Open mike 15/12/2012

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1. Morrissey 1

   15 December 2012 at 7:10 am

   SPORTS NEWS
   Martin Crowe’s fiery protest

   The retired New Zealand cricketing superstar Martin Crowe recently
   staged a fiery protest against New Zealand cricket authorities
   following their dumping of the NZ captain Ross Taylor…

   http://www.thewitness.org/archive/mayjune2003/img/BurningMonk.jpg
   • tc 1.1

     15 December 2012 at 8:31 am

     Good on him, more boys club members with no clue on how to run a professional code. mcullam is a bad choice to replace Taylor and WTF was wrong with Taylor anyway?
     We haven’t come a long way since Turner had beefs with these old boys over playing county and representing NZ we’ve just produced enough decent players to mask the real issues. Bad management and no consistent academy structure for bringing talent through combined with bias at rep level to mates and boys club members over talent.
     Its an all too familiar tale in NZ sporting codes.
   • Dr Terry 1.2

     15 December 2012 at 9:31 am

     Splendid letter from Crowe in this morning’s Herald. Good for him!!
2. karol 2

   15 December 2012 at 7:19 am

   What is it with the US, and individuals shooting people/children in educational establishments – this time an elementary school?  Land of the free?  Champion of democracy?
    
   Ha! WYSIWYG link button working again.  
    
   And the blockquote button? Nope.  Not working at all.
    
   • Te Reo Viper 2.1

     15 December 2012 at 7:38 am

     The important thing to remember is its not the NRA’s fault, it’s the parents. If the toddlers had been armed they could have defended themselves.
     • rosy viper 2.1.1

       15 December 2012 at 7:44 am

       That’s right. The more freedom there is to carry a gun the safer they will be. And we need to remember, of course, that guns don’t kill people, people do. /sarc
   • Morrissey 2.2

     15 December 2012 at 8:21 am

     One of England’s leading philosophers, one TONY PARSONS, has written thoughtfully and philosophically on the issue….
     ‘The problem is not the gun laws of American but the limitless cruelty of the human race.’ https://twitter.com/TonyParsonsUK/status/279647164337106944
     Thus he has proved, irrefutably and elegantly, that it is not guns that kill children in kindergartens, it is people of limitless cruelty.
     • rosy viper 2.2.1

       15 December 2012 at 8:33 am

       Agree about the limitless cruelty thing, just also think there are two issues to deal with 1. how to stop having a society with cruel people 2. how to limit the weapons in a community when limitlessly cruel people are among us. It’s not either/or – and one before the other. They need to be addressed in tandem.
       • Morrissey 2.2.1.1

         15 December 2012 at 8:38 am

         Rosy, I was pointing out the stupidity of Tony Parsons. He’s one of the shallowest and glibbest people in England.
         • rosy viper 2.2.1.1.1

           15 December 2012 at 8:42 am

           Ah – sorry – the page you linked to doesn’t work, so I didn’t note the tone – can you summarise what he said?
           • Morrissey 2.2.1.1.1.1

             15 December 2012 at 9:33 am

             That’s all he wrote, Rosy. In other words, instead of writing something sensitive and thoughtful, which would have required a degree of sensitivity and thoughtfulness, Parsons simply chose to recycle a ridiculous cliché. He had to write SOMETHING of course; as a handsomely remunerated “pundit” he is expected to deliver an opinion, no matter how ill-informed, on a range of topics.
     • Te Reo Viper 2.2.2

       15 December 2012 at 9:08 am

       Well, to be fair to Parsons, he was good for two years in the mid seventies, but that was more to do with speed, punk and his genius missus. The Boy Looked at Johnny is still a great read; no heroes any more.
       • Morrissey 2.2.2.1

         15 December 2012 at 9:19 am

         1.) “Well, to be fair to Parsons, he was good for two years in the mid seventies,”
         Let me hazard a guess, Te Reo—you love old issues of the NME as much as you love Private Eye. You appear to be a scholar as well as a gentleman.

         2.) “but that was more to do with speed, punk and his genius missus.”
         She wrote some interesting pop music comments in the 1970s, but her subsequent career has demonstrated that horrible woman is no genius. She’s a nasty piece of work, as well as being cast-iron ignorant.
         • Te Reo Viper 2.2.2.1.1

           15 December 2012 at 9:55 am

           Spent last weekend clearing out my old stuff from the oldie’s attic; lots of NME’s, PE’s, posters of Bowie etc. The NME really was superb from 77-83, Burchill, Parsons, Nick Kent, Paul Morley, Ian Penman through to Steven Wells and X Moore. Linking pop music to politics and philosophy was a liberation for me.
            
           I still rate Burchill, (listening to her talking to DJ Steve Wright in ’93 as I write). There is little I agree with her about these days, but our mis-named mate The Contrarian really should look her up, as she’s been genuinely contrarian for 35 years:
            
           “Bob Dylan broke his neck; close, but no cigar.”
           • Morrissey 2.2.2.1.1.1

             15 December 2012 at 10:05 am

             Did you read that magazine (short-lived but very readable) she put out with Toby Young in the 1990s?
             • Te Reo Viper …

               15 December 2012 at 10:22 am

               Modern Review? I think the ex liberated the few copies I had!
               • Morrissey …

                 15 December 2012 at 12:02 pm

                 Yes, that’s it. I have a couple of copies in my basement, somewhere.
     • Dr Terry 2.2.3

       15 December 2012 at 9:35 am

       Guns in America ARE causes for much limitless cruelty of the human race! (Including high death rate among police persons).
       • muzza 2.2.3.1

         15 December 2012 at 9:49 am

         Hi Dr T..

         1: Who manufactures the guns and weapons
         2: Who sells the guns and weapons
         3: Who ensures that the guns and weapons are in continual use domestically/internationally
         4: Who controls the legislations/contracts of those who manufacture the guns and weapons
         5: Who cares if innocent people domestically/globally are dying through use of the guns and weapons, as long as *business remains good and retains control*
         6: Who pulls the trigger on the gun or weapon, or issues the order for the weapons to be used

         etc…

         The anwer to any of the above does NOT include the word, gun or weapon
   • muzza 2.3

     15 December 2012 at 8:26 am

     Well Karol, the idea is to instill the most fear, commit the attrocities which cover illicit the maximum emotive reaction . We have recently seen *attacks* on movie goers, then quickly followed by the sikh religious attacks, now followed by another attack on a school.

     Fear, shock, horror, fear, emotive responses all geared at ramping towards a pre conceived outcome.

     Lets see where the shit trail leads this time and which…

     The suspected shooter, 24, was armed with four weapons and wearing a bullet-proof vest, WABC reported.

     Yes, here we have the continuation of the repeated lone wolf meme again….

     There were unconfirmed reports of a second shooter.

     Here we have the standard confusion being created around a *second shooter*, which like the Cinema, Temple shootings will be quickly discarded..

     Those who say that the guns are the problem, are simplistically wrong! The people commiting these *attrocities* are the problem, whoever they are, and the reasons behind it, complex, deliberate, and opaque!

     Edit: Nice post above Morrissey
   • Colonial Weka 2.4

     15 December 2012 at 9:09 am

     I’d like to know who thought it was a good idea to interview a child who was at the school, on the day of the shooting, and broadcast that all over the world. That lack of care and restraint is a big part of the picture too. It’s so much more sensational to broadcast the words of a child who was there, never mind that the child is traumatised or that listening to a traumatised child should not be news.
     • muzza 2.4.1

       15 December 2012 at 9:19 am

       I’d like to know who thought it was a good idea to interview a child who was at the school, on the day of the shooting, and broadcast that all over the world.

       Hi Weka,

       Very observant line of questioning again from you.

       Further questions to ask are…Was this *girl* actually at the school, and is the *girl* being quoted, someone who has been brought in specifically to be *interviewed* for the *news*.

       Was the *interview* even at, or near the location where the *news* was assumed to be reported from!
       • rosy viper 2.4.1.1

         15 December 2012 at 9:36 am

         *sigh* I don’t know Muzza – does the school exist? Did the shooting happen? Is it all a big plan to bring about gun control so the population will have no defence against the government?

         But as for questioning of one of the school children. Was parental consent required for that? – it’s an appalling example of ‘rolling’ news coverage.
         • muzza 2.4.1.1.1

           16 December 2012 at 8:01 am

           *sigh* I don’t know Muzza – does the school exist? Did the shooting happen? Is it all a big plan to bring about gun control so the population will have no defence against the government?

           The American Administration, or more accurately those behind it, will be just as happy to see the people killing eachother. Don’t forget the rulers do not give a toss about the masses, they have consistantly proven this decade in decade out, and the repeated attempts of remove the 2nd amendment, and attack the gun laws etc, is IMO, just for show. They don’t care for human life these people, and so for mine, there is little I would consider to be *out of the question*, so far as what else is in play!

           But as for questioning of one of the school children. Was parental consent required for that? – it’s an appalling example of ‘rolling’ news coverage.

           Rolling news coverage – stages, props, actors, manipulation, controlling of narratives, telling stories and *creating history*.

           The narrow channels of the supply of *news*, has made it ever more possible to *create news*, even any given event happened or not. Now I am not saying that this is/is not a real event, only that the hollywood, news media with its hstorical links to military and so on, can manufacture anything they want, and report it to the world within minutes.

           Total control of *the news*, to take control of the emotional states, and state of helplessness of the masses. The desired nessages are continually reinforced through movies, tv, video games music videos etc!
           • colonial locus 2.4.1.1.1.1

             16 December 2012 at 9:42 am

             Yet again the conspiracy meme. While you may get some vicarious thrill at imagining some shadowy conspiracy behind the US Administration ‘controlling the narrative’. The more obvious (and either boring or unbelievable for you) explanation is that the nature of the media coverage is simply the profit motive.

             More hits, readers, viewers, hence more advertising revenue and profit – is the ultimate goal. With multiple internet and TV stations all providing non-stop 24-hr coverage, the way to get the ‘customers’ is to dramatise the story, make it more thrilling, horrible, contentious….

             You may be right in saying that some of the many competing media outlets may ‘stage manage’ to make their ‘news’ more ‘interesting’ but don’t doubt for one second that these were real people killed by a lone madman.

             Despite all the media saturation and dramatisation… the horror and shock is evident in the stark gut wrenching reality that 20 children …. 28 people…. have been killed in an awful way.

             Like the tragedy of 9-11, this is a defining event that will have a profound effect on the mood, thoughts and subsequent actions of all Americans.
3. AwakeWhileWalking 3

   15 December 2012 at 7:48 am

   THIS IS WHY WE HAVE POVERTY – government employees not doing their jobs properly, or even taking the time to ensure people are receiving their full and correct entitlement.

   http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/8083554/Christmas-on-the-breadline

   1) I suspect the TAS amount is wrong

   2) the amount deducted for repayments can be reduced at the case managers discretion. Why is she paying $15 then? Clearly she can’t afford it.

   3) the amount of child support needs to be reviewed. Clearly this is an unaffordable level for her.

   4) has she been advised that she can apply for special needs grants such as food, clothing, etc etc??
   • VindowViper 3.1

     15 December 2012 at 8:55 am

     government employees not doing their jobs properly, or even taking the time to ensure people are receiving their full and correct entitlement.

     More likely it’s government employees being either under-resourced to do their jobs properly or being prevented from doing them properly by interference and mismanagment direct from the political level.

     My younger brother who has a life-long disability (and while he can paint roofs, you would not wish what he has on your worst enemy) says he can always tells when National is in power because WINZ or it’s equivalent of the day, go from being merely depressing to deal with … to utterly miserly, malicous and mind-fucking.
     • Colonial Weka 3.1.1

       15 December 2012 at 12:41 pm

       I also have a permanent disability, and notice a big difference in WINZ between left and right governments. That’s why it fucks me off when people say there is no difference between Labour and NACT. There is, a very real difference. Depressing vs utterly miserly, malicious and mind-fucking is a good way to describe it, and anyone who thinks that isn’t a significant difference has too easy a life.
   • Draco T Bastard 3.2

     15 December 2012 at 9:22 am

     No, that is not why we have poverty. We have poverty because capitalism demands it.
   • RedBaronCV 3.3

     15 December 2012 at 10:13 am

     3)Her child support should have dropped to the minimum $12 a week from the time she lost her job.
     Writing or phoning the IRD and referring to an income reduction under s.40 should get it cut back.
     WINZ should know this and as the IRD arrange to have all sorts of other things notified to them why are they not writing to someone who goes onto a benefit asking them if they need to apply for a payment reduction.
   • Treetop 3.4

     15 December 2012 at 12:14 pm

     I tried to post on stuff but my password was not accepted so my comment is probably erased.

     When it comes to down sizing a bedroom Bernadette will lose her TAS and she will be no better off. I assume she gets most if not all of tempoary additional support (TAS) for the rent.

     Unless there is an increase in the accommodation supplement (AS) or affordable housing is made available the daily struggle on an empty stomach is not going to change. As well jobs are required, but I think that housing cost is easier to fix as the government could increase the AS or only review the TAS every 26 weeks and not the current 13 weeks and possibly increase TAS as well.

     I have not read up on if people will lose $42 per week when on the invalid benefit (IB) if they are eligible for part time work testing as changes are to be made for those on IB next July.

     People on IB are already stressed out enough due to chronic health conditions, (sometimes a few/ several) and reducing the IB for those who may be able to work part time on a good day is planet Key mentality.

     I strongly object to restructuring a health benefit on the ground that a person is eligible for a benefit which is REQUIRED because of incapacity when it comes to employment and that the incapacity for employment is unknown on any given day.
     • Colonial Weka 3.4.1

       15 December 2012 at 12:44 pm

       I’d like to see confirmation of that IB policy, and the actual rules. Nevertheless Jenny Shipley cut medical benefits by $20/wk in 1990, so we know that NACT don’t give a shit, and are stupid beyond belief as well (what happens to ill people when they don’t have enough to live on? That’s right, they become even more dependent on the state).
       • Treetop 3.4.1.1

         15 December 2012 at 2:32 pm

         Thank you for asking for clarification re IB changes as I saw an error I have made. Yesterday on Open Mike 4.

         “Under the Bill, an invalid beneficary who is reclassified as a ‘job – seeker’ will face a cut in income from $256 to $213 a week – effectively a benefit cut of $213 a week.”

         What is reclassified and how is this determined I am left asking myself?

         Current Work Capacity Medical Certificate for Invalid Benefit asks:
         Do the conditions listed previously limit the person’s capacity to work for 30 hours or more per week?
         Do the conditions listed previously limit the person’s capacity to work regularly in open employment for 15 hours or more a week?
         Is the person’s incapacity for work expected to last for at least 2 years?
         Is the person’s life expectancy less than 2 years?
         Is the person receive active treatment or under the care of specialist for any of the conditions listed previously? (their error receive)
         When is the person likely to be capable of:
         Work planning
         Limited training (less than 15 hours per week)
         Part-time work (at least 15 hours per week)
         Full-time work (30 hours or more per week)
         Are there any more treatments or interventions that could assist the person into work?
         Unable to work from
         When should the person’s capacity for work next be assessed?

         Basically a person has to be unable to work for 15 hours a week for the next 2 years to currently qualify for the IB. I do not know if this is going to be reclassified or how as then you get the situation I described in 3.4 paragraph 5&6. As well sickness benefit is going to be absorbed as job seeker, IB will be supported living and a parenting one.

         Full-time work is at least 30 hours a week.

         How can a person who is forced to come off the IB then be expected to be available to work 30 hours a week as a job seeker when they can only work 16 hours a week?
         • Treetop 3.4.1.1.1

           15 December 2012 at 2:40 pm

           Correction paragraph 2 – effectively a benefit cut of $42 (even though it is $43).
         • Colonial Weka 3.4.1.1.2

           15 December 2012 at 4:23 pm

           Thanks for that. btw, I know SBs who are being refused IB. I think mostly WINZ is using the 30hr category now. Anyone capable of working 15 hrs will be on SB.
            
           The only  thing I’ve found so far is this –

            
           Under the new system three benefits will replace all of the main benefit payments by 2013.  Benefit rates will remain at current levels and continue to be increased annually for inflation.

           Jobseeker Support includes:

           Unemployment Benefit
           Sickness Benefit
           DPB Sole Parents – with youngest child 14 years and older
           Widow – with youngest child 14 years and older
           DPB Women Alone

           Sole Parent Support includes:

           DPB Sole Parents with children younger than 14 years
           Widows with children younger than 14 years

           Supported Living Payment includes:

           Invalid’s Benefit
           DPB Care of sick and infirm
            

           http://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/newsroom/media-releases/2011/welfare-reform.html
            
           Taking that at face value, I think what they will be doing is trying to shift some people off IB and onto SB, just using new names. That explains the drop in rate. Still looking for the new criteria.
            
           • Treetop 3.4.1.1.2.1

             15 December 2012 at 4:48 pm

             Just like the ACC swindle (pushed from ACC to invalids).
           • David Viperious H 3.4.1.1.2.2

             15 December 2012 at 8:14 pm

             “Thanks for that. btw, I know SBs who are being refused IB”

             I’m one All the letters and medical certificates went in and some faceless tame doctor, who I have never seen said No I was able to work. And that was that, they said I could ask for a review, but as I told them at the time, whats the point, as you have already made up your minds.
             I went back to the specialists and they say there’s nothing they can do as the risks of surgery are so bad that they won’t even try. But WiNZ don’t give a toss. I have probably been underpaid by 40 odd buck’s a week, and that’s really hard on the finances, with a toddler and a teen. Oh well the next installment is clothes for the Teen that’ll be fun.
             • Treetop …

               15 December 2012 at 8:37 pm

               I am waiting for Bennet to put a stop to your GP being able to do IB medical certificate assessment and go back to the gravy train designated doctors who will lick her boots.

               By this time next year I dread to think how high unemployment, hospital admissions and crime will be.
               • Treetop …

                 15 December 2012 at 8:39 pm

                 and homelessness.
   • Colonial Weka 3.5

     15 December 2012 at 12:53 pm

     Good on the woman for going public, although that probably speaks more to desperation than anything else.
      
     SNGs for anything other than food will create more debt If she has a sudden unexpected bill she should pay that, and then get WINZ to pay for her food for that week (thus avoiding more debt). There is a limit on the SNGs per year though.
      
     Reducing the debt repayment to $5/wk is a not brainer and should have been done as a matter of course.
      
     She’s probably not getting her full disability allowance either.
      
   • David Viperious H 3.6

     15 December 2012 at 8:05 pm

     Probably not as WINZ staff have been getting worse over the years. It’s as if Bennet has put out a missive allowing the staff to be as difficult and non informing of entitlement’s as they want to be.

     Also why was she made to stand down for 3 weeks or so?? She recieved NO redunduncy payment, so WINZ HAD to make sure she was really suffering before they will do anything.
4. Morrissey 4

   15 December 2012 at 8:36 am

   http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/kate-middleton-prank-call-royal-1488880

   Kate Middleton prank call: Royal hoax nurse’s anger at hospital in suicide note

   14 Dec 2012

   In one emotional letter Jacintha Saldanha criticises senior colleagues at the King Edward VII hospital over her ­treatment after she was duped by two Aussie DJs….

   http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/kate-middleton-prank-call-royal-1488880
   • karol 4.1

     15 December 2012 at 8:49 am

     This is a terrible tragedy for Jacintha and her family.  The Aussie DJ’s prank was despicable.  But they were following the infotainment logic of our MSM.
      
     Why is no one questioning the celebrity-focused role of the MSM at large?  Why do they create a feeding frenzy around a royal pregnancy?  Our MSM gave it more front page, prime-time coverage than the TPP talks that were happening in Auckland at the same time.  The TPP is far more crucial to the future of NZers.
     • muzza 4.1.1

       15 December 2012 at 8:58 am

       Hi Karol,

       The charade that makes up the *news*, and the actors who play the parts is becoming too transparent these days, forget about the microscope its in front of the face. *News* is to be considered almost completely staged manipulation, with actors playing/presenting or editing/writing the scripts, and the truth is unlikely to ever see the light of day, even if the *news* event, ever happened or not.

       Ther hysteria which surrounds the trash media and propagates as *news*, can be considered as simply this.

       Mass manipulation of the public – a global psyop!
     • Morrissey 4.1.2

       15 December 2012 at 9:24 am

       “The Aussie DJ’s prank was despicable.”
       No it was not “despicable”, it was simply a prank, and a light-hearted, good-humoured one. Nobody—absolutely nobody—could have predicted what later happened.
       • rosy viper 4.1.2.1

         15 December 2012 at 10:14 am

         Clearly not light-hearted and good-humoured for the person on the receiving end. The people who broadcast this stuff without permission don’t/didn’t have any understanding of the trauma and humiliation some victims of their ‘pranks’ might feel. Mr/Ms Everyday person might not be as extrovert as they are, nor be able to brush of a perceived humiliation that easily.
       • QoTViper 4.1.2.2

         15 December 2012 at 11:55 am

         Really? No one could predict a prank would go wrong? It’s only the plot of every second sitcom episode of all time.

         And it’s “light-hearted” and “good-humoured” to attempt to access a person’s medical records by deception?

         Sure, if you don’t understand the latter, and have no empathy for the people being pranked and how they might feel like they’ve betrayed a sacred trust, sure, I suppose it’s just an innocent little joke.

         The DJs work on a station which previously hooked a 14-year-old up to a polygraph to ask her about her sex life. When she revealed having been raped – and the immediate follow-up question from the DJ was “okay, but is that the only sexual experience you’ve had?” I suppose that was just a bit of light-hearted fun which no one could’ve predicted would go wrong either.
         • Morrissey 4.1.2.2.1

           15 December 2012 at 12:00 pm

           Prank-calling a hospital where a royal family member has checked in for an almost certainly bogus reason is entirely acceptable. You can go all North Korean if you want, but the rest of the (sane) world sees these publicly funded parasites as fair game.

           The other prank you mention WAS despicable, and I share your contempt for the perpetrators. Your deliberate twisting of my argument to suggest I would approve of that is unworthy of you.
           • QoTViper 4.1.2.2.1.1

             15 December 2012 at 12:01 pm

             has checked in for an almost certainly bogus reason

             No please, do go on, this should be fascinating.
         • felixviper 4.1.2.2.2

           15 December 2012 at 12:03 pm

           jaysus.
     • Dr Terry 4.1.3

       15 December 2012 at 9:40 am

       Exactly! The frenzied attack upon these two DJ’s is dreadful and right out of proportion (for all that we rightly sympathise with the nurse). Others must also be held to account.
   • Dv 4.2

     15 December 2012 at 9:19 am

     I think the hospital also has some culpability.
     It seems odd that they did not have a filtering process in place that all calls about celebrities went through to ensure appropriate confidentiality.
     • Morrissey 4.2.1

       15 December 2012 at 9:28 am

       “I think the hospital also has some culpability.”
       Wrong. The person responsible for Jacintha Soldana’s suicide was Jacintha Soldana. Any blaming of the radio DJs or the hospital is mere recycling of the hysteria whipped up by the steaming hypocrites in the Murdoch empire.
       • Dv 4.2.1.1

         15 December 2012 at 10:09 am

         Morrisey would the suicide have happened IF there was no prank call, if the media had not published it and if the Nurse had a filtering mechanism on the calls.

         Jacinta was responsible for her actions BUT there is a chain of culpability.
         • Morrissey 4.2.1.1.1

           15 December 2012 at 11:08 am

           “Jacinta was responsible for her actions BUT there is a chain of culpability.”

           Then all these people must also be prosecuted: the cafetaria worker who did not smile at her, the bus driver who was gruff and taciturn instead of being sunny and positive, the BBC news readers who read out grim economic and political news each day, the hospital patient who grumbled about something the day before….

           There is one person culpable for this death, and it’s not either of the light-hearted pranksters.
           • NoseViper (The Nose knows) 4.2.1.1.1.1

             15 December 2012 at 12:29 pm

             Gee Morrisey
             You don’t understand anything about some people’s desire to maintain high standards in their work and to do an excellent job which they take pride in and are esteemed for, and also needing to receive a good salary for that high standard of work.
             You ought to put yourself forward to your electorate to stand in the next election. You sound very suitable because of your narrow focus and lack of understanding of society to fit you to be a politician.
           • Dv 4.2.1.1.1.2

             15 December 2012 at 12:56 pm

             Then all these people must also be prosecuted:

             DUH.
             • Morrissey …

               15 December 2012 at 1:57 pm

               Poor old baffled Dv had this to contribute to the discourse….
               “DUH.”

               Perhaps a good lie-down would get that brain working again. Certainly something needs to be done, and pronto.
               • Dv …

                 15 December 2012 at 2:11 pm

                 Yes Morrissey, it is your very carefull analysis of cause and effect that has confused me.
                 • Morrissey …

                   15 December 2012 at 2:13 pm

                   Sorry about that. But I see your brain is working just fine again. I think you’ll find that my meaning will become clear after repeated reading, followed by deep thought, perhaps with a panel discussion to follow.
       • QoTViper 4.2.1.2

         15 December 2012 at 12:00 pm

         Morrissey’s level of empathy for Jacintha Saldanha is aptly demonstrated by his refusal to take the time to spell her name properly.
         • Morrissey 4.2.1.2.1

           15 December 2012 at 12:12 pm

           My apologies to the family for mis-spelling her name.
           Now, explain how that equates with a lack of empathy. And after you’ve done explaining that, explain why you’ve taken your lead in this from the tender-hearted, empathetic folk who work for the Murdoch papers and Sky TV.
           • QoTViper 4.2.1.2.1.1

             15 December 2012 at 12:18 pm

             [citation needed]
     • bad12 4.2.2

       15 December 2012 at 9:52 am

       Yeah i agree with you on that, a hospital such as this with regular ‘important people’ as patients would surely have had protocols on what could and couldn’t be said about patients over the phone,

       “The Royals” themselves with all the trials and tribulations that they have been through with the media can hardly cry about their privacy being breached as you would think that there would have been in place a system whereby any enquiries were transferred to a royal media minder,

       Cheap pricks got what they paid for…
   • Treetop 4.3

     15 December 2012 at 1:09 pm

     The facets of a prank phone call having many real consequences is a big learning curve to everyone involved and a lesson on how tragic a prank can be.

     I do hope that the bereavement counselling offered to the family of Jacintha is not connected with the hospital as their notes could be accessed by the hospital. The hospital cannot be trusted as they have been caught out not knowing that they were critcised in one of the three letters which Jacintha wrote.

     When it comes to culture I also hope that the counsellor can identify with cultural practice pertaining to Jacintha’s reaction as it would differ from my European/Polish identity.
5. Morrissey 5

   15 December 2012 at 9:53 am

   LOOKALIKE
   Can YOU spot the difference between these violent men?

   Professional musician Jimmy Mason was convicted of assaulting a child after an incident on the Bridge of Remembrance in central Christchurch in 2007. The 49-year-old Christchurch man admitted to flicking his son’s ear to “reprimand” him for “riding dangerously near a busy street”.

   The case became a cause célèbre for the Kiddy-Whackers Association fronted by Bob McCoskrie, and the S.S. Trust fronted by Garth “Mac the Knife” McVicar. To these kinds of people, assaulting a child on the street means a man is not a thug, but an exemplar of family values, and the very model of the “good parent”.

   If you do NOT belong to one of these psychotic organizations, and retain some measure of moral and ethical normality, you probably thought that, after his disgraceful display of self-pity and defiance following his conviction for assault, Jimmy Mason would slither away into deserved obscurity.

   However, the emergence of his doppelganger in England has brought back all the horrifying memories….

   Consider this picture of James Mason….

   http://media.apnonline.com.au/img/media/images/2010/11/03/mason_460x23046423.feature-image_t300.jpg

   And now look at the bloke in this article….

   http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/keep-jlc-off-cbb-justin-lee-1489893

   Creepy… or what?
   • Grant Hay 5.1

     15 December 2012 at 10:25 am

     This forum is a bear pit containing a large sub-group of haters and wreckers exhibiting psychopathic traits. Their prefered means of attack is to latch on to the victim using the most vile language possible, then, having done as much damage as they can (to the enormous satisfaction of a blood-thirsty crowd observing the sport) they sanctimoneously pretend they are people of peace and reason who selflessly spend their lives protecting the weak and innocent. I have an extremely bad taste in my mouth. I will now leave the arena and attempt a ritual purification to rid myself of the stench. Good luck gentle-folk in your search for a fairer, kinder world….
     • felixviper 5.1.1

       15 December 2012 at 10:58 am

       Without the slightest hint of self-awareness.
       • Morrissey 5.1.1.1

         15 December 2012 at 11:17 am

         The lack of self-awareness makes it hilarious, though, you have to admit.
     • Morrissey 5.1.2

       15 December 2012 at 11:10 am

       Other than “fatty” and Brett Dale, who are probably one and the same person, is Grant Hay the most bewildered person to post on this forum in the past year? I’d like to know if there has been a more confused contribution from anyone.
     • NoseViper (The Nose knows) 5.1.3

       15 December 2012 at 12:38 pm

       Grant Hay 5.1
       Citation? The whole forum is a bear pit? Bears have feelings too you know.
6. Brett Dale 6

   15 December 2012 at 10:26 am

   Thoughts and wishes to the people of Connecticut, what
   can one say about this tragic event. As someone who has
   family in CT, including younger relatives, this is an awful day.

   Here’s hoping there is not a day like this again in CT or
   anywhere.
   • Morrissey 6.1

     15 December 2012 at 11:14 am

     “…what can one say about this tragic event.”

     Of one thing we can be sure: Brett Dale will not say anything intelligent or insightful about this tragedy.

     “Here’s hoping there is not a day like this again in CT or anywhere.”

     Far worse than this is happening in Iraq and Afghanistan every day. You have been loud in your support of it. And your blood-soaked cheerleading for the carnage in Gaza last month makes your words of solicitude nothing but the most callous hypocrisy.
     • Brett Dale 6.1.1

       15 December 2012 at 11:20 am

       Morrissey:

       As someone whos got family in the area, including younger relatives, I think I have just as much as right to comment as anyone else. This is a tragic event.
       • Morrissey 6.1.1.1

         15 December 2012 at 11:29 am

         Then condemn the far greater massacres being perpetrated in the middle east, instead of applauding them, you hypocrite.
         • Brett Dale 6.1.1.1.1

           15 December 2012 at 11:36 am

           Dont see the connection, at the moment my concern is how upset my
           younger relatives are in CT, maybe you should stick to prank calling murray deaker.
           • Morrissey 6.1.1.1.1.1

             15 December 2012 at 11:55 am

             “Dont see the connection…”

             You don’t? Then you are either dimmer or even more depraved than I thought you were.
             • Brett Dale …

               15 December 2012 at 12:24 pm

               Again my sympathy goes out to the victims and the families and the children who
               survived and who will now be terrified, here’s hoping again, they get the help they need.
               • Morrissey …

                 15 December 2012 at 12:41 pm

                 Is that sympathy expressed for the victims, the families, and the survivors of the massacre in Gaza? If not, your words are insincere and worthless.
                 • Brett Dale …

                   15 December 2012 at 1:07 pm

                   Again. dont see the connection, shouting out Gaza or Iraqi everytime an unrelated tragic event happens in the USA,is cliche.

                   Again, this is a tragic event and my thoughts and wishes goes out to people in CT.

                   Its a shame people have a a problem with people giving sympathy to Americans.
                   • Morrissey …

                     15 December 2012 at 1:48 pm

                     “Its a shame people have a a problem with people giving sympathy to Americans.”

                     I have no problem with people giving sympathy to Americans. I have a great problem with people who applaud mass murder expressing selective sympathy.

                     It’s like if someone were to loudly, publicly, speak out in support of the PERPETRATOR of a knife-murder, then pretend that he is a VICTIMS advocate.
                 • OneTrackViper …

                   15 December 2012 at 3:36 pm

                   I will become sympathetic to the Gazans when they stop firing rockets into Israel. But, when they stop firing rockets, then the Israelis will stop trying to stop the rockets, which means peace will return. and then I won’t need to be sympathetic.
                   Hey, maybe that means its in the Gazans own hands. That is IF they want peace of course. Or maybe what they want is what they always say they want and that is to push the Israelis into the sea. But that would be mean, wouldn’t it. It can’t be right.
                   • QoTViper …

                     15 December 2012 at 3:50 pm

                     Yep, because in a conflict between an economically-repressed, militarily-occupied people and powerful military occupiers supported by the United States, it’s definitely the people whose land got invaded who need to prove they’re interested in peace.
                   • Morrissey …

                     15 December 2012 at 4:01 pm

                     El Stupido blithered moronically: “But that would be mean, wouldn’t it. It can’t be right.”

                     You are an ignoramus.
7. muzza 7

   15 December 2012 at 10:30 am

   Fracking ‘could create 7000 jobs’

   All while not poisoning and killing flora/forna/human beings…what a sales pitch!

   A genuine win-win-win for all.

   I shouldn’t need the use the /sarc tag, but just in case!
   • One Tāne Viper 7.1

     15 December 2012 at 11:39 am

     Ghost jobs.
     
8. Morrissey 8

   15 December 2012 at 11:28 am

   Calling All Sports-Loving Prank Callers
   It’s time to step up and do your duty

   Let’s proceed on the assumption that prank calls DO actually lead to the receiver committing suicide. If that is true, then every sports lover in the country needs to do THIS as often as he/she can, until the inevitable happy result comes about …

   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z14jFni1pjM

   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2R83ZKfEibo
9. NoseViper (The Nose knows) 9

   15 December 2012 at 11:38 am

   Another gun tragedy in the USA. The biggest since the last one according to the media. More will follow, followed by the wails and sadness of all ad infinitum. Without any meaningful legislation likely to limit gun ownership and easy use. The latest is that some people want to take guns to their workplace. Handy for a Post employee pushed to the limit. And a sign of the deterioration of civil life and attitudes in ‘the greatest little country on the planet’ with the best democracy and political system and military and private weapons that money can buy.

   In China there have been a number of knife killings at schools.

   Can anybody direct me to a study of this type of crime, the drivers and the perpetrators. Why children? In this USA one the guy wanted to kill his mother but took out bunches of unconnected children too. Were they her class?
   • r0b 9.1

     15 December 2012 at 11:40 am

     I’ll have a post up about this shortly.
10. NoseViper (The Nose knows) 10

    15 December 2012 at 11:44 am

    We are probably lucky that China and Russia have tried to get UN to allow bigger state controls over the internet. That meant that USA would be against it, though they are anxious themselves to box and contain it. And NZ wouldn’t agree either because we are the USA’s dingy dinghy bouncing behind in their wake. So we’re OK for the present but wait for the next attack on the freedom of the internet that go beyond a reasonable minor level.
11. Morrissey 11

    15 December 2012 at 11:53 am

    <b>DEAKER-WATCH No. 4
    “Anders” Deaker stands up for Christian civilization

    No action by Sky over Deaker’s SBW comment</b>
    7:24 AM Monday Mar 12, 2012

    Sky TV says it will take no action against broadcaster Murray Deaker after he reportedly said All Black star and boxer Sonny Bill Williams made him “uncomfortable” because “he is a Muslim in a so-called Christian country”.
    Deaker reportedly made the slur about Williams, who converted to Islam in 2009, on the Deaker on Sports show on February 29.

    Sky Television spokeswoman Kirsty Way said today that the remark was made during a live discussion and its meaning was taken out of context when read in isolation.

    No action would be taken by Sky TV against Deaker.

    A copy of the tape could be released only with Deaker’s approval because he had editorial control of the show, Ms Way said.

    Deaker could not be reached for comment last night. Williams’ manager Khoder Nasser did not wish comment further when contacted yesterday evening. He earlier said he was disgusted by what Deaker said.

    “As you get older, they say you get wiser. You are closer to the grave, which gives you a sense of realism, you become humbled and more accepting of other human beings. But the older this man gets, the more bigoted he becomes.”

    Hundreds of comments have been posted on Twitter condemning Deaker’s remarks. “If Sky won’t cancel Deaker’s show…”

    Read more, then <b>prank-call him</b>….

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10791405

    – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

    DEAKER-WATCH is a series dedicated to highlighting the contributions of Murray Deaker to New Zealand public life.
    DEAKER-WATCH No.1…
http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-13032012/#comment-446445
    DEAKER-WATCH No. 2…http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-14032012/#comment-447110
    DEAKER-WATCH No. 3…http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-15032012/#comment-447518
    DEAKER-WATCH No. 4…
    http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-21032012/#comment-449711
    • tc 11.1

      15 December 2012 at 1:24 pm

      Why on earth would sky cancel the rantmeister bigot and all the publicity he generates.
      Its not there’s competition is there.
      • Morrissey 11.1.1

        15 December 2012 at 1:53 pm

        The best reason to cancel his show must be his ratings. Nobody watches it.
12. NoseViper (The Nose knows) 12

    15 December 2012 at 12:33 pm

    What are you on Morrissey? I hope that you have something lined up to occupy you for Christmas as it would be discouraging to see your pseudo every second or third comment.
    • Morrissey 12.1

      15 December 2012 at 12:39 pm

      Okay, Viper, I’m hip with that “Less is more” philosophy. I’ll tone it down from now on.

      Meanwhile, enjoy this amusing vegetable…
      http://lovecarrots.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/ronnie_hoggan_carrot.jpg
      • NoseViper (The Nose knows) 12.1.1

        15 December 2012 at 1:33 pm

        Morrisey
        Carrots – so good for one. Healthy, good for your eyes etc. And watch Brett Dale DFT. Save your time for your other good comments. I like your reporting of some of the discourses on the media.
13. Morrissey 13

    15 December 2012 at 12:37 pm

    Public Apology to “fatty”

    Earlier this morning, I launched into an intemperate tirade against our good friend “fatty”, calling him “ignorant” and “arrogant”. Of course, I turned out to have mis-identified him; his comments are in fact well thought out, and clearly well informed.

    I therefore retract all the comments I made against “fatty” and beg his forgiveness….
    http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42723000/jpg/_42723661_slavery_pa203b.jpg
    • Colonial Weka 13.1

      15 December 2012 at 1:41 pm

      That’s a very weird photo to put with an apology.
14. Fortran 14

    15 December 2012 at 1:16 pm

    Was reading a book last evening and it reflected upon Leadership and Management.
    In New Zealand in a political view I considered the countries Leaders.
    Like it or not Key and Norman have Leadership qualities, whereas it would appear that Shearer has Management.
    The view considered was that Leaders are naturals whereas Managers can be taught, but perhaps are not, nor ever can be, Leaders.
    Key is not a Manager ie a details man
    Norman is a Leader, maybe with some Management – not sure, as he is an enigma.
    But Shearer lacks the vital empathy to be a Leader – but he has Management skills learned overseas
    Cunliffe has neither – cannot see a Labour Leader though, Shearer is the best bet as a good Manager.
    • Olwyn 14.1

      15 December 2012 at 5:16 pm

      Not sure what your criteria are for deciding who is which, especially the claim that Cunliffe has neither managerial nor leadership qualities. From what I have seen and heard he is very competent and energetic, and I have seen that has a very good relationship with his electorate.
    • KhandallaMan-an Absolutely Fabulous QC & Viper 14.2

      16 December 2012 at 11:20 pm

      Fortran
      The support and admiration that Cunliffe has earned among the majority of rank and file might suggest sifnificant LEADERSHIP qualities?
      The success Cunliffe has had taking a National seat and growing his majority in five elections might suggest significant LEADERSHIP and MANAGEMENT qualities?
      Cunliffe’s impeccable run in ministerial positions, Health, Immigration and Telecommunications/ITmight might suggest significant LEADERSHIP and exceptional MANAGEMENT qualities? 
      Cunliffe’s sticking with his core LABOUR values and turning the other cheek while some people do their “tall poppy” act on him is the mark or a great leader. 
      Fortran, your comment on Cunliffe is wrong.  He will prove that he is streets ahead of Key, when he becomes PM. 
       
15. NoseViper (The Nose knows) 15

    15 December 2012 at 1:22 pm

    I was shocked to hear on the news that a spokesperson for a church saw nothing wrong about having a paedophile in a group at a school as part of some project/ outreach the church was doing. He said that the school did not have any rules about this so he thought it was perfectly okay. WTF.

    He sounded like a youngish man, just my impression, and it underlines that young men need to be aware and thoughtful about people’s problems in society. Someone on the radio recently said that some paedophiles automatically fall in to grooming mode when around youngsters. They will present themselves as friends to the child who appears vulnerable, feeling lonely or bored even, and its a big boost to a child to have someone who takes an interest. And the devious background thinking would be unknown.
16. Colonial Weka 16

    15 December 2012 at 4:34 pm

    Is it just me, or is ts more fractious than normal today?
    • Morrissey 16.1

      15 December 2012 at 7:43 pm

      I think you’re right, my friend. The fraught tempers are probably caused by a combination of hot weather and the presence of a cynical provocateur like Brett Dale.
17. xtasy 17

    16 December 2012 at 3:24 am

    Tonight I read a report in a leading European paper, on Greece and the absolutely shocking situation there, where a society is split into those still struggling to manage and those falling down through the former social net. It is SHOCKING reading.

    Now crime is rampant, social division is the rule, there is even talk of civil war.

    The foreign banks get blamed, and some of them carry some blame, but I fear it goes beyond that now. There is racism, nazism, unrest and worse taking place there, and I fear it will spread across many other countries in Southern Europe.

    Now does this not ring a bell? Have you heard of crime, tension, poverty and so forth?

    Do the ones still living in middle class comfort not get it? Do you want to taste the full blow perhaps? I fear you have another thing coming very soon!

    NZ is on the verge of explosion too, once we have the next welfare “reforms” being pushed through. Force poor, sick and disabled, mums not able to get a job, to look for work that does not exist. John Key, you are asking for another Queen Street Riot, I am afraid!

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