Two a penny

.

People have been warned to take care after reports of dog and sea life deaths on Auckland’s eastern beaches and within the Hauraki Gulf.

A dog died after visiting a Browns Bay beach last month, and a second death was reported on Cheltenham Beach, Devonport.

Two other dogs were reported to have become ill, but not die.

Over 1000 fish, as well as some penguins and seabirds were washed up dead on the affected beaches, reported the New Zealand Herald.

Various agencies are investigating the deaths to determine the cause.

The matter is considered so serious, ARPHS is warning:

* People should avoid exercising pets along Hauraki Gulf beaches;

* children should not be taken to Hauraki Gulf beaches;

* people should avoid contact with sea water and sea life in the Hauraki Gulf;

* people should not collect shellfish from the Hauraki Gulf.

Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) said it was unable to rule out risk to the public until results were received.

Residents have been advised not to walk their dogs on the beach but North Shore District Council environmental health team leader Duffy Visser said she hadn’t heard of people being affected.

“Usually if there is a toxic algae it is more along the lines of an allergic reaction but we haven’t heard of anything yet.

“That is a big concern, but there are no reports of people suffering yet,” she said.”

Checks had been inconclusive as to the cause of the deaths and illnesses, Ms Visser said.

“Fortunately there are not many people using the beach at the moment but there are some so we are keeping an eye on that.

Yesterday North Shore City Council Environmental Protection team held a meeting with representatives from Rodney District Council and Auckland Regional Public Health.

Some test results from this week’s death have been sent away but results are not likely to be available until Friday.

North Shore City Council was working closely with Auckland Regional Public Health, the Department of Conservation, MAF and other local councils in terms of sharing information and working together.

.

Forget fast cars and wild women. The recession has changed the way many younger men are living, with stability and security at work and home becoming top priorities, according to a survey.

It showed that men are putting a bigger emphasis on security in their jobs and at home in a return to traditionalism, including smartening up their wardrobes, although they are continuing to embrace new technology at a fast pace.com, which conducted the poll.

“We have seen a clear move by men toward seeking more security in their finances, in their relationships and in the workplace,” said James Bassil, editor in chief of the website AskMen.

The annual lifestyle survey by AskMen.

“It seems guys haven’t been as affected as negatively as they anticipated by the downturn but they’ve changed their habits pretty dramatically to anticipate losing their jobs or careers changed and are saving more money and seeking more stability in their jobs than in the past,” he added.com included 50,000 men in their 20s, 30s and 40s who were questioned about how the economic crisis had impacted their lives.

Last year 21 percent said salary was the major consideration for any new job but this dropped to 14 percent in 2009, while the number of men who cited personal achievement as the major motivator rose to 40 percent from 34 percent.

It showed that five percent more men than last year said stability and security were key attractions in a new job while salary was no longer the most important factor.

The survey showed 84 percent of men think it’s important to have a girlfriend with serious “wife potential.

Bassil said this shift toward a more traditional approach in the workplace was also reflected in attitudes toward relationships.

The poll also showed that 84 percent of men own at least four pairs of shoes, 20 percent have at least four suits, and 50 percent have a daily skin care regime.”

“We saw this move toward more traditional relationships in 2008 as well but the numbers spiked up in 2009 with 12 percent more saying it was important that a girl has “wife potential” and 15 percent more men believing in marriage,” said Bassil. .

Seventy-five percent of men spend more time in front of their computer monitor than any other type of screen and email is going the way of the telephone with more men using Facebook than email.

.

It was a reunion of reunions.

Twelve Apollo astronauts reminisced, traded stories and poked fun at each other Friday night as the 40th anniversary of the first moon landing and moonwalk approached.

The crowd of hundreds at the National Museum of the United States Air Force erupted in cheers when a video chronicling the space program replayed Armstrong’s famous first words after stepping on the moon July 20, 1969: “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.

The astronauts, including first moonmen Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, attended the ceremony in which the National Aviation Hall of Fame presented the Apollo crews with the “Spirit of Flight” award for their courage and dedication. “Any time you go to a place where everything you see is different than anything you’ve ever seen before in your life, it’s unique and it’s memorable.”

“It was spectacular,” Armstrong recalled of gazing at the moon’s surface as he took those first steps.”

However, Armstrong said he and Aldrin had little time to savor the experience. And that certainly was.

Armstrong said he had been a backup on Apollo 8 and that when he wasn’t needed was asked if he wanted to be on the third mission down the line — what turned out to be the fateful Apollo 11 mission.

“We didn’t rest hardly five seconds when we got a message from Mission Control, saying get on with the next item,” Armstrong said.

“We knew we had a chance at landing, but it was by no means certain,” he said. He said it was difficult to predict the exact mission of succeeding flights.

Astronaut Eugene Cernan, the last man to walk on the moon, also flew in the flight preceding Armstrong’s.

As they sat together on the stage, the astronauts joked and bantered with each other.

“Everyone knew Neil could land on the moon, but we didn’t have a lot of confidence Neil could find it,” Cernan quipped. He joked that his job was to paint a white line to the moon that Apollo 11 could follow.

But the first lunar landing was a serious matter for the astronauts and those in mission control.

“I’ve been listening to that for 40 years, and this is not the time to change my position,” Armstrong shot back, drawing laughs from the crowd.

“I can’t say it was panic, but it was a lot of attention to detail in mission control,” said Charles Duke, who was at mission control at the time. When the designated landing zone proved to be too rocky, Armstrong had to burn fuel from a diminishing supply to find a suitable place to touch down.” When there were only 30 seconds of fuel left, “it got dead silent. .”

.

It was a reunion of reunions.

Twelve Apollo astronauts reminisced, traded stories and poked fun at each other Friday night as the 40th anniversary of the first moon landing and moonwalk approached.

The crowd of hundreds at the National Museum of the United States Air Force erupted in cheers when a video chronicling the space program replayed Armstrong’s famous first words after stepping on the moon July 20, 1969: “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.

The astronauts, including first moonmen Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, attended the ceremony in which the National Aviation Hall of Fame presented the Apollo crews with the “Spirit of Flight” award for their courage and dedication. “Any time you go to a place where everything you see is different than anything you’ve ever seen before in your life, it’s unique and it’s memorable.”

“It was spectacular,” Armstrong recalled of gazing at the moon’s surface as he took those first steps.”

However, Armstrong said he and Aldrin had little time to savor the experience. And that certainly was.

Armstrong said he had been a backup on Apollo 8 and that when he wasn’t needed was asked if he wanted to be on the third mission down the line — what turned out to be the fateful Apollo 11 mission.

“We didn’t rest hardly five seconds when we got a message from Mission Control, saying get on with the next item,” Armstrong said.

“We knew we had a chance at landing, but it was by no means certain,” he said. He said it was difficult to predict the exact mission of succeeding flights.

Astronaut Eugene Cernan, the last man to walk on the moon, also flew in the flight preceding Armstrong’s.

As they sat together on the stage, the astronauts joked and bantered with each other.

“Everyone knew Neil could land on the moon, but we didn’t have a lot of confidence Neil could find it,” Cernan quipped. He joked that his job was to paint a white line to the moon that Apollo 11 could follow.

But the first lunar landing was a serious matter for the astronauts and those in mission control.

“I’ve been listening to that for 40 years, and this is not the time to change my position,” Armstrong shot back, drawing laughs from the crowd.

“I can’t say it was panic, but it was a lot of attention to detail in mission control,” said Charles Duke, who was at mission control at the time. When the designated landing zone proved to be too rocky, Armstrong had to burn fuel from a diminishing supply to find a suitable place to touch down.” When there were only 30 seconds of fuel left, “it got dead silent. .”

.

The swine flu death toll has officially reached six with a seventh likely.

A Northern Regional Health Co-ordination Centre spokeswoman said two people died at Auckland’s Middlemore Hospital yesterday.

A woman was confirmed as having had the swine flu A (H1N1) virus.

The second was a suspected case and staff were awaiting lab results. .

The number of confirmed cases of swine flu was 1431, up from 1272 yesterday.

The spokeswoman was unable to say if the second person suffered from any other medical conditions.

Ministry of Health spokesperson Sandy Dawson said the most recent deaths showed how quickly complications could arise.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry has announced the eligibility for a free seasonal influenza vaccine has been extended to all New Zealanders, not just those with underlying health problems.

Anyone with existing medical problems who developed flu-like symptoms should be monitored closely, he said.

“The free vaccine is expected to increase community uptake of the influenza vaccine, which is already showing increased uptake on previous years,” the ministry said in a statement.

The free vaccine is available from general practices from now until the end of September.

“The vaccine protects against the strains of influenza expected to prevail this winter.

“While the vaccine will not protect individuals from pandemic (swine) influenza, it is expected to ease the numbers of people who will be seeking treatment for seasonal ills this year as well as reducing the numbers of hospital admissions.”

-

.

It’s official – New Zealand model Rachel Hunter has been dumped by her toyboy lover less than two months before they were due to wed.

In an official statement published on celebrity website People.com, a representative confirmed Hunter, 39, and ice hockey star Jarret Stoll – who were due to wed in August – had split.

“We ask you to respect Rachel and her family’s privacy during this extremely upsetting time.

“Can Associates Limited regret to inform you that the August wedding of Rachel Hunter and Jarret Stoll has been cancelled and the couple have decided to split,” the statement said.

British tabloid The Sun reported Stoll, 27, stunned Hunter by walking out without giving her a reason.”

Hunter’s New Zealand agent Andy Haden also confirmed the break-up to .

Stoll told guests via email that the star-studded ceremony on August 14 was cancelled, it was reported. Everything was in place for their wedding – she had the venue, the designer dress, the guest list.

A source close to Hunter, who was married to rock star Rod Stewart for nine years, told the paper: “She is absolutely devastated. It sounds like it could be a classic case of cold feet. .”

Hunter, who turns 40 in September, has two children – Renee, 17, and Liam, 14 – from her relationship with Stewart. He is a fair bit younger than her.

Hunter and Stoll, a Los Angeles Kings star, met two years ago through Liam, a talented ice hockey player coached by Stoll.

Hunter and Stoll, a Los Angeles Kings star, met two years ago through Liam, a talented ice hockey player coached by Stoll.

– With

.

Guests at their wedding were to include Michelle Pfeiffer and Sharon Stone

.

New Zealand peacekeeping soldiers have been involved in a night time gun battle with a group of insurgents in an isolated area of Afghanistan.

Although no one on the New Zealand or Afghan National Police (ANP) side has been killed or hurt, Defence Force Air Vice Marshall Peter Stockwell said they do not know if any of the insurgents had been hit.

“If they get up there I would be surprised if they find anything.

New Zealanders were only now leaving the ANP compound in Do Abe to check where the gunfire came from…

The New Zealanders would not try to track them in the rugged countryside. there may be trails,” he said.”

It’s the first hostile exchange for the 140-member Army, Navy and Air Force New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT).

“We would need to be very cautious about that approach.

The PRT are posted to Kiwi Base in the normally quiet Bamiyan Province. The secretive Special Air Services (SAS) have been in fights in the country but are not currently deployed there.

Although Bamiyan has been peaceful, he said with national elections in August, tension was growing around the country, including in New Zealand’s area. .

After dark last night they were camping in the ANP compound when it came under attack with light arm fire and rocket propelled grenades.

He would not disclose the size of the PRT patrol, saying it had gone to Do Abe to investigate the attacks.

They would probably have been surprised to know the New Zealanders were in the compound.

He said at this point they do not know who the insurgents were and whether they were Taliban or bandits.

Air Marshall Stockwell said he did not know the nationality or type of the Coalition planes, but they were only engaged in a show of force and did not drop bombs or fire on the insurgents.

The New Zealanders returned fire for around 15 minutes and called in air support.

“It would have let the insurgents know that we have access to a degree of force they may not have expected; a show of force and deterrence.

The noise alone would have been a show of force.

He expected their training would have helped their state of mind but added it “will certainly be an interesting experience for them.”

Air Marshall Stockwell said that as it was only dawn around now, the patrol had been debriefed about the hostilities.”

.

The Maori Party is calling for open access to university for all Maori students even those with “miserable” academic records and is pushing for a Maori education authority.

What do you think of the proposal? below.

Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples called yesterday for universities to reserve places for Maori in an effort to turn around educational underachievement. Readers are reminded to keep on topic.

“We have seen how the dice are loaded against Maori, right through the school system.

Equal educational opportunities were a myth without support for those who needed special help, Dr Sharples said in a speech at Victoria University.”

The open access of the wananga system had shown that it was possible to take students who had dipped out of school and “fire them up”, even if they had a “miserable” academic record.

“That is not any reflection on the academic potential of our young people.”

He would be pushing the plan with the Government and saw it as part of a long-term goal to set up a Maori education authority and Maori language excellence centre, Dr Sharples said.

“Reserved places for Maori have proven the ability of Maori students to rise to the challenge if they are given the opportunity.

“He’s given a perspective and he’s fully entitled to do that,” he said of Dr Sharples. .

“This notion that we can make every kid into an astrophysicist without addressing basic literacy and numeracy and other learning impediments which have to be addressed well before they go to university show he’s more interested in cheap rhetoric.

But Labour MP Shane Jones, who was educated at Harvard, said Dr Sharples’ call only deepened the sense of Maori as victims.

“I think the important thing is to understand the nature of the problem here,” Prof McCutcheon said.”

University of Auckland vice-chancellor Professor Stuart McCutcheon told Radio New Zealand a key point of secondary school was to prepare students for tertiary education.”

The issue was resources to get tertiary institutions and schools to work together to close the gap.

“I think we all agree with Dr Sharples that there is a significant gap in New Zealand’s education system as far as Maori and also Pacific students are concerned.

.

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) Maori Development Faculty history professor Paul Moon said Maori students needed to be able to meet the same standards as other students

.

Australia is reducing measures to check the spread of swine flu, after figures showed the disease to be more infectious, but less likely to require hospital admission, than ordinary flu. .

But the estimates prepared for the government show that the hospital admission and likely death rate is a fraction of that suffered by Australians with seasonal flu, which claims 1000 to 2000 lives every year.

There were 2024 swine flu casesacross the Tasmanby late yesterday, with nine people in hospital, three of them in intensive care.

There have yet to be any deaths from swine flu in Australia.

Because of the mitigation measures, no more deaths from swine flu than from seasonal flu were expected. The Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer, Jim Bishop, said it might be that the arrival of swine flu had led to an easier flu season in Australia this year.

“We hope we will do better than seasonal flu.

Australia’s health minister, Nicola Roxon, announcedthat Australia would move to new flu alert arrangements, scrapping measures including widespread school closures and thermal screening at international airports. We do not know …whether H1N1 09 [swine flu] will replace seasonal flu, but if it does, it will make the management of the disease easier to treat,” Professor Bishop said. These would be available from the national stockpiles for those people with moderate or severe disease or with vulnerable conditions.

The government is also relaxing quarantine provisions and tightening distribution of antiviral medicines such as Tamiflu.

Measures will focus on early treatment of vulnerable people such as pregnant women and those with chronic diseases such as asthma and heart disease.

But Ms Roxon said it was not appropriate to give antivirals to healthy relatives.

The new regime, officially called “pandemic phase protect”, will begin first in South Australia and Western Australia within days and later in other states.

The new regime, officially called “pandemic phase protect”, will begin first in South Australia and Western Australia within days and later in other states.

– By MARK METHERELL, SMH

.

Ms Roxon said the new phase recognised that swine flu was not as severe as originally envisaged when the health management plan for pandemic influenza was written last year

.

US President Barack Obama has called North Korea’s rocket launch “provocative” and a clear violation of UN Security Council rules.

“I urge North Korea to abide fully by the resolutions of the UN Security Council,” the President said as the council approved an emergency session today to deal with North Korea’s rocket launch.

Obama called North Korea’s latest act a clear violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1718, which prohibits North Korea from conducting ballistic missile-related activities of any kind.

North Korea will not find acceptance in the international community “unless it abandons its pursuit of weapons of mass destruction,” Obama said.

“North Korea has ignored its international obligations, rejected unequivocal calls for restraint and further isolated itself from the community of nations,” Obama said. The Security Council adopted the 2006 resolution five days after North Korea conducted a test of a nuclear weapon.

The State Department in Washington said North Korea launched a rocket at 10:30 pm EDT Saturday (1430 NZT).

The president’s statement came from Prague, the Czech Republic, where the president was to make a speech Sunday on nuclear proliferation.

North Korea says this and all Taepo-dong missiles are space-launch vehicles for satellites, though satellite and missile technologies are considered interchangeable.

Obama identified the rocket as a Taepo-dong 2 missile, a three-stage rocket with potential range of more than 6600 kilometers. .

The United States will take “appropriate steps to let North Korea know that it cannot threaten the safety and security of other countries with impunity,” said State Department spokesperson Fred Lash.

“It is alarming that North Korea carried out this missile launch in direct defiance of the international community,” said the California Democrat.

Republican Howard Berman, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the launch would raise tensions unnecessarily.”

North Korea had informed international authorities that it planned to launch a rocket sometime between Saturday and Wednesday to put a satellite into orbit. “The test is an unnecessary provocation that raises tensions in the region, and I urge the North Koreans to stop using their missile and WMD programs to threaten their neighbors and the rest of the world.

But the US, South Korea, Japan and others suspect it is a cover for testing a long-range missile for the North, which has nuclear weapons. In Japan, chief Cabinet spokesperson Takeo Kawamura said it was not immediately clear if the rocket was mounted with a satellite as North Korea has claimed.

Ad Feedback –>
loadAd(’300×250′,’STORYBODY’,300,250);

They fear such a test could be a first step toward putting a nuclear warhead on a missile capable of reaching Alaska and beyond. Leaders from those countries had warned Pyongyang not to proceed with the planned rocket launch.

“These actions place additional strains on regional stability at a time when the unresolved nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula requires mutual confidence-building,” the Czech EU presidency said in a statement.

EUROPEAN CONDEMNATION

The European Union has strongly condemned North Korea’s action.

– AP,

.

It called on Korea to “immediately suspend all activities related to its ballistic missile programme and abandon all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programmes in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner”