Compiled by Nicoline Greer
TRACK IT DOWN
If you're planning an expedition this summer, take Laura Stoddart's illustrated book of quotes with you. The quotes featured in Off the Beaten Track - A Traveller's Anthology are mostly from famous sources - witticisms and meditations of explorers from Sir Francis Drake to Captain Cook to Dr Livingstone are represented. Stoddart's simple but amusing illustrations bring these old words to life again. No matter how exotic your chosen location however, don't let yourself get carried away like 18th-century English novelist Henry Fielding: "Map me no maps, sir, my head is a map, a map of the whole world." Nobody likes a big-head, Henry. Edited by Laura Stoddart, published by Orion, £6.99 in UK. Ciaran Murray
A SONG AND A DANCE
The east goes southside as screenings of Bollywood movies move out of the city to Stillorgan. The Ormonde Cinema will host this quirky genre of film. Along with plenty of melodrama, love interest, songs, dances, dare-devil thrills and comedy are all thrown into the mix. Actor and filmmaker Siraj Zaidi introduced Bollywood films to Dublin five years ago and the IFI was regularly jam-packed at 11 a.m. on Sundays. The next film is Lakshya (meaning Target) with English subtitles on July 3rd, 4th, 10th and 11th at noon. It is a love story between a soldier and a journalist set against the recent tension between India and Pakistan. Advance booking advisable at the box office - 01-7074100 Ormonde Cinema, Stillorgan. (Opposite Stillorgan shopping centre), free car park. www.bollywoodireland.com
SIDE VIEW
The Hippychick Hipseat is just the thing for parents looking for an easier way to carry junior around. Endorsed by osteopaths and chiropractors, the seat is positioned on the side, providing a firm shelf for the child to sit on and supporting their weight from underneath. Suitable for children from six months to three years, the Hipseat is fully washable and has handy pockets for accessories. Available from Mothercare outlets countrywide for €47.95 or at the website handybaby.com. The same website is also advertising the Love Bug for €16.99. This electronic mosquito repellent looks like a ladybird and can be clipped onto the pram so those pesky mozzies don't ruin your holiday. Róisín Ingle
ON YOUR TOES
Those light of feet might be interested in MamusKa Nights, a kind of "open-mic" night for dancers and performers organised by Daghdha Dance Company. The night presents experimental works or explores pre-existing works in a new format: a space in-between open lab, cabaret, party, show or an installation. Daghdha has been holding "MamusKa Nights" since April and has featured enthusiastic and energetic dance, video, performance and social choreographic pieces. The atmosphere is informal with an emphasis on trying out rather than doing, but aims to present quality work that inspires the audience at the same time. Guests should contact Daghdha first to informally discuss their idea. Audience participation is free and open to the public. Tonight, the last MamusKa before the summer break will be held in The Rowing Club on Sarsfield Bridge, Limerick. Contact Davide Terlingo, Research Officer/Dancer, Daghdha Dance Company, 061-202804 or davide@daghdha.ie
ON THE COUCH
Anyone for tennis? The place to lounge this summer, eating strawberries and cream of course, is Charles O'Toole's tennis ball "Chaise Lawn". Made almost entirely of bright green tennis balls, he was inspired by coloured baseballs he saw in America. This summer, he is also bringing out a very limited edition of his tennis ball stool. Some of O'Toole's more experimental pieces might be difficult to imagine at the conception stage so they offer a 3D-service so clients can see in advance what things will look like. He even does more normal stuff too: you will also find some of his work - such as a Coral Table - in Habitat and the new "Sticks" console table is elegant and sleek. He takes commissions from corporate and private clients for fit-outs and one-off pieces. It is a working studio so you will need to make an appointment. Prices vary according to the size of the job for the 3D-service. Charles O'Toole Furniture, 45 Manor Place, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7. Contact 01-6753840 and info@charlesfurniture.ie
TURBO TROLLEY
Shoppingbill.com is a useful new Irish website that could help minimise the supermarkets' tendency to chomp into your wallet. It will save you time on price-checking as they visit branches of the six major supermarkets to gather pricing data and find out what's new. The site is updated every Wednesday with all the latest news on prices, special offers and new products. There is a forum to tell others what you see going on in shops around the country - good and bad. You can compare fuel prices around the country and they also carry out special reports. One of these recently found that buying beer in bulk from many supermarkets was actually more expensive than buying individual cans. www.shoppingbill.com
FISHY BUSINESS
You know how it is. You get a whiff of sea air and that's it. Suddenly you're craving a bowl of seafood chowder or mussels bursting out of their shells. Bord Iascaigh Mhara's 2004 Seafood Circle Pub Lunch Guide lists Ireland's top quality seafood pub lunch venues. Excellence Ireland independently assesses each pub to ensure they meet the criteria necessary to become a Seafood Circle member, which includes staff who are knowledgeable and pleasant. Twenty one pubs from around the State, including An Súgán in Clonakilty, Co Kerry, and The Long Dock in Carrigaholt in Co Clare, received the award this year. Available from BIM, PO Box 12, Crofton Road, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin, Ireland. Contact 01-2144100. You can download it from www.bim.ie or www.seafoodcirclepubs.com
JEWEL OF THE KINGDOM
One aspect of historic Kenmare is sometimes overlooked: the originality of its craft shops. As well as designer knitwear at Cleo's and handmade ceramics at Black Abbey, there is PFK, a gem of a jeweller's that celebrates its fifth anniversary this month. Owner and expert gold and silversmith Paul Kelly uses deceptively simple yet inventive designs. His new "Fifth Anniversary" range of rings are made from silver and 18-carat gold, and set with aquamarine, amethyst and freshwater pearls. The weighty, round-band rings have clever signature grooves cut into their sides so that fingers sit more snugly. Prices range from €150 to €250. Chains, necklaces, earrings, cufflinks and diamond rings are also available. All are one-offs or limited editions and only available from PFK. "Brochures and websites don't really work for me because I like to think my work is constantly evolving," says Kelly. "Besides, like with Kenmare itself, there's no substitute for an actual visit." PFK Gold and Silversmith, 18 Henry Street, Kenmare, Co Kerry (064-42590; pfkelly@indigo.ie).
AVANT GARDEN
There's an edge of definite eccentricity to Castle Leslie. Home to the Leslie family for more than 300 years, its occupants have included authors, a spitfire pilot, a poet, a monk and a composer. Members of the Castle's Gourmet Club can gorge upon the food of lurve next month at the Food and Erotica Gourmet Evening. Tomorrow is considerably more wholesome and virtuous: "Crafts at the Castle" has a church fête ring to it. Local arts and crafts enthusiasts will gather together and there will be plenty of stalls. It's also a good chance to nose around the gardens and lake that surround the castle. Gourmet events for the rest of the year include a Murder Mystery Night and a Fusion cooking evening. Food & Erotica Gourmet Evening, Sunday July 11th. Crafts At The Castle, tomorrow. Contact www.castleleslie.com and 047-88109.