I was recently interviewed on BBC Radio 4 about the origins and meaning of the swastika symbol. The experience has focussed my mind on the significance of the symbol and the controversy that surrounds it.

It is a very ancient symbol representing permanent spiritual victory and has been held in great esteem by many different cultures around the world. The fact that such a benevolent symbol was abducted and utterly abused in the 20th Century makes it one of the most controversial symbols around. I have been finding that most people have an opinion about it - one way or another.

A movement has been started to Reclaim The Swastika for the spiritually inspiring intention that it truly stands for:
www.reclaimtheswastika.com

For your photos of swastikas in their natural habitat, I’ve started a photo group on Flickr:
www.flickr.com/groups/swastika/

“I was on the train and there was a sudden jolt forward … There was a really hard banging from the carriage next door to us after the explosion - that’s where it happened. There was a fire beside me. I saw flames outside on the window of my carriage … I saw bodies. I think some people may have died.”
- Sarah Reid, the tube at Liverpool Street

Read more…

The meeting of the G8 world leaders in Gleneagles, Scotland is about to begin. And Third World Debt, together with the poverty and exploitation it creates, is firmly under the spotlight.

Below are the latest photos from the G8 and Live8 groups on Flickr… Read more…

Free Range have made another great activist Flash movie, “Store Wars”. This time about chemical vegetables and the Organic Rebellion. Read more…

Fairtrade Fortnight has been and gone, as has the all-night vigil outside 10 Downing Street for trade justice, which happened last Friday the 15th of April. Fairtrade is an important step in moving towards a just society - which, in today’s world of corrupt, exploitative capitalist businesses seems a long way off.

One of the current problems with Fairtrade is the lack of products on offer - if you look on the Fairtrade website you’ll find these listed - mainly luxuries like chocolate, coffee, etc

However, if you really want to take fairtrade to the next level, I’ve discovered a great site which sells (amongst other apparel)… fairtrade sneakers! And again… fairtrade sneakers! Read more…