Super Fury Animals

Super Fury Animals, originally uploaded by Welsh Icons (Dom).

I went to see the SFAs at Sub29, Millenium Plaza last night. The promoters are Steve and Jason - a nicer pair of blokes you could not wish to meet.

Jason, AKA Johan Flapsandiwich is the infamous programmer behind the electro-punk combo Sicknote. Somehow, for all his rock-and-roll rhetoric his mask easily drops and he always reminds me of Paddington Bear on a good day.

Cheers Flaps and hope you like the photographs.

Looking forward to the Monte Dons at Fagins tomorrow http://www.faginsalehouse.co.uk

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Tragedy

As Editor of the Welsh Icons site I strive to be politically agnostic, but I just had to share this one:

Gordon Brown was visiting a primary school. In one class they were in the middle of a discussion related to words and their meanings. The teacher asked Mr. Brown if he would like to lead the discussion on the word 'tragedy'.

So the illustrious leader asked the class for an example of a tragedy. A little boy stood up and offered: 'If my best friend, who lives on a farm, is playing in the field and a tractor runs over him and kills him, that would be a tragedy'.

No, said Gordon - that would be an accident'.

A little girl raised her hand: 'If a school bus carrying fifty children drove over a cliff, killing everyone inside, that would be a tragedy'.

‘I'm afraid not,’ explained Gordon, ‘that's what we would call great loss’.

The room went silent. No other children volunteered. Gordon searched the room. 'Isn't there someone here who can give me an example of a tragedy?'.

Finally, at the back of the room, little Johnny raised his hand. In a quiet voice he said 'If a plane carrying you and Mr Darling was struck by a 'friendly fire' missile and blown to smithereens, that would be a tragedy'.

'Fantastic!' exclaimed Gordon. 'That's right. And can you tell me why that would be tragedy?'.

'Well,' says little Johnny 'it has to be a tragedy, because it certainly wouldn't be a great loss and it probably wouldn't be an accident either'.

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The Mitre Pub in Canton Cardiff

The Mitre Pub in Canton Cardiff, originally uploaded by Welsh Icons (Dom).

Yesterday I went to many places taking photographs for the Welsh Icons website including most of the Gower, Swansea, Pendoylan, Peterstone-Super-Ely and returining to Cardiff we, no not the Royal we - I used the opportunity of a friend's Aunties 90th birthday in Swansea to cadge a lift around SE Wales) decided to have a pint on our way back in Canton.

We were going to have a beer in the Duke of Clarence and I thought I'd grab a quick exterior shot for the site when I was attacked by a local. I tried to explain what I was taking the shot for but he just grunted, kicked me to the ground and then grabbed my camera (D50 with SB800 for anyone interested).

Fortunately my mates were still in the van and managed to retrive my camera with just a broken filer holder (Cokin P series)

Bruised and shocked we went to the Mitre in the backstreets of Canton and had a great time. It took me a few pints to stop shaking. Thanks to Jeff, the Landlord and my new mate. When they found out I was a 'tog most of the pub wanted group shots taken - goes to show that even within a small area there are good and bad places to go

Just wanted to get this off my chest

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Jeremy Vine Drinking Brains Dark

Jeremy Vine Drinking Brains Dark, originally uploaded by Welsh Icons (Dom).

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Cardiff CAMRA pub of the year

Cardiff CAMRA pub of the year, originally uploaded by Welsh Icons (Dom).

The Vulcan wins the CAMRA Pub of the Year 2009. Such a pity that it is going to close soon.

Apart from great beer I don't know where I'm going to get my cheese or ham cobs from now and where am I going to meet people like Sid, Will, Billy et al?

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Jeremy relaxes with a pint of Brains Dark

Jeremy relaxes with a pint of Brains Dark, originally uploaded by Welsh Icons (Dom).

Jeremy Vine came to the Vulcan this evening - what a nice chap!

I was waiting quietly to ask if I could take some photographs after he had finished his interviews when his producer asked if I could take some photographs of the interviews.

I wasn't quite sure who he was at first as I'd somehow got it into my head that he was Jeremy Kyle. I suppose that's what happens when you don't watch television and only listen to R4

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The Bush

The Bush, originally uploaded by Welsh Icons (Dom).

I was taken to the Bush in St Hilary last night as a pre-birthday treat. I hadn't been there for years and was glad to see nothing had changed.

A great selection of real ales including Hancocks and Wheat's Occurring.

I ate roasted belly pork with fondant sweet potatoes and a port jus (£13.95) - one of the best meals I've ever had in Wales.

After diner we played dominoes at our table and chatted with the landlady - what more could you wish for?

A wide and eclectic menu is tempting me back again soon.

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