Weekend Reflections...

This polar bear is so far from the North Pole that he has begun to take on the shades of the leaves in his pool...is he dreaming of a White Christmas?

This post is for James' Weekend Reflections, so pop on over and see who else has posted reflections.

SKYWATCH FRIDAY

Nothing special today. Just a pretty sky with silhouettes.

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Seeing double

Okay, how many of you over-a-certain-agers started humming the Wrigley's Doublemint Gum ditty, 'Double your pleasure, double your fun...."? I remember an older version than the one right here, but it's still good.

ABC Wednesday "U" is for "Unsafe?" =="Untrue!"

Belgrade is not unsafe!! Although I've staged a hold-up here with two pairs of salt and pepper shakers and a tiny toy gun, Belgrade is a surprisingly safe city, both for its inhabitants and visitors. In all my time here, I have never been aggressed in any way, aside of course from being sworn at by drivers who feel they own the entire road.

It would be untrue if I told you there was no crime at all, but on a daily basis, most Belgradians and foreigners feel the city streets are safe. If you click here, you can read several opinions supporting this claim.

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Chimp Sami's Monument

Sami the Chimp, who passed away in 1992, is a Belgrade legend. Sami escaped from the zoo twice, and like many chimps, he didn't feel he was a chimp, but rather a human.
He made his first escape in 1988. Radio stations updated live on attempts to capture him, while hundreds of citizens rallied to support Sami in his fight for freedom. You can read more about him here at Belgraded.

In this photo you can see that Sami still manages to entertain visitors to the zoo.

Odd man out

Another street artist today, perhaps one more to your liking. He's categorizing his photos, and seems to have more Belgrade scenes than nudes... I didn't stick around long enough to see which painting went first.

Spray-paint art

I've seen these artists in several cities in Europe and in the US. While what they create isn't to my liking, I've got to admire their skill.

I also admire their not wearing any kind of protection on their clothes nor masks to protection them from fumes.

Graceful swan

I guess that's a redundant title; swans are pretty much always graceful!

This is for Jacob's Reflections Weekend.

SKYWATCH--A Gargoyle in Belgrade

This post is for Kim of Seattle Daily Photo, who back in April of 2008 posted a gargoyle for me that you can see right here. Well, I scoured Belgrade looking for a Balkan gargoyle, but had little luck until I stepped out on my terrace the other morning, and lo and behold, there he was....

It's actually an ex-pat gargoyle, purchased at Gargoyles Statuary in the U. District. I'd forgotten that he had been hanging out on my porch railing....

All kinds of fun for Skywatch Friday. Join by clicking here!

The Cassowary

Last Sunday I went to the Belgrade Zoo, hoping to get a peek at the new white tiger, but he (I think it is a 'he') decided he didn't want a peek at me or anyone else, and had retreated into his den.

This is one of several cassowaries that live in the zoo. It is indeed a strange -looking bird. Cassowaries are large flightless birds native to the tropical forests of New Guinea, and northeastern Australia. The Southern Cassowary is the third tallest and second heaviest living bird, smaller only than the ostrich and emu. Theories about the purpose of the strange 'casque' on their beaks include sexual attraction, a tool for battering through brush, and to enhance their deep communication calls.

"Cassowaries are very shy," says Wikipedia, "but when disturbed, they are capable of inflicting serious injuries to dogs and children."

And to curious adults, I do not know. This one was safely behind thick glass.

ABC WEDNESDAY "T" is for "Too much of a good thing"

Like any other photoblogger, I am never without my camera, but sometimes I think I overdo it. I was in bed the other night, scrolling back through some photos still in my camera. My son came in to say good night, and decided he'd try his hand (literally) at some hand shadows.

Naturally, since I was in bed with my camera, I had to respond.... Too much of a good thing?

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