American Irish

Last Night of The Year

2012-01-01T01:44:00.002Z

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T23:59:00.003Z

Happy New Year everyone. I can't believe how fast this past year went by. I guess that means I was really busy and looking back at everything I did, I can say it was a busy year. Which explains why Gareth and I decided to sleep New Years Eve away. Not only did we have a busy year, but my sister and my niece came to visit me for Christmas and have spent the week here. Took them horse back riding and hiking and shopping and to all the best restaurants. There was so much I wanted to show them, we didn't get it all done this time. But hopefully they will visit again soon and we can get to more of the Irish sites.

We also made visits to Gareth's family and our friends stopped by and we went to their houses and as much as the holidays are about spending time with family and friends, I am thankful for a quiet evening with Gareth. But we're not quite alone. My sister went out with some of my friends to the Guinness party to have a good evening and my niece is staying here with us to celebrate the New Year. So while everyone else will be out partying with champagne and singing songs, we'll be home watching the telly and making home made ice cream and eating barbeque sandwiches and I couldn't be happier.

My niece got a camera and a cell phone for Christmas. She can't stop talking or taking pictures. Plus, she is figuring out a way to take one of the horsies as she calls them back to America. I half expect her to pull it off with all the planning and ideas she has been coming up with on how to do it. I am going to get her official horse riding lessons in the spring and of course a girl must accessorize so she already is spending my money on riding boots and she must have another pair of boots for when she cleans the horsies. Plus, she wants her own saddle and a cowgirl hat and new jeans and cowgirl shirts. I could go on with all the things she states she needs. I keep asking her if she is barbie because that is the only girl I know with more accessories than what she is planning to have. I just hope when she grows up she finds a Ken with lots of money and who is anatomically correct!

On this New Years Eve, there are many people on my mind tonight and in my heart. This night always makes me take a moment to remember the ones we've lost and those who are far away. So whether you're out at a party with your friends ringing in the New Year or sitting at home with the one you love or even by yourself, know that I am thinking of you tonight. Its time for me to join Gareth on the couch as my niece and my cat play with their toys. To all my friends around the world, from my little corner of the world in Ireland, we wish you all a Happy New Year.

Nothings Real But Love

2011-12-31T23:42:00.000Z

Charity Swim

2011-12-30T07:01:00.002Z

David Atkins Shirtless - Hollyoaks

2011-12-24T15:35:00.003Z

Harry Judd Strictly Come Dancing Winner

2011-12-24T15:19:00.003Z

Harry Judd from the band Mcfly.

Rob Norbury and HollyOaks Santa's

2011-12-24T15:06:00.000Z

Rob Norbury

Rob Norbury, Kieron Richardson, and James Atherton.

Harry Judd Strictly Come Dancing

2011-12-24T14:38:00.006Z

Chicken - Irish Short Movie

2011-12-04T22:56:00.000Z

Loved this, want to see a full movie.

What Irish Squirrels Drink

2011-12-04T22:53:00.000Z

It's Time

2011-12-04T22:00:00.000Z

http://www.getup.org.au/campaigns/marriage-equality/petition/sign-and-share

Turkey, Sleep, and Manscaping

2011-11-28T16:29:00.000Z

I made a twenty-four pound Turkey for Thanksgiving expecting to have a few people over for dinner. Gareth was bringing a few of his doctor friends from the hospital. With the turkey done and resting on the table, three of my friends sitting in the living room anxious to eat, and me looking out the window for them to arrive, I received a call from Gareth to tell me they would be late because of an emergency at the hospital.

My friends were very understanding with the situation and it helped that I kept liquor in their glasses. The only one that couldn't take it any longer was the cat who had sat by the stove all day while the turkey cooked. He was now sitting next to the table letting out long, loud cries that would have scared anyone that heard them at night. When I patted his head and said "My little beast can't wait for his feast" it led to a half hour of making Dr. Seuss type rhymes. Before long Gareth walked in with one friend and apologized for being late and that they had to get back to the hospital and couldn't stay. So we quickly put the food on the table, cut the turkey and had a quick ten minute meal together before they had to take their plates and leave again. My friends decided to move their second plates of food to the living room to watch television. After several days of planning and all day cooking, it was all over in ten minutes. Now it was just me and my cat who had taken a seat at the end of the table and munched on a bowl of his own turkey. The beast was having his feast.

Later that evening when the dishes were done, the food put away, and the friends gone home I fell upon the couch exhausted. A few bounces on the back of the couch let me know my cat had decided to join me for a nap. Over the next couple days this was how the day would go. My cat and I munching on the leftovers, Gareth making a brief appearance here and there, friends calling and stopping by for a moment. But mostly it was spent getting caught up on all the sleep I hadn't been getting.

With my body feeling refreshed from all the rest, I decided to work out this morning. After the workout I noticed I need a shave. As I was shaving I noticed I had a few hairs on my chest and I thought I should do some manscaping. Now I don't have a hairy chest and the idea of me needing to man-scape my chest brought a smile to my face, but it brought a look of confusion on Gareth's face when he walked in to see me running the razor over my chest. With a puzzled look he asked, "What are you doing?" With a smile and cocksure attitude I replied "I'm manscaping!" With a quick laugh before leaving the bathroom he answered, "Unbelievable."

So that was my weekend and I'm going to enjoy my last day of vacation before I have to go to the office tomorrow. I decided to make some turkey sandwiches and take them to the hospital to have dinner with Gareth since he is working late again. He wants to do some shopping tonight before coming home so maybe I'll talk him into stopping by the pharmacy to get some hair removal products in case my three chest hairs come back and then I'll sit back and count how many times he says "Unbelievable" before we get back home. lol

Jimmy Fallon - Sexiest Celebrity Alive

2011-11-19T23:49:00.001Z

People Magazine may have picked Bradley Cooper as their Sexiest Man Alive this year, but clearly they got it wrong. To me Jimmy Fallon is the winner of this title. GQ has picked him for Showman of the year along with Justin Timberlake, so apparently others are being won over by his charms. Jimmy is not only a handsome Irish American, but he is the nicest man in show business. You could say he was the male version of Betty White.

The world can have their muscled Bradley Cooper, with his light blue eyes, deep tanned muscles bulging on muscles, and his hairy chest...and...what was I saying? Oh yeah, the world can have Bradley, but I'll take my Jimmy with his every day man's cuddly body. Plus, nothing is sexier than a man who can make me laugh and Jimmy Fallon has done that many times over the years.

As I've mentioned several times on this blog the first thing that attracts me to a person is their smile and no one in show business has a sexier smile than Jimmy.

GQ Man Of The Year - Showman

2011-11-19T23:29:00.000Z

A Winters Night

2011-11-19T22:33:00.002Z

Ireland Earns Euro Playoff Spot

2011-11-19T22:19:00.001Z

Ireland qualified for the playoffs for next year's European Championship after capitalizing on Armenia goalkeeper Roman Berezovski's disputed sending-off to win 2-1 at home on Tuesday.

The victory wasn't enough for the Irish to top the group because Russia beat Andorra 6-0, maintaining its two-point lead. However, Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni was delighted his side battled past a team he labeled the best in the group. "Armenia has scored many, many more goals than us. In every position they have a strong team, their midfield is very quick and fast, also their striker is very dangerous. So I am happy," Trapattoni said.

Armenia was attempting to reach the finals of a major tournament for the first time but its hopes virtually disappeared when the Spanish referee sent Berezovski off. "I personally thought it wasn't a handball from their point of view, but we'll take that and we'll take the sending-off," Cox said. "We're just a little bit unfortunate we got one as well."

In addition to the fact that Berezovski may not have touched the ball with his arm, Gonzalez should have whistled moments earlier because Cox had controlled the long through ball from Glenn Whelan with his outstretched right arm.
"It only just came over my shoulder and I tried to control it," Cox said. "Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't."

Ireland was on the wrong end of a referee's handball decision two years ago in a qualification playoff against France for the 2010 World Cup. On that occasion, the official didn't see France striker Thiery Henry bring down a cross with his hand, before centering for William Gallas to score the crucial goal in extra time.

Ireland also finished with 10 men after Doyle was dismissed for elbowing his marker as he challenged for a high ball, but the damage had been done by then for Armenia.

However, Ireland survived without any further trouble and awaits its playoff opponent in Thursday's draw.

Ninth President of Ireland Sworn In

2011-11-19T22:02:00.000Z

Michael D. Higgins, the 9th President of Ireland was sworn in last week.

The Devotion Project

2011-11-19T21:39:00.000Z

A 54 year love affair.

On Vacation With Tommy Bowe - Irish Rugby

2011-11-14T22:12:00.000Z

It's Officially Not Offical

2011-11-14T21:37:00.000Z

Jean Vila, the mayor of the town of Cabestany, said he presided over the nuptials of 48-year-old Patrick and Guillaume, 37, as an act of protest. France still doesn't recognize same-sex marriage even though a recent poll showed that 58% of the country was in favor.

"To outlaw homosexual marriage is to deny the reality of thousands of homosexual couples," he said after the ceremony in the city hall of the town about 40 kilometers from the Spanish border. "This decision to join these two people for me is an act of anger and revolt in the face of the authorities' refusal to legitimize such unions."

The unofficial marriage license reads "Unfortunately this document has no official character, since the law today forbids marriage between people of the same sex, but it signifies the wish of the local authority to see the law change."

As the illegal marriage of two men in 2004 was quickly annulled, Vila declined to enter Patrick and Guillaume's wedding in the official registry to avoid a similar fate. France recognizes same-sex couples with civil partnerships, but not marriage.

Ireland Team Fun From New Zealand

2011-10-13T04:04:00.002+01:00

Back Home With Cravings

2011-09-24T18:27:00.000+01:00

We're back home now from our trip to Australia and New Zealand. The Irish team is 2-0 in the world cup with wins over the USA and Australia. It was a great time, lots of food, drink, laughter and travel. Way too much travel, I need a vacation from my vacation. I'll go through my pictures later and maybe post some more, but for now I am going to get a shower and crawl into bed with my cat and take a long nap before Gareth gets home from work.

I have a craving for two things right now. One is pineapple. While traveling I developd a craving for pineapples. Don't know why, but I'm craving pineapple. Wierd. So Gareth is going to bring home take out of Pineapple Chicken and Rice. The second item I'm craving right now is Gareth. I can't wait til he walks in the door and I can see that smile of his, pull him tight and just be close.

Aussie Boys

2011-09-24T17:53:00.002+01:00

Here are two aussie team members recovering after a match at the 2011 World Cup.

Snuggle Buddy

2011-09-24T17:34:00.001+01:00

I fell in love with the Koala's everywhere we saw them. How great would it be to have one of them to snuggle into when taking a nap?

New Zealand Mountains

2011-09-24T17:26:00.001+01:00

There we're several places in New Zealand that make you feel like you're standing at the end of the world.

The World Down Under

2011-09-04T22:51:00.000+01:00

The last month for me has been crazy times. Hopefully things have been going more peaceful for you. I have a cousin who has a house in Sydney, Australia and has been emailing me for a few years asking me to come down and visit. He's been inviting me down for a few years now and while I really wanted to go, I just never made any plans to go. But when a last minute chance opened up for me to travel with some friends to go see the Irish national team play in the Rugby World Cup I decided this would be a perfect opportunity to make my visit.

Since I was out at sea for several weeks, I left it up to Gareth and my cousin Mike to make the plans. So I went to sea for my few weeks and I have to take a moment here to mention I was able to take my cat with us for his first visit at sea. At first he was scared of the new surroundings, although the car ride to the dock was more stressful to him. It was great having my little buddy along for the voyage he really enjoyed the attention he received.

Returning home from the voyage I found that Gareth had backed out of going along for work obligations and wouldn't be going with me. I had just a few days to rest before heading out on the long flight to the other side of the world. I was beginning to think the world was getting smaller everyday, but after this flight I can attest that its still really big.

While our group arrived a bit tired and weary, we made it. Unfortunately, one of my bags didn't. So anyone that finds my bag let me just state the Justin Beiber shirt was a gift for a friend, its wasn't mine. No really, seriously.

My cousin met us at the airport and I couldn't tell you how nice it felt to be on the ground and seeing the sites of the city. I could spend my life on a ship, but a plane, not so much. Sydney is probably the most beautiful city I have ever been too. I have been amazed by so many things since arriving.

My cousin has a beautiful home. I joked with him that even though he bought it already furnished, I loved his decorating touch of half dead house plants, dirty clothes and probably some clean ones thrown around his bedroom floor, and lots of half eaten take out food sitting on the counter of the kitchen, not from the night before, but from three nights before. You can tell he is still a bachelor.

It's about 7:15 am right now if I'm looking at the clock right. Still suffering a bit from jet lag. Which reminds me, one of our group didn't know about jet lag. So we told him he was feeling weird because he was in Australia and upside down and the blood was rushing to his head. That was a good laugh. As mentioned above, not much food wise I trust to eat from his place, so there is a group of six of us going out for breakfast.

I'll write more when I get a chance. I'm missing Gareth a lot right now, so I want to call him before we leave. Everyone else, enjoy your morning or night.

Rugby World Cup 2011

2011-09-04T21:29:00.000+01:00

Ireland touched down in New Zealand on Thursday after completing an epic 43-hour journey that began in Dublin and featured stops in Dubai and Sydney before concluding in Queenstown.

The Irish squad opens World Cup 2011 play with a match against the United States on September 11th.

More than 500 supporters gathered at Queenstown airport to greet the squad, who will be based in one of the country's most spectacular locations for the first week of the World Cup.

The team is training against a backdrop of snow-covered mountains and O'Driscoll admits the location has been well received.

"It feels like the World Cup has really started now. Once you get on that plane the realization sinks in a bit," he said. "We're finally here after all the work we've done in the build-up.

"It's great to be here. It's certainly one of the more beautiful spots to be in. Hopefully we'll get some good work done over the next week to put ourselves in good shape for the matches."

More Troubles For the Irish Squad

2011-09-04T21:20:00.000+01:00

The Irish squad faces more trouble with John O’Shea having been ruled out of the trip to Moscow to face Russia in the Euro 2012 qualifiers after succumbing to calf and hip strains and has returned to Sunderland for treatment.

With Seán St Ledger suspended, O’Shea was arguably the most important player remaining in the Republic of Ireland squad. His absence will now force Giovanni Trapattoni into some difficult decisions, with Kevin Foley, Stephen Kelly and Darren O’Dea waiting in the wings to fill two places.

“The Football Association of Ireland today confirmed that following medical examination, John O’Shea has been declared unfit to take part in Tuesday’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Russia,” a statement read. “John was suffering from a calf and hip strain and will return to his club later this evening. All other players in the squad will travel to Moscow, departing this afternoon at 2.30pm.”

O’Shea was favourite to replace St Ledger alongside Richard Dunne in the centre of defence, having been deployed at right-back in the 0-0 draw with Slovakia in Dublin on Friday night.

Without 50 per cent of his first choice defense - not including the absence of veteran Kevin Kilbane from left-back - Trapattoni now has to decide who to deploy at right back and central defense.

The only natural centre back available to him is O’Dea, who played well in the 2-0 win over Italy alongside St Ledger in June, but Kelly is also an option. The latter might also be considered for the right-back slot, with Wolves man Foley capable of starting there as well.

When Marco Tardelli admitted this morning that O’Shea was a doubt for the game, he also hinted at question mark over the fitness of goalkeeper Shay Given, who has been nursing a back strain since the Aston Villa’s stalemate with Wolves 10 day’s ago.

“I don’t know because the doctors are together for the scan,” said Tardelli this morning when asked about the Donegalman.

With three games remaining, Ireland need to win against Russia to have any realistic hope of topping the group. They finish with a visit to Andorra and a home game against Armenia in October. Both are winnable, but without victory on Tuesday, their fate will be in the hands of others.

Five Out Of Six - Champions Again

2011-09-04T21:09:00.000+01:00

Kilkenny 2-17 Tipperary 1-16: Kilkenny are All-Ireland champions for the fifth time in six years, and 33rd overall, after reclaiming their title from Tipperary with a dominant display at Croke Park. Goals from Michael Fennelly and Richie Hogan, plus eight points from Henry Shefflin, were simply too much for Tipp.

They were outplayed and outfought from the off by Kilkenny, while their stars failed to shine like they did last year when blowing today's opponents away with Lar Corbett's three goals.

“We’ve had this day in our sights for 12 months and it’s great to have it back again,” said Kilkenny manager Brian Cody afterwards.

His opposite number, Declan Ryan, was gracious in defeat.

“It’s very disappointed dressing room,” said . “We were perhaps fortunate to be only five points down at halftime. Hats off to Kilkenny, I think they showed they were real champions.

He added: “We struggled to get out of the blocks today for whatever reason … but I’m very proud of the guys, they’ve won the blue and gold with pride all year.”

Torchwood Gay Sex - John Barrowman and Casey Dillon

2011-07-26T05:14:00.000+01:00

Torchwood continues to push boundries.

DinnerTime

2011-07-26T05:10:00.001+01:00

Lunchtime At Sea

2011-07-26T05:09:00.001+01:00

Norway Memorials

2011-07-26T04:44:00.000+01:00

My heart also goes out to the victims and families in Norway that became victims of a mad man. Sometimes it is hard to come back from the peace of the sea and turn on the news and hear the madness that engulfs our world.

Amy Winehouse

2011-07-26T04:35:00.000+01:00

Just got in from my last voyage and heard about the death of Amy Winehouse. I'm not surprised at hearing this news, but feel saddened by it. I always liked her and even with all her drama and issues, I was rooting for her to pull herself together. Very sad ending to a life that was once full of promise.

Danny Amendola - American Football

2011-07-08T20:19:00.000+01:00

The hottest man in the NFL.

Final Liftoff

2011-07-08T19:58:00.000+01:00

As I watched the final spaceshuttle mission launch into space today, I had mixed feelings about seeing this part of the space program come to an end. For me, I am ready to stop just circling the earth and want to see NASA start to focus on going to the moon and other planets or an asteroids.

I agree with the direction the last two U.S. Presidents want to take the space program. The best thing to do is turn the near earth orbit missions over to private companies and let NASA focus on the bigger picture. The problem is that a lot of the technology needed to do these missions doesn't exist yet. Will we who are alive now, live to see another man make a deep space mission in our lifetime or will that be for future generations? Who knows, but I'm hoping it can happen in my lifetime. I want it to happen in my lifetime. Imagine all that humanity could accomplish if we lived in a better world and could spend money not on wars, but on projects such as space exploration. Astronauts have always been my hero's and I hope they don't become an icon of the past as Knights, Vikings, Indians and Cowboys have become.

Along The Coast

2011-07-06T15:21:00.001+01:00

It's good to be back home today even though its a bit quieter now with only one of my little buddies greeting me at the door. After slipping off my boots, I opened my duffle bag and took out the little wooden box that contained the ashes of my little girl cat. Before coming home, I stopped by the vets office to pick up her cremated ashes. I was kind of surprised by how small the box was and yet how heavy it felt. I walked across the room and sat her on a shelf in the corner where she loved to nap and picked my little boy cat up and walked to the bedroom. After sitting down on the bed and scratching his ears for a few moments we both fell on the bed and went fast asleep. I awoke to him about 45 minutes later kicking me in the head as he tried to push me over for more room on the bed. After lying there for a few minutes I peeled off my clothes and took a shower. Being tired I forgot to shave, so I now have a slight beard growing.

After the shower, I slipped on a pair of boxer shorts and me and the cat went to the kitchen to raid the fridge. I could tell by the look my cat gave me after he inspected the fridge that I wasn't the only one disapointed to find only fruits and vegetables there and one lonely can of unopened tuna fish. This is what happens when you live with a doctor who makes you eat healthy food. So it appears I'll be doing some food shopping later today.

After sharing a piece of cheese with the cat I decided to throw my sea clothes into the washer and then proceeded to play some video games but I got bored with that. Part of me wants to go workout and hit the bags a little and then the other part of me is content after having a shower and feeling clean to stay that way and just relax and read a book. After talking to Gareth on the phone and finding out he won't be home til late I decided to go see a movie, not sure which one yet, then do some grocery shopping. Looks like its just going to be a boring day.

Goodbye My Friend

2011-06-25T19:23:00.004+01:00

I came home from my last trip out on the ocean for work two days ago and walked in the door to find one of my cats greeting me as always at the front door. I sat my bags down and kissed Gareth who sat on the couch reading some office work. I went to check on my little girl cat who was missing and found her sleeping under the sink in the kitchen. This is a spot where she normally slept curled up in a big round bucket that was supposed to be used for cleaning, when I bought it, but she had other ideas for it and turned into a bed.   She lifted her head when she saw me and left out a soft meow as I patted her on the head and said hello.  I just figured she was tired or comfortable and would come see me later that evening when she was ready to stretch her legs.

As the evening wore on, I went to check on her and she wasn't in her spot under the sink anymore, but I found her in her other spot which is a little box tucked in the corner of the living room where she liked to sleep and hide. I didn't think much of it because there were times when she slept alot and then would get up in the middle of the night and roam the house full of energy from all the napping she did during the day. That night was no exception and when I heard her roaming the house and playing I just thought it was a normal night for her.

The next day I went out to do some errands and Gareth was at work when I returned. I was greeted by both my cats at the door as usual and it was feeding time so I got my boy cat a can of food and she has a routine to follow me to the bathroom where she climbs on the sink to get a drink of water after I wash up. I noticed as she was drinking she had trouble swallowing the water and realized something wasn't right.

As the evening progressed I noticed she stopped eating and drinking, so I gave her a little bit of vanilla ice cream that she always loved. She ate it and I thought maybe she just had a sore throat or something. I kept my eye on her throughout the night and noticed she kept going from spot to spot as if she couldn't get comfortable. She also kept going into the bathroom to play with the water which she always done since she was a kitten. This is one cat who loved water and would climb in the shower with me and get wet. But as she got older, she grew out of that and would only play in the sink or wait til after I got my shower and then go in and play in the puddles left behind.

Around 2am I noticed she still wasn't drinking water or wanting food and I started to get really worried. She being almost 18 years old didn't have the strength to go that long without food and water. At 4am, my other cat came and sat next to her as she laid by the back door. They touched noses and looked at each as if comforting each other. Around 6am she got up on the window seat and watched the sun rise and I sat with her talking to her and petting her. I called the vet when they opened and made an appointment to get her in to be checked. I decided to get a shower and as I was doing this she crawled into the tub with me, meowed, and not wanting her to get wet quickly turned off the water. She splashed about in the puddles as if she was a kitten again. Then laid down out of exhaustion and gave me a sad look.

At this point I was fighting back tears and telling myself they could give her some fluids and she'll be back on her feet. But when Gareth got home and saw her lying in the tub I heard him whisper, "Oh no, its not good." And it wasn't. We took her to vets but she was diagnosed with kidney failure and as I held her in my arms, wrapped in her blanket, I talked to her of all the journeys we had been on and told her she had one more journey to make and that this time I wasn't going with her. I told her I loved her and thanked her for the many years of love she had given me and the family. She had been brought home from the humane society home by my mother and became the family pet.  When my parents died I took her in and she has been with me every step of the way through all my travels and adventures. She was the last link of my current life to the past life I had with my family and the place where I grew up. As we gathered around her, I held her in my arms as she looked into my eyes she passed away.

Its been a full 24 hours now without her and I feel heartbroken and lost. This is the first day that is she is not there when I look for her.  I expect to see her walking by on her way to something that interested her or tossing a toy around or crawling up on my lap to get a scratch. There was a plant on the back porch she always nibbled at and I would yell at her to not eat the plant. It still has the bite marks from her last snack attack.

My other cat is now walking around just as lonely and lost and sad as I am. He jumps into my lap and gives me such a sad look. Every noise the house makes he looks excitedly as if she made the noise and when he realizes it was just a noise he lays down on the floor, head between his two paws and mourns for his friend.

I can find comfort in knowing that I got to spend almost 18 years with my little friend.  Still, saying goodbye is never easy and when someone you love goes from being a part of your life to just a photo of a memory on a shelf you realize how fast time goes by and how short of time we have to spend with each other on this planet.   I'll never forget my little friends passion for life and how even on her darkest day, she found time to play in one last puddle and enjoy being alive one last time. I love you, my dear friend. Goodbye.

Hurling Semi-Finals

2011-06-25T18:26:00.000+01:00

In the Munster Hurling Semi-final Tipperary's Lar Corbett scores third goal between Patrick Donnellan and Patrick O'Connor of Clare in Thurles, Ireland

Irish Summer Season

2011-05-31T00:45:00.000+01:00

Ben Cohen Retires

2011-05-31T00:43:00.001+01:00

Ben Cohen is retiring to spend more time on the cause to stop bullying and homophobia. What a man!

Memorial Day USA

2011-05-31T00:40:00.002+01:00

An Irish hot dog for your Memorial Day cookout.

Obama In Dublin

2011-05-31T00:34:00.002+01:00

Got to see Obama in Dublin last week and then had to head right out to sea for a few days. He seemed to be very popular here and even won over more fans when he drank almost a full glass of Guinness.

Playing On The Same Team

2011-05-31T00:26:00.003+01:00

Giving new meaning to the sport term, "Coming from behind."

Garda

2011-05-23T04:46:00.001+01:00

Heineken Cup Final

2011-05-20T17:43:00.003+01:00

Gordon D'Arcy and Leinster will face the Northampton Saints in Saturday's Heineken Cup final at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff in a match up that includes six Irish national players.

Irish National Stud Visit

2011-05-20T17:18:00.001+01:00

I can vouch the horses aren't the only studs in Ireland!

Bloody Sunday Remembrance

2011-05-20T16:57:00.004+01:00

On 21 November 1920, during the War of Independence, 13 spectators and one player were killed when British forces opened fire at a football match at the home of Gaelic sports at Croke Park.

Earlier that day, IRA assassination squads had shot dead 14 suspected British intelligence agents in Dublin.

During the first visit by a British monarch to Ireland in 100 years, Queen Elizabeth visited Croke Park stadium in Dublin.

The Queen was met at the main entrance of Croke Park by Gaelic Athletic Association president Mr Cooney and President Mary McAleese, who is hosting the visit.

A display of Irish set dancing was followed by a meeting with GAA officials.

The BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt said the Queen walking out on the hallowed nationalist turf at Croke Park represented "the once unimaginable becoming the norm".

Addressing the Queen, Mr Cooney said the visit would underpin and advance the peace process and "go down in the history of the GAA. Your presence does honour to our Association, to its special place in Irish life, and to its hundreds of thousands of members."

The Queen was presented with a limited edition book outlining the GAA's history, and Prince Philip was presented with a hurley stick and a sliothar (hurling ball), with the aside that he should use it "in the back garden".

Dublin footballer Kevin Nolan, who was one of four players from across Ireland to meet the Queen at Croke Park, told Radio Ulster's Evening Extra it was a "great honour" to represent the GAA at the event.

Her speech at Wednesday's state dinner is likely to acknowledge past UK-Irish difficulties without offering an apology, he added.

A Moment Of Silence And Respect

2011-05-20T16:54:00.005+01:00

A day after Queen Elizabeth paid respect to those Irish who died in the struggle against Britain for Irish freedom she attended a ceremony and laid a wreath honoring almost 50,000 soldiers at the Irish National War Memorial.

The Queen's attendance at the ceremony honoring the Irish soldiers who died in World War I reflects an aspect of history that has been troubling for her hosts.

For decades, when the focus of admiration was on the rebels who fought and died in the 1916 Easter Rising, the soldiers' contribution went unrecognized.

Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson, who was among the dignitaries at the ceremony, said: "Everyone remembers the past but we have to look to the future, but there are clear indications as a society - in the UK and Republic - people are moving on.

Queen Visits The Guiness Storehouse

2011-05-20T16:47:00.000+01:00

Sweet

2011-05-18T15:39:00.003+01:00

On The Water

2011-05-03T05:50:00.002+01:00

Tall Tale

2011-05-03T05:39:00.000+01:00

Irish Field

2011-05-03T05:38:00.000+01:00

Casual Face

2011-05-03T05:31:00.001+01:00

Death Of A Madman

2011-05-02T05:42:00.007+01:00

Woke up this morning to the news that US Forces found and killed Osama Bin Laden. I'm watching online the crowds in the US out in the street waving flags and chanting USA. This must be what it felt like to hear the news of Hitlers death, which ironically was also announced to the world on the first of May.

I can't help but think of all the innocent people who died because of his actions. He caused the death of many, not only on September 11th, but also all of the other terrorist attacks in Africa and the Middle East and the wars that continue.

Former President George W. Bush
Earlier this evening, President Obama called to inform me that American forces killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of the al Qaeda network that attacked America on September 11, 2001. I congratulated him and the men and women of our military and intelligence communities who devoted their lives to this mission. They have our everlasting gratitude. This momentous achievement marks a victory for America, for people who seek peace around the world, and for all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001. The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done.

Jack Lynch, 75, who lost his son, New York City firefighter Michael Francis Lynch
"The first thought I had in my mind was that it didn't bring my son back. You cut the head off a snake, you'd think it would kill the snake. But someone will take his place. People like him still exist. The fact that he's gone is not going to stop terrorism."

"I understand that bin Laden was an evil person. He may have believed in what he was doing. I'm not going to judge him. I'm sure some people will look at this and they'll be gratified that he's dead, but me personally, I'm going to leave his fate in God's hands."

Irish Sea

2011-05-02T05:41:00.000+01:00

Unexpected Moment

2011-04-30T00:10:00.006+01:00

Been out to sea for a few weeks and when I arrived home early today around 4am Gareth greeted me unexpectedly at the door. He was in white boxers and a white t-shirt and his hair stood up on one side with that bed head look and his eyes were very sleepy. I stood in my dirty ship clothes, sweaty and smelling like fish and other ocean odors.

At first glance it wasn't a very romantic moment, but when he took my bag out of my hand and set in on the floor, pulled me close to him and hugged me tight whispering to me, "I've missed you", it couldn't have been more perfect if he had lit candles and had champagne waiting for me.

The last few weeks at sea I would think of him whenever I closed my eyes to sleep holding my pillow or blanket tight wishing it was him I was holding. Now that moment was finally here. I put my arms around him, letting my head rest on his shoulder, in part because I was exhausted, but mostly because it felt good to be home and be in his arms once again. We stood there for a minute not saying a word, just enjoying the closeness as our two cats circled us, rubbing against our legs and meowing. It's moments like this that make life worth living.

New Season Update

2011-04-14T05:30:00.003+01:00

Although I miss Gareth and my cats, life at sea has been great for the most part this season. Working with some new crew and we're still adjusting to each other. There are some that aren't very gay friendly and make crude remarks and jokes. I try to avoid them on my off hours and have been spending a lot of time in my bunk reading, listening to music, or watching shows I downloaded.

But we've done a lot of cool projects and the upgraded computer systems are fun to use. There is even some eye candy on the ship this season. A married guy in his mid twenties, brown hair, really cute and a really nice person. It's fun to watch the girls on the ship melt when he is around them. They don't even realize how they act around him which is why I find it so amusing. They toss their hair, nod in agreement, laugh at almost anything he says. It's quite amusing.

I've had the hiccups for fifteen minutes now and its getting on my nerves.

Where Is Spring?

2011-04-14T05:28:00.000+01:00

Hug Someone Today

2011-04-14T05:27:00.000+01:00

Jimmy Fallon QR Code Hidden Videos

2011-04-03T22:18:00.004+01:00

While Steven Colbert, Jimmy Fallons BFFSM, and Jimmy and Taylor Hicks sung the Friday song on last Friday's episode, one of Jimmys staff Seth Herzog held up a QR Code. That was a secret link to the video below where Jimmy thanks the fans for the money raised for donorschoose.org that helps children and schools.

But you'll notice he held up a different code in this video, which leads you to the video below.

Which leads too...

Love Jimmy he is the best!

Cooper Cronk

2011-04-03T20:58:00.004+01:00

Drunk Kittie

2011-04-03T20:56:00.003+01:00

Bismarck du Plessis

2011-04-03T20:39:00.003+01:00

Another South African hottie.

I'll Hold Your Hand

2011-04-03T20:37:00.001+01:00

Lesson Learned

2011-04-03T18:48:00.010+01:00

Today I learned another life lesson. One that I knew in the back of my mind that the outcome wouldn't be good. Still, the little bad voice in my brain overruled the sensible good voice once again.

It all began when Gareth and I decided to do some cleaning today. He decided to rake some leaves outside while I cleaned up the kitchen. All was going well until I loaded the dishwasher with dishes and found that we had no dishwasher soap left. My hair and t-shirt were wet with sweat and all I wanted to do was finish the chore, get a shower and rest for the evening. As I pondered what to do I looked at the regular dishwashing liquid and thought, hmmm.....

Now most of you that used a dishwasher before must be thinking, no you didn't. But yes, I did. I thought a little drop of this won't hurt anything, even though a faint voice in the back of my head was trying to shout this won't be good.

Deciding my chore was almost done, I took two cans of Coke out of the cooler and went out back to see Gareth and give him a refreshment and rub in the fact that I was done with my chore and was going to get a shower and start to enjoy my evening. As we stood outside bantering back and forth, I noticed one of my cats sitting at the entrance of the kitchen, his head bobbing back and forth and up and down at something in the kitchen.

Making an excuse I went inside to the kitchen and at this point I could almost hear the footsteps of the little bad voice running to the back of my head yelling "You should have known better." and the good voice now yelling loudly, "Oh No!"

As I rounded the corner I saw two things. My cat staring at me with a WTF look on his face and a floor full or water and soap suds oozing from the dishwasher. I quickly turned it off and it took a moment before the water and suds stopped oozing out onto the floor.

Gareth had just done the laundry the day before, so I couldn't grab a bunch of towels and use to soak it up, so I grabbed two rolls of papertowels from the closet and started soaking it up before the water could go under the appliances and counters and as they got soaked, I threw them in the sink. I got the mop and started to clean up the water that I now contained in the middle of the floor.

After about half an hour I got it all cleaned up, threw the papertowel in the trash and decided I better go buy some dishwasher liquid and some paper towels and cat treat to keep him quiet. At this point I was so stressed out that I just changed shirts, put a baseball cap on and went to the discount store and bought what I needed.

I thought all would end well until I got a call while in the car on the way home. It was Gareth who asked me if I had something to tell him? Turns out I forgot to clean out the suds that were in the dishwasher itself and when Gareth opened the door to put the dishes away for me, he was greeted with water running out onto the kitchen floor and soap suds filling the dishwasher. I also found out that unless you let the dishwasher run through its cycles, it doesn't drain the water.

My choices now are to decide if I'm stupid and didn't know any better or I knew better, but did it anyway because I'm an idiot. Either way, its not looking good for me.

Still being the optimist that I am, Gareth has kicked me out of the kitchen tonight and he is cooking dinner for us and doing the dishes. Guess life lessons aren't all bad and from the smell coming from the kitchen, they taste good too.

An Irish Kiss

2011-04-03T16:33:00.000+01:00

Baby Gorilla Born at Dublin Zoo

2011-04-03T16:16:00.005+01:00

Last Ride

2011-04-03T16:10:00.003+01:00

Technicians and engineers at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, will begin detailed inspections of space shuttle Endeavour and its external fuel tank. They’ll look for any possible damage from severe storms that hit Kennedy on Wednesday and Thursday. Teams began an initial survey of the launch pad Friday, but weren’t able to do a thorough inspection because the pad was being used for a full launch dress rehearsal for Endeavour’s STS-134 mission called the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT). Endeavour’s six astronauts successfully completed the simulated launch countdown and related safety training Friday afternoon and returned home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Friday’s initial pad inspection did not find anything obvious, other than the previously identified minor foam insulation damage on Endeavour’s external tank that was caused by a strong storm on Wednesday. Teams will install platforms Saturday morning that will allow for close up surveys, which will provide data to engineering reviews to confirm there are no other issues. Endeavour is targeted to launch to the International Space Station on April 19 at 7:48 p.m. EDT.

Search Continues for Missing Fishermen

2011-04-03T15:02:00.007+01:00

Lobster fishermen Ronan Browne, 26 and David Gilsenan 41, are still missing off the east coast of Dublin after three days and are feared drowned. Their open-top, seventeen-foot boat was located overturned five miles south east of Clogherhead 24 hours later, twelve miles north from where debris from the boat was recovered.

The two men, who originate from Skerries, were close friends and experienced seamen and qualified marine engineers. Mr. Browne recently bought the boat which he named the Lady Linda after his wife who he married last September. Mr Gilsenan and his wife Suzanne have two young children, aged six and nine and live in the nearby village of Rush.

A large scale search, including an Irish Defense Force Casa aircraft and Irish Coast Guard S-61, an AW139 and a Garda EC-135 helicopters have been launched around the Skerries on Friday evening after the men failed to return home. It is understood that a small boat located off Clogherhead in Co Louth belonged to the men.

Hundreds of volunteers and fishermen joined the Coast Guard, the Gardai, and the RNLI lifeboat crews from Howth, Skerries, and Clogerhead joined together in a sea and coastline search after the alarm was raised at 6.30pm on Friday when a fisherman realized the pair had failed to return to the harbor. The search area stretches from Greenore in Co Louth to Ireland's Eye. A search of the coastline is also taking place.

“It’s very sad. Hope is fading and I have talked to the families, who are in the lifeboat station and who are very upset,” said Eugene Clonan, assistant director of the Irish Coast Guard service.

Bomb Kills Constable

2011-04-03T14:34:00.011+01:00

Constable Ronan Kerr died as he left home for work on Saturday after setting off a bomb that had been hidden underneath his car. Kerr, a Catholic, only graduated from police training college three weeks ago. The explosion happened as the officer got into his car in the residential Highfield Close development, off the main Gortin Road.

The head of Northern Ireland's police force has described the death of a police constable killed in a car bomb as a "tragedy for Omagh" and paid tribute to the 25-year-old officer. Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Chief Constable Matt Baggott said: "Tragedy has returned to Omagh with the loss of constable Ronan Kerr. Ronan was relatively new to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) but had proven himself a good and dedicated officer in the short time he was with us. He had joined the police because he was willing to stand up and serve his community. No words could adequately describe the shock and sense of loss being felt by his colleagues and the residents of Omagh."

In 1998, a car bomb killed 29 people in Omagh, one of the worst atrocities carried out by paramilitaries in Northern Ireland. Baggot said his "abhorrence and anger" at the waste of Kerr's life was shared by people in Omagh and across Northern Ireland and beyond. He described Kerr as "a modern-day hero".

Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness, deputy first minister of Northern Ireland and former IRA commander, also condemned the killing and referring to Kerr, said: "someone who was prepared to give so much has now given their life in belief of the peace process".

Kerr is the second policeman to have been killed since the PSNI was formed in 2001. Baggott said: "The PSNI has some of the bravest men and women in the world among its number ... who put on their uniform and selflessly go out and do their duty for their community despite the ever present threat from misguided terrorist criminals."

Pat Noma, a friend of Kerr's mother Nuala, said she had recently been widowed and had depended on Kerr, an only child, for support. "I'm calling on all the mothers in Omagh to come out on her behalf. We've got to find these people; we've got to stop them from doing this," she said. "Nobody in Omagh wants this to happen and we've got to call everybody together to hand them over. We can't tolerate this. Omagh has suffered enough."

The killing is thought to have been carried out by dissident republicans but no group has yet claimed responsibility for the murder.

Happy Birthday Doris Day

2011-04-03T14:28:00.002+01:00

Happy 88th Birthday.

Craig Burden

2011-04-02T17:10:00.003+01:00

Craig Burden from South Africa. I noticed this piece of beef last year when I was in South Africa.

Be Active

2011-04-02T17:03:00.000+01:00

Who Needs Vegas

2011-03-27T14:49:00.004+01:00

Last night proved you don't need Vegas to have a hangover. There I was last night, sitting at home minding my own business enjoying a quiet Saturday night. Gareth was at work and it was just me and the cats doing some reading when the knock at the door broke the silence.

Several of my friends showed up determined to get me out of the house and have "just one drink" with them. I argued that I wasn't dressed or in the mood and I really wanted to get some reading done. My cat even jumped on my lap, stood on my chest and meowed a stern warning to me as if to say don't do it.

Before I knew it, my friends were tying my shoes, putting my coat on me, and dragging me to the car. As I shut the door I looked at my one cat sitting there staring at me and I said "I'll be right back."

The sun was shining and Gareth was at home in bed by the time I saw my house again. I walked in smelling like booze, second hand smoke, and sausage mcmuffin from the breakfast I needed so bad. I fell onto the couch and tried to sleep, but couldn't since the room was spinning a bit and my ears were still echoing the sound of the music from the many clubs we visited. One time I opened my eyes and there above me on the arm of the couch sat my cat, looking down upon me with a look of disgust on his face and his nose going a mile a minute. I wasn't sure if the disgust came from the fact he smelled booze and smoke, or that he smelled the sausage sandwich I ate and realized I had breakfast without him and didn't bring him a snack.

Not being able to sleep, I decided to get up and get a shower and put on fresh clothes. I was leaning against the side of the shower, letting the water run down my head and body when Gareth walked in to piss. One sight of me and he burst out in laughter at my misery with his "oh, oh, ohhhhh, hahahaha" laughter. I wanted to be annoyed with him, but I didn't have the energy. Even though he is still having much fun with the situation I have put myself in, he was kind enough to greet me when I got out of the shower with a nice fluffy towel and dry me off and put my sweat pants and t-shirt on me when even that was a struggle.

Now I sit here on the couch writing this and I glance at the book I was reading last night, still where I left it. Seems like a lifetime ago I laid that book there. Let this be a lesson, when your friends say "Just One Drink!" they really don't mean it. But now that I am sobering up, I can't complain too much. I had fun with friends and we have several new stories to tell in the coming years and the best part is, I took my camera with me and we have pictures of all the things my friends did last night that they'll try to deny in the future. "I never let a guy do a shot off my bare chest?" "Oh really, lets look at the pictures!" Priceless as they say.

Gareth is lying next to me on the couch, his feet propped up on my legs as we watch a movie and all is getting back to the routine. If only I could get my one cat to stop giving me an attitude.

Remembering A Friend

2011-03-26T23:08:00.006Z

When Elizabeth Taylor, last of the great movie stars, passed away this week the world lost an icon, but for gay men, we lost a friend. No other star of her era befriended and supported the gay community as she did. Her last major movie role was in the sixties, yet she was still a major star and loved the world over when she made her last known public appearance in a gay bar in West Hollywood in 2008.

During her lifetime she shared the screen with several major gay and bi movie actors and befriended several of them off screen. She genuinely loved the handsome and talented, yet troubled actor Montgomery Clift. When he crashed his vehicle shortly after leaving her house, crushing his face, she ran down the road, climbed through the back of the car and cradled him in her lap, even pulling the two teeth he lost out of his throat before he choked to death. Then she stood guard over him as the papparzzi arrived, vowing any of them print a picture of his face and they'll never work in Hollywood again.

In her life she also acted with and befriended Rock Hudson and James Dean and worked with many other gay actors of note in her movies. Even though Rock Hudson who was gay and James Dean who was Bi disliked each other, the charms of Elizabeth won over both their hearts.

Elizabeth Taylor, like many of her gay friends of the day, found love to be fleeting and heartbreaking. She was married 8 times to 7 different men. She almost died several times throughout her life and was loved and hated at different times of her life for the way she lived her life.

Her work in the eighties as an AIDS activist when no other star would go near the cause only increased her icon status in the gay community. When Rock Hudson was dying of AIDS and many supporters turned away, it was Elizabeth Taylor and Doris Day who were two of the few celebrities to stand beside him with love and support for their dying friend.

So while the world mourns a movie star, we mourn our friend. Rest in Peace dear lady of ours. Thank you for being a friend.

Liam Lawrence

2011-03-26T22:53:00.004Z

Liam Lawrence has criticised players who decide they want to play for the Republic of Ireland only after failing to win England recognition.

Stoke's winger Jermaine Pennant and Jamie O'Hara, who is currently on loan at Wolves, have both suggested recently that they could declare for Ireland. Lawrence, who joined Portsmouth from Stoke at the turn of the year, admits their comments have not gone down well within the Irish camp.

He said: "The only thing I know upsets us is when people are trying to juggle between England and Ireland. That's the only issue, really, and it's not just me saying that. It doesn't look good, does it?

"We don't dislike these people, it is just some of the comments they come out with when they are saying they are juggling between Ireland and England – you just don't want it, do you?"

An Irish Dinner

2011-03-26T22:33:00.003Z

Online Memorial Book for Knut

2011-03-23T01:19:00.005Z

http://www.zoo-berlin.de/zoo/service/service/knut/neuer-eintrag.html

You can sign the online memorial book for Knut.

Knut playing with a branch

Irish Sunset

2011-03-23T00:31:00.000Z

Goodbye Knut

2011-03-21T21:47:00.007Z

I couldn't help but cry when I heard the news that Knut the Polar Bear died this past Saturday at the age of 4. His life was filled with much heartache and controversy and he became loved by millions around the world.

Rejected by his mother at birth, he was raised by zookeepers. He became the first polar bear cub to survive past infancy at the Berlin Zoo in more than 30 years. The image of Knut playing with toys and waving to cameras became a successful tourist attraction for the zoo who made millions of dollars off of his fame.

Rest in peace sweet Knut. Wherever we go after this world, I hope you're running free.

Ben Cohen

2011-03-16T22:08:00.004Z

Role Play Movie

2011-03-16T21:41:00.005Z

Role Play is a film by Rob Williams that has some nice scenery, and I'm not talking about the plants around the pool. lol

Steve Callahan, who plays Graham a soap opera star, finds his career is in trouble after the release of a sex tape on the internet by his ex. Matthew Montgomery, who plays Trey a gay marriage activist, finds himself having his own publicity issue when a story is released that he’s divorcing his husband. The two seek solice in each others misery and find refuge at a resort while dealing with their issue.

Irish Hottie - Alex O’Loughlin

2011-03-16T21:13:00.001Z

Ocean Darkness

2011-03-16T03:19:00.004Z

Working an overnight shift on the ship working with some of the crew on some tests. Its been a long night and seems like we've been here two nights in a row without daylight.

Getting tired now as morning approaches. Its hot in here tonight and I feel kind of sticky and sweaty. Can't wait to get a shower and go to bed. I can almost feel the cool softness of the sheets in my bunk calling me name. I think I'll sleep good and sound when I get a chance.

Love to hear the sound of distant ships and their fog horns echoing their arrival. I tried to tape it, but its too dark and the sound of the ocean drowned it out on the tape. I'll try to capture that another time.

I was just looking out a porthole and either its beginning to drizzle or a sea monster is spitting on the window at me.

My test is finally completing and I can now go get a shower and sleep. Everyone enjoy your day or evening and remember to keep those in Japan in your thoughts and pray that they can get those reactors under control. Love you all. Ah, bed here I come.

Irish Aid To Japan

2011-03-16T02:56:00.003Z

The images coming out of Japan each day of the devastation and loss of life both human and animal is hard to comprehend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.

Anyone in Ireland wishing to help those suffering in Japan, you can do so at this website.http://www.ija.ie/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=79&cntnt01origid=15&cntnt01returnid=88

Japan battles to keep Fukushima plant under control

2011-03-16T02:49:00.001Z

Nine News: Japan battles to keep Fukushima plant under control - Video - RTÉ News Player#&autoplay=true#&autoplay=true

Will Ireland Elect A Gay Man As President?

2011-03-16T02:32:00.003Z

The Independent Senator David Norris from Dublin has launched a campaign to secure a nomination to contest this year's Presidential Election. He said it will be a challenge, but the support he has received so far should be helpful in securing such a nomination.

Speaking at the announcement, he said the time has come for a political revolution that puts the needs of the people first. He wants to bring vigour and renewal back to the country, and he is putting his name forward with 'a sense of duty and resolve.

Senator Norris said he has written to all the chairpersons of every county council in the country.

Asked about canvassing newly-elected Independent TDs, he said he would be speaking directly to all of them and he would seek support whenever he could get it.

Mr Norris said as president he would not need the full salary, and that he would place a portion of it to one side, which would set up a fund to make the presidency more accessible.

Mr Norris said his sexuality has not been an issue, but if it is, he will deal with it. He would not see himself as a gay president but as a president who happens to be gay, he added.

Asked about campaigns opposing him from right-wing groups, he said he could not prevent a hostile view, but said he had lived a decent and good life.

Rugby Spoof

2011-03-16T02:09:00.000Z

Irish Team Practices

2011-03-16T01:58:00.010Z

St. Patricks Day Fail

2011-03-13T17:48:00.001Z

The fun is already beginning! Happy St. Patricks Day Week.

Irish Stars At Night

2011-03-13T05:23:00.001Z

Inseparable Friends

2011-03-11T00:20:00.004Z

The bodies of Liam and and his dog Theo returned to Britain today where they were given a somber hero's repatriation ceremony in town of Wootton Bassett. People often line the streets of this town in a mark of respect each time a dead soldier is repatriated. Thursday, they stood in silence, many with dogs at their feet as Tasker's friends and family laid roses atop the hearse.

The soldier and his dog trained, played, and worked together for months searching out roadside bombs and their bond was so great, they died within hours of each other in Afghanistan. Theo had been so successful — finding 14 hidden bombs and weapons caches, a record for a team in Afghanistan — that the dog's tour of duty had been extended by a month.

There are calls for Theo to receive the Dickin medal, which since 1943 has recognized wartime bravery by animals, from carrier pigeons to a World War II commando collie.

Lance Cpl. Liam Tasker, a dog handler with the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, was killed in a firefight with insurgents in Helmand Province on March 1 as he searched for explosives with Theo, a bomb-sniffing springer spaniel mix. The dog suffered a fatal seizure hours later at a British army base, likely brought about by stress.

Military officials won't go so far as to say Theo died of a broken heart — but that may not be far from the truth.

"I think we often underestimate the grieving process in dogs," said Elaine Pendlebury, a senior veterinarian with animal charity PDSA. "Some dogs react very severely to their partner's loss. The bonding that I have seen between soldiers or police and their dogs is fantastic. When you see them working together, it's really one unit."

The loyalty of some dogs is legendary, from Greyfriars Bobby, a 19th-century Skye terrier who guarded his master's Edinburgh grave for 14 years, to Hachiko, a Japanese dog who awaited his owner's return at a train station every day for years after the man's death. Both are commemorated with statues.

A military Hercules plane carrying Tasker's body and Theo's ashes touched down Thursday at a Royal Air Force base in southwest England. As the funeral cortege of black vehicles drove slowly away, it was saluted by a long line of military dog handlers, their dogs at their sides. A black Labrador retriever sat quietly beside its handler as the hearse carrying the flag-draped coffin disappeared from view.

Jimmy Fallon Surgery

2011-03-05T19:56:00.002Z

Jimmy Fallon had a mole removed off his left hand by Dr. Oz. It was very interesting to see how the procedure is done and when they cut his hand I could just feel it. I felt for Jimmy when the crowd moaned as the blood started rushing out and Jimmy pleaded with them to "Just Laugh".

Love Jimmy, he's the best.

You can watch the surgery at the Dr. Oz website:
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/jimmy-fallon-cosmetic-surgery-pt-1
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/jimmy-fallon-cosmetic-surgery-pt-2

Friendship

2011-03-05T19:26:00.012Z

Another Saturday night in Dublin and we’re having a small party with some close friends. Five men, three women and if we had one more person we could start a co-ed baseball team.

We went out to dinner at a lovely Italian place nearby and after having our fill of pasta and bread, we’ve come back to our place for a few drinks, music, and stories. Love and laughter are two important emotions the human soul can experience and it’s good to know that you have someone to share the moments of your life with.

The two cats are watching the evening unfold as they sit side by side in the corner of the room, their heads going back forth as if watching a tennis match as voices and laughter rise and fall.

As I watched the proceedings at the dinner table tonight, I started to think about friendship. Each of us interacts with hundreds of strangers in a given day and while several may become familiar to us and we can call them an acquaintance, there are a select few we choose to let into our inner circles that become true friends.

I grew up with my circle of friends from home back in the States and I missed and longed for those close friendships when I first moved away, first to London and then in Dublin. Sure I had my cousin with me for awhile, but he had his own life and his set of friends already here and I was just the cousin.

Even though I had made some connections and even had a few dates, there was no one that I could really rely on as a friend for a few months. My life consisted mainly of going to work, working out, calling friends back home, and specializing in Dublin take out. On my walk home from work a few nights a week, I would stop in at a nearby restaurant for dinner. It served two purposes, one I didn't feel like cooking for myself and it broke up the routine of just going home alone. The staff and I got to know each other well and while they were all rather friendly and nice, there was this one blonde haired Irish boy with a bright smile that would always take time to talk to me as I ate dinner or get my takeout. He was full of questions about America and I was full of questions about Dublin and Ireland and we helped each other pass the time away.

There came a time when my cousin decided to leave Dublin and I had to decide if I wanted to stay on in the city by myself or go back home to the states. I didn’t know what to do, I felt lost in this world.

At that same time, I stopped by the restaurant on my way home to get my usual dinner and the Irish boy with the smile didn’t have one this day. Instead he had a black eye from the beating his father gave him before throwing him out of the house. We don’t get to always choose our friends, sometimes fate brings you together. That night, fate brought us together and I invited him back to stay at my place instead of in the restaurant office. Two lost souls had found someone they could rely on.

Over time, we moved in together and shared a flat. He said he didn’t care that I was gay and wouldn’t judge me if I didn’t judge him for having an abusive, alcoholic father. Our friendship formed and we supported each other through good and troubled times until we could both stand on our own feet, secure of where we we’re going in this world. Eventually our circle of friends grew and we each found love and our place in this world. I’ve watched him grow into a husband and father and I don’t think either one of us would be the men we are today, where we are today, without the friendship of each other.

I can recall many moments when we didn’t know where we were headed the next day, yet now we get together and amongst the laughter and stories we talk of the future and make plans together in that future. It’s a lovely feeling when friends talk of the future and make plans because it means not only is your life going where you want it to be, you’ll get there together. It’s overwhelming when a friend tells you they love you for who you are. You’re friends not because you need to be, but because of the happiness you share when you get together.

Friendship is embodied in the deep laughter that comes from the heart, the hugs that can last as long as you want without embarrassment, the safety of being able to shed a tear on a bad day or just the sharing of a smile, even if no words are expressed, the eyes understand.

A Light In The Sky

2011-03-05T18:46:00.003Z

The International Space Station (ISS), the second brightest object in the nightsky, second only to the Moon, is making several passes over Ireland for the next few days. The ISS periodically makes a series of passes above Ireland. The weather has been good and skies clear which has led to some amazing passes as ISS and the Space Shuttle Discovery are curently joined. This means that the space station fly-overs will be brighter than usual.

to track the ISS -http://www.n2yo.com/?s=25544

Click this link to enter your location and see what is flying overhead.

http://spaceweather.com/flybys/country.php

If you want to catch the ISS flying overhead Tipperary, you can check this list below;

Thursday March 3rd 2011
The ISS – Discovery will rise at 07:10:15pm from the West. Max elevation will be 66° and will have a magnitude of -3.8 (very bright)

Friday March 4th 2011
The ISS – Discovery will rise at 07:36:13pm from the West. Max elevation will be 44° and will have a magnitude of -3.1 (very bright)

Saturday March 5th 2011
The ISS – Discovery will rise at 06:28:12pm from the West. Max elevation will be 64° and will have a magnitude of -3.7 (very bright)

Sunday March 6th 2011
The ISS – Discovery will rise at 06:52:40pm from the West. Max elevation will be 42° and will have a magnitude of -3.0 (very bright)

Thomas Quinn Scores

2011-03-05T18:40:00.000Z

A Royal Visit

2011-03-05T18:27:00.003Z

Labour Party Deputy Leader Joan Burton has announced that Queen Elizabeth, is going visit Ireland on a State visit later this year after accepting an invite from President Mary McAleese. This will be the first visit by a British monarch to Dublin since the Queen's grandfather King George V visit in 1911.

The dates and the programme for the visit will be announced jointly by Áras an Uachtaráin and Buckingham Palace.

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has said that the planned state visit here by Queen Elizabeth is an indication that we are living in changed and changing times.

Must Not Laugh

2011-02-26T20:38:00.000Z