The Green religion

Mike Moore writes that a British judge has determined that employees can take their employers to court on the grounds that they were discriminated against because of their views on climate change. The judge ruled that an employee's green views should be protected under legislation that makes it unlawful to discriminate because of someone's religious beliefs.

Does that mean if your Green beliefs are based on a Christian religion, and you are successful in court, that you get double reparation because they have discriminated on two grounds? Even if God exists and climate change doesn't.

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BIRCH LEADS KIWI ONE-TWO IN LESOTHO

BABOONS LESOTHO SUN ROOF OF AFRICA - 26 to 28 November 2009
BIRCH SAVES THE BEST FOR LAST AND SMASHES THE FIELD ON FINAL DAY
After the previous day's soul destroying 10-hour session of extreme enduro riding, front running competitors had another almost ten-hour day on a shortened route starting at 06:00 on the final day, with the first man home at 15:40.
“This is by far the toughest race I have ever done,”commented New Zealand’s Rory Mead, who finished second overall in his maiden race on a 250ccYamaha, behind his countrymen and defending champion Chris Birch.
Birch, riding a 300cc KTM, almost had drama that cost him the race. He was the first rider on the route; at a T-junction he went the wrong way.
To rectify the problem, once he realised he was in the wrong, he drove out of the stage, returned to the start at Roma and re-started the race after discussing the problem with the organizers. He then took off like a man possessed, and managed to outride the entire field on corrected time, making it a New Zealand one-two for the 2009 Baboons Lesotho Sun Roof of Africa.
Having won the race by 45 minutes last year, Birch returned with the knowledge that he was under pressure to defend his title, but was confident that he was well prepared to do so. However, he managed to outride second placed Mead by a massive 2 hours and 14 minutes, placing him way up in a class of his own in the 43 year old history of the Roof of Africa. Andreas Lettenbichler (Germany) rode exceptionally well and left many people in awe with his astounding skill and the way he mastered mountain passes where others really struggled.
He had serious drama and was very disappointed in his maiden event, when he was forced to stop in the last 25 km as a result of technical problem, whilst leading the race on the road, ahead of his team-mate Jade Gutzeit (South Africa), who ended up in third place overall on corrected time with the big G450X BMW only 12 secondsbehind Mead.
Indicating just how exceptionally difficult the race really was, only 23 competitors of the 102 starters, doing the full event, finished the race, with a number of riders spending Friday night out in the mountains, accommodated by the local communities in their villages.
“These people are fantastic. They gave us food, place to sleep, and really took care of us, although we really struggled to communicate, but I quite enjoyed it out there,” said one of the competitors after finishing.
Chris Birch commented after the finish:
“It was really tough, I am not as tired as yesterday, but I worked hard today. All I could do when I re-started was to focus and ride my absolute best, but I am very happy to take the trophy home this year.”
On corrected times the official winners of the 2009 Roof of Africa are:1. Chris Birch (New Zealand) on a KTM2. Rory Mead (New Zealand) on a Yamaha3. Jade Gutzeit (South Africa) on a BMW

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So did we need to remove Section 59?

A woman who assaulted her three children over a 21 month period with weapons that included a jug cord, tent pole, belt and wooden spoon during various incidents in Napier, Gisborne and Invercargill has been jailed for 3 and a half years. One of the people hit was a one-year-old boy.

So cases like this is why why section 59 of the Crimes Act, removing the defence of reasonable force for correction, had to go from the statute books, right?

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Nobody wants to be Labour's leader

Phil Goff' support has halved in the latest ONE News Colmar-Brunton poll. Only 5% like Goff, and that was before the awful speech last week. Shane Jones doesn't want to be Labour's leader yet. National is on 53%, Labour slips back to 31%, the Greens bounce back to 7%, the Maori Party's on 3% and ACT on 2%.

If Goff's support drops any further, it will be within the margin of error. When did that last happen to any National or Labour leader? Perhaps its time for Charles Chauvel to run a Facebook campaign for a leader. I hear Chauvel is quite good on Facebook.

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Aishwarya Rai As Mumtaz Mahal

After essaying the role of Maharani Jodhaa, Aishwarya Rai will be seen in yet another role of a queen – the beautiful yet powerful Mumtaz Mahal in whose memory King Shah Jahan made the eternal symbol of love – Taj Mahal.

This project will be Hollywood actor Sir Ben Kingsley’s home production where he will play Emperor Shah Jahan and Aishwarya Rai will play his lady love. This film will be made on a whooping budget of $25 to $30 million.
British novelist and playwright David Ashton will be scripting the story for this film and Kingsley confirms the news.
“With my passion for India, and the Taj Mahal one of the Seven Wonders of the World, I am compelled to ask ‘why’ and ‘how’ this scream of grief frozen in marble came into being,” said Sir Ben when asked about the reason of this initiative.

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Ranbir wanted to be like Hrithik

When Ranbir Kapoor was planning to make a entry into the world of Bollywood, his idol was not his grandfather or any other Kapoor, it was Hrithik Roshan.

When Ranbir saw Kaho Na Pyaar Hai as a young lad, he came across a fan who saw Hrithik and said, “Yeh to heera hai, heera”.
since then Ranbir wanted to be like Hrithik, and when he made his debut with Saawariya he wanted his staff to call him Heera.
To encourage Ranbir, his spot boy, Inder after every shot Ranbir gave, he said, “Yeh to Heera hai, Heera”
Well after hits like Wake up Sid and Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, we will also say – Yeh to Heera hai, Heera!

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Disabled for life for wetting his bed

This story highlights either why some people are not able to be parents, don't deserve to be parents, or should not have so many kids. Or all three. And when "faith healers" tell abusers like this woman to get an ambulance, they are obviously not faith healers.

Abuse like this is sickening. And its got nothing to do with section 59 of the Crimes Act, either.As far as I know, no Samoans have used or succeeded in using the defence when brought before the courts because such people don't discipline their kids, they abuse them.

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Goff’s Nationhood speech

Rather than do an immediate post on Goff’s Nationhood speech, I thought I’d wait rather than attack Goff for a racist speech that Shane Jones vetted before delivery.

What Goff appeared to want to do is open up a split within the Māori Party at the same time as divide a wedge between the Māori Party and National. He wanted to play the race card, but in a non-racist way. His speech was not racist like Brash’s 2004 Nationhood speech, but Goff pulls on the same strings, articulating a latent belief that Māori were getting special treatment at the expense of other New Zealanders.

Goff may be correct in calling the emissions trading scheme a “shabby “political deal, (twice), but it is a bit rich saying that it will harm New Zealanders for generations to come when he has said that Labour will repeal the ETS when in power, thus minimising that harm.

Goff attacked John Keys leadership, saying it would lead to a country with "one New Zealander turned against another, Maori against Pakeha". Yet Labour has led the way on this. In addition, it has now withdrawn an offer to create enduring consensus over the Foreshore and Seabed legislation.

Perhaps Goff wants to see the Māori Party destroyed - hence the hope of engineering that destruction - as he sees it as the only way Labour can form a government in 2011. Like Helen Clark before him, he could well be willing to reopen wounds in race relations to gain power, and use the race card to expose any rifts between National the Māori Party as they appear, in the hope that NZ First will come back in 2011. And that is a real pity.

Sure, the Treaty of Waitangi settlement process should not be used as a basis for privileged treatment of certain iwi, thus causing disagreement among Māori - but Goff’s speech was not exactly about kotahitanga either. His unsubstantiated implication was that Key’s lack of criticism of Harawira’s mofo comments was because he wanted to get this “shabby political deal” enacted.

Goff’s comments that the Foreshore and Seabed legislation that deprived Māori to go to court was ‘working well’ is contrary to Labour’s submission to the Foreshore and Seabed Ministerial review. It’s a U-turn in Labour policy. Warning that repeal would make ‘wounds fester’ was a politically irresponsible statement to make, given that it was Labour who did the wounding that initiated the formation of the Māori Party.

Labour still sees the Māori Party as the last cab off the rank. Now that the party is bleeding supporters who are looking for another cab; will they go to a party that is happy to exercise wedge politics to open up a boiling pot in race relations, ask questions and demand change in Māori Party leadership, or be politically apathetic.

Goff, in trying to articulate concerns about emerging problems seems unable to offer practical solutions to problems in race relations and unfair treatment.

But that’s what is needed now. Extending a narrative to touch a nerve for short –term exposure is not going to do much. Labour needs a new leader - and quickly.

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Hone Harawira is an "utter irrelevance"

Would be interested to see what others think of Gerry Brownlee's views on Hone Harawira:

Hone Harawira is an utter irrelevance.... a lowly backbencher of no account whatsoever.

Is Harawira an effective MP or is he an irrelevance?

Also, what was Phil Goff trying to do here? There will be a lot of comment around the blogs and talkback on this speech. What a mistake.

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Labour will repeal National's ETS: Goff

Phil Goff has confirmed that a future Labour government will repeal Nationals Emissions Trading Scheme - just like National confirmed, before the election, that it would repeal Labours Electoral Finance Act. Goff says the deal is at the expense of taxpayers.

“If you are only looking at the narrow pork barrel politics of your own business and not the overall well being of the community, Maori and Pakeha, you’re not worried about the taxpayer who’s paying for it and you’re not worried about the legal opinions that are ignored to suit a dirty political deal, you might say that.

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ALL ROADS LEAD TO INVERCARGILL

All roads lead to Southland for the nation's motorcyclists this weekend as the annual Burt Munro Challenge gets underway for another year.

The four-day weekend of activity includes the Bluff Hill Climb today, the New Zealand Beach Racing Championships on Friday, the Teretonga Sprint Races on Saturday and the Wyndham Street Race on Sunday.

A record number of competitors and rally-goers are expected in Invercargill for the Burt Munro Challenge and organisers are also expecting about 2000 motorcycle enthusiasts to turn up to the rally at Oreti Park.

Beach race organiser Steve Winteringham said he was impressed with the "record number of helpers" who had come forward this year.

"We have about 40 people willing to work at Oreti Beach to make this a success.

"Titles will be decided over an 800-metre oval course -- that we've actually moved along the beach this year to avoid the Toaroa shellfish beds … we're thinking of the environment -- and it should again be a highlight of the weekend.

"As well as the national beach racing titles, there will also be races for ATV and super quads. We hope to make them national titles next season," he said.

Top beach race title contenders include Taranaki's Mitch Rowe, the former national 500cc motocross champion who now dedicates his time to racing super motard, and Invercargill's Greg Baynes.

Road-racing legend Brian Bernard, of Wanganui, is also entered this year and he should be a threat.

Also expect to see strong performances again from Christchurch's Jason Feaver, Nelson's Roger Middlebrook, Auckland's Bruce Fraser and Queenstown's Trevor Keast.

In addition to all the race action, the revolutionary New Zealand superbike that broke four world records will be in Invercargill for the weekend.

One of the legendary Britten V1000s – built by the late motorcycle engineering genius John Britten – will be in the city.

Built in the early 1990s, the Britten motorcycle has become a world-class racing bike and is extremely rare with only 10 of the distinctive fluorescent pink and blue bikes ever built.

Burt Munro Challenge steering committee chairman Wayne Affleck said motorcycle enthusiasts would have a chance to get close to the Britten, as well as former top superbike riders, Andrew Stroud and Aaron Slight, at an evening at Ascot Park Hotel tonight.

The programme of events is:

* Thursday: Bluff Hill Climb At Flagstaff Rd, Bluff. Racing starts 11am. Night with Aaron Slight and Andrew Stroud Ascot Park Hotel, 7.30pm
* Friday: Burt Munro Challenge Beach Racing and New Zealand Championships Oreti Beach, from 5pm
* Saturday: Burt Munro Challenge Teretonga Sprint Races Teretonga Raceway, from 9am Burt Munro Challenge Speedway Spectacular Oreti Park Speedway, from 5pm
* Sunday: Burt Munro Challenge Wyndham Street Race Wyndham, from 10am

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Aishwarya Rai Wallpapers

                                                         Aishwarya Rai Wallpapers

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Deepika chops hair for Kartik Calling Kartik

Those who thought the leggy lass Deepika Padukone is out of sight nowadays or she is avoiding media after her split with Ranbeer Kapoor are wrong. Because the reason behind her vanishing act is the new look she has got for Kartik Calling Kartik, which she didn’t want to reveal. Deepika has chopped her waist length
hair to the shoulders for the film.
In KWC, she co-stars with Farhan Akhtar. She is playing role of an interior designer in the film and the script demands her to be in a particular look. Deepika was first hesitant to do so, but director Vijay Lalwani and Audhuna, the celebrity hairstylist and Farhan’s wife convinced her to go for it. “They thought with my height, I would be able to carry it off well,” said Deepika.
“I last chopped my hair when I was eight,” she added.
Before the hair cut Deepika put a condition to the director that she will chop her hair only if he will shave his head bald. “He didn’t do that, but he saw to it that he was present in the salon so that I don’t back offat the last moment,” said the actress with a smile.
Meanwhile people including her parents, who have seen her in new avatar, have liked it. “Everybody says it looks good on me and makes me look younger,” she said.
Talking about her role in the film, she said, “The scriptwriter had a certain image in mind when he wrote my character Shonali. So I had to do justice to the role.”
She is happy with the new haircut and thinks that ‘Change is good’.

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Newcomer Pratik made Aamir to wait

Everyone knows that Aamir Khan is perfectionist and no one dare to mess with him when it comes to work. However, Pratik Babbar who is just one film old and also the son of Raj Babbar and Smita Patil dare to do this recently on the sets of Dhobi Ghat. He made the film unit wait endlessly on the sets of the film. Not only
that but he didn’t even inform anybody about his absence for the day. Eventually, the days shooting was called off and Aamir had to go back home. Dhobi Ghat is Aamir’s wife Kiran Rao’s directorial debut.
Revealing about the incident, a unit member said, “Frantic efforts to trace Pratik were made, but of no avail. Officials from Aamir Khan Productions made repeated calls to Pratik’s mobile, but nobody could trace him that day.”
After some time, the film unit got to know that the actor is in Goa. Moreover, the film’s shooting was cancelled for next two days due to his absence. “It was very strange of Pratik to go to Goa. He is often spaced-out,” added the source.
However on his return, Aamir gave him a piece of words. He said, “Aise kaam nahin chalega. Please try and understand.” Then onwards Pratik has not dared to skip informally.

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Amrita is busy

Amrita Rao has a tight schedule for a month ahead. She will meet and greet Sir Ben Kingsley at IFFI event in Goa and will also walk red carpet along with co-star Neil Nitin Mukesh for promotion of Amol Palekar’s
venture And Once Again. Amu will also walk ramp as a showstopper for a fashion show to be happen at the event.

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Minissha’s loss is Dia’s gain

According to source, Minissha Lamba was first offered the role Dia Mirza played in Kurbaan. But, she opts out because it demanded her to lip lock with co-star Vivek Oberoi. This is strange with the bold actress who
recently had created heat with her bikini act. However, Dia didn’t have any problem romancing Vivek, with whom she worked previously in Dum.
Meanwhile, Minissha is coming up with a role, sporting gun. Guess what? Some people prefer guns over roses.

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Democracy or demoCoskrie?

There’s been a few rumours running around about the March for Democracy held during the weekend. A little one was there was only 1000 at the march. The biggest one was that $450,000 was spent on it. As David Farrar notes, spending an average of $100 a head to get 5000 or so marchers is not an encouraging turnout when $450,000 was spent.

Except $450,000 was not spent.

I was told by Family First's Bob McCoskrie, one of the march organisers, that the amount was around $200,000; so it was closer to $40-$50 a head for the march. The aim of the march was to protest against the government’s lack of responsiveness to certain referenda that got a high percentage of support for change.

March funder Colin Craig, who also supports Act MP John Boscawen's members bill aiming to alter smacking laws, was asked by a a TVNZ reporter what he hoped to achieve:

"What is your main agenda here? What do you want to see changed?"

"What I want to see changed is I want to see the government of New Zealand listen to large votes from the people of this country."

"Does that mean you want to see citizens initiated referendums become binding?"

"I don't have that agenda."

Craig may publicly deny he has that agenda, but he certainly supports that opinion: he wants to see citizens initiated referenda become binding. All the people in the organising committee for the March for Democracy are united in that view. Perhaps Craig's response was an understanding that binding citizens initiated referenda are unpopular with decision -makers, and he didn’t want to admit that the march was framed as one promoting democracy to purposely avoid the less palatable framing of binding referenda. Furthermore if a significant majority of votes - lets say two-thirds - support a certain position, many, if not all march organisers consider that the wishes of the people should trump representative democracy, even if the aggregate wishes of the people are in conflict with what parliament determines to be the voters’ best wishes.

In other words, in these situations, unlike Auckland Law School lecturer Richard Ekins, they believe that Parliament should be told how to legislate. Furthermore they believe that Parliament should be accountable for these laws, even when passing laws based on biding referenda that they don’t agree are in the best interests of those whom they are representing.

Although McCoskrie told me that a referendum with two-third’s majority support should be translated to legislation irrespective of the size of the turnout, he was less clear, when prompted, as to what he expected the Government to do if 28 percent of voters participated in a referendum and of those, a higher percentage wanted a law change. That is not a mandate for change. Perhaps that is why the March for Democracy focused on referenda that both had larger turnouts and achieved more than 80% of the vote. It looks a bit silly promoting binding referenda when fewer than one in three voters participate.

Despite what some have said, McCoskrie has not turned his back on proportional representation. He doesn’t want to go back to First Past the Post: neither does he support MMP as it currently stands. His electoral system preference is STV. This is perhaps because, as he admits, he hasn't yet thought through the changes that can occur to make MMP work to his liking, and STV is more likely to eliminate vote wastage. His bugbear is that too many representatives are getting whipped for conscience votes. He clearly sees a distinction between getting whipped by party leaders and getting whipped by referenda voters, but considers that a good whipping by voters is more democratic than one by a party whip.

That’s because he believes citizen self-interest trumps the self-interest of governing representatives. But as Robert Dahl would say, who governs?

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Interesting interview with Shane Jones on the ETS

Update And a fantastic speech as well. When is Shane Jones going to be the leader of the Labour Party?

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BIKERS RAISE THOUSANDS FOR CHARITY

Bikers from all over the country attending last Tuesday's "BIKEOI" raised $3,264.70 toward a new Emergency Response ambulance for the Wellington Free Ambulance.

Westpac Trust Stadium staff stood on the Fran Wilde Walk wearing Hi-Vis vests and carrying ever heavier buckets as motorcyclists parked and walked past the collectors on their way to Parliament.

Organisers say that it is an approach they would like to continue at future protests with proceeds going to relevant local charities.

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Name suppression: Now Key knows, everyone wants to know

Now that John Key knows the name of the entertainer whose name is suppressed, heaps of people who don’t yet know want to find out. They are using the Internet to do so.

John Key has made a mockery of our suppression laws by telling the country he knows who this man is. Meaning he has aroused the nations curiousity. No doubt he's relaxed about that. If he knows, why shouldn't everyone else? Why doesn’t he just put a law through (under urgency) stating that if people publicly name such people, it will not be in the public interest to proceed with a prosecution.

He’s done it before.

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How to announce new funding without providing new funding

Ann Tolley makes an announcement: $8 million boost for high-performing polytechnics

Tertiary Education Minister Anne Tolley has announced that 12 polytechnics and institutes of technology are to provide up to 700 new student places following an $8 million funding boost."This additional funding for 2010, part of the Government's Youth Opportunities package, will help these institutions cope with forecast enrolment growth"

Looks like the government is announcing new funding. But it is not new funding. Tolley made a similar announcement in August

An $8 million funding boost will help high-performing polytechnics and institutes of technology collectively provide up to 700 new places to help cope with forecast enrolment growth next year, Tertiary Education Minister Anne Tolley announced today.

"This one-off funding will be available to deal with expected increases in student enrolments in 2010 resulting from the impact of the economic downturn on youth employment opportunities," Mrs Tolley says.

It wouldn't have taken very long to write today's media release I`m sure. Just change "one-off funding" to "additional funding", to make it look like a one-off announcement of additional funding for polytechs that are not as high performing as they were initally made out to be - but still have caps on student numbers.

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Hone Harawira to stay with Maori Party

The Maori Party has announced that Hone Harawira is to stay with the Maori Party but be suspended from caucus for a while. I wonder if they`ll use his vote for the ETS legislation.

What we have is an MP who wants to stay with a party that passes legislation he doesn't agree with run by leadership aligned to a political party he doesn't like.

This is pure self-interest. Harawira doesn't listen to his party in terms of discipline, he doesn't listen to his constituents - whom he says he is answerable solely to - in terms of how he votes. So when he votes against his constituents wishes what do they do?

Nothing. What a bugger's muddle.

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BOARD BOOTS CEO AT MOTORCYCLING NEW ZEALAND

Press Release From Motorcycling New Zealand (MNZ)

After a detailed operational review of it’s current staffing structure and requirements, the Board of Motorcycling New Zealand Inc., acting on the recommendations of HR company Directioneering Ltd, have moved to restructure their organisation.

The review included a comprehensive consultation process, and after consideration of the recommendations and the subsequent feedback, the Board decided to proceed with the new structure, which includes the disestablishment of the current Chief Executive Officer and Administration Manager positions.

The new structure will take effect immediately.

The Board considered it necessary to proceed with the changes to realise organisational efficiencies and a resulting year on year cost savings in six figures.

“The Board looked carefully at the total proposal and are now looking forward to moving forward,” said President Jim Tuckerman from his Auckland base.

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The Māori Party and ETS

updatedIt is well known that the Māori Party has decided to vote for( as opposed to support) the emissions trading scheme, despite Rahui Katene and Hone Harawira being publically opposed to the scheme, as are many of those in the five iwi who this deal is proported to support. Harawira has said he only answers to his constituents.

Did his constituents support the ETS? This deal could be the make or break of the Māori Party. The party does not support the legislation. It is really the two leaders who are ministers telling the rest of the caucus how they must vote - and doing a really bad job justifying the rationale behind that stance.

Here's the Māori Party release. Here is the National Party release. Notice the macron over the "a" in Māori in the National Party release - but not in the Māori Party release. National is now not only dotting i's and crossing t's, it is even trying to macronise one or two media releases. But you'd think they`d do it consistently.

On 19 November Nick Smith signed his letter to Māori leaders Yours sincerely. On the same day he wrote anothe letter to the Iwi Leadership Group, peppered with Maori salutations, greetings and macrons. Four days later a letter started off "tena koe Tariana and Pita, (instead of tena korua)and concluded heio ano(that is all), whereas naku noa would have been perhaps more appropriate.

If Nick Smith is going to use a bit of Māori, perhaps he should do a crash course on the basics so he can get it correct. I wonder when he will be demoted?[ update particularly after this - how embarrassing.]

I’d like to recommend that all bloggers who support Nātional, particularly David Fārrar and WhāleOil, put a macron over the appropriate letter in the word 'Māori' in all blog posts ;-0.

Then they can work on other phrases such as 'Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu'.

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Of course John Key was curious over high profile entertainer

John Key was curious. He wanted to know the name of a high profile entertainer that got name suppression. [ If you dont know who he is here's a clue. Key said he asked somebody he knew. Most likely it was a staff member in his office the name is so publicly known. Now he knows who this entertainer is, he is no doubt more relaxed about it.

Name suppression has go to the point when if I named him, I`d most likely be given a warning at most. The Law Commission has said that well-known people should still be able to argue for secrecy if publication of their name would cause "extreme hardship".

Given that half the country appears to know who this guy is, I very much doubt that publication of his name would cause him any additional hardship.

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Hera Pheri team to hit theaters this Friday

De Dana Dan movie poster

The Hera Pheri team- director Priyadarshan, stars Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal and Suniel Shetty - is the dream team in Bollywood, who is once again ready to create the same laugh riot with De Dana Dan.
However the bonus this time is the magical romantic pairing of Katrina Kaif and Akshay Kumar. The film is about to release on November 27 and promises to roll off audience from their seats.

Ratan Jain, producer of the film, said, “For most of the filmmakers of Bollywood, this is a dream team. The Hera Pheri combo is back to entertain after a gap of nine years. Of course, as a bonus, there is the hit jodi of Akshay and Katrina who have a magical romantic track inthe film.”

Jain is happy with his productions house’s long association with Priyadarshan having produced films- Hungama, Hulchul, Garam Masala earlier. De Dana Dan’s cast includes 26 top comic actors from the industry. However, Katrina who recently played a comic role in Ajab Prem Ki Ghajb Kahani is excited about this film too.

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We want democracy

On Saturday, several thousand people marched in Auckland, many chanting "we want democracy".

This implies we don't have democracy. I`ll be posting on this sometime this week. But for now, consider this:

What is the democracy that the marchers wanted? What is democracy?
Update Heaps of pix here. The $450,000 reportedly spent on the march is more than the amount that the Kiwi Party, the Libertarianz, the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party and the Family Party spent on the 2008 general election combined.

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SUPER X HAMILTON

Words: Todd S.
Pic and related coverage: bikesportnz.com

Fantastic, brilliant and all those other superlatives. That was the sixth round of the Australian Super X championship run in Hamilton's 'Rugby Park' last night.

The spectacle that is Supercross (but for this series called Super 'X' as in the letter for some unknown, one suspects marketing reason)is hard to beat no matter what your thoughts on motorcycling might be.

The outrageous jumps, quick fire race programme and engineered or otherwise hype make it compelling viewing, and then there was the 'Kiwi' component.

The 'lights' class had newly crowned MX champion, Michael Phillips riding for 'a bit of fun'. That bit fun resulted in the closest, nail biting racing of the event. Phillips holding out 'the Aussie', Dan Anderson to win the round. Anderson closing to less than 2/10's of a second at the flag.

In the 'open class', series owner and until last night, runner up, Chad Reed put on a great show, taking the wins in all 4 points scoring races. Reed was in class of his own and now leads the championship with a run into it's final round in Brisbane.

I hope the rest of those watching the event thought it as good as I did. It would be tragic for it not to return and any of the quoted 12,800 strong crowd I'm sure will tell you as much.

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wallpapers katrina kaif

Hot and Sexy Katrina Kaif Wallpaper, high resolution wallpapers with Katrina Kaif pictures, photos, pics & images.

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Maori seats and ETS

Could someone explain how the Maori seats are seen by National as special treatment, whereas horsetrading over the Emissions Trading Scheme with the holders of most of the Maori seats in a willingness to disproportionately benefit the Maori elite (and earlier the not-so-elite Maori) is not special treatment?

Another thing: Who does the Maori Party represent? Is it Maori, those who voted for the party, or some Maori,such as those involved with certain iwi groups, many of whose members voted for a party other than the Maori Party.

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Are blogs "journalism"?

As a former journalist, I think I know what journalism is. I have reported on candidates over three elections. I don't consider this blog to be journalism due to the fact that I don't often interview people and report on what they say. Neither does political journalist Audrey Young on her blog.

So why No Right Turn feels the need to claim that political journalism has hit a new low because Young blogs something that he sees irrelevant is beyond me. Perhaps the writer at No Right Turn expects political blogs run by bloggers who are associated with newspapers to be reporting on news gathering, and be held to the same standards and be of similar content as the content on the paper's front page.

Why should he?

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SHAFTY'S EICMA MILAN SHOW REPORT

Here's the slide show for a great set of Pictures from Milan by Shafty. 
The text and report below include the captions for each image.

Here's the link to the Flickr Set and the individual pics.

EICMA – the Euro Bike show held in Milan, Italy took place early to mid November attracting Vendors and Visitors from far and wide, but noticeably not Honda or Yamaha.

As you’d expect there was a  strong showing  from Euro manufacturers.

MV Augusta’s display included a gorgeous Stealth F4 model 051, along with a 1090R Brutalé Cannonball  059 in black and white with the current trendy stubby exhaust. Their 990R ‘Sport Touring’ was also eye catching in red. 062/064

Ducati’s stand was absolutely teeming with curious bikers checking out, amongst others, the brand spanking new Multistrada 1200 - Image 451 and 1200s Touring Edition - Image 444 – weighing in at 192kg, and sporting an Ohlins electronic monoshock, single sided swing arm with ABS as standard.

It was nice to see a Monster in orange for a change - Image 431, - Image 434 – this one an 1100 (ABS avail) with a rather young rider, looking good as did the 1198R alloy tank Corse. Motards were popular this year with a Duke Formula Hyper-Motard  1100 Evo 436 displayed in ‘black denim’ at €11700 basic or the Hyper-Motard  1100 Evo SP 441 at €13990.

The touring kitted GT1000 was a delight to behold – Gentleman Tourer. - Image 459

Elsewhere Ducati also displayed an electric pushbike, - which were much promoted by several suppliers.- Image 170

Benelli had their Tré series -all 1130 triples, in Tré-K– (Road), Amazonas (Adventure) and Cafe Racer modes, with a stunning example of their 6 cylinder Sei 750 model - Image 158 from the 1970’s also on display.

BMW had a huge stand, with at least 2 R1000ss - Image 537 bikes for punters to crawl all over (Also featured on the Dellorto stand), the F800R - Image 530 of course, was also popular – and a 6 cylinder Concept bike simply referred to as Concept 6, - Image 542/3/4/5 was a major head turner – you’ve gotta love that exhaust. Factory output target named as 170NM of torque. You saw it here first Folks!

Moto Guzzi’s stand was perhaps the most spectacular, with huge numbers poring over their display bikes, including some very special new offerings. Check out the V7, 750 Clubman Racer - Image 353/355 for instance, a great example of modern nostalgia, or the futuristic V12X, 1151cc - Image 357 -362 with an interesting swing arm arrangement,  and LED lighting.

The V12 LM 363 – 371 also looking like something out of Star Trek with a floating integrated fully adjustable Ohlins racing monoshock – and a very clever tyre tread! The retro V7 346 was also there, in touring trim and attracting admiring looks.

Adventure riding was represented by the Stelvia NTX1200 ABS. - Image 373/375

Also on display was a 1200 Norge as used by Polizia Locale! - Image 342/224

It was great to see Buell there – with both 1125 Rotax models on display - Image 133, as well as some ‘90’s models and their 1987 RR1000 Battletwin Stars and Stripes racer. - Image 136 My bet is that a company with such a great product and following won’t be out of the scene for long if at all.

Suzuki’s large stand focussed on the Gladius - Image 152 with the winner of the ’Gladius Cup’ on display, the best looking Cop ever - Image 143, mounted on a GSV R Racer, a ketchup coloured, Yoshi stickered GSX-R 750 Special - Image 144 as well as a newly styled M800 Intruder, a la M109.- Image 138

Kawasaki impressed with a new version of their popular Versys model - Image 296 – and a spunky touring version of the same, 318 as well as a restyled Z1000 - Image 299, 304. The new ‘CHIPS look-a-like’ 1700 Vulcan also appeared, sporting a deep lustre paint scheme. - Image 312/313

 An Orange Crush was evident on the KTM stand, with a beautiful RC8 Redbull Edition - Image 423, a 690SM Limited Edition 654cc Motard - Image 504 in black amongst others- and two new concept bikes – a 125  Stunt bike - Image 491 in lime and white and a 125 Racing bike - Image 495 in orange and white – testing the waters.

Triumph had plenty to show – the Rocket III of course (like the one seen later outside pulling very impressive wheelstands), the just released 1600 Thunderbird - Image 560, 561 in various guises, including a stunning red edition, an equally impressive 1050 Speed Triple in a gloss red carbon fibre look, their wide range of 900 parallel twins - Image 557, the Tiger and a separate display of independently customised bikes - Image 565, 562 – clever marketing and every success deserved.

The Polaris owned Victory brand drew many admirers, myself included, with their impressively finished and thought-out Hammer, Vision, Cross Country and Jackpot models – all very desirable. - Image 478,479,480,484

Moto Morini – being a local marquee was enthusiastically represented with a Corsaro - Image 471, 1200GT - Image 474 and GrandPasso 1200 on display...

Scooters were represented everywhere –  - Image 594, 599, 631, 635, 284 they certainly play a huge part in making cities like Milan work – they at least number 1:1 with cars, with common sense allowing them to park courteously on foot paths. Both petrol and electric were represented, 2 wheel and three – hey I even saw a Gal commuting in the dedicated Taxi/Bus/Bike lanes on a quad.- Image 394

With the current controversy over registration/ACC, I can see why a focus could become on electric bicycles  and tiny scooters – but I also but hope and pray it doesn’t come to that.

Amongst the throng, a couple of examples stood – a new concept scoot from Piaggio designated the USB, Urban Sport Bike - Image 626,629, and a prototype of a name from the past,- Lambretta, a name which will no doubt rekindle fond memories of days gone by, with a stylish new retro 125cc 4 stroke – watch this space. - Image 641

Outside – if you could drag yourself away from the sights, was an array of entertainment, with Suzy and Kawaka (Good on you Guys) offering test rides - Image 652, trials and stunt shows - Image 654, 655 and everything in between

The show was just amazing. As a first time visitor and long time enthusiast it was a delight – “full ya boots” as it were. The organisation and the venue were absolutely outstandingly professional.

That’s a bucket list item ticked off.

Get along.

Shafty

More about → SHAFTY'S EICMA MILAN SHOW REPORT

Submitting to Wellington City Council's district plan: The rubbishy treatment ratepayers get

As many know, I live in the Wellington region and the Wellington City Council is making changes to the District Plan, and have been asking for submissions. They are due on Friday week. I thought I`d do a blog post to outline how difficult it is for ratepayers to get any relevant information from the Wellington City Council to make an informed submission to a District Plan.

About three weeks ago we rang the council to get some information about the District Plan as it relates to our area.We got about 300 pages of information for just one simple request. I didn't have time to read them all, and even if I did, I had no idea whether I would find what I wanted to.

So I rang the council to see if they had any information on the council's web site. The contact person was unavailable , so I got through to someone and was told to look on a certain web page. That page had about 60 PDFs files, each having many pages. When I advised that I didn't have time to go through 60 PDF's I asked which PDF/s I should be referring to. They didn't know. So I asked them to send some material in the mail that would directly address what I wanted to submit to.

In the interim I thought I'd call the contact person on the page with all the PDF's . Perhaps that was the unavailable person who would know a bit more.I later found out indeed he is the main contact person. His name is Jeremy Blake. He wasn't just unavailable -he was on annual leave until near the date that submissions are due. Marvellous. Some "contact" person.

Anyway, I never got the material, so I rang the Mayors office. They said they`d get someone to ring me. Someone rang me back fairly promptly but that person had no idea what to tell me.

As it happens, today I received my copy of The Wellingtonian. There was an article on the "arcane" plan change process. Some residents associations have been complaining about the plan. The Councils response: Stop complaining and get on with making a submission.

Well, I had tried for 10 days and many phone calls to get some information to do so. As it stands, the Council have been useless.There has been just six submissions to the plan change that I would like to submit to, and three of those arrived in this mornings mail, according to the Council.

The District Plan affects thousands of residents. If this is the treatment the Council dish out to ratepayers after asking them to submit to the District Plan, no wonder they don't get many submissions when they call for them.

Update: I later had a call from the Council after I rang the Mayors office. It was then I was told that the very information I requested was not sent, and most of what was earlier sent had nothing to do with what was asked for. So,glad I didn't read it then. Lets see if it arrives this time.

Update 2 It arrived, by email. It was a document which was buried in one of the manuals I had been sent but the Council couldn't tell me earlier where that document was among the 300 or so pages they sent, even when asked the first few times.I can now make a submission. I have also had a chat to Cr Andy Foster, who is the councillor clued up on such matters. He was actually most helpful with navigation around the Draft Plan.I asked him to extend the deadline for submissions. Unfortunately he didn't know all the rules around the extension process.

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A veto request to be ignored

The Legislation Advisory Committee has advised Mary Harris, the Clerk of the House to veto Larry Baldock's petition question which aims to bind citizens initiated referenda, because it would contradict the fundamental purpose of the Citizens Initiated Referenda Act 1993, which provided for non-binding referendums.

On 29 October, Larry Baldock wrote to the Clerk [DOC] responding to an October 23 letter to the Clerk from legislation advisory committee chair Sir Geoffrey Palmer, in which he said:

The Committee’s view is that the wording of the proposed referendum is defective. Indeed that Committee does not think that these defects are capable of being remedied.... The question that is proposed, in all its ambiguities and circularity, is not in our view compatible with the legislation under which it is proposed to be conducted.

[T]he framers of the [1993] Act considered the questions and decided that indicative referenda could not be and should not be binding. So the question is outside the scope of the Act.

The Herald noted that the Clerk of the House must approve or reject the final wording for the vote. Slight problem: She can't reject the wording, as a petition question - irredeemably defective or otherwise - cannot be vetoed unless the question either relates to a similar referendum held within the previous five years, or an electoral petition.

But the question can be amended. So by December 9, Larry Baldock's question, Should Citizens Initiated Referenda seeking to repeal or amend a law be binding? or a form of it, preferably with " on Parliament" tagged on the end of the question, will be approved by the Clerk.

Baldock thinks the question can have its intent clarified through public debate and the petition process. But if he is not going to clarify his intent and how he wants Parliament to respond, before the first signature is sought, it is unlikely he will get the required signatures to force a referendum.

Binding referendums would bypass the legislative and select committee process.With binding referendums, we would have to vote on specific and detailed pieces of legislation, like they do in California to amend legislation, for example, such as aiming to bypass the legislature in attempts to abolish divorce laws.Yes, really. We could end up bypassing the legislative process to change the Marriage Act 1955 to allow for same sex marriage with enough public support.

Baldock would hate that.

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Beenie Man apologises for.. well, nothing really

Beenie Man is not happy for being withdrawn from the Big Day Out. He has issued this statement:

I sincerely made a promise to renounce violence towards others and went ahead to sign the Reggae Compassionate Act back in 2007. I have made numerous announcements regarding violence against gays most recently in Spain. We live in a diverse society, the haves, have-nots, Muslims, Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Atheists, light and dark skinned, homosexuals and heterosexuals. At times we wrongly ridicule each other for beliefs. One thing we have in common, we are all human beings and should strive for peace, equality and love. I want my music to bring people together and for them to dance, feel good and enjoy it. People sometimes may misunderstand my lyrics because of slang, metaphors, jargons and dialect; it is not intended to be harmful. In the past I offended others with offensive lyrics, I apologized then and now, I never took back my word. Our world is an interesting place filled with variety and we all have to respect others no matter what race, choices, culture or lifestyle. I am not a supporter of hatred and never was. The press sometimes exaggerate.

You can read the entire statement here.

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Kareena Kapoor salutes 26/11 heroes

Kareena Kapoor at Radio Mirchi station

Kareena Kapoor joins the initiative started by Radio Mirchi about remembering and saluting the heroes of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. The actress was recently on Radio Mirchi’s program Sunset Samosa along
with RJ Suren and talked about the initiative as well as her upcoming film Kurbaan. The stunning actress who visited the radio station after six years asked people to name those people who helped them during the 26/11 crisis. Meanwhile, Radio Mirchi has arranged special screening of Kurbaan to those nominees, where lead stars of the film Kareena and Saif Ali Kahan will also be present.

Kurbaan, a production by Karan Johar and direction by first time director Rensil D’Silva also talks about terrorism. Talking about her role inthe film, Kareena said, “I think this is one of my best roles after Jab We Met, so I am very excited about it. Karan came up with ‘Some love stories have blood on them’ because the film is very intense; blood here refers to the pain.”

The memories of the attack are horrifying, but it also reminds us the bravery and humanity of our commandos, Mumbai police and firemen. It showed us that humanity still wins. So to honour those heroes, Radio Mirchi comes forward with the unique idea.

Meanwhile Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan starrer Kurbaan is set to release on November 20. The film also stars Dia Mirza, Vivek Oberoi, Om Puri and Kirron Kher. Music by Salim-Suleiman is already making buzz, particularly the Shukran Allah is climbing on the music charts. However ‘Rasiya’ is the favourite of the music director. “Rasiya, as it is has dark undertones and really sets the mood for the images it accompanies inthe film.” Well which is Kareena’s favourite? “The lyrics of all the songs are beautiful. Ali Maula is a very gripping song; the film comes to life in this song,” says Bebo.

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What’s the status of Lara-Mahesh relationship?

Lara Dutta, Mahesh Bhupathi and Shweta Jaishankar-Bhupathi

Talks of Lara Dutta-Dino Morea break up also accompanied talks of Lara’s and tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi’s ‘good friends’ relationship. Though Lara has declared that she was single, during the promotion of her recent film Blue, gossip mongers in B-town still continues to talk about their more than good friend
relationship. And someone heard recently that ‘good friends’ are going to get hitched at a hair-dressing salon, whose owner is Lara’s friend.

Meanwhile, Mahesh’ wife Shvetha Jaishankar-Bhupati who was also a ex-tennis champion, former Femina Miss India International 98 and a runner-up at the Miss International pageant in Tokyo has filed for divorce in October. Issuing the statement, she said, “Mahesh and I have shared a life together and as we part ways, I wish him all best for his future.”

Still then Lara and Mahesh refuse the relationship between them. Meanwhile, Shvetha doesn’t have any problem or comments on it. Why should she have? When she happily parted ways with the tennis player?

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Katrina is cool about link-ups

Ajab Prem Ki Ghajab Kahani movie still

Katrina who is the demand of the industry now days, knows how to handle link-ups and rumours. Seem like Katrina learnt about how to deal with then within a short career span.

She has been linked up with many actors and the latest one was to Ranbir Kapoor from Ajab Prem Ki Ghajab Kahani. Recently when asked to the actress about it, she said, “It’s just getting too much. You are linked to every actor you are working with. That happens for every movie these days and one just has to stop reacting to it.”
Katz has her own fundas at work. And guess what? This might be the reason that the actress is one of the top actresses in Bollywood today.

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SUZUKI SCORES ANOTHER HAT-TRICK

NOVEMBER 16, 2009: Everyone was again chasing Mount Maunganui's Cody Cooper at the weekend, this time at the fourth and final round of this year's New Zealand Motocross Championships in a rain-soaked Taranaki.

In all, Cooper won more races than any other rider in the glamour MX1 class -- taking the chequered flag in seven of the 12 races in the Demon Energy-sponsored series -- but it was still not enough and he fell short of the title by just two points.

Consistent riding from Christchurch's Justin McDonald was sufficient to see him take the crown instead.

Unfortunately for Cooper, his total dominance of the class at rounds three and four could not undo the damage caused by the injury-plagued early phase of his campaign.

The MotoGB-supported rider had to cope with serious hand and face injuries at round one in Timaru and round two in Rotorua respectively and he even found himself on the receiving end of a rock in New Plymouth on Sunday.

"I could barely see out of my right eye in that last race," said Cooper.

"I got a rock in the face from the rear wheel of a lapped rider and everything was blurry," he explained.

But, despite that handicap, Cooper was in stellar form at the weekend.

The Suzuki star romped to yet another hat-trick of convincing wins in the glamour MX1 class, taking his fuel-injected RM-Z450 to the front early in each race at the muddy Taranaki track, and then steadily building his advantage from there, each time finishing well ahead of McDonald.

"The bike was awesome," said Cooper afterwards. "I raced one of these in America in 2008 and absolutely loved it then too (when he finished fifth in the high-profile US national championships). The bike turns so well and has so much power, it's unbelievable.

"I proved I was the fastest guy out there this year but I had a little bit of bad luck."

Fellow Suzuki rider Brad Groombridge, of Taupo, moved up to third in the MX1 championship. Groombridge finished 3-5-3 in his three outings on Sunday, giving him a podium result in his first season in the big bike class.

In the MX2 class, the battle continued at Taranaki between Kiwi internationals Michael Phillips, of Rotorua, and Queenstown’s Scott Columb.

The pair had been level-pegging throughout the series but Phillips’ 5-1-2 results gave him the points he needed to take the title.

Suzuki's Columb, who had been racing the bigger RM-Z450 in Europe earlier this season, took a stock standard fuel-injected RM-Z250 to 8-2-1 results on Sunday, sealing the runner-up ranking for this season.

In the fight for under-21 honours in the 125cc class, Waitakere's Ethan Martens won the title ahead of Wanganui Suzuki star Tom Managh.

Managh (RM125) had been running third in the class but came on strong at New Plymouth to surge up the standings.

Managh finished 3-3-4 on Sunday to finish the championship 62 points behind Martens.

Source: Suzuki NZ

More about → SUZUKI SCORES ANOTHER HAT-TRICK

WIN, WIN DAY FOR TEAM HONDA

Win, Win Day for Team Honda NZ at Nationals Motocross

Arriving as leaders to both MX1 and MX2 Championships, Team Honda was focused on making it a consistent weekend to follow a consistent season of podiums and no mechanical DNFs.

As it was not the foregone conclusion the stats might have lead some to believe, the teamwork and preparation really needed to count today - and it did. A short season at four venues this year meant a DNF in any Moto can have a disastrous effect for anyone's lead, so the Honda CRFs also had to perform well and stay on the podiums - which they again also did.

Taranaki is known for toppling leaders at the last round, as the last three seasons have shown that. So on proven 2009 model CRF race bikes the Honda team achieved greatness in the rain this weekend to leave as Champions twice with the two crowns they were so close to when they arrived at the well groomed but muddy track.

The Red Riders took apart the championship challenges from the Suzuki teams and united they showed their excellent riding skills.

Honda rider Peter Broxholme, won overall for the day in MX2 250cc, with Championship leader teammate Michael Phillips getting runner up 2nd and clinching the crown doing enough to see off Scott Columb, Suzuki.

In MX1 Justin McDonald, Honda, brought his 2009 bike from the South Island to get 2nd Overall Runner up for the day behind Cody Cooper, Suzuki who won the day. But again, McDonald riding clever and doing enough to keep the points gap from earlier rounds won the championship.

Both trophies are also attributable to Team Manager mentoring from Shayne King and the Honda Motorcycles NZ team who've helped the riders finish with typical Honda precision engineering and planning. Team Manager Shayne King commented "Wow! What a weekend for Honda; all the team rode amazing in the conditions. Justin winning the MX1 and Michael winning MX2 it sure made for a fun series. But, also both Peter and Cameron were true team players throughout I am just so happy."

The week of recovery work since Patetonga proved to work well for MX1 1st place winner Justin McDonald. Justin was right when he said "I feel this is my year". McDonald went on to add "As expected the weather was wet which meant that I had to ride smart. I would like to thank my sponsors, team manager Shayne King and Honda. Without there support this wouldn't have been possible".

MX2 winner Michael Phillips said "It was a tough weekend with the hard and slippery weather conditions. Both Justin and I rode smart and came away with the titles. A big thank you goes out to the team, Shayne King, our mechanics and all other team members."

Peter Broxholme added "It was a good weekend racing and I am happy with my placing, especially as we won on the 09 bikes. I am looking forward to the 2010 championship".

The 2009 CRFs are still in store for sale until February 2010 so it looks like the best last year is still the best this year! Talk to your local Honda dealer about the CRFs and our Scorchin' Summer deals, or check out www.hondadeals.co.nz

For further information on these and other events visit www.honda-motorcycles.co.nz

Championship Final Results of the 2009 Demon Energy NZ MX Champs

MX1:
1. Justin McDonald (Honda)
2. Cody Cooper (Suzuki)
3. Brad Groombridge (Suzuki)

MX2:
1. Michael Phillips (Honda)
2. Scott Columb (Suzuki)
3. Peter Broxholme (Honda)

Source: Honda NZ

More about → WIN, WIN DAY FOR TEAM HONDA

I can see Capetown now Bahrain has gone

Well, wasn't that a fantastic match last night. I was able to watch it live on the Internet. The last time we qualified for the World Cup, goal-scorer Rory Fallon was not even born and his dad was the assistant coach of the All Whites.Leo Bertos, who kicked the corner that led to the goal, was actually born on the very day of the 1981 game against Saudi Arabia that got New Zealand on the road to Spain in 1982.

Not only did we qualify for the World Cup for the second time ever, #AllWhites was the top trending topic on Twitter. That is some feat to get a New Zealand topic trending on Twitter but it confused the American tweeters somewhat, as they thought we were a little racist. When told that the All Whites were actually a football team, and the All Blacks were the country's rugby team they started to understand a bit, although they sniggered when told the national badminton team was called the Black Cocks.

The All Whites are going to be household names. New Zealand will be soccer mad next year and I think some people under 25 are going to be shocked at the extent of this football frenzy. It's going to be a boon for the soccer clubs, especially for the juniors. It was in 1982 when we were "on our way to Spain", and now we're on our way to South Africa. Bahrain coach Milan Macala has now been in charge of six national teams that did not make it to the World Cup.

Oh, and the All Blacks played last night.

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Biker did not make it home after protesting ACC levy increase

Ha, this is funny. Bikers were protesting how it is so unfair that their ACC levies are going up. Guess what one did on the way home?

He hit a car, fell off his bike, and got a suspected broken leg.

He will get ACC. Perhaps he should have taken his car, rather than being a good advertisement for why bikers should get higher ACC levies.

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Free speech, gay MP's and and Beenie Man

I'd never heard of Beenie Man until this week. Beenie Man is a Jamaican singer who has been invited to the Big Day Out.He is notorious for his lyrics and other statements promoting the killing of gay men and lesbians. Labour's Charles Chauvel has called for him to be banned from entering the country, deeming him to be a threat to security or public order because his lyrics will incite hostility.

Except, Chauvel is wrong. His lyrics will not incite hostility. The Big Day Out had already advised that Beenie Man will not be performing the offending songs, therefore his lyrics will not be an issue.I suspect Chauvel was fully aware of this, but would rather incite some hostility of his own.

For Chauvel, freedom of speech is less about the offensiveness under the law than it is about his own prejudices. I much prefer Green MP Kevin Hague's approach to this distasteful musician: He correctly calls the invitation shameful and is calling for the Big Day Out to withdraw its invitation. That approach is much more sensible than what looks like a bigoted approach from Chauvel.

Update The Big Day Out has cancelled Beenie Man for all the BDO's in Australasia.

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TIME looks back over 50 years

In 1959, TIME magazine published its first edition for Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. The magazine looks back and lists the most influential people that shaped the region. The New Zealanders mentioned are: Peter Snell, David Lange, Peter Jackson and Helen Clark, Matiu Rata, Rob Muldoon, and Russell Crowe, Jane Campion and Peter Blake. You can read what they wrote by clicking the above links.

There's lists about a range of things, even the top 10 Sesame Street moments!

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Split in the Maori Party

updated

WIth reference to this, Maori Party bosses decided several days ago to ask Hone Harawira to leave the Maori Party.This is not just about one trip or the occasional swear word. He will be expelled from the Maori Party unless something changes drastically. He may well resign before he is pushed, and it will be interesting if a decision is made before Parliament resumes on Tuesday, if he resigns from Parliament - and most importantly, how the grass-roots will react.

Roll on the by-election?

Yet the chair of the Maori Party's Te Tai Tokerau electorate committee Rahui Kapa has said she believes Hone Harawira has done nothing wrong. She is on record as saying she thinks it was fine for Harawira to play hookie and go to Paris, because he " did the job". She is alone in the Maori Party leadership on this. When asked on Morning Report if she was " happy that Harawira lied to the party leader and went sightseeing in Paris...when he was paid to do something else", she said "I'm not unhappy". When specifically asked about the lie to Turia in pulling a sickie to go to Paris, she said that Harawira did not lie; instead saying that Turia was "misinformed".

She later said her loyalty was to the Maori Party, adding she did not know if she would follow Harawira if he was to become an independent. There is to be a series of meetings to discuss the proposal for Harawira to stand as an independent MP.

But saying your leader is misinformed is hardly the way to show loyalty to your party. There's kaupapa and tikanga to uphold, here, and Harawira's electorate committee, in supporting Harawira's actions and attitude, is in contrast to the national leadership, who oppose his actions. You can't run a political party effectively when a sizeable proportion has a public stance against party leadership, while defending and denying wrongdoing of their own MP.

The Human Rights Commission has received 721 complaints about Harawira, the most about any issue ever, and nearly twice as many as all complaints recieved last year.

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Don't blame the anti smacking law

Still to read the report. on the anti-smacking law that MSD chief executive Peter Hughes wrote. He said his department was doing really well and he can find no evidence that parents were subject to "unnecessary state intervention" for occasionally lightly smacking their children, although he said he couldn't discount that there was some evidence.

Just three reports of smacking were passed to police in the past three months. Between 2006-2008 substantiated cases of abuse were up from 2274 to 2285, but the ministry was at a loss to know why the rise had happened.

But the smacking legislation was aimed at 'Making better provision for children to live in a safe and secure environment free from violence by abolishing the use of parental force for the purpose of correction',

Has it achieved its aim?

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Harawira set to leave the Maori Party?

Maori Party president Whatarangi Winiata has proposed embattled Te Tai Tokerau MP Hone Harawira leave the Maori Party and become an independent MP..

This proposal was made at todays hui. Mainstream media outlets were barred from the hui.TVNZ's Te Karere and Maori TV's Te Kaea were granted entry, but only because it was felt they would cover proceedings with a positive slant and the Maori Party had reservations about the coverage they would get from the major news organisations.

Harawira's response: "It's the silliest idea I've heard. He wants to stay. They should kick him out now. It is a decision that was needed, not a proposal.

"Hone has said a number of times that he does not give a toss what anyone thinks except the people of Te Taitokerau, and his behaviour over the past couple of weeks has underlined that position," said Party President Professor Whatarangi Winiata.

"If Hone believes he is not accountable to the Maori Party or its leadership, or the Party caucus in Parliament, then clearly he has placed himself outside the party," said Professor Winiata.

"We require our MPs to work as a team, and Hone clearly has difficulty with this, given his words and deeds, which have had a devastating effect on his colleagues and the party as a whole.

"This situation will cause upset and anxiety for Maori Party supporters in Te Tai Tokerau, who may feel their loyalties to the party and their MP are now conflicted. We assure them that the Party will maintain a presence in the electorate,and we will be in contact in due course.

There was heated discussion at the hui, which wants to wait two weeks before deciding Harawira's fate. They should kick him out now, not wait two weeks. They've had the hui. Harawira will never be known for his achievements, but his foul language and his distaste for rules. But although it is looking likely that Harawira will stay with the party unless he is removed, it can well do without him.

The Human Rights Commission has now received 675 complaints and expressions of concern about Hone Harawira.

Pita Sharples has said he can't see how the caucus can work together with Harawira. What to do?

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KTM PRESENTS BRAND NEW INNOVATIONS AT THE EICMA 2009

11/11/2009 Milan, Italy.

KTM is presenting a range of innovative new motorcycles at EICMA 2009, recognized as the world's biggest annual motorcycle trade fair. On show will be a radical new 350cc Motocross prototype, the new Duke 690R and future models in the 125cc segment.

KTM 350 SX-F FACTORY RACING
By presenting a 350cc pre-series racing bike, KTM again illustrates the typical determination of the Austrian company to go its own way. With the confirmation in Milan of the key data of the 350cc, including injection and linkage, the tradition-rich offroad specialist is forging "a new path" in Motocross.

While the company's 250 SX-F and 450 SX-F models have been so successful and oriented to suit the specific displacement of the sport's regulations, now KTM is the first manufacturer in the world to present a 350cc displacement bike for the sport of Motocross.

The completely new bike, which will be "ready to race" from 2010 carries the distinct development signature of MX legend Stefan Everts right down to the finest detail. With this project, the KTM MX team boss deploys meticulousness and all his unique ambition to catapult it to a new MX level. A concrete date for series production of this already very mature prototype has not yet been decided.

"KTM 125"
The developers at KTM don't have to learn about being consistent - it is a part of their natural daily creative process. Together with the company's enthusiastic customers, the Duke, Super Duke, RC8R and Adventure are all proof of this philosophy. Now this same dynamic is also evident in a smaller displacement bike segment with the introduction of a range of 125 cc products that have been one hundred percent developed at the company headquarters in Mattighofen, Austria.

The four-valve cylinder head, water cooling, fuel injection, two overhead cam shafts and 15 hp all demonstrate the desire for the highest level of technological development. The latticed tubular steel frame is the guarantee of perfect riding fun. As always, the very succinct KTM appearance comes from the extremely creative Kiska design team.

High quality suppliers like WP Suspension and Brembo are the guarantee of premium quality components throughout. Coming with individual design possibilities, these completely newly constructed motorcycles are a breath of fresh air for the segment.

Duke 690R
For KTM, the range of single cylinder LC4s represent tradition, legend and future and well as performance, rideability and the smooth, quiet, harmonious running of the engine.

When KTM introduced this motor concept in 2007, it elevated single cylinder enjoyment to a level that to date has not been surpassed. With the presentation of the Duke 690 in 2008 KTM caused another sensation among the worldwide community of Duke fans. But KTM wouldn't be KTM when the ambitious developer wasn't set on constant improvement and innovation. Now 70 full-blooded hp packed into a vehicle weight of just 148 kg lend the Duke 690 R unrivalled panache. Highest quality components and the unique optics are also typical KTM. As well as the highly potent motor, the 690R also features the orange frame specially reserved for the R models. Carbon mudguards, an extremely sophisticated fork and the new orange rear damper spring are among the outstanding features of the Duke R. Other improvements include an extended maintenance interval and ensure that this very hot street bike will continue to have no serious rivals.

All round and in very best form
As well as the very latest models, KTM also exhibits other models at EICMA that make the line-up of sports motorcycles for the model year 2010 broader and more attractive than ever. These also include the rare RC8R Akrapovic Race Replica; homage to KTM's impressive first season in Superbike, while the company is also exhibiting the successful twin Red Bull Replica for the first time. Meanwhile, in honour of the amazing success of the KTM MX factory riders Max Nagl and Marvin Musquin, the motor sports company is also displaying genuine replicas of the MX1 and MX2 racing machines - naturally with orange coloured frames.

All current model updates and new optics are being presented in Milan along with the comprehensive range of KTM PowerWear and PowerParts products. With qualitatively better clothing ranges and performance-oriented spare parts and extras, the brand illustrates the Austrian lifestyle in best "Ready to Race" style.


Source: KTM

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MMP preferred to any other electoral system

Good news for MMP today, with a UMR poll out today finding 48 percent are in favour of retaining MMP, with 40 percent in favour of changing the system to... well, they weren't sure.

The poll also revealed that people do not like unnecessary referenda. When they were told the upcoming referendum on MMP was going to cost $20 million, 60 percent didn't want one and 32 percent did. That means some people want to ditch MMP - but not through a referendum at more than three times the cost of the anti-smacking referendum. The survey results and graphs are here.

Also, most felt they knew a "fair bit" about MMP in 2000, that dropped to 45% now.That's because 13% knew " a lot" about MMP. increasing to 19% today. So, for those who don't know much, they need to be educated so they can make an informed assessment on how our current electoral system works.

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Maori Party leader disagrees with Race Relations Commissioner over Harawira e-mails

During the week Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres was careful to avoid saying that Hone Harawira's expletive-ridden email was abusive, because to do so would be an admission that Harawira had breached the Human Rights Act, which says

It shall be unlawful for any person to publish or distribute written matter which is threatening, abusive, or insulting

However, Tariana Turia disagrees with him, describing the e-mail as abusive.

I think that what was in the email was particularly distressing. There's no doubt that number one - nobody likes to be spoken to in that manner. No one likes abusive emails, least of all myself. So I have found that incredibly distressing.

So Turia thinks the email was abusive. Why doesn't Joris de Bres? For that matter whys doesn't Harawira's local electorate committee?

Ngahuia Kapa, the Te Tai Tokerau committee chairwoman, said the electorate supported Mr Harawira, but wanted to lay down three "conditions" to make sure a similar episode did not happen again.

Perhaps one of these conditions will be directed at the Maori Party leadership. There is a crack appearing between Harawira's electorate committee and the Maori Party leadership. The Maori Party leadership will not be at the hui today.

Update Pita Sharples unexpectedly attended the hui, turning up with president Whata Winiata. That's interesting, given that Turia said he wouldn't be attending.

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Shilpa Shetty Plans a Grand and Lavish Sangeet

 

Shilpa Shetty’s wedding preparations have kicked off by a private engagement party but Sangeet, she assures would be a lavish affair at Khandala.

She has zeroed in on friend-choreographer Ganesh Hegde for choreographing everyone’s dance movies for a perfect sangeet on November 21 which is just a day before her wedding.

    Ganesh Hegde confirmed the news saying, “The sangeet is not a professional thing for me. I am related to Shilpa. We are keeping this as personal as possible and haven’t involved any professional dancers. We’re planning something cute where all the family members pay tribute to each other. Raj’s younger brother is extremely enthusiastic about it. Raj’s family members will be coming down from London.”

    Commenting on the sangeet’s theme, Ganesh adds, “There’s no singular theme, but yes, we will explore and celebrate that Shilpa, who is from a South Indian (Bunt) family, is marrying Raj, who is a Punjabi. We’ll have a good mix of South Indian and Punjabi style dance and music.”

    About Shilpa and Raj’s special number, Ganesh says, “They will be dancing together on a lovely romantic number. We haven’t finalised the song yet but it will definitely be one of Shilpa’s own numbers. Apart from Shilpa’s own songs, there will be some high-tempo numbers too. The guests won’t dress in special costumes for their performances as they will anyway be dressed in their finery.”

    Is there a special bit about the ceremony that will be a surprise for the couple, we ask Ganesh. “Not really,” he says. “We all will be rehearsing together so planning a surprise will be difficult… Shilpa is aware and very much part of everything we have planned. We will start the rehearsals very soon.

We hope media gets too see the action in full monty!

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