BLOG: Macca

TUESDAY 29 JUNE  

The last blog is a must read before you cast your apprehensive, sleep deprived, hopeful and hopefully not too suspicious eyes over this edition.
 
Rule 24 (d) will also be applicable if any team should receive one (1) red card in the Group Stage and a further two in their Second Round Match. In this unlikely scenario the stand-by team (New Zealand) will be re-instated and the additional replay of the Round 2 game will take place as soon as the two squads can be assembled. For further clarification and amendments please direct queries to: FIVApresident@maccablatter.co.au
 
Now I may be clutching at straws but Spain received one red card in their Group H match against Honduras (or as I like to call them HonoluluDuress) so should 2 of their players be sent off in the 2nd round game against Portugal at 6.30 tomorrow morning (Wednesday) then our All Whites are back in the hunt!!!
 
Good Hunting and Warm Regards,
 
Macca

SATURDAY 26 JUNE  

Fear not my friends and football kickin' kids - It's not all over yet for the All Whites!

Read on with the following press release that I inadvertently discovered this morning from a reputable World Cup website...
 
F I V A - the governing body of football have placed in force the following regulation in relation to the 2nd Round of World Cup play
 
RULE 24 (d). If for any reason two (2) players in the same team receive red cards during the group stage of the tournament and then another player from that team is issued with one during the process of second round play the following will take place: The match will be immediately abandoned, deemed to be a non-event and the ill disciplined side shall receive automatic disqualification from the WC 2010 event. They will be replaced by a side chosen at the discretion of the Organising commitees Ambassadors of fair play and sportsmanship.Should the aforementioned occur the Round 2 game will be rescheduled between the back-up team and opponents at a time suitable to the controlling governors and both parties (the stand-by team and their qualifying opponents). After a number of outstanding performances in the first round group section, New Zealand has been selected as the stand-by team.
 
Now after reading that I can tell you that Germany are the guilty troops, 2 players red carded during Group One stage and the almost brilliant news is that should another get sent off when they play England at 2am Monday morning then we'll be back in it!!! England owe us any favours?

Warm Regards, we stood by them and they stood tall for all of us - Go the (t)All Whites.
 
Macca  

FRIDAY 18 JUNE 

Greetings World Cup Kids and what about those Mighty All-Whiteys and who'd have thought a draw would have sent us into such wild raptures of bedazzling celebration. That was the case and so it should have been. Been saying for a while that this New Zealand soccer side would leave their mark on this tournament and they have, and I still feel they've got something special left in them, even if it's just playing well and going down to Italy and Paraguay in their remaining group matches.

And what about the vuvuzelas (the long plastic trumpets that create a massive swarm of bees sound effect)? Nah not for me, far prefer the WHITE NOISE that Ricky, Ryan and Winston put out in our first game.

Some thoughts on the evidence of what I've seen so far from South Africa -  the Hand of GOD appears to be on the side of Delirious Diego the 'Mental Manager' Maradona and the Argies, any side with the awesome strike power of the world's best player Lionel Messi, plus Carlos Tevez,t his cups' first hat-tricker Gonzalo Higuain and Diego Milito ensure they'll go deep into this competition. Germany look great, as do the Netherlands, Portugal, the Ivory Coast and my pick of the dark horses, Mexico and New Zealand (yeh, allow me a brief moment of reflected glory). You'd never discount pre-tournament faves Spain or Brazil either despite their none too convincing starts. The Hand of Frog is clearly not on the side of France, finalists in the last Cup and looking likely to be eliminated from this one after the group stage - and they deserve it if I may say so.
 
And England at the World Cup, yes - well like a lot of Kiwis would like to see them do well but has manager Fabio had a meltdown in not picking Joe Cole so far? Surely he can't be considering Goalie Rob Green for their next game (Put him in an Onion Bag!!!)

Other stuff -
Message to all politicians (both local and national) STOP WASTING OUR MONEY !!!!!!
Good luck to the Maori and All Black rugby teams for this weekend and finally, will God save Wales and The Whales?
After the shocking oil spill, not sure about that.
 
Enjoy your Sixties Saturday and Seventies Sunday.

Warm Regards

Macca

FRIDAY 11 JUNE

No more sleeps now till the biggest single sports event on the planet kicks off. Best of the weekend's games to catch - the Opening Ceremony prior to Soccers' World Cup kick off @ 2am tomorrow morning when the hosts South Africa (Bafana Bafana, that's Zulu for 'The Boys') play Mexico. Sunday morning at 6.30 is another cracker, England vs United States and then massive anticipation for New Zealand's opener at 11.30, Tuesday night taking on Slovakia.

G-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-AL -ALL WHITES !!!!!!!!!
 
Sleep Deprivation rules in Macca's Insomnia Land.
 
Warm Regards
Macca

WEDNESDAY 9 JUNE

Alrighty Kids... I've had writers block for some months due to unforeseen circumstances within my control and now it is well beyond time to get out of control and talk about something which stimulates and excites my senses no end.

The remarkable skills and outrageous talent that'll be on display, the opportunities on offer for dreams and reputations to be made and shattered, the chances for ordinary people to do the extraordinary, and in some cases the extraordinary to look ordinary and the millions watching from faraway places like New Zealand cheering on some who not that long ago were names that were not that familiar to us. No it's not radio I'm talking about, but the biggest single sporting event on the planet, the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

The beautiful game has taken me well away from the Rugby haven that I was so deeply entrenched in and added a richness and texture to sporting fanaticism that is both new and previously totally unknown. I can hear you now thinking aloud along the lines of "what the heck has happened to this guy?". Well it's true, I've undergone something of a transformation and it'd be great if you could join this remarkable journey of Our All Whites. Be back Friday morning at this place and this space for viewing details WC style.

Congrats to Telecom boss Paul 'Bugger, only kidding' Reynolds for his brilliant foray into television advertising. Yeh mate, be happy to go fishin' and share beers and whiskeys afterwards. Make the call.
 
Till Friday when the Cup runneth over,

Warm regards
 
Macca 

FRIDAY 19 MARCH  

Saint Patrick's Day (March 17, Wednesday in case you missed it) was the time for us kids to give it a good crack and being of romantic Irish descent it was important to partake in some dark liquid and keep it green with Midori and lemonade to boot.

But back to more sensible staff. (that's Irish for stuff) As promised in last blog some strange, unusual, odd and weird things took place when son Jesse and I flew to Wellington to see the Phoenix soccer side play one of their A-League semi-finals a couple of weekends back. We flew Virgins' Pacific Blue Airline which was a first for me and they're good, nice and friendly, altogether rather impressive although still feel they shouldn't charge for snacks and refreshments. Overheard during the flight was a young man telling his son and mother that the sun was out and it'll be a great day in the capital. That appears to be a perfectly normal comment and would have been had the plane not been flying well above the cloud formation and the guy's son made a meal of pointing that out to his Dad who I believe took some time to figure it out!!! His Mum had that look on her face as if she was thinking Oh Lord, what did I bring into this world and I've a strong feeling that the people concerned were very familiar to me...

And to continue the faraway father theme the tickets for the game were pre-paid and to be picked up at venue with gates open from 2pm ready for kick-off at 4, but instead of settling for that an urgent decision was made to track them down in the morning and to cut a long story short we spent a fair portion of the morning and early afternoon being sent from one place to another around the city in a vain search for the said tickets that were always going to be at the ground. Parents are inclined to do strange things when away from home and some never learn from their mistakes. Oh well, there's always next year. The day was topped off with a Phoenix victory, such a shame they lost to Sydney last weekend. There's always next year.

Thrilled to bits to hear about Tana Umaga playing for my fave Rugby team Counties this year, never thought he'd be seen in a red, black and white jersey and must take Jesse to Pukekohe to watch the mighty Steelers this season. So good to see a sportsman that we both admire and respect in a player-coach role with the great union.

Enjoy all the fine artists for the A-Z Weekend and good luck with the final week of Solid Golds' Fijian Cruise Collection.
 
Warm Regards,

Macca 

FRIDAY 12 MARCH

Last weekend in the WETAWOOD (my new name for the capital, should be the sign on the hill. Wellywood would be The Fool on the Hill) was a game of chance and chants. Yes kids, the Phoenix soccer team took their chances and put the ball in the old onion bag on 3 winning occasions and tomorrow night at ten o'clock play Sydney for a place in the A-League final against Melbourne. And the chants, well they were favourite phrases that echoed around the ground before, during and after the game. You couldn't help but be swept up in the brilliant atmosphere that existed in the Westpac Stadium last Sunday afternoon and Jesse and I joined in big-time and even came up with a few of our own rantings and ravings which I promise to tell you about next week. There was a comment made during the flight to Wellington that made one of the passengers appear to be a real dumbo, but will have to save embarassment by leaving that for the next blog as well!!!
 
Other highlights of the trip:
- My Mum finding her old office in the old Government Buildings
- Son Jesse and I ordering room service take-outs (how does that work?)
- Trying to find our pre-booked, pre-paid for tickets to the game
- Discovering that McDonalds was chock full of Phoenix fans after the game and making a rapid exit

There'll be more revelations next week.
Enjoy The Pioneers of R&R Weekend,

Warm Regards  -  Macca OUT

FRIDAY 5 MARCH

It's nearly Academy Awards kids and on Monday (our time) they'll be perusing and cruising down the red carpet on the way to dreams coming true and nightmares too. Everything happens in Hollyweird. It's still one of those special places to visit and do hope that the movie Avatar scores well and would love to see Jeff Bridges receive his first Oscar.

Few short bits......Black Caps cricket win over Aussies - Flamin' brilliant !!! Let's do it again.
What is it about law firms, in-house politics, power crazy individuals, illicit affairs, marital problems and great storylines that turn us on to the box? The Good Wife on TV3, Tuesday nights is a cracker, not to be missed television.

Finally, Jesse and I are off to The Wellywood tomorrow for the Phoenix soccer on Sunday. Mum's along for the ride as well, think she'll end up baby-sitting me while my son hits the Capital highspots (yeah right!)
 
Warm Regards and get ready to go Cruisin at 7.40 Monday morning with Muzza's Cruise Collection. 

TUESDAY 2 MARCH

High, and how hot have those temperatures been recently? Very HIGH and pretty damn hot all over as we bid a fond farewell to the snow kids and Vancouver's Winter Olympics 2010. Oh Canada you did the maple leaf proud both on and off the snow and ice. Watched bits and pieces - loved the Snowboarding, the jumps, speed skating, bobsleighing and most of all the curling.... (yeah right). For those of you that felt Kiwis didn't perform that well, it was gratifying to be on-air as we swept our way to medal award winning ceremonies in the curling (well, that's the story I was broadcasting). Sometimes it's better to be positive with little white lies than negative with the truth and we had some fun with it and as has been stated on this little show before, when it comes to brooms, Kiwis Can Fly!!!!!!!!

Great few days for our Super 14 rugby franchises, all winners and so good to see my favourite team the Chiefs starting with a massive burst. Long may it continue and on the weekend even better news for the World's biggest Counties-Manukau Rugby fan with the story about not only Tana Umaga but also Sonny Bill Williams playing for the mighty Steelers in the NPC this year. Occasionally a rumour or a story round the traps is worth it's weight in gold and I'll talk to my spies and confirm a.s.a.p. Then there was the sad earthquake story from Chile that looked as though it may wreak havoc on our shores but the lucky country escaped the nasty stuff and shame on those who took their kids out to have a closer look. Never under-estimate the power of Mother Nature!! Wouldn't matter if you were dumb enough to put yourself at risk but to include kids, well it defies logic. So excited and looking forward to Jesse and I being part of a Phoenix full house at Wellington's Westpac Stadium this Sunday, just like the Black Caps cricketers on Sunday, it'll be brilliant to get another win over our mates from across the ditch. On the subject of soccer - delighted to watch my son's favourite sports team, Manchester United win the Carling Cup Monday morning and a treat to see the best player in the world (I know, just an opinion) Wayne Rooney head home another winner. Here's to The Roonus or as he's known by some - Shrek.

Thrilled to bits this week to be giving away Al Di Meola in concert in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland with Tickets @ 2. If you like guitar, this guy's about as good as it gets so good luck with that and listen to Muzza in the Morning for details on how to win the Cruise of a Lifetime for two round the Fijian Islands.

Bula, Bula and Warm Regards,

Macca

FRIDAY 26 FEBRUARY  

Greetings kids of all ages! This blog finds me in an extremely positive state with The Flight of the Phoenix continuing to soar. The Phoenix soccer side's winning run rolls into the capital next weekend (March 7) with another A-League semi-final clash against the Newcastle Jets. Really looking forward to taking the flight south with son Jesse and we've saved enough (well, he's the finance expert) to enjoy nice accomodation at the Holiday Inn as well. And to top things off my mother is joining us on the journey having spent a number of years working for the Government in the Wellywood. She's a bit past big crowds but like her son still enjoys watching sport so will have the telly on come match-time while Jesse and I are embracing the 'Yellow Fever' in the stadium. Mum has always had a soft spot for the Capital and she'll be staying on a bit after we depart on Monday morning. Much more to report in next blog, enjoy your All in the Family weekend with Solid Gold.

Warm Regards, Macca

TUESDAY 16 FEBRUARY 

And so it begins - G'day kids (of all ages) great to be back and this is where the serious blogging starts so let's roll into it with one of my favourite topics which just happens to be SPORT.

The Winter Olympics in Vancouver are underway and what a deeply sad beginning with the death of the twenty one year old Georgian athlete practising for the luge. I have not seen the accident on screen and after hearing about the horrific footage, would rather keep it that way. Let's hope the images are all golden for the rest of the Games.

The cricket is still going and guess we won't get a really good reading on the qualities of the Black Caps til they take on our mates from across the ditch but there are distinctive signs of promise with some relative newcomers stepping up to the crease and some of the old hands doing the damage. I've not watched a lot of the batting, bowling, rocking and rolling to be honest but hopefully will flick into it at some stage.

Super 14 Rugby kicked off on the weekend, super to see my favourite side the Chiefs off to a good start in South Africa. Crusaders starting well (they so often deliver) and nice win for the Hurricanes beating the Blues in the first game. The match in Christchurch was the only one I did see on the box - like the cricket, rugby hasn't   captivated me yet because there's another sport that has my focus and attention at the moment. It's soccer with the Wellington Phoenix, the English Premier League and the World Cup in South Africa not that far away. My son  and I flew to the capital last month to catch the Phoenix in action, good game, some stunning goals and a great result. The 'yellow fever' have continued their fine form to gain an A-League semi-final match-up against Aussie opponents this Sunday in the Ring of Fire (no longer to be known as The Cake Tin). Jesse and I had a brilliant time in the lower North Island staying at the Copthorne Solway in Masterton (great hospitality) and the Copthorne on Oriental in Wellywood (another fine establishment and the concierge, a Phoenix fan, made it even more enjoyable). Many thanks to Murray and Pam from Masterton for their kindness to us both and it was superb to catch up with my good mate Barney who slipped over from Dannevirke to share a few of the amber liquids with yours truly. If you're in Wellington on Sunday and not at the Westpac Stadium to share some soccer history, you're not really living in Wellington!!!!! Just a few more short notes before wrap-up
 
The Good Wife with Julianna Margulies, TV 3 Tuesday nights is a cracker.
 
Television Ones' Breakfast reporter Jack Tame is talent for the future - brilliant job with PM JK on Waitangi Day.
 
Finally many thanks for listening, really enjoying new 2-7pm time slot and I'm sure Muzza, Rick and the two Marks are loving their work, would love to be in the Wellington this weekend but can't afford. Spot you again for another blog before the week's over.
 
Warm Regards, Macca. GO THE PHOENIX 

MONDAY 21 DECEMBER   

It's been a long time between drinks and so much has happened at Solid Gold FM including one of our original good guys, Blackie, leaving the building on Friday. I wish him all the best and all that sail with him.

On that subject would like to wish you and yours a tight, bright and real Merry Christmas and many,many happy, healthy and (dare I say it) prosperous days for 2010.

Thanks for listening, the pleasure was all mine.
 
Warm Regards,
Macca 

MONDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 

If you're not a fan of the amber liquid (or giggle juice) then this blog won't suit the young kids or perhaps the hiphop and happening lifestyle you've become accustomed to but as a glorious additive to cooking, beer can be a secret ingredient that provides that 'special' flavour to any number of different recipes as displayed in The Kiwi Beer Lover's COOKBOOK.
Sam Cook (pen name) is the chef behind the recipes and as mentioned in the Foreword,'He was a wise man who invented beer' - quote from Plato.  It's also known that Sam likes a beer and the book has been delightfully described by a friend of mine as 'classy with an appealing earthiness about it'.  Each recipe recommends a style of beer to be used - lager, draught or dark and in most cases the brands as well eg. Mac's, Speights, Tui, Lion Red etc.  Here's just a few of the many eye-catching recipes that more than tempted my taste buds.
 
Starters
Cheese & Spinach Dip using Speight's Summit

Breads and muffins
Pizza Crust with Lion Red for an extra twist

Soups
Broccoli & Blue Cheese Soup-chef's tip:Export Gold (that's gotta be Solid Gold !!!!!!)

Vegetables and Salads
Roasted Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce plus Export Gold sauce

Sauces and marinades
Aioli and 15ml of Steinlager Pure

Something fishy
Fish in Mac's Gold beer & Vodka Batter - Yummy,yummy YUMMY.

Stews and casseroles
Beef & Kumara Casserole,and from the dark side add Monteith's Black into the mix

Meats and Mains
Chicken Paella with a tip of Tui to tip the scales,and finally

Sweet As
Afghan Biscuits with Black Mac ingredient for Icing - really how good can it get?
 

Final word from PM John Key who's been starring for us in the US recently: "Was Pamela Anderson really here while I was over there,Oh well I work till beer o'clock".  He never really said that but it sounds nice anyway.  Looking forward to giving away the great Beer book next week, back blogging later this week, congrats to Jayne for winning the Beatles trip to London - pick me to carry whatever !!!!!!
 
 
 
Thanks for Listening and Warm Regards,

Macca  

FRIDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 

Just a super shorty kids - Write note to self, must watch TV on Monday night - Prime at 6pm (repeated 11pm) Late Night with David Letterman has our Prime Minister John Key in a starring role, I reckon he'll be up for it too.  Back with Monday blog and review of The Kiwi Beer Lover's COOKBOOK and some copies to giveaway on the little 10 to 2 show.  Leave you with a couple of tantalisingly tasty, tipsy teasers.  Steamed crayfish with Mac's Gold, Venison with Black Mac and Worcestershire sauce, Sausage & Capsicum Stew using Tui's.....mmmmmmmmmm Beer!!! Stunning weekend to you all, all the best for Blackie's Beatles draw. 8.15 Monday morning.
 
Warm Regards,

Macca

MONDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 

The coaching kids got their selections just about right and look at the All Blacks result - Bleedin Wonderful !!!!!! Almost choked on my AB's weetbix when I heard big Tom Donnelly's name announced to start the Wallabies Test on Saturday night, great to hear Adam Thomsons name as well plus Cory Jane in the starting mix.  If you care to check back a few blogs ago Donnelly was mentioned as a player I believed should get a crack at the big time so it was somewhat satisfying to watch him make a good fist of his debut test on the weekend.  The Cory Jane try was an absolute pearler and in my mind he's the only All Black who has played consistently well (with limited opportunities) all season.  I also reckon he's the answer for the Number 15 jersey at present given Mils Muliainas' recent loss of form - I know it's a tough one being a fan of both players but there ya go.  I'm also a Rodney So'oialo supporter and really hope that he gets more chances in the future.  Heck they all played well and gave us the desired result that we'd been waiting a while for.
 
On the subject of talented Kiwis congrats to The Topp Twins for their audience award at the Toronto International Film Festival and our Flight of the Conchords comedy duo for their five Emmy Award nominations.  Pretty awesome for a funny country or pretty funny for an awesome country!!!!  While laughing along with you TV3 has a damn fine line-up on Friday nights from 8.30pm on. There's Rove to kick-start the entertainment, Bill and Ben with Pulp Sport following that and the fun is neatly wrapped up by the comedic teams and the programme 7 Days.  Nice lead in to the weekend. 

We are getting close to announcement and departure time for The Beatles 9-2-5 Game, thanks for all the calls, don't give up and GOOD LUCK.  Remember London is the home of dedicated followers of fashion.

Thanks for listening and Warm Regards,

Macca

THURSDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 

Anyway as I was saying kids, just the other day before the rude interruption by the All Blacks here lies the continuum of the final chapter of the well researched and analytical sideshow trip of a celebration fit for a King to the Elvis 30th Anniversary hip shaker. 

For the final rap we enter The Peabody Hotel, one of Memphis's finest and one of the Pres's favourite places to 'hang out'.  It's also world famous for 'The Duckwalk'and the Hotels' most loved occupants, the ducks.  Now before you start thinking wacky and quacky thoughts there is also a Peabody Hotel Duckwalk of Fame and as mentioned in a previous blog,yes Elvis was posthumously inducted while we were visiting with Priscilla and Lisa-Marie in attendance.Back to those fine upstanding and swimmingly sensational flock of ducks.  From memory there are about six of them (mother and five youngsters) that reside on the Peabody rooftop and if you desire you're able to take the lift to see them in all their living splendour.  However the best way of snapping them (on camera) and if possible doing the up close and personal thing happens twice daily when a very well dressed gentleman catches the lift to the roof, brings down Mum and little ones (yeh in the lift ,what a trip) and they march in single file on a red carpet to arrive at their final destination - the Hotel foyer fountain where they climb up, do a few laps, then waddle back along the red carpet to the lifts, the doors close and you are left with one word - WOW!!!!!!! Did I say world famous, it is as it is and a definite not to be missed event in the Memphis.
 
Must go and venture into another Time Tunnel, thanks for listening C U back here tomorrow.
 
 
Warm Regards, Macca

FRIDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 

The Beatles are for kids and us kids are heavily into The Beatles.  This is the Hello beginning of my weekend Hello Goodbye blog and before I take you right across the universe words are spinning in my head so let me take you down to strawberry fields forever before you roll up, roll up for the mystery tour.  It's true sometimes there's something magical here, there and everywhere when endeavouring to be a paperback writer with song titles.  So here comes the sun and still plenty of time for you to avoid the taxman and ring to register for The Beatles 9-2-5 game.  Remember all you need is Solid Gold FM and a passport to golden slumbers!!!!
Let me tell you, I have just been listening to a few of the remastered cuts from the 'NEW' Beatles 14 CD Set - Oh WOW, it really is a Magical Mystery Musical Masterpiece and you must listen to us over the next few weeks to experience and rediscover the quality and enhancements to a different Beatles sound.  Finally a few short bits before Fridays beer o'clock...
 
All Blacks to beat Springboks - OH YES !!
My favourite Rugby team in the world, Counties Manukau pounding Northland in the exciting NPC last night - MEN OF STEEL ********
Fringe on TV2 @ 8.30 Wednesday night continues to push all my right buttons.
 
 
SUP UP and enjoy The 60's weekend on your radios.
 
Warm Regards,

Macca Under

WEDNESDAY 2 SEPTEMBER 

THE BEATLES 9-2-5 Game - it's for kids of all ages and how good were they and how good would it be, yep THAT GOOD!!  Next plane to London sure sounds good to me and all you have to do is listen to Solid Gold to discover a wealth of wonderment.

Believe it or not I've finally got around to revisiting the Elvis trip from two years ago that I was taking you through a couple of blogs back so without further ado....Let's go back to Tunica (briefly) and The Hollywood Casino and Hotel
I forgot to mention the steak sandwiches, available from the 24 hour restaurant and bar.  This takeaway ripper included a massive thick piece of tasty steak, super salad and plenty of fries, all for around 7-8 bucks American - brilliant!!!!!!  Tunica is sort of on the Tennessee/Missisippi border and came alive around 12 years ago and is a place that even many Americans are not that familiar with unless they've been there and then just like me it becomes unforgettable.  Another thing that we discovered much to our delight was that you could spend a good few hours sitting, chatting and drinking for ages at the casino bar (gambling not included!!!) and end up paying virtually nothing.  All thats required is a few dollars to tip  the bar staff every now and again - marvellous.
 
Memphis
The city cranks up big time for Elvis week and it's all The King, all the time. Just a few notes from a more than memorable time...
Graceland - even better than expected, 70's style and built for comfort, yes I would happily live there (any offers?)
The Presley Auto Museum - Simply outstanding; bikes, Harley's, carts and cars, the pink Caddy, the white Roller and the rest.
The Peabody Hotel - a must visit and a Memphis landmark with the world famous duckwalk. (will tell more in Fridays' blog) and while there Elvis was inducted into the Peabody Hotel's Duck Walk of Fame with Priscilla and Lisa-Marie attending and yes I was that close to  Priscilla. B-E-A-utiful!
 
Las Vegas
(Or as they call it, Sin City) - I never liked that name and there's so much more to it than what the name conjures up.  City of Lights with the famous strip and architecturally challenging Hotel/Casino operations, The Bellagio, Caesar's Palace, The MGM Grand, all breathtakingly stunning in design and splendour.  A personal highlight for me was at the Elvis Chapel in Las Vegas when I got to walk one of our tour party ladies down the aisle and give her away to her future husband.  There was a funny awkward moment just prior to that final walk when she whispered to me 'when we get to the end just give me a peck on the cheek, no tongue diving'!  On that subject it would be remiss of me not to mention Spearmint Rhinos. (this was the after wedding place of choice although not my choice) I don't wish to provide too many details but the visit involved a chance meeting, a beautiful woman, another disc-jockey and insufficient funds from a cash machine - well that's the story I was told and as the saying goes 'What happens in Vegas, stays.....'  To sum up in four fab words, I LOVE THE VEGAS! (not as much as The London and I've never been there but you could go by simply listening to us so thanks for listening and Good Luck)

With warm regards,
 
Macca OUT

FRIDAY 28 AUGUST 

Just a short one this time kids because it's Friday and I feel the need to reach out for the departure gates (you know what I'm saying!!)

Regarding the continuation of the Elvis travel stories, I realise you're not hanging in suspense but I'll resume the tall and true tales in next weeks blog.  Here at Solid Gold FM we are all motivated, stimulated and super excited about The Beatles 9-2-5 Game which starts on Monday and you and your favourite friend could be off to London to pick up...... Hold it why am I telling you this? Bet you'd love to GO, just remember never be too afraid to have a go, GOTTA BE IN TO WIN!  Personal thanks to United Travel and Air New Zealand for coming to the party.  Speaking of parties, sorry to see one of my radio mates, Adam 'Boom Boom Power' Butler leave the building the other day, he had been with the station since start-up thirteen years ago and I wish him nothing but good times.  To use a few of his favourite Queen song titles - It's a Kinda Magic when you find Somebody to Love. No More Radio Ga-Ga
 
Warm Regards,

Macca

THURSDAY 21 AUGUST 

Hello fellow kids, just reminiscing in regard to last weekend and remembering some terrific trips following the 32nd Anniversary of the passing of the King of rock n' roll Elvis Presley.  I was lucky enough to be in Memphis two years ago for the 30th celebrations and five years prior to that, the 25th. Celebrations is an applicable word because that's what they are in a city that gave America the Blues and one of music's most wonderfully gifted and giving artists- EP who apart from 'TCB' (Takin' Care of Business was a phrase he often used) donated much of his time and quite considerable amounts of money to  groups, organisations and foundations that were in need of  support.  That financial aid continues today and there is a plaque in the Graceland Mansion with a rather large list of  beneficiaries including African-American school kids which is most interesting considering Mr Presley was alive during an extremely volatile period of race relations in the USA.  His generosity and kindness knew no boundaries and that is something that I wasn't fully aware of before embarking on those two journeys.  On a lighter note the last excursion included Tupelo (The Pres's Birthplace) and Las Vegas, one of the King's favourite places to play on and off stage.  Following are some bits and pieces regarding people, places and events from the 2007 trip.
 
Tupelo  -  His birthplace and the reconstructed house he was born in and often visited after becoming famous, tiny, tiny little cottage with virtually no room to move (we were told Elvis slept on the floor of his parents minute bedroom!!!!!!) There was a marvellous mini museum close by that included all sorts of memorabilia and great photo displays from his early days.  A church stood close to the museum and I well remember entering that quiet place of solace and being spiritually uplifted on hearing the American national anthem played.
 
Tunica  -  An odd but brilliant assortment of Hotel Casinos, houses and farms (cotton is grown and picked in the region) spread over a fairly large area. The only reason we ended up staying at the Hollywood Hotel and Casino (about 50 minutes out of Memphis by bus) was because the Memphis residence we were booked into turned out to be a shocker, like Fawlty Towers only 10 times worse - the movie themed Hollywood was fabulous, recommend it as a must stay if you're in that neck of the woods.
 
Finally The Memphis and the Vegas  -  Don't wish to hold you in suspense but unfortunately someone else is demanding to use this computer so time for me to ride off into the sunset and continue these travel trips and tips (and was I ever tipped up in the LV or what!!) Just before departure, a couple of things:
 
All Blacks - dubious selections again but we live in hope.  Good Luck to Father Ted, cuzzy Ritchie and the boys for the Wallabies test.
 
Turn on, Tune in and drop in to Solid Gold FM this weekend for the 'OH WOW-POW WOW.
 
Warm Regards and as I was saying someone wants..........

THURSDAY 13 AUGUST 

No more Rugby for a while kids because I've had enough!!!!! Read a great book the other day, well  kind of not a book, more like a picture postcard publication with shots of various welcoming signs and other billboards located in small and large parts of this great country of ours.  It's edited by an old (young really) radio buddy of mine Josh Easby and is called 'Welcome to New Zealand'.Here are some examples......
 
YOU ARE LEAVING THE DISTRICT OF WAIMATE - Wallaby Country
 
WELCOME TO CAMBRIDGE - Home Of Champions
 
WELCOME TO Kaitangata - "BLACK GOLD TOWN"
 
WELCOME TO Clinton - "OUR THREE HORSE TOWN"
 
WELCOME TO Punakaiki - BLOWHOLES AND PANCAKE ROCKS
 
TARANAKI - like no other, Welcome - Haere mai

...and a couple of my favourites:
 
Welcome to Pleasant Point - "The Name says it all"
 
WELCOME TO NIGHTCAPS.
 
 
I've got some copies to give away with the Time Tunnel next week after 9am so good luck and if you don't win one search high and low at your nearest book store because this splendid trip down memory lane and beyond is well worth the effort.  Sometimes we forget the fine sights and signs that are spread all over our place and this is a timely reminder of how good we look. PRIDE and HUMOUR, that's typically Kiwi, just before I leave, here is a sign for this special weekend on Solid Gold FM
 
WELCOME to WOODSTOCK - Half A Million Strong were RIGHT ON!!!!!!

Warm Regards,

Macca

FRIDAY 7 AUGUST 

Well kids, how are you doin? Just for your eyes and culinary cuisine intake I'm going to go one better than Blackie and deliver a Triple R (Radical, Revolutionary, Rugby) Tri-Nations Toastie recipe!!!!!!!
 
Ingredients

Piece of sandwich size rump steak
2 slices of toast bread
3 or 4 large mushrooms
1 carrot
1 Large Tomato
spinach
Large jar of Heinz Seriously Good Mayo
2 Kraft Swiss cheese slices
small pot of Masterfoods Mint jelly
 
Method
Pan fry mushrooms with avocado butter, sprinkle salt and brown sugar on bottom of other pan and rapid cook steak.
Toast bread and spread one slice with mint jelly, place one swiss cheese slice on top of that, add steak then the other slice of cheese.
Place tomato slices on cheese followed by mushrooms, shaved carrot bits, a few decent sized washed spinach leaves and top off with the seriously good Heinz mayo spread all over other piece of toast. 

There you have it Macca's early Sunday morning toastie, ripe and ready just before the Wallabies do a toastie of the Springboks.  Remember to sink your ears into Solid Gold FM this weekend to swim with 'The Boat that Rocked' or wait for the Rugby ship to sink.
 
 
Warm Regards,

Macca (Hayley's marriage celebrant and Anne Hathaways future hubby)

MONDAY 3 AUGUST 

As a kid I grew up wanting to be a farmer and an All Black, I saw my first test in '63 (and my hero at the time D.B. Clarke) and since then I've been to grounds in New Zealand and overseas watching test rugby, in the early days listened to it on the radio at all times day and night and of course seen the AB's on TV's of various shapes and sizes.  So it was with some intrepidation, anticipation, enthusiasm and much excitement that I stayed awake late into Saturday/Sunday morning to experience another NZ v South Africa test.  I ended up turning it off six minutes before full time and that was a first for me.....NOT ACCEPTABLE!!!!!!!
 
Will someone please find Rugby before it Dies a LONELY DEATH?!
 
Warm Regards, Macca

FRIDAY 31 JULY 

Hi kids, it's nice to be back after time spent in three of the world's great cities - New York,Las Vegas and Honolulu,Hawaii.  I can just hear you saying 'Oh Really?!!! ' Well not really, but I'm not an MP yet so dreams are free.

I had a week off at home doing the normal relaxing, resting, eating and blogging out watching DVDs and television.  Must say I'm extremely disappointed with the new Julia Roberts video 'Duplicity' (what was she thinking?), one wonders if she got the correct script or not and it's extremely rare for me to turn a movie off after about half an hour but there you go. 

High Fives and HUGE UPS for our latest World Champion BMXer Sarah Walker who's hot for gold at the next Olympics.  On the subject of hot the All Blacks were not last weekend but there were some positives to come out of it and firmly believe that they're up for it against the 'Boks this weekend.  Not wishing to repeat myself........ aaahhhh bugger I will anyway, once again the wise men got their selections wrong last time  -  Rokocoko, Leonard and Tialata should not have started and what the heck was Jason Eaton doing in the reserves (apologies for telling it but just an opinion) Cory Jane, Piri Weepu and Owen Franks should have been in the First XV.  It's good to see the Motueka man Franks getting his chance this Sunday morning, thought he gave the guy they call 'The Beast' a scrummaging pounding last Sunday.  In regards to Eaton, I used to like him but firmly believe Otago lock Tom Donnelly would be a much better option at this point in time.  I would also like to praise my old Counties buddy 'DB' (Stephen Donald) for a fine performance, he just keeps getting better.  What a Rugby Rave that was, but wait there's more - like to wrap it up by saying that if they get the selections right I reckon this side with a few additions and alterations has the makings of a Great Team.

Have a brilliant weekend and remember if you miss the A side chances are you'll hear the B side.
 
 
Cheers, Macca

THURSDAY 23 JULY 

Hi kids and those of a like-minded young at heart nature...I thought I'd jot a few things down before my sojourn to NEVER-HOLIDAYDIZZKNEELAND.  Having got that out of the way I'm compelled to fit in a Saturday morning shift to serve up some terrific tunes on Solid Gold's Instumental weekend.  I'm also looking forward to the enforced break by soaking up the All Blacks vs South Africa rugby test on Sunday morning.  Expect my mate 'DB' to have another ripper in the No:10 jersey (DB stands for Donalds' Boot referring to first five Stephen Donald).  I reckon there'll be a lot more attacking options taken by our boys in this one and a sweet victory is on the cards and remember if I'm wrong, I'm gone !!!!!!
I've got a new best friend from 'the box' - it's on TV2 at 8.30 on Tuesday nights and is called 'Lie to Me'.  With having 'Fringe' on at the same time, same channel screening the night after it (Wednesdays 8.30pm) gives Jesse and I two good reasons to stay indoors!
Well, it's time for the departure lounge and cheers for taking time out to read.  I'll catch you with special tunes on Saturday morning, or 10 - 2 next Friday. Enjoy the sounds and because winning and being first means a lot to me, have a Happy twelve Days of Christmas? (WHAT??!!)
 
Warm Regards,  Macca

TUESDAY 21 JULY 

Hi kids and fellow moonwalkers, just a short 'Lunar Blog' today (if you've walked on the moon you'll understand where I'm coming from)!
I had immense fun today with the 40th anniversary of the toon Landing and Neil Armstrongs' first step onto the 'yellow planet' and the question still needs to be answered - is there any money up there?

My son Jesse and I had a ball at the Rugby test on Saturday night.  Right result, at times some good All Black defence, strong forward effort (would prefer to see more attack and support play from our boys but I have it on good authority that'll be the case in South Africa so the mouth watering expectations are high!)  Got stuck into a pre-game Speights with chips but alas by half time there were no more hot dogs?  Something to do with George Smith's 100 games for the Wallabies - that's how many Hot Dogs they had available at Eden Park, they should have known Jesse and I could have polished off about a tenth of those. Maybe ordering 200 for the World Cup final in 2011 might help!!!!!!!!!  Anyway, remember to get your catering order in early.
 
Here's to big APPETITES!

Warm Regards, Macca

THURSDAY 16 JULY 

Just a short one before the weekend, hope you enjoyed the Top 500 Hits of the 60s - was our pleasure to serve it up and sincere thanks to all those that voted for their favourites, do come back again.
Jesse and I are really looking forward to walking down the road and round the corner to the rugby test on Saturday night - hot dogs, beers, fries, fizzy and All Blacks defeating Wallabies - ya just can't beat that!  Good to see my ex Counties mate Stephen Donald get the first five job, he'll travel well and good to see that the Force is no longer with Luke(McAlister).
A special word for Wallabies flanker George Smith who plays his 100th test on Saturday night, he's always been one of my 'cross the ditch' fave players and tomorrow (Friday) on Solid Gold you can hear a musical tribute to Boy George between 1 and 2pm.  Thanks for listening and remember this....... rugby is only a game (yeah right!!!!!)
 
Warm Regards,

Macca

TUESDAY 14 JULY 

I've seen a few good DVDs recently - 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button', not the pitts but the Brad Pitt stars in a story well told about a guy born old and when he gets really old his life goes forward in reverse as he starts to de-age and get younger.  Interesting concept, one I'd like to explore, recommended for those in need of being a Big KID AGAIN!
 
'Yes Man' is a Jim Carrey film that also features our own Rhys Darby (Flight of the Conchords) and it's another good view.  Caught one of those Ice Age movies on TV, excellent stuff and can't wait to take my son Jesse to see the latest Ice Age film (Ice Age 3) on the big screen.
 
From the small screen I've a NFF (New Found Favourite) - Fringe is on TV2 Wednesday nights @ 8.30 and is like CSI, Lost, The West Wing and X-Files all wrapped up into an extremely clever and thought provoking package.
 
While mentioning the small box if you like fun in ya 'flakes Paul Henry is always a different look and opinion with Television One's Breakfast, a show that could make you lol (laugh out loud) and put you in a thoughtful state of mind the next minute.  Newsman Peter Williams is the total pro and Ali Mau's a good act and 'easy on the eye'!
 
Finally Tri-Nations rugby kicks off at Eden Park this Saturday, Jesse and I heading along mainly to see the Blacks and one of my modern game heroes - Wallaby George Smith - play test number 100 (outstanding achievement) and using the Welsh National anthem I've composed or de-composed a special tribute to the George which will be played Friday between 10am and 2pm.

Remember, if you're stuck in traffic, wind down the window, smile at the person stuck in the vehicle next to you and yell out DAMN THIS JAM!!!!!!
 
Warm Regards,

Macca  

FRIDAY 10 JULY 

Things that you may wish to ponder on over the weak-end (mispelling - NOT) - just the strange mindset that this writer is suffering from.  Back to those things:

All Black coaches reannointed (God bless them, NOT!), more money for the tribes (that's not what the govern-meant) Super CITY (not applicable) the $300 that we were all getting after recession kicks off (not kicked in) Transformers movie (not bad at all) TV and computer technology (easy to comprehend - NOT), Simon Dallow and Ali Mau break-up (not fair, they're both nice people and it's a shame to see them untied).  Are you by any remote chance slightly tired of the not factor and so many brackets appearing all over the place? Time for disc jockey to get knotted!
 
Remember why is the word abbreviation so long?
 
Not negotiable !!!!!!!

Warm Regards - enjoy Motown madness and Blackie launching Top 500 from 9am on Monday morning
 
Macca

TUESDAY 7 JULY 

Yes another Royal all English Club tennis tournament is over and how good was the Wimbledon?! In a word - VERY!  The Williams sisters were very dominant in Doubles and Singles - simply amazing!!!  To the mens singles final, where Roger Federer beat Andy Roddick and passed the Pistol Pete Sampras Grand Slam record (the FedEx has now won 15 of them).  Once again Roger is Number 1 in the World and in my humble and personal opinion the greatest tennis player of all time. 
While praising RF's remarkable achievements it's his opponent that I'd like to mention.  During that final Andy Roddick gave it his all, he came so close and following the match was clearly exhausted, stuffed, disappointed, frustrated and close to tears but you know what? - He managed to put all that aside and had only nice things to say about his more illustrious opponent and Roger returned the compliments.  I thought to myself, these guys have just displayed a vast array of superb skills and talents, fought long and hard (neither one giving up), and low and behold there has to be a winner.  You are kidding me!! Well, no that's the way sport usually works and it does not work much better than Federer and Roddick - two mates off court, each respecting the past,present and future of a beautiful game.  Could any sport claim to have better exemplary custodians?

Now that I've waxed, a couple of other things - I was happy to see the Lions beat the Springboks in that last Test, one of the Roaring Stars was New Zealand player Riki Flutey (maybe he should have been in a Black jersey?). 

Much has been said surrounding the death of Michael Jackson, and to add a few personal thoughts - yes he was strange and different but I prefer not to judge.  He was amazing on stage in '96, a Master of Invention with dance and music and a musical genious whose impact will be long lasting.  The MOVES and GROOVES of someone Special.

Many thanks for putting up with my rantings and ravings - enjoy your company and don't take a backseat to nobody!!!!
 
Warm Regards,
Macca 

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