New Zealand Listener Issue 26 2019

Transport officials’ enthusiasm for a sweeping lowering of speed limits looks set to go the way of the once-proposed ban on cats in dairies, and regulated showerheads. And thank goodness. Drivers are well aware that speed kills. It increases both the risk of injury and death in crashes. But speed is far from the only factor causing road accidents, which is why politicians on both sides of the House, with the exception of Associate Transport Minister Julie Anne Genter, have been reluctant to endorse the lower-speed-limit suggestion, or the pending recommendation for an increase in speed cameras and fines. Official figures do not provide a convincing case that lower speeds would make a difference. Indeed, by some reports, 85% of fatalities occur below the existing speed limits, not above. Let’s be charitable and…

If New Zealand had an infectious disease that caused irreparable neurological damage to young children equivalent to that of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), there would be an outcry and a demand for public health action (“Damage done”, June 15). Yet, when an estimated 600-3000 children are born with alcohol-related damage each year, little positive action occurs. We continue widespread advertising of alcohol and ensure there is an excess of outlets to encourage sales. The recommendations of the Law Commission’s 2010 “Alcohol in our lives: curbing the harm” report are largely ignored. Alcoholic drinks will soon carry labels warning of the risk to pregnant women, and these should be as conspicuous as those that appear on tobacco products. Maybe alcohol advertising should also include a health warning. Strong action is required by…

Donna McKenna, Wellington FINALISTS Donald Trump: “I get a bum wrap from the press every time.” – Ann Love, Nelson Trump: “I like it. A trophy for overeating.” – Nozz Fletcher, Waikawa Caption: “Big Ass presents cup to Sumo Champion.” – Ted Hamill, Auckland Presenter: “And the trophy for the biggest baby goes to…” – Nancy Sinclair, Wellington Trump: “Careful! My tie won’t protect me down there.” – Hans Zindel, Palmerston North Caption: “From one brazen cheek to another.” – Marie Curran, Dunedin Caption: “One champ, one chump.” – Marie Curran Trump: “You and I are alike – big on cover-ups.” – Kath Jones, Waikanae Trump: “Boy, I like my reflection.” – Russell Bowen, Bulls…

“Good heavens! There are more of them than there are of us.” – Princess Anne on meeting the Trump family“The essential characteristic of a nation is that its individuals must have many things in common, and must have forgotten many things as well.” – French philosopher Ernest Renan, quoted in the Guardian“A life without fame can be a good life, but fame without a life is no life at all.” – Clive James, quoted in the Daily Telegraph“When I pick out a bottle of wine, I like to look at the label, check the origin, note the year and then buy whatever is under $15 and has a nice picture on it.” – musician Brad Walsh“As a member of a former British colony, I enjoyed every minute of Trump’s trip…

Napier cemetery bomb scare: Investigation into ‘homemade’ device hits dead end nzherald.co.nz, 2/5/19 She told the property manager of the leak on January 18, 2017 but it was not replaced until February 2018. Press, 4/5/19 13. TJ Faiane (Blues) Highly industrious as normal and put his head in a dark place to grab an important try. Taranaki Daily News, 10/4/19 While marijuana isn’t the obvious move for a software guy, Haddleton says he sees a group of talented people coming together for a joint purpose… Weekend Herald, 4/5/19 Musos have been aware of Lizzo for ever, or at least since 2013… Canvas, 27/4/19 She now runs her own show, The Intern Hour, every Friday morning from 10am till noon. Dominion Post, 25/4/19 LIFE IN NEW ZEALAND: Entries must describe New Zealand events. The first sender of those accepted will receive a $5…

1. Which of these is not a famous hoax? ❑ Turkana Boy❑ Cardiff Giant ❑ Piltdown Man❑Mechanical Turk 2. Which one of these words is spelt correctly? ❑ Supercede❑Liason❑Queueing❑Mischievious 3. True or false? Charles Darwin ate many of the animals he discovered. ❑ True❑False 4. Which of these is not a hit song by Bruce Springsteen? ❑ I’m on Fire❑ Human Touch❑ Streets of Philadelphia❑ We Didn’t Start the Fire 5. Which large, formerly German city was renamed Kaliningrad after World War II? ❑ Breslau❑ Danzig❑ Königsberg❑ Posen 6. Which famous adventurer is credited with having said the following: “Because it’s there”? ❑ Ernest Shackleton❑ George Mallory❑ Edmund Hillary❑ Nellie Bly 7. Sue Townsend was best known as the author of which book series? ❑ Twilight❑ Wrinkle in Time❑ Adrian Mole❑ The Maze Runner 8. True or false? When a person makes certain eye…