Where is Aisling?

October 07, 2009 : 8:35pm *Update*

October 07, 2009 : 6:45pm *Update*

Aisling Symes is missing

She is a 2 year old toddler from Henderson, Auckland. She looks so precious that I truly hope she is found safe and sound. My heart goes out to those who love her.

The latest news has over 100 people searching for her since yesterday after 530pm which is when she was noticed missing. This includes specialist teams, police, a few members from the army, air force, and fire services, including civilians. There is even a 10 person unit apparently in operation for a routine foul play investigation. Dive teams and the eagle eye in the sky are also assisting.

It is well over a day now since she has been missing, and police have already called off the search, to be resumed tomorrow morning. Apparently an Asian woman in her 30's may possibly hold the key to her disappearance. If my daughter were missing for this long in these circumstances, I would be absolutely devastated. So I shall dream tonight that she is found safely smiling.

Check the latest update here: Asian woman sought in missing toddler case

Other links: [1] [2] [3] [4]

David defeats Goliath

And there you have it folks. David Tua defeats Shane Cameron by way of TKO seven seconds into the second round. The fight of the century is over and David has silenced his critics and shown everyone that he should be given a shot at the title.

David knocked Shane out twice near the end of the first round without mercy, brutally flattening him with left and right power combinations. Shane was a sad mess. After the second knock down there was a little confusion as to whether it should continue. The referee held the fight up unsure perhaps or unable to hear what should happen next. The delay caused the bell to ring and gave Shane a chance to crawl to his corner with an infinitesimal amount of respite.

The second round came and seven seconds later, Shane kissed the canvas in a world of hurt.

If you did not see the fight, you must watch it whether it be through highlights, a replay, or by way of YouTube. The amount of speed, power, and accuracy David possessed was pehnomenal. This was clearly the best fight I have ever seen. Shane put up his guard somewhat, but David's power plowed through his gloves with pinpoint accuracy via left and right combinations.

The undercard by the way was John Hopoate and Colin Wilson. Expecting Hopoate to win, I am sure many were surprised when the older Wilson destroyed Hopoate by knockout.

Great fight night for New Zealand, and a bright future for David Tua.

Ketsana

Another tragedy a few days ago. It can make one wonder what the next two years will bring. So sad, it makes hearts ache.

View the devastation Ketsana has brought here.

Double Ten Day

Read about it here and here.

Galleries can be viewed here and here.

Toddler swept away

A two-year-old Auckland boy has been confirmed as one of three New Zealanders killed in the Samoan tsunami and authorities fear for the safety of two more.

The toddler is the third New Zealander to be confirmed dead. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade have concerns for two other Kiwis who were holidaying at the Taufua Resort in Lalomanu.

The toddler was swept out to sea as he was playing on the beach with his parents at Lalomanu when the 6m wave came ashore on Wednesday.

His parents swam to safety. [+]

I can't even imagine what the parents must be going through. They heard the warnings but it was too late. As they tried to escape, a wave got them, and unfortunately the boy didn't make it. I have a two year old daughter, and I can only but imagine the heart ache. There are hundreds of sad stories in the aftermath of the Samoan natural disaster. Be thankful for your life and stop moaning about the little things.

Samoan tragedy!

As many of you around the world have heard, a devastating tsunami has hit several parts of Samoa and surrounding areas. After a quake at 6:48AM today the magnitude of 8.3 hit 200km's from Apia at a depth of 35km's, the death toll has been rising. As I write this, the toll has risen to over 100.

Latest news and updates:

Over 100 dead in Samoa - health workers

Latest blog updates

Gallery of the devastation:

Earthquake triggers tsunami in Samoa

How cool is this?

Numark X2 Professional Hybrid Turntable & CD/MP3 Player [+]

Who is she?

Just another little girl... [+]

Another dead toddler.

Police have named the Morrinsville toddler who died in hospital on Saturday night. She was 22-month-old Hail-Sage McClutchie, of Hamilton.

Hail-Sage's family were known to Child Youth and Family.

"Although we have had no involvement with the toddler, her wider family is known to Child, Youth and Family," said general manager Lorraine Williams.

"My condolences are with those who loved and cared for her. We will continue to work alongside the police as they complete their investigations."

Residents near the Studholme St house in the Waikato town say they were told the toddler had brain damage when paramedics arrived on Saturday afternoon.

Police said Hail-Sage had serious injuries and said her death was suspicious. However, they remained cautious about labelling it a homicide. [+]