Brit In Pitt

Chihuly at Phipps

2007-06-24T19:26:00.000-04:00

Saturday, we attended the Dale Chihuly exhibition at the Phipps Conservatory. The mixing of the glass and plants was truly amazing and these pics probably don't do it justice. I highly recommend going if you are in the Pittsburgh area.

Cosmopolitan Pittsburgh

2007-06-24T19:21:00.000-04:00

So Friday night we attended a roof top party in the cultural district. Much fun was had and many people including me stepped up and participated in the activity at the Warhol booth involving projected images. I've suddenly come over all Velvet Undergroundy...

Miami - A Gator In My Hands

2007-06-18T00:22:00.000-04:00

A few pics from Gator Park, Miami, where we got to handle the alligators (well the baby ones at least).

Miami - Gators in the Wild

2007-06-17T23:48:00.000-04:00

Here are a few random shots of alligators in the wild, that I took whilst out a boat in the everglades.

Miami - The Everglades - Mild Creatures

2007-06-17T23:34:00.000-04:00

Here's a few of the less malicious inhabitants of the everglades.

Miami - The Everglades - The Views

2007-06-17T23:17:00.000-04:00

Here are some landscapes taken out in the everglades, taken between getting bitten by malicious beasties.

Miami - Beaches

2007-06-17T23:05:00.000-04:00

No, not some awful Bette Middler film, but South Beach, Miami, FLA from which we've just returned. These were actually all taken on a slightly overcast day (the only one where it rained later), so the water colours you see are a bit subdued, but you'll get the idea.

Miss Kitten Gets Her Annual Haircut

2007-06-04T19:38:00.000-04:00

Blanche got her annual summer haircut today....looking svelte and sassy as a result. Saucy!

Keith Haring Opening @ The Warhol

2007-06-02T12:33:00.000-04:00

So Thursday, saw the opening of the Keith Haring exhibit at the Warhol. A couple of days earlier Nicci and I customized shirts for the event. Here are the results (and Blanche of course).

Memorial Day and the Gardenia

2007-06-02T12:25:00.000-04:00

So another Memorial Day has been and gone. We headed out to Moraine State Park and did some kayaking and biking in the sunshine. Meanwhile back home the Gardenia started blooming for the first time in ages.

Current TV Pod Now Available to View

2007-05-31T15:35:00.000-04:00

I few weeks ago, I shot some footage for the Andy Warhol Museum which has been turned into a shot piece for Current TV (the television channel co-founded by Al Gore). The end result is finally available for viewing at the following URL http://www.current.tv/pods/art/RD05957.

Enjoy!

Baby Ray Ray Is All Grow'd Up

2007-05-22T20:40:00.000-04:00

So today, the baby bird took it's first flutter and then migrated to the tree with it's mum, and as of this evening is safe and sound. Here are a couple of photos of it outside the nest and one of squirrel.

Babybird

2007-05-19T13:26:00.000-04:00

So our visitor's waiting was all worth it. She is a proud and protective mum (as of last weekend, but she has been hiding the baby away for the week).

Here's a couple of pictures ;o)

Cats, Monkeys and Flowers

2007-05-19T13:18:00.001-04:00

So a few random shots from around the neighbourhood. Enjoy!

Our Temporary Guest and the Azaleas

2007-05-05T15:28:00.000-04:00

So we have had a house guest for the past week or so, a dove (of some kind), who has laid her eggs in one of our hanging baskets and has been sitting on them diligently, and thankfully doesn't seem too frightened of us. This week the azaleas are in full bloom, so thought I'd attach a photo or two of those. Enjoy!

Rock the Block

2006-09-12T10:05:00.000-04:00

This past Saturday, Nicci and I went and saw a great show by the 'Brazilian Girls' on the Southside in aid of WYEP (the radio station that I occassionally do a DJ set on). Anyway, they had a rock t-shirt contest, luckily I had something in my chest of drawers....

Dragonboat Festival Preparations

2006-09-04T13:32:00.000-04:00

So the Pittsburgh Dragon Boat Festival rapidly approaches. If all goes to plan I should be competing for both the GSK and Paddlefish teams (no I won't have to race myself).

Here are a couple of pics from a recent practice.

More London Pics

2006-09-04T12:44:00.000-04:00

So any film buffs should recognise the first pic (the plaque in Postman's Park that the Alice character stole her name from in Closer).

The second is the policeman's memorial in Green Park, just an intesting sculpture and the third is the sculpture on the pregnant lady on display in Trafalgar Square.

Anarchy in the UK

2006-09-04T12:34:00.000-04:00

So August saw Nicci, Matt (Nicci's brother) and myself heading back to the UK for a couple of weeks. It was Matt's first time, and so we did a lot of touristy stuff that I hadn't done in ages; churches galour, castles, Stonehenge. Also managed to fit in a mini-tour for Matt of as many English beers as possible...so here are a few pics from the trip.

It was also Nicci's b'day whilst away...the last pic is at Cafe Pacifico toasting her health with a selection of fine tequilla's.

Two Birds and a Bald Kitty

2006-07-20T19:02:00.000-04:00

So the theme du jour is wildlife. First up a couple of birds that sat forever on the trellis on our fire escape. Managed to snap a picture through the screen door but they wouldn't let me get close up outside.

Second up...is the svelte Miss Blanche...she personally requested that she get a hair cut because of the insane temperatures here at the moment...so yesterday Nicci dropped her off at the groomers with instructions to 'Take a bit off the top'...and this is what we got back...This season Miss Blanche is sporting a velour look.

Apparently she was an angel at the groomers...

All Star Game 2006

2006-07-13T21:20:00.000-04:00

So this year Pittsburgh hosted the MLB All Star Game, and amazingly (they were like gold dust) I snagged a free pair of tickets to the big night...so my good friend Jim and I headed down to PNC Park, and what amazing night, the place was rammed and all the bars and resturants around the park full to the gills, the predicted rain held off for the post park for the duration, which in usual style the National League (the one which the Pittsburgh Pirates compete in) lost, but it was looking promissing up till the last inning.

It was so much fun to see the
best of best playing together...

Roll on Football season....if anyone has spare home game Steeler tickets I know this guy who would really like a pair...lol

Summer Dragon Boating

2006-07-13T21:09:00.000-04:00

So July 2nd saw my first dragonboat race...in the Three Rivers Regetta. Thanks to all the Paddlefish (the guys in the pics), who trained us and made it so much fun.

Check out the Paddlefish blog for more pics from the regatta and other dragonboating activities.

World Cup Madness

2006-07-13T21:02:00.000-04:00

So sadly it's all over (well it was for England, a while back). It was certainly one of the most entertaining World Cup's I can remember, just sad that France had to go out like that.

Here's a pic from Piper's on the Southside, the day that the USA played their second group match.

Roll on the beginning of the the new season...

Kevin and Robert in the Burgh

2006-07-13T20:49:00.000-04:00

Recently our friends Kevin and Robert travelled down from NYC to see us here in the Burgh. Being Roberts first time in the burgh, we did the touristy circuit (Fallingwater - the first three pics. Phipps - the last one), ate far too much good food and had ridiculously good weather for the whole trip.

It was great to see them...come back soon guys
Blanche misses her daddy.

Music recommendation of the trip: The Secret Machines - Ten Silver Drops.

Book Recommendation: Blankets - Craig Thompson

Movie madness: Napleon
Dynamite (of course...gosh),
and Withnail & I

'Help the Homeless' short film is available on the web

2005-10-03T21:08:00.000-04:00

My most recent short movie is now available on the web. The film "Help the Homeless" was shot in 16mm, and involved a cast of 1000's...well at least 6. It is available at Split-Apart.com on the Visuals page. Please check out the site for other movie and goodies. Thanks to all those involved in the making of this film....I really enjoyed this one

'Front Window' film exercise available on the web

2005-10-03T21:02:00.000-04:00

The film exercise "Front Window" is available on the web at the Split-Apart.com site. This was my first attempt using a 16mm camera. The camera used, a Bolex does not record sound, so much thanks to my friend Martin for providing an excellent soundtrack. Please also check out the other films and photos in the Visuals section of the website

My second shot movie is available on the web

2005-05-10T15:18:00.000-04:00

The second short movie that I did for my Principles of Motion Photography class is avail now on the web at the Visuals section of Split-Apart.com. This was a group project (for the planned and shooting) and the individually edited. Take a look...hope you like it

My first short movie 'Heart's Allegiance' is now available online

2005-03-21T21:34:00.000-05:00

I'm happy to announce that my first short movie is availavle on the Split-apart Visuals webpage. The page also contains the series of photo's entitled 'Reflections' that made up part of my first assignment at Pittsburgh Filmakers. The second assignment, was a short movie, without dialogue (muscial soundtrack allowed....thanks Craig Armstrong)...the end result was the movie Heart's Allegiance. Please watch it and enjoy....and thanks to Josh and Julie for lending their acting skills.

Tinkham Town Productions Website is up and running...

2005-03-21T21:26:00.000-05:00

My friend Todd, has his own movie production outfit, currently producing quality short movies out on Chapel Hill, North Carolina. They have just got their website up and running, so please check it out and watch the the short movies on there and see what else is coming down the pipeline...here the link Tinkham Town Productions.

The Magic Roundabout

2005-02-02T14:10:00.000-05:00

Used to love this show as a kid and now apparently they have made into a movie that opens back home in Feb....can't wait till it's US release, till then check out the website The Magic Roundabout. "Time for bed", said Zeebadee.

My brothers Blog

2005-02-01T09:43:00.000-05:00

It seems to run in the family.....looks like Uncle has a blog...so check it out and add it to your favourites
Graham and Nerys.

Welcome to The World of Kitten Painting

2005-01-28T10:51:00.000-05:00

Now there was me thinking this would be a "how to' guide on decorating my cat Blanche...but no another hidden gem...check it out, if you are into indie music and such like Welcome to The World of Kitten Painting. On another note caught the last few minutes of a documentary about the Dandy Warhols and the BRMC which looked pretty crazy, hope it comes on again, because it looked really interesting....enough for now back later....maybe

Several minutes of fun - The British Dialect Translator

2005-01-26T11:38:00.000-05:00

Ever wanted to speak like a cockney or even Ali G, check out this site whoohoo.co.uk - The British Dialect Translator and have fun translating your emails into UK regional dialects and sending them to all your friends...enjoy!

A weekly ritual: Gossip...What people were overheard saying on the London Underground

2005-01-21T10:44:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to pass on this link to y'all...it is one of my favourites out there. Whether the overheard snippets of conversation are true or not, who knows, if not the guy who created this website is a great dialogue writer...well enjoyGossip...What people were overheard saying on the London Underground. Well another weekend of snow and football in the Steel City....enjoy kids!

The catalogue of UK Entrances to Hell

2005-01-17T11:50:00.000-05:00

Found this site....which is pretty funny...The catalogue of UK Entrances to Hell...I could believe that some of those are entrances to hell. Someone should start a US version, because I swear there are one or two entrances in my neighbourhood (maybe in my basement). On a related note I was watching the movie 'Stigmata' which supposedly is set in Pittsburgh (it is not filmed here and none of the locations look anything like Pittsburgh, plus for some reason it rains all the time)...but apart from that it is an excellent movie...

A New Beginning

2005-01-15T18:07:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the random and probably very infrequent musings of a Brit in Pitt...my thoughts and discoveries of interesting content on the web. Thanks to my brother for recommending this site. I have previously had a blog on the b2 site but kept getting bombarded with spam comments...so have decided to give this site a shot....

Well check back and see if I've actually written anything...and please check out my website http://www.split-apart.com