Wilderness Wally's Americana
...From New Zealand
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Monday, 22nd March 2010
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WAIKATO RIVER

"Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and senators and congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this country."
Franklin D. Roosevelt
The Republic is more important than one person's need to make history ... most of us know that.

Welcome to WWW - Wilderness Wally's World - A place where one can read a story about Americana or discover information on the many people and places of interest in beautiful New Zealand.

Click here to read more at Wally's Front Porch - Fire in Brothel leaves Man on balcony ... bare faced ... and more!

Click Here for Pot Luck - Help Wanted Ad: We need two Apprentice Crooks! And, (a totally unrelated story) Mafia suspect caught on Facebook ... with 200 friends!

Lord, please keep Your arm around my shoulders and Your hand over my mouth.

New chilli grenade packs a punch
It's the hottest new bit of hardware in the arms race - a non-lethal hand grenade loaded with the world's most powerful chillies.

Military experts in India have developed a new crowd control grenade packed with ground seeds from the Bhut Jolokia, officially recognised as the hottest chilli on the planet by Guinness World Records.

When deployed the grenade showers the targets with a dust so spicy that in trials subjects were blinded for hours and left with breathing problems.

Military leaders say it will be a major breakthrough in riot control or smoking out criminals and terrorists from their hiding places.

"The chilli grenade is a non-toxic weapon and when used would force a terrorist to come out of his hideout," said lead scientist R.B. Srivastava at India's Defence Research and Development Organisation. "The effect is so pungent that it would literally choke them out."

Corrugated shack is priceless - So is freedom
A St Lucia man who lives in a corrugated lean-to, without electricity or water, has turned down an offer of £40m for his land.

Claudius Lousien, 70, sleeps on a rackety old lounger which has long since lost its linen cover and the foam padding has all but disintegrated.

His lifestyle is organic in the extreme - dinner consists of the fish he catches cooked on the left-over coals from his charcoal fire, reports the Daily Telegraph.

But he says his 55 sun-drenched acres of undulating hillside and mangroves overlooking white-tipped waves and turquoise waters are priceless.

"This is a nice place, cool and quiet, with all these beautiful trees," he replies when asked why he wouldn't sell to the man who offered him $60m for his land, "I want to be buried here."

His home is atop a hill at Anst La Voute with a commanding view in all directions. The only sounds are waves, bird song and the crackle of a charcoal fire. Mr Lousien and his father before him were born on the Caribbean island - and he has never had to visit a doctor or a dentist.
(Try this in the US and some group of politicians will declare eminent domain and take it away! - I'm at the age when I just shake my head and wonder when we lost it? I wish him well.)

LONDON -- Library book returned 45 years late!
Staff at a British library say they were surprised and puzzled when they received a book that was 45 years overdue through their mailbox.

Alison Lawrie, the principal assistant at Dinnington Library, near northern England's Sheffield, says the Penguin first edition copy of "Quartermass and the Pit" by Nigel Kneale was due back on Oct. 15, 1965.

She says the borrower remains a mystery because the library records don't go back that far, and the sender didn't attach a letter or note with the book.

Lawrie said Friday the sender need not worry about a hefty fine.

She says: "If the person who returned the book wants to come forward, we'd love to know the story behind it."

Vote for the dog breed you like best - Link here to USA Today Paw Prints.

Dog adrift on ice saved from Baltic Sea - Link to story of Dog's Best Friend coming to the rescue

Jeff Foxworthy on Illinois - Internal Link Here

Why do we drive on different sides of the road - Internal Link Here

Seats on a Plane, How to Score The Best Ones-Link Here

A while back we made one of our regular pilgrimages to Martha's Backyard in Mt Wellington to stock up on things American. I suppose those who live outside the Auckland area would just laugh at our description of 'challenging long treks' in the quest for root beer, Libby's pumpkin pie mix, wheat thins, Triscuits and Cheez-Its.

You must remember, we are out here in the wop-wops of Whangaparaoa and we must navigate our way across the 'big smoke' of Auckland.

Never the less, it is a matter of priorities, our stash of Kool-Aid, Wish Bone chunky blue cheese dressing, Jell-O, Bisquick and Jack Daniels hickory brown sugar barbecue sauce was getting dangerously low. Mrs Wilderness found something new on the shelf, a single serve mini bag of Orville Redenbacher's pop corn!

If, somehow, you have not heard of Martha's Backyard oasis, it is located at
114 Lunn Ave, Mt Wellington, Auckland – Tel:09 570 7976
Shop hours:
Mon-Fri 10am-5pm
Sat & Sun 10am-4pm

PS - No, we don't make anything out of this. I just know there are times when a root beer float is soooo important.

Very Interesting
PALO ALTO, Calif. --
Hewlett Packard Co. said Thursday that it has reached a settlement with three companies that have been accused of infringing on the printer company's patents for ink cartridges.

HP filed a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission in September, seeking to ban imports of ink cartridges by 11 companies.

Two of those companies -- InkPlusToner.com of Canoga Park, Calif., and Comptree Inc. of City of Industry, Calif., have agreed to stop the imports and paid HP an undisclosed sum. HP expects to reach a similar agreement with Smartone Services LLC of Hayward, Calif.

Zhuhai Gree Magneto-Electric Co. of China has asked an administrative law judge to end the commission's investigation after agreeing to cease importing these ink cartridges.

A default judgment was entered against the remaining seven companies: Mipo International Ltd. of Hong Kong, Mextec Group Inc. of Miami, Fla., and five Chinese companies, Shanghai Angel Printer Supplies Co. Ltd., Shenzhen Print Media Co. Ltd., Zhuhai National Resources & Jingjie Imaging Products Co. Ltd., Tatrix International and Ourway Image Co. Ltd.

HP said it expects the commission to rule in favor of banning the importation of these goods from the companies.

HP's ink business has long been a cash cow, only recently being supplanted as HP's most profitable business by its services division. HP's printer and ink division had 2 1/2 times the operating profit as the personal computer division in the last fiscal year, even though the PC group's revenue was higher.

Shares of HP, based in Palo Alto, Calif., rose 41 cents to $52.64 in midday trading.
Make up your own mind on this one. I suppose they all make money on overcharging for refills ... we know these people (HP) will go to court to protect their cash cow.

Wish you were here?
Anyone who promised to visit friends or relatives in New Zealand and just never seemed to get 'a round toit' have missed one of the best summers this country has experienced in a long, long time. Of course this is just my opinion but it seems to be shared by a lot of people we know.

By all measures I know, like the number of days when an outdoor barbecue was a good choice or, the number of times a cold beer was the better option over a sauvignon blanc this has been one great summer.

Of course it isn't over yet but you had better hurry. There are a couple of flights a day from almost everywhere this is read.

Click on 'Miscellaneous' in the Table of Contents to expand and find US Contacts In New Zealand and other items.

Update for Non-U.S. citizens entering the U.S.
As of April 30, 2010 ALL visa applicants are required to fill in the online application form (DS-160) Link Here. Once completed, the information in the DS-160 will be electronically transmitted. The applicant must then print the confirmation page that includes some biographical information and a bar code confirmation number. Applicants must bring the DS-160 Confirmation Page to their interview. http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/forms/forms_4230.html Link Here

Click to view some of our photos of New Zealand As usual, a work in progress.

Come back often, have fun, keep in touch...
Mr and Mrs W-W


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Barbara Kreusch Chrisman said:The TV news (on the web) now lists cows as outnumbering New Zealand residents.:)

Chuck Dionis said:Walt.. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
(Bill O'Reilly doesn't want me to say Happy Holidays anymore) LOL
Take care, and see you when I see you Chuck

Barb Chrisman said:Hey, W/W, it's the "Pink Glove Dance": put on by an outstanding hospital near my neck of the woods. It was a great presentation.

And that Ford commerical was great!


Cindy Lou Tache said:Hi Walt & Georgea
Just to let you know I'm up and running at Leon's Sweet & Savoury,,I've made about 900 perogies and they are all for sale,,frozen and ready to go into the pot...pumpkin pies will be started on next,,so if anyone wants to purchase them for Christmas,, they should get their orders in,,,lol
Would love to see you again,, but this time I am open for business,, by the by thanks again for dropping in to see me...so if anyone is keening for a A&W root beer float or a great sundae, banana split or my winning personality,,i'll be there most of the time from 10am til 10 pm..I hope to see you all on my shop,,,on 47 Customs Street at Leon's Sweet & Savoury (AKA Rush Munro's)
Be well everyone
And see you soon at the shop..
Cindy Lou
PS: shop email is sweetleons@hotmail.com

kansasgirl said:Hi Wally and Mrs. Wally. Just wanted to let you know that Martha's Backyard has their new stock in - Pop Tarts, Fritos (yay!!), candy corn, A&W root beer Jiffy cornbread muffin mix, Reeces and many other goodies. (Sept 5th)

Barbara Kreusch Chrisman said:Wally,
Being a nurse, I am especially pleased that you thought to include the CDC article to help teach people how to protect themselves from the Swine Flu (and from many other communicable diseases).

Margo said:Check out Mrs. WW's Kitchen, a recipe for Butterfingers to try.

Jack Cooper said:nice one walt -keep in touch
Jack

DK said:Congrats, WW! You've hit the Big Time!

Barbara Kreusch Chrisman said:OK, why doesn't Tarzan have a beard. (I noticed there was no link when I first saw this about 3 days ago, and finally decided to ask.)

Barbara Kreusch Chrisman said:I've read your story about your mother (and selling your sailboat to make the last trip to see her) before, and I love it. Glad you included it for Mother's Day. Especially pleased to see you credit our loving heavenly father, God, for providing you the impetus to make the trip.
In Christ's love,
Nurse Barb

kansasgirl said:Your story about spiders in Australia freaks me out! Having lived in South America and seeing the same sized spiders on my way to school (like webs from tree to tree but luckily set back from the footpath), I know why I have the arachnid phobia that I have!

Frank Hoolihan said:Ages since I last visited Walt. Joy says I should be
horsewhipped. Couldn't wait. polished off the "Easter Bunny"
last night. Delicious.

WW said:Thanks Barb, I forgot where I put it! Memory - it's the second thing to go!

Barbara Kreusch Chrisman said:WW: You noted above, on Potluck, a story about a man with an ankle bracelet stole the bracelet, but I didn't find the story on Potluck. I've checked a few days, and it's still not there. What/where is the rest of the story, as Paul Harvey would say?

Barbara Kreusch Chrisman said:How good of you to provide the link to Q's site. I'm not technilogolically (spelling?) competent enough to do so.

Barbara Kreusch Chrisman said:WW: Your comment about thanking service members led me to refer you (and your readers) to www.IraqWarHeroes.org. The gentleman who devotes his life to honoring veterans has sites for WWII vets, Korean and Vietnam vets, Iraq/Afghanistan. He was a Vietnam vet, and changed his name to Q Madp. He is a wonderful photographer, and provides photos of funerals and "welcome home" events to the families of veterans. He of course does a good job of showing the honor/respect that the Patriot Guard Riders provide for funerals (to prevent the distraction of people intent on politicizing the services).

Margo said:Loved the night sky story, reminded me of the "Simpson" episode when Lisa tried to get people to look at the night sky. When I was a kid in the desert we used to lay out in the backyard and just stare at the stars. Bet they don't do that in many places anymore?

Anon said:What do you expect from THE rag in NZ ... and why do you think we don't read that rag?

Margo said:Just think of all of us women who are sitting on a goldmine! Wonder if I should sell mine on e-bay?

bird of paradise said:December 7th is now known also as the day OJ was given a 'life sentence' behind bars too! Supreme Justice!!

Josie Coker said:A rather belated congratulations on your 40th wedding anniversary. Your trip sounded wonderful and made me so nostalgic about the good old U.S. You two enjoy life together while you can...who knows about tomorrow??

bird of paradise said:Great that Starbucks is everywhere so you can get your morning 'fix' - happy trails eating your way across the west!

bird of paradise said:WW and Mrs W, great to hear about your Big OE/adventures in CA! Enjoy resting up for the next ones when you hit the road again...

Linda (in Ca) said:I was so pleased to meet you and your wife today. I really enjoyed our visit! Please do come visit again!

Colleen May Murray said:Hi Wally, Had Mrs Wilderness over Sat night for dinner, as usual a few wines were consumed, but of course we missed you not being with us. Not long until Mrs W arrives now and you can wander together again.
Bye for now
Colleen & Brian

Joy & Frank said:Howdy Walt, Loved your story about the Coffee Shop. There is now a new one open on the main rd. In Orewa, between "Joust" and Plantation. We plan on taking Georgea there when we get back from Wellington. Off tomorrow & back Monday. Take care but still have fun. F. & J.A.

Joy & Frank said:Whats this about going incognito.Problems with the Law ???.
Hope you are having a great time.Try to keep out of mischief
Adios Amigo. Joybells & Franco.

Margo said:Glad to see you back writing and know we all look forward to your adventures. You are missing lots of rain and now nippy weather too, aren't you envious?

Kansas Girl said:Hey Wally,

What's been happening in the USA? Where are you (or is that top secret?) and what have you been up to? I want to hear about the computer salesman! Be glad you left New Zealand when you did. The weather took a turn for the worse within hours of your departure. Is this a coincidence?


Colleen & Brian said:Hi Wally, Glad to hear you had a great trip back to the USA. Will look forward to hearing of your wanderings.
C & B

Frank & Joy. said:You see Walt, miracles do happen. Bon Voyage. Have a great
time but dont forget where they make the best coffee.

Kansas Girl said:Happy Easter! I loved your article about Easter. I am totally gutted that I will never see Easter on the 22nd of March but then there are a lot of things I probably will never see....the sphinx, Vladavostock, the Congo.......... But have a great Easter Sunday yourselves.

Margo said:After reading about Easter, I am convinced there was something wonderful about living in 'Ignorant Bliss' when we didn't have so much information.

WW said:Thanks for dropping by Dianne!

Dianne from the pet shop said:Hi Wally, enjoyed your interpretation of cricket. A bit like us kiwis trying to explain American football!!

Wilderness Jr said:VERY sad that the MIGHTY Cowboys lost against the silly Giants :(

kansas girl said:Hi Wilderness,

Good to have another look at your site. I saw a pic of the new US $ coin but now I can't find it back. Could you email me a copy of it? Turkey day is coming.....


BOON250 said:I loved the Rainbow Bridge story.... very touching....

California Sus said:I think the little TBall player is thinking "outside the box". He's probably at the top of some company.

California Sus said:Bart is so cute. I like the "stupid" signs idea. I could place many of them.

Dawn said:Stopped by for another look Walt. Glad you two have weathered another storm over the ditch. We are still contending with ours. Nine weeks for me now before I head off for New Mexico. Counting down ........

Bonnie said:Wally, you two really tickle me, I think you are more AMERICAN than you were when you escaped to The Land of The Long White Cloud. Anyway, keep up the good work, your site makes me homesick and I still live here!!

WW said:Susie - Be there before you know it... if the Good Lord is willing and the creeks don't rise!

Susie Lever said:Hi Wally. Love this website, but makes me miss you and Georgea more.

WW said:Thanks for stopping by Terri. It is all a work in progress and we hope you drop in often.

Terri A. said:This website is very informative, especially the "Travel New Zealand" link. Keep up the good work.

WW said:BOP-Thanks but now they are flying porkers! For a while anyway.

bird of paradise said:Love the blinking globes and the updates - thanks!

WW said:Thanks Dawn, hope you visit often. The bird life in immediate region is Wilderness Bart! (Inside the house.) Outside there are plenty of birds and we will write about them soon.

Dawn in Oz said:Hi WW, love your website. Lots of information for everyone. Would love to see some shots of the bird-life in your immediate region. Will revisit when I have more time and have a good look - but love it.

WW said:Thanks Meredith, we hope you stop by often and if you get a chance tell a story or two.

Meredith Lynn said:Great website!

K & M in Maine, USA said:Dear Wilderness Wally, Your web site makes us smile! There is nothing like this site, which stirs the embers of our identity as Americans, and makes us chuckle in the process, too. K & M

W-W said:bop - Thanks, but DK takes the bows for looks. I think his wife has some input as well!

bird of paradise said:The front page looks great with the flags and the various languages printed underneath - I like it!

Wilderness said:Thank you Lois, DK makes it all look good. Also, I told him to call his Mother more often. WW

Lois Wessel said:Am really excited about your pages. Of course I could be prejudiced--Dk is my son. But seriously it is really nice.

     
 

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