novice-blogger

Bebo

2006-04-02T04:39:00.000-07:00

Am I getting old? Am I just a narky student who likes to complain about everything? Possibly, but I know that I don't like Bebo! Everyone has a Bebo account now, the thing is so popular that some Universities are looking to ban students from using it because it its effecting their studies.
When I heard of it first I didn't think about it much, and certainly didn't think it would catch on. But reflecting upon it now, I can fully understand how and why it has caught on, especially in Ireland.
Bebo epitomizes everything that is wrong with the modern Ireland we live in. Things have changed for the better in many ways, unemployment is at an all time low and people have more money than ever before. But, we have also become a nasrcissistic, self-obsessed, greedy nation. Just looking at some peoples Bebo is actually funny. They have essays on what their favorite film is, what they are scared of, their interests blah blah blah. Nobody cares, seriously. John from Dalkey, I don't care if your favorite colour is green and you are just back from Australia. Sandra from Cork, I really don't care that you loved Bridget Jones and that your favorite pub is O'Neills. I think people are really taking themselves too seriously. I know that the majority of the time its friends viewing other friends profiles but some of the stuff is sad, and the amount of detail that people will go into in describing themselves is actually hilarious.
A posing photo for the image on the profile, selected shots for the photo gallery, keeping up comments that they like and taking comments down that don't fit in, profile view to show just how popular you are........Aghhhh! Bebo is obviously a good way of keeping in contact with people and sharing photos, and I know that its only a bit of fun and many people probably don't take themselves seriously, but you could actually pick out the hardcore egotistical Bebo-ers off the street.
And your probably thinking is this fella for real? He's complaining and criticizing Bebo by Blogging about it, writing to an audience that may never even read this. Ah well, maybe I'm just a prime example of one another great flaw that has manifested in Ireland over the years - hypocrisy.

Stan the man

2006-03-04T10:41:00.000-08:00

What a performance by Ireland on Wednesday. I for one am definitely not going to get carried away, but Ireland's 3-0 victory over Sweden was suprising and really encouraging. I must admit that I wasn't the most eager fan standing on the North terrace before kick-off, but in the end, it was most certainly worth the frostbite.

Ireland were excellent and Sweden were atrocious. I haven't seen an Irish side so hungry and determined in a very long time. Robbie Keane and Damien Duff gave everything, and this was very positive because these two in particular have really just cruised along in a lot of recent internationals. We're not going to win the euros or anything, but we played well and Stephen Ireland, Joey O'Brien, Stephen Reid and Richard Dunne were really impressive. The players look like they want to play for Staunton, so hopefully they can carry the same attitude on into the qualification campaign and if anything, play attractive football and bring back the determined style of play that worked so well for Ireland in the past.

I Predict A Riot!

2006-02-28T07:36:00.000-08:00

Well, unfortunately our worst nightmare came to fruition last Saturday, as Dublins city centre came to a standstill. Cars were burnt, gaurds were attacked, innocent bystanders were assaulted, and all in the name of Republicanism - I don't think so.
I raised the debate concerning this parade the minute it was announced a few months ago. I'm not going to say I told you so, but how did the police not see this coming. Hardcore 'Republicans' were present and hell bent on disrupting proceedings. What I don't get about these people is that they seem to be the most vehement supporters of a United Ireland, but how can they ever hope to accomplish this when they cant even respect fellow 'islanders' right to protest?

Loyalists do like a bit of controversy and enjoy marching where it will get a reaction, but in a democratic, so called progressive society, they should have been respected and allowed to express themselves. This is exactly what many Loyalists wanted. They wanted to tarnish all southerners as sectarian bigots, who they could never hope to share power with. Well done boys. Walking around in your 'IRA will never go away' T-shirts, you destroyed 'your' own capital city and savaged 'your' own Garda force - nice one. If anything, you think that if you were going to injure and beat anyone it was going to be the loyalists, but they hadn't even started marching!
The typical media reaction is to blame SinnFein. Gerry and the boys are not stupid, and there is no way, when Sinn Fein are actually progressing in Irish politics, that they are going to send out some scumbags to riot in Dublin and affect their rejuvenated support.
Republican Sinn Fein - the political wing of the Real IRA - had a lot of supporters present and would of even initiated some disturbances, but it was fairly obvious to all that a load of scumbags were in town for the day and decided to get one over on the 'pigs' while they could. There was hardcore Republican involvement, but also a huge amount of thugs who carried out most of the damage. The best yet that I have heard is that Schu and Foot-locker were targeted because they are English stores. Give me a break, this wasn't some complete hardcore republican idealistic afternoon where even the 'Brits' shops would get it, it was a day of shame where the scumbags took advantage of the chaos to loot and cause havoc. In the name of true Republicanism, I don't think so. A reflection on the vermin still present and waiting in the wings of society for any opportunity, most definitely.

"A thousand ordinary unionist people are on the buses heading back north right now - just passing Dundalk as I type - and their abiding impression of the Irish Republic is going to be one of being penned into Parnell Square by violent republicans with petrol bombs and of having their right to get their point across stifled - (jeeeez, I mean the irony of republicans penning Protestant protestors into Parnell Square, named after perhaps the greatest ever Irish Protestant proponent of tolerant Republicanism...)"Comment from David Christopher a Unionist Poster

He's right you know. Any rational nationalist will realsie that while we may not agree with loyalists views or indeed some actions, we must respect them and demonstrate that the island of Ireland could be occupied by both catholic and protestants/nationalists and unionists, and that a united Ireland is a viable, democratic option in the future. Throwing bricks and bottles of piss on a Saturday afternoon in Dublin isn't going to help the situation or encourage unionists into a nationalist compromise. Whether you like it or not, they have a tradition and culture that they are also proud of. I dont agree with them parading with a picture of one of the dublin/monaghan bombers, even if he was an IRA victim, that is going to inflame tensions, but theres no excuse for the scenes in Dublin last Saturday, rather than promote nationalism and Irish pride, it made me feel embarrassed to be Irish for the first time in a very long while, probably since the Omagh bomb in fact.

The Blog Awards

2005-12-17T08:30:00.000-08:00

Well, there was no actual blog awards but it was a great excuse for a class piss-up. The ladies looked stunning in their evening attire - cheesy but true - and us fella's looked like wannabe bank managers, but it was good craic and a top night in the end. Almost everyone was out - those that couldn't make it had genuine excuses - so the blogs have been a great success and have bonded the class like nothing else this term -other than the 'minidisc-gate' scandal. Fair play everyone, happy xmas and the rest, see you in the new year. Long live the blogs

Who needs shorthand

2005-12-13T06:29:00.000-08:00

As the relief and despair culminate following this mornings dreaded shorthand exam, I came across this exert while researching my history essay:

"Michael Finlan, Galway correspondent of the Irish Times', first newspaper job was on the Western people, Ballina. The reporters' desk was a long wooden bench, complete with lone typewriter, placed in the classroom so that the editor Fred Devere could keep an eye on his editorial staff. Finlan's colleagues when he joined the paper included John Healy and Jim McGuire, but only one reporter (Tony Burke) could write shorthand".

Fair play to Tony Burke, he must have listened to Eleanor (our shorthand lecturer) and practiced his shorthand for at least half-an-hour every night. Now, all that the rest of us shorthandedly challenged people need is a Tony Burke in our office, or maybe just make a greater effort with the bloody thing.

Stanley Williams executed

2005-12-13T04:52:00.000-08:00

Stanley Williams inevitable fate was sealed by Mr. Schwazaneger last night, when he refused to grant him clemency. Stanley 'Tookie' Williams was pronounced dead at 8.12 (European time) this morning. Another Republican murder, this time carried out by the Predator.

Loyalist Love Parade in Dublin

2005-12-12T05:16:00.000-08:00

A LOVE ULSTER parade is being planned for the centre of Dublin next month, including bands carrying Union Jacks and Orangemen wearing collarettes and carrying banners

The march along O'Connell Street and on to Leinster House will be led by northern victims of republican violence. It is designed to protest against the Irish and British governments plan to introduce legislation allowing on-the-run (OTR) terrorists to return to Ireland and benefit from an amnesty

The group have asked the Gardai for permission to fly the Union Jack flag, which has been granted, but while they said they respect tricoluorluor it will not be flown. What a suprise!

It is estimated that January's parade would involve 1,000 people, including 200 victims of violence, six flute bands and Orange Order members and supporters. These people have a right to express themselves, and hopefully I will go along and listen to what they have to say.

However, Loyalists hate everything that the Republic stands for. They don't recognise the state and in this respect their parade would be just as logical if it went through the heart of Calcutta. I understand that they are displaying their contempt for the Irish government and some of its policies towards the North, but really, orangemen marching and the DUP speaking outside of Leinster house is quite insulting to many nationalists. Maybe a traditional Irish flute band and followers holding tricoulours should ask Mr. Paisley & co. how they'd feel if they marched towards Stormont through east Belfast, the Shankill Road et al. Different reaction I feel.

Many nationalists will go and see and the parade and listen to what Mr. Donaldson has to say. some embiciles may try and disrupt proceedings, but hopefully people will respect what they have to say because they would just love to find any excuse as to why it would just not be possible to cooperate with us bigoted southerners.

We should show that we are a progressive forward thinking nation and respect their parade, speeches and opinions. Unfortunately, this is the DUP though. The party of Paisley that is against the Good Friday Agreement, thus, ultimately against peace. When the loyalists are upset or things are not going their way, - as we witnessed during the summer - they riot. These disturbances were in reaction to the blocking of an orange order parade but were not condemned by the associationition or politicians.

There is an awful lot of anger and resentment within the loyalist community. But this is what happens when a community like the nationalist one in the North, that was maligned and discriminated against for so long, gain some political legitimacy and they have to actually work with these people and recognise them as equals. A bigoted police force, collusion with the British forces involved in the murders of nationalists, gerrymandering.....the list goes on. Most of these crimes were in the past and we have to move on, but do you really think Ian Paisley can embrace Catholics and move on?

Let them march, let them speak, but show more respect than the loyalists did to the catholic children of Holycross, who whilst trying to attend school and passing through a loyalist estate, were spat on, verbally abused and pelted with water balloons filled with urine.

Iraq bores me

2005-12-11T07:54:00.000-08:00

It terrible to say really - especially as the war is ongoing, a country is in turmoil, so many people have lost their lives and the casualties are still mounting - but I have lost almost all interest in the War in Iraq, well, its media coverage anyway.

Familiarity breeds contempt. In terms of the War in Iraq, its not a scornful contempt but apathy. The war has now been going on for years and my interest in its media coverage has gradually diminished. During the week, I was looking at the Irish Times, there was a story about a massive suicide bomb in Baghdad that claimed the lives of 24 people. I read the headline. I didn't even read the report - I flicked on and read something about student nurses leading unhealthy lifestyles. I just wasn't interested, and this sort of atrocity is so common now that it would take something completely extraordinary to happen in the country to grab my attention.

Maybe there are more people like me who have just switched off from the war, or lost interest at least. Protests fell on deaf ears, Blair and Bush still pillage the country and 'create' democracy for these lucky Iraqis who are being westernised for there own benefit, to 'progress'. Depressing really, but my concentration now dwindles when Iraq arises. But is it just me? The report I brushed past was in the world news section, tucked away about halfway through the paper. Perhaps this demonstrates the loss of interest from the public, or maybe its just a reflection of editorial hierarchies, or both.

Another Nigerian aviation tragedy

2005-12-10T14:22:00.000-08:00

103 people are believed to be dead after yet another plane crash in Nigeria. The plane overshot the runway during a powerful electrical storm. At least 65 of the victims were from the same secondary school, returning home from a Christmas holiday trip. Nigeria has a dreadful history of fatalities resulting from aviation accidents. In the last fifteen years alone, 915 people have lost their lives. Nigerian president, Olusegun Obsanjo, announced in the aftermath of the tragedy that they need to "plug loopholes in the aviation sector and strengthen compliance with maintenance standards". No shit! This should have been done years ago. After this devastating incident, Nigeria really has to improve its overall aviation safety - big time. Its recent safety record is absolutely appalling and serious measures must be taken immediately to prevent another tragedy like todays.

Richard Pryor

2005-12-10T14:13:00.000-08:00

The pioneering actor and comedian Richard Pryor passed away today. He suffered a heart attack but his health had been in decline since 1986 when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Pryor was contorversial and not everyones 'cup of tea', but I thought he was superb, especially as a stand-up. His racial satire knew no limits and was refreshingly unique.

video/camera phones

2005-12-09T17:21:00.000-08:00

I'm gonna sound really sad and techno-phobic, but, I'm not a fan of these camera and picture phones.

I remember seeing one at first and thinking, no way, what the f**k is next, your not even gonna be able to go out and get pissed, make a fool of yourself and someone is gonna have this on camera! What about the good old days when you'd go out get pissed, embarrass yourself and only listen to it the next day from your mates. Now the bloody things on record.

Have you noticed as well that everything, no matter how insignificant, is now deemed worthy of a picture. You must have one of those friends who is just addicted to taking pictures with their phone, 'right yea, deadly, get in I'll take a picture'. We're on a bus John, get over it, no need for a picture.

I have a great story about a guy who took a picture of a lad he hated in school whispering to a girl in a club, only whispering, but the picture looked like they were with each other, so he sent it to the guys girlfriend and she freaked and broke up with him. I still don't know if they got back together. Harsh but true. I was gonna say I wasn't bothered telling that story but I just have. Ah well.

Padraig Nally Case

2005-12-09T13:28:00.000-08:00

Mayo farmer Padraig Nally was refused leave to appeal his sentence for manslaughter this week at the central criminal court, and rightly so.

The media and certain politicians have exacerbated the fragile situation and perfectly illustrated the blatant racism and prejudice against travellers in this country. I genuinely feel sorry for Nally. John Ward had been on his land before and the man was living on his nerves. He was frightened and isolated and the Gardai can only do so much. However, it was the means of the killing and the public support that have really shocked me.

When I first learnt of this case my previous prejudice and bigotry initially made me feel, 'yea, good enough for the knacker, he was robbing this poor old fella's house'. Irish people just do not like Travellers. You think you are liberal and tolerant but then something like this case arises and the way it is reported affects you. It was not until I studied the case and learnt the facts that I have formed such a strong opinion. A Traveller was shot, 'ah sure he was trying to rob a vulnerable farmer, he deserved it'. This case emphasises the hatred towards Travellers in Ireland. You just kinda grow up with it, its embedded in the Irish psyche. Well, thank God I have removed it through educating myself about these people. That's all it is, taking the time to learn about these peoples culture and not judging them on age-old stereotypes.

Nally found Ward beside his house at 2pm in the day. Nally had a rifle and shot Ward in the buttock. He was wounded and his mobility was affected. Nally then beat ward 20 times with a large ash stick, inflicting a number of wounds to his head. Ward picked himself up and was hobbling down the lane. Nally went, reloaded his gun and then shot Ward in the head as he was crouched down.

Nally was charged and tried in front of a jury in Castlebar, Mayo. This area in Mayo has had a lot of 'trouble' with Travellers and I feel Nally's lenient sentence was as a result of the situating of the trial in Castlebar. The Jury found him guilty of manslaughter, thus under the rule of the law, manslaughter rather than murder meant they believed he acted under provocation.

Ward was unarmed, shot, battered and shot in the head as Nally stood over him. The jury obviously felt that the fact that Ward was a Traveller was provocation enough. Reverse the roles, do you think John Ward would have been charged with manslaughter or murder had Nally entered his halting site and Ward had killed him in the same fashion. The latter, No?

Ward was a 'knacker'. He had a number of convictions, he was a bare knuckle boxer and Nally claimed to have seen him loitering around the area previously. In Ireland, a tinker with these characteristics and stats will get no sympathy or no justice.

Fina Gael leader Enda Kenny has joined up with the Media circus and is supporting the justice for Padraig campaign - sickening. The leader of the opposition and possible leader of this country is supporting a murderer, why, because he knows people support Nally and that this will only benefit his support because he only killed a Traveller. Can you imagine a high profile politician supporting a murderer so blatantly and writing a column reiterating his support in any other circumstances. The mere involvement of an itinerant allows bigotry and racism to be homogeneous.

I have had my run in with Travellers, the bad ones were the scum of the earth, but there are a lot of decent Travellers. John Ward was probably not contributing too much to society, he was allegedly a very violent man and a criminal. But this does not legislate for Marshall law. Reasonable force could and should have been used; if Nally had shot him in the leg this case would never even have made the papers, but he went too far. The real protest or lack of justice should be that of Wards, and the fact that Nally was not convicted of murder.

The Terminator - Arnold's Call

2005-12-07T15:40:00.000-08:00

In recent months, the Terminator aka Mr. Schwarzenegger, has had a some embarrassing political defeats and disastrous showings in the polls. Tomorrow, he has an insurmountable decision on his hands, the greatest decision any human being can make - the decision over a humans right to live.

Personally, I don't think any human on this earth should ever be put in the position of God, let alone a Hollywood actor turned comical politician. Stanley 'Tookie' Williams, former gang leader and convicted murderers life now hangs in the balance. Stanley is the founder of the infamous crips gang and is convicted of murdering a newsagent worker, a father, a mother and a baby. He is due to be executed through lethal injection 0n December 13. A lot of people - especially on the other side of the Atlantic - will see this as perfectly rational and just, however, there is more to this case than meets the eye.

The US circuit court of appeals refused to overturn Williams conviction, but it highlighted numerous concerns over the way it was secured. Williams conviction was based on circumstantial evidence - all of the prosecutions witnesses were criminals and their testimony had been granted in exchange for reductions in their sentences or dropping charges altogether. Williams was also tried by an all-white jury, while the the prosecuting lawyer referred to Williams as a 'wild animal in the jungle'.

Williams' story has already been made into a Hollywood Oscar-winning film, but now we have the irony of an actual Hollywood star, turned politician, deciding the man's fate.

See, Arnold is now a politician first and foremost, he can't take a break in his on-set trailer, or cut a scene, he's in a seriously powerful position and there are no trailers. To have any chance of regaining some standings in the polls and win next years election, he must surely appease his conservative, right-wing, Republican base, the sort of base that doesn't flinch at sending convicted criminals to Death Row - especially black gang leaders who murder innocent white people. It's a tough call for the 'Barbarian' because California has a large black and Hispanic population, many of whom voted for Arnold because he himself is a migrant.

Williams spent more than six-years in the hole, but rather than break him, it was the catalyst for a monumental change in him. He read and read continuously, concluding that the only way to break the stronghold of the gangs he created was through education. He has been nominated for 4 Noble Peace Prizes and his anti-violence, gang literature has been nominated for the Nobel prize of literature. His principal conclusion is that the core of the problem is self-hate. Young black men begin to believe the negative stereotypes within society about them and this results in unbridled aggression. His books are now staple diet in schools and he is a leading anti-crime advocate.

Obviously you have to understand and feel for the victims family's. But, the evidence is not concise enough to kill a powerful, respected and reformed character who now initiates peace. If he stops even one young black male from joining a gang, or he get a member to leave, is even this not enough to reprieve the man and keep him on the earth for positive reasons. He will be no use to anyone six-feet under.

The US supreme court decided not to intervene in October so its now only the Predator that's stands between Williams and death. Schwarzenegger has refused to grant a reprieve in two recent cases, noting that their actions after their conviction does not delete the heinous crimes they committed. An election next year, that he wont win without strong support from his conservative hardcore..................................Stanley Williams R.I.P.

Borat

2005-12-06T10:36:00.000-08:00

Jagshemash, I like you! Do you like me

Yes, its Kazakhstan's favourite and most famous TV personality - Boart Sagdyiv. Borat is a fictional reporter exposing Western ignorance and prejudices of foreigners in a humorous way. He was created by Sacha Baron Cohen - the brian-child behind Ali G. His repertoire consists of highlighting the complete ignorance and blatant racism of certain individuals. Borat is a racist, anti-Semitic, misogynist, who expresses his beliefs through his broken English, its just amazing and hilarious to see how people will openly display their contempt for certain social groups. Sacha Baron Cohen is Jewish himself - so he is merely illustrating prejudices against his religion that are still manifest in society - and studied at Oxford.

Borat was somewhat of a cult figure up until last month, but he was then selected to host Novembers MTV music awards and he has become more widenly recognised. He did not hold back and was his controversial self, but this time Mr. Cohens alias caused a stir in the country his fictional character claims to be from. The Kazakh government did not see the humorous side to his sexist, prejudice satire.

The BBC quotes the Kazakh Foreign Minister, Yerzhan Ashykbayev, as saying.
"We do not rule out that Mr Cohen is serving someone's political order designed to present Kazakhstan and its people in a derogatory way."
Mr Ashykbayev then indicated that he wasn't a big fan of Borat's recent MTV antics saying it was "utterly unacceptable, being a concoction of bad taste and ill manners which is completely incompatible with ethics and civilised behaviour."

Oh dear. Someone didn't see the funny side of the fictional characters antics. Here's Borats response to the Kazkakhstan governments threat to sue Sacha Baron Cohen.
The response was filmed to a back drop of the Kazkhstani flag and some antique duelling pistols.

"Jagshemash.In response to Mr Ashykbayev comments, I like to state I have no connection with Mr Cohen.I support my government's decision to sue this Jew.Since the 2003 reforms, Kazakhstan is as civilized as any country in the world. Women can now travel on inside of bus. Homosexuals have no longer to wear blue hats. And age of consent has been raised to eight years old.Please, captains of industry, I encourage you come to Kazakhstan where we have incredible natural resources, hard working labour and some of the cleanest prostitutes in whole of Central Asia.Goodbye. Chenque!"

Borat merely demonstrates the narrow-minded attitudes of so many people all over the world. When you watch his sketches, you actually cringe at how he sucks people in to convey their blatant racism, homophobia or sexism. Its great comedy, but it also illustrates just what a f****d up bigoted world we still live in.

Here's some classic Borat material from his series 'Borats Guide to Britian'.

Borat goes to see a fox hunt
Borat: "Every Englishman must have a hobby. Some like to collect the stamp. Some like to make the jam. But the most fun is to kill a little animal with a shotgun or rip him up with a wild dog. This is why I come to the countryside to find out about English hobbies"
Borat is talking to an elderly hunter on a horse)
Borat - It is great... We love in Kazakhstan to kill animals. For a hunt is so much fun.
Hunter - It is much fun. It is much fun.
Borat - It is a great fun when you kill an animal.
Hunter - It is. It is. It is.
Borat - It make you feel like a real man.
Hunter - It does. It makes you feel big.

COUNTRYSIDE PROTEST
(Borat is with an elderly man in a field full of demonstrators who support hunting. The man comes across as genuinely sad).
Man - The Labour Government is so Anti-Britain. I don't understand it.
Borat - There are men who homosexual there?
Man - There are! Some of them are homosexual. And it seems to me that nowadays you never hear of anything else. It's dreadful.
Borat - You only hear about homosexuals?
Man - Yes, it's awful. Pathetic.
Borat - You think that Blair is a man who takes his clothes off and makes his herÃ ng go hard and put it in another man's bottom?
Man - No, not Blair. But some of the others are doing it.
(The scene cuts to the end of the interview and the farewells).
Borat - Good luck
Man - And good luck with your comedy.
(Borat gives the man a big hug and attempts to kiss him on both cheeks. The man breaks this off rather abruptly).
Man - No thank you
Borat - I kiss to say thank you!
(Borat gives him another hug this times succeeding to kiss him on both cheeks)
Man - Oh dear! Oh quite.

Visit to Cambridge University
Borat - I have come here to greatest university in the world. Where most famous men in world study; Isaac Newton, William Shakespeare, Kenny Dalglish, Thompson Twins. To find out why this is greatest university in the world.
(Borat is with Dr Ian Tuson within the grounds of a college. Borat kisses both of his cheeks)
Borat - Your name is?
Ian - Ian.
Borat - I have seen women here in Cambridge today. Why are they here?
Ian - Because they also are clever.
Borat - Yes. We say in Kazakhstan that, "Woman who goes with book is like horse without..." What do you put on horse?
Ian - Saddle?
Borat - Yes.
(Both laugh)
Ian - I mean the part is... Half the world are women, therefore half the ability is with the women. The only difference is that they are not creative. They have not got creative minds.
Borat - Is true. Is true.
Ian - They cannot think.
Borat - They cannot think.
Ian - No they can't think properly.
Borat - We say in Kazakhstan, "You find me woman with brain, I find you a horse with..." How you say? (Borat starts flapping his arms)
Ian - With wings.
(Both laugh)
Borat - Is true. Is true.

Borat's Guide to the USA
Borat learns a little about American Politics. In one of the biggest Borat dupes ever, he manages to interview Republican candidate for Congress James Broadwater, he then actually manages to go on the campaign trail with him!
James Broadwater is pro-life and so is Borat, he informs James that his brother Vilo had a baby that was covered in hair. At first Vilo's wife wanted rid of it, but now they make money from it from the circus. James then tells Borat that the only way to heaven is through Jesus. Borat, then enquires what happens to the Jews, do they go to heaven or hell? Mr Broadwater thinks about this before replying that "I would have to say, they go to hell".

Wisdom Teeth II

2005-12-06T10:19:00.000-08:00

I am now at home in Wexford due to my f****n wisdom tooth. Had to get the bus back this morning and have an appointment with the dreaded dentist tomorrow. Loads of work on of course, but last night the pain was excruciating. I almost doubled the recommended dosage of nurofen but when your asleep and it then wears off the pain and unrest is unreal. I was wrecked this morning through a combination of marching around my room for hours and then overdosing on feckin nurofen. I attempted to go to the last shorthand class before our test but I was out of it! So down to Wexford, thank God these country folk have incorporated the internet or I would not be able to bore people talking about my teeth.

Tony your bottle of whiskey and piece of string idea seems like very a good option at this stage. I really don't know how they survived in the good old days.

D4

2005-12-05T05:17:00.000-08:00

That's it, its gone on long enough. I now have to rant about possibly my greatest pet hate, the phenomenon that is 'D4'. Ok, lets clarify the situation. D4 is the postcode for the area that is basically Ballsbridge, Donnybrook and Sandymount. Its not very big and not every person who says 'roysh' or refuses to use public transport is actually from the area. You see, D4 is now an attitude and an image that people portray. It has encompassed hoards of 'individuals' in south Dublin, but a D4-head can be found in any part of the country as long as they fulfill some of the necessary credentials.

Here's an example of D4-ish at its best.

A Friday night town a few weeks back,a group of us decided to head to a wine bar on Leeson Street to get a few late drinks after a club.

We should of none what to expect. The only alcoholic beverages served was wine or champagne - the cheapest bottle at 35 euro a pop. Unfortunately, when its 4.30 in the morning, your drunk,and there is nowhere else to go, these are the lengths you go to.

The tangerined, blonde 'birds' were in abundance. Now,I'm not gonna say that these girls are not attractive to some extent, but once these pretentious plastic barbie dolls open there mouth then any minimal attraction is obliterated. The 'Goys' were in there, collars up and slacks galore, swinging there BMW car keys! Seriously. My wine was beginning to taste bitter and I just knew I was not going to enjoy myself at this point. This was a D4 emporium. Jumped up private school kids, the 'Jocks' from the rugby club and the 'birds' who'd you only ever bump into in UCD or one of those extremely over-priced coffee shops.

Anyway, a few of my mates actually went to one of these south Dublin fee-paying schools, but fortunately for them and society as a whole, they resent the fact that there parents presumed that sending them there would increase their chances of success, or give them more opportunities in life. I don't know, I'm trying to defend these people for enlisting their innocent children into the obnoxious domain of elitist snobbery.

One of my friends was getting chatted up by a D4-er. She knew a few of the lads who had gone to the rugger-bugger school so this meant that he was obviously worth talking to - he probably had money, a nice car or played senior cup rugby. Well, she was all over him, rubbing his hair and laughing pathetically at everything he said. We were observing from a short distance. Then, suddenly, the expression on her face changed. Had he been sleazy, had he offend her, did he say a really pathetic line....?No, she had said "oh were you in the goys class in school then"? He informed her that he hadn't been and he had attended a perfectly good public school five minutes down the road, but Daddy hadn't paid thousands and there was no rugby team. Alas, love at first sight had been demolished. She actually just upped and left. We couldn't believe it when he told us.

Welcome to Dublin, welcome to the sad, pretentious, world of the D4-head.

Wisdom Teeth

2005-12-05T05:07:00.000-08:00

Aaaagh - wisdom teeth! I'd heard people talk about how sore wisdom teeth are and about getting wisdom teeth removed, but I never took much notice, but Jesus I know now! I was up half the night Saturday and all of last night. I am in pain now and I'm gonna have to visit the doctor or should I be going to the dentist? Ah well, its grand its not as if we don't have any work to do this week....

The Mighty Reds!

2005-12-01T11:02:00.000-08:00

George Best RIP

2005-12-01T08:04:00.000-08:00

500,00 people are expected to converge in Belfast this weekend to pay tribute to arguably the worlds greatest ever footballer. This illustrates the immense loss of the man and the alluring effect that he had on so many people.

unfortunately, George also had a self-destruct button that is the curse of so many exceptionally talented individuals. He liked a drink and he liked his women. A player in the modern game would never be allowed to indulge himself in the lifestyle that George did. He was labeled 'the sixth Beatle' and he is now used as the archetype example of how a professional sports person should not conduct themselves off the field. But, he was also extremely witty concerning his social life. Here are a couple of quotes regarding his seditious lifestyle.

"I spent most of money on drink, women and fast cars....The rest I just squandered"

"I've had plenty of misses in my life - Ms. Canada, Ms. Australia and Ms. World"

I don't want to dwell on the mans 'miss' givings (no pun intended!), he should be remembered as an exceptional footballer who attracted so many people to the game. Its a tragic death. Bests mother died at 58 and was also an alcoholic. She only started to drink when she was 40 and it is believed that she started drinking because of a combination of the press coverage that the first superstar of football was attracting, but also an incident to do with Northern Ireland. George was due to play in a vital World Cup Qualifier for Northern Ireland in Russia on a Tuesday. He picked up a knock playing for United the previous Saturday, missed the trip to Russia but was fit to play again for United the following Saturday. Northern Ireland lost and a lot of people in the North were very angry. Georges family suffered as a result and people targeted them for abuse. George blamed himself for his mothers death and never really got over it.

As we discussed in class today, the journalistic morale of reporters has come to light regarding Georges Dad, Dickey Best. The only thing he said outside the hospital after his son's death was that he would appreciate it if the media would leave him and his family alone to grieve in piece. This hasn't happened and it is sad to see. Is this part and parcel of life? Theses journalists have to make a living as anyone else does. Or is there room for some sensitivity? I think his request should have bee granted but this is just another facet of the profession that does not endear itself to me.

Finally, In March, the great man suggested that an All-Ireland team should be formed to play against England. This should definitely go ahead as a fitting tribute to the man. It would be brilliant if it could take place every year - The George Best memorial game, or something - in honor of the man. Best was a northern protestant, but he was liberal and in no way prejudice. I would love to see the game go ahead, but unfortunately it may never happen. There is still an extremely bigoted element within Northern Irish football and these individuals would rather eat their own excrement than see a united Irish team. The death threats issued to former Northern Ireland captain Neil Lennon - because he was catholic - demonstrate the sectarian element still all too apparent in the North.

Irish Ferries dispute

2005-11-30T05:22:00.000-08:00

At this stage, we are all very familiar with the Irish Ferries dispute. It has received a huge amount of press coverage and rightly so.

I am 100% behind the workers. I myself worked on one of the vessels in question - the Isle of Inishmore - for six-months during my 'gap' year after I left school in 2002. I know and worked with the vast majority of the staff and I genuinely feel for them. Many of these people have been working for the company since they left school at 16 or 17 and life at sea is all they know.

Take the affibable 'Father Jack' for example. He is in his late 50's and has worked for Irish Ferries all of his life. For the last 35 years he has been employed to clean the toilets. This is a job that many people would turn their nose up at - especially on a boat where the sea-sickness means the toilets are regularly frequented. He loves his job and I remember him telling me so. Nobody really bothers him, he knows what he has to do and whistles and hums out his day happily fulfilled. The boats are his life and such is the unique atmosphere and working conditions aboard, I really cant see him acclimatising to permanent work on dry land.

There are hundreds of stories like Jack's. He is just one of a number of individuals who know no other world than that of working at sea. Even when they are on their week or two off on land, they are merely filling the void until they return to their cabin that is their real home. Both of my brothers have also worked for the company. They both worked for summers on the Normandy which travels to France. My brother has told me of an eccentric Chilean chef who is aptly nickname 'chilly-willy'. He left his home land when his was 16 on a cargo vessel. He helped out in the kitchens and after a number of years he ended up on mainland Europe. He traveled to France and this is where he arrived at the Port of Cherbourg looking for work. He has worked as a chef with the company for almost 40 years. But the amusing and sad fact is that 'Chilly', at best, has pigeon English. After all his years at sea, he never learnt English and he is now stranded. He has a number of years left before he is 65, but who is going to employ a self-taught chef with no English. My brother informs me that he is planning on living in Wexford but does not know what the future holds for him.

Job displacement and employment standards are being savagely abused by Irish Ferries to exploit the workers. The company is registering the vessel under Cypriot waters so it will not have to adhere to Irish employment regulations such as working conditions or the minimum wage. It is just another example of the brutal and harsh capitalist world that we live in. The company will bring in Eatern European workers and pay them pittance, but because of the problems in their countries these wages are more than acceptable. People come second to pounds and as demoralising as it seems, this is now a dominant feature in the world today. This doesn't make it right and Irish Ferries should be very ashamed. I wonder if they will now change their name to Cyprus, Polish or gluttony Ferries?

Gwen Halley

2005-11-28T10:38:00.000-08:00

Basically, I felt Gwen Halley's article was a pathetic, political hatchet job - like a bitching session you'd hear from a womans toilet. Oh dear, I probably shouldn't have said that as I might insult Ms. Halley, as her article is predominantly concerned with Vincent Brownes two-faced sexism. Yea Right. Ms. Halley's grievances seem to be have very little to do with Brownes alleged sexism and more to do with progressing her career and keeping her bosses in the 'Indo' happy. Its such a blatant ass-licking procession that if the editors haven't puked over it, then they will lap it up as a superb PR piece that slates international News & Media's biggest threat."He attacked 'our' group over the last number of weeks"...Give me a break Gwen, I'd say INM is the furthest thing from a close knit happy family and you've probably never even met your daddy - Tony O' Reilly.

I'm not taking any sides in this futile media battle, but it is horrendous to see such a pathetic lamenting piece published in a supposedly 'quality' paper. Is it at that stage now in Irish media where bitching and opponents mud slinging is the protocol? Looks like it, and if Ms. Halley feels despondent about her career as a journalist, what about the rest of us aspiring journalists? I for one do not want to enter a silicious, slanderous environment that the Irish media industry is becoming, or has become. Journalism should be the protected, neutral haven for legitimate writing in contrast with the competitive, ruthless and back-stabbing business world. We should be reporting on the underhanded tactics of conglomerates rather than falling into the same trap of political bickering and competitor bashing merely to get ahead.

Its simply a piece that you could pick apart and criticise all day. She claims that Browne said he didn't read the Sunday Independent, so what. How can you call him a hypocrite when you can give numerous examples of work he's done from the major sources he is involved with. Are we a little obsessed with Mr. Browne's opinion Gwen? Obviously you are, because from reading your piece I suspect you are one of the first people rushing to buy Village when its released, or reading his Irish Times column to see what he says. If I were him I'd take it as a compliment, its better to be read and criticised that not read at all and, I think your piece may actually generate more interest in Mr. Brownes work - women reading his articles to see if he is sexist for example - thus, really shooting yourself in the foot.

Gwen tried to get peoples attention and move away from the personal bitter attack on Mr. Browne by using the sexism as a lead, where in fact she just wanted to stand up for her 'mate' or should I say boss Anne Harris and keep all the Independent news & media people happy. Well, I think it back-fired. Ms. Halleys writing style is easy to read and it makes you want to read on, and she has a bit of gusto and confrontational value, but really, it just highlights the pathetic wrangling and schoolyard politics of the incestuous Irish media circle. Worry about yourselves people, the readers are reading your paper for a reason so why lower yourselves to even mentioning competitors. This is a prime example of why I am often disenchanted with the thought of entering Ireland's vile pit of media snakes. Who cares if Vincent Browne did have have an affair with Sinead O'Connor or Ms. Halley is involved with Eoin Harris, does it affect their writing? No. So instead of treating run-of-the-mill journalists like celebrities and dragging pathetic skeletons out of numerous closets, concentrate on your own publications, and after a recent highly publicised cock-up, maybe the Sunday independent should start by hiring a better libel solicitor.

The Prodigy

2005-11-21T17:00:00.000-08:00

Four days later and I think my ears are still ringing! The prodigy at the point last Thursday was quite an experience. The first thing that struck me on entering the point was the contrasting mix of people. There was the raver 'lads' in their boiler suits - whose face pulling and grimaces would of graced any gurning competition on the planet - accompanied by their 'birds' in the fluffy colorful boots and mini-mini-mini skirts that they invested in for Creamfields in July, but reappeared on a freezing November night. There were large numbers of thirty-something's reliving their youth, hoards of students and some 'respectable' looking people that had obviously come straight from the office.

I suppose the variety of individuals on the night demonstrates the prodigy's mass and egalitarian appeal. I cant remember the last time I had actually listened to any of my prodigy CD's - an advert on the radio during the summer promoting the gig came on at a house party which prompted a group of us to log on ticketmaster on-line and snap up tickets. Yes, we were under the influence, but I don't think any of us regretted our actions as it was a quality concert.

I had never seen the band live, but from what people had told me I was expecting a loud, frantic, enthralling show, and that's exactly what we got. It was all the older stuff, which is the better stuff, so its was a nostalgic 'buzz' hearing the likes of 'No Good', 'Firestarter', 'Breath' and 'Charlie', to name but a few. The atmosphere was electric, and as it was my first major indoor concert I remember thinking beforehand how the smoking ban would affect things. It didn't. After people initially going outside to the drastically overcrowded smoking area, everyone was smoking inside, and most of the time the smoke had a distinct smell to it which made it doubly illegal!

The downsides were the usual; long bar que's, massive toilet que's and overpriced drink at 5.50 a pint. However, overall, the pro's outweighed the con's and it was a great concert. I would recommend anyone to go and see them live and I'd definetly go and see them again but, unfortunately, the next opportunity that I may have is when I am one of those confused thirty-something's trying to relive their youth!

Black Day

2005-11-14T17:20:00.000-08:00

How typically Irish. The All Blacks - the greatest and proudest rugby nation on the planet -arrive in Dublin to play an autumn international friendly at Landsdowne Road, one of the worlds oldest rugby stadiums. But, alas, there is a fire beneath the North stand and 7-thousand fans can not attend one of the most eagerly anticipated games in years.

Yes, as you've guessed due to my disparaging tone, I was one of those individuals. However, my grievance is not solely related to my missing of the game - I am not a massive rugby fan and got the tickets for free - but it is just another one of those blatantly ridiculous, if not almost comical incidents that could only happen in Ireland.

I had been at my girlfriends graduation on the Friday. The pints were flowing from 12 o'clock so it was always going to be a heavy one! After drinking in the hotel all day we then moved to a pub in town, where I received a call just before midnight regarding this fire at Landsdowne. I was told that the whole terrace was a blaze, so I informed one of the lads with me who was actually stewarding outside the ground the following day. He made a few calls and clarified the situation. Just my luck I thought. Although not a massive rugby fan, this was the All Blacks and tickets were scarce so I was looking forward to the game. The hotel we had been in was packed with New Zealender's and the banter was great. But no, this is Ireland, where if something goes wrong there is no such thing as a back up plan or alternative arrangements.

So, no game and as I learnt the next morning the fire was in fact miniscule. Only in Ireland, the mighty All Blacks arrive and the world is watching, but a quarter of the stadium is closed. We can defend Landsdowne as an historic, traditional ground, but lets be honest, its a dilapidated third world complex. A fire, I've heard that a worker was welding something beneath the terrace that caused a gas leak which caught fire. The fire was supposedly about eight to ten feet high and was quickly distinguished. I can understand the terrace being closed on safety grounds, but it should never have happened in the first place.

The main reasons for this rant is probably embarrassment. The IRFU stated that approximately 20% of the 7-thousand inconvenienced ticket holders were from New Zealand. At worst that's 1400, which is a disgrace. Its not as if these fans had travelled up from Cork for the day! New Zealand played Wales in Cardiff last week, take on England at Twickenham on Saturday and their tour climaxes with a trip to Edinburgh. Can you imagine this happening in any of these stadiums? I don't think so. An All Blacks fan who had travelled over for the tour vented his disgust to a Sunday times reporter, "its an absolute disgrace. I don't understand how this could happen, but more so how there's no 'Plan B' whatsoever. I am bitterly disappointed and even angrier" the fan said. I agree, and as a bloke said to me in the pub the previous night - how thw f**k does a concrete terrace go on fire?

Well, I don't know, but I felt sorry for the New Zealand fans and genuinely embarrassed. Their team humiliated us on the pitch but off the pitch our Rugby associations preparations, facilities and accommodating of the New Zealand fans following the incident was far more humiliating.