ODD SHOTS MONDAY- BABOOSHKA AND THE SISKIN

Back to the birds. No Vikings or historical snippets about the island and it's inhabitants today I'm sorry to say. Most important thing was to rescue my photos from my laptop. If in doubt about what shot to use I can always rely on my trusty bird shots, especially for odd shots!

For the eagle- eyed( no pun intended) you can see my odd shot today is one of the mad male siskins that have a habit of flying into the patio windows. You all know the story by now, but for nubies this one was in a bad way, hopped onto my hand a stayed long enough for me to grab my camera and try out my new macro lens one handed. Eventually of course he took flight as they always do. By the way, this isn't the same as the other two siskin in the hand shots( go back and check the post) but one of about 20 I took that day for times when I need a back up shot, er like today for instance. A bird in the hand is worth more than one in the bush for me!

Can I please point out that I am not a Manx witch or fairy and I have no idea why birds do this to me as I have cast no magic spell upon the island's critters. Well actually I have but don't tell them or they will throw me off the island for not having a work permit to be a Manx witch, when there are plenty of locals who could do the job, but just to lazy to turn up for work, or qualified, but who cares they're Manx. Meooow! Fetch me a saucer of milk.

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CRITTERS SUNDAY SEAL IN PEEL AND A VIKING FIND

This is a very friendly seal, who popped up to say hello, is in the town of Peel, situated on the east coast of the island. Yesterday I posted a photo of Peel Castle and it's Viking history. This image was taken on the far right of the castle in the harbour. Peel is a great place to see seals up close as they are often in the harbour competeing with the fisherman for fish.

I have been having a Viking theme and it's history in relation to the Isle of Man. I had planned on posting a lot more but I have a very poorly laptop. I am in the middle of saving and backing up all my photos before it dies completely and have been off the net all day, and may be for sometime.


Got to run and save my photos, thousands of them.

For more camera critters see MISTY DAWN Camera ctrittrers.

KING MAGNUS BARELEGS AND PEEL CASTLE

I was originally only going to feature a short series of Viking Posts for a limted period. As I still have some images to use that tie in with the Viking theme I thought I'd continue for a little while longer. So, until I've either exhausted the research for now or "Ramsey Week" starts, (which I will have to photograph), I will continue in the same vein. Today we are leaving Ramsey to go over to the East Coast and the town of Peel. Well we are going there virtually of course.

KING MAGNUS BARELEGS

King Magnus 2nd, to give him his correct title, is usually refered to as "Magnus Barelegs." He acquired this nickname simply as he had a penchant for wearing kilts, and showing off his unclad legs, hence earning the barelegs part of his name. Besides the Kilt wearing he also managed to get himself expelled from Norway for opening his father's grave, Olaf the 2nd. After conquering many lands he settled in the Isle of Man and Built Peel Castle incorporating the Celtic monastries.

PEEL CASTLE

Peel Castle, is one of the Isle of Man’s principal historic monuments sits upon the important site of St Patrick’s Isle at Peel. The Castle’s Curtain Wall encircles the ruins of many buildings which are a testimony to the site’s religious and secular importance in Manx history. These include St. Patrick’s Church and the Round Tower from the 11th century, the 13th century Cathedral of St. German, and the later apartments of the Lords of Mann. The importance of the Isle as a centre of Manx Christianity was established in the 6th century and this role was to survive the arrival of the Pagan Norse Vikings at the end of the 8th century. In the 11th century it became the ruling seat of the Norse Kingdom of Man and the Isles, first united by Godred Crovan as mentioned in earlier posts and the statue photographed.

It's now a popular tourist attraction of course like most historical monuments and plays a major part as the backdrop the the Viking Festival that takes place yearly. Yes Manxies really do dress as Viking, sail longboats and invade their own island. Islalnd life for you, can send you a little stir crazy, but it's all good fun. Honest.

SYWATCH FRIDAY - SNAEFELL A VIKING MOUNTAIN

Snaefell is the tallest mountain on the Isle Of Man, and again named by our Viking friends. In the photo it's the middle mountain, the one with the TV masts on. It's in perspective, ie far away and this is the view from Ramsey. Below is the Wiki link with the stats, links, and view of the railway tram which takes you to the summit should you not want to walk that far.

It is true on a very, very clear day you can see the UK, the sea below, and the heavens above. A great place to survey the Island as the Vikings would have seen it. It also takes on a very magical spooky feeling when a fog or mist descends. I took this view with the Barrule peeking through on the left and on the right the start of Skyhill so you would see how the Vikings would have viewed it from Ramsey free of modern housing and shops and business premises. I can see all this from my house either front or back. Therefore I am always under the shadow of the Vikings.

If you want to particpate in skywatch see Jane & Tom at WIGGERS WORLD.
Only genuine skywatchers need apply. None of your advertising for sales sites please. This is for enthusiasts only and hosted by Jane & Tom of the fabulous WIGGERS WORLD

GODRED CROVAN AND HIS SON KING OLAF 1

GODRED CROVAN

The founder of the last dynasty to rule Man and the Isles was Godred Crovan, a son of Harold the Black of 'Ysland' (i.e. Iceland). His origin is obscure, although various conjectures have been made to trace his genealogy. It is, however, certain that he was not a mere adventurer. He derived a considerable amount of support from the Hebrides and he was successful in establishing a dynasty that lasted for two centuries and was never seriously challenged. These circumstances argue that he was in some way related to some of the previous Kings of the Isles. "He first came to notice in 1066, when we find him in conjunction with Godred, son of Sigtrygg, king of man and the Isles at the time, assisting King Harold Hardrada of Norway and Tostig Godwinson, in their invasion of England. The invaders were routed by Harold Godwinson, King of England and a brother of Tostig at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. King Harold of Norway and Tostig were slain. The two Godreds managed to escape to the Isle of Man. King Godred Sigtryggson of Man and the Isles died shortly afterwards and was succeeded by his son Fingal. Godred Crovan seems to to have returned to Iceland, but in 1071 he is in Norway, busily collecting an army to invade the Isle of Man. He received strong naval support from the Hebrides, but for some reason, he met with stubborn opposition in Man. Despite two setbacks, he finally triumphed in battle at Scaefell(Skyhill) Ramsey. So grateful was he to his Hebridean supporters that he gave them a choice of taking possession of the island or plundering it. Eventually the Hebrideans received the South part of the island in close proximity to his own residence; the people of Man were driven into the Northern portion. All accounts agree that Godred Crovan was a powerful ruler: he conquered Dublin and a large part of Leinster: he forbade the Scots on the western seaboard of Scotland to build any vessel requiring more than three bolts in its construction. He was married and left issue, three sons, Lagman, Harold and Olaf. He died of pestilence in Islay in 1087.

OLAF 1

Olaf, who succeeded Lagman, was a minor, when King Magnus Barefoot raided Man and the Hebrides. He is variously known as Olaf Klining or Bitling from his small stature or florid complexion. He reigned for some 50 years and brought a long period of peace to the Isles by keeping on good terms with the Kings of Norway, Scotland, England and Ireland. He married Ingibiorg, daughter of Earl Hakon of Orkney by whom he had one son, Godred the Black. Some chroniclers also state that he married Elfrica, daughter of Fergus, Lord of Galloway. He had several illegitimate sons and many daughters, one of whom, Ragnhildis (Raghnaid), married Somerled MacGhillebrighde, regulus of Argyle and progenitor of the great Clan Donald, later to be Lords of the Isles. "Olaf Bitling sailed to Norway at the end of his reign to pay his 'scat' of 10 marks of gold to his superior. In consequence, he was ceremoniously crowned at Trondheim and left his son Godred to be educated in Norway. On his return to Man, he found that the sons of his deceased brother Harold were conspiring to overthrow him. On the Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, 1153, Olaf arranged a meeting with the conspirators to consider their claims. Unfortunately Reginald, son of Harold, took advantage of the opportunity to dispatch his uncle with an axe an he was slain in Ramsey.

Godred Croven then established the Kingdom of Mann and the Isles after the Battle of Skyhill, Ramsey on his third attempt. Again trying to sift through entries and info concerning anything to do with the events and timelines can be a nightmare, but the above married times, dates, places and names most frequently. It's also the best evidence of Ramsey connections, rather than just generic Isle Of Man.

The photo depicts a sculpture by Amanda Barton of Godred Craven and his son Olaf1 playing what is supposed to be an innocent game of chess. Apparently not! Olaf is said to be playing classical chess and Godred playing "merels" a far more aggresive game. An analogy for the old
and new powers and times to come and changing landscape. Thanks again to Ramsey Library for permitting me to take photos and the use of older local books.

ABC WEDNESDAY - W IS FOR WORDS OF VIKING ORIGIN IN THE ISLE OF MAN

How to combine ABC "W" with the vikings theme? Had to be words that have been assimilated into the Manx language, place names and surnames. It appears the one thing that that the vikings didn't vanquish was the Manx language, but there are a few examples. Norse words seem to be a very murky area to research. So much contradiction of what is a pure Manx/ Celtic/ Norse word or phrase. I have however found more than I was lead to believe exsited in present day form, so here they are.

A SELECTION OF PLACE NAMES

Ramsey/Rhumsaa - as I have said before is wild garlic river
Laxey/Laxa - wild salmon river
Tynwald/Thingvollr - parliament field/assembly/ meeting place
Foxdale/Foss tal - waterfall glen
Cregneash/Krok-nes - crooked (coastline)
Sulby/Sula- by- farm by cleft fork in a river
Dalby/Dalr-by - dale town
Fleshwick - Flesjar -vik - green grassy, spot creek

A SELECTION OF NORSE MANX SURNAMES

Current Name	Mac + Old Norse Name
Carroon	Mac Thorfinn
Casement	Mac Asmundr
Christian	Mac Kristinn
Corkill	Mac Thorkill/Thorketill
Corlett	Mac Thorliotr
Cormode	Mac Thormódr
Cottier	Mac Ottarr
Cowley	Mac Olafr (Gaelic: Mac Amblaibh)
Crennell	Mac Raghnall
Kewley	Mac Joleifr (Gaelic: Eoile)

Only a handful of words as such are now incorporated into conversational Manx.

Manx language, viz, cleg, from kleggi; a horse-fly; blaber, from blaber, a bilberry; ling, from lyng, "heather;" gil, from gil, "a deep narrow glen;" ghaw, from gja, "a chasm," rift, and kirk, from kirk-ja (this being derived from Greek, kupixkos, "belonging to the Lord") a church.

I hope at some stage to delve deeper with the Norse side of the language and see what else can uncover. It is again very subjective as the Manx language is in the main of Irish/Celtic origin.

The photo is Sulby River which runs into the Harbour and along the nature reserve. Just to be confusing the river is Norse, the reserve name isn't!

Like to join ABC Wednesday? Please got to this link, MRS NESBITT'S PLACE
Mrs Nesbitt is the host for ABC Wednesday, where you can find details for joining, her own ABC shot to comment on and a list of fellow bloggers who are playing today, who would also appreciate your comments.

TYNWALD, A VIKING LEGACY

Tynwald

In 800 AD the Vikings founded Tynwald, the oldest working parliament in the world. This Parliament is still in existence on the island today. Iceland and San Marino lay claims to being older, but it is now acknowledged that The Isle of Man Tynwald, since it's conception, is the one with the unbroken record of service. Therefore, it is officially, the oldest known continuous Parliament and a model for followers of the Nordic System Of Parliament elsewhere.

Tynwald means open assembly in old Norse and can be linked to similar assemblies on Island (Tingvellir) and the Faroe Islands (Logting).

The Tynwald might have been local and regional to begin with and then later developed into one centralized assembly or goverment. These Tynwalds were already in operation before the establisment of Parliamentary Goverment in England. Long Before!

At Tynwald old laws or rules from the local areas were made official, new laws submitted and punishments were metered out to law breakers. Again, the Vikings implemented rules and regulations, and a system of government not just as we are often lead to believe plunder for spoils and sail away. In fact the evidence proves otherwise, with the Tynwald being the best, lasting legacy.

This is why I chose the photo to accompany the text today

National flower

The unofficial Manx National Flower is the yellow Ragwort, known locally as Cushag, which blooms in late summer. However landowners are legally obliged to clear it as it's poisonous to cattle. Gorse, spurned by farmers in many other parts of Britain, is an integral part of the Manx landscape and many gorse and earth sod hedges date back to Viking times. So again you see not only the Parliament is Norse, so too is the albeit unofficial National Flower, which just happens to grow on my beloved nature reserve.

ODD SHOTS MONDAY- BATTLE OF SKYHILL

Viking Week, the mini series!

This is skyhill. Nothing particualry odd about the shot except perhaps it could have been a skywatch shot. What's odd to me is, that people here seem to confuse the mountain and hill names and hardly anyone can name this particular place correctly. Why so important? It's the site of the most important battle in the history of the Isle of Man, and yes those Vikings are involved again.

The photo was once again taken from the nature reserve looking onto the mountains and hills, apparently under the watchful eye of King Orry's Vikings. It seems the Norse people and the relationship with the island is ever present.

Want to join Odd Shots Monday?

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ISLE OF MAN COAT OF ARMS

As is Critters Sunday and my Viking week, I thought I would try and combine the two themes. Unfortunately I have no Isle of Man raven pics, but I do have this coy crow that people always mistake for a Raven. So the pic covers the Critters part. Next the Viking/Norse theme.

This leads me to the obvious conclusion of showing you the Isle of Man coat of arms. Rhumsaa(Ramsey) as I said in yesterdays post takes it's name from the Norse for "wild Garlic river."This is the popular theory and the one that you will find in most literature and offered by the Isle Of Man itself. The lesser theory is it actually means " Raven's Isle." It is a smaller school of thought, but when you consider the coat of arms contains a Raven, the Ramsey swimming team is called the Ravens, and Ramsey Grammar School's in house magazine has a Raven theme you could be drawn towards the " Raven's Isle" theory. Ravens or wild garlic river, either way, it's a Norse derivative that no one can deny.

Below is the Manx Coat Of Arms. Note the raven on the right which represents the Norse Settlers and their influence on the island.

The Raven

The Supporters assigned to the Arms were chosen because of their historic significance. The Raven is a bird of legend and superstition and there are a number of places on the Island which include Raven in their names. The Island has a strong Viking element in its history and Odin, the Norse God, was, according to mythology, accompanied by two Ravens. During the Millennium Year of 1979, a replica of a Viking longship was sailed from Norway to the Isle of Man by a mixed Norwegian and Manx crew. The longship, which is now preserved on the Island, is called "Odin's Raven".

Two ravens sit on Odin's shoulders, and bring to his ears all that they hear and see. Their names are Hugin and Munin. At dawn he sends them out to fly over the whole world, and they come back at breakfast time. Thus he gets information about many things, and hence he is called Rafnagud (raven-god). As is here said:

Hugin and Munin

Fly every day

Over the great earth.

I fear for Hugin

That he may not return,

Yet more am I anxious for Munin

The Isle of Man is steeped in myth and legend, hand me down fables and facts. It is a curious mix and a trial to sift the real from the imagined. The Raven though it seems, does play it's part in the making of the Island, thanks to our Viking Ancestors of which there is no doubt.

For more camera critters see MISTY DAWN Camera ctrittrers.

RHUMSAA AND THE VIKINGS

For this week "Ramsey Daily Photo" will be known as "Rhumsaa Daily Photo". This is it's Norse name, as Ramsey is one of the many things about the island that bears a Norse name tag. Rhumsaa was named so by the Norse after the wild garlic that grew in abundance around the river and surrounding area. Quite literally it translates as "wild garlic river" and the smell must have been quite pungent. Sadly, no wild garlic now, and garlic of any kind is confined to the shops, that is when they bother to re stock.


Again I thought this would be a great idea to enlighten you about the island and as usual I have hit the proverbial Manx brick wall. I am, however indebted to the local library for the Norse literature and Manx conncections, and to the websites that have tried to at least document any Norse connections. With this in mind, I will try and convey a little of the Norse and Viking history to you, starting with this great page of I found, where the dates have been confirmed.

Isle of Man

The Vikings first set foot on the Isle of Man in the year 798. By 820 they had conquered and settled in the Isle of Man, establishing a prosperous Viking colony that benefited greatly from the trade between Ireland and the Scottish islands.

The Isle of Man had a central location was on the sailing route from Scandinavia to Ireland. With it's excellent fertile agricultural land and good harbours around the coastline, it was an important base not just for raiding and settlement, but also for trading with Scotland and Ireland.

Archaeological evidence confirm the presence of Vikings on Isle of Man. The various findings from burials and settlements and Nordic place names still used creates a fuller picture of Vikings life on the island.

Peel Castle

Peel Castle has been a site of religious and secular importance in Isle of Man history.
I 1982 archaeologist began excavating the ruins of the castle to prove the importance and date the many building faces.

With the walls is a Round Tower from the 11th century, a cathedral from the 13th century and small apartments from the later Lords of Mann, who ruled on the Island.

During the excavations they found seven pagan burrials all located at the later christian cemetry.
One of the most spectacular finds was a buried pagan lady from the Viking Age with an obvious high status in society. The grave had several rich grave goods, including a necklace made of beads. The necklace dates to late 900 AD and consist of 73 beads of glass and amber. The beads are all in different size, shape and colour. The number of beads on the necklace and the variety of them makes this one of the most impressive jewellery finds ever.

Faktum: other grave finds from Isle of Man include the boad grave at Balladoole and the burial mount at Gronk Moar. The boat grave dates to 850 - 950 AD and contained a Vikign ship at 11 metres with a burried mand and woman dressed in fine clothing as well as equipment for horse riding, tools and a shield. In the burial mount was a fully dressed man in a coffin with a cloak, knife, sword and a pin for the cloak.

Tynwald

In 800 AD the Vikings founded Tynwald, the oldest working parliament in the world. This parliament is still in existence on the island today.
Tynwald means open assembly in old Norse and can be linked to similar assemblies on Island (Tingvellir) and the Faroe Islands (Logting).

The Tynwald might have been local and regional to begin with and then later developed into one centralized assembly or goverment. These Tynwalds were already in operation before the establisment of Parliamentary Goverment in England.
At Tynwald old laws or rules from the local areas were made official, new laws submitted and punishment were given to law breakers.

The myth of Sigurd

Great decorated stone crosses with Viking motitfs are today preserved in many parishes on the Isle of Man. These crosses are all dated to the 1000 - 1100 century and their carvings tells stories of Nordic heroes, legends and myths.

Four of the stone crosses, from the parishes of Andreas, Jurby, Malew and Maughold, tell the myth of Sigurd.

Sigurd grew up in a king's household, but was brought up by the dwarf Regin, who was king's black smith. Sigurd was destined to become a great hero some day.

When Sigurd was young Regin told him the story of how The god Loki had killed the great fisherman Ottar. To recompense Ottar's father Hreidmar, the gods made a cover of gold for Ottar to be burried in. But the gold were cursed and Hreidmar was soon killed by his other son Fafni, the serpent dragon.

When Sigurd got older he convinced Regin to make him a great sword. He also selected one of the finest horses from the king's stables. Following the advice of Odin, Sigurd set out to find the Fafni's gold.

Sigurd dug a pit and hit under some branches, and when Fafni passed by he drove his sword into the monster's belly. He cut out Fafni's heart and roasted it to give to Regin. When touching the meat to see if it was done he burned his fingers. When he sucked the blood, tasting the dragon blood, he could suddenly understand the birds singing.

The birds told him that Regin would kill Sigurd, steal the gold and Fafni's wisdom.
Regin couldn't kill Sigurd, but after several years of adventure the curse of the gold took effect, when Sigurd was killed by his own brother Gunnar.
Gunnar stole the gold, but the curse followed him as well and he later died by a snake bite to the heart.

The Viking rule ended in 1265 when Isle of Man was handed over to Alexander III of Scotland.

Hopefully as the week goes on I can find other bits and pieces of interest, especially for our Norse readers.


The photo is of North Barrule which overlooks Rhumsaa. Several meaning have materialised when trying to establish the meaning of Barrule. Barrule it appears comes form the Norse word Vorofjall, Beacons Fell. Quite how it went from one to the other remains subjective. Feel free to chip in. I am open to suggestion. No egos on this blog, but I will ask just for the facts rather than conjecture. I, at least am trying to document the island so others may not find it so hard to glean correct info.

SKYWATCH FRIDAY - PURPLE HAZE

"Purple Haze" was taken around midday over Mooragh Park, Ramsey. I just liked the way the sun was peeping through the the leafless tree and the colour that was being thrown around it. Messing around with setting before I took it also added to the image, intensifying the the purple hue.

It's an older image, as I haven't got time to upload any of the ones I primarily wanted to use tonight. Friday already and I have so many images that could be used, but I'm still wading through motorbike images for magazines. Sometimes it's just that much easier if you only take a handful of images. Less to choose from, decisions made for you.

I'm going to be doing a little mini series when I can about Ramsey and it's viking links, hopefully next week in between neme days. I always say how the Norse language and ancestors are one of the groups of people that have help shape the island so perhaps rather than allude to it I should post it. I will also be continuing the rubbish theme, so Ramsey residents take note. I'm watching where you throw your litter.

f you want to particpate in skywatch see Jane & Tom at WIGGERS WORLD.
Only genuine skywatchers need apply. None of your advertising for sales sites please. This is for enthusiasts only and hosted by Jane & Tom of the fabulous WIGGERS WORLD

BABOOSHKA AND THE CORMORANT

I adore the cormorants that hang around the harbour, but for the life of me can I take a photo of them I am happy with? These birds are my nemesis! I have more chance of catching a darting swallow with the wrong speed setting on than catching the difinitive cormorant shot I desire. I seem to be in the minority though. Other people really get a kick out of it. After all the buying public know best. I am merely the lunatic running around Ramsey or Rhumsaa if you want the Norse, the Manx version of the town name chasing the shot in my head they may not actually exist. I like it as an action shot, but it's not my favourite bird shot. It is however, the one that outsells the others.

The reason for this photo today is to illustrate photography, in the main, is in the eye of the beholder, not the photographer. I often get asked to critique work and was asked by a fellow blogger if I would like to pitch in with a post he was publishing concerning photography tips. I did, but I also said that I would transfer people over to his blog and his post, as he has written a really great article about it all, succinctly and very user friendly. He's also a really fantastic photographer with a very down to earth honest approach to the business of photography and life of a photographer. For all of you out there who would like to advance your skills, learn a little more, or just purely enjoy an outstanding body of work, hop over to 365 BRETT TRAFFORD
You will learn more about photography here than most places I have been on the net and will want to pay frequent visits as I do. It's always great to appreciate anothers work without the responsibility of having created the images. Can't empahsise enough how worthwhile for the budding photographer at whatever level the hop over to his blog is. The particular post you are looking for is entitled "Eating Raoul"

Today I'd be interested to know, to you print the images you take as photographs, or are they for pc use?

ABC WEDNESDAY - V IS FOR VA VA VROOM!

As you've noticed I've an abundance of "Ramsey Day" images and partcipate in a few nemes. Um? So why not combine the two again and again and again! A couple of weeks ago I used a photo for sky watch called "flying bike." This is the the same motorcyclist, and this is the shot I took before the skywatch one in a frame of three during the trick. As you can see, part of his act was to jump over the compere. All very carefully rehearsed to comedic effect with the motorcyclist pretending to almost plough into the compere on the first attempt. This trick was definitley one for the visiting voyeristic viewers.

Special(ahem) mention to "manx4 manx" or as I prefer to call them "mad manx". Thanks sooooooooo much for your dreary little email. I do hope you enjoyed yesterdays beautiful stunning post!

Like to join ABC Wednesday? Please got to this link, MRS NESBITT'S PLACE
Mrs Nesbitt is the host for ABC Wednesday, where you can find details for joining, her own ABC shot to comment on and a list of fellow bloggers who are playing today, who would also appreciate your comments.

WOULD YOU TREAT YOUR HOME LIKE THIS?

If you read the header for Ramsey Daily Photo my disclaimer was that this site wouldn't always be pretty sunsets and landscpaes, it would show you the side you don't see in the brochures. An honest representaion. Well, I haven't posted, much of the ugly side but today I'm posting the reality, literally the rubbish side of Manx life.

This is someone's litter. The crap that they couldn't be bothered taking home, finding a bin or any kind of suitable recepticle to dispose of their garbage in. Instead they just left it in the worst place of all to me, the place I find most offensive to my sensibilities to dump it, the nature reserve.

This is home to birds and wildlife. What happens if they rumage amonsgt this? What happens if your dog or child roots around in this? Who pays the price for the consequences of finding the discarded half full lighters, the beer cans, and who knows what else there is here. I only snapped a fraction of it. It disgusted me so much I had to walk away. Mindless idiots, selfish beyond belief. I am so incensed by this that this post will probably be mostly incoherrant and certainly full of typos. Not a post to be witty and forgive the pun throwaway. I hope YOU who left this read this and I hope you are bloody ashamed of yourself. Is this how you live at home? No. Well don't dump on the home of the non humans around here.

I have been told to stop this blog by "manx4manx"( Too cowardly to email me their real name) on the grounds that I am not from Ramsey and it's frivolous. Not the only one , but the most vitriolic. Here you are then a no nonsence, unfunny straight down the line post on the everyday real life of Ramsey. Enjoy!

ODD SHOTS MONDAY - DR WHO

If you are from the UK you will recognise this shot, if not this could mean absolutley nothing to you. I've put the whole wiki link in, with other links for you to check out in full about the programme. Bascially, Dr who is a British TV Sci Fi Institutiion. To celebrate the start of the new series Ramsey library had this cardboard cut- out situated in the entrance. It really was wierd to be confronted with this as I went in. Thought it worthy of a pic and they kindly agreed that it was ok to snap away. For CHELTENHAM, MARLEY this is for you, and a up yours to the officious little jobsworth who won't let you snap sweeties in the mall. The daleks will get you one day!

If David Tennant is looking for an assistant then I'd love to go, so long as he drops the mockney accent for his natural Scots burr. Gary said this is fine so long as he can go accompanied by his former assistant Sarah Jane. Unfortunately if Sean Connery wants to come out of retirement to play the Dr, then no way can I be his assistant. Gary you just don't play fair.

Doctor Who

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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This article is about the television series. For other uses, see Doctor Who (disambiguation).

Doctor Who
Current Doctor Who title sequence
Format	Science fiction drama
Created by	Sydney Newman C. E. Webber Donald Wilson
Starring	Various Doctors (currently David Tennant) Various companions (currently Catherine Tate)
Theme music composer	Ron Grainer, Delia Derbyshire
Opening theme	Doctor Who theme music
Composer(s)	Murray Gold
Country of origin	United Kingdom
No. of episodes	748 (as of 14 June 2008) (List of episodes)
Production
Running time	25 min. (1963–1984, 1986–1989) 45 min. (1985, 2005–Present) various other lengths
Broadcast
Original channel	BBC One (originally known as BBC tv)
Picture format	405-line black & white (1963–1967) 625-line black & white (1968–1969) PAL 625-line colour (1970–1989) 720x576 16:9 (2005–present)
Original run	Classic Series: 23 November 1963 – 6 December 1989 Television Movie: 12 May 1996 Current Series: 26 March 2005 – present
Chronology
Related shows	K-9 and Company Torchwood The Sarah Jane Adventures K-9 Doctor Who Confidential Totally Doctor Who Torchwood Declassified
External links
Official website
IMDb profile
TV.com summary

Doctor Who Portal

Doctor Who is a British science fiction television programme produced by the BBC. The programme depicts the adventures of a mysterious alien time-traveller known as "the Doctor" who travels in his space and time-ship, the TARDIS, which appears from the exterior to be a blue police box. With his companions, he explores time and space, solving problems and righting wrongs.

The programme is listed in Guinness World Records as the longest-running science fiction television show in the world^[1] and is also a significant part of British popular culture.^[2][3][4] It has been recognised for its imaginative stories, creative low-budget special effects during its original run, and pioneering use of electronic music (originally produced by the BBC Radiophonic Workshop). In Britain and elsewhere, the show has become a cult television favourite and has influenced generations of British television professionals, many of whom grew up watching the series. It has received recognition from critics and the public as one of the finest British television programmes, including the BAFTA Award for Best Drama Series in 2006.

The programme originally ran from 1963 to 1989. A television film was made in 1996 as a backdoor pilot for a new series (which never entered production), and the programme was successfully relaunched in 2005, produced in-house by BBC Wales. Some development money for the new series is contributed by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), which is credited as a co-producer. Doctor Who has also spawned spin-offs in multiple media, including the current television programmes Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures, and the 1981 pilot episode 'K-9 and company'.

The show's lead character is currently portrayed by David Tennant. A Christmas special co-starring Kylie Minogue aired in December 2007, and the fourth series started on 5 April 2008.^[5] For that series, Catherine Tate reprised her role of Donna Noble, from the 2006 Christmas special, as the Doctor's latest companion.^[6] Midway through the series, Freema Agyeman has also returned to her role of Martha Jones, following a multi-episode guest appearance in the Doctor Who spin-off series, Torchwood. John Barrowman will continue his role as Captain Jack Harkness,^[7] and Billie Piper will return as Rose Tyler for three episodes.^[8] Elisabeth Sladen is also set to return as Sarah Jane Smith.^[9]

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MANX CAT

Fot Critters Sunday I thought I'd have a change from the birds and show you a Manx Cat. This is quite a young one, not quite showing the muscular physique yet across the shoulders but he is manx nonetheless. I've mentioned this before, but if anyone has a naturally tailess cat with very broad shoulders, what they have is a manx cat, a breed that originates from the island.

This little fellow is quite a friendly chap and came over to Gary and I for a little attention. He very kindly posed for me a I rattled off several shots of his acrobatic preening, before he purred his goodbyes and continued his afternoon stroll around Ramsey. I pass this cat almost daily and everytime he meows his greeting, waits for a little stroke, then toddles off around the town before heading back our way to a neighbours house. Purrfect day for kitty.

Well, in the short time this blog has been going, my 5000th visitor stopped by yesterday. Guess what, they had never been here before, not a blogger and stopped by because they just liked the motorbikes. Nice of them to email and let me know they enjoyed the bikes and were the 500th so Pat hello. So 5003rd visitor has to be mentioned instead and I happy to say it's a regular blogger to most of us in blogland, and a confirmed Isle of Man TT aholic, the one and only Mrs Nesbitt of this link MRS NESBITT'S PLACE who gets todays roll call. Do stop by if you are curious to what ABC Wednesday is, or if you just want to while away some virtual time at a brilliant, funny, touching blog. A warm welcome awaits you.

For more camera critters see MISTY DAWN Camera ctrittrers.

A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE

The sea is normally calmer than this around Ramsey Promenade, but today it was a on the choppy side. I took a few just for stock/wallpaper and thought I'd use one for a fellow blogger. It's been a tough week for a few bloggers out there for one reason and another, but one especially has had it just that bit harder than most. Being caught between a rock and a hard place is just about how her emotions are at the moment, and like the sea today awash with the blues. No names, no pact drill, just to say it's rough at the moment, but the the tide will turn around and the way to blue, will be bryter later(intentional spelling, re Nick Drake.)

Going off at a complete tangent about older posts. When I put a piece together I do my resaearch. One of my earliest posts featured a piece of artwork that I could have been graffiti could have been artwork. I posted the pic and asked the question which did the reader think it was. I drew a blank on the image, which has subsequently been painted over and put the post to bed. Thanks to MANNANANS CLOAK , I now know about the piece in question. It was indeed artwork. Here's the messgae I received.


"Anyway the picture in question was taken in Douglas of a wall painting which now you say has sadly been painted over. Great piccie by the way as they always, are but I know the artist, Well not so much know the artist as my wife knows her. G, my wife is 99.9% certain that it was painted by her friend Sheena Graham-George who used to be a resident of the island. In fact she lived in Ramsey off North Shore Road but left to live in the Orkneys a few years back. G got to know Sheena as when we first came to live in this fantastic place she didn't work and instead went to art classes where Sheena was the teacher. Anyway thought you'd like to know.....Cheers"

So thank you MANNANANS CLOAK for taking the time and trouble to let me know about this. It had bugged me that no one could even allude to who had created the work. I will try and follow this lead up aswell as I do have another image from the same place. At least it's now been documented by myself and hopefully others out there.

Have you ever had a post that someone has contacted you about to fill in the blanks for you?

SKYWATCH FRIDAY - RAMSEY HARBOUR SUNSET

I haven't had a sunset or a sunrise for skywatch for a while but wanted to use this image, this week and today seemed most appropriate. It's from my friends flat again Paliament Street, looking onto the harbour industry bulidings. The colours reminded me of an old saying and I wondered does anyone out there, remember this or have a different version?

"Read sky at night, shepherd's delight. Red sky in morning shepherds's warning."

Gary has just told me that he remembers it but he said "sailor" instead of "shepherd." He's from Fleetwood, a costal town in the North Of England and I'm from Birmingham, the second city in the UK. It explains why Gary would substitute the word sailor, but not why I would use the word shepherd, although many moons ago before the industrial revolution Birmingham was quite rural. Either way it's a prediction using the sky's palette of the upcoming weather.

So, do you recall this saying, or have you got a different one ?

If you want to particpate in skywatch see Jane & Tom at WIGGERS WORLD.
Only genuine skywatchers need apply. None of your advertising for sales sites please. This is for enthusiasts only and hosted by Tom of the fabulous WIGGERS WORLD

RAMSEY HARBOUR UNDER MANNANAN'S CLOAK

Ramsey Daily Photo, and Babooshka have company in the Isle Of Man. Guess what they're also from Ramsey. I want to introduce you to the wondeful world of MANNANANS CLOAK

As you know the other day, I was a little down after the TT and the lack of island interest in my photography, when ironically I have a worldwide following and buying audience. Little did I know there was another island website out there in virtual land. Mannanan's cloak found me, intoduced themselves and I thought I'd take a peek, just to get a flavour. Five mins. turned in to an hour. Couldn't tear myself away. Fascinating stuff.

It's a fully comprehensive website jam packed with wonderful items such as lifeboat shouts, pub guides, TT, photo quiz... and well I don't want to reveal all here, when you can hop over and lose yourself for a while virtually on the island. If you click the link for MANNANANS CLOAK you'll be there. It's already a link now on mine, bookmarked and hopefully promoted in todays post. It was really relaxing for me too be the veiwer, rather than the author for a change. All the pleasure without the responsibility. For all you Isle of Man Lovers, I can't recommend it enough.

The photo is an archive, as I'm still a little camera fatigued. It's Ramsey Harbour very early one morning when only me and the shore birds were about. I went to photograph sunrises and photographed resting boats instead. It seems to sell mostly as a postcard or greeting card. If you click this link SIMPLY SCENE, IMAGE REVIEWS you can see what I mean about worldwide rather than island recgognition. This might be why it's a good seller. Who am I too judge. My favourites are the ones that sell the least.

ABC WEDNESDAY - U IS FOR THE UBIQUITOUS, UNIVERSAL, UNDISPUTED UP, UP AND AWAY TT SHOT.

Hellllllllloooo! Well what's going on here then? After yesterdays down in the dumps post I decided to have a laptop, camera, phone free day and look what happened accoording to the comments box. Tigger found his mojo and went looing for Pooh, bar stewards were barred from grinding, fans were excavated in Cairo, Sally strayed from the darkside of bantering, Southampton joined the party and Manannan was found in Ramsey. Bascially trying to say thanks for all the positve comments. Back on track.

The shot is from Ramsey Day. It's the biker I posted on skywatch with another stunt from his bag of tricks. This time he was front facing and if you take a closer look you can see the official photographers didn't get this one. Sometimes being on the oustside looking in has it's advantages.

Normal service then has been resumed, and I will be blogstopping in the morning. Will be pointing you in the direction of another website from, get this Ramsey. Had a peek after they stopped by and drew my attention to the site. It looks fabulous and it's so nice to have the company of another Isle of Man blogger. Really great to see another's Ramsey bits and pieces which I want to do in depth so look out for thursdays post.

Barker news. The cartoon strip is going great guns. We are on a mission here to generate feedback so here it is. If anyone out there goes to this link BARKER GALLERY BBC
and drops a positive word on the comments page, the contact bit, it would be much appreciated.
As for the football caricatures they were for the European Championship Berlin Underground/Metro, but there are legal issues with personal copyyright image so may not be able to be used, but can be sold as private prints. Far more complex than photography licensing.

Time for bed.

Like to join ABC Wednesday? Please got to this link, MRS NESBITT'S PLACE
Mrs Nesbitt is the host for ABC Wednesday, where you can find details for joining, her own ABC shot to comment on and a list of fellow bloggers who are playing today, who would also appreciate your comments.

BATTERED BUT NOT BROKEN

How many of us feel like this boat? know I do at the moment. I have camera fatigue presently. I also have something called P.T.T. S. It's not serious, but it does stand for Post T.T. Syndrome. Perhaps a fit of the blues would be more apt, and less dramatic.

Since moving here 5 years ago, 5 T.T.'s have resulted in this melancholia. I love the buzz, the atmosphere, the friendly tourists and bikers. The island comes alive, good customer service occurs and the sun always shines. Reality check today. Buses late, shop service poor, weather inclement and photographers viewed with a suspicious eye. Afterall, what could you possibly want to photograph now the TT is over? Oh I don't know, maybe everyday real life for future generations to see how their ancestors lived. It just doesn't compute.

So basically I'm sifting through photos for sale re TT for just about every country in the world, apart from the one that is home. This I find depressing. It's ironic to me that this blog is largely ignored here, yet foreign magazines, musuems and tourists are after my pics and follow the blog.
I have tried to raise the profile of the Isle of Man, but it seems the island is only interested in Manx failures. If this blog folded, and I was Manx, the the island would be happy as it could blame the world for ignoring it.

Fortunately, like Tigger, me and my trusty camera will bounce back within a day ot two.

ODD SHOTS MONDAY - CAPTAIN DEFINITE

"Captain Definite" is the alter ego of the Btitish Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Remeber yesterday in my blog I said Gordon Brown was in for a shock, this is why. I also mentioned that my living room floor is covered in painting of footballers and politicians, well Captain Definite is one of those paintings. Captain Definite was created on my living room floor last week by my partner, Gary Barker for the BBC Politics Show Website.

Look closely at the image. It's my photo, of Barker's cartoon. Now this is the odd bit. If you look closely you will see that the image I have taken is actually on the tv. Can you imagine sitting down to your to sunday dinner to have the image you have been living with in varied incarnations appear on your own tv. Surreal. Just had to snap it fo the odd shot.

Captain Definite is part of a BBC cartoon strip created by Barker. See BARKER BITES BACK! if you want to see the entire strip, posted one a day from today. Also while your there can you tell him Babooshka would like to hoover, so pick his bloody drawings up.

Want to join Odd Shots Monday?

Then see KATNEY

CARRION CROW

The motorbikes and bikers have waved goodbye to the island for another year so it's back to the business of my bread and butter photography, namely the birds. This is actually an archive one.
I had to have a day off from the camera, so I trawled the bird pics and found this one, which is one of my favourites rather than others. I am quite often at odds with the buying public when it comes to my own images.

For a change this isn't one of the cute little colourful birdies that are on a kamikaze mission to fly into my patio windows that I nurse back to good health, but a carrion crow I snapped taking a break in Mooragh Park. Quite what fascinated him so much with this tissue is beyond me, but it certainly distracted him long enough for me to capture his likeness.

Well my busiest time is over, but Barker's is ongoing. My living room floor is still covered with painting of footballers and politicians. Gordon Brown you are in for a shock today thanks to Barker and his wit and wisdom with paint palette!

For more camera critters see MISTY DAWN Camera ctrittrers.

ISLE OF MAN TT 2008, SENIOR TT

That Was The week That Was Then. The Fat Lady has sung and the 2OO8, Isle of Man TT has drawn to a close for this year, but not without thrills and spills in the closing race. The race was finally won by John McGuinness , with Cameron Donald second. John has now won 14 TT races, the same as the late, great Mike Hailwood.

The images.

First image is two Manx riders, look closely you can see the Isle Of Man 3 legs. 54 is John Crellin.
(If someone could tell who 55 is as I haven't got the programme to hand. Doh!)
No 13 is another Manx Man, Gary Carswell finished 13th
No 3, John McGuinness the winner
No6, Cameon Donald gained 2nd place
No 8 Ian Hutchinson who came 3rd.

DIANESE SENIOR TT - top 10

1, John McGuinness 1 hour 46 minutes 47.69 seconds (127.186mph)
2, Cameron Donald 1:47.38.64 (126.183mph)
3, Ian Hutchinson 1:48.29.44 (125.3198mph)
4, Ryan Farquhar 1:48.47.45 (124.852mph)
5, Steve Plater 1:49.22.02 (124.195mph)
6, Gary Johnson 1:49.42.39 (123.810mph)
7, Ian Lougher 1:49.59.30 (123.493mph)
8, Carl Rennie 1:50.18.08 (123.180mph)
9, Daniel Stewart 1:50.30.89 (122.905mph)
10, Michael Dunlop 1:51.03.62 (122.301mph)

This is just a small sample of images. Some of the others will turn up at intervals, but for now normal service will be resumed. Locals and birds watch out, Babooshka and her camera will be
capturing you for Ramsey Daily Photo as per normal.

I hope you've at least got the flavour of the biggest event to hit this tiny isle each year. A special mention must go to Manx resident John Qualye. He's a 105 years young gentelman, who watched the very first TT in 1907. Yes 101 years ago. Now that is too amazing a timespan to comprehend. John, you're a TT legend too.

SKYWATCH FRIDAY - FLYING BIKE

It's Skywatch with a difference. Had to get the Isle of Man TT in the post somewhere and this one can do the multi tasking this week. So, a rest from the business of motorbike races and one from the stunt team instead. This was taken over the park, where during the TT we have a day off from the races and have what's known as "Ramsey Day." Not the most imaginative title, but it seems to pack the punters in. This is a wonderful all day event, with stalls, displays, and motorcycle sprints along the promenade. One for all ages, locals and tourists in unison with the sole aim of having a good time.

The biker here is one of a two man stunt team. The event has the two bikers showing an appreciative audience their agility skills, with a very jokey compare at the helm. All I will say is if you were from outside of the UK, some of the jokey comments may have got lost in translation. The stunts though are universal. This one was taken just as the guy had left the ramp before landing atop of a lorry. I went for the "suspended in mid air moment against a brilliant blue sky."
Good job I got it then! For TT action see previous posts this week.

f you want to particpate in skywatch see Tom at WIGGERS WORLD.
Only genuine skywatchers need apply. None of your advertising for sales sites please. This is for enthusiasts only and hosted by Tom of the fabulous WIGGERS WORLD

ISLE OF MAN TT, SIDECAR B

Two races today, but for now we'll concentrate on the afternoon race, Sidecar B. Unlike the other races that we've had this week, Sidecar B went to form, the winners, the favourite team of Nick Crowe/Mark Cox. Very popular result as they are local guys. As you can see this is the sunniest day by far, which is ok so long as you aren't taking photos. Couldn't bag the spot I wanted today as the locals were out in force, and they won't budge, but this angle isn't too bad.

Images again a quick snatch from roughly 100.

From the top.

5I, Claude Montagnier/Laurent Seyeux, finished 37th
18, Greg Lambert/ Sally Wilson finished 11th
19, Doulgas Wright/Stuart Bond finished 10th
2, Nick Crowe/Mark Cox the winners
21, Roger Stockton /Peter Alton finished 18th
7, Nigel Connole/ Dipash Chauhan finished 9th
4, Klaus Klaffenbock/Christian Parzer finished 5th
1,Dave Molyneux/Daniel Sayle bagged second place

It's the early hours of thursday morning. Whilst I'm covering the TT. Barker is Covering the living room floor with football caricatures for the European Championships. You can check out the ones he's uploaded so far at this link,BARKER BITES BACK! . We'd really like some input on these, as it's hard for us two to be objective about each others work, so your comments would be welcome. Makes a change from his Political Cartoons.

Time to hit the sack.

SURE MOBILE SIDECAR 2

1, Nick Crowe/Mark Cox 59 minutes 34.76 seconds (113.989mph)
2, Dave Molyneux/Dan Sayle 59.45.31 (113.654mph)
3, John Holden/Andrew Winkle 1:00.19.33 (112.585mph)
4, Steve Norbury/Rick Long 1:00.33.58 (112.144mph)
5, Klaus Klaffenbock/Christian Parzer 1:00.34.47 (112.117mph)
6, Tim Reeves/Patrick Farrance 1:00.59.78 (111.342mph)
7, Phil Dongworth/Stuart Castles 1:01.16.68 (110.830mph)
8, Simon Neary/Jamie Winn 1:01.19.27 (110.751mph)
9, Nigel Connole/Dipash Chauhan 1:01.51.10 (109.801mph)
10, Gary Bryan/Robert Bell 1:02.40.45 (108.360mp