Sunday, May 31, 2009

Noblesse Oblige

Pasadena's City Hall has no bad angles, even if I can't always flatten myself far enough behind my camera to get them. I've enjoyed our tour this past week.

Now a little order of business, then onto whatever else I can find to take pictures of. Tomorrow is the first of the month, which is City Daily Photo Blog theme day. Here at PDP that means we'll have Zen Monday on Tuesday. There's a thought.

Lynn of Cheltenham Daily Photo has honored me with an award. Did you know there are two Cheltenham Daily Photos? Say hi to Marley.

Anyway, the award is called the Noblesse Oblige Award. It looks like this:
Dictionary.com defines noblesse oblige as "the moral obligation of those of high birth, powerful social position, etc., to act with honor, kindliness, generosity, etc."

It means those of the nobility are obligated to be kind to others, including and especially "the little people." It's why the royals are always going to charity functions.

Thank you, Lynn! I'm crazy about Lynn. She was one of the first people to welcome me to blogland when I began commenting on Paris Daily Photo. She's almost of the nobility, living so close to the Royals and all. But there are a couple of things I haven't told Lynn about me: one is that I'm not always a rule-follower, and the other is that I'm not of the nobility.

Here are the qualifications to win the Noblesse Oblige Award:

1) The Blogger manifests exemplary attitude, respecting the nuances that pervade amongst different cultures and beliefs.
2) The Blog contents inspire; strives to encourage and offers solutions.
3) There is a clear purpose at the Blog; one that fosters a better understanding on Social, Political, Economic, the Arts, Culture and Sciences and Beliefs.
4) The Blog is refreshing and creative.
5) The Blogger promotes friendship and positive thinking.

Hmm. I try to be respectful, encouraging, creative and positive. But I wouldn't recommend any blogger split focus as described in #3.

The Blogger who receives this award will need to perform the following steps:

1) Create a post with a mention and link to the person who presented the Noblesse Oblige Award.

2) The Award Conditions must be displayed at the post.
3) Write a short article about what the Blog has thus far achieved – preferably citing one or more older posts to support.
4) The Blogger must present the Noblesse Oblige Award in concurrence with the Award conditions.
5) Blogger must display the Award at any location at the Blog.

Jeez Louise, it's a tall order, innit?

#1, check. #2, check. #3... well I don't think I have any posts to support this. I don't wish to seem ungrateful. I'm very grateful to be acknowledged by my fellow blogger, Lynn. But see now, I'm not sure PDP qualifies for this award. My purpose here is for us to discover things about Pasadena and have a good time doing it. My intent is not to "foster a better understanding on Social, Political, Economic, the Arts, Culture and Sciences and Beliefs," though if that happens, okay. But I'm lucky if I foster understanding of my captions and map directions.

I'm hesitant to pass on blog awards because I've come across bloggers who don't want the obligation. So what I'd like to do here is acknowledge some blogs that, in my opinion, "foster a better understanding on Social, Political, Economic, the Arts, Culture and Sciences and Beliefs," or at least come close. Then if they want to post the award and pass it on, they may do so.

The winners, should they decide to accept the award, are these:

1. Jerusalem Hills Daily Photo: Dina has a big following and has probably already won this award several times. Dina is one open-minded, fair, generous, warm-hearted, funny, smart, terrrific--uh, have I given you a noun yet?--blogger.
2. Portland (OR) Daily Photo: Dina and her (our) friend Meead are exemplary of my theory that when we talk to each other, we prove our governments don't represent us as well as we represent ourselves. Meead is an exchange student from Mashaad, Iran. He left Mashhad (IRAN) Daily Photo in the capable hands of Sara, a student of architecture. Sara's taking a blogging break right now (presumably for exams), but keep checking. It's worth it just to see how much the same we all are.
3. Finnegan Begin Again: I don't know if Margaret's blog qualifies and I don't care. Everyone needs a fiesty goddess to watch their back. (Mine is Bast.) Everyone needs bacon. Wait. No one needs bacon. Bacon is for fun.
4. Izmir: Selim's is perhaps one of the most beautiful photo blogs you'll ever see. Another is Diederick's Arona Every Day. These photographer/bloggers foster international understanding through the art of of visual communication. Their styles are very different. Through their blogs, the Turk and the Italian have become friends.
5. Altadena Hiker: Karin's banana plant post alone meets all the requirements of the award.

Have fun exploring.

30 comments:

Cafe Pasadena said...

If anyone should get a blog medal it's KB de Adhiker - not 2 b confused with the 2nd Act in de AltaDena's.

I pray I'm never get an award bcuz I wouldn't even acknowledge it, or come to de ceremony to pick it up.

We're becoming worse than those insufferable Hollywood celebrities.

But, congrats Petrea. U deserve it.

Paulo Camacho said...

Good framework.

Shell Sherree said...

Yay again, Petrea! Woot! {Enter cheer leaders and marching band. And dancing in the streets.}

I love your choices and apologise that I don't have enough hours in the day to regularly follow them all, or I would. With bells on. Congrats to all!

Shell Sherree said...

And a beautiful photo, by the way!!!

Dina said...

Gee, thanks Petrea! Jerusalem Hills DP and I are honored to get such adjectives from you, our blogger hero. And we are in such good company on your list.
I'll accept the Oblige part; the Noblesse is way too big. I don't usually do awards, maybe due to my humble nature and laziness.
Thanks for your daily example of how you see, think, feel, and write. That teaches and inspires a lot, with or without Pasadena.

Your City Hall angle today is tres forte. Shalom!

cieldequimper said...

Congratulations! I love your view of the City Hall, it's a wonderful photograph.

John Sandel said...

Nice shot! I like the cut of your eye's jib.

HearkenCreative said...

Well, this is a lovely shot, and I'll take this moment to mention that, whether you think you deserve it or not, you and your blog have made a difference for many of us. I have discovered many things about my hometown I didn't know, and have been sent on many wonderful treks in and around Pasadena, because of this blog and the discussions it has fostered. Not to mention the beauty of seeing things from someone else's perspective/lens. So hats off to you, Petrea. Best of luck continuing this wonderful experiment in electronic community.

Petrea Burchard said...

I'd like to thank the little people...Wait. I *am* the little people.

Welcome, Paulo.

Shell, "woot" is my new word.

Thank you, Dina. I feel the same about the awards, maybe for the same reason. Hard to put it into words.

It's good to see you, cieldequimper! A visit to Versailles is in order.

Thanks, J, avast and belay. Or something.

Hearken, you made my day.

Anonymous said...

Well it's about time I got something for holding your purse, 'cause I sure ain't getting loose change.

Some might find my economic analysis dry, but I think it's important everyone stay aware. I'll check the indicator later today.

Thank you, and super duper shot.

Almost Precious said...

A marvelous shot. Love the way the shadows of the stairwell frames the sky with beauty of the Mediterranean dome as focal point. So astute about the blog awards, enjoyed your insight.
Anna
ps - I just got an award too, only not nearly as prestigious as the one that honors you...think mine was 90% promotional and 110% work (could say it was a pain in the _ _ _ but I'm a lady so I'll be nice.) :)

Cafe Pasadena said...

Congratulations KB!! It's been years in the making and long overdone. Yours has not been an overnight success. In fact, you should also get the lifetime achievement award.
Your two dogs s/b be berry proud to be your masters!

toast said...

Congrats, Petrea! I am relatively new to your blog, and while I can't say it's made me rethink politics, religion, etc., I can say that it's been a winning educational experience. I love learning about the history of the places/things/people you photograph and where it fits in with Pasadena life. :)

I'm ashamed to say that I've been to my state's capital building before, but didn't really pay attention to the beauty of it. Your posts on Pasadena's city hall makes me rethink the loveliness of government buildings.

Escapist said...

Hiya !
Grt yuh deserve more followers of your blog and let me be the 300th..

Jollies !!!!

Virginia said...

I'm drinking one of many glasses of cheap French wine in your honor and all the wonderful bloggers you chose! I know most of them and add a big AMEN! Bravo Petrea and all the new honorees.
V

Célio said...

Olá, passei para dar uma olhadinha em seu blog, muito interessante. Parabéns.
Abraços

Meead said...

Congratulations to all and thanks for giving me this. You surprised me Petrea. Thank you so much. That's so nice of you.

Petrea Burchard said...

You're welcome, Hiker. I *did* give you chocolate.

AP, I went to peek. 15! A tall order.

Thank you, toast. I don't know if all government buildings are beautiful, but government entities tend to build to impress.

Thank you, Esacapist. I'm honored by your visit. Can't believe I broke 300 thanks to you!

Virginia, I don't know how you could find time to know any more of them. Seems every blog I visit, I see you there! This is a diverse bunch.

Obrigado, Célio! O tradutor on-line poderia fazer este som estranho, mas abraços para você, também.
(It's soooo sort of Spanish and so not.)

You're welcome, Meead. I was stealthy about it, since I didn't go to your blog and tell you. I hope people will visit and get to know you. I keep going back from time to time because you're usually up to something interesting and cross-cultural.

marley said...

Thanks for the link and I don't get the hassle (sorry!) of the award! Your the best, its well deserved :)

Petrea Burchard said...

See now, Marley, I never know who's going to take it which way! But that's partly what I mean. Almost Precious (see above) had to redistribute her award to 15 blogs!

However, I think Lynn is gracious and elegant and fabulous, so you bet I accepted mine!

John Sandel said...

Came back to look at this photo again. I think it may be in your top 10. I admire you.

Ms M said...

Excellent photo! Really like how you framed this shot.
And congrats on yet another blog award! I think you meet the requirements...

Petrea Burchard said...

J+P, gosh. Thank you, I'm blushing.

You too, Ms. M. Thanks.

Laurie Allee said...

Well, rock on you talented noblewoman! Well deserved!

And cheers to the wonderful bloggers you chose to pass on the award. I have been moved by their work as well and love their contribution to this big ole electronic neighborhood of ours.

I'm with J. This is in your top ten. Beautiful.

Me said...

I love Pasadena, and seeing a photo of City Hall makes me long for my former home town. I worked at the Pasadena Star-News when it was located on the corner of Colorado Blvd. and Oakland Avenue. Now, it's not even published in Pasadena! Alas! I am now a resident of Sparks, NV. Please visit my blog at www.themodernwife.blogspot.com

Petrea Burchard said...

Welcome, Happy Medium. I'll have to look into this! The Pasadena Star-News still has a building here. If they're not published in town I can't imagine what they'd be using it for.

HearkenCreative said...

Happy Medium is correct: the Star News is published by the Los Angeles Newspaper Group, which operates something like a dozen newspapers all over SoCal. The PSN building no longer houses any PSN staff; there are a few PSN staffers in Pasadena (I believe they have a small office on Colorado close to Lake Avenue). The bulk of the work on our paper is done over at the Group's main building in Irwindale, although I believe that is changing as they continue to consolidate and streamline (I have some friends who have been victims of LANG's downsizing).

It's a sorry state for local news. But, then again, not any different from what is happening at the larger regional papers.

Me said...

Hello Petrea. It's true, I left the the Pasadena Star News back in 1991, because at that time Knight-Ridder sold the paper, and the new owners were moving it to West Covina.

I worked in the advertising department creating auto dealer's ads on MACs that were then just used for commercial publishing, not available for home use--and LA Times didn't even have the technology yet.

The old building at 525 E. Colorado eventually became the home of an upscale furniture company. The building is really beautiful. The editorial department was on the 5th floor, and had spectacular wide arched windows.

Later, while working toward my BA in English at UCLA, I worked for the new owners who were calling their main paper The San Gabriel Valley Tribune. There was a huge dog boarding place adjacent to the lot, and you can imagine the odors emanating from there!

Petrea Burchard said...

This explains some things I've been wondering about, specifically: why does our local paper fall short on local news? I don't turn to the Star-News for national news, which I can get anywhere and everywhere, yet it's full of national news. The one thing I want from it, local news, it gives only cursory coverage. Local blogs have scooped them more than once, even accidentally. They often publish guesses or opinions instead of checking facts, or they'll make a phone call to the police or a witness instead of sending a reporter. Now I know why.

Cheltenhamdailyphoto said...

Wow that's a great and original acceptance speech, Petrea! Thank you so much for the lovely things you said - elegant and fabulous? not so much anymore. Where did those days GO? :) Anyway it was a pleasure to give this to you and sooooooooo well deserved, as you see by the comments from all your lovely friends here! Anyway, being in the Hollywood area, etc., one simply MUST become accustomed to accepting awards, dahling! :D Oh yes indeed. lol.

lots of love to a great blogger and who else, but you could have a Zen Monday on a Tuesday? Can't wait! xxxx