Latest news with #McIndoe
Edinburgh Reporter
3 days ago
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
McIndoe: developing teenage talent is key
Michael McIndoe, Edinburgh City's manager, praised his men for their first-half performance in the nerve-jangling, Group B, 5-3 penalty shootout victory over Stranraer and also stressed the importance of developing young talent. The 45-year-old told Citizens TV that it was important to get a win thanks to a game-winning penalty from Aidan Burgess after back-to-back defeats by Partick Thistle and Queen of the South. Overall, McIndoe's men enjoyed 62 per cent of the possession in the game at Meadowbank. The straight-talking manager added: 'Much more important than that, was having seven 18-year-olds on the bench, a 16-year-old starting and an 17-year-old starting.' They will be monitored in training and in match environments and they will assessed them week by week. The ex-Coventry City and Bristol City winger, who also dressed for Wolverhampton Wanderers, added: 'The youth programme is developing well. 'It is an exciting time for the youth guys. We are averaging 21.5 (years) in the squad. That is fantastic, long may it continue. They are going to get more opportunity than any other club, ion my opinion, in the SPFL to play. That is what we are here for. 'It is part of the passion to develop young players and I will through them in at the deep end to see how they get on.' There were ten Academy players in the squad for the game and Edinburgh-born McIndoe added: 'Getting back to the first half, we moved the ball really well, dominated possession, created three or four really good half chances, but overall really pleasing.' Like this: Like Related
Scoop
14-07-2025
- Scoop
New Zealand And Australia To Compete For Best-Tasting Tap Water Title
Next week, New Zealand and Australia will go head-to-head for the coveted trans-Tasman title of Best Tasting Tap Water. On 23 July, Timaru District Council's Seadown water treatment plant – the current New Zealand champion – will face off against Australia's reigning titleholder, Isaac Regional Council's Glenden Scheme from Queensland. The showdown, affectionately known as the 'Bledisloe Cup of tap water tasting', will take place in Newcastle, New South Wales. Timaru earned its place in the trans-Tasman final after taking out New Zealand's National Water Taste Test. Then event, sponsored by IXOM, was held on 29 May at the Water Industry Operations Group of New Zealand (WIOG) annual conference and awards in Nelson. Municipal water suppliers from across the country were invited to submit samples of their finest drop, with the Seadown plant ultimately crowned this year's national winner. Australia's competition followed a similar process. Water authorities from both regional and metropolitan areas competed in state-based heats, with the winners advancing to the national final. Isaac Regional Council's Glenden Scheme emerged as the overall Australian champion. The IXOM-sponsored Trans-Tasman Water Taste Test is a fun way to raise awareness of the quality of drinking water in New Zealand and Australia, and to recognise the efforts of local water operators and their teams to deliver valuable water services to their communities. During judging, water samples are subjected to a blind taste test and rated according to the 'Water Tasting Wheel'. The Wheel outlines some of the attributes water professionals use when assessing water such as colour, clarity, odour and taste. Think 'wine tasting' without needing to spit out the samples and you won't be far wrong. 'Many of us turn on taps for a drink, to cook and to shower, with little thought about the complexities involved in operating and maintaining the water infrastructure,' said Joshua McIndoe, Chair, WIOG. 'The competition highlights the dedication of individuals and organisations that work tirelessly to provide their communities with safe, high-quality drinking water every day.' Mr McIndoe also acknowledged IXOM's support of the Trans-Tasman Water Taste Test. 'IXOM's steadfast commitment to the industry enables us to run this competition and celebrate the critical work of water service providers in both New Zealand and Australia,' he said. 'IXOM is proud to be the sponsor of the prestigious 2025 Trans-Tasman Water Taste Test competition,' said Sean Eccles, General Manager New Zealand, IXOM. 'IXOM is a leading supplier of water treatment chemicals to the water sector. With over 100 years of expertise, IXOM locally manufactures and supplies chemicals to water treatment plants all over New Zealand and Australia. We strive to raise standards and innovate across the industry, and help to ensure everyone has access to safe, clean and great-tasting drinking water.'
Edinburgh Reporter
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
McIndoe's men stung by The Jags
The scoreline at sun-kissed Meadowbank (pictured) on Friday night finished Edinburgh City 1, Partick Thistle 4 in Group B, of the Premier Sports Cup. On paper, that appears an improvement on the 6-0 defeat inflicted by he Jags on the Citizens on the same competition in a previous season. However, manager Michael McIndoe has much to ponder when he reviews the game and re-watches the video. Thistle stung the home side with four first-half goals, two in the first nine minutes, after the visitors started brightly in front of a large contingent of travelling fans from Glasgow, a welcome boost to City coffers. The first was cooly slotted by former City loan player Cameron Logan after six minutes, the Jags robbing defender Lewis McArthur just inside his own half and punishing the mistake. The second from Robbie Crawford, followed a swift move down the left. The third arrived after 23 minutes and was a comedy capers own goal, caused by defensive uncertainty, Robbie Mahon sending the ball towards goalkeeper Mark Weir and an untimely slip by stopper allowed the ball to trundle over the line. The fourth followed with five minutes of regular time remaining in the half, and a neat move down the left which was crisply dispatched into the net by Logan Chalmers. City gave their fans hope with a goal five minutes into injury time in the first period, a dipping free-kick from just outside the box causing Thistle goalkeeper Lewis Budinauckas a problem. He palmed the ball into the air and 23-year-old former Camelon Juniors forward, Tiwi Daramola, seized on the opportunity to nip in and bundle the ball home. Home fans naturally hoped that goal would lift their men for the start of the second half, but City failed to up their game and the fixture petered out as a spectacle as fatigue kicked in. Frankly, Thistle's rearguard were rarely troubled despite City working hard, and the City midfield failed to take make any real impression on the Championship side. Chances were few and far between, but McArthur headed over when in a good position. Basically, the home side lacked any real punch up-front and, when they broke, it was more of an odd man rush rather than a co-ordinated thrust forward by several players. One plus was the competitive debuts of Jack Duncan, Callum Brodie and Logan Myles who replaced Innes Lawson, Lewis McArthur and Jake Service, but McIndoe's lack of options from the bench was evident. City named four substitutes while Thistle boss Mark Wilson had nine available. So, Thistle left balmy Meadowbank with the three points to open their account in the group and City manager McIndoe would probably have wished to meet Thistle later in the group stage once his semi-professional team, who play in the fourth tier of Scottish football, have upped their fitness levels, but that is the hand he was dealt. Now City travel to Dumfries on Tuesday (19.45) to square-up to Queen of the South, who play in Scottish League One, the third tier of the Scottish game, in the same competition looking for points. It would have been good to know McIndoe's thoughts post-game, but a request for a chat was turned down, strange for a club seeking to boost their profile and to encourage more fans to take an interest and possibly follow them. Like this: Like Related
New York Times
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Canada vs. USA: Two fans forced to watch each country's worst 2025 NHL playoff ads
Every year, there's one article more people ask me about than any other. Which is weird, because it has next to nothing to do with hockey. That would be this one, of course — the annual 'bad ads' piece, in which two Seans from different countries create an international exchange program for annoying commercials. You know the ones; the kind you see once or twice and maybe aren't too bothered by, right up until you realize that they're going to keep popping up constantly as you try to enjoy the NHL playoffs. That's when the annoyance begins to build. Sometimes, it grows into rage. Or despair. Or whatever that was that 'Tara Tara look at her go' made us feel. Advertisement We first tried this back in 2020, and it's become an annual tradition. This time around, in a year where relations between our two countries have been strained, to put it mildly, it feels more important than ever. After all, we may have our differences. But at least we all know how to pronounce the word 'liberty' and buy a proper cantaloupe. Here we go… McIndoe: I'm going to lead off with a decision that I suspect will be controversial. Canada, we have to figure out what to do with 'Lay It on the Line.' (Pauses while an entire nation shudders in terror at the mere words.) For you Americans, 'Lay It on the Line' is, of course, the single ad that's done the most psychic damage to hockey fans up here over the last few months. It's the Rogers spot that's not really selling anything except Canadian hockey exceptionalism, and we all hate it. It's to the point where just the first few seconds trigger a rage response from Canadians. BUT! I'm not including it as one of my three ads today, for a simple reason: I don't think it's a bad commercial. In fact, on first viewing, it's actually pretty good. The problem up here is that after that first viewing, and the second, and the third, we've been subjected to it roughly a million more times. I swear that there are times when it plays at every ad break. That's what makes it so awful. It's the cumulative effect. And that wouldn't come across in an exercise like this. So here's my compromise: American viewers, feel free to watch the ad below. Then rewatch it. Then put it on a loop, and after about 48 consecutive hours, check back and let me know what you think. You'll know it's working when the first drop of blood rolls out of your ear. Beyond that, I actually got scientific this year, posting a survey on my site for Canadian readers to vote on which ads they wanted to see. And somewhat to my surprise, two ads ran away with the poll. We'll use both, with a personal (non) favorite sandwiched in between, and see where this goes. Advertisement Gentille: Greetings from Team America HQ, where we believe we're in a bit of a transitional season. In 2024, we held the 'What a pro wants' hammer. The year before that, it was some lady with a heart like a truck. We know all about Tara, looking at her go and things of that nature. What I'm saying is that over the years, I'd learned to lean on commercials with earwormy songs. This year, I have no such option. Time for a different approach. I'm trying to build a contender without a true franchise player here. That worked out for Rob Blake, right? Right? In terms of the order, we're going in escalating order of obnoxiousness. I've tried a Round 1 haymaker a time or two, but I don't think I have the option this time around. Enjoy a slower build. Also, that was the first time I saw 'Lay It on the Line.' I get that repetition is a factor here, but if that was really the worst of the Canadian batch this spring, I might have a shot. McIndoe: I'll lead off with the surprise winner of my reader poll. To be clear, it's not that I don't think this ad is awful, but given that it only ran for about a week, it sure seemed to leave an impression with Canadian viewers. Sean, were you aware that we recently had an election up here? Gentille: No, but I'm a big fan of them — especially the effect that they have on watching television. McIndoe: Well then I have good news. We had a federal election, and like every election held anywhere in the world these days, we were warned that it was the most important one ever. And so, with just about a week left in a hard-fought campaign, this was our conservative party's closing message. Nothing held back, no expenses spared, this is what they wanted us to have in mind when we went to the polls: Feel the electricity! Gentille: Played big, I assume, with the crucial voting bloc of 'golf dads in quarter-zips who bought their kid a house.' Gotta keep those guys in your pocket if you're the conservative party. Also, I think this is the first instance of 'Simpsons did it' in the history of our little exercise here. Advertisement McIndoe: It might be! Also, for those of you who don't follow Canadian politics, I should point out that neither of those old golfer guys was running for prime minister. Or anything at all. They're actors. Like, they do this for a living. They auditioned for this, and the people who wanted to run our country said 'Those are our guys.' Gentille: I love starting conversations with my friends by reminding them of their kids' relationship to them. 'Ohhh, my son David. My mailman's name is David, too. Thanks for clarifying. Anyway, I had enough money to buy him a house. Things are going terribly for me.' McIndoe: In a shocking development, the party that ran this ad did not win. Hey, if I wanted to watch some sad old guys play golf, I'd just wait for the second round of a Leafs playoff run, am I right? Gentille: Yeah, or you could just hang around any Congressional country club outside of D.C. and wait for the clown car to roll up. Bunch of clowns. McIndoe: 'I think it speaks directly to a demographic that the Conservatives need to win in order to win this election,' according to this CBC article. That demographic: You guessed it, clowns. What's your first ad? Gentille: After I made my picks, I re-read last year's post and was reminded that we'd speculated, based on a Progressive ad featuring a ghost who sounded like Will Ferrell, that we were approaching a point where the actual Will Ferrell would show up in our nasty little collection. Lo and behold … Again: when I put that one in the leadoff spot, I'd completely forgotten about what we said last spring. McIndoe: Oh, so this is what 'pay your own way' means. It sucks! Gentille: It was the second one of these PayPal ads for Ferrell, too. Weird, because sequels have typically worked out for him. McIndoe: You see, the little kid tells him he's not cool, so that means they know he's not cool, which when you think about it means he kind of is cool, right? That's how irony works, right? I'm pretty sure that's it. Advertisement Gentille: Irony, at least as I understand it, is when a bazillionaire celebrity stumps for a financial service that allows you to pay for relatively inexpensive stuff in installments. Unless he actually needs it. McIndoe: Too bad about the humidity taking out his curls. If he needs any tips on keeping his hair dry, he could always reach out to Mitch Marner. Gentille: It gets warm in Raleigh. McIndoe: Next time we hang out, I'm definitely kicking off the good times with a 'Swans, flock up!' That catchphrase is definitely going to go viral, as the kids say. Gentille: I am simply begging Will Ferrell to do something funny. It's been long enough. Let's move on before I get any sadder. McIndoe: Good idea. Since you countered my friendly Canadian golfers with some genuine Hollywood star power, I know what I must do… McIndoe: When it's time to appeal to Canadians and you've got the budget for a legitimate if vaguely non-threatening movie star, there's only way name you turn to: Ryan Reynolds. But when you find out he's already doing weird scrambled egg ads for Tim Hortons, your next best choice is Keanu Reeves. Gentille: I have no problem with this one. He's a famously chill and likable dude, he's not doing anything particularly annoying in the commercial and he seems to have found yet another way to make the Dogstar guys some money. McIndoe: Oh, are those the guys from his band? I kind of like that. But I have to disagree on him not being annoying here, because the implication is that he's left an entire work meeting on hold just so he can go play guitar with his friends. That's big-league jerk behaviour, no? Gentille: Did you forget that I did that during the Zoom where they told us that they were putting the podcast on YouTube? McIndoe: No. That's why I chose this ad. Maybe time for some self-reflection, Sean. Advertisement Gentille: The only issue I might have here is that 'Keanu Reeves loves the internet' seems like a faulty premise, based on basically everything we've ever heard about him. McIndoe: I'm not sure I can fully articulate why, but the 'crash through the window' part really bothers me. It's a classic 'super-obvious idea that we've all already thought of and rejected, but now that the boss said it we have to pretend it's brilliant' moment. Kind of like when Terry Pegula suggests they sign Taylor Hall. Gentille: 'What if I crash through the window?' 'Yeah. I mean this is … yeah.' McIndoe: I will say this – I appreciate the attention to detail of him painting a wolf, then having that turn out to be his Fall Guys skin. I'm a 'horse's head and boxer shorts' bean myself, but to each his own. Gentille: I can tell we're starting to cook, because Sean just brought up the finer points of a video game that I don't play. Folks, it happens more than you'd think. McIndoe: (miscellaneous Balatro reference) Gentille: Alright, here's one that definitely sucks for reasons both obvious and subtle. McIndoe: OK, so… how can I put this… um, what the hell? Gentille: It's annoying prima facie because 'bibberty' is an annoying word, the baby is annoying and the guy is annoying. That should be clear to even someone watching it for the first time. What takes this thing into overdrive, though, is that there is LORE involved. Dude starred in a Liberty Mutual commercial a few years back as a 'struggling actor' who was flubbing all his lines. That's the big reveal. He dramatically pulls down the newspaper and everything — he, a guy who was in one of 10,000 simultaneously running insurance company ads from a half-decade ago. McIndoe: What was the reaction in the Gentille living room when that newspaper came down? I'm guessing it was a 'Stone Cold in 1999' level pop. Advertisement Gentille: Crashed through the window like Keanu, brother. 'THERE HE IS! IT'S HIM!' Insurance commercial lore is something I've whined about here before, too. We see it with the Progressive ads starring 'Flo.' Those have been running so long, and Progressive has such a warped idea of the space they occupy in American life, that she has a family and friends and co-workers now. We are expected to enjoy them, too. Also, I rewatched the original in prep for this. 'Liberty' is the only word Mr. 'Struggling Actor' doesn't flub. Continuity issues on top of quality issues. What a disgrace. McIndoe: Infuriating. OK, let's take it home… McIndoe: I'll be honest, I didn't really see this one coming as far as bad ad difference-makers. When it first debuted, it felt like a run-of-the-mill annoying commercial. But within a few days, it had emerged as the national consensus pick, and it never surrendered that lead. Sean, I give you: An old man who has strong feelings about a cantaloupe. Gentille: …I think this one is fine. McIndoe: Sean. Gentille: Yeah, man. I think the line deliveries are pretty good. I think soundtracking it with a string version of 'I Want It That Way' kind of works. There are probably funnier things she could be buying than a cantaloupe, but … I dunno. At minimum, I don't see how it would get that much worse even with repetition. McIndoe: I'm stunned. First of all, you're overlooking the deeply weird (presumably family) dynamic here, where she's clearly so beaten down from his constant nit-picking that she just pretends to go along with every weird thing he says. Gentille: No, I get it, and … I think that's kind of funny. McIndoe: Also, can we normalize not expecting the minimum-wage workers we hire to do our grocery shopping to engage in bizarre rituals with our produce? If I got a lecture about cantaloupe strategy from a customer, I can't tell you what I'd be doing to that melon, but it wouldn't be knocking on it. Advertisement Gentille: That's the only issue I have with it. Able-bodied people should minimize how much they use apps like Instacart and DoorDash and whatever else, and in the instances that they can't-slash-won't, they should tip well and avoid bizarre requests. McIndoe: You know what else sounds like nobody's home when you knock on it? The door to this old man's house, because he's a jerk. Gentille: Maybe this one was, in fact, bad. Alright, I'm finishing up with one that's a lock to bother you. McIndoe: Oh wow. Yeah, I'm mad now. Gentille: Congrats to Jennifer Coolidge who, I'm pretty sure, is our first repeat honoree. Last year, she was harassing customer service employees. This year, she's harassing Wayne Gretzky. We should hang a jersey that she never wore from the rafters of Bad Commercial Arena. McIndoe: I'm sure I'm not the first one to point this out, but the phrasing of 'accepted into the Hall of Fame' makes my eye twitch. Gentille: You're not. A truly pathetic, unnatural turn of phrase that they crowbarred in solely to set up an 'accepted everywhere' reference. We love it! I will say, though, I'd never realized that 'Gretzky' rhymes with 'jet ski.' Two of my favorite things, too. McIndoe: Also, she drops the Hall of Fame line while gesturing at the retired numbers, which… that's not the same thing! Gentille: Is it possible for anyone to know what a hat trick is while also never hearing of Wayne Gretzky? I don't think it's possible. McIndoe: That's a great point that had not occurred to me, and now both eyes are twitching. I mean, what's the sales pitch here? 'You know who would probably enjoy a commercial about how unpopular hockey is? Hockey fans!' Gentille: Also, Gretzky is sitting next to someone who isn't Kash Patel. So unrealistic. McIndoe: Yeah, her eyes both point in the same direction. He'd never put up with that. Gentille: 'It's the NHL on TNT, with Liam, Biz, Ace, Hank and Jetz!' McIndoe: I'll just say it – you win this year. Dwayne Jetski just beat the competition like it was an overripe cantaloupe rind. Gentille: He's been accepted into the Hall of Fame.
Scoop
20-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
NZ Water Professionals Go Head-To-Head In High-Pressure Challenge
21 May 2025 – Next week in Nelson, water network operators and civil contractors from across New Zealand will compete in a live, high-pressure skills showdown. The winner of the 2025 National Live Tapping Competition will be crowned on 29 May at the annual Water Industry Operations Group (WIOG) conference. In this high-stakes competition, teams of two race against the clock to connect a household-sized water service to a live water main – without shutting off the supply. Known as water main tapping, this process allows connections to be made under pressure, avoiding costly shutdowns and ensuring customers continue to receive water without interruption. It's a hands-on challenge that demands skill, speed and teamwork, reflecting the real-world pressures water network operators face every day to keep communities supplied. Once the connection is complete, judges inspect every detail for leaks, faults and technical accuracy. The smallest mistake can cost teams valuable seconds, while major errors could mean disqualification. The fastest team – after any penalties are applied – will claim the national title and bragging rights for the next 12 months. Sponsored by Hynds Water, the competition is a showcase of the expertise that New Zealand's water operational teams bring to the job every day, ensuring essential water services reach their communities reliably and efficiently. 'The National Live Tapping Competition is a testament to the proficiency and commitment of our water network operations teams,' said Joshua McIndoe, Chair of WIOG. 'These are the people who work behind the scenes, around the clock, to deliver these vital services, often under demanding conditions.' Mr McIndoe also acknowledged the importance of industry support. 'Competitions like this wouldn't be possible without the backing of knowledgeable and trusted partners like Hynds Water. Their support helps us champion the professionalism of our sector and foster pride in our industry.' 'We're proud to support the National Live Tapping Competition and the skilled teams who take part,' said Brent Merritt, Business Development Manager, Hynds Water. 'There's no room for error in a live pipe connection. This competition showcases the incredible skill and dedication of the professionals who keep our water networks flowing.' Notes: 2025 National Live Tapping Competition: The competition will take place from 12-1.15pm on Thursday, 29 May. The winner of the 2025 National Live Tapping Competition title will be announced on the evening of Thursday, 29 May at the WIOG Conference and Awards dinner at approx. 7.30pm. Previous winners of the National Live Tapping Competition are: 2024 Waipa District Council 2023 Waimakariri District Council 2022 Conference and competition cancelled due to COVID 2021 Timaru District Council & Waimate District Council 2020 Conference and competition cancelled due to COVID 2019 Manawatu District Council About WIOG The Water Industry Operations Group of New Zealand (WIOG) is a national not-for-profit incorporation formed in 2006 by a group of dedicated water and wastewater operations professionals. Its membership covers professionals in water and wastewater treatment, reticulation and construction, asset management, engineering, supply owners and industry suppliers. The goals and objectives of the Group are simple: to provide its members with the opportunities to enhance their knowledge, experience and to provide them with a voice. The Group also promotes the water industry 'source to discharge' as a whole in order to raise public awareness. About Hynds Water A division of Hynds Pipe Systems, Hynds Water brings together the water expertise from across the Hynds Group, creating a focused team of professionals dedicated to providing our water customers with the highest level of service and technical expertise, with easy access to world-leading water product brands and agencies.
