DarkDwarf Blog

Saturday activities

2012-01-28T11:28:00.001Z

Almost time to take the boys to Trampoline Club - then one of them has a Beaver party (No @cha0tic, not what you're thinking!) -- darkdwarf (@darkdwarf)

Liver Building / New Job

2012-01-27T11:34:00.001Z

Liver Building, a set on Flickr.

I started the New Year by handing in my notice, as I'd secured a new job over the Christmas Period. I start in the first week of February. I'll be working in the North of Liverpool, a number of miles away from the Pier Head / Waterfront area where I currently work.
Better prospects and pay, but not so good a location. I'm going to miss being able to nip out and take a stroll on my lunch break to take in and photograph views like these.

Burns Supper

2012-01-25T23:10:00.001Z

Had Haggis & Whisky - so that's our Burns supper done. -- darkdwarf (@darkdwarf)

Spamalot - 2 New Characters

2012-01-22T18:35:00.001Z

Spamalot - 2 New Characters, originally uploaded by Dark Dwarf.

Spamalot - 2 New Characters

Hamster Palace

2012-01-14T20:24:00.001Z

Hamster Palace, originally uploaded by Dark Dwarf.

Hamster Palace

Captain America "The First Avenger"

2012-01-07T23:20:00.000Z

Watched Captain America earlier, which the boys got from Santa on Blu Ray. Enjoyed it more than I thought I would - some excellent comic book action. The only spoiler I'm giving here is that there was some impressive labelling of bad guy equipment in the final scenes :)

Birthday Flowers - 04-Jan-2012

2012-01-05T23:51:00.001Z

Birthday Flowers - 04-Jan-2012, originally uploaded by Dark Dwarf.

Yesterday's Birthday Flowers for Novelist Supermum. Gerberas.

Birthday Cake - 04-Jan-2012

2012-01-05T23:47:00.001Z

Birthday Cake - 04-Jan-2012, originally uploaded by Dark Dwarf.

Yesterday's Birthday Cake for Novelist Supermum.

Pressies from the boys in the morning (she's already had a Samurai Sword Umbrella from me). Boys first day back at school so we went for a visit to Sudley Hall. Grandma came to baby sit in the evening so we could go for a meal in town at Lunya (Tapas Restaurant). Had two bottles of wine - only got charged for one, so left a good tip.

Hamster Escape Hole

2012-01-01T20:49:00.001Z

Hamster Escape Hole, originally uploaded by Dark Dwarf.

If you have, or are considering having a pet Hamster, then here's the reason why you shouldn't purchase a 25 quid Ferplast Hamster cage/enclosure.
On the morning of New Year's Eve we found that Oscar the Hamster had escaped during the night by gnawing a hole in the plastic base of the cage.
The boys heard scratching noises under a bookcase in the living room. After removing the books from the bottom shelves I spotted the nose of a hungry Hamster when I shone a torch in. Managed to entice him out with pieces of carrot on the end of a skewer, grabbed him quickly and put him in a holding box. Nipped out to Pets at Home and spent 40 quid on a hopefully more secure enclosure made out of tougher, anti-gnaw material - this one's designed for 2 gerbils but can house 1 Syrian Hamster. He's in the new cooler now, bouncing a ball against the wall :)

Christmas Tree Bauble

2012-01-01T20:20:00.001Z

Christmas Tree Bauble, originally uploaded by Dark Dwarf.

Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-01T02:51:00.000Z

New Years Eve - went to the Cinema to see the latest Sherlock Holmes escapade - pretty good. Had a quick pint beforehand in Flanagan's Apple (Irish theme bar on Mathew Street - loads of junk nailed to the ceiling). Afterwards we walked out of town to the Blackburne Arms on Catherine Street, where we enjoyed live music and beer until the New Year arrived. Taxi home for snacks, whisky, end of the Hootenanny and now the Blues Brothers on TV. Happy New Year everyone!

Christmas Day 2011

2011-12-25T23:58:00.001Z

Christmas Day 2011, a set on Flickr.

A very excited Samwise was up at 5am today. Luckily Santa had delivered a bunch of stocking fillers, which kept him occupied until about 7am, at which point we all had to go downstairs to find out what was under the tree. Only took us an hour to figure out how to operate the new coffee machine this morning :) Had A very tasty Christmas dinner with drinks all day - quite relaxing. Christmas pudding was the best that I've ever made - OK that's cheating, I've only ever made one :) - it did turn out to be a real treat though.Merry Christmas to all!

Christmas Eve - GO TO SLEEP!

2011-12-24T22:54:00.001Z

My on-call week officially finished at 8pm. Couple of beers and a large gin and tonic are getting me into the festive spirit. Presents mostly wrapped, but not under the tree as Santa hasn't quite arrived yet - he's got to put the wheels on a brand new bike when he does :) Two very excited boys wearing new pyjamas in bed and trying desperately to get to sleep....
Wishing everyone who reads this a very Happy, Hearty and Merry Christmas indeed!

Everyman Rock 'n' Roll Panto - Cinderella

2011-12-24T00:01:00.001Z

Went to see Cinderella, the Liverpool Everyman Theatre's Rock 'n' Roll pantomime yesterday afternoon. This year it's on at the Playhouse, since the Everyman is being refurbished - actually it's more like a rebuild.
A little different, due to the change of venue, but a great and fun production as always.
Unlike the Everyman, the Playhouse has three levels. We had seats in the middle tier, at the front of the dress circle. The boys thought that they might be safe from the water projectile weapons, which are wielded by the cast every year. No - two of them ran upstairs, one to each upper tier, and ensured that everyone got a good soaking!

Christmas Nights Out

2011-12-18T23:25:00.000Z

Busy weekend.
Work Christmas do on Friday night - Beers and Buffet in the Cornmarket Pub. Didn't overdo it this time since I'd planned to take Novelist Supermum the following night (a couple of weeks ago I fell asleep on the bus on the way home and walked back 3 stops to sober up a bit).
On Saturday we went to Chaba Chaba on Allerton Road for a Thai meal, and finished off with a few beers in The Rose of Mossley Hill pub, listening to the two acoustic guitars and a drummer who were ching-a-chinging through the cover versions.
Took Samwise to his Ju-Jitsu club ground fighting tournament and Christmas party at Everton sports centre today. He didn't win either of his two bouts, but didn't give up either, giving his opponents a hard fought win. He was pleased to get a taking part medal, and enjoyed the fun and games party afterwards.

Homemade Mince Pies

2011-12-12T23:35:00.001Z

Homemade Mince Pies, originally uploaded by Dark Dwarf.

Another first for me this Christmas. I'll be testing them out on my workmates tomorrow, and if OK will be making a second batch for us :)

Liverpool Santa Dash 2011

2011-12-04T23:56:00.001Z

Liverpool Santa Dash 2011, a set on Flickr.

We did the Santa Dash in 50 mins this year - followed by 2 hours in The Railway Tavern :)

A Night at the Museum...

2011-12-03T22:55:00.001Z

Feeling a little the worse for wear today after a few Friday night drinks with workmates, and falling asleep on the bus on the way home - a kind chap woke me up before I went all the way to the airport, and had to walk 3 stops back home.

Took the boys to swimming, trampoline club and the school Christmas Fair and then finished off a busy day with "Dino-Night" in the Liverpool World Museum. Four hours of after dark activities and exploring the museum at night!

The lighting had been dimmed to give an eerie atmosphere as we wandered round. A drama was being acted out around the museum - some burglars had stolen a dinosaur egg, and a bunch of time-travellers were hunting them to try and get it back!

We had a meal in the cafe, and took a look at the time and space exhibition.

The fish and other creatures in the sea life exhibition were great to see at night - as they seemed to be much more active than during the day. The same was true of the bug world exhibition.

We got to see the Age of the Dinosaur exhibition with it's animatronic dinosaurs (without the usual crowding - as tickets for the event had been limited). The boys got to do some fossil rubbings, make plaster casts of fossils and try a fossil 'dig' - hunting through heaps of flint for some real fossils of sharks teeth and benemites.

The highlight of the night was a 14ft long juvenile T-Rex that came out at regular intervals to interact with the children (one brave girl got to put her head in it's mouth). It charged into the shop at one point, and was also spotted on the dino-disco dance floor. Samwise and Frodo got to pat it's leathery skin, and had to duck when it whirled round and swiped it's tail at them, which just caught Frodo.

A visit to the museum shop, then we had to ask the security guards to unlock the Museum door and let us out.

A great family experience - the boys friends at school won't believe them on Monday!

The Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor - Unity Theatre, Liverpool

2011-11-30T23:12:00.001Z

Went to the Unity Theatre (off Hope Street in Liverpool) to see 'The Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor'. We'd won family tickets as a prize in the Liverpool Cathedral Photography Competition.
This was a simple, but really clever and effective production involving a handful of actors, a few props, light and smoke effects and a some puppetry.

We all thoroughly enjoyed it. The boys were on the edge of their seats as we watched Sinbad and his crew get swallowed by a giant whale, outwit a terrible giant, fight with the Roc (giant bird) and it's hatchling, summon the Genie of the Ring, sword fight and ride on a flying carpet. All taking place non-digitally right in front of our eyes.
When a magic word opened the door to a treasure trove Samwise caused some laughter when he exclaimed "That's not treasure, it's a smoke machine!". He still voted the play 'best thing ever' in the taxi on the way home.

Christmas Pudding

2011-11-20T22:39:00.001Z

Christmas Pudding, originally uploaded by Dark Dwarf.

Quite pleased with the result of my first ever attempt at making a Christmas Pudding.

It's been a pudding-obsessed weekend - stirring it up the mixture on Friday night (we all had a go and made a wish, of course), leaving it in the fridge overnight to let the fruit soak up the brandy infused liquid, and then 6 hours of steaming on Saturday night - checking every half hour that it hadn't boiled dry.

Now all wrapped up and stored away until Christmas day.

Fireworks - 5th November 2011. Sefton Park.

2011-11-13T23:08:00.001Z

Fireworks - 5th November 2011. Sefton Park., a set on Flickr.

The fireworks display at Sefton Park this year was a pyrotechnic spectacular, as usual. Took the opportunity for my first ever attempt at firework photos.

Halloween 2011

2011-11-13T22:25:00.001Z

Halloween 2011, a set on Flickr.

Halloween Pumpkins, Costumes and Bobbing for Apples.

The Darkness - Liverpool Guild of Students 8-Nov-2011

2011-11-10T00:03:00.001Z

Went to see The Darkness start off their comeback tour of the UK at the Liverpool Guild of Students last night. The Gig was originally meant to be at the O2 Academy, but the roof has collapsed, hence the change of venue.
Novelist Supermum came with me - she hadn't been to that particular venue for about 20 years and reckons that it's changed a little, but not that much.
I'd been there once before myself (in 1985 I think?) - it's a medium sized hall that does the job OK.

We arrived as the first of two support acts were finishing their set. "Crown Jewel Defense". Didn't sound like anything special, and I heard a couple of bum notes in the final guitar solo.

The second band "Foxy Shazam" from the US of A were far more entertaining. A bizarre looking bunch of glam rock rejects who threw themselves into every strange number that they played. The bald, bearded keyboard player was right at the front of the stage, standing on his keyboard for the clapalong bits. The bass player had come straight from Mott the Hoople and there was also a chap in a top hat, playing the trumpet.

Then came the band that we'd been waiting for. The Darkness ran through a blistering set of numbers from their two albums. The stuff from the second album still doesn't sound as good as the first to me - but OK live all the same. Lots of Lizzy-esque guitars in chorus moments and plenty of riff-tastic posing opportunities for Justin and his brother Dan Hawkins.
They started off with "Black Shuck", somewhere in the middle was my personal favourite "Get Your Hands Off My Woman You Mother....r", and finished with a string of encores, which included their Christmas song (a month early), an instrumental jam, Queen's "Tie Your Mother Down" and of course "I Believe in an Thing Called Love".
During this last section Justin took off, riffing away whilst being carried on someone's shoulders (fan or roadie - I'm not sure?) through the crowd and back to the stage again. May have been spontaneous, may have been staged, but looked great all the same.

Quotes of the night from Justin "What was that dear?" "These breasts are for you?" "No thank you - I've got two of my own!". Also (after changing into a red striped glam-suit) "It's the only one that's clean".

Great night out - if you don't count the £3.80 for a pint of San Miguel in a plastic glass!

Tomatoes

2011-11-06T22:47:00.001Z

Tomatoes, a set on Flickr.

Samwise and his Tomato Crop

Adventures of Tin Tin - Secret of The Unicorn

2011-10-30T23:35:00.000Z

An end of half term holiday treat for the family was seeing Tin Tin this morning in 3D at the IMAX.
It's Spielbergs, rather than Herges Adventures of Tin Tin, but he really makes a good job of it.
The boys already have quite a few of the Tin Tin books (they were into this well before we knew about the film), so enjoyed pointing out that the film also covers 'The Crab with the Golden Claws' as well as 'Secret of the Unicorn'.
It's an absolutely, stunningly fabulous film. The CGI is so good that you sometimes forget it's an animation - go see it for yourself.

Raving Bonkers

2011-10-28T00:31:00.001+01:00

The boys had fun this morning at a creative costume making workshop - Frodo made a bat costume, and Samwise built a 'King' Robot - i.e. a robot with a crown on it's head.
This was rather appropriate, as we took them to the cinema this afternoon to see Real Steel .
The concept of boxing robots operated by humans will be immediately familiar to anyone who played with the game Raving Bonkers in the 1970's/80's (it was known as "Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots in the USA). This film takes that concept and has you believing that this will be a real spectator sport in the not too distant future.
Samwise was getting far too excited, jumping on the edge of his seat and copying robot boxing moves throughout the fight scenes - hope he doesn't ask for a sparring robot for Christmas :)

Grandma's Birthday

2011-10-24T21:47:00.003+01:00

Still feeling rather full after a delicious and plentiful family meal today at a very local chinese restaurant, to celebrate the boys' Grandmas birthday. Back to our house afterwards for a snooze, followed by coffee and chocolate cake.
Watching a modern day mummification experiment on TV right now - may not be the wisest of viewing choices!

Oscar the Hamster

2011-10-21T22:28:00.000+01:00

Took two rather excited boys to the pet shop around the corner today to collect a new pet - Oscar the Hamster.
We'd promised the boys a hamster at half term, and had chosen and paid for him a week ago. The hamster habitat had been bought prior to that, and came with free wood shavings, bedding and food, so all that was required was a hamster in residence.
The lady in the pet shop had been getting him used to being handled for us, and has said that we can leave him with her, if necessary, when we go on holiday.
He's supposed to be nocturnal, but has spent most of the daylight hours exploring his new home, and running on the wheel, so he's looking a bit knackered right now, but otherwise seems to be a happy little hamster.

I've won the Euromillions!

2011-10-08T23:36:00.001+01:00

I heard that last night's 100,000,000 Euromillions lottery jackpot had been won by 1 UK person.
As a means of curbing my gambling spending, I only buy lottery tickets for rollovers, or big one-off prizes, so I'd had a go at this one.
Didn't check my email until half an hour ago when I found a message titled 'News about your lottery ticket' telling me to login and check my winnings.
Tried to stay cool about it, but found myself with heart pounding, nervously typing in my password to reveal my winnings..... £5.10
Second time recently that I've won a small prize on a big win night :) Hoping for third time lucky the next time.

FannyWang

2011-10-04T22:17:00.001+01:00

Spotted a pair of headphones in Costco today that made me smile.
Not sure if the name of the manufacturer is going to work in the UK :)
http://www.fannywang.com/

Lonely Buoy

2011-09-25T22:01:00.001+01:00

Lonely Buoy, originally uploaded by Dark Dwarf.

More shots of HMS Albion.

2011-09-25T21:58:00.001+01:00

HMS Albion Ship Visit, a set on Flickr.

The shot of the Union Flag is my favourite. I also took a picture of the amphibious landing craft that's mounted on board.

Zeppelin over Liverpool

2011-09-24T20:18:00.001+01:00

Good Year Blimp, originally uploaded by Dark Dwarf.

"Oh let the sun beat down upon my face, stars to fill my dream
I am a traveller of both time and space, to be where I have been
To sit with elders of the gentle race, this world has seldom seen
They talk of days for which they sit and wait and all will be revealed"
DADADAN DA DADADA!
DADADAN DA DADADA!

OK - so it's only the Good Year Blimp, and not a Zeppelin - but I did find myself humming "Kashmir" as I took this photo :)

HMS Albion

2011-09-24T20:08:00.001+01:00

HMS Albion, originally uploaded by Dark Dwarf.

This ship is docked outside our office this week on a six day visit to the Mersey. It's an assault craft for amphibious warfare - didn't know the Royal Navy was in conflict with Armoured Battle Frogs!

Shortlisted Photo

2011-09-23T22:30:00.001+01:00

Everyman Shortlisted, originally uploaded by Liverpool Cathedral CofE.

Here's the photo that I was talking about in my last post.

Also a couple of links about the competition:

http://www.liverpoolcathedral.org.uk/404/section.aspx/403/inspiring_places_winners_announced

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2011/09/23/tony-mallon-s-parent-with-child-wins-liverpool-cathedral-photography-prize-100252-29472806/

Photography Award

2011-09-22T22:40:00.003+01:00

A couple of weeks ago I discovered that a photograph I took of Samwise had been chosen by the judging panel to be one of three shortlisted entries in it's category in the 2011 Liverpool Anglican Cathedral Photographic Competition. I was asked to keep this quiet until the public votes were in for the 'People's Winner'.

To be honest, it wasn't the greatest picture I've ever taken - I put it into the competition just to make sure that I had an entry in all 3 categories. I thought that my entries in 'The City Centre', and 'Hope Street Area' categories were far better. This one for the 'Everyman' category showed Samwise with a cheeky grin holding up a bunch of pantomime posters.

The competition photos are all on display in the Cathedral until the end of October - I took the family there to see them last Saturday, and there's some great shots on display. Not sure if I'm allowed to publish my entries elsewhere - which is why they aren't online yet.

The awards reception was held tonight at the Hope Street Hotel. The invitation was for myself, and a guest - so I took Samwise along.Champagne (orange juice for Samwise), canapés and a chance to talk to the judges and other entrants.We got to meet Mike McCartney (a well known photographer / musician and local character whose brother once played bass in a popular beat group). He said that it was great to see children in the competition, and would like them to take, as well as be in, the photos Samwise said that he wants to try his hand at this next year.

I was looking at an exhibition of Mike's work at the museum a couple of weeks ago - so he was looking at my work at the same time :-)Mike was the Chair of the judging panel - he talked about each of the shortlisted entries, and announced the winners.

I was quite pleased to see that the picture I voted for as the 'People's Winner' (not one of my own) was the one that won the public vote.
Didn't win the first prize in the 'Everyman' category - but we did get a runners up prize of a book about the Everyman theatre, and a family ticket to see 'Sinbad the Sailor' in November. !!!! :-D !!!!

Little Monster

2011-09-18T22:01:00.001+01:00

Little Monster, originally uploaded by Dark Dwarf.

We all had fun at a family christening party today. Samwise had his face painted.

Queen Mary 2 Ship Visit

2011-09-16T00:32:00.001+01:00

Queen Mary 2 Ship Visit, a set on Flickr.

There were crowds of people at Princes Dock today to see the gigantic Queen Mary 2 arrive in the Mersey.

Queen Elizabeth Ship Visit to Mersey

2011-09-09T00:12:00.001+01:00

Queen Elizabeth Ship Visit, a set on Flickr.

The Queen Elizabeth was due at 08:15 this morning, so I drove in to work early at 07:30. I found that the ship was early too, and was just finishing it's turn before docking. Loads of photographers were there, or arriving and snapping away, including one chap who'd brought a set of folding steps to give him a view above the crowds. Lots of people walking past all day to see the huge ship, quite a sight to see. Dark inside the office today :) Will be the same again next week when the Queen Mary 2 visits.

Four Seasons Gate

2011-09-04T23:34:00.001+01:00

Four Seasons Gate, a set on Flickr.

Took a few shots of Summer at Four Seasons Gate on the last day of August.

Tomato Plant - Watering

2011-09-04T23:31:00.001+01:00

Tomato Plant - Watering, originally uploaded by Dark Dwarf.

Samwise' Tomato Plant has produced some Green Tomatoes.

Lavender

2011-09-04T23:26:00.001+01:00

Lavender, originally uploaded by Dark Dwarf.

Parent's Garden.

Sunflower

2011-09-04T23:24:00.001+01:00

Sunflower, originally uploaded by Dark Dwarf.

Parent's Garden.

Pink Rose After The Rain

2011-09-04T23:21:00.001+01:00

Pink Rose After The Rain, originally uploaded by Dark Dwarf.

Parent's Garden.

Cowboys & Aliens

2011-09-04T23:12:00.000+01:00

Took advantage of our baby sitting service and went to see Cowboys & Aliens last night. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Saw it at the IMAX in Liverpool One Odeon - so we were blown out of our chairs by the on-screen explosions every few minutes. Impworks saw it a day or two ago and has given a more thorough review http://www.impworks.co.uk/2011/09/cowboys-and-aliens-film-review/ I would agree that you get exactly what it says on the tin. Reminded me of the eight-year-old excitement I had the first time I saw The Valley of Gwangi. I liked the cross genre, and wondered if like 'Snakes on a Plane' the film makers had simply decided to stick with the working title?

The Smurfs Movie

2011-09-01T22:25:00.000+01:00

Day off work today, so for an end of the holidays treat I took the boys to see The Smurfs Movie.The boys thoroughly enjoyed the film, and I enjoyed it more than I expected to. Lots of self-deprecating jokes about how irritating the Smurfs are. Exploring the Smurf language and history. Nods to other films, such as Lord of the Rings and Braveheart. Plus the Smurfs doing Aerosmith/Run DMC 'Walk This Way' and a Smurf army marching to battle to the tune of AC/DC's 'Back in Black'.Smurftastic!

Vindolanda - Great, but wet day out.

2011-08-26T21:40:00.004+01:00

Great day out today with old friends @mr_n0rris & @mrs_n0rris at a very wet Vindolanda Roman Fort and Vicus (the civilian settlement outside the fort) and then back to their place for an indoor barbecue cooked on the range in their basement. No photos today I'm afraid, as I didn't get the camera out, due to the deluge. Drove back along the military way, past my old school (recently rebuilt) and a quick detour into the housing estate and past the house I grew up in - no blue plaque on the wall yet ;-)

Alnwick

2011-08-25T22:09:00.001+01:00

Alnwick, a set on Flickr.

A few photos from Alnwick town centre, including the "Dirty Bottles" window of Ye Olde Cross pub. The last person to touch the bottles was found dead the next morning. The bottles haven't been touched since.

Alnwick Castle - August 2011

2011-08-25T18:46:00.001+01:00

Alnwick Castle - August 2011, a set on Flickr.

Frodo's 10th Birthday treat yesterday was a day out at Alnwick Castle in Northumberland.
The castle was used as a location for scenes of Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films - so Hagrid and Dumbledore were there (the real ones, not the imposters from the film). The boys also got to dress up as Knights and go on a Quest involving several challenges, mediaeval toilet information and a walk through a macabre ghostly tunnel and hall of mirrors. I used to love Alnwick Castle as a boy - it's better than ever now. We had a great day out.

Frodo's 10th Birthday

2011-08-24T23:18:00.001+01:00

Frodo's 10th Birthday, a set on Flickr.

A few snaps from Frodo's 10th Birthday today.
For his Birthday Treat we had a Day out at Alnwick Castle. I'll post more photos from that tomorrow.

Bamburgh Castle and Beach

2011-08-23T22:56:00.001+01:00

Bamburgh Castle and Beach, a set on Flickr.

In Northumberland they know how to make a proper castle on the beach!

Scarborough Beach

2011-08-22T23:53:00.001+01:00

Beach, a set on Flickr.

Building sandcastles on Scarborough beach.

Euromillions

2011-08-20T23:14:00.002+01:00

Checked my email this morning and found that I'm a Euromillions winner!
Or to be more accurate a Euro-fivepoundsandsixtypence winner :)

I reckon that I'll blow my winnings on some more lottery tickets.

Liver Buildings

2011-08-11T09:34:00.001+01:00

Liver Buildings, originally uploaded by Dark Dwarf.

View of Liver Buildings and Port of Liverpool Building. You can just make out the flags on the Cunard Building, which sits between the other two buildings.

Lightship

2011-08-11T00:54:00.001+01:00

Lightship, originally uploaded by Dark Dwarf.

I think that the lettering on the side was to warn of a sand bar. The word is still appropriate even though ship is no longer in use as a lightship, is it has been converted into a bar.

Yellow Duckmarine

2011-08-11T00:41:00.001+01:00

Yellow Duckmarine, a set on Flickr.

On a lunchtime walk yesterday I caught up with the Yellow Duckmarine as it made a splash into the Albert Dock.

Transformers 3 - Dark of the Moon

2011-08-08T00:10:00.002+01:00

We took the boys to see Transformers 3 today - a summer holiday treat that we'd promised them last month - luckily we weren't too late and found a cinema where it's still showing.
The film action was much as expected. This time the Autobots and Decepticons choose to slug it out in Chicago - destroying much of Windy City in the process. Lots of unbelievable robot violence, and scenes of mega-destruction, some of which are more violent and disturbing than in the last two films.
Megan Fox has been sacked from her role as Shia Le Beouf's girlfriend, and has been replaced by what can only be described as the ultimate Bimbo.
There is a plot - but it really doesn't matter what it is!

Brothers 50th Birthday

2011-08-06T22:45:00.002+01:00

Brothers 50th Birthday, a set on Flickr.

Photos from Brothers 50th Birthday weekend a couple of weeks ago. Sunny summer weather, so we had a barbecue on Ainsdale beach and flew some kites. The following day we went to the newly opened Brockholes nature reserve.

Seminal Moment II

2011-07-31T22:19:00.004+01:00

I have completely fulfilled one of my roles as a Dad today. Samwise rode his bike successfully for the first time, with no stabilisers! Requiring some support on starting off at first, and a little wobbly, but after a bit of practice he was starting off by himself and pedalling up and down the street. Lamp-posts, walls and hedges acted as boy/bike magnets, but luckily he can use the brakes OK. I'm not allowed to take any photos until he's "really good at it".
This is the second time that I've taught a son to ride a bike. At last my work is done....What - you mean there's more things they need to know? :)

Ouch!

2011-07-29T21:18:00.002+01:00

Samwise has a Kick-Boxing course completion certificate after a week of lessons. Tonight, using Dad as a punch-bag/fall guy he demonstrated punches, knock-out punches, elbowing, arm-locks and how to get out of a head lock - which involved rolling up my trouser leg and pinching the skin underneath. Ouch!

Certified

2011-07-28T23:07:00.002+01:00

Passed my OCP exam last week. No, not Omni Corps Products :)

Canoeing

2011-07-21T22:35:00.001+01:00

Canoeing, a set on Flickr.

Frodo was invited to a Canoeing party on Saturday morning. Gave him a chance to use his wetsuit. The boys had loads of fun - paddling in circles, racing, standing up, paddle overboard! and 'ramming speed!'. Nobody fell in, however the boys lined up like lemmings to jump into the dock a few times afterwards.

School Sports Day 2011

2011-07-21T22:28:00.001+01:00

School Sports Day 2011, a set on Flickr.

It was School Sports Day For Frodo and Samwise last week.

Mike Fryer. Memorial Tree Planting.

2011-07-21T00:22:00.001+01:00

Mike Fryer. Memorial Tree Planting., a set on Flickr.

Mike Fryer. Memorial Tree Planting. A great way to remember a friend, who I'm sure would have approved. A Sweet Chestnut Tree Planted at Keele University. 17 July 2011. We also planted daffodils around the base of the tree, the children particularly enjoyed doing this. Words were said about the tree and the area it's planted in, about Mike, his life, his family and his friends and his Mum told us some tales of when he was a boy. The rain did not stop, but I thought that kind of fitted the occasion, and the tree has been well watered in. It would be good to come back this way again when the daffodils are growing.

Mike Fryer - Happy Memories

2011-07-21T00:08:00.001+01:00

Mike Fryer - Happy Memories, a set on Flickr.

I've got a few more photos to scan in and add to this set. I'll post it again when I get around to it.

Mike Fryer. Memorial Meal UK.

2011-07-21T00:00:00.001+01:00

Mike Fryer. Memorial Meal UK., a set on Flickr.

It was great to meet Mike's Mum and his Sisters on Saturday. We went for a meal at the Sneyd Arms in Keele. Many photos of Mike and friends were passed around the table, and stories were told. The boys introduced a small girl to the delights of The Beano. Samwise refused to have a sensible photograph taken.

Summer Flowers - Dahlias

2011-07-17T23:54:00.002+01:00

Nottingham Trip

2011-07-05T22:52:00.002+01:00

I've just spent 2 days in Nottingham - courtesy of work. I was sent down there to do help out with a resource shortage on a major project.
The hire car I was given had enough gadgetry in it to make Michael Knight envious. TFT display dashboard, in built Sat Nav, Bluetooth, USB port, a jack socket for my i-pod, text message display, pushbutton ignition, electronic parking brake, oil slick, ejector seat, machine guns etc.
Had to spend some time programming and configuring the Tech before I could think about driving away. The first thing the car did after pushing the button to start the engine, was to display a warning telling you not to get distracted and drive carefully!
I got to stay in the Crowne Plaza in the city centre - some fun and games negotiating the one way system to find this - even with a Sat Nav. Google Street View had proved useful the night before in helping me to recognise the location.
They gave me a room with a view - it overlooked the entrance to the Rock City nightclub, which explained the supply of courtesy earplugs and courtesy homeopathic sleep remedies. Fortunately it doesn't appear to be open on a Monday night.
Took the opportunity to visit some Old Friends, who treated me to tasty home cooked Tapas. Their younger daughter bakes a scrumptious chunky choc chip bun. Mmmmm! It was great to see them again, and have a guided tour of their new home/building project.

Internet Outage

2011-06-30T23:42:00.003+01:00

Aaaargh! No Internet. Broadband was working but the router wasn't transmitting a wireless signal. Fantastic service from the BT Broadband Support line. One phone call, and a very polite and helpful help desk engineer diagnosed (i.e. confirmed that the router wasn't transmitting wireless) and resolved the problem (with a soft reset) in about 50 minutes.

Prize Winning Photography

2011-06-28T22:58:00.002+01:00

Wooot! I've just won the Green Tail Monkey monthly photography competition for June, with this photo.

Fathers Day

2011-06-19T20:40:00.002+01:00

Gifts and cards this morning from the boys. A new moleskine address book (the battery life is incredible), and a set of desktop Easter Island heads.
As a thank you, took them to the cinema to see the Green Lantern (there's far too many comic book superhero films around these days, and this is one of them), followed by a KFC meal.

Graceful Reflection

2011-05-28T22:35:00.004+01:00

This is the shot of the Port of Liverpool building reflected by the new Mann Island development that I entered in the Look 2011 Photography Festival 'Capture the City' competition.
It isn't one of the winners. It's currently on exhibition along with the 369 other entries in an outdoor gallery on Thomas Steers Way in the Liverpool One shopping centre. I took a look on Friday and saw that 7 other people had taken a shot of the same reflection (although none had used this view).
There's a very remote chance of a further prize in the people's selection - but only if a host of people vote for image number 217 - which you have to do in person at the Liverpool One information centre. I must admit that although there are some photos that I don't think are as good as mine, there are many that are far better - there's a shot of a woman in giant curlers that I think should have won.
At least I can say that I've had the first public gallery exhibition of my work!

Birthday Cake

2011-05-23T23:01:00.003+01:00

This is my Birthday Cake. Yes it's a Peppa Pig one! (try watching Peppa Pig if you've never seen it - it isn't just aimed at children - spotted Peppa jumping in muddy puddles to the tune of Van Halen yesterday).

Thanks for all the Birthday greetings that I've had today via the various interweb social networks that I use.

I've had a great Birthday, a great weekend in fact.
RUSH at the MEN Arena on Thursday. Thai Restaurant on Saturday. I was allowed to open my main present day early (a new Kindle e-book reader). A day off work today (which is usually a good thing in itself) to see the latest Pirates of the Caribbean film. Now spending some Birthday money on amazon.co.uk

Tall Ship - Pelican of London

2011-05-22T21:46:00.004+01:00

The other tall ships that arrived in the Mersey at the end of April have gone. This one appears to be staying for a while.

Photos Taken on a Lunchtime Walk

2011-05-21T23:53:00.003+01:00

Sweetshop Lollies

Peace Monument - Chavasse Park

Park Ranger sculpture - Chavasse Park

Lifebelt and Lightship Prow - Albert Dock

RUSH - Manchester MEN Arena 19 May 2011

2011-05-20T23:02:00.004+01:00

Drove through the Rush hour (literally) to see RUSH at the MEN Arena yesterday.
An excellent performance.
Geddy Lee said that they had brought too much music with them - with the Time Machine theme of whizzing around the years they treated us to a fine sample of their extensive back catalogue. Most of my favourites were covered, and it was great to hear the Moving Pictures album in it's entirety.
The future wasn't neglected either, with a yet to be released number and, of course, something from 2112.
Alex Lifeson's and Geddy Lee were on top form. I even enjoyed the inevitable Neal Peart drum solo - which was more musical than I've heard before.
The steampunk themed set and lighting rig was an entertainment in itself.
Lots of humour on the video screen and in jokes from the Road Crew on the stage - I'll not write any spoilers for anybody going to see it elsewhere, other than I kind of wish that I could afford a RASH T-shirt, as well as the one that I bought :)
As for the fans - mostly around my age or older, mostly blokes ("7 females at a RUSH concert, must be some kind of record"), all out to enjoy themselves, whether that meant watching the entire gig on a mobile phone screen (it's all over youtube today) or joining in the Prog Rock singalongs. RUSH colours were worn with pride. I spotted several people squeezed into the T-shirt they had bought when they were 15. There was also one chap who turned up dressed in a dalmation costume! (in tribute to the Signals album cover).
No support act, and a short interval - almost 3 hours of sheer joy.

Blind Busker

2011-05-17T22:25:00.002+01:00

When I was younger I remember seeing a blind busker playing the accordion outside Fenwick's department store in Newcastle city centre.
This chap, who regularly performs on Church Street in Liverpool, reminds me of him - although his choice of instrument is somewhat different.

Don't Rain On My Parade

2011-05-15T22:32:00.004+01:00

A very wet Scouts district church parade for Samwise this afternoon.

Four Seasons Gate - Spring

2011-05-14T21:18:00.004+01:00

Statue of Spring - Four Seasons Gate at Calderstones Park.

You can see these and my Winter photos at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/darkdwarf/sets/72157626706583300/
See what I'm doing here? Just two more seasons to go for the full collection :)

Reflection

2011-05-11T23:23:00.000+01:00

Port of Liverpool building reflected by the new Mann Island development.
I've entered a similar shot in the Look 2011 Photography Festival 'Capture the City' competition.

Tall Ships

2011-05-10T23:46:00.003+01:00

Some tall ships have been in the Mersey for the past week.

Royal Wedding

2011-04-29T21:13:00.002+01:00

Spent this morning watching Kate get Willy. Thought I might as well take a look at the wedding, since I've paid for it. It was a spectacular event, and went exceedingly well, although IMHO better to watch on TV, rather than camp out overnight on a pavement to see a car or coach whizz past for a few seconds. Having said that the people that did do this do seem to have thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Spring Forth

2011-04-27T23:29:00.001+01:00

Spring Forth, originally uploaded by Dark Dwarf.

From these green shoots Giant Sunflowers should grow...

HMCS Athabaskan - visit to Liverpool. 15 to 20 April 2011

2011-04-23T22:45:00.007+01:00

The Canadian warship HMCS Athabaskan visited Liverpool 15-20 April 2011.
I saw it arrive when I looked out of the office window on the morning of Friday 15.

Canadian flags were flying from the Liver Buildings to welcome the ship and it's crew - who I spotted enjoying the city's welcome over the course of the following week, mostly to play golf by the looks of things!
The ship sounded it's horn to mark the end of the Hillsborough memorial 2 minutes silence on Friday - which was a nice touch.
Later that evening people were arriving at Princes Dock in formal evening wear, and heading down the gangplank to a party that was being held on board.

On Saturday a memorial service was conducted to remember those Canadians who died in the Battle of the Atlantic, when the first HMCS Athabaskan was lost in 1944. Wreaths were laid at the memorial stone on Canada Boulevard, on the Pier Head in front of the Cunard Building (next to the Liver Building).

I was working on Sunday evening, so managed to nip out and take some sunset photos.

I took some more on Wednesday, when the ship was leaving, to the usual set of Landing Stage tunes (Leaving of Liverpool, Theme from Carousel, Johnny Todd and Sailing). I chatted with some of the people there who had gone to watch the ship depart, about how good a visit it had been - glorious sunny weather and a crew who seemed to be taking in the sights and enjoying the city (and it's golf courses).

I walked across to Canada Boulevard to take a couple of photos of the wreaths laid there, and discovered that there's a memorial stone for the 1944 HMCS Athabaskan on the Boulevard - The Lord Mayor had laid a wreath there.

More 7th Birthday Photos

2011-04-22T23:17:00.004+01:00

7th Birthday

2011-04-16T22:55:00.005+01:00

7th Birthday for Samwise today. We had a horse riding party for him and his school friends. Here's a few photos - I'll upload more when I've got time.

Just what I wanted

Windmill

2011-04-12T22:11:00.003+01:00

Music Lessons

2011-04-09T22:43:00.002+01:00

Did he fire six shots or only five?

2011-04-06T22:19:00.007+01:00

Samwise and Frodo at play in the garden earlier this evening.
First results using the "nifty fifty" lens that I got from an ebay auction. I'm quite pleased to find that this lens lives up to it's reputation. Was in danger of testing it's resistance to water in the first photo!

Spring In The City

2011-04-02T22:40:00.004+01:00

Did a photography workshop, which was run by a professional photographer at Liverpool University last Saturday. These photos are some of my better results. The morning was spent learning some basic techniques, and in the afternoon we put them into practice, followed by a review of the photos taken.

A group of 15 of us wandered around the University grounds, Abercrombie Square and the grounds of the Catholic Cathedral, shooting at anything and everything of interest. We surprised a few people who were turning into a nearby car park, when they had to drive through a horde of photographers. At one point we came across a bunch of skateboarders who kindly did a few stunts for the action photographers (I wasn't fast enough to catch them - so I took a group photo).

The workshop is run through the Adult Education service - there's another one in Autumn - and is well worth doing if, like me, your taking your first steps with a DSLR camera.

Liverpool Discovers - End of the Trail

2011-04-02T00:16:00.003+01:00

I've completed my Liverpool Discovers trail - i.e. visited and photographed all of the works in this public art exhibition. OK so I didn't see Kelda the giant Viking lady puppet, nor did I see "Where Stars are Made", but these are Wirral and St Helens Discovers.

They've extended the exhibition until the 8th May - although a couple of the works will be removed, and some resited.

I've posted my set of photos on flickr at http://www.flickr.com/photos/darkdwarf/sets/72157626137837038/, as well as in various posts on this blog.

This was a great exercise for getting to grips with my new camera, and I've learnt a lot as I legged out of work at lunchtimes to take the shots.

I thought that this was going to be a bit of a solarity experience, but far from it. I've found that some people seem to feel the need to come up and ask questions about what you're taking pictures of. Some wanted to know what the artwork was all about. Perhaps they're thinking that because you've got a camera and tripod then you must be some sort of authority on the subject? Some were also doing the trail and wanted to chat about it, so I had a few pleasant conversations.
I kept bumping into two ladies on different parts of the trail - so showed them a few of the photos. A traffic warden hovered around me as I took the Mary Bamber photos, then proceeded to tell me what he knew about her. In the Bluecoat a chap passed me a card inviting me to become a founder member of a photography forum. (www.greentailmonkey.com if anyone's interested).

Another reaction to having a camera set up on a tripod is the way that some people will duck as they go past it - there's no need as I'm quite happy to wait for them to pass, and I'm operating the shutter with a remote switch. Of course there are those who just shove right in the way, as if you've somehow infringed on their right to view the artwork. Then there's the one's who seem to want to be in the picture, and will linger around, trying to be in the background, or walking into the picture when they think you're taking the shot.
In all cases it's just best to be polite, saying thanks to those who duck and scurry past, quietly wait for others to finish looking, gritting your teeth and waiting for the lingerers to get out of the way.

The advice in my photography book is simply to beat them to death with my tripod!

Liverpool Discovers - Liverpool Greats

2011-03-21T21:18:00.010Z

At the end of my Liverpool Discovers trail I find Ken Dodd hanging from a lampost. It will disappoint some to find that this is in the name of art, and not for crimes to comedy ;-)
22 other contemporary and historical figures from Liverpool are also represented. My personal favourites are Tom Baker, Frank Hornby and George Melly.

Beth Tweddle

John Conteh

Tom Baker

Bill Shankly

Dixie Dean

Lizzie Christian

Jean Alexander

Kitty Wilkinson

Frank Hornby

John Archer

Arthur Dooley

Seth Davy and his Dancing Doll

William Roscoe

George Stubbs

Bessie Braddock

Eleanor Rathbone

John Lennon

Willy Russell

Melanie C

Cilla Black

George Melly

Echoes and Whispers

2011-03-18T23:03:00.003Z

Musical lamposts on the Liverpool Discovers trail.

Mythophone

2011-03-16T23:14:00.007Z

Several pieces of artwork on the same theme on the Liverpool Discovers trail. Located respectively at the Anglican Cathedral (St James Churchyard), St Luke's Church (The "Bombed Out Church"), the Catholic Cathedral (Brownlow Hill), St Nicholas Church and BlueCoat Gardens.

X Ray Ted Golf Bug

2011-03-15T21:58:00.003Z

Another piece of artwork on the Liverpool Discovers trail.

Sounding Out Liverpool

2011-03-14T23:26:00.005Z

Another piece of artwork on the Liverpool Discovers trail.

Fish and Ships

2011-03-14T22:50:00.004Z

Another piece of artwork on the Liverpool Discovers trail.

Strawberry Field

2011-03-11T22:57:00.005Z

Passed this local shrine this morning, so stopped to take a few photos. The last one is of the sign on the currently in-use gates. The old gates are all that's left of the original Salvation Army home building.

Stephenson's Destinator

2011-03-11T22:03:00.005Z

Another piece of artwork on the Liverpool Discovers trail.

DBA Team Meal - Matou Restaurant

2011-03-11T00:20:00.003Z

Had a good meal out tonight, with workmates, at the Matou Pan Asian Restaurant on the Pier Head.