text:
Kill la Kill #15 — Wooden Proctology
Why are they still fighting those?
I admit to often not paying as much attention to shows as I probably should, but I was pretty sure we had finished off with the sub-job-job squad last week, and certainly did not need to spend a bloody third of the episode on a single one of them, particularly not ending with the 'hilarious' joke of "sword in the butt!" They skipped the OP too, so somewhere in there, you've got to think that somebody fought for the extra minute and a half in the episode just so they had enough time to play poohsticks. And they made it painfully obvious that this 'arc' has been entirely about trying to reset the bell on the job squad when at the halfway point, they all got new transformations which they used to… have a couple stills and then vanish from the episode. Mission accomplished, team!
So I guess we come to the meat of the episode, another Ryuko vs Satsuki fight. The first one was easily the height of the show to date, so does this one measure up? In a word, no. In multple words, I'd just find a way to insult the show's mother and still say no. At one point, the shouting got so bad that they just turned the bad loop of swordclashes into blobs so there wasn't any threat of the 'action' distracting from the yelling. There was a 40 secondish span with music lasers and running along the tower that was quite impressively animated, but by the time they got there, I had already rolled my eyes at the yelling sequence and we were only a few seconds from a speedline and still-tastic disappointing end to the fight before everyone wandered off again, status quo successfully restored but with new costumes for most. Twice the figures to sell!
I think I have a sarcasm problem today.
If you're reading this, then I've forgotten to change the template.
Posted in Kill la Kill | 13 Comments »
13 Shouts From the Peanut Gallery
anon999 says:
God, what is the point with this episode, aside from the ass-poking with the sword.
jingoi says:
I have a sarcasm problem all the time. I believe the world wants me to stab it.
womples says:
What is WITH you people? Are you so jaded that you couldn't lose yourself in the awesome of all that no-holds-barred action? Jesus, I'm glad I'm not like you. I can at least appreciate a great fight when I see it.
GalacticLordMuffintop says:
I understand where you're coming from, but I don't think "ACTION" is a valid excuse for completely ignoring everything else.
It becomes even less of a valid excuse when you consider the fact that other anime have had better action without as many, if any of the negatives present here. I am not even a big fan of TTGL, but personally I think that, unless you only care about costumes, that show is far better than KLK in just about every way.
If you like KLK and think it's the best thing ever. Fine, more power to you. Glad you enjoy it. That said, I think it's completely disingenuous to call yourself a fan of something, but then turn around and attempt to bury/ignore/squash any criticism. If you only want to sing this show's praises, then I'm sure there's a Reddit thread or something you can go visit.
Sure, it's a great fight if you love watching stills and looped animations. I bet you think SAO had le awesome no-holds-barred action, too.
ZakuAbumi says:
"There was a 40 secondish span with music lasers and running along the tower that was quite impressively animated"
Sorry to tell you, but the running parts were CG.
based Trigger, always finds a way
Serpit says:
They never lost it.
algorithm says:
MJP mechas were CG. And they were impressively animated.
V1cious says:
You truly are the Armond White of anime.
Flood says:
I think you mean he's the Barry White of anime.
Surprisingly, it was nowhere as awful as last week. You could tell because Mako is back at being the worst thing in this episode.
topmaker says:
Well, she did get the glove back.


At twelve noon on Thursday July 16th 2015 the good people of Surround digital marketing agency gathered at their annual 'Summit' in the Cathedral Room at the Glenerin Inn in Mississauga.
This facility was also the venue for two previous retreats but this is the first time in the biggest room. Surround is growing! Senior management believes this semi annual event helps sharpen skills and build solidarity. It also makes for a good blog post.
The day started with lunch! After a very few words of welcome by Geoff Whitlock, and a quick hello by Jason Bradbury the Glenerin Inn catering staff brought in a delicious build-your-own sandwich spread which was promptly set upon by the entire assembly.
Geoff Whitlock went through the line first so he could finish up quick and provide direction while the rest of the gang ate their sandwich creations. Geoff laid out the agenda for the day and introduced some new hires, one of which was running the laptop projector which helped her meet all the disparate parts of the organization as they came up to speak at the front of the room. Another young lad named Doug sat beside me and I soon recruited him to take pictures and bring me coffee and cake – two duties which he performed admirably and in tribute to his promising career I give him the cover pic which I set up by telling him to look at me in the wide shot.
The first presentations were fiscally orientated as Bob Forster the CFO showed miraculous developments like how the overall business is growing while expenses are more or less remaining the same. Next Darian Schouten revealed that Surround is now managing several large corporate Google AdWords accounts and using specialized software to keep track of their advances and double their winnings.
Junior account managers also gave ideas, and shared their own hard won insights. All triumphs provoked self congratulatory clapping and hearty applause. To the right is Jared discussing videos and the success his group has been having with YouTube video advertising and making something really interesting in less than seven seconds.. which is the time the ad stays on screen before the option to SKIP THIS AD? appears on YouTube.
The day was filled with discovery as each senior manager and some notable juniors made passionate presentations identifying key learnings on some critical accounts. These displays provoked all manner of digital marketing discussions from many different perspectives. Some of the keenest questions came from the Sales Team who are always looking for fresh tips and tactics they can share with customers.
Scott Moodie discusses Master Mechanic AdWords buys including the success of the local search rankings due to individually optimized location pages. His presentation was very well received for its sincerity and obvious success.
The snaking power cords across the table charged twelve laptops and as many phones and camera. The wifi was reliable and the food was terrific.
Here's the cheese tray, and the cheese cake tray.
Glenerin Inn is certainly a great place to eat, and the Cathedral Room is a great venue for a meeting of the minds.
Looking around the room at all the happy experts gathered around the table, its apparent that Surround is a great place to work. Its also easy to believe that this group has a very bright future as an innovative yet reliable digital marketing agency, and one committed to constantly improving their marketing services as they improve their own abilities, one account at a time.


The recent airing of the series finale of 'Scandal' on ABC capped off VFX Legion's three-year run as the sole visual effect company for award-winning creator/producer/writer/director Shonda Rhimes' political thriller.
The Burbank studio has been the driving force behind the hundreds of computer-generated effects that the show's viewers didn't see each week.
Currently, a streaming favorite on Netflix, Legion's team takes great pride in the fact that the photorealistic digital world they created now goes unnoticed by a new crop of fans binge-watching the groundbreaking series.
'Scandal' is shot in LA, while its story unfolds in D.C. where deception and intrigue ensue as its central character, Olivia Pope, (Kerry Washington) the staff of her crisis management firm, and the White House's inner circle ravenously vie for power.
While the episodic drama didn't call for futuristic CG worlds, the Los Angeles-based production relied heavily on VFX Legion to create composited sequences, set extensions, full computer-generated environments and exacting digital replications of iconic buildings in D.C. that would have been too expensive, impractical, or impossible to shoot.
Right out of the gate 'Scandal' put VFX Legion through its paces. The studio's first task was to recreate the White House's Truman Balcony from multiple viewpoints revealing different sections of the building's façade with various historic structures in the background.
The studio nailed the first episode, turning around over 50 shots in less than a week, and went on to build a solid working relationship with 'Scandal's' team that paved the way for increasingly challenging effects each season.
Once 'Scandal' brought VFX Legion onboard, founder, creative director James David Hattin's first order of business was to customize a new digital pipeline that optimized the efficiency and quality control of the show's visual effects. Hattin, the architect of the studio's state-of-the-art pipeline, designed its infrastructure to support transparent communication with each artist and enable his management team to work one-to-one, supervising every phase of the production. Nuke-based compositing facilitated collaborative workflow and streamlined 'Scandal's' visual effects process. Redshift was key to completing the CG renderings on schedule, while maintaining consistently high-quality.
The studio's multi-disciplined collective of 70+ artists was already in place, providing the workforce needed to handle the volume of visual effects that the show required, and spread out the shots to allow the talent to focus on creating quality work, rather than looming deadlines. Autodesk's Shotgun enabled Legion to manage the large quantity of complex assets while working as a single unit with its artists.
VFX supervisor Matthew Lynn, on-set coordinator, Mathew Noren and support staff were on-set during shoots, working closely with 'Scandal's' directors, ADs, camera crews and post teams. They provided input and gathered data on green-screen placement, the positioning of tracking markers, lighting placement, camera angles and other specs, ensuring that Legion had the information and assets needed to produce visual effects that seamlessly blended with the live-action, as well as the lighting and look of the show.
"As confidence in our capabilities grew, more ambitious visual effects were incorporated into the show," says Nate Smalley, Legion's head of production. "The escalation continued during season six with an exploding cabin effect integrated into a live-action scene, and then moved on to more advanced full CG environments and set extensions. Our artists built a tight computer-generated replication of Marine One that closed the season finale as president 'Fitz' (Tony Goldwyn) ended his term and boarded the helicopter. For this year's final season, we created a photorealistic digital aircraft that's indistinguishable from a practical shot of the plane when cut back-to-back, before blowing up in a fiery explosion."
Legion made time to explore ways to optimize production value and the show's visual effects budget. Its team revisited the original CG shots they created of the White House and developed new, highly detailed White House assets that supported an updated set of environments and shots with fresh, interesting angles.
"'Scandal's' series finale marks the culmination of three year's work on a breakthrough television show," says Hattin. "The team at VFX Legion is proud of its contribution to the series and thrilled to have had the opportunity work with Shondaland Productions and ABC Studios on the final three seasons of the show."
Never stagnant, vetting exceptional talent, upgrading its pioneering pipeline, devising innovative ways to interface technology and raising the creative bar remain integral elements of VFX Legion's process.
The release of 'Scandal's' VFX breakdown reel, 'VFX Legion Goes to Washington…In LA' provides a retrospect of some of the CG sequences that the studio created for the show over the last three seasons.
Scandal Visual Effects Breakdown from VFX Legion on Vimeo.
VFX Legion is a Burbank-based studio skilled at providing end-to-end visual effects services for episodic television and feature films. Founded in 2013 by creative director, senior visual effects supervisor, James David Hattin, the studio's veteran management team and support staff, along with a collective of over 70 highly skilled artists, produce a full range of high-quality VFX, while meeting challenging deadlines for multiple projects with ease.
The young company builds upon the experience of a management team with notable credentials. Hattin has over 20-years' experience as a VFX manager, senior visual effects and compositing supervisor for some of the industry's top VFX studios, including Zoic Studios, Industrial Light & Magic, Digital Dream and Pixel Magic. During that time, he helmed visual effect teams for a prestigious roster of lauded TV shows and major feature films. LA studio have also tapped Hattin and his team's technical expertise to develop and evolve digital pipelines and infrastructures. For more information visit http://VFXlegion.com.


text:
Furlough, footprints and freelancers made up key criteria in 2021 – Firth
First-time buyers need propping up from all players in the housing market – Bamford
Primis and TMA to hold virtual CeMAP courses
Affordability becoming more stretched but regional variation remains
AMI to hold virtual event on diversity and inclusion report
Finance experts to explore options for older borrowers at LLLE
Newcastle BS adds remortgage deal to Help to Buy range
by: Anna Sagar
Newcastle Building Society has brought in a remortgage product to its Help to Buy range to provide increased flexibility to those with an existing Help to Buy mortgage.
The product is exclusive to the lender and is available on a two-year fixed rate at 3.55 per cent up to 95 per cent loan to value (LTV). It also comes with £1,000 cashback, no product fees and free standard valuation.
The cashback is designed to help with the costs of repaying the equity loan, according to the lender.
Borrowers can also elect to take out a two-year fixed rate at 2.19 per cent or a five-year fixed rate at 2.49 per cent up 75 per cent LTV, with a maximum loan of £450,000 although regional caps apply.
Both the above products also come with no product fees and free standard valuation, and all the products permit 10 per cent overpayments per year, as well as £499 a month.
The lender has extended the end dates of its Help to Buy range to January 2025 and January 2027. The previous end date was September 2023 and 2026.
Newcastle Building Society's head of intermediary mortgages Franco Di Pietro said: "We're delighted to introduce new products to our Help to Buy range to support the strong demand we continue to see in this market.
"These products provide a competitive and flexible offering to support first-time buyers onto the property ladder alongside those with an existing Help to Buy mortgage now moving onto the next stage and looking to remortgage."
The Help to Buy scheme, was launched in 2013, with the latest iteration of the scheme launching in April this year and running until 2023.
The scheme aims to help first-time buyers with smaller deposits get on the property ladder via new builds, with the government lending up to 20 per cent of the cost of a newly built home, and up to 40 per cent in London.
Borrowers in turn need to produce at least 5 per cent of the price of the home, with the rest of the purchase coming from a mortgage.
According to the latest statistics from the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government 328,506 properties have been bought with an equity loan, with the total value of properties sold under the scheme coming to £91.1bn and the total value of equity loans pegged at £20.1bn.
Just over 80 per cent of all completions have been completed by first-time buyers.
Newcastle Building Society adds First Homes products after pilot success
Majority of brokers optimistic about new-build market but supply concerns remain – TMA Club
Broker 2022 challenges include fixed rate maturities, tech and managing clients, says SMP
Bluestone Mortgages releases cashback remortgage range
first-time buyers Franco Di Pietro Help to Buy help to buy 2021 help to buy 2023 Newcastle Building Society remortgage shared equity loan
Anna Sagar
House prices show largest annual increase since 2016

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Q: Testers all show up as anonymous user Why do all of my crash logs show anonymous user when all of them have a testflight account and I'm setting the uuid in the test flight initialization?
in my singleton:
#define kTestFlightTest 1

in application initialization:
[TestFlight takeOff:kTestFlightToken];
#ifdef kTestFlightTest
    [TestFlight setDeviceIdentifier:[[UIDevice currentDevice] uniqueIdentifier]];
#endif

A: Just emailed TestFlight about it and got a response with a solution that works a charm. The UDID code:
[TestFlight setDeviceIdentifier:[[UIDevice currentDevice] uniqueIdentifier]];

needs to go before:
[TestFlight takeOff:kTestFlightToken];

Swap those around and it all works fine. :-D
I've emailed back saying thanks but that it should be something they really mention in the docs (being so simple, yet not that obvious).
Edit: This answer only appliers to iOS versions BEFORE iOS 7. As it's been noted in the comments, iOS 7 removes [[UIDevice currentDevice] uniqueIdentifier] completely. There are ways of making a UUID with NSUUID from iOS 6, though I don't believe these work with TestFlight yet as they are created by the users device per app and there is no way of knowing what it'd be externally. I'm sure they guys and gals over at TestFlight are looking into a way to track who the user is, but until then, get used to seeing "Anonymous User".

A: I Have also added same in my code like

[TestFlight setDeviceIdentifier:[[UIDevice currentDevice]
  uniqueIdentifier]];

before takeoff, but in ios 5 this method is deprecated so i added following method
[TestFlight setDeviceIdentifier:[NSString stringWithFormat:@"%@",[[UIDevice currentDevice] identifierForVendor]]];

But still i am getting anonymous issues. i have written it to Testflight support but no luck yet.  for two devices it shows user device name properly but not working on other tester's device.

A: I've just performed some tests. Clearly there is no proper way to get the UDID anymore as @Danny Parker mentioned in a comment above. To test this I hardcoded my UDID in the app and submitted it to TestFlight. Any checkpoints or feedback resulted as messages from me. No more anonymous checkpoints and feedback. Obviously this is useless as I need each tester's UDID to see what checkpoints they hit. I guess TestFlight will have to find a different way to associate devices to logs.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Can I Order a Lab Test?
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text:
Your NZ
Free speech for those who don't threaten free speech
Good commenting
Euthanasia – news and views
Davison: time to talk (Euthanasia)
A Good Death
Euthanasia discussion
Euthanasia debate podcasts
Voluntary Euthanasia in New Zealand
MSN NZ
NZ City
TVNZ
NZ Parliament
Parliament TV on demand
Elections NZ
MPs on social media
MPs on social media KB
The Daily Blog
Medicinal Cannabis, Links and Information
Medicinal Cannabis Blog Posts.
NZ Politics (FB)
'Governments need more history graduates'
Why do people believe in a non-existent Abrahamic God?
What does Jesus save us from?
The hypocritical life of Brian
Plato's Theory of Forms similar Torres Islanders' beliefs
A Christian reconsiders the Resurrection of Christ
All posts tagged Michael Cullen
Reforming public finance beyond the 'wellbeing budget'
The Government has been consulting with 'a group of experts' – including Michael Cullen – on a new approach to managing the government's finances, which could have a massive impact on future budgets.
Newsroom: Cullen consults on massive Budget shake up
Treasury has brought in former Finance Minister Michael Cullen to consult on government budgeting as it tries to shift the focus away from surpluses
Dubbed a "stewardship" approach, it aims to take a more long-term view of public finance. A paper released to Newsroom under the Official Information Act shows Treasury has already begun work on reforming the public finance beyond the 'Wellbeing Budget' which will be delivered on Thursday.
The briefing notes that the current public finance system is 30 years old and may not adequately serve the needs of today's governments. It said that the current work on the Wellbeing Budget and the Living Standards Framework will "only take us so far", and further work was needed to fix "underlying issues with our public finance settings".
Treasury says the approach is about moving from a "management" to a "system stewardship" approach to the public finance system. This could involve further changes to the Public Finance Act, a piece of legislation drawn up in 1989 that forms the cornerstone of public finance in New Zealand.
Finance Minister Grant Robertson told Newsroom the Government was "certainly moving forward" with the ideas in the paper.
Treasury believes the public sector is "not working well for everyone". It singles out struggles in responding to "complex needs and issues" as well as "longer-term opportunities and risks". It lays the blame, in part, on "a range of underlying issues with our public finance settings".
It says the current settings encourage "silos" and a short-term focus. These settings mean it can be difficult to move funding across several years when it makes sense.
The reporting requirements placed on the Government focus on "outputs not outcomes," and it incentivises "compliance and risk aversion," rather than "innovation".
Treasury said the new approach would "support better collaboration", and place "more emphasis on the long-term to support innovation, asset management and capacity-building".
One change being discussed would substantially alter how baseline funding is appropriated. Currently, bids for cost pressure funding is bid for on an annual basis, which Treasury says is "resource intensive". This could change to a multi-year "defined period" bid, which would be more flexible.
Government budgets should have medium and long term considerations. I don't think this is particularly new – the Cullen Fund was designed as a long term means of financing superannuation as the population grew older. And many budget items are for multiple years (four years is common).
Last September, Treasury officials met informally with a panel which included former Finance Minister Michael Cullen, former ACT candidate and ex-Treasury Secretary Graham Scott, Victoria University Professor Jonathan Boston, and former State Services Commissioner Iain Rennie.
The group urged caution before changing "what is internationally a very good public finance system".
Speaking to Newsroom, Cullen said there was merit in looking at long-term risks so long as a balanced approach was taken.
"So long as focus on the long-term doesn't become an excuse for doing stupid things in the short-term then there's a great deal of sense in getting that long-term focus," Cullen said.
He said long-term risks like the costs of super and health care, combined with unexpected risks like earthquakes meant a prudent approach should still be taken.
"We are a country which faces quite significant risks that will suddenly descend upon us. We don't have the slightest clue they're going to happen," he said.
Jonathan Boston told Newsroom that moving away from a narrow focus on GDP as a measure of the economy was wise.
"GDP is a flow measure; it measures the value of goods and services but it doesn't tell you what's happening to income distribution and to other financial measures, more particularly it doesn't tell you what's happening to the stocks of capital in a society or your human capital stock," Boston said.
Reassessing how budgeting is done is a good thing. We will have to wait and see whether changes that happen as a result of this consultation turn out to be a good thing – and that could take many years to determine.
by Pete George on 28th May 2019 • Permalink
Posted in government
Tagged budget, Grant Robertson, Jonathan Boston, Michael Cullen, public finances, review, Treasury
Posted by Pete George on 28th May 2019
https://yournz.org/2019/05/28/reforming-public-finance-beyond-the-wellbeing-budget/
'Surprise card' (really?) could help sell CGT
An obvious possible aim with Michael Cullen's Capital Gains Tax proposals, especially the very high tax rate, was that the Government could adopt a watered down version and sell that as a good thing – this is an old political trick, lead with something terrible and then claim that a half as terrible policy was somehow great.
There are hints that this is indeed a deliberate approach taken, with a more moderate CGT being quietly circulated.
Tom Pullar-Strecker (Stuff): Surprise card could help Labour sell a capital gains tax 'light'
The Government has a trump card that could make a capital gains tax less unpopular and far harder for any future National government to reverse.
Tax Working Group chairman Sir Michael Cullen has proposed making a tax on capital gains "tax neutral" by handing back the $8.3 billion in revenue it is expected to generate over five years, mostly through income tax cuts and improved KiwiSaver incentives.
But a well-placed source believes the Government is likely to propose slashing the rate of a capital gains tax (CGT) and introducing significant exemptions to get the tax in place, while still offering all the major "carrots" and keeping the change tax-neutral.
That could be achieved simply by declaring that the CGT should be "tax neutral" over a longer period than five years, say 10 years.
A 'well-placed source' sounds suspiciously lie a leak strategy is being used.
The Government asked the Tax Working Group (TWG) to come up with tax packages that were tax neutral.
But Finance Minister Grant Robertson confirmed it was the working group that determined that should be over five years, with "no ministerial direction" on the timeframe.
Robertson would not rule out changing the time period, saying only that the Government was "carefully considering the report and all of its recommendations".
The source suggested that if the Government did shift the goal posts set by the working group it could halve the maximum tax on capital gains from the currently proposed top income tax rate of 33 per cent, to 16 or 17 per cent.
It could also decide "not to touch KiwiSaver" by exempting KiwiSaver funds from paying tax on Australian and New Zealand shares, exclude more "lifestyle blocks" from a CGT, and introduce a threshold under which small business owners would not pay tax on their capital gains.
Together that would address the "four main concerns" with a CGT, including one "which is gaining traction" that it would be unfair to tax capital gains at 33 per cent while not adjusting them for inflation, the source said.
This makes it sound like Robertson may be the 'well-placed source'. Which wouldn't be surprising.
It also wouldn't be surprising if Cullen and Robertson had either planned a strategy of proposing a heavy handed CGT and then switching to a CGT-lite from the start, or have sugested the lite version in response to the widespread negative reaction to the version proposed by the Tax Working Group.
Lengthening the period over which a CGT would be tax neutral could also make it less appealing for any future National government to quickly reverse the tax changes, since many of the benefits from the overall changes would then be more heavily "front loaded", the source observed.
Chris Wales, a former leader of PwC's global tax team who has advised prime ministers and finance ministers in several countries, including Britain's Tony Blair, said the approach could be "wise, sensible and democratic".
"At a simplistic level, people will, of course, be relieved that the potential breadth of a CGT has been reduced and that the rate is nowhere near the 33 per cent that the TWG has put forward," Wales said, speaking from Kiev.
The Government could argue it had respected the outcome of the group's deliberations but listened to the people as well, he said.
It sounds like 'the people' are being played here.
There's not much of a surprise in that.
by Pete George on 14th March 2019 • Permalink
Tagged CGT, CGT-lite, Grant Robertson, Michael Cullen, Tax Working Group
Posted by Pete George on 14th March 2019
https://yournz.org/2019/03/14/surprise-card-really-could-help-sell-cgt/
Cullen to be paid $1k a day for ongoing media work on tax recommendations
I think it's unusual for the chairman of a Government working group to continue promoting recommendations and defending the Government's position via media after delivery of their report. I hope it's more unusual to be paid $1000 a day to do it.
Cullen to continue as TWG chairman until June due to ongoing media interest, and will earn up to $1061 a day in the role. No details on how many days he will work.
Sir Michael Cullen debates impact of tax reform on farmers, without the politics https://t.co/pKTOHMYKpr
— Hamish Rutherford (@oneforthedr) March 6, 2019
Stuff: Sir Michael Cullen debates impact of tax reform on farmers, without the politics
Sir Michael Cullen has continued his public statements on the impact of capital gains tax, although his tone has softened considerably.
On Wednesday the Tax Working Group chairman released a lengthy statement on the impact the proposals of the Tax Working Group would have on farms.
It came two days after the former Labour MP and minister of finance questioned statements made by the National Party about the possible impact on KiwiSaver.
Cullen did not say why he issued the latest statement, instead claiming he had "responded to a request to comment on recent claims about the effect on farmers".
This week it emerged that while the Tax Working Group has disbanded, Cullen has had his contract extended by the Government.
Cabinet papers show Cullen was to be paid $1062 a day in his role as chairman of the TWG.
"We extended his appointment as the chair of the TWG to 30 June because we were aware there would be extended public discussion on the report, and this has played out," Finance Minister Grant Robertson said in a statement.
That will be close to $100,000 over three months. Where is Ardern's so-called fairness in this?
If Ardern and Robertson aren't capable of explaining and defending the working group recommendations then perhaps they should be paying Cullen out of their salaries.
by Pete George on 7th March 2019 • Permalink
Tagged CGT, Grant Robertson, Jacinda Ardern, Michael Cullen, Tax Working Group, TWG
Posted by Pete George on 7th March 2019
https://yournz.org/2019/03/07/cullen-to-be-paid-1k-a-day-for-ongoing-media-work-on-tax-recommendations/
Where are all the young progressives?
Jacinda Ardern's sudden rise to leadership of the country was lauded (in part by herself) as the start of new generation progressive change.
But where are all the young progressives?
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has a lot of influence in the government. He is nearly seventy four years old and first made it into Parliament in 1979, forty years ago and before the so-called neo-liberal changes in the 1980s.
One of the first things the incoming did was do a u-turn to support and implement the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement. 'Progressive ' was tacked onto the from of the name, but it is much the same as past trade agreements. Responsible for managing this was Labour's most experienced minister, and one of their oldest – David Parker is nearing 60.
Tax reform has been a major policy of Labour's. They appointed Michael Cullen to lead their Tax Working Group. He is the same age as Peters (he turns 74 in two days), and entered Parliament two years after Peters, in 1981.
Labour has a close relationship with unions, and want to reform labour laws. The appointed ex Prime Minister Jim Bolger to lead that working group. He entered parliament in 1972, before most current ministers were born. He is ten years older than Peters and Cullen. And his group's recommendations have been described as a return to old school industry wage agreements.
Experience is essential in government. So are new ideas, understanding changing times and youthful enthusiasm.
Ardern is fronting a new progressive way of doing politics, but where is the team and the drive behind this? There are no obvious new generation stars beyond Ardern's accomplished grasp of PR.
Where are all the young progressives? And where is the female input beyond the figurehead of Ardern?
by Pete George on 3rd February 2019 • Permalink
Tagged David Parker, Jacinda Ardern, Jim Bolger, Michael Cullen, progressive, Winston Peters
Posted by Pete George on 3rd February 2019
https://yournz.org/2019/02/03/where-are-all-the-young-progressives/
Tax reform and capital gains tax still unresolved
According to media claims the Cabinet has received copies of the Tax Working Group recommendations, but it could take some time to find out what they are going to decide to run with. – or what the are allowed to run with by Winston Peters.
Group chairman Michael Cullen has suggested that tax changes could be decided in Parliament this term ready to come into effect in April 2021 providing Labour gets a mandate in next year's election. But Grant Robertson has warned that it could take some time to work through the recommendations with Labour's partner parties in Government.
Audrey Young (in Major challenges for 'exasperated' Ardern):
Robertson played Robin to her Batman at the post-Cabinet presser, initially fronting on the Government response to the insurance industry inquiry.
The subject quickly changed to the final report of the Tax Working Group and its promised capital gains tax which is due to be handed to the Government this week.
Robertson patiently continued his mission to change the language over the tax by calling it a "capital income tax" rather than a "capital gains tax" — an attempt to equate it to all other income.
Ardern became impatient when questions turned to the undisputed veto that NZ First will have on any capital gains tax — the Greens have been unequivocal supporters and NZ First longstanding opponents.
Apparently a capital gains tax is just like every other issue the Government debates, and requires the agreement of all three parties.
Not just apparently. Tax reform is far from a done deal. It is a Labour only promise, but with no public agreement with either NZ First or the Greens.
Stuff: Decision on capital gains tax will take a wee while, Grant Robertson warns
There will be no quick decision from the Government on whether to implement a capital gains tax, Finance Minister Grant Robertson has signalled – noting Labour would have to work that through with its coalition partners.
The Tax Working Group (TWG) chaired by Sir Michael Cullen is understood to have completed its report for the Government, with a "clear majority" favouring subjecting capital gains from the sale of property, shares and businesses to income tax.
But Robertson told RNZ the Government would need to take its time to read the TWG's report "work through the details of it and work out what package we can agree to as a coalition government".
Remarkably the Labour-NZ First coalition agreement did not mention the Tax Working Group, nor CGT, and neither did Labour-Green Confidence & Supply Agreement, so the recommendations of the TWG and what Labour would like to do will all need to be negotiated with Winston Peters and NZ First, as well as with the Greens. This alone is likely to take time.
Inland Revenue said on Tuesday morning that the report had not yet been delivered to the Government, and no date has been set for it to be made public, but sources said the report was being read in the Beehive.
Robertson said he expected to get the report by the end of the week but he and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern did not rule out a coalition partner vetoing any legislation.
"There is a wee ways to go before the final decisions about this report will be made," Robertson said.
"As we do with all these reports, we will take a look at it and put it out with a few interim comments from us," he said.
So it could be some time even before the report is made public. Labour want to work out how to try to sell it before they advertise it.
Cullen said in December that he believed Parliament would have time to pass legislation paving the way for any proposed tax changes before the election, so those changes could take effect from April 2021.
Theoretically Parliament may have time, but Labour won't want to take any tax changes to Parliament without agreement from NZ First, and the Greens.
Politik: And now the hard part; getting Winston to agree to a capital gains tax
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed yesterday that iot was still the government's intention to bring forward legislation for any tax changes before the end of its current twerm though those changes would not come into effect until after the enxt election.
But whether it will propose a capital gains tax will now depend on whether it can persuade NZ First to agree.
Ardern and Finance Minister Grant Robertson were coy yesterday on whether they thought they could win that derbate.
Meanwhile NZ First Leader, Winston Peters, is not saying much beyond repeating his 2017 assertion that we already had a capital gains tax.
"What i tried to point out then was that we had a cpaital ghaimn tax and that we had had one for a long time," he told POLITIK last night.
"Now the question is are you talking about broadening it.
"The position of New Zealand First is that we will wait for the report, we will evaluate it and then we will give our view."
Tax reform has already limited by Labour in their terms of reference for the TWG. They will presumably also want any changes to fit within their wellbeing agenda.
It will only happen if it also fits with the electoral wellbeing of Winston Peters and NZ First
by Pete George on 30th January 2019 • Permalink
Tagged capital gains tax, CGT, Grant Robertson, Greens, Labour, Michael Cullen, NZ First, Tax Working Group, Winston Peters
Posted by Pete George on 30th January 2019
https://yournz.org/2019/01/30/tax-reform-and-capital-gains-tax-still-unresolved/
Labour, Capital Gains Tax, 'fairness', 2020 election
Labour have promoted a more comprehensive Capital Gains tax for years, and set up the Tax Working Group 14 months ago with a CGT as a major focus. However they have ruled out some capital gains from being taxed, particularly 'family homes'.
Labour seem to be caught between two forces – a stated desire to reform the fax system and make it 'fairer' (which in reality means taxing some people less and some people more), but also an obvious wish to get re-elected next year. They have said they will campaign on whatever tax changes they come up with in the 2020 election to get a mandate to implement them.
Labour's tax policy: https://www.labour.org.nz/tax
Hamish Rutherford (Stuff): Is capital gains tax a hill that Labour is willing to die on?
National wants Labour to go into the next election proposing a capital gains tax because the Opposition believes such a move will be something close to political suicide.
After close to a decade in the wilderness, during which Labour continuously preached about the inherent unfairness of New Zealand's tax system, the largest Government party must ask itself: is this a hill worth dying on?
Although supporters tend to oversimplify the case, there is a strong, possibly compelling, argument for capital gains to be taxed.
If a person is taxed for what they earn from their work, it seems only reasonable that they also be taxed for what they receive from their assets.
Equality writer Max Rashbrooke went so far as to suggest capital gains tax should be called a "fairness tax".
But the problem is, no-one is proposing the type of tax which this implies.
Labour has already ruled out a capital gains tax on the family home, and an inheritance tax. Both exemptions have massive implications for how much the tax would raise and the extent to which the wealthy can manage to avoid it.
Both are also political promises which have implications for whether the tax is, indeed, fair.
Whatever is promised by the Tax Working Group report will leave Labour in an invidious position.
Capital gains taxes are inherently complicated and New Zealand's existing tax system is designed around not having one in place.
During the election campaign in 2017, Labour was constantly on the back foot amid an intense campaign by National's "let's tax this" attack advertising.
Jacinda Ardern was eventually forced to rule out major changes before the 2020 election, but, according to pollsters, the damage was done.
Unless Ardern and Finance Minister Grant Robertson are ready to continually make the case for whatever changes are proposed, the Government's proposed capital gains tax will be whatever National says it is.
So far NZ First has remained silent on its policy on capital gains tax, but if Winston Peters can be convinced to support it at all, he is certainly unlikely to do so without extracting some tangible win for the party to promote to his supporters.
All of this comes amid high uncertainty about what a capital gains tax would raise in the coming decade, in an environment where low interest rates have pushed asset valuations to levels which may not be sustainable, especially if the economy slows.
For all of its belief that there is a major problem in the tax system which could be fixed through a change in mindset, the reality is likely to be dawning that the tax will be politically challenging unless major changes are made, which will undermine how much is raised as well as how much "fairer" the tax system will become.
It will also be so easy for its opponents to demonise that the Government must wonder whether it's worth the risk of trying.
But if Labour decide that progressive tax reform is 'not a priority' they will be demonised as well, for talking up tax reform and a CGT and then backing down. They have to come up with something substantive on tax reform.
John Cuthbertson (Stuff) – Capital gains tax: What's fair for one person may hurt another
In the 14 months since the Tax Working Group terms of reference were published, there has been a lot of talk about fairness, particularly the fairness of a capital gains tax (CGT), but not much talk about balance.
Fairness means different things to different people. It can mean a different thing to an individual at different times depending on their situation.
To keep as many people as possible happy, and tax revenue flowing, over millennia, tax authorities have come up with a number of, often competing, tests of a "good" tax system, including fairness, efficiency, certainty, minimising avoidance and compliance costs, coherence and last, but not least, raising enough cash to meet the Government's needs.
At the same time, taxpayers have developed one simple principle – not in my backyard. If the tax collector is to reach into my backyard, then the pain and the gains should be equally shared relative to ability to pay.
That expectation gap – as old as tax itself – is one the working group is hoping to balance with its proposal to tax capital gains on assets not already caught by the tax net, what some are calling a new capital gains tax.
Its interim report warns that inconsistent taxes on gains from sales of capital assets, which favour the wealthiest, make our tax system less fair and risks undermining public acceptance of the system.
So consistently taxing capital gains will make our tax system fairer, right?
Well, it might not be that clear cut.
A truly fair approach would be to tax all asset classes, however, as the Government has told the working group that the family home must be exempt, this broad approach is hamstrung from the get-go.
Chartered Accountants ANZ's view is that if introduced, a CGT should include land, residential investment, commercial property and farms, shares and business assets.
The Government has told the working group to have specific regard to housing affordability. If this is the case, we question the outright exemption of the family home given the strong prevalence (65 per cent) of owner-occupied housing in the overall housing market.
An alternative approach would be to include a dollar-value exclusion threshold and only tax gains above this threshold – targeting overcapitalisation. This approach has been used successfully overseas and would minimise distortions.
The working group's key question is whether "the fairness, integrity, revenue and efficiency benefits outweigh the administrative complexity, compliance costs and efficiency costs" of introducing a CGT.
A CGT is a particularly complex issue and CA ANZ's recommendation to ministers and to the Tax Working Group is to ensure policy designers have enough time to strike the right balance between what assets are included and what roll over relief is available when the asset changes hands and, at the same time, fully integrating changes with existing income tax legislation and stakeholder systems.
Our tax system has got to be perceived by taxpayers as broadly fair to achieve their buy-in.
It must be easy for people to comply with and difficult to avoid. It also must ensure the tax base is sustained and broad enough to support our health system, national infrastructure, schools and social assistance.
Labour has to try and balance the tax system so that taxpayers see it as broadly fair. But taxpayers are also voters, and next election may come down to how fair they see Labour's tax proposals, versus National's.
Tagged Capitaal Gains Tax, CGT, Hamish Rutherford, John Cuthbertson, Michael Cullen, Tax Working Group
https://yournz.org/2019/01/16/labour-capital-gains-tax-fairness-2020-election/
Q+A – Michael Cullen on the Capital Gains Tax and TWG
Chairman of the Tax Working group, Michael Cullen, was interviewed on Q+A last night on Capital Gains Tax and water.
He was also interviewed on the Nation on Saturday.
Scoop: On Newshub Nation: Simon Shepherd interviews Tax Working Group Chair Michael Cullen
Sir Michael Cullen says there's currently under-taxation at the top end of the income and wealth scale, and under his working group's recommendations "people who have substantial capital assets in one form or another" would end up paying more.
Sir Michael disputes the effect Labour's capital gains tax policy had on the party's 2011 and 2014 election losses: "There was no real sign, actually, that that had any great impact in shifting votes around."
He says some charities getting tax breaks might not be using their income for charitable purposes: "Some of those charities – at least on first examination – appear to not be passing on much of their income out to the supposed intended beneficiaries."
Sir Michael says proposed environmental taxes on things like waste dumping would be aimed at changing behaviour, not increasing revenue: "Hopefully behaviour changes, so that the amount of money that you collect at the end of the day may not be much more… there's just a lot less waste going to landfill."
He says tax cuts for lower income earners would be an effective way to offset increased user-pays charges: "Actually reducing the bottom tax rate, or having even a tax-free area at the bottom, is more effective in compensation."
Full transcript (Scoop)
The Q+A panel on Cullens interview and tax.
by Pete George on 24th September 2018 • Permalink
Tagged capital gains tax, CGT, Michael Cullen, Q+A, Tax Working Group, water
Posted by Pete George on 24th September 2018
https://yournz.org/2018/09/24/qa-michael-cullen-on-the-capital-gains-tax-and-twg/
For and against a CGT and Michael Cullen interview on the Nation
Michael Cullen, ex finance minister and now chairman of the Tax Working Group, will be interviewed on Newshub Nation this morning at 9:30m am (repeated Sunday morning 10 am).
Following the release of the Tax Working Group's interim report, Simon Shepherd sits down with its chairman Sir Michael Cullen to look at how tax changes could increase income equality and help the environment.
Future of Tax: Interim Report (PDF)
The contentious hobbled CGT should be a talking point.
Stuff: Ministers issue fresh request to Tax Working Group to 'consider inequality'
The Government has given the Tax Working Group a prod along after it stopped short of reaching a recommendation on the merits of a broad-based capital gains tax in its interim report.
It set out two models for what a broad-based tax on capital gains could look like in its interim report published on Thursday.
Chairman Sir Michael Cullen said "the key issue" it had looked at was tax on capital income, but said it was not a "no brainer".
Finance Minister Grant Robertson and Revenue Minister Stuart Nash immediately released a letter they had sent to the TWG.
The letter asked the TWG to "consider a package or packages of measures which reduces inequality, so that New Zealand better reflects the OECD average whilst increasing both fairness across the tax system and housing affordability".
The ministers also asked the TWG to examine which of two models for taxing capital gains that the TWG considered "would be best to ensure the tax system was … fair and balanced".
A source close to the TWG said the letter sent "a strong signal" about the Government's desire for a broader capital gains tax.
Max Rushbrooke for a CGT and pro-equality tax changes: Tax report highlights NZ's inequality issues
Though it may not have settled on an answer yet, yesterday's interim report by the Tax Working Group was crystal clear about the problem: we have a tax system that does very little to enhance fairness and reduce inequality.
The need to restore fairness runs like a silver thread throughout the working group's analysis. Hence one of its preferred options is to tax nearly all the gains that people make from selling assets.
…it would also help reduce inequality, because these so-called capital gains will be largely the preserve of the very well-off. Indeed, many of these people have become adept at disguising their income as capital gains in order to avoid paying tax.
There are, of course, some downsides to introducing a thorough tax on capital gains. It creates more reporting requirements, and could encourage people to hold on to assets for longer. But these seem like minor problems when set against its major benefits.
Peter Dunne is against it: It's time to bury the capital gains tax
The spectre of a capital gains tax on residential property sales and other substantial assets has loomed large over the New Zealand tax scene for about fifty years now.
Government is a little different, but the outcome seems likely to be the same. While this time the Government has left open the possibility of a capital gains tax, it is the Tax Working Party that looks likely to rule it out, saying the issue is ultimately a political one. And, given the Government's commitment not to introduce such a tax before it gets a specific renewed electoral mandate, the prospects look as distant as ever. Very few governments win elections promising to introduce more taxes.
All of which raises the question as to why the capital gains issue keeps getting raised, especially since the arguments in favour from both a revenue gathering and efficiency perspective are not that strong.
Advice I received when Minister of Revenue was that it could be over a decade from the time of introducing a broader based capital gains tax until it produced any significant revenue gain for the Government.
Also, it has been long accepted that the family home would have to be exempted from any such regime, further diminishing its likely impact. Even in the rental sector, the impact would likely be negative for tenants, with landlords boosting rents to offset any negative tax impact when those properties are sold.
… the application of a capital gains tax to other substantial items would be just as fraught, as items will appreciate over time at different rates, while some will depreciate. The administration of such a tax will impose additional strains and complexities on an already struggling tax system for not much revenue gain.
When tax policy moves too far into the area of engineering income redistribution or social equity complicated issues invariably arise at the margins, which the tax system, by virtue of its blanket approach, is not well designed to cope with.
All of which means that the Government would do far better to focus its ongoing attention on ensuring that the greatest amount possible of all taxes currently levied is collected before embarking on the imposition of new or additional taxes.
For all these reasons it is time to bury the capital gains tax argument for good, and focus afresh on tax policy that works, rather than just feels good.
Capital gains tax not a 'Robin Hood' tax, but close – Sir Michael Cullen #nationnz https://t.co/ZXr2qdwUwc pic.twitter.com/YZsk1tXBf7
— Newshub Nation (@NewshubNationNZ) September 22, 2018
Audrey Young: Capital gains tax defining issue for Labour, NZ First
One thing is clear after this week's tax report – tax could make or break the Government at the next election, and a capital gains tax (CGT) will be a defining issue for the relationship between Labour and New Zealand First.
The tax blunder last time taught Jacinda Ardern and then finance spokesman Grant Robertson that the "how" of progressing a policy is as important as the "what".
Capital gains tax has been an integral part of the post-Clark Labour story. In a sense, Robertson owes his job as Finance Minister to it.
It may be that New Zealand First sees CGT as such a defining issue for Labour that it is obliged to support it as an article of good faith.
Both parties will also be mindful of the integrating effect of the policy on the Coalition.
Because the capital gains tax would not take effect until after the election, it would bind the Coalition partners, Labour and New Zealand First, closer together and require Peters and Ardern to campaign jointly under their tax policy.
That will fundamentally change the dynamics of the next election, whatever the merits and disadvantages of a capital gains tax itself.
by Pete George on 23rd September 2018 • Permalink
Tagged capital gains tax, CGT, Max Rusbbrooke, Michael Cullen, Peter Dunne
Posted by Pete George on 23rd September 2018
https://yournz.org/2018/09/23/for-and-against-a-cgt-and-michael-cullen-interview-on-the-nation/
Tax Working Group throwing CGT football back at Labour?
It is reported that the Tax Working Group may throw the Capital Gains Tax football back at Labour, deeming a decision on it being too political for them. Perhaps it is more of a hot potato.
While the CGT was a prominent part of Labour policy the WTG was limited in what they could recommend. For example they were instructed to exclude family homes from any CGT recommendations, which complicates things substantially.
And it appears that, again, the Government is asking for (forcing?) amendments to media articles after they are first posted.
Tom Pullar-Strecker (Stuff): Capital gains tax debate not over, Grant Robertson suggests
The Tax Working Group is understood to have stopped short of recommending a broad-based capital gains tax, in an interim report due out within days.
The working group chaired by Sir Michael Cullen was tasked with designing a capital gains tax for consideration by the Government, but is expected to push back any firm recommendation to its final report which is due to be published in February.
It had been widely expected that the Tax Working Group (TWG) would recommend a broad-based capital gains tax on the likes of sharemarket and property investments as the centrepiece of tax reforms on which Labour would fight the next election.
However, doubts began creep in earlier this year that the Government would ultimately back the plan, amid concerns the new tax would be unpopular and would cause rents to rise without delivering much in the way of extra revenue for at least a decade.
Paul Drum, chief executive of accounting body CPA Australia, said in a newspaper column that "a close reading of the tea leaves" suggested the "highly important and politicised" issue of the capital gains tax "is probably to be parked for further consultation and input".
Sir Michael Cullen hinted that was on the money, saying he had "not reacted strongly to that comment".
Interestingly, the headline was changed some time after that article was posted online. The original article name:
CGT in doubt as bid to outsource political decision hits snags
Capital gains tax debate not over, Grant Robertson suggests
Some content was also changed. Earlier:
The Tax Working Group is understood to have stopped short of recommending a broad-based capital gains tax in an interim report, but Finance Minister Grant Robertson has played down the report's significance.
I think this has been added:
Robertson confirmed the Government had received the interim report which he said would be released soon.
But he said the work was "always supposed to be a two-stage process" and commentators were "getting a bit ahead of themselves".
And some content has been edited out.
It looks like Labour is a bit sensitive about the Tax Working Group in relation to the Capital Gains Tax.
Considering their obvious influence over media coverage (the Prime Minister's office jumped into media coverage of Jacinda Ardern's misleading over the Clare Curran resignation last Friday), I wonder how much Robertson and Labour may be trying to influence Cullen and/or the Tax Working Group?
Also, from Newsroom: Capital Gains Tax looks less likely
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday that she had not "set expectations" about what the working group currently considering tax reform would recommend to the Government.
Ardern and Finance Minister Grant Robertson established the working group in March with terms of reference including, "whether a system of taxing capital gains or land (not applying to the family home or the land under it), or other housing tax measures, would improve the tax system".
But Labour's plan to de-politicise the CGT appears to have failed, with reports now circulating the working group intends to push a recommendation on a CGT back to the Government.
Ardern said she would allow the group to do its work and would not prefigure what it would produce — outside of the parameters established in its terms of reference.
But Robertson is actively trying to influence the reporting.
Newsroom understands the interim report has recently been handed to Robertson and Revenue Minister Stuart Nash. Officials will then digest the report before releasing it to the public.
So the 'leaking' of the CGT information could have come from a number of places, for a number of reasons.
The group's final report is due in February. Labour will then choose tax proposals from the report to take to the electorate in the 2020 election. Should they win, the proposals would be implemented in April 2021.
So the Tax Working Group looks like a policy development exercise for Labour in Preparation for the 2020 election..
Tagged capital gains tax, Grant Robertson, Michael Cullen, Tax Working Group
https://yournz.org/2018/09/11/tax-working-group-throwing-cgt-football-back-at-labour/
Communism by stealth, or 'Corporate-Capitalist Welfare by design'?
PartisanZ saved me the trouble of stating this topic:
Matthew Hooton: 'Communism by stealth' is here – NZHerald
"Infamously, Key then entrenched Working for Families as Prime Minister, and Ardern and Robertson have further locked in middle-class dependency with their December 2017 Families Package.
In fact in 2004, the left-wing critique of Working for Families was stronger than Key's, that it would operate as a subsidy of low-paying employers.
That is, using Key's original numbers, if there was a job to do worth $60,000 a year, an employer could hire someone with two kids, pay them just $38,000 a year, and they'd end up with almost the same pay in the hand."
It's an interesting and convoluted argument, demonstrating, IMHO, that we are no longer involved in a Left-vs-Right contest but merely exist on a neoliberalism continuum where the challenge is how to make the failed economic paradigm 'appear' to be working …
It's not really about an actual economic paradigm. It's about the 'semblance' of an economic paradigm. About trying to prove the mirage is the reality. I believe we need to find a coherent, comprehensible name for this phenomenon because it affects us all, whether we want a UBI or vehemently oppose it.
'Simuliberalism'* perhaps? The similitude or simulation of neoliberalism?
"And don't expect National to be able to do anything about it. With the financial status of so many working families now as locked in to welfare as any other beneficiary, abolishing Working for Families is becoming ever-more politically impossible.
It has transferred the primary economic relationship that determines family income from being that with the employer to that with the state. It is indeed communism by stealth. Clark and Cullen knew exactly what they doing when they set it up."
Whatever it is, it certainly IS NOT communism … since the means of production aren't owned by the State on behalf of its citizens … they remain largely in private hands pushing wealth upwards towards the very few … and this means it CANNOT BE communism by stealth.
Corporate-Capitalist Welfare by design more likely … Simuliberalism?
by Pete George on 20th July 2018 • Permalink
Tagged communism by stealth, Helen Clark, John Key, Matthew Hooton, Michael Cullen, working for families
Posted by Pete George on 20th July 2018
https://yournz.org/2018/07/20/hooton-communism-by-stealth-or-corporate-capitalist-welfare-by-design/
Big election night win for Labour
Open Forum Sunday
Election night 2020
Open Forum Saturday
Message from the Electoral Commission
Reid Research pre-election poll
Little change in latest 1 News/Colmar Brunton poll
Roy Morgan September poll
Open Forum Friday
Covid surging in Europe
National, Greens may boost Labour vote
Claim that Peters was briefed on NZ First Foundation operations
Open Forum Thursday
National's desperate attacks
UMR poll
Open Forum Wednesday
Long campaign but still a fairly predictable outcome
Open Forum Tuesday
Open Forum Monday
Corky on Open Forum Sunday
Patzcuaro on Open Forum Sunday
traveller on Moving on
Griff. on Moving on
lurcher1948 on Moving on
Alan Wilkinson on Moving on
Pete George on Moving on
Corky on The white tangata whenua
Alan Wilkinson on The white tangata whenua
Conspiratoor on The white tangata whenua
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Welcome to Welcome Home Wednesdays #51!!!
Thank you ALL for coming back week after week!! We love seeing all your projects and creations! We APPRECIATE it!!
As a special treat, pop on over and enter this awesome giveaway for a $100 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal Cash!!
Like any good hosts we're sitting right by the present table waiting until our guests leave so we can go through the loot… the loot being your Welcome Home Wednesdays #51 links! We can't wait to check out what you've left for us. Trust me there will be a lot of pinning, tweeting and facebook sharing going on in the near future… we can't wait to show off what you've left!
Thank you for hosting this lovely party. Enjoy your week!
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Thank you for hosting and having one of my posts be a feature. I love my DIY Back To School Pencil Bag.
Thanks for partying with us each week! Your DIY Pencil bag is adorable!
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Thanks, Dianne. I hope your week is great too!
Wow! A raffle. Just joined! Have a delightful week!
Awesome! I'll cross my fingers!


"Missionary Study In A World At War".
Fr Andrew Murphy, Fr Sherry and "Babe".
who kindly supplied/confirmed the names.
What really happened to Babe . . .
next to him is Brother David, I think.
This and the previous photo must have been taken prior to 1951.
(L-R) : Fr Daniel Sherry, Brother Dunstan, Brother David and Fr Pat Boyd.
Jimmie Tolmie at St Columba's, taken by Bernard's father at Easter 1957.
The Eildon Hills are in the background.
(Definitely not the young Arnie Schwartznegger).
The Priory staff and visitors, in 1957.
Fr Pat Fitzgerald, visitor, visitor.
Can you supply the names of the "visitors" please?
Staff and students at The Priory, 1961 - 62.
Peter McKenzie, Andrew Coyle, Tom Russell, Bernard Melling.


text:
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Raquel Pomplun was born in San Diego, CA and raised in Tijuana, B.C., Mexico. Pomplun speaks fluent English and Spanish.
She is the 2013 Playboy Playmate Of The Year!
She is an actress, model, dancer, and also a broadcaster. As a model, she is signed with CESD Talent and Aqua Talent. Pomplun has appeared on numerous magazine covers and print advertising for companies such as Mercedes-Benz.
Pomplun appeared in the Paramount Pictures' motion picture, "The Gambler" starring Mark Wahlberg, as well as "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D" and Fox's "Lucifer."
On March 2018, Pomplun started a new venture in the world of stand up comedy. AND IS NOW KILLING IT ON STAGE EVERY WEEK!
Erika Jordan - Co-host for Playboy TV's series Totally Busted and star of Playboy's sitcom Canoga Park. Starring in Next Stop For Charlie season 2 on Showtime, Bikini Avengers and Criminal Desires on Cinemax and HBO. And soon you will be able to see her as Detective Parker in Model For Murder on HBO. She's the QUEEN OF LATE NIGHT TV. A published relationship columnist with Bro My God and Acquiring Man.
Todd "T-REXX" REXX
Todd Rexx is one of the top 10 funniest comedians in the world hands down. He has starred on many stand up TV shows including DEF JAM and Comics Unleashed. He is currently on the road with BILL BURR and CRAIG ROBINSON. He has millions of hits on YouTube for his bit called Smooby.
CHECK OUT HIS NEWEST COMEDY SPECIAL!
CRAIG SHOEMAKER
Craig Shoemaker is a modern day renaissance man, with a show business career spanning over three decades as a stand up comedian, actor, author, writer and producer. He was named Comedian of the Year at The American Comedy Awards on ABC, is listed as one of the top 100 comedians of all time on IMDB and has garnered two Emmy awards. His 90 minute stand up special Daditude, aired prime time on SHOWTIME Network and was on the front page on Netflix for several months.
"Shoe's" stage, film and TV acting credits are extensive and wide ranging. Recently, he co-stars as Bandit in the critically acclaimed movie, Middle Man. He recurred as the character Wilson Gromling, the head of Pawnee's Liberty or Die Party, on NBC's Parks & Recreation, and had a five episode run on The Bold & The Beautiful. He played the film professor in Scream 2, and just shot 2 films, Ticket to Nashville and RoadKill Mcgillicutty.
As a producer Craig has been a creative force in several independent features and television shows. He wrote, produced and starred in the cult classic Totally Baked, distributed by Universal, and his movie The LoveMaster, won the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival. Currently Craig is producing and developing numerous projects with his partners at Hollywood Westlake Studios. Off camera Craig's voice can be heard in many animated shows and movies. He now has a weekly show called Untied.. with Craig Shoemaker on Sirius XM channel 82.
In 2010 he received a doctorate from California University of PA and he is now dedicated to assisting others through personal difficulties. His new podcast called Can I help you, with Dr. Craig Shoemaker, is a mix of levity and personal transformation. Craig is the founder of The Laughter Heals Foundation, a non profit organization dedicated to lifting the worlds spirit's through laughter. As a writer Craig was called in to write for season two of the iconic sitcom Fuller House. His inspirational, best selling book, LoveMaster'd – A Digital Journey to Love & Happiness, is critically acclaimed by the likes of Whoopi Goldberg and Dr. Drew Pinsky.
MICHELLE LOUCADOUX
Broadway star, Michelle Loucadoux began her acting career at age 3 in Biloxi, Mississippi, as a dancing poodle. She performed the role of Hope Harcourt in the Tony award-winning Broadway revival of Anything Goes, and has also performed the role of Ariel in the original Broadway cast of The Little Mermaid, as well as lead roles in various other Broadway shows. She is currently starring in the new web series Twenty Dollar New York and can be seen as Lucy's friend in the Julie Taymor-directed Across the Universe. Michelle has also recently received a Richmond Theatre Critics Circle best actress nomination for her portrayal of Judy Haynes in White Christmas and ran the New York Marathon in 4 hours and 30 minutes. She also starred with Michael Madsen in the 2017 film "Unfallen".
FRANK CERMAK
Frank Cermak Jr. is an actor and director, known for being a cast member on the HBO series NEWSROOM as well as Wild in Blue (2015), Star Trek Into Darkness (2013) and Holding on to Violence (2008). He comes from the Chicago Cermak political family.
JOEY MEDINA
Joey Medina is one of the top comedians in the U.S.. He has appeared in many films and is well known as one of the ORIGINAL LATIN KINGS OF COMEDY.
JOE MORAN
Joe is a comedian and actor hailing from Chicago. Due to his acting skills and extremely unique looks, Joe books national commercials left and right.
He is destined for greatness.
Willow Sky
Willow Sky is a teen model and Actress. She is best known for her work in the film Unfallen with Michael Madsen and James Hong.
Zara Khan is a Pakistani-American, Muslim, L.A.-based comedian who has performed shows all over the U.S., including at the Laughlin Laughfest, Ice House, and Comedy Works (Denver). She has given 2 TEDx talks and has a one-woman show called "Same Shiite, Different Day," available on "Signature Bits" on Spotify and Amazon. She shares her experiences as a single, mentally ill, Muslim woman battling challenges like discrimination, dating, and trying to win Burqini competitions.
JENNIFER LORCH Actress
JAY P BROWN Actor/Comedian
CALLIE OTT Actress
MIKE EATON Comedian/Actor
NAV CHIMA Actor/Comedian
ANTONY CHASE Actor
SARAH LAWRENCE Actress/Comedian
KING HASSAN Actor/Writer/comedian
MALAIKA LUE-HING Actor
YASHAR KAFI Actor/Comedian
MICHELLE JEANETTE ANDERSON Actress
Mark Fernandez Actor/Comedian/writer
AISLIN COURTIS Actress/Singer
RAAJ JADAUN Actor
ASH HOLLYWOOD Actress/Model
DON CASTOR Actor/Musician
KERRI VAN AUKEN Actor/Comedian
KEITH REZA Actor/Comedian
MELISSA GREENBERG Actress/Model/Comedian
RYAN SHORES Actor/Comedian
Stefanie Barboza Actress/Model
THEO MANHATTAN Actor/Comedian
AMANDA COHEN Actress/Comedian
JOHNNY TODD Actor
MAXI WITRAK Actress/Comedian
CHRIS NALBANDIAN Actor/Model
MARY BECQUET Actress/Comedian
MARCOS OCHOA Actor/Dancer/Model
JACKIE MONAHAN Actor/Comedian
Lioz Shem Tov Magician/Comedian
SALLY MULLINS Actor/Comedian
BRIAN LINSLEY Actor
TARA GEORGE Actress
BIGG WEEZY BROWN Actor/Comedian
BROOKE ASHLEY ANDERSON Actress
BRUCE HART Actor/Producer
ELI HERNANDEZ Actor
Veronica Ricci Actress/Model
ZACH CHAPALONI Actor/Writer/Comedian
KATARINA LAW Actress
BIG MIKE MITCHELL Actor/Stand Up Comic
STEVEN ZAKARI Actor
MIKEY SCOTT Actor/Comedian
RAAJEEV AGGERWHIL Actor/Comedian
BRANDON BURCIAGA Actor/Dancer
GRAHAM KURTZ Actor
DANA BRIGHTON Actress
SONNY NICHOLAS Actor
MORE CLIENTS AT
PLATINUM ARTISTS
WHO WE BOOK
Farrah Abraham is one to watch in 2018! Having started as a young reality television star to having emerged as a New York Times Best Selling Author, Advocate for women empowerment, Keynote speaker, Entrepreneur (Furnished by Farrah, Sophia Laurent Children's Boutique, Froco) & Mother of 9 year old Sophia – Farrah Abraham has become an established public figure with a growing empire.
At the tender age of 16, Abraham evolved from high school cheerleader and aspiring model to teenage mom-to-be as documented in the MTV series "16 & Pregnant." Abraham faced single motherhood head-on as she dealt with the passing of the father of her child two months prior to her daughter Sophia's birth. The young star's story would eventually captivate international audiences and make her a fan favorite, creating the opportunity for Abraham to star in MTV's spin-off series, "Teen Mom." After several seasons on MTV, Abraham pursued higher education and has continued to build her brand.
Over the span of her blossoming career, Abraham has graced the covers of top magazines, such as Us Weekly and Life & Style. The reality star has also been featured on dozens of commercials and networks, including ABC, WE, VH1, MTV, Bravo, E!, FOX, NBC and many more!
As a top reality television personality, Abraham has used her star power for advocacy projects. In August 2012, she released her first New York Times best-selling autobiography, My Teenage Dream Ended, which sold over 500,000 copies. Abraham's personal account of being a teen mother allowed her to reach fans on an international scale, which led to the release of her collection of therapeutic music singles.
Through personal appearances, Abraham has become the main attraction at nightlife venues and exclusive events around the world, which leverages her wide range of endorsements. The entrepreneur works with beverage companies, lifestyle brands, as well as with parenting and education companies to spread positive messages about their organizations and products.
Farrah is known for breaking the cycle, and she is proud to have diminished the negative stigmas associated with being a teen parent by showing her life example. She continues to rise above the negative stigmas associated with reality TV, and is looking forward to bringing her top work ethic, focus, and drive to expand upon her acting portfolio. She aspires to turn her love of writing into a screenplay to produce her first feature film based off of her best selling memoir.
Contact Dante Rusciolelli for personal appearances and guest speaking. 818-635-7910
Model and social media superstar Lindsey Pelas is taking the industry by storm.
After obtaining a history degree from LSU, this southern belle moved to Los Angeles in 2015 and her bombshell looks quickly caught the eyes of local photographers. She created viral videos, photos and content that took her from Hollywood newbie to one of the internet's most famed beauties.
Lindsey has appeared in a number of magazines, movies, tv shows, music videos and commercials and is a member of SAG/AFTRA. She's worked with brands like Revolve, YEEZY Season 6, UFC, Cosmopolitan, The Steve Harvey Show, MTV's Wild'N'Out, Maxim, and FHM.
Lindsey finds her greatest accomplishments in her entrepreneurial spirit. In 2017 and 2018 she created, directed, styled, produced and sold her own annual swimsuit calendars Dirty South and Nearly Naked. The success of her internationally-sold calendars has gotten the attention of many who seek tips and guidance on using the internet for success. Lindsey has spoken on digital marketing at many panels and conferences including the Global Ventures Summit in LA and Mexico City, MX as well as Complex Con and the Forum.
We do not manage her. We do bookings for her.
Kato Kaelin is best known as the worlds most famous house guest. He lived on OJ Simpsons property at the time of the murders and was a star witness. He is much more than just that, Kato is an amazing actor, guest speaker and a fine stand up comedian.
WATCH KATO ON THIS SEASONS CELEBRITY BIG BROTHER!!!
He is available for speaking engagements, Emcee Work, Spokesman work, and comedy club hosting. To book Kato Kaelin call 818-635-7910.
Aubrey O'Day is an American singer-songwriter, member of the duo DUMBBLONDE, reality television personality, and a member of the . Following discord amgilr group DANITY KANE .Additionally, O'Day has made appearances on reality television shows, including the fifth season of Donald Trumps Celebrity Appentice, Famously Single on the E! network, and, most recently, she placed fifth on Celebrity Big Brother. She is available for personal appearances and other entertainment work. Call Dante Rusciolelli right away 818-635-7910
Carnie Wilson is an actress and singer. Best known for her work in the musical group Wilson Phillips! She has also been a cast member on the Apprentice and multiple other reality shows. She can be seen acting in Bridesmaids and Harold and Kumar along with many other films. She is available for guest speaking and personal appearances. Call Dante Rusciolelli at 818-635-7910
David Avocado Wolfe
You'd think he was a rock star with a fan base like his — America's TOP CEO's, Global Ambassador's, Hollywood celebrities, busy professionals, and even the most powerful buying influence in the nation — Mom's! But it's not rock n' roll that they flock to him for…it's his nutrition mission and the natural-health and beauty eco-revolution that David Wolfe champions.With a masters degree in nutrition, and a background in science and mechanical engineering, David "Avocado" Wolfe is considered one of the world's top authorities on natural health, beauty nutrition, herbalism, chocolate, and organic superfoods.
Leading the field with his vision, mission, education, and business, David has over 20 years of dedicated experience and understanding of the inner workings, the delicate chemistry, and hardcore mechanics of the human body and how the body is affected by the modern-day stressors of today's fast-paced, over-worked, and unbalanced lifestyle, which is literally a "killer" to our beauty, health, and longevity.
As the author of the best-selling books: Eating for Beauty, The Sunfood Diet Success System, Naked Chocolate, Chaga: King of the Medicinal Mushrooms, Amazing Grace, and Superfoods: The Food and Medicine of the Future. David Wolfe empowers and inspires people to take charge of their health even up against all the modern-day demands of bills, technology, environmental pollution, commuting, and inflation. By making simple, informed decisions, David shows us that we can all enjoy quality time for ourselves and with our family, because, after all, Health is Wealth!
JILLIAN BARBERIE
Jillian Marie Barberieis a Canadian-born American actress, television hostess, sportscaster and radio personality who currently co-hosts The Drive Home on 790KABC Los Angeles. From 1995 to 2012, she was a co-host on the popular Los Angeles television morning show Good Day LA. Concurrently, from 2000 to 2005, she appeared on Fox Sports as the weatherperson forFox NFL Sunday. She has appeared on countless television shows and films. She is now battling breast cancer and will beat this. She is available for guest speaking and public appearances. To book Jillian call Dante Rusciolelli at 818-635-7910 or Dante@goldenartistsentertainment.com
LLYOD KAUFMAN
We are proud to represent MR. Kaufman and Troma. LLoyd is the ultimate INDIE FILM MAKER! He owns TROMA the worlds number 1 B movie company!
"Lloyd's body of work has now proven to be a seminal influence on film today. Just look at any film created by the likes of Quentin Tarantino, Takashi Miike, Peter Jackson, Eli Roth, Gasper Moe and James Gunn, to name a few, and you are likely watching a film influenced Class of Nuke 'Em High, Tromeo & Juliet, or Citizen Toxie."
– Stan Lee – creator of Spider-Man
The success of The Toxic Avenger was followed by a string of commercial and artistic triumphs in a similar vein, blending fantasy, heavy action, comedy, and eroticism in a style that can only be described as "Tromatic". These films, including the "Class of Nuke 'Em High" trilogy, "Sgt. Kabukiman NYPD," and "Troma's War," were often ignored or scorned by the intelligentsia of the time but spoke to an entire generation of young people who rejected the pandering, commercial films of the mid-to-late 80's. Some of these Troma fans went on to become filmmakers themselves, including Quentin Tarantino, Kevin Smith, Mike Judge, Peter Jackson, and Trey Parker. Thanks to these admirers, Kaufman has been asked to make cameo appearances in films like James Gunn's "Guardians of the Galaxy," "Sharknado 4," Trey Parker's "Orgazmo," Eli Roth's "Cabin Fever," and about 200 other indie movies. His "Return to Nuke'em High Vol 1"and "Tromeo and Juliet" were showcased by The Museum of Modern Art in New York last year.
Lloyd is available for Screanings, personal appearances, film roles and lectures. Please call Dante Rusciolelli right away to book LLoyd or any TROMA charactor or film.
The grandson of legendary character actor Jackie Coogan, Keith Coogan began his acting career doing TV commercials -- his first gig was as a stand-in in a McDonalds TV spot -- as well various TV shows and made-for-TV movies. Coogan did the voice of Young Tod for the charming animated Disney picture "The Fox and the Hound." His first on-screen role was as the smitten Brad Anderson in the delightful teen comedy cult favorite "Adventures in Babysitting." Keith gave a very funny and engaging performance as Christina Applegate's stoner layabout brother Kenny in the equally enjoyable "Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead" and was impressive as Jonathan "Snuffy" Bradberry in "Toy Soldiers." Among the television programs Coogan has made guest appearances on are "The Love Boat," "Eight Is Enough," "Mork & Mindy," "Knight Rider," "CHiPS," "Starman," "21 Jumpstreet," and "Tales from the Crypt." He is now doing Stand up comedy, autograph shows and guest speaking as well as acting.
To hire Keith Coogan call 818-635-7910 or dante@comicdante.com
Jimmie J.J. Walker
Whether it's his first love of performing stand-up or captivating millions with his Emmy Winning role as "J.J. Evans" in the iconic television series "Good Times," Jimmie Walker has now been entertaining audiences around the world for over four decades
Raised in the South Bronx, He went to Dewitt Clinton and Theodore Roosevelt
High School ...Jimmie first achieved success as a stand-up comedian working in Harlem with The Last Poets and The Black Panthers in the late 60s and Early 70s , Then on the "Chitlin' Circuit", working with such legends as Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Gladys Knight & The Pips, The Four Tops , Earth, Wind And Fire , Bob Marley and the Wailers , Chuck Berry,Tina Turner, Jerry Lee Lewis , Randy Travis , Peter Frampton , Diana Ross & The Supremes. His overwhelming charisma and command of the stage caught the eye of "Good Times" producer Norman Lear, and his career to superstardom was on its way.
Although the demands of being on a hit television show and starring in movies such as "Let's Do It Again" with Bill Cosby and Sidney Poitier took up most of his time; Jimmie never lost his love for performing stand-up, and was actually named Time Magazine's "Comedian Of The Decade" for the 1970's. His keen eye for talent also led him to employ such young writers as David Letterman, Jay Leno, Byron Allen, Louie Anderson, Robert Schimmel, Ralphie May Richard Jeni, and many others to work on his writing staff over the years
Even after the historically successful run of "Good Times" ended, Jimmie continued to stay in the limelight, as seen by his countless appearances on "The Tonight Show," "Late Night with David Letterman," "Merv Griffin," and "The Mike Douglas Show." He's also kept his acting skills sharp with guest appearances on "Everybody Hates Chris," "The George Lopez Show," and "Scrubs" and Classic Movies " Airplane and " Let's Do It Again " with Sidney Poitier as well as finding time to write a New York Times best-selling book , Two Grammy Nominated Comedy Albums and film an up-coming stand- up special.
So don't miss your chance to spend an unforgettable evening with a true living legend of comedy...it certainly promises to be "DY NO MITE!"
JULIE MCCULLOUGH
Julie McCullough - Star of the TV show GROWING PAINS. She was a PLAYBOY PLAYMATE OF THE MONTH and CENTERFOLD. She is available for stand up comedy bookings. Call 818-635-7910 to book Julie McCullough.
DENNIS HASKINS
Dennis Haskins is best known as Mr. Belding from SAVED BY THE BELL. Co-star of A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST. Available for speaking engagements, Emcee Work, Spokesman work, and comedy club hosting. To book Dennis Haskins call 818-635-7910.
Albert Minero Jr.
Albert Minero Jr. is one of the funniest actors working in Hollywood. He recently starred in the film Bro What Happened? He has guest starred on many sitcoms and national commercials. He is also one of the top tv commcerial guys in Japan!
Virginia Dalbeck
Virginia Dalbeck was on of the stars of HELLS KITCHEN. Chef Virginia learned early that she was able to express her creativity and flair not only through scuplting and fine art, but through the art of culinary genius! She began her journey at Santa Barbara Culinary institute and through the years aquired a wide range in taste and palate by working and visiting many well known restaurants around the world. Her most recent ventures bring her to the Texas town of San Angelo, where she helped start The Grill and later went onto open the Cork & Pig Tavern, currently rated #1 on urban spoon. She needs her own reality / cooking show!
ASN UNDERGROUND SHOW
A weekly adult radio show.with Mike and Sherri. To be a guest, book them or for personal appearances please call Golden Artists Ent. 818-635-7910
We have access to comedians, magicians, bands, hypnotists, singers, directors, writers, films crews, celebrities and more. Just call 818-635-7910 to inquire.
dante@goldenartistsentertainment.com
OUR COMEDIANS


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Many countries in the world issue China Travel Restrictions
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To face with the Coronavirus, many countries in the world has issued travel restrictions. Tighter travel restrictions including quarantines are spreading as worldwide efforts to contain the coronavirus accelerate. Check out the places with known major constraints on travelers or China travel.
Foreign nationals in mainland China will not be allowed to enter Australia until 14 days after they have left or transited through China. Australian citizens, permanent residents and their families are still able to enter but must isolate themselves for 14 days if they've recently been to mainland China. The government has advised to stop any travel to mainland China.
The Hong Kong officials will quarantine anyone arriving from mainland China, including Hong Kong residents and visitors entering through the international airport, from Feb. 8. Most border crossings with mainland China are already closed.
Existing visas are no longer valid for any foreign national traveling from China. Anyone traveling to China will be quarantined on their return.
Direct flights to and from mainland China have been banned, and Indonesia has also suspended visas on arrival for Chinese citizens.
Foreigners who have visited China's Hubei province within the past 14 days have been denied entry into Japan since Feb. 1. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he's considering an expansion of immigration curbs.
A ban on anyone traveling from China came into effect Feb. 3 and lasts as long as 14 days. The government has also raised its travel advice about all of mainland China to "do not travel," the highest level.
The Philippines has widened a travel ban previously imposed on visitors from Hubei province to all of China, including Hong Kong and Macau. President Rodrigo Duterte has imposed a 14-day quarantine for Filipinos coming from China, while also temporarily barring travel to China, Hong Kong and Macau.
Citizens of Saudi Arabia and foreigners living in the country are banned from traveling to China. Expats who have been to China won't be allowed to return, according to the state-run Saudi Press Agency.
Singapore has blocked the entry and transit of people who had traveled to mainland China in the previous 14 days, starting from Feb. 1. Visas of China citizens to visit Singapore have been suspended, including those already issued.
From Feb. 4, South Korea barred the entry of foreigners who have visited or stayed in Hubei in the previous 14 days. Seoul also suspended its no-visa favor for Chinese tourists to Jeju Island.
All Chinese residents, excluding those from Hong Kong and Macau, will be banned from entering Taiwan from Feb. 6. Travelers who have visited Hong Kong and Macau will be quarantined at home and must monitor their health for 14 days, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control said.
The government has recommended British nationals leave China and advised against all but essential travel to mainland China.
The U.S. has temporarily barred entry to foreign nationals who have visited China and pose a risk of spreading the illness, unless they are immediate relatives of U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The State Department issued its highest level do-not-travel advisory for China.
The government has banned all foreigners who have spent time in China in the previous two weeks from entering Vietnam. The country has already quarantined about 900 people, most of them are Vietnamese, who arrived from China.
Trump Administration Wants to Require Bank Account Information from US Citizens Who Sponsor a Relative for Green Card
France Extends Validity of Visas & Residence Permits for Another Three Months
US Embassy: Emergency visa only for professionals with H, J petitions


Have you registered for the 2015 Mid Winter Dinner yet? If not, now is the time…and you can book your room at our group rate of $119.00/night.
Click to access our group room rate at the Crystal Gateway Marriott! Click to download a PDF of this flyer suitable for printing and posting in your squadron.
NOTE: Pre-paid and special rates may be available that are lower than the Association's group rate.
We recommend you check Marriott.com for the lowest possible rate before booking.


Welcome to Metric Motorcycles, a family-run business established in 1994.
We are passionate about bikes and our staff have many years of experience in the industry.
Our priority is making sure every one of our customers is well looked after.
Check out our feedback and buy with confidence.
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