Brian Rogers Rogers Rabbits www.sunlive.co.nz

There was only one story of consequence in the news this week, and no, it wasn't how Brooke Fraser slashed her hand while cutting an avocado.

Nor was it the poor wannabe All Blacks that were sent off for ‘counselling' after they were named 'Not All Blacks”.

And you'd be forgiven for thinking that maybe the top story was the fuss over the fifth flag option, the so-called Red Peak.

Incidentally, enthusiastic reader Colin messaged us this week to point out that
the Red Peak flag has a shocking resemblance to the flag of the North American Vexillological Association. Ironically, vexillogists are flag experts.

If you switch the colours and turn it upside down, you basically have Red Peak. As Colin puts it, 'Why would we want someone else's flag flipped upside, especially an American flag?”

Left: North American Vexillological Association flag. Right: Red Peak.

As we've said before, you may as well forget about Bleak Peak and any of the other alternatives, because at last count, more than 80 per cent of the country are
still happy with Jack and the Southern Cross; and as far I can tell, all NZers are peed off at the expense.

Here at RR we are peed off that much of it's not being spent on NZ media for a project that involves national pride.

I reckon that if the flag is ever going to change, it will happen organically, through a natural process of the country adopting a favourite and it becoming accepted.

Only then can an official change be made. That is the Kiwi way of doing things – wait for an alternative to take root and grow into our culture – not one that is force fed, in a timeframe and with a contrived set of ultimatums.

The silver fern has almost achieved that now, through a natural process of acceptance into the Kiwi mindset.

Any attempt to force something upon the average Nuzzilliner will have the opposite affect... resentment and rejection.

Taking a stand
There was a bit of fuss at Kaitaia this week when the airport was closed as protestors invaded (but it still wasn't the big headline of the week). That was eventually sorted when the protestors were arrested.

Interesting that it took so long for any action on this. I'm sure any other protest, involving vital transport networks, would have been nipped in the bud. If my mates and I ganged up, and used stand-over tactics to bring the Bay Hoppers to a standstill to protest the untimely death of hedgehogs crossing the road, we'd be immediately marched off the bus stop. Rules for some, as they say.

We're expecting a rash of copy-cat protests around the country, including a sit-in at the Hawera library, sensible cyclists rebelling against lycra and some students of King's College refusing to eat their vegies till they get better carparks.

Teed off?
A reasonably big story involved a charity golf tournament, sponsored by The Weekend Sun and Sunlive, for the benefit of Tauranga Coastguard. A great day out, thanks to Tauranga Golf Club and organiser Tony Breeds... plus the many golfers who came out swinging in support of Coastguard.

Takes the cake
A milestone for your local media company, as the Sun turned 15 years old this month. Thanks to the many well-wishers and clients, and a great letter of support from the mayor (page 5).

Even with a letter from the mayor, there was a bigger story brewing...

And amazingly it wasn't Winston Peters suggesting that the Syrian refugee menfolk should go back to Syria and fight for their country. There seemed to be little support from anyone, including the Syrian men, for this idea. No-one wants to fight in Syria, although tennis player Andy Murray seems happy to pick a fight anywhere, anytime with any feckin one. Just tell him there's an umpire there, and the wild Scot will be in full assault mode.

So did this tale rate number one?

Viv Whimster at Tauranga Methodist Parish so rightly pointing out it's been a long, cold winter (p41) and life's winters can seem unending. But spring is just around the corner, and we're not just talking about the weather... Yep, for sure, Viv, bring that on!

For those too lazy to make your beds, there is good news. Researchers reckon it's healthier to not. Leaving the sheets off at the end of the bed reduces the ability of dust mites to thrive, reducing allergies and ill health. Was this the best news? Yes, but not the biggest.

Nope, the big story of the week was the issuing of seven stamps from NZ Post to celebrate the Queen becoming the longest reigning British monarch.

We'd love to tell you more about the stamps, but we're licked for space.

brian@thesun.co.nz
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