Everyone loves a good acronym. They abbreviate things nicely and make bureaucratic speak easier to read and get a handle on. One of the most recognisable is Winz - Work and Income New Zealand. Sadly, we have been advised that the term Winz no longer exists. The merger between the
Ministry of Social Policy and Work and Income New Zealand (Winz) in 2001 went on to become the Ministry of Social Development. The correct reference is Work and Income, which is a service of the Ministry of Social Development. The Government organisation formerly known as Winz should now be referred to as WIMOSD. It'll never catch on.
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Quote: "A decision giving a new marae approval to establish a cemetery on its grounds has angered nearby residents. Locals may appeal. Pat Openshaw, who lives across the road from the proposed cemetery site, said: "We're not just going to lie down and die." (Source: NZPA)
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Indian airports have spent millions of dollars on plastic plants. The money came out of funds that were to have gone on upgrading security. The Government thought the money would be spent on new fencing and the like, but the Airports Authority of India claims the plastic plants actually make the airports safer. You see, real plants need to be watered, and it's a security risk to let gardeners into restricted areas to water the plants. Apparently, having no plants or having the people who work in the restricted areas pour a little water on the plants was infeasible. (Source: Reason.com)
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Amusing quotes by action figure Jean-Claude Van Damme, courtesy of popbitch.com. On plants: "They don't have hands, no ears but they feel things ... They are more aware than other species." On water: "Water can feed me, but water can also carry me. Water has magical laws." On drugs: "Drugs are like when you close your eyes and cross the road." On peanuts: "You drink a beer and you are fed up with the taste so you eat peanuts. Peanuts are sweet and salty, strong and tender, like a woman."
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