Posts by Matthew Reid
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I have a theory that the quality of a country's coffee is related to when there was a continental European immigration/influence. North America got its immigration of Italians in the late 19th century, before the espresso machine was invented (around the turn of the century), and with them the predominant coffee preparation method of the time - some form of drip/percolation/filter process. Australia, and presumably NZ, had an influx of Italians and other continental Europeans after WWII, and with them the magnificent espresso machine.
Hence NZers taste for espresso surpasses the Starbucks muck, whereas in the US and Canada any imprvement in the method of preparation was a hit, starting in Seattle and spreading elsewhere. I'm not sure if the theory works for South America - anyone had good coffee in Argentina?
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Though neither Tron, nor Tron Legacy is memorably quote-worthy, within the broad genre, as Bladerunner
I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tanhauser gate. All those moments will be lost in time like tears in rain. Time to die.
or 2001: A Space Odessy
Open the pod bay doors, please, HAL
and
Dave, this conversation can serve no purpose anymore. Goodbye.
Not wanting to be at all critical Russell, nor pedantic, but I'm interested that you said
He and his older brother are both Asperger Syndrome, a condition on the autism spectrum.
It reads as if Asperger Sydrome is a defining feature, in the same way that you would say he is male and 15 years old. As opposed to Asperger Sydrome being something he has, as you would say if he had diabetes.
My nephew has Down Sydrome. Certainly his genetic make up is a large part of his life, not least because of the medical problems he has that are associated with Down Sydrome. But there is so much more to him that isn't about his chromosomes. I don't think I would say he is Down Sydrome.
Perhaps Asperger Syndrome is all-pervadingly present in Leo's life and the way you said it is conscious. I only have experience of Asperger Sydrome, rather briefly and narrowly, from behind the doctor's desk. I'm certainly no Asperger expert, nor as knowledgable about all the implications, social and otherwise, as parents with kids on the autism spectrum. But I thought I'd ask.
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Hard News: The Wellington Cables, in reply to Danyl Mclauchlan,
Interesting that the pharmaceucal companies were worried NZ would ban direct-to-consumer-advertising.
In addition, U.S. pharmaceutical companies continue to worry that the government will ban direct-to-consumer advertising, one of the industry's few pathways around Pharmac's controls (ref C). Several companies, especially those marketing so-called lifestyle drugs for such conditions as hair loss and erectile dysfunction, have built sales
through advertising.It's an embarrassing anomaly that NZ is the only developed country outside the US that still allows it. Leads to undue influence on doctors and alters prescription patterns even when advertsed drugs are no better than alternatives.
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Hard News: The Wellington Cables, in reply to Matthew Reid,
NZ is seen to be responding to needs and relatively free from subordinating aid to political, strategic or military interests
However, that was then, this is now...
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Hard News: The Wellington Cables, in reply to Simon Grigg,
frustrated at the endless little red maps of Australia on signs in Indonesia
AusAID does have an impressive Indonesia dossier, which makes particular geopolitical sense for Australia. Just as economic development and stability in the Pacific certainly makes geopolitical sense for NZ. Shame that doesn't help with the NZ wine over there. Having said that it is heartening to see NZ is seen to be responding to needs and relatively free from subordinating aid to political, strategic or military interests (pdf).
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Hard News: The Wellington Cables, in reply to Simon Grigg,
school construction projects with the tag "Australia" on them in the poorer parts of SEA, I've yet to see one that carries a kiwi logo. This is our 'hood and yet we are almost invisible
To be fair Simon, I understand that Australia focuses on SEA and NZ on the Pacific
The Pacific is the core geographic focus of New Zealand Aid Programme activities. Over half of New Zealand's total aid goes to this region. The New Zealand Aid Programme also supports development in Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Global development efforts are supported through funding from the New Zealand Aid Programme to international agencies.
so it is perhaps not suprising that NZ does not have great visibility in Indonesia.
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CHRIST also says that in the interests of promoting responsible home binge-drinking of alcohol a maximum-pricing regime should be introduced, with the aim of further reducing prices.
"Our study shows that RTDs, beer, wine and spirits should be made cheaper. It's outrageous that RTDs should be more than $1 a pop" says Dr Batemean, "when the road toll-reducing effect of making cheap liquor available in multiple outlets close to people's homes is taken into account. And some of the prices for Central Otago pinot noir, let alone single malt whiskey, are just not on."
"We are glad that the government has indicated further research is needed into the minimum-pricing recommendation made by the Law Commission. We would also oppose any move to increase alcohol excise tax. Our study shows it would be irresponsible to introduce such measures" Bateman says.
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Deutsch editions
What about a collaboration to translate it into Italian? Mia moglia loved reading it to our three and wanted to send it friends/family in Italy.
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Thanks Samuel. Regarding UMO that was pretty cool what she was doing to her new Westinghouse fridge. Why isn't there that level of functionality these days?
And regarding Holy Fuck, can anyone tell me what all the junk on the table is that they are playing?
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Key is a woofter for not denouncing him
Can you spare us the homophobia please?
Whoops. Apologies. Meant it along the lines of wussy, not as rhyming slang for poofter.