LouderVoice Reviews by famron

Glee

2010-01-12T10:57:31Z

rating: 4
Great buzz watching the singing and dancing from the misfits in the high school glee club. Leavened with humour from the machiavellian cheerleader coach's plans to nobble them, an excellent Jane Lynch. The featured numbers are generally pop songs given the Glee treatment, e.g. Queen's 'Somebody To Love', vocal harmonies ...

Dawn Landes - The Old Oak, Cork

2009-12-15T11:58:43Z

rating: 4
Seeing an artist you admire playing live adds an extra layer to your enjoyment of the music. Especially when the musicians let rip and play gutsy versions of the recorded tracks.They opened with Mud & Stars, which I'd only discovered this week and was hoping to request.Here are some of ...

The Shamrock Inn Lahinch

2009-11-22T11:24:42Z

rating: 4
The Shamrock Inn Lahinch: Great chunk of fresh cod for dinner. Good value in off-season November. Friendly helpful staff. Rated a 4 out of 5. ...

Tranquillity spa White's Hotel

2009-11-16T15:20:56Z

rating: 3
We headed down to the Wexford for the annual mother & daughters spa session. Given the times that are in it we opted for a day package rather than the usual weekend blow-out. The original plan was to arrive at 11am, do an hour in the thermal suite, break for ...

Taste restaurant

2009-11-16T10:46:07Z

rating: 4
It'd be difficult to miss the Taste restaurant building on Wexford's Selskar Avenue, painted as it is in lime green, with pink highlights on its iron railings. Inside it's spacious with interesting mosaics and artwork on the walls, lots of attention to detail.So how did the food compare? One of ...

Grizzly Bear in Vicar Street

2009-11-02T00:45:14Z

rating: 5
Grizzly Bear in Vicar St. Brilliant muscianship from the band, great vocals, and at times gorgeous harmonies. All the superb tracks from Veckatimest and a couple from Yellow House. #Gig ended too too quickly. Overheard comment "technically perfect". 5 out of 5 ...

The Yalta Game

2009-09-22T17:49:51Z

rating: 2
The Yalta Game. A short play at the Friel festival, based on a Chekov short story. Built on artiface, the audience is unsure what, or who, to believe. The two actors were talented, but no match for those in the previous night's The Faith Healer. ...

Jewellery by Micachu

2009-09-22T11:13:43Z

rating: 4
Jewellery by Micachu. Fast and furious lo-fi #music. Odd, dissonant sounds at times, other tracks are brilliant pop, listen to Golden Phone. A 4 out of 5. ...

The Faith Healer

2009-09-20T07:28:49Z

rating: 5
A sublime theatrical experience at The Gate Theatre's Friel festival. Three actors at the height of their powers held us captive. We were transfixed by their performances, by the magic of Friel's storytelling, and the richness of his language. Clearly a 5 out of 5. ...

Passion Pit @ EP09

2009-09-06T22:10:30Z

rating: 5
5 Passion Pit. The gig of #Electric Picnic. Overwhelming feel good #music lifted the crowd to heady heights. Sharply dressed front man with great voice and hair charmed us all. Special mention to Fi, John, Lorraine, Niall. What a finish to EP. They're in Dublin in Nov. Go! ...

The Jimmy Cake @ EP09

2009-09-06T19:28:28Z

rating: 5
If you like driven, driving loud loud music with no end in sight, The J.C. are for you. Stunning at #Electric Picnic. Of course no singing. ...

Florence And The Machine @ EP09

2009-09-06T17:38:42Z

rating: 3
I'll admit it, got pulled in by the hype. Have realised at #Electric Picnic,they're too MOR and bombastic for me. Marquee packed though. ...

John Banville @ EP09

2009-09-06T15:43:27Z

rating: 5
Respite from the hurly burly at #Electric Picnic. Listening to his beautiful prose and wry observations. "She was extravagently ugly..." And the Q&A afterwards brought a smile. ...

Micachu and The Shapes @ EP09

2009-09-06T13:53:56Z

rating: 4
Punky, rhythmic, original music. Another impossibly young band (ok, it's me!). From England, but could easily be 1 of the new bands from NY. Expect to hear lots abt them in the next year or so. ...

Imelda May

2009-09-05T21:02:41Z

rating: 4
For sheer entertainment value alone. She put on an exuberant show at #Electric Picnic ...

James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem

2009-09-05T18:48:29Z

rating: 5
Killer DJ set from 2 LCD SS guys. Tent packed, everyone lovin it. ...

The XX

2009-09-05T14:28:23Z

rating: 5
So talented, so young. Lo-fi tunes full of hooks. Brilliant to see them live at #Electric Picnic. ...

Julie Feeney

2009-09-05T13:25:41Z

rating: 3
Beautiful music and singing but, I dunno, missing something... heart, oomph? Whatever, just didnt do it for me, unfortunately. ...

Chew Lips

2009-09-05T13:04:03Z

rating: 2
Two geeks and a disco diva. Totally wrong to have them on at 1.30 in the day. No atmosphere in the Electric Arena. #Electric Picnic ...

Lykke Li

2009-09-04T19:09:15Z

rating: 5
Amazing live at #Electric Picnic. All the hits and more. Complaint Department was so good I briefly considered proposing. ...

The Temper Trap

2009-09-04T17:04:46Z

rating: 3
Anthemic stadium rockers in the making. Generated lots of finger pointing in the #Electric Picnic crowd. I lasted 15 mins. ...

Manners by Passion P

2009-09-03T21:09:26Z

rating: 4
Manners by Passion Pit. Sunny feel good indie pop. Like Animal Collective with the corners knocked off, you decide if that's a good thing or not. From me gets 4 out of 5. ...

Two Dancers by Wild Beasts

2009-08-24T12:47:25Z

rating: 4
This album pretty much had me 40 secs into the first track, with its percussion and guitar. But then at 1 min 30 I was taken aback by the unexpected falsetto - don't let that put you off. Fave track so far is the lovely All The King's Men, the ...

Outwell Arizona L tent

2009-07-01T04:59:29Z

rating: 4
Outwell Arizona L 3-person tent. Tall, spacious tent, more suitable for 2 than 3 though. Very easy to erect. I'll report more when it's been used. 4/5 ...

Susurrus

2009-06-22T14:38:04Z

rating: 4
Susurrus in Fitzgerald's Park in Midsummer fest. Perfect summer's evening, headphones & iPod shuffle, a radio play on the move 4/5 #review ...

Boardwalk Cafe Cork

2009-06-21T23:00:08Z

rating: 4
Boardwalk Cafe Cork. Perfect spot for a sunny Sat lunch. Thai Beef Salad, Marguerita pizza, etc, savoured by all. Fab service. 4/5 #review ...

She & Him - Volume One

2009-04-24T08:54:37Z

rating: 3

Country-tinged easy listening (think the Carpenters too), saved from being binned by Zooey Deschanel's unique, charming voice.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

2009-03-02T21:44:00Z

rating: 4

Woody Allen is back on form. Two of his familiar New York types - the uptight brunette contrasted with the free-spirited artistic blonde - are transplanted to Barcelona (which looks beautiful and ...

Mexico to Rome - Temple Bar

2009-02-25T10:50:27Z

rating: 2

Totally mediocre pasta and tex mex #food in cramped premises. The most attractive bit of the #restaurant was its front door. Oh, and had half a glass of (red) wine ...

October by Fiona Looney

2009-02-23T05:11:48Z

rating: 2

If you're a woman who likes a skit and a night out with the girls you might enjoy this #play. Looney has a knack for one-liners and topical references ...

Fishy Fishy

2009-02-16T09:48:11Z

rating: 3

Made it down to Fishy Fishy in Kinsale for the first time on Friday evening - parents were down visiting. I've heard they pumped a lorra money into new premises ...

Milk

2009-02-01T22:07:50Z

rating: 4

A few of us bookclub wimmin went to Milk on Fri night (after panning The Secret Life Of Bees, and deciding that anything the Kinsale bookclub has read is not ...

Lady Gaga - The Fame

2009-01-26T14:46:14Z

rating: 2

Don't waste your time on this over-hyped nonsense. 1st track is good then it's downhill. Takes herself far too seriously, where's the fun in this pop? Thinks ...

The Secret Life Of Bees

2009-01-19T11:06:09Z

rating: 2

I know people loved it but I found it a waste of time (smiled at something on page 73), for light entertainment give me a murder mystery.

(Read it for ...

Cereus Blooms At Night

2008-12-17T04:40:46Z

rating: 4

Beautifully written, with lush, magical descriptions of a fictitious Carribbean island. The central story concerns the damaged old lady Mala and dives skillfully back and forth to her traumatic past ...

Roisin Murphy gig

2008-12-10T15:50:50Z

rating: 5

Roisin Murphy should be a huge star, she has it all, an amazing voice, the charisma, the dance moves, and the costumes.

In the Savoy, Cork, last week she covered ...

Dama De Coll De Juny Cava

2008-12-08T14:55:45Z

rating: 4

Gorgeous, dry sparkling wine, loved by this red wine drinker and the other book club women. Recommended by Michael of Curious Wines.

Roisin Murphy

2008-12-04T04:21:44Z

rating: 5

In the Savoy, Cork. Hugely entertaining #gig. Amazing voice, fabulous costumes and props, great band, and backing singers / dancers that added to the mix. Creative, witty show. Pity there wasn ...

Bloc Party - Intimacy

2008-11-14T07:57:07Z

rating: 4
Intense, emotional, driving rhythms, brilliant drumming, broken beats. Lots of music refs, Halo's guitars are Scheer-like, Better Than Heaven cd be a Depeche Mode track. There are quieter ones ...

Sound Stories RTE Radio 1

2008-11-09T05:26:48Z

rating: 5
Fascinating series, presented by Luke Clancy, about various sounds, and people who record them. Not at all dry, topics include the snail-activated theremin, millipedes, tom waits, and are ghosts really ...

Il y a longtemps que je t'aime

2008-11-02T14:32:17Z

rating: 4
Film with Kristin Scott Thomas. A former doctor goes to live with her sister after 15 yrs in prison for murder. She looks for neither compassion nor redemption. KST gives ...

I've loved you so long

2008-11-02T05:47:19Z

rating: 4

French #film with Kristin Scott Thomas. A former doctor goes to live with her sister after 15 yrs in prison for murder. She looks for neither compassion nor redemption. KST ...

Erin McKeown

2008-10-28T06:58:42Z

rating: 4
Warm, witty, wordy guitar playing artist. Thought I was past solo singer-songwriters, but this was a relaxed, fun, low-key gig that renewed the faith. And she's a dinger on ...

Hardwood restaurant

2008-10-16T15:07:00Z

rating: 4

Hardwood Restaurant

31 Popes Quay, Cork

Had a quick dinner here with 4 U.S. visitors (quick cos 2 of us had to dash over to the Opera House afterwards ...

Blindness

2008-10-16T10:38:01Z

rating: 3

City struck by a plague of blindness, those segregated in an institution illustrate the age old pattern of societal breakdown - small yawn, Lord of the Flies. Great performance by Julianne ...

Fight Like Apes - live

2008-10-13T15:02:30Z

rating: 5

An amazing gig by Fight Like Apes has left me slightly hard of hearing and in awe at their musicianship, good humour, and brilliant entertainment value.

They played most of ...

When Will There Be Good News? by Kate Atkinson

2008-10-09T04:37:15Z

rating: 3

Mildly entertaining, not as enjoyable as her last #book, One Good Turn. And it is darker, maybe that's the problem.

The Seldom Seen Kid - Elbow

2008-10-08T10:14:52Z

rating: 4

Had heard of, but not listened to, Elbow before Electric Picnic '08, and it was really by chance that I went to their show, wonderful, a revelation. Which of course ...

Lizi's Granola

2008-09-29T03:11:12Z

rating: 4

tasty, substantial breakfast cereal which, thankfully, has no dried fruit. Nice alternative to my usual weetabix or porridge.

Pussies Galore - Channel 4

2008-09-12T14:01:12Z

rating: 4

Documentary abt 3 women and their obsession with moggies. Roasting chickens for them; PJs for the hairless ones; wash n blow dry and make-up for the white fluffy one (think ...

When you are engulfed in flames - David Sedaris

2008-09-12T13:29:15Z

rating: 4

Wonderfully light, quirky collection of self-deprecating sketches. His writing's appeared in The New Yorker. Best for dipping in & out of.

Not in the Flesh - Ruth Rendell

2008-09-12T13:12:59Z

rating: 3
Samey, little different from her others. 'Colourful' characters, class issues, the weird menage in the big house. And oddly thrown into the mix was a strand abt female circumcision in ...

Martina Topley Bird

2008-09-01T02:52:15Z

rating: 4

At Electric Picnic. This final gig in the natural amphitheatre of the Body and Soul area was going to be my cherry on the top for the weekend. But that ...

My Bloody Valentine

2008-09-01T02:41:37Z

rating: 5

At Electric Picnic. Stunning impressive show. As expected, the sound was awesome and overwhelming, jaayysus the crescendos during the final number made you want to scream for release.

Foals

2008-09-01T02:33:48Z

rating: 4

At Electric Picnic. Sharp, focused, boundless energy. Fun and frisky. Deffo getting album.

CSS

2008-09-01T02:30:29Z

rating: 2

At Electric Picnic. Great energy, great crowd, shite sound! Disappointed fans all round. Could barely hear the vocals. Didnt even recognise 'This Month, Day 10' initially. It's like going ...

Pivot

2008-08-31T11:46:11Z

rating: 3

At Electric Picnic. Interesting for 3 numbers, if 'math rock' is your thing. Heavy on the drums and guitars with synth/prog. No vocals, bar the odd drone.

The Kills

2008-08-31T04:19:40Z

rating: 3

At Electric Picnic. Their latest album is terrific. And they have such a cool NY attitude, but they were badly let down by the sound crew in the Crawdaddy marquee ...

Santogold

2008-08-30T18:49:38Z

rating: 5

At Electric Picnic. This artist is shit hot. It's dance, funkadelic, great lyrics, crowd pleasing sounds. Only performer to do an encore so far. Amazing!

Elbow

2008-08-30T14:50:11Z

rating: 5

At Electric Picnic. The outstanding gig so far. Incredibly impressive, lyrical breadth n depth. Romantic in the broader sense. Final track was One Day Like This. Wow.

Joan As Policewoman

2008-08-30T09:43:15Z

rating: 5

At Electric Picnic. Off kilter, charismatic U.S. creative artist.

Cathy Davey

2008-08-30T05:50:19Z

rating: 3

At Electric Picnic. Does mainstream pop v well, if that's your thing. Crowd loving her (guys especially!). PS Actually, the songs got duller as her set went on, so ...

'The Summer Book' by Tove Janssen

2008-08-19T15:55:09Z

rating: 5

Lovely funny #book about the relationship betw a 6 yr old girl and her grandmother. Events take place over a summer spent on a tiny Finnish island.

Blonde Redhead - 23

2008-08-06T14:27:34Z

rating: 4

It's a grower, the album doesn't shout for attention, you play it a few times as initially it's undemanding then, a track makes you pause, press replay ...

Lykke Li - Youth Novels

2008-07-31T10:25:47Z

rating: 4

'Breaking It Up' on red's compilation was the first time I'd listened to Lykke Li, and cos the track was multi-layered and had a choral chorus I was ...

Bach Rescue Remedy Sleep

2008-07-29T03:09:02Z

rating: 1
Nothin doin, tried it 2 nights in a row and still havin a rubbish sleep.

Mio Restaurant

2008-07-22T08:14:49Z

rating: 4

Serves up excellent pizza and salad. The youngest sis was down for the weekend with two of her children, and rather than stay in Bandon, or go into town (aka ...

Mamma Mia

2008-07-20T16:51:50Z

rating: 4

A guilty pleasure. Best to dive straight in and enjoy singing along to the ABBA songs. Cast clearly had a laugh. (Though cd barely watch Pierce Brosnan singing). Most of ...

Crawford Gallery Cafe

2008-07-14T13:00:59Z

rating: 4

Great spot to have lunch in Cork. Four of us met there for a late lunch on Saturday. The staff were friendly and helpful and the food delicious.

I had ...

White Denim - Workout Holiday

2008-07-01T05:47:35Z

rating: 4
Punky, loud, garage rock kind of guys. Fantastic!

The Supersizers Go..

2008-06-30T15:04:38Z

rating: 5

(BBC2) : Eating and exploring the food and history of various eras with Giles Coren and the wonderful Sue Perkins. Our heros live the life for a week. Huge amounts of ...

Just Food Organic Puy Lentils & Feta Salad

2008-06-26T08:24:30Z

rating: 4

Looks like brown veggie muck but, seeing beyond that, it's actually very tasty. The cider vinegar and lemon juice give it an unexpected bite. #food

Shopgirl

2008-06-15T17:39:26Z

rating: 1

Dismal. Contains so many things I dislike, including coldness and a lack of humour. Steve Martin is dreary and remote, his narration drained the will to live. On a positive ...

The Ting Tings - We Started Nothing

2008-06-13T12:56:08Z

rating: 4

Fun summer pop album. Listened to it the first time this week driving up and down to Co Meath, I bopped my head off to Great DJ, That’s Not ...

The Con - Tegan & Sara

2008-05-20T09:47:28Z

rating: 4

This has been a slow grower. My initial reaction to the album was disappointment. I wanted to like them but on the strength of their music, not because of a ...

The Three Evangelists by Fred Vargas

2008-05-09T14:38:05Z

rating: 4
Great holiday murder read. Marvellously eccentric detectives. Will definitely look for more of her writing.

Los Leones chiringuito, La Cariheula Torremolinos

2008-05-04T08:06:30Z

rating: 4
Great spot for Sunday lunching Spanish families. BBQ sardines, deep fried thinly sliced aubergines, mixed salad, potato omelette. Loud and busy, fab!

Vampire Weekend

2008-04-24T09:56:05Z

rating: 4

Poppy, fun, clever. Had resisted the hype, but now charmed. Especially enjoying Campus, M79, Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa. #music

Foyles War, ITV

2008-04-13T14:02:56Z

rating: 3

Not sure why I watch it. Foyle has a similar range of annoying expressions as H (need I explain?). And the best thing about the actress Honeysuckle Weeks is her ...

Sorrento restaurant, Bandon

2008-04-10T07:18:17Z

rating: 3

Went out for a quick meal last night in Bandon. Decided on a local Italian, Sorrento, based on the brothers recommendation about their steaks.Wanted just a shared nibble to ...

The Breeders gig

2008-04-09T08:05:12Z

rating: 4

Ive been a huge fan of the Pixies, and then The Breeders, for a long while. Testament to this is a scrapbook I found recently with photos and gig tickets ...

The Breeders, Vicar St

2008-04-07T17:31:29Z

rating: 4
Slamming guitars and drums opened the gig, contd with new tunes, and more from The Last Splash and Pod, fabulous, but too short at only an hour.

Mac Curtains pub Bandon

2008-03-25T09:35:57Z

rating: 4
Excellent, genuine old style pub, with beer garden, and importantly, good Guinness. Located up by The Shambles.

Goldfrapp - Seventh Tree

2008-03-20T03:30:13Z

rating: 4

slightly folky, with hints of the Cocteau Twins. Very English. Standouts so far: A&E, Happiness, Clowns. #music

Uh Huh Her - I See Red EP

2008-03-11T07:45:30Z

rating: 4
loving the Say So and Explode tracks. Sweet harmonies from the cool chicks.

Tegan & Sara - The Con

2008-03-11T07:13:17Z

rating: 3
Like 2 or 3 numbers, esp The Con. Would love to love it, obviously, but find the voices a little thin n irritating ;-(

Leonardo's Bistro, Ballincollig

2008-03-05T09:00:41Z

rating: 3
Plenty of food and hot. But BLT was in a small roll and spicy enchiladas weren't. Good mocha though.

Uh Huh Her

2008-03-04T09:32:48Z

rating: 4

Up in Dublin at the weekend to catch up with the sisters and friends, and go to the Uh Huh Her gig in The Village, which was so enjoyable. The ...

Uh Huh Her gig

2008-03-02T18:01:05Z

rating: 4
Cool grungy music for fans of the LWord. No need to mention leprechauns though Leisha!

Hillside Nurseries

2008-02-25T12:20:00Z

rating: 5

I had such a pleasant experience at the weekend buying a tree in Hillside Nurseries, Glounthaune. In a previous post I mentioned a number of small trees I was considering ...

The Poacher's Inn

2008-02-18T08:35:43Z

rating: 4

Restaurant does great fish dishes and wine list prices are reasonable.

frusi

2008-02-15T16:23:27Z

rating: 3
Mango and raspberry frozen yoghurt. An odd concoction. A layer of dried oats n nuts under frozen yoghurt which is topped with chopped raspberries n mango. The frozen pieces of ...

Dawn Landes 'Fireproof'

2008-02-15T11:35:00Z

rating: 5

Utterly divine

Glenilen Farm Natural Yoghurt & Crushed Raspberry

2008-02-10T19:49:57Z

rating: 5
Perfect combo of tart yoghurt with lightly sweetened raspberry. Best eaten with the 2 layers slightly mixed. (Rhubarb version not as good.)

Alice Munro - The View from Castle Rock

2008-02-08T11:48:06Z

rating: 3

Lovely writing in this collection of short stories based on her ancestors' lives. But unfortunately too worthy for me, and with ne'er a laugh. #book

Crozier Blue Cheese

2008-02-07T19:26:06Z

rating: 5
Yummy mild creamy blue cheese, made from sheep's milk.

Dawn Landes - Fireproof

2008-02-07T15:14:57Z

rating: 5

Filled with melodic, country-tinged tunes, Dawn Landes' voice has an amazingly pure quality. Thankfully though there's nothing sentimental about this girl.

Banna Thai, Ballincollig, Cork

2008-01-31T15:39:25Z

rating: 3

Not exceptional, but acceptable Thai restaurant. Tasty, if a little oily, stir fried veg with noodles. #restaurant

Bandon Acupuncture Clinic

2008-01-21T08:41:00Z

rating: 4

Last week, for the first time, I was looking for a massage specifically to tackle my knotted shoulders. Recommended by a Bandon local, I booked a session with Chantal Riordan ...

Cully & Sully Chicken & Vegetable soup

2008-01-20T18:19:30Z

rating: 4
Delicious, really flavoursome, quite carroty. Although more Vegetable & Chicken than vice versa.

Primeval ITV

2008-01-19T20:01:27Z

rating: 3
Monsters from another dimension. Preposterous low rent fun. Nice cheesey performances from the regular cast.

Panda Bear - Person Pitch

2008-01-16T15:55:34Z

rating: 4

Happy clappy, dreamy multi-layered, multi-instrumental Pet Sounds-type #music. Great if you're into that sort of thing. Think I'll pass.

LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver

2008-01-15T12:16:06Z

rating: 3

Two standout tracks "all my friends" and "north american scum", so far most of the rest is unremarkable techno-style music.

Harvey's Bistro, Academy St, Cork

2008-01-14T11:55:16Z

rating: 4
pleasant spot for lunch in town. Good salmon fishcakes, crab burgers, beef stroganoff, and banoffee pie. Suitable for Coeliacs. Table a bit tight for 5.

The National - Boxer

2008-01-11T15:42:58Z

rating: 4

Excellent melodies, lead singer has a striking low key baritone. Verging on singer/songwriter music territory, but more interesting, with more variety in sound than that implies.

Grinderman

2008-01-11T14:45:00Z

rating: 4

Nick Cave's latest band. Bluesy music, witty lyrics. The No Pussy Blues track is hugely funny.

Fight Like Apes EP

2008-01-11T12:34:20Z

rating: 5

The EP is called "David Carradine is a bounty hunter whos robotic arm hates your crotch". Love it. Grungy and additional keyboards gives music great depth. MayKay does excellent shouty ...

Sense and Sensibility

2008-01-08T10:50:00Z

rating: 4

Another BBC costume drama, and a Jane Austen one to boot, but this time with the not so distant memory of the 1995 highly regarded Ang Lee / Emma Thompson adaptation ...

Rhubarb meringue pie - Seats Cafe, Bandon, Co. Cork

2008-01-05T18:25:33Z

rating: 5
Amazingly high wobbly light pie, delicious.

Regatta MW300 Byrne Overtrousers

2008-01-04T18:27:31Z

rating: 4
Waterproof, comfy. Openings give access to pockets. Zips from ankles to knees help when taking on and off. Ideal to wear for winter dog walking.

www.iwantoneofthose.com

2008-01-03T16:34:00Z

rating: 1

I ordered a little doodah at the end of Nov for my Kris Kindle pick in work. No sign of it arriving in time, so just got him a backup ...

http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/

2008-01-03T16:34:00Z

rating: 1

I ordered a little doodah at the end of Nov for my Kris Kindle pick in work. No sign of it arriving in time, so just got him a backup ...

Tesco Pressed Apple & Mango juice

2007-12-30T21:08:16Z

rating: 4
Nice balance of apple n mango, tastes good.

The Interpretation of Murder

2007-12-26T12:52:35Z

rating: 3
The book starts off well, but the Freudian politics becomes a drag and a distraction. Plus flawlessly beautiful heroines are a cliche by now.

Dunnes Stores 100% Pure Pressed Apple & Mango Juice

2007-12-20T21:07:52Z

rating: 2
Not appley enough and doesnt have a very pleasant mango flavour (too thin) .

M & S organic lemon & coriander houmous

2007-12-19T19:05:37Z

rating: 4
Perfect if you love coriander cos there's lots of it, with a hint of lemon as an aftertaste. Texture a bit sloppy.

Cranford

2007-12-19T13:28:00Z

rating: 5

Needless to say, I was glued to Cranford which has just finished a 5 week run on BBC1. A period drama with a warm heart. The slightly too-good-to-be-true strokes of ...

Oliver Twist BBC1

2007-12-18T21:09:49Z

rating: 5
Fantastic cast. Grimy period drama as only the brits know how, the teeth alone are worth it. It's on each night this week til Saturday.

VO5 styling wax

2007-12-18T07:02:56Z

rating: 5
The best wax/hair gel I've found over the years. It's light and gets rid of my fluffy hair / Orville look.

LoTide Seaweed sausages

2007-12-17T11:06:43Z

rating: 2
Couldnt decide if I liked them or not, on balance no, won't be buying them again.

Glenilen Farm Raspberry Mousse

2007-12-06T19:30:35Z

rating: 5
Fluffy, stunningly fruity, delicious treat.

PJ Harvey - White Chalk

2007-12-06T15:53:00Z

rating: 3

When I read that Polly Jean’s latest album was mainly piano-driven I had visions of another Tori Amos (who I’ve never appreciated), thankfully it’s not. Her themes ...

Rarely Seen Above Ground

2007-12-06T08:53:50Z

rating: 5

Support act for Jape in Cyprus Avenue Cork on 5th Dec. The sole band member (Jeremy Hickey) is amazing, he beats the hell out of his drums, in accompaniment to ...

Hips And Makers - Kristin Hersh

2007-11-29T16:20:00Z

rating: 5

As intense as ever, but this time to an acoustic sound. For 'acoustic' dont read 'easy listening', she's hard core.

Giovanni Di Firenze sundried tomatoes with garlic

2007-11-28T18:24:43Z

rating: 2
Tasted of musty mould. And well within best before date.

Exile in Guyville - Liz Phair

2007-11-28T14:43:12Z

rating: 5

Classic 1st album from smart, knowing lyricist. Indie music with a country tinge.

Seats cafe, Howard's Court, Bandon

2007-11-27T18:59:16Z

rating: 4
Good lattes n scones. Slightly haphazard service. Nice outdoor space for smokers.

Broken Social Scene

2007-11-21T21:51:55Z

rating: 5

Haven't tired of their music at all this year. Stunning tracks with driving rhythms, other mellower songs are equally addictive.

Strawberry Jam Animal Collective

2007-11-21T21:46:08Z

rating: 4

Jagged manic multi-layered music from another Canadian band. Check out the Peacebone track.

Hvart Heim Sigur Ros

2007-11-21T13:41:57Z

rating: 3

Think of a muscular ethereal sound and music, with lyrics in a made up Nordic-type language. Original.

Spirit If Kevin Drew

2007-11-21T13:38:23Z

rating: 3

Member of Broken Social Scene, continues in same musical vein, though more laid back.

Stardust

2007-11-20T09:25:00Z

rating: 4

Came out of the Stardust smiling. I love a bit of swashbuckling, with romance thrown in, and some colourful baddies. Michelle Pfeiffer was a wonderfully malevolent witch, Lamia, radiant at ...

Bandon Beauty Clinic

2007-11-19T15:56:35Z

rating: 5
Eyebrow wax n shape. Great job, only 9 euro.

Miami Ink

2007-11-09T15:10:00Z

rating: 2
Unimaginative, boring, reality TV

Bob Martin Liver Bites

2007-11-05T09:05:10Z

rating: 5
Natural dried treats for your dog, mine adores them.

Faithlegg House Hotel

2007-10-22T13:02:00Z

rating: 4

Scenic setting with spa treatments and tasty fare in Co. Waterford

Irish Florists

2007-09-07T19:14:00Z

rating: 4
Two bouquets, same price, big difference in quality.

La Normandie Brasserie

2007-09-03T13:07:00Z

rating: 4

★★★★☆ In the Torremolinos / La Cariheula / Benalmadena area there are plenty of average and, frankly, below-average restaurants. So, it’s a pleasant surprise when, for a special treat, you find a ...

Car crash companies

2007-04-05T15:17:00Z

rating: 5

I’d a car crash on Monday morning on the way to work (no-one hurt, not even whiplash, fingers crossed). Not 100% clear what happened, some moron braked suddenly for ...

Inchydoney Lodge and Spa

2007-03-20T12:19:56Z

rating: 5
We went down to the Inchydoney Lodge and Spa (near Clonakilty) on Sunday lunchtime for a relaxing 24 hours. The setting is divine, looking out over the Atlantic and the ...

Gleeson's restaurant

2007-03-20T12:14:12Z

rating: 4

Down in the Inchydoney Lodge and Spa (near Clonakilty) for a night, so really wanted to try Gleeson’s restaurant which I’ve heard a lot about. Initially when I ...

Starbucks thermos cup

2007-03-08T17:46:28Z

rating: 5
Was given a pressie on Sunday of a Starbucks thermos, the donor had been in the Big Smoke (no not Seattle, Dublin). I brought it into work on Tuesday and ...

Goji berries

2007-02-21T21:53:00Z

rating: 2
Our dept. Admin in work recently mentioned having Goji berries with her breakfast, wha? I’d never heard of them and of course as soon as I take notice I ...

Hannibal Rising

2007-02-16T05:10:31Z

rating: 1
Went to Hannibal Rising last night – don’t bother! My excuse is that Sam is a Hannibal/Anthony Hopkins fan, and I’d bought her the book a few weeks ...

Jamie Oliver's Italian Series by Tefal – 30cm Ragout pan

2007-02-14T16:00:58Z

rating: 4
I’ve been trying to justify buying a large saucepan, but haven’t been winning the argument so far. By volunteering to cook a Hungarian Goulash for Gary and family ...

Cafe Paradiso, Cork

2007-02-14T15:55:13Z

rating: 4

Review first written on the 11th of October 2006. Another successful meal in Café Paradiso last night, to celebrate getting a contracting job due to my imminent redundancy! I had ...

Cork Film Festival - Silence of the Lambs - Drive In

2007-02-14T15:52:03Z

rating: 4

Review first written 19th Oct 2006. The Cork Film Festival was on last week and they’d increased the number of drive-in films from last year. Showing were, Rocky (it ...

Future Forests

2007-02-14T15:45:27Z

rating: 5
If you love plants and want to see a wide range of trees and hedging then take the time to travel down to Future Forests in Kealkill, Co. Cork. It ...

The New Yorker Magazine

2007-02-14T15:28:25Z

rating: 5
I’ve been reading The New Yorker on and off for the last 20 years. It started in Hamburg in 1986, where I went for summer work in a desperate ...

Nokia 6111

2007-02-14T15:25:13Z

rating: 4

My last phone, a Motorola (!) used to drive me demented with its crappy little buttons that often didn't register a keystroke when you pressed its buttons. In contrast, my ...

iPod Video 30GB

2007-01-30T03:31:38Z

rating: 5

I was given an iPod Video 30 GB for my birthday in July 06, even though I had no great burning desire for one. It took me a while to ...

Lafe's Natural and Organic Deodorant Stick (Lavender)

2007-01-26T04:24:10Z

rating: 3
I’d been thinking idly in the last few months, especially when having a shower, “hang on, I’m actually putting loads of artificial chemicals on my body every day ...

Publishing Fundamentals: FrameMaker 7

2007-01-16T06:46:17Z

rating: 4
I started a nine month technical writing contract job at the end of Nov 06, and hadn’t worked with FrameMaker before (only Interleaf/QuickSilver, which has some similarities). But ...

Little Miss Sunshine

2007-01-11T13:56:32Z

rating: 5

Cast: Alan Arkin – the irascible heroin-snorting grandfather. Toni Collette – the harassed Mother, trying to hold the family together. Greg Kinnear – the Dad, a self-help speaker who's initially irritating but ...

Powerscourt Springs Health Farm

2007-01-11T13:51:30Z

rating: 4
Four of us were in Powerscourt spa last weekend, a mother and sisters treat. The wooded hills of Wicklow are a lovely setting for the spa. I’m sure some ...

Laptops Direct

2007-01-11T08:59:49Z

rating: 2

On Wed 20th Dec 2006 I ordered an Acer laptop on the Laptops Direct Irish website. I was encouraged by their message which guaranteed delivery before Christmas (optimistic I thought ...

Discworld novels

2007-01-09T04:29:43Z

rating: 5
I got my first Discworld book, by Terry Pratchett, about three or four years ago, called Wyrd Sisters. It featured characters I’ve since come to know and love, i ...

Run, boy, run

2007-01-08T10:35:00Z

rating: 4

★★★★☆ Went to Apocalypto on Friday night, hadn’t really read the reviews, but there wasn’t much else in the cinema so we gave it a shot. Fairly typical “ethnic ...

Apocalypto Movie

2007-01-08T06:28:48Z

rating: 4

Went to Apocalypto on Friday night, hadn’t really read the reviews, but there wasn’t much else in the cinema so we gave it a shot. Fairly typical "ethnic ...

Aquafresh foam impact aerosol

2007-01-08T05:41:59Z

rating: 3
Spotted this in the supermarket at Christmas and had to try it. Toothpaste is now passé, toothfoam is the new thing. What can I say, it cleans the teeth. You ...

Yummy Cafe Paradiso

2006-10-11T16:56:00Z

rating: 4

★★★★☆ Another successful meal in Café Paradiso last night, to celebrate getting a contracting job due to my imminent redundancy!
I had roasted globe artichoke with a tasty Knockalara sheep’s ...

Pheasant's Tail grass

2006-10-10T16:32:00Z

rating: 1

★☆☆☆☆ Two Pheasant’s Tail grass plants (a.k.a. Stipa arundinacea) were bought for the tiny front garden around 5 or 6 years ago. They appeared to have so many ...

Jamie Oliver's Italian Series by Tefal – 30cm Ragout pan

2006-10-09T10:14:00Z

rating: 4

★★★★☆ I’ve been trying to justify buying a large saucepan, but haven’t been winning the argument so far. By volunteering to cook a Hungarian Goulash for Gary and family ...

Little Miss Sunshine

2006-09-26T16:54:00Z

rating: 5

★★★★★ It certainly brought light and laughter into my evening.

Cast
Alan Arkin – the irascible heroin-snorting grandfather.
Toni Collette – the harassed Mother, trying to hold the family together.
Greg Kinnear – the ...

The New Yorker

2006-09-24T11:28:00Z

rating: 5

★★★★★ I love The New Yorker

I’ve been reading The New Yorker on and off for the last 20 years. It started in Hamburg in 1986, where I went for ...