My heroes: Tommy Cooper

Oh, he makes me laugh. And I'm sure he makes you laugh too. He was a comic and magician, and was more talented at both disciplines than most who specialise in just one. Of course, it was very sad when he keeled over live on TV, but really pretty funny too and what a way to go. And he wore a fez. Which automatically makes him 25% more funny.

Reade some of his one liners here

So I went to the dentist. He said "Say Aaah." I said "Why?" He said "My dog's died.'
"So I got home, and the phone was ringing. I picked it up, and said 'Who's speaking please?' And a voice said 'You are.'"
"So I rang up my local swimming baths. I said 'Is that the local swimming baths?' He said 'It depends where you're calling from.'

And have a dig around this site to find our more about him, gems such such as this conversation with the Queen, which was meant to have taken place after a Royal Command Performance

"Do you think I was funny?" Tommy asked.
"Yes Tommy," replied the Queen.
"You really thought I was funny?", Tommy asked.
"Yes of course I thought you were funny" said the Queen.
"Did your Mother think I was funny?" Tommy asked.
"Yes, Tommy..." said the Queen, "we both thought you were funny."
"Do you mind if I ask you a personal question?" Tommy asked.
"No, ........." replied the Queen, "...but I might not be able to give you a full answer."
"Do you like football?" asked Tommy.
"Well not really" said the Queen.'
"In that case, ..." said Tommy, "....do you mind if I have your Cup Final Tickets?'"

You know what? It doesn't even matter if it's true...

Dogs In Hats

There is nothing in this life that tickles me more than a dog in a hat. I think a fez or a tiny sombrero adds gravitas and authority to any hound.

Here is a video of some more bonzos wearing bonnets. I particularly like the party hatted pooches.


More dogs in costumes here

Heart Shaped Sunglasses On The Cheap

Run run run to your nearest H&M store And buy these cheap-o, cute-o heart sunglasses for £3.99 (although the picture doesn't ACTUALLY show the ones I've got as the H&M website isn't so hot).

I got them in optimistic spring mint green. H&M is on a ROLL at the moment, what with its practical yet rave-friendly star-spangled hooded tops, and cute tunic dresses scattered with hearts.

Now you too can look like Vladimir Nabakov's dream girl.

Lucky Soul

Last night I went to see Lucky Soul at the Luminaire in Kilburn. The band say they are from Greenwich, London, but in reality, are from another era. An era when women singers didn't emote by screaming, or trying to fit as many notes into one syllable as is humanly possible. An era when musicians wore suits. An era when pop songs could be melancholy and uplifting and string-soaked and stirring all at once.

Lead singer Ali Howard is a direct cross of Dusty Springfield and Debbie Harry. Her voice cracks with emotion in the right places, soars high above the crowd at the band's climaxes, and pierces your heart with its directness.

The band's pin-precise versions of guitarist Andrew Laidlaw's show-stopping tunes is awe inspiring. When I first saw a picture of The Pipettes, this is what I imagined they might sound like, but sadly they didn't. Go and see Lucky Soul now before the only way to see them is to reserve seats at the Albert Hall three months in advance.

Buy their last single Lips Are Unhappy here. I've linked to the 7" vinyl version, because that feels the most appropriate format. This band are definitely a dusty grooves rather than shiny silver group.

Painting By Numbers

Painting by numbers used to be the preserve of the very young, the very old and those in some kind of therapy. Kits came with boards marked out for the budding artist to daub on prescribed colours.

But the craft is now being rehabilitated courtesy of arty types. This month, the Corey Helford Gallery held a charity auction of painting by numbers artworks that had been messed around with by artists such as Glenn Barr and Liz McGrath after they'd completed the original picture. The results twisted the familiar bold blocks of the art into something altogether more strange and imaginative.


Meanwhile, Tate art gallery's shop is selling oh-so-tasteful PBN kits so you can boast you've created your own wall hangings. And they're on sale at the moment! They're a bit school of Argos Additions for me, but would be fun to have a bash at.

I think I'd rather go for this Louis Wain-esque painting by numbers and, with a few modifications, create a mad cat picture worthy of the walls of Bedlam itself.

SingaLongaWonka

It's Friday. Turn your computer speakers up loud, and join in with Willyoke

Live in a Cartoon Courtesy of Fred Flare

I am considering emigrating to the USA purely so I can stalk the owners of marvellous internet emporium, Fred Flare

You could furnish your whole home and wardrobe from the NYC-based site, and basically live the Technicolor nu rave dream without having to neck those health-endangering pills.

From smiley-faced hoodies with grins that glow in the dark, to plates shaped like slices of pizza to balance your Hawaiian on, to brooches shaped like octopi wearing eyepatches, to cute tins, and Mario mushroom-shaped kitchen timers, oh hell, it’s like owners Chris and Keith have transplanted an Argos store to the Harjuku district in Tokyo .

First established in 1998, the store now sells lines from iHotto and Jack and Lulu to the bigger Paul Frank and Hello Kitty.

And it’s not too expensive. The oh-so-kind exchange rate wind is fully blowing behind us and the prices are less than high street anyway. So the set of pizza plates clocks in at $15 for four, the hoodie is $40, and the cute mushroom timer $12. Put on your sunglasses, and get out your credit card.

Optical Illusions to Make Your Eyes Hurt

Michael Bach is an evil man. His collection of spinning, throbbing, pulsating optical illusions make your head hurt and your eyes burn. But you won't be able to stop looking. And looking. Bridget Riley had nothing on the designers of these vicious patterns.

The Twisted World of Elizabeth McGrath

Elizabeth ‘Bloodbath’ McGrath is so talented, that were she any less charming, you’d puke. Not only does she play in the swampily groovy and heartmelting Miss Derringer , not only is she utterly stunning, but she’s one of the most talented, creative, witty, and snarky artists working in the USA right now. I would give my right ventricle to own one of her creepy, twisted pieces of genius. But for now I will make do with her book, Everything That Creeps

Some of her work is currently on display at the Mondo Bizzarro gallery in Rome

Souvenir Tat Charms

Like any good teenybopper, I love bag charms. At the moment, I'm rocking the 60s European Vacation look. Swinging souvenirs from the continent, and the UK in a big bunch hanging from my oversized bag. Yum.

Pick up cheapo keyrings from tourist tat shops, or supercheap on eBay . Or go higher budget with this stylised, 7" Gay Paris luggage tag from ModCloth for $11.99 (they deliver to the UK). Keep it tacky. And remember to wear a pair of HUGE sunglasses to top off the look.