Weekend social 04/10/2013
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5:59 pm, October 4th, 2013 - 17 comments
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Weekend social is for non political chat. What’s on for the weekend, gigs, film or book reviews, sports, or whatever.
No politics, no aggro, why can’t we all just get along?
17 comments on “Weekend social 04/10/2013 ”
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Te PÄti MÄori Co-leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer welcome todayās ruling from the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), which found that a Hobson's Pledge advertisement regarding customary marine titles was misleading and socially irresponsible. The two-page wraparound ad, published in The New Zealand Herald, suggested that nearly the entire coastline ...3 weeks ago
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Nationalās all pain approach to beneficiaries has yielded no gain as benefit numbers continue to surge past projected figures. ...3 weeks ago
- Casey Costello: What Once Was…
Entering politics is a privilege afforded to very few and, as the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility. Being an MP is a call to service. Whatever your politics you have a duty to show up. Whatever your party's policy, you have made a promise to those who ...3 weeks ago
- Soaring benefit sanctions push more into poverty
Sanctions on beneficiaries have sky-rocketed since the Coalition Government came to power, pushing more families into poverty. ...3 weeks ago
- International Energy Agency issues wake-up call on climate action
Todayās report from the International Energy Agency highlights how far this Governmentās actions are dragging us backwards in the fight against climate change.Ā ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Lack of funding puts pressure on frontline Police
News that 173 roles are being cut at Police will only put more pressure on the frontline. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Bipartisan agreement on outdated marriage law
Changes to outdated relationships legislation has passed its third reading giving family violence survivors the power to quickly dissolve abusive marriages. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Cuts to Apprenticeship Boost will fail future NZ
The Governmentās cuts to the Apprenticeship Boost programme will leave New Zealand without the workforce it needs to build homes, schools and hospitals. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Sluggish economy means struggles ahead for Kiwis
While todayās inflation numbers are good news for Kiwis, there are still struggles ahead with rising rents, rates, insurance and high unemployment. ...3 weeks ago
- Accelerating maths achievement for Kiwi kids
The Government is continuing to transform maths education, by trialling a targeted maths acceleration programme to give more Kiwi kids confidence in mathematics. āAfter discovering just 22 per cent of Year 8 students are at the expected standard for maths, we launched our Make it Count Action Plan to give our ...14 hours ago - Governmentās creative sector strategy released
The Governmentās creative sector strategy is designed to increase Kiwisā engagement with culture and creativity and to boost its economic contribution, Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith says. āAmplify has been released for public consultation and I encourage people to read the strategy and to share their feedback. āThereās an opportunity to ...20 hours ago
- On-sold programme changes bring resolution to homeowners and taxpayers
Associate Finance Minister David Seymour has asked the Natural Hazards Commission (NHC) to make changes to how it delivers the On-sold support package to prevent a cost blowout while helping eligible homeowners repair their homes in a timely manner. The On-sold programme was set up by the Government in 2019 ...21 hours ago
- Todd McClay to lead large trade mission to China
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay will lead a large trade delegation to the 7th annual China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai next week, followed by a visit to Guangzhou. This year, almost 70 New Zealand companies will participate in CIIE, to interact with over 3,400 exhibitors and 410,000 visitors. āThis ...2 days ago
- New Charter to guarantee better access for hunting and fishing
Minister for Hunting and Fishing Todd McClay has today launched an Access Charter (the Charter) to ensure better access for recreational hunting and fishing on public conservation land (PCL) across New Zealand. āThis Charter establishes guiding principles for the Department of Conservation (DOC) to provide clear and transparent decisions on ...3 days ago
- Pou Whenua blessing honours Tongariro
A beautiful new Pou Whenua at the beginning of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing will introduce visitors to the sacred landscape they are entering, says Conservation Minister Tama Potaka. Mr Potaka attended a blessing for the specially carved Pou Whenua at Mangatepopo, at the start of the track on 1 November. ...4 days ago
- New members appointed to the NZTA Board
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has today announced two new appointments to the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) Board. Mary-Anne Macleod and Mike Rudge have both been appointed as members for three-year terms commencing 1 November 2024 and ending 31 October 2027. āTransport is a critical part of our Governmentās plan ...4 days ago
- Welcome relief from new oestradiol gel funding
Associate Health Minister David Seymour is welcoming Pharmacās funding of oestradiol gel, following global shortages of oestradiol patches earlier this year. āIām well aware of the stress caused by the global shortage earlier this year. At the time I said I was confident Pharmac was working hard to find a ...4 days ago
- Deputy Prime Minister visit to Australia
Foreign Minister and Racing Minister Winston Peters will visit Australia next week. āAustralia is New Zealandās closest partner, and we are pleased to make this second official visit there for 2024 following the first ever Foreign and Defence Ministers 2+2 Meeting between our two countries in Melbourne in January,ā ...4 days ago
- Applications now open for new training pathway
Applications have now opened for tertiary education organisations to seek Government funding to develop New Zealandās first postgraduate diploma programme for associate psychologists, Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey announced today. āInvestment in this new training pathway supports the Governmentās target to grow our mental health and addiction workforce and ...4 days ago
- Increased medicines access continues following budget boost
Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour is pleased to see further increased availability of medicines for Kiwis following the Governmentās increased investment in Pharmac. āPharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the Government,ā says Mr Seymour. āWhen this Government assumed office, ...4 days ago
- New Zealand concludes high quality trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
New Zealand and the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have concluded negotiations on a trade agreement that will open up significant opportunities for New Zealand exporters in the Gulf region, Minister for Trade and Agriculture Todd McClay announced from Doha today. Todayās announcement follows significant reengagement with the GCC following meetings ...4 days ago
- Government seeks views on remote court attendance
The Government is exploring how to modernise the law around people attending court remotely, to support access to justice and enhance court performance. Courts Minister Nicole McKee says the current law has not kept up with evolving court practices and public attitudes to the use of remote technology, nor been ...5 days ago
- Breast screening age extension begins in Nelson Marlborough
Free breast screening has been extended for 70 to 74-year-old women living in the Nelson Marlborough district, ahead of a national roll-out late next year, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today. āBreast cancer is the most common cancer in New Zealand with about 3,400 women diagnosed with the disease ...5 days ago
- Te MÄori Manaaki Taonga Trust Board strengthened
He toi whakairo, he mana tangata. The reappointment of one trustee and the appointment of four new trustees to the Te MÄori Manaaki Taonga Trust Board will enable the legacy of Te MÄori to be carried forward into the future, MÄori Development Minister Tama Potaka and Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith ...5 days ago
- Affordable housing project supporting home ownership
Up to 300 affordable, healthy, community-tailored homes helping to support home ownership are set to be built in eastern Porirua, supported by Government funding for Our Whare Our Fale through the Building Homes for Pacific in Porirua initiative, Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti and Associate Housing Minister Tama ...5 days ago
- Dire benefit forecasts show the need for Welfare that Works
A new report that forecasts young people on benefits will spend an average of 20 more years relying on welfare underscores the need for the Governmentās reforms, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. MSDās latest Benefit System Insights report, released today, which estimates how many future years different ...5 days ago
- Trade Minister travels to Doha for GCC trade discussions
Trade Minister Todd McClay will hold trade discussions with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) trade ministers in Doha this week. Minister McClay will meet with all six GCC Trade Ministers, as well as the GCC Secretary General. āThis will be my seventh visit to the region this year including two Ministerial ...6 days ago
- Podiatry prescribers will boost patient care
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti and Associate Minister David Seymour say itās great news that podiatrists will soon be able to prescribe medicines, meaning patients with painful foot and leg conditions donāt have to make a separate trip to the doctor. āThis simple step means a big change for people ...6 days ago
- Historic redress inequities finally resolved for Lake Alice Unit survivors
The Government is addressing historic redress inequities for some survivors abused at the Lake Alice Child and Adolescent Unit. In 2001, the Crown reached a $6.5 million group settlement with 95 survivors subjected to abuse at the Lake Alice Unit. Law firm Grant Cameron & Associates (now GCA Lawyers) represented ...6 days ago
- ERO report shows Governmentās truancy emphasis is vital
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says that the Education Review Officeās (ERO) timely report on chronic school absence released today is further evidence of a truancy crisis. āChronic absence has doubled since 2015. This report reinforces that action is needed to ensure this generation reaches its full potential,ā says Associate ...6 days ago
- Minister welcomes business view on AML
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee welcomes BusinessNZās report which addresses reducing the compliance burden on small businesses. āThe challenges outlined in the report released today echo many of the concerns I have heard from businesses, which have informed my Anti Money Laundering/Countering Financing Terrorism (AML/CFT) priorities,ā she says. āI have ...7 days ago
- Mangamuka Gorge opening in time for Christmas
State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge will be open for Christmas, with critical work currently underway to clear the large slips and dropouts that have caused significant disruption for Northlanders trying to get where they want to go quickly and safely, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. āThe Mangamuka Gorge ...7 days ago
- Trusted building professionals able to self-certify
The Government is proposing further significant action to reform the building and construction sector to support more affordable homes and a stronger economy, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. āIf we want to grow the economy, lift incomes, create jobs and build more affordable, quality homes we need a ...7 days ago
- New appointments to the TEC board
Dr Alan Bollard CNZM and Mr Bharat Guha have been appointed to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) board, Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds says. āI would like to welcome the two new members joining the TEC board,ā Ms Simmonds says. āDr Alan Bollard CNZM is an experienced public ...7 days ago
- Move to fast-track overseas doctors welcomed
Fast tracking applications for registration by eligible specialist doctors wanting to practice in New Zealand is in line with the Governmentās push to improve the health outcomes for New Zealanders, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says. This fast-track pathway applies to specialists trained in anaesthesia, dermatology, emergency medicine, general practice, ...7 days ago
- Address to Western Sydney University: Constitutional and Rule of Law challenges in current global en...
TÄnÄ koutou Nau mai haere mai ki tenei hui Thank you to Vice Chancellor Williams, and the University of Western Sydney, for inviting me to speak today. I speak to you today in my capacity as Attorney-General ā the New Zealand Crownās Senior Law Officer. In this capacity, I serve ...7 days ago
- Security advice for start-ups welcomed
Minister responsible for the security and intelligence agencies Judith Collins has welcomed new guidance that aims to protect New Zealandās start-up and emerging technology sector from the threat of economic espionage. āWe are a nation well-known for our ingenuity, and our willingness to openly collaborate in the spirit of enterprise ...7 days ago
- Funding support to strengthen frontline volunteer service organisations
The Government has approved $23.1 million for four critical frontline volunteer service organisations to replace storm-damaged assets and provide training and equipment to improve New Zealandās response to future emergency events, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey says. $14.6 million for Surf Life Saving New ...1 week ago
- Jones heads to international mining conference
Resources Minister Shane Jones will speak at Australia's largest annual mining event in Sydney this week to mark New Zealandās return to the international industry stage. Mr Jones will attend the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) where he will update the sectorās most influential players on the work the ...1 week ago
- NZ investing in Pacific disaster preparedness & climate resilience
New Zealand will contribute $20 million to the Pacific Resilience Facility, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters have announced. āThe Pacific Islands region faces severe challenges from natural disasters and climate change impacts and New Zealand is committed to doing its part to help meet them,ā ...1 week ago
- Police to increase presence on Auckland public transport
Aucklanders will see a greater Police presence on public transport services to boost safety and reassure public transport workers and passengers, Police Minister Mark Mitchell and Transport and Auckland Minister Simeon Brown say. āMinister Brown and I are working together, alongside Police and Auckland Transport in response to the horrific ...1 week ago
- Government funds helicopter replacements
The Government is investing in eight new emergency helicopters to replace some of New Zealandās ageing air ambulance fleet, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello and ACC Minister Matt Doocey announced today. āOur air ambulance helicopters play a vital role in saving lives around New Zealand,ā Casey Costello says. āThis is ...2 weeks ago
- China and New Zealand strengthen organic trade
An uplift to New Zealandās organic product trade is expected through a new upgraded arrangement with China, Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard says.āThe upgraded Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for organic products will deliver opportunities for our organic export sector.āThe upgraded MRA was signed in Central Otago today by Andrew Hoggard ...2 weeks ago
- Judicial appointments announced
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced two Court of Appeal and two High Court appointments. The four appointments will take effect on 21 November 2024 and are: Justice Christine French Justice French, who has been appointed President of the Court of Appeal, graduated with an LLB (Honours) from the University of Otago ...2 weeks ago
- Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track becomes New Zealandās 11th Great Walk
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka joined tangata whenua from NgÄi Tahu and local community members today to celebrate the opening of New Zealandās eleventh Great Walk ā the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track. āThe 60km upgraded track provides the opportunity to do one of New Zealandās world-class multi-day walks, and will bring ...2 weeks ago
- New Chief Criminal Cases Review Commissioner
The Honourable Denis Clifford has been appointed Chief Commissioner of the Criminal Cases Review Commission, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. Hon Clifford brings a wealth of expertise and experience that will prove invaluable to the Commission. āHe has served as a judge at both the Court of Appeal and High ...2 weeks ago
- Changes to improve building fire safety
The Government is progressing changes to better protect Kiwis and their property from fires, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. āFollowing the tragic Loaferās Lodge fire in 2023, 37 boardings houses across the country were assessed and I am pleased to say that all fire safety recommendations from the ...2 weeks ago
- Germany and New Zealand partner to support agriculture and tackle global emissions
New Zealand and Germany have announced the official start of a partnership aimed at supporting the agriculture sector and tackle global agricultural greenhouse gas emissions Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today. āThe partnership, called the Alliance for the Climate ā Dialogue on Climate and Agriculture between New Zealand and Germany (Agri-DENZ project), ...2 weeks ago
- New members appointed to the Waitangi Tribunal
MÄori Development Minister Tama Potaka today confirmed the appointment of two new members to the Waitangi Tribunal, as well as the reappointment of Kevin Prime. The members appointed and reappointed are: Hon Richard Prebble (CBE). Mr Prebble is a former Cabinet Minister where he held a broad range of portfolios. ...2 weeks ago
- America heads to the polls, and into a great unknown
Opinion: Wednesday November 6, NZ time, sees the majority of voting in the 2024 US presidential election. While it is unlikely we will have a confirmed result until later (Thursday is best case, but the result could take weeks, depending on how close it is), the next week promises to ...2 mins ago - Live: Minister accuses health officials of undermining smoking reforms
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will talk to Morning Report live. ...6 mins ago - The longest commute, day two: Joel says a sad goodbye to Invercargill
Joel MacManus attempts to travel from the bottom to the top of the country without a car or plane. Today: Invercargill to Dunedin and beyond. The mission: Get from Stewart Island to Cape Reinga as fast as possible using only public transport. Wherever I can, Iāll travel by train. In ...7 mins ago - Scientists concerned about delays to critical report
Scientists are becoming increasingly worried about delays to a critical report that could see an overhaul of the country's science infrastructure and funding. ...21 mins ago
- Blood cancer patients call on National to honour commitment
Patients want National to take note of a report on blood cancer medicines and remember its pre-election promise that they would not be forgotten. ...1 hour ago
- When will we know the US presidential election results in New Zealand?
And everything else you need to know about timings, where and what to watch in our userās guide to the Trump v Harris big day(s). One ancient candidate ejected after a catastrophic debate performance, another shot in the head in a horrific, failed assassination attempt. Racism, misogyny, plausible claims of ...2 hours ago
- Is it possible to travel without damaging the climate? Yes
Trains, bikes and sailboats already exist, and choosing to travel more slowly can be a pleasure, too. āIāve seen more on my bike that I would have seen in my whole lifetime, if Iād been flying,ā says Robbie Webb. Heās calling me from Ghent, where heās staying with friends, nearly ...2 hours ago
- Paul Goldsmith buys a book in Queenstown
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- Corporates regain appetite for growth following OCR cuts
A change in direction from the central bank has corporates coming out of hibernation and gaining confidence to shift gears into expansion mode.With inflation inside its target band, earlier this month the Reserve Bank cut the official cash rate by 50 basis points to 4.75 percent.This larger than usual interest ...2 hours ago
- US election: Women will pick the winner
āTheyāre both wrong,ā the 80-year-old Arizonan says.But Kamala Harris will probably win because sheās been strong on a womanās right to access abortions, she says.The mother, who doesnāt want to be identified ābecause Iāll probably be too honestā, believes Harris is bad for the economy, for job creation, for businesses, ...2 hours ago
- Oil supply crisis could trigger a sovereignty crisis for NZ
If Middle East oil flows were seriously disrupted, it would hit NZ harder than most other OECD countries The post Oil supply crisis could trigger a sovereignty crisis for NZ appeared first on Newsroom. ...2 hours ago
- āHold us to accountā: Iwi defends its own fast-track project
NgÄti Manuhiri hopes to fast-track over 400 homes and an on-shore aquaculture facility, but is committed to meeting the ‘gold standard’ no matter what the fast-track allows The post ‘Hold us to account’: Iwi defends its own fast-track project appeared first on Newsroom. ...2 hours ago
- Tax competitiveness just isnāt cricket (Estonia win again)
Opinion: Importance of combining a flat GST with a progressive income tax The post Tax competitiveness just isn’t cricket (Estonia win again) appeared first on Newsroom. ...2 hours ago
- Self-cert buildings could work with a random element
Analysis: A more comprehensive solution would involve spot checks by third-party inspectors The post Self-cert buildings could work with a random element appeared first on Newsroom. ...2 hours ago
- Mansfield painted as ābold, recklessā colonial
Nelson artist Sally Burton, has always been intrigued by Katherine Mansfield and describes her as bold, brave ‘and sort of lonely.’ Her fascination with Mansfield began at Nelson Girlsā College, when she was a teenager. She read every Mansfield manuscript she could lay her hands on. She loves her ‘wicked observations of ...2 hours ago
- Unions seek international inquiry into charter schools policy
A formal complaint to the global workers’ rights watchdog follows official advice to ministers that the policy likely breaches international labour law The post Unions seek international inquiry into charter schools policy appeared first on Newsroom. ...2 hours ago
- Taxing people unfairly just isnāt cricket
Opinion: Importance of combining a flat GST with a progressive income tax The post Taxing people unfairly just isnāt cricket appeared first on Newsroom. ...2 hours ago
- Concerns over new, streamlined building consent process
The building consent regime is about to be streamlined by the government, with self-certifications replacing some council inspections.It means councils will be partly removed from the building consent process, allowing qualified tradespeople – including plumbers and builders – to forego inspections for low-risk builds.Self-certifications will be open to those with ...2 hours ago
- Aucklandās risk of becoming becalmed
Opinion: New Zealand had the fastest boat on the water at the recent America’s Cup. But the countryās largest city Auckland does not have such comparable speed in the international citiesā race.The World Economic Forum says cities are critical for developing competitive, innovation-driven economies, particularly those with strong infrastructure, vibrant ...2 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Tuesday 5 November
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp');Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions.The post Newsroom daily quiz, Tuesday 5 November appeared first on Newsroom. ...2 hours ago
- Daily crossword, Tuesday 5 November
The post Daily crossword, Tuesday 5 November appeared first on Newsroom. ...2 hours ago
- Crossbenchers cancel their membership of airlinesā elite lounges
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Crossbench independents Allegra Spender, Helen Haines and Kate Chaney have declared they are pulling out of the elite lounges run by Qantas and Virgin, amid the ongoing spotlight on privileges politicians receive from the airlines. ...11 hours ago - Jonathan Cook: Israel kills the journalists. Western media kills the truth of genocide in Gaza
Report by Dr David Robie – CafĆ© Pacific. – Western publics are being subjected to a campaign of psychological warfare, where genocide is classed as āself-defenceā and opposition to it āterrorismā. Jonathan Cook reports as the world marked the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists at ...12 hours ago
- New Zealand Loyal Political Party Is Under New Management
The AGM will allow its members, for the very first time, to democratically elect a Board to take the New Zealand Loyal Political Party through to the 2026 General Election. ...12 hours ago - 31% of companies are not paying tax in Australia. How do they do it?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kerrie Sadiq, Professor of Taxation, QUT Business School, and ARC Future Fellow, Queensland University of Technology Seb Zurcher/Unsplash Large companies paid the Australian government a record A$100 billion in tax in the last year, a 17% increase on the previous year. ...13 hours ago
- Authentically embracing tikanga MÄori can help New Zealand in the growing Asian markets
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hafsa Ahmed, Senior lecturer, Department of Global Value Chains and Trade, Lincoln University, New Zealand The Asian markets have long been seen as a linchpin for New Zealandās economic success. And the key to future growth could be the cultural similarities between ...14 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milad Haghani, Senior Lecturer of Urban Analytics & Resilience, UNSW Sydney In recent months, Australian concertgoers have witnessed plenty of unexpected onstage drama. The latest example came from Coldplayās sold-out Sunday show in Melbourne. Lead singer Chris Martin took a sudden ...14 hours ago
- Australia is axing a $7bn military satellite project, leaving defence comms potentially vulnerable
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Tuffley, Senior Lecturer in Applied Ethics & CyberSecurity, Griffith University In a significant blow to Australiaās defence capabilities, the federal government is cancelling what would have been the nationās largest-ever space project: a A$7 billion military satellite communications system. The ...14 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jan Kreibich, PhD Candidate, Centre for Ecosystem Science & Water Research Laboratory, UNSW Sydney Annette Ruzicka The largest wetland on Australiaās second longest river, the Murrumbidgee in the southern Murray-Darling Basin, is drying up. This is bad news for the plants, ...14 hours ago
- Watch live: Christopher Luxon faces questions after Cabinet meeting
The Prime Minister announced a targeted maths acceleration programme to give more students confidence in mathematics. ...14 hours ago
- OIA Documents Reveal Minister Is Considering Changing Long-term Child Poverty Reduction Targets (CPA...
CPAG Chairperson Sally Ward also encourages the New Zealand public to call on all politicians in parliament to hold each other to account on this issue of national significance. ...14 hours ago
- Govt announces $2m funding for trial of catch-up maths lessons
It will also spend $30m on resources and workbooks for every primary and intermediate school. ...15 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bruce Wolpe, Non-resident Senior Fellow, United States Study Centre, University of Sydney On election eve in the United States, the presidential race is deadlocked. The polls are exceptionally close across the country and in all the swing states ā Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin ...15 hours ago
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- Equity, Not Just Fairness, Required For Survivors Of Abuse In State Care
Cooper Legalās Principal Partner, Sonja Cooper says that while the Government might say that paying Lake Alice survivorsā legal fees is the fair thing to do, the State is still not treating all survivors equitably. ...15 hours ago
- US presidential election remains a toss-up, and a guide to US election day in Australia
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne The United States presidential election will be held Tuesday, with results coming in from Wednesday morning AEDT. I have a guide to ...16 hours ago
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Cost cutting necessary to fit within a new 'funding envelope,' the Institute of Environmental Science and Research says. ...16 hours ago
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On Saturday afternoon the roads heading to Go Media Stadium in Penrose were lined in red. Jin Fellet was there, to document Mate Maāa Tonga (MMT) fans on their way to witness a historic win. Both Kiwis and MMT fans werenāt disappointed, with the game providing a rollercoaster of emotions ...16 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ray Kelly, PhD candidate, School of Medicine, The University of Melbourne Attila Csaszar/Getty Itās estimated almost 1.9 million Australians have diabetes, and numbers are growing. Between 2013 and 2023, the total number of people known to be living with diabetes across ...17 hours ago
- How the US election may affect Pacific Island nations
By Eleisha Foon, RNZ Pacific senior journalist As the US election unfolds, American territories such as the Northern Marianas, American Samoa, and Guam, along with the broader Pacific region, will be watching the developments. As the question hangs in the balance of whether the White House remains blue with Kamala ...17 hours ago
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Gardening, breaking bad season 2.
My weekend is all taken up.
Gardening, me too!
Gardening is good!
Resistance is fertile
More exploring adventures with my 2 1/2 year old.
The Naked and Famous, new album In Rolling Waves “couldn’t be any more epic if they rode around on a lightning bolt in their underwear”.- The Guardian.
Planning to spend the weekend with my new AmpleSound AGT guitar plug in, even though it doesn’t work properly yet. In discussion, the developer says the problem has been fixed and will be available in the next update, and I just have to be patient. :grr:
Nice sounding acoustic guitar, perfect for programming strumming patterns, and still a lot less bothersome than trying to get chunky fingers working a fretboard and a clunky mind to move them.
Advance to analogue š
Chunky fingers and want to play guitar? That’s what slide and/or lap steel was invented for, in playing styles that range from from blues, country, bluegrass to Irish.
Mmmm, that’s what next year’s retirement is for- to get seriously acquainted with the banjo and the Weissenborn lap steel, and the hammered dulcimer, and the octave mandolin. Grandpa Mac1 on the porch in his rocking chair picking on strings, rather than the world.
Excellent Plan, a Steeleye Span
Going to have to stick with the software and daydreams of rocking it out, mac1.
Had loads of guitars before and couldn’t learn to play any of them, so the only benefit a bottleneck would have to me is when it’s hanging out of my mouth.
Good luck with the learning, though. You could get always get some retirement work playing the Dueling Banjo music from deliverance at act party functions. š
You mean the Act Party funeral, surely š
Either or š
I could play Ode to Joy on the banjo, then!
or..’don’t cry for me…liber-ter-ians..!’…?
phillip ure..
or..maybe..
..footage of banks..white shirt/tie..sleeves rolled up (two-turns..)
..shoes and socks off..
..cuffs turned up ..(two turns..)
..sitting beside/walking around..
..the tank-farm..
(lyrics)
“…sitting in the morning sun…
..i’ll be sitting when the evening comes…
..i watched my ship roll in..
..then i watched it roll away again…
(chorus..)..i’m sitting on the dock of the bay…
..watching the tide roll away..
..i’m just sitting on the dock of the bay..
..wasting time..yeah..!
..(verse two..)..i left my home in national…
..headed for the act par-ty..
..’cos i’ve had nothing to live for..
..and nothing’s gonna come my way..
..(repeat chorus..)
..(verse three..)
looks like..nothings gonna change..
..everything still remains the same..
..i can’t do what ten people* tell me to..
..so i guess i’ll remain the same..
(*..current membership of act party)..
(repeat chorus..)
(verse four..)
..sitting here by myself…
..and this loneliness won’t leave me alone..
..across several parties i roamed..
..just to make this basket-case my home..
..(repeat chorus..)
..end..
phillip ure..
“left my home in National” etc . Very good- in fact one could almost say “Whoaar!”
Once they go, Colin Craig’s Conservatives will take over the franchise.
I played music for a children’s theatre pantomime last year- when the bad/mad couple, the Twits, got into their evil stuff, the music I played for them was Duellin’ Banjos- full of foreboding and menace.
I’ve just returned from a music rehearsal for a show- the joy of playing driving guitar behind a really good fiddle player in the Irish tradition, or getting into a duet on the octave mandolin with the fiddle. Really energising, really positive- special stuff. I’m lucky.