I'm keeping my NZ passport

I kinda miss this skyline. Before my neighbor decided to renovate his house and extend his deck, we were able to see the Sky Tower if my brother and I stood on the benches on our deck. Nostalgia over.

In other news:

Online approval requirement for entry into US starts today

4:00AM Monday Jan 12, 2009
By Lincoln Tan

From today, New Zealanders travelling to, or through, the United States will have to apply online for approval before they can enter the country.

The Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), which has been applicable since August last year, becomes compulsory for New Zealand, Australia and some European and Asian countries today.

New Zealanders are currently exempt from visa requirements to enter the US for short visits, including transit, under the Visa Waiver Programme.

However, instead of filling out paper waiver cards on the plane, travellers must apply online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov (the US Embassy website also provides a link to this address) for approval.

American authorities says travellers should apply at least 72 hours before departure. The details they will be asked to disclose will be the same as that asked on the US immigration declaration cards which are handed out on the plane, including passport number, country of residence, disclosure of communicable diseases and any involvement in terror activities.

Once a traveller is approved, the information will remain valid for two years and he or she will be allowed to make multiple trips during the period.

The application is free, but the US Government said it reserved the right to charge a fee in future. The US Department of Homeland Security said the new system was part of its security measures after the September 11, 2001, terror attacks.

But it has come under strong criticism in New Zealand since the rule was announced without warning last year.

Green Party human rights spokesman Keith Locke called it "anti-terrorist paranoia" and Travel Agents Association president Peter Barlow said it was "another compelling reason not to go via the States".

NZHerald.co.nz

For realz?! Yet another problem I have with the US Immigration system. Still no reason why you would need to inform the States that you're coming over. But I guess it's like when I call my friend to tell her I'm going to come over to her place. I don't have to bring anything with me... I just gotta alert her?