Random Play by Graham Reid

re: The Great New Zealand Fishing Scandal, i haven't seen the documentary, but it really is just another case of nz shipping out unprocessed primary products to the world, because, well, someone makes a shit load of money by processing it offshore. wool, meat, forest products, dairy, fish, forest products, petroleum, horticulture, you-name-it. fishing is just the most extreme case because the labour to even harvest is from low-wage countries overseas, and the resource itself (like minerals) belongs to all nz citizens (in theory, mind).

re: Gil Scott-Heron, yeah, i think that one will be on the way to my phonograph sometime soon! (really, they are selling it as an LP, too, very tempting...)

re: public apologies, Charlie Brooker in the Guardian seems about right, ihho:

When did public displays of contrition become the norm? More to the point, who actually appreciates them? Sitting through any public apology is mortifying. It just feels wrong. And unless the poor sod in question is ­saying sorry for something as momentous as a war crime, it's entirely unnecessary. The public don't need to hear it, because the public isn't as psychotically, self-regardingly deranged as the press. Consequently, these apologies are aimed not at the public, not at the fans or the ­listeners, but the press. The press demands apologies on its own behalf, regardless of the will of the people. And it does this because it is insane, truly Caligula-level insane.

Read the title of the post and immediately got a Buck Owens earworm. I've... got... a...

I never thought I'd say this, but I miss the days when Britney's commando-clad twat was considered a news story of global import. Thanks, Tigger...

I reckon that Buck Owens clip should come with a warning that the jackets may induce epilepsy

Viewers Rank Tiger Woods’ Apology Second Among Celebrity Apologies

Chris Brown’s apology for assaulting Rihanna scored a 17.2 with regard to the change in perceived sincerity levels, compared to Woods’ apology, which scored a 7.9 with regard to the change in perceived sincerity levels. Additionally, men and women rated the sincerity of Woods’ apology similarly after viewing the press conference, with 61% of women reporting that it was sincere and 58% of men reporting that it was sincere.

The bit that has always got me about this sorry "story" is the guy's name... Tiger. I mean it's not as if he has black and yellow stripes, or has enormous teeth capable of tearing the average human to shreds. Why would someone have the name Tiger?
When I try and think of a metaphor that refers to tigers I can only think of "Fu*ks like a Tiger" so why was anybody surprised?.

Tiger

at the risk of appearing crass it was probably apt - after all a Tiger is a big pussy cat! maan!

From the Vaults is a gold Graham, I love this stuff, some good calls and interesting history.

Forget the "suicide bummer", now this is a headline waiting for a story. (NSFW)