Grim videos showing violent and sexually explicit content are introducing the "dark side" of the internet to children, warns a committee of Britains MPs, who say more needs to be done to block clips showing inappropriate material by online companies. It cited research suggesting that 16% of eight-to 15-year-olds in the UK have come across “nasty, worrying or frightening” content online, and said there was “consistent” evidence that up to 20% of children have suffered cyber-bullying. The Committee also said there was a “lax approach” by some sites to removing illegal material and that it was “shocking” that the industry standard for removing material was 24 hours. The MPs also recommend software filtering to automatically identify inappropriate material and the adoption of an age-classification scheme for online games.

Apparently the"Great Firewall of China" blocks information the government views as improper, unhealthy or a threat to its internal law and order. Sites that contain obscenity, pornography, and criminal activity are banned. Severe restrictions are in force against sites that cover "taboo topics"  such as police brutality, freedom of speech, and Marxist sites. [I find the last one amazing if true!].  It would appear that the BBC world news is well received on the other side of the bamboo curtain which is I suppose gratifying. Beijing Olympic Organising Committee spokesman Sun Weide told journalists: “We will be providing full access to the internet so that your reporting during the Olympic Games will not be affected in any way.” Some internet sites have been blocked by Chinese authorities, but these were unrelated to the Olympics. Our preoccupation is to ensure that the international media can report on the Olympic Games. And anything beyond that is a matter for the Chinese authorities.”

If no form of censorship existed anywhere in the world then I would be critical of those who practised it. As I see it the reporters who are in China are there specifically to report on the Olympic games. They do protest to much about censorship – are they angry because access to their daily ‘fix’ of porn has been removed from china.com? 

[m. jagger/k. richards]

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Yes michael jagger is a pensioner !

China has set up designated areas in three Beijing parks for demonstrations during the Olympics.The idea to have "protest pens" is in line with practice at past Games as the International Olympic Committee charter prohibits demonstrations or "political, religious or racial propaganda" at Olympic venues or sites.

"We have dedicated places for demonstrations at several parks," said Liu Shaowu, director of the security department at Beijing's Olympics organising committee."Chinese law protects the legal right of people to hold lawful demonstrations and marches."

 Ranks of Chinese paramilitary police swore to prevent terrorist attacks or "political incidents" disrupting the Beijing Olympics in a show of force at the Games' main stadium.The troops were told they must "resolutely prevent major incidents of violence and terrorism, resolutely prevent major political incidents affecting state security and social stability, and resolutely prevent large-scale mass incidents."[ A euphemism for riots, demonstrations and protests].

 The People's Armed Police is a key force China has deployed to maintain control during the next month's Games, were reminded that the country's Communist Party leaders regard security threats as a paramount concern. Commander Yu Linxiang told 100,000  troops to "fight well in the offensive battle for Olympic security",

I think I will stay home and wait for the start of the Premiership!

At the break of the morn, when the crest of the hill
    Is tipt with a golden glow,
And the rosy sun riseth fresh from his sleep
    His soft light on the earth to throw,
Then the notes of the lark are heard from the sky,
    From the woodlands the linnet's sweet song,
And the musical murmur of streamlet is heard,
    As its waters flow gently along:—
'Tis then that I feel what a mystical charm
    The whole of my being doth fill;
For I love to be out, and see Nature awake,
    So calm, so serene, and so still.

When the bright Summer day its full splendour attains,
    Nor a cloud dims the azure blue sky,
The breezes are laden with perfume of flowers,
    The Orchard's sweet bloom meets the eye;
And the farmstead so white, with its newly-thatched roof,
    To the scene a new beauty doth lend,
And the bright wavy corn with its mellowy glow
    Beneath its rich treasure doth bend;
'Tis then that I wander through meadows so green,
    Where the farmer, so blithesome and gay,
Is gathering into the garner his store
    Of the full-ripen'd, sweet-scented hay.

At the close of the day, when to its repose
    The spirit of nature doth fly,
The nightingale warbles its sweet even-song,
    The bright star of eve lights the sky;
While in dingle and dell, where the wild flowers dwell,
    And the bird o'er its nestlings doth brood,
Not a sound can be heard, save the murmur of bees,
    Returning to home with their food;—
'Tis then that I sit by the bank of some stream,
    And gaze on the scene with delight,
Till the bright vision fadeth away from my view,
    Shut in by the curtain of night.

James Duxbury 1854 - ????

In 1918 the Representation of the People Act gave voting rights to women over 30. She died while campaigning in June 1928, less than a month before a bill giving women equal voting rights with men became law.

  

I noticed the increased activity in and around the Pyracantha on Tuesday - both male and female spent from dawn to dusk flying 'goodies' into the nest. Wednesday I saw two had leapt the nest and were exploring the garden. That was when the female had a spat with a magpie. If she had have buttoned her beak all may have been well. Instead,in the highest decibels she could muster, she announced to the surrounding area that she had a secret. Now cats are lazy creatures and when on thursday morning two entered the next door garden she was at it again. The cats, as ever, were curious , so jumped onto a handy garden shed to see what all the fuss was about. This increased the noise level from 'Mum'so I did my bit for conservation with a well aimed jug of water! It was 10 minutes later, when the male blackbird flew off to forage for food,that she stopped her warning cries. Feeding continued the rest of an uneventful day. Yesterday and this morning their is no sign of the male or two of the three fledglings, she is still feeding the youngest bird who is in the Vibernun near the kitchen window.Has he taken them on a worming trip ?? Will he return ?? Will she manage on her own ??

   SECOND HATCHED WAITING FOR ROOM SERVICE

               MOTHER FEEDS No. 3

     FIRST HATCHED

WIWILL THEY SHOOT ? WI