Posts by Don Christie
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This debate still dragging on? No convincing robbery.
In related news, the open source software developers of the world's most used blogging engine, Wordpress, just raised US$26 million.
Not bad when you consider they have been giving away their software for a while.
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Terence - yes, inflation rates. Sorry.
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Why You Shouldn't Invest in Perpetual Motion Machines
Oh look here, next thing you are going to tell us there is no such thing as "Dark Energy" - the latest and greatest thing in perpetual motion.
Is there nothing you Cantabs won't stoop to denying? What next, creationism?
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There is an article in today's BusinessDay (not yet online AFAICT) arguing that core interest rates are running at 1.9% which is not all that high. My understaning of the argument is as follows.
This figure excludes fuel and food. The argument for focusing on core rates is that we try to keep interest rates low in order to remain competitive in a global economy. Given *all* nations are facing similar fuel / food inflation we should not worry about that impact when controlling inflation through mechanisms such as interest rates.
Indeed, in other countries with similar inflation levels interest rates have been dropped. In summary, NZ's higher rates are making us uncompetitive for no good reason.
I think Cullen has scope for his splurge even if the downturn is not as bad as predicted.
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I/S - I should have said I thought your original post was a good one but was interested in how growth is coupled with emissions and what the underlying trends relating to GDP were.
First, I wouldn't wipe my arse with that Wikipedia data; the listed emissions bear no relation at all to NZ's actual emissions according to the UNFCCC (and looking at their methodology, its easy to see why). Always use the Inventory Report.
Fair enough. If I understand your figures we have increase efficiency by about 12% over the period you mention.
On the Clinton / Obama thing, on the basis of the above points I withdraw any implied defence of Clinton :-)
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By the way, the Clinton / Obama stoush is extremely tame (which is a good thing). I really think folks are getting worked up over statements that are simply attacking each other's statements. If you want dirty look back to 2000 and what Rove did to McCain or Kerry.
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I wish I/S had comments switched on ...
One interesting indicator for C based emissions is how they relate to GDP and economic growth. Whilst net reductions are obviously *the* desirable outcome any efficient growth bodes well for the future (as older technologies get replaced over time).
This 2006 data shows NZ performing only moderately in the GDP / CO2 emitted stakes.
This Environment Waikato report has an abstract that states:
New Zealand does not seem to have achieved either relative or absolute decoupling between GDP and CO2 emissions. Emissions are growing at a higher rate than GDP. Recent data show a slight relative decoupling between GDP and energy demand.
which is a shame.
The data is a little old, the economy has grown by over 30% since 1999, not sure what the latest Carbon emissions stats are like.
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And God, can people stop obsessing with Key's taste in houses and crabs. Talk about snobbishness.
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Craig, many of us, along with our parents and grandparents were and are inspired by Hilary's example. That is a fact.
This is no "Lady Di Queen of Hearts" outpouring of grief, just a simple acknowledgment of that inspiration. A time for appreciation. There is nothing I have seen or read so far that suggests people and NZ or going over the top, but you do seem to be suggesting that.
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But these are people petitioning for admission to the establishment, not celebrating street culture.
You say that like it's a bad thing.
Well, to the street kid culture represented by those of us who comment on PA it is a bad thing. Just so...passé.