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So last week a gang of about 15 bikers took to the roads from Dublin and headed to Cork. What an overnight trip! The weather was good, the buzz was awesome and the anticipation for Cork poured beer was high! I drive a Honda Deauville myself which is a 650cc tourer. Its a big bike but was actually the smallest bike for the day, with most other riders on BMW’s or tuned road bikes.

We left Dublin via the N7 at 9:30. Unofficially marshalled by those good folks at Bike 2 Bike Training, we plotted a route over the back roads that took us from Dublin to Blessington via the Sally Gap, on over to Kilkenny city for lunch, then towards Tipperary, Clare, over the V to Waterford before finally arriving in Cork.

We didnt arrive in Cork in 6:30pm which goes to show how much of a challenge the route was. Many roads were windy, gravelly, badly marked but that didnt deter from the fun and the sights. We took a somewhat leisurely pace and safety was as always paramount. Taking the back roads reminds you of how beautiful the country really is and we dont often get to see it when bombing down the motorway in rush hour traffic!

The arrival to Cork was celebrated with lots of beer, a trip to the local pubs and then more beer to wash it the first lot down.

Myself and one of the other bikers, John Fair, tweeted the day’s exploits on Twitter with the tag #wobblybiker

Needless to say the trip home the next day in the rain was not as pleasant…

Life The Universe and Everything! #wobblybiker, Honda Deauville, motorbike in Ireland, Twitter

I’m excited about this weekend. Myself and a buddy, John Fair, both share a love for all things 2 wheeled with engines. (Thats a complicated way of saying we like our motorbikes) John and I are taking to the road early Saturday morning with 12 others on a long trip to Cork. By long trip, I mean Dublin to Cork via Wicklow, Wexford, Waterford, Lismore and Cork. Hopefully the weather keeps up.

We plan on taking lots of photos, and um, maybe washing down a beer or 2. You can follow our goings on in real time on twitter as we will be tweeting updates and photos with the hashtag search #wobblybiker

Will report back on the day’s antics next week!

Life The Universe and Everything!

Last week, before its run in the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin, I had the privilege of attending a performance of Lane Productions latest, “The Shawshank Redemption”. Yes that one. Directed by Peter Sheridan and written by Owen O’Neill and Dave Johns, the run of performances at the Gaiety was the world stage premiere of the Stephen King book.

I went along with an heir of hesitance. Lane Productions in recent years have put on productions that dont appeal to me. I, Keano etc. Im not saying they are poor, Im saying they are just arent my thing.

However my opinion changed after last week’s performance. It was excellent. Many of the actors were hardened established actors, particularly the leads, Kevin Anderson and Reg E. Cathey. (Pictured above)

The set was well thought through and the scene changes handled gracefully. It really was a strong piece of work.

If I was to find a flaw, I would struggle, but I have one, albeit a minor one. The famous scene/image from the movie, of Andy emerging from the sewer and throwing his arms out ala the crucifix does not make it in.

I always felt that the image of Andy emerging Christ like, resurrected and crucified, brought full circle the sub theme of him being a Christ like character. The scene of him winning 12 beers for his jail friends being a crucial scene. Like I said, my flaw, is a minor one. (and for the nitpickers, the scene with Bogs (Joe Hanley) with his armed outstretched under the spotlight did not make up for it!)

All in all, an excellent piece and I look forward to similar productions from Lane.

Arts Gaiety Theatre, Joe Hanley, Kevin Anderson, Lane Productions, Peter Sheridan, Reg Cathey, The Shawshank Redemption

Came across this trailer today, a bit of a departure for Scorcese? (Sorry, couldn’t resist!) Based on a book, Scorcese is leaving the mafia at home but taking Leo with him. Looking forward to this one.

Movies Martina Scorcese, Shutter Island, Shutter Island Trailer

This summer’s movie blockbusters feature alot of robots. And John Connor. But why watch 2 movies when you only need to watch one?

Movies Christian Bale, Terminator Salvation, Transformers, Transforminators

It has been an amazing Year One for the group. We set out with ambitious goals for the year and exceeded them. Between the success of the plays and also of our improv night, we have set the foundations to grow further.

But a summer break is upon us. What to do during the break?

Some of the group have set up a summer writing group to work on writing plays for our next production. Its open season in that regard really.
Others are going to hire a boat and go sailing together. Is it illegal to sail a boat under the influence of alcohol?

For me though, I have some ideas. I’m hoping to put on some more Improv nights and who knows, maybe tour Ireland or Europe with it? OK may it is just an excuse for a few beers but who’s complaining….?

The group is still open for business though. The forum will still run on boards.ie and the group members will be active. I’m sure a picnic or two will be had, weather permitting.

Arts Dublin drama, No Drama Theatre

So a short while ago No Drama Theatre put on our first major production for a 3 night run. We sold out. Granted with a combined cast and crew of about 30 people, friends and family account for most but it still left many seats to be filled by those who have heard of us through boards.ie and the minimal advertising we did.

What a rush.

It went well. There was a great buzz in the venue, La Catedral during the week. With many people having never performed before, nerves were common but spirits were high. Between the directors, Barry O’Donovan and Brian Quinn, and the dedicated crew of volunteers, they put together a set and show that surpassed all our expectations.

That’s not to say there weren’t imperfections during the week, but it was nothing that couldn’t be handled or learnt from.

We had 2 pieces on. Our main piece, Night At The Invasion and supporting piece (which was 3 short plays), Tales From The Fairground

Some photos from the performance can be found here.

Can you spot yours truly in there?

Arts Dublin Drama Group, La Catedral Studios, Night At The Invasion, No Drama Theatre, Tales From The Fairground

Ok this is just for a bit of fun. Everyone knows what a lolcat is. It has inspired many a good photo but mostly crap ones to plague internet forum. However lolcat for a brief moment spurned ninja cat on youtube. Check it out:

But as with everything on the internet. There are imitators. But this one is even better than the original for all the wrong reasons! Check out the girly man scream at the end!

CLinks!, Life The Universe and Everything! CLinks!, lolcat, Ninja Cat

Ok so this might be another shameless plug for No Drama Theatre but this one is well deserved. The group is really growing and we have moved home to a school hall to cater for our numbers in Synge St. Primary School. Our last workshop had 37 people turn up. It was something else. However we want to continue the trend, an open door policy and let the group what it wants to be. Soon we will start splitting up the group to cater for the larger numbers.

But it doesn’t just stop there. On Tuesday a TV crew are filming the group as part of a documentary for RTE’s “D’Side” show on boards.ie and its communities. We have Tom Murphy (aka. DeVore) of boards.ie to thank for it as the documentary is centering around him. Tom is a regular at our workshops.

This coming Tuesday will all see auditions being held for one of our productions entitled “Tales from the Fairground”. As with our workshops, anyone can just turn up and audition, no prep required.

It’s an exciting time for the group!

Website here!

Forum here!

Arts boards, DeVore, drama Dublin, No Drama Theatre, Tom Murphy

Yeah I’m back…again. I’m supposed to be somewhere else though this morning but it was cancelled in a way. So no better opportunity to update the world’s most pointless yet wildly entertaining blog. No not that one, this one!

So Watchmen has come and gone. It was talked about alot. Reviewers were divided on it. Some gave 1 star, some gave 5. And I realise I’m talking about it way after the dust has settled. But I think that puts me in a better position to talk about it. Because I have absorbed it, embraced it, watched it twice, delved into my inner feelin…. no you are right, I was just too lazy to post until now!

I did watch it twice though. My first viewing was somewhat distracted and I don’t think I sat down to watch it as a movie but as a recreation of a book. The second viewing killed me off though. The film is poor. I’d say shite but I have to give Kudos for Synder for the effort he put in. Yet despite his big biceps and extreme gym workout, he is still a nerd. And blue penises look funny on a big screen. Especially if there are skangers in the cinema with you. (Skangers is an Irish slang phrase for chavs or townies etc)

Despite the overtly boring and dire performances by Malin Akerman (Silk Spectre) and Patrick Wilson (Nite Owl II) there were some pieces I did enjoy. I felt that Dr. Manhattan’s back story was handed well and the “voice of God” as it is often touted worked for me. You could feel the subtle sadness in his dulcet tones. His backstory did feel sad but nerdy at the same time.

The ending was changed as expected and it made so sense really. Granted a giant squid on screen would look as ridiculous as an non moving blue penis in the wind, the new ending failed to capture the essence of Ozymandias and the purpose of the novel from the start.

So was it worth sitting through the 2 hours 45 minutes? Well unfortunately it was if you are a fan of the comic book but alas I think Alan Moore was right about this one.

And on a final note, the soundtrack didnt work for me. It didn’t feel 80’s enough and Nixon looked like he belonged on Spitting Image.

Anyway you have probably seen it by now and if not. Who cares!

Special thanks to the cool people over at movies.ie who sent me tickets for the preview screening!

Movie Reviews blue penis, Dr. Manhattan, Watchmen, Watchmen review

Some CLinks to keep you entertained, or not, depending on what you are in to!

What an odd site. The new lolcat? Check out the adventures of Gynolamp here!

Irish Blogger Jason Row caused a bit of a stir for Ryanair this week with this blog post here.

Jack Black takes the console wars a bit too far here.

And while on the gaming theme, Whitest Kids You Know show us what its really like to playing online games below.

CLinks!, Life The Universe and Everything!

You may recall when I blogged about the drama group I’m involved with, No Drama Theatre here. Well things have been moving forward positively for the group with a record number of people at a recent workshop. 31 people turned up which is fantastic for this group.

Our first production, “Night At The Invasion” (NATI) has been cast and the rehearsals have kicked off. We also announced that we would be running a companion piece, “Tales From The Fairground” (TFTF) too. Auditions for TFTF will be held later this month. (So get your arse there if you are interested!)

I have been cast in NATI as a character named Col. Richard Hazleby. Its been a while since Ive had to learn my lines. In fact, years. But wow, when I do manage to remember some lines during a rehearsal, it is a rush performing with my co-stars. We are all psyched to be putting this on and its a joy to see people, some who have never performed at all, giving it their all even at this early stage.

I shall be bringing you interviews with our esteemed directors, Barry O’Donovan and Brian Quinn in the coming week or two. (I mean it this time!)

Arts Drama Group Dublin, No Drama Theatre

Its being rather quiet around here lately. “Hmmm” says you, “no shite mister”. My neglect can be attributed to a number of things, the main one being lack of diffidence. I dont know what lack of diffidence really means, but when I was in school it was something a teacher said to my parents to describe my inability to work harder.

Anyway, its 2009 and Im all growed up. So to demonstrate my maturity, Im going to share my favourite of the “Christian Bale goes doo-lally on a film set” parodies I have found on the net. Those of you with your head in the sand who don’t know the background; Bale on the set of Terminator Salvation had a mickey fit with the Director of Photography during an intense emotional scene (making love to terminators? Its McG for God sake!) and the DoP was more interested in adjusting his lights. Or something. Anyway, enjoy!

Movies Christian Bale, Christian Bale parody, doo-lally, Terminator Salvation

Those of you who were arsed to read one of my first posts on the site will remember I put up a story about John Singleton directing the A-Team movie. Well it has now been 100% confirmed by Fox and Ridley Scott, that the director of Alien and Blade Runner will be looking after one of the most popular TV shows of the 80’s.

In an interview with Variety magazine that they plan was to boot a franchise that he hoped would be around for “many years to come”. The film will be modernised, taking the action away from Vietnam and updating it with the Middle East. Scott also wants to dump the “campiness” of the TV show and bring to us a “fast paced” show that is “emotional, real and accessible as possible without cheesing it up.”

Co-creator of the original series Stephen J Cannell is also on board as a producer. Release date is June 2010.

Movies a-team, Ridley Scott

How to make a complaint and succeed, here.

Movies posters gone mental here.

Google Maps kills a deer here.

Live action RPG below *shudders*

CLinks! CLinks!, Complaint, Google Maps, Live Action RPG, mental movie posters, Virgin

Given the existing economic climate that we’re in and the increase in company liquidations, I’ve put together a survey to assess how important cash flow is to companies at present and to determine how satisfied the decision makers are with the credit control and collections.

Please take a moment to complete this brief survey with your company’s view. All responses are taken in complete confidence and only the aggregated results will be published. User’s will not be identified.

Click Here to take survey

Thanks for your help!

Life The Universe and Everything!

Ok so its been a while since I have put up some CLinks, let hope these are up to scratch!!

Check out Irishboy John Williams and his quest to win in the Twitter Shorty Awards here.

The recently successful Teen Camp Ireland event in Ireland has a few clips on YouTube, check them out below!

One of my favourite blogs, 2 Weeks on a Trolley can be found here. Its written by Irish people who work in the medical profession are doctors or nurses, some in Ireland and some abroad. Very interesting read.

The lads over at the excellent ifoods.tv prepare for the launch of their new name here.

BBC 3 news presenter Tasmin Lucia Khan learns that running to your desk with seconds to spare before live broadcast leaves you breathless here.

CLinks!, Life The Universe and Everything!

So we in a fastly accelerating American made car called the Recession. There is no escaping from it now. Japan, the UK, we’re all screwed until somebody speculates that there is no longer a recession. Sure tis great gas

People are losing their jobs faster than Steve Martin became unfunny but don’t panic there are are still some things in life that are free, such as recycling. Or so I thought.

I’m relatively environmentally aware. I say relatively because if I was to do everything I’m expected to do, then I’d have to carry around a checklist of what I should and shouldn’t do. And I’m not keeping a worm farm just because John Gormley says so.

So get to the point, what am I talking about. A post December trip to the local landfill with some waste and some recycling met me with some surprising results. It seems that Local Authorities are now charging the public to recycle. The one time free service that the government rolled out at local landfill to encourage less waste is no longer free. But wait, that’s not the money shot yet!

When the employee told me this, he had a look in the car at what I had and said, “sure just throw your recyclables in with the waste, it’ll be cheaper for you”

And for shame, I did.

Judge me as you wish, we are in a recession but at least I spent my money locally rather than being “unpatriotic” and bring my waste up North…

Rant and Raves Landfill, recycling, rubbish dump

Many of you have probably seen this movie by now, so I will keep this post brief. If you haven’t seen it, stop reading this and go see it now.

I get very antsy at this time of year when if comes to what is advertised as “Oscar”movies or “feel good” movies. At this time of year those kind of movies are no different than drunken men in a Dublin pub on a Saturday night. Except instead of looking for the ride, they’re only after awards.

When Danny Boyle’s latest film was being tagged as a feel good movie and award worthy material, I was nervous. BUT it is Danny Boyle and he has demonstrated his mastery of story telling on screen. I gave it a look.

In summary, the film opens with a young man as a contestant on the Indian version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, one question for hitting the jackpot. He is arrested for attempted fraud and the story then intercuts with his explanations as to how he knows the answer, which in essence translates to his life story.

The movie is being badly touted in the media. There are far better feel good movies out there. There is no melodrama here to warrant being called an “Oscar” movie. Instead, what we have is a fine example of film making, story telling and character development. The performances are top notch.

Oh and it has this girl…

An excellent film and it has given 2009 a nice start. Although things get remarkably worse if you go see Bride Wars afterward….

Movies

I will never feel guilty saying it. I like Ryanair. I enjoy flying with them to most locations. I know that if I fly Ryanair I will get there on time or earlier and in one piece. The only thing I don’t like about is the mad rush for a seat/queue for boarding which reminds me of getting a bus in Dublin during the 80’s. (only they don’t smoke on the Ryanair flights!) Despite what Ryanair tell us, priority boarding doesn’t get us onboard any stress free than waiting.

Anyway, I have something nice to say so I figure what the heck, lets blog about it. I feel its only fair. I had to fly Aer Lingus twice in the past 2 weeks and both experiences were pleasant and efficient. I know, its fairly shocking and almost oxymoronical to say that.

For a start both flights were on time at both ends. (So I can’t refer to Aer Lingus as Aer Lategus for the purpose of this post). The cabin crew were very friendly and much to my surprise, fluent in English. Best part of all was I had a fry on both flights, even though one of the flights was an afternoon flight. And after eating continental breakfasts with poxy tea for some time, an airline fry with Lyon’s Tea was like a gift from Heaven.

I don’t really have anything anecdotal to add or witty to say. I still like Ryanair and I still consider Michael O’Leary to be one of the greatest Irishmen since, well take your pick. But I can’t knock Aer Lingus this time. As a result, I wont be so hesitant to select them for future flights. It was nice to have my seat already selected.

Sorry Michael

Rant and Raves