Passion in the Moments

Saturday, 8 January 2011

ShutterDay: First of 2011 - Reclaimed and Recycled

Reclaimed...Recycled..

This collection of images are some of the best so far this year because they bring with them an incredibly positive story out of what should be a dire situation. The images are of reclaimed old iron parts, mainly from homes. The three gentlemen who own the trolley declined to be in the images as they were shy but they did explain why they had collected the metal. They told of how they went door to door collecting old metal pieces, often having to pay for it. They then take the metal to a recycling company that pays them for the metal. This has become a form of income for these men who would otherwise be struggling to provide for their families. It is encouraging to see that there is an emerging market for environmental jobs from a small scale in Zimbabwe, a country that has been so economically unstable that it has been difficult for many to gain and maintain any form of employment over the last decade. This is an encouraging indigenous entrepreneurial project though the men may not have in mind the environmental benefits of recycling, their ability to gain an income from reclaiming metal is contributing to the overall environmental efforts in Africa... a good news story indeed.

Friday, 7 January 2011

Rue's Friday Fragments #15

Hi I'm Rue, the artist and voice behind Passion in the Moments / E:thos Photographic. This weekly posting is essentially an opportunity to share tid-bits, rants and observations that I have come across 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!

Happy New Year!!!

A new year brings a new day, an opportunity to make right the wrongs of yesterday, to forge ahead with plans that promise a brighter tomorrow. A sunrise is just like a new year... When the sun sets the failures of the day are layed to rest and as the sun rises we have a new opportunity to make a fresh start, right wrongs and take on new challenges. The sunrise above is our gift to you, to remind you that every day brings a fresh start, a new beginning...change... From all of us at E:thos Photographic we wish you a very happy, prosperous and productive year! And we encourage you to start the way you mean to go on!

6. Picture of the week

We started the year with a BBQ!

5. The end of Facebook

So the week ended with a rumour that Facebook is on its way out...I'm not so sure that is a bad thing...

GOOD BYE....

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4. Paramedic went shopping while responding to 999 call

This is unreal right? Imagine making a 999 call because you are in labour, or are bleeding profusely or your appendix burst...then you are kept waiting because the paramedic on duty has some personal errands to run down town? This is what happened in the UK an enquiry heard. Esther Thomas, went shopping in her ambulance at a local store instead of letting controllers know that her ambulance was available to respond to an emergency. She was suspended pending the enquiry that is currently taking place. I think she should be fired because her job is not just a job, the availability of emergency services and timing from when an incident / accident occurs and a call is made is crucial, anyone who does not take the responsibility of first response seriously should not be allowed to carry out that role.

3. Starbucks re-brand...but why?

Starbucks is apparently spreading its wings and as such it is changing its logo to allow more flexibility as they move into new markets it is reported. Starbucks Chief Executive, Howard Schultz said in a webcast that they are removing the wording in the circle (see image to the left) to leave just the Siren / nymph like figure which Starbucks believes will give them the freedom to move and think beyond coffee...sounds like the coffee house is making major changes, only time will tell what those changes are and if their loyal following will be on board...I for one love Starbucks coffee and may be inclined to try some of their new products out of loyalty, depending on what they will start selling.

2. Escheresque Images

The artist Josh Sommers creates amazing escheresque images using his own mathematical formula it has been reported. I dont know much about the method but his images are intriguing and pretty amazing. You can see some here.

1. Song of the week

A collaboration of Zimbabwean Urban Groove Musicians - We keep rolling...

I heard this song at the end of last year and thought it fitting for the start of this one. Some of the lyrics are in Shona, a Zimbabwean language but you will get the gist of it if you hang in there for the English verses. The reason I chose it is that it reviews the struggles, trials and issues faced by a couple throughout last year and at the end the conclusion is...we keep rolling...we keep moving forward...together...