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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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

Thursday, September 08, 2005

Scoring for fun.

So apparently

I am nerdier than 58% of all people. Are you nerdier? Click here to find out!

which should be no surprise!

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.

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.

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.