Another week of opportunity!
I heard from a friend yesterday who loves bushwalking, he noted that sometimes on the walk that there is a place where there are almost 100 steps, and as you ascend the steps, it is often not until you reach the top until you can actually see past the immediate bush around you, and yet once you reach the top you can see clearly for miles and miles. It is a bit like life of late for me, sometimes you make lots of steps and work your way to the top, but the fruits or the wider view that you are a part of is not always readily apparent. I sense in many ways I am nearing the top, but I at least have the ability to comprehend that sometimes it may be hard to see the big picture, but it is there, so keep going.
I love what I do and had the honour to cover another wedding on Saturday, which I have posted on the wedding blog, but will add a couple of pictures here as well. I am looking at buying a new house and am searching for a statement, or a word in another language that encapsulates the gratitude that many hands, or many people, or many photographic assignments helped to create this home. An interesting challenge no less. Any ideas?
My friend I spoke of earlier, Colin, is about to serve as a missionary in Cape Town South Africa, he leaves in two days time. I wish him well and know that he will be missed. He is a great ambassador for his family, himself and his maker. Colin was also in the wedding party on Saturday. He is the tallest! It was a lot of fun, and one of those rare and special times when the weather, the sky and the sun and clouds all worked. I took it as a great heavenly gift, and am grateful I had the tools and training to capture the wonder I saw.
A talk, a wedding and farewell
Trying on a wedding dress? think again!
Brides charged to try on wedding gowns
By Elle Halliwell
June 29, 2008 03:00am
HIGH-end designers are charging brides-to-be hundreds of dollars to try on wedding dresses - to deter single women and time-wasters.
They are tired of women wanting to emulate Toni Collette's character in the movie Muriel's Wedding, who tried on dresses for fun and fantasy.
Designers and bridal store owners in the UK and New Zealand routinely charge for first-time visits and now a growing numberof wedding dress businesses in Australia are following suit.
They say they are fed up with browsers who are either not getting married or can't afford the dresses they want to try on.
Designer Alex Perry already charges $350 for a two-visit consultation with women interested in buying one of his haute couture wedding creations, which are priced from $8000.
He said the charge, which was deducted from a purchase, was a good way to determine if they were serious about buying.
"It deters people who just want to come and pick my brain,'' he said.
"I'm at that stage in my career when it's fine if you do that, but you're going to have to pay me for it.''
Thought you might find this latest attempt to sting brides interesting. I can understand, the reasoning, but feel they are using the reason as a mask to get more cash.
Collingwood, Victoria
I Am in Melbourne at Collingwood with some colleagues undergoing some new model camera course training and it is a relatively good time. These guys are a great bunch of people and I have a lot of time and respect for them.
I thought I would put a selection of images here that have been taken over the previous few days. I have enjoyed my early morning walks here, there is much to see when you are an out of towner. a little colder in the mornings than I remember at home.
From the heart
Tonight whilst sitting alone in a darkened hotel room, I sit here tapping at the keys of my computer, listening to some wonderful music and feeling reflective and happy.
Let me explain, I have made references countless times to the amazing number of faults that I have. Let me assure you all for the absolute last time, I am no angel, and certainly not worthy of being called a saint in the common judeo Christian understanding of the term. I have made errors, many more than I should have. I have hurt people along my life's path and feel deep and sincere regret for feelings hurt and for choices and decisions that have been made in haste that have impacted on some others. No if's or buts, or even excuses.
I guess I get saddened when I can forgive, even myself, and find others less likely to feel so to do. It is increasingly curious to me that some of the people who have felt wronged and offended by me, now actively seek to humiliate and embarrass me. Some time ago the regular visitors to my blog will have noticed an absence of posting and an unusual quiet period from me. This was essentially because I became quite disappointed and disillusioned how my comments could have been so misinterpreted and so misunderstood.
Even when I went to great lengths to state how I TRULY felt, I was told that essentially I was a liar. I became somewhat withdrawn from saying much at all as a result. I became increasingly aware that there are people who have become embittered toward me from situations that are extraneous to this blog, and chose to use my blog to reveal to you all a situation that they are convinced would embarrass me, humiliate me and render me inconsequential and in such a state, be exposed and shamed for the charlatan they paint me to be.
In the mind space and quandary I found myself in yesterday and because the comments they raised affected and hurt people close to me who read the comments last night, I chose to withdraw the comments and delete them permanently. WITHOUT any suggestion or encouragement from another soul. This was done not to "hide" or keep secret anything but because it directly impacted other people. I thereby instituted an author initiated comment system. This was not done so without much thought and disappointment on my part, having been proud to allow and even foster free comment. But when comments are made against me, I can live with them, but I protest vigorously when they affect another. I will quote verbatim the unpublished comments I have been sent today in response to this action.
You're a SICKO Craig. You think you can hide your crap. maybe you can, but for how long? The smell still lingers around. it will be exposed. You want to play this kind of game... OK, let's play the game. We were right all along, weren't we? Up close and personal issues, you immediately cover up.
You are a deceiver , a one of a kind! No names were mentioned in that comment. Why delete it? Only you knew we were talking about you. You are scared. Your tail is between your legs. You're afraid that your blog fans will see the real you--- a LIAR and SELFISH HOPELESS DREAMER. We feel sorry for your family and friends who trust you not knowing what you do behind their backs.
But wait there's more!
Wowie! A cosmetic surgery of this post overnight? Why Craig? and now all of a sudden a comment moderation has been enabled? Why was the comment i posted late last night giving you a simple honest answer to your "simple honest question" deleted? Too hot to handle? Too revealing a story? Might implicate someone we all know? Please explain. ( We know you wouldn't.) I'm glad I had a copy of all the comments made on this particular post before some deletions were made. Maybe i can try and post the comments again later. This is a very amusing phenomenon that has just occured.
This is such mindless nonsense. I have quoted these here to put an end to the written diarrhea these people peddle as if to hold an emotional secret over me as if I will live in fear at the news coming out. These people grasp at straws, and think they KNOW the facts without ever having asked me, or have the maturity to accept that what I say concerning the matter would be truthful anyway. I place this here because i wanted it to be clear to all of you that if you might be "put off" by reading the blog of a winner, a sinner and a flawed being, perhaps now is the time to bid you adieu. I will continue to seek for positive stories and thoughts not to place myself as a pariah or a saint, but merely a person who again, tries to be better today than yesterday.
To end this post, I will use a small quote from one of the people referred to in the comments above, the comments were said by someone who loves me much more than she should, and wrote this to me in an email tonight.
Well, surely enough those "comments" under "Words to live by..." were more than I would have liked to read. But don't
worry, I'm OK. I really am. There wasn't anything that was said there that we haven't addressed already. I'm glad we have talked about them openly in the past.
Is it any wonder I love this woman and chose to be with her? I do think Marcelina is an angel, she deserves better than me though! She embodies the very things she believes in like love, unconditionally, forgiveness and understanding. I give her my sincerest respect, appreciation and love.
I forwarded these comments and other details to a friend of mine in a position to address this form of harassment and behaviour. I expressed my disappointment at these actions. That said, the matter is being looked at, and I am satisfied with his response. Here endeth this matter, and topic as far as I am concerned.
Jeans For Genes Denimstration launch!
On Monday night I had the honour to photograph and meet some artist who annually create what forms part of the fund raising initiative for the CMRI, or the Children's Medical Research Institute. The CMRI obtains hand autographed pairs of used jeans from celebrities, and then hands them over to an artist who then creates a painting or artwork depicting in part what the celebrity is famous for, or what they do and then the individual one off artwork pieces are auctioned off to raise funds for the CMRI. Some of the jeans fetch as much as $40,000 which is phenomenal. This aspect of fund raising comprises 70% of the CMRI's funding and is essential I will show some of the samples of the artist with the jeans they painted. The auction will be held in Sydney at the end of July.
The recording artist voice and ambassador of Jeans for Genes this year is Ricki-lee Coulter whom I had the pleasure to meet. I found her to be a wonderful person. She was very generous with her time and kindness. 
Glenn A. Baker with Robyn Coghlin with her artwork for the jeans signed by Julie Christie.
The jeans autographed by the Police - with Sting. Early rumours believe this pair of jeans could break the $40K amount!
Ricki-lee Coulter with the amazing opthamologist Professor F. Martin - who was also the surgeon who operated on my son Denzel
Ricki-lee and I with a beautiful young lady whose name I have misplaced. She was in awe of meeting so many people at the event and was a beautiful soul. I feel bad for having written her name and losing it. I will obtain it later and correct the error.
Channel 7 news presenter Chris Bath, with event organiser from the CMRI Julijana and Prof. Martin
The painted jeans of Australian Ca racing driver Craig Lowndes
The painted jeans of Suzi Quattro with the artist.
The painted jeans of auctioneer, television personality and radio talk back show host Ray Hadley with the artist
The painted jeans of cameron Diaz with the artist Nafisa
Words to live by...
"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are."
John Wooden
Come to Australia - yeah right!
Here is a bit of dry Australian humour where someone has taken a song by two great comedians called the scared weird little guys and created a music clip showing the subjects of the song. A great little ditty and clip.
Leo Sayer, television and me
Yesterday I had the opportunity to meet legendary singer Leo Sayer at his home in Sydney.
I found him to be a wonderful person gifted with the ability to share his experiences, music and life. 
He spoke names of his friends and acquaintances that would be the literal stuff of 20th century legend. Most all the names he spoke, I recognised, and marvelled at the many anecdotes he shared. I had a wonderful time. I enjoyed meeting him and found instantly that he came straight up to me and made me feel welcome in his home. I found him engaging and distinctly courteous. In my limited exposure, many celebrities of a much smaller stature in profile or achievement , have not always been so kind. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and am grateful for the opportunity.
I saw him give an interview with my dear friend Glenn A. Baker. Even the crew including the make up artist, assistants and TV producer and cameramen, all of walked out of the room of the interview in awe at the opportunity of getting a glimpse into this mans life.
I particularly was impressed with some of his experiences. He mentioned that on one occasion he was asked to go on the Dinah shore show in the US. He had become a fan of hers and it was reciprocated. It happened to be on Leo’s Birthday on this particular occasion. Dinah knew that Leo was a huge fan of Fred Astaire’s and had hoped one day to meet him and said he was a fan of Fred’s singing and voice in particular. As he continued tears welled up in his eyes as he described that Fred Astaire came out and sang him Happy Birthday, and how much that meant to him, It was obvious even yesterday, years after the event, how much of an impact that meant to him. What a wonderful moment, even for me. I never knew previously but Leo and I share the same Birthday May 21!
I thought I would share a little of the info below I sourced from Wikipedia for background about Leo Sayer if any of you are interested. The picture is of leo's Screen Saver, a great picture to be used in a calendar soon. Wish I could have shot it!
Leo Sayer has had success with his single and album releases, in both the UK and the U.S. He was initially discovered by David Courtney, who co-managed him with the singer-turned-manager, Adam Faith. Sayer began his music career co-writing songs with David Courtney, including "Giving It All Away," which gave Roger Daltrey of The Who his first hit as a soloist in 1973.
That same year, Sayer began his career as a recording artist. At the time of his initial chart breakthrough in Britain, with his debut hit "The Show Must Go On," he wore a pierrot style outfit and make-up.
In 1976, Sayer recorded three Beatles songs, "I Am the Walrus", "Let It Be" and "The Long and Winding Road" for the documentary, All This and World War II.
His subsequent hits included, "Long Tall Glasses" (1974) and "Orchard Road" (1983). In 1977, he had hits with "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing" (a U.S. number one), the romantic ballad, "When I Need You" (1977), which reached number one in both the UK and U.S. Sayer also had remakes of Bobby Vee's Sonny Curtis/Jerry Alison composition, "More Than I Can Say" (his fourth UK number 2 hit, and in the U.S., number 2 pop and number one in the adult contemporary chart), and Buddy Holly's "Raining In My Heart". In the U.S., three of his singles - "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing" (1977), "When I Need You," (1977) and "More Than I Can Say" (1980) - were certified gold.
I was also on air last night at TVSN again selling cameras and printers for Kodak. I thought I would throw a couple of pictures to show also. It was fun, and I love the differences in what I do, I keep thinking always, you never know where it leads! I also got to meet "ADRO' one of the stars of the Biggest Loser TV show. He lost a total of 74kg's.
https://www.itvsn.com.au/include/sweb.dll/index?site_id=ITVSN&webserver=www.itvsn.com.au
Rolls Royce Phantom, my new car......I wish!!
I just received an email from Grays online auctions advising me that there is a Rolls Royce 2007 model Phantom available for sale. The car brand new is worth almost $1,000,000 and because it is unregistered and has 5,963 kilometres racked up on its odometer it is selling at a bargain price of just $610,000, well, at a starting bid price anyway. I don't think it will go for much more. If I had the money I would buy it without even thinking. Primarily can you see the rapid increase in income from weddings and corporate's wanting to hire this rare car, chauffer driven of course? Not to mention the amazing perception people would have to book me for photography? You would lose a lot of smaller customers but pick up an amazing array of higher profile and financially able new clients. The mind ticks away!!
Some car stats
TRANSMISION
AUTOMATIC
ENGINE No. 60684050N73B68A
VIN SCAIS68027UH00704
ODOMETER
5,963 Kms
COLOUR PEARL
INTERIOR COLOUR BLACK
REGO GH-O7 (PREVIOUS)
DETAILS
ABS BRAKES, AIR CONDITIONING CLIMATE CONTROL 2 ZONES, BLUETOOTH SYSTEM, PEARL INLAY DASH, VOICE RECOGNITION, 2 X REAR PASSANGER DVD, CD, RADIO, TV SCREENS VIEWING AREA ON SCREENS 30CM, 6 STACKER CD PLAYER, CRUISE CONTROL, DUAL AIR BAGS SIDE AND FRONT, CAMERA REAR AND FRONT VISION, TRACTION CONTROL, LEATHER TRIM, WINE COOLER AND SUNROOF COMES WITH BOOKS RESEARCH A MUST
Vehicle Located at Melbourne
http://www.graysonline.com.au/lot.asp?LOT_ID=2712198#
The price of fuel is how much?
This is a picture I have borrowed from a blog by a lady called Tammy in Idaho. I did mention it to her and I just love the sentiment expressed in the photo. I guess now finance companies will be offering interest free terms on operations of the limbs to offset the cost of fuel! Way too funny.
Ciao bella
Another film review...
I received several emails from concerned people prior to the release of a film starring Nicole Kidman called The Golden Compass. I was encouraged to steer clear of the film, and it was suggested that it was misleading and of an "anti-Christ" nature. I was hesitant, but chose to watch it. I kept on waiting for the evil, and kept waiting for the meaning of the emails to appear. I saw it, twice in fact thinking I might have missed the hubbub. It appears there was none. I found the film to be in the vein of a Cheaper "Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings or the Chronicles of Narnia". I am not comparing it to those films, but it is a fantasy film and I loved it. I do feel that it must be the first in a series, I have not researched or read about it, and left me a little like asking where the To Be Continued... sign was. I loved the ice bears from Svalbard. I like the name of the place. I give it a rating of 3 out of 5.
It occurs to me that like a visitor to my blog, I should write a post about others of my favourite films. I will in a coming day.
Colbie Caillat
I love this song, and have been listening to it for a few weeks and am still not sick of it, though I will be listening to Johanna for a little while more (see my previous post for explanation). I have never heard of this singer before, but am confident we will hear much more of her in coming months and years. She is just wonderful!
Domestic Bliss
I have been enjoying the chance I have had over the weekend to "relax", well almost. I have been cutting the grass and washing, drying, sorting and ironing the clothes. Being domesticated has been wonderful as a different experience from the norm.
Let me say that I am very pleased with the quality and standard of the work I have completed. I had no idea I had that many shirts, but they are ALL ironed!! Denzel has been fairly independent, and whilst ironing I set up in the living room with my can of Fabulon spray starch, with the iron and watched a few movies. I have absolutely enjoyed it. I grabbed a few movies from my local blockbuster that were late releases and embarked on journeys of escapism. I was, and still am, in awe of the talents of Johnny Depp. 
I watched Sweeney Todd. Let me say that I was repelled by the blood and the graphic nature of that aspect, but I was in awe of the talents of Helena Bonham-Carter and Johnny Depp. I had no idea it was a musical, and in the first few lines of Johanna I fell in love with the music. I have come to learn it was written and composed by the great Stephen Sondheim of West Side Story fame. He has been recognised with an Academy Award, Tony awards, Grammy and Golden Globe awards. He is exceptional. I was truly amazed at the music and lyrics and performances that developed before me on the small screen. I have long been a fan of the song that I have with Donny Osmond singing, Not while I'm around, and surprised to find that it came from Sweeney Todd. I loved the music, the lyrics and the journey that it took me on. I love musicals. I have seen many and have enjoyed all of those journeys as well. I cannot give this a big enough spiel. This first clip is not any video footage but just the music of the film surrounding the song and character of Johanna, and the various voices that form that wonderful song. It is gorgeous.
I give Sweeney Todd a rating of 4.5 out of 5. I would have given it 5 out of 5 excepting for the graphic blood letting. Mind you it is totally commensurate with the tale it speaks of. It is directed by Tim Burton, and characteristically the film resembles the darkness and gloomy atmosphere of his previous films. But I loved it. It also stars Sacha Baron Cohen and Alan Rickman who plays his role with great ability. I was also thinking that I have never seen a film starring Johnny Depp that I didn't like his performance in. According to a basic internet filmography search, he has credits for 47 movies, I scanned the list and clearly haven't seen them all, but really think that Mr. Depp is one of the best actors I have ever seen. All hail to Johnny Depp. A person I would like to meet and photograph in a coming day. I am confident that will happen.
The next film was Charlie Wilsons War, an interesting story, which just happens to be true. It is about a US Senator who became affected by events around Afghanistan and how he altered the course of that covert conflict. It was an interesting look into a process of politics that seems to be all about negotiation and sacrifice. Giving up some things to get what you want. I would give this a 3 out of 5. It stars Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts and Phillip Seymour Hoffman. It was a good film. Tom Hanks is another one of those actors who just has mastered his craft and I love the variety of roles he chooses.
Next, was National Treasure 2. I loved this film. I love conspiracy theories and when it spans the globe and weaves together threads of intrigue, suspense and arpund the world travel you have me hooked. I thought it was great. It was a star studded cast led by Nicholas Cage, John Voight, Harvey Keitel, Ed Harris, Dianne Kruger, Justin Bartha and Helen Mirren. I give this film a 5 out of 5. I don't recall any swearing in it either. It was a fantasy film and that is why I watched it and enjoyed it. It is great fun. Just imagine if it was real though! Disney people know their stuff, they always have.
The last film I watched was Perfume, the Story of a Murderer. It was an interesting film. Based on a very successful novel and I feel whilst I understood and related to certain aspects of it, found the film to be wanting. I give the film 1.5 out of 5. Not much more to say. There were parts I loved, and as a person who has loved scents and aromas for years, found it intriguing in certain ways, but it lost me a couple of times and then fell flat in my mind. I think it got somewhat gratuitous in parts. I think it could have been a much stronger film by altering small aspects. Though I can imagine some of the readers thinking - who the hell is he to say!
Overall, I loved the various journeys my domestic chores took me on, and now today, I am back on the computer working at what I do best....pictures, well I will be now anyways. I had to make some breakfast for Denzel and I , so now I am back to the work I love.
Friday the 13th
I couldn't resist this picture and message on the ninemsn website. It was too good not to share.
I don't go in for this hype over Friday the 13th, or not staying on a hotels 13th floor but whatever works for people is fine. Someone said you shouldn't cut your toenails on days like this either? ha? crazy. Have a great day everyone.
Who are these people?
istockphoto-Eric Simmard
This is an article forwarded to me by someone and was written by M. Proctor based in Washington DC about the growing fear of political correctness taken to extremes. Regular readers of my posts will note that I am largely opposed to political views being espoused in this forum, and recognise this to be a slight departure. But upon reading the following article I was amazed at the result and with the growing confusion I have about where we as a society are headed if we allow such silliness to continue, I chose to share it here. I am not a gay activist by any stretch of the imagination, nor do I espouse such a practice, that said, I do have friends that are gay and accept them as friends, without condemning their lifestyle. I am not of the same faith of the minister mentioned either, yet I feel to share this article to share the disbelief I have in some decisions that are made on behalf of society's "greater good"!? I have quoted the article verbatim and performed no editorial discretion whatsoever.
In a world being smothered in political correctness, you can no longer take freedom for granted. "The price of liberty is eternal vigilance," and here is a story that indicates why that truth rings and just how fragile freedom can be.
A Christian pastor in Canada has just been sentenced by the Alberta Human Rights Commission (HRC) to silence and to essentially renounce key elements of his faith. The case began in 2002 when Canada was debating adopting same-sex marriage and the Rev. Stephen Boissoin published letters to the editor in his local newspaper the Red Deer Advocate opposing counterfeit marriage and the indoctrination of school children with homosexuality.
Professor Darren Lund, a gay-rights activist, read Boissoin's editorials and filed a complaint with the Commission, that, in turn, appointed a tribunal to investigate. Last November, just for publishing his ideas in a newspaper, Boissoin was found guilty of discrimination and last week he was sentenced by Lori Andreachuk, an unelected burueaucrat to "cease publishing in newspapers, by email, on the radio, in public speeches, or on the Internet, in future, disparaging remarks about gays and homosexuals." This oppressive edict covers across the waterfront of expression from sermons to private emails. Notice, too, Boissoin's gag order is not for doing anything illegal, but only for offering political and moral opinions the Commission found negative.
As if this were not despotic enough, Boissoin has been ordered to offer an apology and pay a fine of $5,000 to Lund, whom the Commission acknowledges was not a victim in the case.
According to Peter Vere of the Catholic Exchange, "In essence, the Alberta Human Rights Tribunal is ordering the minister to renounce his Christian faith, since his opposition to homosexuality is based upon the Judeo-Christian Bible."
Ezra Levant, who is also under scrutiny for his cartoons on Mohammed, noted, ""[Boissoin] has to publicly humiliate himself, by publicly declaring his contrition--a contrition he does not feel--and his abandonment of his deeply-held religious beliefs... Other than tribunals in Stalin's Soviet Union and Mao's China, where is this Orwellian 'order' considered to be justice?"
"This is like a Third World jail-house confession - where accused criminals are forced to sign false statements of guilt. We don't even 'order' murderers to apologize to their victims' families. Because we know that a forced apology is meaningless. But not if your point is to degrade Christian pastors."
The title of the post was taken from a song I love by Burt Bacharach written about the Bush White House and I feel equally applies here.
Who Are These People?
Lyrics by Burt Bacharach and Tonio K.
Who are these people that keep telling us lies
And how did these people get control of our lives
And who’ll stop the violence cause it’s out of control?
Make em stop
Who are these people that destroy everything
And sell off the future for whatever it brings
And what kind of leaders can’t admit when they’re wrong?
Make em stop
This stupid mess we’re in just keeps getting worse
So many people dying needlessly
Looks like the liars may inherit the earth
Even pretending to pray
And getting away with it
Who are these people that keep telling us lies
And how did these people get control of our lives
And who’ll stop the violence cause it’s out of control?
We’ve got to make them stop
Who are these people that keep telling us lies
And how did these people get control of our lives
and who’ll stop the violence cause it’s out of control?
Make em stop
See things really have to change
Before it’s too late
Christmas in June?
Denzel loves being surrounded by music. He is an ardent fan of the Wiggles, Hi-5 and most kids shows that have music in it. This is nothing new. His morning consists of him arising at around 5:30am and going straight into his playroom and turning on his own TV and DVD and putting on any combination of the above DVD's or Bananas in Pyjamas, Humphrey bear or whatever else.
I will generally go and cook him rice and meat for breakfast and call him in to eat. When he gets into the dining room, he has his own 20GB U2 ipod if you please! and then turns on his own music and listens to nursery rhymes and any combination of styles of music. I must note here that I have NEVER shown him how to operate the ipod or the DVD or anything, like his old man he is just very observant it would seem. But what makes yesterday and today different is that he started playing Christmas songs, which I thought was a mistake, so when he was eating I changed the song list to his nursery rhymes, he looked at me and I went to the sink to wash the dishes and then heard the Christmas songs on again.
Realising it wasn't an error, but a choice, I looked at him and his wry smile back to me belied his limitations and he defiantly and happily declared, Santa. I was humbled and amazed. I then proceeded to wash the dishes and listened to the Christmas music of Boys II Men, who are traveling thru Australia at the moment as it would happen. Whilst the songs are in an un-seasonal time, I have pleasantly been reminded that the messages the songs convey should not be confined to just once a year. Thanks to Denzel. He has made me a much better person.
Dateline Report
Last night I viewed an eleven minute segment on television station SBS under their current affairs program called Dateline. I was amazed at watching the segment of a newly discovered, or made public at least, photo album of "happy snaps" taken in 1944 showing the German authorities of infamous holocaust concentration camp Aushwitz-Birkenau, having fun.
It is a compelling album, and story. If you have broadband, it is well worth watching. If you wish to have a look, click on the link below and if the window opens click on Happy Nazi's story on the right hand side and then you will be able to see the story. It contains no horror images of death at all, strangely, it shows much happier images. What makes these pictures so rare, is that there are very few images of this period at all and it is astonishing to see this historical document.
http://video.sbs.com.au/player/news/index.php?mmid=11755&chid=13
The picture is taken of Nazi officers on a wooden bridge in Solahutte near the camp. (United States Holocaust Memorial Museum)
I have been to the Holocaust Museum in Washington at the Smithsonian Institute, and was humbled by the impact of that experience upon me. As though I can still feel and still smell aspects of it that make the experience real. Even still.
What's it all for?
Life is interesting isn't it. I spent some time yesterday with a client of long standing and heard him relate the story of his life at present. He has owned and managed 2 photographic stores and closed one of them this last week and was expressing his wonderment at what his life has become. He visits his Mother-in-law daily who is aged and incapacitated in a hospital facility. His wife goes in two times during the day apart from the evening with her husband. He said that in the hospital on the public holiday Monday we just had, there was a staff shortage and people around his Mother-in-law were in various stages of anxiety and stress. He said it was depressing and heart wrenching. I could see the strain on his face and the obvious toll it takes in a number of other ways on him and on people generally. I have been thinking a great deal about some friends and about people overall and pondering a lot about my life generally of late. Life for a lot of people is hard and if the dire predictions that are before us are in anyway correct, there is more pain and struggle ahead.
Rather than dwell on the hopelessness of fuel prices and the struggles some people close to me face, I have thought deeply that whilst I cannot control many things in life, the only thing I have total control over is my responses and my reaction. I loved the thought of analysing the make up of the word responsibility (response-ability). I remember a small rhyme I once heard, that said;
All the water in the world, no matter how hard it tried,
can never sink the smallest ship, unless it gets inside.
I have been surrounded of late by people who are expressing much more to me of their lives than I asked for or ever imagined. I am not quite sure if it's because they trust me, or because they just need to vent, or because there are few people who will listen much anymore. Whatever the reason, I am consciously trying to wade through the swamp of lost hopes, dreams and shattered experiences and lives. I am developing a deeper appreciation of people, of what they face, that sometimes seems insurmountable and trying at the same time not to absorb the feeling of helplessness, oblivion and lonliness that is increasingly evident around me. It is not easy.
Don't assume me to be complaining here, I am grateful that I can be of some assistance to some people, but I do wonder why me at times. I feel special though, having expressed that. I also find myself benefitting in many ways as well. It's just a handshake, a hug or expression of appreciation - which ultimately connects me to humanity that I feel blessed by. I have chatted with one person of late who has a lot more money and assets than I do and he says he envy's me! What the ? I had to listen to that story!
There are people I know who say "when I see you, you are always positive" or "are you ever negative?" The answer is firstly being positive is a choice, one that I try to recommit myself to every day. The second is, a resounding yes. But after a deeply personal and confronting experience some years ago, I made myself a promise that I would never walk the roads to negativity, and overt self pity and self deprecation again. On that point it will suffice for me to state simply, that I recognise the road signs and I listen to myself more and more of late.
Is this what getting older and more mature is about I ask? It is like I have cameras snapping so fast all around me that inwardly beckons me to take notice and live more for the moment, with an ever subtle eye to what might result if I am too careless. I am bemused that the person I started off talking about, has achieved a degree of prosperity yet has no time or energy to enjoy the fruits of his many years of work. And then there is the time he has lost without being around those that matter most to him. He raises the question, "What's it all for?" said to me who is continuing to struggle to find photographic Nirvana and realise my full potential. It is a sobering question.
I am grateful for the chance of late, that I have had to reach out and get to know and be touched by people whom I would otherwise have passed by and not known. My life is greatly enriched by the interaction I have with those around me. I may be broke more times than I would like, but I am rich. In the very purest sense of the meaning. I am RICH! It even feels nice to say out loud. Now, if only my bank balance would agree......hurumph, hurumph, hurumph.
A Medical Miracle
I was riveted in the last few days to learning more about a syndrome I had never before heard of called Amniotic band syndrome. Which was brought to my attention via the news concerning baby Leah who had been operated on by two Melbourne surgeons. What made the news on this item was that the performed surgery was in utero at only 22 weeks. Without the intervention of the doctors Leah almost certainly, would have had legs amputated or at best, would never be able to walk. WOW. Leah was 22 weeks at the time and is now 6 months old. I have placed the story from the Sydney Morning Herald online website.
Surgeons in Melbourne have saved the legs of a baby in the womb by performing what is believed to be the earliest in-utero surgery of its kind in the world. Surgeons removed amniotic bands from above the ankles of baby Leah Bowlen while her mother Kylie was 22 weeks pregnant.
Without the surgery, Leah's legs would have naturally amputated.
Monash Medical Centre surgeons performed the operation, which involved inserting a 2mm operating telescope into Kylie's womb. The constricting bands were then identified and divided using laser and electric current. Leah, now almost six months old, was born at 30 weeks gestation on January 24, weighing just 1.63 kg.
She had further surgery on her left leg at the Royal Children's Hospital days after her birth to help straighten it. Leah's left leg is fully-functioning, with just an indentation mark around her ankle, according to information from Monash Medical Centre. Surgeons are hopeful that with physiotherapy and massage, Leah's right leg will also function.
A Monash spokeswoman said Leah was believed to be the youngest ever patient to have surgery to remove amniotic bands.
Amniotic band syndrome or amniotic disruption complex is a congenital limb abnormality, which occurs in between one in 12,000 and one in 15,000 live births.
This is amazing stuff. Wonderful times we live in I submit.
Family Portraits
These images are from a family photo shoot I did a couple of weeks ago. These two young girls clearly loved the camera. I had photographed the wedding of Rachel & Glen who now work internationally and came home to Australia for a short time and asked me to take some pictures of Rachel's family, which I loved doing. Rachel & Glen are the first image. It was so good to see them. I really enjoy the variety of images these represent. I even played around with some borders and enhancements to give a different feel to a couple of the images.
A Flawed script - apology given
Further to my comment on the post titled A Mixed Bag, There has been a lot of public and media interest surrounding the correct information concerning Down Syndrome and the error that network 7 put to air on their All Saints program. in light of the controversy, and the increase in stares I have noted in the last week or so with Denzel, I thought it would be best to put some references here and provide some facts on this matter to round off the point. The following is quoted verbatim from the Down Syndrome NSW Newsletter that was published on the net earlier today, and then a quote from Channel 7 Program Manager taken from the Melbourne Age and the final quote from Dr. Peter Sloan speaking on behalf of Down Syndrome Australia.
Channel 7's All Saints gets it very wrong!
Popular Channel 7 TV drama 'All Saints' got it badly wrong in last week's episode (27th May 2008)when it conveyed an association between incest and Down syndrome. A couple in an incestuous relationship were advised there was a greater chance their offspring would have Down syndrome.
This is not correct. It is based on a misunderstanding of the genetics involved in Down Syndrome. As Dr David Amor, Clinical Geneticist with Genetic Health Services Victoria stated...
"The scriptwriters... have definitely got their wires crossed here.
The offspring of incestuous relationships are at high risk of genetic disorders, but this risk is entirely confined to disorders with autosomal recessive disorders (that is, where a faulty gene is inherited by the child in a ‘double dose’, one from copy from each parent. There is absolutely no increase in the risk of Down syndrome (or of other chromosomal conditions) for the offspring of incestuous relationships. The justification provided regarding translocations is not plausible"
Ray Hadley interviewed Jill O'Connor from Down Syndrome NSW on radio 2GB to help knock on the head yet another myth about Down syndrome. Down Syndrome NSW has worked with other states, as part of Down Syndrome Australia to set the record straight, putting out a media release and fielding many calls from the media and public, and receiving widespread coverage.
Responding yesterday to Down Syndrome Australia's initial complaint, Seven released a statement that said: "All Saints values its audience and has the greatest respect for their commitment to the program.
"Without reservation, to any members of the audience who have found an element of a recent story offensive, Channel Seven apologises." (Melbourne Age)
“It is not only discriminatory to insinuate that people with Down syndrome are products of incestuous relationships, it is wrong”. “There is no scientific basis for All Saints’ grossly offensive storyline” Dr Sloan Down Syndrome Australia.
One Step beyond...now gets a lot closer
This article on the ninemsn website this morning is no longer science fiction. It is a very emotional debate, and reading the details is interesting. Cloning looks set to get a green light. It does allow for strict controls to be put in place, so I will let my inner conspiracy theorist rest at this point. But thought I would put this link here for any who may be interested. Rather than have me re-interpret this story.
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23827796-2,00.html
Hillary backs Obama and concedes. A gracious act, and a lovely image, again taken from the ninemsn website.
Wiggling for Unicef
These next few shots are from the Wiggles Concert for Unicef a couple of weeks ago. It seems that there has been so much that has been happening, it is only when I am relatively quiet do I have a chance to enjoy the moment. I don't pose that statement as a gesture of regret however, I believe it is more of an expression of gratitude that I get to do what I do, and that I get the chance to relive it again and again.
The big red car arriving on stage.
The view when the audience was asked to turn on their mobile phones and wave the displays in the air. It is amazing, even for a moment, when a group of people can feel so totally in harmony. A simple and wonderful moment.
A great moment when Australian rocker Jimmy Barnes came on stage dressed as the 5th Wiggle and sang "Wake up Jeff" as only Jimmy can. Denzel gave a look on his face that suggested he knew the song but it sounds different!!!
The Finale was made great with the congo line kicked off by Dorothy the Dinosaur, one of the Wiggles dancers, a niece of Anthony, the Famous Leo Sayer, the 3 gorgeous McClymont sisters, Katie Noonan, 2 more Wiggles dancers, Anthony Field-Blue Wiggle, Richard Wilkins-Media presenter, 3x more Wiggles Dancers, Miss Australia World contestant, A nearly hidden Ross Wilson, Becky Cole, Shannon Noll, John Paul Young - "Love is in the air", Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus, Damien Leith- former Australian idol, Jimmy Barnes, Jeff Fatt - Purple Wiggle, Kate Ceberano, Captain Feathersword, Sam Moran - New Yellow Wiggle and Murray - Red Wiggle. It was a hoot to see all of these artists from different musical genres mixing it up with the wiggles and gave us a small insight, that whilst they are individually unique and great, when there is a good cause and where children are involved, the individual threads wove together and created a beautiful musical tapestry of harmony and joy. I am fortunate that we were able to be there as guests.
One last image which doesn't show the full imapct of what I saw, was the amount of prams that were like a pram car park. It was amazing, and the cue, forget it!!!
