Life In The Fast Lane

Gail and I went to our very first motorsport meeting today. It was at Donington Park, which isn't very far away from us. The weather was very cloudy, but fortunately it didn't rain. We were both a bit disappointed with the event, as the signage at the park was very poor and as it was our first time there, we got a bit lost. We asked one of the security guys where to go. He told us, but assumed that we both knew what he meant when he mentioned one of the spots in the grounds. We got the occasional buzz from aircraft flying overhead as the East Midlands Airport is next door.

I took quite a lot of shots, but most of them were poor, as they either had bits of cars on them, or no cars at all, even though I used the rapid shooting facility on my camera and a fairly fast shutter speed. Also the wire netting and railing didn't help matters. I don't know if all motor racing events are like this. But if they are, I don't think we will be going to another. Still I don't think this photo is too bad, and you can see the heat haze from the engines.

Night Light

We met up with one of my brothers tonight who has flown over from Australia for a month long trip down Memory Lane. He left Nottingham over 20 years ago, and has not regretted the move one little bit. we chatted about various things, such as how our mother was with us when we were younger. He mainly came over to research his great granddad who was a famous Victorian clown, as he is writing a film script about him.
When we left it had finished raining and the streets and pavements had good reflections in them of the lights from the shops etc. But tonight's photo is of a single streetlight that has a old fashioned design to it. I've tweaked it a bit so it looks a bit foggy and misty. Just the type of night for Jack the Ripper to strike.

Unicorns Really Do Exist

Unbeknown to me the Theatre Royal publicised this year's panto on Wednesday. I would have gone, as Joe Pasquale is going to be the star, and he is quite amusing with his squeaky voice. But I knew nothing about it until I saw it on the local TV news. Strangely enough I walked by the theatre earlier in the day and saw this unicorn standing by the stage door. I thought it was a prop for a forthcoming production. I took a shot of it as it isn't something you see every day. especially with a pink saddle!

Yes, It's Him

Gail and I have just got back from the Nottingham Playhouse. We went to see Rick Wakeman, the famous keyboard player with the Strawbs, Yes and the original grumpy old man. He was on his own and with just a piano. He played various tunes that he had composed down the years, interjected by comic stories of his life as a rock star. We stood outside the stage door after the show. A handful of people had gathered to get autographs etc. he only stayed a minute of two, so I only managed to get this rather unflattering and shamefully poor photo. I'll never make a paparazzi.
Gail did manage to get her ticket autographed though. And with that he was gone.

The Silly Season

Our favourite fishing guy, Tom has thought up this week's Headbanger Challenge. For some reason he's gone for 'That's Silly'. Complete madness!
For my header I've used a photo I created a couple of years ago for the Paintbox Pictures site. It is a spoof wedding picture of Imac that I made in a very old version of Photoshop. I'm not sure if pink is his colour, but I'm sure he would love to be a size 12 again!
Don't forget to pop over to Mac's and the other members of the gang to see what silly photos that they have come up with.



Whilst walking in town today I came across the film crew that I did the extra work for on Monday. They had taken over one of the many Victorian buildings that have been converted into offices. They had turned one of the rooms into a doctor's clinic and were going to be filming an abortion scene. This actually comes before the scenes I played in, and explains why the gymnast did what she did with her performance at the Olympics. Unfortunately I couldn't stay to watch the filming, as I had to go back to work. But I took some shots of the clinic whilst it was being set. Alas I had my 50mm lens on my camera, so I couldn't get as much of the room in the photo as I would have liked. Still I think you get the idea of what it looks like.

Have a chuckle at this spoof Kinks song from Wired Al Yankovic

Imagine..

There were quite a number of extras involved in the filming yesterday, including some schoolchildren. But this guy caught my eye. His similarity to the late 1960's version of John Lennon I thought was quite astounding. After the filming had finished, I got talking to him and asked if I could take his photo. Not something I usually do. But he was quite happy to pose. I didn't mention the similarity to the leader of the Beatles, as I am sure that he is sick of hearing it.

His real name is Geoff Gilson and he is an animator and modelmaker. We swapped business cards, and I said that I write this blog and have a Flickr page where I post some of my photos. If you want to have a look at Geoff's animated films, please just click on this link.

Lights, Camera, And A Little Bit Of Action

I travelled through time and space this afternoon and became a member of the paparazzi in Russia. In reality of course I became an extra on a film that is presently being shot in the city by a local company called Wellington Films. It is called Cold Warrior, and is about the shenanigans that the Russian coaches of olympic gymnasts got up to to make their proteges win. The filming took place in one of the large exhibition rooms at the Contemporary. A grim, concrete walled space, which probably represented Russian architecture very well.

It was interesting to watch how they set up the shots, and the many takes they did for just a few seconds of film. I managed to take a few shots of the crew setting up. As much as I enjoyed the experience, I would have liked to have been behind the camera, and shooting some stills of the action that the director was seeing.

King Of The Road

I took a number of bonnet figure photographs while I was at the classic car show. I find this one of a Viking quite amusing. I'm not sure what the connection between cars and Norse warriors is, but I'm sure that there may be one.

Please Buy Me

For anyone that has an interest in classic cars, buying this Fiat 500 might be an easy way of getting into the scene. It was up for sale at the show, with an asking price of less than £4000. No work appeared to be needed and it had been featured in a magazine article. I wonder if anyone bought it?

Making A Splash

There was a terrific rainstorm as I was heading home on my bike. Of course I got wet. But not as wet as I would have done if I had cycled past this van as it was going through a great pool of water that had formed, due to the drains being blocked. There was water everywhere. I could see the fountains of water as I was cycling along and thought it would make for a good picture, if the right vehicle went by. So I stopped and waited. As it was still the rush hour, there was plenty to choose from. But white van man was the best. He went through at speed. Just like he didn't care.

Back To Life

I've shown you this building before when it was a bit derelict and unloved. Well for a while now builders have been on site, turning this former Victorian water works and garage workshop back into something special. I have no idea what it is going to be turned into yet. An office, restaurant, or someone's new home. Hopefully the final building work won't take much longer, so everyone can see what it is to become.

Bubbles

Imac (Stewart) has chosen this week's theme of "soap". A very easy word, but for some reason I have struggled to find an exceptional photo for the challenge. I thought about going down the easy route of showing a bowlful of bubbles, or a car being cleaned. But nothing came into view of my camera. I also thought about soap operas too. But Nottingham's theatres are empty of actors from Emmerdale, Coronation Street, Eastenders and the like at the moment. So another dead end. I then wondered whether I could snap a person talking to passers by in the street. Someone who was on their "soap box". But no one was about. So my header this week is of a certain little boy poking his little nose into his mum's cleaning cupboard.

Bubbles of another kind are featured in today's blog picture. That of a bubble car. This one is German and was built in the late 1950s. According to Wikipedia, the car took nearly 30 seconds to reach 60mph. To be honest, I'd be rather scared of going more than 20mph in it, as it doesn't look that safe.

Don't forget to see how the rest of the gang's photos. I wonder who will clean up this week? Enjoy this week's song, which cleverly merges the two themes

MODern Motoring

I just had to take a photo of this 1960s scooter. I've never seen so many, lights, mirrors and horns on one bike. It really is a work of art, and must turn heads when it's racing along the Queen's highway. You can just hear strains of the Who and the Small Faces in the distance.

Everybody's Crazy 'bout A Sharp Dressed Man

No, this isn't a member of ZZ Top, although he does look like he belongs in the Southern boogie band. But he is a guy with a truck. And a very large truck at that. The top of his head I think was in line with the door handle. I bet you get a very good view from the cab, and a very big fuel bill when you stop off at a petrol station.

Motor Maina

I spent most of Sunday in Wollaton Park, walking round the motor show that was on. Besides the usual classics, were some brand new buses, new models from current manufacturers, and an auto jumble. A fancy title for stalls selling car parts. I browsed around and was taken by a cardboard box of old spanners, as I thought it would make an unusual still life.

Monking About

Well Saturday saw the first night of The Cries of Silent Men at Nottingham Castle. According to the director, around 185 people were in the audience, and I think they enjoyed it and gained a little knowledge about what happened to the monasteries 500 years ago when Henry the Eighth was king. Gail took this photo, as I was performing in the show. I do appear in this picture. So as they didn't have cameras then, having a Nikon round my neck would look a bit out of place!

Coloured Coded

There was some children's entertainment in the Old Market Square today, as it is last day of the holidays. Back to school for them on Monday.
I just had to take a photo or two of these colourful girls on stilts. I'm not sure if they were meant to be anything particular, but they certainly brought a touch of colour to the city centre.

Taking A Trip

This afternoon Gail and I went to see Luminarium: Levity III which has arrived in Highfields for the week. The Luminarium is a very large art installation that people can walk round. It's like an inflatable tent, but full of multi-coloured connecting tunnels. It's like walking through someone's LSD trip or some late 1960's psychedelic artwork. Very disorientating really, as there are no windows and you can soon get lost walking down, red, blue, green tunnels.

I took a shot of this completely chilled out guy reading a book. Which seems very surreal, but certainly adds to the spaced out feel of the place. He had certainly turned on, tuned in and dropped out. Yea man!

Quote, Unquote

Somehow I managed to gazump iMac into choosing this week's Headbanger Challenge. Sorry matey. Anyway I've gone for 'Give me the Night". A good challenge for anyone. The right exposure, so you don't get any camera shake, unless it is intentional, enough light so you can see the subject and of course an interesting subject.

For my choice I've gone for this shot of a food stall in the Old Market Square, that I took last year. I like the way that the mysterious arm is reaching out from the blackness. The steam rising into the air. If you couldn't see any names on the jars etc, you might think it was some mad scientist undertaking their latest experiment.

Don't forget to have a look at the selections that my headbanging clan have come up with.

Going past the Robin Hood statue this morning, I couldn't help but notice this writing that someone had chalked onto the path. A quote from the famous man in green no less. A great sentiment, but I don't think it will ever happen, unless there is a major revolution across the world. Even the Russian one in 1917 didn't really change a thing. The people at the top changed, but they were still greedy and wanted riches for themselves. Still it's a great Utopian idea.

Waterfall

I took another trundle through Highfields on my way home today as it was bright and sunny. The weathermen had predicted heavy showers, so I was expecting the worst. Many a time I have cycled in the wet and looked like a drowned rat by the time I got home, even with wearing a jacket, hat, gloves etc. So it made a pleasant change. I saw some baby Canada geese being guarded by their parents while they were eating. Alas I had the wrong lens on my camera, so they haven't come out particularly well.
This waterfall has been restarted recently, after being switched off for several years. The surrounding water was beginning to look like a murky swamp, but now the it is lovely and clear. Hope you like the treatment that I have given the photo. Just playing around a bit in iPhoto.

Green Day

The UK enjoyed a Bank Holiday today. It also enjoyed very wet weather. This is of course part and parcel of an English holiday. So I had to stay in, as probably most, if not all events would have been cancelled. So I just pottered around. A wasted day really. And the UK doesn't get that many bank holidays, so a bit annoying.
Anyway, I popped out into the garden in between showers and took some shots of the plants with raindrops on them. I took the photos with my Panasonic G1, and an old legacy 50mm lens, which has given them very soft look.

Monaco Grand Prix Number 69

Gail and I watched the Monaco Grand Prix today together for the first time. We have a special interest now, as we visited the principality back in March. And so it was interesting to see shots of the places that we walked by, or went past on the bus on in Jilly's car.
The race itself wasn't that interesting until near the end when they all had to stop due to an accident that may have been caused by Lewis Hamilton. This gave the mechanics time to service the vehicles and replace parts that were either worn or damaged.
There's an awful lot of effort that goes into putting on the race, as you can see from Jilly's blogsite, but the actual event only lasts a short time. One of the commentators mentioned that perhaps the cars have now outgrown Monte Carlo, in being too fast for the narrow roads. Maybe he was right in one way, but perhaps the answer is in reducing the power and speed of the cars and make them more of a driver's car like this statue of Juan Manuel Fangio and his 1950s Mercedes. The race has been going since 1929 and Monaco wouldn't be the same without it.

Can Dogs Read?

Here's another decaying sign in Highfields. This one is about dogs. I've given it a 1970s Kodak colour treatment, to make it look a little different. If you're wondering what the missing words are; "this area of" is the answer.

Walk, Don't Ride

Coming home tonight I decided to go through Highfields. Just to see if there was anything new to photograph. It was a bit cloudy and overcast, so not ideal. Looking around I decided to take a shot of this sign that is slowly decaying. I like the way the paint is peeling away. Although the letters are still recognisable.

I of course completely disregarded the sign and rode though the park. It wasn't very busy, a few jogging students from the nearby university, and some people either walking home or their dogs. I nearly managed to snap a crane that was standing by the boating lake, but he took flight as I was getting my camera out of my saddlebag.

Lines

After so many events and places that we've been to over the past few weeks, I thought I would slow the mood down a touch with a little bit of street photography.

I haven't really done that much photography on the streets of Nottingham recently, even though I go out walking around the city centre every lunchtime. It's just that I don't really see anything that's worth taking. Or I'm just not quick enough.

But I did spot this girl propped up against the wall of the Contemporary arts centre, and thought it would make an interesting shot, with the various vertical and horizontal lines, with the mirrored effect of the girls' legs.

In The Pink

Sandy has chosen this week's headbanger challenge. She's gone for a very girly theme; namely pink. I was considering putting a flower on, and went through Highfields park today looking for something suitable. I found this Rhododendron. I think it looks great and the bee certainly adds to the picture, but I wondered if some of the other headbangers would be putting on flowers too. So I decided to put this cute pink camel key fob. I bought it as a present for Gail the last time that we went to Dubai. She has it in her MINI, together with some other cuddly toys that I have given her down the years.

Don't forget to visit the gang's sites, to see how they have interpreted the theme. Links above. And enjoy the music from the best 'pink' band in the world. The Floyd.

Flower power

I've had to prune our pyracantha in the front garden on Sunday, as it had got a bit out of hand. I made sure that I had my gardening gloves on as those thorns are mighty sharp. Fortunately I was only stabbed the once. The recent good weather had really brought the delicate white flowers out, so I just had to take a shot or two, before they turn into red berries, and a snack for the passing birds.

Bargain Bus

A converted bus was in the Old Market Square. A new electrical store is opening in Nottingham soon, and people were handing out catalogues of some of the special offers available. Apparently singer and dancer Alesha Dixon is to cut the ribbon next Saturday.
I've had a quick look at their website, and it seems that their prices are around the same as any other high street retailer. So I won't be camping out for a bargain. It might have been worth trying to snap Alesha for the blog, but unfortunately I will be rehearsing again, so will not be able to pay her a visit.

Mirror

Here's a shot of the Sky Mirror, with the reflections of the people you saw yesterday.

Cafe Culture

I attended another rehearsal today at the Playhouse. The show I'm in goes on in two weeks at the castle, and should hopefully be well attended. When we finished our rehearsal, Julian the director said that he was going to show us where in the castle grounds that we would be performing.
Whilst I was waiting to go, I took this shot of some people enjoying sitting in the sun and passing the time, eating, reading, chatting or using their mobiles. I've sat there myself on a few occasions when I've had lunch with some friends from work.

Hard Body

I passed the film memorabilia shop on Derby Road the other day and they had this life size model of Lara Croft in the window. Unfortunately the face seems to have very little resemblance to Angelina Jolie. I've noticed that in the poster for Sucker Punch, that the woman holding the pistol looks more like her, even though it's an actress called Jamie Chung.

A Little Oh La La

Gail and I went out for dinner again tonight. You might be thinking that we've been out on a lot of meals recently. Well it's true. It's just that I receive these emails from a company called Groupon everyday, which offers various things at a discount price from around the country. Most of them are beauty orientated, like haircuts, facials and dead skin eaten off your feet by fish. But fortunately not piranas!
Sometimes they will do something unusual, like a ride in a hot air balloon, which we have booked for July. And then of course there are bargain restaurant meals to be had. And tonight's was no exception. We both had two wonderful and very delicious three course meals from a little French restaurant called Le Mistral. Which is tucked away on Wheelergate in a very old building, full of charm, character and atmosphere. Everything looked home made. Gail really loved her garlic bread starter, oozing with cheese, tomatoes and olives. There were two waiters on duty, who were very pleasant and helpful. Nothing seemed too much trouble for them. Just how front of house staff should be. We will certainly be visiting again, even if we have to pay full price as the food was wonderful.

Bang!

This week's theme courtesy of Dave is 'green'. A simple word that has many meanings. Obviously the colour, as in plants. It also means naive, jealousy and the one I've chosen; being environmentally aware. It's something that everyone should be conscious of these days, whether it is saving water, reducing waste or recycling things.

Whilst visiting Monaco, Gail and I came across a demonstration of electric vehicles. The future of transport now that oil is running out and more vehicles are on the road. Some of the vehicles on show were a bit experimental, but my header shows a car that looks like a car and one that people would be willing to drive.

Today's photo was a lucky find, as it was raining at lunchtime and there wasn't much happening. I was walking along Bridalsmithgate when I spotted a rather unusual umbrella. Following the owner, I noticed a giant 'BANG' on it. So I just had to take a shot. Pardon the pun!

A Little Skullduggery

Here's another shot from the market last week. I found these skull characters amusing, even though they look a little macabre. The two down in the corner remind me of Beavis & Butthead for some reason.

The Colour Purple

I've been trying to get back into street photography recently, after having a bit of a break from it for a while. It is probably one of the hardest genres of photography to do, as usually you have to be very alert, quick and responsive, as you usually only get the one chance of capturing the shot. Plus of course you have to be very brave in pointing your camera in front of perfect strangers.

Still I am persevering with it and try to spot some worthwhile subject, while walking around the city centre during my lunch hour. I was interested in the woman's "I Heart NY" shirt, but then I noticed the mauve tint in her hair. Just a subtle amount. Just enough to know it's there without looking too obvious or unconventional.

The Love Bus

There are many different vehicles used as wedding cars these days. Besides the usual Rolls Royces, I've seen classic sports cars and motorbikes. I remember seeing a fire engine used as one once, although I would stop at a dustbin lorry; unless it was brand new. This wedding party had booked an old Routemaster bus, which probably once belonged to London Transport. It looks like they've done quite a good conversion job. I just wonder if some older people stick their hand out when it goes past their bus stop!

As The Cookie Crumbles

For the last couple of days there has been a market in the Old Market Square. It could be described as a global market, as there were many things on offer for sale from different countries. A similar one appeared last year, which looked quite popular. Food was of course a main attraction for people, especially this French biscuit seller.

Food Glorious Food

Gail and I went for a meal last night after Brian's funeral. As you can see I had fish and chips (fries), while Gail had a beef and ale pie. I was so taken with the unusual presentation, that I just had to take a photograph. The chips in their own little fryer, a tiny jam jar of tartare sauce, another small jar of mushy peas and all served with a very tasty piece of fish on a wooden board, rather than a plate. Yum, yum!

Never Forgotten

I tried to do a post last night, but Blogger.Com had broken down, so I'm doing it tonight, together with today's actual post.

Yesterday was Brian's funeral. A sad, but happy day, as around 70 people came to pay their respects and remember the man, the wag, the artist and the friend. Gail and I, like many others will miss him very much.
As I said previously, he was a very good artist who liked to use charcoal and pastels. Here's an example of what skill he possessed, and as you can see he was quite a talent.

Brian Adcock
1933 - 2011

Random

Lanny's choice this week for the Headbanger Challenge comes courtesy of Lanny and is 'bran new'. A bit of a puzzle this one, as I'm sure she didn't mean brand new. So it's been a bit of a struggle to try and come up with an idea. Whilst preparing my lunch this morning I had a bit of a brainwave. I usually have cornflakes for my breakfast. Amongst the choices are Wheetabix. Bran in biscuit form. So I carefully cut up some of the biscuits and made up the word 'NEW'.

Todays blog picture is an abstract. A side of a new building belonging to Trent University. It's similar in style to those on the University of Nottingham's Jubilee Campus. So it must be an academic thing, or they use the same architect.

Feeling Sheepish

I was rather surprised to see this sheep tied up outside a furniture shop in Hockley. Fortunately it wasn't a real one that was a pet and out for a stroll with its master. Instead it was a life size model of one that could be yours for the bargain price of £190. Hopefully it's been housetrained and isn't too noisy whilst you are trying to watch the television. I'm not sure what Marmalade would think of it. She would either sleep on it, or use it as a scratching post.

The Music Man

A couple of weeks ago Gail and I went to the Contemporary to see MuHa, a band that has been featured on here a few times and is a favourite amongst the Flickr members of Nottingham. I took my D90 along, as I have not tried it in concert conditions before, with so much light and shade. Unfortunately it didn't do that well. Probably down to the lens I had on and the settings. Although I did keep fiddling with the ISO. Not many of the photos are usable, either through blown colours of too much blurring. But I've had a go at tweaking this one in iPhoto. Not brilliant, but someone may like it.

Poladroid

I've posted a couple of photos that have been created with Poladroid, that nifty bit of free software that digitally turns your photos into the good old fashioned Polaroids. I'm glad to see that they have make a version for Macs, as it's great fun to use, and you're not entirely sure how the final image will turn out.
Here's a shot I took in Casino Square, Monte Carlo. It's come out quite well, but has chopped a little bit off the end of this classic red sports car.

Where's The Fire?

There was a mock air raid siren and fire in the Old Market Square this morning. It was to commemorate the 70th anniversary of when Nottingham was heavily bombed during World War Two. Vintage fire engines were on display and as you can see from my photo, a fireman in period dress was putting out the 'fire' in the Council House.

I don't usually go into the city centre at the weekend, as I work there during the week, but I have started rehearsing for a play that I will performing in at the castle next month. It is a shorter, rewritten version of the play that I appeared in last summer about the monks who lived at Beauvale Priory, called The Cries of Silent Men. It is part of a major arts project called NEAT 11 that will be taking place in May and June. Quite a lot of the original cast members will be returning to their roles, so it should be good fun. Hopefully it won't take me long to re-remember my lines, as they are practically identical. Which is good, as my memory is getting worse day by day.

A Mini Fiat

As a very happy owner of a Fiat 500 (new version), I am always on the lookout for models of the great little Italian car. So I was quite surprised to find this one at a charity shop a little while ago. It is based on a character from Cars, the Pixar movie from a few years ago. I've seen the film once, but can't remember seeing a 500 in it. I do have it on DVD, so will have to dig it out and see if I can find it and what the character's name is.

Motorbikin'

Whilst visiting Wollaton Park on Saturday, I came across this highly decorated motorbike. Not sure why a company making cigarette papers should be promoted though.

Water Way To Travel

Tom has supplied this week's headbanger theme of 'water'. We've had similar themes recently like fountains the other week, so I decided not to go down the traditional route. Instead I'm presenting a seagull from Monte Carlo. I took its portrait while Gail and I were eating some pizza down by Port Hercule.

What seaside wouldn't be complete without the squarks of gulls overhead, or queueing up on the promenade waiting for a few crumbs of food from people passing by eating fish and chips? Whenever I am at the coast, I always look forward to hearing their call. Its the romantic in me. Of course these days seagulls can be found many miles inland, as the continual hunt for food is never ending. In fact I heard a couple the other day in Highfields, some 70 miles away from any saltwater.

My main photo today is also water related, with a traction engine, which of course uses steam to move. There was a show of them and classic vehicles on Sunday in Wollaton Park. But it was quite expensive to go in. So instead I walked around the fencing and took some photos through the wire.

Don't forget to visit the other team members (except Imac) and see how they have interpreted the theme, and enjoy this little film.

I Think A Sunhat Is In Order

These special purple tulips were waving in the strong breeze that was blowing around Calke Abbey yesterday, even if the sun had been shining all day long. They are certainly a lot different to the usual red and yellow varieties that you often see in people's front gardens and roundabout displays. It's a super colour. A very delicate mauve, brought out even more by being kissed by the warming sunshine.

Now Where Did I Put That Hammer?

As it was such a lovely sunny day, Gail and I took a trip out to see Calke Abbey, a Natural Trust property in southern Derbyshire. The place was very busy. So much so that they weren't letting anymore people into the house. So we went for a walk round the grounds. Besides the usual stroll through wooded pathways, there was a flower garden, a traditional vegetable garden and an ice house. Here's a shot of an old potting shed that doesn't look like its been touched in years.

Going Postal

For various reasons I've not been involved in the monthly theme day for quite a while now. So I thought I would give it a go again, especially as this months theme of 'mailboxes' isn't too difficult to get. I actually took this late last year when we had a lot of snow. Not particularly relevant at the moment with all the sunny weather we are having, but it does give it a different perspective to the job of a postman.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants