This morning I awoke with a crick in my neck but, as I finished my breakfast and walked out of my home, I realised that my pain paled in comparison with the suffering of thousands in the far off nation of Zimbabwe. Through my work with Amnesty I have come to meet, and love, Zimbabweans who have fled from Mugabe's thugs. I got into O'Connell Street about 11:30AM and was re-united with some of my Zimbabwean friends and introduced to others of a similar mind, ready to march in unison. A pair of rough looking Dubliners approached me and I was in fear, initially, but they wanted to talk about the march that was due to start and they expressed their support. " Mugabe's a bastard, he treats his people like shit, good luck with your campaign", I was told.
Well after a delay of what seemed like half an hour we set off down Dublin's main thoroughfare accompanied by whistles and chanting, we were a colourful bunch. As we moved, in an orderly way, native Zimbabweans chanted what I was later told was the Zimbabwean national anthem. I went to the front and with others we positioned ourselves with a banner which simply bore the slogan: 'Zimbabwean Solidarity' and carried the Amnesty logo. I was proud.
As we approached South Fredrick Street people came out of their shops and restaurants to 'have a butchers' and to see what the commotion was about. We were roundly cheered as we continued the march towards Molesworth Street where eventually, opposite Leinster House, the marchers (roughly 100 souls) stopped and the volume intensified with a combination of whistles, cheering, clapping and chanting. Someone joked that the Garda (who carefully led us), unfortunately, couldn't arrest Mugabe, but, the boys & girls in blue were not an impediment to our progress - unlike in Zimbabwe where such a congress that was present here,would have been ruthlessly crushed. The Garda were on our side, almost. Cameras clicked and media people were running around with expensive equipment and, typically for Dublin, it started to rain but this didn't dampen our resolve.
Esther (not her real name),who I consider a dear friend, took to a trailer and microphone equipment was unveiled. After all the marching there was going to be a speech. Esther has to be, for me and all those who know her (many!), one of the most magnetic speakers. It was almost historic watching and listening to her. Parallels with Martin Luther King crossed my mind and it felt quite historic to be listening to a black woman in a street that would have been inhabited with horses and donkeys 40 years ago and there was even some manure underfoot as everyone listened to Esther. So much has changed in the Fair City. A career in public life would suit her perfectly, I thought.She, passionately spoke about the sad reality in Zimbabwe and she warmed the crowd, even though it wasn't seasonal weather here. Esther outlined the feelings, first-hand, about the suffering of her compatriots and it was quite moving to listen to.
Barry Andrews TD was then introduced to those present. He stressed that we (Ireland) would do as much as possible to challenge the Zimbabwe regime. It was a powerful 3 minutes he shared with us and his sincerity was clear to all who heard him. Following on from the Minister for Children's strong words of support, various others (including a Nigerian friend of mine) stood up on the trailer to speak. Esther was like a MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES as she roused the crowd and it became quite an emotional time for some of those there.
The rain continued it's journey from sky to ground but we were all in high spirits. Our solidarity was appreciated. Better to do something rather than nothing, even if it was largely symbolic, was the general feeling. Quite out of the blue, Esther spoke: "Now I'd like to call on Ian to have a few words". Well I nearly died. Having watched people on the television addressing crowds I have always had a pathological fear of public speaking. Needless to say I was shaking with nerves. But in the circumstances my concern for my fellow humans in Zimbabwe was the overriding factor and it sort of propelled me. What was I going to say? In the end I simply expressed my pleasure at the gathering in the vicinity of Buswell's Hotel. It was a privilege to address the crowd and I was aware of it. I told them "today there is blood on the streets of Zimbabwe, but in Dublin today there are only tears."
The meeting was wrapped up soon afterwards but not before there was a short prayer service in the street which everyone participated (even a heathen like me!). When the crowd began to disperse I was left with a huge sense of being humbled. Such a public assembly wouldn't have been permitted in Zimbabwe, much worse, you could be beaten by the police. Yet in Molesworth Street today the Garda were more concerned that the people present were safe. We all should be grateful that in Ireland Human Rights are respected and it is important that Irish citizens NEVER forget that fact. I for one will always stand together with Zimbabweans and Africans. We must always care and support all those less fortunate - I think that is what crystallises my involvement in Human Rights campaigning. Together we will make a difference!
30 June 2008
23 June 2008
My Salsa Experience
A while back it was reported in the media that Robbie Williams had decided that he wasn't going to marry. I was surprised because I thought he was 'hot' to the majority of the female population around the world. They were probably queuing up to have sex with him and he didn't want to curtail the queue. Were there nice, sexy women queuing up for me ? No! seemed to be the resounding answer. I think I am quite unique but unfortunately I am also single and that is harder for me to deal with as I get older. When I am walking around the city, going through Trinity College or stepping over congregating bodies in Saint Stephen's Green, I grudgingly and disappointingly have to accept the fact that I am an uneasy single - maybe things will change soon. I hope so.
Anyway in an effort to move out of the single market I decided at one stage last year to take up Salsa Dancing lessons. I might meet someone! The advert for the lesson was pasted to a wall and, whilst waiting for a bus, I took down the number attached and decided to give the organiser a call. I was very excited about it and then found out it was approx E100 for only six lessons. I had a brief but friendly conversation with the man in charge and, after some deliberation on my part, decided to give it a go. I am going to meet the girl of my dreams, I thought, but unfortunately folks that is not how it worked out.
The lessons were due to commence every Monday evening between the hours of 8 and 10 but on the first night there was registration and this took up an extra half hour. Waiting outside I was eyeing up (yes I'm afraid its a male thing) the ladies. Most seemed to be in their twenties and then there were couples (married and casual relationships no doubt). I waited and waited and then eventually was let in to pay with my haggard notes. Cheques and cash were flying around and the instructor received the paper in good spirits - as my mother always says "He saw you coming!"
We were lead into the dance floor by the instructor, let's call him Neil (can't remember his real name). Neil had a microphone attached to his face and wore some fancy black and white shoes. He was friendly and everyone was having a good time. I sort of thought that there was a connection between Salsa and Sex but that is only part of it - it's bloody tiring stuff and after my first lesson I was half dead from all the activity. Any amorous thoughts rapidly drained out of me like the perspiration off my brow and "WATER QUICK" was all my brain could process. People who know me know that I usually talk a lot but was too knackered to gab at the end of the night and fled to bed, exhausted, when I got home.
By the second lesson I was also drained of energy but was sort of liking the 'left foot forward, right one back cha cha cha' routine. I was wondering did Neil have a speech impediment: he seemed to be saying 'cha cha cha' all night. I am a little shy about asking girls/women to dance but had to make the effort (Salsa is very much about couples) but most of the girls/women I danced with didn't appreciate me stomping on their toes and I didn't think my constant apologising did me any good either. I felt a bit pissed off, actually, however, there was one woman who I did enjoy dancing with. I think her name was Dierdre and she was definitely not of the sorrows.
Dierdre wasn't interested in taking any nonsense from me. "Don't worry I'll do the next dance a bit better" I said sheepishly looking for sympathy. "You bloody will!" she replied in a rather strict tone. Well I think out of all the lessons I participated in Dierdre was the best co-dancer. She managed to give me a metaphorical kick up the arse and made me feel that I could dance. If I had met more Dierdre's in my early life I probably would have been more confident in my self. She was brilliant. The following week, however, I looked in vain for her but she didn't appear. Her friends were present but the 'Prima Ballerina' didn't show up. This hit me hard as Neil was busy advancing through the agenda at an alarming rate! I got into a wretched state and skulked into the shadows of the seating surrounding the dance floor. I was so unhappy that I decided to finish the Salsa lessons and so I left and didn't return for the final two classes.
Well those were my experiences of Salsa dancing and I don't think I'll be trying the little I learned on 'Come Dancing' or anything of a serious nature. I did learn one thing from all the stepping around though: If I am ever going to get a 'squeeze' (horrible phrase, I know) she'll be someone who will not stand for bullshit. I am one of the most ill-disciplined men in the universe and, short of physical assault, I need to be whipped into action, and I am not making reference to S&M here.
No, I was always afraid of strong, hard women but my experience of the Salsa dancing classes has taught me that if I am to strike it lucky with the opposite sex it will almost certainly be with someone who is able to lay down the law and be able to administer a little discipline in me, in a nice sort of way, somewhat akin to Ozzy and Sharon but without the drugs. I may not be a good dancer but at least I now realise more about myself and others and for that alone I'm grateful that I got the chance to 'Salsa Salsa, cha, cha, cha'.
Anyway in an effort to move out of the single market I decided at one stage last year to take up Salsa Dancing lessons. I might meet someone! The advert for the lesson was pasted to a wall and, whilst waiting for a bus, I took down the number attached and decided to give the organiser a call. I was very excited about it and then found out it was approx E100 for only six lessons. I had a brief but friendly conversation with the man in charge and, after some deliberation on my part, decided to give it a go. I am going to meet the girl of my dreams, I thought, but unfortunately folks that is not how it worked out.
The lessons were due to commence every Monday evening between the hours of 8 and 10 but on the first night there was registration and this took up an extra half hour. Waiting outside I was eyeing up (yes I'm afraid its a male thing) the ladies. Most seemed to be in their twenties and then there were couples (married and casual relationships no doubt). I waited and waited and then eventually was let in to pay with my haggard notes. Cheques and cash were flying around and the instructor received the paper in good spirits - as my mother always says "He saw you coming!"
We were lead into the dance floor by the instructor, let's call him Neil (can't remember his real name). Neil had a microphone attached to his face and wore some fancy black and white shoes. He was friendly and everyone was having a good time. I sort of thought that there was a connection between Salsa and Sex but that is only part of it - it's bloody tiring stuff and after my first lesson I was half dead from all the activity. Any amorous thoughts rapidly drained out of me like the perspiration off my brow and "WATER QUICK" was all my brain could process. People who know me know that I usually talk a lot but was too knackered to gab at the end of the night and fled to bed, exhausted, when I got home.
By the second lesson I was also drained of energy but was sort of liking the 'left foot forward, right one back cha cha cha' routine. I was wondering did Neil have a speech impediment: he seemed to be saying 'cha cha cha' all night. I am a little shy about asking girls/women to dance but had to make the effort (Salsa is very much about couples) but most of the girls/women I danced with didn't appreciate me stomping on their toes and I didn't think my constant apologising did me any good either. I felt a bit pissed off, actually, however, there was one woman who I did enjoy dancing with. I think her name was Dierdre and she was definitely not of the sorrows.
Dierdre wasn't interested in taking any nonsense from me. "Don't worry I'll do the next dance a bit better" I said sheepishly looking for sympathy. "You bloody will!" she replied in a rather strict tone. Well I think out of all the lessons I participated in Dierdre was the best co-dancer. She managed to give me a metaphorical kick up the arse and made me feel that I could dance. If I had met more Dierdre's in my early life I probably would have been more confident in my self. She was brilliant. The following week, however, I looked in vain for her but she didn't appear. Her friends were present but the 'Prima Ballerina' didn't show up. This hit me hard as Neil was busy advancing through the agenda at an alarming rate! I got into a wretched state and skulked into the shadows of the seating surrounding the dance floor. I was so unhappy that I decided to finish the Salsa lessons and so I left and didn't return for the final two classes.
Well those were my experiences of Salsa dancing and I don't think I'll be trying the little I learned on 'Come Dancing' or anything of a serious nature. I did learn one thing from all the stepping around though: If I am ever going to get a 'squeeze' (horrible phrase, I know) she'll be someone who will not stand for bullshit. I am one of the most ill-disciplined men in the universe and, short of physical assault, I need to be whipped into action, and I am not making reference to S&M here.
No, I was always afraid of strong, hard women but my experience of the Salsa dancing classes has taught me that if I am to strike it lucky with the opposite sex it will almost certainly be with someone who is able to lay down the law and be able to administer a little discipline in me, in a nice sort of way, somewhat akin to Ozzy and Sharon but without the drugs. I may not be a good dancer but at least I now realise more about myself and others and for that alone I'm grateful that I got the chance to 'Salsa Salsa, cha, cha, cha'.
16 June 2008
Nepotism?
Many of the politicians that sit in our national parliament (Dáil Eireann) are there through hard work and attention to their constituents and they try to build up a name that the public will, in time, remember fondly. Hence making re-election an easier process to go through every four to five years. Irish people, like any other nationality, want the very best public representatives to bring in important legislation and to campaign on issues which directly concern them: anti-social behaviour, crime, health care, public transport, taxation policy etc... However many TD's are elected largely, but not exclusively, because of the family name. Upton, Lenihan, Coveney, O'Malley,to name but four, and I think therefore that the subject of family name in Irish politics needs to be examined.
In a recent by-election, in the UK, a Labour party candidate stood to replace her mother's seat following her death (Gwyneth Dunwoody RIP). The opposition leader, David Cameron, was critical of the decision by Labour to have Tamsin Dunwoody contest her mother's seat. Mr Cameron said that there should be no hereditary MP's in the House of Commons unlike the House of Lords (where hereditary peers sit). In Ireland, however, it is commonplace that some of our politicians have family connections in politics: sons, daughters, brothers, sisters of former TD's and, in some cases, this is a key element in getting elected in the first place.
I am not for a second calling into question the integrity of the voters, or the people they choose to represent. I just think that it must be an advantage to TD's to have a family name to fall back on - a huge weapon to use in time of election. My father is now retired but for over thirty years he was an engineer and his father, before him, was also an engineer. Was it through the family name that he started that career? No! It was by going to university and working hard on his chosen route to employment. He could never have hoped in his wildest dreams to have attained his level of expertise through family name alone and I wonder should we demand the same from our politicians? Should they be expert first and family relative second? Or is it acceptable to everyone here in this wonderful country (my words), that a good proportion of the men and women we send to our national parliament be blood relatives of those that went before them?
I have just opened the dictionary to look up Nepotism, "an undue patronage to one's relations" it states. In order that we keep a sense of proportion it is important to understand that the Dáil is not full of people who are there through corruption or vote rigging. No matter whether we like or dislike a particular politician we must always abide by the decision of the voters and that is an essential part of democracy. The people decide. If it is indeed Nepotism tht elects our TD's then we should hang our heads in shame. I think, though, to go down that road would be wrong, it isn't "undue patronage" it is simply a reality of Irish political life. Someone once said that to be a politician you would need to have skin as thick as an elephant - a TD must be dedicated to the work they do, that's why they enter political life and accountability is all important in these hectic days.
I have come to the conclusion that in Irish public life, at this moment in time, given the pressures of the job and long hours in which they work, our TD's are not elected purely through name alone. They will not be in the Dáil long if they don't 'measure up' but nonetheless I feel quite uncomfortable that people can be waved forward into a political career on the basis that a relative was once parked on a seat in the same chamber. Maybe things need to change. Mind you in the US there is the Kennedy's, the Clinton's and the Bush's who rose up the greasy pole of politics. In Cuba Fidel Castro's brother is now leader of his country. In India the Ghandi dynasty has gone on for a lengthy period to rule the roost in that huge sub-continent. Even now in Pakistan the late Benazir Bhutto's son has replaced that tenacious female political leader. So as we see Ireland is not alone in families continuing to generate political life. Now I wonder if one of Brian Cowen's daughters would like to take daddy's seat when the current Taoiseach retires......
In a recent by-election, in the UK, a Labour party candidate stood to replace her mother's seat following her death (Gwyneth Dunwoody RIP). The opposition leader, David Cameron, was critical of the decision by Labour to have Tamsin Dunwoody contest her mother's seat. Mr Cameron said that there should be no hereditary MP's in the House of Commons unlike the House of Lords (where hereditary peers sit). In Ireland, however, it is commonplace that some of our politicians have family connections in politics: sons, daughters, brothers, sisters of former TD's and, in some cases, this is a key element in getting elected in the first place.
I am not for a second calling into question the integrity of the voters, or the people they choose to represent. I just think that it must be an advantage to TD's to have a family name to fall back on - a huge weapon to use in time of election. My father is now retired but for over thirty years he was an engineer and his father, before him, was also an engineer. Was it through the family name that he started that career? No! It was by going to university and working hard on his chosen route to employment. He could never have hoped in his wildest dreams to have attained his level of expertise through family name alone and I wonder should we demand the same from our politicians? Should they be expert first and family relative second? Or is it acceptable to everyone here in this wonderful country (my words), that a good proportion of the men and women we send to our national parliament be blood relatives of those that went before them?
I have just opened the dictionary to look up Nepotism, "an undue patronage to one's relations" it states. In order that we keep a sense of proportion it is important to understand that the Dáil is not full of people who are there through corruption or vote rigging. No matter whether we like or dislike a particular politician we must always abide by the decision of the voters and that is an essential part of democracy. The people decide. If it is indeed Nepotism tht elects our TD's then we should hang our heads in shame. I think, though, to go down that road would be wrong, it isn't "undue patronage" it is simply a reality of Irish political life. Someone once said that to be a politician you would need to have skin as thick as an elephant - a TD must be dedicated to the work they do, that's why they enter political life and accountability is all important in these hectic days.
I have come to the conclusion that in Irish public life, at this moment in time, given the pressures of the job and long hours in which they work, our TD's are not elected purely through name alone. They will not be in the Dáil long if they don't 'measure up' but nonetheless I feel quite uncomfortable that people can be waved forward into a political career on the basis that a relative was once parked on a seat in the same chamber. Maybe things need to change. Mind you in the US there is the Kennedy's, the Clinton's and the Bush's who rose up the greasy pole of politics. In Cuba Fidel Castro's brother is now leader of his country. In India the Ghandi dynasty has gone on for a lengthy period to rule the roost in that huge sub-continent. Even now in Pakistan the late Benazir Bhutto's son has replaced that tenacious female political leader. So as we see Ireland is not alone in families continuing to generate political life. Now I wonder if one of Brian Cowen's daughters would like to take daddy's seat when the current Taoiseach retires......
11 June 2008
THE BUSINESS 2008
In the current issue of ROCK N REEL magazine (May/June 2008), Ted Carroll voices support for Charlie Mc Creevy's new bill before the European Parliament which will give artists further protection of their rights. Carroll insists that such musicians who, up to now, have not got their just rewards for selling what they have copyright over, deserve better. I think that it is a move which everybody who wants fair play in the music industry couldn't fail to support and Mc Creevy's initiative should be welcomed.
The above looks at the music industry from the perspective of the artist and record company executives. I believe that , as a consumer and also as someone who also has retail experience in the music business, the ordinary consumer has had to carry the burden of having to pay what I would say are exorbitant prices for a long while now.I have ,over 20 years, experience of buying records (latterly CD's) and I can tell you the cost to the consumer has risen consistently over the years. It is now not uncommon to have to pay over E20 for an album. Of course you could say that that is in line with inflation, but they are still quite expensive. However from the retail point of view there are tariffs that have to be paid and this can certainly add up, not to mention the rent and other overheads that all music retail outlets have to incur. Many record shops in my hometown have had to shut down over the past few years and I see the remainder of stores struggling.
The reason for these woes? simple, the Internet! People are communicating at a very swift rate by computer these days and many simply don't have the time or money to buy CD's (LP's are different and I'll be discussing them later). Why go to the bother of paying in the region of E20 for a CD in a shop in 2008 when you can download music for a lot less and filter down only the particular tracks you want to listen to. Downloading has revolutionised the industry worldwide and as a result the chain stores like HMV, Tower and Zavvi are now being squeezed. In my view the stores I mentioned would perform better sales if they had less expensive stock. In the 1980's, when I was at school, I can remember that the average LP would cost about IR£8.99 whilst an average bootleg would cost around IR£4.50 - half the price! No wonder my teenage mates had amassed a load of tapes. Of course the sound quality was usually poor and would bear no resemblance to the original article, but the point was they were LESS EXPENSIVE, a fact that always fails to get mentioned by the industry big- wigs.
As well as getting direct contact with the consumer, the Internet is a good way of bypassing greedy record companies who are always trying to turn up a buck - look at the way major labels pick up and spit out so many bands in the speed of an RPM. For years these companies were beating a jolly path to the bank. I was in HMV recently and spied a copy of "Ramonesmania"(a 30 track compilation of the Ramones best known work) going for E25.When I asked why it was on sale for E8.99 elsewhere the assistant failed to give me a coherent answer - all that can be avoided by logging on. Compilations are very hard to sell from my experience behind the counter, yet they are on sale at a high rate of pay in most outlets.As well as being involved as a consumer and also as an assistant in a record shop, I have had a stall at a number of Record Fairs. CD's are the hardest to sell to the public even at quite low prices however the Record Fair is where you will see vinyl selling regardless of whether they are rare or not. Whilst CD sales continue to slump, the humble LP will always have a good chance of selling at a Record Fair.
Finally I should say that what has led me to put finger-tip to keyboard is my anger about the prices for CD's these days. I think that it is generally well known that certain record labels are more scrupulous than others and I find in the main that CD's with a lot of sleeve notes, written by consultants who know what they are talking about as well as a good sleeve design certainly deserve the asking price. These labels include: Bear Family, Ace, Rhino, Raven, Trojan, Blood + Fire, Honest Jon's, Blue Note, Ninja Tune, Rough Trade, Estrus, Crypt... they all have they're heart in the right place and treat the music on their rosters with due diligence. They may charge a high rate for their product but quality is the name of the game and some of the compilations that they put out are at a budget price. However there is also so much released at very expensive prices and I think that, as quality clearly matters (to all the above labels), the people buying such releases should be entitled to a greater proportion of budget recordings being made available. That would be one way of turning listeners away from the monitor and getting them to switch on their stereos once more!
The above looks at the music industry from the perspective of the artist and record company executives. I believe that , as a consumer and also as someone who also has retail experience in the music business, the ordinary consumer has had to carry the burden of having to pay what I would say are exorbitant prices for a long while now.I have ,over 20 years, experience of buying records (latterly CD's) and I can tell you the cost to the consumer has risen consistently over the years. It is now not uncommon to have to pay over E20 for an album. Of course you could say that that is in line with inflation, but they are still quite expensive. However from the retail point of view there are tariffs that have to be paid and this can certainly add up, not to mention the rent and other overheads that all music retail outlets have to incur. Many record shops in my hometown have had to shut down over the past few years and I see the remainder of stores struggling.
The reason for these woes? simple, the Internet! People are communicating at a very swift rate by computer these days and many simply don't have the time or money to buy CD's (LP's are different and I'll be discussing them later). Why go to the bother of paying in the region of E20 for a CD in a shop in 2008 when you can download music for a lot less and filter down only the particular tracks you want to listen to. Downloading has revolutionised the industry worldwide and as a result the chain stores like HMV, Tower and Zavvi are now being squeezed. In my view the stores I mentioned would perform better sales if they had less expensive stock. In the 1980's, when I was at school, I can remember that the average LP would cost about IR£8.99 whilst an average bootleg would cost around IR£4.50 - half the price! No wonder my teenage mates had amassed a load of tapes. Of course the sound quality was usually poor and would bear no resemblance to the original article, but the point was they were LESS EXPENSIVE, a fact that always fails to get mentioned by the industry big- wigs.
As well as getting direct contact with the consumer, the Internet is a good way of bypassing greedy record companies who are always trying to turn up a buck - look at the way major labels pick up and spit out so many bands in the speed of an RPM. For years these companies were beating a jolly path to the bank. I was in HMV recently and spied a copy of "Ramonesmania"(a 30 track compilation of the Ramones best known work) going for E25.When I asked why it was on sale for E8.99 elsewhere the assistant failed to give me a coherent answer - all that can be avoided by logging on. Compilations are very hard to sell from my experience behind the counter, yet they are on sale at a high rate of pay in most outlets.As well as being involved as a consumer and also as an assistant in a record shop, I have had a stall at a number of Record Fairs. CD's are the hardest to sell to the public even at quite low prices however the Record Fair is where you will see vinyl selling regardless of whether they are rare or not. Whilst CD sales continue to slump, the humble LP will always have a good chance of selling at a Record Fair.
Finally I should say that what has led me to put finger-tip to keyboard is my anger about the prices for CD's these days. I think that it is generally well known that certain record labels are more scrupulous than others and I find in the main that CD's with a lot of sleeve notes, written by consultants who know what they are talking about as well as a good sleeve design certainly deserve the asking price. These labels include: Bear Family, Ace, Rhino, Raven, Trojan, Blood + Fire, Honest Jon's, Blue Note, Ninja Tune, Rough Trade, Estrus, Crypt... they all have they're heart in the right place and treat the music on their rosters with due diligence. They may charge a high rate for their product but quality is the name of the game and some of the compilations that they put out are at a budget price. However there is also so much released at very expensive prices and I think that, as quality clearly matters (to all the above labels), the people buying such releases should be entitled to a greater proportion of budget recordings being made available. That would be one way of turning listeners away from the monitor and getting them to switch on their stereos once more!
10 June 2008
TOASTMASTERS, Bray 04.02.2008
When I mentioned Toastmasters to a friend recently he was completely unsure about what went on at one of they’re meetings: Was it to do with food or was it about...... ? We simply didn’t know. However unlike my hard working pal, I had enough time and interest to attend one of the meetings of Toastmasters in the town of Bray and you can read what went on below.
First of all I had some scrawled directions to help me find the venue for the night’s event: take a left after McDonalds ok, Vevay Road ok, on past Tesco ok... Ahh this is turning out like a pilgrimage! On my arrival at the venue I was met at the foot of a flight the stairs by an elderly gentleman who was a member of Toastmasters and he made me most welcome. At the top of said stairs I was immediately greeted by a middle aged man who had a chain around his neck, who it turned out to be the President (of Toastmasters Bray). Friendly yet formal was the order of the day. I was issued with an itinerary of the night’s running order and sat down to listen to the proceedings.
After various introductions the speeches started in earnest. First up was Anne who spoke about participating in a charity swim on New Year’s Day and the conflict in her mind about whether she should go or not (sound familiar?). Well Anne finally decided she would and she described the event as being a wonderful start to the New Year.What I thought was particularly interesting about her speech was the fact that she didn’t refer to her notes much at all. Anne is what is known as a Stage 3 speaker and she will move up the pecking order after that speech if there is any justice in the world.
Next to the lectern was a gentleman called Ian and he spoke for the duration of his speech about his experiences of Skiing and the fun, enjoyment, and peacefullness got from this Alpine sport.I’ve never been skiing but it was vividly described in glowing language by Ian and by the end you nearly wanted to strap on a pair of boots, grasp skiing sticks and glide down the piste.He made a powerful persuasive speech and he had a very clear voice. "Don’t worry, you’ll enjoy it. Just go for it" he seemed to be saying, and who could argue with that?
The last of the night’s speeches was made by Rita and her speech was most interesting. We (the guests and members) were asked to close our eyes and imagine a ginger cat curling into a ball and then stretching out as if it were getting up in the morning, it was a very relaxing thing to imagine and it set the tone for what she was about to talk to us about: Yoga. She stressed the positive effects of that form of exercise on people’s lives. Rita’s speech was delivered in a very peaceful manner. She was a stage 9 speaker - almost a fully fledged Toastmaster - and it showed.
Following the three main speeches there was a break in proceedings and it gave me an opportunity to talk to each of the three speakers and to compliment them on they’re orations.When we resumed our seats the speakers were individually evaluated by experienced Toastmasters and any criticism was applied in a constructive and helpful manner. The night ended in a series of other evaluations and I felt that by the time it finished I had had enough.
However it was a nice experience and I would urge people to go to a meeting of Toastmasters if you get a chance. I don’t think Toasting will ever be my domain but it should not be dismissed out of hand and I think that everyone can benefit from a Toastmasters meeting,speakers as well as listeners. I would like to conclude by thanking the Bray Toastmasters and in particular Ronnie and Noirín for the welcoming atmosphere extended to me. Listening and talking was never so much fun.
For anyone interested The Bray Toastmasters meet every Monday night at 8pm in Chrissy D’s Pub, Vevay Road, Bray, Co.Wicklow. And admission is free.
First of all I had some scrawled directions to help me find the venue for the night’s event: take a left after McDonalds ok, Vevay Road ok, on past Tesco ok... Ahh this is turning out like a pilgrimage! On my arrival at the venue I was met at the foot of a flight the stairs by an elderly gentleman who was a member of Toastmasters and he made me most welcome. At the top of said stairs I was immediately greeted by a middle aged man who had a chain around his neck, who it turned out to be the President (of Toastmasters Bray). Friendly yet formal was the order of the day. I was issued with an itinerary of the night’s running order and sat down to listen to the proceedings.
After various introductions the speeches started in earnest. First up was Anne who spoke about participating in a charity swim on New Year’s Day and the conflict in her mind about whether she should go or not (sound familiar?). Well Anne finally decided she would and she described the event as being a wonderful start to the New Year.What I thought was particularly interesting about her speech was the fact that she didn’t refer to her notes much at all. Anne is what is known as a Stage 3 speaker and she will move up the pecking order after that speech if there is any justice in the world.
Next to the lectern was a gentleman called Ian and he spoke for the duration of his speech about his experiences of Skiing and the fun, enjoyment, and peacefullness got from this Alpine sport.I’ve never been skiing but it was vividly described in glowing language by Ian and by the end you nearly wanted to strap on a pair of boots, grasp skiing sticks and glide down the piste.He made a powerful persuasive speech and he had a very clear voice. "Don’t worry, you’ll enjoy it. Just go for it" he seemed to be saying, and who could argue with that?
The last of the night’s speeches was made by Rita and her speech was most interesting. We (the guests and members) were asked to close our eyes and imagine a ginger cat curling into a ball and then stretching out as if it were getting up in the morning, it was a very relaxing thing to imagine and it set the tone for what she was about to talk to us about: Yoga. She stressed the positive effects of that form of exercise on people’s lives. Rita’s speech was delivered in a very peaceful manner. She was a stage 9 speaker - almost a fully fledged Toastmaster - and it showed.
Following the three main speeches there was a break in proceedings and it gave me an opportunity to talk to each of the three speakers and to compliment them on they’re orations.When we resumed our seats the speakers were individually evaluated by experienced Toastmasters and any criticism was applied in a constructive and helpful manner. The night ended in a series of other evaluations and I felt that by the time it finished I had had enough.
However it was a nice experience and I would urge people to go to a meeting of Toastmasters if you get a chance. I don’t think Toasting will ever be my domain but it should not be dismissed out of hand and I think that everyone can benefit from a Toastmasters meeting,speakers as well as listeners. I would like to conclude by thanking the Bray Toastmasters and in particular Ronnie and Noirín for the welcoming atmosphere extended to me. Listening and talking was never so much fun.
For anyone interested The Bray Toastmasters meet every Monday night at 8pm in Chrissy D’s Pub, Vevay Road, Bray, Co.Wicklow. And admission is free.
08 June 2008
PARANOID VISIONS, Dublin, 06.06.2008
Last Sunday's Observer carried a story about people going deaf and the various problems arising from listening to live music. In response to the article I bought myself a pair of earplugs ready for the aural assault of the gig I was going to the following Friday. Well in the end I didn't bother with them and they certaintly wouldn't make any difference to the quality of the music being offered up to those in attendance at one of the most unmissable instore gigs of recent times in Dublin. Plus it was free in, unlike most other gigs these days - it's "The High Cost Of Living".
I got into Tower about 10 minutes before the action began. But there was a problem - where was Deko (vocals)? The rest of the band were busy tuning up and steadily getting more and more impatient but there was no sign of the front man. After a short delay he arrived, his hair as red as a ruby. Now they were ready to rumble. The instore was happening to help launch the band's new EP which includes a cover of a song by THE ATRIX, an Irish band from the late 1970's.
Having bought, and thoroughly enjoyed, PARANOID VISIONS last album ('40 Shades Of Gang Green') it was important to see them live for the first time. I had seen STRICHNEIN DC (Deko's other project) a few years ago at a Punk festival and I have to say they were less than impressive. However I have enjoyed the sound PV make since my teenage years - one of my favorites was a slab of green coloured vinyl called 'City of Screams' ,released to coincide with the millenium celebrations gripping Dublin in 1988, which cost me IR£4.99 at the time.
As always with PV there is rarely a dull moment and so it proved this evening in Tower. The band consisted of about 6 members in the store. PA the Guitarist, who I thought was the manager, was hopping around on a crutch (something to do with a dodgy knee which was related to me by Joe later, too much information!) and, for the duration of the gig, was slumped on a seat near the drummer.
Deko let rip and showed off his talents as a front man by blasting away into 'Politicians' and he nearly has, at this stage, got celebrity status, although I don't think he'll be invited to go on an RTE reality show any time soon. The sweat was pouring down his face like piss dripping from a urinal! He gave his all for the whole set and he probably would have Roy Keane shitting himself, such was the rage released to the congregation present.
It was a very lively performance and Sarah (co-vocals) took to the mike for 'Strange Girl', a very poignant song that is about a teenage girl giving birth to a baby in a grotto (a true story from 1980's Ireland). The thing about this band is that they are not in hock to Californian Ponk, they are quite unique which is really refreshing. Such originality is now rare, alas, as nowadays most Punk outfits just make copycat rubbish and end up going nowhere. The only realistic comparison would be CRASS but PV have their own trademark sound and any similarity quickly drifts away.
After about, I think, 8 numbers or so, the instore finished and I bought a couple of copies of the new EP on sale. Going outside the store I got talking to Joe, Sarah and Deko from the band and it rounded off a very enjoyable hour or so in Wicklow Street.
I would recommend anyone to go and see PV live or at least buy some of their recordings. They are as much part of Irish life as the GAA or Guinness, hopefully they will carry on trashing venues all over the place. Oh, and one last thing, they are really nice people - except on stage where they take no prisoners!
I got into Tower about 10 minutes before the action began. But there was a problem - where was Deko (vocals)? The rest of the band were busy tuning up and steadily getting more and more impatient but there was no sign of the front man. After a short delay he arrived, his hair as red as a ruby. Now they were ready to rumble. The instore was happening to help launch the band's new EP which includes a cover of a song by THE ATRIX, an Irish band from the late 1970's.
Having bought, and thoroughly enjoyed, PARANOID VISIONS last album ('40 Shades Of Gang Green') it was important to see them live for the first time. I had seen STRICHNEIN DC (Deko's other project) a few years ago at a Punk festival and I have to say they were less than impressive. However I have enjoyed the sound PV make since my teenage years - one of my favorites was a slab of green coloured vinyl called 'City of Screams' ,released to coincide with the millenium celebrations gripping Dublin in 1988, which cost me IR£4.99 at the time.
As always with PV there is rarely a dull moment and so it proved this evening in Tower. The band consisted of about 6 members in the store. PA the Guitarist, who I thought was the manager, was hopping around on a crutch (something to do with a dodgy knee which was related to me by Joe later, too much information!) and, for the duration of the gig, was slumped on a seat near the drummer.
Deko let rip and showed off his talents as a front man by blasting away into 'Politicians' and he nearly has, at this stage, got celebrity status, although I don't think he'll be invited to go on an RTE reality show any time soon. The sweat was pouring down his face like piss dripping from a urinal! He gave his all for the whole set and he probably would have Roy Keane shitting himself, such was the rage released to the congregation present.
It was a very lively performance and Sarah (co-vocals) took to the mike for 'Strange Girl', a very poignant song that is about a teenage girl giving birth to a baby in a grotto (a true story from 1980's Ireland). The thing about this band is that they are not in hock to Californian Ponk, they are quite unique which is really refreshing. Such originality is now rare, alas, as nowadays most Punk outfits just make copycat rubbish and end up going nowhere. The only realistic comparison would be CRASS but PV have their own trademark sound and any similarity quickly drifts away.
After about, I think, 8 numbers or so, the instore finished and I bought a couple of copies of the new EP on sale. Going outside the store I got talking to Joe, Sarah and Deko from the band and it rounded off a very enjoyable hour or so in Wicklow Street.
I would recommend anyone to go and see PV live or at least buy some of their recordings. They are as much part of Irish life as the GAA or Guinness, hopefully they will carry on trashing venues all over the place. Oh, and one last thing, they are really nice people - except on stage where they take no prisoners!
KANDA BONGO MAN, Dublin, 24.05.2008
Coming into town to see one of Africa's legendary performers and his band was an opportunity I simply couldn't miss. Yes Dublin...Kanda Bongo Man in Dublin! It has been said that if you are unable to dance at one of his gigs, you most probably need an ambulance. Well O'Connell Street is a rough area, anything could go on in that stretch of central Dublin, and tonight there were no ambulances outside the Ambassador.
Quite why the event happened in the Ambassador I don't know. In my view, even though it was easy enough to get to, the staff were as surly as heavy-weight boxers on the brink of a knockout over their opponents. Not particularly friendly and my digital camera was forced to go into the cloakroom, which I wasn't too pleased about. Sans photos!
I don't know what has happened to Dublin. Along with the 'Celtic Tiger', the women have, even the native locals, become increasingly more beautiful, and there was a fair quota of vixens here to see KBM. Oh God the excitement!... and I haven't even mentioned KBM's dancers yet. Molly Malone would probably have botox injections if she were around today.
In my naive way I thought I might even score tonight, but that was a fantasy. I am convinced that I have had a romance bypass, if such a thing is possible. "Nice guy but I don't want to leave my boyfriend for him with his loud voice and fat belly". A tip to all single men - don't get called a nice guy, it's the kiss of death and is code for "I don't want you near me."
Anyway as in showbiz parlance, the show must go on girlfriend or no girlfriend, and KBM was, as I expected, a real treat. He had, it was announced, been delayed on the M50 but the announcer, a wonderful woman from Nigeria who works in the Africa Centre in Dublin, made it clear we were going to have a fun time. The audience were requested to turn to each other and embrace, which I did to a nice girl beside me - she seemed to find this incredibly amusing!
KBM came to the stage and with arms aloft the party started. I had grown up listening to KBM and other African music stars from when I was a teenager. When my colleagues were busy listening to Madonna and Metallica, I was putting my KBM LP on the turntable. I particularly enjoy Soukous (the type of music that KBM specialises in), a terrific style of southern African dance music - you simply cannot ignore its rhythm and I always found it immensely uplifting to listen to. I'm convinced if it were played to suicidal patients in a mental hospital, their symptoms would be eased somewhat. That is the power of the music.
All through the gig I danced and at one stage I thought I might melt into a stream of Ice Cream - the sweat was pouring off me! The LP I listened to back in 1988 when I first heard KBM was called "Non stop, Non stop" and I think that perfectly describes his music, for the music is more or less continously played. If the statue of Daniel O'Connell, on O'Connell Street, had been relocated to the Ambassador for the night's gig, I think it would have moved by it's own accord.
If I had one criticism, I would have preferred a touch more guitar which, I think, is central to what Soukous is all about. I kept shouting for him to play "Iyole", one of my favorite KBM songs but it fell on deaf ears. No matter, everything else was wonderful. Another bonus to the music was the female dancers that the band had with them. They wore traditional African dress and I have to say they were damn sexy. Any Irish ladies doing that would probably been pole dancers but these dancers were very tasteful in what they were doing and, like most African women, they looked fantastic.
At the end of the gig I staggered out of the venue and someone asked was I alright: "Just back from the Congo" I cheekily replied. I would have been happy to stay although my energies were steadily being sapped as a result of all the dancing. As I walked back to the quays to get my bus, I could smell the competing odours of freshly smoked hash and the stink from the Liffey. I was definitely not in Africa, but I think I was just returning from the gig of the year and that smelt sweet enough for me.
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