Duck Swan Whatever
Posted on December 3, 2006
Filed Under Graffiti, architecture, art, blog, culture, fauna, photography | Leave a Comment
Well, did you survive today’s stormy weather? The wind was pretty strong and the rain didn’t help either. Luckily I live in Dublin city and have a roof over my head. I feel sorry for those who are homeless and who had to endure a battering from today’s horrible weather. Homelessness shouldn’t be tolerated in the Ireland of today. Obviously some choose the lifestyle (sic) but the vast majority could do with some help. Simon, the homeless charity, is non-religious as far as I can tell and it’s a charity I donate to. I believe they even do ‘wet’ hostels. Before you think I’ve gone soft, it is possible to increase your donation by filling out this Revenue form. It allows any charity to get ‘more’ out of your donation. Go on, donate. It’s Christmas and you’ve probably gotten a Christmas bonus. Why not spend half on yourself and half on a charity.
The only damage I could see in my neighbourhood was the hoarding surrounding the former Royal Oak pub. It’s (the pub) been knocked down (thankfully) and being re-developed into apartments. So far, so old. It was a horrible pub anyway, with poor service and dreadful beer. Worse, they even introduced a creche of sorts so the nearby working class parents could drink away to their hearts content. Before you criticise me, it was common for some parents to go home without their children!
The owners have been trying to develop the site for years but there was a long, drawn-out, battle with the neighbours to define the boundaries of the site. The home-owners in Violet Hill had to be paid off compensated as well because they would be overlooked. They’re the houses on the hill in the background, by the way. Hopefully, the apartments are better built than the ones opposite the site. They have real problems with damp and sound insulation. Also, because it’s at the ‘entrance’ to Finglas, it’s not uncommon for the Finglas yobbos to pop in and steal a car on their way home!! I’m not joking.
Yesterday was much better, and sunnier too! I got to see the Zanibar pub in daylight for the first time! It’s on the quays in Dublin 1, opposite Temple Bar, and it’s quite a handsome building if I may say so. There used to be a lot of antique shops in the area but they’ve moved out now. I’m told there’s now quite a few late night gay massage parlours in the area now. Plus la change, eh? HeHe!
As I was passing Croke Park, I noticed the ‘consume…die’ slogan and became a bit alarmed. So worried, in fact, that I visited Bermingham’s Camera shop on Burgh Quay. Apparently, it’s the oldest and the best in Dublin. They were having a sale so I bought a new lenses for my camera. To be honest, I’m not sure what it’s offically called. The box says it’s a Nikon Zoom-Nikkor 70~300mm f/4~f/5.6G lenses. Depending on which website you visit, I’ve either got it at half-price or at a ‘regular’ internet price. I only paid €149 and it takes great photos. Here’s some examples…
Some of the other swans got jealous and a little fight broke out!
Some people weren’t in a tolerant mood either. I photograph some of the graffiti around Dublin because I think it’s art. Others are less gracious!
Sleep well. I’ve got a day off tomorrow but sadly, it’s a paperwork day. It’s that time of the year when various financial things like my SSIA, pensions and savings need to be sorted out.
The title?: If David Mitchell can call his book Black Swan Green, well then I can call my post whatever I want! So there!
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