Russell Howard - Painfully Unfunny

This man consistently misses the boat when it comes to the comedy gravy train that is Mock The Week. A platform of such wide breath affords a comedian the oppurtunity to really convey his range. Hell they even have the direction of the show afforded to them a couple of days before production. Howard, however, seems to be capable only of rehashing the same tired old themes week on week. 'My mate this, my mate that wanked in to his brothers sock with hilarious consequences'. The joke was lost on me I'm afraid as I assume it is on many other. Lost or just incredibly tiresome at this stage. His penchant for shouting to make his pitch is reminiscent of the schoolkid who earned attention but for whom everyone else just found intensely annoying. In summary his success as a stand up baffles me.

read more

Noel Edmonds - No Deal

This man and his show concern me greatly. The show I'm referring to is of course Deal or No Deal. A game that requires zero brainpower is spun by Edmond's and his production team as being a Mastermind of sorts. Everything about this show stinks to high heaven, yet it's viewing figures remain relatively high. Have we become so dumbed down that we crave this sort of inane rubbish? A game of chance presented by the greatest chancer of all. The hired in goons contribute greatly to the charade of it all, lapping up Edmond's mutterings as if they've just been imparted with words of great wisdom and insight. Sorry Noel, but they are just picking random boxes in a sequence of 1 to 22. The themed specials, the sickly sweet audience members, the anonymous banker, the drugged up contestants, it's all too much. Final word must go to Edmond's though, a man so utterly barmy that he claims he is occasionally visited by two melon sized "spiritual energy" balls, which appear over his shoulders.

read more

Galway Races

Can there possible be a bigger orgy of drunkenness and excess, masquerading as family fun? I doubt it. Having spend two days there and dropping the cost of a foreign holiday I'm left with an overwhelming feeling of regret. The races itself are akin to trying to pick the winning lottery numbers. Bookmakers have been greatly enriched after the week and a lot of punters like myself are wondering why we bother. The form book is often thrown out the window when it comes to Galway and as another big priced winner skates up, desperation sneaks in. Aside from the racing of course there is the exorbitant cost of just about everything else that week in the city of the tribes. As someone who fully endorses a free market it would of course be hypocritical of me to slam the hoteliers for trying to cash in in their busiest week. However, when you consider the economic sea change that has occured for many people this year it would have been encouraging to see Galway hoteliers move to match. Alas, this wasn't to be and paying €280 for two nights in a bog standard three star leaves a bitter taste in the mouth.
Having gone there every year for the last four I will not be rushing back to make it five.

read more

Fish

Our goldfish in their natural habitat, small and all as it is. They're happy though, I think.

read more

Star Trek - Good Actually

I usually switch over when the tv series is on so it was with the force of twisted arm by my girlfriend that I took myself along to see the new Star Trek. Directed by JJ Abrams whose early work on Lost I admired. That series dragged badly, however, and so I wasn't entirely overwhelmed to be heading along. As it transpired he done a more than adequate job, working with a tight script and well shot action sequences it was a very enjoyable two hours at the cinema. The acting was impressive for the most part, except for Simon Pegg, who for once was a weak link. Zachary Quinto who played the part of Spock was top dog in the acting stakes.

read more

Man Utd - Champions Again

It is to Sir Alex Ferguson's immense credit that post winning the clubs 18th league title, and in the process drawing level with Liverpool, his immediate thoughts were of a 19th and record breaking league title. It is this drive that is a measure of a man who never stops short of excellence, a trait that inevitably soaks in to the psyche of his players.
This wasn't a vintage year for the premiership but none the less the demands were as great as ever. With this in mind Ferguson has assembled a squad of such depth and talent that challenges, when presented, can be overcome more easily.
Given that is was far from a vintage year, one characterised by sheer doggedness and determination more than outstanding skill and verve, it's perhaps not surprising that some of the clubs less heralded players were to the fore. O Shea and Fletcher had probably their best seasons in a Utd shirt.
This is a superb squad that Ferguson has assembled and their won't be too many surprised if they go on to dominate for a few seasons to come.

read more

Purpose

This blog will be used to transmit the issues occupying my mind. Topics ranging from current affairs to business to sport to movies will be represented.

read more