2010 [Updated]

And so another year starts.

Happy New Year and all that.

[Update]
Couldn't get this poxy post to show after midnight. It kept publishing immediately. Tried deleting and recreating, no solution.

And no, I had not touched a drop.

2009 Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race - XVI

2009 Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race is over.

Polaris of Belmont has crossed the finish line, having fought 30-40 knot headwinds for the last 40 miles (the last 6 hours) and short tacked in the river all the way to the finish line. 2 days and 22 hours after the first boat finished, it takes 94th and last place. A long haul, it is 2050 in Hobart, perfect timing for a few well deserved cleansing ales and the chance to tell a few lies in the local on New Year's Eve.

4 DNFs and 1 disqualification for an incident near the start in Sydney on Boxing Day. Other protests dismissed.

A mild 2009 Christmas Day with Global Warming

via NASA
HT CR and TBR

2009 Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race - XV

Not many to go now, about 20 yachts have finished in the last few hours. 4 days and 17 hours so far.

Might be all over by late tonight - Polaris of Belmont at dead last and 95th is in cruising mode. Still has 85NM to run and is currently only doing 6.5 knots.

[Update] GLNZ: ONZ - confirmed

The farce is complete as the most corrupt politician of our time is given a gong.

Sickening.

[Update]
Want something to really make you puke?

Read this piece of fawning vomit.

Feeling safe to fly?

The CIA was tracking a person of interest known as “The Nigerian” - who was in fact airline bomb suspect Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab - as early as August, CBS News reports.

Unbloody believable! The saga gets better by the hour.

Obama's security goon squad performing at their best.

Feeling safe are we?

2009 Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race - XIV

The procession continues. Still around 40 yachts to finish, the last straggler has been sailing a really lonely race at 275NM still to run.

Unintended consequences

As the northern hemisphere hunkers down post-Nohopenhagen in the face of the vicious onslaught of global warming initiated sub-zero blizzards, there have been unintended consequences. And blamed for a great many vehicle crashes.

The great Gaia has been so well pleased with power savings to be had from using LED devices for traffic lights, the lights are no longer visible in severe snowstorms as they ice over severely. It seems the previous incandescent lit devices had an inbuilt heating effect which also served to clear the lens so the signals might be seen when needed most.

The LED lights might burn brighter, last 10x longer and be very cost effective, but are useless to the point some are considering sending deicing crews to defrost the fittings. Most arrive to find the frosting problem has passed as the weather has changed. Or maybe install heaters to de-ice. Good one. Not!

Technology fail.

Dedication

Within minutes of arriving at the dock in Hobart the Richards and his crew were converting Wild Oats XI from racing to delivery mode.

Four hours later, before sunrise and with many of the race crew still aboard, the supermaxi was heading out of the Derwent River on a high speed delivery back to Sydney for the start of the Pittwater to Coffs Harbour race on January 2.

By Rob Mundle, Wild Oats Media Manager

Now that is dedication to your sport.

And I note even yachts have spin doctors these days. Like leeches, the bloody things get in everywhere.

Townie gets knickers in a twist over 'The Undertakers'

We saw a truck parked on the grass verge which had The Undertakers written on it and a beast that was on hooks with its guts hanging out and the head was on the grass

It was revolting and Jessica got really upset about it

A townie gets her knickers in a twist over the local homekill operator dealing to a lifestylers' cattle beast at the side of the the road. the truck was aptly named 'The Undertakers'.

The road had blood all over it and my boots got blood on them

Quelle horreur! All the gory bits on show. There's a saying - Where's there is livestock, there is also deadstock.

Get over yourself lady and stop giving townies a bad name. Just how do you think those nice big juicy steaks get from the paddock to your BBQ on those nice gladwrapped polystyrene trays?

The first complaint about the homekill in 14 years. This is the long running saga of life and death in the country.

If you can't stand the country noises, smells and sights, take yourself and your now vegan daughter and bugger off back to town.

2009 Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race - XIII

Only one more yacht (Wild Oats) has finished since midnight. The wind must have died completely. Even the yachts in Bass Strait barely moved in 6 hours.

Back marker Polaris of Belmont with 416NM to run has cleared Eden and is moving into the strait. She will still be racing in 3 days time at this speed.

2009 Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race - XII

Yes, the fat lady sings!

2 days, 9 hours, 2 minutes, 10 seconds. The clock is now running for handicap.

Congratulations to Neville Crichtons' Alfa Romeo and crew.

Take that dingo mongrels. Done by Kiwis yet again.

2009 Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race - XI

Yep, the plonk did run out. Onto a Tui now.

Anyway less than 5 NM to run, no tacking. Off the Taroona Shot Tower. Wild Oats has slowed right down as predicted.

Unfortunately race position upates are only every 20 mins and are dated by 10 mins so no advantage could be had.

2009 Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race - X

13 NM to run. Wild Oats is in Derwent river at 17 miles behind rounding Cape Raoul as you read. Everything has slowed down. Wind is lightening as expected.

Alfa Romeo is almost on top of the Pot, The Iron Pot, the site of the oldest light house in Tasmania. A bit of tacking is going on, Alfa has been heading toward the airport, but has tacked and coming back on track. From here the river narrows and things get real tricky.

Whatever Alfa runs into, Wild Oats will also have to transit, in lighter airs as the wind dies.

It is going to be a long night - midnight NZ time ETA, 2200 Hobart time. Maybe not late this arvo as suggested earlier, but in time for a few bevvies on arrival.

Unfortunately the Cab Sav Merlot plonk here could finish before this race.

2009 Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race - IX

Under 40 NM to run.

Alfa Romeo has turned to west on waypoint at Tasman Island doing 13 knots. Two waypoints to go, passing Port Arthur now. Wild Oats 18 miles back , Leopard is 32 miles behind Alfa. Neither is currently a threat, but in yacht racing till that finish line is crossed, never ever count your chickens.

Next bunch is 68 miles behind and is really stretching out, gaining ground. Only one straggler has yet to make Eden, most are well into Bass Strait. Wind looks steady at present.

2009 Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race - VIII

90NM to run.

Icap Leopard has fallen back slightly to 33 miles astern, slightly out to sea, but Wild Oats is still right on Alfa Romeo's backside at 13 miles astern.

Leaders are slowing, 50 miles to the turning point where they will be hard on the wind. And the wind is lightening and shifty the further south they go.

The next bunch has picked up 20 miles, but is still 85 miles from the race leader. The main group are midway into the strait, whilst some tail enders have yet to make Eden.

Some perspective of scale:

The race is like a race in New Zealand from Cape Reinga to Wellington via East Cape. Similar distance and the yachts would be currently spread up the east coast of the North Island from almost in Wellington up to Tauranga. That is some spread.

History repeats

Continuing the nautical flavour.

You'd think they would have this reef well marked, but alas, no.

2009 Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race - VII

150NM to go.

Leaders (3x) have picked up local winds and are romping down coast of Tassie at 16-22 knots. Rest of fleet are 110M back doing barely 9 knots. Alfa Romeo has almost 30NM lead on other two.

High risk game for last leg up the Derwent River once they round Cape Tasman - the Derwent typically goes flat overnight as any wind dies. Yachts even travel backwards here. The leaders of the main bunch are likely to still be transiting there tomorrow, whilst the top 3 will hopefully be safely ashore late this arvo on the turps.

Ending Christmas freebies affects thousands

drivers did without gift hampers

had received messages from drivers accusing the company of being "a bit Scrooge-like" and trying to claw back some of the pay rise they won last month after a six-month dispute

The unionised miffed at not getting a freebie Xmas hamper on top of their excessive pay rises from their fiscally stretched employer this year.

Thousands of Aucklanders missed out on free Christmas Day bus rides

passengers waiting at bus stops with no money

And would be Christmas Day free riders also have got their noses out of joint when they had to cough up for the bus services they used.

She denied there had been any lack of notice, saying posters had been put up in buses advising passengers of Christmas timetables and that normal fares would apply

Tough. User pays. About time the true costs of public transport were sheeted home. I often wonder how viable public transport would be with the full cost of dedicated bus lanes etc attached to a ticket.

The headline is correct. Such moves do affect thousands. I applaud the bus companies for taking the stand on the end of the free ride. Particularly the end of the unionised free ride. And no doubt thousands of affected ratepayers will applaud in a similar vein.

I await some union driven stiff putting a complaint into your local council about the unfairness of it all.

2009 Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race - VI

220 NM to run.

South of Flinders Island, almost abreast of NE cape of Tasmania.

Very slow overnight. Kiwi Alfa Romeo at 16 knots still has 20 miles on Leopard and Wild Oats, doing 14 knots. Next bunch of 5 boats is 40 miles plus further back doing 5knots.

Wind extremely light against coast close toward Cape Tasman turning point for Hobart. Racetrack today is full of wind holes. Alfa Romeo could easily lose this race, but it would be nice to beat the Aussies.

2009 Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race - V

31.5 hours in - 290Nm to run. Just over half the race done.

NZ Yacht Alfa Romeo still leads and is extending the lead. Sliding to west of straight line course, possibly tacking downhill to keep up light airs boat speed. Almost halfway across strait. First 5 still spread over 40 miles. Wild Oats (defender) still in 3rd, Leopard still holding her off.

Maxis in tight bunch starting to stretch their legs as they entered Bass Strait and breaking away from the following big bunch of yachts still coming down the coast from Eden, slowly catching the leading 5.

Wind is light but steady direction currently easy port reaching. Will change in a couple of hours to an almost downhill run for the leaders for the rest of tonight, increasing to around 20 knots. Then it should be a starboard reach up the Derwent to the finish.

2009 Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race - IV

27 hours in - 365NM to run.

Top 5x yachts in Bass Strait, rest bunching up in light airs off Eden coast.

Leaders doing 12-14 knots, bunch sub-10 knots. Large lead to Alfa Romeo. Ichi Bans easterly flyer out into the ditch came to zip, she's now 25 miles back, following the leader. Wild Oats and Leopard duelling for 2nd and 3rd.

Going to be a slow night.

2009 Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race - III

20 hours in, 425 NM to go.

Off Eden, leader bunch very close to shore. Doing around 6.5 knots.

Ichi Ban offshore flyer may be paying off - now only 14 miles behind leader, has taken out 6 miles of difference in last 5 hours. Is doing 2 knots better at 8.5 knots plus well offshore.

Still a long way to go, no records are going to be broken this year, getting progressively lighter.

2009 Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race - II

15 hours in - over 3/4 of way to Eden from Sydney.
Entering Bass Strait later today.
Top 3 - Alfa Romeo, ICAP Leopard, Wild Oats, all close to coast.
Ichi Ban well out to sea, taking a flyer on the hope of wind shift.
Wind very light close to coast, stronger out in ditch.

2009 Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race

The first in an occasional series over the next few days.

A plug-in for Google Earth automatically showing the yacht positions. Neat!

New (temporary) feature

In the sidebar - 2009 Sydney - Hobart yacht race news feed - for the duration of the race.

A couple of hours in, next schedule at 7 hours mark.

Is it really 13 years since I stood in Hobart watching the '96 fleet arrive?

Comment of 2009

I hope the Whale doesn't get hold of this or we're fucked!!!

from here.

Done and dusted

Another Christmas done and dusted. A beautiful relatively windless day was had here at 40S.

Yesterday's post was aimed at those who have to work to provide sometimes unseen and unheralded public services during the holidays, particularly those overseas in the Armed Forces. It provoked a number of well deserved responses, the list of people working on the home front growing ever longer.

Talking of responses, I see Cam has responded in the only fashion I expected of him.

The first blogger to be charged with breaching court-ordered suppression orders says he will defend his actions because the laws which protect people's identities need changing

Fine notions, so why does this feel like Custer's Last Stand? Nothing to lose, eh? I wonder what SB and the rugrats will have to say about that. Unfortunately, will be done and dusted on a fish and chip legal technicality, I feel.

In the past five years, suppression rulings had been frequently breached because people outside the mainstream media, who were either ignorant or flouting the laws, could publish information online which anyone could access quickly

Of more concern is this spin merchant who is obviously years behind the 8 ball. It clearly shows that the legal line of thought is that blogs are not mainstream media. WOBH would be a prime example to show up such flawed thinking.

And BB, I note that the DIA will be working hard to keep your name off future nomination lists. I did wonder however, is it possible to find out via an OIA, which mongrel nominated the GLNZ for an ONZ and what snivelling material was written to get the most corrupt New Zealander that I know of onto the list?

Enough abbreviated clues for now, unlike WOBH, no cryptic pix other than last night's Christmas Day sunset and the neighbours young stock just before dark, belly deep in summer grasses.

Have a nice Boxing Day.

The war never stops

Some cannot fathom that during holiday periods such as Christmas and New Year some industries never stop. Some drew the short straw (or were volunteered) for duty months ago and will be away from their loved ones today, tonight, tomorrow and over the next few days. Some will be on call for the whole holiday period, allowing others to take a break.

Spare a thought today for the doctors, nurses, police, people in service industries like hospitals, aged care, water and power supplies. Their jobs do not stop for holidays. Especially spare a thought for members of our Armed Forces who will be on duty here in New Zealand and particularly for those on active service at present overseas.

It is a tough job, someone has to do it. The war never stops. I know, I have been there, got the T-Shirt on more than one Christmas stint over the years.

A very Merry Christmas to all and here's hoping for a Happy New Year. All the best to those of you currently on duty, you thoroughly deserve your well earned break when you get to take it.

HT Os

Just one question...

it would also pay 80 per cent of the full tax and interest

I did wonder if the IRD would be so lenient if I was to offer 80% as full and final settlement on my personal taxes?

Whale could be beached

Due to speak to the beak on 5th January. Bloody short notice for a summons issued a couple of days ago.

Could be beached for outing a name suppressed felon via pix on his blog.

At least he might have some better work stories to tell after the experience.

Time to stand up for your rights

The Internet Bill Of Rights

We the people, in Order to form a more Perfect Social Network, establish Blogs, insure Wireless Connections, provide for the common User, promote Goatse, and secure the Blessings of Online Anonymity to ourselves and to Google, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United Domains of the Internet.

The right to download

The right to download, like, SHITLOADS

The right to tell d00ds to STFU, and tell n00bs to RTFM

The right to assume no identity, or adopt a false one, yet still demand to be treated with integrity

The right to incite, inflame and insult others without fear of repercussion or social responsibility

The right to hate on idiots, and for idiots to hate on us back, like whatever

The right to take content without offering remuneration, and to argue the toss on the difference between downloads and theft as if it were some sort of existentialist conundrum or valiant political activism

The right to assume other people’s mothers are whores

The right to call every woman who isn’t a “perfect 10” a pig or a lezza who you wouldn’t sleep with, even though you’re a fat balding man in his late 40s

The right to stick captions on cats

The right to type LOL, even though nothing amusing has been written

The right to say to someone “your an idiot”, and fail to recognise the irony

The right to argue without clarity, knowledge, reason or respect, including the abstract construction of straw man arguments and ad hominem attacks

The right to call any argument you don’t fully understand an abstract construction of straw man arguments or ad hominem attack, whatever that means

The right to Photoshop and call it expression and not deception

The right to claim expert knowledge on foreign cultures just because you downloaded Google Earth

The right to be proven wrong and continue to argue the exact same point but in UPPER CAPS

The right to be a dick

The right to say “I’m not racist, but”, and then say something completely racist

The right to be offered an unsurpassed wealth of free content and services from the private sector, yet erupt with self-righteous indignation when said content and services are threatened to be taken from us

The right to be an expert on any topic, whether expertise exists or not

The right to fill the infinite void with banal musings about your cat/dog/kids

The right to take everything at face value, read only headlines, and call it “truth”

The right to Rickroll

from here.

Balance of payments in the black

Surprising Cunners hasn't put his hand out for a slice of the cake like he did a few days ago.

Poor picture placement

Maybe it was intentional?

Tank empties for Tasmanian Tigers

From newspaper articles not normally seen...

WOMEN from interstate have used up almost all of Tasmania's donor sperm.

The state is down to its last four donors, and for the first time in the program's 35-year history next month it will introduce a waiting list for sperm.

Tasmanian Tigers need to toss something into the tank.

Daddy's girl toking again

Lock her up!

Should have been done ages ago.

Poisoning the electorate

Kiwiblog readers also voted Tariana the Minor Party MP of the Year. I can recall the days when she was seen as electoral poison.

Nothing has changed on that score, in my view. Intent, recently wholly confirmed through Hone's inadvertent outburst.

Indeed, it is a damning indictment on other players in our governments that a party with such evil racist separatist intent can be at the top of the heap.

Clark lowered the political game of corruption to the sewer, Key is still there supping the Coolaid (cheers Murray) as he ponders divisive flags and the sun's effect on climate.

The time is still ripe for for a firmly right placed party to arise. There is a definite gaping vacancy, which both National and ACT have failed to occupy. Someone with real ethics such as Orewa I for a start.

The Greens are buggered through ClimateGate. Labour is buggered for another election cycle at least, they still do not what they are doing or where they want to head. Fearless Phil is not it, he will do till Helen returns ex UN to sort them out. Maybe not, she is likely to have Ban-Ki Moon's job by then.

ACT has already had a near but failed coup - it is only a matter of time before the whole lot implodes - no wonder Rodders has been so quiet of late. Rodders will be ditched and used as the Super City scapegoat should that attempt self-destruction during implementation. Nice one John Boy. ACT was always the right's hope to keep National to the right, but has totally lost their mojo.

Unfortunately that leaves Lazarus. He will be back, his pot is gently simmering, it is early days at present. Late next year, a shafted and spiteful electorate fully awake for 2011 would ram the message home to the fence sitting Liarbour-lite National that certain things are not to be toyed with.

A truly poisoned electorate. Should be really interesting, Lazarus vs the separatists.

What else did you expect?

Nearly 8000 babies yet to reach their first birthdays are in daycare as parents rush back to work

Parents are breeding irresponsibly like rabbits, taking advantage of the handouts of my tax dollars of childcare subsidies and Welfare For Families, instead of staying at home looking after their offspring.

Children's Commissioner John Angus says the figures indicate a rapid change in the care of babies. He is halfway through an inquiry into the care of under-twos.

Why bother wasting your time and my taxes on the bloody obvious?

Dr Angus said that, though parents thought hard about the care of their children and most centres were doing their best by them, there had been little thought about government policies on the issue

Academic opinion is divided on the effect of childcare on babies

Therein lies the issue. Academic opinion. Something that all would be better off without. The last thing that is needed is more government interventions on the topic. Save us all some money and ditch your Children's Commission.

The number of under-ones in the care of strangers – 7972 – has been revealed in official figures made public. It represents a 21.2 per cent increase on four years ago.

What else did you expect?

Neville Key: $100 Billion not enough

The carbon munching plane obviously got back in one piece from Nohopenhagen and disgorged the socialist leader of our times, Neville Key. One who is desperate to sell out the sovereignity of this country in more ways than one.

$100 billion may not be enough but it is a good start

It's progress, but there is a lot more to be done if we are going to achieve the outcome that we need

I think 24 hours on I actually feel there is the makings of a deal there

Really?

Standby to be taxed out of existence, in the name of the false science of ClimateGate, by the New World Order.

Meanwhile, others want more.

Green MP Jeanette Fitzsimons, who was at the summit, called it a "disgrace and a tragedy for humanity"

Labour MP Charles Chauvel, who was also in Copenhagen, described the summit as "neither a resounding failure nor a major milestone on the road to curbing greenhouse gas emissions"

All are hysterical deluded fools.

Climate block building in simple terms.

Hugh Barber wrote:

Should there be anyone out there who remains undecided as to the role of the atmospheric trace gas, C02 in 'Climate Change', consider this.

Imagine if you will, the Earths total atmosphere, represented by a pile of 10.000 standard UK house bricks.

Only 3 of those bricks are C02.

Should the content be increased by an apocalyptic 33% ( one brick ) then human contribution to that 'massive' increase would be a 6 to 14mm slice off the end of that one additional brick, the remainder being 'natural'.

It takes a huge amount of faith in 'the science' to believe that a 14mm slice of brick, in 10,001 bricks is going to make even the slightest difference, let alone the catastrophic predictions of the hysterical gang of donkeys, who seem to have accepted the flawed theory as a given truth.

The 'science' numbers just do not stack up. The number of donkeys, including our very own Shonkey, who have brought into the hysteria do.

Following the money trail is where we need to go now.

from The Times

QOTD

From George Armstrong, commenting in The Times

I'd like to personally thank all the delegates and world leaders who attended the Copenhagen Conference on Climate Hoax.

You have succeeded brilliantly at shining a huge spotlight on yourselves as dangerous fools willing to tax the productive citizens of western countries to death on a scientific fraud.

Now that the electorate has had the opportunity to listen and watch you closely, chances for reelection are slim.

Nationwide blitzes

104 booked for drunk/drugged driving out of 40,000 stopped yesterday.

At 0.26%, I say that target has been well and truly met.

we need to continue to keep the pressure on all road users to behave responsibly

Now down to some serious revenue gathering for Mr Plod's Christmas piss-up.

A tragedy

Somebody has woken Jeanette at this late hour in Nohopenhagen for comment.

The deal which has emerged from global climate change talks in Copenhagen is a "tragedy for humanity", Green MP Jeanette Fitzsimons says.

Ms Fitzsimons dismissed the deal as a failure "papered over with some fine-sounding words by Obama".

The purpose of the meeting was to agree on a second commitment period for the Kyoto protocol but that had not been achieved, she said.

"We came here wanting an ambitious, fair and binding agreement. The talks have failed on all three counts.

"There are no country targets, only an appendix where countries offer non-binding reductions which collectively will not stop warming of two degrees. As it is not ambitious or binding, it cannot be fair to the developing countries that are already suffering from climate change."

The agreement even lacked an aspirational statement about achieving a stronger position next year, Ms Fitzsimons said.

The underlying premises of greenwash have been dashed on the rocks of global cooling. The Greens and watermelons such as Greenpeace are out of a job. Yes indeed, a tragedy. Not!

A great day for the human species.

"Peace in our time"

Fresh from the farce: Neville Key speaks out.

"What we have at this point is a political statement; we don't have a legally binding agreement," Key told reporters.

"What we do have is something which is progress towards that agreement, and subject to the conditionality and the rule changes that New Zealand's been looking for then we look as if we could sign up to that."

Key said New Zealand was comfortable with the text and it could meet the conditions without having to change its mid-term or long-term greenhouse gas emissions targets.

"It is progress but I think it falls well short of the expectations and aspirations people had for Copenhagen."

And

it abandoned earlier ambitions for any deal in Copenhagen to be turned into a legally binding treaty next year

Thank God for that.

Nohopenhagen: 2335 update

The fat lady hasn't sung yet, the farcical bollocks that was Nohopenhagen appears over without resolution (thank God) but nobody is admitting it.

2145 Mr Obama's comments to White House press pack are coming over on the wires and it's a bit confusing.

He calls it a "meaningful and unprecendented breakthrough", but admits not enough progress was made. He says that the agreement will not be legally binding on the US (or, presumably, anyone else) but America would stick to its promises on carbon emissions.

A legally binding agreement will be "very hard" and "take some time".

Nohopenhagen: 2142 update

Sheeple everywhere awaiting a proclamation from Obambi. As if that will happen. It is getting late evening over there. I wonder what Neville Key will have for us as he steps off that carbon gobbling plane.

2014 I was sitting here, eating a chicken sandwich and thinking, 'I wonder what the Tories' position on all this is', when up pops the answer in my inbox - a statement from the Shadow Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Greg Clark.

"It is important that talks go on as long as is necessary," Mr Clark says. "An inadequate agreement, rushed out in order to meet some arbitrary finishing time, would be worse than no agreement at all."

A passionately-held opinion and valuable contribution to the debate from the man who could be in charge of UK climate policy at the next one of these jamborees. Hold the front page.

1935 First bit of excitement here for a few hours. A rumour swept through the media centre that Mr Obama was going to give a press conference and almost immediately hundreds of journalists rushed through the Bella Centre into the main auditorium used for such events. Some 400 reporters and TV crews packed into the room but after about ten minutes two harassed Danish officals managed to get into the room to explain that no Obama press conference had been scheduled. Dozens of journalists left the room. Most stayed, just in case.

Nohopenhagen: Update

I got the time wrong - they are only 12 hours behind us. Sat 0830 here, now Fri 2030 there.

Nohopehagen: 1830

From The Times article, in full, a summary of the latest missive.

1830 Looking at the latest draft - which is the one Greenpeace must have been reacting to, and it does indeed read a bit like a G8 communique. Let's gut it a bit and try to see who's come out on top from the various tussles over the past fortnight. Remember it's only a draft.

Firstly the name: Copenhagen Accord. That is stronger than the Copenhagen Declaration or somesuch, so it is an international agreement, which makes it binding in at least a moral sense.

Winners: the Danes, unless this treaty is trashed in which case they might ask for its name to be changed.

There's no explicit binding target on temperature - just a recognition of the "scientific view" that limiting temperature rise to 2C would "enhance our long-term cooperative action to combat climate change"

Winners: Oil producers. Losers: Small island states, LDCs, the planet as a whole

A new clause further down the document says later reviews of the Copenhagen Accord would look at a target of 1.5C.

Winners: Tuvalu and the low-lying islands (if that review ever takes place)

The parties agree that that deep carbon emission cuts are required, according to the science, and "with a view to reduce global emissions by 50 per cent in 2050 below 1990 levels, taking into account the right to equitable access to atmospheric space".

Winners: the emerging economies including Brazil will be pleased by that last clause.

No specific target on "global peaking" (the point at which emissions peak - a crucial target for scientists) which the UK had wanted to be set at 2020. Instead the text says: "We should co-operate in achieving the peaking of global and national emissions as soon as possible, recognising that the time frame for peaking will be longer in develoing countires and bearing in mind that social and economic development and poverty eradication are the first and overriding priorities of developing countries..."

Winners: Again, China, Brazil and other emerging economies such as India. There's no target on their peaking.

Developed countries commit to reducing their emissions individually or jointly by at least 80 per cent by 2050. Individual 2020 targets to be listed in an appendix (which is still blank). Verification to be rigorous, robust and transparent. The EU was offering the 80 per cent target.

Winners: In the longer term, the planet.

But there is no overall target on emission limits or "mitigation actions" by major emerging economies, such as China, India and Brazil. An earlier draft today set a 15-30 per cent target. Instead individual country targets will be listed in an appendix to the accord. Countries will be asked to report on their progress every two years via national communications - but there's no comeback if they're lying.

If countries want international support for their mitigation actions - China and Brazil have made clear that they don't - then they face international measurement.

Winners: China and Brazil. Losers: US and EU

Caveat: there is a square bracket [Consideration to be inserted US and China], which suggests that this battle is not yet over.

Funding: developed countries are promised "scaled up, new and additional, predictable and adequate funding" to help them avert and cope with climate change. They will get $30 billion in "fast start" financing over the next three years and the developed countries also "support the goal of mobilising jointly $100 billion a year by 2020. This funding will be a mixture of public, private , bilateral and multilateral and "alternative" - ie market-based - finance. The multilateral funding will be channeled through trust funds on which developed and developing countries have equal representation.

Winners: developing countries, especially the Africans and small island states. Developed world will be happy to have flexibility in funding

There will be a review of this accord and its implementation by 2016, including the 1.5C target. But there is no commitment to making it a legally binding international treaty and no mention of the next COP meeting in Mexico City next year, which an earlier draft had suggested should be held within six months.

Winners: China and G77 countries, which wanted to avoid new international treaty - but, interestingly, the only mention of the Kyoto Protocol, which they want to keep, is in the preamble, which endorses the decision that the KP working group should continue its work on a new round of commitments by developed countries under that pact. That omission could be read both ways.

Overall winners: You do the math.

The latest from Nohopehagen

Obambi has upset the Asian Tiger who has buggered off back to his hotel room.

It is 1900 Friday night over there as I write this at 0800 Saturday NZ time. The carbon munchers are supposed to end tonight, but it may go on a bit longer.

Here some links to the latest bit of puffery, 'The Copenhagen Accord'. Article here.

Make of it what you will.

Spineless National Government

Today the spineless National government again pandered to the separatists by having a bob each way on Wanganui's name.

Gutless bastards. Next thing I will be living in a country called something other than New Zealand and required to pledge allegiance to some stirrer's rag. Over my dead body.

Friday Funny

via email:



Now get back to work.

Dupes and fools abound

So good old New Zealand is being acclaimed as a world leader even whilst not being interviewed as one.

There is an urgent need to develop technologies and practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration in agriculture while enhancing food security

More like there is an urgent need to cease spouting such bollocks. I say, follow the money trail. I wonder how much of this NZD$45 million sop to the noo religion will have any effect other than making some feel good that we are seen to be doing something.

It's all made-up nonsense. And the burden of proof is shifting onto the shoulders of all those who want to go on believing in such ever more discredited alarmism.

More money being wasted on the idolatrous religion of climate change. We are such dupes and fools.

HT Ayrdale

Chasing taniwha

Environment Waikato wants the Government to pay for switching Waikato River management regimes as a result of a pending Treaty settlement.

Both the regional council and the territorial authorities consider that these costs should not be passed on to the ratepayers

Amazing how councils grow some under a National government. Pity all councils did not ask for full costs when foisted with central government lunacies.

Meanwhile a new motorway is to built further south. One day in, a taniwha that needs its palm to be greased has surfaced.

A mere nobody...

The British Bolshevik Corporation dumps an upcoming interview bit player in favour of a climate change acolyte.

Just shows where we fit into the scheme of things.

Don't worry dear Readers, hopefully the fat lady will have sung by Saturday our time and the farce will be over. And some more carbon can be burnt in the name of Gaia as return trips from Nohopenhagen are undertaken.

More turkeys looking for an early Christmas

More unionist turkeys looking for an early Christmas. Following in the footsteps of BA.

What with the NZ teachers getting a strop on, all that is needed is for the maritime unions to stop the Cook Strait ferries over Christmas (or maybe Easter). The sublime joys of having Labour in opposition, being actively throttled by a National government.

Concentrating the global mind

Wonder what our resident warmists will be doing if their sky really does cave in about late Friday after Not PC's prediction of wheels falling off prove true? There will not be any reason to further concentrate our minds with climate change greenwash.

Come Monday, the whole farcical shebang will be approaching situation normal and NZ will be the laughing stock of the world with our ETS scam in place.

And John Boy will have had another taxpayer funded jolly overseas along with all the fervent hangers on and practitioners of the noo religion.

One law for all in action

Here.

Christmas comes early at BA

Dear British Airways cabin crew,

Obviously festive spirit is in short supply amongst you lot at the moment. Yesterday it was announced that Unite union members have voted for a 12-day strike over Christmas and the New Year, throwing the holiday plans of nearly 1 million British Airways passengers into chaos. It appears that common sense among airline workers is in as short supply as goodwill towards bankers.

12,500 of you will walkout between 22nd December and 2nd January, effectively grounding Heathrow airport’s largest carrier and sparking a scramble for tickets on rival airlines. The disagreement centres around reductions to staff numbers and budgets, which BA recently announced in response to posting a record loss of £401 million in the 12 months to March 2009 and they are already on course to lose £600 million in the current year. Your beloved employer expected to carry about 65,000 passengers a day over the festive period. The last serious industrial dispute that you instigated was in early 2007 and forced BA to refund passengers or switch them to services with other airlines if space was available at an estimated cost of £80 million. Your strike announcement came just a few hours after BA released details of a near-doubling of its pension deficit to £3.7 billion, up from £1.9 billion – making it one of the largest pension deficits in the private sector (although not so high that it would derail the group’s planned merger with the Spanish carrier Iberia, apparently).

So we come to the question of who is to blame. Personally, I think BA are being pretty cheeky by denying that the pension funds announcement was timed to coincide with the Unite meeting, but they are right to emphasise the need to return to profitability as soon as possible to start repairing the damage. BA already puts £330 million a year into their pension pot and is clearly in no position to increase this. However, despite their questionable sense of timing, BA are nowhere near as culpable as you. What I find astonishing, as with the Royal Mail workers who went on several strikes in recent months, is that you seem totally unable to comprehend how self-defeating your strike action will be. BA is already teetering on the brink of financial meltdown, and analysts believe that your 12-day walkout with add £300 million onto their debt. Surely you don’t have to be a gifted mathematician to realise that adding even more debt to a crippled company will jeopardise your own jobs? Royal Mail workers gave Royal Mail’s rivals a huge boost by walking out as their competitors were handed huge amounts of new business, thereby condemning Royal Mail to slip further and further down businesses’ preferred mail providers, and now here you are giving BA’s rivals an early Christmas bonus by handing them extra business in return for absolutely nothing while BA slips rapidly towards oblivion.

I honestly don’t know what the idiots at Unite told you but it is quite clear that you have been brainwashed into thinking that this is the 1970s and you, the workers, are in a position of power – which you’re not. Your strike action is about as idiotic as all the turkeys in this country chipping in to hire a fleet of coaches to bus them down to Parliament square for a protest march demanding that Christmas comes early this year. The only winners here are BA rival operators – you lose, BA lose, families lose, businesses lose, Britain loses. Hearty congratulations for your ridiculous efforts and, in case you were wondering, I don’t wish you a merry Christmas.

Yours sincerely,

A.Tory

Flogged in full via Letters from a Tory.

One linked comment I saw - "BA is British Leyland with wings."

The unionised in Godzone would do well to take note whilst having a Happy Christmas and planning their next moves.

Unity?

Unity is not what 72% of the unwashed think, John Boy.

from Stuff

"This is their day of justice"

let those among you that are without sin cast the first stone

Warning: Extreme graphic content.

The next Afghanistan.

"Tokenism"?

The Labour Party has described the decision to fly the Tino Rangatiratanga flag as the official flag of Maoridom as "tokensim"

Why not say what you really want to say Labour? It needs saying, just like Don Brash said five years ago. The problem has not gone away and never will whilst the grievance industry is in full chorus.

Meanwhile, this says it all.

NZ: A deeply racist country

New Zealand is indeed a deeply racist country.

But the racism lies in a race-based political party, racially-selected Parliamentary seats and members, a special racial electoral roll, race based sports teams, schools and units within schools, television stations, government departments, trusts and financial assistance galore, legal recognition of racial privilege, treaty indoctrination on every conceivable occasion.

Universities now have special Maori graduations.

No public ceremony in our secular country is complete without Maori elders and karakia.

Every new appointee in the public service is welcomed with a powhiri.

None of this is diminishing.

It is growing.

We are not working towards becoming one nation.

We are walking in completely the opposite direction.

David Round explains why Don Brash and Phil Goff are right. As the Prime Minister buggers off to Nopenhagen, he leaves us with "To fly the flag of a movement dedicated to the dismantling of our country shows how foolish and blind we have become."

HT Crusader Rabbit

Addressing a non-problem

Lord Monckton interviews a fervent believer of global warming greenwash



Facts in summary:

• No change in total sea ice in the last 30 years

• No increase in hurricane activity

• Has been global cooling for the last 9 years

Greenpeace supporter summed up by Monckton:

... would believe a political line given out by a [campaigning] organisation rather than the scientific facts

Yes, indeed, a non-problem is this climate change.

A small dead rat

The Bush Telegraph (not online) reports tonight that one of the local dens of taxpayer theft that rape my wallet as a ratepayer, Tararua District Council, is about to rescind a decision that was made six years ago supposedly in the name of efficiencies.

You see, they decided in their wisdom, that users could pay for their libraries to the tune of $10 per year.

Users since that fateful day have voted with their feet - a 55% decline in adult users. I was one of them. I feel that local libraries are a service that rates should fund. Rather than gold plating the streets with fancy pavers for example.

The decision will be put out for the unwashed to consider in next year's Draft Annual Plan, as will be opening hours that might actually suit those in the community.

I look forward to the proposed change and will be in to check if the book stock has changed since I was last there. Who knows, I might even get to see a certain politician reading bedtime stories about dead rats to that other dying breed, education unionists.

A Large Dead Rat

The "haters and wreckers" rag is to be flown with status alongside the New Zealand flag annually on Grievance Day.

The ultimate dead rat National has swallowed confirms this once half-decent nation is rushing headlong into an apartheid state as it panders to the separatists.

I find this move utterly repulsive and offensive.

Stuffed Stuff Quiz - Spoiler Alert

The major use for tantalum, as the metal powder, is in the production of electronic components, mainly capacitors and some high-power resistors^[35]. Tantalum electrolytic capacitors exploit the tendency of tantalum to form a protective oxide surface layer, using tantalum powder, pressed into a pellet shape, as one "plate" of the capacitor, the oxide as the dielectric, and an electrolytic solution or conductive solid as the other "plate". Because the dielectric layer can be very thin (thinner than the similar layer in, for instance, an aluminium electrolytic capacitor), a high capacitance can be achieved in a small volume. Because of the size and weight advantages, tantalum capacitors are attractive for portable telephones, personal computers, and automotive electronics.

The first question has more than one possible answer - any electronic device that has capacitors is likely to have tantalum in it.

Stuff's Daily Quiz is stuffed. I still only got 7/15.

Pissed off Telecom XT users

Everything south of Taupo in the Telecom world of XT is off air since 0600.

Good one. Some very annoyed XT users - has happened about 10 times in 3 months some say. Great network Telecom. Not!

Unlearning behaviour

Learned behaviour can be unlearned...

It is foreign influence that is at work

That's more like it.

the abominable crime of buggery, committed either with mankind or an animal

Should be still illegal here too.

Can't see Labour's trip advisor using his freebie taxpayer airpoints visiting these countries anytime soon.

Poll Gain

[insert Tui here]

It is so much fun watching dead cats bounce.

Tiger gets new sponsorship

from the OCR

Blogger Monkeying around?

It seems that the Monkey cannot be located. Did I miss something?

Maori Party still pushing for separatist representation

Just like the foreshore and seabed, you do not own these either, Mr Sharples.

We want to see a far more open relationship from regional councils and local authorities, to actively working with iwi in water management.

A mere distraction in the continuing attempts to get unelected racially based representation on territorial authorities.

On Extra Spin

Only during a global talkfest could you have this piece of spin.

When will the next piece of fodder for the unwashed be released for the masses?

Circlejerking at Copenhagen

The Guardian reports on a leaked "Danish Text" which screws over small countries and developing nations.

The draft hands effective control of climate change finance to the World Bank; would abandon the Kyoto protocol – the only legally binding treaty that the world has on emissions reductions; and would make any money to help poor countries adapt to climate change dependent on them taking a range of actions.

Developed in secret, it is being circulated within those in the inner sanctum of "the circle of commitment" for sign off next week when the big players arrive. As might be expected, those standing by to shafted are not happy as they have now realised Copenhagen is not going to be a source of easy money.

• Force developing countries to agree to specific emission cuts and measures that were not part of the original UN agreement;

• Divide poor countries further by creating a new category of developing countries called "the most vulnerable";

• Weaken the UN's role in handling climate finance;

• Not allow poor countries to emit more than 1.44 tonnes of carbon per person by 2050, while allowing rich countries to emit 2.67 tonnes.

Daily the talkfest becomes more like Circlejerkers Anon. Did we expect anything else?

HT Crusader Rabbit

circlejerk:

To kneel in a circle with others and pleasure oneself.

Also refers to a pompous, self-congratulatory discussion where little to no progress is made.

"Last Best Chance"

The Orange County Register hits the nail as 15,000 global warmists meet at the Last Chance Saloon.

Political will has never been stronger, ... and let me warn you, political will never be stronger.

This is our chance.

If we miss it, it could take years before we got a new and better one, if ever.

On Tuesday, the World Meteorological Organization is expected to announce in Copenhagen that 2009 ranks as one of the warmest years on record, and this decade as the warmest.

That would be the warmest on record for all those urban heat islands no doubt.


The force is with those in the Last Chance Saloon. Be very afraid people. Be very afraid.

Mr Plod is confirmed as government tool

So confirms Mr Key.

Prime Minister John Key says police should not prosecute Maori Party MP Hone Harawira for riding a motorcycle without a helmet

Just like the direction given to Mr Plod over s59 which explicity implies that parents who smack their brats in any way shape or form are criminals, but at Mr Key's direction, not to be prosecuted.

At least he confirms what we have known for a decade - that Mr Broad is a tool of the government and will take heed of any political directions.

You cannot have a bob each each way John Boy. Either the law is upheld or we get rid of defunct laws.

Unease at factory farming

Factory farming screams wrong, wrong, wrong.

If there was ever a way to wreck our credibility as a supplier of quality farm produce this would be it. My view is if a dairy farming operation cannot be sustained without extras like extended housing or bulk imported feeds, then the operation requires change.

You can’t tell me that all those large scale dairy farms in Southland have such housing or rely on imports. Same goes for those factory operations chasing water rights on the Canterbury Plains.

The line between large scale and factory farming is one we should never cross.

A comment I have just posted at Home Paddock, on factory farming. It is unsettling that farming operations in New Zealand are heading down this route.

Friday Funny: Why men shouldn't write advice columns

via email:

Dear John,

I hope you can help me. The other day, I set off for work, leaving my husband in the house watching the TV. My car stalled and then it broke down about a mile from down the road and I had to walk back to get my husband's help. When I got home, I could not believe my eyes. He was in our bed with the neighbour's daughter.

I am 32, my husband is 34 and the neighbour's daughter is 19. When I confronted him, he broke down and admitted they had been having an affair for the past six months. He won't go to counselling and I am afraid I a wreck and need advice urgently. Can you please help?

Sincerely, Sheila.


Dear Sheila,

A car stalling after being driven a short distance can be caused by a variety of faults with the engine. Start by checking that there is no debris in the fuel line. If it is clear, check the vacuum pipes and hoses on the intake manifold and also check all the grounding wires. If none of these approaches solve the problem, it could be that the fuel pump itself is faulty, causing low delivery pressure to the injectors.

I hope this helps, John.

Doomed to failure

Failed at the first hurdle, was always doomed.

Maori Party confirms position for all to see

As if anything else was ever going to happen.

Hone gets slapped with the proverbial wet bus ticket, delivers another forced lame apology, does not resile from the underlying intent of the original profane outburst and gets a taxpayer funded extended leave holiday with his mates in the sunshine.

At least the confirmation via the recent farce has firmly placed the Maori Party where most suspected it was - that of a racist separatist political party hell bent on independent sovereignty.

WX report: Spring gales over

Summer is almost upon us. No more gales for the next month or so.

The tinsel tat is up, the tree is lit and the Christmas thingie is on the outside of the door living in fear of the next big blow. These things are to be done on time, all the presents are in (and no doubt wrapped), must be a girlie thing.

The mere male view of matters: I just had a short one hour nana nap, honest. When I awoke, the tree was out of its box and lit. Bugger me, a new suite of baubles and colours I'd never seen before. Wonder who paid for that? Half past Christmas Eve is far too early to be contemplating present buying and it is only about 35 sleeps till it all gets stuffed away for another 11 months.

Season Greetings and Merry Christmas to all. Enjoy the weather while it lasts!

'Too radical'

What you going to do now, Mr English?

Don's measures may seem a little brash, excuse the the pun, but that is exactly how my household would be run. And more than a few others should be run. Cut the crap purchases, basics only, no handouts. Don't like it? Go live somewhere else that gives a toss.

Love the ACT response - a "good start". I look forward to seeing phase two and beyond.

Unfortunately, we always knew that your NACTional government will not man up to do what is needed to excise the leeches from my wallet.

5-4-3-2-1 We have lift off...

New Zealand joined the band of countries with objects in space at 1500 today. Well, technically in space for a short time anyway.

Well done.

Dear Grim Reaper

Via email:

Letter to the Grim Reaper

Dear Grim Reaper,

This year you have taken my favourite male actor, Patrick
Swayze. You also took my favourite female actor, Farrah
Fawcett Major and my favourite entertainer and dancer,
Michael Jackson.

I want to be sure you know that Hone Harawira is my favorite
politician.

Thanks.

Only in America

a domestic issue

Now, that's more plausible.

We're told he said his wife had confronted him about reports that he was seeing another woman. The argument got heated and, according to our source, she scratched his face up. We're told it was then Woods beat a hasty retreat for his SUV -- but according to our source, Woods says his wife followed behind with a golf club. As Tiger drove away, she struck the vehicle several times with the club.

We're told Woods became "distracted," thought the vehicle was stopped, and looked to see what had happened. At that point the SUV hit the fire hydrant and then hit a tree.

Definitely more like it. I still wonder why the local Mayor has to be interviewed by the world's media and cover up over some two-bit domestic. A bit like our own Mayor Bob inspecting notified, but unmaintained council drains.

Hell hath no fury... Only in America!

Time to become a republic?

The threat to our environment is not a new concern, but it is now a global challenge which will continue to affect the security and stability of millions for years to come.

Many of those affected are among the most vulnerable, and many of the people least well able to withstand the effects of climate change live in the Commonwealth.

With a load of feelgood bollocks such as that, we are all doomed. Even HRH Betty Windsor is delivering climatewash.

Time for a change?

"Air New Zealand Flight 901 has failed to acknowledge radio transmissions..."

Those dreadful words still haunt 30 years on

"You are a lying shit"

No, Hone hasn't apologised, but someone else we know well might have to.

“You are a lying shit,” he says in the email. “I don’t know if you’re simply a fool or a stooge. I look forward to exposing your lies and duplicity in the national media and have the paper trail to prove your villainy.”

Mayor Michael is upping the ante with the local port company.

Eh?

Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples said Mr Goff's comments were a desperate move. "Let's hope he doesn't stir up something when there's nothing there."

Eh? As one awaits Hone's apology of the day to rejoin the separatists, could I be forgiven thinking that Goff is the only one with a corner of the stirrer's market?

Mr Key's deal with the Maori Party was "cynical", "shabby and short-term" manipulating the treaty settlement process in a way that could damage the process.

Like hell, as the dust barely has settled on the latest racist stitch-up.

Pot, meet kettle.

The Dominion Post tells lies

An article this morning in the Dominion Post on the Manawatu Sewer with an accompanying picture purporting to be a pic of the Manawatu River. It is in fact a northward looking picture of a section of the Pohangina River around the rail bridge at 40 17 53S 175 45 57E. The Pohangina is part of the Manawatu catchment, but from the article, you would never know.

Also, for today's piece of useless info, the Manawatu River is the only river in the world that rises on one side of a range of hills and discharges to sea on on the opposite side of the source ranges.

Never ever believe what is served up as fact in the MSM for repeaters are often caught out letting a good story get in the way of truth.

Emission Trading Scam Passes

A few minutes ago the Emissions Trading Scam passed its third reading.

A racist piece of legislation favouring those of a certain colour whilst shafting the whole New Zealand economy in the name of the 'noo religion', climate change.

The most telling part is the stitched up arrangement between National and the Maori Party. As Shane Jones says 'the great white National shark has just swallowed the Maori Party minnow'. I believe Hone will now go feral and the Maori Party will meltdown. Standby for Queen Titewhai raising the Maori sovereignty flag at Waitangi in a couple of months.

In four short years, National has gone from Iwi/Kiwi hero to an apartheid enabler.

A truly sorry day for New Zealand.

Focussed on Antarctica

In these modern times where all manner of spy satellites and the like, criss-cross our skies by the hour snapping pics of this and that, the level of detail available is awesome. Some satellites even probe to show high levels sub-surface detail.

So much so, that scientists can even pronounce reefs as icebergs on a rough weather day.

Antarctica has always had no doubt more than its fair share of focus as it is a veritable goldmine of information being such a pristine and massive but harsh icy continent.

What really amazes me is just this week we suddenly hear the the ice shelves are disintegrating at hitherto unknown rates. Faster than ever seen before. Funny how it wasn't news last week or last year, ice of that volume just doesn't melt overnight.

The mind of a cynic could suggest such bleatings by cornered climatologists have had this well spun climate propaganda press release awaiting in the can so to speak, ever ready to sway non-believing skeptics and chattering masses, just in case of events such as the unfolding Climategate.

What say you? I know which way my cynical mind takes me on these matters.