Cowboy up

If there is one particular type of movie that I have no interest in seeing, more so than overt Chick flicks (fried red potatoes, ya-ya sisterhood of travelling pants, mirrors of a geishas)... it would have be gay cowboy romance movies. AKA Brokeback Mountain. Really I have nothing against it, apart from the very reality that it will be snoring out loud boring, so I plan to avoid it like Pearl Harbor. Interesting enough though, I have heard that there have been some strong elements mixed in to make it okay for straight male sucker p-whipped boyfriends to attend.... and its a really good one: Anne Hathaway goes topless. Wow. Yeah I know, thats the Princess from the Princess Diaries. Hmmm... i think it just got upgraded to "rent it on DVD and Fast forward to good scenes" status. (And girls dont dare shake your head in disgust, I know its been done by yous, namely with Solaris, to see George Clooneys bare ass.)

So its good to be back home... It warranted blasting Muse - Hysteria super LOUD....

so far pretty chill... apart from having to sleep on a couch. hmpfh..

I have a new number for while Im in Vancouver, I got a Fido Sim card for my Vodafone... 778-859-8574, give me a shout to say hi, and forgive me if Im slow to call peeps..

Theyre Back

Its my boys again. They are BACK... Feckya... and that guy is still playing Videogames.

1 more day till I come home. Pray with me that I get upgraded to Business Class. I dont like it back there anymore... it sucks "Ho Ho Ho!!!"

Its been a long December...

and theres reason to believe maybe this year will be better than the last.

So I just heard Hermes is the newest Xtscene.com photographer... lucky freakin bastard! Hermes you are blessed brah... my boy is actually allowed and even encouraged to take pictures of hot drunk girls in Vancouver clubs wearing nothing but tank tops and denim belts. Dude... if you need a sub during your Japan hiatus... me and Jin will be in like a fat kid on a smartie...

So here are some photos from France..

Oh la la..

Just got back from a week in France, and Ive set a personal best (or worst) of 8 straight days of being drunk. I know it doesnt sound like me... but these Irish lads, who would of thought they drank so much. It got so bad that our work group were too hungover yesterday (Thursday) and were too unfit for a trip to san sebestian... disgustingly bad form. Not going to San Sebestian because you are too sick, even though you are only 1.5 hours away in Mimizan; SO very unresponsible. Its like skipping out on a free dinner at Mortons because you already got too full eating at White Spot.

Anyways.. I just got home and the France trip was tres bon, but also I am tres tired of daily selections of cheese. Ill write more this weekend, but just wanted to make a quick commment on todays World Cup Groupings, while its still Fresh in my mind:

-Loving that the US got stuck in a group with Czech Republic and Italy. Not to mention my adopted African home of Ghana... Id be surprised if US scored a goal. Marty has this theory that the US will win the World Cup because theyll end up buying one. Well Marty also thinks his head isnt big as Andre the Giants...

My heart is with Ghana, but they are in tough with that group.

My other teams this time around: Spain, Portugal as always, and add to that Sweden. Only because they have some of the hottest blonde chicks in the world. Italy would be there for the chick rule, but they get a total downgrade because Italian dudes are greasy slimy cocky bastards that wear skin tight jeans, and drive like as if venomous cobra was thrown into their car.

- Brazil is an easy pick, as well, but just like the old Jordan Bulls, too easy of a pick, and I dont want to look like or be associated with posers. Love em, but only if they werent so popular... There are only two types of Brazilan supporters... there are cool ones, who wear real Havaianas and have true connections to Brazil, and there are those that think Ronaldo is still the best player on that team (ie the posers. Hes Barely 4th Id say). Luckily, I have good friends that sell Cocunut drinks on Santos beach and my Havaianas are straight from Sao Paulo. Obrigado Renata. Im always in the cool group.

- Other teams I dont mind: Holland, Czech Republic, Argentina and Iran (because its the home of the Iron Sheik)

- Teams I could never ever EVER root for: Germany, USA.

My next mission impossibly goal: somehow make it to the World Cup next June in Germany.

Beeerkeepoer Pub doowntpwn DUndaalk

Its Deccember. Oh my. I was suppiose to do work all throgh danight tonight, cuz Im really under pressure wid working stufffs, olyn dua weeks of work left in the 20045 like; with a trip to Bordeaux prenchy in between. Instead I went out for thursty thursdays pints with alcoholic Irish who can drink as if they have hollow legs.... stupid, stupid stupid.

Anyways tow more weeeks.. Remind me to keeep off this ting when next time styless, I cnat belive I actually remembed my passurrwrd for logouut. af ew pints of Erdinger... plus a shot of Tekquillah must bee good for memmorizing. Goooto bed nOli..

los lo mas arriba posible cinco: Emma Jo Denise KerryAnne Roisin

Christmas List Version 2.00.5

Last night I finally heard it. I was waiting for it, waiting for it, waiting for it, and finally it came. Last year I mentioned my two favorite Christmas songs, Bing Crosby and David Bowie's Little Drummer Boy and Live-Aid's Do they know its Christmas, 1984 Version. Well I forgot one: Last Christmas by Wham! (featuring George Michael). One of the few catchy tunes that I dont mind listening to over and over again. It just makes you feel good inside, doesnt it?; good times. I finally heard it playing during my midnight grocery shopping at Dunnes Stores. And that was the Pavlovian bell. I need to do my Christmas list. Now I will apologize, because I have slightly bit off of my arch nemesis, Oprah from her annual "Oprah's favorite things" show (you know the one, where the middle age ladys in the audience go hysterical, like certified lunatics. Another shining example that proves a universal point, all women are nutjobs; exempt are the intelligent and exceptionally fine women that read this blog of course. Considering you will be buying me gifts n all) So here it is, the annual list of the coolest, lastest, and greatest things ever, my Sears Catalogue wish list. Ive also added hyperlinks, because Im here to help you.

(Also dont forget its my Birthday too. December 23. I turn {cough} 21 {cough,cough})

- Burberry Boxer Shorts, size M.

- Neiman Marcus Cashmere Socks (like if you gonna give socks and underwear, do it right)

- Bill Simmons new book

- Muhammad Ali Zaire '74 Robe (Like the one he wore into the Rumble in the Jungle. How cool is that? Go to Mens Apparel - Originals. Actually anything on that web page would be cool. Feel free.)

- Adidas Originals Super Skate High Top Sneakers. Size 9.5 (Same webpage. Go crazy)

- Nudie Jeans - Loose Frank with Dark Blast or Heavy Holes wash. size 32/32

- Tinikling Set

- Nike Dry Fit Socks (I LOVE these things, Im going to ask for them every year. So money. Short ankle versions only please)

- Veronica Mars, Season 1 DVD (KIDDING! I did that one for the reaction)

- Ride Havoc 159 Snowboard" (RIGHT MJ!!!!!)

- Banana Republic Scarf (My neck gets cold, and I have sensitive skin)

- M.I.A. Arular CD

- Goldilocks Leche Flan and Casava Cake (And for the longest time, I thought it was Leche PLAN)

- Reflexology Gift Certificate, with post use of ozonated pool and eucalyptus steam room (No Chinatown cheapies, please)

- Tumble Time Tigger

- Volvo V50

- Abercrombie Ezra Fitch Hand Knit Cable Sweater, Size M (Or similar)

- Taken out to Gotham while Im in Vancouver for Christmas

- Banana Republic Wool/Cashmere Pajamas

- Wife

Something for Nothing

Went to a great concert last night. The Bravery were playing in Dublin on Friday, and totally threw down putting on an amazing show with great energy, great stage presence, and the added situational comedy of the lead guitar player playing the crowd, rockin it way too enthusiastic, often taking center stage like hes really important or something (I love this phenomenon). The Bravery opened for U2 during some of their tour dates this year, and I guess are kinda part of the newest retro New Wave stream, with hints of New Order and the Cure, if you were to compare for reference. These guys are really good live though, superb and pumpin; if you ever get a chance to watch one of their shows, definitely go. I want you to. "Honest Mistake" is currently one of my favorite songs at the mo...

... and youd be interested to know that the aforementioned lead guitar is the spitting image of long haired Steve Nash... with a moustache. High comedy.

(Steve Nash with Moustache not pictured below. You can find him at Phoenixsuns.com)

Downtown Chinatown

Hello boys and girls...

- follow this thread: Noli moves to Ireland for Job -> Noli misses out on the newest North American entertainment and becomes sad -> Marty informs Noli of new TV show Entourage, in exchange for all of Noli's past mentoring -> Noli downloads some Entourage shows and goes nuts over them -> Noli goes home Xmas 2004 and receives the remaining Entourage shows from Marty -> Noli smiles lots -> Months and months pass and season two starts on HBO unknowingly, life goes on in Ireland -> More months upon months pass, then Noli goes to China / Hong Kong for work -> Noli comes back with Quasi-illegal Entourage Season 1-2 DVD set, bought at a night market for the equivalent worth of Jack's magical beans -> Noli spends a few week nites with only 2 hours sleep going through DVDs rewatching the first season and going through the new second season, with the perpetual excitment of an 80s kid during Saturday morning cartoons. Absolutely brilliant show, even though E pisses me off huge, that little non deserving leprauchaun. Complete horse shit, if we are to believe he would ever hook up with Emmanuelle Chriqui, Holly Valance and Samaire Armstrong ever... no freakin way, hes barely taller than them like. And if you have no clue what Im talking about, talk to me when Im home in Vancouver Dec 16-Jan 5. I have 7 DVDs of Entourage goodness, with Chinese subtitles even, for my friends of that persuasion.

- Not that I didnt expect this or anything, but this last trip to China, I was treated to more of "Marty in Taiwan" treatment. Most conversations went someting like this:

Chinese Person: "Ching ching ching chow ching?"
Me: " Huh?"
Chinese Person: "Can ching Gah low wah?"
Me: "Huh?"
Chinese Person: "Oh you no chinese? So sorry.. he he he he" (females covering mouth during the "he he he he" part, embarassed like)

- As predicted the Chinese Imperial Army, Internet division, prevented me from updating my Blog in China, for fears that I may be backing Falun Gong or something. Stupid Chinese. (I kid I kid! Dont Kung Fu me) I could of updated when I was in Hong Kong I guess, but I was more interested in taking the escalator up steep hills. I think all steep hills should have these.

- While in China, I was also pleasantly surprised by the rash popularity of Yao Ming haircuts

Yeah so the trip was pretty okay apart from some constant confusions. Like the time I ordered Tsing Tao beer at the restaurant, but they brought back green grass Tea instead. Not good times, sober times. Been back for about a week now, and I do say, I miss the Dim Sum every morning and rice with every meal. And I wanted to bring back a rice cooker, cuz I dont have one here, but all I could find were the Chinese Restaurant size / Filipino Family size ones. What can you do.

Also I was hoping to have pictures to post as well. I took a ton, especially some really cool ones at dawn, with old seniors holding weapons in the monkey stance during their daily routine tai chi. Somehow though my CompactFlash card got corrupted in Hong Kong... I was so dissappointed.

"There are 9 million bicycles in Beijing...

...Thats a fact. Its a thing we cant deny."

Can you believe thats an actual song... Lyrics to an actual song, yep. And as camp as it sounds, its actually kinda catchy. Its by Katie Melua, who if you dont know who she is, is the Russian Georgian-born, Belfast-raised UK fusion of Natalie Imbruglia / Nelly Furtado/ Vanessa Carlton... with curly locks. Think about that for a sec, thats quite the exotic combo. When you google her (and I know at least all the dudes will), youll find out how insanely cute she is. Charlie-Uniform-Tango-Echo, CUTE to the extreme, rock the mic like a vandal, light up the stage, wax a chump like a candle.

Anyways I brought it up cuz tomorrow Im going to China. Not Beijing exactly, but Guangzhou, which is just north of cash money Hong Kong. So I dont know if Ill be blogging in the next week or so, because the Republic of China monitors and regulates all media in China, including the Internet. I dont know if Ill get proper access or not; or if the Chinese authorites will censor my anti-establishment messages. :) We'll see, but really all I want is to bike around like everyone else... Im easy I know.

Anyways 9 millions bicycles in Beijing. Thats a fact. More or less. Thats a lot of freakin bicycles.

Kay Gotta pack again. I SO hate packing. I need to hire migets to pack for me. What will that cost me, like 5 bucks? After all, I need to hand them my hanged shirts that they cant reach.

Fantasy Island Part II

I cant believe they killed off Shannon. Im very upset. Obviously they dont know the rules; you cant kill off hot girls! Its just not allowed its not done! There are rules, very strict rules. Its okay to kill off the new character who you never met before (the Star Trek rule), or to kill off the coloreds (the racist hollywood establishment rule), or the ugly and the obnoxious( my rule)... but not ever EVER the hot honies. Im as pissed off as Siyed! He gets no more lovin now. Maybe they have invented a new George Bush rule, that no matter how hot you are; if you kiss and have missionary sex with an Iraqi, your DEAD. I hate that rule.

Fantasy Island

Im built on some addictions. I like being addicted to Pop Culture, it kinda defines me. Im addicted to new clothes, new shoes, new words without sounding too much like a poser (A definite skill, and its mastery is all in the context and intonation), new cities, new accessories, new toques, new gagets, new sunglasses, new cologne (Armani Black Code and Gaulter II y'all), new electronics, new books, new music, new clothes, new shoes, new young hot emerging yet undiscovered actresses, new movies, new stores, new hats, new Snapple flavours, new cars, new girl bands, new dance like youre gay songs, new cry me a river songs, new clothes, new shoes, new toys, new videogames, new videogame systems, new sports seasons, new jackets, new socks, new iPods, new cloths, new shoes and last but not least new TV shows. And most recently, Im addicted to Lost. Its got me. Im helpless. And this is what I do to get my fix, I download 350 Meg episode files from the internet, minutes after they air in North America, cuz, yup, Im addicted, and I gots too (dumbass Ireland is too slow and wont start showing the 2nd season until probably April. Fuck that.)

Now heres the interesting thing; for the first time, I get to play Drug Dealer, too, and its fun. You have no idea how many Clients I have at work, looking for the next weekly hit. If I was smart, Id sell this shtuff, and make 10s. Instead, though, I do it for the popularity, because Im insecure. On that note, its almost midnight, and I just finished downloading Episode 6. I need to watch now. And tomorrow, distibute my flash memory stick, watching the eager Irish faces as they copy my contraband. Im buying friends.

But just let me rant on one thing: who are these people that pretend they dont watch TV, or dont need TV because they think that Anti-TVism is the new cool, the new socially correct cachet? Everyones experiences it, especially when you meet someone new and youre into that "just met you, gotta sound cool" conversation, theres almost always an instance of the "nah I dont watch much TV" line drop. Like what the fah? Bah Humbug. Screw that. Im proud to watch TV. Good TV. There aint nothing wrong with it (or double negatives for that matter). This is the way I see it; TV along with movies and music, provides the single most sought after commodity known to man; escapism. People need dreams, need escapes, and TV, along with the more socially acceptible music and cinema cousins, allows that. Enrique Iglesias once sang " You can run, You can hide, but you cant escape my love"... which has nothing to do with my thesis, but Enrique is my hero, so it was a good excuse to be random yet related. And also get a song stuck in your head. ha ha!

Okay Im becoming incoherent... but one last thing, Ive heard great things about My Name is Earl... if anyone knows of a download forum for it, please let me know, because I wanna see what all the hype is about..

Okay enoughs enoughs... I need to find out who they are going to kill this episode... lates yo...

Catchup on Photoblogging

Trying again to photoblog more. First bit is photos from Japan. And NO I did not take a picture of the stupid Dennys.

Ill try and do more in the next few days.

Mt. Fuji, sometimes know as the "Tika-tika-tika-tika-tika-tika-too" big wrestler lady on G.L.O.W (The Glorious Ladies of Wrestling)


Shinjuku Area of Tokyo. Or at least I think so... Mike, Hermes will correct me if Im wrong




Temple Garden in Fuji City

On the couch Saturdays

- Having a lazy day. Spent the bulk of the day in my apartment this Saturday, with the only goal being to clean the bathroom. So far we can call it an unproductive saturday (Theres always sunday).

- Late in the evening, Irish TV was playing "The Gift" on TV3. Lads, you know the one. Just by chance catching the beginning of the movie while I was randomly flicking channels, I knew I had to run errands so I had to time this perfectly; I drove into downtown Dundalk, went to the new shopping mall that just opened to check it out, bought some groceries, returned some DVDs I rented and got back JUST in time to watch the key scene late in the movie, where Katie Holmes goes topless, flashing her marvelous boobs. Now missing that would of been devestating. Most guys would keep it safe, stay the course and wait, suffering through the movie. Not me. I think I have a new superpower: time scheduling.

- Speaking of Katie Holmes, Im wondering, cuz we all know that Tom Cruise is not the father of the baby in her belly, like comeon, hes gay; so i wonder who the real father is of the so called "immaculate conception". It could be one of those invetro jobs as well. Im betting on that.

- Pussycat Dolls. Just goes to show a band of hot girls with hooker personas can always squeeze out at least one hit song. Especially when its a song that encourages infidelity in relationships. But you know the front singer? Nicole? The Filipina. Woah... like woah... shes has potential to push on; more Justin Timberlake, and less JC Chasez...

-After the Gift, I was stuck with this difficult choice between Saturday Nite TV movies... it was either Fear, the crazy boyfriend Mark Whalberg to Reese Witherspoon movie, or Center Stage, the Ballerina movie. Mark Whalberg overacting, or slender girls dancing in tights that can do the splits. Hmmmm... tough call...

"Ballerina, you must of seen her... dancing in the sand...And now she's in me, always with me, tiny dancer in my hand " - Elton John

Pop the Cork

This weekend was a well deserved bank holiday long weekend; Well deserved I say, especially after a 70 hr work week (Sometimes working till 3AM 3 days in a row is fun in some perverse manner, but actually Im really fishing for sympathy) Bank holidays, though, I love them. What an invention. Random days during the year where apparently banks shutdown? so everyone else does as well, like a big national game of simon says. The closest I can think of that comes close to it were the professional days we got in elementary school which I remember so fondly (as if school teachers didnt receive enough time off during the year already; along with the excellent health benefits, that profession really gots some stroke, I tell ya). So yeah, bank holidays, God bless em. We got Monday off.

I went down to Cork, in Southern Ireland with my flatmate John... staying at his parents house. And there I went with John, Miriam, and his brother Ted to go kiss the Blarney Stone. As you may know, kissing the Blarney Stone as legend has it, helps you acquire subtle eloquence and convincing persuasion, "the gift of the gab". It is also said that the Irish piss on the stone when tourists arent looking, but I think thats why the stone is so smooth. I wasnt too worried though, cuz John and Miriam went to kiss it too. FOR THE FIRST TIME. And John grew up like 5 minutes away from Blarney. Thats like living in North Vancouver all your life and not to going crossing the Capilano Bridge like ever... uh, which is totally normal actually.

Miriam going up the stairs to Blarney



John going down the stairs from Blarney



Me kissing the Blarney Stone

Babbling

I was troubled this week. Is it really THAT bad if you go to a spa for therapeutic massage and reflexology, and then while waiting in the lounge you spot out that a dude is coming out to do the service, which you then up and leave, changing your mind? There shouldnt be anything wrong with that, right? This is all theoretical, of course. My friend Emma argued that that was just as bad as leaving the hot tub at the gym when a fat ugly person comes in, but I dont think so....

Threes

Ever hear of the rule of 3s? You know, where everything happens in 3s? Everything. Or everything is verified after 3, or defined after 3. Or the saying "third time lucky". The instances of 3s appears everywhere. For example, first and foremost, there are the three physical dimensions that define the natural world. Thats why we call it 3D. Aristotle talked about "the three unities" of time, place and action—which is way too fancy to talk about here, but, yeah, uh, take my word for it. Other great authors and teachers taught to consider the balance of threes in writing and literature. In photography theory, there is the fundamental rule of 3s, a simple technique for taking impactful pictures. Of course theres the famous 3 times word power rule, where if you use a new word 3 times, like say my new word which is "Reticence", then it becomes yours, you permanently own it in your vocabulary (Joey from "Blossom" taught me that one). Theres the 3 second rule for dating; the rule that you should immediately try to meet a women within 3 seconds of seeing her (or her seeing you), which basically means dont ever hesitate (this is where I always go terribly wrong). You also see 3s in movies with the biggest movies of all time situated in Trilogys; Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, The Godfather... Rambo... The Mighty Ducks. And then theres the triple-double and the 3 point shot in Basketball, three periods and the three goal "hat trick" in hockey, and in CFL football theres the 3 do... well who cares about CFL football. And then, of course, there is the Catholic Holy Trinity; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. Theres tons of this 3s stuff, theres a lot more, but I think I made my point (where this point is going, Im getting to that)

I like this because there is power in the number three. Like whats better than two pairs of shoes? Three pairs, homey. So anyways... I went shopping in Dublin yesterday (If you have to know... in spite of my natural "Reticence", I only shop in London, New York, Paris, Milan, Madrid, Dublin, Belfast, Tokyo, Singapore now. You have to have standards) And I bought my THIRD successive pair of expensive skinny jeans. You know what that means, because of the significance of 3s, Im officially in the expensive jeans club. Nothing else lower than Nudie Jeans or Seal Kay or Gas Jeans are acceptible now, Im afraid. And Id like to add that I came to these terms on my own, with no influence from anyone else. (Including you, J to tha M, Miss TripleFiveSoul, which, uhuh, is another instance of 3s btw) So yeah, theres no holding me back now, I wont even look at Levis anymore unless they are the designer type ones, which do exist thankfully (Listen to me, I dont recognize myself anymore).

Now on this shopping trip, I bought a few things (shoes, duh, aforementioned jeans, somemore stuff from H&M, and The Warriors XBox Videogame which will severly jeopardize my "read one book a month" challenge) and I spent quite a bit of money, or so I thought. Thing is I went shopping with my friend Josie, who is very un-"reticient" in her shopping style and put me to shame (WOHO! Thats 3 times I used it, "Reticient" is sooo mine now). Somehow with less bags than me, she managed to spend double what I did, and defended herself by saying that "girl things" are expensive. Uh huh... like you really needed another pair of FM boots and 30 euro bottle of anti-wrinkle face toner shit... (NOT that Im complaining... nuhuh)

I want it that way

3 years ago, at Joe and Kims wedding, my buddies Wayne and Sid sang up a memorable storm when the Karaoke machine was wheeled in the midst of the reception. It was magical. AND Somehow, with a great stroke of luck, a video was created with them repeating the same act on the Internet! Unbelievable... hahahahahahaha. Follow this link, Wayne and Sid sing their hearts out. Feel free to bookmark and play whenever you are down in the dumps and are looking for some pure sunlight; a chance to walk on the bright side of the road. Special Note: if you look closely, you can spot Jeff in the back, playing Ninja Gaiden.

Ramadan

Just got back from Indonesia, or as I like to now call it, our Filipino cousins with Indo-Muslim names (They look like us, sound like us, act like us, joke like us, wear tsinelas like us. I could of easily been in the Filipino Islands of the Visayas, cuz I dont understand anyone over there either). Some people were concerned about me going, considering the recent bombings in Bali, but AHHHH screw it, you have to have a sense of adventure. Anyways, I think media fear mongering by association goes a bit too far sometimes. Its the tendancy for the news to present facts that feed on fears for uncontrollable risks, things we have absolutely no control over, despite how remote or minute in comparison those risks are. To be honest, I felt as safe there as anywhere else, and to local expats, the terrorist label was a joke, for the Sumatra Island, anyways. Indonesia is a surprisingly huge country (It unbelievably has a population of 240 million people, which is just below the population of the USA) so I didnt necessarily think that terrorist fears in one part of the country would have anything to do with the safety in another part. I could of easier of died from some exotic disease instead.

On a related note, I think I might now have the bird flu. Ive been coughin like a chicken ever since I got back. I wouldnt worry though, I dont thinks its contractable through internet connections. Tomorrow I have the best prank planned; I wonder whatll happen or if Ill freak anyone out at work when I show up tomorrow on my first day back wearing a face mask, coughing like a 94 Ford Topaz, and wearing my year old contacts so my eyes go blood shot. Sooo fun...

What was I doing in Singapore and Indonesia, some might be wondering? Well work. Some people, like maybe the 8 of you that actually read this thing, might still not really understand what it is I do. In a nut shell, my company sells Automation systems to the Paper Industry, and more specifically I design and project manage the installation of these automation systems into Paper Mills. So if Im going somewhere, usually thats what its for. Now you know why it is one week Im in Germany and the other Im in India. Its why sometimes Im too tired to blog.

Other interesting notes from Singapore / Indonesia:

- During installations onsite in paper mills, Im required to wear steel toe boots. In Indonesia though, safety standards are a bit more lax... I actually saw people working in the mill wearing tsinelas / flip flops! Wow, this is so third world. Now that totally tops my list, surpassing the pipe fitter I saw in the Japanese mills, wearing steel-toe ninja shoes.

- As I mentioned, even though I got to fly in the front of the plane on British Airways on the way there, I was forced to travel in the back of the plane on the way back to Dublin. It was HORRIBLE. Like Seinfeld says, you cant go back.

- As I mentioned, Indonesias are carbon copys of Filipinos in every way possible, except for religion. Even when I talked, my filipino accent would sometimes slip, which usually only happens when I talk to parents or aunts / uncles / grandparents. For example... I was working with and got to know associates from the local ABB office, including one cool guy, Chusnull. This guy was awesome. He looks exactly like Jeff Melegrito, from the smile, to the way he laughed, to same humor about him, to the way his hair got messy and he wouldnt give a shit; only difference was his fob Indonesian accent with a touch of Singlish (Singapore English slang lah). He even had the same stories as Flips, and the same awareness for the supernatural.

(Me and him walking to the residence, late at night)
Chusnull aka Jeff: "Hey Noli... why dont you try to go swimming in da pool tonight. hahahaha you should go maan.."

Me: "Shit they have a pool here? Swimming at nite rules. Is the pool nice?" (It was 32C and 95% humidity at night)

Chusnull aka Jeff: "Okeey Maan! You should go den... the pool is bery nice... hahahaha, ip you are not scurd. Just be carepul becus you might meet the spirits. da White Lady! da Lady ghost. oooohhhh."

Me: "The White Lady! Oh my gosh..."

See, it turns out Indonesians universally believe in spooks and mythical phenomenon in the exact same way as Filipinos. They even call ghosts the same thing in Indonesia, The White Lady. Parallels were endless...

- It was nice to be able to experiement again with food in Singapore. Food was amazing and a welcome departure from the usual monotony of the Irish fare. Singaporean food is influenced predominantly by three cultures; malay, chinese and indian. It translates to the best of all worlds, or the amazing fusion of all into one. Soo good lah.

- Sumatra coffee was awesome.

- Got to watch some actual playoff baseball over there, since they had ESPN Asian / Star Sports. This was huge, because baseball is nonexistant in Ireland. The games were usually live early in the morning, or replayed later in the evening. The BoSox lost, as Wayne tried to rib me with his comments on my last post. Oh well, like as if him trash talking really bothers me anyways... what was more satisfying was that the over rated Yankees lost too. Derek "I threw Jessica Alba out of bed" Jeter, Gay-Rod, Chop-sui and "stick a needle in my ass" Giambis.. LOL what a running joke.

- I got proposed to for the first time since I was in Africa. This local canteen girl at the guest house residence, I think kinda liked me and was increasingly flirtatious, asking my name, asking where I was from and giving awesome food service, like free coke and beer... and over the days eventually she asked if I was married. No. Then she asked If I wanted to marry her... uhhhhh... I just wanted some shrimp fried rice?

-Stayed a couple days in London on the way back. Shock and Surprise, I did some shopping. H&M stores rule. Lets put it this way, it was the first time I acted like a chick and brought 8 items into the change room. Im mad.

Tiger Beer

First and formost I got to say one thing: My Singapore Hotel, The Royal Plaza on Scotts, has a free freakin Mini Bar. I hope you understand what Im saying. You have no idea how excited I was when I found out! Like... free minibar? are you shitting me? Of course, I should of known better, that it was too good to be true. Once I got to my room, I dropped everything (actually there was nothing to drop because the bell boy was carrying my luggage for me. YES! And I didnt know if I was suppose to tip in Singapore, so.. ehhh... I didnt) I whipped open the mini bar and surprise surprise, I only found two Tiger Beers, a Pepsi, a Diet Pepsi (yuck), a 7UP, and some local Orange drink. What a tease. Two Tiger Beers. And no hard alcohol or snacks. At least they replenish this every day, so I better use them, or at the very least, hide them in my suitcase. If you havent found out already, Im cheap like that.

So anyways, I just got here, late in the evening. Everyone looks like my Dad or a cousin or Pierre (I swear! Theres freakin Pierres everywhere here. And all the Pierres look at me. Pierre?), which, after a year and a half in Ireland, Id have to say... all you brown people look the same. Lots of aussies too. Its so good... I love that accent, its the best ever. (The girls... not the dudes, dumbass; Aussie blokes are pompous and dodgy in general)

Im kinda relieved that I am in Singapore though, which is WAY different than any other asian city. Its cuz everyone speaks english. My last trips to Japan and Korea... oh boy... were totally different; fun, but different cuz everyone initially spoke to me in the local language. They would look at me and just speak normally, like I knew what the fuck they are saying. Its just like when Jen or Millie Jane go to chinatown. It bugged me a little because I had to constantly repeat myself, like a stupid american, asking if they spoke English. And if they did, I still counldnt understand them... oh well.. it was stress everytime I went to get sushi.

But here. No problems. I just have to turn on my Malay accent, and Im local. Also discovered a new treat. Deep fried Pineapple Pie.

Lee Son

Nicole made me feel guilty for not posting. She sent me an email. Which made me look when my last post actually was, and it was a month ago. A month ago! how embarassing... so bad. Sorry Nic... I know you depend on me. Even though you have a car with no sun roof, which is unforgivable.

So anyways, I just wanted to say Ive been kinda busy. Kinda. Just got back from Germany and Switzerland last week. I drank lots of Beer and bought lots of chocolates. And Ive learned that anything above 30% cocao in milk chocolate is the freakin shit. So to all the chicks I know, I tell you, Oh..... my..... god. And I dont even want to start with the 70% dark chocolate. Ive never had anything go so good with coffee...

Moving on. The one shocking thing though was that they actually sell Swiss Army knives at Zurich Airport. I know! What the fuck! I would of bought one if I knew...

So, anyways I head to Singapore tomorrow. Told you, kinda busy. Im kinda scared of the bird flu. Freakin birds always screw things up. And bombing in Bali. Oh man. I head to Indonesia the week after... so to my siblings... just to let you know... Ill be in Sumatra next week. Think of me.

Also... Im really pissed that I was forced to take an economy flight on the way back home to Heathrow from Singapore. Business was sold out. Im going to freak out. Bullshit... how can Business be sold out before economy? How? Im developing clausterphobia.

BTW, Im kinda drunk... I just drank a bottle of Shiraz to myself... Im soooooo awesome... More from asia when I get there... hopefully...

Rainy Day Blog

Its not really raining, but I gots nothing to do today. The highlight was going to be picking up the lens hood I ordered for my camera, but it hasnt come in yet. Luckily I called beforehand, becuase it would be a waste of a drive down to Dublin and pay the €3 in tolls. And thats really it. Supremely boring I know, especially wasteful since I successfully wasted a whole paragrah on this drivel. So let me throw down in point form;

-Listening to Jem lots currently. "Wish I" was THE song of the summer 2005, and in my humble opinion, one of the best beach songs ever. I mean it. EVER. I say that now, because "Circle in the Sand" Belinda Carlyle, was good in its day, when I was, what, 12?, but it just feels dated now. Most people would insist on Double "JJ" J Johnson; whose supremely awesome as well, but he doesnt quite fit into the category because of the lack of Pop; hes more surf (which is totally related but yet different, I say). Jem's whole album is really good, actually, including "They" and "Just a Ride"... Trip-Pop is the trendy new term invented to categorize. It has a nice ring to it, although saying Dido #2 would work just as well. Now Im just waiting for the arch enemy Misfits album to come out, and hoping for a female Tupac/Biggie vibe.

-Fresh off the snap popularity of their soundtrack to the OC lesbian scene, Im trying hard to get tickets to Bell-X1, playing in Dublin in September.

-This maybe in extremely bad taste, and I might be going to hell. Just wanted to warn you. I have been frequenting CNN.com lately to get all the latest video clips on the New Orleans disaster. A simply terrible situation. And unfair. However, Ive run across two things that made me feel guilty for bursting out laughing; #1 The candid outburst by an emotional Kayne West, unscripted, saying live on the MSNBC Charity relief telethon "George Bush doesnt care about Black people". What was really funny was the immediate look of shocked "what the fah?" on Mike Meyers face standing beside him and Chris Tucker's face, who they quickly switched to. They were like "huh?" HAHAHAHAHAHA #2 The aid relief worker at the Houston Astrodome, who ran through a list of items they were seriously low on and pleading for donations. He pleaded for water, food, clothing and underwear. Something like, "If anyone has underwear, please come by and donate because we are in serious shortage and need, especially ones in sizes extra extra large". I told you. If you laughed, youre going to hell, too.

-Shout out to Fred and his wife Coleen, on their new born baby girl, Kiera Lynn Mulleda. Kiera, probably named after the hot Kiera Knightly first exposed in Bend it Like Beckham, one of their first DVDs. And Lynn... I dont know, maybe Lynn Swann the great NFL running back. I would of posted a picture they sent me, but shes still in the newborn wrinkled yoda stages, where all babys look the same.

-Lastly, another baby shout out to Jennifer and Zebedee, on their new born baby girl, Taylor Renee Cagampan. Thats a really good name too. If it was a boy, I already know it would of been Jay Noli Cagampan... but oh well, maybe next time.

-Cant wait to meet them both.

Round mound of rebound

I love Charles Barkley. I piss my pants when I hear what he sometimes says with his blunt -I dont give two shits- savoir faire.

So here I am sharing some sound bites from the past few years: shits so funny yo.

Filipino Proverb of the day: Laughter is the brush that sweeps away the cobwebs of the heart so wear a smile wherever u are but don't smile kung iisa ka lang dahil iba na yun (if you dont understand, tough luck, ask a friendly neighborhood filipino to translate, except Magtanong cuz she doesnt know her shit either)

----------

• On a TNT telecast a few years ago, Kenny Smith was going on and on about his two championship rings. He said that, in a show of appreciation for their efforts, he gave one ring to his father and the other to his brother because "they were the ones who helped me get them". Charles quipped, "You should have given them to Hakeem."

• On a Vegas golf course...
Tiger: I hear they're going to build a new Super Kmart here.
Barkley: Yeah, where?
Tiger: In the space between your ball and mine.

• Charles Barkley: "I'm so sick of fat people."
Kenny Smith: "Why? You can't live with yourself?"
Barkley: "First of all, they killed Oreos. You know they can't make the Double-Stuff Oreos anymore because fat people can't keep their mouths shut. Now they're killing the McDonald's super-size. Can you believe that? Just because fat people are lazy and don't work out and can't keep they're mouths shut, they have to ruin it for everybody. They'll probably kill ice cream next! Is that my fault they can't stop eating? I'm so sick of these fat people suing these companies. Stop eating!"

• "I don't think there's any doubt. Anybody in their right mind knows I'm the best forward in basketball. Well, the only person comparable to me is Karl Malone, but his body is so different from mine. Even my wife loves his body, and that's the main reason I say I'm the best. With a body like that, he is supposed to be awesome. With a body like mine, I'm supposed to be a couch potato."

• During the '92 Olympics: "Christian (Laettner) is going to be the strongest man in the NBA next year, because all he's been doing all summer is carrying around the luggage for 11 guys."

• During the Bruno's Memorial Classic Pro-Am: "Cat [Reddick, a female soccer player] was fantastic but when you lose to a woman, it means you suck at something. There are two times when you know you suck at sports -- when you can't beat the women and when you can't beat the smart kids."

• Ernie (to the panel): In one word, who's gonna win the Heat/Hornets series?
Michael Redd: Miami
Kenny Smith: Toss-up
Barkley: That's two words, stupid!

• On Kevin Eubanks being a vegetarian: "I don't trust people that don't eat meat. Hey Kevin, you know what the difference between me and you is? When I die, I'll die because I was eating bad food. When you die, they'll say 'wooo that Kevin, he as dead as Charles'"

• At the 1990 game, the Eastern Conference All-Star team was surprised when Charles Barkley raised his hand in a pregame meeting and said he'd like to sketch out a play for the opening tipoff. "This is one we used when Moses [Malone] was in Philadelphia," said Barkley. So Barkley stood, took the chalk, went to the board and drew four players running back to defend their basket. "That sumbitch NEVER won a tip," Barkley said as everyone cracked up.

• On the olympic sport, curling: "I'm still trying to get my grandmother off her old behind and into the Olympics. Why not? She can dust."

• Ernie: What's the Knick's problem right now?
Charles: They no good.

• I know why his name is DMX. Because his real name is Earl. Imagine if his name was Earl the rapper?

What are you drawing?

When I come across something particularly memorable or fascinating, I feel like I have to share. And I laughed for a solid 10 minutes after finding out about this... holy shit, ligers are actually real, national geographic says so here.

Other than pretty much being, of course, Napolean Dynamite's favorite animal... mix of a lion and a tiger, bread for their skills in magic... Gosh!

And speaking of mixes, be sure to go out and watch Rob Schnieders, Deuce Bigalow, European Gigalow, the sequel to one of the funniest movies of the past decade. This is cant miss, Im telling you. Its gold. Rachel Stevens is in it, too, playing Louisa, the Dirty girl... Quite simply the most gorgeous part-flip girl ever.. aint no party like an S Club partaaaaay... gosh!

Seoul Glow...

Well after the Japan trip, I surprisingly find myself in Seoul again, a little side trip at the last minute, being sent here due to my immediate proximity, more than anything else, extending this panasian trip by another week. Personally I dont mind, cuz the Hotel they setup me up in is the absolute bomb, Lotte World in Jamsil Seoul Korea. This is how good it is, they have Aveda products in the bathroom. To guys this probably means nothing, but to any females right now, they are probably blurting out a spine curdling "WHAT?". Suffice to say, I will be coming home with something like a thousand little bottles of Aveda All Sensitive Moisturizing Lotion, Energizing Body Cleanser, and a mix of Rosemary Mint and Shampure Shampoo and Conditioner. To be honest, this stuff meant no nevermind to me before, but after a few days of use, I am totally sold, cuz my hair has never been so bouncy and manageable. So everyday Ive been taking the bottles before they clean my room, so that they would have to replenish with a new set. Over a week, thats going to add up. Im probably going home with a total value of $100 in product! Im so "new money", its not even funny.

And as another bonus, through Eric's brilliant lead, it gave me a great opportunity to get my laundry done at the hotel as well. And I am absolutely ecstatic that I did. Seriously, my clothes have never ever ever smelled this good or have been this soft, absolutely worth the $80USD to get my laundry done (well worth it to me anyways, cuz bottom line, I dont even have to pay nothing, haha). Truthfully, I walk around now, glowing in the fact how good I smell, strutting around like Morris in a wrestling suit, or Wayne in a european 76 track jacket. This leads me to firmly believe that everything is so much better when you let the right professional do it for you... cooking, coffee, washing cars, and now laundry.

And lastly, a quick shout out to MJ, who I just found out, started her new job this week as my brother's secretary.

Konichiwa mofo...

I cant believe Japanese people sometimes. I maybe guilty of stereotyping and racial profiling, but screw it, Im mad, and I think the Japanese just have no consideration for people like me. A prime example is this recent trip to Fuji City, Japan for work. As per standard business customs, ABB is very grateful of our business arrangement with various companies, and in this vein, I put in a lot of effort to provide “thank you” gifts to the 3 customers I visited, namely 3 boxes of Irish chocolates, and 3 bottles of your best Irish Whiskey; 12 year Select Jamieson, 12 year Redbreast Whiskey, and 12 year Select Bushmills. Only the best. And I probably don’t have to tell you, three bottles of whiskey and three boxes of chocolates are freakin heavy. But this is the service you should expect from me. I only hope for a little consideration in return. It was late when I arrived in Japan and by the time I was greeted by my Japanese counterpart, I was starving and craving sushi. CRAVING. I was SO looking forward to this. Matsui-san, after checking into the hotel, then asks me if I wanted to eat, if I was hungry. He had to be kidding. Hells yeah I was hungry, I looked at him as if that was a rhetorical question. “Okay, I take you to nice restaurant, Noli-san” I was absolutely beaming, again after some 4 months of going without (last time was my previous visit to London), I was absolutely looking forward to this; authentic Japanese food. And imagine my luck, I was in Japan no less, so my expectations were off the scizzle. I should of known however, given my life's infinite string of dissapoint, where Matsui-san would take me for my first ever 'in Japan' meal. Mutha-fuckin Dennys. DENNYS! I didn’t even know there was a Japanese Dennys. Un-freakin-believable. If you really want to get a guy to jump the couch, take a sushi addict, move him to Ireland permanently where there is NO sushi, then tease him with the prospect of going to Japan, and once arriving in the land of the rising sun, take that sorry ass to Dennys. So wrong. So SO wrong. So many elements of wrong that I cant even count. An absolute punch to the gut, a kick to the groin. I felt like someone just broke up with me, and I had a sour face on the whole time, even though I had to feign that I was copasetic. Absolutely the most terrible burger and fries meal I had in my life. Screw you Matsui-san. What an asshole, I don’t care if Dennys had bubble tea to appease me in some small way. Screw you. I wanted to break that bottle of Jamieson over his head.

Symmetry

Its a bit crazy when I think about it; today, this day, is one full year from my first ever post. Nice. I was looking at my blog stats just before now, and I was a little surprised to have 83 posts over that time, 84 counting this one, which is just under 1 posting every 4 days. And it just dawned on me that this is the most committed Ive ever been in my life to anything. Insane. And being the sorry jobber that I am, Im going to pull a Barry Harowitz and pat myself on the back... Im usually not good at these things, writing is not the easiest, its why I nap so bloody much.

Continuing on with this whole commitment theme, Id like to announce to some fanfare that Im going to get married. Surprised huh? YES! Me! Woh.. I understand it seems a bit rushed, craziness, I cant believe it either, but Ive been totally swept off my well fashionable feet. Im getting married to the idea of trying to read a book once a month... This is going to be effort, and I hope and wish that I can will myself towards the type of bantamweight acheivement that this blog has been (not withstanding the last past month or so... hehehe), rather than the other end of the spectrum, for example my guitar exploits, which I bought last summer, played everyday for 3 months, but then waned to the point where I havent even touched it since maybe January. One book a month. I enlist your help though... so far so good on this endevour.. June and July are covered. August is still undecided though, and I dont want to resort to cheating just yet, whipping out my collectors edition of "Where the Wild Things Are". So any hints or suggestions on a good novel, PLEASE, load me up. Something less than James Joyce but more than Robin Cook. Id like to start building up a backlog of potential, but I will not find it funny if you submit something with Fabio on the cover. Thats my one caveat, any book you suggest just happen to have the words "his wonderous swelled throbbing member" or similar within its many pages, mark my words I will roundhouse kick you in the throat. Shanks in advances! (This is also a feeble subversive attempt to get more people commenting on my shit... comeon y'all)

Its 2:00AM in the morning as I type this and really I wish I had more to say on this eventful day. But actually Im just procrastinating, since I have a flight tomorrow morning at 10AM to Tokyo, and I havent started packing yet. I should really do that. Oh yeah, to my siblings, Ill be gone for 2 weeks in Japan for work, so tell Mom and Dad for me, that I wont be here for a while, I forgot to call. Opsss.

Stay cool...

Running to a stand still

Running notes:

- Feel bad about being slack ass on the blog lately... its just that.. well... its starting to get sunny outside. Summer. Its also the reason why I have been to the gym only twice in the last 3 weeks. And a renewed passion with golf has poked its head out of the closet as well. Inconcievably, Im getting worse as I play more, which is wrecking my head, and is the exact opposite of how things are suppose to work within the world rules of "practice makes perfect". Liars...

- Lindsay Lohan just turned 19.

- Got sent to Korea for the better part of a week, a few weeks ago. And if you have never been, there is one true undisputable fact about it: the whole country smells like mutha-effin Kimchee, with a slight touch of moth balls. I could not escape, it was everywhere; outside, inside, in stores, in bathrooms, im my hotel room, on the street, even at TGI Fridays. I got back home and my clothes, even the ones I didnt wear, were saturated in hot pepper pickled cabbage smell. What the hell..

- Im starting to get expensive tastes in jeans, and I blame a certain Magtanong. Im slightly guilt ridden but at the same time delighted with my new pair of Seal Kay Independent Jeans (So soft and comfortable!). Dont ask me how much they were, even though they were on sale.

- As Eric knows by now, Business class travel is a curse in disguise. It lifts you to a new minimum standard of air travel, one which you cannot, for the life of you, go back from. Yet, you just KNOW you do have to eventually, because it is completely unaffordable in any circumstance other than "expense that baby, work's paying for it". It was just like when Marty and I travelled in the First Class train cabin from Madrid to Barcelona. We got fed, got bigger chairs, and somehow felt like better people, more superior to commoners, even though we had our backpacks stowed above and were heading to a hostel after arrival at the train station; but still hells no way Im going back again to the back of the bus, all cramped n handicaped legs.

Now this Business class flight to Korea (via Paris) is a whole new world all together. On record, this is my 4th business class flight in the last bit, and I have now obtained a unreasonable sense of entitlement. From now on when I travel, it seems like I must have access to the prestigous lounge while waiting at the airport, where food and alcohol are free (This is very important. Having a few double-JDs and coke before a flight is essential. You want to thin the blood on the plane; you dont want to have internal clotting or anything). I must have a flight attendant to take my jacket when i get in. I must have a seat that would fit Kirstey Alley, have it recline, while lifting my legs and feet underneath me. I want a menu for my on flight meals, strawberrys with my champagne, a endless supply of snack and beverage, and at least 3 hot towel services during the duration of the flight. This is now the minimum standard I speak of. Nothing less. What was special about the Air France flight to Korea was that is was a new Boeing 777-300, with the fancy space age business class. The video screens had the videogames, yes, but more importantly, touch screen control and On Demand movies. So blessed. A selection of movies as a personal Blockbuster, with the ability to play rewind and fast forward at your whim. And most importantly, fully reclining seats, into a virtual bed, which is equivalent to First Class in most other flights. Oh did I mention the bed had a rolling massage function? Now I can get used to that, too. Im so screwed for when I fly back to Vancouver.

- Listen to the world collectively smile as the Backstreet Boys are back. So good...

- U2 concert in Dublin was beyond words. U2 putting on a good show is about as automatic as Jennifer Aniston throwing up every time she sees an Ad for Mr. and Mrs. Smith. But when U2 plays in Dublin its undescribable. Its because they are home, and the energy, however good it is normally in all their concerts, is unreal, especially in this case, playing at Croke Park, a hollowed Irish Gaelic venue, 4th largest stadium in Europe, and a place they havent played since the Joshua Tree tour, for the reason that, almost no one is ever allowed to play there. And I have never experienced such a emotional song live as Sunday Bloody Sunday during this concert. Looking around, some people were crying. So far this concert, to me, was the GOAT. And I got the T shirt. Sure they could of stuck to purely old stuff to make things even better, but I guess it is called the Vertigo tour, so they are kinda obligated to play the new songs; oh well. If U2 wants a few breather songs where not everyone in the stadium knew the words, so be it.

Here was the set:

• Vertigo
• Out of Control
• Electrical Storm
• Elevation
• New Years Day
• Beautiful Day
• Still Havent Found What Im Looking For
• All I Want is You
• City of Blinding Lights NEW
• Miracle Drug NEW
• Sometime you cant make it on your own NEW
• Love and peace or else (lay down) NEW
• Sunday bloody Sunday
• Bullet the blue sky
• Running to a Stand Still
• Pride (In the name of love)
• Where the Streets have no Name
• One

Encore

• Zoo Station
• The Fly
• Mysterious Ways
• Party Girl
• All because of you NEW
• Yahweh NEW
• Vertigo


- And finally I am so glad that it has finally come out that Tom Cruise is a stark raving lunatic. This kinda makes sense, the good girls (Katie) always seem to be attracted to lunatics. Next thing you know, Jessica Alba will start dating George "the Animal" Steele.

G.O.A.T.

GOAT. It stands for Greatest of All Time.

I havent posted in a while, left a few things hanging, but I have excuses. Week long work trips to Korea are a detriment to consistent blog posting, which it turns out, is more effective than the laziness genes that course through my hemoglobin. Ill talk more about that trip later as well (good stuff, potentially including the topshelf cusine of BBQ golden retriever)... but there are more important things to talk about, right here.... right now...

here is a recent email that just may live up to GOAT for concerts... Biggest band in the world, playing at home, in a sacred Irish venue that they havent played in since the mid 80s. This has absolute blow your pupils potential, and on Saturday, I am going.

______________________



Thursday 23 June 2005


Croke Park, Dublin - 24, 25, 27 June 2005


Ticketmaster would like to take this opportunity to thank you for booking your U2 tickets with us.

If you selected Mail as your delivery method, your tickets should have arrived at their intended destination at this stage. If you have not received your tickets by now please contact Ticketmaster

Phone Number: 01-6486060

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 09.30 to 18.00

If you selected Box Office Collection, your tickets will be available for collection on the day of the concert. The Box Office will be open from 14:00 on the day of your respective concert will be located opposite Gill's Pub on the junction of the North Circular Road and Russell Street.

Please click on this link to access a map outlining the location of the Ticketmaster Box Office

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Concert information:

Croke Park, Dublin - 24 June 2005
_________________________________

15:00 - Doors
18:15 - Radiators
19:30 - Snow Patrol
20:30 - U2

_________________________________

Croke Park, Dublin - 25 June 2005
_________________________________

15:00 - Doors
18:15 - TBC
19:30 - Paddy Casey
20:30 - U2

_________________________________

Croke Park, Dublin - 27 June 2005
_________________________________

15:00 - Doors
18:15 - The Bravery
19:30 - Ash
20:30 - U2

* Please note that these stage times are correct at time of publishing and may be subject to change.

Entrance To Croke Park

Plan your approach to Croke Park based on the following:
• Ticket holders for the Cusack Stand enter via James Avenue and Foster Terrace
• Ticket holders for the Hogan Stand enter via Jones Road
• Ticket holders for the Canal Stand enter via Jones Road
• Ticket holders for the Pitch enter via James Avenue and Foster Terrace.
• Please note there is no access to the Pitch from Jones Road
• Please note the colour of your entrance route to Croke Park as printed on your ticket. Follow the colour coded signage posted on the approach roads to Croke Park.

Special Need Information
• If you have bought a wheelchair ticket for the U2 shows at Croke Park, it will be for the usual Croke Park designated accessible spaces. However you can choose whether you wish to sit there or on the pitch on a wheelchair platform.
• Special Needs parking will be available in the Clonliffe College carpark and access to Croke Park is via the Red or Green Route, to gate A2 in the Cusack Stand. There will be a booth just inside gate A2 at which you can choose to swap your ticket for a ticket for the pitch, which will give access to the wheelchair platform.
• A personal assistant will be admitted for free but must be in possession of a complimentary ticket issued by Ticketmaster. In order to facilitate as many wheelchair users as possible, we request that, wherever possible, personal assistants stand in the protected area in front of the wheelchair platform. This area can also be used by any ambulant person with special needs, in possession of a standing ticket who would feel more comfortable in a protected area. You may bring one companion in with you and entry will be on a first come first served basis.
• Users of the pitch wheelchair platform will be able to use the accessible portaloos on the ground floor under the Canal End.

Garda Traffic Plan - Pre Event 09:00 to 01:00am
• From 9am each morning a traffic restriction cordon will be set up, similar to match days at Croke Park.
• Clonliffe Road will have restricted access at the junctions of Lower Drumcondra Road and also at Ballybough Road
• The junctions at Fitzroy avenue and Whitworth Place with Lower Drumcondra will also have restricted access
• The following junctions with the North Circular Road will have restricted access - Lower Sherrard Street, Belvedere Avenue, Portland Street North, Russell Street, St. Margarets Avenue, North Richmond Street.
• The following junctions with Ballybough Road will have restricted access - Sackville Avenue, Fosters Avenue, Clonliffe Road, O'Sullivans Avenue.

Garda Traffic Plan - Post Event 22:45 to 01:00am
• From 10.45 an outer traffic cordon will be put in place to deal with the safe exit of patrons from the stadium after the event
• The Following Restrictions will apply to traffic
• All city bound traffic coming from the Marino / Fairview area will use Fairview to North Strand Route, all outbound traffic will use Amiens Street to North Strand Route. Summerhill, Ballybough and Fairview Strand will be closed
• North Circular Road will be closed to the junction with Dorset Street Lower to the junction with Amiens Street. Gardiner Street will be used as an alternative route to and from the city
• Drumcondra Road Lower will be closed from the junction of Whitworth Road to Botanic Avenue. All Inbound and outbound traffic will be diverted via Harts Corner - Botanic Road.

Private Coach - Drop and Park Plan

Two areas have been designated for private buses intending to drop concert goers and park up for the duration of the concert.

Mountjoy Square

The south side of the square will be completely blocked off for private coach parking. The east and north sides will also be used. Parking will be available for approximately 50 coaches.

Popular Row

Both sides of Popular Row will be used to facilitate private coach parking.
These arrangements will be made on a first come first served basis.

Bus and Coach Drop and Go Plan

Both sides of Gardiner Street along Mountjoy Square are designated as the drop and go area for buses and coaches. This will not be used as a collection area after the event. Any operators using this facility must make prior arrangement with their passengers for collection bearing in mind the post event traffic plan.

Admittance Through Garda Cordon
• All concert goers must be in the possesion of a valid concert ticket before they will be allowed to proceed through the ticket checks at the Garda Cordon.
• All areas of the stadium have a designated point of entry and people should be aware of their route of entry.
• Patrons in possesion of alcohol or articles likely to cause harm or annoyance will be seized at the Garda cordon

DO'S AND DON'T

DO
• Use Public Transport
• Note that the concert is an outdoor event and you should dress for the appropriate weather.
• Respect the property and privacy of residents in the vicinty of Croke Park.
• Please co-operate with stewards and Gardai and follow any loud speaker announcements for your safety.
• At the end of the concert please exit the venue the way you came in.
• For your own safety please move slowly and quietly when exiting the venue and co-operate with the stewards directions
• Note that official merchandising will only be available inside the grounds

DO NOT
• Park Illegally
• Buy Tickets from unofficial sources
• Bring umbrellas, flag poles, alcohol bottles or cans into the grounds. These will be confiscated at the ticket barriers
• Rush the exits after the concert
• Bring cameras or recording equipment into the grounds.

Regards.

Ticketmaster Ireland

Please do not reply to this mail. You will not get a response.

This is a once off Ticketmaster Customer Service email, you are not part of a mailing list. Ticketmaster Online strives to provide complete and accurate information in our mailings, and accepts no responsibility for misinformation and/or changes after publication.

NBA es pantatic.. pare

Caveat... Some of this post may only apply to pinoy readers...

Its 3:30AM Sunday nite/Monday morning and its pretty late, but I have to start taking advantage of my nba.com playoff coverage, its Game 2 of the Finals. Living in Ireland, where Basketball coverage is as popular as Hockey, I had to paid 15 USD to the NBA.com, thinking that I would get live video coverage of the playoffs, like the mlb deal I got last Fall. That wasnt quite the case though, I only get stupid Radio coverage... no live video streaming, which is absolutely ridiculous. NBA sucks... and I suck... for getting suckered.

But something unexpected happened. I discovered that the NBA Finals is broadcast in 10 different languages online. And one of those is Tagalog. And I havent been able to stop laughing since.

To be honest, I cant take these filipino play by play and commentary guys seriously, at all. It just sounds too much like my Dad, Tito Max and Tito Ben talking while watching basketball in the living room, while drinking beer and eating pancit. You know the kind, when adult pinoys talk like they know what they are talking about, when in actuality they have no idea. "Si Jordan... he like ploats in da air, in plight, like a hobering, he jumps longer dan anyone else normal, dats why, grabi siya, da best" [Post Editorial Edit:This is actually something my Uncle once said, when discussing the Bulls back in the day with my other Uncles.. no lie, and it makes absolutely no sense, yet they were all nodding in agreement] Its taglish (half tagalog, half english) that they speak in, so most non flips (even Jill) could understand at least half of it, if you could get past the heavy fob pinner accent.

"Rip Ahmeelton, shoot, wala, air bull, Na obos na ang shot clock... nako!... yong San Antonyo, all busniss si la, Parker bringing op da boll bery past, stop siya, kecking it out to Bohwin... MACdice, grabi ang position nya.. pass nya to Ohrry, oh Roburt Ohrry por tree! Galing! Inabot nya. Galit si Larry Brown..."

"DanCAN, magandang ang ball pake nya, shoot... op da glass, dats es automatic por him... he es too good, scoring at any giben moment. And he got Pouled too. Grabi, itong DanCAN. Sakit yan sa Rasheed Walluce"

HAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHA... you have no idea how funny this is. I cant even pay attention to the game, because I just fractured another rib from laughing... I have no idea what the scores...

Faro, Portugal

We arrived in Faro at night. Always first. Nutrition and sustenance.




Eric goes in...

And takes a pic looking out.

Pot of Gold

Some friends were looking through some of my pictures on my iBook today... and this picture came up.



Jamelia (the French one) Then said " Noleee... whatss zis? Lepp-reh-shaun?"

I spit up my Sprite and I howled my ass off... omygosh I was keeled over on the ground... (and she got mad at me for laughing).

Long story going way back, an inside joke...she didnt get it, and if you dont get it, Im sorry I cant explain it here... but suffice to say, when the french say Leprachaun... I think its freakin body convulsing hilarious...

[Oh yeah, Portugal.. its coming... my excuse is twofold; Playing golf alll day and going out all night is not conducive to time consuming photoblogs. These are rare occurences so I have to take advantage.]

Faro?

2.5 weeks later, I finally get to the Portugal portion of the trip. Got Erics CD of pics in the mail too, now, so I have more choice for posting.

Later on Ill do it, I said. Ill post them tonight after the Champions League Final, I said...

and then the Champions League final happened, Liverpool vs AC Milan... and it ends up being the craziest and quite possibly the best championship game Ive ever seen in any sport... and I am just too freakin wasted now ... totally spent...

Milan scores right away within the first minute, dominates the first half and eventually goes up 3-nil at halftime, capitalizing on the brilliant play of the best name in sports today, Kaka. 3-nil, a score in soccer which is equivalent to a 40 point lead at the half for basketball, or a 10 mile headstart in a marathon, or consistantly getting lobbed "Sam I am" vocabulary words during the National Spelling Bee. ("HAM" "AYCHH, AYE, EMM" "HAM". "Well done Noli, correct. Now our other semi-finalist is Jessica Simpson. Your Word is 'DIMETHYLAMIDOPHENYLDIMETHYLPYRAZOLONE') Seriously, most Liverpool fans looked as if their Mom discovered and took away their Paris Hilton video.

Liverpool scored quickly though in the second half. And then again. And then again, somehow channelling the Boston Red Sox, and squaring the match with 3 goals in 6 minutes... Liverpool fans go nuts, and Milan fans start "mama-mia"-ing... Then Liverpool proceeded to make crazy saves to keep it tied, while AC continued to press for the go ahead. To no avail.

It goes to extra time and then penalty kicks, the most obsurd yet most exciting deciding event in all sports. Liverpool goalie, Jerzy Dudeck, who was a sieve in the first half, but Jackie Chan in the second half, then does the coolest things Ive ever seen in soccer; in order to distract every Milan penalty kicker, he first stares them down with dagger eyes while he hands them the ball, then he shaked about in goal, doing what looked like a cross between the electric shock, jumping jacks and samba dancing, waving his hands and hips about while every Milan penalty kicker addressed and kicked the ball... which proves shit like that has got to work... cuz he made 3 of 5 saves... Liverpool wins.

And like I said, Im spent. Tomorrow Ill give it another try...

Saturday Night Movie

I feel like quickly commenting on a film, for filler. 3 friends were over last night, Miriam and Jamelia who are from France, and Renata who is from Brazil, and we watched Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. I learned in Brazil it was called "Brilho Eterno De Uma Mente Sem Lembracas", and in France its was called, "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind". LOL Anyways normally I mention movies that are notable for some reason, and this one gets that box checked because it came up to me as a mild suprise, wholely unexpected. I was startled by how much I enjoyed it. It shouldnt be a surprise really, the movie is over a year old and critics and public have praised it repeatedly. I just paid no mind. It flew under my radar, and wasnt on the list of movies I was making a point to eventually watch. To be honest, Im dubious of movies that mess and distort with reality and conscience. They are always wildly inventive, and no doubt even better when high, but sometimes they kinda give me a headache, even though I end up appreciating them in the end (eg other Charlie Kaufman creations Adaptation and Being John Malkovich). This one somehow played better than those others though. I expected a chill night watching some random movie (Meet the Fockers was all out), and instead enjoyed myself quite contently on a movie I didnt expect much from, so kudos. Plus the best part of the movie, we see Kirsten Dunst in tight tee and panties, jumping and dancing on a bed. So Awesome. [Noli pumps his fist]

This came on the same day that I watched Episode III. Yeah, that was good too.

One night in Belfast

Queens University, Belfast


To some there maybe some misconception to Belfast, a place to maybe avoid; in truth it is an absolute blast of a city, crazy fun. Unfortunately it still has a stigma to those who dont know any better of being troubled and aggressive with random bombings; a divided city with deep rooted conflicted. And it still maybe a little, because wounds so severe take extended time to heal, but Belfast as a city is regentrifying. And its now one of those best-kept secrets in Europe. Too many are influenced by movies with IRA and war torn neighborhoods, and avoid it like Israel. Bahhhh... those same neighborhoods now have tour buses going through them, like a Disney ride attraction, which honestly has got to be the biggest victory in forward progress, considering the peace process is fairly new, only started some 6 years ago. And like I mentioned in past, I think it has really good shopping.

We partied it up at the Botanic Inn Pub, a University pub, kiddy corner to Queens University.


There we, by fate, got included in a quiz nite competition, and proceded to get very drunk. We started off strong in the quiz, getting most questions right in the first few rounds, but lost steam and got anhilated when the Irish and UK knowledge reared around. Homeside bias was evident, and there were way too many brainy teams from the university with obvious ringers, our '604' team didnt have a chance. But this night was absolutely awesome, definitely one of our best nights of the whole trip. And we made new friends. I have no idea what their names are anymore though...

Belfast Dude: "Hey why do you guys call your team 604?"
Us: "Oh Six Oh Four.. its cause it represents Vancouver. Its our area code... ya know for our phone number.."
Belfast Dude: "AHHHH! [starts singing] I got Hos! I got Hos.. in different area codes.. area codes!"
Marty, Eric, Noli: "Yeah yeah yeah!! hahahaha.."
Suddenly a bunch of people we were wtih start group singing Ludacris Area codes, in a Belfast accent.... Good times, good times...




Okay now check out the girl in front the short one. Marty liked her. But I was sitting beside her, at the table; she came to sit beside me. Marty asked why I wasnt hitting on her, obviously cuz he wanted to hit on her. So I conceded and switched spots with marty, and hilarity ensues. 5 minutes after Marty gets his game on, FIVE MINUTES max I say, she is getting her coat and leaving! Hahahahahahaha... she left before all her friends, by herself, which like, almost never happens for girls. Girls cant go to the bathroom themselves, let alone leave a pub by themselves, with all her girlfriends still there. Marty has mad game.



I like these pics... they have a funky effect to em. Sherry I think is her name? Shirley? I forget. Anyways, the important thing is that Eric and I got the Euro style double cheek kiss at the end of the night. Marty SAYS he got it too, but we dont believe em, we definitely didnt see it. Belfast rocks.

Antrim Coast

Ive been slightly distracted the last few days. Does anyone think Natalie Portman still looks really hot, even though she shaved her head? (and add to that, imagine her eric chin level savings on eliminating hair salon and shampoo). It be known that I have a soft spot for short cropped hair, but hers is a bit extreme, bordering on the bull-dyke no fly zone. But still, in Natalie's case, wow still way cute, if not even more so, in that wacky bizarre, have to look twice to make sure, yet totally pulls it off Sinead kinda way. Theres just something really stunning about an exposed neck line (thats why hair tied up or pig tails are the dogs bullocks as well) Anyways if its up for debate, comment below, but if you disagree, just know, you are wrong.

Insert clever segue, here are pics from the Northcoast of Northern Ireland... very pretty, and shockingly surprising and unexpected, almost out of place, just like when I first found out Katie Holmes was seeing Tom Cruise (That under tall, overacting asshole. I hurt my foot kicking the door in when I found out that one...) Maybe she didnt notice yet that she is one foot taller than him.

Normally this is what most people expect from the Irish coast. That surfer is NUTS.


Not the Antrim Coast. This is Portrush, the small beach town getaway of Northern Ireland.



More Rhymes. Throwing Disc is one of the trips themes.





Further on down the coast, about 10 minutes, is the Giants Causeway. It has funny rocks, shaped liked that old school Qbert videogame.



Further on down the coast a bit more, 10 more minutes is the Carrick-a-Rede.


Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.


"Kindly Remove Bottle" "Kindly remove yourself, Mr. Moto!"... "ARgghhh... KIYAHH!"

Derry / Londonderry

Sunday, Bloody Sunday -U2

The Republican Irish call it Derry. The Loyalist Irish call it Londonderry.




Its the last European walled city in Ireland, and it was the location of the infamous Bloody Sunday Massacre, same one referenced by U2, the devastating random killing of unarmed Catholic Rupublican protesters by the British Army. And its reknown for its political murals from Irish Republicans (Catholic and Allegiance to Ireland) and Irish Loyalists (Protestant and Allegiance to Britian). Things seem grand now, but Derry / Londonderry was one of the flashpoints during the "Troubles" that plagued Ireland through the 60s - 90s. Now its a good place to visit, a beautiful city and definitely interesting. If and when I build a house, Im seriously thinking of saving one wall to paint a giant mural on, with dudes in gas masks and balaclavas, carrying guns. But, in the Jungle, brown dudes with bandanas and flat noses and smoking; filipino styles...


Here are the Republican Murals... aka IRA... (Catholic Area)







And here are some Loyalist Murals... (Protestant Area)