The Death Of My Pumpkin Peter

Today I am morning the loss of my little pumpkin. Almost nine days after Halloween and fifteen days after I carved his little smiley face, I placed him in the bin. I called him Peter pumpkin. I have no artistic abilities, nor do I have a steady hand, especially when it comes to carving pumpkins. So I was rather pleased with my creation on Peter, I thought he turned out rather sweet. He kept us company for many days, lighting up our living room on All Hallows' Eve. But then he started to frown. Soon his frown turned into a sagging smile before his face just collapsed in on him. My partner and I fought over when I should get rid off him. We had many heated arguments as to when I should turf Peter into the compost heap, but I just couldn't. Even with his collapsed face, looking like a a gurning grandad, he still looked cute. I wanted to hold on to him as long as possible, or at least until he started to smell. Which was today. I walked into the living room to an almighty pumpkin stench. Poor Peter. He was not in a good way and I just had to bin him. I've posted a picture of Peter looking his best, right after I carved him. RIP Peter Pumpkin :-(

Introducing Stromae

Stromae (Paul Van Haver) scored a massive number one with "Alors On Danse" across Europe earlier this year, topping the charts in Germany, France & Italy. This wonderful Hip-Hop, electro artist finally got a UK release a few months back. I've only just discovered Stromae and his thumping tunes, I came across his music on YouTube and was immediately hooked. Think David Guetta with French lyrics and you have Stromae. Born in Brussels to a Rawandan father and a Belgium Mother this rising music star is worth a look in. I guarantee you will feel the Stromae vibe. Stromae's debut album, Cheese is out now.

Stromae Website - www.stromae.org

Stromae - Alors On Danse (Watch VIDEO Here)

It Takes A Legend To Make A Star

According to the movie poster for Burlesque, "It takes a legend to make a star". In Burlesque, that legend is Cher, the 64 year old fishnet body stocking pensioner. FINALLY! She's back on film, after a long ten year absence. I have prayed for this day every morning before I munch on my corn flakes. However, after watching the trailer for Burlesque, I'm not sure this is the right comeback for the Oscar wining actress. I read online years ago that Cher had signed up to do this film. On paper it sounded absolutely fantastic and I've been following the films progress ever since - and then . . . THE TRAILER comes out. Oh Dear! This film looks more Showgirls than Chicago - more Striptease than Cabaret. In short . . . A BIT CRAP! Christina Aguliera (Rachels Stevens wasn't available) plays Ali, a small-town girl with a big voice who escapes an uncertain future to follow her dreams to Los Angeles. After stumbling upon The Burlesque Lounge, an opulent but ailing theater that is home to an inspired musical revue. Ali lands a job as a cocktail waitress from Tess (Cher), the club’s proprietor and headliner. Ali makes her way from the bar to the stage. Her spectacular voice restores The Burlesque Lounge to its former glory and a star is born, or a box office bomb. We'll find out on November 24th when Burlesque is released. Regardless, I'll still be queuing to get a ticket. Have a look over the movie trailer below and let me know what you think of Cher & Christina's Burlesque?

Burlesque Movie (Watch TRAILER Here)

Paloma Faith & Me (The Concert)

I attended the Paloma Faith concert last night in Wolverampton at the Civic Hall and I'm still humming her songs this morning. That New York song stays on your mind like a fond memory, you just can't stop whistling it's chorus. So how was the concert? BLOODY FANTASTIC! Paloma performed songs off her debut album Do You Want the Truth Or Something Beautiful? as well as showcasing a few new songs from her as yet untitled second album. We were treated to a rather catchy and truly comedic song about cellulite, a song Paloma wrote in disillusionment with diets and gyms. I do hope this will be her next single as it is destined to become a Pop classic in the way of Gloria Gaynor's I Will Survive. So do watch out for it.

Poor Paloma was left breathless on some songs and unable to hit some high notes due to exhausted vocal chords. However THE SHOW MUST GO ON and Paloma certainly plowed through it with gusto and glamour. I was expecting more costume changes from the usually decadent and outrageous Hackney-born starlet - only two outfits, but then this wasn't a Gaga gig. This was Paloma Faith, her wonderfully upbeat pop songs and her down-to-earth personality. The squeaky voiced Londoner with her Barbara Windsor chuckle kept us smiling and laughing with tales between songs. She often encouraged us to join in on her fun, sing-alongs and rave hands were all a part of her charm. All in all, a great night out with Paloma. Attached are a few pictures taken by me. Enjoy!

Back To Blogging

Hello my Blogger friends, old and new. I do apologize for not posting here in what seems like years. I got a bit side tracked with my recent trip back to Canada. I was consumed by fresh air, mountains and friendly reunions. The internet became a distant thing and the last place I wanted to be while frolicking through the great Canadian outdoors. But do not despair, I am back. Back to Blogging! Full of ideas and fresh stories. So let's continue where I left off, shall we? I thought I'd post a few of my favorite snaps that I took on my recent trip back home. I do hope you enjoy them . . . Richard :-)

Edmonton Here I Come

I'm jetting out of the UK tomorrow to my hometown of Edmonton, Canada, for a family visit. I'm incredibly excited. I'm well overdue for a Canada trip, It's been almost three years since my last visit. Every time I return, I'm amazed at how much the city has grown, changed, in such a short time. It's practically a boomtown! I've attached a photo of Edmonton above, for you all to see. It gives you a rather picturesque idea of where I grew up, where I come from. This will be an extra special trip, as my partner and his mother will be joining me a week later. I can't wait to show them around, share Canada's great outdoors with them, weather permitting of course. I'll be in Edmonton for three weeks and I'll try and make sure I document my visit here on my Blog during that time. I do hope you'll join me on my return? I've attached a rather stunning video montage of Edmonton, put together by Alberta tourism. Click on the link below and have a look at my wonderful hometown.

Edmonton Tourism (Watch VIDEO Here)

My Love Boat . . . ALL ABOARD!

I am bursting with excitment. My Love Boat DVD arrived in the post this morning from Amazon. This was one of my favorite television shows as a child and I'm delighted it's finally available on DVD. Well actually, it's been available since 2008, I'm not so up to scratch on DVD releases as I'd like to be. Anyway, I think I'll put on my best floppy sun hat, grab a pina colada and board ship with the gallant crew of the Pacific Princess. Interestingly this lighthearted series was the idea of hugely successful producer Aaron (Tori's dad) Spelling. Each week a new set of passengers would board the Pacific Princess (The Love Boat) and viewers would sail with them from California to Mexico and back, getting caught up in their adventures and romance. What made The Love Boat so wonderful was the casting of well-known actors in guest starring roles, with many famous film stars of yesteryear making rare television appearances. Although it wasn't the first series to use the all-star cast format, The Love Boat did perfect the genre for future shows. The now legendary crew aboard The Love Boat also contributed to the success of the long running series, 1977 to 1986. Gopher, Julie, Isaac, Vicki, Dr. Adam Bricker and Captain Merrill Stubing are now cemented in television history. Each week they would try their best to please the passengers and sometimes helped them fall in love. Things were not always so easy aboard The Love Boat, but in the end love always wins and everybody leaves the dreamboat satisfied. Now I can't leave this blog without mentioning The Love Boat theme song - THE BEST television theme song EVER! Come on, sing along with me ♪♫ Love. Exciting and new. Come aboard. We're expecting you . . . ♪♫

The Love Boat Opening (Watch VIDEO Here)

Paloma Faith On Tour

I do love Paloma Faith and recently got tickets for her 2010 tour. I can't wait, I'll be seeing her in November. Hurry up November! I've heard nothing but praise for Paloma and her live shows. Apparently she puts on quite the extravaganza. One friend described her as a blend of "Lady Gaga and Carmen Miranda" - How Fabulous! Gosh, Gaga hasn't worn fruit, she's slacking. I'm really looking forward to seeing Paloma perform all the songs from her debut album Do You Want The Truth Or Something Beautiful? almost as much as I enjoy listening to it, on repeat. She's definitely a unique musical talent and a breath of fresh air amongst all the X-Factor madness. For all Paloma's tour dates check out her official website below.

Paloma Faith Website - www.palomafaith.com

Lebanese Sweet Treats

There is a wonderful Lebanese shop just round the corner from me. I often go in and pick up delicious treats. I do love Arabian foods, especially their deserts. So this shop is perfectly located for me. Today I picked up some Almond Halawa, Almond milk and some banana cream biscuits, as opposed to custard creams. I had cravings for these items today and sat down with my morning papers to enjoy them. If you haven't tried Almond milk, DO. It's absolutely delicious and best served over ice. It's incredibly sweet, so you might want to drink it slowly. Such simple pleasures :-)

Choose Grum

If you buy one CD this month, make sure it's Grum's debut album Heartbeats. So what's the Grum sound? Well, Grum can best be described as a blend of Daft Punk and Mylo, mixed with 1980's synth Pop instruments. If you like your 80's beats, then you'll love this. Grum's second single, Can't Shake This Feeling will having you singing and dancing into the winter, trust me. It's incredibly catchy. Do check out the video clip, i've included a link below. It involves scantily dressed bimbo stuffing their faces with baked beans and marshmallows, very messy. So if you're looking for a great album for your iPod, choose Grum.

Grum Website - www.grum.tv

Grum - Can't Shake This Feeling (Watch VIDEO Here)