What colour is the sky on YOUR planet?

"The country's top judge is suggesting giving some prisoners an amnesty as a way of relieving prison overcrowding, but the Government has ruled out the idea..."

Here is a novel thought- If you don't commit crimes, you don't go to prison!

This is the sort of bollocks sprouted by a left- leaning, taxpayer-funded ninny that needs to find work elsewhere- perhaps in the retail or fast-food food sector.

The political message was to lock crims up and keep them away from decent people. All her job involves is ensuring they get a fair trial. Stick to that.

If there is a case for reducing sentence length, then make the sentence a far less pleasent experience.

With treadmills, sledgehammers and large rocks...

Underarm Bowling part 2

I received this reply to yesterdays post- my comments in blue:

Oswald - this is more than a technicality, and Rathkeale is not a private school!
Back in 1992, financially challenged Rathkeale went from private to integrated, under certain conditions agreed to with the state. Personally I think they would have been better to continue autonomously as a private school, but this was a decision they must live with.

When dining with the devil, you must remember to bring a long spoon. I agree that they would have been better staying autonomous, but perhaps it was a matter of survival.

In this case, they are clearly violating their undertakings. They must not be a private school in drag. The recipe is not for them to be "better", but to maintain special character!

The two tend to go hand in hand.Why would you pay if they did not offer something percieved to be better? We need to get over this elitistphobia that is rampant here. It's good to want to be better!

Earning particular wrath though is the suggestion from the school that this woman get a mortgage so that Rathkeale can be a Rolls Royce. This is something virtually every New Zealander would condemn.

Now there is a real PR disaster!Those involved should have known better. My wife is a trustee of our local school and assures me this area ('donations) is covered in some detail.

The integrated school system undermines the private schools (by being a budget private system) It undermines the state system (by being a more elite state system). They are neither fish nor fowl, and they are in a weak position. Especially when Rathkeale illustrates the contradictions so well!

Back to the fear or distaste for an organisation daring to be better.As I see it, ALL children are entiltled to an education under our current political system. In other words funds to the amount that a state school recieves per head.

If a school by whatever name recieves this funding, then seeks to add to it by fee, donation or sponsorship- I see no problem with this.

As the situation stands, private schools- like state schools are not all equal. Some are much better than others. This has always been the reality of schools.

Best new word I have heard in ages

BrObesity!

As first used

HERE

Abusing technicalities

"...Karen Bock refuses to pay the $1000-a-term donation at the state integrated Rathkeale College in Masterton and is upset at the school's "aggressive" attitude toward the $13,000 sum said to be owed.

Ms Bock pays about $2000 a year in compulsory fees, but said she could not afford the donation. "I am a single mother and only have a certain income..."

Now she is technically quite correct- she cannot be forced to pay the 'donation'

"...Education Minister Anne Tolley declined to comment, but in a speech last month warned integrated schools that demanding large voluntary donations was not acceptable. "Voluntary donations are just that, voluntary. If unreasonable demands are being placed on parents, they must stop..."

But I see it differently.

By choosing a private school, do you not make a tacit agreement to meet their 'voluntary donation'- called that for tax purposes?

You go into this knowing that these schools have large charges in order to be- well- a better school.

To then try and weasel out on a technicality is bowling underarm!

Forceable Folic Fortification

I don't give a bugger if this may save a couple of cases of spina bifida a year. That is not a reason to add compulsary medication to a staple food.

How about doing what we do with iodine?

We have a choice of using iodised salt. Or not using it.

For the 'Please think of the poor children brigade'- bring out a line of fortified bread as a choice and market it- or convice a baker to do so.

And good luck finding a woman who will eat 11+ slices of bread a day!

Sunday Strangeness

"A man estimated to weigh 400kg had to be cut out of his home for treatment - and firefighters fear he could have lain injured for days.

The Fire Service cut a hole in the second story of the man's Rotorua home during the week before removing him with a forklift, the Herald on Sunday reported..."

I knew there was more than one reason I got out of doing ambulance work!

Two interlink connections

Finally got the long-awaited second PC and now that I have got the wireless gadget working and secured, I might be able to get at the interlink when I want to.

Since the wife developed her trademe habit, this has become increasingly difficult.

And as the youngest becomes more addicted to the world of flash games, things have gotten to the point of me needing a taser near the desk to get him off-line.

I may even get some more of my next book actually typed up.

Sitting in my head is not the safest place for it...

Holidays

Where you pay large amounts of money to live in a far smaller house that has way less in the way of the moderen appliances that make life more bearable.

Usually in a location where extremes of weather are commonplace, the shopkeepers are all chanelling the ghost of Pancho Villa and the locals resemble the cast of 'Deliverance'.

At least one person, usually the most difficult child, will get sick and at least one critical item will be left behind.

For some reason, the nearest takeaway will have the worst fish & chips in the region...