The A-Z Two-Word Thread

We haven't had a very simple, possibly daft alphabet thread in a long while, so I thought we might try another few rounds before we all get bored. Which is bound to happen eventually. 
Here goes:
Rules of the Game:
If there are any questions or unclear rules, please ask.
I'll start with the theme of...
Animals
Awkward aardvarks
(Next letter from 'animals' is B, please.)

Here goes:
Rules of the Game:
- every round of the A to Z Two-Word Game has its own theme, or subject, throughout: e.g. animals, cars, cities etc.
- each round goes from A-Z, using in order the letters of the English alphabet
- each participant posts 2 words, an adjective and a noun, where the noun fits in with the theme, and where both adjective and noun start with the same letter of the alphabet
- the next participant posts (in a separate post) 2 further words, both starting with the following letter of the alphabet, again an adjective and a noun (with the noun going along with the same theme as the previous post and current A-Z round)
- the person who arrives at Z suggests please a new subject for the next round of A-Z
Special Rules - usage of an English dictionary or thesaurus is explicitly allowed, as one of the fun elements can be to discover new adjectives, and possibly even new nouns. However, a dictionary or thesaurus is by no means necessary to participate.
- There are some tricky letters, e,g, X and Y, or perhaps Z, where it is difficult to find words that fit the current theme. Just do your best. We will see how far we get.
- if you can, avoid using the same adjective as in a previous round - if possible. It's about creativity!
If there are any questions or unclear rules, please ask.

I'll start with the theme of...
Animals
Awkward aardvarks
(Next letter from 'animals' is B, please.)
Comments
Hmm. Next round - how about jobs, or professions?
Artistic Artisans.
Amateur athletics.
Bloviating bakers.
Cursing Crossing-sweepers.
[Edit: No worries at all, HarryCH. Worse things happen.