Here's Looking At You Kid

Had a stroll around the Lace Market today. While I was walking past the Contemporary Gallery, I happen to look in the window where some of the exhibits are on show. I found that the room was empty, except for the guide, who was looking a bit bored with having no one to watch. But someone was watching her! One of the works of art created by Anne Collier, whose photographs are on show until the end of March.

Roses Are Red

As everyone should know, and shame on you if you don't, today is Valentine's Day. The one day in the year when people think of their loved one; be it girlfriend, boyfriend, husband or wife. Although really it should be everyday. I tell Gail that I love her at least once a day, everyday. Today she opened a card that I had created on one of the many websites where you can create your own, using templates. And tonight I cooked her a meal, and she opened her present, a DVD of the Hot Tub Time Machine movie. Gail had also created a card, and bought me a USB stick in the shape of a pen.

To those who read this blog and don't have a 'significant other' at the moment. Don't give up. Love found me, although it took nearly 40 years to arrive.

Round And Round Again

For the fourth year running, the big wheel is being erected in the Old Market Square, for it's three month tour of duty. I must admit is is getting rather old hat now, and as it is in the same place, it's not worth going on, as Nottingham hasn't changed that much since it first arrived.

I know many of my Flickr pals are also bored of it. I think most people have shot it at almost every conceivable angle; in colour and monochrome and at night, as well as in the day. Also three months is too long, as it stops other events from happening in the area.

Fruit Pastels

This street artist was just starting on a sketch of the Mona Lisa and had a small audience gathered round him when I arrived. He had already finished another representation of a well known oil painting. I watched him for a while, while he worked on the face area with his pastels. I don't know if he sold them at the end, but I am surprised to find out that he uses hairspray to presumably stop the colours from smudging.

One of the best street artists I've seen, is a guy who makes his pictures look 3 dimensional. You may have seen them, as they often do the rounds through email. If not, here's a link to some examples.

Caught The Bug

Here's a brand new VW Beetle sporting Herbie's numbers, which I took last night in a local car park. It's strange how some car models get reintroduced after time. As you may know, both Gail and I have modern versions of classic cars. Gail has a new MINI and I have a Fiat 500. They are super cars; although I do prefer driving my 500, as I have struggled with the MINI's gear stick in the past. Not sure why; maybe the gears aren't as smooth as the Fiats.

Play Tray

When I was small, I loved to read the stories of the Moomins. Those strange white hippo like creatures who live in a strange world based on Finland. The stories sometimes appeared on Jackanory, where an actor told the stories using funny voices. I think Kenneth Williams appeared the most times.
Anyway I was surprised to see this tea tray in a card and gift shop on Bridalsmith Gate. All the characters are there, having fun, and not a touch of snow anywhere.

The Invisible Man

This week's Headbanger theme is courtesy of Imac and is "How You See Yourself". A rather difficult subject for me, as I don't. I don't really like having my photo taken and I don't like seeing myself in mirrors. So my header this week is one where you can't see me at all. Just my shape, which I took in the lift at work.

Today's blog picture is also of me; my outline, and taken on another sunny day this week. Keep em coming!

Don't forget to see how my blogging buddies see themselves and enjoy the video, with the knowledge that spring is on its way.

A Touch Too Much

Passing Paul Smith's first shop off Bridalsmith Gate I noticed that they had a homage to one of the world's best rock bands; namely Australia's own AC/DC. I'm not sure what the link is between designer clothes and loud music, but it made for a nice display. I really like the model of Angus Young. Just a shame he's not wearing his schoolboy cap.

No Way Out

Although this looks like a very high wall (which it is) and could possibly be a prison (which it isn't), it is in fact another shot of The Tunnel. The "secret" entrance to the Park. The sunshine and blue sky makes it look even more special.

Two Heads May Be Better Than One

This weekend there were meant to be some celebrations in Beeston for the Chinese New Year. Unfortunately they were cancelled half way through the morning due to high winds and rain. So I didn't really get the opportunity of taking any photos. Also this year, the council had put up some posters warning people about taking pictures, and possibly breaking the Data Protection Act. I'm not sure how that works, considering it's a public place.

So here's some graffiti instead. Not quite sure what Act it breaks, besides being classed as vandalism. I don't know who the two guys are meant to be. Musicians from a band perhaps.

Bookman Oldstyle

Today marked an important day in the history of libraries in England. As the "Read-In' event took place in many libraries across the country to demonstrate to the Government that people were not happy about the cuts proposed to the service. This would mean that the libraries would not be open so long during the week, new books wouldn't be bought so often and in some cases the library would shut down completely, leaving many having to visit another some distance away.

I had never seen so many people in the library on a Saturday morning. There were a couple of speakers waxing lyrically about the importance of such buildings, who also read some poetry about books. Many of the members were taking out books, although I didn't see anyone take out their full 24 book allowance. In many parts of the country authors and famous people were visiting their local branch or sending messages of support.

Lets hope it does the trick and Number 10 decide that it is an idea that is quietly scrapped.

A Night Snack

Gail and I have just come back from a meal at Frankie and Bennies. We met up with some of Gail's workmates, as one of them was leaving. I had a pizza and Gail had steak and chips. I enjoyed my pizza, but I think that I shook a little too much Tabasco sauce on it, as my mouth was a bit fiery afterwards. Still the vanilla cheesecake helped to cool it down a bit.

Letting Someone Else Do The Work

Whilst considering a winning photo for this week's Headbanger Challenge, (well done to Lanny by the way) I took this shot of Marmalade snoozing on top of the tumble dryer. It wasn't on at the time, as I don't think even our little sleepyhead would be able to get forty winks whilst it going round, as it is very noisy. But she does look very comfortable, perched atop the cushion for Gail's sun lounger.

Cleaning Up

Due to Imac not being available this week, I was asked to submit an idea for this week's Headbanger Challenge. Being put on the spot, I quickly came up with the theme of 'cleaning'. A very wide ranging theme I think you'll agree, and something that everyone has to do at one time or another; be it the house, the car or even oneself. At the moment I am sorting out all my magazines, videos, books and records. Cleaning out unwanted possessions. I'm going to try and sell some of them, so I might clean-up in another way as well!

Then there are all the people that keep workplaces neat and tidy, and usually without any thanks. Not forgetting all the council employees who work as dustmen, streetsweepers and park-keepers. This where my photo comes in; a groundsman cleaning away all the dead leaves from the castle grounds last autumn.

The subject of today's photo will also need some clearing away. Whilst cycling to work, I noticed a big plume of black smoke coming from the canal. I knew it couldn't be a bar-b-que as it was too early in the day, and too much smoke for a bonfire. So of course I had to take a look, and saw this small boat well alight. A couple of men had called the fire brigade. So I watched as they put the fire out. Coming back tonight, I had a look and there was a darkened shell of the boat floating around on the water.

Don't forget to have a look at the gang's submissions for this week and enjoy the musical interlude.

Golden Days

A very bright sun appeared today for a change. What a difference it makes to my mood and the temperature. Still finding it difficult to find good subjects that are worth taking a photo of though. But here's a shot of a street that is paved with gold.

A Musical Tribute

Tonight Gail and I went to a concert in memory of a musical friend of ours called Pat Gardner. I must admit that we didn't know him as well as we would have liked. In fact we hadn't seen him or his wife Mell for a few years, since I gave up going to a local drama group. That's where we met him, as he used to do the lights and sound for our productions. I knew he was musical, but I didn't really know that he had played in a number of local bands for some years including the "Midnight Pumpkin Trucks".
Here's one of the many guitarists that were taking part. His name is Leigh Bosworth and he was really very, very good. I took many photos, and plan to put a lot of them on my Flickr site.

Steve's Snacks

For those that don't know, Red Nose Day is an annual event that raises money for various charities both here and abroad. It has been going a number of years, and aims to put a smile on people's faces as they dig deep into their pockets. Many comedians take part, or famous personalities allow themselves to be made fools of.

I was surprised to see a range of crisps in my local poundshop featuring a number of comedians on the packets. Here's a shot of Stephen Fry, with his humous "Full English Fry Up" flavour. I'm not sure what egg, bacon, sausage, tomato and baked bean flavoured crisps taste like, but I'm not really that keen on finding out!

No Barcodes Used Here

Another shot from the Brewhouse Museum. This is what the Victorian version of a supermarket looked like. Only everything was behind the counter and you got the assistant to weigh, count and bag your purchases, whilst chatting away about the weather, apologising not having certain items and the ongoing scandal involving Mrs Gray and the chimney sweep.

I've tweaked the photo to give it that authentic sepia look which a lot of photographs had then, due to the size of the camera, glass plates and the developing chemicals. So much easier now, but are the images as interesting?

Flower Girls

A couple of friends here deciding what, if any flowers to buy. Maybe they are going to see a friend who is in hospital, or more happily someone's birthday. Whatever the occasion, I hope they chose a good bunch and made the recipient very happy.

Down Under

I don't know about you, but I'm getting a bit fed up with this cold weather. I know it's winter, but it could be a little warmer and the sun could pay a visit for a change. I hear that some more snow is on the way too. As if we hadn't had enough recently. So I am posting a shot of Sydney Harbour. One of the best places on Earth to live. Gail and I would certainly love to live there. But alas there aren't enough zeros on the end of our bank balance. So we can only dream, and save up enough money, so we can go again

Yesterday was of course Australia Day. So best wishes to all those that are lucky enough to live in the best part of the globe.

Tunnel Of Love

Here's another shot of the tunnel that leads to the Park estate. Originally built so horses and coaches could make an easy exit into Nottingham and beyond. One of the city's hidden gems, and always worth a walk through.

Where's Daisy?

I went round the Brewhouse Museum this lunchtime, looking for inspiration for this week's Headbanger Challenge; "Pipes", as chosen by Dave.
Quite a few ideas have been turning through my head, and I thought that there might be a display of smoking pipes which would be something unusual, as you don't see the traditional tobacconists anymore. But alas they only had one on show & not very photogenic at that. So it was back to Plan A; a shot from last summer of the local pipe and drum band, doing their stuff at the Beeston Carnival.

While I was looking round the museum, I took a few shots of different things, including this old delivery bike, which once belonged to the Co-op. Not a stylish carriage, as the song goes. Poor Daisy would have to clamber inside the front part and get comfy. Or have a croggy, as they say around here.

The End

I never knew that Nottingham held a record breaker in the form of the world's smallest cinema. But alas, like many things these days it has shut it's doors for the last time. The cinema is only 15ft x 15ft and holds 21 seats. It's been going for 8 years, but the owner has decided not to renew the lease. I guess now that the second smallest cinema in world, now becomes the record breaker. Which is if you're interested is in Tinonee, New South Wales, Australia.

Close Up Magic

I am in a bit of a dilemma at the moment. Panasonic have launched a new zoom lens. It covers 100mm-300mm, and I quite fancy buying one, so I can get a little bit closer to the action. The thing is, I already own a 45-200mm lens. So my problem is, do I spend a fair amount of money on a lens that only gives me a slight advantage on the glass that I already own? Toughie eh!

The guy at the camera shop was very helpful and let me try it out on my G1. So I took a shot with the lens, standing in the same place as the one I took with my 200mm. The comparison is helpful, and indeed the lens would be useful. But can I justify the expense? If it say covered 100-400mm, then I wouldn't have the problem.

Oscar

I know it's frowned upon these days to take photos of children, but I couldn't resist shooting this little boy who was 'helping' his mum dress a charity shop window display in town. It's a shame that people worry about pictures of children, as they are so engaging and pull some great expressions. Alas Gail and I don't have any, otherwise I would have posted quite a few on here by now. So you'll just have to make do with our substitute child; Marmalade.

Frozen Solid

It was another very cold night last night, mainly due to a clear sky and a full moon. When I tried to unlock our gates I found that the lock had frozen. A small tap and it broke free. But before I did, I took a photo for posterity. Although I bet we will have many more before the clocks go forward in March.

Book Em Dano!

I went to a public meeting tonight where they discussed the planned cuts to the library service by the county council, which have been determined by government as part of the general reduction in the country's budget deficit. Libraries are vital to people's lives, through reading, learning or just going in to meet up with friends. I have been a library member since I was about six and have borrowed hundreds of books down the years.

These cuts to libraries have angered and upset many people. Some direct action has already taken place. For instance in one town, the residents took out every book in their library and stripped the shelves bare. The plan for Beeston is for people to all converge in our library on February 5th for a "read-in". I will be attending, and hope to take some pictures of the event.

Missing

In a state of panic Lanny has come up with this week's theme of 'missing'. So many ideas sprang to mind. One of the first ideas I had was based around the old Memory Game. The idea is that you try to remember what's on the board. It's taken away and then brought back and you have to guess what's missing. But there's a twist with mine, as I've added three things. See if you can find them.

But then I came across this street performer in town. He looked like he was sitting down. But wait! It looks like his chair is missing. I'm not sure how he is achieving it. But it's a very good effect.

Don't forget to visit my other Headbanger chums to see how they have interpreted the theme.

It's Life Jim, But Not As We Know It

Here's some more characters from the former Tales Of Robin Hood. I don't know about you, but these models look rather sinister and creepy. I don't know what they are made of, but the artist/s have given them very strange faces, like they were suffering from something.

Pulling Faces

Work has now begun in turning the old Tales of Robin Hood tourist attraction on Maid Marian Way into a supermarket. A Tesco no less. As if there isn't enough of them in the city centre already. At the last count there were six. Far too many for one city centre I think. For various reasons I am not a fan of the supermarket chain. Besides trying to dominate the country, if not the world, the worst is not paying farmers and producers a decent rate for their products.

20th Century Breakdown

Still suffering a bit from the flu and now also have 'Photographer's Block'; the lack of creativity and ability to take photographs. It hasn't helped that it has been raining nearly all day. To try and cure myself of the problem, I have tried taking some more pictures of some model cars that I have. Here is an old van belonging to the AA, or Automobile Association, who have been around almost since cars were invented. Their main aim is to mend vehicles that have broken down at the side of the road or at someone's house. If they can't mend it, then they will tow the vehicle to wherever the owner wants to go.

Clicking Away

For some reason Gail decided that she wanted to use my camera around the house, taking photos of all sorts of things, including Marmalade who was napping on the stairs. Strangely she took a shot of what was on the television at the time, which was the BBC's Magicians show. Here is Chris Tarrant walking over some broken glass under the instruction of one of the magicians.

Castle Wall

A night shot of a portion of the wall of Nottingham Castle, together with the sandstone base, which includes entrances to various caves and a secret entrance to the castle itself.

Rooftop View

Here's a view over the rooftops of an area of the Park estate. It's quite a green area, even though I've turned the photo into monochrome.

Wet Wet Wet

This week's theme is 'water' and comes from old Neptune himself; Tom.

Water is all around us, and for the poor people of Brisbane, it is a little too close for comfort right now. Not forgetting all the animals, who of course have been affected too. I have been to the Sunshine State, and it's a very nice city. Lets hope things get back to normal for them soon.

I've considered many photos from my archive, but thought I would find something new. Fresh water you might say. So travelling back from work, I stopped for a short while at the side of the canal, and took this shot of a waterside bar and recently installed bridge.

Talking of bridges, the musical offering this week is the Simon and Garfunkel classic "Bridge over Troubled Water". But not sung by Paul and Art, but by the legend that is Elvis.

Tonight's picture is of the main Nottingham University campus building. I thought I would show it in black and white for moody effect. And don't forget to see how my waterbourne headbanger friends have interpreted the theme.

Back On The Chain Gang

Well I struggled into work today for the first time in almost a week. I've finished off my antibiotics, but still coughing and bunged up. But not as bad as poor Gail, as she has now almost lost her voice. Some husbands might think that a blessing. Getting a rest from their wife's voice, but I don't like to see my beloved poorly.

Being back at work, has also given me the opportunity of taking photos again. Although I didn't take that many today, as it was dull and overcast, and also not very warm. Cycling home, I stopped off and took this film poster on the side of a bus shelter.

Flower Power

This rather artistic bay window is part of a house that was designed by Watson Fothergill. The house is called Glendower and was built between 1884 and 1885. I wonder if the inside is as just as nice?

Robin By Night

Here's a familiar shot of the statue of Robin Hood standing by the castle. What might not be so familiar is him at night.

Cheers!

Well the antibiotics appear to be slowly working. I'm probably only coughing 100 times a day, instead of 200. I was pleased to hear the guy at the chemists say that I could still drink, as I like a drop of real ale now and again. I'm not a hardened drinker at all, but like the occasional pint with my meal. I used to like lager a lot, especially Stella, but now I have reached middle age, my taste buds have changed and I prefer ales that have been brewed the old fashioned way. One of my favourites is this one; Hobgoblin, brewed in Oxfordshire by Wychwoods. There are a few local brewers in Nottingham, but for some reason I haven't tasted their wares yet.

Pink Bunny

I bought this as a present for Gail a year or so ago. She usually has it leaning over the top of her computer screen, so it is looking at her while she's surfing, or reading her messages on Facebook. Marmalade now likes to jump up on our computer desks to see what we are doing. She will walk between our two machines, as they are back to back and will knock poor bunny off with her tail!

Hold Tight

This is a 1:76 scale model of a Leyland TDI bus, painted in a special livery for the Australian market. I don't know if a real version of the bus ever went on that route, but Gail and I went on a open top coach trip there when we got married, and it was very enjoyable.

Squaring The Circle

My choice this week for the Headbanger Challenge. I was going to be very creative to try and win the gold back, but the illness that Gail and I have at the moment, seem to have put paid to it. Having over three weeks of continual coughing, a blocked nose and trouble sleeping have dented my spirits. I have even succumbed to the suggestion of visiting my GP. So I have looked around the house and garden for ideas. Firstly we have the upside of a square bowl with round writing, then we have a blueberry muffin with cream sitting in a square bowl, and finally here's one of the many metal covers that you find buried in the street. This is a stop cock for the water tap.

Don't forget to pop over and see what Dave, Imac, Lanny and Tom have come up with.

Finding subjects for my daily blog has been a struggle too. The Christmas presents from Gail's sister who lives in Scotland finally arrived today. Well we had to collect the package from the Post Office. All delayed by the recent bad weather. Gail received some smelly's and a broach, while I got a copy of Stephen Fry's autobiography. One book I shall enjoy reading. Thanks Carol x

On The Rocks

A similar theme to yesterday, although this time I've used a number of small stones and pebbles to make the diorama.

On Safari

Not getting out much at the moment has seriously interrupted my hunt around town for the picture of the day. So I have had to resort to being more creative at home. Here's one of the several model cars that I have picked up over the years from shops, jumble sales and the like.
I thought this Land Rover would look quite at home on the rocky plateau, which is in fact a large seashell.

Poladroid Princess

Having used this photo of Gail on the front of her personalised birthday card, I wondered what it would look like as a fake Polaroid. Now that Poladroid is available for Mac computers, I've given it a go. I think the result has turned out quite well and adds a bit of mystique to the picture that I took in Greece a few years ago when we were on holiday there.

In Sickness And In Health

It's a Happy New Year to everyone, although Gail and I are still suffering with the flu virus that is presently going round. We've both had it for over two weeks now, and it doesn't seem like it's going to go any time soon. With me it's the coughing that is getting me down, while Gail is suffering the most from a blocked nose. Here's a selection of the things we are taking at the moment to try and help it on its way.

End Of The Year

Well it's the last day of 2010, and I think that I have managed to blog every day this year for the first time since I started Nottingham Daily Photo. I haven't managed to take any photos this week, so I've had a go at trying some indoor still life ones. Here's the first, a model car parked outside a magazine about Rock City, which is a local music venue. I'm not sure if it works too well. I might invest in a light cube, which can be bought quite cheaply off Ebay. It is a like a small fabric tent in which you can place objects. The fabric softens the light source for good photos.

Birthday Girl

Today marks a special birthday for my wonderful wife Gail. Although birthdays are always special, today is extra special as she hits the half century. Besides buying her some presents, I used an on-line printing company to create this unique card that resembles one of the many women's magazines around these days that specialise in gossip about celebrities. Gail loves it.

Up And Away

Imac's choice of the theme for this week's Headbanger challenge, and he's gone for 'Betwixt and Between'. An unusual topic; thinking of the time between Christmas and New Year. Gail and I are still struggling with our flu virus, and I haven't taken any photos for the past few days, which you may have noticed. So I've been trawling the archives again. I was going to post this Dakota flying over Wollaton Park, but Dave trumped me to the aircraft photo. So instead I've gone for another flying shot. This time it's a stunt motorcyclist.

Don't forget to visit the pages of my buddies, to see how they have interpreted the theme.

Here's to 2011, and hope you all have a great new year.