General Debate 1 April 2009

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OECD rank 22 kiwi

Anyone getting the day off at work because of the G20 protests?
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April 1, 2009 8:06am
Wycroft

I find it fun to watch short term trends in language, generally triggered when someone prominent says something out of the ordinary – a turn of phrase that might only be used rarely which then subliminally (or not) filters into usage over the following days, after which it will be extinguished. The latest one is “gallows humour,” as used by President Obama when being interviewed for 60 Minutes on Sunday night. It’s taken a couple of days but this morning Matthew Dearnaley writes in the Herald: “Gallows humour flashed yesterday as the Auckland Regional Council approved for public consultation a draft 10-year budget amid uncertainty over the council’s future.” Funny how that happens.
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April 1, 2009 8:06am
gingercrush

I see the left are still deluding themselves that this Worth business is serious. The Standard has two pieces on it. Phil Goff was so subdued and looked so pathetic in the house yesterday that if he doesn’t do something soon, that whole arrogant Labour front bench and the optimistic newcomers will quickly lose all confidence. Hodgson did okay yesterday but clearly should have just left Worth to rattle on like an idiot. Worth is useless but Labour are themselves looking useless.
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April 1, 2009 8:11am
expat

OECD – there are coppers visibly everywhere. And that makes me wonder how many special forces are in civvies.

I wouldnt want to be those protesters because I think they get a kicking.
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April 1, 2009 8:14am
OECD rank 22 kiwi

I think the coppers will be earning a bit of extra overtime and partaking of a few fringe benefits of the job like baton practice.
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April 1, 2009 8:22am
Inventory2

John Key is all over Goff and King in the House – he is a very quick learner

http://keepingstock.blogspot.com/2009/04/quick-learner.html
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April 1, 2009 8:28am
expat

I took a quick trot across the square mile this afternoon to the secret nerd centre. coppers everywhere, two van loads and on foot – and this was just around secret nerd centre.

Headed back to HQ and past usual mounted police and also patrol cars investigating suspicious behavour at a carpark.
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April 1, 2009 8:29am
bearhunter

Wycroft – I don’t think you can put the popularity of the phrase gallows humour down to Obama. It’s been around and in fairly regular use for a lot longer than the US president has.
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April 1, 2009 8:29am
expat

>>and also patrol cars investigating suspicious behavour at a carpark.

but that was just Labour MP’s dogging each other.
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April 1, 2009 8:39am
Murray

Its been around for a while bear but when was the last time you saw it used in a news item?

Even more disturbing is when you having a discussion with someone and they express “their opinion” in the same language as the news item they aquired their opinion. In other words their brains are on hold and their just the vector for someone elses message.
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April 1, 2009 8:39am
Murray

You sure they were dodging eachother and not actually hooking up expat? The Brit politicians seem to have a bottomless capacity for odd sexual activity.
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April 1, 2009 8:41am
expat

dogging = slang for nefarious car park activities.

I understand it comes from “Just taking the dog for a walk dear, won’t be long”. ahem.
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April 1, 2009 8:43am
Wycroft

You’re misunderstanding me Bearhunter. I’m not putting the phrases use down to Obama per se, simply the fact that while it’s an old phrase it’s a relatively rarely used one. What I’m saying is someone like Obama, or Key, or Gordon Brown, or a sportsman, uses one of these rarely used phrases in an interview and then for the next week or so you’ll see it cropping up all over the place – a bit like a virus spreading.
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April 1, 2009 8:49am
Wycroft

Sorry, phrase’s.
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April 1, 2009 8:50am
3-coil

Expat (8:39am) – cruel…but funny!
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April 1, 2009 8:50am
dave strings

A glance at the Telecom Share Price suggests that a well rumoured take-over is about to happen. With the company basically locked out of the FTTH government initiative, investment of $2 billion in new networks already made and another billion raised and ready for the 09/10 year, it is amazing that the company’s current market valuation is just circa 6 billion.

Despite the so called credit crunch, there is still a lot of real money out in the world, looking for good places to rest. Taking Telecom private again, and using the tax-credits the current investment bonanza is creating, would make a solid return well above the risk-free bank deposit rate more than a probability.

Saudi-Telecom Neww Zealand? Anyone got a better name??
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April 1, 2009 8:52am
jcuknz

Pinch, Punch, first of the month and no returns
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April 1, 2009 8:56am
getstaffed

Today is the start of the mandated 10-min break and workplace infant feeding law.

The letter of the law allows any worker to demand their entitlement irrespective of the impact on the business operation that they’re employed within. Given that this is law is a dogs breakfast, all sorts of parties are springing up with ‘goodwill’ understandings which, when push comes to shove, are valueless for the employer.

Bottom line: If you have to legislate for people being nice to each other then the game is already lost.

The fact that legislation like this exists at all is simply a hangover from the long-since-discredited socialist belief that greedy capitalist employers must be controlled and/or crushed by the state.
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April 1, 2009 8:59am
jcuknz

The Indian journos were just being polite .. of coure the guy is a minister even if it was a private visit …. a private visit just means you are not talking to the government … you are still a minister. Labour are hopeless at the moment clutching at straws, and pretty weak straws at that.
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April 1, 2009 9:01am
Portia

Prediction:

This week, Barack Obama will learn a very important lesson about the difference between a statesman’s words and his actions.

I suspect that anti-US sentiment will underlie the G20 summit, and some of the participants will take the opportunity to rip into him about the impact of US recklessness on the global economy.

No matter how eloquent his rhetoric, Pres Obama will not entrance the G20 summit (many of whom aren’t English speakers anyway). Instead, he will be judged on his ability to hold ground during the maelstrom. Should he blink when they stare him down, then all will turn to custard. But if he rises to the occasion, then perhaps there is a slight chance that the summit will result in a constructive discussion.

Of course, whether that dialogue can then be turned into constructive action is another issue altogether.
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April 1, 2009 9:08am
racer

“expat

OECD – there are coppers visibly everywhere. And that makes me wonder how many special forces are in civvies.”

Probably a fair few, I wonder if they will follow their Canadian counterparts lead and have them provoke police once things get to politically awkward?
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April 1, 2009 9:09am
big bruv

While today sees the arrival of the eagerly anticipated tax cuts it also means that dole and DPB bludgers receive more of our money for doing nothing.

Surely it would have been better to leave the dole and DPB at the current levels and pass that money onto those who work for a living.
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April 1, 2009 10:06am
dad4justice

I agree with you big bruv, far too many expect welfare and do nothing in return to better our communities.It should be no work, no money. Simple as that. We should be addressing the low self esteem levels of bored youth within our troublesome communities. Hard work is good for the soul bro.
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April 1, 2009 10:14am
expat

‘racer’

Wonder if their stupid parade will hide some Islamic fundametalist terrorists who will stop some children ever seeing their mummy or daddy again? As happened in 2005.

You knobjockey. F*ck off.
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April 1, 2009 10:16am
Murray

You can say fuck here expat. QED.
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April 1, 2009 10:23am
expat

Oh Fuck!

Sorry mate.

What I had intended to say was a lot stronger.
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April 1, 2009 10:27am
expat

https://secure.zeald.com/mrvintage/shop/Browse%20by%20Category/Kiwiana/Working%20for%20my%20Money%20MENS%20t-shirt?id=7ZFexyWB&mv_pc=5403&mv_pc=s5403
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April 1, 2009 10:28am
Rakaia George

G20 – that’s what I miss living down here, the chance to get involved in worthwhile protest…

http://bastardoldholborn.blogspot.com/2009/03/g20-pro-capitalist-protest.html
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April 1, 2009 10:39am
Murray

Throw me a bone here Rakaia, I’ve never had the purpose of the G20 protest explained to me and its so hard to get a full understanding from the snappy chants.

Whats the deal?
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April 1, 2009 10:42am
racer

“expat

Wonder if their stupid parade will hide some Islamic fundametalist terrorists who will stop some children ever seeing their mummy or daddy again? As happened in 2005.”

No, you don’t wonder, you just think any one with opposing views to your own should be automatically silenced, but whining about the a-rabs and moslems is a nice safe cover for you here at kiwiblog.
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April 1, 2009 10:53am
racer

“Murray
Throw me a bone here Rakaia, I’ve never had the purpose of the G20 protest explained to me and its so hard to get a full understanding from the snappy chants.

Whats the deal?”

Some people don’t understand the economic justification behind free trade ect, and tend only to look at the negative outcomes of the actions of places like the world bank and IMF. Personally I think their complaints come from A, misunderstanding and B, taking the failures of these institutions as endemic and intended.

Personally I don’t agree with them, but I don’t think they should be prevented from protesting because of that. Maybe the g20 people could give them out some pieces of paper explaining gains from trade ect.
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April 1, 2009 10:59am
Murray

Not that safe, you dickheads get to talk long and loud, mainly about how you’re being scilenced.

Socialists really are irony impared.
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April 1, 2009 10:59am
Rakaia George

Murray, the G20 will bring out the usual dog-on-string anti-capitalist rentacrowd to smash McDonalds windows and probably the banks as well this time.

It appears that the libertarians have decided it will be a laugh to turn up in suits and protest against the state interference that has actually caused the mess in the first place…me, I love a good wind-up and there are few more satisfying targets for that than stupid lefties!
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April 1, 2009 11:04am
Murray

Thanks Rakaia, it all makes a twisted kind of sense now. Rent a mob biting the hand that nurtured them.

Minto bars for all.
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April 1, 2009 11:06am
gander

# dave strings (561) Vote: Add rating 0 Subtract rating 0 Says:
April 1st, 2009 at 8:52 am

Saudi-Telecom Neww Zealand? Anyone got a better name??

Telecommunications INfrastructure Corporation of Aotearoa New Zealand
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April 1, 2009 11:17am
Murray

We’re going to need another department for this to work gander. What say we put it up for private investment and call it the Special Telecomunication INfrastructure Group
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April 1, 2009 11:21am
Murray

Stupid html!
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April 1, 2009 11:21am
racer

Murray
Not that safe

Yes that safe, any measures required to protect us from raging hordes of rag heads is ample justification on kiwiblog for even the most draconian limits on freedom.
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April 1, 2009 11:22am
dad4justice

No doubt you are another manager racer. Give Andre’ a hand.
http://i40.tinypic.com/8wcfhc.jpg
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April 1, 2009 11:27am
racer

No doubt your just another wanker d4J

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l77/linno13/wanker.jpg
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April 1, 2009 11:39am
david

What happened at 9am that caused the NZD to fall out of bed by a cent against the USD in the course of about 5 minutes?
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April 1, 2009 12:28pm
david

Was that when the news of Helen’s appointment was announced/confirmed or was that when DPF announced the HB gnome’s appointment to the RB.?
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April 1, 2009 12:29pm
kiwipolemicist

The NZ Herald has portrayed today’s tax cuts as “Big Wednesday”, i.e. a lottery win.

Do people actually believe this nonsense or do the commie media live in a fantasy world of their own construction?

http://kiwipolemicist.wordpress.com/2009/04/01/tax-cuts-arent-a-lottery-win/
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April 1, 2009 1:44pm
big bruv

If you really feel like making yourself ill then tune into Parliament, some idiot has moved a motion that the house discuss the issue of Comrade Klarks appointment to the UN.

These fools just do not get it do they, that maggot used my money to buy herself a job at the UN and our pollies want to cheer her for it.

Fucking wankers!… all of them.
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April 1, 2009 2:16pm
kiwipolemicist

So there’s a motion on the floor at Parliament?

It’s a worry when politicians aren’t toilet trained.

http://kiwipolemicist.wordpress.com/
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April 1, 2009 2:27pm
kiwipolemicist

So there’s a motion on the floor in Parliament.

It’s a worry when politicians aren’t toilet trained.

http://kiwipolemicist.wordpress.com/
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April 1, 2009 2:30pm
Rex Widerstrom

Right, so since I’m so busy at present *cough* I was doing some research on Myers-Briggs personality tests, which is a fairly well accepted means of categorising people into one of 16 different types.

Then I stumbled upon Typealyzer, a doohickey which claims to be able to categorise a blogger by analysing their writing. So, as a public service to Kiwiblog readers, here’s it’s take (slightly edited for brevity) on the ~~assorted nutjobs~~ erudite authors who make up some of the NZ political blogosphere. [Interesting to note they all fall within just 5 categories of the 16 possibles]:

Kiwiblog: ENTP – The Visionaries. The charming and trend savvy type. They are especially attuned to the big picture and anticipate trends. They often have sophisticated language skills and come across as witty and social. At the end of the day, however, they are pragmatic decision makers and have a good analytical ability.

Cactus Kate, Lee C (MWT), Aardvark & The Standard: ISTP – The Mechanics. The independent and problem-solving type. They are especially attuned to the demands of the moment are masters of responding to challenges that arise spontaneously. They generally prefer to think things out for themselves and often avoid inter-personal conflicts. The Mechanics enjoy working together with other independent and highly skilled people and often like seek fun and action both in their work and personal life.

Whaleoil: INTJ – The Scientists. The long-range thinking and individualistic type. They are especially good at looking at almost anything and figuring out a way of improving it – often with a highly creative and imaginative touch. They are intellectually curious and daring, but might be physically hesitant to try new things. Since they tend to be so abstract and theoretical in their communication they often have a problem communicating their visions to other people and need to learn patience and use concrete examples.

MacDoctor & Tumeke: INTP – The Thinkers. The logical and analytical type. They are especially attuned to difficult creative and intellectual challenges and always look for something more complex to dig into. They are great at finding subtle connections between things and imagine far-reaching implications. Since they are not very good at seeing and understanding the needs of other people, they might come across as arrogant, impatient and insensitive to people that need some time to understand what they are talking about.

Frogblog, Inventory 2 (KeepingStock) & Kiwipolemicist: ESTP – The Doers. The active and playful type. They are especially attuned to people and things around them and often full of energy, talking, joking and engaging in physical out-door activities. The Doers are happiest with action-filled work which craves their full attention and focus. They might be very impulsive and more keen on starting something new than following it through. They might have a problem with sitting still or remaining inactive for any period of time.

Hey, don’t blame me, I’m just reporting what the giant brain says 😀
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April 1, 2009 3:41pm
gingercrush

Very nice Rex but Tumeke under Bomber at least is the single-most disgusting piece of utter shit I have read. Anyone who can write pieces of shambles and maintain a face when they use terms such as “pack rape” deserve nothing but contempt.
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April 1, 2009 4:23pm
gingercrush

Oh and I see neither Phil Goff or Pete Hodgson asked questions in regards to Richard Worth. Goff had plenty to say about tax but left this issue to General Debate? Clearly, someone has confidence issues.
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April 1, 2009 4:28pm
Murray

It searches for keywords and their frequency. It doesn’t “analyse” dick.

If you think theres common ground between me and frogblog then send out a search party for your brain.
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April 1, 2009 4:33pm
MyNameIsJack

Israel clears army over Gaza deaths

Israel investigates itself, finds itself innocent.that’s alright then.

http://www.theage.com.au/world/israel-clears-army-over-gaza-deaths-20090331-9i99.html
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April 1, 2009 4:45pm
Murray

Fuck of jackboot. Go cuddle your plaestinian charter with its genicidal clause #1.
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April 1, 2009 4:48pm
greenfly

kiwipolemisist said: The NZ Herald has portrayed today’s tax cuts as “Big Wednesday”, i.e. a lottery win.

and I’m wondering “Where has the breathlessly excited tax-cut discussion on Kiwiblog being held?’
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April 1, 2009 8:41pm
philu

“..If you think theres common ground between me and frogblog then send out a search party for your brain..”

some say you and he are the same person..

..some say you and frog are engaged in a torrid love affair..

(all conducted under the cover of your dress-up games/’parties’..)

some say you are frogs’ bastard son..

others that he is yours..

which of these is true..?

muzza..?

phil(whoar.co.nz)
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April 1, 2009 9:24pm
dad4justice

My word phool, are you using hallucinogenic text as I don’t understand your dribble.
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April 1, 2009 9:29pm
big bruv

Well done to David Garrett, while all around him acted like the hypocrites they are by rising to give dear corrupt (ex) leader a standing ovation today in the house he and he alone stayed seated.

Please do not let the place wear you down Mr Garrett, please stay as true to your principals as you are at this very time.

You have well and truly earned my respect today, well done.
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April 1, 2009 9:51pm
burt

DPF

I was wondering if there is a bigger purpose to the karma function other than informing readers of pack mentality beating or cheering on a comment by comment basis. The reason I ask is that if there were some form of overall user based ‘karma-o-meter’ function then some interesting analysis could be undertaken.

For example, could you tell us something like; roger nome has an overall karma rating of -3,765,450 and that at the rate of -ve karma somebody like greenfly is currently building they would still need to post for another 543 years to become as overall -v as rogers is today?
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April 1, 2009 10:25pm
greenfly

burt – if it is of any value to you in resolving your ‘karma’ questions, I care not one whit about the system and have only occasionally glanced at it. When I did, I was mostly encouraged, no matter what it showed. I feel the same about demerits – the feel of a wet bus ticket on my skin is mildly stimulating 🙂
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April 1, 2009 10:49pm
burt

greenfly

There is no need to be defensive. It’s a pack mentality thing and it’s completely meaningless in the wider context of life. If the Standard had the same device there would be almost complete karma reversal for the commenters that comment there and here.

I was using you as an example purely because you generally move against the tide on this blog. I make no judgment on why you do that and karma serves only to illustrate it.
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April 1, 2009 10:57pm
greenfly

sweet as burt. It was the thought of posting here for another 543 years that got my dander up 🙂
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April 1, 2009 11:04pm
slijmbal

though interestingly I’ve watched DPF get -ve karma – D4J often get’s -ve karma (as he has issues) – greenfly invariably gets -ve karma as he typically trolls and rarely debates – so it’s not quite the pack mentality you portray
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April 1, 2009 11:21pm
burt

slimbal

DPF would probably get negative karma from the very same people that get massive negative karma. Hopefully people who would normally +ve DPF would also occasionally -ve him if they disagree with what he has said. I’m still seeing a pack, change the audience and your would shift the ratings.
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April 1, 2009 11:24pm
burt

slijmbal

oops on the misspelling in the previous comment. Sorry.
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April 1, 2009 11:26pm
burt

DPF

~~Brung~~Bring back the ed
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April 1, 2009 11:27pm
burt

it function
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April 1, 2009 11:27pm
gingercrush

Yes this site badly needs edit. And I’m glad the standard don’t have a karma system all the lefties would give me minuses.
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April 1, 2009 11:33pm
burt

greenfly

and I’m wondering “Where has the breathlessly excited tax-cut discussion on Kiwiblog being held?’

See: http://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2009/03/tax_cuts-2.html

I appreciate it was a few days ago so lets see if I’m getting this. Each few days we get a new greenfly because the last one only lasted a few days till it found a mate? Are we relying on the concept of inherited memory to make any headway with you?
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April 1, 2009 11:59pm
Chris G

oh come now gingercrush… I wouldnt thumbs down you.
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April 2, 2009 12:45am
Rex Widerstrom

Murray says:

It searches for keywords and their frequency. It doesn’t “analyse” dick.

Which is why I posted in a humourous tone, Murray. If it had been accurate it would have been boring.

If you think theres common ground between me and frogblog then send out a search party for your brain.

I wasn’t aware you had anything to do with Keeping Stock or Kiwipolemicist, which were categorised with Frogblog. But I’m certanly now aware there’s no common ground between you… Frog and Toad can both post without getting so… tetchy.
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April 2, 2009 5:26am
slijmbal

burt
“DPF would probably get negative karma from the very same people that get massive negative karma”

disagree as there’s something like 4 or 5 regular trollls who get permanent -ve karma and I’ve seen DPF get greater -ve karma than that on several occasions.

I think you also ignore the point that -ve karma generally follows -ve behaviour eg greenfly, MNIJ and JvH pretty much troll all day long. D4J is almost a single issue poster and not exactly reasonable about it. These guys get -ve karma consistently. There are other posters who do not agree with the mainstream but actually engage in dialogue but don’t get the -ve karma.

It’s also noticeable that the amount of -ve karma right of centre posters get often tracks accurately the number of trolls posting on that thread.

I agree that similar tracking, say, on the standard, would be skewed in another direction. Both here and the standard have their cheerleaders who can be relied on for a consistent opinion no matter what – on that I agree.

no probs with the typo – slim means smart in dutch 🙂
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April 2, 2009 6:05am
greenfly

burt – your humorous comment Each few days we get a new greenfly because the last one only lasted a few days till it found a mate?Are we relying on the concept of inherited memory to make any headway with you? has made my sometimes torrid time here on Kiwiblog all worthwhile. Thanks 🙂 I’d like to credit you with having rid the blog of the pest that I am and so I will. I’m off.
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April 2, 2009 8:04am

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