other groups could join in at Wellington such as Unions, citizens of Canterbury upset about the poor government response to the earthquake(as happened in Italy) so you suddenly have a lot of upset people in one place.
It would be easier with social media to suddenly add to that a large group of youths who have been watching youtube & think it would be great to emulate others around the world.
People say others would not take part but once something like a riot starts or builds people get caught up in the feeling. From there seeing what has happened around the world it is only a short step to the next level then another dominoe falls.
Social Media 101: Tactics and Tips to Develop Your Business Online
What has started in the Middle East could easily continue around the whole world & with social media involvment no country is safe from its effects. It really is that powerful when combined with other ingredients & like a row of dominoes.
There is word now that Algeria has stockpiled food to give out to its people to help settle tensions. China has not just stockplied commodities to keep its industry going through the hard times but guaranteed access to some food, though they have banned the people from hoarding food.
It will be interesting to see if this time tested form of appeasing people can stop the dominoes or even outpace social media?
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Monday, February 14, 2011
Efficiency doesn't necessarily mean downsizing!
Kia Ora,
Well in line with the world trend the New Zealand government has signalled austerity measures in particular in line with the cutting of public service jobs.
Now I have been very critical of the inefficient & corrupt manner of our government departments & entities. But in the first instance whilst getting the departments & entities efficient the extra staff are required.
Then if they have too let the numbers drop through natural attrition. Problem the government has with this & with trying to take people off benefits there are not the jobs out there for them.
Those coming off the benefits will actually cope better mentally because they have always had to struggle or will just increase their crime.
It is those government bureaucrats like anyone else coming off a high paying job that will struggle with the mental side unless they have ben their before.
Here is where the violence will increase. The mental stress of going from a high paying job to maybe been on the street will be hard for people to take. Suddenly some of them will be subjected to the same inefficient corrupt & arrogant behaviour they have been dishing out.
Many of them will be in large debt usually in mortgage on their houses & that will cause major issues within any relationships. More stress, more likely violence.
The End of Poverty: Economic Possibilities for Our Time
Though the opposition is playing politics with its comments as it completely got things wrong when it was government, it is right in its statement there just aren't the jobs available & there aren't any been created.
There is a myth that government is always more inefficient that private enterprise. New Zealand government departments were at one time extremely efficient if a little bloated in numbers. Privatization hasn't made things any better here, like the US & Australia infrastructure has suffered from lack of investment. It is now coming back to haunt each country.
What all that means is it will be harder for businesses or the economies to recover. Less jobs more unemployed more crime.
The Zen of Social Media Marketing: An Easier Way to Build Credibility, Generate Buzz, and Increase Revenue
But there has been another twist noticed in Europe & the Arab world with the riots & protests. It is the amount of young people out of work with little incentive to work. Potentially in the West it could be a lot worse.
We have spent years telling people they can be anything they want but forgot to tell them sometimes they have to fail. Many of them have the attitude is they have the right to do or take anything & you have no right to stop them.
When they look at the wages offered & what they can get either on the unemployment benefit or just by taking things is it no wonder they forgo a job.
Social Media has meant that parties & revolutions can be organized very quickly with governments not able to have control(unless they try like Egypt to just cut all access, but once it started it was too late).
The New Rules of Marketing and PR: How to Use Social Media, Blogs, News Releases, Online Video, and Viral Marketing to Reach Buyers Directly, 2nd Edition
So now we are going to have more people out of work, less jobs been created more people using social media who think they have the rights to anything & see the 'fun' people their age are having around the world.
As conditions get worse sounds like great ingredients for more civil unrest.
Is this another manipulation for greater transfer of wealth & power?
Or that was the intention but this thing, thanks to Social media, has gotten bigger than anyone was prepared for in the manner of a Tsaunami?
One way to mitigate that is make the public services more efficient so people can actually see a future. Because if they can't then what is to stop them making a new one of their design?
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Well in line with the world trend the New Zealand government has signalled austerity measures in particular in line with the cutting of public service jobs.
Now I have been very critical of the inefficient & corrupt manner of our government departments & entities. But in the first instance whilst getting the departments & entities efficient the extra staff are required.
Then if they have too let the numbers drop through natural attrition. Problem the government has with this & with trying to take people off benefits there are not the jobs out there for them.
Those coming off the benefits will actually cope better mentally because they have always had to struggle or will just increase their crime.
It is those government bureaucrats like anyone else coming off a high paying job that will struggle with the mental side unless they have ben their before.
Here is where the violence will increase. The mental stress of going from a high paying job to maybe been on the street will be hard for people to take. Suddenly some of them will be subjected to the same inefficient corrupt & arrogant behaviour they have been dishing out.
Many of them will be in large debt usually in mortgage on their houses & that will cause major issues within any relationships. More stress, more likely violence.
The End of Poverty: Economic Possibilities for Our Time
Though the opposition is playing politics with its comments as it completely got things wrong when it was government, it is right in its statement there just aren't the jobs available & there aren't any been created.
There is a myth that government is always more inefficient that private enterprise. New Zealand government departments were at one time extremely efficient if a little bloated in numbers. Privatization hasn't made things any better here, like the US & Australia infrastructure has suffered from lack of investment. It is now coming back to haunt each country.
What all that means is it will be harder for businesses or the economies to recover. Less jobs more unemployed more crime.
The Zen of Social Media Marketing: An Easier Way to Build Credibility, Generate Buzz, and Increase Revenue
But there has been another twist noticed in Europe & the Arab world with the riots & protests. It is the amount of young people out of work with little incentive to work. Potentially in the West it could be a lot worse.
We have spent years telling people they can be anything they want but forgot to tell them sometimes they have to fail. Many of them have the attitude is they have the right to do or take anything & you have no right to stop them.
When they look at the wages offered & what they can get either on the unemployment benefit or just by taking things is it no wonder they forgo a job.
Social Media has meant that parties & revolutions can be organized very quickly with governments not able to have control(unless they try like Egypt to just cut all access, but once it started it was too late).
The New Rules of Marketing and PR: How to Use Social Media, Blogs, News Releases, Online Video, and Viral Marketing to Reach Buyers Directly, 2nd Edition
So now we are going to have more people out of work, less jobs been created more people using social media who think they have the rights to anything & see the 'fun' people their age are having around the world.
As conditions get worse sounds like great ingredients for more civil unrest.
Is this another manipulation for greater transfer of wealth & power?
Or that was the intention but this thing, thanks to Social media, has gotten bigger than anyone was prepared for in the manner of a Tsaunami?
One way to mitigate that is make the public services more efficient so people can actually see a future. Because if they can't then what is to stop them making a new one of their design?
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Saturday, February 12, 2011
"Don't teach Pigs to sing. It annoys the pig & wastes your time!"
Kia Ora,
It is human nature to want to share what you have learnt even through your mistakes. Of course as every parent I have ever talked too has said their children think parents know nothing & have to make the same mistakes. Since they are their parents children part of their make up will mean they make exactly the same mistakes & become that which they hated the most about their parents.
People actually learn most by their mistakes. Not everyone can recognize that they are making the same mistakes or are have some of the traits of their parents.
But we can also learn from the mistakes of others & that is where real education which is self education comes in. We can also change & miss the mistakes our parents made.
Now one quote that Robert Kiyosaki likes to throw about is "Don't teach pigs to sing. It annoys the pigs & wastes your time". He came across that one day whilst struggling to work out why 80% of those he taught failed to be able to make the most of what he was teaching. He found he was spending more time & energy with those that would likely never succeed than those who wanted to learn. So he changed the way he taught.
He also is of the same mind of a sergeant of mine when they were first thinking of promoting me(I know there are a lot of people that are still puzzling over why they ever did promote me & what a monster they created) where you learn more by teaching others. Problem is especially in New Zealand is finding enough people who really want to learn how to get ahead. It is too much like hard work.
Rich Dad, Poor Dad for Teens: The Secrets About Money--that You Don't Learn in School! (Miniature Edition)
As Henry Ford said "thinking is the hardest work there is & that is why so few people do it."
Everyone says they would like to be rich, but most are not prepared to risk everything to get there. That is why they never make it or never make it for long.
Many resort to criminal activity such as drug dealing, theft or the more subtle form of theft known better as fraud.
The thing is if you offer people the information you have learnt from others & more importantly your own mistakes they react by trying to belittle what you are offering. The reason for that is they are lazy, scared & it is outside their comfort zone.
Cashflow Quadrant: Rich Dad's Guide to Financial Freedom
Now another thing that people like Robert Kiyosaki promote is never just believe what they are saying. Do your own homework. When you do that homework & talk to people who are following the same path you find from a myriad of successful sources it builds a base of knowledge from which you can see if it is true or not.
Most people ignore history but as Winston Churchill said "The further back you look the further forward you can see" & that is not the history about dates etc but what has happened when similar actions have been taken to those happening now.
That is why some have been for years been predicting the financial crisis we now have even to the extent of overthrow of governments. That particular course is now gathering pace which the powers that be hide by claiming it is people upset with the dictators & wanting democracy. Most people don't give a damn about democracy as long as they don't rock the boat. So called democracy gives the illusion of free speech & control.
Rich Dad's Guide to Investing: What the Rich Invest in, That the Poor and the Middle Class Do Not!
When in fact the trigger for the overthrows have been rising food prices. When most if not all your weekly take home pay goes to buy food to feed your family something has to give. Those rising food prices have been created by in particular the US Federal reserve creating currency.
Probably the biggest reason people don't like to know about how to get ahead is when you present it to their thinking it all looks negative. But what is negative to most is actually an opportunity to those who succeed or those on that path.
Like everyone I have dreams which in my case have morphed as I have learnt more or experienced more of life. Now many people think that security is my whole focus. That is the initial focus & the situations I see building around me making conditions worse are an opportunity in an industry where I actually have quite a bit of knowledge & experience to build on. It is just a case of building a better mouse trap(old idea presented in a better different way).
Rich Dad's Conspiracy of the Rich: The 8 New Rules of Money
Not only is the security idea scaleable(in other words it can build to a very large organization) but it is a stepping stone to the next idea which also combines with the security concept. These are both scaleable world wide.
Whats more whilst the financial crisis getting worse all the time gives an opportunity to allow it to happen. Whats more for a place to start the Canterbury earthquake means the conditions are right to launch both, the security in particular here in Christchurch.
But all that means you have to research the financial crisis where it is expected to go(not by the trusted 'economists' or government either) but earthquakes, how they work, what is expected & how to use that to achieve your dreams. That includes listening to people like Ken Ring the astrologer, as science as much as I like it is these days not leading but tending to prove what is already known based on sometimes thousands of years of observations, but not accepted until science 'proves' it.
Rich Dad's Before You Quit Your Job: 10 Real-Life Lessons Every Entrepreneur Should Know About Building a Multimillion-Dollar Business
Dreams can come true but it is hard not to get side tracked by good people but with a totally different mindset than you. It has actually been shown that this difference in mindset can also mean relationships are doomed, because when things get difficult those with a different core mindset will have a different direction they want to go.
I get that right now with people wanting me to get a 'job' but apart from tempoary work that comes along, my focus is still my business & how to get that moving.
Another thing people do not understand is the time spent on the internet. Yes when work comes up it is important to do the task, but one thing the internet has given is so many ways to create cash flow with little or no cash injection. Requires a totally different mindset than that which has prevailed in the past.
Rich Dad's Increase Your Financial IQ: Get Smarter with Your Money
Increased crime is an opportunity. Poor security allowing the possibility of a terrorist attack on a major event is an opportunity, the attack happening is an opportunity. The event itself is an opportunity but not where people think. The event of course been the Rugby World Cup.
The on going & worsening financial crisis is presenting thousands of opportunities everyday. The Canterbury earthquake is an opportunity to make a difference & a better community which the government & Christchurch city are so far making a right hash off(therefore another opportunity).
It is just being or getting yourself in position to take adavantage of those opportunities without the monkey chatter from those who don't want to understand or are too lazy to do the homework.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
It is human nature to want to share what you have learnt even through your mistakes. Of course as every parent I have ever talked too has said their children think parents know nothing & have to make the same mistakes. Since they are their parents children part of their make up will mean they make exactly the same mistakes & become that which they hated the most about their parents.
People actually learn most by their mistakes. Not everyone can recognize that they are making the same mistakes or are have some of the traits of their parents.
But we can also learn from the mistakes of others & that is where real education which is self education comes in. We can also change & miss the mistakes our parents made.
Now one quote that Robert Kiyosaki likes to throw about is "Don't teach pigs to sing. It annoys the pigs & wastes your time". He came across that one day whilst struggling to work out why 80% of those he taught failed to be able to make the most of what he was teaching. He found he was spending more time & energy with those that would likely never succeed than those who wanted to learn. So he changed the way he taught.
He also is of the same mind of a sergeant of mine when they were first thinking of promoting me(I know there are a lot of people that are still puzzling over why they ever did promote me & what a monster they created) where you learn more by teaching others. Problem is especially in New Zealand is finding enough people who really want to learn how to get ahead. It is too much like hard work.
Rich Dad, Poor Dad for Teens: The Secrets About Money--that You Don't Learn in School! (Miniature Edition)
As Henry Ford said "thinking is the hardest work there is & that is why so few people do it."
Everyone says they would like to be rich, but most are not prepared to risk everything to get there. That is why they never make it or never make it for long.
Many resort to criminal activity such as drug dealing, theft or the more subtle form of theft known better as fraud.
The thing is if you offer people the information you have learnt from others & more importantly your own mistakes they react by trying to belittle what you are offering. The reason for that is they are lazy, scared & it is outside their comfort zone.
Cashflow Quadrant: Rich Dad's Guide to Financial Freedom
Now another thing that people like Robert Kiyosaki promote is never just believe what they are saying. Do your own homework. When you do that homework & talk to people who are following the same path you find from a myriad of successful sources it builds a base of knowledge from which you can see if it is true or not.
Most people ignore history but as Winston Churchill said "The further back you look the further forward you can see" & that is not the history about dates etc but what has happened when similar actions have been taken to those happening now.
That is why some have been for years been predicting the financial crisis we now have even to the extent of overthrow of governments. That particular course is now gathering pace which the powers that be hide by claiming it is people upset with the dictators & wanting democracy. Most people don't give a damn about democracy as long as they don't rock the boat. So called democracy gives the illusion of free speech & control.
Rich Dad's Guide to Investing: What the Rich Invest in, That the Poor and the Middle Class Do Not!
When in fact the trigger for the overthrows have been rising food prices. When most if not all your weekly take home pay goes to buy food to feed your family something has to give. Those rising food prices have been created by in particular the US Federal reserve creating currency.
Probably the biggest reason people don't like to know about how to get ahead is when you present it to their thinking it all looks negative. But what is negative to most is actually an opportunity to those who succeed or those on that path.
Like everyone I have dreams which in my case have morphed as I have learnt more or experienced more of life. Now many people think that security is my whole focus. That is the initial focus & the situations I see building around me making conditions worse are an opportunity in an industry where I actually have quite a bit of knowledge & experience to build on. It is just a case of building a better mouse trap(old idea presented in a better different way).
Rich Dad's Conspiracy of the Rich: The 8 New Rules of Money
Not only is the security idea scaleable(in other words it can build to a very large organization) but it is a stepping stone to the next idea which also combines with the security concept. These are both scaleable world wide.
Whats more whilst the financial crisis getting worse all the time gives an opportunity to allow it to happen. Whats more for a place to start the Canterbury earthquake means the conditions are right to launch both, the security in particular here in Christchurch.
But all that means you have to research the financial crisis where it is expected to go(not by the trusted 'economists' or government either) but earthquakes, how they work, what is expected & how to use that to achieve your dreams. That includes listening to people like Ken Ring the astrologer, as science as much as I like it is these days not leading but tending to prove what is already known based on sometimes thousands of years of observations, but not accepted until science 'proves' it.
Rich Dad's Before You Quit Your Job: 10 Real-Life Lessons Every Entrepreneur Should Know About Building a Multimillion-Dollar Business
Dreams can come true but it is hard not to get side tracked by good people but with a totally different mindset than you. It has actually been shown that this difference in mindset can also mean relationships are doomed, because when things get difficult those with a different core mindset will have a different direction they want to go.
I get that right now with people wanting me to get a 'job' but apart from tempoary work that comes along, my focus is still my business & how to get that moving.
Another thing people do not understand is the time spent on the internet. Yes when work comes up it is important to do the task, but one thing the internet has given is so many ways to create cash flow with little or no cash injection. Requires a totally different mindset than that which has prevailed in the past.
Rich Dad's Increase Your Financial IQ: Get Smarter with Your Money
Increased crime is an opportunity. Poor security allowing the possibility of a terrorist attack on a major event is an opportunity, the attack happening is an opportunity. The event itself is an opportunity but not where people think. The event of course been the Rugby World Cup.
The on going & worsening financial crisis is presenting thousands of opportunities everyday. The Canterbury earthquake is an opportunity to make a difference & a better community which the government & Christchurch city are so far making a right hash off(therefore another opportunity).
It is just being or getting yourself in position to take adavantage of those opportunities without the monkey chatter from those who don't want to understand or are too lazy to do the homework.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Friday, February 11, 2011
Nano Nano; The Great Orkan speaks!
Kia Ora,
The Orkan greeting from the TV series Mork & Mindy might not seem appropriate but I feel it is as it fits the response from the Minister of Earthquake recovery & his out of touch unrealistic responses to the frustrated & angry people of Canterbury.
He definitely is on another planet. From his flippant responses to the angry meeting shown on TV news in Kaiapoi. "We can't just wave a magic wand". No but you can pull your finger out & start getting things done. Australia have a lot sooner & with more imput to not one but two major disasters. Meanwhile authorities here are sitting with finger up rear using any excuse not to do anything.
Then in the 'Press' he is quoted as saying that the government will do nothing for those that were uninsured as it is personal responsibility. Yes it is, but in most cases people are not insured because they can not actually aford it. A governments job is not to give out currency willy nilly as they have here in the past but they are there to be the safety net when all else fails.
Now the person highlighted in the 'Press' is mid 60's so has little in way of job prospects & is on a sickness beneficiary due to "chronic obstructive pulmonary disease & prostrate cancer". Where is the lack of personal responsibility? I would say he has lived his life paid taxes confined by the way the government wants so they can steal his currency & now they just discard him.
He is going to get his mates to help him refurbish his house. But it would probably be illegal or unsafe but what else is he to do? At present he shouldn't even be living in it.
This is the sort of thinking that will led to greater frustration & anger. Hope the government is prepared for the back lash.
As is reported in Kaiapoi & I have pointed out before there is a lot of uncertainty lack of information & any rumour(especially about the Ministers own house) just is taken up as truth like wildfire.
Disaster Recovery
Then there was another Minister saying that businesses that have gone under or about too were poor at business. Funny some real thriving businesses have already gone under due to the slow response & in how customers could not get to them even if they were open.
Politicians really do live in their own little world just delivering for their real masters the banks(whom it is noted have made a great profit this year, though basing it on how the US banks are doing it it is likely to be a book profit only aided by tax refunds).
President Mubarak has gone because like all leaders he has underestimated the power of social media. The current New Zealand government has already lost the Canterbury vote for the poor response unless it pulls finger & gets off the drugs they are using or return to planet earth.
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning for IT Professionals
Police raided gang properties across the North Island over the last few days to impact on the drug scene. Maybe they need to raid parliament. Because they are on some heavy shit up there.
Even the police raids showed how out of touch the policticians really are. The Police Minister has been quite good in supporting the police but her statement yesterday showed she had no idea what she is talking about.
Basically she claimed that drug raids would result in a drop in crime. Actually they will do the opposite. In particular violent crime will go up as people need more cash to buy their drug of choice. In the Netherlands when I visited a local said they always dread when the drug squad hit outlets as they knew from low crime it would quickly esculate until the drug supply was sufficient enough again to lower the price. Of course if people weren't on drugs to start there would be less crime but that is unrealistic in todays world.
High Availability and Disaster Recovery: Concepts, Design, Implementation
Of course the stress caused by the earthquakes is showing in Canterbury with visits for stress related issues way up particularly in some areas but funding for that has stopped. The stress hasn't so here we go again, more crime, more violence & more use of illegal drugs. More problems for police & security.
The Government are in cloud cuckoo land!
Nano Nano!
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
The Orkan greeting from the TV series Mork & Mindy might not seem appropriate but I feel it is as it fits the response from the Minister of Earthquake recovery & his out of touch unrealistic responses to the frustrated & angry people of Canterbury.
He definitely is on another planet. From his flippant responses to the angry meeting shown on TV news in Kaiapoi. "We can't just wave a magic wand". No but you can pull your finger out & start getting things done. Australia have a lot sooner & with more imput to not one but two major disasters. Meanwhile authorities here are sitting with finger up rear using any excuse not to do anything.
Then in the 'Press' he is quoted as saying that the government will do nothing for those that were uninsured as it is personal responsibility. Yes it is, but in most cases people are not insured because they can not actually aford it. A governments job is not to give out currency willy nilly as they have here in the past but they are there to be the safety net when all else fails.
Now the person highlighted in the 'Press' is mid 60's so has little in way of job prospects & is on a sickness beneficiary due to "chronic obstructive pulmonary disease & prostrate cancer". Where is the lack of personal responsibility? I would say he has lived his life paid taxes confined by the way the government wants so they can steal his currency & now they just discard him.
He is going to get his mates to help him refurbish his house. But it would probably be illegal or unsafe but what else is he to do? At present he shouldn't even be living in it.
This is the sort of thinking that will led to greater frustration & anger. Hope the government is prepared for the back lash.
As is reported in Kaiapoi & I have pointed out before there is a lot of uncertainty lack of information & any rumour(especially about the Ministers own house) just is taken up as truth like wildfire.
Disaster Recovery
Then there was another Minister saying that businesses that have gone under or about too were poor at business. Funny some real thriving businesses have already gone under due to the slow response & in how customers could not get to them even if they were open.
Politicians really do live in their own little world just delivering for their real masters the banks(whom it is noted have made a great profit this year, though basing it on how the US banks are doing it it is likely to be a book profit only aided by tax refunds).
President Mubarak has gone because like all leaders he has underestimated the power of social media. The current New Zealand government has already lost the Canterbury vote for the poor response unless it pulls finger & gets off the drugs they are using or return to planet earth.
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning for IT Professionals
Police raided gang properties across the North Island over the last few days to impact on the drug scene. Maybe they need to raid parliament. Because they are on some heavy shit up there.
Even the police raids showed how out of touch the policticians really are. The Police Minister has been quite good in supporting the police but her statement yesterday showed she had no idea what she is talking about.
Basically she claimed that drug raids would result in a drop in crime. Actually they will do the opposite. In particular violent crime will go up as people need more cash to buy their drug of choice. In the Netherlands when I visited a local said they always dread when the drug squad hit outlets as they knew from low crime it would quickly esculate until the drug supply was sufficient enough again to lower the price. Of course if people weren't on drugs to start there would be less crime but that is unrealistic in todays world.
High Availability and Disaster Recovery: Concepts, Design, Implementation
Of course the stress caused by the earthquakes is showing in Canterbury with visits for stress related issues way up particularly in some areas but funding for that has stopped. The stress hasn't so here we go again, more crime, more violence & more use of illegal drugs. More problems for police & security.
The Government are in cloud cuckoo land!
Nano Nano!
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Financial Terrorism!
Kia Ora,
Had to chuckle at headlines recently getting reported around the world as the US warns of the threat of Financial Terrorism!
Really it looks like another false flag operation.
Yes it could happen but why would it want too when the financial crisis goes from one emergency to the next. Also the fact that it is the US Federal REserve that is actually causing most of the damage.
There is a suggestion in the document commissioned by the US Department of Defence that the 2008 meltdown may not of been due to poor regulation & bad risk assessment.
Pull the other one.
In the book 'Rich Dad Prophecy' Robert Kiyosaki points out his 'Rich Dad' basically forecast what was going to happen.
How?
Unlike a fomer New Zealand Minister of Finance with a doctorate in history he looked at financial history, he then looked at Nixon taking the US(therefore the world)off the Bretton Woods standard(semi gold standard) in 1971 & a flaw in the 1974 US act in relation to retirement funds that created the 401K. That last part hasn't even hit yet.
Other reports have indicated that the large drops on the share market have been the result of possible financial terrorism not a mistake by a trader. Actually at the time many financial commentators who had been predicting a possible drop put the blip down to another reason. There is an overwatch group that is there to manipulate the markets so that things like this don't happen. For a moment in time they are overwhelmed before they can correct.
It is expected in the not too distant future there will come a time when they are overwhelmed to such an extent they will not be able to control the markets. Commodities will sky rocket & the market is likely to crash(although with inflation/hyper inflation there is the possibilty the market will go up in price but not in value, which of course will be presented as sign of a recovery whilst people starve in the streets).
Most people will say "the government will sort it or will look after us" & if you believe that then you believe in flying pigs. S..t I just saw one so you might be alright!
One quote I like is the scariest thing to hear is "we are from the government we are here to help" but I can't remember right now who said it.
As the people here in Canterbury & in particular Christchurch are finding post the earthquake government help is the Clayton's help. The help you get when you are not really getting help.
Rich Dad's Advisors: Guide to Investing In Gold and Silver: Protect Your Financial Future
Whilst they play these games of words to convince people they know what they are doing it is the people who are suffering & as a result crime is rising. People need to live! They need to feed their families!
One recent interview I saw via the internet showed that the US is in much worse position than Tunisia or Egypt but the difference was for now the percentage of weekly pay required for food is much less in the US. Once it rises then the US will almost certainly follow the rest of the world in at least food riots.
New Zealand needs to be weary as our food prices are now starting to take a large part of take home pay. I know as a single person having to buy my own groceries, the amount I used to buy five bags of groceries with a year ago now only gets me two bags. But there is no inflation we are told. Yeah Right!
The Dollar Crisis: Causes, Consequences, Cures , Revised and Updated
In Egypt since the crisis there began banks have been closed meaning as they re opened there has almost been a run on banks as people que to get their cash out.
I undertand after 9/11 the same happened in the US & only those with gold or silver were able to purchase goods as cash held ran out.
There is another interesting part of the report on Financial Terrorism. It says "forces could mount a 'focused effort to collapse the dollar by dumping Treasury bonds'".
Now that would of been written at the time China held the most US bonds in the world just ahead of Japan. A Chinese General instead of wanting to go to war over Taiwan had wanted, in response to US support for Taiwan, to dump the bonds on the markets to destroy the US economy.
The Day After the Dollar Crashes: A Survival Guide for the Rise of the New World Order
But the Chinese have taken a more pragmatic view. Slowly lessening their exposure to US debt(whilst also using it to buy guarranteed access to or the actual commodities), raising the Yuan slowly so as not to impact on their own people in a devasting fashion. Right now they are taking action to cool inflation which could seriously impact on countries such as Australia.
Recently the Federal Reserve has become the biggest holder of US government bonds as it buys them to give the impression all is OK.
So who are these forces?
Good excuse to go to war with China! But the Chinese would not see it in their interests yet to just dump the bonds they do possess as it would harm its own people.
The Corruption of Capitalism: A strategy to rebalance the global economy and restore sustainable growth
So as China & Japan I would expect lessen their exposure to US debt that just leaves the Federal Reserve. The private central bank formed in the interests of the bankers. Now it would be in their interest at some stage to collect on these debts transferring more wealth & power to their principals which do not include the US government.
Meanwhile they just create more currency to buy more bonds meaning not only now do they continue to export inflation but by monetizing the debt cause inflation in the US. It also increases the interest bill the US government owes Federal Reserve which is or about to be greater than the whole tax take in the US.
Seems to me the only Financial Terrorists likely to hit the US or anywhere else are the Central banks that 'are working to help us'. Yeah Right!
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Had to chuckle at headlines recently getting reported around the world as the US warns of the threat of Financial Terrorism!
Really it looks like another false flag operation.
Yes it could happen but why would it want too when the financial crisis goes from one emergency to the next. Also the fact that it is the US Federal REserve that is actually causing most of the damage.
There is a suggestion in the document commissioned by the US Department of Defence that the 2008 meltdown may not of been due to poor regulation & bad risk assessment.
Pull the other one.
In the book 'Rich Dad Prophecy' Robert Kiyosaki points out his 'Rich Dad' basically forecast what was going to happen.
How?
Unlike a fomer New Zealand Minister of Finance with a doctorate in history he looked at financial history, he then looked at Nixon taking the US(therefore the world)off the Bretton Woods standard(semi gold standard) in 1971 & a flaw in the 1974 US act in relation to retirement funds that created the 401K. That last part hasn't even hit yet.
Other reports have indicated that the large drops on the share market have been the result of possible financial terrorism not a mistake by a trader. Actually at the time many financial commentators who had been predicting a possible drop put the blip down to another reason. There is an overwatch group that is there to manipulate the markets so that things like this don't happen. For a moment in time they are overwhelmed before they can correct.
It is expected in the not too distant future there will come a time when they are overwhelmed to such an extent they will not be able to control the markets. Commodities will sky rocket & the market is likely to crash(although with inflation/hyper inflation there is the possibilty the market will go up in price but not in value, which of course will be presented as sign of a recovery whilst people starve in the streets).
Most people will say "the government will sort it or will look after us" & if you believe that then you believe in flying pigs. S..t I just saw one so you might be alright!
One quote I like is the scariest thing to hear is "we are from the government we are here to help" but I can't remember right now who said it.
As the people here in Canterbury & in particular Christchurch are finding post the earthquake government help is the Clayton's help. The help you get when you are not really getting help.
Rich Dad's Advisors: Guide to Investing In Gold and Silver: Protect Your Financial Future
Whilst they play these games of words to convince people they know what they are doing it is the people who are suffering & as a result crime is rising. People need to live! They need to feed their families!
One recent interview I saw via the internet showed that the US is in much worse position than Tunisia or Egypt but the difference was for now the percentage of weekly pay required for food is much less in the US. Once it rises then the US will almost certainly follow the rest of the world in at least food riots.
New Zealand needs to be weary as our food prices are now starting to take a large part of take home pay. I know as a single person having to buy my own groceries, the amount I used to buy five bags of groceries with a year ago now only gets me two bags. But there is no inflation we are told. Yeah Right!
The Dollar Crisis: Causes, Consequences, Cures , Revised and Updated
In Egypt since the crisis there began banks have been closed meaning as they re opened there has almost been a run on banks as people que to get their cash out.
I undertand after 9/11 the same happened in the US & only those with gold or silver were able to purchase goods as cash held ran out.
There is another interesting part of the report on Financial Terrorism. It says "forces could mount a 'focused effort to collapse the dollar by dumping Treasury bonds'".
Now that would of been written at the time China held the most US bonds in the world just ahead of Japan. A Chinese General instead of wanting to go to war over Taiwan had wanted, in response to US support for Taiwan, to dump the bonds on the markets to destroy the US economy.
The Day After the Dollar Crashes: A Survival Guide for the Rise of the New World Order
But the Chinese have taken a more pragmatic view. Slowly lessening their exposure to US debt(whilst also using it to buy guarranteed access to or the actual commodities), raising the Yuan slowly so as not to impact on their own people in a devasting fashion. Right now they are taking action to cool inflation which could seriously impact on countries such as Australia.
Recently the Federal Reserve has become the biggest holder of US government bonds as it buys them to give the impression all is OK.
So who are these forces?
Good excuse to go to war with China! But the Chinese would not see it in their interests yet to just dump the bonds they do possess as it would harm its own people.
The Corruption of Capitalism: A strategy to rebalance the global economy and restore sustainable growth
So as China & Japan I would expect lessen their exposure to US debt that just leaves the Federal Reserve. The private central bank formed in the interests of the bankers. Now it would be in their interest at some stage to collect on these debts transferring more wealth & power to their principals which do not include the US government.
Meanwhile they just create more currency to buy more bonds meaning not only now do they continue to export inflation but by monetizing the debt cause inflation in the US. It also increases the interest bill the US government owes Federal Reserve which is or about to be greater than the whole tax take in the US.
Seems to me the only Financial Terrorists likely to hit the US or anywhere else are the Central banks that 'are working to help us'. Yeah Right!
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Monday, February 7, 2011
Just how well do we know the community we live in?
Kia Ora,
Been a busy couple of days but back to it again.
Had a call from a mate who said they sighted one of my adverts for the 0900 Suspicious service in the local 'Coffee News' free community news letter.They had pointed it out to their boss.
The boss though showed how little New Zealanders actually either know their community or just don't want to know.
"If we see something suspicious then we call the police. Why would we pay $15 plus GST to get someone around?"
Fair enough question but it doesn't fit with the facts.
A recent government study here in New Zealand showed at least 66% of crime is not reported. But as government statistics are the ones you should least trust you then go back a few years to a media outlet reporting that up to 95% of crime & 96% of violent crime are unreported in New Zealand.
I don't go on statistics, but on what I see, feel & hear around my community. Even where I live now I can still stun the people who live here & say there is no crime by relating incidents right in our complex. They just have no idea or no wish to see it.
Net Crimes & Misdemeanors: Outmaneuvering the Spammers, Swindlers and Stalkers Who Are Targeting You Online
So I know that crime is well up in our communities, but the people around me will say it is not happening or not in their area even after they have told me about a recent cirme a few minutes before.
As was related after a recent armed robbery within 24 hours staff at a site were seen to be letting people in with a full faced motorbike helmet been worn. The person telling me said "wouldn't happen overseas. two steps in & the place would be surrounded by police but not in New Zealand. It is like the incident within the last 24 hours never happened & it won't happen in New Zealand. Yeah right. It just did!"
Then there is the issue of calling the police. Until people have too they never know what the reality it like. Whilst the officers on the ground might understand why you have rung & especially the exprienced officers know it will impact on crime most of those taking the calls have no idea these days. They have a little check list & they stick to it.
Low Crimes and Misdemeanors: Confessions of a Tulsa Boy
Also as has been pointed out in the past the new police officer is now judged on arrests & tickets so that judgement goes up the chain of command. Not much likelyhood of an arrest then less likely to get a patrol.
Then there are those in the community that are aware & have been asking for a service like this. Without investment it just takes time to build it to where it can cover all those areas that would benefit most from such a service.
Most crime is actually committed in low income areas. Most burglaries are committed during the day not night as most people presume.
Overseas everybody is aware of crime & take appropriate precautions. Again this is where the comment about the likes of Christchurch been more dangerous than Baghdad come from. Because New Zealanders are in denial,our cities & towns are so spread out nice looking, everybody assumes it is virtually crime free. So it is a big shock when it isn't. Up until now there has been no reason, often there isn't & it is all so random.
Widger's Quotations of Dumas' Celebrated Crimes
Only place I know that could be said to be near crime free(even then there is more going on that people realize) & that is Singapore but there any crime is dealt with harshly & swiftly.
Just today on the morning news there was a comparison between the US 'Superbowl' with three arrests around the game, one for alcohol, & the sevens rugby in Wellington where 103 were arrested for mainly alcohol related crime. It was said the Wellington crowd was well behaved. That didn't include the numbers for those evicted for drunkeness.
We are in denial & we have real issues in our communities but nothing will happen until people start taking notice of what is actually going on around them demanding action or taking action.
High Crimes & Misdemeanors: The Impeachment Process (Crime, Justice and Punishment)
That is where the service offered comes in as to start the process you need people committed to putting their neck out there. Just the simple act of showing up recording suspicious activity will have an impact on the crime in a persons area. It also means in particular in the early stages any reaction will be at those prepared for it, not the general public.
In the long run though it will make communities safer. The Suspicious activity leds to the small crime which leds to the larger more violent crime.
First people just have to take notice of what is really going on.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Been a busy couple of days but back to it again.
Had a call from a mate who said they sighted one of my adverts for the 0900 Suspicious service in the local 'Coffee News' free community news letter.They had pointed it out to their boss.
The boss though showed how little New Zealanders actually either know their community or just don't want to know.
"If we see something suspicious then we call the police. Why would we pay $15 plus GST to get someone around?"
Fair enough question but it doesn't fit with the facts.
A recent government study here in New Zealand showed at least 66% of crime is not reported. But as government statistics are the ones you should least trust you then go back a few years to a media outlet reporting that up to 95% of crime & 96% of violent crime are unreported in New Zealand.
I don't go on statistics, but on what I see, feel & hear around my community. Even where I live now I can still stun the people who live here & say there is no crime by relating incidents right in our complex. They just have no idea or no wish to see it.
Net Crimes & Misdemeanors: Outmaneuvering the Spammers, Swindlers and Stalkers Who Are Targeting You Online
So I know that crime is well up in our communities, but the people around me will say it is not happening or not in their area even after they have told me about a recent cirme a few minutes before.
As was related after a recent armed robbery within 24 hours staff at a site were seen to be letting people in with a full faced motorbike helmet been worn. The person telling me said "wouldn't happen overseas. two steps in & the place would be surrounded by police but not in New Zealand. It is like the incident within the last 24 hours never happened & it won't happen in New Zealand. Yeah right. It just did!"
Then there is the issue of calling the police. Until people have too they never know what the reality it like. Whilst the officers on the ground might understand why you have rung & especially the exprienced officers know it will impact on crime most of those taking the calls have no idea these days. They have a little check list & they stick to it.
Low Crimes and Misdemeanors: Confessions of a Tulsa Boy
Also as has been pointed out in the past the new police officer is now judged on arrests & tickets so that judgement goes up the chain of command. Not much likelyhood of an arrest then less likely to get a patrol.
Then there are those in the community that are aware & have been asking for a service like this. Without investment it just takes time to build it to where it can cover all those areas that would benefit most from such a service.
Most crime is actually committed in low income areas. Most burglaries are committed during the day not night as most people presume.
Overseas everybody is aware of crime & take appropriate precautions. Again this is where the comment about the likes of Christchurch been more dangerous than Baghdad come from. Because New Zealanders are in denial,our cities & towns are so spread out nice looking, everybody assumes it is virtually crime free. So it is a big shock when it isn't. Up until now there has been no reason, often there isn't & it is all so random.
Widger's Quotations of Dumas' Celebrated Crimes
Only place I know that could be said to be near crime free(even then there is more going on that people realize) & that is Singapore but there any crime is dealt with harshly & swiftly.
Just today on the morning news there was a comparison between the US 'Superbowl' with three arrests around the game, one for alcohol, & the sevens rugby in Wellington where 103 were arrested for mainly alcohol related crime. It was said the Wellington crowd was well behaved. That didn't include the numbers for those evicted for drunkeness.
We are in denial & we have real issues in our communities but nothing will happen until people start taking notice of what is actually going on around them demanding action or taking action.
High Crimes & Misdemeanors: The Impeachment Process (Crime, Justice and Punishment)
That is where the service offered comes in as to start the process you need people committed to putting their neck out there. Just the simple act of showing up recording suspicious activity will have an impact on the crime in a persons area. It also means in particular in the early stages any reaction will be at those prepared for it, not the general public.
In the long run though it will make communities safer. The Suspicious activity leds to the small crime which leds to the larger more violent crime.
First people just have to take notice of what is really going on.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Saturday, February 5, 2011
No Leadership! Tell us something we don't know!
Kia Ora,
Well big drive by the Christchurch 'Press' to try to pin down where the earthquake recovery is going. The fact it seems leaderless.
It is this passing the buck, lack of action that is frustrating people & causing anger to rise.
I see also that EQC are going to review the assessments of chattels as private insurance has been giving small payments saying the house is going to be demolished from what they can see yet EQC are saying it can be fixed(from descriptions I have had Mickey Mouse style). Results in huge difference in assessments, more frustration & anger.
Normally you would say it was private insurance trying to pay as little as possible, but having been in some properties where EQC has said they can be fixed I think not. Slapping some concrete out of a bucket with a paint brush to even out the bumps in the floor I have seen done in Asia & might be acceptable in Australia(as it was recommened by an Australian I take it, it is)but it is not here & not when more large earthquakes are overdue.
Even the Mayor of Christchurch has lost his zip & fallen into line with the status quo saying different leaders are needed for different areas. But there is a need for an overall leader. Not a new one but an existing one to step up.
Now the Mayor of Christchurch & two structural engineers said quite early on in interviews that the building code had done its job & saved lives it was not there to save a building.
Straight away to me that implies like any saftey equipment such as body armour, cycle or motorcycle helmets that once used for the purpose for which they were designed they have to be replaced. So this is a rebuild not a recovery.
Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering Handbook
Instead of like Auckland or Wellington where recently Heritage buildings have been ordered demolished in hours when required Christchurch is still arguing over their merits five months later. Probably why someone asking for suggestions to get CBD going again didn't like my suggestion of bulldozing the whole lot & starting again.
By having so many 'leaders' who are as far as anyone can see showing no leadership nothing is getting done. With expected shocks to continue & even the predicted potential big shake around the 20th March 2011 (not to mention the earlier shake up around the 19th February 2011 based on the moon in Perigee) damage is worsening & showing how poor assessments are that have been done.
When green stickered(All OK) builidings have walls collapse it just tells people good shake from different direction or location can wreck anything or the initial assessments were not good enough.
Earthquake Engineering for Structural Design
All the theory in the world is great but it is the actual effect on the ground that matters.
The Minister for Earthquake Recovery is no better. He might officially live here, though for some reason wasn't here at time of the wee shake & never seems to be here except for visits as far as anyone can tell. People in his electorate are not happy. His efforts have been pitiful.
Now the Mayor of Christchurch in the aftermath of the earthquake & led up to the local body elections made a statement "I'm over democracy" or words to that effect. I would of though the current situation was right up his alley to prove his point.
Earthquake Engineering
When immediately after the main quake he had special powers & was able to get things done, but now it is committee after committee or commission & the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Commission(CERC)has no power it just recommends.
Of course a Camel is a horse designed by a committee or as one businessman I think it was said "a commitee is a place where good ideas go to die" or words to that effect.
We don't need committee's or commissions we need action.
It has got so ridiculous that one business contracted into assist with the recovery went to set up in the location recommended by the council but is now waiting on resource consent from the council to set up. The earthquake recovery act was supposed to deal with issues like that quickly, efficiently as was the minister. Both have failed!
Earthquake Damage: Inspection, Evaluation and Repair
The media are only scratching the surface of what is been passed on by concerned structural engineers as to information that is been hidden from people. It gives the impression that they are been hard on those who represent us but in reality it appears to be "you scratch my back & I will scratch your back".
So say this predicted potential big quake does hit around 20th March 2011 & this time people are killed. What then to these bureaucrats & politicians who do nothing?
I would say the anger & frustration will definitely boil over. About that time to add to the stress people's payments to cover rent(for temporary accomodation) from insurance companies is due to run out. With no word on what these people, who are paying both mortgage & rent, will get to cover this shortfall as yet many are moving back into their condemmed houses. The worsening financial crisis is making things just more difficult.
Advances in Earthquake Engineering for Urban Risk Reduction
I have said it before New Zealand has become a Risk Adverse country.
People would say to me but you are always on about Health & Saftey & Risk Assessment.
There is a difference.
In a very early blog someone criticized me for not naming the system of Risk Assessment I use. Those systems are designed to give people an excuse not to do anything.
Where as the other day I saw an editors comment about how the person whom the movie 127 hours is about is one of those persons who just ignores the risks or words to that effect.
Earthquake-resistant Concrete Structures
Actually that is the New Zealand perception been wrong again.
In business, life, the military & working in places like Iraq. It is not about ignoring the risk, it is about assessing it, mitgating it whilst still carrying on & I suspect without seeing the movie that is what this person has done. New Zealand used to be like that but not anymore. It just seems risky because people lack the knowledge or haven't weighed up the Risks.
Actually as I was typing that it reminded me of Charles Upham VC & Bar when standing on top of a truck to direct fire duirng the battle of Minqar Qaim. It looked dangerous & foolhardy to those around him, but his assessment was all the German shots were going low, so he was safer up high.
That is why people don't like my risk assessments as they see them as it will be used as a reason not to do something.
In fact I am looking at it the other way. Here is the risk, mitigate it so we can have a good event or safe society. But people here do not want to know & even when something does happen, within hours people are acting like it never happened. If you asked many of those people they would tell you it never happens in New Zealand or where they are.
I know it happened the other day within 24 hours of an armed robbery where people allowed others to enter in a manner that could very well be another armed robbery at the same location. A non New Zealand citizen did their nut at the staff for allowing it.
Risk Assessment Methods: Approaches for Assessing Health and Environmental Risks
New Zealand has become like the US Military when I first went to Iraq to work. Hint of issues or a suicide bomber they would lock down the Green Zone for sometimes days which gave the initiative back to the terrorists & insurgents(I well remember one Irishman during such a time saying he was going to pushbike to the Baghdad airport to get his plane out).
Compare that to the British reaction(& the Iraqis did) which was to flood an area after a shooting or bombing with troops on foot asking questions "What did we do wrong? Who was it?" etc. Then play a game of soccer with the kids.
Risks of been shot or blown up hadn't changed but their reaction was to try to get things moving. The British themselves observed in the end they stayed too long & lost that goodwill.
Earthquake Risk Reduction
Seems to me we are retreating inside our fortress, doing a lot of talking but nothing is getting done. New Zealanders tend not to say a lot even when things are wrong as they don't want to stand out. So if a lot of people are now talking it is time to take note & take action. Get things done!
As former Mayor Gary Moore said when questioned in one of the articles "Do I still have a sense of hope? No" & I would say that is a sentiment shared by many in Christchurch at present because there is no action & there is no leadership.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Well big drive by the Christchurch 'Press' to try to pin down where the earthquake recovery is going. The fact it seems leaderless.
It is this passing the buck, lack of action that is frustrating people & causing anger to rise.
I see also that EQC are going to review the assessments of chattels as private insurance has been giving small payments saying the house is going to be demolished from what they can see yet EQC are saying it can be fixed(from descriptions I have had Mickey Mouse style). Results in huge difference in assessments, more frustration & anger.
Normally you would say it was private insurance trying to pay as little as possible, but having been in some properties where EQC has said they can be fixed I think not. Slapping some concrete out of a bucket with a paint brush to even out the bumps in the floor I have seen done in Asia & might be acceptable in Australia(as it was recommened by an Australian I take it, it is)but it is not here & not when more large earthquakes are overdue.
Even the Mayor of Christchurch has lost his zip & fallen into line with the status quo saying different leaders are needed for different areas. But there is a need for an overall leader. Not a new one but an existing one to step up.
Now the Mayor of Christchurch & two structural engineers said quite early on in interviews that the building code had done its job & saved lives it was not there to save a building.
Straight away to me that implies like any saftey equipment such as body armour, cycle or motorcycle helmets that once used for the purpose for which they were designed they have to be replaced. So this is a rebuild not a recovery.
Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering Handbook
Instead of like Auckland or Wellington where recently Heritage buildings have been ordered demolished in hours when required Christchurch is still arguing over their merits five months later. Probably why someone asking for suggestions to get CBD going again didn't like my suggestion of bulldozing the whole lot & starting again.
By having so many 'leaders' who are as far as anyone can see showing no leadership nothing is getting done. With expected shocks to continue & even the predicted potential big shake around the 20th March 2011 (not to mention the earlier shake up around the 19th February 2011 based on the moon in Perigee) damage is worsening & showing how poor assessments are that have been done.
When green stickered(All OK) builidings have walls collapse it just tells people good shake from different direction or location can wreck anything or the initial assessments were not good enough.
Earthquake Engineering for Structural Design
All the theory in the world is great but it is the actual effect on the ground that matters.
The Minister for Earthquake Recovery is no better. He might officially live here, though for some reason wasn't here at time of the wee shake & never seems to be here except for visits as far as anyone can tell. People in his electorate are not happy. His efforts have been pitiful.
Now the Mayor of Christchurch in the aftermath of the earthquake & led up to the local body elections made a statement "I'm over democracy" or words to that effect. I would of though the current situation was right up his alley to prove his point.
Earthquake Engineering
When immediately after the main quake he had special powers & was able to get things done, but now it is committee after committee or commission & the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Commission(CERC)has no power it just recommends.
Of course a Camel is a horse designed by a committee or as one businessman I think it was said "a commitee is a place where good ideas go to die" or words to that effect.
We don't need committee's or commissions we need action.
It has got so ridiculous that one business contracted into assist with the recovery went to set up in the location recommended by the council but is now waiting on resource consent from the council to set up. The earthquake recovery act was supposed to deal with issues like that quickly, efficiently as was the minister. Both have failed!
Earthquake Damage: Inspection, Evaluation and Repair
The media are only scratching the surface of what is been passed on by concerned structural engineers as to information that is been hidden from people. It gives the impression that they are been hard on those who represent us but in reality it appears to be "you scratch my back & I will scratch your back".
So say this predicted potential big quake does hit around 20th March 2011 & this time people are killed. What then to these bureaucrats & politicians who do nothing?
I would say the anger & frustration will definitely boil over. About that time to add to the stress people's payments to cover rent(for temporary accomodation) from insurance companies is due to run out. With no word on what these people, who are paying both mortgage & rent, will get to cover this shortfall as yet many are moving back into their condemmed houses. The worsening financial crisis is making things just more difficult.
Advances in Earthquake Engineering for Urban Risk Reduction
I have said it before New Zealand has become a Risk Adverse country.
People would say to me but you are always on about Health & Saftey & Risk Assessment.
There is a difference.
In a very early blog someone criticized me for not naming the system of Risk Assessment I use. Those systems are designed to give people an excuse not to do anything.
Where as the other day I saw an editors comment about how the person whom the movie 127 hours is about is one of those persons who just ignores the risks or words to that effect.
Earthquake-resistant Concrete Structures
Actually that is the New Zealand perception been wrong again.
In business, life, the military & working in places like Iraq. It is not about ignoring the risk, it is about assessing it, mitgating it whilst still carrying on & I suspect without seeing the movie that is what this person has done. New Zealand used to be like that but not anymore. It just seems risky because people lack the knowledge or haven't weighed up the Risks.
Actually as I was typing that it reminded me of Charles Upham VC & Bar when standing on top of a truck to direct fire duirng the battle of Minqar Qaim. It looked dangerous & foolhardy to those around him, but his assessment was all the German shots were going low, so he was safer up high.
That is why people don't like my risk assessments as they see them as it will be used as a reason not to do something.
In fact I am looking at it the other way. Here is the risk, mitigate it so we can have a good event or safe society. But people here do not want to know & even when something does happen, within hours people are acting like it never happened. If you asked many of those people they would tell you it never happens in New Zealand or where they are.
I know it happened the other day within 24 hours of an armed robbery where people allowed others to enter in a manner that could very well be another armed robbery at the same location. A non New Zealand citizen did their nut at the staff for allowing it.
Risk Assessment Methods: Approaches for Assessing Health and Environmental Risks
New Zealand has become like the US Military when I first went to Iraq to work. Hint of issues or a suicide bomber they would lock down the Green Zone for sometimes days which gave the initiative back to the terrorists & insurgents(I well remember one Irishman during such a time saying he was going to pushbike to the Baghdad airport to get his plane out).
Compare that to the British reaction(& the Iraqis did) which was to flood an area after a shooting or bombing with troops on foot asking questions "What did we do wrong? Who was it?" etc. Then play a game of soccer with the kids.
Risks of been shot or blown up hadn't changed but their reaction was to try to get things moving. The British themselves observed in the end they stayed too long & lost that goodwill.
Earthquake Risk Reduction
Seems to me we are retreating inside our fortress, doing a lot of talking but nothing is getting done. New Zealanders tend not to say a lot even when things are wrong as they don't want to stand out. So if a lot of people are now talking it is time to take note & take action. Get things done!
As former Mayor Gary Moore said when questioned in one of the articles "Do I still have a sense of hope? No" & I would say that is a sentiment shared by many in Christchurch at present because there is no action & there is no leadership.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
