Its finally happened....

If I'm walking I can call myself a "Podestrian".

I've joined the revolution.

The revolution will not be televised.

(It might be podcast though)

Merry Christmas

If i haven't seen you / called you / bought you anything, then let me apologise.

May you all get the things you need today.

Remember folks, Jesus is the reason for the season and so may he bless you, weather you believe in him or not. Hey, he's that kind of deity.

Much manly love,

M

That fight in Edinburgh....

Clipshack ROCKS!

Currently listening to: Dire Straits "Telegraph Road" - Alchemy (live)"

Mark Knopfler ROCKS too!

Been a hell of a week or so....

So, there has been a lot happening recently, so much in fact, that I haven't even been able to update my blog.

Lets get the formalities out of the way then:

Farewell to Sam Ham (Joanne's oldest chihuahua)

Sam passed away on Thursday night (8th), and was one of two dogs the Ham's got about 17 years ago. The other one, Floyd, had gone a few years ago. Now only Tyson remains, also a chihuahua, and about a year old.

Farewell to Joe Hill (my aunt Dorothy's oldest cat, and last surviving descendant of my grandad's cat).

Joe passed on Saturday evening and was about 18 years old. Me and my big bro Andy found Joe and his brother Harry under a rhubarb plant in my grandad's back garden just after they had been born.

Its been a bit of a rough week with those two, and still looking for Sylvester, Joannne's cat, who got away from us on Friday night a week or so ago while we were trying to get him to the vet's on the Lisburn Road in Belfast.

Also, that big explosion in England was quite close to the UK head office of the company I work for. There seems to be a fair bit of damage there. That is nothing compared to the company friends of mine (wrighty and Stewarty) work for, whose office was pretty much destroyed.

Everyone is tired, and there isn't really that much Christmas cheer to be had. There have been some sightings of the cat and some nasty calls from people winding us up, but the search goes on, we will party when she gets home.

Please pray, if you are that way inclined, for any of the above you feel moved about. All help is much appreciated.

Much manly love,

M

Bouncy ball advert

Currently listening to "Space travel is boring" - Sun Kill Moon

This rocks.

The track used is "Heartbeats" - Jose González, which is pretty damn good.

Thanks to everyone for you Lovely prezzies yesterday.

M

The wrong side of 25...

Currently listening to: "Heartbeats" - Jose González

Thats right, i'm getting old.

I was getting into bed after a lovely night at shiny sarah's house. I started to contemplate being 26.

26. I remember when i thought that was old.

Nevertheless I was just getting snuggly when I got a call from my big bro Andy. He'd neglected to put diesel in Mee-lan's car and was sitting at a local motorway's central reservation.

I jumped up, got dressed and headed down, but the AA were already on the way so I parked up and let them wait in the heat for the short while till the breakdown truck arrived.

The guy sorted the car with fuel, and it started after a little bit. Hoorah!

Just before i left them I said "anytime you wanna say happy birthday is fine with me." Immediatley i got a nice chorus of "Happy birthday to you", the first of my 26th year, in the freezing cold on the M2!

T'was oddly nice.

Now as I drift off, I spare a thought for Dave Allen in Medicine Hat Canada. He's 25 and gonna be a daddy anytime now. I thought I had trouble!

Much manly love to y'all.

M

Flip me its foggy.

When i was driving in this morning I found that because the fog was so thick, you could look directly at the sun! (and not get blinded).

This is a bad shot i took on the way with my phone camera, if i had been 10 seconds earlier it would have been perfect, but here the sun is starting to break through.

Oh well.

Current music: "Oh well" - Fleetwood Mac

A hell of a week. (and a ripping yarn)

This week, I've been mostly on Microsoft's "2273a Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Server 2003 Environment" Many thanks to the kindly folks at Steria who sent me, and of course, paid for the whole she-bang.

Now perhaps I'll be able to hold down a conversation about server-ie thing-ies. (at least, that's the plan).

There were only 5 of us; Declan, Davy, Pete and the trainer Marek. Which meant that I got lots of help when I inevitably screwed things up. We learned a lot. We also had a good lunch at a different Belfast pub every day. (I must recommend Whites Tavern - the oldest tavern in Belfast, which I never noticed before. It is located off the side street beside Dixons at donegall arcade).

Here is a picture of us working hard on friday afternoon!

On the Tuesday I had an induction to attend at the gym (valley leisure centre, cuse its cheap!) to make sure I'd not die on any of their machines. I was in a little bit of a hurry to get there, so as soon as class was finished I ran to the parking spot I had in the multi-story carpark next door.

The payment machine took forever, and I ended up forgetting my card and only realizing when I'd reached the 4th floor! I ran back down and the attendant made a "you silly plonker" face at me. I ran back up the stairs.

When I got to my car I realized that the front left tyre was flat. I swore a little and got on with changing it asap. The car I currently drive is a rental, It gets changed every few months, so I'm never that sure where things like spare tyres are, as makes vary.

I got the spare out of the boot, undid the complicated alloy wheel lock nut thingies and started wrestling the tyre into position. Then a snag. There was a loud rip sound from the back of my jeans.

As I got the flat tyre back into the boot, the 37th person to walk past and see me in strife offered me help, just as it was too late to do anything. I thanked him kindly anyway.

I got down the levels as soon as I could, but not soon enough to avoid my ticket having expired. I was holding up the traffic behind me who were getting irate and beeping their horns. I got out of the car and was met by the same parking attendant who still showed the "you silly plonker" face. After the brief explanation of events and examining the hole in my trousers her agreed to let me go without paying. The "you silly plonker" expression changed to one of "you poor kid" mixed with merriment.

Traffic was a nightmare. I reached the Gym about 6 to 10 mins late. The person doing my induction refused to see me as "punctuality is key". I once again explained my predicament and she seemed to think my excuses were valid, especially having a 6 inch hole in my trousers. (I still didn't get my induction though - bloody typical). Nevertheless I filled in a form to say I wasn't dying, wouldn't die from exercise, and if I did - it wasn't their fault. I did the workout of my life to relieve the anger I had accumulated and had a soak in the jacuzzi.

I put my torn jeans back on and wandered around Tesco getting some stuff for tea and headed over to Jo's house.

And Sleep.

The biggest Theo fans ever! (and other stuff..)

Currently listening to: JOHN PRINE "Standing By Peaceful Waters"

So, there I was, over at Shiny Sarah's house, waiting on Jo to finish her hair so she and Raj could head out to her formal lookin mighty fine. While making smalltalk with the adults they said they were talking to a couple of folks that had come over to Belfast 'specially to see Theoren McFleury play a game for the Giants.

Lance and Christie are from Seattle. Christie has been traveling around Europe and Lance had just joined her when they realized Theo was playing in Belfast. The hopped on a plane to see their hero play.

Tom and Joyce had got chatting to them, as they were at the game against Cardiff on Thursday night. They were so excited that Joyce asked if there was anything we could do for them, since they'd made effort to come see us and all. I asked the Giants folks and it was set.

I met with them and told them they could come meet Theo after the game. Lance was apparently speechless for about 30 mins.

At the end of the game I went to get them from the crowd. Nigel, Raj's dad, kindly lent us his digital SLR and so we headed down to the changing room waiting areas. We had to wait a little while for Theo to finish up showering, and he's apparently the quick one!

Theo was a true gent and chatted to them for a while, which I understand was some kind of life ambition for Lance! He's been watching him play hockey since he was a kid. When Theo realized the effort these guys had gone to to be at the games he said, "oh, hey sorry it was such a stinker tonight". (It was a little bit of a slow game, even if we did win).

Its always good to meet hockey folks from another country, 'specially when they are just so nice, and easy to get on with.

Me and Jo said our goodbyes and we headed to Four star to get some dinner. Incidently FOUR STAR pizza are opening up in newtownabbey, at fernagh. WHOOOHOO!

Lots of stuff has happened since my last post, I really should say more, and will soon. I did go see the excellent John Prine in concert at the Waterfront Hall and I will write something about that soon.

Also, I'm on a windows 2003 server course this week instead of being in work. I'm really looking forward to that. I might actually be able to pretend that I know what I'm talking about by the end of the week!

Caption competition

Your suggestions please.

Crazy frog - "Child Killer"

Today in a belfast shopping centre, the Crazy frog, (a once much loved, but ever so annoying cartoon novelty), showed his nasty side. Seen in this picture taken by a quick thinking passer-by, "Crazy" tries to push an oversized pupkin on top of the helpless child.

Onlookers could hardly believe their eyes. "I used to think the crazy frog was nothing more than a once much loved, but ever so annoying cartoon novelty" said one outraged shopping center customer, "but now its clear that he's a child killing crazed lunatic novelty maniac!"

When being led away the frog was asked to explain his actions. In his defense he said "a-ring-ding-dinga-ding-ding-ding.....ding-ding-dinga-ding-ding-ding..."

Jamster, resposible for the troublesome reptile have refused to comment.

what's my 1920's gentleman name?

Your 1920's Name is:

Hilliard Royce

What's Your 1920's Name?

A bounder I am!

We be burnin'

Currently listening to: "A hazy shade of winter" - Simon and Garfunkle

On Saturday Fellowes and I were drving into town to have breakfast. We dropped off Joanne to get her hair cut and made our way to Stranmillis direction to try to find fried food.

On our way we noticed a little smoke. There was a fire at the Odyssey Complex. I was a little concerned, mainly as there was going to be a Game that night, and there were several fire engines and many worried looking doom-sayers in the carpark.

It all worked out ok though. The fire had started in a boiler room in W5, (i thought someone had just left a bunsen burner on), the fire was out in no time, the complex was open by late afternoon.

W5 was the only thing on fire, the Giants were not really smoking... well, if they were it wasn't cuse they were on fire!

Eesh, is it me? Or are the darkening nights knocking you all out too?

Havin' a retro day

Currently listening to: "The Freshmen" - The verve Pipe

I got a card last night, from my old english teacher. There is a story to this one.

About 5 years ago I thought I'd take the time to write to my english teacher to express my gratitude for the work he put into teaching a class of disruptive uninterested kids from Monkstown. In the face of such opposition, other teachers had lost the will to get a lesson across, letting the whole experience of school become largely a waste of time for all involved.

Mr Marshall is a Canadian, from what I remember he's had lots of interesting jobs, is into good music and is a keen photographer.

I appreciated the accent, because it led to a greater understanding of those fun Belfast Giants folk when they arrived. The interesting jobs provided lots of interesting stories. The good taste in music was a novelty in a class full of dance music fans, and gave me someone to talk to about it. The photography came in handy when my band did a concert on the last day of school, I still have a set of prints that he kindly provided me with.

I sent the aforementioned letter to the school, but never got a reply. Until yesterday that is!

It was great to finally get that reply and an update on what he's up to now (still teaching, at the same school). I'm glad that he got the letter and, even if a bit late, took the time to write back.

The whole thing got me thinking about those interesting days, nearly a good 10 years ago, when I left school. Its been an interesting trip.

I stumbled upon some of the music I was listening around that time and through to tech before going on to drop out.

My brother had been to America on a youth camp programme and had brought back a load of good music. I can attribute hearing bands like "Dave Matthews Band", "Matchbox 20", "Toad the Wet Sprocket", "K's Choice" and most importantly (for today's flashback purposes) a band called "The Verve Pipe".

"The Verve Pipe" should not be confused with "The Verve" of "The drugs don't work" and "Bitter Sweet Symphony" fame. "The Verve Pipe" are a North American band. I liked it immediately because it was all a bit moody and teenager-orientated. This was about the time I was listening to "Counting Crows' - August and everything after" and the like.

The song that hit the spot at the time, and seemed pretty darn good as of about 5 minutes ago is called "The Freshmen". I strongly suggest you give it a little listen, find it on download somewhere.

My favorite line is:

"for the life of me, I cannot remember, what made us think that we were wise and we'd never compromise"

That's one to think on while looking back on the things you got up to when you were 16 alright!

I strongly remember being a little worse for wear and singing that song to anyone that would listen at a particular part once. Hmmm. Classy.

M

The most entertaininng hockey game i've ever seen!

Good grief!

The Odyssey Arena packed in over 4,600 people last night, and they all brought their hockey energy with them.

Like a pure shot of adrenalin to the arm (no intended substance references) Theo "McFlurry" Fleury, charged his Belfast Giant team mates to an 11 - 2 victory over the Edinburgh Capitals.

Scoring a hat trick, assisting on most of the goals and getting into 2 fights, Fleury brought an energy with him to the Odyssey that has not been there since the sell out crowds of the first season rocked the place.

To listen to the report of the game, courtesy of the Giants folks, click here.

There is also some photos on Joannes Blog.

Holy Mackrel, it was a good one, lets hope it keeps going that way.

I'm growing my playoff beard already:













Currently listening to: "History of lovers" - Iron and Wine (many thanks to crazy Gav for the cd)

Eric T

Last week I went to see Eric Taylor and Gina Villalobos.
(organised by the Real Music Club)

The poster for Gina Villalobos had a quote from Bob Harris "A contender for album of the year". Bob is usually right on the money, and we weren't let down.

It took me a song or two to get into the set. To be honest I think the same could be said for Gina, as she and Ben Pringle(2nd guitar and vocal harmony) had apparently slept through the time that they should have been doing soundcheck.

Maybe it was the pint of cider, or maybe the company, but after a while Gina's scratchy vocals started to sound pretty good, so good in fact, I bought her new album. (haven't really listened to it yet, I'll review it later!)

I actually tried to buy her first album, but she insisted the new one was better. I tried to reason saying I'd never really heard a lot of her stuff and I'd like to start at the start. She just said "this one's the current one that's getting the radio play. Hey, would I steer you wrong?" We'll see. Her first album was cheaper than the second.

Eric Taylor started with little introduction. I was actually busy arguing to buy the aforementioned Villalobos album when he began. I was immediately completely mesmorised by his husky voice and metal finger picking. Hope Gina was not offended that the focus had well and truly shifted from buying her second album to not really listening to what she was saying.

I didn't even wait to have the album signed, I handed over my money and told her to keep the change. She looked a little taken aback that I wasn't interested in getting the album personalised.

I don't feel bad. When Eric Taylor starts to play the room falls silent and you pay him your full attention weather you like it or not.

I sat down and probably didn't blink for the rest of the set. I was engrossed in the stories and the intimate performance that followed. I did actually really really need to use the toilet for most of the evening and held on as long as I could. (till almost the end).

The highpoint for me was the song "Hemmingway's shotgun". A pretty dark song about, well, I'm sure lots of things including his native Texas. I'm not going to explain it, find it and take a listen.

"Beautiful danger wears two faces best,
like the beaded lizard of the west,
Hemmingway's Shotgun finally told the truth,
but he never said a word about you"

Much ta to Raj Nigel and James for a great evening's craic.

Currently listening to: Blind melon "Walk"

And its goodnight from him.....

Farewell Ronnie Barker.

BACK TO THE GRIND....

So, after 2 weeks of intense rioting i decided to go back to work.

What did i do in my time off i hear you ask?

*Built Aunt Dot and Uncle Al a computer




I always find the promise of the above picture to be hilarious, "your computer will be faster and more reliable" but then, i'm done with my anti-miccrosoft ranting, Mac are better people, just accept it.

*Tried to play playstation but my telly exploded



The perfect time for my telly to die, on one of the first days off in the fortnight, what was i to do but go outside and play!

*Went to Raj's house for Pizza



After completely forgetting to let Raj know that we were'nt going on a roadtrip, and feeling pretty crappy about that i decided to haul ass over to his house in an attempt to make it up with food.

*Did giants stuff



Giants season is on again. Despite much slagging off, being undermined at every turn and feeling a little more than used at times, I dive back into arena life and assume the title of ridicule object oonce again.

*Played an accoustic gig at the Baptist Youth Weekend in Bushmills



Had a great time up north, but i had trouble finding my mojo. Took a rendition of Outkasts "Hey ya" mixed with a Cademon's call song to win over the crowd. That and there were many unexpected requests for Dvae Matthews Band, how can i refuse.

*Went to the dogshow



Joanne's Youngest met his dady at the dog show after almost a year apart. Tyson went for him, after a brief sniff, having to be pulled away. A good day though.

but enough of all that...

I've been listening to John Prine a lot recently, especially the song "My Mexican home", which is filled with his usual clever pun filled word-craft-ery. The subject matter includes the death of his father. The wavering tone of his voice as he sings the verse brought a tear to my eye the first time i heard it:

"My father died, on the porch outside, on an august afternoon
I sipped bourbon and cried with a friend, by the light of the moon
So it’s hurry! hurry! step right up, It’s a matter of life or death
The sun is going down and the moon is just holding it’s breath"

The quote at the top right hand side of my blog is from it too, if you got a spare 5 mins, download it and play it over a few times. Beautiful.

More to follow.....

We were all doing so well, and then....

Along come the idiots:

This is a picture of Monkstown, Newtownabbey, on fire:



This is a picture of a row of shops at Fernagh, Newtownabbey after fire:



This is a picture of the Northern Bank at Fernagh, Newtownabbey after fire:



Never understood why Loyaslists insist on pissing on their own back yards.

Incidently, the off licence was fine.

1-0 (for the second time this week).....

Last night was the first Belfast Giants home game of the new season. An excellent night, sending the Newcastle Vipers packing with a 1-0 victory thanks to a third perid goal by Curtis Huppe.

The most popular quote of the night was:

"that's the second time this week we've sent an english team home after beating them 1-0"

Ok, its maybe not as big a deal as Northern Ireland beating England in the footie, but this is the first time the Giants have ever won their first home game of the season, and in front of a crowd of moe than 5,000 fans. (The spell is broken).

We had a little rumble too between Giant Mark Levers and former Giant Mel Anglestad, then later Giant Sean Skiehar and Viper Andre Payette. Love fisticuffs.

Here is a picture of the later fighters squaring up:



It was also great to have former Giants MC Paul (its nicer to neuter) McClean picking up the gauntlet again and running with it, bringing back that much needed atmosphere boost.



Afterwards Jo, Raj, Sarah and I headed out for Pizza and beer!

Didn't wake up till lunch!

Current music: "I predict a riot" - Kaiser cheifs

what star wars character am i?

If I were a Star Wars character, I would be: Anakin Skywalker. Take the " Which Star Wars Character Am I?" Quiz by Always Two There Are

CHECK-DA-MONEY......

ever check da money?

i did:



£1

Can' believe it, but i got spam comments!

Am I popular now??

Um, hold on.....

At age 25, i've suddenly realised, i'm loosing my tiny mind....



WHERE THE HELL DID I PARK?

what (pre 1985) video game character am I?

I am an Asteroid. I am a drifter. I go where life leads, which makes me usually a very calm and content sort of person. That or thoroughly apathetic. Usually I keep on doing whatever I'm doing, and it takes something special to make me change my mind. What Video Game Character Are You?

On the tiles..

Today's Track: "Fighting for my love" - Nil Lara

The rock and roll lifestyle i lead finds me out on the tiles once in a while.

Today I decided to stay home and have a morning on the tiles with my dad.





We've been having some repairs done at our house cuse, well, it was falling down. At this point it is handy to know a structural engineer or two.

Mum and dad both work at a structural and civil engineering firm in Belfast. After looking at how there are cracks running all the way up the side of the house we were hastilly advised to get the lintles above our doors and windows replaced, they'd almost rusted away.





This all happened at a reasonably good time, being that we have a guy moved in next door who has a builder friend. He needed his side of the house done too so i think we got an ok price for it.

That's pretty much all that's happened in the last while. Me and jo had gone to the zoo too, but the pictures i took were a little crappy, so you donn't get to see!

I am currently building my aunty Dot a computer, i went to get all the bits today but Mplex had run out of the neccesary. A greasy haired teenager told me that "i've no idea why we don't have any, i don't know when we'll be getting them in again"

Aw well, maybe when the adult staff return.

Little Allen

Today's track: "Bartender" Dave Matthews Band

So the allens are expecting, and good golly, look at the likeness!

i've been busy

Today's song: "Nobody's Fault But Mine" - Martin simpson

So, no posts for a while.

I'm terribly sorry for those of you who actually read this nonsense, but i've been busy, i'm sorry, I promise i'll try harder, we can make it work.

A the weekend I was at portrush with Nixx supporters club. It was a fantastic day:



Me, Jo, Raj and Shiny Sarah went on the trip




We were having a good time on the beach. We decided to invent a game called "bum fort arse castle". The idea, as illustrated below is that you sit yourself down, dig a trench and make a wall, with turretts. Outside of those walls you build further protective walls. The idea is that you have to knock down the turretts of the main wall with a bouncy ball (which we won at an arcade).



While the ball is being thrown around the others you can fix your walls. No mercy is granted to those in mid fix when throwing the ball.

I will of course post the other's bum forts and arse castles in due course.

The game is named after the arse print left in the sand, and that indeed you are building a caastle.

Genius.