A full-page Herald interview with new Telecom CEO Doc Reynolds today unveils nothing ... other than that he's good at dodging hard questions. Or indeed almost any questions, as over a couple of thousands words we learn exactly zilch about how he intends to tackle Telecom's myriad technical, financial and political problems.

We do learn though that "at 2.04m (6ft 7in) he towers over Telecom Chairman Wayne Boyd" (yeah, Wayne, shape up!), he possesses a "lilting" Scottish accent (awww), and owns a Fender Stratocaster (though he doesn't play it in public). Hopefully we'll learn more about the Doc's intentions by September, when he formally takes the reins.

Amusingly, the Herald's Monday edition "no regrets" mush-fest with Theresa Gattung has given way to a much flintier piece today as Liam Dann let's rip with a withering little essay entitled Gone But Not Forgiven.

Automatic for the people
New rules were announced yesterday about how parliament can be televised. Essentially, cameras have to focus on whoever's speaking, least hijinks by other MPs get posted to YouTube (yes, our representatives have been sitting around discussing how to avoid getting themselves lampooned on Google's video site).

I've had occasion to watch a lot of parliamentary debate, and the 4th form-level of personal insults, juvenile physical humour, childish attempts to distract the person speaking, and outbreaks of toddler-like group shouting - of which all parties are guilty - has to be seen to be believed. And it should be seen. Live web cams should stream all parliamentary debate to a government hosted website (along with most select committee discussion, where real decisions tend to be made). There should be no copyright, with anyone able to pick up the video and post it to YouTube or any site they like. Yes, anyone who gives the finger, says the 'F' word, or comes into the chamber drunk after dinner will have their foibles webcast to the world. To avoid lampooning, all they would have to do is behave.