Clothes on Wheels

Here's the back of another local bus, this time advertising a city centre clothes store. The opening day of this particular shop appeared here a few months ago, when they had some stilt walkers standing outside.

I've had a comment from someone who used to live in Nottingham, that I don't always give the location details of my photos. To keep all my viewers happy, this one was taken on Lower Parliament Street, just up from the Victoria Centre.

April Theme Day

This month's theme is postboxes. Due to various circumstances, I've not had the opportunity of shooting anything new, so I am showing an old picture that I published around 9 months ago. But I think it's good to show some things again, as people may have missed it the first time, and new members of our blogging family may not have seen it at all.

Over 60 Daily Photo sites are participating in the 1st April theme. Please use the links to below to visit them.

Due to time zone differences and other factors, the theme photo may not be displayed until later if you are viewing early in the day.

London (UK) -Grenoble (France) -Rotterdam (Netherlands) -Greenville SC (USA) -Hyde (UK) -Villigen (Switzerland) -Albuquerque NM (USA) -Mazatlan (Mexico) -Montréal (Canada) -Stayton OR (USA) -Shanghai (China) -Jing -Arradon (France) -Sequim WA (USA) -Newcastle upon Tyne (England) -Seattle WA (USA) -Kim -Bastia (Corse) -Minneapolis MN (USA) -Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) -Joplin MO (USA) -Sharon, CT (USA) -Cottage Grove MN [USA] -Houston, TX (USA) -Candice & Megan -Singapore - by Keropokman. -Guelph, ON (Canada) -Menton (France) -Monte Carlo, Monaco -Naples, FL (USA) -Kyoto (Japan) -Tokyo (Japan) -Aliso Viejo, CA (USA) -Cape Town (South Africa) - Jakarta (Indonesia) -Kitakami (Japan) -Tel Aviv (Israel) -Vantaa(Finland) -Guadalajara (Mexico) -Auckland (New Zealand) -Nelson (New Zealand) -Tuzla (B&H) -Brussels (Belgium) -Anderson, SC (USA) -Lubbock, TX (USA) -John, Melbourne, (Australia) -Stavanger (Norway) -Tenerife (Spain) -Stockholm (Sweden) -Boston, MA (USA) -Not Strictly Seattle, Susan -New York City, (USA), Ming the Merciless -Paris [Eric], (France) -Ampang (Selangor) -Sydney (Nathalie) Australia -ailea , HI (USA) -Manila (Philippines) -Sydney (Sally) Australia -Cork (Ireland) -Saarbrücken (Germany) -Saint Paul MN (USA) by Carol -San Diego, CA (USA) -Mexico [POLY], (Mexico) -Budapest (Hungary) -Singapore (Singapore by Zannnie) -Madrid [Dsole] (Spain) -Bandung (Indonesia) -
href='http://jonemo.de/thedailylondonphoto/' target='_blank'>London - Jonemo (UK) -

Lonely Swimmer

This dead leaf was the only thing in the water of the new fountain. I don't know where it came from, as all the old leaves had disappeared, or been swept up. A different sort of still life.

Happy Birthday to NDP

Yes, that's right, this blog site is one year old today. I didn't know whether I'd be able to keep up the momentum of putting on a photo a day, let alone trying to find suitable subjects. But in spite of one or two setbacks & holidays I've made it.

So the problem now is what to publish today. Some bloggers go for a display of all their photos, but I don't know how you do that, so I'll settle for this group shot of some girls in the Market Square holding some silver balloons. They are not coming to the party, but have just visited the latest New Look clothes store that has opened in the city.

Pictures from the Past

As part of the celebrations for the opening of the new square, the council are running an exhibition showing old photographs of the city. They are also inviting members of the public to bring their own snaps in to display. Here's an example of some photos on offer. The highlights here are comedians Morecambe & Wise and Carry On actor Sid James messing about on Raleigh bicycles.

Give my Regards to Broadway

This is the Broadway cinema, an independent movie house in the heart of the Lace Market. Besides old and recent usual well known films, they show all sorts of weird and wonderful movies from around the world that don't make the main chains like the Showcase. They also have special events and run courses on film appreciation and production.

Her Light Materials

A woman was selling a large range of fabric in the Broad Marsh Centre the other day. They had been specially designed for patio furniture seats & covers, which with no surprise were on display too. Quite a number of people were milling about, but I don't think they were buying.

Jets of Water

The Old Market Square again. This time a close up of the fountain's water spouting out into the air. It's quite relaxing watching water run by. Perhaps everyone should have a water feature at home, to help them wind down after a busy day at work.

Train of Thought

Here's a photo for all you trainspotters out there. This is one of those special engineering locomotives that tests & checks the tracks for problems etc. Here's a weblink to the company that makes the equipment.

Water Disaster

As I reported yesterday, a fault has caused the new water feature to be turned off for repairs. This shot shows where the problem lies and the amount of effort the engineers have had to take to get it mended. I've no idea how long it's going to take to get it going again.

Mirror Image

Another view of the new water feature in the square. This time it's of the top, so you can see the reflections of the sky and surrounding buildings. I saw on the news last night, that they've had to switch it off, as a problem with the pump has developed.

Watch the Birdie

There have been quite a few photographers walking round the square taking photos of the new layout. I think this guy is from the council, taking shots for a future promotional film or advert about the city. Whoever he is, he spent a lot of time setting up his points of interest.

Bye Bye

The new Old Market Square is now open for business and here we see a truck being loaded with the last of the bollards, which have been blocking off the area for the last 18 months. You should be seeing some more photos from this location over the next few weeks, as some celebrations of its completion will be taking place.

Party Time

At the weekend, Nottingham played host to the Conservatives Spring get together. Most of the action took place at the Royal Centre. This was a first for the city, as usually political parties have their conferences at seaside locations like Blackpool, or Brighton.

I didn't really know anything about it, otherwise I might have gone to have a look with my camera. But I took this as a reminder, before it's covered over with publicity for the next show.

Water Falls

As promised, here's a shot of the other water feature newly installed and being tested. it's a strange shape and design, as on one side it's just like a brick wall that looks like it's sprung a leak in a few places, the other side is sloped. This is one end, with a cascade. More pictures to come.

Square Bashing

The new, Old Market Square is going through it's final preparations before the big opening on Thursday. So here's a bit of an exclusive picture, of the new water feature that was being tested. The barriers are still around it, but it appears to be in two parts. Here's the first & tomorrow I'll show you the second.

The Luck of the Irish

As many people will know, today is St Patrick's Day; the patron saint of Ireland. Of the four UK saints, more seems to be made of St Patrick than the others. I don't know if that's anything to do with drinking Guinness?

Today's photo shows a market stall decked out with Ireland's national flag. I'm not sure if he was selling them, but it's a way of making a quick buck. Or should that be a quick Euro?

Flushed With Success

Not every loo seat has to be boring white plastic, or imitation pine. From this bathroom shop, you can buy all sorts of highly decorated seats. I especially like the fish one. Very amusing.

Apologies for the poor quality of the photo. As I'm sure you've all found out, reflections in shop windows are a nightmare sometimes.

A Quiet Life

Although it was a bright sunny lunchtime, for some reason not that many people were walking about. If you look carefully, you can see one old chap having a quiet drink in the sunshine.

Painted Lady

Whilst strolling along the canal, I came across this narrow boat with a great name & picture. Although I am a Piscean, my wife is a Capricorn.

If you owned a canal boat, what would you call yours?

I'm Only Here For The Beer

Some of you may remember that slogan from the early 1970's, for a pint of Double Diamond. 30 years on and according to this empty beer glass, the slogan is Chill Out. I took this photo, because I liked the letters appearing in the glass's shadow and also the way that the froth had dried.

Horn of Plenty

Most cities have buskers, and Nottingham is no exception. Here's a guy called Gavin Randle, who's blowin a mean tune on his sax. Unfortunately no one was stopping to listen, let alone buy one of his CD's. I think his bike & trailer are great. Just the thing for doing your shopping with.

Cuddly Monsters

Habitat is normally known for its kitchen & living room furniture, and has been around since the late 1960's. But now they've launched a range called VIP for children. 12 celebrities have designed toys and furniture for the little ones. The designer Christian Lacrox, has created 3 dolls in the shape of friendly , but badly dressed aliens, which you can see here.

Sign Your Name Across My Single

Passing the HMV shop near Broad Marsh yesterday, I was intrigued by a crowd that were amassed near the front doors. Going over, I saw that there was a special event taking place. A band that I had never heard of called Biffy Clyro, were promoting their new single called Saturday Superhouse. I managed to take this grab through the window, as I couldn't get a clear shot from inside, as there were too many people queuing up to meet them.

Look to Your Left

This sign showing where the Nottingham Playhouse is to be found, and is another new edition to the streets of the city. It's a simple design, replicating the two main attractions of the Playhouse; namely the stage & the Sky Mirror.

Trained Flight

I know Nike trainers have air in the soles to make the wearers feel more comfortable etc, but I didn't know that the trainers were actually lighter than air. Otherwise how did they manage to get hung up on this street light? Unless they fell out of an aeroplane of course!

Wii've Won!

For various reasons, my local Curry's had set up a Wii video game station for people to try out. When I went past, two guys were pretending to be boxers and trying to knock the stuffing out of each other. Personally, like most Bloggers, I'd rather be out taking photographs, than being inside staring at a tv screen.

How?

Here's a puzzle for you. What have these two Red Indians got to do with drinking? The answer is that they are above the entrance to a pub called The Stage Door. Which co-incidentally is opposite the Theatre Royal. Although I have absolutely no idea why they are there & why one of them is holding a giant cigar!

Monkey Business

This is Charlie the Chimp, and he has been an attraction at Gordon Scott's shoe shop in the Broad Marsh shopping centre for over 30 years. There was some worry about him recently, as he had been missing from the shop window for some time. Apparently he had been away to be renovated, as spending years and years doing flips, had taken its toll on his workings.

Disco Bus

Here's another 'back of a bus' shots, that I sometimes do and seem to be quite popular. This one is advertising a new club called the Love Shack. Named probably after the B52's hit of 1990. The person is clearly based on Geri from the Spice Girls. I love the way that the bolt on the window is just in the right place to make her look like a cyclops.

Carmen Get Her

This sculpture is called Carmen, and stands outside the Theatre Royal. She's been there a few years now and was designed by Hilary Cartmel and is made of stainless steel and concrete.
Personally I think it is quite an ugly statue, and quite likely to scare people on a dark night. But that's modern art for you.

Men At Work??

Today is theme day. I am still taking part, even though I was unfortunately too late to be included as a participant. My working men, are actually taking a break from whatever their job is, and having an enjoyable pint in the sun. As they are all wearing blue overalls, I take it that they may work in a factory, or at the Castle Rock brewery which is close by.

Rainy Days And Tuesdays

Yesterday was another washout, as it rained on and off for most of the day. So I thought I would try and capture the raindrops in the canal and illustrate what a dull day it was.

Classical Glass

Quite a number of my photos have featured the Council House with it's clock and dome. Today's picture shows what it looks like from the inside; well a glass dome anyway, as most of the building is off limits to the general public. The dome is near the front of the building and lets light onto a sweeping stone staircase.

I Talk To The Trees

Well on this instance, they talk to us. Each of these 'trees' gives off a different musical sound when you go near them, through some in built sensors. They are just the thing to keep the children amused during half term.

Books on Wheels

Here is a snap of Nottingham Council's latest vehicle; a mobile library. It's a good idea having these, as not everyone has access to a library, or can travel to one, and reading books is one of the most important things you can do. Not only for pleasure, but for learning about the world around you and what's going on in it.

I wonder if there's any books about blogging!

The Music Man

This marble plaque commemorates the spot where a musician locally known as 'the Xylophone Man' sat and entertained the passing shoppers, with his unique musical style. It was unique, as he just tapped the bars of his children's toy xylophone at random and stamped his foot. He did make the trip to the Broad Marsh Centre a bit brighter.

Shadow On The Wall

In the same darkened corner as yesterday's portrait, stands this artistic effort. I'm not sure what the artist is trying to tell me with this one. Do the blacked out shapes represent the unknown people in the world, and are they the feet of the artist?

You decide.

There's Always Someone Looking At You

Here's some hidden art. I say hidden, because you'd only see it if you made a point of going there, as it's a bit out of the way and not part of the main thoroughfare. A shame really, as it's quite a striking picture.

And They Call It Puppy Love

Couldn't resist taking a snap of these cuddly toy dogs in a shop window. Who cares if Valentine's Day is over. All you need is love!

Maneating Bird

Last night Nelly Furtado played at the Nottingham Arena. I'm not really a fan of her music, even though there is a marked difference in style between her first song and her last, but there have been some local comments about the distracting nature of this giant poster.

Happy New Year

The year of the pig in the Chinese calendar begins today. Beeston has developed quite a large Chinese community now with many attending the nearby university. There were celebrations in the Square today, with various demonstrations of dancing and singing, followed by the obligatory firework display. I caught these young girls doing a sort of fan dance. They added a much needed splash of colour to a rather grey day.

Good Use Of The Church Fund?

I know this is a sign for a local printers, which are based opposite the Castle; but my imagination thinks it could be a specialist company that makes clones of people for churches with falling congregations. You can just see a local vicar going in and asking for "about twenty men and women of ordinary, but good personalities and ages between twenty five and sixty".

Roses Are Red...

As I am having to go away on business tomorrow, I thought I would put on my contribution to Valentine's Day 24 hours early. I spotted these two characters promoting an Internet video Valentine's service called; Loveoke.com.. Enjoy tomorrow & don't eat too many chocolates.

The Taxman Commeth

Last April I published a photo of the Inland Revenue building, which I took from the Castle. Today's shot is of the same building. This time it was taken from the railway line, that runs at the back of the offices.

Just Another Day

Yesterday Nottingham missed the snow again, except for a small flurry around 5pm, which didn't settle due to the ground being wet. So I still can't bring you a snowy scene of my home town. Instead here's a rather wet and drab shot of a part of the city centre that is going to redeveloped sometime in the near future. I thought I'd take it before it disappears for ever.

Snow Can Do

There was fun and chaos across the UK yesterday, when heavy falls of snow hit the country for the second time this year. Nottingham seemed to escape again, as we only had a light dusting & it had all but disappeared by about 10am. So alas no photos of a white Robin Hood. Instead here's a photo of an art nouveau gate in the Lace Market. A shame the top of the gate has been boarded up. But I suppose it was done to deter vandals and thieves.

Writer's Block

A shame that this plaque is quite high on the side of a building on High Street, as it informs us that JM Barrie, the author of the great children's classic, Peter Pan used to work as a staff member of the Nottingham Journal; a local newspaper which is now defunct.

The Eyes Have It

Here's the poster which is advertising one of the world's best musicals; Cats, which is playing this month at one of my local theatres. The musical is based around the poems of TS Elliott & is about the adventures of several different felines, such as Bustepher Jones the very fat cat and Scrimbleshanks, who catches mice on the railway. The musical contains the very famous song "Memory", which was originally sung by Elaine Paige.