as seen on flickr…

The election is definitely on!

*When I say ‘interest’, I mean 16 people have viewed it! But beggars can’t be choosers.

DBC appears in a lot of the graffiti I photograph. I wonder if this tag belongs to one person or a collective?

Here’s another one by DBC (I think) and a critique. Ironically, DBC may be a woman (photo: girls rule)…

A cursory google search says it is the Da Bomb Club. Hmmm. A bit more digging is required or maybe you, my dear reader, can tell me some more! I found this link (http://gemdbc.deviantart.com/) but who is this mysterious girl?

The poster reads:

Lost plug
I’ll be needing it back to plug in my trouser press. If you find it could you mail me at lost@theartofasbestoss.com

I thought it might be a band but when I went to the website, it turns out he’s an artist…

THESE LOST POSTERS SEEK TO HIGHLIGHT HOW WE DISPOSE OF EVERYTHING DAILY AND FORGET ABOUT THE LITTLE THINGS IN LIFE – THE THINGS THAT MAY ENRICH OUR LIVES UNTIL THEY’RE GONE. EVERYONE’S LOOKING FOR SOMETHING. BUT WOULD YOU REALLY CARE IF YOU EVER FOUND ANY OF THESE THINGS AGAIN?

Hopefully, I’m a bitter spellr than the grafitti artist.

TTFN.

Here’s the photo and my flickr 3Mb link.

Does this make me a Published Artist? More like a Piss Artist!!

Back in the real world, I mentioned yesterday that today would a paperwork day but I got bored sitting at my desk looking out on a reasonably nice December day. So I decided a bit of retail therapy was in order. I set out for the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre to do my bit for the Irish economy, and Santa, of course! Since it was Monday and everybody should be at work, I thought it would be quite relaxing. The place would probably be empty? Maybe I’d even eat some lunch there? Maybe get a haircut? Maybe get the car washed?

Plus, I bought this watch in the duty free section of Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport last week while I was hanging about. However, it’s slightly too loose on my wrist. So a visit to the shopping centre seemed an ideal time to get it fixed. Before I move on, here’s the official website address for the airport: http://www.liverpooljohnlennonairport.com/. It’s a bit of a mouthful isn’t it? Try typing that three times quickly!

Well, I arrived in the shopping centre around noon and the place was jammed. There were no parking spaces left! I couldn’t believe it as there must be a 1,000 or more parking spaces there. I left in a bit of a huff. But I didn’t let it ruin my day. To compensate myself, I bought a Domino’s pizza for lunch. Now, shush, that’s just between you and me!

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!