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The diaTribe blog is our occasional take on life, the universe and everything. Observations on current affairs, the environment, politics, humour and music/gig reviews. Travel diary and extreme sports stories, along with the usual rants/raves are also chucked in for good measure.

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Stop ISP snooping! Oppose Phorm

Stop PHORM!

If they have their way all your web browsing history will be collected and sold to the highest bidder.

Fight back!

Technology at it's most pointless
Feb02

Bandanna Club joins Technorati

…and here’s our Technorati Profile

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Feb01

Rave: Jack Savoretti’s “Dreamers”

Jack Savoretti

It doesn’t happen often, but every now and then I hear a track which stops me in my tracks.

This happened earlier this week, when I heard Jack Savoretti’s “Dreamers” on Radio 2.

This track has a relatively simple but touching melody, with thought-provoking lyrics and a beautiful overall arrangement that is reminiscent of artistic legends such as Nick Drake.

Savoretti’s raw, yet yearning vocals give the track a “straight from the soul” sound and the ghostly background harmonies add to the bittersweet melancholy.

“Dreamers” is due for release, by De Angelis Records as a single on the 12th February, 2007. Check it out!

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1 Comment
Jan10

Rant: Database Deceivers

DNA Formation.  Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Over the last couple of years there has been a significant increase in the number of people who have their DNA stored in the national DNA database (NDNAD).

Most recent figures suggest that out of the 3-million or more entries, nearly a third of the entries are from people who have never been convicted, charged or even cautioned for any crime.

… more »

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Nov30

Hong Kong Revisited

Harbour View

It’s mid-morning as I sit in a coffee shop on Nathan Rd in the heart of the golden mile during the last day of a 3-day stopover from NZ.

A young woman wearing the latest western designer clothes strolls purposefully down the road. As she passes the coffee shop, she side-steps a tiny old woman, who is bent almost double, pushing a cartload of goods slowly down the street. The young woman barely sees her; she is talking on her mobile phone. Seconds later she glances at her brand-name watch before disappearing down into the Shah Tsim Shiu station of the MTR.

… more »

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1 Comment
Nov11

RIP Jack

Jack Palance

Was sorry to read in the news today about the death of Jack Palance.

Few actors of his caliber ever graced the silver screen – especially in the western genre and his portrayal of a long string of tough guys was difficult to match (perhaps only Lee Marvin and Clint Eastwood come close and neither was as good as Jack at playing the villain).

So long Jack – here’s hoping your last ride into the sunset will lead you to somewhere happy…

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4 Comments
Nov10

Up Yours George!

Dubya. Photo:Wikimedia Commons

Welcome news about the US mid-term elections which saw a massive protest vote turn the tide significantly against Dubya and his cronies.

Although Dubya can still use his presidential veto to override the will of Congress, it will at least mean that the White House won’t be able to get a republican controlled congress to rubber-stamp everything that comes down the line.

The news the Democrats manage to regain control of both houses of congress was made sweeter by the resignation of Donald Rumsfeld, who may even face charges in Germany for alleged abuses in Guantanamo Bay and Iraq. Here’s hoping…

Isn’t it nice to have something in politics to smile about at times?

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Sep29

Farewell to Centrex

the Centrex Team (Left to right: Susie, Phil, Ellie,Sue, Emma,Erica,Rosie,Gavin,James,Martin and Kate)

Well – time to say farewell to the Centrex crew.

After spending 15 months working on the Centrex Website and Intranet, it’s time to move on.

It certainly was one of the most interesting and challenging projects I’ve worked on for a good many years and the opportunity to work at a site as spectaular as Bramshill doesn’t come along very often.

Here’s hoping the future is every bit as bright as the past and that you all find a suitable place inside the new and improved police authority/infrastructure that the Home office is busy cobbling together.

What else can I say except so long…and thanks for all the memories!

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