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Your NZ
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Medicinal Cannabis Blog Posts.
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‘Governments need more history graduates’
Why do people believe in a non-existent Abrahamic God?
What does Jesus save us from?
The hypocritical life of Brian
Plato’s Theory of Forms similar Torres Islanders’ beliefs
A Christian reconsiders the Resurrection of Christ
All posts tagged Iain Lees-Galloway
Small minority to make crucual decisions on ‘fair pay’ agreements
Fair Pay Agreements “would set minimum standards to lift wages and conditions across an industry or occupation”, but could be initiated by a small minority of workers – just 10%, or less (1,000 workers). Is that fair? A minority in, say Auckland, could effectively end up imposing ‘fair pay’ across an industry across the country.
This is what the Fair Pay Agreement Working Group has recommended. The Government will now consider what they do – this may not be straight forward, with Labour and Greens requiring the support of another minority, NZ First.
Heather du Plessis Allan: Time to fast-forward to the past
Business is collectively losing its mind over the working group’s recommendations. It’s calling it a return to the national awards of the 1970s.
Business hates that the negotiations can be triggered by as little 10 per cent of the industry’s workforce. Business hates that the contract agreements would be compulsory for all employers in that industry. Business hates paying employees more than it has to.
Business has a few fair points. We can’t expect the cafe owner in Balclutha to pay staff exactly the same wage as the Auckland cafe owner making a killing thanks to the money and foot traffic a city delivers. There should be concessions to regional variance.
These recommendations probably won’t all be accepted by the Government. Labour’s coalition partner New Zealand First might challenge many of them, if not all. Winston Peters’ party has already temporarily pulled its support on Labour’s employment law once before.
So it is far from a done deal at this stage.
But, the motivation behind these recommendations is on the money. Kiwis are underpaid.
That’s debatable. In the private sector we are generally paid what companies can afford to pay and stay in business.
Audrey Young: Coalition Government lining up smorgasbord of targets for National
The same goes for the fair pay agreements outlined in the Jim Bolger report delivered to the Government this week.
But given New Zealand First’s track record in diluting union-backed legislation, it is hard to imagine the party agreeing to a trigger as low as 10 per cent for workers to force employers to the table for compulsory sector-wide bargaining.
The trouble is that the higher the trigger goes, the less happy the unions will be. A true compromise may result in deeply unhappy unions and employers.
Dominion Post editorial: Why back to the future on pay might not work
Many of this country’s lowest paid and most vulnerable workers have every right to look back in anger at the steady, inexorable fall in the value of their wages, the undermining of working conditions and the perceived out-of-proportion rewards for their employers and many others in the business community.
Bolger’s group was assembled to address such inequities, and its report released this week suggests we go back to the future.
It recommends the creation of fair-pay agreements, a new version of the old collective bargaining that critics have labelled as “compulsory unionism by stealth”.
There is some sympathy for that argument because the proposal, if adopted, would mean that an entire industry would have to negotiate new minimum pay and working conditions if just 10 per cent or 1000 workers in that industry, whichever is fewer, asked for it.
That creates the potential for major upheaval in businesses that have long moved on from the days of compulsory unionism and the environment that went with it.
The reforms are targeted at the country’s low-paid and most exploited workers.
But there is still the potential for major uncertainty, confusion and disruption for everyone within the complicated ecosystem that is our national economy.
For many, the amount they are paid remains the main measure of their perceived value, from the employer and within society. Work conditions are important, but pay is so often the principal point of anger and agitation.
If employers followed a number of local bodies and now Westpac bank in taking on a living wage for their employees, it would go a long way towards quelling that anger, and possibly even lift productivity.
But local bodies can just put up rates to pay for bigger wage bills. Ratepayers have to pay. If companies put up prices customers can choose not to pay.
This too, of course, is a blunt tool, and would not come without cost. But in conjunction with sensible legislation to protect workers’ rights and conditions, as happened when zero-hour contracts were deemed illegal, it could address many concerns without creating widespread disruption and a threat to the economy.
This working group is right to address inequities on behalf of the country’s workers, but it should be careful not to throw out the businesses with the bathwater.
A minority in Government, NZ First, look to be the deciding factor in whether a minority of workers could enable (or force) ‘fair pay’ on a whole industry, which could put a larger number of workers and their jobs at risk.
Another point – Labour may think it was a master stroke recruiting ex-National MP Jim Bolger to head the Working Group, but why an ageing retired politician? One who is a long way from knowing what ordinary workers feel and experience. Surely there are younger people around who may have a better appreciation of work in the modern world.
Government blurb on the Working Group report:
Fair Pay Agreement Working Group recommendations released
by Pete George on 3rd February 2019 • Permalink
Tagged agreement, fair pay, Greens, Iain Lees-Galloway, Jim Bolger, Labour, NZ First, working group
Posted by Pete George on 3rd February 2019
https://yournz.org/2019/02/03/small-minority-to-make-crucual-decisions-on-fair-pay-agreements/
Sroubek -> Hardcore -> Ardern – pressure builds for full disclosure
The Opposition have been pressuring Iain Lees-Galloway and Jacinda Ardern on the Karel Sroubek deportation issue for over a month. National have obviously been trying to connect Ardern to the original decision by Lees-Galloway not to deport Sroubek after he completed his current prison sentence.
Today in Parliament, and immediately afterwards, some dots were joined.
9. Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National) to the Minister of Immigration: Other than Karel Sroubek’s lawyer and family members, who made representations on his behalf in respect of the deportation liability that was the subject of the Minister’s decision on 19 September 2018?
Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY (Minister of Immigration): I can confirm that amongst the information I considered on 19 September were letters of support from family, friends, business associates, and fellow sportspeople. Alongside the letters of support were sworn statements by a private investigator and a lawyer in the Czech Republic regarding the Czech justice system in Mr Sroubek’s circumstance. I do not consider it in the public interest to release the names of those who provided support or information regarding Mr Sroubek. Some have requested anonymity, and I consider it likely that naming people would expose them to unwarranted attention. None of those who made representations were known to me; none were MPs or former MPs, or MPs’ partners. I am unaware if any of the people had or have links to any political party.
That sounds carefully worded. Later:
Hon Michael Woodhouse: Has he seen any reports of the Prime Minister confirming that there were no “direct” representations to him; and, if so, what indirect or informal representations were made, including from MPs’ staff or supporters?
Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: None.
Hon Michael Woodhouse: Did Richie Hardcore, a former martial arts champion, make representations in support of his application not to be deported?
Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: As I said, I do not consider it in the public interest to name specific individuals, and I’m not going to do it by a process of elimination either.
Afterwards from NZ Herald: Karel Sroubek supporter texted PM after residency initially granted
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern received a text from a Karel Sroubek supporter after the Czech drug-smuggler was initially granted New Zealand residency, but she did not respond.
During Question Time today, National’s immigration spokesman Michael Woodhouse asked Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway if Richie Hardcore, believed to be a friend and supporter who met Sroubek through kick-boxing circles, had supported Sroubek.
Lees-Galloway would not answer, citing a lack of public interest, but after Question Time a spokesman for Ardern confirmed that Hardcore had texted the Prime Minister after news broke of Sroubek being granted residency.
“The Prime Minister received a text message from Richie Hardcore following media coverage of the first decision about Karel Sroubek that acknowledged the decision. She did not respond to the text.”
The spokesman said that Ardern and Hardcore were acquaintances and she had known him for years through his public advocacy work.
She did not know whether Hardcore had advocated for Sroubek, the spokesman said.
So that is a new development, but Ardern appears to be being not entirely open and transparent with her disclosure.
Richie Hardcore@RichieHardcore
Muay Thai. Boxing.Drug & Alcohol Harm Reduction.Public Speaking. Occasional Media Comment Maker. Politics.Punk. Hardcore. Hip Hop. Day Dreamer.Idealist
Early last year, the Greens had political connections with Hardcore.
From 4 April 2017: Greens unite celebs and Kiwis in ‘fresh’ campaign video
Continuing its push to engage the younger voter, the Green Party’s new campaign video features plenty of fresh, recognisable faces amongst its regular roster.
Hunt For The Wilderpeople‘s Taika Waititi pops up via an iPad, as well as social commentator Richie Hardcore and comedians including Chris Parker and Alice Brine.
Greens co-leader James Shaw said the campaign signals a “fresh, new look” for the party.
The video features a surprising array of Kiwis for a political campaign. As well as actors and celebrities, the party says it went on the road to include regular New Zealanders in the video.
“The people who were keen to be involved and the resulting campaign is testimony to the incredible range and depth of Green supporters in this country. This campaign demonstrates who we are and what we stand for,” co-leader Metiria Turei said.
20 August 2017:
Great session at @theHoltBolt's family farm this afternoon. Feeling very inspired! 💚NZ #LoveNZ #GreenNZ pic.twitter.com/cpRMy2Gyzz
— Green Party NZ (@NZGreens) August 20, 2017
Chlöe Swarbrick, James Shaw, Golriz Ghahraman and Richie Hardcore
Phil Twyford’s Facebook page from 16 August 2017:
Join Jacinda Ardern, Richie Hardcore, Carmel Sepuloni and Phil Twyford at ZEAL in Henderson this Saturday 2pm at Let’s Talk with Jacinda – an event organised for West Auckland youth by West Auckland youth. It’s time for a change. It’s time for the future. It’s time to talk! #LetsDoThis
(Authorised by Andrew Kirton, 160 Willis St, Wellington.)
Hardcore’s Facebook page 26 August 2017:
Richie Hardcore
Oh my god I love the way Jacinda conducted this interview; she’s so intelligent and articulate, I can’t wait for her to be our Prime Minister leading a Labour Green Government. ❤️💚
@RichieHardcore 23 April 2018: @NZClarke Welcome home bro, rise above and all that! NZ’s a terrible place to have more than 4 people know your name! Stay positive! 💛
Welcome home bro, rise above and all that! NZ’s a terrible place to have more than 4 people know your name! Stay positive! 💛
— Richie Hardcore (@RichieHardcore) April 23, 2018
Remember that lees-Galloway said in Parliament today:
I am unaware if any of the people had or have links to any political party.
This may just be a bunch of coincidental connections, but I think that Ardern needs to provide a full disclosure (open and transparent) about what sort of association she and Gayford have had with Hardcore, and whether there has been any link via Hardcore to the Sroubek deportation decision.
NZ Herald:
National leader Simon Bridges said tonight that Ardern had not been upfront and it was time she told the whole story.
“She’s only told us this much because of our relentless questioning. It beggars belief to say that this would be the first contact that she has had with Richie Hardcore about this case.”
Bridges said Ardern should release the full text message, and asked why Hardcore would have sent a text if she didn’t know who Sroubek was.
“For total clarity, the Prime Minister should appear in the House tomorrow and make a Ministerial Statement about her associations with Richie Hardcore, Sroubek and any of their other associates.”
Ardern has avoided addressing this openly, which has increased speculation and suspicions. Last week in Parliament when Bridges accused her of ducking and diving the Speaker Trevor Mallard stepped in and kicked Bridges out of the House.
But National are likely to keep coming back to this until Ardern fronts up openly and provides credible disclosure. Otherwise, it will look increasingly like she has something she wants to hide.
by Pete George on 13th December 2018 • Permalink
Posted in Parliament, Politics
Tagged deportation, Greens, Iain Lees-Galloway, Jacinda Ardern, Karel Sroubek, Labour, Michael Woodhouse, Richie Hardcore, Simon Bridges
Posted by Pete George on 13th December 2018
https://yournz.org/2018/12/13/sroubek-hardcore-ardern-pressure-builds-for-full-disclosure/
Employment Relations Amendment Act “helps restore fairness to New Zealand workplaces”
The Employment Relations Amendment Act has passed into law, Minister Iain Lees-Galloway claims it will help “lift New Zealand into a high wage, high skill economy with thriving region”, but doesn’t explain how that will happen.
Restoring balance to the workplace
The passage into law of the Employment Relations Amendment Act helps restore fairness to New Zealand workplaces and restore fundamental rights for workers, says Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Iain Lees-Galloway.
“The Government is determined to lift New Zealand into a high wage, high skill economy with thriving regions. The Employment Relations Amendment Act is one piece of our plan to do this, by restoring a better workplace relations framework for New Zealand workers.
“The Act restores many of the conditions that existed during the previous Labour-led Government, at time when the economy enjoyed record-low unemployment and unprecedented economic growth.
He doesn’t mention the fact that New Zealand was heading into recession at the end of the tenure of the previous Labour-led Government.
Nor does he mention that New Zealand survived the Global Financial Crisis and the economy recovered to a state of thriving when the current Labour-led Government took over – this revival happened under the conditions that the Government has now repealed.
“The Coalition Government believes everyone deserves a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work. This Act helps achieve that by bringing back protections for workers, especially vulnerable workers, and strengthening the role of collective bargaining.”
The key changes under the Employment Relations Amendment Act include:
reinstating prescribed meal and rest breaks
strengthening collective bargaining and union rights
restoring protections for vulnerable workers, such as those in the cleaning and catering industries, regardless of the size of their employer
limiting 90-day trials to business with fewer than 20 employees.
“These are fair and familiar protections that strike the right balance for employers and workers, and mainly restores worker protections which were in place as recently as 2015,” says Iain Lees-Galloway.
The majority of the provisions in the Act will come into force on Monday 6 May 2019. Further information on the changes will be available at www.employment.govt.nz.
NZ First moderated the changes, insisting on the 90 day trials remain for small businesses.
Newshub: 90-day trials scrapped for medium, large firms
Small businesses get to keep the trial period thanks to New Zealand First, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said in January.
National called the Act “one of this Government’s biggest economic mistakes” and said it would repeal it, should it win the 2020 election.
“The cumulative impact of changes to workplace relations in this Bill will choke economic growth, further hurt business confidence, stifle job opportunities for vulnerable employees, return us to 1970s-style adversarial union activity and be bad for employees and employers,” said workplace relations spokesperson Scott Simpson.
“It seeks to grow trade union membership and influence, and reinforces the political, historic and financial relationships between the union movement and the NZ Labour Party.”
Unions are happy, but want more.
Council of Trade Unions: Victory for working people in New Zealand
The Council of Trade Unions Secretary Sam Huggard says that tonight’s passing of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill will be a victory for working people over an expensive lobbying campaign run by big business. “This law allows Kiwis to access their basic rights at work, to make more informed choices about their employment, and help each other get a fairer deal,” he said.
We congratulate the Coalition Government for helping working people get ahead and win some decency at work with this law. We look forward to further progress soon, including women in paid work being able to access equal pay, and Fair Pay Agreements for our vulnerable Kiwi industries.”
Tertiary Education Union: Changes to employment law are a first step
“MPs took a step forward this week, which is welcome. However we are still a long way from the changes we need to ensure New Zealand is country that protects and enhances the right of people to come together to make their workplaces safe, rewarding, and fulfilling places to be,” Sharn Riggs, TEU national secretary said.
Decisions made by successive governments over recent decades have made it harder and harder for working people to come together to address issues like low wages, inadequate meal breaks, and a lack of protection from arbitrary dismissal within their first 90 days of employment. National in particular made it more difficult for people to access help and advice from their union.
They would obviously like more from a Labour-led government, but with NZ First having a say this may be the limit of what unions will get this term.
by Pete George on 6th December 2018 • Permalink
Tagged Council of Trade Unions, Employment Relations Amendment Act, Iain Lees-Galloway, Sam Huggard, Sharn Riggs, TEU
Posted by Pete George on 6th December 2018
https://yournz.org/2018/12/06/employment-relations-amendment-act-helps-restore-fairness-to-new-zealand-workplaces/
Lees-Galloway changes decision, Sroubek to be deported
After a lot of attention given to his decision not to deport Karel Sroubek, plus political pressure, and getting new information, Minister of Immigration Iain Lees-Galloway has reversed his decision not to deport Sroubek after he ends the prison term he is serving.
This has all looked quite sloppy from Lees-Galloway, and he has apologised to the Prime Minister – he said he was “acutely aware that trust and confidence has been damaged by this episode” and he’d apologised to the prime minister, and that apology had been accepted – but as Sroubek has remained in prison while this has been in the spotlight no real damage has been done except to Lees-Galloway’s reputation.
RNZ: Sroubek liable for deportation – Immigration Minister
Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway has announced Czech drug-smuggler Karel Sroubek is liable for deportation when he is released from prison.
Mr Lees-Galloway said some information was not available to him when he made the original decision.
This included new information from Interpol confirming details of his convictions, including that he was present in court when found guilty and that he appealed the verdict to the highest court in the Czech Republic.
“He doesn’t have residency now because he’s not produced a valid travel document. But this decision of deportation overrides that.
“At the point where he was released on parole or at the end of sentence, INZ would step in and he would be removed from the country.”
Mr Lees-Galloway said Sroubek was being removed because he never had the right to hold the visa in the first place.
He had the right to appeal that.
“This was an unusual case,” Mr Lees-Galloway said.
Sroubek’s release is scheduled for around 2022.
RNZ: Immigration Minister knew of Sroubek’s crimes in Czech Republic
Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway was informed of Karel Sroubek’s violent crimes in the Czech Republic and allowed him to stay in New Zealand anyway.
Sroubek was “liable for deportation” because his Czech convictions meant he should not have been allowed in New Zealand in the first place, he said.
However, the case file – revealed under the Official Information Act – showed the Minister was informed of those crimes before he made his original call.
“Mr Sroubek is also wanted by Czech authorities for service of 54 months’ imprisonment in connection with an incident on 28 June 1999, in which he attacked and greviously injured two Police officers and another incident on 4 October 1999, when he attacked a taxi driver,” the case summary said.
“It is understood that Mr Sroubek was convicted on 12 February 2002 of disorderly conduct, damaging of another’s property and attacking a law enforcement officer.”
Mr Lees-Galloway said he was only asked to consider Sroubek’s New Zealand convictions and didn’t think to consider the rest.
“I didn’t think of that,” he told reporters. “It would be quite extraordinary to expect someone to think of all the other possible questions that might be asked.
“I don’t know every single detail of the Immigration Act… I didn’t look at that and say ‘aha, he should be an excluded person.’
“That wasn’t something I was considering at the time.”
He has been criticised for not knowing every detail of the Immigration Act, but a lawyer has defended him on this.
No, they should not. Without advice, I do not expect a minister like him to know all the details of something like this. He's Minister of Immigration, not the leading immigration lawyer in the country.
— Graeme Edgeler (@GraemeEdgeler) November 28, 2018
This was sloppy from Lees-Galloway and his inexperience showed. He should have learned to take a lot more time and care when considering deportations of known criminals. He should be on notice not to stuff up again like this.
However I think that calls for his resignation may go too far. It would be ridiculous for resignations to follow every ministerial stuff-up.
Why Iain Lees-Galloway should resign (and why he shouldn’t) https://t.co/GnXTFLAfZg
— The Spinoff (@TheSpinoffTV) November 28, 2018
Simon Bridges looked and sounded like a dork demanding a resignation. It is a demand made far too often by Opposition MPs and leaders.
National MP Michael Woodhouse sounded more credible criticising the original decision.
by Pete George on 29th November 2018 • Permalink
Tagged deportation, Iain Lees-Galloway, Karel Sroubek
Posted by Pete George on 29th November 2018
https://yournz.org/2018/11/29/lees-galloway-changes-decision-sroubek-to-be-deported/
Is Lees-Galloway really at risk as a minister?
The Karel Sroubek issue continues to cause discomfort for Minister of Immigration Iain Lees-Galloway, and this is creating a problem for Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
National have been calling for Lees-Galloway’s resignation, and repeated that yesterday after Lees-Galloway admitted to spending just an hour considering the deportation of Sroubek, and to not reading the whole file he was given.
Ardern has now changed her stance from expressing confidence in Lees-Galloway to not expressing confidence, which may be an ominous sign.
I’m reluctant to jump on the sack-the-Minister bandwagon. And Lees-Galloway had seemed to be doing an ok job as a Minister.
But being a Minister of Government is a very responsible job. Minister’s make decisions that have major impacts on the lives of individuals (and of many people).
It appears that Lees-Galloway has not been up to scratch on this. I don’t know whether that justifies a resignation or a sacking, but either is looking an increasingly likely outcome. That would be sad as a result of a bit of a slack stuff-up, but that’s the nature of politics, and if Lees-Galloway isn’t up to the job he shouldn’t be given that responsibility.
PM urged to sack immigration minister over drug smuggler case https://t.co/GHNWm0X4f7
— Morning Report (@NZMorningReport) November 8, 2018
by Pete George on 9th November 2018 • Permalink
Tagged deportation, Iain Lees-Galloway, Karel Sroubek, Minister of Immigration
Posted by Pete George on 9th November 2018
https://yournz.org/2018/11/09/is-lees-galloway-real-at-risk-as-a-minister/
Sroubek affair continues to dog Lees-Galloway
Minister of Immigration Iain Lees-Galloway has made a mess of deferring the deportation of Karel Sroubek, and has made more of a mess of the handling of it when it was pushed by National.
He now admits he didn’t read the whole report given to him before making a very important decision about someone’s future, and he made the decision within about an hour. This seems to contradict assurances he gave to Jacinda Ardern that he had given the matter “careful consideration”, which could put her in a difficult position.
In Parliament today:
Question No. 2—Immigration
2. Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National) to the Minister of Immigration: Did he meet with officials on 19 September 2018 to discuss the deportation liability of Karel Sroubek, also known as Jan Antolik; if so, at what time?
Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY (Minister of Immigration): Yes, at 4.30 p.m.
Hon Michael Woodhouse: Can he confirm he first considered Karel Sroubek’s case on 19 September 2018, as indicated in his answer to written question 27289?
Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: Yes.
Hon Michael Woodhouse: Can he confirm he wrote to Karel Sroubek’s lawyer confirming his decision to grant residency that same day?
Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: I understand that the letter was post-dated to that day, but I am advised that it was sent on the 21st.
SPEAKER: Backdated, I think the member means.
Hon Michael Woodhouse: Can he therefore confirm it took him less than an hour to make his decision to grant residency?
Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: As the decision maker, it’s important that I base my decision on accurate and robust information. Immigration New Zealand prepared a comprehensive file, detailed information, which I used to make that decision, following exactly the same process that that member used when I made that decision. I made that decision on that day.
Hon Michael Woodhouse: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. A helpful elucidation of the process which did not address the question, which was “Can he confirm he took less than an hour to make that decision?”
SPEAKER: Well, I’ll ask the Minister to have another go at it. I mean, days don’t finish at half past five., but carry on.
Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: I made the decision on that day using the information that I had available to me.
Hon Michael Woodhouse: Why was this decision, one which the Prime Minister has said he gave “careful consideration to” and was “a very difficult decision”, decided just minutes or hours after being presented to him?
Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: Because I used the comprehensive file that was prepared by Immigration New Zealand and presented to me. As a decision maker, it is important that I base my decision on accurate and robust information. Publicly available information may be wrong or unfairly prejudicial. That’s why it is important to have a robust process to prepare the information for my consideration.
Hon Michael Woodhouse: Is it common practice for him to consider cases to, in his words, “weigh matters of public safety and the criminal behaviour of the individual involved” just minutes or hours after being presented to him?
Hon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY: I used the same process that the member used when he was Minister.
RNZ: Immigration Minister made Sroubek decision in just one hour
Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway has admitted he took only an hour to decide to let Karel Sroubek stay in New Zealand and did not read the entire case file.
In response to questions in Parliament, Mr Lees-Galloway confirmed he made his decision on the same day he received the file.
He later told reporters he took “an hour or so” to make up his mind and said that was “much, much longer” than he’d taken on other cases.
“I took the time that I felt was necessary. I certainly asked questions. I certainly looked closely at different aspects of the file,” he said.
Mr Lees-Galloway said he went through the summary with his officials, but admitted he did not read the file in its entirety before making his decision.
“I read the aspects of the file that I felt were necessary to make the decision that I made.”
The minister defended his decision-making, saying he followed the exact same process as the previous government.
“This is the usual process for these decisions.”
Mr Lees-Galloway said he’d since read the full file “several times” and stood by the decision he made on the basis of the information provided.
Asked whether in hindsight he would have taken more care and time, he insisted he was “thorough” and had given the case “due consideration”.
“That’s the job.”
It appears that Lee’s-Galloway did not do a thorough enough jonb in making his decision, and has done an awful job of dealing with the flak.
Also today Sroubek put out a media statement:
Following the Minister of Immigration recently cancelling my liability for deportation there have been numerous reports and statements about me made to and reported in the media.
Much of what has been said about me and my circumstances does not present the true picture.
In 2010 I faced charges. I was properly acquitted at trial, as were all of the other people charged. Comments made about that case in the media are not balanced, and in particular do not reflect that the key prosecution witness’ evidence was discredited.
The National Deputy leader by her questions in Parliament has implied I may have had something to with an alleged burglary of a property I have an interest in. The allegation I was involved in that burglary is completely without foundation. I was not involved in the burglary.
Until New Zealand Immigration reports backs to the Minister and I have had the opportunity to respond to him on any issue he may wish to raise I will be making no further comment or statement.
And National are not backing off.
@IainLG who made representations on Sroubeks behalf and did it influence your decision? Is that why you made it so quickly and didn’t need to read the report?
— Paula Bennett (@paulabennettmp) November 8, 2018
Tagged Iain Lees-Galloway, Karel Sroubek, Michael Woodhouse
https://yournz.org/2018/11/08/sroubek-affair-continues-to-dog-lees-galloway/
Ardern wants Sroubek residency review fast tracked
PM Jacinda Ardern says she wants the review fast-tracked into granting of residency to convicted Czech drug smuggler Karel Sroubek. She tells Kim Hill she's not placing blame, & it's not a witch-hunt. Tune in: 101FM, https://t.co/dy3xZzeGI2
KiwiFirewalker: Oh so now NZ wants to talk about about immigration!
There was a lot of talk about immigration in last year’s election campaign, but until the Sroubek issue came up the Government has kept fairly quiet – probably because their election promises (Labour’s and NZ First’s) seemed to have been put aside.
Its funny isn’t it that the immigration debate in New Zealand can limp along with barely any discussion on exactly how problematic the situation is for years until a Czech drug smuggler gets permanent residence then people loose their minds.
There has been some good coverage over time, such as Steve Kilgallon and Dileepa Fonseka’s excellent series of articles on Stuff about exactly how widespread migrant exploitation in NZ is and how badly our immigration system is being rorted, but I have not herd the words “migrant exploitation” or “immigration rort” in the last six months as much as I have herd the words “Czech drug-smuggler” in the last week.
Ian Lees-Galloway, as Minister of Immigration, made his decision about Karel Sroubek in one of the three following contexts:
1. Lees-Galloway (or one of his minions*) did not actually read past the cover sheet and just made their decision on the easy (but incorrect) emotion angle of the case,
2. Lees-Galloway read the file but the file the file did not have all the info so the decision was made with incomplete information, or
3. Sroubek was given residency as part of some deal with the Police, or some other agency, as part of his connection to the Hell’s Angels and drugs smuggling in NZ.
Any of the above could be true but since we are listing facts about this case then lets list a few more.
4. Immigration NZ is run like a fast food franchise with lowly paid employees, quantity over quality decision making, outsourced and offshore functions** and a risk adverse senior management which knows the problems exist but will not face them,
5. Appeals to the Minister of Immigration only make it to their desk when ALL other avenues are closed and things are looking BAD (as in nobody wanted to approve your application), and
6. Its a total crap shoot when your case is gone to the minister for appeal, anything could happen.
In my five years at Immigration NZ I watched all sorts of cases get declined at every single other level and then go to the minister for final judgement and in some cases people that should definitely not be allowed into the country got to stay while those who had cases with the most compassionate grounds ever get rejected outright with no reason or explanation, because at that level the Ministers power is effectively absolute and there is no appeal if you loose (or in the case of those highly questionable individuals who got in: won).
That said the Minister can also make the right decision and one of the most heart wrenching cases of my career, that I was unable to approve despite it being a obvious “yes”, finally got approved later by the Minister; to my utter happiness, and relief.
A bouquet for a National Minister of Immigration:
And for the record the Minister that I, and most of my fellow Immigration officers, felt made the best decisions was Michael Woodhouse.
And a brickbat for another:
For whatever reason when it usually needed to be declined he did and when it needed an approved he approved while, in my time at least, the worst Minister was Jonathan Coleman who we could only believe was deliberately doing the opposite of what should be done, every single time, as there seemed to be no other rational explanation for the atrocious range of appalling decisions he made…
It’s not the party that matters, it’s the personality of the Minister.
So the real questions in these circumstances is not “why did the minister approve Sroubek” but how can Peter Thiel get the red carpet treatment but Karel Sroubek cannot?
Two of the most controversial residents.
Yet the likely outcome is Sroubek will go while Theil and Yang get to stay because apparently Kiwis can only get outraged about immigration issues when its drugs and not abuses by the wealthy, obvious cases of espionage, migrant exploitation or marriage-for-residency scams which makes this less a genuine issue and more the most recent round of “wont someone think of the children!”.
So lets not turn the issue into another round of political point scoring or as an obvious distraction from a genuine high crime, like National selling slots in their party to the highest foreign bidder, but instead say “yes” to kicking Sroubek out but lets also get rid of that billionaire guy who got citizenship only because he’s filthy rich and that lying intelligence operative for a hostile power who is also, mysteriously, a sitting MP.
If Sroubek goes so should Thiel, Yang and all those other “economic citizens” who will have the dollars to buy a seat in Parliament because its just not right.
Good discussion points, but apart from Sroubek I doubt there will be any change for Thiel and Yang.
Tagged Iain Lees-Galloway, immigration, Jonathan Coleman, Karel Sroubek, Peter Thiel, Yang
https://yournz.org/2018/11/06/ardern-wants-sroubek-residency-review-fast-tracked/
Ardern has confidence in Minister of Immigration
It will be annoying for Jacinda Ardern and Labour to have the immigration and deportation thing hanging over their conference weekend, but it is an unresolved issue that deserves more answers.
Jacinda Ardern says she still has confidence in her Immigration Minister, Iain Lees-Galloway #nationnz @jacindaardern pic.twitter.com/Rrh89qOnX6
— Newshub Nation (@NewshubNationNZ) November 2, 2018
Is Ardern disappointed with a third Minister embarrassing the govt? “No, this is government,” she said. #nationnz
— Jason Walls (@Jasonwalls92) November 2, 2018
She should be disappointed.
Duncan Garner (Stuff): Dear Iain, your shocker continues to seep
Bet this wasn’t how your Labour mates saw this weekend’s party conference playing out.
Can’t imagine, Iain, you’ll be dragged up on the stage as ministerial eye-candy either.
Standing ovation anyone? Iain Lees-Galloway for services to a foreign crook and an unsafer New Zealand.
They’re hard places to hide those party conferences too. Unlike parliament, the pillars to hide behind are few and far between, so just keep expanding the designer beard, it’ll soon envelop you.
John Roughan (NZH): Czech ‘refugee’ shows Government needs better judgment
Putting aside all we know about Karel Sroubek now, it is easy to say the crimes Lees-Galloway knew about ought to have outweighed the risk to the life of a drug importer with gang associations. But did they really? Often it is not until you sit in a decision making chair that the right course of action becomes clear.
To my mind the significance of the crimes for this decision was the question they raised about Sroubek’s honesty and therefore the credibility of his claim to be in mortal danger in the Czech Republic. Lees-Galloway ought to have asked his officials to check that claim more closely. Had he done so, they would easily have discovered the court records showing he’d been back to his homeland on business at least once, albeit under the false name he was using when he entered New Zealand.
It is easy to blame Immigration officials for not doing these checks of their own accord but again, it’s the person in the hot seat who can see these needs clearest. It worries me that Lees-Galloway did not ask enough questions of this supposed refugee and surprises me that Jacinda Ardern was so quick to endorse his decision on Monday. A Prime Minister occupies the ultimate hot seat and is usually hyper-alert to political danger.
This issue will be ongoing pending the up to 3 week inquiry ordered by Lees-Galloway.
Laura Walters: Immigration Minister in a precarious position
Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway will be stuck between a rock and a hard place for as long as three weeks, as questions hang over his decision to grant residency to a convicted drug smuggler and gangster.
Lees-Galloway has spent the past week trying to explain his discretionary decision to grant Karel Sroubek residency – but without actually divulging any of the details of the case.
This has left him stuck in a politically precarious position where, upon legal advice, he is refusing to answer any substantive questions on the controversial issue. But the risk of making a further mess of things by spilling his secrets is much greater.
by Pete George on 3rd November 2018 • Permalink
Tagged deportation, Iain Lees-Galloway, imigration, Jacinda Ardern, residency
Posted by Pete George on 3rd November 2018
https://yournz.org/2018/11/03/ardern-has-confidence-in-minister-of-immigration/
The heat still on Minister of Immigration
Pressure is still being applied to Minister of Immigration Iain Lees-Galloway over his decision to allow Czech Karel Sroubek to stay in New Zealand after he leaves prison (drug importation offences). Galloway has ordered an urgent review, but that may take weeks. The heat is still being applied.
Minister made 'poor' decision in Czech drug smuggler case – National https://t.co/grhtcI1UCQ
Newsroom: Immigration Minister in a precarious position
Understandably the Opposition and the wider public have been critical of Lees-Galloway’s decision – Sroubek is a man who came to New Zealand under a fake name, using fake documents, who was convicted for smuggling MDMA into the country, then granted residency as he feared for his life should he be deported to the Czech Republic.
The criticism of Lees-Galloway’s decision to cancel Sroubek’s deportation liability, coupled with the Minister saying as good as nothing about the particulars of the case, has left an information vacuum.
National will keep trying to fill the vacuum.
Why do ministers even make immigration decisions? There seems to be a high rate of them going wrong https://t.co/gciodjw8jT
— The Spinoff (@TheSpinoffTV) November 1, 2018
by Pete George on 2nd November 2018 • Permalink
Tagged deporation, Iain Lees-Galloway, Karel Sroubek, residency
Posted by Pete George on 2nd November 2018
https://yournz.org/2018/11/02/the-heat-still-on-minister-of-immigration/
More ‘new information’ that prompted reconsideration of Sroubek residency
A report that there was more new information that prompted a reconsideration of the Sroubrek residency decision than that he had returned voluntarily to the Czech republic.
Exclusive: Details surrounding Karel Sroubek's residency revealedhttps://t.co/Uk6KGWuZAO pic.twitter.com/SuMFNOCHhV
— Newstalk ZB (@NewstalkZB) October 31, 2018
Newstalk ZB: Details surrounding Karel Sroubek’s residency revealed
Yesterday, Newstalk ZB revealed Sroubek had allegedly returned to the Czech Republic since arriving to New Zealand, which went against the suggestion the residency was for his protection.
Newstalk ZB can exclusively reveal the change in circumstance that could see controversial criminal Karel Sroubek lose his residency.
Newstalk ZB political editor Barry Soper understands the new information, which has sparked the change of heart, centres on Sroubek’s now ex-wife.
Initially, she supported Sroubek’s case for residency and said she was happy for him to stay in the country once he was released from jail, where he is currently serving a sentence for importing drugs.
This is believed to be the information Lees-Galloway used to make his decision.
However, the wife is now in the process of taking out a restraining order against Sroubek.
The decision came as news to Lees-Galloway, and he is now reviewing his decision.
See Immigration Minister to reconsider Sroubek residency decision
by Pete George on 1st November 2018 • Permalink
Tagged Iain Lees-Galloway, immigration, Karel Sroubek
Posted by Pete George on 1st November 2018
https://yournz.org/2018/11/01/more-new-information-that-prompted-reconsideration-of-sroubek-residency/
USA: the “flood the zone with shit” media strategy
Shane Jones diverts to copious meat eating as further questions raised about company links
Communists and socialists in New Zealand
Billions boost in borrowing to address public housing pressure
Open Forum – 20 January
Will we have an election year ‘culture war’?
US-Chinese trade deal (Phase 1)
Police numbers increasing, but Minister is still deceitful
Crown accounts surplus, more pressure on spending booost
Nikki Kaye on climate ‘indoctrination’ in schools, Plunket petulant
Kia pai te rā!
Trump impeachment trial begins
Green Minister accused of ‘rubber stamping’ land sales (implementing the law)
Russian PM and Cabinet resigns, Putin power push?
New Zealand ‘food’ birthstones
Boris Johnson versus Scotland’s right to choose
Curriculum encouraging climate activism and capitalism
A change in approach by political media?
Just two choices, fossil fuels or ‘sustainability’? No.
artcroft on Shane Jones diverts to copious meat eating as further questions raised about company links
duperez on USA: the “flood the zone with shit” media strategy
Patzcuaro on USA: the “flood the zone with shit” media strategy
Blazer on Communists and socialists in New Zealand
Corky on Shane Jones diverts to copious meat eating as further questions raised about company links
Patzcuaro on Trump impeachment trial begins
Pete George on USA: the “flood the zone with shit” media strategy
adamsmith1922 on Shane Jones diverts to copious meat eating as further questions raised about company links
Corky on Open Forum – 20 January
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About AAOS Now Advertising Submissions Editorial Board and Staff Contact the Editor About AAOS Headline News Now AAOS Now Daily Edition
AAOS Now / Issue
AAOS Now, May 2015
Cover Advocacy Clinical Practice Management Quality & Research Your AAOS
Finally! Congress Repeals SGR Formula
Elizabeth Fassbender
After more than 10 years and 17 short-term patches, the Senate last month passed the Medicare and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Reauthorization Act (HR 2), permanently repealing the flawed Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula. The measure passed by an overwhelming margin (92 to 8), just hours before a 21 percent cut in physician reimbursements was scheduled to go into effect.
The Search for Arthroplasty Longevity
Maureen Leahy
Total hip arthroplasty (THA) may be the most effective surgical procedure ever developed, yet it has had problems from the beginning,” said David G. Lewallen, MD, during the AAOS and the Orthopaedic Research Society joint symposium “Articulations in Total Joint Replacement: Have We Lost Our Bearings?” at the 2015 AAOS Annual Meeting in Las Vegas.
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XBLA Sales Analysis: October 2012
By Christine Mitchell • 7 years ago
Gamasutra have published their Xbox Live Arcade sales analysis for October. The runaway success for October was unsurprisingly Happy Wars, XBLA’s first “free-to-play” game with over 760K downloads in its first month of release. Of course we don’t know how much money was actually made via the game’s micro-transactions, though Gamasutra did note that Happy Wars was listed as the 11th most played game on Major Nelson’s activity chart on its second week of release. The only other game to achieve success was Sonic Adventure 2 with around 56K downloads in October. Conversely Sega’s other vintage release, NIGHTS into Dreams, only managed 5K downloads over the same period.
Serious Sam BFE and Zombie Driver HD were also released this month but didn’t sell particularly well either with 7K and 5K in downloads, respectively. It was also noted that the DLC add-on for Serious Sam BFE, which cost the same price as the full game, only showed 245 gamers as having played the new levels. However, Gamasutra did point out that this was not an accurate representation of actual sales. Worms Revolution, Naughty Bear Panic in Paradise and Guilty Gear XXACP also launched in October but did not have leaderboards that Gamasutra could follow.
Two Kinect games were also released on XBLA, the US-only Intel Discovered, which despite being free only managed around 5K downloads and Homerun Stars, which is also the first game to utilise SmartGlass, performed poorly with an embarrassingly low 231 downloads. It’s beginning to look like the Kinect bubble may be well and truly burst on XBLA. For a quick look at what games are due out next month, take a peek at our new Calendar Update feature.
Source: Gamasutra
Gamasutra XBLA Sales Analysis october
Christine has been a gamer for many years starting on the ZX Spectrum. Based in Scotland she is an IT professional but is excited to be working for XBLAFans and hopes to make the jump into Journalism. Follow Christine on Twitter @Miss_AllSunday
XBLA Sales Analysis: August 2012
XBLA Sales Analysis: May 2012
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The Universe!
By Milleny N Y on July 30, 2019
Last updated on August 31, 2019
The universe is the whole of Existence- all of space, matter, energy, and time. The Universe is so vast as to be unimaginable. but we do know that it is steadily expanding following it’s beginning 13.8 billion years ago in an explosive event called Big Bang.
THE SHAPE OF SPACE
The three dimensions of space are “bent” by the force of gravity from the matter in the Universe into a fourth dimension that we can’t see.
This is hard to visualize, so scientists use the metaphor of a two-dimensional rubber sheet to explain the Idea. The mass of the Universe could bend this rubber sheet in one of the three ways, depending on how densely packed with matter the Universe is.
THE SCALE OF SHAPE
The universe is so vast that we cannot appreciate its size without making leaps of scale. When dealing with the vast distances in space, kilometers aren’t big enough. Instead, astronomers use the speed of light as a yardstick. Light is so fast it can travel around Earth 7.5 times in a second.
IS THERE, ANYBODY, OUT THERE?
One of the biggest questions in science is whether life is unique to Earth or has arisen on other worlds. And if life has appeared elsewhere, could intelligent beings have set up projects to watch and listen for signals from extraterrestrials, and messages have been sent to the stars to inform any aliens out there of our existence.
In 1974 Scientists used the giant Arecibo radio telescope in Puerto Rico to broadcast a radio message towards the star cluster M13. The message contains symbols, our base ten counting system, the DNA molecule, and the solar system. More a publicity stunt than a serious attempt to contact aliens, the broadcast will take 25,000 years to reach M13, and the reply will take 25,000 years to return.
Published in WILD STORIES
Milleny N Y
More from WILD STORIESMore posts in WILD STORIES »
The 9 Most Common Cat Diseases
40 Fascinating Facts About Cats
Spending an hour in Nature
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Alaskan Skiing Dreams, Lines, Aircraft and Storms — Haines Report 2
by Louie Dawson March 30, 2015
written by Louie Dawson March 30, 2015
(Editor’s note: The WildSnow AK crew’s solar electric system is under repair. The crew is working on a fix (Apollo 13!). Blog posts may be delayed. They’ve still got their sat phone and SPOT units functional so they’re safe for emergency comm, but they can’t send more photos or lengthy text at this time. Lou2)
After three days of incredible skiing we’re sitting in our tent, stuck in a storm. As I listen to the beating wind, images from the past days run through my mind.
Loading up at Costco before the trip. $1400 bucks in the pie hole!
We arrived in perfect weather. When it’s clear in AK, you go for it! “Ninja-style,” as Drake puts it. We’ve been doing just that, skiing from dawn till dusk, with small amounts of eating and sleeping in between. Not time for much else. Now that we’re storm bound we’ve got nothing but time. If the weather reports are to be believed, we’re in for a five-day storm, at least.
In any case we’ve skied some incredible lines, some of the best turns of our lives.
Drake’s plane (53Charlie), on the Tarmac. Always good to see this ticket to the goods ready to rock.
30 minutes later on the glacier.
Zach and Jason landed on Monday morning. We immediately headed out on a tour. Being dropped into the middle of these mountains, we had little knowledge of the snowpack or conditions. Our first day, we prioritized snow evaluation and stability assessment. Wanting to get a good idea of all aspects, we toured up to a mellow saddle and split up the group to dig some snowpits. Zach and I dug one on a NE slope, while Coop and Cory dug on either side of the saddle, on E and W slopes, with Jason belaying. Our pits had fairly satisfactory results. We also did some quick ski cuts, with no results.
Snow investigations. Our snow pit was so deep I had to build a stool out of snow blocks to do a column test.
With cautious confidence in the stability, we skied down the east slope in search of ski lines. At the bottom we hung out a bit. While we were eating a snack, a heli approached, circled above, and landed nearby. A guy in a guide’s jacket hopped out, and started post-holing towards us. He asked us if we would mind if they filmed some steep spines above us. We didn’t really mind, but our “Alaskan wilderness experience” was shattered. Mark (the guide), also told us that there was going to be lots of heli activity in the area over the next few days, as there were 9 (!) film crews trying to get footage in the area. They should hire us to do their recons.
Although we were a bit bummed, we had known that sharing the terrain with heli-skiers was a possibility. We had chosen our location, at the head of the Riggs Glacier, with a variety of factors in mind. Since it’s been warm in the Glacier Bay area this winter, the high elevation of our camp is important. It’s also a fairly short flight from Haines, and in close proximity to a plethora of incredible ski lines (in particular a big face known as “Tomahawk,” due to the many pro riders who have done just that down the massive face.)
Our camp is inside the the national park, but just barely. Much of the nearby accessible terrain is outside the park, and therefore accessible for heli-access (as far as I understand, anyways). However, we’d been under the impression that they wouldn’t be in the area much, since it’s quite a long flight from the heli-bases. Unfortunately that didn’t seem to be the case.
Although we were a disappointed at having to share our skiing, that wasn’t the biggest issue. Twenty days on an Alaskan glacier is just about the best way to mitigate the “scarcity heuristic.” However, that safety advantage was blown out of the window. We all started to feel the drive to ski some of the bigger, more enticing lines near camp right away. Whoa.
Not bad views out the tent door.
We tempered our enthusiasm, and proceeded to investigate some enticing slopes above us. We split up. Zach and I headed for a short couloir, while Coop, Jason, and Cory headed up an adjacent slope. Zach and I dug a pit we didn’t like, but the other guys found some better stability, and skied a great line in the evening light.
First line of the trip! Not too shabby!
We toured back to camp, and we’re excited to take advantage of the stability and good weather and ski some of the other big lines around camp in coming days. As for the heli film crews, we trust they’re having a nice nine days in Haines waiting out the weather. Undoubtedly they’re more comfortable than we are — but we like it here anyway.
The Crew. From L-R, Zach, Jason, Louie, Coop, and Corey.
WildSnow Weekend — Elk Mountains Grand Traverse — World Record Finish
ORTOVOX VOLUNTARY RECALLS S1+ AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVER
See March 28, 2015 - 7:40 pm
Truly awesome.
What’s wrong with the solar?
Lou Dawson 2 March 28, 2015 - 7:45 pm
It’s not charging for some reason, probably just a bad connection. They’re working on it with help from supplier. It’s good quality stuff with proven track record so it’s just a glitch. It’ll get fixed I’m pretty sure, but if not that’s the way things go. Main thing is they have their emergent comms if they need them — as well as some way to call Drake for a ride when it’s time to leave (grin)!
Ski now, blog later.
He he. Problem is they’re sitting in a storm, perfect time to fool around with the remote blogging system. But, safety and fun first, for sure. We’re totally ok with how things are going. Lou
No sun?
Lisa Dawson March 28, 2015 - 8:59 pm
See, it was storming hard and they were in a complete whiteout for a while. Luckily the $1400 Costco stash kept them alive.
Lou Dawson 2 March 29, 2015 - 4:59 am
PV charges through clouds, albeit not as much output. Lou
pietro March 29, 2015 - 6:24 am
I Can’t beleive with all the terrain that they have access to, heli skiing operations would poach your area. Shame on those lazy bums!!
MJ Davis March 29, 2015 - 2:46 pm
Hopefully the storm will pass quickly, your communication system will be repaired -or we will gladly read about it later instead of now- and you will be able to resume the outdoor sport part of your adventure! Have fun, be safe.
Wow, sounds hard core. I look forward to reading about how the team deals with the technical, weather and other challenges, as much as anything. Best wishes for a safe and successful trip.
See, it’s move over Apollo 13 remote engineering! Sounds like they were able to direct wire the battery to the panels, but have to watch out it doesn’t over charge and explode. We’re sending up a new rig as they were planning on a “bump” from Drake anyway (moving camp, perhaps a fresh pizza delivery from Haines, etc.) Lou
Julia March 29, 2015 - 7:29 pm
Alaska sure has got lots of snow – and that first line is not too shabby at all! Meanwhile we ski on some grass here in pnw 🙂
Bummer to hear that the solar system is busted, but I’m glad that they have everything they need for comms minus blogging.
Beware the charge controller.
Any idea what voltage they’re getting off the panel mostly?
See March 30, 2015 - 8:28 am
I imagine the conditions in AK, in March, in a storm, aren’t optimal for solar power generation. I was thinking that the open circuit voltage might provide a clue as to whether the problem was related to this. I hope the Wildsnow off grid power system will be revealed at some point (and beware “uncontrolled” charging, especially lithium ion, as Lou doubtless knows better than I).
Matt Kinney March 30, 2015 - 10:33 am
“I Can’t believe with all the terrain that they have access to, heli skiing operations would poach your area. Shame on those lazy bums!!
Sounds like SEABA of Haines and Mark. This is not an issue in Girdwood or Cordova. In Valdez, we become accustomed to their rudeness. toward public recreationalist.
Gotta love a heliguide who will land next to your touring group and explain that they will be operating all around them and leave with a “have a good day.” and some rotor wash….especially in the largest glaciated terrain in NA. Meanwhile you get to ski the wilds of Alaska with rotors noise all day. They of course hide the ship when their clients ski so they can enjoy the quiet…..but not you.
Louis and your pals the real deal, they ain’t.. So leave them signature lines. Rant end
Lou Dawson 2 March 30, 2015 - 10:51 am
See, thanks for your interest, more coming once we know how it all sorts out. Plenty of solar energy comes through clouds, more than most people think. What attenuates charging worse than anything is snow or dust on panels, or having them not ideally facing the sun. Lou
Matt, indeed it sounded really strange to me that those heli guys would show up in that exact spot. One wonders if there might have been a little bit of territorialism going on, or else the heli guys are so clueless they wait ’till the human powered guys suss out the routes? It is such a HUGE area, seems like everyone has plenty of room to play.
As for the worst part of it, Louie’s take on the heuristic aspect is of special concern. Strange the heli guides would trigger that, both for their clients as well as Louie’s group.
Perhaps there is more to the story. Probably is.
Upside is if someone gets hurt It’s the heli operators who usually help out, isn’t it? In that sense I’m glad they’re around.
Shane March 30, 2015 - 12:51 pm
I’m pretty darn jealous of Louie and his pals. Although, thinking of them huddled in a tent during a storm cycle while I get ready for this afternoon’s nearly 70 degree temps and an early start to the Montana mountain bike season helps a little.
I am disappointed that they were intruded upon by the heli-outfit. As a BC skier I usually aim for another drainage whenever possible to give other parties their space. Just like you don’t crowd a fisherman when you can walk farther upstream.
That said, having been on a heli-trip in Haines last March I have my own theory as to who/why they paid a visit. The Tomahawk route is apparently something of an iconic line and it may not have come into season last year when the snow conditions weren’t very good leading to pros cancelling trips, photo shoots, etc. If some pros really had their heart set on filming that this year, and if Louie is indeed that close, it’s somewhat inevitable that the heli-operator would try to please their paying clients as the season winds down.
My guess is that this wasn’t SEABA but rather AK Heli Adventures. I believe their head avy forecaster is named Mark so it makes sense that he would be checking on things in advance of a photo shoot. I have nothing at all bad to say about Mark and the crew. If the scenario I described above is what’s playing out I imagine that the guides also feel bad about butting in on Louie, but they got bills to pay.
Shane, indeed, if it’s an iconic line that’s the way it is. Totally understandable, though one does wish they wanted to be more original… I guess they’ll do that by picking a different song to go with the same shot of the same line… (grin). Lou
Shane March 30, 2015 - 3:57 pm
“I guess they’ll do that by picking a different song to go with the same shot of the same line”.
Ha, no doubt, Lou! Other than stumbling on “Valhalla” on Netflix, I haven’t bothered with a ski movie since, shoot, something like 2007… where does the time go?
Matt Kinney March 30, 2015 - 6:49 pm
Iconic lines are a dime a dozen up here. Public recreation should normally trump commercial recreation in wilderness as to who leaves or stays.
Lou, the comment about heliski operations being available for a “potential” accidents doesn’t wash with me. It’s kinda like “aren’t you lucky we are here!”. When they bring it up over and over it makes me cringe as it sounds like marketing than reality. But, I will admit they have rescued one or two locals in 20 years. Much more so their own guides or clients. Assuredly they would respond to any emergency as any of us would in Thompson Pass who have the skills.
1000’s of Alaskans from Haines to Girdwood ski all winter in complicated terrain on our own wits, so I find the remarks a bit condescending as a skinner, when they show up for 6 weeks of a 9 month ski season and make such a pronouncement, When they are not here, we have excellent statewide resources for SAR with the military and Alaska Mountain Rescue Group. I depend on them. But hey, A heliship ride a with broken leg and DC doing vitals would be hard to turn down these days quite honestly, as the hospital is right across the street from my residence. 🙂
Last time I crawled out of the mountains, but that’s another story.
anyway skied way good today…….
Cool Matt, thanks for being here on WildSnow. And there in AK. Lou
PNW Snow Report — More, Please
Trip Report — Early Turns in...
Denali 2019 — What Worked, What...
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Best of Unfiltered 2018
Your favorite wine and pop culture moments of the year, starring Prince Harry, Duchess Meghan, King James, Pope Francis and an unknown Frenchman who grooved to cannabis wine 2,000 years before it was cool
They may be sixth in succession, but Meghan and Harry proved they rule when they tied the knot with West Coast wine toasts. (Geoff Pugh - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
If you were a pop culture vulture on the lookout for wine in the wild in 2018, your cup runneth over. It was a year of action amidst the wines for our favorite A-listers: 50 Cent popped a spritz, Adam Rippon did the twist, Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union found their bliss, and excavators working on a London-area church wine cellar found … Samuel Taylor Coleridge (whose remains had been misplaced there).
The stars of stage and screen made appearances on the rouge carpet, from Kyle MacLachlan in the role of rosé raconteur to 2017 Unfiltered queen Jennifer Lawrence’s wine-balancing act at the Oscars, but 2018 saw wine itself playing the leading part as well. Guitar-shredding, tractor-surfing natural wine mavericks in France stormed the screen, as did #SonomaStrong vintners in Tyler Florence’s Uncrushable wildfires documentary.
And in an all-around weird year, wine flew its freak flag too: Bordeaux vin headquarters sprouted giant tentacles, frog juice stewed at the Disgusting Food Museum, Napa vintners rose from the dead and the saga of the lost sword of the Sonoma Samurai unfolded.
You laughed, you cried, you voted for Gov. Wine Guy, but in the end, when 2018’s decanter had emptied, these 10 stories were your favorite Unfiltered scoops of the year.
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10. Francis' In-Flight Wine on Air Pope One
TIZIANA FABI/AFP/Getty Images / Enrico Serafino
Pope Francis raised a glass ... 35,000 feet up.
Pope Francis last week flew to Geneva to ring in the 70th birthday of the World Council of Churches, but as a cool guy who knows wine is essential to any celebration, he got the party started early, popping bottles on the plane before he'd even touched down in Switzerland!
Unfiltered got word that Francesco sipped an appropriately Piedmontese pour on his flight over the Alps last Thursday: the Enrico Serafino Alta Langa Brut Spumante Metodo Classico 2013, a tasteful traditional-method sparkler of Pinot Nero and Chardonnay aged on the lees at least 36 months. According to Nico Conta, president of the winery, the bubbly was specifically selected by the Pope’s sommelier and served on the Alitalia flight to Francis and his whole entourage. It was the first time Serafino had been anointed in-flight wine on the papal plane.
"The Pope’s team informed us that the Alta Langa Enrico Serafino was very appreciated onboard," Conta told Unfiltered via email, hopefully "opening the doors to future presences."
Given Francis' reputation as a particularly worldly man of God, Serafino is an aptly international choice: The winery has a 140-year history in the hills of Piedmont, but was purchased from Gruppo Campari in 2015 by American businessman Kyle Krause and his family. But it was not, as Unfiltered readers know, Pontifex's first flight of American vintners' wine. Posted June 28.
9. Mariah Carey 'Might as Well Down this Caymus Bottle' in New Song 'GTFO'
Mariah Carey / Vevo
Get The French Oak?
Mariah Carey is coming out with her first new album in four years, and it might be an ode to wine. The first song released, sassy break-up ballad "GTFO," describes Carey ditching a zero to get with a hero—a bottle of Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, specifically. In the song and accompanying video, the diva legend trills, wineglass in hand, that she "could've sworn you loved me harder / Might as well down this Caymus bottle" to help put her no-good ex in the rearview.
Reference to the Napa winery didn’t go unnoticed by fans, many of whom took to social media to share videos and memes of themselves with a glass (or bottle) of Caymus, and a number of whom have called the source in Napa looking to buy their own bottles of heartbreak salve, the winery told us. Carey herself tweeted this week, "Caymus 2014 is one of my favorite wines ever!" to which the vineyard's social media account swooned, "Mariah + Caymus = We Belong Together," a nod to another of Carey's hit singles.
But the history is undeniable: "Mariah came to Caymus Vineyards some years ago, and I was pleased to personally taste and tour her and a guest," vintner Chuck Wagner told Unfiltered. "Of course we would love for her to make a return visit any time she is in the area." (A little more history: With the fruits of one specific vintage, Carey and Caymus would reach their respective fields' top spots, with her debut album eventually topping the music charts and their Cabernet snagging Wine of the Year—that was 1990.)
"We’re appreciative that Mariah thought of Caymus during her creative process," added Wagner. "We can only imagine what goes into writing a song, but we can relate to the work and even the struggle behind it. Probably not so different from creating a great bottle of wine."
In the brief time since "GTFO" dropped, Carey released another new song—today—"With You," which is more Cognac-flavored: Rémy Martin gets the mention. Onetime Carey favorite Champagne, alas, has evidently been sent TFO. Posted Oct. 4.
8. Royal Wedding Winemakers Speak; Honeymoon at a 'Wine Spectator' Award–Winning Castle?
Noam Galai/GC Images/Getty Images
"We crave a different kind of buzz." (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for Harry and Meghan.)
As the newlywed Duke and Duchess of Sussex decamp from wedding to honeymoon, our Royals-crazed realm remains thirsty for royal wedding (and honeymoon) wine gossip. We've got you covered: A guest who attended Meghan and Harry's wild nighttime reception apparently revealed wine details from the evening to U.K. tabloid the Daily Express. Naturally, we grabbed our deerstalker cap and magnifying glass to sleuth out the regal revelry rumors of an Old World white, Olivier Leflaive's Bourgogne Blanc Les Sétilles 2016, and a New World red, Mount Eden Vineyards' Domaine Eden Pinot Noir Santa Cruz Mountains. And though Kensington Palace has yet to confirm these vinous reports, both producers seem confident in the leaked details; each took to their respective social media accounts to declare the glad tidings.
For Mount Eden, it adds up. "An online customer placed a surprisingly large order of Domaine Eden Pinot Noir [2014] with us earlier in the year," Peter Gordon-Smith, operations manager for Mount Eden's U.K. distributor, Roberson Wine, said via email that the winery passed to Unfiltered. "Apparently, the customer did say it was for a wedding, but didn’t specify which one."
"Having our Domaine Eden Pinot Noir chosen as one of the wines for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding came as a complete surprise," Ellie Patterson, co-owner of Mount Eden Vineyards, told us.
Across the pond, Olivier Leflaive president Jean Soubeyrand also weighed in: "Unfortunately, I can’t confirm the information," he told Unfiltered, explaining that Les Sétilles is sold in the U.K. at such a high volume that even if a large quantity of it was ordered, it wouldn't show up as significant in shipping records. But, he added, "if newspapers are talking about, I can’t imagine that’s fake news … Anyway, if Les Sétilles was poured at such an event, I can only say we are very proud of that and honored. You know, my personal feeling, the most important is not to be under the spotlights, but to know we did a good job. Last point, I would say, the royal family has really great taste."
Indeed: Harry and Meghan are rumored to be honeymooning at Ashford Castle in County Mayo, Ireland, whose dining room holds a Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence for its wine list. While a rep from the castle kept mum, the castle sent out a cheeky tweet this morn to tout a cottage on the premises that "sits discreetly on the shores of Lough Corrib and is surrounded by ancient woodland—perfect for guests seeking a secluded romantic break." Posted June 7.
7. In the Red Zone: Drew Bledsoe Builds New Walla Walla Winery
Courtesy of Doubleback
Drew Bledsoe escaped coverage for cover crops in eastern Washington. Pictured with his wife, Maura.
For much of his NFL career, Drew Bledsoe's turf was Foxboro, but the All-Pro New England Patriots quarterback actually got his start under center at Walla Walla High School, in the heart of Washington wine country. When he decided to trade his football gloves for pruning ones, to Walla Walla he returned, buying a vineyard and starting Doubleback winery with the 2007 vintage. Now, after a decade of wine wins, Bledsoe has built a home stadium for Doubleback, and 2018 marks the first season crushed at the svelte new 14,000-square-foot winery.
It all started when Doubleback winemaker Josh McDaniels stumbled upon a piece of land along Walla Walla's Powerline Road during a jog; he immediately snapped a picture and sent it to Bledsoe. The pair had been scouting sites for the winery to find a permanent home, and this property looked golden. "The location is exceptional due to its proximity to downtown, A+ grapegrowing potential and also for the outstanding views of our beautiful valley," Bledsoe explained to Unfiltered via email. Indeed, the 45-acre property neighbors Charles Smith's Powerline Vineyard, which yielded the K Syrah that earned Wine Spectator's No. 2 spot in the Top 100 Wines of 2017; Smith was its previous owner. When Bledsoe and McDaniels broke ground, they also planted 8 acres, mostly to Syrah, and named the vineyard Flying B.
Richard Duval Images / Courtesy of Doubleback Winery
Doubleback now has home-terroir advantage.
The new facility houses tasting rooms, offices, fermentation and lab rooms and a barrel cellar for both Doubleback wines and sister label Bledsoe Family Winery. Among the bells and whistles are a gravity-flow fermentation system and concrete fermentors to massage Cabernet tannins. But despite the new state-of-the art tech, "we [also] went back to my roots to give the functional facility a sense of history," Bledsoe emphasized, repurposing wood for its siding from two 100-year-old barns where he grew up in Ellensburg, Wash.
The first wines made here will be released next spring (Bledsoe Family's Healy Rosé), and 2019 will bring the first harvest from the young vineyard. Doubleback also acquired a 30-acre vineyard in the Rocks District of Milton-Freewater AVA last year, but for now the excitement is on the 2018 vintage. "This first harvest has been incredible," McDaniels told Unfiltered. "The new winery really allowed us to focus on our winemaking more than we have been able to in prior years." Posted Nov. 15.
6. Pearl Jam's Big Return to Seattle—with Washington Wine
Kevin Mazur/WireImage/Getty Images
Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder maintains an even flow of wine throughout his concerts.
Well before it was considered rock 'n' roll to own a wine collection, Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder proudly popped and partook of Pinot right there on stage during concerts. And in the years since the band's breakout 1991 album Ten, the Seattle area has become as famous for its winemaking scene as its grunge scene. No surprise then that the band has tuned up a new charity label with winemakers in Woodinville, Wash.'s eno-punk Warehouse District to celebrate next month's Home x Away concerts and raise money for the Vitalogy Foundation, Pearl Jam's Seattle homelessness awareness and relief charity.
Colby D. Kuschatka
Home (left, Seattle) and Away (from second-to-left, Missoula, Mont., Chicago and Boston)
The Home x Away limited-edition box set of reds is a release from the Underground Wine Project, a collaboration between Washington winemakers Mark McNeilly of Mark Ryan Winery and Trey Busch of Sleight of Hand Cellars; each bottle of the Idle Hands Syrah/Cabernet cuvée sports a label design by Pearl Jam depicting a retro-futuristic skyline silhouette of one of the four cities along the Home x Away tour kicking off next month, including Seattle, where the Aug. 8 and 10 "Home Shows" mark the band's homecoming after five years since last playing Jet City—and, reportedly, the biggest concert series the city has seen in more than three decades.
"We have been longtime fans," McNeilly told Unfiltered of the project. "Trey and I have met [Pearl Jam] band members over the years at different things, and we have worked with them a little bit with some of their charities, but it’s just fun to be pulled in a little bit closer for a great cause. I think that if we can work with Pearl Jam and find some new arenas to talk about philanthropy and talk about people’s responsibilities toward charity, you can kind of open people’s eyes and let them know everybody has a responsibility to help everybody else."
All the proceeds of the 450 cases sold went to the Vitalogy Foundation. That's right, the new wine, alas, has already sold out—within 15 minutes of the band announcing the project via its email newsletter. But for the homers in the Seattle area, 10 of chef Ethan Stowell's restaurants that snapped up some of the wine will be selling it by the glass, with further proceeds going to charity, starting Aug. 1, in the lead-up to the Seattle gigs. Pearl Jam's partnership with the Underground Wine Project is one of many surrounding the Home Shows with a goal of raising $960,000, with each donation made to the Vitalogy Foundation to be matched by the band. Posted July 26.
5. Conan Conquers Italy
Courtesy of Team Coco
Fèlsina's Chiara Leonini attempts to referee a tasting with Conan O'Brien and Jordan Schlansky.
"The most beautiful place on earth, dimly seen through the clouded lens of imbeciles." That's how Conan O'Brien's recent trip to Italy was billed in a mock trailer titled Due Buffoni (Two Buffoons). In February, the camera crew from Conan tagged along as the late-night TV star and his associate producer-cum-nemesis Jordan Schlansky explored the latter's favorite destinations in Italy, the footage of which began airing this month on TBS. "Jordan started babbling so much about Italy that we had this thought: Let's take Jordan to Italy and see this weird monster in his natural habitat," O'Brien says. "Let's take Spock back to the planet Vulcan."
Throughout their trip together, Schlansky attempts to introduce and explain to O'Brien all of his most treasured Italian indulgences, namely wine, coffee and Italian cuisine, from Florence to Cortona to Naples. They hunt for truffles, appear on an Italian soap opera, visit Schlansky's favorite restaurants and, in Unfiltered's favorite highlights (lowlights?), visit Fattoria di Fèlsina for a tasting of the Berardenga Chianti Classico 2016, Rancia Chianti Classico Riserva 2015 and Fontalloro 2015 with export manager Chiara Leonini.
While millions have now witnessed Team Coco's experiences in Italy, Unfiltered has secured the exclusive tale of Conan in Italy … from the perspective of Fèlsina's Leonini:
"I must say that, from my side, it was the most crazy thing I have ever done. I am here at Fèlsina since 2001. In all these years I met the most different people but I never imagined to find myself in a situation like that—definitely fun, formative, but at the same time really stressful. Like so many beautiful things, this happened by chance and was completely unexpected …"
Leonini continues: "I knew who Conan was; I watched the program a couple of times in U.S.A., one of those nights with jet lag … I knew he was very famous, but I really would not have expected people loved him in such a way! Jordan, I did not know him, but I immediately understood that the two together were great and that they were 'completing' each other. Giving me a lot of troubles of course!"
"They both are true professionals. As far as the sketch is concerned, nothing was prepared before, only pure improvisation. Immediately after starting the dialogue with them—the scene of the finger behind the glass—I made the recording stop and I asked everyone: 'But are you kidding me?' I wanted to make sure they understood I was representing a brand with history and reputation!!! [But] they made me immediately feel comfortable. Jordan knew a lot [about wine] and was familiar with Fèlsina wines, especially Fontalloro. Conan … well … it was a wonderful experience, different without doubt from all that you normally find in the world of wine. I'm happy to have lived it … I think it's very important to be able not to take yourself too seriously." Posted April 26.
4. 2,000-Year-Old Cannabis Wine Discovered
Hervé Delhoofs, Evéha
The ancient partaker (right) and his pot, in situ
If you listen to all the talk in California nowadays about the myriad intersections of wine and weed, you'd think they invented the stuff. But actually (if unsurprisingly) the TTB is well behind the curve—more than 2,000 years behind, according to a remarkable new archaeological discovery. Long before the Mendocinian culture disrupted the marijuana-wine space, the ancient Gauls were spiking their own vinum with a substance we still call by its Latin name: Cannabis sativa.
A 2015 excavation near the town of Cébazat in the heart of France (about 100 miles west of Lyon) of a tomb dating to the 2nd century B.C., led by researcher Hervé Delhoofs, yielded an earthenware vessel that once held a most potent potable: Analysis of plant material confirmed the presence of "biomarkers" for wine, resin and THC. Did the Gauls simply like the taste, or were they interested in a more, well, holistic experience? Researcher Nicolas Garnier told Unfiltered both "medicinal use or recreational use" were possible, and that the ethanol in wine made it a more efficient substance for infusion than water. "The wine-based medicinal preparations are common," he explained via email. "Different recipes of many plants have been identified in tombs."
The jar is on display at the Bargoin Museum, in Clermont-Ferrand, through May 20, alongside other paraphernalia found in the tomb, and the remains of the unknown bon vivant. Posted April 19.
3. LeBron James Drafts Another All-Star Wine Team
Gregory Shamus/Pool Photo/AP Photo
The Golden State Warriors appreciating a flight of LeBron James
The NBA season is over—which means soiree season is in full swing for frequent Most Valuable/Most Vinous Player LeBron James. On Monday night, after a few months' hiatus from posting favorite bottle shots on social media, @KingJames took to Instagram Stories to show off his most recent wine wins scored with his friend and business manager Maverick Carter, putting up epic vintages from hall-of-famers like Sassicaia, Screaming Eagle, Guigal Côte-Rôtie and Domaine du Pégaü Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée da Capo (x2).
"I welcome him to Châteauneuf any time," Pégaü's Laurence Féraud declared to Unfiltered on hearing of the selection. "I will cook and pair with Mediterranean food my best cuvées for him."
Instagram/@kingjames
LeBron plays with a new lineup.
The evening's star lineup (left to right):
Domaine du Pégaü Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée da Capo 2003
E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie La Landonne 2000
Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia 1990
Screaming Eagle Second Flight (the winery's secondary bottling that primarily features Merlot), unknown vintage
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Special Selection 2013
The new Los Angeles Laker may have been inspired by all the attention his buddy and fellow erstwhile Cleveland Cabernier Dywane Wade has been getting with his wine ventures, but we already knew that James loves the wine world, and isn't afraid to show it. And after asking around, we discovered that the wine world loves him right back.
"We are extremely pleased and honored that Sassicaia is among the wines he prefers!" Tenuta San Guido's Priscilla Incisa Della Rocchetta told us. "And while he is a fan of Sassicaia, we are in return all fans of LeBron at Tenuta San Guido!"
"A taste of La Landonne 2000 these days is a good move, because this wine is coming to a great maturity," Philippe Guigal commended James. "We feel honored about his choice … Good move and a long life to 'King James,' considering that La Landonne might be a 'buzzer-beater.'" (Guigal did note, however, that it is fellow baller and compatriot Tony Parker who built a basketball school not far from the winery.)
Closer to home, Caymus owner Chuck Wagner is also thrilled. "Of course I am a big fan of LeBron and overwhelmed with happiness that he likes Caymus."
Where in the world of wine will the benevolent King James conquer next? Posted Aug. 16.
2. Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph Making 'Wine Country' Movie; Filming Starts Today
Paul Drinkwater/NBCUniversal/Getty Images
Tina Fey (L) and Amy Poehler are NOT drinking any Merlot, right guys?! (Just kidding, no, the movie will have its own original jokes.)
News of what will likely be the biggest wine movie since Somm 2 Sideways broke this week when Netflix announced the upcoming Wine Country, starring Parks and Rec lead Amy Poehler (who's also directing and producing) and featuring an absolute murderers' row of comedy talent: Fellow Saturday Night Live alums Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph, Rachel Dratch, Ana Gasteyer, Paula Pell and Emily Spivey are all involved. The announcement came in the form of Poehler iPhone-filming her possibly-already-wine-practicing friends as they belt out a moving rendition of the Kenny Loggins/Stevie Nicks soft-rock staple "Whenever I Call You 'Friend.'" A rep for Netflix told Unfiltered filming started today, with a likely release in early 2019.
It's happening—Amy Poehler's directorial debut, Wine Country, is coming soon to Netflix! Starring Amy Poehler, Rachel Dratch, Ana Gasteyer, Paula Pell, Maya Rudolph, Emily Spivey and featuring Tina Fey. Get excited. Get real excited. pic.twitter.com/kZedPmzeVC
— Netflix US (@netflix) March 20, 2018
"Wine Country tells the story of old friends who go to Napa for a weekend of wine tastings to celebrate a 50th birthday," Netflix told us via email. And if the Neflix’s Twitter "preview" is any indication, the film will be "your new favorite movie," which, well, you may have heard Unfiltered is indeed pretty into the whole wine and comedy thing. While it is certainly not too early to start making your wine-and-viewing party preparations, we'll keep you posted as we get more details. Posted March 22.
1. A California Pinot Noir for the British Royal Wedding?
Geoff Pugh - WPA Pool/Getty Images
A surprise wine invited to the Royal Wedding?
The Royal Wedding is mere hours away, and anticipation over which wines the couple will serve is at an all-time high. Has Prince Harry chosen another California beauty? Will British fizz sparkle for Meghan Markle? The secrecy surrounding the final wine list is intense, so even the chosen wineries may not even know that they’ve been tapped for the special honor—or so they tell us. Still, Unfiltered has some leads on the likely candidates.
California girl Markle has been vocal about her wine preferences in the past, and a betting person would say her home state will likely be on display on her big day (and believe us, people are betting on this stuff). From our investigations, Sonoma's Flowers Vineyards & Winery is looking like the top contender: General manager Troy Watters told Unfiltered that Markle reached out to the winery about two years ago via Instagram to say she was a fan, and the winery and the royal-to-be have kept in contact since. "We are flattered that Meghan enjoys our Flowers Pinot Noir and would be honored if she does in fact select this to be the wine for her special day, thereby bringing a little bit of the Sonoma Coast and California with her," Watters told Unfiltered via email.
But sometimes it takes more than just a social media follow to score a wedding invite. Luckily, Agustin Huneeus, owner of Flowers' parent company Huneeus Vintners, is a friend of the British wine consultant who a Huneeus rep told us advised the wedding coordinators—and "thought it would be a good idea to include Flowers as a consideration for the wedding," Watters relayed; Huneeus himself also mentioned a large order of Flowers placed by prominent London wine merchant Corney & Barrow about a month ago.
Super Tuscan Tignanello is another Markle favorite, so much so that she named her now-defunct lifestyle blog, the Tig, after it—but the Antinori family went with a demure demurral: "The truth is that we have never had any official confirmation and have no hints, but, in case it would be served, that would be such a wonderful surprise."
Jordan, another Sonoma winery that Markle has praised in the past, is not expecting to make an appearance, but they hope to help her celebrate nonetheless: A winery rep told us vintner John Jordan wants to send etched magnums from the couple's birth years as a wedding gift.
Across the pond, Britons are rooting for representation from one of their own. One would be remiss to rule out Queen Elizabeth's bubbly, Windsor Park. Chapel Down, another Brit fizz, is known to pop up at Buckingham.
Perhaps highest in the running is Camel Valley Vineyard, a still and sparkling producer based in Cornwall, England, that just last month became the first wine producer in the United Kingdom to be granted a royal warrant, a prestigious mark of official recognition for companies that provide goods and services to the royal court. According to Camel Valley founder Bob Lindo, royal warrant protocol restrains warrant holders from commenting on these matters. Lindo also said that even if Camel Valley were to be poured at the wedding, he likely wouldn't know one way or the other, as the winery supplies the royals so frequently. As we wrote previously, nine Champagne houses also hold such warrants, with various royals each having their own preferences.
So despite our best Sherlocking, the crown is historically tight-lipped about these matters, and the suppliers that want to continue to be suppliers tend to follow suit. However, if some lucky Unfiltered reader (Pippa?) scored an invite to the reception, send us a tip (and a piece of that elderflower cake)! Posted May 18.
Enjoy Unfiltered? The best of Unfiltered's round-up of drinks in pop culture can now be delivered straight to your inbox every other week! Sign up now to receive the Unfiltered e-mail newsletter, featuring the latest scoop on how wine intersects with film, TV, music, sports, politics and more.
More Best of 2018
2018: In Memoriam
Top Wine Stories of 2018
Dr. Vinny's Weirdest Wine Questions of 2018
Top Editors' Blog Posts of 2018
Top New Wine Videos of 2018
Actors Musicians / Singers Extra, Extra Oddities Sports Basketball Football Best of 2018 Unfiltered
A British lawyer and cottage-keeper has registered his two-vine, er, "parcel" for commercia…
The Provence pink powerhouse is teaming with one of the top grower Champagne producers. …
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Gen Z torments winemakers into seeking even weirder flavors, Aubert de Villaine's a "Bad …
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Symphony Technology Group Acquires Winshuttle Holdings, LLC
Winshuttle, the leading SAP-centric robotic process automation and data management platform provider, announces it has been acquired by Symphony Technology Group (STG).
Winshuttle Holdings, LLC (Winshuttle), the leading SAP-centric robotic process automation and data management platform provider, announced today that it has been acquired by Symphony Technology Group (STG) based in Palo Alto, CA. STG is a strategic private equity firm with $2 billion in assets under management focused on transforming high-potential companies into definitive market leaders. The firm’s long-term outlook allows its portfolio of software, data and analytics companies to develop innovative product offerings that will appeal to high-growth markets.
“This is an exciting step for Winshuttle that will allow us to leverage the tremendous expertise of STG to accelerate and scale our offering in the application data management space,” said John Pierson, CEO of Winshuttle. “This partnership will allow us to deepen and broaden the value we deliver to our very satisfied customer base comprised of many of the world’s largest brands.”
Winshuttle is a leading provider of data automation and data process management software for the enterprise, typically in SAP environments. The company offers software that improves data accuracy and maximizes the productivity of business users who interface directly with SAP (e.g., Finance, HR, Supply Chain, IT) by automating workflows and data movement. Winshuttle has a total global headcount of approximately 300 people with headquarters in Bothell, Washington, offices in North America, UK, France, Germany, and India, and remote employees around the world.
“Winshuttle is an established leader in the data management and robotic process automation industry with an excellent track record of providing innovative solutions that serve the needs of more than 1,800 of the world’s largest corporations,” said William Chisholm, STG Managing Partner. “We are thrilled to partner with John and the Winshuttle team to help accelerate the growth of the company’s next generation of application data management solutions. We look forward to embarking together on the journey ahead.”
Spurrier Capital Partners acted as financial advisor to Winshuttle and Paul Hastings LLP acted as legal advisor to STG for this transaction.
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Learn more about Winshuttle’s SAP data management solutions by visiting www.winshuttle.com
About Symphony Technology Group
Symphony Technology Group (STG) is the private equity partner for market-leading data, software and analytics companies. The firm brings expertise, flexibility, and resources to build strategic value and unlock the potential of innovative companies. Partnering to build customer-centric, market winning portfolio companies, STG creates sustainable foundations for growth that bring value to all existing and future stakeholders. The firm is dedicated to transforming and building outstanding technology companies in partnership with world-class management teams. STG’s expansive portfolio has consisted of more than 30 global companies. For more information, please visit www.stgpartners.com.
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Fenland Big Weekender
Wisbech Town FC
Wisbech life
Voice of the Fens
Project receives Princess Royal Trust booster
PUBLISHED: 13:06 25 August 2006 | UPDATED: 19:47 01 June 2010
A CHILDREN and Families Project in Fenland has been given a major boost with a grant of £62,500 made available through the Princess Royal Trust for Carers. The Ormiston Children and Families Trust has bases in Queen s Street, March, and Money Bank, Wisbec
A CHILDREN and Families Project in Fenland has been given a major boost with a grant of £62,500 made available through the Princess Royal Trust for Carers.
The Ormiston Children and Families Trust has bases in Queen's Street, March, and Money Bank, Wisbech.
It is one of six organisations to have been awarded the grant in the first of two rounds of the Young Carers Large Grants programme, funded by Comic Relief.
These funds will be used to develop a project which will help vulnerable and hidden young carers in Fenland.
The Fenland Young Carers project already works with Young Carers under 21-years whose lives are affected by someone in their family who suffers from an illness, disability, mental health or substance misuse, and their families with children aged seven to 13 whose lives are affected by substance abuse.
Jo German, development manager at the Ormiston Children and Families Trust, said: "The Young Carers team are really excited about setting up new groups for children ages 7 -13 years over the next three years.
"We will be working together with local organisations who work with adults who have caring needs to develop the children's groups."
The project will develop 'safe groups' for children and young people to talk about life experiences, to form friendships and to offer opportunities to talk about the impact of substance abuse on their lives and their family, through participating in a range of activities, group and one-to-one provision.
They will also develop images of their experiences to be used as a future resource, to raise awareness with professionals including teachers, funders and decision makers about the children's experiences.
The learning generated by the project will be used as part of a toolkit of resources, which will be produced by the Princess Royal Trust for Carers for the benefit of young carers across the country.
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Cambs Times Ely Standard Hunts Post
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Pricing О нас Карьера Контакты
Искать на английском языке
Банки и финансы Корпоративное право Расторжение брака и вопросы семейного права Трудовые отношения Иммиграция Интеллектуальная собственность Судебные разбирательства и арбитраж Частные клиенты Недвижимость Налоги Trust, estate and inheritance disputes
The Autumn Budget - what does it mean for the charity sector?
Billed as the ‘end of austerity’, October’s budget was expected to deliver big announcements. Whilst there was no headline announcement for the charities sector, there were several smaller ones which are of relevance to the sector, including:
an increase in the upper limit of the small trading exemption for charities, allowing charities to engage in some small scale trading without incurring tax on the profits. This will increase the thresholds from £5,000 to £8,000 where turnover is under £20,000 and from £50,000 to £80,000 where turnover exceeds £200,000;
an increase in the upper limit of the Gift Aid small donations scheme to £30;
further funding of £15m for charities to distribute surplus food; and
a donation by the Treasury of £10m to support veterans with mental health needs.
The budget also contains a number of announcements which, while not directly targeting charities, may be of interest:
£20.5 billion of extra funding for the NHS over the next five years, including provision for the development of a mental health crisis service, which will be of interest to charities;
£650m of grant funding for Social Care for English councils for 2019/20, as well as an additional £45m for the disabled facilities grant in England in 2018/19;
£84m committed over the next five years to expand children’s social care programmes to a further 20 councils; and
a windfall of £1.6 billion for Research and development funding, in order to help position the UK as a world leader in new technologies.
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Story Details
Preview: Boy's Hockey Match-up with Medford Published on 01/14/2020 under Sports
The boy's hockey team is back in action at home tonight at 7 PM as the Hatchets welcome in the Medford Raiders. The Raiders (6-5-1, 0-4-1) are coming off a 4-1 loss to the hands of Mosinee, whereas the Hatchets (2-12, 0-4) are back after a loss Friday night at Sara Park to Ashland, 7-0. Tomahawk will have to play strong defensively, as the Raiders bring in two dominant scorers, Junior Colton Gowey, who leads the team with 15 goals and 25 points, alongside Junior Carter Pernsteiner who is just behind him with 13 goals and 22 points.
Caleb Lund leads the attack for Tomahawk, with a team-high 10 goals going into tonight's match-up. Despite the records coming into the game tonight, Tomahawk should have their confidence fairly high, seeing as they swept Medford last season in their two match-ups, outscoring the Raiders 16-3. The game will be aired on WJJQ with the Fehrman Orthodontics Pregame show beginning at 6:35 and opening puck drop at 7 PM.
Hatchets Excel at Merkesan Invite
Published on 01/20/2020 under Sports The Tomahawk Hatchet wrestling team traveled to Markesan High School on Saturday and came out with great confidence. Out of the eight schools competing, Tomahawk took the top spot, finishing with 271.5 points. Individually, the hatchets had an overall great day, with four Tomahawk wrestlers taking the top spot in their respective weight classes, such as Mason Evans Isaiah Scheffler, Logan Bishop an Marcus Matti. Addison Peissig, Luke Knight, Kade Wenninger, Eric Decker and Tony Matti finished in second in their weight classes. The Hatchets are back on the mat on Thursday night for a road dual meet with Antigo at 7 P.M.
+ Read More Preview: Boy's Basketball Tangles with Phillips
Published on 01/20/2020 under Sports After their game game versus Northland Pines got cancelled for Friday night, the Tomahawk Hatchet boy's basketball team should be well rested heading into their meet-up with Phillips at home tonight. The Hatchets (5-7, 1-4) welcome in a surging Loggers team who is 8-3 and 7-2 in the Marawood North Conference, while also being on a three-game win streak. Tomahawk is coming off of a loss last week in a GNC match-up where, Rhinelander won, 52-36 in a game where the Hatchet offense just wasn't clicking, especially from deep, as they missed all eight of their attempts from beyond the arc. The JV game tonight will get underway at 5:45, with the varsity game tipping-off at 7:15 on WJJQ.
+ Read More All Riders Urged To Follow Safety Tips During Snowmobile Safety Week
Published on 01/20/2020 under News The DNR is stressing smart and sober riding for snowmobilers as part of International Snowmobile Safety Week. This safety effort began over the weekend and continues through Sunday. All riders in Wisconsin born after 1985 are required to complete a snowmobile safety course, however officials say it is helpful for all riders to brush up on their safety skills. Capt. April Dombrowski, who leads the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' Bureau of Law Enforcement Recreational Safety and Outdoor Skills Section, says, "The awareness week spotlights the smart and safe methods all snowmobilers should use the entire season." Unfortunately, the DNR recorded 16 fatal snowmobile accidents in 2019. Eleven took place on public trails or roads, while four were on frozen waterways. This year, there have already been 5 snowmobile deaths including two in Oneida County. Both Vilas and Langlade Counties have also had a fatal crash. Dombrowski says, "Safe snowmobiling means riding within your capabilities, operating at safe and appropriate speeds for the terrain, machine and user capability, along with the element of daylight visibility versus night operation. Moreover, never drink alcoholic beverages before or while driving. Always wear a helmet and adequate clothing, stay within designated riding areas and always snowmobile with another person, never alone."
+ Read More Stephenson Wins Third Snowmobile Championship; Van Strydonk 2nd in Final Derby Race
Published on 01/20/2020 under News For the third consecutive year, Blaine Stephenson held off Nick Van Strydonk to win the World Championship Snowmobile Derby in Eagle River. Over the weekend, the racers competed in the 57th edition of the crown jewel of the sport. Still just 23, Stephenson became the first racer to win the championship in three consecutive years. The Minnesota native started on the poll, fell to the back of the field following a 6th lap spin out, and worked back to the lead. For Tomahawk's Nick Van Strydonk, the runner-up finish was bittersweet. At the end of last season, he announced this racing season would be his last. Van Strydonk finished his Derby career with two World Championships in 2012 and 2017. He also ended with 6 consecutive podium finishes in Eagle River. By Sunday, the initial field of 32 competitors was whittled down to 12. The field also included Sabrina Blanchett. The Quebec native became the first woman to qualify for the finals in the Derby World Championships.
+ Read More Local Fire Departments Participate in Ice Rescue Training in Tomahawk
Published on 01/20/2020 under News A number of local fire departments are better prepared for ice rescues thanks to a weekend training session. On Saturday morning, the Tomahawk Fire Department hosted responders from the Nokomis, Cassian and Crescent Fire Departments. The agencies met at Bradley Park in Tomahawk where they staged a mock rescue in the icy waters of Lake Mohawksin. An ice rescue can be a dangerous situation for not only those being rescued, but the responders themselves. They need to ensure they don't break through the ice. This training allowed participants to utilize their specialized equipment in a controlled environment. In addition to the fire departments, Tomahawk EMS members were also on hand to go over the treatment of patients that have been exposed to frigid waters and hypothermia conditions.
+ Read More Garage Destroyed in Tomahawk Fire
Published on 01/20/2020 under News A storage garage was destroyed in a fire early Monday morning in Tomahawk. According to the Tomahawk Fire Department incident report, that fire happened at shortly after midnight on Grundy Road, east of Tomahawk. The report indicates that the garage was detached from the home. The garage and all of its contents are considered a total loss. No injuries were reported. Crews were on the scene for approximately 2.5 hours. A cause of fire wasn't immediately provided.
+ Read More Lincoln County Sheriff's Report
Published on 01/20/2020 under News A 36 year old Merrill man was arrested Thursday morning on a warrant charge. A deputy arrested the man at the Lincoln County Court House after a check showed he was wanted by the Marathon County Sheriff for theft. A 47 year old Merrill man was arrested Friday morning on a warrant charge. The man came to the Sheriff's Office to file a complaint and a check showed he was wanted by the Winnebago County Sheriff for contributing to the delinquency of a minor. A 26 year old Merrill man was arrested Friday afternoon after a traffic stop in the Town of Scott. The man was stopped just after 3:00 PM on County Rd K at County Rd Q for speeding and equipment violations. The K9 Nina arrived on the scene and indicated to the odor of drugs in the vehicle. A searched turned up drug paraphernalia which later tested positive for methamphetamine. The man was arrested on charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and felony bail jumping. An 82 year old Menominee Falls man was injured after a snowmobile crash Saturday evening in the Town of Russell. He was transported to Aspirus Wausau Hospital, alcohol was not involved in the incident. A 32 year old Merrill man was cited for a first offense of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated after a traffic stop Sunday morning in the Town of Merrill. The man was stopped on Lake Pesabic Rd for failing to stop at a stop sign. A 34 year old Wausau man was arrested Monday morning after deputies responded to a disturbance in the Town of Scott. A 911 call reported the incident just before 4:00 AM. The man was arrested on charges of battery, disorderly conduct and for violating the terms of his probation. Six people reported striking deer this past week.
+ Read More Additional Information Released from Fatal Taylor County Crash
Published on 01/19/2020 under News Investigators now believe the victim in a fatal Taylor County crash earlier this year may have been using a cell phone. The Taylor County Sheriff's Office released additional information on that January 2 crash. The victim has now been identified as 45 year old Chad Olson of Rib Lake. Investigators said that Olson was traveling on Highway 13, north of Medford his SUV drifted into the opposite lane of traffic and struck a semi. Evidence indicates he was using a cell phone at the time. The report also confirms he was not wearing a seat belt. Officials continue to investigate.
+ Read More Three Arrested in Meth Bust in Eagle River
Published on 01/19/2020 under News A Friday morning investigation into methamphetamine in Eagle River resulted in several arrests. Investigators executed a search at a home on Pine Street. According to a news release, officers took three people into custody. The names of those arrested were not immediately released. At the time, police asked people to avoid the area due to the volatile nature of chemicals used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Eagle River Police were assisted by Vilas County Deputies and the Northcentral Drug Enforcement Group or NorDEG.
+ Read More Hatchet Wrestling Dominates Mosinee
Published on 01/17/2020 under Sports The Tomahawk Hatchet wrestlers traveled to Mosinee Thursday night and took on the Indians. The Hatchets, despite Coach Garrou believing his team could have wrestled better, came out with a 54-16 victory. Much of that comes from the fact that Mosinee had to forfeit five matches, making it difficult for Mosinee to get back into things. The Hatchets won five of the nine matches wrestled, with Alex Bishop, Isaiah Scheffler, Logan Bishop, Kade Wenninger and Erik Decker picked up victories on the mat. The Hatchets are 2-0 in dual meets this week and will end the week at a tournament at Markesan High School on Saturday morning.
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zenpolitics
Books, mountains, woodland, streams all cool me down, politics and people sometimes fire me up, and there's always Zen and the Tao to set me right again
Representative democracy – the best form of government yet devised
The Federalist Papers, Alexander Hamilton – and the UK
March for a People’s Vote, 19th October 2019
Cheltenham Literature Festival 2019 – part two
Camino – commentary (10)
Camino – on the road (21)
Camino – poetry (4)
Mahayana (1)
zenpolitics in Books, Children, democracy, Literature, Media, Politics, social media, USA Jun 19, 2019 549 Words
Apology gets political
Apologia: ‘a formal written defence of one’s opinions or conduct.’
Apology: ‘a regretful acknowledgement of an offence or failure.’
The focus these days is on regret. It’s easier it seems to regret than defend.
‘Democrats are a sorry bunch,’ always expressing regrets, ‘for racial, gay or women’s rights, failing to call out sexism and harassment, dubiously claiming ethnic heritage and for being white and privileged.’ (David Charter writing in The Times last Saturday)
Their ‘apology tour’, Charter continues, ‘contrasts with the man they all hope to beat next year. President Trump has tweeted that it is the media that owes the nation an apology after the Mueller report…’
Charter’s is an odd piece. It almost reads as if he’s on Trump’s side. But he makes a powerful point. If you not only dictate the agenda, if you set the agenda, as Trump has done to a remarkable degree, you’re in the driving seat. If you’re always looking over your shoulder you won’t win the race.
On the same day there was a good piece in The Guardian on this subject. But a very different context. Entitled ‘Battle lines’, it’s well-summed up by the intro: ‘It’s given us Harry Potter, The Hunger Games and many spellbinding stories. But now the world of Young Adult fiction is at war with itself. There have been accusations and public apologies, novels have been boycotted and withdrawn. There have even been death threats against authors. What is going on?’
The vehicle for all this is of course social media. I’m not a regular user. But if I was an author wanting to get to the widest audience, I would be.
Put a racist character in a book, and they might assume your racist. Write outside your own colour, or indeed gender, and you run a risk. Your perception might not be another’s, and they may be vociferous on the subject.
My answer, for what it’s worth… Avoid correction and apology. (And avoid apologias as well.) For publishers as much as authors. If criticism is legitimate, acknowledge it. Otherwise hold out. Easy to say, I admit. But as the author of the Guardian article (and it is, unlike Charter’s, a very good piece), Leo Benedictus, says, ‘It may not be realistic to hope for restraint from social media, but it is clearly what’s required.’
One consequence is that supporters of gender and racial equality damage their own cause by this relentless and sometimes vicious self-examination. Supposed supporters of Democratic candidates for the presidency likewise. Give authors, give candidates space to breathe. Recognise they make mistakes, leave them be, save for the most egregious offences. It doesn’t mean you don’t criticise. But you don’t harangue. Avoid instant reactions, that immediate resort to social media when something offends.
Go beyond that, and the wider public you’re looking to influence, or looking to for support, will turn to the likes of Trump instead, and say they prefer the simple, the unvarnished, the non-truth, to all this argument and introspection. Gender and racial issues are inconvenient for many. They don’t wish to face up to them. Don’t give them a let-out – an easy, Trumpian let-out.
David Charter
Democratic presidential candidates
Leo Benedictus
Tory debate debacle
Taking a break from politics
What is zenpolitics?
Zenpolitics – three big ideas
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