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Jasper, the Ambassador for World Animal Rights & Welfare, has posted his first blog on livehonestly.com today. Be sure to bookmark it for reports from around the world as he campaigns against animal abuse. Click on Jasper to read his blog.  Click to read my blog
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I ran across this story on one of my many research projects. Cheers to Dr. Sonnet for developing a weapon against rape. CNN writer Faith Karim explains how one doctor was inspired to create a condom to fight rape. "South African Dr. Sonnet Ehlers was on call one night four decades ago when a devastated rape victim walked in. Her eyes were lifeless; she was like a breathing corpse. " Dr. Sonnet, who at the time was a20-year old researcher recalled, "She looked at me and said, 'If only I had teeth down there,'" I promised her I'd do something to help people like her one day." Forty years later, Rape-aXe was born.  photo from Gizmodo.com khannaford@gizmodo.com.
Women fearful of being raped can insert the Rape-Axe condom inside themselves like a diaphragm or tampon. If her worst fears come true, and a man attempts to rape her, the Rape-Axe's inside hooks attach themselves to the penis and don't come off, instead getting even tighter and stopping the man from being able to urinate. The only way to remove it is by seeing a doctor—which will obviously help with prosecution. "The awful wrongs and sufferings forced upon the innocent, helpless, faithful animal race form the blackest chapter in the whole world's history." - Edward Freeman, (English Historian and Commentator)  2004 - by Betsy Seeton I took this village shot when I was in Greece in 2004. It had always been a dream of mine to visit the Greek Islands. I was not disappointed. But I am terribly saddened as I read about the animal abuse going on over there. It's one more heart wrenching and tragic example of such inhumanity.  click to enter ABOLITIONIST-ONLINE.COM I have never posted graphic images on my site. I don't support sensationalism. I don't watch videos showing inhumane acts. I prefer to use words and nice visuals, but I came across a site called Abolitionist-Online and thought it deserves to be passed along. I glanced at the heart wrenching images of animal abuse (it's very hard for me to stomach) and read the information. It's horrific what's going on in Greece. We must not turn a blind eye. Abused animals need protection and help from caring humans.  photo from abolitionist-online.com Straight from ABOLITIONIST-ONLINE: A Voice For Animal Rights reads: Alive - whimpering and crying for the help and compassion of a human. It didn't come. This dog was seen by thousands of pedestrians and left to suffer alone. This dog after weeks and weeks of suffering in agony was rescued by foreign friend of Marijo's living in Greece and mercifully placed into the arms and heart of God. This dog "existed" in hell and died in hell. There are tens of thousand of animals like this in the Cradle of Civilisation on the mainland and on the idyllic Greek islands. Greece is an exquisitely beautiful country that lives by tourism and by tourism alone! Many Greeks are extraordinarily cruel, blind, indifferent and the government is a disgrace. What can you do you ask? READ FULL ARTICLE Here's an article posted in January of 2011:  CLICK TO SIGN PETITION AT CARE2 In honor of the 100 city protest going on around the world today, I've started a new blog called the Death Blog to bring attention to this current day horror and I've dedicated the blog to Sakineh Mohammadi-Ashtiani, mother of two in Iran who was sentenced to death for "alleged adultry". Public outcry around the world has temporarily stopped the execution by stoning, but now she faces death by hanging. I urge you to get invovled in this issue and sign petitions to stop this barbaric practice. Get my blog feed and follow the current stories.  Sakineh Mohammadi-Ashtiani. The photo here of Sakineh has circulated the web for weeks. Along with the headlines about being stoned to death, this image drew me in to read her story. Her plight immediately prompted me to sign a petition to fight against her horrible injustice. This image of Sakineh has stayed with me and today as I posted her picture on my new blog about this crime against humanity, I realized something quite startling. She looks like pictures of my grandmother on my mothers side. She died before I was born, so I only know my grandmother from old photographs. I asked my own mother if Sakineh reminded her of anyone. She took one look and instantly said, "My mother!" The likeness is unmistakable. What a interesting coincidence .... "In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you." - Deepak Chopra  photo of Chippy - by B.Seeton If I were paying to have Chippy on that monitor in Times Square in NYC, it would cost between $3-$5 million a month!!
There's a website that allows a person to upload an image and choose various framing formats to 'experience' seeing their photo or art in grand places. It's just a fun distraction. And today I need a distraction in the worst way. A lot of challenging personal stuff is going on that prompts the cliche "what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger." I'm just not sure if I'll make into that second group... So in addition to my own stuff, the world's woes are getting to me too. I feel the need today to step back from all the tragic goings on in the world. The suffering of others and the corrupt souls hurting so many is hard for me to accept. I tend to take on the pain of others. It's not easy for me to know about injustice and not experience inward outrage and frustratiion. This website is a good one to bookmark and come back to regularly. Straight from their website: "Don’t wait to be deprived of news to stand up and fight for it" In some countries a journalist can be thrown in prison for years for a single offending word or photo. Jailing or killing a journalist removes a vital witness to events and threatens the right of us all to be informed. Reporters Without Borders has fought for press freedom on a daily basis since it was founded in 1985. READ MORE Read about the Vietnamese government controling the Internet and punishishing and imprisoning bloggers and journalists who dare to speak out against the ruling regime.  Investigate, expose and support
Reporters Without Borders: defends journalists and media assistants imprisoned or persecuted for doing their job and exposes the mistreatment and torture of them in many countries. fights against censorship and laws that undermine press freedom. gives financial aid each year to 100 or so journalists or media outlets in difficulty (to pay for lawyers, medical care and equipment) as well to the families of imprisoned journalists. works to improve the safety of journalists, especially those reporting in war zones. READ MORE ON THEIR WEBSITE Take action now to condemn the kidnapping of two trade union leaders at a Marks & Spencer (M&S) supplier factory in India and call for their immediate and safe return. The kidnappings are part of a brutal attack against 60 workers, which took place as they arrived for work at the Viva Global factory in Gurgaon, India.  The workers were attacked by thugs brandishing hockey and lathi sticks as they arrived for their shift at 9:30am Delhi time on the 25th August 2010. One of the thugs has been identified as the labour contractor used by Viva Global to provide workers to the factory. Sixteen women were severely beaten and two union leaders were kidnapped. Their whereabouts remains unknown.
The attack follows months of union campaigning to improve working conditions at Viva Global. Workers complain of excessive and forced overtime, wages below the minimum wage, verbal and physical abuse, failure to pay mandated social security, lack of drinking water and a host of other serious violations. READ MORE AND SIGN A PETITION I'm providing a list of non profit organizations helping in Pakistan. I can't begin to wrap my mind around the fact that 20% of the people in Pakistan have been displaced from their homes and are struggling to have their basic survival needs met. It's horrific. The suffering is unimaginable. Click the image below to get a list of reputable organizations bringing relief to Pakistanis. I favor Doctors Without Borders.  click image to enter this website with a list of good non profit orgs We must fight against the spirit of unconscious cruelty with which we treat the animals. Animals suffer as much as we do. True humanity does not allow us to impose such sufferings on them. It is our duty to make the whole world recognize it. Until we extend our circle of compassion to all living things, humanity will not find peace. ~Albert Schweitzer, The Philosophy of Civilization  Marmot - by B.Seeton 8/23/10  Chippy's baby - by B.Seeton July 2010 The indifference, callousness and contempt that so many people exhibit toward animals is evil first because it results in great suffering in animals, and second because it results in an incalculably great impoverishment of the human spirit. All education should be directed toward the refinement of the individual's sensibilities in relation not only to one's fellow humans everywhere, but to all things whatsoever. ~Ashley Montague
My photography is for sale as greeting cards, postcards, and various styles of framed prints. Please email me for details or to order. If you have a special request and want something printed on the card, I'm happy to oblige. My email address is betsy at livehonestly dot com. (Spelled out to reduce spam.)  photo from UNHCR/ H. Caux Pakistani women are generally prohibited from appearing in public, so they send their children for food to bring back to their families.
READ MORE ABOUT THE PLIGHT OF PAKISTAN AFTER THE WORST FLOODS IN DECADES AND THE WAYS THAT YOU CAN HELP The Collateral Repair Project is a grassroots movement, created to address the catastrophic displacement of the five million Iraqis who had to leave behind their homes and communities because of the violence and instability that is the result of the invasion and occupation of their country. READ MORE  click to see gallery of art by Iraqi children I came across this writing of mine and thought I would repost it... I imagine a better world when what people value has more to do with what they love doing than about what money can buy. Going after your passions and leading a life inspired by them is central to what drives my own life and is something I encourage others to experience. That's why the idea of humans and animals being enslaved is so intolerable to me. Freedom, not only in a political sense, but freedom to choose one's own path in life, should be everyone's right. On a global, cultural level, this right should be embraced and nurtured. It's incomprehensibly vile to think of how the greed of some humans and the thirst for power over others, devastates the lives of so many. IN OTHER BLOGS... Check out today's posting: FOR THE CHILDREN OF THE WORLD  Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. A nonprofit membership organization, American Humane is headquartered in Denver. READ MORE  Directly from their website: PROTECTING ANIMALS American Humane has worked to protect animals since 1877, providing a voice for the nation's most vulnerable. All efforts of our Animal Protection Division are focused on preventing cruelty, neglect and exploitation of animals and assuring that their interests and well-being are fully, effectively and humanely guaranteed by an aware and caring society. From here, you can learn the many ways you can help an animal, find out about American Humane's numerous animal welfare programs, get information on adopting and caring for new pets, and more.  click image to enter American Humane website If anyone has direct experience or knowledge about this organization, please let me know. I would be very interested in knowing more about them.
The Social Services organization in the United States is broken. I know this first hand. Lives aren't just falling through the cracks, they are being shattered and lost. The Dr. Phil show recently took on this topic and is continuing to campaign to bring desperately needed changes. I have my own tragic nightmare story to share that is heart wrenching. In time, I will reveal the great injustice my family has experienced. The wounds are too fresh; too raw right now....  click to go Dr. Phil's website I'm reaching out to people who have stories of their own to share. Dr. Phil said the outpouring from people has been overwhelming. I'd like to hear from you. If you have a problem with a case, Judge or Commissioner GET INFORMATION AND RESOURCES at CJE (Center For Judicial Excellence).  click image to go to Center For Judicial Excellence website Straight from their website: The Clean Clothes Campaign is dedicated to improving working conditions and supporting the empowerment of workers in the global garment and sportswear industries. Since 1989, the CCC has worked to help ensure that the fundamental rights of workers are respected. We educate and mobilise consumers, lobby companies and governments, and offer direct solidarity support to workers as they fight for their rights and demand better working conditions. The Clean Clothes Campaign is an alliance of organisations in 13 European countries. READ MORE  Fair Trade Products & Producer Profiles Straight from GreenAmericatoday.org: There is more than just coffee and chocolate that is available as Fair Trade these days! Keep up with this growing movement by learning about various Fair Trade products, their producers, and where to find them near you! VISIT THIS WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO  More about bananas
from greenamericatoday.org:
They are the faces of orphans in Kathmandu, Nepal, but also so much more. They have some of the same hopes and dreams of children anywhere. They want an education. They want love and understanding. They want to play and have fun and to someday have a real family of their own. They want to be somebody; to make the world a better place.  What Do They See? - by B.Seeton Not all orphans are without parents. Some children end up in orphanages because their parents cannot afford to raise them. Others are bought or taken to fill an orphanage that westerners will gladly fund. It’s not uncommon for orphanages to be corrupt organizations run by extended family members. It’s a heart breaker to witness orphanages using and abusing children as their ticket to profits.  Alone In A Crowd - by B.Seeton There’s a mixture of emotions in a place like this. One witnesses the resilience inherent in youth combined with bewilderment and longing. Amidst the loneliness that can often come while being surrounded by others is also a sense of warm belonging and ‘family’. Such ambiguity. There is happiness and self reliance, yet undeniable sadness and need. I am forever left with a little heavier heart while also awed by the immense giving hearts that made this orphanage a place for children to love and grow and learn in the face of some of life’s hardest challenges. And the hearty laughter from these children, their many smiles, their pulling together and their wonderfully inquisitive nature will long remain a part of me.  A Slice of An Orphan's Life - by B.Seeton  Happy Moments as an Orphanage - by B.Seeton These children have so much strength and spirit. This orphanage in Kathmandu, Nepal was run by a soulful and honest organization called Volunteer Services Nepal. Sometimes they managed corrupt orphanages knowing they had little control but their focus was on the health and well being of the children and they worked tenaciously to meet their needs despite the corruption. The food that was given (or grown) for the children was sometimes stolen by the owners of the orphanage.
The young girl in the center of this collage was seven years old at the time. Her little brother with the racket in the top left corner (too little to be at an orphanage like this one) had to go to school with her because no one could take care of him at the orphanage. Four children went missing at this orphanage weeks before these photos were taken (child trafficking was suspected) and then these two new children - brother and sister - showed up.  Chipmunk sitting on my fishing vest - by B.Seeton 8/7/10  Chippy by B.Seeton  Baby Chip - by B.Seeton  Chippy August 1, 2010 - by B.Seeton  One of Chippy's babies August 1, 2010 - by B.Seeton  Another of Chippy's babies - by B.Seeton  Boy Chip (Chippy's mate) by B.Seeton  Cousin Rusty - by B.Seeton It's the first day of August. I want time to slow down. The summer is flying by way too fast. Soon the snow will come and the temps will dive to bone chilling double digits below zero. The leaves will fall from the trees and my adorable Chippies will be hibernating. Summer in the high country just goes by way too fast. Sigh ... I know I preach "live in the moment" and "take it one day at a time, even one step at a time" but it's easier said than done. I am trying to soak up my time without too much lamenting about how fast it's going by. It's just that today, being the first day of August, is a demarcation line of sorts. I'll get over it, but it still leaves me a little blue and a little nastalgic for summer to start all over .... This dandelion pod is a reminder that fall is just around the corner.  Burst of Beauty - by Betsy Seeton The dandelion pod is photographed A LOT. I am endlessly drawn to it's magical, delicate beauty that delights over and over much the way a sunset or sunrise does. This image is for sale as a postcard, greeting card and framed or matted prints. Also comes printed on canvas. To browse through hundreds of my photos click on My Art Gallery.
It was such an honor to learn my image is featured along many talented artists on the opening page of the Redbubble art site! When you log on to RedBubble.com my painting WEEDS will flash across the screen .... Thank you RB!  WEEDS - painting by Betsy Seeton This was originally painted on gypsum board and hung in the Carla Wright Gallery. This is a digitized image from a photo of the original with a new color scheme. It's for sale as a framed or matted print. The original now hangs in a lawyer's office In Denver, Colorado. Got to my online Art Gallery.  Here's a good website to help you learn which companies make slave free chocolate. I liked this site too. One of my pages explores this critical issue. Please get informed. Please care enough to buy products not produced by slave labor.  1950's - Yeshiva University Museum, 15 West 16th Street, New York, NY 10011 |
 Betsy Seeton
I'm an artist, writer, photographer, private investigator and an activist in small ways.
"Turning indifference into making a difference."
MY PHOTO BOOK
GETTING IN TOUCH WITH NATURE is my new website devoted to my photography, books, and art.
  My LADYBUG book is filled with beautiful images & inspiring quotes. Click here for more info.
 All photos are for sale at Betsy's Art Gallery  Email Betsy   Amely-James KOH BELA is fighting child trafficking in Africa and throughout several continents. Read my interview with her.  CLICK FOR BEE PHOTOGRAPHY  Mahoot Elephant training in Thailand with Kaew,  Adorable French girl growing up in Africa with wildlife photography parents - more pictures of Tippi Degre  I visited the Tiger Temple in Thailand & later found out it is under investigation for tiger trafficking and animal abuse. Read full story. In 2015 it was raided. More than 100 tigers and protected bird species in Wat Pa Luang Ta Bua, popularly known as the Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi province were impounded by authorities following complaints that the temple was alleged to engage in illegal wildlife trading.    photos for sale as greeting cards and framed prints or posters. Click to go to my online Art Gallery  "The moment one gives close attention to anything,
even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself." ~ Henry Miller  FREETHEBEARS.ORG - Learn about bear farming and bear paw soup. This torture must end! DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS helps people worldwide where the need is greatest, delivering emergency medical aid to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters or exclusion from healthcare.
 Connect with Jasper, The World Ambassador of Animal Rights & Welfare on Facebook! Read about life in the woods with Chippy & the crew...
What greater atrocity is there on this planet than to sell a human life and brutally force him or her into a life in the sex trade or endless labor? And how dare we abuse, kill and traffic animals in the name of profit... in the name of anything for any reason!
 Please support their efforts .
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