Tony Abbott and the Syrian refugee crisis

Written By: - Date published: 8:49 am, September 10th, 2015 - 75 comments
Categories: australian politics, Europe, International, john key, national, Syria, uk politics, war - Tags:

Joe Hockey Tony Abbott

I posted earlier noting New Zealand’s and the United Kingdom’s change of position relating to the Syrian Refugee crisis.

Yesterday Tony Abbott, Prime Minister of Australia known affectionately by many as dickhead also did something unusual.  He changed position from four days ago and acted in a humanitarian manner and announced that Australia would accept 12,000 Syrian refugees over four years over and above Australia’s refugee quota.  Three days ago he was not budging on refugee numbers.

The latest announcement is impressive.  On a per capita basis each year Australia is taking in three times as many Syrian refugees as New Zealand is.  It is hard to imagine how Abbott could be so much more humanitarian than smile and wave.  It makes New Zealand’s altered response look very weak.

The Australian generosity has been tempered by the selection criteria and by boorish behaviour by some Liberal politicians.  Families from persecuted minorities aka Christian families will be prioritised.  There was this classic put down of George Christiansen who is your typical conservative politician on the subject.

And backbencher Cory Bernardi reached peak idiocy by claiming that the refugees are arriving in Europe for “opportunistic” economic reasons rather than because they fear for their lives and that Abdullah Kurdi sent his family on a boat because he wanted dental treatment.  Bernardi must rely on Cameron Slater for his information.

At the same time as the announcement that Australia will take increased numbers of refugees Abbott announced aerial bombing of ISIS in Syria.  So he gets to stroke both sides of the electorate at the same time.

This appears to me to be a Crosby Textor tactic.  A local example is National’s announcement in the last budget of a $25 per week increase in the benefit for beneficiary families while at the same time onerous requirements were put on solo mothers to find work.  And the English backdown in relation to the Syrian refugee crisis is tempered by a refusal to accept any refugees currently in Europe or to take part in the European Union Refugee quota system that Angela Merkel is trying to establish as well as increased drone strikes on ISIS targets.  And the number announced sounds more impressive but it is for the total number of refugees taken over a number of years.

Paddy Ashdown has been scathing about the English announcement.  From the Guardian:

David Cameron has highly developed skills in the art of following where he should be leading. And so, after being taught an excruciating lesson in compassion, decency and leadership by Angela Merkel, and sensing himself behind opinion again, he has produced a plan to take in 20,000 refugees – over five years. Nothing better shows the PM’s tone deafness to the urgency of the situation than to announce this headline figure, and then add that it will take five years to implement.

Not only is this response calibrated more by political expediency than compassion, he has also indicated he believes the answer to the problem is more bombing. If the best part of two years of bombing with more than enough high explosive hasn’t solved this problem, how would Britain’s widow’s mite of a few extra bombs help? Military strikes against Isis are failing, not because we do not have enough high explosive, but because we do not have a diplomatic strategy on Syria that would make sense of the military action.

But let us first consider Cameron’s refugee “plan”. Not only is he offering a derisory number of places for refugees, but the prime minister chooses to help those who are already safely housed and fed in refugee camps outside Europe, rather than those who suffer (and die too) for want of these things inside Europe. Could it be that the toxic term here is not “suffering”, but “inside Europe”, because of the effect these words have on his backbench Europhobes? If so then – irony of ironies – the desperate and the destitute tramping towards us on the dusty roads of the Balkans are hostages to Cameron’s headbangers, just as he is.

The recent announcements by Abbott and Cameron could be called a win win.  There is something for bleeding heart liberals like me and raw meat for those who think the best solution is to bomb away.

That portion of the electorate who are both discerning enough to understand what is happening and principled enough to be upset are very small.  Basically activists on both sides of the political fence and a few political journalists.  So short term the damage to the base support is minimised although the cynicism created amongst the journalist class is a problem.

There is clearly a pattern here.  In Australia, the United Kingdom and New Zealand former positions were quickly abandoned when the focus group results were received.  In Australia and the United Kingdom military strikes against ISIS were also announced to make the rabid right feel better.  New Zealand is not in the same position.  I guess John Key will be hoping that the flag referendum will provide a sufficient diversion.

This is interesting politics.  Basically goldilocks politics where the overall position, an average of two conflicting policies, is not too hot, not too cold, and just right.

It is a sophisticated version of the compassionate conservative line that arguably won George Bush the White House in 2000.  I do not think that the left has as yet figured out how to respond.  As a matter of priority it needs to.

75 comments on “Tony Abbott and the Syrian refugee crisis ”

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  1. dukeofurl 1
    10 September 2015 at 9:12 am

    The same tactic was used by Cameron in UK, the so called targeting of UK national ‘Jihardis’ by drone strikes. Its all public relations with an eye on their hard core right wing constituency.
    Since we dont ( as yet) have active military operations in Iraq ( or arent being told) maybe there will be more changes to GCSB and SIS legislation being prepared ?

  2. tc 2
    10 September 2015 at 9:48 am

    Great pic, Tony and his loyal muppets who just keep on providing entertainment and with the likes of Bernadi show Oz yet again what an old fashioned xenophobic born again bunch they actually are.

    Here’s what the OZ version of Joyce said and he’s the bloke looking up on the left
    “As an accountant myself, when you see an accountant walking across the border into Hungary from Syria when his life has been destroyed I feel a sense of empathy for him,”

    So christian accountants should be fine then and these refugees are coming from a conflict Oz begged the US to let them join in on.

    • mickysavage 2.1
      10 September 2015 at 10:09 am

      Haha can accountants feel empathy? Or are they like lawyers? 😀

      • tc 2.1.1
        10 September 2015 at 10:42 am

        Will not be much of that in Liberal ranks if they do not retain canning on the 19/9.

        Knives are being sharpened as ‘the infrastructure PM’ continues to poll badly and with efforts like this is it any surprise as he doesn’t enjoy great support in or outside canberra.

  3. Chooky 3
    10 September 2015 at 10:23 am

    …the refugee humanitarian crisis can not have been part of their plans or end game….i guess this is the irony of Empires…eventually the results of their warmongering have blow back ….and they are confronted with TRAGEDY and the defeated enemy peoples pleading at their gates

    …do they continue with their annihilation and risk being seen for what they are …or show compassion and realise their foreign warmongering policy was was a failure

    ‘Assange to RT: ‘US empire’ planned to overthrow Syrian govt years before uprising’

    https://www.rt.com/news/314852-assange-wikileaks-us-syria/

    “WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has opened up about his new book, ‘The WikiLeaks Files,’ speaking about the ‘US empire’ and telling RT’s ‘Going Underground’ program that Washington had plans to overthrow Syria’s government long before the 2011 uprising began.

    Speaking to ‘Going Underground’ host Afshin Rattansi, Assange referred to the chapter on Syria, which goes back to 2006. In that chapter is a cable from US Ambassador William Roebuck, who was stationed in Damascus, which apparently discusses a plan for the overthrow of the Assad government in Syria…”

    (Assad who was always the enemy of ISIS!…how do you explain that?.
    .. and thus far we are only hearing about Syrian refugees …what about the Libyan refugees?….Libya which was bombed by NATO at the behest of USA, Sarkozy and Cameron and now what was a high functioning, high standard of living country is utterly ransacked and destroyed by the West …. and taken over by ISIS)

  4. The lost sheep 4
    10 September 2015 at 10:36 am

    “I do not think that the left has as yet figured out how to respond. As a matter of priority it needs to.”

    Here’s a link regarding a report that came out mid-week on the UK Labour Party defeat. Most of it is equally applicable to the Left throughout the Western World…
    “Labour is today too often seen as an antiquated, class-based party rooted in the past…Labour is perceived as out of touch with the modern age…… the party’s identity is increasingly past its sell-by date.”
    http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-will-go-out-of-business-unless-it-sheds-its-cloth-cap-image-report-warns-10492077.html

    But of course the UK Labour Party is indeed about to lurch both to The Left and back in time. Will this prove the above report right or wrong? Here’s an interesting poll that offers little evidence that The Left are responding successfully this time…
    “While 29 per cent of people think Mr Corbyn offers the best chance of boosting Labour’s election prospects, some 48 per cent name him as the candidate most likely to harm the party’s chances – up from 33 per cent in June”
    http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-leadership-contest-twothirds-of-people-think-jeremy-corbyn-would-be-unlikely-to-win-next-general-election-10490294.html

  5. Chooky 5
    10 September 2015 at 10:47 am

    ‘Refugee crisis: Thank God for Germany taking responsibility – the rest of Europe appears to have forgotten the age-old lessons of history’

    by Robert Fisk , ‘The Independent’

    “http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/refugee-crisis-thank-god-for-germany-taking-responsibility–the-rest-of-europe-appears-to-have-forgotten-the-ageold-lessons-of-history-10493715.html

    “Thousands of years of our history can be traced via the movements of refugees. Often, they have been welcomed, and the societies receiving them enriched. Yet the same mistakes keep being made. Robert Fisk hopes we get it right this time…

  6. Anno1701 6
    10 September 2015 at 11:11 am

    Abbott = Chickenhawk…

  7. CTNZ 7
    10 September 2015 at 12:26 pm

    This is in response to your comment Mickysavage, “On a per capita basis each year Australia is taking in three times as many Syrian refugees as New Zealand is”. I agree that New Zealand should be increasing their per capita intake as we are amongst the lowest countries and with New Zealand’s annual refugee quota of 750 has not increased since it was first announced in 1987.

    However, in relation to the comparison of Australia’s intake to New Zealand’s, Australia has a much larger land scale , amount of resources and a higher GDP compared to New Zealand. Therefore, they are more suited to increase their refugee intake on the Syrian crisis.

    • mickysavage 7.1
      10 September 2015 at 2:56 pm

      It does but we are the worst in the developed world per capita. And we are a very empty land.

      • Draco T Bastard 7.1.1
        10 September 2015 at 4:03 pm

        And we are a very empty land.

        Are you sure about that?

        We presently produce enough food for ~20m people but doing so is destroying our environment. This would indicate that our maximum population level is quite a bit less than 20m. Sure, we’ve only got 4.5m now but what is the maximum number we can support while protecting the environment? I suspect that you’ll find that it’s not much above what we have now.

        • Chooky 7.1.1.1
          10 September 2015 at 4:47 pm

          +100 DTB..however imo we do have a compassionate duty to take in refugees ….20,000? ( as opposed to new immigrants….and wealthy ones at that)

        • Ad 7.1.1.2
          10 September 2015 at 4:53 pm

          You sound just like the rest of the 1%.

          Just using the Pacific as our own version of a gated community.

          • Draco T Bastard 7.1.1.2.1
            10 September 2015 at 5:08 pm

            The rest of the 1%?

            Which particular 1% are you talking about?

            • Ad 7.1.1.2.1.1
              10 September 2015 at 7:43 pm

              Just like the super-rich who don’t want those nasties getting into the Great Pure Space of the elite. Any excuse.

              • Draco T Bastard …
                10 September 2015 at 9:07 pm

                Right, so as per normal, you’re talking out your arse.

                Simple fact of the matter is that NZ, and the world, is limited and we need to take that into account when we decide matters. We can’t just let people in willy nilly.

        • marty mars 7.1.1.3
          10 September 2015 at 5:48 pm

          “We presently produce enough food for ~20m people”

          Where has that figure come from?

        • weston 7.1.1.4
          10 September 2015 at 8:58 pm

          plus it doesnt take much imagination to see that even a mere doubling of our traffic situation would be nightmarish

          • weston 7.1.1.4.1
            10 September 2015 at 9:04 pm

            austalia should take the lot after all 17000 is just window dressing like ours disigned to make us feel better cant help but feel is all total bullshit

        • CTNZ 7.1.1.5
          10 September 2015 at 9:32 pm

          New Zealand could increase its refugee intake by allocating more money to refugee re-settlement and lower the intake of immigrants as we should take a moral responsibility to these refugees. Although we do not want to lower our economy during the process of denying educated immigrants because then we won’t be able to help our own citizens as well as the higher increase of immigrants.

  8. Majic Mike 8
    10 September 2015 at 12:39 pm

    CTNZ weak excuses ,Gutless futile propaganda.
    Australia takes 17× the number of refugees we do,nearly 4× per head of population.
    Now with the abbot announcment ,Australia will be taking 8× per head of population that includes our pathetic increase.

  9. Tracey 9
    10 September 2015 at 12:40 pm

    Also of interest is that McCully as Security Council Chair derided the other SC members (I think he meant just Russia) for not doing the right thing about Syria… yet down here in the South Pacific, the equivalent of Uk and USA (Key and Abbott) strut about lording it over their lesser weaker neighbors…. anyone else see the irony?

  10. Majic Mike 10
    10 September 2015 at 12:46 pm

    CTNZ why not call Abbott you could come up with a new line of attack.
    Abbott is a communist bleeding heart liberal.
    But because Abbott is so far behind in the poles ,he has to resort to buying some votes while maintaining his right wing base by bombing Syria.
    Pork barrel politics with a healthy slice of propaganda.

  11. Steve Wrathall 11
    10 September 2015 at 1:53 pm

    “…the prime minister chooses to help those who are already safely housed and fed in refugee camps outside Europe, rather than those who suffer (and die too) for want of these things inside Europe.”

    Yes, that’s right. A genuine refugee stops at the first safe country. A migrant who then turns up their nose at the modest pickings in Turkey or Jordan &c.and strikes out for the more bounteous offerings in Northern Europe is rightly described as a welfare shopper. Paddy Pantsdown scolds Cameron for not favouring the latter & incentivising more hazardous ocean-crossing.

    • Tracey 11.1
      10 September 2015 at 2:00 pm

      Are you a real refugee? i ask cos you seem to have lots of insights into how real refugees should behave and think.

      • McFlock 11.1.1
        10 September 2015 at 2:48 pm

        Steve’s a real something, that’s for damned sure.

        He’s an expert on how safe Jordan and Turkey are for Kurdish refugees, refers to not even being able to get replacement teeth as “modest pickings”, and calls perilous and difficult journeys “welfare shopping”.

        If I had to describe steve, I might lose composure and use all the words that upset Family First.

        • cogito 11.1.1.1
          11 September 2015 at 11:18 pm

          “perilous and difficult journeys “welfare shopping”.”

          Beware beware….

          “Aylan Kurdi’s father potentially ‘people smuggler’
          An Iraqi woman says the father of a three-year-old boy whose body washed up on a Turkish beach was a people smuggler.

          A photo of the drowned toddler’s body drew international outrage and attention to the refugee crisis in Syria.

          Aylan Kurdi’s father told the media the captain of the ship jumped overboard when it hit a wave, and then capsized.

          Zainab Abbas’s two children were killed on the boat, and her cousin has translated her story to Australia’s Channel 10.

          “It was Abdullah Kurdi driving the boat,” she says. She says she was assured the trip would be safe as the driver of the boat was going to bring his “two kids and his wife” as well.

          She is now pleading for the Australian government to give her asylum.”

          http://www.3news.co.nz/world/aylan-kurdis-father-potentially-people-smuggler-2015091121#axzz3lNVtbbxE

          • McFlock 11.1.1.1.1
            11 September 2015 at 11:29 pm

            still doesn’t contradict where they were from or whether he was trying to get his family out of Turkey.

            So still a perilous and difficult journey, Not welfare shopping or an afternoon jaunt on a boat.

            • cogito 11.1.1.1.1.1
              12 September 2015 at 8:35 am

              “Not welfare shopping”

              Of course not, LOL.

              “or an afternoon jaunt on a boat.”

              Just suspected people trafficking leading to multiple deaths.

              • McFlock …
                12 September 2015 at 3:53 pm

                Oh, not “suspected” people trafficking. Traffickers were definitely involved, even by the article you linked.

                But I’m still not clear on what your point is. Is it that smugglers might have cut their costs by having an inexperienced and desperate refugee “captain” the boat? Or that Aylan’s dad thought he’d pay for a family daytrip to Greece by smuggling a few refugees? Or that Aylan’s dad planned to drown his family and a few refugees to get away with it?

                I don’t see how those suppositions, or any other variation, affect the central point: innocent people are dying even after leaving the immediate peril of a war zone simply because the world does not have the systems in place to handle the intercontinental transit of a large number of refugees.

                • One Anonymous Bloke …
                  12 September 2015 at 3:58 pm

                  Economic migrants caused the unrest in the first place, so that they’d have refugees to hide amongst. No really, I seen it on Fox.

      • joe90 11.1.2
        10 September 2015 at 2:51 pm

        Check out his twitter account – he’s a white nationalist.

        • Tracey 11.1.2.1
          10 September 2015 at 3:05 pm

          A great reason not to read his twitter account then. He does seem to just spout stuff and run… oblivious to his own privileged situation.

          • Steve Wrathall 11.1.2.1.1
            10 September 2015 at 3:15 pm

            So, no attempt to rebut my point that Europe’s open-door policy produces drownings, just like Australia’s has ended drownings by removing the people smugglers’ inventive. Just the normal vitriol.

            White nationalist? Where’s that one come from?

            • Tracey 11.1.2.1.1.1
              10 September 2015 at 3:30 pm

              why ask me? I didn’t label you that?

              Have you been a refugee, you haven’t answered my question.

            • McFlock 11.1.2.1.1.2
              10 September 2015 at 3:36 pm

              removing the people smugglers’ inventive

              [assuming “incentive”]

              Australia should be commended for preventing drownings with intensive maritime surveillance.

              Paying people smugglers to turn around, and detaining refugees in camps with sexual assaults and beatings, on the other hand, should be condemned.

              Concealing the problem of abuse in the camps by making it illegal for people to report those abuses is downright wicked.

              The boats are still operating. People are still trying. They just get picked up by the navy. People smugglers collect cash from the Australians, as well as the refugees.

              • Tracey …
                10 September 2015 at 3:41 pm

                I thought they paid smugglers to take the people back home… opening up a potential incentive to take money from people, float them across, and then get money from Australia to take them back. THATs capitaism at its best baby.

                • Steve Wrathall …
                  10 September 2015 at 4:05 pm

                  What are the alternatives?
                  Sink the boats?
                  Tow them back to whereever, offload the people and sink them-How much will that cost in terms of operating a naval vessel?
                  Or just give up like Europe?
                  Condemn them all you want. Australia is following the least bad option.

                  • Tracey …
                    10 September 2015 at 4:11 pm

                    I note you haven’t answered my question up there ^^^^ have you ever been a real refugee?

                    • Steve Wrathall …
                      10 September 2015 at 4:44 pm

                      I am a citizen, voter & taxpayer and have every right to comment on public policy decisions that affect the country I live in. I do not subscribe to the identity politics that says you must belong to a duly recognised class of victim in order to have any valid opinions on the issuance of government support to that victim class. Your question is irrelevant. The evidence and arguments I have given speak for themselves regardless of who types them.

                    • Tracey …
                      10 September 2015 at 5:03 pm

                      evidence? 1 youtube link?

                      do you understand that refugee has a specific meaning?

                  • McFlock …
                    10 September 2015 at 4:13 pm

                    “the least bad option”.
                    Well, except for actually treating people with dignity. And keeping them safe when/if you detain them. And maybe not just shifting the problem onto neighbouring countries. And maybe not making it illegal to bring conditions in your camps to public attention.

                    But even with those inadequacies, no, it’s not as bad as (say) just shooting refugees on sight.

                    • Steve Wrathall …
                      10 September 2015 at 4:47 pm

                      So, The “give up like Europe” option.

                    • McFlock …
                      10 September 2015 at 5:00 pm

                      “give up”?
                      What’s to “give up”?

                      If people were simple economic migrants, as you suggest, it would be no big deal to just put them into the regular migrant process and deport unsuitable migrants.

                      Your “immigration” problem is that these people are genuinely in danger in their country of origin, and frequently in transit countries, so even emotionally-stunted liars like you know that it would be counterproductive to your goals to just send the refugees back to be killed.

                      “Give up”? No, we won’t give up. We won’t give up our humanity just because you don’t understand it. We won’t give up our concern, even if you don’t share it. And we won’t give up our bleeding hearts, even if cocks like you don’t see any money in it.

                    • Tracey …
                      10 September 2015 at 5:06 pm

                      thnx mcflock.

                      i dont know why steve has this notion that the drowned kids are the reason for a call to increase our refugee numbers… when the calls started before these children died.

                  • weston …
                    10 September 2015 at 9:12 pm

                    more like the most selfish and short sighted option

            • joe90 11.1.2.1.1.3
              10 September 2015 at 3:41 pm

              Where’s that one come from?

              UKIP, Farage, LibertyGB, Whittle….

              • Steve Wrathall …
                10 September 2015 at 4:18 pm

                None of these organisations or people are “white nationalists”. Seriously, are such pathetic attempts at smear all you have when someone tries to engage in rational debate on the how letting in those who force their way into your country only enriches people smugglers.

    • dv 11.2
      10 September 2015 at 3:00 pm

      Steve, so that what Key’s mother did?

    • Tracey 11.3
      10 September 2015 at 3:45 pm

      “A migrant who then turns up their nose at the modest pickings in Turkey or Jordan &c.and strikes out for the more bounteous offerings in Northern Europe is rightly described as a welfare shopper. ”

      So you favour all nations, including us, paying into a fund that sets these folks up in the closest safe place away from their endangered home? You should have just said,

      But when you use terms like “welfare shopper” and “genuine refugees” it appears to be opinion rather than substantiated facts not inviting rebuttal, cos opinions, are well, opinions aren’t they, as opposed to reasoned and substantiated argument of a differing point of view.

      Like the other day when you claimed a person endangered his wife and children cos he wanted new teeth. Although you posted a link, it didn’t substantiate your claim but propagated it. Seemingly ignorant of the assertion he lost his teeth via torture…

      • Steve Wrathall 11.3.1
        10 September 2015 at 4:21 pm

        How he lost his teeth is irrelevant. He was safe in Turkey and the reasons for risking his family in getting into Europe did not relate to safety but material considerations.

        • Tracey 11.3.1.1
          10 September 2015 at 4:25 pm

          You were the one who brought up his teeth, so to speak. Can you post your proof that he was risking his family for new teeth? Proof, as opposed to an assertion by someone?

          Well, the West has to take some responsibility for shoving its affluence down the throats of the world for so long as the ultimate measure of happiness and success… afterall if you are right, these folks are just responding to the advertising.

          • McFlock 11.3.1.1.1
            10 September 2015 at 4:32 pm

            Actualy, one tooth might be neither here nor there, but three or four in a row I’d be starting to consider that an essential healthcare need.

            ISTR Wrathall didn’t say the man wanted new teeth, he said he “wanted his teeth done”, which made it sound like he was a month late for his two year checkup.

          • Steve Wrathall 11.3.1.1.2
            10 September 2015 at 4:34 pm

            So you’re not even denying that the reasons for many migrating are economic, but blaming us for being so successful economically?

            The claims come from his sister . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3e7hJRnEb8

        • mickysavage 11.3.1.2
          10 September 2015 at 4:30 pm

          Typical. Attack the individual with an unsubstantiated slur in an attempt to denigrate all 7 million refugees.

          • Steve Wrathall 11.3.1.2.1
            10 September 2015 at 4:36 pm

            This is the “individual” case which is being used to emotionally blackmail us into make bad decisions. It needs to be examined.

            • Ad 11.3.1.2.1.1
              10 September 2015 at 4:51 pm

              The “emotional blackmail” has been good for us.
              The truth of why we feel emotional about it bears little to do with the facts at all.

              The framing of the dead boy by the MSM is simply forcing a little wedge for immigrants from the poorest into the richest countries. Sure they’re politicising it, and successfully playing our emotions like Rachmaninov on a black grand piano.

              Good. It’s done its’ job. Policy wasn’t working. Sometimes, media politics works better.

            • Tracey 11.3.1.2.1.2
              10 September 2015 at 5:01 pm

              maybe our bizarre foreign policy and knee jerk rush to say yes to the USA has led us to contribute to what you choose to see as an individual case.

            • mickysavage 11.3.1.2.1.3
              10 September 2015 at 5:35 pm

              So hundreds of thousands of deaths in the civil war, millions displaced and you attack a call for a humanitarian response attacking the bona fides of an individual case?

        • Anne 11.3.1.3
          10 September 2015 at 6:03 pm

          Might I suggest this lowly specimen of humanity called Steve Wrathall be subjected to torture and have his teeth pulled out one after the other without anaesthetic. Lets imagine what that will do to his mouth and the probable infections he has since had to endure. Then when he flees the people torturing him – and loses his entire family in the process – then lets punish him all over again for daring to seek dentures for his no longer existent teeth.

    • McFlock 12.1
      10 September 2015 at 2:54 pm

      … or someone in Libya just bought more weapons for the war there.

      Surely it’s easier to smuggle from Turkey to literally anywhere on the Med coast, rather than from Libya?

  13. Bill 13
    10 September 2015 at 5:12 pm

    Well, 12 000 people over four years certainly isn’t my idea of ‘impressive’.

    As Paddy Ashdown notes of Cameron’s 20 000 over five years, it’s derisory.

    In very rough numbers, Australia has a population about one third that of the UK, so if the 12 000 Abbot speaks of is ‘impressive’, then Cameron’s 20 000 must be kind of okay.

    You might want to reflect that the UK would be looking at somewhere in the region of 250 000 if it was at all serious about refugees…so say about 100 000 in the case of Australia and maybe 25 – 30 000 for NZ.

    There’s nothing Cosby and Textor about a government making the minimal concessions it reckons it can get away with, while looking to continue on its preferred course of action (In this instance, killing people in the countries the refugees are coming from).

    So take in ‘some’ refugees (and for god’s sake don’t anyone mention the poor bastards we’ve flung into the middle of nowhere with no services or support) while ratcheting up the war crap.

    Am I to seriously believe that some liberals have been ‘bought off’ or mollified in any way by any of this shit? Because if that’s the case, then we’re fucked – well and truly fucked.

    • mickysavage 13.1
      10 September 2015 at 5:39 pm

      Impressive only in that it is better than what we or the English is doing and that it is a lot more than I thought Abbott would do.

      • Bill 13.1.1
        10 September 2015 at 5:54 pm

        I see where your coming from, though I just see crap and inadequate as crap and inadequate. Hmm. I guess there’s always impressively crap and inadequate?

  14. infused 14
    10 September 2015 at 11:58 pm

    You should actually read some more sources. Shit loads of these people are coming purely for economic reasons.

    Also, Steve is the only one talking sense here. You all have your heads in the sand… all refugees.. jesus. far from it.

    Watch the EU over the next 10 years. It’s going to have a lot of trouble.

    • McFlock 14.1
      11 September 2015 at 12:44 pm

      Watch the EU over the next 10 years. It’s going to have a lot of trouble.

      you’ve made that sort of dire prediction before.

      But your predictions are derived more from Eric Cartman than any real basis in reality.

      My personal belief is that Europe will continue on as always: a few genuine terrorist cells here, a few sad individuals appropriating the language of power to validate their own pathetic pleas for attention there. Europeans will continue on, so will European terrorists, but without Europeans shitting a global brick every time like the yanks do.

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  • Determining the Engine Type in Your Car
    Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 hour ago

  • How to Become a Race Car Driver: A Comprehensive Guide
    Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 hour ago

  • How Many Cars Are There in the World in 2023? An Exploration of Global Automotive Statistics
    Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 hour ago

  • How Long Does It Take for Car Inspection?
    Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 hour ago

  • Who Makes Mazda Cars?
    Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 hour ago

  • How Often to Replace Your Car Battery A Comprehensive Guide
    Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 hour ago

  • Can You Register a Car Without a License?
    In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the Rule If you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 hour ago

  • Mazda: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Reliability, Value, and Performance
    Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 hour ago

  • What Are Struts on a Car?
    Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 hour ago

  • What Does Car Registration Look Like: A Comprehensive Guide
    Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 hour ago

  • How to Share Computer Audio on Zoom
    Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    5 hours ago

  • How Long Does It Take to Build a Computer?
    Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    5 hours ago

  • How to Put Your Computer to Sleep
    Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    5 hours ago

  • What is Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT)?
    Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    5 hours ago

  • iPad vs. Tablet Computers A Comprehensive Guide to Differences
    In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    5 hours ago

  • How Are Computers Made?
    A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    5 hours ago

  • How to Add Voice Memos from iPhone to Computer
    Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    5 hours ago

  • Why My Laptop Screen Has Lines on It: A Comprehensive Guide
    Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    5 hours ago

  • How to Right-Click on a Laptop
    Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    5 hours ago

  • Where is the Power Button on an ASUS Laptop?
    Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    5 hours ago

  • How to Start a Dell Laptop: A Comprehensive Guide
    Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    6 hours ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Serious populist discontent is bubbling up in New Zealand
    Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    6 hours ago

  • How to Take a Screenshot on an Asus Laptop A Comprehensive Guide with Detailed Instructions and Illu...
    In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    6 hours ago

  • How to Factory Reset Gateway Laptop A Comprehensive Guide
    A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    6 hours ago

  • The Folly Of Impermanence.
    “You talking about me?”  The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
    Bowalley Road
    8 hours ago

  • A crisis of ambition
    Roger Partridge  writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    8 hours ago

  • Have 308 people in the Education Ministry’s Curriculum Development Team spent over $100m on a 60-p...
    Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    9 hours ago

  • 'This bill is dangerous for the environment and our democracy'
    Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    9 hours ago

  • The Bank of our Tamariki and Mokopuna.
    Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    10 hours ago

  • The worth of it all
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    14 hours ago

  • What is the Hardest Sport in the World?
    Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    16 hours ago

  • What is the Most Expensive Sport?
    The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    16 hours ago

  • Pickleball On the Cusp of Olympic Glory
    Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    16 hours ago

  • The Origin and Evolution of Soccer Unveiling the Genius Behind the World’s Most Popular Sport
    Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    16 hours ago

  • How Much to Tint Car Windows A Comprehensive Guide
    Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    16 hours ago

  • Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas? A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing and Fixing the Issue
    The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    16 hours ago

  • How to Remove Tree Sap from Car A Comprehensive Guide
    Tree sap can be a sticky, unsightly mess on your car’s exterior. It can be difficult to remove, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your car to its former glory. Understanding Tree Sap Tree sap is a thick, viscous liquid produced by trees to seal wounds ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    16 hours ago

  • How Much Paint Do You Need to Paint a Car?
    The amount of paint needed to paint a car depends on a number of factors, including the size of the car, the number of coats you plan to apply, and the type of paint you are using. In general, you will need between 1 and 2 gallons of paint for ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    16 hours ago

  • Can You Jump a Car in the Rain? Safety Precautions and Essential Steps
    Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    16 hours ago

  • Can taxpayers be confident PIJF cash was spent wisely?
    Graham Adams writes about the $55m media fund — When Patrick Gower was asked by Mike Hosking last week what he would say to the many Newstalk ZB callers who allege the Labour government bribed media with $55 million of taxpayers’ money via the Public Interest Journalism Fund — and ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    22 hours ago

  • EGU2024 – An intense week of joining sessions virtually
    Note: this blog post has been put together over the course of the week I followed the happenings at the conference virtually. Should recordings of the Great Debates and possibly Union Symposia mentioned below, be released sometime after the conference ends, I'll include links to the ones I participated in. ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 day ago

  • Submission on “Fast Track Approvals Bill”
    The following was my submission made on the “Fast Track Approvals Bill”. This potential law will give three Ministers unchecked powers, un-paralled since the days of Robert Muldoon’s “Think Big” projects.The submission is written a bit tongue-in-cheek. But it’s irreverent because the FTAB is in itself not worthy of respect. ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    1 day ago

  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
    One Could Reduce Child Poverty At No Fiscal CostFollowing the Richardson/Shipley 1990 ‘redesign of the welfare state’ – which eliminated the universal Family Benefit and doubled the rate of child poverty – various income supplements for families have been added, the best known being ‘Working for Families’, introduced in 2005. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    1 day ago

  • A who’s who of New Zealand’s dodgiest companies
    Submissions on National's corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law are due today (have you submitted?), and just hours before they close, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has been forced to release the list of companies he invited to apply. I've spent the last hour going through it in an epic thread of bleats, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago

  • On Lee’s watch, Economic Development seems to be stuck on scoring points from promoting sporting e...
    Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing “on why Melissa is mute”. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Lee’s ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago

  • New Zealand has never been closed for business
    1. What was The Curse of Jim Bolger?a. Winston Peters b. Soon after shaking his hand, world leaders would mysteriously lose office or shuffle off this mortal coilc. Could never shake off the Mother of All Budgetsd. Dandruff2. True or false? The Chairman of a Kiwi export business has asked the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago

  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago

  • Melissa Lee and the media: ending the quest
    Chris Trotter writes –  MELISSA LEE should be deprived of her ministerial warrant. Her handling – or non-handling – of the crisis engulfing the New Zealand news media has been woeful. The fate of New Zealand’s two linear television networks, a question which the Minister of Broadcasting, Communications ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago

  • The Hoon around the week to April 19
    TL;DR: The podcast above features co-hosts and , along with regular guests Robert Patman on Gaza and AUKUS II, and on climate change.The six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • The ‘Humpty Dumpty’ end result of dismantling our environmental protections
    Policymakers rarely wish to make plain or visible their desire to dismantle environmental policy, least of all to the young. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • Nicola's Salad Days.
    I like to keep an eye on what’s happening in places like the UK, the US, and over the ditch with our good mates the Aussies. Let’s call them AUKUS, for want of a better collective term. More on that in a bit.It used to be, not long ago, that ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 day ago

  • Study sees climate change baking in 19% lower global income by 2050
    TL;DR: The global economy will be one fifth smaller than it would have otherwise been in 2050 as a result of climate damage, according to a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and published in the journal Nature. (See more detail and analysis below, and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • Weekly Roundup 19-April-2024
    It’s Friday again. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week on Greater Auckland On Tuesday Matt covered at the government looking into a long tunnel for Wellington. On Wednesday we ran a post from Oscar Simms on some lessons from Texas. AT’s ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    2 days ago

  • Jack Vowles: Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  The data is from February this ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    2 days ago

  • Clearing up confusion (or trying to)
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is understood to be planning a major speech within the next fortnight to clear up the confusion over whether or not New Zealand might join the AUKUS submarine project. So far, there have been conflicting signals from the Government. RNZ reported the Prime Minister yesterday in ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago

  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A Step–by–Step Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and third–party applications. So, let‘s dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. That‘s why they introduced the “Recently Deleted“ folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Here‘s how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the “Recents“ tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on “Edit“. Select “Show Recently Deleted“. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose “Recover“ to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Here‘s how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose “Erase All Content and Settings“. Follow the on–screen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose “Restore from iCloud Backup“ during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore Third–Party Apps (with Caution): ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
    Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
    Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
    The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
    Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
    Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
    Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago

  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
    Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
    While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
    In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
    In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago

  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago

  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    2 days ago

  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
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  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
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  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
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  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
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  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
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