After the Christchurch and Japan earthquakes, my family and friends are safe.

Here are some amazing satellite photos of before and after the tsunami.

Interactive images here

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First, New Zealand is a big fault line, the edge of the Pacific and Indo-Australian Plates.  We are made up of volcanoes, we have built around, on and in these volcanoes.

Knowing where we live is important so we can be prepared for what may happen.  The New Zealand Government spends a lot of money on campaigns for Natural Disasters.  Being prepared is the first thing we should be.

There is only so much we can do though.  An earthquake can strike at any time, and if you are “in the wrong place at the wrong time“, you may experience much more than others.  This is the risk of life.  When walking or driving to work, due to something you have no control over, you may experience unforeseen, unpredictable things.

This brings me to the Moon Man, Ken Ring and all the noise John Campbell has raised about the 20 March 2011 prediction.  If we do our best to be prepared as best we can, then no matter what any person says, we can listen and take heed without being herded like sheep into an extreme state of fear or disregard.

To make a prediction, is to foretell the future.

I watch the weather forecasters regularly for my daily and future activities.  I have noticed that sometimes, they are on the money, other times, they can be days out or completely wrong.

Can someone predict an earthquake?  I have seen people do it, watch this video, jump to 4min 50secs and he speaks of an earthquake for Christchurch, posted on the 15 February 2011.  Yes, he was a day out.

Both parties are predicting, trying to foresee what has not happened.  Both of them do their best based on the information gathered and experience.  Neither of them get it right all the time.

If you are worried about the earthquakes that New Zealand has had and will have, then maybe you are best to move to somewhere like Australia where earthquakes are reasonably unlikely.  But they have their own challenges too.

For now, be prepared.  No matter where you live.  This provides peace of mind now and in the event.  Knowing you have a Plan B, knowing your family have a Plan B, is the best action you can have, no matter what the prediction is.

Be prepared.
Peace
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Click the image to view a great chart of earthquake stats.

The severity of what happened didn’t hit me until Saturday 26 Feb.   We went to help a friend move house and we had to drive from the West side to the East side of Christchurch.  It was amazing, the sand all over the streets, the massive sink holes that you can fit cars in, and being able to see the tops of the city centre buildings and how damaged they are.

It is going to be interesting times for the next couple of years here in New Zealand.  Socially, Economically, Politically.

People have left Christchurch to try and escape the earthquakes, even though New Zealand is one big fault line.  Last night, 1 March 2011 at 10:07pm, they had a 4.5.

Economically, it is also going to be very interesting as the cost of this quake has not only shut down the centre of Christchurch for months, but the rest of New Zealand will also feel the effects, most likely at least through a tax.

Politically, both of the above are going to be drivers as to what happens with the politics.

Food for thought:

“An earthquake achieves what the law promises but does not in practice maintain – the equality of all men.”  ~Ignazio Silone

For many, the earthquake reminds us what is important. How long will we practice those things that are important before we go back to our day dreams?

Peace,
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I want to increase the size of my images so I need to do a little playing to learn how the new software works with adding new photos, but I’m sure it’s all easy stuff once you know how.

Looking forward to getting back up to-date.

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With a wider perspective on life, comes a wider theme, with bigger photos. I’m looking forward to adding the past photos and getting back into a regular rhythm on the site.

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Dear Sir/Madam,

The Minister of Commerce, Hon Simon Power, asked me to thank you for your email regarding section 92A of the Copyright Act 1994. Your concerns have been noted.

Section 92A allows for termination of accounts of repeat infringers in appropriate circumstances. A purpose of this provision is to provide an effective means for dealing with behaviour which clearly infringes copyright, recognising that this behaviour can be costly for New Zealand’s creative industries. This is especially important given recent technological developments which now make it easier for online copyright infringement to occur. This amendment is not intended to deprive law-abiding businesses or private users of access to the internet.

Some have interpreted this legislation to assume guilt upon accusation of copyright infringement. There are concerns that this could lead to the termination of an alleged infringer’s internet account without evidence or opportunity for a user to provide a defence. In order to clarify the operation of section 92A, a voluntary code of practice (the Code) is being developed by internet service providers (ISPs) in consultation with the public and copyright holders.

In brief, the Code will likely outline that in accordance with section 92A, a user will receive fair warning regarding an alleged infringement. The user will then have the opportunity to refute any or all of the alleged infringements. As a backstop, section 92A only allows for account termination in appropriate circumstances. It is unlikely that termination will be appropriate where an alleged infringement has been disputed.

Section 92A has been delayed from coming into force by one month until 27 March 2009. The purpose of this delay is to allow ISPs and rights-holders time to complete the joint development of the Code. If a voluntary code is developed and the new section is implemented, both will be reviewed within six months to see how they are working.

It is important that the Copyright Act achieves an appropriate balance between the interests of copyright creators, owners and users.

Thank you for taking the time to raise this with the Minister.

Yours sincerely,

David Lilly

Private Secretary – Commerce

What is wrong here?…
The law obviously requires interpretation, because it needs “voluntary code” written by the people who want this law, to help “clarify” what they “intended” to do.

I’m no expert on the law, but I would have assumed (assumptions are the mother of all f&*^ ups) that there was law in place to deal with copyright infringement? The thing that has changed is that the powers that be can now snoop on us using the Internet, as where in the past they had to rely solely on people turning other people in.

So does that mean that we are also giving up our freedom here? I don’t believe they are allowed to tap my phone are they? Why should they be allowed to tap my Internet. If there is suspicious activity? What constitutes suspicious activity? Do Telco’s monitor phones for suspicious activity? I use file sharing, which I’m sure would be instantly classed as “suspicious activity” judging by statements made by MP’s, to download latest distro’s, software updates and other free media that I have legal rights too.

How do you distinguish “law-abiding businesses or private users”?

New Zealand is already crippled by Telco’s in regard to the Internet infrastructure and data caps compared to the rest of the developed world. I have lived and used the Internet in Japan and USA. New Zealand business, in regard to the Internet is way behind because the cost of doing so is prohibitive.

Laws like this are not encouraging New Zealand on any level to branch out in regard to technology.

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Click the image for a better view

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There is a canned response going round. But this is not acceptable, especially when they suggest it is not their responsibility. The Internet allows us to record information, share information, make people accountable… please read the links in the reply for quotes as to why National can not parse this off.

I thought the government was meant to work for the people? How the people feel over the new Internet law.

I have replied to Hon. Nick Simth’s letter below.

Dear Hon. Nick Smith,

Thank you for your time on this matter. I notice that parts of your reply appear to be a pre formatted response that has been given to National Party members.

“The amendment was passed through the House by the previous Government. The new National-led government understands that many people are concerned about the effect of the legislation and we will monitor the implementation of section 92A closely.”
Please note that Section 92A was supported by Judith Tizard (Labour) and Chris Finlayson (National). You can read here the quote from parliamentary record by Chris Finlayson (National, Attorney General) saying why he supports S92A: It was due to “approaches by various commercial entities”

http://tinyurl.com/national-labour-made-s92a

My biggest concern is that interpretation of the law is so open.
“Some media reports have interpreted this legislation to assume guilt upon accusation of copyright infringement.”
That is correct. The media have been able to interpret the law this way because it can be. Today the powers that would like the law to stay will interpret the law to the least offensive meaning.

I would appreciate your personal views on this law and the ability it gives for people to be punished outside of traditional trial systems.

I look forward to your timely response.

Thank you,
James Turner

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Dear James

Thank you for your email with regard to your concerns over section 92A of the Copyright Act 1994.

The amendment was passed through the House by the previous Government. The new National-led government understands that many people are concerned about the effect of the legislation and we will monitor the implementation of section 92A closely.

Section 92A will allow for termination of accounts of repeat infringers in appropriate circumstances. A purpose of this provision is to provide an effective means for dealing with behaviour which clearly infringes copyright recognising that this behaviour can be costly for New Zealand’s creative industries. This is especially important given recent technological developments which now make it easier for online copyright infringement to occur. This amendment is not intended to deprive law-abiding businesses or private users of access to the internet.

Some media reports have interpreted this legislation to assume guilt upon accusation of copyright infringement. There are concerns that this could lead to the termination of an alleged infringer’s internet account without evidence or opportunity for a user to provide a defence. In order to clarify the operation of Section 92A, a code of practise is being developed by internet service providers in consultation with the public and copyright holders.

In brief, the code will likely outline that in accordance with section 92A; a user will receive fair warning regarding an alleged infringement. The user will then have the opportunity to refute any or all of the alleged infringements. As a backstop, section 92A only allows for account termination in appropriate circumstances. It is unlikely that termination will be appropriate where an alleged infringement has been disputed.

It is important that the Copyright Act achieves an appropriate balance between the interests of copyright creators, owners and users. Section 92A has been drafted with this goal in mind.

Thank you for taking the time to raise this issue with me.

Yours sincerely

Nick Smith
MP NELSON

Personally I think the law is to broad. When it is open to such different interpretation by different parties then perhaps you need to reconsider its purpose. I have not investigated, but would have thought that there were already laws in place to deal with copyright infringement.

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Below is my letter.

Dear Hon Steven Joyce,

I’m writing in regard to Guilt Upon Accusation law Section 92A.

I’m an artist and I fully oppose the suggested law.

Please remember that we should all treat each other how we would like to be treated. The last thing myself or anyone else, and I’m sure yourself included likes, is to be accused of something, weather it is true or false.

Every person in New Zealand is currently entitled to a fair trial. This law removes this right. If it starts here, then where does it end?

This law is putting service providers in an uncomfortable situation. They need customers to survive. If they gain a reputation for banning customers unfairly then they are going to lose business. It was not their fault that the customer was banned, they will have been ordered upon accusation.

Please realise that it is not easy to know if a user is transferring data illegally. Many of the software systems used are designed to transfer data, not specifically to do illegal activity. I use the same software systems that are common to transfer illegal data to transfer my legal data. It does not make me a thief but this law makes it possible for me to be accused and punished with out any proof.

Please reconsider your actions. Please consider the actions of other countries that are realising this is an unjust ask of an industry that is reluctant to change with the times.

You see most industries move with technology or die. The industry people who are pro this law have done little to move with the fast changes of our time.

Please reconsider.

Thank you,
James Turner

James
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Digg this story http://digg.com/tech_news/Campaign_to_Stop_File_Sharers_Being_Guilty_Upon_Accusation

Read about it here http://torrentfreak.com/campaign-to-stop-file-sharers-being-guilty-upon-accusation-090105/

Specifics here and sign the partition http://creativefreedom.org.nz/s92.html

Join the FaceBook group http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=40731948387

As you know I have sent letters to the government before, and this time its about my fundamental right of ‘innocent until proven guilty’.

I will publicize my official letter to all members of parliament as soon as I have finalized it.

Until then I would like to share the copy and paste version from the Creative Freedom website.

Hi,
I’ve just become aware about some major proposed changes in NZ law that will have a huge impact on artists, businesses, and general members of the public: basically anyone that uses the internet, and I thought you should know about them.
The proposed Section 92 of the Copyright Amendment Act assumes Guilt Upon Accusation and forces the termination of internet connections and websites without evidence, without a fair trial, and without punishment for any false accusations of copyright infringement. We should speak out against injustices like Guilt Upon Accusation being done in the name of artists and protecting creativity.
The countdown is on: we have until 28 February 2009 to influence government.
An organisation called the Creative Freedom Foundation has been set up to specifically represent artists voices on these issues. Check out their website: http://www.creativefreedom.org.nz , sign up and help our MPs make an informed decision about S92!
Thanks,

Make your voice heard! Don’t let them do this!

Thanks,
James
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Photos from April this year are here. I have some catching up to do as photos are starting to flow again.

Just had a great week with the Teece’s snowboarding round Castle Hill. We had 3 awesome days of riding and a spot of caving.

James
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I’m sure someone is there, I see you on my stats Anyway, I have been underground, working on a Top Secret Project, so secret, even the government doesn’t know about it!

But spring is here and I’m feeling a little more motivated to work on this site again. I have plenty of photos to catch up on so will work on posting them up.

Here is a teaser of last week. I took a break in Nelson and 6 of us piled in to a van and went snowboarding at Rainbow.

Great Times!
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Dear James Turner

Thank you for your email to my office, dated 22 April 2008, regarding energy efficiency and renewable energy. I admire your resolve to make New Zealand a more sustainable place.

The government is committed to ensuring the country has a reliable supply of low-emission energy. In fact, the recently released New Zealand Energy Strategy sets the target for New Zealand to use 90 percent renewable electricity by 2025. The New Zealand Energy Strategy can be downloaded from www.med.govt.nz.

As you also mention in your letter, solar water heating has the potential to significantly contribute to household energy savings. The government currently offers grants of up to $1000 to install solar water heating and other energy efficient water heating systems in both new and existing homes. To find our more about the governments solar water heating grants please visit www.energywise.govt.nz/solar.

Additionally, the government is committed to improving the energy efficiency of New Zealand homes, enabling the introduction of alternative vehicle technologies such as electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids and continuing the uptake of renewable sources of energy generation, including wind, hydro, bio energy and geothermal. To find out more about these initiatives and about the range of grants and other forms of support that the government offers please visit www.eeca.govt.nz.

I am proud of the steps that New Zealand has taken so far and of our well deserved reputation as a world leader when it comes to addressing both sustainability and climate change.

Yours sincerely

Hon David Parker
Minister of Energy

PDF Version

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Here is my email to the New Zealand Government.

Dear Government,

Thank you for your time on the phone this morning and passing on my ideas.

The reason I picked up the phone and made the call was today is Earth Day http://ww2.earthday.net/ and they suggested I call my local government and make a difference.

There are many things we can do as a nation and I feel New Zealand is in a unique position in the world to be a leader in the area of energy and other environmental projects.

An ambitious but highly achievable goal for New Zealand is to become 100% renewable in its energy. We are so close, up to 70% already is. Lots of countries want to achieve 30% renewable energy in comparison.

This doesn’t just have to come from installing more forms of power generation. New Zealanders need to become more energy aware and responsible. We also need more help from the government.

Solar water heaters. New Zealand could save a huge amount of energy by taking more advantage of this. The government should look at helping to make them more “affordable” in some manner.

You say the power companies and others are going to cry about lost business, well maybe they need to rethink their business models in this changing “environment”. Maybe they need to start providing more or different services. If they want to play ignorant like the music industry then they will be left behind while the people move. Or they can be proactive and start providing new technologies like solar water heaters, be the leaders, innovate and stay ahead in these times of required change.

The people are moving, we are thinking, talking and acting. Take Kev the electric car guy, www.kiwiev.com as an example. He is making a difference, and more people are doing the same everyday. The people are leading and sharing the information required to make the difference on their own.

Listen up government, New Zealanders need your support to change the way we think and act about energy as many big business don’t want to know about it.

There is no shortage of New Zealanders who are more than capable of making this happen. Nurture them!

Everyday there are new advancements in the technology required to make a huge difference. I watch it and read about it on the internet everyday. Mainstream media no longer provides information that I am interested in. I have discovered a whole new world of proactive new thinkers who are making a difference.

This is an opportunity for the New Zealand government to expand and be seen, not only for its anti nuclear stance but its goal to become the leader in renewable and efficient use of energy!

I have tried to keep this short while still pushing some simple yet I hope powerful ideas. I have also forwarded this email to Earth Day Network and Meridian Energy as I feel that they are listening and will also appreciate the ideas in this email.

Thank you for your time.
I hope it has provided more food for thought.

James Turner
New Zealander

My 10 cents!
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