Posts by sally jones
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Hard News: New Old Left?, in reply to Matthew Poole,
There are a number of people close to the Greens who would like to see Bradford start a proper social justice party
Apologies, I haven't read the discussion in full.
Ever since she left parliament I have considered Bradford a promising candidate to lead a revamped Labour Party. This is a bit out of left field I realise, but if they could get along, Bradford and Goff might team up well: one centre-left, one clear left.
Gender-shared leadership is the future of political parties IMO. The Greens figured that out already. Goff and Bradford would provide ideological balance. Goff is struggling to maintain a consistent and strong following, partly because of his record in the 4th Labour govt (yes?). Bradford's left credentials are comparatively impeccable. Meanwhile, Goff's presence could work as a moderating influence on Bradford's so called 'extremism' (anti-smacking). Goff is calm and experienced to Bradford's passion and commitment to social justice. They could work well together. Just a thought. Of course, they're gonna love the idea.
Not sure about Harawira. He and Turia could co-share leadership of the Maori Party (if they could get on). Sharples might be too pragmatic for these pioneering times. Just a/another thought (JAT). -
Does anybody know if Russell's cat is a teenager? Seems like I'd know that surly, sullen, sulky expression anywhere. My cat 'speaks' human with her facial expressions. She was born in the house so she thinks she's one of the kids, rather like Albert Otter.
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Yes, now that I've made that initial reluctant adjustment, having only recently (proudly) mastered the old PA system, I do like what you have done to the site (just don't ask me to explain why). More importantly, my teenage children approve.
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Brilliant post Jolisa. Laughed a whole lot (and cried a bit).
My boy, who at that age jumped up and down in the waves on Takapuna beach exclaiming 'Life is just one big beautiful thing' and watching the lava flow from a Hawaiian volcano on TV said: 'If my soft toys were to get up and walk around it wouldn't be as incredible as this!', and at the age of six spelt out 'effing' on the scrabble board and protested when we said that wasn't a word, 'But you always use it", has just now, aged 17, dissed the entire PA enterprise as a waste of space for old people. And that ain't the half of it!!! Cynicism doesn't cover it, we need a whole new word for what he's got.
Something changes when the wonder goes. Is it disappointment in the world (the mother, the father) or do some of us just get too big for our boots, or maybe we realise we're just so very small and can't handle it? Don't know. Probably bad parenting in this case, the 'effing' is a bit of a giveaway. Still think he's one big beautiful thing though, soppy old sap that I am - like most mums about their sons (sorry, too much liquid tonight - enough said...).
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Even his bones shine through."
Them's some lovely bones. :)
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If Janet frame had had (cringe) a son he might look like your nephew.
I guess I thought you were implying Jaws is a deep sea creature, which of course everybody knows isn't so...
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Islander: I'm in love with your oddly spelt axolotyl! I'm afraid I wouldn't have recognised himher either way, such was the extent of my ignorance.
does very little except eat. And rest. And grow, a little.
I thought you meant your nephew, but you meant your axolotyl. Right.
this black Thing-From-The-Deep will surge up and gulp them
How deep is deep...?
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... horse on suburban section...
Please don't waste...Sally.
David. That's all I've got on the horse. I could string it out for you - no doubt - but I'm writing a different piece at the moment that isn't bad, I hope. Touring the Aussie outback with the ballet company. Fully aboriginal audiences in some places. Never seen anything so white (there is nothing as white as ballet..).
It's not quite ready. Today the garden needs me. Monday looks good (from here).PS: Nothing is ever wasted on your blog. Ill come back to the horse.
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For what it's worth, I have an axolotyl.
It's worth a great deal, I can assure you.
I won't pretend not to know what an axolotyl is but nor will I pretend to know. That way I will remain equivocal and mysterious. I do like the idea of a tank, it enables me to narrow the options somewhat.
.You do *not* want to know the Adventures of An Asexual Axolotyl-
Do I not?
I'll trust your judgement in these matters, of course. But I will just say that unlike some people, I find asexuality inherently fascinating.
*all axolotyls are asexual until a naturally - or otherwise- induced change occurs. And, their adventures - in a tank anyway- are exceedingly boring. Non-existent actually-)
Is it the change what renders them dull or are they that way to begin with?
threadhijacking beyond the point of any desirability.
Horses are always relevant.
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What a coincidence Deborah. I've marked a few of those in my time.
Not in a hurry to mark any more.I Have people coming for Guy Fawkes in 38 minutes. I have just posted a long piece on another thread. I msut go check my 15 year old is making the pizzas. But...
So I must be quick
Bart: The reduced funding per child does not have to affect the individual child. I mean the initial funding would be considerable. having more children would just become less about the money than it presently is. People who had more than three children would have them because they wanted to. if anything this would enhance their value relative to the other children. All three children could get the same funding and then it stops from there. You could do it that way instead of more gradually.
Jackie: Yes I was referring to the increased funding for your sector under the previous Labour Government. having had my kids in university crèche for many years I know something about the never enoughness of it. In those days we could only afford 15 hours per week for two children. There was very little subsidy. I wouldn't dream of suggesting you get sufficient funding.
Deborah: Yes universal benefits are granted to the rich, just as GST is a flat tax that advantages the rich relative to the poor. There's no perfect equality.
I didn't say all families should qualify for a family set up provision when they have their first child. There should always be an income cap. But I think it could be lifted somewhat to include more families.But these funds are not to be tied to the child. They would be 'family' funds'. You'd get them by virtue of becoming a family. Subsequent children would not be disadvantaged relative to the first. Additional funds would be made available by the state for the second and third child, the same that the first is granted less the set up funds.
Gotta get to Guy