Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Sunday, 20 August 2006, 11:02 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS:
Int. Security: Harmeet Sooden Calls For Olaf Wiig's Release
Share Scoop.co.nz Competition: Scoop Has A Winner!
Broadcasting Standards: NZ Media Free To Deride Square Dancers
McCully: Cullen Gets A Rucking -
Local Govt: Brown Makes A Bid For Manukau -
Army: Unimog Accident – Details of Dead Soldier Released
RECOMMENDED AUDIO:
Business Results: Sovereign Announces Record $102.6 Million After Tax Profit
Entertainment: Non Family Orientated Dancing Coming To Bats Theatre -
Tech: AUT Strikes Apple Computer Deal
Scoop Report: Maori Queen Dame Te Atairangikaahu Dies After Long Illness -
MORE HEADLINES:

INTERNATIONAL NEWS:
Lebanon: Ceasefire Holds But Some Killing Continues
Latin America: Venezuela's Push For UN Security Council Heats Up
MORE INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:
Lebanon: Uri Avnery Assesses The Cost Of The War In Lebanon
Lebanon: Henri Bou Saab Writes To Scoop From Beirut

SCOOP COLUMNS:
Antiquities: Suzan Mazur Wonders Why The NYT Isn't On Trial Too?
Law: Ray McGovern On The President Who Would Be King
Terror: A Rash Of Skepticism Over UK Terror Scare Breaks Out
Murder: Richard S. Ehrlich On Self Confessed JonBenet Killer John Mark Karr
David Kelly: Andrew Gilligan – Investigative Journalist Turned Apologist?
MORE SCOOP COMMENT & OPINION:

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics):
Immigration: Locke Suspicious Of Internet's Ability To Deliver Justice -
Foreign Affairs: Peters Welcomes United Nations Report On Timor Leste
Tech News: More Kiwis Switching On To Broadband Internet
Hospital Unionism: SFWU Gears Up For Ongoing DHB Worker Action
Corrections: Government Releases Policy On Parole, Sentencing and Rehabilitation

Int. Security: Harmeet Sooden Calls For Olaf Wiig's Release

- "During our captivity in Iraq, virtually all of Palestine called for our release. Today, I implore those holding Olaf Wiig and Steve Centanni to free them immediately and unharmed. It is essential that we, the public, understand the greater context within which the kidnapping has taken place. See… Harmeet Sooden Calls For Olaf Wiig's Release [1] ALSO:

Scoop Audio (click here to listen): Selwyn Manning and 95bFM's Simon Pound

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0608/S00199.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00142.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00288.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00231.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED0608/S00052.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00185.htm

Share Scoop.co.nz Competition: Scoop Has A Winner!

- The prize of a $1 500 travel voucher from House of Travel appeared to provide a pretty good incentive in the end with over 6 000 people entering and sending over 17 000 emails to people to let them know about Scoop.co.nz! Marvellous! We ran the random drawer on Monday 14th and finally caught up with our Winner yesterday... See... Share Scoop.co.nz Promotion: We Have a Winner! [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00193.htm

Broadcasting Standards: NZ Media Free To Deride Square Dancers

- The host of "Paul Holmes Breakfast" stated that the Green Party was the party of "…the hippies, the Morris dancers, the square dancers, the anti-Americans, the nuclear ships fanatics … the enemies of science, and the rabid, irrational anti-GM movement. The complainant, a square dancer said that in thirty years of square dancing he had not me a square dancer who supported the Green Party. See... BSA issues new pay television code [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0608/S00191.htm

McCully: Cullen Gets A Rucking -

Michael Cullen’s extraordinary outburst filmed by TV1, in which he claimed senior journalists were writing anti-government stories because they were hankering for a tax cut, seemed like an isolated moment of madness. But this week he was at it again. And this time it wasn’t a simple matter of losing his grip in what he imagined to be a private exchange. This time he actually wrote it down and distributed it to the Press Gallery. See... www.mccully.co.nz 18 August 2006 [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00326.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00249.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00260.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00268.htm

Local Govt: Brown Makes A Bid For Manukau -

Last election we came close to a change in leadership in Manukau City. The issues and challenges that were debated then are still with us. I am offering to provide the kind of leadership that will move us all on in those areas where we need to develop and grow. Responsibility, Innovation and Fairness will be the catch cry of the campaign and my approach to civic leadership. See... Len Brown Announces Manukau Mayoralty Candidacy [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0608/S00188.htm

Army: Unimog Accident – Details of Dead Soldier Released

- Private Meredith Jonathan Simms (18) died yesterday in a Unimog accident at Weld Pass near Blenhiem. Private Simms grew up in the Akatarawa Valley, Upper Hutt and was a former student of St Patricks College in Silverstream. He was a keen hunter and enjoyed clay bird shooting, soccer, badminton, squash, dragon boating and photography. See... Army Unimog Accident – Details of Private Simm [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0608/S00201.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0608/S00203.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0608/S00214.htm

RECOMMENDED AUDIO:

Scoop Audio: Scoop's Kevin List discusses on Radio Active: [1] Is democracy under threat? Is there a real issue lurking within the Auditor Gen's report? Why is the NZ Herald getting a tax break? Scoop Audio: Scoop's Kevin List joins Wammo [2] for the KiwiFM political news roundup from the capital. Scoop Audio: Selwyn Manning and Radio Adelaide's Peter Godfrey [3] discuss: Maori Queen Dame Te Atairangikaahu's passing; New Zealand cameraman Olaf Wiig having been kidnapped in Gaza; and how Auckland mayor Dick Hubbard wants the 'Boobs on Bikes' parade canned!

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00170.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00172.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00158.htm

Business Results: Sovereign Announces Record $102.6 Million After Tax Profit

- Sovereign today announced a record after tax profit of $102.6 million, up 27%, for the year ending 30 June 2006. The result reflects Sovereign’s focus on improving the service it delivers to its customers and its key distribution partners – independent financial advisers, institutional partners and specialist workplace brokers. See... Sovereign's $102.6 Million Profit a Record [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0608/S00298.htm

Entertainment: Non Family Orientated Dancing Coming To Bats Theatre -

Don't miss your chance to witness the blistering, bitchin dance moves of The Real Hot Bitches. While other less bitchin folks have been eating they way through winter, the bitches have been in training. Meeting twice weekly they have honed there lycra clad bodies into lethal dance machines. See... In Bed with the Bitches [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0608/S00176.htm

Tech: AUT Strikes Apple Computer Deal

- AUT University art and design students are among the university's Mac users who will benefit from a new Apple computer deal. A supply agreement signed with Renaissance Ltd's Apple Computer Division means students will get the latest Mac computers and instant IT support. See... AUT design students benefit from new Apple deal [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED0608/S00057.htm

Scoop Report: Maori Queen Dame Te Atairangikaahu Dies After Long Illness -

The Maori Queen Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu died at Turangawaewae near Ngaruawahia in the Waikato yesterday (Tuesday August 15 2006), aged 75 years, after a long illness. Elders from the Tainui Iwi (tribe) announced the news this evening. She had struggled with ill-health, particularly over the last 12 months, and had been receiving daily dialysis treatment for her failing kidneys. See... Maori Queen Dies At Turangawaewae (includes FULL COVERAGE links) [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00141.htm

MORE HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00331.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0608/S00225.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0608/S00330.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0608/S00219.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0608/S00187.htm

Lebanon: Ceasefire Holds But Some Killing Continues

- The Security Council-imposed cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hizbollah was generally maintained in the past 24 hours, with three incidents reported. For example; the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) and Hizbollah exchanged fire in the area of Haddathah, the Force said. Peacekeepers who arrived on the spot shortly after the incident observed four dead bodies of Hizbollah members which were later taken away in an ambulance. (Image for Scoop by Benjamin Smith) See... Ceasefire "Generaly Maintained" in Lebanon [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0608/S00235.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0608/S00233.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0608/S00211.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0608/S00210.htm

Latin America: Venezuela's Push For UN Security Council Heats Up

- The battle for a soon-to-be vacant non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council has turned into an all out diplomatic war, not so much between the ostensible contenders — Venezuela and Guatemala — but rather between the world’s premier superpower and one of its most outspoken critics. See... Venezuela’s Candidacy for UNSC Appears on Track [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0608/S00229.htm

MORE INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0608/S00238.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0608/S00236.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0608/S00234.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0608/S00232.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0608/S00231.htm

Lebanon: Uri Avnery Assesses The Cost Of The War In Lebanon

- THIRTY THREE days of war. The longest of our wars since 1949. On the Israeli side: 154 dead - 117 of them soldiers. 3970 rockets launched against us, 37 civilians dead, more than 422 civilians wounded. See... Uri Avnery: From Mania to Depression [1] MORE LEBANON WAR COMMENT & OPINION:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00205.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00204.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00195.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00188.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00182.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00156.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00181.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00169.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00168.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00206.htm

Lebanon: Henri Bou Saab Writes To Scoop From Beirut

- For the past month my Christian village in Mount Lebanon, like hundreds of others, has been host to Shiia Muslim refugees from the south of the country escaping from the huge destruction of their villages in the war you would have heard about on the news. See... Letter from Lebanon: 'We Are Busy Rebuilding' [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00200.htm

Antiquities: Suzan Mazur Wonders Why The NYT Isn't On Trial Too?

While various American antiquities dealers, curators and collectors are "subjects of interest" of Italian and Greek prosecutors who, in the last year, particularly, have opened the floodgates for the return of their countries' cultural patrimony - the question is: Why not the media? For instance, there is no finer example of promotion and protection afforded the antiquities trade than New York Times reporter Rita Reif's June 1988 plug for art dealer Bob Hecht in the story titled, "Archaic Smiles Have Persisted for 2,000 Years". Hecht is on trial in Rome for trafficking in ancient art --charged with being one of the capos, if not the mastermind of an international conspiracy. See... Add NYT To Bob Hecht Antiquities Ring Organigram? [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00171.htm

Law: Ray McGovern On The President Who Would Be King

- Who can forget the chutzpah of President George W. Bush as he bragged to Bob Woodward, "I'm commander in chief.... That's the interesting thing about being president ... I don't feel like I owe anybody an explanation." See... Ray McGovern: Checking A Would-Be King [1] MORE ON POST-CONSTITUTIONAL AMERICA:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00212.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00213.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00202.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00199.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00196.htm

Terror: A Rash Of Skepticism Over UK Terror Scare Breaks Out

- It is a week since news broke in London about an alleged plot to blow up nine commercial jetliners, and there are emerging indicators that Bush and Blair exaggerated the truth about the actual readiness of the so-called plot. And yes, I mean so-called ... See... Larry C. Johnson: Bush's Weapon of Mass Deception [1] MORE:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00209.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00214.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00167.htm

Murder: Richard S. Ehrlich On Self Confessed JonBenet Killer John Mark Karr

- BANGKOK, Thailand -- When John Mark Karr stepped out of his grungy room on Si Bamphen street, delicious scents of grilled food wafted in Bangkok's sweaty air, while coquettish male and female prostitutes vogued on the sidewalk and taxis offered rides towards greater sleaze, inexpensive ease, and shopping malls' air-conditioned breeze. See... Why Did John Mark Karr Confess Murder In Thailand? [1] & Ehrlich: Ramsey JonBenet Thailand Murder Presser [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00208.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00197.htm

David Kelly: Andrew Gilligan – Investigative Journalist Turned Apologist?

- You would think a journalist whose BBC career was ruined by the death of Dr Kelly would be terrier-like in his determination to get at the truth. Not so Andrew Gilligan. Baker and the conspiracy theories are wrong' he states in his 24 July 'Evening Standard' article ‘ Those who say Kelly was murdered are so wrong ‘. But as no one has put up any 'theories', how can they be 'wrong?' See… Rowena Thursby: Is Gilligan Afraid Of The Truth? [1] MORE:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00198.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00187.htm
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MORE SCOOP COMMENT & OPINION:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00177.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00210.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00180.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00163.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00190.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00189.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00201.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00216.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00215.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00211.htm
[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00166.htm
[12] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00164.htm
[13] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00161.htm
[14] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00207.htm
[15] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00203.htm
[16] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00194.htm
[17] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00192.htm
[18] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00183.htm
[19] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00162.htm

Immigration: Locke Suspicious Of Internet's Ability To Deliver Justice -

Green MP Keith Locke is worried about "government by Google" in the case of Rayed Mohammed Abdullah Ali, the Yemeni flying student deported from New Zealand on May 30 because of his alleged links with September 11 bombers. Much of the New Zealand government's case against Rayed Ali seems to have been constructed on misleading 'googled' information. See... Government by Google [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00284.htm

Foreign Affairs: Peters Welcomes United Nations Report On Timor Leste

- Foreign Minister Winston Peters is welcoming the UN Secretary General's report on Timor-Leste as a sound blueprint for the UN’s future work there. “The Secretary General's report highlights the enormous challenges facing Timor-Leste, and calls for a significantly-expanded Mission," Mr Peters said. See... Peters welcomes UN report on Timor [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00286.htm

Tech News: More Kiwis Switching On To Broadband Internet

- Broadband subscriber numbers jumped by nearly a third in the six months to 31 March 2006, bringing the total number of Internet subscribers in New Zealand to 1.3 million, Statistics New Zealand said today. Results from the Internet Service Provider Survey March 2006 also showed that the number of dial-up subscribers is beginning to decrease, falling almost 7 percent from 30 September 2005. See... New Zealanders Switch on to Broadband [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0608/S00273.htm

Hospital Unionism: SFWU Gears Up For Ongoing DHB Worker Action

- A nationwide series of actions involving hospital workers from 21 District Health Boards will take place highlighting the plight of thousands of low paid domestic and support hospital staff. See... Hospital Service Workers See Red [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0608/S00172.htm

Corrections: Government Releases Policy On Parole, Sentencing and Rehabilitation

- Prime Minister Helen Clark, Justice Minister Mark Burton, and Corrections Minister Damien O'Connor today released details of changes to the criminal justice system to improve the current sentencing regime, introduce new sentencing options, and provide more treatment services for prisoners. Helen Clark said the Effective Intervention package contains measures which are significant and far-reaching. See... Effective Interventions package launched [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00237.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00236.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00238.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00239.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00242.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00245.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00241.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00271.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00240.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00244.htm
[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0608/S00163.htm
[12] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0608/S00170.htm
[13] - http://img.scoop.co.nz/media/pdfs/0608/lawcom.pdf
[14] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0608/S00158.htm
[15] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0608/S00173.htm
[16] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0608/S00167.htm
[17] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0608/S00210.htm
[18] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0608/S00211.htm

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Alastair Thompson

Scoop Publisher

Alastair Thompson is the co-founder of Scoop. He is of Scottish and Irish extraction and from Wellington, New Zealand. Alastair has 24 years experience in the media, at the Dominion, National Business Review, North & South magazine, Straight Furrow newspaper and online since 1997. He is the winner of several journalism awards for business and investigative work.

Contact Alastair Thompson

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