My Left Foot

Just fooling around :)

"Me and my shadow"

I have been trying out some different techniques lately. This guy was hurrying into his shelter at sunset. The light at sunset always adds a golden touch to any shot. In addition, I used the flash, hoping it would do something spectacular as there was a wire mesh between us. I like the shot, the voters on dpc did not like it much.

I Learned Something About Myself Today

We learn things about ourselves every so often – today was one of those.

Because of the demonstrations concerning the Youth House earlier this month, I thought something similar was going on this morning when police, ambulances and even military vehicles went by my window. I looked out the back and saw they were gathered there. I needed some milk and of course wanted to find out if something serious was going on, so I went out. They stood by their cars, the policemen and the military, very relaxed and drinking coffee. Just a drill, no one had been hurt. I bought my milk and some bread, went home, fetched both cameras and went to the top floor and took a few shots.

What I learned about myself? That I didn’t want to take the camera with me when I went out. I could not take shots of a burning house, people hurt or anything like that...

My Second Ribbon

I really did not expect it, but I got a new yellow ribbon for this shot on dpchallenge.com
One of my goals is to get an average of 7 and I got so very close this time ... 6.9929. Better luck next time I guess.

Spring

Spring is here, or is it. :) Sitting outside in 13ºC is so wonderful, but I am pretty sure winter has not given up just yet. Probably a cold spell or two coming right up.

Those that were arrested during the demonstrations are being released one after the other. Many of them are pretty confused as they were not violent but were taking part in a peaceful demonstration.
The house on Jagtvej 69 has been torn down and the spokeswoman of the religious gropu is pleased as punch over her "victory" and says that now she will go after the gays. Not only is this historic building gone, but it has been torn down. And a bigot is standing there, happy to get her own way. I could cry.

Fellow Traveller / Medløber

Today, Copenhagen's mayor, Mrs. Ritt Bjerregaard, was interviewed on Danish National Television. Not the first interview concerning the demonstrations that have taken place these past few days, and probably not the last one.
In earlier interviews she has stated that she is of the opinion that any group that uses violence should not expect her or the city council to help find a new house for the youngsters that have used the house on Jagtvej 69 for the past several decades.
Today she criticizes all the youngsters that have stated that they are against violence but have not opposed the violence of the past few days. She uses the Danish word “medløber”. I would translate that as Fellow Traveller. Wikipedia explains the meaning of the phrase.

She is of the opinion that those who oppose the violence should make it clear. Where have you been the last few days Mrs. Mayor? I have only been to town once since the demonstrations started and I met two peaceful demonstrations (see last blog). And I know there have been more.

I also know that the demonstrations out on Christianshavn turned violent as soon as the police turned up in several busses. Their presence changed the scene - violence erupted.

I abhor violence and in no way will I condone the behaviour of those that use violence to state their anger or to protest.

I am against Denmark taking part in the invasion in Iraq. Or military intervention. Be it in the name of democracy or any other excuse military nations might use in their interference in other nation’s affairs.

I certainly do not condone the violence against thousands of women in Denmark every week. The violence you Mrs. Mayor probably call prostitution, buying and selling sex. I and many others with me call it violence, in no way would we call it sex.

Does this mean that you are a Fellow Traveller or “medløber”? Something you criticize others for? Or does this mean that you condone the behaviour of those who pay money to be able to abuse other people’s bodies? Or is there maybe an explanation that can be used in this instance, an explanation that frees you from responsibility? Some phrasing that makes it all ok and so very politically correct?

When are you going to insist that Danish police use the law and arrest all those that are breaking Danish law when they profit by forcing women to go into prostitution. So called prostitution is legal in Denmark, but profitting from others prostituting themselves is not legal. And those that are breaking Danish law by renting houses or apartments out for prostitution?

You have the possibility not to be a Fellow Traveller or “medløber” this coming Thursday – March 8^th. International Women’s Day. You can go out and tell us, the citizens of Copenhagen, that from now on, you will try your utmost to better the lives of these women and make life difficult for those who are engaged in trafficking. Till then, I will consider you a Fellow Traveller, a “medløber” to the hallicks and the top figures in traficking.

When it comes to the problems concerning Jagtvej 69, you have more or less stated that this is something you inherited from the former mayor and now you are dealing with it.

Mrs. Mayor: The other problem is even older, please deal with it any way you can, and you will be my hero. You have in many ways been a role model for many women and even if I do note vote for the Social democrats, I have on many occasion spoken in your favour. I will find that hard in the future as I think the way this has been handled is a disgrace. I repeat that I do not condone the violent behaviour of the violent demonstrators.

- I took the photo above downtown a few days ago. The artist behind is from Iceland, her name is Steinunn Þórarinsdóttir and she calls this wonderful piece of art "Journey". Maybe these are Ritt Bjerregaard's Fellow Travellers, I wouldn't know. (The scarves are mine and the hats too.)

Some people have stated that the youngsters in Ungdomshuset are anarchists and thus it is strange that they want the authorities to see to it that they have a house available, and for free too. Many of the young men and women there are anarchists, but not all. And, anarchism, like the rest of the world, might have changed/evolved. Just like socialdemocrats have changed these past decades, really really changed.

PS. An addition after my friend Erla pointed out to me, that it was in fact in this very house, on Jagtvej 69 that Clara Zetkin put forward the idea that March 8th be International Women's Day. And the house was in fact built by the Unions as they could not hold meetings anywhere without interference from the police.

I didn't know that, I wonder if Ritt Bjerregaard knows that. Thank you Erla.

Violence in the Name of Democracy

I have no idea if news of yesterday's war-like situation here in Copenhagen has reached the world. I do not know the whole story, but it goes back a long way. In 1982 young people in Copenhagen were given the house on Jagtvej 69. They could use it as they liked and that they have done since. A few years ago the trouble began, and it was sold to outsiders. That buyer then sold it to a religious sect/group here in Denmark. The young people that have used the house have not wanted to move out, since they see the house as theirs, the sect does not want to sell the house to them (they actually got a decent offer) and they do not want another house instead of this one, since I believe God (her/himself) told them this house was indeed meant for them.
To cut a long story short, a story with court-cases, police-interference, peaceful and sometimes not so peaceful demonstrations - the police evacuated the house yesterday morning with helicopters and the works. With the antiterrorist-law under their arm they could do pretty much what they wanted and that they did. Democracy on thin ice indeed.
I was on the move yesterday, but chose not to go to that part of town. I met these peaceful demonstrators on the town square. Two of the young women came running from the municipal building, smiling and telling the others that they just received word that they were allowed to demonstrate there.
I did meet a group of young women singing a sorrowful song, mourning the loss of their building. Forgot to take a picture.

This bird of peace was very busy putting her feathers in order, reminds me of the chief of police here who never has a feather out of place. But only in that way. Said chief of police was indeed the one who gave the orders yesterday. The one that gave the orders to arrest anyone who came close, and to use teargas when necessary. All in the name of the Queen (that is actually what the police said in their megaphones) and of course in the name of democracy.
I could see the smoke from livingroom window or maybe it was teargas, or both. I don't know what teargas looks like.
I wonder if this is what the religious group wants, or their god. Why is it that religion in so many countries brings war and/or war-like situations?
This is what the mayor wants, the politicians, the law-makers. But not the people, of that I am sure. And I am pretty sure that the gods do not want this.

Duologues

A couple that has been there for a long time, absorbed in a conversation. Another couple, maybe tourists as they were studying a map, freezing and a few seconds later disagreeing. A cold day so the last two are moving fast and keeping warm. I had been out several times trying to take a good street shot and this was my last try. I contemplated cropping the shot, so the two women (walking & cykling) would disappear, but decided against it. They add movement to an otherwise still photograph.

Living in a Box

I sometimes wonder if people like staying in boxes, if it makes them secure. What speaks against that is their need to shout at those not sharing a box. A person feeling secure does not feel the endless need to pick on others.
This last challenge on DPC was called Fruits & Vegetables and the description was as follows:
-Photograph a fruit.
-Photograph a vegetable.
-Photograph a fruit and a vegetable.
-Photograph as few or as many as you like.
Seems pretty clear to me that this macro shot of an apple would fit in. But oh no. There was a heated discussion and the ones that know it all at all times :) told us that a should only met the challenge if there were both fruits and vegetables, and in plural. Several people tried to explain, but no go.
Nuff said.
I had thought it would be pretty easy to get a good shot and had this fantastic idea of freezing some fruit in a bowl and then photograph the ice with all the fruit frozen inside. It was a complete mess. Then I got another idea, piecing some different fruit together. Didn't go well, but while I was slicing, I thought the apple looked rather nice, so I went for a macro.
I am sending warm toughts to all of the people who feel the need to live in a box. Stay there if you like, but permit those not sharing the box to stay free from your boxes. You see, our box is called "the-not-in-a-box-box". *huge grin*

A Close-knit Family

A new year is here, February even, and these are my first blog-words of 2007.
My fingers have not been busy hammering away on the keyboard, but they have been busy holding yarn and knitting needles.
When there was a dpc-challenge called Personification, I had all I needed for a shot. Three of the sweaters are in Iceland already, keeping 3 wonderful children warm, one will keep a girl here in Denmark warm and then I have knitted one more that will be on it's way to Iceland in a few days. It is wonderful to work with colours and create something useful and lovely; good for the soul.

My First Front Page

It feels good to wish you a Merry Christmas with some good news. This is my first front page photograph. Not the best quality I can show as I had to scan the magazine. It all came about in a great hurry so there are (in my opinion) a few flaws - but I'll do better next time.
Photography-wise, 2006 has been a good year and I am hoping 2007 will be even better.
Health-wise I have had better years, but the meds are figuring out what is wrong and soon I'll be feeling better, that is what I have got my head set on at least.
Money-wise. grrrrrr. The economy in Iceland is not as strong as it has been lately and the krona has been losing ground throughout 2006. That means that I am getting less and less for my pension as it is in Icelandic currency. Since January 1st, it has lost almost a quarter of it's worth as the krona has been devalued time and time again. It's is sad so see money disappear in that way and there is bugger all I can do about it. The latest news from Iceland indicates that matters will get even worse in 2007. I'll cope, some way or other. Hopefully the parties in majority will lose in the elections in May and hopefully things will turn around.

But, I wanted to sign off this year on a more optimistic note. Lets sharpen our pencils and hope for a colourful new year with new opportunities, new adventures and good health.
I wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Christmas

Only seven days till Christmas. These lights were part of the Christmas decorations in Aarhus in Jutland. The whole pedestrian street had this starry sky above - gave a wonderful cosy atmosphere. I need to post one more so you can get the idea.


It was so wonderful to stroll under those lights, do a tiny little bit of Christmas shopping, enjoy the fact that the streets ARE meant for us all, with or without a wheelchair. The authorities here in the capital could learn a lot and they don't have to travel far. Cobble stone is hard for many wheelchair users. Designing two lanes on each side of the street, laid with concrete slates makes a huge difference, and those slates are pretty too.

Theana

This fur hat and the army coat is something I found in Praha or Prague a few years ago. When dpc had a challenge called Bond, James Bond I can't say that I was inspired by the title, but Theana has been visiting Denmark for a few months, and I knew she would make a perfect model. This is only a tryout - but as she couldn't make it on the day we had decided to meet and to a real photo shoot, I decided this one had some good things going for it and decided to submit it.
Tomorrow Theana goes back home to the US. Have a safe trip - it has been so nice to have you around for a while - we will miss you.

Barsebäck Closing

In the distance there, straight up from the lone paddler, you can see the Swedish powerplant at Barsebäck. Building a nuclear powerplant so close to another country was being daring to say the least, and yes, many Danies have protested throughout the years. At the same time the have been dependent on the electricity - and bought kw or two :)
In the Spring of 2005 the last reactor was closed down and a few days ago the last load of radioactive waste was shipped from the plant. In 2020, or thereabouts, the whole place will be gone.
I used to live not far from that place when I studied at the University in Lund, never did like the idea of nuclear power, still don´t. I'm thrilled that it has closed down.

My First Front Page :)

The next number of RYK! Magazine will have this shot on the front page. I took the picture in April for another number of said magazine, an article about Amager Strandpark, an area here in Copenhagen that has gone through a total makeover and special attention has men given to those who use a wheelchair to get around. I had set the shot up and then I saw this woman approaching so I made sure I got one with her too. This is close to the airport, so there are planes coming in for landing all the time, but I am glad that the timing turned out to be really good.
You can see it here: www.ryk.dk

Playing with 2 Photographs

Hungry!

Still the same fantastic weather and a joy to go out with the camera. This swan is still young and therefore not white yet, but in a few months I am sure it will be white and wonderful.
I am not sure, but there seem to be more swans on Søerne this year than before.
Was practicing to take tilted photographs, therefore it looks like this.

Postcard from Rügen, Deutschland

I made this shot from Sellin into a postcard. It was one of the challenges on dpc and it did pretty good. Many really beautiful postcards in that challenge - voting was like travelling all over the world.

Golden Autumn

Global warming is indeed a huge problem for our planet. Imagine driving around the beautiful roads of Rügen, Germany in 17°C on November 15th. Look at all the leaves still hanging on. In Denmark this has been the warmest Autumn ever. Never has November been so warm, not since the Danes started to record the weather conditions in the 19th century.
Yes, it look beautiful but the fact that so many leaves are still on the trees is not a good sign. I got this caricature from a friend who does care and uses her time wisely, trying to put up a fight, standing firmly on nature's side. I am sorry to have to say that the point being made here below goes for too many leaders in the world, it is as if they could not care less. For clarification, J. Howard is Australia's Prime Minister.

No name

I never did give her a name, but she has been around for close to 50 years. My daughters loved her too and so does my granddaughter. A little spooky maybe, but she is a great friend.