Good Factor

Worlds fastest unmanned plane Falcon HTV-2

2011-08-10T16:42:00.000-07:00

To be launched tomorrow......

Awesome link....

Bin Laden DEAD

2011-05-01T20:26:00.000-07:00

Osama Bin Laden is dead. USA has his body. He was killed about a week ago in Pakistan and the announcement was not made until DNA results had come back confirming that the cadaver was him.

Rodney Hide resigns as leader of ACT

2011-04-27T17:59:00.001-07:00

Hon Rodney Hide MP for Epsom has resigned as the leader of the ACT party. His replacement is likely to be previous National Party leader Don Brash. I would personally like to thank Rodney for his service. He has worked hard and honorably and deserves credit. We may not have seen the last of Rodney Hide just yet.

Obama releases long form Birth Certificate. Trump takes the credit...

2011-04-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

Today President Obama released his long form birth certificate (attached), proving that he was indeed born in the USA. Possible Presidential GOP hopeful Donald Trump takes credit for this. It has been rumored that Trump inferred that if President Obama was to actually release his long form birth certificate, as he has done, that The Donald would release his tax returns which I must say would be interesting to see.

The 2012 US Presidential race is certainly going to be interesting.

Quiet Riot @ Brixton Southbay February 3rd 2011

2011-02-04T14:24:00.000-08:00

I had the privilege of going to the Brixton Club in Redondo Beach last night to watch one of my all time favorite bands...... Quiet Riot.

We got there a little early, but managed to get a booth right by the stage which was a bonus. The opening bands were very good and when it was their turn Quiet Riot ROCKED.

The previous lead singer Kevin DuBrow sadly passed on in 2007 and it was thought that the band was over, but no..... Along came new lead singer Mark Huff, who with the blessing of the DuBrow family, has managed to take the reigns and do it well. He sounds very similar, in fact if you didn't know you might not be aware that the lead singer has changed. I look at it like he is the Brian Johnson to Bon Scott and AC/DC. Bon is missed, but Brian managed to take it to another level. I think that Quiet Riot is going places with Mark Huff as the lead singer, he even has the rock star look.

Frankie Banali who is the drummer took the microphone 1/2 way through the performance and made a moving tribute to Kevin DuBrow upon which time Mark and the boys played Thunderbird with excellence.

They played all of the brilliant songs. Slick Black Cadillac, Cum on feel the noize, Metal Health, Ma Ma we're all crazy and the list goes on. It was a very brilliant show. I thoroughly recommend watching Quiet Riot live and if you get the opportunity to go to the Brixton in Redondo... Do it.......

For those of you in NZ. Quiet Riot is to be playing at the Powerstation in Mt Eden on May 2nd... DON'T MISS THE SHOW. Rock on Quiet Riot.....

Mark Huff ( Lead singer of Quiet Riot ) and I February 3rd 2011

F1 Grand Prix manager ( fantasy) challenge to you!!!

2011-02-03T14:57:00.001-08:00

I love F1. I have found that f1grandprixmanager.com is one of the best F1 fantasy leagues out there. It is not for that faint of heart and takes some time, no one that I have invited to join has beaten me yet and most quit half way through (or earlier). It would also really help you if you follow all of the grand prix throughout the year.

So I challenge you to join and beat me. Last year I was #7 for everyone playing the game, this year I need to improve. My team name is "Good" be sure to leave a message on kiwicarlovers.blogspot.com telling us that you have joined and your team name. Good luck...

McLaren MP4-12C begins production

2011-02-02T18:12:00.000-08:00

The road car McLaren is soon to be selling, has began production at the McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) in Woking, England. Most of the new cars to roll off the line will be made across the road at the new production facility as of May 2011, but the time has come to start delivering, so the first few will be made at the MTC.

The MP4-12C features a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 with 447 kW (600 bhp / 608 PS) and 599 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque connected to a seven-speed "Seamless Shift" double clutch transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) is less than 3.8 seconds, but not quite as quick at the mighty McLaren F1 which did it in 3.1 without turbos (at least for now). Top speed expected to be higher than 300 km/h (186 mph).

Price in USA will be $229,000 +/- Looking forward to seeing one in person soon.

Jami-Lee Ross wins Botany

2011-01-27T16:42:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to Jami-Lee Ross for winning the National selection for Botany Electorate. We now need to support him to win the by election on March 5th.

Aaron Bhatnagar. Botany selection

2011-01-21T19:38:00.000-08:00

The selection for the National Party candidate for the Botany by-election has been narrowed down to 5 people chosen for their merits and potential.

My choice for candidate, if I was able to vote in Botany for the National candidate, would be former Auckland City Councilor and strong National Party member Aaron Bhatnagar. I have known Aaron for over 20 years, he has the ability to follow through on his promises, get things done, work with all parties and make things happen.

Aaron not afraid to get stuck in, is a great speaker who knows policy and what he is talking about. Aaron will prove to be an excellent representative of the National Party for the people of Botany shall he be selected.

The smart choice for Botany is Aaron Bhatnagar.

112th Congress sworn in. Transfer of power complete :-)

2011-01-05T16:16:00.000-08:00

John Boehner (R) is now the Speaker of the House and 3rd in line to be President. He replaces Nancy Pelosi (D) who was the first woman Speaker. It is a brilliant day today. I expect some positivity and sensibility from the new leadership for ALL Americans. Well done voters.

It's a beautiful day in Washington DC

Is Jerry Brown a good choice for Governor of California again???

2010-10-26T11:45:00.001-07:00

Not very reassuring Jerry.

Teton Pass Ski Resort Choteau Montana

2010-09-12T17:56:00.000-07:00

Distinctive Holiday Homes CEO Nick Wood has recently purchased Teton Pass Ski Resort in Choteau Montana and is in the process of thoroughly renovating the ski area.

Choteau Montana is about 91 miles from the Canadian boarder to the North, 253 Miles from Calgary Alberta and 890 miles North of Denver Colorado. The town is beautiful, has about 1800 residents and reminds me of how the West end of Aspen would have been some time ago (but without the billionaire prices)

The ski area is on just over 400 acres of US Forestry land and in the words of CEO is comparable to some of the best skiing areas he has seen. The property is getting totally renovated from the lifts, to the restaurant and bar. New ski runs have already been added and the grand opening is to be towards the end of November 2010.

If you are a ski and snowboard adventurer, be sure to consider Teton Pass Ski Resort for your next vacation. The daily rates and rentals are in the affordable range and nice accommodation in Choteau can be reserved at less than $100 USD per day.
A shuttle bus will collect skiers and snowboarders with pre purchased lift passes from Great Falls Airport and take you the 52 miles +/- to Choteau. From there a shuttle will be provided to folks going to and from the Ski area which is about 30 miles away.

The restaurant will be making good hearty mountain food and the bar will provide you with your choice of beverage after a hard day on the slopes.

As the evening proceeds along there will be entertainment with live bands and music for your enjoyment. Teton Pass Ski Resort is going to be a fun, enjoyable and affordable destination in the heart of Montana.

Get your ski passes online, book your airline tickets and I hope to see you there at New Years 2010/2011. www.tetonpassresort.com

Rodney Hide sticking up for New Zealanders

2010-05-19T10:38:00.000-07:00

Right on.

New Zealand PM makes joke.

2010-05-13T09:08:00.000-07:00

Found this in the Drudgereport today.

Whoops

At least we all now know that there was some hungry tribes in the past. We can now rest assured that they are now more civilized and there is no longer danger of the PM getting eaten.

Charles Djou and the Presidents approval rating.

2010-05-10T12:54:00.000-07:00

President Obama looks to have a less than 50% approval rating since November 2009. For someone that was sure getting voters excited in 2008 that is a big loss of steam. Wonder what is going to happen in the upcoming elections? Will the Democrats stand firm, or will the Republicans step it up a gear and take some blue seats?

Charles Djou in Hawaii is interesting. He is a Republican who is running for Congress in a Democratic State ( been so since joining the union ) and is in strong contention for the seat.

I think Scott Brown may have started a trend?

2011 Ford Mustang or Chevrolet Camaro?

2010-05-10T12:39:00.001-07:00

What would you chose?

Both would be v8, both would be manual.

Gordon Brown to resign

2010-05-10T12:32:00.000-07:00

UK Prime Minister and head of the Labour Party is to stand down. This will prove interesting in the negotiations between Labour, Lib Dems and the Tories as to what party will take the reigns with the support of Lib Dems.

Interesting.

Is this the next generation Apple iphone?

2010-04-19T15:04:00.000-07:00

Interesting

Someone at Apple is probably in a bit of trouble?

Whale meat was available at Santa Monica sushi restaurant?

2010-03-11T15:38:00.000-08:00

It seems that if this is true that it was possible until now to get Whale meat at a local Santa Monica Sushi restaurant. It is eaten in Japan and by Inuit Eskimo's and in a few European countries but USA was not what I had expected. Looks like the sushi chef is in a world of trouble.

f1grandprixmanager.com

2010-03-08T18:16:00.000-08:00

It is the time of the year again when you should sign up for the supreme F1 game and try to beat me. My team name is "Good"

Good Luck

Obama approval rate at 44%

2010-02-26T15:03:00.000-08:00

Oh dear...

Scott Brown (Republican) wins Kennedy's Massachusetts Senate seat

2010-01-19T18:25:00.000-08:00

Unbelievably, Republican Scott Brown has defeated Democrat Martha Coakley for recently deceased Edward Kennedy's US Senate seat. This is a kick in the balls for President Obama on the eve of his first year in office. It is blatantly clear that if a Republican can win much beloved Ted Kennedy's seat in super left Massachusetts that the public are clearly not happy with the was the Obama administration is panning out.

Sen. Edward M. Kennedy held the seat for nearly half a century.

Democrats needed Coakley to win for a 60th vote to thwart Republican filibusters. Sen elect Brown will become the 41st Republican in the 100-member Senate, which could allow the Republicans to block the Democrats health care legislation and the rest of Obama's agenda.

If this was a referendum on the Democrats Health Care bill and the lack of fulfillment of President Obama's election promises, then I predict change in these upcoming midterm elections. The change will be towards the Republican Party and their more conservative views. Sen Harry Reid, Sen Boxer, Nancy Pelosi and President Obama best listen to the voting public if they want to keep their jobs after their next election. This should be a clear and loud message to them.

Congratulations Senator Elect Brown.

Schumacher back to F1 racing in 2010 with Mercedes GP

2009-12-23T13:08:00.000-08:00

F1 legend and 7 time world champion Michael Schumacher has signed with Mercedes GP (Formally Brawn and Honda) for a 3 year period. This means that Michael will once again be partnered with Ross Brawn who has been with him during his previous world championship years. Michael will be 41 years old when the season starts making him the oldest driver on the grid. 2010 is going to be a brilliant year in F1. Wonder if Ralph will get the same idea?

Kimi Raikkionen moves from F1 to WRC for 2010

2009-12-04T13:12:00.000-08:00

Kimi Raikkonen previously a brilliant F1 driver at Ferrari (World Champion 2007), McLaren and Sauber will be moving away from Formula 1 and competing in the 2010 season of the WRC. Ferrari paid out his contract 1 year early to allow double World F1 Champion Fernando Alonso to take the seat opposite Massa for 10. Raikkonen will be racing under the Citroen Junior banner for the WRC championship team. Kimi will campaign in all but one of the 13 rounds next year, sitting out the New Zealand event which is a bit of a shame as I would have liked to see if Kimi can keep up with my old neighbor and NZ rally expert Patrick Malley.

Greg Johnson New Years Eve party Windsor Castle Parnell Auckland

2009-12-03T18:45:00.001-08:00

Get your tickets and celebrate New Years Eve with Greg Johnson and band including a couple of songs by Singer / Songwriter Taylor Cornell from Venice California... See you there.

Dallas Texas

2009-12-01T13:07:00.000-08:00

I just got back from Dallas Texas where my girlfriend and I visited for Thanksgiving. We traveled to Fort Worth and viewed the running of the longhorn cattle, has a nice BBQ lunch, went to the 6th floor museum to see where Kennedy was assassinated and had a very nice Thanksgiving with family and friends.

Dallas was very impressive. The dining is great, the city itself seems to be smaller than Auckland, but the houses are bigger. The Christmas lights were out and it was beautiful.
Drove past W's house ( or at least to the gate ) looked at some open homes and all in all had a fantastic time.

Dallas Texas is well worth a visit.

Veterans Day

2009-11-11T11:01:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all the Veterans out there that have and still keep us safe.

US-Cuba hold high level unannounced talks

2009-09-29T16:09:00.000-07:00

A top US Diplomat has spent 6 days in Havana holding high level talks with the Cuban government. Originally this was just for discussing a direct mail system between USA and Cuba but talks escalated.

Looks like there is beginning to be a thaw in relations between Havana and Washington...

Patrick Swayze RIP

2009-09-14T17:10:00.000-07:00

Greg Johnson and Boh Runga tour New Zealand October 2009

2009-09-12T09:10:00.000-07:00

Famous Kiwi singer songwriters Greg Johnson and Boh Runga are flying down from Los Angeles to do a acoustic tour of New Zealand this October. The pulpit will be replacing the moshpit for this particular tour, as they will be playing in churches, known for their great acoustics around the country and will be belting out all of your favorite tunes. Supported by Classic Hits, Nathan King and Lydia Cole. No preaching guaranteed :-)

Get your tickets at www.acousticchurchtour.co.nz or www.ticketek.co.nz it will be worth it.

September 11th 2009

2009-09-11T07:04:00.000-07:00

Let us not forget 9/11/2001

New Zealand - Canada Air Transport agreement signed today.

2009-07-22T10:10:00.000-07:00

A new Air Transport Agreement has been signed between New Zealand and Canada, Transport Minister Steven Joyce and Trade Minister Tim Groser announced today.

"New Zealand and Canada have a long-standing partnership. The Agreement, signed overnight in Singapore, creates new opportunities for the further development of business, tourism and people-to-people links between New Zealand and Canada," Mr Groser said.

"The Agreement removes previous limitations on the frequency of flights that can be provided. Additionally, New Zealand and Canadian carriers can now operate to and beyond each others' country over any routing." This is brilliant, It means that Air NZ can fly to Vancouver and then direct to Europe / Asia / North and South America. Air Canada can fly direct to NZ and then over to Australia / Asia etc. Maybe the fares will get even better for the traveling citizens of Canada and New Zealand?

Full story courtesy of The PM of NZ here......

New Zealand moving closer to Australia?

2009-07-22T09:49:00.000-07:00

Goodness me, I am not sure what citizens of either country will be thinking about this???

Having said that Sir Roger Douglas and the ACT Party have said that with some hard work and changes New Zealand can be on par with Australia soon...May New Zealand advance and prosper.

Ted Brown Moments More Precious video

2009-07-20T12:31:00.000-07:00

This is Los Angeles based New Zealand born singer Ted Brown's latest video for the song "Moments more Precious" from the album 'Shaky's Blessing'. It was directed by Matt Palmer and shot in the beautiful North Island of New Zealand...

Why crush the boy / girl racers cars?

2009-05-27T16:04:00.001-07:00

I was reading today on stuff.co.nz this article about a new law which will enable councils to crush car of excessively naughty boy and girl racers.

Why?

Firstly, if these naughty racers are driving cars which are blatantly not legal for the road and they are in an area which is known for illegal racing, then confiscate the car, take the racers license and get them in front of the judge FAST within the month.

Most of these racers are harmless and are simply just trying to drive around town, showing off their new rear wing, wheels and lowering kit that ruins the cars handling and makes them look ridiculously foolish.

It is the buffoonish behavior from one or two (normally intoxicated or insane) that cause harm to others. Those folks need to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The naughty racers normally have spent most of their money on souping up their horrendous looking vehicle and can't afford to pay any fines. No problem, take the car and put it up for auction ( not to be purchased by the perpetrator) and put the sale amount ( if any ) towards driver education programs and any previous outstanding fines. If the car does not sell then dismantle is and part it out or donate it to the local schools / Poly tech automotive departments for training up and coming apprentices.

Why crush with no one getting the benefit of the buffoonery?

A fine means nothing to most of these folks if they really do not get in trouble when they break the law. Give the Police the power to catch the naughty racers, give the courts the ability to move fast on the prosecution and don't give a car back to ANY driver until all fines are paid.

Fines for broken indicators, expired warrant / rego ( within a week ) and small and possible innocent problems should be low and they can be annulled with the owner of the car showing up to see the oversight has been fixed.

A person that has been caught 3- 5 times for having no rego / warrant, drivers license, spinning wheels, spreading diesel etc should be treated differently with a harsher penalty. A bit of time in a cell and a bit of hard labour as well as a bit of ridicule. How about every idiot looking vehicle that is impounded is inspected by a professional on tv who takes the mickey out of the modifications Top Gear style. The owner would be required to explain why they think the modifications are important and why they think recklessly spinning the wheels in a populated area makes them a bigger person. The naughty racer who proves to be the biggest idiot via online vote will get an extra 6 months of license suspension and will provide some comedy to the viewing public?

Greg Johnson video Kiss me featuring Robert Good and Nicks Z8

2009-05-14T01:21:00.000-07:00

This is a cool video for the song Kiss me that has resurfaced from Greg Johnson's archives. It was filmed in 2004 and I even have a part in it...... Along with Nicks BMW Z8 Alpina that we "borrowed" for the day. SHHHH.

Star Trek (2009)

2009-05-06T13:28:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to preview the new Star Trek movie last night at the Paramount Studios.

James T. Kirk, the USS Enterprise and Spock were in full effect. This is a brilliant movie and I would expect that when it is released tomorrow it will gather quite a following.
There is an all star line up including Karl Urban a fellow Kiwi, Winona Ryder ( who I didn't even recognize ), Chris Pine who did a brilliant job as J T Kirk, Zachary Quinto who made a stellar appearance as Spock and .................... best of all Leonard Nimoy who put the ears back on and came back as his original but aged character from the original TV series.

I was not much of a Sci- Fi fan, but this is a movie that makes me want to become one. There is humor, originality and it is not unfathomable. I recommend you go to the cinema and watch this movie twice.Live Long and Prosper

One of these is not like the others

2009-04-17T17:33:00.000-07:00

7 years in USA today.

2009-03-27T12:18:00.000-07:00

Time has flown, it seemed like just yesterday I packed up and said goodbye to family and friends in Auckland and hopped aboard NZ1 to LAX to make a new life in America. Well that was 3-27-2002.

When I first arrived after getting through the secondary inspection by immigration officers and got my passport stamped for permanent residency and employment I was greeted by my cousin Jo who allowed me to board at her house for a good few months. I got a job at Santa Monica BMW, mostly because a friend of mine in NZ knew the owner and due to that a job was offered. Moved on to Beverly Hills BMW and then back to SM BMW after a year. I then got into real estate with Keller Williams Realty which I am doing now and working with Nick at DHH.
When I first arrived it was shortly after 9-11. There were US flags everywhere and there was and still is a lot of patriotism. Now the US flags have been replaced with Obama / Biden stickers, but I will remain open as to how long that will last.
I have experienced most all of my friends getting married back in NZ and have 1 two or even 3 kids, so I have made it back a couple of times to witness the transfer for wedding rings, baby photos and swearing in's which is nice.
Rodney Hide is now a Minister, won Epsom twice and is making headway. Act has 5 MP's. Pablo is a councilor, on many important boards and is doing very well for the people of Auckland. John Banks got voted in for the second time, knocking off the cereal king, Simon Bridges has defeated Winston Peters to take the Tauranga seat, and at long last NZ has a center right government under the leadership of John Key MP.
USA has had 8 years of GWB. He didn't leave as the most popular President, but I respect him for doing what he did for USA. BHO #44 is a charasmatic President. He is starting to feel what it is like to step into the shoes of #43 and so far he is doing a pretty good job. I will give him some time to settle in bofore I become super critical.
So BBQ tonight, hot dogs and burbon.... Bit like NZ really except that apple pie tastes better here.

I celebrated the day by buying some shares.... Wonder how much they will be worth in 7 more years?

Question of the day. If Milo is such a NZ icon and staple, why is it made in Australia???

Fantastic animated video complete with great music.

2009-03-26T20:32:00.000-07:00

Visiting New Zealand this week.

2009-03-06T12:25:00.001-08:00

I am off to visit New Zealand for a week. Have an important wedding to attend and family and friends to visit. Looking forward to fishing, having some Bluff oysters, Kilkenny beer ( even though it is from Ireland ), couple of pies, some fish and chips, Dad's famous lamb shanks and of course a banana milkshake.
I will be attending a Greg Johnson gig at the Spiegeltent at the Aotea Center on Thursday 12th. It will be good to see Greg and Ted play their old favorites, and new hits. Tickets are on sale here. Come along and have a beer or two...
I am not the biggest fan of Air New Zealands 777's. I prefur the 4 engined 747-400. If 4 engines are required for the POTUS then they are good enough for me. I have my fingers crossed that the Air NZ management will join Lufthansa and order the new 747-800 which is yet to be produced. I am also looking to fly at the front of the plane, so if that is confirmed I will give a review. I hope my experience is better than Cactus Kate's, and I have no intention on sleeping in the nick on the plane. Every time I have flown Air NZ Business Premier I have had a great experience, except they are ALWAYS out of the reisling that I would have liked to try.

President Obama's speech to Congress

2009-02-25T01:08:00.000-08:00

I watched President Obama's speech today to Congress. I felt it was effective and impressive. Gov Jindals response was ok, but could have been better.

Obama visits Canada

2009-02-19T10:55:00.000-08:00

#44 took his first International trip today since taking office and visited Canada. It is a tradition for the US President to make his first International trip to Canada although #43 GWB broke that record by visiting Mexico first instead.
It is time for stronger US-Canadian relations and between PM Harper and President Obama I think it can be done. Canadians tend to have a slight negativity towards the USA somewhat like NZ and Australia, but when push comes to shove it is time to get over that as both countries are interdependent in many areas.
It looks like an agreement has been made between Canada and USA about clean energy. Afghanistan was talked about, as that is a touchy point for the Canadian people, and further energy sharing was discussed.
Last time that there was true leader friendship between Ottawa and D.C was with the 4oth President of USA Ronald Reagan and 18th PM of Canada Mulroney, they were great friends. I wonder if a bi-partisan friendship will be created with the current leadership?

Fancy a cup of cow urine?

2009-02-11T10:02:00.000-08:00

Does your Pepsi lack pep? Is your Coke not the real thing? According to the Times online, India's Hindu nationalist movement apparently has the answer: a new soft drink made from cow urine. MMM yummy, just what the doctor ordered.

The bovine brew is in the final stages of development by the Cow Protection Department of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), India's biggest and oldest Hindu nationalist group, according to the man who makes it.

Om Prakash, the head of the department, said the drink – called "gau jal", or "cow water" – in Sanskrit was undergoing laboratory tests and would be launched "very soon, maybe by the end of this year".

"Don't worry, it won't smell like urine and will be tasty too," he told The Times from his headquarters in Hardwar, one of four holy cities on the River Ganges. "Its USP will be that it's going to be very healthy. It won't be like carbonated drinks and would be devoid of any toxins."

The drink is the latest attempt by the RSS – which was founded in 1925 and now claims eight million members – to cleanse India of foreign influence and promote its ideology of Hindutva, or Hindu-ness.

Hindus revere cows and slaughtering them is illegal in most of India. Cow dung is traditionally used as a fuel and disinfectant in villages, while cow urine and dung are often consumed in rituals to "purify" those on the bottom rungs of the Hindu caste system.

In 2001, the RSS and its offshoots – which include the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party – began promoting cow urine as a cure for ailments ranging from liver disease to obesity and even cancer.

The movement has often been accused of using more violent methods, such as killing 67 Christians in the eastern state of Orissa last year, and assaulting women in a pub in Mangalore last month. It also has a history of targeting foreign business in India, as in 1994, when it organised a nationwide boycott of multinational consumer goods, including Pepsi and Coca Cola.

The cola brands are popular in India, now one of their biggest markets, but have struggled in recent years to shake off allegations, which they deny, that they contain dangerous levels of pesticide.

Mr Prakash said his drink, by contrast, was made mainly of cow urine, mixed with a few medicinal and ayurvedic herbs. He said it would be "cheap", but declined to give further details about its price or ingredients until it was officially launched.

He insisted, however, that it would be able to compete with the American cola brands, even with their enormous advertising budgets. "We're going to give them good competition as our drink is good for mankind," he said. "We may also think of exporting it."

Good luck with that. Wonder if it will take off???

Bill in congress to allow US citizens to travel to Cuba.

2009-02-10T11:36:00.000-08:00

While most of the nation focused on the stimulus bill winding through Congress, nine representatives introduced a bill calling for an end to the 46-year-old ban on travel to Cuba according to the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

The Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act introduced in the US House of Representatives on Feb. 4 would allow American citizens unrestricted travel to Cuba for the first time since 1963. The bill by Rep. William Delahunt, D-Mass., and eight co-sponsors would also lift limits on travel by Cuban exiles living in the United States. The president would not be able to regulate travel to the island unless an armed conflict or armed danger arises. I believe that this is something that President Clinton wanted to do towards the end of his term, but it didn't happen.

The bill has gone too far, said Francisco "Pepe" Hernandez, president of the Cuban American National Foundation. Cuban exiles should visit their families whenever they want, but tourists shouldn't spend money in resorts that Cubans are barred from. "It's improper and should not be allowed until the Cuban government makes some reforms," he said.

That's not the case for Jose Lopez, president of the Broward County Click here for restaurant inspectioLatin Chamber of Commerce and a staunch supporter of the trade embargo.

"It's a betrayal and it's not going to resolve anything," said Lopez, who left Cuba in 1961.

Tourism dollars spent in Cuba will inject more oxygen into the dying Castro regime, he said. Lopez also thinks Cuban exiles who want to return to the island whenever they please are abusing their refugee privilege.

Many expect US President Obama to back a change in the policy. As a candidate for the presidency, Obama spoke in favor of reducing restrictions on remittances and travel to the island.

It is time for fair and Democratic elections in Cuba. Their citizens are repressed and certainly need change. It appears that Raul is making come changes but clearly not enough. Will an influx of US travelers fuel their regime with an influx of US dollars, or will the government fall and open the door for a free Cuba?

Co-sponsors to the bill include representatives Rosa Delauro, D-Conn. Sam Farr D-Calif., and US Presidential candidate Ron Paul, R- Texas.

Obama and Marina One

2009-02-09T11:38:00.001-08:00

Looks like President George W Bush is not the only one to have trouble making his way onto Marine One.

Previous Governor Rod R. Blagojevich

2009-01-29T15:14:00.001-08:00

Governor Rod R. Blagojevich has been impeached by the Illinois senate and is moving out of the Governors mansion as I write this. He is now the Previous Governor of Illinois.
Previous Governor Blagojevich addressed the Illinois senate this morning with a rather good speech, but it did not convince the senate. Lt Governor Pat Quinn is about to be sworn in.

Politicians certainly need to step it up a gear.

Former French President Chirac attacked.

2009-01-22T12:16:00.000-08:00

Former French President Jacques Chirac has been taken to hospital because he was violently attacked by his clinically depressed Maltese dog... Te he he.

I am sure Saturday Night Live may have something to say about this.

We wish him a swift recovery.... Maybe he should get better security...

President George W Bush's final address to the nation.

2009-01-15T17:19:00.001-08:00

This is a briefing of President Bush's final address to the nation this January 15th 2009. He still has 5.5 days to serve as President before President Elect Barack Obama takes the reigns.

The happy looking President said...

"
It has been an honor.

Best wishes to the President Elect and Obama family, thanks to Dick Cheney, Presidents family and the American people.

September 11th was talked about. He said that every day he had a security briefing to make sure it didn't happen over his watch. He mentioned the increase of Federal agencies also created and strengthened to make USA strong. USA has gone 7 years without another terrorist attack.

He thanked the Military and their families. His highest honor has been serving as their commander and chief.

Every taxpayer is paying lower tax.

Funding for Veterans has almost doubled.

Thanked his supreme court appointees.

Setbacks.... He would have done some things differently. He followed his conscience.

He made tough decisions. We may not have agreed with them.

Gravest threat is another terrorist attack.

We must resist complaitancy, must keep resolve and not let down our guard.

Must rejest isolationism.

If America does not lead the freedom the course will not live.

Good and evil present in the world. There must be no comprimise between the two.

Must speak out for justice and truth and piece.

In the toughest time we lift our eyes to the broud horizon ahead.

He brought some honored guests who he mentioned and spoke of.

We have faces danger and trial and there is more ahead.

USA will never tire falter or fail.

There has been good days and tough days.

Blessed to represent USA and honored to be a citizen of the USA. "

Finishes with a standing applause.

A very nice final speech. Wish the President the best in his retirement.

Kiwi's need to apply online before traveling to USA.

2009-01-11T15:56:00.001-08:00

It appears that as of today if you are using a NZ passport you will need to apply online for a "free" visitors visa to come to USA. This could cause some confusion for a while. Three things come to mind.

1. What happens if you have a similar name to someone on the watchlist? A la Cat Stevens.
2. What is the deal if you have a computer but no internet connection?
3. What happens if you get to the airport in NZ and you have not completed this form online, will you be bumped off your flight?

Five Presidents having lunch

2009-01-07T16:23:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of whitehouse.gov

Putting his hand out in friendship and in a bi-partisan manner, current President #43 George W Bush invited #42 Bill Clinton, #41 George H W Bush, #39 James Earl "Jimmy" Carter, Jr and soon to be #44 Barack Obama to the Whitehouse for a private lunch today.

This is the first time all living Presidents have been together in the Whitehouse since 1981 when a US delegation was preparing to attend the funeral of Egypt's Anwar Sadat.

The last White House event to draw the former presidents was a November 2000 celebration in honor of the White House's 200th anniversary. But one of the former presidents, # 40 Ronald Reagan, was unable to attend as he was unwell with Alzheimer's.

President Bush said; "I want to thank the president-elect for joining the ex-presidents for lunch, even though he's not quite a member of that club yet.

One message that I have and I think we all share is that we want you to succeed. Whether we're Democrat or Republican we care deeply about this country, All of us who have served in this office understand that the office itself transcends the individual."

He added: "We wish you all the very best, and so does the country."

Would have liked to be invited to that lunch... Pity I can never be President unless they change the law...

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T16:06:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone.

A photo I like

2008-12-17T21:08:00.000-08:00

My two favorite Prime Ministers. New Zealand PM John Key and Canadian PM Steven Harper.

Photo courtesy of the PM Harper's site.

Snow in Vegas

2008-12-17T20:23:00.000-08:00

A rare site indeed... Snow in Vegas and it is not illegal. The Las Vegas Strip has had 3 inches of snow today, beating the record of 2 inches in 1967. A few airplanes can land at the local airport, but none can leave as there is no de-icing or snow equipment onsite.

Photo from www.drudgereport.com

Simon Bridges MP maiden speech

2008-12-17T10:48:00.000-08:00

This is a great speech from the recently elected National MP for Tauranga, Simon Bridges. Expect to see more of him in the up and coming years.

Political Buffoons?

2008-12-10T17:55:00.000-08:00

You tell me??? If you can name the folks and their party affiliation and country I will be impressed.

ACDC concert Los Angeles

2008-12-09T09:22:00.000-08:00

Brilliant... Seats were great, music was LOUD (still deaf)...

10 out of 10.

OJ Simpson sentenced

2008-12-05T10:18:00.001-08:00

O J goes to jail for at least 5 years for as long as 15 years.

Goodnight Kiwi

2008-11-30T17:57:00.000-08:00

It's back long after a long absence, but aren't Kiwi's nocturnal birds?

Change of government in NZ

2008-11-09T23:16:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to PM elect John Key and the National Party of NZ for such a great result on Saturday 8th of November. Congratulations to Rodney Hide ACT Leader and re-elected MP for Epsom for getting 3.72% of the party vote and 5 MP's into government. It looks very likely that National / ACT and possibly The Maori Party and Peter Dunn will be involved in the next National led government. It is nice to have a change after 9 years of Labour. Helen Clark was a very strong PM and PM Elect Key has some big shoes to stand in. Helen Clark has stood down as Labour Leader and is expected to be replaced by Phil Goff.

Change in USA

2008-11-04T23:35:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to President Elect Obama.

Today, he has been given a mandate from the people to lead us into a new history making era. As Sen McCain said in his honorable concession speech... We must get behind our new President and give him our support, as I will.

I went out to the local after a nice dinner at friends place and there is a BUZZ in the air that I have never seen here before. The people I saw out were very happy about the outcome and it truly is time of change.

One America.....

Lewis Hamilton F1 World Champion 2008

2008-11-02T10:58:00.000-08:00

It came down to the last corner. It looked like Massa was about to be World Champion thanks to some brilliant driving by Vettel in the Torro Roso overtaking Hamilton to put him in 6th and out of contention. When all of a sudden on the last corner Timo Glock of Toyota slowed to let Hamilton past and Hamilton won the championship but only just.
I do feel sorry for Massa.... He truly deserved it... Maybe next year.

A special message

2008-11-01T22:25:00.000-07:00

Update

2008-11-01T19:59:00.000-07:00

Well it is all very exciting this week. The Brazilian F1 is being held tomorrow and either Lewis Hamilton of McLaren or Felipe Massa of Ferrari will be the world champion. It comes down to the wire as this will be the last race of the season and currently Lewis Hamilton is 7 points ahead of Massa. Massa is on pole with Hamilton positioned at #4 for the race. Massa will need to win or come 2nd with Hamilton making a serious mistake to tahe the championship but anything is possible.

The election in USA is tightening up. A lot of folks have voted early and there is 1-2 points in it which is within the margin or error. There is a realistic chance that the election could go to Democrat Barack Obama or Republican John McCain both Senators. This will be my first time voting in USA and I am looking forward to it. I hope that the result is clear cut and we dont need to have a Florida 2000 replay. Tuesday November 4th is the day.

In New Zealand it is looking fairly good for a National / ACT government after the November 8th election. John Key has publicly stated that he will work with ACT and there is a strong chance of ACT leader and MP for Epsom having a cabinet position after the election if National are in the position to govern. A party vote for ACT will enable National to get things done for the people of NZ in a way that is going to make a positive change. ACT is a reliable partner for National and they will work well together. I will be making the trip to NZ in time to watch the results. My mother is running for ACT in Rodney District and has been working very hard indeed. I am looking forward to hearing about the results with my folks and other party supporters on election night. Things are also looking good for National Candidate Simon Bridges in Tauranga, he will make an excellent MP. Winston may be looking for a job after the election.

SO get out and Vote......... The choice is yours.

Screw Labour

2008-10-30T18:11:00.000-07:00

I got this from Blair Mulhollands blog..... thanks Blair...

Dear Mr Obama

2008-10-30T18:07:00.001-07:00

National would have ACT in cabinet

2008-10-30T13:20:00.000-07:00

with I was looking at David Farrar's blog and I noticed that he has a link to this interview with National Party leader John Key.

John Key says that after this election in New Zealand on November 8th that ACT Leader and MP for Epsom Rodney Hide would be in a National led cabinet.

This is only natural as ACT and National will be like competitive cousins when working together on the same team rather than a gang war as it could be under a new Labour led govt.

So bravo to John Key for his candid interview and Party VOTE ACT.

Question is: What Cabinet position will Rodney Hide get?

McCain getting a surge?

2008-10-30T11:31:00.000-07:00

It seems that the polls are tightening very quickly before the US election on November 4th. The difference between Sen McCain and Obama is now within the margin of error. There is a lot of press out there about Obama enjoying the company of some undesirable characters and most people including "Joe the plumber" is concerned about Obama's true thoughts and intentions??? This election will go down to the wire. Will there be a Tom Bradley effect, will there be a last minute surge for McCain or Obama....This election has broken a few traditions so really anything that happens between now and November 4th could sway the vote.
Vote McCain.

A dangerous threesome

2008-10-27T23:11:00.000-07:00

Greencard lottery time

2008-10-27T20:24:00.000-07:00

It's Green Card lottery time

New Zealanders are eligible for the “Diversity Visa Lottery Program”.

Applications to win a Green Card to live and work in the US are open till 12 noon Eastern time on 1 Dec 2008.

More information at the State Department website which is: Here

If you have a previous drug charge, a DIC / DYI, or a conviction, don't bother applying. There is no payment necessary up front, you only pay to the US consulate if you win as a documentation fee (some people set up fake sites and charge you upon application and rip you off). If you win you will have the option to move to the USA upon being approved ( normally within 1 year of winning) and you will need to be in the USA for 6 months and 1 day of every year (for tax reasons). You will then be elegible to become a citizen after you have beenin USA for 5 years (on US soil). This is a fantastic way of moving legally to USA. I encourage you to apply if you'd like the opportunity.

Cheers

Robert

ACT

2008-10-26T12:31:00.000-07:00

A message from ACT for you to consider before casting your vote in New Zealand on November 8th.

For a change of government and a government of change Party VOTE ACT.

The Maori Party or ACT

2008-10-23T11:23:00.000-07:00

Who would you most like to see in parliament after the election on November 8th?

The Maori Party and Labour

or

The National Party and ACT?

DO you want another 3 years of PM Clark, or would you prefer a change of government and a government of change with National / ACT making a difference to make NZ a better place, increase NZ's stance in the world and get the flow of money going to the hardworking people of NZ and be TOUGH on crime?

Is New Zealand a better place now than it was in 1999 when Helen Clark and Labour came to power? Really is it?

Labour has a PC facsination which is taking NZ down the road of doom.

You give your disobedient child a clip and you can end up in jail.
It is likely that you know one or two or three or more folks who are tied up with the P epedemic.
The Police are weak and are too busy giving speeding and parking tickets than solving serious crime.
The cost of everything in NZ is obscene.
Wages are low if we compare to other 1st world countries.
Taxes are too high and the lazy are sucking NZ dry by getting handouts and not working.
NZ military is unfortunately the laughing stock of the South Pacific. There is not enough enlisted folk to properly run the frigates and equipment NZ has.
Labour stopped NZ's fighter wing and there is currently Oriens and Hurcules or AUSTRALIA to rely on if god forbid something terroristic or unusual happens. NZ has lowered her guard.

This has to be fixed. NZ is currently broken.

NZ has the ability to be a strong, wealty, well educated, proud and prosporus country. Will this have a chance of working under another 3 years of Labour / NZ First / Greens?

Do you like being where you are right now?

or

Do you want a better opportunity for yourself and NZ?

So if you feel that NZ is a truly better place since 1999 continue as you have done.

If you know that NZ can do a lot better, that the government can actually make you proud, be TOUGH on crime and put more money in your pocket, that the people and businesses of NZ have the ability to step it up a gear and become truly world class competing with the Australian, Canadian, US and European's, that the Police are to be relied upon to protect and serve, that that tax rates should be lower and that the education system needs to be modified then.

Party Vote ACT, vote for the ACT candidate in Epsom (Rodney Hide) and Botany (Kenneth Wang) ( and Rodney District(Beryl Good my Mother) :-) and Support your National Candidate with the Candidate vote in the rest of the country. The Party Vote for ACT will secure a Government of Change and a change of government.

F1 world championship 2008

2008-10-18T10:08:00.000-07:00

We have two races left in the 2008 Formula One championship. Currently McLaren's Lewis Hamilton leads the points table with 84 points over Ferrari's Felipe Massa with 79 points. BMW's Robert Kubica on 72 is in the running but has qualified badly for todays Chinese Grand Prix, so he has a big race ahead of him to keep in contention for the title. Unfortunately my favorite driver Kimi Raikkonen and current World Champion is not in the running for a double title and will be working hard to keep Massa in front of Hamilton. Fernando Alonso who has twice been World Champion with Renault has mentioned that he'd prefer Massa or Kubica to win the title over his old team mate Hamilton, so Hamilton best preform today and watch out for tank slaps from other teams... . The last two races are going to be great.

First place gets 10 points
Second place gets 8 points
Third place gets 6 points
Fourth = 5 points
Fifth = 4 points
Sixth = 3 points
Seventh = 2 points
Eighth = 1 point
Hamilton needs 16 points to guarantee the Championship over the last two races provided that Massa and Kubica get points in the next 2 races which means he needs to get a first and third place to clinch it. He is on pole today in China followed by Kimi and then Massa. Lets see if he doesn't stuff it up again this year.

W the movie

2008-10-17T21:51:00.000-07:00

I just got back from the opening night of W the movie by Oliver Stone. It was a somewhat comedic performance with many laughs throughout the show and surprising enough I believe that it shows George W Bush in sympathetic light.

Basically, it made Dick Cheney look like the devil, along with Donald Rumsfeld and the folks who convinced President Bush that there were WMD's in Iraq. It is not the best movie I have seen by far, but it made GWB look like a President who meant the best for Iraq and Americans and was badly advised and somewhat tricked by some of his advisors. Colin Powell, Karl Rove and GWB are the good guys in this movie. The lady who played Laura Bush is beautiful. Condoleeza Rice looked like a puppet although in real life I think she is a very effective Secretary of State. Watch it if you will, but I am not sure if you'll want it for your DVD collection, buy Forgetting Sarah Marshall instead.

Gov Sarah Palin on Saturday Night Live this weekend.

2008-10-16T18:58:00.000-07:00

News out there is that Alaskan Governor and Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin is to be on Saturday Night Live this weekend. Hope that we can tell the difference between her and Tina Fey, this will be brilliant.

Gallup poll: Obama 49% McCain 47%

2008-10-16T16:59:00.000-07:00

It has been leaked today that according to a new Gallup poll Sen McCain is on the up with 47% and Sen Obama is on 49% of likely voters. This puts the candidates in the margin of error which shows that it could well be a dead heat come election time on November 4th. If Obama wins Florida he could well be President, If McCain wins Florida he could well be President. This is going to be a close race and it shows that both candidates are in the running for the White House. There is still work to be done for both campaigns.... McCain and Obama are currently having dinner together at a roast in New York.... Sounds like fun.

Biden's Dan Quayle moment :-)

2008-10-16T13:55:00.000-07:00

I like Joe Biden, but he has had a few Dan Quayle moments lately including this :-)

Very good.

McCain Obama final debate

2008-10-15T20:06:00.000-07:00

I just finished watching the 3rd and final Presidential debate. It was by far the best of the 3. Sen McCain was in true form, he did tell Sen Obama that if he (Obama) was looking to run against George Bush then he should have run 4 years ago. Sen McCain made it clear that he was not President Bush and that the country needs a clear change of direction away from Bush policy. McCain also said that he is a federalist and thinks that abortion should be a subject that the individual Sates decide. He also showed true form and reassured me that he is the best candidate for President this election. Sen Obama was of course charismatic and likable, but I did find that once again he kept saying that he agreed with Sen McCain on a few subjects. He knodded often when McCain was talking policy and did laugh a few topics off with a big smile when called on.
Both candidates were presentable and I will stand by my statement that whoever is the next President will have my respect and WILL take USA in a new direction for the better, but my preference for President is Sen McCain.
Out of 1 - 10, 10 being the best in presentation and performance in todays debate, I rate.

Sen Barack Obama 5.7
Sen John Mccain 6.8

While it wasn't a direct knock out, John McCain won this debate. Roll on the election.

Simon Bridges 20 points ahead in Tauranga?

2008-10-15T14:31:00.001-07:00

I am pleased to hear that the National Party Candidate for Tauranga Simon Bridges is rumored to have a 20 point lead over NZ First leader Winston Peters. If this is accurate and true then I am very comfortable in saying that Simon Bridges will be the best Member of Parliament Tauranga has ever had. So If you are in Tauranga give Simon Bridges your candidate vote and give ACT your party vote for a change of government and a government of change.

Canadian election. Stephen Harper is still PM

2008-10-14T22:19:00.000-07:00

OTTAWA — Stephen Harper’s Conservatives won a muscular minority mandate Tuesday night as Canadian voters entrusted the prime minister with the levers of government in tough economic times — but not a blank cheque. Congratulations to the Conservatives, Stephen Harper and the citizens of Canada.....

The outcome saw the Liberals sink to they’re lowest level of popular support since the election of 1867 — and surely means a third change of leadership in five years for what was long dubbed Canada’s natural governing party. Unfortunately the Liberal leader Dion was not as effective as he had hoped. His English was terrible and he had trouble understanding questions given to him by the English speaking media. As I mentioned in a previous posting, I am expecting Mr Dion to be looking for a new occupation very shortly.

Justin Trudeau who is the son of deceased Canadian PM Pierre Trudeau won his seat in this election. He is up and coming, so expect him to endeavor to be the Canadian PM one day.

The Conservatives were headed for 143 seats, up from 124 in the last election, while the Liberals were down to 77 from 103. The NDP was up by nine seats to 38 and the Bloc Quebecois shed two seats to 48. Two Independents also won.

I would have preferred a majority for the Conservatives and Stephen Harper, but the people of Canada have given them more seats and they are just shy of a majority. There is work to be done, but all in all a great result.

ACT campaign launch Rodney Hide speech.

2008-10-11T16:48:00.000-07:00

This is Rodney Hide's speech to the public of New Zealand at the ACT Party Campaign Launch; Alexandra Park, Auckland; 11am, Sunday October 12 2008. Read it, it is spot on.

Welcome everyone; welcome to Epsom.

Last election Epsom was the difference; it made the difference to our Parliament. This election you can be the difference; you can make the difference to our next government.

Last election I told Epsom voters, they could vote Richard Worth, and get Richard Worth.

Or they could vote Rodney Hide, still get Richard Worth, plus me, plus the ACT team.

That's how MMP works. The good people of Epsom understood. Epsom voters voted for me. They got Richard Worth. They got me. And they got Heather Roy. They made a difference to our Parliament. A big difference. If you doubt that, ask Winston Peters.

This election I am asking you to ensure the next National Government makes a difference.

It doesn't matter where you live. You can be the difference. From North Cape to Bluff. You can party vote ACT. That's a vote for a government of change. And that's what the country so desperately needs.

It's that simple. A Party Vote for ACT will ensure John Key makes a difference.

On election night 2005 I was elected MP for Epsom. It was against the odds. It was against all predictions.

Strangely, I didn't feel I had won the seat. I felt instead Epsom voters had put their trust in me.

I had gone door to door, looked the young and the old, the rich and the poor, in the eye and asked them one-on-one to vote for me. I had never done that before. And they did. It was humbling.

I resolved that night to be the best MP that I could be for Epsom. I did not want anyone to regret the day they voted Rodney Hide.

And in turn the people of Epsom have reinforced my values and ideals. Given me a real sense of purpose.

I thought if I could make such a difference for myself and for Epsom then we could do the same for ACT and for our country.

We set the goal of being the best that we could be. We got out and talked to business leaders, commentators and economists on what was needed to make New Zealand the best country that we can be. We set out to lift our sights and the sights of our country.

To tackle a big goal you must first work out where you want to be. You have to picture your ideal.

We love to beat Australia at sport. We expect to. It gives us pride, self respect.
Beating them at rugby and netball is one thing. But what about striving to pass them where it matters, on how we provide for ourselves and our kids. That's the ideal.

The other parties have given up trying to match Australia. They say we can't. They say we shouldn't even try.

Not ACT. We are the party with the big goal. Our goal is to beat Australia by 2020 - economically, politically, socially, environmentally, and at sport. It means radically lifting our sights. It means telling Wellington it's no longer business as usual.

It means recognising that our government is failing us, it's not working, it needs sorting - and fast.

It's the failure of our government that has elderly ladies telling us they're orphans. Not because they have lost their parents, but because their children and their grandchildren have left.

Their grandkids are growing up cheering the Wallabies, not the ABs.

It doesn't have to be.

We can and we should lift our economic performance to bring our kids home which in itself will further lift our performance.

It is not enough though to have the big goal.

I have learned the hard way that you need a plan to get there. And you need to measure your performance. And tweak your plan based on your results.

That's why ACT has a 20-Point-Plan to beat Australia and bring our kids home.

It's a plan to bake a bigger economic cake, not simply slice up the one we already have.

This week I was critical of John Key's economic response to the world financial turmoil. He didn't have one. But John Key understands MMP. He knows to be Prime Minister he has to win votes from Helen Clark. He can't risk putting any difference of substance between his policy and the policies of Helen Clark and Michael Cullen. And so he cuddles them close, and just tweaks Cullen's budget when global turmoil calls for a comprehensive economic response.

ACT is the party that can tell it like it is. We can spell out what we need to do.

First up, let's tell it like it is. Michael Cullen rivals Muldoon for economic ineptitude. New Zealand has been in recession all year - before the world financial turmoil.

We are heavily indebted. The rest of the world funds our lifestyle. Our current account deficit is a whooping 8.3 percent of GDP.

The rest of the world's willingness to fund us is over. That's what this world financial turmoil means to us. Our banks and corporate are going to find it tougher to roll over their loans. There's a worldwide shortage of investment funds right now.
That will force major adjustment for New Zealand families. No matter what politicians think. The adjustment will work through the exchange rate. Our dollar will fall choking off imports and stimulating exports to make us live within our means. Costs will increase making it tougher for New Zealand businesses and households.

Tweaking Cullen's budgets won't do.

We need economic leadership and economic direction. We need a recovery package. That's what ACT's 20-point plan is.
Government must facilitate the transfer of real resources from government to the productive sector so we can pay our way. It's going to happen anyway. The only issue is whether the transition is going to be painful or easy, and whether we are going to emerge from the turmoil even stronger or another basket case.

The way to facilitate the necessary transition is to cap government expenditure in real terms, free up the labour market and radically reform the Resource Management Act.

Both John Key and Michael Cullen agree that government can't afford big tax cuts. Well, here's a newsflash - we can't afford John Key sticking to Labour's spending plans.

Our government is too fat. It's squeezing us all. It desperately needs a trim.

Cullen has increased expenditure over the last ten years by 230 dollars a week for every household over the rate of inflation. That's a whopping increase. And ask yourself? Have you seen a 230 dollar-a-week improvement in government under labour? I don't think so.

And it's set to get even bigger. And John Key agrees with that.

ACT will cap the growth of government, that will force Wellington to get its budgets and priorities right, and enable lower and flatter taxes that will spur investment and growth.

Capping the growth of government will allow us abolish Cullen's 39 cent envy tax. Party vote ACT, and it will be gone by Christmas. That's an important signal to send. We will no longer have a government that will punish those who try to get ahead.

Small businesses and the self employed will be motivated to create real wealth for themselves and the nation. It will be a signal to Kiwis overseas that it's time to come home, their energy and enterprise will be welcomed and rewarded.

We are going to need them.

Party vote ACT and the thirty nine percent envy tax gone by Christmas. That will be a difference.

That's the first part of a recovery package. It stops government soaking up even more of the resources needed in the export sector so we can pay our way.

The second part is to free up the economy so exporters can expand their businesses to take advantage of the lower real exchange rate and cushion the effect of the higher cost of imports.

That means reforming our labour market and the Resource Management Act. That's what ACT's Anti-Red Tape Bill does. That Bill is in front of Parliament and needs passing into law.

The third thing we must do is dump the dopey Emissions Trading Scheme. The Scheme was always a dog. It was all pain for no environmental gain. Now is not the time to be artificially driving up costs on businesses and households by creating a pretend market in hot air. The ETS will simply export successful New Zealand businesses overseas, making the real exchange rate problem worse. It will drive up costs for households, cost us jobs, and make us poor. The Emissions Trading Scheme has to be dumped and dumped fast.

A party vote for ACT is a party vote for smart green policies, not the dumb stuff. It's a vote to dump the Emissions Trading Scheme.

ACT is the only party this election that can be the difference. And the voters who party vote ACT will be the voters who will make the difference. That's how MMP works.

It's not just Epsom voters who can be the difference this election. Every voter can be.

There are small businesses now going to the wall because they are being squeezed paying for an ever- fattening government. Families are struggling to make ends meet with taxes, rates and other charges.

But John Key's hands are tied. That's MMP. He's just going to fiddle with KiwiSaver and tax credits. He's had to ignore the big hairy gorilla in the room - that's the government itself. Whittle that down, people will have more money in their pocket and the country will prosper. It's simple.

ACT can say that. ACT can do that. But only ACT can be the difference. That's the message you must take away from here today.

Vote not just for a change of government, vote for a government of change, party vote ACT.
Do that and we'll ensure the next National Government makes a difference.

Roger Douglas has taught me it is not enough to have a big goal and policies, you need the people who can make it happen.
That's why I have been lucky with Heather Roy. She has done all the work for ACT in Parliament so that I could concentrate on Epsom. Epsom voters really did get two for the price of one.

To make the difference in the next government, I went out to get the best people to join us.

And who better at a time like this than our best-ever Minister of Finance. To get the best, I asked Roger Douglas, not just to help out. Not just to stand. But to come back to Parliament and be part of a Government of change.

Roger has helped me enormously. I don't know anyone who understands politics better or has more experience and history. He is the only politician I know who can lift his sights to where we can be. He is a visionary. He is the only politician I know with the courage to debate big ideas. He doesn't claim to have the answers. But he has an uncanny knack of going out and finding them.

John Key ruled Roger Douglas out of his Cabinet. That's disappointing. I guess that's what John feels he has to do because otherwise Helen Clark will scare voters from National by decrying Rogernomics. But here's the question John can ask Helen.
What is it about anything that Roger Douglas did as Minister of Finance that you would change?

The end to the wage-price freeze?

The end to import licensing?

The end to opening New Zealand to the world?

Halving the top tax rate from sixty-six cents to thirty-three?

Would Helen change any of that? Come to think of it, she hasn't. In fact, she and Michael Cullen voted for it. The lot.

And what is it about ACT's 20-point plan that Helen Clark objects to?

Is it holding government expenditure to the rate of inflation? Lowering and flattening taxes? Having school vouchers or scholarships so parents sending their kids to private or independent schools no longer have to pay twice? ACT's Regulatory Responsibility Bill to slash red tape?

It all looks good and necessary to me.

But it's not up to Helen Clark or John Key.

Ultimately, it's up to you. That's how MMP works. If you want a change of direction, not just of government, you will party vote ACT. If you think Sir Roger's ideas and experience would add to our parliament and our government, especially at this time of world financial crisis, then it's in your hands. You can be the difference this election, you can party vote ACT.

Trust me, in the next few months John Key's going to need all the help he can get. Now more than ever, Roger Douglas's vision and ideas are going to prove invaluable.

ACT would not be here if it was not for John Boscawen. He has already made a difference.

Without his energy, enthusiasm and unbelievable organisational capacity, I would not be the MP for Epsom. We saw it again with his campaign against Labour's dreaded Electoral Finance Act that shuts down free speech in New Zealand. I said to John: you can't rely on the National Party to protect free speech. They never have in the past. The only way he could ensure freedom of speech was restored and protected was to come to Parliament. I have a bigger motive. John has the energy and enthusiasm we need in ACT politicians.

Party vote ACT and let John lose in Parliament. They won't know what's hit them.

I often get asked what the number one issue of this election is. I say crime. David Garrett has said to me a flat tax is good, but you can't enjoy it if a young thug has run you through.

I have heard the politicians talk and talk about law and order. Hours of it. I have concluded they have no answers. They just play politics with it. As for the bureaucrats, it's their ideas that have put us in the mess we are in.

ACT worked to come up with a no-nonsense policy to deal with crime. Not satisfied I asked Garth McVicar of Sensible Sentencing and Peter Low of the Asian Anti-Crime Group to audit the policy for us.

Garth agreed with Zero Tolerance, with police prosecuting the most minor offenders such as taggers, because that's how to stop crime when it starts.

He said Truth in Sentencing, where you serve the full sentence, with abolition of parole, was right.

He explained to me the agony that victim's families have to go through as part of the parole system, re-living the trauma and being re-victimised simply to keep the killer locked up and the community safe. That's gotta go.

But there was more.

Garth said Three-Strikes-and-You're-Out.

It's so simple.

Commit a violent offence and you serve your full sentence. No parole.

Second offence gets the maximum sentence. No argument. You also get a warning from the judge about the consequences of committing a third strike offence.

Third offence and its twenty-five years to life. Die in there if need be.

Fact is there are seventy-seven people in jail for murder with more than three jail sentences for violent crime to their name, before the murder. They should not have been walking the streets. Under ACT's policy similar violent thugs won't be. Think of the lives saved.

That's seventy-seven innocents who should be alive today. That's two bus loads

Seventy-seven families that would not have been devastated.

Amazingly, only ACT has the policies to deter the hardened thugs and lock up the psychopaths.

National favours truth in sentencing - but only after you have been sentenced twice. Announcing their policy John Key gave the examples of notorious killers such as Anthony Ronnie Dixon and Charlie George Baker and William Bell. One had a hundred and sixty. Another one hundred and two previous convictions. Fact is, they all had numerous violent convictions. Under ACT's three-strike policy they would not have been free to kill. Their victims would still be alive.

That's a difference. That's a difference worth voting for.

Having the policy was one thing. What we really needed was someone to make it a reality. That's why I asked the ACT Board to keep the Number 5 position on our list open. I wanted to get a specialist. And I got one.

Garth McVicar introduced me to David Garrett. He's a barrister. Like me he's knocked around a bit. Worked on oil rigs. But his passion is stopping crime. And the policies needed to fix it. He's travelled to the States. He's seen Sheriff Joe's tent jails. He's studied the three-strikes-and-you're-out policy and drafted the legislation for New Zealand. He has worked pro bono for the victims of crime and been a spokesman for Sensible Sentencing. He's the man going to parliament to make our streets safe.

Make a difference. Party vote ACT and put David Garrett in Parliament to make our country safe and secure once again.

Here's another thing. It's the fundamental right of every New Zealander to defend themselves. I would hope I have Virender Singh's guts to chase the thugs down that knifed him, slashed his nephew's hand and bashed his nephew's wife.

I would hope that I too would stand up for myself and my loved ones. Virender Singh rang the police three times while fighting off the young thugs. His shop and his family were under attack. The third time he rang he pleaded, does someone have to die here before you come. One of the thugs lunged at his nephew to run him through the chest. His nephew grabbed the knife to save his life and sliced his hand badly. Virender was in a struggle with a thug and got knifed in the back of his leg. A woman who rushed out of a next door shop was bashed and her eye closed.

Virender and his family were under savage attack. They fought back.

Virender gave chase and bashed one with a hockey stick. There was no one else to protect him and his family. He did the right thing. He did the brave thing. He should get a medal.

Instead, six policemen come to his house, take him to the station, interview him, lock him up and charge him for two counts of assault. He's now out on bail.

Here is a small businessman protecting his property and being charged for his pains. There's only one word for it. Madness.
We have got it back to front in New Zealand.

Government and criminals are running amok with hard working and law abiding Kiwis paying the price.

And what's our government busying doing? It's telling us what light bulb we can buy. And how we are to shower. And making us criminals because we gave our toddlers a smack on the bum so they learn the difference between right and wrong.

That's why there must be change. Not just of government. But of direction.

Fortunately there is a way for those self same, hard working and law abiding Kiwis to make a difference.

Yes, they can vote for National and get rid of Helen Clark. But always remember, MMP saw John Key and National voting to criminalise smacking.

A party vote for ACT is a vote to dump Helen Clark AND dump her policies.

This really does bear repeating. A vote for National is just a vote for change of government. A party vote for ACT is a vote for a change of government AND a government of change. That's what we need.

And, so long as you give your party vote to ACT, we'll do it.

Now is your chance to make a real difference.

We'll do it with outstanding MPs like the remarkable people behind me.

We have real people with real policies, vision and passion to get New Zealand values back on track.

People prepared to go to Parliament to fix things.

New Zealand is facing critical economic times.

Now is the time for clear thinking. Now is the time for strong economic leadership and clear direction.

Now is the time to encourage business to invest and expand and employ.

Now is the time as a nation for us to unite in a determination to emerge stronger from the global financial crisis.

Now is not the time for the hope and pray policies of Labour.

Now is the time to implement long overdue policies to strengthen the New Zealand economy.

Yes. ACT's time has come.

Now is our moment.

We can emerge from this present crisis stronger than we have ever been. We can once again build an economy that will sustain us and our families and a society where our mums and daughters are safe.

We can regain our pride, our self respect.

We can catch and match Australia.

And you can make a real difference this election.

You can Party vote ACT.

Get your friends, your neighbours, your workmates, your family to Party Vote ACT.

Tell them, they can be the difference.

Then we'll ensure the next National Government makes a difference.

We won't let you down.

We will make your vote count.

I will make sure of that.

Thank you

ENDS

Makes sense to me. A party vote for ACT is a vote for change of government and a government of change. Party Vote ACT November 8th 2008.

Putin gets a tiger cub

2008-10-10T10:30:00.000-07:00

Russian Federation PM Vladimir Putin's favorite birthday present this year is a rare Ussuri tiger cub. These Tigers are endangered, so I am sure that it may not be such a good thing for him to keep it.

Vlad has been seen affectionately petting the two-month-old female cub on Friday. The tiger weighs only about 20 pounds and sleeps in a wicker basket at Putin's residence outside Moscow.

Putin says a good home will be found for the tiger, presumably in a zoo or wildlife preserve. He hasn't decided what to call her, but is leaning toward Mashenka or Milashka.

Putin refuses to say who gave him the cub for his 56th birthday, which was Tuesday. I wonder why......?

The Ussuri tiger is also known as the Siberian, Amur or Manchurian tiger. Fewer than 400 are believed to survive in the wild.

PM Putin has also released a Judo DVD in the last week to be used to teach the young folk of Russia about self defence. I wonder if they will translate it to English and ship it abroad?

ACT up National down

2008-10-09T18:37:00.000-07:00

The latest Roy Morgan Poll shows National Party support at 40.5% ((down 7%) not good) , with small lead over the Labour Party at 37.5% (up 1%). If the Election were held this weekend there would be a hung Parliament in New Zealand with either major party capable of forming a governing coalition.

Greens is at 9% (up 2.5%) Can you imagine the Greens holding the balance of power....???

NZ First is 4% (down 1%) The boat is sinking for Winston.

ACT NZ 3.5% (up 2%) ACT is on the up and up. People want ACT to be tough on crime.

Maori Party 2% (up 0.5%) Expected a slightly higher result.

Progressive Alliance 1% (up 1%)

United Future 1% (up 0.5%)

Others and Independents 1.5% (up 0.5%) Mcgilligutty Serious in full effect???

This is not good news at all for NZ. Is NZ better off now than in 1999 when Labour came into power? NO it is not. If you think it is your name might end in Cullen and Clark???

Crime is up drastically. Red tape is strangling everything, the Police are not capable of doing their job with confidence, taxes are still high, there is a P epidemic, NZ has practically no military or Air Force, the economic climate is slowing as is the real estate market, the whole country is turning into a PC community, and to top it off wages are low and everything is outstandingly expensive in NZ. The people have the power to make a true and real change for the better.

Why do the NZ people appear to be happy being jipped? There is 4 weeks for change. Do your research on ACT at www.act.org.nz Look at their policy, look at what they are going to do to be TOUGH ON CRIME with their Law and Order Policy, look at their policy on tax and giving the power back to the people, cutting red tape, fixing Resource Management that is just too much. New Zealand and New Zealanders deserve better than Labour, NZ First and the Greens.

What needs to be done by the NZ voters for change in NZ is to Party Vote ACT and with exception of Epsom and Botany where you chould give both ticks to ACT simple as that.

I hope you make the right decision for you and for New Zealand.

Party Vote ACT

Dow Jones drops 7% ends at 8,579.18

2008-10-09T14:46:00.000-07:00

Palin - Biden Debate October 2nd 2008

2008-10-02T17:20:00.001-07:00

The US Vice Presidential debate is now complete. 69,989,000 people watched the debate making it the most watched VP debate EVER. Both candidates gave a great performance. Gov Sarah Palin was genuine, informed, reasonably funny and personable, and put up a commendable debate. She had a lot to do in debating the well respected and polished speaker of Sen Biden, who was polite, also well informed and courteous. As per usual if you look on Fox News Gov Palin won and if you look at CNN Sen Biden won. The general consensus before the debate was that the Gov would tank... and the Senator would gaff...... Well neither tanked or gaffed and in fact both were impressive. I liked the line that Gov Palin took out of #40's book and told Sen Biden that "Here you go again" pointing to the past and not the future.
I respect Sen Biden as I have mentioned before. We know where Sen Biden has been in the past with his statements and pronunciations. He has had to move a bit to the left to get behind Sen Obama. With Gov Palin we had a 5 or 6 weeks look into what she believes in and wading through all the BS spin that pops up I think you will find that most of the public that watched the debate will be relieved to know that the Governor of Alaska actually has it.

Dow Jones drops 777.68

2008-09-29T23:01:00.000-07:00

That is the biggest drop in the Dow ever I believe. Someone will make lots of funds when it pops back again.

McCain suspends Presidential campaign

2008-09-24T12:09:00.001-07:00

Sen John McCain has temporarily suspended his Presidential Campaign to get back to Washington and fix the financial situation that has occurred in the USA. He has asked for the Presidential debate this Friday to be postponed and he has called upon Sen Obama to join him and get this problem sorted in a bi-partisan way before Monday. This is a bold move and I hope both Presidential candidate Senator's can work together to make a difference in this bad fiscal situation. John McCain (and maybe Barack Obama) putting the people first.

New Zealand Election November 8th 2008

2008-09-11T19:19:00.001-07:00

The New Zealand Election has been announced as November 8th 2008. This is an exciting time for NZ. Give your National Party Candidate the Electorate vote and ACT your Party Vote.
If you are in Epsom Electorate Give Rodney Hide ACT leader both votes.
You can make NZ a better place after November 8th 2008 with ACT and National.

AC/DC World Tour

2008-09-11T16:51:00.000-07:00

AC/DC have a new website (click on banner to view) and are about to release a new album called Black Ice on October 20th 2008. They are also going on a world tour probably for the last time. and I intend to go to a few of their concerts as last time they were in town (Auckland) it was the day before School Cert and I was not allowed to go :-( I must admit that was 16 years ago.... Time flys. I am thinking Madison Square Garden....

September 11th 2008

2008-09-11T15:03:00.001-07:00

Let us not forget.

Canadian Parliament disolved. Elections within a month

2008-09-07T10:47:00.000-07:00

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper

Canada's Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper dissolved Parliament on Sunday and called an early election for next month in hopes of strengthening his Conservative minority government's hold on power.

The October 14 election will be Canada's third ballot in four years. Maybe Canada needs MMP?

Prime Minister Stephen Harper's Conservative party needs an additional 28 seats to have a majority in Parliament. Although he has downplayed that possibility, polls in recent days indicate his right wing party has a chance to do so, and with Mr Dion as the opposition leader he will.

The Conservatives unseated the rather corrupted Liberal Party in 2006 after nearly 13 years in power, but as a minority government the Conservatives have been forced to rely on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation and adopt budgets. A minority government in Canada always leads to early elections.

Analysts said PM Harper's Conservatives had a better shot of winning now than if they waited until being forced by the opposition into a vote later, when the Canadian economy might be worse off.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Harper visited Governor General Michaelle Jean and asked her to dissolve Parliament. The governor general is the representative of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, who is Canada's head of state, but the position is purely ceremonial and the governor general obeys the wishes of the prime minister.

Electoral legislation that Harper helped enact after he came to power in 2006 fixed the date for the next election in October 2009, but a loophole allows the prime minister to ask the governor general to dissolve Parliament.

"Between now and October 14, Canadians will choose a government to look out for their interests at a time of global economic trouble," Harper said after the meeting.

"They will choose between direction or uncertainty; between common sense or risky experiments; between steadiness or recklessness."

Liberal leader French Canadian Stephane Dion who can barely speak English, said the election offers a stark choice between his party and the "most conservative government in our history." The Liberals have a record of corruptness, Eastern PM's and bad economic and foreign ideals, so Mr Dion has a lot of work ahead of him.

The Conservatives now fill 127 of the 308 seats in Parliament. The Liberals have 95, Bloc Quebecois 48, the New Democrats 30 and the Greens have one seat. Three seats are held by independents, and four are vacant.

Dion, a former environment minister who named his dog Kyoto, wants to increase taxes on greenhouse gas emitters amongst other things. Dion has moved his party to the crowded left in Canada by staking his leadership on a "Green Shift" tax plan.

The Conservatives have been targeting Dion's plan in television and radio ads, saying it would kill jobs and drive up energy costs even higher than the current high levels. Dion has said he would offset the higher energy prices by cutting income taxes.

Dion hasn't had much success selling the plan to Canadians, many of whom have viewed him as a weak leader ever since he surprisingly won leadership of the party in late 2006.

"I love to be the underdog. I love being underestimated," Dion said. Wonder what Mr Dion will do for his next career?

Many expect Dion to be removed as leader if he loses the election. Therefore I am expecting a new left wing Canadian Liberal leader to be appointed after Stephen Harper is sworn in as PM of Canada with a Conservative majority after October 14th.

McCain Palin 08

2008-08-29T08:23:00.000-07:00

Senator John McCain has chosen 44 year old Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin to be his running mate for the 2008 US Presidential election.

This is a good choice for Sen McCain as Gov Palin has a strong approval rating of 80% +/- in Alaska, she has age on her side and she is a lady, as well as her conservative progressive views. This should seal the deal for the disgruntled Clinton voters who are planing on voting outside of the Democratic party this time, it should help with the folks who were not 100% on Mitt Romney, and it will be the second time ever that a lady has been nominated for the VP of the USA.

I think that Gov. Sarah Palin is a great choice. I expect a President McCain in November with the first ever female VP Sarah Palin.

McCain's VP?

2008-08-23T15:40:00.000-07:00

So... Sen Obama has made a strong choice in Sen Biden for VP, who will John McCain pick?

I think that there are a couple of options. Mitt Romney seems to be the most preferred as he is rather strong on the economy, is a successful businessman and was popular in the nominations. He had a few head butts with Sen McCain at the beginning, but they'd make a strong team. Will having a Mormon VP put the ever important conservative league of the Republican party off though?

Secretary of State Rice has been mentioned although it will probably be a long shot. She has mentioned she is not interested (but so had Biden), but she'd do a great job. She appears to be single and there has never been a Lady VP, a black VP or a single VP in history (with certain exceptions), so having Sec Rice as VP would break all the records. Might look like a continuation of the Bush Cheney administration though???Gov Charlie Crist of Florida. He is a strong support of John McCain and also is a popular Governor in a state with 27 Electoral college votes which would be handy..... He has a similar look to John McCain and is engaged to be married soon. Governor Huckabee.... Mike Huckabee is a very charasmatic fellow. He has got a great sense of humor, he has been a successful and popular Governor of Arkansas and he appeals to the conservatives having been a Baptist Minister in the past. He plays in a rock bank and is very likable. He'd make a fantastic VP in my opinion, but can he pull as many votes for McCain as Romney would?Sen Lieberman and Sen McCain are very good friends. Sen Lieberman was Al Gore's VP choice in 2000 which was unsuccessful. Sen Lieberman is an Independant who votes with the Democratic causus and has been very outspoken for John McCain. I am not sure that it is necessarily a good idea to have Sen Lieberman as VP. If he is not VP and McCain wins I would be sure that he will be in President McCain's cabinet.What about this wild card.........???Anything is possible in US politics.......

Obama Biden 08

2008-08-23T14:57:00.000-07:00

Sen Obama has made his decision. His VP candidate is Sen Biden of Deleware. As I mentioned below, I do like Sen Biden, he does shoot from the hip, he makes the odd faux pas which is human and he has a sence of humor. He is also rather strong on defence and has been working with John McCain for over 25 years in the Senate. This will be interesting.

ACT NZ party list. Beryl Good # 20

2008-08-19T23:15:00.001-07:00

ACT has released it's party list today. It looks good although #5 is still blank. It will be interesting to see who fills the position.... Rumors persist that it may be Sir Bob Jones, Richard Prebble, Muriel Newman or another wildcard. It seems that the spot was for Kenneth Wang but he is looking to contest the seat at Botany against Pansy Wong.

It is also nice to see that my Mother Beryl Good is #20 on the list. She is actively canvassing for the Party Vote for ACT in Rodney District and is working hard to get the message across that a Party Vote for ACT will make a difference.

All the best to ACT and National in this coming election. Together they can truly take NZ to a new level..... It is time for change.

Who will Obama choose?

2008-08-19T23:08:00.000-07:00

While my support is behind John McCain for the 2008 Presidential elections, it is going to be a close one and probably one of the most exciting US Presidential elections in quite some time. Sen Obama is a charismatic person who can make a great speech. He is admired and if he is to be elected President in November ( John will win ), I'd like him to choose someone as V.P who I think would be good at the job. The rumor is that he will be making his choise tomorrow morning and I'd be impressed if he chose Sen Biden. Lets see what happens.

ACT increasing in the polls.

2008-08-04T15:01:00.000-07:00

According to the latest Roy Morgan poll ACT NZ and Labour is up in the polls, with NZ First and National loosing some support. These polls are not 100% accurate and don't sample a large amount of people, so it's not time to make presumptuous suggestions as yet. But if the positivity keeps going for ACT, then there is a very good chance that ACT could be the backbone for National after this coming election. Now that would be a step in the right direction for all New Zealanders.

5.4 MAG quake in Los Angeles

2008-07-29T12:46:00.000-07:00

I was on the phone at the office on the 11th floor of our building in Marina del Rey when I heard some expletives on the other side of the telephone line then the whole building shook like I had never felt before. I have been in LA for 6.5 years and this was the biggest earthquake I had felt. My Assistant and Sales Director have gone home for a lay down. There have been 27 after shocks in the hour since the quake and luckily there is no tsunami warning.
Was a bit of a rush, reminded me of being on a large boat in large swells.

Glad there is no reports of bad damage or death.,

Welcome to Los Angeles.

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in New Zealand

2008-07-25T12:33:00.001-07:00

I think it is great that Winston Peters and the Government of NZ has extended and invitation to US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to visit NZ. I think it is even better that she excepted the offer and is currently in New Zealand. I think Winston peters has done a lot for US-NZ relations and I hope the NZ public offer her a pleasant welcome.

We are in a Bear market

2008-07-01T09:44:00.000-07:00

The DOW is down at 11,191 which puts us in a Bear Market. It has to close at this level to make it official. A Bear Market normally averages 14 months, so there may be some good investment opportunities out there soon.