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.