Dur....Dur....
Dun.dun.dun.dun....
Tuesday, 26 May 2009
Monday, 25 May 2009
Who said academics (still) aren't fit?
Dave Harte, a Birmingham based media worker and blogger is once more running a marathon with the proceeds going to St Mary's Hospice in Selly Oak.
Dave is a really good person and his charity/media work has touched the lives of many. If you have some spare cash in these trying times please sponsor Dave.
Dave is a really good person and his charity/media work has touched the lives of many. If you have some spare cash in these trying times please sponsor Dave.
Daily Photo #518
More macro mayhem!
I was quite pleased with the details at the centre of the images.
Best viewed larger on this link here.
I was quite pleased with the details at the centre of the images.
Best viewed larger on this link here.
Sunday, 24 May 2009
Daily Photo #517
We have a few of these in our back garden.
They can be quite a nuisance but they do make for good subject matter. Probably best seen larger, go to this link here.
They can be quite a nuisance but they do make for good subject matter. Probably best seen larger, go to this link here.
Saturday, 23 May 2009
Daily Photo #516
Seagulls are much better than Pigeons.
Off to the shops again to pick up some stuff I forgot earlier. Damn my aging brain!
Off to the shops again to pick up some stuff I forgot earlier. Damn my aging brain!
Friday, 22 May 2009
Daily Photo #515
Friday at last and a long weekend is on the cards which is always good. Totally frazzled with the amounts of stuff in my workload but it's all good.
Another Coney Island shot I'm afraid. I was going to get out and do some more macro stuff in the garden but the good light has vanished and has been replaced with something akin to a green milkshake. Funny hues in the sky do not good photography make (I think that grammar was wonky but I can't be bothered to retype it).
Now, the Wonder Wheel in this shot has been made famous by several films - bonus points given if you can name at least three!
Another Coney Island shot I'm afraid. I was going to get out and do some more macro stuff in the garden but the good light has vanished and has been replaced with something akin to a green milkshake. Funny hues in the sky do not good photography make (I think that grammar was wonky but I can't be bothered to retype it).
Now, the Wonder Wheel in this shot has been made famous by several films - bonus points given if you can name at least three!
Thursday, 21 May 2009
Daily Photo #514
Still pretty poorly but better than I was, fever has broken now. Thanks to my darling wife for purchasing uber cough medicine. Slept for about 16 hours yesterday and heading back to bed now.
Anyway, today's shot is from an interactive exhibit at the top of the Rockefeller Centre in NYC. The room's lights react to movement and strobe in different colours. It was like being in the world of TRON.
See you tomorrow, gotta go get more snooze time.
Anyway, today's shot is from an interactive exhibit at the top of the Rockefeller Centre in NYC. The room's lights react to movement and strobe in different colours. It was like being in the world of TRON.
See you tomorrow, gotta go get more snooze time.
Wednesday, 20 May 2009
Daily Photo #513
I need to consume more of these.
Head cold, cough and temperature have all gotten a lot worse. Little sleep and shivering most of the night left me unable to do much today.
Anyways, looks like the flu-pocalypse has me in its grip. Today's shot is testing out my new 100mm Macro Lens (Canon, f2.8 EF). Only had about ten minutes with it so far and I like what I see.
Back to bed for me, see you all tomorrow.
Head cold, cough and temperature have all gotten a lot worse. Little sleep and shivering most of the night left me unable to do much today.
Anyways, looks like the flu-pocalypse has me in its grip. Today's shot is testing out my new 100mm Macro Lens (Canon, f2.8 EF). Only had about ten minutes with it so far and I like what I see.
Back to bed for me, see you all tomorrow.
Tuesday, 19 May 2009
Daily Photo #512
On a different theme.
Coney Island seems to become more and more deserted each time we visit. Less people wander the boardwalk or the beach and even fewer go towards to outdated and slightly spooky rides.
I'm not sure if it's a sympton of issues surrounding disposable incomes but no matter how much of the boardwalk they replace, Coney is in danger of losing its heart.
Coney Island seems to become more and more deserted each time we visit. Less people wander the boardwalk or the beach and even fewer go towards to outdated and slightly spooky rides.
I'm not sure if it's a sympton of issues surrounding disposable incomes but no matter how much of the boardwalk they replace, Coney is in danger of losing its heart.
Monday, 18 May 2009
Daily Photo #511
The coffee in this joint looked lethal
And no, I didn't try it. I am such a coward. However, if you're around Bleecker Street give it a twirl and drop me a line. I'm fascinated to see if it has the properties to reanimate the dead or turn oneself into a living skeleton.
And no, I didn't try it. I am such a coward. However, if you're around Bleecker Street give it a twirl and drop me a line. I'm fascinated to see if it has the properties to reanimate the dead or turn oneself into a living skeleton.
28 Weeks Later
I posted this a while ago on my livejournal but what the hey. I'm about to revisit both movies as it has been a while since I last saw them.
28 Weeks Later is a thing of beauty. It is arguably the first proper post modern and intelligent horror movie since the sublime 2005 remake of The Hills have Eyes. Like Hills, this is a movie which toys with you and plays with conventions and stereotype to deliver something quite different and delicious. Basically, it fucks with your head unapologetically.
The movie begins at the height of the infection, when the Rage Virus is still tightening its grip on the country. It is not explicitly explained that the events in this movie cross over with the events in the first movie but The Infected are still very mobile and operate in numbers. The plot centres around several survivors who are hiding in a country house - Don and Alice and several others trying to find refuge from a world gone mad. The action cuts to The Infected entering the house and culminates in a moment of either cowardice or self preservation that leads to Don being seperated from his wife. The whole scene plays beautifully and not even explosive jump cuts and hand held camera shots detract from the emotional depth of this scene.
The scene cuts from the devastated husband to an on screen graphic explaining the timeline and the devastation the Rage Virus has inflicted on Britain. It is up to America to (once more) restore law and order and their brand of civilisation on an England depopulated by a deadly psychological virus.
With the internal logic of the movie set, we the viewers are drawn into a world of glass and chrome, a brave new world policed by a military power. Guns and heavy artillery take the place of traffic wardens and Big Issue sellers. A new society has been put together in Canary Wharf (which in historical terms is highly ironic). A montage and voice over explains that after 6 months, Britons who were out of the country are to be repatriated in this yuppy fortress. In one effective series of shots we see snipers guarding the city as a lone plane lands and the refugees disemabark. Those refugees include Don and Alice's children. As they are reunited we see more measures in place. The visible exoskeleton of the military and the faceless medics test the dispossessed prior to letting them enter the Wharf. Strangers in their own land. As Don is reunited with his children we are led to believe that all is well, the set up lends an illusion of safety on the surface. The problem is that Don feels a guilt which he has buried and some small throwaway lines about genetic inheritance regarding one of the children foreshadow events.
Tammy and Andy, fearing the life they have left behind will blur into insignificance make a foray into the unsecured areas to retrieve some personal belongings from their old house. In scenes which take their visual cue from the original we can see the human cost of the virus. All seems well when they arrive at the house, they wander around observing their belongings and previous life in retrospect until they find their "dead" mother in an upstairs bedroom. It transpires that Alice is a vector or a carrier in a similar way that rats do not succumb to the Black Plague, this person carries the Rage Virus but has a natural immunity to it.
When the children and their mother are returned to the Wharf, through a slighly contrived set of events the Rage Virus is once more unleashed and chaos ensues.
Arguably, this is the movie 28 Days Later should have been. This was gutsy, layered and just plain nasty in sections of the movie which I can only describe as harrowing. Taking visual (and sonic) cues from its predessor, Weeks is a much more epic and confident take on the post apocalyptic England. It is also its own film and could easily stand alone with out the prequel.
Unlike its prequel which sets up the conventions of the Rage Virus, Weeks is a more balls to the wall action movie which owes more to Aliens and the Dawn of the Dead Remake than Day of the Triffids or the John Mills' take on Quatermas. Think Black Hawk Down rather than All is quiet on the Western Front and you're there. It is also pure metaphor in more ways than one.
Also, I want to raise this issue as no one seems to tackle it properly. Both movies are not Zombie Movies. As both Garland and Boyle explained, these are infected people, not the walking dead. The Rage Virus has been described in interviews as a psychological virus, a riff on social phenomena - the split second moment of madness during road rage attacks or the loss of the self in a football hooligan attack. It exists in every one of us, just choosing its moment to be released. There are a million metaphors crystalised in this.
It could be argued that the Rage Virus is a metaphor for the Chav or ASBO generation, attacks against the cake eating/designerlabel obsessed middle class with all that anger distilled and used against them. Or is the Rage Virus the natural progression for the inherent mental state that lies at the heart of all society, that when everything goes to seed we degenerate into mindless savage primates which attack employing a mindless rage in a bid to reverse the evolutionary clock? The nature of the Rage Virus (for the purposes of the film) is a physical entity, a haemmorgheric virus which takes over the host in seconds (as we see when drops of infected blood are introduced to normal red cells). The host ejects fountains of blood in a manner that recalls the projectile vomiting scenes in the Exorcist. The fact that each droplet is deadly on contact encapsulates the discourse of fear which ran through England during the early 80's during the height of the famous "AIDS Awareness" ad campaigns. Fear of bodily fluids are indexical of those discourses surrounding sexuality and medical fear, it's as if the Rage Virus could have been secreted from the typewriter of David Cronenberg himself as opposed to that of young Brit Lit Rockstar, Alex Garland.
Subtle visual nuances blend to create a truly chilling vision of London laid to waste by this virus. The enormity of human and collateral loss are struck home as we see Tammy entering a deserted Pizza joint. Spoiled food and human remains are juxtaposed to great effect as the film shifts up a gear to open out into a vista of an abandoned and dead London. Director Fresnadillo treats the subject matter with great dignity and an almost reverant eye which almost led me to believe he was a native English geeza.
The tensions in the American team are possibly the most interesting discourse at the heart of the film. I will not say the word Iraq as I will let you make your own minds up although several visual clues harken to Friendly Fire and Hamfisted military decisions which lead to the loss of life of innocents (like you or I). One particuarly harrowing scene where The Infected and Normal People are shot at indiscriminantly recall issues experienced early on in Gulf War 2 (I resist adding Electric Boogaloo, you can thank me for that later). One sniper screams down his comms that he "can't tell them apart" and the chilling use of chemical gas on London streets and Napalm made my blood run cold with fear. Being a child who experienced imminent nuclear destruction during the early 80's and more than a few sleepless nights after BBC's bone chilling dramatisation of what would happen if a nuclear bomb was dropped on Sheffield (Threads, if you haven't seen it, seek it out) I can honestly say I felt 14 years old again. And afraid. Very afraid.
On a less (socially) important note and coming back to my previous point of both movies being "non-zombie movies", The Infected are fucking scary. More so than Romero's Carno-Tropes (a term coined in the 1990 anthology "Book of the Dead"). The fact that The Rage is a psychological virus that infects the host within seconds is hammered home effectively when we see several POV shots and reactions that mirror Romero's own "proto" Rage movie, The Crazies. Both genres of apocalypse can exists side by side but each has their own set of conventions and discourse. The 1968 mentality of Shoot them in the Head and seperate the brain from the body do not apply here. We see The Infected shot by high powered gas rounds, losing limbs and body parts left right and centre. They die a little more indiscriminantly than Romero's Carno-Tropes but the sheer number and speed make the Rage Infected a much scarier and daunting prospect. I'm an utter fan of both genres but the lack of hope and redemption in 28 Weeks left me feeling weak and depressed and my insides churning. Just the way a good horror movie should.
28 Weeks Later is a thing of beauty. It is arguably the first proper post modern and intelligent horror movie since the sublime 2005 remake of The Hills have Eyes. Like Hills, this is a movie which toys with you and plays with conventions and stereotype to deliver something quite different and delicious. Basically, it fucks with your head unapologetically.
The movie begins at the height of the infection, when the Rage Virus is still tightening its grip on the country. It is not explicitly explained that the events in this movie cross over with the events in the first movie but The Infected are still very mobile and operate in numbers. The plot centres around several survivors who are hiding in a country house - Don and Alice and several others trying to find refuge from a world gone mad. The action cuts to The Infected entering the house and culminates in a moment of either cowardice or self preservation that leads to Don being seperated from his wife. The whole scene plays beautifully and not even explosive jump cuts and hand held camera shots detract from the emotional depth of this scene.
The scene cuts from the devastated husband to an on screen graphic explaining the timeline and the devastation the Rage Virus has inflicted on Britain. It is up to America to (once more) restore law and order and their brand of civilisation on an England depopulated by a deadly psychological virus.
With the internal logic of the movie set, we the viewers are drawn into a world of glass and chrome, a brave new world policed by a military power. Guns and heavy artillery take the place of traffic wardens and Big Issue sellers. A new society has been put together in Canary Wharf (which in historical terms is highly ironic). A montage and voice over explains that after 6 months, Britons who were out of the country are to be repatriated in this yuppy fortress. In one effective series of shots we see snipers guarding the city as a lone plane lands and the refugees disemabark. Those refugees include Don and Alice's children. As they are reunited we see more measures in place. The visible exoskeleton of the military and the faceless medics test the dispossessed prior to letting them enter the Wharf. Strangers in their own land. As Don is reunited with his children we are led to believe that all is well, the set up lends an illusion of safety on the surface. The problem is that Don feels a guilt which he has buried and some small throwaway lines about genetic inheritance regarding one of the children foreshadow events.
Tammy and Andy, fearing the life they have left behind will blur into insignificance make a foray into the unsecured areas to retrieve some personal belongings from their old house. In scenes which take their visual cue from the original we can see the human cost of the virus. All seems well when they arrive at the house, they wander around observing their belongings and previous life in retrospect until they find their "dead" mother in an upstairs bedroom. It transpires that Alice is a vector or a carrier in a similar way that rats do not succumb to the Black Plague, this person carries the Rage Virus but has a natural immunity to it.
When the children and their mother are returned to the Wharf, through a slighly contrived set of events the Rage Virus is once more unleashed and chaos ensues.
Arguably, this is the movie 28 Days Later should have been. This was gutsy, layered and just plain nasty in sections of the movie which I can only describe as harrowing. Taking visual (and sonic) cues from its predessor, Weeks is a much more epic and confident take on the post apocalyptic England. It is also its own film and could easily stand alone with out the prequel.
Unlike its prequel which sets up the conventions of the Rage Virus, Weeks is a more balls to the wall action movie which owes more to Aliens and the Dawn of the Dead Remake than Day of the Triffids or the John Mills' take on Quatermas. Think Black Hawk Down rather than All is quiet on the Western Front and you're there. It is also pure metaphor in more ways than one.
Also, I want to raise this issue as no one seems to tackle it properly. Both movies are not Zombie Movies. As both Garland and Boyle explained, these are infected people, not the walking dead. The Rage Virus has been described in interviews as a psychological virus, a riff on social phenomena - the split second moment of madness during road rage attacks or the loss of the self in a football hooligan attack. It exists in every one of us, just choosing its moment to be released. There are a million metaphors crystalised in this.
It could be argued that the Rage Virus is a metaphor for the Chav or ASBO generation, attacks against the cake eating/designerlabel obsessed middle class with all that anger distilled and used against them. Or is the Rage Virus the natural progression for the inherent mental state that lies at the heart of all society, that when everything goes to seed we degenerate into mindless savage primates which attack employing a mindless rage in a bid to reverse the evolutionary clock? The nature of the Rage Virus (for the purposes of the film) is a physical entity, a haemmorgheric virus which takes over the host in seconds (as we see when drops of infected blood are introduced to normal red cells). The host ejects fountains of blood in a manner that recalls the projectile vomiting scenes in the Exorcist. The fact that each droplet is deadly on contact encapsulates the discourse of fear which ran through England during the early 80's during the height of the famous "AIDS Awareness" ad campaigns. Fear of bodily fluids are indexical of those discourses surrounding sexuality and medical fear, it's as if the Rage Virus could have been secreted from the typewriter of David Cronenberg himself as opposed to that of young Brit Lit Rockstar, Alex Garland.
Subtle visual nuances blend to create a truly chilling vision of London laid to waste by this virus. The enormity of human and collateral loss are struck home as we see Tammy entering a deserted Pizza joint. Spoiled food and human remains are juxtaposed to great effect as the film shifts up a gear to open out into a vista of an abandoned and dead London. Director Fresnadillo treats the subject matter with great dignity and an almost reverant eye which almost led me to believe he was a native English geeza.
The tensions in the American team are possibly the most interesting discourse at the heart of the film. I will not say the word Iraq as I will let you make your own minds up although several visual clues harken to Friendly Fire and Hamfisted military decisions which lead to the loss of life of innocents (like you or I). One particuarly harrowing scene where The Infected and Normal People are shot at indiscriminantly recall issues experienced early on in Gulf War 2 (I resist adding Electric Boogaloo, you can thank me for that later). One sniper screams down his comms that he "can't tell them apart" and the chilling use of chemical gas on London streets and Napalm made my blood run cold with fear. Being a child who experienced imminent nuclear destruction during the early 80's and more than a few sleepless nights after BBC's bone chilling dramatisation of what would happen if a nuclear bomb was dropped on Sheffield (Threads, if you haven't seen it, seek it out) I can honestly say I felt 14 years old again. And afraid. Very afraid.
On a less (socially) important note and coming back to my previous point of both movies being "non-zombie movies", The Infected are fucking scary. More so than Romero's Carno-Tropes (a term coined in the 1990 anthology "Book of the Dead"). The fact that The Rage is a psychological virus that infects the host within seconds is hammered home effectively when we see several POV shots and reactions that mirror Romero's own "proto" Rage movie, The Crazies. Both genres of apocalypse can exists side by side but each has their own set of conventions and discourse. The 1968 mentality of Shoot them in the Head and seperate the brain from the body do not apply here. We see The Infected shot by high powered gas rounds, losing limbs and body parts left right and centre. They die a little more indiscriminantly than Romero's Carno-Tropes but the sheer number and speed make the Rage Infected a much scarier and daunting prospect. I'm an utter fan of both genres but the lack of hope and redemption in 28 Weeks left me feeling weak and depressed and my insides churning. Just the way a good horror movie should.
Sunday, 17 May 2009
Oh my word.
Looks like Linds and I are coming down with post holiday lurgy/colds/throats. First person to mention swine flu will be off my Xmas card list and/or made to watch every version (be it Bluray, DVD or VHS) of Dawn of the Dead in my collection (err..that may actually not be a punishment for some people).
Today was meant to be spent testing out my new 100mm F2.8 macro lens on some flowers but it's raining the proverbial cats and dogs out there.
Luckily, I cooked a chicken yesterday and there is loads left so we're looking at a fajita lunch with a shot of vodka to kill germs in the throat (much nicer than cough medicine I think!).
So, apart from consuming Mexican food we may watch some Robot Chicken S3 (picked up the DVD, thank you Virgin Megastore Union Sq for your 20% off goodness).
During our travels we picked up a fair few bluray and DVD movies. We just have to find the time to watch them now and this afternoon may present a good chance in catching up with said movies.
Also, did anyone out there know that there is a new Hap and Leonard book coming out!!!! Woop!
The cats are requesting attention, can anyone recommend a good movie for them to watch? We are bad parents ;)
Today was meant to be spent testing out my new 100mm F2.8 macro lens on some flowers but it's raining the proverbial cats and dogs out there.
Luckily, I cooked a chicken yesterday and there is loads left so we're looking at a fajita lunch with a shot of vodka to kill germs in the throat (much nicer than cough medicine I think!).
So, apart from consuming Mexican food we may watch some Robot Chicken S3 (picked up the DVD, thank you Virgin Megastore Union Sq for your 20% off goodness).
During our travels we picked up a fair few bluray and DVD movies. We just have to find the time to watch them now and this afternoon may present a good chance in catching up with said movies.
Also, did anyone out there know that there is a new Hap and Leonard book coming out!!!! Woop!
The cats are requesting attention, can anyone recommend a good movie for them to watch? We are bad parents ;)
Daily Photo #510
Being a life long Dr Who fan, I thought this shot reminded me of a certain young companion of the 2nd Doctor.
It's been a while since I posted a photo in this genre but sod it. I like the image and who gives a toss what other people think. Linda and I had a blast taking the photos so if other people enjoy them as much as us, what the hell. I guess I have been listening too much to my critics of late instead of posting what makes me happy. If that makes me a less than decent human being, hell to it.
It's been a while since I posted a photo in this genre but sod it. I like the image and who gives a toss what other people think. Linda and I had a blast taking the photos so if other people enjoy them as much as us, what the hell. I guess I have been listening too much to my critics of late instead of posting what makes me happy. If that makes me a less than decent human being, hell to it.
Saturday, 16 May 2009
Daily Photo #509
Still somewhat jetlagged but getting a little better with the time differences.
This one reminded me of "I am Legend". It's the first time I have ever been able to walk down the middle of 7th Avenue in Manhattan without being hassled by cabs or other traffic. It was quite surreal to see one of the busiest streets in NYC closed for a few hours.
This one reminded me of "I am Legend". It's the first time I have ever been able to walk down the middle of 7th Avenue in Manhattan without being hassled by cabs or other traffic. It was quite surreal to see one of the busiest streets in NYC closed for a few hours.
Friday, 15 May 2009
Daily Photo #508
I've returned! Haven't really been up to that much but have been taking a few new images.
Apparently, Boba Fett is alive and well in Central Park. It appears that the Sarlacc didn't get him afterall.
Apparently, Boba Fett is alive and well in Central Park. It appears that the Sarlacc didn't get him afterall.
Friday, 8 May 2009
Still breathing!
I will be posting in a week's time. As if you read this guff anyway, lol.
I needed a break due to various reasons but all will be revealed in a few days. Nothing bad or serious, just a slight case of blog-xhaustion (if there is such a word).
Anyway, god stuff to follow so stay tuned.
*EDIT - I meant to say "good stuff" and NOT "god stuff". I haven't discovered religion or anything like that. Just the inability to proof read my own witterings.*
I needed a break due to various reasons but all will be revealed in a few days. Nothing bad or serious, just a slight case of blog-xhaustion (if there is such a word).
Anyway, god stuff to follow so stay tuned.
*EDIT - I meant to say "good stuff" and NOT "god stuff". I haven't discovered religion or anything like that. Just the inability to proof read my own witterings.*
Tuesday, 28 April 2009
Taking a break
For reasons beyond my control and I need a rest from the internets.
See you all in a while.
See you all in a while.
Daily Photo #507
On the off chance Swine Flu gets me, Buffy can be the one who controls my "estate". She isn't accepting bribes of boiled ham or kitty treats though.
I don't think she's too bothered about my comic collection either...
I don't think she's too bothered about my comic collection either...
Monday, 27 April 2009
Daily Photo #506
I was thinking about food today, being off it of late but I just really wanted something full of vitamins and good things like protein. Instead I had a cheese roll. Go me.
I never get time for breakfast anymore. Maybe I should change that habit.
In addition, I was thinking up bad ideas for a recipe. The winner was "Raw Chicken Sushi". I won't be serving that one. Ever.
I never get time for breakfast anymore. Maybe I should change that habit.
In addition, I was thinking up bad ideas for a recipe. The winner was "Raw Chicken Sushi". I won't be serving that one. Ever.
Sunday, 26 April 2009
Saturday, 25 April 2009
Daily Photo #504
Into the city centre today.
We only went to the bright shoppings bits and not the wonderfully gothic crumbly bits away from the centre. Bah!
We only went to the bright shoppings bits and not the wonderfully gothic crumbly bits away from the centre. Bah!
Friday, 24 April 2009
I should take my camera on my journey to work.
I meant to make a mental note to blog this a while ago but on an average weekly morning trip to work I get to see:
A jogger who suffers with OCD. If you stray too near the hedgerows he can't do his pattern and he has to stop, jog back up the hill and wait until you've passed until he can carry on. He's a strange chap with sellotaped glasses, a ginger hairpiece who jogs in a beaten up bomber jacket and what appears to be velour tracksuit bottoms. He gives you the look of death if you dare go near his hedgerow. He scares me a little.
What appears to be a drunken squirrel who consumes the left over dregs from glasses left in the local pub. He always looks happy.
Little piles of vomit outside Pizza Hut.
A milkman in a what appears to be a converted transit van. He has no regard for speed limits or pedestrians. He appears to be from the Eastern Europe and has many home made tattoos.
It's the perfect way to start the day, especially if there's some Radiohead on my Ipod.
A jogger who suffers with OCD. If you stray too near the hedgerows he can't do his pattern and he has to stop, jog back up the hill and wait until you've passed until he can carry on. He's a strange chap with sellotaped glasses, a ginger hairpiece who jogs in a beaten up bomber jacket and what appears to be velour tracksuit bottoms. He gives you the look of death if you dare go near his hedgerow. He scares me a little.
What appears to be a drunken squirrel who consumes the left over dregs from glasses left in the local pub. He always looks happy.
Little piles of vomit outside Pizza Hut.
A milkman in a what appears to be a converted transit van. He has no regard for speed limits or pedestrians. He appears to be from the Eastern Europe and has many home made tattoos.
It's the perfect way to start the day, especially if there's some Radiohead on my Ipod.
Daily Photo #503
Going back to my post from Wednesday, this was taken about three years ago.
I need to weed out some books as there are ones I will probably never read again. There's more in boxes in the attic. I need a bit of a tidy up/clear out at some point if I can ever work up the energy and composure to perform one.
I need to weed out some books as there are ones I will probably never read again. There's more in boxes in the attic. I need a bit of a tidy up/clear out at some point if I can ever work up the energy and composure to perform one.
Thursday, 23 April 2009
Daily Photo #502
It's getting warmer! A lot warmer here. Spent most of the day staring out of the window longing for hometime. Why couldn't I have had my clinical depression now instead of during the winter. I could be a mentalist (non pc, but I guess I am qualified to say this now) outside in the garden instead of hidden under a duvet for almost 4 months.
Then again, I couldn't even go outside much during the first three months of the year so it makes us even.
Anyway, I keep saying I have to shoot something but just never get around to it with stuff at weekends and things like sleep/catching up with reading during the night hours.
I so wanted to be outside today. Still, no time for dreaming, gotta feed the cats and make Linda's dinner. Laters.
Then again, I couldn't even go outside much during the first three months of the year so it makes us even.
Anyway, I keep saying I have to shoot something but just never get around to it with stuff at weekends and things like sleep/catching up with reading during the night hours.
I so wanted to be outside today. Still, no time for dreaming, gotta feed the cats and make Linda's dinner. Laters.
Wednesday, 22 April 2009
Daily Photo #501
Shattered and tired beyond belief today. Being back to work full time is knackering to say the least. Still, it beats sitting at home sleeping in until 1pm...err, then again maybe not.
After a day of legalese, contracts and investigation stuff I can barely sit here awake, let alone type. So, in honour of that, here's some books as all I am doing is reading right now.
There's also an unusually active cat jumping down from the shelf there. I guess she didn't like sitting next to Chuck Palahniuck or William Burroughs. The cat has no taste.
After a day of legalese, contracts and investigation stuff I can barely sit here awake, let alone type. So, in honour of that, here's some books as all I am doing is reading right now.
There's also an unusually active cat jumping down from the shelf there. I guess she didn't like sitting next to Chuck Palahniuck or William Burroughs. The cat has no taste.
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
Random thoughts...
A random note...
I love my wife. She's made of awesome. Even when people insult her she just rises above it. Man, I wish I had her qualities sometimes.
I covet her Nintendo DSi, gamer chick that she is.
I've abandoned my "voodoo doll" project (private joke) and I'm investing my time in taking stock in what is good about my existence. Luckily the pros outweigh the cons.
Frozen Margarita, anyone?
I love my wife. She's made of awesome. Even when people insult her she just rises above it. Man, I wish I had her qualities sometimes.
I covet her Nintendo DSi, gamer chick that she is.
I've abandoned my "voodoo doll" project (private joke) and I'm investing my time in taking stock in what is good about my existence. Luckily the pros outweigh the cons.
Frozen Margarita, anyone?
Daily Photo #500
Blimey. 500 at last! Since my photography has slowed up of late (the clinical depression thing and not leaving the house much since November 2008) means that there is no special image for today.
So, something low key I think is on the agenda. Or at least until we head to the US when I'll get to photograph something a little more interesting than the immediate surroundings, not that Birmingham is unpleasant. Just a touch uninspiring right now.
A view from Roosevelt Island, Manhattan. Ever since the early 1990's I've been exploring an almost Lynchian love of dark and industrial black and white photography. It's something I need to revisit.
So, something low key I think is on the agenda. Or at least until we head to the US when I'll get to photograph something a little more interesting than the immediate surroundings, not that Birmingham is unpleasant. Just a touch uninspiring right now.
A view from Roosevelt Island, Manhattan. Ever since the early 1990's I've been exploring an almost Lynchian love of dark and industrial black and white photography. It's something I need to revisit.
Monday, 20 April 2009
Sunday, 19 April 2009
Daily Photo #498
I fancied something dynamic for a traditionally lazy Sunday afternoon.
*pow*
I wish this afternoon was exciting but Linda has gone to the BBB in Brum to meet up with her friend Fleur and I am cooking a chicken. Ah, the excitement. Well done to Steve Green on his good news! I can't say what it is yet but will edit when links go public.
*pow*
I wish this afternoon was exciting but Linda has gone to the BBB in Brum to meet up with her friend Fleur and I am cooking a chicken. Ah, the excitement. Well done to Steve Green on his good news! I can't say what it is yet but will edit when links go public.
Saturday, 18 April 2009
Friday, 17 April 2009
Thursday, 16 April 2009
Daily Photo #495
Weather is still pretty horrific.
Looking through my older shots and I found a fondness for this one. I think a macro lens is next on my wishlist in order to create some close up botanical work.
Looking through my older shots and I found a fondness for this one. I think a macro lens is next on my wishlist in order to create some close up botanical work.
Wednesday, 15 April 2009
Daily Photo #494
Thunder and lightning this morning. Half the office bods were soaked to their skin. I managed to miss it by starting work at 7am, go me!
Anyway, today's photo is of a storm ready Linda
Although, she managed to escape the weather as she's off work with a poorly ear.
Anyway, today's photo is of a storm ready Linda
Although, she managed to escape the weather as she's off work with a poorly ear.
Tuesday, 14 April 2009
Daily Photo #493
Back at work after the long Easter weekend = boo!
Lots of work done = yay!
Evil puppet is evil.
Lots of work done = yay!
Evil puppet is evil.
Monday, 13 April 2009
Daily Photo #492
I was messing around in photo shop ages ago with this shot of Linda.
It's my take on Linda as the DC Comics character, Poison Ivy.
It's my take on Linda as the DC Comics character, Poison Ivy.
Sunday, 12 April 2009
Daily Photo #491
Taken exactly one year ago.
It's a bit cold and overcast today so we're staying in. Had a great night yesterday though. I think I need to snooze a little longer :)
It's a bit cold and overcast today so we're staying in. Had a great night yesterday though. I think I need to snooze a little longer :)
Saturday, 11 April 2009
Daily Photo #490
Taken at the Good Food Show a couple of years ago.
I guess Linda will be making the face above after a few margartias tonight!
I guess Linda will be making the face above after a few margartias tonight!
Friday, 10 April 2009
Daily Photo #489
Something suitably sombre for Good Friday
It's a grey bank holiday day here, as is the course for UK public holidays.
It's a grey bank holiday day here, as is the course for UK public holidays.
Thursday, 9 April 2009
Daily Photo #488
In honour of this item turning up in the post today....
I need to find a display case for my latest collectable!
I need to find a display case for my latest collectable!
Wednesday, 8 April 2009
Daily Photo #487
We have friends over for chilli on Saturday.
Due to impending margaritas, I have been out buying limes. Sadly, I won't be able to drink too many of them though....boo!
Due to impending margaritas, I have been out buying limes. Sadly, I won't be able to drink too many of them though....boo!
Tuesday, 7 April 2009
Daily Photo #486
I do love shooting a portrait.
It's strange but I find the expression in this one quite mysterious. I need to work on my "directing" subjects a little more. Or start applying more context and meaning towards shooting subjects.
It's strange but I find the expression in this one quite mysterious. I need to work on my "directing" subjects a little more. Or start applying more context and meaning towards shooting subjects.
Monday, 6 April 2009
Sunday, 5 April 2009
Daily Photo #484
I feel rough today. If Linda was queen of the undead I would be her lead zombie.
Hence the slightly goth-like shot today.
Hence the slightly goth-like shot today.
Saturday, 4 April 2009
Daily Photo #483
The older and more industrial side of Birmingham.
I thought the tones suited the subject matter perfectly.
I thought the tones suited the subject matter perfectly.
Friday, 3 April 2009
Daily Photo #482
Because it's Friday, I think a Linda photo is appropriate!
This is an "Alt-Universe" Linda, if she followed her original career choice of being a law enforcement officer. They have better uniforms in those alternate universe timelines.
This is an "Alt-Universe" Linda, if she followed her original career choice of being a law enforcement officer. They have better uniforms in those alternate universe timelines.
Thursday, 2 April 2009
Alan Moore, he knows the score!
There's a superb interview over on the Headpress website. Have a wander over there and be enlightened!
Daily Photo #481
In reference to the new Doctor Who special that is approaching,
This was taken in Cardiff, the fictional home of the Torchwood hub.
This was taken in Cardiff, the fictional home of the Torchwood hub.
Wednesday, 1 April 2009
Tuesday, 31 March 2009
Daily Photo #479
It's not Friday but I thought this might cheer an otherwise rather banal Tuesday.
Yes, that is vodka and I could really murder one now (it is after midday) but I can't due to the tablets. Diet coke for me now!
Yes, that is vodka and I could really murder one now (it is after midday) but I can't due to the tablets. Diet coke for me now!
Monday, 30 March 2009
Daily Photo #478
London shops always have cooler signage.
This is no exception, as witnessed in Camden.
This is no exception, as witnessed in Camden.
Sunday, 29 March 2009
Daily Photo #477
I love a good storm.
We haven't had one in a while but it's good for clearing the air. This shot reminds me of the time I was stuck in a hotel in St Louis Missouri in 1998 praying that a tornado that was 3 blocks away woundn't take the roof off. I couldn't leave the room and survived on Cheetos and pepsi from the vending machine due to not being able to go out to dinner.
We haven't had one in a while but it's good for clearing the air. This shot reminds me of the time I was stuck in a hotel in St Louis Missouri in 1998 praying that a tornado that was 3 blocks away woundn't take the roof off. I couldn't leave the room and survived on Cheetos and pepsi from the vending machine due to not being able to go out to dinner.
Saturday, 28 March 2009
Daily Photo #476
We managed a visit to the Memorabilia show today but I just didn't feel in the mood to take any pics.
So here is one from a previous year.
Linda with the Austin Powers' Shaguar.
*Groovy, baby*
So here is one from a previous year.
Linda with the Austin Powers' Shaguar.
*Groovy, baby*
Friday, 27 March 2009
Daily Photo #475
Keeping with yesterday's sci-fi theme,
Linda and Ingrid. This one is more a homage to Barbarella.
Linda and Ingrid. This one is more a homage to Barbarella.
Thursday, 26 March 2009
Daily Photo #474
Feeling somewhat better today.
So, here is something to add a little colour to today's choice with a UFO (the TV series) inspired shot of Linda. Nothing says "thursday" more than a pink bobbed hairstyle ;)
So, here is something to add a little colour to today's choice with a UFO (the TV series) inspired shot of Linda. Nothing says "thursday" more than a pink bobbed hairstyle ;)
Wednesday, 25 March 2009
Daily Photo #473
I feel a bit like this today.
A slight dip in mood but nothing I cannot handle. Is it Saturday yet?
A slight dip in mood but nothing I cannot handle. Is it Saturday yet?
Tuesday, 24 March 2009
Daily Photo #472
Day two at work, feeling a little more used to it.
Today's photo is still somewhat inspired by the good weather.
This was taken in our back garden and not the Botanical Gardens as I had previously stated. Ooops.
Today's photo is still somewhat inspired by the good weather.
This was taken in our back garden and not the Botanical Gardens as I had previously stated. Ooops.
Monday, 23 March 2009
Daily Photo #471
Back at work today for a phased return on a part time basis. I felt whacked out after I had finished, my brain is just not used to assimilating information or being around people. But, it was a positive first day I think, mainly catching up with policy, procedures and emails. Fingers crossed I can keep up the good vibes this week!
Anyway, because our trip to the US is just around the corner I chose this one of the Brooklyn Bridge.
I really liked the overcast sky and the way it just feels like it's about to snow (as it was that day). In a few more weeks we'll be doing that walk again. Hopefully, not in the snow this time.
Anyway, because our trip to the US is just around the corner I chose this one of the Brooklyn Bridge.
I really liked the overcast sky and the way it just feels like it's about to snow (as it was that day). In a few more weeks we'll be doing that walk again. Hopefully, not in the snow this time.
Sunday, 22 March 2009
Daily Photo #470
Today is about texture and colour.
The stones and natural formation add something to the composition here.
The stones and natural formation add something to the composition here.
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