#1261 ... Roof shiner

Well YES ... a photo of the new indoor stadium under construction at Kilbirnie ... looking south from across Evans Bay ... the shiny roof of the new stadium can be centre photo ... between the old wharf piles.

#1260 ... Dangerous Toilet

If you need to visit .... please see the Site Foreman!!!! Toilet rebuild at the eastern end of Courtenay Place.

#1259 ...Building a tree

YES it's that time of year again ... the building of the christmas tree on Midland Park ... even though it is not a very big tree ... it still takes three days to build the framework and add the branches ... maybe we should do the same as the Rockefeller Centre in NY and put in a real one; I think they still do that.

It would be great if they could get the sunburst at the top of the photo to sparkle from the top of the tree !!

#1258 ... Metal to metal, ... with a bit of fun

Macaulay Metals offered guided plant tours of their operation including car crushing this weekend. They are New Zealand’s largest, privately owned scrap metal recycling business.

They have the values of an independent, Kiwi owned company. There are over 90 staff nationwide working hard to provide good customer service based on honesty, fairness and integrity. True Kiwi values from your local company - going strong since 1959. Macaulay Metals buys, sells and exports scrap metal from sources such as manufacturing off-cuts and stampings, demolition and obsolete equipment. Most commonly traded commodities is;
* steel
* stainless steel
* aluminium
* copper
* brass
* insulated cables
* spent vehicle batteries
 THANKS TO RUMI FOR THE PHOTOS

#1257 ... Late Halloween

A little late for last week but these guys deserved a mention ... they were all very polite, happy and full of fun ... seems like Halloween is the thing for intermediate age school kids. Thanks for stopping by pretty monsters !!!

#1256 ... Art and the Artists

Two very clever art graduates from Weltec proudly displaying their creations at the Thistle Hall gallery in upper Cuba Street. The range of techniques they had used in their works was fascinating ... they kindly explained it all to me ... thanks for your time Lee & friends

#1255 ... Not Guy Fawkes BUT ...

Although it looks quite benign this was the southerly front that started coming through about 4pm ... by 6pm cold rain and hail. Christchurch fireworks had been cancelled. Wellington under close watch. Cold wind and light rain right through till 9pm when the fireworks went off ... 12 minute display that survived the rough weather.

#1254 ... Sir Jon

Sir Jon Trimmer relaxing at the St James Theatre, before going in to watch a matinee show of "The Nutcracker" by the NZ Ballet.
Jon has been a mainstay of the Royal New Zealand Ballet for 50 of the company’s 53 years. Jon started dancing at his sister’s ballet school in Wellington at the age of 12. He spent a year with the then New Zealand Ballet, before studying at the Royal Ballet School in 1959. He danced with both The Australian Ballet and the Royal Danish Ballet.

He has performed with Dame Margot Fonteyn, Rudolf Nureyev, Erik Bruhn and many of the world’s top dancers. Career highlights include being nominated for the best actor award in the Fireraiser television series (1986) and dancing the title role in Petrouchka, and the role of Albrecht in Giselle. The last 20 years have seen Jon performing mainly character roles with the RNZB, alongside dramatic roles in television and stage plays. In 2004 he toured New Zealand with the play Meeting Karpovsky.

Jon was awarded Television Performer of the Year in 1971, received an MBE in 1974, recieved a Fulbright Scholarship in 1981, and in 1986 was the third recipient of the Turnovsky Award. He received a knighthood in 1999 for services to ballet. To celebrate Sir Jon’s 50th anniversary with the Royal New Zealand Ballet he took to the stage last year as "The Don" in Don Quixote.

Thank you Sir Jon for allowing to me stop, chat and take your photo. 

#1253 ... Hospice Strawberries

Photo of photo taker of photo of strawberry and icecream servers. The annual fundraiser for the Mary Potter Hospice ... strawberries and icecream ... here at Midland Park, Lambton Quay ... yum ... could almost imagine being at Wimbledon. Note the Paul Henry street art on the concrete bollard. Another topical touch to the tropical day!

#1252 ... The Master

Leonard Cohen, Wellington, NZ, 01-11-10

#1251 ...‘Coolest Little Capital in the World'

Lonely Planet Dubs Wellington ‘Coolest Little Capital in the World’

Wellington is named as the 4th top city in the world to visit in 2011 by Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2011, released today.

In its first recognition of a New Zealand city in the annual collection of the world’s best trends, destinations, journeys and experiences, the publication refers to Wellington under the banner of “coolest little capital in the world”. Lonely Planet’s Asia-Pacific Travel Editor Shawn Low said Best in Travel 2011 draws on the knowledge, passion and kilometres travelled by Lonely Planet’s staff, authors and online community. Previously the top 10 countries, regions and cities have been listed alphabetically, but Lonely Planet has revealed them in ranked order for the first time in its sixth edition.

“This book started with hundreds of ideas from everyone at Lonely Planet, including our extended family of travellers, bloggers and tweeters,” Mr Low said. “These ideas were then whittled down by a panel of in-house travel experts, based on scores for topicality, excitement, value for money and that special X-factor.

“In the case of Wellington, Best in Travel 2011 suggests that New Zealand’s most innovative and inspiring city might just be the ‘Best Little Capital in the World’.” Best in Travel 2011 writer Catherine Le Nevez describes Wellington in the book as “Cool-with-a-capital-C”. The abundance of arts and cultural events, the culinary and film scene, and the city’s attitude to sport are among the things that make the Wellington stand out. Wellingtonians also get a well deserved mention.

“Wellingtonians are modest-as; they just figure if you’re going to do something, why not do it well?,” she writes.

“Its compact size energises its sense of community. Locals love their city…and get a kick out of helping visitors fall in love with it too.”

Positively Wellington Tourism Chief Executive David Perks said sharing a top 10 podium with the likes of New York and edgy destinations such as Tel Aviv is priceless recognition for New Zealand and its capital.

“To have Lonely Planet – a global brand respected for frank opinions and having its finger on the pulse – come out and refer to Wellington as the ‘coolest little capital in the world’ and among the top 10 cities you must visit for 2011 is quite simply incredible.”

The announcement comes as the 85,000 international travellers expected to visit New Zealand for Rugby World Cup 2011 look to plan their visit in more detail. Best in Travel 2011 lists Rugby World Cup in Wellington on its planner of major events around the world for the year. Coupled with Wellington’s regular placing as New Zealand’s favourite destination in the quarterly Fly Buys/Colmar Brunton Mood of the Traveller poll, the Lonely Planet recognition creates an exciting platform for the city for 2011, Mr Perks says.

Year three of Visa Wellington On a Plate in August and an expanded Montana WOW Awards Show season will lead into RWC 2011 kick off in September. Hundreds of writers will then descend on the city for the Society of American Travel Writers conference in November, as another bumper cruise season settles in for summer.

“Wellington never suffered the hits from the downturn that many other destinations did, but things haven’t been as strong as we’re used to either – especially over winter. 2011 is set to be an exciting year but the job’s not done; it’s only just beginning.”

#1250 ... Fixed Gear

This is Gareth ... outside the local dairy in Tinakori Road ... met him last night and you can see that he is obviously proud of this fixed gear cycle which he built himself. Vintage frame, front wheel from the UK back wheel from the US etc. The fixed gear community are very passionate about their sport. Some of the cycle couriers use these bikes although the hilly nature of Wellington usually dictates a geared model !!

A fixed-gear bicycle (or fixed-wheel bicycle, commonly known in the USA as a fixie) is a bicycle that has no freewheel, meaning it cannot coast — the pedals are always in motion when the bicycle is moving. The sprocket is screwed directly onto a fixed hub. When the rear wheel turns, the pedals turn in the same direction. This allows a cyclist to stop without using a brake, by resisting the rotation of the cranks, and also to ride in reverse.

Track cycling in a velodrome has always used fixed-gear track bikes, but fixed-gear bicycles are now again used on the road, a trend generally seen as being led by bicycle messengers. Recently, fixed-gear bikes have emerged as part of the hipster trend due to their appeal as a "vintage" accessory.

#1249 ... Pedal Power

Eight gangly-looking contraptions cooked up by WelTec first-year engineering students get put to the test at the first Krazy Karts Day in downtown Lower Hutt.

The students' workshop was still flashing to the dazzle of arc welders and ringing to mallet blows when Hutt News visited last Thursday, but intriguing three and four-wheel buggies had definitely emerged from the skeletons of dead bicycles and other parts built or scavenged by their makers.

Some featured customised accessories such as "old school" ape-hanger handlebars, a comfortable bucket seat that looked suspiciously like it had come from the WelTec canteen, and one buggie that had genuine three-wheel-steering, with the front turning mechanism pulling the back wheels around so sharply the kart could literally turn on a dime.

Tutor Chris Price says practical lessons have been learned light alloy is not suitable for an axle, for example as well as more general realities such as what looks like being "a five-minute job" in the world of engineering seldom is.

THANKS to Rumi Shivaz for the photos. Ciao

#1248 ... What's the beef ?

Don't mess with these guys ... Scott and his team produce seriously great food ... and I recommend this great Cafe from many delightful tasty meals. For a less dramatic image ... one with happy smiling faces go to the Elements Cafe website

Elements is located in an historic site that once housed the library, post office and butchery that were a centre for the local community in Onepu Road, Lyall Bay. In a casual relaxed atmosphere that tradition is continued by being a place to meet, talk, eat and drink. The once divided shops are now a 75 seat café just a short hop from the Wellington CBD, a stone’s throw from the airport and plenty of free parking

... and to finish off a superb meal try the dessert plate – 5 different chef selected dessert tastes (for 2)

#1247 ... Glassed In

The new Telecom Building, under construction, on Willis Street ... zig-zag glass facade creates interesting reflections.

#1246 ... The Slayer

Called into the SUPREME Customs Brew Bar at 39 Ghuznee Street, Wellington. With 9 single origins on offer and four brewing methods available, the Customs experience is one that has to be tried if you care about coffee at all. Not being content with just tasting coffee in store, Customs also offers single origins for retail (whole beans or ground to suit) with some exclusive coffees to delight your taste buds. Customs has New Zealand’s first Slayer espresso machine and one of the country's only Clovers. Note that the dollars in the Slayer article are USD ... these espresso machines in NZ are the price of a new Honda Jazz!!! See how the Slayers are made ... some photos here

Pop-in and see the engineering work of art for yourself ... Ralph the experienced and knowledgeable barrista will entertain you with an awesome espresso.

#1245 ... Friends

Friends waiting around making use of the traffic bollards ... outside Circa Theatre ... next to Te Papa, Cable Street

#1244... Crossing Ghuznee

Crossing Ghuznee Street at the top of Cuba Mall ... an everyday occurrence at 5 minute intervals ... however take a closer look at the guy on the left with the red polo shirt ... he is an amputee and his artificial leg is a work of engineering art ... I have spoken to him a couple of times ... a great guy.

#1243 ... Free Zone

Just in case you didn't know ... rules for the CBD

#1242 ... QUAD Colours

Quad Art ... Victoria University students have been splashing the Quad at the main Kelburn Campus with paint as a release from last week of lectures stress and because the Quad will be demolished in November. A new Campus Hub will be built and the existing Quad will be dug down two levels to enable a larger platform for the new space.