According to Galway's local newspapers, once again, rag week has been going too far with heavily intoxicated students roaming the streets of the city and wreaking havoc, some even urinating in public and offending local residents and business owners.
Rag week is a student tradition in Ireland, a week of special events organized by students of Irish colleges and universities in order to raise money for charities but too often coupled by binge drinking and drunken disorder.
Since rag week is always a bit of a dilemma for everyone involved, I scratched my head a little and quickly found a solution for this mayhem: instead of having drunken students parading in their underwear all over the city, why not sponsor a student through an entire week of sobriety?
Since drinking alcohol is so much part of the life of Irish students (and Irish non-students, come to think of it!), a week of sobriety should certainly be a challenge for any student of Ireland. Imagine the huge amount of money raised if every student of Ireland got anything between 10 and 100 local residents and businesses to give them, say, €10 for a whole week spent whithout consuming a single drop of alcohol!
Of course, I am sure that pub and night-club owners wouldn't be too happy about this, but who cares? They can still keep on cashing in on the Nation's No.1 disease (alcoholism) once the week is over; I'm sure there will be an awful lot of thirsty students then.
I am not saying this as a "respectable" tight-assed member of the public; believe me, I know what I'm talking about, after all, I have a third-level education myself, even though I can't remember much of my rag week, which was probably the whole point of it; hey, I was a foreign student and I didn't even know that the purpose of rag week was to raise money for charity!
P.S. Here's a Paypal button; sponsor me if you like, I haven't gotten drunk since my 33th birthday and the next time I get drunk is the day I win the jackpot in the Irish lotto, which means probably never (never say never!?!). My cause is a trip to Disneyland Paris this summer for me and the kids so please give me money and I promise I won't pee on your doorstep, thank you!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
It Is PJ Day Again?
The other day when I went to pick up my kid from school at 1.30 pm, I was amazed to see a woman who appeared to be wearing pyjamas.
I know this is Ireland and people are not very fussy of the way they are dressed, even though the standards seem to be improving with all the Eastern Europe immigrants, but, come on, pyjamas in the middle of the day? Ok, maybe this was a lady who worked the night-shift (although I very much doubt it) but even then, couldn't she throw on a tracksuit or something?
It was not even the first instance of pyjama dressing I came accross; a few months back, I saw a different lady wearing pyjama bottoms at the same school; so what, is the school providing overnight accomodation or something? Why do all these people keep coming in their pyjamas?
It's not that it's a problem for me, as long as these pyjama people (who obviously haven't showered, or else they would be wearing real clothes) don't come near me, I don't care, but I was thinking of their kids: aren't they afraid of embarrassing their children in front of their schoolmates? I know that if I came to pick up my 4 year-old daughter from school, I would get a look with rolling eyes and probably also a comment, something like: Mammy! You are still wearing your pyjamas! That's so silly! and I could never ever look anyone in the eyes at that school again.
I know this is Ireland and people are not very fussy of the way they are dressed, even though the standards seem to be improving with all the Eastern Europe immigrants, but, come on, pyjamas in the middle of the day? Ok, maybe this was a lady who worked the night-shift (although I very much doubt it) but even then, couldn't she throw on a tracksuit or something?
It was not even the first instance of pyjama dressing I came accross; a few months back, I saw a different lady wearing pyjama bottoms at the same school; so what, is the school providing overnight accomodation or something? Why do all these people keep coming in their pyjamas?
It's not that it's a problem for me, as long as these pyjama people (who obviously haven't showered, or else they would be wearing real clothes) don't come near me, I don't care, but I was thinking of their kids: aren't they afraid of embarrassing their children in front of their schoolmates? I know that if I came to pick up my 4 year-old daughter from school, I would get a look with rolling eyes and probably also a comment, something like: Mammy! You are still wearing your pyjamas! That's so silly! and I could never ever look anyone in the eyes at that school again.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Yesterday Was Friday 13th; Was It Good For You?
Well, of course, I wish a Happy Valentine to all of those who celebrate it; me, as usual on Valentine's Day, I have no love interest so I don't bother celebrating it. I did get a card from my youngest daughter, however, which she made in school; what amazes me is that during the week, I heard nobody talk about yesterday being Friday 13th!
So what happened? Because people were so busy planning for the biggest BS commercial day, they forgot to wear garlic around their necks or to play the Lotto on the off-chance that Friday 13th would be their lucky day?
Well, I guess the myth is over then: Friday 13th has never and never will be a day when people are more unlucky or lucky as usual. Actually, I take this away: Friday 13th is a lucky day for bookmakers and lottery ticket sellers, as more people tend to gamble and buy tickets, thinking they might get lucky on that particular day. On the other hand, Valentine's day is a lucky day for restaurant owners, jewellers, florists, etc...
For me, every single day of the year is a lucky day, as long as I've got my children with me, we have our health and a roof over our heads (wouldn't hurt to win the lotto, though!).
So what happened? Because people were so busy planning for the biggest BS commercial day, they forgot to wear garlic around their necks or to play the Lotto on the off-chance that Friday 13th would be their lucky day?
Well, I guess the myth is over then: Friday 13th has never and never will be a day when people are more unlucky or lucky as usual. Actually, I take this away: Friday 13th is a lucky day for bookmakers and lottery ticket sellers, as more people tend to gamble and buy tickets, thinking they might get lucky on that particular day. On the other hand, Valentine's day is a lucky day for restaurant owners, jewellers, florists, etc...
For me, every single day of the year is a lucky day, as long as I've got my children with me, we have our health and a roof over our heads (wouldn't hurt to win the lotto, though!).
Sunday, February 8, 2009
I Had No Idea I Was So Rich!
Want to take a test? This one sure puts things in perspective, so take a moment and click here for an assessment of how rich you are (in monetary terms) compared to everyone else:
Surprised? So was I!
Ok, yes, this is a plight to people to make them give money to charities but did you know that there are free ways you can give, using the Internet?
My favourite one is this link where you get quizzed on your vocabulary skills and for each correct answer you give, 10 grains of rice are donated to help end world hunger (I've just donated 2 bowls, or 200 grains of rice!).
It is one of the few websites you can access through this Facebook group (you don't have to join the group, it just makes it easier as all the links are on one page). Make it a daily task, so next time you see a ad on TV for Concern or Trocaire, you don't have to feel bad about not being able to afford giving them tangible money.
I'm the 252,121,740 richest person on earth! Discover how rich you are! >> |
Surprised? So was I!
Ok, yes, this is a plight to people to make them give money to charities but did you know that there are free ways you can give, using the Internet?
My favourite one is this link where you get quizzed on your vocabulary skills and for each correct answer you give, 10 grains of rice are donated to help end world hunger (I've just donated 2 bowls, or 200 grains of rice!).
It is one of the few websites you can access through this Facebook group (you don't have to join the group, it just makes it easier as all the links are on one page). Make it a daily task, so next time you see a ad on TV for Concern or Trocaire, you don't have to feel bad about not being able to afford giving them tangible money.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Michael Jackson Lookalikes Spotted in "Planet of the Apes" Movie!
I'm not a big fan of science-fiction movies but last Saturday night Channel 4 was showing the 2001 remake of "Planet of the Apes" starring Mark Wahlberg, so I thought I'd tune in (how shallow is that?). I guess I could also say that I wanted to brush up on my classics but that's besides the point.
The movie wasn't bad (and Mark Walhberg wasn't looking bad either!) but the reason why I wanted to talk about it here was that I noticed that most of the female apes strangely looked like Michael Jackson! I wonder if this was an accident or was it done on purpose and, most importantly, was it the apes that were modeled on Michael Jackson, or is it Michael Jackson who looks like a female ape?
I wonder if Michael saw the movie and if he did, did he notice the striking resemblance?
Don't worry, Michael, if you need money you can always get in touch with the producers of "Planet of the Apes" and suggest a sequel; the fact that they can save money on their make-up budget if you get a part as a female ape should be a big selling point, especially now that we are in a recession.
And if Mark Walhberg doesn't fancy kissing you in the sequel, he can always tell you to "Beat it"!
The movie wasn't bad (and Mark Walhberg wasn't looking bad either!) but the reason why I wanted to talk about it here was that I noticed that most of the female apes strangely looked like Michael Jackson! I wonder if this was an accident or was it done on purpose and, most importantly, was it the apes that were modeled on Michael Jackson, or is it Michael Jackson who looks like a female ape?
I wonder if Michael saw the movie and if he did, did he notice the striking resemblance?
Don't worry, Michael, if you need money you can always get in touch with the producers of "Planet of the Apes" and suggest a sequel; the fact that they can save money on their make-up budget if you get a part as a female ape should be a big selling point, especially now that we are in a recession.
And if Mark Walhberg doesn't fancy kissing you in the sequel, he can always tell you to "Beat it"!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Stupid TV!
"Why are thin people not fat?": this is the programme I watched last night; I don't know why, because I'm not fat, I guess this is just a programme made for fat people in an attempt to make them feel slightly better about being fat.
In place of a well-documented documentary backed by scientists, I found myself almost gagging with disgust: the programme picked a group of thin people in their twenties who claimed that they could not get fat and fed them an abnormally high amount of calories every day over a period of time. what happened? Well I got kind of bored looking at this rubbish programme so I kind of fell asleep but it looked like the people did put on some weight (which it seems they lost after the end of the experiment). So what's the deal with the title? Maybe the programme should be called "why are people who stupid enough to try dangerous experiments that might ruin their lives?" (I'm thinking, what if one of these people happened to develop an eating disorder after doing this programme?)
First mistake: why did they pick everyone from the same age group? I used to be the same way in my twenties, finding myself too skinny and wanting to add a few curves to my body shape (I looked like a stick, not very attractive for a girl); I later realized that, as I was trying to get pregnant, I did put on a bit of weight, I didn't get fat but I was looking healthier. then, after my second pregnancy, I found myself wanting to lose weight and not being able to shift the pounds that mattered (jelly belly and love handles!). So, skinny people, don't worry if you can't get fat: a time will come, when you get older and your metabolism slows down, when you will put on some weight; so if you're healthy now, stay that way!
I was also horrified to see young children (4 or 5 years old) being used in another "experiment" and being fed fatty and sugary snacks on a full stomach! The children weren't force-fed, they coould choose to eat or not to eat but even if parents gave their authorization, what a way to use children!
I'm now thinking of making my own TV programme called: "Why is bad TV so addictive?"
Tonight, I'm going to bed early and snuggling up in the covers with a good book.
Oops, almost forgot to add a few tips for overweight people who are genuinely interested in losing weight and not looking for excuses to stay fat by watching crappy TV programmes:
- Don't starve yourself, but replace unhealthy foods in your diet by healthy ones (feel like a chocolate bar? eat a fruit instead);
- Drink lots of water: sometimes, thirst manifests itself by a feeling of hunger;
- Walk as much as possible, if there is a sport you enjoy doing, do it and don't get discouraged by setting the bar too high in the beginning. If you live in a town, sell your car and try to walk past a few bus stops everyday.
Or alternatively if you'd like help to get started on a new healthy way of life, try
The Diet solution Programme: it comes with 6 free bonuses including a Diet Solution Recipe e-book, a 4 week work-out plan to become a yummy mummy and more. Go on, you know you want to try it!
In place of a well-documented documentary backed by scientists, I found myself almost gagging with disgust: the programme picked a group of thin people in their twenties who claimed that they could not get fat and fed them an abnormally high amount of calories every day over a period of time. what happened? Well I got kind of bored looking at this rubbish programme so I kind of fell asleep but it looked like the people did put on some weight (which it seems they lost after the end of the experiment). So what's the deal with the title? Maybe the programme should be called "why are people who stupid enough to try dangerous experiments that might ruin their lives?" (I'm thinking, what if one of these people happened to develop an eating disorder after doing this programme?)
First mistake: why did they pick everyone from the same age group? I used to be the same way in my twenties, finding myself too skinny and wanting to add a few curves to my body shape (I looked like a stick, not very attractive for a girl); I later realized that, as I was trying to get pregnant, I did put on a bit of weight, I didn't get fat but I was looking healthier. then, after my second pregnancy, I found myself wanting to lose weight and not being able to shift the pounds that mattered (jelly belly and love handles!). So, skinny people, don't worry if you can't get fat: a time will come, when you get older and your metabolism slows down, when you will put on some weight; so if you're healthy now, stay that way!
I was also horrified to see young children (4 or 5 years old) being used in another "experiment" and being fed fatty and sugary snacks on a full stomach! The children weren't force-fed, they coould choose to eat or not to eat but even if parents gave their authorization, what a way to use children!
I'm now thinking of making my own TV programme called: "Why is bad TV so addictive?"
Tonight, I'm going to bed early and snuggling up in the covers with a good book.
Oops, almost forgot to add a few tips for overweight people who are genuinely interested in losing weight and not looking for excuses to stay fat by watching crappy TV programmes:
- Don't starve yourself, but replace unhealthy foods in your diet by healthy ones (feel like a chocolate bar? eat a fruit instead);
- Drink lots of water: sometimes, thirst manifests itself by a feeling of hunger;
- Walk as much as possible, if there is a sport you enjoy doing, do it and don't get discouraged by setting the bar too high in the beginning. If you live in a town, sell your car and try to walk past a few bus stops everyday.
Or alternatively if you'd like help to get started on a new healthy way of life, try
The Diet solution Programme: it comes with 6 free bonuses including a Diet Solution Recipe e-book, a 4 week work-out plan to become a yummy mummy and more. Go on, you know you want to try it!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
What Makes Me Really Angry
I bet I was not the only person who was shocked at hearing the news this morning of an alcoholic mother of 6 who was due to be judged today for forcing her children live in filth, malnutrition and even sexual abuse.
I can't help wondering why social services didn't take action sooner to remove the children from this monster: apparently this went on between 1998 and 2004; six years is a very long time in the life of a child (the youngest was said to be 6 and the oldest 15 when this started). I have read that the "mother" got financial help from a Catholic right-wing group in order to stop the children from being taken into care in 2000. I would like to know who are these people, I think they should be investigated in order to find out what was their motive for protecting the woman (I suspect the worst but I guess publishing my suspicions would be seen as libel).
The children were school-goers, so what did the school do to help them? As for doctors, I guess the poor kids were not brought to them very often (if ever). What about neighbours? Local people must have known what was going on; did the staff from the pubs the woman frequented just turn a blind eye? I just can't understand!
What angered me even further was that she was given a total of 10 sentences (fair enough) ranging from 18 months to 7 years of prison to run concurrently (not that fair)! Out of disbelief I had to check an online dictionary and yep, it means what it means: concurrently means that she only has to serve the longest prison sentence of the 10, so that "thing" (I can't bring myself to call her a mother or even a woman at this stage) will get off after serving only 7 years of jail? Let me remind you that that she has ruined the lives of 6 innocent children who might or might not recover from being treated horrifically by the person that would be normally protecting them from harm.
I hope the children get bucketfuls of counselling and that they can eventually regain their self-esteem and learn how to live as normal human beings, but if they don't, this leaves the country with a potential extra 6 sex-offenders.
Just as I thought, the depression card was outed at her trial; I am sorry but being depressed should NOT become an excuse for shortening a prison sentence . Genuine depression is a disease for which the persons affected should seek help but suffering from depression doesn't mean that you are allowed to hurt other people. I find that too many people use this disease to get out of their responsibilities: lock that woman up and throw away the key, she deserves a life sentence!
7 years? Come on judge, you can do better than that! Even if that animal gets all the abuse from other women at the prison that she deserves, 7 years of free rehab are far from being enough for destroying the lives of 6 children who lived in fear for over 6 years and will bear the consequences for long years to come.
I can't help wondering why social services didn't take action sooner to remove the children from this monster: apparently this went on between 1998 and 2004; six years is a very long time in the life of a child (the youngest was said to be 6 and the oldest 15 when this started). I have read that the "mother" got financial help from a Catholic right-wing group in order to stop the children from being taken into care in 2000. I would like to know who are these people, I think they should be investigated in order to find out what was their motive for protecting the woman (I suspect the worst but I guess publishing my suspicions would be seen as libel).
The children were school-goers, so what did the school do to help them? As for doctors, I guess the poor kids were not brought to them very often (if ever). What about neighbours? Local people must have known what was going on; did the staff from the pubs the woman frequented just turn a blind eye? I just can't understand!
What angered me even further was that she was given a total of 10 sentences (fair enough) ranging from 18 months to 7 years of prison to run concurrently (not that fair)! Out of disbelief I had to check an online dictionary and yep, it means what it means: concurrently means that she only has to serve the longest prison sentence of the 10, so that "thing" (I can't bring myself to call her a mother or even a woman at this stage) will get off after serving only 7 years of jail? Let me remind you that that she has ruined the lives of 6 innocent children who might or might not recover from being treated horrifically by the person that would be normally protecting them from harm.
I hope the children get bucketfuls of counselling and that they can eventually regain their self-esteem and learn how to live as normal human beings, but if they don't, this leaves the country with a potential extra 6 sex-offenders.
Just as I thought, the depression card was outed at her trial; I am sorry but being depressed should NOT become an excuse for shortening a prison sentence . Genuine depression is a disease for which the persons affected should seek help but suffering from depression doesn't mean that you are allowed to hurt other people. I find that too many people use this disease to get out of their responsibilities: lock that woman up and throw away the key, she deserves a life sentence!
7 years? Come on judge, you can do better than that! Even if that animal gets all the abuse from other women at the prison that she deserves, 7 years of free rehab are far from being enough for destroying the lives of 6 children who lived in fear for over 6 years and will bear the consequences for long years to come.
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