Episode 17 is now available. You can also listen to it through the player on the right hand side of my blog, or on my MySpace page.

Today is the792nd birthday of Magna Carta. On this day in 1215, King John signed Magna Carta, which went on to become one of the influences for constitutions throughout the English-speaking world, including the US. The version we usually think of is the version from John’s son Henry III who reissued it in 1225. His son, Edward I, had his Parliament reissue it again in 1297.

Magna Carta established the right to habeas corpus and the right to due process. Most of the rest dealt with feudal issues relating specifically to the Middle Ages. George Bush has pushed America back toward the Middle Ages with his assault on both habeas corpus and due process.

From there, it’s on to an overview of New Zealand’s government as I get ready to start talking about how Parliament is elected. What are Kiwis’ most popular movies of all time? The worst? Check out the lists at flicks.co.nz. Comments are followed by my take on personal responsibility as the flipside of personal freedom. Should drugs be legalised? Finally, I have an announcement about an upcoming episode.

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AmeriNZ 17 - Happy Birthday Magna Carta [ 24:49 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Episode 16 is now available. You can also listen to it through the player on the right hand side of my blog, or on my MySpace page.

Today I talk mostly about feedback, both by email and the comments from Episode 15.

First, though, I clarify a couple things about the “No Nukes” topic, inspired in part by the summary on podcastsoup.net

An expat American emailed me with some confusion over the extent of poverty in New Zealand. There isn’t homelessness in New Zealand as Americans understand the word, but there are poor people. I explain how the request for donations addresses that (or doesn’t). Overall, the poverty in New Zealand is different than in America, but in New Zealand cities it may be similar to American cities of a similar size.

After that, there’s an extended discussion of the comments from Episode 15, one of which is quite long. These provide me with the opportunity to go into more detail about the topics discussed.

What about personal responsibility? Do people who bring harm onto themselves through bad deeds still deserve the full support of society?

New people on my Frappr! I also give a little more info about what’s coming in future podcasts.

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AmeriNZ 16 – Feedback Interaction [ 31:14 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Episode 15 is now available. You can also listen to it through the player on the right hand side of my blog, or on my MySpace page.

Twenty years ago today New Zealand became the first country in the world to go nuclear-free. Had the US acted differently, this may not have lasted. The French government used blackmail to change New Zealand policy, the US could have done that, too. There’s a weird audio glitch about half way through—I didn’t edit it to make it weird.

I was on two other podcasts this week: ArcherRadio and There Are Some Who Call Me Tim.

I also go over comments from the past two episodes, adding a bit more. Then I give a strong endorsement: If you’re Liberal or progressive, you must give a listen to Callbox 7. Please check out my friend Jason’s blog at jasonsviewfromdc.blogspot.com. The Bloomberg debate is at The Occasional Fag (or, for part one go here, for part two go here).

The column in the New Zealand Herald by John Armstrong is here.

Another podcast on Tuesday of next week.

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AmeriNZ 15 - No Nukes [ 35:01 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Episode 13 is now available. You can also listen to it through the player on the right hand side of my blog, or on my MySpace page.

I’m not superstitious but I still do certain things, like throw spilled salt over my shoulder. I also have an episode number 13. I begin with some quasi-meta stuff about rankings and iTunes comments.

New Zealand Music charts will include legal digital downloads from this week. They’re changing the charts as a result. You can see the current chart here.

A researcher has found that the NZ accent is getting stronger and more distinct, despite globalisation. A shorter version of the story is here.

There might not be a podcast on Friday, but I hope to have one.

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AmeriNZ 13 – Lucky Lucky Lucky [ 26:16 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Episode 9 is now available. You can also listen to it through the player on the right hand side of my blog, or on my MySpace page.

This week, I tie up some loose ends left hanging from Tuesday’s show, and Ramble Redhead’s show, too. You’ll learn some more about me, how I think and how I am. I’m honest about how I feel about several things, all of which lays the groundwork for future episodes. Original shownotes and comments at amerinz.blogspot.com, or send an email to amerinz@yahoo.com.

Special mention in this episode:

Nik-in-Paris

iSay iSay iSay

And comments and Frappr Mapprs.

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AmeriNZ 9 – Loose Ends [ 40:19 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download