Posts by Rich Lock
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Anyone interested in knowing a bit more about the shocking conditions in the US meat processing industry should read
fast food nation' (if you haven't already).Also, 'methland', which notes the close links between the amphetamine trade in the US, and the meatpacking industry. Basically, the only way to make a living wage and get through the shifts that workers are asked to do...is to take speed. Given the piss-poor conditions, the industry is dominated by illegal immigrants, upper management actively conniving to keep this the case (they're far cheaper than legals, cos they don't have rights, see?).
Not surprisingly, large numbers turn to dealing, initially to supplement their income, and then move on to dealing full time. If the choice is between working legally in a place where at intervals you have to pour boiling water over your steel boots to stop your feet freezing, or dealing? Not so much of a choice, really.
The networks of factories and their workforces provide a ready-made market and supply network. Not incidentally, the by-products of illegal meth manufacture are often dumped in the nearest rivers, and are slowly poisoning water supplies in the US.
A couple of people have mentioned industrial revolution-type population shifts from country to city. Probably worth considering as well immigrant conditions in New Yorks garment district around the turn of last century, and conditions in Chicago's meat-packing plants around the same time. We'll probably see the same sort of shifts to better conditions in China over time as the middle class expands, but it does rather beg the question of whose shoulders they will be standing on to get their cheap goods.
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Hard News: Finally, the Teapot Tape?, in reply to BenWilson,
Hey, that’s a d-vice device.
So, cock-up rather than conspiracy?
<coat>
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Hard News: The Mega Conspiracy, in reply to Sacha,
I knew gypsies caused cancer..
Well, according to Stephen King...
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Hard News: The Mega Conspiracy, in reply to Ian Dalziel,
‘ownership’ is becoming more of an intangible and ephemeral thing, it seems…
A lot of people would be rather surprised by what exactly it is they own, and what is is the record label has chosen to merely lend to them (with certain strict terms and conditions), when they buy a music CD….
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Hard News: The Mega Conspiracy, in reply to Graeme Edgeler,
I don’t know whether the Daily Mail is any good
Well, that depends on your world view. How do you feel about single mothers, those on benefits, immigrants, gypsies, asylum seekers, gays and socialists? Would you like your world to be divided neatly into two groups: things that cause cancer, and things that don’t? How do you feel about women that try to ‘have it all’: a family and a career? Exactly how much damage do you think they are doing to their children?
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Hard News: #BDOMemories, in reply to Heather Gaye,
I have no problem with 80s influences. I’m made out of them.
You'll be pleased to know I've spent the summer teaching my 2-year old to say 'NAAT' (not), in best Wayne's World fashion. Also 'Nek Minnit', and how to throw the goat.
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Hard News: #BDOMemories, in reply to Heather Gaye,
not a Gotye fan? I thought *everyone* was a Gotye fan.
Depends how much of a nostalgist you are. If his album was any more influenced by the 1980's, I'd expect to see Michael J Fox driving past in a DeLorean every time I (or rather, my wife) sticks it on.
Despite her background, Kimbra’s doing some really good and innovative stuff. Lady’s a beast.
I am very kindly disposed towards Ms Kimbra, but the kindest thing I can say about the album is that it shows a lot of potential and that album 2 is worth waiting for.
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OnPoint: Association of Community…, in reply to 3410,
I honestly think that the Chasers or Yes Men type of approach to this sort of thing is the only rational response anymore.
Oh, I'm currently weighing up the realistic options. Shortlist so far:
1) Move family to survivalist cabin/bunker in remote mountain region. Shoot trespassers on sight. Pluses: lack of contact with fellow humans. Minuses: potential for ruby-ridge style seige. And lack of cafes for decent flat white.
2) Focussed punisher-style killing spree directed mainly at multinational boardmembers, bankers, and bilderburg attendees. Pluses: enormous short-term buzz. Minuses: short term solution and high chance of dying a horrible death in a Langley basement at the hands of a psychotic spook.
3) Can't beat them, so join them? Pluses: make lots of money. Minuses: taste of rich white male arsehole on tongue not pleasant, potential loss of whatever remains of soul, and dislike being called Wormtongue.
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My last day at this job - resigned last month. I've need to get away from a situation that has...not been positive...for some considerable time. We're going back to the UK for an open-ended bit, so this summer is going to be bittersweetly viewed through the lens of 'the last time we...'. The last time we see the pohutukawas bloom, see the surf at Piha, go swimming at Narrowneck, take the ferry, go to the museum.
I'm feeling somewhat fragile and emotional, and need to renew my acquaintance with Captain Morgan stat.
Merry Christmas everyone, and thanks for the site, Russell.
So long and thanks for all the fish.
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OnPoint: Dear Labour Caucus, in reply to Joe Wylie,
Having made it about 25% of the way through a book of Jeremy Clarkson's newspaper columns
Did you lose a bet?