AmeriNZ 74 – Short subjects

Posted on February 22, 2008 by Arthur

Episode 74 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 this post, 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.

Today’s is a short episode, and that relates to my first topic: I’m running out of storage space on Podomatic, so I’ll soon take down my earliest episodes. If you ever wanted to listen to or download them, now’s the time! In about a week or so, I’ll be deleting my earliest episodes.

Okay, so I messed up some things on the answers to the questions on the last episode. Deal with it! Did you know that the light in New Zealand and Australia is different? Researchers say that it is and matters. Our petrol is bloody expensive compared to America. A conference was held in New Zealand to ban cluster bombs. The USA boycotted the meeting. Surprise! The United Kingdom may soon cut off residency access to some Commonwealth citizens. Comments including a voice letter round out this episode. Nigel will be back!

Don’t forget to listen to or download my older episodes!

Leave a comment. Or, you can email a comment to comment(at]amerinz.com, or send a personal email to me (won’t be read on the podcast) to arthur{at)amerinz.com. You can also still use my other address, amerinz[at) yahoo.com or ring my US listener line on 206-339-8413.

Links for this episode

Britain set to abolish Kiwi ancestry visa

Ramble Redhead

Blue Savannah by Erasure iTunes USA Store or iTunes NZ Store. You can also buy Blue Savannah through Amazon.com.

Get AmeriNZ Podcast for free on iTunes

AmeriNZ 74 - Short subjects [ 12:50 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

AmeriNZ 73 – Rambles

Posted on February 19, 2008 by Arthur

Episode 73 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 this post, 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.

Today’s episode is a ramble through miscellany, inspired by a recent podcast from Tom, the Ramble Redhead, in which he answered questions he received in an email. You’ll probably know me a bit better after listening. I also steal an idea from another of Tom’s podcasts: Playing a bunch of clips from other podcasters talking about me (because, ya know, I can).

A little New Zealand news rounds out the episode, including some gay news. Then it’s comments to finish, along with an update to Episode 72.

Links for this episode

Podcast clips featured (links are to the episodes clipped): Feast of Fools, We’re Mean Because You’re Stupid, Ongline Podcast, My Gay Two Cents, ArcherRadio, Big Fatty Online, Ramble Redhead.

Blue Savannah by Erasure iTunes USA Store or iTunes NZ Store. You can also buy Blue Savannah through Amazon.com.

Get AmeriNZ Podcast for free on iTunes

AmeriNZ 73 - Rambles [ 31:33 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

AmeriNZ 72 – Reconciliation

Posted on February 16, 2008 by Arthur

Episode 72 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 this post, 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.

I begin with a discussion of the Australian Prime Minister finally saying “sorry” to Aborigines. After a sound clip and some explanation, I include the special perspective of a guest commentator, an Australian who talks about how this was received, then about the topic of compensation and more. How does all this compare to New Zealand? From there it’s on to a talk about iTunes and a real surprise. That gives me a chance to tell you a bit more about where I’m coming from. Comments round out today’s episode.

From my perspective, this is what podcasts are all about—real people talking about what’s really happening, without the mainstream media filtering it. Let me know what you think.

Links for this episode

Blue Savannah by Erasure iTunes USA Store or iTunes NZ Store. You can also buy Blue Savannah through Amazon.com.

Get AmeriNZ Podcast for free on iTunes

AmeriNZ 72 - Reconciliation [ 29:27 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

AmeriNZ 71 – Nik the AmeriAuck

Posted on February 13, 2008 by Arthur

Episode 71 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 this post, 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.

Joining me today is Nik Dirga, a journalist and a fellow American ex-pat who lives in Auckland (which makes him an AmeriAuck) with his wife and son. This is the first time I’ve had a chat with another American living in Auckland. We talk about Nik’s experiences as an expat, what his impressions of New Zealand are, and how all that relates to others who may be thinking of becoming an expat.

Check out Nik’s blog, Spatula Forum, where there’s a link to his book, Also called Spatula Forum.

Links for this episode

Blue Savannah by Erasure iTunes USA Store or iTunes NZ Store. You can also buy Blue Savannah through Amazon.com.

Get AmeriNZ Podcast for free on iTunes

AmeriNZ 71 - Nik the AmeriAuck [ 34:50 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

AmeriNZ 70 – Political clarity

Posted on February 8, 2008 by Arthur

Episode 70 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 this post, 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.

Archerr and Jason again join me for a political chat as we try and bring a little clarity to recent events. Mitt Romney has suspended his campaign: What does that means for McCain and the Republicans? Super Tuesday produced no clear winner for Democrats, but does that mean that we’re heading for a brokered convention? Pundits and spin: There was plenty of that on the Super Tuesday coverage. Who might be the vice presidential candidates for the two parties? All that and plenty of opinion, too.

Links for this episode:

ArcherRadio

I’m also part of Archerr’s group shows this week, episode 622 and episode 623.

Jason’s View from DC

Blue Savannah by Erasure iTunes USA Store or iTunes NZ Store. You can also buy Blue Savannah through Amazon.com.

Get AmeriNZ Podcast for free on iTunes

AmeriNZ 70 - Political clarity [ 47:49 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

AmeriNZ 69 – Changes

Posted on February 5, 2008 by Arthur

Episode 69 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 this post, 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.

America is ready for change. I wouldn’t change NZ for anywhere. A NZ-US free trade deal is in the works again. Or not. The changes to my blog have started. You’ll be able to relax.

Tomorrow is Waitangi Day, New Zealand’s national holiday. It marks the day the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. So, I’ll be able to watch the US election results from Super Tuesday. America desperately needs change, and what’s important is that we stay focused on that.

New Zealand is a great place to live, so don’t believe all the newspaper propaganda about Australia being better for Kiwis. A NZ-US free trade deal as part of a package with other nations may be considered by the US. But it’s limited. Finally, I update the changes to my blog and give you some rest.

I’m recording a new political discussion via Skype on Thurday, February 7, at 7:30pm EST (US) time. You’re welcome to join us.

Links for this episode: Blue Savannah by Erasure iTunes USA Store or iTunes NZ Store. You can also buy Blue Savannah through Amazon.com.

Get AmeriNZ Podcast for free on iTunes

AmeriNZ 69 - Changes [ 26:56 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

AmeriNZ 68 – John Ong is everywhere

Posted on February 2, 2008 by Arthur

Episode 68 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 this post, 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.

New Zealand’s clean and green is a bit faded. A NZ website has a bout of homophobia, while an American comedian will go pink for New Zealand. If you’re happy and you know it, you’re probably not 44. I give you a chance to make fun of me. And, John Ong is everywhere.

The NZ government’s newest report on the environment, Environment New Zealand 2007, has found that things aren’t all that great with NZ’s environment (read the NZ Herald story or the Stuff story).

In NZ we have a press agency called the NZPA for news-sharing among New Zealand media, and sometimes overseas. The main news websites carry the reports—sometimes exactly the same.

There was an NZPA report that a man was sexually attacked at a public toilet in Christchurch. The NZ Herald website correctly headlined their story, “Man sexually attacked and robbed in toilet block”. But rival stuff.co.nz headlined their version, “Manhunt for toilet block gay sex attacker”.

I fired off a complaint to Stuff, pointing out that there’s no such thing as a “gay sex attack” (or even a “homosexual sex attack”); sex attacks are the actions of violent, depraved individuals who may or may not be heterosexual or homosexual. Sex attacks are crimes of violence, not sex. I said that by using the word “gay” they reinforced negative stereotypes of gay men generally, including the myth that they prey on “innocent victims”.

On the brighter side, an American comedian will be turning pink for New Zealand.

Speaking of happiness, did you know there’s a sort of universal path of happiness over a lifetime? Does it relate to my life?

Two new podcasts are starting up.

I’m going to put a link to my Frappr map, but take away the map widget because my blog is taking too long to load, so I’ll be removing most of them. So, leave a pin while it’s still easy to do! To round-out the tech talk, I give an iTunes update plus give two new email addresses you can use.

I’m recording a new political discussion via Skype on Thurday, February 7, at 7:30pm EST (US) time. You’re welcome to join us.

Please leave a comment. Or, you can email a comment to comment(at]amerinz.com, or send a personal email to me (won’t be read on the podcast) to arthur{at)amerinz.com. You can also still use my other address, amerinz[at) yahoo.com or ring my US listener line on 206-339-8413.

Links for this episode

We’re Mean Because You’re Stupid

There Are Some Who Call Me Tim episode on Big Fatty’s new podcast

Big Fatty Online

John Ong’s Ongline Podcast

Blue Savannah by Erasure iTunes USA Store or iTunes NZ Store. You can also buy Blue Savannah through Amazon.com.

Get AmeriNZ Podcast for free on iTunes

AmeriNZ 68 - John Ong is everywhere [ 30:24 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

AmeriNZ 67 – Summer Holiday

Posted on January 29, 2008 by Arthur

Episode 67 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 this post, 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.

This episode: Auckland had a holiday weekend. Thousands were amused, if only to have a three-day weekend in summer. Christian youth in New Zealand parachuted to music. New Zealand’s election campaign is underway, sort of.

First up today, I tell you about Auckland Anniversary Day, which was yesterday. That means talking a bit about why there are no provinces in New Zealand. But there’s also something about how the day is celebrated, and how our own holiday weekend went.

Some 27,000 youth took part in Parachute, a Christian, so-called, youth music festival. It’s the largest outside the US. TV News coverage of it was a bit creepy, I thought.

New Zealand’s 2008 election campaign got underway today, sort of. The Leader of the Opposition gave a speech today, and tomorrow the Prime Minister will do the same. This is unusual, and I tell you what’s behind it all. The real, official election campaign won’t begin until later this year.

A recently-passed law has given me pause. I tell you why, even though, on the whole, I think it’s a good law. This also means talking a bit about recent NZ political history.

In Australian news, the Aussie Foreign Minister is in the US and has said that his country’s leaving Iraq won’t harm US/Australian relations. Australia will also be keeping their citizenship tests. I’m not a big fan of such tests, and I’ll tell you why.

Comments create the opportunity for my podcast to be part of ArcherRadio. And more, of course.

Happy belated birthday to David Byrd of That Blue Jeans Guy and to “the Boyfriend” (as in Archerr’s boyfriend).

Leave a comment or you can email me at amerinz(at}yahoo.com or ring my US listener line on 206-339-8413.

Links for this episode

iSay iSay iSay

Blue Savannah by Erasure iTunes USA Store or iTunes NZ Store. You can also buy Blue Savannah through Amazon.com.

Get AmeriNZ Podcast for free on iTunes

AmeriNZ 67 - Summer Holiday [ 27:35 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

AmeriNZ 65 – Sweet and Sour

Posted on January 22, 2008 by Arthur

Episode 65 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 this post, 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.

Today is a both sweet and sour. I’ve just finished celebrating my birthday, which was really good. But today was the state funeral for Sir Edmund Hillary, which was sad. Today, I talk about both.

First I talk about Sir Ed’s funeral, and explain a little bit about how much he meant to New Zealanders. He was an extraordinary man, and we’ll probably never again see anyone like him.

Then it’s on to a lighter topic—my birthday! What did Nigel get me, and what did I think about it? How did we celebrate? It’s different from how I celebrated in Illinois.

A few comments, another bald plea for reviews on iTunes, and that’s it for this Tuesday edition.

Leave a comment, or you can email me at amerinz(at}yahoo.com or ring my US listener line on 206-339-8413.

Links for this episode:

Sir Edmund Hillary coverage on TVNZ, including the funeral itself.

“Blue Savannah” by Erasure iTunes USA Store or iTunes NZ Store. Or go to Amazon.com.

Get AmeriNZ Podcast for free on iTunes

AmeriNZ 65 - Sweet and Sour [ 29:31 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

AmeriNZ 64 – Political Catch-up

Posted on January 19, 2008 by Arthur

Episode 64 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 this post, 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.

My last political podcast was before Christmas—which was before the Iowa Caucuses—and a lot has happened since then. Joining me to discuss all that today are Jason and Archerr from archerradio.com.

I begin today with a brief explanation of what’s going on for the benefit of non-American listeners. Then it’s a brief recap of where we’re at, especially the delegate totals. We then talk a bit about what’s wrong with public opinion polls. This leads into a discussion of Super Tuesday and whether it will or won’t be “all over” then.

I get the chance to slag off my home state of Illinois for it’s asinine primary system, before I go on to reveal who I voted for President in the Illinois Democratic Primary and why. I also talk a bit about how US citizens living overseas vote.

The rest is a wide-ranging discussion of all sorts of things related to this campaign. Do Republicans hate each other? One leader says they do. Did you know that Mitt Romney has far higher negatives than Hillary Clinton? What about the economy? Iraq? They all get a look from us and we’re not shy about saying what we think.

Leave a comment, or you can email me at amerinz(at}yahoo.com or ring my US listener line on 206-339-8413.

Links for this episode:

This Boy Elroy post on polls
Jason’s blog
ArcherRadio
“Blue Savannah” by Erasure iTunes USA Store or iTunes NZ Store. Or go to Amazon.com.

Get AmeriNZ Podcast for free on iTunes

AmeriNZ 64 - Political Catch-up [ 53:07 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

AmeriNZ Podcast

One guy, two countries.

Category Archives: Podcasts

AmeriNZ 74 – Short subjects

AmeriNZ 73 – Rambles

AmeriNZ 72 – Reconciliation

AmeriNZ 71 – Nik the AmeriAuck

AmeriNZ 70 – Political clarity

AmeriNZ 69 – Changes

AmeriNZ 68 – John Ong is everywhere

AmeriNZ 67 – Summer Holiday

AmeriNZ 65 – Sweet and Sour

AmeriNZ 64 – Political Catch-up