Times have indeed changed. Gone are the days when exes stay exes who occasionally bump into each other in awkward situations. While this may still hold true right after a breakup, our need for self-care, healing, and growth dictates that the truly healed can become friends with their ex if the relationship didn’t end in atrocious terms.
But Amy Schumer might be taking this whole concept to a whole new level. Her comedian ex Kyle Dunnigan recently shared that he’s actually living under the same roof as Schumer and her husband Chris Fischer.
Dunnigan made the revelation when he sat down for an interview on the Wednesday episode of The Howard Stern show. But before that, he looked back on their romantic time together saying “We had a moment there…a while ago and it was brief.”
As for his current unconventional living arrangement with Schumer and Fischer, he said, “I’ve been there for a month and a half.” He explained to stern that he’s been living with them at their apartment in New York while he and Schumer collaborate on her forthcoming Hulu show.
“She’s been very cool,” he added, revealing that he even has his own room and bathroom. But how does this whole thing work for Fischer? Dunnigan says that he doesn’t seem to mind. In fact, they even hang out and play chess. “We bro out,” he said about Schumer’s husband.
“All the food is really good and free,” Dunnigan quipped about his stay as he contemplated living there for a bit longer. “I’m supposed to leave in three weeks, but I don’t think I’m gonna.”
Millions of Chinese nationals were forced to cancel their travel plans and seek refuge in their homes amid the panic and confusion caused by the recent coronavirus outbreak. The country’s government has told people to stay in their homes to avoid being exposed to the novel illness on Thursday and ordered a lockdown in three of central China’s cities. This move was made to mitigate the spread of the fatal virus that has so far claimed 17 lives.
Health authorities in the country reported that over 570 cases of people who have contracted the virus as of Wednesday. Cases of what is known as the 2019-nCoV have emerged outside China’s borders including two confirmed cases in Hong Kong, one in Singapore and one in the United States. Alarms have been raised as officials expect the virus to increase in transmission.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) held a press conference in Geneva, Switzerland on Thursday. Officials of the United Nations agency say that it is too early to declare the 2019-nCoV outbreak as a global emergency.
WHO’s director-general Tedros Adhanom told media on Thursday, “Make no mistake, this is, though, an emergency in China. But it has not yet become a global health emergency. It may yet become one.”
He added, “The fact that I’m not declaring a [global health emergency] today should not be taken as a sign that the WHO does not think the situation is serious or is not taking it seriously.”
It was confirmed on Wednesday that the growing epidemic can be contagious through respiratory transmission between humans.
Planning your next holiday but can’t decide which destination to go for? Well have no fear, we’ve put together the 10 most popular countries for Aussie travellers as judged by Skyscanner. Read below to find out more!
The top 10 most visited places by Aussies:
Bali
Staying at the top spot, Bali will always be a favourite for us Australians. A whopping 1.1million of us head to Bali every year and with pristine beaches, idyllic coastlines, unique culture and low-cost luxury, you can see why it keeps calling us back for more.
Spend your days living it up in the Kuta neighbourhood or exploring ancient temples and indulging in culture in Ubud. Hit the waves in Canggu or visit the iconic Tanah Lot island temple. Bali is perfect for families, friends, couples and solo travellers alike, there is something for everyone here. The Australian love affair with Bali continues!
UK
There is always plenty to see in the UK and we can’t seem to get enough of it. The familiar destination offers something for every traveller and is also the perfect starting base to explore western Europe. Spend your holiday taking in the sights of London from Buckingham Palace to Big Ben, then journey to the west country and marvel at the history of Stonehenge and the Georgian splendour of Bath. Take your pick from culture, entertainment, or history, just remember to pack a brolly.
Thailand
The Grand Palace, Thailand
Another firm favourite, Thailand is a low-cost destination that you can reach from many airports in Australia. The bustling capital of Bangkok is the perfect place to dip your toe in Thai culture. Start off your day by exploring The Grand Palace, taking in the Wat Pho and standing in awe at the majesty of the temple of the reclining buddha. After all that culture you deserve some pad Thai and why not catch a game of the national sport of Muy Thai?
Thailand isn’t all about the capital though, this country is most famous for its idyllic beaches and islands in the south and incredible history and beauty of the north. The country is also the perfect place to begin a backpacking trip around Indochina.
India
Taj Mahal India
India has moved up in popularity, as like other south-east Asian destinations it offers incredible value for money, combined with a vibrant cultural experience. The most popular city to start off for Aussies is New Delhi. Prepare for an assault of colours and spices in the hustle and bustle of India’s capital. After taking in sights such as the Red Fort, the Humayun’s Tomb which inspired the Taj Mahal, the craft market of Dili Haat, Garden of the Five Sense and the chaotic Chandi Chok street market, you deserve a cup of chai.
From New Delhi, the rest of India awaits and is yours to explore. Marvel at the Taj Mahal in Agra, party in the seaside town of Goa, take in the kaleidoscope of colours at Jaipur also known as the pink city and pay homage to the holy shores of the Ganges in Varanasi.
New Zealand
Waitomo rock formations in glowworm caves, New Zealand
Our Kiwi neighbours are a welcoming bunch and that’s why we Aussies can’t get enough of all the country has to offer. New Zealand has been growing in popularity and you can see why with the picturesque mountainscapes, lakes, beaches and buzzing cities of Auckland and Wellington.
New Zealand is the place to go if you are after a thrill-seeking adventure-filled holiday. Try your hand at bungee jumping, ride the rapids in Waitomo, complete a multi-day hike in any number of the 13 national parks, hit the surf in Raglan and learn about Mauri culture and perfect your Hakka at a Mauri cultural village.
Japan
Japan has slowly been climbing as a favourite with Aussies. The country recently hosted the rugby world cup and will be hosting the Olympics in 2020. If sport isn’t your thing then there is plenty more to see from ancient temples, futuristic robot hotels (yes really!), and the cultural gem that is Kyoto. If you fancy a challenge, then set your sights on Mount Fuji and complete this trek. Afterwards, you’ll deserve a good long soak in the Onsen, just remember to leave the bathers behind as its tradition in Japan to bathe in the nude.
The Philippines
The Philippines is fast becoming a popular alternative to Bali and Bangkok. This cheap destination offers Aussies a budget break in some of the most beautiful islands in the world, but without the high price tag. Flights to Manila are available from any major airport in Australia and you can get some incredible deals.
From Manila, you can get an internal flight to Cebu or Palawan – the two most popular islands with tourists. Expect crystal clear waters, wooden bungalows on pristine beaches and mesmerizing coral reefs and underwater life. These islands also offer great opportunities for island hopping and snorkelling.
Singapore
Known as the Lion City, Singapore is a destination that Aussies love to return to. The destination offers something for everyone, whether you’re a foodie, an adventure seeker or even just on a business trip. Explore the cities many museums and cultural sectors made up of Little Chinatown, Little India and Arab Street. Indulge in local dishes including chilli crab and chicken rice and marvel at the otherworldly display at Gardens by the Bay.
But it isn’t all city slicking, get out of the big smoke and go island hopping to Pula Ubin and visit one of the last traditional villages left in Singapore.
South Korea
South Korea is growing in popularity and we can see why! The capital Seoul is a bustling tech capital known for innovation, but it effortlessly mixes the new with the old and there are still neighbourhoods that have traditional Korean tea houses and where people still wear the Hanbok dress. In fact, if you visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul in a hanbok you get free admission!
Spend your time tucking into Kimchi, rocking out to K-Pop, shopping until you drop at Gangnam and getting out of the capital to explore the mountains and temples. If you’re after a beach break, then look no further than Jeju Island, which also has plenty of hiking opportunities and is home to the highest peak in South Korea.
It’s important to remember that South Korea’s climate follows four seasons and as it is based in the Northern Hemisphere, when we are celebrating summer, they are in the depths of winter, with guaranteed snowfall.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong has just recently made the top ten, knocking the city of angels, Los Angeles off the list. It is easily reached by many major airports in Australia and the region boasts a special mix of east meets west, thanks to the British influence. Over 7 million people call Hong Kong home and although there has been recent unrest, it is still very much open for business.
Begin your day with a visit to Victoria Peak and get the perfect selfie with a panorama of the Hong Kong skyline. If you want to take in some culture, there are plenty of temples to explore, with the most popular being the ten thousand Buddhas Monastery, Tian Tian Buddha and Man Mo Temple. If shopping is more your thing then you must check out the ladies’ market in Mong Kok and when the sun sets the world-famous temple street night market. After a busy day of exploring treat yourself to some dim sum and watch the symphony of lights show, which can be seen from Victoria Harbour every night at 8 pm.
Who is that new couple spotted in Tinseltown? Why, it’s Aquaman star Amber Heard and cinematographer Bianca Butti.
An insider confirmed that the pair are officially dating. Speaking to Us Weekly — who first reported the news — a reliable source said “Amber and Bianca are dating and hooking up. Amber is not trying to be low key about it.”
Unlike other Hollywood couples who try to keep a low profile, the two aren’t hiding behind closed doors or shying away from some PDA. The 33-year-old actress reportedly “feels comfortable kissing Bianca and holding her hands in public at this point.”
As for how Heard and Butti ended up together, the insider revealed, “They started as friends and it turned into something more.”
Heard and the 38-year-old sparked romance rumors when they were in attendance at the 2020 Women’s Day March held on January 18 in Los Angeles. The London Fields actress was invited to speak at the event. Heard and Butti were spotted holding hands while they were all smiles at the event.
The actress even posted a photo of herself speaking at the event on Monday. See the post below:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7iRhn-IqVn/
“Proud to stand alongside so many strong and courageous people in the fight for equality at the 4th annual Women’s March,” she wrote in the caption.
Speculations about Butti and Heard’s relationship started when the pair were seen kissing on January 14 at Palm Springs. The two left Colony Palms Hotel that day where they drove off in the same car.
Nickelback will be heading back on the road in celebration of the 15th anniversary of their hit album “All The Right Reason”.
The Canadian rock band announced on Tuesday that their All the Right Reasons 2020 concert tour will kick off on June 19. Band members Chad and Mike Kroeger, Ryan Peake and Daniel Adair made the announcement on Nickelback’s official social media accounts.
“When we made All the Right Reasons it was special for us, but we didn’t know what it would mean to the fans,” Chad said in an interview with People magazine. “Sometimes fate intervenes and when this album was released, we had no idea it would connect with people in such a huge way.”
“At this point, the songs don’t really feel like they belong to us anymore,” he added. “They belong to everyone that has made them a part of their life.
The Nickelback frontman also mentioned that they have a completely one of a kind experience to offer to their fans.
“The production on the upcoming tour will bring the fire and fury that has been our calling card along with new surprises that will be unlike anything you‘ve ever seen,” he added.
Nickelback’s setlist for the concert tour will include all the songs from the diamond-selling album. This includes Photograph,” “Far Away,” “Rockstar,” “Savin’ Me,” and “If Everyone Cared.” The music group is also expected to bust out more hits from their other studio albums.
Stone Temple Pilots will be joining the band along with guest performers Switchfoot and Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown.
Authorities in the city of Hawkes Bay, located in North Island, New Zealand, are preparing to be armed and to increase in presence in the area. This is prompted by escalating tensions broke out into full-on gang violence.
Despite the rare occurrence of routinely carrying arms, the strategy aims to help mitigate violence after gunshots were fired during a gang brawl in Taradale, Napier last Sunday. Officers from other areas were also brought in to meet the demand for increased police presence.
The aforementioned brawl resulted in injury with a 25-year-old man set to appear in court on Wednesday with more arrests expected to be underway. According to police, another gang-related shooting took place on Saturday in the Bay of Plenty near the town of Ruatoria.
Officials report that Hawkes Bay saw an increase in gang members from 30 percent to 35 percent in the span of two to three years. They said on Wednesday that more gang members were arrested for carrying firearms unlawfully. Some of the arrests were made after members had “converged” the Wairoa.
“There is a growing number of younger gang members and the older hierarchy can’t control the young cohort the way they used to,” Supt Tania Kura, eastern district commander, told reporters.
While authorities are able to control occurrences of gang-related violence, the University of Canterbury sociologist Jarrod Gilbert believes that will not be able to eradicate them.
“The police do very well at the ability to control incidents of gang violence, but they can’t rid us of gangs,” he told The Guardian. “That’s going to require social and economic policies – it’s not just about law and order – and the quicker the politicians understand that, the better.”
Yesterday marks another significant victory for the Australian gay community as the bill for same-sex marriage passes in The Australian Senate with 43 votes for and 12 against.
Earlier this month the results of the same-sex marriage postal survey came in with 61.6% of Australians declaring they think the law should be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry.
Since that result was announced Australians on both sides of the debate have watched and waited to see what official action takes place. As early as 2 weeks later an unamended bill to allow same-sex marriage has been passed in the senate and now only has to pass in the House of Representatives.
It has been predicted that the bill will face little opposition in the House of Representatives and go on to become law before Christmas. This would fulfil the Turnbull government’s promise to act in the event of a “Yes” response to the postal survey and implement the highly demanded social reform.
With the law liable to change as early as next week, supporters of same-sex marriage are celebrating what looks like a successful end to a hard fought campaign.
The bill was passed despite a heavy conservative effort to allow objectors to same-sex marriage to deny services to gay couples. This push was to protect bakers, florists, musicians and other wedding related service providers from anti-discrimination laws should they refuse to serve gay couples based on their religious principles.
The only exemption that was allowed was for “religious marriage celebrants” such as priests who could not reconcile their beliefs with same-sex marriage.
There was also a conservative attempt to create two definitions of marriage and to allow parents to remove children from schools because of same-sex education. Both of these amendments were rejected.
The conservative opposition was thoroughly defeated by a cross party effort to implement same-sex marriage which included labor, greens and some liberal senators as well as independents.
The two day debate in the senate saw emotions run high as many senators were brought to tears while pushing for marriage equality.
This development has quietened fears that the non-binding nature of the postal survey result was a placating measure that would not advance the cause of same-sex marriage.
If the bill is passed in the House of Representatives then Australia will become the 26th nation to legalise same-sex marriage and it is likely to become part of the legacy of the Turnbull government.
The British royal family is the subject in yet another series. This time it’s an animated satire from Family Guy writer and Will and Grace executive producer Gary Janetti.
“The Prince” originates from Janetti’s Instagram account where he comes up with imaginary thoughts of six-year-old Prince George. The hilarious quips on the account will serve as the project’s source material with Janetti lending his voice to the titular role. Orlando Bloom has joined its cast as Prince Harry and Game of Thrones’ Iwan Rheon will take on the role of Prince William.
The British monarchy’s standing as a prominent icon in pop culture has led to numerous films and shows based on their mysterious lives. The Prince will offer a refreshing take on the subject as it will be based on the satirized perspective of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s son.
“I’m thrilled to be working at HBO Max and bringing them yet another series about a family ruthlessly fighting for the throne,” Janetti told Variety about the news. The Prince will be his second series in collaboration with HBO Max. He and his husband Brad Goreski have a docuseries in the works under the WarnerMedia streaming platform titled “Brad and Gary Go To…”
HBO Max’s head of original content Sarah Aubrey had this to say about the forthcoming series:
“We’re so excited to bring the world Gary’s created on Instagram over to HBO Max, where our viewers can discover what his Instagram fans already know – that George can be hilarious, shocking, and surprisingly sweet.”
Netflix has been allegedly funneling around $430 million of international sales into tax havens while receiving more than a million of tax relief in the United Kingdom.
Tax Watch, a British think-tank has released a report stating that like other big tech companies like Amazon and Google, there is evidence that Netflix has developed a system to avoid taxes.
Tax Watch’s report explains that an estimate bracket between $327 to $430 million worth of profit outside the United States was relocated to countries such as the Netherlands who have lower tax jurisdictions. The think-tank studies the streaming giant’s activities in the United Kingdom to showcase how Netflix has developed a system to lessen their taxes. Netflix Services UK oversees the streaming platform’s operations to the Netherlands where it collects revenue from their English subscribers.
In 2018, Netflix Services UK had a revenue of €48 million ($53 million), while having a profit of €2.3 million. This is not really the case though, as the UK branch’s financial footprint is way larger, with the think-tank having an estimated revenue of £860 million or $1.1 billion from the 10 million English subs that Netflix has.
Tax Watch has questioned the streaming platform’s financial structure as well as pointing out that they have been receiving tax reliefs in the UK for high profile shows like Sex Education and The Crown, shows that are produced by British companies and are filmed in the UK.
The think-tank believes that the Netflix financial conundrum has raised some concerns regarding the running of their highly-rated television tax scheme where it could be tapped into by companies to take credit for their production expenses.
Netflix has been a staunch supporter of the UK’s tax relief scheme, the reason being the streaming giant having invested half a billion dollars for over 50 British shows just last year alone, producing employment and apprenticeship opportunity for over 20,000 personnel.
According to one of Netflix’s spokespersons, the company is well aware of the corporate taxation issue and is also aware that the issue is well-contested. At the end of the day, it is the government that decides how the taxation rules go and that in each company that Netflix is operating in, the streaming platform makes it a point to adhere to those rules.
The complications of taxes regarding giant technology companies are the main reason why the UK is moving forward with a new digital services tax that will be launched in April where US tech companies will pay taxes of 2% of their revenue they make on their UK market.
Property development is a matter that involves huge finances. Along with financial expenses, the entire process of property development is strenuous and time-consuming. Proper planning and implementation are essential to the success of any kind of property development projects.
Such projects require a substantial amount of investment, which is often not feasible for small businesses or startup entrepreneurs. A property development loan can be an efficient solution in such a scenario.
It is often thought that a construction project cannot be undertaken or completed if the contractor does not have the required funds available. However, construction financing options provide various ways out from such situations and can be greatly assist in the completion of such projects, even when there is a deficit of funds. There are a variety of situations where a property developer might be in need of a development loan.
When the developer needs to complete the project ahead of time and requires additional capital, over the assigned budget
The investor might be in need of money in a very short period of time in lieu of any sudden or unexpected expenses
To obtain a prospective property that can only be acquired within a limited time frame due to the seller’s conditions
Raising a down payment when purchasing a property
How to choose a construction financing agency?
When looking for suitable and sustainable construction business loans, the realtor must keep a few things in mind, ahead of time. No matter how convenient it is, loans are a financial liability and making a wise decision is always suggested and preferable. Choosing a suitable lender is a matter of comprehensive knowledge and making a calculated decision based on several factors.
The terms of the construction financing agency
The rates of interest and the kind of amount payable at the end of the term of the loan
Fast business loans are widely available in Australia, with several alternative finance agencies providing these. The time it takes to get the loan approved must also be kept in mind, especially when there is an urgent requirement of funds
Mortgages and other assets and liabilities evaluation along with repayment time and methods offered by the lender
The kind of loan you are opting for (that is, if it is a secured or unsecured loan, bridging finance, etc.)
P2P lending services are a kind of platform that alleviates all personal loans related problems by helping you get fast business loans from individuals who are willing to lend money to you at competitive interest rates. P2P is a reliable platform to get construction business loans. A set of lenders get access to your documents after they are verified and uploaded by the P2P agency, and then these independent lenders decide whether to provide you with loans or not, based on your credit score, personal details and other relevant documents.
Factors to keep in mind while applying for a home repair loan
Lending money for construction especially the new construction project is somehow risky for the lender especially when the borrower has no asset to keep as security against the loan amount. When evaluating potential borrowers for a construction loan, loan lenders usually start with the profit test which helps them to determine the actual cost of the construction project. Lenders want to see that your property achieves a value greater than the cost of construction. For this, they also provide the amount of loan borrower will need to meet the expenses of the construction project.
Home repair loans or home improvement loans are a type of unsecured business loans. These loans are ideal for small renovation projects. Minor management and renovation tasks can be done through the help of home repair loans if there isn’t enough funding available with the homeowner. Home improvement loans are a feasible option for a major renovation and home repairs need as well.
There can be several necessities of a home repair project that might need additional financing.
Remodelling costs of various parts of the house
Renovation and repair costs, for floors, roofs, and walls
Labour charges
Cost of new utility items or furnishing material
These forms of construction loans or unsecured business loans come at varying interest rates and are provided by lenders based on a good credit score and a sustainable debt to income ratio.
Though it is a convenient medium to bear the expenses of home repairs in case of a lack of funds, monitoring the interest rates, at which various lenders provide home improvement loans, is important. Loans, being a financial liability, must be wisely reviewed before taking. The rates of interest vary with the repayment options and the time of paying back. The more time is taken on the repayment, the higher the rate of interest. When it is refinanced as a mortgage on the house itself, the interest rates might be slightly lower, though a higher closing fee is expected.
Alternative finance agencies provide home improvement loans on the basis of certain documents and their verification.
The market value of the home, along with the costs of repairs and renovation, is considered. A good credit score and a solid debt-to-income ratio are looked for in the owners. Along with that, renovation estimates and ownership documents are necessary. The approximate time to be taken to complete the home improvement project is also reviewed before the loan approval. The repayment method and time are based on this.
With alternative finance agencies, fast business loans, development financing and home repair loans become much easier to obtain. Alternative finance agencies have helped several business owners in Australia by providing them with the emergence funds they need to meet their business objectives. Their interest rates are higher than banks but it is just a small drawback as the loan approval process are very fast than other funding options.
Disclaimer: This article is a private opinion and does not constitute advice or any suggestion. We encourage you to seek your own professional advice.
