h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

to be fair to our neighbors to the south, who have received much criticism for Camp X-Ray, here's a story that should make us all start calling our MPs:

http://www.aljazeerah.info/30%20o/September%2011%20anniversary%20ruffles%20Arabs,%20Muslims%20Nihal%20Kaneira.htm

It didn't work! The link, that is...

Let's see. hmm.

http://aljazeerah.info/Opinion%20editorials/2003%20Opinion%20Editorials/August/30%20o/September%2011%20anniversary%20ruffles%20Arabs,%20Muslims%20Nihal%20Kaneira.htm

preview. open in a new window.

There you go, this one works.

I still haven't called my MP yet. And he's the only Muslim MP in the House of Commons. I should call him. Even if he is in totally the wrong party.

boy september must be fun for those 'a bit arab looking'

A followup of a slightly positive nature:

http://www.cbc.ca/stories/2003/08/31/toronto_arrests030831

Access Denied You don't have permission to access "http://www.cbc.ca/stories/2003/08/31/toronto_arrests030831" on this server.

hmm. it works for me.

It probably only works for Canadians. There's been a lot of 'national' barriers put up around the web lately. Both at the source (by the source site or national servers) and by filters at your local servers which prohibit you from accessing certain international content.

The nastiest ones are US sites that refuse to show me anything but a homepage flagged with 'for US only'.

Need I say how stupidly regressive it is to go to such lengths to protect 'national' interests. Not to mention being contrary to the one progressive ideal (world wide communication) that makes the web a worthwhile pursuit for an open mind. If I am only allowed to revisit what I already know or what my country decides I should know, then quite honestly, I don't wanna know.

peace
~jwf~

Thanks, that one's fine (and very interesting.) We have a Muslim MP here, just one. He's a Pakistani. Thanks for the link!

Really, "for US only"? I haven't seen that yet, but it's terrible!

I remember, pre sept 11 attacks, an american tried to show me the weather report from where she lived. But when I opened the page I got text and no images and a message saying that bacause I was outside the US I could not see the satellite weather images.

I've never come across this phenomenon before but it sounds like a really stupid thing to go to the trouble of doing. Is it possible that it isn't a barrier that has been erected but rather a limitation of the system? I'm not that knowledgeable about the technical side of the net, but it sounds unlikely that it would be a limitation. I guess the lesson is "Never underestimate the power of human stupidity"

I was going to try the link from home but didn't get a chance as I was getting rid of windows XP.

jwf what sites are like that? For US only?

jwf what sites are like that? For US only?

This was on the link from anaga in the letters to the editor;
I think it is well said. This is what many people want. I am touched by the addition of wishes for America

13 Ways for the US Government to Encourage International Support in Iraq

Apologize to the Iraqis for what you have done to them.

Tell the world you are sorry for lying to them about the Iraqi threat.

Tell the world you are sorry for bullying them into helping you go to Iraq.

Tell the countries that chose not to help you that you are sorry for punishing them with trade sanctions.

Tell the world that you are sorry for not respecting international law.

Tell all English speaking countries that you are sorry for manipulating the English language into sheer gibberish.

Tell your neighbouring countries that you understand and respect their sovereignty.

Promise to teach American children a balanced version of history.

Promise to help educate American adults who were schooled in a biased history.

Encourage the American culture to occasionally self-deprecate.

Encourage free press in the USA.

Be respectful to the United Nations now that it is abundantly clear that you need them.

Be honest with the people of the United States.
Kind Regards

>> jwf what sites are like that? For US only? <<

Ah... well... y'see... until now there was no reason to keep a record of any I encountered with the "US only" text coming up when reached by a non-resident computer. Of course a few were probably 'retail' sites that simply cannot deliver to customers outside the US for any number of valid reasons. Next time though, for sure, I will make a note and post the URL.

Many sites ask you to 'register' first. Perhaps it's an oversight by the programmers but many US sites will simply not accept anything but a 5 digit US postal code. The page will keep insisting you have incorrectly input your address and refuse to process your registration form until you complete it 'correctly'. Making up a phony 5 digit code and address will also be spotted and refused.

Meanwhile, the weather maps site which Apparition mentioned is certainly one example of a more direct refusal.

peace
~jwf~

example 1

http://www.msn.com/

http://ca.msn.com/

No biggie, it is only good marketing.




pedboy®

Excellent, abbi normal, I am in agreement with all those.

good list abbi. However half those things would mean a republican never gets elected again and so won't happen any time soon.

Propper teaching of history is a major one I agree with.

Oh I see. The zip codes- they do seem to be inescapable.
They are a primary tracking tool.