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?

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.

CV's and Show reels

Seriously is there anyway a 32 year old restaurant manager will ever become a TV presenter? Or am I really fooling myself. Four months ago I did have the confidence, I did the show reel. I looked at myself in the mirror and said "Yes, you can do it", and I walked down O' Connell street with a cameraman and felt in my element.
But now I feel like a scared person without confidence. This is so morally bad and I don't know when this crept up on me. I hate this feeling of despair and rejection, frustration and pity. Everyday is like a long tunnel to walk through dreary and depressing. To look at me, I look full of joy but I am screaming inside. I want to cry always and do cry non stop and try to keep myself busy so things will miraculously turn around, and so I can forget about these feelings. How did it all happen?
I bundle all my CV’s and show reels into the boot of the car. Make my boyfriend shower and come with me. We drive around town to all the production companies. I burn my jeans on a heater in a Ranelagh hairdressers asking for directions and now I have a burned mark right on the back of my jean leg. I am lucky I survived. The place was worse than the David Daven-Power freak show at the recent FF Ard Feis.
Dropping in my CV’s has made me ultra sensitive now, regarding peoples names whom I have addressed my letters to, as I now find that those people have left. Some letters I have addressed to people as Managing Directors (apologies Dennis O’ Brien!). Seriously Marie!
In a matter of 5 minutes back in the car I no longer look so pretty, carefree and joyful. I manage to start a row, cry again and nearly crash the car. I drive to the nearest Tesco’s and buy cigarettes -’So you can forget about the bloody squash racquet we’re saving for - I’m spending all our money on smokes‘. I drive Dan home, row and leave. All I eat all day is one biscuit and 4 cigarettes.
I head off to Mums and give her the weekly Spanish lesson and take the dart to Raheny. After crying so much my contacts are so cloudy and of course I can’t see a bloody thing so I end up winking at everybody to try and clear my eyes. The guy in front of me thinks I’m as odd as anything. I get off and wait for my Uncle Martin to start our canvassing. A car comes by flashing its lights and as I walk towards waving like a lunatic I realise that it’s not him! Martin is in the car behind. Getting over my mistake we head towards our destination- canvassing heaven-houses houses and more houses to drop in our leaflets and tell the world about insulation grants! Unfortunately I never changed my shoes and end up walking in 3 inch heels around estates for 3 hours! My poor blue suede shoes are knackered.
I love canvassing and meeting the people, seeing the gardens and feeling the air.
My dad collects me at the Burlington Hotel and we have a wonderful father-daughter chat for ten minutes on the drive home.
After the morning I put myself through I am thoroughly rejuvenated.
This whole depression crying thing is a nightmare. It does absolutely nothing. Now I am rejoicing and ready to tackle the world like a new woman. Dan is relieved. Not only do I hurt myself and hurt him but it is not good for both of us. I hate moaning but I hate this poxy self pitying more.
Roll on presenting here I come…………

Recession blues for Poster boys

If recent whisperings are to be believed, It's the big boys of the Celtic boom era that I would be feeling sorry for. Stories of debt collectors, Russian mafia and toilet lock In's and bruising are doing the rounds on the cocktail circuit. Security has been beefed up and divorce papers handed down. Some are facing disputes against former business partners and others proceedings against relatives and others most certainly will be handed the 'Go to jail card'. A few have taken far more brutal acts.
The wealthy and ambitious tigers have been vilified in public, spat at and sneered on.

For the fast majority of us at least we can still go to work happy. We pay our taxes and are spending our money, if not on 09 cars then by recent reports on botox against the recession wrinkles! Daytime TV is attracting record audiences and our electricity and food bills are down.
Isn't it good to be normal-no chance of losing millions or billions!

Fianna Fail Canvasser uncovered

Canvassing is not an easy job these days but Martin Mc Gettigan is a man with a mission. A former mayor of Raheny in Co. Dublin and a Peace Commissioner, Martin recently received the nomination from Fianna Fail to go forward as their candidate in the Donaghmede/Raheny/Ward area. Politics is in Martin's blood and his goal is to gain a Fianna Fail seat in this constituency.
Just under two years ago, Martin began canvasing six nights a week. At that stage, Ireland was still in the midst of the Celtic Tiger. As the months went by, it gradually became clear that the economy was changing as well as peoples opinions towards Fianna Fail and our leadership.
It was difficult for us, the canvassing team to go out some nights especially during the recent medical card scandal and strikes.
As a Fianna Fail supporter I was anxious to the reactions that I would receive on the doorstep and how I could justify my support for a party that was losing votes by the day.
Today's Irish Independent/Millward Brown IMS poll shows that support for Fianna Fail has plummeted.Only 1/5 voters feel that Cowen is doing a good job and only 1/10 is satisfied with the government.
My background is staunch Fianna Fail.The family home at Christmas is filled with politics and mistletoe, always something to love or argue about. For me growing up, Fianna Fail was all about Charlie Mc Creevys SSIA scheme which made us all feel like we could do anything, I bought shares and my brother travelled. We both had the means to be in a position to learn, which we now don't regret.The magic spell was short but intoxicating and very quickly without warning it changed so quickly. Life is now different, I can't remember the last time I went clubbing but now I can cook! Both of us hope we will be in our jobs next year.
I find today's poll confusing as the reactions which I have received at the door is not as bitter as suggested. True there is hostility and abuse and favour for Fianna Fail is lower but most people that I have spoken to are honest and understand that we among other countries have a rough ride ahead and an alternative party in power faced with these same problems that are facing Fianna Fail would also be receiving the same criticism.I did get the chance to talk with several people who were on the Civil and Public Service Union strike and they were there to support the situation but were not dissing Fianna Fail.
The Martin Mc Gettigan canvassing routine has at all times kept the show on the road.To be seen and to get talking to as many people as possible.Martin has been planning his campaign for the last two years and his dedication, commitment and personality will surely win him and Fianna Fail a seat. Please give Martin Mc Gettigan your No.1 vote! Martin can't change what is happening in the government or what leadership Cowen is taking. But if he wins a seat, he will be in a better position to help the Donaghmede/Raheny/Ward constituency. The local issues under Dublin County council. All politics is local and this is a local election.
I do wait in anticipation to see what positiveness will come out of this weekends Fianna Fail's Ard Feis and believe that this current government is doing it's best in a very difficult situation and are being very cautious. I am learning about life all the time, and will look back on this post in a few years time and think did I really write that?

A banking low as Gardai raid Anglo Irish

I have heard of pub raids and drug raids but this morning was the case of the long overdue bank raid. Anglo Irish Bank- Ireland's third largest bank became the centre of the gardai's attention, led by the Officier of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE).
A month after the government took control of the bank, and senior staff walk free and tan themselves in Spain, dozens of workers line the streets in fury.
Blind eye regulation and a lax banking environment has resulted in a mountain of deceit hidden by the trusted bank manager until now and the problem is bigger than anyone could have ever imagined .Insider trading,concealed loans and false accounting among other offences are coming out into the open. Our international partners look on us now with our tattered banking reputation and industrial relations frustration etched on the faces of society, as billions of euros leave the country every week.
Why did Brian Lenihan fool us all into thinking "that he would look after the little people" during his budget speech when it is always us the poor tax payer with our measly pensions that must deal with the difficulties while the white collar workers face no convictions?

The bogey €2 coins

Forget the forge €50 note or the dodgy €20 note, the new kid on the block and the biggest culprit of them all is the common €2 coin. Out since 2002 the coin itself is not exactly the problem rather it is the coins that are similar in look and size that are leaving customers short in the pocket. The recent invasion of coins from Mexico, Iran and Turkey are so similar to the €2 coin that retailers are urging all cashiers to double check for the distinctive map of Europe.
This week coming home by the Tunnel late at night, I received two hungarian coins in my change which left me €4 short, visibly angered, I buried my annoyance and got on with it, vowing the next time to check my change, which I always forget. It never strikes one to check coins whereas spotting a dud note is easier by texture and sight.
In my restaurant, I am becoming more eagle eyed to this epidemic,which is a form of "counterfeiting", a crime every country takes very seriously since it damages the economy. When I first noticed these coins in circulation- I started wondering what type of person was the culprit? Maybe the friendly Moroccan trying to distract me by engaging in conversation over a latte? The granny who takes ages to find the coins and I'm already accepting the change from the next customer or the builders in the morning?
On finding the bogus €2 which can come from anyone out there, I politely ask the customer for the right change, some look sheepish but others take it back to fawn it off elsewhere unashamedly. The €2 fakies are still making their way into the till though so now I offer them as a present to fellow shoppers to try and see where they can spend it, they look shocked and laugh meekly while accepting curiously. Am I making these people aware of the crime or am i encouraging it? One thing for sure- the €2 coins are out of my sight and out of mind but bound to come back in some other way.