Open Mike 01/04/2018

120 comments on “Open Mike 01/04/2018 ”

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1. patricia bremner 1

   1 April 2018 at 6:54 am

   I have just been reading an article on Stuff about a South American tumbleweed type grass they call “Hairy Panic”.
   It is an invasive species which has turned up in Victoria at Wangaratta, so deep cars were getting lost in it and they had to close the town’s main street.
   A woman nearby posted photos on facebook, seeking help as it took over her yard, more than a metre deep, and was on to her verandah. A living moving sea of grass.
   This could be another feature of travel…. introduced species becoming pests.
   Google Hairy Panic grass for articles and photos off this strange plant.
   • Keepcalmcarryon 1.1

     1 April 2018 at 7:59 am

     Lol brilliant name for it
     • weka 1.1.1

       1 April 2018 at 8:34 am

       Would be a good band name.
       • Ed 1.1.1.1

         1 April 2018 at 8:38 am

         Definitely!
   • JanM 1.2

     1 April 2018 at 8:46 am

     Oh dear – something else to look forward to 🙁
   • veutoviper 1.3

     1 April 2018 at 9:08 am

     I could not find anything on Stuff, patricia. Do you mean this article on the Herald?

     http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=12022506

     Initially, my reaction was April 1st?
     But no, there has been quite a bit about this grass on Australian and other media over the last week or longer. Plenty more links here.

     https://www.google.co.nz/search?q=Hairy+Panic&rlz=1C1LDJZ_enNZ499&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwizuc2ou5faAhULu7wKHTusCdEQ_AUICSgA&biw=853&bih=603&dpr=1.5
     • patricia bremner 1.3.1

       1 April 2018 at 9:35 am

       LOL No I forgot it was April one. The Jokes on me .
       Think Stuff got it from Google.
   • Draco T Bastard 1.4

     1 April 2018 at 10:28 am

     I have just been reading an article on Stuff about a South American tumbleweed type grass they call “Hairy Panic”.

     Actually, it’s native to Australia:

     Panicum effusum, commonly known as hairy panic, is a grass native to inland Australia.[2] It occurs in every mainland state,[3] as well as New Guinea. In dry conditions, the fast-growing grass can become a tumbleweed.

     There does appears to be a species from Southern United States though:

     The weed is a constant problem for the area while another form of the grass, known as Hillman’s panic — a species which was introduced from southern America — is reported to be spreading across NSW from Victoria and South Australia.

     Hillman’s Panic:

     Panicum hillmanii, commonly known as Hillmann’s panicgrass, is a grass from genus Panicum native to Southwestern United States.[1] It has been introduced to many other areas, notably including southern Australia where it became widespread,[2] and several parts of Europe.

     It was introduced to Australia in the early 1900s, and has spread across South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania,[3][2] sharing the habitat with related native witchgrass (P. effusum).

     This could be another feature of travel…. introduced species becoming pests.

     Introduced species almost always become pests but I suspect that travel today is less likely to result in introduction of species due to border checks.

     EDIT:
     It’s not ‘hairy’ but Hillman’s panic grass

     “But our survey found the vast majority, about 90 per cent of samples, were identified as Hillman’s panic grass (P. hillmanii). Hairy panic and witchgrass accounted for only five per cent and one per cent of samples respectively.”

     Hillman’s panic grass is a noxious weed introduced from the southern United States to South Australia and Victoria in the 1900s.
     • patricia bremner 1.4.1

       1 April 2018 at 12:13 pm

       Oh, Thanks for that. Very interesting. I can’t locate the article to re read it, but you sound like an authority on the subject. I read a piece on Google which said it is related to the dandelion. Is that true? Is tumble weed just a name to describe the seed dispersal?
       • Draco T Bastard 1.4.1.1

         1 April 2018 at 3:53 pm

         I can’t locate the article to re read it, but you sound like an authority on the subject.

         I’m not. That’s just what I got from a quick Google.

         Is tumble weed just a name to describe the seed dispersal?

         Seems that way:

         A tumbleweed is a structural part of the above-ground anatomy of a number of species of plants, a diaspore that, once it is mature and dry, detaches from its root or stem, and tumbles away in the wind. In most such species, the tumbleweed is in effect the entire plant apart from the root system, but in other plants, a hollow fruit or an inflorescence might serve the function.[1] Tumbleweed species occur most commonly in steppe and arid ecologies, where frequent wind and the open environment permit rolling without prohibitive obstruction.[2]

         Apart from its stele (i.e., primary vascular system and roots), the tissues of the tumbleweed structure are dead; their death is functional because it is necessary for the structure to degrade gradually and fall apart so that the propagules (that is, its seeds or spores) can escape during the tumbling, or germinate after the tumbleweed has come to rest in a wet location. In the latter case, many species of tumbleweed open mechanically, releasing their seeds as they swell when they absorb water.[3]
2. greg 2

   1 April 2018 at 7:33 am

   The china hustle must see documentary its out

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55892jT06aI
   • The Chairman 2.1

     2 April 2018 at 3:57 pm

     Very good. Viewed it last night.
3. Ed 3

   1 April 2018 at 8:13 am

   I admire this government for its refusal to support the lemming like rush to war against Russia.
   Craig Murray was formerly British ambassador to Uzbekistan and provides a much needed alternative to the propaganda the western public has been bombarded with about the Skripal poisoning.
   No evidence has been presented.
   Winston Peters should fly to Moscow to look at signing a bilateral trade deal.
   This would free us from the clutches of Washington and Beijing and show the world we are an independent nation, not a lackey of the US.

   https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDrdlYZXa_o
   • Peter 3.1

     1 April 2018 at 2:10 pm

     Were did you get the impression we are not a lackey of the USA. When you have years of a National govt the Yanks say jump and we say how high.
     • Ed 3.1.1

       1 April 2018 at 2:14 pm

       No longer National.
       Winston Peters keen to make trade pact with Russia.
4. Grey Area 4

   1 April 2018 at 8:18 am

   Duplicity Allen’s latest hatchet job aimed at undermining the government leads The National Herald online as “breaking news”.

   Hyperbolic BS but I guess that’s what she’s paid for.

   The Government has had three weeks of car crash problems and Jacinda Ardern dropped the ball virtually every time.
   • Nick 4.1

     1 April 2018 at 8:51 am

     When it starts with the word Hosking, I never read it. I now apply the same to HD Allen.
     • JanM 4.1.1

       1 April 2018 at 9:05 am

       I’m doing the same to Duncan Garner as well
     • Ed 4.1.2

       1 April 2018 at 9:43 am

       And both their partners – Soper and Hawkesby.

       And Garner.
       Richardson.
       Trevett.
       Kirk.

       The list of corporate puppets is long.
   • Bearded Git 4.2

     1 April 2018 at 9:26 am

     The Nats narrative continues….but they are laying it on a little too thick and obvious…people still like Jacinda and want to give her a chance so I reckon these unfair attacks will backfire.
5. Tracey 5

   1 April 2018 at 9:01 am

   Thank you to the petitioner who held up a mirror to Bob Jones. Sadly he pokes his own eyes out so as not to see. Media giving him more oxygen today
6. Puckish Rogue 6

   1 April 2018 at 9:35 am

   Go Judith Collins nephew, go hard and give it your best!
   • Puckish Rogue 6.1

     1 April 2018 at 10:15 am

     First few rounds to Anthony but joes coming back
     • Puckish Rogue 6.1.1

       1 April 2018 at 10:19 am

       Game plan seems to be to take Anthony to the later rounds
       • Puckish Rogue 6.1.1.1

         1 April 2018 at 10:23 am

         Refs a bit shit, keeps splitting them up when they get close, helps no one
         • Ed 6.1.1.1.1

           1 April 2018 at 10:27 am

           I think boxing is an inhumane sport.
           Rich people watching poor people hitting each other.
           • Stunned mullet 6.1.1.1.1.1

             1 April 2018 at 10:43 am

             😆 Joshua is very wealthy and regardless of whether Jospeh Parker wins or loses he will be very comfortably off after this fight.
           • rightly or wrongly 6.1.1.1.1.2

             1 April 2018 at 10:51 am

             You can describe Joshua and Parker as a lot of things but definitely not poor.

             If you look at the pay cheques they receive they’ll end up a lot richer than most people watching it.
             • Ed …

               1 April 2018 at 10:53 am

               We’re they rich when they started boxing?’
               How many boxers get battered brains and never make any money?
               • James …

                 1 April 2018 at 5:58 pm

                 You know that people actually do the sport because the love it – they aren’t all chasing money.
           • millsy 6.1.1.1.1.3

             1 April 2018 at 11:29 am

             Im more inclined to see it as rich white WASPs watching tattooed brown people beat each other up.
             • James …

               1 April 2018 at 6:12 pm

               I’m more inclined to see it as two exceptional sportspeople competing and putting an amazing show.

               Funny what people see huh?
               • One Anonymous Bloke …

                 1 April 2018 at 6:21 pm

                 Too many rules. MMA is better – sparring with a good friend is better still, so long as you have the emotional fortitude not to get upset by the occasional broken rib or fat lip 🙂
                 • james …

                   1 April 2018 at 6:28 pm

                   There is no “Better” they are completely different – and people can love them for what they are.
                   • One Anonymous Bloke …

                     1 April 2018 at 6:32 pm

                     Fair enough, but participating is still more fun than spectating 🙂
                   • James []

                     1 April 2018 at 7:11 pm

                     Did plenty in my younger days. Too old, too slow and too fat now.
             • Ed …

               1 April 2018 at 6:20 pm

               The Romans reverted to violent sports to distract an ever more unhappy population as their empire came to a close.

               https://vimeo.com/38334631
               • james …

                 1 April 2018 at 6:29 pm

                 Your equivalence is simplistic and wrong.

                 You understand that this is simply a sport that people do for enjoyment, and a lucky few get to make it their career as professional sports people.
         • Puckish Rogue 6.1.1.1.2

           1 April 2018 at 10:28 am

           Will probably go the distance, both fighters still look sharp
           • Puckish Rogue 6.1.1.1.2.1

             1 April 2018 at 10:32 am

             Easy to say sitting here but Joe needs to let go, too far behind on the card imho, 2 rounds to go
             • Puckish Rogue …

               1 April 2018 at 10:35 am

               Last round, joe needs to go beast mode and ko anthony
               • mac1 …

                 1 April 2018 at 6:02 pm

                 “beast mode”….. says it all there.
                 • Ed …

                   1 April 2018 at 6:13 pm

                   It is a repulsive activity.
                   All the rich white men approving of it on this site would never get involved themselves.
                   • Andrea …

                     1 April 2018 at 6:41 pm

                     When a young bloke of ANY colour is wanting a way out of poverty and ratty jobs he will often start thinking about working to be a professional fighter of some kind.

                     Some join the military. Some become MMA fighters. Some are bouncers or enforcers. Some turn to boxing.

                     And where there aren’t any ‘rich white men’ there will certainly be men of other skin shades willing to pay for the training and overheads to see if their ‘prospect’ has what it takes to win them large-ish sums.

                     Cock fights, dog fights, rats in a pen. It doesn’t matter how illegal you make it all (and it has been) it still goes on. Must be a species thing.
                   • James …

                     1 April 2018 at 7:13 pm

                     Anything to back up that statement – I know for a fact you are wrong.
                   • Baba Yaga …

                     1 April 2018 at 8:06 pm

                     “When a young bloke of ANY colour is wanting a way out of poverty and ratty jobs he will often start thinking about working to be a professional fighter of some kind.”

                     Stop with the patronising bs and do some research why don’t ya. Start with a simple google search on JP’s upbringing.
                 • Puckish Rogue …

                   1 April 2018 at 6:35 pm

                   I could have said he was that far behind he had to go for the ko which would have meant forcing the issue and taking more hits but since I was posting between rounds I didn’t have the time. However anyone with even a basic knowledge of combat sports would get the gist of it, since you didn’t why even bother to post?
                   • mac1 …

                     1 April 2018 at 6:54 pm

                     Puckish, it’s the language used. I know what it means, but the language, “beast mode”, is not the language of sport, or fair human competition. Rather it is the language of the arena.

                     I followed boxing in terms of Cassius Clay/Mohammed Ali as a young man.

                     Then I began to find the notion of two human beings, in the name of sport, trying to disable or knock each other unconscious distasteful, appalling even.

                     Now at 68 years old, with the adrenalin of the young a fading memory, I deliberately put my attention elsewhere.

                     I prefer the likes of Tom Walsh- strong, competitive, skilled, in a sport where the big, fast and powerful do harm to 7.2 kg iron balls.
   • adam 6.2

     1 April 2018 at 3:10 pm

     Oh goodie, lacking anything constructive to say, puckish rogue has decided that he will actively promote violence.

     What next, throwing babies in front of trains. Oh what, that is probably a bit to much hyperbole for your poor wee brain to comprehend.
     • Ed 6.2.1

       1 April 2018 at 3:14 pm

       I find commentary of one human beating up another very unpleasant.
       • James 6.2.1.1

         1 April 2018 at 6:01 pm

         Ignore it then.

         Many enjoy it – that’s why they make millions of dollars off people paying $50 to pay it.

         We had friends around for a boxing breakfasts. Very enjoyable and social.
         • halfcrown 6.2.1.1.1

           1 April 2018 at 7:17 pm

           “Ignore it then.”

           We would if we could but when it is rammed down your throat by the so-called “News” media on every pathetic excuse of news bulletins, it hard to ignore it.

           It is a pity the news media did not give the same in-depth coverage of Findlaysons breach of Dot Com privacy rights or the state of our health service after 9 years of Nationals incompetence, or the lack of bridges built by Bridges. Just a few items to get on with.

           “We had friends around for a boxing breakfast. Very enjoyable and social.”

           Bully for you. I have just realised how fortunate I am compared with you, as I have NO friends who are interested in that barbaric thuggery and they certainly would not be invited for breakfast to watch 2 males over bacon and eggs smashing shit out of one another creating future brain damage
           It is not sport mate it is thuggery nothing more nothing less.
           • Grey Area 6.2.1.1.1.1

             1 April 2018 at 7:33 pm

             +1. Was going to reply to his sad comment but you did it better than I could have. Any society that considers two people in a contest where the object is to harm the other other human being is “sport” or “entertainment” is in a decline to cruelty and darkness.
           • james 6.2.1.1.1.2

             1 April 2018 at 7:34 pm

             “Bully for you. I have just realised how fortunate I am compared with you, as I have NO friends who are interested in that barbaric thuggery and they certainly would not be invited for breakfast to watch 2 males over bacon and eggs smashing shit out of one another creating future brain damage
             It is not sport mate it is thuggery nothing more nothing less.”

             All I can say – perhaps if you had a wider group of friends – perhaps with differing views, as opposed to a small group of people that can only think like you then perhaps, just perhaps you might end up a happier, more rounded person.

             We also had hash browns, and black pudding.

             But despite your passioned statement – Boxing IS a sport – Its in the olympics.
             • Grey Area …

               1 April 2018 at 7:44 pm

               Boxing IS a sport – Its in the olympics.

               It’s still brutal thuggery. Knockout = brain damage. You do know that?
               • james …

                 1 April 2018 at 8:02 pm

                 So – we can at least we agree you were wrong – that it is a sport.

                 Thats great.

                 Yes – I know knockouts can cause problems. Shall we ban all sports that have the potential for knockouts? Lets start with Rugby, League, Aussie rules, etc etc etc
                 • Grey Area …

                   1 April 2018 at 8:13 pm

                   So – we can at least we agree you were wrong – that it is a sport.

                   Sorry, how can I be wrong? I never said it wasn’t a sport James. I just said it was also thuggery. You must be thinking of someone else.

                   Nice try at whataboutism with other sports as well. The difference is that the potential for knockouts and brain damage is incidental to those other activities, whereas in boxing it’s the object.
                   • james …

                     1 April 2018 at 8:24 pm

                     Apologies – it was halfcrown who said it wasnt a sport.

                     As for thuggery – it might come as a surprise to you (guessing that you have never boxed) – that people in it do not consider it thuggery.

                     its called the sweet science for a reason.

                     But – feel free to have your views and make judgement about the many millions of people who play it, or enjoy watching it as a sport.
                   • Grey Area []

                     1 April 2018 at 8:35 pm

                     Wrong guess as yes I have boxed. And no it’s no surprise to me that those who take part or watch don’t consider it’s thuggery.

                     But I suspect that any fan of blood sports thinks they are okay. Calling trying to give a fellow human being brain damage “a sweet science” is a wee bit of a stretch don’t you think?
         • Muttonbird 6.2.1.1.2

           1 April 2018 at 8:29 pm

           Boxing breakfasts with your friends? It’s barbecue 2.0 all over again.
           • Grey Area 6.2.1.1.2.1

             1 April 2018 at 8:37 pm

             Classic!
           • james 6.2.1.1.2.2

             1 April 2018 at 8:47 pm

             Only for people without the friends or social skills to actually have either.
7. Ed 7

   1 April 2018 at 9:46 am

   No evidence has been shown the Russians did it.

   [This post was and is about Israeli actions in Gaza]

   [TheStandard: A moderator moved this comment to Open Mike as being off topic or irrelevant in the post it was made in. Be more careful in future.]
   
   • One Anonymous Bloke 7.1

     1 April 2018 at 10:01 am

     That evidence will never be presented in any formal sense, because there’s never going to be a trial, because when someone is charged, the Kremlin (not “the Russians”) will refuse to extradite them, just like Lugovoy.

     However, the fact that the Kremlin (not “the Russians”) has authored an ongoing series of self-contradictory bullshit stories and excuses makes them (the Kremlin, not “the Russians”) look as guilty as fuck.

     Also, the fact that Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Albania, Australia, Canada, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Norway, Ukraine and the USA have expelled diplomats indicates that sufficiently persuasive evidence has been presented to convince them.

     Whereas if the Kremlin presented a signed confession, you would claim the CIA forced them into it.
     • Peter 7.1.1

       1 April 2018 at 2:18 pm

       Just like Sadam had weapons of mass destruction.
       • Penny Bright 7.1.1.1

         1 April 2018 at 2:49 pm

         Exactly.

         What form of ‘natural justice’ includes consequences after unsubstantiated allegations?
         • One Anonymous Bloke 7.1.1.1.1

           1 April 2018 at 4:03 pm

           Diplomacy and justice are separate domains. This is why your house is being sold from under you: because you have no friggin’ idea which rules apply to which circumstances.
       • One Anonymous Bloke 7.1.1.2

         1 April 2018 at 3:56 pm

         Is it “just like” that? Saddam never had WMD, and stuck to that story throughout. The intelligence services backed him up.

         In this instance, the Kremlin makes contradictory excuse after contradictory excuse, their story changes multiple times a day, a chemical weapon has actually been used, and its use fits a well-established pattern.

         What’s more, Putin boasted about it the day after it happened. I get it: lots of people are scared that Russia is ruled by a gang of poisonous trash. The UK and USA aren’t much better, and you really oughta stop lying to yourselves and face facts.
         • francesca 7.1.1.2.1

           1 April 2018 at 7:37 pm

           Could you link to that OAB?
           (Putin boasting the day after)
           I’ve been following it pretty closely but I missed that bit.
           • Ed 7.1.1.2.1.1

             1 April 2018 at 8:37 pm

             Francesca, I recommend you follow Craig Murray.
             A very interesting perspective.

             https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/
             • francesca …

               2 April 2018 at 6:17 am

               Thanks ED, I have been following it
               Craigs good
           • One Anonymous Bloke 7.1.1.2.1.2

             2 April 2018 at 5:36 am

             You know perfectly well what I’m referring to, because you tried running your bullshit excuses the last time I mentioned it.
             • francesca …

               2 April 2018 at 6:18 am

               Thats not an answer OAB
               I fear you’ve been caught out by your own bluster.
               • One Anonymous Bloke …

                 2 April 2018 at 8:07 am

                 Is your memory so feeble? Or are you simply incapable of arguing in good faith?

                 I think it’s the latter, and spare me another round of your bullshit excuses: I’ve heard them.
                 • francesca …

                   2 April 2018 at 9:07 am

                   OAB,
                   not so hasty
                   Your reading of Putin’s “boast” fails to disclose the quote “As for the traitors “etc was actually made in 2010, some years after Litvinenko (who died in 2006) and some years before the Skripal poisoning .(2018)
                   As well the quote was purposely abbreviated to suggest the opposite of its meaning, and showcased on March 6th 2018 as if it was a current statement
                   A closer reading of the Telegraph article would have clarified that
                   You alongside several others were apparently fooled
                   https://skeptics.stackexchange.com/questions/40900/did-putin-threaten-to-have-traitors-assassinated
                   • francesca …

                     2 April 2018 at 9:20 am

                     And by the way,OAB, the Qatar incident was even earlier , in 2004
                   • One Anonymous Bloke …

                     2 April 2018 at 9:52 am

                     Those who serve us with poison will eventually swallow it and poison themselves.”

                     Speaking in an interview with the Russian state television, Mr Putin lavished US President Donald Trump with praise, describing him as a great communicator.

                     “I have no disappointment at all,” Mr Putin said when asked about the US president.

                     “Moreover, on a personal level he made a very good impression on me.”

                     He said this in 2010, apparently.

                     🙄
                   • francesca …

                     2 April 2018 at 10:12 am

                     OAB, that is not the2010 Telegraph link you were trying to say negated my post , which you sent me back to
                     However , if you want to run with your new link,.. thats hardly a boast
                     Its a pretty much solid observation..karma, what goes around comes around

                     https://russian.stackexchange.com/questions/16026/did-putin-literally-say-those-who-serve-us-with-poison-will-eventually-swallow

                     I hadn’t noticed that you had ever linked to the 2018 news article, in our earlier exchanges you were most definitely talking about the Telegraph article which was supposed to have undermined my posts
     • Muttonbird 7.1.2

       1 April 2018 at 8:35 pm

       Not enough evidence to convince JA though. I’d suggest that’s coz there is no evidence. The expulsions are symbolic only and good on JA for telling them to get fucked with their shitty symbolism.

       Heather Duplicity-Allen calle for someone, anyone to be expelled for the sake of appearances. OAB, do you stand shoulder to shoulder with Duplicity-Allen on this?
       • One Anonymous Bloke 7.1.2.1

         2 April 2018 at 5:35 am

         Not enough evidence to convince JA though

         Is it your position that JA is lying when she says “there is no plausible alternative to who else it could be…”?

         Is it your position that she is lying when she says the SIS advises that there are no Kremlin henchmen Russian diplomats in NZ who meet the criteria for expulsion?

         Do you think it’s likely that I agree with HdPA? Try Professor Geddis.
   • Ed 7.2

     1 April 2018 at 10:23 am

     Sorry Bill
8. Reality 8

   1 April 2018 at 9:53 am

   The media critics of the new government seem to have no recall of the fact National in 2008 had some new inexperienced ministers who took a while (and some, never) to become conversant with their portfolios. Likewise of Key who got away with all sorts of hiccups, with barely a whimper from them.

   A relative started listening to HDP on the radio and was not impressed and this relative has been a Key supporter. Likewise does not like Hosking.

   As for Barry Soper, what an unpleasant man he is. I have witnessed him have an almighty temper tantrum. Boils down to these critics not being nice people. Too many adjectives to use for them! So in my book, they have very jaundiced thought processes.

   Jacinda herself said early on there would be mistakes. She is not so arrogant to think otherwise. Life’s lessons are often learnt from mistakes. As was said in an article on some children learning chess – the children have to learn to lose before they learn to win when playing chess.

   Jacinda will come through these issues a little wiser and better prepared. She is a quick learner. I think it’s remarkable how she has risen to all the challenges she has faced in the last year and some patience and understanding from the left and centre left please!
   • Ed 8.1

     1 April 2018 at 10:02 am

     They are paid puppets.
     Their income and lifestyle depends on pumping out such propaganda.
     No wonder they are angry and unhappy people.
     • Stunned mullet 8.1.1

       1 April 2018 at 10:44 am

       “No wonder they are angry and unhappy people.”

       What’s your excuse ?
   • patricia bremner 8.2

     2 April 2018 at 7:26 am

     1000% Reality @ 8
9. chris73 9

   1 April 2018 at 10:44 am

   Well Joseph Parker was beaten but certainly not disgraced, going the distance and all but that ref stepped in far too many times for either fighters liking I reckon

   Congratulations to Anthony Joshua, he fought a good game plan and was a well-deserved winner and Joseph Parker still has a future in the heavy weight division
10. timeforacupoftea 10

    1 April 2018 at 11:08 am

    Anthony Joshua 1st
    Joseph Parker 2nd

    Ref Zero
    • chris73 10.1

      1 April 2018 at 1:27 pm

      No arguments there
11. Ed 11

    1 April 2018 at 11:22 am

    The film Dominion opened in Melbourne on the 29th March.
    It sounds very powerful.
    Does anyone know when it is coming to New Zealand?

    https://www.plantbasednews.org/post/activist-james-aspey-breaks-down-intense-vegan-film-dominion

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=13&v=gv1MRcLBnBs
    • andrew murray 11.1

      1 April 2018 at 12:13 pm

      Good on you Ed,
      I would hope no one could watch this trailer and not question the morality of ignoring/defending such human actions towards animals
      • Ed 11.1.1

        1 April 2018 at 12:21 pm

        Sadly there are many who can.
      • Grey Area 11.1.2

        1 April 2018 at 7:39 pm

        There are many people who are only too ready to heap another slaughtered sentient being on the barbie.

        I don’t know what it’s going to take for more people to see how cruel eating meat is. We have a choice.
12. Pat 12

    1 April 2018 at 12:06 pm

    “Without intervention, the situation for our most vulnerable citizens is only going to get worse, as fresh food becomes more frequently priced out of reach.”

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12016943

    or…

    “And it is a certainty the price of these “animal-less” foods is going to drop to a fraction of anything New Zealand could possibly grow in a field.”

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/102640438/the-future-of-everything-why-the-third-industrial-revolution-is-a-risk-to-nz
13. adam 13

    1 April 2018 at 12:10 pm

    You can see why this guy why voted out of office. Good comments on sanctions. This is what a Christian left can look like.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQR5G3kvfNQ&ab_channel=TheLateShowwithStephenColbert
14. Jenny 14

    1 April 2018 at 12:18 pm

    A massive building human tragedy 9 years in the making

    “Israel: Gaza March ‘Dangerous’ Provocation, Hamas to Blame for Any Violence”
    Friday’s March of Return will see Gazans protest on Israeli border ■ Israeli official to Palestinians: You’ve been warned ■ Palestinian lawmaker: Proof that Israel’s intentions are to kill protesters

    By Noa Landau and Jack Khoury

    Manelis reiterated Saturday that Israel “will not allow a massive breach of the fence into Israeli territory.”

    He said that Hamas and other Gaza militant groups are using protests as a cover for staging attacks. If violence continues, “we will not be able to continue limiting our activity to the fence area and will act against these terror organizations in other places too,” he said.

    The border protests were seen as a new attempt by Hamas to break the border blockade, imposed by Israel and Egypt after the Islamic militant group seized Gaza in 2007 from forces loyal to its rival, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The continued closure has made it increasingly difficult for Hamas to govern.

    Life in the coastal strip has deteriorated further in recent months, with rising unemployment, grinding poverty and daily blackouts that last for hours.

    https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/israel-s-talking-points-for-gaza-march-violence-is-on-hamas-head-1.5961602

    Dr. Mustafa Barghouti, a member of the PLO’s executive committee, told Haaretz that these talking points show “that Israel is preparing itself to explain a violent response. This is more proof that Israel’s intentions are to kill protesters. It’s a license to kill. The event is not organized just by Hamas, but by all the Palestinian groups. We call on all the international organizations to prevent a massacre from taking place. This is peaceful nonviolent resistance.”

    https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/israel-s-talking-points-for-gaza-march-violence-is-on-hamas-head-1.5961602
15. Jenny 15

    1 April 2018 at 12:24 pm

    “EU’s Mogherini Calls for Independent Probe Into Israeli Army Fire on Gaza Border”
    “EU foreign policy chief says Friday’s events show need for ‘political solution for Gaza’ and ‘urgent resumption of peace talks’ between Israel and the Palestinians”

    European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini called on Saturday for an independent and transparent investigation into the Israeli military’s use of live fire during mass rallies along Israel’s border…

    https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-eu-s-mogherini-calls-for-probe-into-israeli-army-fire-on-gaza-border-1.5962787

    The call for an independent inquiry into the killings of protesters by Israel has also been made by the United Nations General Secretary. However a meeting of the UN Security Council, which has the power to order such an investigation, reportedly ended its deliberations without any agreement on this matter which was raised there. No mention of whether permanent SC member the USA, threatened to use its veto to prevent such an investigation.

    https://www.haaretz.com/.premium-un-security-council-convenes-to-discuss-gaza-without-israel-1.5962543
16. Jenny 16

    1 April 2018 at 12:27 pm

    “Defense chief Lieberman slams ‘chorus of hypocrites’ calling for independent investigation into Gaza border deaths”
    Haaretz, Mar 31, 2018

    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the events on Israel’s border with Gaza for the first time Saturday evening, a day after at least 15 Palestinians were killed in clashes with the Israeli army during…

    https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-netanyahu-on-gaza-clashes-israel-acting-firmly-to-defend-itself-1.5962979

    My free articles to Haaretz has been used up, but I think we can get the message.

    Israel does not want any investigation into its shooting down of unarmed protesters.

    And the US will back Israel by vetoing any move by the UN to call one, if it is ever raised again in the Security Council.

    Talking about “hypocrites”, the US representative to the UN has complained long and hard about other Permanent Member, Russia, using their veto to prevent investigation into the killing of civilians by the Assad regime.
17. Jenny 17

    1 April 2018 at 2:28 pm

    We know where every bullet went IDF
    |
    “Israel admits, then deletes, responsibility for Gaza killings”
    Electronic Intifada, 31 March, 2018

    The Israeli army posted a statement on Twitter on Saturday apparently accepting full responsibility for the killings a day earlier of 15 Palestinians as thousands took part in the Great March of Return in Gaza.

    The army then quickly deleted the admission – as more evidence of war crimes by its soldiers came to light – but not before a copy was made by the human rights group B’Tselem.

    IDF @IDFSpokesperson

    Yesterday we saw 30,000 people; we arrived prepared and with precise reinforcements; everything was accurate and measured, we know where every bullet landed

    3/31/18, 13:00

    https://twitter.com/btselem/status/980042213718708224/photo/1

    https://electronicintifada.net/blogs/ali-abunimah/israel-admits-then-deletes-responsibility-gaza-killings

    The army’s deletion of the tweet is hardly surprising. The admission that its killings of demonstrators were premeditated down to the last bullet means it cannot deny responsibility for apparent war crimes, such as the lethal shooting of Abd al-Fattah Abd al-Nabi, 19, as he ran away from the Israel-Gaza boundary fence. Abd al-Nabi was reportedly shot in the head.

    Video of the slaying, widely shared on social media, shows Abd al-Nabi running alongside two other Palestinians far away from the boundary fence when the crack of a gunshot is heard and he falls suddenly.

    https://electronicintifada.net/blogs/ali-abunimah/israel-admits-then-deletes-responsibility-gaza-killings
    • Jenny 17.1

      1 April 2018 at 3:27 pm

      “Abdul Fattah Abdul Nabi, a 19-year-old Palestinian, was shot dead during Friday’s protests in the Gaza Strip.”

      Mahmoud Abu Salama
      BEIT LAHIA, Gaza

      The morning after burying 19-year-old Abdul Fattah Abdul Nabi, his family gathered in a tent set up to receive mourners, watching and re-watching a video of the moment they say Israeli soldiers shot him in the back of the head.

      The video appears to show the teenager, dressed in black, running away from Gaza’s border fence with Israel carrying a tire. Just before reaching a crowd, he crumples under gunfire.

      “He had no gun, no molotov, a tire. Does that harm the Israelis, a tire?” asked his brother Mohamed Abdul Nabi, 22. “He wasn’t going toward the Israeli side. He was running away.”

      https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/israel-threatens-to-expand-response-if-gaza-violence-continues/2018/03/31/aab4d494-3464-11e8-b6bd-0084a1666987_story.html?utm_term=.5e2885e000f1

      Abdul Fattah’s family is among those demanding an investigation into the Israeli response to the protest, saying videos show he posed no threat. More than 700 people were injured with live ammunition in the demonstration, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza. Forty-nine were wounded Saturday, it said.

      The United Nations on Saturday said it was “deeply concerned” and called for a transparent, independent investigation.

      https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/israel-threatens-to-expand-response-if-gaza-violence-continues/2018/03/31/aab4d494-3464-11e8-b6bd-0084a1666987_story.html?utm_term=.5e2885e000f1

      However with the US right of veto at the United Nations Security Council, it is unlikely that the US will allow any international independent investigation into these killings.
18. Penny Bright 18

    1 April 2018 at 2:52 pm

    NZ ANTI-CORRUPTION WHISTLE-BLOWER ALERT!

    (Sunday 1 April 2018 – but this is no April Fool’s joke 🙁

    31 March 2018

    Press Release : Anti-corruption whistle-blower Penny Bright

    “Stop the forced rating sale of my home! How is Auckland Council lawfully compliant with its own ‘Rating Sale Policy’?”

    “Today (Saturday 31 March 2018) the forced rating sale of my freehold property was publicly advertised,” says ‘anti-corruption whistle-blower, Penny Bright.

    ” I have contacted the Barfoot and Thompson agent, and advised him that I do NOT consent to anyone ‘viewing’ my property, and that I am raising this matter directly with the Attorney-General because I believe that lawful due process has not been followed by Auckland Council.”

    “The Auckland Council Rating Sales Policy (CP2013/01403) states:

    “14: The rating sales process is outlined by the following steps:

    1. legal proceedings are initiated, and a court judgment issued with a Charging Order (registered on title documents) against the property.
    ..

    16. The power to enforce a rating sale comes with a significant responsibility to ensure that the power is not used inappropriately.

    A policy on rating sales has therefore being developed to ensure that there are clear rules regarding rating sales.”

    “The ‘Composite Computer Register Under Land Transfer Act 1952, that I have, (search date 8 March 2017) hows no Charging Order registered against my property for the Judgment Debt of $47,431.76, given in the Auckland District Court on 18 January 2017.”

    It appears that Auckland Council CEO Stephen Town, has not followed Auckland Council’s ‘Rating Sale Policy’.
    …….

    Penny Bright

    ‘Anti-corruption whistle-blower’.

    PS: A ‘Give A Little Page’ will be set up ASAP, because a number of people have requested it.

    The goal will be to raise the $20,000 to cover outstanding rates, and the money will be deposited into a solicitor’s account.

    This money will be held there, until the Public Records Act 2005, s.17 is fully complied with, regarding transparency and accountability in the spending of public monies on private sector consultants and contractors, and the following information is published on the websites of Auckland Council and all Auckland Council-Controlled Organisations (CCOs), under ‘Procurement – Awarded Contracts’:

    * The unique contract number.

    * The name of the consultant / contractor.

    * A brief description of the scope of the contract.

    * Contract start / finish dates.

    * The exact dollar value of each and every contract – including those sub-contracted.

    * How the contract was awarded – by direct appointment or public tender.

    There will be a LOT of good that comes from this draconian municipal bullying of an unprotected ‘citizen whistle-blower’ in New Zealand ‘perceived’ to be ‘the least corrupt country in the world’, and WE ‘turn this bad thing into a good thing’!

    I’m fighting for transparency, I’m not wrong and I’m NOT backing down.
    • tracey 18.1

      1 April 2018 at 3:00 pm

      Sell your house yourself to ensure best price. Repay your rates and buy a smaller place with lower rates. You are not going to win this fight to keep your house so plan for the longer game.
      • adam 18.1.1

        1 April 2018 at 3:25 pm

        Penny, I have to agree with Tracey, unless you control this, they will sell your house at a low price.

        If you want to stay in the fight, think about she said.
    • One Two 18.2

      1 April 2018 at 4:34 pm

      Penny Bright your cause and desire to expose the fraudulent operations of Auckland Council are admirable indeed…

      The system has decided it has had enough and must make a clear statement to the citizens that they do not own property, even when no mortgage exists…

      Take that as a signal of how close to full exposure you have achieved…your actions will no longer be tolerated…

      The advice to take control of the situation for yourself before you are sidelined completely, is sound and should be considered…surely you are evaluating the risks…

      It’s not quitting if you get out while you’re ahead…which in a moral sense, absolutely you are…

      That said, if you choose to remain on tact, that is equally honourable…

      Go well
    • Sacha 18.3

      1 April 2018 at 4:49 pm

      This money will be held there, until the Public Records Act 2005, s.17 is fully complied with

      It could easily be considered fraudulent to solicit money from the public on the basis of mis-reading the Public Records Act as a law about publishing information. It simply isn’t. You have been told this repeatedly.
      • McFlock 18.3.1

        1 April 2018 at 6:27 pm

        Not to mention that even if she raises the 20 grand, “it’s with a lawyer somewhere” doesn’t mean shit so her house is still going to be sold.

        Looks like Penny’s going to lose her home for nothing.

        All she had to do was put the rates money aside, and pay it at the last minute.
        • Cricklewood 18.3.1.1

          1 April 2018 at 7:35 pm

          Penny has a fair point… I know for a fact that Auckland transport engaged a consultant, then hired the consultant’s son’s company to quote for and carry out the recomended works. They asked said contractor to break the quoted sum into 3 parts as to avoid triggering a high enough sum which would need another 2 prices in a competitive process and signing off from higher up. Total figure was around 90k…
          • McFlock 18.3.1.1.1

            1 April 2018 at 7:44 pm

            Yeah she had a point, but if she was going to pay the rates when they satisfied her reporting demands, why hadn’t she simply put the money aside in the first place?

            Now she seems to be looking for crowdsource funds to put the money aside (so they’re still going to sell her house and get the rates that way). They’re still her damned rates to pay.
            • Cricklewood 18.3.1.1.1.1

              1 April 2018 at 7:54 pm

              No argument from me there, I was under the impression she had the funds set aside.

              She has made her point and could continue to make it if she paid enough to avoid the sale or in fact cleared the sum before refusing to pay again forcing the council to begin the process again keeping the matter in the spotlight.
              • McFlock …

                1 April 2018 at 9:10 pm

                yeah, that could make her a fly in the ointment for decades lol
19. adam 19

    1 April 2018 at 3:22 pm

    This is 5 minutes long, but the first 3 minutes is what you want to watch. Kid and God completely destroy hateful fox news commentator.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3yyhaKk1jk&feature=push-u-sub&attr_tag=3X_zbxvgRsUmziWU-6&ab_channel=TheJimmyDoreShow
20. veutoviper 20

    1 April 2018 at 4:32 pm

    For patricia bremner

    As discussed on the other post, here are links to all ten of the articles Henry Cooke did as he accompanied the five day Parliamentary Mission to the Pacific which were published progressively by Stuff on their website over that timeframe. The only one you read and criticised for its once over lightly was in fact his wrap up article at 10. below completing the series.

    In sequence, these ten articles by Henry Cooke were:

    1. A preliminary scene-setting one written before the visit started, detailing the bigger picture issues relevant to the relationships etc between NZ and the Pacific islands, and anticipated achievements from the trip: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/101956367/pm-jacinda-arderns-chance-to-set-the-tone-in-the-pacific

    2. An article specifically on climate change and its effects on Samoa, speeches given by our PM and Climate Change Minister James Shaw to an audience of Samoan MPs and officials at a climate change luncheon, and their visits to local spots showing the effects of climate change: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/101975846/Ardern-says-NZ-must-do-our-bit-to-fight-climate-change-before-asking-the-world-for-help

    3. Another article specifically on the donations to Samoa announced by the PM of $3 million more in disaster recovery aid and $6.5m in development funds for small businesses run by women and young people: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/101971248/NZ-donates-almost-10-million-to-Samoa

    4. A final article on Samoa on the hospitality and celebrations that took place; climate change; and the aid announcements: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/101995813/jacinda-arderns-island-honeymoon-with-samoa-comes-with-big-promises

    5. and 6. Two articles on the one day visit to Niue – One on the aid assistance announced, which included $5m for another solar panels farm to help Niue reach their goal of 80% renewable energy by 2025; and the second a lighter one focusing in part on the PM’s reunion with her family in Niue: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/102020729/niue-gets-575m-from-nz-premier-asks-for-pension-portability and https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/102007922/jacinda-arderns-homecoming-visit-to-niue

    7. One article on Tonga covering aid including emergency relief for the cyclone Gita damage and the visit itself, which included the delegation seeing this damage first hand: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/102039953/prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-arrives-in-a-turbulent-tonga

    8. and 9. Two articles on the visit to the Cook Islands – One specifically on the biggest announcement of the whole trip on the relaxation of the rules for the payment of NZ Superannuation to Niueans, Cook Islanders and Tokelauans, and the other on the very colourful and friendly visit itself, but which also includes further discussion on the relaxed NZ Super rules:
    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/102082994/pm-jacinda-ardern-announces-pension-portability-for-cook-islanders-tokeulauns-and-niueans
    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/102082053/jacinda-ardern-saves-the-best-for-last-in-rarotonga

    10. And finally, Henry Cooke’s wrap up article summarizing what was achieved by the visit itself, and also looking at the bigger, longer term issues: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/102122822/jacinda-ardern-has-begun-a-pacific-reset-but-what-the-region-really-needs-is-an-upgrade
21. veutoviper 21

    1 April 2018 at 4:55 pm

    Oops I think my long one deservedly has gone into moderation or spam (Moderators can ditch my long one re the same subject which has presumably gone into moderation or spam due to the number of links. My sincere apologies as I had intended to spread over a couple of comments then forgot and pressed submit and raced off to do something else.)

    So i will start again.

    To patricia bremner

    As discussed on the other post today, Henry Cooke wrote ten (10) articles – not one – while he was on the Parliamentary Mission to the Pacific Islands earlier in March and which were progressively published on the Stuff website (and presumably in some of the Fairfax newspapers) over the course of those five days. The only one that you apparently read and then criticised for being once over lightly in your comment on Daily Review 9 March 2018 was the last on which was Cooke’s wrap up article.

    Here are the links which I will break into three lots so as not to clog up the works here.

    In sequence, these ten articles by Henry Cooke were:

    1. A preliminary scene-setting one written before the visit started, detailing the bigger picture issues relevant to the relationships etc between NZ and the Pacific islands, and anticipated achievements from the trip: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/101956367/pm-jacinda-arderns-chance-to-set-the-tone-in-the-pacific

    2. An article specifically on climate change and its effects on Samoa, speeches given by our PM and Climate Change Minister James Shaw to an audience of Samoan MPs and officials at a climate change luncheon, and their visits to local spots showing the effects of climate change: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/101975846/Ardern-says-NZ-must-do-our-bit-to-fight-climate-change-before-asking-the-world-for-help

    3. Another article specifically on the donations to Samoa announced by the PM of $3 million more in disaster recovery aid and $6.5m in development funds for small businesses run by women and young people: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/101971248/NZ-donates-almost-10-million-to-Samoa

    4. A final article on Samoa on the hospitality and celebrations that took place; climate change; and the aid announcements: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/101995813/jacinda-arderns-island-honeymoon-with-samoa-comes-with-big-promises

    Rest to follow.
    • veutoviper 21.1

      1 April 2018 at 4:57 pm

      Continuation of the above. Part 2 of 3

      5. and 6. Two articles on the one day visit to Niue – One on the aid assistance announced, which included $5m for another solar panels farm to help Niue reach their goal of 80% renewable energy by 2025; and the second a lighter one focusing in part on the PM’s reunion with her family in Niue:

      https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/102020729/niue-gets-575m-from-nz-premier-asks-for-pension-portability and

      https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/102007922/jacinda-arderns-homecoming-visit-to-niue

      7. One article on Tonga covering aid including emergency relief for the cyclone Gita damage and the visit itself, which included the delegation seeing this damage first hand: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/102039953/prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-arrives-in-a-turbulent-tonga

      Part 3 of 3 to follow
    • veutoviper 21.2

      1 April 2018 at 5:07 pm

      Part 3 of 3

      8. and 9. Two articles on the visit to the Cook Islands – One specifically on the biggest announcement of the whole trip on the relaxation of the rules for the payment of NZ Superannuation to Niueans, Cook Islanders and Tokelauans, and the other on the very colourful and friendly visit itself, but which also includes further discussion on the relaxed NZ Super rules:

      https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/102082994/pm-jacinda-ardern-announces-pension-portability-for-cook-islanders-tokeulauns-and-niueans

      https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/102082053/jacinda-ardern-saves-the-best-for-last-in-rarotonga

      10. And finally, Henry Cooke’s wrap up article summarizing what was achieved by the visit itself, and also looking at the bigger, longer term issues: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/102122822/jacinda-ardern-has-begun-a-pacific-reset-but-what-the-region-really-needs-is-an-upgrade

      This last one seems to be the only one you read, Patricia.
      • patricia bremner 21.2.1

        2 April 2018 at 7:56 am

        Hello Veutoviper, Thank you for those articles. By now you will realise I have limited computer skills.

        I definitely deserved a reprimand, as I had skimmed two of those articles without taking in that Henry wrote them. (A busy week with hospital and family visits none of which are easy currently)

        Henry Cooke’s articles were clear and evocative, showing skill. I stand corrected.

        In case you do not see this, I will again post on open mike. I said I had looked, I obviously need to learn a few more skills… will get Norm to show me how to Bookmark.
        • veutoviper 21.2.1.1

          2 April 2018 at 1:00 pm

          Thanks patricia. I knew that if you realised that you had not seen the rest of Cooke’s articles that you would see that your criticism was unwarranted. My original draft reply also covered a number of other issues raised in your original comment but we will leave most of those at this point.

          However, re political bias, I am sure that you would now agree that there is no way that the quality and content of Cooke’s full set of articles can be equated with some of the (IMO) clearly rightwing lightweight biased garbage masquerading as journalism from these two other writers who are some years Cooke’s senior who also wrote articles on the Parliamentary Mission to the Pacific, although neither writer actually went on the trip.

          Mike Hosking – http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12009354
          Duncan Garner – https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/102122996/pm-dishes-out-the-charm-and-money-on-pacific-tour

          I think, and hope that you would actually find that equation horrifying.

          I would also like to include a rather long explanation which I included in my original draft response to you and which I touched on briefly in one of my many comments yesterday on MS’ excellent post – https://thestandard.org.nz/the-manufacturing-of-a-narrative/#comment-1468693

          This is a general explanation, not directed specifically at you, as to why I have stood up for Cooke (and some other individual journalists) and will continue to do so. It was written weeks ago well before the excess of coverage of one event – combined with a lack of coverage of some other major issues, events and decisions of considerable public interest – of the last week or so, which resulted in MS’s post and the enormous response to it over Easter when things usually go quiet here.

          But I still stand by it, even if I don’t always follow it to the letter myself. (See my last para!) I did not feel it was appropriate for MS’ post, but want to say it to let off stream if nothing else. I felt Drinnan was brave coming into the lion’s den yesterday. and I give him credit for doing so. This may help explain some of my responses there.
          —————————————-

          As we had previously discussed, I have no direct connections with Cooke himself although we have mutual acquaintances. This is quite normal in the small world of the government- centred scene here in Wellington. I do not write on his or any other journalists’ behalf; nor am I (or ever have been) a journalist, or teacher of journalism or media studies, or a family member of any journalist. But I have known, and liaised with many journalists over the years, as part of my past jobs in the public service.

          My defence of Cooke and his journalism has been because I am very interested in the quality etc of our Fourth Estate here in NZ in view of its influence on society and democracy. There is a lot of criticism of our media which is quite normal – the question is whether it is in fact justified or not, either generally or in the case of specific journalists, publications, or other means of dissemination eg blogs, digital press etc. All of which is a very big separate subject in itself.

          In brief, my own personal view is that we have had a fairly stale media for some years with a lot of people in the industry having been around for a long time and with fairly fixed views and positions politically.

          In the last couple of years I have noticed a number of younger talented reporters coming through the system with much fresher, more socially aware mindsets and interests, and who do not seem to have the same fixed views, political connections etc that many of the older ones do.

          Cooke is one I put into this group, as are Kirsty Johnston and Jess McAllen who I mentioned to you, Patricia, in a separate exchange here on TS recently unrelated to Cooke. These three are by no means the only ones; and I am quite excited to see this generational shift as people like Johnston and McAllen in particular are producing some excellent writing about things like social justice, mental health, and special needs issues.

          But it is a hard road for this young cohort with the retrenchment of print media resulting in fewer and fewer opportunities for getting in the door and finding steady employment in this field, and coupled with the increasing reliance on freelance and casual writers to produce the stories for the growing digital media. There is a high drop out rate of the younger reporters as a result of these bigger factors along with low rates of pay, job insecurity, long hours etc.

          IMO we need to be encouraging this cohort of young journalists and reporters to keep them in the business and to keep them fresh and open minded – to ensure a healthy Fourth Estate for the future. Unfair criticism and unsubstantiated claims and accusation of political bias etc does not do this and just adds to the other pressures on these people, leading to them quitting the profession.

          So I decided some time ago that I would stand up for and support this young cohort collectively and individually where I think they deserve it. I also do this in respect of older journalists where I also think they are being unfairly targeted, criticized etc. Unfortunately there is sometimes here on TS a ‘lemming’ approach to criticism of the media generally, which also fails to distinguish between management and editorial power and control over content and balance, and the work of individual journalists (including the limitations on them to choose their subject and the way their articles are edited and presented).

          I really believe that we will achieve far better results towards achieving a better Fourth Estate for the future by trying to communicate with members of the media and opening up discussion rather than continually attacking them.

          Yes, critique the structure, management and bias of the organizations, and their editorial decisions re content and balance, and of individual journalists where such criticism is warranted and can be verified with facts; but don’t tar all journalists with the same brush. They themselves are a very broad church of people with different personal and journalistic experience, beliefs, values and goals just as are the rest of us.
          ——————————

          Having read the above, some people would say that I am a total hypocrite in view of my criticism of Garner and Hosking at the top of this post – and they are probably right, but I am human too! LOL.
22. joe90 22

    1 April 2018 at 10:41 pm

    Kremlin connected thugs emboldened.

    Co-owner of Russia's Summa group detained. It’s a very important story about Putin 4.0 Let me explain 1/ https://t.co/lwFUTygCl9— Alexander Gabuev (@AlexGabuev) March 31, 2018

    […]

    8/ As conflict with the West deepens, many Russian players (powerful SOEs, friends of Putin, siloviks) feel emboldened to go after assets they like using simple tools. Putting your hard-grained opponent in prison is the best negotiation tactic for a business dispute in Russia— Alexander Gabuev (@AlexGabuev) March 31, 2018

    https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/980032323923185664.html

    MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russian authorities on Saturday arrested billionaire Ziyavudin Magomedov on charges of embezzling more than $35 million, in one of the highest-profile prosecutions of a Russian tycoon in years.

    Magomedov denied the charges at a pre-trial hearing, where a judge ordered that he be held in custody until May 30.

    One of Russia’s richest men, the 49-year-old Magomedov holds assets in construction and logistics through his sprawling Summa Group. He also has investments in U.S. tech ventures, including the Virgin One Hyperloop project.

    He was detained along with his business partner and brother, Magomed Magomedov, and Artur Maksidov, the head of a company in the Summa Group that was involved in the construction of a soccer World Cup venue in the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad.

    https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-summa-corruption/russian-tycoon-magomedov-arrested-on-embezzlement-charges-idUSKBN1H70A2
23. eco maori 23

    2 April 2018 at 5:25 pm

    Te namu onepu decided to send in a repeat actor back to hang around ECO MAORI this person tried to get me and my wife to move into a whare that was half the size of the one we got now with little privacy for the same price of rent all because they were friends ????? of my wife and there dad owned it last time YEA RIGHT .This time Koni and Te namu onepu decided that they would try me again. I treated this person with respect the problem was this person was wanting to talk to me more than my wife ?????? I played along for a bit then I shut it out of my conversation as its not my friend. Ana to kai ka kite ano
    • eco maori 23.1

      2 April 2018 at 6:46 pm

      Newshub the deep fake photos will always be able to be discredited with a examination of the data used to make and display those photos .
      Many thanks to te Australian Common wealth games people for advocating Ladies Equality ka pai Mana wahine.
      I’m quite good at reading the weather not as good as I should be being a ex fisherman but I left that up to the skipper I have fished right around Aoteraroa down to the Auckland Islands Chatham Islands like my tipuna before me .
      Some people have to remember that I see all events .
      It was a good week of sports for Eco Maori Ka pai ka kite ano
      • eco maori 23.1.1

        2 April 2018 at 11:24 pm

        Ko Ruaumoko e ngunguru nei
        Hi Au Au Aue ha
        Ko Ruaumoko e ngunguru nei
        Hi Au Au Aue ha
        I aha aha

        E ko te rakau a Tu nga werewere I ha
        ha
        He rakau tapu na Tutaua ki a Uenuku

        [Ko Ruaumoko e ngunguru nei]

        I patukia ki te tipua ki o Rangitopeka
        Pakaru ti upoko o Rangitopeka
        Patua ki waenganui o te tau ki
        Hikurangi
        He toka whakairo etu ake nei
        He atua He tangata He atua He
        tangata ho
        He atua he atua tau Paretaitoko

        Kia kitea e Paretaitoko te whare
        haunga
        I ha ha Kia whakatete mai o rei he kuri
        Au
        I Ahaha
        Na wai parehua taku hope kia whakaka
        te rangi
        Kia tare au Hi
        He roha te kawau
        Hi

        Kei te pou tara
        Tu ka tete ka Tau ha
        Ko komako ko komako
        E ko te hau tapu
        e rite ki te kai na Matariki pakia
        Tapa reireia koi tapa
        Tapa kononua kaiana tukua

        I aue hi
        I ahaha
        Ka tu te ihiihi
        ka tu te wanawana
        Ki runga i te rangi
        e tu iho nei
        HI

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