The Return of Soapy Chicken Water

Hello, my name is Louis. I am the new cat in the house. I have been here just a couple of days.


My owner (pictured to the left) had too many cats, so Andrew and Kimberly decided to adopt me. They drove all the way to Edinburgh to get me. Oh, I cried and howled for an hour in the car! When we got to my new home, I was fine and soon had all my new toys out and all over the floor.

I run every time I see a camera, but I let Andrew take a picture of me with my new friend, orange spider. Although spidie is on a stick, I drag him by the legs all around the house.


I am only 1 years old and have lots of energy. I have been crying for the other cats in the house to come out, but they don't. There is a handsome black and white cat in the bedroom that likes to mimic me, but he won't come out of the wardrobe door.

I am told that I am a lot like someone called Stuffins as I also like to jump in the sink and attempt to drink soapy chicken water when pans are soaking.

My new mother does not like my name. Can you help her name me? Please post ideas by clicking comments link below.

Next Issue: Why does treadmill time move slower than normal time??

Spring Comes in a Roaring Thunder

Yes, spring does come to us in Johnstone in a roaring thunder, at least that is what it sounds like on a Sunday morning.

On Sunday we are sleeping in (not that I need a Sunday to do that) and in the midst of a dream I hear a too-familiar 'tap tap tap tap'. Though still asleep, I know that in a moment I will hear the thunderous sound of several drums lines from the fools that are marching down my street. They love to tap their way through town and then just as they reach our windows, BAM, time to strike up the band! Of course, we look out the window and a spontaneous and unannounced parade seems to be going down the street.

Now normally there is a marching band. However, this time it was a bit different. I look out the window and the band is on an open flatbed truck playing away. Due to being a total dork with the digital camera, I did not manage to get a shot of them before they were off down the road. So, now we joke about the infamous 'rolling band' and wonder when they will return. Though there was also a line of marching drums so I guess this gig was more of a combination.



It is a good thing I saw the rolling band first and not this large and scary clown...EEK!





I can't decide if these horses were dressed for the event, or just still had their slave hoods on from the night before.

I do appreciate a parade once in a while, just not every weekend and I know that will be the case quite soon.










'NO SIR, I didn't like it!!'






Next Issue: Why does no one want to give me a cat?

Tiptoe Through the Tulips With Me!!

We finally have some photos from our Belgium trip! My favorite 'Country Singer' would probably say that she would rather rip out her own arm hairs than look at someone's holiday photos. I am sure that many of you would agree. Therefore,I will reserve that treat for anyone who comes within 100 feet of my hoose. Please click on any image below to enlarge it if you wish.

Though it sounds glamorous to go to Belgium to some, keep in mind that this was actually a coach trip. The ride from Scotland to Dover is an all day adventure. Once we got there, we got on a ferry to France and then drove a bit back up to Ostende, where our hotel was booked.

I was not impressed with Sea France. The food was all British and it was not the nicest of ferries in comparison to those I have been on in the past. I can proudly say that I did not get completely ill.

The hotel is called the Ledo 2000. I am convinced this is because one has to go through 2000 doors to go down the stairs. These are spiral except closed in so one has to go through two doors on every floor to get all the way down to the lobby.

















The next day we went to Bruges, which has lovely buildings and canals and of course Waffles!!!












On day 3, we visit the tulip gardens up North, which is actually in the Netherlands. I entertained (and annoyed) Andy by singing in a high pitched Tiny Tim voice for part of the day. I was in a bit of pain as I had fell the night before, though sadly I was completely sober. Gravity has it in for me in Europe as well.
Pictures do not do the tulip fields justice. I have to say that these were some of the most varied and bright flowers I have ever seen in my life. There was also a nice maze to get lost in. Too many people in it to properly run through it and pretend I had an axe (The Shining style), so just walked around in it instead.

The next day we took a train (a very fast one that made my head ache a bit) to Brussels. This is a place that one really needs to spend several days in. We did not get a chance to see all of the sites and hope to return one day...




The following day it was time to pack up and head back to the U.K. and the wonderful white cliffs of Dover. The ferry home was a P&O and it was quite nice. The ride back for me was a series of naps, only interrupted by coach changes. I managed not to snore too loudly, at least that is what Andy tells me!
If you would like to see more photos, please Email me or let me know with comments and I will oblige.

Next Issue: New kitty update. The return of RK? Stay tuned to find out.

Billy Bragg Concert Review

Billy Bragg 'Hope not Hate Tour' at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh: May 9, 2006

This was the first time I have gone to see Billy live, despite wanting to for many years. I can admit that I have never actively sought to do so. Normally, he plays at festivals or at rallies, where I am not very comfortable (or can't be bothered to be outside for that long).

However, when I found out he was playing an inside venue, I could not resist going.

The big-nosed Bard from Barking could not have been in better form. I was expecting a certain amount of politics, so it was not a surprise that it was present. What did surprise me was how amusing and endearing he can actually be. He told a very funny story about having a recurring nightmare of David Cameron giving him a rhubarb and proclaiming on national television that he was a Bragg fan. (Cameron, the leader of the conservative party, recently gave the nation a little shock when he stated his favorite album was 'The Queen is Dead' by the Smiths. Smiths fans everywhere gave a little shudder...)

His main focus was on his earlier work to reflect his box set release. I don't mind as I love the earlier stuff most of all. Joining him was former Faces keyboard player Ian McLagen. No drums as usual (Sorry, Dave). It sounds unusual to have an electric guitar with no drums or base, but it seems to work with Billy's songs.

Although it was strange to see him with gray hair, he looked much the same as his photos, quite lovely in a dorky English way. He and this microphone really need to get a room, don't you think?

He also revealed a new persona that he calls 'Johnny Clash', something he had to develop as his voice no longer wants to hit a high register and he has had to bring many songs down several keys.

I would definitely recommend going to see him, even if you don't agree with some of his beliefs as the musical and anecdotal portions are well worth it. Andy went to the concert knowing only one song (and not liking folk or punk very much in general) and he still really enjoyed himself.



Next Issue: Well, you play a pretty good fiddle boy, but give the devil his due.....I found a really good band that has a fiddle AND a banjo....

NEDS vs. CHAVS..Sunday Sunday Sunday!!!!!!

What is the main difference between these two groups of people? There are not many. One could say that a NED is more likely to get fried haggis from the chippy. .


When I think of the word 'NED', this guy springs to mind.

You would think a NED is a super religious guy that says 'hidittily neighboroonies!!'. Alas, he is not.

















Here it refers to someone more like this guy.

There are debatable theories as to where these names originate. For example, NED is supposed to stand for non-educated delinquent. I find this funny as it is not the proper way to describe someone. Should it not be 'uneducated'? Though not as catchy to say 'UED'. Sounds like some sort of pervy medical device.

Another theory is that this term is a throw back reference to the term Teddy Boy. However, it strikes me that it would then be TED, rather than NED.


There are a lot of points I would like to make as far as this stereotype is concerned.






First, I know a good dozen people in public housing that are nothing like this guy.

Second, one is not a 'counsel house victim' as you can not really be the victim of a house, unless it is a haunted house. Third, there are plenty of people walking around like this that live in private homes.




Example of NED slang (edited):

rite yeez aw go oan aboot neds as in wir scum yeez ir aw just feart ay us coz we wid kick yer precious in ! neds are fuken minted mate lacoste trakees cost aboot 150 pound stone island jaekts n tht cost aboot 300 poun upwards so dont start yer shite aye ther aw scum of the earth wen uz ir aw jst precious tht say stuff like this or the internet dont get wide ya precious EFTAAAH GON FUR WINE



Next Issue: Billy Bragg concert review.

Am I still a Nerd if I don't know what a TARDIS is?

Am I still a Nerd if I don't know what a TARDIS is?

Yes, but you loose 1000 Nerd tally points. I bet you will make up for it in other ways (aka high math scores or buying comic books)!

A couple of you asked about this comment in my profile, so I will explain for the non-Sci Fi peeps

.



Technically, it stands for Time and Relative Dimensions in Space. Rather than attempt to understand the technology behind it, it is easier to say that it is blue box that Dr. Who flies around in through time and space.





It is larger on the inside than on the outside. (Yeh, I know, but just suspend your disbelief and enjoy the concept)








and currently has this handsome lad inside of it :)


Next Issue: Chavs and NEDS

Our Home and a Wee Castle

This is the front of our building right in the centre of lovely downtown Johnstone. There is only downtown. It is not big enough to have an uptown.


It is a bit of a TARDIS and there is a LOT more room inside than you would expect.

A bit backwards as one has to climb up and then inside climb back down to get to the lower level, as displayed here by our own darling Amber (RIP).




Johnstone has its own castle, though it is too small to visit.

The area of Johnstone Castle is absolutely Chavtastic

and everyone there is named NED.

Thank you for joining us for our first blog message. Stay tuned for more thrills and excitement!