Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Monday, 3 February 2003, 5:06 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS
Stateside: Columbia Space Shuttle Questions
When the News Broke:
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzztttt! Scoop Letters to the Editor
William River’s Pitt On The Race For The Stars
UQ Wire: Connections To Al-Qaeda Closer To Home Than Iraq
American Coup: Electronic Voting Machines & Democracy
Jason Leopold- FERC: The Prosecution Authority That Doesn’t
How Bush’s Army Secretary Made A Living [Killing]
God’s Plan To Kill Iraqi Children Revealed
Scoop Wants You To Help Save Air New Zealand
George’s Big War Kickoff Ceremony
Hey Blair Mr Where’s The Evidence?
IDF Crimes Mount Up:
Daily Katya Rivas

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics)
NZ Greens Encourage Germany Anti-War Stance
Citizens Weapons Inspectors Say Arrests Unnecessary
The Weekend’s Peace March in Auckland
Ganja Guru Convicted in Med-Pot-Case
QC Appointments
Wilson’s Speech to PSA
Goff’s Speech to Parole Board
Business Should Ignore Anti-skills Report
Should Students Pay More for Tertiary Education?
Deport The Ocean Poachers: NZ First
GG Announces Credentials Ceremony for Tomorrow
RB Announces Superbank
Senior Trace Commissioner Returns
Maori Internet Technos Claim Domain Names Back
CTU Cites Why WTO is a Worry
Trade Libs Slag Off Anti-GATS People
Health Ministry Highlights Cancer Control
Maternity Survey Presents a False Impression
Turia’s Beehive Chat
Doctor’s Strike A Worrying Precedent for Labour
All MPs Ought to Unite on Dog Law: Nats
Carter Dishes Out the Conservation Medals
Ike Finau Vs Auckland City: Round 2

Stateside: Columbia Space Shuttle Questions

- It doesn't take a rocket scientist to guess the question that leapt to mind when I was told the space shuttle had exploded over Texas: "With the Israeli on board?" The first image that came to mind, however, was quite different - giant mutant spiders roaming Texas like spindly-legged spacecraft from the cover of a '40s sci-fi paperback. See... Stateside With Rosalea: Does W get Wired? [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00005.htm

When the News Broke:

- Space Shuttle Explodes Above Texas - NASA declared an emergency in the early hours of Sunday morning New Zealand time after the space shuttle Columbia exploded over Texas. The Shuttle was on a descending heading toward Florida where it was scheduled to land at the Kennedy Space Station at 9:16am US-ESTime. See... US Space Shuttle Columbia Explodes Over Texas [1] MORE: - NZ PM Expresses Sympathy for Columbia Accident - Prime Minister Helen Clark has expressed her deep sympathy at the tragic loss of the space shuttle Columbia, which broke up today over the United States killing all seven on board. See... PM responds to Columbia disaster [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00004.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00003.htm

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzztttt! Scoop Letters to the Editor

- I am writing in response to the Sunday letter from Larry Birns of the Council on Hemispheric Affairs ("Compromised view on Venezuela?") regarding my column about the pro-Hugo Chavez bias in the American media ("Venezuela through a tilted lens?" See... Letter to the Editor: Criticism of columnist askew [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00011.htm

William River’s Pitt On The Race For The Stars

- It began, in truth, as a byproduct of both Nazi rocket ingenuity and as yet another field of battle in the Cold War. When the governments of the United States and the Soviet Union first set their eyes to the stars, they did not have dreams of exploration in their hearts. See... UQ Wire: Kiss the Sky [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00008.htm

UQ Wire: Connections To Al-Qaeda Closer To Home Than Iraq

- What level of proof will Colin Powell use when he tries to show links between Iraq and Al-Qaeda ? Because if you replace 'Iraq' with 'United States' in the following 5 statements, then they are already 'public knowledge'. See... UQ Wire: Whose Standards Is Iraq Being Tested By? [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00010.htm

American Coup: Electronic Voting Machines & Democracy

- Maybe Nebraska Republican Chuck Hagel honestly won two US Senate elections. Maybe it's true that the citizens of Georgia simply decided that incumbent Democratic Senator Max Cleland, a wildly popular war veteran who lost three limbs in Vietnam, was, as his successful Republican challenger suggested in his campaign ads, too unpatriotic to remain in the Senate. See... To Win An Election, Control The Voting Machines [1] . See also...Senator Hagel Admits Owning Voting Machine Company [2] and SCOOP: AMERICAN COUP FULL COVERAGE [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00009.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0301/S00166.htm
[3] - http://scoop.co.nz/mason/features/?s=usacoup

Jason Leopold- FERC: The Prosecution Authority That Doesn’t

- One of the most damning pieces of evidence in the federal government’s investigation into California’s energy crisis emerged Friday, proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that energy firms took part in a year-long scheme to boost the price of electricity in the state by withholding much needed power from consumers. See... A Slap On the Wrist For Ripping Off California [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00007.htm

How Bush’s Army Secretary Made A Living [Killing]

- A lifelong Army veteran with no corporate experience takes a job at an upstart energy company, earns tens of millions of dollars in questionable stock sales before the company goes belly up and lands a powerful position working in the administration of the President of the United States. See... SEC Should Probe Sale Of Army Secretary’s Mansion [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00003.htm

God’s Plan To Kill Iraqi Children Revealed

- Does God want us to kill innocent Iraqi children? Judging by the apparently unanimous approval in the Senate chamber from all those truth-immune political celebrities watching President Bush's most recent State of the Union address — all of whom are at least overtly religious churchgoers — the message is clear: He does. See... John Kaminski : A Rabid Flock Of Lying Killers [1] . See also at Buzzflash.com … Who Would Jesus Bomb? [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00002.htm
[2] - http://www.buzzflash.com/contributors/03/01/31_God.html

Scoop Wants You To Help Save Air New Zealand

- The new lobby group Save Air New Zealand (formerly Debate Air New Zealand), is calling on all New Zealanders, all New Zealand corporates, all New Zealand tourist operators, all New Zealand sports bodies, all New Zealand charities and all other groups in New Zealand who utilise air travel to make a submission to the Commerce Commission on the proposed Air New Zealand/Qantas alliance. See... Call For Submissions On The Air NZ/Qantas Alliance [1] More: - Guide To Making AirNZ / Qantas Alliance Submission [2] - Dear Debate Air New Zealand supporter, [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0301/S00121.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0301/S00120.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0301/S00122.htm

George’s Big War Kickoff Ceremony

- A cartoon response to the State Of the Union from John Chuckman. See... Scoop Cartoon: George, Laura & War [1] MORE STATE OF THE UNION REACTION: - Dennis Hans - It’s a White, White, White, White Media World [2] - Hard News: I'd Rather Trust In Taniwhas - UQ Wire: All He Left Unsaid [3] - Democratic Leaders Respond To State Of Union [4] - Bernard Weiner: Examining Bush&Co.'s Real Motives [5] - Undernews: State Of The Bush [6]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00001.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0301/S00165.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0301/S00157.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0301/S00160.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0301/S00162.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0301/S00161.htm

Hey Blair Mr Where’s The Evidence?

- Blair Helps Bush ‘Sell’ Reasons For War: Bush Meets with Blair: Remarks by the US President and British Prime Minister Tony Blair - The Cross Hall – White House USA. Text, audio and video coverage of the press conference. See... Bush Meets with Blair at The White House [1] MORE: Aerial Weapons Inspections Begin Above Iraq - For the first time, United Nations monitors in Iraq today conducted aerial inspections over a number of sites, including several biological and agricultural research facilities. See... UN conducts first aerial inspections of Iraq [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0302/S00006.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0302/S00007.htm

IDF Crimes Mount Up:

Israeli Soldiers Summary Executions Continue - As the crowd fled, the 2 critically injured men were forced to lie face down on the ground. One was Eyze Jabar, 27, who was linked to the Al-Aqsa Brigade and was the apparent target of the attack. The other was Baddeea Kakurah, 26, a sweet shop owner with no political affiliations. Witnesses reported to the ISM that both men were unarmed and executed by bullets fired into the backs of their heads. The soldiers then drove around Tulkarem, firing rubber bullets at children who threw stones at them and taking prisoner between 14 and 30 Palestinians. See... Israel's Summary Executions Continue in Tulkarem. [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0302/S00001.htm

Daily Katya Rivas

- My little daughter, how much I appreciate your sacrifices because sacrifice and self-denial nourish love. How they lack understanding of the true value of God’s gift and power on souls! See... Katya Rivas: I Want A Marian Eucharistic Congress [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00006.htm

NZ Greens Encourage Germany Anti-War Stance

- Text of letter from Jeanette Fitzsimons and Rod Donald, Co-Leaders, Green Party of Aotearoa-New Zealand, to Joschka Fischer, German Green, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Federal Chancellor. See... Green Co-Leaders urge Germany to resist war [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00004.htm

Citizens Weapons Inspectors Say Arrests Unnecessary

- Activists say police over reaction led to more than 20 people being arrested at an anti-war demonstration at the United States Embassy in Wellington Sunday. See... Activists say many arrests at US embassy avoidable [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0302/S00006.htm

The Weekend’s Peace March in Auckland

- On Sunday 2 February 2003 around 200 people of different religions and beliefs joined together in Auckland to show a united front towards peace in the Middle East. Twelve of these people had travelled from Hamilton. See... Peace March - Synagogue To Church To Mosque [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0302/S00005.htm

Ganja Guru Convicted in Med-Pot-Case

- NORML NZ President Chris Fowlie said today that there is no justice in the US-led war on cannabis. Mr Fowlie's comment came after learning that US NORML co-founder, NZ NORML member and 'guru of ganja' Ed Rosenthal has been found guilty of medicinal ... See... Guru of Ganja Convicted In Med-Pot Test Case [1] MORE: - Norml - Peter Dunne "Two-Faced" on Cannabis Reform [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0302/S00015.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0302/S00014.htm

QC Appointments

- Attorney-General Margaret Wilson, together with the Chief Justice Sian Elias, today announced a new appointment round for Queen’s Counsel will take place this year. See... Queen’s Counsel appointment round for 2003 [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00016.htm

Wilson’s Speech to PSA

- Thank you for inviting me here today to talk about some of the achievements and proposed legislative developments in the employment area. I have been asked to specifically cover the Employment Relations Act and its review, proposed changes to the Holidays ... See... Margaret Wilson Speech: PSA Delegates Seminar [1] MORE: - Nats - It is a sure bet that Margaret Wilson's speech to the PSA Delegates Seminar today is very different to the one Helen Clark will give to the upcoming Knowledge Wave Conference, says National's Deputy Leader and Industrial Relations spokesperson, ... See... Speech paints a bleak picture for business [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00013.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00015.htm

Goff’s Speech to Parole Board

- The new parole structure is a key component of the Government’s sentencing and parole reforms. Your decision-making is critical to the success of those reforms. Sound and credible parole decisions that are seen to provide protection for the community, ... See... Goff Address to NZ Parole Board Conference [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00014.htm

Business Should Ignore Anti-skills Report

- Jobs and opportunities would be threatened by a suggestion that students should pay more for tertiary education, Economic Development Minister and Progressive leader Jim Anderton said. See... Business should ignore anti-skills report [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00012.htm

Should Students Pay More for Tertiary Education?

- Reducing the share of tertiary education tuition costs borne by taxpayers and abandoning the tertiary institution fee maxima are two key proposals in an Education Forum report released today. See... New report asks who should pay for tertiary ed [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0302/S00009.htm

Deport The Ocean Poachers: NZ First

- New Zealand First’s Conservation Spokesperson, Mr Edwin Perry, has called for the deportation of foreigners plundering our fisheries. See... Fishing Predators Should Be Deported [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00011.htm

GG Announces Credentials Ceremony for Tomorrow

- The Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright will receive on Feb 4 the credentials of the Ambassador for Thailand, His Excellency Mr Norachit Sinhaseni; Ambassador for Austria, His Excellency Dr Johann Demel; High Commissioner for Mauritius. See... Credentials Ceremony at Government House [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00010.htm

RB Announces Superbank

- The Reserve Bank today announced that it had registered Leviathan Limited as a bank. This bank intends to change its name to St George Bank New Zealand Limited, and operate using the trading name "Superbank". See... New bank registered [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0302/S00013.htm

Senior Trace Commissioner Returns

- Auckland, February 3 2003 -- Trade New Zealand's Senior Trade Commissioner for North Asia has returned to New Zealand, bringing a wealth of experience to a new role as onshore Market Services Team Manager. See... Senior Trade Commissioner Returns For New Role [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0302/S00012.htm

Maori Internet Technos Claim Domain Names Back

- Last year a number of Iwi had their Internet names hijacked or attempts to hijack have taken place says Maori Internet pioneer Karaitiana Taiuru ( the lead person for the creation of .maori.nz and kaitiaki for .iwi.nz). See... Hijacked Iwi and Hapü on the Internet [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0302/S00004.htm

CTU Cites Why WTO is a Worry

- “Unions are worried by the long list of requests made of New Zealand in the current GATS services negotiations,” said Council of Trade Unions secretary Paul Goulter today. See... WTO Negotiations Impact on Services: CTU [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0302/S00011.htm

Trade Libs Slag Off Anti-GATS People

- The TLN is right behind Government moves to liberalise international trade in services, Executive Director, Suse Reynolds, said today following the release of the Government's consultation process. See... Anti-GATS Campaigners - Afraid of the Dark [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0302/S00008.htm

Health Ministry Highlights Cancer Control

- Public meetings will begin next week around the country so people can have their say on how to control this country's second leading cause of death - cancer. See... How to have your say on Cancer Control [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0302/S00010.htm

Maternity Survey Presents a False Impression

- The release of the Ministry of Health's Maternity Services Consumer Survey presents a false impression of what is really going on with maternity services," said Parents Centre Chief Executive, Sue Fitzmaurice. See... Maternity services not all they could be [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0302/S00007.htm

Turia’s Beehive Chat

- Ten days ago, there was a story in a national newspaper about what's believed to be the last Maori-owned land on the lakefront in Taupo. The owner, Blanche Kapua, has been offered $800,000 for her modest house. See... Tariana Turia's Beehive Chat 3 February 2003 [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00009.htm

Doctor’s Strike A Worrying Precedent for Labour

- The Timaru doctors' strike is only the beginning of South Canterbury people having stretched services under the Government's population-based funding formula, says National Health Spokesperson Dr Lynda Scott. See... Timaru doctors' strike a milestone for Labour [1] MORE: - Nats - Senior Doctors Strike For First Time Ever [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00008.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00005.htm

All MPs Ought to Unite on Dog Law: Nats

- Friday's horrific dog attack on a seven-year old girl in Auckland must move all Parliamentarians to push for law changes to help prevent such tragedies, says National MP Dr Paul Hutchison. See... Call for Parliament to unite on dog bill [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00007.htm

Carter Dishes Out the Conservation Medals

- Conservation Minister Chris Carter announced on World Wetlands Day 2003 the recipients of Fish and Game New Zealand's "Gold Medals". On February 2 over 20 events are being held around the country to mark the importance of wetlands and the United Nations ... See... Fish and Game 'Gold Medal' recipients announced [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00006.htm

Ike Finau Vs Auckland City: Round 2

- Auckland City Council this morning went back to court in the case of illegal signs being displayed at 10 Warnock Street, Grey Lynn. See... Illegal signs case: Council returns to court [1] . See also… ACC Back Down On Jail - But Still Want Ike's Signs [2] and Press Statement By Ike Finau 31 January 2003 [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/AK0301/S00079.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/AK0301/S00094.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/AK0301/S00093.htm

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Alastair Thompson

Scoop Publisher

Alastair Thompson is the co-founder of Scoop. He is of Scottish and Irish extraction and from Wellington, New Zealand. Alastair has 24 years experience in the media, at the Dominion, National Business Review, North & South magazine, Straight Furrow newspaper and online since 1997. He is the winner of several journalism awards for business and investigative work.

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