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Brian Rogers Rogers Rabbits www.sunlive.co.nz |
It's been a big week in the news, with the royal wedding over and the happy couple taking a honeymoon in the Seychelles.
The notorious bin Laden also took an overseas trip apparently – taking a close-up view of some sea life. He'd already had a close encounter with a seal and was left with holes in his 'jamies.
He must have known he was about to be shot in the head – he'd already wrapped a bandage around it.
There are some sceptics who are worried that the killing of the world's most wanted evil terrorist may have been made up. Some people are never satisfied. Even if the pictures of the body were released, there would still be those who'd contest the authenticity. Best advice: Don't worry about it – unless bin Laden pops up alive and well (likely in Tai Tokerau?) – then we'll start doubting the fact he was shot to pieces by the US special forces.
We will, however, miss 'the cave” jokes that have been circulating for a decade. Mind you, Letterman hasn't wasted any time in coming up with fresh ones. Such as Osama's last words:

Travel speak
And speaking of travel – there's an industry developing a language of its own.
Here at RR headquarters, we often cringe at some of the mangling, bastardisation of proper English. As if the new age of communications, computers, cell phones and texting hadn't done enough damage – we've now got travel agents adding to the carnage.
The latest lingo-lacerating lines come from tourist operators and travel consultants, who have devised an entirely new language of catch phrases and spoonerisms that will have your English teachers turning in their grammar.
Here we have some abominations from one of the worst culprits – we won't name to save embarrassment – who are trying to entice us to go glamping, flashpacking or take a mancation.
They say the travel industry is abuzz with buzz words such as babymoons, buddymoons and even a frightseeing tour – emerging as new age rivals to the humble holiday package.
While most travellers are still happy to book a 'holiday” or 'vacation”, numerous variations on the terms are emerging to describe particular styles of getaways.
Babymoons: Babymoons are holidays for mums and dads-to-be to take before the baby arrives. Rest, relaxation and pampering – all within easy reach of home – are normally the priorities for babymooners.
Buddymoons: On a buddymoon, you and the love of your life say 'I do” and enjoy the honeymoon in the company of friends and family.
Daycations: These getaways are popular options for those who can't afford the time or money to go away overnight or longer. In short, you stay for the day.
Waiheke Island is the perfect daycation for Aucklanders. For instance, a half day Waiheke Island wine tour. Wellingtonians could head to the Wairarapa for a gourmet wine escape and visit four Martinborough vineyards to taste the region's award-winning wines.
Flashpacking: Forget the dormitory – flashpacking is upmarket backpacking.
Frightseeing: This involves taking part in tours or daytrips that have a darker side. Transport yourself back to the darkest moments in the capital's history within the deep depths of the London Dungeon. Live actors, shows, two rides and interactive special effects ensure that you face your fears head on. Everything is based on historical events – from Jack the Ripper to the Great Fire of London.
Glamping: Glamping is glamorous camping. You may stay in a tent, but the facilities are generally five-star and go way beyond what you would normally expect on a camping trip. They say the 1001 Arabian Stars Overnight Safari in Dubai provides the perfect glamping opportunity.
Mancations: Vacations specifically for men. Key features may include sport events, fishing or adventure.
Palidays: On a paliday, you bypass hotels by staying with friends or family.
Set-jetting: Travelling to locations that were once the setting for films. The LOTR is a classic example of this locally, while in Rome, travellers experience the Angels and Demons tour, based on the book by Dan Brown. Follow the path of the Illuminati and decode the secret messages hidden in Bernini sculptures and Galileo texts.
Staycations: The term staycation emerged during the global financial crisis, to describe a holiday at home. Popular past-times on staycations include visits to the backyard pool, the local shopping mall or a drive in the country.
Voluntourism: Volunteering is an increasingly popular holiday choice for generation Y. It basically involves giving something back by volunteering during a holiday.
For example, the panda conservation adventure is a 14 day volunteer holiday, which allows you to take in China's amazing sights, such as the Great Wall, but also gives back to the community. Volunteer at the largest panda reserve in the world and help ensure these distinctly Chinese icons are around for future generations.
Here at RR, we're pre-empting the downfall of the English language by developing a few more new terms and would be pleased to hear your suggestions and examples used in everyday life. Send us your suggestions and we'll air them next week.
The parting shot:
What did General Custer and Al Qaeda have in common? They both wondered where all the tomahawks were coming from.


