Picture of the Week #43

A legacy from America's "Secret War" on Laos. Many bombs were dropped on this country during the Vietnam War, although war was never officially declared on this country. Since then, thousands of Loatians have been maimed/killed by unexploded bombs that were dropped by American bomber planes a few decades ago.

G20 Summit in Toronto - Part 6

So finally today, I caught some live G20 action!  There was a big protest on Queen St. and Bay St.  They were protesting for the aboriginal community of Canada that is largely ignored by the government, and live in poverty on their own native land.  Poor education and unemployment are trademarks of Native reserves.

I got in the middle of all the action and took pictures like a true freelance photographer - it was fun!

I saw first hand what a peaceful protest can accomplish - positive media coverage and increased public awareness.

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All G20 Summit Toronto related posts have been moved here.

G20 Summit in Toronto - Part 5

Here are some more pictures from the preparation that is going on in Toronto for the G20 Summit to be held on June 26-27 at the Metro Toronto Convention Center.  Most of the preparation seen in the pictures below is to prevent vandalism in the event there are riots.

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G20 Summit in Toronto - Part 4

The other day I was walking on Front St. near Union Station and a local TV news crew interviewed me.  I'm not sure if they showed that on TV.

Along with the police - TV news crew, journalists and photographers can be seen everywhere in Toronto's Financial District these days.

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All G20 Summit Toronto related posts have been moved here.

G20 Summit in Toronto - Part 3

The pre-G20 Summit action has already started.  There have been a few small protests already although I didn't catch any of that action.

Here are some more pictures ahead of the G20 Summit to be held on June 26-27.  Today's pictures fall into three categories that show how each of these are preparing for the Summit:

1) The Government of Canada
2) The City of Toronto
3) Businesses

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G20 Summit in Toronto - Part 2

The intimidation has begun.

There is a huge police presence on the streets of downtown Toronto these days.  The police are well-armed and well-prepared (complete with riot gear).  They are everywhere on the streets and even in vans with dark tinted windows parked on the road side.

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All G20 Summit Toronto related posts have been moved here.

Picture of the Week #42

An ingenious fish trap seen on way to Mt. Harishchandragad via nali-chi-vaat.

G20 Summit in Toronto - Part 1

Toronto is hosting the G20 Summit this year on the June 26-27 (2010) weekend.  The G20 ("Group of 20") Summit is the "premier forum for international economic cooperation."

At last year's convention in London, England, a historic pledge to inject US$1.1 trillion in the credit markets was announced to restore liquidity.  This year's Summit will probably focus on containing the spread of European debt crisis before it leads the world into yet another recession.

So, seeing as I work in the downtown Toronto core where many protests (by Environmentalist, Socialist, Human Rights groups etc) are anticipated, I'm planning to be citizen photo-journalist for the big event.  Since I have no intention of being part of any protests, my photographs and coverage will be from a third-party point of view.

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All G20 Summit Toronto related posts have been moved here.

Picture of the Week #41

Mr. Gogawale ("mountain man") baba resting on Mt. Kamalgad.  He is the care-taker of a temple on this mountain and earns his living by playing host to trekkers.  He also acts as a guide.  The 81-year old gentleman has the stamina of an 18-year old!

Mr. Gogawale held a Masters degree and had spent a majority of his life in the mountains.  His love and passion for nature was awesome!  His biggest fear was the densely forested plateau of Koleshwar becoming "New Mahabaleshwar".

Picture of the Week #40

Children waiting for their first lesson of the day at 7:00 AM.  [Jor village, Maharashtra, India]