By Alan Kohler

News Ltd splashed on Conroy skiing with Kerry Stokes, part-owner of the Seven Network, in Colorado. (Barrie Cassidy)

The $235 million tax cut for commercial TV networks announced three weeks ago was indeed a bribe, as alleged by Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, but not for what he thinks.

It's also a perfect demonstration of why legislators and regulators should never hobnob with those whom they regulate.

Reducing it this year and next and then having another look at whole fee regime was a sensible decision - in fact, in my view it was the only possible decision in the light of the Government's need for the networks' cooperation in the digital switchover and the freeing up spectrum.

The Government desperately needs the networks to drive digital take-up and to help with a number of complex technical issues involved in the digital switchover - due to take place in 2013.

But what should have been a sensible recognition of reality was turned into a "grubby bribe" by Senator Conroy hobnobbing with billionaires on the slopes.

Alan Kohler is Publisher of Business spectator and Eureka Report, as well as finance presenter on ABC News and presenter of Inside Business.

January 29th, 2010

BEFORE AND AFTER: Google planned to use the Aboriginal flag as part of a redesigned logo (left) to mark Australia Day but the finished article (right) bore no flag

THE Territory man who designed the Aboriginal flag says he stopped online behemoth Google from using it because they were "disrespectful" in the way they approached him.

Google planned to use a drawing of the flag as part of its redesigned logo to mark Australia Day.

The design, depicting the letters of Google as Australian animals against a night sky with the Aboriginal flag forming one O, was created by 11-year-old Jessie Du from NSW, who won a competition to feature on the search engine's homepage.

But Google caused an online furore when it posted the design - without the Aboriginal flag.

This week Harold Thomas, who lives in Darwin's rural area, said negotiations "just broke down" over his copyright to the flag.

"I'd be tickled pink to have Google use my design on their logo," he said.

"It's customary for anybody using it in a commercial situation to (pay) a fee component.

"It's not about what I wanted. It's about the process.

"The prizes had been issued before I'd been contacted - that put me on the back foot, in a defensive manner.

"They were just niggling and did not want to respect me as an artist.

"They didn't make me an appropriate offer."

He said he was later offered "a pittance" but would not say how much.

Google public relations manager Annie Baxter said the company refuted Mr Thomas's claims.

"Knowing that the flag was copyright, it was imperative to us that we had the copyright holder's permission before displaying it on the homepage," she said.

"While we were hopeful that we would be able to show Jessie's beautiful image in its original form, unfortunately we weren't able to reach an agreement with the copyright holder, despite definite efforts to do so."

She would not say how much Google offered Mr Thomas.

Like me, wouldn't you just love to know how much Google offered Harold Thomas for use of the flag image in the doodle? I still find it quite amazing that for the purposes of displaying a child's artwork - and to celebrate our National Day - the 'edits' were simply the result of a 'money deal gone wrong'.

At least that's how I see it! Shame really, since now its just about getting some media attention. Outback, Australian artist versus the monolithic multi-national organisation. Sad really.

I wonder if News Limited has paid Mr Thomas a fee for displaying the flag image in their news stories? I guess that's different...isn't it? ;)

Sylvestor

Victory in closure of ozone hole over Australia, NZ

It was the biggest environmental issue of the 1980s, but today there is positive news about the hole in the earth's ozone layer. Australian scientists say the ozone hole is shrinking, and that it could close completely by the end of the century.

That's good news for Australians and New Zealanders who have had the scorching sun bearing down on them for decades.

Isn't it funny how such a hot-top of the 1980's and 90's - the Ozone hole and our contribution to creating it is suddenly off the agenda for the environment debate here in Australia!

Did you know that it had shrunk and is likely to complete close up?

I didn't.

The radical environmental nutters of course would not want you to know. They have moved on, they don't care about ozone, cfc's and the like. The only care about Carbon emissions now.

Sad really.

I am glad the Ozone layer is repairing itself, of course, I am sure it would have anyway ;)

Sylvestor
www.twitter.com/Sylvestor

The Twelve Apostles are now the Seven Apostles / Neil Sander

The Twelve Apostles, an amazing and ancient set of limestone monoliths that once forms part of our rugged coastline are slowly falling into the sea.

Another, the fifth, has now crumbled into the waves.

"I went 'oh my god'."

He arrived on the scene with a tour group of nine people and instantly noticed the missing apostle.

But by the time the group had arrived there wasn't much to see, according to Mr Sander.

"Just a little bit of rock sticking out. The water was murky too, almost an army green mixed with a creamy colour."

The apostle was one of those nearest the Loch Ard Gorge and Port Campbell and just before the remains of the Island Arch formation.

A shame but a part of life.

Sylvestor
www.twitter.com/Sylvestor

Find out about Australia's prime ministers

To begin, explore the life and times of Australia's PMs

Opening of parliament in Canberra, May 1927.

NAA: A6180, 20/5/74/42

Need a ready reference? Go to Fast facts

This is a fantastic resource of historical information about Australian political history, specifically, our Prime Ministers.

It is definitely worth bookmarking and having a browse. If nothing else, the simple demonstration of how young our "nation" really is, is certainly highlighted.

Sylvestor
www.twitter.com/Sylvestor

By Cathy Alexander

AAP

July 15, 2009 08:03am

AUSTRALIA is to get a new uranium mine - courtesy of former anti-nuclear campaigner Peter Garrett.

The environment minister has approved the country's fourth uranium mine, to be built in South Australia's northeast.

Mr Garrett sang against the nuclear industry in his days as Midnight Oil frontman.

Now he's sure the new Four Mile mine "poses no credible risk to the environment".

Opposition environment spokesman Greg Hunt, who supports uranium mining, attacked Mr Garrett for his backflip on the issue.

"The promises Peter Garrett chose to make on uranium mining stand for nothing - and nor does he, any longer," Mr Hunt said.

...its seems the values Mr Garrett held dear before entering politics are now a distant memory as he succumbs to the party-politic-forces that essentially gave him his new job. And lets not get confused here, Mr Garrett, YOU ARE the Government, when it comes to these matters. Don't be trying to shift this decision away from yourself.

If you don't support this notion, of another Uranium Mine in Australia, where then is your letter of resignation? Why haven't you stood down from your portfolio? Is you pay-cheque more important now than those values you hold dear? Where will you draw the line?

I accept the notion of mining uranium. Our country is rich in this resource, and it does go a long way to providing efficient power supply. This, however, appears to go against every pro-environment-notion you have espoused over your career both as musician and politician.

What next? Will you succumb to more coal-fired-power stations? Will you support more logging of old-growth timbers? Oh I guess thats the "government's" decision too isn't it Mr Garrett?

Transparent? I don't think so! You sir are a hypocrite! And that is my opinion.

Sylvestor
www.twitter.com/Sylvestor