Posts by Paul Rowe
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Legal Beagle: Alcohol Game Theory, in reply to Graeme Edgeler,
Because it’s a bad system for a vote like this. It was only a good system for the MMP referendum because it was a non-binding first referendum.
Yes, I was making a criticism rather than an observation!
Because it’s a bad system for a vote like this. It was only a good system for the MMP referendum because it was a non-binding first referendum.
Yes, I recall the referendum, I was thinking more of the 1992 and 1993 referenda, but looking back the 1992 referendum was non-binding as well and asked two questions at once. It goes to show that how you set the rules affects how people play the game and ultimately who wins.
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Legal Beagle: Alcohol Game Theory,
I have three observations:
1. The MMP referenda offers a good system of two votes: Do you prefer a change to the age at which alcohol can be purchased? If no, status quo, if yes, there is a vote between the split age and the 20 age limit. I wonder if this system was considered?
2. I appreciate that this is a system that is used to pick the speaker, but in a country with no written constitution, isn't this an example of constitutional change by increment? Assuming that it is in future considered as the system parliament uses to choose between three options, rather than two. In a terribly geeky way, that's quite exciting.
3. I've not really followed the debate, but what is the advice from the Law Society (or whoever it is)? Surely if they or the relevant parliamentary commission have considered the evidence they have made a recommendation? If MPs are ignoring the recommendation (one based upon evidence) and giving themselves a 'gripping hand' (so to speak) aren't they just sinking to faith-based, rather than evidence-based legislating?
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Hard News: Disrupting the Television, in reply to Lucy Stewart,
I agree with you there (and I was raised on that stuff, to my wife's horror, I have the geek creds).
I have a feeling at least part of its success is because it's the first big-budget TV fantasy project since Lord of the Rings. There is a market for that stuff done right - it looks authentic etc and it has some decent actors in it. The source material is sorely lacking though, which may be where it falls don for me.
I too am broadly in favour of boobs, but here they are just gratuitous.
(I should just point out that I am not a TV snob: I am currently enjoying Once Upon A Time, mostly because I can watch it with my primary-age kids and not have to worry about violence and sex - I'm looking at you Glee)
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Hard News: Disrupting the Television,
Apparently Game of Thrones is the most pirated show of the year
I tried to love it, really tried, but in the end decided it was a soap opera in animal furs (the book was unreadable). After about three months, I ditched the Soho sub in favour of Rialto, and like everyone else would rather not be paying for E! and most of the other tripe on Sky's basic sub. I'd happily pay $10 to watch a rugby test if I didn't have to cough up for the monthly sub. -
Hard News: Fame Friday, in reply to Lilith __,
Thanks Lilith, that’s rather lovely…
Since when has Sweden been a bastion of country-folk?
I was switched on this by Graham Reid:
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Hard News: Flying Nun: Thirtysomething,
If Kris's piece was TL:DR then you really missed out :)
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Hard News: Criminalising Journalism, in reply to Richard Grevers,
I'd add a question, Richard.
When Key sat down for a cup of tea with Rodney Hide when they were campaigning last year, were media prevented from recording the event and the conversation?
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This year I'll be happy with the ABs finishing in the top 10. Anything above that is just gravy.
Too much disappointment in the past, especially against teams that really failed to follow up their great performances against NZ in the semi with decent performances in the next match.
(France were awful against Aus in the 99 final and against England in the 07 semi, Aus let thier league converts throw the game away for them in the 03 final)
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OnPoint: Sock-Puppeting Big Tobacco to…, in reply to Jolisa,
Am now looking forward (not) to a series of satirically titled Don Brash speeches, plundering the best lines from centuries of protest literature. "A spectre is haunting New Zealand"; "If I can't dance, I don't want to be part of your fiscal strategy", etc.
Saturday Night's Alright For Introducing Vouchers in Education
The Long & Winding Multi-Lane Toll Motorway
What do the kids listen to these days? I'm afraid I'm unfairly showing the Don's age. -
Hard News: Friday Fun with Brickface,
a reminder
