Here's a MUCH better video of Bono busking on Grafton Street last night, enjoy. Happy Christmas!
Saturday, 25 December 2010
Friday, 24 December 2010
Bono Busking on Grafton Street - Again!
So Bono eventually made it home to Dublin despite being held up by the weather. He found time to go out busking tonight in Grafton Street as he did last Christmas. Shame it wasn't next week when I'll be there!
Ice on the Solway Firth
The Arctic weather is making the Cumbrian seascape look like something from Iceland or Scandinavia. Someone I know took the following photos of the ice in the Solway Firth and dock at Silloth, a little seaside town not far from where I live. I can't remember ever seeing the sea freeze over like this before.
Wednesday, 22 December 2010
U2 Weather Woes
After the sun of Down Under Bono and Edge came back down to earth with a bump. Whilst trying to get home to Dublin they were diverted and delayed by the Arctic weather that is hanging over the British Isles at the moment and had to slum it with everyone else. How I wish I'd been on that train!
Read about it here
Read about it here
Tuesday, 21 December 2010
A Christmas Message From Pepsi the Dachshund
Hello, I'm Pepsi, looking very sweet and gorjus. Like my hat? My mammy bought it for me, I need it with all the ice and snow outside, not gud wether for dachshunds!
I thort I'd write a little Christmas message to you, pleese excuse any spelling mistakes, I'm very clever but am only two. My big brudder Max wouldn't wear his hat, or pose for a foto, he was just watching when I had my foto taken, he can be a bit anti-social, but I love him anyway, he's my best pal.
And here's me showing my true colours, (I have a lovely smile and don't you think?) a bit of a rascal who can't keep out of trubble for long - that's what my mammy says anyway, but I just love having fun, fun, fun BOL! She wasn't very happy when I chewed her boots the other day, she went rather red in the face and said sum strange words. But she soon loved me again when I laid on my back to let her tickle my tummee.
I eventually managed to perswade Max to pose under the Christmas tree with me, here's our festive foto. Only four days to go - I'm soooooo looking forward to Chrisrmas and TURKEY!
Happy Christmas to you all, and health, happiness and lots of juicy bones for 2011, from mammy, Max and me, Pepsi! xxxx
Thursday, 16 December 2010
Friday, 10 December 2010
Pet Portraits
The drawing would be a miniature (approximately 4" x 3") and executed in pencil from your favourite photo of your pet. Dianne draws any kind of pet, not just dogs.
I've included a couple of examples of her work in this post - including one of my dogs Pepsi and Max, which I am very pleased with, she's really caught their looks and personalities. It's lovely to have a drawing of my boys!
If you are interested, contact Dianne directly on grimspound@aol.com.
Wednesday, 8 December 2010
Dub of the Year
Nice, and wouldn't this be a good time to announce U2 360 Tour 2011 dates in Dublin/Ireland?
It's the sweetest thing for Bono as he's crowned Dub of the Year
PRIDE: U2 frontman insists capital can be a world-beater again
Wednesday December 08 2010
By Caitlin McBride
POP star, peace broker, humanitarian -- and now The Dubliner of the Year.
After scooping most of the top awards around the world it's only fitting that Bono should be recognised in his hometown.
The U2 frontman will tomorrow be announced as the Dub of the Year in The Dubliner magazine -- to the surprise of.... well, no one.
Bono was floored with the title and said being named The Dubliner of the Year was the perfect way to wrap up the year.
"Dublin is a state of mind and a place. What's being a Dub?
"I don't know, but I am one and proud of it through and through.
Punkiness
"The messy head, all the earnest conversation, our spunkiness and punkiness, our sense of fun, the self-deprecating over-confidence.
"We are so many contradictions.
"Dubliner of the Year crowns a great year for me and the band, not everyone's experience I know.
"I'm feeling very blessed and grateful, and deep down in my gut, I know this city has what it takes to be a world-beater once again.
"It already is, in my head."
Editor of The Dubliner Paul Trainer said that he was the natural winner for the 2010 title.
"Bono has inspired many of the articles we have published over the last ten years. Wherever he goes, he takes a bit of Dublin with him and in the last year he has taken our city to every corner of the earth. He is a Dubliner who makes us proud to be The Dubliner," he said.
Famous Dubliners have come out in honour of the superstar to celebrate his newest accolade.
Former Dubliner of the Year Brian O'Driscoll is often considered one of the capital's best ambassadors, and he praised the iconic singer for staying loyal to his roots.
"No matter where he is in the world, whether on stage or meeting world leaders nobody is ever in any doubt that Bono is a Dubliner through and through," he said.
And Danny O'Donoghue from The Script, whose band has often been compared to U2, praised his hero as a success story which should be celebrated".
"Bono has got what most musicians search for all there life -- 'heart'. His belief changes others. He made it possible for Dubliners to dream, to think 'what if?'
"His belief and drive as a Dubliner got him to where he is today and we all need to be reminded that we drink the same water.
"So I congratulate Bono and say well done, keep flying the flag for Dublin and Ireland," he said.
Check out tomorrow's issue of The Dubliner, available every Thursday in the Herald, to find out all the details on Bono winning the title, and what 2FM DJ Dave Fanning, Gavin Friday, Senator David Norris, Mick Pyro, Niall Breslin of The Blizzards and Shane MacGowan have to say.
mcbride@herald.ie
It's the sweetest thing for Bono as he's crowned Dub of the Year
PRIDE: U2 frontman insists capital can be a world-beater again
Wednesday December 08 2010
By Caitlin McBride
POP star, peace broker, humanitarian -- and now The Dubliner of the Year.
After scooping most of the top awards around the world it's only fitting that Bono should be recognised in his hometown.
The U2 frontman will tomorrow be announced as the Dub of the Year in The Dubliner magazine -- to the surprise of.... well, no one.
Bono was floored with the title and said being named The Dubliner of the Year was the perfect way to wrap up the year.
"Dublin is a state of mind and a place. What's being a Dub?
"I don't know, but I am one and proud of it through and through.
Punkiness
"The messy head, all the earnest conversation, our spunkiness and punkiness, our sense of fun, the self-deprecating over-confidence.
"We are so many contradictions.
"Dubliner of the Year crowns a great year for me and the band, not everyone's experience I know.
"I'm feeling very blessed and grateful, and deep down in my gut, I know this city has what it takes to be a world-beater once again.
"It already is, in my head."
Editor of The Dubliner Paul Trainer said that he was the natural winner for the 2010 title.
"Bono has inspired many of the articles we have published over the last ten years. Wherever he goes, he takes a bit of Dublin with him and in the last year he has taken our city to every corner of the earth. He is a Dubliner who makes us proud to be The Dubliner," he said.
Famous Dubliners have come out in honour of the superstar to celebrate his newest accolade.
Former Dubliner of the Year Brian O'Driscoll is often considered one of the capital's best ambassadors, and he praised the iconic singer for staying loyal to his roots.
"No matter where he is in the world, whether on stage or meeting world leaders nobody is ever in any doubt that Bono is a Dubliner through and through," he said.
And Danny O'Donoghue from The Script, whose band has often been compared to U2, praised his hero as a success story which should be celebrated".
"Bono has got what most musicians search for all there life -- 'heart'. His belief changes others. He made it possible for Dubliners to dream, to think 'what if?'
"His belief and drive as a Dubliner got him to where he is today and we all need to be reminded that we drink the same water.
"So I congratulate Bono and say well done, keep flying the flag for Dublin and Ireland," he said.
Check out tomorrow's issue of The Dubliner, available every Thursday in the Herald, to find out all the details on Bono winning the title, and what 2FM DJ Dave Fanning, Gavin Friday, Senator David Norris, Mick Pyro, Niall Breslin of The Blizzards and Shane MacGowan have to say.
mcbride@herald.ie
Tuesday, 7 December 2010
The Suburbs - Arcade Fire
I downloaded their third album The Suburbs a while ago. I'd heard lots of positive reviews but I've been busy and only listened to bits of it here and there. But tonight I made the time and sat down and listened to the whole thing - and this album most definitely has to be listened to as a whole, it's an amazing, powerful sonic experience.
The Suburbs is complex lyrically and musically, and like most U2 albums, the songs are interlinked in theme, it is very much a single entity and a grower. I feel I need to listen to it a good few more times before I could attempt a proper review, but what I can say now is that this is an excellent album well worth buying. Arcade Fire have their own "wall of sound" and are like no other band around. And in this age of made-to-order bands it's refreshing to know young people still have the hunger to create and express themselves and how they see the world around them via excellent rock music!
Read a review by NME here that says it better than I ever could.
Friday, 3 December 2010
Bad in Melbourne 1st December
This song never fails to send shivers down my spine, lovely version, great sound at that gig. Roll on Canada next year!
Missing Snowman and Whiteout UK
You know life is wieder than fiction, this story was reported by the BBC
Woman Dials 999 to Report Snowman Theft in Kent
A woman who dialled 999 to report the theft of a snowman from outside her home has been branded "completely irresponsible" by Kent Police.
The force said the woman, from Chatham, thought the incident required their involvement because she used pound coins for eyes and teaspoons for arms.
During the call the woman said: "It ain't a nice road but you don't expect someone to nick your snowman."
Kent Police said officers had given her advice on real 999 emergencies.
The force said the call was made at the same time as operators fielded thousands of other phone calls about the heavy snowfall and sub-zero temperatures in the county.
During the conversation she said: "There's been a theft from outside my house.
"I haven't been out to check on him for five hours but I went outside for a fag and he's gone."
When she was asked who had gone, the woman replied: "My snowman. I thought that with it being icy and there not being anybody about, he'd be safe."
She was then asked whether it was an ornament, and answered: "No, a snowman made of snow, I made him myself. It ain't a nice road but at the end of the day, you don't expect someone to nick your snowman, you know what I mean?"
The operator then told her she had rung an emergency line and she should not be calling it to report the theft of a snowman.
Ch Insp Simon Black said: "This call could have cost someone's life if there was a genuine emergency and they couldn't get through. It was completely irresponsible.
"We have spoken to her and advised her what is a 999 call, and this clearly was not."
(http://www.bbc.co.uk/)
Woman Dials 999 to Report Snowman Theft in Kent
A woman who dialled 999 to report the theft of a snowman from outside her home has been branded "completely irresponsible" by Kent Police.
The force said the woman, from Chatham, thought the incident required their involvement because she used pound coins for eyes and teaspoons for arms.
During the call the woman said: "It ain't a nice road but you don't expect someone to nick your snowman."
Kent Police said officers had given her advice on real 999 emergencies.
The force said the call was made at the same time as operators fielded thousands of other phone calls about the heavy snowfall and sub-zero temperatures in the county.
During the conversation she said: "There's been a theft from outside my house.
"I haven't been out to check on him for five hours but I went outside for a fag and he's gone."
When she was asked who had gone, the woman replied: "My snowman. I thought that with it being icy and there not being anybody about, he'd be safe."
She was then asked whether it was an ornament, and answered: "No, a snowman made of snow, I made him myself. It ain't a nice road but at the end of the day, you don't expect someone to nick your snowman, you know what I mean?"
The operator then told her she had rung an emergency line and she should not be calling it to report the theft of a snowman.
Ch Insp Simon Black said: "This call could have cost someone's life if there was a genuine emergency and they couldn't get through. It was completely irresponsible.
"We have spoken to her and advised her what is a 999 call, and this clearly was not."
(http://www.bbc.co.uk/)
 |
| Whiteout UK, satellite photo taken yesterday |
Wednesday, 1 December 2010
Paint the World (RED) on World Aids Day
 |
| (Photo by Don Arnold/Getty Images AsiaPac) |
 |
| (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images AsiaPac) |
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Snow Snow Snow!
Snow for two years on the trot, so where's the global warming? It looks so pretty. I'm going to a Christmas Market in the city centre tonight and one of the special events is an hourly fall of false snow lol!
 |
| Who's been out in the snow then? |
 |
| A Christmassy tree in my garden |
Friday, 26 November 2010
Wednesday, 24 November 2010
The Celtic Tiger's Roar Turns into a Whimper
Over the last few days, like many others, I've been following the financial woes of Ireland that has resulted in the country receiving a massive loan from the E.U.
I've been visiting Ireland, mainly Dublin, for over twenty years. In the early years it was a rather down at heel city, but what it lacked in modernity and riches it more than made up for with character, warmth and friendliness. We grew very familiar with the Docklands area, (U2 fans will know why) which was grimy, partially derelict and oozing history. I especially remember the smells - coffee from Bewley's warehouse, and curry wafting from somewhere near Hanover Quay, we never did nail down exactly where that smell was coming from. O'Connell Street was trashy, Temple Bar didn't exist, Bewley's waitresses still wore their black and white uniforms complete with pristine aprons. Our favourite watering hole was Docker's pub, a wonderful old-time "real" pub, complete with snug, that served the best Guinness and sandwiches in town. The Clarence Hotel still held tea dances. And you could bump into U2 members in the street.
Then, Ireland joined the E.U in the 90's, and the Celtic Tiger started stirring and before we knew it the country was booming and Dublin was changing by the month. The entertainment area of Temple Bar sprung up, O'Connell Street was tidied up, the waitresses in Bewley's lost their smart uniforms, Docker's pub didn't fit the new modern image for Dublin and now is no more. The main change was all the building, the Dublin skyline became a mass of cranes. New buildings of steel, concrete and glass lined the quays replacing the old stone structures. More homes were built than were needed and house prices shot up to an unbelievable level. But in the process the city was losing something, that innate "Irishness" .
Don't get me wrong Dublin did need to modernise and the building brought lots of employment for people. But a boom of those proportions couldn't last and again it seems the banks are to blame for this financial crisis. And who is going to be hit hardest, yes, as usual the ordinary person in the street. I consider Dublin my second home and I really feel for the Irish. But they are resilient people and that Irish spirit will prevail, they have weathered other hard times and I'm sure they'll get through this.
I've been visiting Ireland, mainly Dublin, for over twenty years. In the early years it was a rather down at heel city, but what it lacked in modernity and riches it more than made up for with character, warmth and friendliness. We grew very familiar with the Docklands area, (U2 fans will know why
Then, Ireland joined the E.U in the 90's, and the Celtic Tiger started stirring and before we knew it the country was booming and Dublin was changing by the month. The entertainment area of Temple Bar sprung up, O'Connell Street was tidied up, the waitresses in Bewley's lost their smart uniforms, Docker's pub didn't fit the new modern image for Dublin and now is no more. The main change was all the building, the Dublin skyline became a mass of cranes. New buildings of steel, concrete and glass lined the quays replacing the old stone structures. More homes were built than were needed and house prices shot up to an unbelievable level. But in the process the city was losing something, that innate "Irishness" .
Don't get me wrong Dublin did need to modernise and the building brought lots of employment for people. But a boom of those proportions couldn't last and again it seems the banks are to blame for this financial crisis. And who is going to be hit hardest, yes, as usual the ordinary person in the street. I consider Dublin my second home and I really feel for the Irish. But they are resilient people and that Irish spirit will prevail, they have weathered other hard times and I'm sure they'll get through this.
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
Wide Awake In Europe
Rather ironic that something with that title is not available in Europe! Shame, as it has two songs on it I'd love to have.
Tracks: 'Mercy’ recorded live in Brussels on September 22nd 2010
'Moment of Surrender' (Live)
'I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight' (Live)
Further details can be found by following the link below.
'Wide Awake In Europe' for Record Store Day
Tracks: 'Mercy’ recorded live in Brussels on September 22nd 2010
'Moment of Surrender' (Live)
'I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight' (Live)
Further details can be found by following the link below.
'Wide Awake In Europe' for Record Store Day
Saturday, 13 November 2010
Aung San Suu Kyi - Walk On!
Aung San Suu Kyi has been released from house arrest today. I watched her on TV being greeted by crowds of cheering people at her gates after her release with a lump in my throat. There are few politicians that can inspire, who have true integrity and who have given up so much of their own personal lives as her. She has grace and a quiet determination and I respect her so much and only hope that this time her freedom will last. Bono's lyrics for the U2 song dedicated to her, Walk On, are a beautiful and fitting tribute to an amazing woman.
And love is not the easy thing
And if the darkness is to keep us apart
And if the daylight feels like it's a long way off
And if your glass heart should crack
And for a second you turn back
Oh no, be strong
Walk on, walk on
What you got, they can't steal it
No they can't even feel it
Walk on, walk on
Stay safe tonight...
You're packing a suitcase for a place none of us has been
A place that has to be believed to be seen
You could have flown away
A singing bird in an open cage
Who will only fly, only fly for freedom
Walk on, walk on
What you got they can't deny it
Can't sell it or buy it
Walk on, walk on
Stay safe tonight
And I know it aches
And your heart it breaks
And you can only take so much
Walk on, walk on
Home...hard to know what it is if you never had one
Home...I can't say where it is but I know I'm going home
That's where the heart is
I know it aches
How your heart it breaks
And you can only take so much
Walk on, walk on
Leave it behind
You've got to leave it behind
All that you fashion
All that you make
All that you build
All that you break
All that you measure
All that you steal
All this you can leave behind
All that you reason
All that you sense
All that you speak
All you dress up
All that you scheme...
And love is not the easy thing
 |
| Aung San Suu Kyi at her gates after her release |
The only baggage you can bring...
And love is not the easy thing...
The only baggage you can bring
Is all that you can't leave behind
And if the daylight feels like it's a long way off
And if your glass heart should crack
And for a second you turn back
Oh no, be strong
Walk on, walk on
What you got, they can't steal it
No they can't even feel it
Walk on, walk on
Stay safe tonight...
You're packing a suitcase for a place none of us has been
A place that has to be believed to be seen
You could have flown away
A singing bird in an open cage
Who will only fly, only fly for freedom
Walk on, walk on
What you got they can't deny it
Can't sell it or buy it
Walk on, walk on
Stay safe tonight
And I know it aches
And your heart it breaks
And you can only take so much
Walk on, walk on
Home...hard to know what it is if you never had one
Home...I can't say where it is but I know I'm going home
That's where the heart is
I know it aches
How your heart it breaks
And you can only take so much
Walk on, walk on
Leave it behind
You've got to leave it behind
All that you fashion
All that you make
All that you build
All that you break
All that you measure
All that you steal
All this you can leave behind
All that you reason
All that you sense
All that you speak
All you dress up
All that you scheme...
Friday, 12 November 2010
Zumba....a....a....agh!
Went to my first Zumba class last night, two friends were going and asked if I wanted to go. As it was very close to where I live and I enjoy dancing, I said yes.
It was certainly full-on! Geez, one hour of fast, frenetic dancing to Latiny/rock music. I didn't think I'd manage it but I did. I found it quite cathartic in an way, shaking my bits, screaming and yelling, above all it was great fun. It didn't matter if you couldn't keep up (which I often couldn't) as long as you moved. I know I need to do exercise but I find aerobics/gyms simply boring, but I actually enjoyed this. Though I suffered for it, lying in bed last night my back muscles ached as I breathed - there are a lot of arm movements in Zumba and my upper body muscles were testament to that. Today, I woke up aching all over and it took a good few hours to ease off! One of my friends had been to another Zumba class which started with a warm up, then the full-on dancing and finishing with a relaxing wind down. I like the sound of that, so I'll try that class as I do think this is for me, but would like a slightly less vigourous work out.
We've been having wild, windy weather with lots of rain. I haven't much planned for the weekend which suits me, I needn't go out much in this lousy weather. Of course I'll have to walk the dogs, one of them, Max, hates the rain, he'd be happy to do what he needs to do and go back home. But Pepsi loves his walks and doesn't seem to even notice the weather, he's too busy sniffing the air and ground and finding interest in everything around him!
It was certainly full-on! Geez, one hour of fast, frenetic dancing to Latiny/rock music. I didn't think I'd manage it but I did. I found it quite cathartic in an way, shaking my bits, screaming and yelling, above all it was great fun. It didn't matter if you couldn't keep up (which I often couldn't) as long as you moved. I know I need to do exercise but I find aerobics/gyms simply boring, but I actually enjoyed this. Though I suffered for it, lying in bed last night my back muscles ached as I breathed - there are a lot of arm movements in Zumba and my upper body muscles were testament to that. Today, I woke up aching all over and it took a good few hours to ease off! One of my friends had been to another Zumba class which started with a warm up, then the full-on dancing and finishing with a relaxing wind down. I like the sound of that, so I'll try that class as I do think this is for me, but would like a slightly less vigourous work out.
We've been having wild, windy weather with lots of rain. I haven't much planned for the weekend which suits me, I needn't go out much in this lousy weather. Of course I'll have to walk the dogs, one of them, Max, hates the rain, he'd be happy to do what he needs to do and go back home. But Pepsi loves his walks and doesn't seem to even notice the weather, he's too busy sniffing the air and ground and finding interest in everything around him!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)