Tuesday, January 29, 2008

5 MINUTES WITH - EMMA MCDERMOTT


Emma MCDermott is the dynamic assistant manager of Inishowen Community Radio (ICR). Emma loves travelling and is just back from Los Angeles where she was volunteering at two radio stations (KCRW and The sound of young America). Since her return, Emma has been kept busy setting up the hugely successful Sports Show (3-6pm on Sundays) which gives live, up to date reports, on sports happening throughout the peninsula. In the next couple of weeks the intrepid Emma is off to India to put together a documentary about the Dalits of India (also known as untouchables), which will be funded by the Simon Cumbers Media Challenge Fund.

What have you been downloading on your iPod?
The last download of iTunes was some dance music called Ghetto Blaster by Armand van Helden. It’s very “get up and go!”

What book are you reading?
I have just finished reading The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. It’s an American best seller about creative visualisation and the laws of attraction. I found it quite inspiring and I believe that what we believe can effect our destiny.

Have you been to the cinema recently?
When I was in L.A. I went to see Kings, which is an Irish Language film by Tom Collins of Derry, based on the lives of five Irishmen in America. It opened up my eyes to how hard a life it was for the immigrants. I also had a bit of fun watching Fred Claus. Fred is Santa’s big brother…

What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
I always go the horoscopes. Oh I hope that doesn’t make me sound too new agey, I know its just a bit of fun!

What is your idea of a good night out?
A few drinks with friends and maybe end up dancing.

Most embarrassing moment of your life?
I was on a beach with my mate in Bali and was pure white because of the lack of sun from the Irish winter. I overheard someone say, “Look, its Casper and his friend”…. I have used fake tan ever since!

What is your idea of a great meal?

I love Indian food. Good company makes it more enjoyable.

Have you a favourite TV programme?
I don’t usually sit still long enough to watch the box. I do make a point of watching Shameless every Tuesday though.

How do you relax?
As I said I don’t like sitting still so I am never in the house long enough to relax. I do like walking, and visiting friends can be very therapeutic.

What job did you want to do when you were a child?
I always wanted to work in the media. I strayed away from my ideal by studying IT, but got back on course joining the radio station.

What is your ideal car?
A black Audi A4 convertible.

Apart from Inishowen(!) where would you like to go for your holidays?
It would have to be LA. I have always wanted to visit and when I am there I love it! I always feel fully charged when I come back. The life style and people are great.

Your idea of heaven?
Somewhere warm! After saying that I am going skiing next week!

Your idea of hell?
Somewhere where people complain all of the time and can’t drive properly.

What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
Adam Brodey from the O.C. programme, (because of his acting talents) and Larry Mullen Junior from U2 (because he is good with the drumsticks!)

Favourite animal?
Chimpanzee- I always wanted one when I was young as I thought they were cute.

Biggest fear?
Spiders! I hate them with a passion. I was in Australia a few years ago and had to endure Huntsman spiders, they are as big as your hand and poisonous as well! My friends would chase them round the house trying to hit them with a shoe.

Biggest thrill?
It used to be roller coasters but I have found skiing. That’s far better.

The worlds most irritating invention?
The umbrella. I get fed up with being poked in the eye!

Personal philosophy?
If you want something, go for it.

Any last words?
How did you get those 120 candles on to my birthday cake?

Saturday, January 26, 2008

WISDOM OF THE WORLD-WEEK 3


A TEACHER PRAYS

(Based on 1 Corinthians, Ch:13)

If I could explain everything perfectly to my students but do not love them, I might be talking to an empty room.

If I could buy every kind of education aid, but do not have love for my students, my money would be wasted.

Love is patient, when it is necessary to repeat a concept over and over again to a student who is having difficulty.

Love is kind, when an irate parent accuses and berates other teachers or me, and I do not retaliate in anger.

Love is not jealous, when another teacher has an entire class of well-behaved and intelligent children and mine are not.

Love is not proud, when my students improve greatly and tell others how much they love and enjoy my classes.

Love does not scream at my class when they misbehave, but helps them understand the importance of self-discipline.

Love does not broadcast my student’s problems to others, parents or even my family members, but remains discreet.

Teaching methods, textbooks and other technological aids will eventually be discarded, but love will remain forever.

These three things I have learned through TEACHING: diligence, patience and LOVE, but the greatest of these is LOVE

Author unknown

Thursday, January 24, 2008

SWILLY HOTEL BUNCRANA

If you have any more information about the old Hotel please let me know. Thanks

Photo of the hotel taken when the trains brought in the tourists from the north. The large image is on the wall of the Buncrana Coucil offices.



The owners of the building are trying to get planning to convert into flats (or knock down and start again)

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

BUNCRANA PANTO-SLEEPING BEAUTY

Euanan McConnell in make up

Gerald McDaid and Denise Arbuckle



Karla Duffey and Brendan Fletcher


WILLIE DOHERTY AND THE PRODUCTION TEAM

LEFT TO RIGHT:

Paula Fletcher, Liz O’Donnell, Cathy Kelly, Willie Doherty, Michael Doherty, Sally McDaid, Patricia Doherty, Marie McConnell.




Gerry O'Niell,Denis Kelly and Craig Houton.




Niamh Gaffney






Brendan Fletcher as Prince Gregor.





Liz O,Donnell as the princess





Shauna McKinley as the witch
















Euanan McConnell and Eddie Murphy









Fairy parincess Liz O'Donnell





Arriving to see the first show







Flamenco dancers- Claire McGinley,Niamh Gaffney and Emer Parke






Karla Duffey (Witch) Niamn Gaffney and Maria Doherty (fairy queen)












Monday, January 21, 2008

WISDOM OF THE WORLD WEEK 2


TWO MONKS


Two monks were walking through the countryside together. They came to a very fast flowing river and beside it sat a beautiful young girl. When she saw them coming she got up and pleaded, “Oh kind sirs, can you help me please. I need to get across the river to reach my family and I’m scared of drowning.”

Now the monastery where the monks lived had a strict rule about not touching women and the younger monk said “Oh no, I’m afraid that would be impossible.” The older monk however said, “Of course, I can carry you over.” He lifted the young woman and carried her across, with the younger monk following. Now, the younger monk was very shocked and upset with his friend and after they had left the young woman they carried on their journey in silence.

Eventually the younger monk couldn’t contain himself any longer. “I can’t believe what you did back there. I can’t believe you carried that young woman across the river.” The older monk stopped and looked at him and replied. “I carried her across the river and then I let her go, but it looks as though you are carrying her still.”

Holding on to the past stops us being available in the present. What are we holding onto that is affecting our relationships?