Hard News by Russell Brown

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Hard News: Some Monday Things

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  • Sacha,

    Woo, the back gate

    Great train impression, Matthew.

    Ak • Since May 2008 • 19745 posts Report

  • Yamis,

    Lets say that 40,000 people rock on up to NH Stadium for a BDO.

    Roughly 10,000 would come from the Shore or further north or out west where they would use the lovely upper harbour highway (and once complete it will connect to the end of the north western... works have begun...).

    Roughly 20,000 would cruise leisurely into the venue between the hours of 12pm and 3pm and that would leave 10,000 to do the after work thing and battle over the bridge in what is generally a slightly spread out and lighter 'rush hour'. It might take them an extra 10-20 minutes to get there than to Mt Smart (where those same people often still have to get through the Southern motorway and tributaries to get there) but I'm sure they could suck it up.

    I think Eden Park is just such a shit long term option unless the trust board buys up every house within a square kilometre and bulldozes it or gets it relocated. I still can't get over the negative BS around the waterfront stadium. It's plain depresses me to think on what an opportunity we missed out on there.

    Forget a freakin cycle lane (which apparently may well end up costing something closer to the cost of the waterfront stadium).

    Since Nov 2006 • 903 posts Report

  • Matthew Poole,

    And news recently to hand, Richard Worth won't be sacked, says that nice Mr Key. I wonder just what one would have to do to lose one's ministerial warrant.

    Auckland • Since Mar 2007 • 4097 posts Report

  • Mark Harris,

    In the absence of a better place for it, and given the disjointed nature of the opening post, a study of online sexual predators has shot down a bunch of myths. Including that posting pictures of kids online encourages stalking. It's also very, very murky as to whether or not there's been any real increase in the risk to youngsters from being online.

    Thanks for that, Matthew. It matches pretty well with my own research, and one is tempted to ask how many of those "sting" arrests would actually fall under entrapment, if rational analysis was used instead of "won't somebody think of the children?"

    Doesn't mean that there's no danger but, like the calls of terrorism, it's very hard to quantify or challenge official ZOMG pronouncements, without getting tarred with the same brush.

    Waikanae • Since Jul 2008 • 1343 posts Report

  • Russell Brown,

    In the absence of a better place for it, and given the disjointed nature of the opening post, a study of online sexual predators has shot down a bunch of myths

    That's really fascinating. And that's just the article. I'll read the report tonight if I get time, but the Ars analysis is nice. Thanks.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report

  • Mark Harris,

    I've heard more than once from other journalists that English isn't a believer on the broadband project.

    I'm doubting that Mr Key will see out his term...

    Waikanae • Since Jul 2008 • 1343 posts Report

  • Sacha,

    I'm doubting that Mr Key will see out his term...

    You reckon?

    I wonder just what one would have to do to lose one's ministerial warrant.

    Perhaps Judy may be able to shed some light...

    Ak • Since May 2008 • 19745 posts Report

  • Steve Barnes,

    Doesn't mean that there's no danger but, like the calls of terrorism, it's very hard to quantify or challenge official ZOMG pronouncements, without getting tarred with the same brush.

    Nail hit on head. so, so true.

    Peria • Since Dec 2006 • 5521 posts Report

  • Steve Barnes,

    I meant to add. About almost anything controversial.

    Peria • Since Dec 2006 • 5521 posts Report

  • Steve Barnes,

    Or to put it another way.
    "You'r either with us or you're with the [insert name of marginalised group here]
    I really must remember to finish writing before I hit

    Peria • Since Dec 2006 • 5521 posts Report

  • Steve Barnes,

    Post. AAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH

    Peria • Since Dec 2006 • 5521 posts Report

  • Mark Harris,

    You reckon?

    Pretty much. It's not like the Nats actually have ideology to hold them together, any more than Labour. Therefore their capability to hold the Treasury benches depends on their collegiality and ability to work together. Yeah, right.

    The only outfit in the house that actually has a semi-consistent ideology (whether you agree with them or not) is the Greens. Even Peter Dunne contradicts himself ;-)

    Waikanae • Since Jul 2008 • 1343 posts Report

  • Sacha,

    But why would it be Key losing any internal battle, rather than English?

    Ak • Since May 2008 • 19745 posts Report

  • Geoff Lealand,

    The only outfit in the house that actually has a semi-consistent ideology (whether you agree with them or not) is the Greens.

    Yes, but isn't politics also about flexibility, suppleness, willingness to accommodate other perspectives? When did the Greens last admit that they were wrong or misguided about anything? At times I really do want to feel some kinship with the Greens but thinking about Sue Kedgely always stops that.

    Screen & Media Studies, U… • Since Oct 2007 • 2562 posts Report

  • Sacha,

    Be good to have more like this from Nandor you mean?

    Ak • Since May 2008 • 19745 posts Report

  • ScottY,

    But why would it be Key losing any internal battle, rather than English?

    Agree. If it comes down to Key v English then English will be the loser, unless Key really loses the plot.

    It's not like the Nats actually have ideology to hold them together, any more than Labour.

    I personally can't see this government falling before the next election. Whatever we may think of Key's policies, he has demonstrated an ability to work with other parties.

    The Nats may be divided on some issues, but they were in opposition for nine years, and there's no way they want to go back there in a hurry. They'll do everything necessary to hold on to power.

    West • Since Feb 2009 • 794 posts Report

  • Tony Parker,

    I'm just thinking that about now some who voted National might have those immortal words of Johnny Rotten "Ever get the feeling you've just been had." running through their head. Especially if you earn less than $48000 a year.

    Napier • Since Nov 2008 • 232 posts Report

  • Sacha,

    Opinion polling would suggest otherwise.

    Ak • Since May 2008 • 19745 posts Report

  • Mark Harris,

    Agree. If it comes down to Key v English then English will be the loser, unless Key really loses the plot.

    Because there's no way Key can achieve the stuff he's promising, in this CEC. As other Nats begin to realise he's taking them to defeat, they'll turn on him. They always do. And English will be there to, reluctantly , pick up Caesar's laurel wreath after the rest have finished knifing John-boy.

    As for holding the other parties together - ACT's a time bomb. If 3 strikes doesn't pass, Garrett will go feral. Rodney's going to get so bogged down with this Auckland super-city debacle that ACT will be effectively rudderless and will self-destruct. At some point, Sharples and Turia are going to square off, which will leave a bit of a vacuum.

    Waikanae • Since Jul 2008 • 1343 posts Report

  • Hugh Good,

    Although I would never vote for the Nats out of principle, I wasn't overwhelmingly negative about them winning the last GE cos thought maybe a fresh perspective, Labours looking a bit tired had a good run etc.

    How wrong I was.... they seem so smug n self satisfied and are acting like those idealogues of old. Jesus, it's depressing reading the news.

    Around capping rates I think in the UK the Tories want to allow voters in the various boroughs to be able to vote for whether council taxs are increased (which is barking if you ask me) which sounds a bit like this

    I feel like flying home and picketing parliment

    UK • Since Apr 2009 • 4 posts Report

  • Idiot Savant,

    and then Two wind farm projects mothballed and another goes ahead despite an All Black apparently.

    Well, Mt Cass was an environmental dog anyway, while Puketoi has a good chance in the Environment Court.

    meanwhile, Central Plains Water has been told to go drown themselves. Score!

    Palmerston North • Since Nov 2006 • 1717 posts Report

  • Sacha,

    Central Plains Water - great news.

    Ak • Since May 2008 • 19745 posts Report

  • Sacha,

    I figure it's not linkwhoring if I do it. :)

    Ak • Since May 2008 • 19745 posts Report

  • Geoff Lealand,

    I feel like flying home and picketing parliament

    Good to see new voices joining the debate.

    Screen & Media Studies, U… • Since Oct 2007 • 2562 posts Report

  • ScottY,

    As other Nats begin to realise he's taking them to defeat, they'll turn on him. They always do. And English will be there to, reluctantly, pick up Caesar's laurel wreath after the rest have finished knifing John-boy.

    A prediction or wishful thinking?

    I would be surprised if that came true. Key's still popular with the voters. I know a lot can happen before the next election, but I suspect most people realise there's little Key can do to mitigate the effects of the current global crisis.

    And if you look at NZ's post-war history the governments that tend to get chucked out after one term are the Labour ones.

    If 3 strikes doesn't pass, Garrett will go feral.

    I hope you are right. That would be very entertaining.

    West • Since Feb 2009 • 794 posts Report

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