Posts by simon g
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RNZ National will be playing Bowie songs in chronological order from 12.30 pm today (Matinee Idle).
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To those who eat chalk on toast, and write on the board with cheese:
Graeme is talking about repealing a law. In other words, doing something.
The assorted politicians cited (Brash etc) were only interested in campaigning on laws. In other words, not actually doing anything, but getting votes by pretending to want to.
We know this for certain, because National and ACT have been in power for seven years, and any MP at any time could have made this an issue of principle, of confidence, of resignation, of anything substantive at all. They haven't. Not one, not even close.
Because - as we all know - they don't really want to use their unquestioned power to change those so-called "privileges". Railing against them from opposition worked for them just fine, and doubtless will again.
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One advantage of a southern hemisphere Christmas is that the mall muzak tends to start later - compared with the UK, anyway (there are other countries, it says here). So by today I'm only irritated by these songs, not borderline homicidal as I was back there and then. (The disadvantages include all the winter-themed absurdity, but I won't start that rant, or else homicidal might return).
But my preferred playlist would be 3) a few carols 2) The Waitresses, doing the only really good one and 1) silence. I was in Newmarket today and would happily have paid over the odds for a jingle-free flat white. It was hard to find.
"Siiiim-ply haaa-ving a wonderful Christmas time ..." (and ... load, fire).
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To be tediously pedantic here, it is “Word of the year”, not “New word”. So “Flag” has to make the short list, for sheer prominence and repetition.
This much media coverage and general noise hasn’t been generated and wasted since … well, the last reality show on TV.
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Peter Abrahams. My summer reading of choice (alas, he has stopped writing) - hits my middling brain's target area, between "I'm confused" and "I'm insulted".
Scott Turow for legal thrillers, and more.
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Today we have the perfect illustration of "fair and balanced" (copyright Fox News) ...
The Prime Minister has apologised for saying that the opposition back rapists - which they obviously don't. The Leader of the Opposition has apologised for saying the Speaker is biased - which he obviously is.
The headline takeaway will be "season of goodwill" and same-same. So in the end, the dead cat has done its job.
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Plunkett's decline has been rather sad. He was once a rigorous interviewer and before that, capable reporter. But whenever I've heard him on Radio Live he's been practically begging people to call, and trying to sound Outraged because it's talkback and that's what you do. He seems like a classic case of trying to fit into the wrong job, and degrading himself in the process.
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I haven't seen the Paul Henry clip, but if I read that Stuff story correctly ...
Key wasn't making an off-the-cuff remark. He wasn't quoted out of context. He had brought the image with him . To make a point.
And nobody said "WTF, Prime Minister? Seriously?"
Or if they did, he didn't listen.
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I wish Goff all the best.
Key was going out of his way to say nice things about Goff, even suggesting he could stay on as an MP when he's Mayor to avoid a by-election*.
First reaction: "That's jolly generous of you, PM".
Second reaction: "OK, so which National MP is planning to do the same thing? Where's the by-election Key doesn't want?"
*FWIW, I think he shouldn't do both jobs. Undermines both of them, and increases public contempt for democracy. And to be clear, Goff hasn't said he would.
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Mediaworks has a response to its critics: "Please give us ten million dollars".
While local programme-making certainly deserves and needs support (even silly soaps), you'd hope NZ on Air would ask for a refund of the 3D cash first.