Weekend social 07/08/2015

32 comments on “Weekend social 07/08/2015 ”

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1. ianmac 1

   7 August 2015 at 4:21 pm

   Just exploring our Family tree. The problem is that to have it printed out on a single 1000X600mm sheet has the writing/pictures far to small to be worthwhile. S maybe just parts of it I guess.
   • freedom 1.1

     7 August 2015 at 4:27 pm

     Or…. you could go crazy and do a full wall print and spread the image over multiple strips 🙂

     if you do, I recommend a 15 mm overlap in the design stage when splitting the image, you can trim this off before installation
     • ianmac 1.1.1

       7 August 2015 at 5:44 pm

       Thanks freedom. Also a problem with where to put it all. Need a big wall! There is an option to print it out as a book of A4 pages. About 96 pages so far.
       • Stephanie Rodgers 1.1.1.1

         7 August 2015 at 6:50 pm

         Save it as an image and project it onto a big wall?
         • ianmac 1.1.1.1.1

           7 August 2015 at 10:38 pm

           That’s a great idea Stephanie. A data projector.
       • freedom 1.1.1.2

         7 August 2015 at 7:56 pm

         along a hallway? perhaps wrapping a corner area?

         or (embracing the impractical here) ………….. how’d the ceiling look? 🙂
2. b waghorn 2

   7 August 2015 at 5:44 pm

   I’m sure there’s whole thesis written on but as I’m on my third or forth Bourbon and can’t be bothered looking it up.
   What is the make up of the average leftie ie are they born is it genetic or have most lefties lived through more emotional pain there by learning empathy or are they just more inquisitive so like to look at things from every angle.
   • Anne 2.1

     7 August 2015 at 7:51 pm

     … just more inquisitive so like to look at things from every angle.

     Pretty much sums it up. Perhaps add independence of mind and in some cases parental guidance as well.

     I think you meant to put your comment on Daily Review? 😉
     • b waghorn 2.1.1

       7 August 2015 at 8:08 pm

       ”I think you meant to put your comment on Daily Review? ”
       No I thought it was a topic far enough removed from the harder edge of politics that it would suit the social.
       • Anne 2.1.1.1

         7 August 2015 at 8:24 pm

         Fair enough.
   • The Fairy Godmother 2.2

     8 August 2015 at 11:53 am

     Probably family influence is big in my case. At the tender age of 13 my Grandad a lifelong labour supporter and in his older years an activist told me that “you can’t believe everything you read in the Herald as it supports the National Party. I have continued to follow his advice and question everything I am told by the MSM.
     • b waghorn 2.2.1

       8 August 2015 at 1:11 pm

       I’m leaning towards genetic in my case . my old man was a social credit voter, so seemed tho see the would differently to most,(he’s not here to ask now) Which is how I feel, I’m probably more a protest/tactical voter than a true leftie.
       • David H 2.2.1.1

         8 August 2015 at 10:19 pm

         I’m the Black sheep. My Dad was a True Blue Nat. But his sense of f airplay would have him turning the air blue, at the dirty tricks this mob use. And at what his beloved National Party has become. I reckon he’s spun in his grave so much these last 8 years they call him Pinwheel where ever he is.
   • Rosie 2.3

     8 August 2015 at 12:55 pm

     Interesting question to ponder b waghorn.

     I guess you can ask yourself how you got to hold the views you do. Was it family influence (like fairy godmother), or the questions you asked already, or something else?

     I grew up in a Presbyterian National voting strongly opinionated right wing family. They are still the same except for the Presbyterianism. For a short time I held their views because I knew no different. That all changed after leaving home and going to work in the early nineties, after the hugely damaging Employment Contracts Act came into effect.

     Thats what got me started, being part of the affected, and then asking questions about the global and local impacts of styles of governance. So for me it was personal and my interest in politics grew from there.

     Other people I meet who hold left views hold them because they are empathetic and compassionate people, driven by the desire for a healthy collective well being rather than individual achievement.

     Others I’ve met seem to be purely ideologically driven, intellectual, but lacking any understanding or empathy towards the suffering of another, and whose personalities seem to be at odds with the values of the Left, the complete opposite of the group mentioned above.

     Funny old world ain’t it. Maybe next time you are speaking with a leftie, ask them how they got involved. Over time you can develop your own theory.
3. idbkiwi 3

   7 August 2015 at 8:24 pm

   Who knows, you might be right…

   “Websites pour forth heated arguments between liberals and conservative about almost everything—or, as is becoming clear due to brain research, what seem to be arguments but in fact are genetically determined reflexes.

   Liberals and conservatives were shown various photos and asked to say the first word that came to their minds. Shown a towering redwood in a primeval forest, liberals consistently said things like “beauty,” “lovely,” or “spiritual.” Conservatives said, “Sun decks.”…Similarly, shown a photo of a giant squid taken at depth in the open Pacific, liberals said, “beautiful,” “magnificent,” or “Oh…Jesus.” Conservatives said, “Sushi.”

   Perhaps the sharpest difference between Left and Right is that conservatives lack empathy or, in English, compassion…The lack of empathy is neurologically verifiable.

   Among liberals, compassion, not accumulation, is the driving instinct. Examples abound. They favor immigration from Mexico because these poor people just want better lives, favor welfare so kids won’t have to go to bed hungry, want to close the sweatshops and keep the elephants from being slaughtered. Their compassion is often narcissistic, counter-productive, based on faulty information, and even dangerous. For example, welfare has made blacks into helpless inmates of a custodial state.”

   http://fredoneverything.org/the-evolutionary-biology-of-political-parties-some-buffalo-dont-rot/
   • b waghorn 3.1

     7 August 2015 at 9:01 pm

     As an ex forester I see a red wood and wonder how I’d cut the bugger down
   • Charles 3.2

     8 August 2015 at 5:36 pm

     “For example, welfare has made blacks into helpless inmates of a custodial state.”

     hahahaha “Fred” is drunk.

     His conclusion is part right, part 45% alcohol:

     “…It therefore seems to me desirable to abolish websites and publications devoted to politics. They serve no purpose. Vituperation does not alter genes. Nobody ever persuades anybody, and can’t. The tweeters of the Left, and the woofers of the Right, are what they are, and will be. There is no purpose in talking about things. And think of the blessed silence.”

     Once people realise that they are “Reflexive” to some matters, they’d get some clarity into a wider context, and then instead of attempting persuasion and justification, debate turns into conversation, encouraging people to think in new ways (to them) rather than seek uniformity and conformity of thought. He’s right in that a lot of “noise” would end.
4. miravox 4

   7 August 2015 at 8:40 pm

   Very early morning walks this week in another long stint of mid-to-high 30 temps in the day and +20 at night, following on from what I’ve been told has been the longest run of +30 days in July since records began in 1500 and something.

   Heat stress is definitely a ‘thing’.

   New-ish local music to walk with (in insouciant Viennese dialect and style)
   • ianmac 4.1

     7 August 2015 at 10:43 pm

     Are you in Austria miravox? Does the record run cause comment like Climate change. I was in Spain once and the endless sun scorched windless days became a drag. A cloud? A shower or drizzle? No they said. Not for another month or so. Appreciate changeable weather I reckon.
     • miravox 4.1.1

       7 August 2015 at 11:23 pm

       Yes, in Vienna (muses about how a fixed 2 year stint runs to more than 4 so far…)
       and you’re right, without a seabreeze in the middle of a city mid-30s feels closer to 40. It’s very oppressive, not as bad as central Spain, I guess, but I’m not a fan of hot weather. The Australians I know here are loving it ;-).

       And yes, although there are plenty of parks and open space with seating and shade, there is lots of talk about preparing for more frequent hot days and to curb the heat island effect.

       I also like variation in the weather and Vienna does have a reputation for being changeable (temps can be + or – 10 degs from one day to the next, and usually in summer there are afternoon thunderstorms that take everything down a notch or two, but this year these are not happening either). It also has a reputation for windy weather. I laughed at that one, being a resident of Wellington and all.
       • Rosie 4.1.1.1

         8 August 2015 at 12:14 pm

         Thats an interesting read about urban heat island effect thanks Miravox.
         It was some time ago that I saw an item on TV about a city in the states, can’t remember which one, who had taken to planting up rooftops of city buildings with gardens and tree’s in an effort to bring down summer temperatures. It was very effective.

         It would be wise if cities around the world adopted that approach and extended it out to large scale suburban development too. That, in fact, needs to be done in the northern burbs of Wellington. Former farmlands are being converted to residential areas. Huge new suburbs without any compensation to the environment in the form of planting. Just bare and ugly.

         If you’re sweltering in 35+ degree’s there, close your eyes and try to think of your home town, which is sitting at 6 degree’s at the moment. We’ve lit the fire………..
         • Rosie 4.1.1.1.1

           8 August 2015 at 12:39 pm

           Oh, and PS, next time you’re back home visiting and you get a hankering for Austrian food head to the Brooklyn deli and cafe:

           https://www.facebook.com/nz.brooklydeli

           Hallelujah! I discovered an excellent, moreish, authentic linzer torte there. NZer’s just can’t make this cake in the way that an Austrian or German can. (not sure what country linzer torte is indigenous to). I think they are too afraid to use the correct amount of spice.

           A lovely place to visit. Nice looking rye/spelt sourdough’s too.
           • miravox 4.1.1.1.1.1

             8 August 2015 at 10:39 pm

             Thanks Rosie – hope your heating is not typically NZ – traped in one room because it’s too expensive to keep the others warm. But yeah – I think it was closer to 40 than 30 where I am yesterday and the weekend is meant to be higher so inside with the blinds down is feeling a little trapped.

             Apparently we have tax credits for window boxes and rooftop gardens and there are a fair few around here. Northern Wellington would be a perfect place to take note of the Seestadt development. I think it’s the largest new residential development in Europe. We went out for the opening of the U-Bahn when the building began (novel idea – put in the public transport before the people ;-)) The whole development is planned to be carbon neutral and to incorporate good environmental principles in the build.

             I’ll remember the Brooklyn Deli – thanks. It will be interesting to have Austrian food in a NZ context. I’ve a feeling it will seem rather strange – especially with a flat white on the table …. now I’m dreaming…
             • Rosie …

               10 August 2015 at 11:10 am

               What a sensible, right- for- the- time, development the Seestadt development is. Alas, such innovation and sensitivity to environment and community, I doubt will be seen in NZ any time soon.

               It is, however a good example to show the Wgtn City Council of how a development can be done, so thank you. I have been dealing with them for about a year now in regard to all the issues that arise from the anti social anti environment behaviour of the developers in this neck of the woods.

               This even extends to criminal behaviour targeted towards residents that go to the council to highlight resource consent breaches.

               The council are developer friendly though, no matter how high the cost to the community and the environment and have been very reluctant to deal with issues. If they are unwilling to acknowledge current issues I don’t see them embracing anything more advanced than the type of development they currently support.
               I think you’re in the right part of the world to witness a supportive response to the challenges of climate change, and protection of the environment Miravox. Your home country is a disappointment.
               • miravox …

                 11 August 2015 at 8:48 am

                 I was quite shocked when I became aware of the differences in housing policy, research and development between NZ and here. It’s an entirely different way of thinking. I agree the NZ mindset is not ready for the challenges we face. Best of luck with dealing with the council.
                 • Rosie …

                   11 August 2015 at 11:32 am

                   I have actually forwarded the info about Seestadt you provided on to the councillor I am dealing with, alongside an argument about why we can’t remain in a status quo mentality……………etc etc.

                   Thank you 🙂
       • ianmac 4.1.1.2

         8 August 2015 at 3:36 pm

         Good read about urban heat thanks miravox. I suppose than in the winter Vienna would chase those urban heat sinks to relieve the Continental coldness. Needs a more temperate climate like ours. Yay for NZ!
         • miravox 4.1.1.2.1

           8 August 2015 at 11:03 pm

           Not a problem in winter ianmac with the waterproof duvet coat and lined boots as we scurry between super-heated buildings. Much easier to keep warm than to cool down. However, despite the pleasure the dramatic changes of season can bring, I agree with you about temperate climates.
           • ianmac 4.1.1.2.1.1

             9 August 2015 at 4:19 pm

             miavoxI think that Rosie at 4.1.1.1.1 @12:39pm was or is in Austria for a year or two. She was helpful online when we visited there a couple of years ago.
             • miravox …

               10 August 2015 at 6:40 pm

               Ahh – that may have been me in Vienna Ianmac – under my previous handle. I changed it a while back when there were a lot of ros* names on here… It was too confusing.

               Although I do believe Rosie has lived somewhere near here too.
               • ianmac …

                 11 August 2015 at 10:11 am

                 Aha. Then thanks for your tips back then when we went to Saltzburg and Vienna,
               • Rosie …

                 11 August 2015 at 11:43 am

                 Lols. I thought that was you who was Rosey.

                 As much as I would have loved to have lived in Austria and neighbouring countries I haven’t. The closet thing has been working in Konditorei’s, gaining an appreciation for Austrian and German cuisine. having good and dear German friends and spending a lot of time watching Deutschwelle TV, several times a week. Austria is often covered in their Euromaxx and Arts 21 shows. It’s uplifting to watch those shows.

                 It’s a great way to travel in your mind, and it’s about all I have, as I feel stuck here in NZ. That sense of our society being sucked into a void………..another story for another time.

                 Have a great week.

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