Whether the Weather Be Good Or Bad

Today has been a lovely sunny spring day. I have been outside pottering around, tidying up and seeing what plants are forming new leaves. But all this is to change overnight, as the weathermen have reported that Britain is to be battered by very strong winds, rain & maybe snow for the next few days. Apparently the weather is coming from Canada where they have been having really bad snow storms. My cousin, who lives in Toronto, has been sending me photos of his house, which now resembles an igloo!

Bladerunner

Here's the street performer I was watching on Thursday. I took this while he was packing up and all the audience had disbanded after throwing him a few coins. Those knives look real, so it's just as well he's got a washboard stomach, as the hoop doesn't look very wide. I know I wouldn't be able to squeeze my fat belly through it!

The Good, The Bad Or The Ugly?

A street performer was doing his act yesterday, and as he had appeared on my page before, I concentrated on looking at the audience. I thought this guy was interesting. He's dressed a bit like a cowboy. Well an urban one anyway!

The Cars The Star

The owners of the big wheel in the Old Market Square have been given permission for it to remain there for another month. So if I can afford it, and if I can find the courage to go on it I will. In the meantime, I have been trying to find different ways of taking photos of it. So what do you all this of this one? I think it gives some perspective on the size and height of the thing. Do you agree?

As an aside, I have been analysing the number and regularity of visitors I had last month. The top 3 friends are Zakscloset with 19, Marley with 17 and Joy with 12. So I have sent them a Robin Hood seal of approval.

Blow Me Down

Nottingham has experienced some quite strong winds over the last few days. Not hurricane speeds, but strong enough to do a bit of damage here and there, such as in this example of an advertising hoarding that had been blown off its stand.

Stone Me

Whilst on the hunt for suitable graffiti, I came across some stone faces in a neglected part of town. There were several heads, all authors. I took this one of Livingstone, as a sort of joke, as the stone isn't living and it's looking quite vandalised.

Your Carriage Awaits

As it's getting towards springtime, thoughts are turning to weddings, and so last week the Broad Marsh shopping centre had a display of wedding cars supplied by a local company. The star car was an old Rolls Royce, but I was drawn to this little Moggy Minor. I think it would stand out more as it pulled up outside the church.

Banana Splits

Walking past the Council House on Friday, I was drawn to Bananaman and his friends highlighting the importance of shoppers in buying Fairtrade products. By doing this, farmers in faraway countries receive a decent amount of money for their efforts, rather than being exploited by the giant supermarket chains that dominate these days. There were a number of stalls inside, where you could taste food & drink and learn what you can do to make the lives of overseas producers better.

For more information, please visit Fairtrade's very informative website, to learn more about their work and the organisation's objectives.

Physical Graffiti

March the First and it's theme day. Which this month is street art. I'm not sure whether graffiti can be classed as art, or is in fact vandalism. I know sometimes if it is done well, it can enhance a blank building, or as in my example, can just look a mess.

Quite a number of DP's are participating, and their links are below. Please try to visit as many as you can, but take note of varying time zones around the world.

Adelaide, Australia by Gordon, Albuquerque (NM), USA by Helen, Aliso Viejo (CA), USA by Rodney, American Fork (UT), USA by Annie, Anderson (SC), USA by Lessie, Arradon, France by Alice, Ashton under Lyne, UK by Pennine, Athens, Greece by Debbie, Auckland, New Zealand by Lachezar, Austin (TX), USA by LB, Bandung, Indonesia by Guntur Purwanto, Baziège, France by PaB, Belgrade, Serbia by BgdPic, Bellefonte (PA), USA by Barb-n-PA, Bicheno, Australia by Greg, Boston (MA), USA by Fenix, Boston (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Boston (MA), USA by Sarah, Whit, & Leyre, Brighton, UK by Harvey, Bucaramanga, Colombia by Fernando, Budapest, Hungary by Zannnie and Zsolt, Budapest, Hungary by Isadora, Buenos Aires, Argentina by Karine, Canterbury, UK by Rose, Cape Town, South Africa by Kerry-Anne, Chandler (AZ), USA by Melindaduff, Chateaubriant, France by Bergson, Cheltenham, UK by Marley, Chicago (IL), USA by U R us, Chicago (IL), USA by b.c., Christchurch, New Zealand by Michelle, Clearwater (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Clearwater Beach (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Cleveland (OH), USA by iBlowfish, Cologne, Germany by April11, Coral Gables (FL), USA by Jnstropic, Detroit (MI), USA by Taittems, Dunedin (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Durban, South Africa by CrazyCow, Evry, France by Olivier, Forks (WA), USA by Corinne, Glasgow, Scotland by Jackie, Greenville (SC), USA by Denton, Grenoble, France by Bleeding Orange, Guelph, Canada by Pat, Helsinki, Finland by Kaa, Hobart, Australia by Greg, Hyde, UK by Gerald, Inverness (IL), USA by Neva, Jackson (MS), USA by Halcyon, Jefferson City (MO), USA by Chinamom2005, Joplin (MO), USA by Victoria, Juneau (AK), USA by Gwyn, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Edwin, Kyoto, Japan by Tadamine, Larchmont (NY), USA by Marie-Noyale, Le Guilvinec, France by ds2944, Lisbon, Portugal by Sailor Girl, Lisbon, Portugal by Jsaltao, Lodz, Poland by ritalounge, London, UK by Ham, London, UK by Mo, Mainz, Germany by JB, Maple Ridge, Canada by Susan, Mazatlan, Mexico by Kate, Melbourne, Australia by Mblamo, Melbourne, Australia by John, Memphis (TN), USA by SouthernHeart, Menton, France by Jilly, Mexico, Mexico by Poly, Mexico City, Mexico by Carraol, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Mitch, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Greg, Monte Carlo, Monaco by Jilly, Montréal, Canada by Douber, Moscow, Russia by Irina, Mumbai, India by MumbaiIteanu, Mumbai, India by Kunalbhatia, Naples (FL), USA by Isabella, Nashville (TN), USA by Chris, Nelson, New Zealand by Meg and Ben, New Orleans (LA), USA by steve buser, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK by Cassie & Chris, Niamey, Niger by Dinabee, Norwich, UK by Goddess888, Ocean Township (NJ), USA by Josy, Paris, France by Eric, Pasadena (CA), USA by Can8ianben, Pasadena (CA), USA by Petrea, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia by Murphy_jay, Pilisvörösvár, Hungary by Elise, Port Angeles (WA), USA by Jelvistar, Port Elizabeth, South Africa by Sam, Port Vila, Vanuatu by Mblamo, Prague, Czech Republic by Honza03, Quincy (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Radonvilliers, France by Deslilas, Riga, Latvia by Prokur, Rome, Italy by Giovanni, Rotterdam, Netherlands by Ineke, Saarbrücken, Germany by LadyDemeter, Saint Louis (MO), USA by Strangetastes, Saint Paul (MN), USA by Kate, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation by Lark, San Antonio (TX), USA by Kramer, San Diego (CA), USA by Felicia, San Diego (CA), USA by Zentmrs, Santa Fe (NM), USA by Randem, Seattle (WA), USA by Kim, Seattle (WA), USA by Chuck, Seguin (TX), USA by Thien, Selma (AL), USA by RamblingRound, Sesimbra, Portugal by Aldeia, Setúbal, Portugal by Maria Elisa, Sharon (CT), USA by Jenny, Silver Spring (MD), USA by John, Singapore, Singapore by Keropok, Sofia, Bulgaria by Antonia, St Francis, South Africa by Sam, Stavanger, Norway by Tanty, Stayton (OR), USA by Celine, Stockholm, Sweden by Stromsjo, Subang Jaya, Malaysia by JC, Sydney, Australia by Sally, Székesfehérvár, Hungary by Teomo, Terre Haute (IN), USA by Zann, Terrell (TX), USA by Bstexas, Terrell (TX), USA by Jim K, The Hague, Netherlands by Lezard, Tokyo, Japan by Tadamine, Torun, Poland by Torun Observer, Toulouse, France by Julia, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina by Jazzy, Twin Cities (MN), USA by Slinger, Vienna, Austria by G_mirage2, Wailea (HI), USA by Kuanyin, Wassenaar, Netherlands by Rich, Wellington, New Zealand by Jeremyb, West Paris (ME), USA by crittoria, West Sacramento (CA), USA by Barbara, Weston (FL), USA by WestonDailyPhoto, Wrocław, Poland by Loompi, Yardley (PA), USA by Mrlynn,

Say Your Piece

Most people from the UK have heard of Speakers' Corner in London. It's where individuals can stand and say their piece about how bad the Government is, or that you can only get tins of pilchards in tomato sauce. Now Nottingham has created its own version for residents to voice their opinions.

It's only been going a few days, and I'm not sure anyone yet has given it a go. I will certainly take some photos of anyone brave enough to stand there and talk to passers by.

Triangle of Love

This recent street exhibition was all designed by local children of varying ages. They were also made to be lit up at night.

Thanks to all my visitors who were kind enough to leave messages on the 26th, regarding my birthday & wedding anniversary. Even though we were both working, we had quite a nice day and received several cards.

Double Celebrations

Today is a special day for both Gail and I. Besides being my birthday, it's our second wedding anniversary. Two years ago we stood in the Chinese Gardens in Sydney, Australia and said "We do". It was probably the happiest day of my life so far, and despite the odd difference of opinion, we are both very happy.

Can Pigs Fly?

Besides the famous Pink Floyd pig that escaped and flew over Battersea Power Station, such animals are usually seen on farms rolling around in mud. So I was quite surprised to see this one floating around the Old Market Square one evening.

The Write Stuff

Nottingham Playhouse is staging quite a few literary classics during the forthcoming season. We may go and see some of them. I don't know how similar they will be to both the written source and the film versions, or whether any famous actors will be appearing in them.

Mini Ha Ha

I just had to take a snap of this Mini, with its blue paint and decals. I had no idea of what the website was about, so have just Googled it. The company apparently specialises in student party nights, and are in the process of setting one up in Nottingham. Every night in Nottingham seems to be a student night of some description. It makes me wonder how they find the time to study.

I can't say I'm a fan of the new Mini, as it's not the classic design, and was amused to see that it had received a parking ticket.

Stick Em Up

What better way to disguise a boarded up building than to cover up the boards in stickers. Someone has done exactly that to this one in Hockley. I particularly like the sleepy expressions of the insects.

Russian Around

Here's a shot of the name of one of the many bars / clubs that are dotted around the city centre. I was taken by the red neon lights and the "E" being reversed. I did not see inside, so I don't know if the Russian theme continues with the waiters dressed as cossacks!

Pencil Me In

Here's another effect of the Paint.Net software. It's turned my photo of the Nottingham Eye into a pencil drawing. This is the only way I can produce a sketch, as my drawing skills are virtually nil.

If you fancy having a go with this free software, here's a link to their website

Afterglow

The sky had a really firey orange tint to it last night. Which means a nice day today, although as I'm writing this it's foggy and about -5. So I don't know when the nice day is going to start.

Chinese Checkers

I've learning how to use a software package called Paint.Net. It has some different functions to Picasa. One of them is called Polar Inversion. This is an example of what it does. If you are wondering, this is a Chinese dragon from the new year celebrations.

You're As Cold As Ice

Foreigner provides the song title today. Last night was very cold; probably not as cold as some of the other featured DP countries, but cold enough to freeze our small garden pond. I leave the fountain on all the time & this is the result of the water freezing on contact. A very strange, but very artistic result.

China Girl

David Bowie's 1983 hit introduces this picture I took last week at the Chinese New Year entertainment in Beeston. I think she looks quite angelic with her sunshade and faraway smile.

Boop Boop Di Doop

This is the present I bought Gail yesterday. A Betty Boop handbag. Gail loves the saucy 1920's cartoon figure, and I occasionally buy her a collectable. When I saw this, I knew it would make a wonderful Valentines day gift.

If you're wondering, Gail bought me a pot VW Beetle moneybox & a CD.

What did your loved one buy you?

Love Is In The Air

Today, as everyone knows, and as fellow bloggers add their photos to the theme of love, it can only mean one thing; it's St Valentine's Day.
Here's a photo of the present I bought my Gail.
You'll have to come back tomorrow to see what it is.

To everyone who has a love in their life, long may it continue. And to those that are still looking, may it find you soon.

Neck And Neck

Whilst waiting for my dear Gail at the concert hall last Friday, I took a snap or two of these horses, made in the style of fairground rides. I'm not sure why they had been put on the wall, but they certainly made it look more colourful.

The Lion Roars Tonight

Besides the opening of the Big Wheel, Friday saw what was known as "Light Night". Where the council put on various light shows across the city, to attract more visitors. I couldn't get to them all, as we were going to see Boy George at the Concert Hall. But I did snap this illuminated lion. A lot of people were looking at him so I suppose he would be known as a roaring success!

Watch Your P's And Queues

Here is a snap of the first people to go up in the bug wheel, AKA Universe. As you can see, the queue is long with eager people waiting to see the city centre from such a high position.

This Wheels On Fire

Yesterday my fellow Nottingham blogger Zakscloset published a photo of the big wheel in the Old Market Square. Well here's my version, taken slightly later at night. I've found out that to have a go on it costs £5. I'm not sure whether I'll try it out yet.

The Chinese Way

The old Level 42 hit from the mid 1980's introduces Saturday's pictures. Yes, as a treat I am showing you two photos from the Chinese New Year celebrations, that took place in Beeston Square today. The displays attracted a lot of attention, made even better by a rare, warm and sunny day.

Spider's Wheel

Here's a shot of the shadow that the big wheel is casting over some of the surrounding buildings. I instantly compared it to a spider's web, but I'm glad that it's not one, as I'd hate to think how big the spider would be.

Water Wheel

Here's a shot of the big wheel reflected in the Square's water feature. The workmen have almost finished putting it together ready for the grand opening tomorrow.

The Big Wheel

Back to work yesterday after our trip to Dubai, and I was keen to see if anything had changed in the city centre. Imagine my surprise when I came across this fairground ride being constructed in the Old Market Square. A long time ago, the annual Goose Fair used to be staged in the square before it was moved, but I don't think they had any rides as tall as this one.

More 4 x 4s By Far

With petrol at around £1 a gallon. Yes, that's right, a quid a gallon, people can afford to run a Chelsea Tractor or two. And Dubai is full of them. It seems like every other vehicle is either a Landcruiser, Rav 4 or Patrol. Hummers seem popular as well. Here's one I took outside the Burjuman Centre that belongs to a local radio station.

More photos from Dubai on my other page.

Tower Of Song

Another song title introduces today's photo. This time by Leonard Cohen. I expect there will be much singing when the Burj Dubai is finally completed, as it will be the tallest building in the world. It is estimated to be 800 meters tall when it's opened sometime this year. As it's so tall, I had to chop a bit off the top so you could see the base, or footprint which is one of buzzwords of the moment.

Flight Of Fancy

Here's one of the many shots I took during our 30 minute flight over the city. This one shows the Burj again, standing on its own manmade island. Beside it is the Jumeriah Beach hotel, with its distinctive wave shape, and behind them both is the beginnings of the little private islands that make up the development known as 'The World'. Some are still for sale. So if you want to live next door to actors, sports stars and other people with more money than sense, offers please around the £5-18 million mark!

Blue Is The Colour

Here's probably the most famous landmark in Dubai; the Burj Al Arab hotel. They've self rated it as a seven star. It is a bit OTT inside, but looks fantastic from the outside. During the night, it changes colour. Here's its blue period.

Things will change in the near future when the Burj Dubai is finished. It is reported to be the tallest building in the world. I will be showing a photo of it from the air, as we took a helicopter ride over the city today. Expensive, but great fun.

Hello From Dubai

I've been hoping to post a photo everyday since we got here, but the Internet has been a little erratic & it's not always been easy getting a signal, but here's my first post.

This is not me in disguise by the way, but one of the performers at the Festival Village shopping mall, bringing a little light relief to all the shoppers. They are past of the 2008 Shopping Festival, a month long heaven or hell, depending on your point of view of spending money.

We're All Going On A Winter Holiday

Tomorrow, Gail & I head off to Birmingham Airport to catch a flight to Dubai. We can't wait, as we haven't really had a proper holiday since Turkey last May. We unfortunately won't be staying in this hotel; the 5 star Mina A Salam, but something more modest (and cheaper). Hopefully I will still be able to do a daily post. In the mean time there is my Dubai photo page to keep you going.

A Horse With No Name

Here's another photo from Ross on Wye. A nice sunny day. Very rare for this month, and so an opportunity to take a decent photo for a change. I wonder when the sun will pop its head out again?

Skating On The Thin Ice Of Life

A classic Jethro Tull song title introduces todays photo. The Christmas skating rink in the Square finished on Sunday & this week the workmen have spent every day dismantling the rink, changing room & spectator stand. I have no idea how they got rid of the ice. Perhaps they chopped it up into cubes and sold it to all the local pubs and clubs!

The Golden Shot

Not a reference to an old British television game show of the 1970's, but my snap of the sun going down over the Forest of Dean. I think I've been very lucky with this shot, as I took it quickly whilst I was waiting at the traffic lights. No time for composing, as I had one eye on the red light.

No Pulling The Wool Over His Eyes

Today has seen the arrival of the first farmer's market of the year. To inform people about buying good, locally grown food, rather than the stuff that has been transported hundreds of miles in a refrigerated truck, a kiosk had been set up. And to help publicise this, a pen of some sheep were on display. I don't know what the breeds were, but they weren't the usual sort you find in fields.

Signs Of Future Past

Back in the 'good old days' before television, advertising signs used to be colourful and made of tin. You used to see them everywhere screwed to shop walls etc. Whenever they're seen, people feel a certain nostalgia for those more simpler times. This owner of this Ross on Wye seems to share this view, from the number of signs displayed on the front of his store.

Water, Water Everywhere

I have just come back from an overnight visit to Ross on Wye in Herefordshire. The drive down was really awful, as it rained all the way there & the spray from the motorway meant that I was driving through a car wash. Fortunately it had stopped by the time I arrived at the little tourist town. I had a wander around taking photos of anything & everything. I took a walk to the River Wye, and as you can see it is flooding the immediate area. Lynn from Cheltenham DP has been detailing what effects the flooding is having on the nearby county of Gloucestershire.

Show's Over

The other day, Marley on the Cheltenham site showed an empty disused Odeon cinema. So here's Nottingham's version. It shut several years ago, with the introduction of a Multiplex called Showcase. There were plans to build a hotel on the site, but they have been withdrawn. The Beatles too played there in 1964 and mile long queues formed in 1977 when Star Wars arrived.

Hotel Hell

Here's Nottingham's latest hotel. And isn't awful? I have no idea why they've made the top look like a Portakabin. It's certainly not in keeping with the rest of the area, which borders the Lace Market. It's another example of bad, sloppy architecture. See Jackie's Glasgow page, for an example of what architecture could and should be like.

A Bookworm's Heaven

On Friday, Nottingham's main library held a massive book sale. There were thousands of books of all kinds for sale. All between 50p & 80p, with 3 novels for £1. They were also selling of a large quantity of classical vinyl records (remember them?) for 50p each and a few CD's at a pound a piece. It was packed with people picking over the goods on offer. I was there for over an hour & ended up buying 1 book, 2 LPs & 2CDs.

No Skidding!

Yesterday was another awful day, full of rain and cold winds. The ice rink was deserted, as people either stayed in their offices, or just popped to the shops. So this guy on his ice smoothing machine had the whole of the rink to himself. I don't know if he was actually working, or just doing something to pass the boredom.