ddd

my friend matty has a new blog...check it out.

p.s: Ive quit my job...two more weeks to go. No i dont have new one
Am i stressed. yess

Qantas woes!

Qantas has recently been voted the worst airline on a suvery from subscribers to consumer magazine choice, I am a fan of Qantas personally although have not done any long haul flights with them.

Not suprisingly Jetstar was deemed to be the worst Australian domestic airline.

I personally have never flown Singapore Airlines but have only ever heard good things, and I certainly prefer Qantas over Air New Zealand - at least you actually get stuff on domestic flights. In NZ the Qantas planes certainly have more room than Air NZ.

When travelling internally in Australia, often on flights that take longer than NZ - Australia Qantas is my preferred airline because you do get free food and drink, and roomy. I would not fly Jetstar because it is a "cheap" airline, and the same with Virgin Blue and whilst service is good when it comes to personal space that is not in the equation. This is also the same reason I would not fly Freedon or Virgin Trans-Tasman, it may be only 3 and a bit hours but some comfort is always nice.

Two for the price of one,

Check this out! mmmm need to save money, dont have long until youre up there in the skies, when youre infintio...no longer with us,....need new furniture well these guys may have your answer....

p/s: i wonder how much profit they make each year??

It Makes You Think

The slogan for Vic is "it makes you think", and this is a fantastic slogan and particularly applicable to the papers I have taken this semester.

I am currently writing an essay due on Friday (as well as having another due on 8 June and two tests this week!), where I must critically discuss the claim that there is nothing morally objectionable about rape. This really does make you think, because while I do not approve of rape in shape or form, the question of whether it is an embedded sexual desire for a person to need to feel power when partaking in intercourse, and they just need to learn to control it or whether it is not a sexual desire at all is interesting.

My shorter essay due on the 8th will be examining the claim that the existence of people who cross the borders of gender and sex provide support for the view that sexuality is invented - another question which is making me think.

This is really just to make people think as well and if you are at Vic and have the chance to take Pols/Phil269 Phil 369 - sex and sexuality - then I strongly recommend it. I have struggled a bit as most of the class are phil students who can think well and truly beyond the box where I have limits but I have thoroughly enjoyed the class, the lecturer is great and the guest speakers.

Landslide Victory for the Nats

Or so it would be if an election had been held today, not only were National soaring above Labour in the One News poll, Key was also beating Helen by about 10 points.

Economic Confidence is down as well and it looks fairly certain that NZers are wanting a change in Government and leader, although this is not entirely suprising considering Labour are in their third term.

It is interesting watching the polls for the first time with no bias towards the Labour Party - felt strangely odd to have a little voice inside my head on seeing the polls cheering, although I still remain PARTYless - politically at least.

Calling all Fat Freddy's Fans (this is actually serious)

Ok, so I know I'm not supposed to be blogging but desperate times call for desperate measures.

A few days ago I found out that Fat Freddy's Drop are performing in Auckland on the 1st & 2nd June. I have never been to one of their gigs before because they always seem to do them in bloody Wellington. And I wasn't a fan until they became cool and hard to get tickets for. I am the least groupie like person ever and they are probably the only band I would EVER pay to see.

But alas, the tickets have sold out. I don't know what to do. If anyone has ticket hook ups, let me know. I will love you forever. I will give you money. Help a girl in her time of need.

Email me. Pamziewamzie@yahoo.co.nz

A Horse of a Different Colour

Before the rumours start to fly, yes I resigned from the Labour Party this morning.

I have loved my time in the Party, I have been able to campaign on issues that I feel are important, have protested showing publicly my support or dislike for particular legislation that is being proposed, I have made some fantastic friends, I have been welcomed into the various sectors and branches and held executive positions. I thank the Labour Party and its members for allowing such experiences and being supportive of me. I wish you the best and no doubt many of us will remain in contact.

Young Labour is still extremely passionate and has a promising future, I no longer have that passion or share that future and that is why I have left. I also do not align myself with some of the ideals and policy of the Labour Party and Government. I do not wish to elaborate on this any further in this public realm, my friends and acquaintances can talk to me in person.

It has not been as easy decision, and I have had so many lovely comments from people thanking me that I actually cried before but I know I have done what I had to do for me. And I currently feel almost empty without a membership to a political party but I am currently leaning towards one in particular and will do a bit more thinking and then most likely sign up.

I do feel sad that I was once such a passionate member and really felt that the Labour Party were the party who should govern New Zealand, maybe I was just an idealistic teenager but I do want to loose my political enthusiasm and to an extent am proud of myself for having the courage to realise that I could leave and it does not make me a bad person.

I look forward to political debates to follow and to some of my friends and my more than friends while I love you dearly we most likely will argue alot more now when it comes to politics.

Go Away!

For someone who left New Zealand to stay out of the limelight she is doing a bloody terrible job.

Her out of court settlement with ACP Media for AUS$225,000 is currenlty making headlines after she sued them for defemation after the Australian Woman's Day published an article about her divorce in 2001.

Charlotte is now a judge on Australia's Next Top Model and host's Charlotte's Lists which screens on Prime. So much for staying out of the spotlight, but I guess when you keep working within the media industry you are going to get that "celebrity" status and the spotlight she so desperately fears.

Nandor for PM

Red Rasputin is campaigning for Nandor Tanczos for next Prime Minister. They have forgot to mention.

1. He is not Helen Clark.

An end to a decades frustration for the Senators

Thanks to Daniel Alfreddson overtime goal, the Ottawa senators are going to the Stanley cup Finals...., on the western conference front it is a possibility that the Ducks will get in if they win tuesdays nights game!....... im just happy that the Senators got in.

Question

Do all alcoholic drinks now ask us patrons to drink responsibly as i found on a Barrell 51 can last night?

When Suzie comes to visit...

I think that this hilarious, yet also so true. I am sure many women would react in exactly the same way should they open their sanitary items to be greeted by such a message.

Libra print facts on the back of theirs.

ACTUAL LETTER TO PROCTOR & GAMBLE
Attention: James Thatcher, Brand Manager Proctor & Gamble Feminine Hygiene Division

Dear Mr. Thatcher,
I have been a loyal user of your Always maxi pads for over 20 years and I appreciate many of their features. Why, without the LeakGuard Core (tm) or Dri-Weave(tm) absorbency, I'd probably never go horseback riding or salsa dancing, and I'd certainly steer clear of running up and down the beach in tight, white shorts. But my favorite feature has to be your revolutionary Flexi-Wings. Kudos on being the only company smart enough to realize how crucial it is that maxi pads be aerodynamic. I can't tell you how safe and secure I feel each month knowing there's a little F-16 in my pants.

Have you ever had a menstrual period, Mr. Thatcher? Ever suffered from 'the curse'? I'm guessing you haven't. Well, my 'time of the month' is starting right now. As I type, I can already feel hormonal forces violently surging through me. Just a few minutes from now, my body will adjust and I'll be transformed into what my husband likes to call 'an inbred hillbilly with knife skills.' Isn't the human body amazing?

As Brand Manager of Proctor & Gamble's Feminine Hygiene Division, you've no doubt seen quite a bit of research on what exactly happens during your customers' monthly visits from 'Aunt Flo'. Therefore, you must be well aware of the bloating, puffiness, and out-of-control behaviour. You surely realize it's a tough time for most women. In fact, only last week, my friend Jennifer fought the violent urge to shove her boyfriend's testicles into a George Foreman Grill just because he told her he thought Grey's Anatomy was written by drunken chimps.

Crazy! The point is, sir, you of all people must realize that America is just crawling with homicidal maniacs in Capri pants ... Which brings me to the reason for my letter. Last month, while in the throes of cramping so painful I wanted to reach inside my body and yank out my uterus, I opened an Always maxi-pad, and there, printed on the adhesive backing, were these words:

'Have a Happy Period.'
Are you f**king kidding me?

What I mean is, does any part of your tiny middle-manager brain really think happiness ~ actual smiling, laughing, happiness ~ is possible during a menstrual period? Did anything mentioned above sound the least bit pleasurable? Well, did it, James? FYI, unless you're some kind of sick S&M freak-girl, there will never be anything 'happy' about a day in which you have to jack yourself up on Motrin and Kahlua and lock yourself in your house just so you don't march down to the local Walmart armed with a hunting rifle and a sketchy plan to end your life in a blaze of glory.

For the love of God, pull your head out, man! If you just have to slap a moronic message on a maxi pad, wouldn't it make more sense to say something that's actually pertinent, like 'Put Down the Hammer' or 'Vehicular Manslaughter Is Wrong', or are you just picking on us? Sir, please inform your Accounting Department that, effective immediately, there will be an $8 drop in monthly profits, as I have chosen to take my maxi-pad business elsewhere. And though I will certainly miss your Flexi-Wings, I will not for one minute miss your brand of condescending bullsh*t.

And that's a promise I will keep ....Always.

Best Regards,
Wendi Aarons Austin, Texas

Qantas Media Awards

The Qantas Media Awards were held in Wellington on Friday night and the winners were:

• Qantas Fellow to Wolfson College, Cambridge: David Fisher, the Herald on Sunday.
  
• New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Journalism Award: Reuben Schwarz, The Dominion Post.
  
• Print Industry Award for Outstanding Achievement: Ian Templeton.
  
• Senior reporter overall winner: David Fisher, the Herald on Sunday.
  
• Junior reporter overall winner: Catherine Woulfe, the Herald on Sunday.
  
• Senior newspaper feature writer overall winner: Deidre Mussen, Sunday Star-Times.
  
• Junior newspaper feature writer overall winner: Jared Morgan, The Southland Times.
  
• Magazine feature writer senior overall winner: Mike White, North & South.
  
• Magazine feature writer junior overall winner: Amanda Cameron, New Zealand Doctor.
  
• Photography Canon New Zealand awards, Senior Portfolio of Six Pictures winner: Peter Meecham, The Press.
  
• Best Single Picture winner: Stacy Squires, The Press - WWII veteran on death bed.
  
• Junior Portfolio of Six Pictures winner: Wayne Drought, NZPA.
  
• Best Single Picture by a Junior winner: Wayne Drought, NZPA - Man bleeding.
  
• Newspaper Front Page winner: Bay of Plenty Times.
  
• Newspaper of the Year winner: The Press.
  
• Daily Newspaper over 25,000 circulation winner: The Press.
  
• Daily Newspaper up to 25,000 circulation winner: The Marlborough Express.
  
• Weekly Newspaper winner: Sunday Star-Times.
  
• Suburban or Community Newspaper winner: Saturday Express.
  
• News Website Winner: www.nzherald.co.nz.

I am pleased Mike White won Magazine Feature Writer of the Year, his stories are always insightful and he writes with a style that is easy to read.

Also worthy of mention is North and South won Best Magzine Cover, and freelance illustrator Anna Crichton won Best Editorial Grpahics for an illustration published in Metro Magazine.

NB On a different note the links to other blogs will be back up and running sometime this week, Pam is going to fix it as I have no ideas how to.

It all started in 1892...

Its that time again..... aka stanley cup where we are now in our conference finals... in the western conference we have Detroit Red Wings vs San Jose Sharks and in the Eastern conference we have Buffalo Sabres and the Ottawa Sentators.... i for one am cheering for the Senators.!!!

Gordon Copeland

Gordon Copeland has left United Future in protest at the repeal of Section 59. The picture would indicate that the "scary" youth protestors may have contributed.

He will be re-forming the Future New Zealand Party with Larry Baldock, a gentleman who I have also confronted over the Repeal of Section 59. It is ironic that Copeland did not vote on this bill which is the reason why he is leaving.

Copeland is well-known to be devoutly Christian, and fellow United Future Christian MP Judt Turner was notably upset at his departure, almost in tears whilst speaking to journalists.

Copeland has stated that he will accept the budget that is announced today, but can not guarantee that support for the 2008 budget.

Is it true?

I have heard that apparently the infamous Professor Margaret Clark is the mother of Michael Galvin aka Chris Warner on Shortland Street. Is this true?

Farewell my Friend

It was with great excitment I accepted Pam's invitation to be a blogger on Red Confectionery after the Labour Party Conference last year.

I was filled with great sadness this morning when she informed me that she would not be continuing to blog, and it is an honour that she has allowed me the privilege to continue Red Confectionery and keep the political and social commentary alive - there is plenty of more advice to be given and no doubt alot more politics with elections next year.

Pam, I am sorry that you leave us but I wish you all the best, and our fun times are not over, you are not just a co-blogger but a very dear friend and I will miss reading your thoughts, yes I often knew how you were without actually talking. All the best for the non-blogging world, you of course will always be welcome to come back and be a "guest" should you wish.

Viva Forever, You will be missed by both me, the other Red Confec bloggers and no doubt our readers.

Love you gorgeous

200 Posts, 2 threats to life, and many scandals

It's time for me to stop blogging. Terminé, finished, done.

Let me list my reasons:

1. Blogging is a way for anonymous commenters/AKA trolls to get away with things that would earn them a bitch slap in real life. (If any of them want to meet with me... the pleasure is mine...)

2. Blogging is not a good representation of the real world.

3. Blogging is dominated by right wingers, because lefties are in touch with the real world. (haha)

4. Although it's convenient for short conversation, it unsettles me when I'm catching up with one of my friends to have them already know exactly how I am.

5. I'm unsure as to why people are interested in what I write. Is it because of the occassional photo or the occassional insightful comment? I will never know...

6. There are certain IP addresses I'd like to block, but can't.

7. Blogging provides some kind of sick satisfaction to my stalkers, who really need to let go AND GET A FRIGGIN LIFE. Seriously. (I hear Kidsline/Youthline/Lifeline are all really really good. Or maybe the I'm-a-sick-fuck-can-you-turn-me-in-to-the-police hotline is a better option)

8. I have a life.

9. Being the (sometimes) sufferer of garbage in typed form, I'd rather say things out loud and off the record than online and on the record.

10. There is so much more to communication than words; I prefer face to face dialogue.

11. There is a degree of vulnerability when you put things on the net. And at times I have felt unsafe.

12. Rodney Hide blogs.

13. Most people will agree that I am a nice person. However, the only time I have been the victim of personal attacks has been in politics and on the internet. I have also made personal attacks myself on the net, which is something I'd rather not do. (Maybe blogging makes it easier) I don't have time for that shite.

14. This blogging thing is really narcissistic.

15. Unforunately, most people know that real name is not in fact, Pamziewamzie.

16. Sitting down makes my bum fall asleep. :)

Good enough reasons? I think so. In all fairness, I have made a few friends in unexpected places, which is cool. And I have nothing against people who do choose to put their thoughts up; I just don't think it's for me.

I would adopt a pseudonym, but don't think I'm discreet enough to keep it on the d-low. As some of you will know. And I've been told my writing style is pretty recognisable.

Be well, la lucha continua, stay red.

Love Pam.

P.S. Comments are welcome at pamziewamzie@yahoo.co.nz.

Bain on Bail

One can not help but notice the serious change in appearance of David Bain. He has gone from being a geeky boy to a rather mature and well presented man.

I felt a bit sorry for him yesterday when he emerged from the Christchurch High Court to be surrounded by the media, according to the news last night it was the largest pack of medica the court has ever had.

Bain is currently on bail while it is assessed if he will go to re-trial or not. Some conditions of his bail are that he must live with Joe Karam at his home in Te Kauwhata and he is not permitted to travel to the South Island at request of the Bain family.

Bain asked if he would be allowed to have a job which the judge agreed to, stating that Bain is entitled to have as a normal life as possible while out on bail. With Te Kauwhata a fairly small town many are welcoming Bain into their community, and he could possibly find work there. If he is prepared commute Auckland is only 45 minutes away.

For me the only thing that forms some doubt of his innocence is that forensics have shown that the way that Robin Bain was shot it was impossible for him to have shot himself, and so therefore that means someone had to have committed these murders, whether it was David or someone else needs to be considered.

He is however guilty of committing crimes against fashion, those jumpers were terrible, although I am sure they kept him warm.

It is going to be an interesting case to watch, especially if it goes to re-trial where the appeal process could go on again and this case could end up in the Supreme Court of New Zealand.

Silver Ferns Beaten... Again

The Silver Ferns have just been beaten by Australia.

This is their second loss in two days, going down 47-50 against the Aussies, they lost to England for the fisrt time in 32 years two days ago.

The Ferns appear to be having problems getting the ball to their shooters, although if they are having issues with feeding then the defence will pick up on this and use it, especially as defence to the fern shooters is always tight as when Irene gets the ball she nearly always gets it in, so by limiting the amount of ball she gets will limit the Ferns goal scoring.

Alot of work needs to be done before the next game and definitely before the World Cup.