Hard News by Russell Brown

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Hard News: Grokking things by being places

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  • Craig Ranapia,

    I’ve been doing the odd phone-in commentary for Radio Live, and they asked me if I’d be available on election night. That won’t be happening now. This should not be seen as any reflection on the people I’ve dealt with at the station, who have been pleasant and professional. But being on the same frequency as that sick little man just seems a bit too close for comfort at the moment.

    Yup - and you're too modest to say this, but we had a few *cough* lively conversations about taste and tone in my pieces for Public Address Radio. Took a very dim view of the media, but if I'd ever thought about pulling shit like that 1) it would never have gone to air and 2) I'm fairly confident I'd have been sacked.

    Radio Live should be thankful you kept me on the leash where Messers Laws and Henry were concerned.

    North Shore, Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 12370 posts Report

  • Chip Matthews,

    A great weekend for me! On Friday after radio, then work, I had a couple of beers with the MAINZ students as they celebrated the end of their academic year. Followed that with DJing at the PSC opening for David Dallas. The crowd got well full and an awesome vibe.

    Saturday was another gig day, with a four hour set down at the BCC which was, as always, free of stress and most enjoyable.

    And Sunday was spent with my book on the Goldrush's in NZ during the 1860's. Spent as little time thinking about the election knowing that this week it would be a a conatant on one's mind.


    Aaaaaaand that's about it.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 46 posts Report

  • 3410,

    Aspect ratio abuse!

    Auckland • Since Jan 2007 • 2618 posts Report

  • Russell Brown, in reply to 3410,

    Aspect ratio abuse!

    I know! I'm going to try something ...

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report

  • matthewbuchanan,

    Aspect ratios should now behave better on embedded images.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 163 posts Report

  • Russell Brown, in reply to matthewbuchanan,

    Aspect ratios should now behave better on embedded images.

    You're a genius.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report

  • Matthew Poole,

    Well, my weekend was mostly good. Show that I'm stage-managing and did lighting design for - Roger Hall's Love Off The Shelf (shameless plug, sorry Russell) - opened on Saturday night, to a very, very appreciative audience. Hysterically funny, if anyone's desirous of a good night out.
    The down-side was that I got to discover just how rude some rabid Nats supporters can be, as my partner's brother proceeded to insult a bunch of my friends on Facebook as he demonstrated that, for him, National is not a political party, it's a religion. Those of you I have as FB friends might get something of a laugh out of it (the thread about National not fronting up to RNZ), and for the rest of you, here are a few choice quotes, which may also help your understanding of the "intellect" of the tribal National voter:

    I'm surrounded by people who can't think outside the square. You can throw as many so called "facts" at me as you like

    The so called "facts" were references to Treasury's Briefing to the Incoming Minister in '08, showing $319m of core Crown debt.

    If you guys can't see how we need National then I suggest you pack your hemp goods and go live in Norfolk Island, start a community of pottery makers and folk songs

    I trust what National do, they have done an EXCELLENT job given the recession which you monkies seem to have completed been oblivious too.

    And, lastly:

    Fortunately these days I've noticed most people see through that and lean towards those who have credibility in the right area's. I'd like to see another 8 years of National to let their policies mature and develop, under anyone else I might aswell direct debit my income to those undeserving. All this talk about facts and figures, I don't trust them regardless where they come from, it's politics.

    Rather depressing that we allow people like that to vote, but at least I now have confirmation that there's no point even trying to discuss politics with him (or the rest of her family, who are all equally rabid National supporters) because I cannot have a theological debate about John Key.

    Auckland • Since Mar 2007 • 4097 posts Report

  • Jackie Clark, in reply to Matthew Poole,

    Oh Matthew. That is ghastly.

    Mt Eden, Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 3136 posts Report

  • Matthew Poole, in reply to Jackie Clark,

    The best thing I got out of it was validation of my decision not to reveal my voting inclinations to him. I cannot debate politics like it's a religion, and I'd just end up furious at being expected to defend my chosen party's policies even where I disagree with them. I'm sure the next family get-together will be an interesting experience, especially if National do manage to pull off another term.

    And the show is a big up-side, so I didn't care that much. My lighting looks great (it's OK, my ego has heaps of room to fit through doorways), and aside from having to throw a wobbly at two cast who missed an entry cue and left someone else standing on stage looking like an idiot it's been a really good opening weekend. So thankfully he didn't get to ruin my weekend :)

    Auckland • Since Mar 2007 • 4097 posts Report

  • Matthew Poole, in reply to Matthew Poole,

    Those of you I have as FB friends

    Or are friends of my FB friends, which given that Craig and Russell are both on the list should just about encompass all of PAS ;)

    Auckland • Since Mar 2007 • 4097 posts Report

  • Kumara Republic, in reply to Matthew Poole,

    Rather depressing that we allow people like that to vote, but at least I now have confirmation that there’s no point even trying to discuss politics with him (or the rest of her family, who are all equally rabid National supporters) because I cannot have a theological debate about John Key.

    As in Palinite Tea Party rabid?

    The southernmost capital … • Since Nov 2006 • 5446 posts Report

  • Sacha, in reply to Matthew Poole,

    All this talk about facts and figures, I don't trust them

    Accurately reflects the way many people decide their vote.
    Confidence is in the delivery of the facts and figures.

    Ak • Since May 2008 • 19745 posts Report

  • slarty,

    That is truly depressing Matthew. But strangely common.

    As I was ambling along today I thought maybe a party with dignity, striving for equality.

    Now where would we find such a thing?

    Since Nov 2006 • 290 posts Report

  • andrew r,

    Nice pics.
    Good call on the radio live thang. There is something about that station that
    gives me the heebi geebies.
    Go the b.

    auckland • Since May 2007 • 100 posts Report

  • Matthew Poole, in reply to Kumara Republic,

    As in Palinite Tea Party rabid?

    Probably not to the point of talking about how disagreeing voters are traitors or ought to be exterminated, but the message from any of them who have commented on any politics-related FB thread where I've contributed is that no person with a functional brain could possibly not vote for National. Which is pretty on-message for the Palinites.

    Auckland • Since Mar 2007 • 4097 posts Report

  • DexterX, in reply to Matthew Poole,

    here are a few choice quotes, which may also help your understanding of the "intellect" of the tribal National voter:

    National are getting support from a sigificant number of voters from outsideof the tribe.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 1224 posts Report

  • Craig Ranapia, in reply to Matthew Poole,

    The down-side was that I got to discover just how rude some rabid Nats supporters can be

    Really? I find politics makes some otherwise agreeable Labour supporters vile every three years or so. I spend a lot of time pretending to be deaf and having the most fascinating shoes ever made. It's disagreeable, but more or less works. And once your father refused to speak to you for six months, and someone else called you "morally equivalent to a Jewish Nazi", because of your politics it's amazing how little truly hurts anymore.

    North Shore, Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 12370 posts Report

  • Kate,

    I was at the Westmere Kids Try on Sunday (awesome participatory event for some local schools - my daughter loved it). I thought it was a bit iffy having the PM start the event a week out from the election (Nikki Kaye as local MP would have been ok, but the PM trailed by cameras not so much) - but was very heartened when I overheard a couple of nine or ten year olds comparing John Key autographs that they'd got on their arms. Said one: "I got his autograph but I'm not voting for him." "Nah, me either" said the other.

    Grey Lynn • Since Nov 2011 • 2 posts Report

  • Rich Lock, in reply to Matthew Poole,

    Rather depressing that we allow people like that to vote

    Yes. People who can't spell 'monkeys' correctly should be disenfranchised. It may sound harsh, but trust me, it's the only way to get through to these people and Stop Plurality Abuse.

    back in the mother countr… • Since Feb 2007 • 2728 posts Report

  • merc,

    I thought SPA stood for Stop People Anagramming?

    Since Dec 2006 • 2471 posts Report

  • linger,

    not Stop People Acronyming?

    Tokyo • Since Apr 2007 • 1944 posts Report

  • JacksonP, in reply to linger,

    Stop Plurality Abuse.

    The only effective way to treat plural effusion involves a pentecostal drain. Baptism by fire.

    Auckland • Since Mar 2011 • 2450 posts Report

  • merc,

    Blast you and your lingering knowledging ;-)

    Since Dec 2006 • 2471 posts Report

  • Heather Gaye, in reply to Craig Ranapia,

    Really? I find politics makes some otherwise agreeable Labour supporters vile every three years or so.

    I’m with Craig on this point – the debate gets wholly acrimonious on both sides. I’m guilty too (although that’s mainly because I’m unspeakably furious about National’s loathsome, incessant demonisation of beneficiaries. I’ve said a few things about Paula Bennett that I feel a bit guilty about in retrospect, at least academically).

    That said, this year I have to say I’ve found being a Greens supporter surprisingly relaxed. I’m not receiving much in the way of combative rejoinders. I guess it helps that I generally live, work & socialise with left-wingers. Six years ago my then-boss congenially remarked “so what do we need to get you to vote National? A baseball bat?”

    Morningside • Since Nov 2006 • 533 posts Report

  • Craig Young,

    Speaking of low-rider media outlets, has anyone noticed that Investigrunt isn't in the mags section? And this at the same time as the Conservative Party manages breakneck organisational development (if not policy development, apart from religious social conservatism?) Serendipity or something else? Are we seeing a net-centred Investigrunt for particular reasons?

    Warning: Don't eat before you link to this website: http://www.investigatedaily.com

    Craig Y

    Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 573 posts Report

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