Open mike 25/01/2014

123 comments on “Open mike 25/01/2014 ”

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1. phillip ure 1

   25 January 2014 at 7:19 am

   let’s go kiwi..!

   ..a little bit of ‘clean’..

   ..to get yr morning bouncing..

   ..tally-ho…!

   (how could you not love that sir douglas quintet organ-styling..?

   ..eh..?..)

   phillip ure..
2. millsy 2

   25 January 2014 at 7:33 am

   Anyone got any inside info on what will be in DC’s speech?

   Its going to have to be good, given that the other guy has raised the bar — even though these reforms are little more than creating a few more job titles and salary packages (For this plan to even remotely be able to work, EP’s need to have more independence, and be able to employ their own staff to help them, and be able spend time equally at each school).
   • QoT 2.1

     25 January 2014 at 9:41 am

     It’s weird, millsy, because under Shearer you couldn’t move for senior Labour MPs leaking things to Patrick Gower, and now Cunliffe’s in control they seem to be running a tight ship. It’s a mystery for the ages.
     • alwyn 2.1.1

       25 January 2014 at 2:39 pm

       I think it is much simpler than that.
       Did you ever happen to see the 1972 film “The Candidate” starring Robert Redford?
       If you did you will remember the last line when, after winning, Redford comes out with the rather panic-stricken question “What do we do now?”.
       He obviously didn’t have any idea. Perhaps we should accept that Cunliffe is in exactly the same situation after winning the Labour Party leadership. Not having the slightest idea what to do he hasn’t come up with what he is going to say in his speech yet. If even David doesn’t know what will come out of his mouth , how could anyone else, and therefore how could anything leak? He is simply going to wing it and hope he doesn’t sound too foolish.
       • blue leopard (Get Lost GCSB Bill) 2.1.1.1

         25 January 2014 at 2:47 pm

         Weak Alwyn – yet top marks for imaginative skills
       • QoT 2.1.1.2

         25 January 2014 at 3:05 pm

         Yes. When we don’t know in advance what David Cunliffe is going to say in his speech, despite him posting to the Standard and setting out what kind of announcements the speech is going to contain (http://thestandard.org.nz/david-cunliffe-on-the-state-of-the-nation/) we have two options:

         a) his office have a basic grasp of building anticipation and information security
         b) literally no one has any idea what to say and Cunliffe and his advisors think the best way to use his first speech of an election year is to ad lib.

         And b) is absolutely the most likely scenario. 🙄

         (Of course the hilarious thing is that Cunliffe probably could adlib a decent speech if he had to.)
         • alwyn 2.1.1.2.1

           25 January 2014 at 3:21 pm

           I must admit I thought that what was in this link was simply a big thank you for the ideas he got in the previous post in the Standard where he, clearly not having any ideas of his own, was pleading for people to suggest something, anything, that he could say.

           Why someone who knew what he believed in, and therefore would know what he wanted to say, should have to plead for suggestions a few days before he had to give his speech shows desperation to me.

           I am quite sure he will prove to be quite capable with an adlib speech. Any link to reality will, of course, be entirely coincidental. Like his CV in fact. If there is one thing his time in a junior role with the Boston Group would have taught him it would have been how to utter reams of rubbish.
           • blue leopard (Get Lost GCSB Bill) 2.1.1.2.1.1

             25 January 2014 at 3:31 pm

             Lolz – You’ve got some comedian talents there too, Alwyn, you clever wee thing!

             psst [I suggest humoring it, its grasp on reality appears tenuous]
           • QoT 2.1.1.2.1.2

             25 January 2014 at 4:01 pm

             Any link to reality will, of course, be entirely coincidental.

             Aw shit, my irony meter just exploded. Those things aren’t cheap you know!
             • blue leopard (Get Lost GCSB Bill) …

               26 January 2014 at 12:40 am

               lolz!
       • North 2.1.1.3

         25 January 2014 at 9:48 pm

         Yeah Alwyn, utter wishful thinking rubbish. Not a thing to commend it. Don’t take time out from licking Keys’ arse Alwyn. While your tongue is forked I doubt that it’s the 5,000 miles long it will need to be when your predominant (in your mind) alter-ego buggers off to Hawaii without so much as a goodbye. Leaving you in pathetic tears for all that could have been. If only the ponce had acknowledged you.
         • alwyn 2.1.1.3.1

           25 January 2014 at 11:14 pm

           I would recommend that you seek immediate treatment for your mental problems.
   • Ron 2.2

     25 January 2014 at 9:45 am

     He hasn’t raised the bar at all. In fact there is no likely hood of National ever carrying out this policy. First it only applies if they are re-elected, which seems unlikely. In the remote event they are re-elected there can be a myriad of reasons why the policy will not be exactly what they offered in Key’s speech.
     No incoming government will be obliged to go ahead with a national election promise.
     I would not hold my breath if I was a teacher/principal etc
     • newsense 2.2.1

       25 January 2014 at 11:59 am

       I love this from John Armstong:

       Key, no doubt, will want to be remembered as a “change agent” – one who took the people with him. Witness this week’s announcements on lifting school performance through salary hikes for the best teachers and principals.

       like Billy T on learning Japanese- you need to then get amnesia so you first forget everything you who about him…
       • newsense 2.2.1.1

         25 January 2014 at 12:04 pm

         wait I should have read all the way through! Armstrong for Epsom…

         Or was the surprise a manufactured excuse seized upon by some as another opportunity to express indignation at what might seem to be more evidence of the Prime Minister’s increasing willingness to flout principles he previously espoused?

         I’m not even sure what this means. The surprise was an excuse was an opportunity was an expression was indignation was evidence of Key’s having other principles.

         There are mitigating factors in Key’s defence. The Labour Party may love Opposition – as an exercise in masochism at least.

         National in contrast has a bodice-ripping lust for power

         I’m beginning to think John Armstrong has had a very very good week. All this while PM Winston just watches.
         • bad12 2.2.1.1.1

           25 January 2014 at 1:03 pm

           That column was a bit bizaare from Armstrong, He doesn’t seem to know whether He is supposed to be kissing Slippery upon the nether regions or caning Him,(the editor of that particular rag will probably put Him right later),

           Perhaps the author has had a medication change, the prose has certainly changed from the usual dull monotone…
         • North 2.2.1.1.2

           25 January 2014 at 9:51 pm

           Armstrong’s a riot !
3. millsy 3

   25 January 2014 at 7:37 am

   By the way, I note that one of the charter schools due to start lessons this year — the Christian one that plans to teach kids that homosexuals should be exterminated and the earth was created by magic spells — plans to provide its students with stationery and uniforms — something that would be unthinkable in a state school.
   • karol 3.1

     25 January 2014 at 8:00 am

     Do you know the name of the school?
   • karol 3.2

     25 January 2014 at 8:13 am

     Looking for the school – it’s hard to tell if this article is actually a piss take – but, it is for real. The school that is the biggest problem seems to be this one:

     C-Me Mentoring Foundation Trust is a trades mentoring programme from South Auckland providing pre-apprenticeship training in Auckland secondary schools (but is not itself a school at present). Its CEO, John Kotoisuva, is a former Destiny Party Te Atatu candidate. His on-line profile states that ‘John Kotoisuva is standing against gay cabinet minister Chris Carter’. This is all shaping up so well: an establishment to train students to be soldiers and police; a trades mentoring programme headed by an anti-homosexual Destiny-aligned political candidate; and both organisations headed by males – excellent. What satisfactions are to follow?

     As confirmed by this article by Craig Young of gaynz:

     When it came down to it, though, only three fundamentalist applicants were successful. These were Mangere’s “Rise Up Trust” in Mangere, South Auckland, which assuringly states that it will stick to the New Zealand curriculum and only hire registered teachers. Of concern is that one of the board members of the Rise Up Trust is Moko Ngaro, wife to conservative Christian National List MP Alfred Ngaro. The second successful applicant will run a South Auckland Middle School and states that it will be “inclusive,” use registered teachers only … and teach “applied Christian values.” Of particular concern is the third successful conservative Christian applicant, the C-ME Mentoring Trust, whose CEO, John Kotoisuva, was a former candidate for the defunct antigay Destiny Party Te Atatu seat, running against then-Labour MP Chris Carter before the latter left Parliament. It will provide trades training. Mr Kotoisuva has stated that he has since left Destiny Church, which ran the Destiny Party.

     However, it should be noted that these three mean that sixty percent of the first charter school initiatives are run by fundamentalist churches or individuals, although none have stated that they will teach creationist pseudo-science.
     • David H 3.2.1

       25 January 2014 at 4:45 pm

       Karol you must have missed this, what with all the Homophobia running around this Networkonnet crowd of fools.
       I thought it was Illegal.. Oh thats right it is.

       http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1993/0082/latest/DLM304475.html

       Advanced Training Centres Ltd which is a military prep school for 16 and 17 year olds run by a family for profit. It turned itself into a Private Training Establishment, focusing on training for the ‘Services Military and Recruitment Training’ course, one of its previous distinguished alumnus members being the son of the great man himself, John Banks. As for current members of that alumnus, I look forward to them doing Banks youth marches through central Takapuna singing stirring New Zealand folk, perhaps, ‘Down the beer hall on Saturday night’.

       Nice to see that the Banks family is keeping it’s self busy

       http://laudafinem.com/2014/01/23/like-father-like-son-the-story-of-another-of-new-zealands-unwarranted-politically-wangled-name-suppressions/
   • joe90 3.3

     26 January 2014 at 10:56 am

     The accelerated christian education (A.C.E.) curriculum is here, next up, responsive education solutions?.

     The more than 17,000 students in the Responsive Education Solutions charter system will learn in their history classes that some residents of the Philippines were “pagans in various levels of civilization.” They’ll read in a history textbook that feminism forced women to turn to the government as a “surrogate husband.

     http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2014/01/creationism_in_texas_public_schools_undermining_the_charter_movement.single.html
4. Molly 4

   25 January 2014 at 8:27 am

   Te Ururoa Flavell in this mornings Herald: Maori Party open to Labour

   “We have generally got the message that our people are not comfortable with the relationship with National.”

   Can only say – Took you long enough. Still don’t believe you.
   • Molly 4.1

     25 January 2014 at 8:28 am

     Edit function not working to fix up link…

     [Fixed – MS]
   • Colonial Viper 4.2

     25 January 2014 at 8:41 am

     Exactly. Totally venal and mendacious.
   • freedom 4.3

     25 January 2014 at 8:58 am

     and this wierd comment from Sharples yesterday …

     ” When asked whether it was time for the Maori Party to move away from National, Sharples conceded “it probably is”.

     “I think we’ve already started to be honest,” he said. ” /blockquote>
     (file in ‘things politicians should never say?’)

     http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/9644043/Key-Maori-better-off-under-National
     • bad12 4.3.1

       25 January 2014 at 9:27 am

       Indeed, having dragged themselves from the rarified air of the Parliament and it’s surrounds onto the Marae at Ratana Pa, Sharples and Flavell will have ‘got’ the message loud and clear in a 100 subtle and not so subtle ways,

       As Slippery the Prime Minister has started the election year with the ‘dance of desperation’ spurning one overly well publicized future coalition policy in favor of NZFirst, the Maori Party having spent 5 and a bit years locked in the embrace of what is anathema to most of it’s supporters, should i say ex supporters, have come to the belated realization that the band has stopped playing, and for them,the dance is all but over…
   • QoT 4.4

     25 January 2014 at 9:43 am

     I think that might be third-co-leader-speak for “what do you think I’ve being telling Pita and Tariana for the past five fucking years?”
     • Pasupial 4.4.1

       25 January 2014 at 9:59 am

       QoT

       Surely, for the first couple of years Flavell would have been more; “we’ve got to get rid of Hone – he’s not the right kind of Maori for our Party”. I took it as more of a; “now Tariana’s gone we can finally try to patch up this anti-labour feud that she saddled us with”. A justifiable grudge; given just how great a height Labour shat on their maori caucus with the Seabed & Foreshore Act.
       • Will@Welly 4.4.1.1

         25 January 2014 at 12:23 pm

         Flavell coveted Hone’s job, that’s why Hone had to go. For that reason, never the two shall meet – Maori and Mana.
         Maori could “patch” things up with Labour, but I think the Maori Party life span is now terminal – too much betrayal. Sitting in a waka while the “big fella” is drilling holes in the waka is not smart.
     • Lanthanide 4.4.2

       25 January 2014 at 9:08 pm

       If true, makes me wonder if the MP – Mana rift would be healed once Pita and Tariana fuck off.
5. karol 5

   25 January 2014 at 8:44 am

   NZ Herald journo refuses to provide Crown Law with his notes from his interviews with Kim Dotcom
   • Colonial Viper 5.1

     25 January 2014 at 8:54 am

     I’m waiting to see if and when NZ starts overt attacks on journalists, I.e. following the lead of the US and UK.
   • alwyn 5.2

     25 January 2014 at 2:50 pm

     I wonder whether Russel Norman will ever tell us what he discussed with Dotcom, and what offers he put up as to what the Green Party would get for him if he didn’t put together a party that would be most likely to cost the Green Party votes?
     Promise of NZ citizenship? A guarantee of no extradition from NZ? Permission to buy his mansion?
     Russel would probably offer anything to get KD out of the way.
     • blue leopard (Get Lost GCSB Bill) 5.2.1

       25 January 2014 at 3:15 pm

       Oh dear me, no Alwyn you’ve got your notions all mixed up again; it is John Key who carries on doing shady deals behind the scenes and his party is the National party – you have appeared to have got your copy and pasting all wrong here.
     • bad12 5.2.2

       25 January 2014 at 3:38 pm

       Ah smell the fear of the Green Party alwyn exhibits as the realization that young born to vote National voters in safe Tory electorates are increasingly splitting their votes electorate to National and that all important Party Vote to the Green Party sinks in,

       Never mind alwyn a 40% National vote in 2014 will get you a very effective number of MP’s to form an effective opposition from…
       • alwyn 5.2.2.1

         25 January 2014 at 6:27 pm

         Oh dear bad12. I wonder if you distort the numbers, although in the opposite direction, when talking about opponents of the Greens as you do when talking about the Greens themselves?
         You managed to turn a 58% rise in the Green vote into “doubled” a few days ago, didn’t you?

         Stretching the numbers by as much, but in the opposite direction, when talking about the National vote would imply that the real Nat vote will be (40 * 2 / 1.58) % next election.
         This is about 51% which sounds about right. Gosh, that means being in Government again, doesn’t it?
         • bad12 5.2.2.1.1

           25 January 2014 at 6:36 pm

           Your flights of fancy while laughable are probably going to see you have to double the dose of anti-depressants later in 2014,

           That was brilliant tho or your part, snatching defeat from the jaws of victory in such a spectacular manner has me having a little chortle every time you post a comment to me,

           ”The Green Party vote has ‘only’ risen by 58% between elections 2008 and 2011 in the Auckland electorates held by National”, now that is funny…
     • QoT 5.2.3

       25 January 2014 at 3:55 pm

       Spinning like the Brooklyn turbine in a southerly today, alwyn.

       The myth that the Internet Party would cost the Greens significant votes interests me. We do all remember it’s headed by a man who gave John Banks $50,000, right?
       • alwyn 5.2.3.1

         25 January 2014 at 6:20 pm

         Oh yes, I remember that, although probably not as well as John.

         I am not suggesting that Kim Dotcom has any Green interests at all. Indeed he is probably one of the more spectacular consumers in New Zealand.

         I do think however that if he did start the “Internet Party” the natural group of supporters it would attract would be the younger, technically savvy, voters, or those who choose not to vote at all. I would expect the first type of voter to be a larger proportion of Green voters than they are of the general population. Thus it would seem that an Internet Party could take a disproportionate number of voters from the Greens in comparison to other parties.

         The Herald story did suggest, when reporting Norman’s visit, that Norman considered that “Dotcom would be competing for votes (with the Green Party)” and directly quotes him as saying “I tried to talk him out of setting up his party”. He would appear to be of the views I am suggesting, if those quotes are accurate.
         • One Anonymous Knucklehead 5.2.3.1.1

           25 January 2014 at 6:28 pm

           He would appear to have these views, to anyone who read the article the same way you’re reading it. It’s called “bias”, and renders your opinion utterly worthless, as if the fact of your bad faith hadn’t done so already.
           • alwyn 5.2.3.1.1.1

             25 January 2014 at 8:15 pm

             “bias” you say?
             Pray tell me, how else can you interpret a statement that says “I tried to talk him out of setting up his party” as anything other than “I tried to talk him out of setting up his party” and that it means I don’t want him to set up a party? You must have a phenomenal imagination.

             I will admit he didn’t give a direct quote that he feared the Internet Party would steal votes from the Greens. It is hard to see any other interpretation but perhaps you can provide an “unbiased” one? I doubt that, saintlier older brother of Mother Terasa though he may be, he was worried that it would affect the National Party vote and cause votes for the right to be wasted. Somehow I think my opinion that he thought it would reduce the Green Party vote is the only rational one.
             • karol …

               25 January 2014 at 8:27 pm

               This is what Norman is reported to have said, Newstalkzb:

               Greens co-leader Russel Norman says he visited Kim Dotcom’s Coatesville home twice at the end of last year.

               “it was more about the policy commonality and obviously there’d been the rumours about Kim Dotcoms party, and we weren’t keen for him to start his own party.”

               Mr Norman’s concerned that instead of keeping National out of government, Dotcom’s Internet Party might instead split the vote on the left.

               That is the view of some standardistas. It doesn’t mean Norman thinks KDC will take Green votes. Could be from any of the “left” parties, including Labour.

               PS: On searching for the report, I see that it is KB, WO, and other right wing blogs that are trying to spin it that Norman thought the IntP would take Green votes particularly.
               • alwyn …

                 25 January 2014 at 8:39 pm

                 I read the first report of the affair in the Herald, not from Farrar or Slater.

                 The Herald’s report seemed to be that he was worried about the Greens, but there aren’t any of the New Zealand papers that are unambiguous, or particularly accurate in their reports. That applies to their stories about ALL parties by the way. If only we had a paper that was as good as “The Australian” in this country. Papers like the Times, Telegraph, Mail or Guardian would be heaven.

                 It is my own opinion that the people that might vote for a Dotcom party are currently more likely to be Green voters by the way. I don’t get that opinion from KB or WO, even if they might think the same.

                 Where do you think he would pick up votes from?
                 • karol …

                   25 January 2014 at 8:41 pm

                   KDC? From libertarians, the young who don’t necessarily vote. Possibly some disaffected centrist/right leaning, sometime Labour voters.
                   • alwyn …

                     25 January 2014 at 9:01 pm

                     I will admit that the Libertarians had not occured to me but I see what you mean. That does seem a pretty good fit for their views, at least as I know them.

                     On the other hand, looking at the 2011 election results, I don’t think that is going to help him very much. I just looked at the 2011 results and the Libertarianz Party got 1,595 votes. That was less than 14% of the Legalise Cannabis Party vote (11,738) and only just ahead of the Alliance Party (1209) in last place.

                     I still think that Green voters would be a likely source though. Certainly the young who don’t vote would be prospects but I can’t see too many Labour people. You would, of course, be much closer to, and much more likely to know about them.
                   • karol …

                     25 January 2014 at 9:20 pm

                     Many libertarians vote ACT, some don’t vote at all. Both Mana and Labour have talked of trying to attract the (current) non-voters. This is also the block that the IntP would have some appeal for.

                     I’m not a member of any party, and currently vote Green Party. I see them as tending to be more left than the current Labour caucus. So i don’t think they’d have much appeal to the same people who’d be attracted to the IntP.

                     I understand KDC has more appeal to young men with a bit of a leaning to digital games with a more traditional masculine style. The Greens appeal more to women and more new agey,* type men, rather than macho gamers, IMO.

                     *Maybe not the right description – maybe just less of the traditional kind of masculinity, and into a different kind of digital culture than KDC.

                     In understand Norman’s worry about KDC splititng the left. The Greens would much prefer a Labour-led governent. If Labour is drained of votes, then the Greens stand to lose out on being a supprot partner.
6. phillip ure 6

   25 January 2014 at 8:59 am

   get angry..and then plan to vote to/for real change..

   ..don’t forget..we have mmp..

   ..we can have our revolution at the ballot-box..

   the ‘obscene-lifestyles’ of the ‘super-rich’..

   http://www.alternet.org/economy/super-rich-cnbc

   phillip ure..
   • Draco T Bastard 6.1

     25 January 2014 at 12:24 pm

     And that explains, simply, why we can’t afford the rich.
7. bad12 7

   25 January 2014 at 9:02 am

   Colin Who???? after months of talking up Colin’s balloon the Herald online has suddenly taken the vows of silence as far as Colin’s Conservatives are concerned, we have to assume i suppose that after months of blowing up the balloon with a torrent of media hype across the television and print media the dismal poll results have resulted in all the media and politicians involved not having the energy to get it up any more,

   Flavor of the day now is Winston Peters and NZFirst, with all 3 political commentators in today’s Herald online devoting all their column inches on the possibility of a NZFirst/National coalition resulting from the 2014 election, we all could b forgiven a brief flash of intuitive fantasy here where we see the editor of the Herald’s door fly open as fresh off of the phone with National HQ, the command is yelled into the news room, NZFirst, i want copy on NZFirst and in unison the hacks intone ‘yes master,’

   Right, not a very up to date flash of intuitive fantasy that one, ‘the commands’ of the editor these days more likely to have been delivered via email,

   Armstrong this morning flies off into the realms of fantasy Himself, speculating wildly that Winston Peters having already tasted the sugar rush of various Cabinet positions might well have to be placated in a coalition deal with National by being made Prime Minister,

   i have for quite some time considered this particular Jonolist to not quite be in control of all His faculties, that’s a speculation that Armstrong Himself seems happy to provide no evidence which would lead anyone to a contrary view…
8. mickysavage 8

   25 January 2014 at 9:05 am

   The charges against Len Brown have been thrown out. Judge Emma Aitken had ruled that since McCready did not get the Attorney General’s permission there was no authority to start the prosecution. Under section 106 of the Crimes Act 1961 prior permission is required.

   Will this be the end of the matter?

   http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/234187/court-throws-out-brown-prosecution
   • bad12 8.1

     25 January 2014 at 9:48 am

     Apparently not MickySavage, the Court refused to proceed with this case because for a allegation of ‘corruption’ to proceed the, (ahaha i have forgotten the actual Title, Help!!!),damn this is going to make the comment messy, whats Findlayson’s position???,

     Anyway for an allegation of corruption to proceed someone ‘on high’ has to give permission, a little legal nicety that Graham Mac seemed to have missed befor filing this prosecution,

     This of course begs the question, the law favoring the rich and powerful???, a point could be made here that the judicial system in cases of at least ‘corruption’ is then open to political interference if in fact the permission has to be sought from the likes of Findlayson,

     In general this is just the first little fish hook that has derailed Graham Mac and the upcoming Banks trial will reveal a few more of them to Him as will this case He is attempting against Len Brown if it gets the go ahead to proceed to court,

     Being able to read the relevant ACT surrounding an alleged crime is only a small part of the ‘game’ of justice, having the dough to hire the smartest legal eagle having a big part of deciding the winner or loser,

     i think Graham Mac is a bit out of His depth and i also think He knows it…
     • bad12 8.1.1

       25 January 2014 at 10:09 am

       Lolz, should have read the link befor my fingers got to feverishly typing, to proceed with the Len Brown case Graham Mac must seek the permission of the Attorney General,(which He has indicated He will do)…
       • dv 8.1.1.1

         25 January 2014 at 10:41 am

         But it is an odd oversight seeing he has already been successful re Banks, in which he will have had to get the permission of the AG
         (May be he didn’t write it in the correct form as per Findlaysons needs)
         • mickysavage 8.1.1.1.1

           25 January 2014 at 11:34 am

           A charge of corruption needs AG approval, a charge of filing a false electoral return does not.
           • dv 8.1.1.1.1.1

             25 January 2014 at 11:40 am

             Oops, ok Mickey
         • bad12 8.1.1.1.2

           25 January 2014 at 4:16 pm

           i think that Graham Mac was successful with the Banks prosecution because the Judge had direct evidence from both SkyCity and Dotcom over the events surrounding the ‘donations’, and, if my memory serves me right Banks chose at the hearing not to produce any evidence to refute that evidence…
     • Penny Bright 8.1.2

       25 January 2014 at 2:30 pm

       Shortly I will provide a link to Graham McCready’s legal documents, and my affidavit in support, and you will be able to read it for yourselves.

       [As these documents have not (yet) been filed, this is not subjudice.]

       Personally, I think he’s done a great job.

       Penny Bright
       • bad12 8.1.2.1

         25 January 2014 at 3:53 pm

         Penny Bright, do you have direct knowledge that SkyCity gave ‘anything’ to Len Brown as any form of ‘payment’ for Brown supporting the convention center,

         We are all entitled to think that free rooms and convention center support looks a bit dodgy, and it does, but, i thunk it therefore it is, or, i have attended a number of international conventions on identifying corruption is not Evidence a judge would find sufficient to convict Brown of anything,

         If you cannot provide evidence from the SkyCity employee who authorized or gave the free or upgraded rooms to Brown on the basis that this was payment for Browns support of the convention center, and just as importantly, that Brown knew that the freebies and upgrades were being given specifically for the support Brown gave to the convention center then you have No Evidence a judge will find sufficient to convict Brown of anything,

         The above paragraph is in fact the test applied by the Court to the Phillip field case which only succeeded because those who gave their their free labour to Field gave evidence that both they and Field ‘Knew’ why they were providing such labour for free…
   • Penny Bright 8.2

     25 January 2014 at 2:26 pm

     Nope.

     More later …………..

     Penny Bright
9. Bill 9

   25 January 2014 at 9:28 am

   Really like the wee addition to the front of today’s open mike. 😉 Nice thinking, whoever did it. If you haven’t noticed it yet, scroll up, be there and bring others along.
   • Colonial Viper 9.1

     25 January 2014 at 9:29 am

     Ha! 😀
   • Pasupial 9.2

     25 January 2014 at 9:48 am

     Bill

     I’d thought it was you; after the number-jumbling retroactive comment yesterday. It looks like a nice sunny day for once too.
   • mickysavage 9.3

     25 January 2014 at 10:05 am

     Twas me. I thought the occasional variation would be a good thing and that Dunedin’s Standardistas’ efforts should be recognised.
     • Bill 9.3.1

       25 January 2014 at 10:12 am

       Then, thankyou ms. 🙂

       (And now to get me skates on – living so far from town with a somewhat sporadic bus service is (yawn) tedious.)
     • Colonial Viper 9.3.2

       25 January 2014 at 10:30 am

       +1
10. bad12 10

    25 January 2014 at 10:03 am

    A gem of what looks like actual information from this mornings Herald online, it appears that Winston ”any program from government directed solely at Maori is separatism” Peters has met at least once with the Mana Party leader Hone Harawira to discuss the alarming rates of prostate cancer among Maori men,(some might call it an epidemic),

    i have to wonder if Winston seeking out Hone on this issue is simply one of gathering support for a screening program for Maori men in particular, or, is Peters being cunning/dishonest here perhaps seeking the help of the Mana Party to front this issue while allowing Him,(Peters),to still push the ‘separatist’ line when it comes to other programs directed at Maori…
11. chris73 11

    25 January 2014 at 10:51 am

    Judging by the threads just recently National have set the cat among the pigeons with it education announcement (and getting the support of the unions)

    They must be doing something right
    • Ron 11.1

      25 January 2014 at 12:03 pm

      According to news item National shouted the heads of various education unions to a freebie trip to Singapore and Hong Kong to study their education systems. Doesn’t take much to get union leaders on side does it. If I was a teacher/principal I would be looking for new heads of my union.
      • chris73 11.1.1

        25 January 2014 at 12:06 pm

        John Keys a smart guy
        • bad12 11.1.1.1

          25 January 2014 at 12:13 pm

          One man’s ‘smart guy’ is another’s ‘corrupt a/hole’…
          • chris73 11.1.1.1.1

            25 January 2014 at 12:18 pm

            The ends justifies the means
            • Tim 11.1.1.1.1.1

              25 January 2014 at 5:06 pm

              ….. said the deluded, protesting his innocence as he was about to meet his end.
              They do put themselves out there though aye C73, then squeal like stuffed pigs when it looks like its all turning to shit.

              (no doubt some algorithm has just kicked in – either technical, or in the mind of some jack-booted philistine)

              (Btw…. Finlayson’s just gorjiss in black and leather aye!)
              • North …

                25 January 2014 at 10:31 pm

                Then what did Naida Glavish, president is she of the Maori Party, say just yesterday ? We won’t talk to Hone because he won’t deal with National. WTF x 20 ???

                Seems like Naida, the fine person from the toll exchange “Kia Ora” days has completely forgotten those days. Just look at what the KMP (Kupapa Maori Party) and ShonKey Python does to peoples’ heads ! Terrible it is. Ne’er mind. Their deserved extinction looms. No worries.
        • blue leopard (Get Lost GCSB Bill) 11.1.1.2

          25 January 2014 at 12:21 pm

          @ Chris73

          It is not smart to continue pushing for the short-term interests of a few at the expense of many – this ideology continually shows itself to be a catastrophic failure – and any person stating that is a smart thing to do needs to take off their blinkers and start seeing what is going on and thinking clearly.

          The system that you are advantaged by, Chris73, will collapse entirely if your type of blinkered ‘thinking’ is persisted in.
          • chris73 11.1.1.2.1

            25 January 2014 at 12:32 pm

            I just think its amusing that the unions are supportive of this and its the Greens and Labour that are against it which will bite them in the backside because parents especially swing voters will support it as well
            • blue leopard (Get Lost GCSB Bill) 11.1.1.2.1.1

              25 January 2014 at 12:38 pm

              You omit to address the point I made Chris73. If you persist in ‘living in fantasy land’ your advantages will be lost.
            • Anne 11.1.1.2.1.2

              25 January 2014 at 8:34 pm

              The union leaders in their unedifying haste have shown some support for yet another step along the pathway of privatised education, but they seem to have gone a bit quiet. Could it be that many of their members have bawled them out for being thick headed fools? Or worse…
12. chris73 12

    25 January 2014 at 11:09 am

    https://www.labour.org.nz/media/education-announcement-underwhelming

    And Cunliffes answer is “we’ll do the same but more”
    • Zorr 12.1

      25 January 2014 at 12:12 pm

      Oh… did I miss Cunliffe’s State of the Nation speech?

      Oh wait… today appears to be Saturday and Monday is another 2 days away.
      Also, I don’t get how reading that makes you think Cunliffe is going to say the same shite as Dunnokeyo? It looks like he is setting himself up to have education as one of the planks in a central announcement of combating poverty as a primary cause of national concerns such as poor student achievement.
      • chris73 12.1.1

        25 January 2014 at 12:20 pm

        and all the voters will think is hes hobbled it together hastily to counter John Key
13. adam 13

    25 January 2014 at 11:13 am

    for the free thinking types

    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=750757224935258&set=a.115969958413991.17486.114517875225866&type=1&relevant_count=1
    • Zorr 13.1

      25 January 2014 at 12:12 pm

      Love it
14. adam 14

    25 January 2014 at 11:26 am

    This is good for seeing who moved money offshore.

    Training video is here

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHmiomMNfLQ&feature=youtu.be

    access is here

    http://offshoreleaks.icij.org/?utm_source=email&utm_campaign=0114-offshore-announce&utm_medium=publici-email
15. bad12 15

    25 January 2014 at 12:09 pm

    Also from the Herald online, it appears that Slippery and His National Government have so far spent 700 million dollars on buying up property on the proposed route(s) of Roads of No Significance,

    Thanks for the info Granny Herald but that’s what i would call shallow journalism and on a planet far far away named Competent Journalism a major newspaper would have as a matter of course assigned a reporter to trawl through the property records seeking any pattern of previous sales of this particular land involved and looking for political connections of the individual or companies involved in prior sales…
    • Draco T Bastard 15.1

      25 January 2014 at 12:42 pm

      +1
    • alwyn 15.2

      25 January 2014 at 3:06 pm

      Well, you are little bit closer to reality with this number that you usually are with your claims.

      Still not accurate of course, but I guess to think that there is no difference between the $700 million you claim and the $600 million that is the number your source, the Herald says is fairly typical for a Green Party enthusiast. Most of their MPs numbers are much, much further off.

      http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=11191751
      • bad12 15.2.1

        25 January 2014 at 3:59 pm

        Lolz alwyn can i run all my comments past you for fact checking befor i post them, you could correct any spelling mistakes i make while your at it…
        • alwyn 15.2.1.1

          25 January 2014 at 5:59 pm

          Oh, you’re not completely incompetent bad12. You only have two spelling mistakes and three cases where you have used a lower case i instead of an upper case I in that line and a half. You should also put a full stop after alwyn and start a new sentence with a capital C. A new sentence at “you could correct” would also be better English.
          (God I hope I haven’t got any mistakes in this. The second you make remarks like this you screw up.)
          • blue leopard (Get Lost GCSB Bill) 15.2.1.1.1

            25 January 2014 at 6:27 pm

            Yep you are correct there, Alwyn:

            It should be: “…you have used a lower case ‘i’ instead of an upper case ‘I’ in that line and a half.”

            And your name should start with a capital.

            [Now it’s my turn… 🙂 ]
            • alwyn 15.2.1.1.1.1

              25 January 2014 at 8:24 pm

              Damn. God wasn’t looking out for me. Yes it should be ‘i’ and ‘I’.

              No, of course he shouldn’t have used a capital letter for alwyn. If I choose to use a lower case letter he should do so whan he is typing my pseudonym. To do otherwise would be an error on his part.

              You could rightly object if I chose to call you BluLeopard etc couldn’t you?
              e e cummings would agree with me.
              • blue leopard (Get Lost GCSB Bill) …

                25 January 2014 at 8:40 pm

                I think you will find it is Blue Leopard – interesting re the non-capital pseudonym though, – I have usually capitalized all names out of some type of [perhaps] misguided respect – but that is a good point – in fact the only good point you’ve made all day – well done you! 😀
                • alwyn …

                  25 January 2014 at 9:12 pm

                  Of course it is! why do you think I left off the “e”, capitalised it, and ran the words together?
                  They are all mistakes because you choose to use “blue leopard (Get Lost GCSB Bill)” and, although I wish it wasn’t quite so long, I should use it the way you enter it if I am going to refer to you.

                  On the other hand I have seen many, many variations of Lanthanide, all by him/her so I don’t worry to much about not using the version used for any particular comment.
                  It is an element name of course, so perhaps the person concerned should pay proper respect to the official name “Lanthanide”?
                  • blue leopard (Get Lost GCSB Bill) …

                    26 January 2014 at 1:51 pm

                    When that bill is reversed I will change back to ‘blue leopard’ – and the sooner that occurs the better -I added it as a reminder not to let that bill get forgotten about (for myself and others) !

                    I don’t care if people shorten my pseudonym or spell it with capitals

                    It is amusing re spelling one’s own name incorrectly though!
          • bad12 15.2.1.1.2

            25 January 2014 at 6:27 pm

            Pffft, talk about pedantic, and if you think i would bother looking for any mistake in your script you must be as loose upstairs as i believe you to be,

            If it’s readable, including anyone’s comments, then it’s alright with me…
            • alwyn 15.2.1.1.2.1

              25 January 2014 at 8:28 pm

              Oh, but I thought you were offering me a job, and would pay me for picking up your errors?
              After all, you asked me if I would do it. At a dollar an error I thought I might make quite a nice piece of pocket money.

              Meanwhile, back to the battle.
16. Te Reo Putake 16

    25 January 2014 at 12:25 pm

    More desperation from Dunnokeyo:

    During a stopover in Feilding, on his way to the annual political power meet in Ratana yesterday, Mr Key questioned Mr Lees-Galloway’s aptitude, saying he walked into a seat made safe by former Palmerston North MPs such as Steve Maharey.

    “He’s largely been a beneficiary of the fact that it’s been a Labour stronghold rather than [him being] an outstanding performer in Parliament,” Mr Key said.

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/9649902/Prime-Minister-takes-aim-at-MPs-performance

    Funny that. When John Banks asked Key what the chances of winning Palmy were during the infamous Epsom cuppa, he replied that Lees Galloway “bloody worked hard last time…he knocked on a lot of doors for a year, so I’d be surprised…”.

    Just for the record, Iain not only won, he substantially increased his majority and as one of the organisers of DC’s successful campaign, he has been promoted to a whip’s role, which I’m told he’s performing well in. National have also jumped on the ILG bandwagon in parliament, nicking policies he’s promoted around cigarette advertising and drunk driving.

    National’s underwhelming response is to put up newbie backbench list MP Joanne Hayes as their candidate in Palmy. No, I’d never heard of her, either. Pffft.
    • newsense 16.1

      25 January 2014 at 7:55 pm

      Funny that. When John Banks asked Key what the chances of winning Palmy were during the infamous Epsom cuppa, he replied that Lees Galloway “bloody worked hard last time…he knocked on a lot of doors for a year, so I’d be surprised…”.

      really? brilliant. Pity none of the journalists managed to dig that up yet.
      • alwyn 16.1.1

        25 January 2014 at 11:42 pm

        Pray, what is the point of this remark?

        It appears to be saying that Lees-Galloway worked very hard to get elected in 2008.
        After all the Epsom cuppa was before the 2011 election and therefore “worked bloody hard LAST time” had to be referring to 2008.

        Now, talking about the 2014 election, Key thimks they have a good chance of winning Palmerston North. All he is saying therefore is that after two full terms the public are going to decide they have had enough of someone who has done very little since he was first elected.

        That certainly seems long enough to put up with a pretty useless MP doesn’t it?
17. North 17

    25 January 2014 at 2:15 pm

    Is there a starker example of the emperor with no clothes whistling in the dark ?

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/9649902/Prime-Minister-takes-aim-at-MPs-performance
18. Penny Bright 18

    25 January 2014 at 2:33 pm

    FYI

    24 January 2014 (Sent 3.57pm)

    ‘Open Letter’ – Application for ‘speaking rights’ at the Auckland Council Governing Body meeting to be held on Thursday 30 January 2014, 9.30am Auckland Town Hall.

    Dear Elaine,

    My subject matter will briefly cover:

    WHY WAS ‘DUE PROCESS’ AS OUTLINED IN THE AUCKLAND COUNCIL ‘CODE OF CONDUCT’ (s8 ‘COMPLIANCE’) NOT FOLLOWED?

    Given that Section 8 of the Auckland Council ‘Code of Conduct’, clearly outlines the process to be followed when there are allegations of ‘statutory’ (or ‘non-statutory’ breaches) thereof – why wasn’t it?

    Why was an independent ‘Conduct Review Independent Panel’ not constituted by the Auckland Council Governing Body, based upon their selection of suitably qualified persons, ‘with appropriate skills and knowledge, recommended by the Chief Executive’?

    “8.5. Conduct Review Independent Panel

    The governing body shall constitute a Conduct Review Independent Panel. The members of the Panel will be selected from a list of persons with appropriate skills and knowledge, to be recommended by the Chief Executive. …. ”

    Upon what lawful basis did the (former) CEO, Doug McKay, chose NOT to follow this ‘due process’, but effectively made up his own process and arguably ‘picked his own people’ – Ernst and Young?

    http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/SiteCollectionDocuments/aboutcouncil/governingbody/codeofconductelectedmembers.pdf

    ………………………………….
    8.8. Responses to Breaches of the Code

    To avoid doubt, a breach of the Code of Conduct does not constitute an offence under the Local Government Act 2002. The exact nature of the action the governing body/local board may take depends on the nature of the breach and whether there are statutory provisions dealing with the breach.

    Where there are statutory provisions:

    breaches relating to members’ interests may render members liable for prosecution by the Auditor-General under the Local Authority (Members’ Interests) Act 1968;breaches which result in the Council suffering financial loss or damage may be reported on by the Auditor-General under the Local Government Act 2002, which may result in the member having to make good the loss or damage;breaches relating to the commission of a criminal offence may leave the elected member liable for criminal prosecution.

    In these cases the governing body or local board may refer an issue to the relevant body, any member of the public may make a complaint to that body, or the Auditor-General or Police may take action of their own initiative.

    Where there are no statutory provisions, the governing body or local board may take the following action:

    censure;
    removal of the elected member from representative type bodies;
    dismissal of the elected member from a position as Chair or Deputy Chair of a committee.
    A decision to apply one or more of these actions requires a resolution to that effect.
    _____________________________________________________________________________

    Penny Bright
    _____________________________________________________________________________

    (Reply received 4.06pm 24 January 2014)

    Dear Penny

    Confirming that I have received your request to speak in public input at the 30 January 2013 Governing Body meeting on the issues outlined in your email below.

    I will progress this and respond further on Tuesday to advise you on the outcome of your request.

    Regards
    Elaine Stephenson | Democracy Advisor |
    Governance Support I Democracy Services
    _____________________________________________________________________________

    Will Mayor Len Brown, as Chair of the Auckland Council Governing Body, grant me speaking rights?

    Upon what lawful basis can he try to decline this application?

    The Auckland Council Governing Body meeting, to be held Thursday, 30 January 2014 at 9.30am, at the Auckland Town Hall, should be FASCINATING……..

    Penny Bright
    • bad12 18.1

      25 January 2014 at 4:06 pm

      Lolz, probably not Penny Bright, i doubt because your a pain in the butt will be Len’s ‘lawful basis’ for denying your application, but, He will probably be thinking just that while He consults the book of 1001 ways to get the overly fervent off your back for a convenient lawful basis…
      • Penny Bright 18.1.1

        25 January 2014 at 6:37 pm

        Denying me speaking rights on this matter will simply pour petrol on the fire …….

        There are a number of ‘conflicts of interest’ in the (unlawful?) appointment of Ernst and Young to do this ‘inquiry’, which, in my opinion, effectively helped to shield Mayor Len Brown from prosecution for alleged criminal offending.

        Who did Mayor Len Brown commission to do a (favourable) report on Public Private Partnerships (PPPs)?

        Oh – that’s right.

        Ernst and Young.

        http://media.nzherald.co.nz/webcontent/document/pdf/201348/PPPStudyForAttachmen1.pdf

        Penny Bright
        • bad12 18.1.1.1

          25 January 2014 at 6:59 pm

          Penny Bright, Cameron Brewer must simply adore your provision of ammunition to Him and the right wing cabal on the Auckland Council…
          • Penny Bright 18.1.1.1.1

            25 January 2014 at 10:44 pm

            I’ll say it again for the 30,000th time – it’s no longer ‘left’ vs ‘right’ and hasn’t been for the last 30 years since the 1984-87 Labour Government introduced the neo-liberal ‘Rogernomics reforms’.

            In my opinion, it’s the corporate minority vs the public majority (1% vs 99% – as it were), which is why I was so involved in the Occupy Auckland movement.

            In my opinion, those who REALLY run the Auckland region (the unelected Committee for Auckland), much prefer the smiley faces and more personable approaches of those who pretend to serve the community and public interest, because the public tend to trust them more than the nasty, openly divisive ones (like John Banks).

            Yep – I’m sure Cameron Brewer and the ‘right wing cabal’ would have loved it when some of us managed to help get John Banks committed to trial for electoral fraud?

            Sorry that the FACTS are not to your liking ‘bad12’ – but your disapproval isn’t going to stop my ‘blowing the whistle’ and telling the truth.

            I don’t expect some of you to like it.

            So be it.

            Penny Bright
            • bad12 18.1.1.1.1.1

              26 January 2014 at 8:38 am

              Well said Penny Bright and i do not disagree with much of what you post here in this ‘comment’ one of few i have seen from you explaining your position and actions as apposed to the usual overly-long dump of ‘stuff’ that is a ‘turn-off’ to wade through,

              While i am on the one hand happy to see Len Brown being made accountable for His actions i do have some disquiet about how far the attempts at seeking this accountability will push the average Auckland head toward the right when it comes to voter choices,

              i do point out above why i believe the current attempt at prosecuting Brown will not succeed and have to point out that i believe that any alternative to Brown voted into the Mayoral position would in fact be a far far worse for the people and the City of Auckland thus the attempts at unseating Len can be seen as attempts to speed up the time where Auckland will find itself with a Mayor of the caliber of a Palino,Brewer, or, Hide,

              i beg to differ on your, there is no left or right, and, hope to see you debate this point further,(how bout a guest post on the subject Penny Bright???), but, the 99% against the 1%???, nah sorry although i ‘see’ the point vis a vis who holds the wealth the 1%, unless you consider all votes to be rigged, are voted into positions of power,(those that represent them in plain English), which ‘more or less’ requires some form of majority,

              i will lastly in a ‘me too me too’ claim to have had a hand in the placing of John Banks befor the High Court for trial, my small contribution was a matter of putting my money where my mouth is, not being a resident of Auckland,

              i tho see a stark difference in the politics of John Banks when compared against those of Len Brown, it’s a pity that you fail to differentiate…
19. Colonial Viper 19

    25 January 2014 at 4:10 pm

    Gathering in Dunedin went well 🙂
    • geoff 19.1

      25 January 2014 at 5:24 pm

      How many attended?
      • Colonial Viper 19.1.1

        25 January 2014 at 8:34 pm

        Fewer than several dozen 🙂
        • karol 19.1.1.1

          25 January 2014 at 8:39 pm

          🙂
    • NZ Femme 19.2

      25 January 2014 at 5:34 pm

      Sorry not to have been able to make it today; got called in to do a shift to cover for a sick work mate. Will be here until 10.00pm. Ughhh. Will definitely be there next week though.
      • Colonial Viper 19.2.1

        25 January 2014 at 5:56 pm

        We missed you! See you next week.
20. blue leopard (Get Lost GCSB Bill) 20

    25 January 2014 at 6:35 pm

    I just came across these ‘Top 10 Media Manipulation Strategies’ and am sharing the link for anyone who hasn’t seen them and is interested.

    Strangely enough they sound familiar.
21. Anne 21

    25 January 2014 at 7:02 pm

    I don’t know whether anyone has already mentioned it, but there was a fascinating interview with Professor of Culture and Economy at Loughborough University, England, Graham Murdock on Kim Hill’s show this morning. The subject matter: The problems of surveillance by governments and corporations. It’s a shocking eye opener!

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/player/2583455

    He emphasises ” the privatisation of public sector information on people”. Something we have reason to be very concerned about here in NZ under this government.
    • newsense 21.1

      25 January 2014 at 7:59 pm

      there was an article in the business papers about the likely success of a software company working in surveillance
22. freedom 22

    25 January 2014 at 7:04 pm

    from the ‘rugs are for sweeping things under’ file:
    http://laudafinem.com/2014/01/23/like-father-like-son-the-story-of-another-of-new-zealands-unwarranted-politically-wangled-name-suppressions/

    if true, it kinda stinks
23. ropata 23

    25 January 2014 at 7:35 pm

    NZ beaten by Australia in Oxfam’s global food index

    NZ is only 23rd in the world for a plentiful, nutritious, healthy and affordable diet according to new Oxfam report. detailed data here

    1: Netherlands
    2: Switzerland
    3: France
    4= Belgium, Austria, Sweden, Denmark
    8= Australia, Luxembourg, Portugal, Italy, Ireland
    13= Iceland, Cyprus, Finland, Norway, United Kingdom, Germany, Greece, Spain
    21= Japan, USA
    23= New Zealand, Israel

    NZ is also 23rd worst for diabetes and obesity, hooray …
24. newsense 24

    25 January 2014 at 9:17 pm

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=11191707

    The Herald says that because Len Brown refused to stand down when they told him to he is now fatally comprimised and can’t adovacte for proper public transpo rt for Auckland. Farken hogwash.
25. newsense 25

    25 January 2014 at 9:23 pm

    Also this from Fraaaan:

    Typically, Cunliffe qualified his new public support for oil and gas exploration by saying Labour will look at the Norwegian model for regulating the oil and gas industry, including stronger environmental safeguards and steeper taxes. The industry can wear this. It is, after all, in their own commercial interests to ensure they do not have major spills.

    In many respects it is like Cunliffe’s qualified support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Not against the TPP, but wanting to see the fine print to ensure New Zealand’s national interests are looked after in the final deal.

    yes. wanting to see NZ’s interests looked after before signing off one something is the rational thing to do…

    I can’t figure out why we haven’t heard anything about all the things Gordon Campbell writes about:

    this among other columns
    http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2014/01/15/gordon-campbell-on-the-lack-of-incentives-for-anadarko/
    • floyd 25.1

      26 January 2014 at 6:53 pm

      Ooerr. Fancy wanting to see the fine print to ensure Nzs national interests are looked after in the final deal.
26. joe90 26

    25 January 2014 at 10:40 pm

    Live stream of the Ukraine protests.

    http://www.ustream.tv/channel/euromajdan/pop-out

    http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2014/01/24/this-is-the-one-map-you-need-to-understand-ukraines-crisis/
    • joe90 26.1

      26 January 2014 at 12:13 am

      How long before Putin rolls out the T20’s.

      As of this morning #Euromaidan in control over 8 Ukraine’s provincial governments, 1 local parliament pic.twitter.com/BQbS2p8CmX

      https://twitter.com/MaximEristavi/statuses/427009407948304384

      Another live feed too.

      http://www.youtube.com/embed/sE-j_IwxkNM
27. North 27

    25 January 2014 at 11:03 pm

    The arsehole’s after the pimply Religious Right now…….

    http://news.msn.co.nz/article.aspx?id=8789183

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