HARARYA?

New Season, New Fears

2011-08-22T19:22:00.005+01:00

I'm beginning my 'other job' which will run for the next 6 months. I can't tell you what dread this fills me with. It will either be the best of times or the worst of times. I've never started a season feeling like this.

This position is one of the things that has given me the most and stripped me of the most confidence in my life. I'm great at it, but all it will take is a handful of nay-sayers and I'll be toast.

I'm tired and I'm not up for any kind of fight. I'm going to put everything into it, hope and pray for the best.

If you are inclined, pray for me too. I'll need it.

Currently listening to:

"Be The Song"

Foy Vance

Lunchtime recordings

2011-08-11T12:33:00.004+01:00

Over the last few years I've had writer's block. There are good reasons for this: 1. I'm not that interesting. 2. I don't really have much to say. 3. I'm crazily busy. All of these things make jack a dull boy.

Recently I've been playing and recording guitar in my car. This is thanks mostly to the lovely Cardwell family lending me a small guitar that goes everywhere with me. The second contributing factor is time. When I'm waiting on my beloved, and others, I've got sparadic unpredictable pockets of free time which need to be put to good use. The last part of the puzzle is my iPhone and an app called FourTrack.

FourTrack is, as the name suggests, a four track recorder. You can lay down a recording in the first track, then listen back while recording a second track, then a third, then a fourth. Once your four track masterpiece is captured you can alter the levels of each track, change the pan left or right and even mix the four tracks down to two tracks, giving you room for two more tracks to be recorded.

Armed with guitar, time and technology I can jam away, find something I like then record a few layers to see if the tune is worth developing. All this aside, there is no substitute for actual creative ability, which I'm finding comes hard these days. I'm starting off with some pretty unremarkable results, but hope that in time, and with the required amount of practice I might start creating things to be proud of.

As I go I'm going to start posting recordings on here as a mechanism to measure progress.

Currently listening to:
After the Storm
Mumford and Sons

Then I Discovered Facebook & Twitter

2011-04-19T17:31:00.003+01:00

....and stopped writing in my blog.

Time for a change me thinks. Out you come, I know its bright, but your eyes will adjust shortly.

Currently listening to:
"Backbone"
Ken Haddock

Hararya Max Fredrick Hanna?

2009-08-17T08:40:00.003+01:00

Congratulations to the Hanna family this morning; For unto you is born, this day, in the city of George Best International a son, who is (Max)imillion Fredrick Hanna!

Caddy rain

2009-07-15T22:24:00.002+01:00

I was up at the caddy road house today in the thunderstorm.

I recorded a short audioboo about this experience.

Check that out here

And so we'll have to watch you from afar. . .

2009-07-14T21:21:00.002+01:00

Farewell shiny Sarah (for a few months).

Ok, we'll just have to decorate without you!

Enjoy Oz, come home safe and well :)

I made FIRE!

2009-07-12T22:00:00.004+01:00

Took Cosmin and Sorina to see the bonfires last night. Don't think they were too excited until they saw th size of the soon to be burnt offerings!

This morning Jo and I went round to Cosmon and Sorina's for breakfast, then on to church.

It is Cosmin's birthday so knowing his love for movies we got him a collection of Hitchcock classics. Not sure he was thrilled due a bad experience of 'the birds' as a kid!

Sorina seemed chuffed, maybe we should swap and get Cosmin something for Sorina's birthday

The rest of today has been spent at the house we are to move into. Philip did some electrical work, jo filled in some cracks and I started to take out the kitchen. I have broken up the sink unit and packed it up in the shed.

Now for some food!

It's the 11th of July. . . .

2009-07-10T17:58:00.000+01:00

It's the day that all the good prods have a little too much harp and play industrial dance music themed for kicking the pope. Oh joy.

Jo and I will take cosmin and sorina around the fires tonight to let them see the joys and horrors.

Listening to the into the wild soundtrack, entirely featuring pearl jam's eddie vedder. A good listen.

Who even HAS a blog these days?

2009-07-09T20:44:00.001+01:00

Lets face it, facebook is the new blogging. I'M kinda sad about that. I think we got more out of blogs.

I'm going to do my best to keep this going as a diary. I need to write down things that are longer than a tweet or a status update sometimes.

Tonight I'm heading with Jo to Lavery's for Shiny's leaving do. I'm listening to Bob Harris on radio 2. I've started to download his shows. They are played on saturday nights, 11pm to 2am. They are the best 3 hours of radio anywhere.

Jo and I are doing up a house near Randalstown. Uncle al is renting it to us. If we like it we might buy it.

Much wallpaper stripping.

How to make a headline more interesting...

2009-03-16T23:59:00.005Z

With 2 words you can make a reasonable headline very exciting indeed.

First, here is the original:

Next with a slight addition:
Click here for the real BBC story.

Currently listening to:
Track: Dissident
Artist: Pearl Jam
Album: vs

Good Apps...

2009-02-27T11:42:00.003Z

Over the last week I've found some handy things:

ZATOO - watch live terrestrial TV, legally, for free.

SPOTIFY - free music player, good quality tracks, all legal.

Both services require sign up, but they are guilt free!

Available for MAC and PC.

MMMMMMM, tastes like legal.

M

Currently listening to:
"Flume"
Bon Iver
Foe Emma, forever ago

Sometimes i see pictures in music....

2009-02-12T01:38:00.002Z

I see all sorts of images and scenes in music. My imagination is really fantastic. I see things that I've never seen, feel things that i may never have felt and recall things that were long forgotten.

I was having trouble sleeping tonight so I decided to prune my iTunes list a little.

There are all sorts of things that I've incorporated into my collection over the years that I've never heard. Sometimes I come across songs that were filed incorrectly, or have the wrong file name, so the song I'm expecting is replaced by something random.

I found a song by Tasmin Archer called 'Sleeping Satellite'. I have several issues with this discovery. 1. I've never knowingly been a Tasmin Archer fan. 2. I quite liked the song, even though its early to mid 90's nonsense.

I got flashes, the most fantastic memory flashes as a result:

....driving in Trevor Jordan's car to Armagh or Portadown to see some girl he was chasing at the time (this song was paying on a tape in the car, and this memory is real - i think).......

....the disco i went to when I was briefly a sea cadet in Carrickfergus. It was a rubbish disco, and there were no girls allowed, so it was basically lots of guys looking at each other awkwardly and not dancing. I was a naive young Christian and thought that being at a disco was a bit of a sin and so I felt pretty dangerous.....

.... I can see rooms of people in ill fitting wolly jumpers (we all had them in the mid 90's especially me, dermo and elia), there is the smell of inscence and scented candles (i was into both at the time)......

..... a memory from a warm summer evening in Portrush. The sun was going down while i'm walking down the seaside path beside Barry's arcade. The sky is a deep blue, cloudless. I'm looking at a girl I liked. There is a light breeze and that warm stuffy summer evening smell mixed with diesil from the arcade rides and sea salt. The lights of the amusements seem really oversaturated. Butterflies in my stomach. (neither the girl or the day exist. The memory however, is clear as a bell).....

Based on how inventive my mind is now, i can't wait to see what happens when I go senile!

Below, for your listening pleasure, is Tasmin Archer!

I'm quite excited for America

2009-01-20T15:33:00.004Z

It is hard to not feel hopeful for Americans today. Ok, I don't live there, it is none of my business and I know I'm just jumping on the bandwagon, but anything at this time of economic darkness that can give folks a little light can't be bad right?

I wonder if President Obama will live up to the hype. I wonder if his popularity will last longer than one week, maybe two. I wonder if we'll not all be living in caves in a few years. I wonder who the next president will be and what will be thier ethnicity / gender / sexuality?

Today seems like a step forward, its been like a Disney movie up to this point. Here's hoping the hero turns around the situation, gets the girl (oh, wait he's married, scratch that) and saves the day.

God Bless America. (you'll probably need all the blessings you can get.)

Hararya is back..... shortly

2009-01-20T00:27:00.001Z

Its coming home baby.

For all the fer-goodnes-sakes', the never-mind-me's, the listen-listen-whater-bout-you's.

Advertising for cheap flights, sex aids, fake Rolex and knock-off handbags NO MORE.

Two years in exile and the prodigal son has returned. Things are looking up.

Hararya returned to it's rightful owner and there was much rejoicing in the land........ so there was.

www.hararya.com

Well I never!

2009-01-15T00:36:00.002Z

The Giants play a game at the 'fabulous' Dundonald International Ice Bowl.

If Bob Zeller was dead, he'd be spinning in his grave.

I guess he's just spinning then.

Christmas baby named Jesus.....

2008-12-28T19:04:00.001Z

Article from the BBC.

Merry Christmas everyone.

M

I wanted to know who was winning the election.....

2008-11-04T18:03:00.004Z

.... so I asked Yahoo.

(click here for the BBC results map)

If i ruled the world......

2008-11-03T12:10:00.004Z

Ever wondered how the whole world would vote if they were picking the head American honcho?

Click here to vote and see the results.

:)

Currently listening to:
Song:Mr President
Artist: Randy Newman
Album: Good Old Boys

I believe i can fly......

2008-10-19T23:20:00.002+01:00

.... cuse the instructor said so!

I had a lovely morning. We had to cut it short because of bad weather, but i get to have another flight because of that :)

Loverly.

Currently listening to
Given to fly
Pearl Jam
Yeild

Autumn time is coming and so....

2008-09-25T17:58:00.003+01:00

.... its time for me to start feeling sleepy all the time and overdose on downbeat Iron and Wine songs :)

I love the feeling of winter on the horizon, when it hits this time of year i get an unexplained magical feeling in the pit of my stomach with early nights and autumn skies.

Halloween sparklers, My birthday, Christmas, the potential for snow. These things are the fuel for my Autumn / Winter glee.

Maybe I should hibernate now.....

Dell Support Stairway (to heaven)

2008-09-01T09:31:00.004+01:00

I was reporting a Dell server fault earlier this morning. I was both amused and horrified that the hold music was a version of Led Zeppelin's 'Stairway to heaven'.

I love that song, though the hold music was a 1980's rendering with no guitars, rather keyboard effects. It sounded much like it had been covered by Harold Faltermeyer that guy who did the theme to Beverly Hills Cop. Travesty.

Speaking of travesties, below for your listening and or viewing pleasure is another version of Stairway. Its by an Australian rebel youngster and his obviously satanic wobble board.

Goodnight LeRoi Moore

2008-08-20T17:06:00.003+01:00

Picture credit : DMB.com

'Dave Matthews Band' saxophonist died today after complications in surgery, following a car crash.

Water water everywhere, but not a drop to drink. (have some sense, its probably mostly sewage)

2008-08-17T12:05:00.007+01:00

This was a lot of water.

Yesterday was the Mad Hatters Giants Supporters Club treasure hunt and BBQ. Actually it wasn't. We had to call the whole thing off due to not being insane enough to BBQ in storm conditions. Some people eh?

Jo, Sarah, Noel and I decided to lift our spirits by having a nice lunch, then a drive to find big puddles to splash in. I love big puddles, I see my car as a big pair of welly boots!

Most of the Shore Road in Newtownabbey was flooded, but we ploughed through before the police finally closed it. We drove up towards the coast at Glenarm, then back to Bangor to drop off Noel, then to Dunmurray, to Sarah's house. Most of the streets leading off the Lisburn Road were flooded and the fire services were out pumping away the offending water.

I'm looking forward to work on monday. The last time we had any kind of heavy rainfall the builing beside my office flooded and needed to be stripped out and redecorated. Do you know what sewage smells like? I do! (uugh)

Currently listening to:
Track:Why does it always rain on me?
Artist: Travis
Album: The Man Who

Hararya Noah Harry Thompson?

2008-08-14T18:00:00.002+01:00

The Thompsons have had a special delivery.

Welcome Noah!

So, what is it then?

2008-08-08T01:20:00.002+01:00

Sculptures are appearing all over whiteabbey roundabouts.

But what are they?

I'm still not sure, even after the explanation.

New GTV

2008-07-23T01:19:00.000+01:00

We (nearly) saw Catherine Edwards

2008-06-28T15:37:00.006+01:00

We went to Auntie Annie's to see reasonably miserable songstress Kathleen Edwards on Thursday night, but sadly she was unable to perform for "medical reasons". It might have been 'cuse she was too sad.

Ok, she isn't that bad, but my favorite song of her's is called hockey skates: "I am so sick of consequence and the look on your face / I am tired of paying defense and I don't even have hockey skates." Everybody sigh now.

We decided to not be down about this, and instead go to the movies where we saw the latest Narnia flick Prince Caspian. I love these movies. When I was a kid my granddad read me 'The Magician's Nephew' and it did a lot to spark up my frequently overactive imagination. There will be no doubt some discussion if the films are true to the books, but I don't really mind. I didn't go in as a critic, I just wanted a few childhood memories stirred. Job done.

I love the parralells of Aslan representing the character of God, how in the first film he defeated evil by sacrificing himself for the 'sons of adam'. There are other life lessons in here based on faith and doing what is right despite what your friends think of you. Couldn't be more wholesome if it was wheaten bread. A good time was had by all.

On a final note I was watching the BBC iPlayer coverage of 'The Ting Tings' at Glastonbury, and as I was adjusting the volume level, i realised it went up to 11! Good work BBC.

(Picture curtosy of, (but lets face it, without any permission from) the BBC)

Currently listening to:
Artist: The Ting Tings
Song: Great DJ
Album: We Started Nothing

We saw Karine Polwart.....

2008-06-09T23:59:00.002+01:00

....at the spring and airbrake.

There were lots of free tickets floating around for this gig as it was a Monday night, the least rock and roll of all week nights. We picked up some freebies and headed in. At the bar I got talking to someone a fella who was 'the only person who seemed to have paid in!' he was in a bit of a strop as a result.

The warm-up act, some chancer called Andy who was from Southern Ireland, would have had me wondering why I'd paid in, if I had done. Andy played 3 or 4 variations of the same song over and over again. He babbled incomprehensively. I made out the occasional word relating to death or loss or unrequited love, and then, just as we were all wondering if the drinks we had bought would be strong enough to get us through his set, on came Karine and band. The mood was immediately different.

By the end of their first song we were all grinning at the scottish lilt and lovely 3 part harmonies.

There was a wide and varied use of instruments. The songs were a mix of uplifting ballads and dark tales. My favorite of the darker tunes was "The Sun's Comin' Over The Hill" a story about love and loss and life afterward.

There’s some say you get what you deserve but they’re wrong
Sometimes you get what you’re given and then it’s all gone
And you are lucky if you are sufficiently strong
To daily decide not to die

Oh the nights are long
But life is longer still
Oh the nights are long
But the sun’s coming over the hill

Since we blagged free tickets, I thought it was only fair we bought a CD or two.

Probably my favorite song of the lot is shown below: "Follow the heron home"

We had a chat with Karine afterwards and told her we really enjoyed the show. She seemed genuinely humble and lovely even though we asked her to sign the albums we bought, a practice that usually makes me feel like a crazy person!

Back me up baby.....

2008-05-28T01:38:00.004+01:00

Today I decided enough was enough......

I bought a 1TB backup drive to plug in to our home network.

I've been watching the price for a year now while simultaneously panicking that I'll lose all my stuff.

I've done it, I've taken the plunge........ I now fully expect to see the asking price for one of these babies to go into freefall as of tomorrow!

:)

Currently listening to:
"Sound Opinions" (podcast) - (the only rock and roll talk show in America)
Chicago Public Radio and American Public Media
(Free at the itunes store)

Bank Holiday Bizarro World

2008-05-26T15:23:00.002+01:00

I was accidentally listening to Radio 1 today as it was on in our office.

They played:

Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, Nirvana, Black Sabbath, Jimmi Eat World, Limp Bizkit and Queen all one after another.

How'd all that rock slip through, did someone hit their head?

Eeeeeeexcellent!

:)

Of the many things i'd love to eradicate from this world.....

2008-05-24T00:34:00.004+01:00

...the main one would probably be Anastacia.

I hate the way she makes that terrible nasal-wailing-excuse-for-singing. She makes the kind of noise you expect to hear if a cat was being tortured.

I don't mean her any harm of course, i'd just like to have her removed from history so that local radio like cool FM would stop playing the same flipping song of hers (left outside alone) every lunch time. Cuttin' edge there kids.

I'd go about this task like red dwarf's "The Inquisitor" who has a special laser thing that deletes all record of you form ever existing.

And relax.

M

Currently listening to:
anything but anastacia.

All you snivelling little indy kids.... HOLD STEADY

2008-05-16T00:52:00.003+01:00

On Wednesday night Raj and I went to see the Hold Steady at the Spring and Airbreak, Belfast.

A fine show from a group of international rock stars who seemed genuinely delighted at the reaction they were getting from the small, but tightly packed Belfast audience. All playing staff had grins from ear to ear. The room was bouncing.

Above is an example of their work. Enjoy.

M

Nice is Nice! (again)

2008-05-04T14:20:00.002+01:00

If i haven't bothered you with this directly, then please check out the video below of Jo and I in the apartment in Nice.

Currently listening to:
'Brushfire fairytales'
Jack Johnson
Brushfire Fairytales

Nice is Nice!

2008-05-03T13:07:00.003+01:00

Me and Jo are chillin out maxin, relaxin all cool in the south of france.

Were staying at a friend's apartment on Avenue Baquis, not far from the seafront.

We are taking a little video and will post later.

Au revoir

M

On the heap

2008-04-18T22:16:00.009+01:00

This week I said goodbye to my old car.

My brother sold me this lovely Peugeot 306 when he was moving to Singapore many, many years ago. I put over 125,000 miles on the thing before it took early retirement in my folks' driveway.

About 2 years ago a guy turned up at my front door offering to buy the car. I was unsure as I wanted to do repairs and get it roadworthy just in case I lost my job, or, maybe I could have passed it on to someone. I ignored the fact that the car was damp, damaged and never to move again.

On friday night the guy from 2 years ago called back in desperate need of parts. I agreed to let him take it away. Everybody say 'Awwwwwwwwwww'.

I had some excellent memories in my little 306:

It ferried me and friends (at speed) back and forth for about 5 years.
I acquired 6 penalty points in it.
I went to the Giants Causeway for the first time in it.
I went on my first date in it.
I got to know the girl I love during long drives in it.
I drove to gigs in it (mine and others).
I spilled countless cups of coffee in it.
I had everything I owned stolen from it.
I sang in it. (sometimes I cried in it)
I got lost in it.
It was my living room.
It was my office for 3 jobs.
It was my personal space.

I've had several cars before and since, but really this is the car that I did most of my growing up in. The car did 125,000 miles, but It was me that did a lot of mileage.

Farewell old friend.

Playoffs 2008

2008-04-08T17:21:00.004+01:00

It all started early on Friday morning. We were up at the International airport before 7am. Bleary eyed, we stumbled through the check in and security checks. Enthusiasm came in the form of coffee from Paul Rankin’s cafe, then a short walk had us on the plane and on our way.

At Nottingham airport we had organised mini buses to whisk us the short distance to Jury’s Hotel. We got checked in, and headed off into town.

Nottingham is the gun, (and arguably at this time of year), the ice hockey capital of the UK. Support from all 8 Elite League teams, numbering 8,000+ people, descend upon the town for the annual playoffs. This is a time of mirth, mischief and forgetting the rivalry you have for the other guys. We all get together and support someone, even if that someone is not your own team.

We are getting really good at supporting the other guys. The Giants did not make the cut this year (again). A narrow defeat in penalties edged us towards an early bath and sent the Newcastle Vipers to the semi-finals.

After a Friday frolicking on Nottingham’s big wheel, fine dining in their restaurants and sampling their cocktails we were relaxed and ready for a grueling Saturday packed with 2 semi finals back to back.

Saturday

We got breakfast in the hotel and headed out to get some supplies before arriving at the arena to watch the Newcastle Vipers play everyone’s favourite arch rivals, the Coventry Blaze.
On this rare occasion we were cheering for the Vipers, the very team who put us out of the tournament. Anything is preferable to cheering for the chavs. (Coventry).

The game started off with a goal from Newcastle Vipers, but the chavs won in the end. The most entertaining part of the show was the Belfast Giant’s mascot ‘Gordie the Gorilla’ strutting his stuff with the dancing girls, beating up the other mascots and being fed bananas by the management.

We rushed off to fill up on caffeine and arrived back at the arena just in time for the second game.

This time the Sheffield Steelers dispensed the Cardiff Devils, sending them through to the final to face Coventry.

Sunday

Sheffield was the team of choice to be cheering for in Sunday’s final. This fact did not go down well with most of the other English / Welsh fans as they have a long and bitter rivalry with the Steelers. We were really cheering for the Steelers’ coach Dave Matsos who is an ex-Giant who suffered a career ending injury a few years ago.

The Steelers owned the game from the start. Coventry rarely got a look in, and didn’t once get a goal in. The final score was Steelers 2 Coventry 0. There was much rejoicing in the Giant’s camp.

We headed to the hotel and freshened up and then back to ‘The Bunkers’ bar, situated just beside the rink. Many funny things went down here, but you know the saying: what happens on the road stays on the road!

The few things I can tell you are:

1. Someone managed to break the toilets in the bar, and so the bar had to be closed for health and safety reasons.

2. A small rebel group of Giants fans broke into the National Ice Centre. There were no arrests, just mischief. (lock your doors Nottingham!)

Nottingham in jokes: viva, au deir, panic at the Bickerstaff, ok now get to your rooms.

We stayed up chatting till about 4am this morning, until the staff of the hotel ‘sent’ us to our rooms. We were chatting in the lobby when 2 surly security guards came over and told us to leave. We decided we were going to finish our conversation, but we were overruled!

Oh well. That’s that for another year. Next year should be filled with chocolatey goodness as we just found out that we will be signing ex-Giant Steve “chocolate heaven since 1911” Thornton as our new coach. He’s one of the best players we’ve had the misfortune to lose.

Next year should be sweet. (groan). I’m off for a sleep.

Curently listening to:
Not in Nottingham
(from Disney's Robin Hood)

Busy day, with the odd blue screen....

2008-04-03T00:03:00.002+01:00

I'll let Jo explain.

Currently Listening to
Track: Kick start my heart
Artist: Motley Crue

Bit of a drive...

2008-03-30T17:14:00.003+01:00

On easter Tuesday Jo and I decided to take a little drive. The plan was simple; find a nice country pub, preferably in the Republic of Ireland and enjoy a nice meal and a long drive.

We drove to (London)Derry and then headed on north west. We passed Letterkenny and kept going. I was hoping we'd make the shore, but after an hour's travel from Derry we hadn't made it, furthermore we had no concept of our position.

Deciding that the coast must be still too far away we got a cheesy from some kind of indian fast food place and retreated.

When we got back I took a look at a map of our journey, we were about 5 miles from the beach!

Currently listening to:
Song: Road Trippin'
Artist: Red Hot Chilli Peppers
Album: Califonication

New Speakers

2008-03-28T11:49:00.004Z

Many thanks to Mr Con-oid for donating speakers to my home computer.

George at Asda...... Again

2008-03-27T18:17:00.002Z

George makes his second appearence:

Currently Listening to:
Song: The Girl From Ipanema
Artist: Walter Wanderly
Album: Talkin' Verve

New Wheels.....

2008-03-21T20:29:00.003Z

Thanks to the lovely people at Fujitsu, I've been driving a hire car for the past 2 weeks, a lovely VW Golf. Its as solid as a rock to drive and has EPS skid protection to stop me frollicking around.

The only down side is, the first week I filled the (petrol) tank for about £55 quid and only got about 390 miles for my trouble. The second week I got a little more like 410 miles. I feel there is room for improvement.

Last night I was in Dun(fun)dalk watching the Giants play a very mediocre game. Thankfully they won, going ahead in the 3rd period after a few good goals. Roll on the playoffs, and hopefully playoff form.

I didn't get home till the very wee hours, and so I've had great trouble staying awake today. I was in a meeting first thing, then was working my considerable ass off all day. I've had a snooze this evening and now I'm off to Jo's to watch some West Wing. We're on to season 5 and rapidly running out of discs to watch. Eek.

Want to start writing songs and be good at it. Not sure either will happen at this point. So darn tired.

Laters....

Currently listening to:
Track:House by the sea
Artist: Iron and Wine
Album: The Shepard's dog

I knew Bill Gates was a Wab! (one for the geeks)

2008-03-19T09:03:00.001Z

Inside the registry of every windows machine you'll find the following key:

George at ASDA (vol 1)

2008-03-16T22:26:00.002Z

We have a new video, its good....

(the music is listed below just in case you are interested)

Artist: Walter wanderly
Album: Talkin' Verve

Good morning Steria, um, I mean Fujitsu.. Matt speaking...

2008-03-04T20:46:00.003Z

The fun of my office for the last 2 days has been the fact that we all are trying to stop answering the phones with our previous company name. We've all been assimilated. Apparently resistance is futile.

All week its been:
Good morning Steria... uh.... actually its fujitsu, its matt here.
Good morning Steria slash Fujitsu? its matt.
Good morning Steria....... *someone makes fun of me* no that's right, I meant Fujitsu.

The Biggest question still remains to be answered of course, what do we rename the office garage band, formerly the "Steria-Phonics"?

We're aware that the Fuji's is already taken, Fuji-Phonics isn't catchy, so we'll need help, please reccomend suggestions in the comments.

Well, back to the grind, before they realise I'm a lazy, lazy man.

M

Currently listening to:
Tracks: Positive Jam / The Swish
Artist: The Hold Steady
Album: Almost Killed Me

Sleep through the static......

2008-03-01T13:21:00.003Z

Anyone who has ever owned a Tesco "value" alarm clock and has trouble with early mornings will identify with the album title of Jack Johnson's latest offering. (the damn things always lose their tuning and attempt to wake you with white noise - i've slept through this kind of static more than once)

Anyway, you know what you are getting with Jack Johnson. Summer tunes and thoughtful, reflective tales, usually of love and loss. I can listen to this stuff all day.

"Brushfire Fairytales" was my sumer album of 2002. Ok, so I stole it from my good buddy Dave Allen. He bought it after we'd been impressed by the track "flake" on a computer we'd been servicing for a Canadian. It took 2 more albums for JJ to hit the bigtime in the UK, "In Between Dreams" got lots of airplay on BBC radio.

The elitist in me wanted to let go as his fame grew. The music wasn't just mine anymore, everyone knew a song or two, even the spides.

All this being so, the new album does not dissapoint. My favorite line is in the first track "All at once". After describing the state of the world and how it hangs a little heavy on us he says: "sometimes it feels like a heart is no place to be singing from at all...." I feel like that some days.

Some lines from the title track:

"Who needs sleep when we’ve got love?
Who needs keys when we’ve got clubs?
Who needs please when we’ve got guns?
Who needs peace when we’ve gone above
But beyond where we should have gone?"

:)

Farewell Team Steria

2008-02-15T16:45:00.008Z

I've been working with Steria on a customer's site since 10th Jan 2005. The contract we work on is being taken over by Fujitsu. We are about to become Fujitsu employees. Before this event takes place we thought we'd have a final night out.

We've gathered together the folks from our office and some other people who have worked with us over the years and we're going out for dinner, a drink or two and then bowling.

I've never worked with a better, more interesting group of people. Some folks have left us already for other jobs and still some people will leave soon, so the dynamic of the office will never be the same for those of us remaining. I've had a great time with these folks, big characters all.

Tonight we celebrate. (tomorow i'll show off drunken photos).

In other news, i got my staples out today, but just so's you can see the horror of what it looked like before hand, here is a pic curtosy of my lovely missis:

Currently listening to:
Song: Mayonaise
Artist: Smashing Pumpkins
Album: Siamese Dream

Last night I nearly died.......

2008-02-09T22:37:00.000Z

Actually, I didn't. I just wanted to quote Duke Special.

Before I go any further, I gots to tell you that there is a little bit of gruesome content coming up, if you don't like the sight of blood and gore - (that's you Sarah), then you really should ignore the rest of this post.

This week has been a little hard going. I've been quite tired recently and the odd calamity has occurred.

Let me start with my socks. I put on a pair of socks on monday and this happened:

Ok, so that was pretty much a space filler to hide the gore.

While working in a server room at work on friday I hit my head, pretty hard. I was sitting on the floor, as there are no seats, updating my contact list on my laptop. I was also building a new server, which was taking forever. Pete, my boss was leaving Steria for better prospects elsewhere and I was just packing up to go see him. I closed my laptop, put it on a set of plastic boxes beside me, realised that the install I was running required the next cd in the sequence, reached down to do that, stood up, and on the way hit my head on a server rack console.

I fell down holding my head thinking, holy crap that hurt. I took my hand away from my head and there was no blood. I was thinking, how stupid was that? How come I didn't see that console..... Just then I started to wonder why my arm and elbow weres wet. I took my hand away from my head to discover i was bleeding pretty badly, and now mostly all over the floor and my laptop.

There were some contractors in the room and I yelled to one of them to call a first aider or an ambulance. The guy looked confused for a second, at which point I decided to head to the gents' loo down the hall to find some tissue to apply pressure with and soak up the blood.

I got to the toilets and cleaned the blood off my face and out of my eyes and used some tissues to stop the flow. The builder came into the toilets and took me to the first aider, a lovely lady called Joanne who works on the switchboard. Joanne had never actually practised first aid, but was trained. I think she initially thought it was a wind up when the bulder came to the room to fetch her.

I was sat down in the switchboard rest room and Joanne came in with the first aid box. She looked concerned and asked if she could take a look at my head. I asked her if she'd like to sit down first. 5 minbutes later I was being driven to the hospital.

Here are some pictures:

I got looked at pretty quickly by the triage guy, and he was happy that the bleeding had stopped, about 2 hours later i was led into a room were i was stapled a couple of times, then glued shut.

Funny thing is, the stapler they use is not unlike a desk stapler, just the staples are sterilised first. The doctor explained that there was no point in offering me an anesthetic as it didn't usually work anyway. I decided to double check and asked her to tell me honestly did it make a difference, or was it a waste of time? she said waste of time and set about physically abusing me with her sterilised office equipment. It hurt like getting staples in your head.

The nurse said i could do with three staples, but by the time she had put in the second one i think she was fearing for her general safety. I punched the desk on the first and kicked the ground at the second, at this point she decided to use the glue rather than a third staple as i was running out of objects to strike.

That was fine and dandy, and before long i was on my way back to the office to fill out accident forms and such. I missed pete's leaving do, which is upsetting cuse I had prepared a presentation which featured may fine photo's of him in Father Ted scenes. (this is due to us calling each other 'father' in the office). I'll post them up here in a while for all to see.

To finish on a good note, the old woman across the road from me was hoovering her driveway today. Yup, you heard me, hoovering. And i'm supposed to be the one who's head's cut!?

Here is a picture, enjoy.

PS: I was wondering about all of this accident lark earlier, and I was mortified to think that if I had bled to death, the last thing I would have done would have been updating my contact list! Here's to a more productive life.

Currently listening to:
Song: Blood
Artist: Pearl Jam
Alnum: VS

Heading for the weekend.....

2008-01-18T17:02:00.000Z

And this week has been a corker.

Driving home form work on Tuesday night, in the fog, something in the road struck the underside of my car.

I got out and effected a temporary fix to the shattered plastic engine guard in the driving rain. I was heading for a petrol station when I ran out of diesel, on a junction, beside a big puddle. Lovely. I got out of the car to get to the petrol can I had in the boot and was soaked by a van that drove through the big puddle I just mentioned. Now dripping, I decided to plod down to the pertol station, it was less than a mile away. A nice fella called Robert stopped as he saw me jogging to the station. He gave me a lift to the station and then back to my car.

I got the car to the petrol station, filled up a little and climbed underneath the car to re-position the bungee chords holding up the plastic gubins, and got a bit grubby.

20 mins later I was back home and Mum suggested I should get a bath, what with being so cold and miserable. I decided this was a good opportunity to get rid of a bath bomb that i had been giving Jo for Christmas, but it was a little damaged. I didn't realise at the time that this was a glitter bath bomb. As a result, for 3 days now I've had glitter everywhere. Also i managed to scald myself with hair straighteners. I've now got a perfectly square burn on my arm.

Wednesday was a day off this week. We had a Giants game which was being filmed by Sky TV for their sky sports extra channel. I wanted to get down an be set up really early just in case there were last minute hijinks. On arrival to the arena I felt the clutch pedal on the car loose tension a little and it started to squeal pretty loudly between changes.

One call to the car fleet people later and it was arranged that someone would come down and pick up my car and leave one in its place. I drove slowly and carefully to Jo's house and we got ready to go back out to the arena for the game. I called the breakdown folks to see if they were coming out soon and they said it would be the morning before they could make it. Jo was driving then!

At the arena I found out that our regular compare Paul "Big Paul" Maclean was not making it, and in his place Citybeat presenters would present the show. This was hassle, but we got through ok. The sky folks kept asking me to turn down the music, especially during the warmup, when the players need it to be the loudest. I did turn it down and was later surrounded in the bar by 5 tall Canadians asking "what the hell where you doing up there!?" I made my apologies and drank my beer, quickly.

Tuesday morning I got my parents to drop me to Jo's where my stricken car lay and I waited for the pick up guy. When he arrived he did not bring a curtosy car, but he had to take mine away and go get a replacement from his depot. It was about 11 by the time i got into work, but this gave me a rare opportunity to get acquainted with early daytime TV. I saw Jeremy Kyle for the first time and found his "not taking any crap" attitude to his knuckle-dragging, in bred, cheating , lying scumbag guests quite refreshing. (was going to link to a video, but ITV think that you can only watch video on a PC, in internet explorer)

Anyhow, on to today. Most of my work buddies had the dreaded Flu. I can expect that anytime then? I'm off down the gym to sweat out any toxins I've acquired as a proactive measure.

Till next time gadget.

Currently Listeing to:
Song: Angels of the silences
Artist: Counting Crows
Album: Recovering the satelites

American Presedential Primaries

2008-01-08T14:47:00.000Z

I really don't have much of an opinion on American politics. Actually, I only wanted to post about them so I could read it back in my head like "24", season one, Keifer Sutherland narrating the hour changes.

The following takes place between 7am and 8am on the day of the presidential primaries...

Anyhoo, i just wanted to post this image of support for Sen. Clinton.

Please find this fine bumper sticker for sale here.

Currently Listening to
Song: Mr. President (Have Pity on the Working Man)
Artist: Randy Newman
Album: Good Old Boys

Hararya Leah Ramsey?

2008-01-03T10:58:00.000Z

My good friends Dave and Cara Ramsey had a little girl.

Leah Ramsey is her name.

Hararya Leah?

Its a new dawn, Its a new day.......

2008-01-02T02:25:00.000Z

Well kids, 2008 is here and already I'm getting behind!

I've decided to listen / read the bible cover to cover this year so that i may be better equipped to deal with life's fun day to day grind.

Because i'm a lazy man and a bad reader I've subscribed to the one year bible on radio podcast available here or at your lovely itunes store.

I spend most of my life in my car, listening to music or more increasingly radio shows like This American Life or Radiolab. Surely then there is time to at least then listen to the bible? I think so.

The question i have for you lovely folks is: Does anyone know any other listen in a year service that i can listen to the bible? I ask because, much as i enjoy listening to Tom Dooley's lovely radio announcers voice, there is more here than just the readings of the Bible. There is a also a short sermon and his thoughts on the passage to go through. I'd like to just get to the point.

Also there is an assortment of mood music on the podcast, ranging from anything near Chinese traditional music to some dude with an accoustic guitar adding a bit of tension. I'm not a fan of this stuff as it detracts from what I'm trying to listen to, not that I'm sure it doesn't go over pretty well with the American intended audiences, and I'm just glad the Bible is available to listen to for free, full stop.

Another option is to listen to the audio version of The Bible Gateway. Here, from a drop down menu you can choose between real audio or a flash player version of several bible versions. Once again I am happy this content is available for free, but this time the text is read by Max McLean, who goes at it like it is Shakespere, putting dramatic slants on key words. Also, this version is only available while online, you can't take it with you.

I am, of course, aware that I should not complain. Many people do not have access to any version of the bible, printed or otherwise. But, if you do happen to know of a site that lets you download the bible for playback later that has no bells or whistles, please let me know.

Happy new year folks, may God bless you.

Currently listening to:
Song: Firecracker
Artist: Ryan Adams
Album: Gold

the run up to the new year....

2008-01-01T02:35:00.000Z

So i decided to run over to tesco and grab a few last minute essentials for the evening ahead. Everyone was there. I don't mean that like: I was at this party and everyone was there. I meant it like the whole world arrived at tesco to pick up some pretzels.

I hate crowds. People are rude and no one apologises. Why can't this be Canada?

I'm really glad to see 2007 leave.

Happy New Year everybody.

Currently listening to:
Song: Long December
Artist: Counting Crows
Album: Recovering The Satellites

GTV Happy New Year!

2007-12-30T19:46:00.000Z

Fer flip sake, happy new year!

Har are you?

You are in a hurry....

2007-12-20T00:12:00.001Z

...waiting in line at a filling station when the person in front of you ACTUALLY DOES want to take the assistant up on her offer of a 'nectar' card.

Have you EVER seen that happen? I was shocked, the assistant was shocked, maybe even the customer himself just involotarily agreed to the question asked a thousand times a day: "Would you like a wee nectar card?".

There was no going back now, not only does this guy accept the nectar (reward point scheme thing, for those of you who may not live in the UK) card, but then asks EXACTLY how it works and could the shop assistant show him what he needs to fill in on the application form?

I have never seen customer service devotion like this girl, who took her customer through ALL of the fine points of what the scheme entailed and how the points are accumulated and where he should AFFIX THE BLOODY POSTAGE STAMP!

Meanwhile, the other tills are closed, there is no other queue, just me, so the other shop assistant did not see the need to open her till and serve me during this 5 minute epic, 'War and Peace' like display of product knowledge. Maybe the second assistant was just standing back and admiring this act of company pride from a distance.

BAH HUMBUG

currently listening to:
"Audiolab", from NY public radio
(avilable on itunes store for free)

Better than Starbucks....

2007-12-19T15:40:00.000Z

Today's secret Steria Santa, bestowed upon me a 'Grow your own' coffee kit!

When the apocalypse is finally upon us and people are clambering for supplies and food, I'll be one step ahead of the game, as i'll be doing all of that but wired on homemade coffee!

Thank you secret Santa.

Ps, the apocalypse better not happen for 3 years, as this is how long it'll take to get beans!

GTV edinburgh

2007-12-18T14:01:00.000Z

This is a taste of what a Giants away trip looks like. Hot off the video press, enjoy:

Belfast Applestore?

2007-11-30T17:03:00.000Z

Apple to arrive in Belfast

(scroll about half way down the article)

Firewalkin'... the story.

2007-11-22T00:05:00.000Z

Kind thanks to Nigel C for taking pictures. Video to follow. (click to enlarge) That's me top left, my friend Raj top right, and me again below, but with 3 feet!

Back a few months ago the Belfast Giants official supporters club announced that for children in need this year there would be a "firewalk". Jo wanted to take photos of this wonderous event, so we made a deal that she'd take photos if i did the firewalk. I didn't really think much more about it till yesterday morning.

There was a 45 minute briefing beforehand so that the guy could explain:
• The coals are hot
• I would get black feet
• You might get a blister
• Basics of reflexology
• Beliefs of some firewalkers
• He was the world record holding firewalker (mentioned at least 17 times)

Some of the stuff he talked about was fairly interesting. For instance, in some parts of the world firewalking was a test of honour. Girls are forced to firewalk and if they don't get blisters then they are virgins. If they then get blisters they are dishonoured. (It is intersting to point out that most people looked worried at this point.)

The guy also mentioned he was the world record holding firewalker.

Some cultures use firewalking as an indication of health. If you get a blister in a certain area of your foot, consult reflexology charts, figure out which part of your body is effected, (indicated obviously by the presence of a blister), and have the doctor sort you out.

The guy also mentioned he was the world record holding firewalker.

Despite all this, the walk itself was a fairly painless exercise, apparently due to my ora, poor heat conduction, static electricity, the belief that I could do it and not be harmed...... etc.

I walked over the coals 3 times in total, cuse i was excited.
I did not have a life changing experience.
I didn't 'find myself', cuse i was here all along.

It felt like walking on gravel, it was not sore, but later on in the evening i developed a burning sensation on my right foot.

A small blister appeared on my right foot, but just in case you are curious, my chastity is however intact.

Firewalkin'

2007-11-20T16:33:00.000Z

This evening I'm being "hauled across the coals" for charity.
I'm "hot footing" it down to the Odyssey.
All for the kids.

Nice knowing you all,
(thanks to Elia for the puns)

M

Martyn Joseph

2007-11-09T19:03:00.001Z

The other night i went to the Real Music Club at the Errigle Bar, Belfast. Martyn Joseph was playing the only Irish gig of this tour.

I started to get into things about 3/4 of the way through his set. It is always difficult with material that you are unfamiliar with, but it just took a little while for him to catch my interest.

I started to pay closer attention when he played "Cardiff Bay" a song that regularly plucks at the heartstrings of the most hardened 'tuff guy', due to its father and son relationship content.

One surprise was that he is responsible for mid 90's, "most ripped off in Christian outreach meetings", anthem: "What if God was one of us?". This performance of the song was a very different version than Joan Osborne's recording. The tone of the lines "Yeah, yeah, God is great/Yeah yeah, God is good" was sung with such sarcasm and bitterness. I'd mistaken this in the popular version as being an acknowledgment of God, rather than a statement of disgust. I was left in no doubt of his opinion.

A reasonable enough gig, but it will probably be the only time i'll go to see this guy live. Didn't really leave me wanting more.

7 days of rest....

2007-11-05T14:30:00.000Z

....started yesterday.

Work is a little hectic and depressing at the moment. I have lots of leave to take, so i seized upon the opportunity to take a week to relax, catch up on things i need to do like finally cutting those toenails and trimming hair that is growing in places i didn't think it should till you are 70.

Monday has been a good start, I got up at 10, had lunch with Paul Fellowes, played credit controller for a difficult account for Jo, called the Giants to discuss videos and updated my blog. Its only 3pm! Now i'm pff to play 'The Warriors', a game Jo got me ages ago for the playstation 2. I was playing another game at the time and forgot all about it!

I've also consumed my body weight in good coffee.

Come on 'rest of the week'. I'm ready for you!

Currently listening to:
Song: A song for Brenda
Artist: Cool John Ferguson
Album: Artists in Resonance

Did I just die?

2007-10-30T09:49:00.000Z

Check this web comic out.

Currently listening to:
Song: Father and Daughter
Artist: Paul Simon
Album: Surprise

GTV # 3

2007-10-28T20:18:00.000Z

Here is the latest:

Currently Listening to:
Track: Keep the car running
Artist: The Arcade Fire
Album: Neon Bible

Fundalk Giants Part Deux.....

2007-10-28T00:39:00.000+01:00

To quote Dr. Peter Venkman in the 1984 blockbuster Ghostbusters:
"We came we saw we kicked its ass.."

The Giants won 5-1 against the Manchester Phoenix at the Dundalk Ice Dome.

I think the main reason was that I was playing music at the event. A hasty arrangement between the rink manager and I who apologised for not calling me back and said: 'so, are ya doin the music for us then?' fantastic.

I did really enjoy the evening with Arn by my side announcing. We had a lot of fun. I was dared to play Sean Beren's cheese grater "back in Belfast" and so i did. I got a laugh from a few of the hockey faithful. Let me explain:

Sean Berens is a guy I used to play guitar with, an ex-giant. I engineered a single for him called 'Back in Belfast' which was pretty awful, but I did play all of the tracks bass, rythm, and lead guitar also singing harmony. We debuted this single around the radio stations in Belfast, playing live on the air. 'Back in Belfast' was a declaration of love for the town and his general excitement at being back here after a season elsewhere. Shortly after we played it live everywhere, Sean left us to play ice hockey for a Sweedish team. It was a great opportunity for him, but left me without a musical partner and pretty much ended eny chance i had at a musical career. The song is now regarded to be a joke given his flaky disregard for his new found home once offered a better deal. (wow that was a load off my chest).

Neverthelesss, the Giants triumphed and are now officially on a winning streak after 3 whole games won in a row. Get in!

Currently listening to: Song: Everybody wants a little something Good Artist: Duke Special Album: Songs from the Deep Forest

Fundalk Giants

2007-10-27T15:24:00.000+01:00

Today Jo and I are joining lots of Belfast Giants fans in Dundalk while the team play a home away game. Confused? Well, the Giants are playing in Dundalk Ice Dome because the Odyssey is unavailable. There is a horse show or westlife or something.

The bottom line is that the Odyssey arena make much more money from every other event than ice hockey. More punters attend, more drink bought... you get the idea.

So, i'm having the rare occasion to WATCH the giants, at a home game (away) and not be doing anything. This was not for want of trying to do things. I've been trying to get in contact with the Dundalk management all week to try and have them hire my musical services. The closest I got was yesterday when I finally got through to one of the managers on his mobile and he made and excuse to hang up. Very professional.

Anyhoo, on a brighter note, Jo is working on a new Giants vid, which should be ready in a few days. I thought i'd include a screenshot to show how flattering images taken out of context can be. Sorry Debs!

Currently listening to:
Monty Got A Raw Deal
REM
Automatic For The People

Ah Crap....

2007-10-24T13:28:00.000+01:00

I found out this morning that I'm not going to be working for Steria for a whole lot longer.

Let me explain. We have a contract to work for a government client. That client was reviewing our contract and put it out to tender.

We made the final 3 list of contractors, but not the final 2. Being forward thinking, our management decided to talk to the finalists. We have special knowledge of the setup here and are pretty indispensable.

We only got an offer from one of the finalists, who agreed to hire us in the event of them winning the contract. The other finalist told us to get lost.

The finalist who told us to get lost won the contract.

This is not as bad as it first seems. I am a little gutted, because i like working for Steria, but this is where TUPE comes in. TUPE, pronunced "tue-pay" stands for 'Tranfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment)'.

Basically, I can't be made redundant from a job that will still exist under a new company. I have the legal right to be employed by the new contractor, at the same money and with the same conditions i enjoy with Steria.

A change is as good as a rest eh? I'm a little anxious, but I do believe in God having a plan for my life. I don't think i'm going hungry anytime soon. I will have a job with the new guys and i'm sure most of my workmates have little choice but to do the same.

Prayer please. Updates to follow.

I took a ride

2007-10-20T18:09:00.001+01:00

After not properly riding a bike for any distance for more that 10 years (maybe 12), I decided enough was enough.

Phil and Christine, my lovely potential parents-in-law, bought me a bike 2 Christmases ago. I was delighted at this wonderful gesture and so resolved to ride the bike come the good weather in the new year (2005). Here we are in 2007 and I've finally ridden it home, without stopping i might add. A distance of 2.8 miles. (wow).

This is the start of a wonderful riding career, i can just feel it!

Currently listening to:
Track: Brakerfall
Artist: Pearl Jam
Album: Binural

That tears it!

2007-10-14T18:13:00.000+01:00

I've sent back my troublesome Nokia n93 for the second time and for the same problem in under a year. The phone is randomly turning itself off, forgetting its date and time and hanging on the camera application.

Apparently, according to the kindly technician at Dunmorris in Lisburn, "the whole N series are like this". Helpful.

I'm not good when phones malfunction.

I can expect to get the phone back in about 6 months I expect.

Joy.

Still with the old videos.....

2007-10-10T11:12:00.000+01:00

Whilst rummaging in a cupboard i came across the following old video that Dave Allen and I made for Baptist Youth.

I was skinny.

Currnetly listening to:
Song: "The Swish"
Artist: The Hold Steady
Album: Almost Killed Me

The Shepherds Dog

2007-10-08T20:58:00.000+01:00

Ever since I heard the lo-fi goodness of a song called "Such Great Heights" I've been a fan of Iron and Wine. Sam Beam's breathy vocal arrangements coupled with the multi-layered, bedroom-ambience guitar tracks of his early demos struck a chord with me right away.

I downloaded a load of demo tracks and found a well honed style of accoustic guitar based love songs and fables that reminded me of Simon and Garfunkle, only mixed with messy slide guitar.

To best describe the bulk of the work, if a movie was made of my life, Iron and Wine would be the lovely drifting off to sleep moments and dream sequences. It is a difficult thing to describe, but listening to Iron and Wine makes me feel like that moment you wake up too early and realise you are going to have a lie in. And relax.

As well as having many fine happy numbers there are darker songs, which have the effect of making me visualise autumn evenings, just like the the time of year we are enjoying at the moment. These songs make me want to crawl back into bed and get snuggled up under the covers and hibernate.

The Shepard's Dog has just such numbers back to back. My favorites on the album in fact, tracks 3-5 which run into each other a range of emotions and mental imagery. "Lovesong of the Buzzard" kicks of this trio with an upbeat and seemingly joyful collection of thoughts with his trademark slide guitar, some organ, accordian and plenty of percussion. The magic for me is when the song ends and merges into "Carousel".

There is a constant major chord and hawian sounding, far away, dreamy slide guitar. This sets the scene in my head of a lovely summers evening. Added are some sharp accordian stings sounding very jolly, like a circus performer. This is where something starts to change, something is wrong. Tones being played backwards as if everything was slowing down creep in, then the major chord turns minor, changing everything to that winter, uncertain sound. Gentle feedback swells, then clean electric guitar with piano, the chords are still minor and uncertain, but at the end of the progression reassuring and safe sounding, then back again.

The sound simplifies down to guitar and piano most of the way through, as Beam's vocal warbles over the top, with some xylophone and organ, which sounds reminiscent of "Riders on the Storm" by the Doors.

As "Carousel" ends, we hear the same tones being played backwards as at the start, as if they signified the end of a flashback or revelation. "House by the Sea" begins with vibraphone, percussion and harmonica. Out of nowhere comes acoustic guitar and electric guitar which sounds edgy with slight distortion and crybaby. These instruments drive the track, giving an intense energy.

Beam always sounds like he is smiling as he sings. Maybe the guy just loves his job, he certainly makes great music, I guess I'd be smiling if i were him.

The entrie album "The Shepards Dog" is a mix of moods and styles, some of which are new ground for him. One review I read said that Sam Beam's music was as impressive as his beard. I've enclosed a picture below, so you can at least see how impressive his beard is. Now you must get the album to see if the second half of that statement is true.

2007-09-30T19:30:00.000+01:00

I came across this old video, should give some folks a chuckle!

Currently Listening to:
Song: Carousel
Artist: Iron and Wine
Album: The Shepard's Dog

Downgrade anyone?

2007-09-25T11:44:00.000+01:00

This was very funny.

Viva XP!

M

Currently listening to:
The new Foo Fighters Album
Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace

Tim, it was only a matter of time.....

2007-09-19T19:09:00.000+01:00

The Spar in Great Victoria Street, opposite the Europa Hotel has had a refit. Ladies and Gentlemen, I bring you the first Tim Horton's in Belfast.

I used to work in this crap hole, and I can tell you that if i had worked there when this refit had happened, i'd probably be the size of a house by now. (a house, not "House" aka Hugh Laurie).

Rejoice with me then, friends of Boston Creme do-nuts and 'medium-strength-non offensive-but-not-bad-either-coffee. I was too wired already to get any coffee when I was in, so it'll have to wait for another day.

Below is how you will find them:

Currently listening to:
Speed Meal, cuse 'i'm so wired up, don't need no coffee in my cup.'

HARARYA, Grace Erin Allen!

2007-09-15T14:06:00.000+01:00

Great news from Canada this morning.

Dave and Stacey Allen have had a new arrival.

Fergoodnessake Gracie Erin Allen, hararya?

Congratulations from the McIvor Clan.

Giants TV # 2

2007-09-12T19:58:00.000+01:00

Jo has been working extra hard on editing the latest instalment of Giants TV.

Check it out below:

Many thanks to Mike Parke from "loadstone" for providing the music.

Goodnight John McIlfatrick

2007-09-10T18:48:00.000+01:00

Another character leaves us for the better life.

I met John McIlfatrick at Carrickfergus Baptist Church when we started to attend their services back in the early 90's. He was a lovely old fella with a razor sharp wit.

I remember him talking to my mum just before my family were due to take a trip down south one time. He asked where we were going, and when my mum said that we were going to somewhere in Southern Ireland he said something to the effect of "be careful not to be going into one of those bars" and then with a little glint in his eye "or at least, make sure no one sees you!" This was typical of this old gentleman.

I know he was not in best health for the last few years, and even though he's not here anymore i'm glad he's in a better place tonight. (see the last word of the statement in the paper below)

From this evening's Belfast Telegraph:

Died September 10, 2007, peacefully, at home, dearly-loved husband of Eleanor, father of Alan and Lynn, father-in-law of Sonja and Ian and dear grandfather to Ryan, Matthew and Elin. Family flowers only. Funeral arrangements later. Redeemed.

Bye John.

Giants season about to kick off......

2007-09-04T01:04:00.000+01:00

Its time to start the Belfast Giants season off again.

Lets start with a video Jo and I made for the new Giants Official YouTube Channel:

Music help was from Five Dollar Soul. (Many thanks to Ross Thompson).

Blackpool

2007-08-16T19:04:00.001+01:00

There are only 4 different types of expression on the faces of those waiting in line to ride the Pepsi Max Rollercoaster. The first is anxious, the second is buddist-cow-calm, the third smiling or joking to hide the terror and fourth yawning.

The Pepsi Max Rollercoaster or 'The Big One' at Blackpool's pleasure beach is 213 feet tall. This was until recent times the tallest fastest rollercoaster in Europe, it spans the length and bredth of the pleasure beach giving a white knuckle view of the attractions thereabouts. The initial climb to 231 feet is followed by an almost vertical drop and a hard right turn sending the occupant spiraling down to what under normal circumstances would be a quick, mangled death.

Waiting in line is the perfect place to get your affairs in order. Ok, I know the thing has been running all day without technical hitch. The track has been walked by some clearly foolish gentleman this morning, and he gives it the all clear. The other folks are giving no thought to the afterlife outcome of an unfortunate parting of car from track, but i can't help but think: have i accomplished all i wanted in this life? If i met blackpool pleasure beach pavement would I be happy to check out to the next life? A sobering thought indeed that did not actually seem to be sobering up the hen party that was in the queue in front of me.

Its times like this, or when people are passengers in my car when i'm driving, that prayer does not seem like a bad idea. I must admit to, rather selfishly, praying that Joanne and I would come out the other side of this experience of speed and G force unscathed. God did indeed follow through and the 9 or 10 times that we rode the 'Big One' over our stay in Blackpool we never as much gained a scratch.

Blackpool can be subdivided into 4 categories. Amusement arcade, Casino, Club or Burger / other fried food joint. Don't get me wrong, I actually quite like the place, its tackier than drying super glue and looks like it could generally do with a bit of a clean, but it has a certain charm. This charm that i speak of is similar to that which you find in Portrush, Northern Ireland, Niagra town, near Niagra Falls in Canada or any other carnival town. Don't scratch to far beneathe the surface! It's cheap tea and food, promise of easy money and cheap thrills are what sells it to the weekenders who come in from all over the UK and abroad to sample its dubious candyfloss delights.

While Jo and I were there we met nice people randomly, either through the place we stayed or sharing queue or dinner table. One of the more interesting encounters was at the pleasure beach when we were sharing a filthy outdoor restaurant table with a couple who's children and grandchildren were here for a day out. Peter, the grandfather, had grown up in Blackpool and was telling me of how it once was the place to be. Every weekend he and his friends would come to the pleasure beach, and when he grew older they'd still head down from the places they lived. Now Blackpool is the domain of stag do's and hen parties. There was actually a tear in his eye as he described the decline of the town he loved into a weekend binge drinkers paradise.

That being said, Jo and I saw very little actual trouble. Families were the vast majority of the population during the weekdays. It was only when we were coming home on the flight back to Belfast International that I heard any serious rowdy behavior, from Belfast chavs no less. On the whole we had a good time, apart from Jo getting a bad cold which marred the final days.

The B&B we stayed at was called The Caroldene Hotel, situated in Woodfield Road, slap bang between the centre and south piers. We were practically on the promenade where you can catch a tram to either end of the town for a couple of quid. The Caroldene was clean and cheerfully run by the lovely Sue, who chased after our every need.

Blackpool should be experienced, at least once. Ride 'The Big One' go up the tower, have a cut price hot dog, have a flutter on the races, take in a show on the pier, visit the wax works. Most of all buy a stick of rock. Just avoid the hen parties!

Currently Listening to: "We're all going on a summer holiday" Cliff RIchard

Steria (drunken) bowling.....

2007-08-15T20:02:00.000+01:00

I'm just posting this for fun, and so i can get at it easily.

This is what the good folks at my company are like when we get together out of work hours!

I was supposed to be doing my windows XP exam the day this was filmed. The test centre was closed when i turned up and i was given no explanation by Thompson Prometric, the testing people who just asked politely: "Did no one contact you to arrange moving your appointment?"

No one had called me, of course they hadn't or I would not have been studying every waking hour for the past month or panicing in the carpark about whether i was too early or trying, against my usual exam taking odds, to remember the fine details of unattended installations.

Why am I explaining this? Well, the end of the video has a clip from Chris Evan's BBC Radio 2 Drive Time show, which he mentioned the text i'd sent in explaining my rubbish day to this point, but how it was fine now 'cuse the folks in my office were all going bowling!

After checking through, just now, I've realised that the radio mention bit got cut from the end of the video. It was a good day all round. I'll post the mention in a bit.

(update - the video is the correct one now with mention)

Was listening to: (the video soundtrack)
Song: "Alcohol"
Artist: Barenaked Ladies
Album: Stunt

Autobots, lets rollout.......

2007-07-24T20:23:00.000+01:00

I saw that transformers movie the other night.

Not one of those things was a citroen.

What's that all about?

Currently Listening to:
"Lets Get Lost"
Elliot Smith
From A Basement On The Hill

(which sounds to me a lot like several Neil Young songs and "find the cost of freedom" by CSNY)

If there was a fox in there, it'll be a firefox now...

2007-07-12T21:49:00.000+01:00

I am the god of hellfire, and i bring you...

2007-07-11T21:35:00.000+01:00

Its that time of year again, children are drinking beer in the street and finding excuses to attack the emergency services, egged on by their parents whose asbo status would find them in the clink if they were to take action themselves.

I have little time for this festival of nonsense. There is nothing good about it. Its an excuse to behave like an ass and screw the consequence.

Here are some images of local wkd fodder in preparation.

Currently Listening to:
"I Wonder"
Artist: Blind Melon
Album: Blind Melon

Roller Hockey Tournament

2007-06-30T23:46:00.000+01:00

The East Coast Blaze roller hockey team were hosting an event this weekend at the Valley Leisure Centre. The even was well planned, the only flaw in the setup being the DJ..... me.

I was awoken from an otherwise loverly slumber by Phil from All Hockey Gear. The conversation went like this:

Phil: Matt, how are you?
Me: Who is this?
Phil: Phil. You coming to pay us a visit?
Me: What? Where? ..........Oh, hold on, *swears* Is your tournament thing today?
Phil: Yup. You coming down?
Me: What time do you start?
Phil: 9 Minutes ago.
Me: Bugger. When does your next game start?
Phil: 20 minutes.
Me: what about the one after that?
Phil: 39 minutes?
Me: That is more realistic. Um, i'll be right there.
Phil: Don't worry buddy, have your breakfast and a coffee, we're a bit light on the ground just yet.
Me: UUgghh, right, sorry, i'll see you soon.
Phil: *Giggles* *click*

I've only slept in for a gig past its starting time once, that was a Giants game a few years ago. I slept all night and all day to the face off time of 6pm. I had been really run down, just like i've been feeling lately. This time, just like the last, i felt like a right wab. The difference is, this time, I completely forgot the gig was even happening. That hasn't really happened before.

I made it down for just past 10.30.

Jo made it down around 4pm to take pictures. The problem is the lighting is orange in there, should make for interesting photos.

We're off back tomorrow for the last day of the competition. I'll try to get there for 9!

Currently listening to:
Track: "Tumble in the rough"
Artist: Stone Temple Pilots
Album: Tiny Music... Songs from the Vatican Gift Shop

Paris Hilton...

2007-06-28T13:36:00.001+01:00

...got out of jail yesterday, and just like that the world was a darker place.

I guess it is a bit late to start a t-shirt campaign?

Bugger.

Currently Listening to:
"I fought the law and the law won"
The Ramones

Guitar Tuning.....

2007-06-17T00:31:00.000+01:00

I went with Nigel and Raj to check out guitars the other day.

I can't afford a new fancy guitar, so the best I can do is get a new set of strings.

Here's how I change them.....

Currently listening to:
Song: "La Cienega just smiled"
Artist: Ryan Adams
Album: Gold

POLICE, WINNING ON PENALTIES......

2007-06-10T19:31:00.000+01:00

Eesh, It must be that time of year again.

I was driving to Coleraine to see the Armstrong clan on Thursday night, after Steria's corporate BBQ. You have to understand, I haven't seen these folks in 10 years, or there a-boots, as they now reside in Cana-dia.

Such was my excitement, rocketing towards Ulster's north coast, that I'd ignored the speed I was traveling at. Apparently it was about 86 miles an hour. Scratch that, it was EXACTLY 86 miles an hour. I know this as the kindly cop in question showed me just how he works that figure out on his radar thingie. This case of radar love, landed me 3 points and a £60 fine!

I've figured out that i get this 'temporary lapse of concentration' once or so every summer, and sometimes in the winter.

Here's to careful driving for the next 6 months till I loose some more.

Kart tastic!

2007-06-01T11:38:00.000+01:00

Last night was the Matt McIvor challenge at Eddie Irvines's karting track. Let me explain...

Steria goes every year to this track for a bit of a social get together and friendly competition. Whoever wins the competition gets the tournament named after them next year. I won last year, so this years event was all mine!

Now, a word on that "friendly competition". In years gone past we've had people ejected from the building in the pursuit of "friendly competition". This year however, there was a thinner turnout. The key agitators were not present. Given this lack of friction I subconsciously decided to fill the gap.

On my second qualifier i was racing Simon Maynard, a fine fellow who used to work in our office.
We were heading around the fastest S bend on the track and i was travelling faster than Simon. Suddenly I found myself closed in with no where to go. Simon bit the tyre wall.

I didn't have the heart to pass, so Simon still won the race, and went on to come second in the final. I came 3rd.

Later investigation by the "experts" at Antrim Area Hospital revealed Simon has a cracked rib and severe muscle trauma. Still, he looked ok in the picture below. (sporting a white t-shirt).

You win some.......

2007-05-21T18:09:00.000+01:00

Eek,

The people I work for have lost the contract I work on.

I have a year to find something else.

Prayer please.

M

Currently listening to:
Song: We Can Be Strong
Artist: Willy Mason
Album: If The Ocean Gets Rough

Caption competition

2007-05-18T16:56:00.001+01:00

Please submit your comments on this:

I was thinking "Paisley in Rabbit Eating Scandal"

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/07/uk_enl_1179490553/html/1.stm

Whereareya hararya?

2007-05-02T11:19:00.000+01:00

Some beggar has registered hararya.com in the slim interval that it was available for purchase on Sunday.

I'm a little puzzled as, firstly, seeing as hararya is not even a word, who would have been waiting to snap it up? I'm a little hacked off.

Nevertheless welcome to the new and improved mattmcivor.com a place that over the next while will host all kinds of wonders and musical delights..... as soon as i create them!

Also, i should receive my new macbookpro today. I've ordered a refurbished unit from Apple. The insurance folks decided, after saying that they would replace the stolen laptop, that they won't. They gave me a cheque for £1000, but a new mac costs around £1,700. The refurb cost £1,150 so i am a little out of pocket, but i could have been worse.

Now I sit, delivery confirmation web page on screen, waiting to tell me that my shiny mac has arrived at our holywood office.

Waiting, waiting, waiting.....

Currently listening to:
Song: (antichrist television blues)
Artist: The Arcade Fire
Album: Neon Bible

hararya?

2007-04-26T10:42:00.000+01:00

Hello hararya faithfull.

I'm about to go through a server change (tomorrow-friday), and therefore you might not find me online for a day or two, don't despair, you can still find me at http://www.hararya.blogspot.com

cheers for now

M

Facial Hair Foolin'

2007-04-21T00:00:00.000+01:00

I decided to clear the mess of hair from my face today. But as i was going about this trimming task I decided to see how various styles would look:

Step 1 : full beard

Step 2 : Jawline

Step 3: Goat-t

Step 4: Moustache

I think i'll stick with messy. Eek.

I'm trimmed back down to normal now.

Giggidy Giggidy

2007-04-20T14:32:00.000+01:00

Last night I opened for my friend Andy's band "catch 23" at the Rosetta bar in Belfast.

I was more than a little concerned as I thought my brand of accoustic guitar whiney nonsense would not go over well with the metal folks who i'd usually associate with that venue.

As it happens I came over quite well. I played a mix of Barenaked Ladies, Jack Johnson, Pearl Jam, Beatles and my own stuff.

I have it on good authority that they'd like me back at some point. Hooray.

Also, in other news the lovely insurance people got back to me today to confirm that I will be getting a lovely new MACBOOK PRO to replace the Powerbook G4 that was stolen from me.

I am really rather pleased about this as it is like getting the best trade in ever!

Currntly listening to:
This American Life (which is a podcast available from apple)
Chicago Public Radio
http://www.thisamericanlife.com/

Those Women Were In The Nip........!

2007-04-11T13:22:00.000+01:00

Last night Jo, Sarah, Raj and I went to see the Barenaked Ladies a the Olympia Theatre, Dublin.

It was a bit good to say the least. Even though I was stuck with someone's head right in front of me the whole concert, leaving me leaning right or left the whole time, I very much enjoyed it.

One of the tightest and most entertainnig shows I have ever seen. (and that is saying something).

Here is a fine example of their work:

Playoffs part 2

2007-04-11T13:01:00.000+01:00

The only cuddly thing about the Coventry Blaze is their big stuffed dragon / frog mascot. All weekend during the playoffs we have been chanting suff like "no one likes you... no one likes you" etc inventive eh?. Their mascot ventured over to our section to cheers of "who are ya?!"

The final game was a little lax. Cardiff who were an unstoppable force in the semi looked tired. Nottingham scored almost right away and that goal went unanswered till the middle of the second. The third period was mostly memorable for the giants crowd starting all sorts of chants including "we're not brazil, were northern ireland", "hands up for hanson" and "healey" (someone had a northen ireland football flag), not to forget "your ma's your da!"

It was a 1-1 hockey game with 5 mins to go. Things heated up with some handbaging and many more shots on goal but it had to go to overtime and then penalties. After a close battle nottingham triumphed.

The sheffield steelers fans left immediatly. I thought that was bad sportsmanship no their part as everyone else stayed. Still i guess it was nice for nottingham to win some silver after not doing so in their own building for quite a while, what is it now, 50 years? *sniggers*

The rest of the evening's post is being truncated in the interests of "what goes on the road, stays on the road" and potential lawsuits from offended parties.

I'll say this: there were nottingham thugs dancing, drink taken, one man getting his tackle out, some rather unexpected sweedish action and much food consumed.

'Nuff said.

On the way home we were delayed as BMIbaby were having technical issues with our flight. We bought packs of Top Trumps and battled it out till the flight was called.

Till next year gadget, next year.

Currently listening to:
"I can, I will, I do"
Barenakedladies
Barenakedladies Are Me

Goodnight "Fatty" Matty Folka

2007-04-08T00:28:00.000+01:00

Matty Folka, who retired from ice hockey officiating a few years back due to Cancer died on thursday night.

He wasn't old, and was a lovely bloke. Dang.

Goodnight Matty.

The Playoffs

2007-04-07T23:47:00.000+01:00

I'm in Nottingham. I've been having a really good weekend. We got here on Friday and booked into Jury's inn. They were oddly efficient, we were able to check in around 10.30.

After a lunch in squares I headed over to the arena. I've been providing a sound mix of Cool FM's Nigel Ringland and Canadian journalist Wayne Hardman for a dvd being recorded of the weekend.

Last night we went to the pit and pendulum, a goth / rock bar in town that make nice cocktails.

Breakfast in the hotel was great. Its that generic stuff but it was tasty and well cooked.

We went back to the arena today where Jo Sarah and I got access all areas passes! (much luff to the staff who didn't really need to do that, but did anyway). After about an hour of wrestling with a camera's sound inputs were were free to enjoy the first game, Cardiff V Coventry. Cardiff were successfull, much to the delight of everyone gathered.

Everything was going well until the Belfast Giants got eliminated from the competition. Dang.

They played well but were just pipped on penalties by the Nottingham Panthers.

We headed back to the hotel where Jo and I enjoyed TV and pizza. I'm currently stealing Squeek's internet access cuse he's passed out in the corner. hehehehehehe.

I have video and things to update soon, but I've nothing to edit it on.

Dang.

Sometimes Lightning Strikes Twice......

2007-04-04T16:54:00.000+01:00

Some beggar nicked my Powerbook.

I choose to believe its a practical joke, but as time is passing i'm thinking this is less and less likely.

It was taken from last nights Belfast Giants end of season dinner. This is the laptop I run the entire show from.

I'm a little upset. Mostly because my backups are not as up to date as i'd like, partly cuse its someone in that room who has taken it, lastly cuse i'm not that sure how well insured I am, if at all.

The same thing happened about 3 or four years ago to the last one. It got stolen from my car, along with most of my worldly posessions from Belfast's delightful Sandy Row area.

I've changed my passwords and now i'm off to see how traceable it is. It is registered with apple.

2007-03-18T18:50:00.000Z

Currently Listening to:
"Shelter"
Artist: Ray LaMontagne
Album: Trouble

Last night i was judging a battle of the bands competition in Carrick Baptist. There was a wide range of talent. Acoustic, punk, girl rock, joke rock and old school rock.

I have to admit that my favourite was a group of guys that played a cover of keep on rocking in a free world. They were easily my winners, but that's not how the consensus went. Girlie pink-esque rockers "sage" got the title. Dermo had nothing to do with it, though they are girls from his school. We left after the judgement pretty sharpish just in case it got ugly!

Today has been interesting with the 3 to 4 seasons in one day arrangement of weather. On my way to church this morning i was turned into a snow-matt between my house and my car. Then as soon as the snow arrived, it stopped and disappeared, then came back, then left again . . . and so on.

I tried taking some pictures, I got snow in the face trying. So here, as a consolation is my sister, Mee Lan, dancing in the snow.

:)

Voting...

2007-03-16T16:17:00.000Z

Voting day was the other Wednesday. I decided to break with tradition and vote, even though there was no one worth the ever so slight wearing down of my car tires to get to the polling station. The thing about politics here, something I should make clear I know nothing about, is that the candidates are some of the strangest looking people I've ever seen.

Here are some pictures:

I think if I was deciding purely on looks, it'd probably be the green party. They look the most cuddly. They look genuinely healthy and pleasant. None of their candidates, unlike some of the more mainstream parties, had to have the light photoshop'd back into their eyes cuse it doesn't naturally reside there anymore.

Despite the fact that no one really represents me and the strange looking candidates, I decided to vote. I think it is important because not everyone has the privilege to around the world. People would die for the right to vote.

I'd like to think that I could make a difference. I see this fairytale scenario where my vote is the casting vote. If I had not voted then it would all be hung and have to be done all over again! In reality it probably matters little what I think.

/rant