16 METRO Wednesday, December 2, 2009 D LET THE WORLD SEE THROUGH YOUR EYES We are delighted to announce the three Irish finalists for the 2009 Metro Global Photo Challenge. Thanks to all our readers who voted to select the top three images in the categories: People, Places and Climate Change. Everyone here at Metro thinks these shots are amazing and we wish our finalists the best of luck for the global final. Remember to pick up a copy of Metro on 13th December where you will see the winning global images in print. Check out the website to keep up to date with the finals. IRELANDS BEST PHOTOGRAPHS HAVE BEEN CHOSEN View all the finalists at www.metrophotochallenge.com STOP By David Sciora No Future By Hazel Coonagh Foggy Smithfield By Andy Sheridan sponsored by Climate Change Winner: People Winner: Places Winner: Pomp-free Church Representative: Archbishop Martin May I plead with the people of Ireland in the wake of terrible crimes committed by Gods representatives on Earth, not to throw God out with the bathwater. As pomp and arrogance in churches is being stripped away, and evil revealed, we are left with two things God and us. Are we going to continue with this relationship, or walk away? There are alternatives for disillusioned people. There are many other Christian churches and there are courses such as the Alpha Course. There are Christian television, books and music, and there are Bible studies and home groups. God hasnt given up on you please think carefully before you give up on Him. Ruth Doran I would like to support the very happy and guilt-free agnostic from yesterdays Metro Mail and to support World Aids Day. I, like very happy and guilt-free agnostic, opted out of the Catholic Church some months ago and I feel truly liberated from this outdated, repressive and abusive dogma. Also, I would like to make a comment in relation to the Catholic Church and World Aids Day. As you know, the Church condemns the use of artificial contraception and every enlightened person in this day and age knows the importance of protection against unwanted pregnancy and Aids. Now I know not all cases of Aids are contracted through unsafe sex, but what is more important, protecting yourself from potential STDs and pregnancy or risking a pregnancy and endangering your safety every time you have sex? I know this will provoke answers like you should only have one Dublins best-read letters page Metro Mail E-mail letters to mail@metroireland.ie with a name. Or text us. Text MAIL followed by comment and name to 53131. *Texts cost 30cent per message + standard network charges. SP. Oxygen8 Communications, Hospitality House, Cumberland Street South, D2. Customer service number 0818286606 talk to us Good Samaritans: Last Friday I was in the GPO arcade near OConnell St when I felt dizzy and sick. I cant count how many passers-by asked if I was okay. Two women rang my boyfriend and waited for half an hour outside a caf (the owner gave me tea and drinks) and took care of me. I was so sick that I didnt thank them properly. The taxi-driver who then brought us to the Mater refused to take any payment. There are clearly many good people in Dublin. Thank you! Sinead Toys and toil: Rachel M bemoans the fact the Toy Show children receive nothing for their efforts. Given that the show is hosted by RT, I am surprised they dont receive a benchmarked salary and a generous defined-benefit pension, all coughed up by the beleaguered licence payer. Gerry On time: Can someone please tell me which genius devised the new train timetables? Im getting an earlier train but arriving into work later. Is this going to be rectified or will I have to leave my house the night before to get in on time in the morning? Disgruntled Droghedian In Brief partner in life and people shouldnt sleep around but this is the 21st century. We are 2,000 years on from the actual birth of Christ and there are more important practical and moral ethics to be considered in this day and age. What justification could there possibly be for taking risks like Aids and unplanned pregnancy when science and progress have given us the ability to avoid them? Grey Fox Private Worker and Ben, I think its ridiculous to claim that people are going up North for a 6.5 per cent discount!! If anyone looked around down here theyd find far greater discounts than that. The excuse they give for going North is that it will force shops down here to reduce their prices, but I dont think Argos cares if you go to its shop in Newry or its Dublin shop. Try visiting the smaller shops down here that do not have outlets in Newry. Theyre far more competitive and you should be able to find better deals there. Mark Sendusyour txt Seems it was a case of: Crouching Tiger, Swinging Wife. Grasshopper Margaret, I also had my Xmas gift from Australia intercepted by Revenue. They demanded to see a PayPal receipt! Crikey! I didnt know we live in a police state! Ger L Albert, youre so right those people in the new Meteor ads are doin my head in. Why is the bearded guy so smug- looking and why did up to 50 people turn up to say falla lalla la? Losers. Lee, Dublin Guilt-free agnostic, I rejected all religion last year. Now I can be nice without having to worry about my soul or which sin(s) Ive committed or go to war over tribal god images. Jboy Rachel, I thought they got to keep their favourite toy, what a disgrace. DG Rachel, stop whining and moaning. The amount of gifts given to the audience was obscene surely these gifts should have gone to St Vincent de Paul. Dave txt MAIL to 53131* index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html24.html25.html26.html27.html