Thoughts for today..

New Zealand

2008-07-12T05:26:00.001+01:00

Well what can I say - its beautiful! The scenery and landscape is just amazing and naturally beautiful.. The people are real friendly and its a really vibrant country.
I arrived in Christchurch and then headed to Dundedin (Cadbury World and the city is also known as Edinburgh of the south) .. Got the scenic Taieri Gorge Railway to Pukerangi and then, what turned out to be - a private bus the 560km to, Queenstown!
Just amazing countryside its no wonder Lord of the Rings was filmed there..
Went to Doubtful Sound, saw seals, dolphins in their natural habitat, and many of the Lord of the Rings sights.. Skiing in Queenstown and happened to be there during the Winter Festival - so loads going on about the town.. stayed there a few nights (and even one extra as got snowed in!)
Travelled onto Mount Cook and Lake Tekaop, and to Christchurch another day.. Circling most of the south island.. To Picton and crossing to the North Island and stayed in Wellington..
Then on to Rotorua (loads of naturally occuring geysers there, so the place is a bit smelly!) .. hot mud baths.. volcano's.. went to a Maroi park also, so got to see some of their culture/traditions.. Flew out of Auckland then..

Australia..

2008-06-30T04:58:00.003+01:00

Well my 'post phd, southern hemisphere tour' has commenced and I'm enjoying it! ;)
Just been to Australia so far, but its all been really great - seeing and doing loads.. Cairns was my first stop, then wandered down the east coast to Brisbane, Sydney, on to Adelaide and am now in Melbourne..
Went out to the great barrier reef (and its not called the 'great barrier reef for nothing - really is 'great'), stayed a few nights in the oldest rain forest in the world - at cape Tribulation, been to surfers paradise, the gold coast.. Harbour bridge and the Sydney Opera house really is something special - was just amazed to see it in real life! The wine valleys of Adelaide and touring sporting Melbourne was great (went to an AFL footie game in the MCG - was just brill! ;)
Will post photos of my travels in time.. but for now am signing off and heading for a latte! ;)

And off i go..

2008-06-14T15:00:00.000+01:00

Heading to the southern hemisphere tomorrow – but rather than the usual southern trip to the banks of the Shannon, its a bit further this time - Oz, NZ and Asia here I come! ;)
Keep the texts and emails coming, will stay in touch as much as is possible... and will hopefully stay up-to-date with the GAA games too ;)

Football and movies..

2008-04-21T11:06:00.002+01:00

Ok, yesterday’s Dublin Meath match was a ridiculous game of football.. the fighting during the game was just appalling .. its fine the team rivalry, but when every player expect for one of the goalie’s get involved in a bust-up – is disgraceful! Everyone should have been red-carded!!
Monaghan played badly yesterday against Westmeath and so missed out on their chances of promotion to Division One.
Well done to Tipperary in winning the Hurling final .. it was great to see Tipperary and Galway play .. two teams who weren’t so prominent last year.. Its great too that both Canning brothers are playing with the county team.. But does yesterday’s loss dampen Galway’s chances of a double??? (we are referring at all times to "the double" being football and hurling senior titles - aren't we?)

Last night I watched the movie ‘Wedding Date’ .. did anyone else watch it? At times attending a wedding alone is the most nauseating and awkward experience.. but would one ever hire an escort for the day? Do people do this?
Movie-wise it was a cute romantic comedy ;) .. easy watching on a Sunday evening..

Surf's up!

2008-04-09T23:12:00.003+01:00

A surfing weekend is being planned and organised for May 17^th and 18^th in Bundoran, Co. Donegal. 2 nights b+b, 2 lessons and gear for 110euro!

If you are interested drop me a mail .. the more the merrier!! ;)

Second eye complete..

2008-04-09T21:39:00.002+01:00

Well second eye complete and i can see!
Not sure if people want to know the exact process – but in really simple/brief form - the eye is given a local anaesthetic (via drops) – so your eye is complete numb.. the front layer of the eye is removed and the eye is then lasered/japped (and yes you can smell the burning briefly)..
I didn’t find the whole experience that painful, not at all what I expected. One feels out of sorts that evening, but the next day the sight is improving..
I was back the following morning for a check-up and again two days later. I’m really happy with the surgeon I went to – I think that is really important..
Got loads of drops now to put in for the next few weeks but all in all – would recommend it .. its great being able to watch tv, drive etc. without glasses! ;)

I’ve been lasered..

2008-03-23T15:07:00.001Z

One eye done another to go..

Got the first of my eyes lasered on Wednesday last .. Was an interesting experience – wasn’t sore and was feeling grand after..
I have to wait 2 weeks now until I get the next eye done – this will be the interesting challenge! ;)

Opps - its been a while..

2008-03-18T23:17:00.003Z

Its been a while – I haven’t blogged in ages.. Dunno why really – no particular reason.. Will try blogging again for a while..

Yesterday I was listening to the hurling club match – well done to Portumna .. you have to wonder was their win ever the more welcome, because of the angst over last years county final debacle..
The Monaghan Dublin league match was postponed until next week...

Did a Myer Briggs assessment as part of a course today at work... - can we really assess peoples personality and categorize into boxes? Do our personalities change? How does society and our environment influence how we react...
The four dichotomies are: Extroversion or Introversion, Sensing or Intuition, Thinking or Feeling and Judging or Perceiving...

Happy Christmas..

2007-12-22T19:59:00.001Z

Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas.. and many thanks for all your help and support during the year and last - hope you have a lovely, relaxing Christmas, and a pleasant New Year!

Pets..

2007-11-10T10:36:00.000Z

Mickey, one of our dogs, likes his new cushion.. ;)

Road trip to Tipp..

2007-11-05T10:53:00.000Z

I have come to realise the benefit of having a GPS device.. We left Limerick Friday evening at 18.30 to head to a table quiz in Holycross, Co. Tipperary, and what with traffic jams and getting slightly diverted (i.e. lost) we passed by Kilmurry roundabout at 19.17… hmm, yes not the best in terms of time management! ;)

Eventually got there and in plenty of time, as the table quiz started 1hour 30mins after the planned start time. Think everyone had a fun evening… I got recruited to correct the answers (which was busy, what with 32 tables..)

The purpose of the table quiz was as a fund raiser for Donal Duggan, who heads to Calcutta today, to work with the Hope Foundation - best of luck to him!

Thank you..

2007-11-02T16:39:00.000Z

I handed in the hard bound copies of my PhD thesis yesterday – so apart from graduation ceremony, my PhD journey has come to an end. Thank You to everyone who accompanied and helped me.
A sincere Thank You to the staff and my fellow researchers at UL – our shared stories, coffee breaks and laughter kept me going and lightened the load. Thank you to all whose friendship helped me maintain perspective and kept me smiling along the journey...

Trick or Treat?

2007-11-01T09:59:00.000Z

Last night several pleasant children called round to the house ‘trick or treating’ (all looked for treats needless to say) - I wonder if we had given/done a trick instead would they have been happy?

It also brings to mind the Halloween games that we used to play when we were children - apple on a string.. money in a basin.. - do children/familes play these anymore?

Later in the evening we watched a movie – The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005) I have to admit, I didn’t actually watch it all.. But to anyone who maybe wakes up at night, especially around 3am.. take note..

Some interesting health related articles today..

2007-11-01T09:48:00.000Z

Cut meat to 500g ‘and be cancer free’

Obesity Nears Smoking As Cancer-Causer

Alcohol blamed for 1,700 deaths in a decade

Life-cycle

2007-10-24T11:23:00.000+01:00

I was reading about adult learners, and what or how exactly to define ‘adult’ learners. Came across the following from Dan Levinson, depicting the phases in our adult life - makes for interesting reading..

Early Adult Transition (age 17-22)
Here you are leaving adolescence behind and taking your first steps in the adult world.

The Novice Phase (age 22-28)
At this stage you begin to develop your dreams about the way you would like your life to go. Often, we find some kind of mentor in our personal or professional lives, or both. We also state to make choices about our careers.

Age 30 Transition (age 28-32)
Towards the end of our twenties, we begin to realise that life for real. This can be a stressful time as we either make new choices or get used to the choices we’ve already made.

The Settling Down Phase (age 32-40)
Now, we are establishing a place in society and trying to make it in our chosen careers or jobs. At this point we often strive for wealth or fame or recognition or social status.

The Mid-Life Transition (age 40-45)
This is another period where we take stock of our lives. Forty seems to be the age at which we can look backwards over our lives and forwards to what is to come. We start asking ourselves some very serious questions indeed about success and failure. A lot of us refer to this kind of age as the mid-life crisis.

The Mid-Life Phase of Renewal (age 45-52)
This is the point at which to listen to ‘your inner voice’ as it were. Its when we think of all the things we wanted to be or do and dot he ones that we still fancy, if possible. We accept our responsibilities and try to balance demands that home and society demand.

Age 50 Transition and the Legacy Phase (age 52+)
Around our early fifties we begin to think about what it is we are going to leave behind us. After which we then move on to making sure that we leave some kind of legacy. Often the legacy is one of great creativity.

Free dinner..

2007-10-21T21:09:00.000+01:00

Last night myself and a friend were out ... after checking out a pub or two, we strolled by a Chinese Restaurant – and to our surprise it was still open and serving at 11.00pm – so we decided to get a bite to eat .. (Was better than the other option of Abrakababra! ;)
We were seated at a table beside 3 guys... Anyway... to cut a long story short – when we were finished eating and asked for our bill, the waitress informed us that the gent at the other table had paid for our meal!!
..Has this ever happened to anyone else? What does it 'really' imply?

2008 season starts up..

2007-10-15T16:23:00.000+01:00

Watched the draw for the 2008 championship last night – and relayed the draw results to Cuba and England (siblings are scattered at mo).
For all you folk interested in the Ulster championship, Monaghan will play Fermanagh and then face the winners of Donegal/Derry. The other side is Tyrone/Down v Armagh(/Antrim/Cavan) Lots of interesting encounters ahead!! ;)
Re. The infamous Galway double.. will it be possible? In football they face Roscommon in their first day out and then play the winners of New York/Leitrim. If they win that they would face the winners of Mayo v London/Sligo... a few little challenges before they get to semi-final stage..

Keeping with the sports theme, John Duddy (the Derry boxer based in the US) is fighting this weekend..

Clones Colossus

2007-10-03T22:20:00.000+01:00

As fellow bloggers have been promoting their own hometowns, i thought it best to shout about our Co. Monaghan famous export! ;)
Kevin McBride is fighting again! He has a fight this Saturday in Madison Square Garden. You may remember the name from his famous win against Mike Tyson last year (or perhaps you remember him from his famous speech.. it went something like 'i got the whole weight of Ireland behind me'
Best of Luck to Kevin Saturday night!!! ;)

Rain, Rain..

2007-10-03T09:44:00.000+01:00

Rain rain go away,
And please come back another day

(and preferably on a day i don't have to leave the house!)

Drinking a Pub dry

2007-09-16T12:40:00.000+01:00

Friday night I was at a party – it was the last night of drinking at The Round House.. the pub/premises is sold and no longer.. was good nights fun..

Rugby..

2007-09-16T12:29:00.000+01:00

This this photo from the Sunday Independent says it all..
Opps,

Ireland

didn’t play so good again yesterday. Just seems are if the team are off form.. I hope they are filled with confidence and enthusiasm for the next match against

France

High impact aerobics..

2007-08-27T23:58:00.000+01:00

Ok so I've been going to Richie's Aerobics Classes at the Arena for some time now (or 'Total Body Workout' as they are now referred to as) and I have been known to attend quite regularly ... Though I pondered on the impact of the 'high impact' before, after reading this article I am slightly more worried... Is it inevitable I will get arthritis? What were Jane Fonda's workout videos like? Is there any resemblance to the 'Total Body Workout' classes?

Facebook

2007-08-24T09:41:00.000+01:00

Was just reading – half of businesses are restricting employees' access to Facebook, due to concerns about productivity and security.
Maybe a similar restriction occurred when blogging came into fashion – although i wonder, has anyone been wasting company time blogging??? ;)

Aging...

2007-08-14T12:25:00.000+01:00

Was reading an article on 'The Effects of Aging on your Body' .. and wanted to share some of the key facts in the Young Adulthood section with you...
- A person reaches physical maturity and stops growing around age 18
- As early as 20 people may notice the beginning signs of aging; fine wrinkles, thinning skin, loss of firmness in hands and neck, graying hair, hair loss and thinning nails.
- At age 30, the human body's major organs begin to decline.
- But on the positive... ones cognitive abilities seem to be at their peak starting between ages 30 and 40

Great Quote of the Day!

2007-07-16T17:29:00.001+01:00

“Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go”.

- Oscar Wilde

Didn’t Monaghan do well!

2007-07-16T15:23:00.001+01:00

The Ulster final was back in Town (after a four year absence, the final returned to St. Tiernach’s Park in Clones.) It was also the first time in 19 years to reach an Ulster final.. and you have to say - the Ulster final is the toughest of the provincial finals!
I got a ticket yesterday morning and went with the multiple layers and the rain gear.. but when we got there, the sun shone and the game began.. It was a good game, plenty of excitement and in fairness the Monaghan lads did really well.. It was unfortunate to lose..
In reality the game showed that Monaghan have now gone up a level in football and can now stand amongst the Armagh’s and Tyrone’s in Ulster..
Next round is Donegal.. so fingers crossed!

2007-07-10T14:08:00.000+01:00

I had a very pleasant journey, thank you sincerely
For giving me my madness back, or nearly.
- Patrick Kavanagh

2007-07-10T09:44:00.001+01:00

New blogger!

We've a new blogger in our midst.. welcome to the world of blogging L-Man!

PhD..

2007-07-03T14:28:00.000+01:00

Phd.. Phd.. Phd..Phd.. Phd.. Phd..Phd.. Phd.. Phd..Phd.. Phd.. Phd..Phd.. Phd.. Phd..Phd.. Phd.. Phd..Phd.. Phd.. Phd..Phd.. Phd.. Phd..Phd.. Phd.. Phd..Phd.. Phd.. Phd..Phd.. Phd.. Phd..Phd.. Phd.. Phd..Phd.. Phd.. Phd..Phd.. Phd.. Phd..Phd.. Phd.. Phd..
guess what i'm at?

Election Fever…

2007-05-27T13:06:00.000+01:00

Well, Polling finished and Count Centres closed.. Thankfully all ran smoothly for us (apart from the usual mix ups re. the register on Thursday) - but Friday, when all awaited results, work worked out well .. with my numbers working out correctly and balancing, the computer/software behaving and transfer votes falling so that there wasn't any need for recounts...
This was the first time in 25years that the Count for our constituency was held in Monaghan, and it went well! ;)
A busy 4 weeks and alot of late nights have come to a near end (and unbelievable amount of work goes into holding an election, its unreal really!) .. now all that is left is tidying up the loose ends, pay all those who were employed and leave things in a fit state for the next outing (possibly a referendum in the Autumn)
Spent the weekend in recovery mode, i.e. sleeping!

Well done to Waterford!

2007-04-29T19:09:00.000+01:00

Think every neutral is delighted that Waterford won yesterday - played a blinder! great win!

Why Won't They Listen?

2007-04-22T17:31:00.000+01:00

Why Won’t They Listen is an exciting new documentary profiling the campaign to save Monaghan General Hospital, as seen through the eyes of two amateur filmmakers.

The documentary details the efforts of local campaigners over the last five years, as well as interviewing political representatives and those involved in the national debate regarding Irish healthcare.

A teaser/trailer can be found on youtube and check out their website

Its been a while..

2007-04-21T13:04:00.000+01:00

Opps have been lazy on the blogging front the last while.. well what new to blog.. its awful the Virginia Tech massacre and raised numerous questions. My cousin lectures there, but thankfully wasn’t in Blacksburg that day..
Went surfing last weekend in Bundoran – was great fun, and the weather was beautiful.. how did we get on? – well got up a few times, but obviously spent more time falling off! ;) Was good fun and all of us had fun!
Work is going fine and phd coming along (though at times its better not analyse that too much!)
Came by some good quotes lately..
“Action seems to follow feeling, but really action and feeling go together and by regulating the action, which is under the more direct control of the will, we can directly regulate the feeling which is not” – William James
“You cannot teach a man anything you can only help him to find it within himself” – Galileo
“Everyman I meet is my superior in some way. In that I learn of him” - Emerson
and one last one..

"Be a friend to yourself, and others will."

-Scottish Proverb

Another day off – but not really by choice!

2007-03-20T10:22:00.000Z

Well this time the day off was forced upon me – woke up Sunday morning to do some phd work only to find my laptop kaput! The laptop not working and a blue screen didn’t alarm me to much, was more my phd work and other data!!! (Yes I know I should backup regularly, but somehow no matter how often I’m told, I do manage to forget.. and well the last back up was about 6 week ago.. )
Thanks to Ronan who talked me thro creating a live ubuntu cd, I got to copy my data off the laptop, so though it is still not working, I’m a happy bunny that I have my last work.
The lesson, backup regularly!!
(btw, when I was doing my FYP my desktop monitor blew, when I was completing my MEng my desktop hard drive went.. perhaps it was inevitable that something like this would happen...! )
Thanks so much to Ronan who saved the day again!!

Otherwise was a good weekend.. some good matches over the weekend - hard luck to Loughrea to lose the hurling club final; St.Marcartans College to lost the McRory Cup (Ulster schools final) by a point in injury time; and of course the Irish rugby team.. But well done to Cross who drew in the football club final and to the Irish criket team!
Going to see ‘A Prairie Home Companion’ tonight in Armagh Film club – anyone see it before?

Day off..

2007-03-08T17:51:00.000Z

I have declared tomorrow, Friday March 9^th as a day off!!! – I'm not doing any lecturing work, no PhD nor research project work – nothing! Will be brill! ;) Everyone needs these days every now and then – and I know I’m ready for it! ;)

Oh went to see ‘Beauty Queen of Leanne’ last night – good play and good acting.. was enjoyable.. must go to more plays..

Games and more quotes..

2007-02-23T13:43:00.000Z

Went to the Game On exhibition in London Wednesday.. It was held in the Science Museum and was very good, computer games from the early 1970’s up to the Wii were on show and the students definitely enjoyed trying them all out! The rest of the day was spent in Knightsbridge, reading in Hyde Park and running for trains! ;)

Another quote I came by, which I think is excellent..

‘It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye’

I Keano

2007-02-10T20:42:00.000Z

Blogging, its been a while.. opps..
Went to I Keano last Thursday night .. it was good – wonderful how the writers can make the whole incident so funny – no matter who one sided with during the whole McCarthy/Keane disagreement! Before hand we went for a bite to eat in Phibsboro and then mossied through the city to the Olympia – really had a fun evening.. have to do it again sometime soon!

Learning..

2007-01-09T17:08:00.000Z

"The most important learning is learning to learn. The most important knowledge is self-knowledge."
Nisbet, J. and Shucksmith, J., 1986, Learning Strategies, Routledge Education Books, London.

Nollaig shonasach agus athbhliain shuaimhneach.

2006-12-20T11:00:00.000Z

Happy Holidays to all.. Thanks for the friendship, laughs and support over the last year and hope you and yours have a wonderful Christmas and every best wish for 2007...
As a child it was a traditional in our house to read this poem every Christmas Eve before heading to bed .. and so for my last posting before the holidays i will end with ..‘Happy Christmas to all and to all a Good Night’..

T'was the night before Christmas
when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, --not even a mouse....

Fake News Network

2006-12-18T14:50:00.000Z

FNN247.com This is funny (well depending on your mood... and it may not be the most 'pc' news you're read.. ! ;)

Running out of steam...

2006-12-14T14:30:00.000Z

Well the annual Fun Run went well this year by all accounts. I had hoped to participate this year but had to sit through project presentations at work and couldn't be down.. Well done to all who took part and organised the day!
Well done to those who took part in the Concern fast and Happy Birthday to the many December birthday people - Ronan, Leon, Mike B, Paudi and anyone else...
Congratulations to those who will be graduating next week - Edu, Istovan, Carol, Paddy, Jack with PhD's and Maria, Nev, Barry, Kevin and Ronán (my bro) with Master degrees.. well done after all your hard work and hope everyone enjoys their day..

My research/phd work is coming along but I am really looking forward to the Christmas break (hence title for posting! ;). We got our SIF project accepted so that’s great, although in many ways the real challenge is only starting now! ;) So far so good however and the project has generated much interest..

House Building

2006-11-27T12:13:00.000Z

Some points to note when building a house that you may or may not be aware of, and that you won’t find in any book! ..(or rather some points that I was not aware of.. )
- Your site so determines the design, layout and type of house you will build.
- Taking site levels is an endless process (or maybe that was just in my case) – however it vital to get it right from the start, its one thing you can’t change later!
- Getting a tidy diggerman is important – both for digging out foundations and later for landscaping.
- Make sure you do most of the drainage before all dead-building is complete! Otherwise the workload is immense!
- When choosing windows, you not only have to choose the colour of the frame, but also the type of glass – and this is important in achieving a good U value for the house. (In fact the decision making process is endless when building, even down to the type and level of insulation you’d like.. I never realised there were so many different types!)
- The block/brick work is a tedious process and concrete slabs are a good idea for flooring (handiest, good for sound-insulation and fire-proof though are expensive.) Ensuring that the DPC is inserted correctly and the radon barrier very important, especially at the windows/lintels
- Getting the main physical structure up is a challenge, but the real challenge starts inside - stud walls, first fix for wiring and plumbing, then door frames, slabbing, plastering .. and then choosing light switches and plugs; floor covering; WBH, WC, shower trays and fixings; - all of which have to be more-or-less decided on previously to know sizes, positioning etc.
- Its very difficult determining where lights and switches will be needed, so if you can, take time out in the design phase and think about this at the same time. Same goes for bathroom items.
- Keep in mind the number of doors in the house – for each door there’ll also be a door frame, architrave, handles, hinges, stop etc.
- And lastly, builders are all untidy – i.e. they leave a lot of garbage about the place.. constantly cleaning up after them!
These are a few of the points that spring to mind for now (or rather this is as far as I’ve gotten in the process…) More to come in time! ;)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2006-11-24T11:00:00.000Z

Well yesterday was Thanksgiving – so Happy Thanksgiving to all!
(Thanksgiving yesterday => today is ‘Black Friday’!!)
Now the build-up to Christmas may begin (although i do rather wait until 8th December if at all possible – starting the countdown to Christmas this early is a little too much..)

The Limerick Late Late Show

2006-11-11T13:43:00.000Z

Last night the Late Late Show was broadcast from UCH, and without a doubt the Concert Hall looked terrific (and there was definitely a buzz about the place leaving the ERB Friday evening.) Having not watched the programme in a while, i thought the show itself was 'ok'. I’m not entirely sure how successful the show was in promoting Limerick, or was that ever the objective? ..I’m sure there will be many comments and discussions on it in the days to come..

planes and death..

2006-11-01T03:04:00.000Z

ever wondered what happens when/if someone dies while on a plane journey? well i didn't before yesterday ...on our flight to nyc yesterday, the man in the seat in front of me took a turn, or stroke, and nearly died (his ears went blue, was out/non-responsive, they had to call for a doctor / get oxygen etc and lie him on the ground) .. hence was a somewhat 'different' flight.. thankfully he came round after quite some time but they had the doctors ready at JFK for his arrival..
..but just made me wonder, what would have happened if he had died on the flight?

Rain rain go away, and please come back another day...

2006-10-27T14:30:00.000+01:00

Wow what rain! ..its has rained constantly for the last 3 days here!
I'm heading to nyc for a few days.. and was just checking out the forecast.. it’ll be ever so slightly better..

Slow down.. speed kills..

2006-10-24T13:58:00.000+01:00

With over 300 road deaths this year, many more injured and numerous families and friends grieving.. will it ever stop?
Scrolling down the list on the RTE website of the road deaths in 2006.. you can't but feel some of the pain..

phd-land...

2006-10-19T16:33:00.000+01:00

I have returned to phd-land for a few days. . and with regard to my research someone pointed out to me that I am ‘using a cognitive approach to solve an emotional problem’.. this apparently is somewhat novel and an element of my contribution! Whey-hey, a ah-ha moment! (..though I am fully aware/conscious of what I’m trying to achieve, its nice to get another slant on it..)
Was just checking academic regulations the word count for the PhD is 100,000 – wow! – got a bit to go yet!!

2744

2006-10-09T09:54:00.000+01:00

2744 - the death toll of US forces from the War in Iraq..
and climbing..

Clocks

2006-10-06T11:41:00.000+01:00

I have been informed that this joke is as old as the hills, with multiple versions having been circulated.. but i thought it funny nonetheless.. ;)

CLOCKS
A man died and went to heaven. As he stood in front of St. Peter at the Pearly Gates, he saw a huge wall of clocks behind him. He asked, "What are all those clocks?"
St. Peter answered, "Those are Lie-Clocks. Everyone on Earth has a Lie-Clock. Everytime you lie, the hands on your clock will move."
" Oh," said the man, "whose clock is that?"
"That's Mother Teresa's. The hands have never moved, indicating that she never told a lie."
"Incredible," said the man. "And whose clock is that one? "
St. Peter responded, "That's Abraham Lincoln's clock. The hands have moved twice, telling us that Abe told only two lies in his entire life.""Where's Bertie Ahern's clock?" asked the man. "His clock is in Jesus' office. He's using it as a fan."

A View From my Window..

2006-09-28T13:22:00.000+01:00

Save Monaghan Hospital!!

2006-09-25T12:24:00.000+01:00

A crowd of up to 7,000 people gathered on the outskirts of Monaghan town as part of a campaign to secure the future of the local hospital. Members of the Monaghan Community Alliance say the casualty unit in Monaghan is to close - a claim denied by the Health Service Executive. According to the HSE re-structuring will happening, yet we all know that this will ultimately result in closing our hospital! Thus we will have to travel to Cavan, Drogehda and Dublin for emergency services..

Already since the hospital has been off-call many people have died, Joe Walsh the last to be covered my the media, who died as a result of surgeons in Monaghan not being allowed to perform minor surgery due to HSE protocol .. Baby Bronagh Livingstone died because her mother was refused entry to Monaghan hospital had to give birth en-route to Cavan hospital, and there were complications .. and many many more have died and suffered needlessly..
Its disgraceful – as tax payers Monaghan people have as much a right to hospital services as others in the country. Can the HSE not understand that enabling local hospitals provide basic emergency services to their community will ultimately less the pressure on Dublin hospitals.. we are not seeking state of the art services, just basic A&E, before sending patients to specialised hospitals..

Today, the Ceann Chomhairle, Rory O'Hanlon had to be protected by gardaí when he arrived for the official opening of the new Monaghan bypass. The crowd barracked and jeered O'Hanlon and he had to be surrounded by up to eight gardaí as the crowd gathered around him. Rory O'Hanlon is supposedly one of our TD's representing the area (FF). Yet when he was Minister of Health did nothing to help the viability of the hospital, and has yet to support the voice of the people on this issue. Even more annoying is as Ceann Chomhairle, he automatically gets re-elected in the next General Election.

Monaghan has been a very self-sufficient town, with most industry being indigenous family-owned, therefore employment has always been fairly low … However, because of this Monaghan has suffered in national investmnet and development, and also because of the lack of appropriate political voice and representation..

Week 1 down..

2006-09-15T12:05:00.000+01:00

Obstacle courses, gorge walking, kayaking and banana-boating – I had fun last week! ..had to go with a group of students on a team building course - I was there to supposedly supervise, but I had as much fun as them! ;) ..We went to Carlingford – it was really beautiful – the scenery, mountains, water etc.. across the water was Warrenpoint and Rostrevor.. really spectacular setting
Back to the grind at the moment, getting accustomed to new timetables, classes and faces.. am sure in a few weeks it will feel as if the summer was an eternity away..
..one week down, twelve to go!

Summer over - what a couple of weeks..

2006-09-01T11:55:00.000+01:00

Well what can I say – it’s been fun! ;) ..really enjoyed the summer and being down in UL again.. Between coffee breaks, parties, bbq’s, salsa, tango, cinema-outings and all else, being a full-time student again has been fun! ;)
Parties all round with Niall+co’s one week, then Mike+John’s bbq another week (both were fun and was lovely to meet Jamie and Hillary at said bbq..), goodbye bbq, crashing parties thanks to Colm, arriving home at 5am, swimming in Killaloe, bowling, salsa again, tango party, weddings, new friends, dates and dinners.. the summer has been enjoyable! ;)
Obviously at times its difficult to keep the work going, but got some work done and planned what has to done in the coming few months….
Fitted in aerobics, gym, a few ‘light’ runs and early morning swims thanks to the ‘Ironmen’.. so all in all training and fitness is slowly getting back on track..
A big thanks to everyone .. looking forward to my next trip down.. ;)

Quotes for the day..

2006-08-17T16:47:00.000+01:00

Sometimes we stare so long at a door that is closing, that we see too late the one that is open.
- Alexander Graham Bell

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.
- Herm Albright

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
- Winston Churchill

Before the teasing starts.. ;)

2006-08-07T00:47:00.000+01:00

Have to hold my hands up and say - well done Kerry.. wasn’t the result I wanted and is disappointing for Armagh (may be the end of an era for Joe and some of the lads) .. but the better team on the day won the game! And it was an intriguing game..

So what happened to the Ulster teams this year? Injury knocked out Tyrone, tiredness and age caught-up with Armagh and the inexperience in Derry, Down and Donegal got the better of them..

Alas, its beginning to look like a Leinster Munster final (CorkvKerry V’s Mayo/Laois or Westmeath/Dublin) and may the best team win.. for the Ulster competition will be back next year!! ;)

A Year of Blogging..

2006-08-04T10:59:00.000+01:00

Happy anniversary to me and my blog! It’s a year since I started blogging! Whey hey! ;)
Was home last weekend, the music choice enroute was BellX1 – really good.. am really impressed.. And it was a really good weekend, on Sunday went to Cabra Castle for dinner, a really beautiful setting.. I really had a nice weekend… good food, good chat and just relaxed..

On the more technical side of things.. Blackboard have been awarded a patent on e-learning technology, hmm.. implications for Moodle users and open source??
And also in a slightly related topic, was reading that orientation week for incoming first year students at some US college’s are now not only being warned about everything from alcohol to credit card debt, but also ‘the risks of internet postings’!

Some Lessons from the School of Life..

2006-07-27T11:03:00.000+01:00

Was forwarded this recently...

Know yourself – Be honest with yourself
Define Yourself – If not you will never be comfortable with who you are.
Know the difference between “I can’t” and “I won’t.”
Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
When you say, "I love you," mean it.
When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye.
Believe in love at first sight.
Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.
When you lose, don't lose the lesson
Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions.
Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
Spend some time alone.
Never take yourself so seriously that you cannot laugh at your self.
Talk slowly but think quickly, and learn to listen more than you talk (that is why we have two ears and one mouth)
Know what you know. Know what you don’t know
Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.
Accept that change is a constant. Be a change agent
Never laugh at anyone's dreams. People who don't have dreams don't have much. Dreamers never quit and quitters never dream.
Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.

2006-07-24T09:07:00.000+01:00

Know thyself..
– Socrates

Bloggers..

2006-07-20T17:24:00.000+01:00

The profile of a blogger from the Washington Post ..
Under 30, sociable, addicted to instant messaging and social networks, intrinsically motivated and not out to change the world!

Music + JC..

2006-07-20T11:45:00.000+01:00

Was listening to Johnny Cash’s last/latest album – American V: A Hundred Highways.. the rawness of emotion, the honestly in his voice, and the words/story in the songs are just so sincere and simple.. Like in Walk The Line, the love he had for his wife is very much evident in his voice/song – so beautiful, touching.. There's nothing quite to the level of ‘Hurt’ but the sound of his voice and its change from song to song; sometimes strong, sometimes weak is always resolved, and details the heights and depths of life..

Was also listening to some classical pieces (Bach’s concerto no. 2, Schuberts’ symphony no. 5 in B-flat major and scores produced by the Varese Sarabande label, which are really special) – but won’t bore you with my analysis of them.. ;)

Superman and Zidane..

2006-07-17T14:32:00.000+01:00

Went to see Superman Returns Friday night .. thought it quite good, although it’s what one would expect from a Superman movie.. Brandon Routh is very good as Superman and has a remarkable resemblance to Christopher Reeve, Spacey does a good job as Lex Luthor and they’ve even included footage of Marlon Brando as Superman's father..
A related topical cartoon from Time:

You know when you've been Tango'd

2006-07-12T12:48:00.000+01:00

I’ve been going to Tango classes for the last few weeks, and its good fun. There’s a nice group attending and last night we were a girl short.. (shock horror too many guys attending!) ..All in all its different and something new to learn.. Have to say, it takes a while for the girl to relinquish control and let the guy lead, however I’m coming round (I think/hope!)
However last night I was dancing with a certain male for a spell and as we struggled to learn a new step, I was astounded to hear “Well, I know what I’m doing anyway!” ..Now maybe I’m interpreting this dancing lark incorrectly but do we not dance as a pair, a couple, a team? ;) Where’s the team-play in that remark?? Hmmmmm… ;)
And after me letting the guy lead! ha ha! ;)

Road Deaths..

2006-07-10T23:35:00.000+01:00

11 people were killed on our roads in 7 separate accidents since yesterday morning .. its crazy!

Yesterday 3 teenagers died on their way home from Oxygen as their car hit an articulated lorry

A man in his wheelchair was killed when crossing the road in Finglas

Two men died in separate accidents in Co. Clare, and another man in Co. Cork

A nine year old girl and a man in his 20’s were killed in separate accidents in Co. Longford

Three people from the same family - a father, mother and their only child from Co. Galway were killed yesterday evening

216 people have met their death on our raods so far this year.. so many more people injured.. and so many families grieving..

Don’t Quit

2006-07-04T15:04:00.000+01:00

“Success is failure turned inside out -
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt -
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar;
So, stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit -
It’s when things seem worst that you mustn’t quit”
- C. W. Longenecker

2006-06-30T11:04:00.000+01:00

“A PhD is about finding out more and more about less and less until one eventually knows everything about nothing” - Anon

The PhD Topic

2006-06-28T13:42:00.000+01:00

One night a man had a dream. He was walking along a beach with his PhD Topic. It was at night. Hazy moonlight lit the scene with an eerie glow. Sometimes the man could almost touch the PhD Topic, but it would immediately dance out of reach.

The man said: How am I ever to finish if I can't catch you?

The topic said: Hah, hah, good question! This is fate, my friend. This is no ordinary walk. No, this is the rest of your life. Either you may stray to the right, seeking another topic, and end this walk with quiet desperation in the Ocean of Infinite Technical Reports, or you may stray to the left, and lead a life of quiet desperation in the Sorrowful Land of Consolation Prizes. Ah, but the true goal lies ahead! The problem is you don't know the cost of what you seek, nor do you know how long this beach is or where it leads.

The man stopped, crushed with despair. He reached down and quietly played with the sand for a while. Then he laughed and took out a cigarette lighter. Open wide, the man said.

No, the Topic shouted! Don't be silly! The beach is almost over, really! And it leads to the Peaceful Planes of Academic Recognition.

The man laughed again. You said this last year, sorry.

The lighter became a blowtorch. He aimed it at the Topic. The Topic disappeared in a loud swooshing noise. I knew you were just a lot of hot air, said the man. He laughed again, and whistling, ascended straight up into the last open direction, the Ethereal Pleasures of Those Who Don't Want a Topic.

The moonlight danced on. The beach was silent. The man was happy.

- Allan Cargille

Wanna be a biker?

2006-06-27T11:20:00.000+01:00

Driving down yesterday, from Dublin, met 300 or so bikers heading up the N7, they’re obviously the same crew coming from the Ring (re. Danny’s blog…)
Just made me wonder, would it be cool to bike/ride cross country sometime? (is that the correct term of phrase?) ..wind blowing in your hair, hanging on for dear life, scooting up the motorway.. ..that sense of freedom, adventure and discovery..
Or is it? What difference is it than driving your car – other than the obvious staying dry? And what does one call a group of bikers - a convoy?

Going to give Tango a go tonight – my first class.. the new course started 2 weeks ago, lets hope I can keep up! But should be fun! ;)
Try everything once! (..well maybe not literally everything.. )

No msn on the pc i'm working on.. i'm at a loss.. feel disconnected from the rest of the world.. ;)
Desert for the coffee group today - pavalova delivery! Everyone welcome! ;)

Hola!

2006-06-24T18:10:00.000+01:00

Well am back from Salou (approx. 1hr from Barcelona) .. It was really lovely.. The break was welcome and I had a truly nice time - enjoyed strolling along the beach and relaxing in the sun.. Got in some reading, shopped in Plaça de Catalunya and ‘had a coffee in Café Zurich and watched the world go by’! ;)
Back to reality now though and ready to hit the ground running again! ;) - well kind of!! ;) Would really want to learn some more Spanish phrases before my return trip – one more thing to add to my ‘to do’ list!
Was listening to ‘World Report’ on Radio One this morning – the schools in India are banning nursery rhymes such as Humpty Dumpty and Baa Black Sheep, as they’re not seen as patriotic... hmm...

Opps...

2006-06-12T10:42:00.000+01:00

Opps, haven’t been keeping up with the blogging too well!
Have actually been sick this last while.. suppose between work, phd and all else, it was only to be expected… (iron levels have hit rock bottom and are more-or-less nonexistent, big opps!).. Slowing down, r&r and an iron clad diet is prescribed..

However, in keeping with the Ulster football update – a good match between Armagh and the wee county of Fermanagh yesterday.. One might question whether these replays are a strategic move? ;) But it did however highlight the possibility of a young fit and nimble team out-classing, or running, the elder experienced cohort. (I think, the average age of the Fermanagh team is 22, with only 3 of their players over 24!) I’d imagine Armagh will come back to the replay all guns-blazing (they’ve yet to lose a replay under Joe’s management!)
Next weekend one can look forward to the backdoor games, with Monaghan playing Wicklow and then the second semi-final in Derry v Donegal..

And what great weather we’re having! – Just lovely, and it puts everyone in great form .. hope it lasts for another wee while.. ;)

Bits ‘n Bobs..

2006-05-31T13:02:00.000+01:00

Tá brón oram – ní raibh me ag scríobh ar feadh tamaill..
Well done to Ulster who won the Celtic League, not quite the same as the ERC, nor indeed where the celebrations, but still worth a mention that we got 1st, 2nd and 3rd..
What a first round match for Tyrone on Sunday – opps! What happened? Good to see Derry do well, but some of the tactics can’t be justified.. Tyrone missing Brian McGuigan big time! Kerry have to be feeling somewhat optimistic.. but its early days yet! ;)
Re. Mike's blog and latest developments – indeed at times the law is an ass.. is outrageous, lets hope they get a Bill through asap before the other 8 or so cases are heard..
Election fever is hotting-up, not just here, but also across the Atlantic, there was some interesting reading in the Sunday Times, re. the 2008 election..
A point to highlight or question – anyone else notice that Independent Newspapers never ever publish any ‘cupla focal’??
Today last day of May.. June 1st tomorrow! ;)

An Mhumhain!!

2006-05-22T11:46:00.000+01:00

Nach iontach an cliché a bhí idir Mumhain agus Biarritz ag an deireadh seachtaine, iontach ar ndóigh mar d’éirigh le foireann na Mumhan! ;) An Mhumhain Abú!
Tríd na bliana d’éirigh an suim níos mó i rugbaí agus ta fhios agam, ba choir go mbeigh mé ag gloach i ndiaidh Uladh.. ach nuair a bhi mé ag freastail ag an Ollscoil Luimnigh agus ag obair i Analog (le Dominic Crotty) d’éirigh mó suim agus nuair ata tu í gconai i Luimneach caithfaidh tu beith i ndiaidh an Mumhan! ;) Cheapann cupla duinne gur spóirt fiáin é rugbaí, agus tá na iomaitheoirí píosa beag garbh, fearúlacht bréige amach is amach – ach ní thuigann, tá ann grá i gcathair Luimnigh don spórit agus is é an chroi don rugbai in Éirinn! ;) Sea, nior chiug morán duinne suas anseo and meid passoin agus grá ata i Luimneach don rugbaí.. Is rud iontach é gur bhuaidh said – just go h-iontach!!!
Tá díomá orm nach raibh mé i Luimneach i rith an deireadh seachtaine! ;(

Hug..

2006-05-19T14:02:00.000+01:00

I’d like a hug..
Just having one of those days I suppose..

Happiness

2006-05-16T00:53:00.000+01:00

‘Ask yourself when you are happy and you cease to be so’ – J.S. Mills

One of my phd supervisors recommended I read Flow (it is a really good read, about ‘the Psychology of Optimal Experience’) and well, firstly it explains that it is by being fully involved with every detail of our lives, whether good or bad, that we find happiness and not by trying to look for it directly. Viktor Frankl (an Austrian psychologist and Nazi camp survivor, who spent 3yrs in Auschwitz, Dachau and other concentration camps) summarised this thinking also in the preface of his book Man’s Search for Meaning “Don’t aim at success – the more you aim at it and make it a target, the more you are going to miss it. For success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue …. as the unintended side-effect of one’s personal dedication to a course greater than oneself.” A good thought for the day!
Second related thought to mention is that the ability to preserve despite obstacles and setbacks is the quality people most admire in others, and rightly so - it is probably the most important trait not only for succeeding in life, but for enjoying it as well! ;)

I suppose some of this relates to old saying ‘smile and the world smiles with you, cry and you cry alone.’
- Gosh I’m getting quite philosophical for a comp. eng.! Or, am not sure… should I start to question why my supervisor recommended I read the book??? ;)
ha ha! ;) - just to clarify, I'm creating a contextualised learning environment, hence students need to be 'in the flow’ and happy! ;)

Monday News

2006-05-15T08:40:00.000+01:00

Got notified I got a conference paper accepted today – the sweet thing is I thought this paper had been rejected (notification took so long).. so, happy out.. (and before you ask - conference is in Sligo! whey hey!)

Had a nice weekend - phd-ing, watching CSI and then had a nice meal out with the lads Saturday evening… Monaghan drew with Armagh yesterday in our first outing of this years championship. Tipp beat Limerick in the hurling, in football Louth lost to Meath, Offaly won against Westmeath, NYC lost to Roscommon and in baseball the Yankee’s lost to the Red Sox!

Other sport news – there’s a new world record in the 100m - 9.76! wow! Justin Gatlin broke the record on Friday, so amazing, that guy is fast (and only 24yrs old!)

Finally, best of luck to Kevin and Eamonn who headed off this morning to complete the IRONMAN in Lanzarote. On Saturday they complete the 3.8k swim, 180k cycle and 42.2 run!!!! What a challenge!

Life's Too Short

2006-05-13T13:00:00.000+01:00

Life's too short to dwell on things
That pull and tear on your heart strings
So park those thoughts that make you worry
And create new goals to which you'll hurry.

Make your list of things to do
That always seemed not part of you
Make yourself explore unknowns
Write down your thoughts dig up those bones

Take a step toward things that scare you
Show who's boss while mind prepares to
Overcome what seems unrealistic
Before you lose it and go ballistic

Do something different every day
And watch as life shows new path ways
Life's too short to dwell on things
That pull and tear on your heart strings.

- Michael Charles Messineo

update on happenings..

2006-05-11T15:15:00.000+01:00

A week since my last blog – and what has happened? – well, where do I begin..???
The weekend was hectic, but really good fun – parties, laughs and obstacles courses – don’t ask!
Weather has really improved which is great, I hope the summer has arrived..
The Ulster Championship has started, with Down over-coming Cavan last week in Casement Park.. good to see more games being played there (though it is at the expense of Clones). Really sad news re. Brian McGuigan’s injury for Tyrone ahead of their campaign.. and this weekend Monaghan are up against Armagh, (..well we always got the back door!) Really liked the Eamonn Coleman article/interview in last week’s Sunday Tribune (btw, I used to do Irish dancing with the journalist – 2 hand reel!) Coleman hadn’t a lot of praise for Kerry though..
Am down in Limerick again, loads to do as usual, but hopefully will get the head down to work! Had an early start (yes, it is bright at 5am! ;)

"IS"

2006-05-11T14:13:00.000+01:00

"The Important thing is NOT

To imagine one ought

Have something to say,

A Raison d`etre, a plot for a play

The only true teaching

Subsists in watching

Things moving or just colour

Without comment from the scholar."

- PK

(stony grey soil PK!)

Unwritten Rules to Remember about Research

2006-05-04T10:55:00.000+01:00

1. Research cannot be rushed. Rush = failure.
2. Research is a game of give and take.
You will have to do work on projects that you don't like, in order to please the tutor and in order to pass. They hold the key. If they are happy with your work, they'll unconsciously make your path a little easier.
3. You will loose.
You will not be able to get just your own research work done only without doing some work for the boss. They will always make sure they get something from you. It's what it's all about.
4. Because of the nature of research (see rules 1 & 2) make the best of it.
If you don't or can't you will only be miserable. If you are miserable you will try to rush, and Rush = Failure. Therefore, relax, accept rules 1-2, and make the best of it.
5. Research cannot be rushed. Rush = failure.
6. NOBODY gets research done in under the minimum time allowed.
7. Read rule 5 again, OUT LOUD!
8. Anyone who contradicts rule 5 or expects to ignore rule 5 is lying or cheating.
9. Research cannot be rushed. Rush = failure.
10. If you don't like something, you shouldn't be doing it. If you are doing something you don't like you are not good at it. Accepting this is the key to happiness. Doing things you don't like only set a precedence, you will constantly be doing things you don't like, you will constantly be unhappy.

Blogosphere

2006-05-02T09:44:00.000+01:00

An interesting article re. blogs on cbsnews.com "It's A Blogged, Blogged World"
The article asks, and tries to ultimately answer, questions such as : Why people are posting intimate thoughts online? How are online interactions affecting our offline lives? And what is the impact of this for future society?
So you got any answers guys??? ;)

Why Worry?

2006-04-25T11:13:00.000+01:00

“There are only two things to worry about. Either you are well, or you are sick.
If you are well, then there is nothing to worry about. But if you are sick, there are two things to worry about. Either you get well, or you will die.
If you get well there is nothing to worry about. If you die there are two things to worry about.
Either you will go to heaven or hell.
If you go to heaven, there is nothing to worry about, but if you go to hell, you’ll be so damn busy shaking hands with friends, you won't have time to worry... So why worry?” – Anon

Another week over..

2006-04-21T21:14:00.000+01:00

Check out these photos of Life in Googleplex.... hmm, i don't remember industry being quite like this when I was there..

Elephants in Castletroy!!

2006-04-17T21:25:00.000+01:00

Was woken by elephants making noises (not quite sure what one calls that noise they do.. ).. Anyway, hmm.. things really changing about here! What next Lions? ;)
Oh, to clarify - there's a circus in town!

Darfur and Sudan..

2006-04-16T00:35:00.000+01:00

Right, know this isn’t really the typical blog entry, but think at same time is important to highlight.. as the conflict in Darfur and Sudan is growing increasingly worrying.. The latest reports have seen the state of Chad cut ties with Sudan (Darfur lies between Chad and Sudan), wherein grave conflict and fighting is taking place..

The Chadian rebels (many of them ex-army) have set up camps across the border in lawless/waar-ridden Darfur.
Chad’s President says Sudan’s government backs the rebellion.
Sudan denies the accusation and, in turn, says Chad supports Sudanese rebel groups in Darfur.
In October, hundreds of discontented Chadian soldiers deserted their barracks and fled to Darfur.
The rebels accuse Chad’s President Deby of running a dictatorship, exploiting the countries oil riches

So, what can be done.. stopping the violence in Darfur would help! Cos in essence it is this violence that is spilling across the border..

In brief the trouble in Darfur origninated three years ago when Africian tribal groups took up arms against the government in Darfur. The Sudanese government responded by arming thousands of militias, who wreaked havoc on African soldiers and villagers alike, killed tens of thousands of people and forced 2 million from their homes.

The US government have described it as genocide, but for the past two years the world has been content to let a 7,000-strong force from the African union police what the United Nations describes as one of the two worst humanitarian disasters in the world today!!! (The other being the Congo) The UN says it may send a peacekeeping force to Sudan, but troops are unlikely to arrive before the end of this year (and to add more trouble, Khartoum says it will refuse to allow them in!)

And so the fighting and killing continues - and spreads. In years to come will this be another Rwanda, or Bosnia?

Weekend.. + 7 Wonders of the World!

2006-04-15T15:03:00.000+01:00

Mike, Nev and Ben held a great party last night.. a Good Friday barbeque and party! Was fun – good food, fun and frolics! ;) Thanks lads..

The chivalry blog gained some debate and discussion, and yesterday we were questioning whether the feminist movement has perhaps destroyed values and the role of women in today’s society.. hmm? I dunno.. – another day/weeks discussion!

On a slightly different note.. was reading The New Yorker and came across the “OFFICIAL NEW 7 WONDERS OF THE WORLD BALLOT” and "YOUR THREE WISHES F.A.Q." ;)

Chivarly..

2006-04-12T21:51:00.000+01:00

This blog entry originated from a conversation at aerobics this evening! - Thank Richie!;)

Chivalry is defined as the medieval system, principles, and customs of knighthood. (Therefore the female equivalent would be a Dame!) However in today’s world, chivalry is defined as courtesy towards women... Which then brings me onto another point – in today’s society is chivalry dead?

A quote from Prof. Terrance Moore perhaps sheds some light on this...

“Chivalry has indeed seemed to become irrelevant today and that is a tragic loss for both men and women. Women refuse to hold men to the standards necessary to achieve the genteel honor that they have lost. Women are disrespected in today’s society, because we ask for nothing more. There is probably not a woman alive who, in some part of her heart, would not want to be carried off on horseback by a knight in shining armor, but we are not allowed to admit that anymore. We are taught to declare ourselves equal to men in all respects and in no need of superior treatment. If only women would realize that chivalry was a way of showing respect and devotion, not condescension, do we have any hope of ever regaining this lost system of virtue.”

Consequently, in simple terms, the return to chivalry requires that every young man exercise his courage in becoming a gentleman and that every young woman exercise her modesty in becoming a lady!

Easter Holidays!

2006-04-10T11:15:00.000+01:00

I have 2 weeks off for Easter – yippee!! ;) a whole 2 weeks, i.e. 14 days / 336hours / 20160 minutes or 1209600 seconds of no work!

Drove down to Limerick last night.. was late enough when I arrived (that’s probably because I left Monaghan so late.. but anyway, got down safely..

Monaghan were playing Cork yesterday in the last round of the league, and lost miserably.. we decided to go to the match, but even before the game started we were soaked through.. there is no stand at Castleblayney pitch and we were drenched by the time the guys came on the pitch (bearing in mind the GPA 15min. delay at all matches yesterday..) .. Cork were the better team on the day, and for a team that doesn’t travel well (they lost 21 away-matches in a row, until yesterday!), it was a pity Monaghan didn’t perform.. To division 2 next year for us!

Tomorrow's Friday!

2006-04-06T17:31:00.000+01:00

Thank crunchie, tomorrow is Friday!! ;)
.. and this Friday implies Easter holidays are around the corner! ;)

Dermots gig..

2006-03-31T11:31:00.000+01:00

Went to Dublin Wednesday night to Dermot’s gig, they were playing in Slattery's in Rathmines and it was real good! Particularly like the Jack Bauer song (yes, a song about tv show character in 24! ;) Blur/Devine Comedy type music, and we listened to his album on the way home. Many thanks to Niall for driving! Was home at 2am, straight to bed for me and up at 7 for work..

Update on happenings..

2006-03-27T11:15:00.000+01:00

Haven’t blogged in a while – hmm why is that, dunno, just hadn’t anything major to report/blog I suppose!

What’s been happening lately??? Well, Monaghan drew yesterday in the league, think this means that we won’t get staying in division 1A next year, is a pity, especially when we played so well against Tyrone and Kerry..
Work is grand.. another two weeks and then have Easter holidays for 2 weeks! Intend being down in Limerick then - phd work and chilling-out calling! ;) Noticed that the Plassey 10k is on around then - but hadn’t really intended signing up for it.. Will see, could change my mind.. haven’t done any training since Ballycotton, but just went back gym-ing last week..
Speaking of phd, Lonergan and his ‘Insight’ is still confusing me, trying to get my head around it!

Met up wit hthe girls Saturday night, we a good catch-up! Dinner was lovely and then we headed to the West for a while..
Myself and Michelle are going to go to a kick-boxing class Friday.. we're both kinda nervous/anxious about it cos we haven't a clue what we're signing up for! But am hoping it'll be good.. with the two of us there, we'll no doubt have a giggle anyway! ;)

A quiet weekend...

2006-03-13T12:27:00.000Z

The crazy week is over! To Cork, Limerick (twice), Dublin, along with juggling work in Dundalk and back to Monaghan… needless to say most of the weekend was spent resting..

Well done to Kerry who won by the slimmest of margin’s yesterday.. a late point won the game.. but it was a really good match and Monaghan played really good – we are definitely improving and it was great to see the guys play so well! …(however, a draw would have been a fair result!)Hopefully we can mange to win a few of the games and stay in the division…
There was great support for Monaghan at the match... I guess the long journay to Monaghan didn't seem all that appealing to the Kerry supporters..

Ballycotton 10 mile race..

2006-03-06T09:37:00.000Z

Well I ran the famous Ballycotton 10 mile road race yesterday! Ran in a time of 88.52, so happy with that, made it under the 1hr 30mins mark! It was a good enough result for one who hadn't trained in the last 2 months.
Ballycotton is such a nice pretty and scenic village.. Was lovely there yesterday, a little cold but when the sun came out it was beautiful.
Well done to all who ran, everyone ran pb's and improved of previous times..
It was a long way to go for a run, but glad I made the journey.. (though think the drive up and down took more out of me that the actual run! Plus getting up at 6.30 this morning hasn't helped! ;)

Pancakes

2006-02-28T09:02:00.000Z

Ingredients:
200 g Plain Flour
1 pinch Salt
1 Egg
250 ml Milk

Method: Sift flour and salt into a mixing bowl
Make a well in the middle of the flour, Add the egg
Stir in flour gradually from the sides, Adding milk a little at a time
When half the milk is used all of the flour should be moistened
Beat well to smooth and lighten
Add remainder of milk gradually mixing constantly
Set aside for an hour before use

The mind boggles...

2006-02-27T19:38:00.000Z

Monday update...

2006-02-20T08:57:00.000Z

I’m supposedly ‘in training’ for the Ballycotten 10mile run on March 5th. I’ve been doing some running, but unfortunately I have a meeting in Dublin the next day – not sure if it’s a bit much driving from Monaghan to Cork, attempting a 10mile race, driving back and then to Dublin the next day, being fresh/alert and awake at the meeting! Might all be a little too much..

Old age setting in, thought Monaghan were playing Tyrone in the Dr. McKenna Cup final last weekend, but that’s not happening until this coming weekend! Inniskeen, a Monaghan club, were playing yesterday however, division B club championship and won so that was good!

Otherwise, phd work coming along, mind is full of Action Research info, research methods, methodologies and paradigms!

Stardust..

2006-02-15T09:44:00.000Z

The awful tragedy that happened in 1981 is incontestable, and horrific to think of the suffering and pain so many families and neighbours went through.

However, its also very sad to think that this could happen again if tighter building controls, fire regulations and monitoring of same aren’t enforced.

Dogs.. + Valentine...

2006-02-14T08:40:00.000Z

Right - as you can see, yesterday wasn't very productive work-wise, a little distracted.. Lets hope today is better...
But first of all - just thought i'd share the photo below of the dogs - Ben (the GS) and Mickey (the Pomm, and before you ask, he was 2 when we got him, so would have been unfair to re-christen him!).
I'm sure they'll be delighted to have their photo on the web! ;)

And Happy Valentine's Day to all! ;)

Joke of the day...

2006-02-13T19:51:00.000Z

I was sent this joke via txt yesterday... not sure how i should interpret it! ;)

"A recent in-depth study has shown that the bird flu virus hits old birds first. So I though i'd better warm you immediately!"

DUP and the GAA??

2006-02-13T18:40:00.000Z

DUP calls for prosecutions in GAA on-pitch violenceThe DUP is criticising the GAA for not asking police to prosecute players involved in on-pitch violence during a National Football League match between Dublin and Tyrone a week ago.
Ian Paisley Junior said that the association should have invited detectives to bring charges over fighting at a game in Omagh.
The DUP Justice spokesperson said that video footage of the mass brawls that saw four players sent off should be given to the PSNI as evidence for prosecutions.

What Are The Keys To Your Heart?

2006-02-13T17:26:00.000Z

Just came across this and hadn't tried it out till this morning.. Wonder what is actually signifies..

The Keys to Your Heart

You are attracted to those who are unbridled, untrammeled, and free.

In love, you feel the most alive when your lover is creative and never lets you feel bored.

You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please.

Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with.

Your risk of cheating is zero. You care about society and morality. You would never break a commitment.

You think of marriage as something precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred.

In this moment, you think of love as something you thirst for. You'll do anything for love, but you won't fall for it easily.

What Are The Keys To Your Heart?