RobiNZ Personal Blog

An ANZAC Day without (voluntary) freedom

Seems odd to be locked in*, albeit voluntarily and for good reason, while commemorating those who gave up everything for freedom. ANZAC Day, 25 April, is the anniversary of the first landings, the invasion, that began the Australia and New Zealand Army Corp Gallipoli campaign in World War One. This does not commemorate a victory or even the worst battle in terms of loss of life. More New Zealanders were lost in battles on the Western Front (including my great grandfather) but ANZAC Day has gained special significance. It’s evolved to become the day when we honour all who served,... Read more →

Only one 'Like', but the best Like

The thing I like about Twitter is how direct and rapid, it is: Read more →

Dr Helen Czerski on life in isolation (and a champagne tip) | Fully Charged

I saw Dr. Helen Czerski speak in Auckland, back in 2017, and in this video she shares things learnt about living in isolation doing oceanic research. Back then her presentation was mostly about her research studying the oceanic/atmospheric interface and how that influences climate. However it also included some everyday examples of how the physics of bubbles are a factor in our daily lives like bread, coffee, etc The champagne tip, mentioned in the talk I saw, was a result of her expert bubble physics knowledge and extensive testing, in cooperation with Vintners and Sommeliers, in the Champagne Region. For... Read more →

Really Jeep?

Because Fiat/Abarth is FCA, I am on the mailing list for Jeep. Have to wonder if this image does anything positive for the brand? Lets fuck up a mountain? Read more →

NZ Media complain about losing advertising revenue they handed to social media

'Media actively drove their readers to social media and the advertisers followed. Every time you said "Visit our Facebook, Instagram, Twitter" to comment or feedback you were accelerating your own demise. They didn't take your readers, you handed them over willingly.' My response to: 'Media bosses challenge Government to recognise damage of social media advertising' where media bosses accuse social media of 'taking' , 'stealing', 'scooping up' revenue for eyeballs they actively sent to social media. Look where they are... Read more →

OneNote for shared locked in shopping lists | COVID-19

I’ve been using Microsoft OneNote to help support my grocery shopping trips for a locked in relative. This notetaking app is part of Windows 10, available on the web, iOS, Android (free for smaller devices) & Mac. I already do my own shopping list on OneNote and over time had built up a comprehensive range of items. The list is not store specific (unlike many shopping apps) and item checkboxes act as a checklist to fill out before you go. With the COVID-19 lockdown I’m shopping for someone else who is not able to do their own. Having a shared... Read more →