Weekend social 28/06/2013
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2:00 pm, June 28th, 2013 - 18 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?
18 comments on “Weekend social 28/06/2013 ”
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Forestry, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay, today announced at the Fieldays Forestry Hub, both inbound and outbound forestry trade missions with India this year, aimed at strengthening trade links, deepening industry ties, and unlocking greater value for both countries’ forestry and wood processing sectors. “India is one of the ...1 week ago
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A Judicial Conduct Panel will inquire into and report on the alleged conduct of acting District Court Judge Ema Aitken, Acting Attorney-General Paul Goldsmith says. “Judge Aitken’s alleged conduct at the Northern Club on 22 November 2024 was the subject of a preliminary examination by the Judicial Conduct Commissioner. “The ...1 week ago
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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will travel to China and Europe next week. He will be joined in Shanghai and Beijing with a delegation of senior New Zealand business leaders. “China is New Zealand’s largest trading partner and a vital part of our economic story,” Mr Luxon says. The visit will focus on ...1 week ago
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Forestry Minister Todd McClay today congratulated the winners of the inaugural Growing Native Forests Champions Awards for driving real progress in native forest establishment and land use innovation. “This is what good land management looks like — native forests that support both the environment and the rural economy,” Mr McClay ...2 weeks ago
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New Zealand has extended its commitment the Operation Gallant Phoenix multinational intelligence mission in Jordan, the Government announced today. The deployment of up to 10 New Zealand Defence Force and Police personnel has been extended for two years until June 2027. “This operation is essential to our commitment to a ...2 weeks ago
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Farmers, growers, foresters, fishers and primary processors are driving New Zealand’s economic recovery with export revenue on track to surpass $60 billion for the first time, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced today at Fieldays. “The latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI) report forecasts export earnings of ...2 weeks ago
- New Zealand hits digital economy milestone
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- Double-digit growth for aquaculture exports
New Zealand’s aquaculture sector has experienced double-digit growth in export revenue over the past year, sending a clear signal that more is to come from the enormously promising sector, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The forecast export results were released today as part of the latest Situation and ...2 weeks ago
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More than 9,500 additional procedures have now been delivered as part of the Government’s elective boost, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. “This is what putting patients first looks like. We are focused on increasing delivery of elective treatments – across both public and private hospitals – to reduce wait times ...2 weeks ago
- Foreign Minister strengthens relationship with Italy
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has concluded a constructive visit to Italy, marking 75 years of diplomatic relations. Mr Peters and Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani met in Rome overnight and confirmed the strength of the bilateral relationship that New Zealand and Italy share. “New Zealand and Italy are long-standing ...2 weeks ago
- Partnership approach to FMD signed and sealed
A new agreement between the Government and key livestock industry groups marks a major milestone in New Zealand’s readiness for a potential foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard announced today. “The Foot and Mouth Disease Operational Agreement confirms how Government and industry will jointly prepare for, ...2 weeks ago
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Public consultation begins today aimed at improving the legal aid scheme for those who cannot afford advice and representation, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “We have a duty to ensure all New Zealanders have access to justice by means of a fair and open process. “To do so, we need ...2 weeks ago
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Energy Minister Simon Watts has announced the Government’s new Solar on Farms initiative, which will support farmers in taking the next step towards installing solar and battery systems, helping them reduce energy costs, increase on-farm resilience, and allow farmers to gain greater control over their power use, leading to increased ...2 weeks ago
- New Zealand Grass-Fed certification to take on global competitors
New Zealand is raising its game on the global stage with a new Grass-Fed certification scheme to help our red meat and dairy producers go head-to-head with competitors in premium international markets, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today at Fieldays. “International consumers are increasingly willing ...2 weeks ago
- Innovative pasture project to drive farmgate returns
The Government is backing a $17 million partnership with farmers to boost productivity, profitability, and sustainability by identifying the most resilient, high-performing pastures for New Zealand conditions, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today at Fieldays. Minister McClay confirmed the Government will invest $8.269 million in the Resilient Pastures project through ...2 weeks ago
- Radiology backlog cleared at Taranaki Base Hospital
Health Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the clearance of a significant radiology backlog at Taranaki Base Hospital, calling it a practical outcome that puts patients first. “In March, more than 6,000 x-ray reports were sitting unprocessed at Taranaki Base Hospital. That was causing unacceptable delays for patients needing diagnosis and ...2 weeks ago
- Saying yes to more housing
City-shaping changes are coming to New Zealand’s largest city, ensuring that Auckland can fully harness the economic growth benefits of the new City Rail Link, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Auckland Minister Simeon Brown say. The Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill (the Bill) has been ...2 weeks ago
- Primary Sector-Government partnership to boost rural health and resilience
The Government is stepping up support for rural New Zealand with a $4 million Rural Wellbeing Fund to expand investment in community-based initiatives, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced today at Fieldays. “The establishment of this fund is a result of advocacy by Federated Farmers Chair, Wayne Langford, who ...2 weeks ago
- Applications open for $30 million Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund
Applications have opened for a $30 million fund for projects that will enhance the resilience of New Zealand’s coastal shipping connections and help boost economic growth, Associate Transport Minister James Meager has announced. The Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund was established through the Government Policy Statement on land transport. Funding will ...2 weeks ago
- Foreign Minister focuses on Pacific resilience during visit to France
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has taken part in two major international events in Nice, France this week, focused on Pacific resilience, prosperity and security. The sixth Pacific-France Summit, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, took place in Nice overnight. “The Summit brought together Pacific countries for discussions with France on ...2 weeks ago
- NZ places travel ban on extremist Israeli politicians
New Zealand has joined Australia, Canada, the UK and Norway in placing travel bans on two extremist Israeli politicians, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. The bans will prevent Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from travelling to New Zealand. “Our action today is not against ...2 weeks ago
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6th Pacific-France Summit Intervention by New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rt Hon Winston Peters Nice, France, Tuesday 10 June 2025 Thank you, President Macron, for convening this meeting today, the sixth Pacific-France Summit. We were privileged to have also been at the second Pacific-France Summit, during the Presidency of ...2 weeks ago
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Tēnā koutou katoa. Thank you for the warm welcome. It is my pleasure to welcome you all to MEETINGS 2025. First, I would like to acknowledge Mayor Wayne Brown attending MEETINGS 2025 today and a special acknowledgment to Ngāti Whatua Orakei for their pōwhiri and welcome. I would also like ...2 weeks ago
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The Government is increasing funding for attracting overseas visitors and investing in tourism infrastructure as part of its new Tourism Growth Roadmap, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says. “We’re investing $35 million to deliver the first stage of the Roadmap, which sets out the Government’s plan to double the ...2 weeks ago
- Major changes to proposed anti-stalking law
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is welcoming changes to toughen up the proposed anti-stalking law, including being triggered after two specified acts within 24 months. “This change better recognises patterns in stalking behaviour and time that can pass between incidents. For example, stalking that occurs around anniversaries would not be covered ...2 weeks ago
- Speech: APAC energy capital assembly, Singapore
I am delighted to be here in Singapore once again, to speak to you in my capacity as New Zealand’s Minister for Resources and Associate Minister for Energy. If you haven’t heard of me before today, I’m proud to declare myself the champion of New Zealand’s petroleum and minerals sector. ...2 weeks ago
- Speech to the Law Association 2025
Thank you all for the invitation to speak with you this morning. I have been looking forward to this opportunity. May is a busy month for the Government, and it is always a relief to have the Budget delivered. Today, I would like to speak about what I see as ...2 weeks ago
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The government is boosting support for rural resilience and wellbeing announced by Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson. “We’re backing Rural Support Trusts by committing $3 million over the next four years, to help improve rural communities’ access to primary mental health services and specialist ...2 weeks ago
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Pacific Media Watch BEARING WITNESS: By Cole Martin in occupied Bethlehem Kia ora koutou, I’m a Kiwi journo in occupied Bethlehem, here’s a brief summary of today’s events across the Palestinian and Israeli territories from on the ground. Israeli forces killed over 200 Palestinians in Gaza over the last 48 ...4 hours ago
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If you want to stop crime, give people homes. If you want to build a safer society, invest in community wellbeing, not punishment. ...6 hours ago - New Zealand Government Feigns Neutrality In US-Israeli War Against Iran
The entire political establishment is nervous about widespread anti-war sentiment in New Zealand, which has been expressed in repeated protests against the genocide in Gaza. ...6 hours ago
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Unless the South Island leaders stand up to be heard on this issue now, the govt will get away with further undermining balanced and shared regional development that is resilient and supports meaningful, respectful nationhood, says Dr Colin Meurk ...6 hours ago
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Asia Pacific Report The Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa has called on New Zealanders to condemn the US bombing of Iran. PSNA co-chair Maher Nazzal said in a statement that he hoped the New Zealand government would be critical of the US for its war escalation. “Israel has once again hoodwinked ...7 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Parmeter, Research Scholar, Middle East Studies, Australian National University After prevaricating about whether the United States would enter Israel’s war on Iran, President Donald Trump finally made a decision. Early Sunday, US warplanes struck three of Iran’s nuclear sites at ...9 hours ago
- The House: Tactics from the ‘Scrutiny Week’ bear pit
When Parliament undertakes governance of governments, there are always tactics and politics involved. ...9 hours ago - What is a ‘bunker buster’? An expert explains what the US dropped on Iran
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Dwyer, Lecturer, School of Social Sciences, University of Tasmania The jagged silhouette of a B2 stealth bomber seen during a 2015 flyover in the US. Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images Late on Saturday night, local time, the United States carried out ...9 hours ago
- Muted response from Albanese government on US attack on Iran
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Albanese government has given a tepid response to the United States’ bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities. The Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement from a government spokesperson, but there were no plans on Sunday ...10 hours ago
- What is a ‘bunker buster’? An expert explains what the US dropped on Iran – and what might hap...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Dwyer, Lecturer, School of Social Sciences, University of Tasmania The jagged silhouette of a B2 stealth bomber seen during a 2015 flyover in the US. Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images Late on Saturday night, local time, the United States carried out ...11 hours ago
- Defence Force to send plane to assist New Zealanders in stranded Iran and Israel
Though airspace in Israel and Iran remains closed, the C-130J Hercules, along with government personnel, will leave Auckland for the Middle East on Monday. ...12 hours ago
- Watch: Winston Peters, Judith Collins speak on Israel-Iran conflict from RNZAF base
The announcement from the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Defence Minister comes after a US strike against Iranian nuclear sites this afternoon. ...13 hours ago
- ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 22, 2025
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- Caitlin Johnstone: Israel supporters will be despised for the rest of their lives
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- Luxon’s hot minute in the heart of the dragon
It’s close to midnight as the Prime Minister swaggers down the stairs of the Airforce 757. Waiting on the tarmac next to the red carpet is the deputy mayor of Shanghai, with his ambassador to China and China’s ambassador to New Zealand. Christopher Luxon needn’t worry, the welcomes will get ...19 hours ago - Analysis: Tensions and timing test Luxon on first official China visit
Analysis - Luck was not on Christopher Luxon's side for his first official trip to China. ...21 hours ago
- When abuse masquerades as ‘rough sex’
Opinion: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs – also known as Puff Daddy or P Diddy – is on trial in the United States on a raft of sex-trafficking, forced-prostitution, and racketeering charges. The case against the American rapper alleges that he and his associates were responsible for coercing women into drug-fuelled sex ...21 hours ago
- An Ode to .. Maurice Gee
The death of Maurice Gee last week came as no real surprise. At 93, he had outlasted most of his contemporaries of late 20th Century New Zealand literature. But it struck me harder than I expected. I had never met Maurice Gee, never heard him speak, never seen him in ...22 hours ago
- Another Iraq? Military expert warns US has no real plan if it joins Israel’s war on Iran
Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. – Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, held talks with France, Germany, and the United Kingdom yesterday in Geneva as Israel’s attacks on Iran entered a second week. A US-based Iranian human rights group reports the Israeli attacks have killed at least ...1 day ago
- Israel blocks Gaza aid organisations’ access to fuel, hospitals running out
BEARING WITNESS: By Cole Martin in occupied Bethlehem Kia ora koutou, I’m a Kiwi journo in occupied Bethlehem, here’s a brief summary of today’s events across the Palestinian and Israeli territories from on the ground. Sixty nine people killed in Gaza, 12 while seeking aid, and 221 injured (172 seeking ...1 day ago
- Destiny Church protesters set flags on fire in Auckland rally
Deputy PM labels Destiny Church call for NZ to become a Christian nation as "un-Kiwi," after protesters chanted "no immigration without assimilation" and set flags on fire. ...1 day ago
- Analyst dismisses ‘lie by rogue’ Netanyahu over Iran’s nuclear programme
Asia Pacific Report A leading Middle East analyst has pushed back against US President Donald Trump’s dismissal of the conclusion of his own national intelligence chief, who said in April that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon. Marwan Bishara, Al Jazeera’s senior political analyst, said in an interview that ...1 day ago
- ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 21, 2025
ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 21, 2025. Former New Zealand PM Helen Clark blames Cook Islands for crisisBy Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific presenter/producer Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark believes the Cook Islands, a realm of New Zealand, caused a ...2 days ago
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RNZ's money correspondent answers your questions. ...2 days ago
- Former New Zealand PM Helen Clark blames Cook Islands for crisis
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- PM appeals to China’s ego in the pursuit of peace
Analysis: The Prime Minister has singled out the Pacific, the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea as tension points during his meetings with his Chinese counterpart in Beijing. And when pushed, he all-but confirmed he also raised China’s live-firing exercises in the Tasman Sea in February – something he’s ...2 days ago
- Christopher Luxon concludes China trip: ‘No evidence’ of collaboration with Russia, Iran...
The prime minister has wrapped up his trip to China, dismissing suggestions the superpower is working with Russia, Iran and North Korea - as alleged by NATO's top official. ...2 days ago
- Christopher Luxon concludes China trip: ‘No evidence’ of collaboration with Russia, Iran...
The prime minister has wrapped up his trip to China, dismissing suggestions the superpower is working with Russia, Iran or North Korea - as alleged by NATO's top official. ...2 days ago
- How big should a prison cell be?
Comment: The day after the 596-bed Waikeria prison expansion opened on June 5, 2025, The Press reported that Invercargill prison had New Zealand’s smallest prison cells measuring 6 square metres. Our newest prison was thus juxtaposed with our oldest one, which opened 115 years ago. Over that period, the Prisons ...2 days ago
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They lived in an overpriced flat two blocks from the beach. Peter, Nathan, Luke and Harley all took commerce, Isla studied environmental management, and Kiri had enrolled in marine science. Kiri met Isla through Te Rōpū Māori association, and as soon as she’d expressed needing a place to live, ...2 days ago
- ‘A big, brave thing’: Janine Morrell-Gunn on What Now’s huge pivot
The children’s television veteran shares her life in television. A year-and-a-half ago, beloved local children’s series What Now made the hugest swing of it’s television tenure. After four decades as a live studio show, the series pivoted to be digital-first. YouTube became the primary platform for the show, with short ...2 days ago - ‘Punitive and suffocating’: a doctor’s view of the working environment for nurses
In this excerpt from his memoir, A Dim Prognosis: Why our health system is on its knees, Ivor Popovich gives an example of why we need more nurses; and why their working conditions are less than ideal. Some years ago I was on a night shift looking after a patient ...2 days ago
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Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour’s comments to a London audience calling smokers “fiscal heroes” – and declaring people should “light up” to save their government’s balance sheet – are reprehensible and make light of addiction, tobacco researchers say. Seymour largely stands by his remarks, arguing smokers are a net economic ...2 days ago
- Records fly but top swimmer to sit out world champs
Three women have met qualifying standards in the 50m butterfly for next month’s World Aquatics championships, all in lifetime best times. Two were in New Zealand record time; one was close to a Commonwealth record. It’s the first time three Kiwis have gone under the World Aquatics qualifying standard in ...2 days ago
- Hawke’s Bay residents outraged over council’s proposed water rate hike
Hawke's Bay has some of the highest rates in the country due to three waters, roading and debt servicing. ...2 days ago
- Defence heads face scrutiny week hearing, promise to be fiscally responsible
The increased budget means troops can now move past being only partly equipped, says defence secretary Brook Barrington. ...2 days ago
- View from The Hill: Albanese decides against pursuing Donald Trump to NATO
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Anthony Albanese, just back from the G7 and his cancelled meeting with Donald Trump, has abandoned the idea of going to next week’s NATO meeting in pursuit of face time with the elusive president. ...2 days ago
- Britain’s support for AUKUS is unwavering – but its capacity to deliver is another matter
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tom Howe, PhD candidate in International Relations, Monash University A recently announced Pentagon review of the AUKUS pact has sparked a renewed bout of debate in Australia. Led by the “AUKUS-agnostic” US Undersecretary of Defense Elbridge Colby, the review raises serious questions ...2 days ago
- ‘I was in a semi-breaking-down sort of place’: new study sheds light on the emotional toll for e...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Natalie Roche, PhD Candidate, Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, La Trobe University Sergey Dolgikh/Getty Images In Australia, there are around 235,000 emergency service volunteers who help communities respond and recover after natural disasters and other traumatic events. These include volunteers ...2 days ago
“Will you still love me when I’m no longer Young and Beautiful “
What ever happened to Plastic Bertrand?
touche pas ma planete (Poupee de cellophane, chiveux chinois).
I liked his underground shit, before he sold out.
the lyrics to Ca Plane Pour Moi are still quite clever.
Hiroshima Mon Amour
Dangerous Rhythm
It’s great enjoying winter’s charms ( bracing walks, a roaring log burner, lots of music, spending time cooking time consuming recipes) when you’re NOT experiencing a 19 hour power cut as we were last weekend post the solstice eve storm. (Although of course the log burner kept a roarin’ the whole way through)
Power is at hand this weekend to watch a Hunter S Thompson doco I got out from the library “Buy the ticket, take the ride”. Should be interesting. That and trying a new recipe along the lines of a vego meal centred around Yorkshire puddings! Yorkshire puddings! And feeding the ducks that are returning to the lawn after being away since spring last year.They still know where their feeding stations are.
All the best to those all around the country affected by massive snows and ferocious storms last week. Hope the clean up’s are going well.
It is a humid 35degrees where I am. Long for cool days, reading by the winter fireside.
Where are you this week ianmac? A very pleasant low 20s forecast here for this weekend. Much better than last weeks mid-30s. But we’re not doing much – 3 more sleeps until the op on the man’s bad back.
Hi rosy. Not going to Vienna this time. A short sharp thunderstorm has just blasted Ho Chi Minh city here and coled the air to 29 degrees. Off to Croatia tomorrow because when my wife says go, I go quickly. But I am keeping track of nz via the standard. Afraid John key does not seem to need my advice. “Are you surprised?” Says my wife rather unkindly. Humph!
Do the words ‘Lucky Bugger” mean anything ? I’s like 4 degrees here, with snow on the hills just to keep the chill going.
Enjoy the Sun.
120F experienced in Phoenix and Las Vegas (49C); 130F (54C) possible in Death Valley. “jet- streams more erratic in past few years”.
Lovely to hear your ducks are back Rosie. If I remember correctly I told you they would be back. They spent the summer in Ennui’s back yard and beyond, but they know where the good lurks are in the middle of winter.
Each morning after I’ve fed and watered the budgies (and cleaned their
bedsperches), I let the wild winged creatures have the left overs. Problem is they now number about 50 to 100 and include grey doves, blackbirds, starlings, sparrows, mynas, two pair of thrushes and a bolshie pigeon. It’s getting a bit expensive.Ah yes indeed Anne, you did say they would be back! They’ve started settling in to a bit of a routine. Two of them came here with their mother, as chicks last year and stayed until they had learnt to fly. I remember their markings and personalities, and they know their way around.I don’t have a clue who the others are. These two young hens have brought with them two young drakes plus an older drake who is already in full breeding colours. He gives the young drakes a hard time and there was quite a scene this morning when a fight broke out.
You have certainly got your hands full with your lot – it must get noisy at feeding time. I can relate to the cost issues. Ours get poultry feed and we can manage the budget for feeding a pair but I’m not sure how it’s going to work with five of them………..
eww. Power cuts are not fun in winter. Glad my power has held up so far – not sure about the power bill though. There seems to have been a pretty virulent cold swept through my work team this week. And I had to ring in sick today for about the first time since my accident a couple of years ago.
Nice sunshine through my window though.
Glad to hear you have power now. Some people still without.
Hi Karol. I hope you’ll be your way to recovery soon. It’s great you have the sunshine. Rest up:-)
Heading out to this tomorrow, bring it…
http://www.residentadvisor.net/event.aspx?383838
It should have eben a great weekend /What with the Handel Opera at the Hamilton Lido and the sunny Cambridge weather Unfortunately our good friend and Labour Party stalwart died .Noeline Nuttall was a wonderful worker for the Labour Cause a truthfully caring person who believed in a just fair world for all . My wife and I will miss Noeline a lot but vwewill remember her with much affection.
Sincere condolences Pink Postman. Noeline sounds like a true friend and comrade who will be missed by many.