Good guys

benevolent beancounter
Economist, Gareth Morgan, to donate $47 million to charity. What a nice man with a huge heart, although - at the risk of sounding unkind - he does lack imagination, imho.

Mr Morgan said he and wife Jo had decided their hefty payout was too much to manage. "I just can't think of anything to do with it," he said

Hmm, I can think of LOTS of ways to dispense with 47 mil. But it's your money, honey! You can do whatcha like! Your philanthrophy will not go unrewarded; you'll earn heaps of brownie points in heaven. And, as we all know, you can't take it with you. Besides, even if you're an atheist, you've at least gained the admiration & respect of us mortals here on earth, not to mention the future beneficiries of your goodwill. Btw, have you gotta daughter? And is she married? And if not, does she like Maoris? Just wondering...

It's official!
Our country's first transvestite Prime Minister confirms that Judge Anand Satyanand will become the next Governor General when Dame Silvia Cartwright's tenure ends on August 4th - or whenever she returns from her latest taxpayer-funded overseas junket. I can't speak highly enough of the man. 4 years ago, during a long, messy court battle with some sleazy cops & even dodgier prosecution section who continually thwarted my attempts to gain disclosure through the Official Information Act, Mr Satyanand - as Ombudsman - became my regular 'penpal', best friend & personal hero. It's amazing how quick corrupt state officials will cough up previously withheld paperwork (to which you are legally entitled!) with a letter bearing the Ombudsman's signature. My eternal gratitude for the support from this wonderful public servant. Cheers, Mr S! You have my undying respect, so much so, that I'd even take a bullet for you... in the arm that is, not in the chest! I'm not that grateful :-)