Dave Gee: Life from Right Field

Fatties slam Skinny Pepsi

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Gee) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 06:14:00 +0000

Superior cola company Pepsi has launched a new taller, skinny can for its Diet Pepsi drink at New York Fashion Week 2011.

The company's marketing boss Jill Beraud says the "taller, sassier, attractive new can" is a "celebration of beautiful, confident women", and says the new product is "all about celebrating a beautiful shape".

The slimline Diet Pepsi cans (still containing 355 ml / 12 oz of cola goodness) will go on sale nationwide in the United States from early next month.

But some chunky critics are apparently outraged at PepsiCo Inc's plans, which they say promote the sales pitch that skinny is better. (Which it totally is).

The "National Eating Disorders Association" is most offended by the sexy, slimmer cans. It says the idea denigrates the majority of woman, and says the company is being "thoughtless and irresponsible".

Cola drinkers will still be able to buy Diet Pepsi in the traditional shorter stubbier shaped cans, along with regular Pepsi and other varieties like Pepsi Max. And I'm sure some of the biggest Diet Pepsi drinkers will continue to be the tubby ones who ask for the diet drink while ordering their mega burgers and extra large fries.

[ Right now I'm listening to: ^ Dr. Dre Featuring Eminem & Skylar Grey - I Need A Doctor
^ Jenny Silver - Something In Your Eyes (Melodifestivalen 2011)

Lefties look to dredge up the past

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Gee) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 06:54:00 +0000

Caustic beneficiaries activist Sue Bradford isn't ruling out attempting a political comeback, if a new extreme left-wing party manages to get off the ground.

The red-for-life-Bradford spent a decade as a list MP for the "Green" party, before quitting in 2009 after losing out to Metiria Turei for the co-leadership position.

She has confirmed there are ongoing discussions about a new left-wing party, but won't say who's involved. Former New Labour/Alliance power browker Matt McCarten is another likely to be involved in any new party. McCarten is currently the national secretary of the Unite Union (hospitality and retail workers), and stood as an Independent candidate in the Mana by-election last October.

The old Alliance Party still exists, but struggles to garner support from the electorate, gaining just 0.08% of the vote in the 2008 General Election. However left-wing backers believe they can ease concerns over "wasted votes" and attract more support for a new party if they have a chance of gaining an electorate seat (meaning they don't need to reach the 5% MMP vote threshold).

Hone Harawira's showdown with the Maori Party hierarchy is seen as a timely "in" for the loopy-lefters, who believe his Te Tai Tokerau could be their potential doorway back to Parliament. Harawira's future in the Maori Party will be discussed tomorrow by its disciplinary and disputes committee, altho Harawira wasn't saying whether he'd be attending.

But while Bradford and Harawira may find some common ground over areas like a higher minimum wage and bigger welfare handouts, the two agendas may have difficulty working in tandem longterm, particurlary if that relationship ever included being part of a Government.

As David Farrar points out, voters are unlikely to willingly back a Goff-led Government which required the support of all of Russel Norman, Metiria Turei, Hone Harawira, Sue Bradford, and Winston Peters to pass any laws.

* Stuff: Bradford confirms Leftist party talk

[ Right now I'm listening to:
^ Avril Lavigne - What the Hell (Avril Lavigne, Max Martin, Shellback)
^ David Archuleta - Something 'bout Love ]

Thousands grin and bare for No Pants 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Gee) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 08:40:00 +0000

Despite freezing winter temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere, thousands turned out for the 10th Annual No Pants Subway Ride on January 9th 2011.

Organised by comedy/prank group Improv Everywhere, participants have to ride the subway (or similar mass public transport system in their city), but without wearing pants (as in the trouser-variety... suitable underwear is a definite must!)

Photo credit: Amer Khalid

New York City is the hub of the annual event, with an estimated 3,500 people taking part in 'No Pants 2K11'. The riders were split into six different locations across the city to begin their subway ride, which covered 10 lines before converging on Union Square. Apparently at some stations, the number of pant-less people outnumbered the bewildered clothed travellers.

Thousands of other travellers also took part in at least 50 cities in 24 countries around the world, including London, Adelaide, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Mexico City, Las Vegas, Chicago, Seoul, Stockholm and Wellington, New Zealand.

Photo credit: SpecialKRB

The challenge for riders was to keep a straight face and "act normally" on their pants-less commute. Many participants read newspapers and books, listened to music, and casually chatted with friends on the train.

If they were asked by other subway riders why they were dressed that way, participants were asked to say they were "feeling uncomfortable" or simply "forgot their pants".

Improv Everywhere says their aim is to cause "scenes of chaos and joy in public places". The No Pants Subway Ride is their highest profile and most popular annual stunt.

Official No Pants 2K11 video from Improv Everywhere...

[ Right now I'm listening to:
^ Bruno Mars - Grenade (Claude Kelly)
^ Britney Spears - Hold It Against Me (Max Martin, Dr Luke, Bonnie McKee ]

Starbucks dumps the Coffee

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Gee) — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 06:18:00 +0000

Coffee giant Starbucks has annoyed loyal customers with its latest logo revamp. The international coffee chain has dropped the "Starbucks" brand name from its new logo, along with the word "coffee". Only the green twin-tailed mermaid siren remains, as the company looks to expand its market offerings.

The changes will be rolled out worldwide, following trials in Starbucks' home base of Seattle, Washington. Three stores were "debranded" and remodelled as local coffee houses. One on Capitol Hill also serves wine and beer, along with hosting live music and poetry readings. Starbucks has also overhauled its menu in the United States, adding salads and healthier baked goods.

Starbucks last changed its distinctive logo in 1992, but the 2011 upgrade hasn't impressed fans of the coffee chain. Hundreds of complaints have been posted on the company's American website, along with plans to bombard Starbucks with complaints by phone and snail mail.

The logo change has been prompted by plans by Starbucks to build new brands, as well as promoting the company's other brands including instant coffee label VIA "Ready Brew" and Seattle's Best Coffee.

Experts say the nameless logo may not hurt sales at Starbucks stores, but could be a bad fit for Starbucks products sold in grocery stores and other retail outlets.

Meanwhile, the chain has also hit the headlines for its new oversized 31-ounce (916 ml) beverage size, which is apparently larger than the average human stomach. Customers will be able to select the 'Trenta' size for Iced coffee, Iced Tea, and Iced tea lemonade drinks.

The Trenta has already been rolled out in 14 states across the United States, and will go nationwide there from May. (No word yet on whether the Trenta will also be added to international Starbucks stores. The 24 ounce Venti is currently the largest size available outside the US).

[ Right now I'm listening to:
^ Duran Duran - All You Need Is Now
^ Pink - F**** Perfect (Pink, Max Martin, Shellback) ]

Ralph Mag goes out with a Chk Chk Boom

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Gee) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 02:47:00 +0000

lossy Aussie men's magazine Ralph is closing down after 13 years in print, after struggling in the competitive print magazine marketplace. Changing tastes have lifted Zoo Weekly to the most popular men's mag with young Australian men.

The July 2010 edition of Ralph will be the final print version of the magazine, although the brand is expected to continue through an online presence.

The magazine launched back in 1997, with the honour of being the last Ralph covergirl has gone to 20 year old Sydney babe Clare Werbeloff - better known to most people as the "Chk Chk Boom Girl".

Werbeloff became an internet celebrity, after a TV news clip of her giving a hilarious eyewitness account of a shooting outside a King Cross nightclub became a viral hit.

Her account was later revealed to be false, apparently made in the heat of the moment after a drunken night on the town. Werbeloff told reporters, "I didn’t think it would blow out of proportion like this".

Final issue of Ralph Magazine, July 2010, Clare Werbeloff.

* Ralph - Chk Chk Boom babe Clare Werbeloff

- Can't remember Clare the Kings Cross bogan's eyewitness story?...

“There were these two wogs fighting, The fatter wog said to the skinnier wog: ‘Oi bro, you slept with my cousin’.
And the other one said: ‘Nah man, I didn’t for shit, eh’ and the other one goes: ‘I will call on my fully sick boys, eh’.
And then pulled out a gun and went chk-chk boom!”

Pure class! Werbeloff is now also working on the Australian version of the TV show The Real Hustle for the Nine network.

[ Right now I'm listening to: ^ Eminem - Not Afraid
^ Adam Lambert - Whataya Want From Me ]

Nude Rugby Attracts Big Crowd in Dunedin

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Gee) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 09:55:00 +0000

There were big celebrations in Dunedin on Saturday night, as the All Blacks beat the Welsh 42-9 in their final rugby test at Carisbrook ground.

Earlier that day, their naked rugby counterparts the Nude Blacks beat rivals the Welsh Leeks at Logan Park ground (an unofficial score had the result as 20-15).

It's currently winter in Dunedin (in the South Island of New Zealand), but it was an unseasonally day for this year's nude rugby game, which attracted its largest ever crowd. Over a thousand spectators (including students, couples, and families) turned out to watch the fun and cheer on the brave players.

Veteran local player Dave Bourke again led the Nude Blacks in the 7th Bottom Bus Nude Rugby International, while visiting newcomer Johnny Morris captained the Welsh Leeks.

The Nude Blacks perform a haka before the game

And the Welsh Leeks respond with an equally intimidating Welsh Jig...

Former All Blacks John Timu and Richard Lowe acted as the (fully clothed) referees for the game, which featured all the traditional nude rugby elements, including a nude haka, a clothed streaker, a staged brawl, and a toilet-seat trophy.

A female nude streaker also got in on the action this year, being persuaded to stay in join in the game and take part in a lineout.

She then managed to score a try for the Nude Blacks, rejoining the action later as a naked cop to arrest an ill-disciplined clothed streaker.

A female streaker joins in the fun on the field

Referee Richard Loe struggles to stop the on-field brawl...

* More info & photos here: 7th Annual Nude Rugby International (Part 2)...

7th Annual Nude Rugby International (Part 2)

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Gee) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 09:47:00 +0000

The Nude Blacks continued their winning streak in Dunedin this past weekend, and have now won all 7 naked rugby test victories (5 on the beach, 2 on grass).

The popular annual event is an unofficial curtain raiser to All Blacks test matches staged in Dunedin. It's organised by New Zealand local touring companies Bottom Bus and Headfirst Travel, and features a mix of Otago students and visiting players.

The naked policewoman runs in to arrest the game's clothed streaker...

The Nude Blacks celebrate another victory

Members of the NZ and Welsh 2010 nude rugby teams

Fans mob the nude rugby players after the game for photos & autographs

Organiser Ralph Davies and Welsh Captain Johnny Morris
giving interviews to the local and international media

* Also see: Nude Rugby Attracts Big Crowd in Dunedin...

An Ill Wind That Blows No Good

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Gee) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 04:50:00 +0000

Is that constant buzzing noise during the FIFA World Cup matches doing your head in yet?

As football fans are learning, the sound isn't coming from a swarm of angry bees or locusts, that buzzing is apparently a "musical instrument" (of sorts).

South African fans are used to the colourful plastic horns known as Vuvuzelas (or Lepatata in the Setswana language), which they say sound like a herd of charging elephants. The stadium horns are about a metre long, and produce an annoyingly loud high-pitched noise which many people say is drowning out the usual singing and other match atmosphere.

The instruments have long been a feature at South African sports games, and apparently require some lip and lung strength to blow and produce the loud monotone note. (A similar kind of plastic horn is also common in Latin America).

The vuvuzelas have been slammed by everyone from the international footballers, through to the visiting fans, and the broadcasters trying to cover the matches at the FIFA World Cup in South Africa (who say it drowns out the commentators).

Soccer fans have described the noise from the horns as "mindless" and "excruciating", with petitions and Facebook groups being set up calling for them to be banned at the event.

There was talk in the media that the World Cup organising committee was considering banning the noisy trumpets, but they have since confirmed that won't be happening. They have however asked crowds not to use vuvuzelas during national anthems or during other spoken announcements.

However Fifa president Sepp Blatter claims the vuvuzela-haters just don't understand African culture, and he reckons it adds to the atmosphere in South Africa.

For the technically minded, the droning sound can sometimes be reduced or cancelled out on modern TVs, by adjusting the sound settings to drop a specific frequency. You can even buy an 'Anti Vuvuzela Filter', which claims to cancel out the sound of the horns.

* NZ Herald - FIFA World Cup: Ban vuvuzelas, say football fans
* Guardian.co.uk - Vuvuzelas set to soundtrack tournament
* Pocket-link - How to cancel out the vuvuzela on your TV

[ Right now I'm listening to:
^ Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)
^ Game On (World Cup Mascot Song) ]

Big Cats Love CK; Save Cool Water for the Cougars

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Gee) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 04:22:00 +0000

Have the blokes out there got a favourite cologne? For me it's definitely Abercrombie & Fitch's popular cologne Fierce (a version of which they spritz on the clothes they sell in stores), followed closely by Hollister's SoCal (another familiar smell, thanks to more in-store clothes spritzing).

On the other hand if you're looking for a cougar, you might be better off going for something more traditional, like Cool Water by Davidoff or Diesel Fuel for Life.

But watch out next time you go tramping in the jungles of Guatemala, and leave your CK at home! Biologists tracking and photographing jaguars in Guatemala's Maya Biosphere Reserve have found the big cats are big fans of the Calvin Klein cologne Obsession for Men.

The cologne is used to attract jaguars to their camera traps, and follows research by scientists at New York's Bronx Zoo. They tested out 23 different fragrances on cheetahs there, with Obsession for Men holding the big cats' attention for the longest time.

* Reuters - Scientists use Calvin Klein cologne to lure jaguars

The Students Are Revolting!

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Gee) — Fri, 28 May 2010 09:19:00 +0000

This was the scene recently at Otago University, as warriors clad in cardboard and rolled up newspapers battled rival soldiers along the Leith River and on the Union Lawn...

You could forgive Otago University students for wanting to stage a revolt, but this is actually the annual Selwyn College Capping Battle, traditionally fought between the hall's male students and members of the local 'Lindskii regiment' (now supplemented by former Selwyn residents, or 'Exies').

The female students also have a vital role to play in the battle. The girls take on the role of Nurses, "reviving" fallen warriors on the battlefield with a nip of red wine (or whatever red liquid they decide to fill their bottles with that day).

The battle's been part of Capping Week celebrations since the early 80s, with the more committed amongst the students spending many hours constructing the cardboard and paper armour and weapons.

For now, it's all fun. But don't be surprised to see a similar uprising from the wider student body in a few years time, if the crazy old cats running Otago University continue down their current crusade of self destruction.

Varsity bigwigs recently unveiled a grand 25-year 'Master Plan' for the University of Otago Campus. Planners are expecting an extra 7,000 students by the end of that period, along with 500 more staff, and the need for an additional 100,000sqm in floor space.

Unfortunately, that healthy increase in Otago's campus population may never happen if the University's incessant campaign to kill off the traditional 'Scarfie lifestyle' continues unchecked.

The 'powers that be' seem to have convinced themselves that students from all over the country choose Otago purely on academic grounds, with no consideration for the unique 'Studentville' atmosphere which has attracted young people to the chilly south for decades.

The Otago University Council recently voted to close down the Design Studies department for apparent financial reasons.

Yet somehow it managed to find the spare funds to buy local drinking landmark 'The Gardies', paying around half a million dollars over the market value for the pub to ensure it stayed out of the hands of anyone else.

The University still hasn't decided what to do with the building, although it has made it clear it doesn't have any plans to get into the pub business.

The University's haste in making a over-market offer had more to do with concerns that another hospitality industry entrepreneur could enter the frame, than any of its claims of "space requirements".

The Gardens Tavern, at the end of Castle Street, was partly squeezed out by restrictive opening hours (which the University and Police campaigned heavily in favour of). The University has already taken over the former premises of The Bowler, and is trying hard to trip up The Cook.

Otago University is now looking to put another nail into Castle Street, by leasing 14 flats from a tenancy agency (plus 6 in Cumberland St), which it will sub-let only to International Students.

The University obviously believes these students will not indulge in evil activities like drinking games or couch fires, and the new-approved residents will all be in bed by 10pm.
(Except for weekends, when Castle Street can probably look forward to non-stop Karaoke sessions, including painful renditions of the Bob Dylan classic 'Ray Rady Ray').

OUSA magazine Critic rightly described the move as another step in the University's "ongoing war against the `Scarfie' drinking culture". Local rag the ODT however bought the line of University officials, who not surprisingly denied the plan was "designed to counter the excesses of student culture".

Could this be the caption in 25 years time?... R.I.P. Otago University?

[ Right now I'm listening to: ^ Eminem - Not Afraid
^ La Roux - Bulletproof

Happy Everybody Draw Mohammed Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Gee) — Wed, 19 May 2010 20:12:00 +0000

Yes it may be Budget Day in New Zealand, but worldwide people are celebrating the first annual 'Everybody Draw Mohammed Day' (aka Everybody Draw Muhammed/Mohammad Day, the apparent prophet likes to mix it up when it comes to the spelling of his name).

The celebration was initially dreamt up American cartoonist Molly Norris, following the controversy over an episode of the tv cartoon South Park, which depicted Mr Mohammed dressed up in a bear costume.

South Park creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker received a number of death threats after the episode, as did the Comedy Central tv network.

I Can Haz Jihad?

The online protest is described as a "protest against those Islamists who attempt to restrict freedom of speech by threatening violence against anyone who offends them or Islam."

Internet protestors are encouraged to "create a drawing representing Muhammad, a prophet of Islam, on May 20, 2010, as a protest against efforts to limit freedom of speech". (Depictions of the so-called prophet are explicitly forbidden by some Islamic texts, although not actually by the Qur'an).

Mohammad Says Smile!

* Check out WhaleOil for his collection of New Zealand Mohammed drawings...

Axe the Climate Tax, Dr Smith!

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Gee) — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 08:21:00 +0000

Political ad-man John Ansell has called out National's "greenie in drag" Nick Smith, who along with Johnkey is intent on forcing a barmy Emissions Trading Scheme on unsuspecting New Zealanders from 1 July.

Ansell has shown Nick Smith to be a hypocrite, after digging comments the MP made back in November 2005, where he described Labour's proposed carbon tax as "madness".

At the time, Smith claimed to be vehemently opposed to a carbon tax which would "drive up the costs of living and undermine the competitiveness of New Zealand business for negligible environmental gain"...

At the time, the National opposition launched a campaign arguing against the very idea of a carbon tax, including an axethecarbontax.co.nz website.

The appetite of Dr Cullen and this Government for more taxes is legendary, 43 new and increased levies and taxes have been introduced.

The latest is the carbon tax. It will add 6c per litre to the price of petrol, 7c per litre to diesel, 6% to all power bills and put the price of coal and gas up by 9%.

(Nick Smith, 2005)

That now rings as true as Labour's current 'Axe the Tax' campaign, which has Phil Goff and co. slamming the proposal to increase GST by 2.5% to 15%, while at the same time admitting the Labour Party is unlikely to reverse the increase (and certainly isn't considering "axing" it).

Ansell has labelled Smith's flip flop as "Nickpocrisy", as the Gnats prepare to go against the worldwide trend and force a crazy climate tax on kiwi workers and businesses, along with an increase in GST, and a significant increase in State spending.

The full impact of National's evil Emissions Trading Scheme isn't yet understood by the general public. But it won't take long. From July 1st, hard working New Zealanders will face substantial price hikes at the petrol pump and on their power bills, which will flow through to all other goods and services.

These new taxes are theoretically to pay for a ridiculous creation called "carbon credits", which is simply an underhand way of getting western countries to fund the workings of a left-leaning one world government.

(That plan however has stalled, with most countries in the world - including Australia, Canada, China, Russia, India, Japan, and the United States - backing away from the loopy and costly proposal).

John Ansell estimates the average New Zealand household will be saddled with at least $3,000 a year in extra costs because of National's ETS. And that's based on a carbon price of around $25. A increase to $100 which some are tipping will leave the average household facing a massive $12,000 bill every year!

NBR columnist Matthew Hooton recently noted that John Key's mind "must soon turn to extricating his government from the hole it dug itself by ramming its economically-vandalous and environmentally-pointless Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) through Parliament before Christmas."

Smith said in 2005 that "the only conclusion is that the carbon tax actually has nothing to do with Kyoto or climate change but is just an excuse for Dr Cullen to get his fingers deeper into the pockets of New Zealanders." Why can't he listen to his own words??

Despite the best efforts of the so-called mainstream media, the general public are starting to see through the bucketloads of green propaganda being thrown at them each day.

The relative failure of Earth Hour recently proved that New Zealanders can now see through the lies of "climate change". (Despite the internet hype, Rick Giles was totally right, and Earth Hour was an absolute bomb!)

Power consumption fell by just 2% during NZ's "Earth Hour" 2010. As TV3's resident greenie cheerleader Samantha Hayes said herself in her preview story, the "light switch vote will be a global gauge if people are feeling apathetic, or want action [about climate change]".

I take that tiny vote and general apathy to mean most kiwis don't want action on something based on lies and plain bad science.

* WhaleOil has added Smith's new name to his official Polictionary.

* John Ansell - Nickpocrisy

Will the real Muhammad please stand up?

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Gee) — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 07:24:00 +0000

A bunch of terrorist-loving muslims have got their tea towels in a twist, after being offended by a television cartoon show. A few issued barely-disguised death threats against the creators of the Comedy Central tv show South Park, after it made fun of the so-called prophet Muhammad (aka Mohammed, aka Bobo).

The long-running animated series has poked fun at pretty much every major Hollywood celebrity, political name, and even religious figures. (Show creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone are currently working on a Broadway musical comedy about Mormons, due to hit the stage in March 2011).

Now violent threats made on a radical muslim hate website have prompted Comedy Central to censor the 200th episode of the South Park show. The episode featured many of the 'celebrities' that have featured in popular storylines since 1997, including Tom Cruise, Barbra Streisand, Moses, Jesus, and Buddha.

In the episode, Muhammad is brought to the fictional Colorado town of South Park. He is initially heard speaking from inside a U-Haul trailer, before being let out into the town, dressed in a bear costume...

Islam apparently forbids the depiction of Mr Muhammad, and so a member of the Revolution Muslim website decided the episode "outright insulted" the prophet.

Mr Abu Talhah Al-Amrikee (aka Zach Chesser) posted a thinly veiled death threat, saying they "will probably wind up like Theo van Gogh for airing this show". (Dutch filmmaker van Gogh was killed by an Islamic militant in The Netherlands in 2004). A link to the address of the South Park creators was also posted.

The media-shy Muhammad did partially stop by in a 2006 South Park episode, which followed the muslim-led controversy over the satirical Danish Muhammad cartoons.

In that episode, Big Mu was hidden behind a large black box marked "CENSORED", after the Comedy Central network refused to let Matt Stone and Trey Parker show the shy prophet. (MTV Networks president Doug Herzog later admitted that Comedy Central had caved to political and commercial pressure, and given a fresh chance he'd do it differently).

In the recent 2-part 200th episode, the Mu character was again Censored, and his name was bleeped. Stone and Parker said Comedy Central also added "numerous additional audio bleeps" to the episode, after it was delivered to the network (including during an end speech "about intimidation and fear"). The network also wouldn't let the episode be streamed as normal on the its website.

Free speech campaigners have slammed the censorship by Comedy Central, and now thanks to WhaleOil it seems there's an important date for all free speech proponents to mark on the calendar. May 10, 2010 has officially been declared the First Annual "Everybody Draw Mohammad Day!"

The event has been organised... In light of the recent "veiled" (ha!) threats aimed at the creators of the television show South Park (for depicting the prophet Mohammad in a bear suit) by bloggers on Revolution Muslim's website...

* New York Times - ‘South Park’ Episode Altered After Muslim Group’s Warning
* EW.com - 'South Park' creators 'warned' by radical Muslim website: Um, holy [beep]!
* BBC News - South Park duo write Broadway musical about Mormons
* The Strangler - Everybody Draw Mohammad Day!

[ Right now I'm listening to: ^ Adam Lambert - Whataya Want From Me (Max Martin/Shellback/Pink)
^ Jason Derulo - In My Head (Derulo/Claude Kelly/JR Rotem) ]

Switch on Lights & Heaters for Human Achievement Hour

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Gee) — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 03:38:00 +0000

Turn on your lights, your heaters, and your power-hungry appliances! There's a celebration going on tonight, right across the world. A celebration of Human achievement.

While the misguided hippies and misinformed and brainwashed muppets of the world will be flailing around in the dark for their media-promoted WWF event 'Earth Hour', free-thinking households will be celebrating the incredible accomplishments of the human race from 8.30 this evening.

Here in New Zealand, the Gnats may be preparing to unleash their fake carbon taxes on innocent kiwis (despite almost every other country in the world backing off an Emissions Trading Scheme or similar fraud), but thankfully there are a few sane politicians over the ditch in Australia (strange but true!)

A group chaired by Liberal senator Cory Bernardi is promoting the Anti-Earth Hour event known as Human Achievement Hour on its website...

"Don't be stuck in the dark with the communists. Turn your lights on!

While earth hour activists will be left in the dark, Human Achievement Hour participants will be going to the cinema, enjoying a hot meal, driving their car or watching television."

Image by Takver via Flickr

South Australian Senator Bernardi is a vocal sceptic of the theory of man-made climate change and global warming. Bernardi helped topple former Liberal Party leader Malcolm Turnbull (who supported the Labour Government's ETS), replacing him with Tony Abbott.

(Unfortunately the Liberals also have their own 'Nick Smith, with misguided Shadow environment spokesman Greg Hunt planning to support Earth Hour).

Canadian-based kiwi David Seymour writes in the Victoria Times Colonist that the Earth Hour festival "is an annual occult exercise" which has "no effect on climate, and sends the wrong message".

At least a small portion of the MSM in New Zealand has recognised that not everyone has bought into the great global warming swindle, and will be celebrating Anti Earth Hour in their own ways.

A story in the NZ Herald notes that some "cynics" are planning to celebrate "Edison Hour", recognising "enlightenment and technology by wasting as much electricity as possible during the hour".

The story borrows a quote from last year, when ACT on Campus President Rick Giles described Earth Hour as "an embarrassment ... based on phoney science in an attempt to promote phoney awareness".

And Libertarianz leader Richard McGrath has encouraged all New Zealanders to turn on all their lights during Earth Hour...

“This Saturday evening I will be turning on every light in the house, and lighting a bonfire outside, in memory of the industrialists, scientists and economists who made possible all the luxuries we take for granted today – the computer, television, motor vehicles, comfortable housing – and the electric light.”

(Last year's promotion, but the sentiment's the same)

There are some unusual "partners" and sponsors of the Earth Hour promotion here in NZ. I will be boycotting McDonalds for the next few months, due to their support of the silly festival. I have also made a mental note not to buy a Toyota next time I'm car hunting.

I do find it odd that TV and Radio broadcaster Mediaworks is encouraging people to participate. I assume includes encouraging people to turn off their tvs and radios for the hour this evening, depriving their advertisers (the life-blood of a commercial broadcaster) of viewers and listeners.

TradeMe also seems to be hoping nobody visits their online auction site, or places any bids between 8.30 and 9.30pm this evening. And online power retailer Powershop is encouraging customers to buy less of their electricity.

* The Anti Earth Hour Blog

* Scoop - Light Up The Country This Earth Hour, Say Libz
* The Age - Call to turn on the lights
* NZ Herald - Earth Hour not without its grinches
* Times Colonist - Earth Hour: It's an annual occult exercise

Leave a Light On - Save Civilization...

UPDATE: If you're in Auckland, head to the Racket Bar tonight, down by Britomart...
"The world's longest multi-box chain, Coal-fired air-conditioning, and a light show visible from outer space!"
plus... "Bring your own appliance, and receive a Free Tiger beer!"

Oamaru's Protest for Two Cancelled

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Gee) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 19:21:00 +0000

Workers in the North Otago town of Oamaru seem pretty happy with their life, going by a story in this morning's Otago Daily Times newspaper...

A planned 4-hour protest outside Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean's office on Saturday (to campaign against the 25c/hr minimum wage increase) had to be cancelled after just two people turned up, one being the protest organiser herself! ;-)

The protest was to coincide with nationwide demonstrations over the Government's decision to increase the minimum hourly rate from $12.50 to $12.75 from April 1 and called for a minimum rate of $15 an hour.

Protest organiser Rebecca Anderson was disappointed with the response in Oamaru, despite having spread the word it was on.

The Oamaru protest was to have been part of a national campaign organised by Unite, a private sector community union.

Ms Anderson must be disappointed that only one other person was willing to give up their Saturday to join her in the minimum wage protest attempt. Surely she must have more friends and family than that??.

The town of Oamaru has a reasonably solid population of around 13,000, and the meeting was promoted during the week in the local media...

* ODT - Minimal interest in minimum wage protest
* ODT - Protest over minimum wage rise

Key's "bold" speech must still be in the drawer

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Gee) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:29:00 +0000

Prime Minister John Key delivered his speech to the nation this afternoon, at the opening of Parliament for 2010. It was billed as the National Party leader's most important speech of the year, but aside from a few highlights has largely failed to live up to those hyped expectations.

Kiwiblog's David Farrar had a full point-by-point analysis out in record time, allowing Labour Party leader Phil Goff to quote his "B" grade at the start of his speech in reply!

• Positives in John Key's speech:

* GST increased to 15%, but with no introduction of any exemptions (which reduces its efficiency). If there has to be taxes in some form, a consumption tax is one the better options as everyone has to pay it (many people avoid paying income tax, either through Labour's 'Working for Families', or through trusts and other structuring of their personal finances).

* Changes to property taxation, and the way depreciation is taxed (but no Land Tax because National was scared of upsetting property investors).

* Some reductions to personal (and company?) tax rates, but will have to wait until May's budget for details. Currently the top 10% of all income earners pay over 75% of New Zealand's net tax, while around 40% of people pay no income tax at all.

* No extra funding for many Government agencies for the next few years.

* An "action plan to unlock New Zealand’s petroleum potential", and opening up land locked up under the guise of conservation for mining.

* I am cautiously interested in the 'Whanau Ora' initiative of social services delivery, provided it isn't restricted to being a race-based programme.

* Stricter monitoring of standards in education, and demanding better performances from the crap teachers and schools currently failing our kids.

* Reform of the welfare system, which hopefully will translate into more than just talk. Getting people away from the idea of welfare dependency, stricter benefit rules, increased testing. As John Key points out in his speech...

"In 2010, New Zealand taxpayers will fund an estimated $7.6 billion of benefits and income support, not including Superannuation. This amounts to $20.8 million every day, or $867,500 every hour. It is critical we ensure this money is spent effectively...

...I need to be able to look taxpayers in the eye and assure them that their hard-earned wages are not being used to support those who lack the will or desire to work as hard for their living as their fellow New Zealanders."

* Reaffirming the goal of concluding all Treaty of Waitangi settlements by 2014.

• Negatives and missed opportunities in John Key's speech

* Labour's 'Working for Families' welfare regime (described by John Key as "Communism by stealth") won't be abolished, although National will tinker with the system slightly. WFF recipients and beneficiaries will be compensated for the 2.5% increase in GST.

* No Land Tax. Claims by Property Investors that this would have meant higher rates aren't quite true. NZ property prices are artificially inflated thanks to the current system. A land tax would contribute to a reduction in property investment, and a reduction in prices. This would allow more kiwis to buy their own homes, and the rental market would be forced to come down to earth.

* Opening up of land for mining and exploration will unfortunately be balanced by replacing it with other land not currently protected under 'Section 4'.

* A Conservation Fund will be established to direct some royalty income from mining on crown land towards conservation projects. Designed to appease the Greens but won't.

* Government spending will continue to increase. Billions of dollars more will be thrown at education, health, roads, etc...

Of course it is a better programme than we would have seen had voters allowed Labour and its mates the Greens and NZ First to continue running New Zealand.

However Key's speech this afternoon wasn't as bold as might have been expected, considering the PM said beforehand he expected the policy programme could erode his political popularity. The pressure is on to prove this year that he is not simply a 'do nothing' Prime Minister.

The next instalment is due in May... ;-)

* Stuff - Key confirms GST increase being considered

* NZ Herald - Bernard Hickey: Leave the country now Gen X & Y

* Not PC - Fisking that “step change”

* Kiwiblog - PM’s 2010 Statement to Parliament

* UPDATE: TV1 and TV3 6PM News Ultimate Maths Fail
Both of the country's major tv news bulletins failed with basic mathematical calculations tonight, when trying to illustrate the effect a 2.5% increase in GST would have on certain consumer goods. (TV3 also made a secondary mistake in their graphic by losing track of the decimal point).

As the post by Steve Biddle at Geekzone points out, How can you trust either network to deliver us accurate news when they're unable to calculate a basic maths equation?

(It's actually the third financial misstep at 3 News in the last month. It miscalculated the extra amount someone on the minimum wage will receive per week, and confused "million" with the slightly larger "billion" when talking about an education spending item).

Media pay cash to cover Waitangi commemorations

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Gee) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:56:00 +0000

The practice of cash-for-stories by the media is largely confined in New Zealand to the women's magazines and the occasional story in the Sunday papers.

But it seems most of the 'mainstream media' are coughing up cash today, to cover Waitangi Day commemorations at Te Tii Marae.

Ngapuhi elder Hama Apiata this morning demanded news organisations paid the tribe a monetary fee to attend the event. Stuff (Fairfax Media) and other organisations were told they had to pay a $500 fee, or they would not be allowed onto marae grounds, and their equipment would be confiscated.

Stuff reports that Maori TV and TVNZ both agreed to pay $1000 to let their cameras and reporters onto the lower Waitangi grounds (although Newstalk ZB reports only Maori TV paid the full $1000, with TVNZ paying a $500 'service fee').

The reports say TV3 and NZ Herald both initially refused to pay the fee, but both gave in with TV3 paying a 'koha' of $500, and NZ Herald paying an undisclosed koha (no details on whether this was also in cash, or perhaps by way of a couple of newspaper subscriptions and a nice set of steak knives?...) Fairfax Media claim they gave Ngapuhi a koha of just $20.

Late this morning, it seemed just Sky News/Prime TV and Newstalk ZB were holding firm to their principles of a 'free media', and refusing to pay cash to cover the ceremonies.

* Stuff: Waitangi's Te Tii Marae demands media pay entry fee
* NZ Herald: Cash demanded for Waitangi coverage

[ Right now I'm listening to:
^ Jason Derulo - In My Head
^ Ke$ha - Hungover ]

United Dunne points out Greens' Record of Failures

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Gee) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 04:26:00 +0000

United Future "Party" leader Peter Dunne isn't known as the country's most charismatic or inspiring politician, but his latest blog post seems to have really offended Tumeke! blogger Tim Selwyn. (Although Selwyn does correctly point out that Dunne has a fight on his hands to retain Ohariu next election).

I certainly couldn't describe myself as a fan of Peter "party of one" Dunne, but he does sometimes come out with some good thoughts, and his most recent blog post contains a number of interesting truths about the so-called Green Party of Aotearoa NZ.

Dunne argues that despite the regular praise heaped on the Greens by the news media, the Green Party has actually "been our most unsuccessful small party under MMP".

He comes to this conclusion by arguing that "the usual hallmark of political success is being part of a government", which of course the Greens have spectacularly failed to accomplish, even under Hillin Cluck's watch!

First, no member of the Greens has ever held office as a Minister in a government.

That sets them apart from every other small party that has emerged under MMP. The Alliance, ACT, New Zealand First, the Maori Party and UnitedFuture have all had Ministers in government, able to push through key aspects of their respective parties’ policies.

Apart from a short-lived term following the famous/infamous "worm" debate on State TV, Dunne has helmed a very small parliamentary party. Yet he has somehow managed to persuade the majority party that his one or two votes are useful and beneficial to forming a government.

And to give Dunne due credit, he has managed to extract more in policy concessions over the years than ACT's Rodney Hide has managed to get out of National in the current parliament with 5 MPs.

Dunne sounds frustrated but is correct in his assessment of the attitude of the self-proclaimed "mainstream" media towards the Greens. There is a definite media bias towards the Greens here, with reporters happy to repeat statements and assertions by the party's MPs verbatim, while often treating comments from other MPs with scepticism.

"... the news media and the commentariat have failed consistently to acknowledge this point, let alone draw it to public attention.

Moreover, they have actually gone to the other extreme and generally lauded the Greens for their “success”, although they have been noticeably light when it comes to pointing out what those successes have been."

A survey completed in 2008 by Dr Babak Bahador from Canterbury University looked at the media coverage of New Zealand's political parties in the 2008 election, comparing the level and tone of the coverage for each party.

The Greens received 32.6% positive media coverage, 49% neutral, and just 18.4% negative coverage. In comparison, National's positive media coverage was just 22.3%, along with 39.8% neutral and 37.9% negative coverage. Labour got 25.4% positive, 39% neutral, and 35.6% negative.

The most glaring evidence of msm bias in NZ was the finding that during the 2008 election campaign, every party received more media coverage than electoral support, except for National and ACT.

Stories specifically featuring the Green Party made up 7% of the stories during the election campaign. (The Green's other big political failure is the fact that their pre-election poll ratings have never translated into the same level of support on election day.)

Some have questioned whether the Greens can crack the 5% MMP threshold next election, with Jeanette Fitzsimons leaving the building, Sue Kedgley on her way out, and loudmouth Sue Bradford already gone.

Electoral statistics guru David Farrar blogged last year about New Zealand's 5% MMP threshold, and the effects on representation if the threshold was lowered or abolished altogether.

Even Winston Peters has been analysing the success (or otherwise) of MMP this week, with a speech to Political Science students at Auckland University. As usual, Peters has some bold claims, but manages to make a few good points...

The Royal Commission recommended that a hundred MPs in a new MMP system would work. We ended up with 120 because the two old parties reckoned that the 20 extra would put voters off the change.

In time, the Maori seats were supposed to go. We were all to be blended in – as we should be!

It's time for MPs to become bold enough to introduce MMP as the Royal Commission recommended... Reducing the threshold to 4%, axing the separatist Maori electorate seats, and increasing the Parliamentary term to 4 years.

* Peter's Position - A couple of Unpleasant Facts to Ponder
* Kiwiblog - Final Results of the 2008 Election Media Study

Coke Vending Machine Dishes out Pizzas!

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Gee) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 08:19:00 +0000

The dark brown sugary soda drink known as Coke apparently equals Happiness, or so their marketing people like to tell us.

Now the soft drink giant is endeavouring to spread a little bit of happiness across the US with random acts of vending kindness.

The Coca-Cola Happiness Machine was installed recently in the cafeteria of an American college campus, with the reactions of students becoming a viral video hit.

Image by Chris Devers via Flickr

Students using the normal-looking coke drink vending machine are initially surprised to receive multiple bottles of Coca-Cola, before the vending machine starts handing out (quite literally!) bunches of flowers, balloon animals, a pizza, and a giant sub sandwich.

The viral marketing campaign is part of Coke's global 'Open Happiness' campaign, and the company says many other similar stunts are planned, asking "Where will happiness strike next?"

NZ TV viewers will be Lost a little longer

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Gee) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 07:50:00 +0000

New Zealand fans of the tv drama Lost will unfortunately have to wait a little longer to see the final season of the show, according to a post on Throng.

The final season of Lost begins on February 2nd in the United States on ABC. Hopes were raised last month that TVNZ was going to screen the opening episode less than half a day after its American premiere, after information in the broadcaster's Planit ad schedule.

The official response from TVNZ was that tapes of the episodes cannot be contractually released by the distributor before the show has been broadcast on ABC in all US time zones.

TVNZ told Throng that such a turnaround was just too tight for the distributor to "physically take the tape to a completely different location and feed them to us via Satellite in real time."

The network also says there would be issues timing out the schedule, promoting the show, and adding captioning in just a few hours.

These excuses are somewhat acceptable, although still disappointing. The NZ television premiere of Lost's final season has been scheduled for a week later, on February 10th. However that is still a big improvement on the 6 month+ delay that New Zealand viewers used to faced for US shows.

Image via Wikipedia

The one hole in TVNZ's excuses is that ABC is launching Season 6 of Lost with a double episode, whereas TV2 is apparently only playing Episode 1, following the premiere its new show Flash Forward.

That will put New Zealand fans 2 episodes behind America. One wonders whether TV2 could have overcome the problems outlined above with the breathing room of just a single episode? I suspect the gap between overseas shows and their New Zealand broadcast dates will continue to close in this high-tech, download-heavy era...

Former Clown Activist replaces Jeanette in NZ Greens

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Gee) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 06:49:00 +0000

Former Ronald McDonald impersonator Gareth Hughes will take Jeanette Fitzsimons' list MP spot in Parliament next month, after the former Green Party co-leader announced she was retiring.

Hughes' claim to fame is being arrested while dressed as Ronald McDonald, during a protest against the use of 'genetically engineered' chicken feed. He stood for the Greens in the Ohariu seat at the last election.

I love this photo and headline caption from Stuff!

The 28 year old will become the youngest MP in the current Parliament. He plans to live in Wellington's inner city with his wife and son, and will walk to work (what a good greenie).

He is apparently "confident the Greens would be back with at least their nine current seats in 2010." Not surprisingly, Hughes has worked for Greenpeace, recently running its 'Sign On' global warming campaign in New Zealand. He also camped out with the hippies in the 'Save Happy Valley' anti-mining protest.

Hughes' arrival follows the sad sad departure last year of another Green Party protester clown, Sue Bradford...

Gareth's parliamentary goals are to focus on Transport (as in not having as little as possible, that's Green policy), Climate Change (as in keeping the propaganda machine rolling, despite the growing cracks), and Tertiary Education (as in more free money from the Government and less accountability).

* Stuff - Meet the Green Party's new MP

Lie Flat & Cuddle with Air New Zealand's Skycouch

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Gee) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:41:00 +0000

Air New Zealand's new 'Skycouch' seats have attracted a lot of international interest, but in all honesty failed to live up to their pre-launch hype.

Dubbed 'cuddle class', the new skycouch does offer lie-flat or curled-up seating for a couple of passengers, provided they buy a row of 3 seats.

There will be 11 rows of skycouch seats, with the arm rests fully retracting, and foot rests coming up to meet the seats in front and create a 1.75 metre-long couch. A thin mattress fits over the top.

Speculation has been going on for the last 6 months or more about how Air New Zealand's design team was going to "revolutionise" economy (coach) class for passengers.

Suggestions have included seats which reclined back to an almost lie-flat position, staggered seating, and lie-flat stackable bunk beds along the sides of the aircraft.

The reality proved somewhat less revolutionary, although they are still the world's first lie-flat seats in economy or coach class, and will suit couples travelling long-haul, and those with a small child.

A team of designers have been working on the project for three years. Air NZ's Chief Executive Rob Fyfe says the challenge he gave was to "have passengers able to lie down in economy, but I don't want the seat to take up any more space and I don't want people to have to pay any more for it."

I guess the catch of two passengers also having to buy the middle seat (albeit at half price) to get a lie down means that goal wasn't quite achieved.

However, Air New Zealand is predicting strong growth in the Premium Economy section of the market, the airline's also talking up a sideline licensing deal of the new seating designs with Boeing (to on-sell to international airlines).

Interestingly, investors seemed unimpressed with Air NZ's seating revamp, with shares slipping slightly on launch day.

And it will be interesting to see how long the "2 seats at standard price + 1 at half price" skycouch deal lasts. Presumably giving away 22 seats at half the going economy rate is fine while capacity is down, but that policy may come into question once planes start filling up again or the seats "fly out the door" as the airline hopes.

The new skycouch option launches in November, when Air New Zealand's new 340-seater Boeing 777-300 comes into service, between Auckland and Los Angeles. The airline plans to refit all its long haul aircraft in the skycouch configuration by 2012.

There will also be changes for all other flying classes on Air New Zealand. Regular economy/coach class will get bigger video screens for the personal entertainment system, plus iPod ports (yay!), and a narrow head cushion that attaches to the seat.

New 'Spaceseats' in Premium Economy class will be enclosed within a hard shell 'cocoon', meaning reclining your seat doesn't impede on the space of the person behind you as normally happens now in Economy cabins.

A herring-bone layout with seats angling either inwards of outwards will also allow Premium Economy passengers to choose to have more personal space, or to interact with another traveller, including the ability to share meals.

There will be new contoured seats in Business Premier, with a thicker mattress and better seat lighting.

New oven technology will allow flight attendants to prepare fresh food 'on demand' for passengers... Steaks for Business travellers, Pizzas for Premium Economy, and Toasted Sandwiches in Economy (ordered via the onboard entertainment system).

However, I'm not sure about the planned new colour scheme. "A luxurious blend of chalk and deep ink colours", economy seats are black with a white back, and premium economy seats are chalk-coloured leather.

It all sounds nice and classy, but it also sounds like the kind of colours that would get dirty and damaged pretty easily.

[ Right now I'm listening to:
^ Ke$ha - Hungover (Dr Luke/Max Martin/Shellback)
^ Peter Kay's Animated All Star Band - Medley (Children in Need) ]

Wayne's absence disappoints Denzel Washington, Antonio & Melanie, Brendan Fraser

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Gee) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 09:36:00 +0000

An increasing number of celebrities are expressing their public disappointment at not being able to meet Wayne, an uber-geek billed as "one of New Zealand's best kept secrets".

TV3 news and entertainment reporter David Farrier describes him as "my manky pasty friend Wayne". His minders tell us that "Wayne is a hardworking employee of a large New Zealand media organisation, who works so hard, he simply could not be here." :-(

That hardworking attitude has meant many music and movie stars have missed out on their chance to meet the secretive kiwi lad. However a YouTube Channel has been set up for celebs to send messaes, after being saddened and disappointed that Wayne could not be here...

Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger and guitarist Ryan Peake were disappointed recently during a concert stop in Auckland, New Zealand, when they learned that Wayne could not be there.

And many celebrities in Los Angeles have taken time out from their busy schedules this week to send a personal message to Wayne, who couldn't be with them for the busy week in Hollywood.

Stars disappointed recently include Ray Winstone & Mel Gibson, Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman, Jay Baruchel (Knocked Up, Tropic Thunder), Amanda Seyfried (Big Love, Mamma Mia), Gerard Butler (300, Phantom of the Opera), Antonio Banderas, Melanie Griffith, Channing Tatum (G.I. Joe, Step Up), and Brendan Fraser.

Youtube fan cuttyface says he finds the videos amazing, and really hopes "that one day Wayne is revealed to the world, gets out of the office and gets the fame he deserves."

Dunedin looks to revamp its image

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Gee) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:56:00 +0000

The city of Dunedin in Otago, New Zealand is on the hunt for a new slogan. The city's marketing team have decided to drop the current nondescript slogan I am Dunedin, which it admits is getting a bit old.

The city is apparently planning a nationwide search for a new slogan and marketing strategy. The I am Dunedin slogan was introduced by the City Council in 2001, replacing the similarly nondescript branding campaign, That’s the Spirit of Dunedin.

Dunedin is also known as 'The Edinburgh of the South', but its most recognisable slogan was in the late 80s/early 90s with the bubbly It's all right here, which came with its own catchy little campaign song.

However it was often confused with (or replaced by) the lacklustre 'It's alright here', or more recently by locals as 'It's a Riot here' after a run of late night street parties by the city's students (and friends).

(Unfortunately Otago University took the antics all a bit seriously, invoking 'Code of Conduct' clauses to kick students out, forcing the cancellation of the annual First Year Toga Parade through Dunedin's main street, cutting up sponsorship contracts with alcohol companies, and trying to buy up pubs close to campus with the stated intent of simply closing them down. In the words of their own marketing campaign, Get Over It!)

But Dunedin still wouldn't come close to winning the award for the country's worst city/town slogan. Te Puke probably scores New Zealand's top prize for its former pearler - Stop and taste Te Puke - which didn't go down well with tourists not used to pronouncing the town's name.

Hamilton's old slogan was a sign of self esteem, More than you'd expect. South Canterbury is also big on hopeful dreams. For years Rolleston has branded itself The Town of the Future, but the future has so far refused to move in.

Timaru tries to assure tourists the town still has a pulse with its slogan Feel the Heartbeat, while Mayfield somewhat optimistically informs motorists Blink and you will miss out. But there's no holds barred in keeping visitors in Ashburton, which loudly proclaims Whatever it takes!

There are some chirpier slogans around New Zealand though. Kerikeri goes the happy route, with It's So Nice They Named It Twice, while Matamata opts for comfort, You matter in Matamata.

In the Southland town of Tuatapere, large signs proudly declare it New Zealand's Sausage Capital, but to be fair I don't think anyone else is actually challenging for the title.

Invercargill has the more cryptic The City of Water and Light, perhaps referring to the fact that it's always raining in the south, but that doesn't deter the boy racers.

In Wanganui, they're still debating whether or not the town's new slogan should have an H in it (Whakit, it's still the same old place), although Wanganui used to have more optimism, telling people It’s well worth the journey.

Some places don't even bother with a slogan, although Shag Point (south of Moeraki) could do with one. It's never really lived up to its obvious potential as a hotspot for young luvvin' ;-)

Can you help Dunedin City come up with a world-beating new slogan and brand? Avid Twitterers have been busy tweeting their suggestions already...

@five15design: At least it will be dry in the Stadium

@five15design: We've only had a couple of mass murders

@zazie9: Dunedin: Four seasons in one day, three of them are winter

@CherylBernstein: Dunedin: Not nearly as bad as Invercargill

@ajamesgreen: Dunedin, Edinburgh of the South (but with more rain)

@ajamesgreen: I can see Antartica from my house

@markleggett: It's not that cold. Harden up. Dunedin.

@Artandmylife: If you like bagpipes, you'll LOVE Dunedin

@hamish_keith: We burn the sofa at both ends

@HamishCR: Home of the ironically named Maori Hill

@Artandmylife: Dunedin - lots of famous NZ's used to live here

@Artandmylife: We used to be the biggest city in NZ, you know

@BexieLady: "Better than Gore" for 6 days in a row

@BenShipley: 100% in favour of global warming

@badtom Dunedin: it's not all bagpipes and binge drinking. Well, not entirely.

* ODT - Dunedin looks for new slogan

No Pants Ride takes off despite cool temperatures

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Gee) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 03:01:00 +0000

Improv Everywhere's biggest annual international stunt went off with only a few hitches yesterday, as thousands of travellers in 42 cities over 15 countries took part in the 9th Annual No Pants Subway Ride (mass transit trains, buses, and trolleys also accepted).

(Photo: Agent Sokoler)

New York City again headlined the day, with an estimated 3000+ participants (known as Agents) taking part in the massed 'flashmob' event. The NY stunt was spread right across the city, departing from 6 different locations.

(Photo: Agent Hambly)

Leaders/captains were appointed as participants were split into smaller groups, and allocated their travel route. The rides finished off in Union Square with activities reportedly including a break dancing competition, a pants-less pyramid, pants-less game of duck-duck-goose, and a pants-less conga line! ;-)

No Pants 2010 Subway Ride Generals
(Photo: Brian Fountain)

In the US capital of Washington D.C. a few hundred riders hit the Metro, while about 350 people took part on a similarly cold day in Toronto, Canada.

In London, sub-zero temperatures and weather-related travel warnings reduced the 200+ intended participants to just over 30. The Londoners renamed their event the 'No Trousers Subway Ride', to avoid any confusion as to whether 'Pants' meant underpants or overpants ;-)

The 'No Trousers' ride on the London Tube
(Photo: Idil Sukan)

Participants are encouraged to give a simple and innocent explanation if questioned about their lack of pants. One London rider, Ryan Miller blogged about his experience yesterday...

I just leaned up near the door, at the end of the car. Reading. Finally the guy next to me (after a few stops) asked me why I took my trousers off.

“It’s hot in here,” I explained.
“But what about them?” he asked, gesturing to the other bare legs in the carriage.
“Yeah, they took theirs off too,” I agreed.
For some reason this seemed to satisfy his curiosity.

It was substantially warmer in Australia, the closest place to New Zealand to take part in the No Pants Ride 2010. Summery southern hemisphere temperatures brought out a good group of riders in Sydney, as well as Brisbane, Adelaide, and Melbourne.

Participants ride the Metro in Sydney, Australia
(Photo: Amanda L'Estrelle)

Like in other cities, participants had to remove their pants while riding the Metro, and stay on until a pre-determined station. The task was then to get off and switching trains before completing the journey.

(Photo: Amanda L'Estrelle)

Sydney agent SexyNinjaMonkey reported that some of the group tried to go for a drink afterwards but noted it was "amazing how many pubs won’t serve people without pants."

No Pants riders outside the Sydney Opera House
(Photo: Amanda L'Estrelle)

Riders around the world got a range of reactions from their fellow travellers. Boston agent Maya reported one guy got pretty angry at participants, "yelling that we were all sick". She says her favourite response to the situation was "walking up to several bystanders and innocently asking why so many people were wearing pants today."

Participants in Dallas riding the DART
(Photo: Out of Order)

* Improv Everywhere: No Pants 2010 Global Reports
* Improv Everywhere: No Pants 2010 NYC Reports

UPDATE: Improv Everywhere - Full summary of No Pants Subway Ride 2010

[ Right now I'm listening to:
^ Jason Derulo - In My Head (J. R. Rotem/Claude Kelly)
^ Ke$ha - Tik Tok (Kesha/Dr Luke/Benny Blanco) ]