Open mike 15/11/2010

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, November 15th, 2010 - 128 comments
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128 comments on “Open mike 15/11/2010 ”

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  1. travellerev 1
    15 November 2010 at 7:19 am

    Another bit of news you won’t find in our Corporate MSM.

    In January 2006 KBR a subsidiary of Halliburton was awarded $385 million in order to build temporary detention centres for Homeland security. These centres are build all over the US and are mostly empty to date. They are build for “emergencies”.

    I am a woman who grew up in post war Europe and these camps are making my skin crawl. Why? Because they look just like the German death camps. Lots of barbed wire and close to train tracks.

    Why are they building temporary detention centres all over the US? Want to know more?

    I apologise for the over the top American style presentation but watch this recent documentary presented by Governor Jesse Ventura 1, 2, 3,

    • Bored 1.1
      15 November 2010 at 7:35 am

      The legislation to fill these places is already in place, it just needs another “emergency” like a Reichstag fire, or an aeroplane flying into a building.

      • freedom 1.1.1
        15 November 2010 at 7:54 am

        it is worse than that, the USA is already in a technical State of Martial Law which can be enacted at the stroke of the Presidential Pen, without any event to warrant the action. Technically, the Pres could wake up one day and say fuck it, I rule!

        The Martial Law status was assigned back with President Clinton (the real one johnny)
        and has not been dissolved by either of the successors.

    • Lanthanide 1.2
      15 November 2010 at 10:21 am

      Haven’t watched your links, but ever since I heard about these back in 2007 I’ve linked it up with ‘peak oil riots’ in my mind.

      • Pascal's bookie 1.2.1
        15 November 2010 at 10:53 am

        The NWO/ZOG crowd have been going on about FEMA camps since at least the mid nineties. It’s a part of what the black helicopters are for dontcha know.

        way I see it, the US is an empire right? A big old clunky republican empire with a miliary industrial complex and a big fat bureaucracy. Know what those things do? Make plans. Lot’s of plans. Plans for attacking their neighbours. Plans for being attacked by their neighbours. Plans for their cities getting nuked. None of that implies intentions.

        It. just. doesn’t.

        So would a big old empire with:

        land borders to Mexico, and

        several multi-million population cities sited in various natural disaster zones, and

        enemies both foreign and domestic who may or may not decide to unleash fucking hell on them one day;

        have plans for their main federal emergency response agency with regard to housing potentially millions of people. Of course they fucking do.

        • travellerev 1.2.1.1
          15 November 2010 at 11:08 am

          Wow, what got up your wick PB?

          You think it is normal for any government to spend $385 million on prison camps with barbed wire and near train stations. all over the country? All of sudden out of the blue? Or do you think that maybe they see something in the future that requires a total lock down of society? Such as starvation, homelessness and a possible up rise from the population.

          Just plans and No intention of using them? Fuckin hell, tell that to the Jews and other survivors from Auschwitz and Sobibor. Let me tell you something for nothing, if governments build prison camps they have every intention of using them and I can predict what kind of people will end up in them too. People like me and you. People who ask questions and who criticise the ruling elite. That’s how empires and dictatorships have always operated and that’s what’s going to happen this time and it will happen again and again as long as we don’t stand up to the ruling elites.

          • Pascal's bookie 1.2.1.1.1
            15 November 2010 at 11:22 am

            I’ve heard all this before eve. The other day you got upset when accused of being somehow similar to right wing militia stuff. This FEMA camp stuff is straight from there. That link about ‘informed citizens’ is straight out of there, it’s what they are talking about.

            OMG the govt is coming to get your guns, they are targetting concerned right wing patriots, unjustly blaming them for the terrorist acts they commit! Buy gold, and arm yourself!

            It’s just this:

            http://www.realzionistnews.com/?p=448

            with it’s media face on.

            • travellerev 1.2.1.1.1.1
              15 November 2010 at 12:03 pm

              Have you watched the doco? This doco was aired on last Friday night in the US.

              These buildings are real the really have inward bending fences with real barbed wire. The senator who cosponsored the bill to build these facilities which by the way is linked to the KBR site stating (first comment) they are temporary prison facilities really denies that they exist and the hundreds of thousands of plastic coffins which had been lying in the same spot since appr 2006 were moved to another place after they were filmed.

              I don’t get upset by being called anything PB. Sticks and stones I remember writing. I just don’t subscribe to the left right paradigm.

              I do however object to being bundled in with anti-Semites via a link to a website and I don’t think Jesse Ventura or Alex Jones have ever uttered an anti Semite phrase either.
              That is just a nasty low way of trying to shut me up but then again it says more about you then about me.
              Quit frankly I hope that the moderators disable the link to that nasty piece of shite you just tried to smear me with and perhaps you might want to reconsider how you debate me in the future because if I recall correctly the moderators do appreciate strong debate but calling people names in such a nasty fashion doesn’t go down too well here.

              And for you information I don’t own a gun.

              • Pascal's bookie …
                15 November 2010 at 12:14 pm

                I didn’t try and smear you with it eve. I didn’t call you anything. I just pointed out that this FEMA camp business has been talked about for a long long time. It is an old story that was doing the rounds in the NWO/ZOG circles in the nineties.

                That link you gave is about militia types complaining that law enforcement is unfairly targetting them and what not. It’s all part of the same deal.

                Seriously, if you want to get into these areas, go for it. But be careful. You need to use some discernment. I know you are not the militia type, but you need to do research on those types if you are going to play in the same pool as them.

                • travellerev …
                  15 November 2010 at 12:33 pm

                  Go fuck yourself PB,

                  Linking to a piece of shit like that saying the doco is just that with a nice media coating is clearly trying to smear me by association.

                  According to the constitution of America the People of America are entitled to carry arms and this was especially because they did not trust the government to do the right thing and it is their constitutional right and duty to form militia’s if they so much as feel threatened by the powers that be. That has nothing to do with Anti-Semitism and everything with being a patriot and a good American.

                  With camps going up and banks ripping off the population and no jobs to be had because they only bail the banks out but not the population I would be tempted to get a gun if I lived in the states. You should read the constitution and the (banking) history of the US and then come back and debate me but never ever try to fuck me over again with your vile links.

                  • Pascal's bookie …
                    15 November 2010 at 12:51 pm

                    Yeah that’s right eve. They’re all just Sovereign Citizens eh.

                    • travellerev …
                      15 November 2010 at 12:58 pm

                      I don’t know them, do you? I only know what the media wants me to know and so do you. Armed men prepared to fight against their government are very scary especially for the bastards in power so I’m sure that the mainstream media has every incentive to vilify them. I’m also sure that a lot of them are racist red neck idiots but they are entitled to defend themselves against their government and a lot of Americans take that very serious.

                      And it still does not justify you smearing me with websites which are hateful and extreme. I never propagated anti Semitism or other racist opinions and if it’s al the same to you I will let this be my last interaction with you unless you care to apologise.

                    • Pascal's bookie …
                      15 November 2010 at 1:12 pm

                      I didn’t smear you. I said that the ideas you are spreading stem from the GWO/ZOG crowd from the nineties. I suggested you be more discerning about things.

                      I suggested that because I don’t think you know about where some of the things you are are linking to come from, and that you wouldn’t agree with those things and that you would be concerned about where some of your ideas were coming from.

                      So nah, I won’t be apologising for that.

                    • Pascal's bookie …
                      15 November 2010 at 1:16 pm

                      Some interesting links. Alex Jones’ kind of people:

                      http://crooksandliars.com/david-neiwert/gun-toting-arizona-protester-belongs

                      http://crooksandliars.com/david-neiwert/oath-keepers-arms-about-nh-officials

                      Obviously just being vilified by the MSM though. Nothing to see here, move along.

                  • The Voice of Reason …
                    15 November 2010 at 1:47 pm

                    “According to the constitution of America the People of America are entitled to carry arms and this was especially because they did not trust the government to do the right thing and it is their constitutional right and duty to form militia’s if they so much as feel threatened by the powers that be.”

                    I hate to say it, but’s that’s the view of history that the gun nuts, survivalists and republicans believe, Ev. The liberal view in the states is that the right to bear arms and form militias was to allow localised defence against external forces. Remember, the constitution was formed at a time when the US was not a connected whole, with very little urbanisation and a series of forts as the main military presence and there were threats from the Spanish, English and French, not to mention native americans and Mexicans disputing the theft of their land. It made sense to allow the citizens of frontier towns the ability to defend themselves against those threats. The idea that the threat comes from the federal government is a far more recent meme, but it is built on the two hundred year old dispute about the right balance between state and federal power.

                    While I think your rejection of the left/right paradigm is fine, it does seem to mean you fail to recognise the conservatism of the sources you cite. I don’t have a problem with Jesse Ventura, who portrays himself as fiscally conservative and socially liberal, but his TV program is an obvious play to the kind of people who beleive the governent is out to get them. The title itself should be a clue, eh!

                    This is a left wing site, after all. If you want to advocate the beliefs of Truthers/Tea party/Survivalists etc. you have to expect a vigorous response around here, even if you personally don’t recognise the politics of the issue.

                    And by uncritically quoting right wing sources such as Alex Jones etc. you diminish your argument. If you want to convince readers here, find left wing citations. Hell, why not write a guest post making the left wing case for your beliefs? Even if you don’t like that left/right divide, I’m sure you can put yourself in that mode for the purposes of trying to make an argument that readers here might find sympathy with.

                    • travellerev …
                      15 November 2010 at 2:43 pm

                      I’m sure you are right about the interpretation of the constitution. I have never said that I support militia’s or gun nutters. I also Agree that Alex Jones has some very scary opinions and that while I share with him our views on 911 I don’t have a whole lot in common but that does not mitigate PB’s attempt to smear me with one of the vilest Anti Semitic websites I have seen in a long time and insinuating that Ventura’s doco is just that dressed up with a PC coating.

                      I am perfectly happy to defend statements I make and expect nothing less than vigorous opposition but to declare me guilty by association of Anti Semitism via links to such websites are just not on.

                      Here is a nice link to a very reasonable writer who writes about trust. More especially about how trust is the most important lubricant for any society.

                      If camps with barbed wire fences are build all over America (see links above) very reminiscent of the German death camps which are empty and nobody tells the population why they are there, lies are told about why Iraq needs to be attacked, banks are bailed out jobs are gutted and wages are dropping causing people to loose their homes and having to live on food stamps at some stage some of those people are going to take measures to defend themselves.

                      Clearly a lot of people in the States have trust issues, justified or not, and they do what they feel is necessary. From were I stand (with 911 science proving the official CT a load of crock), they are probably right. But that does not mean I subscribe to every political view they have. 911 is perhaps in most cases the only thing tying me to those people that’s all (And I don’t know how much of those in militias are actually aware of 911 and the problems with the official CT).

                      I don’t have a gun because I believe in being the change you want to see in the world which in my case is it being a peaceful world were I don’t have to have gun to protect myself.

                      I foresee a collapse of the US and therefore China and India (since they earn their money primarily through selling shit and services to the US) Peak oil will put an end to international trade to the point of isolating far away countries such as New Zealand unless we find alternative sources of energy. (Something my husband is still very busy with and at the moment he drives a car with a hydrogen cell (WOFed and all) which saves about thirty percent of his fuel costs) and I believe in cutting my cost of living by growing my own food which makes us less susceptible to price rises plus it is more sustainable then buying you pork from Canada and your veggies from China.

                      I believe in compassion and sharing and that includes information which I believe might be important whether that info is looked at and assimilated is another thing altogether. It most certainly does not warrant PB attacking me as he did.

                      I believe that Israel’s leadership is racist and their politics are detrimental to their own population and Americas this is an opinion I share with many Jews both left and right wing. That does not make me anti Semitic. In fact this is a film made by a group of anti Zionist Jews put online by Gilad Atzmon called the anti Semitic side of Zionism, a must watch if you want to be up and running with what many Jews think of the subject of Israel.

                      In fact if any of you actually thinks that America is justified in attacking Afghanistan and Iraq or other Muslims in Arab countries for what ever reason than that makes you officially anti Semitic as many Muslims are Semites too.

                      We are aware that there are some people who think that it was Jews who did 911. They are isolated and ostracised by the majority of 911 truthers for the bigoted racist assholes they are. To equate my sincere and well documented comments here with those people is just the latest and saddest attempt at silencing me. Not Cool, VOR not cool at all.

                      From what left wing point of view. The armchair socialists? There is no real left wing movement any more. Real left wingers would have pointed the finger at the government a long time ago for 911. They would remember every fucking time the government pulled another false flag out of their heads and remembered.

                    • The Baron …
                      15 November 2010 at 2:54 pm

                      I don’t think anyone is trying to silence you, Eve.

                      They are simply pointing out that these theories are shared by some pretty nutty people. That doesn’t mean that you are nutty, but it does mean that you will have to risk being associated with those nutties.

                      They are also pointing out that there can be some other explanations for these camps that are less nutty.

                      This does not mean that anyone is attacking you, trying to silence you, or are agents of some vast conspiracy. It simply means that other people have other opinions, and they want to engage with you on those. I suggest you try listening and engaging with them.

                    • travellerev …
                      15 November 2010 at 4:54 pm

                      Baron,

                      Giving a link to a racist bigoted Jew hating website and saying that a link to a doco I gave is the same but with a PC coat is not engaging in a fair debate. That is trying to smear me with a pretty broad brush. There are racist bigots everywhere, In fact New Zealand on the whole is shockingly racist compared to Dutch standards and no, that doesn’t mean that every New Zealander is racist but the accepted level of racism permeating every layer of New Zealand society is absolutely gross compared to what I’m used to.
                      So does that mean I can’t quote New Zealanders?
                      Yes, Baron that is a way of silencing. Not in a conspiracy sort of way but in a dumb patronising and above all unfair way.
                      In the years I have commented here I have never ever engaged in racist bigotism and to use that is nasty small minded and yes I’ll say it again SILENCING.

                    • Pascal's bookie …
                      15 November 2010 at 5:10 pm

                      Once again eve, that is not what I did.

                      I’m talking about the ideas.

                      The FEMA camps meme comes directly from the NWO/ZOG stuff from the nineties. The Patriot movement. The militia movement. Posse Comitatus. The Sovereign citizen movement. Those are the circles this stuff comes from. Further back it ties to the birchers.

                      I’m not saying you or Venture are of that movement. I’m not, and I didn’t say that. So stop saying that’s what I did.

                      I’m saying that that is where the idea that you are both repeating comes from. You trying to turn that around to say that I’m attacking you could just as easily be interpreted as you trying to silence me. To prevent me saying where these ideas stem from. Is that info off limits?

                      I specifically said that I mentioned it because I suspected you don’t know where this rhetoric comes from. If you are aware of the links, then you need to be explicit about it upfront.

                      I mentioned it precisely because I don’t think that this is what you are like, and that by mentioning it I might somehow get through to you that you need to use a lot of discernment when you are moving in conspiricist circles. there is nasty nasty stuff out there and you are treading right up to the line on it.

                      You started out, and you are very concerned about, the horrors of mid twentieth century europe. Those ideas take power through rhetoric and fear. You mentioned civic trust. Do you not see that these theorists are seeking to destroy that trust?

                    • Armchair Critic …
                      15 November 2010 at 5:28 pm

                      Baron at 2:54
                      Nicely put. What I’ve been wanting to say, in a lot less words.

        • Lanthanide 1.2.1.2
          15 November 2010 at 11:11 am

          So they’re prepared. They’ve built facilities in advance of any problem at all occurring. Sure, natural disasters are possible, but I don’t think they used these camps to help Katrina victims. In the medium term, it seems that peak oil could easily lead to widespread discontent within the US, and they’ve got all these nice facilities sitting around…

          So maybe they weren’t built for PO specifically. Doesn’t mean they won’t be used for dealing with it.

          • travellerev 1.2.1.2.1
            15 November 2010 at 11:21 am

            I think that the inward pointing barbed wire fences is a dead give away really. In the doco one of the guards states that the barbed wire pointing inward (great for keeping people in against their will) is for the protection of the incarcerated. Huh?

          • mcflock 1.2.1.2.2
            15 November 2010 at 1:33 pm

            Let’s see – Katrina hit in 2005, travellerev reckons the contract for the “camps” was in 2006.

            Oh, and the linked article says that it’s Customs & Enforcement section of homeland security.
            SO Bush paid his mates in KBR to pay the army to make these facilities for immigration detention and/or “emergency” purposes, after Katrina. And he paid them a lot to oversupply – bugger me that’s out of character, it never occurred with their cost-plus logistics contracts in Iraq.

            How many black helicopters land at these camps after mutilating cows? God I miss the 90s.

      • travellerev 1.2.2
        15 November 2010 at 10:57 am

        Yeah that could very well be. If you have ever heard Gerald Celente’s trends forecasts then you will also be aware of the his prediction of tax riots and food riots Based on the collapse of the dollar due to the QE money printing procedures. The fact is that some 400 prison camps (both newly build and converted from other industrial areas etc) are now waiting, most empty but some of them already in use to house whole families (illegal aliens etc.) One of which is shown in the doco.

        What scares the shit out of me is that with more than 40 million people on food stamps in August alone those food riots won’t be far away and with at least 10 or more foreclosures in the pipeline the number of homeless will rise quickly. Celente has a nice one. “When people have nothing left to loose they loose it.” That would be a lot of angry people.

        The police is now trained to see well informed citizens as terrorists. You get the idea.

        • Colonial Viper 1.2.2.1
          15 November 2010 at 2:45 pm

          US will do fine until it experiences its first failed Treasuries auction. Then, run for the hills. With lots of weapons, water and ammunition.

          • Lanthanide 1.2.2.1.1
            15 November 2010 at 2:59 pm

            It’ll probably be more of a grey area than that. It is likely that the treasuries auctions can’t “fail” in the way you propose – eg the FED will come in and print money in order to buy out the auction (aren’t they doing this already?), and then the next auction may be postponed after the usual date or some-such. It is probably after 2-3 or more of these ‘failed-in-all-but-name’ auctions that the jig would be up.

            Basically it’s a question of what the suckers in the US, and internationally, will swallow, in order to kick the can down the road, even if only for a few extra months.

  2. Bored 2
    15 November 2010 at 7:31 am

    This is from George Monbiot, outlining a nasty trend from the top down. Its called putting the costs on the masses, avoiding the tops share of the costs. How much of this happens in NZ I am not sure, but I would really like some reassurance.

    It’s arguable that the UK government does not have a spending crisis; it has a tax avoidance crisis. Official accounts suggest that the tax gap amounts to £42bn(2). Richard Murphy of Tax Research has demonstrated that this figure cannot be correct, as it contradicts other government statistics. He estimates that avoidance now amounts to £25bn a year, evasion to £70bn, and outstanding debts to the tax service to £28bn: a total of more than £120bn(3).

    That’s roughly three-quarters of the budget deficit(4). It’s equivalent to 80% of the UK’s revenue from income tax(5). By comparison, benefit fraud, which both the government and the rightwing press emphasised in order to justify the cuts, amounts to £1.1bn a year(6). No one would claim that all this missing money could be recovered. But even if only 20% were clawed back, the most damaging cuts could be reversed.

    http://www.monbiot.com/archives/2010/11/09/the-lax-tax-pact/

    I suspect that what happens in UK happens here, as evidenced by the banks failure to comply with IRD regs in the last few years. Nact sits idly by demanding cuts at the bottom whilst the corporates run away from the costs.

    • ianmac 2.1
      15 November 2010 at 9:50 am

      Avoidance is a fancy name for hiding income in Trusts and drawing down a tiny salary after paying all running costs. It would be interesting to know how much tax is actually paid by these rich/poor people.
      A friend by the way, had a go at creating a Company with his salary as his sole income, and then claiming his daily operating costs like food, clothing, shelter, transport as tax deductible. His plan was blocked by IRD. Pity really.

    • Draco T Bastard 2.2
      15 November 2010 at 12:53 pm

      Capitalists have, throughout history, manipulated government and the rules to enrich themselves at everyone else’s expense and when the bill falls due they blame the less well off, the people that they’ve been stealing from. Does it happen here? Yes.

    • Vicky32 2.3
      15 November 2010 at 5:36 pm

      I am sure it does happen here! The screeching about benefit fraud certainly does…
      Deb

      • Descendant Of Smith 2.3.1
        15 November 2010 at 9:40 pm

        Many of the trusts that I have seen are ostensibly welfare trusts – e.g. set up for the welfare of the beneficiaries of the trust.

        As the general principle in the welfare system is that you first should utilise available resources surely these trusts should be accessed first before state assistance otherwise surely the documents are a fabrication and have no real legal purpose.

        Surely the trustees are remiss for not providing for a (trust) beneficiaries support if they lose their job, become unwell or need to go into a rest home.

        If the trusts were first forced into acting to support their stated purpose then this would surely go a long way to removing the rorting that is going on.

        The first step is clearly to ensure it is compulsory that all trust beneficiaries are notified that they are such and all trusts registered publicly. All state assistance should require then that people are asked if they are a beneficiary of a trust and these details checked against that register.

  3. joe90 3
    15 November 2010 at 7:37 am

    From Alternet, Why Germany Has It So Good — and Why America Is Going Down the Drain.

    Germany has somehow managed to create a high-wage, unionized economy without shipping all its jobs abroad or creating a massive trade deficit, or any trade deficit at all. And even as the Germans outsell the United States, they manage to take six weeks of vacation every year. They’re beating us with one hand tied behind their back.”

    • prism 3.1
      15 November 2010 at 10:24 am

      joe90 How does Germany rate on gender equality? In the past women tended to be the hausfrau in the traditional inferior position – at a lower level than nz I thought when I was there in 1970s.

  4. Cnr Joe 4
    15 November 2010 at 8:44 am

    Hah! just heard Dunne on am report – 8.43 – he might try a ‘virtual conference’ next time…..

    • felix 4.1
      15 November 2010 at 9:37 am

      Makes sense I suppose for a virtual political party.

    • ianmac 4.2
      15 November 2010 at 9:44 am

      He did say that his 40-50 people at a national conference was pretty good – normal for a small party. Really?

      • Borred 4.2.1
        15 November 2010 at 9:50 am

        Must be a pack of very strange people running lose out there: i suspect they couted their dogs and cats as well.

      • Lanthanide 4.2.2
        15 November 2010 at 10:24 am

        I was expecting him to say something like 100-300.

        How many did Winston get, and he isn’t even in parliament?

  5. sophie 5
    15 November 2010 at 9:57 am

    Oh dear – Russia thinks it has signed up for free trade negotiations with a small island nation in the South Pacific called Newzild-acshully.

    • mickysavage 5.1
      15 November 2010 at 10:14 am

      What is more the Honourable Glorious Leader of this small state can read russian.

      Apparently Honourable Glorious leader said:

      “Kremlin.ru/news – I’ll be checking it out when I get home – it’s a very good site,”

    • prism 5.2
      15 November 2010 at 10:49 am

      No worries we have managed to trade with Russia through all sorts of difficulties – it’s not new despite Muldoon and Wall’s dancing Cossacks. I seem to remember a time we couldn’t trade using international finance and instead used barter. We will find a way to trade with anyone – we traded with Iran at the time of great upheavals there when red ink was put in the fountains to simulate them gushing blood (and they were thinking of western blood).

      • Vicky32 5.2.1
        16 November 2010 at 6:53 pm

        “I seem to remember a time we couldn’t trade using international finance and instead used barter.”
        Lada cars, I remember my brother telling me…
        Deb

  6. prism 6
    15 November 2010 at 10:42 am

    In case some didn’t hear the item on Radio NZ about big gender inequality in nz directorships. This summation is good – of the present tendency in appointments leading to boards which are “Male, pale and stale”. (And inequality in race also no doubt).

    The old boys network all from similar schools and backgrounds plus pecking order with a preference for men with multiple directorships leads to an aggregation amongst a smaller number with few opportunities for new fresh directors to break into the scrum!

  7. prism 7
    15 November 2010 at 11:09 am

    Radionz talking to Australian correspondent this morning about Pauline Hansen who left Oz for good some time ago but finds foreign countries spoilt by the foreigners there. So is coming back to Oz and may stand again for another go at a political career. (Sarah Palin etc. Women’s lib has a lot to answer for, women used to know their place and stay there.)

    There was a comment made of Hansen being accused of being a career politician and mention of money available to those putting themselves forward for election. What would that be? Is it government money for electioneering expenses? Sounds different to here.

    captcha – acted

    • Lanthanide 7.1
      15 November 2010 at 11:18 am

      At the time when I heard she was going to the UK to avoid all the immigrants in Oz, I really thought it was just a ‘fact-finding mission’ and she’d be back to Oz with all these ideas about how the UK managed their immigrant problem. Looks like that’s about what happened.

      She was also trying to sell her house, and IIRC there was an muslim couple who wanted to pay her above-market value for it (well over $1M). Anyone know how that turned out?

      captcha: women

      • prism 7.1.1
        15 November 2010 at 12:01 pm

        Lanth – Do you know what funds would be available if she stood for election again?
        Whatever the situation we can do without it here in NZ.

  8. prism 8
    15 November 2010 at 11:57 am

    Just been on the phone to Telstra Clear to get an a/c matter fixed and enjoyed their efficient private-company service. 40 consecutive mins later I have finished with answers to my enquiries. One was to cancel my voice messaging which I continued after changing from Telecom. But Telstra system didn’t enable me to increase the default rings from four because my phone is too old, just didn’t work for some reason.

    So I had to buy a new one before I get the proper use of my phone. I have cancelled voice messaging altogether. A case of a big company losing business that must have been easy money. And being efficient no doubt. They efficiently announced at the beginning that the average or longest waiting time was 11 minutes so I got some work to do, but what a service! Say 30 minutes waiting and 10 minutes at the most interchange.

    If it had been an SOE it might have been better, and the government would be getting cash in its pocket. The two people I spoke to sounded Indian, pleasant and helpful, a little hard to understand, presumably outsourced staff while we have unemployed people here who also would do a good job.

    captcha regions hah!

    • Vicky32 8.1
      15 November 2010 at 6:23 pm

      I know Vodafone’s people are in Egypt – one of them told when I advised him to “go to an internet cafe in Queen Street and see if it works” (their website which wasn’t working) and he informed me as to why he wasn’t going to follow my suggestion…
      Deb

  9. Tigger 9
    15 November 2010 at 12:21 pm

    Different takes on the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact discussions at APEC from Campbell http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2010/11/15/gordon-campbell-key%E2%80%99s-illusory-free-trade-gains/ and Armstrong http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10687666

    Why does Armstrong sound like he’s talking about a ten year old girl’s dance competition when he says “The Prime Minister had a very good Apec.” Seriously, isn’t APEC about Key achieving stuff rather than seen to be a ‘player’?

  10. prism 10
    15 November 2010 at 12:28 pm

    A lot is interesting me today – thought others might also be, so I hope.
    Reverse home equity got an airing on Radionz this a.m. An older couple took out an $88,500 one at 10.4% pa compounding interest. In two years the total had risen to $110,000 or so. When they asked about breaking the mortgage they were quoted the sum of $225,000. They had the idea that the cost would be just $20,000. (Figures subject to accuracy of memory, not guaranteed.) SO Beware!

    Apparently it is all worked out by a third party, who shall remain anonymous, by an algorithm also anon. Probably called Hal. They are no doubt charging the couple with all the potential profits and payments they factored in for the lifetime of the contract. Now the couple have to pay for theoretical losses from future theoretical profits instead of the costs of withdrawing and rearranging the finance, plus staff time, plus penalty, loss of profit until the money can be utilised elsewhere and perhaps some opportunity cost. Those are possibe considerations – but not $225,000.

    The firm is Bluestone Australia (a bigger and harder entity than a bluechip apparently) operating under the aegis of Westpac.

    • freedom 10.1
      16 November 2010 at 9:32 am

      “Probably called Hal”

      freedom (belatedly) leaps in to defend HAL who it was proven had been corrupted by the human programmers
      “Hal doesn’t know how to lie. He was told to lie by people who find it easy to lie”

  11. Draco T Bastard 11
    15 November 2010 at 12:47 pm

    The Phone Call Is Dead

    Mike likes to rub it in MG’s face that the iPhone can’t actually make calls due to terrible AT&T reception, but the truth is that we iPhone users (and to greater extent smartphone users in general) are not primarily using our phones to make calls. We may carry around things we call “phones” but to us they’re just pocket-sized computers.

    I keep a pre-pay (non-smart) phone for those people who are out of touch with reality. I don’t actually use it myself and have no need for a mobile computer.

    • The Baron 11.1
      15 November 2010 at 12:51 pm

      I guess that little prepay phone runs hot whenever anyone feels they need a better grip on things, Draco. But oh well since you don’t like it/don’t have a need for it, I guess they’ll be banned after the revolution too – along with bananas.

      Wow you either have a bad case of god comple or just a massive ego.

      • Draco T Bastard 11.1.1
        15 November 2010 at 1:13 pm

        Did you read the article? It’s all about how use of voice calls is dying. I just pointed out that I’m one of those people who no longer use a phone.

        • The Baron 11.1.1.1
          15 November 2010 at 1:34 pm

          Dud you read my comment? All I’m pointing out is that you sound like an arrogant twat everytime you say things like this:

          “I keep a pre-pay (non-smart) phone for those people who are out of touch with reality.”

          Reality hotline, Draco speaking. Yes you can print your own money – but no bananas for you.

          • felix 11.1.1.1.1
            15 November 2010 at 2:55 pm

            That’s a bit silly Baron. Draco is on record many times saying that banks shouldn’t be allowed to print their own money.

          • Draco T Bastard 11.1.1.1.2
            15 November 2010 at 5:29 pm

            Ah, you obviously got upset by being compared, even if indirectly, to a Luddite.

            • The Baron 11.1.1.1.2.1
              15 November 2010 at 6:08 pm

              Out of interest, what is the number for the reality hotline Draco? I’m feeling out of touch!

        • Vicky32 11.1.1.2
          15 November 2010 at 6:27 pm

          I do! (A prepay non-smart one.) I couldn’t live without it now I have it, but didn’t have one for years after everyone else did.) 🙂
          Deb

    • lprent 11.2
      15 November 2010 at 7:47 pm

      ….have no need for a mobile computer.

      I do. If I didn’t have a cellphone I wouldn’t be able to read half of the stuff that goes on in this site. I do a lot of the scanning whilst I have ‘dead’ time on the bus-stop and bus.

  12. BLiP 12
    15 November 2010 at 1:12 pm

    Prime Minister John Key said today that he ordered “pretty much” exactly the same breakfast from room service that US President Barrack Obama ordered.

    “It was amazing”, Mr Key said to panting reporters, “I just felt like eggs bennedict, fruit and English breakfast tea. It wasn’t until the waiter mentioned it was the same breakfast ordered by the Presidential Suite that I knew He was eating the same as me . . . except he ordered coffee. And muesli.”

    Mr Key’s tour-de-force diplomatic mission to haul Japan and APEC into line with international free trade standards continues this afternoon when he will sit next to the brother-in-law of the first cousin, once removed of Naikaku sōri daijin.

    Update at 6pm.

    • ianmac 12.1
      15 November 2010 at 3:46 pm

      BLip. Is that the same as a friend who was at the QE11 Stadium years ago, and challenged John Walker to a race around the the track. The challenge was not accepted so my friend won by default.
      When I asked this friend about the circumstances of his presence at QE11 he said, “Oh there was no-one there. I just wandered in to have a look at the empty venue. But I can say John Walker did not accept my challenge.”
      Claim to fame you see.

      • BLiP 12.1.1
        15 November 2010 at 4:12 pm

        Heh! Yeah, I guess. Except, not only did John Key state that he “almost” sat next to Obama, one newspaper (at least?) thought the claim was sufficient to merit publication. You’re friend, I suspect, was taking the piss – John Key and his fawning entourage were serious.

        Jokes aside, it is serious when the media is complicit in the “brand association” tactic. Check out every story about Key’s trip and you’ll find a link, however, tenuous to Obama.

    • freedom 12.2
      16 November 2010 at 9:36 am

      and being at the same hotel, they used the same toilet paper too,
      well John used his to wipe his nose, but still

  13. The Voice of Reason 13
    15 November 2010 at 3:27 pm

    Travellerev: We seem to have run out of room on the thread above, but to be clear, if you rely on anti-semites to back your arguments, then I guess logic suggests that you are indeed guilty by association. But it was PB saying that, not me. Me? I’m pro Israeli, pro Palestinian and anti racist and anti zionist.

    The reason I asked if you’d consider trying to find some left wing links that back your position is because I spent a fruitless couple of hours last week trying to do just that, without success. I thought I owed it to you and the other two to at least investigate the possibility that Trutherism could be left wing. Turns out it’s not. It seems to the exclusive property of people who believe the US federal government is conspiring against it’s own citizens in order to build a world government. A fair few supporters are convinced that it is, indeed, a Jewish conspiracy.

    You may not accept that view yourself, but it is the dominant philosophical position of the Truther movement and you are wrong to say that racist arseholes are rejected. They are not rejected because they appear to form the majority of the adherents to the fantasy. Which I think is what Bookie was trying to point out. Go ahead and try to find left wing links in support of the Truthers. There are bugger all. Compare that with right wing links and you will find that your movement is overwhelmingly conservative, with an activist base that is borderline nuts.

    Please feel free to prove me wrong. I’m sure the mod’s would welcome a post that makes the case for lefty readers of the Standard to get on board with the Truthers. I just don’t think it’s possible to do so.

    • freedom 13.1
      16 November 2010 at 9:40 am

      We will say this once more… It is not the US Government, it is factions within the US Government, and all Governments on this planet

      Why must you constantly put this incorrect statement in your discussions, the plan for Globalisation is out in the open, the sooner you believe it the sooner you can be prepard to face the consequences

  14. Colonial Viper 14
    15 November 2010 at 3:35 pm

    So, asks the New York Times, who will stand up to the super-rich?

    The top 1 percent of American earners took in 23.5 percent of the nation’s pretax income in 2007 — up from less than 9 percent in 1976. During the boom years of 2002 to 2007, that top 1 percent’s pretax income increased an extraordinary 10 percent every year. But the boom proved an exclusive affair: in that same period, the median income for non-elderly American households went down and the poverty rate rose.

  15. Vicky32 15
    15 November 2010 at 6:14 pm

    MPs’ travel perks are going! Pansy Wong is the straw that broke the camel’s back (cliche alert, 3 News!!!)

    Deb

  16. felix 16
    15 November 2010 at 6:26 pm

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/4347123/PM-says-travel-perk-should-be-dumped

    I see that Pansy Wong’s electorate office doubles as the registered office for at least two of her/her husband’s companies. I wonder how much they’re ripping off the public purse with that little scam. Do the companies pay rent? Use the phones? Gee I hope the electorate staff don’t do any work for the Wongs’ businesses.

    Oh and one of those companies – Shipley and Wong – is half-owned by Former National Party PM Jenny Shipley and co-directed by her husband Burton Shipley.

    Why am I not surprised?

  17. Sean Brooks 17
    15 November 2010 at 8:04 pm

    Why isnt the teacher who called a female student a sl*t fired?

    • felix 17.1
      15 November 2010 at 8:18 pm

      Good question.

    • The Voice of Reason 17.2
      15 November 2010 at 8:26 pm

      Because she doesn’t exist, Sean. You actually mean the school dean who said a particularly obnoxious student’s slutty dress sense made “look like a slut”. Not the same thing at all. And good on her! Not the best choice of words, but you’d have to agree with the no nonsense approach.

      BTW, if you’re actually interested in why she will not be getting disciplined, try reading the full article, not just the headline.

      • felix 17.2.1
        15 November 2010 at 8:31 pm

        So telling a child “you look like a slut” is substantially less disgraceful than “you are a slut”?

      • Pascal's bookie 17.2.2
        15 November 2010 at 8:31 pm

        What does a slut look like? What’s a slut for that matter?

        Not unrelated:

        This is some bullshit too:

        http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2010/11/too-much-stimulation-ok-to-sell-male.html

        • NickS 17.2.2.1
          15 November 2010 at 9:21 pm

          …

          But dontcha know, it’s bad for teh ladies to know they can also fix their sex issues with drugs, cause like it’s all in their minds?!

          Mind you, it’s hardly unexpected given the massive “moral outrage” over a nipple a couple of years back. Also, why can’t we have viagra adds with gay couples for a change? It’s not like erectile dysfunction is just a hetero-male thing…

          What does a slut look like? What’s a slut for that matter?

          Dudebros believe it to be a women who not only likes and demands good sex, but will tell them to fuck off if she doesn’t like them. It also refers to drunk chicks who are too drunk to give consent, and anyone with the somewhat vanilla kink of public exhibition.

          There’s also the women calling other women “slut” issue (not the playful version), but my knowledge base lies mainly with dudebros and less with retarded primate social power structure stupidity and other things such as advanced patriarchy blaming explanations.

        • Vicky32 17.2.2.2
          16 November 2010 at 12:58 am

          In this context, a slutty looking girl is one who is in danger of having her intentions misunderstood… There were more tactful ways the dean could have put it, but reading the article, I am with the Dean.
          ” Amethyst, on the other hand, is guilty of a whole lot of stuff, namely breaking school rules, but more importantly, she is headed in the wrong direction. She has been absent from classes, getting in trouble with her teachers and last week was involved in a physical altercation with a male pupil.

          The length of her skirt is a trivial matter, but it is a matter Newlands College has chosen to make an issue of. School guidelines require girls’ skirts to touch the ground when they kneel. By Amethyst’s own admission, her skirt was about 10cm above that target. ”
          When I was at school, centuries ago, according to my son, uniform rules were a lot stricter. (To the point of being ridiculous – panama hats and ties for goodness’ sake – for girls! And wse froze our assets off in winter etc… Nevertheless, we didn’t wear jewellery, and the girls who hiked their skirts up were rebuked. So we got on with what we were supposed to be there for – learning!
          And it worked. We all did pretty well..
          Deb

          • Pascal's bookie 17.2.2.2.1
            16 November 2010 at 5:07 am

            I’ve got no problem with a school enforcing it’s rules. I’m still not clear on why a slut is someone who is in danger of having their intentions misunderstood. Trav misunderstood my intenetions in this thread. Am I a slut? I don’t wear a skirt though, short or otherwise so that can’t be right.

            Should a teacher, for whatever reason, tell a young woman that wearing a short skirt is what sluts do? That if she wears a short skirt then, what, exactly? What about the boys at the school. Is this a helpful message for them to hear?

            • Vicky32 17.2.2.2.1.1
              16 November 2010 at 7:02 pm

              AFAIK the teacher (the Dean) had only good intentions – she wanted to wake up the girl’s ideas, and point out to her that she was advertising herself in a way that boys (being boys, and I have raised boys) might misinterpret.
              I know in an ideal world it wouldn’t matter how a girl or woman dressed, but this is not an ideal world. People see a girl or a woman wearing what my Dad used to call a “bum-freezer” or with a plunging neckline, and they’re going to make assumptions. I am sure you have read that women in business who dress in an ‘obvious’ manner, if they are successful get accused of getting their promotions by shtupping the boss. Or – the boss refuses to take them as anything other than eye-candy and they *don’t* succeed, because their bosses and colleagues don’t look at their brains and their work, but their blouses and their nethers…
              Encouraging girls to dress appropriately for where they are can be and often *is* a feminist action.
              Deb

              • NickS …
                16 November 2010 at 7:53 pm

                /facepalm

                http://ideologicallyimpure.wordpress.com/2010/11/11/newlands-college-to-be-awarded-grand-woman-shaming-prize-at-secret-patriarchy-conference/

                And of course it’s entirely feminist to bow down to what is obviously a fucktarded bit of conformist patriarchal douchebaggery and not bother standing up not just for you own rights, but those of others. With a massive side of victim blaming in linking clothing to sexism etc, and assuming that the clothing someone wears gives people the right to deny another their rights.

                You’d think years of activism would have made people realise that standing up for your rights is the only way to fight those who would deny you them, but no…

                • Vicky32 …
                  17 November 2010 at 5:22 pm

                  There’s the ideal world in which girls/women can dress as they choose, and not meet with horrible and unintended consequences. Then there’s the real world in which Amethyst lives, and in which I as a woman live, and in which we will always be judged by what we wear…
                  I am reminded of the issue of hijab. It’s mostly men who yell that women can’t possibly *want* to wear it, and insist that women who do, have been “brainwashed by patriarchy”.
                  Er – no. They *want* to cover up because they want not to have to deal with judgements about their attractiveness. Years ago, I like my younger sister had what was jokingly called the “great 40-inch”.. (bust obviously) and she and I got sick of saying “my face is up here, mate”.
                  As I said, the real world, although the ideal one would be lovely.

                  • NickS …
                    17 November 2010 at 5:43 pm

                    And I’m going to repeat myself:

                    You’d think years of activism would have made people realise that standing up for your rights is the only way to fight those who would deny you them, but no…

                    Meh, too tired and stressed to add to this.

      • NickS 17.2.3
        15 November 2010 at 9:01 pm

        http://finallyfeminism101.wordpress.com/2010/04/04/what-is-slut-shaming/

        Read it.

        Understand it.

        And if you start mansplaining, I’ll skip the 2 citalopram I take every day just for you so I may wield the all mighty fucked off feminist cluebat. /grumble grumble.

  18. Roflcopter 18
    15 November 2010 at 8:07 pm

    So, Liz Tanielu is a dumb-ass coconut?

    Way to go lefties! Doing Mana proud!

    • felix 18.1
      15 November 2010 at 8:16 pm

      ??

      edit: Ah I see, DPF posted something so you can all pretend not to be racists for a few hours. Let’s see how that goes, shall we?

    • felix 18.2
      15 November 2010 at 8:25 pm

      Aaaaand a quick scan of the kiwiblog thread shows you, Roflcopter, exposing your ugly racist nature 3 minutes before you rode over here on your high horse.

      What a fuckwit.

      • Roflcopter 18.2.1
        15 November 2010 at 8:31 pm

        Ummm no, because on Lita’s logic, I’m allowed to…. so fuck off.

        • Pascal's bookie 18.2.1.1
          15 November 2010 at 8:32 pm

          You’ve always been allowed to dumbarse. It’s whether you should.

          • Roflcopter 18.2.1.1.1
            15 November 2010 at 8:50 pm

            Well, apparently it’s ok, in a funny kind of way.

            • felix 18.2.1.1.1.1
              15 November 2010 at 9:04 pm

              Don’t blame some other idiot for your racism. You said it, I figure you meant it.

              Maybe you were just trying to be funny – I don’t know and I don’t really care – but they’re your words so it’s up to you to own them, not anyone else.

              • Roflcopter …
                15 November 2010 at 9:16 pm

                So you do think Lita is a racist then?

                • felix …
                  15 November 2010 at 9:21 pm

                  Maybe. I don’t know anything about Lita apart from what DPF wrote (and I think I’d be a bit of a moron if I took DPF at face value).

                  But what if she is? How does that change your racism, Rofl?

                • Blighty …
                  15 November 2010 at 9:25 pm

                  roflcopter.

                  I see someone shoot someone. the shooter say it’s ok.

                  I then shoot someone and claim that it must be ok because the first person did it.\

                  Does that make it ok? no, it makes me a killer regardless of the rights or wrongs of the first person’s actions.

                  and you’re racist scum who was just dying for ‘permission’ to let your hate out.

                  • Roflcopter …
                    15 November 2010 at 10:06 pm

                    Awesome, keep ’em coming.

                    According to Marty’s reasoning, I’m not racist… you lot really need to get your stories straight.

                    • felix …
                      15 November 2010 at 10:17 pm

                      How about you explain exactly where I’m conflicted rather than just insinuating that you know what I think.

                      Go on. Expose the inherent contradiction in my words.

        • Marty G 18.2.1.2
          15 November 2010 at 9:30 pm

          rolf. don’t tell people to fuck off on this website. That’s the authors’ prerogative… you do respect private property rights don’t you?

          and I do love how all your lines are faithful cut and pastes of Farrars. It shows you to be a free-thinking individual, and not at all a cretin who repeats whatever a fat old loser tells him/

    • Granted for taken 18.3
      15 November 2010 at 11:08 pm

      Labour must be hoping that calling Polynesians who don’t vote for them “dumb coconuts” will work for them just as well as trying to destroy the Maori Party.

      ooooh, moderation. so much for free speech in the land of lefties.

      [The moderation catches any first time poster. You have no idea how much spam that protects us all from. So yeah, so much for your first conspiracy theory here eh. — r0b]

  19. Bob Stanforth 19
    15 November 2010 at 8:49 pm

    So, two things:

    1. If the campaign on this site – yes, this site – to remove Paul Henry from his job for a racist comment – your words – is the be all and end all – I await with huge interest your calling for the sacking of someone who would dare say via social media that someone is a, and I quote ” stupid assed coconut”. Shall I hold my breath?

    2. Lets have a fr’instance. Lets say the partner / husband / wife / significant other of a cabinet minster is caught, in flagrante delicto, in another jurisdiction, and for interests sake, in a public toilet. Lets say its, um, the US. Would you be comfortable with that being hushed up, with the DPS being flown to that jurisdiction to bring that personage home to NZ, and all hushed up.

    Purely hypothetical question of course. What say you? Would you be horrified?

    No, really, come on.

    ASM: harmless. Quite possibly, but then, maybe not.

    • Pascal's bookie 19.1
      15 November 2010 at 9:04 pm

      You got the “quote” wrong. And someone’s facebook page isn’t the national broadcaster. Have we got the context for the quote? I’m not defending it in any way. I’d just like to see the context. I know dpf is saying why he thinks she said it, but I’d like to see the context all the same.

    • mickysavage 19.2
      15 November 2010 at 9:43 pm

      It is a purely hypothetical question. You wingnuts should learn how to recognise reality.

  20. Marty G 20
    15 November 2010 at 8:54 pm

    Bob S. Your comment is moved to open mike because the accusations and muckraking in it are off topic.

    If you want to try to defend Wong, Key, and the other rorters do it directly, not with the dumb tactic of accusing others of being bad too. The biggest problem with that tactic, apart from avoiding the issue at hand, is it effectively concedes that the Nats are wrong-doers but says ‘it’s not so bad because others are bad too’

    If you don’t want to to defend the rorters and rip-off artists say so.

    • Bob Stanforth 20.1
      15 November 2010 at 9:01 pm

      Oh, my bad, how dare I 🙂

      So, lets go with the first question then.

      Can I call someone a dumb assed coconut, in writing, and keep my job? Would you support me doing that? Or would you campaign for my removal?

      Serious question.

      We can get to the other shit later 🙂 Or is all this not allowed?

      • felix 20.1.1
        15 November 2010 at 9:12 pm

        Bob: I’m pretty sure that as long as you put heaps of smiley faces in your comments everyone will think you’re totes friendly and you’ll be able to get away with making shit up and saying anything you want.

        • NickS 20.1.1.1
          15 November 2010 at 9:32 pm

          [Edit] @Felix, reply function is broken.

          Personally, I’m all for replacing all smiles with low-res pixel-art goatse icons.

          At least until I’ve slept.

          And damn does dpf not understand hypocrisy, along with why you don’t assume a minor bit of stupidity means all Labour minions bully Pacific Islanders to vote Labour.

      • Marty G 20.1.2
        15 November 2010 at 9:14 pm

        in general, racial epithets are best left alone. There’s obviously an bit of an exception when one uses a racial epithet about one’s one ethnic group. Comedy is full of it, as is every day speech.

        Take, for example, Paul Henry calling himself a gypo. That he tried to use his ethnic heritage to excuse his behaviour was reprehensible but that he used a racial epithet for the Romany people to describe himself wasn’t generally viewed as a problem since he himself is (or so he claims) Romany. After all, if that word is insulting then he was only insulting himself and his people – it lacks the vital ‘othering’ (which involves seeing another ethnic group as ‘less’ human) of racist speech.

        • Blighty 20.1.2.1
          15 November 2010 at 9:22 pm

          quite right. many African-Americans use the ‘n’ word but would be offended if a non-African-American did. They say ‘it’s our word’. On other words, they know that when they say it it doesn’t bear any racial hate but coming from someone of a different ethnic group it is likely to be racist.

          • felix 20.1.2.1.1
            15 November 2010 at 9:33 pm

            Heh, that reminded me of this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waehONGY-yI

            edit: That was meant to be in reply to Blighty. Are the replies going weird or am I losing my tiny little mind again?

            • Marty G 20.1.2.1.1.1
              15 November 2010 at 9:37 pm

              yeah, the replies have stopped being indented from 19.1,

              I have no idea why but I’d hazard a guess that lynn is trying something new out back.

              • lprent …
                16 November 2010 at 12:41 am

                Nope – usually a result of a deleted comment where someone had already answered. There is no good solution for it at present..

                • felix …
                  16 November 2010 at 9:16 am

                  Could be due to moving Bob’s comments over from the other thread.

                  • lprent …
                    16 November 2010 at 1:40 pm

                    Yeah. When I do it I also move any replies over as well. That seems to work pretty well.

                    I must remember to send an e-mail to Marty & the others.

                  • lprent …
                    16 November 2010 at 1:48 pm

                    Yep. Moving Marty’s replies to Bob over as well fixed the problem…

                    Kind of obvious, and I guess the plugin should do it automatically. Oh well Lyn is away for 12 days at a festival / industry thing, I guess looking at that will help fill up the hours.. 😈

      • Joachim's 20.1.3
        15 November 2010 at 9:27 pm

        “Can I call someone a dumb assed coconut, in writing, and keep my job? Would you support me doing that? Or would you campaign for my removal?”

        Doubt you are important enough to bother with doing any of the above, realistically.

    • Marty G 20.2
      15 November 2010 at 9:06 pm

      your second post is also on open mike now, Bob. If you want to talk about other people without any reference to the issue at end you can have that conversation in open mike. That’s what the post is for.

      Or, why not just drop the act?

      Why not tell us why you think that Wong and Key are still good people, which is why you are so desperate to run distraction and talk about something else?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • What happens after the war – Mariupol
    Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...
    Open ParachuteBy Ken
    2 days ago

  • Babies and benefits – no good news
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Should the RBNZ be looking through climate inflation?
    Climate change is expected to generate more and more extreme events, delivering a sort of structural shock to inflation that central banks will have to react to as if they were short-term cyclical issues. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours, as of 9:16 am on Thursday, April 18 are:Housing: Tauranga residents living in boats, vans RNZ Checkpoint Louise TernouthHousing: Waikato councillor says wastewater plant issues could hold up Sleepyhead building a massive company town Waikato Times Stephen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on the public sector carnage, and misogyny as terrorism
    It’s a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    2 days ago

  • Meeting the Master Baiters
    Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago

  • How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023
    This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blog In 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago

  • Backbone, revisited
    The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Ministers are not above the law
    Today in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • What’s the outfit you can hear going down the gurgler? Probably it’s David Parker’s Oceans Sec...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point  of Order first heard of the Oceans Secretariat in June 2021, when David Parker (remember him?) announced a multi-agency approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems and fisheries. Parker (holding the Environment, and Oceans and Fisheries portfolios) broke the news at the annual Forest & ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    8 hours ago

  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

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  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
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  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
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  • Taupō takes pole position
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  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
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  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
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  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
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  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
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  • NZ and the US: an ever closer partnership
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  • Joint US and NZ declaration
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