Last week in the council chambers, Cr John Wilson raised the question of whether or not it would be feasible to explore a new bio-diesel innovation being investigated in Blenheim by the Marlborough District Council. I'll talk about that briefly as well as the so-called affordable housing scheme that has been making news lately. And the countdown to winter has started with Coronet Peak scheduled to open in just over a month, so enjoy the quieter conditions while you still can.

Stuff.co.nz published an article last week in response to a request by Cr John Wilson to enquire about the possibility of creating bio-fuel from the Queenstown sewage ponds to run local buses. I personally think that it's one of the best ideas I've heard from the council in the last year at least. TV3 ran a clip on this technology last year, and you can view that video clip here. If the council are able to pull this off, I think it will be a major step in the overall 'greening' of Queenstown, and if we carry along on this path, Queenstown may one day be seen as a 'green' destination, which certainly isnt the case now. To read more about how this technology works, please visit the Aquaflow Bionomic Corporation's website, or read this press release.

And now this from QLDC chief executive Duncan Field:


Well in my opinion, that's a move born out of necessity rather than actual goodwill on the councils part. Although I admire the moves that are being made, you can't help but feel that we've already missed the boat as Queenstown continues to become a destination for the wealthy. Maybe a better idea would be to investigate ways to provide better pay for the service industry. The average wage seems to be around the $12-13 mark for the majority of hospitality sector, so ideas for tackling this pitiful figure would be of better use.

Also on the council front, the latest news centres around yet another expression of interest from the community for directors of a proposed wholly community-owned engineering company. My favourite part from that press release would be the following paragraph:


Note the bolded 'not for profit'. Also, in an effort to keep everyone informed on the decisions regarding Queenstown's transport dilema, you're all invited to attend an informal information and feedback opportunity around the options, and to discuss the impact if we ‘do nothing’, and the timing of future implementation. The first session is on Wednesday at 3.30 at the Queenstown Primary School Hall.

And before I go, a reminder about the Rocky Horror show that starts this Wednesday. Tickets are still available for those still wishing to attend. And lastly, the date has been set for this years Wakatipu Ski Club Sale. This is a rather large event and is a must for those looking to sell that old gear, and for those looking for some bargains. Get in quick!

Until next week, enjoy the following editor's picks, and have a great week!

Nathan - Editor

YouTube Video of the Week Domino PCs: The Real Thing: 86 PCs in a row! Want to see more computer madness? Click here:

Weblinks of the Week Why I love New Zealand/Aotearoa - Land of the long white cloud World Imbalances - Shown on Unique Maps Movie Trailer of the Week Duck "Duck" is a sad-funny story of hope and survival, set in Los Angeles' as-of-yet avertable future. In 2009, when Los Angeles' last city park is closed to the public, a dispossessed man (Philip Baker Hall)—and the duck who follows him as a mother—quest west, on foot, in search of water and meaning, in the desert that is L.A.

There were two old guys, Abe and Sol, sitting on a bench in a park feeding pigeons and talking about baseball, just like they did every day. Abe turns to Sol and says, "Do you think there's baseball in heaven?"

Soloman thinks about it for a minute and replies, "I dunno, Abe. But let's make a deal: If I die first, I will come back and tell you, and if you die first, you come back and tell me, if there is basebal l in heaven."

They shake on it and, sadly, a few months later poor Abe passes on. One day soon afterward, Sol is sitting there feeding the pigeons by himself when he hears a voice whisper, "Sol... Sol...."

Sol responds, "Abe! Is that you?"

"Yes it is Sol," whispers the spirit of Abe.

Sol, still amazed, asks, "So, is there baseball in heaven?"

"Well," says Abe says, "I got good news and I got bad news."

"Gimme the good news first," says Sol.

Abe says, "Well... there is baseball in heaven."

Sol says, "That's great! What news could be bad enough to ruin that!?"

Abe sighs and whispers, "You're pitching on Friday."