Archive for the 'Chicago' Category


Snow on the runway

Friday, February 15th, 2008 by Donncha

On the way back from Arizona I flew via ’s O’Hare . I had a long wait but I have a laptop, a spare battery, DVD and Mame to keep me amused.

I took a few too but I discovered shortly after taking this that photography in most parts of the is banned!

From what I remember, it’s ok to take snapshots of family or friends beyond the security checkpoints, and possibly only with a compact camera. I can only imagine the fuss if I had been discovered taking of the and service areas with my big chunky !

I know for a fact that photography in Heathrow is banned. It’s a good thing too. The flash might set off the dangerous liquids left by disgruntled and thirsty travellers before they go through security.

Have you noticed this is a wide angle shot? I didn’t get my back yet and no news from the camera store. I took this with a USM stuck to my camera. Matt very kindly gave me his lens because he’s buying Nikon kit. Thanks Matt!

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Engarde! Construction continues in Cork

Sunday, August 12th, 2007 by Donncha

Will the construction work in ever end? They just finished digging up the end of Washington and Grande Parade when they dig up that busy corner again.

Not quite as bad as the ESB or Bord Gais running a trench through brand new tarmac and leaving a broken road surface behind.

This shot is from the where brickwork is being laid into the ground around the original fountain that was recently restored there. Pics of that to follow!

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White Sox Hanging On?

Saturday, August 26th, 2006 by Donncha

How are the White Sox doing this year? I went to see several games in and they were always a blast, more a social occasion than anything else. I of course had my camera, here are some shots from a White Sox game, and here’s the famous game where Sammy Sosa used a corked bat! That was my first game, watched from a corporate box owned by Fox!

This picture was taken last year. It’s on the location of Donald Trump’s new building, Trump International Hotel and Tower (Chicago) on the site of the old (and ugly) Sun-Times building.

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The Brown Line to Kimball

Friday, August 25th, 2006 by Donncha

Aboard one of the of the Chicago L, the and underground train network in . I think this was taken near the south end of the Loop, possibly around the corner from the library.

The last time I was in I took the for nostalgic reasons and because it’s not a half-bad way for a tourist to see the town. The stations of the Loop are all above level and some afford a good view down the main streets of downtown ! Maps and schedules are posted in each station, on the and online too making it very easy to find your way around.

Here’s a tour of the Loop with pictures if you’d like to know more.

I like this: Real Esteli played its best match ever - couple of great football shots!

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Wrigley Building Sky Bridge

Thursday, August 24th, 2006 by Donncha

This is the bridge between the two sections of the Wrigley Building in . We were walking through when I looked up and immediately noticed the leading lines of the buildings and the walkway.

Way back in 2003 I photographed the Wrigley Building a few times and I’m pretty sure it featured in the film Batman Begins too.

Wrigley.com has a page dedicated to the history of the building and it makes for interesting reading.

While searching ocaoimh.ie for those pictures, I came across this little nugget about Bill Gates from 2002. :)

Something else from the archives for you shooters - A face in the crowd, tips from the Photography List on capturing the elusive face in the maddening crowd.

I like this: Cow & Gate, never mind the baby food.

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The Thieving Duck

Wednesday, August 23rd, 2006 by Donncha



A duck robs a poor innocent woman as she’s distracted by the cute ducklings. Moments later they all rush off with their ill-gotten gains!

What you don’t see is the camera crew, make-up and lighting and a small crowd watching from behind them. This was for some advert and of course the woman in question is a model.
I shot this on State , after stumbling upon the shoot by accident. They didn’t seem to mind, and I even got a dazzling smile from the model!

I like this: xtreme (login may be required)

2006-10-03 - Welcome visitors from snopes.com, thanks Kathy B for linking here, I appreciate it. Please feel free to leave a comment!

.com have now published this picture and the joke description on a separate page linking to this blog. Thank you!

2006-10-07 - John Marguess pointed me at Organized Crime which uses the same image in another joke email! Thanks John!

Here’s the text of the joke email (via ) for those of you who go searching for the origins of it. I’d love to know who concocted it in the first place!

Seems the Better Business Bureau got a complaint the other day about a scam in which allegedly was taking advantage of women on the and stealing their money.
Now we all at one time or another have thought that INSURANCE Companies have stolen from us; however, this scam is netting HARD CASH from unsuspecting individuals.
The way it works is the thief uses to distract the target. While admiring the cuteness of the kids the target is robbed of her cash and never knows what hit her.
I’m sending this out for all to be aware that this is happening and it’s right out on the streets in front of the general public.
A passer-by with a digital camera phone happened to capture the photo attached.
Review it carefully and use caution when distractions like this come along.
Good Luck, and don’t say you weren’t warned.

According to , it was an advert showing how safe Western Union money transfer system was. I really should have asked someone..

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Sears Tower and Flagpole

Monday, August 21st, 2006 by Donncha

Sears Tower in and it’s reflection in a flagpole on the grounds of the building. I love the light and shadows in this image and the mirror image of the reflection.

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Children, wait in line

Sunday, August 20th, 2006 by Donncha

wait for their teachers in down town last year. They were standing on the pavement (oh ok, side walk) near the Board of Trade. I presume on a outing, hope they enjoyed themselves!

I’ve been holding on to this photo for months now and since I don’t feel like working a shot this morning, this image finally sees the light of day!

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American Bald Eagle

Sunday, March 19th, 2006 by Donncha

This bird, the American Bald , took my breath away when I saw it at the zoo. He looked so majestic and dignified, despite the fact that he was surrounded by bars in a large enclosure.
The shot is at the extreme end of the Canon 75-300mm zoom and it’s a little soft. I wish I could have retained more detail from the beautiful downy neck.
This bird is of course the national symbol of the .
Pictured in , .

I have a ton of to post from the St. Patrick’s Day Festival here in . There are performers and drama, markets and stalls and a rich mix of cultures present and it was a great experience.
The best news? It all happens again today if you missed it yesterday!

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White Owl

Saturday, March 18th, 2006 by Donncha

An owl pictured inside it’s enclosure at , . The faint lines are the thin bars of the cage.
I love the eye!

If you have a moment, check out Glassey Alley, Ryan’s new photoblog!

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