Top Scoop Stories - 21 July 2008 News Summary

Monday, 21 July 2008, 2:08 pm
Article: The Scoop Editor

Today's Top Scoops - 21 July 2008

LEAD STORY:

Security & Defence Issues: Rethinking NZ'S Military Commitment In Afghanistan

NZ POLITICS:

Justice System: New Regulations To Help Get P Cases Moving
Electioneering: Winston Peters Speech To NZ First Convention
Retirement Investment: KiwiSaver Decision-Making One Year Down The Track
Continuing Care: Five More Rest Home Disasters In The Making?
Gordon Campbell: Anderton Talks About The 80s, Bassett And Fast Bowling
Productivity:Public Service Galley-Slaves' Drumbeat To Be Sped Up
McCully.co.nz: National Put The Boot Into ACC Scheme Critics

BUSINESS SCIENCE & TECH:

Living In The Past: T.Rex Terrific For Taranaki!
Export News: 25% Of New Zealand'S Export Earnings From Fonterra
Wine Exports: Constellation NZ Wine Made Global Priority
Energy Pricing: Understanding Of The Key Components Of Fuel Prices
Politics n Sport: Maori Blessing Launches Eden Park Reconstruction
Finance: Free And Frank Discussions On Franking, Imputations
Disaster Prevention: Scientists Check To See Whose Fault An Earthquake Is

WORLD:

Does The End Justify The Means? Misuse Of ICRC Emblem By Colombia In Hostage Rescue Mission
Sacrificial Love: His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI Apologises For Clerical Sexual Abuse
Looking Good: Standard & Poor's Rating For Fiji Remains Stable
UK Government: Economic Roadmap Essential For Middle East Peace
The Candidates: John McCain And Barack Obama Debate War Policies
Challenges: Global Food Crisis Will Need Increasing Amounts Of Aid For Some Time
Ban Ki-Moon: UN Must Adjust To 'New Reality' In Kosovo Since 'Independence'

COMMENT:

Rosalea Barker: An Occasional Note on the 2008 Campaigns, No. 12
Ramzy Baroud: Revealing a Massacre, or Stating the Obvious
Jason Leopold: Reasons to Oppose Drilling in ANWR
Harvey Wasserman: Al Gore Inches Toward Solartopia (The Vision Of A Green-Powered Earth)
Sherwood Ross: Could Attorneys Prosecute Bush For Murder And Conspiracy?
Uri Avnery: Different Planets
Pablo Ouziel: Rethinking Absurdity (The Turbulent Times Are Upon Us)
Jason Leopold: Bush Blocks DOJ From Releasing CIA Leak Documents
Suzan Mazur: Altenberg 16, AAAS/Science Magazine & The Dorak Affair

LIFESTYLE:

Scoop TV: Interview With Up The Yangtze Director Yung Chang
Film Fest Review: Garbage Warrior, Making Houses From Junk

Security & Defence Issues: Rethinking NZ'S Military Commitment In Afghanistan - International Affairs: With US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice visiting NZ late this week, Paul G Buchanan explores why it is important for a public discussion about NZ's role in international security missions led by superpowers, and why debate ought to take place now rather than after this year's General Election. One of the ironies of small democracies is that even though they are economically and physically vulnerable to external events and actors, the majority of the populations in many of them remain disinterested in foreign affairs. Perhaps it is due to a fatalistic sense of resignation, perhaps it is due to diffidence. New Zealand is a case in point. More >> [1]

ALSO:

• NZ Govt - US Secretary of State to visit New Zealand [2]
• US State Dept - Secretary Rice to Travel to the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific (Australia, New Zealand, and Samoa) [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0807/S00204.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0807/S00281.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0807/S00551.htm

Justice System: New Regulations To Help Get P Cases Moving - Courts Minister Rick Barker has today outlined regulatory changes resulting from the Criminal Procedure Act aimed at freeing up High Court sitting time. More >> [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0807/S00356.htm

Electioneering: Winston Peters Speech To NZ First Convention - Peters Speech: "When Tomorrow Comes" Some people might think 15 years is a long time in politics. Well, we have news for our opponents - we've only just begun! But let's make no mistake. What we know points to the dirtiest campaign New Zealand ... More >> [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0807/S00355.htm

Retirement Investment: KiwiSaver Decision-Making One Year Down The Track - The Retirement Commissioner Diana Crossan says now that KiwiSaver has been in place for one year, sorted.org.nz has been updated to answer some key questions like: can I still afford KiwiSaver, and should I change schemes? More >> [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0807/S00244.htm

Continuing Care: Five More Rest Home Disasters In The Making? - The current outcry about care in rest homes is another gross failure on the Labour Government's watch, says National Party Associate Health Spokeswoman Jo Goodhew. More >> [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0807/S00353.htm

Gordon Campbell: Anderton Talks About The 80s, Bassett And Fast Bowling - It is unusual to talk about a 70 year old in terms of untapped potential, but the aura of 'what might have been' will always hang over Jim Anderton's career. New Zealand never got the full benefit of his skills - and conversely, Anderton has never found the right outlet for them, not after his true political soul mate ( ie, the Labour Party) ran off with a bunch of flashier types during the 1980s. More >> [1]

[1] - http://election08.scoop.co.nz/gordon-campbell-talks-to-jim-anderton/

Productivity: Public Service Galley-Slaves' Drumbeat To Be Sped Up - Further improving productivity in the state sector is the focus of a new productivity kit launched by Labour Minister Trevor Mallard today at the P3 Productivity Partnership and Public Value Conference. More >> [1]

ALSO:

• NZ Govt - Mallard: Improving public sector productivity [2]
• NZ Govt - Parker: Value for money in the State sector [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0807/S00324.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0807/S00325.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0807/S00342.htm

McCully.co.nz: National Put The Boot Into ACC Scheme Critics - The National Party's Accident Compensation policy released this week charts a careful and considered route to improvement in the scheme. More >> [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0807/S00339.htm

Living In The Past: T.Rex Terrific For Taranaki! - If you like scary monsters then Puke Ariki has a mammoth treat for you! Probably the most terrifying dinosaur in the world is being unveiled at the end of this month when a 3.6 metre (12 feet) tall, 12.8 metre (42 feet) long Tyrannosuarus rex, named Sue. More >> [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0807/S00197.htm

Export News: 25% Of New Zealand'S Export Earnings From Fonterra - The valuable contribution dairying makes to the New Zealand economy has been highlighted in a report prepared by Statistics NZ for Fonterra which shows that Fonterra now accounts for a quarter of the country's export earnings. More >> [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0807/S00346.htm

Wine Exports: Constellation NZ Wine Made Global Priority - High profile wine brand Kim Crawford is making waves internationally since being selected as a Global Priority Brand by owner Constellation Wines, a status awarded to just four brands from their global portfolio. More >> [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0807/S00341.htm

Energy Pricing: Understanding Of The Key Components Of Fuel Prices - With the volatility in petrol and diesel pump prices, it is difficult for those outside the industry to determine the impact of the two key variables; crude oil prices and exchange rates. That is until now. More >> [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0807/S00339.htm

Politics n Sport: Maori Blessing Launches Eden Park Reconstruction - Prime Minister Helen Clark congratulated the Eden Park redevelopment team for meeting its Rugby World Cup deadlines at a formal Maori blessing for the project today. More >> [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0807/S00338.htm

Finance: Free And Frank Discussions On Franking, Imputations - The Australian and New Zealand governments are open to the idea of moving toward mutual recognition of imputation and franking credits between firms that invest in each other's country, Australian Treasurer Wayne Swan and New Zealand Finance Minister Michael Cullen said today. More >> [1]

ALSO:

• Joint Media Statement - Australia, NZ progress bilateral economic interest [2]
• NZ Govt - Trans-Tasman retirement savings portability [3]
• Employers And Manufacturers Association - Great news on mutual recognition of tax credits [4]
• NZ Govt - Australian ETS similar to New Zealand's [5]
• Flexible Land Use Alliance - Cullen Comments On Trans-Tasman Scheme Welcomed [6]

HAPPY RETURNS:

• Inland Revenue Department - IRD proposes changes to company tax returns [7]
• NZ Govt - Dunne welcomes move to reduce return complexity [8]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0807/S00323.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0807/S00321.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0807/S00322.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0807/S00336.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0807/S00320.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0807/S00335.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0807/S00317.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0807/S00329.htm

Disaster Prevention: Scientists Check To See Whose Fault An Earthquake Is - A group of New Zealand and international scientists has been awarded funding to investigate drilling into the Alpine Fault on the West Coast of the South Island. More >> [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC0807/S00042.htm

Does The End Justify The Means? Misuse Of ICRC Emblem By Colombia In Hostage Rescue Mission - The explicit abuse of the ICRC emblem technically could be classified under the Geneva Convention as a War Crime. It raises questions about the already tainted rectitude of the Uribe administration, also afflicted by many other damaging revelations. More >> [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0807/S00606.htm

Sacrificial Love: His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI Apologises For Clerical Sexual Abuse - Pope Benedict XVI delivered a heartfelt apology to the victims of sexual abuse by clergy in Australia. The Pope said: "Indeed, I am deeply sorry for the pain and suffering the victims have endured, and I assure them that as their Pastor, I too share in their suffering." More >> [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0807/S00602.htm

Looking Good: Standard & Poor's Rating For Fiji Remains Stable - Standard & Poor's affirmed its foreign currency ratings on Fiji, keeping its 'B' long-term foreign currency and 'B+' long-term local currency credit ratings. S&P also affirmed the 'B' short-term ratings, stating the outlook remains stable. More >> [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0807/S00590.htm

UK Government: Economic Roadmap Essential For Middle East Peace - Speaking in a press conference with Israel PM Olmert, Mr Brown said that all parties must seize the opportunity for peace in the region. Monetary support was important, and he called for an economic roadmap to run alongside the political roadmap to peace. More >> [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0807/S00610.htm

The Candidates: John McCain And Barack Obama Debate War Policies - Presidential candidates McCain & Obama were keen to show they could handle tough issues: "Our single-minded and open-ended focus on Iraq is not a sound strategy for keeping America safe," said Obama. "I know how to win wars," McCain said. More >> [1]

MORE TALK OF WAR

• Obama: "Refocusing on the Central Front" [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0807/S00544.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0807/S00608.htm

Challenges: Global Food Crisis Will Need Increasing Amounts Of Aid For Some Time - The current global food crisis will require increasing amounts of humanitarian assistance for some time. "The world faced not just a food price crisis, but 'a food production crisis, a food aid crisis and a food security crisis". More >> [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0807/S00562.htm

Ban Ki-Moon: UN Must Adjust To 'New Reality' In Kosovo Since 'Independence' - In light of developments since Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia in February, the UN mission there is unable to perform its usual functions and must adjust to the new reality on the ground, says Ban Ki-moon. More >> [1]

THE NEW REALITY...

• Secretary Rice Meets With Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu & PM Hashim Thaci [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0807/S00537.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0807/S00558.htm

Rosalea Barker: An Occasional Note on the 2008 Campaigns, No. 12 - Piece of bacon, that is. Today's early morning newscasts are awash with images of Senator Barack Obama--coincidentally a presidential candidate--on a fact-finding mission with a congressional delegation in Afghanistan. Pity the poor other members ... More >> [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0807/S00210.htm

Ramzy Baroud: Revealing a Massacre, or Stating the Obvious - For some folks interested in genealogy, tracing one's roots is a stimulating activity. It's immensely interesting and meaningful to learn where one's life started. DNA testing has made it possible to trace... More >> [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0807/S00211.htm

Jason Leopold: Reasons to Oppose Drilling in ANWR - Last November, the oil company British Petroleum (BP) plead guilty to a misdemeanor and paid a $20 million fine for violating the Clean Water Act related to a massive oil spill that occurred at BP's Prudhoe Bay operations in Alaska's North Slope ... More >> [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0807/S00203.htm

Harvey Wasserman: Al Gore Inches Toward Solartopia (The Vision Of A Green-Powered Earth) - Bit by bit, Al Gore seems to be inching toward a Solartopian view of a future that must be completely sustainable in green energy. This week he advocated getting to an electric power system that is "carbon free" within ten years. More >> [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0807/S00200.htm

Sherwood Ross: Could Attorneys Prosecute Bush For Murder And Conspiracy? - According to Vincent Bugliosi (author of "The Prosecution of George W. Bush For Murder"), while a federal prosecution by the U.S. Attorney General or any of the 93 U.S. attorneys would be the easiest procedure, State Attorneys-General also could bring murder charges against Bush. More >> [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0807/S00182.htm

Uri Avnery: Different Planets - It was an eerie experience: in a fraction of a second I could switch between two worlds, but all the channels reported on exactly the same occasion. In one section of the breaking news, the events happened at a distance of a few dozen meters from each other, but they could just... More >> [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0807/S00198.htm

Pablo Ouziel: Rethinking Absurdity (The Turbulent Times Are Upon Us) - Will the new visionaries continue developing our warped ideal of a world with fake democracies, phoney altruistic wars, and unsustainable lifestyles? Or will they contemplate the world in a holistic way, understanding that big problems may have really simple answers? More >> [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0807/S00183.htm

Jason Leopold: Bush Blocks DOJ From Releasing CIA Leak Documents - In the latest twist in the "Plame-gate" scandal, President Bush has asserted executive privilege to block release of VP Dick Cheney's interview with a special prosecutor about possible criminal violations in the leaking of a CIA officer's covert identity. More >> [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0807/S00187.htm

Suzan Mazur: Altenberg 16, AAAS/Science Magazine & The Dorak Affair - The AAAS/ Science magazine's recent two-page article on the Altenberg 16 symposium re-reports, somewhat incorrectly, on the evolution story I've been tracking for months. This isn't the first time I've addressed the work of one of their writers. More >> [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0807/S00185.htm

Scoop TV: Interview With Up The Yangtze Director Yung Chang - Scoop TV interviews Up The Yangtze's director Yung Chang. Up The Yangtze takes us on the surreal journey of China's unfaltering drive towards modernity with two teenagers affected in different ways by their nation's ambition. More >> [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0807/S00180.htm

Film Fest Review: Garbage Warrior, Making Houses From Junk - Garbage Warrior is the story of environmental crusader Mike Reynolds, who is determined to provide the world with sustainable housing made of...junk. More >> [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0807/S00181.htm

ENDS

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