Saturday, September 7, 2013

The new definition of 'Gay'?

Gay people define themselves and are defined, judge themselves, and are judged, on the basis of their sexuality.

But you don't have to be 'gay' to consider your sexuality to be your defining quality do you?

Some people think it's important to be seen as sporty, or arty, or intelligent. To them, these particular traits are what help create the impression they wish to give others.

So when the 'Gay Community' (which makes it sound like they all live happily together) petition for their rights, or for acceptance, there is a paradox. You cannot crave 'normality' (whatever that is) while defining yourself in such a narrow way.

I think it's time we forgot about being 'gay', and that goes for the people who are.

Sexuality and the sexualisation of our society makes gay people feel important; special. They are not. They are normal people and always have been.

It's time to move on.

Sure, you can still be gay, but only if you're honest enough to admit that what it really means is you're narrow-minded enough to consider your sexuality your most important trait; and don't forget, you don't actually have to be gay to do that.

I'm really not interested in your sexuality unless I'm considering having sex with you.

So 21st century, let's move on shall we? 

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Black Rooms and the ancient art of mail interception

I realised it's been over four months since my last blog post. In that time the world has come to know the names of Bradley Manning and Edward Snowden. 

The true extent and intent of western governments to intercept, snoop and generally read your supposedly 'private' emails and internet postings has become evident.


Here in New Zealand, the so-called GCSB Spy Bill is poised to become law, thanks, in part to the support of MP Peter Dunne who himself was recently the victim of leaked emails which resulted in his resignation as a minister.


But why are we so surprised our leaders are so keen to take advantage of so much information being available at the click of a  mouse?


Whilst researching 'Milkshake' I wanted to (fictionally) install a phone interception device in the telephone exchange situated in the Nelson Post Office Building. I came across the concept of the 'Cabinet Noir'  or 'Black Room'.


The following quote, written over six years ago, is based on fact and shows the idea is not new...


The concept of a ‘Cabinet Noir’ or Black Room dated back to the reign of Louis XIII. It was the office where letters sent by suspicious individuals were opened and read by public officials before being forwarded to their destination.

The practice was adopted during the First World War when the New Zealand Government employed the tactic as a means of censoring mail  in order to protect and maintain the morale at home, shielding it from graphic and depressing correspondence sent from the front line thousands of miles away in Europe. 

No doubt different versions of 'Black Rooms' continued to exist throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. But has the room now evolved to incorporate the entire internet?

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Blog 20 Sound on? vision on?

So it's been a while since my last blog post. In the meantime 'Milkshake' has sold steadily and a few Kindle Select free download promos have helped spread the word.

The trial with the cow's backside cover is coming to an end. I've agreed with the publisher we should go for an 'edgier' look to reflect the 'thriller' elements of the story a bit more. 


So in the near future, expect to see this on Amazon:



Meanwhile, in other news, a local radio personality who I made contact with via Facebook asked to read a copy of 'Milkshake'. After reading it, he invited me in for an interview, broadcast on local Nelson radio station The Breeze. He enjoyed the story and it's local Nelson flavour and was keen to help promote it in any way he could. He's promised a further interview when the sequel 'The Destiny Stone' is published, in the near future.

Here's the interview:

Click here