Yesterday's top 20 rating items on Scoop were...
1: Scoop
Editorial: Time To Get
Uncomfortable
If democracy can be likened to a flower then in Russia the flower is wilting. Shortly it will probably be plucked and thrown into the compost heap. The results in the Russian Parliamentary elections - now nearly finalised - are a clear wake-up call ...
2:
Russia
Launches New ICB Missile as Grozny
Invaded
As the Russian military begins its invasion of Grozny, Russia has launched a strategic intercontinental Topol-M missile using the occasion to warn the West against criticising its Chechen campaign. John Howard reports.
3:
Scoop
Editorial: Putin Pushes Devil's Own
Button
An increasingly desperate Russian Prime Minister may have overstepped the mark in his flagrant nuclear sabre rattling display today, writes Scoop's Alastair Thompson.
4:
Grozny
Assault Underway - Troops Enter
Outskirts
The Moscow Times reports that Russian troops have blasted their way into the outskirts of the Chechen capital of Grozny and are now engaging rebel soldiers in the besieged city.
5:
FULL
TEXT: Speech From The Throne
If there are any doubts still lingering over whether this new government is planning to shake things up, then this speech appears intended to dispel them. There is change afoot...
6:
Tonight’s
Moon Biggest Kiwis Will Ever
See
For the first time since 1866 the Summer Solstice and a full moon will coincide tonight, with the moon being the biggest and brightest moon you are ever likely to see.
7:
Select
Committe Members - Provisional
List
Note: This list is preliminary and subject to change. Select Committee Chair-persons have not been elected yet.
Today's questions for oral answer from the Office of the Clerk, the first of the New Parliament and probably last of the year...
9:
The
speech from the throne is
absurd
'The idea of a speech from the throne is absurd in 1999. While Sir Michael Hardie-Boys did a fine job, it seems ridiculous for an accomplished judge to be reading a speech on behalf of the Queen that was written by the Prime Minister,' said Dave Guerin, ...
10:
13
Suspected bin Laden Terrorists Arrested
Thirteen people believed to have links to Saudi terrorist Osama bin Laden have been arrested in Jordan on suspicion of plotting terrorist attacks against Americans over the New Year.
11:
HOUSE:
First Question Session For New
Government
Revolving Roles: Clark, Cullen, Tizard, Harre, Maharey, Anderton, Burton and King front up to their first Parliamentary Question session - SUBJECTS COVERED: Monetary Policy - Government Policy - Minister For Auckland - ACC - Mental Health - Youth ...
12:
Americas
Cup - Prada Leads Table As RR2
Ends
Round Robin two of the Louis Vuitton Cup Challenger Selection Series ended after three previously cancelled matches were re-sailed from Race 6 of 14 November. Team Prada's yacht Luna Rossa completed the Round Robin yesterday with a total of 46 points, ...
13:
The
Week Ahead In Parliament - New Govt Takes
Over
The first parliament with a new government for nine years opens today and the rest of the week promises to be both busy and bruising.
14:
Inquiries
not enough say the Greens
The Speech to the Throne today showed that the government is heading down the right path, says Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons.
15:
Green
Party MP calls for new oath of
allegiance
Green Party MP Keith Locke wants to see a Republican-friendly oath of allegiance in time for the next swearing-in of Parliament.
The minority coalition Government's programme as outlined in the speech from the Throne is a huge step backwards, says ACT Leader Richard Prebble
17:
Irving's
Resignation Leaves Unresolved
Problems
The resignation of Professor Michael Irving as Vice-Chancellor of Victoria University of Wellington will not solve all of the problems facing the institution, although it is a good start according the Chris Hipkins, incoming President of the Students' ...
18:
Treasury
briefing makes economic development
Vital
New Zealand will only achieve higher living standards and sustained economic growth through a far-sighted economic development programme, Economic Development Minister Jim Anderton said today following the release of Treasury briefing papers.
19:
Govt
promises exceed available
money
“The new government is making promises that it won’t be able to keep. The tax increases won’t produce enough money to pay for it all.” says National’s Revenue Spokesperson, Annabel Young MP.
20:
Nats
Liberalised Foreign Investment In Last
Days
National Liberalised Foreign Investment Rules In Its Last Days - Cafca Calls On New Government To Reverse Them.