Last Sunday my parents traveled to the Cliffs of Moher to take part in a "BatucaMob” - a flash mob (one of several simultaneously happening around Europe) comprising of music (provided by the Kilfenora Cheili Band) and thumping empty waste bins, trash cans and other containers. The event, organized by my aunt Pauline McDonagh , marked the start of the 2010 European Week for Waste Reduction. More details available at www.managewaste.ie or www.ewwr.eu.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Kinect Hacking
Unless you've been living under a rock for the past few weeks you'll have heard of Kinect, Microsoft's answer to the Wii. The Kinect is a "controller-free gaming and entertainment experience" for the Xbox 360 (and will be available for PC users when Windows 8 is launched). The Kinect sensor uses motion sensors, 3d scanning and fancial/audio recognition software to enhance the gaming experience.
Kinect has only been on the market for a few weeks now but already several people have taken a screwdriver to their kinect sensors. Using the device's hardware they've come up with some fantastic "hacks".
Here's some of the more interesting one so far:
and my personal favorite
And all this was done with a fortnight. There's some amazingly creative people out there- I look forward to seeing what happens in the future.
Kinect has only been on the market for a few weeks now but already several people have taken a screwdriver to their kinect sensors. Using the device's hardware they've come up with some fantastic "hacks".
Here's some of the more interesting one so far:
ofxKinect 3D draw 001 from Memo Akten on Vimeo.
and my personal favorite
Interactive Puppet Prototype with Xbox Kinect from Theo Watson on Vimeo.
And all this was done with a fortnight. There's some amazingly creative people out there- I look forward to seeing what happens in the future.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
scouts - creating a better world
As I type 44 members of scouting Ireland are in India as part of operation hope. There project involves working to inprove a local orphanage.(updates on http://venturehope.blogspot.com/)
it is through their efforts and the efforts of other scout groups both in Ireland and elsewhere that the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM) is able to achieve their tag line (creating a better world)
There are roughly 28 million scouts in the world today. if every scouts did one thing to improve the world, think of the results. Imagine 28 million projects in one day, 28 million acts of kindness, 28 million attempts to create a better world.
The question is now how do we make this happen
it is through their efforts and the efforts of other scout groups both in Ireland and elsewhere that the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM) is able to achieve their tag line (creating a better world)
There are roughly 28 million scouts in the world today. if every scouts did one thing to improve the world, think of the results. Imagine 28 million projects in one day, 28 million acts of kindness, 28 million attempts to create a better world.
The question is now how do we make this happen
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Apologies
Dear blog
I'm sorry for ignoring you these past few days. I have things to say but alas no time nor words to express them. I have been busy at work and busy working on another blog (www.CaherdavinScouts.WordPress.com). However i shall be returning soon and i promise there will be posts galore.
Your friend
Barry
I'm sorry for ignoring you these past few days. I have things to say but alas no time nor words to express them. I have been busy at work and busy working on another blog (www.CaherdavinScouts.WordPress.com). However i shall be returning soon and i promise there will be posts galore.
Your friend
Barry
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Limerick Bicycle Parade 2010
July 19th saw thousands of Limerick people take to their bikes for the Annual Bike Parade. This was my first year taking part and I can honestly say it was a great experience. The parade started outside King John’s castle at 1pm and finished at the People’s Park.
There were prizes on the day for best dress bike and best dress cyclist. The winner, in my opinion, was the woman who used two pieces of foam to turn her bike into an old fashioned plane, worn old style aviator gear and had a name tag saying “Dick Dastardly” while her baby was mutley.
After a lovely bike ride down O’Connell St and up Mallow St, the cyclists were greated with a great party in the park with bouncing castles, music, face painting, balloon animals, Mountain Bike Trick demos and some street dancers. With the lovely weather we had on the day it was a very enjoyable event for all ages.
My only issue was the lack of garda control on some part of O’Connell St. Near the hunt museum they were blocking off traffic for the cyclists but up by Roches St and Cecil St there was nothing to stop cars pulling out in front of cyclists. For an event like this the traffic should have been controlled.
The best part of the day was over hearing a conversation:
Child: Dad, this is fun. Can we do this next year?
Dad: Sure you can go for a bike ride anytime
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Challenge 2006 (Article for Outsider Magazine)
This is a draft of an article I wrote for Outsider Magazine about my experiences of the Venture Scout Challenge in 2006. Challenge is a 5 day 100km hike I did across Mayo and Roscommon
In August 2005, my friend David and I took part in what could only be described as the experience of a life time. We were “Team Two” out of 8 other teams from Dublin, Cork, Kildare and Limerick on Scouting Ireland’s Challenge Expedition.
Challenge is a 100km hike over five days. Teams of two Venture Scouts have to carry their own gear, cook their meals, compile a logbook and complete 8 projects all while living on a budget of €4 a day. The aim of the projects is to bring participants in contact with as many people as possible. The venue for this year’s expedition was the West of Ireland taking in counties Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo and parts of Galway.
We arrived in Castlebar on the Saturday night where we got our Challenge hoodies and neckerchiefs and took part in some interesting games. The next day we were dropped off at the side of the road at Pontoon Bridge, Mayo and our five day trek to base camp had begun.
Day One- 18km
After working out our location with the help of a helpful elderly man we set about reading our projects (from a wide range of topics from women’s sport to immigration) and planning our route. After we completed our planning we headed to Foxford, the location of our first compulsory project. We visited the local Woollen Mills to investigate the importance of the mill to the local community. While in Foxford we were told that the “fastest way to Roscommon is by car”. We then headed towards the village of Bohola. One of the projects we didn’t expect to have much luck with was the one asking us to meet people of different nationalities. Therefore you can imagine our surprise when the people we first asked to use their kettle happened to be French. We stopped for the night outside Bohola with a lovely family who offered to cook us dinner and were very helpful with our projects.
Day Two- 23km
After a quick breakfast we headed to Kiltimagh where we met Christine and Eadoain from Team 3. As we continued along a regional road we stopped at a house to fill our water bottles but the retired family refused to let us leave without us having lunch with them. We then cut onto the N17 and passed by Knock Airport. We finally found a garden to camp (sixth time lucky) at the home of a friendly farming family who gave us loads of information for our projects and were very interested in what we were doing.
Day three- 24km
Our next stop was Charlestown where our task was to talk to people about local author John Healy. One of the employees at the hardware store talked for ages about a different John Healy. Shortly afterwards we were directed to the home of John Healy’s brother Gerry and nephew Steven who gave us loads of information and gave us a copy of John’s book “No One Shouted Stop!”
On the advice of a passing motorist we had to change our route to avoid being run down. This gave us a chance to see rural Ireland’s back roads. That night we somehow managed to convince a woman to let us camp in her husband’s pristine garden (still not sure how we pulled that one off).
Day four- 25km
We eventually got to Ballaghadrerreen (still having trouble pronouncing that one) the next morning where we went to library to find out why the parish plays its football in Mayo but is located in Roscommon (nobody was 100% certain as to why this is but it’s been the cause of great division in recent years) and what significance did the Dillon family have on the town. While researching this project we met Aidan from Team One. Several people stopped us along the way to ask us what we were doing. Their reaction was the same as everyone else we told- “fair play to ya but I wouldn’t do it myself”
As we were walking along the road on our way to Boyle David felt a pain in his leg. The pain progressed as we went on so we decided that as soon as we’d found somewhere to camp we’d call the Expedition Leaders, John and Mandy, and tell them what happened. Finding somewhere to stay was easier said than done. We had expected to stop five kilometres short of Boyle but before we knew it we had reached the town. Eventually we found an elderly couple who let us camp in their garden and after dinner we phoned base camp. The expedition leaders came out to look at David’s leg. With only 10km left to complete the mileage we were determined to finish this. After several minutes of an examination David was cleared to continue provided he called in regularly.
Day five- 18km
After a filling breakfast provided by our generous hosts we set off towards Carrick-on-Shannon where we would be picked up the next morning. Along the way we met the staff coming out of base camp in Lough Key Forest Park. Unfortunately we had to pass by base camp towards our pick up point in Carrick-on-Shannon. We reached the 100km marker at the Carrick-on-Shannon Golf Club. We continued on towards the town making our camp in a garden just outside. After cooking dinner (much to the interest of our host’s dogs) we finished the writing for our projects and logbook.
Base Camp
After breakfast at Supermacs (don’t ask) we found our pick up point. We were quickly joined by Rosie and Aisling of team 4. We spent the next hour chatting about our experiences. We were picked up by Mandy at 11am and driven to base camp.
At base camp we handed up our projects and logs and the €2.60 we had left. We soon were reunited with the other teams and our clean clothes. After a shower (during which I was locked in) and lunch we had our assessments. Instead of being the serious interview we expected it turned out to be a friendly chat. That evening we went to the town of Boyle for the music festival. Despite all the walking 100km the participants thought nothing of dancing in the streets to the sounds of cover band J-90 (even Andrew and I got up briefly).
Next morning we went to the Arigna Coal Mine and went rowing on Lough Key after lunch. That evening we got ready for the presentation. We walked down to the lake where Mandy, the Chief Scout Martin Burbridge and the Programme Commissioner (National Events) Ian Davy lead the presentation. Teams were called in random order and told what awards they had received. The awards were a badge for the mileage, a certificate for the mileage and projects and most importantly the Challenge Woggle for “an excellent standard and for those who pushed themselves to the limit in keeping with the spirit of Challenge”. David and I were the last to be called up (we’ve never been so nervous). Henry, the senior assessor, called out the awards we received: Team two… Badge and Cert… (Long pause) And Woggle! We could barely contain our excitement as we collected our Woggles from the Chief Scout. That evening we went to dinner followed by an amazing campfire- A good finish to a brilliant week.
It was hard to say goodbye to all my new friends the next morning but I’m sure we’ll meet several times in the future. I’m sure all 16 participants would like to thank the staff for this amazing experience, especially our Expedition Leaders Mandy Merriman and John “Mayo” Heffernan. I would recommend Challenge to all Venture Scouts- it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
In August 2005, my friend David and I took part in what could only be described as the experience of a life time. We were “Team Two” out of 8 other teams from Dublin, Cork, Kildare and Limerick on Scouting Ireland’s Challenge Expedition.
Challenge is a 100km hike over five days. Teams of two Venture Scouts have to carry their own gear, cook their meals, compile a logbook and complete 8 projects all while living on a budget of €4 a day. The aim of the projects is to bring participants in contact with as many people as possible. The venue for this year’s expedition was the West of Ireland taking in counties Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo and parts of Galway.
We arrived in Castlebar on the Saturday night where we got our Challenge hoodies and neckerchiefs and took part in some interesting games. The next day we were dropped off at the side of the road at Pontoon Bridge, Mayo and our five day trek to base camp had begun.
Day One- 18km
After working out our location with the help of a helpful elderly man we set about reading our projects (from a wide range of topics from women’s sport to immigration) and planning our route. After we completed our planning we headed to Foxford, the location of our first compulsory project. We visited the local Woollen Mills to investigate the importance of the mill to the local community. While in Foxford we were told that the “fastest way to Roscommon is by car”. We then headed towards the village of Bohola. One of the projects we didn’t expect to have much luck with was the one asking us to meet people of different nationalities. Therefore you can imagine our surprise when the people we first asked to use their kettle happened to be French. We stopped for the night outside Bohola with a lovely family who offered to cook us dinner and were very helpful with our projects.
Day Two- 23km
After a quick breakfast we headed to Kiltimagh where we met Christine and Eadoain from Team 3. As we continued along a regional road we stopped at a house to fill our water bottles but the retired family refused to let us leave without us having lunch with them. We then cut onto the N17 and passed by Knock Airport. We finally found a garden to camp (sixth time lucky) at the home of a friendly farming family who gave us loads of information for our projects and were very interested in what we were doing.
Day three- 24km
Our next stop was Charlestown where our task was to talk to people about local author John Healy. One of the employees at the hardware store talked for ages about a different John Healy. Shortly afterwards we were directed to the home of John Healy’s brother Gerry and nephew Steven who gave us loads of information and gave us a copy of John’s book “No One Shouted Stop!”
On the advice of a passing motorist we had to change our route to avoid being run down. This gave us a chance to see rural Ireland’s back roads. That night we somehow managed to convince a woman to let us camp in her husband’s pristine garden (still not sure how we pulled that one off).
Day four- 25km
We eventually got to Ballaghadrerreen (still having trouble pronouncing that one) the next morning where we went to library to find out why the parish plays its football in Mayo but is located in Roscommon (nobody was 100% certain as to why this is but it’s been the cause of great division in recent years) and what significance did the Dillon family have on the town. While researching this project we met Aidan from Team One. Several people stopped us along the way to ask us what we were doing. Their reaction was the same as everyone else we told- “fair play to ya but I wouldn’t do it myself”
As we were walking along the road on our way to Boyle David felt a pain in his leg. The pain progressed as we went on so we decided that as soon as we’d found somewhere to camp we’d call the Expedition Leaders, John and Mandy, and tell them what happened. Finding somewhere to stay was easier said than done. We had expected to stop five kilometres short of Boyle but before we knew it we had reached the town. Eventually we found an elderly couple who let us camp in their garden and after dinner we phoned base camp. The expedition leaders came out to look at David’s leg. With only 10km left to complete the mileage we were determined to finish this. After several minutes of an examination David was cleared to continue provided he called in regularly.
Day five- 18km
After a filling breakfast provided by our generous hosts we set off towards Carrick-on-Shannon where we would be picked up the next morning. Along the way we met the staff coming out of base camp in Lough Key Forest Park. Unfortunately we had to pass by base camp towards our pick up point in Carrick-on-Shannon. We reached the 100km marker at the Carrick-on-Shannon Golf Club. We continued on towards the town making our camp in a garden just outside. After cooking dinner (much to the interest of our host’s dogs) we finished the writing for our projects and logbook.
Base Camp
After breakfast at Supermacs (don’t ask) we found our pick up point. We were quickly joined by Rosie and Aisling of team 4. We spent the next hour chatting about our experiences. We were picked up by Mandy at 11am and driven to base camp.
At base camp we handed up our projects and logs and the €2.60 we had left. We soon were reunited with the other teams and our clean clothes. After a shower (during which I was locked in) and lunch we had our assessments. Instead of being the serious interview we expected it turned out to be a friendly chat. That evening we went to the town of Boyle for the music festival. Despite all the walking 100km the participants thought nothing of dancing in the streets to the sounds of cover band J-90 (even Andrew and I got up briefly).
Next morning we went to the Arigna Coal Mine and went rowing on Lough Key after lunch. That evening we got ready for the presentation. We walked down to the lake where Mandy, the Chief Scout Martin Burbridge and the Programme Commissioner (National Events) Ian Davy lead the presentation. Teams were called in random order and told what awards they had received. The awards were a badge for the mileage, a certificate for the mileage and projects and most importantly the Challenge Woggle for “an excellent standard and for those who pushed themselves to the limit in keeping with the spirit of Challenge”. David and I were the last to be called up (we’ve never been so nervous). Henry, the senior assessor, called out the awards we received: Team two… Badge and Cert… (Long pause) And Woggle! We could barely contain our excitement as we collected our Woggles from the Chief Scout. That evening we went to dinner followed by an amazing campfire- A good finish to a brilliant week.
It was hard to say goodbye to all my new friends the next morning but I’m sure we’ll meet several times in the future. I’m sure all 16 participants would like to thank the staff for this amazing experience, especially our Expedition Leaders Mandy Merriman and John “Mayo” Heffernan. I would recommend Challenge to all Venture Scouts- it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Special Olympics
June 2010 saw the Special Olympics Irish Games come to Limerick. The Special Olympics is a sporting organisation for people who have intellectual disabilities.
The Games opened on Wedneday June 9th with a fantastic Opening Ceremony with performances from the Cranbeerries, Supermodel Twins, the Heathers and more.
For the next four days, 1,900 athletes from 5 region (Munster, Leinster, Ulster, Connaught and Eastern) took part in several events across eight venues. Swimming, basketball, soccer, kayaking and athletics took place in the University of Limerick. Table Tennis, Badminton and the Motor Activities Training Programme (MATP) took place in Mary Imaculete College. Pitch and Putt took place in the Murroe Pitch and Putt club while the Limerick Golf Club hosted the Golf events. The equestrian activities took place in Clonshire and the Booce was held at the Limerick Race Course. The Bowling was split between Funworld on the Ennis Road and Leisure World in Ennis.
In addition to the events, there were several side events throughout the Games. The "Special Olympics Town" was set up in UL and had two sections- a fun area (with games, music and facepainting) and a Healthy Athlete Area where athletes could get check ups for their eyes, teeth, stance, eating and weight. There was also several performances by local entertainers. I got to see a performance of the Sicilian Musical Society from their upcoming show "The Wiz". During a break in the performance, an improteau dance involving hundreds of athletes, volunteers and family members. One member of the Society describe it as "pretty amazing and fun and inspiring for us".
I got the pleasure of attending the Games in UL as a photographer. The one thing that stood out for me was the incredible enthuasism from the volunteers, family members, coaches, judges and, especially, the athletes themselves. Words cannot describe the experience of meeting the athletes. Many of the athletes came up to me when they saw the camera. They loved posing for photographs or even just saying hello and telling someone about what events they took part in. Even watching the events and seeing how even a little encouragement from the crowd or their fellow athletes truely spurred on the athletes to push themselves.
I got to speak to some of the volunteers over the course of a few days and they all describe it as a "life changing experience".
For more information about the great work of the Special Olympics log onto www.SpecialOlympics.ie. To check out the rest of my photos from the event click here
The Games opened on Wedneday June 9th with a fantastic Opening Ceremony with performances from the Cranbeerries, Supermodel Twins, the Heathers and more.
For the next four days, 1,900 athletes from 5 region (Munster, Leinster, Ulster, Connaught and Eastern) took part in several events across eight venues. Swimming, basketball, soccer, kayaking and athletics took place in the University of Limerick. Table Tennis, Badminton and the Motor Activities Training Programme (MATP) took place in Mary Imaculete College. Pitch and Putt took place in the Murroe Pitch and Putt club while the Limerick Golf Club hosted the Golf events. The equestrian activities took place in Clonshire and the Booce was held at the Limerick Race Course. The Bowling was split between Funworld on the Ennis Road and Leisure World in Ennis.
In addition to the events, there were several side events throughout the Games. The "Special Olympics Town" was set up in UL and had two sections- a fun area (with games, music and facepainting) and a Healthy Athlete Area where athletes could get check ups for their eyes, teeth, stance, eating and weight. There was also several performances by local entertainers. I got to see a performance of the Sicilian Musical Society from their upcoming show "The Wiz". During a break in the performance, an improteau dance involving hundreds of athletes, volunteers and family members. One member of the Society describe it as "pretty amazing and fun and inspiring for us".
I got the pleasure of attending the Games in UL as a photographer. The one thing that stood out for me was the incredible enthuasism from the volunteers, family members, coaches, judges and, especially, the athletes themselves. Words cannot describe the experience of meeting the athletes. Many of the athletes came up to me when they saw the camera. They loved posing for photographs or even just saying hello and telling someone about what events they took part in. Even watching the events and seeing how even a little encouragement from the crowd or their fellow athletes truely spurred on the athletes to push themselves.
I got to speak to some of the volunteers over the course of a few days and they all describe it as a "life changing experience".
For more information about the great work of the Special Olympics log onto www.SpecialOlympics.ie. To check out the rest of my photos from the event click here
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Save the Senate
There's always talk of scrapping the senate. In its current form it has no point. Its just a thank you job for friends of the government or for those unlucky to get elected to the Dail. The recent expenses scandal has further damaged its standing in the eyes of the public.
I think there's is a need for a strong senate that can stand up to the dail not just support it. So here is my proposal for senate reform:
1) The senate is comprise of 60 directly elected senators who have a term of 6 years.
2) Five Senate Consituencies (Same as European elections)
3) Elections for 1/3 of senate seats to held every 2 years. This keeps the senate fresh and allows for changes in public opinion. Means the government of the day doesn't necessarily control the senate.
4) Legislation regarding foreign policy (such as European laws, the Irish Diaspora, North South relations outside of the Peace Process) can only be started in the Senate. This is similar to the way financial legislation can only be started in the dail.
I truely believe a strong senate can benefit Ireland but this is only possible with propper reforms.
I think there's is a need for a strong senate that can stand up to the dail not just support it. So here is my proposal for senate reform:
1) The senate is comprise of 60 directly elected senators who have a term of 6 years.
2) Five Senate Consituencies (Same as European elections)
3) Elections for 1/3 of senate seats to held every 2 years. This keeps the senate fresh and allows for changes in public opinion. Means the government of the day doesn't necessarily control the senate.
4) Legislation regarding foreign policy (such as European laws, the Irish Diaspora, North South relations outside of the Peace Process) can only be started in the Senate. This is similar to the way financial legislation can only be started in the dail.
I truely believe a strong senate can benefit Ireland but this is only possible with propper reforms.
The Heathers Live at Dolans
Last night i went to Dolans to see the Heathers.
The warm up act was Limerick based musician Vertigo Smyth. Smyth, who plays the Ukulele (is ukulelist a word???) and guitar, is a quiet a mellow act. While i enjoyed it, i think it may have been a tad too mellow for the younger crowd in the room. I found his lyrics to be quiet humorous and his style quiet unique. Worth checking out.
After Smyth and a slightly long gap, Ellie and Louise of the Heathers took to the stage. The girls seemed very down to earth and looked like they were really enjoying the gig. The atmosphere in the room was electric with the fans singing along and talking to the girls (one girl offered to give the girls lessons in vocal excercises at one stage). The girls played all their songs as well as covers from the Mountain Goats (????) and Halo by Beyonce which got great reaction from their fans.
The Heathers are possibly two of the most talented young people on the irish music scene right now and don't look like packing it in anytime soon. They return to Limerick next Wednesday for the opening ceremony of the special olympics in Thomond Park.
The warm up act was Limerick based musician Vertigo Smyth. Smyth, who plays the Ukulele (is ukulelist a word???) and guitar, is a quiet a mellow act. While i enjoyed it, i think it may have been a tad too mellow for the younger crowd in the room. I found his lyrics to be quiet humorous and his style quiet unique. Worth checking out.
After Smyth and a slightly long gap, Ellie and Louise of the Heathers took to the stage. The girls seemed very down to earth and looked like they were really enjoying the gig. The atmosphere in the room was electric with the fans singing along and talking to the girls (one girl offered to give the girls lessons in vocal excercises at one stage). The girls played all their songs as well as covers from the Mountain Goats (????) and Halo by Beyonce which got great reaction from their fans.
The Heathers are possibly two of the most talented young people on the irish music scene right now and don't look like packing it in anytime soon. They return to Limerick next Wednesday for the opening ceremony of the special olympics in Thomond Park.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Imperial March Scratching
This is one of my favourite youtube videos at the moment. can't stop watching it
Advice for freshers
sorry for the delay in posting, only getting back to real life after exams now. I was asked today to write a 300word blogpost about my tips for freshers week so i might as well lash it up here
Fresher’s Week can be a confusing experience. From me I came from a school with no more than 300 students and now found myself in a room of 1000 students (and that only made up about a third of first year) so you can imagine how much of a change that was. Add to that buildings that make hogwart’s revolving staircases look like childsplay, lecturers telling you that you have to do 300 hours work per week on their subject alone and the sudden realisation that you don’t live with mammy and daddy anymore, it can all be quiet scary. So here’s my top 6 tips:
1. Many students go four years without making friends outside their course. What a waste of four years. Make as many friends as you possibly can- join everything from class reps or chess club to the skydiving club or paintball team. Join at least one club or society that you never imagined joining. Truly live the college experience.
2. Walk around and familiarise yourself to the campus. Bring your timetable and find all of your rooms. If you can crack the room code system at the start you’re sorted. Get to know the local area as well because there’s just as much fun there
3. Learn how to cook 3 simple meals (not just beans on toast or a pot noodle). You never know when you have to cook for a nice boy or girl
4. Find out what the Students’ Union does for you- you might never need them but if you do they can be a great help (and a great place to get free stuff)
5. Learn to love the word “free”
Your time at university will be the best days of your life- make the most of it and enjoy :)
Fresher’s Week can be a confusing experience. From me I came from a school with no more than 300 students and now found myself in a room of 1000 students (and that only made up about a third of first year) so you can imagine how much of a change that was. Add to that buildings that make hogwart’s revolving staircases look like childsplay, lecturers telling you that you have to do 300 hours work per week on their subject alone and the sudden realisation that you don’t live with mammy and daddy anymore, it can all be quiet scary. So here’s my top 6 tips:
1. Many students go four years without making friends outside their course. What a waste of four years. Make as many friends as you possibly can- join everything from class reps or chess club to the skydiving club or paintball team. Join at least one club or society that you never imagined joining. Truly live the college experience.
2. Walk around and familiarise yourself to the campus. Bring your timetable and find all of your rooms. If you can crack the room code system at the start you’re sorted. Get to know the local area as well because there’s just as much fun there
3. Learn how to cook 3 simple meals (not just beans on toast or a pot noodle). You never know when you have to cook for a nice boy or girl
4. Find out what the Students’ Union does for you- you might never need them but if you do they can be a great help (and a great place to get free stuff)
5. Learn to love the word “free”
Your time at university will be the best days of your life- make the most of it and enjoy :)
Friday, April 2, 2010
for a crime they didn't commit
Steve from ...with a sore head once again has pointed me in the direction of a good trailer:
Can't wait
Can't wait
the government you deserve
Sorry for the lack of updates but i've been a tad preoccupied.
I've been thinking alot about the nature of democracy in the last few days (particular due to NAMA). I decided that there is an amazing amount of truth to the phrase "you get the government you deserve". For better or for worse, we get the leadership we deserve. Now the first argument I expect to hear when i offer my theory is "Well I didn't vote Fianna Fail" and I'm sure you didn't. But 41% of the country did and that being a majority in our system, is enough. The fact is the majority of Irish people wanted Fianna Fail in government and that's what they got.
Obviously the powers that be (or as marie would say Karma) decided we deserved Fianna Fail.
The big problem with Irish politics (and politics in general) is that it attracts a certain type of person. And often, that person is the last person you'd want to be leading the country. However because most politicians fit this type, a proper alternative is rare. We'd all love to have an Obama-like figure running our country but they come along once in a hundred years (even rarer in Ireland).
In the local elections I voted for a candidate for one reason. Not his policies, not his reputation, not his party. I voted for him because he told my mother to shut up. He wanted to listen to my 18 year sister views. This man got my vote that second.
I've been thinking alot about the nature of democracy in the last few days (particular due to NAMA). I decided that there is an amazing amount of truth to the phrase "you get the government you deserve". For better or for worse, we get the leadership we deserve. Now the first argument I expect to hear when i offer my theory is "Well I didn't vote Fianna Fail" and I'm sure you didn't. But 41% of the country did and that being a majority in our system, is enough. The fact is the majority of Irish people wanted Fianna Fail in government and that's what they got.
Obviously the powers that be (or as marie would say Karma) decided we deserved Fianna Fail.
The big problem with Irish politics (and politics in general) is that it attracts a certain type of person. And often, that person is the last person you'd want to be leading the country. However because most politicians fit this type, a proper alternative is rare. We'd all love to have an Obama-like figure running our country but they come along once in a hundred years (even rarer in Ireland).
In the local elections I voted for a candidate for one reason. Not his policies, not his reputation, not his party. I voted for him because he told my mother to shut up. He wanted to listen to my 18 year sister views. This man got my vote that second.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
new doctor who trailer
Personality i liked it up until the time vortex opened out of the ground but that said it wasn't aimed at fanboys like me
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Trocaire Fast 2010
This year i will be giving up three things for 48 hours- Coca Cola, alcohol and Tea for 48 Hours (4-5 March). Anyone who knows me can testify that is will be hard for me.
If i reach €200 i may give up tea as well (this is a major major challenge)
You can sponsor me online at http://www.trocaire.org/users/bazkennedy or in person
If i reach €200 i may give up tea as well (this is a major major challenge)
You can sponsor me online at http://www.trocaire.org/users/bazkennedy or in person
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Limerick Unfringed day 5
So on the final day i caught 4 shows:
Dos Palabros
This rehearsed reading, based on one of the Eva Luna stories was a nice play about a young woman who makes a living out of words. Some interesting performances especially from Liam O'Brien who gave an fascinating portrayal of mental breakdown.
Rating 3/5
Aqureo
For me this was the most under rated piece of the festival and i can't wait to see the full production if it ever comes to Ireland. The play tells the story of a couple who travel to Lourdes and how it affects the husband in a way he
Credit must go the writer who created some of the most realistic characters and dialogue i've ever come across in theatre. In particular the characters of the husband and wife were brilliantly written and performed.
Rating 4/5
The beast
I didn't find this an enjoyable play but i don't think the writer intend the audience to enjoy it. The play tells the story of an artist and a whore who meet and begin a strange sort of relationship based on mutual love, hate and his unwillingness to pay for her services.
Rating 3/5
Unfringed Awards/Nick Carswell & Elective Orchestra
The festival came to a conclusion in Dolans on Sunday night with a well attended award ceremony. The winners were:
Best Male Performance: David Heath (Beast)
Best Female Performance: Madb Lambert (Cleaner)
Best Production: Memory Deleted
Spirit of Unfringed: Lords of Strut
Special Judges Award: The Beast
This was followed by Nick Carswell and the Elective Orchestra. As the girl beside said "they're so nice- the perfect background music". I think this sums it up.
(my review of the festival overall will be posted soon)
Dos Palabros
This rehearsed reading, based on one of the Eva Luna stories was a nice play about a young woman who makes a living out of words. Some interesting performances especially from Liam O'Brien who gave an fascinating portrayal of mental breakdown.
Rating 3/5
Aqureo
For me this was the most under rated piece of the festival and i can't wait to see the full production if it ever comes to Ireland. The play tells the story of a couple who travel to Lourdes and how it affects the husband in a way he
Credit must go the writer who created some of the most realistic characters and dialogue i've ever come across in theatre. In particular the characters of the husband and wife were brilliantly written and performed.
Rating 4/5
The beast
I didn't find this an enjoyable play but i don't think the writer intend the audience to enjoy it. The play tells the story of an artist and a whore who meet and begin a strange sort of relationship based on mutual love, hate and his unwillingness to pay for her services.
Rating 3/5
Unfringed Awards/Nick Carswell & Elective Orchestra
The festival came to a conclusion in Dolans on Sunday night with a well attended award ceremony. The winners were:
Best Male Performance: David Heath (Beast)
Best Female Performance: Madb Lambert (Cleaner)
Best Production: Memory Deleted
Spirit of Unfringed: Lords of Strut
Special Judges Award: The Beast
This was followed by Nick Carswell and the Elective Orchestra. As the girl beside said "they're so nice- the perfect background music". I think this sums it up.
(my review of the festival overall will be posted soon)
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Unfringed day 4 (continued)
Didn't make to beast but did happen to make it to Memory Deleted.
Memory Deleted
I'm struggling to figure out and describe this one. This piece takes place in a hotel room. Before the show you get to walk around the 2nd floor of the hotel and see different people (the cleaner watching tv is a room, a single mother feeding her child and watching tv, a whore lying on a bed). The performance itself focuses on one room and the people who have been there and their stories.
My problem with this piece is that i'm still not 100% sure what was going on. There was so much happening that it was easy to miss something (you might be listening to one monologue and miss something happening in the corner). That said it was a brilliant concept and a good performance by the actors in a challenging role (3 performances a day?)
rating 3.5/5
Memory Deleted
I'm struggling to figure out and describe this one. This piece takes place in a hotel room. Before the show you get to walk around the 2nd floor of the hotel and see different people (the cleaner watching tv is a room, a single mother feeding her child and watching tv, a whore lying on a bed). The performance itself focuses on one room and the people who have been there and their stories.
My problem with this piece is that i'm still not 100% sure what was going on. There was so much happening that it was easy to miss something (you might be listening to one monologue and miss something happening in the corner). That said it was a brilliant concept and a good performance by the actors in a challenging role (3 performances a day?)
rating 3.5/5
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Limerick Unfringed day 4
So having been unable to attend anything on the Friday due to college and work I set out to hit as many shows as possible over the weekend. Easier said than done.
Lords of Strut
The Lords of Strut are a street performance duo that mix dance and comedy, you could say the Laurel and Hardy of the dance world. The pair gracefully mix some daring acrobatic stunts with amazing comic timing. For every backflip there's a humorous pratfall or comic mistiming. Both performances today gathered huge crowds which is a great thing for the city. For me the highlight was watching one of my lecturers become a dancer himself (which i have on video *grins*)
Overall no words can do justice to this performance so here's the video (sorry about the quality)
rating: 4/5
The Cleaner
This one woman play (featuring Madb Lambert, of the Lambert Puppet Theatre family) took place in a kitchen. We watch a young woman who's comes to clean the kitchen. Over the span of 25 minutes we see her interact with various objects around the room (brushes, mops, coats, bags etc) to bring a series of characters to life. These characters take on personalities of their own and you can even imagine them as real people thanks to the brilliant acting from Madb Lambert, easily the best performance of the unfringed festival so far
rating: 5/5
Unfortunately the rehearsed reading of Laetitia was postponed. Tonight I'm heading to Beast and maybe to Memory Deleted
Lords of Strut
The Lords of Strut are a street performance duo that mix dance and comedy, you could say the Laurel and Hardy of the dance world. The pair gracefully mix some daring acrobatic stunts with amazing comic timing. For every backflip there's a humorous pratfall or comic mistiming. Both performances today gathered huge crowds which is a great thing for the city. For me the highlight was watching one of my lecturers become a dancer himself (which i have on video *grins*)
Overall no words can do justice to this performance so here's the video (sorry about the quality)
rating: 4/5
The Cleaner
This one woman play (featuring Madb Lambert, of the Lambert Puppet Theatre family) took place in a kitchen. We watch a young woman who's comes to clean the kitchen. Over the span of 25 minutes we see her interact with various objects around the room (brushes, mops, coats, bags etc) to bring a series of characters to life. These characters take on personalities of their own and you can even imagine them as real people thanks to the brilliant acting from Madb Lambert, easily the best performance of the unfringed festival so far
rating: 5/5
Unfortunately the rehearsed reading of Laetitia was postponed. Tonight I'm heading to Beast and maybe to Memory Deleted
Friday, January 29, 2010
unfringed day 2
Spinal Krapp
Spinal Krapp is a one man play written by Darren Maher and starring Zeb Moore. Having read Darren’s other play (The Malteese Falcon may already be taken) I was expecting something bizarre and it didn’t disappoint. Spinal Krapp is not the most traditionally enjoyable show but is definitely an amazing play. There are some hilarious moments as we hear stories from Darren’s childhood, told brilliantly by Zeb Moore. In between are some strange musings on life and performance and one or two interesting theatrical tricks, all the while the tension builds towards the play’s ending?
Overall worth going to see.
Rating: 3/5
Cirque de Legume
Any show that wins big at the Dublin Fringe is worth going to see, even if- no, especially if it involves vegetables. The plot is simple- two people put on a cirque de soleil style show using only a chair, minimal dialogue and.... a box of vegetables. Cabbage, cellary and onions are all used to create mayhem. However simple, this may be one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen on stage. I’ll never look at an onion the same way. If you see one play in 2010 make it this one
Rating: 4.5/5
Pure Sketchy (Choke Comedy)
Choke returned to a completely sold out room (several of my friends couldn’t get tickets). Breaking away from the improv format they are known for, the transition to world of sketch comedy worked well. There were some great running gags throughout the show (hoodieman, the blind dates etc). My only problem was it was too long (about 90mins) for a show that started at 10 o’clock
Rating: 4/5
Spinal Krapp is a one man play written by Darren Maher and starring Zeb Moore. Having read Darren’s other play (The Malteese Falcon may already be taken) I was expecting something bizarre and it didn’t disappoint. Spinal Krapp is not the most traditionally enjoyable show but is definitely an amazing play. There are some hilarious moments as we hear stories from Darren’s childhood, told brilliantly by Zeb Moore. In between are some strange musings on life and performance and one or two interesting theatrical tricks, all the while the tension builds towards the play’s ending?
Overall worth going to see.
Rating: 3/5
Cirque de Legume
Any show that wins big at the Dublin Fringe is worth going to see, even if- no, especially if it involves vegetables. The plot is simple- two people put on a cirque de soleil style show using only a chair, minimal dialogue and.... a box of vegetables. Cabbage, cellary and onions are all used to create mayhem. However simple, this may be one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen on stage. I’ll never look at an onion the same way. If you see one play in 2010 make it this one
Rating: 4.5/5
Pure Sketchy (Choke Comedy)
Choke returned to a completely sold out room (several of my friends couldn’t get tickets). Breaking away from the improv format they are known for, the transition to world of sketch comedy worked well. There were some great running gags throughout the show (hoodieman, the blind dates etc). My only problem was it was too long (about 90mins) for a show that started at 10 o’clock
Rating: 4/5
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
music in my world
Music is a big part of my life, i find i struggle to stay sane if i leave home without my ipod, if i'm at home the radio is always on. And I love to buy CDs!
Yes you did read that correctly. Even in the download driven times we live I still love the idea of going into a music shop, flicking through the cd rack, looking down the list of songs,admiring the cover art. Even tho its more expensive and once on my computer the cd will sit on the shelf, downloading a song doesn't give me the same pleasure as going to a music shop
When things get me down in life, there are two things that usually cheer me up- watching an episode of the simpsons and buying an album. Around this time last year I was in galway with a group of friends, i was fighting with my now ex-girlfriend and needed to get away from everyone, i wandered down shop street and found a small music shop- somewhere i could go and be like a kid in a candy shop. Much better
Yes you did read that correctly. Even in the download driven times we live I still love the idea of going into a music shop, flicking through the cd rack, looking down the list of songs,admiring the cover art. Even tho its more expensive and once on my computer the cd will sit on the shelf, downloading a song doesn't give me the same pleasure as going to a music shop
When things get me down in life, there are two things that usually cheer me up- watching an episode of the simpsons and buying an album. Around this time last year I was in galway with a group of friends, i was fighting with my now ex-girlfriend and needed to get away from everyone, i wandered down shop street and found a small music shop- somewhere i could go and be like a kid in a candy shop. Much better
My life right now but not yet
There's a blogpost i need to write, to put words to all i'm thinking but i'm not ready yet
Will post soon
Will post soon
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
ranting
I slept in this morning (somewhat of regular occurance) but unfortunately missed the first half hour of the tubridy show, not a show i listen to often (not because its a bad show its just i rarely tune into radio 1) however this morning i was planning on listening to a piece on internet privacy (with 2fm dj/new media head rick o'shea) as i thought it would be interesting
So i decided i'd go online and listen to the streaming. RTE is our national broadcaster and yet it is unable to provide a decent streaming service like other stations. The show wasn't even live. The audio was all over the place and was impossible to listen to without wanting to damage something
Come on RTE get your act together
[/rant]
So i decided i'd go online and listen to the streaming. RTE is our national broadcaster and yet it is unable to provide a decent streaming service like other stations. The show wasn't even live. The audio was all over the place and was impossible to listen to without wanting to damage something
Come on RTE get your act together
[/rant]
Sunday, January 10, 2010
My previous blogpost was my first of 2010 and the first in a few weeks. I havent felt the urge to blog until tonight but I've had something to say for the past few days and i didn't think twitter was the right medium for once
But it was nice to say what i needed to say. I don't care if anyone reads it but i needed to say it, its been hard to talk about to other people but now i feel like a weight is gone off my shoulders
I really try to post more than i do but often i can't find the words. Somethings (like tonight) the right words just came to me but other times i try and fail to express myself so i dont bother but i really should, even if it doesnt make any sense
But it was nice to say what i needed to say. I don't care if anyone reads it but i needed to say it, its been hard to talk about to other people but now i feel like a weight is gone off my shoulders
I really try to post more than i do but often i can't find the words. Somethings (like tonight) the right words just came to me but other times i try and fail to express myself so i dont bother but i really should, even if it doesnt make any sense
doctor, doctor....
Last friday i went to the doctors, a long over due visit. For a while i've had a bump (a cyst to give it its propper name). I've done my best to ignore, put it off for another day but i finally bit the bullet and went to the doctors (my first time with this new doctor and while i'd hope not to have to, i'd happily go to him again if needs be). Even later that day i googled what it is.
In two months time it'll be gone. Now i know what it is and that it'll soon be removed, i find myself thinking about it more. For as long as i can remember its controlled how i style my hair, if i let people rub my head, what kind of hats i wear. If people notices it, i become quiet self conscious and yet they make a big deal of it. But now it seems even more real. Like its drawing attention to itself more. I look forward to being rid of the dam thing.
And yet at the same time, it'll be wierd to be without it. As i said, its been part of my life for so long that i may miss it. Perhaps it'll be like chandler's third nipple, the source of his wit
Who knows
In two months time it'll be gone. Now i know what it is and that it'll soon be removed, i find myself thinking about it more. For as long as i can remember its controlled how i style my hair, if i let people rub my head, what kind of hats i wear. If people notices it, i become quiet self conscious and yet they make a big deal of it. But now it seems even more real. Like its drawing attention to itself more. I look forward to being rid of the dam thing.
And yet at the same time, it'll be wierd to be without it. As i said, its been part of my life for so long that i may miss it. Perhaps it'll be like chandler's third nipple, the source of his wit
Who knows
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