First it's New Zealand business losing its backbone and now, unbelievably, it's New Zealand sports fans:

The New Zealand public does not seem to be confident about the team's success, according to a poll on the Stuff website, with 66 per cent expecting less than 10 gold medals and 33 per cent no more than five.

Well, I don't buy it. Just like there's going to be no hard landing for the economy, I'm picking this team to crack its previous best of 11 golds and also beat Sparc's realistic forecast of 46 medals total. Why? Because I'm an optimist, that's why.

Meanwhile, the great social engineer Dr Cullen is said to be preparing a company tax/payroll tax trade-off in part to encourage increased productivity and in part to help fund future superannuation costs. Sounds good to me, especially in the current environment. But what about companies that employ lots of people and aren't that profitable?

Oh, right.

And what about a cut in personal income tax? Now that the odds of a hard landing have faded, the exchange rates are correcting and export stocks are hitting new highs on the stock exchange, well, it's time. But he'll probably wait until the next election. Bastard.

Update 2.47 pm: Burmester wins his 200m Butterfly heat in 1.59.57. The fastest qualifier so far. McMillan also makes final, Aussie swimmer takes best time off Bumester. Helen Norfolk second in her heat, goes to final.

Update 12.03: Just got home from a piss-up. Burmester won. Gold #1! Let's get some rah rah going! He dominated his heat but looked like he had something in reserve. Well done!