Sponsor's Message

A quick check of my archives shows that almost exactly four years ago I said "I think it's time that governments around the world put some serious effort into drafting up an international treaty to stamp out spam".

In other columns I suggested that the NZ government should take a lead in the drafting and implementation of such a treaty or accord, thus showing how committed they are to the Net as a medium and the fostering of a practical knowledge-based economy.

Now have your say Got something to say about today's column, or want to see what others think?  Visit The Forums While you're here, why not visit the Aardvark Hall of Shame and perhaps make your own nomination. 7

Well our politicians are nothing if not slow so yesterday (many years after I started making this suggestion), Communications Minister David Cunliffe finally "called for an international agreement to fight the huge number of spam emails" (a quote from this NZ Herald story.

Wise up Cunliffe -- start reading this column and stop wasting taxpayers' money :-)

Speaking of government ministers, I almost choked on my corn flakes this morning when I read about Sports Minister Trevor Mallard berating our athletes for a lack of "mental toughness".

I'm sorry but dough-boy Mallard is hardly the one to start criticising those amongst us who train hard and aspire to win gold. His pudgy body would indicate a certain lack of "mental toughness" when it comes to moderating his consumption of fine fare from the Belamy's menu.

And, from the good-news/bad-news department:

Scientists have found a way of breeding pigs that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. According to the BBC, "Much research has suggested that omega-3 fats can cut the risk of heart disease".

I'm sure those scientists were really pee'd off when they read this story which casts doubts on the value of such oils.

All that work down the drain perhaps?

And to end the day on a political note...

Why does everyone (especially the media) have so much trouble working out why the PM is treating David Benson-Pope differently to David Parker?

The former has been treated like a real pope, able to dodge the multiple claims of lying to parliament and misconduct in a former life -- while David Parker was required to fall on his sword for one small "mistake" (his words not mine).

Well guess which one is a list MP and which one is an electorate MP.

If a list MP resigns from parliament they're automatically replaced without fuss or problems. If an electorate MP resigns however, a by-election has to be called -- not a good thing when you've only got a majority of one in the house and your copy-book is badly soiled.

Tell us all and see what others have to say in The Aardvark Forums

If you feel that this is a good thing and/or you hold a "geniune affection" for yours truly -- then you are welcome to gift me some money using the buttons provided. In gifting this money you accept that no goods, service or other consideration is offered, provided, accepted or anticipated in return. Just click on the button to gift whatever you can afford. NOTE: PayPal bills in US dollars so don't accidentally gift more than what you were intending :-)

Contacting Aardvark
I'm always happy to hear from readers, whether they're delivering brickbats, bouquets or news tip-offs. If you'd like to contact me directly, please this form. If you're happy for me to republish your comments then please be sure and select For Publication.

Other media organisations seeking more information or republication rights are also invited to contact me.

Just add a couple of lines of JavaScript to your pages and you can get a free summary of Aardvark's daily commentary -- automatically updated each and every week-day.

Aardvark also makes a summary of this daily column available via XML using the RSS format. More details can be found here.

Contact me if you decide to use either of these feeds and have any problems.

Linking Policy
Want to link to this site? Check out Aardvark's Linking Policy.

Did you tell someone else about Aardvark today? If not then do it now!