Brian Rogers Rogers Rabbits www.sunlive.co.nz

A deluge of response has landed on the rabbit desk after last week's rabbiting on the Air New Zealand bikini safety video message. Dedicated readers may recall that this columnist conducted a thorough two-point investigation into the scandalous use of scantily clad, beautiful women.

Thanks to all our readers who have responded to get things off their chest.

The national media has been buzzing in an attempt to keep us abreast of the controversy.

Some veteran women broadcasters have been among the most vocal in condemning the blatant, sexist bikini adverts that have cavorted shamelessly across our screens.

They have included Pam Corkery, Louise I think her name was, and Hilary Barry.

As a professional journalist and non-sexist mature media commentator I have this to say to Hilary:

You're so hot when you are angry.

I suggest the way forward is to convene a sensible panel discussion between myself and these lofty examples of NZ's broadcasting finest. Bring along Susan Wood, the chick from Paul Henry's show and a couple of vacuous weather girls.

We will thoroughly debate the pros and cons of our national airline promoting its safety messages via scantily clad models. The venue: my hot tub.

I am, of course, assuming that bikinis will not be acceptable attire so we will accept one pieces.

Which piece, I don't really mind.

At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter what the critics think, because this has been a huge marketing success for Air New Zealand. It racked up the google international searches for the safety video message, busting previous ratings.

Any publicity is good publicity; and controversy skyrockets the message. Great work, Air NZ and your marketing team.

In other news, it's been an odd week at RR headquarters since the rabbit has been working on a secret project in a remote location. So the connection to the outside world has been at best, spasmodic.

The highlights of the odd glimpses of news filtering through to the rabbit ears have included a stunning cricket win by the Black Caps and a woman in Spain being blown up when her toilet exploded.

Then sketchy reports suggested Princess Diana had died in a car crash in a tunnel in France, but this must be a gross exaggeration by the media, surely? Next they'll be trying to tell us Elvis is dead.

Besides, if Diana had been killed by an exploding toilet; that would be believable.
Meanwhile, it seems Mr Dotcom hasn't been paying his bills and creditors are getting a bit fed up. Watch this space, Mr Dotcom is a train wreck waiting to happen. This saga is all going to come unstuck in spectacular fashion.

Critters and trees
The local ARRC are doing a fantastic job of rehoming critters and have a cool event coming up, with the support of Phil Rudd of AC/DC fame. These wonderful folk are doing a great job helping animals and deserve our full support.

Elsewhere in town, pohutukawa trees have become the new mangroves. They're in the sights of those who find the mess annoying. And destructive. This is going to be an interesting debate because there's one thing that people will never agree on -- and that is trees.

Parting shot
The number of clowns in the world is declining, according to the international clown association.

Worldwide the membership of this union of funny fellas has taken a red nose dive.
Here at RR headquarters, we are not surprised… Considering how many clowns are now in politics.

Brian@thesun.co.nz