John Key’s puppet and pet newspaper the Herald gives prominence to his pet project the flag.
Bet they spend more column inches on that than either the TPP or child poverty this week.
What an excuse for a news organisation.
I have to say that the critics are right when they point out that not having a designer and similarly qualified people on the panel is like choosing a national anthem without a musician and songwriter on board …….
rather fundamentally flawed
and a reflection of the true shallowness of Key’s skills (very good at clipping tickets but not at creating anything). Any astute and successful person would recognise this most basic of requirements, but he has not…
The result being a whole bunch of very similar offerings and no real creativity or new, young, exciting type designs.
edit: hmmmm, out of the ban now. that was a funny one
Just heard our abysmal pm on radio, wish I hadn’t. I get this deep, sinking feeling every time I hear him duck shoving around the questions asked of him. Big high five to Susie F for trying to answer her question on the Saudi scandal, but he was obviously programmed and unable to say anything but ‘this was inherited from Labour’. No proof of course. Feeling bloody angry!!
Don’t get angry, get even.
Learn a bit about the facts so you can help educate your friends, point out the bullshit media lines and follow them up with facts. Your friends will soon understand that you actually understand the issues and they can’t try using the spin on you.
I’m currently visiting family and am using this method, they now understand that I know more about most issues “on the news” then they can ever pick up from a 3 second soundbite.
As a result, they now ask and value my opinion. Before, when I just raved on I was laughed at as a looney lefty. I still get angry but as they say, you catch more flies with honey then vinegar..
Yes. We do that. Pretty much all our families and friends are Nat supporters. Very much fingers in ears and going ‘la,la,la. My husband has been known to put people right (in his eyes) in supermarket queues on overhearing conversations about how wonderful nats are.
Verse
If the Public have uncovered
A shonky deal we made
We bring out Teflon John and
the full snake-oil brigade
with echo chamber Hoskings
and the right wing Herald aids
to sing the Crosby Textor line
Till all the uproar fades, ohhhhhhhhhhh
Chorus
Labour did it too, mate
Labour did it too
We inherited it from Labour
So what else could we do?
If ever we’re in trouble
And the news has turned to pooh
Then it’s time to plug the same old line
“Labour did it too!”
The deep green in me, loved this song, very much. It was good to hear a young musician express such depth of feeling.
I heard this song yesterday when listening to the new album from Courtney Barnett. And to quote a YouTube commentator, on the album “It’s all fun and games until Kim’s Caravan kicks your ass.”
Here is a link to the video and come comments about the song.
That’s the best I’ve heard from her yet, more engaging and uplifting than her radio-friendly stuff. Musically and lyrically she really goes all out on this. Caravans like that are notoriously difficult to burn. I often wonder if the flames have any effect.
A TPPA march is being organised for Featherston this Saturday but I was disappointed to learn from the organiser that the Wairarapa branch of the Labour Party has decided not to support it as they believe the the TPPA won’t be signed anyway.
If anyone in the Wairarapa is reading this (or knows anyone in the Wairarapa who might want to take part), the march is at 11am starting from the south end of town and walking to the cenotaph.
The show of opposition by marching is intended to send a message to the Govt that the TPPA should not be revived and that the public don’t want a bar of it.
Please continue to stand up and be counted. This fight is not yet over. This is simply a lull.
“Since it began to face opposition from BRICS countries at the World Trade Organisation, US policy has been to push through a triad of international “trade agreements” outside of the WTO framework, aimed at radically restructuring the economies of negotiating countries, and cutting out the rising economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS).
The three treaties, the “Three Big T’s”, aim to create a new international legal regime that will allow transnational corporations to bypass domestic courts, evade environmental protections, police the internet on behalf of the content industry, limit the availability of affordable generic medicines, and drastically curtail each country’s legislative sovereignty.”
I agree completely TMM. That’s why I couldn’t understand their attitude. There’s no way you can right it off yet.
I find the apathy and inaction by people I know who actually don’t like this government – “there’s nothing we can do about it” -“they are all the same” etc – more depressing than the government itself. Apathy and cynicism are corrosive.
As the poet Yeats said: “The best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity.”
Kieran was the person the organiser was in contact with, as far as I am aware. Earlier the organiser had said she had contacted Kieran about it and it sounded like they were going to support it, and then yesterday she told me they said they had decided not to.
Your undying commitment to protest action is an inspiration. People like John Key treat protestors as if they have nothing better to do, when they actually use up precious time and money that is usually in short supply. Usually those protesting are the ones who can least afford the time and money.
(Question: who would stand most to gain by shooting down a civilian passenger plane full of Dutch, Malaysians and Australians…in other words creating trouble in the region…I dont think the Russians!…and why was this plane re-routed off its normal flight path ?)
The Russians didn’t shoot it down, Chooky. The separatists they gave the missiles to did. It was a cock up; the separatists thought they were shooting down a military plane. The plane was on a regularly used flight path and it was just bad luck that they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Ultimately, the responsibility is still Russia’s; it was their missile that killed nearly 300 people.
You’ve presented a lot of statements of opinion as fact there TRP.
Please point to any official International Civil Aviation Organisation air crash investigation report, US Government Federal or military air crash investigation report, European Union official air crash investigation report which bears out your statements.
And in particular, any report which answers the question why MH17 had been diverted to a flight path a couple of hundred kilometres north of its usual route which would normally avoid the conflict zone.
Ultimately, the responsibility is still Russia’s; it was their missile that killed nearly 300 people.
Many of the munitions which killed over a thousand Palestinian civilians including children in the latest Israeli attacks on Gaza were supplied to Israel by the USA.
Do you count those civilian killings as being ultimately the USA’s responsibility?
The Russians didn’t shoot it down, Chooky. The separatists they gave the missiles to did.
The leader of the OSCE recently confirmed that they have never seen the movement of heavy weapons from Russia into the Ukraine.
Please provide proof that the Russians gave a BUK missile system to the separatists, as opposed to the separatists obtaining such a system from defeated Ukranian forces.
I know I’m wasting my time, but it and hundreds of other flights used that route because it was north of Crimea, where there was a known risk because of the Russian invasion.
The facts are the facts. If you have anything substantial that points to an alternative to what we know now, please post it. Even better, send it to the people investigating the crime. Hilarious that you can get so smugly pompous about those killed by the yanks and Israelis, but you don’t give a shit about the dead of MH17.
As I said, it’s a cock up. But that’s what happens when you give deadly weapons to people who don’t much care how they use them.
Sorry, do you have references to any official investigation reports with those facts?
If not, please don’t state your opinions as facts unless you can back them up. Let’s make sure that every one is clear that they are merely your opinions and that no official investigation reports have reached those same conclusions.
No you didn’t. You pointed out who you believed did it. Personally, I’m more in favour of the Ukraine government shooting it down as they stood more to gain from it being shot down.
Cui bono, follow the money and other clichés apply here.
“Many of the munitions which killed over a thousand Palestinian civilians including children in the latest Israeli attacks on Gaza were supplied to Israel by the USA.
Do you count those civilian killings as being ultimately the USA’s responsibility?”
I would have thought that was obviously the USA’s responsibility as well as Israel’s.
The plane was on a regularly used flight path and it was just bad luck that they were in the wrong place at the wrong time.
I am assuming here that you are simply badly informed. Please see below from the Telegraph which said that MH17 was on a course up to 300 hundred miles north of where it typically flew (why and how MH17 came to take a course to fly through a war zone has not yet been clarified):
” Robert Mark, a commercial pilot who edits Aviation International News Safety magazine, said that most Malaysia Airlines flights from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur normally travelled along a route significantly further south than the plane which crashed.
Malaysia Airlines has insisted its plane travelled on an “approved route” used by many other carriers.
But Mr Mark said: “I can only tell you as a commercial pilot myself that if we had been routed that way, with what’s been going on in the Ukraine and the Russian border over the last few weeks and months, I would never have accepted that route. And the flight today tracked very, very much further north into the Ukraine than the other previous flights did … there were MH17 versions that were 300 miles south of where this one was….
Records of recent MH17 flights on the FlightAware appear to bear out Mr Mark’s claim, with earlier flights significantly further south than the flight that crashed.
We have the editor of Aviation International News Safety on record in the above article. I’ll take his opinion on this issue over yours.
Unless you have a link or a reference which bears out your claim that MH17 was on its normal route of course, which doesn’t appear to be the case.
Also re: Crimea – do you have a link showing that commercial aircraft routes were moved north from Crimea because of Russian actions there? Or do you simply imagine that was the case?
+100 CV…”You can only respect the dead by respecting the truth about their deaths…”…and finding the truth entails listening to the other side and keeping an open mind
“Investigations into the downing of flight MH17 in eastern Ukraine are still inconclusive or incomplete a year on from the tragedy. However, this has not stopped the West and their media from apportioning blames, without facts and figures to back up their claims. The search for justice for the families of those killed on MH17 continues.”
You’ll note that the article draws no hard conclusions, but suggests that the “evidence” to date (un-referenced, as you’ll note from the article) points to eastern ukranian separatists.
And you’ll also note that has no connection with Putin.
According to CNN, there was a significant storm situated right over MH17’s planned path through southern Ukraine. In response, the pilots may have requested a route through the northeast to provide a safer and smoother ride for the passengers. Unfortunately, the course change took them right over the disputed region in the east where Ukrainian forces have been battling pro-Russian separtists.
The airspace over eastern Ukraine has been and still is a no fly zone. The FAA issued a ban on operations over the area, however that ban only applies to planes flying between the altitudes of 26,000 and 32,000 ft. At the same time, the Ukranian Government reportedly shut down all civilian flights in the region under 7,900 meters or 26,000 ft. Ukrainian air traffic control assigned MH17 an altitude of 33,000ft, which complied with both no fly orders.
Planes at high altitude often deviate significantly to avoid storms etc. for the comfort of passengers – Singapore Airlines who I’ve travelled with quite a bit do. 300 miles isn’t much at 560 mph cruise speed
This whole thing came down to numbnuts on the ground – Russian Federation or Ukrainian, doesn’t matter – doughebags in charge of missiles that can pass the ceiling of third world armaments and poor international aviation policy.
The media both sides played to their overlords – ergo the conspiracy theories.
Remember fuel burn costs trump “ground” war zones.
The most convincing conspiracy theory (if you want to play that card) is the similarity between MA colours and that of the Russian Federation State plane. Oh and a earlier MA disappearance, that does smell somewhat – the wash up in French Indian Ocean Territories may give some answers.
MH17 was shot down by detached Russian military advisors. The number of the BUK is known, and the names of the crew. Like the polonium poisoning of Litivenko however, Russia is not cooperating.
I seem to remember being of the opinion that it was probably the Ukrainian armed forces that shot it down. Any wavering opinion around the rights and wrongs of the shit with Russia….well, gone right there. And back to the head of the news agenda with a full head of steam billowing outrage.
See, I could never make any sense of Russia shooting it down. And if as you say it takes a lot of training to operate, then it wasn’t militia.
hey tpr. the thing is that nothing has been proved, nothing. all we have to go by is suppositions and guess work, and yes propaganda. all the theories are conspiracy theories, and the one that you are repeating here is probably one of the more believable, but only because the media have been repeating it ad-nauseam almost constantly since the moment fragments from the plane hit the ground. the fact that this is the story supported and repeated since before anyone could have known anything at all gives me cause for doubt. there is also the question of partisanship of media. maybe I’m getting to cynical? but really, do you think media are really impartial reporters of facts?
And they very cleverly play to the conspiracy leaning folk. I know quite a few people who take them as gospel – as if the other side wouldn’t be into lying as well.
Unfortunately a few years ago a friend of mine was very sick. Every year this friend has to go for a check up with a specialist nurse.
Every year the time span between each visit gets extended. This year the visit is long overdue for the yearly examination. On inquiring what was the delay, the hospital was very apologetic but stated that they have had their staff numbers cut and that is the reason for the delay.
I told my friend to get the priorities right. You can’t have your important examination on time as there are more important things like The Fucking Spivs not needed $26 million flag referendum. Consultants (insultants) who have their arses on boards demanding “extra” to their inflated “fee'” as sitting on a board may damage their so called professional reputation. Board mangers earning over inflated salaries etc etc etc.
The most important thing about your comment was not that your friend is not receiving necessary medical treatment from a health system that’s being subjected to death by a thousand cuts.
The most important thing about your comment was that YOU USED NAUGHTY WORDS. Naughty words mean you are angry, anger is an emotion, emotions are by definition irrational, therefore your irrational comment should be ignored.
Let us all thank BM for reminding us that the Vulcan philosophy is the only logical path (except for all that communistic “needs of the many outweight the needs of the few” stuff).
Or BM is just an unregenerate dog turd that has been abandoned on the footpath of life.
I am quite certain that most are not aware of the extent to which the debt issue will be used against humanity
As long as the curtain is not allowed to fall, the crush onto the planet an humanity will be exerted in ways far beyond what sane people could ever believe possible
Take a look at what is going on in California to see where NZ is heading
While the MSM are busy discussing, whether pubs and clubs should be given extra opening times in early mornings to allow Rugby World Cup game watchers get pissed, and while they love to compare designs of flags for New Zealand, much else seems to go totally unnoticed, and is NOT reported on.
Yes, it may include “sheep-gate” and so also, that is swept under the carpet by our PM and the government as a whole, but who here has known about the plans by MSD (Ministry of Social Development) and their “expert” Principal Health Advisor, Dr David Bratt, making plans to widen the scope for “health professionals” to sign their ‘Work Capacity Medical Certificates’?
While such moves may make sense to some, it gives reason to worry. They have in the past already used their “designated doctors”, and are also now using “work ability assessment” providers, to re-assess and basically re-classify persons with health conditions, impairments and disability as “fit” for work. With the drive to get people into whatever jobs, that may not even exist, the new plans, they seem to indicate a further attempt to blur the lines, to soften up the existing regime, and have MSD enabled to use various additional health professionals as “assessors” that may be more “useful” for their agenda, than be concerned about the client and patient.
Good comment there Blue. We can also see what is happening in the UK the way Camoron is privatising the NHS by stealth. The fucking spiv is doing that over here Southern DHB is a good example. Very subtle changes are creeping into our health system like the other month I had some dental work done, when I went to get the prescription for a simple item supposedly on the approved list it cost me $15, the same prescription from a doctor $5. Mind you in this I could be wrong as it is not very often I have a prescription from a dentist.
Sorry to repeat- just added verse 2. If we can’t beat the dirty tactics head on, then let’s mock them so that we expose the tactics and diminish their influence, cf John Stewart, John Oliver.)
Verse 1
If the Public have uncovered
A shonky deal we made
We bring out Teflon John and
the full snake-oil brigade
with echo chamber Hoskings
and the right wing Herald aids
to sing the Crosby Textor line
Till all the uproar fades, ohhhhhhhhhhh
Chorus
Labour did it too, mate
Labour did it too
We inherited it from Labour
So what else could we do?
If ever we’re in trouble
And the news has turned to pooh
Then it’s time to plug the same old line
“Labour did it too!”
Verse 2
McCully bribed a Saudi
So we’d get an FTA.
It cost eleven million plus
with flying sheep away.
When sheep pellets hit the fan
and documents exposed
a shonky deal, then out comes John
with Crosby Textor prose. Oh…….
If you are still looking for a tune the best I can find that mostly matches the metre is the old hymn tune Bringing in the Sheaves. Some of the lines may need adjustment as the metre wanders a bit between lines but is easily fixed.
Good one! Correctly defines Key and his government as a corrupt group of shallow spinners and disgraceful liars. How the bloody hell did the good people of this country manage to re-elect them!
So – you don’t think that the RULE of LAW equally applies to Auckland Council Puckish Rogue?
Are you an Aucklander?
Have you bothered to do your own ‘due diligence’ and check the information provided by Auckland Council in their Rates Assessment Notices and Rates Invoices against s.44, s.45 and s.46 of the Local Government (Rating) Act 20012?
I take it you’re not coming on the Auckland Rate$ Ripoff Rally, to be held on Sunday 16 August 2015, assembling at 1pm at Aotea Square – protesting against Auckland Council rates increases?
All good – you just keep tugging your … forelock, and doing as you’re told, irrespective as to whether or not what you’re being told to do is actually LAWFUL?
I’m not stupid enough to live Auckland Penny but you keep pretending to people that its all good to take advantage of all the services the council provides without having to pay for them
Actually, it seems to me that this case is different to Penny’s.
If I understand Penny’s position, it’s that the council is not acting within the law currently, and she is happy to pay the rates owing when it finally does act within the law. Please correct me if this is not broadly correct, Penny (although briefly, and with minimal capitalisation and exclamation).
Looking at the case in the paper, it seems to simply be a refusal to pay rates because she “tithes” to someone else (without any political statement as such). So it’s not so much a protest as a dodge or con by someone.
The initial testing of work on 14 properties had 13 properties return a negative result. If you are testing for signs of asbestos that is a great result! However, when testing the repairs of earthquake damaged foundations ?????
The subsequent 100 properties that MBIE “randomly” inspected had [unspecified rate of failure] yet the authorities’ subsequent actions reflect it was concerned enough by the numbers to instigate a wider probe of the situation. It is the most likely reason for the report that was due back in June being delayed.
I’ve started taking notice of sink holes opening up around the world. Perhaps that is telling us something, usually involves drainage, heavy rain, old mines, underground waterways affected. (Christchurch south Canterbury?)
This is from PNgG, the latest one I have read about from Radionz. Sinkhole swallows homes in PNG
Updated at 5:06 pm on 21 July 2015
A sinkhole has opened up in one of Papua New Guinea’s northern provinces, sucking in
16 homes and injuring at least two people.
Oh churlish, disrespectful me……heartache, sadness, dysfunction, criminality, drain on the public purse…..up…..up to 30.7% up……happy happy joy joy……this is Planet Key where in time an effete “rugby-loving” ponce of a man (?) will contrive to give SkyCity CEO Morrison a knighthood. For services to……ummmh ?……an effete “rugby-loving” ponce of a man (?) ?
Ummmh……there’s informed sentiment up these ways that says the judge found irresistible the colonising of this sentencing as a weapon in a long running and very personal war with defence counsel. Even the local police raise their eyebrows at this ‘no home detention’ outcome. A result generally conceded as something of an ‘outlier’. Mmmmh.
I have no view of course. Merely reporting (informed) sentiment.
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Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the RuleIf you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
“You talking about me?”The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
Roger Partridge writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
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. ...
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. ...
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. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Today’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...
Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...
The Government’s newly announced review of methane emissions reduction targets hints at its desire to delay Aotearoa New Zealand’s urgent transition to a climate safe future, the Green Party said. ...
Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...
A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector. "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
Asia Pacific Report Chief Mandla Mandela, a member of the National Assembly of South Africa and Nelson Mandela’s grandson, has joined the Freedom Flotilla in istanbul as the ships prepare to sail for Gaza, reports Kia Ora Gaza. Mandela is also the ambassador for the Global Campaign to Return to ...
Pacific Media Watch Journalists who report on environmental issues are encountering growing difficulties in many parts of the world, reports Reporters Without Borders. According to the tally kept by RSF, 200 journalists have been subjected to threats and physical violence, including murder, in the past 10 years because they were ...
Analysis by Dr Bryce Edwards, Democracy Project (https://democracyproject.nz)Political scientist, Dr Bryce Edwards. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra BagzhanSadvakassov/Upsplash, CC BY-SA Australia’s inflation rate has fallen for the fifth successive quarter, and it’s now less than half of what it was back in late 2022. ...
ACT's Rural Communities and Veterans spokesman Mark Cameron responds to cancellations and protests of ANZAC Day commemorations in Wellington. He says, "These pitiful attempts to detract from ANZAC Day are not at all indicative of the feelings of mainstream ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meighen McCrae, Associate Professor of Strategic & Defence Studies, Australian National University American and Australian stretcher bearers working together near the front line during the Battle of Hamel in 1918.Australian War Memorial While the AUKUS alliance is new, the Australian-American partnership ...
Pōneke based peace activists staged a silent protest at the ANZAC day service to highlight New Zealand’s complicity in war and genocide, and urge the government to take concrete steps to stop the genocide in Palestine. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Magdalena M.E. Bunbury, Postdoctoral Researcher, James Cook University Burial with a horse at the Rákóczifalva site, Hungary (8th century AD).Sándor Hegedűs, Hungarian National Museum, CC BY How do we understand past societies? For centuries, our main sources of information have been ...
Amanda Thompson doesn’t really do Anzac Day. But what she does do is remember the people she knew who had a lifetime to remember stuff they didn’t really want to, because of a war they didn’t ask for. And she does make Anzac biscuits.First published in 2021.All my ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kathryn Willis, Postdoctoral Researcher, CSIRO Xavier Boulenger/Shutterstock In the two decades to 2019, global plastic production doubled. By 2040, plastic manufacturing and processing could consume as much as 20% of global oil production and use up 15% of the annual carbon ...
With our collective remembrance, and steadfast belief in our common humanity, we strengthen our hope and resolve to do what we can to foster dialogue and understanding, and to heal divisions in our pursuit of peace. ...
Principal reasons for the opposition is the loss of the public’s democratic right to have “a fair say” and the vital need for a government free from corruption, said Casey Cravens of Dunedin, president of the New Zealand Federation of Freshwater ...
Never mind the scoreboard – in the 2000 Bledisloe Cup decider, the real trans-Tasman battle was won before kickoff.First published in 2016. The dawn of the new millennium was a dark time for the All Blacks. Their final game pre-Y2K was a 22-18 loss to South Africa in the ...
I’m on the wrong side of 40, I never pursued creative work and now my job is killing my soul. Help! Want Hera’s help? Email your problem to helpme@thespinoff.co.nzDear Hera,May I start with the least original conversation opener you’re likely to hear around the motu at the moment, particularly in Wellington: ...
“Never again - No AUKUS” was the message of the wreath laid at this morning’s national ANZAC Day commemorative service at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park this morning by the Stop AUKUS group. ...
Until this month, Auckland swimmer Hazel Ouwehand had never met a qualifying time in an Olympic event for a New Zealand team, even as a junior. Now she’s very likely off to the Paris Olympics after swimming well under the qualifying standard in the 100m butterfly twice – both in ...
While Anzac Day has experienced a resurgence in recent years, our other day of remembrance has slowly faded from view.The Sunday Essay is made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand. Original illustrations by Hope McConnell.First published in 2022.The high school’s head girl and ...
Australian and New Zealand volunteers fought together in the Waikato War, yet still its place in the Anzac tradition is unacknowledged by our defence forces or Returned Services Association.First published in 2018.When I was a boy cub I attended Anzac Day services in the South Auckland suburb of ...
A poem by Wellington writer Tayi Tibble.Hoki Mai She kisses him goodbye with her eyes still wet and alight from their last swim in the Awatere river. At the train station celebration, she leads the Kapa Haka but her voice keeps breaking under and over itself like waves. ...
A poem from Bill Manhire’s 2017 book of verse Some Things to Place in a Coffin.My World War I Poem Inside each trench, the sound of prayer. Inside each prayer, the sound of digging. Image courtesy of Auckland War Memorial Museum. ...
There are three books I have wolfed down in one sitting over the last two years. Colleen Maria Lenihan’s gorgeous and sad debut Kōhine, Noelle McCarthy’s memoir Grand about becoming her mother and then unbecoming her, and now Hine Toa, a staunch yet gentle self-portrait by living legend Ngāhuia te ...
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Asia Pacific Report Students and activist staff at Australia’s University of Sydney (USyd) have set up a Gaza solidarity encampment in support of Palestinians and similar student-led protests in the United States. The camp was pitched as mass graves, crippled hospitals, thousands of civilian deaths and the near-total destruction of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James B. Dorey, Lecturer in Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong Australian teddy bear bees are cute and fluffy, but get a look at that massive (unbarbed) stinger! James Dorey Photography Most of us have been stung by a bee and we ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jen Roberts, Senior Lecturer, School of Humanities and Social Inquiry, University of Wollongong Aussie~mobs/FlickrVictor Farr, a private in the 1st Infantry Battalion, was among the first to land at Anzac Cove just before dawn on April 25 1915. Victor Farr ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Moore, Senior Research Associate, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne Gregory Moore I had the good fortune to care for the sugar gum at The University of Melbourne’s Burnley Gardens in Victoria where I worked for ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra BagzhanSadvakassov/Upsplash, CC BY-SA Australia’s inflation rate has fallen for the fifth successive quarter, and it’s now less than half of what it was back in late 2022. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Ong ViforJ, ARC Future Fellow & Professor of Economics, Curtin University Just when we think the price of rentals could not get any worse, this week’s Rental Affordability Snapshot by Anglicare has revealed low-income Australians are facing a housing crisis like ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meighen McCrae, Associate Professor of Strategic & Defence Studies, Australian National University American and Australian stretcher bearers working together near the front line during the Battle of Hamel in 1918.Australian War Memorial While the AUKUS alliance is new, the Australian-American partnership ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tracey Holmes, Professorial Fellow in Sport, University of Canberra When the news broke last weekend that 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive to a banned drug in early 2021 and were allowed to compete at the Tokyo Olympic Games six months later ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cally Jetta, Senior Lecturer and Academic Lead; College for First Nations, University of Southern Queensland Australian War MemorialAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains names and images of deceased people, as well as sensitive historical information ...
RNZ News Melissa Lee has been ousted from New Zealand’s coalition cabinet and stripped of the Media portfolio, and Penny Simmonds has lost the Disability Issues portfolio in a reshuffle. Climate Change and Revenue Minister Simon Watts will take Lee’s spot in cabinet. Simmonds was a minister outside of cabinet. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Lindenmayer, Professor, Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University laurello/Shutterstock Some reports and popular books, such as Bill Gammage’s Biggest Estate on Earth, have argued that extensive areas of Australia’s forests were kept open through frequent burning by ...
Analysis - Christopher Luxon framing the demotion of two ministers as the portfolios getting "too complex" is a charitable way of saying they weren't up to the job. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra With Jim Chalmers’s third budget on May 14, Australians will be looking for some more cost-of-living relief – beyond the tax cuts – although they have been warned extra measures will be modest. As ...
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John Key’s puppet and pet newspaper the Herald gives prominence to his pet project the flag.
Bet they spend more column inches on that than either the TPP or child poverty this week.
What an excuse for a news organisation.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11495645
I have to say that the critics are right when they point out that not having a designer and similarly qualified people on the panel is like choosing a national anthem without a musician and songwriter on board …….
rather fundamentally flawed
and a reflection of the true shallowness of Key’s skills (very good at clipping tickets but not at creating anything). Any astute and successful person would recognise this most basic of requirements, but he has not…
The result being a whole bunch of very similar offerings and no real creativity or new, young, exciting type designs.
edit: hmmmm, out of the ban now. that was a funny one
Yet you read it every day.
Just heard our abysmal pm on radio, wish I hadn’t. I get this deep, sinking feeling every time I hear him duck shoving around the questions asked of him. Big high five to Susie F for trying to answer her question on the Saudi scandal, but he was obviously programmed and unable to say anything but ‘this was inherited from Labour’. No proof of course. Feeling bloody angry!!
Don’t get angry, get even.
Learn a bit about the facts so you can help educate your friends, point out the bullshit media lines and follow them up with facts. Your friends will soon understand that you actually understand the issues and they can’t try using the spin on you.
I’m currently visiting family and am using this method, they now understand that I know more about most issues “on the news” then they can ever pick up from a 3 second soundbite.
As a result, they now ask and value my opinion. Before, when I just raved on I was laughed at as a looney lefty. I still get angry but as they say, you catch more flies with honey then vinegar..
Yes. We do that. Pretty much all our families and friends are Nat supporters. Very much fingers in ears and going ‘la,la,la. My husband has been known to put people right (in his eyes) in supermarket queues on overhearing conversations about how wonderful nats are.
Agree Ffloyd. What a semi-coherent mumble ! I think I heard Labour blamed for the fiasco 4 times.
Here ’tis: http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/201766120/pm-says-proper-processes-were-followed-in-the-saudi-deal
Verse
If the Public have uncovered
A shonky deal we made
We bring out Teflon John and
the full snake-oil brigade
with echo chamber Hoskings
and the right wing Herald aids
to sing the Crosby Textor line
Till all the uproar fades, ohhhhhhhhhhh
Chorus
Labour did it too, mate
Labour did it too
We inherited it from Labour
So what else could we do?
If ever we’re in trouble
And the news has turned to pooh
Then it’s time to plug the same old line
“Labour did it too!”
DMM. Blimming’ marvellous.
Brilliant Tautoko! Roll over Johnny Cash.
Give this man/woman a recording contract at once!
🙂
Labour the govt that still governs after Nats 6 years in power.
🙂
Well more than the Keystone robbers anyway.
DV
Lol – witty
The deep green in me, loved this song, very much. It was good to hear a young musician express such depth of feeling.
I heard this song yesterday when listening to the new album from Courtney Barnett. And to quote a YouTube commentator, on the album “It’s all fun and games until Kim’s Caravan kicks your ass.”
Here is a link to the video and come comments about the song.
http://consequenceofsound.net/2015/04/courtney-barnett-takes-a-dark-look-at-the-world-in-kims-caravan-video-watch/
That’s the best I’ve heard from her yet, more engaging and uplifting than her radio-friendly stuff. Musically and lyrically she really goes all out on this. Caravans like that are notoriously difficult to burn. I often wonder if the flames have any effect.
Marvelous wordsmith.
http://socialhub.courtneybarnett.com.au/
http://thestandard.org.nz/weekend-social-03042015/#comment-995569
A TPPA march is being organised for Featherston this Saturday but I was disappointed to learn from the organiser that the Wairarapa branch of the Labour Party has decided not to support it as they believe the the TPPA won’t be signed anyway.
If anyone in the Wairarapa is reading this (or knows anyone in the Wairarapa who might want to take part), the march is at 11am starting from the south end of town and walking to the cenotaph.
The show of opposition by marching is intended to send a message to the Govt that the TPPA should not be revived and that the public don’t want a bar of it.
Please continue to stand up and be counted. This fight is not yet over. This is simply a lull.
“Since it began to face opposition from BRICS countries at the World Trade Organisation, US policy has been to push through a triad of international “trade agreements” outside of the WTO framework, aimed at radically restructuring the economies of negotiating countries, and cutting out the rising economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS).
The three treaties, the “Three Big T’s”, aim to create a new international legal regime that will allow transnational corporations to bypass domestic courts, evade environmental protections, police the internet on behalf of the content industry, limit the availability of affordable generic medicines, and drastically curtail each country’s legislative sovereignty.”
https://wikileaks.org/WikiLeaks-goes-after-hyper-secret.html
We need EVERYONE out there .
No more of the APATHY RULES, SO WHAT!
I agree completely TMM. That’s why I couldn’t understand their attitude. There’s no way you can right it off yet.
I find the apathy and inaction by people I know who actually don’t like this government – “there’s nothing we can do about it” -“they are all the same” etc – more depressing than the government itself. Apathy and cynicism are corrosive.
As the poet Yeats said: “The best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity.”
Get on to Kieran McANULTY and ask him to sort out the Wairarapa NZLP branches.
Kieran was the person the organiser was in contact with, as far as I am aware. Earlier the organiser had said she had contacted Kieran about it and it sounded like they were going to support it, and then yesterday she told me they said they had decided not to.
Good on you!
All the best!
Think we’re going to get QUITE a turnout all over New Zealand on the national day of action against the TPPA.
Cheers!
Penny Bright
Thanks Penny!
Your undying commitment to protest action is an inspiration. People like John Key treat protestors as if they have nothing better to do, when they actually use up precious time and money that is usually in short supply. Usually those protesting are the ones who can least afford the time and money.
Western media is heading towards the view that MH17 was shot down by a Russian ground to air missile…here is the other view:
‘MH17 investigators to RT: No proof east Ukraine fragments from ‘Russian’ Buk missile’
https://www.rt.com/news/312192-mh17-investigators-buk-missile/
‘Was there a 2nd plane?’ New footage shows MH17 crash site minutes after Boeing downing’
http://www.rt.com/news/310082-mh17-video-another-aircraft/
(Question: who would stand most to gain by shooting down a civilian passenger plane full of Dutch, Malaysians and Australians…in other words creating trouble in the region…I dont think the Russians!…and why was this plane re-routed off its normal flight path ?)
The Russians didn’t shoot it down, Chooky. The separatists they gave the missiles to did. It was a cock up; the separatists thought they were shooting down a military plane. The plane was on a regularly used flight path and it was just bad luck that they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Ultimately, the responsibility is still Russia’s; it was their missile that killed nearly 300 people.
You’ve presented a lot of statements of opinion as fact there TRP.
Please point to any official International Civil Aviation Organisation air crash investigation report, US Government Federal or military air crash investigation report, European Union official air crash investigation report which bears out your statements.
And in particular, any report which answers the question why MH17 had been diverted to a flight path a couple of hundred kilometres north of its usual route which would normally avoid the conflict zone.
Many of the munitions which killed over a thousand Palestinian civilians including children in the latest Israeli attacks on Gaza were supplied to Israel by the USA.
Do you count those civilian killings as being ultimately the USA’s responsibility?
The leader of the OSCE recently confirmed that they have never seen the movement of heavy weapons from Russia into the Ukraine.
Please provide proof that the Russians gave a BUK missile system to the separatists, as opposed to the separatists obtaining such a system from defeated Ukranian forces.
I know I’m wasting my time, but it and hundreds of other flights used that route because it was north of Crimea, where there was a known risk because of the Russian invasion.
The facts are the facts. If you have anything substantial that points to an alternative to what we know now, please post it. Even better, send it to the people investigating the crime. Hilarious that you can get so smugly pompous about those killed by the yanks and Israelis, but you don’t give a shit about the dead of MH17.
As I said, it’s a cock up. But that’s what happens when you give deadly weapons to people who don’t much care how they use them.
Sorry, do you have references to any official investigation reports with those facts?
If not, please don’t state your opinions as facts unless you can back them up. Let’s make sure that every one is clear that they are merely your opinions and that no official investigation reports have reached those same conclusions.
As I said, it’s a cock up. .
So you know those who carried it out , personally.And they debriefed you on actual events
No, didn’t think so
Argh, opinions prancing around as ‘facts’ are easy meat
I already pointed out who did it. There is no plausible alternative explanation. Sorry if that’s inconvenient, but there you have it.
No you didn’t. You pointed out who you believed did it. Personally, I’m more in favour of the Ukraine government shooting it down as they stood more to gain from it being shot down.
Cui bono, follow the money and other clichés apply here.
There was no Russian “invasion” of Crimea.
It’s fucking obvious CV if you have been following it.
Its fucken obvious that your idol John Key is a crooked prick, yet he has your support here
Reckon your observation and advice is pretty fucken worthless
“Many of the munitions which killed over a thousand Palestinian civilians including children in the latest Israeli attacks on Gaza were supplied to Israel by the USA.
Do you count those civilian killings as being ultimately the USA’s responsibility?”
I would have thought that was obviously the USA’s responsibility as well as Israel’s.
Here is a good place to start http://www.newsweek.com/meet-eliot-higgins-putins-mh17-nemesis-345485
TRP you say
I am assuming here that you are simply badly informed. Please see below from the Telegraph which said that MH17 was on a course up to 300 hundred miles north of where it typically flew (why and how MH17 came to take a course to fly through a war zone has not yet been clarified):
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/10975524/Crashed-MH17-flight-was-300-miles-off-typical-course.html
See my comment above, my misinformed friend. The Telegraph, ha!
We have the editor of Aviation International News Safety on record in the above article. I’ll take his opinion on this issue over yours.
Unless you have a link or a reference which bears out your claim that MH17 was on its normal route of course, which doesn’t appear to be the case.
Also re: Crimea – do you have a link showing that commercial aircraft routes were moved north from Crimea because of Russian actions there? Or do you simply imagine that was the case?
Look it up, CV. The facts are the facts. I don’t have the time or inclination to deal with the rationally challenged, sorry.
Still nothing then?
I’ll stick with the opinion of the editor from International Aviation News Safety in that case.
Good on ya, pal. 298 dead, CV tells them to go fuck themselves. Charming.
Still nothing then?
You can only respect the dead by respecting the truth about their deaths, TRP. You should know that.
Exactly my point, CV. Glad we agree!
@CV
+1
+100 CV…”You can only respect the dead by respecting the truth about their deaths…”…and finding the truth entails listening to the other side and keeping an open mind
‘Remembering MH17’
https://www.rt.com/shows/crosstalk/310075-mh17-investigation-facts-figures/
“Investigations into the downing of flight MH17 in eastern Ukraine are still inconclusive or incomplete a year on from the tragedy. However, this has not stopped the West and their media from apportioning blames, without facts and figures to back up their claims. The search for justice for the families of those killed on MH17 continues.”
I thought I’d check out International Aviation News – because there have been a lot of Russian disinformation stories.
Interestingly their site attributes the downing of MH17 to pro-Russian militias. http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2014-07-19/mh17-evidence-lays-blame-pro-russia-militia
The Bidens were certainly up to no good in the Ukraine but MH17’s on Putin.
You’ll note that the article draws no hard conclusions, but suggests that the “evidence” to date (un-referenced, as you’ll note from the article) points to eastern ukranian separatists.
And you’ll also note that has no connection with Putin.
Why would any airliner swap the “known risk” of flying over Crimea for the greater risk of flying over a war zone?
MH17 wasn’t 300 hundred miles north of where it typically flew.
http://i.imgur.com/Dg07ODA.jpg
http://imgur.com/a/QIZ9O
https://socioecohistory.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/malaysian-airlines-mh17-shot_down_over_eastern_ukraine.jpg
Damn weather.
According to CNN, there was a significant storm situated right over MH17’s planned path through southern Ukraine. In response, the pilots may have requested a route through the northeast to provide a safer and smoother ride for the passengers. Unfortunately, the course change took them right over the disputed region in the east where Ukrainian forces have been battling pro-Russian separtists.
The airspace over eastern Ukraine has been and still is a no fly zone. The FAA issued a ban on operations over the area, however that ban only applies to planes flying between the altitudes of 26,000 and 32,000 ft. At the same time, the Ukranian Government reportedly shut down all civilian flights in the region under 7,900 meters or 26,000 ft. Ukrainian air traffic control assigned MH17 an altitude of 33,000ft, which complied with both no fly orders.
http://www.businessinsider.com.au/a-fateful-thunderstorm-may-have-doomed-flight-mh17-2014-7
Planes at high altitude often deviate significantly to avoid storms etc. for the comfort of passengers – Singapore Airlines who I’ve travelled with quite a bit do. 300 miles isn’t much at 560 mph cruise speed
This whole thing came down to numbnuts on the ground – Russian Federation or Ukrainian, doesn’t matter – doughebags in charge of missiles that can pass the ceiling of third world armaments and poor international aviation policy.
The media both sides played to their overlords – ergo the conspiracy theories.
Remember fuel burn costs trump “ground” war zones.
The most convincing conspiracy theory (if you want to play that card) is the similarity between MA colours and that of the Russian Federation State plane. Oh and a earlier MA disappearance, that does smell somewhat – the wash up in French Indian Ocean Territories may give some answers.
Conspiracy or no – we are being played.
The BUK launcher is not like a Stinger – it takes constant training of the professional crew or it won’t hit anything.
Details are here https://www.bellingcat.com/tag/mh17/ – but there is a lot to wade through – Der Spiegal has a summary.
MH17 was shot down by detached Russian military advisors. The number of the BUK is known, and the names of the crew. Like the polonium poisoning of Litivenko however, Russia is not cooperating.
I seem to remember being of the opinion that it was probably the Ukrainian armed forces that shot it down. Any wavering opinion around the rights and wrongs of the shit with Russia….well, gone right there. And back to the head of the news agenda with a full head of steam billowing outrage.
See, I could never make any sense of Russia shooting it down. And if as you say it takes a lot of training to operate, then it wasn’t militia.
hey tpr. the thing is that nothing has been proved, nothing. all we have to go by is suppositions and guess work, and yes propaganda. all the theories are conspiracy theories, and the one that you are repeating here is probably one of the more believable, but only because the media have been repeating it ad-nauseam almost constantly since the moment fragments from the plane hit the ground. the fact that this is the story supported and repeated since before anyone could have known anything at all gives me cause for doubt. there is also the question of partisanship of media. maybe I’m getting to cynical? but really, do you think media are really impartial reporters of facts?
Chooky we will never know the truth or the facts, despite the claims of anyone who says they ‘know’ what happened
I’m interested in why more attention was not focused on the wreckage, which was highly suspect IMO
Just be aware of what you are using here – RT is a Russian state broadcasting organ – not exactly a neutral source.
And they very cleverly play to the conspiracy leaning folk. I know quite a few people who take them as gospel – as if the other side wouldn’t be into lying as well.
Unfortunately a few years ago a friend of mine was very sick. Every year this friend has to go for a check up with a specialist nurse.
Every year the time span between each visit gets extended. This year the visit is long overdue for the yearly examination. On inquiring what was the delay, the hospital was very apologetic but stated that they have had their staff numbers cut and that is the reason for the delay.
I told my friend to get the priorities right. You can’t have your important examination on time as there are more important things like The Fucking Spivs not needed $26 million flag referendum. Consultants (insultants) who have their arses on boards demanding “extra” to their inflated “fee'” as sitting on a board may damage their so called professional reputation. Board mangers earning over inflated salaries etc etc etc.
This link may help you.
http://grumpyoldmenopause.com/irritable-male-syndrome/
What a constructive, scintillating, intelligent reply one would expect from a typical right wing fuckwit
yep. Straight into trole mode today I see BM.
Clearly you come to this site for some sort of rocks off jollies
Better to fiddle with yourself in private geezer
That link you out up to what was a saddening post, well, you’ve gone full frontal haven’t you
As I said, you like to fiddle with yourself in public
I’d find someone to speak with if I was you, before it eats you up inside
Actually, I thought was was quite an informative article which may be of interest to the many older chaps who post here.
Seriously I don’t think old guys quite realize how grumpy and hostile they are, I see it here and on kiwiblog.
Constant negativity will kill you, if you want to live to a decent age, recognize the systems and get it under control.
Except that the link was out of context to the original comment
You mate, are a dickhead
I thought he was been a bit over the top which is why I posted the link.
Fuckin spivs, fucking flag, fucking board managers etc etc ……
“I thought he was been a bit over the top which is why I posted the link.
Fuckin spivs, fucking flag, fucking board managers etc etc ……”
I think you should take Blue’s advice, as it is sending you blind I only used that word once.
nononononono.
BM raises a very important point.
The most important thing about your comment was not that your friend is not receiving necessary medical treatment from a health system that’s being subjected to death by a thousand cuts.
The most important thing about your comment was that YOU USED NAUGHTY WORDS. Naughty words mean you are angry, anger is an emotion, emotions are by definition irrational, therefore your irrational comment should be ignored.
Let us all thank BM for reminding us that the Vulcan philosophy is the only logical path (except for all that communistic “needs of the many outweight the needs of the few” stuff).
Or BM is just an unregenerate dog turd that has been abandoned on the footpath of life.
Yeah but hang on, wasn’t he presenting a male menopause get out of jail free card?
Are they by any chance in the Southern DHB area?
Good to see the Greens want to keep National in power
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/71006311/pm-backs-act-bill-to-allow-pubs-to-open-early-for-rugby-world-cup-games
Hmmm seems like ACT and National are really running out of ideas to run the country if they are down to keeping pubs open for foreign rugby matches.
“Are they by any chance in the Southern DHB area?”
No
I am quite certain that most are not aware of the extent to which the debt issue will be used against humanity
As long as the curtain is not allowed to fall, the crush onto the planet an humanity will be exerted in ways far beyond what sane people could ever believe possible
Take a look at what is going on in California to see where NZ is heading
While the MSM are busy discussing, whether pubs and clubs should be given extra opening times in early mornings to allow Rugby World Cup game watchers get pissed, and while they love to compare designs of flags for New Zealand, much else seems to go totally unnoticed, and is NOT reported on.
Yes, it may include “sheep-gate” and so also, that is swept under the carpet by our PM and the government as a whole, but who here has known about the plans by MSD (Ministry of Social Development) and their “expert” Principal Health Advisor, Dr David Bratt, making plans to widen the scope for “health professionals” to sign their ‘Work Capacity Medical Certificates’?
While such moves may make sense to some, it gives reason to worry. They have in the past already used their “designated doctors”, and are also now using “work ability assessment” providers, to re-assess and basically re-classify persons with health conditions, impairments and disability as “fit” for work. With the drive to get people into whatever jobs, that may not even exist, the new plans, they seem to indicate a further attempt to blur the lines, to soften up the existing regime, and have MSD enabled to use various additional health professionals as “assessors” that may be more “useful” for their agenda, than be concerned about the client and patient.
Anyway, this is perhaps worth a study:
‘MSD ARE PLANNING TO WIDEN THE SCOPE FOR WHO CAN SIGN WORK CAPACITY MEDICAL CERTIFICATES’
https://nzsocialjusticeblog2013.wordpress.com/2015/08/10/msd-are-planning-to-widen-the-scope-for-who-can-sign-work-capacity-medical-certificates/
Also of interest may be:
http://nzsocialjusticeblog2013.wordpress.com/2014/06/21/work-ability-assessments-done-for-work-and-income-a-revealing-fact-study-part-a/
(there are more parts to that post)
http://nzsocialjusticeblog2013.wordpress.com/2013/12/28/designated-doctors-used-by-work-and-income-some-also-used-by-acc-the-truth-about-them/
http://nzsocialjusticeblog2013.wordpress.com/2013/09/02/medical-and-work-capability-assessments-based-on-the-controversial-bio-psycho-social-model/
Answer to Blue Horseshoe @ 11.10am
Good comment there Blue. We can also see what is happening in the UK the way Camoron is privatising the NHS by stealth. The fucking spiv is doing that over here Southern DHB is a good example. Very subtle changes are creeping into our health system like the other month I had some dental work done, when I went to get the prescription for a simple item supposedly on the approved list it cost me $15, the same prescription from a doctor $5. Mind you in this I could be wrong as it is not very often I have a prescription from a dentist.
What was the item ?
Sorry to repeat- just added verse 2. If we can’t beat the dirty tactics head on, then let’s mock them so that we expose the tactics and diminish their influence, cf John Stewart, John Oliver.)
Verse 1
If the Public have uncovered
A shonky deal we made
We bring out Teflon John and
the full snake-oil brigade
with echo chamber Hoskings
and the right wing Herald aids
to sing the Crosby Textor line
Till all the uproar fades, ohhhhhhhhhhh
Chorus
Labour did it too, mate
Labour did it too
We inherited it from Labour
So what else could we do?
If ever we’re in trouble
And the news has turned to pooh
Then it’s time to plug the same old line
“Labour did it too!”
Verse 2
McCully bribed a Saudi
So we’d get an FTA.
It cost eleven million plus
with flying sheep away.
When sheep pellets hit the fan
and documents exposed
a shonky deal, then out comes John
with Crosby Textor prose. Oh…….
Chorus
Right on the button Tautoko.
Mind if I use this for a guest post?
no, happy to see discussion on different tactics,
Sung to the tune of? Or is it an original?
If you are still looking for a tune the best I can find that mostly matches the metre is the old hymn tune Bringing in the Sheaves. Some of the lines may need adjustment as the metre wanders a bit between lines but is easily fixed.
And again! Brilliant.
+1
Good one! Correctly defines Key and his government as a corrupt group of shallow spinners and disgraceful liars. How the bloody hell did the good people of this country manage to re-elect them!
http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/71050049/auckland-womans-house-sold-over-11000-in-unpaid-rates
Good to see this happen but for it to take 5 years?
So – you don’t think that the RULE of LAW equally applies to Auckland Council Puckish Rogue?
Are you an Aucklander?
Have you bothered to do your own ‘due diligence’ and check the information provided by Auckland Council in their Rates Assessment Notices and Rates Invoices against s.44, s.45 and s.46 of the Local Government (Rating) Act 20012?
I take it you’re not coming on the Auckland Rate$ Ripoff Rally, to be held on Sunday 16 August 2015, assembling at 1pm at Aotea Square – protesting against Auckland Council rates increases?
All good – you just keep tugging your … forelock, and doing as you’re told, irrespective as to whether or not what you’re being told to do is actually LAWFUL?
Penny Bright
CITIZEN – not SLAVE!
I’m not stupid enough to live Auckland Penny but you keep pretending to people that its all good to take advantage of all the services the council provides without having to pay for them
Actually, it seems to me that this case is different to Penny’s.
If I understand Penny’s position, it’s that the council is not acting within the law currently, and she is happy to pay the rates owing when it finally does act within the law. Please correct me if this is not broadly correct, Penny (although briefly, and with minimal capitalisation and exclamation).
Looking at the case in the paper, it seems to simply be a refusal to pay rates because she “tithes” to someone else (without any political statement as such). So it’s not so much a protest as a dodge or con by someone.
I don’t think you understood what Penny wrote.
I thought that was going to be penny…
Shes next 🙂
The initial testing of work on 14 properties had 13 properties return a negative result. If you are testing for signs of asbestos that is a great result! However, when testing the repairs of earthquake damaged foundations ?????
The subsequent 100 properties that MBIE “randomly” inspected had [unspecified rate of failure] yet the authorities’ subsequent actions reflect it was concerned enough by the numbers to instigate a wider probe of the situation. It is the most likely reason for the report that was due back in June being delayed.
“More than 65,000 homes had received earthquake repairs in Canterbury since 2010, but the four organisations were able to pre-select only 200 of those for the survey. “
EQC
MBIE
Fletchers
Insurance companies
delayed reports
leaked information
“the very diluted tip of a very big iceberg” sums it up nicely
‘Show us ya text’ – anti-TPPA protest in Auckland today at the MFAT office:
http://www.maoritelevision.com/news/regional/protesters-demand-release-full-text-tppa-deal
Penny Bright
I’ve started taking notice of sink holes opening up around the world. Perhaps that is telling us something, usually involves drainage, heavy rain, old mines, underground waterways affected. (Christchurch south Canterbury?)
This is from PNgG, the latest one I have read about from Radionz.
Sinkhole swallows homes in PNG
Updated at 5:06 pm on 21 July 2015
A sinkhole has opened up in one of Papua New Guinea’s northern provinces, sucking in
16 homes and injuring at least two people.
In NZ – http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/publications/factsheets/rare-ecosystems/subterranean-or-semi-subterranean/sinkholes
Youtube selection
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/worldnews/9908055/In-pictures-sinkholes-craters-and-collapsed-roads-around-the-world.html?frame=2316943
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxSkbBXpMj
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODgEQ3epOtQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnJWMItLcNk (Turn the sound down – annoying)
Long doco.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hK_SS38LswM
Jane kelsey at Auckland Fabian was lucid and on fire tonight.
A grand rage against nz consultocracies, shadow elites, and embedded ideologies within our core financial legislation.
Sanders surges ahead of Clinton in New Hampshire #FeelTheBern
http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/250908-poll-sanders-surges-ahead-of-clinton-in-nh
SkyCity profit up 30.7%…..
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11495885
Oh churlish, disrespectful me……heartache, sadness, dysfunction, criminality, drain on the public purse…..up…..up to 30.7% up……happy happy joy joy……this is Planet Key where in time an effete “rugby-loving” ponce of a man (?) will contrive to give SkyCity CEO Morrison a knighthood. For services to……ummmh ?……an effete “rugby-loving” ponce of a man (?) ?
This is fucking Rome mate !
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=11496164
Ummmh……there’s informed sentiment up these ways that says the judge found irresistible the colonising of this sentencing as a weapon in a long running and very personal war with defence counsel. Even the local police raise their eyebrows at this ‘no home detention’ outcome. A result generally conceded as something of an ‘outlier’. Mmmmh.
I have no view of course. Merely reporting (informed) sentiment.