Still, who knows? Talentless people get lucky sometimes..

The H1N1 is closing in.

Bollocks. Kerre says it's hogwash. Don't go listening to those so-called experts.

Two H1N1 case's
confirmed in Wellington.

Keep it there for at least another week! I've got one more exam to sit for this semester on the 18th, can't get sick till later.

oh, so we derive our best understanding of the terrors of Mana fron wiki or from google, do we?

crikey...

do any of you chaps have *any idea at all* of how smug, closed-ranking...

Hey, that's uptown top ranking.

have another wee snicker on me, why don't ya???

With a name like yours complacenta, it's a bit rich to call us smug.

have another wee snicker on me, why don't ya???

The key point that Grimshaw made very calmly was that Ramsay and his handlers had insisted on her not discussing his recent well publicised infidelity, which she went along…

Anyway, I'm not sure there's any 'context' that would justify a crack like that. When you're "outraged" about personal attacks,…

I recall it has the most popular state/federal reserve is that correct?

It is much loved and its popularity means the place has always walked on the edge of being loved to death.

You're thinking of Tracy Grimshaw's statement I linked to above that mentioned Ramsay's wife and is extremely clear about the context around that.

C'mon, it was a fantastic putdown.

Excuse me? Gordon Ramsey's a jerk, but I don't see the point of getting down to his level. Gillard herself certainly sees nothing "fantastic" about her own partner being used as an offensive weapon by political opponents, so you might think she'd avoid cracks…

And Julia Gillard was fantastic, telling stoneage rudeboy to fsck off back to the kitchen.

He certainly should piss off to the kitchen and cook me some eggs, because the Aussie media-political complex can trash women without any help from some Pommy shirt-lifter.

Still I thought the crack about "We've…

Sure, he was a cock

And Julia Gillard was fantastic, telling stoneage rudeboy to fsck off back to the kitchen.

Apropos nothing in particular, I've finally found some time to quickly review NZ news and blogs, it's all got rather unpleasant hasn't it?

Weather-wise? I find the cold rather bracing when its dry, otherwise its not much fun. If you're talking about Richard Worth (who's apparently been downgraded from a…

BTW -22 degrees Celsius and a clear blue day.

Hell, I envy that weather too! It was fourteen in Sydney today; I'm sure it's been colder, but I can't recall when (recently). Nice place Noosa. I recall it has the most popular state/federal reserve is that correct?

Apropos nothing in…

Soo, anyone see watch Campbell Live tonight? That Gordan Ramsey eh... What a prat.

Steve: My sympathy for the delicate sensibilities of Australian autocue readers is non-existent. Sure, he was a cock but it was really worth the Mosaic wratch of the Rudster? Fuck off.

Soo, anyone see watch Campbell Live tonight? That Gordan Ramsey eh... What a prat.

I'll say. Never would have picked it.

fungus plucker
sinecurist (if only!)
self-employed neologist

Blake – I envy you your weather conditions: we have -22oC{I'm ice-mummifying some neighbours as we speak) but a really opaque charcoal sky...need solace amidst the gloom

(slainthing!)

Why, the delicate call of a laphroaig dram! How…

Islander, please explain to me forthwith this akashic archaeology of your understanding!

unless you would flee to the accounting of Jesus proposed by Rev.Layne with no further homework performed on yr part at all?

why, who woulda thunkit…

priest

Rev. Father Robert Layne

so what would he have done differently if he WAS a priest?

i'm sorry but your 'archeaological record' is too majestically rendered for me

how in earth do you yourself in relation to this record determine whether said remains are those of ritually-disposed babes or those…

*gag*

"overshadowing woman"

(the rest of your quote doesnt make much sense to me but I gather you may mean "have a pre-eminent place.")

I dont agree *at all*…

"..Dr. Tiller was extraordinary. When I met him he talked about why women have abortions and how they understand them in terms of their religious faith and spirituality. He described his efforts to serve them with respect,…

abortion is obviously an emergency circumstance
unfortunately, 'humans' are creatures not of instinct
(although we are not of course yet devoid of it)
but creatures-of-representation of what it is that we do and how that is seen by others and maybe eventually even by whatever may turn…

Human instincts being what they are, there is a very strong imperative to help children in emergency circumstances – but it isnt overwhelming in all circumstances.

to what extent though is the idea that it be better that "the blow falls upon the woman" rather than that "tenuous scrap of life growing inside her" inconsistent somehow with the enormous social emphasis, from left right & god knows where else as well, put…

It's being grey and soggy in Wellington, but warm.

Isn't that nice? So good to have little comforts in trying times, like warmth on a wet day, or the hope of an incoming permanent IP ban.

McCain's horrible airquotes around "the mother's health" when he discussed in during the US campaign

Oh MAN. I had blocked that out but it's all coming back to me now.

Didn't Jon Stewart call those air quotes 'dick fingers'? Heh.

McCain's horrible airquotes around "the mother's health" when he discussed in during the US campaign

I don't remember which female activist said at the time that in that moment he lost "the election", but it was fun to watch it happen anyhow.

There's a very informative statement along those lines here.

Yikes... could someone fit Randall Terry with a muzzle until can spend five minutes in a row exhibiting a shred of common decency?

That sentence is not only idiotic, it makes no sense whatsoever. If you believe abortion is wrong in "almost any circumstances", surely you'd find performing any abortions at all "specially repulsive"?

The other point there is that du Fresne is so clearly (wilfully?) ignorant of how Tiller actually did "make…

It's kinda mealy-mouthed but it generally works when dealing with officaldom in most of its guises.

Even if you believe abortion is wrong in almost any circumstances, there is something specially repulsive about the way Dr Tiller made his living.

That sentence is not only idiotic, it makes no sense whatsoever. If you believe abortion is wrong in "almost any circumstances", surely you'd find performing any…

The syntax is [conventionally polite and acceptable mouthings], but [what I really think is more important but am a little nervous about transgressing good taste to say]. So long as you don't expect people to…

When Russell says "I'm sorry, but what an idiot" everyone knows he's not all that sorry. That's the correct and honest use of that particular construction, which would be entirely undermined if an argument over it started…

I'd say he was endorsing extrajudicial execution, were it not for the fact that Tiller never even committed an offence.

A few late-term abortions are carried out here every year too. Is du Fresne suggesting…

United States President Barack Obama condemned the murder of Kansas abortionist George Tiller as a heinous act of violence, which it undoubtedly was.

But since we're talking about…

Can I utter the words "terrorists win" without starting the whole spiral all over again?

I was going to make the same comment but... blah. Crappy.

I hope some people get together and reopen the clinic and keep its work going.

Understand why the family doesn't want to be those…

Can I utter the words "terrorists win" without starting the whole spiral all over again?

And does anyone have a copy of the Dom Post I can borrow ("bottow?" Sorry Rich) containing Karl du Fresne's rant on the topic? I would like to vomit all over it.

Tiller family: Clinic will close

Oh good. I haven't felt my quota of impotent rage and sadness yet today.

[I've deleted the rest of your post and I'm only leaving this in to clarify. Your email responses are not "extremely dickish", although they are extremely unusual. I'll talk about it to you offline if you like. The "extremely dickish" response…

I'm with Giovanni also: I lost my temper on that thread, but I also learned quite a bit (even from the person I lost my temper with) so it was not a wasted use of intertubing at all, at all

Yes, even though the person you lost your temper with…

As an alternative, we could stop mocking the guy who's been banned and cannot respond.

Yeah, let's move on. Given the long and extremely dickish reply I got to my email to him about it, I think I'm being generous, but moving on is the appropriate thing to do.

Just my opinion.

But I'll probably start another one once we know a bit more about what National plans to do with the Copyright Act.

Not for a while then.

Rob End Keg Low

I was working my way towards asking Kyle how much he was prepared to pay for me not to ruin his nice event. Veiled intimidation being one of Italy's finest exports and that.

Two thousand people plus alcohol in an ice rink with New Zealand taking on Australia for the…

I'll probably start another one once we know a bit more about what National plans to do with the Copyright Act.

Or this, and we can just let the old thread die a well-earned natural death.

Actually, I think it'd actually be nice to see the current thread continue on and get somewhere worthwhile, with the previous 107 pages left as an example of the Bad Old Days.

I've moved the mouse over the link a few times but my finger refuses to click

Actually, I think it'd actually be nice to see the current thread continue on and get somewhere worthwhile, with the previous 107 pages left as an example of the Bad Old Days.

Feel free. But I'll probably start another one once we know a bit more about what National plans…

You can't be serious!

The drink was slurped.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fd90m3xKfl8

Yes, please. Fresh start and all that.

You guys are killing me. You can't be serious!

a new copyright thread

Yes, please. Fresh start and all that.

Veiled intimidation being one of Italy's finest exports and that.

whataya mean? What'd I do?

(And if anybody knows where the second picture is from, I'd LOVE to find out.)

Looks like MacDonalds to me.

I did actually try and sort it out offline with robbery, but it didn't work.

I'm sure I got thoroughly and endlessly robberyed on after my last post on the Copyright thread but I felt it had to be said and I pledged never to return to said thread after…

Hmm. What do we have to put on/take off to get you to Christchurch?

Hah :-)

Actually, at the moment the prospect of my going anywhere can best be classified as a pipe dream – even the customary trip home has been called off. But you're spoiling my thing, I…

Wait until I come down to Dunedin for that ice hockey game against the Aussies.

Hmm. What do we have to put on/take off to get you to Christchurch?

I did actually try and sort it out offline with robbery, but it didn't work. There's a point where it's just not fair for someone to demand so bloody much of my attention.

And when you've tried what John Scalzi calls "the loving mallet of correction" (and this is someone…

Can't take you anywhere can we?

Wait until I come down to Dunedin for that ice hockey game against the Aussies.

Um, this may be something we shouldn't be discussing here, just for the sake of everyone's comfort. Try here instead.

Interesting, but yeah ...

I did actually try and sort it out offline with robbery, but it didn't work. There's a point where it's just not fair for someone to…

Having been freshly banned elsewhere, I should probably not comment...

Can't take you anywhere can we?

Where did you get banned from?

Okay, sorry, forgot I said that, I shouldn't have. Let's say I was either banned from here, or here.

(And if anybody knows where the second picture is from, I'd LOVE to find out.)

Yeah, probably. I just didn't want to look like I was shutting someone down.

If it helps, I'd had a portion of this morning set aside to write a 'dude, srsly, wtf' email, so obviously I'd support this as being 'enough rope'.

PAS is still getting props for remaining sane…

I think some people were getting tired of your patience to be honest ;)

Yeah, probably. I just didn't want to look like I was shutting someone down.

I don't think I can be accused of not being patient.

I think some people were getting tired of your patience to be honest ;)

(Also: thank goodness.)

I'll email both of them, but "sachae" was acting out, and when I realised that we were approaching two years of the same confrontations between robbery and anyone who took exception to his style of argument, I decided…

Russell's a very talented man, but he's not god, and he's not above criticism
(or dishing it out),

How odd. I believe you made a sneering reference to me as "mr god controller" earlier in this very thread, although I'm sure you'll be able assure me it was __just a…

Sorry folks, I was having a weekend. I'll get it cleaned up.

It doesn't have to be this way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHNG1wL1B7Q&feature=related

level of an art form.

you bored rich?

So, in relation to Susan Boyle, and in reply to Robbery, Russell B wrote:

Travelling lonely from one hotel room to another will take its toll on a person

nah, he wrote that in his original article, not in reply to me.…

I was going to let it go, but it's been stuck in my head for a week, so a good vent session is required.

For those…

just so we're clear on that, y'all

that's pretty rich eh what?

like hell you know a lot about 'language' and its 'possible origins'

The club you've joined

she's my other-

There are perhaps 5% of the population
that simply can't think.
There are another 5% who can, and do.
The remaining 90% can think, but don't.

Robert A. Heinlein

Graze allergy...
Something rotten grows in the cheesy agar

Fatty lipids leave a greasy ache in…

when he, with seemingly altogether unconscious pomp, wrote something like "An American tragedy: two thirds of the american population do not believe in the the theory of evolution"

PA would…

Religion along with caste systems are the most toxic things we've so far come up with.

And trolls.

Since your wordplay is banal, and your insights – well, ok for an idiot- I'll not respond to you again.

thus spake a truly silly fellow, who has not even reflected for one minute on how he might ever have come to be in possession of such…

What about Father Xmas & the Easter Bunny?

Santa and Eater bunny should give all kids equal entitlements.

What about Father Xmas & the Easter Bunny? It's good times with family & friends.t

Yeah right.

Islander surely religion isn't all bad. What about Father Xmas & the Easter Bunny? It's good times with family & friends.

I'd continue this right to euthanasia (and it will become so) for those who…

But Pro-life lobbyists might see them as the same. What do you think Tess, do you make distinctions between euthanasia and abortion?

I think both are morally wrong. However I have sympathy for those with say, motor neuron disease or MS, for example, who would rather have euthanasia. I don't…

To me they would have a similar logic as rights over ones own body, but it hasn't gained the same popular/legal currency.

I'm a nervous flyer myself. I've gotta stop watching Air Crash Investigation.

I take it you've avoided the news this week then...

BTW, and Off Topic; I blame that one on the Bermuda Triangle. Dismayed at the way the sceptics haven't picked up on that one yet.

so there

Why would we do that? An infant can survive without the use of another person's body, a foetus can't.

Proves too much; incest exceptions premise bans on (for example) abortions-because-the-condom-was-shoddy. The argument-from-forced-medical-care won't let you ban those kinds of abortions, so you can't use it for or against incest exceptions.

It's not my fault if my mother these days only buys me books on the history of the Church.

You lucky duck – all I get is the Reader's Digest .

Do's he still wear electric socks?

I'm afraid they only survived a decade or so beyond the war, but I they got quite a lot of use during skiing, skating and hunting seasons.

you're the scientist

Poor baby.

I'm sorry but I'm having difficulty understanding that. Could you say that again.

Well, Tess is saying that any human life, up to and including a just fertilised egg, is as deserving of protection as any other human life, right?

And so a fertilised egg can be swapped for any…

What if instead of abortion we swapped it for infanticide?

Why would we do that? An infant can survive without the use of another person's…

While you probably don't intend to be patronising, it does rather come across that way.

Sorry, I really didn't mean to be patronising.

Because no one who has an abortion would ever care about the welfare of puppies or other vulnerable creatures?

I didn't mean to imply that at all.

As it happens, some of us are better informed about these things than you appear to have considered.

It's not my fault if my mother these days only buys me books on the history of the Church.

I think it's really to do with my nature more than anything. I remember at one 48hour party getting very angry with a drunk skinhead who was being mean to his puppy.

Because no one who has an abortion would ever care about the welfare of puppies or other vulnerable…

But your Church says that women (even women who don't believe) shouldn't be allowed to have that option. How do you explain/justify that?

I'd imagine the same way the Church justifies not letting people to have the option to commit murder even if they don't believe it is wrong.

The…

got typo fever again

both of these natures depend on and proceed from that saced subsistent centrailty according to which or not according to which i generate my mighty…

& please don't stone me unduly with yr rock-hard pointey stoney stuff.

Is this a Richard Worth text?

Or unlucky, in…

Realistically none of you need me to answer questions about the Church, you are all capable of finding out for example, the interfaith diplomatic efforts of the Holy See. Likewise you can all google for the Catechism and other documents to discover the theology of the Church.

As it happens,…