It has been quite unusual that just as super rugby is kicking into gear, the Blackcaps are finally gaining a small surge of momentum as they take on England in the test series.
Hopefully this form can continue. And hopefully people are able to support them, rather than flocking to super rugby, which, while exciting, still has plenty of time to show its face, long after the summer of cricket creeps to an end.
Saturday, 9 March 2013
Join the "climate change" gravy train? Not a chance.
So another famous figure has been suaded into making a stand for supposed man made climate change. Rugby World Cup winning assistant coach Wayne Smith has jumped aboard the "climate change" (formerly global warming) bandwagon. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10870243
Leading the charge to indoctrinate countless other people is ecologist Sir Allan Mark. Mr. Mark, who's publications and discussions are always interesting- even if you disagree with him- says a "degrading quality of our land, air and water" has hurt New Zealand. Apparently "a sea level rise of up to 1m by the year 2100" will also take place.
I'm not a huge fan of cars or driving. Nothing is more hideous than traffic jams or the thick smog pumped out. As a runner, I strategically avoid any area with dense traffic as often as possible.More often than not, I now walk to university because cars do an enormous amount of damage. When enough money has been saved up, bicycling shall also be used to get around. In saying that, my decision to walk to University was not done out of a desire to please the outrageous "Generation Zero" group or Al Gore, it was for conservative reasons.
The main problem advocates of Maurice Strong's "climate change" idea is acceptance. People will not all agree on this issue. Warmists often are not content with that. Those who happen to believe man made activity isn't responsible for sea levels which will supposedly ruin us are universally shunned. Climatologist William Grey had his funding taken away for voicing skepticism. The late Augie Auer got panned many years ago for expressing similar opinions. Apparently society should just accept it without question and dismiss anyone who disagrees without question. Observing what supposed climate science goes towards measuring sea level rises would be interesting, as would recent statistics of Islands which have been completely submerged. Are there actually any which have gone off the map?
Whatever Mr Allan is imploring the government to address is rather vague. Is it innovation in farming to stop wastage? Must New Zealand reduce its levels of Dairy farming? Is the sin of just existing a just reason to impose a festival of regulation and taxation on New Zealanders? What difference will lobbying the big players make? Introducing an Emissions Trading Scheme has done next to nothing in an effort to reduce pollution. Petrol is just more expensive, companies are taxed more and many honest farmers are vilified, despite the majority of them working to minimise economic damage. All tax money generated goes into Government hands, ready to be squandered on benefits.
Question these people who are taking "a moral stand" with a skeptical eye. Do you really want to give these people so much power. Right now its just just lobbying power. Soon it will be the power to control what cars you can drive, how much you can drive, how often you're allowed to fly, what light bulbs you can use, as well as what types of buildings and bridges can be erected.
I used to believe "climate change" or "Global Warming" was real, until coming across the name Maurice Strong on a "save the planet" website. Within an hour, any lingering belief in "climate change" being man made was gone.
The crackpot paparazzi out to boost their low self esteem
Justin Bieber has never been a spectacular singer. A lot of his lyrics are reworded versions of songs from Michael Jackson, Elton John and Lionel Richie. Having poster poster boy looks and a rather odd hairstyle seem to be his trademark.
With that said, I sympathise with the Canadian pop star, who fell victim to a rather rude photographer, who probably works for some degenerate gossip magazine. Bieber, who was leaving his apartment pushed aside a sloppy, overweight photographer vouching for a photo to slap alongside a rather half rate gossip article.
Not impressed by being pushed around, the photographer offered his rather foul mouthed opinion to the singer, who was forcefully held back. A further display of bad manners from the paparazzo given, things simmered down.
For anyone interested, celebrities and the media used to get on quite well with each other. It was only when the media began aggressively hunting celebrities and abandoning respect for privacy that celebrities started thinking less of them. At least Bieber has shown us that he's only human. That ego is still quite high nonetheless.
Going low cost on fitness fails
Is there anyone who goes to Jetts gym who competes in serious bodybuilding competitions? Is there anyone who goes to Jetts who can outrun the best ultra runners in New Zealand? Can anyone at Burn24 hour fitness come forth and proclaim themselves as a National or International representative in any athletic pursuit or discipline? The answer to all of these questions is "probably not."
A single visit to Jetts gym was all it took to make it clear what they are running is a pure money spinner, not a " an environment where no-one feels shy about turning up." Fit 4 Life in Glenfield is only $71 more than Jetts but the value you get for it is far greater than any other low cost gym. There is always a staff member or volunteer on the desk, the prices you see are the prices you pay, there are group classes, there are free seminars (on fitness, friendship faith and finance) for members, people feel welcome and the facilities and equipment are better than what any Jetts gym or any other low cost gym offer.
For those who are crying foul about the criticism of Macklemore's ridiculous songs ought to ask yourself this. Would you want young children swearing like he does in Thriftshop? Would you be happy to let young teenagers fool themselves into thinking they cannot change a predisposition which they hold?
I am not, as one person absurdly states "hating on Macklemore." No, there is just a general worrying trend in a fair amount of his songs which is reason to be worried. Also, for some of his song with "powerful lyrics" (whatever that means), the way he sings them seems incongruous. "My oh my" would have been much better if he'd dropped the loud, gangster talk for a simpler rendition.
Leading the charge to indoctrinate countless other people is ecologist Sir Allan Mark. Mr. Mark, who's publications and discussions are always interesting- even if you disagree with him- says a "degrading quality of our land, air and water" has hurt New Zealand. Apparently "a sea level rise of up to 1m by the year 2100" will also take place.
I'm not a huge fan of cars or driving. Nothing is more hideous than traffic jams or the thick smog pumped out. As a runner, I strategically avoid any area with dense traffic as often as possible.More often than not, I now walk to university because cars do an enormous amount of damage. When enough money has been saved up, bicycling shall also be used to get around. In saying that, my decision to walk to University was not done out of a desire to please the outrageous "Generation Zero" group or Al Gore, it was for conservative reasons.
The main problem advocates of Maurice Strong's "climate change" idea is acceptance. People will not all agree on this issue. Warmists often are not content with that. Those who happen to believe man made activity isn't responsible for sea levels which will supposedly ruin us are universally shunned. Climatologist William Grey had his funding taken away for voicing skepticism. The late Augie Auer got panned many years ago for expressing similar opinions. Apparently society should just accept it without question and dismiss anyone who disagrees without question. Observing what supposed climate science goes towards measuring sea level rises would be interesting, as would recent statistics of Islands which have been completely submerged. Are there actually any which have gone off the map?
Whatever Mr Allan is imploring the government to address is rather vague. Is it innovation in farming to stop wastage? Must New Zealand reduce its levels of Dairy farming? Is the sin of just existing a just reason to impose a festival of regulation and taxation on New Zealanders? What difference will lobbying the big players make? Introducing an Emissions Trading Scheme has done next to nothing in an effort to reduce pollution. Petrol is just more expensive, companies are taxed more and many honest farmers are vilified, despite the majority of them working to minimise economic damage. All tax money generated goes into Government hands, ready to be squandered on benefits.
Question these people who are taking "a moral stand" with a skeptical eye. Do you really want to give these people so much power. Right now its just just lobbying power. Soon it will be the power to control what cars you can drive, how much you can drive, how often you're allowed to fly, what light bulbs you can use, as well as what types of buildings and bridges can be erected.
I used to believe "climate change" or "Global Warming" was real, until coming across the name Maurice Strong on a "save the planet" website. Within an hour, any lingering belief in "climate change" being man made was gone.
The crackpot paparazzi out to boost their low self esteem
Justin Bieber has never been a spectacular singer. A lot of his lyrics are reworded versions of songs from Michael Jackson, Elton John and Lionel Richie. Having poster poster boy looks and a rather odd hairstyle seem to be his trademark.
With that said, I sympathise with the Canadian pop star, who fell victim to a rather rude photographer, who probably works for some degenerate gossip magazine. Bieber, who was leaving his apartment pushed aside a sloppy, overweight photographer vouching for a photo to slap alongside a rather half rate gossip article.
Not impressed by being pushed around, the photographer offered his rather foul mouthed opinion to the singer, who was forcefully held back. A further display of bad manners from the paparazzo given, things simmered down.
For anyone interested, celebrities and the media used to get on quite well with each other. It was only when the media began aggressively hunting celebrities and abandoning respect for privacy that celebrities started thinking less of them. At least Bieber has shown us that he's only human. That ego is still quite high nonetheless.
Going low cost on fitness fails
Is there anyone who goes to Jetts gym who competes in serious bodybuilding competitions? Is there anyone who goes to Jetts who can outrun the best ultra runners in New Zealand? Can anyone at Burn24 hour fitness come forth and proclaim themselves as a National or International representative in any athletic pursuit or discipline? The answer to all of these questions is "probably not."
A single visit to Jetts gym was all it took to make it clear what they are running is a pure money spinner, not a " an environment where no-one feels shy about turning up." Fit 4 Life in Glenfield is only $71 more than Jetts but the value you get for it is far greater than any other low cost gym. There is always a staff member or volunteer on the desk, the prices you see are the prices you pay, there are group classes, there are free seminars (on fitness, friendship faith and finance) for members, people feel welcome and the facilities and equipment are better than what any Jetts gym or any other low cost gym offer.
For those who are crying foul about the criticism of Macklemore's ridiculous songs ought to ask yourself this. Would you want young children swearing like he does in Thriftshop? Would you be happy to let young teenagers fool themselves into thinking they cannot change a predisposition which they hold?
I am not, as one person absurdly states "hating on Macklemore." No, there is just a general worrying trend in a fair amount of his songs which is reason to be worried. Also, for some of his song with "powerful lyrics" (whatever that means), the way he sings them seems incongruous. "My oh my" would have been much better if he'd dropped the loud, gangster talk for a simpler rendition.
Friday, 8 March 2013
The Macklemore myth
When people flocked to go and see "Macklemore," I declined a request to interview him for a good reason. Like any modern singer who suddenly seems to spring up rather unannounced, something had to give. After a careful inspection of Thriftshop, Same Love and a few others, some common themes stood out.
To begin with, his song "Same Love" is full of basic errors. Whilst the jury is out on homosexual marriage (an issue I will not be dragged into), people certainly have the ability to change. Saying "I can't change, even if I try" is rather odd. Does this apply to all aspects of life or just our sexuality? How does he know that? Many people have been able to change their hostile attitudes towards homosexuals after befriending some (as I have in recent years). "Even if I wanted to." Again, is it orientation specific or is nobody ever able to change anything about their lives. If he is adopting this "I can't change because I can't" then an elementary error in observation is there. People who accuse me of cherry picking from his lyrics are right; "Same Love's" main message is Haggerty's opinion but the hook's start is simply not true philosophically, morally or empirically. Of course people can change. Mr Haggerty wrote "Same love." Regardless of who is singing the chorus, the message of not being able to change an attitude towards a position is supported by him. Of course, some will say "you've misinterpreted his message. He just means sexuality." Perhaps. To make it clear such was the case, why couldn't he have included at the end of his verses instead of independently as a chorus? This closed mindedness transitions into his other works.
Mr Haggerty has said in interviews the track "Thriftshop" focuses on buying as many cheap clothes as possible, whilst putting some money away. For a hip hop artist, this goes against the grain. Nonetheless, this song finds a spot in my list of top 10 most loathsome songs. Partnered by some jibber jabber from Wanz , Haggerty presents a destructive message about how amazing cheap materialism is. He has failed to see that materialism and cheap shopping cannot be given credit for happiness. Francis Scott Fitzgerald single handedly destroyed the myth of materialism in his powerful novel "The Great Gatsby." Yet here is a rather hysterical singer promoting temporary happiness through buying cheap rubbish.Credit can be given to the song for being stupid, deceptive, poisonous and ghastly, just like the lyrics. For anyone willing to actually listen to the hidden swearing, Haggerty uses the word "bitch" twice, "shit" four times and "fuck" seven times. Several other rude words are also in there.
From his other well known other songs "Wing$," "The Town" and "The Heist" something seemed off. I just couldn't bring myself to liking the songs. Nor was I able to relate to his constant messages about how one specific thing defines him. Saying something so focused puts people in a dangerous situation, where, if their passion for that area crumbles, they feel as if their worth is diminished greatly. Nobody should ever believe this to be true.
Perhaps "Macklemore" could answer me this question. Does he want his younger fans to go about swearing like he does? And is music the only thing which truly defines who he is as a person? I'll readily listen to his songs which address to these two questions.
To begin with, his song "Same Love" is full of basic errors. Whilst the jury is out on homosexual marriage (an issue I will not be dragged into), people certainly have the ability to change. Saying "I can't change, even if I try" is rather odd. Does this apply to all aspects of life or just our sexuality? How does he know that? Many people have been able to change their hostile attitudes towards homosexuals after befriending some (as I have in recent years). "Even if I wanted to." Again, is it orientation specific or is nobody ever able to change anything about their lives. If he is adopting this "I can't change because I can't" then an elementary error in observation is there. People who accuse me of cherry picking from his lyrics are right; "Same Love's" main message is Haggerty's opinion but the hook's start is simply not true philosophically, morally or empirically. Of course people can change. Mr Haggerty wrote "Same love." Regardless of who is singing the chorus, the message of not being able to change an attitude towards a position is supported by him. Of course, some will say "you've misinterpreted his message. He just means sexuality." Perhaps. To make it clear such was the case, why couldn't he have included at the end of his verses instead of independently as a chorus? This closed mindedness transitions into his other works.
Mr Haggerty has said in interviews the track "Thriftshop" focuses on buying as many cheap clothes as possible, whilst putting some money away. For a hip hop artist, this goes against the grain. Nonetheless, this song finds a spot in my list of top 10 most loathsome songs. Partnered by some jibber jabber from Wanz , Haggerty presents a destructive message about how amazing cheap materialism is. He has failed to see that materialism and cheap shopping cannot be given credit for happiness. Francis Scott Fitzgerald single handedly destroyed the myth of materialism in his powerful novel "The Great Gatsby." Yet here is a rather hysterical singer promoting temporary happiness through buying cheap rubbish.Credit can be given to the song for being stupid, deceptive, poisonous and ghastly, just like the lyrics. For anyone willing to actually listen to the hidden swearing, Haggerty uses the word "bitch" twice, "shit" four times and "fuck" seven times. Several other rude words are also in there.
From his other well known other songs "Wing$," "The Town" and "The Heist" something seemed off. I just couldn't bring myself to liking the songs. Nor was I able to relate to his constant messages about how one specific thing defines him. Saying something so focused puts people in a dangerous situation, where, if their passion for that area crumbles, they feel as if their worth is diminished greatly. Nobody should ever believe this to be true.
Perhaps "Macklemore" could answer me this question. Does he want his younger fans to go about swearing like he does? And is music the only thing which truly defines who he is as a person? I'll readily listen to his songs which address to these two questions.
Monday, 4 March 2013
Pulling one bad apple out cannot save the Navy
One of the biggest warning's which I received when applying for the Navy had nothing to do with expectations. No talks about high physical demands and little sleep. Surely then it had to be mental fatigue. No. My biggest warning came from the Navy doctor who warned me over and over again at the medical not to sleep around with Navy girls. I asked him why.
"Well, Navy girls and boys like to have sex. And they like to perv too."
Trying to suppress the laughter was hard. He'd been through the process of seeing so many people flocking to him with all sorts of STD's, so none of this was even remotely humorous.
So when Electronic Technician David Timothy Simpson pleaded guilty to filming women in bathrooms, nothing seemed amiss. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10869306. If anything, secretly trying to fulfill some strange desires, Mr Simpson was embracing the sexual openness the Royal New Zealand Navy openly encourages.
One commissioned officer (who is now a commanding officer of a RNZN ship) happily spoke about all his sexual escapades as a midshipman. According to him, "Navy girls are as easy as they come."
While the officer and many other young men may not have gone as far as Mr Simpson and made videos, very little is done to hide the sleaziness present within the Navy. Trying to fix it overnight because one man got caught would be impossible. Promoting a more professional, self restrained attitude towards a government funded unit is a starting point.
Suppressing information from the press is a sensible move. Most women who fell victim to the perverted creature will work hard to suppress it. The misery is that somebody will take the helm and begin working towards following their officers example. A mass exodus of serving men and women has more to do with personal well being than ridiculous budget cuts.
A future with less cats...still a long off dream
Standing behind Gareth Morgan, who wants to eradicate New Zealand's cat population, a recent survey seems to have more people supporting.
I have never been a big supporter of cats. They have always presented themselves as rather arrogant creatures, full of self pride, unwilling to ever try be friendly. For over half the day, they sleep away, often in remote quarters, only reappearing every now and again to eat dinner. Training them to do anything is a mission, as they are already convinced of their own smartness, which has yet to be regularly displayed.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10869395
While his proposal to supposedly rid the country of cats has found favor with some, others disagree. SPCA say it's "a slap in the face" that a voluntary organisation loaded with volunteers is slammed. Many stray cats are rescued by them and made available for ownership.
My respect for the SPCA is immense, but I wish they'd work towards helping more dogs. Friendlier, more intelligent, faster, humble, protective and energetic. For the most part, many dogs meet many or all of these criterion. Even if they aren't over friendly to others, they're always happy to see you. Unlike cats, who are often not there to see you.
Something rather amusing came up on the very biased stuff.co.nz. Which band do you prefer. The two options were Coldplay and Radiohead. At the time of writing 55% chose Radiohead. For a band which has senseless, depression fueled lyrics, this seems rather odd. One such song "Creep," goes
But I'm a creep
I'm a weirdo
What the hell am I doing here?
I don't belong hereUnless a sudden tirade of Radiohead fans stumbled upon Stuff, it's an indication of who the audience is largely comprised of.
For those people who are crying out day and night for New Zealand to become a Republic, think to yourself. Do you really want to have somebody like John Key, David Shearer or Meteria Turei as the all powerful dictator, who can influence any change in the snap of a finger? Somebody whom you have to, out of their position, respect them. If so, then that's fine. Like a chessboard though, the respect we offer to the monarchy allows us to ridicule politicians and prime ministers for the meager contributions they make.
"Well, Navy girls and boys like to have sex. And they like to perv too."
Trying to suppress the laughter was hard. He'd been through the process of seeing so many people flocking to him with all sorts of STD's, so none of this was even remotely humorous.
So when Electronic Technician David Timothy Simpson pleaded guilty to filming women in bathrooms, nothing seemed amiss. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10869306. If anything, secretly trying to fulfill some strange desires, Mr Simpson was embracing the sexual openness the Royal New Zealand Navy openly encourages.
One commissioned officer (who is now a commanding officer of a RNZN ship) happily spoke about all his sexual escapades as a midshipman. According to him, "Navy girls are as easy as they come."
While the officer and many other young men may not have gone as far as Mr Simpson and made videos, very little is done to hide the sleaziness present within the Navy. Trying to fix it overnight because one man got caught would be impossible. Promoting a more professional, self restrained attitude towards a government funded unit is a starting point.
Suppressing information from the press is a sensible move. Most women who fell victim to the perverted creature will work hard to suppress it. The misery is that somebody will take the helm and begin working towards following their officers example. A mass exodus of serving men and women has more to do with personal well being than ridiculous budget cuts.
A future with less cats...still a long off dream
I have never been a big supporter of cats. They have always presented themselves as rather arrogant creatures, full of self pride, unwilling to ever try be friendly. For over half the day, they sleep away, often in remote quarters, only reappearing every now and again to eat dinner. Training them to do anything is a mission, as they are already convinced of their own smartness, which has yet to be regularly displayed.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10869395
While his proposal to supposedly rid the country of cats has found favor with some, others disagree. SPCA say it's "a slap in the face" that a voluntary organisation loaded with volunteers is slammed. Many stray cats are rescued by them and made available for ownership.
My respect for the SPCA is immense, but I wish they'd work towards helping more dogs. Friendlier, more intelligent, faster, humble, protective and energetic. For the most part, many dogs meet many or all of these criterion. Even if they aren't over friendly to others, they're always happy to see you. Unlike cats, who are often not there to see you.
Something rather amusing came up on the very biased stuff.co.nz. Which band do you prefer. The two options were Coldplay and Radiohead. At the time of writing 55% chose Radiohead. For a band which has senseless, depression fueled lyrics, this seems rather odd. One such song "Creep," goes
But I'm a creep
I'm a weirdo
What the hell am I doing here?
I don't belong hereUnless a sudden tirade of Radiohead fans stumbled upon Stuff, it's an indication of who the audience is largely comprised of.
For those people who are crying out day and night for New Zealand to become a Republic, think to yourself. Do you really want to have somebody like John Key, David Shearer or Meteria Turei as the all powerful dictator, who can influence any change in the snap of a finger? Somebody whom you have to, out of their position, respect them. If so, then that's fine. Like a chessboard though, the respect we offer to the monarchy allows us to ridicule politicians and prime ministers for the meager contributions they make.
Sunday, 3 March 2013
The best job candidate will often be a bit bruised, beaten and a tad incomplete
As usual, anyone who is trying to harp on about National clamping down on people opting for welfare payments must yet again face reality. More and more people are joining the gravy train of handouts and state assisted housing for not working.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10868816
In this New Zealand herald article, a solo mother says she has applied for a 20 jobs, without any luck. I'm not going to try understand what Steph Grey's circumstances are. Knowing many New Zealand companies, a major problem seems to be image. People don't often want to hire people who are a bit incomplete from that amazing dream worker which the executives and headhunters envision.
Some advice I could offer Steph Grey is to just apply to every job which has her profile. It almost seems ironic companies are constantly harping about hiring new staff, yet seem so reluctant to take on those willing to work hard. Ms. Grey may or may not be a hard worker but she is certainly concerned about her son's well being which is commendable. Going hungry for so your son can eat is a lesson to all the pathetic politicians who want to let bad parents off by offering meals in school, paid for with money our country does not have.
Hopefully soon, some companies will learn to become a bit more realistic in their pursuit of a new candidate. Idealism may work well in some loose button companies like Apple and Microsoft. But in a country of 4.5 million, where many companies employ fewer than 20 people, are stingy bosses really expecting perfection in each potential applicant? This mythical recession ended some time ago. Jobs are available but companies seem reluctant to fill vacant positions with anyone. Some hopefuls even have to take personality tests. What good that does is unclear. Even a argumentative, rude, bullish perfectionist can do well. Just look at Steve Jobs return from the dead to steer Apple back to green figures.
People lining up to go on the dole wouldn't be anywhere near as bad as current figures if only Government encouraged companies to make the hiring process simpler.
A holiday to remember...and forget, FAST!
The non-existent police force continued to display their inability to protect us from crime. Rather than patrol areas alone on foot to stop crimes as they happen, they've defaulted to sitting roadside sipping coffee and writing tickets or doing paperwork at various stations.
Rather than patrol areas of popular tourist areas, all trust has been put in the tourists. Isn't it irritating being lectured by police about us being the reason we got burgled? So when Ben Horner and Claire Barham lost absolutely everything except their swimming costumes, something seemed off. Of course, by the time police responded and took accounts from the unfortunate couple, a thief had already steamed off.
Excuses have run out. There is one policeman to every 400 citizens. With many more people looking to join, surely Anne Tolley can learn from disasters like this and promote individual foot patrol.
National vs Conservatives. Who's more liberal?
For anyone to hold David Cameron in mighty praise now would get a public flogging. Congratulating himself on making it so far without caring much about anything he's said, Mr. Cameron now believes his party can win the 2015 election. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/international-politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503226&objectid=10868701
They won't. After reading the brilliant columns by Mail on Sunday journalist Peter Hitchens, it seems that Mr. Cameron has made his party even more liberal now than a few years ago. Going on current observations, New Zealand's own prime minister and his cronies have worked hard to achieve a similar image. Political correctness is drilled in, disastrous tax systems are upheld, pathetic interventionism is constantly encouraged, not overturning the ridiculous anti-smacking bill. The Conservative party enjoys being in the European Union, doesn't like punishing criminals, endorses comprehensive schooling and is doing nothing to stop mass immigration.
None of these parties should have the word "right wing" anywhere near the party titles. Who's more liberal? You be the judge.
Simon Bridges has precious little to celebrate. The minimum wage increased by a meager 25 cents. Petrol prices increased by that amount in the space of 28 days in February. If National wonders why it cannot keep workers in New Zealand, from Doctors to Laborers, maybe pushing for a slightly higher increase wouldn't have been so bad. It cannot be possible companies will be in dire straights by paying their cleaners, packers, manufacturers an extra $0.50 an hour more than last year.
Wednesday, 27 February 2013
Shark nets are not needed
With the tragic death of Adam Strange at Murawai beach, honouring his memory is important. So to is being sensible about approaching shark attacks.
Immediately, the paranoid 'big brother' groups began to insist west coast beaches need to have shark nets put in place to protect local surfers and beach goers. According to them, one shark attack is one too many.
As someone who lived out at Murawai, Mr. Strange had developed a fondness and appreciation for nature. People who knew him said he would have been uncomfortable with the idea of the shark which killed him being shot or the prospect of having shark nets put in place.
People rarely die from shark attacks in New Zealand. The last fatal shark attack took place in Whangamata back in December 2009. Only 15 fatal attacks have occurred since records began in the mid 19th century. Like anything else in life, going into the water involves certain risks and consequences. Rip tides, nearby rock s, as well as other marine life are far more potent than any shark could hope be.
Installing shark nets will do almost nothing to prevent other hazards which beaches contain. Many regular beach goers don't see it as necessary, nor does the rare shark in the water warrant it. Now that Murawai beach remains closed for authorities to do an investigation, not much evident will justify big brothers claim. Why should it? Out of the many thousands of people who have visited and swum in the water, how many sharks have surfaced to greet them with a wide toothed smile? Sharks are barely even seen in our waters.
People need to stop panicking so much. Much like "Jaws" did in 1975, people are letting one tragic story ruin a kiwi pastime time of enjoying summers at the beach and in the water.
Passing legal hurdles won't make asset sales any more popular
With Mr. Slippery's recent tirade of legal hurdles to sell of state assets met, many party members in National are celebrating it as a victory of some sort. At the same time, each National MP is failing to assess the changes this will mean for our country. Foreign investors will buy up stakes in these assets. If not now, then certainly in a few years.
How can something which has passed legal checks suddenly be made out to be popular? Only those idealist National party loyalists could think along such lines. Who enjoys being told you can't buy magnets because Simon Bridges believes you lack common sense? On the same token, why is selling off good income earners to fund a disastrous deficit meant to suddenly be popular?
Easy divorce and easy evasion
Why is divorce so incredibly easy today? So many young children are suffering from emotional grief when their parents selfishly put their own interests first. Now, the jury has come out that fatherless families are in short supply when it comes to child support. Many fathers owe large amounts of money to support their children, whose time is divided between each (yes that stupid word again) "partner."
People who try justifying divorce often cite abusive relationships and mental problems but those do not compare to the most common reason. Alleged "irreconcilable differences." If the married family, as an institution were brought back and lifelong marriage encouraged strongly, rather than hinted at, then chasing after distant father for child support payments would not be as common as it is.
Immediately, the paranoid 'big brother' groups began to insist west coast beaches need to have shark nets put in place to protect local surfers and beach goers. According to them, one shark attack is one too many.
As someone who lived out at Murawai, Mr. Strange had developed a fondness and appreciation for nature. People who knew him said he would have been uncomfortable with the idea of the shark which killed him being shot or the prospect of having shark nets put in place.
People rarely die from shark attacks in New Zealand. The last fatal shark attack took place in Whangamata back in December 2009. Only 15 fatal attacks have occurred since records began in the mid 19th century. Like anything else in life, going into the water involves certain risks and consequences. Rip tides, nearby rock s, as well as other marine life are far more potent than any shark could hope be.
Installing shark nets will do almost nothing to prevent other hazards which beaches contain. Many regular beach goers don't see it as necessary, nor does the rare shark in the water warrant it. Now that Murawai beach remains closed for authorities to do an investigation, not much evident will justify big brothers claim. Why should it? Out of the many thousands of people who have visited and swum in the water, how many sharks have surfaced to greet them with a wide toothed smile? Sharks are barely even seen in our waters.
People need to stop panicking so much. Much like "Jaws" did in 1975, people are letting one tragic story ruin a kiwi pastime time of enjoying summers at the beach and in the water.
Passing legal hurdles won't make asset sales any more popular
With Mr. Slippery's recent tirade of legal hurdles to sell of state assets met, many party members in National are celebrating it as a victory of some sort. At the same time, each National MP is failing to assess the changes this will mean for our country. Foreign investors will buy up stakes in these assets. If not now, then certainly in a few years.
How can something which has passed legal checks suddenly be made out to be popular? Only those idealist National party loyalists could think along such lines. Who enjoys being told you can't buy magnets because Simon Bridges believes you lack common sense? On the same token, why is selling off good income earners to fund a disastrous deficit meant to suddenly be popular?
Easy divorce and easy evasion
Why is divorce so incredibly easy today? So many young children are suffering from emotional grief when their parents selfishly put their own interests first. Now, the jury has come out that fatherless families are in short supply when it comes to child support. Many fathers owe large amounts of money to support their children, whose time is divided between each (yes that stupid word again) "partner."
People who try justifying divorce often cite abusive relationships and mental problems but those do not compare to the most common reason. Alleged "irreconcilable differences." If the married family, as an institution were brought back and lifelong marriage encouraged strongly, rather than hinted at, then chasing after distant father for child support payments would not be as common as it is.
Sunday, 24 February 2013
Fit4life
Here is my Getfrank article on a gym review for Fit4life.
http://www.getfrank.co.nz/health-fitness/exercise/gym-review-fit4life
http://www.getfrank.co.nz/health-fitness/exercise/gym-review-fit4life