Today's Top Scoop Stories - News Summary

The death of Agusto Pinochet Ugarte has reopened old wounds in Chile and rekindled debate about the relative merits of his rule versus that of socialist authoritarians like Fidel Castro. A majority in and out of Chile considers him to be a poster boy for despotism... Others, including a significant number of New Zealanders, hold him up as a champion who saved Chile from Communism and set the bases for a stable market democracy. See... Paul G. Buchanan: On Markets and Murderers [1] ALSO:More Comment on Pinchet's Death [2]

The Prime Minister outlined her views on keeping NZ carbon neutral – none of which however included the grinch like proposals of turning off the pretty Christmas displays in various Beehive Ministers offices. Later in the press conference the report into the murder of teenager Liam Ashley while in the care of private security firm Chubb was also discussed. See... PM's Presser - Carbon Neutrality, Liam Ashley Report [1]

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New Zealand troops serving in Afghanistan have been giving Santa a helping hand in the lead up to Christmas, distributing 1000 teddy bears and dolls to children at a hospital in North West Bamyan province. The toys were distributed by a New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team. See... Santa Given a Helping Hand in Afghanistan [1]

- Designers Andrew Brettell, Sven Mehzoud, Amanda Jelicich-Kane and Andrew Simpson have created a site-specific video installation that presents the stories of Futuna Chapel. From 15-17 December 10am –10pm the public are invited to explore the Chapel, now haunted with video projection and a soundscape. John Scott was asked to design a retreat chapel for the Karori retreat site in 1958. Being of Te Arewa, Irish, Scottish and English descent Scott produced the first building ever designed on bicultural principles in Aotearoa. See… Illuminating the histories of Futuna Chapel [1]

- The Crossings Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2005 named in Wine Enthusiast Magazine Top 100 Wines of the Year. Wine Enthusiast Magazine, one of the world’s most respected and quoted publications in the field of wine and spirits, has named The Crossings Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2005 among the Top 100 Wines of 2006... See... Crossings Sauv Blanc 05 in Wine Enthusiast Top 100 [1] ALSO:Amisfield Wine Company - 05 Pinot Gris Top Billing in Prestigious Wine Mag [2]

- History has been made with the passing of the Labour-led government's bill to bring New Zealanders faster, better broadband, says Communications Minister David Cunliffe. "We now have a clear, firm mandate from the people of New Zealand," the minister said. "Kiwis are demanding fast, 'all you can eat' broadband, which this legislation is designed to deliver." See... Landmark broadband bill passed [1] ALSO:Maori Party - Flavell: Telecommunications Amendment Bill [2] Internet NZ - InternetNZ welcomes passage of Bill [3] TelstraClear - Unbundling Legislation Sets Scene for a Big Year [4]

- Santa loves to eat, drink and be merry, but we all know that too much Christmas cheer can lead to stomach aches or, worse, a sleigh accident. To keep your loved ones and Santa safe this summer, St John has a few festive first aid tips. Ungainly chimney landing: If Santa sprains an ankle this season, the ankle will be painful and swollen, and may be tender to gentle pressure... See... What to do if Santa comes a cropper this Xmas [1]

- After two days of the General Assembly’s annual debate on reforming the 15-member Security Council, the Assembly President has outlined three possible options on how to proceed, noting that while consensus appears to exist on the need to expand its membership, a “divergence of views” continues on how best to do this. See… Three Options on Security Council Reform Proposed [1]

- The laureate is 76-year-old Burmese journalist U Win Tin, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison for "subversion" and "anti-government propaganda" in 1989. After more than 17 years in prison and despite faltering health, the country’s most renowned journalist will not give way. See... Imprisoned Burmese Journalist Awarded Prize [1]