Top 10 albums and eateries - the most important things in life

My fellow blogger Tom, has inspired me to do a top 10 of my fav albums of the year. A couple of retro acts (Scritti and Madonna!) and loads of yeehaw country and western vibe. Checked shirts are a go-go, also hoping to see Miss Dolly Parton in Cardiff next year!. I personally think this year has produced such interesting and creative music, it definitely has restored my faith in new music.

Top 10 Albums of the Year
1. Raconteurs – Broken Boy Soldier
2. Easy Star All-Stars - Radiodread (I just can’t stop playing it)
3. Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins – Rabbit Fur Coat (Definitely a country thing going on here)
4. Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan – Ballad of the Broken Seas
5. Madonna – (it’s a real grower, especially when you see it in context with her live show - discotastique)
6. Gnarls Barkley – St Elsewhere
7. Hot Chip – The Warning
8. Richard Hawley – Coles Corner
9. Scritti Politti – Black Beer White Bread
10. The Gossip – Standing in the Way of Control

Top Six Eateries
1. Cafe Maitreya - Easton (most amazing food and lovely venue, and it's vegetarian)
2. Pieminister – Stokes Croft (still loving the pie boys and their mash an gravy)
3. Teohs – Bedminster, North St (cheap and yummy - especially their yakisoba)
4. Quba Ice – Bedminster, North St (Bedminster is doing great guns in the fab food stakes)
5. Spyglass – Centre (pity they're not around in the winter too)
6. Savanas – Bedminster, North St (vege breakfast-tastic)

Don't eat chocolates on a public conveyance!

Especially if you're female!

On a list of old laws that are still legal (as printed in The Guardian) - my favourite was -
"It is illegal for a lady to eat chocolates on a public conveyance".

JRT Updates - Here's Daisy after a funtime in our local park, which is rather waterlogged at the moment, so the pooches come back covered in mud.
















I'm shy!

Love - Banksy - Love

We love Banksy in the pooch household - I have a little photocopy of one of his posters from his first Bristol exhibitions with the HMV dog holding a grenade launcher. It's my favourite. Especially as it looks like Dexter, and if you knew Dexter, and if he had a poseable thumb, I think he would use one on the first cat he saw.

Watching Banksy's work sky-rocket into the thousands of pounds bracket, you can only ponder the strangeness of media, the art world and the fact Banksy is laughing all the way to the bank(sy).

A postcard he did to promote his last London exhibition, with Kate Moss as Warhol's Marilyn is selling for £22 on ebay regularly. I picked several up at the time of the exhibition, and now can't find them.

Early interesting article and interview with him. http://arts.guardian.co.uk/features/story/0,,999712,00.html#article_continue

Rather apt for the coming season.

Toast Face

Tis the season to be ill. There’s a been a few strange illnesses floating about the Pooch household, me and my dodgy inner ear, and pooches with lumps (Dxtr got bitten, and had a nasty reaction). So we’ve spent a lot of time on the bed sympathising with each other.

One of my favourite coping strategies is eating toast and coffee on my bed, and to get a feel of what happens I took this picture for you (sorry it’s a little blurred).

Russell Brand is citing and barrassing

I bought tickets for Russell Brand at the Hippodrome, when all Russell was famous for was shouting ‘Hare Krishna’ on ‘Big Brothers Big Mouth’. Therefore I ended up with front and centre row tickets. The fear of being picked on by him, was overwhelming.

He is a very interesting looking man. A modern goth fop is a reasonable description, with unfeasibly tight 80’s black trousers. I remember wearing those trousers, and back-coming my hair just like his (and I wince with embarrassment - or barrassment, as he says, when I remember the amount of effort, pain and hair spray it all took).

He has armies of girls who’d love to be his conquests. And I believe, this perception is pushed forward by his constant comments about his previous activities and the invitation at the end of the gig to ‘meet him at the stage door’. I saw Bill Hicks 6 months before he died at the Victoria Rooms, and he said the exact same thing – so it’s a little unnerving that he died shortly after.

Our little party of 3 recommended him thoroughly, catch him while you can!

Ahh The Raconteurs……

Ahh The Raconteurs……Jack White…….Brendon….. the geeky looking bassist who looks like Joey Ramone. Its’ so nice to be watching accomplished, passionate musicians who love all things, guitar, Nashville and 70’s rock, even down to their embroidered cowboy shirts and slack pants. There was a lot of brown clothing going down. And Jack was sporting a strange cravat beard. In the photo you think it's a shadow, ohh no, it's facial fuzz - yeuck.

The support band were a three piece from Norway called BigBang. And they totally back up my theory (have I not bored you with this yet!), that a) 3 is a magic number and b) 3-piece bands are the best. Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Jam (I will think of others). But anyway, their sound was magic. Great harmonies, very tight. I’m sure they were hand picked by Jack, it was like they had swallowed all the great 70’s rock band (Led Zep, ACDC, The Who etc) and out came this wonderful familiar sound. The downside, they looked very Scandinavian – think Bjorn Borg, and Bjorn from Abba.

The Raconteurs rocked the house. They were so together, it was great. Played a stonking version of Cher’s ‘Bang Bang’ with their brilliant ‘Broken Boy Soldier’ interspersed into the middle of it. Sorry the pix are a bit naff. My camera wasn’t up to the job. But ahhhh Jack White.

Beaded dogs

Three evenings later, and beads stuck to the dogs and all over my bed, I have completed one strawberry and a couple of leaves. To those who say this is too much for me, I will make them eat their words! Or the beaded strawberries.

Knit n Stitch – Strawberry Bracelets and Knitted Ferrari's

My annual foray to Alexandra Palace, to worship at the alter of all things crafty ended in a few purchases (of course). One of which was this bracelet. It’s apparently the hardest level, and I was advised not to attempt it by the sales person and my mother. But I like a challenge! I hope to post progress, and prove them wrong!

Not sure what you’d do with a knitted Ferrari, but here it is.

Dogtown's Rising Star

Daisy on the dex!

(This is a bit of an optical illusion, as she is a very small dog, so that must be a very small skateboard)

Deal or No Deal Audience Member – ME!

How excited am I. Anyone who knows me, knows I’ve been watching Deal or No Deal since the beginning. And although I can’t quite face being on it, I quite fancy being in the audience. I’ve been trying to get in for quite a while, and I finally got the call today! Sad but stoked! (and no, I don't like Noel Edmonds).
Here's the game if you want to play it on the web (for all my overseas chums)
http://www.unix.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/deal.swf

Frankie Howerds Gorgeous Cottage

I visited Frankie Howerd’s house in Somerset – how chocolate box is this! Gorgeous! Rolling hills in the back ground, cream teas on the lawn. Yes we indulged ourselves. We met the current custodian of the house, Chris, who lives there with Frankie’s partner. The house itself was fascinating, an interesting collection of objet d’art, including a painting of a youngish Elvis, which was given to Frankie by Bette Davis, and another painting given to him by Princess Margaret. It was very fascinating listening to Chris, who explains they have little connection with the modern world, no internet or mobile phone, and they don’t go beyond the local shops for their needs. And his gossip about Laurence Olivier, Liz Taylor and Richard Burton was a must. A lovely day was had by all. http://www.frankiehowerd.com/news-garden2006.htm

Leccy Picnic Pt 2

Ymmmmm, Pieminister pie, brownie and a flaggon of cider. What more can a girl want on her birthday. (Many thanks to the Pieminister people for my present of the cider!)
The gorgeous Laundrettas. I felt like I'd come home, when I was in their tent. Here they are doing a mock 'fight' scene for a photographer.

I can't tell you how scary it was seeing Gary Numan pulling 'growly' shapes like it was 1977. I think most of the audience were there out of sheer curiosity (like my good self), and were obviously waiting for him to do 'Cars'. Thank god it was less than half way through the set. His band looked shockingly young, and wouldn't be out of place playing for Nine Inch Nails.

Electric Picnic, Dublin - Festival Pt 1

I can't remember who the band were (there were soooo many to see), but look at this John Peel banner. He held it up for the entire gig.
Dynamo Rhythm Aces, at the Lost Vagueness tent.

Look at these cute beach huts and teepees. I was quite jealous when I first saw them, but they were very close to the main arena's and the noise. So jealous I was not!

Lucha Libre!!!

I made this for my friends birthday - his name is El Nino! He is stuffed with lentils - does anyone remember making mice, stuffed with dried peas, and they used to flop around, or is it just me?

I love him a lot, so much so, I shall make him lots of friends. Welcome the Luchadores!

Bo’s Big Bowling Birthday Bonanza!

The big bowling bonanza went off to a fine start, I scored 0 for the first matches, but managed to gain the knack of just bunging it down the lane, only to be rewarded with 4th place. So I don’t believe there is a huge amount of skill in this bowling lark. But my eyes were green, with the envy of the Hello Kitty bowling ball and bag. I covet thee.

Big licks from Miss Daisy

Having fun at Ashton Court in the sun!

The Best Costume Making Site Ever!!!

Now come on... admit it, you've always wanted to make your own Superhero costume. Will this is the site for you http://p072.ezboard.com/ftheleagueofheroesfrm9 This is where you can make the boots, the cape, the everything!!! Or if you just want to make the mask, here you go...http://www.weaponofcreation.com/files/IES/htskin/clrhead.htm But it could be worse you could look like this.
(Taken from the www.craftster.org - good projects gone bad!)

Miss Madonna

I know, I know. I shouldn't waste my money. But she was rather good. Miss Madonna pulled out all the stops, and put on quite a video/media/all singing and dancing affair. You occasionally felt preached at, with her use of 'poor children' pictures and pleas of "you can make a difference!, but she managed to pull it off.

Although, I'm not quite sure why she was on a mirrored cross with a crown of thorns on her head, but hey why not! And if I looked as good as her, I would be a very happy girl!

Demonic Tots and Evil Looking Food from the 50's

I've found this fab website http://www.plan59.com/scarykids.htm for all of my fellow 50's lovers out there. Peruse the whole site, but I especially love the DT's page, which stands for Demonic Tots. They sure are evil looking. Just like these 'peas in potato boats' (why, you have to ask?)

Cows and Bean Crocks

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Yep – In Jersey for a bit visiting the reley’s.

Here’s some views from the Island, including my favourite little white building ‘Le Don Hilton’ which you can rent from the National Trust and have a barbecue while watching the surfers.

Massive Attack - Westonbirt Arboreteum

Yes, it was in a forest. Not that you saw any squirrels or anything too leafy. I was really hoping to get a box in a treehouse, and sit with some VIP badgers.

Having seen MA a few times before (Ashton Court house, where they served a light buffet, and a chill out room), I knew not to expect dancing girls or anything too showy. But the beautiful bathing coloured lights, wasn’t quite enough to distract from the doom and gloom of the opening number ‘famous flags’. Roberts influence of ‘darkness’ was clearly evident, and I really think he should go and see a ‘burlesque’ show or something similar, as I felt it was quite a challenge to remain upbeat while waiting for the more dancey tunes.
As evident in the photos, the wonderful Liz Fraser (Cocteau Twins) was called out for a few tunes, and she never disappoints. If one thing Massive Attack do well (apart from a good line in doom and gloom tunes), is reinvent fabulous vocalists to a new audience. Horace Andy was a joy and the woman (who’s name escapes me) who sang ‘unfinished sympathy’ was equally wonderful. The sad news of the event was Terry Callier’s collapse (the singer for ‘live with me’) on stage while performing as a support act. He said he had problems with his sugar levels, and was given a chocolate mini roll, and then collapsed again. I was queuing for my hot chocolate at the time (25 mins!!!, and yes I know it’s not very rock n roll) and I saw this all on the big screen. By the time I made my way back to the front row, I saw him being wheelchaired off by the ambulance men. And the security men at the front asked us if we wanted the remainder of his mini roll for ebay.

Part of the Bristol contingent lording it up. Yes you Miss Beth Gibbons, screaming like a banshee possesed during 'The Flies' support slot.

Daisy Hurricane - Update

I'm not sure if she's living up to her name, or she was born a hurricane but she's certainly haring about, I have the scratches to prove it. We've had a request for some updated pictures of the little pup - so here they are, looking angelic (ironically).

Screamin Pt 2

Screamin' Festival - Spain

I think the photos speak for themselves

Patron Saint of Jack Russells has passed away

Eddie from Frasier, (who's real name is Moose) has passed away, he was 16.

Made famous by Frasier he also starred in 'My dog skip', which is actually quite a cute film and guaranteed to make you shed a tear at the end - if it doesn't, you have a heart of stone.

"Moose’s major contribution to the show is his famous look: an endless stare that unnerves the pompous psychiatrist played by Kelsey Grammer". The rest of the article is here http://www.thepetpress-la.com/articles/eddie.htm

Special Messeurs

Oh, these are very special Messures - Look how happy this dude is with his new syrup! (Syrup of Figs - wig).

This is one of the enlightening experiences of Calella, taken from the Barcelona holiday. You should of seen the pictures of the food.

More pix of Barcelona and the Screamin' festival will follow soon.

The Who - Bristol Ashton Gate

Who are you – who, who - who, who!

The kids are alright! Well there weren't many kids at Ashton Gate Stadium and the average age of the audience were at least 50. I was worried they would pop a hip, while rocking out to ‘substitute’.

I’ve never seen the Who, so when I saw they were playing in my back yard, I couldn’t resist hearing Pinball Wizard, and See Me, Feel Me, first hand.

The Zutons supported, and they were very good – which was a nice surprise. Let’s hope they haven’t got the ‘Ashton Gate support band curse’ ie J Geils Band, who supported the Stones in the early 80’s and were a one hit wonder.

All in all a very good evening out, and the audience took their rubbish home with them too.

Figaro-a-go-go!

What a lovely civilised day Sunday was (apart from the boring England game!). I attended my first Figaro ‘meet’ in Bath at Victoria Park. I met lots of lovely Figaro owners, most were local, but some had driven from Surrey, Essex and London. We all had lunch on plaid picnic blankets in front of a line of our lovely cars. All we were missing were the Pimms.

We swapped a few tips and war stories. A sense of pride re-emerged in me as we drove around Bath in convey and I remembered what a joy it was to own my car. As we drove back into the park, the brass band in the park were playing the theme from ‘The Italian Job’. Very apt!