Say cheese!

September 11th

It has been a day of reflection to remember those whose lives were lost (nearly 3,000 people) during the tragic events 10 years ago today, in New York, at the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania.

I was on holiday with three of my best mates in Majorca at the time in 2001 and I will never forget saying "the world has changed forever" and the shock and numbness I felt as the events unfolded. It was truly dreadful.

On the right tracks?

I haven't posted a recent picture of the tramworks, as not much progress has actually been made! Those of you based in Edinburgh will know about the ongoing saga! Still, here's a pic I took this morning down at Haymarket.

Jungle City - Edinburgh 2011

Edinburgh now has loads of elephants, orangutans, hornbills, tigers and crocodiles dotted aroung the city, all in aid of raising money for their survival. This colourful elephant is situated just outside the National Museum of Scotland and is sponsored by Walkers Biscuits, hence the tartan!

Banksy in Edinburgh?

I spotted this in Edinburgh earlier today, in George Street. It maybe a church mouse, as it's on the wall of the Church of Scotland offices! Methinks Banksy has been at work...

Do you have a strong mind?

if you can read this you have a strong mind:

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Visit from Queen Elizabeth

The Cunard liner Queen Elizabeth has made a stop at South Queensferry on its latest cruise.

A good combo

Lobster AND guinness... how could you refuse this combo?!

Anyone want Toats?

Spotted in the window of the Blue Mountain Café, Howe Street, Vancouver.

Not a prefix

I noticed this one a few times when I was in USA - "Prefix" instead of "Prix Fixe" (fixed price in French). Oh, and thanks to Raffles in Lexington Avenue, you can also have "Desert" instead of "Dessert"!

Dear Sainsbury's...

Why did you think it necessary to put "fruity" as part of the description?
Raspberries are fruit!!!

Events in Norway

Although I'm currently away on holiday, I've been keeping up-to-date with the dreadful events in Norway. Such a waste of innocent lives. May they all rest in peace. My sympathies and thoughts are with all those families and friends that have been affected by these terrible tragedies.

Touchdown

The end of an era. Atlantis lands safely after the last space shuttle mission, bringing an amazing 30-year programme to a close.

Perfect sign writing

Lord Sugar's new Apprentice

Congratulations to Tom Pellereau for winning series 7 of the Apprentice. Seems like a decent individual so a worthy winner.

Water of Leith

Although I have lived in Edinburgh for many years, today was the first day I've ventured down to the Water of Leith. This picture was taken at Dean Village. The rain had cleared, although there was plenty of water about. A lovely day for a lovely walk.

What's the question?

Be aware! Thieves are stealing question marks. Spotted at the Cameron Toll shopping centre in Edinburgh.

Art attack

I've managed to get a snap of this artwork today at Warriston Close, created by students at the Edinburgh College of Art. Why the rush? It's only been there for a day or two, but already the killjoys at Edinburgh City Council have confirmed they're going to get it removed because they say it's a Health and Safety risk.

Bad parking?

What a view

The space shuttle Atlantis is seen over the Bahamas prior to a perfect docking with the International Space Station. (source: NASA)

Bear in mind that the ISS is travelling at over 25,000 kph, so it's quite a manoeuvre for the shuttle to dock. Remember this the next time you have trouble parking your car!

The final countdown

Assuming the weather behaves itself, today will see the very final Space Shuttle launch, when Atlantis takes off from Florida. This brings to an end a 30-year launch programme, which has seen fantastic achievements as well as two horrific disasters. Let's hope they have a safe and successful mission.

Stormy sky

The view at 3.15pm.

The End of the World is Nigh

And so the phone hacking story takes another, more dramatic, turn. This Sunday will now see the last ever edition of the News of the World. Cynics are saying that this is just a ploy from Messrs Murdoch to make the takeover of BSkyB more likely. And it can't simply be a coincidence that thesunonsunday.com and thesunonsunday.co.uk were registered as domain names just a couple of days ago. Surely no-one will be taken in by such a rebranding exercise?

Phone Hacking

This scandal just seems to be getting worse and worse. NotW - Not Worthy!

Not quite correct

Camilla would not be amused to read this story in today's Metro Online... The Prince of Wales' engagement to Kate Middleton?!

The evening sky (9.25pm)

I just had to share this one...

The evening sky (9.10pm)

I'm so lucky to live where I do. This is the view outside at the moment.

Nice view

A lovely view outside the window this evening.

Well done Djokovic

A worthy winner of the men's title at this year's Wimbledon.

Under construction

Just doing a bit of prep work to the website today in readiness for my forthcoming trip to Canada and the USA.

Just the ticket...

This made me smile. I think myself lucky as one of the relatively small number of successful applicants for London 2012 tickets.

JRC on Countdown

I can't recall ever seeing my initials come up as the first letters on Countdown! To get the picture, I then had to wait an hour and capture the image on "Channel 4+1".

3 weeks to go...

Looking forward to getting away soon on holiday.

Worth the weight...

The people at PoundStretcher just couldn't be bothered to finish the sign. And what's even more bizarre is that they're selling 1kg bags of sugar at 89p, yet at 79p per kg. Work that one out?!

Canada can be fun

Just over three weeks to go...

Take notice of this...

Chester draws

Oops! It should of course say "Chest of drawers". Click on image to see more clearly.

Home is where your Business is

"The Secrets to Establishing a Business That Fits Your Lifestyle and Ambitions."

This is a really useful book for those who are thinking of starting a business or who have recently done so.

Poppies everywhere

I was having a drive around Fife last Sunday and encountered this amazing field of poppies.

Head Gardener

Spotted last weekend in South Queensferry High Street.

Red Arrows - a few more pics

A spectacular show from the Red Arrows last evening over the Firth of Forth.

Red Arrows - more pics

A spectacular show last evening over the Firth of Forth.