A day in the life of a Jack Russell - Day 3: Pimping my CD

So 2 years ago due to my popularity with bands (either because I'm a cute puppy or I have a radio show) and the fact that being a Jack Russell I'm completely mental (you're not meant to say that nowadays) I got 40 tracks donated and made a double CD for which the sales thereof go to the mental health awareness charity Rethink.

Well a week on Monday (20th March) I'm in Central Library in St Helens making a personal appearance (I'll try and not wee on the bookshelves) for International Day Of Happiness and to sell copies of the CD and raise more money for the charity.


If you're in the town come and hit me up (bring Bonios) for a copy and all proceeds will go to Rethink. The CD is the dog's bollocks...and I should know as I made it...it's even got a track on it donated by (countdown) 2-4-6-8 Mr Tom Robinson.

I can only hope they make me a slice of toast or two for brekkies as it's going to be a long day.  In the meantime here's a track from the Ralph's Life CD for Rethink Mental Illness by St Helens band Stillia. It's the dog's bollocks too!




Click on THIS LINK if you want to buy the CD now!


Click on THIS LINK if you want FREE tickets for Ralph's International Day Of Happiness 
on March 20th in Central Library, St Helens from 12pm to 5pm.

A day in the life of a Jack Russell - Day 2: A short span of attention

One of the more well-known traits of us Jack Russells is a short span of attention...oh look my bone...and it's not normally a problem...oh look a ball...unless like me you've got cataracts at only six years...I'm hungry...old and going progressively blind.

Now you'd think that as I realised I wasn't seeing stuff properly I'd slow down and take my time about stuff, however, the Jack Russell gene takes over and I spent a lot of my day bumping into stuff. That being said, due to the tremendous power of my dog nose I can still find socks and slippers with unerring accuracy and carry them off underneath the dining table so they'll chase me.

So currently I've managed to knock a few minor chunks out of my head, but one of the other handy traits of being a Jack Russell is showing no fear and or a complete disregard for personal safety. So I doubt I'll ever...oh look the postman...really learn to take it easy until...oh look Mum's got a bisquit...I actually go completely blind...

Never mind all that though, here's a top tune by Glasgow band the Girobabies who have a...oh look breakfast...new album out called Who Took Utopia? and this track is the very aptly titled Secret Animal.

A day in the life of a Jack Russell - Day 1: Raisin Toast and Runny Poo

The humans have been laid up with summat they call 'The Lurgi' these last three days so walkies have been far and few between. Getting a bit kennel crazy to be honest. 


This morning they gave me raisin toast for my breakfast - what's that all about? I can only assume that's why I've got a dose of the wild shites today...serves them right when they try to scoop that up with a poo bag.

The old dear's complaining about having to wash my old bed this morning (well I did rip up the new one last week) due to all the hairs I'm moulting just now. Serves them right for putting me in the kennels in a couple of weeks time while they swan off to Scotland. They said they weren't going to shave me because it'd be too cold for me in the kennels...little do they know it's heated although the wi-fi can be a bit iffy.

Anyway, they got some kind of cruel torture device to keep the hairs to a minimum, a brush I think they called it. Can't say I'm very happy about it as it's jaggy. Still, they have to catch me first.

Thought that was rabbit droppings in my poo...might have been the raisins in the toast, ah well time for a snooze...oh crap, she's got my bed in the big white TV over in the corner of the kitchen that's only got the one programme on to watch.

Anyway, here's a tune from Brighton's Fragile Creatures...

Ryan's bar Edinburgh.....

According to Ryan's Bar in Edinburgh (Ralph's favourite Edinburgh breakfasting spot) it's the run up to Christmas.....I know, that's what I said!  The 4th of  October and they're making up their Xmas menu (not that I'm complaining as here's a couple of pictures they sent to show what's going to be on offer).....

So needless to say they're taking bookings now and their exclusive five course Christmas menu will be available from Thursday the 29th of November until Monday the 24th of December in The Cellar Restaurant, situated below Ryan’s Bar in Edinburgh’s West End.  





They offer a variety of space options to cater for large groups as well as providing unique, hand painted alcoves as the perfect venue for intimate gatherings this Christmas. Their Christmas diary always fills up quickly, so whether it’s a family get together, office party or simply a delightful meal for a group of friends, make sure you book as soon as possible!  To book please download their Christmas Booking Form, fill it out and return it to them by email, post (or preferably in person as you can have a pint whilst you're in).  Their Cellar Restaurant team are very flexible, so if you have any special requests or requirements just note them and they’ll do their best to accommodate.

If you know Ryan’s Bar, but haven’t yet discovered The Cellar Restaurant, why not pay them a visit?  Open from 5pm each day, the restaurant is one of Edinburgh’s best kept secrets.  

Hidden downstairs, away from the bustle of the Main Bar at Ryan’s, it’s an intimate venue bursting with character and charm.  The menu offers high quality Scottish seafood and steaks developed by their in-house French chef. Vive Le Auld Alliance!

For tours of The Cellar Restaurant and more information about Christmas at Ryan’s give them a call on 0131 226 6669 or send an email.  

With a friendly and bustling atmosphere, Ryan’s Main Bar is the most popular place to meet in the West End.  Boasting an impressive selection of wines, whiskies and spirits as well as a range of some of Scotland’s finest cask ales including a special ale of the week, there's a drink for everyone at Ryan’s Bar. For something a bit more special why not try one of their classic cocktail selection – the perfect way to wind down your day or kick start your weekend.

Their menu is served throughout the day until 10pm, from home made soups and freshly cut sandwiches, to traditional Scottish mains and a vegetarian menu to cater for a range of tastes. 

They also have a selection of Gluten Free dishes to choose from.  Join them for breakfast, lunch or dinner at the weekend,  relax and allow their attentive, friendly staff to provide full table service for food.  Given Ralph's love of tunes, when the lights go down he'd love to enjoy a bit of live music in their Main Bar every Thursday and Friday evening, where they feature some of Edinburgh’s hottest bands.

Open

Mon – Fri, 10am – 1am
Sat – Sun, 9am – 1am

EdinTrav Tweetup

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On a slightly cold and drizzly Edinburgh night in October, around 30 explorers sought shelter and sustenance in The Cellar Restaurant at Ryan’s Bar for the sixth#edintravtweetup.

Warmed by the candlelight, the flowing drinks and a shared passion for travel, they whiled away the hours listening to smooth jazz, making new and old friends, and learning and laughing together.

After a few hours of sparkling conversation and gorging on delights such as deep fried haggis balls and prawn canapés in The Cellar Restaurant, they surged upwards to Ryan’s Main Bar and, in true traveller style, were determined to try the new and exciting.

Here the group discovered innovative flavour combinations (homemade guacamole and sweet potato fries being the winner of the night) and savoured bites of the rich Chocolate & Orange Torte served with pineapple & ginger compote, all giving into the pleasure and making their ‘food-gasm’ faces. The chatter off- and online was buzzing and spirits were high.

As the clock struck eleven, and having filled up on food and merriment, they bid a fond farewell to the team at Ryan’s and The Cellar Restaurant and advanced out into the night in search of entertainment into the wee small hours. Some even lasted until morning (!)

Ryan’s Bar and The Cellar Restaurant were honoured to host this event and can’t wait to see all of their new friends again soon. They also want to thank Kash Bhattacharya (@BudgetTraveller) for all of his hard work in making it happen  It was a great night for all involved!

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5 COURSE MEAL
£25 PER HEAD

Welcome Glass of Champagne & Pomegranate

Carrot & Chestnut Soup
served with petit pain and butter

Cranberry And Pork Pâté
served with oatcakes and apricot chutney

Poached Asparagus Wrapped with Smoked Salmon
served with a hollandaise sauce

Trio of Seasonal Melon
laced with Midori and mint

Traditional Roast Turkey
served with chestnut and kumquat stuffing, chiploata sausages wrapped in bacon and natural turkey jus

Seasoned Sea Bass Fillet
served on a bed of puy lentil and spiced tomato chutney dressing

Grilled 8oz Sirloin Steak
served with rosti potatoes and a red wine gravy sauce

Warm Red Pepper, Camembert, Tomato, Red Onion & Thyme Tart
served with a crispy seasonal salad

Traditional Sherry Trifle

Christmas Pudding
served with a brandy sauce

Chocolate Roulade
served with fresh cream

Selection of Scottish Cheese
with Highland oatcakes and a tomato chutney

Tea & Coffee with Mince Pies

For booking information and more information on their Christmas Party Nights please click here.