Tassieblather @ www.plimpton.org

Penny. Of course.

2011-03-28T13:17:00.002+11:00

With Kathy & david at Barcelona on Dad's birthday.

Bottled water rant

2011-03-02T20:37:00.002+11:00

Woolies New Town, about an hour ago: The LARGE BOTTLE of WATER is cheaper than the SMALL BOTTLE of WATER by 11 cents. That's $3.27 for a LITRE of WATER versus $5.91 for a LITRE of WATER. The difference? The smaller one has a coloured lid and a Disney picture. Yeah, the supermarkets are all about the consumer.

Vale Norman Hetherington

2010-12-07T08:28:00.004+11:00

The man behind Mr Squiggle has sadly passed on.I had a brief interaction with Norman Hetherington on the letters pages of the Sydney Morning Herald back in December 2000. Paul Barry had interviewed Howard appointed MD of the ABC, Jonathan Shier on Media Watch. As a direct reaction, Media Watch was pulled from the airwaves:I nominate Mr Squiggle as Paul Barry's replacement. Mr Shier should have

And now for some Tassie fiction

2010-08-10T23:56:00.001+10:00

By my old mate, our man in The Netherlands, Andrew Balcombe:Logging magnate eaten by white sharkA fictional story about fishing and the ever widening blood slick on the surface of the water.The dinghy came off the runners and the old man walked into the shallows. The water was flat and smooth all the way from Northwest Bay to Bruny Island. The row would only take twenty minutes before he reached

By Popular Demand

2010-06-24T16:36:00.003+10:00

I have been told in no uncertain terms (Hi Olga) that there have not been enough photos of Penny posted on the web of late. I am, of course, more than happy to oblige.Click here for some more of the darlin girl.

Perhaps the last day before coming home.

2010-06-13T22:14:00.004+10:00

It's getting lonely here without my girls.Check out these photos though.

Day 3 @ QAM

2010-06-12T23:12:00.003+10:00

....or day six for Katie. I can't wait for them to come home.Here's some more photos from the ten square foot of space that is our family's home right now.

Yes I was born yesterday actually

2010-06-12T00:00:00.004+10:00

Day deux. Photos here.

Penelope Frances Plimpton

2010-06-11T00:30:00.003+10:00

Our beautiful daughter Penny has arrived She was delivered by Caeserian on June 10 2010 at 10.49am, two weeks early.She's weighed in at 4.09 Kg and is absolutley stunning. Both Katie and Penny are doing great. It was very hard to leave them tonight, but both seemed to be sleeping peacefully.Thanks to all at the Queen Alex Ward, Royal Hobart Hospital. Yay Public Health!There will be a lot more

We've moved!

2010-04-06T21:45:00.005+10:00

After a couple of years, and countless BBQs, we have finally shifted out of Bonnington Road. Farewell, adieu, you served us well.Now, after a week or so at Nor's flat (thank you kind lady), Katie, Yve and I have moved into Andrew & Tracey's abode in Liverpool Street while they're trekking around France for six months. It's a beaut house with a beaut kitchen, beaut heat pump and a beaut view.

Keating! Banished from ABC Local Radio

2010-02-24T15:12:00.003+11:00

Thanks to incorrect claims under Parliamentary privilege by Senators Eric Abetz and David Bushby, and a timid ABC Management, Keating! The Musical will not receive any airtime on ABC local radio, as is the norm with any other event that occurs in Southern TasmaniaFull story here.Grrr.

Keating! The Musical Hits Hobart

2010-02-18T23:25:00.006+11:00

It's on! It's in Hobart! It's quality! I'm involved!Book your tickets now! Great group rates!Here's the TV Ad on YouTube.

Bonnington CIDER is racked and ready!

2010-02-07T22:00:00.003+11:00

Cider fans!Click over to the Bonnington Brewery site for the latest news on Project Scrumpy!

Camping @ Bay of Fires

2010-01-28T01:49:00.007+11:00

Jeaneret's Beach. Lots more photos here.A bunch of us headed to the north east coast of Tasmania last weekend for a camping expedition to the beautiful Bay Of Fires. The majority of us were there from Friday night till Tuesday, so had a good chance to settle in and get with the earth.The weather was absolutley perfect. I think we had about twenty minutes of rain. the water was beautiful, and

Mojitos on Murray Street?

2010-01-07T13:24:00.005+11:00

Spotted flying above a building opposite the State Treasury today:Is there another plan afoot for March 20?Viva Cuba!

Butcher's Apron Must Go

2009-12-14T22:23:00.005+11:00

The Sunday Tasmanian didn't publish my letter regarding a new Tasmanian Flag, as raised by State Labor MP, Lisa Singh recently.So here it is:Why stop with removing the red lion passant from the Tasmanian flag (Flag Your Ideas, SunTas 6.12.2009)? It won’t truly be a new flag until the Butcher’s Apron in the top left corner is consigned to the dustbin of history. Let’s have a state flag that is

Flag your ideas

2009-12-14T22:18:00.000+11:00

Flag your ideas Sunday Tasmanian (Australia) - Sunday, December 6, 2009 Author: Danielle McKay The Sunday Tasmanian 's recent front-page report about Denison MHA Lisa Singh's call for a new Tasmanian flag sparked a wave of letters-- some critical, some complimentary. Danielle McKay explores the mood for change CAN

Home made Prosciutto

2009-12-13T23:19:00.005+11:00

I made some! Duncan & Jeannie had soem pigs slaughtered late last year. I salted a leg approx last December. Hung it in January 2009, and sliced into it yesterday (Dec 12). It pretty good.Check out the pix here.Will defo be making some more.

"Admiral" arrives home in Sullivan's Cove

2009-12-07T12:21:00.005+11:00

Corey Peterson West Hobart, Tasmania 7000 Dear Mr. Plimpton: Thank you for the opportunity to express my thoughts on access to the Battery Point foreshore. As a cyclist who both commutes and runs errands on my two-wheeled, self-propelled transport, I can speak from

HCC Candidate's reply: Leo Foley

2009-10-07T18:19:00.000+11:00

HCC Candidate's reply: Leo Foley, received 8 OctoberHello ScottI support access to the foreshore, in all parts of Hobart. Public access to public space is an absolute right. That is the principle that will guide my thinking and actions.I support a walkway around the Battery Point foreshore. There are obvious difficulties, such as the working slipways, and the steep terrain below Napoleon St. I

HCC Candidate's reply: Toby Rowallan

2009-10-07T18:17:00.001+11:00

Text below of reply from Toby Rowallan, received 12 October:Hi Scott, Thanks for your question, and I appreciate your making the effort to have this issue discussed. Sadly local government despite its frequent impact on our daily lives gets little attention in our news media. Having said that I believe there has been considerable interest in this particular issue within the Hobart community.

HCC Candidate's reply: Wendy Heatley

2009-10-07T18:16:00.000+11:00

Text below of reply from Ald John Freeman, received 13 October:Dear Scott, I don't seem to have received your email, so apologies for not responding earlier. My views are as follows: I am fully supportive of the Battery Point Foreshore Path. The path should be suitable for multiple uses - cycling, walking, wheelchairs and prams. It will be a great asset for Hobart residents and for visitors

HCC Candidate's reply: Rob Valentine

2009-10-07T18:15:00.002+11:00

Text below of reply from Lord Mayor Rob Valentine, received 15 October: Hi Scott, Unfortunately I’ve been rather busy with duties and haven’t been able to get to your survey on this one until now, knowing it was going to take some time to explain the matter. The walkway issue has certainly been on the agenda since about

HCC Candidate's reply: Peter Brownscombe

2009-10-07T18:13:00.000+11:00

Text below of reply from Peter Brownscombe, received 16 October: Hi Scott I write to reply to your request for my position on construction of a walkway around the foreshore at Battery Point. I am not opposed to the concept of a low impact scramble track around the Battery Point foreshore but I think that there would be much

Battery Point Foreshore Pathway

2009-10-03T10:16:00.006+10:00

There is an election for Mayor, Deputy Mayor and six aldermen coming up in October for the Hobart City Council. One of the primary matters on which I will be basing my vote is the construction of a foreshore path around Battery Point. This issue has been festering for some decades now, stymied mainly by high-profile residents of Clarke Avenue who regard the foreshore as their private domain,

List of HCC Candidates

2009-10-03T10:15:00.000+10:00

Title Firstname Surname Address Suburb Postcode Ms Dina Alexopolous No public contact details as advised by State Electoral Commission. Sandy Bay Mr Peter Brownscombe peter.brownscombe@utas.edu.au

As any good Hobartian knows.....

2009-08-27T13:14:00.006+10:00

......you'd best not have your car parked at the Domain when faced with this view at lunchtime.In a not totally unrelated story, I know a bloke who was chained to the mooring rings on these steps at low tide and left there for the day as part of his buck's celebrations.

Only in Tassie

2009-08-24T09:04:00.004+10:00

This is the courtesy shuttle at Forestry Tasmania's Tahune Airwalk attraction:(click image for full view, cos blogger don't work proper)To quote a mate of mine: "You can just imagine Paul Lennon behind the wheel going 'welcome to Fantasy Island'......."Wonder if it was confiscated from an unfortunate protester?

A Visit to Two Metre Tall Brewery

2009-08-22T18:34:00.010+10:00

Click on images for full size.Dani & Ant, Katie & I tripped out past New Norfolk on the banks of the Derwent today on a real ale pilgramage to Jane & Ashley Huntington's Brewery, Two Metre Tall. I first ran into 2MT at the Hobart Beer Festival in 2007, and we've been trying to get out to their HQ ever since, but it took CAMRA loyallists' Dani & Ant's visit to get us in the Mercedes and steam

My two cents

2009-08-19T09:59:00.004+10:00

For those not in Tasmania, my letter to the editor relates to the redevelopment of the old Princes Wharf #1 shed on Hobart's waterfront, and Premier David Bartlett's vision for Tasmania to become a beacon of renewable energy:Text:Seeing as the Princes Wharf shed roof is going to be replaced, what are the options for supplementing the energy needs of the building by making the roof structure a

Banner ad, F.A.R.T. style

2009-08-18T15:55:00.003+10:00

F.A.R.T. Forest Art Renaissance Team MRThis morning, the Forest Art Renaissance Team (F.A.R.T.) pinned a banner the size of a double decker bus, that’s equivalent to 19,047.619 cigarette papers, onto the billboard perched 7 storeys on top of the Fountainside Hotel on the way into Hobart’s CBD.Full story here.

Today on Sullivan's Cove

2009-08-14T11:01:00.002+10:00

Lifting a new catamaran onto a freighter for (presumably) a long distance delivery. Who says Hobart's a dead port?A few more photos here

Home made Scallop and Flathead Pie

2009-07-27T08:52:00.002+10:00

Check out this winner over at Progressive Dinner Party. will get it up on my Scallop Pie Rater real soon....

I saw it

2009-07-20T22:41:00.001+10:00

Here;s a very grainy video of a standard 8 reel Dad took of me watching 'em land on the moon in July 1969. If this player ain't any good, it's on youtube here.

Tassieblather's Tribute to Michael Jackson

2009-06-26T13:36:00.001+10:00

He certainly knew his beer.

Emerald city has lost its soul, not just its sparkle

2009-06-12T13:37:00.006+10:00

Richard Ackland sadly speaks the truth in the article below.Our largest city is a now nothing but a dirty, car choked, unpleasant to negotiate shambles of soulless shopping malls and faceless bank buildings joined by above and below ground insulated walkways and an 80's throwback Monorail.Kennett may have been a mongrel on lots of fronts, but hey, Melbourne after his reign is a showpiece example

Hummer

2009-06-12T10:08:00.002+10:00

Tassie Scallops are Back!

2009-06-05T17:18:00.006+10:00

After a break of three and a half years, the Bass Strait scallop fishery re-opened this week for commercial takes. The first harvest hit Hobart today. They look good and plump, the price is almost reasonable, and I can't wait to tuck in to some (very lightly fried in butter and garlic) very very soon.The curried scallop pies will be pretty bloody good for a while too. Check out where the best

Steve Fielding is a Moron

2009-06-04T09:07:00.004+10:00

For those of you who missed it, click here to watch Senator Steve Fielding being interviewed by Tony Jones on last night's (June 3rd) ABC Lateline. Steve is on a mission to further understand global warming. How did he do this? He travelled to Washington, attended a Climate Change Denier's conference, hosted by a the Heartland Institute, a Republican "Think Tank". Click here to read the ABC's

Bridgewater Jerry, 22 May 2009

2009-05-25T21:24:00.004+10:00

View down Warwick Street to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Click image for full sizeThe Bridgewater Jerry has been lurking around Hobart a fair bit over the last week or so. Finally I remembered to take my camera with me.There's a few more photos here.

Monday-Friday: Mild Mannered Hairdresser

2009-05-16T18:39:00.003+10:00

....But when Ben hangs up his shears for the weekend, no rabbit is safe from his steely gaze.There's some more photos here**may contain dead furry friends.

Project Scrumpy 2009

2009-05-16T18:15:00.006+10:00

Click thru to Bonnington Brewery for some fine action pix of our first foray into the murky world of scrumpy making.Bonnington. It's Beer. And Cider

Cidermaking-a noble art

2009-05-15T09:46:00.007+10:00

One of Julian Temperly's offciders fills our barrel on the way to ButlinsJulian Tmperley, of Burrow Hill Cider fame has been granted the freedom of The City of London. Which apparently gives him the right to drive sheep over London Bridge.Julian's the guy who brings the much-loved Cider Bus to Glastonbury festival every year.He has been selling his fantastic scrumpy at Avalon since the first

Fiddle de de POTATO

2009-05-12T11:02:00.010+10:00

Or....WHICH TASSIE SPUD DO I USE?THOSE of us fortunate enough to reside on this island of Tasmania will be all too aware of the infinite variety of potatoes grown and sold in the land of Van Diemen.When I moved from Hobart to Sydney (via Orange) almost two decades ago, I was horrified to discover that the only taters available in the shops were washed, brushed or new. The streets may have been

Wrongfully Imprisoned for 27 years, but cough up for room and board.

2009-05-05T20:18:00.004+10:00

Andrew Mallard has been awarded $3.25 million as compensation for the twelve years he spent behind bars in Western Australia for a murder he didn't commit. This figure is nowhere near a just amount for the more than a decade spent behind bars. No amount of money can ever compensate for that loss.In the UK on March 9 this year, Sean Hodgson was released after 27 years in prison. He was, like

As Cities Go From Two Papers to One, Talk of Zero

2009-05-04T14:01:00.002+10:00

March 12, 2009The New York TimesAs Cities Go From Two Papers to One, Talk of Zero By RICHARD PÉREZ-PEÑA The history of The Seattle Post-Intelligencer stretches back more than two decades before Washington became a state, but after 146 years of publishing, the paper is expected to print its last issue next week, perhaps surviving only in a much smaller online version. At least

Stop press

2009-05-04T13:58:00.002+10:00

Stop press Across the country, local newspapers are being cut to the bone or closed down. Is regional journalism doomed? And if it is, what does that mean for local democracy?Read the full article here.

Braz and Scott age disgracefully

2009-05-03T12:27:00.006+10:00

As per the previous story, I turned forty recently. Braz followed last weekend, on April 26. To celebrate these auspicious events, we had a party on March 28 at the Derwent Mercantile Rowing Club just upstream from the Tasman Bridge on the Derwent. It was a grand affair, with two barrels of ale, a disc jockey and lashings of beetroot and chocolate cake, lovingly baked by Katie and Sophie, to

My Birthday

2009-05-03T10:24:00.005+10:00

It was my 40th birthday over a month ago now. I think I've now adjusted enough to life in my fifth decade to release stories and photos of this event.For my actual birthday, Katie took me to a town a bit north of Hobart called Melbourne.For lunch, we went to a fantastic restaurant called Transport, where I had rabbit, and Katie had Wagyu Beef, washed down with lashings of expensive wine. It was

Hobart's ANZAC Day Parade

2009-04-26T12:19:00.010+10:00

ALBUM OF PHOTOS HEREUncle Ian (behind RH shoulder of marshall in orange jacket) marches down Macquarie Street with his comrades. Larger view here.Ian with a comrade in New Guinea, April 1944.It was bucketing with rain on ANZAC Day morning. I'm sure the Dawn Service musty have been pretty hard going. But, come 10am, an hour before the main parade kicks off, the rain decided to abate.I headed

The Great Tassie Curried Scallop Pie Rater and Locator

2009-04-15T20:16:00.006+10:00

UPDATED 16 APRIL 2009Got a favourite curried scallop pie? Let us know right here!It's a culinary delicacy peculiar to the island state, and a historical indication of the place things from the deep used to have on the great food pecking order of Anglo Saxon Australia; eg the days when fish & seafood was something cooked by:New Australians;Catholics on Friday;People who couldn't afford RED

Morgan Mark & Scott do Tassie

2009-04-12T14:08:00.005+10:00

Album of pictures hereReece Dam spillway.Morgan kindly decided to cross the ditch and come over to Tasmania over Easter. Of course, Mark and I sumised, this was cause for a roadtrip.We picked the intrepid Dr Read up from Hobart International on Good Friday morning, and immediately set about heading west. Initial pub stops were at the Gretna Green and Derwent Bridge pubs. I decided to grace the

Today on Sullivans Cove

2009-04-09T11:20:00.005+10:00

There's a ship (The Bryggen from Bergen) tied up on Macquarie Wharf. They've flooded the front holds so as they can work on the propellor or something similar.

Video reveals G20 police assault on Man who died

2009-04-08T09:27:00.003+10:00

Exclusive footage obtained by the Guardian shows Ian Tomlinson, who died during G20 protests in London, was attacked from behind by baton–wielding police officer Paul Lewis guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 7

Penny for your thoughts, Phil?

2009-04-02T16:14:00.003+11:00

Coca Cola tells lies. It does rot your teeth

2009-04-02T14:56:00.003+11:00

Coca Cola busted for big fat rotten lies Kelly Burke April 2, 2009 - 2:46PMwww.smh.com.au/national/coca-cola-busted-for-big-fat-rotten-lies-20090402-9kn6.html Coca-Cola has been ordered to publish corrective advertisements over its controversial "Motherhood &

Australian government secret ACMA internet censorship blacklist, 6 Aug 2008

2009-03-19T13:29:00.000+11:00

Australia secretly censors Wikileaks press release and Danish Internet censorship list, 16 Mar 2009

2009-03-19T13:27:00.000+11:00

March 16, 2009Download from fast site, current site, Sweden, US, Latvia, Slovakia, UK, Finland, Netherlands, Poland, Tonga, Europe, SSL, Tor Summary The first rule of censorship is that you cannot talk about censorship. In late 2008, Wikileaks released the secret Internet censorship list for Denmark, together with a press release condemning the practice for lack of public or judicial oversight.

A spot of hog tyin and sausage makin

2009-03-15T13:45:00.016+11:00

Katie and I went down to visit Duncan and Jeannie at Gordon's Knob yesterday. Armed with our trusty Moulinex mincer, our main aim was to make some sausages with some of the pork from the pigs that were slaughtered around Christmas time. Another task was to help Duncan move one of the piglets he had sold to a couple down the road. After a couple of doses of Dutch Courage, we went down to the

Foster's woos spurned Cascade drinkers

2009-02-24T15:18:00.001+11:00

Foster's cans 330ml stubbies February 24, 2009 - 2:34PMhttp://business.smh.com.au/business/fosters-cans-330ml-stubbies-20090224-8ggp.html Brewing giant Foster's is sheepishly reversing a marketing brain snap in

A day up the Florentine

2009-02-23T23:28:00.007+11:00

CLICK ON IMAGES FOR FULL PERSPECTIVEPernilla, Don, Christine & myself went for a day trip to the Upper Florentine Valley the other day to check out some of the awesome Tasmanian wilderness, as well as the "Exclusion Zone" declared by Forestry Tasmania while they construct a road into the heart of the valley with the express aim of ripping out as much timber as possible. We met up with some of

2009-02-23T08:54:00.000+11:00

Disloyal, lazy, no balls: it's time to move on, Peter John Hewson February 22, 2009http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/disloyal-lazy-no-balls-its-time-to-move-on-peter-20090221-8e6v.html?page=-1 PETER. Enough is enough. If your few remaining mates won't tell you, I will.

Queen Victoria hits Hobart

2009-02-18T01:29:00.004+11:00

Click image for full size.Cunard's Queen Victoria was in Hobart yesterday. It's slightly more attractive then the floating blocks of flats that seem to have been tying up in port recently.Still, I reckon a berth on the QV is substantially more costly than one on the Mickey Mouse IV. Though, nowhere near as great as the QE2.

Xenephonophobia*?

2009-02-12T17:54:00.002+11:00

$42b stimulus package sunk Phillip Hudson February 12, 2009 - 5:15PM The Federal Government's $42 billion economic stimulus package has been sunk in the Senate with independent Nick Xenophon joining the Coalition and voting against it. The five Greens senators and

Grumpy's Green

2009-02-11T16:17:00.005+11:00

My cousin Andrew has opened a pub in Fitzroy, 125 Smith Street in fact.It's called Grumpy's Green, and you can check out the website here.Even better, go and grab a beer and a bite. And tell him I sent you. He looks like this:Possibly without the Santa hat. Though not guaranteed.

Old girl's going strong...

2009-02-10T21:28:00.005+11:00

Click on photos for full size images.Don't know when Dad took this first photo of Brent, myself and the James Craig at the Domain Slipyard, but the Tasman Bridge has been repaired, so that's betwen October 1977 and when the James Craig was towed to Sydney in 1981.I took the second photo today, on Macquarie Wharf. Great to see her back in Hobart, in all her restored glory.

I now understand the word 'firestorm'

2009-02-10T12:10:00.002+11:00

TO DONATE TO THE RED CROSS BUSHFIRES APPEAL CLICK HERETO DONATE TO THE RED CROSS BUSHFIRES APPEAL CLICK HEREI now understand the word 'firestorm' Luke van den Berk February 10, 2009 THERE wasn't much warning.I'm on a good basis with the national park rangers … they are

Happy 30th, Katie!

2009-01-27T23:04:00.004+11:00

It was (my beautiful wife) Katie's 30th birthday on January 17. Of course, we celebrated in style. Around a dozen of us tripped upriver by ferry to Moorilla, a pretty swish restaurant/winery/brewery/soon to be international modern art gallery on the banks of the Derwent, followed by cake and champers back at Bonnington Road with a whole bunch of wellwishers.I gave Katie a camera, a Sony W150

Richard's 40th celebrations

2009-01-27T00:00:00.001+11:00

Over the Australia Day long weekend, a bunch of us trooped down to Pete's family's amazingly located shack at Randall's Bay to celebrate Richard's 40th birthday.As expected, debaucherous behaviour ensued: swimming, pinjata bashing, Jenga championships, mussel and oyster collecting/devouring, cider farm visiting, oh and a bit of random drinking and birthday cake cutting. I do believe a top

Steve Irwin comes to town

2009-01-19T21:18:00.003+11:00

The Sea Shepherd vessel, Steve Irwin docked in Hobart yesterday for five days to refuel and resupply after chasing the Japanese whaling fleet around Antarctica and the Southern Ocean (including Australian territorial waters).I went up the top of my office building to take some photos today, and noticed there was a queue waiting at the gangplank. I went down there, and the crew were taking the

Steve Bell on the demise of George Bush

2009-01-16T21:46:00.002+11:00

The Guardian cartoonist looks back at his years drawing the outgoing US president. Click here to play.

Libs want Abetz to....

2009-01-08T16:17:00.000+11:00

.Full sizeWith apologies to the original "Howard DJs like a mad cunt" phenomenon. Originator unknown.

Vale Ron Asheton

2009-01-08T13:31:00.000+11:00

Obituary Ron Asheton Guitarist with the Stooges, his playing helped set the stage for punk rock

OH & S? What's that?

2009-01-08T00:13:00.004+11:00

We spotted a repair crew replacing a piece of slate on the roof of Parliament House in Hobart yesterday. Click on the photos for full size.It must be a 20 metre drop from the roof to the carpark.

Wild Oats XI takes the Sydney Hobart again

2008-12-28T10:24:00.005+11:00

Album of photos here.The 30 metre maxi, Wild Oats XI won line honours for the fourth consecutive time in the Sydney - Hobart Yacht Race this morning. The race record stayed intact, with a quite civilised 9.34am finish at Castray Esplanade.I went down to Alexandra Battery in Sandy Bay to take a few photos as they were in the home stretch. Katie and I then got down to just above the finish box as

Terrible buildings of Hobart: #1: The Federation Concert Hall

2008-12-22T21:34:00.006+11:00

Most cities these days try to present their best face to welcome visitors when they come in on the major road from that city's airport. Not Hobart.As you drive along the first section of Davey Street, just after the Tasman Highway ends, this is the view with which you're faced:Zero Davey, a residential development that somehow turned out to be a bit larger than what was originally approved, the

Critical Mass' Victory in House of Lords

2008-12-17T08:52:00.004+11:00

Police have no rights to block peaceful protests according to landmark ruling Police have been told they have no power to control regular peaceful protests following a landmark ruling by the House of Lords. Last Updated: 4:56PM GMT 26 Nov 2008telegraph.co.uk Officers had warned cyclists gathering in London every month for the Critical Mass

Today in Sullivan's Cove

2008-12-16T19:56:00.004+11:00

The Sun Princess leaving Hobart at 11.30 this morning. The Diamond Princess (still docked) pushed off about 6pm. They're just floating motels really.Bring back the QE2:Click the images for full size.

The view from my desk

2008-12-11T19:35:00.006+11:00

If I swivel 180 degrees. Click the pic for full image, cos there's some missing.

Pigs become Pork

2008-12-08T21:32:00.005+11:00

Well, the day of judgement finally arrived for young Ham, Sausage and Cha Xiu. Duncan took them off to the Cradoc Slaughterhouse Sunday a week ago, and on Friday night just gone, He, Katie and myself collected our sharpest knives and decamped to Tim's place for a night of home butchery. Guided by Hugh Fearnley Whittstall's DVD 'Pig in a Day", his "Meat" cookbook, various webpages and a fair bit

0291125000 been bothering you?

2008-11-26T14:31:00.002+11:00

Over the last week or so, this Sydney phone number has been calling my mobile approximately ten times a day. When I answer, the caller (or machine as it probably is) hangs up. I googled the number (as perhaps you, dear visitor have done), and it came up with the details of this company:The Privacy OfficerAEGON Direct Marketing Services Australia Pty LtdPO Box H63Australia Square NSW 1215Tel: +

(Don't) Go Harvey Norman

2008-11-21T09:13:00.000+11:00

THE retail king Gerry Harvey may have a personal fortune of about $1.6 billion but the Harvey Norman founder thinks donating to charity is "just wasted". Asked in a new book about the role he and Harvey Norman play in the community, Mr Harvey said giving money to people who "are not putting anything back into the community" is like "helping a whole heap of no-hopers to survive for no good

Camera in a guy's head: Guy Fawkes Night 2008

2008-11-17T09:50:00.001+11:00

A bit eerie

'Ghost bike' memorial is vandalised

2008-11-13T19:23:00.000+11:00

nlnews@archant.co.uk12 November 2008 Dobbin, with what remains of the ""ghost bike HEARTLESS vandals have wrecked a "ghost bike" memorial marking the spot where a much-loved cyclist was killed.Australian James Foster, 36, died in July 2003 when he was hit by a car as he left work at Mosquito Bikes cycle shop, in Essex