Over and out.

I've had some fun with this blog over the last few months.  However, I've decided that it's time to call it quits.

I've come to the conclusion that blogging is not really what I would like to do, much like other forms of social media (those of you who know me will be aware that I don't Facebook or Twitter - nor do I ever intend to).

From now on I have virtually zero online presence beyond the Paint.NET forum, and that suits me just fine.

So it's "Goodnight from me..."

"And it's goodnight from him."

Over and out.

the 1080 debate rages on.

I found this excellent and thoughtful article on the use of 1080 in New Zealand by Nicola Toki:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/blogs/in-our-nature/8954961/Why-1080-is-a-dirty-word

I dislike the use of this toxic crap as I have remarked previously on this blog.  I don't like that it destroys non-target animal life.  Yes it kills predators, but also their prey.  The very animals we are trying to protect.

"Oh look.  We killed over 1000 possums!"
"Yeah.  You did.  Shame about the last Spotted Kiwi in NZ dying too."

The biggest problem I have with 1080 is that you can never win with it.  Stop dropping the stuff and the predator population springs back.  Much in the same way that myxomatosis initially knocked back rabbits.  Well, they're back.  Not only back, rabbits have flooded back into the areas that were so nearly cleared out.

According to the experts, the only way to stay ahead of the game is to keep pouring 1080 into our native bush.  For ever.

I don't think so.

I was once asked for my solution.  I came up with the idea of genetic modification of the predator species.  What if the predator could be manipulated to only give birth to sterile or male offspring?  Game over, stoat!  Weasel out of that one.

The natural consequence of this sort of population control is that it is species specific and ongoing.  You can imagine the population dropping by massive amounts in just a few years as the population becomes increasingly sterile, male or both.

It's a thought, and one that would find a great deal of public support.  Unlike 1080.

Fonterra Word Association Game

Let's play a game shall we?  It's a word association game.

Fonterra
Dirty Dairying
Melamine
Dicyandiamide
Botulism
Fonterra

For life??  More like "fails life".

Plain Talking with Clemetine Ford

In her article entitled "Shouting back at Twitter rape threats", Clemetine Ford dropped this little beauty:

"...her efforts were rewarded by a sustained Twitter attack from some of the more repugnant turds excreted by society's sulphurous bottom."

Way to go Clementine!  You tell them!

Full article >> http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/8981403/Shouting-back-at-Twitter-rape-threats

Me and Banky

I couldn't have foreseen the day when I would hold John Banks up as someone to honor.

(image: www.idealog.co.nz)

Today is that day.  Who would have thought?

You see, John has publicly spoken out against the testing of psychoactive substances (party pills et al) on animals.  Good on you John!

The Psychoactive Substances Bill is currently before a parliamentary committee despite an overwhelming number of Kiwis being against this cruel and inhumane treatment of animals.

If you wouldn't want your child/sibling/relative using these drugs then why allow them to be tested on animals?  Surely a complete ban is the way to move forward?

I can't believe that animal testing is so blithely accepted in New Zealand.

And before you claim that it doesn't happen here, it does.  Have a look at this: http://www.banbeagleexperiments.org.nz/

Ignorance is bliss right?

The good people of New Zealand are up in arms about this bill.  Join us.

Read about the protests on Stuff:  http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/8980455/Protest-against-animal-testing

Paint.NET chain link tutorial

Speaking of tutorials.   My mate Welshblue has come up with this beauty: Chain Link tutorial

Once again, Welshblue has proved just why he has been recognized as the King of Paint.NET. I don't think my try at the tutorial does it justice.

Still.  Neat effect eh?  Thanks Welshblue!

Roll out the barrel

New tutorial posted on the Paint.NET forum by Skullbonz.

The tutorial details how to make a barrel.  It's nice and easy, so I made one.  Cool!

Find the tutorial here: forums.getpaint.net/index.php?/topic/26840-make-a-rusty-barrel