Waterford Crystal

Waterford Crystal has gone into receivership, which is really quite sad.  They purchased Wedgewood a while back, so that's going under with them.  In the paper today it said there might be a buyer, but it looks like someone just interested in liquidating stock.  In England other well known companies have collapsed too – Spode, on the queen's tailor Hardy Aimes,  and Royal Worcester.  They say it's because of the sudden downturn in the economy, but I think it's more than that.  It's because the market changed and they faltered in their responses.  At least Waterford did.  

Waterford was once renowned as one of the top producers of crystal in the world, and still are really, and their product was excellent; was collected and became heirlooms.  Sometime in the late 80's or 90's people began to buy more.  I think it might have been during a boom time in the late 80's, but this is just guesswork.  A company like Waterford with an excellent, but expensive product, was 

probably doing well, but not as well as they liked.  And the product was looking a little dated.  So, enter the the concept of diffusion lines like Marquis, which was a bit of a bust, I think.  It always looked a little cheap.  Then onto the John Rocca diffusion line, which I think was to appeal to more modern tastes.  I'll bet this was successful when it first came out.  Thing is, it overstayed its welcome.  It's pretty dated right now.  Then they bought Wedgewood and didn't really do much to it.  It doesn't really sparkle anymore.  But this expansion really only served to diffuse their élan.  I remember going into the Waterford store at Woodbury Commons in '99 or 2000, and thinking the stuff was cheapened. 

If you go to the Waterford headquarters in Waterford, their shop reflects the state of the company.   There is

 beautiful crystal next to crap, and it's all poorly displayed.  And there are no deals.  You'd think if you ventured all the way to Waterford you could at least expect a 10% discount.  No.  Sadly, they've come out with some good things of late, but it gets lost in all the John Rocca and Jasper Conran stock.  The New Lismore line is lovely and very modern with its larger size, long stems and elegant cuts.  Some of the Mark Jacobs stuff was charming and delightful, but it disappeared from stores quickly, and not because it sold out.  They've recently introduced a line of wine glasses with just the cutting on the base of the glass.  These are great glasses for every day.  Not pretentious, but the cutting makes them special, a nice upgrade from a regular glass from Tesco.  Whomever is designing these recent lines has good taste and it's too bad we'll never see what else they had in store.

I think the luxury goods companies that have the best chance of survival are those that didn't "do" diffusion -- Baccarat, Hermes, Chanel, LV.  They'll suffer, but last. They're not spread as thinly.  Of course this is just conjecture.  I hope Waterford finds a way out of this financial hole and that the skilled crystal cutters and designers continue working – if not at Waterford then maybe a new company.

Oh, one more thing.  It seems that whatever group that is responsible on the British Olympics committee, rewarded the contract for commemorative porcelain to a Chinese company.  And this while all these British brands were going under and could have used a hand.  That person, or group, should be fired.  A lower bid is not an excuse for such a decision.  Sure, save some money but, hey, don't trash your national pride in the process.

Chandni Chowk to China

I'm looking forward to this movie opening.  I'm a great Akshay Kumar fan.  I think he's my favorite Bollywood male performer right now.  It used to be Shah Rukh Kahn, although his movies have gotten a bit over the top and over stylized these days, well for Bollywood, which is over the top and stylized anyway.  It's like he's become a caricature of himself, but I think that happens with many popular actors.  They believe they hype and loose connection with reality and what made them popular to begin with.  While they still have charisma, they loose their edge.  But Kumar still has his edge and one of the world's best smiles.  He's a delight to watch.  This weekend we're going to see Slumdog Millionaire.  I love India and things Indian.  It's such an amazing culture and place.  I went for a month a couple of years ago and am dying to go back, but in the meantime I'm watching Bollywood movies and dreaming.

Tyson is here to stay

And here is Tyson, our forever dog.  We rescued him when a man who lived down the street died and his brother couldn't talk the dog.  At first Tyson was a nightmare, but calmed down well after a few months.  He's an old guy and loves sleeping by the fire, taking his walks, pigs ears, rubs and especially driving in the car.  We've taken him on lots of road trips.  He tolerates the foster dogs, but is an only dog at heart, but I think the fosters keep him young.

Harry Potter finds a family

This is Harry Potter.  Named because of the thunderbolt on his forehead.  If ever there was a dog in need of a boy (0r girl) he was it.  When we took him for walks in the park he would look yearningly at kids, especially if they were playing football.  He went to a home with two kids and I hope he and they are happy.  He was a bit of a wild one – 100% puppy, a ball of energy.  But he was smart and learned very quickly.  He's part Akita and part Springer Spaniel.  An interesting combination, and probably a good one.  We miss him and wish him well.  

Little Foster Annie

Annie was my husband's favorite pooch.  She would cuddle up to him when he watched TV.  I would walk in on them and she'd be getting a tummy rub while looking up at him adoringly.  I've heard she's in a great home with a woman who adores her.  And who wouldn't, she is such a dote.

Foster Dogs - Susie and Coco

Susie was my favorite dog so far.  She was lovely and affectionate and actually lept into my arms once.  She was fun to walk as she was just wild and would run circles around one.  Coco was a scrappy little thing.  I hope they're both doing well in their new home.  

Foster Dogs - Bear

We've begun to foster dogs for Dogs in Distress, who rescue dogs from Ashtown pound.  We've gotten the loveliest dogs so far.  

This is Bear.  He was our second dog.  We had a cocker spaniel overnight prior to him.  Bear was a lovely little beast who loved chewing on your arm.  He was one of many dogs who went to England with Dog's Trust to find a new home.  Seemingly dog welfare is much more advanced there than in Ireland and puppies are always in demand.