In some countries, such as Germany, they have had great success in reducing the prison population. Thats because the rate of criminal offending has been dramatically reduced. That should be the goal - not to empty our prisons at all costs. Currently weve got a criminal justice system that gives out chance after chance until we create genuinely monstrous criminals. Thats why the three strikes rule came into effect. Im all for CJ reform if it reduces criminal offending, but simply letting people get away with crimes is no answer at all. Its a recipe for losing control of law and order. If you get the reform right then our prisons should empty because crimes arent being committed. You dont start that kind of reform by allowing the worst of the worst criminals out on the street (unless you want to be turfed out of parliament).
Your response seems very sound Jennifer. But I find it incredible someone would ask should I leave my husband? as if she were deciding between the red or green dress. If you spend decades in a partnership surely youre at least partly responsible for the destination you arrive at. This reads like shes been a passenger her entire life. Who knows, maybe leaving him will be the best thing - for him.
National just dont get it. Swing voters win elections and this display, Bridges ineptitude, Bennetts gravedigger contribution and Judith Collins sniping & opportunism are a big turnoff. They come across as moral bankrupts and its guaranteed theyll be punished in the next polling.
I actually think there are also quite a few people who regret voting for the Greens. Theyve moved significantly off their environmental policy leadership into far-left social politics. And instead of a science-based approach to environmentalism theyre now expressing sympathy for various cranks. But were a long way from the next election, anything could happen yet. A breakaway Greens party might still be possibility.
The problem is the church struggles with the idea that they have to answer to anyone except themselves. You can confess your sins - in secret - and be forgiven. Their belief structure has the effect of treating all sins as equal. A few Hail Marys and youre good to go. Its the whole reason why centuries of abuse have occurred, been allowed to continue and then covered up to protect the institution. Not just the Catholic Church any exclusive organization that shuns outside criticism is open to abuse. Were all sinners they say. But what they dont acknowledge is that among the worst in the world hide themselves within the church to escape the light of justice.
Its got no place in a state school. If parents want religious instruction during school hours, send your kids to one of the private religious schools - or Sunday school (does it still exist?). It should not be taught on the tax dollar.
Hes put the US on track for the largest trade deficit in ten years, the annual budget deficit is around 5% of GDP, corporate tax revenues are dropping, government spending keeps rising. The growth in the US economy is illusory, hes borrowing to make it happen and itll take decades of far more frugal management to right the ship that hes filling with sewage. But his supporters just want more and more. There must be a significant suspicion that external forces are feeding the climate of conspiracy, distrust in the news media and racism. Trumps own attacks on lawful processes and state institutions place his entire nation in a precarious state.
Unfortunately its a bit like watching one mob boss replace another one on the Sopranos. The heir apparent Mike Pence is a thoroughly nasty piece of work who holds extreme conservative views on education, gun control, LGBTQ rights, religion, climate change, refugee rights and Israel. Probably much of his influence is driving the US policy changes on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Trump has been a useful idiot to the ultra conservatives who have seized power. If voting in the US continues along tribal red/blue lines it will be hard to unseat them, especially if the left remains disjointed.
The US has just issued indictments against Russian agents for interfering in their elections, but Trump still thinks a private meeting with Putin in Helsinki is okay. Its hard to fathom how Trumps approval rating can even reach 41%. Then again, thats about the same level of support Adolph Hitler had. One Irish commentator recently wrote a compelling piece about the trial run for fascism were currently seeing; alternative facts, electoral fraud, the normalization of immoral actions by state agents. How do Trumps supporters reconcile themselves to this stench? Is it enough to support a tyrant, so long as he also shares their racist views?
I read this story elsewhere and thought it must be a joke. How any human could be that moronic, deaf to the outrage around them and undermine themselves so completely is almost beyond comprehension. The Americans are running out of time to stop real catastrophe for their country. If Trump is reelected the trade war, enormous deficits and loss of US status will see this narcissist turn truly psychotic. Launching a major, lunatic war somewhere would be a strong possibility.
What I thought was disturbing about the protest against Brash at Auckland University was that he was appearing in a debate where his views would be subject to examination and rebuttal. That is truly the only way to deal with ideas you dont like. And that is also representative of confidence in democracy, based on a free flow of information and rational decision making.Shutting Brash down before he could even speak is opening the door for ALL extremists to use the same tactics. Dont like what Jacinda Ardern is saying? Then shut her down, shout over the top of her. Those protestors should have another look at David Langes famous Oxford Union debate. He not only won the argument but also won over support from both sides of the political spectrum through intelligent reasoning - and a bit of humour. If either side had been shouted down then a bitter divide would have resulted.
One in six US military personnel are taking some form of anti-psychotic medication and the rates of suicide are through the roof. And dont forget that incoming personnel are screened for mental health issues. Something is deeply rotten in the US military, but all Trump cares about is an ego-massaging parade. The military leadership dont care either. Theyre simply doing their bit to keep the wheels turning on the military-procurement gravy train before they jump aboard themselves as high paid consultants. But Im all for a parade - show the American people where their trillions are being spent, mostly on garbage that will be retired before its ever needed. Republicans despise socialism but they support the greatest redistribution of income the world has ever seen - the military industrial complex thieving from the people who can least afford to pay.
Just think about what youre saying here. You want to remove a legal right that women might have in this situation. I dont think the answer is to take away someones right to enter into a voluntary agreement. And if a contract has been entered into under duress then it is not enforceable. A better solution would be to promote legislation that offers legal protection with stipulated penalties, sufficiently large that would mean NDA type agreements were hugely expensive.
You dont mention Australia once in this opinion piece, but theyre the nation keeping New Zealand in Iraq, not the United States. If they werent there, we wouldnt be either. In exchange for putting up with New Zealands pathetically small military budget - and forcing Australia to shoulder 95% of the burden in this region we have to send our troops to support them. If you want a truly independent defense policy & strategy then you have to spend up large - which NZ hasnt been prepared to do for decades, so we tag along on other peoples adventures.
Some of these players are paid hundreds of thousands of Euros every week. Neymar for example earned €700,000 per week last year. On top of that are endorsements, which probably double the salary. How much does a referee earn? Players get treated like gods so they look down their noses at referees, whore probably under instructions to take it easy. The problem lies with FIFA, an organization that only cares about money. The majority of fans back their heroes over the referees. If players were hit in the pocket for misbehaviour this problem would clear up overnight.
European politics can be a messy affair but it is not as fragile as Trump and the alt-right like to imagine. There is a core belief in European unity in the center of Europe. The EU believes, with some justification that they will outlast Trump and when the economic reality of his trade war and pro debt agenda starts to bite, many Republicans will be wistfully longing for the days of Obama.
I dont really think $5.2 million will go very far. The defense force obviously has a role in community support during emergencies. Id like to see their general capacities increased. They have fire fighters, field engineers etc. Why not ramp up their resources for a greater role in domestic emergencies?
Its worth pointing out that this is a religiously funded excavation. Azusa Pacific is a Christian university. And there are other religious/political interests in *proving* the old testament to be historically accurate. This is the same document that has characters living hundreds of years, that dates the earth to being about 6000 years old and reports numerous other events (such as the exodus) which cannot be verified in any other way. Even some Christian biblical scholars call the Old Testament a work of fiction. You have to approach this type of work with extreme caution. The people involved are going into it with an agenda.
Thats a shame. Its been going on for so many years that the Police were obviously turning a blind eye - until someone forced their hand. And hes well away from the central hub of bars & retail. Theres always someone with an ax to grind and a sticky beak.
I dont like Trump but Im wary of shallow gestures like this. Trump won the election because blue-collar swing voters felt ignored and marginalized. Hillary Clinton literally sniffed the air at their concerns and theres a kind of parallel with booting Sanders out. If this restaurant owner had said she booted out Sanders AND was donating the tax break shes received under Trumps administration to immigrant support, was allowing her restaurant to be used for fund raising for Democrat candidates and was giving her staff paid leave to work for anti-Trump political causes, then it becomes much more than an empty gesture. As it stands she will probably gain financially for her brave stand. This is a relatively high end restaurant so well-heeled Democrats will probably make the pilgrimage. When youre in a fight, only actions matter - not bravado.
It would be interesting to see Saudi Arabia try and use oil as a point of leverage. They might be the largest oil exporter, but they arent the only one and only by co-ordinated action with other nations have they been able to influence the price of oil. How many of their allies are lining up to fight an economic war against the west? They must be a bit shellshocked at the moment. One murder and theyve managed to contract diplomatic leprosy.
You wouldnt know it, judging by the advertising hoardings, reality TV shows and life goes on morning TV and radio but were on the cusp of something pretty awful. The refugees entering the United States wont stop coming. This girl from Honduras comes from the region called the violent triangle (together with El Salvador and Guatemala). The murder capital of the world, fueled by drug gangs. They arent economic refugees - theyre literally running for their lives and stripping kids from their parents wont stop them.Similarly there is a relentless stream of refugees trying to get to Europe from Africa. The political backlash is building. Hardliners in Italy, Austria and Germany are talking in no less harsh language than Trump and Angela Merkels government is in real danger now. Austrias Chancellor famously just called for an axis of nations to stop illegal migration.This is the reality of the mass flow of refugees the world faces today. Since 2015 it has become catastrophic. Its easy to sit here in judgement in New Zealand but we have not yet been tested the way other nations have. In my second home country of Germany, I have heard a change from liberal and educated people towards a much harder line with refugees. If Merkel cannot deliver relief then Im afraid politicians with dark intentions will have an opportunity to gain power.Unless we can tackle the root causes of the worlds refugee problems, no developed nation will be spared some part of this difficulty and I dont think New Zealand will be spared. If hundreds of millions of people take to the road, then the entire world will become a refugee camp - or a world of fences and machine guns.
How about we treat them as professionals first. Pay them a decent salary, create career pathways that encourage people to stay in the services. Provide better learning opportunities that allow them to integrate with the workforce when they do leave. Support them better when theyve suffered because of their service. Lets look at their overall welfare - and not simply shame politicians into meeting 6 am flights. We do not want to turn into America where every soldier is greeted with a thank you for your service but the real problems they suffer; poverty, psychological stress, depression, homelessness and suicide get ignored. After the handshakes and applause, life goes on and servicemen and women have a lot to put up with a lot. They would much rather come home to a greater sense of security about their lives than Winston Peters meeting them at the airport.
There was a story a few days ago about someone doing 200 km/hr who caused a fatal accident. Yes speed was a major contributor but how will lowering the speed limit actually save lives? When people are intent on ignoring limits all youre doing by lowering them is penalizing law abiding, ticket-paying citizens. Its insufficient to say speed is a major contributor without digging deeper into the statistics and relating speed limits to the incidence of fatal accidents. Im sure there are other contributing factors; alcohol, lack of license and blatant disregard for the law. Issuing more tickets does not make our roads safer.
This old chestnut. It doesnt work like that. More people play for bigger prizes - and spend more. If the prize was a flat $1 million then the first division prize pool would never grow. Many people wont even play lotto until the prizes are massive.
Calling it a midlife crisis moment is an admission of regret, so dont blame ANZ for your own actions. Get it removed, reapply - although going off at a potential employer in a public forum wont exactly endear you to them.
Those aged 15 to 24 were the loneliest. In this brave new world of social connectedness thats an extremely interesting finding. I dont mix much with that age group, except perhaps at the gym where virtually every single one of them is glued to their phone, as if their lives depend on it. Between sets, while walking to the water fountain, actually while theyre stretching. If this research is accurate then that addiction to social media is doing huge harm.
Nike sales up 31%. The marketing department knew exactly who they were talking to with the Kaepernick ad. They would have been laughing at how Trump and his supporters reacted - it all added fuel to the marketing fire. I dont know why it was considered a risky move.
The worst indictment of Treaty politics is that it has utterly failed to improve the lives of the majority of Maori. They still suffer poverty and poor educational, health and employment outcomes. Treaty settlements and the industry around it have made some people very rich - but so many more still appear to be missing out. Travel around Northland and you sometimes see living conditions that Ive only previously seen in developing countries. Successive governments have taken the path of least resistance, paying out to the loudest and ignoring the rest.
There is still the matter of Pence and the cabal that have surfed in on Trumps popularity. Among some of them is an undisguised religious fundamentalism of the dispensationalist variety. These are folks absolutely looking forward to an apocalypse in the middle east. The whole insane bunch need to be run out of Washington.
There are so many examples of iconic stadiums around the world that have simply become white elephants. How many times a year would it even be filled? No-one ever goes to Auckland rugby anymore. Wont cost tax/ratepayers anything? Put that on a Tui billboard now.
I wish a columnist would seriously try to answer the question of why millions of Americans gave Trump their vote, why the left vote was split, how the duopoly of American politics made the rise of someone like Trump inevitable and why only 55.5% of eligible voters even bothered. Because you can see the same mistakes being made again. The Democrats cannot get their act together and the left vote is likely to split again. They also cannot shed themselves of the cult of Clinton and are flailing around for someone with real moral authority. Theyre extremely nervous of backing anyone to the hilt against Trump and dont act like a cohesive party at all.If you want to defeat Trump you need to have concrete, easily understandable plans and policies to support blue-collar America - and their small towns that are withering on the vine.
Rats also go to work while were asleep and every patch of green is infested with them - theyre a greater danger to native birds. Im not saying it doesnt happen but Ive never seen a cat with a native bird but they hunt rats with fanaticism. If you remove cats from urban areas we could face an explosion of rodents, then what? Poisoning? The situation might be different in more rural areas, but surely removing the only predator that rats have to face needs to be thought through carefully.
The Australian Sarah Turnball wrote an entertaining book about living in France. Almost French, well worth a read if youre thinking of making the move.
Toyota have really gone off the boil. Probably to protect their Lexus line theyve failed to move Toyota along with other rising brands, like Mazda and Hyundai. Even the Hilux hasnt kept up with other utes. The biggest car manufacturer in the world has feet of clay.
To what extent will the American electorate hold him and the gutless GoP accountable? We still have a Democrat Party that cant see outside of an ossified political system. Theyve got the best democracy money can buy in the states, representative of who has the deepest pockets not who works in the interests of ordinary people. Another Barack Obama wont solve Americas problems.
lack of emotional tools to cope with such intense thoughts and feelings.I can think of three people who I knew who committed suicide. One of them suffered from severe mental illness and was hospitalized for extended periods of time before he finally took his own life. Another one seemed to live a normal, healthy productive life until he got enmeshed in a difficult legal problem which turned his life upside down and ultimately he made his fateful decision. The third one was a young woman seemingly with the world at her feet, just about to start university. Im sure there were signs, but it seems to me one of the problems is that those signs of someone being at-risk can be found quite often. What do you do if you recognize those signs? Tell them to get help. They already know theyre in trouble.I dont believe its quite accurate to say its a lack of emotional tools. The issue is that the emotional tools they have have been overwhelmed. Everyone has their breaking point. One of the people I know who took his own life was in a profession where youre screened for being emotionally and mentally robust (in fact these professions tend to have high rates of suicide).I dont know what the answer is, Im just venting because this stuff bothers me. The numbers are terrible, the cost is enormous and we still seem to be floundering.
Well we wouldnt want to provoke a bully, would we? Jesus Horatio. Why dont we just replace the Union Jack on our flag with a big yellow chicken while were at it.
There was a modern poem called Waiting for the Barbarians. It pretty much describes Trumps America. Fear disguised as hubris, a lack of confidence in institutions and laws. Trumps practically got his supporters calling for an end to the free press now. Threatening to shut down government over what half the country see as a moral and practical issue. Despite the chest beating, fear has taken over America and the GoPs love of power is allowing it to happen. This is how civilizations fall.
Its got nothing to do with whether its deserved or not. It has happened because of historically low interest rates here and abroad. According to some calculations, interests rates have never been lower. In Europe there are some crazy examples, such as negative interest rates on home loans. Some people are actually receiving monthly cheques from their banks.Where the problem lies is in the accumulation of public and private debt. In this time of vast growth in asset values, why have local councils been accumulating debt at an accelerating rate? Low interest rates have acted as an incentive to borrow, like free drinks at a casino. How will it ever be paid down if an economic recession (which now seems inevitable) comes to pass?Theres a fresh tranche of houses now on the market after a quiet period. Many sellers were discouraged in the last year or so, at least in Auckland. Now well see if the leaking values become more problematic as those with interest only loans are forced to sell. That particular problem is much worse in Australia. This particular cycle could end spectacularly badly because Kiwi salaries are totally out of whack with property values. A rise in interest rates will be a catastrophe.
A number of councils have dug themselves enormous debt holes. Around 12% of Auckland council revenue goes to servicing debt. What happens when interest rates rise and housing values drop? The last mayor of Auckland timidly mooted a poll tax but was quickly shot down. The point is they know theres a problem but they arent confronting it.
He was a macho film star, but with quite a big capacity for self-reflection which made him all the more likeable. The action heroes who followed him in the 80s, puffed up on steroids, never had the same charm.
Thats a bit of a Luddite call. The demand for vegetarian/vegan food is increasing all the time. The history of economics is littered with dead businesses that failed to read the future. That isnt to say meat is over, but trying to suppress change thats happening around you is about as dumb as it gets.
Putin sees himself as a modern Catherine the Great (although he might not appreciate the comparison). She used seduction as much as military power to build an empire. Certainly hes got Trump and a whole bunch of nutty rightists licking his boots.
I think itll sell well in Australia, since theres a certain market that will spend a fortune on upgrading standard utes with name brand shocks, large tires etc. But real outback drivers wont touch these things. The towing and load capacity mean these are more suited to day trips to the beach. That small engine pigeonholes them as offroad performance machines, which is practically a complete waste of time in NZ conditions.
The banks are reacting to property softening by lowering mortgage rates, but the real number to watch is inflation. If that rises then then interest rates will rise as wholesale costs increase, then you might be looking at a rout in the property market. But dont worry, thatll probably be a lifetime away (at least 18 months).
If you believe New Zealand should bring those refugees here, have you asked yourself why the government has been pretty lukewarm about getting involved? . Signaling that NZ will assist refugees jump the queue of the UN refugee program will bring many more attempts to enter Australia & New Zealand. When Angela Merkel famously said there was no limit to the refugees Germany would take, she lit the torch to a continent-wide problem. The result has stretched the limits of democracy in Europe, far-right parties are on the march and weve witnessed a distinct change in German politics. Merkel has been backpedaling ever since.There is one other feature of the welcoming European approach to refugees that is conveniently barely talked about. Both Germany and Sweden have been diverting foreign aid money to care for refugees within their own border. Why this matters is because it takes five times the resources to care for a refugee in Stockholm than it does in Africa. How moral is it to decide that the poorest and most desperate people in the world - who couldnt hope to get to a western country should be allowed to perish so that a refugee in Berlin or Stockholm can be given a mobile phone? New Zealand would similarly need to make that kind of decision if we open the doors to everyone who wants to enter. There is an unlimited amount of misery in the world, everything else is in short supply. How we make best use of our limited resources needs to be driven by allowing the most number of people to benefit, not for signaling how virtuous you are.
Police works with the sex industry. Thats a joke. They work with the brothel owners. I doubt they know sweet fa about the actual workers. The industry is legal only in the sense that if you chose to pay for the services of a prostitute you can do so with impunity. The drivers that put women in the position where they have to choose this work are seldom legal. Its a simple fact that many have got themselves into debt from less than savory lenders. The real effect of legalizing prostitution in New Zealand has been for the state to wash its hands of the social, psychological and criminal problems that circle the industry like vultures. The parasites that feed off this human misery get a free ride and we call it freedom of choice. Supporting legal prostitution is an ideology for some, a practicality for others you want to indulge - but in both cases the welfare of the women is given scant regard.
The November mid terms are fast approaching. I think its quite likely that even some Republican voters will turn on Trumps administration to ensure a clear out of the worst offenders, or they may simply abstain like the Democrats who stayed at home and cost Hillary Clinton the election. But the next presidential elections will again see whether the Democrat Party can wake up from their slumber and start representing the left wing who no longer trust them. Either that or four more years of this..
Committed to getting more Lions. Zoos do little else than torment wild animals. The argument you hear for their existence is that they provide the only opportunity for most people to see wild animals..and some sort of nebulous role in conservation. Well Lions in the wild are heading towards extinction anyway and what you see of animals in zoos bares little resemblance to how they are in the wild. Their conditioning is markedly different - and no amount of enrichment toys can give them anything approaching the life they were born to live. Cheetahs are a real example of how zoos fail. Inbreeding of zoo specimens is a real problem and when you see them in the wild they practically look like a different species. Zoos arent a demonstration of how much we care for wild animals, theyre a testament to how indifferent we are to them.
It hasnt been bad for Taurua though. Her stock as a coach has been rising and rising and her Australian experience will be invaluable. Its easier to establish a new order when the old order has spectacularly failed.
In John McCains own words, no one of good character leaves behind a wasted life - whether they die in obscurity or renown. No one (with a straight face) will talk about Trumps good character when he shuffles off this mortal coil.
In the event of a relatively mild global downturn, foreign money will leave New Zealand and look for a safe haven. In the 2008 crash US sovereign bonds were over subscribed when they were offering a measly 0% return. New Zealand is considered a riskier investment and we have quite a high proportion of foreign money invested in NZ compared to the other way round. Look at our bank deposit rates - theyre twice that of Australias (and Australia is also considered risky). That would be accompanied by a not insignificant drop in property values which will dry up consumer confidence etc etc. What happens in a large global downturn is anybodys guess. Anywhere from a 30% drop in property values to Venezuela. Were a small boat at the mercy of global oceanic movements. Trumps local supporters should think about that while they support his trade wars and belligerence.
What this has done is brought into the light the brutal reality, not just of Saudi Arabia, but the many nations that practice torture and murder as normal activities. The civilized world is shocked. Why exactly? Because weve been forced to confront the reality of what we normally just turn a blind eye to. Not a pretty sight is it. Organizations that speak out about these horrendous crimes that go on while we sleep need to be listened to. If our governments wont stand up for human rights, at least individuals have the power to vote and boycott. Just dont lie and say you didnt know.
Times have changed. We had to say the Lords Prayer every morning at my state Intermediate School, the Anglican version of course. And the science teacher kept a strap in his top draw that he nicknamed Black Molly. No bible lessons though..
I dont think people are concerned about their children becoming multilingual and Id be happy if learning a second language was compulsory, but people need to have a choice. And the start training teachers now idea belies the difficulty and expense involved. It would in fact be far easier and cheaper to make a European language compulsory. The teachers are already there, you just have to import them. How many people even want to teach Maori? Enough to fill positions in every school in the country? Really, this idea is a complete non-starter and it will probably hurt the Greens in the polls - and Labour will never support it. If Labour did support it I suspect it would see them turfed out at the next election quite handily.
Very sad to read. More recently there has been more emphasis on mental health in the media but the author makes a good point which we dont often hear. Outside events can affect somebody elses mental health. Were accustomed to talk about people who ideate or commit suicide as mentally ill, as if that explains everything. But clearly in many cases it doesnt. How we treat each other in ordinary situations does matter. Its particularly sad to read stories of how bullying has led to suicide.
We all know what to say and what to do to help someone at-risk.The combination of factors that has brought someone into that territory must be complex and frightening. Maybe for some people all they need is to reach out, call a helpline, speak to someone they trust. But I feel there must be many people at risk who evade a diagnosis - and asking for help simply isnt something they would do. I just find these superficial call someone, speak to someone advice pieces a little lacking. Its such a serious topic I would dearly love to read something written with a little depth than a doctors room pamphlet.
Funny thing. Scrolling down twitter this morning Im positive I saw a tweet from Helen Clark saying New Zealand will hold a referendum on Cannabis within the next two years. Now that tweet seems to have disappeared. Did anyone else see it?
A few hours ago he tweeted no president has been tougher on Russia than me. Just what is the worldview of his supporters that allow them to believe what hes saying? I mean they know hes lying, he lies constantly, contradicts himself in the same speech, backtracks on a daily basis..but still his supporters in the USA (and laughably also in New Zealand) still think hes the greatest. Its the same kind of mass delusion the nazis pulled off.
Of course some people will earn more overseas. But there are plenty of Europeans for example who would gladly move to NZ for the quality of life here. At one time I was offered a job in one of the expat hubs. Good money but I turned it down because the country is practically a dictatorship. Isnt it great people say, you can have maids and drivers - and they cost practically nothing! Thats because youve joined a system that treats some people no better than slaves. Want to be part of that? Not for me thanks.
I lived in Europe and have visited Paris since the late 80s. There didnt even used to be a queue, but these days its depressingly long if you want to climb the Eiffel Tower (unless youre on one of the many tour groups that are prioritized). I suppose if youve never seen it before the queues are worth it for the compulsory selfie at the top, but the vast throngs of tourists have turned Paris into a kind of annoying theme park. The thieves on the bridges dont even bother to vary their scams year after year. However if you look beyond the obvious attractions its still possible to find some of the genuine charm the city can have - where the package tour crowd thin out.
Good for them. And you dont need fancy equipment. I think the more comfortable they make exercise machines these days, the less effective they are. Simple barbells and dumbbells plus motivation are the way to go.
One time I had a scammer calling me from my power company. Not being able to tell me which power company they were from was a bit of a give away. And I regularly get emails supposedly from Apple trying to get into my itunes account. For people who are somewhat vulnerable these calls must be a real hazard - they wouldnt keep happening if they werent getting some success. Since they typically originate from offshore I guess enforcement action is rather difficult.
Its a tricky one for Donald. He has significant business interests with Saudi Arabia - but his base support arent friends of the Saudis. Europe wont be bothered by Saudi threats - they dont import massive amounts of oil from the gulf and EU sanctions are inevitable. I think theres a general feeling that Saudi Arabia needs to be taken down a peg or two and thats going to happen now. Ironically Russia will probably be a significant beneficiary.
Weve got to get out and vote.Only 58% of eligible voters did so in the 2016 elections - and apparently that was a recent record. The worry still is that the Democrat Party are stumbling to find a consistent voice. They simply dont represent enough of the left leaning voters and theyre relying on the at least were not Trump strategy that failed Hillary Clinton.
They have completely failed in managing Aucklands growth and the Super City concept allowed city managers to delude themselves that council debt simply didnt matter. More tax is coming. They wont call it rates but living here can only get more expensive - and I dont see capital gains exploding the way they have in the last 8 or so years. How do non-Aucklanders feel about propping the city up with their taxes?
I come from a rural background and many generations of farmers. Im not the one labouring under any illusions about where my food comes from, but if you think slaughtering animals is - or should be some kind of community event then you are seriously misinformed.
Its not surprising about Sydney and Melbourne - some suburbs are off the chart expensive. But this information is nothing more than a correction really. Interest rates of course are linked to property prices, but the property market in Australia - and New Zealand is protected by the rate of unemployment. A few years back when the mining industry in WA went into a hole, there was a genuine collapse in house prices (in some places at least). Banks wrote off a lot of mortgages and people walked away with nothing.Another factor theyll have to deal with in Australia quite soon is the high proportion of interest only mortgages (higher than in NZ). Many are due to convert to principal plus interest soon and that will put pressure on mortgage holders.The real danger is the prospect of a global recession. Both Australia and New Zealand are heavily reliant on trade. Significant slowdowns in Asia and the United States, an increase in transport costs, conflict - these things are what could collapse the housing market. Many economists are picking 2020 as the year when the US debt mountain will start dropping rocks on the rest of us. I guess well see..
The problem with her argument is that flag burning is done to offend. Protest without a pathway towards a goal is simply acting out. When the tree on One Tree Hill was attacked, did that materially improve the lives of ordinary Maori? Id suggest it did not and in fact the offense if caused may have materially disadvantaged some. Ironically flag burning is a mirror of the neo-conservative strategy of creative destruction. The thoroughly discredited (and downright dangerous) philosophy that if you break down existing institutions then something wonderful and new will spring up because it was those institutions that were holding the unicorns back. How can the path to achieve any goal start with tearing up the ground youre standing on?
There are potential risks and benefits of aspirin therapy. One of those risks is in fact in increased chance of a hemorrhagic stroke. Theres a disturbing trend of people promoting and seeking out silver bullet therapies without fully examining the risks or consulting with qualified physicians. I dont think its responsible to give this type of advice on the internet.
Were a primary producer. Theres just no way the Americans would give us free rein to compete against their farming industry. If they did it would probably come with such odious caveats that wed be giving up large chunks of our sovereignty. New Zealand should be looking towards the European Union. A much bigger market than the US and politicians who are sane.
Obviously the implications need to be carefully considered, but on the face of it ridding NZ of rats, possums, stoats and other introduced predators of our native birds is pretty much a dream come 1.
I dont know how people managed to convince themselves that they would keep rising at 2 or 3 times the rate of inflation or salary growth, especially when public and private debt has ballooned at an even faster rate than the property market. The overseas trends are for rising interest rates. If (when) that comes to town therell be blood on the floor.
Pay teachers what theyre worth. In some cases that would mean doubling their pay - and in some cases halving it. Teaching isnt some holy calling, there are awful, useless teachers. The notion that an entire profession is somehow *noble* is an appalling one. Pay must be linked to performance and the value they add. Without some incentive its been shown time and again you just give a free hand to mediocrity.
Theres something new and outrageous from the Trump presidency practically every day. What also stands out is how utterly ineffective the Democrat opposition are. Their weakness handed Trump the top job and they still cant seem to find a point guard to take the lead against Trump. Trump might be behind in the polls but that doesnt matter if no-shows and a divided opposition again decide the election. But I still dont think Trump is the big danger. There are some ideologues, religious extremists and opportunists that are pushing their twisted agenda through Trump. Even if Trump doesnt stand they wont easily give up power. A quiet takeover by dangerous lunatics is in progress.
Its hard to believe Neymar is being talked about as the heir apparent to Messi and Ronaldo on the evidence of that last game. His instinct to dive every time he gets in the penalty area is a real liability.
Of course graffiti is vandalism, unless the owner has consented to it. And free speech isnt the issue here. The activists are using graffiti as a form of political protest and dissent, which has a long history of using such tactics. The reaction of the NZDF though is laughable, as if the protest signs are some type of existential threat. Their over-reaction has been a priceless publicity gift to the activists.
He was a great advertisement for humility. Didnt find success until he was in his forties, had a wonderful love of humanity, open about his flaws - and made a greater impact than any other celebrity chef. His strident political commentary was rare for any celebrity, that takes moral courage.
Government's three strikes repeal killed by NZ First
In some countries, such as Germany, they have had great success in reducing the prison population. Thats because the rate of criminal offending has been dramatically reduced. That should be the goal - not to empty our prisons at all costs. Currently weve got a criminal justice system that gives out chance after chance until we create genuinely monstrous criminals. Thats why the three strikes rule came into effect. Im all for CJ reform if it reduces criminal offending, but simply letting people get away with crimes is no answer at all. Its a recipe for losing control of law and order. If you get the reform right then our prisons should empty because crimes arent being committed. You dont start that kind of reform by allowing the worst of the worst criminals out on the street (unless you want to be turfed out of parliament).
Dear Jennifer: I'm married to a good guy but I'm bored
Your response seems very sound Jennifer. But I find it incredible someone would ask should I leave my husband? as if she were deciding between the red or green dress. If you spend decades in a partnership surely youre at least partly responsible for the destination you arrive at. This reads like shes been a passenger her entire life. Who knows, maybe leaving him will be the best thing - for him.
" After a horrendous day, Nats leader Simon Bridges is still standing - for now",
National just dont get it. Swing voters win elections and this display, Bridges ineptitude, Bennetts gravedigger contribution and Judith Collins sniping & opportunism are a big turnoff. They come across as moral bankrupts and its guaranteed theyll be punished in the next polling.
US President Donald Trump rips LeBron James' smarts hours before rally
America would be doing a lot better if LeBron was the president - and Trump was selling peanuts.
ACT bill would see Parliament cut to 100 MPs
Failing that, how about a 20% pay cut for all MPs. Would he vote for that?
My shameful confession: I voted for Winston and now I apologise
I actually think there are also quite a few people who regret voting for the Greens. Theyve moved significantly off their environmental policy leadership into far-left social politics. And instead of a science-based approach to environmentalism theyre now expressing sympathy for various cranks. But were a long way from the next election, anything could happen yet. A breakaway Greens party might still be possibility.
Vatican meets #MeToo: Nuns denounce their abuse by priests
The problem is the church struggles with the idea that they have to answer to anyone except themselves. You can confess your sins - in secret - and be forgiven. Their belief structure has the effect of treating all sins as equal. A few Hail Marys and youre good to go. Its the whole reason why centuries of abuse have occurred, been allowed to continue and then covered up to protect the institution. Not just the Catholic Church any exclusive organization that shuns outside criticism is open to abuse. Were all sinners they say. But what they dont acknowledge is that among the worst in the world hide themselves within the church to escape the light of justice.
Bible lessons provoke one mother's wrath and she is not alone
Its got no place in a state school. If parents want religious instruction during school hours, send your kids to one of the private religious schools - or Sunday school (does it still exist?). It should not be taught on the tax dollar.
Potential solution to aggressive cancers being developed by Wellington researchers
Thats how science works. You create an hypothesis and then you test it. It might work, it might not - but science will advance in either case.
The misunderstood world of slot cars and the blokes in sheds who race them
Jackie Stewart and AFX for the feel of real. Kids today dont know what theyre missing..
Trump at a precarious moment in his presidency: Privately brooding and publicly roaring
Hes put the US on track for the largest trade deficit in ten years, the annual budget deficit is around 5% of GDP, corporate tax revenues are dropping, government spending keeps rising. The growth in the US economy is illusory, hes borrowing to make it happen and itll take decades of far more frugal management to right the ship that hes filling with sewage. But his supporters just want more and more. There must be a significant suspicion that external forces are feeding the climate of conspiracy, distrust in the news media and racism. Trumps own attacks on lawful processes and state institutions place his entire nation in a precarious state.
Bowron: Are we watching the last days of Agent Orange
Unfortunately its a bit like watching one mob boss replace another one on the Sopranos. The heir apparent Mike Pence is a thoroughly nasty piece of work who holds extreme conservative views on education, gun control, LGBTQ rights, religion, climate change, refugee rights and Israel. Probably much of his influence is driving the US policy changes on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Trump has been a useful idiot to the ultra conservatives who have seized power. If voting in the US continues along tribal red/blue lines it will be hard to unseat them, especially if the left remains disjointed.
Protestors shout at Trump as he plays golf in Scotland
The US has just issued indictments against Russian agents for interfering in their elections, but Trump still thinks a private meeting with Putin in Helsinki is okay. Its hard to fathom how Trumps approval rating can even reach 41%. Then again, thats about the same level of support Adolph Hitler had. One Irish commentator recently wrote a compelling piece about the trial run for fascism were currently seeing; alternative facts, electoral fraud, the normalization of immoral actions by state agents. How do Trumps supporters reconcile themselves to this stench? Is it enough to support a tyrant, so long as he also shares their racist views?
First lady Melania Trump's 'I don't care' jacket causes a stir
I read this story elsewhere and thought it must be a joke. How any human could be that moronic, deaf to the outrage around them and undermine themselves so completely is almost beyond comprehension. The Americans are running out of time to stop real catastrophe for their country. If Trump is reelected the trade war, enormous deficits and loss of US status will see this narcissist turn truly psychotic. Launching a major, lunatic war somewhere would be a strong possibility.
Speech: What it costs to be free
What I thought was disturbing about the protest against Brash at Auckland University was that he was appearing in a debate where his views would be subject to examination and rebuttal. That is truly the only way to deal with ideas you dont like. And that is also representative of confidence in democracy, based on a free flow of information and rational decision making.Shutting Brash down before he could even speak is opening the door for ALL extremists to use the same tactics. Dont like what Jacinda Ardern is saying? Then shut her down, shout over the top of her. Those protestors should have another look at David Langes famous Oxford Union debate. He not only won the argument but also won over support from both sides of the political spectrum through intelligent reasoning - and a bit of humour. If either side had been shouted down then a bitter divide would have resulted.
Art and artifice: The surreal food world of Anthony Bourdain
Bourdain certainly was windswept and interesting. A big loss.
Trump nixes $139m military parade, blames DC for high cost
One in six US military personnel are taking some form of anti-psychotic medication and the rates of suicide are through the roof. And dont forget that incoming personnel are screened for mental health issues. Something is deeply rotten in the US military, but all Trump cares about is an ego-massaging parade. The military leadership dont care either. Theyre simply doing their bit to keep the wheels turning on the military-procurement gravy train before they jump aboard themselves as high paid consultants. But Im all for a parade - show the American people where their trillions are being spent, mostly on garbage that will be retired before its ever needed. Republicans despise socialism but they support the greatest redistribution of income the world has ever seen - the military industrial complex thieving from the people who can least afford to pay.
"Jami-Lee Ross saga shows Peter Goodfellow betrayed Kiwi women",
Just think about what youre saying here. You want to remove a legal right that women might have in this situation. I dont think the answer is to take away someones right to enter into a voluntary agreement. And if a contract has been entered into under duress then it is not enforceable. A better solution would be to promote legislation that offers legal protection with stipulated penalties, sufficiently large that would mean NDA type agreements were hugely expensive.
The military mission creep going on under the coalition radar
You dont mention Australia once in this opinion piece, but theyre the nation keeping New Zealand in Iraq, not the United States. If they werent there, we wouldnt be either. In exchange for putting up with New Zealands pathetically small military budget - and forcing Australia to shoulder 95% of the burden in this region we have to send our troops to support them. If you want a truly independent defense policy & strategy then you have to spend up large - which NZ hasnt been prepared to do for decades, so we tag along on other peoples adventures.
Dirty deeds of stars cast a shadow on a glittering World Cup
Some of these players are paid hundreds of thousands of Euros every week. Neymar for example earned €700,000 per week last year. On top of that are endorsements, which probably double the salary. How much does a referee earn? Players get treated like gods so they look down their noses at referees, whore probably under instructions to take it easy. The problem lies with FIFA, an organization that only cares about money. The majority of fans back their heroes over the referees. If players were hit in the pocket for misbehaviour this problem would clear up overnight.
Donald Trump got a dose of Dutch bluntness from visiting prime minister
European politics can be a messy affair but it is not as fragile as Trump and the alt-right like to imagine. There is a core belief in European unity in the center of Europe. The EU believes, with some justification that they will outlast Trump and when the economic reality of his trade war and pro debt agenda starts to bite, many Republicans will be wistfully longing for the days of Obama.
Civil Defence Minister Kris Faafoi announces $5.2 million for rapid response teams for disasters
I dont really think $5.2 million will go very far. The defense force obviously has a role in community support during emergencies. Id like to see their general capacities increased. They have fire fighters, field engineers etc. Why not ramp up their resources for a greater role in domestic emergencies?
"Simon Bridges says phone call recorded by Jami-Lee Ross doesn't stack up",
I hope the Labour government give Jami-Lee Ross the NZ Order of Merit. Hes done a great service of revealing whats been going on behind closed doors.
Bride cancels her wedding after guests refuse to pay for it
So shes single and ready to mingle then?
A 3000-year-old glass head deepens one of the Bible's oldest mysteries
Its worth pointing out that this is a religiously funded excavation. Azusa Pacific is a Christian university. And there are other religious/political interests in *proving* the old testament to be historically accurate. This is the same document that has characters living hundreds of years, that dates the earth to being about 6000 years old and reports numerous other events (such as the exodus) which cannot be verified in any other way. Even some Christian biblical scholars call the Old Testament a work of fiction. You have to approach this type of work with extreme caution. The people involved are going into it with an agenda.
Vatican meets #MeToo: Nuns denounce their abuse by priests
Wrong. The Catholic Church says there is no sin that cannot be forgiven, even mortal sins.
Auckland 'street salon' sparks complaint and police warnings
Thats a shame. Its been going on for so many years that the Police were obviously turning a blind eye - until someone forced their hand. And hes well away from the central hub of bars & retail. Theres always someone with an ax to grind and a sticky beak.
Why a small-town restaurant owner asked Sarah Huckabee Sanders to leave
I dont like Trump but Im wary of shallow gestures like this. Trump won the election because blue-collar swing voters felt ignored and marginalized. Hillary Clinton literally sniffed the air at their concerns and theres a kind of parallel with booting Sanders out. If this restaurant owner had said she booted out Sanders AND was donating the tax break shes received under Trumps administration to immigrant support, was allowing her restaurant to be used for fund raising for Democrat candidates and was giving her staff paid leave to work for anti-Trump political causes, then it becomes much more than an empty gesture. As it stands she will probably gain financially for her brave stand. This is a relatively high end restaurant so well-heeled Democrats will probably make the pilgrimage. When youre in a fight, only actions matter - not bravado.
Is there such thing as 'vegan depression'?
It would become a neighbourhood event to cut the chooks head off and watch it run around.What kind of neighbourhood is that?
Will Saudis use oil price as a weapon over Khashoggi disappearance accusations?
It would be interesting to see Saudi Arabia try and use oil as a point of leverage. They might be the largest oil exporter, but they arent the only one and only by co-ordinated action with other nations have they been able to influence the price of oil. How many of their allies are lining up to fight an economic war against the west? They must be a bit shellshocked at the moment. One murder and theyve managed to contract diplomatic leprosy.
Honduran girl in US symbolic border clash photo not separated from mother
You wouldnt know it, judging by the advertising hoardings, reality TV shows and life goes on morning TV and radio but were on the cusp of something pretty awful. The refugees entering the United States wont stop coming. This girl from Honduras comes from the region called the violent triangle (together with El Salvador and Guatemala). The murder capital of the world, fueled by drug gangs. They arent economic refugees - theyre literally running for their lives and stripping kids from their parents wont stop them.Similarly there is a relentless stream of refugees trying to get to Europe from Africa. The political backlash is building. Hardliners in Italy, Austria and Germany are talking in no less harsh language than Trump and Angela Merkels government is in real danger now. Austrias Chancellor famously just called for an axis of nations to stop illegal migration.This is the reality of the mass flow of refugees the world faces today. Since 2015 it has become catastrophic. Its easy to sit here in judgement in New Zealand but we have not yet been tested the way other nations have. In my second home country of Germany, I have heard a change from liberal and educated people towards a much harder line with refugees. If Merkel cannot deliver relief then Im afraid politicians with dark intentions will have an opportunity to gain power.Unless we can tackle the root causes of the worlds refugee problems, no developed nation will be spared some part of this difficulty and I dont think New Zealand will be spared. If hundreds of millions of people take to the road, then the entire world will become a refugee camp - or a world of fences and machine guns.
Kiwis treat sports stars as heroes but don't even shake hands of soldiers – Keating
How about we treat them as professionals first. Pay them a decent salary, create career pathways that encourage people to stay in the services. Provide better learning opportunities that allow them to integrate with the workforce when they do leave. Support them better when theyve suffered because of their service. Lets look at their overall welfare - and not simply shame politicians into meeting 6 am flights. We do not want to turn into America where every soldier is greeted with a thank you for your service but the real problems they suffer; poverty, psychological stress, depression, homelessness and suicide get ignored. After the handshakes and applause, life goes on and servicemen and women have a lot to put up with a lot. They would much rather come home to a greater sense of security about their lives than Winston Peters meeting them at the airport.
Speed limit cuts would be a 'band aid', says husband of Auckland road crash victim
There was a story a few days ago about someone doing 200 km/hr who caused a fatal accident. Yes speed was a major contributor but how will lowering the speed limit actually save lives? When people are intent on ignoring limits all youre doing by lowering them is penalizing law abiding, ticket-paying citizens. Its insufficient to say speed is a major contributor without digging deeper into the statistics and relating speed limits to the incidence of fatal accidents. Im sure there are other contributing factors; alcohol, lack of license and blatant disregard for the law. Issuing more tickets does not make our roads safer.
Central Otago man in his 20s claims massive $22m Lotto prize
This old chestnut. It doesnt work like that. More people play for bigger prizes - and spend more. If the prize was a flat $1 million then the first division prize pool would never grow. Many people wont even play lotto until the prizes are massive.
Tinker Bell's wings clipped by Air New Zealand
Calling it a midlife crisis moment is an admission of regret, so dont blame ANZ for your own actions. Get it removed, reapply - although going off at a potential employer in a public forum wont exactly endear you to them.
"'Landmark' Aro Valley house back on market 'as is'",
No thanks. The least I demand from a house is that there designated places to have showers.
We need to talk about loneliness New Zealand
Those aged 15 to 24 were the loneliest. In this brave new world of social connectedness thats an extremely interesting finding. I dont mix much with that age group, except perhaps at the gym where virtually every single one of them is glued to their phone, as if their lives depend on it. Between sets, while walking to the water fountain, actually while theyre stretching. If this research is accurate then that addiction to social media is doing huge harm.
Central Otago man in his 20s claims massive $22m Lotto prize
Its not really a mystery, its statistics.
Family selling deceased estate remembers Ponsonby 'the way it used to be'
A year ago they would have got $2.6 million.
"German teenager Anton Segner chasing his All Black rugby dream",
A German-born All Black, leading the Haka in a World Cup final. Please make it happen! (it would drive the English insane).
Danielle McLaughlin: When 'just doing it' means future-proofing your business
Nike sales up 31%. The marketing department knew exactly who they were talking to with the Kaepernick ad. They would have been laughing at how Trump and his supporters reacted - it all added fuel to the marketing fire. I dont know why it was considered a risky move.
How Don Brash's Orewa speech changed the way governments talk about Treaty of Waitangi
The worst indictment of Treaty politics is that it has utterly failed to improve the lives of the majority of Maori. They still suffer poverty and poor educational, health and employment outcomes. Treaty settlements and the industry around it have made some people very rich - but so many more still appear to be missing out. Travel around Northland and you sometimes see living conditions that Ive only previously seen in developing countries. Successive governments have taken the path of least resistance, paying out to the loudest and ignoring the rest.
Technology has advanced, but our judgment hasn't
There is still the matter of Pence and the cabal that have surfed in on Trumps popularity. Among some of them is an undisguised religious fundamentalism of the dispensationalist variety. These are folks absolutely looking forward to an apocalypse in the middle east. The whole insane bunch need to be run out of Washington.
"Plans for $1.8 billion Auckland waterfront stadium unveiled",
There are so many examples of iconic stadiums around the world that have simply become white elephants. How many times a year would it even be filled? No-one ever goes to Auckland rugby anymore. Wont cost tax/ratepayers anything? Put that on a Tui billboard now.
David Slack: Feeding time at the White House
I wish a columnist would seriously try to answer the question of why millions of Americans gave Trump their vote, why the left vote was split, how the duopoly of American politics made the rise of someone like Trump inevitable and why only 55.5% of eligible voters even bothered. Because you can see the same mistakes being made again. The Democrats cannot get their act together and the left vote is likely to split again. They also cannot shed themselves of the cult of Clinton and are flailing around for someone with real moral authority. Theyre extremely nervous of backing anyone to the hilt against Trump and dont act like a cohesive party at all.If you want to defeat Trump you need to have concrete, easily understandable plans and policies to support blue-collar America - and their small towns that are withering on the vine.
"Paula Bennett hints auditors could probe donation claim, and suggests Jami-Lee Ross to blame",
This is just too funny.
AM Show Host Duncan Garner calls for end to cats being kept as pets
Rats also go to work while were asleep and every patch of green is infested with them - theyre a greater danger to native birds. Im not saying it doesnt happen but Ive never seen a cat with a native bird but they hunt rats with fanaticism. If you remove cats from urban areas we could face an explosion of rodents, then what? Poisoning? The situation might be different in more rural areas, but surely removing the only predator that rats have to face needs to be thought through carefully.
"Where the Jami-Lee Ross crisis engulfing National and Simon Bridges goes today",
Paula Bennett has cast on odd shadow in this saga. Always at Bridges side but with a look that shes about to deliver a eulogy for a stranger.
The truth about living in France according to Kiwis who live there
The Australian Sarah Turnball wrote an entertaining book about living in France. Almost French, well worth a read if youre thinking of making the move.
The six-pot Camry that doesn't deserve to be ignored
Toyota have really gone off the boil. Probably to protect their Lexus line theyve failed to move Toyota along with other rising brands, like Mazda and Hyundai. Even the Hilux hasnt kept up with other utes. The biggest car manufacturer in the world has feet of clay.
White House 'clarifies' Trump comment on Russia not targeting US
To what extent will the American electorate hold him and the gutless GoP accountable? We still have a Democrat Party that cant see outside of an ossified political system. Theyve got the best democracy money can buy in the states, representative of who has the deepest pockets not who works in the interests of ordinary people. Another Barack Obama wont solve Americas problems.
Mark Reason: Joseph Parker should walk away from this modern-day Coliseum
Well Tyson Fury is right. Were a long way from the days of Lennox Lewis, who would have made mince meat of the current top ten.
"My sister's death triggered PTSD and my own suicide attempt",
lack of emotional tools to cope with such intense thoughts and feelings.I can think of three people who I knew who committed suicide. One of them suffered from severe mental illness and was hospitalized for extended periods of time before he finally took his own life. Another one seemed to live a normal, healthy productive life until he got enmeshed in a difficult legal problem which turned his life upside down and ultimately he made his fateful decision. The third one was a young woman seemingly with the world at her feet, just about to start university. Im sure there were signs, but it seems to me one of the problems is that those signs of someone being at-risk can be found quite often. What do you do if you recognize those signs? Tell them to get help. They already know theyre in trouble.I dont believe its quite accurate to say its a lack of emotional tools. The issue is that the emotional tools they have have been overwhelmed. Everyone has their breaking point. One of the people I know who took his own life was in a profession where youre screened for being emotionally and mentally robust (in fact these professions tend to have high rates of suicide).I dont know what the answer is, Im just venting because this stuff bothers me. The numbers are terrible, the cost is enormous and we still seem to be floundering.
"NZ tipped to seek 'safety in the pack' over response to Saudi crisis",
Well we wouldnt want to provoke a bully, would we? Jesus Horatio. Why dont we just replace the Union Jack on our flag with a big yellow chicken while were at it.
The ticking time bomb that could trigger a new financial crisis
you first
Donald Trump willing to shut down US government over border security
There was a modern poem called Waiting for the Barbarians. It pretty much describes Trumps America. Fear disguised as hubris, a lack of confidence in institutions and laws. Trumps practically got his supporters calling for an end to the free press now. Threatening to shut down government over what half the country see as a moral and practical issue. Despite the chest beating, fear has taken over America and the GoPs love of power is allowing it to happen. This is how civilizations fall.
Homeowners shouldn't think they 'deserve' wealth boost
Its got nothing to do with whether its deserved or not. It has happened because of historically low interest rates here and abroad. According to some calculations, interests rates have never been lower. In Europe there are some crazy examples, such as negative interest rates on home loans. Some people are actually receiving monthly cheques from their banks.Where the problem lies is in the accumulation of public and private debt. In this time of vast growth in asset values, why have local councils been accumulating debt at an accelerating rate? Low interest rates have acted as an incentive to borrow, like free drinks at a casino. How will it ever be paid down if an economic recession (which now seems inevitable) comes to pass?Theres a fresh tranche of houses now on the market after a quiet period. Many sellers were discouraged in the last year or so, at least in Auckland. Now well see if the leaking values become more problematic as those with interest only loans are forced to sell. That particular problem is much worse in Australia. This particular cycle could end spectacularly badly because Kiwi salaries are totally out of whack with property values. A rise in interest rates will be a catastrophe.
Affordability of rates worsens, new figures show
A number of councils have dug themselves enormous debt holes. Around 12% of Auckland council revenue goes to servicing debt. What happens when interest rates rise and housing values drop? The last mayor of Auckland timidly mooted a poll tax but was quickly shot down. The point is they know theres a problem but they arent confronting it.
Smokey and the Bandit star Burt Reynolds has died
He was a macho film star, but with quite a big capacity for self-reflection which made him all the more likeable. The action heroes who followed him in the 80s, puffed up on steroids, never had the same charm.
Laura Langman the loudest voice in the room on her return to the Silver Ferns
Great news for the ferns.
Air NZ's Impossible Burger criticised by former primary industries minister
Thats a bit of a Luddite call. The demand for vegetarian/vegan food is increasing all the time. The history of economics is littered with dead businesses that failed to read the future. That isnt to say meat is over, but trying to suppress change thats happening around you is about as dumb as it gets.
World Cup 2018: Croatia knock England out after extra-time winner in semifinal
That early goal sent England to sleep unfortunately. Really noticeable in the 2nd half when they thought theyd done enough.
UK Supreme Court rules woman must remain in her 'loveless' marriage
Thats clearly insane.
Trump thinks Putin is 'probably' involved in assassinations and poisonings
Putin sees himself as a modern Catherine the Great (although he might not appreciate the comparison). She used seduction as much as military power to build an empire. Certainly hes got Trump and a whole bunch of nutty rightists licking his boots.
The ultimate Ford Ranger has landed
I think itll sell well in Australia, since theres a certain market that will spend a fortune on upgrading standard utes with name brand shocks, large tires etc. But real outback drivers wont touch these things. The towing and load capacity mean these are more suited to day trips to the beach. That small engine pigeonholes them as offroad performance machines, which is practically a complete waste of time in NZ conditions.
Bank predicts foreign buyer ban will add further chill to property market
The banks are reacting to property softening by lowering mortgage rates, but the real number to watch is inflation. If that rises then then interest rates will rise as wholesale costs increase, then you might be looking at a rout in the property market. But dont worry, thatll probably be a lifetime away (at least 18 months).
Calls for PM to bring Nauru refugee kids to NZ
If you believe New Zealand should bring those refugees here, have you asked yourself why the government has been pretty lukewarm about getting involved? . Signaling that NZ will assist refugees jump the queue of the UN refugee program will bring many more attempts to enter Australia & New Zealand. When Angela Merkel famously said there was no limit to the refugees Germany would take, she lit the torch to a continent-wide problem. The result has stretched the limits of democracy in Europe, far-right parties are on the march and weve witnessed a distinct change in German politics. Merkel has been backpedaling ever since.There is one other feature of the welcoming European approach to refugees that is conveniently barely talked about. Both Germany and Sweden have been diverting foreign aid money to care for refugees within their own border. Why this matters is because it takes five times the resources to care for a refugee in Stockholm than it does in Africa. How moral is it to decide that the poorest and most desperate people in the world - who couldnt hope to get to a western country should be allowed to perish so that a refugee in Berlin or Stockholm can be given a mobile phone? New Zealand would similarly need to make that kind of decision if we open the doors to everyone who wants to enter. There is an unlimited amount of misery in the world, everything else is in short supply. How we make best use of our limited resources needs to be driven by allowing the most number of people to benefit, not for signaling how virtuous you are.
Coerced sex work a significant problem in New Zealand
Police works with the sex industry. Thats a joke. They work with the brothel owners. I doubt they know sweet fa about the actual workers. The industry is legal only in the sense that if you chose to pay for the services of a prostitute you can do so with impunity. The drivers that put women in the position where they have to choose this work are seldom legal. Its a simple fact that many have got themselves into debt from less than savory lenders. The real effect of legalizing prostitution in New Zealand has been for the state to wash its hands of the social, psychological and criminal problems that circle the industry like vultures. The parasites that feed off this human misery get a free ride and we call it freedom of choice. Supporting legal prostitution is an ideology for some, a practicality for others you want to indulge - but in both cases the welfare of the women is given scant regard.
Trump attacks union leader on Labour Day
The November mid terms are fast approaching. I think its quite likely that even some Republican voters will turn on Trumps administration to ensure a clear out of the worst offenders, or they may simply abstain like the Democrats who stayed at home and cost Hillary Clinton the election. But the next presidential elections will again see whether the Democrat Party can wake up from their slumber and start representing the left wing who no longer trust them. Either that or four more years of this..
Last roar for Auckland Zoo's lions
Committed to getting more Lions. Zoos do little else than torment wild animals. The argument you hear for their existence is that they provide the only opportunity for most people to see wild animals..and some sort of nebulous role in conservation. Well Lions in the wild are heading towards extinction anyway and what you see of animals in zoos bares little resemblance to how they are in the wild. Their conditioning is markedly different - and no amount of enrichment toys can give them anything approaching the life they were born to live. Cheetahs are a real example of how zoos fail. Inbreeding of zoo specimens is a real problem and when you see them in the wild they practically look like a different species. Zoos arent a demonstration of how much we care for wild animals, theyre a testament to how indifferent we are to them.
Netball NZ get Silver Ferns head coaching decision right, three years on
It hasnt been bad for Taurua though. Her stock as a coach has been rising and rising and her Australian experience will be invaluable. Its easier to establish a new order when the old order has spectacularly failed.
Donald Trump 'churlish' over McCain death
In John McCains own words, no one of good character leaves behind a wasted life - whether they die in obscurity or renown. No one (with a straight face) will talk about Trumps good character when he shuffles off this mortal coil.
Expect delays: full body x-ray scanners coming to New Zealand airports
Terrific, airports/flying just became even more onerous.
A decade on from the GFC, the world is less equipped to cope with the next crisis
In the event of a relatively mild global downturn, foreign money will leave New Zealand and look for a safe haven. In the 2008 crash US sovereign bonds were over subscribed when they were offering a measly 0% return. New Zealand is considered a riskier investment and we have quite a high proportion of foreign money invested in NZ compared to the other way round. Look at our bank deposit rates - theyre twice that of Australias (and Australia is also considered risky). That would be accompanied by a not insignificant drop in property values which will dry up consumer confidence etc etc. What happens in a large global downturn is anybodys guess. Anywhere from a 30% drop in property values to Venezuela. Were a small boat at the mercy of global oceanic movements. Trumps local supporters should think about that while they support his trade wars and belligerence.
"Donald Trump: 'Severe' consequences if Saudis murdered Jamal Khashoggi",
What this has done is brought into the light the brutal reality, not just of Saudi Arabia, but the many nations that practice torture and murder as normal activities. The civilized world is shocked. Why exactly? Because weve been forced to confront the reality of what we normally just turn a blind eye to. Not a pretty sight is it. Organizations that speak out about these horrendous crimes that go on while we sleep need to be listened to. If our governments wont stand up for human rights, at least individuals have the power to vote and boycott. Just dont lie and say you didnt know.
Bible in Schools case fast-tracked to High Court, could be heard later this year
Times have changed. We had to say the Lords Prayer every morning at my state Intermediate School, the Anglican version of course. And the science teacher kept a strap in his top draw that he nicknamed Black Molly. No bible lessons though..
Sharon Harvey: The question of compulsory te reo MÄori in schools
I dont think people are concerned about their children becoming multilingual and Id be happy if learning a second language was compulsory, but people need to have a choice. And the start training teachers now idea belies the difficulty and expense involved. It would in fact be far easier and cheaper to make a European language compulsory. The teachers are already there, you just have to import them. How many people even want to teach Maori? Enough to fill positions in every school in the country? Really, this idea is a complete non-starter and it will probably hurt the Greens in the polls - and Labour will never support it. If Labour did support it I suspect it would see them turfed out at the next election quite handily.
When I lost my son, I wished I was dead too
Very sad to read. More recently there has been more emphasis on mental health in the media but the author makes a good point which we dont often hear. Outside events can affect somebody elses mental health. Were accustomed to talk about people who ideate or commit suicide as mentally ill, as if that explains everything. But clearly in many cases it doesnt. How we treat each other in ordinary situations does matter. Its particularly sad to read stories of how bullying has led to suicide.
"Suicide warning signs - what to look for
We all know what to say and what to do to help someone at-risk.The combination of factors that has brought someone into that territory must be complex and frightening. Maybe for some people all they need is to reach out, call a helpline, speak to someone they trust. But I feel there must be many people at risk who evade a diagnosis - and asking for help simply isnt something they would do. I just find these superficial call someone, speak to someone advice pieces a little lacking. Its such a serious topic I would dearly love to read something written with a little depth than a doctors room pamphlet.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern appears on Today show
Funny thing. Scrolling down twitter this morning Im positive I saw a tweet from Helen Clark saying New Zealand will hold a referendum on Cannabis within the next two years. Now that tweet seems to have disappeared. Did anyone else see it?
US President Donald Trump tempers Iran rhetoric, saying he's ready for a new deal
A few hours ago he tweeted no president has been tougher on Russia than me. Just what is the worldview of his supporters that allow them to believe what hes saying? I mean they know hes lying, he lies constantly, contradicts himself in the same speech, backtracks on a daily basis..but still his supporters in the USA (and laughably also in New Zealand) still think hes the greatest. Its the same kind of mass delusion the nazis pulled off.
"Do Kiwis really get a $32K pay rise by moving overseas?
Of course some people will earn more overseas. But there are plenty of Europeans for example who would gladly move to NZ for the quality of life here. At one time I was offered a job in one of the expat hubs. Good money but I turned it down because the country is practically a dictatorship. Isnt it great people say, you can have maids and drivers - and they cost practically nothing! Thats because youve joined a system that treats some people no better than slaves. Want to be part of that? Not for me thanks.
Tourists frustrated as Eiffel Tower closes in peak season
I lived in Europe and have visited Paris since the late 80s. There didnt even used to be a queue, but these days its depressingly long if you want to climb the Eiffel Tower (unless youre on one of the many tour groups that are prioritized). I suppose if youve never seen it before the queues are worth it for the compulsory selfie at the top, but the vast throngs of tourists have turned Paris into a kind of annoying theme park. The thieves on the bridges dont even bother to vary their scams year after year. However if you look beyond the obvious attractions its still possible to find some of the genuine charm the city can have - where the package tour crowd thin out.
Flexing new lives: Trio rise from struggle street to bodybuilding stage
Good for them. And you dont need fancy equipment. I think the more comfortable they make exercise machines these days, the less effective they are. Simple barbells and dumbbells plus motivation are the way to go.
Here's what happens when a scammer tries to trick the police
One time I had a scammer calling me from my power company. Not being able to tell me which power company they were from was a bit of a give away. And I regularly get emails supposedly from Apple trying to get into my itunes account. For people who are somewhat vulnerable these calls must be a real hazard - they wouldnt keep happening if they werent getting some success. Since they typically originate from offshore I guess enforcement action is rather difficult.
Will Saudis use oil price as a weapon over Khashoggi disappearance accusations?
Its a tricky one for Donald. He has significant business interests with Saudi Arabia - but his base support arent friends of the Saudis. Europe wont be bothered by Saudi threats - they dont import massive amounts of oil from the gulf and EU sanctions are inevitable. I think theres a general feeling that Saudi Arabia needs to be taken down a peg or two and thats going to happen now. Ironically Russia will probably be a significant beneficiary.
In 50 states and extreme heat, thousands march for 'Families Belong Together' rallies
Weve got to get out and vote.Only 58% of eligible voters did so in the 2016 elections - and apparently that was a recent record. The worry still is that the Democrat Party are stumbling to find a consistent voice. They simply dont represent enough of the left leaning voters and theyre relying on the at least were not Trump strategy that failed Hillary Clinton.
Auckland: NZ's most leave-able city?
They have completely failed in managing Aucklands growth and the Super City concept allowed city managers to delude themselves that council debt simply didnt matter. More tax is coming. They wont call it rates but living here can only get more expensive - and I dont see capital gains exploding the way they have in the last 8 or so years. How do non-Aucklanders feel about propping the city up with their taxes?
Is there such thing as 'vegan depression'?
I come from a rural background and many generations of farmers. Im not the one labouring under any illusions about where my food comes from, but if you think slaughtering animals is - or should be some kind of community event then you are seriously misinformed.
Falling Australian house prices a warning for NZ: commentator
Its not surprising about Sydney and Melbourne - some suburbs are off the chart expensive. But this information is nothing more than a correction really. Interest rates of course are linked to property prices, but the property market in Australia - and New Zealand is protected by the rate of unemployment. A few years back when the mining industry in WA went into a hole, there was a genuine collapse in house prices (in some places at least). Banks wrote off a lot of mortgages and people walked away with nothing.Another factor theyll have to deal with in Australia quite soon is the high proportion of interest only mortgages (higher than in NZ). Many are due to convert to principal plus interest soon and that will put pressure on mortgage holders.The real danger is the prospect of a global recession. Both Australia and New Zealand are heavily reliant on trade. Significant slowdowns in Asia and the United States, an increase in transport costs, conflict - these things are what could collapse the housing market. Many economists are picking 2020 as the year when the US debt mountain will start dropping rocks on the rest of us. I guess well see..
Xena star Lucy Lawless sparks flag burning debate
The problem with her argument is that flag burning is done to offend. Protest without a pathway towards a goal is simply acting out. When the tree on One Tree Hill was attacked, did that materially improve the lives of ordinary Maori? Id suggest it did not and in fact the offense if caused may have materially disadvantaged some. Ironically flag burning is a mirror of the neo-conservative strategy of creative destruction. The thoroughly discredited (and downright dangerous) philosophy that if you break down existing institutions then something wonderful and new will spring up because it was those institutions that were holding the unicorns back. How can the path to achieve any goal start with tearing up the ground youre standing on?
'Wake-up call' study shows strokes could increase 40 per cent by 2028
There are potential risks and benefits of aspirin therapy. One of those risks is in fact in increased chance of a hemorrhagic stroke. Theres a disturbing trend of people promoting and seeking out silver bullet therapies without fully examining the risks or consulting with qualified physicians. I dont think its responsible to give this type of advice on the internet.
NZ should put some feelers out on a trade deal with the US
Were a primary producer. Theres just no way the Americans would give us free rein to compete against their farming industry. If they did it would probably come with such odious caveats that wed be giving up large chunks of our sovereignty. New Zealand should be looking towards the European Union. A much bigger market than the US and politicians who are sane.
'Extinction on demand': Is it acceptable to wipe a species off the face of the Earth?
Obviously the implications need to be carefully considered, but on the face of it ridding NZ of rats, possums, stoats and other introduced predators of our native birds is pretty much a dream come 1.
QV data shows New Zealand house prices falling
I dont know how people managed to convince themselves that they would keep rising at 2 or 3 times the rate of inflation or salary growth, especially when public and private debt has ballooned at an even faster rate than the property market. The overseas trends are for rising interest rates. If (when) that comes to town therell be blood on the floor.
Primary teachers' union attacks new Ministry of Education pay offer
Pay teachers what theyre worth. In some cases that would mean doubling their pay - and in some cases halving it. Teaching isnt some holy calling, there are awful, useless teachers. The notion that an entire profession is somehow *noble* is an appalling one. Pay must be linked to performance and the value they add. Without some incentive its been shown time and again you just give a free hand to mediocrity.
US announces it will leave UN human rights council
Theres something new and outrageous from the Trump presidency practically every day. What also stands out is how utterly ineffective the Democrat opposition are. Their weakness handed Trump the top job and they still cant seem to find a point guard to take the lead against Trump. Trump might be behind in the polls but that doesnt matter if no-shows and a divided opposition again decide the election. But I still dont think Trump is the big danger. There are some ideologues, religious extremists and opportunists that are pushing their twisted agenda through Trump. Even if Trump doesnt stand they wont easily give up power. A quiet takeover by dangerous lunatics is in progress.
Brazil fans lament World Cup loss
Its hard to believe Neymar is being talked about as the heir apparent to Messi and Ronaldo on the evidence of that last game. His instinct to dive every time he gets in the penalty area is a real liability.
The Defence Force goes to war on Hit and Run graffiti
Of course graffiti is vandalism, unless the owner has consented to it. And free speech isnt the issue here. The activists are using graffiti as a form of political protest and dissent, which has a long history of using such tactics. The reaction of the NZDF though is laughable, as if the protest signs are some type of existential threat. Their over-reaction has been a priceless publicity gift to the activists.
New Zealand chefs react to passing of 'legend' Anthony Bourdain
He was a great advertisement for humility. Didnt find success until he was in his forties, had a wonderful love of humanity, open about his flaws - and made a greater impact than any other celebrity chef. His strident political commentary was rare for any celebrity, that takes moral courage.