Remembrance...A little everyday

This post is as a memorial...

To all who have stood or died in every civil disobedience, war, or protest against, oppression, tyranny, dictatorship and genocide, no matter the magnitude. Without these heroes of our free world it begs not to think where we would be today...

Poppies on a monument
In honour of the heroes who fell before us

Liberty

            Freedom

                          License

Words that are tossed around protest marches, petitions and rallies. Language that is not unfamiliar to the masses yet with little appreciation for their magnitude and gravity. Each letter is drenched in blood... blood of white and black and yellow... all peoples alike... Every corner of the earth has bled to give birth to the ideology that these words represent. Bled for the reality of these words, bled for the hope that one day the whole world would embrace not just their meaning, but the sacrifice that birthed them.

To have liberty.

To walk in the street when you want, go where you want, with whom you want, without a curfew or military presence as an unspoken caution to restrain your choices...
Being in a position to be open hearted, open minded and open armed...giving room for all peoples, sharing the stage not dictating its possession.
Having the choice; No the right to freely surrender every expressive element from within your being...to have control of you...to be free...


To have freedom.
To know who you are, where you came from and not be denied leave to proceed to where you are going.
Roaming the wilds of imagination, riding the tides of free speech, dancing in the light of opportunity.
Possessing the ability to exercise your will, choose what to believe and whom to follow, if indeed follow at all...the right therein one decides.


To have license.
The right to be unapologetically human, to be a citizen of one's soul without shame or reproach...to feed one's brain with knowledge and body with sustenance to bring strength. 
To hold the keys to one's destiny and utilise them without restraint, fear or inhibition. 
To be without hindrance...without muting... without master, ball or chain.


Freedom...Liberty...License...these are the bedrock of all we hold fast to as free men. Without these tyranny and lawlessness will prevail there is no doubt. 
For these, many stood and fought
For these many more lay down and died
For without this sacrifice;
None would be born free...
None would live free...
None will die free.

Rue's Friday Fragments #7

Hi I'm Rue, the artist and voice behind Passion in the Moments / E:thos Photographic. As you may have gathered in looking around the blog,  I think a lot and share those thoughts with all and sundry (that is anyone who will listen!). This weekly posting is essentially an opportunity to share tid-bits, rants and observations that I have made in the course of the week that are not really worth writing a whole article about but are interesting nevertheless. These coupled with that odd picture I have taken that doesn't really fit in anywhere, news about what's going on @ E:thos and a review of something interesting, put together in one post makes up what I call Rue's Friday Fragments. There is humour, righteous indignation, sad truths and a little of me, so something for everyone...enjoy!

The 30 things to do before 30 list has got of to a good start with two tasks completed since the initial posting last week. Click here to see the full list, here for the London Tour and here for the beauty treatment pain!!! and you will be able to see how I got on! 

If you would like your goods or services featured here please get in touch with us at ethosphotographic@gmail.com

10. Picture of the week

On the bread line...

9. Tourist trampled to death by elephant

This is a sad yet bizarre story... A man named Don Hornsby was killed by 'an enraged elephant' when he was on holiday in Zimbabwe and trying to take a picture of the elephant. Why was the elephant enraged? Because the elephant is upset at all the poaching that has been taking place in the neighbourhood lately!?!?! Or so was reported by the New Zimbabwe Newspaper. The paper said that the elephant was traumatised! Really???? I thought. So I read on... Apparently Hornsby's attempts at snapping the animal enraged it and it charged him while he was fishing next to a river. I just don't know about this report but my heart and prayers go out to the family of this poor man.


8. Child labour in The united Kingdom

Seven Romanian children between the ages of 9 and 16 have been found working on a farm in the Malvern Hills District, Worcestershire, England without adequate clothing for warm the BBC reported on Sunday. (Child labour in the first world! Yes you read correctly, do not adjust your monitors). The children, some with their parents were among a group of 50 Romanians that were found on the farm without a license to work in the UK it was reported. The children have been taken into police custody and handed over to social services who are trying to discover the children's identities. It is truly ironic that these children were found working in the UK which has such robust law to protect children that it denies parents their responsibility of disciplining their children and raising them the way they see fit. Even teachers have little authority in their classrooms over pupils yet here in the midst of all this legislation we find child labourers! The mind boggles...


7. The E:thos I-Pad review

The official spiel: 'The iPad is Apple's first tablet computing device and builds upon the success of its iOS platform for iPhone and iPod Touch. Essentially the iPad could be perceived as a large version of the iPod Touch, but bridging the gap between small devices and laptops. The iPad is the portable, lightweight, convenient computing and entertainment device.' 
I got an I-pad about a month ago now and I have got to say that it does everything it says on the tin, its fantastic! This is my first experience of Apple products so a plea sent surprise how flexible it is and the amazing way it shows my images in its gallery application, I am in awe! The best feature for me is the gallery / image display application most definitely! I also love how I can write notes in the note pad and then email them to myself even if I am offline and as soon as I have signal the email goes through! the downside is that everything has to go through I-tunes which really is a bore are you have to be online to add anything to you I-pad and as I have the wireless version instead of 3G, occasionally the simple cut and past of windows is sorely missed. Aside from that it is fantastic, I love it and can see more apple products in my future....So overall I would recommend it, totally!  

6. Keeping hope alive for single women everywhere

This picture is worth a million words!!!

Being a single woman fast approaching 30 myself, this story brings such hope for the future! These first time brides (my twist) are blushing and indeed in style wearing the dresses they bought in their 30's no less in preparation for this their big day! They are excited and reading for that moment they have been waiting for since they were little girls!  So single ladies take heart! It may take a week or a month or forty or fifty years, but if you hold onto your dream, your prince will come!


5. Goodbyes
I was watching Ugly Betty this week and she said something profound which I actually took away from the episode and have applied to my life (yes I have learnt something from junk TV people!) She said (and I paraphrase a little)

Not so Ugly Betty in my book!

"Goodbyes are painful and seem to happen more often than we would like... though we will never forget what we have lost we owe it to ourselves to keep moving forward. What we cant do is live our lives afraid of the next goodbye because chances are, their not going to stop... The trick is to recognise when a goodbye is a good thing...when its a chance to start again..." Wise words.


4. A third sex?

Seriously I saw this symbol this week online. Cant remember where to be honest but I recall pausing, looking at it and wondering what on earth it was?????? I get that people have all sorts of sexual orientation these days but the last time I heart there were still only two basic sexes. Has that changed? Is there really a 'shemale' out there now standing as the third sex?


3. Slovenia elects Peter Bossman as first black mayor
An interesting story out of Eastern EuA Ghana born doctor has been elected the first black mayor in Slovenia and he is thought to be the first in old Yugoslavia as well. Mr Bossman says that he faced no discrimination during the political race and he is delighted to have been elected. [Full story here].


2. Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman sing to Dubai Fountain

 Uncle John and Me :)

Uncle John sent me an email this week on Thursday with this spectacular video presentation of that timeless song ' Time to say goodbye' sang by Andrea Bocelli love him!) and Sarah Brightman sung to the movement of the Dubai Mountain. It is just breathtaking and I couldn't think of a better way to end the week than by sharing this with you...To watch it, click on the web link below the picture of the Dubai Fountain...Enjoy!

http://www.wimp.com/dubaifountain/

1. Music Video of the Week
Song: Bab Yetu compossed by Christopher Tin (Choir unknown to me)
The song for this week is a beautiful rendition of 'The Lord's Prayer' in Swahili called Baba Yetu (which means our Father). I was so taken by the Dubai fountain that it is in our video of the week as well, only this time to the song Bab Yetu (translation below) 

Click here for the link

Baba Yetu Lyrics

CHORUS
Baba yetu, yetu uliye
Mbinguni yetu, yetu, amina!
Baba yetu, yetu, uliye
Jina lako litukuzwe.
(x2)

Utupe leo chakula chetu
Tunachohitaji utusamehe
Makosa yetu, hey!
Kama nasi tunavyowasamehe
Waliotukosea usitutie
Katika majaribu, lakini
Utuokoe, na yule, milelea milele!

CHORUS

Ufalme wako ufike utakalo
Lifanyike duniani kama mbinguni. (Amina)

CHORUS

Utupe leo chakula chetu
Tunachohitaji utusamehe
Makosa yetu, hey!
Kama nasi tunavyowasamehe
Waliotukosea usitutie
Katika majaribu, lakini
Utuokoe, na yule, simovu mwehu (?)

Baba yetu, yetu, uliye
Jina lako litukuzwe.
(x2)

Rough Translation

CHORUS
Our Father, Jesus, who art
in Heaven. Amen!
Our Father, Jesus
Hallowed be thy name.
(x2)

Give us this day our daily bread,
Forgive us of
our trespasses
As we forgive others
Who tresspass against us
Lead us not into temptation, but
deliver us from Evil, and you are forever and ever!

CHORUS

Your kingdom come, your will be done
On Earth as it is in Heaven. (Amen)

CHORUS

Give us this day our daily bread,
Forgive us of
our trespasses
As we forgive others
Who tresspass against us
Lead us not into temptation, but
deliver us from Evil, and you wake the dead (?)

Our Father, Jesus who art...
Hallowed be thy name.
(x2)

Have a great weekend folks! 

The Official London Tour #10 - 30 things to do before 30

I have kicked off my 30 things before 30 challenge with The official London Tour and River Cruise which is #10 on my list. I had the pleasure of doing the tour with my dad and my sister and I must say we had a blast!
The thing I love most about London is the buildings. The traditional architectural styles of the Victorian, Edwardian and Elizabethan eras are exquisite and timeless in my book. I could spend all day looking at these buildings and taking in the intricate carving and sculpting of their façades and appreciating their historical significance. The tour was therefore a particular treat for me which we took via the Red route of  The Original Tour (London Sightseeing) Company.  London is a city I would recommend anyone visit for is architectural heritage, multi-cultural mix and wonderful sights.

                                      


The highlights!
Aside from the river cruise and buildings which I loved! The best part of the day was having tea at The Grosvenor, Victoria which my Dad treated us to at the end of the day. You know how you pass posh hotels but never go in because you know that their price list is over exaggerated and you cant justify forking out to dine or have drinks there? (Don't get me wrong I don't mean up market bistro's or classy lounges, no they are totally within reach, I mean seriously upmarket as in the Grosvenor and Dorchester level of upmarket!). Anyway, we get back to Victoria at the end of the tour and river cruise and my dad says he will treat us to afternoon tea. We are like great! And then he says in there (there pointing to The Grosvenor! To which I was like yep!  I'm in!)  The Grosvenor is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G! Luxury that should be illegal and ambiance that is second to none, a real treat indeed!

The Buildings and Monuments
The following are some of the images I took during the London bus tour

The photo-Ops
Pics of us out and about in London


The Cruise

The Tower of London

By the river

And that in a nutshell was our day out touring London :)

The End

To see the full list of 30 things to do before 30, click here.

Rue's Friday Fragments # 4

Hi I'm Rue, the artist and voice behind Passion in the Moments / E:thos Photographic. As you may have gathered in looking around the blog,  I think a lot and share those thoughts with all and sundry (that is anyone who will listen!). This weekly posting is essentially an opportunity to share tid-bits, rants and observations that I have made in the course of the week that are not really worth writing a whole article about but are interesting nevertheless. These coupled with that odd picture I have taken that doesn't really fit in anywhere, news about what's going on @ E:thos and a review of something interesting, put together in one post makes up what I call Rue's Friday Fragments. There is humour, righteous indignation, sad truths and a little of me, so something for everyone...enjoy!

If you Luuurve Passion in the Moments please don't forget to vote for us on our CoolPhoto Blogs  award page here. 
We have also submitted an image for the G-Technology Creative Competition. If you have not already, please do vote for us here, Thank you!

Have a look at this week's Photo Study; a derelict church building that appears to have suffered some fire damage in Bristol  City Centre. See more here... 

This week's shout out is to The Royal Family...No no! Not the British Royal Family, but another equally royal group of really talented young people who make amazing music! They are known as TRF Worldwide.

TRF Worldwide is a group of artists that have come together and formed a Christian record label, Management Company and Publishing House to market their talent. The say of themselves; 'We represent an anti-pop culture movement and strive to change people's mindsets about God's music and His message' a bold statement which they have made strides towards achieving in practice. You will find more about TRF Worldwide on their website and myspace pages, including how to purchase their music..

Contact info
Web: http://www.trfworldwide.com/
Myspace:http://www.myspace.com/trfworldwide/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/UrTRF
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/TRF-Worldwide/209019742754

10. Picture of the week

9. Webcam Prank 
It was sad to hear in the news this week of the young boy who committed suicide after his room mate put a compromising video of him on the internet. What is equally disturbing is that this awful incident is being used as a means to further an agenda for 'Gay Rights' activists which could see the two teens who posted the video sent to prison. I've got to say that I don't believe that the centre of this story is homosexuality at all, but some deep rooted issues beyond that which the young man who died was facing prior to the public embarrassment. It may have been an issue of acceptance by himself or other, life pressures, his relationship with his family, even education or a combination of these. The other side of the coin is that we have and allow the likes of Jerry Springer type TV shows to not only air but let children be exposed to these and all them to think that another's pain / suffering / embarrassment publicly is amusement. The reality is that society and parents have a share to blame in this story and it is about a generation of young people being raised to do what makes them feel good and ultimately if they are not cool and accepted and 'like everyone else' then they are a minority and may as well not exist. The same set of circumstances could apply to any child that is different and is not confined to sexuality in my book, but altogether a sad story...


8. Johnny Deep in London School as Captain Jack Sparrow 

A great story I watched online this week is that of Johnny Deep taking time out of filming to attend a school assembly in London after a nine year old fan named Beatrice wrote to him. He arrived in full costume as Jack Sparrow, letter in tow and entertained the children. I do love stories where wealthy famous people do something pro bono especially if it is for children so good on you Johnny! 

7. Gamu on X-Factor to be deported?

Firstly it must be said that this young lady has serious talent! She really has a big voice for such a small girl and I was truly impressed with her music. however, seriously, if you are an illegal immigrant or no longer have leave to live in a foreign country would you honestly apply to take part in a national televised music competition????????????? So talented definitely...but not too clever I'd say...

6.Nobel Awarding body get it right this time
Following the ridiculous awarding of a Nobel Peace Prize to the yet proven President Barack Obama it is refreshing to see that the awarding committee have collected themselves and returned to awarding people for their achievements rather than a wish that one may achieve with the award to Chinese dissident  Liu Xiaobo this year. He is being awarded for his long standing campaign for human rights in China and a call for political reform. However the Chinese government are in uproar as Mr Xiaobo is currently imprisoned in China for his activities so controversy has yet to leave the Nobel Peace Prize Awards process.


5.Ed Balls or Yvette Cooper for top job

This is an amusing story but also a serious one in the political tussle between  husband and wife team Ed Balls or Yvette Cooper British politicians both vying for the same top job as Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer. The amusement is in that his wife has more political support than her husband so one can only imagine what it would be like over the dinner table after she wins and then maybe burns the rice because she is distracted by her top job! Lol! Only joking about the rice but it is a lot to be said for women in the workplace and in politics so Yvette you have my support!

4. Slogans and cursing

I saw this poster on someone's wall on Facebook and thought, yes this is fantastic! Way too often and too easily people curse and swear using blasphemous language which is simply not on! I get incredibly frustrated with people who do this because it is one thing to not believe in God but that doesn't mean you should be disrespectful of Him especially in public as the rest of us DO believe in Him! I hope we see more slogans like this setting the record straight!

3. Google sponsored images
I didnt know google was doing this but when I was searching for something the other day the google image (below) of John Lenon came up so I clicked on it and it went to another page which essentially was a search for Lenon himself! Who knew google was doing that???? Interesting marketing tool or just clever art? 

2. Five guys to avoid
Destiny Connect online Magazine says that; 'They may be charming and sexy but these guys will only leave you with a broken heart' [read full article here]. It must be said that its nothing new but us girls seem to be consistently caught in the same trap over and over and over again! Look beyond this list ladies and see the good men out there!

1. Men peeing into bottles on public buses!!!!
I know, but alas it is true! I don't even want to think anymore about it except to say you can read the full account if you follow the link here.

From This World Around Me

Disclaimer: Images in this post are courtesy of the internet unless otherwise labelled as my own work.

Man's best friend?

"The one absolutely unselfish friend that humans can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts them, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous is their dog."

George Graham Vest, Senator of Missouri, 1855

I have often stated the truth that 'people are relational creatures and not only is man not an island, man cannot exist fully in isolation'.  We were created to be relational by a relational creator who seeks relationship with us so it is no surprise that all people seek out connections with other people. Where these connections fail to develop into tangible relationships we tend to turn to pets  to find this connection we so desperately seek. 

 I must admit I have never understood the concept of a dog being man's best friend. Vest suggests that dog's are considered to be such because as human's we are so incredibly suspicious and devoid of trust for one another that we turn to animals to make that close bond / connection that we crave, dogs in this case but any pet of choice can be slotted in here. 

Whilst there is an element of truth in the point that it is difficult to find trustworthy people in our increasingly selfish and introverted world, this is not an impossible feat. The difficulty lies in man's innate selfish disposition that gives rise to untrustworthy behaviour and distrust where one approaches relationships from a purely self-seeking perspective. In an environment where one esteems others above self, one can create and foster genuine connections with other people and the effort in seeking these connections out is  often what many choose not to employ, deciding on focusing their efforts on a bond with an animal who wont talk back, tell them the truth, make demands on their time and money (beyond what is necessary for its health and life) or disagree with them. Not to mention those who turn on the owners children out of jealousy and attack them or those that do run away.

No I find it difficult to subscribe to the concept of a relationship with an animal (a dog in this case) being a better connection that that with another human. I would go do far as to say that a dog (or cat etc) is not any man's best friend but a selfish man's escape from genuine human relationship and connection with other people, because said man does not want to compromise, to partner with or be exposed and vulnerable with another person where accountability and faithfulness will be expected...a truly sad state of affairs indeed...

Brenda Photo Challenge: Photo Essay

The mini soap opera series

I like to call this set 'The mini soap opera series', featuring my gracious models 'A & A double act'. The idea is that he is someone who lives in the same building and is trying to seduce the girl and though she flirts with him she ultimately rejects his advances. 

This photo story is symbolic of human attitudes to life in that there are those who will go out and get what they want from life understanding that this is not a dress rehearsal and we only get one shot at living. While there are others who flirt with life but never really live it and finally those who are afraid of life and therefore are bystanders thus rejecting living and making choices.

More photo essays at Brenda's Photo Challenge here.

The 'Big Brother' Generation Seeking Privacy

This collection of images aptly named 'The Big Brother Generation Seeking Privacy' is the result of a photo shoot that was borne out of the question of privacy in this modern 'global' world. David Aaronovitch told in an article he wrote for the Times Newspaper that we are reported to be captured by Closed-Circuit Television [Security Cameras] (CCTV) on average 300 times a day in the United Kingdom on a network of 4.2 million CCTV cameras dotted across the country. This in addition to the simplicity by which on can gain often detailed knowledge about another person simply by 'googling' them leaves me wondering if there really is any privacy left in our society. The latter is down to one's control of their personal information, however the latter is so far beyond our control that we can go through life without even noticing it is happening to us at such an alarming rate. how often do we go into a public place and interact without noticing the thirty or so cameras that are sharing that experience with us and some even recording it?

We hear of celebrities being hounded by paparazzi photographers and gossip mongers and we look at that and say, well they have put themselves out there on the spot light so what else do they expect. Yet when it is closer to home and by the mere act of stepping outside your home you are photographed up to 300 times without your knowledge, images you will never see yet they may lead to surveillance of your home, internet usage, your family...particularly in the age of intensified terrorism where we live in fear and suspicion. The result is that we involuntarily live in a country sided 'Big Brother' house without applying to join the reality show or any change of winng the prize money at the end, or indeed getting an end.

Some would argue of the security benefits when we consider that such CCTV footage has lead to the detailing of the last movements of a missing or murdered person; the case of the Ipswich murders comes to mind, or the tracing of suspected terrorists. Whilst others would take the position that if you have not committed a crime or behave in appropriately why should you worry? This is when the question of a Right to Privacy is most important. Privacy is the the right to be free from unsanctioned intrusion; the quality or condition of being removed from the constant view and scrutiny of another.

When we correctly deduce the essence of its meaning, privacy goes far beyond being able to live behind closed doors. It is also the ability to be able to live without said doors whilst enjoying an absence of penetration from any source without your express consent, no without your invitation. That is the fundamental human right that is evaded through this excessive monitoring in every public place from the street you live, the bank where you keep your money to your local shopping centre and petrol station.There is a lot to be said for one having the liberty to have privacy; particularly in a democracy that prides itself on the choice of the individual and the protection of said individual's human rights. However thus far, this right to privacy has eluded us and is poised to continue to do so as the global threats of terror turn the free man...the law abiding citizen into a goldfish in a bowl...a suspect...a caged bird whose life is on display for all to see...