Episode 33 is now available, and it's free no matter where you get it from. You can listen to it or download it through the player at the bottom of the post here, or subscribe for free through iTunes here (you must have the free iTunes player installed). You can also listen to it for free through the player on my MySpace page.
There was no podcast on Friday because I simply ran out of time. It’s possible that I also won’t have time to record this coming Friday.
Should I keep the twice-weekly schedule, or does the sort of limited scope of this podcast make more sense in weekly doses? What do you think? Obviously I’ll do what makes sense for me, but I’d really like to know what you’d prefer, so vote in the anonymous poll at the top right of this blog.
Today I go over a selection of recent news stories about or affecting New Zealand, all of which have something to do with US influence on New Zealand. That starts at the 2:03. Then, I’ll go into more detail about one of those stories on the religious right in New Zealand, my main topic today, at 8:55. Finally, it’s comments at 15:43.
Please leave a comment or send an email to me at amerinz[at}yahoo.com, and be sure to vote in the poll at the top right of this blog.
Links from today’s episode:
About travel rules—Democracy Now! for July 31, new rules for travelling to the US. Immigration changes proposed in New Zealand. Copyright law changes in New Zealand. Low unemployment rate in NZ continues. Slap Upside the Head on the Gay Pride Flag. Incidental music this episode by Nick Murray from the Podsafe Music Network.
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9 comments:
Regarding the travel restrictions placed on non-US visitors - I'm certain it's going to have an increasingly negative impact. I stayed at a B&B the first couple of months I was in NZ and met several folks from Europe who said they now avoid traveling through or to the US for that reason.
The new Air NZ Auckland to Vancouver flight has a lot of folks happy around here because it means avoiding a US stop and the attendant hassles.
On a happier note, several coworkers just went to a conference in Portland. For 2 of them it was their first US visit. They loved it, entry hassles aside, and are more than likely to return.
That's a pretty common theme - on average people really like visiting the US and they like Americans. I hate it that our policies seem bent on wrecking that.
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Regarding the backwardness of US laws regarding gay couples - I don't have much hope there.
It's an accurate reflection of a backward attitude that is too popular in the US. The laws won't change until enough of the people do.
Pushing changes to the laws will help because it forces people to think and that's one thing missing now. Common sense will take hold eventually but I just don't have a lot of hope of enough people thinking clearly anytime soon.
I like the new music transitions...and the time changes...very CallBox 7 like. I voted in the poll.
Crazy stuff about the info they are collecting on people who enter the country. That's nuts.
I have no idea what the laws are about copying and keeping TV shows, etc. I'm sure we have them though.
It sounds as though the right wing christianists groups aren't nearly as much of a threat as they are here in the states. I can't imagine they would gain any control in the government. I'd keep my eye on them though. hehehe
Spikey: I agree—everyone I know who's been to America likes it and the people. It's just the current government that seems hellbent on wrecking that. I also agree with you about common sense eventually prevailing, but I'm not sure I'll live to see it.
Archerr: The truth is, I made a mistake in the opening and needed to re-record that part, so I decided to put in a music transition so I could still use the rest of the stuff I'd recorded. I mucked up the first transition, though. And you're right, Callbox 7 was the inspiration for listing the times, and again that wouldn't have been possible if I hadn't had to re-record the beginning.
I'm certainly keeping a watchful eye on the religious wingnuts in New Zealand. I watched them ruin my homeland, I'm not about to stay silent and let them ruin this country, too.
I have read Anthony Venn-Brown's book "A Life of Unlearning" and since it relates to your topic of the religious right, I wondered if he is well known in NZ?
Obviously Venn-Brown has been fighting the religious right ever since coming to terms with his gay identity which was made even more difficult since he was a minister in a conservative church.
You seem so calm in this podcast. I have to admit that I seriously enjoyed your dry quips throughout. I like how balanced and careful the production of this podcast seemed. I have to agree that the religious right must be vigilantly watched. Hope that all is well with the cat, will read up soon.
John: I haven't heard about that book, but it sounds interesting. I'll have to locate a copy. As the son and grandson of ministers, I can vouch for the fact that it is possible to overcome anti-gay Christians, although I didn't personally directly experience homophobia in the church I grew up in.
Kalvin: I feel so bad! With everything going on I haven't had a chance to comment on your latest 'cast yet, then here you are!
This episode was the most thoroughly scripted podcast I've done yet. Most of the time, I just have a topic and start recording—no notes, no outline, nothing. This episode was completely mapped out, including links all prepared for the shownotes—all of which was possible because I had some extra time due to skipping Friday. That may account for the calmness—I didn't have to worry about forgetting anything!
Thanks for the good cat wishes!
Arthur you are great at hitting the nail on the head. The ever increasing agrigation of citizen information is of no use in securing our country. Call me overly paranoid but I feel the collection of all of this information is for the exclusive use of the Republican National Committee. Watergate on a grand scale.
I don't really care when you post as long as you continue to post; You really are very articulate on some very important topics.
Love your podcasts, keep it up.
Thanks,
Frank
Arthur,
I am catching up on Podcasts, I have been way behind. I missed the poll, but keep posting twice a week, I really enjoy learning about NZ and the "talk" shows you do with others are so intresting. Hope all is well. By the way, I have a little guy named Jake as well, he is a feirce 8lb. Chihuahua... nice job picking a great name for a dog....
Take Care,
Robert
Frank: I don't think you're paranoid. They say "knowledge is power," and the more information--knowledge--government has about ordinary people the more power they have. To me, information should only be gathered and collected for legitimate and relevant reasons. Bush saying it's needed simply isn't good enough.
Thanks for the kind words!
Robert: Thanks for the feedback--I really do appreciate it! Jake is a good name, but ours is roughly 11 US pounds (he's 5kg) and growing...
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