cainchapman

The biggest one I have met literally, is Lou Ferrigno. He was massive! Nice bloke too.

I'd say the favourite one I've met (and it could have been because I didn't know who she was until after) was Sarah O'Hare. I spent an hour getting a haircut next to her and just chatting, then showed her the way to the local supermarket (in central Brisbane) and saw her the next night on the Footy show. Deb and the guys from work told me I was a tool. I guess I don't read enough tabloid sh*t. She was genuinely very nice and very pretty. This dude wanted his photo with me the other day. But Logan is a mate, so he doesn't really count. Plenty of racing drivers.

Welcome Jarred, enjoy yourself. We'll look forward to seeing the progress with your car.

Bring along a selection on Wednesday night and I'll make a decision. 178, must have just changed into 4th gear.

Welcome. We'll look forward to seeing you and the car sometime.

Only the company car doesn't have one.

Well, $90,000 dollars raised. Here is the footage from TV3 last night. I'm the fool in the red helmet. http://www.tv3.co.nz/Video/Firefightersrac...eID=55352#video

It's finally happened, the fuel light came on. After 787km and tells me I have 90km to go. Pretty much all round town driving.

$22,000 online raised. There will be some coverage tomorrow morning on TV1 at 0740 and 0840 approximately.

PS is a weird arse German measurement. It is close to Hp, but not the same off memory.

Rex Wilson and his family cleaned up nearly everything and the raise $14,000! $20,000 raised online already, there are a few teams keeping their collections secret until Saturday.

Here are some more. A sneaky shot of me doing 50kph down Tamaki Drive this morning. 2.2l/100km! In 4th with 2 gears to go. Yes, the handbrake is a bit weird, but I am getting used to it. I hope to sit down and read the manual tonight. The DSG gearbox works the same way as SMG (v1), which is backwards. Still trying to figure out the Hill start assist button though, don't really understand the difference between that and the hand-brake. The Edge, why? Simon, at least it's not Classic Hits or BFM. Actually chosen as I can listen to it in all major cities as I travel around. I don't think I can do the same with Hauraki. I'll let you pick the radio station when I get to Napier. The choice of beer wasn't mine either. It is a thank you gift for the Stores guys for helping flake the firehose for the Skytower climb. Their request for a drink. It is smart though, you can't drive off (with the handbrake on) if you aren't wearing your seatbelt. Which I thought was a good idea. Found that out trying to get it out of the showroom to go through some features and not gas the staff. 24 hours on, still liking it and not missing the Territory.

Yes, I'll get a picture of it later.

Well, I got to drop off the Territory and grab the new VW. I'm very happy with it. It drives very well and doesn't sound like a tractor. It even has an umbrella in the door (like a Bentley). 3/4 of a tank to go and it tells me I have 800+km to go. I'd be more excited if I actually paid for the fuel. The DSG gearbox is great. Let's see if BMW can get their upcoming version to be anywhere near as good. The driver's cup holder isn't perfect though. I need to talk to VW and see which version of Telecom mobile phone will work with it and upgrade. Sorry about the crappy photos, the light was fading fast after training last night. I'll try to get some better ones today.

Well done Brent. I'm sure we'll see it roaring around in no time.

I agree with Glenn, no one I know of out West. Go to Botany Motor Worx. He'll look after you.

Well Ollie. I've never felt the need to do any of those. But it'd be nice to have the option. Actually, I have done, the bridge climb. That was fun.

The iPod Touch is cool. I'd definitely get the 32GB. I watch a lot of stuff on it as I spend a lot of time in Airport lounges. The Man Show, Formula 1 pod casts, Extras, even the Hire. Most of it I watch once, delete and wait for the next subscription to arrive. You obviously have a massive music collection! I'm waiting to see how my Passat will integrate with the iPod. Half of my Touch is taken up with photos. You can now download full movies and tv episodes onto the Touch (although I haven't tried). The Wifi is a cool toy. But it's not fast due to the screen size. I do sit in the car and surf the web while I wait for the daughter to wake. But not often as I've got plenty of stuff to watch already on the device.

Very nice Laurence. Looking forward to seeing the finished product.

I'll have it just the way it is. Great looking car.

My original comment to Glenn was a tonugue in cheek comment. I'm sorry to see you are all so precious. I'm a sh*t stirrer and I don't care about your feelings. I never said that being an Accountant or Lawyer was an unworthy career. Just one I wouldn't do. I would also work for PwC. The are an excellent employer. Julius Caesar was a truly superb Lawyer & Politican. There you go, I've named one that has done some good. I was not implying that Engineers were better than any other career either. This thread has something to do with career selection and the pros and cons of whichever you decide upon.

Have you noticed how when the power goes out. You can still call the Emergency services (or anyone else). We are directly responsible for that. Been in an operating theatre with many of these undervalued medical people working on you. Hospital has lost power. Oh no, they have back up systems. So they can complete their work safely. GPS, Sonar, Telecommunications. Sir Angus Tait, Sir Robertson Stewart, Peter Maire, Bill Hamilton, Ernest Rutherford, John Britten......and the list goes on. The last 3 aren't Electrical, but have done significant things to make progress. Imagine where we'd be without people who do something useful. We wouldn't be having this conversation without Steve Jobs or Bill Gates. And you? got a man who knows some crims and did a deal to get the medals back. Get a drink driver off a charge. Excellent too. My company makes peoples jobs safer. Actively, we manufacture stuff. Not sue the negligent owner who didn't look after his staff. Watch this link and then think about how valuable your job might be. Just like the Medical people this thread is about. You never want to see any of the Emergency Services come to see you. They are worth every penny. And I couldn't value a good one. http://www.danieltobin.com/Lovell/index.html

Re-read the earlier post. No added value. My opinion about lawyers and accountants has nothing to do with the original post. Let it drop. Start a new thread.On the free meal front, again, I have no problem with it. It is a definite perk and must be taken into account when looking at the entire package. You are probably correct and it has come about from necessity. Feel free to place the winning bid for the trademe auction for the Skytower climb and see how some of the critical occupations have to spend a day!

I'm an Electrical Engineer. And my wife has worked for both companies. So I am not just casting aspertions. It is just my humble opinion.

For those of you near the Skytower on the 10th May. We are competing in the Firefighters Skytower Climb. It is raising for the Leukaemia and Blood Foundation. Here is the link for donations. http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/DebbieChapman/ Deb (I know, that's a surprise) & I are competing. And I am running in a relay team also. Any support greatly appreciated. If you just want to come and watch (or perv at Firemen, for the women). It starts a 0700 and will be complete by about 1330. For an idea of what is involved in video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jM7xx6F6FpA Media Release April 30, 2008 FIREFIGHTER SKY TOWER CHALLENGE HEATS UP Months of mental and physical training will be put to the test on Saturday May 10, 2008, when 230 firefighters take on Auckland’s Sky Tower in a gut-busting attempt to raise funds for the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation (LBF). These brave fire crews from around New Zealand will compete in a race up the 47 flights - or 1,029 Sky Tower steps - wearing full firefighting kit weighing 25kg. Pru Etcheverry, Executive Director of the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation, says the Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge is an incredible event and each year the LBF are overwhelmed by the amazing enthusiasm and generosity of the firefighters. “They juggle hectic work and training schedules and still manage to find time to fundraise for New Zealand leukaemia and blood cancer patients. They are truly our heroes and remarkable community people. “As we receive no government funding we are very appreciative for SKYCITY’s support of the event and of the 230 fabulous firefighters who are tackling the Sky Tower. A huge thanks must also go to firefighter, and Challenge organiser, Tony Scott for his passion and commitment in keeping this successful event powering along.†SKYCITY Chief Executive Officer, Nigel Morrison, says SKYCITY is proud to support the Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge - which is now in its sixth year. “SKYCITY is privileged to be involved in a large number of events that really make a difference in our community and we look forward to welcoming hardworking firefighters from all over New Zealand to the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere. “I take my hat off to everyone who completes the challenge and look forward to seeing the impact this incredible fundraising partnership has for the patients and families who live with leukaemia and other blood cancers every day.†For the first time this year, three lucky members of the public also have the opportunity to don firefighting kit and run the Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge themselves. Three places are currently being auctioned on TradeMe and the lucky winners will also receive two tickets to the exclusive post event Firefighter Dinner hosted by SKYCITY. The Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge numbers: • 6 New Zealand adults and children are diagnosed every day with leukaemia or a related blood condition • Blood cancers combined are the 4th most common cancer in New Zealand • The LBF responds to more than 900 inbound requests for assistance every month • LBF Patient Support Services cost $1,000 a day to run • $50,000 raised for LBF in the 2007 Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge • 47 flights of stairs in the Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge • 1,029 individual steps • 230 firefighters representing 58 fire crews from around New Zealand are competing in the 2008 Challenge • At 328 metres the Sky Tower is the tallest building in the southern hemisphere More Information: 2008 Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge - Event details Date: Saturday 10 May 2008 Time: 7am-1pm Venue: Sky Tower, SKYCITY, Federal Street, Auckland Central TradeMe Auction Visit www.trademe.co.nz and search for “Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge†to bid. All money raised from the auction goes to the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation. Leukaemia & Blood Foundation The LBF is a national charity supporting patients and families living with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related blood conditions. With six people diagnosed with these diseases each day that support has never been more vital. The LBF receives no government funding so relies entirely on donations and fundraising events such as the Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge. The following 58 Fire Brigades are taking part in the 2008 Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge: • Ahuroa Rural Fire Force • Auckland International Airport Emergency Service • Alexandra Volunteer Fire Bridge • Auckland City East • Avondale Volunteer Fire Brigade • Bethells Valley Rural Fire Force • Cooks Beach Volunteer Fire Brigade • Cromwell Volunteer Fire Brigade • Dunedin Fire Brigade • East Coast Bays Volunteer Fire Brigade • Edgecomb Volunteer Fire Brigade • Ellerslie Fire Brigade • Eltham Volunteer Fire Brigade • Gisborne Fire Brigade • Gisborne Volunteer Fire Brigade • Greenhithe Volunteer Fire Brigade • Hamilton International Airport Rescue Team • Henderson Volunteer Fire Brigade • Howick Volunteer Fire Brigade • Juken NZ Industrial Brigade • Kaikohe Volunteer Fire Brigade • Kamo Volunteer Fire Brigade • Kaukapakapa Volunteer Fire Brigade • Kumeu Volunteer Fire Brigade • Lumsden Volunteer Fire Brigade • Manly Volunteer Fire Brigade • Manukau Volunteer Fire Brigade • Maungaturoto Volunteer Fire Brigade • Mercer Volunteer Fire Brigade • Mossburn Volunteer Fire Brigade • Mt Maunganui Volunteer Fire Brigade • Muriwai Volunteer Fire Brigade • New Zealand Fire Service National Headquarters • Newmont Mines - Waihi ERT • Paihia Volunteer Fire Brigade • Papakura Volunteer Fire Brigade • Papatoetoe Volunteer Fire Brigade • Papatoetoe/Manukau Volunteer Fire Brigade • Paraparaumu Volunteer Fire Brigade • Rangiora Volunteer Fire Brigade • RNZAF Whenuapai • Silverdale Volunteer Fire Brigade • Silverstream Volunteer Fire Brigade • Stratford Volunteer Fire Brigade • Tairua Volunteer Fire Brigade • Tauranga Volunteer Fire Brigade • Te Atatu Volunteer Fire Brigade • Te Awamutu Volunteer Fire Brigade • Timaru Volunteer Fire Brigade • Titirangi Volunteer Fire Brigade • Tokomaru Volunteer Fire Brigade • Turangi Volunteer Fire Brigade • Waiatarua Volunteer Fire Brigade • Waipawa Volunteer Fire Brigade • Waipu Volunteer Fire Brigade • Waitakere Rural Fire Force • Waitemata Volunteer Fire Brigade • Wellsford Volunteer Fire Brigade