Adelaide Green Porridge Cafe

Reporters Sans Frontières - Open letter to Australia’s Prime Minister

The Hon Kevin Michael Rudd Prime Minister Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600 Australia

Paris, 18 December 2009

Dear Prime Minister,

Reporters Without Borders, an organisation that defends free expression worldwide, would like to share with you its concern about your government’s plan to introduce a mandatory Internet filtering system. While it is essential to combat child sex abuse, pursuing this draconian filtering project is not the solution. If Australia were to introduce systematic online content filtering, with a relatively broad definition of the content targeted, it would be joining an Internet censors club that includes such countries as China, Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Communications minister Stephen Conroy announced on 15 December that, after a year of testing in partnership with Australian Internet service providers (ISPs), your government intended to introduce legislation imposing mandatory filtering of websites with pornographic, paedophile or particularly violent content.

Reporters Without Borders would like to draw your attention to the risks that this plan entails for freedom of expression.

Firstly, the decision to block access to an “inappropriate” website would be taken not by a judge but by a government agency, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). Such a procedure, without a court decision, does not satisfy the requirements of the rule of law. The ACMA classifies content secretly, compiling a website blacklist by means of unilateral and arbitrary administrative decision-making. Other procedures are being considered but none of them would involve a judge.

Secondly, the criteria that the proposed law would use are too vague. Filtering would be applied to all content considered “inappropriate,” a very slippery term that could be interpreted very differently by different people. In all probability, filtering would target “refused classification” (RC) sites, a category that is extremely controversial as it is being applied to content that is completely unrelated to efforts to combat child sex abuse and sexual violence, representing a dangerous censorship option. Subjects such as abortion, anorexia, aborigines and legislation on the sale of marijuana would all risk being filtered, as would media reports on these subjects.

The choice of filtering techniques has not been clearly defined. Would it be filtering by key-words, URL text or something else? And what about the ISPs that are supposed to carry out the filtering at the government’s request? Will they be blamed, will they be accused of complicity in child sex abuse if the filtering proves to be ineffective, as it almost certainly will?

Your government claims that the filtering will be 100 per cent effective but this is clearly impossible. Experts all over the world agree that no filtering system is effective at combating this kind of content. On the one hand, such a system filters sites that should not be affected (such as sites about the psychology of child sexuality or paedophile crime news). And on the other, it fails to filter targeted sites because their URLs contain key-words that are completely unrelated to their content, or because their content (photo and text) is registered under completely neutral terms. Furthermore, people who are determined to visit such sites will know how to avoid the filtering by, for example, using proxy servers or censorship circumvention software or both.

The Wikileaks website highlighted the limitations of such as system when it revealed that the ACMA blacklist of already banned websites contained many with nothing reprehensible in their content. According to Wikileaks, the blacklist included the Abortion TV website, some of the pages of Wikileaks itself, online poker sites, gay networks, sites dealing with euthanasia, Christian sites, a tour operator’s site and even a Queensland dentist’s site.

The US company Google has also voiced strong reservations. Google Australia’s head of policy, Iarla Flynn, said yesterday: “Moving to a mandatory ISP filtering regime with a scope that goes well beyond such material is heavy handed and can raise genuine questions about restrictions on access to information.”

As regards paedophilia, the most dangerous places on the Internet are websites offering chat and email services. So if this project were taken to its logical conclusion, access to sites such as Gmail, Yahoo and Skype would also have to be blocked, which would of course be impossible.

There are more effective ways to combat child pornography, including tracking cyber-criminals online (by means of cookies, IP address comparison, and so on), combined with police investigation into suspects and their online habits. Why did your government end the programme launched by the previous government, which made free filtering systems available to Australian families? This procedure had the merit of being adapted to individual needs and gave each home the possibility of shielding its children from porn.

A real national debate is needed on this subject but your communications minister, Stephen Conroy, made such a debate very difficult by branding his critics as supporters of child pornography. An opportunity was lost for stimulating a constructive exchange of ideas.

We also regret the lack of transparency displayed by your government as regards the tests carried out in recent months using procedures that have been kept secret. Your government paid some 300,000 Australian dollars to ISPs to finance the tests. Australian taxpayers have a right to be given detailed information about the results.

Finally, you must be aware that this initiative is a source of a concern for your compatriots. In a recent Fairfax Media poll of 20,000 people, 96 per cent were strongly opposed to such a mandatory Internet filtering system, while around 120,000 Australians have signed a petition against Internet censorship launched by the online activist group GetUp. The withdrawal of this proposal would therefore satisfy public opinion as well as prevent a democratic country from introducing a system that threatens freedom of expression.

I thank you in advance for the consideration you give to our recommendations.

Sincerely,

Jean-François Julliard
Secretary-General

via rsf.org

Man dressed in animal skin shot dead during hunt - Telegraph

Good argument for just going to the supermarket.

Cutaways-It's What's Inside That Counts! group pool

via flickr.com

Flickr Cutaway Group. Memories of boys magazines from my childhood.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Climate under attack, the chimp pans thee

via theage.com.au

Is the ETS debate sending you bananas? Can't understand why climate change action is such a hairy subject, or why Malcolm Turnbull fell to the gorillas in his midst? Well, spare a thought for Santino the agitated chimpanzee, who took direct action to protest against his environmental conditions but soon discovered that railing against the status quo comes at a high price when dealing with humans.
Santino, who lives in Sweden's Furuvik Zoo, is no ordinary chimp. In fact, he's pushed back the boundaries of what is considered human behaviour. Appalled at his incarceration and the steady flow of gawking humans ruining his environment, this chimp took direct action. Over a period of some months, the 31-year-old was observed before opening hours chipping and stockpiling rocks to ensure a supply of strategically placed ammunition to throw at interlopers.
Cognitive scientist Mathias Osvath, who published a report on Santino in Current Biology, said that such complex planning suggested he could anticipate future events and devise ways of dealing with them. ''Planning like this is supposed to be uniquely human,'' Osvath said.
So there you go. Smart chimp wants to protect his environment and plans ahead in order to do so. Obviously not a contender for Tony Abbott's frontbench.
Unfortunately, poor old Santino didn't really plan for what happened next. ''They have castrated the poor guy,'' a shamefaced Osvath admitted. That's right, by railing against the system and expanding our knowledge about the intelligence of other animals, brave Santino copped a typically pragmatic human solution to calm him down and shut him up. Perhaps we should start worrying about what really happened to Peter Garrett?

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Unusual Weather for Wallabies

via guardian.co.uk

Friday, December 18, 2009

Santa promotes obesity and drink-driving, claims health expert - Telegraph

Dr Nathan Grills from Monash University in Australia said the idea of a fat Father Christmas gorging on brandy and mince pies as he drove his sleigh around the world delivering presents was not the best way to promote a healthy and safe lifestyle among the young.

Writing on bmj.com, Dr Grills said: "Santa only needs to affect health by 0.1 per cent to damage millions of lives."

Eat your carrots and have a glass of milk Doctor. Pass the Christmas MRE's.

Skywatch Friday

The Google Streetview Car in our neighbourhood.

More skies here.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

The Atlas of True Names - Telegraph

Maps with places defined by the origin of their names.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

skepticlawyer » …But not when you’ve been drinking

via skepticlawyer.com.au

And why did Barack Obama win a Nobel Peace Prize?

Be nice to America Or we'll bring (peace and) democracy to your country - Funny Bumper Stickers

via oddee.com

So true.

Thanks Charlie Design

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Scottish Bar Wench

Scottish Bar Wench, originally uploaded by theclutterbells.

Tis the party season.

Photo Hunt Undesirable

Undesirable School Uniform

Undesirable Work Outfit

Undesirable to be left behind

Undesirable to meet this guy late at night.

Undesirable Back Yard Pet

Friday, December 11, 2009

Happy Tree Friends - Another Christmas Song

Early yes, but funny.

Thanks Martin

Carrier Pigeons ply the waterways of Bangaldesh

via theaustralian.com.au

CAN pigeons float? The question pops into my mind and lodges there as I board Parabat 2, a passenger ferry bound from Dhaka for the islands and waterways fringing the Bay of Bengal.

In Bangladesh, parabat means pigeon, not the most reassuring name for a dilapidated vessel about to sail through one of world's largest river systems. "Luxury River Travels with a Differents" reads my ticket. Those "differents" being, I hope, that this pigeon won't sink.

My ferry is heading for the bustling delta town of Barisal, a former British colonial outpost and one of the most atmospheric places I have visited in 20 years of exploring Asia. We are due to depart at 8.30pm from Sadarghat boat terminal in Old Dhaka, the insanely crowded heart of an already frenetic city.

Evening is rush hour at Sadarghat. I stand on the top deck of the three-storey Parabat 2 and watch the hypnotising tableau below. A constant stream of humanity flows up gangplanks and on to ferries moored tightly together along rusting pontoons. Ships' bells and claxons, the cries of porters, vendors and beggars, the muezzins announcing evening prayer . . . it is a cauldron of noise.

Scotland's oldest book goes on public display for first time

via scotsman.com

The pocket-size book of Psalms has been described as Scotland's version of the celebrated Book of Kells in Dublin.

It has illuminations in vivid green, red, purple and gold and the script is still bold and clear, with the text of the Psalms in Latin.

The book was probably commissioned for a figure of some importance, such as St Margaret, Queen of Scotland, and it is thought likely the work was produced at the monastery of Iona.

The University of Edinburgh has held the book in its collection since the early 17th century but has never put it on public display.

I wonder if there is a Google Books or tablet version?

Skywatch Friday

From our back deck.
More nice skies at the Skywatch Friday Site

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

Hey Plod Can you lend me a quid (or two) - Prince Charles taps police for loan

via abc.net.au

Ken Wharfe, a former protection officer for Princess Diana, said it was commonplace among him and his former colleagues and that there was "nothing sinister about it".

"It is very rare for members of the Royal family to carry cash or credit cards so protection officers paying for things is quite a normal practice," he said.

I'm going to try this the next time I get a speeding ticket.

Abbott showcases new Shadow Cabinet

From Scripture

WORLDS LUCKIEST MAN

Scary.

Kevin Rudd as the Milky Bar Kid

Striking resemblance. One free milky bar with every vote for the ETS in the Senate.

Earl Cooley - Veteran Smokejumper RIP

Candidates for smokejumping are today required to pass rigorous physical examinations and undergo years of training. But when, on July 12 1940, Earl Cooley stood ready to jump from a small TriMotor aeroplane as it buzzed at 1,500ft over Martin Creek in the Nez Perce National Forest, Idaho, procedures were altogether more improvised. "Our training consisted of a man saying: 'This is your parachute. You know what fire is. We jump tomorrow'," he recalled later.

Such rudimentary preparation seemed to invite disaster – and it duly arrived, as the lines of Cooley's parachute got tangled and it failed to open properly. His fall was, however, cushioned by the upper branches of a spruce tree and he – and the art of smokejumping – survived. Dusting himself down, he and his partner, Rufus Robinson, located the equipment and provisions that had been dropped in their wake, and made their way to the fire. Over the next 12 hours they successfully put it out.

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

Scots eat junk food, are dangerous and difficult to understand, claims American travel writer - The Daily Record

Scots eat junk food, are dangerous and difficult to understand, claims American travel writer

Dec 7 2009 By David Taylor

A TRAVEL guide to Scotland has been blasted for suggesting residents eat too many takeaways, are violent and are difficult to understand.

Scotland For Dummies was written by a journalist from America - one of the most obese and violent nations in the world.

The book describes Scotland as "an administrative region within Great Britain" and warns would-be visitors to be on their guard.

Author Barry Shelby tells readers that, although Scots speak English, visitors may be unable to understand different accents.

He says: "With the local expressions, heavy accents and thick burr, it can occasionally sound like a foreign language.

"Even Scots from one region of the nation don't know what someone from another is saying. Ask those you don't understand to repeat themselves or to slow down."

In another of Shelby's guides, Frommer's Edinburgh And Glasgow, he says: "Like most big cities in the western world, Edinburgh and Glasgow have their share of crime.

"Knives present a problem, and fights can flare up unexpectedly, particularly in Glasgow during heated football matches."

And he advises visitors to claim allegiance to Partick Thistle to avoid trouble if challenged by a Glaswegian over who they support.

The book, intended for first-time visitors, is part of a series which has sold millions of copies worldwide.

It also dismisses Aberdeen and Inverness as "lacking in attractions".

Speaking about Scottish cuisine, Shelby adds: "Most of the population still seem to subsist on takeaway fish and chips."

Culture minister Fiona Hyslop said the guide was guilty of "sweeping generalisations and stereotypes".

But Shelby, who has lived in Scotland for more than 12 years and now lives as a crofter and freelance journalist on the Isle of Lewis, defended his book.

He said: "I'm a naturalised Brit and an adopted Scot, so it was certainly not my intention to offend anyone."

via dailyrecord.co.uk

A TRAVEL guide to America has been blasted for suggesting residents eat too many takeaways, are violent and are difficult to understand.
America For Dummies was written by a journalist from America - one of the most obese and violent nations in the world.
The book warns would-be visitors to be on their guard.
Author Barry Shelby tells readers that, although Americans speak English, visitors may be unable to understand different accents.
He says: "With the local expressions, heavy accents and thick burr, it can occasionally sound like a foreign language.
"Even Americans from one region of the nation don't know what someone from another is saying. Ask those you don't understand to repeat themselves or to slow down."
In another of Shelby's guides, Frommer's Edinburgh And Glasgow, he says: "Like most big cities in the western world, New York and Los Angeles have their share of crime.
"Guns present a problem, and fights can flare up unexpectedly, particularly during heated drug deals."
And he advises visitors to claim allegiance to God to avoid trouble if challenged by a Glaswegian over who they support.
The book, intended for first-time visitors, is part of a series which has sold millions of copies worldwide.
It also dismisses Houston and Omaha as "lacking in attractions".
Speaking about American cuisine, Shelby adds: "Most of the population still seem to subsist on takeaway pizza."
Culture minister Homer Simpson said the guide was guilty of "sweeping generalisations and stereotypes".
But Shelby, who has lived in Tennessee for more than 12 years and now lives as a cocaine addict and freelance crack cocaine producer , defended his book.
He said: "I'm a naturalised Yank and so it was certainly not my intention to offend anyone."

Saturday, December 05, 2009

Shark researcher Richard Fitzpatrick | The world's only shark lassoer | The Australian

via theaustralian.com.au

No thanks.

Photo Hunt Curved

Building our curved front path with Supervisor Spotty checking on productivity.

The finished product.

Friday, December 04, 2009

Skywatch Friday

More nice skies at the Skywatch Friday Site.

Thursday, December 03, 2009

Tiger Woods car crash reenactment. Funny animation from Chinese TV station

Those Chinese Spies. They are everywhere.

Gordon Campbell - Artist Profile

via greenstagegallery.co.uk

Randomly searching the internet early this morning I was shocked that my Dad, an internet luddite has a presence on the web through Greenstage Gallery. Nice to see his contemporary work.