KEY POINTS:
There is great debate about where to locate our new stadium for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Will it be at Bledisloe Wharf? Will it be at the Tank Farm? What about an upgrade of Eden Park? What about an upgrade of North Harbour Stadium? Shall we recommission Carlaw Park? Now is the time to stop arguing because Ed has single-handedly nutted out an inspirational solution - the redevelopment of the Mt Eden volcanic cone. He writes: "Brilliant, why didn't I think of that, you ask. The redevelopment of Mt Eden volcanic cone offers the following: A natural amphitheatre with sweeping views across Auckland. An iconic landmark that will be visible from Great Barrier Island. Easy pedestrian access via impressive north, south, east and west escalators. Still located in the rugby "heartland" of Mt Eden. Really close to the Prime Minister's house for after-match drinks. If this proposal gets your lava flowing, then spread the word and be proud to say, "I support Ed's Mt Eden Volcanic Stadium."'
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A reader writes: "Sweet justice for sport bore radio jock D'Arcy Waldegrave who, in the week before Guy Fawkes, moaned about how the Government is just trying to stop anyone having any fun any more by suggesting a fireworks ban. He even suggested to his small band of listeners the best shop in town to buy their fireworks from. Come Monday morning we hear a hoarse-voiced, shaky-sounding DJ describing his long-suffering night (which included vomiting, for some reason) where he was constantly woken by exploding fireworks outside his apartment window! Admit it mate - the PC brigade didn't seem so wowsery at 3am, did it?"
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Regarding the new history of Crown Lynn, a reader wonders if the book reports the following incident: In 1964, Crown Lynn was planning a new radio ad, and the advertising agency was on the lookout for a pleasing singing voice. A 20-year-old singer was asked to make an audition tape, which was then played to the advertising executive. His comment: "That voice will never sell anything." And Miss Kiri Te Kanawa was sent home.
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A man who received one of his wife's kidneys in a transplant claims to have taken on her personality. Ian Gammons, married to Lynda for 31 years, says he was always the rugby-loving man of the house who hated cooking, shopping and gardening. Now the 51-year-old Briton says he is never happier than when baking scones or wandering around the shops looking for bargains. "I love making scones and cakes. My daughters tell me they are very good. I've also become more intuitive. Now I go with my gut feeling."
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A job for the more transcendental librarian? asks Martin Fey of Howick, who found a job ad looking for "a professional Trainer with a Library and Information resource background to provide training in selected electronic products. An infinity with scientific databases would be useful."