Destiny Church,MoMENtum and The Cult

TVNZ must have a sense of humour.The other day I spotted the irony that that TV2 programme The Cult, was advertised alongside a well written piece on the Destiny Church [see below], written in the wake of the MoMENtum meeting, the meeting where 700 followers pledged their allegiance to God Brian Tamaki.

As it happens, Momentum is the name of a cult - in fact it is the name of the cult in the TV show The Cult. "Momentum, in an effort to avoid problems, forms a 'council' of longest serving members." Not sure if they have 700 or not.

Ha, there's even a person in New Zealand chapter of The Cult called Hannah, the same name as Brian Tamaki's wife. She's in love with the cult leader, who is charming, articulate but ultimately delusional.According the website:

Hannah is in love with Edward, who genuinely believes in what he preaches...He has already started to reinterpret the Momentum belief systems to suit his own ends...He truly believes he is special.

Is this where Destiny Church got the the idea of MoMENtum from?

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Salman is very special:Katrina

In a recent interview Katrina Kaif revealed that Salman Khan is the most special person in her life apart from her mother.

When the interviewer asked her about her relationship with Salman Khan, she replied,” There are
two most special people in my life, one is my mom and the other one is definitely Salman, he is very special.”

Well we hope this special relationship between Sallu-Kat will move onto next level. It would be great to see them in their wedding outfits.

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Aishwarya graces Wedding Affair

Check out Aishwarya Rai on the cover of Wedding Affair magazine, the picture used for the front cover is from the movie Jodhaa Akbar. The magazine unveils jewelery worn by Aishwarya Rai in the movie Jodha

Akbar, in their latest issue. Like Jodha Aishawarya?

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Salman Khan & Asin at London Dreams Premier Dubai

Dressed in a green Falguni and Shane Peacock gown, Asin made all the ladies in Dubai go green with envy when she walked arm in arm with Salman Khan on the red carpet of London Dream’s Dubai Premiere. Salman looked
debonair in a semi formal attire. Watch out for London Dreams folks… it surely seems worth a dekko!

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More on the busy busy cult of Brian

Garth George did really have one big scoop. But TV3 were also on the case on the cult of Brian. Cultwatch has upgraded Destiny's rating from caution to danger. Destiny was featured on Campbell Live last night [you can see that online here].Campbell Live had a plant in last weekend's Destiny conference, but, despite Destiny's claims that they have an open door policy, they wouldn't let TV3 reporter David Farrier in.

[ Update:This has now been confirmed by TV3 news boss Mark Jennings]

Now Destiny is claiming the story was grossly inaccurate without specifying what parts are inaccurate, even when asked. I spoke to Destiny's Janine Cardno today and asked her for just one inaccuracy. She said she was too busy to do that - but said she had a "whole list" So, at her request I have asked for that list. Also Destiny hasn't even given one thought as to whether to take the programme to the Broadcasting Standards Authority - Cardno said they were too busy to do that, too.

I suggest you also check out MacDoctor's excellent post on the cult of Brian. He says it well and fairly.

It is obvious from what we see of the contents of this covenant, that members are not encouraged to do anything except accept the words of Tamaki. I suspect that, if God calls a Destiny church member to do something great for Him outside of Tamaki’s ambit, He is going to have to speak very loudly indeed. This covenant is probably the most restrictive, crushing thing I have ever seen.

What Brian Tamaki has created here is not a church, but a personality cult centered around him. Check out the Close Up interview of him here and count how many times he mentions himself and his achievements. How many times does he mention Jesus Christ? Once.

Well done. Here's Living Colour.

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Star Siblings brighten up Sanjana Jon’s show

It was a touching moment when Sanjana Jon, the sister of jailed fashion designer Anand Jon, broke down during the show organized by her at the ongoing Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week. The show was a tribute to her brother
, who has been sentenced to 59 years in prison.
The showstoppers for Sanjana Jon’s Spring/Summer 2010 collection show at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion week were brother duo Salman Khan and Sohail Khan, sister duo Raima and Riya Sen, and brother-sister duo Sushmita Sen and Rajiv Sen. Sarod maestro Aman Ali Khan and Ayan Ali Khan also showcased the creation by the designer.

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God is not happy with Brian Tamaki

I had a chat to God today and he told me that he is not happy with Brian Tamaki. Not happy at all. God told me that Tamaki is an arrogant prick, who leads a cult, not a church.

And God is, as usual, right.

Tamaki, you see, is the "spiritual father " of the Destiny Church, and about 700 male members of the church are his "spiritual sons".All swore a "covenant oath" of loyalty and obedience, pledging their allegiance to Tamaki and were given a "covenant ring" to wear on their right hands and have to follow instructions in a document called Protocols and Requirements Between Spiritual Father & His Spiritual Sons. These men in all conversation always have to speak of Mr Tamaki in a favourable and positive light; and in formal and/or public occasions, they will always address him and his wife, Hannah, first in acknowledgments and addresses at meetings "as a sign of respect to the father of the movement". At meetings, they are told to bring Bible, pen, paper or laptop to note down Mr Tamaki's sermons which "shows how highly you value the Word of God from Bishop's mouth".

I think the fact that it comes out of Bishop's mouth is more important to his followers than whether it is the "word of God" or not. And yes, they call him Bishop, not "the Bishop". Furthermore

any "son" is honoured either by the church or secularly, he is to mention his "mentors and role models" - Mr and Mrs Tamaki - "because Bishop is one of God's best-known representatives in our country"

No he's not. He is not God's representative. He is merely the best known cult leader in our country.

Under "Conduct Towards Bishop", the "sons" are told that "Bishop is the tangible expression of God", so they need to understand how to properly approach their man of God "to protect the anointing and not transgress this special relationship". They are always to be respectful and honourable in Mr Tamaki's presence. "Even though he is very sociable and open - remember who he is!" They must never be "in his face" and must protect him from outsiders who attempt to do that.

Tamaki is putting himself above God. Now even if you don't believe in God I'm sure - if you are not one of the brainwashed Tamaki followers - you can see that this is arrogant prickery.

Destiny Church is no longer a church - it is officially a cult, and it is about time other church leaders spoke out against this cult. The NZ Cult List may do well to upgrade Destiny's rating from "caution" to "danger".

Read more about this topic here.

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The Social Report is out

I'm a bit pissed off that the Social Report, which is finally out, is only available on the web, now. It means I`ll have to be near a computer to read it and I wont get my hard copy like in previous years. The media people from the MSD are a bit miffed about it too. It means that you can't get it out of any libraries, and if you don't have access to a computer you simply cant read it.

That is a real shame - the excuse is the standard one: cost-cutting.

But look at this. The economic standard of living is declining.
In the year to June 2008, 14 per cent of the population was living below the 60 per cent threshold. This was similar to the 13 per cent in the previous survey year to June 2007. The proportion of the population with low incomes rose sharply from 1990, reached a peak in the mid-1990s and has generally declined since then. However, in 2008, the proportion was still above what it had been in the 1980s as housing costs for low-income households have risen significantly as a proportion of their household incomes. Currently, 39% of families in the lowest quintile are spending more than 30% of their income on housing. That's twice what it was in the 1980's.

Time for an increase to the accommodation supplement.

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GROOMBRIDGE STEPS UP

Words & Pic: Suzuki

OCTOBER 26, 2009: With his team boss sidelined through injury, it was expected that Taupo’s Brad Groombridge would step up and fill the void.
And that’s exactly what the 19-year-old did on his home track in Taupo on Sunday.
Groombridge took his Suzuki RM-Z450 to three wins from three starts at the sand and pumice-based Digger McEwen Motorcycle Park facility in Taupo’s industrial area, winning both the MX1 class outright and also taking the main prize for the day at the annual Labour Weekend Extravaganza when he won the all-comers champion-of-champions Nicky Smith Memorial feature race as well.
He finished ahead of Hamilton’s two-time former world No.2 Darryll King in both the MX1 class battle and the feature race.
“It was a perfect day really,” said an ecstatic Groombridge afterwards.
“Darryll King really gave me a run for my money and I really felt the pressure from him, but I held on to win the feature race.
“I knew he was coming hard at me over those last few laps, so I had to find some extra pace too.
“To get my name on the Nicky Smith Memorial trophy is pretty special. There are not too many Taupo names on that.
“I was riding (injured team-mate) Daryl Hurley’s 2010 model bike and that made a huge difference. His 2010 model has so much more power than my regular 2009 bike. With Daryl sidelined, this is the bike I will have now for the rest of the season.
“I can’t wait now for the next round of the nationals (near Morrinsville in a fortnight, on November 8).”
Groombridge is currently fourth overall in the national series after two of four rounds.
Brad Groombridge and Team Suzuki are supported by Action Suzuki of Hawera, Elf lubricants, Fox apparel, Scott goggles, Bridgestone tyres, Renthal handlebars, Demon Energy, Asplundt, FMF, DID Acerbis and Eziup.
In the meantime, while Groombridge was winning the weekend's main prize, fellow Suzuki riders Dion Picard and Tom Managh was also enjoying success.
National junior champion Picard, from Atiamuri, lived up to his star billing by winning two of the day's three races and finishing runner-up in the third race, to claim top honours in the 12-14 years' 125cc class.
Wanganui's Managh had a particularly busy weekend, riding his Suzuki RM125 to runner-up spot in the 15-16 years' 125cc class, just behind Mangakino's Kayne Lamont and ahead of fellow Suzuki rider Joshua Jack (Auckland).
Ironman Managh also rode out on a Suzuki RM-Z250 to tackle the four-stroke class, finishing a close runner-up to Manawatu's Tom Hughes.
Managh also rode the following day, lining up against the seniors, and finished fourth in the senior 125cc class, an outstanding all-around effort from the talented teenager.

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More "chilling" than the Electoral Finance Act

Sweeping powers to spy, bug conversations and hack into private computers could be given to a web of state agencies as diverse as Inland Revenue and the Meat Board

The Human Rights Commission yesterday warned Parliament of the "chilling" implications of a proposed law that would see the intrusive powers usually only available to the police extended to all agencies with enforcement responsibilities.It said that under the law, council dog control officers would be able to enter homes to install a surveillance device and the Commerce Commission would be able to detain people.

Righto. What's going on, here? Someone give me one good reason why the Inland Revenue, Meat Board, local councils, Overseas Investment Office, Accident Compensation Corporation, Environment Risk Management Authority, the COmmerce Commission, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and the Pork Industry Board should either get enforcement powers, be able to install surveillance devices in your home, and detain people without a warrant.

If the Pork Industry Board comes anywhere near my house I`ll be ringing the pigs.

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TRIUMPH'S SECOND PODIUM

WSS'09 Round 14 | Portimao, race day
ParkinGO Triumph BE1 Racing ended the World Supersport Championship on the podium.
Garry McCoy confirmed, after Valentino Rossi, that "Old hens make the best soup".
The Australian took third place, as he did at Donington, after a brilliant race during which he fought and defeated the new World Champion Cal Crutchlow after a great battle.
The second podium in Triumph's history in World Supersport has a special meaning and is the perfect ending of a fantastic season for Giuliano Rovelli's BE1 team.
Chaz Davies rode a positive race as well, as he finished seventh after fixing the issues that slowed him down in practice and scored another great result, after the fourth place at Imola.
Thanks to this excellent season finale, ParkinGO Triumph BE1 Racing climbed up two spots in the manufacturers' standings where they finished fifth, while Garry McCoy finished eighth in the riders' standings.

GARRY McCOY | Triumph Daytona 675 | 3rd:
"I'm really happy to have ended the season in style, with a second podium result in the team's young history.
We did a great job this weekend, the bike was just perfect so I could give 100%. I got a good start and I was fifth at the end of the first lap, and I kept that position into the fourth, when Lascorz, who was in front of me, crashed. I then overtook Crutchlow after three more laps. He was really close behind me for a while then I opened a gap between the two of us of about two seconds and kept it until the chequered flag.
I want to thank the entire team for a great job done this season. We got better everytime and we did all this together despite the fact that not some many people thought that was possible".

CHAZ DAVIES | Triumph Daytona 675 | 7th:
"I'm really grateful to Giuliano who gave me the opportunity to race in World Supersport. I rode only three races but I believe I did well although I know I can definitely improve, especially in qualifying practice.
I got a good start today, I engaged in a nice duel with Foret and overtook Veneman by the end and finished seventh".

GIULIANO ROVELLI - TEAM MANAGER:
"It was a fantastic way of ending the season: with a podium. We worked hard, we improved the bike so much that we got twice on the podium and scored many great results as well.
I have to thank Garry McCoy who proved that the entire squad lead by Lucio Nicastro did a marvellous job.
I'm also happy with Chaz Davies' performance who scored two great results without even knowing the tracks but did very well on his Triumph Daytona 675.
These results repay us for the efforts we have made and motivates Triumph to continue and hopefully you'll se us again in 2010, when we should set even higher goals".

Race Standings:
1 50 Laverty E. (IRL) Honda CBR600RR 35'17.044 (156,173 kph)
2 54 Sofuoglu K. (TUR) Honda CBR600RR 3.443
3 24 McCoy G. (AUS) Triumph Daytona 675 13.874
4 35 Crutchlow C. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R6 15.144
5 8 Aitchison M. (AUS) Honda CBR600RR 16.608
6 51 Pirro M. (ITA) Yamaha YZF R6 20.008
7 23 Davies C. (GBR) Triumph Daytona 675 22.007
8 99 Foret F. (FRA) Yamaha YZF R6 22.034
9 77 Veneman B. (NED) Honda CBR600RR 23.031
10 117 Praia M. (POR) Honda CBR600RR 24.002
11 1 Pitt A. (AUS) Honda CBR600RR 31.794
12 36 Cardenas M. (COL) Honda CBR600RR 31.811
13 21 Fujiwara K. (JPN) Kawasaki ZX-6R 32.218
14 25 Laverty M. (GBR) Honda CBR600RR 33.196
15 101 Coghlan K. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R6 1'02.386

Riders Standings:
1 C. Crutchlow GBR 243
2 E. Laverty IRL 236
3 K. Sofuoglu TUR 189
4 J. Lascorz ESP 163
5 F. Foret FRA 123
6 A. Pitt AUS 119
7 A. West AUS 117
8 G. McCoy AUS 98
9 M. Aitchison AUS 93
10 K. Fujiwara JPN 73
11 M. Roccoli ITA 70
12 M. Pirro ITA 70
13 B. Veneman NED 58
14 M. Lagrive FRA 45
15 M. Praia POR 40
...
20 C. Davies GBR 22

Bruno Sandrini
Press | Addetto stampa

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Labour's cool website

Why has Labour got two MPs in Mt Albert: This one, and this one.

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Shilpa Shetty to get committed to Raj Kundra today

They had been courting each other for nearly two years now and they never tried to hide their finally. Finally, they have decided to get into the commitment mode and Shilpa Shetty is getting engaged to Raj Kundra today with a “very private affair” to be attended by “immediate family members” of both Shilpa and Raj.

Raj had proposed Shilpa this Diwali by gifting her a ring. Shilpa consulted her parents and in a hush-hush
everything was finalized. For her engagement ceremony Shilpa will be wearing a pink chiffon sari and a dull gold-colored blouse designed by Manish Malhotra, and jewellery designed by a store in Bandra.

It is unfortunate that Shilpa’s younger sister Shamita Shetty will not be able to attend the ceremony as she is locked up in the Big Boss’ house at present. The wedding will take place sometime in December after Shamita comes out of the house.

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The cat-woman and mermaid Kareena Kapoor

There is no denying that fact that Kareena Kapoor is at present the hottest star to bank upon in Bollywood. So, when the Italian watch brand ‘Chronotech’ came in to launch their brand in India, Bebo was the obvious choice as their brand ambassador and what made the promotion a novelty is the fact that Kareena has

donned upon two very different looks for the ad.

In the first look, she is a cat woman quite similar to that of Lara Croft with a black jumpsuit, tightly coiled hair and whipcord body. In the other look, Kareena is a mermaid in a blue attire. Doubtlessly, Kareena looks ravishing in both the looks.

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Salman Khan ‘Most Wanted’ with Nayanthara?

Salman Khan is obviously elated with the success of his latest release ‘Wanted’ and he has still more reasons to smile. The producer Boney Kapoor is so excited after the success of the film that he has decided to make its sequel aptly titled ‘Most Wanted’.

Boney wanted to re-create the magic with the same star cast, but director Prabhu Deva suggested that they change the female lead and rope in the south siren Nayanthara instead of Ayesha Takia.


Interestingly, Prabhu Deva’s affair with the actress is painting the gossip columns red down south. In fact, just a few weeks back, Prabhu’s wife had come out all guns blazing at Nayan in an interview to a local daily there warning Nayanthara to keep away from her husband.

So, this suggestion from the director suggests a tint of truth in the rumors. Whatever may be the case, we would definitely like to see our Sallu Bhai romancing the sexy siren from the south.

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Producer arranges organic cigarettes for Deepika Padukone

Do not be surprised if you find Deepika Padukone blowing out puffs in her forthcoming ‘Karthik Calling Karthik’. Deepika comes from a family where heatlh and healthy habits are sheer priority. So, when her ultra-modern character in the film required her to smoke cigarettes, Deepika was worried that she would get
addicted to it.

Farhan and producer Ritesh Sidhwani respected Deepika’s concern and came out with a unique solution. They ordered special nicotine-free organic cigarettes for the actress.

Talking about the issue, Sidhwani said, “It’s a film about a lovable loser and a modern, hip girl. Farhan makes Deepika quit smoking. So we have a nice message in the end. We didn’t want to be responsible for inculcating a bad habit and that’s why these organic cigarettes were needed.”

In the film the lovable loser Karthik (played by Farhan Akhtar) helps her to quit smoking. Since she quits smoking ultimately, there is also a social message attached to it.

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Neha Dhupia is the beauty ambassador for Bollywood

The former Miss India Neha Dhupia gave a spark and now seems to have disappeared from the scene of Bollywood. She has had no releases lately. But there is some good news at least for her.

Her beauty has been recognized once more. She has been chosen as the beauty ambassador for India by American pop singer, actress and fashion entrepreneur Jessica Simpson for her TV show Price of Beauty.
This show will have a special segment on Bollywood and Neha has been selected as their beauty ambassador. Neha was noticed by the makers in her US mini series ‘Bollywood Hero’ which was highly appreciated by the critics.

Jessica and her crew would go around the world to find out how different people perceive beauty. The shoot is scheduled to start from next week in Mumbai and according to sources Jessica and her crew have also planned for a big Bollywood party once the shoot gets over.

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Ash-Abhi in the new commercial for Lux

Our space had informed you that the golden couple of Aishwarya and Abhishek Bachchan have signed an ad film together for the first time for the famous soap brand of Lux and that they have apparently charged a whopping 25 crores for the ad. Now, the new commercial has already been completed and is on air on the
smaller screen. Must admit Aishwarya and Abhishek look amazing together. The ad shoot has been directed by Stephen Mead and the music for the commercial has been composed by Shankar Ehsaan Loy. The couple was styled by Aki Narula.

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Best Of Bollywood

Aladin – Aladin is the modern remake of Aladin and the Magic Lamp. The story of Aladin comes from myths and legends country, India with a new type of adventure and fantasy. We can say that Aladin is a fantasy movie of Bollywood which is based on myths and legend story of a tale.

All The Best – It is said that money is good only till the time you keep it as your servant. The moment you let money. All The Best Movie become your master, all hell breaks loose. Based on a similar concept is Ajay Devgan’s upcoming production ‘All The Best’.

Wake Up Sid – Wake Up Sid! is a forthcoming Hindi romantic comedy film that stars Konkona Sen Sharma and Ranbir Kapoor in the lead roles. Produced under Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, distributed by UTV Motion Pictures and directed by debutante Ayaan Mukherjee, who earlier was assistant director of Ashutosh Gowariker in Swades and Karan Johar in Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. The movie is scheduled to release on October 2, 2009.

“Wake up Sid” is the story of Siddharth Mehra (Ranbir Kapoor), a lazy, unmotivated slacker from Mumbai whose life undergoes a series of changes after taking his final year college exams.

Do Knot Disturb – David Dhawan strikes again with this comedy flick – Do Knot Disturb. The plot is based around a rich rich businessman who wants to hide his extra marital affair with a supermodel. Just like other david dhawan movies, Do knot Disturb has many comic twists and turns.

Do Knot Disturb stars Govinda,Lara Dutta,Ritesh Deshmukh,Sushmita Sen,Sohail Khan, Ranvir Shorey and Rajpal Yadav in the lead.

Dil Bole Hadippa – The film tells the story of Veera (Rani), a fire-cracker of a girl who lives in a small village but dreams of playing cricket in the big league. Rohan (Shahid) is an accomplished captain of a county cricket team in England and returns to India to captain his father’s cricket team, which has been losing consecutively since the last eight years.

In a village where girls don’t play cricket, Veera has to wear a turban and beard to disguise herself as a man to fulfil her dreams. Her brilliance on the field earns her rave points and an entry into Rohan’s team.Produced and distributed by Yash Raj Films (YRF), the romantic comedy is the directorial debut of Anurag Singh, who has been an associate director for five films with filmmaker Rakesh Roshan and with Sanjay Gadhvi for Dhooom 2.
The movie also marks the entry of Shahid Kapoor into the YRF camp. He is paired opposite Rani.

Wanted – The Action thriller movie “Wanted” staring Salman Khan and Ayesha Takia in the lead is due to release soon. The flick is a south remake of the super hit movie “Pokiri” and it is directed by Prabhudeva who has directed the Tamil version of the movie with Vijay down south. Boney Kapoor will be producing the big budget movie.

Blue – The movie “Blue” starring Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Lara Dutta, Sanjay Dutt and Zayed Khan has definitely created a lot of curiosity with its first look. The movie looks technically very strong, no less to any Hollywood action flick. The film is the first under water Bollywood movie to be shot and is a big budget movie.It is directed by Anthony D’Souza and is scheduled for release in 16th October 2009. The film was written by American writers Joshua Lurie and Bryan M. Sullivan. Hollywood Actress and Grammy award winner Kylie Minogue makes a guest appearance in the film ( Chiggy Wiggy song). Academy award winner music director A. R. Rahman has composed the music. The film plot revolves round three friends (Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt and Zayed Khan) try to find a treasure which is lost undersea and guarded by sharks.

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ACC: I was right

Well, that didn't take long. Earlier this week I predicted that the ACC workers account will be open to competition.

The Government has just announced that the ACC workers account is to be opened to competition.

ACT media release is here. Hopefully this sort of thing will be minimised.

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Act leader confirms he will speak about his ministerial role for $45 a head

Rodney Hide has admitted charging $45 a head to hear him speak on local government is fine, but also admitted that ACT was also wrong to prominately advertise him as local government minister, particularly as local government officials were invited as they were interested in hearing what the minister had to say, not what "Act is up to".

Hide has now revealed why he is to talk about local government:

"They've asked me to speak about local government," he said. "That's what I do".

Hide is correct. It is what he does - but he does it as minister of local government, not as ACT party leader. As ACT party spokesperson on local government, he is just that: a spokesperson.

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ACT party leader wants to charge money to talk about his ministerial role

post updated
Labour is up in arms about Rodney Hide's fundraiser for his party. ACT has advertised a meeting [PDF]where Rodney Hide is going to present his views on a certain topic. The meeting was organised by the local ACT fundraising co-ordinator and the charge is $45 per head.Nothing wrong with that, parties need money.

Yet the topic is local government - and Hide is the Minister of local government. Those attending will want hear what the Minister says, not what the ACT party leader says. Particularly the local government representatives, who have complained to the minister about local government matters, and whose local authority is being investigated by the minister. These representatives have been specifically invited to the meeting by ACT because ACT knows that they want to hear what the Minister has to say. So why did Hide tell reporters this:

I'm not charging as a minister, I'm actually going along to speak as party leader.

So why target, with invitations, those with an interest in Hide's role as a minister? In our democracy, advice and discussion with government ministers are free of charge. So is the $45 charge ethical? Or is it fine for a minister to travel to the meeting as a minster to purportedly speak as a party leader about his ministeral portfolio - provided those attending pay a fee to his political party for the privilege?

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KTM TO UNVEIL NEW MOTOCROSS GENERATION IN MILAN!

The worlds largest Motorcycle Fair EICMA in Milan (10-15 November 2009) is the perfect stage to unveil to the public, what the future of Motocross looks like at KTM!

The worlds 1st unveiling of a completely new MX motorcycle form at the KTM booth on November 10 (Hall 18, stand M68), represents a significant step toward “defining new lines”. This presentation is the next logical step for the Austrian Motorcycle manufacturer. As it’s traditions and results based operation dictates a certain path to continue its development in motor sports.

The results gathered in international competition in the year 2009 give great pride to and encourage the crew in Mattighofen. The MX2 World champion Marvin Musquin, the runner up MX1 World Champion Max Nagel, and of course, the Female MX World Champion Steffi Laier, have all contributed to, and benefitted from the clear and consequent development at KTM.

It is exactly here, where the vision of the KTM developers begins. This racing pedigree and ongoing development, is the key to “defining new lines”. There is one man whom this new motocross generation centres on: The MX-legend, multiple World champion and KTM MX Factory Team Boss Stefan Everts!
This is to make sure that KTM has, and always be “Ready to Race”!


Source: KTM New Zealand

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‘All The Best’ stands ahead of ‘Blue’

This Diwali, two big projects hit the screens and the actors of both the films went out of their way to meet their fans in person and get the first hand review of the audience. But, it is definitely very clear that Ajay Devgan’s ‘All the Best’ has defeated the big budgeted and over-hyped ‘Blue’ in gaining bucks at the box-office.

Akshay Kumar, Lara Dutta and Katrina Kaif were there for the ‘Blue’ movie screening and Akshay was aware of the fact that the film wasn’t appreciated much by the viewers. He said, ”Critics haven’t liked it, some have, some haven’t but every 

individual has its own liking or disliking, said Akshay Kumar.”

‘All The Best’ has been liked by both the critics and viewers alike. Ajay Devgan was there at Cinemax on Sunday evening along with Bipasha Basu, dressed in a sexy blue outfit, director Rohit Shetty and the comedians Sanjay Mishra, Atul Parchure and Mukesh Tiwari.

Check out the stars of both the movies as they step out for post release promotion.

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ShahRukh Khan honored with the 5th degree black belt of Taekwando

King Khan has added a new feather to his cap. The Korean Government conferred upon him an ‘Honorary Black belt of Taekwondo‘ title. However, it may be mentioned here that even as SRK gets a 5th degree black belt of Taekwondo he knows nothing of the sport.

An elated SRK said that he felt like a tough guy despite doing mostly romantic films in his two-decade-old career but he has no plans to switch to the action genre and will stick to his lover-boy image.

“I am just recovering from my shoulder injury and
will take another two months to be fully fit. I plan to stick to romance and utilise both my hands perfectly first,” he said.

“My son Aryan is very angry with me. He has been practicing Taekwondo and will take another two years to earn this title,” joked Shah Rukh.

Meanwhile, on the other front Shah Rukh Khan walked the ramo with wife Gauri to showcase creations by designers Karan Johar and Varun Bhal on the final day of the HDIL India Couture Week in Mumbai.

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MMP referendum to be held at the 2011 election

Stuff reports: that the first referendum on the MMP voting system will be held with the 2011 general election. The timeline is here.Although the proposed plan is pretty much the way I said it should be done,in terms of process, there is no mention of any attempts to address gripes within MMP , such as looking at the 5 percent threshold or mix of general or list seats within MMP before the first referendum.

"The first referendum will ask two questions: The first will ask voters if they wish to change the voting system from MMP. The second will ask what alternative voting system they would prefer, from a list of options.

And what if they wish to retain MMP with a lower threshold,a different mix of list and electorate MPs, and a change to the one seat threshold? Do we get to have a say on that? As Mai Chen says, the stability of recent MMP governments suggests that while voters may want to contemplate significant tweaking of the MMP system, they are less likely to clamour for fundamental change involving a switch to another electoral system.

But that is what they are being asked to do even though they dont want to.

Mr Power said Cabinet would make further decisions over the next few months, including drafting the questions, alternate electoral systems and how that referendum will be conducted.

"If a majority of voters opt for a change from MMP, there will be a second referendum at the 2014 general election. This will be a contest between MMP and the alternative voting system that receives the most votes in the first referendum. It will be binding.

So, it's promoted as a change from MMP. How reactionary! I'd prefer to choose an electoral system I want, not to choose between the lesser of two options that aren't as good as a revamped MMP system.
Previous Cabinet consideration** Cabinet decision on MMP process

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Kicking the tyres on ACC - secret plans to charge all claimants $100 excess

National is planning to reduce costs on ACC, but some of the suggestions are those that even insurance companies would never do. Like charging all claimants an excess with no option for recovery.ACC calls such moves " kicking the tyres".

Just isolating motor vehicle accidents where pedestrians were injured, stats show that most drivers were not at fault. An excess should only be charged when the system is an at fault scheme, and one has a choice of paying premiums. ACC does not look at who is at fault in an accident. The reason this is important is because if a person has, say, a motor vehicle accident, is not at fault, and makes an insurance claim, he can attempt to recover his excess through the other party's insurance company, or directly through the disputes tribunal or courts, often with the assistance of his insurance company.

Now, I have spent 13 years working for ACC and settling claims for various insurance companies so I know a little how they work. To ACC,as fault is irrelevant, recovering an excess for the injured is also irrelevant. But ACC also has used to have a system called experience rating, with employers rated based on their employees' work injuries - the more injuries in a certain industry, the higher premiums that industry bore. Back then, if an employer disputes that an ACC injury happened at their workplace, it can challenge their premium increase as well as the experience rating through an ACC review panel. It's a good system if administered properly.

So if a person was driving a company car while working, got hit by an identified third party who admitted fault, his company would be able to recover his car insurance excess, thus maintaining premium level. But, under this proposal, if he got injured and needed ACC treatment, he'd have to pay an excess and he will also have to pay extra premiums due to aggregate actions from similar drivers. And the more he earns the more he pays. He has no choice. His employer will have increased ACC premiums even though the accident was not his employee's fault.

That's why I am amazed an excess was even suggested, because it won't happen, and neither should it unless ACC reintroduces experience rating( which Nick Smith is supportive of,BTW), but with an at-fault component. I see an opening up of the Work Account to competition again.

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Dumpster diving

Heh, this looks like fun. I know a bunch of people who get their food by dumpster diving twice a week. At least they used to, they may well still do so. It's when you grab a torch, go to the supermarket, look in the bins, and take some perfectly good food without paying for it because the supermarket has chucked it out. It's amazing what you can find - veges, alcohol, lasagne, potatoes, grapes, salads, bread and more. Look at them doing it on this video and look at the stuff they get.

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HARLEY-DAVIDSON ANNOUNCES STRATEGY

HARLEY-DAVIDSON ANNOUNCES 3RD QUARTER RESULTS, UNVEILS LONG-TERM BUSINESS STRATEGY

Retail Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Sales Decline Moderates from 2nd Quarter

Operating Loss at Finance Unit Impacts Profit

Strategy Focuses on Extending Harley-Davidson Brand, Emphasizes Productivity and Strengthening Core Business

Company to Discontinue Buell Product Line, Divest MV Agusta

H-D Press Release MILWAUKEE, October, 15, 2009

Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE:HOG) announced decreased revenue, net income and earnings per share for the third quarter of 2009 compared to the year-ago period, while reporting a moderation in the decline of retail new Harley-Davidson motorcycle sales compared to the second quarter.
Worldwide retail sales of new Harley-Davidson® motorcycles declined 21.3 percent in the third quarter compared to last year's third quarter, an improvement from the 30.1 percent decline in this year's second quarter. An 84.1 percent decline in net income and an 84.5 percent decline in diluted earnings per share from the year-ago quarter reflected lower motorcycle shipments and the effects of the economy on retail and wholesale loan performance at Harley-Davidson Financial Services.
Harley-Davidson also unveiled major elements of its go-forward business strategy to drive growth through a single-minded focus of efforts and resources on the unique strengths of the Harley-Davidson brand, and to enhance productivity and profitability through continuous improvement. As approved yesterday by Harley-Davidson's Board of Directors, the Company will discontinue its Buell product line and divest its MV Agusta unit as part of this strategy.
"While the environment remains challenging for us, we are mildly encouraged by the moderation in the decline of dealer retail Harley-Davidson motorcycle sales," said Keith Wandell, Chief Executive Officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc. "And moving forward, our strategy is designed to strengthen Harley-Davidson for long-term growth and deliver results through increased focus.
"As our announcement regarding Buell and MV Agusta indicates, we are moving with the speed and decisiveness required to bring our business strategy to life," said Wandell. "The fact is we must focus both our effort and our investment on the Harley-Davidson brand, as we believe this provides an optimal path to sustained, meaningful, long-term growth."

Third Quarter and Nine-Month Results
Net income for the third quarter was $26.5 million, compared to $166.5 million in the third quarter of 2008, on revenue of $1.12 billion, compared to $1.42 billion in the year-ago period. Diluted earnings per share were $0.11 for the third quarter of 2009 and $0.71 in the year-ago period.
Through nine months, Harley-Davidson, Inc. reported net income of $163.6 million, down 71.6 percent and diluted earnings per share of $0.70, down 71.4 percent from the year-ago period. Revenue through nine months was $3.57 billion, down 17.1 percent from the same period last year.

"Delivering Results Through Focus" Strategy
A key element of the Company's go-forward strategy is to focus on extending the Harley-Davidson brand by leveraging unique Harley-Davidson strengths. The strategy focuses company resources on Harley-Davidson products and experiences, global expansion, demographic outreach and commitment to core customers. In addition, the Company will continue to expand its initiatives to enhance profitability through continuous improvement in manufacturing, product development and business operations.
"We are refocusing our business with the expectation that we can provide growth that is both profitable and sustainable over the long term," said Wandell. "We believe we can create a bright long-term future for our stakeholders through a single-minded focus on the Harley-Davidson brand."
The Company said it would share additional details about the strategy during its investor conference call today.

Details of Buell and MV Agusta Actions
The Company will discontinue production of Buell motorcycles. Remaining inventories of Buell motorcycles, accessories and apparel, while they last, will continue to be sold through authorized dealerships. Warranty coverage will continue as normal for Buell motorcycles and the Company will provide replacement parts and service through dealerships.
The decision will result in a reduction over time of about 80 hourly production positions and about 100 salaried positions at Buell. Employment will end for a majority of Buell employees Dec. 18, 2009.
Harley-Davidson, Inc. expects to incur approximately $125 million in one-time costs related to the discontinuation of the Buell product line. The Company expects to incur approximately $115 million of that amount this year.
Relative to MV Agusta, the Company will immediately commence efforts to sell the business, which is based in Varese, Italy.
In the third quarter, Harley-Davidson, Inc. recorded a one-time fixed-asset impairment charge of $14.2 million related to Buell and a goodwill impairment charge of $18.9 million related to MV Agusta.
"Buell and MV Agusta are great companies, with proud brands, high-quality exciting products and passionate enthusiasm for the motorcycle business. Buell has introduced many innovative advancements in motorcycle design and technology over the years and MV Agusta is known in Europe for its premium, high-performance sport motorcycles. However, our strategy to focus on the Harley-Davidson brand reflects the fact that we believe our investments in that brand are a better utilization of overall company resources," said Wandell.

Motorcycles and Related Products Segment
Third Quarter. Revenue from Harley-Davidson motorcycles during the third quarter of 2009 was $803.3 million, down 22.1 percent compared to the year-ago period. The Company shipped 54,236 Harley-Davidson motorcycles to dealers and distributors worldwide, down 27.4 percent from the third quarter of 2008 but in line with previous guidance of 52,000 to 57,000 units. Revenue from Parts and Accessories totaled $221.8 million during the quarter, down 14.4 percent and revenue from General Merchandise was $70.7 million during the quarter, down 15.9 percent compared to the year-ago period. Gross margin was 33.1 percent of revenue for the quarter compared to 34.0 percent in the year-ago quarter. Operating margin was 9.5 percent compared to 16.4 percent in the third quarter of 2008. Operating margin was affected largely by lower gross margin, restructuring charges and impairment charges.
Nine Months. Through nine months, revenue from Harley-Davidson motorcycles was $2.62 billion compared to $3.23 billion in 2008 on shipments of 187,085 Harley-Davidson motorcycles, compared to 226,898 motorcycles in 2008. Revenue from Parts and Accessories totaled $623.1 million during the first nine months, down 11.8 percent and revenue from General Merchandise was $215.5 million during the nine-month period, down 12.0 percent compared to the year-ago period. Gross margin was 34.6 percent and operating margin was 14.1 percent, compared to 35.4 percent and 18.9 percent respectively in the year-ago period.
Retail Motorcycle Sales. During the third quarter, retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles decreased 21.3 percent worldwide, 24.3 percent in the U.S. and 13.1 percent in international markets, compared to the prior-year quarter. Industry-wide U.S. retail heavyweight (651cc+) motorcycle sales declined 35.9 percent during the quarter, compared to the year-ago period.
For 2009 compared to 2008 through nine months, retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles decreased 22.9 percent worldwide, 25.5 percent in the U.S. and 16.5 percent in international markets. Industry-wide U.S. retail heavyweight motorcycle sales declined 38.7 percent year to date in 2009, compared to 2008.

Harley-Davidson Financial Services
Harley-Davidson Financial Services recorded an operating loss of $31.5 million for the third quarter of 2009 compared to an operating profit of $35.6 million in the third quarter of 2008. This decrease of $67.2 million was due to a higher provision for credit losses in both the retail and wholesale portfolios as well as increased interest expense. Year to date through the third quarter, HDFS reported an operating loss of $110.8 million, compared to operating income of $107.7 million for the prior year period. The nine-month operating loss includes two non-cash charges recorded in the second quarter of 2009: a $72.7 million credit loss provision for a one-time reclassification of motorcycle loan receivables; and a one-time $28.4 million charge to write off goodwill associated with HDFS.
HDFS continues to successfully access the credit markets to fund its lending activities. On October 9, HDFS completed a $700 million term securitization transaction with a weighted average interest rate of 1.2 percent.

Update on Restructuring Activities
On a combined basis, the Company expects previously announced restructuring activities, together with the discontinuation of Buell operations, to result in one-time charges of $215 million to $245 million over 2009 and 2010, or an increase of $55 million from the estimate provided July 16, 2009. The Company estimates annual ongoing savings from restructuring of approximately $140 million to $150 million.
The Company continues to pursue its previously announced "two path" study to determine whether additional major restructuring at York, Pa. facility can make those operations competitive and sustainable long term, or alternatively, whether the Company will relocate those operations to another U.S. location. As part of the restructuring analysis, the Company has begun contract talks with the union representing employees at York and expects to make a final decision on the status of the York operations by the end of this year.

Income Tax Rate
The Company's third-quarter effective income tax rate was 61.8 percent compared to 38.2 percent in the same quarter last year. This increase was due primarily to the tax implications of MV Agusta, including the non-deductible write down of goodwill, and the impact of reduced Company earnings. The Company expects its full-year 2009 effective tax rate on continuing operations, excluding MV Agusta, to be approximately 59 percent due to the previously reported one-time charges for the Wisconsin tax law change and the non-deductible goodwill write-off for Harley-Davidson Financial Services, as well as the impact of reduced earnings for the remainder of the year.

Cash Flow
Cash and cash equivalents totaled $1.52 billion as of Sept. 27, 2009, compared to $504.4 million at the end of the year-ago period. Cash provided by operations was $511.1 million and capital expenditures were $89.4 million during the first nine months of 2009. For the full year, capital expenditures are now expected to be $125 million to $145 million, including $15 million to $25 million related to restructuring activities.

Guidance
The Company is narrowing its guidance for full-year 2009 shipments, and now expects to ship 222,000 to 227,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles to dealers, including 35,000 to 40,000 during the fourth quarter. The Company continues to expect full-year gross margins to be between 30.5 percent and 31.5 percent.

Company Background
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company (HDMC), Buell Motorcycle Company (Buell), MV Agusta and Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS). Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight custom, touring and cruiser motorcycles. Buell produces American sport performance motorcycles. MV Agusta produces premium, high-performance sport motorcycles sold under the MV Agusta® brand and lightweight sport motorcycles sold under the Cagiva® brand. HDFS provides wholesale and retail financing and insurance programs primarily to Harley-Davidson and Buell dealers and customers.

Forward-Looking Statements
The Company intends that certain matters discussed in this release are "forward-looking statements" intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such because the context of the statement will include words such as the Company "believes," "anticipates," "expects," "plans," or "estimates" or words of similar meaning. Similarly, statements that describe future plans, objectives, outlooks, targets, guidance or goals are also forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated as of the date of this release. Certain of such risks and uncertainties are described below. Shareholders, potential investors, and other readers are urged to consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements and cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this release are only made as of the date of this release, and the Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
The Company's ability to meet the targets and expectations noted depends upon, among other factors, the Company's ability to (i) execute its strategy and successfully exit certain product lines and divest certain company assets (ii) effectively execute the Company's restructuring plans within expected costs and timing, (iii) successfully achieve with our labor union partners flexible and cost-effective agreements to accomplish restructuring goals and long-term competitiveness, (iv) manage the risks that our independent dealers may have difficulty obtaining capital, and adjusting to the recession and slowdown in consumer demand, (v) manage supply chain issues, (vi) anticipate the level of consumer confidence in the economy, (vii) continue to have access to reliable sources of capital funding and adjust to fluctuations in the cost of capital, (viii) manage the credit quality, the loan servicing and collection activities, and the recovery rates of HDFS' loan portfolio, (ix) continue to realize production efficiencies at its production facilities and manage operating costs including materials, labor and overhead, (x) manage production capacity and production changes, (xi) provide products, services and experiences that are successful in the marketplace, (xii) develop and implement sales and marketing plans that retain existing retail customers and attract new retail customers in an increasingly competitive marketplace, (xiii) sell all of its motorcycles and related products and services to its independent dealers, (xiv) continue to develop the capabilities of its distributor and dealer network, (xv) manage changes and prepare for requirements in legislative and regulatory environments for its products, services and operations, (xvi) adjust to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices, (xvii) adjust to healthcare inflation, pension reform and tax changes, (xviii) retain and attract talented employees, (xix) detect any issues with our motorcycles or manufacturing processes to avoid delays in new model launches, recall campaigns, increased warranty costs or litigation, and (xx) implement and manage enterprise-wide information technology solutions and secure data contained in those systems.
In addition, the Company could experience delays or disruptions in its operations as a result of work stoppages, strikes, natural causes, terrorism or other factors. Other factors are described in risk factors that the Company has disclosed in documents previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Many of these risk factors are impacted by the current turbulent capital, credit and retail markets and our ability to adjust to the recession.
The Company's ability to sell its motorcycles and related products and services and to meet its financial expectations also depends on the ability of the Company's independent dealers to sell its motorcycles and related products and services to retail customers. The Company depends on the capability and financial capacity of its independent dealers and distributors to develop and implement effective retail sales plans to create demand for the motorcycles and related products and services they purchase from the Company. In addition, the Company's independent dealers and distributors may experience difficulties in operating their businesses and selling Harley-Davidson motorcycles and related products and services as a result of weather, economic conditions or other factors.

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HARLEY SCUPPERS BUELL

Source: Superbike Planet.

BUELL OFFICIALS THANK CUSTOMERS, DEALERS AND EMPLOYEES FOR UNFORGETTABLE RIDE

EAST TROY, Wis. (Oct. 15, 2009) - Buell Motorcycle Company officials thanked the company's customers, employees and dealers for an unforgettable ride, following today's announcement by Harley-Davidson, Inc. that it will discontinue the Buell® product line as part of Harley-Davidson's go-forward business strategy. The new long-term strategy aims to drive Company growth through a focus of efforts and resources on the Harley-Davidson® brand.

"I want to personally thank all our past and present Buell employees, dealers and suppliers for their efforts. I also want to thank Buell motorcycle owners for their support and passion for the brand," said Buell Motorcycle Company President Jon Flickinger.

Flickinger said a limited number of new Buell motorcycles remain available for sale through authorized dealerships and production will wind down by October 30. He also stressed that Harley-Davidson will provide replacement parts and service through dealerships and that warranty coverage will continue as normal for Buell motorcycles.

"I will always be proud of what we have accomplished. It is a testimony to what a small group of passionate and inspired people can do, and with brilliant innovations, we've produced some of the best-handling bikes of all time," said Buell Chairman and Chief Technical Officer Erik Buell. "I personally look forward to exploring how I can continue to work with Harley-Davidson to bring advanced product technology to riders.

"I have also had the great fortune to meet and get to know many Buell riders over the years, and they are an amazing and interesting group of free thinkers," Buell said. "May you ride with pride into the future. And may your roads ahead be as adventuresome and rewarding as mine have been for the last 26 years."

A wholly owned subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, Inc. since 1998, Buell Motorcycle Company was founded in 1983 by Erik Buell and produced more than 135,000 motorcycles. Over the past 26 years, Buell motorcycles won numerous design accolades and awards, and countless races and championships around the world, including the AMA Pro Daytona SportBike championship in 2009.

Comment by BD.

I think NZ and Aus have only felt the edge of the GFC.

From the people I talk to online, things are really bad in Wisconsin. The everyday folks are hurting and the anti-Obama-ism is rampant.

I think they (Buell) may have shot themselves in the foot with the re-branding they have just gone through. The Book of Buell and the cubing of the Blast were poorly received by many of their existing customer base.

But what a shame for the workers. I like the Buell people and their products and have become friendly with a number of them. We wish them all the best.

BD Pic - The Ed on the 1125R

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Clinton: Russia sees Iran threat

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has told the BBC that Russia now recognises the threat posed by Iran.

Wrapping up a European tour in Moscow, Mrs Clinton said Russian leaders had in private said they were ready to act if Tehran did not meet its obligations.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday that sanction threats against Iran were counter-productive.

Iran denies Western allegations it is trying to build the bomb under cover of a civilian nuclear energy programme.

Mrs Clinton told the BBC on Wednesday that Russia in the past six months had "moved tremendously" to acknowledge the threat of Iran's programme.

She said Russian officials, in private talks, had recognised the need to act if diplomacy failed.

"We are in total agreement on all of that," Mrs Clinton told the BBC.

"And we are also in agreement that if our diplomatic engagement is not successful then we have to look at other measures to take, including sanctions to try to pressure the Iranians."

As a permanent UN Security Council member, Russia would need to back any fresh sanctions against Iran.

Iran agreed at a meeting in Geneva at the start of this month to allow UN inspectors into a previously undisclosed nuclear site near its holy city of Qom, and to send low-enriched uranium abroad for enrichment to a higher level.

Mrs Clinton acknowledged to the BBC that Tehran had bought itself more time with this move.

But she said Tehran had also made commitments which the Russians and the Chinese now expected them to fulfil.

Putin absent

The US secretary of state could not meet Russia's key decision-maker, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, as he was visiting China.

Later, she headed for Kazan, the capital of the religiously and ethnically diverse region of Tatarstan, east of Moscow.

Her five-day European trip has included stops in Zurich, London and Belfast.

Earlier, Mrs Clinton urged Russia to respect human rights and democracy.

She was pressed by reporters on the failure of the Russian authorities to find the killer of journalist Anna Politkovskaya, and on the imprisonment of ex-tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky.

"I think we want the government to stand up and say this is wrong," she told Moscow radio station Echo.

US President Barack Obama, who met Mr Medvedev in July, has pledged to reset relations with Russia.

A month ago, following the revelations about Iran's second uranium enrichment facility at Qom, the Russian president said his government might ultimately accept further sanctions as inevitable.

Mr Obama, for his part, has met a key Russian demand to scrap plans to deploy interceptor missiles in Poland and a radar station in the Czech Republic as part of a US missile defence system in Europe.

The US administration insisted it did not expect concessions in return.

But US officials have called on Russia to support, or at least not oppose, the idea of the UN Security Council imposing tougher sanctions on Iran if it fails to live up to its international obligations.

The council wants Iran to end uranium enrichment and has approved three rounds of sanctions - including bans on Iran's arms exports and all trade in nuclear material.

SOURCE : BBC

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UK sends 500 more to Afghanistan

They will be sent as long as they have the necessary equipment, if other Nato allies boost their troop numbers and more Afghan soldiers are trained.

He earlier paid tribute to each of the 37 British service personnel killed in Afghanistan since the end of July, among the 221 who have died since 2001.

There are currently about 9,000 UK troops stationed in Afghanistan.

There are also 150 reserve troops in the country which the Ministry of Defence said would be available for further temporary deployments.

'Solemn moment'

Mr Brown devoted two minutes at the start of prime minister's questions to reading out the names of all those who had died in Afghanistan since Parliament rose for the summer recess.

Describing it as a "solemn moment" for Parliament and the country, he said their sacrifices would not be forgotten.

While nothing could "erase the pain" of bereaved families, Mr Brown added that they could be proud of the actions of their loved ones and know that their "influence" would live on.

In a statement later, Mr Brown said he was prepared, in principle, to send an extra 500 troops to Helmand Province in southern Afghanistan - where Nato troops are fighting fierce battles with the Taliban - in response to military advice.

Mr Brown said the troop reinforcements - which would increase overall UK troop numbers to 9,500 - were conditional on three factors.

The prime minister said he needed to be sure the troops had the equipment and training necessary to perform the tasks asked of them.

He said two additional Merlin helicopters would be sent to Helmand in the near future and that more armoured vehicles and other specialist equipment would be provided to counter the threat of roadside bombs.

He also insisted Nato countries must bear their "fair share" of the mission by sending more troops of their own and the Afghan government had to be prepared to substantially increase their own troop presence in Helmand.

'Safer Britain'

Only if he received such guarantees, Mr Brown said, would he be able to "justify" sending more troops.

However, Mr Brown defended the UK's continued presence in Afghanistan, saying a "safer Afghanistan was a safer Britain".

"When the safety of our country is at stake, we cannot and we will not walk away," he said. "We have the right strategy and we will see it through."

Conservative leader David Cameron and Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg also paid tribute to those who had lost their lives.

However, they later raised issues with the prime minister about aspects of the Afghan war and support for British soldiers.

Mr Cameron said the military covenant with British troops needed to be "fundamentally re-examined" with more resources provided for helping badly injured troops with their rehabilitation.

He also said it was "totally unacceptable" some troops were not properly prepared for going to Afghanistan, mentioning the case of a Territorial Army soldier he said had told him he was not getting full training or pay.

Mr Brown said he was "determined" to ensure the armed forces received all the support they deserved and said he was confident that troops in Afghanistan were "properly resourced".

Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg welcomed the supply of more helicopters but said there must be be a "radical" change of strategy in Afghanistan with more emphasis on political reconciliation.

The UK has the second-largest contingent after the US.

The BBC's defence correspondent Caroline Wyatt said: "The prime minister will want assurances from military chiefs that the extra troops will be properly equipped.

"He'll also expect Britain's Nato partners to follow suit by offering more forces themselves."

Nato defence ministers are likely to discuss troop reinforcements at an informal meeting in Slovakia next week.

US President Barack Obama is currently considering a request by General Stanley McChrystal, the commander of international forces in Afghanistan, for up to 40,000 more international troops.

British forces have been in Afghanistan since October 2001, with more than two-thirds stationed in Helmand.

Military commanders have said extra troops are needed to build on the progress of this summer's Operation Panther's Claw, in which UK forces helped to expel insurgents from key areas but sustained heavy casualties in the process.

The question of troop numbers in Afghanistan has become highly politicised in recent months.

The ex-head of the Army, Sir Richard Dannatt, has claimed that No 10 turned down a request to send up to 2,000 more troops earlier this year - a suggestion Downing Street has denied.

Former defence secretary John Hutton said on Wednesday that it would have been "helpful" to have sent the extra troops six months ago.


Gordon Brown says the UK will send 500 more forces personnel to Afghanistan - but only if key conditions are met.

Over 40 countries contribute forces to the international mission in Afghanistan. Isaf has full details of current contributing nations.

SOURCE : BBC

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Hot air balloon catches fire - four Dutch dead

Four Dutch tourists have been killed in a ballooning accident near the city of Yangshuo in South China. A fifth Dutch sightseer, the Chinese pilot and his assistant escaped with minor injuries.

Radio Netherlands Worldwide interviewed Ronald van der Weerd, a Dutchman who works in a local hotel. He has spoken to the Dutch survivor of the accident and has read the statement he made to the police.
Balloon trips are a popular tourist activity in the Guangxi region. Newsline’s Johan van Slooten spoke to Paulien Leisink, Dutch owner of the Giggling Tree hostel in the region. She says this is the first time there has been a serious accident like this. In the past, a few tourists have suffered minor injuries due to rough landings, but she says this is not unusual in the sport of hot air ballooning.

Hotel worker Ronald van der Weerd also confirms that in the eight years he has been going to the area he has never heard of a serious accident. “I always feel safe in the balloons,” he adds.

However, Paulien Leisink says that following the fatal accident, all the local balloon tour operators have cancelled their trips. She expects their trade will be badly affected. “I don’t know if they will ever be allowed to go up into the air.”

Listen to the Newsline interview:

You are missing some Flash content that should appear here! Perhaps your browser cannot display it, or maybe it did not initialize correctly.

Mr Van der Weerd reports that a group of tourists had gone on a sight-seeing trip in three hot air balloons. The balloon involved in the accident was making a normal, controlled landing on a small hill.

“Then things went slightly wrong,” says Mr Van der Weerd. “The basket fell over, which in itself is not very unusual, but somehow or other the burner didn’t go out and something caught fire. The pilot caught fire, and fell out of the balloon along with the assistant and one of the passengers.” As a result, the lightened balloon flew up in the air again
Fire
What exactly followed remains unclear, says Mr Van der Weerd. Eyewitnesses at a distance say the basket caught fire - contrary to earlier police reports, the witnesses say there was no explosion. The remaining four passengers jumped out of the basket. None of them survived the fall. The three who fell out of the balloon on the ground escaped with only scratches or minor burns.

The group on the balloon trip were on a holiday organised by travel company Djoser. The identities of the four people who died - two couples in their fifties - have not yet been released.

The accident took place close to a city popular with tourists, Yangshuo in the region of Guangxi. The area is renowned for its spectacular landscape, and attracts many backpackers. There are daily sightseeing balloon trips for tourists, and in fine weather dozens of balloons take to the air.

The Dutch embassy has sent a team from a nearby consulate to Yangshuo. They will provide assistance to the Dutch survivors and bereaved relatives.

SOURCE : RNW

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National knew about the Rugby World Cup Maori TV bid in June

post has been updated again
Derek Fox, former media manager of the Maori Party - he resigned a month or so ago for reasons not specifically related to the Rugby World Cup bid and is yet to be replaced - has revealed that Bill English knew about the Maori TV bid for the Rugby World Cup back in June. On June 23, English and Sports Minister Murray McCully were told about the bid. So it sounds a little rich to criticise Pita Sharples for not telling ministers about the bid when two ministers already knew and could find out more themselves.

But they didn't want to find out more - they wanted to stop it. Since then McCully has been "donkey deep" in attempts to spike MTS's bid to the exclusive free-to-air rights. Photocopies of the Maori Television Service bid were personally delivered to the offices of Finance Minister Bill English and Associate Rugby World Cup Minister Gerry Brownlee on September 24.

So the letter English received on September 7 2 from Georgina te Heuheu (the Minister responsible for Maori broadcasting) was not the first time he knew about the bid -but it was the first time English (the shareholding minister for Maori Television) was advised of the $3m amount - although he was aware of the liklihood of Te Puni Kokiri funding.The bid had gone in three days earlier.

That's when it all blew up. The problem was the TPK funding was going to ensure a tax-payer funded bid, perhaps successful if TVNZ earlier rejected bids weren't bumped up. Failing that, only 80 percent of the country would see the game unless MTV sub-licenced the rights.

National had three months warning about the bid. It did nothing apart from supporting a TVNZ counter-bid once tne $3m was confirmed, and then spat the dummy.

It has now sucked the dummy back in and allowed Maori Television Service to process unchallenged with its bid. TVNZ has withdrawn its bid and will have to accept a sub-licensing arrangement. Ka Pai!

update And I see a good night was had at the Green Parrot celebrating this achievement.

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Maori Television and the Rugby World Cup

Pita Sharples is angry that the government has effectively scuppered the $3m bid to screen the Rugby World Cup on Maori TV.

I was quite prepared to have to listen to a refreshing commentary.

Jerry Collins has gone down in a rutu mahunga. It's a piro whiu. Aw c'mon ref, he would have scored for sure. No, he's ordered a five-metre kirimiti. Unbelievable! Thirty seconds remaining. All Blacks to put in. Carter is standing deep. Cowan has the ball. He passes it off to the taitapa who charges upfield. Oh no! Taka whakamua!. France restarts - Carter intercepts, passes it to Cowan who quickly offloads it to Cory Jane - who executes a whana whakapiro right on full time! NZ 10 France 9. The All Blacks are into the whakamutunga! Te pai ke! Ka pai, wouldn't you agree, Murray Mexted?

I do think that the political implications of the Te Puni Kokiri proposal have not been thought through particularly well. Sharples approved funding via Maori development so any proposal had to have a convincing development approach.

There has been suggestions that TVNZ and Maori TV should offer a joint proposal. If they were to do so, the implications of a fusion of TVNZ aims with a Maori development approach will need to be considered. Instead, the latest state of play is that the $3m bid as outlined by Te Puni Kokiri has pushed up the price in the TVNZ/TV3/MTV bidding war - with the winner no doubt to be funded by the taxpayer and approved by cabinet.

Update Maori Television responds by claiming things are unfair, criticising government ministers, but says it will not drop its bid.

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