Monday, 24 September 2007
Mark says it's all about regional contextualism
A strong belief in the importance of regional contextualism has lead to the designs of both Fogarty Park Soundshell and the more controversial City Place performance facility.
Regional contextualism is a reaction against the growing homogeneity of cities around the world and picks up on elements of history, patterns, textures and forms that are of the location.
As a city we must question if we should be striving to keep up with trends from the big cities down south and overseas or whether our public and private architecture should build on and reinforce the attributes of this extraordinary region.
Colour is a good example of this - When visiting Melbourne and Sydney you notice colours are
predominantly grey monotones however the further you move up the coast the greater colours intensify.
Colour is a good example of this - When visiting Melbourne and Sydney you notice colours are
predominantly grey monotones however the further you move up the coast the greater colours intensify. With the design of Fogarty Park soundshell elements unique to our environment have been celebrated. The vivid royal blue external wall colour was derived from a quandong seed, one of this region's most distinctive seed colours.
Bracing to the roof edges follow the forms produced by a radiating palm frond and the abstract pattern to the exterior walls is based on the patterns on the trunk of a palm tree
Likewise City place performance facility has recognized place in a number of ways. Early maps show City Place as being on the edge of a sandbar and a saltwater swamp and pandanus palms would have grown prolifically in that environment. The perforated screens to the front edge of the roof are inspired by the underside view of a pandanus. Now lying on the lawn looking up is a reminder of what was.
The oval kicked up roof was inspired from the form of the seed pod of a hook vine creeper and the pattern on the legs are that of the Pandanus monticola - another one of the regions most distinctive seed colours. The yellow arrows as they have been termed by one councilor are actually yellow filaments that occur on the fruit. The leg pattern was a collaboration between the Architect and Wally Wallwork, a local contemporary artist currently receiving national and international recognition.
The City Place shell has received comments alleging the original images do not look like what was built. These are well founded as the covered structures providing sun and rain protection between buildings were not built however footings are in place should they be built in future. 
These would certainly provide more shade to City Place.
The current debate is interesting to say the least and I hope additional background will help inform the debate. Architectural discussion in a community should be encouraged.
To promote this local Chapter of the Institute of Architects are proposing to write a regular column in the Cairns Sun or Cairns Post. It aims to raise awareness of architectural issues both locally and internationally.
It is anticipated first column will be launched as a part of Architecture Week which is between the 21st and 27th of October.
To contact Mark,
you can email him
or telephone on 0417 600 828.
Time to jog... Johhny!
John Howard was jogging in Canberra.
Every day, he'd jog past a hooker standing on the same street corner.
He learned to brace himself as he approached her for what was almost certain to follow.
Every day, he'd jog past a hooker standing on the same street corner.
He learned to brace himself as he approached her for what was almost certain to follow.
"Two hundred and fifty dollars!" she'd shout from the curb.
"No! Five dollars!" He would fire back, just to shut her up.
This ritual between him and the hooker became a daily occurrence.He'd run by and she'd yell, "Two hundred and Fifty dollars!"
He'd yell back, "Five dollars!"
One day, Mrs Howard decided that she wanted to accompany her husband on his jog.
As the jogging couple neared the working woman's street corner, Mr Howard realised she'd bark her $250 offer and Mrs Howard would wonder what he'd really been doing on all his past outings.
He figured he'd better have a darn good explanation for the 'Boss'.
As they jogged into the turn that would take them past the corner, he became even more apprehensive than usual.
Sure enough, there was the hooker. He tried to avoid the prostitute's eyes as she watched the pair jog past.
Then, from her corner, the hooker yelled: "See what you get for five bucks, you tight bastard?"
"No! Five dollars!" He would fire back, just to shut her up.
This ritual between him and the hooker became a daily occurrence.He'd run by and she'd yell, "Two hundred and Fifty dollars!"
He'd yell back, "Five dollars!"
One day, Mrs Howard decided that she wanted to accompany her husband on his jog.
As the jogging couple neared the working woman's street corner, Mr Howard realised she'd bark her $250 offer and Mrs Howard would wonder what he'd really been doing on all his past outings.
He figured he'd better have a darn good explanation for the 'Boss'.
As they jogged into the turn that would take them past the corner, he became even more apprehensive than usual.
Sure enough, there was the hooker. He tried to avoid the prostitute's eyes as she watched the pair jog past.
Then, from her corner, the hooker yelled: "See what you get for five bucks, you tight bastard?"
Sunday, 23 September 2007
Farewell Marcel Marceau
At 84 years, Marcel Marceau, said goodbye to the world yesterday.
Marcel was one of the best performers of mime in the world - the "art of silence". In 1947 he created Bip, a sad, white-faced clown in a striped jumper, that became his iconic image.
I remember as a child being enthralled by his magic and ability to create powerful emotions.
"Mime, like music, knows neither borders nor nationalities," he said. "If laughter and tears are the characteristics of humanity, all cultures are steeped in our discipline."
Votre amour pour le théâtre et l'art de l'exécution était truely spécial. Souhaits de Blog de cairns vous paix et amour pour toute joie que vous avez achetée aux millions au cours des années.
Merci Monsieur Marcel. Bon Voyage.
Marcel was one of the best performers of mime in the world - the "art of silence". In 1947 he created Bip, a sad, white-faced clown in a striped jumper, that became his iconic image.
I remember as a child being enthralled by his magic and ability to create powerful emotions.
"Mime, like music, knows neither borders nor nationalities," he said. "If laughter and tears are the characteristics of humanity, all cultures are steeped in our discipline."
Votre amour pour le théâtre et l'art de l'exécution était truely spécial. Souhaits de Blog de cairns vous paix et amour pour toute joie que vous avez achetée aux millions au cours des années.
Merci Monsieur Marcel. Bon Voyage.
1am is a good time to do strategy
It's 6 minutes after 1am. I'm sitting at the poolside... reading today's edition of the Cairns Post online.
My new Wireless signal is performing a treat... I might see if it reaches to the beach next time. I can see three other WiFi connections around the neighbourhood, but won't go prying!
It's a perfect Yorkeys September morning. The odd green tree frog are singing along and I can clearly hear the sound of the Pacific crashing along the Knob's coastline. Blogging is never easier when you live right alongside the ocean. You see, I'm a water baby from way back. I think the sound of the sea is so very helpful in collecting thought and planning how to solve the world's problems. And Margaret, I have a curb for you to finish off.
I subscribe to a fully clickable online edition through the magic of a Canadian server. For around $0.80 cents a day, I get all the Post's publications, via a browser, wherever I am.
I blogged a while back about News Corp's green contribution, and have to say, it's a nice way to not have papers piling up everywhere. I mainly used the handy tabloid size for the bottom of the cat's litter tray.
Anyway, I was looking at the story in the Weekend Post about the runners in the new Division 10, the one that takes in Clifton Beach to Port Duggie, Mossman, Cape Trib, and probably southern PNG.
Looks like the race to represent the Douglas Shire in the hallowed halls of Spence Street, will be a good fight. And beyond all predictions, Mr B, or Mike Berwick to the rest of you, won't be joining the race.
I was privately wishing he would have shown his green Jersey and done the good thing for his band of loyal tree-huggers. However, there's still a possibility he may run for Mayor of our Supermarket, I mean our Super Shire. I dunno how many know of Mike in say Gordonvale or Edmonton or Mununda. But most would know about Douglas Shire and the Council's woes and internal bitch slapping over recent years. You'd have to be living in Deadmonton's Bio Solid Wasteland to have missed out on all the clowning at Port Douglas over the last 4 years. God knows why Neil Clarke and his Innisfail team were ditched and Douglas stayed afloat. Bugger me days. Some things you just can't predict, like George Bush getting a joke right.
Whilst I admire Mike greatly for his early achievements, of which there are many... I feel that the difficulties he's had in bringing together his rag doll team of wandering warriors, has overshadowed so much of the Berwick Blossom.
Known Mayoral candidates at this stage are: Kevin Byrne (who couldn't be reached for comment as he's got a Peking Duck stuffed down his pants), Val Schier, the well-known Machans Beach gal who last name's enjoys great word play by Free-For-Any-Developer Freebody, and maybe Mike-not-so-iconic-Berwick.
I think Bryan Law is still in a tent outside Pine Gap, waiting for his chicken soup to get warm from the conspiracy waves of the satellite dishes. So he might not be joining the race next March. Nor will Ted Von Nida. Remember Ted?
The results from 2004 form the basis for this campaign, although the landscape has changed somewhat. Cairns has gone from 12 to 9 Divisions and Douglas from 6 Councillors to 1. And the Cairns Mayor gone from Right Wing to Just Plain Arrogant.
Given the new landscape we have now before us, strategic voting will be something that will play highly on voters minds in this local body contest. Val and her team polled way more than most pollsters predicted at the last election, taking nearly 50% of the booth in some cases. She was the clear alternative to Byrne's Unity Team. Since then, a number of Unity folk are now dis-unity, and will go it alone.
There is a chance that a few could band together to for a center right alliance, maybe under the watchful eyes of Captain Blakie. I know his young lad might even take a punt this time.
Soon the current Councillors will digest the new maps and see where they will stand amongst the newly drawn boundaries. One would even suggest, that contesting this race without internal divisions might have been a better recipe for good local government. However, I'm a fan of a local representative who looks after his or her patch.
New Zealand's First Past the Post was changed under referendum to Mixed Member Proportional representation, or MMP, a decade or so ago now. It did deliver more participation from minority interests and representation of issues like ethnicity that wouldn't normal get over the threshold to represent an electorate seat. This system is favoured by many European governments and certainly delivers more accountable democracy.
If the divisional structure wasn't applied to Cairns/Douglas, and we merely voted for a team to represent the entire region, I wonder who would look after geographic areas that seemed to be the hardest to visit and engage the community.
Anyway, the three-quarter moon is telling me the werewolf will soon howl and the Curlews are screaming that it's now nearly 2am.
I think that whatever happens in the next 188 days, it's going to be one of the most interesting local campaigns for many years. It will also be a strategical important one as the radical mix of the two distinctly different regions, will need to think far more broadly than just where the next KFC will go.
I will be backing the horse without the flu. I know it's an oldie, but very true in this race. Byrne won't win this election, he will loose it. Same goes for Schier and Berwick, if he stands.
I'm convinced that if there's a credible united and strong alternative to the current Byrne-led right-wingers, a more fairer and balanced and open approach of local government will prevail and the people are ready for it, and been hanging out for better access and participation in their local body.
That said, I bid you good night. Don't call or txt me till mid-morning.
My new Wireless signal is performing a treat... I might see if it reaches to the beach next time. I can see three other WiFi connections around the neighbourhood, but won't go prying!
It's a perfect Yorkeys September morning. The odd green tree frog are singing along and I can clearly hear the sound of the Pacific crashing along the Knob's coastline. Blogging is never easier when you live right alongside the ocean. You see, I'm a water baby from way back. I think the sound of the sea is so very helpful in collecting thought and planning how to solve the world's problems. And Margaret, I have a curb for you to finish off.
I subscribe to a fully clickable online edition through the magic of a Canadian server. For around $0.80 cents a day, I get all the Post's publications, via a browser, wherever I am.
I blogged a while back about News Corp's green contribution, and have to say, it's a nice way to not have papers piling up everywhere. I mainly used the handy tabloid size for the bottom of the cat's litter tray.
Anyway, I was looking at the story in the Weekend Post about the runners in the new Division 10, the one that takes in Clifton Beach to Port Duggie, Mossman, Cape Trib, and probably southern PNG.
Looks like the race to represent the Douglas Shire in the hallowed halls of Spence Street, will be a good fight. And beyond all predictions, Mr B, or Mike Berwick to the rest of you, won't be joining the race.
I was privately wishing he would have shown his green Jersey and done the good thing for his band of loyal tree-huggers. However, there's still a possibility he may run for Mayor of our Supermarket, I mean our Super Shire. I dunno how many know of Mike in say Gordonvale or Edmonton or Mununda. But most would know about Douglas Shire and the Council's woes and internal bitch slapping over recent years. You'd have to be living in Deadmonton's Bio Solid Wasteland to have missed out on all the clowning at Port Douglas over the last 4 years. God knows why Neil Clarke and his Innisfail team were ditched and Douglas stayed afloat. Bugger me days. Some things you just can't predict, like George Bush getting a joke right.
Whilst I admire Mike greatly for his early achievements, of which there are many... I feel that the difficulties he's had in bringing together his rag doll team of wandering warriors, has overshadowed so much of the Berwick Blossom.
Known Mayoral candidates at this stage are: Kevin Byrne (who couldn't be reached for comment as he's got a Peking Duck stuffed down his pants), Val Schier, the well-known Machans Beach gal who last name's enjoys great word play by Free-For-Any-Developer Freebody, and maybe Mike-not-so-iconic-Berwick.
I think Bryan Law is still in a tent outside Pine Gap, waiting for his chicken soup to get warm from the conspiracy waves of the satellite dishes. So he might not be joining the race next March. Nor will Ted Von Nida. Remember Ted?
The results from 2004 form the basis for this campaign, although the landscape has changed somewhat. Cairns has gone from 12 to 9 Divisions and Douglas from 6 Councillors to 1. And the Cairns Mayor gone from Right Wing to Just Plain Arrogant.
Given the new landscape we have now before us, strategic voting will be something that will play highly on voters minds in this local body contest. Val and her team polled way more than most pollsters predicted at the last election, taking nearly 50% of the booth in some cases. She was the clear alternative to Byrne's Unity Team. Since then, a number of Unity folk are now dis-unity, and will go it alone.
There is a chance that a few could band together to for a center right alliance, maybe under the watchful eyes of Captain Blakie. I know his young lad might even take a punt this time.
Soon the current Councillors will digest the new maps and see where they will stand amongst the newly drawn boundaries. One would even suggest, that contesting this race without internal divisions might have been a better recipe for good local government. However, I'm a fan of a local representative who looks after his or her patch.
New Zealand's First Past the Post was changed under referendum to Mixed Member Proportional representation, or MMP, a decade or so ago now. It did deliver more participation from minority interests and representation of issues like ethnicity that wouldn't normal get over the threshold to represent an electorate seat. This system is favoured by many European governments and certainly delivers more accountable democracy.
If the divisional structure wasn't applied to Cairns/Douglas, and we merely voted for a team to represent the entire region, I wonder who would look after geographic areas that seemed to be the hardest to visit and engage the community.
Anyway, the three-quarter moon is telling me the werewolf will soon howl and the Curlews are screaming that it's now nearly 2am.
I think that whatever happens in the next 188 days, it's going to be one of the most interesting local campaigns for many years. It will also be a strategical important one as the radical mix of the two distinctly different regions, will need to think far more broadly than just where the next KFC will go.
I will be backing the horse without the flu. I know it's an oldie, but very true in this race. Byrne won't win this election, he will loose it. Same goes for Schier and Berwick, if he stands.
I'm convinced that if there's a credible united and strong alternative to the current Byrne-led right-wingers, a more fairer and balanced and open approach of local government will prevail and the people are ready for it, and been hanging out for better access and participation in their local body.
That said, I bid you good night. Don't call or txt me till mid-morning.
Saturday, 22 September 2007
Mmmmmm - Big Kev dines big time
Last week, CairnsBlog was the first and only voice in Cairns to announce that your Mayor and his entourage were jetting off to China for the 7th time in as many years, on your rates.
However, with respect to other traditional media, they didn't get notification of his trip until the day he walked on Cathay Pacific flight CX102 last Saturday afternoon direct to Honkers. Nor were his (our) Councillors aware of Kevin's movements.
KB says that he “makes no excuse for flying the flag for Cairns in what is the largest marketplace on earth.” We couldn't agree more. However, where's the actual outcomes of more than 7 years of trips and numerous Council-funded "trade missions"? Why do you deliver your China reports in Closed Sessions on your return? Is it essential that the Mayor goes on every trip, every time?
More than seven years on and KB still talks about the “potential for trade and business links" between Cairns and China. He also talks about the 'dividends ' we have received. What are they Kevin? I asked four Councillors, and they all shared grave concerns on the real motivations to this excessive travel to China by the Mayor. "We never hear really what goes on" said one City Councillor, that wished to remain off the record when she spoke with CairnsBlog yesterday.
"I find the whole [China] thing a bit too much to stomach" said another male Councillor. I mean, show me the results. The achievements, beside a bloody garden."
Byrne justifies his whole China addiction: "You cannot do business with China unless you are on the ground in China, because the Chinese have to know you well before they will sit down at the business table."
Our spy, 'The Good Doctor' is travelling in Shanghai, China, and sent us these pics overnight.
He was on the lookout for some big business deals being done between Cairns and Chinese officials, under the guise of Advance Cairns. Did you know the Mayor approved over quarter of a million dollars of our Rates to this quango in the last twelve months. Anyway, we've got a nice garden out of it. He's going to officially open this coming Wednesday. Not a bad achievement, after 7 and a half years on. In fact, he's set aside the whole day to open our 'Friendship Garden'. I suspect KB's expecting a lot of his friends to be there.
Rumours have done the round at Spence Street offices for over a year now that this is all being set up for his next move, depending on the way the local body election goes.
Our spy couldn't see an imported Palm Tree in sight. However, he did see our Mayor, who he informed us, "stood out like a [arrogant] bull in a China shop". His words, not ours.
Your Mayor has just dined at M on the Bund, probably Shanghai's most exclusive, and certainly one of the most expensive. Departure Magazine said M is "a dining institution .. it pioneered high-end dining in Shanghai.” You can't even access the mag's website without your AMEX Platinum number.
It's about 100mts along on the left in this photo.
China is now deeply ingrained in the Mayor focus and personal radar, and this has been the case for a number of years now. It's believed he's a director of a Shanghai company, along with the Mayor's personal assistant, Dennis Quick.
Kev went to dinner with his old mate, David Maguire, former CEO of Advance Cairns, along with
Commissioner Zijian Zhang, a trade and investment officer, and Wendy Levy, from Tourism Queensland.
After his stint at Advance Cairns, Maquire moved to China early this year, to become an editor
of a local newspaper in Shanghai. His annual AC $100K+ salary and numerous trips to China on behalf of Cairns City Council, no doubt helped set up future opportunities for him.
Here's the view across the street from the restaurant.
Our Doctor chatted to the M reception and they passed on to CairnsBlog what your Mayor dined on on Friday evening:-
Starter
Seared tuna rolled in sesame seeds and pounded bottarga, served with a salad of spiced fried eggplants
128 Chinese yuan = $19.78 AUD
Main
Hot house-smoked salmon on a sauté of new potatoes, celery hearts and black olives served with a classic vermouth sauce
$38 AUD
Dessert
Grand Dessert Platter,~ Hot passion fruit soufflé, the last Governor’s trifle,
cherry and almond tart with a swirl of ice cream, baklava and ice cream slice with a
poached peach, apple beignet, a piece of Pavlova and sorbets
$20 AUD
The meal prices are above average prices, however one expects the entire tab would have been picked up for the entire delegation by the ratepayers of Cairns.
It's well-known amongst Cairns City Councillors, that when there needs to be a top up of funds at Advance Cairns for a "trade mission" to China, a few K is zapped across and it's not directly attached to the Mayor's travel funds, merely as "investment in Advance Cairns".
We were not able to discover what wines were consumed, however a bottle of Moët & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot is a cool $150, or a bottle of Grande Cuvée Krug will set you back $387. An Aussie '90 Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz is a whopping $1,043.
Here's M's full menu and wine list, and as you'll see, most are around $140 / bottle. 20% tip is the standard and expected.
Here's a couple pix of Shanghai, just to show you some holiday snaps of the Shanghai business district, near the Radisson Plaza Xing Guo Hotel where Kev stayed. I doubt our good Mayor will bring any pix back to share with those that paid for his holiday. What a spoilsport. I mean, it's like a big brother going on a big OE and not letting you in on who he shagged.
Kev flys back into town next Sunday morning. We need someone with a Ute to pop out to the airport to pick him up. Are you free? Bring a rickshaw to carry our prezzies.
He's then got another week off work, to recover from his "trade misson". Oh, it's a tough life.
CairnsBlog comment Posting Policy
Following a nutter who posted a comment here today, I thought I'd take the lead and develop a policy on posting and moderation thereof.
Over the short time that I've been scribing on CairnBlog, I've only had to remove two comments. The latest one was of concern because s/he wanted to set the agenda instead of contribute to it. It was trying to incite hatred, and that I won't allow, under any circumstances.
Orwell may have said that "All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others." Well, welcome to open democracy "Anonymous".
I'll leave this with a permanent link on the home page. So, here goes...
CairnsBlog Comment Posting Policy.
1. Who has the right to post comments on this blog?
Apart from me, no-one at all has the right to post comments. Posting is a privilege, not a right.
2. Okay, so who is allowed to post comments here?
Anyone at all, up until the stage I ask them to stop.
I welcome comments, and they add a lot of enjoyment to the blog for myself, and I am sure others. In the interests of open debate, which I actively support and genuinely believe to be vital to our community, I allow 99.9% of comments to go up exactly as posted.
3. Have you ever banned anyone from posting?
I have had to delete 2 posts to date.
4. What is the easiest way to get banned or have a comment deleted ?
To post comments which are obscene, degrading or are simply just a collection of insults with nothing else of merit to justify posting them.
Also, I won't tolerate personal attacks. I welcome people to disagree with my views, to correct my errors, to debate what I assert, but if you attack my integrity, my character etc, I will terminate your privileges.
And before you scream out 'but you attack Byrne all the time personally'... This is not at all the case. He is our Mayor, and his decisions need to be held accountable, debated and questioned. He is responsonible for spending $200 million of our money annually. Plus, he makes a good character to satirise.
5. Isn’t this the opposite of your desire to have an open public debate ?
No, I encourage people to post comments that disagree with me, or who wish to correct any of my errors. Open debate is what we need in Cairns.
However in keeping an open mind, it is important not have a mind so open, that your brains fall out. People who want to simply ignite flame-wars can go start their own blogs anytime they want. That is the beauty of the Internet democracy.
6. How long does a ban last?
It has been my experience that the few comments that I have had to delete have been posted anonymously anyway. It seems to me that a potty mouth, limited vocabulary and cowardice go hand in hand.
7. You deleted my comments / banned me – what can I do ?
Go to Google and type in the words “starting my own blog” and then you can make up what ever rules you like in your own forum.
8. Will you delete everything I comment on?
It is up to me, but my policy at the moment is to monitor comments on a case by case. The theory is people learn from this. The theory is sadly lacking empirical evidence.
9. Cross-posting
With the advent of my CairnsBlog Twitter, Facebook, YouTube profiles, I reserve the right to cross post messages sent to those forums, onto the relevant story on the Blog. When or people choose to communicate with me via these mediums, I reserve the right to record and / or publish any or part of conversations. This goes for emails sent directly, unless specifically requested that it is not for publication.
Alternatively, contribute comments that enhance the debate – do it intelligently, without using obscenities ensure that your comment is on track with the thread of the conversation and you need not be worried about you comment being published other than exactly as you wrote it.
Over the short time that I've been scribing on CairnBlog, I've only had to remove two comments. The latest one was of concern because s/he wanted to set the agenda instead of contribute to it. It was trying to incite hatred, and that I won't allow, under any circumstances.
Orwell may have said that "All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others." Well, welcome to open democracy "Anonymous".
I'll leave this with a permanent link on the home page. So, here goes...
CairnsBlog Comment Posting Policy.
1. Who has the right to post comments on this blog?
Apart from me, no-one at all has the right to post comments. Posting is a privilege, not a right.
2. Okay, so who is allowed to post comments here?
Anyone at all, up until the stage I ask them to stop.
I welcome comments, and they add a lot of enjoyment to the blog for myself, and I am sure others. In the interests of open debate, which I actively support and genuinely believe to be vital to our community, I allow 99.9% of comments to go up exactly as posted.
3. Have you ever banned anyone from posting?
I have had to delete 2 posts to date.
4. What is the easiest way to get banned or have a comment deleted ?
To post comments which are obscene, degrading or are simply just a collection of insults with nothing else of merit to justify posting them.
Also, I won't tolerate personal attacks. I welcome people to disagree with my views, to correct my errors, to debate what I assert, but if you attack my integrity, my character etc, I will terminate your privileges.
And before you scream out 'but you attack Byrne all the time personally'... This is not at all the case. He is our Mayor, and his decisions need to be held accountable, debated and questioned. He is responsonible for spending $200 million of our money annually. Plus, he makes a good character to satirise.
5. Isn’t this the opposite of your desire to have an open public debate ?
No, I encourage people to post comments that disagree with me, or who wish to correct any of my errors. Open debate is what we need in Cairns.
However in keeping an open mind, it is important not have a mind so open, that your brains fall out. People who want to simply ignite flame-wars can go start their own blogs anytime they want. That is the beauty of the Internet democracy.
6. How long does a ban last?
It has been my experience that the few comments that I have had to delete have been posted anonymously anyway. It seems to me that a potty mouth, limited vocabulary and cowardice go hand in hand.
7. You deleted my comments / banned me – what can I do ?
Go to Google and type in the words “starting my own blog” and then you can make up what ever rules you like in your own forum.
8. Will you delete everything I comment on?
It is up to me, but my policy at the moment is to monitor comments on a case by case. The theory is people learn from this. The theory is sadly lacking empirical evidence.
9. Cross-posting
With the advent of my CairnsBlog Twitter, Facebook, YouTube profiles, I reserve the right to cross post messages sent to those forums, onto the relevant story on the Blog. When or people choose to communicate with me via these mediums, I reserve the right to record and / or publish any or part of conversations. This goes for emails sent directly, unless specifically requested that it is not for publication.
Alternatively, contribute comments that enhance the debate – do it intelligently, without using obscenities ensure that your comment is on track with the thread of the conversation and you need not be worried about you comment being published other than exactly as you wrote it.
-with thanks to KiwiBlog
10,000 visitors to CairnsBlog
Overnight we recorded our 10,000th visitor to CairnsBlog.net
On behalf of the Academy, I'd like to thank you for your support, and special mention to Mayor Kevin Byrne in our success.
Early in the month we sent KB a box of chocolates to acknowledge his gratitude and good spirits in threatening to close us down.
It all started when KB went on John McKenzie's radio show: Not So Easy Listening 846 AM, and cracked up. So we put out a press statement, and the Cairns Post followed it up. The following week, he repeated his triad with Locco on 4CA FM.
I think he finally listened to his media advisers who said it really wasn't a good idea to continue to tell a resident and a ratepayer that they were not allowed to say something against the Council. DOH, or is it Duurrrr.
Yesterday Cairns Newspapers, who produce the Southern Herald and Northern News, has published an update on the story about when Mayor Byrne tried to close the Blog down a few weeks ago.
CairnsBlog will continue to ask questions about the Council's administration and will air mayoral correspondence that display a bombastic and arrogant attitude. The Mayor of Cairns, otherwise known as His Arrogance The Mayor, has long given up acting like your servant.
It's time our community are actively involved in this debate. We hope to inform, entertain and maybe even shock you.
Solidarity brothers.. and sisters. Oh, and keep those stories and tips rolling it. We love you long time.
On behalf of the Academy, I'd like to thank you for your support, and special mention to Mayor Kevin Byrne in our success.
Early in the month we sent KB a box of chocolates to acknowledge his gratitude and good spirits in threatening to close us down.
It all started when KB went on John McKenzie's radio show: Not So Easy Listening 846 AM, and cracked up. So we put out a press statement, and the Cairns Post followed it up. The following week, he repeated his triad with Locco on 4CA FM.
I think he finally listened to his media advisers who said it really wasn't a good idea to continue to tell a resident and a ratepayer that they were not allowed to say something against the Council. DOH, or is it Duurrrr.
Yesterday Cairns Newspapers, who produce the Southern Herald and Northern News, has published an update on the story about when Mayor Byrne tried to close the Blog down a few weeks ago.CairnsBlog will continue to ask questions about the Council's administration and will air mayoral correspondence that display a bombastic and arrogant attitude. The Mayor of Cairns, otherwise known as His Arrogance The Mayor, has long given up acting like your servant.
It's time our community are actively involved in this debate. We hope to inform, entertain and maybe even shock you.
Solidarity brothers.. and sisters. Oh, and keep those stories and tips rolling it. We love you long time.
ABC swallows a dose of ecstasy
I'm a big fan of Chris Lilley's work.
He's a cutting edge actor and a fine comic. Last year we were treated with his award-winning We Can Be Heros (as apposed to Fred Nile's doco: We can be Hetros)
Last year Chris Lilley was awarded two Logies and the first ever recipient of the Graham Kennedy Award for Outstanding New Talent.
Lilley plays all his main characters.
They are often cringingly cast and make for great edge of seat viewing. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, but humour like this, locally produced, is rare. I'm a devotee.
Amongst the plethora of junk 'reality' (that isn't real) on commercial TV, humour like this is quality well-written stuff.
I'm also delighted he bought back Ja'mie from last year. She was undoubtedly the star of the Heros.
His latest dish is Summer Heights High, that is currently screening on ABC, has caused a drama down under.
A recent Ecstasy death of a young girl, Annabel Catt, (same first name as in the show) whose death mirrors a storyline, has forced the ABC to defend and apologise for the drug reference.
This is the scene that sparked the outrage.
Here's the video and the news audio from ABC's Radio PM programme last evening: ABC stands ground on 'Summer Heights High'
Humour is difficult to many often when the subject is close to home. Only a few days ago I defended this.
I applaud the ABC for maintaining such diversity and challenging programmes. For humour to work, and it's yet another method to communicate issues, like writing, news, drama, it needs to question and make you feel uncomfortable somewhat. Whilst not walking away from drug problems that some can't manage, especially young, I cannot agree that drugs, as a subject for debate, cannot be made fun of. Everything and everyone, has a tolerance level. I think that humour should be allowed to reach out on almost any subject, as it's a powerful weapon to engage an audience and engender feelings. Do not confuse that humour, merely as a medium, always ridicules the subject. I don't think Summer Heights High is doing that with drugs at all.
Humour is yet another method to debate and air subjects, just because it appears as a "joke" doesn't make the medium of humour less worthy.
Anyway, here's the Wiki on the show, which now has earn't it's title "Summer Heights High". If you've missed the first three installments, the series is pod casted here.
Here's the trailer for the series... and check it out on Wednesday's at 9.30pm on ABC TV. There are still 5 to go, so don't be late for school.
He's a cutting edge actor and a fine comic. Last year we were treated with his award-winning We Can Be Heros (as apposed to Fred Nile's doco: We can be Hetros)
Last year Chris Lilley was awarded two Logies and the first ever recipient of the Graham Kennedy Award for Outstanding New Talent.
Lilley plays all his main characters.
They are often cringingly cast and make for great edge of seat viewing. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, but humour like this, locally produced, is rare. I'm a devotee.
Amongst the plethora of junk 'reality' (that isn't real) on commercial TV, humour like this is quality well-written stuff.
I'm also delighted he bought back Ja'mie from last year. She was undoubtedly the star of the Heros.
His latest dish is Summer Heights High, that is currently screening on ABC, has caused a drama down under.
A recent Ecstasy death of a young girl, Annabel Catt, (same first name as in the show) whose death mirrors a storyline, has forced the ABC to defend and apologise for the drug reference.
This is the scene that sparked the outrage.
Here's the video and the news audio from ABC's Radio PM programme last evening: ABC stands ground on 'Summer Heights High'
Humour is difficult to many often when the subject is close to home. Only a few days ago I defended this.
I applaud the ABC for maintaining such diversity and challenging programmes. For humour to work, and it's yet another method to communicate issues, like writing, news, drama, it needs to question and make you feel uncomfortable somewhat. Whilst not walking away from drug problems that some can't manage, especially young, I cannot agree that drugs, as a subject for debate, cannot be made fun of. Everything and everyone, has a tolerance level. I think that humour should be allowed to reach out on almost any subject, as it's a powerful weapon to engage an audience and engender feelings. Do not confuse that humour, merely as a medium, always ridicules the subject. I don't think Summer Heights High is doing that with drugs at all.
Humour is yet another method to debate and air subjects, just because it appears as a "joke" doesn't make the medium of humour less worthy.
Anyway, here's the Wiki on the show, which now has earn't it's title "Summer Heights High". If you've missed the first three installments, the series is pod casted here.
Here's the trailer for the series... and check it out on Wednesday's at 9.30pm on ABC TV. There are still 5 to go, so don't be late for school.
Look out for our Election campaign
Now here's a gripping bit of prime time America for you.
On Thursday afternoon, a University of Florida student was tasered and arrested while he was asking US Senator John Kerry during a question and answer session.
For those that haven't heard much about a taser, they disrupt superficial muscle functions. The higher the voltage, the more effective it is. It may take several seconds to subdue a person with 100 kV, but only about a second with 1 MV (1,000 kV). Electrical current above 10 mA at 60Hz AC is considered to be potentially lethal to humans. Because there is no automatic stop on a taser gun, police have used these devices repeatedly or for a long period, potentially contributing to injuries or death.
21 year old Andrew Meyer asked Senator Kerry why he did not contest the 2004 presidential election, which he lost to President Bush. He also asked why there had been no moves to impeach Mr Bush. However, it seemed he asked several questions - and went on for quite a while - then he was asked to stop.
"He had used his allotted time. His microphone was cut off then he became upset," university spokesman Steve Orlando said.
Then four police officers tried to remove Andrew Meyer from the forum, and he yelled for help and asked several times: "What did I do?"
He was then tasered. The Alachuas County jail records show that he was charged with 'resisting an officer and disturbing the peace'.
As they pinned him to the ground, Meyer yelled: “Don’t Tase me, bro!” - a new slogan for the YouTube generation!
Video of the incident has circulated around the net faster than Mayor Kevin Byrne's exit to China.
John Kerry criticised the arrest of Mr Meyer, suggesting that he could have dealt with the heckler himself. "In 37 years of public appearances, through wars, protests and highly emotional events, I have never had a dialogue end this way. I believe I could have handled the situation without interruption,” he said.
Andrew Meyer was released yesterday after a night in the cells, while students protested outside the police station claiming police brutality had been used.
A bunch of students filmed it, you'll find them on You Tube. Here's one of the Videos.
And the update..
On Thursday afternoon, a University of Florida student was tasered and arrested while he was asking US Senator John Kerry during a question and answer session.
For those that haven't heard much about a taser, they disrupt superficial muscle functions. The higher the voltage, the more effective it is. It may take several seconds to subdue a person with 100 kV, but only about a second with 1 MV (1,000 kV). Electrical current above 10 mA at 60Hz AC is considered to be potentially lethal to humans. Because there is no automatic stop on a taser gun, police have used these devices repeatedly or for a long period, potentially contributing to injuries or death.
21 year old Andrew Meyer asked Senator Kerry why he did not contest the 2004 presidential election, which he lost to President Bush. He also asked why there had been no moves to impeach Mr Bush. However, it seemed he asked several questions - and went on for quite a while - then he was asked to stop.
"He had used his allotted time. His microphone was cut off then he became upset," university spokesman Steve Orlando said.
Then four police officers tried to remove Andrew Meyer from the forum, and he yelled for help and asked several times: "What did I do?"
He was then tasered. The Alachuas County jail records show that he was charged with 'resisting an officer and disturbing the peace'.
As they pinned him to the ground, Meyer yelled: “Don’t Tase me, bro!” - a new slogan for the YouTube generation!
Video of the incident has circulated around the net faster than Mayor Kevin Byrne's exit to China.
John Kerry criticised the arrest of Mr Meyer, suggesting that he could have dealt with the heckler himself. "In 37 years of public appearances, through wars, protests and highly emotional events, I have never had a dialogue end this way. I believe I could have handled the situation without interruption,” he said.
Andrew Meyer was released yesterday after a night in the cells, while students protested outside the police station claiming police brutality had been used.
A bunch of students filmed it, you'll find them on You Tube. Here's one of the Videos.
And the update..
Bush's bloopers make fine funny fodder
I've collected all of Jacob Weisberg's books, that often take aim at the famous Bush Gaffe. I've even purchased the Deluxe Election edition!
Yesterday in a speech defending his administration's Iraq policy, Bush said former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein's brutality had made it impossible to find a leader who could unite the country.
"I heard somebody say, 'Where's Mandela?'," he said. "Well, Mandela's dead because Saddam Hussein killed all the Mandelas."
We all recall just a week or so ago, he welcomed people to OPEC.
"Mr Prime Minister, thank you for your introduction," Bush said. "Thank you for being such a fine host for the OPEC summit." As the audience of several hundred people erupted in laughter, Bush corrected himself and joked, "He invited me to the OPEC summit next year."
"As John Howard accurately noted when he went to thank the Austrian troops there last year..." [note: not Australian] he said referring to Australian troops at APEC
.
.
Geography is not his strong point either. He is famous for believing that Africa and Europe are nations and that Jordan is a Gulf Coast country. He was known to exclaim "Wow, Brazil is big" upon being shown a map, and could not tell the difference between the Balkans and the Baltic. He was apparently surprised that Germany is in fact a democracy or that Wales is a country.
For more geographical amusement see Dubyaspeak.
For more geographical amusement see Dubyaspeak.
Of course Bush is well known for stuffing up what he says, or was meant to say.
His mangling of the English language is so severe that it required a new word to describe it - Bushisms. Besides his nauseating "weapons of mass destruction", which may be his only other addition to the lexicon. However, if you fancy a weekend belly laugh, here's Jacob Weisberg's The Complete Bushisms.
And there's more here:
• Bushisms from 2006
• Bushisms from 2005
• Bushisms from 2004
• Bushisms from 2003
• Bushisms from 2002
• Bushisms from 2001
• Bushisms from 2000
• Bushisms from 2006
• Bushisms from 2005
• Bushisms from 2004
• Bushisms from 2003
• Bushisms from 2002
• Bushisms from 2001
• Bushisms from 2000
Friday, 21 September 2007
Tropical Pride at the Tanks
The inaugural Tropical Pride Festival was held last weekend in Cairns at the Tanks Arts Centre.
WIN TV news reported that 2,500 people attended the event.
The theme was ‘Show Your Love’ and provided our gay community, family and friends an opportunity to come together and celebrate in love, diversity and life! If only everyone could do that. Maybe that could be our new Council's moto next year?
Unfortunately, I didn't get along, as we've been undertaking a lot of property renovations at the mo! So thanks to Molly for the photos of the event.
The day included a dog show, entertainment such as local band ‘Smash Mojo’, Community
Service Awards, food stalls and community and information services.Even Jim Turnour turned up, albeit in a rather straight tie! What were you thinking Jim? Were you going for that I'm really wanna be different look!
The Festival was co-ordinated with Queensland Association for Healthy Communities (QAHC) and 60 Tropical North Queensland businesses and groups, there to promote their products and services.
Following the Parade of Lights (there's more pix of from Stewart Graham) the festivities concluded at David Sharman's hughly popular Sapphire Tapas Bar in Lake Street.
The famous Hugh Munroe performed right on the bar! 
It was a gay old night.
It was a gay old night. Congrats to everyone behind the festival...
If you'd like to be involved next year, contact the team.
Thursday, 20 September 2007
84,239 voters got what they deserve
Well, we can sleep easy tonight. The Electoral Commissioner has ruled.
The ten internal divisional boundaries have been drawn up and released tonight.
The most controversial one will no doubt be the new Division 10, taking in Port Douglas, Mossman, and up to Cape Trib, and far south as Palm Cove and Clifton Beach. This is a rather stupid boundary. This Division should have come south to Wangetti or Ellis Beach. However this is bureaucrats doing what they do best... not communicating or listening to these who know their local community.
I hope that this boundary will be reviewed and maybe the Transition Committee, if it has any balls, or influence, should contest this and recommend it be amended.
It would be interesting to know how consistent this is with Byrne's submission, as the Council didn't submit any recommendation to the Commission. He was supposedly representing every Councillor. Guess we can hear him laughing from China!
Here's the main areas that are encompassed in the respective Divisions:
DIVISION 1
-Bramston Beach, Mulgrave River (on the west), Gordonvale, Pine Creek Road
DIVISION 2
-Robert Road, Edmonton, Bruce Highway, north to Trafalgar Road.
DIVISION 3
- Mt Sheridan, Anderson Road, Forest Gardens, boarders at Toogood Rd
DIVISION 4
- Woree, boarders Lake Morris Road / Toogood / Irene / Reservoir Roads. Mulgrave Road to McCoombe Street
DIVISION 5
- CBD, north to Grove / Gatton Sts, Lower Moorobool, Portsmith
DIVISION 6
- Lake Morris Road to lake, Redlynch Valley, Barron River Gorge, Brinsmead / Kamerunga Roads / McManus Street, Whitfield
DIVISION 7
-Anderson St, Greenslopes, Edgehill, Sheridan Street from Grove Street to Airport.
DIVISION 8
-Machans, Holloways, Yorkeys, Freshwater, Edgehill (north of Woodward)
DIVISION 9
Smithfield, Trinity Beach, Trinity Park
DIVISION 10
- Clifton Beach, Palm Cove, Port Douglas, Mossman, north to Cape Trib
The ten internal divisional boundaries have been drawn up and released tonight.
The most controversial one will no doubt be the new Division 10, taking in Port Douglas, Mossman, and up to Cape Trib, and far south as Palm Cove and Clifton Beach. This is a rather stupid boundary. This Division should have come south to Wangetti or Ellis Beach. However this is bureaucrats doing what they do best... not communicating or listening to these who know their local community.
I hope that this boundary will be reviewed and maybe the Transition Committee, if it has any balls, or influence, should contest this and recommend it be amended.
It would be interesting to know how consistent this is with Byrne's submission, as the Council didn't submit any recommendation to the Commission. He was supposedly representing every Councillor. Guess we can hear him laughing from China!
Here's the main areas that are encompassed in the respective Divisions:
DIVISION 1
-Bramston Beach, Mulgrave River (on the west), Gordonvale, Pine Creek Road
DIVISION 2
-Robert Road, Edmonton, Bruce Highway, north to Trafalgar Road.
DIVISION 3
- Mt Sheridan, Anderson Road, Forest Gardens, boarders at Toogood Rd
DIVISION 4
- Woree, boarders Lake Morris Road / Toogood / Irene / Reservoir Roads. Mulgrave Road to McCoombe Street
DIVISION 5
- CBD, north to Grove / Gatton Sts, Lower Moorobool, Portsmith
DIVISION 6
- Lake Morris Road to lake, Redlynch Valley, Barron River Gorge, Brinsmead / Kamerunga Roads / McManus Street, Whitfield
DIVISION 7
-Anderson St, Greenslopes, Edgehill, Sheridan Street from Grove Street to Airport.
DIVISION 8
-Machans, Holloways, Yorkeys, Freshwater, Edgehill (north of Woodward)
DIVISION 9
Smithfield, Trinity Beach, Trinity Park
DIVISION 10
- Clifton Beach, Palm Cove, Port Douglas, Mossman, north to Cape Trib
New Cairns Douglas divisional boundries
The new Divisional Boundaries are out for the Cairns Douglas Regional Council.
OVERVIEW
DIVISION 10 - OVERVIEW
DIVISION 10 - detailed
DIVISION 9
DIVISION 8
DIVISION 7
DIVISION 6
DIVISION 5
DIVISION 4
DIVISION 3
DIVISION 2
DIVISION 1
OVERVIEW
DIVISION 10 - OVERVIEW
DIVISION 10 - detailed
DIVISION 9
DIVISION 8
DIVISION 7
DIVISION 6
DIVISION 5
DIVISION 4
DIVISION 3
DIVISION 2
DIVISION 1
Cairns Post: doing what it orta
I blogged a few weeks back about the atrocity that this Council calls City Place, and what they have delivered to us.
While I don't need to repeat my views posted previously, the Cairns Post is doing what it should do, and has been pursuing this subject with a passion. I'm impressed with Mark and his team for following this debacle along it's torid path.
They, like you and I, are looking for answers, as to how and why we ended up with something that is barely practical and almost certainly not at all suited for the purpose of an entertainment facility.
Questions need to be answered as to why it differed so dramatically from what was presented and approved by Council, months earlier. The public had zilch involvement in this project, as I guess the embarrassment level is rather high on the radar. Did your Councillor show you what they were reviewing before making a decision?
The latest makeover of the stage area, is nearly $2 mill. This is on top of the atrocious paving laid 4 years ago, and various other surrounding components. It's predicted to be close to $4 million.
One of the more approachable city councillors, Fran Lindsay has called it "gross".
Every resident needs to ask what this monster cost you, the ratepayer. Then you'll have nearly 4 million reasons why you'll boot this Council out in 190 days time.
Humour is in the eye of the bee-holder
I always like to see the varying acceptability of humour... We all have our limits and interpret humour differently. Often it's the reaction which is the joke, not the joke itself.
This is based on our own insecurities. Our beliefs, religious, political or even social. The way we were bought up. Who our parents and friends liked. Who they didn't. These all form the ways in which we decide what is "acceptable" to us. I was bought up as a good little Catholic boy. An Altar boy... the whole nine yards. After 13 years of it... church every Sunday... school mass once a week, Holy Communion...Confirmation.... I learnt that there's a whole lot of judgement in this evil thing called religion.
One thing it taught me was, I guess, was to respect difference, and "Judge Ye who should not be Judged."
Personally, I have a broad appeal and tolerance to most types humour.
Every "joke" the ignites a response, always has to have someone or thing as it's "butt".
In all humour, there are of course degrees which we perceive as acceptable and not. Some would suggest that society's norms set the temperature. However, you only have to go to the Grand Hotel, and you'll get a whole different level of what is acceptable for a "joke" as you would at say a Chamber of Commerce luncheon...unless it's one that KB is the guest dresser upper.
Regardless, some were a bit offended at the "she-male" post. You can call it what you want, but I can't see where it is "denigrating the poor and defenceless", or is a "sleazy fag joke." It was merely a bit of mirth, in an otherwise dull news day. Was it offence? I don't think so. Some may.
As for saying it's a "fag joke"..well, please! Come on. Last time I checked the meaning of the [slang] word "fag" it had nothing to do with a transsexual - which is what was depicted in the simple silly quiz.
Yeah, it wasn't that intelligent. It was a bit odd appearing on here I guess. However, nor was Charlie on her mobile in her campaign van.
If you feel you have some ownership rights to what should or what should not appear on this blog, then maybe you need to think about the whole free speech debate again. It was our lovely Mayor who said I (or anyone) shouldn't be allowed to have their own opinion, at least not publicly.
Often when art is presented that we don't like or freaks us out, it's basically moved our goal posts on what we are comfortable with. Remember that painting of Jesus / Osama Bin Laden by the Brisbane artist last month? There was an outcry... how dare she do that? etc etc... Well, go watch 2 hours of Big Brother and tell me you aren't repulsed.
Usually, it's sex that ignites that in us. As if that's our last taboo. Sex, sex, sex. Sex. Move on boys and girls.
It's interesting to what readers "expect" or "accept" as appropriate.
While I don't walk away from the concerns expressed, of which there are two, I offer an apology to those folk. But, we are all different. I don't agree with all one "side" of politics. Nor should I. Lines aren't that clear.
You know when you're watching telly, and something comes of you disagree with or find 'not to your taste', there's a magical button called the ON/OFF switch, or you can change the channel, and switch back at a time when you feel you want to. The Internet is large enough to accommodate a variety of subjects and with 71 million blogs, chances are that occasionally you'll come across post on blogs that you're react with a "What the?" When this happens, click past it.
So, that said, forgive my indiscretions, I'm only human. Well, the test results aren't back yet.
Maybe my funny bone is differently poised to yours. Maybe I has one and the right wing doesn't? Oh, they must, because they elected Kevin and Johnny!
PS: Why did the chicken cross the road? It was stapled to a dog.
This is based on our own insecurities. Our beliefs, religious, political or even social. The way we were bought up. Who our parents and friends liked. Who they didn't. These all form the ways in which we decide what is "acceptable" to us. I was bought up as a good little Catholic boy. An Altar boy... the whole nine yards. After 13 years of it... church every Sunday... school mass once a week, Holy Communion...Confirmation.... I learnt that there's a whole lot of judgement in this evil thing called religion.
One thing it taught me was, I guess, was to respect difference, and "Judge Ye who should not be Judged."
Personally, I have a broad appeal and tolerance to most types humour.
Every "joke" the ignites a response, always has to have someone or thing as it's "butt".
In all humour, there are of course degrees which we perceive as acceptable and not. Some would suggest that society's norms set the temperature. However, you only have to go to the Grand Hotel, and you'll get a whole different level of what is acceptable for a "joke" as you would at say a Chamber of Commerce luncheon...unless it's one that KB is the guest dresser upper.
Regardless, some were a bit offended at the "she-male" post. You can call it what you want, but I can't see where it is "denigrating the poor and defenceless", or is a "sleazy fag joke." It was merely a bit of mirth, in an otherwise dull news day. Was it offence? I don't think so. Some may.
As for saying it's a "fag joke"..well, please! Come on. Last time I checked the meaning of the [slang] word "fag" it had nothing to do with a transsexual - which is what was depicted in the simple silly quiz.
Yeah, it wasn't that intelligent. It was a bit odd appearing on here I guess. However, nor was Charlie on her mobile in her campaign van.
If you feel you have some ownership rights to what should or what should not appear on this blog, then maybe you need to think about the whole free speech debate again. It was our lovely Mayor who said I (or anyone) shouldn't be allowed to have their own opinion, at least not publicly.
Often when art is presented that we don't like or freaks us out, it's basically moved our goal posts on what we are comfortable with. Remember that painting of Jesus / Osama Bin Laden by the Brisbane artist last month? There was an outcry... how dare she do that? etc etc... Well, go watch 2 hours of Big Brother and tell me you aren't repulsed.
Usually, it's sex that ignites that in us. As if that's our last taboo. Sex, sex, sex. Sex. Move on boys and girls.
It's interesting to what readers "expect" or "accept" as appropriate.
While I don't walk away from the concerns expressed, of which there are two, I offer an apology to those folk. But, we are all different. I don't agree with all one "side" of politics. Nor should I. Lines aren't that clear.
You know when you're watching telly, and something comes of you disagree with or find 'not to your taste', there's a magical button called the ON/OFF switch, or you can change the channel, and switch back at a time when you feel you want to. The Internet is large enough to accommodate a variety of subjects and with 71 million blogs, chances are that occasionally you'll come across post on blogs that you're react with a "What the?" When this happens, click past it.
So, that said, forgive my indiscretions, I'm only human. Well, the test results aren't back yet.
Maybe my funny bone is differently poised to yours. Maybe I has one and the right wing doesn't? Oh, they must, because they elected Kevin and Johnny!
PS: Why did the chicken cross the road? It was stapled to a dog.
Wednesday, 19 September 2007
Tuesday, 18 September 2007
Dear Paul, you are one sad puppy
Today I received another lovely letter from a kind old soul needing my help.
I was touched that I'd been singled out, out of millions, to help this person in need.
Maybe it's my natural ability to reach out and make someone's life a bit more liveable, that Paul contacted me?
Regardless, I thought I'd share this special letter with my readers, in the hope that you too can offer a small contribution to this person in need.
Every small bit helps.
Clearing the hillslopes...naturally
This was the scene this afternoon, driving towards Cairns on the Captain Cook White Imperialist Aboriginal Hating Highway, was one of total blurr as the smoke from natural wildfires covered the surrounding ranges around our town.
Natural and forced burning off is now occurring around many of the city's perimeter, and throughout Cape York. A substantial percentage of Cape York is burnt off each year, in a planned programme. Wildfires are a natural part of the earth's environment.
Fire is also a tool people use to help clear away forests for human developments. Annually, humans burn anywhere from 750,000 to 8.2 million square km of forest and grassland around the world. Fire is used in agriculture to clear canefields and help return nutrients to the soil. Prescribed fires also clear away dead and dying vegetation to help rejuvenate forests and reduce the risk of larger, uncontrolled wildfires. Aboriginal folk have been doing this for thousands of years.
Captain Cook, who passed along the Queensland Coast heading North in the hours of darkness in May 1770, recorded, "Our course at night was guided by the great number of fires on the shore". His Botinist, Joesph Banks, also noted this in his journals whilst berthed in the Endeavour River mouth, now known as Cooktown, when he sighted "Natives deliberately setting fires to the bushland"
It's said that when Aborigines arrived in Australia around 40,000 years ago (about 4:35pm in the afternoon), and soon introduced fire as part of their land management. There is abundant scientific evidence showing an increased frequency of fire by early Aborigines. According to Fraser Island Defenders Organization, fossil evidence proves that their arrival coincided with the loss of megafauna, including giant kangaroos, giant wombats and giant pythons. There is no conclusive evidence that Aborigines were responsible for the demise of the megafauna, however with the loss of such large herbivores, it would have been necessary to use fire to manage the vegetation which herbivores would have previously eaten or trampled.
This is the rationale for the very early development of Aboriginal fire management. The irony is that if a fire regime had not been introduced, many of the population would have been incinerated in the inevitable wildfires. After thousands of years of burning, the environment has adapted to the Aboriginal fire regime. Therefore, it's often believed that the maximum biodiversity can now be only achieved with the reinstatement of the Aboriginal fire regime.
The photo below is of the Western Cape York Peninsula, where several large fires were burning when the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite captured this image in 2005. The actively burning areas of the fire are outlined in red. Several smoke plumes drift westward over the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Fire plays a crucial role in maintaining the grasslands of Cape York’s tropical savanna landscape. In the absence of fire, woody shrubs come to dominate the landscape. They are able to do this because the more shallowly rooted grasses die back at the height of the dry season, while the more deeply rooted shrubs can continue to grow.
According to Australia’s Tropical Savannas Cooperative Research Centre, after 4 or 5 years without fires, grasslands may be completely lost to woodland dominated by the tea tree.
Visit NASA Earth Observatory to see the global-scale composite images of fires around the world.
So, now you know, it's not all bad.
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