Monthly Archives: August 2012

Secret Doors of the World

Door Oia Santorini Greece

Little House, Oia, Santorini, Greece.

I’ve found myself in some strange places. Camera in hand, partner and tourists rolling their eyes: it’s a door. Why is that man taking pictures of a door? I love the stuff that other people walk straight past.

Rusting door castlefield manchester

Rusting door, Castlefield, Manchester

It’s the mystery, the history, the peeling paint and the rust. Forgotten locks and handles, or maybe some overwrought filigree. To me, the texture of weathered neglect is beautiful.

weathered wall and iron gate santorini greece

Weathered wall and iron gates, Santorini, Greece

When the sleeve gets tugged I say ‘Go and flick through Facebook in the café – I’ve found something fascinating…’ There are hidden wonders to be found if you wander from the beaten track.

Hacienda Barcelona

Haçienda, Barcelona

Coming back from Parc Güell above Barcelona, I spotted this charming little haçienda and in my mind, I bought it and moved in straight away.

Art Nouveau Door Brussels

Fantastic Art Nouveau shop door, Brussels.

As beautiful as Brussels is, I could have spent all day in Grote Markt and missed this elaborate example of Art Nouveau architecture which was hiding down a side street. I stopped the traffic to get this shot, while the horns hooted.

Categories: Photography, Random, Travel, Vibe Monitor | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | 34 Comments

Canal Motif

Carved Canal Side Logo  Barge Tyre
Swan and signets   Traditional canal barge motif

These pictures are taken from a canal-boat cruise from Boothstown to Wigan in the North of England. The legacy of Britain’s industrial past glided by, full of rust and texture. There was wildlife in the undergrowth, the banks overgrown with character (and pubs.) We had a birthday party on board and almost demolished the barge, which was eventually confiscated by the owners. Even our picnic table collapsed beneath us as we moored at a local watering hole. All told, a wonderful day, Pimm’s on the boat – terribly English!

David Crimes Birthday Cruise Canal manchester See also David’s Birthday Cruise

Categories: Photography, Travel, Vibe Monitor | Tags: , , , , , , , , | 24 Comments

Doctor Who is back!

The Good Doctor returns shortly with a new season to take us into the 50th anniversary year. This trailer looks like a whole heap of fun, raising the stakes with a real blockbuster approach. Expect big changes, from a shocking shake-up in the regular cast and some new titles (like Bond, the Doctor demands an iconic introduction.) Opening episode Asylum of the Daleks has premiered at the British Film Institute, so expect transmission dates to be announced soon!

Asylum of the Daleks Poster The Vibes

Asylum of the Daleks Preview The Vibes

Images © BBC

PLEASE BE AWARE – THERE ARE SPOILERS IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!

Categories: Random, Vibe Monitor, Video | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

The Olympic Games Closing Ceremony

Olympic-Games-Closing-Ceremony-2012

Take your seats please, ladies and gentlemen because the party’s nearly over. But not until The Fab Lady sings.

Kate Bush Olympic Games Closing Ceremony Mark Wallis The Vibes

Kate Bush is rumoured to be performing Running Up That Hill at the Olympic Closing Ceremony. If it’s true then let me tell you, the top of my head will blow off and all manner of fantasmagoria will erupt like the cover of Never For Ever. The astonishingly inept Amazon might have accidentally posted the Running Up That Hill 2012 remix too early and spoilt the surprise…and then removed it again – so I’m taking that as confirmation that she’s on the bill.Kate Bush Never For Ever Album Art

The last time she performed live was 1987 (apart from a mere cameo vocal in 2002 with Dave Gilmour of Pink Floyd), and her last tour was in 1979! This a monumental event for British music and Kate’s vast fandom. It’s been a fantastic fortnight of sporting achievement, but this really is the cherry on the cake. I hope she jumps out of one!

We’ll be celebrating in Manchester with Boots’ Chocolate Gold medals and mucho Absolut.

Kate Bush Running Up That Hill 2012 Remix cover art

+ + + UPDATE: track available on iTunes, click image to preview + + +
+ + + UPDATE2: Kate Bush no show + bunting taken down + + +
Main picture based on original motion graphics created by Anthem and Mammoth Graphics. Closing ceremony Sunday 21:00 GMT on a TV screen near you, unless you have NBC and then you’ll have to wait for an edited version.
Categories: Design, Music, Random | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , | 19 Comments

Magical Mystery Tour

The Vibes About Page Collage preview Image

It’s a magical mystery tour! My new About page has been completely redesigned as a visual map of my blog. Just click on the goose, it’s the best way to explore…

Categories: Art, Design, Music, Photography, Travel | Tags: , , , , | 4 Comments

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