Take the oil!

Written By: - Date published: 6:23 pm, January 28th, 2019 - 87 comments
Categories: uncategorized - Tags: , , ,

Before he was elected President, Donald Trump’s approach to United States illegal attacks on Iraq and Libya was that their only mistake was that the US didn’t “take the oil.”

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWTCB0ueqXk]

After becoming President, his approach to oil-rich Venezuela was “can’t we just invade them?” Persuaded out of that course by the “adult” advisers Rex Tillotson and HR McMaster, Venezuela is once again in the firing line. It holds the largest proven oil stock in the world.

Rania Khalek provides an excellent overview,  antidote to the sort of stuff we are fed by the BBC and others. The standard first step to regime change is to foment internal division.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQBpHwJczRg?feature=youtu]

There’s been a lot of talk from the US, Uk, Australia and Canada about the “rules-based order” we are supposed to subscribe to. International law doesn’t seem to be one of the rules involved.

I am very glad that New Zealand does follow those rules, and is not joining the latest “coalition of the willing” in an illegal regime change coup to ‘take the oil.’

Update: John Bolton confirms its about the oil.

87 comments on “Take the oil! ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Siobhan 1
    28 January 2019 at 6:39 pm

    I’m still trying to get my head around how ‘the West’ is able to simply bring about regime change by deciding who they think should be a countries leader,. Has this ever happened before? Or is Nicolás Maduro so beyond the pale, worse than any other leader of any country ever that we need to make this ‘executive’ decision?
    It seems like a whole new level of ‘Introducing Democracy’ at it scariest. I’m waiting for the “coalition of the willing” to decide Trump and The Russians stole the election and just deal with Hilary. Ah, but then maybe not, because ‘we’ seem to think Trump is very wise and reasonable and able to take the lead on this issue, plus, you know, he’s also a fan of privatization so he’s not really‘The Enemy’

    https://grayzoneproject.com/2019/01/25/venezuela-us-coup-leader-juan-guaido-state-oil-company-imf/

    • Gabby 1.1
      28 January 2019 at 7:08 pm

      Humble beginnings but yanker education. Wonder if he moonlighted in ‘security’ work while in yankistan.

    • DJ Ward 1.2
      28 January 2019 at 7:34 pm

      But that’s not true. Tens of thousands marched in protest resulting in the Guarido declaring himself leader, then Trump supported his cliam.

      Trump didn’t organise the people to come together on mass to get rid of Meduro. Trump didn’t announce Guarido leader for him to then declare himself interim leader.

      How could have Trump organised that. Maduro has imprisoned the media and the Internet hardly works if at all. This is a self generated regime change.

      Not surprising.

      Maduro helps the poor?
      Reduced minimum wage by 90%
      Nearly tripled unemployment.
      Next to no healthcare.
      Restricted petrol supplies, subsidised at 1/50 of cost.
      Introduced tolls.
      Closed boarders to trade and movement.
      Nationalised supermarkets.
      Forced fire sales of electronics, halting the market.
      Import costs and regulation triple goods prices.
      Introduced ID cards system for food that failed.
      Railway system failing due to unpaid bills.
      Huge government spending on propaganda.
      Imprisoned opposition media.
      Imported large amounts of military equipment while children starved. To control protesters.

      • Adrian Thornton 1.2.1
        28 January 2019 at 8:15 pm

        Here is one for our resident Trump/CIA/IMF puppet DJ Ward…

        Confirming US Orchestration, Report Details Pence’s Key Phone Call to Venezuelan Opposition Leader
        “The U.S. had been planning this coup in Venezuela. It was the Trump administration that told the little-known opposition leader Juan Guaidó to declare himself (unelected) ‘president.'”

        https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/01/25/confirming-us-orchestration-report-details-pences-key-phone-call-venezuelan

        Oh and by the way who do you think Juan Guaidó is talking to for funding his Right wing paradise…The IMF of course.

        Venezuela’s US-Backed Coup Leader Immediately Targets State Oil Company and Requests IMF Money
        https://consortiumnews.com/2019/01/25/venezuelas-us-backed-coup-leader-immediately-targets-state-oil-company-and-requests-imf-money/

        • DJ Ward 1.2.1.1
          28 January 2019 at 9:24 pm

          I’m nobody’s puppet so some opinions.
          IMF. Many nations in desperate need have been rescued by the IMF. The unavoidable offset is the increase in debt or behavour change. So they act as a necessary evil.
          CIA. An entity with a long history of acts that deserve prison terms for the people involved. Not much different to its equivalents like the French, Russians, Isreali. They also do good work with organised international crime. So we hear the bad but the vast amount of legitimate stuff doesn’t get news. So they act as a necessary evil.
          Trump is brilliant. It’s hard dealing with corrupt Dems living in a swamp.

          As for the oil company. What do you expect him to do. The company looses $12.5 billion dollars a year. Production has dropped 13%. It needs investment but the nation is nearly bankrupt. It brings foreign exchange but is so badly run and politically manipulated that it’s presently a disaster. As long as ownership remains with Venuzuela what’s the issue. He seems to be looking for investment in infastructure. Which after years of socialism and negligable investment needs help.

          Imagine if NZ was oil rich but the taxpayer had to pay $12.5 billion each year to keep it running.

          • Adrian Thornton 1.2.1.1.1
            28 January 2019 at 10:36 pm

            My first thought was that I was going to put together an informed rebuttal with supporting neutral links to your crazed and quite twisted depressing world view, then a second thought occurred to me…why bother? going with that second one, good night.

            • Gosman 1.2.1.1.1.1
              29 January 2019 at 8:47 am

              “neutral links ”

              LOL!

              • Adrian Thornton …
                29 January 2019 at 9:04 am

                True neutral might be a bit of an exaggeration , as the great historian Howard Zinn stated “You can’t be neutral on a moving train”
                So I will rephrase that, neutral as in nonprofit news outlets/reporters generally funded by many small donations from individual citizens in the countries concerned as opposed to the links you will provide that would often be either purely for profit new sources or news outlets that are funded directly or indirectly by arms of government or international corporations/their proxies or wealthy individuals/families…so if we are talking about what information is more in the interests of most citizens, I would say one funded by them directly would be….don’t you think?

                • Gosman …
                  29 January 2019 at 9:05 am

                  You mean news organisations that support your preconceived bias on the World.

                  • Morrissey …
                    29 January 2019 at 9:20 am

                    Go away, troll. It’s clear to everyone here that you have read neither seriously nor at length about politics or history or probably anything else for that matter.

                    You’d be ideal as a host at Radio Sport. Have you approached them? They used to have a bloke called Bill Francis, who made a point of hiring “non experts” and “know nothings” like Martin Devlin and Larry Williams because he reckoned the mouth-breathers who listened in could identify with them.

                    Please apply for a job there. But don’t keep on polluting this site.

                    https://morrisseybreen.blogspot.com/2018/01/daisycutter-sports-world-cup-special.html

                    https://morrisseybreen.blogspot.com/2018/01/daisycutter-sports-rugby-world-cup.html

                    • Gosman …
                      29 January 2019 at 9:48 am

                      You are so smart Morrissey. Just a pity that even fellow left wingers tend to disagree with your take on various topics such as Venezuela.

                    • Andre …
                      29 January 2019 at 9:52 am

                      How about you spare us your public self-pleasuring?

                      There really is an argument about how much of Venezuela’s current distress is due to Chavez/Maduro screwing up and how much is due to US and other western meddling.

                      Gosman actually is arguing the case to sheet it home to Chavez and Maduro.

                      Almost everything you’re contributing is pointless abuse and linking back to your own wankery.

                      Frankly if the mods do get involved, I’m hoping it’s going to be a swat the mozzie instead of cooking the goose.

                    • Morrissey …
                      29 January 2019 at 1:26 pm

                      There really is an argument about how much of Venezuela’s current distress is due to Chavez/Maduro screwing up and how much is due to US and other western meddling.

                      Of course there is. Like any government, the democratically elected government of Venezuela has made some terrible errors. Does that mean it should not quell a violent insurrection instigated and funded by the extreme right?

                      Gosman actually is arguing the case to sheet it home to Chavez and Maduro.

                      If in fact that was what Gosman was doing, I would have no problem. But he, like you and several other so-called “liberals” here have gone far, far beyond that, and echoed the harsh and violent rhetoric of Trump, Bolton, Pompeo, and Abrams in calling for the democratically elected government to be overthrown.

                      I’ll skip the rest of your pedestrian exercise in abuse.

                  • rata …
                    29 January 2019 at 11:23 am

                    Your lucky Gosman as the NZ news media has been
                    right wing for the last 150 years.
                    Reading and hearing right wing all day all night
                    all your life must be heaven.
                    It has made you impervious to any other point of view.
                    The NZ news media has been so dependent on money
                    it has had to always favour the right who have the most money.
                    Like listening to the Nazi party in the 1930’s Germany.
                    Terrible for the Jews great for the rest.

                • Gosman …
                  29 January 2019 at 9:07 am

                  It is incredibly difficult to determine if these “citizen” news agencies are composed of a representative selection of society or just a bunch of fringe nutters obsessed with wacky conspiracy theories or far left or right politics.

                  • Adrian Thornton …
                    29 January 2019 at 9:29 am

                    I don’t find that very difficult at all, read a story, follow their links and sources…are their links and sources credible?
                    Who are they asking for opinion to support their positions are they credible? what is their history?
                    What has the person who has written the piece you are reading done before, who did they write for previously etc..
                    It is pretty straight forward, every now and then you get caught out, but that is good, it just makes you more vigilant to check credibility in the future.

                    Once you have established the credibility of a news source and the writers you like, then of course you don’t have to check their shit all the time because you have done your home work and can be pretty sure that they are legit.

                    Maybe you should try this method?
                    But I know you won’t, because as you well know, all your sources will expose your views as being as compromised and flimsy as we all know they are already.

                  • Adrian Thornton …
                    29 January 2019 at 10:11 am

                    Media bias
                    Common Dreams;
                    Factual Reporting: HIGH
                    Overall, Common Dreams produces solid journalism and sources their information well. The only fault is they sometimes source other to far left sources rather more neutral ones.

                    So in other words Common dreams is a reliable news source that gets it’s fact right but has a left lean.

                    Anyway I have had enough of this, but now going forward, how about when you comment on this site you start putting up your supporting links instead of all the time just spouting off shit.

                  • Adrian Thornton …
                    29 January 2019 at 10:32 am

                    Enough already, you just put up links to your sources that confirm and/or establish the credibility of your views in future.

                  • Blazer …
                    29 January 2019 at 12:49 pm

                    https://youtu.be/37Dvt2EqXF4

                    How do you like…dem apples?

          • Ed1 1.2.1.1.2
            29 January 2019 at 2:48 pm

            A company that looses $12.5 billion dollars are year – whether that is by dividends or donations or support for the country – is certainly not costing taxpayers, it is a valuable asset, especially if the country is as you claim nearly bankrupt. What are you talking about?

          • ropata 1.2.1.1.3
            2 February 2019 at 1:13 pm

            Excellent points DJ, but that doesn’t fit the simplistic “US evil empire” narrative that others like to peddle. There are no simple answers to the suffering of the Venezuelan people.

            The Guardian: Life’s a struggle as Venezuela inflation heads for one million per cent

            Organisation of American States denounces Mr Maduro’s election as non-democratic: OAS:: Resolution on the Situation in Venezuela

            Federica Mogherini, EU high commissioner for foreign affairs, calls Maduro’s election non-democratic: Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the situation in Venezuela

            The Lima Group (via DW): Lima Group refuse to recognize Maduro mandate and urge him to revert power to the National Assembly

            It’s not just a CiA plot…

      • rata 1.2.2
        29 January 2019 at 11:17 am

        @DJ Ward
        “Reduced minimum wage by 90%
        Nearly tripled unemployment.
        Next to no healthcare.
        Restricted petrol supplies, subsidised at 1/50 of cost.
        Introduced tolls.
        Closed boarders to trade and movement.
        Nationalised supermarkets.
        Forced fire sales of electronics, halting the market.
        Import costs and regulation triple goods prices.
        Introduced ID cards system for food that failed.
        Railway system failing due to unpaid bills.
        Huge government spending on propaganda.
        Imprisoned opposition media.
        Imported large amounts of military equipment while children starved. ”
        Look the ACT party made mistakes but Roger Douglas and Derek Quigley
        just needed more time.

        • DJ Ward 1.2.2.1
          29 January 2019 at 11:20 am

          Yes it’s one of the ironic things about left wing dictators. They end up being what the left cliam the far right wants.

          • rata 1.2.2.1.1
            29 January 2019 at 11:27 am

            @DJ Ward .Yes it’s one of the ironic things about right wing dictators. They end up being what the right claim the far left wants.

          • Adrian Thornton 1.2.2.1.2
            29 January 2019 at 1:09 pm

            No the real irony of the Right, is they couldn’t manage an national economy to save themselves, their economic ideology is so flawed that even one of it’s modern guru’s admitted himself that it doesn’t work, and he has no idea what human think, or what motivates them…and then the Left wing get voted in and have to clean up all the lack of maintenance, mismanagement, destruction and chaos caused by you Right wing nutters and get the country back on some sort of even keel again…and then comes the most mind numbing irony of all…you idiots blame the Left for spending to much, which is of course parroted verbatim by most corporate/millionaire owned MSM…right wing economics are such a joke.,unfortunately for most people a very bad one.

            I Was Wrong! Alan Greenspan
            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWen53eqmJo

            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJaW32ZTyKE

    • Morrissey 1.3
      28 January 2019 at 8:32 pm

      Has this ever happened before?

      “The West”, i.e. the gangster states of the U.S., U.K. and France, aided and abetted by vassals like Canada, Australia and New Zealand, has actively “intervened in” (destroyed or deterred) democracy in Spain in 1936, Iran in 1953, Guatemala in 1954, Vietnam in 1956, Brazil in 1964, the Dominican Republic in 1965, Indonesia in 1965, Chile in 1973, Grenada in 1983, Panama in 1989, Haiti in 1993, and (for three days until massive civil disobedience defeated the U.S.-backed coup) Venezuela in 2002.

      What we are witnessing now is nothing new. The tortured and murdered people of South America have experienced U.S. “intervention” many, many times before.

      https://twitter.com/AllanNairn14/status/1089032468701753344?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

      • DJ Ward 1.3.1
        28 January 2019 at 9:39 pm

        What crack up. The Dems wanted to give them more guns.

        So what about all the Russian guns. It was the Cold War but your implying it was something else?

        • Morrissey 1.3.1.1
          28 January 2019 at 10:02 pm

          It was the Cold War but your [sic] implying it was something else?

          Your ignorance and arrogance—one goes with the other—are exceeded only by your illiteracy.

    • Richard McGrath 1.4
      3 February 2019 at 1:21 am

      Hillary got in first while Secretary of State, by selling the Ruskies a fair chunk of the US stock of uranium. Apparently Bill did very well out of some speeches he made in Russia just after that.

  2. joe90 2
    28 January 2019 at 6:58 pm

    And things went okay for Nixon too, after he helped overthrow Allende.
    /

    https://twitter.com/joshtpm/status/1089650383075622913

  3. DJ Ward 3
    28 January 2019 at 6:59 pm

    But the US already gets there oil. There has never been a halt to there exports and imports to the US.

  4. Adrian Thornton 4
    28 January 2019 at 7:42 pm

    I put this important link up on another thread, it is good piece on the report by Alfred-Maurice de Zayas, an independent expert of the United Nations on the real situation in Venezuela in 2018…please read.

    http://misionverdad.com/mv-in-english/exclusive-report-summary-of-the-report-by-alfred-de-zayas-independent-expert-of-the-un

    Some interesting passages…

    “Alfred de Zayas noted that his time in
    Venezuela was accompanied by an atmosphere of intimidation aimed at forcing him to settle in “a predetermined mold”. In this context, “I received letters from some NGOs asking me not to continue (with my work) for not being the ‘relevant’ rapporteur and almost dictating what I should include in the report.”

    “risk rating agencies, mainly Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch, have permanently issued a negative rating on the Republic’s capacity to make external payments, which essentially has closed its possibilities of access to the financial market.”

    Venezuela crisis: Former UN rapporteur says US sanctions are killing citizens
    https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/venezuela-us-sanctions-united-nations-oil-pdvsa-a8748201.html

    https://www.democracynow.org/2019/1/24/former_un_expert_the_us_is

  5. timeforacupoftea 5
    28 January 2019 at 8:02 pm

    We should be doing this, New Zealand needs a cheap supply of oil.

    It seems to me the US is streets ahead of us poor pacific islanders.

    • DJ Ward 5.1
      28 January 2019 at 10:01 pm

      Nah. We are still living in the age of exploitation. The bright thing to do is buy other people’s cheap oil. Then in the future when the oil producers have exploited there resources and production nose dives, our resources will be worth a genuine fortune. The problem with that is market forces due to price will embrace alternatives. Like plant derived plastics, electric cars.

      What makes you think our oil will be any cheaper. The market decides the customer and the price. Unless you like Venuzuelas model.

      • Ed1 5.1.1
        29 January 2019 at 3:01 pm

        Well It seems you agree with the current governments decision not to issue new exploration permits at the end of last year, and to potentially not issue any this year either. But it could be even more profitable to do what you appear to support the USA doing – the clip of Bolton above suggested they will try to get USA companies extracting Venezualan oil; left less defined is what would happen to Venezualen companies selling oil products in the USA. Is that the sort of respect for contract and the sanctity of property ownership that you support, DJ Ward?

    • Richard McGrath 5.2
      3 February 2019 at 1:28 am

      Er, our PM hates the oil industry and has shut a lot of their activities down in Taranaki. So won’t be producing any cheap local oil any time soon.

  6. Poission 6
    29 January 2019 at 12:34 am

    us democrats stick oar in.Greens state the obvious.

    https://twitter.com/DrJillStein/status/1088602104946663424

    • Adrian Thornton 6.1
      29 January 2019 at 10:20 am

      @Poission +1
      A very good point from Stein, also exposing just how weak the Dems have left themselves with all their unresolved baggage from the last election…all just waiting to come back and haunt them.

      Because of their internal corruption Trump could well win next time round..unbelievable that some good people on this site still aggressively defend them…strange, very strange.

  7. Michael 7
    29 January 2019 at 4:44 am

    IMHO don’t like trump at all. Especially it refers to his statements. HE looks so unprofessional when he does that.

  8. JO 8
    29 January 2019 at 9:14 am

    This article provides more historical background than the usual, unsurprising supporters of intervention choose to recognise. Oil is like carrion, it attracts vultures. Winston Peters was a sane international voice in saying our government will not take sides.

    Oscar Guardiola-Rivera teaches human rights and philosophy at Birkbeck College, University of London:
    ‘There is plenty to criticise Maduro for: late or misguided economic measures, corruption, power-hoarding. But these criticisms cannot disguise a coup or justify an intervention that, if and when it comes, would engulf us all.’

    https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/jan/28/venezuela-coup-trump-juan-guaido

  9. joe90 9
    29 January 2019 at 9:47 am

    Bolton lets the cat out of the bag – ..and Iran’s interest in Venezuela’s uranium deposits..

  11. rata 11
    29 January 2019 at 11:35 am

    To be fair the USA and New Zealand are very similar.

  12. DJ Ward 12
    29 January 2019 at 1:04 pm

    Re the update.

    Bolton is as psychopathically anti Russian as McCain.

    This is a power play. Meduro, who sells off oil production to the Russians and buys its weapons with the money. Or a pro US person who intends to open things up to competition.

    Who said the Cold War is over.
    Trump anti Russian? Quick close this discussion down.

    https://www.americasquarterly.org/content/russia-beating-china-venezuelas-oil-fields

  13. Kevin 13
    29 January 2019 at 1:10 pm

    Ramping up the pressure.

    Of course the US doesn’t interfere in other countries economies…

    https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jan/28/trump-venezuela-sanctions-oil-pdvsa-maduro-guaido

  14. Gosman 14
    29 January 2019 at 1:48 pm

    A question to all the dendeders of the Venezuelan regime.

    There is a lot of criticism directed against sanctions and the impact of them on the economy but why should Western Capitalists support a regime that is trying to replace Capitalism with Socialism? It would be like expecting Turkey’s to support year round Christmas.

    • Andre 14.1
      29 January 2019 at 2:02 pm

      I’m not a defender of the Venezuelan regime, and at best a luke-warm defender of capitalism.

      What I’m mostly interested in is that people get to exercise their right to self-determination. From what I can see, that right to self determination is getting fucked with by the Maduro regime and by the US government (such as it is at the moment) and by other regional governments and quite possibly by rooskies and other further away powers. I’d be a hell of a lot happier if all the meddlers just fucked right off and let the venezuelans sort things out themselves, except for maybe a modest UN intervention to ensure the will of the population got heard.

      As far as I’m concerned, if the venezuelans as a whole want socialism, we should support them in that even though our dominant structure is capitalism. I really don’t give a shit what economic structure people want to organise themselves by, what I care about is that it’s their choice and not someone else’s.

      • Morrissey 14.1.1
        29 January 2019 at 2:12 pm

        Your views match mine, Andre. So why all the abuse before?

      • Richard McGrath 14.1.2
        3 February 2019 at 1:36 am

        The Venezuelans ARE sorting things out. That nice Mt Maduro just tried to load 20 tons of gold onto a plane that his ever-helpful Russian friends provided. I wonder if he was going to give the people of Venezuela a dividend from all that wealth generated by the fabulously successful socialist economy.

    • DJ Ward 14.2
      29 January 2019 at 2:04 pm

      If we are not carefull the tradition might spread to NZ. The Christmas hams might be happy at the change.

    • Psycho Milt 14.3
      29 January 2019 at 2:04 pm

      Thank you for the implicit recognition that western countries are run by their capitalist ruling classes, and that these capitalists have interests they’re unscrupulous about protecting. It’s very refreshing.

    • McFlock 14.4
      29 January 2019 at 2:30 pm

      wet lunch, was it?

      Anyhoo, nobody says that the US needs to support anyone other than the UN. It would be nice if they stopped trying to destabilise other nations, though, regardless of political or social orientation.

    • Poission 14.5
      29 January 2019 at 2:30 pm

      The argument best postulated is not against capitalism,but against corporatism and finacialization.

      https://ideas.repec.org/p/uma/periwp/wp153.html

      and the anti democratic outcome of globaliztion.

      https://www.globalpolicy.org/globalization/defining-globalization/27669-the-collapse-of-globalism.html

    • Sabine 14.6
      29 January 2019 at 3:09 pm

      It is up to the people of Venezuela to care about Venezuela.

      The rest of the world can but out and care about its own business, about its own poor people, about its own homeless people, its unemployed people, its handicapped people who are neglected, its old people who are neglected, its falling apart and underfunded school etc etc etc.

      As for the US, they are the least to lecture anyone on democracy, democratic principles, democratic elections, democratic anything.

      Expecting the ‘western regimes’ to bring anything good to Venezueal via regime change and the likes is like believing that Turkeys support Thanks giving Day.

      • ropata 14.6.1
        2 February 2019 at 12:41 pm

        Unfortunately the Venezuelan people do *not* get a say in their own government, as Maduro is following the playbook of Robert Mugabe, “Socialist” in name only, while importing arms from Russia, rigging elections, and stealing the nation’s oil revenues for the private profit of himself and his cronies.

        • Sabine 14.6.1.1
          2 February 2019 at 3:06 pm

          and it is still not on us to fuck up their country even further, it is up to the Venezuelans to fix their country.

          The US and ‘allies’ should keep their grubby fingers of that country and its resources.

  15. Ad 15
    29 January 2019 at 2:31 pm

    Here’s a nice ready-reckoner on how United States oil dependence has continued to shape its foreign policy.

    https://www.cfr.org/timeline/oil-dependence-and-us-foreign-policy

  16. Sabine 16
    29 January 2019 at 3:11 pm

    Of course it is about hte oil.
    Did anyone here believe it is about the people and democracy?

    As for the orange turd, he showed and he spoke very clearly who he is, what he is about, and how he would go about getting what he wants.
    Might it be time to believe the turd and his spoken work and his written word and his actions? Or would that interfere with daytime dreaming about stuff that could be if only …………?

  17. Poission 17
    29 January 2019 at 3:22 pm

    From the couldnt make this stuff up file .Bolton takes pad with OPSEC troop movements to press conference.

    https://twitter.com/RaoKomar747/status/1090005450492465152

  18. Dennis Frank 18
    29 January 2019 at 5:08 pm

    “The Trump administration sanctions stopped short of banning U.S. companies from buying Venezuelan oil, but because the proceeds of such sales will be put in a “blocked account,” PDVSA [Venezuelan state-owned oil firm] is likely to quickly stop shipping much crude to the United States, its top client.” https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-usa-sanctions/u-s-imposes-sanctions-on-venezuelan-state-oil-firm-pdvsa-idUSKCN1PM2DP

    So the USA has finally deleted itself from its long-held status as Venezuela’s favourite trading partner. Poor Maduro will have no choice but to sell more product to the Russians & Chinese. Gosh the yanks are such meanies, eh? But wait, the Chinese seem to be heading in the opposite direction: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-venezuela-oil/venezuela-oil-exports-to-china-slump-may-hit-lowest-in-nearly-8-years-sources-data-idUSKBN1JB0YI

    Looks like PDVSA can’t even get oil extracted sufficiently to supply customers: “GlobalData also forecast that Venezuelan crude oil production would fall to around one million barrels per day by the end of 2018. This is a steep decline from the three million barrels per day that Venezuela produced in 2011.” https://www.forbes.com/sites/rrapier/2018/06/08/venezuelas-oil-exports-are-headed-toward-zero/#3895cf976876

    Hard to see how Russia & China can rescue Venezuela from state-imposed suicide, despite their promise to try…

  19. greywarshark 19
    29 January 2019 at 5:19 pm

    Why jis it that no-one can take male reporters and commenters seriously unless they are in shirts and jackets and probably a tie. Yet women like Rania can wear any old thing, just as if they were out socialising, and everything they say is accepted. It seems sexist against men to me. I think women should dress more formally as if they take the news and its reporting seriously.

  20. Tiger Mountain 20
    29 January 2019 at 5:47 pm

    What part of US Imperialism, and its grisly South American historical record, do various commenters at The Standard not get? This American coup is from the playbook that gave us Chile 1973 and all the other interventions covert and clandestine, that Morrissey refers to.

    Petty bourgeois moaning about a left govt in trouble, while the Yanks prepare an oil heist and takeover of a sovereign state.

  21. Infused 21
    30 January 2019 at 4:10 am

    Venezuela needs some freedom bombs

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    Skeptical Science
    8 hours ago

  • More criminal miners
    What is it with the mining industry? Its not enough for them to pillage the earth - they apparently can't even be bothered getting resource consent to do so: The proponent behind a major mine near the Clutha River had already been undertaking activity in the area without a ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    8 hours ago

  • Photos from the road
    Photo # 1 I am a huge fan of Singapore’s approach to housing, as described here two years ago by copying and pasting from The ConversationWhat Singapore has that Australia does not is a public housing developer, the Housing Development Board, which puts new dwellings on public and reclaimed land, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    9 hours ago

  • RMA reforms aim to ease stock-grazing rules and reduce farmers’ costs – but Taxpayers’ Union w...
    Buzz from the Beehive Reactions to news of the government’s readiness to make urgent changes to “the resource management system” through a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) suggest a balanced approach is being taken. The Taxpayers’ Union says the proposed changes don’t go far enough.  Greenpeace says ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    10 hours ago

  • Luxon Strikes Out.
    I’m starting to wonder if Anna Burns-Francis might be the best political interviewer we’ve got. That might sound unlikely to you, it came as a bit of a surprise to me.Jack Tame can be excellent, but has some pretty average days. I like Rebecca Wright on Newshub, she asks good ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    14 hours ago

  • In many ways the media that the experts wanted, turned out to be the media they have got
    Chris Trotter writes –  Willie Jackson is said to be planning a “media summit” to discuss “the state of the media and how to protect Fourth Estate Journalism”. Not only does the Editor of The Daily Blog, Martyn Bradbury, think this is a good idea, but he has also ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    14 hours ago

  • The Waitangi Tribunal Summons; or the more things stay the same
    Graeme Edgeler writes –  This morning [April 21], the Wellington High Court is hearing a judicial review brought by Hon. Karen Chhour, the Minister for Children, against a decision of the Waitangi Tribunal. This is unusual, judicial reviews are much more likely to brought against ministers, rather than ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    14 hours ago

  • Both Parliamentary watchdogs hammer Fast-track bill
    Both of Parliament’s watchdogs have now ripped into the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s political economy and beyond on the morning of Tuesday, April 23 are:The Lead: The Auditor General, John Ryan, has joined the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    15 hours ago

  • India makes a big bet on electric buses
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah Spengeman People wait to board an electric bus in Pune, India. (Image credit: courtesy of ITDP) Public transportation riders in Pune, India, love the city’s new electric buses so much they will actually skip an older diesel bus that ...
    Skeptical Science
    17 hours ago

  • Bernard’s pick ‘n’ mix of the news links at 6:36am on Tuesday, April 23
    TL;DR: These six news links stood out in the last 24 hours to 6:36am on Tuesday, April 22:Scoop & Deep Dive: How Sir Peter Jackson got to have his billion-dollar exit cake and eat Hollywood too NZ Herald-$$$ Matt NippertFast Track Approval Bill: Watchdogs seek substantial curbs on ministers' powers ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    19 hours ago

  • What is really holding up infrastructure
    The infrastructure industry yesterday issued a “hurry up” message to the Government, telling it to get cracking on developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects.The hiatus around the change of Government has seen some major projects cancelled and others delayed, and there is uncertainty about what will happen with the new ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    20 hours ago

  • “Pure Unadulterated Charge”
    Hi,Over the weekend I revisited a podcast I really adore, Dead Eyes. It’s about a guy who got fired from Band of Brothers over two decades ago because Tom Hanks said he had “dead eyes”.If you don’t recall — 2001’s Band of Brothers was part of the emerging trend of ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    21 hours ago

  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks for Monday, April 22
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: writes via his substack that’s he’s sceptical about the IPSOS poll last week suggesting a slide into authoritarianism here, writing: Kiwis seem to want their cake and eat it too Tal Aster writes for about How Israel turned homeowners into YIMBYs. writes via his ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • The media were given a little list and hastened to pick out Fast Track prospects – but the Treaty ...
     Buzz from the Beehive The 180 or so recipients of letters from the Government telling them how to submit infrastructure projects for “fast track” consideration includes some whose project applications previously have been rejected by the courts. News media were quick to feature these in their reports after RMA Reform Minister Chris ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago

  • Just trying to stay upright
    It would not be a desirable way to start your holiday by breaking your back, your head, or your wrist, but on our first hour in Singapore I gave it a try.We were chatting, last week, before we started a meeting of Hazel’s Enviro Trust, about the things that can ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago

  • “Unprecedented”
    Today, former Port of Auckland CEO Tony Gibson went on trial on health and safety charges for the death of one of his workers. The Herald calls the trial "unprecedented". Firstly, it's only "unprecedented" because WorkSafe struck a corrupt and unlawful deal to drop charges against Peter Whittall over Pike ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Time for “Fast-Track Watch”
    Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    1 day ago

  • Gordon Campbell on fast track powers, media woes and the Tiktok ban
    Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    1 day ago

  • The Government’s new fast-track invitation to corruption
    Bryce Edwards writes-  The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    2 days ago

  • Maori push for parallel government structures
    Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • An announcement about an announcement
    Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • All the Green Tech in China.
    Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago

  • Western Express Success
    In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    2 days ago

  • Bernard’s pick ‘n’ mix of the news links at 7:16am on Monday, April 22
    TL;DR: These six news links stood out in the last 24 hours to 7:16am on Monday, April 22:Labour says Kiwis at greater risk from loan sharks as Govt plans to remove borrowing regulations NZ Herald Jenee TibshraenyHow did the cost of moving two schools blow out to more than $400m?A ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • The Kaka’s diary for the week to April 29 and beyond
    TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #16
    A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: The Government’s new fast-track invitation to corruption
    The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    2 days ago

  • Thank you
    This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Determining the Engine Type in Your Car
    Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Become a Race Car Driver: A Comprehensive Guide
    Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Many Cars Are There in the World in 2023? An Exploration of Global Automotive Statistics
    Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Long Does It Take for Car Inspection?
    Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Who Makes Mazda Cars?
    Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Often to Replace Your Car Battery A Comprehensive Guide
    Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Can You Register a Car Without a License?
    In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the Rule If you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Mazda: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Reliability, Value, and Performance
    Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • What Are Struts on a Car?
    Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • What Does Car Registration Look Like: A Comprehensive Guide
    Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Share Computer Audio on Zoom
    Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Long Does It Take to Build a Computer?
    Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Put Your Computer to Sleep
    Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • What is Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT)?
    Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • iPad vs. Tablet Computers A Comprehensive Guide to Differences
    In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Are Computers Made?
    A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Add Voice Memos from iPhone to Computer
    Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Why My Laptop Screen Has Lines on It: A Comprehensive Guide
    Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    8 hours ago

  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago

  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago

  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago

  • Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order.  “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
    Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
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