The usual anti-conservative abuse

It isn't uncommon for conservatives to be labelled as people who are selfish and do not want to help those less fortunate. There is something rather ironic about this position. Namely, it labels all people who associate themselves on this side as tight, neglectful people who do not care about poorer people. So having a tirade of abuse towards Colin Craig saying school lunches should not be handed out comes as no surprise. Labour/Green Party Headquarters talks about New Zealand's desperate need for it, but today the focus will be on one particular person who goes by the name "Paul Le Comte." He writes...

You evil piece of shite. Everyone who agrees with you are evil pieces of shite, I'm not mixing my words with you tossers any more, I'm sick to death of bloody so called 'pull-your-socks-up' do gooders. You're small minded, have no capacity for compassion, have even less capacity for empathy & have the most incredibly ability to tarnish everyone with stereotypes. You have no idea why or how people's lives are affected by poverty - stories from the 1900s have utterly no relevance to New Zealand 2012. You people ask where is the personal responsibility? I ask you, for the 96 Hillside railway workers laid off 1 week before christmas, what part did they play in their economic hardship - none what so ever. But that doesn't stop you narrow minded tossers for playing the high and mighty. I ask where was the Governmental responsibility in giving the wealthy in NZ a $2B tax break & raising GST on every product in NZ - when the arguments for exemptions on fresh fruit & vegetables (as done elsewhere). Colin Craig is a despicable politician influenced by & seemingly willing to support even smaller minded & economically offensive twats. Hope you are all happy in your condemnation of others whom you have no idea of the individual circumstances. Funny my Gran taught me compassion and empathy are the greatest gifts of humanity, funny, the very same Christian values apparently Colin apparently is signed up to.

I shall break down everything which Paul has said and put my riposte underneath
You evil piece of shite. Everyone who agrees with you are evil pieces of shite, I'm not mixing my words with you tossers any more, I'm sick to death of bloody so called 'pull-your-socks-up' do gooders. You're small minded, have no capacity for compassion, have even less capacity for empathy & have the most incredibly ability to tarnish everyone with stereotypes

To begin, Paul makes personal attacks towards people whom he is unfamiliar with, offering up mindless abuse, and labeling conservatives as evil. When people often begin by insulting their opponents, it is often a sure sign of insecurity on their own behalf for their position. He believes that because the Conservative party does not approve of lunches in schools, it means they lack compassion. Why is that? In what way? Does a disapproval of this policy mean they are not compassionate in any kind of way?

Paul again
You have no idea why or how people's lives are affected by poverty - stories from the 1900s have utterly no relevance to New Zealand 2012. You people ask where is the personal responsibility? I ask you, for the 96 Hillside railway workers laid off 1 week before christmas, what part did they play in their economic hardship - none what so ever. But that doesn't stop you narrow minded tossers for playing the high and mighty

Again, Paul assumes his opponents are completely ignorant and void of knowledge. This is both wrong and inaccurate. He is more than welcome to present objective evidence of right wing people who have no idea about how their life has been affected by poverty. Like Paul, I have a heart for the poor and help where I can to provide help for him. If he wants my solutions to the situation he can read the post "Let us help the children," which includes a brilliant harvest fruit picking initiative which Di Celliers runs. So far, many boxes of fresh fruit have been delivered to low decile schools. A majority of this funding has been by private donors. Unlike Paul, who believes helping those in need cannot be achieved without the government dictating it, these clever initiatives shows that plenty of organisations exist to help parents provide food for everyone.

Paul continues
 I ask where was the Governmental responsibility in giving the wealthy in NZ a $2B tax break & raising GST on every product in NZ - when the arguments for exemptions on fresh fruit & vegetables (as done elsewhere). Colin Craig is a despicable politician influenced by & seemingly willing to support even smaller minded & economically offensive twats

The fresh fruit and vegetables debacle is a farce away from the main issue in the tax system. It was a shambles under Labour and continues on in the same face under National. If Paul wants fresh fruit and vegetables to be tax free, then it creates a difficult scenario? What is fresh? Does it count if it's canned fresh fruit? What about imported fruit? Frozen fresh veges? I know Paul isn't stupid, so he'll know that the GST tax lost here will be regained in another area, most likely in the form of personal income tax. If he is content to have lazy, incompetent and selfish politicians squandering his hard earned income that's fine. Conservative party supporters have had enough of the inept spending of our income taxes and the overly socialist generosity towards completely undeserving people. 

Paul takes a jibe at Colin and his supporters. He is again making assumptions on two accounts. One, that Colin is a politician (he is not), and second that he uses ad hominem arguments, rather than actually giving a rational, well reasoned argument for his need to support lunches in schools. His prejudiced slurs are a testament to his lack of reason.

 Hope you are all happy in your condemnation of others whom you have no idea of the individual circumstances. Funny my Gran taught me compassion and empathy are the greatest gifts of humanity, funny, the very same Christian values apparently Colin apparently is signed up to.

He concludes by stating a position he knows is neither true, or reflective of conservative voters. Following on, Paul concludes by telling us a grandma lesson, quite similar to Colin's and then jumps on bashing Colin for not being 'Christian' enough to adopt to his beliefs in what a Christian must say or do. Is Paul were to read the Bible book of Proverbs, he'd see that there is plenty of instruction from God about working hard. "Proverbs 14:23 - In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips [tendeth] only to penury." 

Paul asserts, in a rather smug way, that only his perspective is right, without providing any measurable rationale.

Going to New Zealand’s got talent, the alcohol debate and another long season

New Zealand’s got talent was quite an interesting experience. Whilst I have been sworn to keep the outcome a secret until the final was broadcast live on TV (Sunday night), experiencing it live was quite a special experience.

For anyone who doesn’t know by now, Clara Van Wel won. Without question, Clara was the best performer. Talented, intelligent and mature beyond her years, she outshone her competitors during top three's rendition of Gotye’s ‘Somebody that I used to know.’ Her song ‘Where do you find love,’ which she performed in the penultimate week won her the competition. As great as some performances were, nobody could match the dashing young girl from Marlborough. 

Seeing a television show being filmed became rather strange. After four hours of watching patiently, sitting in anticipation, the show came to an end. Even for a finale, everything was rushing by rather quickly. There was a double take gone on almost every sequence, except for Dane Rumble and Evermore’s performances, which was a pity, considering how brilliantly they performed. Whilst management people whizzed around everywhere, a rather hyperactive emcee was bouncing off the walls with all sorts of whimsical festive energy. It was also his job to get everybody up clapping, doing standing ovations and the sort. Some people seeking a microsecond of fame would have found this filming quite the experience, although I can’t see myself going back to a filming like that anytime soon. Far too fake and overhyped for me. The three judges were also receiving non-stop attention from makeup after every single take. Like most television related things, a lot of the requests made on us as an audience were plasticised rapturous applause, jingled stare fests at Tamati Coffey talking, or peeping through 

As it was my first time watching it (aside from seeing a few blotched auditions), it was promising to see that New Zealand does have some very fine performers. Many felt that J Geeks had been cheated out of a finals spot but playing with fire can only get you so far. New Zealand’s favourite singing granny put in a commendable effort…on a highlights reel.

Overall, being part of a live studio audience had both good and bad elements to it. Good because you got to see everything being done in its raw footage. Seeing Tamati blotch his lines, watching the drama unfold live, alongside the raw, unedited reactions of the finalists, the performances; everything. As I've explained above, there were some down sides too.

Watching the show live makes you appreciate the slick television editing that much more, although the editing has a fair way to go before matching the likes of X-Factor and American Idol.

The information Statistics New Zealand conveniently leaves out

The other night at a friend’s 21st, I bumped into the charismatic, rather pleasant Sean Topham. He will go far in politics if he stays loyal to the National Party.

Like most people associated with the Young Nats, I disagree with Sean on many things, especially the centre-right political status. Nonetheless, it was rather enjoyable arguing with him about important issues. Most prefer to dismiss conservatives as old fashioned and antiquated but Sean listens carefully and puts his points forth convincingly (even though I disagree).

There seems to be irony aplenty . The alcohol drinking age consensus is quite divided among people within National and Labour.Like many of his cohorts in the young Nats, Mr Topham seemed taken aback when I told him I believe that many 18 year olds are providing alcohol to their younger schoolmates. To him, this figure was “less than 10%.” I beg to differ and believe this statistic is far higher and with a proper investigation, this statement can be properly backed. Teenagers are not often pinching liquor from their parents’ personal stash. Often they source out older friends to provide them with cheap booze.

Alongside the sheer ignorance of many 18 and 19 year old teenagers, who often flock to the overrated Freguson bar at Massey or Deep Creek Brewery in Browns Bay, there is a consensus young people can do fine under the current alcohol laws. Yet again and again, it is young people causing trouble. Again and again, young people who are involved in the drunken driving car crashes. If these statistics were recorded, maybe those supporting a lower drinking age would be a bit more questionable of how irresponsible young drinkers are. The problems may begin at 15, 16,17, but they carry on far past those blissful years of ignorance.

What’s that, no one’s watching the Rugby?

Obviously, gambling money away is no longer sufficient for that shrivelled, manky Rupert Murdoch. With his empire’s decision to prolong the rugby season and have it run almost non-stop from February to December, the player’s wellbeing is barely intact. Injuries are no longer one off occurrences from heavy contact. Not getting injured is seen as weird. Super Rugby only stops in July (rather than May for Super 14). Who’s benefitting from it?

Many great rugby stadiums struggle to fill up halfway to capacity. Eden Park, which was stuffed with 60,000 people for last year’s Rugby World Cup Final, became the laughing stock of the competition, struggling to seat more than 10,000 for the Blues games. Then again, the Blues were awful this year.

The quality of Rugby has not gotten better either with an extra team competing. Get rid of the Rebels and Lions (or Kings) for good. 13 good teams competing in the toughest domestic rugby competition will revitalise an interest in New Zealand’s national game.

Rather than hearing “Right, time to watch the footy,” it’s “Oh, more rugby.”

Lose the money spinning stupidity or lose an audience of loyal viewers Murdoch. You decide what’s better.

I hear that the alleged comedian Russell Brand made an appearance in New Zealand. He’s never struck me as somebody who has a genuine wit about him or a particularly funny person. It was funnier hearing that hundreds of people had bought tickets to his show. Too often, his jokes are nothing more than a slew of stupidity. Some people may genuinely find it funny. I can concede that. Everyone has a different sense of humour. But Russell Brand has his own sense of humour; one which he picked up on some distant planet, well outside the Milky Way.

The Middle East conflict, the gay red top and Jon Bridges

Some papers which I open have unrelenting support for the Israeli movement. Many New Zealand media outlets mistakenly lend their support to the Palestine/Gaza movement. Is it more favourable to support one or the other? It really depends on who you have more sympathy for.

Israel has every right to defend itself against rockets and missiles. Pacifistic people would be able to relate to such an ordeal. How frightening would it be if your neighbourhoods were bombarded by air strikes? It would be even more horrific if your own Government says "we're not going to defend ourselves." This happens to be Israel's main position. The hysterically fascist Hamas movement repeatedly finds reasons to launch massive counter strikes against Israel.

With that said, I do not see Israel as an innocent lamb either. Their exercise of extreme brutality on many Palestinian people is not justifiable. Countless arrests are made on suspected terrorists, most of whom have not been given a fair trial to defend themselves. If the war is as simple as a fight over a piece of land, Israel is often exerting their superiority unfairly, using a powerful Military to establish a presence which is often overbearing and domineering.

Get over yourself Mr. Mckellen

Ian Mckellen is a fine actor, best known for his portrayal as Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Altogether, his career has spanned over four decades. Despite his amazing on screen presence, his off screen ramblings are anything but amazing. His criticism of Mr. Slippery's "gay red top" remarks are rather odd. While it is strange to have a Prime Minister using teenage jargon, what's more amazing is Mr. Mckellen, in his rather  annoying, politically correct manner, warning Mr. Key to watch his language.

I know several homosexuals. Each of them got put forth this question from me: Did you get offended by the Prime Minister's "gay red top," comment? Each one dismissed it as unoffensive. If a radio DJ were to use "retard" to describe somebody they met overseas in a bar, would all people actually suffering from mental retardation feel personally attacked? Unlikely.

Ian Mckellen ought to get over himself. The use of the word is not belittling to a homosexual person in any shape or form. The homosexual community claimed the word 'gay' for themselves. It is a rather ambiguous word, which thanks to freedom of speech, people can use in any way the please.

Jon Bridges=motivation squared

Jon Bridges, a comedian, television producer, as well as an enthusiastic cyclist launched his book 'Easy Rider.' I was fortunate enough to go to the book launch and meet with Jon. He is a very passionate man, who makes very good company. Anyone looking for inspiration to begin cycling or just to get motivated ought to read his rather charming book.

Party politicking and some other issues

I don't see much of a future for David Shearer. As sympathetic as some Labour party loyalists may be to his scratchy party policies, he doesn't have much of a chance. His leadership is much like Phil Goff's. Too much hot air, nothing too intelligent to say and not enough of an intellect to outsmart Mr. Slippery.

Shearer was voted in as the Labour Party leader after another electoral defeat in the 2011 election. It was hoped Labour would embrace Shearer's different approach to politics, so that left wing voters could be optimistic about 2014's election chances. To date, it has been to no avail. Shearer can clap his hand over his mouth in disgust at slip ups which Mr. Key has had. Acting surprised means very little in politics. Good delivery seems to be the most important way of getting in to office (sadly). Gone are those days where delivering good results determined one's political future.

National will likely win the next election, forming a coalition with NZ First, as well as the Conservative party (who are quickly gaining the support of disillusioned voters from National and Labour). After National's third tirade in office concludes, a Labour/Green coalition will seize power, introducing "green taxes" alongside squandered spending. Something which their voters find out too late is how domineering such policies are. These days, people who question the Green party's motives are met with scorn. Bring it on. The whole man made climate change farce has proven to be nothing more than a totalitarian control method. Unemployment benefits place's a person's entire livelihood on the state, who can eliminate or reduce these payments at any time.

New Zealand beneficiaries need not worry. National's spending on handouts has increased, despite having prepared a "zero budget." Although New Zealand politics is among the least corrupt, constant ramblings, alongside radical career saving moves has left everyone with a centre wing party, a left wing party and a radical left wing party. Conservatives can be optimistic. Their party is gaining a loyal support group (like the Green Party did in its early days) simply by standing true to policies which they believe will better society.

Don't be surprised if the Greens and Conservatives gain an increased number of votes in the next election. Then again, don't expect a high number of people to even turn up to vote for the next election. Why vote for someone you can't trust?

Going to Doha in true Green style

The ongoing talk about man man climate change continues, with a youth delegate being flown to Doha to enter talks with other nations. What exactly any of these representatives how to achieve remains a complete mystery. Unless each of them travels in an paddle boat to the delegation, they've immediately contributed to "climate change," unless someone makes an original contribution, no one is likely to give them any attention.

Some contributors have been critical of the skepticism which this blog has viewed on climate change being man made. Well, perhaps they'd like to give a reasonable answer as to why the world was warmer during the Middle Ages then it was now. As far as most scientists can see, people were not melting, polar bears weren't going extinct, island nations weren't drowning in seawater and climate extremes weren't threatening species.

***Before the end of the month, there shall be another article on Alcohol. As it stands, this blog already has two posts on the issue. Studies by Massey University show how people now drink with an intention to get drunk fast. Later on this month, a discussion will be up here and on Getfrank.co.nz.***

There has been an outcry over the rather unfortunate death of the woman who died in Ireland after being refused an abortion. While it is indeed very sad she and her unborn child were killed, a lot of the lax abortion laws lead to the premature deaths of many innocent children who are denied the right to life on earth. Many, like this rather rude blogger http://denisneedshair.blogspot.co.nz/2012/11/why-your-religion-has-no-right-to-put.html, look to dehumanise the unborn child by calling it a Fetus and saying it is nothing more than a blob of jelly. Abortion should only be reserved for exceptional circumstances like rape and if the mother's life is in danger. 

Those who want to see what an aborted baby looks like can find some pictures here. *Warning The following pictures are very graphic and discretion is heavily advised.*

http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&hl=en&sa=N&biw=1280&bih=709&tbm=isch&tbnid=ckVINo3pvRkLgM:&imgrefurl=http://ronabbass.wordpress.com/2011/11/11/aborted-baby-fetal-cells-used-as-food-flavour-enhancers-pepsi-shareholders-opposed/&docid=fnKZSKLvZUghnM&imgurl=http://ronabbass.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/aborted-fetus.jpg&w=450&h=376&ei=YkyoUKauNYTmmAXizIHYDg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=369&vpy=142&dur=1114&hovh=205&hovw=246&tx=180&ty=149&sig=104751906727083103793&page=1&tbnh=131&tbnw=158&start=0&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0,i:71

http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&hl=en&sa=N&biw=1280&bih=709&tbm=isch&tbnid=tukAjB1u89RZ3M:&imgrefurl=http://www.morelove.in/index.php%3Fid%3D112&docid=UEUKnjXVqu_E4M&imgurl=http://www.morelove.in/images/Abort73_com%252520%252520Abortion%252520Pictures1_files/abortion-08-01.jpg&w=584&h=438&ei=YkyoUKauNYTmmAXizIHYDg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=817&vpy=231&dur=2026&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=145&ty=75&sig=104751906727083103793&page=2&tbnh=138&tbnw=191&start=20&ndsp=27&ved=1t:429,r:28,s:0,i:157

http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&hl=en&sa=N&biw=1280&bih=709&tbm=isch&tbnid=ldvX9n528KnN8M:&imgrefurl=http://www.stopstericycle.com/2011/06/20/medical-waste-giant-stericycle-responsible-for-illegal-dumping-of-aborted-babies-in-texas/&docid=FUtSAH7cFxgvjM&imgurl=http://www.stopstericycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/baby6.jpg&w=288&h=396&ei=YkyoUKauNYTmmAXizIHYDg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=541&vpy=214&dur=239&hovh=263&hovw=191&tx=93&ty=143&sig=104751906727083103793&page=2&tbnh=141&tbnw=92&start=20&ndsp=27&ved=1t:429,r:43,s:0,i:202

A fifteen story building of immorality

Only in dingy murky cities like Las Vegas can you expect to find the most abject immorality swarming around every corner. The foul dust of lies and deceit moves around from person to person. It was the setting of the highly overrated Hangover movie. Now it seems that New Zealand is making a move to eclipse Las Vegas measuring stick for vulgar taste by building a fifteen story brothel within the central business district. It's a proposal which has been put forth by the Chow brothers, two men intent on cheapening sexual intimacy , constructing a building almost everyone will be ashamed to point out to overseas tourists.

Previously, it would seem like a moral outrage to condemn such an institution. But it is a timely reminder of 21st century life where people wish to believe they are able to do anything without being judged. As it stands, New Zealand paved the way for the entire country promoting legal prostitution. All of this courtesy of a politically correct Labour government. For the prostitution bill, you can thank one Dillon Barnett, who ought to be pushed hard to go speak as passionately to young children about the bill as he did in parliament. Maybe then he'd start to ask whether it was worthwhile promoting such a bill.

EPO, testosterone? No they're just caffeine pills

What a humorous little spectacle it is seeing Lance Armstrong continue to deny doping, despite the massive 250 page report. After reading the report, which includes testimony from former teammates, doctors, alongside ex-wives, you'd be incredulous to think Armstrong could have won any of his seven titles clean. A recent post of him lying on the couch next to his seven yellow jerseys is a rather ineffective "up yours USADA." Amazing what a bullying, confrontational, dreamer personality can achieve.

***If Hekia Parata ever thinks before speaking, New Zealand's spasmodic restructuring wouldn't be so disastrous. The closure of special schools around the country will increase stress levels among the children who once attended them, the worried parents and the anxious teachers. She certainly didn't consult with any families before making this decision.***

$38 per IPO share? Lose half of it in the Facebook despair

Facebook knew from the beginning they were taking a huge risk in making their shares available for public sale at $38 per share when the initial public offering (IPO) first came forth. Mark Zuckerburg didn't do his social media company much good by turning up to a meeting with high ranking investment bankers in a sweatshirt and jeans. 

Ever since launching the biggest ever IPO, shares have almost halved, currently at $19.48. http://www.nasdaq.com/symbol/fb Do not be surprised or shocked. Many financial experts predicted the slump would happen, although few expected it to happen so quickly. 

While Zuckerburg may continue to cash in financially-he's still a billionaire- there can be no denying the current activities of the Facebook are rather suspicious. Information which was promised to be kept private, including private messages has been littered all over peoples profiles. Conveniently too, the company has the capacity to track and monitor other webpages which are visited by its users, even after they have logged off.

Investors in the company are now left with the after effects of a false hope. The lessons from the financial crisis in 2008 seem to distant. Maybe this minor disaster will renew the skepticism at anyone coming forth claiming to be the messiah who can defy the odds of financial investments. 

Facebook shares would have done better at a karate school. Splitting thing in half can be achieved in one hit.

Where's the Milk?

One month ago, the supply chain manager from Fonterra came to speak at Massey university. In the lecture, he told everyone that milk prices in New Zealand were high because it is the world price per litre which is being paid. 

It seems rather perplexing that the 7th largest milk producer globally, of which Fonterra, the 5th largest dairy company, exports globally is somehow unable to provide lower prices. Russia, the world's largest oil producer charges a $0.95 (USD) per litre, the United States sells new American muscle cars for 20% less than overseas imports; or how about the cheap tourism packages which Thailand and Cambodia offer. http://www.indexmundi.com/agriculture/?commodity=milk&graph=production

Whilst the herded sheep may seem content with Fonterra's current milk price freeze, more pressure must be put on them and supermarkets to help New Zealand people enjoy all the great benefits milk has, without smashing Mr. Piggy to pay for it.

Why do the Maori tribal continually act like sulking high school teenagers that have been grounded? The claims which are being made on water and wind rights are as farcical as they sound. Water rights should not be privatised; tribal interests do not come before national interest. 

***There is still life in Matt Groening's brilliant television sitcom The Simpsons. Treehouse of Horror XXIII was full of humorous moments inter-weaved among each of the three segments. Although some of the heavy decline which has been around since season 10 appeared, it seems to have been vanquished by crisper writing.***

If anyone is looking for a new book to read, look for Son of Hamas, the story of Mosab Hasan Yousef. His father is one of the founders of the Hamas movement. In the book, he talks about growing up in a war heavy area, his time in jail, working with the Shin Bet and how a trip in Israel changed his life.

They should have arrested Harawira long ago

New Zealanders have a distinct type of personality. Normally quite modest about personal achievements, never quick to pass judgement about people of other cultures (due to multi-racialism), willing to help people who are in need for the long term greater good. Above all, New Zealand people are hard workers, often putting in long hours to make sure the job is done. 

So when Hone Harawira, a whining radical, a proud racist, a lazy man's advocate comes forth and tells New Zealanders that people whose lifestyle is funded by the taxpayer should not be subjected to drug testing, on account of it being selective and exclusive. Hard working people in factories have to pass mandatory drug tests before they are allowed into the workplace. The same rule applies for many other jobs. http://www.3news.co.nz/Drug-tests-for-more-beneficiaries-mooted/tabid/423/articleID/259464/Default.aspx The beneficiaries should feel every right to be afraid because their greatest admirer in parliament is not making much of a case in their defence. Saying politicians should be drug tested too neither passes or excuses the laziness of the people living off taxpayer money.

Using disgraceful words to classify other people is a matter of opinion. Freedom of speech gives them an entitlement to express these opinions. Mr. Harawira walks around to declare the Maori party as mere "house niggers." http://www.3news.co.nz/Turia-rejects-house-nrs-comment/tabid/1607/articleID/268284/Default.aspx. Many people seemed to miss the main message which the man was trying to deliver and that was the gleaming pride in which he takes from using such an expression.

Like many actions, his voters and admirers will excuse this bad behaviour come the next election. Can you begin to understand why this man is such loathsome human being? Repeatedly insistent on causing a stir, there's always a grey storm cloud above his head. With a recent arrest by police at a demonstration, hopefully Mr. Harawira will settle down and realise he isn't exempt from following the law; often, it seems he thinks that is the case.

Nearly killed four people, but still receives sympathy

No sympathy should be spared for the girl who nearly killed herself and three other people whilst driving intoxicated. http://www.hawkesbaytoday.co.nz/news/drag-race-crash/1581451/

Police have begun an investigation into what has happened. "From the marks we can assume that there were two vehicles racing, what happened was that one of them started to lose control, it's gone into the drain, hit a concrete abutment at very high speed and catapulted into the air, disintegrated, and come to a halt about 30m to 40m away." 

If it weren't for the heroic effort of paramedics, who managed to revive the heart of one boy who was in the car, he would have been another victim of New Zealand's roadkill. 

How people can have sympathy for a young women who knowingly drives drunk remains a mystery. Forgiveness should be given to her if she apologises; but sympathy should be spared for more deserving people. More advertisement campaigns than ever are going, warning people about driving under the influence of alcohol. Groups,  movements, graphics television segments all being played. Yet the stupid generation who ignore every warning sign about alcohol, also seem to ignore all the warnings about driving drunk. Sadly, in these situations, there are no winners.

What upset?

Yahoo news is displaying a sports article which mentions South Africa and Australia's Rugby sevens teams "pull off upsets." 

Something which the writer of the article forgets is that South Africa are quite an accomplished sevens team, as are Australia. South Africa won the 2008/2009 Sevens series and Australia have been two time runners up. 

Each time is very competitive and professional. It shouldn't surprise anyone they reigned victorious over Fiji and New Zealand respectively. Both are skillful, quick and clever, something which they share with their rivals. On the day, one team wanted it more and it was shown on the scoreboard.

***Russell Norman needs to take a trip to Zimbabwe and the United States and see for himself the ludicrous idea he is proposing. The United States, a country where interests rates are next to zero, enable the country to print more money, without risking high inflation. Zimbabwe meanwhile, had interest rates similar to New Zealand in the late 1990's and began printing money to pay off its debts. In 2009, a 100 trillion dollar bill came out. Although New Zealand is a completely different country, the country would suffer economically, from additional money floating around.***

Do not be surprised if a myriad of Greek and Spanish people flock the shores of foreign countries soon. Unemployment in both country is around 25%. The European Union has left both economies in a nightmarish state. If only the countries still in it realise that membership is a poisonous trap, rather than a privilege.

Don't blame the store for selling butane, blame the girl who inhaled it

Personal responsibility is a foreign term in many people's vocabularies today. Politicians can never admit to making a mistake, drug and alcohol abusers love to say someone else made them do it, in addition to people too lazy to work, squandering taxpayers money to fund their lazy lifestyles. Such an icky term for modern use but why not? Many people do not want to take account of their actions, happy to place the blame on someone else. Subsequently, it comes as not surprise a One News journalist went to hunt down the convenience store which had Butane on display in the store window. Strung together by political correctness, she passively twisted the store attendants arm enough to make him remove the bottles from any passerby glances. Sadly, she missed the point of who really lies at fault.

The 17 year old girl who was stupid enough to start huffing Butane killed herself. It could not be said more simply. She knowingly brought a product from a convenience store (Dairy), before proceeding to an area in Riccarton, Christchurch with the butane canisters. Each girl then took turns in sniffing the awful substance, before one of them began to suffer from grogginess. Despite the best efforts of Ambulance medics and local residents, the girl was unable to survive.

There has been an unsettling movement in western culture to never take personal accountability. When something bad is done, such as huffing butane, it is the storekeeper's fault for "preying on vulnerable teenagers." Although people may derive short term satisfaction for slamming a casual shopkeeper,  harder questions will be pressed on by those who are brave enough to voice them. Why was that girl huffing butane? Shouldn't she have been taught better than to engage in such an activity? How come responsible users of butane are about to be suffer on account of a cockeyed teenager misbehaving? One news journalists, as politically correct as they may be, ought to have been pressing the parents hard on the matter; rather than pestering a shop keeper, who is selling a very useful flammable gas.

Parents need to be educating their college students against the very real dangers of illicit drugs, alcohol abuse, and huffing or sniffing toxic substances. Try as hard as some might, eventually the body will collapse under the abuse of these activities. And that is nobody's fault except that person.

Shane Jones, Lotto winners and Mike Tyson

Landing low blows on a political opponent is nothing surprising, or something which many serious voters should take seriously. When Labour MP Shane Jones,-infamous former minister of immigration- opens his mouth, nothing more is needed to conclude that it was all just one big melodrama. Owen Glenn, hinted in a speech of his plans to form a coalition with National or Labour, as an independent party http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10838912. Step up Shane Jones, who had the following to say. "It is crazy because at the moment there are three rich people: Owen Glenn chancing his arm; a fat rich ugly guy who is humiliating the country called Dotcom; and a rich guy running, and unfortunately, ruining the country, who is the PM. Who knows what will happen with [Glenn's] wealth?" The trouble with Mr. Jones conclusions, is that every description he gives of the three men, fits himself perfectly. He's always chanced his arm at every opportunity possible, using his ministerial credit card for personal use, including the use of private charter jets and 'renting' out pornographic films at hotels . Like Dotcom, he humiliated the country, albeit, in a rather different manner. He granted William Yan New Zealand citizenship, despite much of his application containing false declarations. New Zealand is very fortunate indeed Mr. Jones is only ruining the country, with stupid outlandish comments nowadays. The international exposure which the man gained, ruined New Zealand's credibility as one of the least corrupt political structures in the world. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1285495/Ex-minister-Shane-Jones-spent-taxpayer-cash-20-porn-films-expenses-scandal.html


Love for easy money

Week after week, month after month, year after year, it is the same old story. People lining up for lotto tickets at the hope of escaping their miserable jobs, hiding all worries in a fancy house, all under the false illusion it will change their lives for the better. No more need to work, you'll be able to buy whatever your heart desires and there will be no more misery. Lotto (or lottery) has a majestic way of creating illusions which many people get deceived into believing is general truth. So much of the revenue stream it generates comes from low income earners who are desperate to escape this life of toil and hard work.

Many people do not hear about those people who have pocketed large sums of money, by turning in their piece of paper full of numbers. The statistics are frightening, even for a lotto (lottery) addict. 44% of winners had spent everything they had won within five years, 48% still have the same job which they held before winning, and only 55% who won say they are happier. Like the roulette wheel or slot machines in a Casino, 68% still play Lotto (lottery) on a weekly basis. As for the stories of those who lost it all (many which are truly saddening), one can find page upon page of these testimonies all over the internet.

Lotto (lottery) players beware. Chances are you'll still be playing, even if you win that huge purse.

***New Zealand does not accept rapists into the country. Many have been denied the right to visit the country, long before former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson tried to get in. Mr. Tyson is now doing a marvelous impression of a young child throwing a tantrum. Keep him out the country. He has to live with the consequences of his action."***

Romney vs Obama. America, you get what you vote for.

There is nothing exciting about incumbent President Barack Obama, which suggests he will make much of difference on the American economy in the next four years. With that said, his Republican Rival, Mitt Romney does not fare much better either. One is a good public speaker and writer. The other, a successful businessman and investor. If a moderate political commentator were to critically analyse each of the policies the men puts forth, barely anything distinguishes them (taxes and government size aside). Americans have emphasised a need to have radical change to rescue a struggling economy. Neither Romney or Obama are capable of reviving the United States. You get what you vote for America. Remove all this 'personality' nonsense, which has plagued the political ideology ever since Bill Clinton appeared. Start searching hard and fast for someone capable of providing a real boost, politically, economically, socially.

Richie is Limping again...Surprise, surprise...not!

A lot of people had convinced themselves Richie McCaw was some sort of bullet proof dynamo, incapable of ever succumbing to the brutal knocks, he has suffered in his career. A small section last week on the blog outlined how he won't make it to the next world cup as a player was dismissed as mere guesswork. Indeed it might but this view is not just an opinion that has started here. New Zealand Herald writer Wynne Gray says he believes McCaw, won't be able to hold up for much longer. Wise words from somebody who has watched his career very closely. Hearing that McCaw had to leave training early, as a result of a bruised thigh, suggests last week's sentiments hold some rationale.


The stupid smartphone war does a Hollywood

Samsung is taking legal action against Apple. No specifics have yet been given, but it is likely over the new design of the phone. The more people who buy into the smartphone cult, the more this largely tedious nonsense will dominate headlines. Both companies will get publicity, moving forth with a Slurpee smile. Encouraging them on brings nothing but anti-social behaviour, lousy news headlines and mass amounts of debt. Resist this cult, while its still possible.



***A church in Kenya has been attacked by a terrorist cell, believed to be a Somalian Islamic radical group. Hopefully, now is the time for leaders of Islamic nations, to express their moral outrage over this immature conduct.***

Final comment- Young New Zealanders ought to know, that people who hold University degrees, don't fare too much better than those without one. Entrance into these academic institutions ought to become tougher, so any clueless, forced or lost prospects are culled at the processing stage.

Let us help the children.

It has become an worrying trend. Ever since David Shearer announced a breakfast in school plan, something seemed out of place. Not neccessarily Labour proposing such a high spending, half constructed idea or National's ability to swiftly dismiss it as "not our fault." The idea of children going to school without breakfast in New Zealand-for all its socialist policies-is absolutely outrageous. Solely blaming parents for not managing personal finances properly cannot be the cause. Every year, statistics released point to more children arriving at school hungry and in need of a satiating meal. Her majesty Michael Cullen invented a tax system which crucified their contingency of voters; Princess Simon English has succeeded the Cullen critter by inventing an even more ridiculous tax system which continues to penalise lower income families with a higher level of GST, across the board. Meanwhile, Helen and John continue to smile as if everything is alright, when it isn't. 270,000 New Zealand children currently sit in poverty. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10835462



The biggest hurdle which prevents many families from properly addressing their financial strains is having such a repulsive tax system, creating a large dependency on handouts, or food parcels for those who cannot feed their families on what's given to them. Lower income earner currently pay 12.2 cents (including ACC levy) for every $1 of income earned up to $14,000. http://www.ird.govt.nz/how-to/taxrates-codes/itaxsalaryandwage-incometaxrates.html Assuming somebody is working for such a paltry salary, it equates to $1708 of income put into hands of politicians who inform you that to get it back, you must register for Working for families. A complete nightmare, Working for Families currently costs $2,600,000,000 (fully typed just to give you an indication), of hard working New Zealanders income, much of which is returned to the taxpayer themselves. Instead of keeping that extra $1708 of income, each person must fill out a large amount of paperwork, as well as standing in line, to receive a handout which ought not to be handed out. Labour enjoy exercising authoritarian measures when in power. National has followed on in a similar way, saying they'll give people more personal responsibility. Many parents would prefer having an extra $32 in their pocket, which is satisfactory enough to buy food to feed hungry children. Weet-Bix is $4.99 for 1kg at Countdown; Bananas $3 per kg; Homebrand jam $3.09; some Signature brand toast to put it on, $3. Young  kiwi children will never go hungry at breakfast with these basic food items in the pantry. So why doesn't Labour admit they got it wrong in overtaxing, or National admit they made a mistake in their tax system? Try put it to them. Especially Helen, John, Michael and William.

If breakfast in schools is to remain a common policy, there is nothing wrong with that. One has to take into account that many young children have parents who are largely neglectful of basic personal needs their children have. Launching the breakfast in schools plan is a sensible idea, provided each parent is paying for their child's meal, rather than the sugar daddy sitting in the hot tub. It once again comes down to personal responsibility. Many young New Zealand families struggle financially and nobody who is well off can point the finger at Pacific Islander and Maori families and say they've got is easy. Many of them work long hours on minimum wage, barely generating enough to pay for the absolute necessities in life. Providing a breakfast in schools program on a scheme which automatically deducts $10 a week from a parents income enables a child to eat a proper breakfast and gives parents a sense of empowerment that they are providing for their offspring. After all, "if kids are hungry they can't learn." http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/east-bays-courier/7736157/Providing-balance

While it is tempting to rant about the useless job the politicians, this would be a deterrent from the main focus- helping to properly nourish the future generation of New Zealand. One of the simplest ways to help is going dumpster diving. Many supermarkets, bakeries, even coffee shops throw away large amounts of good food. Much of what is retrieved can be donated towards any schools who have hungry children. For someone who is looking to be part of a more established, practical source, look no further. A brilliant scheme created by Di Celliers, has people going to backyards and orchards and picking any excess fruit which is growing on the trees. So much fruit has been collected, schools currently on the roster have been overwhelmed by how many apples, mandarins, or grapefruits they receive. The Community Fruit Harvesting, which Celliers runs, also produces an array of jams; great for the morning slice of toast. Their Facebook page can be found in the following linkhttps://www.facebook.com/pickfruit?ref=ts&fref=ts. For the more discreet, of course there are donations which can be made. Be very suspicious of any government funded plan though.

It should never have come to this. Children do not deserve to go to school hungry on account of a shambolic tax system and neglectful parents. With some steady help and an outreach from the community, the future of New Zealand will continue to enjoy a delicious breakfast.

Keep any United States Army base off New Zealand soil

There is an increasing air of frustration coming from New Zealand people, as their small government repeatedly bends over backwards and submit themselves to being the lap dogs to a dying superpower. Now, with a recent interview on Q+A, interest has been expressed by US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta to have United States troops based in New Zealand. The time has come for Mr. Slippery to say "thanks but no thanks."

New Zealand ought to think very carefully before considering any sort of offer from the United States, however honey soaked it may be. Economically, North Africa and the Middle East will start becoming suspicious of such a relationship, which will likely impact on the level of trade which happens. As it is, the economy is very dependent on exports as a source of GDP; losing business here would be a strike out.

Terrorist threat levels will also climb. Review the current countries which have suffered from terrorist attacks since September 11, 2001, and an emerging pattern begins to become clearer. Each country has close ties, in some way, with the United States. Placing an Army base anywhere in New Zealand is a threat to the peace the island nation currently enjoys. Being a remote, distant country means nothing to radical terrorist cells, who will take on the challenge. They will have a target, a reason to attack, as well as a well constructed plan to carry it all out. Stand up and resist it. New Zealand people are tired of Americans pushing them around; they want to be able to get back to living life, without being under siege.

Another Day, another death sentence

Once again, New Zealand's finest young men and women depart to continue fighting a stupid foreign war. 140 personnel are part of the final operation to Afghanistan, for weird reasons only George Bush could ever understand properly in his utopia mindset. Almost everything being done by the troops is largely peacekeeping; handing out food parcels, giving away blankets, teaching young Afghan children to read and write. Politicians ought to go and do that. It'd be a far greater contribution to the nation then the stupid shouting sessions done down at the beehive.

Do not be surprised to hear about further deaths, prior to all troops are withdrawn next year in April. It is no longer a matter of "if it will happen," but rather "how long until it happens."

McCaw will make it to the next World Cup...as a commentator

Yes, this might surprise a few people who marvel at Richard McCaw (or Saint Richie for the cult of followers). A prolonged break away from rugby will not prolong his career enough to get him through to the next world cup. Unlike Brad Thorn, who has never suffered a major injury setback, McCaw has been plagued by a fair few, especially in the latter parts of his career. There is hope he will make it to London, as a commentator. Hobbling around against South Africa in Dunedin provided an indicator that the legendary flanker's body is now operating on sheer willpower.

The Duchess isn't the only person being stalked

Catherine Middleton was snapped (from afar) sunbathing topless by a French Magazine. Once again, it has caused a massive publicity circus to erupt over the whole debacle The Royal family had expressed their moral outrage over the invasion of privacy. What is becoming increasingly disturbing is not so much the occurrence of this one particular event but the increasing rate at which many people's personal lives are being followed by rather unwelcome people, be it lousy paparazzi for celebrities or governments and corporations for others.

People need to begin complaining regularly, often and loud enough to get the message through to these weird people. Having a stalker who will not leave you alone at all measures is absolutely terrifying, disgusting, but more importantly, it is against the law. If found guilty, these perverts who stalked the Princess may risk losing their jobs for a breach of protocol and may face further charges. It is not ironic they caught her topless. Whoever took the photo was standing roadside for that million dollar shot for quite a while. Be very wary of this stalker movement. Although celebrities are often on the receiving end in gossip magazines (which women foolishly fondle over), these scandals never used to occur often, or so regularly. Eli Wallach used to speak fondly of his great relationships with journalists and photographers in his early acting career, making friends with many of them.

High ranked politicians, judges and lawyers are currently working together, seeking to impose ways of monitoring the population more effectively. London has already partly achieved it by installing thousands of CCTV video cameras to monitor people's every move. Rather than admit it, the useless Tories and the Blair creature prefer to dismiss it as a means of protecting the people. Only a few independent minds are able to see through such half baked reasons (such as the brilliant Mail on Sunday columnist Peter Hitchens), for what it really is. Being able to track and monitor people. http://hitchensblog.mailonsunday.co.uk/

The examples about  ways in which Americans are being monitored have already been mentioned in previous posts. George Bush was eager to play a "for safety's sake" card in allowing himself access to phone tap land lines of all his citizens making overseas calls; luckily for many Americans, it was met with disapproval. Last year President Barack Obama signed the National Defense Authorization Act, a movement to relax the current laws against surveillance on private citizens. Keep a watch on this movement; if it does get brought in, it will be so gradual (almost lethargic), many will only realise when it's too late what has happened. http://www.infowars.com/surveillance-domestic-spying-and-invasion-of-privacy-in-post-sept-11-america/

Fight for freedom, fight for liberty. Take George Orwell's message about Big Brother  very seriously; don't let it seep into society. Ignore the people who give excuses for invading your privacy in the name of national security. Its a lie, much like everything else they say. 

Resist the Smartphone cult while you still can

Smartphones are becoming a part of modern culture. These revolutionary touchscreen gadgets are quickly developing a massive following, with many people joining the bandwagon, signing onto having one. Samsung, alongside Sony have begun competing with Apple in this very lucrative market. With more benefits, features and applications available than ever, what exactly is to cheer about these smartphones? Now that  a cult has been built around them, the dark sides have gone from being small cracks, to vast crevasses. People are more anti-social, rude, impolite, and cold in social situations than ever before. Nothing is wrong with having such a device. It's the manner in which people are using them. Pretty soon, no other phone options will exist, so resist this obsessive cult of the smartphone while it's still possible.

You have just met up with someone for coffee. The conversation is going great. The flat white swims down gratuitously, the baked food tasted great. Everything's going well, until this person whips out their smartphone. Never mind its brand or make, along with such an unexpected move. Mere boredom surely can't have brought about such a contemptible action. Abject, moronic excuses are often given to recipients of such rudeness but there is no excuse for lacking common etiquette. "Oh just give me a second" they say, pushing many buttons, as if the person in front of them lacks everything possible. More and more people are becoming infatuated with the idea about a smartphone being everything imaginable, completing a desire for happiness. Apple recently unveiled its IPhone 5, to rapturous applause. What's to cheer? More interrupted face to face conversations. Increasing masses who cannot resist the urge to whip out these blocks of metal every five seconds. Being told life is not complete without such a product. No, the modern movement of smartphones has become an evil mixing pot for anti-social behavior .

The people who possess habits like texting during conversations or in s social setting are not weirdos and may not ever be anti-social in many situations. Being so uncoourteous though is definietely a weirdo habit to have. What matters more? The right to give someone who is in front of you your undivided attention? Or childishly play around with your smart phone? Nobody wants to be ignored when in a real life scenario. Nothing is more humiliating than someone giving a piece of metal attention than a living, real and emotional human. It reduces the value the person places on the meeting with that person, preferring to stray away from interaction, instead choosing to be deliberately rude. What used to be taking a phone call has now become a text message bombardment, flicking through facebook, surfing the net, scanning around a photo gallery.

How degrading can it get when you're having a good conversation with someone and you have to stop because the person with you is not paying attention to you. If someone is having a face to face conversation, then suddenly turns their head to briefly chat with someone else, it'd be seen as an extreme lack of manners. Yet as this is done in bite size form, it doesn't seem to be so bothersome. The frightening thing is that people are becoming more indifferent towards people playing with smartphones in conversation. It's beginning to be seen as a normal thing to do. Is everyone a king, a president, an ambassador for their country? Is every text message, every facebook status update, every bloody email so important that it must be replied to in the middle of a conversation. A real life conversation is a commitment to the person in front of you; they've made sacrifices to be available to converse with you, the very least which can be done in return is demonstrating to that person you care enough to listen to whatever it is they have to say, without playing around on that stupid piece of metal every minute, second, hour of the talk.

Smartphones are the smart way to be anti-social. Catch people out who hold their head high and give excuses for being anti-social and rude. There is no excuse for bad manners and no reason why playing with a piece of metal should be seen as normal, alongside people being indifferent towards it. Try leaving the phone behind next time. You might find the conversation is a lot more enjoyable then being part of a cult which encourages weirdo behaviour.

Keep it at 18 so we can continue abusing it

It is fascinating how infatuated young people are about keeping the drinking age at 18, yet many other age groups would like to see the age limit put back to 20. Many would be abusing alcohol regardless of the age limit, irrespective of the bans on RTD's with more than 5% alcohol, against the wishes of people around them. Young New Zealanders are shining examples of a generation which is almost completely incapable of drinking in moderation. 'Keep the drinking age low so we can continue to show you how irresponsible we are,' seems to be their motto.Increasing the drinking age will not alleviate New Zealand of its drinking problems. Far from it, the problems will likely get worse in the University category, even though the stupid drinking games are well above sea level as it is. Raising the age will do something. Strip an eighteen or nineteen year old from buying booze for high school parties. Where does the problem with alcohol abuse begin the most? It begins with young high school students willfully picking up the habit by attending high school parties.

Leaving it at that, what are your views on the situation? Keep it at 18? Raise it to 20? Have a split purchasing age? What do you think the main problem is with New Zealands drinking culture? How would you go about solving the problem? Can it be fixed in the next year, decade, quarter century? What will it take to get the young generation drinking in moderation?

Euthanasia

Yes, here again lies a contentious topic, so here again, you the readers will get the chance to share your opinion on the view. Going to one hard sided opinion is possible, although it'll mean debating against people who love venturing off topic and using ad hominem arguments. So today, it comes to Euthanasia, in which a for argument will be given and then rebutted by the position against. If people want to share their one sided arguments against posts here, fear not, there will be upcoming posts. Some crude blogger too sly to reveal their identity wrote in the homosexual marriage comments "Perhaps in future, you may be interested in delving into greater detail, rather than making bold, but unbacked statements of position." To avoid receiving flimsy arguments from this person again, there will be a fair discussion from both sides outlining why people would want it to be legal and why there is a reason to keep it illegal.


Euthanasia should be legalised

Legalising Euthansia is ultimately down to a matter of choice. People have the right to decide when they should take their own life. It is a matter of personal choice. When someone is suffering immense amounts of pain or in a vegetable state of mind, that individual should be free to exercise freedom of choice to take their own life.

Why allow the pain to continue? Why continue to live in misery when one can "die with dignity." Maryan Street of the Labour party, who has advocated Euthanasia be legalised had the following to say. "For people who have been vibrant, self determined individuals throughout their life, seem to be lacking in compassion determining the end of their life." A lot of support has been drawn from this position that nobody should be coerced into the situation of being pressured into ending their life by anyone, but people who have the moral choice to end their lives do not want to have an impediment of legal prosecution being a threat to any doctor willingly executing such judgement.

Street further continues "it should be about compassion and it should be about dignity. It should be about people choosing to have their moment of exit." Why should people not be able to determine this outcome? After all, it is their life, one's own health, their well being, one's future, their struggle. Everything which promotes freedom to make personal choices should be done to help those who cannot physically look after themselves anymore should have the chance to end their lives.

Euthanasia should be kept illegal

Are people really becoming so soft in the mind that they lack the determination to follow through and battle on? Ms. Street does not actually realise how damaging the bill would be. It will become more widespread in use, more accepted as appropriate. Alex Schadenberg, who debated against Ms. Street, mentions a report which took place in Europe which discovered nearly one third of people who were euthanised had it done against their wishes.

A recent statistics poll was released, detailing the list of people who had committed suicide. An inquiry into why rates among teenagers was so high, led to a conclusion of not enough being done to prevent it from occurring. A strong urge from families who have lost loved ones as a result of suicide, plead that any sort of encouragement for suicide should be repelled. Euthanasia is a fancy word for voluntary suicide or submissive murder. Giving someone the permission to take your life in exchange for dying a painless death.

Many people feel the the social concern should be the main point of address. Don't allow people to voluntarily kill themselves but offer caring love and support through the difficult times. What if it is legalised? It will probably become more widespread like abortion. Young people who see their grandparents consent to being killed, will use it as a justifiable reason to end their own life painlessly. The repercussions are scarily predictable and according to those against the idea, should be kept illegal for that very reason.

People should have known a long time ago politicians only serve themselves

After a recent trip to the Manurewa area, it could not be clearer that Louisa Wall is not a voice for her voters. Of the fifty people which were asked whether her marriage amendment bill was representative of what her voters believed in, thirty seven said no. Had it not been for her high placement within the Labour Party during the 2011 election, that huffing piglet Maryan Street would not even be in Parliament, yet she wants to push forth a Bill on Euthanasia, with a biting intolerance towards anyone who questions it, even those who vote for her. Russell Norman and Meteria Turei want to legalise drugs which destroy minds and ruin peoples' lives. Is there any politician who speaks for the people? Winston Peters was thought to have been that person, until he got found out for lying to the public about private donations made to his party by wealthy businessman Owen Glenn.

What people want is a public servant who can tell the truth for a start. Mr. Slippery is a famed expert at talking about everything except the question put to him. People want somebody they feel will give them a voice. Politicians these days lack in this area severely. Isn't their main job to be a public servant? To speak for the people within their respective electorate should be the most important task seen to. Most politicians pretend to be concerned about the problems people have. Much time has passed since New Zealand has had an honest, reliable, consistent, passionate MP who speaks for their voters. No, politicians today are all in it for themselves.

Or has someone flown in under the radar?

Neil Armstrong is one small man, who leaves behind a legacy of exploration

“That’s one small step for man. One giant leap for mankind.” Ever since he used that expression to describe the achievement. Neil Armstrong has become immortalised as one of the most iconic figures in modern history. Lauded as an All American hero, he remained unusually solitary and remote, rarely giving interviews focusing instead on his career and work. Armstrong’s recent passing once again brought back (with a burning flame) moon landing conspiracy theorists to once again come forth with venom to dismiss the moon landing as a hoax. For all the claims these people make, Armstrong denies it being a staged hoax. In the interviews given, his answers were too lucidly detailed, honesty too forthright, with the stories he told about travelling through space too honest and truthful to raise any suspicion. Dismissing Armstrong as a liar or fraud is merely tall poppy syndrome. He remains an iconic figure and deservedly so.

During a speech to Congress in 1961, United States President John F. Kennedy said one goal to achieve before the end of the decade is “To put a man on the moon and return him safely to Earth before the end of the 1960s.” http://www.space.com/11774-jfk-speech-moon-exploration-kennedy-congress-50years.html With fierce competition in space exploration coming from Cold War rivals United Soviet Socialist Republic, the pressure was on the Nation Aeronautics and Space Administration to develop infrastructure, ground control and refine the Apollo Spaceship technology enough to successfully ensure a safe trip to the moon. NASA largely recruited Astronauts from the Defence Forces, inviting pilots, senior officers, as well as anyone willing enough to put their name forth. From the men who signed along the dotted line was a test pilot, Neil Alden Armstrong. After ten Apollo space voyages to determine all the technical aspects required from ground control alongside the working astronauts in Space, Apollo 11 was finally ready to be established. On July 16, 1969, Neil Armstrong, alongside Edwin ‘Buzz’ Aldrin, and Michael Collins piloted man’s first official trip to the moon.

After speaking those famous words, Neil Armstrong, alongside Buzz Aldrin walked around on the moon, jumped up and down in elation, drove a lunar vehicle around in addition to collecting samples of moon rocks. A pity for the cheese lovers though, who received nothing for their unwavering devotion. Those rock samples are a major dent to the conspiracy theorists. All collected samples were tested and confirmed to have been ‘non-earthly’ to put it plainly. The astronauts were welcomed back as heroes, with each man’s life forever changed by their achievement. Media outlets were raring to get interviews from each man, so that millions of interested people could know what exactly it felt like to be on the moon. “How did it feel?” “What was it like being so far away from earth?” “Were you scared?” People vicariously began to experience the sensations of being a moon walker themselves through the masterful story telling from Armstrong. Do not think that all the fame and glamour of being a national hero turned Armstrong into a gregarious go getter. “I am, and always will be, a white socks, pocket-protector nerdy engineer,” he says.
To farewell the first man on the moon is indeed very sad. Armstrong spoke with passion and conviction. He was not someone who minced his words, always giving an account which was accurately detailed, yet simple enough for everyone to relate to. He became a reluctant hero yet carried it with a grace and elegance many people could not handle. In the Defence Forces they tell you that two the two cardinal sins in the military are putting yourself ahead of your unit and lying. Armstrong was no liar. What did he stand to gain from repeatedly lying to the American public about the moon landing? To this day, every myth put forth by conspiracy theorists has been discredited or proven false. A more prominent testing of moon landing hoax theories have been conducted by Mythbusters Adam Savage and Jamie Heinemann. In conjunction with NASA, they disproved the theories of the flapping flag, the alleged fake pictures, and the clear footprints left by Armstrong and Aldrin. A recent photo has also been released by NASA shown below confirms that the material left behind still rests safely.

Neil Armstrong was an asset to the world, an honest man brave enough to venture into the unknown to help further man’s understanding of the solar system and universe. He went on to achieve many more great things in his life but will always be remembered as the first man to walk on the moon. Goodbye Mr. Armstrong and thank you for inspiring a generation of people to challenge their own boundaries, to pursue their dreams. Above all, thank you for creating a general interest in space exploration, which is now extending out to the other planets in the solar system.

The best thing about blogs, they just keep going

The best thing about blogs, they just keep going

Can that Slithering Len Brown creature do anything right?

Has that soppy creature Leonard Brown learned anything from his endless Mayoral mistakes? Roads are still clogged with frustrated motorists, public transport remains shambolic, underground electricity cabling is being installed yet pavements remain squalid and uneven, rates continue to rise unfairly for everyone. Auckland is a diabolical experiment of an universal order, which has provided nothing but mediocrity for the masses.

Public transport was a hot issue. Conservative leader Colin Craig wanted to hear the local people's ideas in combating traffic. John Banks and Leonard Brown whipped up a typical "buy votes" politician answer, assuring concerned motorists improvements would be made. Alas, it was not to be. Auckland, for all the road projects which endlessly take place have not solved anything. Traffic flow has progressively gotten worse, with off ramps clogging up back roads with a foolish "one light per green"

system being one of the worst contributors. It isn't difficult for workers on road projects to be deployed during a time when congestion isn't suffocating everyone. Public transport hasn't yet been addressed and rather than seeking realistic goals, Mr. Brown holds the view trains will address the problem. As passionate as he may be, it remains a sturdy pipe dream. Upgrading access to Buses and making each ride more affordable will help deter people from commuting, restore their faith in public transport. Maybe the current situation with soaring petrol prices may push people enough to move towards using buses.

Strange that underground electricity cabling work can be underway, yet pavements cannot be fixed. Walkers, runners, cyclists, mothers with prams, all sorts continually vent frustration towards the inferior pavements Auckland possesses. One of the most livable cities nothing. Rather than address the basic problems with the city, the mush head creature of a Mayor prefers to appear sophisticated by introducing work which merely makes workers look busy. A cities greatest pride should be a clean, modern appearance, safe as well as secure. Auckland hasn't been rattled by any serious earthquakes at all within recent times, so why give everyone else such an impression to the world? Every single day people are trying to exercise and yet the mediocre sidewalks the Brown creature provides provide an ample training ground for cuts, grazes and scratches. Does fixing pavements cost a lot or consume a large amount of time? Absolutely not. Certainly not as long as those lazy workers are taking on the installment of the electricity grids. Ultimately, it comes down to a matter or priority. If Leonard thinks sidewalks are irrelevant, that all people are as lazy and incompetent as him, by all means continue squandering ever increasing rates income on expensive, time consuming projects. Or, attempt listening to all the concerned users of the sidewalk so that injuries from tripping over dodgy surface designs is reduced.

The slimy creature Leonard Brown will be unlikely to see another term in office. Hopefully people know now that if you Vote Brown you get a mouthful of risible excuses.

Fighting a stupid foreign war isn't going to achieve anything. Bring the Troops home

There is a major problem with the Afghanistan war. In the last twelve months, more members of the New Zealand Defence Forces have lost their lives than any other time since deployment began. It wasn't until mid 2010 New Zealand suffered its first casualty from the war. Today, three more people lost their lives fighting a battle saturated with idealism, dripping with lies. Afghanistan has become a battle New Zealand should no longer be a part of. The Taliban poses very little threat to such a remote, distant Island nation. Leave America to fight stupid wars, the time to bring home the troops is now.

George Bush began spinning a fairy tale of deceit, claiming the war in Afghanistan to the only way to prevent terrorists from causing further damage to western civilization. Anthony Blair was easily persuaded and soon the British Army was out in full support. Rather than deter terrorists from committing heinous crimes, it served as a motivator. Here were deployments of Armies, willingly venturing into enemy territory, attempting to capture Osama Bin Laden, along with other radicals. The first New Zealand deployment to Afghanistan was with the Special Ari Service in 2001, with regular forces moving in in 2003. Soldiers worked on four month rotations, mainly conducting peacekeeping operations, while the Special Air Service conducted operations and raids behind enemy lines. While soldiers in the larger Armies began dropping fast and quick, New Zealand stayed under the radar, continuing the rather un-glamorous tasks of conducting foot patrols to reassure locals, as well as handing out aid packages.

To have not suffered any casualties until 2010 is amazing. Had it not been for the heroics of (former) Corporal Bill Henry "Willie" Apiata, New Zealand would have suffered loss of life in 2004. Facing heavy enemy fire, Apiata carried his comrade across 75 metres of heavy enemy assault so that the person could receive vital first aid, which proved the difference. He lives on to tell the tale. The sad truth of one year of maintaining troops inside this war torn nation is grim. Eight troops have died in the last year alone, two of them SAS soldiers http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/5482313/New-details-as-killed-soldier-identified. When the news broke this morning of three soldiers killed in action, some serious questions towards the necessity to even be in Afghanistan were brought up. Afghanistan is a hunting ground for mass murderers; little regard for life is a cornerstone for each and every terrorist looming around.

John Key, Murray McCully and Wayne Mapp have some serious questions to answer. Why are the troops still roaming around in very dangerous areas, completely vulnerable to attacks such as roadside bombs?http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/top-stories/14594994/taliban-trying-to-hunt-down-kiwis/ Nothing has come of the extended period within Afghanistan. Every passing day gives Al Qaeda a chance to murder more of New Zealand's finest and bravest young men and women. One cannot help but feel sympathy for those forced into an idealistic battle, a losing cause. Leaders who send them abroad do so in the hope it'll bolster an image a Government full of patriotism . On the contrary, it merely sends them out into the field as target practice. Think any politician could manage a day on foot patrol in Kabul? Neither. Mr. Key says withdrawing the Troops would take months and is really not worth the effort because apparently it "wouldn't be sensible, it wouldn't be practical and it wouldn't be right.We made a commitment. I don't think we are the type of country that cuts and runs." Mr. Key seems quite content to continue allowing a country to go on fighting a losing battle, squandering millions of dollars in taxpayer money for a war which poses no direct threat to New Zealand.

What value is New Zealand getting out of fighting in Afghanistan? Everyday families of soldiers live life in angst that someone close to them may fall next. Helping other countries is not a reasonable answers. Maintaining a healthy relationship with America can be achieved without spilling kiwi blood over it. If Lieutenant General Rhys Jones were asked that question, he'd likely deliver a cliched "doing it for freedom" answer. A proper assessment of the situation needs to happen now. War is a dangerous, risky and very lethal event and neither Mr. Key or Mr. Jones can give proper answers as to the reasons behind New Zealand's operations over there, they shouldn't be playing the "we're blindly loyal" card. Loyalty to a good cause is commendable. Being loyal to a cause you know will end in defeat spells out "odd" from earth and "Nutter" from Space.

Why should New Zealand remain in Afghanistan? It's not for a cause anyone in New Zealand believes in? Nobody is benefiting from constantly living in fear a roadside bomb may spell the end. People need to be resolute they do not want New Zealand's bravest throwing stones at the enemies' tank. Al Qaeda and the Taliban are not phased at all by New Zealand presence and will barely notice the Military's withdrawal. Leaving now will settle the dust. No peace has been achieved over there, so why should anyone think peace will come in the next nine months? Risking lives to hand out Aid Packages is not worth the loss of life, nor was it what the brave soldier's died for. They died fighting an war they knew they could never win. Enough already. Bring the troops home.