One of my favourite comedy actors of all time. I was just watching him on youtube yesterday (doco on the making of Blackadder). This is a real shocker.
I think that quad bike accident back in the late 90s fucked his career badly. And as a result of his much slower thinking / reactions, Ade Edmondson lost interest in working with him. Which is pretty bloody sad after all they’d been through.
was at uni when young ones and five go made in dorset hit our screens. saw ade Edmonson on the dales the other day and realised we are all middle aged now.
rip rik mayall for one of the funniest characters ( rick young ones) since life of bryan
ps when banks are his ear wax I immediately thought of rik in that scene about ear wax tasting bad
I loved him in “Mr Jolly Works Next Door”, and also in Guesthouse Paradiso…absolutely anarchic. RIP. Tonight I will raise a glass, as he said to Eddy Hitler in Bottom, “Make it a large one Eddy!”
“There were times when Rik and I were writing together when we almost died laughing.
They were some of the most carefree stupid days I ever had, and I feel privileged to have shared them with him.
And now he’s died for real. Without me. Selfish bastard.”
No worries, the bbc website is my home page and that’s what I awoke to when the cat meowed to tell me he didn’t need to go out in the rain as he’d sh!t in the bath instead.
Not my best morning to be fair, but at least my arse doesn’t have a footprint on it like Jasper’s.
An interesting 2010 Herald article providing a ‘reminder’ of Banks’ stance on various issues and behaviour towards fellow Parliamentarians over the years.
Not a nice man but more importantly he seems to have disregarded the rules when it suited him like buying the hotel and holding back a tender so that a friend could win etc.
Maybe an even more just outcome now than I thought?
It took reading that article to remind me what sort of person he has been over the years to get a better perspective. I used to have some admiration for Banks as someone who initially sought to overcome and rise above the deprivations of his childhood and youth – and did .-
This article and similar ones have reminded me just how far Banks came over the years from this initial start to become a narrowminded, self-serving elitist who thought he was above the rest of us and could ‘engineer’ things and the law to suit his own ends, and that of his likeminded friends and colleagues. Indeed IMO he still thinks and acts in this way.
He currently sits forlorn in the nest of his own making.
Not entirely alone. He does seem to have quite a lot of supporters – ex pollies and Nat lackeys who, by and large, are no better than himself.
Last evening I was at a local Labour function and the subject of David Seymour was discussed. We had seen the Nation interview and were flabbergasted that such a loud mouthed, pig ignorant sociopath will be in parliament after Sept.20. In contrast the other two candidates present – the charming Julie-Ann Genter and the calm, collected Richard Wood – were shining examples of the sorts of people we so desperately need on the government benches.
On Radionz there will soon be an interview about the problem of getting plastic out of the sea where it does so much harm. It sounds a good idea.
Could something be learned on making artificial floating environmentally safe floating ‘reefs’ over shellfish beds, coral reefs say, that need protecting from excessive sun and heat? Could we do something using similar technologies, ban plastic and use ocean-friendly packaging or something. I wonder?
Here is what Key had to say on Morning Report this morning on National’s possible coattail accommodations – in short that he will be announcing any in the next few weeks in the interests of transparency.
This morning the Herald also has an article on the selection by ACT of Don Nicholson, former Federated Farmers boss, as their candidate to run in Clutha Southland. This will pit him against the young ex tobacco industry National candidate …. While the article says that Key has said there will be no accommodation, it would not surprise me if there was, as a backup to the possibility that ACT does not win Epsom.
For all those on the left who think KFC has some sort of smoking gun revelation in relation to John Key and when he knew about the raid on him I have a question for you. Why is he offering 5 million dollars for information proving corruption? Seems like he would only be doing that because he doesn’t have any already.
no wonder you have such little idea on the complexities of society and the requirements for its healthy functioning and no wonder you think the only factor people consider in making life decisions is money.
Two different things, Gosman. One is the supposed evidence about John Key that KDC hints he has, the other is the offer to pay for evidence of Government corruption. One is personal to Key, the other relates to the Government in toto. Only the latter has any implications for the court case.
However, I’m with you in doubting the ‘smoking gun’. I think we’d have seen the evidence already, if it exists.
Evidence that John Key knew about the raid in advance would be suggestive of corruption or at least political collusion against KDC. This would call in to question the motivation for his arrest and be grounds for denying his extradition. The fact he is fishing for additional information is highly suggestive he has nothing as you point out as well.
with you OAB .. KDC has not been caught in any lie so far, unlike all the other motley cast of players. Also, I think he said it would be revealed in court, which is not due yet .. so much more fun in court than in msm media or the House …. and I think this is why the election was pulled forward, this and banks. but each was weighted in the decision imho.
Dotcom hasn’t been caught for lying you say, but he has been in jail several times, after being caught for a long list of criminal convictions that have followed his travels around the world for the last 20 years.
He’s been done for data espionage, embeszzlement, computer fraud, insider trading. He’s made money by ripping off phone cards and selling them, ripping off software and selling it, pretending a company he has shares in is about to get massive investment, then selling off the shares to conned buyers, and most recently ripping off music producers on a massive scale.
Whereever he’s gone, he’s made his money by ripping off other people.
But no – of course he would never ever tell a lie.
Your posterior is leaking again john, i know many seen Helen as a super-woman but really, you need get control of your propensity to lapse into fantasy…
I see a difference between a career criminal who makes his money from ripping people off, and a politician trying to save themselves by lying about speeding, paintings, foreign accounts, or even secret trusts.
I forgot about the feral inbreds comment, though it’s arguable whether that was actually a lie – just a very stupid thing to say publicly.
Even more stupid for a politician.
And even more stupid for a labour politician about a the founding region of the labour party.
Which probably proves my point. Helen Clark is generally thought of as a pretty good politician, and a good PM for most of her term, even by the right.
Showing the public are pretty tolerant of small slip-ups from politicians.
And smart enough to see that people who make big deals about small issues are just being anal.
“I forgot about the feral inbreds comment, though it’s arguable whether that was actually a lie – just a very stupid thing to say publicly.”
Funny thing, john, is that she never said it.
Which just reinforces what you’ve been demonstrating all along; that you’re a gullible dupe who is prepared to believe any old rubbish you’re told about people you disapprove of.
Meanwhile, John Key has lied his arse off for 6 years and you’re fine with it.
Well, KDM wasn’t caught in a lie, but the whole deal about a “sitting electorate MP” wanting to defect to the IP, which was subsequently withdrawn and is no longer spoken about, doesn’t do all that much for his credibility.
ahoy there, putake. i’m wondering if there’s a hint of the ‘alcohol maketh the man moreso’ to your question. there’s no excuses for me, im afraid. i’ve not labored in his vineyard for quite some time.
have to laugh at the blogger who says New Zealand is becoming a Deemocracy. i.e what we say goes.
and everything else is sub rosa or behind closed doors. Anyway the thing is a Wairarapa man is being charged with letting off a pistol not at a firing range. The defense will be that Judith collins was shown firing a pistol somewhere so waiting to see if what is good for the goose is good for the gander
Although not my buzz, ex shipping containers are a great way to recycle materials and reduce the amount of new raw materials being used for accommodation.
Watched a show about building in small spaces on tele awhile ago. One segment was about a container house accommodation and office space complex in a dis used industrial area in Britain. A lot of thought had gone into the storage spaces and layout of living areas in the containers, as well outdoor connection such as the use of large sliding glass doors going out to patios.
Wellington has a well known container house. Here’s some interesting shots of the interior:
Although not my buzz, ex shipping containers are a great way to recycle materials and reduce the amount of new raw materials being used for accommodation.
I’d almost agree with that except that they’re metal which means that they’re going to bleed heat at an absolutely astonishing rate unless they have really thick insulation. Thing is, a number of the ones I’ve seen on the internet don’t have that required insulation.
I’ve always wondered about the metal aspect regarding heat loss in winter, heat retention in summer and condensation.
Mr R did a cert in building ecology and design last year and although is interested in container housing, didn’t cover it as a project, mainly because it wasn’t construction from scratch per se. The “health” of the building and it impact on occupants would be an important consideration in sustainable housing I’d imagine – I might run that past him later, the insulation question.
In the meantime on the topic of the small house movement, heres a transportable small house manufactured in CHCH (with insulation!)
hello to you, freedom. jacob applebaum told me some things about mobiles that made me wary of their use. the question arose yesterday as to the reply button and dimebag russell (bitchin handle btw) piped up and stated that he doesnt use it. i dont want to come off as an complete asshole but cant it be one of my protests against conformity/authority (like not mowing my berm). it seems altogether too intimate for me as i do struggle in that department.
Yeah, it’s quite strange that the site’s suddenly inundated with newish people who seem incapable of using the reply button. A sudden outbreak of Reply-Button-Phobia. I’m wondering if it’s some sort of OCD thing ?
I was having fun rarking up the sewer yesterday when I was have a problem writing code. They appear to be a bit upset about that.
Teaching them to use a reply button is probably a bit much. Priority should be given to teaching them to use the toilet rather than going directly to the sewer.
Oh Hi AlIen. Hey, what was that I was reading above about Jasper the cat having a footprint on his bum because he shat in the bath?! Not true about the footprint I hope!!! Provide Jasper with a litter tray for rainy days and a cat door so he can come and go when he wants – no need for AlIen to get out of bed, and no need for Jasper to go to desperate lengths. Everyone’s happy.
You know, just yesterday I had a run with a man who was treating a cat cruelly on the side of the road. I was driving past and had to pull over and have a word with him. But this guy was a jerk and you aren’t, so give Jasper a break and get his bathroom sorted. No more messy starts to the day for you if you do 😀
Oooo you are wicked, winding me up like that…………….
Cats toilet indoors for good reasons. Address the source of the problem (litter tray and cat door) and you’ll have no worries.
If he still goes indoors and on your personal items, such as laundry and you have your cat toileting options sussed, then that means something else, he’s being territorial.
No to a litter tray, the idea is not to have cat poo smells in the house at all, I’m certainly not encouraging it.
He was out all last evening and only came in after midnight. He just won’t go to next doors garden when it’s raining. I’m sure it’s not a territory thing, he knows his place. The only bonus is it makes my girl pick her clothes up of the bedroom floor when it’s pouring down. 😀
I’m leaving the bathroom window open tonight, so if there’s a cat heaven, he best have been a good kitty if he does it again.
I’m not one for anthropomorphisms, but waking me up after the fact and not before does get me thinking. 🙂
“I’m sure it’s not a territory thing, he knows his place”. Yes cats always know THEIR place, they just like to make sure humans know theirs………they are clever like that and like to express their superiority.
No stinks from a litter tray if you keep it clean, and keep it in the garage, or somewhere not within the house
Well his place tonight certainly isn’t going to be under the blankie again, that’s for sure, so he’ll be expressing his superiority to the daddy long legs in the front room 🙂
It’s a cat door Jaspar needs. And if you don’t like the sound of the cat door going bank-whack in the middle of the night, tape the door up with some very strong sticky tape.It’ll still go whackity-whack as he hurls himself through the opening, but it’ll save you a lot of nasty smells and cussing…
Noooooo, i have been hoping that Cats didn’t get a mention, the next door one, known only to me as Cat, is one of my good friends,
She is totally the shit as far as an animal expressing itself goes and i have mentioned here befor Her love of the next door neighbors shed full of Pigeons, She sits on a fencepost in my backyard which the mentioned shed backs onto and falls asleep purring loud enough to be heard inside my house if there’s no radio blaring, and, drooling bucket-loads like a loon,
Should i have the temerity to interrupt this grand reverie by trying to use ‘my’ backyard, Her eyes will fly open and i get a Hiss and Meow that conveys to me in no uncertain terms ”F-off you bastard i was just getting to the bit where these feathered critters all fell at my feet screaming devour me master”,
We converse as often as the Cat deigns to lower Herself to engage and the Cat is an expert at using different tones and volumes of Meows, should i impart to the Cat that a certain level of Meow is insufficient to deserve as reward a Pat you can bet that the next Meow will be heart-rendingly plaintive until such time as my voice takes on a concilltory tone,
Anyway, to abbreviate, the other night Cat and i were going through this routine and when She had me in Her power, luring me into the gift of the inevitable Pat, i proceeded to lecture Her in the vein of ”i know your game Cat” following this with the lecture on Her only desiring Pats so as to ditch on one of the foolish humans at least one of Her many fleas, and,
As Pats provoke Her into fits of drooling this was in effect an attempt to pass onto the unsuspecting one of those Cat diseases they are said to carry,
Finishing this lecture with words of why don’t you make yourself useful, i haven’t seen a dead rat in months,
Next day on a trip into the backyard to feed the garden, WTF, at the bottom of the steps where the Cat normally leaves them, i assume for my inspection, 1 very dead Rat,
Which brings me to the question i have been meaning to ask, other than fast flying items of heavy matter, is there a way of keeping Cat’s from crapping in the garden, ala the drink bottle full of water on the lawn to deter the Dogs,???…
Alien Lolz, such are inherent in fast flying items of heavy matter, i had the same problem with a dog from down below that had little respect for my garden and complete disdain for me,
Until that is the day He looked up and met an object from space falling at 30 feet per second per second, what could be called an inescapable conclusion,
Myself i call it the old plastic chair on my deck, the dog then changed that to ”ouch” in the form of a yelp,
Sticks to his own turf these days choosing instead of shitting in and then digging up my garden to sending subtle messages via small yelps in the wee small quiet hours…
No to a litter tray, the idea is not to have cat poo smells in the house at all, I’m certainly not encouraging it.
Best house training of four kittens I ever did was a litter tray. Kept a litter tray until they proved that they were old enough to go outside (ie, they could jump out the window) and then dumped the litter tray in the garden. They followed the litter tray.
I’ve had him six years and he was in the family for a year or so before that and mostly he’s been good. Like I wrote, it’s only when it’s pouring down will I ever get left a present.
It’s only happened about four times in all, but I’d rather have triplets and be on permanent nappy duty than have to put up with that smell. It’s a unique aroma for sure, and one that lingers long in the nostrils.
Edit:
“is there a way of keeping Cat’s from crapping in the garden”
remember, if you do decide to call – there’s a high likelihood youll get one of the 99% who spoil it for the rest of the good ones. * cuts to a shot of mr o connor justifying yet another heavy handed beating*
An URGENT message to all NZ MPs who are opposed to corruption:
WE NEED THE EPSOM BY-ELECTION TO HELP KEEP THE PUBLIC SPOTLIGHT ON CORRUPTION!
(In my considered opinion, if the Epsom by-election goes ahead, National will NOT win this 2014 General Election, because they are SO vulnerable on the issue of ‘corrupt corporate cronyism’ and there is SO much more to come …… )
MPS who are opposed to corruption, should NOT support the upcoming vote (which needs 75% of MPs – 91 MPs) to prevent this Epsom by-election going ahead!
If Labour MPs commit to NOT supporting the upcoming vote to stop this Epsom by-election, it won’t happen, because there simply won’t be the numbers to make up the 75%.
There will be all manner of SPIN as to why this Epsom by-election should NOT go ahead, but it’s high time for a massive public exposure proving how NZ’s ‘perceived’ status as the ‘least corrupt country in the world’ does NOT match the corruption ‘REALITY’ check.
Please make your voices heard – ASAP!
10 June 2014
PRESS RELEASE FROM ANTI-CORRUPTION ‘PUBLIC WATCHDOG’ PENNY BRIGHT –
“Why I support Graham McCready’s call for an Epsom by-election.”
I, Penny Bright, ‘anti-corruption and anti-privatisation Public Watchdog’ support the call of private prosecutor Graham McCready, for MPs to support a by-election in Epsom, and NOT to provide this National Government with the numbers to make up the 91 MPs (75%) required to STOP this by-election.
In my considered opinion, any public monies spent on this Epsom by-election, will NOT be a ‘waste of money’ – but an investment in the fight against corruption in New Zealand ‘perceived to be the least corrupt country in the world’.
The general election will focus on many issues, but a by-election in Epsom will help keep a huge public spotlight specifically on corrupt practices such as electoral fraud – which have apparently been ‘common practice’.
‘State capture’ obtains when a small number of firms (or such entities as the military) is able to shape the rules of the game to its advantage through massive illicit, and non-transparent provision of private benefits to officials and politicians. Examples of such behaviour include the ability to control legislative votes, to obtain favourable executive decrees and court decisions. A relatively new concept, the main proponents being World Bank researchers, it echoes that of ‘crony capitalism’ and covers cases where high-level corruption is pervasive. (See military-industrial complex; clientelism.)
(That’s how the NZ Business Round Table (BRT) used to do it – by focusing on ‘policy’, pretending that their greedy self-interest was somehow in the ‘national interest’, and pushing for legislation from which they profited.
The BRT mantra that ‘public was bad – private was good’ helped to frame the ‘Rogernomics’ legislation which allowed the commercialisation, corporatisation and privatisation of public assets, a number of which (or shares of which) ended up in the hands of BRT members.)
Where can you check for ‘State capture?
Read the ‘Regulatory Impact Statements / Regulatory Impact Reports and find out with whom the policy analysts have been ‘consulting’ and treating as ‘independent third-parties – when they actually have and are vested interests ….
How about ‘post-separation employment?
The ‘revolving door’ between public office and employment in the private sector.
http://www.icac.nsw.gov.au/preventing-corruption/knowing-your-risks/post-separation-employment/4301
Post-separation employment
Post-separation employment is the situation where a public official leaves the public sector and obtains employment in the private sector.
The principle underlying the management of post-separation employment is the need to ensure that public sector decisions are made only on their merits and not compromised by extraneous considerations or personal interests.
The Department of Premier and Cabinet Personnel Handbook refers to this issue in Section 8-12:
Employees should not use their position to obtain opportunities for future employment. They should not allow themselves or their work to be influenced by plans for, or offers of, employment outside the department.
There should be a mandatory ‘quarantine period’ of 18 months to 2 years, between leaving Ministerial or senior public service positions and taking up a job in the private sector where you can be seen to be using your previous contacts and influence to ‘feather your own nest’.
Want to get up to speed with a comparison of anti-corruption legislative frameworks between Australia, NZ, UK, Canada and USA and compare it with that of New Zealand?
Please be reminded that New Zealand has STILL yet to ratify the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).
Minister of Justice Judith Collins’ ‘Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Legislation’ Bill, the passage of which is required before NZ can ratify UNCAC has yet to surface on the Parliamentary Order Paper.
This 50th Parliament has 5 sitting weeks left …
.
New Zealand desperately needs a genuinely Independent Commission Against Corruption – like the New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC)
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) was established by the NSW Government in 1989 in response to growing community concern about the integrity of public administration in NSW.
The ICAC’s principal functions are set out in the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 1988. In summary, they are:
to investigate and expose corrupt conduct in the NSW public sector
to actively prevent corruption through advice and assistance, and
to educate the NSW community and public sector about corruption and its effects.
The jurisdiction of the ICAC extends to all NSW public sector agencies (except the NSW Police Force) and employees, including government departments, local councils, members of Parliament, ministers, the judiciary and the governor. The ICAC’s jurisdiction also extends to those performing public official functions.
Penny Bright
…………………….
PRESS RELEASE FROM GRAHAM McCREADY – WHY HE SUPPORTS AN EPSOM BY-ELECTION:
10 June 2014
Graham Edward Mc Cready, New Zealand Citizen, Kiwi Patriot and sucessfull prvate prosecutor of the one honorarable John Archbald Banks call for ALL Membres of Parkiament including our most able and ehically corect Prima Minsister John Key to vote to hold a bi-election in Epson following the exit from tghe halls of power of Mr Banks.
‘I am a -political when it comes to the law. I do not belong to any political party. I am by the way a long term Labour Party supporter who helped Trevor Mallard in his first campaign in Hutt South. But the whole Banks private prosecution continued to the point it did because Banks held the Epson seat propping up the Key Government.
Had Banks adopted the wisdom of Trevor Mallard and offered as soon as he was summoned to plead guilty to a lessor non indictable charge that in December 2012 would have been accepted and amongst other things would have saved the Country a two year distraction and also my health.
There are thousands of fellow Kiwis who do not vote. One of the reasons is their view that all politicians are a bunch of corrupt bastards not worthy of their support.
The Epson mad hatters tea party and subsequent court proceedings are a stain on the political life of the Nation that needs expunging.
Voting not to hold a bi-election on expediency just tells the average Joe citizen that it is business as usual.
The electorate through a Bi -Election in Epson needs the opportunity to voice their anger at their elected leaders and elect a candidate in Epson free of all the ACT balderdash.
It will focus and address all the issues that have come out of the Banks court case that will be lost forever in a General Election
I call on all MPs to vote accordingly’
Graham Edward Mc Cready
Concerned New Zealand Citizen
………………………….
Wow thats from a moderator. look, i had a little stouch a few days back with what i assume is a regular. I admit i said i dont vote and i know that upset some of you. I know i made a bit of an off colour remark about the Christchuch mayor and i know this is your labour stronghold and comments like that dont go down too well – but fucking hell, seriously, loosen the pigtails, you bunch of polyannas. If it is in the rules then sure maybe people will be happy to use the reply button. If not then being part of a democracy means all comers get to interact as they see fit within the confines of the rules which do apply. Today the only comment ive seen from what i assume is a moderator is something that indicates to me they probably shouldnt be one – which is more often than not the case. ‘…our mailed fist can crush any opposition, and if our furious assault has a heavy civilian toll, that’s all to the good—perhaps the remnants will be properly educated’. Thats a little snippet from the nice israeli’s regarding Gaza. Im not fazed by you lot getting huffy about things i say. This isnt Gaza. My understanding of teletyping facilities such as this is that they survive with the assistance of newbies. You might want to deny it and you might want to have a status quo. Surely you dont want to sit around yammering on to the same people year in year out – or do you.
Well NO actually Marius, you are Wrong on so many levels in your little attempt at commenting suicide there my pinkies aint about to waste much energy pointing out Where,
Here’s a hint tho, if there were a status quo here and those speaking too far out of that status quo got the kick, i would suggest that i would have been gone long ago,
Another hint, Peeps have been pointing out to you the agreed to method of commenting via the reply button not because they are the fascist thought police, BUT, because they like to read Nembies stuff AND, when you continue to comment simply using the function of a new comment where you should have used reply, it to be blunt, fucks up the flow of the conversation,
Taking the piss of the Mods i would suggest is an open invitation to have you exit stage left…
The thing is Marius, and I do not know why I am even bothering but….people are only trying to be helpful. If you continue to refuse to follow a simple and constructive protocol, ie: using a reply button, chances are that people will simply not bother to reply to what you say. On a busy site like The Standard it is not always easy to identify what comments isolated replies are responding to.
(this comment being a self-explanatory exception to the above statement)
It’s like going to a pub, having a conversation with folk, and you getting up to change tables every time you talk. Pretty soon the conversation will just move on without you.
No, I agree with the critical comments you’ve made about Israel’s Occupation, Marius. It’s just hard to know who the fuck you’re replying / referring to with each comment.
Then again, there is, I s’pose, a certain entertainment in trying to guess precisely who you’re on about. There’s an interesting randomness about it all, a whiff of the absurd, a hint of Waiting for Godot.
Bloody Aussies, spoil everyone’s fun, it appears that the chemical Ketamine used in some of the ”legal high’s” that got the kick off of the shelves here has been under study in a Uni over the ditch,
The result so far, when other drugs have no effect Ketamine has shown to seriously curtail depression and unlike other anti-depressants is fast working,
Didn’t hear of any adverse side effects so once the study is published the purveyors of ”legal highs” will happily get a freebie as an aid to get the products back on the shelf,
Dunno Mac, my first impression at the mention of Ketamine was ”isn’t that a horse tranqualizer” its the next item on my notes after ”do you cook Mango to make chutney” so there’s a contest now occurring between my lust for Mango chutney and my thirst for knowledge as to which question is put to Google first…
In fact, I seem to recall doing venue security at a palliative care conference a few years back – one of the poster displays praised the virtue of ketamine as being comparable to (possibly better than) diamorphine (heroin). My thought was “so if you fill ’em full of horse tranquilizer, it eases their pain? There’s a revelation…”
Mind you, amazing the stuff you pick up if you keep your eyes and ears open working at function centres 🙂
Nicely done Mac, and i can now inform everyone,(as if they didn’t know), that yes, to make Mango chutney it appears the common wisdom is to cook it along with all the other ingredients,
i have modified that, and, the liberal dose of Lemon juice i have planned for mine will go in last as i do not want the heat to alter the chemical balance of the juice,(it being a preservative ingredient)…
For several years, I made my unofficial beat the stories, struggles, and politics of blacks in America. I wrote about other things, also, but never with the same frequency or interest. I was pretty good at it, and, more than that, I enjoyed it. Eventually, people began to assume that I’d comment when a particular kind of news story bubbled up—generally one about something bad happening to a black person—and I often times would. I wasn’t surprised when a website I liked asked me to write about the case of a white man of little note in New Hampshire calling a hugely powerful black man a “nigger.” But then I realized I didn’t have anything to say.
Or maybe it wasn’t that I didn’t have anything to say. Maybe it was the realization that writing anything would be to listlessly participate in the carousel ride: an inciting incident, 1,000 angry thinkpieces, 1,000 tweeted links, and back to where we started, until next time. Perhaps it was a feeling that writing anything would finally be too redundant to bear, a pursuit of too many sad and obvious words to heap onto so many other nearly identical words written down before, by me, by thousands of others.
This fatigue is one we all face when we talk/write about issues from a personal perspective. I’m not sure what the answer is to combat the hollowed out feeling when another injustice occurs that is similar to the last injustice and so on to infinity. For me and my small contribution to the issues that matter to me the main way to combat it is the knowledge that I am not alone. I thank all those who write and comment on this site and who align with my belief in equality above all else – you know who you are and without you, well, without you the bastards would run even more amok than they are now.
” For me and my small contribution to the issues that matter to me the main way to combat it is the knowledge that I am not alone.” and it is that which also keeps me going, Marty Mars. We’re all in this together in our different ways (fighting inequality) and while you might get fed up with some of those others at various times, none of us can do it alone.
We all need a bit of luck Marius. If you don’t want your share, I’ll have it.
Just for the record, we were all new here at some time, but choosing to ignore the reply button as a form of protest, especially since being told it’s a pita is a bit self defeating.
You’ll get more out by putting a little effort in, even if it spoils your present game.
Just saying 🙂
Edit:
“it comes as no surprise to me that dissent will be met with expulsion. im not in the least bothered by that.”
look, bad. i havent purposely avoided the reply button. ive been settling into using this place in a nice sedate manner which suits me. im not being hurried along by the local cops. as i said, ive heard nothing from a moderator which says im obligated to use the reply button. ive typed in places where the screen scrolls by so fast if you blink you miss who youre interacting with – this place is a retirement home in comparison. yeah yeah i know ‘fuck off back there’. it comes as no surprise to me that dissent will be met with expulsion. im not in the least bothered by that. so be it or the chips are down as gide said.
How have you found it work out for you, turning up to others peoples places and deliberately pissing on their doorsteps just to make a point that you’re really so unique. Going well for you is it?
Yep. Or a burst of the rolly eyes. The sad thing is that the arrogance is taking the shine off the occasional glimmers of intelligence and education. I’ll bet Marius is the first poster here to name check Andre Gide, for example. But the contempt for the readers ruins that, (just as it usually does for Phil Ure’s contributions).
🙄 🙄 the Moderator is probably busy engaged in that strange human function called work Marius,
By the time you have pissed Him off enough to have heard from Him, depending how stressful the day is, might be your first and last conversation, 🙄 🙄 …
You’d think so, but there are still thousands of the bloody things on active duty around the world and even more in storage ready to be put into a state of readiness.
That’s because their nuclear operations comply with international standards.
Japan signed comprehensive de-militarisation pacts at the end of WW2. But, they could have a working bomb within 3 months or so if it was deemed ‘necessary’.
Hey Gosman, if you’re around…. You are always banging on about how useless Zimbabwe is/was. Well I get sent emails from an investor thingy called the Dail;y Reckoning. It’s an aussie thing worth a read on the occasional blue moon.
Anyway, this one today caught my eye… especially when it said this ….
“–Years ago a man named Gideon Gono first appeared in The Daily Reckoning. He quickly became a favourite character of readers. Best of all, we didn’t even have to make him up.
–The charismatic Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe surged to fame in 2008. Not just because he destroyed the country’s economy by printing money. But because American and European central bankers embraced his policies after ridiculing them for years, which he promptly rubbed their faces in.
–Quantitative Easing went on to become the key economic policy of the decade. It saved us all. Except, of course, the savers who got nothing. In fact, their interest payments dwindled to less than inflation in much of the developed world. ”
I told you your claims about individual policies and supposed causation links through to various economy-wide results were simplistic.
As simplistic as suggesting that Cuba’s positions are a result solely of its internal policies / rolly eyes.
–Quantitative Easing went on to become the key economic policy of the decade. It saved us all. Except, of course, the savers who got nothing. In fact, their interest payments dwindled to less than inflation in much of the developed world. ”
It particularly saved the insolvent big banks and the 0.1% whose asset portfolios went up through the roof in value. Almost like those programmes were designed with that in mind.
–The charismatic Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe surged to fame in 2008. Not just because he destroyed the country’s economy by printing money.
This is the key thing – economies are not typically destroyed just by printing money. It usually has to be combined with the destruction of productive capacity as well as war/civil war which really does it.
In Zimbabwe’s case the inflation in the economy which began to occur well befor the Governor of the Reserve Bank began to Print ever bigger bank notes,
Economic sanctions, imposed on Zimbabwe by the Western powers after Mugabe began repatriating the stolen land from the white farmers created the spiral of inflation that ensured the printing of ever bigger denominations of bank notes,
The basic essentials of life not produced in the Zimbabwe economy had to, after the imposition of the sanctions, be smuggled in from other countries thus driving their price up in an ever increasing spiral,
The US printing’s in particular have gone more to the big institutional banks and from their into the share-market or are simply sitting propping up the balance sheets of what is essentially a bankrupt system in terms of the means of counting the beans…
The US printing’s in particular have gone more to the big institutional banks and from their into the share-market or are simply sitting propping up the balance sheets of what is essentially a bankrupt system in terms of the means of counting the beans…
QFT
And that is, of course, why the US didn’t see any inflation – all the money printed went to the already rich and banks rather than going into the economy and producing demand.
Zimbabwe already had massive inflation (1991 48% and 1992 40%) in the years before any sanctions were imposed.
In addition, the sanctions were never general sanctions, but targeted just to certain individuals and companies.
Huge amounts of productive land was taken by Mugabe and given to war veterans, who failed to keep producing. Hence food production in Zimbabwe halved.
Similarly a large amount of capital invested in businesses (both Zimbabwean and foreign), fled the country, along with white and black Zimbabweans – a total of quarter of population fled. Manufactured goods plummeted, and unemployment skyrocketed.
Mugabes tax base dissappeared so they started printing money. I have a hundred billion dollar bank note from a recent visit that wouldn’t buy a single jelly bean.
John old boy, so good to see you old chap, how are things going over their at the embassy, so sorry you had to be dragged away from after dinner cocktails on such a minor mission especially having to answer the likes of me,(knowing how the unwashed upset you so),
A bit droll don’t you think John trotting out the old Zillion dollar bank note, oh sure it works as the grand party trick for those with their noses stuck so far up their arses that dinner is always delivered,via syphoning hose that is, but, i thought even you lot would have learned by now to save the bullshit for such idiots john,
How was the trip tho,must be hard on the skin all this flip flopping between time zones and climates john old boy, i am surprised the Regime over their didn’t get a hold of you as soon as the plane hit Harare and string you up by your old school tie to the nearest lampost,
The old Dip Pouch right old chap, Merlin of old could not have conjured up a shield so grand,you forgot a little something with the party trick zillion note john, the fact that that old rogue Mugabe changed to using the currency of the enemy so long ago i forgot what year it was,
08 or 09 wasn’t it old boy???
As for the ”other” information imparted, sorry, Disinformation, precious, ‘You’ can fool some of the people some of the time right old boy, you know the rest,
Here let me give a little assistance to aid you in NOT talking out of your arsehole,
Does seem a little like the poor old Governor of the Zimbabwe Reserve Bank had never had a talk with Ruth Richardson or Doctor Dullard Don Brash doesn’t it john,
However after the EU sanctions were imposed in 2001/2002 the story really changes doesn’t it john,
At which point Zimabawe had a choice, change to the Rand, the South African currency having become the stable currency of trade in the surrounding nations, or
Fuck totally your and the US’es little game big time by not switching to the Rand which would then also have become a target of your monetary terrorism john, simply by switching to the currency of the country that was imposing such monetary terrorism upon them, the US Dollar which they did right john,
i would call that small piece of intelligent use of the US dollar john, Game Set and Fucking Match old boy, well played and oh wont you come again,
Pfft, what would happen i have to ask to any small economy that had its ability to borrow kneecapped by sanctions, had its ability to buy and sell its goods knee capped by monetary terrorism in the form of the US banning its currency from being able to purchase the US dollar through any banking system,
In 2002 (before the US targeted sanctions started in 2003) trade between Zimbabwe and USA was a meagre $47m of exports and $103m of imports.
Four years later in 2006, when inflation passed 1000%, trade between Zimbabwe and USA was virtually identical – 49m of exports and $102m of imports.
In 2008, when inflation passed a billion %, trade between Zimbabwe and USA was even greater – $92m of exports and $112 of imports
Mugabe chased quarter of his own population out of the country and had to print money to make up for lost taxes from the farms businesses, and tourist industry he destroyed.
On a drive last year from Hwange to Bulawayo, farm after farm was destroyed and burnt out. In some parts only one in ten was left. Sanctions didn’t do that. Mugabes henchmen did.
You’re assertion that the hyperinflation was because of sanctions is both ignorant and laughable.
But john, and i know this may sour the next G and T forcing you to dribble it all over the shirt,(the expense account will be a hard one to justify this month won’t it, ”one of the unwashed i was educating on the web”, not being sufficient reason for the bean counters to loosen the purse strings right),but,
Cannot you see the utter contradiction in your explanation, it is rather glaring don’t you think old boy,
Henchman, i so love your propensity for the melodramatic john, ghastly tho would have to be a better level as a raiser of the tension in the narrative don’t you think old boy, in the vein of ghastly henchman, must make full use of the Queens at every opportunity what,
Oh right, sorry you have me escaping into flights of fancy, ghastly henchmen and all that, have you gone into a sideline as a tin-foil salesman john, i thought the Embassy was quite clear about those earns on the side, But,
To address this utter contradiction, damned ghastly henchmen burned the whole fucking farm to a crisp and exports to the good old home of international financial terrorism also known as the US of A went UP,
i would suggest john the old scoundrel running the place better hire a far more efficient cadre of ghastly henchmen, wouldn’t you old boy,
Oh what, is that what you were doing there risking your delicate pallor over john,can’t have the natives joining forces now can we, best to ferment a little mischief,
While we are chatting john, were we by chance traveling with the use of a NZ passport, that would be a novel means of having not to have to face the hostility at the border brought aboutt by the production of Her Maj’s documents…
Yes agreed CV, particularly your past paragraph and how economies and the like are the result of countless things such as war, embargoes, etc.
That is what annoys me about gosman’s musings and their simplicity – they show nothing and prove nothing. Hence my point there about Cuba – it has been absolutely nailed by the US for 50+ years.
As bad12 detailed above, the US is expert at destabilising nations and turning populations against their rulers.
Venezuela is in the firing line now (with the co-operation of the local 1%) and I’m not sure that Maduro is going to be able to hold out much longer – and this is a nation with hundreds of billions in oil wealth.
But that can’t be right CV, gosman says it is all because of the communist policies blah blah blah …
The US doesn’t do stuff like that, it just goes merrily about its business in accordance with the laws of every land including international law. The US is trustworthy and honest. It would never dream of anything other than acting as a good and honest international citizen.
Time to retire this graceless goon, this hectoring halfwit, this mindless moron.
Another hapless performance from Graham Bell The Panel, Radio NZ National, Tuesday 10 June 2014
Jim Mora, Graham Bell, Ali Jones
After the four o’clock news, it’s time to have a chat with the guests. Host Jim Mora always tries to talk about something relevant to the particular guest. With the cantankerous old cop Graham Bell, it’s the vexed question of arming the police….
JIM MORA: I was reading the American papers today, and we think WE’ve got problems, but over there I see the police are talking about arming themselves with grenade-launchers! Ha ha ha ha ha!
GRAHAM BELL: Haw, haw, haw, haw! Well, I suppose they have crack dens there that they have to knock over….
When Mora speaks to the indefatigable spokesperson for Christchurch’s earthquake victims, Ali Jones, there is only one possible subject: how the people of Christchurch are coping with insurance companies’ obstructiveness and the refusal of the Key government to do anything about it. It’s a really serious problem, and it demands serious and focused discussion. Unwisely, however, Bell decides that it’s time to say something sarcastic…..
GRAHAM BELL: So is David Cundliffe going to gallop to your rescue?
Perhaps he divined some of the irritation felt by Ali Jones, because the next words he spoke had none of the jocular tone of his dig at the Labour Party….
GRAHAM BELL:[uncomfortable, suddenly forced to assume an air of gravitas] Because, and believe me I have a lot of experience of this, lawyers have no interest in resolving an issue, they only want to prolong it as long as possible so they can make money off it.
Jones was having none of that nonsense. She launched into a stinging critique of the Insurance Council and the National-led government—and, by implication, of fools like Graham Bell who parrot their poisonous talking points…
ALI JONES: I totally reject what the Insurance Council and Gerry Brownlee have said about this.
Jones was really angry, and Bell showed a rare lick of common sense when he decided to lapse into silence. It was his most humiliating moment on this show since Gordon Campbell silenced him a few years ago after Bell had ignorantly attacked the then leader of the Greens, Jeanette Fitzsimons.
Bell was back to his curmudgeonly self a little later, during the Soapbox segment. Over the years, his Soapbox contributions have consisted almost entirely of gripes about the minor irritations in his life, like the food quality in tearooms, or the standard of customer service at Telecom, or—my personal favorite—this one from three years ago: “There’s a number of things that RANKLE me and FRUSTRATE me….Some time, just once in a blue moon, I’d like to get TWO biscuits with my cup of coffee, not just one biscuit!”
Today the tradition continued….
MORA: Graham Bell, what’s been on your mind please? GRAHAM BELL: Well, I tried to get some tickets this morning for the Eagles concert next year in Auckland. What a BLOODY FIASCO! MORA:[perhaps misreading just how serious Bell is] Ha ha ha ha ha! GRAHAM BELL:[raving] I’ve MISSED OUT! I’ve been waiting for them to come for twenty years and I’ve missed out. MORA: Who’s your favorite Eagle? GRAHAM BELL: Joe Walsh. Arrrrrgghhh! I sat there for TWO HOURS, logging in and out of their site. MORA:[insensitively] Ha ha ha ha ha! GRAHAM BELL: It drove me NUTS! How do these scalpers get the tickets though?
More snarling and grumbling for several minutes….
POINT TO PONDER….
According to Radio NZ National’s frequent station promos, The Panel features “leading opinion makers”, who discuss the news and “help to make sense of it all”.
Totally agree about Bell. The clanger I recall from him was when the Greens announced a policy about putting $200million (I think) into cycleways and cycling improvements around the country….
… of course something like this Bell would have had absolutely no idea about and of course he subsequently let his lack of nous on the subject pour forth ….
…blah blah he dribbled … “what an absolute waste of money … blah blah … I can’t believe the Greens keep coming up with these barmy ideas … waffle rant”
Then of course the cycling expert came on and cleaning dispatched the fool by outlining how the return for $1 spent on cycling improvements is $7 (think health, energy, etc etc) and the return for $1 spent on “roads of notional significance” is 60cents….
Bell is a dork with nothing useful to say. I agree he is a waste of time.
According to the study by In The Public Interest called “Race to the Bottom: How Outsourcing Public Services Rewards Corporations and Punishes the Middle Class,” privatization of government services “contributes to the decline of the middle class and the rise in poverty-level jobs, thereby exacerbating growing economic inequality.”
Since the 1980s and 1990s mass-scale privatization of government services has pushed millions of people into a “race to the bottom” cycle of poverty and added considerable stress to local, state and federal budgets.
And we’ve seen exactly the same things happening here in New Zealand.
Edward Snowden may not have had access to the NSA’s independent top tier surveillance systems
RUSSELL TICE: Think of it this way. Remember I told you about the NSA doing everything they could to make sure that the information from 40 years ago – from spying on Frank Church and Lord knows how many other Congressman that they were spying on – was hidden?
Now do you think they’re going to put that information into Powerpoint slides that are easy to explain to everybody what they’re doing?
They would not even put their own NSA designators on the reports [so that no one would know that] it came from the NSA. They made the reports look like they were Humint (human intelligence) reports. They did it to hide the fact that they were NSA and they were doing the collection. That’s 40 years ago. [The NSA and other agencies are still doing “parallel construction”, “laundering” information to hide the fact that the information is actually from mass NSA surveillance.]
Now, what NSA is doing right now is that they’re taking the information and they’re putting it in a much higher security level. It’s called “ECI” – Exceptionally Controlled Information – and it’s called the black program … which I was a specialist in, by the way.
I specialized in black world – DOD and IC (Intelligence Community) – programs, operations and missions … in “VRKs”, “ECIs”, and “SAPs”, “STOs”. SAP equals Special Access Program. It’s highly unlikely Mr. Snowden had any access to these. STO equals Special Technical Operations It’s highly unlikely Mr. Snowden had any access to these.
Now in that world – the ECI/VRK world – everything in that system is classified at a higher level and it has its own computer systems that house it. It’s totally separate than the system which Mr. Snowden was privy to, which was called the “JWICS”: Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System. The JWICS system is what everybody at NSA has access to. Mr Snowden had Sys Admin [systems administrator] authority for the JWICS.
And you still have to have TS/SCI clearance [i.e. Top Secret/ Sensitive Compartmented Information – also known as “code word” – clearance] to get on the JWICS. But the ECI/VRK systems are much higher [levels of special compartmentalized clearance] than the JWICS. And you have to be in the black world to get that [clearance].
ECI = Exceptionally Controlled Information. I do not believe Mr. Snowden had any access to these ECI controlled networks). VRK = Very Restricted Knowledge. I do not believe Mr. Snowden had any access to these VRK controlled networks.
Why did this not come with a supporter statement: this was brought to you buy the National and ACT parties.
Ngarimu Blair seems like a nice chap, but Fran talks over him and he shuts up and they conclude:
1) Internet Mana isn’t a real party.
See also: who the fuck is Phill Quinn on Pundit? Doesn’t seem to have a publishing history or profile but running the same lines.
2) They are gaming the system and cheating.
No mention made of ACT with an ex-National leader and cabinet minister in Epsom. No mention made of the fact that a review was held and the recommendation was to change it and they didn’t.
3) In Europe where there is proportional representation all coalition deals are organised before the election in all details. Is this actually an indisputable fact? Do parties put out joint manifestos before the election and then go into co-oalition before the election? I have my doubts.
Again no mention of the way National gamed the system to ‘compromise’ in its education policy because of John Banks’ tough cooalition negotiations with the guys who had set him up in Epsom by encouraging their supporters to vote for him.
What happened to all the ‘Electoral Finance Act’ we wanna spend our money jingoism? Or is it that party’s representing poor people or people not already entrenched in the establishment shouldn’t have access to money at elections and so should have less of a voice?
Ok, Lyn is off to Hawaii and then to rest of the US for 3 weeks. I still have another 4+ weeks of holiday pay. May the music be loud and the coding free and loose….
Maybe that will help with the irritating coding block.
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In the weeks after the October 7 Hamas attacks on Southern Israel I wrote about the possible 2nd, 3rd and even 4th order effects of the conflict. These included new fronts being opened in the West Bank (with Hamas), Golan … Continue reading → ...
Peter Dunne writes – It is one of the oldest truisms that there is never a good time for MPs to get a pay rise. This week’s announcement of pay raises of around 2.8% backdated to last October could hardly have come at a worse time, with the ...
David Farrar writes – Newshub reports: Newshub can reveal a fresh allegation of intimidation against Green MP Julie-Anne Genter. Genter is subject to a disciplinary process for aggressively waving a book in the face of National Minister Matt Doocey in the House – but it’s not the first time ...
The Treasury has published a paper today on the global productivity slowdown and how it is playing out in New Zealand: The productivity slowdown: implications for the Treasury’s forecasts and projections. The Treasury Paper examines recent trends in productivity and the potential drivers of the slowdown. Productivity for the whole economy ...
Winston Peters’ comments about former Australian foreign minister look set to be an ongoing headache for both him and Luxon. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for subscribers features co-hosts and , along with regular guests on Gaza and ...
These puppet strings don't pull themselvesYou're thinking thoughts from someone elseHow much time do you think you have?Are you prepared for what comes next?The debating chamber can be a trying place for an opposition MP. What with the person in charge, the speaker, typically being an MP from the governing ...
The land around Lyme Regis, where Meryl Streep once stood, in a hood, on the Cobb, is falling into the sea.MerylThe land around Lyme Regis, around the Cobb that made it rich, has always been falling slowly but surely into the sea. Read more ...
Buzz from the Beehive Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters was bound to win headlines when he set out his thinking about AUKUS in his speech to the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. The headlines became bigger when – during an interview on RNZ’s Morning Report today – he criticised ...
The Post reports on how the government is refusing to release its advice on its corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law, instead using the "soon to be publicly available" refusal ground to hide it until after select committee submissions on the bill have closed. Fast-track Minister Chris Bishop's excuse? “It's not ...
As pressure on it grows, the livestock industry’s approach to the transition to Net Zero is increasingly being compared to that of fossil fuel interests. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / Getty ImagesTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above ...
The New Zealand Herald reports – Stats NZ has offered a voluntary redundancy scheme to all of its workers as a way to give staff some control over their “future” amidst widespread job losses in the public sector. In an update to staff this morning, seen by the Herald, Statistics New Zealand ...
On Werewolf/Scoop, I usually do two long form political columns a week. From now on, there will be an extra column each week about music and movies. But first, some late-breaking political events:The rise in unemployment numbers for the March quarter was bigger than expected – and especially sharp ...
David Farrar writes – The Herald reports: TVNZ says it is dealing with about 50 formal complaints over its coverage of the latest 1News-Verian political poll, with some viewers – as well as the Prime Minister and a former senior Labour MP – critical of the tone of the 6pm report. ...
Muriel Newman writes – When Meridian Energy was seeking resource consents for a West Coast hydro dam proposal in 2010, local Maori “strenuously” objected, claiming their mana was inextricably linked to ‘their’ river and could be damaged. After receiving a financial payment from the company, however, the Ngai Tahu ...
Alwyn Poole writes – “An SEP,’ he said, ‘is something that we can’t see, or don’t see, or our brain doesn’t let us see, because we think that it’s somebody else’s problem. That’s what SEP means. Somebody Else’s Problem. The brain just edits it out, it’s like a ...
Our trust in our political institutions is fast eroding, according to a Maxim Institute discussion paper, Shaky Foundations: Why our democracy needs trust. The paper – released today – raises concerns about declining trust in New Zealand’s political institutions and democratic processes, and the role that the overuse of Parliamentary urgency ...
David Seymour has failed to get the sweeping cuts he wanted to the free and healthy school lunch programme, Labour education spokesperson Jan Tinetti said. ...
Hon Willie Jackson has been invited by the Oxford Union to debate the motion “This House Believes British Museums are not Very British’ on May 23rd. ...
Green Party MP Hūhana Lyndon says her Public Works (Prohibition of Compulsory Acquisition of Māori Land) Amendment Bill is an opportunity to right some past wrongs around the alienation of Māori land. ...
A senior, highly respected King’s Counsel with decades of experience in our law courts, Gary Judd KC, has filed a complaint about compulsory tikanga Māori studies for law students - highlighting the utter depths of absurdity this woke cultural madness has taken our society. The tikanga regulations will compel law ...
The Government needs to be clear with the people of the Nelson Marlborough region about the changes it is considering for the Nelson Hospital rebuild, Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said. ...
Ministers must front up about which projects it will push through under its Fast Track Approvals legislation, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
The Government is again adding to New Zealand’s growing unemployment, this time cutting jobs at the agencies responsible for urban development and growing much needed housing stock. ...
With Minister Karen Chhour indicating in the House today that she either doesn’t know or care about the frontline cuts she’s making to Oranga Tamariki, we risk seeing more and more of our children falling through the cracks. ...
The Labour Party is saddened to learn of the death of Sir Robert Martin, a globally renowned disability advocate who led the way for disability rights both in New Zealand and internationally. ...
Labour is calling for the Government to urgently rethink its coalition commitment to restart live animal exports, Labour animal welfare spokesperson Rachel Boyack said. ...
Today’s Financial Stability Report has once again highlighted that poverty and deep inequality are political choices - and this Government is choosing to make them worse. ...
The Green Party is calling on the Government to do more for our households in most need as unemployment rises and the cost of living crisis endures. ...
Unemployment is on the rise and it’s only going to get worse under this Government, Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said. Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate grew to 4.3 percent in the March quarter from 4 percent in the December quarter. “This is the second rise in unemployment ...
The New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the entering into force of the European Union and New Zealand free trade agreement. This agreement opens the door for a huge increase in trade opportunities with a market of 450 million people who are high value discerning consumers of New Zealand goods and ...
The National-led Government continues its fiscal jiggery pokery with its Pharmac announcement today, Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says. “The government has increased Pharmac funding but conceded it will only make minimal increases in access to medicine”, said Ayesha Verrall “This is far from the bold promises made to fund ...
This afternoon’s interim Waitangi Tribunal report must be taken seriously as it affects our most vulnerable children, Labour children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime. ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop, today released his decision on twenty recommendations referred to him by the Wellington City Council relating to its Intensification Planning Instrument, after the Council rejected those recommendations of the Independent Hearings Panel and made alternative recommendations. “Wellington notified its District Plan on ...
Rape Awareness Week (6-10 May) is an important opportunity to acknowledge the continued effort required by government and communities to ensure that all New Zealanders can live free from violence, say Ministers Karen Chhour and Louise Upston. “With 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men experiencing sexual violence ...
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government will be delivering a more efficient Healthy School Lunches Programme, saving taxpayers approximately $107 million a year compared to how Labour funded it, by embracing innovation and commercial expertise. “We are delivering on our commitment to treat taxpayers’ money ...
New research on the impacts of extreme weather on coastal marine habitats in Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay will help fishery managers plan for and respond to any future events, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. A report released today on research by Niwa on behalf of Fisheries New Zealand ...
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will lead a broad political delegation on a five-stop Pacific tour next week to strengthen New Zealand’s engagement with the region. The delegation will visit Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Tuvalu. “New Zealand has deep and ...
There has been a material decline in gas production according to figures released today by the Gas Industry Co. Figures released by the Gas Industry Company show that there was a 12.5 per cent reduction in gas production during 2023, and a 27.8 per cent reduction in gas production in the ...
Defence Minister Judith Collins tonight announced the recipients of the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry, saying they all contribute to New Zealanders’ security and wellbeing. “Congratulations to this year’s recipients, whose innovative products and services play a critical role in the delivery of New Zealand’s defence capabilities, ...
Welcome to you all - it is a pleasure to be here this evening.I would like to start by thanking Greg Lowe, Chair of the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council, for co-hosting this reception with me. This evening is about recognising businesses from across New Zealand and overseas who in ...
It is a pleasure to be speaking to you as the Minister for Digitising Government. I would like to thank Akolade for the invitation to address this Summit, and to acknowledge the great effort you are making to grow New Zealand’s digital future. Today, we stand at the cusp of ...
New Zealand is urging both Israel and Hamas to agree to an immediate ceasefire to avoid the further humanitarian catastrophe that military action in Rafah would unleash, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The immense suffering in Gaza cannot be allowed to worsen further. Both sides have a responsibility to ...
A new online data dashboard released today as part of the Government’s school attendance action plan makes more timely daily attendance data available to the public and parents, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. The interactive dashboard will be updated once a week to show a national average of how ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced Rosemary Banks will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America. “Our relationship with the United States is crucial for New Zealand in strategic, security and economic terms,” Mr Peters says. “New Zealand and the United States have a ...
The Government is considering creating a new tier of minerals permitting that will make it easier for hobby miners to prospect for gold. “New Zealand was built on gold, it’s in our DNA. Our gold deposits, particularly in regions such as Otago and the West Coast have always attracted fortune-hunters. ...
Minister for Trade Todd McClay today announced that New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will commence negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). Minister McClay met with his counterpart UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai, where they announced the launch of negotiations on a ...
New Zealand Sign Language Week is an excellent opportunity for all Kiwis to give the language a go, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week (May 6 to 12) is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week. The theme is “an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” and aims to ...
Six tertiary students have been selected to work on NASA projects in the US through a New Zealand Space Scholarship, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. “This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented students. They will undertake internships at NASA’s Ames Research Center or its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where ...
New Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says. “Our Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, ...
The OECD’s latest report on New Zealand reinforces the importance of bringing Government spending under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The OECD conducts country surveys every two years to review its members’ economic policies. The 2024 New Zealand survey was presented in Wellington today by OECD Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli. ...
The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today. "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today. Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says. “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
Good evening – Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us. ...
From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure. The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Debbie Passey, Digital Health Research Fellow, The University of Melbourne Algorithms have become integral to our lives. From social media apps to Netflix, algorithms learn your preferences and prioritise the content you are shown. Google Maps and artificial intelligence are nothing without ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Josephine Barbaro, Associate Professor, Principal Research Fellow, Psychologist, La Trobe University Unsplash We’ve come a long way in terms of understanding that everyone thinks, interacts and experiences the world differently. In the past, autistic people, people with attention deficit hyperactive disorder ...
PNG Post-Courier Papua New Guinea’s deputy opposition leader James Nomane has accused the government of “reckless economic management” that has forced devaluation to manage loan repayments in foreign currency and placate the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Prime Minister James Marape “must stop lying to the people of Papua New Guinea”, ...
Analysis by Dr Bryce Edwards – Democracy Project (https://democracyproject.nz)Political scientist, Dr Bryce Edwards. “Follow the money” is the classic directive to journalists trying to understand where power and influence lie in society. In terms of uncovering who influences various New Zealand political parties and governments, it therefore pays to ...
RNZ News As Israel presses ahead with strikes in Rafah and seizing the Rafah crossing from Egypt, aid agencies are sounding the alarm of a “catastrophic humanitarian situation”. Rafah was “significant” because it was the only part in Gaza that had not been terribly damaged by the conflict, United Nations ...
With funding set to be scrapped for the Hamilton-Auckland commuter train, Te Huia enthusiast Georgie Dansey argues for it to be thrown a lifeline. It’s 5.45am and the chain of my crappy old bike falls off slugging up the one hill in Hamilton. I contemplate yeeting the bike into the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anna Cooke, Honorary Fellow, School of the Environment, The University of Queensland We feel ecological grief when we lose places, species or ecosystems we value and love. These losses are a growing threat to mental health and wellbeing globally. We all see ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shauna Brail, Associate Professor, Institute for Management & Innovation, University of Toronto A shift to hybrid and remote work continues to affect worker presence in Toronto’s downtown.(Shutterstock) Downtown Toronto, the core of Canada’s largest city, continues to reel from the lingering ...
Responding to an Auditor-General's report slamming failures in the administration of the 2023 General Election, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said: ...
Productivity apps now make up a big chunk of the software market. But do they work? And why do they all have AI integrations?Despite being firmly on the record as a physical planner fan, I sometimes dream of something better than my pretty diary and its scrawled, ugly, interior ...
The Taxpayers’ Union says the Beehive need to lead by example, following reports of more than $50,000 spent upgrading video conferencing equipment and furniture in the Prime Minister’s office. Taxpayers’ Union Campaign Manager, Connor Molloy, ...
An objective list of the 50 most powerful people in New Zealand, as judged by the Spinoff Editorial Board. It’s power list season, baby, and we want in on the action. Sure, there’s the rich list and the powerful “c-suite” list and the young people with power (hmmm) but here, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Thalia Anthony, Professor of Law, University of Technology Sydney ShutterstockThis article contains information on deaths in custody and the names of deceased people, and describes ongoing colonial violence towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. First Nations people in Australia ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alex Simpson, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, Macquarie University Netflix Baby Reindeer’s phenomenal success has much to do with its writer and lead, Richard Gadd, who plays Donny in a tender semi-autobiographical account of sexual abuse, harassment and stalking. Gadd’s story has ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Clare Collins, Laureate Professor in Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Newcastle KarolinaGrabowska/Pexels If you didn’t have food allergies as a child, is it possible to develop them as an adult? The short answer is yes. But the reasons why are much ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Moon, Professor of History, Auckland University of Technology Ans Westra, self-portrait, c. 1963. National Library ref AWM-0705-F They try but invariably fail – those writers who believe they are capable of encapsulating in prose or verse the essence of ...
Stewart Sowman-Lund looks at the growing concern around the world in this extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. What’s all this? When Covid-19 arrived on our shores in early 2020, some argued we were too slow, or crucially, ill-prepared for a pandemic. So ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Franco Montalto, Professor of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering and Director, Sustainable Water Resource Engineering Laboratory, Drexel University Water runs into a storm drain in a Los Angeles alley on Aug. 19, 2023, during Tropical Storm Hilary.Citizen of the Planet/Universal Images ...
The inquest into the death of Gore toddler Lachlan Jones has turned up a new witness who says he saw two teenagers and a small child in a high vis vest in the area where the boy’s body was found the day he died. Lachie’s body was discovered face up ...
Stories from the tenancy trenches, featuring spider infestations, cupboard rats and same-sex discrimination. Lucy’s brother was living in a damp 1930s building in Mt Eden where “he had to tie the cupboard doors closed so the rats didn’t get in”. Although he shared custody of his six-year-old son, his property ...
Simeon Brown, Chris Luxon, and Wayne Brown climbed into a hole and announced a plan to solve Auckland’s water woes. This is how it’ll work. New Zealand’s pipes are munted. They’re cracked and leaking, and struggling to handle all the extra poos excreted by our rising population. It’s a big, ...
I knew Taika Waititi quite well when he was a kid. His mother lived in a tall narrow house in Aro St, and my youngest sister had a similar house two doors along. They were both single mums, they each had a son aged seven. Taika and my nephew Stepan ...
Opinion: “As time passes, knowledge of the circumstances of the August 2016 outbreak will fade and its immediate impact will be lost.” This statement is from the 2017 report of the Official Inquiry into the Havelock North campylobacteriosis outbreak. The then National-led government established the inquiry after the outbreak left ...
Opinion: Nicholas Khoo looks at two key points in the high-stakes foreign policy pact debate – and asks if NZ can engage with as little drama as possible. The post Where to next for the Aukus ruckus? appeared first on Newsroom. ...
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Opinion: ‘Reference-class forecasting’ is at the heart of improving pricing a project and identifying the expected timeframe but it doesn’t appear to be in use here The post ‘Think fast and act slowly’ is failing big projects appeared first on Newsroom. ...
What do a sombrero in Argentina and cognitive driving tests have in common? Don’t worry, we’re not setting up a bad joke. Hinengaro Clinic dementia clinician Gregory Winkelman has the answer on today’s episode of The Detail. “We ask a patient’s spouse or son or daughter: If you went to ...
Wellington long jumper Phoebe Edwards is back and she’s having fun again. Until this year, Edwards, a top athlete in her teens, had never competed as a senior athlete in New Zealand. In March, the 26-year-old won a national long jump title in a lifetime best of 6.28m after ...
After replacing a fifth of their caucus in just four months, the Greens’ opportunity to reset, reshuffle and refocus on the Government is quickly slipping away The post Persistent Green Party scandals delay caucus reset appeared first on Newsroom. ...
ANALYSIS:By Olli Hellmann, University of Waikato When New Zealanders commemorate Anzac Day today on April 25, it’s not only to honour the soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and subsequent conflicts, but also to mark a defining event for national identity. The battle of Gallipoli against ...
By Robin Martin, RNZ News reporter A New Zealand local authority, Whanganui District Council, has passed a motion calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, condemnation of all acts of violence and terror against civilians on both sides of the conflict and the immediate return of hostages. It comes as ...
Asia Pacific Report The Aotearoa chapter of the Women’s International league for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) has appealed to the New Zealand government to call out Israel over the “cruel and barbaric use of force” in Gaza and demand a permanent ceasefire. The league’s open letter was sent to Prime ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Albanese government will invest $566 million over a decade on data, maps and other tools to promote exploration and development in Australia’s resources industry. The project will fund “the first comprehensive map of what’s ...
Asia Pacific Report Following an open letter by Auckland University academics speaking out in support of their students’ right to protest against the genocidal Israeli war on Gaza, a group of academics at Otago University have today also called on New Zealand academic institutions to “repair colonial violence” and end ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Linda J. Graham, Professor and Director of the Centre for Inclusive Education, Queensland University of Technology Ryan Tauss/ Unsplash, CC BY Two male students have been expelled from a Melbourne private school for their involvement in a list ranking female students. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University The Reserve Bank is now assuming Australians will see no interest rate cuts this year – and quite possibly none before the next federal election, due next May. That’s ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Hayward, Emeritus Professor of Public Policy, RMIT University The Victorian budget offered more of the same on Tuesday, with the only change being how the budget papers were packaged. The usual shrink wrap was gone, hinting at savings in the pages ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Coalition is demanding extensive amendments to the government’s legislation targeting non-citizens who refuse to co-operate with their removal. In a dissenting report to the senate inquiry into the legislation, the Coalition says it ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vanita Yadav, Senior Research Fellow, Urban Transformations Research Centre, Western Sydney University Brett Boardman/Belvoir The complex and grappling issue of violence against women takes centre stage in the soul-stirring solo dance drama Nayika: A Dancing Girl. During a dinner conversation ...
Disruption to patient care from a nationwide junior doctors strike is bordering on unsafe, a senior doctor claims, despite what health officials say. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Diepstraten, Senior Research Officer, Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute Ground Picture/Shutterstock The anti-cancer drug abemaciclib (also known as Vernezio) has this month been added to the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to treat certain ...
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2 pieces of bad news:
NZ very expensive (shock, horror)
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/246767/study-finds-nz-expensive-place-to-live
and rik mayall has died:
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/world/246761/comedian-rik-mayall-dies
rik mayall has died
Fuck, I can’t believe that !
One of my favourite comedy actors of all time. I was just watching him on youtube yesterday (doco on the making of Blackadder). This is a real shocker.
I think that quad bike accident back in the late 90s fucked his career badly. And as a result of his much slower thinking / reactions, Ade Edmondson lost interest in working with him. Which is pretty bloody sad after all they’d been through.
One of my favourite Mayall / Edmondson scenes from the BBC’s Bottom.
“Gas Man !, Gas Man !, Gas Man !”
“Who is it Darling ?”
“It’s the Gas Man !!!
“Well, don’t leave him out in the cold, Dreamboat, show him in !”
only 56, too
Rik channels Banksie!
snap
very sad about rik mayall….always reminded me of a couple of young Trots i knew…lol
was at uni when young ones and five go made in dorset hit our screens. saw ade Edmonson on the dales the other day and realised we are all middle aged now.
rip rik mayall for one of the funniest characters ( rick young ones) since life of bryan
ps when banks are his ear wax I immediately thought of rik in that scene about ear wax tasting bad
I loved him in “Mr Jolly Works Next Door”, and also in Guesthouse Paradiso…absolutely anarchic. RIP. Tonight I will raise a glass, as he said to Eddy Hitler in Bottom, “Make it a large one Eddy!”
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-27770266
Ade Edmondson
“There were times when Rik and I were writing together when we almost died laughing.
They were some of the most carefree stupid days I ever had, and I feel privileged to have shared them with him.
And now he’s died for real. Without me. Selfish bastard.”
Rip Flash.
Thanx for the link giving more links The Allen.
No worries, the bbc website is my home page and that’s what I awoke to when the cat meowed to tell me he didn’t need to go out in the rain as he’d sh!t in the bath instead.
Not my best morning to be fair, but at least my arse doesn’t have a footprint on it like Jasper’s.
Now that is a for crying shame. Rik Mayall has died.
(this is the best rik mayall coverage i have found..
..a clip-roundup of his best..)
http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2014/jun/09/rik-mayalls-funniest-tv-moments-young-ones-bottom
Cheers for that, Phillip and TRP.
Just one more – from their slightly more obscure Filthy, Rich and Catflap
hhahah yeah filthy rich & catflap was their best work I reckon
Certainly their most under-rated. “Oh how I love the business !!!”
I have season 1 on dvd.. might have 2 dig it out
been awhile
I simply can’t resist one more. Possibly the best scene from Filthy, Rich and Catflap
Ooer, Sounds a bit Rude Gameshow…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKOc6OG1FJY
IMHO can I disagree ris? Google Rik Mayall in The Comic Strip series, especially A Fistful of Travellers Cheques. His best work there.
cheers I know of the comic strip presents- five go mad in Dorset is the best
I grew up watchin all the shows as my older brothers n sisters had them all on beta tape 🙂
Mr Jolly Lives Next Door would be my personal fav from The Comic Strip. Mayall and Edmondson at their sleaziest.
Part 1… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qSkl3mhEMA
Part 2… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-Mb-fNJw9I
Part 3… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arsbFqUtYLI
Part 4… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBLb19Ojgsg
R.I.P Rik. Such unexpected and sad news today.
Epic and adored icon of 80’s British comedy who filled my teenage goth mind with massive crack ups.
Thanks for links above folks. Might have to dedicate a spare week night to Mayall viewing in his honour.
f.y.i..
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/jun/09/10-best-vegetarian-vegan-bloggers
(this one is very interesting..)
“..The French are right: tear up public debt – most of it is illegitimate anyway..
..Debt audits show that austerity is politically motivated to favour social elites.
Is a new working-class internationalism in the air?..”
(cont..)
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jun/09/french-public-debt-audit-illegitimate-working-class-internationalim
(yes plse..!..eh..?..)
I call it financial cannabilsm cos the very wealthy just vacuum up the lower income lives
That’s a very good description.
So we need the rich to blow and not just suck. Got it.
Wonder if we can persuade the left-parties that a debt audit for NZ is called for.
i think it’s a meme to get rolling..
.a bit of a debt-audit..and more than a soupcon of partial-nationalising..
..mix in financial transaction tax/capital gains tax..
..wd be quite aways down the road of ‘putting things right’..
..methinks..
man is born free and everywhere he is now in the chains of debt?
pls excuse not using gender neutral language
An interesting 2010 Herald article providing a ‘reminder’ of Banks’ stance on various issues and behaviour towards fellow Parliamentarians over the years.
http://t.co/EaJCYcfsMb
h/t Russell Brown Twitter
Not a nice man but more importantly he seems to have disregarded the rules when it suited him like buying the hotel and holding back a tender so that a friend could win etc.
Maybe an even more just outcome now than I thought?
Exactly, ianmac.
It took reading that article to remind me what sort of person he has been over the years to get a better perspective. I used to have some admiration for Banks as someone who initially sought to overcome and rise above the deprivations of his childhood and youth – and did .-
This article and similar ones have reminded me just how far Banks came over the years from this initial start to become a narrowminded, self-serving elitist who thought he was above the rest of us and could ‘engineer’ things and the law to suit his own ends, and that of his likeminded friends and colleagues. Indeed IMO he still thinks and acts in this way.
John Banks has always been a pig of a man.
That list reminds us all why.
He currently sits forlorn in the nest of his own making – full of his own stinking bird shit …
LOL – on that note, vto, I am now off to do the daily (at least) task of cleaning my four parrot cages!
Not entirely alone. He does seem to have quite a lot of supporters – ex pollies and Nat lackeys who, by and large, are no better than himself.
Last evening I was at a local Labour function and the subject of David Seymour was discussed. We had seen the Nation interview and were flabbergasted that such a loud mouthed, pig ignorant sociopath will be in parliament after Sept.20. In contrast the other two candidates present – the charming Julie-Ann Genter and the calm, collected Richard Wood – were shining examples of the sorts of people we so desperately need on the government benches.
Alan B’Stard exposed.
funny how he all of a sudden became a saint…
dont forget speeding on his jetski with three kids on the back and lying about it…
Fine for using his mobile during a flight
Hujlich bullshit
Add in the stuff from your link and how anyone could testify he was honest and decent is a joke…
Read what Judge Wylie said about his testimony and its credibility, and the same about his wife.
Damning. The Judge basically said John Banks is a bullshitter with no credibility, and the same about his wife.
On Radionz there will soon be an interview about the problem of getting plastic out of the sea where it does so much harm. It sounds a good idea.
Could something be learned on making artificial floating environmentally safe floating ‘reefs’ over shellfish beds, coral reefs say, that need protecting from excessive sun and heat? Could we do something using similar technologies, ban plastic and use ocean-friendly packaging or something. I wonder?
http://business.scoop.co.nz/2014/06/09/coat-tail-deals-a-few-weeks-away-says-key/
Seems coat tailing is fine for the right but not for anyone else..
BE real afraid of those whackjob Colin craig and his cast of idiots
Here is what Key had to say on Morning Report this morning on National’s possible coattail accommodations – in short that he will be announcing any in the next few weeks in the interests of transparency.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2599050/national-expected-to-reveal-political-deals-soonish
This morning the Herald also has an article on the selection by ACT of Don Nicholson, former Federated Farmers boss, as their candidate to run in Clutha Southland. This will pit him against the young ex tobacco industry National candidate …. While the article says that Key has said there will be no accommodation, it would not surprise me if there was, as a backup to the possibility that ACT does not win Epsom.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=11270697
it would actually be great sport to see Don Nicholson in parliament.
he is such a numpty of a man with mad ideas about the way things work that he would likely provide great larfs on a weekly basis.
i agree..!..his time running fed-farmers was a series of howlers/jaw-droppers..
.(a best-of would lift the spirits..)
..he’s like the dumb local-yokel in a wallace and grommit flic..
john oliver unpacks fifa…
..it’s 13 mins long..and very funny..
..and will tell you all you need to know about how fifa is a stinking bag of pus..
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/09/john-oliver-fifa_n_5473346.html
For all those on the left who think KFC has some sort of smoking gun revelation in relation to John Key and when he knew about the raid on him I have a question for you. Why is he offering 5 million dollars for information proving corruption? Seems like he would only be doing that because he doesn’t have any already.
such a simpleton again gosman
no wonder you have such little idea on the complexities of society and the requirements for its healthy functioning and no wonder you think the only factor people consider in making life decisions is money.
sheesh
Two different things, Gosman. One is the supposed evidence about John Key that KDC hints he has, the other is the offer to pay for evidence of Government corruption. One is personal to Key, the other relates to the Government in toto. Only the latter has any implications for the court case.
However, I’m with you in doubting the ‘smoking gun’. I think we’d have seen the evidence already, if it exists.
Evidence that John Key knew about the raid in advance would be suggestive of corruption or at least political collusion against KDC. This would call in to question the motivation for his arrest and be grounds for denying his extradition. The fact he is fishing for additional information is highly suggestive he has nothing as you point out as well.
Pretty much. But we all knew this.
Just another lie from the desperate German, his sphincter is cutting washers as the trial date draws closer and the noose tightens around his neck.
“Another lie…”
Justice Wylie, who has no skin in the game, disagrees with your media-based assessment.
I take everything every player in this matter says with a bucket of salt and Mr.com still hasn’t been caught in a lie.
Pretty sure you were confidently declaring Crim.Banks’ innocence not that long ago.
with you OAB .. KDC has not been caught in any lie so far, unlike all the other motley cast of players. Also, I think he said it would be revealed in court, which is not due yet .. so much more fun in court than in msm media or the House …. and I think this is why the election was pulled forward, this and banks. but each was weighted in the decision imho.
KDC has promised that the evidence will come out in court. Some on the Left are hoping he will release it before the election instead.
I suspect they are dreaming. He has to play a straight bat with the judiciary.
Dotcom hasn’t been caught for lying you say, but he has been in jail several times, after being caught for a long list of criminal convictions that have followed his travels around the world for the last 20 years.
He’s been done for data espionage, embeszzlement, computer fraud, insider trading. He’s made money by ripping off phone cards and selling them, ripping off software and selling it, pretending a company he has shares in is about to get massive investment, then selling off the shares to conned buyers, and most recently ripping off music producers on a massive scale.
Whereever he’s gone, he’s made his money by ripping off other people.
But no – of course he would never ever tell a lie.
Now John Key, on the other hand, has never told a lie. And made his money helping the sick and poor.
🙄
🙄
🙄
What politician doesn’t lie.
Are you so naïve to believe Helen Clark’s claim that she didn’t really know she was travelling at 500km/h across the Canterbury plain?
Or that they painting she signed wasn’t really hers.
Or that David Shearer forgot about his overseas millions.
Or David Cunliffe that he wasn’t really trying to hide secret donors via a secret trust.
Or that Banks didn’t know about the Dotcom donations.
Or that David Cunliffe had no intention of rolling Phil Goff, or David Shearer.
There’s a high tolerance of lying, because they all do it, all the time.
Your posterior is leaking again john, i know many seen Helen as a super-woman but really, you need get control of your propensity to lapse into fantasy…
You’re very funny, John. Tell us the one about the feral inbreds next. 🙄
ps I heard it was a zillion kmph.
pps You went very, very quickly from ‘kdc is a cretin and everyone should care’ to ‘all politicians are cretins and who cares’
I see a difference between a career criminal who makes his money from ripping people off, and a politician trying to save themselves by lying about speeding, paintings, foreign accounts, or even secret trusts.
I forgot about the feral inbreds comment, though it’s arguable whether that was actually a lie – just a very stupid thing to say publicly.
Even more stupid for a politician.
And even more stupid for a labour politician about a the founding region of the labour party.
Which probably proves my point. Helen Clark is generally thought of as a pretty good politician, and a good PM for most of her term, even by the right.
Showing the public are pretty tolerant of small slip-ups from politicians.
And smart enough to see that people who make big deals about small issues are just being anal.
Your first sentence in your latest comment john, must surely be a description of Slippery the current prime minister right???
“I forgot about the feral inbreds comment, though it’s arguable whether that was actually a lie – just a very stupid thing to say publicly.”
Funny thing, john, is that she never said it.
Which just reinforces what you’ve been demonstrating all along; that you’re a gullible dupe who is prepared to believe any old rubbish you’re told about people you disapprove of.
Meanwhile, John Key has lied his arse off for 6 years and you’re fine with it.
Well, KDM wasn’t caught in a lie, but the whole deal about a “sitting electorate MP” wanting to defect to the IP, which was subsequently withdrawn and is no longer spoken about, doesn’t do all that much for his credibility.
Yes the sitting MP was one of the fat Germans lies
He has also forgotten about vowing to fund team NZ.
Uh…Kim Dotcom IS funding “Team New Zealand” – IMP style that is, lol
are you seriously saying that key didnt know?
key said he didn’t know, and also that fletcher didn’t know. lolz
If that is true they got played: bit part actors in the subversion of their country’s sovereignty and judicial system.
I think the “smoking gun” would be best used on, say, 6th September.
Bearded Git you’re a very naughty boy 🙂
he doesn’t have anything anyway except bogey and hooton and joyce and his media machine. otherwise he just another rich idiot.
how high’s the water, momma?
3ft and rising, Marius. How’s your hangover?
ahoy there, putake. i’m wondering if there’s a hint of the ‘alcohol maketh the man moreso’ to your question. there’s no excuses for me, im afraid. i’ve not labored in his vineyard for quite some time.
Hi Marius, do you post via mobile?
If not, would you please use the reply button.
have to laugh at the blogger who says New Zealand is becoming a Deemocracy. i.e what we say goes.
and everything else is sub rosa or behind closed doors. Anyway the thing is a Wairarapa man is being charged with letting off a pistol not at a firing range. The defense will be that Judith collins was shown firing a pistol somewhere so waiting to see if what is good for the goose is good for the gander
did the blogger say when we can expect this new deemocracy to happen?
It’s already here. I deem it so, and if you disagree I can show you some bloggers who’ll give you a counterview.
hows that for a smoking gun?
Collins had the pistol facing the wrong way
ah yes. but judith didnt know the gun was loaded, your honor
and she only dropped into the shooting-range ‘on her way to the airport’..eh..?
‘on her way to the airport’:..the judith collins story..(coming soon to a screen near you..)
Outbuilding of the Week: Shipping Container Greenhouse by
There seems to be a craze going on in using shipping containers to build things lately.
Although not my buzz, ex shipping containers are a great way to recycle materials and reduce the amount of new raw materials being used for accommodation.
Watched a show about building in small spaces on tele awhile ago. One segment was about a container house accommodation and office space complex in a dis used industrial area in Britain. A lot of thought had gone into the storage spaces and layout of living areas in the containers, as well outdoor connection such as the use of large sliding glass doors going out to patios.
Wellington has a well known container house. Here’s some interesting shots of the interior:
http://www.treehugger.com/modular-design/shipping-container-house-by-ross-stevens.html
I’d almost agree with that except that they’re metal which means that they’re going to bleed heat at an absolutely astonishing rate unless they have really thick insulation. Thing is, a number of the ones I’ve seen on the internet don’t have that required insulation.
By “really thick” insulation I take it you simply mean “really good” insulation.”
And it’s not just the cold. 45 deg C on a sunny summers day would be no fun at all.
I’ve always wondered about the metal aspect regarding heat loss in winter, heat retention in summer and condensation.
Mr R did a cert in building ecology and design last year and although is interested in container housing, didn’t cover it as a project, mainly because it wasn’t construction from scratch per se. The “health” of the building and it impact on occupants would be an important consideration in sustainable housing I’d imagine – I might run that past him later, the insulation question.
In the meantime on the topic of the small house movement, heres a transportable small house manufactured in CHCH (with insulation!)
http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/home-property/10135430/Snug-living-space-part-of-global-trend
oh well, at minimum it’s a nice change from the zincalume, wharf posts and tufted grasses.
Rik doing what he does best:
Believe nothing!
hello to you, freedom. jacob applebaum told me some things about mobiles that made me wary of their use. the question arose yesterday as to the reply button and dimebag russell (bitchin handle btw) piped up and stated that he doesnt use it. i dont want to come off as an complete asshole but cant it be one of my protests against conformity/authority (like not mowing my berm). it seems altogether too intimate for me as i do struggle in that department.
Great, just what we need.
Yeah, it’s quite strange that the site’s suddenly inundated with newish people who seem incapable of using the reply button. A sudden outbreak of Reply-Button-Phobia. I’m wondering if it’s some sort of OCD thing ?
I was having fun rarking up the sewer yesterday when I was have a problem writing code. They appear to be a bit upset about that.
Teaching them to use a reply button is probably a bit much. Priority should be given to teaching them to use the toilet rather than going directly to the sewer.
You take a dump in the sewer and all of us get the backwash…yumm
I can’t help the splashing. They certainly aren’t constipated. In fact I’d say that they have a severe case of a thin diarrhea.
Ughhh. And I have just read this after my dinner.
😈
Just imagine what it would be like closer to the source.
lol
And Lolz…
“i dont want to come off as an complete asshole”
Yeah, good luck with that.
Jeez, go away for 4 days, miss all the craic about Banks’ resignation and all that that entails AND all the goss on the newbies!
Sometimes you just can’t take your eyes off the screen 😆
Oh Hi AlIen. Hey, what was that I was reading above about Jasper the cat having a footprint on his bum because he shat in the bath?! Not true about the footprint I hope!!! Provide Jasper with a litter tray for rainy days and a cat door so he can come and go when he wants – no need for AlIen to get out of bed, and no need for Jasper to go to desperate lengths. Everyone’s happy.
You know, just yesterday I had a run with a man who was treating a cat cruelly on the side of the road. I was driving past and had to pull over and have a word with him. But this guy was a jerk and you aren’t, so give Jasper a break and get his bathroom sorted. No more messy starts to the day for you if you do 😀
Te be honest, I’m just glad he didn’t do it in the laundry basket like last time.
I would have kicked him, but the little sod is too quick for me, still, he’s got to stop running at some point, I’ll have another try later 🙂
Oooo you are wicked, winding me up like that…………….
Cats toilet indoors for good reasons. Address the source of the problem (litter tray and cat door) and you’ll have no worries.
If he still goes indoors and on your personal items, such as laundry and you have your cat toileting options sussed, then that means something else, he’s being territorial.
No to a litter tray, the idea is not to have cat poo smells in the house at all, I’m certainly not encouraging it.
He was out all last evening and only came in after midnight. He just won’t go to next doors garden when it’s raining. I’m sure it’s not a territory thing, he knows his place. The only bonus is it makes my girl pick her clothes up of the bedroom floor when it’s pouring down. 😀
I’m leaving the bathroom window open tonight, so if there’s a cat heaven, he best have been a good kitty if he does it again.
I’m not one for anthropomorphisms, but waking me up after the fact and not before does get me thinking. 🙂
“I’m sure it’s not a territory thing, he knows his place”. Yes cats always know THEIR place, they just like to make sure humans know theirs………they are clever like that and like to express their superiority.
No stinks from a litter tray if you keep it clean, and keep it in the garage, or somewhere not within the house
Well his place tonight certainly isn’t going to be under the blankie again, that’s for sure, so he’ll be expressing his superiority to the daddy long legs in the front room 🙂
I’m with Rosie on this one.
It’s a cat door Jaspar needs. And if you don’t like the sound of the cat door going bank-whack in the middle of the night, tape the door up with some very strong sticky tape.It’ll still go whackity-whack as he hurls himself through the opening, but it’ll save you a lot of nasty smells and cussing…
Noooooo, i have been hoping that Cats didn’t get a mention, the next door one, known only to me as Cat, is one of my good friends,
She is totally the shit as far as an animal expressing itself goes and i have mentioned here befor Her love of the next door neighbors shed full of Pigeons, She sits on a fencepost in my backyard which the mentioned shed backs onto and falls asleep purring loud enough to be heard inside my house if there’s no radio blaring, and, drooling bucket-loads like a loon,
Should i have the temerity to interrupt this grand reverie by trying to use ‘my’ backyard, Her eyes will fly open and i get a Hiss and Meow that conveys to me in no uncertain terms ”F-off you bastard i was just getting to the bit where these feathered critters all fell at my feet screaming devour me master”,
We converse as often as the Cat deigns to lower Herself to engage and the Cat is an expert at using different tones and volumes of Meows, should i impart to the Cat that a certain level of Meow is insufficient to deserve as reward a Pat you can bet that the next Meow will be heart-rendingly plaintive until such time as my voice takes on a concilltory tone,
Anyway, to abbreviate, the other night Cat and i were going through this routine and when She had me in Her power, luring me into the gift of the inevitable Pat, i proceeded to lecture Her in the vein of ”i know your game Cat” following this with the lecture on Her only desiring Pats so as to ditch on one of the foolish humans at least one of Her many fleas, and,
As Pats provoke Her into fits of drooling this was in effect an attempt to pass onto the unsuspecting one of those Cat diseases they are said to carry,
Finishing this lecture with words of why don’t you make yourself useful, i haven’t seen a dead rat in months,
Next day on a trip into the backyard to feed the garden, WTF, at the bottom of the steps where the Cat normally leaves them, i assume for my inspection, 1 very dead Rat,
Which brings me to the question i have been meaning to ask, other than fast flying items of heavy matter, is there a way of keeping Cat’s from crapping in the garden, ala the drink bottle full of water on the lawn to deter the Dogs,???…
Alien Lolz, such are inherent in fast flying items of heavy matter, i had the same problem with a dog from down below that had little respect for my garden and complete disdain for me,
Until that is the day He looked up and met an object from space falling at 30 feet per second per second, what could be called an inescapable conclusion,
Myself i call it the old plastic chair on my deck, the dog then changed that to ”ouch” in the form of a yelp,
Sticks to his own turf these days choosing instead of shitting in and then digging up my garden to sending subtle messages via small yelps in the wee small quiet hours…
Best house training of four kittens I ever did was a litter tray. Kept a litter tray until they proved that they were old enough to go outside (ie, they could jump out the window) and then dumped the litter tray in the garden. They followed the litter tray.
I’ve had him six years and he was in the family for a year or so before that and mostly he’s been good. Like I wrote, it’s only when it’s pouring down will I ever get left a present.
It’s only happened about four times in all, but I’d rather have triplets and be on permanent nappy duty than have to put up with that smell. It’s a unique aroma for sure, and one that lingers long in the nostrils.
Edit:
“is there a way of keeping Cat’s from crapping in the garden”
Concrete or paving stones.
‘Great, just what we need.’ – reminded me of Jan Brady looking out the window at imminent rain. lol
Oh Christ, not The Brady Bunch. Next It’ll be 70s Disco and I’m afraid at that point I shall have to ring the local Constabulary.
remember, if you do decide to call – there’s a high likelihood youll get one of the 99% who spoil it for the rest of the good ones. * cuts to a shot of mr o connor justifying yet another heavy handed beating*
An URGENT message to all NZ MPs who are opposed to corruption:
WE NEED THE EPSOM BY-ELECTION TO HELP KEEP THE PUBLIC SPOTLIGHT ON CORRUPTION!
(In my considered opinion, if the Epsom by-election goes ahead, National will NOT win this 2014 General Election, because they are SO vulnerable on the issue of ‘corrupt corporate cronyism’ and there is SO much more to come …… )
MPS who are opposed to corruption, should NOT support the upcoming vote (which needs 75% of MPs – 91 MPs) to prevent this Epsom by-election going ahead!
If Labour MPs commit to NOT supporting the upcoming vote to stop this Epsom by-election, it won’t happen, because there simply won’t be the numbers to make up the 75%.
There will be all manner of SPIN as to why this Epsom by-election should NOT go ahead, but it’s high time for a massive public exposure proving how NZ’s ‘perceived’ status as the ‘least corrupt country in the world’ does NOT match the corruption ‘REALITY’ check.
Please make your voices heard – ASAP!
10 June 2014
PRESS RELEASE FROM ANTI-CORRUPTION ‘PUBLIC WATCHDOG’ PENNY BRIGHT –
“Why I support Graham McCready’s call for an Epsom by-election.”
I, Penny Bright, ‘anti-corruption and anti-privatisation Public Watchdog’ support the call of private prosecutor Graham McCready, for MPs to support a by-election in Epsom, and NOT to provide this National Government with the numbers to make up the 91 MPs (75%) required to STOP this by-election.
In my considered opinion, any public monies spent on this Epsom by-election, will NOT be a ‘waste of money’ – but an investment in the fight against corruption in New Zealand ‘perceived to be the least corrupt country in the world’.
http://cpi.transparency.org/cpi2013/results/
The general election will focus on many issues, but a by-election in Epsom will help keep a huge public spotlight specifically on corrupt practices such as electoral fraud – which have apparently been ‘common practice’.
https://nz.news.yahoo.com/election/a/-/24196184/prebble-told-to-back-up-allegations-of-electoral-fraud/
How many other internationally-recognised corrupt practices are common practice in New Zealand?
Here are a couple of examples of corrupt practice that most New Zealanders have never even heard of, but are endemic here, in my considered opinion:
Ever heard of ‘State capture’?
Where vested interests get their way at ‘policy’ level – before legislation is passed which serves their interests.
http://www.answers.com/topic/state-capture
‘State capture’ obtains when a small number of firms (or such entities as the military) is able to shape the rules of the game to its advantage through massive illicit, and non-transparent provision of private benefits to officials and politicians. Examples of such behaviour include the ability to control legislative votes, to obtain favourable executive decrees and court decisions. A relatively new concept, the main proponents being World Bank researchers, it echoes that of ‘crony capitalism’ and covers cases where high-level corruption is pervasive. (See military-industrial complex; clientelism.)
Read more: http://www.answers.com/topic/state-capture#ixzz34BuEK4YI
(That’s how the NZ Business Round Table (BRT) used to do it – by focusing on ‘policy’, pretending that their greedy self-interest was somehow in the ‘national interest’, and pushing for legislation from which they profited.
The BRT mantra that ‘public was bad – private was good’ helped to frame the ‘Rogernomics’ legislation which allowed the commercialisation, corporatisation and privatisation of public assets, a number of which (or shares of which) ended up in the hands of BRT members.)
Where can you check for ‘State capture?
Read the ‘Regulatory Impact Statements / Regulatory Impact Reports and find out with whom the policy analysts have been ‘consulting’ and treating as ‘independent third-parties – when they actually have and are vested interests ….
How about ‘post-separation employment?
The ‘revolving door’ between public office and employment in the private sector.
http://www.icac.nsw.gov.au/preventing-corruption/knowing-your-risks/post-separation-employment/4301
Post-separation employment
Post-separation employment is the situation where a public official leaves the public sector and obtains employment in the private sector.
The principle underlying the management of post-separation employment is the need to ensure that public sector decisions are made only on their merits and not compromised by extraneous considerations or personal interests.
The Department of Premier and Cabinet Personnel Handbook refers to this issue in Section 8-12:
Employees should not use their position to obtain opportunities for future employment. They should not allow themselves or their work to be influenced by plans for, or offers of, employment outside the department.
There should be a mandatory ‘quarantine period’ of 18 months to 2 years, between leaving Ministerial or senior public service positions and taking up a job in the private sector where you can be seen to be using your previous contacts and influence to ‘feather your own nest’.
Want to get up to speed with a comparison of anti-corruption legislative frameworks between Australia, NZ, UK, Canada and USA and compare it with that of New Zealand?
http://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/BN/2012-2013/Conduct
Please be reminded that New Zealand has STILL yet to ratify the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).
Minister of Justice Judith Collins’ ‘Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Legislation’ Bill, the passage of which is required before NZ can ratify UNCAC has yet to surface on the Parliamentary Order Paper.
http://www.parliament.nz/resource/en-nz/50DBSCH_SCR5462_1/e73e0f6412f2e249705a3fa50593fa18d79e2d80
International treaty examination of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption
Report of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee
This 50th Parliament has 5 sitting weeks left …
.
New Zealand desperately needs a genuinely Independent Commission Against Corruption – like the New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC)
http://www.icac.nsw.gov.au/about-the-icac/overview
Overview
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) was established by the NSW Government in 1989 in response to growing community concern about the integrity of public administration in NSW.
The ICAC’s principal functions are set out in the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 1988. In summary, they are:
to investigate and expose corrupt conduct in the NSW public sector
to actively prevent corruption through advice and assistance, and
to educate the NSW community and public sector about corruption and its effects.
The jurisdiction of the ICAC extends to all NSW public sector agencies (except the NSW Police Force) and employees, including government departments, local councils, members of Parliament, ministers, the judiciary and the governor. The ICAC’s jurisdiction also extends to those performing public official functions.
Penny Bright
…………………….
PRESS RELEASE FROM GRAHAM McCREADY – WHY HE SUPPORTS AN EPSOM BY-ELECTION:
10 June 2014
Graham Edward Mc Cready, New Zealand Citizen, Kiwi Patriot and sucessfull prvate prosecutor of the one honorarable John Archbald Banks call for ALL Membres of Parkiament including our most able and ehically corect Prima Minsister John Key to vote to hold a bi-election in Epson following the exit from tghe halls of power of Mr Banks.
‘I am a -political when it comes to the law. I do not belong to any political party. I am by the way a long term Labour Party supporter who helped Trevor Mallard in his first campaign in Hutt South. But the whole Banks private prosecution continued to the point it did because Banks held the Epson seat propping up the Key Government.
Had Banks adopted the wisdom of Trevor Mallard and offered as soon as he was summoned to plead guilty to a lessor non indictable charge that in December 2012 would have been accepted and amongst other things would have saved the Country a two year distraction and also my health.
There are thousands of fellow Kiwis who do not vote. One of the reasons is their view that all politicians are a bunch of corrupt bastards not worthy of their support.
The Epson mad hatters tea party and subsequent court proceedings are a stain on the political life of the Nation that needs expunging.
Voting not to hold a bi-election on expediency just tells the average Joe citizen that it is business as usual.
The electorate through a Bi -Election in Epson needs the opportunity to voice their anger at their elected leaders and elect a candidate in Epson free of all the ACT balderdash.
It will focus and address all the issues that have come out of the Banks court case that will be lost forever in a General Election
I call on all MPs to vote accordingly’
Graham Edward Mc Cready
Concerned New Zealand Citizen
………………………….
god, dont make me vote for goldsmith twice within a few months!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Talk about sacrificing for Queen and Country…
😉
Wow thats from a moderator. look, i had a little stouch a few days back with what i assume is a regular. I admit i said i dont vote and i know that upset some of you. I know i made a bit of an off colour remark about the Christchuch mayor and i know this is your labour stronghold and comments like that dont go down too well – but fucking hell, seriously, loosen the pigtails, you bunch of polyannas. If it is in the rules then sure maybe people will be happy to use the reply button. If not then being part of a democracy means all comers get to interact as they see fit within the confines of the rules which do apply. Today the only comment ive seen from what i assume is a moderator is something that indicates to me they probably shouldnt be one – which is more often than not the case. ‘…our mailed fist can crush any opposition, and if our furious assault has a heavy civilian toll, that’s all to the good—perhaps the remnants will be properly educated’. Thats a little snippet from the nice israeli’s regarding Gaza. Im not fazed by you lot getting huffy about things i say. This isnt Gaza. My understanding of teletyping facilities such as this is that they survive with the assistance of newbies. You might want to deny it and you might want to have a status quo. Surely you dont want to sit around yammering on to the same people year in year out – or do you.
Interesting comment, Marius. Who were you replying to?
😀
Ok, so this is probably going to be fun for a few days.
“Today the only comment ive seen from what i assume is a moderator is something that indicates to me they probably shouldnt be one”
Lolz.
Well NO actually Marius, you are Wrong on so many levels in your little attempt at commenting suicide there my pinkies aint about to waste much energy pointing out Where,
Here’s a hint tho, if there were a status quo here and those speaking too far out of that status quo got the kick, i would suggest that i would have been gone long ago,
Another hint, Peeps have been pointing out to you the agreed to method of commenting via the reply button not because they are the fascist thought police, BUT, because they like to read Nembies stuff AND, when you continue to comment simply using the function of a new comment where you should have used reply, it to be blunt, fucks up the flow of the conversation,
Taking the piss of the Mods i would suggest is an open invitation to have you exit stage left…
The thing is Marius, and I do not know why I am even bothering but….people are only trying to be helpful. If you continue to refuse to follow a simple and constructive protocol, ie: using a reply button, chances are that people will simply not bother to reply to what you say. On a busy site like The Standard it is not always easy to identify what comments isolated replies are responding to.
(this comment being a self-explanatory exception to the above statement)
It’s like going to a pub, having a conversation with folk, and you getting up to change tables every time you talk. Pretty soon the conversation will just move on without you.
No, I agree with the critical comments you’ve made about Israel’s Occupation, Marius. It’s just hard to know who the fuck you’re replying / referring to with each comment.
Then again, there is, I s’pose, a certain entertainment in trying to guess precisely who you’re on about. There’s an interesting randomness about it all, a whiff of the absurd, a hint of Waiting for Godot.
Clever Marius. Well played.
Bloody Aussies, spoil everyone’s fun, it appears that the chemical Ketamine used in some of the ”legal high’s” that got the kick off of the shelves here has been under study in a Uni over the ditch,
The result so far, when other drugs have no effect Ketamine has shown to seriously curtail depression and unlike other anti-depressants is fast working,
Didn’t hear of any adverse side effects so once the study is published the purveyors of ”legal highs” will happily get a freebie as an aid to get the products back on the shelf,
Source: RadioNZ National news…
Didn’t they make it a class C drug a few years back? Not a “legal high” then…
Dunno Mac, my first impression at the mention of Ketamine was ”isn’t that a horse tranqualizer” its the next item on my notes after ”do you cook Mango to make chutney” so there’s a contest now occurring between my lust for Mango chutney and my thirst for knowledge as to which question is put to Google first…
lol
Yeah it’s a horse tranq.
In fact, I seem to recall doing venue security at a palliative care conference a few years back – one of the poster displays praised the virtue of ketamine as being comparable to (possibly better than) diamorphine (heroin). My thought was “so if you fill ’em full of horse tranquilizer, it eases their pain? There’s a revelation…”
Mind you, amazing the stuff you pick up if you keep your eyes and ears open working at function centres 🙂
Nicely done Mac, and i can now inform everyone,(as if they didn’t know), that yes, to make Mango chutney it appears the common wisdom is to cook it along with all the other ingredients,
i have modified that, and, the liberal dose of Lemon juice i have planned for mine will go in last as i do not want the heat to alter the chemical balance of the juice,(it being a preservative ingredient)…
PS, Shhh not until Phillip has gone to bed, re: Ketamine/Heroin
lol
chuckle
This article is very good
https://medium.com/matter/the-racism-beat-6ff47f76cbb6
This fatigue is one we all face when we talk/write about issues from a personal perspective. I’m not sure what the answer is to combat the hollowed out feeling when another injustice occurs that is similar to the last injustice and so on to infinity. For me and my small contribution to the issues that matter to me the main way to combat it is the knowledge that I am not alone. I thank all those who write and comment on this site and who align with my belief in equality above all else – you know who you are and without you, well, without you the bastards would run even more amok than they are now.
” For me and my small contribution to the issues that matter to me the main way to combat it is the knowledge that I am not alone.” and it is that which also keeps me going, Marty Mars. We’re all in this together in our different ways (fighting inequality) and while you might get fed up with some of those others at various times, none of us can do it alone.
not now ‘the a11en’. im in the backstraight of my initiation rites.
just use the damn reply button already
We all need a bit of luck Marius. If you don’t want your share, I’ll have it.
Just for the record, we were all new here at some time, but choosing to ignore the reply button as a form of protest, especially since being told it’s a pita is a bit self defeating.
You’ll get more out by putting a little effort in, even if it spoils your present game.
Just saying 🙂
Edit:
“it comes as no surprise to me that dissent will be met with expulsion. im not in the least bothered by that.”
Fair enough, see ya.
Good article from brain rudman:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=11270708
You mean Bryan Gould?
I do indeed 🙂
thanks
interesting observation about the media, but i guess the vice chancellor of waikato uni is just a conspiracy theorist.
look, bad. i havent purposely avoided the reply button. ive been settling into using this place in a nice sedate manner which suits me. im not being hurried along by the local cops. as i said, ive heard nothing from a moderator which says im obligated to use the reply button. ive typed in places where the screen scrolls by so fast if you blink you miss who youre interacting with – this place is a retirement home in comparison. yeah yeah i know ‘fuck off back there’. it comes as no surprise to me that dissent will be met with expulsion. im not in the least bothered by that. so be it or the chips are down as gide said.
so basically, you have decided to buy a house in the King Country and want to spend your time complaining about the lack of ocean views 🙄
enjoy your martyrdom
lollol freedom
Oh great, a self-martyrdom dickhead.
How have you found it work out for you, turning up to others peoples places and deliberately pissing on their doorsteps just to make a point that you’re really so unique. Going well for you is it?
EDIT I suggest a DNFTT policy for Marius.
Yep. Or a burst of the rolly eyes. The sad thing is that the arrogance is taking the shine off the occasional glimmers of intelligence and education. I’ll bet Marius is the first poster here to name check Andre Gide, for example. But the contempt for the readers ruins that, (just as it usually does for Phil Ure’s contributions).
Very interesting. With a bit of potty training Marius could have what it takes to be an interesting commentator
“..the contempt for the readers..”
what ‘contempt for the readers’..?
..what utter shite you spout..
..i laugh at idiots..
..i can’t help it if you act like one..
🙄 🙄 the Moderator is probably busy engaged in that strange human function called work Marius,
By the time you have pissed Him off enough to have heard from Him, depending how stressful the day is, might be your first and last conversation, 🙄 🙄 …
thanks for the advice framu and the a11en.
just so long as the barmaid isnt ignoring me, eh, freedom. thanks for bothering, though
i knew you’d get it, sword.
lol. look at the viper go. hes so fucked up he cant get his words out proper. ‘KILL THE PIG! KILL THE PIG!’
…needn’t be a dick all your life Mariarse…
marius is boring
yeah…someone should push the reject button. hur hur hur. take that you autodidactic peedogog.
have i been zapped?
am i still at least about the outskirts of the fold??
youre next for the highjump, dimebag – unless you roll over. i only wish i was there to witness it.
WIIIIIIIIIILLLLLLLLLLLLLLLMMMMMMMAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!
Now you’re just starting to look like a troll.
Japan has enough plutonium on hand to make 80 nuclear warheads
Well, that’s reassuring, given the tension rising in East Asia.
http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2014-06-09/japan-has-inappropriately-omitted-80-bombs-worth-nuclear-fuel-iaea-report
Dont you only need one?
You’d think so, but there are still thousands of the bloody things on active duty around the world and even more in storage ready to be put into a state of readiness.
And, I suspect, the expertise make them but you don’t hear the US/UK demanding that their nuclear operations be shut down.
That’s because their nuclear operations comply with international standards.
Japan signed comprehensive de-militarisation pacts at the end of WW2. But, they could have a working bomb within 3 months or so if it was deemed ‘necessary’.
As if complying with all required international inspections helped Iraq and Iran.
And how many international inspections has Israel permitted of its nuclear forces?
Bottom line is – being friends with the US is very very helpful in these matters.
Hey Gosman, if you’re around…. You are always banging on about how useless Zimbabwe is/was. Well I get sent emails from an investor thingy called the Dail;y Reckoning. It’s an aussie thing worth a read on the occasional blue moon.
Anyway, this one today caught my eye… especially when it said this ….
“–Years ago a man named Gideon Gono first appeared in The Daily Reckoning. He quickly became a favourite character of readers. Best of all, we didn’t even have to make him up.
–The charismatic Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe surged to fame in 2008. Not just because he destroyed the country’s economy by printing money. But because American and European central bankers embraced his policies after ridiculing them for years, which he promptly rubbed their faces in.
–Quantitative Easing went on to become the key economic policy of the decade. It saved us all. Except, of course, the savers who got nothing. In fact, their interest payments dwindled to less than inflation in much of the developed world. ”
I told you your claims about individual policies and supposed causation links through to various economy-wide results were simplistic.
As simplistic as suggesting that Cuba’s positions are a result solely of its internal policies / rolly eyes.
It particularly saved the insolvent big banks and the 0.1% whose asset portfolios went up through the roof in value. Almost like those programmes were designed with that in mind.
This is the key thing – economies are not typically destroyed just by printing money. It usually has to be combined with the destruction of productive capacity as well as war/civil war which really does it.
In Zimbabwe’s case the inflation in the economy which began to occur well befor the Governor of the Reserve Bank began to Print ever bigger bank notes,
Economic sanctions, imposed on Zimbabwe by the Western powers after Mugabe began repatriating the stolen land from the white farmers created the spiral of inflation that ensured the printing of ever bigger denominations of bank notes,
The basic essentials of life not produced in the Zimbabwe economy had to, after the imposition of the sanctions, be smuggled in from other countries thus driving their price up in an ever increasing spiral,
The US printing’s in particular have gone more to the big institutional banks and from their into the share-market or are simply sitting propping up the balance sheets of what is essentially a bankrupt system in terms of the means of counting the beans…
QFT
And that is, of course, why the US didn’t see any inflation – all the money printed went to the already rich and banks rather than going into the economy and producing demand.
Zimbabwe already had massive inflation (1991 48% and 1992 40%) in the years before any sanctions were imposed.
In addition, the sanctions were never general sanctions, but targeted just to certain individuals and companies.
Huge amounts of productive land was taken by Mugabe and given to war veterans, who failed to keep producing. Hence food production in Zimbabwe halved.
Similarly a large amount of capital invested in businesses (both Zimbabwean and foreign), fled the country, along with white and black Zimbabweans – a total of quarter of population fled. Manufactured goods plummeted, and unemployment skyrocketed.
Mugabes tax base dissappeared so they started printing money. I have a hundred billion dollar bank note from a recent visit that wouldn’t buy a single jelly bean.
John old boy, so good to see you old chap, how are things going over their at the embassy, so sorry you had to be dragged away from after dinner cocktails on such a minor mission especially having to answer the likes of me,(knowing how the unwashed upset you so),
A bit droll don’t you think John trotting out the old Zillion dollar bank note, oh sure it works as the grand party trick for those with their noses stuck so far up their arses that dinner is always delivered,via syphoning hose that is, but, i thought even you lot would have learned by now to save the bullshit for such idiots john,
How was the trip tho,must be hard on the skin all this flip flopping between time zones and climates john old boy, i am surprised the Regime over their didn’t get a hold of you as soon as the plane hit Harare and string you up by your old school tie to the nearest lampost,
The old Dip Pouch right old chap, Merlin of old could not have conjured up a shield so grand,you forgot a little something with the party trick zillion note john, the fact that that old rogue Mugabe changed to using the currency of the enemy so long ago i forgot what year it was,
08 or 09 wasn’t it old boy???
As for the ”other” information imparted, sorry, Disinformation, precious, ‘You’ can fool some of the people some of the time right old boy, you know the rest,
Here let me give a little assistance to aid you in NOT talking out of your arsehole,
Rate of inflation Zimbabwe 1992 40%, 1993 20%, 1994% 25%, 1995 28%, 1996 16%, 1997 20%,
Does seem a little like the poor old Governor of the Zimbabwe Reserve Bank had never had a talk with Ruth Richardson or Doctor Dullard Don Brash doesn’t it john,
However after the EU sanctions were imposed in 2001/2002 the story really changes doesn’t it john,
2001 112%, 2003 598%, 2005 585%, 2007 66,212%, 2008 89,700,000+++%,
You do get my point john???,
At which point Zimabawe had a choice, change to the Rand, the South African currency having become the stable currency of trade in the surrounding nations, or
Fuck totally your and the US’es little game big time by not switching to the Rand which would then also have become a target of your monetary terrorism john, simply by switching to the currency of the country that was imposing such monetary terrorism upon them, the US Dollar which they did right john,
i would call that small piece of intelligent use of the US dollar john, Game Set and Fucking Match old boy, well played and oh wont you come again,
Pfft, what would happen i have to ask to any small economy that had its ability to borrow kneecapped by sanctions, had its ability to buy and sell its goods knee capped by monetary terrorism in the form of the US banning its currency from being able to purchase the US dollar through any banking system,
Exactly what did happen i would suggest…
You’re talking utter nonsense.
In 2002 (before the US targeted sanctions started in 2003) trade between Zimbabwe and USA was a meagre $47m of exports and $103m of imports.
Four years later in 2006, when inflation passed 1000%, trade between Zimbabwe and USA was virtually identical – 49m of exports and $102m of imports.
In 2008, when inflation passed a billion %, trade between Zimbabwe and USA was even greater – $92m of exports and $112 of imports
Mugabe chased quarter of his own population out of the country and had to print money to make up for lost taxes from the farms businesses, and tourist industry he destroyed.
On a drive last year from Hwange to Bulawayo, farm after farm was destroyed and burnt out. In some parts only one in ten was left. Sanctions didn’t do that. Mugabes henchmen did.
You’re assertion that the hyperinflation was because of sanctions is both ignorant and laughable.
But john, and i know this may sour the next G and T forcing you to dribble it all over the shirt,(the expense account will be a hard one to justify this month won’t it, ”one of the unwashed i was educating on the web”, not being sufficient reason for the bean counters to loosen the purse strings right),but,
Cannot you see the utter contradiction in your explanation, it is rather glaring don’t you think old boy,
Henchman, i so love your propensity for the melodramatic john, ghastly tho would have to be a better level as a raiser of the tension in the narrative don’t you think old boy, in the vein of ghastly henchman, must make full use of the Queens at every opportunity what,
Oh right, sorry you have me escaping into flights of fancy, ghastly henchmen and all that, have you gone into a sideline as a tin-foil salesman john, i thought the Embassy was quite clear about those earns on the side, But,
To address this utter contradiction, damned ghastly henchmen burned the whole fucking farm to a crisp and exports to the good old home of international financial terrorism also known as the US of A went UP,
i would suggest john the old scoundrel running the place better hire a far more efficient cadre of ghastly henchmen, wouldn’t you old boy,
Oh what, is that what you were doing there risking your delicate pallor over john,can’t have the natives joining forces now can we, best to ferment a little mischief,
While we are chatting john, were we by chance traveling with the use of a NZ passport, that would be a novel means of having not to have to face the hostility at the border brought aboutt by the production of Her Maj’s documents…
bad12 says “Oh right, sorry you have me escaping into flights of fancy,”
In other words, screeds of delusional gibberish.
While you joke about Mugabe’s henchmen, just over a week ago they gang raped and killed a farmers daughter, and killed the farmer.
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/article/article_xinhua.aspx?id=220124
They’ve evicted millions of people – 700,000 in 2005 alone according to amnesty international and UN.
If that’s just a big joke to you, then best seek some professional psychological help..
Yes agreed CV, particularly your past paragraph and how economies and the like are the result of countless things such as war, embargoes, etc.
That is what annoys me about gosman’s musings and their simplicity – they show nothing and prove nothing. Hence my point there about Cuba – it has been absolutely nailed by the US for 50+ years.
As bad12 detailed above, the US is expert at destabilising nations and turning populations against their rulers.
Venezuela is in the firing line now (with the co-operation of the local 1%) and I’m not sure that Maduro is going to be able to hold out much longer – and this is a nation with hundreds of billions in oil wealth.
But that can’t be right CV, gosman says it is all because of the communist policies blah blah blah …
The US doesn’t do stuff like that, it just goes merrily about its business in accordance with the laws of every land including international law. The US is trustworthy and honest. It would never dream of anything other than acting as a good and honest international citizen.
But of course. However, maintaining exceptionalism occasionally requires…exceptional measures to be undertaken.
Time to retire this graceless goon, this hectoring halfwit, this mindless moron.
Another hapless performance from Graham Bell
The Panel, Radio NZ National, Tuesday 10 June 2014
Jim Mora, Graham Bell, Ali Jones
After the four o’clock news, it’s time to have a chat with the guests. Host Jim Mora always tries to talk about something relevant to the particular guest. With the cantankerous old cop Graham Bell, it’s the vexed question of arming the police….
JIM MORA: I was reading the American papers today, and we think WE’ve got problems, but over there I see the police are talking about arming themselves with grenade-launchers! Ha ha ha ha ha!
GRAHAM BELL: Haw, haw, haw, haw! Well, I suppose they have crack dens there that they have to knock over….
When Mora speaks to the indefatigable spokesperson for Christchurch’s earthquake victims, Ali Jones, there is only one possible subject: how the people of Christchurch are coping with insurance companies’ obstructiveness and the refusal of the Key government to do anything about it. It’s a really serious problem, and it demands serious and focused discussion. Unwisely, however, Bell decides that it’s time to say something sarcastic…..
GRAHAM BELL: So is David Cundliffe going to gallop to your rescue?
Perhaps he divined some of the irritation felt by Ali Jones, because the next words he spoke had none of the jocular tone of his dig at the Labour Party….
GRAHAM BELL: [uncomfortable, suddenly forced to assume an air of gravitas] Because, and believe me I have a lot of experience of this, lawyers have no interest in resolving an issue, they only want to prolong it as long as possible so they can make money off it.
Jones was having none of that nonsense. She launched into a stinging critique of the Insurance Council and the National-led government—and, by implication, of fools like Graham Bell who parrot their poisonous talking points…
ALI JONES: I totally reject what the Insurance Council and Gerry Brownlee have said about this.
Jones was really angry, and Bell showed a rare lick of common sense when he decided to lapse into silence. It was his most humiliating moment on this show since Gordon Campbell silenced him a few years ago after Bell had ignorantly attacked the then leader of the Greens, Jeanette Fitzsimons.
Bell was back to his curmudgeonly self a little later, during the Soapbox segment. Over the years, his Soapbox contributions have consisted almost entirely of gripes about the minor irritations in his life, like the food quality in tearooms, or the standard of customer service at Telecom, or—my personal favorite—this one from three years ago: “There’s a number of things that RANKLE me and FRUSTRATE me….Some time, just once in a blue moon, I’d like to get TWO biscuits with my cup of coffee, not just one biscuit!”
Today the tradition continued….
MORA: Graham Bell, what’s been on your mind please?
GRAHAM BELL: Well, I tried to get some tickets this morning for the Eagles concert next year in Auckland. What a BLOODY FIASCO!
MORA: [perhaps misreading just how serious Bell is] Ha ha ha ha ha!
GRAHAM BELL: [raving] I’ve MISSED OUT! I’ve been waiting for them to come for twenty years and I’ve missed out.
MORA: Who’s your favorite Eagle?
GRAHAM BELL: Joe Walsh. Arrrrrgghhh! I sat there for TWO HOURS, logging in and out of their site.
MORA: [insensitively] Ha ha ha ha ha!
GRAHAM BELL: It drove me NUTS! How do these scalpers get the tickets though?
More snarling and grumbling for several minutes….
POINT TO PONDER….
According to Radio NZ National’s frequent station promos, The Panel features “leading opinion makers”, who discuss the news and “help to make sense of it all”.
Totally agree about Bell. The clanger I recall from him was when the Greens announced a policy about putting $200million (I think) into cycleways and cycling improvements around the country….
… of course something like this Bell would have had absolutely no idea about and of course he subsequently let his lack of nous on the subject pour forth ….
…blah blah he dribbled … “what an absolute waste of money … blah blah … I can’t believe the Greens keep coming up with these barmy ideas … waffle rant”
Then of course the cycling expert came on and cleaning dispatched the fool by outlining how the return for $1 spent on cycling improvements is $7 (think health, energy, etc etc) and the return for $1 spent on “roads of notional significance” is 60cents….
Bell is a dork with nothing useful to say. I agree he is a waste of time.
Have missed your biting and witty critique or Mora’s dreadful show.
bell is another overgrown thicko who is so blinkered that he cant see his toes anymore. and that is not just because he has a fat head.
How Government “Contracting Out” Drives Up Costs, Pushes Down Workers
And we’ve seen exactly the same things happening here in New Zealand.
Of course, in this case “driving up costs to government” = “driving up private sector profits”
This sectoral balance thinking really does wonders.
Which was always the purpose of privatisation.
Edward Snowden may not have had access to the NSA’s independent top tier surveillance systems
http://www.washingtonsblog.com/2014/06/original-nsa-whistleblower-snowden-never-access-juicy-documents.html
Fucking hell.
http://tvnz.co.nz/q-and-a-news/panel-discuss-john-banks-video-5994867
Why did this not come with a supporter statement: this was brought to you buy the National and ACT parties.
Ngarimu Blair seems like a nice chap, but Fran talks over him and he shuts up and they conclude:
1) Internet Mana isn’t a real party.
See also: who the fuck is Phill Quinn on Pundit? Doesn’t seem to have a publishing history or profile but running the same lines.
2) They are gaming the system and cheating.
No mention made of ACT with an ex-National leader and cabinet minister in Epsom. No mention made of the fact that a review was held and the recommendation was to change it and they didn’t.
3) In Europe where there is proportional representation all coalition deals are organised before the election in all details. Is this actually an indisputable fact? Do parties put out joint manifestos before the election and then go into co-oalition before the election? I have my doubts.
Again no mention of the way National gamed the system to ‘compromise’ in its education policy because of John Banks’ tough cooalition negotiations with the guys who had set him up in Epsom by encouraging their supporters to vote for him.
What happened to all the ‘Electoral Finance Act’ we wanna spend our money jingoism? Or is it that party’s representing poor people or people not already entrenched in the establishment shouldn’t have access to money at elections and so should have less of a voice?
Ok, Lyn is off to Hawaii and then to rest of the US for 3 weeks. I still have another 4+ weeks of holiday pay. May the music be loud and the coding free and loose….
Maybe that will help with the irritating coding block.
Calling Naki Man -CHICKEN – come debate real economic indicators