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 Ramsey, is just plain weird. Last week my odd shot was a footprint from a series of footprints that guide you part way round the town. Well across the road from those footprints was this oddity. What do you make of this? Sadly it's recently been taken down. I took the shot before it was removed, again just documenting the town for posterity. How odd is it though? If you come into town by bus, right across the road from the bus station was this enormous sign on a slopping tree, pointing straight into town. So no need to approach a local. Look up ( you really couldn't miss it) and follow the pointed finger, and then follow the footprints. How simple is that! Irony is, Ramsey is so small, you actually don't need this rather threatening giant hand with the finely manicured nails (gender indiscriminate) pointing out the direction, the place is too small to get lost. Please, please put this sign back. I love it. It's just so quirky like the bright green footprints, the shocking purple house, and the swinging bridge. These are the oddities that makes Ramsey, well Ramsey. These are what make this town, from this funny little island unique. What then in your town distinguishes it from any other place? Want to join Odd Shots Monday? Then see KATNEY
 Ok, you got me. It's not to my knowledge a Martian, or any other kind of visiting alien footprint, but is a little bit of an X File. I noticed these footprints when we first came to Ramsey. Wherever you wander around the central town streets you come across these strange painted footprints with the little Chad type figure on. They only go in one direction though, which is odd in itself. A bit like Ikea when you get shunted in one direction from start to finish, and can't deviate. If you follow them you will actually do a circuit of the town. Useful then perhaps if you're a visitor. Tried to find out how old they are, but most people don't notice them anymore or think I'm weird for asking. Imagine the looks I got taking this! I hope you like the chewing gum decoration, not me, but probably the litterbug who I berated on my blog before. Does anyone else have anything like these cute footprints in their part of the world? The next bridge shot in the IOO shots series is tomorrow. By the way the footprint, Saturday's bridge shot, and Fridays metal theme/ skywatch shot were taken with my handheld tiny Olympus. No fancy lenses, no zoom, no filters, on a sun setting. I do take most of photos on my Nikon D50(and even I want a better camera now) with a number of lenses, but I just wanted to encourage all those that only have a small point and shoot, great shots can still be taken. After all it's you that composes and times the shot, not the camera. No footprints or aliens were hurt in the making of this post. Want to join Odd Shots Monday? Then see KATNEY
 Water street is just off from the main high street in Ramsey. A quiet little place that I only really walk down to get to the post office. I had forgotten all about this wonderful house until I got there. I new straight away it was an odd shot. It just hits you as you turn the corner, all the intense purple, blue and yellow on such a drab grey street. It's just totally unexpected to be confronted by this plethora of colour. Not only that but it has a bright yellow Triskelion, the three legs of man symbol over the front door. The back is different again with well something else I will have to show you sometime. Note too the Isle of Man flag, you can see is also flying proudly from the flagpole. With all the dull weather we've had lately this really is a cheery little blast of colour. One more thing, it even has a name on the plaque outside, the sweetly named Nicky's Nook. There's no place like home! I promised you another Manx Cat myth. They are all actually quite short, but there seem to be so many of them. Here's another one. The Isle of Man was prone to invasions from the Irish and theVikings. Manx kittens were frequently snatched by invaders from their mother's by their long tails. One Mother cat bit off her own kitten's tail. The kitten, tailless was never caught by the invaders. Other mother cats followed suit, until there was not a kitten left in the island that had a tale, or born thereafter. Hence the new breed, the cat with no tail, the Manx Cat was born. I think I will have to delve into Manx myth and legend a lot more! What do you think? Want to join Odd Shots Monday? Then see KATNEY
 Whenever there are fetes or outdoor events of any kind on the island you will usually find something a little different. So nestled amongst the face painters, the temporary tattoos, and the burger vans I found this wonderful bike. On closer inspection I actually noticed what this stall, if you can refer to it as such, was well selling. The Christian Motorcyclist Association UK were as it turned out, not selling but giving away books. Well just one book, the Biker Bible. Now I won't go into details, as it's not my thing, but here's the wiki link if you want to know more about the very friendly bunch of bikers for yourselves. One thing it does prove though, people are like books and you really shouldn't judge either by their cover. As for the photo it's done exactly the same as the Tynwald shot. Desaturate almost all the colours apart from the blue, then pump up the saturate on the blue hues left in the pic. Want to join Odd Shots Monday? Then see KATNEY
  We've had far to many pretty pictures on this blog recently that I thought we'd get back to reality and have the uglier side of life again. The photographer in me knew straight away that this was going to be snapped as an example of the odd shot concept. The other side of me though, well got really angry about this. On so many levels this image is wrong! The image was taken yet again in the nature reserve. The reserve as I have often stated is a haven for wildlife. It is not a landfill site, dumping ground, or recycling bin. Obviously some idiot out there blatantly disagrees. Now, I know I spend a lot of time over here, but that does not give me the right to pull up a abandoned chair to study the wildlife. This really angers me! For a start, if you want to get rid of it hire a skip and dispose of it. Why would you go to the trouble of dragging the chair through the brambles onto a designated wildlife area. The other thing is, the chair itself seemed in not to bad condition. What was wrong with donating it to a local charity to get it cleaned and refurbished. I'm sure a poor soul in need of such an item would gladly give this poor chair a home. As for the child's toy buggy, the same applies. How do we know that wouldn't have made some kids day to receive that, which another had so easily discarded. We live in a very selfish age. There really is no need for this kind of unsociable behaviour. These abandoned items are a danger to wildlife and a missed opportunity on the recycling front. Charity is supposed to begin at home. So maybe next time you have a item you no longer need try your neighbour, charity shop, homeless centre, or recycling plant. Whoever you are that did this, I hope you and your new shiny sofa are siting very uncomfortably right now! Want to join Odd Shots Monday? Then see KATNEY
 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. Want to join Odd Shots Monday? Then see KATNEY
 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 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] Want to join Odd Shots Monday? Then see KATNEY
  "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
  I know it's not one of my usual barmy bird images, but The Isle of Man TT is finally here and that's where I'll be working mostly this week. What though is particuarlly odd about this shot. Well there are probably more tourists bikes here in this shot, than there are on the whole island the rest of the time. Also, do you notice those white posts in the distance, far left ? They are rugby goal posts. That means the motorbikes you see are actually parked on the rugby pitch. For me this is really wierd to see motorbikes en mass parked on a piece of land that belongs to another sport, especially as I usually photograph Ramsey Rugby here. Gotta run. Off to the morning races. By the way, I will be wearing the T.shirt I had made with Ramsey Daily Photo on the back, and one of my photos of a rider on the front. You'll know who I am then if I turn up on someone else's photos or the T.V. Want to join Odd Shots Monday? Then see KATNEY
   Back to the birds! Same as my first Odd Shots a few weeks back(the chaffinch on my hand) this little siskin flew into the window. I again sat with him for about 2 hours until he started to come round. For some reason they always seem to hop onto my hand. Maybe it's to escape the cats or warmth, but they all seem to do this when injured, but rousing. This time I didn't have the tripod. Instead I tried my new macro, that I've been dying to use. So this is a one handed macro shot. Not the ideal way to get a bird image, but it seem to have worked out ok. I seem to have a charmed life when it comes to photographing birds. Had no idea what odd shot to do this week, when this little fellow appeared last friday. Unlike the locals the birds seem to adore being part of ramsey daily photo. Want to join Odd Shots Monday? Then see KATNEYKatney's Kaboodle is the place to join Odd Shots Monday and see other wierd and wonderful shots from fellow bloggers
 Odd Shots Monday I will not have a cable for my laptop until next weekend, so in the meantime all images this week will be from older stock. You may notice my real name appears on them as these are my copyrighted images from my sales site. I will answer emails and comments as and when I can. Basically when I can get access via the and only internet cafe or my partners laptop, when it's free, which isn't that often. This shot is odd because it's real, not an optical illusion or superimposed. The minature castle in the sea actually exists. It's in Douglas, Isle of Man, which is south of Ramsey, but shares the same postcode/zip code. A little more info. Sir William Hillary moved to the Isle of Man in 1808 and found out for himself all about the dangerous waters of the Irish Sea which surround Douglas Bay. In 1824 he formulated the idea of a lifeboat service manned by a trained crew, to rescue those that were cast adrift. The idea was new and ambitious, but soon prompted the creation of the R.N.L.I the Royal National Lifeboat Institution we know today. When Sir Hillary took part in a rescue for a Steam Packet vessel and cast overboard he realised the coast was too far to swim to. A place was therefore needed for sailors to wait for rescue. Soon after an idea Sir William Hillary had became a reality. The Tower Of Refuge took shape. Designed by John Welch the Tower was completed in 1832. Situated upon Conister Rock, or it's other name St Mary's Isle in Douglas Bay a haven in the form of a small castle sits. A place for sailors to take refuge. Built at a cost of £254 of which almost half was paid by Hillary himself and the other by subscription. The tower was kept well stocked with fresh water and bread, offering shelter from the weather and sea. It's sill owned by the R.N.L.I and when a freakish low tide occurs you can walk to the refuge from Douglas Promenade. For those though in peril upon the sea, it remains a constant beacon, an oddity for the tourist and an emergency photo for the photographer with laptop woes. A safe haven indeed. Want to join Odd Shots Monday? Then see KATNEYKatney's Kaboodle is the place to join Odd Shots Monday and see other wierd and wonderful shots from fellow bloggers.
  I'm thinking of starting a range of humourous critters greetings cards. What do you think? The humans run away when they see me and my camera. Not so the animals and birds. Almost seem to perform when they see me appear on the horizon. Two minutes earlier these ducks were perfectly happy waddling about. Then in unison, it was heads down for the camera lady. Maybe they weren't performing afterall? Perhaps they were hoping I'd pass them by if they weren't displaying their heads and fine beaks. Don't be silly it's Odd shots Monday and hiding ducks will do just fine. More Isle of Man birds immortalized as greetings cards coming soon. Well it will be if they keep behaving like this! Want to join Odd Shots Monday? Then see KATNEYKatney's Kaboodle is the place to join Odd Shots Monday and see other wierd and wonderful shots from fellow bloggers.
  This is why the bird table is going to be replaced with feeding poles! How cheeky can you get? This is not one of my better photos. The colours too bright, the contrast is wrong, the horizontal crooked. I could go on. It's just one of those point and shoot efforts, more for the subject, rather than the composition. It's the first cat I've had on my soon to be dumped bird table, which to me qualifies it to be odd. Any cat owners out there ? Do you own a act born wih no tail or have you heard of such a creature? They are called "Manx" cats and originate from here where I reside, the Isle Of Man. Another odd shot if I spy one, but not on my bird table. Want to join Odd Shots Monday? Then see KATNEYKatney's Kaboodle is the place to join Odd Shots Monday and see other wierd and wonderful shots from fellow bloggers.
 What is it with me and birds? Here's what happened. Two herring gulls were fighting in the back garden. I tried to separate them with a broom, the weaker one flew into the house and proceeded to have a mad half hour flying about. Managed to shoo the other one away. By this time the gull above had decided to sit where you see him now. At this point in the proceeding, I just had to take his pic, having texted my other half to tell him we had a gull in the kitchen. Now even for me this seemed in the realms of fantasy, as only so much can happen to one person, as far as birds are concerned, so pictorial evidence was required. Now, getting him out was another challenge in itself. More shooing with brooms until he retreated to the garden , straight behind the oil burner. More problems! He sat there for about 2 hours, came out of his own accord, flew off and left me with a big pile of seagull mess as a parting gift for my trouble. You have no idea how much a scared seagull can pass. It must be me, beacuse I have moved house, even country and the birds still go crazy around me. Want to join Odd Shots Monday? Then see KATNEYKatney's Kaboodle is also the place to join Odd Shots Monday and see other wierd and wonderful shots from fellow bloggers.
 This is a chafinch that flew straight at the window of my house. I went out, put him back on his feet and sat trying to coax him round for hours. Eventually, he jumped on my hand and wouldn't go away. I already had the tripod set up, so I used the remote to snap him. I had to run round the garden flapping my arms trying to get him to fly off. The neighbours really thought i'd lost it this time. Finally he left, finding the courage to take flight. I feed the birds in the back garden, so I quite often spend hours warding off cats and sparrowhawks, but this is the only one who jumped onto my hand. I hope this one qualifies for an odd enough odd shot for today. For more odd shots see KATNEYKatney's Kaboodle is also the place to join odd shots monday.
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Ramsey, is just plain weird. Last week my odd shot was a footprint from a series of footprints that guide you part way round the town. Well across the road from those footprints was this oddity. What do you make of this?
