General Debate 18 June 2010

Email
Facebook
Twitter
Comment95

Uncategorized
General Debate

Comments (95)

Login to comment or vote

Eisenhower

Hey, look at that…
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 8:01am
Say Goodbye to Hollywood

Never mind that, my lad. I wish to complain about this parrot what I purchased not half an hour ago from this very boutique.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 8:02am
kaya

Merely sleeping.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 8:04am
kaya

Chapter 3 of the demise of the Euro and continued meltdown of the financial markets?

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10652681
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 8:05am
Eddie

How small a tactical nuke would do the job…….

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/3825672/Mum-bashed-by-pregnant-women
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 8:09am
mattyroo

What’s the bet they’re all on the benefit, including the “victim”: http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/3825672/Mum-bashed-by-pregnant-women

It’s high time that anybody convicted of an offence, has every benefit removed from them.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 8:10am
Peter

Firs……
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 8:11am
Patrick Starr

Bernard Orsman does a huge stretch this morning;

“Brown’s dinner helps ex-bikie sing new tune”

sure he was a once a bikie, but has been a professional entertainer since 1994 …. – read the guys bio
http://www.tenorgeoffknight.com/index

I must go to fill my car at BP – I could say its an environmental fundraiser to clean up oil spills in the US
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 8:12am
Gerrit

When GrumpyOldHori has this attitude towards bullying and violence

Time to send a couple of Cuzzies around to tell him to pack a bag and fuck off ?

Why is it not suprising that violence is prevalent in a certain section of our community.

Eight on to one?

How very brave these people are. Not.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 8:18am
Inventory2

@ Patrick – I daresay Bernard had assistance to write that story. I would be highly surprised if it does not contain the DNA of David Lewis, former Chief Press Secretary to Helen Clark, and a member of Team Brown.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 8:19am
mattyroo

The fat useless bitch Tizard is clearly lying here: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10652663

The receipt says there was only 3 at the LUNCH, and it also included a bottle of Allan Scott Sauvignon Blanc, yet Tizard says that she had Hepatitis and wasn’t drinking! So the other two guests had a bottle each…..

Hmmm, Adam Bennett, Me thinks you need to investigate this further.

[DPF: 20 demerits for abusive terms]
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 8:22am
krazykiwi

It is an ex-parrot
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 8:27am
Inventory2

It’s bleedin’ demised!!
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 8:30am
Murray

Eee’s snuffed it.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 8:31am
krazykiwi

No, no…..No, ‘e’s stunned!
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 8:33am
Murray

Well, he’s…he’s, ah…probably pining for the fjords.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 8:37am
krazykiwi

PININ’ for the FJORDS?!?!?!? What kind of talk is that?, look, why did he fall flat on his back the moment I got ‘im home?

That parrot is definitely deceased, and when I purchased it not ‘alf an hour ago, you assured me that its total lack of movement was due to it bein’ tired and shagged out following a prolonged squawk.

(…Hmmm, reminds me of someone…eh..?)
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 8:37am
Inventory2

From The Secret Policeman’s Ball – here ’tis, live

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4O0BA6mkk7k
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 8:41am
Pete George

I suspect not all will agree with this:

There is now little doubt we’re all going to have to adapt to a sharp increase in sea level

Polar scientists are united on the likelihood of level rises – but how much and when? When 2500 polar scientists gathered in Oslo this month to compare notes at the conclusion of the International Polar Year, a common thread ran through their presentations and papers:

“Unless we better understand the probable melt rate of ice in Antarctica and Greenland we haven’t a hope of being adequately prepared for the inevitable sea level rise in the decades ahead.”

Is this another case of over dramatising the message overshadowing the science?
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 8:44am
mickysavage

Why was PEDA offered exclusive access to $4.8m crown funding? And is it true that they are strongly linked to actual and potential National Party Samoan candidates? And what is that word that starts with “C”?
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 8:44am
krazykiwi

@Pete, so we need to better understand something that is probable, but the results are inevitable?

So, yes, over dramatising IMO. But I’m no longer surprised by that.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 8:48am
Dave Mann

I love the parrot thread guys – thanks!!! Its a joy reading this blog sometimes …. … 🙂
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 8:48am
Swiftman the infidel

# mattyroo (243) Says:
June 18th, 2010 at 8:22 am

“The fat useless bitch Tizard is clearly lying here: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10652663 The receipt says there was only 3 at the LUNCH, and it also included a bottle of Allan Scott Sauvignon Blanc, yet Tizard says that she had Hepatitis and wasn’t drinking! So the other two guests had a bottle each…..Hmmm, Adam Bennett, Me thinks you need to investigate this further.” [DPF: 20 demerits for abusive terms]

Shouldn’t truth be a defense to demerit points?
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 8:53am
mattyroo

Not much conveyancing going on at the moment Greg Presland?
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 8:55am
mattyroo

Yeah swifty, I was wondering which term it was that earned the demerits?

I guess it was the implication that Adam Bennett hadn’t done his job properly.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 8:56am
Pete George

“Shouldn’t truth be a defense to demerit points?”

Can’t points be made without unnecessary nastiness?
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 8:57am
krazykiwi

It was ‘bitch’ that did it IMO. ‘Fat’ is a matter of public, photographic record. ‘Lazy’ is a matter of public, parliamentary record. ‘Bitch’ is opinion, and a 20 point one by the looks.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 9:03am
Nookin

An interesting debate between competing interests.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/3825801/Gay-claims-in-Customs-strip-search-court-case
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 9:07am
Mike

Nookin
I read that in the Dompost and thought “how come there were no other males but a homosexual on the ashift to do invasive searches?

Sounds like there is a problem inside the leadership of Christchurch customs to me.

If they won’t let men do invasive searches on women why do they allow homosexual men to do them on men?
Doesn’t make sense.
Sounds like a human rights violation to me.
Maybe the team leader in Christchurch needs his ass sued and the spokesman needs a posting to uzbekistan for a few years.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 9:10am
Mike

http://doodle.com/main.html

hey guys have you ever used this.
Just made a meeting for 6 people to find who is free to meet next week.
cool bananas
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 9:21am
mawm

If they won’t let men do invasive searches on women why do they allow homosexual men to do them on men?

FFS – what are you expecting? A quick feel up or a full anal probe? I doubt if homosexual men have an interest in ‘straight’ men, just as I doubt that they are pedophiles. Sure some are, just as some hetero’s are.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 9:21am
RRM

http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/joyce-casts-doubts-maori-4g-claim-124775

Good.

I’m all for the right of Maori to be heard, but F*CK OFF, IF THESE FREQUENCY BANDWIDTHS ARE ANYONE’S “TAONGA” THEN THEY ARE MY WHITE-ARSE TAONGA EVERY BIT AS MUCH AS THEY ARE YOURS.

Why not claim ownership of the red frequencies of visible light also?

Odd moments like these I really suspect many Maoris want to be New Zealand’s royalty, sitting on their arses doing nothing and collecting their taxes / tithes / whatever.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 9:28am
Murray

Want to be? They bloody well already are.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 9:29am
gravedodger

With very limited alternative information source as I start my day, I find myself listening to Hosking most weekday mornings and on Fridays as he closes the last 1/2 hour he has a session with Jeremy Wells and Whiney Wendyl Nissen, and this morning she was at her whiney socialist best with a pathetic defense of Lyen Brown.
“I am so over this, he Shane Jones and Chris Carter are fine politicians and did nothing more than anyone in the private sector does” (paraphrased)
The pathetic,”world famous in her head”, “vacant space”, does not seem to see any connection between the arrogant disregard for and complete entitlement to what these troughing pigs see as their right as a reward in addition to their well paid public service. The moral, lawful, and acceptable standard of behavior that a significant majority of tax and rate payers believe just does not apply to socialists. This lamentable attitude seems to permeate all levels of the socialist left and their supporters.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 9:34am
Murray

The private sector doesn’t use my money for their troughing.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 9:41am
Manolo

Brilliant article by Peter O’Rourke on the state of U.S. education. Quite applicable here too:
http://www.weeklystandard.com/articles/end-them-don%E2%80%99t-mend-them
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 9:54am
nickb

What charming mums those ladies are going to be eh matty.

Disgusting.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 10:01am
starboard

Kristyann Tairakena, 19, Puawaioterangi Munro, 26, Moana Grace, 20, Carmell Waihape, 19, Toni Nathan, 22, Emily Tairakena, 17, Shavon Waihape, 22, …

..hmm..what have these trash all got in common…hmm…
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 11:11am
Sonny Blount

I suspect not all will agree with this:

There is now little doubt we’re all going to have to adapt to a sharp increase in sea level

Polar scientists are united on the likelihood of level rises – but how much and when? When 2500 polar scientists gathered in Oslo this month to compare notes at the conclusion of the International Polar Year, a common thread ran through their presentations and papers:

“Unless we better understand the probable melt rate of ice in Antarctica and Greenland we haven’t a hope of being adequately prepared for the inevitable sea level rise in the decades ahead.”

Is this another case of over dramatising the message overshadowing the science?

A recently released study has determined that 23 out of 30 Pacific Islands are growing, so yes, it’s overdramatising.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 11:33am
nickb

heh

Don’t their children look to have a great and bright future, no doubt they will end up as dole bludging criminals as well unfortunately. Hopefully CYFS will take their kids off them at birth and foster them out to a caring and loving family, so they have some hope.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 11:37am
starboard

unfortunately it will be ” Once were Warriors ” repeated over again…and again….and again…
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 11:39am
nickb

Check this out if you wanna rage even more starboard

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/3827640/Grandmother-jailed-for-grand-daughters-death

5 and a half years the price of a childs life? No doubt will be out in 3 if she behaves well.
And manslaughter for smashing a babys skull hard enough to give it bleeding on the brain? What a fucking joke
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 11:43am
si_rangi

And while alluding to things Maori, and being of Maori decent, I can’t quite work out what Len was doing beating his head and chest in some sort of ‘Maori’ gesture. Its been bugging me for a couple of days. Can someone enlighten me a little, maybe it is specific to some iwi, not mine though.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 11:52am
JiveKitty

“Odd moments like these I really suspect many Maoris want to be New Zealand’s royalty, sitting on their arses doing nothing and collecting their taxes / tithes / whatever.”

Many with Maori ancestry possibly do, but the majority probably don’t. I tend to make a distinction between the entitlement activists and the majority of those with Maori ancestry despite the activists claiming to speak for them. The reality is the majority of those with Maori ancestry aren’t spoken for by activists who feel entitled simply because a long time ago some portion of their ancestry was here as part of the initial cohort of people. The majority just keep on keeping on.

I guess it’s similar to the famous question: “Can the subaltern speak?” There are people in power claiming to speak for the majority, but the reality is they are superimposing their own desires over those with the same ancestry in order for gains to their system. Gain to the system as opposed to the actual people within it; that is to say, they gain property, rights, money, whatever for themselves and the tribe (the system and those who head it), but the majority of that does little for the proverbial man in the street. Not nothing – they need to be able to make claim that they are helping the proverbial man in the street rather than just enriching their own interests.

Often the little will not actually take anything away from them as they advocate special rights for those with Maori ancestry. This is so when the man in the street starts to say, “What have you, the movement or the tribe that I link my ancestry to, done for me and mine?”, they can, for example, say “Well, we advocated for quotas of those with Maori ancestry in limited entry courses at universities to ensure that there are Maori doctors/lawyers/whatever.” (Quotas to my knowledge are not mandatory, but some universities have them.) Thus they appear to be concerned about the man in the street.

It’s why there is an industry and ridiculous claims such as those for airwaves and the like, rather than people trying to settle once and for all.

Call it the cynical view if you want.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 12:12pm
Repton

@Pete, so we need to better understand something that is probable, but the results are inevitable?

So, yes, over dramatising IMO. But I’m no longer surprised by that.

Well, it’s not necessarily a contradiction — there could be a consensus that Greenland and Antarctic glaciers are melting, which will necessarily lead to sea-level rise, but they haven’t reached consensus on the most probable rate of melting.

Although of course, the story has by now been filtered through at least one newspaper, which means the scientists have been interpreted by non-scientists with a bias for hyping things up … so who knows what they really think?
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 12:20pm
Repton

A recently released study has determined that 23 out of 30 Pacific Islands are growing, so yes, it’s overdramatising.

What study is this?
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 12:21pm
Inventory2

From Judith Tizard

I was hosting a dinner. I didn’t want New Zealand to be seen fussing about what were small issues.“

http://keepingstock.blogspot.com/2010/06/buy-new-zealand-made-yeah-right.html

With an attitude like that to the nickel and dime stuff, is it any wonder that our pollies have a problem managing the macro stuff?
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 12:25pm
krazykiwi

@Repton – take your pick.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 12:44pm
RightNow

Repton, Pacific Islands mostly not shrinking: from TVNZ http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/nz-research-shows-pacific-islands-not-shrinking-3577883

The study found only 4 out of 27 islands had actually shrunk, while more had in fact gained in area
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 12:44pm
cabbage

I doubt if homosexual men have an interest in ’straight’ men

Actually, i know many homosexual men who do quite relish the ‘sport’ of ‘scoring’ a straight man.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 12:55pm
JiveKitty

On the grandmother jailed for grand-daughter’s death, I ask: What is the likely consequence of deliberately hitting somebody hard enough to cause a subdural haematoma, or brain bleeding?

I suggest firstly that as there is a law against hitting children – which was highly publicised – there is knowledge that one should not hit children. Secondly, I suggest that even before the law, it did not extend to protection for hitting a child in such a manner that they would receive severe head injuries. Thirdly, I suggest if one hits a child that hard, a likely result is death. Finally, I suggest that given the combination of a law which prohibits physical punishment of a child and the action of deliberately hitting a child that hard, given one of the likely results, there is malice aforethought.

Another question I feel it’s pertinent to ask: is the charge and the sentence a deterrent to the individual and the general public?

Guilty plea to manslaughter and a sentence of five years and nine months. Probably released in a little over three years for good behaviour.

I suggest that in the case of this individual, it is probably a deterrent. However, in the more general sense of deterrence I suggest that the plea for manslaughter being accepted is not. Too often, it seems, manslaughter pleas or even manslaughter charges are accepted those who harm children in an egregious manner. This fails as a deterrent effect. The stigma of manslaughter is far less than the stigma of murder. If the charge was murder, regardless of degree, I suggest there may be a more significant deterrent effect on potential offenders.

I know there are some legal eagles here. Can you please explain to me where I am wrong?
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 12:59pm
Pete George

It’s sorta normal for coral islands to grow. Also volcanic islands. And it’s not uncommon for other land masses to be pushed upwards, especially on the edge of colliding plates (like the Southern Alps).

Key issues are whether they can outgrow rising sea levels, and whether the coral will stay alive if the water temperatures rise.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 12:59pm
Repton

Repton, Pacific Islands mostly not shrinking: from TVNZ http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/nz-research-shows-pacific-islands-not-shrinking-3577883

Ah, that is interesting.

Points from the article:
1. Sea levels are rising, currently averaging 2mm/year over the last 60 years.
2. Rising sea levels will not necessarily drown the islands, because the islands are growing due to other factors — notably, slow continuous growth from eroding coral, and occasional dumps of sediment from cyclones.
3. 23 of the 27 islands measured have not shrunk, and seven have grown by 3% or more over the past 60 years.

Not quite the message I got from Sonny Blount’s post (which I thought implied that the islands were growing because sea levels were falling). If I were the leader of a small pacific island, I think I’d still agree with this:

“Unless we better understand the probable melt rate of ice in Antarctica and Greenland we haven’t a hope of being adequately prepared for the inevitable sea level rise in the decades ahead.”
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 1:01pm
Repton

It’s also good news for all those internet companies that bought .tv domain names, since Tuvalu is one country commonly considered at risk of disappearing 🙂
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 1:02pm
mawm

Russell Norman has Tibetan flag ripped out of his hands by Chinese VP’s security. Big hoo-hah at parly now. Norman is a twit being deliberately provocative now protesting about anti-democratic behavior of Chinese……like he would not recognize democracy if it bit him in the bum.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 1:06pm
big bruv

Red Russ roughed up by Chinese security.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/3825646/MPs-Tibet-protest-flag-removed

Pity the Chinese did not deal with him in a more forceful manner.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 1:16pm
krazykiwi

@Repton – These are worth a look too: Sea Level Rises…What Sea Level Rises?, and NZers misled by unfounded sea level claims

Note that Nils-Axel Morner is the former emeritus head of the paleogeophysics and geodynamics department at Stockholm University.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 1:25pm
kevin_mcm

head over to interest.co.nz and see the Jon Stewart clip from the 10 for 10 today – absolutely amazingly funny. Read the rest of the items if you want to become seriously depressed (as per normal)
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 1:27pm
krazykiwi

Pity the Chinese did not deal with him in a more forceful manner

No market for his organs 😀
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 1:27pm
Grant

Light humour….

Mr. Jones booking into a hotel asks the receptionist “Is the Porn channel in my room disabled?”

“No,” she replies “it’s just regular porn you sick bastard.”

G
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 1:53pm
Chicken Little

Sea levels are rising, currently averaging 2mm/year over the last 60 years.

Who give a fuck?

The point is that NOTHING in climate or in the effects of climate change is static. It’s always changed, and it always will.

What these 2500 esteemed scientists need to show is how much of any change can be DIRECTLY attributed to man, by show I mean empirical evidence from actual observation not some bullshit ‘what if’ scenario dialed into their computer models.

As has been recently shown by viking burial sites uncovered by receding ice in Greenland the ice level and presumably temperature were higher in the early centuries of the last millennium prior to any major man-made pollution. Thats only 1000 – 1200 years ago. Funnily enough the same time the migration/s of proto-Maori are thought to have occurred. Within a couple of hundred years Maori had stopped doing large ocean voyages. Why? Climate change? Ocean currents changing? Enough resources here? Who knows but they never started it again and the art of building sea going canoes was lost.

There are multiple spots around the world where previous civilisations have had to move to higher ground because of rising sea levels, again prior to any major man made pollution. In fact the reason anthropologists have such a hard time tracking mans spread around the planet back in the day is because in some areas sea levels have risen by as much as 120 meters and as the seaside gave early man a much better choice of resources thats where he lived. All lying under water now.

From the story PG linked to –

Rather there will be a cumulative, run-away effect as the greenhouse influence raises ocean temperatures, shifts ocean currents and alters the frequency of climatic events

That is post normal science at it’s best. Obviously this ‘cumulative, run-away effect’ is well documented and highly proven in multiple peer reviewed papers? No? Oh….they just made it up. This is exactly the type of crap that needs to stop. This is not science.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 1:54pm
Poliwatch

Does anyone know what Judith Tizard is doing at the moment?

No doubt she has found some suitable trough to slop around in but really not sure what it would be given that Labour doesn’t really want her around. Perhaps she is representing the Unemployed.

Can anyone help?
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 1:54pm
Sonny Blount

(which I thought implied that the islands were growing because sea levels were falling)

Well that would be the normal presumptuous thinking of an AGW acolyte. It is another case of there being far more going on in nature than co2 concentrations, and if the net effect is islands aren’t disappearing then the histrionics can be ended.

BTW, the natural cycle of sea levels during interglacials reaches at least 4 -6 metres higher than today, so until this threshold is exceeded, no anthropogenic effects are demonstrable and no compensation will be forthcoming for island nations.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eemian
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 2:29pm
RightNow

Repton said: “Not quite the message I got from Sonny Blount’s post (which I thought implied that the islands were growing because sea levels were falling).”

Sonny Blount said: “A recently released study has determined that 23 out of 30 Pacific Islands are growing, so yes, it’s overdramatising.” (in response to something Pete George posted)

Anything I’m missing Repton? I’d prefer not to jump to conclusions about you without you having the chance to defend yourself.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 2:31pm
Sonny Blount

I think what could be done for those island nations that expect to be ‘rescued’ from AGW, is all fossil fuel powered shipments to and from them should cease.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 2:37pm
Pete George

The growing of islands has nothing to do with sea levels falling and little or nothing to do with climate change – although it’s possible temperature changes affect coral growth and deterioration rates.

BTW, the natural cycle of sea levels during interglacials reaches at least 4 -6 metres higher than today, so until this threshold is exceeded, no anthropogenic effects are demonstrable

That sounds like nonsense, it’s quite feasible for anthropogenic effects to be demonstrated long before historic maximums are reached (albeit difficult due to complexity of related systems).
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 2:44pm
Manolo

U.S. bureaucracy and red-tape gone mad:

Coast Guard Orders Barges to Stop

“The Coast Guard came and shut them down,” Jindal said. “You got men on the barges in the oil, and they have been told by the Coast Guard, ‘Cease and desist. Stop sucking up that oil.'”

A Coast Guard representative told ABC News today that it shares the same goal as the governor.
“We are all in this together. The enemy is the oil,” said Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Dan Lauer.

But the Coast Guard ordered the stoppage because of reasons that Jindal found frustrating. The Coast Guard needed to confirm that there were fire extinguishers and life vests on board, and then it had trouble contacting the people who built the barges.“
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 2:49pm
Sonny Blount

The growing of islands has nothing to do with sea levels falling and little or nothing to do with climate change

I think you mean climate change has little or nothing to do with the growth of islands.

That sounds like nonsense, it’s quite feasible for anthropogenic effects to be demonstrated long before historic maximums are reached

Really? You would have to know precisley what all of the natural influences are and when they occur. Having a broad term to describe effects such as ‘milankovich cylces’ does not mean we precisely understand or know all of them.

So tell me Pete, when will we enter the next glacialiation cycle, what will the sea level be and what will the rate of change to that point and then to maximum glaciation be?

Also what will cause the next glaciation and please describe how you know that your explanation comprises the complete range of effects.

Once your predictions have been proven correct, you will have some credibility.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 3:03pm
Pete George

I didn’t realise you had to know everything to prove anything. All science must have no credibility.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 3:23pm
tom hunter

One solution to the problem of the Gulf Spill and the US Presidency

change the job description of the Presidency

What can Obama do well? He can give speeches and say positive things. Can’t we make it so the presidency involves only doing that? We wouldn’t be the first country to do it; in Israel, the president is basically an apolitical, ceremonial figurehead.
……
It would be perfect for him; he’d be like our own Queen of England.
……
Either way, once we get it done, think of how much better a president we’ll have. With the oil spill, he’ll go to a beach and look all concerned and vow that action must be taken, and then we’ll have to agree he’s doing a great job as president because you wouldn’t expect a figurehead to do anything more than that. And as for the economy, Obama would go on TV and say, “We will create more jobs. We will have a strong economy again. Yes we can!”

I’m having dinner tonight with an old and beloved friend who’s in from the US for a few weeks. It will be interesting to see if the KoolAid has worn off. Either way, it’s going to be fun time.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 3:25pm
chiz

RRM:Why not claim ownership of the red frequencies of visible light also?

They should claim gravity as a Taonga then sue the hydropower people.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 3:47pm
krazykiwi

@Chick Little 1:54pm – Here’s an example of a submerged city: BBC News: Lost city ‘could rewrite history’.

36m beneath the sea, thought to be 9000 years old. Simple maths (ie devoid of any IPCC-style ‘adjustments’) puts average, natural sea-level rises at ~4mm/yr over that period.

Actual, measured rises in recent times have been approaching 0mm, meaning rate has probably been much higher long before mankind had the hubris to think we could control the earth’s climate.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 4:13pm
Pete George

Krazy, if the 9000 year date is accurate-ish the rate of sea level rise would have been much greater then as there would have been massive melt from the recent ice age, so simple maths averages over the whole period are meaningless.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 4:28pm
krazykiwi

@Pete – Noted, and the BBC story says as much.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 4:32pm
Fletch

In today’s Hitler spoof video, Hitler is annoyed by the Vuvuzela soccer horns 😀
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 5:32pm
Repton

Repton said: “Not quite the message I got from Sonny Blount’s post (which I thought implied that the islands were growing because sea levels were falling).”

Sonny Blount said: “A recently released study has determined that 23 out of 30 Pacific Islands are growing, so yes, it’s overdramatising.” (in response to something Pete George posted)

Anything I’m missing Repton? I’d prefer not to jump to conclusions about you without you having the chance to defend yourself.

Well, start with Pete George’s post, which quotes an article saying sea levels are rising, and asks if it is overdramatising.

Sonny Blount replies saying “Yes, it’s overdramatising because Pacific Islands are growing”, according to a “recently released study” which he didn’t supply.

So I thought that the study must show that islands are growing because sea levels are falling — else, why bring it up? The original article was about rising sea levels, not about shrinking coral islands.

I’m not sure what conclusion you want to draw about me from all this.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 5:54pm
Luc Hansen

The Friday haiku

despair in the gulf
BP deep pockets short arms
Tony gets life back?

Apologies for the late post – and my recent absence: it’s been a busy week.

A quick glance through today’s GD reassured me that the many deranged regulars are alive and well. God bless them. They reassure the rest of us of our sanity.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 6:44pm
JiveKitty

BP and the Gulf: http://www.theonion.com/articles/massive-flow-of-bullshit-continues-to-gush-from-bp,17564/ 😀
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 7:03pm
Pete George

Not the only bullshit that’s been flowing. Obama has struggled to deal with it practically and politically. But a major clanger today from Republican congressman Joe Barton:

“I’m ashamed of what happened in the White House yesterday. I think it is a tragedy in the first proportion, that a private corporation can be subjected to what I would characterize as a shakedown – in this case a $20bn shakedown.”

“I’m only speaking for myself. I’m not speaking for anyone else, but I apologise. I do not want to live in a county where anytime a citizen or a corporation does something that is legitimately wrong, it is subject to some sort of political pressure that is, again, in my words, amounts to a shakedown. So I apologise.”

Republicans with districts bordering on the Gulf publicly denounced Barton. “I condemn Mr Barton’s statement. Mr Barton’s remarks are out of touch with this tragedy,” said Republican Jeff Miller, who represents Pensacola in Florida, which has been hit by the effects of the spill.

Barton was summoned to a meeting with Republican leaders John Boehner and whip Eric Cantor, and told: “‘Apologise, immediately. Or you will lose your position, immediately.”

Barton’s office put out a statement that “retracted” his original apology to BP:

“I apologise for using the term ‘shakedown’ with regard to yesterday’s actions at the White House in my opening statement this morning, and I retract my apology to BP… I regret the impact that my statement this morning implied that BP should not pay for the consequences of their decisions and actions in this incident.”

http://joebartonwouldliketoapologize.com
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 7:35pm
Sonny Blount

I didn’t realise you had to know everything to prove anything. All science must have no credibility.

Before you can ascribe an effect to a single cause, you must determine that it does not have any other cause.

We simply don’t know all the effects that make up the shifts in our climate. Whatever forcings there are, always get reversed eventually.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 7:35pm
Viking2

Someone should ask Obama if he will shakedown Chevron and Esso for the efforts they have made in the Niger. Worse than this but further away.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 7:52pm
Luc Hansen

In this case, Sonny, “eventually” will be when there are not many of us around, especially us white fellas.

But we will all be CO2 by then, anyway, so who gives a fuck?

I continue to be amazed at the non-scientists who believe they know more about the climate system than the 2500 scientists mentioned in the Herald article.

And Sonny, our knowledge of the climate system is more complete than it ever has been, to the extent that the uncertainties are only about extent, not the event.

Tell me, exactly what are these unknown effects you know about?
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 7:53pm
Luc Hansen

Well said Viking2: I applaud you.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 7:54pm
philu

“..shakedown Chevron and Esso for the efforts they have made in the Niger..”

yeah..all the seven sisters are utter bitches….

phil(whoar.co.nz)
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 8:00pm
JiveKitty

“Before you can ascribe an effect to a single cause, you must determine that it does not have any other cause.”

I don’t believe it’s claimed humankind is the only driver. I thought the effect was ascribed to multiple causes with humankind just being a significant driver.

However, these are topics which interest me more today:

The Christian Fascists Are Growing Stronger (USA): http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/the_christian_fascists_are_growing_stronger_20100607/

Web snooping policy shrouded in secrecy (Aus): http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/web-snooping-policy-shrouded-in-secrecy-20100617-yi1u.html
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 8:04pm
philu

“..In today’s Hitler spoof video, Hitler is annoyed by the Vuvuzela soccer horns :D..”

that’s very funny…

phil(whoar.co.nz)
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 8:04pm
Sonny Blount

How about, what is the effect of aerosols on climate Luc?

Because all the models use a different made up forcing for aerosols in order to get them to approximate historical temperatures.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 8:06pm
Pete George

Before you can ascribe an effect to a single cause, you must determine that it does not have any other cause.

No one is trying to ascribe a single cause.

We simply don’t know all the effects that make up the shifts in our climate.

Correct, nor is anyone sure of the degree of affect that any have.

Whatever forcings there are, always get reversed eventually.

How do you know that?
How do you know if “eventually” is soon enough to avoid major problems?
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 8:24pm
JiveKitty

@Pete George: Wait, what? Some people are stupid, huh?
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 8:24pm
JiveKitty

@PG: Just to be clear, I was responding to your comment about Joe Barton.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 8:30pm
Hurf Durf

Hands up if you’re sick of hearing of the oil spill and the poor little pelicans and Big Bad Barky getting tough and angry.

O/
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 8:57pm
krazykiwi

The Kenyan checking out some ass 🙂
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 10:55pm
krazykiwi

And speaking on the president ‘looking the wrong way’… he’s coming in for a bit of criticism about his lack of action in respect of the oil spill, and he is seemingly unconcerned about the jibes about his golf efforts while the oil continues to flow.

Does anyone think that this might be a convenient way to build his case for his repeated, increasingly unpopular attempts to push climate legislation though?

“Last night President Obama reiterated his call for comprehensive energy and climate legislation to break our dependence on oil and fossil fuels. Next week he will be reaching out to senators on both sides of the aisle to chart a path forward.”

If the president of the Unites States wanted the oil to stop flowing then the problem would have been fixed by now IMO.
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 11:29pm
JiveKitty

I tend to favour the argument that actually responding would be too costly for the government of the USA, so leaving it primarily on BP’s plate and imposing penalties for failure to respond appropriately is the way to go.

This is from late May and sums it up fairly well:

“Another reason that BP may have retained control of the response to the crisis because of its ability to pay for it. If the government had taken control, it may have required a vast new emergency outlay, measured in the hundreds of billions. An outlay that could have pushed the US deficit up radically (to the $2 Trillion mark?) at the very moment another global financial crisis looms. For even if BP is legally liable for the clean up, they would likely be unwilling to open a checkbook for efforts that they didn’t completely control. In contrast, the ability to extract that money forcibly via a tortuous legal process would take years.”

I posted a link to the full article in the “Editorials” thread today, but I’ll chuck the link here: http://globalguerrillas.typepad.com/globalguerrillas/2010/05/journal-no-more-katrinas.html
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 18, 2010 11:39pm
Luc Hansen

If the president of the Unites States wanted the oil to stop flowing then the problem would have been fixed by now IMO.

Krazykiwi strikes again (admittedly late last night, probably after a few…)

But has he ever heard of King Canute?

What’s Obama going to do? Dive down like Superman and block the well with kryptonite?
0 0
Log in to Reply
Report
June 19, 2010 8:11am

Add a Comment Cancel reply

Login to comment or vote

« The SOE challenge

Reduce funding, don’t sack »

Donations

You can now donate to Kiwiblog

Exclusive content from DPF on Patreon

Become a Patron!

Never miss a post

Email Address

Join 37.4K other subscribers

Highlights

Health Target 5 – elective treatments
Health Target 4 – Specialist appointments
Health Target 3 – Emergency Dept Waiting Times
Health Target 2 – Immunisations

Links

Property Rights for “Sesame Street”
Not PC
Word of the day
Hompaddock
Watts will be bracing for the cold in Antarctica while Luxon is bracing for a White House change (and Trump’s taste for tariffs)
Point of Order
Justice Department Indicts Alleged Swatters of Turley, Members of Congress, and Others
Utopia
BISHOP BRIAN TAMAKI
No Punches Pulled (Bob Jones)
There seems a consensus that the COP series currently in Azerbaijan is transfer of wealth from richer to poorer?
No Minister
Green Party out of the woke frying pan into the woke fire
The Daily Blog
Open mike 25/11/2024
The Standard
Treaty Principles Debate
NZCPR
Justice in Brazil
No Right Turn
The transgender agenda sunk Kamala
Bob McCoskrie's McBlog
What does “reciprocity” mean in New Zealand laws?
Croaking Cassandra
Media Link: “A View from Afar” on the US elections.
Kiwipolitico
This will not end well
Offsetting Behaviour
Top 14 Predictions for Round 10
Stats Chat
Tory Whanau may have to sell Wellington mayoralty to make ends meet
The Civilian
The Accidental Engagement
Imperator Fish
Legal Beagle: Election '23: The Special Votes
Public Address
Making this movie might have been a mistake
Liam Hehir
Why I am retiring from political blogging
Kiwi FireWalker
Angie Warren-Clark: Meet the Newbies
Dan Moskovitz

editor@kiwiblog.co.nz

PO Box 12270, Thorndon, Wellington 6144

Facebook
Twitter
FourSquare
Instagram
LinkedIn
Google+

Archives
Disclosure Statement
Editorial Policy
Privacy Policy
Complaints Policy
Comments Policy

Design by cre8d