Whereareya hararya?

Some beggar has registered hararya.com in the slim interval that it was available for purchase on Sunday.

I'm a little puzzled as, firstly, seeing as hararya is not even a word, who would have been waiting to snap it up? I'm a little hacked off.

Nevertheless welcome to the new and improved mattmcivor.com a place that over the next while will host all kinds of wonders and musical delights..... as soon as i create them!

Also, i should receive my new macbookpro today. I've ordered a refurbished unit from Apple. The insurance folks decided, after saying that they would replace the stolen laptop, that they won't. They gave me a cheque for £1000, but a new mac costs around £1,700. The refurb cost £1,150 so i am a little out of pocket, but i could have been worse.

Now I sit, delivery confirmation web page on screen, waiting to tell me that my shiny mac has arrived at our holywood office.

Waiting, waiting, waiting.....

Currently listening to:
Song: (antichrist television blues)
Artist: The Arcade Fire
Album: Neon Bible

hararya?

Hello hararya faithfull.

I'm about to go through a server change (tomorrow-friday), and therefore you might not find me online for a day or two, don't despair, you can still find me at http://www.hararya.blogspot.com

cheers for now

M

Facial Hair Foolin'

I decided to clear the mess of hair from my face today. But as i was going about this trimming task I decided to see how various styles would look:

Step 1 : full beard



Step 2 : Jawline



Step 3: Goat-t



Step 4: Moustache



I think i'll stick with messy. Eek.

I'm trimmed back down to normal now.

Giggidy Giggidy

Last night I opened for my friend Andy's band "catch 23" at the Rosetta bar in Belfast.

I was more than a little concerned as I thought my brand of accoustic guitar whiney nonsense would not go over well with the metal folks who i'd usually associate with that venue.



As it happens I came over quite well. I played a mix of Barenaked Ladies, Jack Johnson, Pearl Jam, Beatles and my own stuff.

I have it on good authority that they'd like me back at some point. Hooray.

Also, in other news the lovely insurance people got back to me today to confirm that I will be getting a lovely new MACBOOK PRO to replace the Powerbook G4 that was stolen from me.

I am really rather pleased about this as it is like getting the best trade in ever!

Currntly listening to:
This American Life (which is a podcast available from apple)
Chicago Public Radio
http://www.thisamericanlife.com/

Those Women Were In The Nip........!

Last night Jo, Sarah, Raj and I went to see the Barenaked Ladies a the Olympia Theatre, Dublin.

It was a bit good to say the least. Even though I was stuck with someone's head right in front of me the whole concert, leaving me leaning right or left the whole time, I very much enjoyed it.

One of the tightest and most entertainnig shows I have ever seen. (and that is saying something).

Here is a fine example of their work:

Playoffs part 2

The only cuddly thing about the Coventry Blaze is their big stuffed dragon / frog mascot. All weekend during the playoffs we have been chanting suff like "no one likes you... no one likes you" etc inventive eh?. Their mascot ventured over to our section to cheers of "who are ya?!"

The final game was a little lax. Cardiff who were an unstoppable force in the semi looked tired. Nottingham scored almost right away and that goal went unanswered till the middle of the second. The third period was mostly memorable for the giants crowd starting all sorts of chants including "we're not brazil, were northern ireland", "hands up for hanson" and "healey" (someone had a northen ireland football flag), not to forget "your ma's your da!"

It was a 1-1 hockey game with 5 mins to go. Things heated up with some handbaging and many more shots on goal but it had to go to overtime and then penalties. After a close battle nottingham triumphed.

The sheffield steelers fans left immediatly. I thought that was bad sportsmanship no their part as everyone else stayed. Still i guess it was nice for nottingham to win some silver after not doing so in their own building for quite a while, what is it now, 50 years? *sniggers*

The rest of the evening's post is being truncated in the interests of "what goes on the road, stays on the road" and potential lawsuits from offended parties.

I'll say this: there were nottingham thugs dancing, drink taken, one man getting his tackle out, some rather unexpected sweedish action and much food consumed.

'Nuff said.

On the way home we were delayed as BMIbaby were having technical issues with our flight. We bought packs of Top Trumps and battled it out till the flight was called.

Till next year gadget, next year.

Currently listening to:
"I can, I will, I do"
Barenakedladies
Barenakedladies Are Me

Goodnight "Fatty" Matty Folka

Matty Folka, who retired from ice hockey officiating a few years back due to Cancer died on thursday night.

He wasn't old, and was a lovely bloke. Dang.

Goodnight Matty.

The Playoffs

I'm in Nottingham. I've been having a really good weekend. We got here on Friday and booked into Jury's inn. They were oddly efficient, we were able to check in around 10.30.

After a lunch in squares I headed over to the arena. I've been providing a sound mix of Cool FM's Nigel Ringland and Canadian journalist Wayne Hardman for a dvd being recorded of the weekend.

Last night we went to the pit and pendulum, a goth / rock bar in town that make nice cocktails.

Breakfast in the hotel was great. Its that generic stuff but it was tasty and well cooked.

We went back to the arena today where Jo Sarah and I got access all areas passes! (much luff to the staff who didn't really need to do that, but did anyway). After about an hour of wrestling with a camera's sound inputs were were free to enjoy the first game, Cardiff V Coventry. Cardiff were successfull, much to the delight of everyone gathered.

Everything was going well until the Belfast Giants got eliminated from the competition. Dang.

They played well but were just pipped on penalties by the Nottingham Panthers.

We headed back to the hotel where Jo and I enjoyed TV and pizza. I'm currently stealing Squeek's internet access cuse he's passed out in the corner. hehehehehehe.

I have video and things to update soon, but I've nothing to edit it on.

Dang.

Sometimes Lightning Strikes Twice......

Some beggar nicked my Powerbook.

I choose to believe its a practical joke, but as time is passing i'm thinking this is less and less likely.

It was taken from last nights Belfast Giants end of season dinner. This is the laptop I run the entire show from.

I'm a little upset. Mostly because my backups are not as up to date as i'd like, partly cuse its someone in that room who has taken it, lastly cuse i'm not that sure how well insured I am, if at all.

The same thing happened about 3 or four years ago to the last one. It got stolen from my car, along with most of my worldly posessions from Belfast's delightful Sandy Row area.

I've changed my passwords and now i'm off to see how traceable it is. It is registered with apple.

Currently Listening to:
"Shelter"
Artist: Ray LaMontagne
Album: Trouble

Last night i was judging a battle of the bands competition in Carrick Baptist. There was a wide range of talent. Acoustic, punk, girl rock, joke rock and old school rock.

I have to admit that my favourite was a group of guys that played a cover of keep on rocking in a free world. They were easily my winners, but that's not how the consensus went. Girlie pink-esque rockers "sage" got the title. Dermo had nothing to do with it, though they are girls from his school. We left after the judgement pretty sharpish just in case it got ugly!

Today has been interesting with the 3 to 4 seasons in one day arrangement of weather. On my way to church this morning i was turned into a snow-matt between my house and my car. Then as soon as the snow arrived, it stopped and disappeared, then came back, then left again . . . and so on.

I tried taking some pictures, I got snow in the face trying. So here, as a consolation is my sister, Mee Lan, dancing in the snow.



:)

Voting...

Voting day was the other Wednesday. I decided to break with tradition and vote, even though there was no one worth the ever so slight wearing down of my car tires to get to the polling station. The thing about politics here, something I should make clear I know nothing about, is that the candidates are some of the strangest looking people I've ever seen.

Here are some pictures:



I think if I was deciding purely on looks, it'd probably be the green party. They look the most cuddly. They look genuinely healthy and pleasant. None of their candidates, unlike some of the more mainstream parties, had to have the light photoshop'd back into their eyes cuse it doesn't naturally reside there anymore.

Despite the fact that no one really represents me and the strange looking candidates, I decided to vote. I think it is important because not everyone has the privilege to around the world. People would die for the right to vote.

I'd like to think that I could make a difference. I see this fairytale scenario where my vote is the casting vote. If I had not voted then it would all be hung and have to be done all over again! In reality it probably matters little what I think.

/rant

While I wasn't sleeping......

....I realised my alarm clock was making faces at me.

Initially at 1:01am I thought it was making a mean face...


... but then by 1:07 I realised it was smirking....

Lazing on a sun-dy afternoon....

Another lovely rainy sunday.

This morning i went to Carrick Baptist to catch their missionary morning. After catching up with some folks and some communion I headed back home, pausing only to grab a coffee from the zoo park cafe along Carrickfergus' "dazzling" waterfront marina.

I was not aiming my hopes high for getting good coffee outside of Belfast, which was lucky really. When I asked for a take out coffee the girl behind the counter looked puzzled then had to ask a college if they 'did' take out, and if they had cups! I did get a cup, but it was polystyrene, (not paper as the rest of the civilised coffee drinking world) but it also had no hole to drink through. *sigh* Maybe I take these things too seriously. I mean, what was I doing buying a coffee on a Sunday anyway!

When I got home I started up the mac and got to levelling a few recordings i'd made of the band I play in. I can't tell you who that is for legal reasons. The exercise was to learn how to mix and master a live recording. I have this big pair of headphones that my folks got back in the seventies or early eighties somewhere. They are probably made of wood, didn't have plastic back then! They sound amazing though, and highlight every detail.

I then picked up Jo and we headed over to my folks for Sunday lunch. Mmmm, chicken.

I'm looking forward to tuesday night, its Todd Kellman's testimonial hockey game. He's retiring to become the general manager of the Belfast Giants. Everyone is chipping in and most of the folks from my office are going to make the trip. It will be great to see all the old favorites back on the Odyssey ice.

If you aren't doing anything this Tuesday 13th I recommend this testimonial game highly. It will be a blast.

Currently listening to:
Title: Fidelity
Artist: Regina Spektor

Colin Hay gig.....

Jo and I tripped down to the Black Box in Belfast's Hill Street to see the former Men at Work legend Colin Hay.

I only started to notice his solo work after his appearance in several episodes of the hit medical sitcom Scrubs, as a wandering troubadour who eventually has his guitar wrenched from his hands to be smashed on a nearby wall by Dr. Cox (John C. McGinley).

I was amused by the music that I heard but didn't make a connection between this singer and his former band, known famously for their hit "Down Under" from their debut album "Business As Usual". It was at a friends' house much later that I found out by accident who he was. Jo was playing some of Colin Hay's tracks and my friend's dad said 'that doesn't sound much like when he was in men at work!'

I had been anticipating this intimate gig, part of the Belfast-Nashville music festival for a few weeks now. Jo was especially excited as she never thought we'd actually see this guy live, never mind in Belfast.

How do you describe a Colin Hay gig? It was like going to see Billy Connelly (as, yes folks he was born in Scotland), profanity, humour and all, only each story was a well crafted build up to a song. He was charismatic, hilarious and yet down to earth and brutally honest about his rock star highs and lows. He told a story of a hotel in Australia where he held the record for the most people squeezed into the venue, then several years later the record for the fewest.

He's done ok for himself though. After some years of obscurity he had that Zack Braff assisted comeback. He lives in LA and has a house in Australia, he's done tours with Ringo Starr and Paul Carrack. But then he talks about the aftermath of playing a tour with an ex Beatle, having to drive your own band around in a crappy van, rather than enjoying a luxury jet from venue to venue. He talks about those who have had 'good careers' like Sting, then curses under his breath. He dazzles you with example after example of his obvious talent.

Jo and I met Colin after the gig. Jo got her fan-girl-ing out of the way and had her picture taken. And after a kiss on the cheek, for Jo, and of course a manly handshake for me, we were on our way home, internally jumping up and down like school children at meeting and experiencing such a character.

Busy Busy Bzzzzzz......

Currently Listening to: "Holy"
Artist: Allan Ellingsgaard
Album: Going Home

I've been a little run off my feet for the last few weeks. Lets start with Valentines' week.

I finished off a video my friend Nathan's mum filmed while on a trek from Mount Sinai to the Red Sea, realised that the flowers I ordered for Jo for Valentines' day weren't coming. The usually reliable Marks and Spencer's (who obviously had an offer on) politely e-mailed me to tell me that my delivery (which is not any ordinary delivery), could not be made as Joanne lived too far out of their delivery zone. She lives less than one mile from an M&S store.

I thought about politely telling them where to place their flowers, but then still went and bought some in store, as they are maybe the best around. They are still alive, I checked this evening.

Next was 2 nights of tech where I've found that my lecturer is still a little lacking in the enthusiasm department. I've been compensating by going to the library and reading the material myself.

Thursday I had a practice with Allan Ellingsgaard, a great Christian singer/songwriter who was releasing his debut album "Going Home". Basically when someone asks for guitar help, I'm a sucker! Practice went well.

Friday I played a "love" gig in Larne Baptist Church. The whole idea was to play 30 mins of love songs, then they explained about Christ's love for them. It was an excellent setup. I relaxed into my set after a few songs and had one of the loveliest solo gigs I've ever played. I even sang some of my own songs to a warm reception.

The weekend was a little relaxing time with Mr Fellowes during the day, then my lovely missis-to-be, Raj and Sarah for a winter BBQ and movie night at Jo's. We watched "Phone Booth", "Lost Boys" and "Flatliners". All movies had a Keifer Sutherland kick to them. Any excuse really to watch Lost Boys, a film I watched repeatedly in my formative years.

Sunday was photo taking, and a proper, wonderful, cooked to perfection Sunday roast at Raj's. (and more movies - "the Sentinel").

The last week was a blur. Setting up for "Stars In Their Eyes" with the Belfast Giants official supporters club on Monday, DJing and hosting the event on Tuesday, took it easier on Wednesday, caught up on 24 and Lost, practice with Allan on Thursday after a killer of a work day, Allan's album launch gig in Ballymena Elim on Friday. (see dermo.co.uk for some pics. You need firefox or IE7 to view properly)

Today Elia and I made a movie mockup for a Baptist Youth roadshow about mission work.

Phew!

This week is exciting enough because not only are we going to see Colin Hay, formerly of Men at Work - 'we come from a land down under.....' but also Tuesday brings Dave Matthews to Belfast's Waterfront Hall. I have tickets!

I have been wanting to see Dave Matthews in concert since I was 16. It has only taken 11 years.

Well, to bed now as I really am not getting enough sleep.

Sick, Idol and gigs..

So, since Tuesday afternoon when I realised I wasn't feeling exactly 100% I've been asleep 90% of the time. I drove myself home at about 3.30pm on Tuesday afternoon and went straight to bed. I stayed there till pretty much this afternoon. Bless.

Daytime tv is a government initiative to get you back to work. Ok, we have cable, but there is nothing on all 900 channels during the day that will help the misery. There is only so much "Tricia" a man can watch before he loses the will to live.

American Idol. Holy cow. It is great to know that Americans are still the most stupid and gullible people on the planet. They've all been told since they were kids that they are special. They believe it. I understand that parents are supposed to be encouraging and build up their kids, and that is a great thing, but when a contestant who can't sing a note is told so by the likes of Simon Cowell and says something like 'Oh, thats your opinion' or 'who are you to tell me that i can't sing?' I must laugh. Actually I was just watching as a mum, so outraged that her daughter didn't get through, stormed back into the audition room and told the judges off! classic.

I don't know anyone who watches the whole competition, just the auditions.

Anyhow, had some fun recently, went to see Peter Mulvey in Dublin. (click the link and listen to some samples.). If you've never heard of this guy he's well worth the listen. From Michigan in the US of A, Mr Mulvey has several fantastic albums of acoustic mastery and social commentary. He is an accomplished songster with a jazzy edge. If anyone is interested, I'll certainly pass some of his stuff on.

He comes here about 3 times a year, usually to Dublin and thereabouts. Young Raj introduced me to him a few years ago, and though I really enjoyed his albums, there is nothing like seeing this guy live. There is such energy about his performances, just one guy one guitar fills the room. Hopefully we'll have Peter in Belfast soon.

Well, I gotta go pass out now. I'll update again soon.

M

I got an Iphone!!!!!

And you can have one too...

Click Here

There is much to update, coming soon.

Also, this just in: Rick and Katie have just taken delivery of a bundle of joy! The most recent Allen family member is Ruben Joseph Allen born at lunch time today.

Fergoodnessake Ruben, hararya?

Will it blend?

FIND OUT HERE what happens when you put things in a blender

OR HERE for what happens when you put pucks in.

Ham on the Road......

Jo passed her driving test last friday!

Abandon hope, all ye who drive in the Greater Belfast area.

Actually she is doing quite well and has been out the odd time by herself. Who's a big grown up girl. When she went out for her first solo drive I didn't tell her mum till she was away a good half hour, and I took down their Christmas tree so I wouldn't have to worry for a time.

All worked well though, there ain't no stopping her now.

I've still not heard back from the phone folks. Damn their eyes. I keep seeing picture/video opportunities, reach for my trusty capture device only to be dissapointed when it isn't there.


Also, happy 1st Birthday young Caleb, hararya?

M


Currently listening to:
Track: "For You"
Artist: Barenaked Ladies
Album: Everything to Everyone

Mobile madness...... part deux (thats french)

My lovely Nokia N93 has had a bit of a difficult few weeks, what with the turning off by itself every time I put it in my pocket. At first I thought it was my fault, but after extensive testing I've realised that I wasn't pushing the off button, or any combination of buttons that should have caused a fault.

Phones 4 u were nice enough to send the phone back for me, but they could not hand me a replacement handset to make making phone calls handy. Or any handset for that matter. (Sorry to those who know how to use the English language properly).

I'm currently relegated to a mobile phone that, and wait for it, makes phone calls. And that's it. No camera, no video, nuthin.

Well, its nice to get "back to basics", after all it was the rage at one point. The thing is I love using my camera/phone/video camera. I've enjoyed taking good resolution (but not quality) pictures and video for a while now and to suddenly have the facility taken away is a bit annoying.

Never mind, the Sony Ericsson J220i has its bonus features.... actually, it doesn't but it does work.

I've never been good at what the boys in work like to call 'change control' when it comes to phones. Out with the old and in with the new without any planning is usually order of the day. The handing of my phone back to Phones 4 u was no exception. I forgot to backup the numbers of those I hold dear before submitting the handset and so, now I'm back to square one. I've lost your number. Yes you. All of you. So if/when you text and i text back and say "who are you" please, once again, don't think I've stopped loving you in any way. Its just that I'm much better at planning this sort of thing for others, forgetting to look to my own data recovery needs.

Its 2am. I can't sleep. But I'll stop talking now.

Until next time gadget.....

M