Author Archive
Bunfight at Howick Local Board
Every now and then I feel the urge to participate in local politics, sadly usually from a sense of disquiet about how some of our elected officials are running the borough. (See: Why do you think we call it a struggle? for some background.) Tonight was a special meeting of the Howick Local Board (costing […]
Spoofing David Fisher
Some malicious drongo with too much time on their hands is pretending to be NZ Herald reporter David Fisher on Twitter, closely mimicking his real Twitter account @Fish_NZH, which is one I follow. (UPDATE: As you’ll observe in the comments below, David Fisher renamed his Twitter account to @DFisherJourno … And the deceitful impostor renamed […]
Too good!
Funniest home video? The repeating action of gifs like this speaks to me of futility — the futility of doing the same thing over and over. – P
Farewell Aaron Swartz. RIP
I’m so sorry to read of Aaron Swartz’s suicide. Whether you know his name or not, Aaron Swartz made an impact — a ‘dent’. If you don’t, and you’re interested, do some research. 1 I offer my sincere condolences to those who knew Aaron and loved him, and those who mourn his death now. Naturally, […]
No Death Star under Obama
The White House has published a nice tongue-in-cheek response to a petition for the US Government to build a Death Star, specifically: Secure resources and funding, and begin construction of a Death Star by 2016. Here’s the response: This Isn’t the Petition Response You’re Looking For By Paul Shawcross The Administration shares your desire for […]
Insane
Hostage Taking Not Like Regular Negotiating By Jonathan Chait NYMag.com Worth a read, not least for the refreshing line: This is completely insane. The two parties disagree about the appropriate size and scope of the federal government. They don’t disagree about the debt ceiling.
Placing conscience above career
I’ve written before about my disappointment with the Obama administration’s persecution of whistleblowers … in direct contradiction to 2008 candidate Obama’s statements about the matter. This article A whistleblower salutes Bradley Manning by Thomas Andrews Drake writing at Politico is a worthwhile read, suggesting as he does that Bradley Manning’s actions in exposing ‘the dark […]
That’s what I’m Tolkien About
What a laugh! – P
Is Android catching up? Maybe.
Interesting Gizmodo article* from a self-described ‘demanding power user’ of smartphones, describing a big jump in the latest version of Android … An iPhone Lover’s Confession: I Switched To the Nexus 4. Completely. (Leave aside the dumb ‘confession’ angle. They can’t help themselves.) Read his article and let’s talk. I’ll wait. Me? Still good with […]
‘Love’s the only engine of survival’
I had the pleasure of a long drive alone today — which gave me a chance to listen to some of my Leonard Cohen collection. Loved it. This live version of The Future is not as sharp as the CD version, but still good. And lyrics to breathe in deeply. (Below the fold) I’ve seen […]
Save this for when you need directions from Tokoroa to #Hobbiton
Maybe the staff got tired of giving directions …? – P
All the best for the coming year
Best wishes. – P Pic: For those who prefer blue flowers. (Mudie St, Hutt Valley.)
A few more thoughts about honest debate
Occasionally I cop a wee bit of chastisement for being ‘reasonable’ — being open to hearing other people’s expression of their opinion without responding with immediate and trenchant denigration; acting as less of a ‘culture warrior’ than some of those who seem to try to frame any debate as a hillbilly feud, responding with knee-jerk […]
