Baby, It's Cold Outside

Well we've had the first dusting of winter snow today. Gail and I woke up to a white landscape. It didn't snow anymore during the day, but blimey was it cold! Beeston's Christmas lights were also being turned on. So I went down in the afternoon and caught a couple of bands playing. Then after the ceremony, a local band called Sticky Morales entertained everyone for an hour or so. They were very good and I snapped away whilst jigging to the music. Here's some members of the band in action.

Model Shot

As I mentioned on Wednesday, I went to see a fashion show, rather than watching the Christmas lights being switched on. I'd been to these shows a couple of time before, so I knew what to expect. There were a couple of changes this time though; no chairs for people to sit on and no list of the clothes being modelled. Obviously victims of the recession. The models themselves were the same as the organisers have used before. Which was ok. But it would be nice to see some new faces.

Nation Shall Speak Unto Nation

Tonight Gail and I went for a tour of our local BBC studios. I had arranged it for my Flickr friends some time ago, but due to other commitments, only one managed to make it. So we received special treatment by Lynne the guide. We met some of the TV and radio journalists, had a good exploration of the actual studio where they present East Midlands Today, and then looked in the Gallery and Graphics Suite, where all the technical stuff goes on. It was quite fascinating, especially for Lewis, who wants to be a video journalist when he finishes his college course. Here he is getting in some early practice.

Lighting Up Time

Here is a shot of the Christmas market and lights in the Old Market Square that started tonight. I missed the actual switching on, as I went to the fashion show instead. But the lights were only switched on by two radio presenters. So I don't think I missed much. I was somewhat disappointed by the market though. I thought it was supposed to be in the Dickensian style, rather than a German one. But to be honest, I couldn't really tell the difference from the one they built last year. The workmen were still putting up some of the kiosks tonight, which I found rather poor, as I would have thought that everything should have been ready by dusk.

It wasn't snowing tonight. The 'snow' you can see was being pumped out from a machine on the balcony of the Council House. It was a nice touch, and added to the atmosphere. I'm not sure what it was made of, but it looked like soap bubbles.

It's Snow Time!

The last minute preparations are taking place for the big switch on of the Christmas lights tomorrow in the Old Market Square. This year they have done away with the German market, and having a Dickensian one instead. They will still sell the same things, just under a different name. This workman was spraying fake snow onto the roofs of the market stalls. Mind you, if the weathermen are telling the truth, we will be getting some real snow by the end of the week.

I'm also putting my Headbanger Challenge entry up early, as I might be out a fair time tomorrow. I will be going to a fashion show, which are always good fun . Imac's chosen this weeks' theme of "Collage". Lucky he typed it correctly, otherwise you will be seeing shots of my local seat of learning! I've gone for a weather theme, as I was looking through my archive and noticed that I had quite a few photos of people with umbrellas. Alas not one with Rihanna.

Love Is A Drug

Here's an unusual piece of street art I came across the other day. It was drawn on a wall. So maybe I should have called the post "Stone Me".

I think the artist had to disappear quickly, that why it looks slightly unfinished. Maybe he or she will return one day complete the little character and his love for cannabis.

Empty Chairs At Empty Tables

Here's the outside seating area at the Trip to Jerusalem. And as you can see, no one is keen to drink their pint in foggy, wet weather. They would all rather be inside, sitting by the amber glow of a log fire. Well, wouldn't you?

The title that I came up with has inspired me to hunt out a video from YouTube featuring the title song from Les Miserables. Nothing like a good bit of musical theatre to finish off your Sunday evening. Have a good week.

The Fog On The Trent

Quite dense fog descended on Nottingham again yesterday, shrouding the city in a grey blanket. So I popped over to the castle to see what it looked like. And as you can see the weather gives the photograph a certain Turneresque quality.

Rough Spice

I had a request yesterday to see if I could get a more close-up shot of the fire damaged building. Well the fire has been put out and the road reopened, so after I had been to the dentist for a check-up, I moseyed over to see what was happening. As the building is opposite the main Nottingham Trent University campus, there were quite a few students hanging around and watching the action of the workmen who were trying to make the building safe. I took some rooftop shots from the multistorey car park, which I may put on my Flickr site tomorrow.

Smoke And The Water

Some parts of the city centre were in a bit a trouble today, as police had shut some roads due to a large fire in a former nightclub. The second one this year. I wonder if there's a pattern? This one on Goldsmith Street was up for sale too. I went to the top of a multi-storey car park and managed to get a shot or two. Ideally I should have had my G1 and 45-200mm lens with me, so I could have got a bit of a closer shot. Don't think I'll ever make a photojournalist, as I always seem to have the wrong camera and lens with me.

When I Was Younger, So Much Younger Than Today

I've had great difficulty tonight trying to sort out my Headbanger Challenge photo. The technology didn't work! I couldn't get my little photoscanner to copy the pictures to an SD card. So I tried Gail's scanner, but it wasn't working properly. So I ended up using my GF1 and took their photos that way.

This week's subject has also been a difficult one. Dave chose "Childhood Antics". Difficult for me, as I have no children to photograph, and you're not allowed to take pictures of anyone else's. So I used a bit of 'out of the box' thinking, and so here is a montage of me as cute little 2 year old, up to various escapades as recorded by my older brother, who now lives in Australia.

My main photo today records some of my memories of some TV shows I used to enjoy as a child. I caught this display at the Brewhouse Museum, which is a row of houses below the castle, which have been converted into a small museum showing life down the ages, mainly from Victorian times.

Play Misty For Me

There was quite a cold and frosty fog this morning as I cycled to work. I made a slight detour and went through Highfields. I stopped off every so often and took various photos of the trees, lake etc that were bathed in this eerie white mist. I was about twenty minutes late for work, but as the organisation operates a flexitime policy, I wasn't officially late.

Castle Keep

I bet there was many a time when Robin Hood snuck into the castle under the cover of darkness, to rescue someone or to steal some riches back from the evil sheriff. But these days it's all CCTV cameras rather than bows and arrows, although sometimes the castle does open at nighttime a few times a year for special occasions.

Making A Meal Of It

Last night Gail and I went out for a bite to eat and to see a film at the local multiplex. We went to Frankie & Benny's, where I had a pizza, and Gail went for the ribbed steak. Both meals were very nice, although I do like my pizza base to be a little thicker. Of course I had my camera with me, and took a few shots of the diners and waiters. As I was using my GF1 & 20mm lens, I didn't need to switch the flash on. I just kept it on the table, and clicked away.
I like the text they use around the restaurant to highlight dishes etc. I believe it is called "Broadway" and certainly blends in well to the New York themed diner.

The film we went to see was called "You Again". A comedy about a bully from high school who is engaged to the brother of the girl she bullied 8 years ago. It was ok, but nothing special. As far as I am aware students in England don't have to endure such treatment in colleges as they do in the States for some reason. Maybe we are kinder to each other when we get to 16, as most of the bullying seems to go on in junior school.

A Fruit By Any Other Name

As you know this week's Headbanger theme was persimmons, or the colours that the fruit represents. We all struggled, except for Lanny, who had a photo of a whole lot of them.
Strangely enough I was grocery shopping yesterday, and guess what my local greengrocer had? Yes persimmons! Although they are called sharon fruits here. Also the ones I bought were more yellow in colour and came from Spain, rather than the good old USA.

Sparks Will Fly

I just had to stop and take some photos of this workman welding a bit of broken fire escape. I was a little disappointed that there weren't more sparks about, but then he was only using a small welding tool.

Least We Forget

Today, across England and the Commonwealth, people stood in silence for two minutes at 11am, to remember all those people lost to wars. The fallen are also remembered by people wearing poppies, with funds raised going to help the victims of war.
The Council House has worn a big one all week. The scaffolding around the dome has been up quite some time. I'm not sure what they are doing, but they have had to stop the chimes, otherwise all the workmen would be deaf by now.

Stop press on the Headbanger Challenge. Gail is voting on behalf of Imac this week, and she told me that persimmons are known as Sharon fruits in the UK. I've had Sharon fruits before, but they have been yellow, rather than red which Lanny has shown us.

Seeing Red

Lanny has chosen the most devilish theme this week for the Headbanger Challenge. Persimmon. A fruit, a bit like a tomato. Practically unknown in the UK as far as I know, so we are posting our version of the red hue. Here's mine, a rather gorgeous sunset over Eastwood. Taken after a rehearsal at the ruined priory there earlier in the year. A bit cliched I know, but it hasn't been a very colourful week so far.

Don't forget to see how the rest of the team have interpreted the theme.

Today's offering is something less brightly coloured, the Nottingham Canal, which I took tonight cycling home. And no wind or rain which was a bonus. The orange glow of the lights is quite welcoming and adds to the reflection of the trees in the water. I took this handheld with my GF1, and I don't think it's turned out too bad.

My musical offering this week is Kate Bush & Wuthering Heights. I could have gone for Chris de Burgh and Lady in Red, but this is Kate's rarely seen video of her dancing in a red dress.

It's A Taxing Time

Another poor day for photography. So here's one I took a couple of weeks ago, on a slightly drier and less windy day. Another view of the Inland Revenue building taken from the castle. I've thought about having a wander about at lunchtime, see if I can get some close ups of the glass panels etc, but with the country on a heightened security level these days, it might not be wise, even though I work for the government myself.

I bet all the employees will be extra busy come the New Year, as VAT is going to rise to 20%. So there will be loads of queries etc. Although Marks and Spencer's have announced that they will not be passing on the rise to customers. And no doubt many other companies will be following suit.

That's Handy

I had a day off work today, as I intended to do some gardening and a tidy up of the garage, including sorting out a load of 45's that I want to sell. But it rained all day long, so I was stuck in the house. Even Marmalade only ventured out for a few minutes. Still it gave me the opportunity of finishing editing some of my photographs that I am having printed in a book, through Photobox. So I sorted them out and uploaded to their site. So in a few days, I should have a professional looking volume of some of my pictures.

So it is a matter of dredging the archive for today's offering. And I'm afraid it's not a very good one. One that I should have deleted from Picasa. Still I suppose it does have its charm, with the girl's hand mirroring the one on the advert.

Snowy Weather

I don't know if this window display of Tintin's dog is a prediction of some seriously bad weather to come, but they do make a cute display. I better not buy one though, as Marmalade may get a bit upset at finding a new dog in the house.

Free Advertising

found this sign behind one of the many city centre pubs that haven't been turned into trendy wine bars. Now that smokers have to light up outside, someone at the Gatehouse had the bright idea of promoting their food while they puffed away. I just hope they still employ the same chef, or one that is as good as, otherwise they could be sued for false advertising!

Oh La La

Whilst waiting to cross Maid Marian Way, I spotted this old Citroen van chugging along. Going by the number plate, it dates from 1969. And of course having my GF1 primed and ready, I pressed the shutter button a few times, as the lights were on green.

She's Got Those Bluesday Blues

I snapped this young lady outside the castle yesterday whilst I was chatting to a Flickr pal, who I happen to stumble upon in the castle grounds. He was standing under some trees and sheltering from the rain. I went with the intention of finding some more leaves for my headbanger collage. But as they were all soaking wet by this time, I didn't bother.

Forever Autumn

This week's theme courtesy of Tom, is Autumn, or Fall, as our American cousins like to call it. A relatively simple theme to capture. But I was looking for something a bit different; a bit more unique than the usual shots of brown and red tinted trees. So I thought I would take a hint from Tony Hart, and try and create something with the leaves themselves. My first attempt was poor, to say the least. Then Gail fiddled with them a bit. I was after a sort of rocky mountain, full of texture and colour. I know a blue background may have helped. But in the end I gave up, and have gone for a nude, sunlit tree instead!

This is a fantastic song from my favourite album ever; Jeff Wayne's War of the Worlds. Enjoy

Drinking Time

There's something rather special and decidedly English about pup signs. There's the usual ones with royal connection; the Queen Victoria, and The George. Then there's the Red Lion, and the white Hart. Not forgetting the unusual ones like The Man in Space. The Trent Navigation isn't far from the River Trent, which was one of the main water arteries in the country, with loads of working boats carrying products long before trucks were invented.

Top O'the Evening

St Mary's Church in the Lace Market taken last Friday evening, even though there's a blue sky.

The Pen Is Mightier Than The Sword...

...And just about as painful, as those that have been to have a tattoo done can testify. Personally it's not something I'd ever consider, and I don't think Gail would want me to have one done either. So for now I'll just continue to walk past this parlour on St James' Street. I've nattily tinted their shutter a nice blood red to continue the Halloween theme for this weekend.

Spooky!

As it's Halloween tonight, Marmalade decided to dress up for the occasion. She wanted something different and not too scary, as some of her friends are easily frightened.

A Home From Home

Nottingham is presently hosting the British Art Show at a number of locations across the city. This is the 7th show, and they are put on every five years. When the exhibition has finished here, it will go on tour and stop off at some major cities across the country.

I quickly popped in to the Contemporary the other day to see if there was anything worth looking at. Alas no. Just the usual mish-mash of bits and pieces. Nothing that I would call art. Here's one of the exhibits, which to me looks like a department store display for furniture.

It's A Gym Jim, But Not As We Know It

Gamecity, the computer and video show has returned again this week in the Old Market Square. This year the theme is a more educational, with Lego, 25 years of Mario and health, which has been mainly due to success of the Wii Fit system, whereas last year's theme if you remember was the usual "shoot em up" games.
Quite a lot of the marquee has been taken over to fitness and health. When I went to have a look, there was a gym session taking place, with a slideshow behind the instructors on staying in good condition.

Yellow Peril

I've chosen this week's Headbanger Challenge theme of "sound creation". So many possibilities to choose from. But after much deliberation, I've gone for the striking of a clock. And how we are ruled by time. Bong! Alarm goes at 7am. Bong! Catch the bus at 8. Bong! Be at work for 9. Can't be late. Bong!

But then the actual passing of time is silent. The years, months, days and hours fly by in complete silence. You can lead a noisy life, or a quiet life. The amount of sound you create is up to you. If there were no clocks, you would have no real idea of what the time actually was. Sundials can give you a rough idea. But on a cloudy day, you wouldn't know if it was morning or afternoon.


Today's picture isn't a close up of a crayon, but is in fact a painted bollard that I took in a multi-storey car park. A Flickr pal has started a pool of this particular car park in town. It's ugly, crumbling away, has no aesthetic features at all, but he's managed to eke out some interesting shots. So I've been popping along to see if I could spot some hidden gem there.

Does Size Matter?

I met up with a few Flickr friends tonight to discuss our forthcoming photographic exhibition in town next month. We had a few things to go over, whilst we tucked into steaks, or in my case salmon, as it was Wetherspoons' (pub chain) steak night. Afterwards I had a stroll around a rather deserted city centre and came across this sign at a clothing store. I've seen it lots of times in the day, but of course it comes to life after dark.

The Pecking Order

As I was walking through the Old Market Square today, a flock of pigeons descended from the sky with a whoosh. I think this woman sitting in the sunshine was beginning to wonder whether she would end up like Tippi Hedren from the famous Hitchcock film.

Little Boots

Eric has been out and about again. This time he's stopped off at Highfields. He wanted to look at the ducks and around the park, which Jesse Boot paid for back in the 1930s, with his wealth he got from his chain of chemists. Here he is with the bust of Lord Trent, as he became.

All The World's The Stage

I quite enjoyed creating the sepia heading for the friendly competition we headbangers have each week. So I have created another one. This time of a local building; The Stage, a pub close to the Theatre Royal. Hence its name. Although it was called The Rat and Parrot for a short time, for some strange reason.

The Italian Job

Some banners have appeared at the cafe / home interiors store called Jass, which closed a few weeks ago, announcing that it is going to be a new restaurant run by Jamie Oliver. Alas he won't be there every night pouring over pans of pasta and pizza, but he might make some guest appearances. I will certainly try to be there for the opening night with my camera, and will follow the building work. Although I don't think they will be allowed to do very much with the outside as it is in a conservation area.

Butt Ugly

I've never been a fan of smoking. I tried it once when I was about 15 or 16 and thought it was horrible, so I have never bothered since. Imagine how much money I've saved over the past 30 years!

Now that smoking has been banned from public buildings, you always see people standing outside shop and office doorways with their fags. Then when they've finished, they will either use bins provided, or throw them on the ground. The people that stand near this drainpipe have clearly used it as an ashtray. I suppose it could been seen as a work of art in some circles.

Old From New

This weeks headbanger theme is sepia, the brown tinge you find on very old photos. It is bought to you by my pal Imac, who at this moment is away, not holidaying this time, but doing some work for his mum in law. So no doubt he'll be showing some photos of his endeavours shortly.

Most software packages include the ability to age digital photos. Some pictures can look good, whilst others rather poor. Hopefully mine and the rest of the gangs efforts are pleasing on the eye. So don't forget to visit their pages.
Both mine this week are from Bury St Edmunds, rather than Nottingham. Of course I have lots of suitable snaps that would be perfect for sepiaisation (if there is such a word) but I have just started using an Apple computer, and it shows the photos on my external hard drive as thumbnails, so trawling through them is a bit of an effort.

Light And Shade

A bit of an arty shot today. This is one of the main entrances to the Exchange Arcade, a small upmarket shopping centre under the Council House. I've shown a number of photos of fashion shows that they put on there twice a year. The next one should be coming up in a few weeks or so.

A Model Shot

Here's a model of Nottingham Castle which is on show at strangely enough Nottingham Castle. It's a good model, full of details and is very big. It must have taken the artists ages to make. Here's the main entrance to the castle, which looks very similar today. Except alas for the drawbridge.

The Hooded Man

I've just sneaked some shots of the Robin Hood costume exhibition at the castle. This is the actual Robin Hood costume that was worn by Russell Crowe in the latest film adaptation of the legend of Sherwood Forest. The exhibition finishes this month, so I thought I would pop along before it was too late.

I've not actually seen the film yet, even though it is out on DVD. I've read mixed reviews of it, but it should be good being directed by Ridley Scott, who is famous for Alien, Bladerunner and of course that Hovis advert.

Wanted!

I took Eric for a walk around the Lace Market a couple of days ago. We stopped off at the Galleries of Justice. He asked if he could have his photo taken pretending to be one of the prisoners held there that were tried, executed or deported to Australia.

Guilty or not guilty?

Mac And Walt

Not entirely sure what the connection is between Cruella DeVil, the witch from Cinderella and make up, except that the two female baddies probably wear it.
Still it makes for a colourful window display and earns Uncle Walt a few dollars.

Hiding

Eric decided to wander off on his own when we visited the castle. Being a little guy, it took a lot of hunting around to find him. I eventually found him hiding in one of the glazed arrow slits by the entrance to the castle. Naughty boy!

Autumn Gold

Well the colder, darker days have started, which of course heralds the start of winter. And with this change of season comes the falling of leaves. Golden flakes silently dropping to the ground. I snapped this collection in the grounds of the castle.

Wednesday also heralds the Headbanger Challenge, the usual suspects' battle of the photos. Cameras at dawn and all that. This weeks theme, set by Dave is "celebrations". The best celebration that I've been to was my own wedding. My first and only I hope. A very special day in more ways than one. Besides the wedding, it was my birthday, and Gail has been the best present that I have ever received. We had a lovely day at the Chinese Gardens in Sydney, surrounded by my family who live there, and Gail's ex husband who came along to be a witness. We had a great holiday there too and would love to go back one day.

Saved From The Jaws Of Death

Eric said to me that he was feeling quite brave, so I took him to the castle where he could have his photo taken with one of the lions that guard the steps to the castle. These lions used to belong to the Black Boy Hotel, and were fortunately saved from the wreckers ball when the hotel was shamelessly knocked down in the late 1960s.

Back On The Chain Gang

Beeston came almost to a standstill on Saturday, as the main crossroads through the town was being relaid with Tarmac. The whole area had been altered and widened now that the dreaded Tesco supermarket had finished being built. Temporary lights had been put in place, which were only a few yards away from the proper traffic lights. So the traffic had a slow crawl through. I quite like watching this machine chipping up the old surface and spitting it out into the waiting tipper. It reminds me of the episode of Thunderbirds where this giant road laying machine runs amuck after the crew get food poisoning. This particular machine even pulled up trees in its path and included painted white lines on the fresh road surface.

Going Global

Some of you may have heard of, and even contributed photos to a website called "Worldwide Moment". Today is of course the 10th of the 10th. At 10 minutes past 10 this morning I was busy taking photos of Marmalade for Worldwide Moment's special event.
I've had a look, but it's not appeared yet. Mind you, hundreds, if not thousands of pictures are being uploaded to the site, so it may take some time. The picture I've uploaded is different to this as it wan't taken at the right time. But I thought I'd share it with you all as it made me smile.

Robin's New Merry Man

Here's 'Eric' saying hello to the Robin Hood statue, located near the castle. It's quite uncanny that they both share similar hairstyles. Maybe Eric is a descendant of the famous outlaw.