Episode 25 is now available. 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.

It’s episode 25 and my first car-cast! I feel like JayT. Actually, it’s the first time I’ve recorded outside of my house. A bit noisy in spots, but these things can be sometimes.

I begin by talking about why I’m, in the car today. Then it’s on to our storm damage (photo on my blog), and dealing with getting it fixed. I talk about returning to the part-time job after being away for three weeks, and the things that have happened since. I also talk about puppy training, including some things that surprised me.

It’s not all about me, though, as I talk a bit about Ponsonby and the value of non-mega bookstores. That goes into a mention of the documentary “Who Killed the Electric Car” which I first heard mentioned on the Democracy Now! podcast.

No discussion of comments this week, since I was driving while recording. Special shout-outs this week to Archerr, Arick West of the The Beat SF, CallBox 7 and Kalvin of Hello Waffles.

The ending song is “True Love Waits” by Tom Smith from the Podsafe Music Network.

Leave a comment, or send an email to me at amerinz[at}yahoo.com.

Get AmeriNZ Podcast for free on iTunes

AmeriNZ 25 - Clean Up [ 32:38 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Episode 22 is now available. 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 today with a few short comments on Episode 21. Then, it’s on to an explanation of the Commonwealth of Nations, which New Zealand is part of. From there, it’s a discussion of the Victoria Cross for New Zealand, the country’s highest military decoration, which is being awarded for the first time since World War 2. I play a clip of DjDavidJ from Archerr’s show, then I make a couple comments about Canada, New Zealand and Australia—and where I fit into all that. Finally, a rant about Bush commuting Scooter Libby’s sentence. To close the show, “Death of Democracy” by 37Hz, from the Podsafe Music Network. Leave a comment or send an email to me at amerinz[at} yahoo.com.

Get AmeriNZ Podcast for free on iTunes

AmeriNZ 22 - Commonwealth [ 21:15 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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.

Get AmeriNZ Podcast for free on iTunes

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.

Get AmeriNZ Podcast for free on iTunes

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