Rob Thomas Chip Tooth Smile - A Reflection of Times Past

                                                    
"So what’s the strangest place that [Rob] Thomas has ever heard "Smooth” being played over the years? 
“One time my wife and I were walking into a sex shop, and it came on. That was pretty cool!”  
Most people would preferred to have asked what they were doing in the sex shop?!! ha.  What - it's a valid question!!  I thought this line would grab your attention from Rob's interview for the New York Post back on 26th April when the new album was released.  

“I think I just heard one too many people talk about the idea that they hate getting older, and I don’t think they’ve really thought that through, because the alternative to getting older is to stop…We’ve lost some friends over the years that died before their time, and I think that you comprehend as you get older that it’s a privilege that isn’t afforded to everyone.”   On his song One Less Day (Dying Young) which in some ways could be reverse psychology in some respects.  People talk of another year older but don't really see how lucky they are to get that extra year.  Another year older is seen more as not doing what they wanted when they had the chance, when younger.  On losing out on so much.  Yet compared to those who have gone before, gone too soon, the older you are, the more you have achieved in terms of life.  That's it, it's plain and simple: just life!

Rob: "it sounded like such an ’80s song anyway [with] the production and the guitar," on Timeless.  It's not just that song though.  Others on there sound akin to an 80's vibe running through them.  Other faves of mine include Tomorrow, The Worst In Me, Can't Help Me Now, It's Only Love.  It's that kind of an album and even if no one agrees, it definitely is one that makes you sit up and listen, not just the music but also the lyrics.  Rob has written some of the most wondrous lyrics over the years, although I admit some of the words have been used over (see below) which has been one of the highlights of listening and rediscovering his songs for me.  Yeah rediscovering as there was a period where I had other stuff going on and returning to them when my father passed in 2004, especially with Bent and a few others such as Leave, When You're Gone.  Real songs that far from having the feel-good factor (and many do) they were more those that make you wallow in self pity and make you forget the real world for a brief moment.  But also return you to that heart breaking point in time when you realize you'll never see your loved one(s) again.  Only in dreams!

It's Only Love is so breath taking and yeah it's true; give me a song title, lyric, poem and I'll string a few words together and come up with something else!  I love doing that, but don't get to do that quite often.
An example: 

It's only love, when I looked at you for a second time through all the modern trappings of materialism I saw I'm not a material girl

I now chant

it's only #ephemeral

Seriously it's a haunting melody summing up what was, could be, could have been, everlasting, if only...it's only love...

This was going to be a kind of retro piece highlighting some of the best songs from the past and then going onto the current Chip Tooth Smile album, but alas it didn't turn out that way.  But I did attempt to write some nostalgic bits and pieces below.  I think I got carried away in places in the moment and just went with the flow.  That's what spontaneity is all about and something I feel that Rob must do when writing.  Hell I wish I could write music to some of the lyrics/poems I have penned! But I didn't get into it not even at school.

Now Comes the Night is a haunting melody. The piano intro is reminiscent to me of Somewhere In the Night - Scott Bakula. And no I didn't make a connection with both songs having 'night' in the title either, not right away! I know it was used in the final ep of Stargate Universe and was apt for this ep, especially since we didn't get anymore.  It was great they went for one of Rob's songs and making him a little more familiar and known to others around the world, who hadn't heard of him before.

Many songs remind me of Rob's songs & vice versa. Take Lonely Anymore is akin to Rihanna's Unfaithful song.  Though Rob's came a year earlier.  It has a similar beat to me for the chorus part only. 

So it didn't come as a surprise to me that Rob brought out an entire album Chip Tooth Smile which has Timeless, an homage to great '80's music.  But that there are quite a few songs which are reminiscent from the '80's and artists from that era.  Yeah we deffo had the best music going back then! Not that some isn't good these days, but not consistently good, unless you like a specific artist.  Generally there's a market lacking for consistently exceptionally crazy good music and lyrics too.  As well as upbeat rhythm and music for our times to bring us through the doldrums of what we as an entire world are experiencing right now.

Let's see. How Far We've Come has connotations of Billy Joel's We Didn't Start the Fire.  Heck we need a follow-up for this song since there's plenty of material out there, esp right now when the world is going to pot in a hell basket all over again!  With some Dire Straits sliding in subtly with the 'cool' lines.

Hand Me Down is a little Beatles Let It Be vibe and some Bryan Adams' Everything I Do I Do It For You.
Trust You has a Poker Face feel to it
The rock theme, some are heavy heavily rock orientated like Long Day, Push, conjures up an image of a goth puppet being manipulated cos "I can."  Still Ain't Over You reminds me of The Doors with that rocking rhythm and the title in particular especially as Rob sings it.
All That I Am is a classic anthem of love, life, transcending the mundane.  An homage to Native American spirituality, in my opinion; as echoed in the haunting theme.

The use of similar or same words in many songs: broken, mean... I'm not knocking it, it's kinda sweet like a recurring trend almost providing a theme running through them, a link even.  Which is different.  I don't think I've come across that in many songs/artists' music. Duran Duran to name one band tend to do that too in some songs.

Snowblind: focus
Ever the Same, Mad Season, Bent, We Were Beautiful: broken
Gasoline, Disease: beautiful girl
She's So Mean, If You're Gone: mean
Absence of Affection, Pieces: everybody wants you pieces
You get the gist.   Yet where else could you get such great lines as:
"Everything is alright until it ain't right
And we all know that we ain't alright right now"  (Tomorrow)
where you turn your insides out trying to use those same words and come up with something even so remotely coherent and fail dismally.  That'll be me then on occasion!

The Worst In Me deffo a Billy Joel vibe running through this.
You know those misheard lyrics people speak of, well mine for this on the line "...hanging on a moment wouldn't stop" sounds like "hanging on the morning doing stuff!"
Which is funny as I have an ear for EVPs, not the same thing I know but still involves listening! ha.
Early in the Morning is so Phil Collins, it's uncanny!
No, no this isn't a piece on comparing and contrasting and it isn't meant to be read as such.  Rob has his own distinctive style and mood to his songs and music.  Always changing the sounds to coincide with changing times and shown by decades of success.  But more than that by bringing us classy, engaging music to make sure we get by each and every day.  Some escapism as in Little Wonders.

As shown by some of my silly tweets:

Timeless 

who's this Thomas, Thomas you hear in the first two timeless in the chorus.

#MisheardLyrics !

Wrote this and then thought woopsie, it's your name!! ha  

But squint your ears and it does sound like Thomas!

ON a serious note I love the way you sing "Major Tom" so very #Bowiesque sounding!

When you've a song in your head that doesn't quite fit what you're after til coming across Her Diamonds @ThisIsRobThomas Perfect for the ending of this mess! [Pic of my book in the tweet]

Wow what a great fit for this! If only it actually became a reality & not just stuck in dreams.
This was a tweet for one of my books and darn it if this song doesn't fit it!

If we're talking tweets this was too damn, well something or another.  And yes, the out of focus one looks better.  Resembles the Cradlesong pic a bit!  No?!

I hear ya chuckling and I don't blame ya!! 

Tomorrow is one of those songs you are looking to listen to when sad, at the same time it's rather uplifting and bittersweet in its sentiments and rhythm.  I've found that with many of Rob's songs, no matter how sad, sombre; they always make me laugh a little and think, well there's a song for how I'm feeling and I can really cry along with it, sing along or "God damn it's never easy..." but just go with the flow and see where you end up and where each beautifully written line leads you.  Down some path of no return, craving more music and his subtly sublime voice in many songs.  Whilst having that punky rock, throwaway cockney style too in songs such as Push, Bent, Long Day.  Like who needs perfectly proper posh language all the time!
Tomorrow: seconds out and we're down for the heartbreak.

We Were Beautiful the innocence of youth, loss, coming to terms, endearing the past, growing up, longing for yesterday; are the sorts of thoughts and sentiments this conjures up for me.
Can't Help Me Now: a chanson for doomed love, haplessness, going it alone, needing to find someone else to see you through cos the old friend/confidant/lover ain't working or helping.

Snow Blind invokes being lost in a blizzard imagery and can't get out of an endless circle of sameness and nothingness. Stuck in a loop.
Pieces a ballad of infinitesimal haunting memories. Written for Rob's lovely and courageous wife, Marisol, it's also hopeful in a foreboding sort of way.  Fate is out of our hands, but fighting will bring us through the darkness.  Never give up!

And have there been dreams, why yes of course, that goes without saying!  One example!

Funny dream ended up in a place where they were letting people sing Karaoke 

but it was like in individual booths, only people could still hear you. 

Was there with a friend who looked familiar like you. 

Then I said well I'm not trying that, I don't want people to hear me, 

esp when I don't reach the high notes. 

Some guy was having a go and there was a holographic Rob behind 

a glass screen. The guy was singing a song from the new album 

cos it was one I hadn't heard before.

It was It's Only Love. Then said to him, don't stop you're really great!  

Did a double take & saw it was Rob after all!  WTH?!!

Not that any of your songs wouldn't be good for Karaoke or anything!

Chip Tooth Smile in my opinion is one of Rob's best albums to date!  Heck it's better than his best.  It's inspiring in many ways and so grounded in stability and positivity displaying an uplifting beat.  The '80's were one of the best decades for music for those of us around then and especially growing up and this reflects that time of innocence and just finding our way as teens for most of us! I feel Rob was making up here for not writing such brilliant stuff in the '80's (you know what I mean) and it's great knowing that all his other writing and albums were culminating in this work of art.  Destined to outshine that gone before and sparkle in a wilderness of music we had lost for a very long time. Or thought we had, but was always around in some form or another with this exceptional treat to our ears, hearts and souls!

Victoria 3.8 "The White Elephant" Review

                                        
Albert (Tom Hughes) is slogging away at the great Crystal Palace project and is burning the midnight oil with Cole (David Newman). Causing Bertie (Laurie Shepherd) to awaken Victoria (Jenna Coleman) as he believes Papa is dead.  Obviously that was a little premature but none the less worries Victoria and has repercussions for the end of this ep and for next series.  Which presumably there will be one! Albert has second thoughts about it being "great" and even Palmerston (Laurence Fox) tells Victoria it won't really be as successful as he imagined as the British public aren't big on hyperbole's.  They're not really big on much anyway.  As Albert and Cole worry they haven't sold enough season tickets and the ladies don't want to accompany their husbands to the exhibit.  Whereby Victoria adds they will want to shake hands with their Queen.

Palmerston is at loggerheads also with Russell (John Sessions) as he has written to Louis Bonaparte who has declared himself Emperor of France and he thought it premature for him to do this.  As Palmerston adds Louis will have a lot on his hands dealing with repairing France instead of thinking of another battle with Britain.  Russell is not so amused as he plots his downfall behind the scenes in the commons.  Russell relays his dismay to Victoria.  As does Palmerston who resigns and informs her at the opening.  She knows he won't be ending his career just yet.  He will become PM one day and his wife, Emily (Pandora Clifford) agrees as she's invited to the opening by Victoria.  And obviously the public agreed as he was voted in as PM twice.

Victoria also hears that Sophie (Lily Travers) has a serious brain malady and she sends Abigail (Sabrina Bartlett) with a note.  She can't get in to see her in person, but she pays a servant who tells her that her illness is so severe that the nurses lock her up when they go to eat.  As Sophie watches from the widow.  Monmouth (Nicholas Audsley) being adamant she won't see William and he will send her to an asylum.  Victoria demands to see Monmouth and Joseph (David Burnett) is angry when he overhears Sophie's predicament threatening to take him on himself and win.  As Penge (Adrian Schiller) observes it all.  Bertie is in love with Heidi (Ellen Evans) and Albert contemplates allies and wants her to marry Sigmund Crown Prince of Prussia (Lion-Russell Baumann) as they will be good allies.  However Palmerston suggests to Feo (Kate Fleetwood) that she could marry Louis and become Empress, a station even higher than Queen of England.  To which Feo is delighted.  Bertie even proposes to Heidi.  Who tells him she's too old for him.

Victoria finds Albert in the dark outside ruing his folly and he tells her about the white elephant which is given as the highest honour to a family and must decide if they can feed the family or feed the animal as it can't be killed.  That's what his Crystal Palace is, a white elephant.  She tells him it will be a success, as she feels his hand which is ice cold.  They open the exhibit and Sophie speaks with Joseph who wants her to meet him at Euston so that they can run away to America and just be ordinary people.  With Monmouth still watching and demands to know who the servant is with his wife.  Penge refuses to help further as he says respect is earned not bought, throwing his bag of coins at him.  So much for Monmouth's declaration of his wife's "wanton" behaviour.  Of course Victoria is aware something is amiss especially when she sees Joseph making a gesture towards Sophie before he leaves.

The exhibition is a success, at least the opening, as Bertie shouts "God save Papa" with the people joining in with "God save Prince Albert."  Victoria mentions how a mother wouldn't leave her children to Sophie.  So as she's about to leave, William calls Sophie as he can't sleep and Joseph waits for her at the station.  He'll be waiting a long time.  Albert finds out about Feo's deal with Palmerston about Heidi marrying Louis and tells her she's betrayed him.  Which is what Victoria had been telling him over.  She says they'll leave and Albert says it's only that Palmerston has resigned that she's had a change of heart, well mind.  Victoria tells her that she doesn't have a sister even though she has many things, but Feo insists she would've made a good queen had she not been carted off by their mother.  Which Victoria tells her Feo's blamed her for all this time.

Victoria stands by the fire where Albert proposed to her and she remembers that, as Albert falls to the floor and passes out...Cue cliffhanger, not that it's much of one as we know what the final outcome will be.  Thus ends series 3 with a few ups and downs such as devoting nearly the entire series to Feo which was kind of boring even if they wanted some plot points to carry the story further.  Showing their bitterness towards one another.  Albert finally realizing her betrayal. TRusting the wrong people comes at a price, even family.

Betrayal - Pinter at the Pinter

The play most everyone was talking about, except me. Finally got to see it and well what a tangled web we weave and all that.  Hilarious in places Pinter really captured the essence of affairs between couples (married) and turned it into a finely tuned comedy.  Written by Harold Pinter based on his seven year affair to Joan Bakewell whilst married to others.  So no wonder.
Slightly tongue in cheek in places with  a bit of a slow start.  Practically everyone was betraying everyone else and all having affairs.
"The play is unique due to its reverse chronology; Betrayal begins two years after the affair has ended, and the piece ends before the affair has begun...."
Thus it ends on a positive note of friendship: never broken, never parted.
Also one reason why the set was revolving in a circle, anti and clockwise, a reflection of time passing and years going backwards and forwards.

Heck the melons, reminded me of Berberian Sound Machine play with the sound effects when those poor melons were smashed to pieces.  Not so much here as being devoured and yes smashed to bits by Tom Hiddleston as Robert' in one scene at a restaurant.  With the booze overflowing, well of course not real booze, but plenty would've been devoured in real life, or swilled.  Same scene had some belters in there when Robert says he hates books, he's a publisher but he hates them!  With Jerry (Charlie Cox) his best friend having a nose for finding the best writers out there for publication!

Did anyone get the subtle hint that Robert was actually Spinx as the MSS was an anon submission and then Spinx wore dark glasses all day and was fifty, overweight.  Thought it would've been Robert in disguise though he was only alluded to it, not actually seen on stage.  Also how Casey was meant to be a good writer too.  Particularly as Robert was interested in what his wife, Emma (Zawe Ashton) was reading the book and he asked what she thought of it. My view at least.   Overshadowed by Torcello, a book fair being held there.  Lots of references there and how they were caught out in a lie, especially Emma whens Robert tells Jerry she didn't go since there weren't any speedboats and a gondola would take forever.  Robert then tells him well he took a speedboat cos the gondola would take hours.

Apparently they were all having affairs years ago and some moving scenes when mentioning their children and how the action revolved around a number of years, back and forth.  Robert saying Jerry was such a good friend that he'd even have an affair with him, I said that too early on as they were so enamoured of each other.

Full house this night and sold out practically but it has been extended a further week in June. Watching in a box in the Royal Circle with only two seats there was particularly good.  Plenty were there for Tom and his performance.  However he didn't sign many autographs at Stage Door, I have to say poorly done Tom as many paid quite a bit to get tickets for the show and to travel here from abroad!  Many actors traverse the boards for even longer than 90 minutes and do their due diligence for their fans!  Okay so don't agree with me, but it's true.  Same thing was done by Aidan Turner last year, maybe this is the norm for some of the current actors doing the rounds, especially those whose immediate forte isn't really theatre! That was my bit of negativity. I'm not a fan but I despair for those who are.

Here's silly sketch for anyone.

SO what was the point of the security going through the line checking tickets at Stage Door if no one was going to get through save for the select few at the front.  Still at least got to see Charlie Cox and Zawe Ashton who were excellent in their performances!!

Victoria 3.7 "A Public Inconvenience" Review

                                            
With Victoria (Jenna Coleman) and Albert (Tom Hughes) growing further apart, Victoria is now saddled with the problem of him wanting to create a vast exhibition and he wants this to be a success.  For someone who vented about Victoria needing her subjects to adore her, his plans for this monumental exhibition don't fall far from hrr vanity.  Especially since he's also not accepted by the public and the newspapers never fail to show that. So doesn't he also need approval too.  He decides Hyde Park would be a good venue and there is uproar in the House over where the drunkards will now piss themselves.  As Albert talks public convenience with Cole (David Newman).  Also as Cole demonstrated how the masses could be subjected to the ornamental wealth of the rich too by having objects which are engraved by his machine.  As Albert remarks "want steam, get Coal," or Coal, more like.

Victoria still wants Feo (Kate Fleetwood) gone and is tired of having her here.  Palmerston (Laurence Fox) suggests Victoria get friendly with her and make her an ally rather than an enemy.  As he sends a fleet of ships to a blockade with Greece over their treatment of a British Jew and how the police joined in.  She of course wants a more peaceful method employed and asks Wellington (Peter Bowles) what should be done.  Who tells her he's going to resign as her Commander of the Army, suggesting Albert should take his place as he's more than qualified to do so.  As Albert tells her she should grow up, she's 30 now and should act her age.  Telling this to Feo, Victoria mentions how their mother wanted to be as far away from Victoria as possible.  Asking Feo what she wants and what she can give her.  Feo requests her daughter be at court as she is of marrying age now.  Victoria doesn't even recall her name, Adelheid (Heidi.) Whom Bertie (Laurie Shepherd) takes a shine too already and that's where his womanizing ways began no doubt!

Albert is determined to get his great venue but finds that bricks are just too many to employ in such a costly adventure and the designs look more like a mausoleum.  Why don't they get another architect is Cole's suggestion.  Elsewhere Russell (John Session) tries a coup over Palmerston and this backfires, as Palmerston comes to Parliament with a speech well versed in how it feels like to be a subject overseas and it doesn't make any difference where they are and they should all be supported and protected, to rapturous applause.

Monmouth (Nicholas Audsley) employs Penge (Adrian Schiller) to be his eyes and ears and get the dirt on Sophie (Lily Travers) as he knows she's having "relations" with a footman but he doesn't know who, giving him a purse of money.  Penge of course knows it's Joseph (David Burnett) and also catches them in the Summerhouse together.  However Joseph comes clean about getting paid by the Duke at his last position for pretending to be in love with the Duchess and was handsomely rewarded, as he speaks of America and finding his fortune there.  As William is coming home.  Emma (Anna Wilson-Jones) tells Sophie of Caroline Norton and Lord Melbourne, as I mentioned in last ep's review.  How she lost her children and was left penniless.  Those being the least of her worries as Monmouth refuses to let her see William when he returns and threatens her with the asylum.

Victoria realizes Albert has given up his dream and he accepts the post of Commander but tells him she married him for his dreams, even if they fail, at least he had the courage to have them.  She tells him to go ahead with his building and Cole employs a new architect, a gardener, Paxton (Christopher Brand) who Albert is impressed with.  Seems they are back together as Albert says he loved her differently to how he loves her now.  She's older now and he grabs her book from her as they laugh together.

Ghost Adventures 18.6 "American Horror Story - Woodbury Story House" Review

                                                  
This episode focused on the American Horror Story House used for filming the show and many others too and how many realized that it was actually haunting itself.  AKA the Woodbury Story House.  It was built in 1882 by Captain Frederick Woodbury?? an Altadena founder whose brother is said to haunt the house still as his be died penniless.  Having several owners over the years; the current owner, Sally Elbert, who takes part in rituals with the assistant property manager, Stephanie who was also constructing a Ouija board from the wood from the house.

Getting their first glimpse of a presence when the light goes out after the battery is drained and rustling can be heard in the garden. There was also a mystic who lived in the house during the 1970's and could have had an influence on the presences in the house.  Both Sally and Stephanie engage in Ouija board sessions for a few minutes.  With Zak adding that he does take part in that kind of stuff, but knows of the risks when going too far.  Leading to more build up of energy with the mystic in the 1970's.  What was the mystic's name? - Madeleine - which came through on the spirit box.

Zak sees an entity in the garden but he had a camera and he couldn't capture that on the camera, though he did manage to see a stick figure on the SLS.  Aaron gets "I'm here" on the spirit box, which Zak thinks is a warning from John Woodbury.  With more quick fire voices coming through.  Was that the mystic??  I don't hear "how many here"  I hear "how did he do [it?] or how could he do?? Zak saying a door is here and these spirits were conjured, that's why so many voices.  Zak lights the candles as in a seance.  The Trifield spikes to 10.

Dakota loses the coin toss and heads for the basement alone.  As Jay calls "heads", er, so did I! How come they don't capture the shadows when they're holding a camera, as Aaron didn't after also seeing one and holding the camera too.  Zak uses the Polaroid again.  The thing of beauty keeps showing up in these eps as I said before, it's a great camera! A light anomaly appears to be following them around quite a bit, as it goes up the stairs, then appears when Zak drops the photo, why?

Three knocking sounds are heard behind Billy in the dining room. Zak uses an Electroscope to detect static energy in the air which only goes off when static is around as omitted by spirits.  Which goes off in his hand in one of the bedrooms as an orb is seen getting next to him on the bed.  As well as Zak and |Aaron hearing a growl, not caught on camera.  There's a clicking sound when they ask what that was, which was probably the camera and not paranormal.  The voice on the recorder sounds like "I hate ya or her."???  As Jay and Billy use the music box next to the Ouija board and the rocking chair, which didn't move but the music box did play.

Zak finds some sort of light anomaly in one of the pics.  Probably the one that was following them around.

The Ovilus comes through with "Hug" which Dakota says it can do to him.  Before he hears some noises from behind him, a "D" left in mid air on the Ovilus and he runs with "Do Run" on the screen.  There's a cage in the basement, don't know what for, perhaps a leftover prop?

Aaron captures more voices on the spirit box sweep: "he talking"??  Not "him." When Jay asks who's talking, I hear "Peggy."  It's a woman's voice.  Billy gets "evil" on the Ovilus. "Talkin?? not a growl and "Aaron."  More intelligent responses in the attic: "Harm to anybody" Aaron asks. "No."
Aaron: "were you having fun?"  Answer "he was."  "He wants to kill her."  He shows the home is home to a portal.

Victoria 3.6 "A Coburg Quartet" Review

                                              
Still the trouble in paradise and in the monarchy continues as Albert (Tom Hughes) and Victoria (Jenna Coleman) head for more ups and downs in their marriage and public life.  As said, Feo (Kate Fleetwood) being here didn't make things easier and Victoria finally realizes that she's making waves between them; but at what cost.  Well revenge of course for everything Victoria has but she doesn't, as well as finding out that the real reason she hates her was that Feo wanted to be Queen.  She would've married George, old, fat George and she'd have been Queen and not Victoria.  But Uncle Leopold (Alex Jennings) and her mother sent her away.  Marrying a poor prince so she wouldn't get in the way.  Leopold tells Victoria it was since George was just using Feo to show he could produce a male heir as the rest of his ilk.  Feo was just a pawn.

George of course is mentioned quite a bit throughout especially since Albert finds he can't do anything with Bertie and Feo suggests he may need a doctor's opinion, who measure his lobes/bumps and says he has what, the 'dumb' gene.  Albert is progressive but where Bertie is concerned it seems he doesn't know or want to know what's best for his own son.  As Victoria firmly believes he's not prone to insanity, as Feo puts that idea into Albert's head about Victoria too.  Also Feo organizes the Georgian ball again as a harkback to George and invites the guests.  As she gets more 'bribes' from them for doing so.  Also noticed by Palmerston (Laurence Fox) when he sees her riding a horse in the park, which she clearly can't afford.  Victoria also noticing her tiara at the ball.  However Albert doesn't want to hear it, especially the rift between them part, as he too is hung up on Victoria being far too concerned with her own personal image, rather than being the monarch she should be, commanding respect.

Not helped by the new design of the coin which Albert wants to take responsibly for.  At the same time, etchings of her are published by the printer.  The one where she's bathing her baby.  Which she takes displeasure at since it doesn't make her feel regal in the least and wants to sue.  Albert taking this task on himself as she can't do so.  Even though Russell (John Sessions) advises her not to do so.  She thinks she's a laughing stock and again we all know this was instigated by Feo.  As she brings it to Leopold's attention when it's printed in the paper.

Palmerston buys a print for a shilling and tells her that this is a way of her becoming more on par with her people.  They have babies and dogs but they don't have her wealth and see her more human in this way.  Again Albert telling her she can't have it both ways when she confronts him about leaving off the "by the grace of God" from her coin.  Which he remarks wouldn't fit on there since she wanted a crown on her head.  Victoria thinks Feo should leave now and even Albert disagrees by saying that she can't even throw her a crumb from her table.  Seems he is very endearing of Feo but can't see the same in his son.  When she confronts him, he tells her that he can only love her as her protector now and is all the love he has left for her.  As Bertie cries over his missing mouse, she tells him they can get another one, but they can't stop loving someone.  Reminiscent of Victoria losing her beloved Dash.

Elsewhere, Sophie (Lily Travers) and Joseph (David Burnett) get to be together at the ball after he tells her that the Ninth Duchess of Monmouth was in a similar fate as herself and killed herself after she was humiliated.  Which is what Monmouth (Nicholas Audsley) wants to do to her.  She changes her mind and dresses as a servant, as her grandmother was one.  Wonder if it had more to do with lowering herself to Joseph's station for what they intended to do.  As Penge (Adrian Schiller) looks for him and Lady Emma (Anna Wilson-Jones) searches for Sophie before Monmouth finds them.  As he sees that Palmerston isn't with her as he suspected.  Then Monmouth sees Sophie looking at Joseph during the christening, as noticed also by Emma and Alfred (Jordan Waller).  No doubt this was turning into a real Upstairs Downstairs/Downton Abbey story in the context of the royal household.

In actual fact, the etchings were stolen and printed.  Leading Albert to sue and was granted an injunction on the grounds of privacy.  An early case of its type involving royalty, but one which is widely documented in legal circles.  Abigail (Sabrina Bartlett) saying the people were impressed with seeing her so 'common' was shown to be the case with Punch.  However Victoria was still not amused.  Both Victoria and Albert did turn to the science of phrenology and the finding that Bertie's anterior lobe wasn't developed enough for him to adequately learn.  The Duchess of Monmouth's story was based on the affair that Caroline Norton had whilst married to her Tory MP husband, George Norton, who took away her children.  In fact she had the affair with none other than Lord Melbourne.  As mentioned in series 1 which is why those around her were weary of Victoria around him so much.  However, she didn't kill herself, instead she wrote books etc to earn an income and one on why mothers who were divorced should still have access to their children. As for the coins, well the inscription was left off and the coin had to be redesigned before it was issued.  Another reason for Victoria to be angry with Albert!

Muldoon & Ives - EP

Real Music Lives

Thought I'd lost this song forever but it's back Grey Again was one of my absolute faves when Patty had it on Sound Cloud (almost wrote sound bites there!)  Then it vanished as it left such an impression on me.  Well all his songs do, and Neil Ives collaborating too.  (Or should that be collusion!  ha.  Scratch that!)  Grey Again is one which helps cuts loose from your inhibitions and just throw paint around on a canvas and watch it come to life whilst you imagine dancing a slow dance in the rain and got over a broken heart as just life in general passes you by.

The songs are very atmospheric and can conjure a picture of so much emotion if you're in that kinda mood and if not, well, just relax and enjoy The Ride!  (Sorry!)  Who says you have to be a writer of epic proportions!  Cos writing songs is just the real deal too!  Whether you're into this music or not, there's always something uplifting about listening and brightens up even the worst day you might be having!

Miracle has the vibe of  a traditional '70's rock song played on through generations and still able to mess with ya head; get your foot tapping and playing loudly at a party to the annoyance of neighbours (yeah mine would deserve it).

The Ride reminds me quite a bit of Red Dress (will always love this one!) Although I started out listening to Patty with Glowing Like Gold - that was the first one I ever heard.  It's got a similar vibe and The Ride could be a sequel in many ways. 

Back to Life yay and a welcome back to more rocking sounds and have missed these for a while now and had to listen to the ones scattered about on YouTube with the Concerts From My Living Room series.  Back to Life also has a more country vibe to it.

They return again to wake up the Sleeping Masses!  Thanks again it's been far too long. 
Looking forward to much more!
Welcome back!

Released: 15 April 2019
Muldoon and Ives
Available in iTunes & YouTube

Victoria 3.5 "A Show of Unity" Review

                                               
As Victoria (Jenna Coleman) rides in her carriage with her children; another shooter tries to shoot at her, but is quickly tackled to the ground by the guards.  As Bertie relays how someone tried to kill her and that the gun wasn't loaded.  Albert (Tom Hughes) regrets not being there with them as if he could've done something.  Anyway she decides on a trip to Ireland for the discourse that is still widely spread there and always will be, in a bid to, well, what did she want to do.  As Albert once again referred to it as her piece of "adoration" from her people, as they acknowledged how the Catholic Church and Cardinal Ronan (Christopher Dunne) aligned with her and her own protestant church.  Providing her with a dove as a symbol of this peaceful act.  Which Victoria promptly sets free as it is an Irish dove and belongs in Ireland.  Much to rapturous applause!

With Feo (Kate Fleetwood) in charge at home, she sets about acting as a monarch in her own right.  Giving Vicky and Bertie light wine for breakfast which they don't have and Vicky asking if she likes Caine (Edwin Thomas) the new tutor for Bertie.  Seems like Bertie was learning very quickly for someone who didn't want to be taught at all!  Of course he did the very thing Victoria questioned him on, i.e that his name doesn't symbolize his method of teaching! Which of course he says doesn't since he too was subject to it at school.  Bertie even impresses when they return home from Ireland with his French.  As Feo asks Albert to make the parson Hannam (Richard Earl) the Dean of Ely.  Of course it could only have been in return for a bribe since we all know how good she is at that!  As well as mentioning this to Palmerston (Laurence Fox) when she reminds him of his so-called attempted encounter with Sophie (Lily Travers) when he comments on Feo's pearls..  He tells her that they're "quits"on that now re her holding it over him.

Speaking of Sophie, Victoria notices her indifference towards the Duke of Monmouth (Nicholas Audsley) and insists on taking him to Ireland with her, which was a mistake, as he just gets drunk and makes a further fool of himself.  With Sophie spending time with Joseph (David Burnett) on the beach and finally they kiss.  With Joseph saying his son will go to Eton.  Palmerston notices Joseph and Sophie return at the same time and warns her about being with Joseph.  As she has a late breakfast and Monmouth walks in.  He makes another fool of himself when he confronts Palmerston in public over "rogering" his wife.  Whereas Palmerston replies he should forgo the booze and perhaps he can "roger her with more authority."  Yes women as chattels and sex objects, that's all they were good for!  Albert notices has Palmerston has no tenants in Ireland and he tells him they agreed to leave for America when the famine was at its height.  He paid them to go but they were happy since they write and tell him of how grateful they were. 

Victoria also sees Palmerston's marriage firsthand with Emily (Pandora Clifford) as she tells him about his having a woman whenever the need arises by placing his boots outside his room.  Then telling her if he was successful or not.  Admitting that she too has done the same on occasion since he spends so much time away, they both have such needs when they arise!  Victoria later compares her own marriage with theirs a little.  As well as breaking the news of being pregnant again since Albert regrets he won't be having anymore children to drop the ball on, with not seeing how Bertie was being treated.  And yes Feo should be held accountable for letting this slip by unchecked.  But she's still too busy making waves and getting what she can out of being there.  Albert and Victoria still not being as close as they once were as their interests and feelings over the monarchy and what is happening in the outside world, have veered them into different directions.

Victoria 3.4 "Foreign Bodies" Review

                                                      
As Victoria (Jenna Coleman) and Albert (Tom Hughes) refuse to speak with one another, they pass messages via the staff which becomes hilarious.  Think of the paper and ink they could've saved.  Sure they did this before when they asked the staff to relay messages verbally.  Anyhoo he's off to Cambridge to become Chancellor of the university much to the annoyance of Victoria who has to deal with the cholera epidemic on her own.  Not wanting Albert's help.  Same at the uni for him as they refuse to accept he wants the sciences to play a core part in the university.  However they are livid that he believes they should be teaching the theories of Charles Lyell who did not believe the world was created in seven days.  Also Lord Powis (Julian Firth) now stands against him for the post.  Which Albert finds humiliating.  As they don't want "foreigners" around and a German at that.  Since they don't want what he was taught at Bonn University to become the norm here.

Palmerston (Laurence Fox) also telling Albert he was a fellow at Cambridge too but Albert can't recall what college he was at.  Which Russell (John Sessions) says he ought to know.  Victoria has 'foreign' guests who bring gifts of jewellery for the newly born Princess.  Where Albert has to accompany her.  A doctor tries to find the origins of the outbreak as the guests settle down to listen to some opera singer and Russell gets a note informing of the outbreak not being limited to Soho where they thought they could contain it.  And also by moving the bodies to the country where they will be buried.  Victoria is concerned about her guests not hearing; lest they find out how dirty her country really is!

The doctors arrive at the Place with their own view points and a Dr Snow (Sam Swainsbury) with a stammer, can't tell her what's happening until he has proof.  As he traces back the outbreaks and where it's spreading to by asking patients questions.  Skerrett (Nell Hudson) visits an apothecary for some medicine and obviously that is contaminated from the water used in it.  When finding out she's pregnant.  Francatelli (Ferdinand Kingsley) has the hotel opened and she breaks the news to him.

Victoria asks Palmerston to arrange a visit to the hospital to check out the patients and meets Florence Nightingale (Laura Morgan) who also tells her about Dr Snow being the only one who visits here.  He finds the outbreak leads to a dirty water tap and tells this to Victoria.  As Brodie (Tommie Knight) overhears this, he asks who the apothecary is and Victoria goes to Skerrett.  Alas it's too late since Victoria tells her it's a good thing she's done opening the place, her own palace and there's nothing she can do for her. 

Palmerston votes for Albert in the chancellor election and obviously he must've had some of the others voting too for Albert to have won.  But he says he can't accept the position.  Palmerston says he agrees with him but only as far as the cholera issue goes.  ALbert returns home to Victoria and they make their peace.  As Victoria opens Skerrett's letter where she tells her she must follow her heart and leave her.  She regrets not opening it sooner.  Feo (Kate Fleetwood) being livid her plan of dividing them didn't work.

Joseph (David Burnett) is still enamoured with Sophie (Lily Travers) and the Duke (Nicholas Audsley) wants her to return home.  Joseph tells her to refuse him as the palace is safer.  The Duke tells him it's a command so she can't refuse him.  However she later tells Joseph that he can't refuse the Queen's command.  As Penge (Adrian Schiller) watches them.  So they killed off Skerrett, which wasn't really expected.  There didn't seem to be that much they could have done with her and Francatelli and getting them married kind of left them at loose ends, since this was about Victoria and not them.

Apparently Victoria had Dr Snow's help in real life; giving her chloroform during the birth of her seventh child, but he didn't really find the cause of the cholera until later on in.  She didn't meet Florence until the Crimean War either.  Albert accepted the position of Chancellor not realizing it was just a position of honour and he wasn't meant to be so vocal about it or to do anything. 

Plot generated for my book

 This was too funny not to post from https://www.plot-generator.org.uk/

Curvy maddie

An Incredible Romance
by Jamie

chase hanson is a curvy, weak and witty painter from the hood. His life is going nowhere until he meets maddie smith, a handsome, strong woman with a passion for jam doughnuts.
chase takes an instant disliking to maddie and the scheming and arrogant ways she learnt during her years in Ohio.
However, when a mass murderer tries to badmouth chase, maddie springs to the rescue. chase begins to notices that maddie is actually rather splendid at heart.
But, the pressures of maddie's job as a lawyer leave her blind to chase's affections and chase takes up baking to try an distract herself.
Finally, when arrogant author, bruce brown, threatens to come between them, maddie has to act fast. But will they ever find the incredible love that they deserve?

Voting and comments are only available on published work.

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"I fell in love with the thoughtful maddie smith. Last night I dreamed that she was in my teapot."

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PS I have already written one with these character names and it is much better!!