Well not this space - but the title sounded good.
Over the last couple of days Ive been doing quite a bit of thinking. Since the high of the campaign last year - which basically dominated all my time/thinking from April to October, I have had something of a hole in my existence.
After working in such a high stakes game, naturally a year like this - just isnt nearly as exciting.
So anyway after watching Al Gore's stunning An Inconvenient Truth the other day I think Ive discovered another campaign to work on.
Im gonna have a word to some people about looking at kicking some sort of campaign off.... so watch this space I guess!
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Review: Nacho Libre
Just been to see Jack Black's new flick - Nacho Libre.
Its the story of a Mexican priest who secretly follows his passion and becomes a Luchadore (wrestler)
The film has received a bit of criticism as the film was directed by the guy who did the very excellent Napolean Dynamite. Personally I think its ridiculous to compare the two - Nacho is clearly aimed at a broader audience, including kids. It follows the same style as School of Rock, but offers more for adults, has the same sentimentality in the end, but is just great comedy.
Jack Black is fast becoming a modern day James Belushi, consistently producing offbeat hilarious stuff.
This is well worth a watch.
Its the story of a Mexican priest who secretly follows his passion and becomes a Luchadore (wrestler)
The film has received a bit of criticism as the film was directed by the guy who did the very excellent Napolean Dynamite. Personally I think its ridiculous to compare the two - Nacho is clearly aimed at a broader audience, including kids. It follows the same style as School of Rock, but offers more for adults, has the same sentimentality in the end, but is just great comedy.
Jack Black is fast becoming a modern day James Belushi, consistently producing offbeat hilarious stuff.
This is well worth a watch.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
An Inconvenient Truth
Ive just got back from seeing Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth. That was easily one of the most important films I have ever seen.
Gore uses simple language to communicate such an important issue - Im completely inspired to actually do something about this.
Nuclear disarmament was our parents issue during the 70s and 80s, I cant help but think this is our issue, and we're at what Churchill called a "Period of Consequence" no longer is talking good enough we need action.
Gore uses simple language to communicate such an important issue - Im completely inspired to actually do something about this.
Nuclear disarmament was our parents issue during the 70s and 80s, I cant help but think this is our issue, and we're at what Churchill called a "Period of Consequence" no longer is talking good enough we need action.
A Bloody good cause
Im always keen to support a good cause, and having worked for rubbish pay and conditions at a supermarket Im with the EPMU and NDU in their current campaign.
As you may be aware, Supermarket workers at Progressive sites nationwide have been locked out of work for the past 20 or so days. At first this began as a 2 day strike, but then Progressive wouldnt let them back.
Progressive are owned by Woolworths Australia, and operate the Woolworths, Foodtown and Countdown brands in New Zealand. In the last 12 months they have recorded a $1.2 Billion profit increase - but are refusing to agree to a nationwide collective contract for supermarket workers (which means all staff get the same conditions - leave etc) and are refusing to increase their pay by the 8% demanded (which is reasonable).
If you have ever worked in a supermarket - you can appreciate how shafted these workers feel. The new Australian owners are treating their workers with contempt, and are attempting to enforce Australian conditions.
These workers shouldn't be forced to give up on their legitimate claim for a single national agreement covering the same work in different parts of the country along with a decent pay rise. Progressive are basically attempting to starve them into accepting their pathetic pay offer.
To show your support go to Shelf Respect or go to this site to donate to their cause - they have been without pay for 20 odd days now - and most of these workers have young families.
Otherwise show your support by boycotting Woolworths, Foodtown and Countdown (their stock isnt getting delivered anyway - so the shelves are empty!)
As you may be aware, Supermarket workers at Progressive sites nationwide have been locked out of work for the past 20 or so days. At first this began as a 2 day strike, but then Progressive wouldnt let them back.
Progressive are owned by Woolworths Australia, and operate the Woolworths, Foodtown and Countdown brands in New Zealand. In the last 12 months they have recorded a $1.2 Billion profit increase - but are refusing to agree to a nationwide collective contract for supermarket workers (which means all staff get the same conditions - leave etc) and are refusing to increase their pay by the 8% demanded (which is reasonable).
If you have ever worked in a supermarket - you can appreciate how shafted these workers feel. The new Australian owners are treating their workers with contempt, and are attempting to enforce Australian conditions.
These workers shouldn't be forced to give up on their legitimate claim for a single national agreement covering the same work in different parts of the country along with a decent pay rise. Progressive are basically attempting to starve them into accepting their pathetic pay offer.
To show your support go to Shelf Respect or go to this site to donate to their cause - they have been without pay for 20 odd days now - and most of these workers have young families.
Otherwise show your support by boycotting Woolworths, Foodtown and Countdown (their stock isnt getting delivered anyway - so the shelves are empty!)
Monday, September 11, 2006
Exciting stuff
I had a phone call the other night from Craig about getting a ride up to Hamilton for the wedding etc etc, which suddenly made me realise - this is all only really a week away when you take the whole stag-do into account as well. How cool is that?
Unfortunately we have a work team building/planning days next Tuesday and Wednesday which means I havent been able to take the whole week off, but anyway should be wicked.
Half the fun too will just be getting everyone together in a 'new' place - although Hamilton is just a big Palmerston North...... which is a big Levin, so I guess not that new??
Now for an Odd spot - this is classic
Unfortunately we have a work team building/planning days next Tuesday and Wednesday which means I havent been able to take the whole week off, but anyway should be wicked.
Half the fun too will just be getting everyone together in a 'new' place - although Hamilton is just a big Palmerston North...... which is a big Levin, so I guess not that new??
Now for an Odd spot - this is classic
Friday, September 08, 2006
Review - Clerks II
Dante - "Never go Arse to Mouth"
Randal - "Always go Arse to Mouth"
Pretty much says it all - more vulgar jokes, more discussions on everyday crap - which is better Star Wars or LOTR? etc.
(LOTR is just three films about going for a walk)
Clerks 2 picks up the story 10 years after the first Clerks, and begins with Randal leaving the coffee on at the Quick Stop, burning the place down, meaning Dante and Randal get jobs at fictional fast-food chain - Mooby's.
After a year at Mooby's Dante is about to leave for Florida with his dominating fiance. Clerks II follows his last day at Mooby's including covering the farewell that Randal organises - an Inter-Species-Erotica show.
Jay and Silent Bob of course feature - apparently they had escaped a drug conviction, and had to do re-hab - which is where they found Christ - which of course is hilarious. Shit dude did you know Jesus was Jewish
If you have seen - and liked Kevin Smith's earlier films, you'll love this, but its not likely to be the film that would draw you into the View Askewniverse.
You could criticise the fact that it basically follows the same format as the original (although the hockey game is replaced by a dance routine - to ABC) but this is good solid Kevin Smith, and I think his best film since Chasing Amy.
4/5
Randal - "Always go Arse to Mouth"
Pretty much says it all - more vulgar jokes, more discussions on everyday crap - which is better Star Wars or LOTR? etc.
(LOTR is just three films about going for a walk)
Clerks 2 picks up the story 10 years after the first Clerks, and begins with Randal leaving the coffee on at the Quick Stop, burning the place down, meaning Dante and Randal get jobs at fictional fast-food chain - Mooby's.
After a year at Mooby's Dante is about to leave for Florida with his dominating fiance. Clerks II follows his last day at Mooby's including covering the farewell that Randal organises - an Inter-Species-Erotica show.
Jay and Silent Bob of course feature - apparently they had escaped a drug conviction, and had to do re-hab - which is where they found Christ - which of course is hilarious. Shit dude did you know Jesus was Jewish
If you have seen - and liked Kevin Smith's earlier films, you'll love this, but its not likely to be the film that would draw you into the View Askewniverse.
You could criticise the fact that it basically follows the same format as the original (although the hockey game is replaced by a dance routine - to ABC) but this is good solid Kevin Smith, and I think his best film since Chasing Amy.
4/5
Monday, September 04, 2006
Simple pleasures
C4 now has some competition - MTV is back in New Zealand, which has made me a happy man.
Im not sure how C4 will survive given 90% of their programming - Punk'd, all their cartoons, Jackass, Viva La Bam, Dirty Sanchez, Wildboyz, Pimp my Ride etc is from MTV. But hey who cares.
MTV only features music videos every now and then, focussing on their shows - which is where I struck gold!
MTV Homewreckers - its Ryan Dunn from Jackass' new show, basically people who have had a prank pulled on them by mates, write in and Dunn then goes and "rennovates" their room - like turns it into urinal and such like. Inbetween these he teaches you how to do pranks around the home - like instead of using glad wrap on the toilet, use clear jello! (can only be removed by scooping it out - which if defecated on isnt the nicest!) or filling up the fans in someones car with dots from a hole punch - so they blow everywhere when the car is started.
If I had a top 5 current shows - it would be in there. The best of the shows by former Jackasses.
Im not sure how C4 will survive given 90% of their programming - Punk'd, all their cartoons, Jackass, Viva La Bam, Dirty Sanchez, Wildboyz, Pimp my Ride etc is from MTV. But hey who cares.
MTV only features music videos every now and then, focussing on their shows - which is where I struck gold!
MTV Homewreckers - its Ryan Dunn from Jackass' new show, basically people who have had a prank pulled on them by mates, write in and Dunn then goes and "rennovates" their room - like turns it into urinal and such like. Inbetween these he teaches you how to do pranks around the home - like instead of using glad wrap on the toilet, use clear jello! (can only be removed by scooping it out - which if defecated on isnt the nicest!) or filling up the fans in someones car with dots from a hole punch - so they blow everywhere when the car is started.
If I had a top 5 current shows - it would be in there. The best of the shows by former Jackasses.
Steve Irwin
Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin has been killed - not by a crocodile, but by a Stingray.
Apparently his wife hasnt been told yet - she is trekking in Tasmania.
Now I've never been a fan of Irwin but this is pretty shocking. I guess he died doing what he loved - which no one could complain about.
Apparently his wife hasnt been told yet - she is trekking in Tasmania.
Now I've never been a fan of Irwin but this is pretty shocking. I guess he died doing what he loved - which no one could complain about.
Friday, September 01, 2006
Dangerous driving charge against armless man dropped
Above is a headline from today's Herald
Over the last year or so I have collected daft headlines and stories like this one, and put them on the pinboard in my office.
After finding that gem this morning I though id share some of the small but growing collection...
Blind man kills deaf man in noise row
Cannabis raffled for $10 a ticket
Man of Steel not gay says director
Horse given party pill drug
Computer can read your mind
Schoolgirls vomit together
No napkins..... elderly might eat them
Quick victory for humans in caveman clash
The Lord will tackle National
US dismisses deaths as 'good PR move'
Personality disorder 'no excuse for killing'
and my all time fav is actually a pull quote which featured in the Herald when Air NZ had maintainence issues a couple of years back...
'Our goal is to land with all the parts we take off with' Air NZ chief technical officer, Bill Jacobson
I love the insanity of the media.
Over the last year or so I have collected daft headlines and stories like this one, and put them on the pinboard in my office.
After finding that gem this morning I though id share some of the small but growing collection...
Blind man kills deaf man in noise row
Cannabis raffled for $10 a ticket
Man of Steel not gay says director
Horse given party pill drug
Computer can read your mind
Schoolgirls vomit together
No napkins..... elderly might eat them
Quick victory for humans in caveman clash
The Lord will tackle National
US dismisses deaths as 'good PR move'
Personality disorder 'no excuse for killing'
and my all time fav is actually a pull quote which featured in the Herald when Air NZ had maintainence issues a couple of years back...
'Our goal is to land with all the parts we take off with' Air NZ chief technical officer, Bill Jacobson
I love the insanity of the media.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Football World Cup 2010 - downunder???
I know WTF? The Sydney Morning Herald this morning has reported that South Africa has dropped the ball with their hosting of the 2010 Football World Cup..... and the replacements would likely be New Zealand and Australia!
Basically theyve been too slow off the mark and are way behind schedule, meaning companies are now pulling out of the tendering process due to the ridiculous timelines.
Its all in the way it rotates around - after Africa, the America's would be due next, then Asia/Oceania, then Europe. But Brazil the lead candidate for 2014 is no where near ready (only has 1 or 2 Fifa standard venues) - opening the way for us - Aussie has 5 Fifa Standard venues - (Telstra Stadium, Aussie Stadium in Sydney, Telstra Dome and the MCG in Melbourne and Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane) plus Perth is currently building another, and New Zealand is of course upgrading venues, so will have 3 (Eden Park, Westpac Stadium, and Jade Stadium) potentially 5 venues (if Carisbrook is rebuilt as is planned and Waikato Stadium is big enough).
Now the final will obviously either be at the Olympic - Telstra Stadium in Sydney or the now even huger MCG, but still even if we only hosted a pool and maybe a couple of quarter finals - how sick would that be!
Its all reliant on South Africa continuing to make a hash of it - so keep up the good work!
Basically theyve been too slow off the mark and are way behind schedule, meaning companies are now pulling out of the tendering process due to the ridiculous timelines.
Its all in the way it rotates around - after Africa, the America's would be due next, then Asia/Oceania, then Europe. But Brazil the lead candidate for 2014 is no where near ready (only has 1 or 2 Fifa standard venues) - opening the way for us - Aussie has 5 Fifa Standard venues - (Telstra Stadium, Aussie Stadium in Sydney, Telstra Dome and the MCG in Melbourne and Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane) plus Perth is currently building another, and New Zealand is of course upgrading venues, so will have 3 (Eden Park, Westpac Stadium, and Jade Stadium) potentially 5 venues (if Carisbrook is rebuilt as is planned and Waikato Stadium is big enough).
Now the final will obviously either be at the Olympic - Telstra Stadium in Sydney or the now even huger MCG, but still even if we only hosted a pool and maybe a couple of quarter finals - how sick would that be!
Its all reliant on South Africa continuing to make a hash of it - so keep up the good work!
Sunday, August 27, 2006
My NZ Idol post
Alright yes it is rubbish - and frankly who cares, but hey thats what blogs are for!
Now with Idol, I always watch the first episode - to see the awful tragics, the first show with the whole top 10, and then possibly the last couple of shows.
Tonight was the first night with the top 10, and was also their soul music night, which was basically a Motown night. Soul is one of my favourite genres and is a great test - if you cant bring the funk you will be exposed by soul music.
So for me there were only three good performances and they were actually outstanding. The rest were frankly awful - not much better than karaoke.
Becks who sang Lady Marmalade, Ben who sang Aint No Mountain High Enough and Indira who pulled out Aretha Franklin's Think. One of those three should be the winner - none of the others can sing!
Also the best of the rest - Matt is from Levin! But he sang Stevie Wonder's Livin in the City - he was a bit out of depth, but hey LV represent!
Now with Idol, I always watch the first episode - to see the awful tragics, the first show with the whole top 10, and then possibly the last couple of shows.
Tonight was the first night with the top 10, and was also their soul music night, which was basically a Motown night. Soul is one of my favourite genres and is a great test - if you cant bring the funk you will be exposed by soul music.
So for me there were only three good performances and they were actually outstanding. The rest were frankly awful - not much better than karaoke.
Becks who sang Lady Marmalade, Ben who sang Aint No Mountain High Enough and Indira who pulled out Aretha Franklin's Think. One of those three should be the winner - none of the others can sing!
Also the best of the rest - Matt is from Levin! But he sang Stevie Wonder's Livin in the City - he was a bit out of depth, but hey LV represent!
Saturday, August 26, 2006
West Side Mofo
Well given the awful weather today I decided to use up the paint I had left over from the bathroom (Resene Geyser) I decided to paint the kitchen cupboards.
Naturally this got way out of control - I decided to also paint the splash back above the sink, but wanted an outrageous colour. So I charged down to Resene and for some reason didnt go with my usual red. (Red couch and rug in lounge, red mat and towels in bathroom)
No no the colour I went for was Resene West Side - which is a bright orange, almost tangerine. I half thought this was gonna clash horribly with the red couch - but it works!
I would link to the Resene site, but the colour shows up waayy duller.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Snapped!
I caught someone red handed this morning!
Doing what you ask??? Downloading "data" at work!
You see I have iTunes loaded on my machine. Now because we're on a shared drive, if someone else uses LimeWire to download free songs etc... everyone with iTunes can see it.
So this morning while listening to some Radiohead - Ok Computer (still awesome), I noticed that one of our IT support people from Unisys had been using LimeWire - meaning I could see his library. Now normally you find some gems for example - one media assistant from another office had a huge Bryan Adams (no no not Ryan) collection and also the Baywatch soundtrack (WTF?) so I was looking for a similar laugh.
HOLY FUCK was what I exclaimed when I saw this persons - five downloads listed, one song - a Justin Timberlake one it was too, and then four video clips - some of the titles as follows
"cumshot jessica fuck"
"blowjobs jessica drake tits" and so on.
You would think an IT guy would know better, and if not at least know how to cover his tracks!
After considering all sorts of blackmail and extortion - I did the decent thing and emailed him to tell him - you do realise everyone can access your LimeWire and see everything you've downloaded....
Fair to say its now an empty LimeWire.
What a dick, although it has provided much entertainment around the office - we have now coined a new phrase too: To do some gardening - his last name is Gardner.
Doing what you ask??? Downloading "data" at work!
You see I have iTunes loaded on my machine. Now because we're on a shared drive, if someone else uses LimeWire to download free songs etc... everyone with iTunes can see it.
So this morning while listening to some Radiohead - Ok Computer (still awesome), I noticed that one of our IT support people from Unisys had been using LimeWire - meaning I could see his library. Now normally you find some gems for example - one media assistant from another office had a huge Bryan Adams (no no not Ryan) collection and also the Baywatch soundtrack (WTF?) so I was looking for a similar laugh.
HOLY FUCK was what I exclaimed when I saw this persons - five downloads listed, one song - a Justin Timberlake one it was too, and then four video clips - some of the titles as follows
"cumshot jessica fuck"
"blowjobs jessica drake tits" and so on.
You would think an IT guy would know better, and if not at least know how to cover his tracks!
After considering all sorts of blackmail and extortion - I did the decent thing and emailed him to tell him - you do realise everyone can access your LimeWire and see everything you've downloaded....
Fair to say its now an empty LimeWire.
What a dick, although it has provided much entertainment around the office - we have now coined a new phrase too: To do some gardening - his last name is Gardner.
Monday, August 21, 2006
They're small!
Yes it is about time that the Reserve Bank has replaced our coins, and the new coins have made the wallet much lighter - but its the hell confusing when being given change - for example the new 50c coin is smaller than the old 20c! So just about everytime you get given change you give that old are you ripping me off look to the cashier.
Also what is funny about this whole shebang is that people are now selling their old coins on Trade Me. Campbell Live featured an article about the now extinct 5c coins - apparently if you have a 5c coin with the date '2004' on it - you're in the money! well kind of... on average theyre selling for about $50 due to the fact that it was a really limited run in 2004.
Check out www.newcoins.govt.nz
Thursday, August 17, 2006
TV Themes
Spareroom has blogged 25 of the greatest ever tv themes - including my favourites, CHiPs and Greatest American Hero.
There are some other classics though - Three's Company, Magnum PI, A Team, and of course WKRP in Cincinatti!
Check it out - theyre a crack up
Freedom! Forever!
This is actually a review of V for Vendetta, the Wachowski brothers (the Matrix) latest work.
V for Vendetta is based on the 1980s comic (sorry graphic novel) of the same name. Its the story of a fictional Britain ruled by a facist dictator - High Chancellor Sutler, and how a revolutionary - or terrorist (depending on your view point) named V, goes about undermining the government, murdering figure heads left, right and centre, and blowing the shit out of places like the Old Bailey and Houses of Parliament.
The original comic was written in the 80s for an 80s audience, using Thatcher's government as inspiration, however the movie takes on a modern theme suggesting that the facist govt is a result of the middle east conflict and terrorism. This works, and makes the story more relevant to modern audiences - it has pissed the writer off though, who distanced himself from the film.
This is one of the best political thrillers that I have seen - it is far enough removed from our reality to be entertaining, and would reach a far broader audience than most in this genre.
Hugo Weaving's performance as V is fantastic - wearing a mask for the whole film meant he really had use his voice to project V's emotions - no mean feat, and this isnt a robotic masked character like a Darth Vader, V is still just a man.
Natalie Portman looks the part of Evey, big innocent eyes and comes across strong, but her accent slipped in just about every scene - I wonder if they should have just abandoned the accent and had her speak naturally?
Anyway V for Vendetta is fantastic, this is definitely another purchase.
****
V for Vendetta is based on the 1980s comic (sorry graphic novel) of the same name. Its the story of a fictional Britain ruled by a facist dictator - High Chancellor Sutler, and how a revolutionary - or terrorist (depending on your view point) named V, goes about undermining the government, murdering figure heads left, right and centre, and blowing the shit out of places like the Old Bailey and Houses of Parliament.
The original comic was written in the 80s for an 80s audience, using Thatcher's government as inspiration, however the movie takes on a modern theme suggesting that the facist govt is a result of the middle east conflict and terrorism. This works, and makes the story more relevant to modern audiences - it has pissed the writer off though, who distanced himself from the film.
This is one of the best political thrillers that I have seen - it is far enough removed from our reality to be entertaining, and would reach a far broader audience than most in this genre.
Hugo Weaving's performance as V is fantastic - wearing a mask for the whole film meant he really had use his voice to project V's emotions - no mean feat, and this isnt a robotic masked character like a Darth Vader, V is still just a man.
Natalie Portman looks the part of Evey, big innocent eyes and comes across strong, but her accent slipped in just about every scene - I wonder if they should have just abandoned the accent and had her speak naturally?
Anyway V for Vendetta is fantastic, this is definitely another purchase.
****
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Rock the Casbah!
What a start to the day I had today! As you will recall, I bought a new car - a Peugeot 206 a couple of weeks back. The top of the line in compact hatchbacks - lovely stuff.
Anyway, this morning when I arrived in the building at work, and was about to storm into an elevator... my phone goes. "Hi is that Andrew? (before I could say anything) Its So and So here from Classics Hits 90-something FM, how are you this morning?" Great thanks I replied, radioman then said - I understand you bought a Peugeot 206 a couple of weeks ago from Shackel Motor Group? I said Yes I did, its fantastic! And he said well your name has been drawn and we are going to pay all your payments on the car for one year!
How cool is that!?!?! basically saving me $4600!
This is probably the first proper thing I have ever won!
Back of the net!
Anyway, this morning when I arrived in the building at work, and was about to storm into an elevator... my phone goes. "Hi is that Andrew? (before I could say anything) Its So and So here from Classics Hits 90-something FM, how are you this morning?" Great thanks I replied, radioman then said - I understand you bought a Peugeot 206 a couple of weeks ago from Shackel Motor Group? I said Yes I did, its fantastic! And he said well your name has been drawn and we are going to pay all your payments on the car for one year!
How cool is that!?!?! basically saving me $4600!
This is probably the first proper thing I have ever won!
Back of the net!
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Cuppa Joe's
Now for some good ol' US politics - just to bore the wee wee out of everyone!
Ive just been reading a fascinating article in the New Republic - one of the leading US political journals, talking about former Vice Presidential candidate, Joe Lieberman's failed primary election campaign to hold his seat in the Senate out of Conneticutt (sp? - im sure thats wrong anyway). Lieberman failed in his nomination for the Presidency in 2004, and was as mentioned Al Gore's running partner in 2000. Aside from these loses though, he has held a seat in the Senate for four terms, and was initially seen as a front runner in 2004 (before Howard Dean was endorsed by Gore, and John Kerry took the middle ground).
Lieberman's problem though, is that he is seen as pro-Bush, arguing that people shouldnt criticise the President at a time of war. Which if the country is under attack, or in a situation like WW2, then yes he is right - you don't need an opposition politicking at the sidelines. But the Iraq situation is different, there was/is no immediate threat and the Democrats were needing to act as an opposition (exactly the same problem for the ALP in Australia).
What is interesting though is how this Democratic Party primary could effect the main vote in 2008. Middle America were scared off by Bush's attacks on Kerry's indecisive - limp wristed "flip flop" nature in 2004. For the Democrats to abandon one of their senior players in such a fashion, could leave them open to the same attacks again in 2008.
In saying that Hillary Clinton is looking as solid as ever in the New York senate race, which is promising for 2008. However Howard Dean (avid Clinton hater), has taken over the running of the Democratic national body - the DNC, meaning that Hillary's ride will be rocky to say the least, and expect to see toes being tread on and blood spilt along the way.
The Democrats seem to almost be like NZ or UK Labour in the 90s, to busy fighting each other - therefore losing time and time again.
So looking to 2008, I expect to see the race being between Senator John McCain (Republicans) and Hillary (Democrats), to be honest - I could handle either, neither are nutbars of Bush proportions, and frankly from a New Zealand perspective McCain visits here a lot, and has been our biggest backer for a free-trade deal - he even referred to NZ as an ally, which we havent been called since ANZUS broke down over the Nukes issue in 1986. So while I will hopefully head over to campaign for Hillary victory, a McCain administration should suffice.
Ive just been reading a fascinating article in the New Republic - one of the leading US political journals, talking about former Vice Presidential candidate, Joe Lieberman's failed primary election campaign to hold his seat in the Senate out of Conneticutt (sp? - im sure thats wrong anyway). Lieberman failed in his nomination for the Presidency in 2004, and was as mentioned Al Gore's running partner in 2000. Aside from these loses though, he has held a seat in the Senate for four terms, and was initially seen as a front runner in 2004 (before Howard Dean was endorsed by Gore, and John Kerry took the middle ground).
Lieberman's problem though, is that he is seen as pro-Bush, arguing that people shouldnt criticise the President at a time of war. Which if the country is under attack, or in a situation like WW2, then yes he is right - you don't need an opposition politicking at the sidelines. But the Iraq situation is different, there was/is no immediate threat and the Democrats were needing to act as an opposition (exactly the same problem for the ALP in Australia).
What is interesting though is how this Democratic Party primary could effect the main vote in 2008. Middle America were scared off by Bush's attacks on Kerry's indecisive - limp wristed "flip flop" nature in 2004. For the Democrats to abandon one of their senior players in such a fashion, could leave them open to the same attacks again in 2008.
In saying that Hillary Clinton is looking as solid as ever in the New York senate race, which is promising for 2008. However Howard Dean (avid Clinton hater), has taken over the running of the Democratic national body - the DNC, meaning that Hillary's ride will be rocky to say the least, and expect to see toes being tread on and blood spilt along the way.
The Democrats seem to almost be like NZ or UK Labour in the 90s, to busy fighting each other - therefore losing time and time again.
So looking to 2008, I expect to see the race being between Senator John McCain (Republicans) and Hillary (Democrats), to be honest - I could handle either, neither are nutbars of Bush proportions, and frankly from a New Zealand perspective McCain visits here a lot, and has been our biggest backer for a free-trade deal - he even referred to NZ as an ally, which we havent been called since ANZUS broke down over the Nukes issue in 1986. So while I will hopefully head over to campaign for Hillary victory, a McCain administration should suffice.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
This is history
Today is the tenth anniversary of Oasis' landmark Knebworth gigs. The gigs were frankly huge and the zenith of the Britpop phenomenon. 125 000 people attended each night (10th and 11th of August), and to give an idea of how big this was the support acts on the first night were The Prodigy, Manic Street Preachers and Ocean Colour Scene followed by The Charlatans, Kula Shaker and The Chemical Brothers on the second. 1996 was the year that Britpop - and Oasis dominated and the Knebworth gigs became the stuff of legend. They were Cool Britiania.
The next year all the great acts faded - Oasis included, Blur disappeared, Sleeper produced their weakest work, Pulp took nearly three years to produce This is Hardcore and all of the bands listed above never scaled the heights of 1996 again. Knebworth was nirvana.
Also while marking this occasion, Top of the Pops after 40 years has been canned (hence the video) - to be fair I dont think it will really be missed! The world has moved on a bit. You should have noticed something strange with the video - Oasis upset the BBC in mid 1995 with this performance of Roll With It. After being forced to lip synch the lads spiced things up by having Noel act as lead vocalist (with no guitar) and Liam "play" lead guitar - making it obvious that they are lip synching. Great stuff
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