tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16205623906675766952024-03-05T22:46:26.309+00:00Life through my eyes.Initially a photograpy blog this shall be a collection of posts about nothing in particular.
My life, thoughts and doings.
Who knows it may become a regular thing this 'blogging' but I wouldn't hold your breath.
Exciting ae?Michael Balmainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04206524161927933790noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620562390667576695.post-47043463783214668642010-09-20T17:10:00.001+01:002010-09-20T17:11:56.422+01:00A year has past.... and then some.<br /><br />I can't believe it has been so long since I last updated my blog.<br />Those little promises I made haven't been kept, I have another camera now and about 40 rolls of film waiting to be developed!<br />These will get done someday, I think. I hope.<br />Until then I suppose my blog shall have to be about something else.<br />Fingers crossed I can change the name of it ;)Michael Balmainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04206524161927933790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620562390667576695.post-5683609129012638902009-02-17T22:25:00.004+00:002009-03-08T17:01:26.397+00:00First Three Through.<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">Hi here and good evening.<br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">As I was off work today I figured I should develop two more films as they have been waiting a few days. Unlike the first time I managed to have a streamlined system so each chemical was ready right</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"> away.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">Everything seemed to go fine until it came to the drying stage..</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">Water marks... everywhere.. *quick, squeegee... too hard... scratches...*</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">I never realised the emulsion was so soft...</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">I now have two perfect tram lines right down the length of film.. Magically they go across Merryn's face regardless of the orientation of the shot.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303900462014003730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVpXs74GVOWEYx1qShSBkdrsSlQVTl-P9VJTKv8s_SMIOf4vXvNCW_uVVqyx52SPoHeEiCi_jcPOIjLKKzLbrqxewrMeeUcmRhwR5R3Y5R_PZBUhdAgyfHe4AVX3EdjugcDSa00033t6E/s200/029.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303899612731854514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEgJowrpSuz37soKVwefx612464Y2t7pimo0i2DpPWTIkvNdFJBPYw-HgYNuF7Owue7vKSz_kZHI23wo4vGZnPs3GwpjzcPnMgnIZ82-6tJI-HEqu1wdmKw4WA_IgCSVXv9qgn27pP5Q/s200/025.jpg" border="0" /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">At this point I was a somewhat disappointed however not so much as I am very much in the infancy of film developing.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">Sadly the second roll fell to a similar fate... over zealous squeegeeing with one's fingers.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">The images are however viewable and shall be scanned come Friday! ( I have a plustek negative scanner on the way). So I shall see how one's exposures etc are.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">Exciting times!</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">Cheers for noo</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div>Michael Balmainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04206524161927933790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620562390667576695.post-42513767995299548072009-02-17T09:57:00.002+00:002009-02-17T10:01:17.187+00:00<div style="text-align: center;">Hi there and good morning! <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It's tuesday, I'm about to sit my mock driving test and then I'm going to process two more films.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes you read right. I can now develop film! </div><div style="text-align: center;">I did my first roll last night and from the looks of it, it's perfect!</div><div style="text-align: center;">The roll was shot using an Olympus 35RC, full manual. The internal light meter wasn't working but I was using anold Gossen Sixon Lightmeter from the 50's that seems to work perfectly well!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have also noticed my 'internal metering' seems pretty acurate as well.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Taling of old camera's an Olympus Trip arrived yesterday.. excellent condition and the lightmeter is working!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Rock on.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I shall get photo's up as soon as my scanner arrives.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Michael Balmainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04206524161927933790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620562390667576695.post-89858139781823248482009-02-11T21:10:00.006+00:002009-02-11T21:49:56.835+00:00Time...<div style="text-align: center;">Time is irrelevant...</div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope..</div><div style="text-align: center;">Welcome to the 2009 edition of my blog... </div><div style="text-align: center;">This time I'm not going to say it will be updated regularly for I failed <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">monumentally</span> on that one last year.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photography wise I have done very little... </div><div style="text-align: center;">There have been one or two gigs, Up <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Helly</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">aa</span>, the Shetland Folk Festival and that's about it.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I got out this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Sunday</span> with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">SLR</span> and fired off a few shots before I felt too ill and had to go home (currently suffering from a viral infection).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">2009... A new year, a new start... it's been said before...</div><div style="text-align: center;">This time it is different though. .</div><div style="text-align: center;">In my hands *picks up camera* is a beautiful Olympus 35RC Rangefinder..</div><div style="text-align: center;">In the post are various items required for processing film.. And did I mention the ten rolls of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Neopan</span>!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Time to go <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">old school</span>, to real photography.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm excited.. Very excited. I haven't properly shot with film before. Even the whole fixed <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">lens</span> is a new thing for me. Manual? Full Manual.. Not even AV! I LOVE IT!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I shall be getting my first roll developed the morn (to check that my metering calculations are alright) then <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">that's</span> me!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Onwards into the big bad and rather beautiful world of film photography.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I may also have an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">eBay</span> bargain in the form of an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Oly</span> trip 35 on the way...</div><div style="text-align: center;">O dear!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So Hello</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy New Year.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cheers!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><object width="400" height="300"></object><br /></div>Michael Balmainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04206524161927933790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620562390667576695.post-42020071289758886272008-01-27T21:13:00.000+00:002008-01-28T18:11:35.223+00:00Sheltering from the Storm<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05vtUrZJVEt3X7KuxhFYNY44te73nipQQ2SXpTTF3MakOOo5HfpC-tYKc4itiC-9oEiLEvspzw4XtdTTzTiUYuMUVQTeA5_y4_EdjrgHYm8P_RY3O4vHDhltgQu8etcNkb3aGPxvutQo/s1600-h/Shelter1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160588172584190994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05vtUrZJVEt3X7KuxhFYNY44te73nipQQ2SXpTTF3MakOOo5HfpC-tYKc4itiC-9oEiLEvspzw4XtdTTzTiUYuMUVQTeA5_y4_EdjrgHYm8P_RY3O4vHDhltgQu8etcNkb3aGPxvutQo/s200/Shelter1.jpg" border="0" /></a> Although conditions in town were relatively calm on Saturday with it being particularly mild for this time of year it was an all to different story the night before. With winds gusting over 70mph and a particularly large swell running, Lerwick harbour was sought as a refuge for many a fishing boat.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160588451757065250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1YVApqgBghd4QMRn_c6c5hCrsfHfXlybOEiuhUAjB2lgBiUCuxpLyDNmVLKERunLCz42M_OFlFxlpH6TB58J0G7hCPYBmu2Mv-M01T2GbsQMHPMp_CWM2p4B-1weTnI7mfFhzNVMRCKo/s200/Shelter3.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:85%;">(Mooring Up)</span><br /><p align="center">On walking along the pier I got talking to a crew member of one the boats as he was shoreside getting ready to help with moorin. He was from the Banff registered Jenna Maree and kindly allowed me to take photographs of himself as he worked. Once the boat was secured I got talking to other crew members and was kindly invited on board. </p><p align="center">Once on board I was allowed to wander on deck and take photographs as I pleased while the crew went to town. On their arrival I was given a tour of the boat. From the cell like dimensions of a cabin to the freezer hold where boxes and boxes of frozen prawns were stacked high I snapped away. It was a lighting nightmare with shutter speeds of around 1/13th bein common. A tripod would certainly of helped however would not of been ideal in such a situation. The cabins were an ideal location for portraits and I only wished myself and a crew member had time for a portrait or two.</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160274777410536402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsqMEOOwIERzI85z5jnfj7YGFlNDVKx760QbHZQqq7UlHwT9sHfEJDTblot7RhRbaitFV0o-rjQoTM2R6UInGFVvZCheEylql9BSTxkBCXZCh4lJ4idYbgxu0QumwrYfciKivrxufnIw/s200/Fishing1.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:85%;">( Working in the hold)</span></div><div align="center"><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">The Jenna Maree left that evening having offloaded 80 boxes of prawns at the local market to head out into the north sea to fish for a further few days.</div></div></div>Michael Balmainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04206524161927933790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620562390667576695.post-64637597715656321102008-01-13T15:56:00.000+00:002008-01-28T18:12:30.496+00:00A New Year a New Start.<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkT8nFhYiNrTB8DohPj2_ErqGGs5n2dyqf5IyJBEWLL6eF403fhrtoo3U_-DfxeVtBC_3ZQTq1s8MVzgolkmvNTWAgvhMrvNX_ouuUK38lc0x_C3mYoCK6Kd0avHXvDT-gpBI0xLjGVw/s1600-h/BBB2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160591157586461746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkT8nFhYiNrTB8DohPj2_ErqGGs5n2dyqf5IyJBEWLL6eF403fhrtoo3U_-DfxeVtBC_3ZQTq1s8MVzgolkmvNTWAgvhMrvNX_ouuUK38lc0x_C3mYoCK6Kd0avHXvDT-gpBI0xLjGVw/s200/BBB2.jpg" border="0" /></a>( <span style="font-size:85%;">Jim and Ruben of Black Bic Biro</span> )<br /><br />Good afternoon and good day to you all. Well it is now 2008 and it looks to be a bumper year. Much will be happening and over the year I hope to build up my portfolio for my university application! Watch this space for folio additions.<br /><br />Sadly due to hardware failure's I have been unable to keep this blog updated as I intended however as it is a new year I feel I can make amends and update this as it should be.<br />The year 2007 certainly ended with a bang with Miriam and I spending New Year in Edinburgh..<br />The day before we headed south (the 28<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span>) there was a fantastic gig being held at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Norscot</span> Angling Club where <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Shetland's</span> premier Indie band Black Bic Biro were playing along side Shetland/Edinburgh rockers Little Green Machine and Edinburgh's City City Beat.<br />As Miriam was playing with BBB that night and I was unable to get tickets ( I left it too late) I was determined to get in.<br />Armed with my camera, a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">gobby</span> mouth, 20 quid and a bit of charm I managed to blag myself and two friends <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">jin</span>. I could write for an eternity about what a brilliant night it was but I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">shant</span>.<br />I shall keep it short and sweet<br /><div align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtBFO5KCt4t4otrMVXp1v001qogCszLwKa6WQqmygYdT0fHqM98lL9aqWbdPO3s8i1Yjhxd4_36OYkCfhXU3cirloUTBj7kzMttNV8-XWOtUEYUWewh7FwHws70O1i6ZtIqu7Z8kjfJY/s1600-h/miriam+fiddle+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155073406224777330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtBFO5KCt4t4otrMVXp1v001qogCszLwKa6WQqmygYdT0fHqM98lL9aqWbdPO3s8i1Yjhxd4_36OYkCfhXU3cirloUTBj7kzMttNV8-XWOtUEYUWewh7FwHws70O1i6ZtIqu7Z8kjfJY/s200/miriam+fiddle+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> (Miriam Brett, Guest artist with Black Bic Biro)</span><br /><br />Having only heard Black Bic Biro on a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">cd</span> I was a little apprehensive about what to expect in regards to them playing live and with their style of music not what I'd normally listen to I was also somewhat sceptical about whether or not I would enjoy it. It turned out that I was not to be disappointed and that not only was their live <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">perfomance</span> most exciting it was evident as to why people think of them with such high regard. And bear in mind, these guys are all 18! Absolutely <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">fanstastic</span>! Roll on another gig!<br /><br />Up next on the line up were City City Beat who with there shoeless <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">shenanigings</span> and topless <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">tunananisms</span> played a solid set that had everyone jumping! I really look forward to hearing them again.<br /><br />Finally it was Little Green Machine to end the night, the grand finale and as ever they did not <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">disappoint. Cat Myers was a demon on the drums and often appeared in a psychotic state; truly one with the beats. As ever Jack Sandison and Arthur Nicholson were on perfect form and at times it seemed not a single person was still within the building.</span><br />According to their bebo page they are currently producing a new EP and if it is anything like their previous album it will certainly be a must buy!<br /><br />So all in all its been a mighty fine start to the year and with much anticipation for the comming months its certainly going to be a fun time.</div></div>Michael Balmainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04206524161927933790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620562390667576695.post-75324448943710572082007-12-07T08:03:00.000+00:002007-12-07T09:04:57.487+00:00Callyshang... Most certainly not a commotion :)<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Callyshang</span><br /></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9kGYv3wMxl-B7gLziADyom8aLko0xkwk8nsSX4Rl0UbxjAVSqtM5vYrXrSUc18V7hNP28FXpG-VKtmBvMGsMbTpI0y7NwGP5uQDFzsa9owY9PRRkvC62KT4Q224IHw18vSLi22h0zWW4/s1600-h/Callyshang15.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9kGYv3wMxl-B7gLziADyom8aLko0xkwk8nsSX4Rl0UbxjAVSqtM5vYrXrSUc18V7hNP28FXpG-VKtmBvMGsMbTpI0y7NwGP5uQDFzsa9owY9PRRkvC62KT4Q224IHw18vSLi22h0zWW4/s200/Callyshang15.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141140066416298866" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(Miriam, Kirsten and Liam)<br /><br /></span>As this site is about photography and there has been a distinct lack of updates over the past few months (Apologies for that) I decided it was time to set myself a project or two. One idea that I got was to do a profile of one of the bands that my girlfriend Miriam Brett plays in.<span style=""> </span>Having never done a profile of anything before I didn’t and still don’t have a clue where to begin.<br /><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Over a period of time I hope to get a good selection of photos of this group; Band practice, Socialising and ultimately anything leading up to the gig and of course photos from the sessions.</p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOB5rv8P9s-pQ6ztbjyNmjNrMmPW83rSkkDi7qglVISWo-wmTd8A2xtPB_GrZJyLdkuzuyRL4h0lIYgyJirh9aB4w-rhZNQeYeRg2ykExy-aRgqhrOi3bXE6ODcwEx-c9ee9kiUA3xA8/s1600-h/Callyshang4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOB5rv8P9s-pQ6ztbjyNmjNrMmPW83rSkkDi7qglVISWo-wmTd8A2xtPB_GrZJyLdkuzuyRL4h0lIYgyJirh9aB4w-rhZNQeYeRg2ykExy-aRgqhrOi3bXE6ODcwEx-c9ee9kiUA3xA8/s200/Callyshang4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141141758633413506" border="0" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;" align="center">(Liam Smith)<br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;" align="center">I feel it is appropriate to give a brief introduction of this group before I continue.<br />The band are called Callyshang and consist of 6 musicians under the age of 18 and having had the pleasure of being at one of their<span style=""> </span>practices I can only feel this band may go a long way in a<span style=""> </span>very short space of time.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;" align="center">The band consists of:<br />Miriam Brett (Young Fiddler of the Year 2007)<br />Kirsten Henry (Fiddle )<br />Jaqueline Jamieson (Fiddle, Saxaphone)<br />Garry Smith (Bass, PA, Guitar)<br />Liam Smith (Guitar, Mandolin)<br />Bobby Sutherland (Percussion and Piano)</p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1fbI77V0KJJnF6g7cZzg3WbQ7xOuXgMWfJHVdYQqNnnMoFZ7dk-i-lDTE_CHEYqXTH2ttFVhO5nPJnCsD8Eh9kWtbachbk40c0cwF32-K0AEm6Kx2KhF1oXUHqHW4nP0QiWpoNnUss2U/s1600-h/Callyshang14.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1fbI77V0KJJnF6g7cZzg3WbQ7xOuXgMWfJHVdYQqNnnMoFZ7dk-i-lDTE_CHEYqXTH2ttFVhO5nPJnCsD8Eh9kWtbachbk40c0cwF32-K0AEm6Kx2KhF1oXUHqHW4nP0QiWpoNnUss2U/s200/Callyshang14.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141142737885957010" border="0" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">(Gary and Miriam)</span><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Drawing their inspiration from iconic folk groups such as Bongshang, Fiddlers Bid, Filska, Shooglenifty and Terrafolk, they combine traditional folk music and modern contemporary sounds into a transient blend that is much needed in todays folk scene.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Although the members are young and the group in its infancy they are a joy to listen to and it’s not just their technical process that stands out, it’s their love for the music that they play and not only can it be heard, it can be felt, resonating from the heart.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;" align="center">So keep an eye or should that be thy ears open for this group for they sure as hell put on a good performance!</p><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbl_O6y3Kw9EADGfOc4G-UMobqdYlZS7TFLt0G4HIPgomU2y-Npf-5_jggHDWCIxJm_XmuoB9H-As0ccH6zFsLlP9Wai6mYQB8mxSkz6BTI8GWMvmQp9bqUFna1nmXLxMMwbNEdj6jq3Y/s1600-h/Callyshang19.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbl_O6y3Kw9EADGfOc4G-UMobqdYlZS7TFLt0G4HIPgomU2y-Npf-5_jggHDWCIxJm_XmuoB9H-As0ccH6zFsLlP9Wai6mYQB8mxSkz6BTI8GWMvmQp9bqUFna1nmXLxMMwbNEdj6jq3Y/s200/Callyshang19.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141142935454452642" border="0" /></a>(Kirsten Henry)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Michael Balmainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04206524161927933790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620562390667576695.post-40011708762944328332007-07-18T20:16:00.000+01:002007-07-18T22:07:22.524+01:00A new era for the Shetland Islands<div style="text-align: center;">As with all industries that boom there will inevitably be a decline later on. Over the past few years Shetland has seen a dramatic decline in its fishing industry brought upon by EU restrictions, decline in fish stocks and competition from foreign boats. Although this has had an affect on Shetland there is a light at the end of tunnel and a bright one at that.<br /><br />Yesterday (Tuesday 17th) saw the arrival of the largest structure ever to be brought ashore into Lerwick. The structure is the MSF (module support frame) for the platform TCP2 (Treatment & Compression Platform). In other words it's a great big piece off an oil rig.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_A6t5gsVdFOxSjjfZj4LKI9KLQ5cXYJh5_rmydMT8ADsrDIW_Qh7QCPsnCjz_O4gARf5_HbNANDV4x8qJVvOWlCG7YkzGMl8CWudvbcWzpPO5_XlEBrrjF8XtA0zn6_H6JuU7ezJu3A8/s1600-h/Decommission1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_A6t5gsVdFOxSjjfZj4LKI9KLQ5cXYJh5_rmydMT8ADsrDIW_Qh7QCPsnCjz_O4gARf5_HbNANDV4x8qJVvOWlCG7YkzGMl8CWudvbcWzpPO5_XlEBrrjF8XtA0zn6_H6JuU7ezJu3A8/s200/Decommission1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088632282947778450" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The barge and structure dwarf the decommissioning pad<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">The 8800 tonne structure was brought ashore by the S6000- a transport barge owned by Saipem and is the largest vessel ever to berth at Lerwick.<br />It is hoped that over the following three years that a total of 16000 tonnes of material will be brought ashore and decommissioned.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCo79bfQcQ50Wr_b3w55_IJNCguwaSejdMcHVu0pEBSE8QKF9bGkzMUq1N-Ke0lHILtpjR1Z53a8F9Rg5lv_8XrFQ8WhdG04iuTBBeBnGC7Z0fyNS6IXKmgQQzEmqJo-SvNQCSLVtMUcQ/s1600-h/Decommission2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCo79bfQcQ50Wr_b3w55_IJNCguwaSejdMcHVu0pEBSE8QKF9bGkzMUq1N-Ke0lHILtpjR1Z53a8F9Rg5lv_8XrFQ8WhdG04iuTBBeBnGC7Z0fyNS6IXKmgQQzEmqJo-SvNQCSLVtMUcQ/s200/Decommission2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088632819818690466" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Looking toward town the structure provides a Contrasting frame for the Town Hall</span><br /><br />A great amount of money has been invested to ensure that Shetland could secure part of the massive contract of decommissioning the Frigg Gas field with the aim of creating a new industry for Shetland and securing the future of the Isles.<br /></div>Michael Balmainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04206524161927933790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620562390667576695.post-76559846863936354672007-07-18T19:12:00.000+01:002007-07-18T22:03:45.667+01:00Test Gallery now online<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGTiGOIjJXDU_lH0duq3qY6C-gWQesTSIK04SeyCwIsGuPuw-AnXWuLlaaK04HsMU0duNZWgtst_ctfwTPmyTp_LmmSy-nLCWq1DDBhe9bRG54QnQMNc_oKK35Q2neC3Xo07GOG9FZp8/s1600-h/Boat.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGTiGOIjJXDU_lH0duq3qY6C-gWQesTSIK04SeyCwIsGuPuw-AnXWuLlaaK04HsMU0duNZWgtst_ctfwTPmyTp_LmmSy-nLCWq1DDBhe9bRG54QnQMNc_oKK35Q2neC3Xo07GOG9FZp8/s200/Boat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088612040766912386" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >Good evening. This is my first 'official' post. I suppose it is more of a bulletin to inform you that my test gallery is now online. It can be viewed <a href="http://www.kite-pics-scotland.com/mabster/photos/">Here</a><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Bear in mind it is my first attempt at it and it needs much tweaking. I hope you enjoy them. Any comments are appreciated.</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div>Michael Balmainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04206524161927933790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620562390667576695.post-83274868259283337872007-07-18T13:50:00.000+01:002007-07-18T22:02:52.331+01:00Welcome.Howdy folks! Welcome to my new blog and one that I hope to keep updated.<br />Over time I shall upload images and posts as appropriate- Somewhat like a daily photoblog with news on current events etc. Until then enjoy the web.Michael Balmainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04206524161927933790noreply@blogger.com0