Open mike 22/11/2012

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, November 22nd, 2012 - 70 comments
Categories: open mike - Tags:

Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.

The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the link to Policy in the banner).

Step right up to the mike…

70 comments on “Open mike 22/11/2012 ”

  1. Kia Ora te Whanau and Mike Smith.

    Statement by the New Lynn Labour Electorate Committee
    November 21, 2012
    The New Lynn Electorate Committee of the Labour Party, at a special meeting called today, voted unanimously to express its full confidence in its Member of Parliament David Cunliffe.   While acknowledging that this decision was within the prerogative of the party leader, the LEC noted David’s demotion with regret.
    The LEC also resolved to raise with the New Zealand Council of the Labour Party concerns about recent public statements made by Labour’s Senior Whip, and the leaking of confidential caucus information by unnamed MPs following Tuesday’s emergency caucus meeting.
    As these processes are now internal party matters we do not intend making further comment.
    ENDS

    • karol 1.1

      Hope that goes well, micky.  Good point about the unnamed MPs leaking caucus info to the media.

    • Anne 1.2

      May I extend my full support to the New Lynn Labour Electorate Committee, and wish you every success in your endeavour to seek justice and fair play.

    • xtasy 1.3

      I can only point out to ALL again! Look at the website of ‘NZ Herald’, TVNZ, TV3 and the whole whore-mongering media in this country, it is ALL about crime, rape, pillage, deceit, natural catastrophes, who did what to whom, naturally sports, celebrity idiots, who is “in”, “out” and the dumbest, but yet “most appealing” “hulk”, “Slut” or whatever.

      That is “media 2012′, and I do not care a damn about Mr Brown (now with “media3” for opportune employment reasons) AND others say to justify the CRAP we get fed day in and night out.

      It is an INSULT to intelligence and it must be pointed at for such.

      “Media” used to be called the “4th estate”. It is NO LONGER.

      I and a few others informed also ’60 minutes’ and award winning “media celebrity” Melanie Reid about goings on at WINZ and MSD, but they choose to keep it damned QUIET! I wonder why?!

      No integrity in MSM media, thanks.

  2. Jenny 2


    Auckland mobilisation: end Israel’s siege on Gaza


    Wellington: rally in solidarity with Gaza

    ‘Israel commits war crimes’, says only Kiwi in Gaza

    New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed only one New Zealander is registered as being in Gaza, and has issued an “extreme risk” advisory warning all New Zealanders to leave the country.

    Webb-Pullman said she wouldn’t be going anywhere, despite two recent attacks on media buildings in the last two days.

  3. just saying 3

    I’d like to express something with a venn diagram.
    I’m on vista home premium with office 2007.
    Does anyone know of a facility in this software I could use?
    Ta

    • felix 3.1

      Yep, but first you have some software issues to deal with. You’re going to meed to reformat your hard drive and install a new operating system.

      The safest way to reformat your hard drive is to take your computer and anything that has ever been plugged into it and any furniture it has ever touched and make a pile outside, and pour petrol all over it and ignite. For best results leave it plugged in while you do this.

      Next, get another computer and install any other operating system supported by Office 2007, and follow these instructions: http://office.microsoft.com/en-nz/word-help/create-a-venn-diagram-HA010335959.aspx

      Thanks for your call and have a good day.

      • Colonial Viper 3.1.1

        Gawd you’re cruel.

        Some free downloadable software like paint.NET might be of help, although its just a generic drawing programme and not designed specifically to do venn diags. so will be a bit fiddly, it’ll do the job.

      • just saying 3.1.2

        Yep, but first you have some software issues to deal with. You’re going to meed to reformat your hard drive and install a new operating system…

        Thanks Felix. I appreciate your time and expertise. I was naive enough to think there would be something in one of my sub-menus that I could be directed to. I’m not up to the above level of computer competence.

        Subtext duly noted.

    • Daveosaurus 3.2

      Step 1: Upgrade to Windows 7.
      Step 2: Download Irfanview.
      Step 3: Design your Venn diagram.
      Step 4: Type the text into Word.
      Step 5: Take a screen shot of the Word text and open in Irfanview.
      Step 6: Use the ellipse tool to draw the Venn diagram.

      Might be better ways of doing it but it worked for me last time I needed one.

      • just saying 3.2.1

        Ta all,
        Unfortunately, One big circle almost entirely overlapped another which made it impossible to effectively label. (Also I couldn’t figure out how to put a smaller circle within….)
        However useful knowlege for future venns.

  4. vto 4

    And so the bizzare world of the rich and powerful grinds on, blind to the pitchforks being sharpened in their gatekeepers sheds…

    1. Ecan boss receives a $70,000 pay rise when the organisation is widely condemned and causes anxiety and grief in its so-called customers.

    2. The ex-directors of Pike River Coal, who have never once fronted personally to the victims families (that’s right, never once), issue a statement through their lawyers, one of the most expensive in the land Minter Ellison Trough, refusing to accept the objective findings of the Royal Commission of Enquiry. John Dow, Stuart Nattrass and Ray Meyer are pigs of men.

    3. Banks lending to the Christchurch City Council demand ever more from the ratepayers of Christchurch. The stench of greed makes one wretch.

    The sooner these types of people are (borrowing Mr Smith’s suggestion in the Eruption thread) buried, the better.

    The downward sloping slide continues…

    • Dr Terry 4.1

      vto. Your words about greed are very quotable: “The stench of greed makes one wretch”. Greed in today’s world might be considered its worst feature.

      Stephen Hawking said, “We are in danger of destroying ourselves by our greed and stupidity”.

      And Mahatma Ghandi remarked, “There is a sufficiency in the world for man’s need but not for man’s greed”.

      Nevertheless, take heart! Some of us persist in believing that goodness of character will, in the end, prevail.

    • Jenny 4.2

      Let me ask you one question
      Is your money that good
      Will it buy you forgiveness
      Do you think that it should

      I think you will find
      When your death takes its toll
      All the money you made
      Will never buy back your soul.

      How much do I know
      To talk out of turn
      You say that I’m young
      You say I’m unlearned

      But there’s one thing I know
      Though I’m younger than you
      That even Jesus would never
      Forgive what you do.

      Bob Dylan Masters of War

  5. Rogue Trooper 5

    Demote. Mr Smith
    who cares what the neighbours think
    flock to the pews
    pull the curtains tighter
    Deny there is something greater
    Bill to the Zimmerwald Left
    programming errors
    other through the bottom of a Steiny
    all flesh is grass
    the age of aquarius
    Rhinoceros are dying out
    Orphans on the Planet
    Uturn away
    drag on to the Left
    bite the hand that feeds you
    Fa’afafine far far away
    “get your rocks off get your rocks off”
    Nah honey
    plagiarise
    I TALKED TO GOD
    IN A PHONEBOX
    ON MY WAY HOME
    I TOLD YOU MY
    ANSWER AND
    LEFT YOU MY
    DREAMS
    ON YOUR ANSWER MACHINE
    urban hymns
    beltway memes
    manipulation
    a prentice ship
    hello hello
    is there anybody out there
    just knod if you can hear
    there wil be no more
    Arrrrrrrrrrrrrgh.

    now better do some work

  6. Rogue Trooper 6

    50 Shades of Grey

  7. Professor Longhair 7

    Watch murder shill Gregg Roman get torn a new one

    Suppress your urge to vomit whenever Gregg Roman opens his mouth and enjoy the spectacle of his being bollocked…
    http://members5.boardhost.com/medialens/msg/1353510449.html

  8. Colonial Viper 8

    Outstanding economic – production – energy model by Steve Keen. This is a real world breakthrough in concepting economics.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14vVhhNvWX0&feature=g-high-u

    • freedom 9.1

      Hon John Banks is ASSOCIATE MINISTER OF EDUCATION (also Minister for Regulatory Reform, Minister for Small Business, and Associate Minister of Commerce) and he WANTS YOU TO BELIEVE ” He has never received any government information or briefings regarding Talent2 (or any company they are connected to, – such as Novapay for eg) or participated in any discussions at either Cabinet or Cabinet Committee. Over all those interconnected portfolios no mention of Talent2 or Novapay came across his desk. I smell bullshit.

      first question that pops into mind: Banks is the one with the Charter School Plan, and those teachers will get paid via State agencies sometimes, surely the Novapay system had to be integrated into his planning?

      • Northshoreguynz 9.1.1

        Certainly a large rodent.

      • Penny Bright 9.1.2

        JOHN BANKS – IN MORE TROUBLE?HOW COME NZ MINISTERS CAN OWN SHARES IN PUBLIC OR PRIVATE COMPANIES OR BUSINESSES?AUSTRALIAN MINISTERS CAN’T.

        http://www.act.org.nz/posts/statement-from-hon-john-banks-re-talent2

        21 NOV 2012
        4:28PM

        Statement from Hon John Banks re: Talent2

        JOHN BANKS / BLOG

        The Hon John Banks Family Trust has not held shares in Talent2 International Limited since 28 May 2012 when Talent2 moved to privatise the company and de-list from the Australian stock exchange. Mr Banks advised the Cabinet Office of the sale of his Family Trust’s shares on 29 May 2012. 

        Mr Banks became a shareholder in Talent2 as a result of Talent2’s acquisition of Sugar International Limited which the Hon John Banks’ Family Trust held shares in. 

        Mr Banks declared his Family Trust’s shareholding in Talent2 to the Cabinet Office when he first became a Minister. He has never received any government information or briefings regarding Talent2 (or any company they are connected to), or participated in any discussions at either Cabinet or Cabinet Committee. 

        The issue of the pay system is outside Mr Banks’ responsibilities as Associate Minister of Education, and the Novopay contract was signed off in September 2008 by the previous Labour Government. 

        Note: Andrew Banks, Chairman of Talent2, is not related to Hon John Banks.
        _____________________________________________________

        AUSSIE RULES:

        http://www.dpmc.gov.au/guidelines/docs/ministerial_ethics.pdf

        FOREWORD

        Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries hold high public office and are entrusted with considerable privilege and power. 

        The people of Australia are entitled to expect that, in the discharge of their duties, they will act in a manner that is consistent with the highest standards of integrity and propriety. 

        In 2007, the Labor Government introduced new Standards of Ministerial Ethics, requiring our Ministers to conduct themselves to a higher standard of conduct than had been the case in the past.

        The Standards are underpinned by the principle that Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries must act with due regard for integrity, fairness, accountability, responsibility and the public interest. 

        As Prime Minister, I will do all I can to ensure that Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries continue to live up to these high standards of conduct, and in doing so, continue to live up to the expectations  of the Australian public.

        Julia Gillard
        ___________________________________________________

        Shareholdings

        2.9. In recognition of the collective responsibility that Ministers bear in relation to Cabinet decisions, these Standards require that Ministers divest themselves of investments and other interests in any public or private company or business, other than public superannuation funds or publicly listed managed funds or trust arrangements where:

        • the investments are broadly diversified and the Minister has no influence over investment decisions of the fund or trust; and

        • the fund or trust does not invest to any significant extent in a business sector that could give rise to a conflict of interest with the Minister’s public duty.

        2.10. If a Minister becomes aware that a fund or trust has invested in a company that might give rise to a perception of a conflict of interest, the Minister should inform the Prime Minister 
        immediately and liquidate the investment in the fund or trust if required to do so.

        2.11. If a Minister is required by these Standards to dispose of an interest of any kind, the transfer of the interest to a family member or to a nominee or private trust is not an acceptable form of divestment.
        _______________________________________________________________ 

        Penny Bright
        ‘Anti-corruption campaigner’ 

        http://www.dodgyjohnhasgone.com 

      • David H 9.1.3

        Maybe he thinks that`a grubby envelope filled with equally grubby 20’s and 10’s will do the job better. And on reflection it probably would.

  9. Rogue Trooper 10

    hot son beating down

    followed by Thursdays in The Park
    With Maurie
    phishing fiscing fiskit
    slippery biscuit flys
    through the air
    Frankly, I’m smacked
    in the head by a sugary golfball
    standing in a warm puddle
    of auburn amber gum
    existentially
    came back as a cat
    and all may be rosie
    Son is shining
    “otherwise fine”
    makes one hoarse
    Those Murphy boys
    taking off vertically
    from the fat of the land
    Rimmer round a red dwarf
    Hi ho hi ho
    life’s more than
    Who You know
    we see your credentials
    and raise you
    one scaffolder
    peasants
    Trotsky oh Trotsky
    “where art thou?”
    Vygotsky
    engineer up some
    technicians and and
    thy will be done
    dark art-noveaupay
    Israel widens the net
    no happy Noel
    ring tone heightens
    the driving experience
    as we follow the GPS
    map will tell us where we are
    all ways reference pedantically
    scribe on the arms
    of sailors
    spend six months
    on a leaky boat
    slaving in the shopping mall
    BUT I’M A MILLION
    DIFFERENT PEOPLE
    FROM ONE DAY
    TO THE NEXT
    YES THERES
    LOVE
    IF YOU WANT IT
    DON’T SOUND
    LIKE NO SONNET
    “it’s oh so quiet”
    footnote format
    manicure the herbs
    al wyns a winner
    Baby that’s for sure
    even the pope observes
    the commentary

  10. joe90 11

    The European Environment Agency report on past and projected climate change and the impacts on Europe.

    http://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/climate-impacts-and-vulnerability-2012/

  11. Rogue Trooper 12

    TBI
    sure is a kick in the head.
    The Boy who cried Wolf
    to the lioness with a thorn
    in her side where her rib should be
    The Jackal circles Hide
    Nevermind
    The Laws is on our side
    Dishonour Dishonour Your Honour
    shoulda taken the red pill
    anyway freakin Jeeezus bloody Wept
    sadly violence is necessary
    bookmark that Chrome dome
    Ellis Ellis, anyone remember Ellis?
    Who? the Duck is Ellis
    Big mouth little boy
    Go to the back of the class
    clean up after woodwork
    ecocide is Ghandian
    well we are in Right company
    sold to the company store
    just saying something nicely
    spinning Jenny.jelly beans
    for diabetics.eat the red ones last
    Lanth that boile excuse the cusp
    androgenous enhancement
    “can I have some more please”
    Your’e not Popula. enough
    Asterix please.* Thankyou
    So many davids only one Clark
    credentials line up Davids
    Granted. Not true.
    freedom comes freedom goes
    Where zet goes no body noes
    flame on war fair?

  12. McFlock 13

    Sigh.
       
    Key’s expanding his “I don’t remember” alibi for the next couple of years.
             
    Seriously – unless people were asking about the massive bruise on his face, why the fuck is this taking up space? Fucking msm. Grumble grumble grumble… 

    • felix 13.1

      headdesk

      • Jim Nald 13.1.1

        Often, King Kong’s comments and fantasies would be most appropriate for that prime monkey.

    • starlight 13.2

      Lol, he was so delighted the way that shearer is handling everything, he fell over backwards
      to support him.

      • Vicky32 13.2.1

        Lol, he was so delighted the way that shearer is handling everything, he fell over backwards
        to support him.

        Ok. Having followed the link and read the story, I can’t see where it says that, or anything to support that contention.
        Wow, I dream of a world where the Standard leaves off criticising Shearer, and praising our homosexual brethren for long enough to criticise National .. that would be so wonderful! 😀

    • Anne 13.3

      The incident happened after he had had a round of golf with Trade Minister Tim Groser.

      As, I suspect, is being inferred… he and Tim spent too long in the 19th hole.

  13. Rogue Trooper 14

    steep

    “Get up Tonto
    we might need to call
    on that Sky-god of
    yours.” Mana
    Not how much you have
    How much you give away
    hi ho Silver away too day
    here’s lookin at you kidding
    what we are working on now
    cuppa joe. Excellently yours
    signed The Pink Postman
    Round up the lambs boys
    she’s dockin’ time
    who takes John Banks
    seriously anyway, nobody
    takes me seriously anyway
    I see rocks Fred.
    Just Killing Time.

    • vto 14.1

      .
      time
      sublime
      always cort in a bind

      • Rogue Trooper 14.1.1

        of corset.
        other than this ‘ere mower Gower all gardening is done with hand tools
        off to theology :707 now
        the laity synod need educating it seems

        (a higherstandard can be expected)

        includes queer theology
        that will go down like a
        round rock 🙂

    • Uturn 14.2

      When the child was a child, it didn’t know it was a child. Everything was full of life, and all life was one.

      Now there are as many small states as there are individuals …and every state is mobile. Everyone carries his own state and demands a toll when another wants to enter. But one can only enter each state with a password.

      Lover lover let’s pretend
      We’re born as innocents
      Cast into the world
      With apple eyes

      The soul of today can only be conquered by one who arrives with the password. Everyone migrates, and waves his one-man-state flag in all earthly directions. Their children already shake their rattles and drag their filth around them in circles.

      She really loves to break
      Her Dad says it’s OK
      She really loves to break
      And give it all away

      Inescapably gen x on thursdays
      Entertain me Entertaining you

      I’ll be the first to toast, to my rotten soul
      we’re the rolling people
      Following Wim and urban hymn
      Don’t ask why, we just go.

      • Rogue Trooper 14.2.1

        man asks about denominations
        God in Wisdom
        provides an answer
        checking foundations
        Eriksonian Institute (or thoughts from the Louvre)
        http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fowler%27s_stages_of_faith_development
        or
        infant-trusting, mythical literal
        adolescence-searching, chaotic
        adult-affiliation, conformity, doctrine
        adult individuation-separating, critical
        adult integration-generative, figurative

        churches may correspond to either / or latter three with difference within and between individuals
        politically speaking 🙂

        007 reporting from duty to Russia with Love; spied a few Goldfingers and U.N.C.L.E Joe.Stiglitz
        M.mmmm.such a wench.Field.ing Tom Jones. Fielding Tom Jones.picaresque Prism revealing

  14. AAMC 15

    This Naomi Klein interview with Bill Moyers is really worth watching if you haven’t seen it.

    Climate change, shock doctrine, Hurricane Sandy, Central Planning, Decentralization, deregulation… it’s all in there and it’s all interconnected.

    http://vimeo.com/53656907

  15. Sorry …. I’ll go back in my cave now …. I’m a bloody troll …. *zzzzzz*-*thud* D-:

  16. Draco T Bastard 17

    Poor little lobbyist, getting upset about the truth coming out.

    A prominent government lobbyist is standing by his leaked comments which slam leading scientists for speaking out about New Zealand’s poor environmental record.

    Mark Unsworth, of government relations consultancy Saunders Unsworth, e-mailed Massey University environmental scientist Dr Mike Joy on Wednesday in reaction to Joy’s comments to the New york Times on New Zealand’s ‘fantastical’ 100% pure image.

    These idiot go round destroying things and then get upset that people take offence at the destruction and think that if people just weren’t told about it that destruction would go away.

    • Colonial Viper 17.1

      Marked Unworthy of Saunders Unworthy

      • Rogue Trooper 17.1.1

        amusing; foot in mouth spin unsworthy
        one ring to rue them all
        kiwibuilds deflation
        prophecy To Be Indicated
        Still The Herald Rules over my Dominion
        The Sisters of Mercy
        “gotta give the people something good to read on a Sunday”
        Level41? Take me on Take on me
        better give me a poulan ed.Finest cheddar. Tastes better.
        He’s an odd fellow but it’s OK.Takes care of his needs
        and he’s not gay. 🙂

    • McFlock 17.2

      But it’s okay to piss in the pool if nobody finds out about it…

      • rosy 17.2.1

        Clearly environmental degradation is not going to risk jobs and tourism, but talking about it does.

        In the emails, Mr Unsworth said although he was an academic, Dr Joy had “let his ego run riot worldwide” while risking jobs and incomes from decreased tourism

        I see. No point in telling him to lobby to create jobs by cleaning the sh*t up?

    • weka 17.3

      It’s hard to believe that a senior partner at a govt lobbying consultancy would send such an email without realising it would become public. So what gives?

  17. Rogue Trooper 18

    what gives? Stupid escalation of the information war

    Dispatches from the trenches
    Wonder why.Sorry but your son
    won’t be coming home far away
    so Closer
    Nation of Shopkeepers Grosser
    Do you like Pina coladas’
    ethanol Kills the brain
    Brenner is my bier
    No hang-ups and over we go
    to the Bibliography
    English plays to the gallery
    without blinking
    Like! a cool cat
    descending from Cort
    is glowing
    MY LORD MY LOVE
    THE WORLD DONT STOP
    THERE AINT NO TIME
    FOR CRACKING UP
    BELIEVE ME FRIEND
    caps off to the green and red
    and now, the end is near
    regrets I’ve had a few
    The Great Rock and Roll Swindle
    Roll Swindle.Roll Swindle
    fairlysavage s y d
    a Requiem for a friend
    not in a sly way
    Although Taubmans helped me
    I tumbler’d My Way
    through “the water of life”
    Slainte! Bill and lefty
    awaken the Tane wha
    why don’t you pete
    denied three times
    well Gahhhly Golly gosh
    gotta get up early
    buy the Tangerine jimmie
    although Mandarin is helpful
    to beat the bonobo to the bars

  18. Pete 19

    Kevin Spacey and David Fincher are making a US version of House of Cards for Netflix. I hope it screens in NZ. I’ve watched the Ian Richardson series multiple times.

  19. Rogue Trooper 20

    Jesus and The mary chain
    gotta have the right tool
    for Job.The Johnnys
    Poor ol’ injun joe
    Took on the wrath of God
    It’s up to you not to feel
    The Clampdown
    they say the immigrants
    steal the hubcaps
    of Property gentlemen
    they say it would be wine
    and roses at Ads house
    for scones again
    Remember me
    your telephone number?
    The News of The World
    garnered bribery Uriah.Heaps
    while the BBC channels war porn
    on the Spreadsheets
    “and I tell myself it’s
    Just.a Blue Day”
    hard to see it any
    other way.Free falling
    in and out with U
    had Chinese for dinner.nom nom
    with a cable tie can get
    a DH going right back at ya
    Have a cigar, you gonna go far
    Sanctus Dei.On the left side
    of Pascals wager? hmmmm
    you ‘um it son I’ll play spit
    PoliticallyCorrected off course
    What do we learn if other people
    fix our fucks.Mandarin
    can be bitter experience
    segmentation united
    within the forbidden city
    What three Albums
    Tyranno saw us Rex
    Telegram Sam
    she’s my main man
    might bus down to
    Barmy Palmy.Fitz right in.
    Open 24 hour CaGE
    sumo wrestling economy
    Boing! Back on Tigger Mountain
    with a Harvest Moon
    seen from the Treetop
    not focused souly on trees
    Starlight Star Bright
    YES I’M COMING DOWN
    YOUR BEAUTY
    IS A COLOUR
    SURROUND INTO
    THE HALF LIGHT
    NEON WILDERNESS
    red is a logixal choice
    Beware the Fokker
    taking a Macro-analysis
    AmaKiwi too North
    Te Reo is a language
    language sticks. games.
    Hooten nanny
    I’m On Fire
    wayne wayne
    go to Spain
    Palm.Oil.
    I’m on a Plain
    Dr I like your medicine
    Saarbo like a catchy virus
    “eet doz geet een”
    olwynd back the clock
    1 2 3 O’clock
    6 O’clock Rock
    5 7 M8 O’clock
    faiths all ya got
    words are all I have
    to take apart the grey
    I’ts only words
    from Herod the Great
    remember Figures well
    let’s see more
    of bomber’s damage
    not wallow in whaling
    wendering along
    on Wings of Desire
    queen Anne
    chocolate orange
    cream centres
    mmmmmmmm
    glazed SPC pears
    cracker fatty
    two top cats tc
    flinstones Fred’s a flintstone
    come on baby
    Light My Fire
    the crystal ship
    is being filled
    don’t leave muzza
    behind
    No End of Violence

  20. xtasy 21

    NZ politics are so SICK, I must say. There is little if any integrity, sincerity and solid purpose. It is such a rotten system here, maintained by one of the most corrupt, self serving and rotten lots of media you could find anywhere.

    I hear and read NO criticism apart from here and the odd few other blog sites.

    It is time to block and sabotage ALL MSM for good, but I see and hear few have the GUTS needed.

    So the corrupt and manipulated system will go on.

    I for sure have noticed my emails and other behaviour having been “screened”, and just put one and one together WHY!?

    We are “observed” by SIS and others. This is NOT a free country, for sure!!!

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