Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
We (nearly) saw Catherine Edwards
We went to Auntie Annie's to see reasonably miserable songstress Kathleen Edwards on Thursday night, but sadly she was unable to perform for "medical reasons". It might have been 'cuse she was too sad.
Ok, she isn't that bad, but my favorite song of her's is called hockey skates: "I am so sick of consequence and the look on your face / I am tired of paying defense and I don't even have hockey skates." Everybody sigh now.
We decided to not be down about this, and instead go to the movies where we saw the latest Narnia flick Prince Caspian. I love these movies. When I was a kid my granddad read me 'The Magician's Nephew' and it did a lot to spark up my frequently overactive imagination. There will be no doubt some discussion if the films are true to the books, but I don't really mind. I didn't go in as a critic, I just wanted a few childhood memories stirred. Job done.
I love the parralells of Aslan representing the character of God, how in the first film he defeated evil by sacrificing himself for the 'sons of adam'. There are other life lessons in here based on faith and doing what is right despite what your friends think of you. Couldn't be more wholesome if it was wheaten bread. A good time was had by all.
On a final note I was watching the BBC iPlayer coverage of 'The Ting Tings' at Glastonbury, and as I was adjusting the volume level, i realised it went up to 11! Good work BBC.
(Picture curtosy of, (but lets face it, without any permission from) the BBC)
Currently listening to:
Artist: The Ting Tings
Song: Great DJ
Album: We Started Nothing
Ok, she isn't that bad, but my favorite song of her's is called hockey skates: "I am so sick of consequence and the look on your face / I am tired of paying defense and I don't even have hockey skates." Everybody sigh now.
We decided to not be down about this, and instead go to the movies where we saw the latest Narnia flick Prince Caspian. I love these movies. When I was a kid my granddad read me 'The Magician's Nephew' and it did a lot to spark up my frequently overactive imagination. There will be no doubt some discussion if the films are true to the books, but I don't really mind. I didn't go in as a critic, I just wanted a few childhood memories stirred. Job done.
I love the parralells of Aslan representing the character of God, how in the first film he defeated evil by sacrificing himself for the 'sons of adam'. There are other life lessons in here based on faith and doing what is right despite what your friends think of you. Couldn't be more wholesome if it was wheaten bread. A good time was had by all.
On a final note I was watching the BBC iPlayer coverage of 'The Ting Tings' at Glastonbury, and as I was adjusting the volume level, i realised it went up to 11! Good work BBC.
(Picture curtosy of, (but lets face it, without any permission from) the BBC)Currently listening to:
Artist: The Ting Tings
Song: Great DJ
Album: We Started Nothing
Monday, June 09, 2008
We saw Karine Polwart.....
....at the spring and airbrake.
There were lots of free tickets floating around for this gig as it was a Monday night, the least rock and roll of all week nights. We picked up some freebies and headed in. At the bar I got talking to someone a fella who was 'the only person who seemed to have paid in!' he was in a bit of a strop as a result.
The warm-up act, some chancer called Andy who was from Southern Ireland, would have had me wondering why I'd paid in, if I had done. Andy played 3 or 4 variations of the same song over and over again. He babbled incomprehensively. I made out the occasional word relating to death or loss or unrequited love, and then, just as we were all wondering if the drinks we had bought would be strong enough to get us through his set, on came Karine and band. The mood was immediately different.
By the end of their first song we were all grinning at the scottish lilt and lovely 3 part harmonies.
There was a wide and varied use of instruments. The songs were a mix of uplifting ballads and dark tales. My favorite of the darker tunes was "The Sun's Comin' Over The Hill" a story about love and loss and life afterward.
There’s some say you get what you deserve but they’re wrong
Sometimes you get what you’re given and then it’s all gone
And you are lucky if you are sufficiently strong
To daily decide not to die
Oh the nights are long
But life is longer still
Oh the nights are long
But the sun’s coming over the hill
Since we blagged free tickets, I thought it was only fair we bought a CD or two.
Probably my favorite song of the lot is shown below: "Follow the heron home"
We had a chat with Karine afterwards and told her we really enjoyed the show. She seemed genuinely humble and lovely even though we asked her to sign the albums we bought, a practice that usually makes me feel like a crazy person!
There were lots of free tickets floating around for this gig as it was a Monday night, the least rock and roll of all week nights. We picked up some freebies and headed in. At the bar I got talking to someone a fella who was 'the only person who seemed to have paid in!' he was in a bit of a strop as a result.
The warm-up act, some chancer called Andy who was from Southern Ireland, would have had me wondering why I'd paid in, if I had done. Andy played 3 or 4 variations of the same song over and over again. He babbled incomprehensively. I made out the occasional word relating to death or loss or unrequited love, and then, just as we were all wondering if the drinks we had bought would be strong enough to get us through his set, on came Karine and band. The mood was immediately different.
By the end of their first song we were all grinning at the scottish lilt and lovely 3 part harmonies.
There was a wide and varied use of instruments. The songs were a mix of uplifting ballads and dark tales. My favorite of the darker tunes was "The Sun's Comin' Over The Hill" a story about love and loss and life afterward.
There’s some say you get what you deserve but they’re wrong
Sometimes you get what you’re given and then it’s all gone
And you are lucky if you are sufficiently strong
To daily decide not to die
Oh the nights are long
But life is longer still
Oh the nights are long
But the sun’s coming over the hill
Since we blagged free tickets, I thought it was only fair we bought a CD or two.
Probably my favorite song of the lot is shown below: "Follow the heron home"
We had a chat with Karine afterwards and told her we really enjoyed the show. She seemed genuinely humble and lovely even though we asked her to sign the albums we bought, a practice that usually makes me feel like a crazy person!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Back me up baby.....
Today I decided enough was enough......
I bought a 1TB backup drive to plug in to our home network.
I've been watching the price for a year now while simultaneously panicking that I'll lose all my stuff.
I've done it, I've taken the plunge........ I now fully expect to see the asking price for one of these babies to go into freefall as of tomorrow!
:)
Currently listening to:
"Sound Opinions" (podcast) - (the only rock and roll talk show in America)
Chicago Public Radio and American Public Media
(Free at the itunes store)
I bought a 1TB backup drive to plug in to our home network.
I've been watching the price for a year now while simultaneously panicking that I'll lose all my stuff.
I've done it, I've taken the plunge........ I now fully expect to see the asking price for one of these babies to go into freefall as of tomorrow!
:)
Currently listening to:
"Sound Opinions" (podcast) - (the only rock and roll talk show in America)
Chicago Public Radio and American Public Media
(Free at the itunes store)
Monday, May 26, 2008
Bank Holiday Bizarro World
I was accidentally listening to Radio 1 today as it was on in our office.
They played:
Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, Nirvana, Black Sabbath, Jimmi Eat World, Limp Bizkit and Queen all one after another.
How'd all that rock slip through, did someone hit their head?
Eeeeeeexcellent!
:)
They played:
Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, Nirvana, Black Sabbath, Jimmi Eat World, Limp Bizkit and Queen all one after another.
How'd all that rock slip through, did someone hit their head?
Eeeeeeexcellent!
:)
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Of the many things i'd love to eradicate from this world.....
...the main one would probably be Anastacia.
I hate the way she makes that terrible nasal-wailing-excuse-for-singing. She makes the kind of noise you expect to hear if a cat was being tortured.
I don't mean her any harm of course, i'd just like to have her removed from history so that local radio like cool FM would stop playing the same flipping song of hers (left outside alone) every lunch time. Cuttin' edge there kids.
I'd go about this task like red dwarf's "The Inquisitor" who has a special laser thing that deletes all record of you form ever existing.
And relax.
M
Currently listening to:
anything but anastacia.
I hate the way she makes that terrible nasal-wailing-excuse-for-singing. She makes the kind of noise you expect to hear if a cat was being tortured.
I don't mean her any harm of course, i'd just like to have her removed from history so that local radio like cool FM would stop playing the same flipping song of hers (left outside alone) every lunch time. Cuttin' edge there kids.
I'd go about this task like red dwarf's "The Inquisitor" who has a special laser thing that deletes all record of you form ever existing.
And relax.
M
Currently listening to:
anything but anastacia.
Friday, May 16, 2008
All you snivelling little indy kids.... HOLD STEADY
On Wednesday night Raj and I went to see the Hold Steady at the Spring and Airbreak, Belfast.
A fine show from a group of international rock stars who seemed genuinely delighted at the reaction they were getting from the small, but tightly packed Belfast audience. All playing staff had grins from ear to ear. The room was bouncing.
Above is an example of their work. Enjoy.
M
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Nice is Nice! (again)
If i haven't bothered you with this directly, then please check out the video below of Jo and I in the apartment in Nice.
Currently listening to:
'Brushfire fairytales'
Jack Johnson
Brushfire Fairytales
Currently listening to:
'Brushfire fairytales'
Jack Johnson
Brushfire Fairytales
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Nice is Nice!
Me and Jo are chillin out maxin, relaxin all cool in the south of france.
Were staying at a friend's apartment on Avenue Baquis, not far from the seafront.
We are taking a little video and will post later.
Au revoir
M
Were staying at a friend's apartment on Avenue Baquis, not far from the seafront.
We are taking a little video and will post later.
Au revoir
M
Friday, April 18, 2008
On the heap
This week I said goodbye to my old car.
My brother sold me this lovely Peugeot 306 when he was moving to Singapore many, many years ago. I put over 125,000 miles on the thing before it took early retirement in my folks' driveway.
About 2 years ago a guy turned up at my front door offering to buy the car. I was unsure as I wanted to do repairs and get it roadworthy just in case I lost my job, or, maybe I could have passed it on to someone. I ignored the fact that the car was damp, damaged and never to move again.
On friday night the guy from 2 years ago called back in desperate need of parts. I agreed to let him take it away. Everybody say 'Awwwwwwwwwww'.
I had some excellent memories in my little 306:
It ferried me and friends (at speed) back and forth for about 5 years.
I acquired 6 penalty points in it.
I went to the Giants Causeway for the first time in it.
I went on my first date in it.
I got to know the girl I love during long drives in it.
I drove to gigs in it (mine and others).
I spilled countless cups of coffee in it.
I had everything I owned stolen from it.
I sang in it. (sometimes I cried in it)
I got lost in it.
It was my living room.
It was my office for 3 jobs.
It was my personal space.
I've had several cars before and since, but really this is the car that I did most of my growing up in. The car did 125,000 miles, but It was me that did a lot of mileage.
Farewell old friend.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Playoffs 2008
It all started early on Friday morning. We were up at the International airport before 7am. Bleary eyed, we stumbled through the check in and security checks. Enthusiasm came in the form of coffee from Paul Rankin’s cafe, then a short walk had us on the plane and on our way.
At Nottingham airport we had organised mini buses to whisk us the short distance to Jury’s Hotel. We got checked in, and headed off into town.
Nottingham is the gun, (and arguably at this time of year), the ice hockey capital of the UK. Support from all 8 Elite League teams, numbering 8,000+ people, descend upon the town for the annual playoffs. This is a time of mirth, mischief and forgetting the rivalry you have for the other guys. We all get together and support someone, even if that someone is not your own team.
We are getting really good at supporting the other guys. The Giants did not make the cut this year (again). A narrow defeat in penalties edged us towards an early bath and sent the Newcastle Vipers to the semi-finals.
After a Friday frolicking on Nottingham’s big wheel, fine dining in their restaurants and sampling their cocktails we were relaxed and ready for a grueling Saturday packed with 2 semi finals back to back.
Saturday
We got breakfast in the hotel and headed out to get some supplies before arriving at the arena to watch the Newcastle Vipers play everyone’s favourite arch rivals, the Coventry Blaze.
On this rare occasion we were cheering for the Vipers, the very team who put us out of the tournament. Anything is preferable to cheering for the chavs. (Coventry).
The game started off with a goal from Newcastle Vipers, but the chavs won in the end. The most entertaining part of the show was the Belfast Giant’s mascot ‘Gordie the Gorilla’ strutting his stuff with the dancing girls, beating up the other mascots and being fed bananas by the management.
We rushed off to fill up on caffeine and arrived back at the arena just in time for the second game.
This time the Sheffield Steelers dispensed the Cardiff Devils, sending them through to the final to face Coventry.
Sunday
Sheffield was the team of choice to be cheering for in Sunday’s final. This fact did not go down well with most of the other English / Welsh fans as they have a long and bitter rivalry with the Steelers. We were really cheering for the Steelers’ coach Dave Matsos who is an ex-Giant who suffered a career ending injury a few years ago.
The Steelers owned the game from the start. Coventry rarely got a look in, and didn’t once get a goal in. The final score was Steelers 2 Coventry 0. There was much rejoicing in the Giant’s camp.
We headed to the hotel and freshened up and then back to ‘The Bunkers’ bar, situated just beside the rink. Many funny things went down here, but you know the saying: what happens on the road stays on the road!
The few things I can tell you are:
1. Someone managed to break the toilets in the bar, and so the bar had to be closed for health and safety reasons.
2. A small rebel group of Giants fans broke into the National Ice Centre. There were no arrests, just mischief. (lock your doors Nottingham!)
Nottingham in jokes: viva, au deir, panic at the Bickerstaff, ok now get to your rooms.
We stayed up chatting till about 4am this morning, until the staff of the hotel ‘sent’ us to our rooms. We were chatting in the lobby when 2 surly security guards came over and told us to leave. We decided we were going to finish our conversation, but we were overruled!
Oh well. That’s that for another year. Next year should be filled with chocolatey goodness as we just found out that we will be signing ex-Giant Steve “chocolate heaven since 1911” Thornton as our new coach. He’s one of the best players we’ve had the misfortune to lose.
Next year should be sweet. (groan). I’m off for a sleep.
Curently listening to:
Not in Nottingham
(from Disney's Robin Hood)
At Nottingham airport we had organised mini buses to whisk us the short distance to Jury’s Hotel. We got checked in, and headed off into town.
Nottingham is the gun, (and arguably at this time of year), the ice hockey capital of the UK. Support from all 8 Elite League teams, numbering 8,000+ people, descend upon the town for the annual playoffs. This is a time of mirth, mischief and forgetting the rivalry you have for the other guys. We all get together and support someone, even if that someone is not your own team.
We are getting really good at supporting the other guys. The Giants did not make the cut this year (again). A narrow defeat in penalties edged us towards an early bath and sent the Newcastle Vipers to the semi-finals.
After a Friday frolicking on Nottingham’s big wheel, fine dining in their restaurants and sampling their cocktails we were relaxed and ready for a grueling Saturday packed with 2 semi finals back to back.
Saturday
We got breakfast in the hotel and headed out to get some supplies before arriving at the arena to watch the Newcastle Vipers play everyone’s favourite arch rivals, the Coventry Blaze.
On this rare occasion we were cheering for the Vipers, the very team who put us out of the tournament. Anything is preferable to cheering for the chavs. (Coventry).
The game started off with a goal from Newcastle Vipers, but the chavs won in the end. The most entertaining part of the show was the Belfast Giant’s mascot ‘Gordie the Gorilla’ strutting his stuff with the dancing girls, beating up the other mascots and being fed bananas by the management.
We rushed off to fill up on caffeine and arrived back at the arena just in time for the second game.
This time the Sheffield Steelers dispensed the Cardiff Devils, sending them through to the final to face Coventry.
Sunday
Sheffield was the team of choice to be cheering for in Sunday’s final. This fact did not go down well with most of the other English / Welsh fans as they have a long and bitter rivalry with the Steelers. We were really cheering for the Steelers’ coach Dave Matsos who is an ex-Giant who suffered a career ending injury a few years ago.
The Steelers owned the game from the start. Coventry rarely got a look in, and didn’t once get a goal in. The final score was Steelers 2 Coventry 0. There was much rejoicing in the Giant’s camp.
We headed to the hotel and freshened up and then back to ‘The Bunkers’ bar, situated just beside the rink. Many funny things went down here, but you know the saying: what happens on the road stays on the road!
The few things I can tell you are:
1. Someone managed to break the toilets in the bar, and so the bar had to be closed for health and safety reasons.
2. A small rebel group of Giants fans broke into the National Ice Centre. There were no arrests, just mischief. (lock your doors Nottingham!)
Nottingham in jokes: viva, au deir, panic at the Bickerstaff, ok now get to your rooms.
We stayed up chatting till about 4am this morning, until the staff of the hotel ‘sent’ us to our rooms. We were chatting in the lobby when 2 surly security guards came over and told us to leave. We decided we were going to finish our conversation, but we were overruled!
Oh well. That’s that for another year. Next year should be filled with chocolatey goodness as we just found out that we will be signing ex-Giant Steve “chocolate heaven since 1911” Thornton as our new coach. He’s one of the best players we’ve had the misfortune to lose.
Next year should be sweet. (groan). I’m off for a sleep.
Curently listening to:
Not in Nottingham
(from Disney's Robin Hood)
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Bit of a drive...
On easter Tuesday Jo and I decided to take a little drive. The plan was simple; find a nice country pub, preferably in the Republic of Ireland and enjoy a nice meal and a long drive.
We drove to (London)Derry and then headed on north west. We passed Letterkenny and kept going. I was hoping we'd make the shore, but after an hour's travel from Derry we hadn't made it, furthermore we had no concept of our position.
Deciding that the coast must be still too far away we got a cheesy from some kind of indian fast food place and retreated.
When we got back I took a look at a map of our journey, we were about 5 miles from the beach!
We drove to (London)Derry and then headed on north west. We passed Letterkenny and kept going. I was hoping we'd make the shore, but after an hour's travel from Derry we hadn't made it, furthermore we had no concept of our position.
Deciding that the coast must be still too far away we got a cheesy from some kind of indian fast food place and retreated.
When we got back I took a look at a map of our journey, we were about 5 miles from the beach!
Currently listening to:
Song: Road Trippin'
Artist: Red Hot Chilli Peppers
Album: Califonication
Friday, March 28, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
George at Asda...... Again
George makes his second appearence:
Currently Listening to:
Song: The Girl From Ipanema
Artist: Walter Wanderly
Album: Talkin' Verve
Currently Listening to:
Song: The Girl From Ipanema
Artist: Walter Wanderly
Album: Talkin' Verve
Friday, March 21, 2008
New Wheels.....
Thanks to the lovely people at Fujitsu, I've been driving a hire car for the past 2 weeks, a lovely VW Golf. Its as solid as a rock to drive and has EPS skid protection to stop me frollicking around.
The only down side is, the first week I filled the (petrol) tank for about £55 quid and only got about 390 miles for my trouble. The second week I got a little more like 410 miles. I feel there is room for improvement.
Last night I was in Dun(fun)dalk watching the Giants play a very mediocre game. Thankfully they won, going ahead in the 3rd period after a few good goals. Roll on the playoffs, and hopefully playoff form.
I didn't get home till the very wee hours, and so I've had great trouble staying awake today. I was in a meeting first thing, then was working my considerable ass off all day. I've had a snooze this evening and now I'm off to Jo's to watch some West Wing. We're on to season 5 and rapidly running out of discs to watch. Eek.
Want to start writing songs and be good at it. Not sure either will happen at this point. So darn tired.
Laters....
The only down side is, the first week I filled the (petrol) tank for about £55 quid and only got about 390 miles for my trouble. The second week I got a little more like 410 miles. I feel there is room for improvement.
Last night I was in Dun(fun)dalk watching the Giants play a very mediocre game. Thankfully they won, going ahead in the 3rd period after a few good goals. Roll on the playoffs, and hopefully playoff form.
I didn't get home till the very wee hours, and so I've had great trouble staying awake today. I was in a meeting first thing, then was working my considerable ass off all day. I've had a snooze this evening and now I'm off to Jo's to watch some West Wing. We're on to season 5 and rapidly running out of discs to watch. Eek.
Want to start writing songs and be good at it. Not sure either will happen at this point. So darn tired.
Laters....
Currently listening to:
Track:House by the sea
Artist: Iron and Wine
Album: The Shepard's dog
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
I knew Bill Gates was a Wab! (one for the geeks)
Inside the registry of every windows machine you'll find the following key:
Sunday, March 16, 2008
George at ASDA (vol 1)
We have a new video, its good....
(the music is listed below just in case you are interested)
Artist: Walter wanderly
Album: Talkin' Verve
(the music is listed below just in case you are interested)
Artist: Walter wanderly
Album: Talkin' Verve
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Good morning Steria, um, I mean Fujitsu.. Matt speaking...
The fun of my office for the last 2 days has been the fact that we all are trying to stop answering the phones with our previous company name. We've all been assimilated. Apparently resistance is futile.
All week its been:
Good morning Steria... uh.... actually its fujitsu, its matt here.
Good morning Steria slash Fujitsu? its matt.
Good morning Steria....... *someone makes fun of me* no that's right, I meant Fujitsu.
The Biggest question still remains to be answered of course, what do we rename the office garage band, formerly the "Steria-Phonics"?
We're aware that the Fuji's is already taken, Fuji-Phonics isn't catchy, so we'll need help, please reccomend suggestions in the comments.
Well, back to the grind, before they realise I'm a lazy, lazy man.
M
Currently listening to:
Tracks: Positive Jam / The Swish
Artist: The Hold Steady
Album: Almost Killed Me
All week its been:
Good morning Steria... uh.... actually its fujitsu, its matt here.
Good morning Steria slash Fujitsu? its matt.
Good morning Steria....... *someone makes fun of me* no that's right, I meant Fujitsu.
The Biggest question still remains to be answered of course, what do we rename the office garage band, formerly the "Steria-Phonics"?
We're aware that the Fuji's is already taken, Fuji-Phonics isn't catchy, so we'll need help, please reccomend suggestions in the comments.
Well, back to the grind, before they realise I'm a lazy, lazy man.
M
Currently listening to:
Tracks: Positive Jam / The Swish
Artist: The Hold Steady
Album: Almost Killed Me
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Sleep through the static......
Anyone who has ever owned a Tesco "value" alarm clock and has trouble with early mornings will identify with the album title of Jack Johnson's latest offering. (the damn things always lose their tuning and attempt to wake you with white noise - i've slept through this kind of static more than once)
Anyway, you know what you are getting with Jack Johnson. Summer tunes and thoughtful, reflective tales, usually of love and loss. I can listen to this stuff all day.
"Brushfire Fairytales" was my sumer album of 2002. Ok, so I stole it from my good buddy Dave Allen. He bought it after we'd been impressed by the track "flake" on a computer we'd been servicing for a Canadian. It took 2 more albums for JJ to hit the bigtime in the UK, "In Between Dreams" got lots of airplay on BBC radio.
The elitist in me wanted to let go as his fame grew. The music wasn't just mine anymore, everyone knew a song or two, even the spides.
All this being so, the new album does not dissapoint. My favorite line is in the first track "All at once". After describing the state of the world and how it hangs a little heavy on us he says: "sometimes it feels like a heart is no place to be singing from at all...." I feel like that some days.
Some lines from the title track:
"Who needs sleep when we’ve got love?
Who needs keys when we’ve got clubs?
Who needs please when we’ve got guns?
Who needs peace when we’ve gone above
But beyond where we should have gone?"
:)
Anyway, you know what you are getting with Jack Johnson. Summer tunes and thoughtful, reflective tales, usually of love and loss. I can listen to this stuff all day.
"Brushfire Fairytales" was my sumer album of 2002. Ok, so I stole it from my good buddy Dave Allen. He bought it after we'd been impressed by the track "flake" on a computer we'd been servicing for a Canadian. It took 2 more albums for JJ to hit the bigtime in the UK, "In Between Dreams" got lots of airplay on BBC radio.
The elitist in me wanted to let go as his fame grew. The music wasn't just mine anymore, everyone knew a song or two, even the spides.
All this being so, the new album does not dissapoint. My favorite line is in the first track "All at once". After describing the state of the world and how it hangs a little heavy on us he says: "sometimes it feels like a heart is no place to be singing from at all...." I feel like that some days.
Some lines from the title track:
"Who needs sleep when we’ve got love?
Who needs keys when we’ve got clubs?
Who needs please when we’ve got guns?
Who needs peace when we’ve gone above
But beyond where we should have gone?"
:)
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