Thursday, December 22, 2005
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to one and All
I'll still be around myself for a while more, but thought I'd send out my season's good vibes before everyone leaves the net.
I wonder if this classic will get an airing over the holidays?
I wonder if this classic will get an airing over the holidays?
Monday, December 19, 2005
Have you heard the one about...
All humour seems to be potentially dividable into homour not necessarily jokes about how some group are different so let's laugh at what makes them different, or how we're all the same because we all do this particular thing so let's laugh at that thing we all do. Laughing at others or ourselves in way.
Friday, December 16, 2005
The coming of the Green Man
Changing skin colour may be as easy as fish
And look, there goes that surrealist changing a light bulb joke again.
As for my take on this, I've had this one floating around my pile of future societal changes for a while. Essentially, that the current interest and promenience of tattoos combined with the growth of an affluent group of people who through a use of tanning products and makeup are actually bright Orange.
This would all reach a logical conclusion when people could change their entire skin change to something like green or blue. Or mixtures, like some of the cheap alien makeup in Star Trek:TOS.
And look, there goes that surrealist changing a light bulb joke again.
As for my take on this, I've had this one floating around my pile of future societal changes for a while. Essentially, that the current interest and promenience of tattoos combined with the growth of an affluent group of people who through a use of tanning products and makeup are actually bright Orange.
This would all reach a logical conclusion when people could change their entire skin change to something like green or blue. Or mixtures, like some of the cheap alien makeup in Star Trek:TOS.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Portents of doom.
There are times as teenager you get feelings that horrible things at waiting just out of sight. And that terrible events will occur just as you are about to do something personally momentous. Just to steal your thunder, or spite you. Like you get a good mark in a test, and come home all a glow and find out the cat had kittens.
And somethings you feel that personal events like your birthday are great portents of doom. And here is what nearly happened on one of mine!
That would have made the cake something of a disappointment.
And somethings you feel that personal events like your birthday are great portents of doom. And here is what nearly happened on one of mine!
That would have made the cake something of a disappointment.
Friday, December 02, 2005
The weekend awaits.
I've finally got the numbers into my phone using the old method of entering them by hand. OK, I entered them by hand into the PC and then synched the PC with the phone, which was marginally faster. I have 163 contacts which I think is kind of a lot.
Another one of those oh-so interesting who are you thingies.
And one more
Another one of those oh-so interesting who are you thingies.
You Are a New School Democrat |
 You like partying and politics - and are likely to be young and affluent. You're less religious, traditional, and uptight than most Democrats. Smoking pot, homosexuality, and gambling are all okay in your book. You prefer that the government help people take care of themselves. |
| Your Hidden Talent |
 Your natural talent is interpersonal relations and dealing with people. You communicate well and are able to bring disparate groups together. Your calming presence helps everything go more smoothly. People crave your praise and complements. |
And one more
| You Are a Henna Gaijin! |
 You're not Japanese, but you wish you were! You can use chopsticks with your eyes closed, and you've memorized hundreds of Kanji. You even answer your phone "moshi moshi." While the number of anime videos you've seen is way higher than the number of dates you've been on, there's hope. Play the sexy, mysterous gaijin, and you'll have plenty of Japanese meat. |
Thursday, December 01, 2005
InfraRed Tooth
I got a new phone!
I had to change my service provider, cos vodafone was just too damn expensive and K.Now couldn't afford it anymore. So, with €25 for 200 minutes, anytime, any network from 3, I reckoned I'd give that a go. The phone was €29. See my new phone here, and my old phone here. I also got a 256M mp3 player free! So, it seems like a bargain.
As the sim cards differ between the 3G phone and the old one, the shop can't do a transfer.
Another problem is that the new one doesn't have blue tooth, and I can't get infra red to work on the old one or on my latop. So, it appears that I can't move numbers from the old one to the new one! I will just have to type them all in again! AaaaaaaHHHHHHH!!!!!!
I had to change my service provider, cos vodafone was just too damn expensive and K.Now couldn't afford it anymore. So, with €25 for 200 minutes, anytime, any network from 3, I reckoned I'd give that a go. The phone was €29. See my new phone here, and my old phone here. I also got a 256M mp3 player free! So, it seems like a bargain.
As the sim cards differ between the 3G phone and the old one, the shop can't do a transfer.
Another problem is that the new one doesn't have blue tooth, and I can't get infra red to work on the old one or on my latop. So, it appears that I can't move numbers from the old one to the new one! I will just have to type them all in again! AaaaaaaHHHHHHH!!!!!!
Autobus
It seems Bus Eireann are changing the bus service in and out of UL. I found this out by being given a timetable on the bus last night. It is unclear whether this new timetable is kicking in today Dec 1st or Sunday Dec 4th as there are conflicting messages in the etha.
The timetable itself is a design mess: at the top they refer to the 308 as going long Childers road, and the 308A as going via St. John's, yet the timetable itself is populated by M's and P's. The M's indicate the bus goes via Childers road and the P's indicate that the bus goes via St John's.
So the M is the 308 and the P is the 308A.
And just for more clarity, all the buses (98% of them) that go through the city centre are marked with an X. The ones that don't are not marked.
I'm inclined to believe that if I hold the timetable at a specific angle to the noonday sun on a particular date, it will point in the direction of a crock of gold but I could be on to a loser with that one.
The timetable itself is a design mess: at the top they refer to the 308 as going long Childers road, and the 308A as going via St. John's, yet the timetable itself is populated by M's and P's. The M's indicate the bus goes via Childers road and the P's indicate that the bus goes via St John's.
So the M is the 308 and the P is the 308A.
And just for more clarity, all the buses (98% of them) that go through the city centre are marked with an X. The ones that don't are not marked.
I'm inclined to believe that if I hold the timetable at a specific angle to the noonday sun on a particular date, it will point in the direction of a crock of gold but I could be on to a loser with that one.
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
My bad start to the week
First off, my curiousity has gotten the better of me, does Leaseplan Corporation N.v mean anything to anyone reading this? Mail me at the address on the left. I'm dead curious.
I tried to give blood yesterday, but the doc messed up the final part of sticking me with the needle bit and couldn't go in again. So that was a waste of time. The house you will have read about prior to this. My PC power supply blew yesterday, so I was without my machine until lunch time today, the 'man' came from Dell and replaced it and the motherboard today.
I tried to give blood yesterday, but the doc messed up the final part of sticking me with the needle bit and couldn't go in again. So that was a waste of time. The house you will have read about prior to this. My PC power supply blew yesterday, so I was without my machine until lunch time today, the 'man' came from Dell and replaced it and the motherboard today.
Played for a fool
I was out Sunday afternoon on my bike, and passed the house I had thought I had bought and it still has a sign outside it, but now the sign says SOLD. So, I seem to have been royally screwed.
I mailed the auctioneer and indicated that I'm perplexed, can't imagine I'll get much response.
I mailed the auctioneer and indicated that I'm perplexed, can't imagine I'll get much response.
Friday, November 25, 2005
Georgie Best, Superstar...
walks like a woman and he wears a bra.
Well, that is how the lyrics went when I was a lad. Could have been a London thing.
I have mixed feelings about his death. It is always sad when someone passes, but perhaps he is safe from whatever demons plagued him.
I never saw him play in person. Yet, his raffish image, tendency for long hair and love of the ladies must have had some impact on this particular youth.
Well, that is how the lyrics went when I was a lad. Could have been a London thing.
I have mixed feelings about his death. It is always sad when someone passes, but perhaps he is safe from whatever demons plagued him.
I never saw him play in person. Yet, his raffish image, tendency for long hair and love of the ladies must have had some impact on this particular youth.
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Happy Thanksgiving to all concerned
Just a quick message to say Happy Thankgiving to all who observe the day.
I've had 2 Thanksgivings and I have to say it's a holiday I rather enjoy.
I've had 2 Thanksgivings and I have to say it's a holiday I rather enjoy.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Trip tales Part 5: I've got to get back to Bahrain tonight
In my usual arse backward manner, I'm starting my posting about the weekend trip with the return journey, go figure that for narrative structure.
I was waiting in line for check-in and what did I see only a poster with my name of it on the baggage cart in front of me. Seriously! It's not everyday that happens, and especially not when you are holding a piece of id that mentions your name. I was half thinking/hoping that I might be mistaken for this Daniel Sullivan and feted with great applause. Sadly, it was not to be.
Getting back from Mainz turned into more of an ordeal and gamble than expected. Ms. X, (who can't be named for legal or taxation reasons or some such, I'm never quite sure if she is on the run from the law, the taxman or if perhaps she is the law and the taxman) txted me via someone else's phone from the uni on monday evening about 6pm as I was packing to tell me that no flights had left Frankfurt-Hahn all day or for most of the previous day due to fog. I was suprised and left a little undecided as to what to do, see tedious details here
- the flight was at 10.55pm, the last bus from Mainz was 7.50pm arriving at 9pm, and the last bus back to Mainz was/is at 12.30am, which meant that should the flight be delayed past then and then cancelled I couldn't make it back to Mainz. Also, if I took the 12.30 I wouldn't get back until nearly 2am and would be waking her up.
So my choice was, should I go to Hahn and see what the story was or give up on it and try and book another flight back on Tuesday /Wednesday, but they would be full of those people left over from from Sunday /Monday, or go to Hahn and risk it? I decided to risk it. Real risk taker, me! I bought return ticket for €15 instead of the oneway for €10.50 (you want tedious details, you can't handle the tedious details.)
The bus was almost empty. Which did not bode well.
As the bus got to Hahn and there were planes on the ground which had a just landed look about them (don't ask me to describe it, I suspect it's something in the way they lean, I know things about planes), I reckoned it was probably all systems go. I held off phoning until I was through the security but by then the phone had packed in and there were no pay phones on other side.
Upstairs, there was an erotic shop which was rather odd. The fact of the shop in such a small airport, not the shop itself. It's not like I went in and thought this is an odd shop, or that in I went in all.
On the other side of security, I fell into conversation this bloke who is playing with the Roncalli Circus which features the Kelly Family who are huge on the contintent, or so their site says. I remember Dave pointing out their house outside Cork. The guy had been in the airport since Sunday afternoon, he was playing some sort of mandolin instrument in the circus for the opening number which involved a Bolshoi trained ballerina and he carried the instrument about the whole time. He was quite annoyed with the whole situation. Can't blame him. All in all, I was dead lucky to have booked a flight on the Monday rather than the Sunday.
I was watching the time pass and as planes were taking off, late but still taking off I decided to stay on and give the bus back a miss. At that point I was committed to the return. However, I couldn't ring to confirm I wouldn't be coming back and I wasn't 100% sure what we'd agreed would be the assumption if I didn't ring. So, that was annoying as I didn't want her not sleeping in case I was going to ring.
Finally, the flight left about an hour late, but it was quick enough off the ground.
The plane landed in Shannon about 1am, and I was out of baggage collection by 1.25am. At that point there no buses, so I had to plump for a taxi. How can Shannon call itself an international aiport when there is no transport links from midnight until early morning? There was this yank who shared the cab to Bunratty. Bloody thing cost more than the flight. Was home in bed, (a cold bed) for about 2.30am.
I was waiting in line for check-in and what did I see only a poster with my name of it on the baggage cart in front of me. Seriously! It's not everyday that happens, and especially not when you are holding a piece of id that mentions your name. I was half thinking/hoping that I might be mistaken for this Daniel Sullivan and feted with great applause. Sadly, it was not to be.
Getting back from Mainz turned into more of an ordeal and gamble than expected. Ms. X, (who can't be named for legal or taxation reasons or some such, I'm never quite sure if she is on the run from the law, the taxman or if perhaps she is the law and the taxman) txted me via someone else's phone from the uni on monday evening about 6pm as I was packing to tell me that no flights had left Frankfurt-Hahn all day or for most of the previous day due to fog. I was suprised and left a little undecided as to what to do, see tedious details here
- the flight was at 10.55pm, the last bus from Mainz was 7.50pm arriving at 9pm, and the last bus back to Mainz was/is at 12.30am, which meant that should the flight be delayed past then and then cancelled I couldn't make it back to Mainz. Also, if I took the 12.30 I wouldn't get back until nearly 2am and would be waking her up.
So my choice was, should I go to Hahn and see what the story was or give up on it and try and book another flight back on Tuesday /Wednesday, but they would be full of those people left over from from Sunday /Monday, or go to Hahn and risk it? I decided to risk it. Real risk taker, me! I bought return ticket for €15 instead of the oneway for €10.50 (you want tedious details, you can't handle the tedious details.)
The bus was almost empty. Which did not bode well.
As the bus got to Hahn and there were planes on the ground which had a just landed look about them (don't ask me to describe it, I suspect it's something in the way they lean, I know things about planes), I reckoned it was probably all systems go. I held off phoning until I was through the security but by then the phone had packed in and there were no pay phones on other side.
Upstairs, there was an erotic shop which was rather odd. The fact of the shop in such a small airport, not the shop itself. It's not like I went in and thought this is an odd shop, or that in I went in all.
On the other side of security, I fell into conversation this bloke who is playing with the Roncalli Circus which features the Kelly Family who are huge on the contintent, or so their site says. I remember Dave pointing out their house outside Cork. The guy had been in the airport since Sunday afternoon, he was playing some sort of mandolin instrument in the circus for the opening number which involved a Bolshoi trained ballerina and he carried the instrument about the whole time. He was quite annoyed with the whole situation. Can't blame him. All in all, I was dead lucky to have booked a flight on the Monday rather than the Sunday.
I was watching the time pass and as planes were taking off, late but still taking off I decided to stay on and give the bus back a miss. At that point I was committed to the return. However, I couldn't ring to confirm I wouldn't be coming back and I wasn't 100% sure what we'd agreed would be the assumption if I didn't ring. So, that was annoying as I didn't want her not sleeping in case I was going to ring.
Finally, the flight left about an hour late, but it was quick enough off the ground.
The plane landed in Shannon about 1am, and I was out of baggage collection by 1.25am. At that point there no buses, so I had to plump for a taxi. How can Shannon call itself an international aiport when there is no transport links from midnight until early morning? There was this yank who shared the cab to Bunratty. Bloody thing cost more than the flight. Was home in bed, (a cold bed) for about 2.30am.
The purpose of hips
A personal gripe of mine as an old geezer is the current popularity of low slung jeans. Or rather overly tight waisted pants that don't come up to the waist.
Now, I'm all in favour of bared female flesh provided the weather is appropriate. However, what I'm seeing around me is just plain silly. Hips have a purpose in emphasising the differences in shape between males and females and with the decline in distinguishing hair styles down through the years it was one of the few things that was a reliably indicator in a dark night spot.
The current insistence on material that is too tight and cuts into the area below the waist is doing nothing to assist in making the wearer look well or attractive. It produces an unpleasant looking fold of flesh which makes the person look overweight when clearly they are not. And don't get me started on the bum cleavage aspect.
These flares of the noughties will embarras those poor misfortunates for years to come.
Le comte is on record as saying that the whole thing is a jip to increase the profit margin for the rag trade. Shave 5% off the material cost and convince the purchasers that it's fashion while charging the same price and you've up a 5% gross increase in profit. The net figure would be even higher.
Now, I'm all in favour of bared female flesh provided the weather is appropriate. However, what I'm seeing around me is just plain silly. Hips have a purpose in emphasising the differences in shape between males and females and with the decline in distinguishing hair styles down through the years it was one of the few things that was a reliably indicator in a dark night spot.
The current insistence on material that is too tight and cuts into the area below the waist is doing nothing to assist in making the wearer look well or attractive. It produces an unpleasant looking fold of flesh which makes the person look overweight when clearly they are not. And don't get me started on the bum cleavage aspect.
These flares of the noughties will embarras those poor misfortunates for years to come.
Le comte is on record as saying that the whole thing is a jip to increase the profit margin for the rag trade. Shave 5% off the material cost and convince the purchasers that it's fashion while charging the same price and you've up a 5% gross increase in profit. The net figure would be even higher.
Sister-Sibling
I was home for 3 days last week for Kevin's funeral. He had a really good send off and I suspect would have quite enjoyed the few days. Kevin was my Godfather.
There were 6 children in the Foley's in all, Nellie, Mary, Joan(who I think may have been christened Hannah), Kevin, Bridie and Sheila(mom,who was christened Julia).
My dad's family also had 6, Dad is the eldest, and then Margeret, after that I'm actually a bit vague on the order of Christy, Paddy, Pauline, and Nancy. This is partially because both Paddy and Nancy died in the 1960s well quite young. Auntie Margeret who was my Godmother passed away, jeez, it must 2 1/2 years ago now.
This means that mom, aunties Joan and Bridie are the sole surviving Foleys. And mom and dad are the sole couple of the bunch. Mom is the youngest of the lot. There were twins that didn't make it to term, they were 2 months shy apparently. Perhaps today they would have made it, I'm not sure but they were both boys I think. My maternal grandmother was a Corkery, and we are also kind of related to Diggins, who I think my grandfather Paddy Foley's mother married after my greatgrandfather died shortly after my grandfather was born.
Those would have been quite small, or less than average family size for their time. I'm not sure I could manage 6, there again, my part were be the more straightforward so I guess it wouldn't be for me to say.
Kind of brings it home,
Families are strange organisations when it comes down to it. You can choose your friends, but you can't choose your family. And it seems to mark out the fact that blood is a thick, murky treacley substance, full of iron for strenght and family can be a lot like that too.
Love is a odd thing, there are all kinds. In particular I was put in mind of the love that siblings have for each other. You grow up together and probably there is a certain amount of looking out for one another. This can lead to all kinds of tensions as one sibling may feel that they know best as regards what another should do with their life and they will express their disappointment or displeasure at decisions the other sibling(s) make. This is even more problematic when it comes to giving advice or opinions involving the spouse or family of the one's siblings. Mother may be the one who knows best, but she will tend to display more tact or cop on than siblings will.
I've been kind of spared this as Biddy isn't likely to start giving me advice and then resenting me for not following it. It is something that people don't quite understand sometimes. I've never considered my sister as someone with a disability, first and foremost, she's my sister. She's been a pain, an annoyance, and she took my dessert sometimes too. And she never took her turn drying and washing the dishes. But all that was done in the manner of what any sister or sibling would do. And as a result I feel responsible for ensuring that she is ok. I suppose it never occurred to me as a reality that I might actually have to choose between doing that and other things in life. And it's not a choice you can really make. Essentially, the type of person you are makes the choice for you. And you can't realistically ask someone to take on that responsiblity with you, it just wouldn't be fair.
It occured to me recently (actually, I was walking along the Rhine) that God made man in his image, when we come to make something in ours, what will it look like?
There were 6 children in the Foley's in all, Nellie, Mary, Joan(who I think may have been christened Hannah), Kevin, Bridie and Sheila(mom,who was christened Julia).
My dad's family also had 6, Dad is the eldest, and then Margeret, after that I'm actually a bit vague on the order of Christy, Paddy, Pauline, and Nancy. This is partially because both Paddy and Nancy died in the 1960s well quite young. Auntie Margeret who was my Godmother passed away, jeez, it must 2 1/2 years ago now.
This means that mom, aunties Joan and Bridie are the sole surviving Foleys. And mom and dad are the sole couple of the bunch. Mom is the youngest of the lot. There were twins that didn't make it to term, they were 2 months shy apparently. Perhaps today they would have made it, I'm not sure but they were both boys I think. My maternal grandmother was a Corkery, and we are also kind of related to Diggins, who I think my grandfather Paddy Foley's mother married after my greatgrandfather died shortly after my grandfather was born.
Those would have been quite small, or less than average family size for their time. I'm not sure I could manage 6, there again, my part were be the more straightforward so I guess it wouldn't be for me to say.
Kind of brings it home,
Families are strange organisations when it comes down to it. You can choose your friends, but you can't choose your family. And it seems to mark out the fact that blood is a thick, murky treacley substance, full of iron for strenght and family can be a lot like that too.
Love is a odd thing, there are all kinds. In particular I was put in mind of the love that siblings have for each other. You grow up together and probably there is a certain amount of looking out for one another. This can lead to all kinds of tensions as one sibling may feel that they know best as regards what another should do with their life and they will express their disappointment or displeasure at decisions the other sibling(s) make. This is even more problematic when it comes to giving advice or opinions involving the spouse or family of the one's siblings. Mother may be the one who knows best, but she will tend to display more tact or cop on than siblings will.
I've been kind of spared this as Biddy isn't likely to start giving me advice and then resenting me for not following it. It is something that people don't quite understand sometimes. I've never considered my sister as someone with a disability, first and foremost, she's my sister. She's been a pain, an annoyance, and she took my dessert sometimes too. And she never took her turn drying and washing the dishes. But all that was done in the manner of what any sister or sibling would do. And as a result I feel responsible for ensuring that she is ok. I suppose it never occurred to me as a reality that I might actually have to choose between doing that and other things in life. And it's not a choice you can really make. Essentially, the type of person you are makes the choice for you. And you can't realistically ask someone to take on that responsiblity with you, it just wouldn't be fair.
It occured to me recently (actually, I was walking along the Rhine) that God made man in his image, when we come to make something in ours, what will it look like?
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Made him an offer he couldn't refuse.
Missed a call from Mom this afternoon, only got around to listening to it about 4pm. Turns out my Uncle Kevin, Godfather and the man from whom the K. in Daniel K. comes from passed away at 12.10am this morning or last night depending on how you look at it. Mom said in her message that she was going to bed as she was up most of the night with the rest of the family. So, I'm no 100% clear on the details. Need to ring later this evening to get those.
I was home last weekend and popped in for a visit which I'm really glad now I had. He was in good spirits and seemed very much aware that things weren't looking good for him. Plenty of talk about having had a long life, and how we're getting old. Course, mom corrected him telling him they were old not, getting old. And there was some general chat about the then upcoming match, Laune Rangers against Dr. Crokes. I did think he might make Christmas but I'm not much of a judge it appears. I'm not sure exactly what it was though I have some suspicions and while this isn't necessarily somewhere to idly speculate, I'm inclined to point the finger at the ciggies. I think he was 84 or 85.
Strangely, my Godmother passed away about 18 months ago.
Anyway, as a result I'm going to be off-line for a few days, removal is tomorrow and the funeral Tuesday.
I was home last weekend and popped in for a visit which I'm really glad now I had. He was in good spirits and seemed very much aware that things weren't looking good for him. Plenty of talk about having had a long life, and how we're getting old. Course, mom corrected him telling him they were old not, getting old. And there was some general chat about the then upcoming match, Laune Rangers against Dr. Crokes. I did think he might make Christmas but I'm not much of a judge it appears. I'm not sure exactly what it was though I have some suspicions and while this isn't necessarily somewhere to idly speculate, I'm inclined to point the finger at the ciggies. I think he was 84 or 85.
Strangely, my Godmother passed away about 18 months ago.
Anyway, as a result I'm going to be off-line for a few days, removal is tomorrow and the funeral Tuesday.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
A farewell to all that
The last of these for a while.
This I didn't see coming
 | You scored as Shepherd Derrial Book. The Preacher. Out here, folks need a minister, if only to remind them that God hasn't forgotten them. It isn't about making them worship, it is teaching them to do right by themselves and other people. Why is that so hard for some to understand?
Which Serenity character are you? created with QuizFarm.com |
This I didn't see coming
You scored as Angel. Angel is Buffy's vampire boyfriend. He used to be the infamous vampire, Angelous and was when he lost his soul. Before Darla turned him into a vampire, he was a worthless drunk. He murdered Jenny Calender. He was sent to Hell by Buffy. He moved to LA at the end of season three.
Which Buffy the Vampire Slayer Character are you? created with QuizFarm.com |
And a bundle more while I'm at it.
Have to say I love the photo that goes with this!!! I so didn't have a hat like that.
Geee who knew? I have to say that this one, while correct, in this case doesn't really seem all that reliable based on the questions asked.
And no real surprise here either. Not sure is it is meant to be intentional or not.
That piercing really brought this one together in the end I reckon.
Hmmm.... I personally regard this as more aspirational than anything else. There again, a piece of cold metal can lead to all sorts of possibilities.
This is probably to be filed under the heading of way too much information and it appears not to match the above...so I might have been lying at some point just to throw people off the scent.
 | You scored as Loner.
What's Your High School Stereotype? created with QuizFarm.com |
Geee who knew? I have to say that this one, while correct, in this case doesn't really seem all that reliable based on the questions asked.
 | You scored as Goth. Your A Goth!
What Group Are You? Chav, Rocker, Skater, Emo, Goth, Trendy, Prepy E.c.t created with QuizFarm.com |
And no real surprise here either. Not sure is it is meant to be intentional or not.
 | You scored as Posion. Your death will be by poison, probably because you are a glutton and are around so many people that it would be easy to get away with it. Several important people in history share your fate.
How Will You Die?? created with QuizFarm.com |
That piercing really brought this one together in the end I reckon.
 | You scored as Captain Jack Sparrow. Roguish,quick-witted, and incredibly lucky, Jack Sparrow is a pirate who sometimes ends up being a hero, against his better judgement. Captain Jack looks out for #1, but he can be counted on (usually) to do the right thing. He has an incredibly persuasive tongue, a mind that borders on genius or insanity, and an incredible talent for getting into trouble and getting out of it. Maybe its brains, maybe its genius, or maybe its just plain luck. Or maybe a mixture of all three.
Which Action Hero Would You Be? v. 2.0 created with QuizFarm.com |
Hmmm.... I personally regard this as more aspirational than anything else. There again, a piece of cold metal can lead to all sorts of possibilities.
 | You scored as A Slave To BDSM. Admit it, you like being tied up and being told you've been very naughty. You like teasing your partner and making them squirm, and not letting them be able to do anything about it. Some people think what you do is sick and disgusting, but you know it's all in good fun.
How are you in bed created with QuizFarm.com |
This is probably to be filed under the heading of way too much information and it appears not to match the above...so I might have been lying at some point just to throw people off the scent.
You scored as Wet. You're wet 'n' wild, while that isn't always a good thing, we have to give you points for trying...right?
What is your sexual style? created with QuizFarm.com |
Who am I again?
And another one based on Lost.
I had to take tie breaker which appears to have plumped for me being Sayid rather than Kate! How very strange.
I had to take tie breaker which appears to have plumped for me being Sayid rather than Kate! How very strange.
 | You scored as Sayid. You're Sayid! You're ashamed of your past and feel guilty about things you have done.
Who is your "Lost" alter ego? created with QuizFarm.com |
The all seeing I.
Another one of these who are you things from the net.
I have to wonder how reliable such things are given where most of them are originating. I say another which seems to be a chain paragraph in which you are asked to comment on someone's blog about some abiding shared memories, and then post the paragraph on your own blog inviting comments. Seriously, shared memories, like there isn't enough inappropriate sharing in the world. I'm sure people expect some fluffy positive nonsense instead of the more likely bile of " that the time you ignored in the hall, or didn't invite me to the school trip to the zoo".
Let's all keep our memories to ourselves and move on I say.
I have to wonder how reliable such things are given where most of them are originating. I say another which seems to be a chain paragraph in which you are asked to comment on someone's blog about some abiding shared memories, and then post the paragraph on your own blog inviting comments. Seriously, shared memories, like there isn't enough inappropriate sharing in the world. I'm sure people expect some fluffy positive nonsense instead of the more likely bile of " that the time you ignored in the hall, or didn't invite me to the school trip to the zoo".
Let's all keep our memories to ourselves and move on I say.
| The Keys to Your Heart |
 You are attracted to good manners and elegance. In love, you feel the most alive when your lover is creative and never lets you feel bored. You'd like to your lover to think you are stylish and alluring. You would be forced to break up with someone who was ruthless, cold-blooded, and sarcastic. Your ideal relationship is open. Both of you can talk about everything... no secrets. Your risk of cheating is zero. You care about society and morality. You would never break a commitment. You think of marriage something you've always wanted... though you haven't really thought about it. In this moment, you think of love as something you thirst for. You'll do anything for love, but you won't fall for it easily. |
Monday, November 07, 2005
Wish it were so
The West Wing had a live presidential debate as part of its format with weekend.
Saldy, we won't get to see it until the new year. By then we'll probably know the winner. Wouldn't it be great if the real thing was like this.
I was home for the weekend, I had intended to travel home the previous weekend but sis wasn't home so I postponed. I try to travel where possible when she is home. As my being about is as much for her to enjoy as it is for me.
Can't say I'm much of a brother. I read her a story when she goes to bed, which she seems to like. I'd never read Roald Dahl as a kid so this is a treat for me too.
Pat's dad was Kerryperson of the year for 2005. Apparently, it was a good night and there were loads of photos of various individuals in the Kerryman last week.
Steve and Peig were about for the weekend too, well the Saturday night. We had a few scoops in Kingston's and went home relatively early, well the weather was miserable and we are all old.
I was looking at some projects that IBM Watson in Cambridge have and there is this visualisation thingy that was used by a baby name company, the baby name wizard and they had used it to track baby names in the US over the last 124 years or so. It's great fun, just type in names and see how they've gone up and down. The speed is quite snappy, it looks just the type of plug-in that PMs would love for tracking bug fixes rates and check-ins etc.
On the baby name side of things, though I'm legally obliged to use Daniel at some point in the eldest wee one's name (and again with the eldest male), I'm kind of easy on names. It doesn't have to be the first or commonly used name, just so long as it is there somewhere in the list.
Anyway, what makes the wizard so much fun is to look at cultural (tv) influences on names, like Angel as the 44th most popular boys name in 2004! though it didn't exist before that, and the explosion of Xander, and Willows. No one seems to be naming their girls Buffy thankfully and Cordelia died a death in the 40s and hasn't come back, nor has Giles.
Oddly enough Daniel appears to have lost popularity after I was born. Actually, quite a few names like Rod and John appear to drop off after people of that name came to promenience.
Saldy, we won't get to see it until the new year. By then we'll probably know the winner. Wouldn't it be great if the real thing was like this.
I was home for the weekend, I had intended to travel home the previous weekend but sis wasn't home so I postponed. I try to travel where possible when she is home. As my being about is as much for her to enjoy as it is for me.
Can't say I'm much of a brother. I read her a story when she goes to bed, which she seems to like. I'd never read Roald Dahl as a kid so this is a treat for me too.
Pat's dad was Kerryperson of the year for 2005. Apparently, it was a good night and there were loads of photos of various individuals in the Kerryman last week.
Steve and Peig were about for the weekend too, well the Saturday night. We had a few scoops in Kingston's and went home relatively early, well the weather was miserable and we are all old.
I was looking at some projects that IBM Watson in Cambridge have and there is this visualisation thingy that was used by a baby name company, the baby name wizard and they had used it to track baby names in the US over the last 124 years or so. It's great fun, just type in names and see how they've gone up and down. The speed is quite snappy, it looks just the type of plug-in that PMs would love for tracking bug fixes rates and check-ins etc.
On the baby name side of things, though I'm legally obliged to use Daniel at some point in the eldest wee one's name (and again with the eldest male), I'm kind of easy on names. It doesn't have to be the first or commonly used name, just so long as it is there somewhere in the list.
Anyway, what makes the wizard so much fun is to look at cultural (tv) influences on names, like Angel as the 44th most popular boys name in 2004! though it didn't exist before that, and the explosion of Xander, and Willows. No one seems to be naming their girls Buffy thankfully and Cordelia died a death in the 40s and hasn't come back, nor has Giles.
Oddly enough Daniel appears to have lost popularity after I was born. Actually, quite a few names like Rod and John appear to drop off after people of that name came to promenience.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Nature of evil
some people reckon it's just the absence of good, or that Hell is living for eternity while denied the glory of seeing God.
Not so. There
I caught part of the Exorcist III on the goggle box last. An interesting film, it is based on the sequel book to the Exorcist, called Legion. George C.Scott slowly moves about the film casting gravitas whereever he goes. His mini-speech has stuck with me,
From the Imdb.com
"Dt. Kinderman: My wife's mother is visiting, Father, and Tuesday she's cooking us a carp. It's a tasty fish, I'm not against it. But because it's supposedly filled with impurities, Mary's mother buys it alive, and for three days now it's been swimming in my bathtub. Up and down. Cleaning out the impurities. And I hate it. I can't stand the sight of it moving it's gills. Now, you're standing very close to me, Father. Have you noticed? Yes. I haven't had a bath in days. So I never go home until the carp is asleep. I'm afraid that if I see it while it's swimming, I'll kill it. "
the pace of th film put me in mind of another film that I enjoyed but which didn't prove terribly popular. Mr Frost, with Jeff Goldblum. Why don't you try asking Mr. Frost?
Another one is in the mouth of madness which is quite strange indeed.
And whoever thought I had good taste in movies.
There was an enlightening talk in the dark coffee room about strange experiments. And apples and dodgy priests.
Not so. There
I caught part of the Exorcist III on the goggle box last. An interesting film, it is based on the sequel book to the Exorcist, called Legion. George C.Scott slowly moves about the film casting gravitas whereever he goes. His mini-speech has stuck with me,
From the Imdb.com
"Dt. Kinderman: My wife's mother is visiting, Father, and Tuesday she's cooking us a carp. It's a tasty fish, I'm not against it. But because it's supposedly filled with impurities, Mary's mother buys it alive, and for three days now it's been swimming in my bathtub. Up and down. Cleaning out the impurities. And I hate it. I can't stand the sight of it moving it's gills. Now, you're standing very close to me, Father. Have you noticed? Yes. I haven't had a bath in days. So I never go home until the carp is asleep. I'm afraid that if I see it while it's swimming, I'll kill it. "
the pace of th film put me in mind of another film that I enjoyed but which didn't prove terribly popular. Mr Frost, with Jeff Goldblum. Why don't you try asking Mr. Frost?
Another one is in the mouth of madness which is quite strange indeed.
And whoever thought I had good taste in movies.
There was an enlightening talk in the dark coffee room about strange experiments. And apples and dodgy priests.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
The Witching hour
Friday night headed to the lads on Katey street for a Hallowe'en gathering.
I was kind of stuck for something to wear (isn't that always the case?), and the lordland was willing to lend me some authentic Arab headdress which he had gotten in Jordan. Then in a flash of inspiration I though about the oversized dressing robe I had gotten in Bangkok for the dad abotu 7 years ago. I made the mistake of thinking the sizes were local and so got a xxl and that means it almost stretches all the way to the floor. Not the best idea I've had and I've had some bad'uns. Anyway, I put it on and it seemed to work as a loudish dressing gown and I decided I'd wear a pjish shirt underneath and if I bought a cigar holder I could pretend to be Hugh Hefner! A bearded, overweight Hef, but still.
So, that's what I did. I got a superquinn bag and put my custome into it and proceed to flat via the bus. Got off the bus, into fine wines, got a case of beer. The old Labatts is back on offer. 19.99 for 24 bottles!, how bad! Then up to flat.
There was a pleasant and familiar crowd in situ in the aparto. There could have been more ladies, single or otherwise, but the quality was good.
Turns out a friend of the lads Darryl was in Japan 02/03 I think so we were chatting for a while about all things Nihon and Nihonjin. Eoin headed off to meet some people and left me a witch's hat which had some suitably green Hallowe'en hair attached. Suddenly I was transformed into 'the wiz'. After a while the hat became quite addictive.
We headed off to Termights for a bit to see what the lie of the land was, and if our outfits were in keeping with the season about 12.40am. Though Ben made it there, he was soon back home again.
I got some kudos from the patrons that were already there. The place was quiet initially thought by 1.15am it had picked up nicely. Even the bar people seemed pleased with the whole get-up. Which makes a change for me. There was some eejit who took a dislike to Darryl and after he had headed home, the same character decided he wasn't liking me much either. I was heading into the jacks at one point and he was giving me grief and I said, look I'm going in here and I'll be out in a minute and I'll talk to ya then and at which point people I've never meet before are telling the eejit to leave 'the wizard' alone. Result! Strange people in toilets are rallying to my cause!
I really have to get a proper pointy hat. They're just so practical! It's just like in the Pratchett novels.
I was kind of stuck for something to wear (isn't that always the case?), and the lordland was willing to lend me some authentic Arab headdress which he had gotten in Jordan. Then in a flash of inspiration I though about the oversized dressing robe I had gotten in Bangkok for the dad abotu 7 years ago. I made the mistake of thinking the sizes were local and so got a xxl and that means it almost stretches all the way to the floor. Not the best idea I've had and I've had some bad'uns. Anyway, I put it on and it seemed to work as a loudish dressing gown and I decided I'd wear a pjish shirt underneath and if I bought a cigar holder I could pretend to be Hugh Hefner! A bearded, overweight Hef, but still.
So, that's what I did. I got a superquinn bag and put my custome into it and proceed to flat via the bus. Got off the bus, into fine wines, got a case of beer. The old Labatts is back on offer. 19.99 for 24 bottles!, how bad! Then up to flat.
There was a pleasant and familiar crowd in situ in the aparto. There could have been more ladies, single or otherwise, but the quality was good.
Turns out a friend of the lads Darryl was in Japan 02/03 I think so we were chatting for a while about all things Nihon and Nihonjin. Eoin headed off to meet some people and left me a witch's hat which had some suitably green Hallowe'en hair attached. Suddenly I was transformed into 'the wiz'. After a while the hat became quite addictive.
We headed off to Termights for a bit to see what the lie of the land was, and if our outfits were in keeping with the season about 12.40am. Though Ben made it there, he was soon back home again.
I got some kudos from the patrons that were already there. The place was quiet initially thought by 1.15am it had picked up nicely. Even the bar people seemed pleased with the whole get-up. Which makes a change for me. There was some eejit who took a dislike to Darryl and after he had headed home, the same character decided he wasn't liking me much either. I was heading into the jacks at one point and he was giving me grief and I said, look I'm going in here and I'll be out in a minute and I'll talk to ya then and at which point people I've never meet before are telling the eejit to leave 'the wizard' alone. Result! Strange people in toilets are rallying to my cause!
I really have to get a proper pointy hat. They're just so practical! It's just like in the Pratchett novels.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
House musings
Speaking personally, I don’t think any of the 'professionals' have acted in any great faith in the whole proceedings. How someone can go from agreeing to sell on a Tuesday (after previously agreeing to sell to someone who dropped out) to the sale being off by Friday?
I'm very ticked off about the whole thing. In order to buy something and spend the kind of money involved, you need to make a decision at a personal level that you really want this thing. It's a level above asking someone out, but the principle is kind of the same.
I'm going to dwell (no pun originally intended) on this some more and add to this post again.
Update:Apparently, their own house purchase fell through.
House purchase is off
So that is why people describe the whole process of buying houses is a nightmare.
Auctioneer just rang and said that the sale is off. No explanation though the whole thing stinks.
You come to realise as you get older why people actually talking about doing something in good faith. Primarily it seems this is because so many people do things in bad faith. How could it take three and a half working days for a solicitor to return a call as to why house is no longer for sale? How could you agree to sell something on a Tuesday and by Friday morning be in a position not to?
You have agreed a price and paid a deposit, and then puff nothing.
Auctioneer just rang and said that the sale is off. No explanation though the whole thing stinks.
You come to realise as you get older why people actually talking about doing something in good faith. Primarily it seems this is because so many people do things in bad faith. How could it take three and a half working days for a solicitor to return a call as to why house is no longer for sale? How could you agree to sell something on a Tuesday and by Friday morning be in a position not to?
You have agreed a price and paid a deposit, and then puff nothing.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Still no word.
I've heard nothing as yet about the house and the pessimism is growing apace. I've sort of dated people who were more communicative than this. I say sort of as I've occasionally dated people without being aware of it. Call it cultural differences or me just being blind to what is going on around me.
Anyway, this not knowing if I'm coming or going is very annoying.
Apparently, I'm sitting on a few quid.
Anyway, this not knowing if I'm coming or going is very annoying.
Apparently, I'm sitting on a few quid.
My blog is worth $2,822.70.
How much is your blog worth?
Monday, October 24, 2005
Ghost house happenings
No word on the house, apparently the solicitor hasn't returned the auctioneer's call. Guess it is better to think of the whole thing being off. To comfort myself, I booked myself a quick flight to Germany for a weekend. Well, she/you did said to come over. So, I'll go and moan about houses. And interest rates and the falling value of the rand. Actually, isn't the rand named after some sort of animal must check that out.
Someone referenced this site about famous birthdays and I checked it, and guess what! I'm still not listed.
Those who are though include Linda Hamilton, Olivia Newton John, Ivan Pavlov (he of the dogs!), Serena Williams, Anne Robinson, James Caviezel (so that's where the messianic complex ended up) and T.S. Eliot and George Gershwin.
Someone referenced this site about famous birthdays and I checked it, and guess what! I'm still not listed.
Those who are though include Linda Hamilton, Olivia Newton John, Ivan Pavlov (he of the dogs!), Serena Williams, Anne Robinson, James Caviezel (so that's where the messianic complex ended up) and T.S. Eliot and George Gershwin.
No news is no news.
No news as yet about the house. Rang the auctioneer and she is just back in the city, so it will be late afternoon before I know anything.
I'm expecting that the vendor's own purchase has fallen through and that's that.
I was past the house on Saturday evening and there was evidence of people there, so someone is about.
Also, in other news Liam Lawlor was killed in a car crash in Moscow and it seems the Sindo is looking a right rag for running with claims that the female passenger in the taxi was a teenage hooker which are unravelling faster than my house purchase.
I'm expecting that the vendor's own purchase has fallen through and that's that.
I was past the house on Saturday evening and there was evidence of people there, so someone is about.
Also, in other news Liam Lawlor was killed in a car crash in Moscow and it seems the Sindo is looking a right rag for running with claims that the female passenger in the taxi was a teenage hooker which are unravelling faster than my house purchase.
Friday, October 21, 2005
Good for nothing, so called professionals
I hate to repeat myself but the standard of professional service in this country is chronic.
'House falls through'
I headed out to the house to watch the surveyor do his thing, expecting the auctioneer to be there with the keys. 4.30pm arrives and nobody about, I ring the auctioneer and she says the surveyor hadn't called back, so I ring him, he's a few minutes away (approaching the parywway) so I ring the auctioneer,get her voicemail and let her know he's close. Then while I'm waiting for her to call back, a car pulls up and the driver asks if I'm alright. Now, I get asked this occasionally but usually the person is looking for a scrap, or I'm looking half-cut. Since, even I'm not usually drunk at 4.30pm in the day (rugby international days excepted), I said, "yeah", the driver then informs me that the house is her sisters and I tell her I'm waiting for a surveyor and the auctioneer. Then the sister tells me that it's off. I was quite surprised, I mean I'm a real mover but even I don't think that a conversation with a car window is going anyway so fast enough for it to be something that was 'on' in order for it to be 'off'. Anyway, she's got a young lad in the front about 10, and buying the house is all the growing up I want to be doing right now.
Then the sister tells me that the solictor had rung the vendor in the morning to say that it was off and so no plans were made for the viewing. As it turns out when the auctioneer is talking to me next that the sister was the one who would have had the keys and would have been letting us in to do the survey. However, since it was 'off' she didn't have any keys. (Or maybe she did and just wasn't playing ball) Also, it seems the vendor is in England, whether for the week or the weekend is unclear at the moment. All this I gather as the sister rings the vendor. The vendor tells the sister she is going to run the auctioneer.
Then the auctioneer rings me and tells me that 'Mary' was supposed to be there with the keys, and it turns out the sister is Mary and I hand the phone to 'sister Mary' after the auctioneer tells me that the vendor has informed her that the solicitor rang her (the vendor) and told her it was 'off' (I'm not sure whether to make comedic comment about the vendor and the auctioneer or the vendor and the solicitor or all three together). And the auctioneer is half way to Dublin at this point. The sister talks with the auctioneer and then hands the phone back to me, but it's off! The phone that is.
About this point the surveyor arrives. I introduce myself and try to bring him up to speed, but I don't really suceed. The rate of knots this thing is unravelling at, I'm not too disappointed with my lack of success.
So, I ring the auctioneer again. She tells me she can't get the solicitor but that the vendor is of the opinion that the whole thing is off and no one is getting into the house today. So, I have to tell the surveryor who is after travelling for 45 minutes to get there for nowt.
It would appear to me that the vendor's solicitor only got around to telling the vendor today about the original sale falling through last week and confused the hell out of everything.
So, what have we learned? Essentially, Ireland's so called professionals are crap.
And these are the ones from professions that cap their numbers. the IEI or Engineers Ireland encourage more engineering places in colleges as when you get more makers more things are made and things improve on balance for people. Yet the 'professions' limit their numbers as if you get more of them they must make more red tape and crap all over everyone's lives.
'House falls through'
I headed out to the house to watch the surveyor do his thing, expecting the auctioneer to be there with the keys. 4.30pm arrives and nobody about, I ring the auctioneer and she says the surveyor hadn't called back, so I ring him, he's a few minutes away (approaching the parywway) so I ring the auctioneer,get her voicemail and let her know he's close. Then while I'm waiting for her to call back, a car pulls up and the driver asks if I'm alright. Now, I get asked this occasionally but usually the person is looking for a scrap, or I'm looking half-cut. Since, even I'm not usually drunk at 4.30pm in the day (rugby international days excepted), I said, "yeah", the driver then informs me that the house is her sisters and I tell her I'm waiting for a surveyor and the auctioneer. Then the sister tells me that it's off. I was quite surprised, I mean I'm a real mover but even I don't think that a conversation with a car window is going anyway so fast enough for it to be something that was 'on' in order for it to be 'off'. Anyway, she's got a young lad in the front about 10, and buying the house is all the growing up I want to be doing right now.
Then the sister tells me that the solictor had rung the vendor in the morning to say that it was off and so no plans were made for the viewing. As it turns out when the auctioneer is talking to me next that the sister was the one who would have had the keys and would have been letting us in to do the survey. However, since it was 'off' she didn't have any keys. (Or maybe she did and just wasn't playing ball) Also, it seems the vendor is in England, whether for the week or the weekend is unclear at the moment. All this I gather as the sister rings the vendor. The vendor tells the sister she is going to run the auctioneer.
Then the auctioneer rings me and tells me that 'Mary' was supposed to be there with the keys, and it turns out the sister is Mary and I hand the phone to 'sister Mary' after the auctioneer tells me that the vendor has informed her that the solicitor rang her (the vendor) and told her it was 'off' (I'm not sure whether to make comedic comment about the vendor and the auctioneer or the vendor and the solicitor or all three together). And the auctioneer is half way to Dublin at this point. The sister talks with the auctioneer and then hands the phone back to me, but it's off! The phone that is.
About this point the surveyor arrives. I introduce myself and try to bring him up to speed, but I don't really suceed. The rate of knots this thing is unravelling at, I'm not too disappointed with my lack of success.
So, I ring the auctioneer again. She tells me she can't get the solicitor but that the vendor is of the opinion that the whole thing is off and no one is getting into the house today. So, I have to tell the surveryor who is after travelling for 45 minutes to get there for nowt.
It would appear to me that the vendor's solicitor only got around to telling the vendor today about the original sale falling through last week and confused the hell out of everything.
So, what have we learned? Essentially, Ireland's so called professionals are crap.
And these are the ones from professions that cap their numbers. the IEI or Engineers Ireland encourage more engineering places in colleges as when you get more makers more things are made and things improve on balance for people. Yet the 'professions' limit their numbers as if you get more of them they must make more red tape and crap all over everyone's lives.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Smooth Operator
This is moving quite quickly. Just like that 4th year humanities student who accosted me when I came back from Japan. Bloody hell, I didn't where I was. Kinda scary too.
I've paid my booking deposit, I've spoken to a surveyor and he hopefully will look it over on Friday, Monday latest. If he gives it the ok, then...I'm good to go.
And apparently the owner is ready to move Friday week! So, could I have keys in the 1st/2nd week of nov? Who knows. Have to dig out the Argos catalogue and ballpark furnishings. Need to start by making a list of what exists in each room. Like who thinks about toilet brushes except at times like this?
And I should tell landlord bloke that I may be moving out, and sort out how to move. A fleet of small cars perhaps. And get the tv fixed!
I've paid my booking deposit, I've spoken to a surveyor and he hopefully will look it over on Friday, Monday latest. If he gives it the ok, then...I'm good to go.
And apparently the owner is ready to move Friday week! So, could I have keys in the 1st/2nd week of nov? Who knows. Have to dig out the Argos catalogue and ballpark furnishings. Need to start by making a list of what exists in each room. Like who thinks about toilet brushes except at times like this?
And I should tell landlord bloke that I may be moving out, and sort out how to move. A fleet of small cars perhaps. And get the tv fixed!
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
About the House
Seems I might be a home owner after quite soon after all.
This is the gaff . I had enquired about it before but it was sale agreed. Then I got a call on Monday as apparently the sale had fallen through.
I made an offer and it's been accepted. So.
This is the gaff . I had enquired about it before but it was sale agreed. Then I got a call on Monday as apparently the sale had fallen through.
I made an offer and it's been accepted. So.
Monday, October 17, 2005
XXXXs are a sometime thing
Following on from Sesame Street's efforts to highlight that cookies are a sometimes food, I thought I should mention that blogs are a sometimes communication method. After all, many people view them more as a diary and diaries are mostly about events that have already happened.
It doesn't make sense to announce upcoming events in blog. If those events are in the quite near future, posting them in a blog with any expectation that people will see them in time seems down right silly. There again, it's somewhat the corporate memo, you send it with the intention that no one will notice it, but have it to cover your rear and the proverbial hits the whirring thing at the end of the hall. You know what I mean.
I should state that the wearing of other peoples clothing of a gender to which you are not attracted post they wearing said items while exercising is horribliness of the highest order. The jury is still out on the issue of sleeping in the beds of other people in their absence whether or not you are attracted to them.
From Ed Brill's blog comes the best suggestion for the Office 12 marketing strategy
"Office 12 -- the features you've wanted, found after years of searching!"
I was looking for something in wikipedia and it occurred to me that recent popular culture say the Sprouts seem to be easier to find then crusty old academic information.
It doesn't make sense to announce upcoming events in blog. If those events are in the quite near future, posting them in a blog with any expectation that people will see them in time seems down right silly. There again, it's somewhat the corporate memo, you send it with the intention that no one will notice it, but have it to cover your rear and the proverbial hits the whirring thing at the end of the hall. You know what I mean.
I should state that the wearing of other peoples clothing of a gender to which you are not attracted post they wearing said items while exercising is horribliness of the highest order. The jury is still out on the issue of sleeping in the beds of other people in their absence whether or not you are attracted to them.
From Ed Brill's blog comes the best suggestion for the Office 12 marketing strategy
"Office 12 -- the features you've wanted, found after years of searching!"
I was looking for something in wikipedia and it occurred to me that recent popular culture say the Sprouts seem to be easier to find then crusty old academic information.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Cold, cold heart
Finally seem to be feeling a bit better.
Last friday morning, I woke up about 5am with a very sore throat. I loaded up on drugs and stayed indoors until the evening when I had to venture out get more meds. Dropped by the office and collected some bits and pieces. I stayed all wrapped up on Saturday and Sunday, postponing a trip home I'd intended to take as I reckoned a few hours on a bus might not be the best treatment. As the throat eased I started to cough a bit more. Tuesday evening I went to bed at 9pm and slept through 'til 10am. Last night I got some dimotane which got me over a particulariy painful or annoying coughing problem in the lead up to Christmas '03. It was so annoying that I didn't get properly sleep for about 10 days and was suitably grumpy with it.
Last night watched the match (Ireland v Switzerland) which was quite depressing. No World Cup for us! I'm usually someone who keeps faith with hopeless causes longer than is sensible as many people can swear to. While this has usually involved affairs of the heart it can shape my view of matters of a more pragmatic nature. Purchases for example. If I decide I want something then I tend to stick at it even when it no longer makes any sense. I should really think about being more rational about such matters.
Anyway, I'm inclined to believe we're in for 4/5 years of poor performances from Ireland.
Last friday morning, I woke up about 5am with a very sore throat. I loaded up on drugs and stayed indoors until the evening when I had to venture out get more meds. Dropped by the office and collected some bits and pieces. I stayed all wrapped up on Saturday and Sunday, postponing a trip home I'd intended to take as I reckoned a few hours on a bus might not be the best treatment. As the throat eased I started to cough a bit more. Tuesday evening I went to bed at 9pm and slept through 'til 10am. Last night I got some dimotane which got me over a particulariy painful or annoying coughing problem in the lead up to Christmas '03. It was so annoying that I didn't get properly sleep for about 10 days and was suitably grumpy with it.
Last night watched the match (Ireland v Switzerland) which was quite depressing. No World Cup for us! I'm usually someone who keeps faith with hopeless causes longer than is sensible as many people can swear to. While this has usually involved affairs of the heart it can shape my view of matters of a more pragmatic nature. Purchases for example. If I decide I want something then I tend to stick at it even when it no longer makes any sense. I should really think about being more rational about such matters.
Anyway, I'm inclined to believe we're in for 4/5 years of poor performances from Ireland.
Monday, October 10, 2005
Arrogance of youth
What is about being young that leads people to be so blindly arrogant to what is around them?
I should start by saying that my definition of young has expanded quite a bit in recent times. I would now almost automatically include most people under 27. Prior to this point, I would have thought it was just the under 20s that ticked me off. It is odd, since in many ways I continue to believe I can relate and talk with young people, (Christ what am I like referring to ‘young people’, perhaps it’s a sign of impending middle age.) What I think I mean is that I’m reasonably lacking in some aspects of maturity and so share many of the interests and motivations of people younger than myself. However, I’m beginning to wonder if I’m not forcing the youthfulness. I can't do the arrogance. It is just a fact of being aware of my own failings sufficiently that arrogance doesn't work anymore. I have the slippers, perhaps the pipe is next.
In parallel, there seems to be so much spite and petty vindictiveness about and it’s so negative. It’s all fun and games being a tad bitchy once in a while, but it is so morale sapping if that is all you get up to. True, some are just naturally up themselves, Mocking Birds for example. Yet there are others who I suspect are playing up to it. And what for exactly? Is no one supportive anymore?
Of course, without that arrogance many people would never attempt the things that later come to mean so much them. Yet, it is an attitude that continues to rankle with me.
I saw the 'killer driver' today, he was stopped outside the Groody apartments so he must be a local. Have to drop into the local cops and report that. Also, Laune Rangers set up a semi-final meeting with Dr. Crokes of Killarney. Mike Frank against Gooch, should be interesting.
"Gambon was born in a house in the city too, but still "loves Dublin". As a boy he accompanied his father to Camden town in London and once asked him why so many Irish lived there.
"It was as far as we we could carry the cases," was the explanation."
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
All hail our tubby lord.
Another one of those 'who are you' online thingies. Not surprising results really.
 | You scored as Buddhism. Your beliefs most closely resemble those of Buddhism. Do more research on Buddhism and possibly consider becoming Buddhist, if you are not already. In Buddhism, there are Four Noble Truths: (1) Life is suffering. (2) All suffering is caused by ignorance of the nature of reality and the craving, attachment, and grasping that result from such ignorance. (3) Suffering can be ended by overcoming ignorance and attachment. (4) The path to the suppression of suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path, which consists of right views, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right-mindedness, and right contemplation. These eight are usually divided into three categories that base the Buddhist faith: morality, wisdom, and samadhi, or concentration. In Buddhism, there is no hierarchy, nor caste system; the Buddha taught that one's spiritual worth is not based on birth.
Which religion is the right one for you? (new version) created with QuizFarm.com |
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
You're not paranoid if they are actually trying to kill you
So, yesterday evening someone actually tried to kill me. I was cycling home after popping into the local 'Get and Go', after take the roundabout at the Groody apartments, I noticed a bit of revving behind me and reckoned that's all I need someone looking to speed past me over the speedbumps when there is oncoming cars. However, he didn't overtake when he could have between the speed bumps so I was a bit conscious of him on my rear.
I turned right after the last speed bump after looking back to see that there was enough of a gap between us and he crept around the corner after me. At that point in the road there tends to be a line of cars on the left in front of two houses which makes things tight. Two cars can't pass each other there, and someone passing a bike needs to make a effort to avoid squeezing a cyclist into the parked cars. It's kind of a horizontal car tunnel.
As I passed the first of the cars, the car gunned past me and then veered into the kerb on the right hand side of the road, broke sharply, did a 180, acrossing someone's front lawn and stopped to face me. This is just at the last left hand turn up the hill to the house. I reckoned there must be some thing up so rather than take the turn, I pulled in between two of the cars that were parked on the turn in front of the wall around the corner house. The car then accelerated at me, veering off at the last moment and then stopped, at which point I took his reg.
He was stopped because he was again that the entrance to the car tunnel, couldn't make it through. He came back, and I decide to walk on the rest of the way up the hill to the house. After 15 feet, another car came out of the car tunnel rather quickly and the mystery driver took over at pace. About 3 secs later, someone shouted out to the wind to stop that racket.
I went into the house and after a slug of water, rang the gardai. I reckoned it was either a stolen car, or someone being drunkenly reckless.
Today ,it turns out Jim saw it from the house. Well, he saw the 180, and the car heading at the wall but not me between the cars.
Of course, the same sort of thing happens in Jacob's Ladder!
Thinking of carrying a heavy spanner in future.
I turned right after the last speed bump after looking back to see that there was enough of a gap between us and he crept around the corner after me. At that point in the road there tends to be a line of cars on the left in front of two houses which makes things tight. Two cars can't pass each other there, and someone passing a bike needs to make a effort to avoid squeezing a cyclist into the parked cars. It's kind of a horizontal car tunnel.
As I passed the first of the cars, the car gunned past me and then veered into the kerb on the right hand side of the road, broke sharply, did a 180, acrossing someone's front lawn and stopped to face me. This is just at the last left hand turn up the hill to the house. I reckoned there must be some thing up so rather than take the turn, I pulled in between two of the cars that were parked on the turn in front of the wall around the corner house. The car then accelerated at me, veering off at the last moment and then stopped, at which point I took his reg.
He was stopped because he was again that the entrance to the car tunnel, couldn't make it through. He came back, and I decide to walk on the rest of the way up the hill to the house. After 15 feet, another car came out of the car tunnel rather quickly and the mystery driver took over at pace. About 3 secs later, someone shouted out to the wind to stop that racket.
I went into the house and after a slug of water, rang the gardai. I reckoned it was either a stolen car, or someone being drunkenly reckless.
Today ,it turns out Jim saw it from the house. Well, he saw the 180, and the car heading at the wall but not me between the cars.
Of course, the same sort of thing happens in Jacob's Ladder!
Thinking of carrying a heavy spanner in future.
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Intelligent Design
Apparently, those who favour the teaching of Intelligent Design as science have adopted the story of Penguins as 'evidence' for their approach. However, I doubt if they would be so quick to adopt this little fellow though it all sees to come naturally to him. Personally, I wasn't aware that the Dark Lord was allowed in on the creation game. I thought he was purely in the peddling of influence game.
The idea was advanced today at coffee, that Intelligent Design should be promoted as being evidence of the work of our alien overlords. Of course, as one of the sanctioned agents of our alien overlords in the area, I was compelled to pooh pooh the idea*
For some reason I'm not getting my Popbitch's each week which is quite annoying.
*for more on pooh, poohing, I refer to the military genius of General Melchett.
General Melchett: Is this true, Blackadder? Did Captain Darling pooh-pooh you?
Captain Blackadder: Well, perhaps a little.
General Melchett: Well, then, damn it all! What more evidence do you need? The pooh-poohing alone is a courtmartial offense!
Captain Blackadder: I can assure you, sir, that the pooh-poohing was purely circumstantial.
General Melchett: Well, I hope so, Blackadder. You know, if there's one thing I've learnt from being in the Army, it's never ignore a pooh-pooh. I knew a Major, who got pooh-poohed, made the mistake of ignoring the pooh-pooh. He pooh-poohed it! Fatal error! 'Cos it turned out all along that the soldier who pooh-poohed him had been pooh-poohing a lot of other officers who pooh-poohed their pooh-poohs. In the end, we had to disband the regiment. Morale totally destroyed... by pooh-pooh!
The idea was advanced today at coffee, that Intelligent Design should be promoted as being evidence of the work of our alien overlords. Of course, as one of the sanctioned agents of our alien overlords in the area, I was compelled to pooh pooh the idea*
For some reason I'm not getting my Popbitch's each week which is quite annoying.
*for more on pooh, poohing, I refer to the military genius of General Melchett.
General Melchett: Is this true, Blackadder? Did Captain Darling pooh-pooh you?
Captain Blackadder: Well, perhaps a little.
General Melchett: Well, then, damn it all! What more evidence do you need? The pooh-poohing alone is a courtmartial offense!
Captain Blackadder: I can assure you, sir, that the pooh-poohing was purely circumstantial.
General Melchett: Well, I hope so, Blackadder. You know, if there's one thing I've learnt from being in the Army, it's never ignore a pooh-pooh. I knew a Major, who got pooh-poohed, made the mistake of ignoring the pooh-pooh. He pooh-poohed it! Fatal error! 'Cos it turned out all along that the soldier who pooh-poohed him had been pooh-poohing a lot of other officers who pooh-poohed their pooh-poohs. In the end, we had to disband the regiment. Morale totally destroyed... by pooh-pooh!
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Another year older, none the wiser though.
OK, I think people are getting the wrong end of the stick here. I wasn't into broadcasting that yesterday was my birthday as I don't particularly like making a big deal of my birthday or New Year for that matter. I find both occasions to be quite depressing. And both occasions tend to allow the same type of people be very false, and that makes me even more annoyed. There again, I didn't exactly hide the fact either.
As for what I did, I stayed home as I felt somewhat under the weather (still do to be honest), ordered a chinese in the evening and rang home to thank mom for having me. That was the extent of it. Didn't even have a drink, unless you count Lemsip.
I'll happily go for a pint or two at the weekend if people are up for it. Just don't expect me to provide the reason.
As for what I did, I stayed home as I felt somewhat under the weather (still do to be honest), ordered a chinese in the evening and rang home to thank mom for having me. That was the extent of it. Didn't even have a drink, unless you count Lemsip.
I'll happily go for a pint or two at the weekend if people are up for it. Just don't expect me to provide the reason.
For the record,
I'm 35 (again!). As of yesterday.
To elaborate, I wasn't born 35 years ago. I believe I pointed all this out in the 80s, eighties 80 post.
I'm just saying I'm 35 for the next few years. You'd think someone would have paid some attention to the little details. Boris and I share a birth year and he is younger than I.
To elaborate, I wasn't born 35 years ago. I believe I pointed all this out in the 80s, eighties 80 post.
I'm just saying I'm 35 for the next few years. You'd think someone would have paid some attention to the little details. Boris and I share a birth year and he is younger than I.
No cup for him to drink from...
King Puck will have to drink from the well like the rest of us for this year.
Tyrone over the course of the game itself and the championship played the better football of anyone involved. I think that they had a better game plan in the manner in which they slowly settle into the game, and build their momentum.
As for Kerry, I think that had we met Armagh in the semi-final rather than Cork it would have been much better preparation for the final. I think that the Tyrone half back line was very effective at preventing the Kerry half fowards from showing for the ball. Declan O'Sullivan in particular and Galvan somewhat seemed to be anonymous at times but that was largely down to the marker I think.
I think that Joe Brolly lost the run of himself saying it could have been 7/8 points. Kerry showed they are still reasonably close to Tyrone and hence Armagh and should be there or thereabouts again next year. We really need to meet one of them in the semi-final to steel themselves for the final. But that's the luck of the draw, if the lead up didn't suit us this year then it more than did last year.
Side points, how did the ref manage to blow up with a minute to go? I reckon we probably wouldn't have scored the goal we needed, but it's the sort of thing that takes from the overall professionalism of the organisation generally. And what exactly did happen to Gooch that he ended up on the game in the 1st half, I think rte let everyone down when they appear 'not to have had a camera on it'. There was a danger of the game descending into nasty for a bit after that since the ref didn't do anything about what was a off the ball incident.
All in all, well done to Tyrone. The game should stand as one of the best All-Ireland's in recent times. It was fiercely competitive and the skill level is high on both sides. And I think that Tyrone demostrated they can certainly play the football!
Tyrone over the course of the game itself and the championship played the better football of anyone involved. I think that they had a better game plan in the manner in which they slowly settle into the game, and build their momentum.
As for Kerry, I think that had we met Armagh in the semi-final rather than Cork it would have been much better preparation for the final. I think that the Tyrone half back line was very effective at preventing the Kerry half fowards from showing for the ball. Declan O'Sullivan in particular and Galvan somewhat seemed to be anonymous at times but that was largely down to the marker I think.
I think that Joe Brolly lost the run of himself saying it could have been 7/8 points. Kerry showed they are still reasonably close to Tyrone and hence Armagh and should be there or thereabouts again next year. We really need to meet one of them in the semi-final to steel themselves for the final. But that's the luck of the draw, if the lead up didn't suit us this year then it more than did last year.
Side points, how did the ref manage to blow up with a minute to go? I reckon we probably wouldn't have scored the goal we needed, but it's the sort of thing that takes from the overall professionalism of the organisation generally. And what exactly did happen to Gooch that he ended up on the game in the 1st half, I think rte let everyone down when they appear 'not to have had a camera on it'. There was a danger of the game descending into nasty for a bit after that since the ref didn't do anything about what was a off the ball incident.
All in all, well done to Tyrone. The game should stand as one of the best All-Ireland's in recent times. It was fiercely competitive and the skill level is high on both sides. And I think that Tyrone demostrated they can certainly play the football!
Friday, September 23, 2005
There is but one Kingdom and
King Puck is its Lord. However, we are proud to let Mr. Sam Maguire reign in a model of democratic co-existence. (Mr. Maguire is the one on the right)
Mike Frank Russell, Liam Hassett, Gooch and the rest of the lads are great fellows to have labouring in the name of the Kingdom. Jeez, I sound like some old timer from the 50s. Still, it's kinda nice to have something to get sentimental over. More factually, I find this is quite a good site for Kerry GAA factual matters.
Best of lucks Lads! and whisper it...
Com'on de Kingdom!
Mike Frank Russell, Liam Hassett, Gooch and the rest of the lads are great fellows to have labouring in the name of the Kingdom. Jeez, I sound like some old timer from the 50s. Still, it's kinda nice to have something to get sentimental over. More factually, I find this is quite a good site for Kerry GAA factual matters.
Best of lucks Lads! and whisper it...
Com'on de Kingdom!
Like a record, baby
So, what with indoor soccer being off the agenda due to the changes in management style at the arena (arena managers, phutt, they are flithy people, we shall speak of them no more!), I decided that I need to engage in some new form of regular exercise. I looked at all the options and reckoned that since I know how to ride a bike, spinning might be a good choice.
The class I signed up for is the 7.30pm to 8.30pm Tues/Thurs for six weeks, I've done two class so far. What's my opinion you might ask? Well, I see it essentially as aerobics on a bike. you sweat like nobodies business to begin with, and the coordination of moving your arms or whatever while standing and pedalling is a little off putting, but you're not being marked on presentation or style so just do what you can.
I did have one occasion on the first night where my stomach muscles (such as they are) announced that if there was an more strain they'd start to spasm and I'd be dry retching all over the place. Thankfully, we had a breather at that point. And I had a chinese on Wednesday evening and was slightly concerned that I'd be announcing that fact rather loudly during the class. Thankfully, I kept it together. That also would be one of my main reasons for avoiding yoga! Thanks to Billy Connolly for that information.
However, my saddle did decide to tilt upwards during the class which left me a tad sore in a tender place but that will pass. Note to self for the next day, ensure saddle is at the correct angle and securely locked. It can have some quite negative effects!
I'm thinking of going to one of the staff/Postgrad pickup soccer games too! And perhaps the gym for some lifting and such like. I'm toying with the idea of doing the Plassey Christmas 5 mile, but I postively hate running.
The class I signed up for is the 7.30pm to 8.30pm Tues/Thurs for six weeks, I've done two class so far. What's my opinion you might ask? Well, I see it essentially as aerobics on a bike. you sweat like nobodies business to begin with, and the coordination of moving your arms or whatever while standing and pedalling is a little off putting, but you're not being marked on presentation or style so just do what you can.
I did have one occasion on the first night where my stomach muscles (such as they are) announced that if there was an more strain they'd start to spasm and I'd be dry retching all over the place. Thankfully, we had a breather at that point. And I had a chinese on Wednesday evening and was slightly concerned that I'd be announcing that fact rather loudly during the class. Thankfully, I kept it together. That also would be one of my main reasons for avoiding yoga! Thanks to Billy Connolly for that information.
However, my saddle did decide to tilt upwards during the class which left me a tad sore in a tender place but that will pass. Note to self for the next day, ensure saddle is at the correct angle and securely locked. It can have some quite negative effects!
I'm thinking of going to one of the staff/Postgrad pickup soccer games too! And perhaps the gym for some lifting and such like. I'm toying with the idea of doing the Plassey Christmas 5 mile, but I postively hate running.
Monday, September 19, 2005
Blogs and false transparency
One of the problems with blogs or any kind of public posting of one's activities is the appearance of transparency that it gives.
This tends to means that the absence of blog entries can be taken to imply that people are keeping things from those who read the blogs as sources of updates on what people are up ta, when it's really most probably laziness. This can especially be a problem when filled with enthausism people blog loads starting out and then it all trails off.
So, remember take your time, start as you mean to go on and if there people haven't posted in a while don't worry that they're hiding things from you. They're just busy living!
This tends to means that the absence of blog entries can be taken to imply that people are keeping things from those who read the blogs as sources of updates on what people are up ta, when it's really most probably laziness. This can especially be a problem when filled with enthausism people blog loads starting out and then it all trails off.
So, remember take your time, start as you mean to go on and if there people haven't posted in a while don't worry that they're hiding things from you. They're just busy living!
Saturday, September 17, 2005
80s, eighties, 80s
So, New Order have a single out, Depeche Mode are releasing one Oct 2nd which I caught on Top of the Pops last Sunday evening, and Kate Bush has an album due next month too! It's all like a familiar fruit you haven't tasted in ages.
Have to say, it's good to see Dave Gahan looking well again. It is strange as you get on a bit who it is that you find are your contempories, Dave's birthday is 9 May 1962. I've been...err... familiar with ladies older than that! Of course, that's more down to my toyboy or youthful looks than anything else.
There again the person who informed me by winning Wimbledon before I'd left school that I was past it sportswise was born on 22 November 1967. Pup! Wish I could celebrate my birthday just once like this.
I'm not sure but Louisa (ah), one time housemate has a birthday round then (Nov 22nd) , not sure about the year though. Well, not sure enough to post it here and risk losing a limb. And Maire from the same house is due a birthday in the next few days, and I suspect Annette Gill's birthday is around now too. And I should point out I've shared houses or streets with these ladies which is why I have some ideas of those dates. Other than that I'm hopeless...sugar, I forgot my Godson's birthday again! That was just last week!
I'm actually working on a listing of places I've lived and who lived there, where I was working and people I know at the time. I will post it once I've worked it all out. I have to edit some places out, least certain people come looking for me. This will be of use to biographers no doubt. Other peoples, not mine. Who is likely to write about me? Apart from those writing up notes in Arkham. Me and that Joker!
Have to say, it's good to see Dave Gahan looking well again. It is strange as you get on a bit who it is that you find are your contempories, Dave's birthday is 9 May 1962. I've been...err... familiar with ladies older than that! Of course, that's more down to my toyboy or youthful looks than anything else.
There again the person who informed me by winning Wimbledon before I'd left school that I was past it sportswise was born on 22 November 1967. Pup! Wish I could celebrate my birthday just once like this.
I'm not sure but Louisa (ah), one time housemate has a birthday round then (Nov 22nd) , not sure about the year though. Well, not sure enough to post it here and risk losing a limb. And Maire from the same house is due a birthday in the next few days, and I suspect Annette Gill's birthday is around now too. And I should point out I've shared houses or streets with these ladies which is why I have some ideas of those dates. Other than that I'm hopeless...sugar, I forgot my Godson's birthday again! That was just last week!
I'm actually working on a listing of places I've lived and who lived there, where I was working and people I know at the time. I will post it once I've worked it all out. I have to edit some places out, least certain people come looking for me. This will be of use to biographers no doubt. Other peoples, not mine. Who is likely to write about me? Apart from those writing up notes in Arkham. Me and that Joker!
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Other people's ideas
Stealing from others,
Magic eight ball for technical musos.
Go to your music player of choice (in my case, iTunes) and put it all on "shuffle." Say the following questions aloud, and after each one press refresh. Use the song title as the answer to the question.
In the case of generic dance tracks or various artists I rolled again.
1. What do you think of me, random music player?
Dreaming of the Queen - Pet Shop Boys
2. Will I have a long and happy life?
Lene Marlin / Lene Marlin (various dance so rolled again.)
Vampires - Pet Shop Boys
3. What do my friends really think of me?
System 22 / Until you say you are (Synth pop)
Soulmining - The The
4. What does my S/O think of me?
Alphabet Angel - David Sylvian
5. Do people secretly lust after me?
Sexy Boy - Air (I'm not joking!)
6. How can I make myself happy?
The boy with the gun - David Sylvian
7. What should I do with my life?
Foreword - Linkin Park
8. Why must life be so full of pain?
DJ Scot Project - O roll again
Shake you love(Club Mix) - Debbie Gibson
9. How can I maximize my pleasure during sex?
Peppy - The High Llamas
10. Will I ever have children?
Loom - Ani diFranco
11. Will I die happy?
Sister of night - Depeche Mode
12. Can you give me some advice?
Ticket to the World - Roland Orzabal
13. What do you think happiness is?
See you - Depeche Mode
14. Do you have any advice to give over the next few hours/days?
Dream On - The Beloved
OK, then. Some stranges one there
Magic eight ball for technical musos.
Go to your music player of choice (in my case, iTunes) and put it all on "shuffle." Say the following questions aloud, and after each one press refresh. Use the song title as the answer to the question.
In the case of generic dance tracks or various artists I rolled again.
1. What do you think of me, random music player?
Dreaming of the Queen - Pet Shop Boys
2. Will I have a long and happy life?
Lene Marlin / Lene Marlin (various dance so rolled again.)
Vampires - Pet Shop Boys
3. What do my friends really think of me?
System 22 / Until you say you are (Synth pop)
Soulmining - The The
4. What does my S/O think of me?
Alphabet Angel - David Sylvian
5. Do people secretly lust after me?
Sexy Boy - Air (I'm not joking!)
6. How can I make myself happy?
The boy with the gun - David Sylvian
7. What should I do with my life?
Foreword - Linkin Park
8. Why must life be so full of pain?
DJ Scot Project - O roll again
Shake you love(Club Mix) - Debbie Gibson
9. How can I maximize my pleasure during sex?
Peppy - The High Llamas
10. Will I ever have children?
Loom - Ani diFranco
11. Will I die happy?
Sister of night - Depeche Mode
12. Can you give me some advice?
Ticket to the World - Roland Orzabal
13. What do you think happiness is?
See you - Depeche Mode
14. Do you have any advice to give over the next few hours/days?
Dream On - The Beloved
OK, then. Some stranges one there
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Liver Spots
Had lunch today in Enzo's cafe on William street. They had a Bacon, Egg, Sausage and Chips for €6.50, but I kinda fancied some beans, tomatos and mushrooms, so I ordered the Mixed Grill.
I should have paid more attention to the type of Grills surrounding the Mixed Grill on the menu.What I got was Bacon, Egg, Sausage Chips, and a Chop! and 3 pieces of liver! €10.90 and a Pot of tea for €1.70. I'm not a big fan of liver at the best of times but 3 pieces! Honestly, you'd live for days on one of those meals. Very nice, and a good pot of tea too. Of such things, life is made.
So, the big match approaches. I'm predicting 2-1 to Ireland, with Clinton Morrison scoring with a volley in the 81st minutes to get the win.
Perhaps, it is all because I still believe in a man called Clinton. Or just that blow to the head in Japan. I seem to get more caught up in the games, now that my best playing days are behind me. Or they would be if I wasn't such a slow runner than they couldn't overtake me every once in a while.
I should have paid more attention to the type of Grills surrounding the Mixed Grill on the menu.What I got was Bacon, Egg, Sausage Chips, and a Chop! and 3 pieces of liver! €10.90 and a Pot of tea for €1.70. I'm not a big fan of liver at the best of times but 3 pieces! Honestly, you'd live for days on one of those meals. Very nice, and a good pot of tea too. Of such things, life is made.
So, the big match approaches. I'm predicting 2-1 to Ireland, with Clinton Morrison scoring with a volley in the 81st minutes to get the win.
Perhaps, it is all because I still believe in a man called Clinton. Or just that blow to the head in Japan. I seem to get more caught up in the games, now that my best playing days are behind me. Or they would be if I wasn't such a slow runner than they couldn't overtake me every once in a while.
Monday, September 05, 2005
For a few beads more.
Was in the stables Friday evening from 5 -8pm for Leon's post viva celebrations. Would have stayed about longer but in the absence of a pass machine I was financially embarrased and am now in debt via the beer economy to mgb.
Met up with JcD for a few pints later Friday night. There was this dog in Tom Collins, which seemed in a cat like fashion to adopt the pub, and was none to keen to leave. The staff decided to call it Guinness. How original.
It did cough once and appeared to say 'alochol'. Some silly drunk lassies thought that cuddling it would be a 'great' idea, the dog was none too keen when they were rubbing its ear which looked some what the worse for wear and tear. As it had a good coat, I reckon it was lost after losing a fight rather than abandoned. I wonder if it will be there next time I go.
Other than that I was very quiet over the weekend. No alochol at all, and quite light on the food side of things too. Felt in the need for some purification. Did some work, found some old CDs including the archive of my old last work mail. Should be able to retrieve some mail addresses. If only I could get access to a DAT reader and retrieve my old Lotus mails especially the Boston and Dublin Chronicle stuff! hang on I might have some of those on some other cds, now that I think about it out loud.
Amongst the music CDs I found was the Devils album Dark Circles which is kind of of alternate history version of early Duran Duran. While the music might not be to everyone's taste, the really interesting aspect is that the material is primarily from the late 1970s and early 1980s but without the later members of the band.
Getting bloody ticked off about the house buying. Rang Friday morning and was informed the other bidder was up in price again and that the houseowners would need to be checked with. No word since, despite leaving a couple of messages. It's not like I'm looking to buy the damn thing with buttons here...ok some buttons, a few beads and a packet of zips.
Met up with JcD for a few pints later Friday night. There was this dog in Tom Collins, which seemed in a cat like fashion to adopt the pub, and was none to keen to leave. The staff decided to call it Guinness. How original.
It did cough once and appeared to say 'alochol'. Some silly drunk lassies thought that cuddling it would be a 'great' idea, the dog was none too keen when they were rubbing its ear which looked some what the worse for wear and tear. As it had a good coat, I reckon it was lost after losing a fight rather than abandoned. I wonder if it will be there next time I go.
Other than that I was very quiet over the weekend. No alochol at all, and quite light on the food side of things too. Felt in the need for some purification. Did some work, found some old CDs including the archive of my old last work mail. Should be able to retrieve some mail addresses. If only I could get access to a DAT reader and retrieve my old Lotus mails especially the Boston and Dublin Chronicle stuff! hang on I might have some of those on some other cds, now that I think about it out loud.
Amongst the music CDs I found was the Devils album Dark Circles which is kind of of alternate history version of early Duran Duran. While the music might not be to everyone's taste, the really interesting aspect is that the material is primarily from the late 1970s and early 1980s but without the later members of the band.
Getting bloody ticked off about the house buying. Rang Friday morning and was informed the other bidder was up in price again and that the houseowners would need to be checked with. No word since, despite leaving a couple of messages. It's not like I'm looking to buy the damn thing with buttons here...ok some buttons, a few beads and a packet of zips.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Hail to the Chief
Odd few days since I last posted.
Saturday last I came in briefly to check mail and print out some stuff off. Abour 1.30pm the network disappeared, phut, just not there. I gave it a few minutes and when it didn't come back, I reckon it was probably something biggish, and that I should ring ITD to let them know. However, I didn't have their number to hand which as it turns out is 2999! There was no one else in the office so I thought I'd try reception.
I dialled 9 and once the other end picked up I had said, "hiya, I was wondering if you would have a contact number for ITD" " hang on a minute" says The Man(for it was he), so I hang...on. Roughly 2 minutes later he comes back with, "I can't tell you that", and there was so slight toing and froing as to how personal contact details couldn't be given out over the phone and how it wasn't personal details I was looking for. Then I was told I'd have to come down to reception, ok says I.
I headed (indirectly) to reception, and introduced myself, well I said something like "hiya I was on the phone a few minutes ago" I didn't do the whole, the name's Kane, Nathan Kane.
There then followed a tedious he said, he said exchange.
(The Man) I have no instructions to give out people's numbers.
NK: I'm not looking for a personal number
(The Man) There is no one there today.
NK: If there isn't I'll leave a message.
(The Man) Who do you think you are?
NK: I think I'm someone who working here who has come back from working in industry...
at which point I got the whole 1980s thing about how much tax he paid when it was 68 * pence in the pound. And how he had worked for 50 years. I didn't go into the whole fact that if he was that old then he was probably on of those who voted the effers into office in '77. Though, i did say, that can't be right now, if you have been working for 50 years as that would make you nearly 70 and you wouldn't be working at all. Then he told me how he was retired and didn't need this job at all. Personally, when I retire I think I'll try doing something I enjoy.
Essentially, I and the likes of me weren't getting any number today and it didn't matter what I said.
Then we got the priceless,
(The Man) I'm not here to be doing things for people like you
NK: "what do you mean people like me? I'm only looking for a effing phone number."
And man that was all she wrote
(The Man) I don't have to take language like that from you.
My ID was demanded, and I said I'll give it if you tell me who you are. So details were exchanged.
At that point, someone I know to play soccer with was passing (not that he is noted for passing when he has the ball) with what looked like lunch, and I told him the network was down and asked did he have a number for ITD, he replied no, and then a lady who was passing said it was 2999, I said that's great thanks.
I left to ring ITD shortly after being informed that he could get his unit up to make sure that things were done right.
I'm not one for naming names or pointing fingers. But the wagging finger of Just Us will be to watching for outcomes on this.
After I logged my call with ITD, I went home there was more drama. OK, it was the Tyrone v Dublin which was good without being great.
Sunday, Kerry had a practice game.... ok.... ok.... semi final against Cork. It wasn't as bad for Cork as the last time we played them in Croker. Still, it was pretty poor. My main concern is that Kerry haven't had to compete properly in a game since against Limerick and Armagh and Tryone have had plenty of tough games. And they will have another under the belt after this Sunday. Still, it should mean we are not favourties.
Fact is the game should have been played in Semple Stadium or the Gaelic grounds. There would have been much bigger crowds. Might think about cloning the family All-Ireland medal and go searching for a ticket.
*Though strictly speaking it was never actually a 68% tax rate, it was 65% though once you added in PRSI and youth levies and health levies it came to over 73%! And lets be honest you weren't on the minimum wage (which didn't exist then) if you were paying 73% and that was only
If you were on 20K
So, you'd pay no tax on £2000 = 0
then 35% on the next £5000 =1750
then 52% on the next £10000 =5200
then 65% on the remainder 3K =1950
which is 8900 and 44.5% which is still a lot but nothing like 65%. those figures are plucked out of my seating device. Still, they give you an idea.
Lots of people paid at this highest rate for a time. However, let's pause of a moment and remember that nearly half of them had voted to bankrupt the country too.
Saturday last I came in briefly to check mail and print out some stuff off. Abour 1.30pm the network disappeared, phut, just not there. I gave it a few minutes and when it didn't come back, I reckon it was probably something biggish, and that I should ring ITD to let them know. However, I didn't have their number to hand which as it turns out is 2999! There was no one else in the office so I thought I'd try reception.
I dialled 9 and once the other end picked up I had said, "hiya, I was wondering if you would have a contact number for ITD" " hang on a minute" says The Man(for it was he), so I hang...on. Roughly 2 minutes later he comes back with, "I can't tell you that", and there was so slight toing and froing as to how personal contact details couldn't be given out over the phone and how it wasn't personal details I was looking for. Then I was told I'd have to come down to reception, ok says I.
I headed (indirectly) to reception, and introduced myself, well I said something like "hiya I was on the phone a few minutes ago" I didn't do the whole, the name's Kane, Nathan Kane.
There then followed a tedious he said, he said exchange.
(The Man) I have no instructions to give out people's numbers.
NK: I'm not looking for a personal number
(The Man) There is no one there today.
NK: If there isn't I'll leave a message.
(The Man) Who do you think you are?
NK: I think I'm someone who working here who has come back from working in industry...
at which point I got the whole 1980s thing about how much tax he paid when it was 68 * pence in the pound. And how he had worked for 50 years. I didn't go into the whole fact that if he was that old then he was probably on of those who voted the effers into office in '77. Though, i did say, that can't be right now, if you have been working for 50 years as that would make you nearly 70 and you wouldn't be working at all. Then he told me how he was retired and didn't need this job at all. Personally, when I retire I think I'll try doing something I enjoy.
Essentially, I and the likes of me weren't getting any number today and it didn't matter what I said.
Then we got the priceless,
(The Man) I'm not here to be doing things for people like you
NK: "what do you mean people like me? I'm only looking for a effing phone number."
And man that was all she wrote
(The Man) I don't have to take language like that from you.
My ID was demanded, and I said I'll give it if you tell me who you are. So details were exchanged.
At that point, someone I know to play soccer with was passing (not that he is noted for passing when he has the ball) with what looked like lunch, and I told him the network was down and asked did he have a number for ITD, he replied no, and then a lady who was passing said it was 2999, I said that's great thanks.
I left to ring ITD shortly after being informed that he could get his unit up to make sure that things were done right.
I'm not one for naming names or pointing fingers. But the wagging finger of Just Us will be to watching for outcomes on this.
After I logged my call with ITD, I went home there was more drama. OK, it was the Tyrone v Dublin which was good without being great.
Sunday, Kerry had a practice game.... ok.... ok.... semi final against Cork. It wasn't as bad for Cork as the last time we played them in Croker. Still, it was pretty poor. My main concern is that Kerry haven't had to compete properly in a game since against Limerick and Armagh and Tryone have had plenty of tough games. And they will have another under the belt after this Sunday. Still, it should mean we are not favourties.
Fact is the game should have been played in Semple Stadium or the Gaelic grounds. There would have been much bigger crowds. Might think about cloning the family All-Ireland medal and go searching for a ticket.
*Though strictly speaking it was never actually a 68% tax rate, it was 65% though once you added in PRSI and youth levies and health levies it came to over 73%! And lets be honest you weren't on the minimum wage (which didn't exist then) if you were paying 73% and that was only
If you were on 20K
So, you'd pay no tax on £2000 = 0
then 35% on the next £5000 =1750
then 52% on the next £10000 =5200
then 65% on the remainder 3K =1950
which is 8900 and 44.5% which is still a lot but nothing like 65%. those figures are plucked out of my seating device. Still, they give you an idea.
Lots of people paid at this highest rate for a time. However, let's pause of a moment and remember that nearly half of them had voted to bankrupt the country too.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Where for fart R U, Romero?
Went to see the Limerick version of Romeo and Juliet, the emphasis appeared to be very much on the disregarded comedy element. There were a couple of nice directorial moments, such as
question:what light through yonder windows breaks.
answer: a marlboro light, i suspect.
And the art of glove story at the end.
€8 was fine for such a show, and it was more entertainment that high art.
Only one thing though, I was quite unsure where to look for some of the bedroom action, I mean, who doesn't find a young lady in a short, pink, silk nightie enticing, but it was kinda short for the angle the audience were observing proceedings from and the actress in question was somewhat aware of the dangers too. There were a few moments when I reckoned I should look away now! The mystery of the theatre.
question:what light through yonder windows breaks.
answer: a marlboro light, i suspect.
And the art of glove story at the end.
€8 was fine for such a show, and it was more entertainment that high art.
Only one thing though, I was quite unsure where to look for some of the bedroom action, I mean, who doesn't find a young lady in a short, pink, silk nightie enticing, but it was kinda short for the angle the audience were observing proceedings from and the actress in question was somewhat aware of the dangers too. There were a few moments when I reckoned I should look away now! The mystery of the theatre.
Monday, August 22, 2005
Weekend worriers
Friday, went into town and meet Sully and JcD in Nancy's, had 2 then up to Tom Collins for quieter drinks. In the door and who was sitting inside only N. McDo....l, and J 2me. Both are wage slaves of the cpu king but they seem to be enjoying it.
Saturday went to see My Pet Brick in the Sallyport. Was pleasantly surprised, not by competence of those involved (ducking from shoe from the direction of the foundation building) but rather by the material chosen. All good tunes, most of which I know or have de collection, Though the songs are somewhat more on art student side of rocking. I really enjoyed it. Seriously. And got a lift from Miss cc, we swung (avoiding the beeping people behind us) by donkey's which was closed! Shocking all together, Shocking!
Sunday went to Beal na Blath for the Michael Collins commenoration, thanks due to Eoin for the lift down and up again and shout out to Liam for being part of the crew. Odd enough, an old 'pal' of mine was there, God how we reminisced, it was powerful stuff altogether. What was odd was that he wasn't at the event in Dublin which would have made more sense.
Somewhat surprised today that someone was comparing Goldfrapp to Slade, when it's obviously a T-Rex influence we are looking at in 'Oh la la'. And they let such people play instruments!
And tonight was the last night of soccer! not enough people came forward and expressed an interest in keeping things going. Bummer. I'll have to join the effing gym now and do some sort of program. I'm down about 10lbs since March, when I started playing twice a week with some regularity, and I'm somewhat fitter than I was. Fitter only mind, I'm not claiming to be fit. Thanks again are due to Mr. Organiser and everyone that played. I enjoyed it .
Saturday went to see My Pet Brick in the Sallyport. Was pleasantly surprised, not by competence of those involved (ducking from shoe from the direction of the foundation building) but rather by the material chosen. All good tunes, most of which I know or have de collection, Though the songs are somewhat more on art student side of rocking. I really enjoyed it. Seriously. And got a lift from Miss cc, we swung (avoiding the beeping people behind us) by donkey's which was closed! Shocking all together, Shocking!
Sunday went to Beal na Blath for the Michael Collins commenoration, thanks due to Eoin for the lift down and up again and shout out to Liam for being part of the crew. Odd enough, an old 'pal' of mine was there, God how we reminisced, it was powerful stuff altogether. What was odd was that he wasn't at the event in Dublin which would have made more sense.
Somewhat surprised today that someone was comparing Goldfrapp to Slade, when it's obviously a T-Rex influence we are looking at in 'Oh la la'. And they let such people play instruments!
And tonight was the last night of soccer! not enough people came forward and expressed an interest in keeping things going. Bummer. I'll have to join the effing gym now and do some sort of program. I'm down about 10lbs since March, when I started playing twice a week with some regularity, and I'm somewhat fitter than I was. Fitter only mind, I'm not claiming to be fit. Thanks again are due to Mr. Organiser and everyone that played. I enjoyed it .
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)