World AIDS Day

When it's good to be Red

Just a quick note to bring to your attention the new Red, which is actually acceptable particullarly if you're Blue. It's a new twist on an old idea, it's not a charity it's a business model, they are just being up front about it. Let's hope they are able to make a difference.

I'm glad that there has been so much focus on AIDS in Africa lately. Americans always seem to feel that if it isn't happening in their backyard it doesn't affect them. The sad truth is today that what happens halfway around the world does have an impact on each and every one of us. It may not be as immediate as something that can be witnessed as it occurs but fact is eventually what is happening in Africa will come-back to haunt us. I am sure there are those that could care less about Africa because of the people there are African and again that vision and appathy is greatly short sighted. Aside from the shear inhumanity of doing nothing is the fact that someday this epidemic will almost certainly reach a size that simply cannot be contained. Their will be no cure, there can only be a vaxcine and what will be the cost to vaxcinate 7 billion people? What will it take to open peoples eyes? What amount of loss will need to be suffered before we are spurned to action and will it be too late?

Take my factory, please...

I've said it before, that one of the Big Three will not be within the coming 5 years. I may be overly pessimistic, and I certainly hope I am wrong but I am not optimistic. Today Ford announced it would leverage its assets as collateral for an 18 billion dollar loan. Do you understand the magnitude of that loan?!? Not only in the amount by cash but in the degree of risk? I shutter to think what will happen if things turn more sour, as if that is possible. One question however, if Ford cannot sell-off some of its facilities now, why would anyone want them for collateral?

At the same time tonight is the deadline for eligible employees of Ford to accept buy-outs. The hope is sufficient numbers will leave the payroll to at least eliminate the jobs bank, and allow for future plant closures without the usual pain. Of course tomorrow begins the lay-offs to make up the difference if enough haven't decided to leave. I know there will be lay-offs at my office this week, I think I will be OK, but you never know.

It's a great time to work in the auto industry.

Restricted

Restricted, originally uploaded by Photo dLight.

Spent the afternoon taking photos of the city. I was initially reluctant but once I got into the swing of things I really enjoyed myself. Having a tripod really helps capture better pictures, especially at dusk. Driving there I kept thinking that I just needed to not worry what others might think or say and just take the photos. Ironically when I got to the Michigan Central Station I realized crowds wouldn't be my problem. With the exception of a hand ful of homeless wandering around I was by myself, which of course made me feel just as awkward albeit for entirely different reasons.

The beauty and grandeur of the old building amid the neglect and decay that is Detroit is so sad. I hope that I can capture many more buildings from many more angles.

Fotografia

I got a new tripod today and am eagerly looking forward to using it. I've tried a couple of times to take pictures at dusk and dawn but the vast majority end up blurry 'cause I cannot hold the camera that steady. Now my only issue will being able to let go of being self conscience when I go out to take photos. I can't explain it I just feel like everyone is paying attention to me when I have a camera in my hands. The interesting part is that I also feel like I enjoy having my camera because it allows me to hide behind it. I know it doesn't make sense, I know; it's just who I is...

I could just play the "pro" angle, after all I wouldn't mind being able to make some money from this in the long run, so I may as well act the part. Or I could just not worry about what others think. HA wouldn't that be great!

Anyway.

Until next time, know that you're loved,

D

Thought of the week

Religion is for people that want to go to heaven.
Spirituality is for peole that have been to hell, and never want to go back.