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Anonymous vs Scientology – June

14th June, 2008 – Protest against Scientology, London

So it’s already the 5th month that Anonymous have been protesting globally against Scientology.  Each month the demonstrators pick an aspect of Scientology that they disagree with, and this month’s campaign was called Operation Sea Arrgh, in response to Scientology’s Sea Org.

Naturally, this was a perfect excuse to dress up as pirates.

At last month’s protest, a demonstrator known as Epic Nose Guy was given a court summons for failing to remove a sign that depicted Scientology as a cult – http://tanya-n.com/4chan4/IMG_2597.jpg.  The  Crown Prosecution Service ruled that the word “cult” was “neither abusive or insulting” with no further action taken.  He turned up again and was pursued by the “pros”.  

It was amusing really – they told him exactly where to stand, to tilt his sign and to look towards the Church of Scientology building.  The photographer in the foreground below then took around 20 pictures using burst mode (why?) from various angles.

The demonstrators took full advantage of their freedom to call Scientology a cult!  Just in case you missed it:

As ever, these protests are amusing, although becoming a tad monotonous.  I wonder if the demonstrators plan to mix things up and maybe do something a little different to perhaps gain a bit more publicity?  Alas, I won’t be around for the July one, but I’ll be looking out for the pictures!

I’ll end with a shot I took just after I left the protest, of a very kind man, who randomly decided to call me a “terrorist” and “Taliban”, and to go back to my country  A tad confused, I turned around and asked him to repeat what he said, and he did.  He wasn’t drunk and didn’t appear to be on drugs – in fact, he was speaking with a slight accent (somewhat ironic) and quite eloquently.  He carried on ranting at me so naturally, I took a snap.

Clearly camera-shy, but not shy to air his racist thoughts.

I didn’t feel threatened at all by his stupidity – in fact I found his comments hilarious and yet infuriating.  I told him to stop being so ignorant and that this *is* my country.   Sad, really.  My first experience of racist abuse!

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February – http://tanya-n.com/?p=104

March – http://tanya-n.com/?p=107

April – http://tanya-n.com/?p=110

May – http://tanya-n.com/?p=114

A Sunday in Brick Lane

Brick Lane is definitely becoming one of my favourite places.

Where else can you find a shop solely selling ukelele’s? Called Duke of Uke, It’s the only shop in the UK dedicated to the instrument.

I went along to the Art Car Boot Fair which featured some interesting, if not quirky, art for sale.

This artist was charging £2 for a 2 hour portrait – what a bargain! I’ve always wanted this done.. maybe next time.

This cute thing was part of the Disabled Avant-Garde stall

Brick Lane generally has some unusual things in its Sunday markets, including these funky bags from SallyCantDance.com.

So true.. you can’t protest on Facebook – get out in the streets you lazy people!

This musician was just brilliant.. very skillful finger-tapping, just like this boy. How can someone this young be so good?! Amazing.

This band were also very good.. I love the diversity of this area, not just in terms of people but the music, clothing and general atmosphere.

Speaking of diversity, here’s a snapshot of things for sale in the street:

Talk about random.

Er..

Whoever would wear this is slightly sad in my opinion. I mean, everyone knows those two statements relate to all guys!

One for the street sign series:

Ironic in a Muslim-dominated area.

I only noticed the sad face in the background when I’d uploaded this shot:

Stumbled across this in the Shoreditch area:

I’ve never seen live graffiti being done like this – even at the Cans Festival

Very cool.

I’ve walked past these Tube trains often and always wondered what exactly is up there. Someone was nice enough to let us go up and see for ourselves.

There isn’t really a great deal there right now, but for a few days in the year, it’s open to the public.

Hm.. comparing Blair to Hitler is just a tad OTT now isn’t it!

All this guy needs is the glasses..

The above two pieces are by Mike Marcus, who creates some very interesting work.

That’s all for now. Roll on summer!

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