I can now picture National Party leaders setting policy banning the serving of leeks at Bellamys.

Adding to Russell's sporting congratulations, our man Lyndon has just come up with one of his best posts yet (and that's no peanuts).

Maaarrvellous! I envy that kind of talent.

As much of an idiot as he is, I'll give him respect for that.

Idiots should be treated equally I say :)
Exclusion still exists though Shep, there is just al ittle matter called Auckland that he now sees fit to rearrange according to his needs and desires all in…

I'm pretty sure there are lots of people who would not like to be judged for the sins of their fathers — or anyone else they have the misfortune to be related to thanks to the genetic crap shoot.

Oh, goody. Can we dissolve the Catholic Church and confiscate its…

Do you mean working for the CIA?.

I think a mate of mine has worked in support of the CIA (I don't ask and he doesn't tell). He would agree with my…

I'ld quite like to think Omar bin Laden could find refuge from the sins of the father here.

I'm pretty sure there are lots of people who would not like to be judged for the sins of their fathers — or anyone else they have the misfortune to be related…

Secret Muslims?

I didn't mean the bin Ladens, I meant the Americans. Like they're new President, you know. Oh, nevermind, I just explained the lamest joke in the history of these boards... (retreats in the shadows)

Yeah and I could see how popular he would be in The US :)

Wait until they discover that they're all secret Muslims.

Omar bin Laden needs to get himself an agent. He's a shoo-in for a supporting role in Matrix: Resuscitated.

Yeah and I could see how popular he would be in The US :)

((http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10542617|Click here for awesome article!!!))

Which looks like this:

Click here for awesome article!!!

And if you just want to paste the URL on its own, PAS will automatically turn it into a clickable link:

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10542617…

[url|http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10542617]

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10542617

"If you buggers could just learn to save your ponies, we wouldn't be in this mess."

Dude, have you any idea of the stable fees?

Ahh, now you're taking "pony" too literally. It's slang for a £5 note. Like "tenner", only smaller.

Mind you, given the way our banks are…

Way to ruin the magic, Kyle ...

I have goals in life OK! Just because they're really sad goals...

Actually Russell, I just checked three other threads, and on the first page of system comments, the time that the blog is posted is always the same as the time of the first comment.

Way to ruin the magic, Kyle ...

Also, Craig, I feel bound to note that you replied to my post at the same time I posted it. I didn't even have time to get out the stopwatch!

Actually Russell, I just checked three other threads, and on the first page of system comments, the time that the…

could you try using your poo labels with some precision?

Got it. Thanks. I've always been a technobimbo...
:)

and, Sofie, how will the NeoCons work with the Maori party??

Elizabeth: Welcome to PAS, and all that, but could you try using your poo labels with some precision? Otherwise you run the risk of sounding like Sarah Palin, who is a bit fuzzy on what a socialist really is…

Mr Key also laughed off Mr Hide's comments.

"I am just going to keep my happy, smiley self. I am sure I will be the glue between all of them." (Hide & Dunne that is)

I'm not looking to disenfranchise the man.

Pity. I think you might find a fair bit of popular support for the notion :P

So did I, and then had to go wipe my hands on the shrink-wrapped wank-mags to feel clean again...

Lol – another classic Mr Ranapia.

Yes, it is vintage Craig. But in this recounting he missed out one small detail: The hetero "shrink-wrapped wank-mags" :P

Can you tell he's told…

all MPs are legitimate, but some are more legitimate than others.

Excuse me a second while I just remove these words that have suddenly appeared in my mouth... =|

If you read through it all, I was extending it off the tongue in cheek comment that the "people want him…

IMHO (and I'm sure Graeme, I/S etc have much better constitutional counter-arguments), if you're party DIDN'T make the threshold and you got in based on a colleague's electorate win, I think your mandate for Cabinet responsibility is incredibly weak. Haven't seen anyone bring up this point just yet though.

Because…

Well, everyone's got to have goals in life... ;)

Shit, really?! That's where I'm going wrong then...

But you can see my point (I hope) – I have no issue with list MPs being in Cabinet etc as the country has voted for that list through the party vote. And…

Spoilsport...

Well, everyone's got to have goals in life... ;)

I think the only mandate there is, is the Chief Electoral Officer putting your name on the list of MPs. Anything after that you make through coalitions etc, not from the votes you do or don't get.

Spoilsport...
=P

Because even putting aside the threshold/electorate arguments for a minute, if you do get in that way aren't you the LEAST mandated MP? And therefore not really in a position to demand Cabinet responsibility?

I think the only mandate there is, is the Chief Electoral Officer putting your name on…

Gareth – this had been discussed on National Radio on Sunday.
Possibly some referendum in the future maybe.
It does seem 'quaint'.

Even if you get less party votes, you only need one member to win an electorate to get one in parliament...

Specifically the "Cabinet seat if you got…

Even if you get less party votes, you only need one member to win an electorate to get one in parliament...

But the peoples... they wants him!

The primary reason I think Douglas shouldn't be in cabinet (well, primary after his history... and zombie allegiance...) is that he's only there because SOMEONE ELSE won an electorate seat.

IMHO (and I'm sure Graeme, I/S etc have much better constitutional counter-arguments), if you're…

A steady labour pool…

Besides – what use is a public primary school in Parnell when you could be charging the parents…

I wonder how many people work for the Ministry of Racing?

That reminds me – need to place a bet on the CHCH trotts this avo!

Minister for racing – Winston Peters – that's 'Winnie'... just what a horse does.
:/
:)

or PONY.

Can anyone confirm what constitutes bureaucrats and public service depts?

I wonder how many people work for the Ministry of Racing?

What about things like the NZ Music Commision etc – are they safe?

Or will they be seen as a waste of public money?

The sense that the Nats could tell Act to go away because they don't actually need their help adds a certain subtle excitenment to the negotiations.

Snigger... let's not get too excited.

Can't imagine Rodders is THAT keen to frighten people with their pet zombie in any case.

But the…

Anybody think about this – it's a lineage of Wishart proportions:

Pony = 'Po=ney'
John Key = 'John=Key'

Then you do this:
John Key = 'Don=Key' = 'DONKEY'

Pony & Donkey!!!

Don't you see it????!!!!!!

AND if you add the numbers up you get '666' – numbers of the beasts!!!!!…

The figure I heard on radio yesterday was a reduction from 42,000 to 36,000 under National. It said it was National policy. Which I thought I would have heard more about before the election, if it's true.

Isn't that a heartwarming story? Just in time for Christmas. I thought National…

Where are they going to get jobs?
Real estate?
Building?
Finance companies?

The PSA must be very worried.

How many golden handshakes will there be?
Will National's policy of assisting those who get get laid off from tough economic…

If they weren't thoroughly pickled in bitter crazy juice, you betcha.

So what's that? 50/50 odds then? ;)

Case in point, a few threads ago Kyle wished that someone would start an inquiry based for once entirely on non-partisan desire to protect our democracy. It wouldn't have done him any…

a 'City Hopper' Daihatsu Sirion

I will say, speaking from experience, that they are surprisingly roomy inside! How many MPs could we fit into one?

They are selling back the BMWs and getting a 'City Hopper' Daihatsu Sirion.

A used one, I trust?

It'll probably take you 6 months to get a passport now – lol

Ought to slow down the exodus then.

And, will they all end up on the dole/move to Australia, therefor increase the unemployment figures in NZ and/or the so-called exodus to Oz?

Won't be a good look for National.

And, if you think you have…

A thought: US + 10 parallels NZ

Somebody go scour the law schools and the streets of South Auckland for our Obama, then...

Being the chairman of Kiwi Bank certainly has lifted him up in my estimation.
Gotta guy the guy his dues

Curiously, he still struggles to blurt out more than a sentence or two before making some sort of verbal blunder or egregious offence against the laws of grammar.

And yet…

Gotta guy the guy his dues.

*Give the guy his dues*

Ahhh potatoes.

Being the chairman of Kiwi Bank certainly has lifted him up in my estimation.

Gotta guy the guy his dues.

As for the likes of Shipley – I'm sure if any National Party supporter…

Can we have Bart Cummings train the little fella?

"A thought: US + 10 parallels NZ
Muldoon / Nixon, Lange / Carter, Bolger / Reagan, Shipley / GHWB, Clark / Clinton, Key / GWB"

Not at all, gotta totally disagree here.
Bolger for one has growing credibility even after leaving Parliment.
Lange simply has no equal. Clark…

Rookie mistake. You're meant to leave with the groom.

And he can help you take care of your pony, too!

B'dm tish!

I'll get me coat.

Yeah ok if you're getting married like,(which I don't need to go there cos it's not something I think aboot, and any help would…

On another note, why does the NZ Herald give Cameron Slater the time of day?

Because they want to appear to be aware of the blogosphere, whilst at the same time turning everyone off it.

So did I, and then had to go wipe my hands on the shrink-wrapped wank-mags to feel clean again...

Lol – another classic Mr Ranapia.

Speaking of which, for reasons I can't figure out, I spent five minutes skim-reading his poisnous, ugly and downright rotten Absolute Power at a bookshop one day (as I said, don't ask why).

So did I, and then had to go wipe my hands on the shrink-wrapped wank-mags to feel…

The stuff website still has its good phototribute to HC on www.stuff.co.nz. An interesting collection of photos set against her Sat night speech. Someone there has done a nice job.

...and placing my pessimist hat on, I expect Wishart and Whaleoil to move through these progressively unpleasant phases:

1. Piling expectations on Key and Nat/ACT (done already).

2. Disappointment and at first blaming 'subversives'.

3. Noting that, following the precedent of the rabid right in the US claiming that Colin…

this new PM of ours is giving me a few GWB vibes.

A thought: US + 10 parallels NZ

Muldoon / Nixon
Lange / Carter
Bolger / Reagan
Shipley / GHWB
Clark / Clinton
Key / GWB

(Which is a nice segue to this bit of legal zen: Can you harm the reputation of someone who doesn't actually have one?)

Does he have the reputationless reputation?

I swapped mine for some magic beans.

I have the best man

Rookie mistake. You're meant to leave with the groom.

And he can help you take care of your pony, too!

B'dm tish!

I'll get me coat.

Curiously, it also says the HC should have stayed on.

I'm…

how do you think we got in this deep a mess?

not riding out of town quickly enough.

This ?

Yes. :)

Tell you what, the two reaction shots during that Hyde interview- I don't know what you would call those eyes, but they weren't the look of someone who is used to letting people who annoy him hang around to do so.

Ah, now that's the difference…

And as for "saving our ponies" —
many NZers tried doing exactly that in the past few years
...albeit in finance companies...
how do you…

Slightly more seriously, given the populist right's recent opposition to the very notion of building standards, it's not too much of a stretch to imagine:…

Does the media tend to promote candidates who make for stronger stories, rather than better governance? 'Cause this new PM of ours is giving me a few GWB vibes. The currency-trading investment banker now…

Tell you what, the two reaction shots during that Hyde interview- I don't know what you would call those eyes, but they weren't the look of someone who is used to letting people who annoy him hang around to do so.

Oh, this is cool. Check out the picture on the front page of the Labour 08 campaign website.

The Herald is speculating it might be hackers, but I'm sure it's just a little black humour.

yep concur. Just wonder why Labour had to wait until after the election to find…

He is actually insane, isn't he?

I'd love to dish about how ....

So a yes to that then ?I don't read that place, thanks y'all plus my man said he's puke on a stick so I figure why go there.

The Herald is speculating it might be hackers, but I'm sure it's just a little black humour.

And why ever not? Bursting into tear during a crap-tastic movie just leaves you feeling ridiculous and miserable.

He is actually insane, isn't he?

I'd love to dish about how people who actually…

Flanker

That's the NATO codename for the Sukhoi Su-27 family of fighters, in case you're interested.

On a completely different topic, I booked a ticket for Leonard Cohen this morning, thinking he might be cheaper than BDO. There are two ticket options: $142 or $172 (both + $5 fee). Maybe I have been out of the loop…

Canker?

Clue: starts with George Junior's middle initial.

1. Piling expectations on Key and Nat/ACT (done already).

2. Disappointment and at first blaming 'subversives'.

3. Noting that, following the precedent of the rabid right in the US claiming that Colin…

http://www.aucklandfestival.co.nz/

on Wednesday evening.

in a mental happy place where you can almost sense your longed-for pony, some element of reality intervenes, and the result is several dozen boxes of Pedigree dogroll...

so my pony turned out to be a spotted nag, with Rodney up front and Tugger Douglas the horse's arse?

*in the Cockney rhyming slang sense

Thats what I was thinking about when I mentioned the trap.

John Key = Richard the Third.

*in the Cockney rhyming slang sense

Well, we know what 'merchant banker' is rhyming slang for as well. (Hey, I'm trying to be optimistic, but that doesn't mean that I have to like him).

Wasn't sure how long it'd be up – so took a quick screen grab. If it does turn out to be just some black humor – I'm impressed.

Have been pondering…

*in the Cockney rhyming slang sense

Thats what I was thinking about when I mentioned the trap.

Dude, have you any idea of the stable fees?

Woke up this morning,
got myself a gun....
Sopranos will fix it!

Call me a pessimist

pessimist.

Good grief ...

TV3 did a fine job of showing him doing all that. It was like a switch hunt for Key now Helens gone.

The Herald is speculating it might be hackers, but I'm sure it's just a little black humour.

He is actually insane, isn't he?

Who/ Whale Oil? Nick Smith? Roger Douglas? 3 strikes and yr mad.

Mr Key and his ponies is another meme that's off at a trot.

I just hope we don't get to see him having a pony*...

*in the Cockney rhyming slang sense.

Whale Oil writes that ACT will be looking for the three strikes and you're out law and order policy, cutting government spending and dumping the emissions trading scheme.

"Brilliant and exactly why we needed a stronger ACT in government with National. Rodney should also make…

Keep movin', movin', movin',
Though they're disapprovin',
Keep them doggies movin' Rawhide!
Don't try to understand 'em,
Just rope and throw and grab 'em,
Soon we'll be living high and wide.
Boy my heart's calculatin'
My true love will be waitin', be waiting at the end of…

Good grief ...

Looks like they're playing Snakes and Snakes.

Initially Mr Key was left hanging as he emerged from his offices for a pre-arranged handshake for media with Mr Hide only to be told he had not arrived yet.

Mr Hide then made Mr Key wait inside the glass doors of the National offices for about two…

If you buggers could just learn to save your ponies, we wouldn't be in this mess.

Dude, have you any idea of the stable fees?

Case in point, a few threads ago Kyle wished that someone would start an inquiry based for once entirely on non-partisan desire…

Could be why there appears to be factions . Snakes and ladders?

Looks like we could be in for an interesting few years...

My, I've just got my pony and it's delicious.

I must have missed a whole chunk of smart arsery. Translation?

My, I've just got my pony and it's delicious.
Isn't wishful thinking fun?

The particular wishful thought I've been ruminating is that, asinine as his speech the other night was, Key just seemed so happy. A Tory Prime Minister who at heart just wants to be loved may do considerable…

Incidentally, how many commentator have already invoked Night of the Living Dead when talking about Douglas? Seems like that's a meme that will stick

OK, fodder for the cartoonists:

Key=Kane
ACT=facehugger
Douglas=chestburster
English=Ash

Where's Ripley?

To be honest, I remember Trace Hodgson doing a Douglas-as-chestburster cartoon during the Lange government.…

If you would like a copy of the history I still have a few copies.

Yes please! Feel free to flick me an email.

Signed, 1993 7th-former.

At this rate, I'm going to be more Fat Bastard

I think so too so..... don't ask. I am sure Craig would agree, (he should have his mojo on by now, surely?)

At this rate, I'm going to be more Fat Bastard than Austin Powers. I can't see eating half a kilo of high-fibre muesli a day having a happy…

If that's for me, yes, I woke up once, and was told I hadn't had a cigarette for 5 weeks, actually hadn't done much at all, (I'll blame the doctors) so thought it rather stupid to resume. Now it's been 5 years. I so happy! :)

Sure, it's easy when…

60 Minutes.... Australians are moving here! Shit are the TV channels working for National?

I don't know — I'm still trying to figure out why the Campbell Live piece on Simon Bridges had these random extreme close up pans across his right eyebrow. Someone go on the razzle with a…

Craig:Do you think that Nats would rush forward and offer a helping hand if it was Labour who had to face the economic onslaught?

If they weren't thoroughly pickled in bitter crazy juice, you betcha.

When writing a history of Onslow College for its 50th birthday in 2006, I asked several former students for memories of the school. Ian…

Hmm- prickery. Roflnui/lolnui. Hey lexicographers, swarm in! Fresh meat

Danielle's handiwork, credit where credit is due.

nuanced opinion and all kinds of valuable cultural capital.

valuable? capital?cultural?I can do that. ca ching..$$$ ca ching (wonder what currency we're talking here?)
Michael, that dog looks like mine but not quite the same, longer nose, and mines a girl and then I don't really know what size that…

Che reports the news, previously reported by Russell a few pages back

mind you... i did call it on saturday night.

:))

he should have his mojo on by now, surely?

You ever given up smoking? Hang in there fella.

Still, threads are for joining, not reading.

Bite thy tongue.

PA threads contain within their humble origins a quality liberal arts education, scything humour, outrageous analysis, nuanced opinion and all kinds of valuable cultural capital.

And it's free.

Ta much all.

Kinda sucks that I have to ask.

Word. The day after Obama won, one had to ask for permission to be elated. Now one has to ask for permission to be pissy. It must be an Internet thing, you've got to move on lightning quick so that prickery can fill…

Che reports the news, previously reported by Russell a few pages back, previously reported by me a few pages before that ...

Still, threads are for joining, not reading.

-> ACT only to provide confidence and supply.

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/11/now-we-get-our.html

Ours, not so much.

I'm going to be forced to pay close attention when all I want is to create my life knowing my representatives are informed, compassionate and far-sighted.

And perhaps, just this once, you could allow me my melodrama…

Direct 40% of the Super Fund? Control Pharmac? Keynesian spend-up? Extend Working for Families?

"Sure, John, we'd love to help you get those through. You don't need ACT, we'll give you the numbers. What's more, we promise to…

Much as I like Chris Finlayson, I must admit that I've not watched him that closely. Could be taken entirely the wrong way. :)

I can see how he'd appeal to the bookish type ... and there can't be that many conservative, gay, Catholic, Treaty lawyer aesthetes out there. Could…

Just as RB said-

John Key looked more pleased for himself than anything else on Saturday night

With all due and sincere respect to Russell, if that night wasn't a time to look like a cat that just found it's own private stash of creamy goodness when was?

And I'll…

Anyhoo, I doubt ACT will have anywhere near the power they think they will. National don't need them, and I think they might actually really like being popular again.…

Over 45% of voters didn't want what John Key was selling, even before his government had made a…

Wouldn't it be a pisser if Key is turning out to be a hell of a lot like Clark in one important respect — radical only in his ruthless pragmatism.

I wonder if that's exactly it – it's been impossible to pin down what Key stands for, but it's staring…

Rodney will be, Winston-style, a minister outside Cabinet. And Key will be taking his cue from Helen Clark and running a minority government, with confidence and supply from support from Act.

Which is perfectly sensible. While innovative (internationally speaking), such arrangements seem to be the best at protecting the interests…

Is he left-handed too? I didn't realise that...

Much as I like Chris Finlayson, I must admit that I've not watched him that closely. Could be taken entirely the wrong way. :)

Gasped, then LOLed.

So Goff wants it, Good luck I say.

He looks like Zeppo Marx. I wish I could think of something else nice to say about him.

Is he left-handed too? I didn't realise that...

Much as I like Chris Finlayson, I must admit that I've not watched him that closely. Could be taken entirely the wrong way. :)

I guess I'm so used to Wishart's assault on Labour that it's odd to think of an immediate…

But what I want to know is ... did Act suddenly become radioactive for National after the country saw Douglas, or did Hide get the talk about having to STFU if Act was to be a full coalition partner?

The latter I suspect — and while this puts me in…

Ministers outside cabinet are subject to cabinet collective responsibility.

Though possibly only within their portfolios, depending on the coalition arrangements in question.

The Cabinet Manual has strong "aggree to disagree" provisions precisely to protect junior coalition partners. And ACT's Ministers may very well be using them in areas where they…

I agree with Craig. Wishart isn't going to be too soft on National. He can always been relied on to speak wild-eyed hallucinations to power.

I'm wondering how long it will be before we get the first deranged comments (though not necessarily from Wishart) regarding Key's ethnic background or bollocks…

What will be interesting is if ACT get all sniffy and disruptive sitting in their little corner with their yellow hat on under this Good Behaviour bond.

It does seem like something shifted behind the scenes there.

It did in 2005 as well, didn't it? Clark talked to the Greens on the night and then by the next day things had changed.

My coal fuelled nosehair removal unit is quite safe.

Hummph. All of my nosehair is fuelled by renewable sources.

Rodney will be, Winston-style, a minister outside Cabinet. And Key will be taking his cue from Helen Clark and running a minority government, with…

If we actually want to deal to climate change we need to confront our consumption and stop trying to shift blame to farmers or big business.

Won't happen with this government. My coal fuelled nosehair removal unit is quite safe.

I really need to start blogging about this AGW thing, I can't keep polluting other peoples comments sections.

Sinister...

Is he left-handed too? I didn't realise that...

Oh, speaking of – you know who else is left-handed? Barack Obama.

The Washington Post notes he's yet another left-handed president (recent presidential southpaws include Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George Bush Sr and Bill Clinton).

So the big question is: which…

Particularly when it ends up with arguing for polluters in our country getting a freer ride.

I agree, only our "polluters" are in fact us. Our lifestyles are 2x more polluting than the world average, we need to pay for this excess. If we actually want to deal to…

I think there is- in fact, Listener cartoonist Chris Slane got on the bandwaggon as soon as Douglas announced his candidacy a few months back.

Which reminds me that Slane has stood out as a leftie bastion among the rightward drift of the Listener, with his cartoons often in stark…

Angus, so presumedly you agree that a globally-set cost of carbon, with all major players involved, would remove the issue you talk about?

Gareth,

Yes that would work, but I favor tax on carbon footprint for a pragmatic reason – governments are much better at collecting taxes than they are…

Incidentally, how many commentator have already invoked Night of the Living Dead when talking about Douglas? Seems like that's a meme that will stick

Isn't there a Trace Hodgson cartoon along those lines?

I think there is- in fact, Listenercartoonist Chris Slane got on the bandwaggon as soon as Douglas…

Incidentally, how many commentator have already invoked Night of the Living Dead when talking about Douglas? Seems like that's a meme that will stick

Isn't there a Trace Hodgson cartoon along those lines?