Sunday sports

Kodak advertising sign from a photo shop in southwest France, photographed recently at the brocante at Chatou.

Remember film? Amazing how quickly we have adapted to digital cameras, drastically reducing the market for film. For photos of today's Paris Marathon go here. Check back later for additional marathon photographs, as well as pictures from opening day at the races at Hippodrome de Longchamp.

Oh and all that talk about the French president - and various other officials around the world - calling for a boycott of the Olympic opening ceremonies? I don't believe politics and sports should mix. The athletes have trained long and hard and shouldn't be denied a chance to compete because of the host's abysmal human rights record - a key factor that the Olympic Committee should have considered when awarding host nation status to China.

The country has a well-documented history of human rights abuses, both in Tibet and within its own borders. So those advocating a boycott because of China's latest horrendous abuses and crackdown on protestors shouldn't be surprised; this is what the Chinese government does. They are serial abusers of human rights, no matter how hard they try to conceal their true nature when making lucrative business deals with the West. But let's not punish the athletes simply because the Olympic Committee exercised poor judgement.

Meanwhile, racism has reared its ugly head at France's largest World War I cemetery. Read the sad story here.

Comments

[shirleymcc]

Your photos are such a treat! Thank you so much for sharing them.

the filmstrip has been such an iconic silhouette for so long, that it is difficult to think about going to digital exclusively.
regards,
shirley

[pepektheassassin]

You are just the very best photographer! I'll bet you haven't been told that before...sort of like whispering sweet nothings into your ear. *I love your stuff, I love your stuff* Can you feel my warm breath?

[karen cole]

The composition of that photo is extraordinary, Tara.

Yes, I remember film well. We were out to dinner with some very old friends this past Saturday evening. He has been in the photo business for many years. He took it over from his dad. Sadly, he is going out of business.

I definitely agree about sports and politics......as I do about religion and politics.

Hope all is well!

[Carla]

I love that sign, very cool. You are so right that China's record is not new. The way they handle conflict is the same way its been for centuries. What really bothers me is reports they are putting out saying that the citizens of Tibet are terrorist to justify any actions they might take. But yes, the athletes have worked hard and it wouldn't be right to tell them that they can't compete.

[Carla]

I love that sign, very cool. You are so right that China's record is not new. The way they handle conflict is the same way its been for centuries. What really bothers me is reports they are putting out saying that the citizens of Tibet are terrorist to justify any actions they might take. But yes, the athletes have worked hard and it wouldn't be right to tell them that they can't compete.

[helenej]

Great report on le marathon de paris, I wonder if you 'll be able to do the same topay with the olympics flame and all the "turmoil" -is that correct?- around !
Nevertheless, very interesting to read about my country and paris from an american citizen !
H living in soutH of france and writting poor english!

[Laume]

I thought something along the lines of "a little late to complain" when reading about the boycotts - it's not like China's political situation is new. But then it's important to remember that a country's people and culture are NOT the same thing as their political powers - we shouldn't confuse the two - I certainly don't want someone confusing Americans with what we've got going on in Washington these days! Or judge us with the same swipe of the pen.

[Diane]

Hi Tara
I agree with you! The athletes work & train for a long time before the Olympics & it's so unfair to punish them. I have no idea why China was awarded the Olympics. Not surprising that there are going to be boycotts.
Just wanted to tell you that your photos are wonderful! I loved the ones of the park & the flowers. We still have a bit of snow here, but the crocus are starting to bloom & the geese are back! I think Spring is coming!
Diane (rel)

[Dorian Fletcher]

I absolutely agree with you on the Olympics fiasco. The athletes should not be penalized for the bad judgement of the Olympics committee or China's continued lack of humanity. I think I would be more concerned for their lungs - given the awful air quality in China's cities.

Re: my entry on Berkeley - as close as I am (1+ hrs.), I don't get there nearly as much as I would like. You yearn for California - I yearn for Europe. Given the euro vs. the dollar, we won't be going any time soon...but you should be able to find some great bargains on your trip here.

[Tammy]

Enjoyed the pictures Tara but I'm conflicted on having anything to do with China. I feel for the athletes and ticked China can host the Olympics after seeing what they have done.

XXOO

Tara responds: I agree that China's human rights record is atrocious - but this is not news. We (the West) have always been aware of China's failings vis a vis human rights. So in my opinion, athletes should not be penalised because the Olympic Committee made the mistake of awarding the games to China, rather than a more Democratic country.

[Cre8Tiva]

love the photo..i have missed you...r

[stephanie]

The sign looks like a mixed media art piece...agree about the olympics, only hope the althletes CAN participate, the pollution is so terrible.

[gemma]

Great funky sign. You find the coolest things to photograph.
Your pictures of the Paris Marathon are fantastic!!!!