Good Friday needs to be reviewed under today's circumstances.
We are in a midst of a recession. The government are actively trying to encourage everyone to spend money.
So, can we give Good Friday a break?,even for a few years until we can get ourselves sorted financially.
Even for the sake of religion, can we change it to a Good Monday?
Having a Friday when every bar and niteclub in the land is closed is annoying.
Everyone looks forward to a Friday night out, it's the end of the week, you just want to let your hair down and party.
Potentially we could of spent hundreds of euros tonight
but sadly not, we drove around the city looking for some sign of life
along with numerous other taxi drivers driving aimlessly like butterflies towards the city lights.
We all headed home.
A Good Monday instead would make a lot of sense. Mondays are days of rest after the weekend,you have time to think and ponder about life and religion.
It's a good evening to spend time with your family.
A Good Monday after an Easter Sunday makes you even feel good,
like a new week to look forward too.
Work on Tuesday would record no sick days
and summer feels positively closer.
It would be a step in the right direction.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
Former First Family find fun ways to finance their future
Dubya moves to Dallas
and begins his new career as a celebrity speaker.
The ex-President with the worse approval ratings on record
is only charging $150,000 per speech which is great value for a night of comedy.
It's a lot less than Tony Blair's £240,000 which wouldn't be half as fun.
Bill Clinton made over £11 million from 91 speaking events, eat your heart out Bertie!
Sadly for Dubya there are no publishers banging his door down yet for a glimpse of his memoirs.To help fill the family coffers, Laura Bush has stepped in to secure a multi-million dollar book deal to write about being a mother . This is guaranteed to be a hit as mother/daughter books are always best sellers.
and begins his new career as a celebrity speaker.
The ex-President with the worse approval ratings on record
is only charging $150,000 per speech which is great value for a night of comedy.
It's a lot less than Tony Blair's £240,000 which wouldn't be half as fun.
Bill Clinton made over £11 million from 91 speaking events, eat your heart out Bertie!
Sadly for Dubya there are no publishers banging his door down yet for a glimpse of his memoirs.To help fill the family coffers, Laura Bush has stepped in to secure a multi-million dollar book deal to write about being a mother . This is guaranteed to be a hit as mother/daughter books are always best sellers.
Weekend drugs struggle to remain high
The cocaine trade is seriously showing downcast results.
Prices are plummeting as dealers outside
The White horse stare in dismay.
A line of coke is cheaper than a pint of beer
yet takers are low on the ground
as the weekend becomes one night.
The Katie French affair dampened coke sales too,
with purity levels continuously declining.
The heroin market is still afloat
and guaranteed to be pretty stable
due to it's high addiction rates.
Alcohol is cheaper to buy up north,
and cigarettes are too damn expensive to contemplate.
Prices are plummeting as dealers outside
The White horse stare in dismay.
A line of coke is cheaper than a pint of beer
yet takers are low on the ground
as the weekend becomes one night.
The Katie French affair dampened coke sales too,
with purity levels continuously declining.
The heroin market is still afloat
and guaranteed to be pretty stable
due to it's high addiction rates.
Alcohol is cheaper to buy up north,
and cigarettes are too damn expensive to contemplate.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
2004 Carole Coleman and George Bush Interview for RTE
Carole Coleman's probing TV interview of President Bush led to complaints by Bush and his press officers for the disrespectful manner of Coleman who interrupted the President several times. Even though the questions were approved by The Whitehouse press office beforehand, The Whitehouse made a complaint to the Irish Embassy.RTE stood by the conduct of the interview and Carole's journalism.
Carole's account of the interview is documented in her book America Alleluia. In it, she explains how the press office corps informed her that "The President leads the interview". She replied "I don't agree, it's the journalists job to lead the interview".It was also suggested that perhaps Carole could edit the tapes to take out the interruptions-but she made it clear that this would not be possible.Further co-operation with The Whitehouse proved difficult, with a promised Laura Bush interview being suspended.
Carole's questions were honest, well thought out and simple, what the ordinary Irish people wanted answered. I admire her tenacity to pursue with the questions and search for answers to the dismay and fustration of Bush, while maintaining control.
This interview was never aired in the US.
Carole's account of the interview is documented in her book America Alleluia. In it, she explains how the press office corps informed her that "The President leads the interview". She replied "I don't agree, it's the journalists job to lead the interview".It was also suggested that perhaps Carole could edit the tapes to take out the interruptions-but she made it clear that this would not be possible.Further co-operation with The Whitehouse proved difficult, with a promised Laura Bush interview being suspended.
Carole's questions were honest, well thought out and simple, what the ordinary Irish people wanted answered. I admire her tenacity to pursue with the questions and search for answers to the dismay and fustration of Bush, while maintaining control.
This interview was never aired in the US.
Jeremy Paxman Fan #1
As a teenager I remember watching Jeremy Paxman on Newsnight.I liked his voice.He has a great presence on camera.He makes me laugh.How he challenges his interviewees and never backs down, just like my brothers, drives you around the bend.He turns political interviews into a spectator sport.His facial expressions convey such incredulity and contempt at every turn. Fine displays of mischievous- and he gets away with it.I miss him. Some of his best interviews include:
George Galloway with whom he asks "Mr Galloway,are you proud of having got rid of one of the very few black women in Parliament?
Former Home Secretary Michael Howard was asked 12 times "Did you threaten to overrule him?"
Condolezza Rice was asked "Does Donald Rumsfeld make you cry?"
and Former Leader of the Liberal Democrats Charles Kennedy was asked about his drink problem." Do you drink privately, by yourself a bottle of whiskey late at night?. This line of questioning was condemned at the time but proved prescient when Mr. Kennedy subsequently resigned over the issue.
Pure Paxman
George Galloway with whom he asks "Mr Galloway,are you proud of having got rid of one of the very few black women in Parliament?
Former Home Secretary Michael Howard was asked 12 times "Did you threaten to overrule him?"
Condolezza Rice was asked "Does Donald Rumsfeld make you cry?"
and Former Leader of the Liberal Democrats Charles Kennedy was asked about his drink problem." Do you drink privately, by yourself a bottle of whiskey late at night?. This line of questioning was condemned at the time but proved prescient when Mr. Kennedy subsequently resigned over the issue.
Pure Paxman
Monday, March 30, 2009
Kenny escapes The Late Late Show
The Late Late lost it’s status as a serious Friday night viewing spot when the ZZZ list celebs came crawling through the doors, English trash gives the Irish a rash. Mountains and mountains of newly self created authors found a platform from which to spread the good word- From dealer to healer - the story of an entrepreneur etc. This is a new product I invented…..bla bla bla…..People in Switzerland love it-who is to argue. No wonder Poor Pat looked so bored out of his tree half the time, with endless heads clucking around the Late late Farm one after another to show the Irish viewers their reason for being before getting back into the RTE chauffeur driven car, most probably directing the driver towards Lillies to continue their last pitting of fame before the massive book launch.
The Late Late has become boring, uninteresting and C-grade. When was the last time you heard the question “Did ye see the Late late last night?” Probably when Pat was confronted by a gatecrasher. That was odd viewing. Ha ha. But memorable. And that’s the point, The Late Late has lost it’s memorable aspect. It’s become a public relations showcase probably run by the folk in The Communications Clinic, under Terry Prone’s whip. We can get you the publicity that you crave, we can put your image into thousands of heads, which they did. But you never went to bed after the Late Late thinking, that was fantastic viewing with feelings of euphoria and a sense of learning. Pat Kenny wasn’t arsed to google a Pete Doherty song which shocked viewers and this unbeatable tit bit of news made the papers and it was confirmed in writing that the Late Late still existed on a Friday night.
So, after a ten year stint, Kenny is leaving to present a new current affairs show. Something that could be called a step in the right direction. Kenny was never light entertainment material, but he does a good interview when he wants to, as seen on his radio show.
As Gloom TV becomes the new ratings winner, Kenny will be in his element. Current Affairs is King. The never ending banking and financial crises dominate the headlines. The unlikely Hobbs, Williams and Lee are on a roll. Will ‘Kenny unravels the Economy’ become compulsive viewing?
The Late Late has become boring, uninteresting and C-grade. When was the last time you heard the question “Did ye see the Late late last night?” Probably when Pat was confronted by a gatecrasher. That was odd viewing. Ha ha. But memorable. And that’s the point, The Late Late has lost it’s memorable aspect. It’s become a public relations showcase probably run by the folk in The Communications Clinic, under Terry Prone’s whip. We can get you the publicity that you crave, we can put your image into thousands of heads, which they did. But you never went to bed after the Late Late thinking, that was fantastic viewing with feelings of euphoria and a sense of learning. Pat Kenny wasn’t arsed to google a Pete Doherty song which shocked viewers and this unbeatable tit bit of news made the papers and it was confirmed in writing that the Late Late still existed on a Friday night.
So, after a ten year stint, Kenny is leaving to present a new current affairs show. Something that could be called a step in the right direction. Kenny was never light entertainment material, but he does a good interview when he wants to, as seen on his radio show.
As Gloom TV becomes the new ratings winner, Kenny will be in his element. Current Affairs is King. The never ending banking and financial crises dominate the headlines. The unlikely Hobbs, Williams and Lee are on a roll. Will ‘Kenny unravels the Economy’ become compulsive viewing?
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Working Woman, Student Ways
Last Thursday evening myself and Dan went up to the Stillorgan shopping centre to buy a squash racquet and some food. Walking around the deserted centre we were shocked. Late night shopping and nobody was around. It was eerie. A modern day ghost town. I remember for years walking the promenade with the bustling shops and the sounds of laughter and loud voices. Sitting on the bench and watching the world go back. Stillorgan Shopping Centre always held fond memories for me. I loved the selection of shops, the outdoor market and the shape of the centre. You know where the shops are and you can never get lost.
As we approached Lifestyle, we found that it was closed down. Imagine that? No sports shop. Even the health food shops had gone. All of Arnotts was closed for revamping. (I hope). It was a pretty desolate site. I don't know how many shops lay empty- seven or eight?? I lost count.
We ventured into Tesco's and bought the same food that we buy every week.
1 bottle of white wine (A different brand every week)
3 pasta dishes
2 jars of Tikka Masala
Potato salad
Chicken breast
Chocolate
Bread
Evian
Yogurt
Jaffa Cakes
Walking back to our car, we walk past Mc Donald’s and the place is brimming with people. We get into the car. “F**k it, let’s go in and buy a Mc Donald’s, but what about our food? We can eat it later." So we both head in. Families, groups of students and suits reading 'The Times' occupy the seats. It was like the old days again- I had forgotten- since the last few years I found I couldn’t walk into a Mc Donalds due to the smell-no way was that fast food smell getting on my designer dresses. I had been dining In It’s a 4, Rolys and Fire-little food for more dough.
I’m back to the old McDonald’s days- the student days. 3 times so far this week and counting.I’m expecting to hear Oasis on the sound system again. That one euro burger is damn good. Cheap burgers and expensive cigarettes. Mayfair 100’s might be a better buy.
On a lighter point, myself and the girls hit Dundrum Shopping centre tonight. It was pretty busy. Most of the shops I could see were still there except Principals. And all the damn colours were in winter hues. We are in Spring. You can see that there is a serious overload of stock needed to be sold. The only bright colours were orange and lemon yellow and you don’t need to be a genius to know that these colours really don’t suit the Irish palate. Coast informed us that the bridal season wear will be in stock mid May- a bit late for a June wedding I thought.
Harvey Nicholls was seriously overstaffed and under shopped. I could hear my own voice echoing as I called the girls. We headed off to Mao for a bite and the place was tight. Lots of parents and kids-it’s the upmarket Mc Donalds-we even left a tip.
All in all, We left Dundrum empty handed along with a lot others.
The only bags I seem to see these days are Penneys.
As we approached Lifestyle, we found that it was closed down. Imagine that? No sports shop. Even the health food shops had gone. All of Arnotts was closed for revamping. (I hope). It was a pretty desolate site. I don't know how many shops lay empty- seven or eight?? I lost count.
We ventured into Tesco's and bought the same food that we buy every week.
1 bottle of white wine (A different brand every week)
3 pasta dishes
2 jars of Tikka Masala
Potato salad
Chicken breast
Chocolate
Bread
Evian
Yogurt
Jaffa Cakes
Walking back to our car, we walk past Mc Donald’s and the place is brimming with people. We get into the car. “F**k it, let’s go in and buy a Mc Donald’s, but what about our food? We can eat it later." So we both head in. Families, groups of students and suits reading 'The Times' occupy the seats. It was like the old days again- I had forgotten- since the last few years I found I couldn’t walk into a Mc Donalds due to the smell-no way was that fast food smell getting on my designer dresses. I had been dining In It’s a 4, Rolys and Fire-little food for more dough.
I’m back to the old McDonald’s days- the student days. 3 times so far this week and counting.I’m expecting to hear Oasis on the sound system again. That one euro burger is damn good. Cheap burgers and expensive cigarettes. Mayfair 100’s might be a better buy.
On a lighter point, myself and the girls hit Dundrum Shopping centre tonight. It was pretty busy. Most of the shops I could see were still there except Principals. And all the damn colours were in winter hues. We are in Spring. You can see that there is a serious overload of stock needed to be sold. The only bright colours were orange and lemon yellow and you don’t need to be a genius to know that these colours really don’t suit the Irish palate. Coast informed us that the bridal season wear will be in stock mid May- a bit late for a June wedding I thought.
Harvey Nicholls was seriously overstaffed and under shopped. I could hear my own voice echoing as I called the girls. We headed off to Mao for a bite and the place was tight. Lots of parents and kids-it’s the upmarket Mc Donalds-we even left a tip.
All in all, We left Dundrum empty handed along with a lot others.
The only bags I seem to see these days are Penneys.
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