The voice which pelf silences

Throughout the last several years, there have been some truly horrific enviromental disasters. Oil tycoons British Petroleum (better known as BP), carelessly allowed vast amounts of oil to spew out around the Gulf of Mexico, destroying ecosystems, wildlife, and numerous industries. Out of sheer arrogance, BP tried (and failed) to plug the wall as cheaply as possible, in full awareness these methods carried only the tiniest chances of succeeding. On July 15th, 2010, when BP finally managed to stop all the leakage, BP did what any slimy Multi National Enterprise does in times of ethical trouble. Sneakily pulling out the check book and promising compensation for everyone, senior managers hastily retreated or resigned from their positions. Not a single prison sentence was handed out. New Zealand's largest maritime disaster with the cargo ship Rena, (which is still being attended to to prevent further environmental damage) today saw the navigation officer and Captain sentenced. Both men will be free before the year ends. The pain of seeing the most beautiful beach land areas in the world destroyed, without any proper justice is shameful.

Surprisingly, the Green Parties worldwide seem to have no vested interest whatsoever towards fixing these issues. They are quite happy to go about with their idealistic agenda quite happily, so long as they can cash in on these disasters in any way possible, often by promising to do more about helping the environment and keeping their seats in Parliament and Congress (for Americans), rather than alertly seeking ways to respond to these disasters. Nobody should ever take them seriously until they seriously begin endorsing proper justice for anyone responsible for these environmental tragedies.

The Minister of Education is lost in Lala land

Whatever chortled waffle that is slipping out of Hekia Parata's mouth is pure balderdash. New Zealand most certainly does not have enough teachers; go and ask any teacher who's already suffering from overcrowded classrooms. Why should students have the chance to review a teacher's performance? Many students who will be affected barely know just how incredibly hard teachers work to prepare lessons each week, let alone be in charge of deciding on what makes a good teach. Mrs. Parata's knowledge starts and finishes rather quickly.

To begin Mrs. Parata says that "We've made a trade-off around quality and quantity." Where exactly that trade off is, how it was determined and the reason for arriving at this conclusion is not explained. No such reason can be given. Kids from years 2-10 will all now have to put up with a "ratio of one teacher to 23 pupils up to one to 27.5." Whilst the teaching quality and content may remain constant, irrespective of class size, the one to one time spent with the teacher (where students are proven to learn more effectively) is further diminished. If Mrs. Parata affirms this being true, she's going against her own budget; should she continue to deny it, maybe decreased academic performance might sway her thoughts. http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/6935881/Parata-signals-bigger-school-classes


Savings of $43 million will occur as a result of reducing teacher numbers. An odd cost saving tactic you may think? Not even close. "An extra $60 million invested over four years for boosting teacher recruitment and training" will be where a majority of these savings will head, dispelling any plaudits from the education sector. http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/6930141/Class-size-controversy-erupts

Mrs. Parata verifies that this "is investing in better teaching," much to the criticism of the New Zealand Educational Institute's Ian Leckie. He states "What parent is going to be happy with the prospect of their 6-year-old going into a large class at the very time they need good-quality time with teachers?" Very few, if that will want to see their child's learning experience ruined by lack of interaction with the teacher, less resources made available, less time to be taught properly. Do not be surprised if private schools receive more application forms than ever. Long before Mrs. Parata was allowed to ruin public education, Pinehurst placed a billboard up which read "Small class size + Proven Curriculum = Guaranteed Results." Everyone learns something new everyday. Sometimes, even billboards are right.

Public support for the amendments has been scant. Professor Dugald Scott "said there was strong evidence that the quality of teaching was more important than class sizes." Professor Scott speaks from a University perspective more than a secondary school one. Tertiary lectures and papers sometimes swell up beyond 400 people per paper; many students not only pass, but pass very well (not in the least to avoid adding to their enormous student loans). Try as he may, Mr. Scott isn't fooling, even himself. Smaller class sizes enable a teacher to determine straight away which students need more help and one to one help and which ones assuredly work consistently hard and achieve high. Teaching should be an attractive career, not one dogged with 60 hour plus weeks dealing with noisier, bigger class sizes and overloading the plate with more marking.


Do not be fooled by what Mrs. Parata says about Education reforms. She's as unschooled on the matter as the students who will be affected by her policies. One day, her grand return back to Earth will be complete, with a simple question. Why didn't this idea work? To which the audience will reply "Because you forgot to proof read it silly."

The lost generation of readers

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." "There is no confusion like the confusion of a simple mind." "To be or not to be, that is the question." Three quotes many people have heard some time in their life. A magical quality exists within quotes from books. Penetrating the thoughts and feelings faster than any blade, holding a challenge for thought, they shine through as memorable and become ingrained within our minds for vast periods of time. In recent times, books containing such wonderful quotes and allegories are being neglected by children, teenagers, as well as middle aged adults. Technology has advanced rapidly since the 1970's, when periods spend reading slowly crept down. Today in the United States, "Only 47 percent of American adults read "literature" (poems, plays, narrative fiction) in 2002, a drop of 7 points from a decade earlier. Those reading any book at all in 2002 fell to 57 percent, down from 61 percent." http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-201_162-628194.html. Society in the 21st century has become a lost generation of readers. Armed with an ability to read, they prefer neglecting this precious gift (remember 1 billion adults worldwide are illiterate) rather than benefiting themselves in almost every possible way. The greatest minds and intellectuals of all time possessed knowledge beyond measure and it came down to their appreciation of books and literature to guide their thinking.

Dr. Suess, one of the finest children's authors of all time said "the more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you will go." Today's generation prefer gawking in front of the TV, staring aimlessly at a computer screen or forever fizzle about playing with modern technology, almost oblivious to the vast amounts of knowledge, which sit readily on the bookshelf. Former controversial journalist Christopher Hitchens, had a knack for being incredibly well read, always lively and engaging, never boring. With the views he held, Hitchens always stood firm with his views, never afraid of quote essays, books or articles from memory towards his opponents. It comes as no surprise that he was described as someone who was "sharp, witty and never boring," not only due to his quick thinking but also through his vast foray into numerous fields of reading. Incredible that so many of today's generation look towards books scornfully, as if they are toxic elixirs. Their imaginations are vanishing, everything is being done for them now. No point in reading the book when you can watch the movie right? Why flip through a huge book trying to learn about ancient history when you can watch a documentary...right?" Books, far from removing the enjoyment of learning and entertainment, add to it. It brings to life imagination and wander, allowing youth and adults alike to think outside the box, allowing them to take control of how the situation should take place. Walt Disney famously stated "There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island," so why don't we let our imaginations run wild!

"I cannot explain myself I'm afraid sir, because I'm not myself you see." During her journey into Wonderland Alice is asked by the caterpillar to explain who she was but found it difficult after changing size and shape so frequently since her entrance into this new world. Ask someone these days why they don't read, you'll likely get one of three replies; "I don't like reading, I don't have time, or I don't have any books to read." As pathetic and unconvincing as these excuses may be, reading is currently in a obsolescent state. Readers go into times, places, worlds and galaxies many of us could never fully comprehend. These settings transcend any rational explanation. Yet we're there. An engaged reader feels as if they really are completely entrenched within these fantastic environments, from navigating through battles with Napoleon on horseback, to walking through the desolate American roads with Jack Reacher; a connection is established. An author's gift to the world is their writing and in the developed world, there is such an abundant blessing and surplus of wonderful literature. A lot of it has gone unnoticed. It comes as no surprise that people are beginning to feel lonelier now more than ever before. Real life friends can only carry you so far, do so much with you, only provide so much solace. Characters in books take you beyond normality, plunge you into dangerous situations, readily welcoming you to come along for the journey, if only you turn the page. For a while, the reality of life can be left behind: for today you become someone new with every new page. If your friends scorn at you for taking an avid kinship with literary characters, smile "for you are not yourself."

How can this lost generation of readers gravitate back towards reading? Don't expect the government initiatives to work. They've implemented (in blind faith) many hollow bridge schemes. The true answer lies in the magic. Kids follow their parents example. Kids enjoy attention. If parents take an interest in the books their children read, walking through Hogwarts or exploring Treasure Island with them, chances are good the kid will continue exploring different books. For young adults, the benefit of reading books is knowledge each text carries. As a generation thirsty for knowledge, books inform and develop one's viewpoints, sharpen finer points of information and fine tune the humor. After all "We don't want anyone sounding like George Orwell on a bad day." In any adult who has repudiated themselves from reading books, think back on the times when you journeyed away from your own life. Just for that short period of time, remember how special it felt to be a part of that journey you took. The grandeur in books has always existed and will always exist. The lost generation of readers are not irremediable. A fire and brimstone passion for reading can set alight an enjoyment for reading.

All they need is a little spark to get it all going

Please will you unfold your arms!

Many people possess a habit which often is annoying to other people. Wives can be nagging so consistently, the husbands tune in and out at what they are saying. Teenage boys have a desire to impress their female counterparts by habitually doing ridiculous stunts and acts. Nose picking, ear pulling, tongue clicking, and pen tapping are further examples of some rather exasperating habits. Worst of all is one which has failed to be mentioned. It is not often the first to be listed as an annoying habit, yet remains atop of job interview no no's. Folded arms are alas the most childishly rude, fantastically unattractive, incredibly annoying form of body language anyone can display to you. Often used to create a wall between you and the people you're speaking with, defensiveness and insecurity are the main reasons for holding this pose. How long will it be before people begin to notice just how antisocial this form of body language is?

Whenever one prepare's for a job interview, folding your arms at any time during the interview indicates defensiveness, reluctance, an insecurity, a lack of belief in one's ability to persuade and answer the questions. It should be no different in everyday social interactions. Folding one's arms has become so alarmingly frequent, subconsciously your arms move up and over the chest, remaining there for whoever knows how long. The person who does this is telling you "I'm uncomfortable." Uncomfortable about what? What's being said? Who the person is? A fear of being embarrassed? The social setting they're in? Not only does that person exude an uncomfortable persona, the other person in conversation (arms crossed or not) cannot help but feel as if they're letting this "uncomfortable" person down by not creating an social setting where this person is comfortable to speak openly and freely. They leave asking "What did I do wrong?" Do not take accountability for someone else feeling uncomfortable. Unfold your arms and show these people you're not uncomfortable being around them. Sooner or later, they'll do the same.

The worst element of someone folding their arms is the anti-social element it conveys. Considering a large proportion of communication is done via body language, folded arms can be seen as a big gesture. "I am uncomfortable around" is the defensive mechanism of folded arms. The memory mentor website has conducted research and affirms folded arms has been linked to anti social behaviour. http://www.memorymentor.com/what_does_folded_arms_mean.htm Whenever someone folds their arms in the company of someone else, the omen is never a good one, as the crossed arms individual is "paying less attention" to what the other person is saying. These people are retracting from the conversation and are frankly more comfortable wandering off in their own mind, with less regard for the person they are talking to. Not only anti-social but disrespectful as well.

The next time you are in a social context and they fold their arms, ask them if they're cold. If they don't pick up, ask them why they've folded their arms. You might learn something about the person. And you might get them to drop this hideous non-verbal communication.

Justice for Longley

*Warning The following article contains profanity*

Is justice really so difficult to get these days? How long will it take to convict a psychopathic stalker who murdered his girlfriend in cold blood? In today's world, the politically correct hope to portray Elliot Turner as an innocent victim, driven to rage by his girlfriend's careless actions. The reality paints a bleaker mosaic. With credible witnesses coming forth, high shelves of mounting evidence and the Turner family's feeble attempt to deny all charges, it may be months before any punishment is given. Taking so long to convict a blatant murderer is an injustice to Emily's spirit, her family, friends, communities, countries, everyone.

From the day the trial began, Elliot Turner's infatuation for Emily shone through. "Elliot was obsessed with Emily. He spoke about her a lot and rang her a lot too. I do not feel she cared about him as much as he did about her," Emily's closest friend Carla Simons says. It's an elaboration on Mr. Turner's unhealthy obsessive, lustful desire for attention. Placing anyone on a pedestal is a dangerous game. In Francis Scott Fitzgerald's brilliant novel "The Great Gatsby," Jay Gatsby suffered from his idealism of Daisy Buchannan with his life. Mr. Turner's idealism has left an effluvium of innocent blood on his hands. More witnesses have come forth to testify; Luke Ashford, a friend of Elliot's also stood before the jury. "Turner had sent him a text on the night before Longley's lifeless body was found that read 'hello darling, meet mrs mallet'." http://tvnz.co.nz/world-news/emily-longley-trial-murder-accused-s-mate-slept-teen-4854260. He further mentions, on the night she was murdered, Mr. Turner, engulfed with rage said ( in a haughty manner) "that bitch is going down tonight." http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/emily-longley-murder-model-had-809733. Is anyone really going to be audacious enough to express that all of this is one great misunderstanding? His incessant threats to murder were just for a 'larf.' The unwonted texts sent out were just a great misunderstood joke. Well Mr. Turner, here's some news with more news for you. Everyone forgot to laugh. You missed the mark.

Elliot Turner's rather lame attempt at defending himself has opened up many onerous occasions, from just before his arrest, remarking "It is weird. God works in mysterious ways," to a more feeble in depth account in Court. "I wouldn't say it was very hard but it was quite hard. She was kneeling on my bed and from that position I pushed her down on to the bed and she went backwards. She was flat on her back and I then pressed down on her neck. All together I held her neck for about five or six seconds at most." http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2142199/Emily-Longley-trial-Elliot-Turner-held-girlfriends-neck-5-6-seconds-died.html#ixzz1uVlGS4tq. Before continuing further, here is what Mr. Turner really means. "With considerable force, I pushed her onto the bed. I then proceeded to strangle her, until she stopped breathing." Withing today's shamble of a justice system in the United Kingdom, anyone on trial for a major crime is able to present an argument that its not their fault for their own actions, and escape punishment. Journalist Peter Hitchens discusses the imperative need for a "code, you can expect that people who rob, kill , cheat rape or destroy will be deterred by stern laws, and caught and punished if deterrence fails. Also that people who break the law will get no advantage out of it." http://hitchensblog.mailonsunday.co.uk/2008/06/why-weak-justic.html
Presented with such a great opportunity to digress away from the shambolic justice system which has surfaced in recent time, it's time Mr. Turner is sentenced accordingly. He is not the victim here and a fabricated story of Emily lashing out at him in a crazed fit of hysteria is not an adequate reason for taking her life. Grabbing someone to "calm them down" without thinking about hurting or killing them is not thoughtfully considerate; they are malign. http://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/208886/longley-murder-accused-expressed-no-sadness

It's a damning wall of cold hard facts vs a gushy whiff of slipstream sentimentalism. Against every piece of evidence-- friends, family, police recordings, retrieved documents information, forensic analysis-- against Elliot Turner and (in the wider circumstance) his parents, Leigh and Anita, there is nothing but denial. Explicitly asked if he in any way is responsible for Emily's murder, Elliot says "No, I don't believe so." The Turner family is either trying to seek small pittances of sympathy from the public or have just topped themselves up with arrogance for $4.95.

Leigh Turner told Anita "He fucking strangled her." Seized computers at the household indicate Elliot was searching methods for "death by strangulation" and "how to murder someone and get away with it." Elliot's mother, Anita worked with Leigh to remove vital evidence from the room Emily's lifeless body was in and prolonged calling paramedics to hide or destroy any evidence which could link their beloved "victimised" son to the trial. If the Turner's want to continue denying their involvement in any type of wrong doing, they can do so. Making such a bold claim though is precarious and absurd in the face of mounting evidence against them. Had they believed their names could get cleared, without any convictions for murder or perverting the course of justice, no effort would be made the cleanse the bedroom, no criminal es searches will have been made and more than anything, Emily Longley's dead body would not be in the bedroom, with Elliot Turner's DNA underneath her skin or bearing classic signs of asphyxiation.

Time has run out for Elliot Turner and his parents. A prison cell must be prepared for them now. His parents are guilty of destroying vital evidence and perverting the course of justice. Elliot is guilty of murdering an innocent young woman. Ominous warning signs were shown early on by Mr. Turner in front of friends and likely around family too. A life sentence for murder is not harsh. Its due punishment for taking someone's life. Every action of his, leading up to and including the murder had a malicious, psychopathic intent; a young man, idealistic and over paranoid about his girlfriend cheating on him (despite being a promiscuous womanizer himself). Bring Justice for Emily Longley. It'll bring rest to an agonising period in her friends and family's lives and make society a little more delectable, with a murderer and his accomplices behind bars.

John Key's Gambling addiction

There is no question as to whether or not John Key backs the addition of pokies at Skycity Casino. He's smiled in front of them and no doubt tried his luck on a few of them too. Why the Prime Minister had to stoop so low for a solution to fix the Gambling debt present in the current budget is beyond most people. Mr. Key has made his position known now, and he better well stay in favor of it, rather than retreating back into the centre room politics the Nim-wit Nationals thrive on.

Author Peter Adams puts it straight, saying "Mr Key has clearly joined a long line of politicians who have approached gambling as a quick-fix for expensive social and economic development issues." http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/comment/6812881/Who-exactly-is-it-who-wants-more-pokies The incoming flux of poker machines reeks of cheap opportunism, taking advantage of helpless souls addicted to the bright lights and loud noises of these ridiculous machines. What's that Mr. Key? "SkyCity will probably get a few more pokie machines, a few more at the margins, but with this sinking lid policy what will happen is over time there will be less." http://tvnz.co.nz/politics-news/pm-dismisses-skycity-pokie-deal-concerns-4845770. Rather than admit that this idea of attracting people to the convention centre is a sensationalist move by both parties, Mr. Key would rather waffle on about how National is outperforming Labour in reducing gambling problems. Don't buy into the balderdash more pokies in one place will reduce gambling. If anything, it will attract masses of addicts, intent on a win all or lose all policy.


It's clear that Mr. Key has a love of gambling. He loves borrowing massive amounts of money to fund the middle ground agenda his party rather uselessly upholds, breaking election promises and happily waving it off as "recessionary spillovers," unwilling to admit its his party's economic mismanagement giving the budget a red return. Nobody must forget the position he has taken, nor allow him any wriggle space to escape from encouraging people with 1/1000 of his wealth to waste their lives away. How incredible is it these days that the person who is meant to speak for the people is in fact speaking on his own behalf, and Skycity Casino's behalf.

Gambling is rooted deep within Mr. Key;

and don't expect that to change anytime soon.

The rum soaked reality of Dipsomania

Where have the days gone where alcohol was consumed for the hard hitting taste and used moderately in social settings? How many people remember a night out in the city where everyone left with their dignity intact, without stumbling about pathetically or spitting out slurred sentences? Recalling such an occasion would be very difficult. Now remember the last time you heard about an alcohol fueled incident? Several such events will spring to mind straight away. Anyone wanting to defend this childish drunken behavior occurring all to often, should speak with the highest levels of contrition. The dangerous reality is that the binge drinking pretense is seen as socially acceptable and often encouraged. Truthfully, the side affects of uncontrolled drinking leave families ruined, bodies wrecked (no you're not invincible Mr. Cool), and noisome people walking the street with complete disregard for their actions.



In Britain today, parents allegedly "understand that society has changed and that it is not the end of the world if their teenager experiments with alcohol." A politically way of saying "they get drunk earlier and have a good chance of carrying this nasty habit on for longer." http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2010/oct/05/parents-open-alcohol-drugs-sex. However ignorant the kids may be about the topic of alcohol, no justice is done if parents fail to warn them about the dangers of their actions. Underage binge drinking is becoming an increasingly big problem and yet the very people who are entrusted with educating the world's future leaders and citizens, are losing interest in their child coming home from parties drunk. In Australia, these sorts of teenagers were behind careless looting of a Recycling lot, with the manager Cameron Holmes baffled at their intentions. "There is absolutely no reason for this." http://www.bordermail.com.au/news/local/news/general/drunk-teenagers-trash-wodonga-shed/2139544.aspx.




New Zealand has sought to campaign against people smoking by graphically showing the damaging effects of tobacco in TV commercials. The beginning of each video message is "every cigarette is doing you damage." http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1052512/every_cigarette_is_doing_you_damage/. Advertisements of this kind would be of great benefit to anybody who believes they are young, tough, able to handle it and therefore immune from the negative side effects associated with excess alcohol consumption. Guess what..."Every big drinking session is doing you damage." An Australian website "Natural Therapy" has listed both short and long term damage which arises when one drink just isn't enough. These rather inglorious symptoms include "reduced concentration" and "aggressive behaviour" in the short term and "liver damage" and "high blood pressure" in the long term. http://www.naturaltherapypages.com.au/article/the_effects_of_alcohol Alcohol abusers be not proud of inflicting such abuse upon your body body for the sake of "a good time," "to fit in," or "because I need it."




The abject danger of binge drinking is rolling over into society. Streets, oozing with Rummies flout around city centres after a long night out, looking for trouble, starting trouble, acting childishly, waste police time and in the moment, are quite proud of doing so. Society, as a result has to put up with the careless behaviour of these alcohol abusers because rather than learn their lesson the first time round, a return is made to booze up and push one's luck. In November 2011 , All Black Zac Guilford was running around naked in Rarotonga, assaulting patrons in a Bar, including triathlete Kelly Pick. Rather than receiving sympathy and support for being harassed, Ms Pick was vilified, and one person had the audacity to blame her for Guilford's actions saying "your jogging attire may have contributed to the verbal onslaught." http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/5991075/Guildford-drama-Rarotonga-triathlete-vilified. Law abiding citizens have had enough of people acting like Zac Guilford did in Rarotonga and rightfully so. The negative externalities of drunk people such as abuse, puerile behaviour, crude jeering and drink driving need to be given some serious attention.



Moderate alcohol consumption for enjoyment, health benefits or to enjoy a social occasion has never been dangerous. Drinking sensible amounts of alcohol doesn't make one go off. The cheap Sherry smell of the West's drinking woes can be fixed. The question remains. How long until the alcohol abusers become smart, moderate users?