Top Scoop Stories August 12th, 2009 News Summary

Wednesday, 12 August 2009, 5:56 pm
Article: The Scoop Editor

LEAD STORY

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Scoop Satire: Things The Emissions Target Is Like
The New Zealand Government has announced it's plan for 2020 carbon emissions. Ministers will have trouble explaining why it isn't either inconsistent, selfish or openly hypocritical. To help them out, here is a list of handy analogies to help the public understand New Zealand's target... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0908/S00094.htm

ALSO:

Govt backs Sign On premise at UN climate talks [2]

NZ Announces 2020 Emissions Target [3]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0908/S00127.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0908/S00081.htm [3]

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NZ POLITICS

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Tonga: Navy Divers Locate Wreck Of Ferry
The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) Diving and Underwater Search Team, in a combined operation with teams from the Tonga Defence Force and Royal Australian Navy Clearance Diving Team, have located what appears to be the sunken vessel PRINCESS ASHIKA. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0908/S00141.htm

Aung San Suu Kyi: NZ Training Burmese Junta’s Stooges
New Zealand must back up its words with action against the Burmese regime - and ensure no official representatives of its military dictatorship receive training in New Zealand, said Green Party MP Kennedy Graham. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0908/S00173.htm

ALSO:

Aung San Suu Kyi conviction serious step backwards [2]

Labour deplores Aung San Suu Kyi's detention [3]

Sentence spells death for democracy [4]

Deploring Myanmar Verdict, Ban Urges Release [5]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0908/S00153.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0908/S00160.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0908/S00128.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0908/S00206.htm [5]

Gordon Campbell: A Man, A Plan - Afghanistan!
Combatting the threat of global terrorism and bringing stability to the Afghan government are John Key’s current soundbite rationales for sending in the SAS. Since we have given the SAS only 18 months, this seems a fairly tall order. [Image: More;[1]

[1] - http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2009/08/11/gordon-campbell-sas-going-dutch-%e2%80%93-or-canadian/

ALSO:

Afghanistan review decisions announced [2]

SAS return will sabotage years of good work [3]

SAS troops join foreign occupation of Afghanistan [4]

NZ SAS: complicit in torture & civilian casualties [5]

Key on SAS Redeployment [6]

NZ SAS to be deployed in Afghanistan [7]

Key tells Labour to back Govt on SAS deployment [8]

Afghan War: NATO Makes History's First Global Army [9]

NZ to spend on emissions target when it could save [10]

Archbishops press Govt for maximum greenhouse cuts [11]

NZ's biggest student union backs 40% target [12]

Emissions Target: No vision, no guts, no future [13]

NZ Announces 2020 Emissions Target [14]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0908/S00133.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0908/S00136.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0908/S00111.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0908/S00115.htm [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0908/S00077.htm [6]

[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/world/25502.html [7]

[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/national/25544.html [8]

[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0908/S00196.htm [9]

[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0908/S00161.htm [10]

[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0908/S00126.htm [11]

[12] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0908/S00124.htm [12]

[13] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0908/S00119.htm [13]

[14] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0908/S00081.htm [14]

Paul Buchanan: Democracy In NZ - Are We There Yet?
New Zealand has an international reputation for being a robust liberal democracy, one that is on the leading edge of democratic politics... The trouble is that the international perception of New Zealand does not necessarily accord with the perception of those who live in the country. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0908/S00080.htm

Watchdog Watch: Jane Kelsey On Her SIS File
“My experience since applying for my SIS file last November reveals two things: there is still no accountability for SIS actions in gathering intelligence on lawful dissent; and the SIS is apparently targeting academic critics of failed free market policies at a time when debate is needed most.” More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0908/S00094.htm

ALSO:

SIS – New decade same old crap [2]

Heavy-handed SIS spies threaten academic freedom [3]

SIS Actions Unacceptable [4]

Kiwipolitico: Kelsey a threat to national security? [5]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0908/S00099.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED0908/S00029.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED0908/S00030.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.kiwipolitico.com/2009/08/the-sis-thinks-that-jane-kelsey-is-a-threat-to-national-security/ [5]

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BUSINESS SCIENCE & TECH

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No Great Shakes: Fewer Landslides Than Expected In Fiordland Quake
The recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Fiordland caused fewer than expected landslides in Fiordland National Park, geologists said today. The July 15 earthquake produced roughly half the number of landslides that occurred during the magnitude 7.2 earthquake of August 2003. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC0908/S00022.htm

Mobile Termination Rates: Campaign Against The Telecom/Vodafone Rip Off
Kiwis now have the chance to express their opposition to Telecom and Vodafone’s rip-off charges with the launch of a new campaign against their excessively high mobile termination rates (MTRs) The campaign is called “Drop the Rate, Mate!” ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0908/S00279.htm

ALSO:

Matthew Hooton Addresses Campaign Launch [2]

81% Of Kiwis Say Drop The Rate, Mate! [3]

Telecom And Vodafone Responses “Laughable” [4]

Are we getting a good deal with our cellphone charges? [5]

Wikileaks (NBR): Revealed - Vodafone’s secret deal with 2degrees [6]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0908/S00280.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0908/S00278.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0908/S00295.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/business/25594.html [5]

[6] - http://www.wikileaks.org/leak/nbr-story-on-vodafone-2degrees-interconnect-deal-2009.txt" target="_blank [6]

One Thumb Up: Electricity Review Released
The Ministerial Review offers a series of recommendations on improving electricity sector performance and was released today for a five week consultation period. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0908/S00157.htm

ALSO:

Government outlines infrastructure approach [2]

Electricity review lacks focus [3]

Wolak was wrong - electricity market review [4]

Meridian and EC lose in electricity review [5]

Electricity report a good first step [6]

Review finds electricity prices excessive [7]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0908/S00155.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0908/S00166.htm [3]

[4] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/2009/08/12/wolak-was-wrong-electricity-market-review/ [4]

[5] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/2009/08/12/meridian-and-ec-lose-in-electricity-review/ [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0908/S00301.htm [6]

[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/politics/25589.html [7]

Monkey Business: Minty Currently Found But Uncaptured
Minty has escaped again from the Willowbank Park near Christchurch. He is described as a 'little brown monkey' and the park would like him back. He has been on the loose for four days. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0908/S00151.htm

Bandwidth: New International Cable Planned For NZ
New Zealand Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and telecommunications companies could soon be able to offer cheaper and more efficient broadband to their customers. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC0908/S00020.htm

ALSO:

Digital futures discussion document [2]

Underwater broadband cable to link NZ with rest of the world [3]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0908/S00147.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/business/25504.html [3]

Conservation: New Plan To "Save" Endangered Sea Lion
The Department of Conservation (DOC) has released a new management plan to help the recovery of the endangered New Zealand Sea Lion. The New Zealand Sea Lion Species Management Plan 2009-2014 (SMP) provides a framework to ensure progress towards the ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC0908/S00019.htm

ALSO:

Government leaves sea lions to fend for themselves [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0908/S00149.htm [2]

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COMMENT

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[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0908/S00080.htm

Gordon Campbell: SAS Going Dutch – Or Canadian
Now that our SAS troops are heading back into combat in Afghanistan the key question becomes – who are they going to replace? The answer to that would say a lot about what the SAS will be doing and where, inside the country. Apparently, there will ... More »[1]

[1] - http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2009/08/11/gordon-campbell-sas-going-dutch-%E2%80%93-or-canadian/

Toni Solo: Honduras - An Imminent New Phase?
When President Barack Obama remarked last week that he could not just press a button to restore Manuel Zelaya to the Honduran presidency he was saying one of two things. Either the President of the United States is not inclined to implement the resolution ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0908/S00086.htm

Jim Miles: Book Review - One State, Two States - Benny Morris
This is a rather oily work to deal with, operating under the pretence of academic objectivity that “does not flatter anyone’s prejudices.” And while Benny Morris obviously knows his historical facts, One State, Two States reveals more of a prejudice ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0908/S00089.htm

Dean Baker: Governor Palin's Crazed Health Care Rant
As a basic rule, politicians will say anything they can get away with. If an effective politician thinks that he can call his opponent a drug-dealing, serial-murdering gangster, and have the charge taken seriously by the media, then he will do it, even ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0908/S00085.htm

Rady Ananda: Spycraft, Guts And Talent Expose The Cove
From a high-tech, deep cover investigation emerges The Cove , a stunning documentary exposing the horrors of dolphin slaughter – for human consumption, despite extreme levels of mercury contamination. Dolphin activist Ric O’Barry and his crack team... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0908/S00067.htm

Uri Avnery: Lover Of The Country
ON THE morrow of the Six-day War, Amos Kenan came to my editorial office. He was in a state of shock. As a reserve soldier, he had just witnessed the emptying of three villages in the Latrun area. Men and women, old people and children, had been ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0908/S00071.htm

Victory Against Stereotypes: A "Wise Latina" Becomes Supreme Court Justice
Judge Sonia Sotomayor has been sworn into office as a Justice of the United States Supreme Court – the highest Court in the Land. It is a lifetime appointment. Baring accidents or illness, the 55 year old will be in a position to help shape American... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0908/S00070.htm

Martha Rosenberg: Recession Comes Home To Roost In Il Condo Market
At first, the crater in the ground where the basement was supposed to be before crews quit working looked like the aftermath of a drone attack. But soon weeds began encroaching, white tailed rabbits bounded up and down the berms and a flock of... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0908/S00065.htm

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LIFESTYLE

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Pacific Arts: Toa Fraser To Write Robert Louis Stevenson Film
Celebrated Fijian New Zealand filmmaker and playwright Toa Fraser has been selected as this year’s recipient of the three month Fulbright- Creative New Zealand Pacific Writer’s Residency at the University of Hawai‘i. Fraser will use the residency ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0908/S00201.htm

Empire: Monarchists Welcome Visit Of Prince Edward
The Monarchist League of New Zealand welcomes the government’s announcement that Prince Edward will be visiting New Zealand from the 2nd to 5th of November. He continues the tradition of his father, Prince Philip, in supporting young kiwis ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0908/S00125.htm

Incredible: Freak Iceberg In Wellington Harbour
A freak iceberg about the size of a Fiat Bambina found its way into Wellington harbour this week. Arriving during a mid-winter warm snap, the block has come to rest near the Tugboat restaurant off Oriental Parade. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0908/S00090.htm

Paper and Ink: Celebrate Library Week
Library Week 2009 was officially launched in Wellington last night with the presentation of the LIANZA Children’s Book Awards at Caffe L’affare. Library Week has been celebrated in New Zealand for over 35 year and is a wonderful chance to promote the many benefits and opportunities libraries offer our communities. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0908/S00179.htm

Scoop Review: Feudal Lords & Concubines - Raising The Red Lantern, State Theatre, Melbourne
Love is much like commerce, and often ends up bankrupting its participants. Much is put into it for often small returns, and with it come its sufferings, its perversions, and the ultimate lamentations. The luxurious ballet, Raise the Red Lantern... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0908/S00075.htm

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WORLD

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Aung San Suu Kyi's Struggle: Deploring Myanmar Verdict, Ban Urges Release
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today deplored the decision by a Myanmar court to sentence pro-democracy leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi to an additional 18 months of house arrest, and urged that she be released immediately. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0908/S00206.htm

ALSO:

ITUC Denounces the Sentencing of Aung San Suu Kyi [2]

Outcome of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's trial "shameful" [3]

Secretary's Statement on Aung San Suu Kyi [4]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0908/S00220.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0908/S00222.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0908/S00224.htm [4]

HIV Worries: 50 Million Women In Asia At Risk Of HIV
An estimated 50 million women in Asia, who are either married or in long-term relationships with men who engage in high-risk sexual behaviours, are at risk of becoming infected with HIV from their partners, according to a new report published by the Joint United ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0908/S00204.htm

US Backing: United States Vows Support For UN Efforts
The United States stands alongside the United Nations ready to face down the use of rape as a weapon of war in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told a local UN-backed radio station during her visit to ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0908/S00207.htm

The Plight of the Tuna: Greenpeace Calls On Scientists To Save Tuna
Greenpeace today urged the fifth annual meeting of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Scientific Committee (1) to do more to end overfishing of Pacific bigeye and yellowfin tuna, by calling for larger reductions in fishing ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0908/S00215.htm

Humanitarianism: Urgent Action Needed To Assist 1 Million Africans
New York, Aug 10 2009 4:10PM Urgent action by the international community is needed to assist humanitarian efforts in the Central African Republic (CAR), where conflict has left one-quarter of the population in need of assistance, a senior United Nations ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0908/S00170.htm

Environment and Conservation: One Of Most Polluted Sites In US To Become 'Green'
A 140-year-old shipyard that became one of the United States’ most polluted sites, a wasteland contaminated by heavy metals and radiation, is to be reborn as a green technology complex housing a climate change think tank, under a United Nations-backed ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0908/S00166.htm

Foreign Aid: Palestinian Economy Boost From Online Programme
New York, Aug 10 2009 12:10PM International businesses based in the West Bank are set to benefit from a state of the art web-based system for tracking goods coming in and out of the area, launched today by Palestinian customs in partnership with ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0908/S00164.htm

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Top Scoop Stories August 12th, 2009 News Summary