Golden Nights

Can you have too much of a good thing? Possibly; but since I had today off, I haven't had the chance to take any new shots. So here's my second best Skywatch Friday photo taken earlier this week.

There's Gold In Them There Skies

I've been on my travels again & so late in posting my Skywatch Friday photo. I took this on Tuesday evening while Gail was acting as my chauffeur. I took several during my trip home, but I think this one looked the best.

It's taken just after leaving Canning Circus and heading down Derby Road. We are just coming up on the left to one of the entrances to the private Park estate.

For more Thursday & Friday skies, click on the Skywatch Friday name.

Reading Between The Lions

This guy was so engrossed in his book, he hadn't realised that he'd chewed the end of his finger off!

A Serious Role

Locally born actress Samantha Morton made a special appearance yesterday in the Market Square. She made a very impassioned speech in support of local council workers who are facing redundancy due to severe budget cuts in services.

Samantha's early life was spent in local children's homes, and this is one of the frontline services that will be affected, together with day care centres, libraries and tourist attractions.
But the publicity did no good, as the leaders of the council passed the plans, so around 350 people will lose their jobs and any vacancies won't be filled.

Banana Fritter

I'm glad to see this woman was paying attention when she attempted to light her cigarette, as she could have mistakenly tried to set fire to her banana instead, not to mention her morning newspaper!

Blonde Ambition

Besides taking photos of bananas and monkeys on Saturday, I tried snapping a few of the more interesting looking people in the crowd. This young lady is one of the promotions girls from Radio Trent who were involved in the event, together with the two personalities from yesterday.

I don't think she would look out of place in Monte Carlo, especially with those ear rings, and is the sort of female that Jilly sometimes snaps.

The World's Gone Bananas

This morning, Beeston went bananas. Not literally, but an event was held to publicise Fairtrade goods, especially everyone's favourite white fruit. I took part in what the organisers hope would be a record for the biggest number of people eating a banana at the same time.
Today's photo is of two local radio personalities starting the record breaking with the help of 'Funky Monkey' and 'Bananaman'. I'll let you know if we have won the challenge.

While I was in the Square, I bumped into one of my fellow photographic pals Phil. He was there taking photos as well. He suggested taking a break at a local cafe. It was almost full, but there was a couple of seats free at a table. We sat down & got talking to an elderly couple opposite. The husband was interested in my camera, and said that he took a lot of slides and did shows for charity. More on this can be found at Phil's amusing blog site.

R.I.P. (Record Shops In Peril)

A death was announced this week that shocked a lot of local people. Not the passing of a popular person, but a well loved independent record shop that has been part of Nottingham's cultural history for 40 years. What started off as a simple market stall, has turned into a pilgrimage for music fans. The shop sells popular artists alongside the more obscure acts, and all genre's in between.

It will be sorely missed when the doors finally close at the end of the month, or earlier, if all the stock goes. Nottingham used to have quite a thriving number of record stores, but all that remains now is HMV.

It's Not My Name

Yesterday the owners of the London Eye successfully stopped our big wheel from being called the Nottingham Eye. They said that it would damage the reputation of the capital's latest tourist attraction. Locals have come up with alternative names for it, and some not too flattering. But it seems like it's going to be called the Nottingham Wheel from now on.

Dog Gone

Here's one of those shots where you look at it and wonder if its any good and worth keeping. This little dog was tied up to a seat, while her owner was in a nearby shop. It was a very friendly pooch and insisted on rolling on her back so I could tickle her tummy, while all I wanted to do was take a photo of her.

Time Passages

Here's a more conventional photograph of the university and it's iconic clock tower. As you can see it was a lovely day yesterday, still a bit cold though, but I'd be happy with that, as long as it's sunny.

Negative Equity

It's been quite a sunny day today. Hopefully the first of many this year. So Gail and I went on our bikes to a local park, which is next to the university. Poor Gail struggled a bit, as she's not been on her bike for nearly a year. I on the otherhand, use it almost everyday, as I cycle to work. So while my wifey was getting her breath back, I took a few photos of one of the main university buildings. As the sun was going down, the building was getting into shadow, so a bit of tweaking in my digital darkroom finished the job off and added a 1940's style boarder.

Do It Doggy Style

Felines yesterday, canines today. Spratt's were a dog food manufacturer that existed until the early 1970's. This sign I think dates from 1950, as MML appears on the bottom. It's on the wall of a local cafe, which previously was a corner shop. I'm surprised that it still survives, as I thought it would either have been removed by now or stolen by a collector or dealer. But it's good to see such things still around.

Are there any old advertising signs still around where you live?

Moggy Minor

I'm not a great fan of cats for various reasons, but I just had to take a photo of this feline who was watching the world go by from its perch on the windowsill.

Thanks to all those of you who stopped by yesterday and left birthday & anniversary greetings, not to mention comments on my photo. They are always welcome.

Light And Dark

It's Skywatch Friday again, and I'm a bit later than intended. I do have good reason though this week, as it's my birthday and 3rd wedding anniversary.
I wasn't going to contribute this week, but I took this picture of some old lifting gear late this afternoon, and thought it looked a bit different, from the usual.

For other skies, black, white, blue or any other colour click on here and see what the world has to offer this week.

It's All Done With Mirrors

Yesterday I went to lunch with some work colleagues and while we were waiting for our food, I looked around the restaurant to see if there was anything worth taking a photo of. But there was no fancy ornaments or interesting looking people, but I was intrigued by a mirror, which looked like a window. I took several shots of it with people passing by, but I liked this one with the bus going past the best.

Can You Tell What It Is Yet?

This artist was giving a demonstration of creating a painting from scratch in oils. Unfortunately I couldn't hang around long enough to see him finish it and find out who the subject was.
It must be really pleasing to be able to draw and paint. It isn't a gift I have, so I'll just have to stick with photography.

Shadow On The Wall

Nottingham Castle at night. The building isn't normally open to the public in the evening, but a couple of weeks ago it was. As it was part of the Light Night show.

Shadows sometimes play tricks on people, as they can't quite work out what the shape is. By draining all colour from the photo and increasing the darkness, I think I've made the building look quite spooky.

For more Monochrome Madness from around the world, click here as usual.

Hairy Beret

I know the title sounds like the Oscar winning actress, but I couldn't resist it for this photo of a young lady in her natty hat.

I understand the English translation of the writing is "life is beautiful", which is a good philosophy, but unfortunately for some it isn't. Without going through all the corny sayings, I guess we have to make the most of our lives, even though it might feel rubbish at times.

May you all have a great week, in whatever you will be doing.

Well Done Steaks Only

There was a fire at this city centre restaurant the other night. Fortunately no one was hurt. Quite a few fire engines were involved and they blocked off the surrounding roads while they contained the fire.

Apparently it was quite a popular eatery, although I've not been in myself, as I don't eat red meat. I've past it many times and enjoyed looking at the record covers they would put in the window as a display.

Workmen are in there now clearing out the rubbish and making it ready for a re-fit. The owner hopes to re-open in a few weeks time.