Simpson Desert French Line @ ExplorOz

Some good info about the Simpson crossing via the French Line.

Simpson Desert French Line @ ExplorOz

Sydney dust storm from my office window at North Ryde

These pictures were taken by a colleague from our office window showing the how the Dust storm obscured the view at different times till it cleared.  We overlook the Lane Cover River.

Immortality predicted in 20 years

I thought the line "...reprogramme our bodies' stone-age software..." was a bit rich.

Putting aside the fact that the 'stone-age' is a fictitious era invented by evolutionists to try and neatly categorise human development from primitive ape to our current state of 'evolved' sophistication; our 'stone-age software' is actually infinitely complex and wonderful.

We have barely managed to decode human DNA, let alone understand the implications of how it all fits together with other functioning systems in the body, even if we did fully understand it, the eugenics implications for the 'brave new world' that might emerge are of serious concern as illustrated in science fiction films like Gattaca.

Whatever the outcome, the next few decades will be interesting indeed.

Step Into Life 2 Year Anniversary at Tharens restaurant

An unusual but not altogether unflattering picture from some recent celebrations. The lady on the right is much more attractive!

Yes that is me on the chair in the top right of the second photo!

TV Industry Code of Practice Amendment

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Wesley Dart
Date: 2009/9/21
Subject: TV Industry Code of Practice Amendment
To: code@freetv.com.au


To Whom It May Concern

I am a parent with three children aged 10, 12 and 15. My wife and I are becoming increasingly concerned with the level of sexual themes and content, plus violence and inappropriate language being used on free to air TV.

I believe that:

1. The TV classification guidelines need to be strengthened, not diluted in any way. Guidelines should be drafted in such a way as to be as free from any ambiguity as possible so that TV networks cannot evade their implications with 'clever' manoeuvring.
2. The current G-rated programming periods on TV should continue to apply to free-to-air digital multi-channels, not just the traditional 'major' channels.
   
3. There should be greater – not fewer – restrictions on the promotion of M, MA and AV programs at times when children may be watching TV. MA and AV programs should only be promoted after 8.30 pm and M-rated programs only after 7.30 pm (or during M-rated time slots). There have been many awkward moments when watching an otherwise innocent TV program when we and our children have had to sit through inappropriate content during commercial breaks.
   
4. I am opposed to proposed changes to the guidelines for MA programs which would mean sex scenes no longer have to be "discreet" and they "may contain detail". This is just titillation and porn attempting to get in 'under the radar'; so many studies have shown the destructive nature of this material on individuals and society as a whole.
   
5. We should get rid of the word "highly" in the revised Code that says reality TV participants can't be presented in a "highly demeaning or highly exploitative manner". I believe that participants shouldn't be demeaned or exploited at all! Recall the latest controversy on the radio front with radio 'shock jock' Kyle Sandilands exploiting a young girl (who had apparently been raped) live on air with the co-operation of her misguided mother. I believe that the community is fed up with material that exploits and demeans the dignity of any individual, even if contestants are willing participants through their own ignorance or foolishness.
   
6. Complaints shouldn't be stifled. I reject any changes which would do this, for example the grouping of similar complaints so that they can be counted as one.
7. It should be possible to lodge complaints via email, instead of only fax or post. In fact, I would go even further and suggest that sending an SMS/TEXT via mobile phone would provide a real-time gauge of the level of objection to specific content. This form of real-time voting is often used by TV networks to decide the outcome of shows like Australian Idol. Surely this technology could be adapted for a new and more worthwhile purpose.
   
8. TV stations should be more accountable, not less. Section 1.5 of the Code should be changed so that there aren't so many grounds for a breach of the Code to be excused.

I would be happy to provide additional feedback if requested.

Yours faithfully,

Wesley Dart

Pub2Pub Glory

I think this photo was taken at about the 13 km mark. We are just rounding the corner to begin the final sprint down Beaconsfield Street to the Newport Arms.

I was feeling pretty tired after the long stretch up the hill from Mona Vale, but with gravity on my side this time I began to sprint toward the finish line; beating my previous years time by 5 minutes.

What is your favourite family holiday memory?

This is what I wrote as an answer to that question in a BIG4 competition to win tickets to the "Charlie & Boots" premiere:

Desert camping along with the camels at Coward Springs on the Oodnadatta Track in South Australia.  The stillness of the desert combined with the beauty of the natural springs was amazing. To top it off we enjoyed bathing in a spa constructed with used Ghan railway sleepers that were over 100 years old.

In reality it is incredibly hard to single out any individual holiday memory as 'favourite' -- there have been so many wonderful experiences.