Top Scoop Stories December 1st 2009 News Summary

Tuesday, 1 December 2009, 5:32 pm
Article: The Scoop Editor

LEAD STORY

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Mine! Govt Aspiring To Mine Another National Park
The Green Party today confirmed rumours that the Government is considering removing mining protection from 20 percent of Mount Aspiring National Park.“The rumble of Brownlee’s bulldozers just got louder,” said Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei. “Not only are Ministers planning to allow mining in our National Parks, but they are considering removing the protection against mining from large areas of them. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0911/S00472.htm

ALSO:

National is considering mining in National Parks [2]

Mt Aspiring speculation "scaremongering" [3]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0912/S00010.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0912/S00007.htm [3]

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NZ POLITICS

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ACC: Levies To Increase
“It is clear that these increases will be unpalatable, especially in the current economic climate. But if New Zealand is to retain the ACC Scheme then I believe they are necessary.” More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0912/S00002.htm

ALSO:

Scaremongering on ACC exposed again [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0912/S00012.htm [2]

Coming For You?: Police Powers Extended
Police have expanded surveillance powers which enable them to apply for an interception warrant to investigate participation in an organised criminal group, and for a wider range of serious violent offences. The maximum penalty for participation in an organised criminal group is doubled, from five to 10 years’ imprisonment. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0912/S00006.htm

Kiwiright Video: How NZers Stopped An Unfair Copyright Law
Hundreds of thousands of people protested against controversial law change that would allow copyright holders to seek disconnection of Internet users’ accounts simply on accusation of a breach of copyright law without a trial. Kiwiright tells the story of the Internet Blackout. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0912/S00009.htm

ALSO:

First Report (PDF) [2]

Keith Ng on the Taskforce [3]

Brash Recovery Plans [4]

Brash completely out of touch on minimum wage [5]

NZ economy not yet out of the woods: NZIER [6]

Taskforce Recommendations Take Education Back [7]

Brash needs to learn up from down [8]

Proposals will kill national economic security [9]

OnPoint - Taskforce 2025: A Space Odyssey [10]

OnPoint - From the floor of the Tax Working Group [11]

2025 taskforce report: If lions ran the circus... [12]

Brash's 'catching the Aussies' plan too radical - English [13]

Don Brash on the 2025 tax taskforce [14]

Business New Zealand says Brash's report is useful [15]

[2] - http://img.scoop.co.nz/media/pdfs/0911/2025_Taskforce_First_Report.pdf [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0912/S00014.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0912/S00016.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0912/S00001.htm [5]

[6] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/2009/12/01/nz-economy-not-yet-out-of-the-woods-nzier/ [6]

[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED0912/S00001.htm [7]

[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0912/S00004.htm [8]

[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0912/S00005.htm [9]

[10] - http://publicaddress.net/6329#post6329" target="_blank [10]

[11] - http://publicaddress.net/6331#post6331" target="_blank [11]

[12] - http://pundit.co.nz/content/2025-taskforce-report-if-lions-ran-the-circus" target="_blank [12]

[13] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/business/30019.html [13]

[14] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/business/30034.html [14]

[15] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/business/30036.html [15]

Hospitals: Serious And Sentinel Health Events Report Released
Waikato DHB welcomes today's publication of New Zealand's serious and sentinel health events. Health Waikato chief operating officer Jan Adams said the organisation actively encouraged reporting of any adverse event or any event that had the potential to cause harm. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0911/S00098.htm

ALSO:

Medical errors cause 92 deaths [2]

Legal aid review released [3]

Dalziel: Legal aid report exceeds expectations [4]

Issues of integrity at stake - Legal Aid Review [5]

Legal aid review response [6]

Legal aid review response 2, the Issues [7]

'Unscrupulous' lawyers undermining legal aid - report [8]

Lawyers abusing legal aid system - review [9]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/national/30012.html [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0911/S00429.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0911/S00454.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0911/S00456.htm [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0911/S00318.htm [6]

[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0912/S00014.htm [7]

[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/politics/29901.html [8]

[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/national/29915.html [9]

Industrial Relations: Justice Workers Resume Strike Action
Justice Ministry staff, who collect fines and work at courts and tribunals throughout the country, are resuming their industrial action and will strike from 8.55am this morning. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0911/S00331.htm

Harawira: Still No Full And Final Settlement
... This process was presented to a hui held at Pehiaweri Marae in Whangarei on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November. Te Tai Tokerau has agreed to that process and more discussions will be held this week to bring about a resolution which is fair, just, appropriate and final. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0911/S00459.htm

ALSO:

Oh, Hone! (Plus Rodney) [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0911/S00140.htm [2]

Gordon Campbell: Phil Goff & The Race Card
Playing the race card is one of those claims that is meant to shut down any further debate, and Phil Goff knew the risk that he was running – since he referred to the likely criticism on that front quite explicitly in his speech to Grey Power in Palmerston North… More »[1]

[1] - http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2009/11/27/gordon-campbell-on-phil-goff-and-the-race-card/

ALSO:

Goff: Grey Power Palmerston North [2]

Horomia: Maori Party criticism misguided [3]

Jones: This ain’t puppy love, Maori Party [4]

Sharples 'Deeply Offended' by Goff's Speech [5]

No place for Labour Party’s race division tactics [6]

Labour’s attack on iwi is an attack on whanau [7]

Labour's dangerous politics [8]

National’s third world way to govern [9]

Goff’s speech [10]

Labour's dangerous, dirty path [11]

Insensitive and hypersensitive [12]

What Jose Aylwin could teach Chris Trotter [13]

NATIONHOOD - Don Brash Speech Orewa Rotary Club 2004 [14]

Winston Peters Calls For “Calm And Restraint” After Harawira Comments [15]

Govt and Maori Party reject Goff's accusation [16]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0911/S00407.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0911/S00447.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0911/S00453.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0911/S00443.htm [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0911/S00409.htm [6]

[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0911/S00421.htm [7]

[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0911/S00420.htm [8]

[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0911/S00451.htm [9]

[10] - http://www.thestandard.org.nz/goffs-speech/" target="_blank [10]

[11] - http://pundit.co.nz/content/labours-dangerous-dirty-path" target="_blank [11]

[12] - http://www.kiwipolitico.com/2009/11/insensitive-and-hypersensitive/" target="_blank [12]

[13] - http://readingthemaps.blogspot.com/2009/11/what-jose-aylwin-could-teach-chris.html" target="_blank [13]

[14] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0401/S00220.htm [14]

[15] - http://weeklycoitus.co.nz/?p=352" target="_blank [15]

[16] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/national/29867.html [16]

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BUSINESS SCIENCE & TECH

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Kiwi Pride: We Have Liftoff
Labour’s Research, Science and Technology spokesperson David Shearer has congratulated Rocket Lab Limited for its successful rocket launch into space on Monday afternoon. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0912/S00002.htm

ALSO:

NZ's first space launch saved by $6 part [2]

Peter Beck realises ATEA space dream [3]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/national/30018.html [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/technology/30016.html [3]

Smellie Sniffs The Breeze: A Crap Deal For Maori
Everywhere the Government is being flayed by its supporters for doing some sweetheart deal with “bloody Maoris” over the emissions trading scheme. As if the crumbs from the table and the equitable settlement of Ngai Tahu’s legitimate gripe are really some big win for Maori. More »[1]

[1] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/2009/11/27/smellie-sniffs-the-breeze-a-crap-deal-for-maori/

Economy: Trade Values Continue To Fall From High Levels
The value of both merchandise imports and exports fell in October 2009 compared with October 2008, down 28.3 percent and 22.4 percent, respectively, Statistics New Zealand said today. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0911/S00836.htm

ALSO:

Massive potential to grow NZ agriculture - report [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0911/S00837.htm [2]

Industrial Relations: "0% Won't Pay The Rent"
More than 6000 service workers employed by District Health Boards (DHBs) and community support workers employed by IHC and Focus 2000 are on strike today to protest the Government's wage freeze. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0911/S00832.htm

ALSO:

Lift the freeze on low pay [2]

Residential care home firm hoarding public cash [3]

South Island hospital workers striking today [4]

Business as usual during strike [5]

Thousands of health workers strike for better pay [6]

Goff smothered in kisses at strike [7]

Southland Times workers join pay freeze strike [8]

Engineering Union again makes misleading claims [9]

Waikato miners refuse 8.5% increase [10]

Miners’ dispute needs clear heads [11]

Bus drivers accept deal [12]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0911/S00830.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0911/S00301.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0911/S00093.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0911/S00091.htm [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/national/29909.html [6]

[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/politics/29911.html [7]

[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0911/S00839.htm [8]

[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0911/S00840.htm [9]

[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0911/S00296.htm [10]

[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0911/S00828.htm [11]

[12] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0911/S00816.htm [12]

Employment: "Take This Job And Give It To Someone Else"
You’ve survived the recent economic turbulence relatively unscathed. Now you’re moving on to a new role. But consider how you leave, says recruiting experts Hays. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0911/S00803.htm

Environment: Get Better Farm Stories
Innovative farmers got a big ‘good on you’ from the Green Party today. A website featuring sustainable farm practices was launched at Parliament by Green Party MP Jeanette Fitzsimons. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0911/S00403.htm

ALSO:

Pasture renewal does more than grow grass [2]

Vision for world class aquaculture region [3]

Fed Farmers takes cold comfort from ETS lobbying [4]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0911/S00404.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0911/S00444.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0911/S00811.htm [4]

International Trade: A Case Of Sour Kiwifruits
Turners & Growers Chairman, Tony Gibbs today dismissed Zespri’s claims over concerns being raised about the monopoly internationally as typically “hysterical” and said they were simply another smokescreen put up by Zespri in order to avoid questions on its monopoly status, its practices and performance. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0911/S00766.htm

ALSO:

ZESPRI Focused on Selling Kiwifruit [2]

Zespri hits back in Kiwifruit stoush [3]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0911/S00752.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/business/29820.html [3]

Legislation: Various Taxing Matters
Revenue Minister Peter Dunne today released a supplementary order paper that proposes the addition of urgent tax measures to the taxation bill that is nearing its final stages in Parliament. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0911/S00343.htm

ALSO:

Dunne: FBT rate for low-interest loans down [2]

Dunne: Minimum family tax credit rate to rise [3]

Dunne: NZ, Bahamas sign tax info agreement [4]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0911/S00340.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0911/S00341.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0911/S00339.htm [4]

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COMMENT

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"Imagining 2020": An invitation to write about what a low carbon future looks like for you
"Imagining 2020" is an online discussion where people are invited to write about how a low-carbon future will affect their individual circumstances. The idea is to provide a platform that considers the impacts of economic transformation on each sector in the NZ economy. Write to us telling us what you think a low-carbon future will look like for you personally, for the country and world. Your ideas will be compiled and then published. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0911/S00150.htm

ALSO:

Gareth Morgan and John McCrystal: Low Carbon Future? Bah! Humbug! [2]

Climate Defence Network: The Age Of Smart [3]

NIL [4]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0911/S00280.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0911/S00279.htm [3]

[4] - http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2009/11/30/campbell-on-margaret-bazley%E2%80%99s-attacks-on-legal-aid/ [4]

Jim Miles: Imperial Inertia
The task of saving and reviving humanity oft times appears overwhelming when studied from a fully global perspective: occupations, wars, and terror abounds; starvation, disease, poverty, homelessness, accompany the wars and are also an integral part... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0911/S00326.htm

Uri Avnery: "...And A Little Child Shall Lead Them"
THOMAS FRIEDMAN, the New York Times columnist, has an idea. That happens to him quite often. One might almost say - too often It goes like this: The US will turn its back on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The entire world will follow. Everybody is fed ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0911/S00327.htm

Sherwood Ross: Obama Never Considered Diplomacy In Afghanistan
After initially injecting 21,000 troops into Afghanistan allegedly to stave off imminent defeat, President Obama Tuesday will tell war-weary Americans why he seeks 35,000 more. If he gets them, the U.S. force there will exceed 100,000. Washington has been... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0911/S00325.htm

Martin LeFevre: The Collapse Of Communism and Capitalism, Part 2
Someone from a Baptist Church in Kansas sent me a nasty, Muslim-hating mass mailing in reaction to my last column. It goes to show that people can proclaim a belief in God and still be godless, which has nothing to do with belief (or deity for that ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0911/S00311.htm

ALSO:

The Collapse of Communism and Capitalism [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0911/S00254.htm [2]

"Take Your Medicine": Kids Brochures Embarrass British Health Service
''Your medicine is called Olanzapine. Pronounced 'o-lan-za-peen,''' says the lime green kids' brochure for the antipsychotic Zyprexa, published by Britain's National Health Service (NHS). ''Many children, teenagers and young people need to take medicines ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0911/S00303.htm

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LIFESTYLE

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Scoop Film Review: When Men Do Stare At Goats
There is a line at the start of Grant Heslov’s The Men Who Stare at Goats : ‘More of this is true than you would believe.’ The line is off putting – what is, or isn’t true? The audience is none the wiser, and the traces to the original book ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0912/S00013.htm

Scoop Wellington: A Lost Opportunity On Top Of The Embassy
The Sky City brand is about to be moved off the Embassy Theatre, not that it’s ever been very noticeable. The Auckland casino operators have sold their cinema circuit to an Australian company... More »[1]

[1] - http://wellington.scoop.co.nz/?p=17038

Performing Arts: Maori Youth Festival
A famous kiwi band once said “what we need is a great big melting pot, big enough for the world and all it's got”, mixing together people from all cultures, religions and ages without prejudice, what a lovely world that would be. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0912/S00014.htm

Scoop Books: A Ray Of Hope In Fiji’s Suffering
Every now and then the intellectual monotony is broken by streaks of intellectual freshness, which provide new prisms through which we can visualise the complex socio-political reality of the Fiji society. More »[1]

[1] - http://books.scoop.co.nz/2009/11/29/a-ray-of-hope-in-fijis-suffering/

ALSO:

Hamilton Zoo welcomes several new furry faces [2]

People choose Wellington Zoo at the SBN Awards [3]

Christmas comes alive at Auckland Zoo [4]

Te Radar, sustaining the laughter [5]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0911/S00459.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0911/S00656.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0911/S00330.htm [4]

[5] - http://screentalk.nzonscreen.com/interviews/te-radar" target="_blank [5]

Cycling And Walking: Solution To Crossing The Habour Bridge
GetAcross spokesman Bevan Woodward says, “Having talked to the Transport Agency and received independent expert advice, we have identified a safe and robust technical solution. It’s a shared pathway on the city-side clip-on of the Bridge. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0911/S00311.htm

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WORLD

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United Antiwar Movement Tells Obama: No Escalation
Representatives of 34 antiwar groups delivered an open letter to President Obama strongly opposing his anticipated decision to escalate the war in Afghanistan with the commitment of tens of thousands of additional U.S. troops. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00020.htm

ALSO:

What's the carbon/health footprint of another war? [2]

Afghanistan: The US's 177th Colony [3]

Open Letter to President Obama from Michael Moore [4]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0912/S00011.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0912/S00010.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0912/S00009.htm [4]

Julie Webb-Pullman in Honduras: The Honduran Resistance Wins The Elections!

As the polling booths closed this evening in Honduras, there didn't need to be a vote-count to declare the winners. With an abstention rate of at least 65%, the people in resistance have the overwhelming majority. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0911/S00340.htm

ALSO:

US citizens in Honduras Protest Outside Embassy [2]

Juticalpa: Terrorist Attacks against Resistance [3]

Honduras Election Update - 3pm Sat. 28 November [4]

Honduras Election Update 2 - Sunday 29 November [5]

Honduras: Feminist Leader Detained in Tegucigalpa [6]

Communication from the National Resistance Front Against the Coup [7]

Honduran Military Assassinates Youth on Eve of “Free and Fair” Elections [8]

Countdown to the Honduran Electoral Farce [9]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0911/S00338.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0911/S00336.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0911/S00319.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0911/S00332.htm [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0911/S00317.htm [6]

[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0911/S00333.htm [7]

[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0911/S00318.htm [8]

[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0911/S00312.htm [9]

Recession: Asia-Pacific Leading Global Economic Recovery
A year-end update released today by the United Nations regional arm in Asia and the Pacific shows that the region is leading the global economic recovery, with the growth rate in 2010 forecast at 6.3 per cent – the highest in the world. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00002.htm

ALSO:

Vote to ban minarets is fuelled by fear [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0912/S00015.htm [2]

Religion: Swiss Minaret Ban Discriminates Against Muslims
An independent United Nations expert on religious freedom today voiced regret at the Swiss vote to ban the construction of new minarets, stating that such a prohibition clearly discriminates against Muslims. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00001.htm

Copenhagen: Ban Calls For Broad Climate Change Deal Support
Holding out for a 'perfect' deal at next month's climate change summit in Copenhagen could result in there being no agreement at all, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned today, calling on all States to get behind a deal that is as ambitious as possible. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0911/S00811.htm

Atomic Energy: Iran Must Halt Work On Recently-Disclosed Facility
The United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) today called on Iran to immediately suspend the construction of a recently-disclosed uranium enrichment facility, and cooperate more fully to resolve all outstanding issues. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0911/S00817.htm

Activism: West Papua Flag Day Approaches Amidst Threats
As West Papuan national flag day approaches (1st December), the Indonesian security forces are ready to clamp down on anybody who attempts to raise the Morning Star flag in West Papua. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0911/S00812.htm

ALSO:

West Papua Flag Raising 4-30 pm Queen St [2]

[2] - http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2009/12/west-papua-flag-raising-4-30-pm-queen-st/ [2]

ENDS

Scoop

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Top Scoop Stories December 1st 2009 News Summary