Five Eyes Joins Morning Report

Written By: - Date published: 7:21 pm, March 25th, 2022 - 65 comments
Categories: making shit up, Peace, Propaganda, Russia, spin, uk politics, Ukraine, us politics, war - Tags:

Morning Report today interviewed ex MI6 chemical weapons false flag specialist Hamish de Bretton-Gordon saying because Russia has lost in Ukraine it will likely resort using to chemical weapons. FiveEyes hawks want NATO to intervene, so we get World War 3, Hurrah!

This follows warnings from Stoltenberg and Biden yesterday that serious consequences will eventuate if Russia resorts to chemical weapons. De Bretton-Gordon spoke from Salisbury, close to Porton Down, and referenced his playbook of previous false flags on novichok and Syria.

Kit Klarenberg at the Grayzone provides the background on de Bretton-Gordon and details the strategy:

With Washington and its NATO allies forced to watch from the sidelines as Russia’s military advances across Eastern Ukraine and encircles Kiev, US and British officials have resorted to a troubling tactic that could trigger a massive escalation. Following similar claims by his Secretary of State and ambassador the United Nations, US President Joseph Biden has declared that Russia will pay a “severe price” if it uses chemical weapons in Ukraine.

Russia using chemical weapons makes absolutely no sense, not that that has ever deterred the ‘intelligence’ services. It is progressing its “special operation” according to its stated objectives of demilitarising and ne-nazifying Ukraine. The Ukrainian army has been effectively surrounded in the east, and the neo-Nazi stronghold of Mariupol captured. It was never a war of conquest.

There are signs that the realities on the ground and the nature of the tactics are starting to be recognised in the western media. They appear also to come from a split in the strategic advice flow in Washington. Military sources do not want to expand the war, but pressure is coming from the neocon clique in the White House, supported by chickenhawk politicians and the media, all on their high horse and clamouring for action. There is  no evidence of use of chemical weapons.

It is high time more sensible voices in the West started to call for an end to the hostilities and a negotiated outcome rather than further and catastrophic war.

As for de Bretton-Gordon, he was very proud of his advice for Ukrainians on how to deal with a chlorine attack – head for high ground – in Ukraine? – wear a face mask, and piss on it!

I don’t think I really needed to know that with my morning coffee.

65 comments on “Five Eyes Joins Morning Report ”

  1. Martin C 1

    Give any one species too much rope and they'll f___k it up.

  2. Subliminal 2

    Yes. Heard that this morning too. Just as in Syria the call goes out. If you want us to intervene we need a truely horrendous motivation. We were lucky with Syria to have still functioning international bodies that were able to keep politics out and investigate professionally. This allowed the world to see the lie being perpetrated by the west. Unfortunately, the OPCW is now completely split and dysfunctional. Added to this is the death of the fearless Robert Fisk and it is unlikely that any even half serious investigation will be made in the event of the use of chemical weapons.

    But as you say above Mike, the state of the Russian operation in Ukraine is such that only the truly propagandized could see any value in such an absurd tactic by Russia.

    An article yesterday on the Indian Punchline site paints a clear picture of why the west has become desperate enough to be demanding the Ukraine military to carry out such an operation. India has a lot of experience with trade with Russia in roubles and is looking at Mumbai becoming a financial centre of sorts to facillitate trade with Russia. India was pretty much left to fend for itself through covd but now realises that the same old colonial demands are being attempted now the west needs support. They are being asked to pay the higher energy, fertiliser, food costs that sanctions will entail like good little lapdogs. It appears they will not. Also Africa is almost totally dependent on Russian wheat. They recieve this wheat at a discount, because that is how Russia treats poorer countries, and they will require help from India to work out payments.

    Not only that. It appears that the realisation in India of what the Ukraine conflict is and how it is to be used by the US has sparked a burying of the hatchet between India and China. So the US now faces the possibility of a unified Russia/China/India. Not only have they lost on the battlefield but the US has seriously wrecked their standing in all developing nations.

    Against this backdrop we get the crescendo "if you use chemical weapons… " I have said elsewhere that for Nato, either the game is up or they go all in. Looks like here is the attempt to go all in.

  3. Anne 3

    I give you credit Mike for standing up against what is euphemistically termed the establishment line. It take guts and sometimes has unpleasant personal consequences. If time proves you to have been correct about the use of chemical weapons, I will be the first to congratulate you. In the meantime, I prefer to sit on the fence.

    To be honest, I don't trust either side.

    • Mike Smith 3.1

      @Anne 3

      Fair enough for suspending judgment and nothing has happened as yet. But when the media, prompted by FiveEyes in my opinion, start raising the crazy idea that Russia wants to use chlorine because they are losing, we need to do our best to call it out as bullshit and head it off.

      It is the neocons in Biden's 'Tiger team' that want a wider war and would create an incident. False flags are so because they are a case of pure propaganda by projection, in this case on the part of FiveEyes. Their purpose is to gull people into supporting further wars.

      I've written about them before here on the Skripals and no surprise the that Hamish de Bretton-Gordon appears there as well. https://thestandard.org.nz/russian-to-judgment/

      The worlds deadliest poison but all we know is that the Russians didn't kill them but the British have disappeared them. It's an old playbook. But the consequences this time will not be the sacking of a few diplomats, but much wider war and possibly even nuclear war.

      I think it is worth getting off the fence to try to stop that and I am sure you would agree. I don't want to be proven right, I just want to stop the crazies including those in our media who are being used to ramp up danger, wittingly or unwittingly, I don't know.

  4. Stuart Munro 4

    FiveEyes hawks want NATO to intervene, so we get World War 3, Hurrah!

    One might just as readily say "Putin Dupes want Nato to roll over, so that Russia can win a war it is losing badly on the ground."

    I guess you never had much to do with working people under Soviet repression. No-one with any idea of what the eastern bloc suffered would wish it on their worst enemy.

    • weston 4.1

      If you had to stuart could you list anything " good " about Russia at least since Putins been in power ?

      • Stuart Munro 4.1.1

        Not that are a result of his actions.

        You can see now playing out in Russia and Ukraine the ends towards which his policies were always directed – an authoritarian state that disenfranchises, impoverishes, and represses its people, and sends them to die oppressing and impoverishing other states. Nothing to write home about.

    • Adrian Thornton 4.2

      @ Stuart Munro….You still haven't posted links to back up and verify your comments on this subject from this thread…so I will restate my response to your lack of evidence to support your allegations back then….."so in other words, you must think everyone should just believe everything you say…because…well, you said it?…it doesn't work like that pal…put up, or shut up"

      • Stuart Munro 4.2.1

        Though I know that you are truly desperate that I should cease highlighting your comprehensive and frankly appalling ignorance, It's not as if you ever have any links of your own, that once scraped, prove to be anything better RT. I am too busy at the moment to drum that tiny modicum of sense into your insensate skull that it might hold were it not completely closed. You have a moral responsibility of self improvement – this is your chance – abandon the swinish ignorance in which you wallow to the detriment of debate on this site, engage with some actual people in the countries you presume to discuss, and stop wasting everybody's time.

        My comment was directed to Mike, and it is supported by just as many links as his was.

        • Adrian Thornton 4.2.1.1

          @Stuart Munro…"It's not as if you ever have any links of your own, that once scraped, prove to be anything better RT"….I think you will find my links in response to your allegations in that thread are all quite mainstream.

          As moderators on this site often point out (correctly)..if you cannot back up your allegations and comments on important subjects with creditable links …then refrain from making them.

          • RedLogix 4.2.1.1.1

            As someone who moderated here for more than a decade I can advise that exploiting it as a debating gambit is skating on very thin ice indeed.

            • Adrian Thornton 4.2.1.1.1.1

              I am not employing it for that purpose, sorry if that is how it comes across…I was just reminding our friend SM that while on this subject, it would be good if he doesn't muddy the waters with misdirection, half truths..which I find he is prone to do..which is why I was insisting on the appropriate use of links from him..as I try and do myself.

              • Stuart Munro

                You really are not in a position to complain about muddying the waters Adrian, there isn't a bogus Putin backed theory you haven't backed here.

                Linked or not, the persistent habit of untruth is not a public service – in fact it is a reliable way to offend people.

                • Adrian Thornton

                  Please just debate me when you have something to say that isn't just you letting off steam over your slightly unhinged hatred of Putin.

                  'hate comes into being alongside the constitution of the ego; it expresses the ego’s self-preservation instincts, the will to power, and the urge for mastery'…apparently Freud said something like that.

                  • Incognito

                    Since Stuart and you have obviously nothing to say to each other why don’t you give each other a wide berth?

                    • Adrian Thornton

                      Thanks for the advice, I usually do try to, but at times his claims are just so outlandish, he leaves one with no option but to rebut his claims, lest some unwitting citizen might wander past and take them at face value…a situation which I feel just cannot stand.

                    • Incognito []

                      Yes, I know it can be difficult. However, the best way to resist temptation is to avoid it. Simply scroll past Stuart’s comments if they infuriate you so much and don’t read them. As a Moderator I don’t have this luxury (choice) – trust me, at times I wish I had – but you do.

          • Stuart Munro 4.2.1.1.2

            I'm pleased to see you trying to do the moderator's job for them Adrian – but let's just leave it to them shall we?

            • Incognito 4.2.1.1.2.1

              Not a bad response. However, if you could provide just one little link, that would help to get Adrian Thornton off your back and make the Moderators’ lives easier too.

              I really don’t want to play referee here, but it seems that you two carry your unfinished business with you from Post to Post here on TS (and elsewhere too?), and at some stage this has to end or it won’t end well.

              • Adrian Thornton

                Thank you.

              • Stuart Munro

                I usually do – I've just been rather busy of late.

                There is the problem though, that not everything is linkable. I was working on a Russian ship in 1991 when the Soviet Union fell, and had worked on others before, it gives me some idea of that culture and degree of oppression. (The crew nearly hanged the commissar.) Similarly, discussing Korea, – if one has seen the old men weeping at Panmunjom or talked with retired government officials of the period, the glib assertions of contemporary media are not especially persuasive. In respect of Russia, it is even more problematic – Putin's regime still kills journalists – I'm not entitled to put them at risk by naming them here.

                • Incognito

                  Yes, I accept that you cannot divulge certain info but I don’t know that Adrian Thornton was fishing for that sort of more personal (anecdotal) stuff anyway. To be honest, I don’t know what he was after and it looked like a bit of kneejerk response. Let’s all move past this.

  5. Adrian Thornton 5

    Here is probably the most balanced and nuanced overall take on the Ukraine crisis I have heard….Aaron Mate' interviews Chas Freeman….I know it's an hour long, but well worth that hour if you are actually serious about getting some sort of understanding the current and historical aspects to this disaster…..
    'Chas Freeman, Veteran U.S. diplomat and public servant who has served in many senior positions, including as Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Director for Chinese Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, and as the principal US interpreter during President Nixon’s historic visit to China in 1972'

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vxufUeqnuc

  6. weston 6

    Morning report also featured recently Gerry Brownlee claiming Russias statement that they had found bio labs in Ukraine was fake news and we should dismiss the ambasador or somesuch .of couse no presenter said much to counter the idea because i think theyre basicy uninformed .Their only news sources are Cnn and bbc .Even though brownlees in the opposition you would think they'd get some intelligence briefings but i wonder how often anyone gets briefed in fact it would have to be often surely in a rapidly developing situation so maybe he hadnt heard vic nuland in the senate admitting that there ARE bio labs in Ukraine .relevent material comes in at 3.40

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWAgSBfU3xk

    • DB Brown 6.1

      There are bio labs in EVERY science faculty of EVERY university. Pathology labs associated with EVERY hospital. Existence of labs means NOTHING. Show that they were involved in propagating deadly pathogens and the purpose of the research – or this line is to be discarded.

      Here in NZ, where I assume we are not manufacturing WMD's, we have labs out the wazoo. We got labs for water treatment, forestry chemicals, forestry fungi, fungi in general, fungi on food, we got genomics labs, epidemiology labs, forensics labs…

      Jeepers, is NZ planning the next great genocide?

      We should eliminate the garbage we speak as there's far too much of it.

      • Francesca 6.1.2

        Are they funded by the Pentagon?

        • DB Brown 6.1.2.1

          There's all sorts of funding in NZ labs, I'd go so far as to say yes, there will be US money there somewhere. Corporate or government where’s the defining line in US these days?

          Our government funds a lot of labs too, trying to keep us alive.

          Last meeting I attended had two US scientists teaching us methods of developing entomopathogenic fungi.

          First, we take their insects, next, the world!

          n.b. since that talk a number of local mycologists have successfully grown highly valued medicinal fungi. The horror!

          • Adrian Thornton 6.1.2.1.1

            Doesn't it ring even the smallest alarm bell for you that pretty much all Western media has uniformly condemned this whole story as misinformation..yet not one of them are on the ground in the Ukraine at those sites, so how could they possibly know if what Russian is saying is true or not?…I would be interested in your answer.

            • DB Brown 6.1.2.1.1.1

              I'm not interested in the lockstep opinions of US and assorted lackey journalists, nor the anti-imperialistic dogmatic dirge-song of the disenfranchised.

              This is not a video game.

              When the nazi story grew thin out came the secret labs story. It's very Q-adjacent in tone and lack of evidence.

              Some might say they’re crying wolf to cover their own sins. But what is hearsay but nonsense in disguise.

              • Adrian Thornton

                "This is not a video game" agreed, "When the nazi story grew thin" ……growing thin you say?

                The BBC, Vox, Washington Post..etc, etc..have all, over that past five years, have run multiple indepth stories (I am not going to link to them again, I have already done that several times on this site) on the rise of the Extreme Far Right within the Ukraine, so we can all agree that the Ukraine had and still has some sort of Far Right problem right?..now these same mindless fucking idiots encourage the arming of these same organizations, without engaging even the slightest mid let alone long term analysis of what arming those known extremists will mean post war ..now ask yourself this one question…when was the last time the US openly armed to the teeth an Extremist group in a war against Russia (and lets not muddy the waters with Syria).. the Mujahideen in Afghanistan..and we all know exactly where that led too…we are still feeling the ramifications of that disastrous decision today.

                These are the sort of organizations who are going to left after this is over with thousands of the most sophisticated modern shoulder fired A/A and A/T weapons available…doesn't that concern you even a little?

                https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOBntnuYCMA

                • DB Brown

                  We're all aware of the presence of far right dickheads in many many places.

                  I'm not a fan of US and never was, doesn't mean I have to swallow your version of events either.

                  Mountains from molehills. Boogeymen!

                  • Adrian Thornton

                    What part of my previous statement would you consider to be "your version of events"? therefore implied by you to be, not truthful or misleading…

                    Some of your molehills have proved to be not quite as benign they seem…

                    NZ to talk to Ukraine after accused mosque shooter's manifesto sold
                    'New Zealand will raise its concerns directly with Ukrainian authorities after it was revealed that printed copies of the manifesto penned by the accused Christchurch gunman are being sold online.
                    The document has been republished as a paperback and is being sold through an online messaging app channel run by a neo-Nazi in Ukraine.'

                    • DB Brown

                      You just keep regurgitating the same materials as if they change anything and as if nobody else can read. We've heard it, ad nauseum.

                      Tarrant went to Ukraine, was inspired by some muppets he met there, therefore Ukraine = BAD.

                      Got it.

                      But also, he went to a number of countries for 'inspiration' (to try justify his lunatic diatribe). Are they also = BAD. Nazis?

                    • RedLogix

                      From memory he spent a lot of time in France, Turkey and Pakistan. There is no public domain evidence describing exactly the train of events leading to his radicalisation. Selectively picking on Ukraine is a desperately feeble gambit.

                      Incidentally his manifesto is only illegal in NZ. I read it a while back and was struck by the moonbat convergence between far right and far left ideologies clearly spelled out in it.

                  • Adrian Thornton

                    “You just keep regurgitating the same materials as if they change anything and as if nobody else can read”

                    OK, fair enough…then just let me say this then, the reason I replied to this thread was because you stated this ….“There's all sorts of funding in NZ labs I'd go so far as to say yes, there will be US money there somewhere. Corporate or government where’s the defining line in US these days?”

                    “Our government funds a lot of labs too, trying to keep us alive.”

                    “n.b. since that talk a number of local mycologists have successfully grown highly valued medicinal fungi. The horror!”

                    So I assume you are implying that because NZ has US/corporate funded labs, working hard “trying to keep us alive”…that those labs in the Ukraine could well be doing exactly the same thing, so why don’t people like myself just settle down on this Ukraine lab issue….I think that seems to be a fair understanding of the thrust of your comment?

                    However, if these labs could in any way at all be beguine, as you strongly suggest, then maybe you can fill us all in as to why State Department official State Department official Victoria Nuland said in response to the question ‘does Ukraine have biological research facilities?’ … Nuland..”Ukraine has biological research facilities…. which in fact we are now quite concerned Russian troops, Russian forces, may be seeking to gain control of" so, if I follow your logic, the US are concerned that ‘highly valued medicinal fungi’ might fall into Russian control ….The Horror!

                    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y39veTO7kF4

          • Francesca 6.1.2.1.2

            Goodness, so we're doing gain of function research?

            The reason the US is involved in so many of these labs overseas is because regulation and oversight in the US is strict, not so the eastern european states.

            Obama put a moratorium on gain of function research, Trump lifted it .

            There's a fine line between research for peaceful outcomes, and dual purpose research for military outcomes

            The biolabs in Ukraine really do need to be looked at closely

            • Incognito 6.1.2.1.2.1

              Since everybody seems to have a different ‘definition’ of “gain of function research”, and some are quite narrow or specific, what is yours?

              Do you think all GoF research is necessarily ‘bad’?

              • DB Brown

                Genetic code codes for 3 dimensional proteins. The form of these proteins and the structures they create provide function. So any alteration to genetic code theoretically alters function.

                Genetic technology in the hands of nefarious players could do great harm. In the hands of (well guided) altruistic players could do great good. In the hands of the free market could go either way according to profit margins.

                Yes, some levels of science clearly bear regulation and oversight. Government should be in the loop of highly sensitive materials.

                aside: Who was Trump trying to suck up to dropping the regulations? The private sector should not have such free access to science imo. We've seen what they do with it: 'Green' revolution my ass.

                Unforeseen circumstances and LOADS of hubris.

                The concepts of science, in the hands of laymen, lead to much science fiction.

              • Francesca

                I think its dangerous, which is why Obama put a moratorium on it .It can also cross over from civilian to military purposes, or to fuck up someone's pork stocks, or wheat crop.

                It's very hard to contain lab leaks

                • Francesca

                  Remember the anthrax scare in the US?Powell standing up in the UNSC holding aloft a vial of white powder?

                  Wicked Iraqis had developed weapons of mass destruction it was said.Until it was found (too late of course) that it was the Ames strain, that the US had developed in their own bio labs.But of course one could not say they'd been developing WMD, because only our monstrous enemies do that.

                • Incognito

                  Yeah, is’s fine that you think “its dangerous” [sic], but what is it, i.e. what is GoF research, in your books?

                  • Francesca

                    Incognito, did you not read the example I gave.The anthrax the US had developed in their labs.It was engineered to have increased lethality.The "Ames" strain

                    You could say, we need to find out all the various ways this can mutate so we can develop a treatment .Or we can create something that no antibiotic can counter. That has all the makings of a weapon with plausible deniability .Do you honestly think thats not been considered and even worked on ?
                    Read the other link I replied to Adrian with, it refers to the different strains of pathogens being engineered in the Ukraine biolabs .And why the intense secrecy?
                    Gain of function is increasing the transmissibility and the lethality of a pathogen .You can surely recognise there’s dual purpose there.

                    • Incognito

                      FFS!

                      Either you don’t know what “GoF research” is or you don’t want to explain it. In any case, it is meaningless to discuss it if we don’t know what it means to you. I didn’t ask you for a definition of God, only of GoF research, as you use it.

                    • RedLogix

                      @Incognito

                      GoF research is a bundle of recognised techniques intended to increase the lethality and or transmissiblity of a pathogen. The Obama Administration was convinced by a substantial group of researchers they represented a clear and unjustified risk and imposed a moratorium.

                      It was lifted just 10 days before Trump took office in a very peculiar set of circumstances. Fauci is widely regarded as being up to his neck in it.

                    • Incognito []

                      Ta

                      Which is a narrow and rather vague description without an explained rationale (assuming it is not just for biological warfare), but I can work with this, if necessary. As such, it needs further elaboration, as it still doesn’t justify Francesca’s outburst about the NZ context.

                    • Francesca

                      Incognito, no reply function to your FFS irascibility.

                      Not sure whats eating you .

                      I explained what GOF research is , increasing the transmissibility and lethality of a pathogen , much as Red Logix also explains
                      Where is my NZ outburst ?
                      You are surely not referring to my “goodness , are we doing gain of function research”

                    • Incognito []

                      Sloppy and imprecise language and ‘personal’ but unspecified definitions are a sure recipe for people talking past and misunderstanding each other. That’s bothering me and particularly tonight after a lengthy exchange with an ignoramus.

                      Feel free to elaborate on RL’s partial answer (see my reply here: https://thestandard.org.nz/five-eyes-joins-morning-report/#comment-1878997).

                    • Drowsy M. Kram

                      Hi Francesca, fwiw the Ames strain of B. anthracis is a natural isolate, so not a product of (artificial) gain-of-function research, imho.
                      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ames_strain

                      The term "gain of function" is sometimes applied more narrowly to refer to "research which could enable a pandemic-potential pathogen to replicate more quickly or cause more harm in humans or other closely-related mammals."
                      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gain-of-function_research

                      Most routine gain-of-function research taking place in 'bio-labs' all over the world has nothing to do with enhancing pathogenicity. I occasionally dabbled in GoF research without intending to enhance pathogenicity, and as far as I know never I did.

                      Otoh, all humans (and many other animals) are incubating natural GoF experiments on a more-or-less continuous basis, but you can't ban host microbiomes – even trying to regulate them is tricky.

                      Altered gut ecosystems plus the microbiota’s potential for rapid evolution: A recipe for inevitable change with unknown consequences [30 Oct. 2021]

                      Numerous experimental designs have been utilized to probe the speed at which bacteria can evolve. As shown in Fig. 1, gain of function via Darwinian evolution can occur within days, and dramatic effects can often be seen within months. For example, Richard Lenski’s lab saw the evolution of metabolism of glucose by Escherichia coli in minimal media within 44 days, and the evolution of the ability to metabolize citrate, a major step forward in evolution, within 12 to 13 years. Our lab saw the evolution of glucose metabolism by laboratory E. coli in the mouse gut within 114 days, and dramatically improved colonization of the mouse gut under those conditions after 2 to 3 years. Rainey and Travisano saw the evolution of biofilm formation of Pseudomonas fluorescens in static culture (structured environments) within only 2 days, and Sommer’s group found the evolution of resistance to antibiotics by E. coli within only 14 days. Bell’s group saw the evolution of resistance to antimicrobial peptides by E. coli and P. fluorescens within 100 days, and Rosch’s group saw improved colonization of nasal cavities in mice by Streptococcus pneumoniae within 30 days. These examples (Fig. 1) represent only a very small fraction of the experiments that have been conducted, but nonetheless demonstrate the ability of microbes to rapidly evolve novel function.

                      Fun fact – Rainey's research lab was NZ-based from 2003 – 2016.

                    • Incognito []

                      Thank you! It’s always a pleasure to read a comment by someone who knows what they’re talking about rather than those who simply copy & pasta stuff from Wikipedia and/or from the first couple of ‘hits’ that show up when they do an open-ended basic search (with Google) without even realising that often those ‘hits’ are influenced by their search history and browsing & clicking patterns in the internet.

        • joe90 6.1.2.2

          The Nunn Lugar programme is funded by annual appropriations.

          https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/about-nunn-lugar-project

          https://www.armscontrol.org/act/2020-04/news/budget-slash-nunn-lugar-program

          btw, here's a 2017 Ted Talk on US involvement in cleaning up Soviet bio weapon facilities.

          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8L4SAOkfZAs

      • weston 6.1.3

        Wasnt the mere fact of top level state department officials affirmation of lab existance in Ukraine it was that plus if you watch that clip she looks like someone just handed her a huge dead rat on a plate with a knife an fork and would she like mayo on it ? she looks dodgy as and picks her reply to Rubio very carefully indeed .Why ?she could have said something similar to what you said Plus immediately after the discovery statement by the russians the yanks made a statement to the effect that russia might be about to attempt a false flag attack using chemical weapons !What ?not the chemical weapons that never existed from the labs that werent there that the state department were worried the russians might access surely ?It dont quite add up DB imo

    • Francesca 6.2

      Incidentally, while we’re on it…

      • The Russian government held a press conference Thursday claiming that Hunter Biden helped finance a US military 'bioweapons' research program in Ukraine
      • However the allegations were branded a brazen propaganda ploy to justify president Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine and sow discord in the US
      • But emails and correspondence obtained by DailyMail.com from Hunter's abandoned laptop show the claims may well be true

      https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10652127/Hunter-Biden-helped-secure-millions-funding-military-biotech-research-program-Ukraine.html

      “At least one of the documents suggested that “Metabiota’s interest in Ukraine went beyond research and money-making. An executive with the contractor, Mary Guttieri, spoke in an April 2014 memo to Hunter Biden of “how we can potentially leverage our team, networks and concepts to assert Ukraine’s cultural and economic independence from Russia and continued integration into Western society.”

  7. Adrian Thornton 7

    Anyway folks, here is a debate with someone from every side, so we can all get the chance to tut tut at various points, and nod our heads in approval at others …pretty good debate I thought….

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CL2H5ZB1ZDc

  8. SPC 8

    It is progressing its “special operation” according to its stated objectives of demilitarising and ne-nazifying Ukraine. The Ukrainian army has been effectively surrounded in the east, and the neo-Nazi stronghold of Mariupol captured. It was never a war of conquest.

    I'll translate.

    Russia is progressing its illegal invasion of a nation state member of the UN, after using its veto in the UNSC to prevent the UN adhering to its Charter.

    The Kremlin falsely claims that the democratically elected government of Ukraine needs to be "de-Nazified" in some bizarre effort to equate its invasion of another country with the Nazi Reich's invasions into eastern Europe including Poland, Ukraine and Russia.

    Mariupol, in an area between Crimea and Donetsk and Lukhansk (part of what has been called novorussia) has been Groznyed (all except its port which would be used for exports out of east Ukraine). This on the basis it is a "neo-Nazi' stronghold because the the Azov Regiment of the Ukraine national guard is based there. It is however made up of volunteers (4000) from all over Ukraine (many are deployed in the field in the east of Ukraine). Locals are conscripted into the Ukraine army (200,000).

    Kremlin claims that the demilitarisation of a nation is not a war of conquest when it requires elimination (mass murder of soldiers) or conquest to dictate another nation states domestic security policy.

  9. aj 9

    Reading this article I couldn't help but think about the divided opinions as expressed by various contributors to The Standard.

    It's well worth the few minutes reading. And a great song to go with it – perfect.

    https://responsiblestatecraft.org/2022/03/25/what-niebuhr-would-say-about-the-us-reaction-to-ukraine/

    What Niebuhr would say about the US reaction to Ukraine

    ….Hofstadter saw the demonization of domestic opponents as foreign-inspired traitors as particularly characteristic of the Republican Party. Recently, however, we have seen that Democrats are equally susceptible to this temptation, from a similar combination of political opportunism and genuine paranoia. For example, both left and right members of the establishment have joined in seeking to demonize and silence those who have called for compromise with Russia over Ukraine.

    ….To recall America’s own acts of aggression and violations of international law is not an exercise in rhetorical “whataboutism.” It is an essential exercise in the sort of basic honesty, humility and self-examination called for by Niebuhr.

    ….America’s 20th century intelligentsia seemed better equipped to teach us about humility and restraint in war, at home and abroad.

    https://youtu.be/5y2FuDY6Q4M

  10. weston 10

    Ta aj enjoyed the song and the article odd that that song is just as appropriate now as it was then excellent choice .

    • Francesca 11.1

      That's extraordinary.

      They won't waste the bombs though if regime change can be effected with large sums of money offered and the best PR black ops outfits money can buy.And that way you can pretend the people have spoken and democracy is all fine and dandy.

      • aom 11.1.1

        Can someone clarify a perception: don't both Russia and China have some form of voting systems. Are they one person – one vote or the sort of perverted democracy they they have in the USA where an Electoral College determines the result on the basis of inequitable state populations. Also it seems some states are able to skew the system by disenfranchising large numbers on prejudicial grounds on inequitable access to voting booths and systems.

        Facts, not recons please.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • At a glance – The difference between weather and climate
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    10 hours ago
  • More criminal miners
    What is it with the mining industry? Its not enough for them to pillage the earth - they apparently can't even be bothered getting resource consent to do so: The proponent behind a major mine near the Clutha River had already been undertaking activity in the area without a ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    10 hours ago
  • Photos from the road
    Photo # 1 I am a huge fan of Singapore’s approach to housing, as described here two years ago by copying and pasting from The ConversationWhat Singapore has that Australia does not is a public housing developer, the Housing Development Board, which puts new dwellings on public and reclaimed land, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    11 hours ago
  • RMA reforms aim to ease stock-grazing rules and reduce farmers’ costs – but Taxpayers’ Union w...
    Buzz from the Beehive Reactions to news of the government’s readiness to make urgent changes to “the resource management system” through a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) suggest a balanced approach is being taken. The Taxpayers’ Union says the proposed changes don’t go far enough.  Greenpeace says ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    12 hours ago
  • Luxon Strikes Out.
    I’m starting to wonder if Anna Burns-Francis might be the best political interviewer we’ve got. That might sound unlikely to you, it came as a bit of a surprise to me.Jack Tame can be excellent, but has some pretty average days. I like Rebecca Wright on Newshub, she asks good ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    16 hours ago
  • In many ways the media that the experts wanted, turned out to be the media they have got
    Chris Trotter writes –  Willie Jackson is said to be planning a “media summit” to discuss “the state of the media and how to protect Fourth Estate Journalism”. Not only does the Editor of The Daily Blog, Martyn Bradbury, think this is a good idea, but he has also ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    16 hours ago
  • The Waitangi Tribunal Summons; or the more things stay the same
    Graeme Edgeler writes –  This morning [April 21], the Wellington High Court is hearing a judicial review brought by Hon. Karen Chhour, the Minister for Children, against a decision of the Waitangi Tribunal. This is unusual, judicial reviews are much more likely to brought against ministers, rather than ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    16 hours ago
  • Both Parliamentary watchdogs hammer Fast-track bill
    Both of Parliament’s watchdogs have now ripped into the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s political economy and beyond on the morning of Tuesday, April 23 are:The Lead: The Auditor General, John Ryan, has joined the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    17 hours ago
  • India makes a big bet on electric buses
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah Spengeman People wait to board an electric bus in Pune, India. (Image credit: courtesy of ITDP) Public transportation riders in Pune, India, love the city’s new electric buses so much they will actually skip an older diesel bus that ...
    19 hours ago
  • Bernard’s pick ‘n’ mix of the news links at 6:36am on Tuesday, April 23
    TL;DR: These six news links stood out in the last 24 hours to 6:36am on Tuesday, April 22:Scoop & Deep Dive: How Sir Peter Jackson got to have his billion-dollar exit cake and eat Hollywood too NZ Herald-$$$ Matt NippertFast Track Approval Bill: Watchdogs seek substantial curbs on ministers' powers ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    21 hours ago
  • What is really holding up infrastructure
    The infrastructure industry yesterday issued a “hurry up” message to the Government, telling it to get cracking on developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects.The hiatus around the change of Government has seen some major projects cancelled and others delayed, and there is uncertainty about what will happen with the new ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    22 hours ago
  • “Pure Unadulterated Charge”
    Hi,Over the weekend I revisited a podcast I really adore, Dead Eyes. It’s about a guy who got fired from Band of Brothers over two decades ago because Tom Hanks said he had “dead eyes”.If you don’t recall — 2001’s Band of Brothers was part of the emerging trend of ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    23 hours ago
  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks for Monday, April 22
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: writes via his substack that’s he’s sceptical about the IPSOS poll last week suggesting a slide into authoritarianism here, writing: Kiwis seem to want their cake and eat it too Tal Aster writes for about How Israel turned homeowners into YIMBYs. writes via his ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • The media were given a little list and hastened to pick out Fast Track prospects – but the Treaty ...
     Buzz from the Beehive The 180 or so recipients of letters from the Government telling them how to submit infrastructure projects for “fast track” consideration includes some whose project applications previously have been rejected by the courts. News media were quick to feature these in their reports after RMA Reform Minister Chris ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago
  • Just trying to stay upright
    It would not be a desirable way to start your holiday by breaking your back, your head, or your wrist, but on our first hour in Singapore I gave it a try.We were chatting, last week, before we started a meeting of Hazel’s Enviro Trust, about the things that can ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago
  • “Unprecedented”
    Today, former Port of Auckland CEO Tony Gibson went on trial on health and safety charges for the death of one of his workers. The Herald calls the trial "unprecedented". Firstly, it's only "unprecedented" because WorkSafe struck a corrupt and unlawful deal to drop charges against Peter Whittall over Pike ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago
  • Bryce Edwards: Time for “Fast-Track Watch”
    Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    2 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on fast track powers, media woes and the Tiktok ban
    Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
    2 days ago
  • The Government’s new fast-track invitation to corruption
    Bryce Edwards writes-  The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    2 days ago
  • Maori push for parallel government structures
    Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • An announcement about an announcement
    Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • All the Green Tech in China.
    Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Western Express Success
    In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
    2 days ago
  • Bernard’s pick ‘n’ mix of the news links at 7:16am on Monday, April 22
    TL;DR: These six news links stood out in the last 24 hours to 7:16am on Monday, April 22:Labour says Kiwis at greater risk from loan sharks as Govt plans to remove borrowing regulations NZ Herald Jenee TibshraenyHow did the cost of moving two schools blow out to more than $400m?A ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • The Kaka’s diary for the week to April 29 and beyond
    TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #16
    A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
    2 days ago
  • Bryce Edwards: The Government’s new fast-track invitation to corruption
    The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago
  • Thank you
    This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • 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 ...
    3 days 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 ...
    3 days 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 ...
    3 days 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 ...
    3 days 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 ...
    3 days 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 ...
    3 days 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 ...
    3 days 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, ...
    3 days 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 ...
    3 days 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 ...
    3 days 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 ...
    3 days 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 ...
    3 days 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 ...
    3 days 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 ...
    4 days 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 ...
    4 days 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 ...
    4 days 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 ...
    4 days 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 ...
    4 days 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 ...
    4 days 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 ...
    4 days 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 ...
    4 days 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
    4 days 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 ...
    4 days 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: ...
    4 days 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 ...
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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 ...
    4 days 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 ...
    4 days 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 ...
    4 days 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, ...
    4 days 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 ...
    4 days 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 ...
    4 days 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 ...
    4 days 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 ...
    4 days 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 ...
    4 days 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
    4 days 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. ...
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days ago

  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    10 hours ago
  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    17 hours ago
  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago
  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago
  • Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order.  “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
    Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
    Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing  At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin    Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho    Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today.    I am delighted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government to introduce revised Three Strikes law
    The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • New diplomatic appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions.   “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says.    “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
    New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today.   “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective
    Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale.  “It is good ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
    The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Trade relationship with China remains strong
    “China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.   Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
    Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
    Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
    Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector.    "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
    The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
    Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
    Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-23T15:21:32+00:00