Posts by simon g
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"I've declared myself
the winner of one of those
passes." Go Upstairs! -
I notice the left are not quite as ready to cut Key any slack
Ready and willing ... just as soon as the right get on their knees and thank Michael Cullen for not following their advice and twinning Wellington with Reykjavik.
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it seemed nine out of the ten people were in favour of the move.
Follow-up questions: Who is New Zealand's head of state?
And (if part one is answered correctly) will you swear loyalty to King Charles?
Whereupon nine out of ten turn out to be very confused.
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And here's a thought: could we perhaps hear a little more from our Prime Minister about what he thinks of the global economy?
The Prime Minister made clear what he thinks in a revealing exchange in the House yesterday. But nobody wants to hear what he's saying. We'd rather just believe in the magic smile.
Hon Jim Anderton: Which knight has been a great example of the economic success that New Zealand needs more of: Sir Michael Fay, Sir Allen Stanford, Sir Bob Jones, or Sir Roger Douglas?
Hon JOHN KEY: ... In relation to the four gentlemen whose names the member raised, I think all of them have made a contribution to New Zealand.
Allen Stanford?
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When reading foreign reports of New Zealand politics, there is only one thing to bear in mind: New Zealand does not matter. It may not actually exist (more research needed, funding on hold).
When Helen Clark was PM, the purpose of the (very occasional) coverage of NZ politics was to draw the contrast with the reader's domestic politics. New Zealand was a Good Thing because it did not support the invasion of Iraq, had women in all the top jobs (a few years back), legalised prostitution, etc. So there were Lessons to be Learned for (insert country here).
Now New Zealand is a Good Thing for a different audience - the WSJ constituency, or these rather strange people in Canada. Reality in New Zealand itself is irrelevant.
You read about Iraq or China or Israel because you're interested in Iraq or China or Israel. You read about New Zealand because it's another cold day in Bolton or Boston and you'd really like to be somewhere else.
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Like others, I first wandered into the Casino because I was downtown with time to kill, to see what the fuss was about, for a laugh, etc. I didn't gamble on my first visit but later I returned and thought "What the hell" ... as you do. The roulette tables looked cool, plus - rationalise in overdrive - I was good at maths (no need to point out the self-delusion in there). And after a couple of spins, I won, about $30 or so.
I remember the sense of elation. Out of nowhere, life had just walked up to me and put a new paperback book in my hand. Or a decent bottle of wine. A movie ticket - with all-you-can-eat snacks! Woo hoo! I walked out, thrilled but nervous, expecting to be challenged by security at any moment, because - ha! - I had beaten the house .
You can guess what happened. Return visits. Losses. I don't think I actually became an "addict" - I didn't start selling the TV or robbing the dairy - and some ghost from Sunday school perched on my shoulder prevented me from ever chucking hundreds of dollars on the table, but I did, over time, throw money away, for nothing. I haven't been back for a couple of years, but I didn't stop as some strong-willed act of self-denial, but rather, because I finally (and expensively) realized that winning was no longer a thrill, and never would be again.
Losing is sad, but it's the indifference of the winners that make it such a wretched place.
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If I were Key's spin supremo, I wouldn't be too worried about TV pics of the push and shove. He handled it OK.
The Prime Minister getting treated like a helpless infant by Titewhai Harawira, on the other hand ... yikes. It was like grazing your knee in the playground and then your mum far outdoing the physical pain with an embarrassing cuddle in front of all your sniggering school mates.
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Pointless Peacemaker (Piha)
I said it was time for you to Agree to Disagree, you ASSHOLES!!!
Moderators, close this discussion NOW!!
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Pointless Peacemaker (Piha)
I've never heard of this Einstein person, but I don't think we should be arguing about him like this. It's all getting a bit heated, can't we just agree to disagree? Everyone is entitled to their point of view (that's what makes life so interesting!!). But it's a lovely sunny day, and there's so much to be thankful for, why can't we all just get along!! I'm sure that's what Mr Einstein would have wanted.
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A thrashing by the South Africans, defeat to the Kiwis in the opener, allegations of cheating against a player and captain choosing to opt for rest when the chips are down is new Australia that nobody probably wants to see.
I want to see it very, very much. My bitter n' twisted loathing of the Australian cricket team far outweighs my support for the Black Caps. NZ could have lost to the West Indies for all I cared. But against this lot, my feelings for "Punter" and the Pantheon are as warm (and as petty) as Stephen Jones' for the All Blacks.
Incidentally the TAB still have Australia as clear favourites to win the series. I suspect they're right, but it's not because of Bad Haddin and Glove Story ... it's just, we're not very good.
But never mind. Their self-proclaimed new victim status and siege mentality is entertainment enough.