Open mike 22/09/2012

Written By: notices and features - Date published: - 44 comments
Categories: open mike

Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.

The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the link to Policy in the banner).

Step right up to the mike…

44 comments on “Open mike 22/09/2012”

Comment numbers have changed to permanent references. Older quoted numbers may no longer identify the same comment.

  1. 1

    Education

    The Herald produces another intellectually powerful article on the failings of our school system. Apparently, according to some expert voice, if we get rid of cell phones, the problem will be solved. WTF. What suburb did she establish that evidence. Remuera perhaps?

    Quote… NZ Writers’ College principal Nichola Meyer said changes in language had been affecting children’s writing skills for years.
    “The language they are hearing is all jargon. There is a lot of slang and it’s almost phonetically based and not spelling based.
    “So when they have to sit down and write something, it is completely alien to them.”
    …unquote.

    Then surprise, surprise, in the next paragraph
    Quote …The fact that English was a second language to many students was also a big factor, Ms Meyer said, as other cultures were traditionally verbal and therefore reading and writing were not the norm….unquote.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10835754

    And in an article on literacy, they quote Hekia as saying that Reading Recovery is provided to assist children failing in Maths.

    1. 1.1

      Clever, Hekia.

      And the first comment below this stuff article sums up the excercise well:

      http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/7715044/Inside-New-Zealand-schools

      BrianBailey32 minutes ago
      Of course there will be 27 or so % below this stupid arbitrary standard. That’s the way the normal curve works, when it comes to intelligence, ability etc. We used to use the curve to establish that in all learning fields. 25% of students were classified as below average, the average ranged from the 25th%ile rank to the 75%. We then expected them to work up to their ability–and they did NOT fail at all. Well done, Tory politicians for classifying these children as unsuccessful. Keep it up! It’s part of your social agenda to stigmatize and disadvantage the children of the poor.

      And Nania Mahuta points to a problem with the Nat Standards focusing too much on individualistic competition:

      http://www.labour.org.nz/news/ropey-league-tables-agenda-just-dopey

      “The Government’s covert attempt to promote league tables will destroy the very best elements of a 21st century education system that requires greater collaboration – not mindless competition.

      1. 1.1.1

        All that turmoil over National Standards so that it can be said that they have identified some children who are failing. Funny/sad thing is that they were already known. I mean how else did they believe that 20% of children were “failing”? Where did that data come from? The very precise assessments that have been around for years.
        What a pity that this extra “focussed help” that Tolley and Parata keep talking about wasn’t applied where it was needed for those underachieving kids who have been known about forever. Now they will say that smaller classes for underachievers would be a help and maybe decent food would help and cultural respect would. Hold your breath.

      2. 1.1.2

        The Government is doing more than “destroying” child education, it is positively “cruel” toward the children of New Zealand in virtually every respect.

        1. 1.1.2.1

          Yes, collecting some hard evidence around educational achievement to help drive where effort and money should be expended. Oh the horror. Why wont they think about the children.

          1. 1.1.2.1.1

            We already knew that and so wasting money on National Standards was just that – a waste of money. On top of that they’ll actually destroy the great educational system we have in NZ and all because a few people can’t understand it.

    2. 1.2

      Ms Meyer said, as other cultures were traditionally verbal and therefore reading and writing were not the norm….unquote.

      Which cultures would that be then? 😀 (None of the ones I have taught, and that’s about 10 of them)

      1. 2.1.1

        Hi Paul.
        there is no such thing as unbiased objective journalism in New Zealand.
        they are handpicked before they even get entry inot J school and then shoulder tapped when they show themselves to be craven apologists for the right.
        and wait there is more.
        they will never get a job with fox if they break ranks and that is the deciding factor.
        they all want a job with the plastic people at fox.

      2. 2.1.2

        You mean the commentators who raise issues and ideas that you wish wouldn’t get raised? Not like the compliant left-wing media – yes John and Rachel, I especially mean you. But Duncan et al aren’t far behind either.

  3. 3

    And on Planet New Zealand’s national radio news, highest ever nett migration figures of 40,000 to Australia. Key will say that this is how we keep up with Australia’s wages- by remittance.

  4. 4

    A refreshing bit of candour has been presented to the US Congress by a reputable Climatologist – turns out there are no significant “extreme weather events” related to the ‘hoax’ known as Catastrophic Anthropogenic Global Warming. Also turns out CO2 isn’t the nasty thing the doom sayers all talk about either.
    All in all – a good day for the planet.
    http://wattsupwiththat.com/2012/09/21/dr-john-christys-testimony-before-congress/
    So, enjoy the weekend – turns out there are plenty more good ones ahead for us all.

    [lprent: ‘Reputable’ hardly. But I guess that is like saying Watts does peer reviewed research. Here is a rather scathing analysis of that presentation.
    http://skepticalscience.com/christy-once-again-misinforms-congress.html ]

    1. 4.1

      @ Lprent
      Ah yes – I’ve heard about the crazies at SkepticalScience.com
      To quote them:
      “And this isn’t about science or personal careers and reputations any more. This is a fight for survival. Our civilisations survival. .. We need our own anonymous (or not so anonymous) donors, our own think tanks…. Our Monckton’s … Our assassins.
      Anyone got Bill Gates’ private number, Warren Buffett, Richard Branson? Our ‘side’ has got to get professional, ASAP. We don’t need to blog. We need to network. Every single blog, organisation, movement is like a platoon in an army. ..This has a lot of similarities to the Vietnam War….And the skeptics are the Viet Cong… Not fighting like ‘Gentlemen’ at all. And the mainstream guys like Gleick don’t know how to deal with this. Queensberry Rules rather than biting and gouging.
      ..So, either Mother Nature deigns to give the world a terrifying wake up call. Or people like us have to build the greatest guerilla force in human history. Now. Because time is up…Someone needs to convene a council of war of the major environmental movements, blogs, institutes etc. In a smoke filled room (OK, an incense filled room)we need a conspiracy to save humanity.”
      [As quoted by Geoff Chambers in this Bishop Hill thread.
      http://www.bishop-hill.net/blog/2012/3/26/opengate-josh-158.html?currentPage=2#comments ]
      Yet climate skeptics are being painted as conspiracy theory nutters by the very same people who say “a conspiracy to save humanity” is needed.

      1. 4.1.1

        “a conspiracy to save humanity” is needed.

        Yes and why not? If the corporates and governments conspire to do nothing, then maybe the people will have to act?

        What are the choices, and what are their outcomes?

      1. 5.1.1

        Wow! Great to see some light being shone upon these Booze Barns by communities.

        Interesting, the impact that demographics is having, and will increasingly have, upon China’s Economy; the numbers of elderly and retired ever-increasing, projected to equal the entire population of Western Europe in 20 years Time, with a diminishing workforce to support them arising from 1-Child policy

        With younger generations being discouraged economically to remain in Aotearoa and inter-generational economic and cultural conflict being established through the hegemony of Neoliberalism, what future for our Boomers? Dormitories?

        Furthermore, our natural born citizens are increasingly being displaced through the immigration of economically neccesary cheaper labour; workers who are less likely to have economically dependent parents living here.

        Very Important!-There are numerous Christian Socialist/Social Political Parties and Movements around the world, particularly in Europe and South America (forget Tony Abbott and Tony Blair)

    2. 5.2

      Yes, I watched the first part of it before I went to work this morning. I particularly like Manning’s description of the Herald as conservative – forget the actual phrase he used – but I liked it when I heard it.

      Will watch the rest tomorrow.

      Manning and Bradford are both very smart people, and not afraid to tell it clearly and well from a left perspective.

  6. 6

    Kate Wilkinson – Asshole of the Week

    Election to power shouldn’t allow a government to do anything it likes. Consideration must be given to New Zealand’s interests, our environment and especially what the general public wants on any given issue. National has arrogantly ignored both the economic benefit and our conservation ideals by voting not to save the Maui Dolphin, and that makes them a bunch of assholes through and through…

  10. 10

    So how come kweewee was out of the country when Leon Panetta was in town.
    I don’t think the Americans trust him.

  11. 11

    regarding FB and all that other twatting nonsense (recorded in albums)

    My son, if sinners (read people on the paths of deception) entice you, do not give in to them.
    If they say, “Come along with us; let’s lie in wait for someone’s blood, let’s waylay some harmless soul; let’s swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole, like those who go down to the pit;
    we will get all sorts of valuable things and fill our houses with plunder;
    throw in your lot with us, and we will share a common purse”-

    my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths; for their feet rush into sin (deception), for they are swift to shed blood.

    How useless to spread a net in full view of all the birds! These men lie in wait for their own blood;
    they waylay only themselves (personal experience of that)!

    Such is the end of all who go after ill-gotten gain; Pr. 1: 10-

    rather,

    Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares; at the head of the the noisy streets (Christchurch) she cries out, in the gateways of the city she makes her speech:

    How long will you simple ones (identify) love your simple ways?
    How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? Pr. 1: 20-

    IT IS EXCELLENT to learn of the implementation of greater Reading programmes within Corrections; Teach a person to fish and all that..

  12. 12

    Having been somwhat uncomfortable at the lack of genuine propaganda on Iran of late, This from Senator Joe Lieberman

    In a taped appearance on C-SPAN’s “Newsmakers,” Lieberman said he believed reported attacks against the banks “were not done just by random hackers” and that there was “some basis for believing this was an Iranian-sponsored attack.”

    Earlier this week, the Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center raised its cyber threat level to “high” from “elevated.” The center warned banks of “recent credible intelligence” about potential cyber attacks against financial institutions “that could make companies’ websites unusable for customers.”

    Experts have repeatedly warned about Iran’s ability to launch cyber attacks. In April, Ilan Berman, vice president of the American Foreign Policy Council, told a House panel that the Iranian regime has invested heavily in building up its cyber capabilities and has expressed an increasing desire to use it.

    Wondering what this could be actually be about, obvious war drums aside

    President Barack Obama’s administration is drafting an executive order that would create a program protecting vital computer networks from cyber attacks, according to two former government officials with direct knowledge of the effort.

    The program, to be managed by the Department of Homeland Security, would establish cybersecurity standards that companies could voluntarily adopt to better protect banks, telecommunication networks and the U.S. power grid from electronic attacks, the officials, who have seen the draft, said on condition of anonymity because the document hasn’t been made public.

    The draft, which remains under review and could change, seeks to implement a key provision in a cybersecurity bill that failed to advance in the Senate last month, the officials said. The administration is contemplating using an executive order because it isn’t clear Congress would pass a cybersecurity bill.

    “An executive order is one of a number of measures we’re considering as we look to implement the president’s direction to do absolutely everything we can to better protect our nation against today’s cyberthreats,” White House spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said in an e-mailed statement today. “We are not going to comment on ongoing internal deliberations.”

    Recently before Obama was to sign a UN treaty on gun control, the Aurora massacre happened, now while drafting an EO on cyber security, BAM, cyber attacks on banks, and its Irans fault too apparantly!

    Well the M.O is familiar and predictable….another stinking pile from the US sewer. No wonder NZ is starting to reek so badly!

    1. 12.1

      Interesting ….

      The IP network has always been open, again the majority of the time it’s left alone for the sake of commerce and communication.

      But it’s not the only one, and redundancy is what those institutions need if they are serious about “Cyber Protection”

      The problem is the “Mystery” when service fails, thruth is it’s a very easy thing to do.

      And yes it’ll affect everyone if you do the homework.

      Caches still need a “Source”, it’ll simply stop.
      Yas have to remember we are talking about government institutions

    2. 12.2

      The stuxnet thing sucks, no respect for human lives, let alone the equipment.
      It must’ve been written with evil intent to do what it did, which was f**k with the power supply.
      And based on the damage it was ramping up the voltages etc.
      (i.e it was designed to blow up local domestic and industrial appliances)
      That’s simply evil, and would cost civilians dearly.
      I’d be wondering if Iran still does blame America.

      1. 12.2.1

        I’d be wondering if Iran still does blame America.

        Or perhaps the banks are being “attacked” by the same crew who launched Stux? You know, so as to create the perception of “motive” by Iran, because “you” want to launch a military war against that country!

        Or perhaps the banks are not being attacked at all…

          1. 12.2.1.1.1

            Yeah, that’s the one which has made it into the public domain so far.

            The digital grid – Like a prison which you can’t see, and most believe to “freedom”, you know, because they get to choose the gadgets to inprison yourself with!

            Genius!

        2. 12.2.1.2

          So true, networks fail etc, ultimately you’ll get a hit

          But if it rips the ground out from under citizens’ feet (Fear/Heartbreak/Loss)
          Where’s the thin blue line going to be drawn for their sakes?
          Is it really necessary, all prohibitive cultures being equal at the coal face,
          NZ and other experience tells us that fear will lead to Heartbreak.
          Which is where the “crazy” comes from … people expressing loss and fear.
          Heartbreak/loss also affects memory which is why it repeats itself in the community.

    2. 13.2

      how can he spend so long looking at himself in the mirror?
      Have you ever read his columns? they make less sense to most people than mine
      (there ya go rodders, a free lesson in self-depreciation) 🙂

      1. 13.2.1

        Too be honest I don’t recall reading any, but likely some twisted reflection of himself.

        Dime a Dozen in some ways, the the problem with a moderated “success driven” lifestyle.
        If ya didn’t understand the phrase and then repeat it as gospel, what does that really say?
        Do it for long enough, the success emotion becomes so great their body will get angry etc when it’s threatened, strange reaction when you didn’t understand the phrase in the first place.
        Almost childish.

  14. 14

    Just to think, we are currently exposed to such “columnists” as Rodney Hide, SIR Bob Jones, Paul Holmes (oh, welcome back indeed!), John Roughan, Fran O’Sullivan, and the rest (I will make some allowance for Armstrong, as has been known, from time to time, to strive for a degree of fair-mindedness).

Comments are closed.