June 28, 2019
NZ Labour: Build Houses
Why can't the New Zealand Labour government build houses? They're the party that invented the state house. Housing Minister, Phil Twyford has just been sacked, fair enough he proved useless but you also have to question the entire Labour team. There is a real dearth of talent in the NZ parliament right now.
June 22, 2019
Toronto Raptors: Chip on their Shoulder
Not a single player in the champion Raptors side was an NBA lottery pick. The following article details how each player was acquired and where they were in the draft. It's an interesting read and just goes to show, a team of players with something to prove can achieve greatness.
https://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2019/04/11/how-the-2018-19-raptors-were-built.html
https://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2019/04/11/how-the-2018-19-raptors-were-built.html
June 21, 2019
War with Iran
Who is behind the ramping up of tension between Iran and the USA? Would it be Saudi Arabia? A bit obvious this, given that the Saudis are under investigation for murdering the journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the bombing of civilians in Yemen, and now they're under attack from Houthi rebels on Saudi territory with the Saudi Army apparently running away whenever they come under fire.
June 17, 2019
Kim Kardashian for President
The US has had its first reality television star become President, so why not the first female President also a reality TV star? Face it, she'd be better than the Donald. Better looking too. I know Kanye West said he was going to run, but with his mental stability an issue then it's over to his wife with her new legal training. Embrace the vision.
June 15, 2019
Toronto Raptors Win NBA Championship
The Raptors have pulled off a massive upset, beating the Golden State Warriors 4-2 in the series. Game 6 was even tighter than the close score suggests. For the losers, Klay Thompson stood out, when he dislocated his knee he had the presence of mind to crawl back onto the court to ensure he was down while fully in the field of play, then when carried from the area he returned to make his free throws. Now that is tough. I hope he's all right. And for the winners, what a great team effort, with Kawhi Leonard the man who can do anything.
June 12, 2019
New Zealand Defence Capability Plan
Those wanting to read the latest dreams and schemes put out by the NZ Defence establishment can read it here:
https://www.defence.govt.nz/publications/publication/defence-capability-plan-2019
This is an improvement but still doesn't go far enough. Readers will note that there are still no plans to regain NZ's air strike capability. Also lacking is a firm commitment to acquire drones which are a must-do in my book. They're also continuing with cuts even though the replacement capability is not ready. I'm talking here about the immediate removal from service of two inshore patrol boats, leaving just two in service. That's likely because they can't find crews to man them.
Then consider it appears the multi-role vessel HMNZS Canterbury is a failure. Read between the lines, it is spelt out bold and clear.
The NZ Government don't appear to be able to get its priorities right. Those priorities must be:
Navy
Air Force
Army
...in that order. Having two old and incapable Frigates to secure 11% of the earth's surface is ludicrous. Grow up New Zealand.
Oh and consider this announcement a bribe of sorts from NZ First's Ron Mark. But before voters consider giving them a chance in 2020, please remember that this lot shut down oil and gas exploration. They acted to harm the NZ economy, so they can't be trusted with defence either.
This was my blueprint published in 2017 https://kenhorlor.blogspot.com/2017/01/blueprint-for-new-zealand-armed-forces.html
https://www.defence.govt.nz/publications/publication/defence-capability-plan-2019
This is an improvement but still doesn't go far enough. Readers will note that there are still no plans to regain NZ's air strike capability. Also lacking is a firm commitment to acquire drones which are a must-do in my book. They're also continuing with cuts even though the replacement capability is not ready. I'm talking here about the immediate removal from service of two inshore patrol boats, leaving just two in service. That's likely because they can't find crews to man them.
Then consider it appears the multi-role vessel HMNZS Canterbury is a failure. Read between the lines, it is spelt out bold and clear.
The NZ Government don't appear to be able to get its priorities right. Those priorities must be:
Navy
Air Force
Army
...in that order. Having two old and incapable Frigates to secure 11% of the earth's surface is ludicrous. Grow up New Zealand.
Oh and consider this announcement a bribe of sorts from NZ First's Ron Mark. But before voters consider giving them a chance in 2020, please remember that this lot shut down oil and gas exploration. They acted to harm the NZ economy, so they can't be trusted with defence either.
This was my blueprint published in 2017 https://kenhorlor.blogspot.com/2017/01/blueprint-for-new-zealand-armed-forces.html
June 10, 2019
Toronto Raptors: Defense
It's all about defense, that's my reasoning behind the Raptors surprise upsets over the Golden State Warriors in the 2019 NBA finals. I know a lot of people are going on about their offesne, but look at the scores, the Warriors are being restricted. Leonard, Gasol, Ibaka, Siakam and Green are all defensive heavyweights.
June 09, 2019
New Zealand: Clash of Polls
The latest political opinion polls show a completely contrasting picture. TVNZ's 1 News has National ahead of Labour, while TV3's Newshub have National plummeting to new lows. What's going on?
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12238789
Something the two media organisations did agree on; the minor parties are looking shaky. They're both on or just over the 5% threshold, which is good news for both Labour and National, but especially National.
The real story I think is being rarely mentioned, and that is that voters are browsing around looking for someone to support, hence the erosion of support for the minor parties in parliament, and the emergence of new political movements such as the new Christian party and a new Green party called Sustainable New Zealand.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12238789
Something the two media organisations did agree on; the minor parties are looking shaky. They're both on or just over the 5% threshold, which is good news for both Labour and National, but especially National.
The real story I think is being rarely mentioned, and that is that voters are browsing around looking for someone to support, hence the erosion of support for the minor parties in parliament, and the emergence of new political movements such as the new Christian party and a new Green party called Sustainable New Zealand.
June 08, 2019
2019 NBA Finals
Wow, it's now 3-1 to the Raptors in the series. Drake really has proven to be a lucky charm. The Warriors appear completely psyched out, with incidents like the co-owner pushing a Raptors player at courtside. I'm sure the Raptors are making the most of every incident no matter how slight they are. And now the Raptors get to go for the series win at home with Drake cheering on. It's entertaining.
June 07, 2019
Rihanna New #1 All Time
Rihanna has been named as the biggest female artist of all time, exceeding Beyonce and Celine Dion to the top earner prize. This is how I imagine she feels upon hearing the news:
June 06, 2019
Game 3 NBA Finals 2019
The series is locked up 1-1 and it's looking as if injuries are going to be a critical factor. Kevin Durant is out for the Warriors and Klay Thompson is looking doubtful. What was looking like a stroll to a third straight title for the Warriors, is now far from it.
May 31, 2019
Drake a Lucky Charm?
The Toronto Raptors have beaten the Golden State Warriors in game 1 of the 2019 NBA Finals. Is this a Drake factor? Popular rapper Drake has been winding up opposition teams throughout the playoffs. Have Drake's antics on the sideline had a tangible effect? You've got to laugh though, only in the game of basketball could it be true.
May 30, 2019
RJ Hampton
High school US basketball star RJ Hampton has signed to play professionally with the New Zealand Breakers, a team that plays in the ANBL. The Breakers have won several titles but their fortunes have waned in recent years. What to make then of this latest move.
The basketball scene Downunder is stronger than many realise. Andrew Bogut finished his season with the ANBL's Sydney Kings and then winged his way to Golden State and will be playing at centre for the Warriors in the NBA Finals. The Sydney Kings came third in the ANBL with Bogut, so that may indicate the depth of the league. They're not bunnies.
The Breakers have new owners and they're keen to get things back on the right track. But there are potential problems with their approach; many former NBA players have played Downunder and come up short. The style of play Downunder is not the same as in the NBA. RJ Hampton has only played High School basketball and looks quite slim. He'll be up against grown men, and they're from all over the place, they don't play like Americans. This is code for - the games are much rougher than in High School basketball in the US. Players have to deal with getting beat up.
Will RJ Hampton measure up and is this league the right preparation for the NBA? If I'm going to put money on the outcome, my bet would be it will be a failed though interesting experiment.
The basketball scene Downunder is stronger than many realise. Andrew Bogut finished his season with the ANBL's Sydney Kings and then winged his way to Golden State and will be playing at centre for the Warriors in the NBA Finals. The Sydney Kings came third in the ANBL with Bogut, so that may indicate the depth of the league. They're not bunnies.
The Breakers have new owners and they're keen to get things back on the right track. But there are potential problems with their approach; many former NBA players have played Downunder and come up short. The style of play Downunder is not the same as in the NBA. RJ Hampton has only played High School basketball and looks quite slim. He'll be up against grown men, and they're from all over the place, they don't play like Americans. This is code for - the games are much rougher than in High School basketball in the US. Players have to deal with getting beat up.
Will RJ Hampton measure up and is this league the right preparation for the NBA? If I'm going to put money on the outcome, my bet would be it will be a failed though interesting experiment.
May 26, 2019
The Ugly Side of the NBA
I like this YouTube look at the cynical stat padding that occurs in the NBA:
Then below is more depth on the Russell Westbrook factor. He hurts his team by insisting on taking rebounds away from Steven Adams, who incredibly has more offensive rebounds than defensive boards. This hurts the OKC as Westbrook is not putting the team into a situation where they can get an offense going fast, Westbrook prioritises his own stats ahead of the team...
Note that I've previously posted about how regular season games are orchestrated to ensure key players get open looks.
Then below is more depth on the Russell Westbrook factor. He hurts his team by insisting on taking rebounds away from Steven Adams, who incredibly has more offensive rebounds than defensive boards. This hurts the OKC as Westbrook is not putting the team into a situation where they can get an offense going fast, Westbrook prioritises his own stats ahead of the team...
Note that I've previously posted about how regular season games are orchestrated to ensure key players get open looks.
May 24, 2019
Large Businesses For Sale Australia
Australia appears to be undergoing some changes as companies announce divestments:
Did I miss anything? It looks to be a combination of factors in play, some companies are retreating while others are moving out of basic materials and into utilities and the like.
My pick of the above would be Downer Mining at $300mil. Then apart from the above picks, Boral at their current share price are a takeover target, as well as Macmahon Holdings.
- Fulton Hogan Construction Australia is now for sale by their New Zealand parent. This takes in all of their civil engineering assets in Australia.
- Downer Mining is said to be for sale,
- Laing O'Rourke's Australian operations are also said to be on the market.
- Lendlease engineering division is reported for sale,
- BGC Contracting has been reported for sale (source: The Australian), and;
- A while back The Australian reported Holcim Australia was up for grabs, which was denied by the company, though it should be noted that it no longer fits into the LafargeHolcim framework.
Did I miss anything? It looks to be a combination of factors in play, some companies are retreating while others are moving out of basic materials and into utilities and the like.
My pick of the above would be Downer Mining at $300mil. Then apart from the above picks, Boral at their current share price are a takeover target, as well as Macmahon Holdings.
May 22, 2019
NZ: Deal with the White Supremacists
The white supremacists in New Zealand are getting bolder following the mosque attacks in Christchurch. Now death threats from these types means NZ Green MP, Golriz Ghahraman has had to have permanent protection put in place:
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/112882626/security-escort-for-green-mp-golrizghahraman-after-acts-david-seymour-called-her-a-menace
The Labour government have got to take immediate action.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/112882626/security-escort-for-green-mp-golrizghahraman-after-acts-david-seymour-called-her-a-menace
The Labour government have got to take immediate action.
May 17, 2019
New Christian Party for New Zealand
It has been reported in New Zealand that a new Christian political party may be formed to contest the next general election. It would be led by Alfred Ngaro, who is currently a National member of parliament.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12231733
This has been tried in the past and failed, so what's different now? Ngaro is a sitting MP and likely National will step aside to allow him to win a seat. Previous Christian parties had no sitting members. In 1996 the Christian Coalition gained 4.33% of the vote and had they managed to do a deal with an MP they may well have held the balance of power in that parliament. Then Christian Heritage followed in 1999, receiving 2.38%. That would have meant several seats in parliament.
National doing a deal with one of their existing MP's and setting up a Christian broad spectrum party may entice voters away from Labour. It is no secret that Labour gets heavy support from Pacific Islanders and Catholics. They're socially conservative communities but socialists when it comes to unions and worker rights. Many of these voters are uncomfortable with Labour's one size fits all diversity policies. National need to gain ground from the centre left and this could be the way to do it.
Another option they could add, is doing a deal with Vernon Tava's Sustainable New Zealand party. That would gather up those Green voters who are not socialists. There are a lot of them and the Port Hills electorate in Christchurch is a good example of this phenomenon. It is an electorate with affluent voters proud to drive a hybrid car and buy organic food, but they enjoy their many trips overseas and putting their children through private schools. In 2011 Greens gained 19.60% of the party vote in Port Hills. Across the whole country they only gained 6.72%.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12231733
This has been tried in the past and failed, so what's different now? Ngaro is a sitting MP and likely National will step aside to allow him to win a seat. Previous Christian parties had no sitting members. In 1996 the Christian Coalition gained 4.33% of the vote and had they managed to do a deal with an MP they may well have held the balance of power in that parliament. Then Christian Heritage followed in 1999, receiving 2.38%. That would have meant several seats in parliament.
National doing a deal with one of their existing MP's and setting up a Christian broad spectrum party may entice voters away from Labour. It is no secret that Labour gets heavy support from Pacific Islanders and Catholics. They're socially conservative communities but socialists when it comes to unions and worker rights. Many of these voters are uncomfortable with Labour's one size fits all diversity policies. National need to gain ground from the centre left and this could be the way to do it.
Another option they could add, is doing a deal with Vernon Tava's Sustainable New Zealand party. That would gather up those Green voters who are not socialists. There are a lot of them and the Port Hills electorate in Christchurch is a good example of this phenomenon. It is an electorate with affluent voters proud to drive a hybrid car and buy organic food, but they enjoy their many trips overseas and putting their children through private schools. In 2011 Greens gained 19.60% of the party vote in Port Hills. Across the whole country they only gained 6.72%.
May 12, 2019
NBA Playoffs 2019
It's looking more like it will be the Warriors against the Bucks in the NBA finals. It'll be interesting to see if either the Nuggets or the Blazers can knock the Warriors out. If either does, then I'm picking the Bucks to take the prize.
May 09, 2019
Oh No, Archie?
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have named their baby boy, Archie. Was this inspired by the famous cartoon strip of the same name? Will the Duchess call a daughter, Veronica? Is this the stupidest name you've ever heard?
May 05, 2019
Prediction: Ardern Leaving in 2019
That's right, last year I said New Zealand's PM Jacinda Ardern must leave in 2019 and head overseas. That's because the only way for her now is down in NZ Politics. She's peaked and she relies on unstable tiny parties to stay in office.
But recently I've been observing how Andrew Little has been behaving. He was leader of NZ Labour before Ardern took over in the run-up to the 2017 General Election. I think he knows she's going and that he will take over her role and become Prime Minister. Remember, you heard it here first.
But recently I've been observing how Andrew Little has been behaving. He was leader of NZ Labour before Ardern took over in the run-up to the 2017 General Election. I think he knows she's going and that he will take over her role and become Prime Minister. Remember, you heard it here first.