’Pong has just posted some images of yesterday’s APEC (in)action, including the 21-bum salute to George W Bush. As always, click through for the full-sized beauty. He’s just left to see what’s what with the “main” protest today.
Bruce Schneier on The Chaser’s APEC breach
Security expert Bruce Schneier has blogged about The Chaser‘s APEC security breach — which means it’s just been read by most of the switched-on security professionals on the planet. “Social engineering” attacks like this are easy, he says. You just have to look like you fit in. One commenter points out that this goes beyond “security theatre” into “security opera”.
APEC “security theatre” a joke, literally
Now here’s a surprise. Not. The massive security operation surrounding APEC brings us yet another example of security theatre — pointless activity that’s all for show but which does nothing to actually enhance security.
The police busy themselves by (mostly politely) hassling tourists and photographers, deleting images of The Fence because “protesters might be doing reconnaissance for weak spots.” Uhuh. But The Chaser crew get within metres of George W’s hotel by playing dress-ups and driving big black cars.
Continue reading “APEC “security theatre” a joke, literally”
The Great Wall of Sydney
’Pong has started photographing The Great Wall of Sydney which descended with the start of APEC — naturally bringing his own “urban abstract” eye to the game.
Police have been deleting photos from cameras, so it’ll be interesting to see what happens when ’Pong returns to The APEC Zone tonight now that GWB has arrived.
When I phoned the police media liaison unit today, I didn’t get a very clear message about what was and wasn’t permitted. It all seems to be at the discretion of the officer on the ground. To me that just says “arbitrary” and “unaccountable” — and combining that with arrest-without-charge and the suspension of habeas corpus spells “danger”.
Anyway, check ’Pong’s images — and don’t forget to click through for the full-sized beauty.
Apple’s computer recycling weekend
If you’re in Sydney or Melbourne, there’s an opportunity to recycle your dead computers this month. Of course Apple has organised this after scathing criticism of their environmental record, but it will help reduce Australia’s mountain of computer waste.
Which rant? Can’t pick!
With no time or inspiration for my own creativity today, I thought I’d just point to someone else’s rantings. But I can’t pick! Which of these best fits the mood of the day?
- Quatrefoil’s Just because I don’t have a baby doesn’t mean I’m not tired, a heartfelt whinge from someone who’s chosen to produce something other than spawn. Go girl!
- Richard Watts’ call to arms in defence of Aussie English — which I’d certainly respond to at length if I had the energy.
- The Gaping Void cartoon immediately below.
As background, I should mention that Sydney had 50mm of rain last night, it’s cold, there’s now a slight leak in the office ceiling and I’m tired.