I looked in my mail earlier this today and I saw that several readers are apparently displeased with my internotes. The advice given to improve things is nonsensical and often contradictory, but regardless I will try my best to incorporate this into future posts.
It was getting late, and we all needed some good chomps. Dinner was out of the question, as it had just passed midnight. If I had suggested having dinner, I would have had appeared quite the buffoon. We started rummaging around for eats. I filled a bowl with frozen fruits, pineapples, peaches, melons, and strawberries, and was about to begin chomping down when I started having second thoughts. I checked the original bag: “Ideal for: Baking, Smoothies, Toppings, Snacking”. Yes, it was in fact okay to do what I was about to do. I put on several belts in preparation, and sat down at the table ready for nightlunch.
~It is important to consider for refrigerator/freezer management what to do when running into certain situations. For example, if you were to find a tub labeled “Potato Water”, your life is at serious risk if you drink it. It also probably tastes like fish.~
“Hey man! I don't THINK so! I don't THINK so!”
“Dude, bro, man.” A heckler had arrived. As exciting an incident this was, I really had to use the washroom at this point, so I got up and engaged in self-palliation. Someone else came in too and used the stall next to me, causing me to worry that I might not make it out in time. It would be disasterous for my reputation if this other person were to finish before me, so I quickly got up and left, leaving my belts undone. I must have been gone for a while because the cookies staled. I felt a little awkward when I sat back down, so I started trying to quickly adjust my belts without anyone noticing. It’s kind of difficult and I was losing track of what else was happening at the table when suddenly my attention was seized by a comment addressed towards me.
“We have to talk to you about what you’ve been doing at night lately.”
Monday, April 28, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
5 MINUTES WITH - MICHAEL DOHERTY
Michael Doherty read his first book on floristry and flower arranging when he was twelve years old. He still treasures the book and it’s influence was the beginning of a long career in the industry. His work has taken him all over the world and he has just started a new job at Writtle College in Chelmsford in the UK as a floristry lecturer. Michael also ran his own freelance floristry company in Inishowen for three years.
A Place Apart, the International Flower Festival has been organised by Michael for the second year and Daniel O’Donnell will be officially opening the event on the 1st of May at 7:30 pm. This is a ticket only event and you can buy these from Loreto house - (074 9362204) get them now though as tickets are limited and they are going fast! The House is open on Friday 2nd of May and admission is only €10…Not to be missed!
What music do you like?
I have a really broad spectrum and it depends what mood I am in. When I am driving, I listen to classical, modern disco, house and liturgical CD’s.
What would you never throw away?
Florists never throw anything away! We will even keep old stalks that are left over from our designs. You never know when they will come in handy.
What books are you reading at the moment?
I am teaching art deco floristry at the moment so I am reading a period flower history book for information. My bedtime read is the Monk who sold his Ferrari by Robin S Sharma. This is a book of oriental wisdom, which advises you to take charge of your life.
Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
I went to see 27 Dresses directed by Anne Fletcher. This is a film about a woman who wrestles with the idea of standing by her sister's side as her sibling marries the man she's secretly in love with. It is a real “Chick Flick” and enjoyable.
What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
The television page! When I am away I like to know what is going on at home, so I will look up the Buncrana notes on the internet.
What is your idea of a good night out?
I can’t really tell you about that! You will have to ask the friends I go out on the town with…
What is your idea of a great meal?
Having it cooked by someone else. Good friends, good food and good drink!
Have you a favourite TV programme?
I am a bit of a TV head. I enjoy Brothers and Sisters and Podge and Rodge…anything tacky really!
How do you relax?
What’s that? With my new job in England and coming home at weekends for the flower festival, I don’t get much chance to relax. I am partial to a bit of reflexology though in the quieter moments.
What job did you want to do when you were a child?
I either wanted to be a chef or a florist. I tried being a chef for a few years as a job but got the calling for floristry.
Where would you like to go for your holidays?
I would like to go to a secluded beach in the sun. It would have a swimming pool, with fresh water, not salty. I would like total isolation with no phone, for at least 5 days. That’s not too much to ask is it?
Your idea of heaven?
Loreto House. It’s magical at any time of the day.
Your idea of hell?
Teaching 16 –17 year olds the art of floristry!
What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
Alan Carr the stand up comedian would be my first choice for a fun evening.
Favourite animal?
That would have to be my dog, Willow. He is an adorable six year old whippet.
Biggest fear?
Losing someone very dear.
Biggest thrill?
The day I passed my National Diploma in Floristry.
The world’s most irritating invention?
The plastic bag. They are a hassle and cause loads of environmental problems.
Personal philosophy?
When I die, I don’t want to dwindle away. I want to be sideways in the coffin with a glass of champagne in one hand, strawberries in the other and shouting Whoo Hoo, what a ride!!
What is your idea of a good night in?
Spaghetti bolognaise, rosé wine and a tub of Haagen-Dazs ice cream!
Biggest disappointment?
I think that would be taking so long to achieve what I have; I have gone around the houses a bit! I realise that this is a bonus though.
Which period in history would you most like to have lived through?
The Roman Empire, I like the theatrical feel to it and the style of clothes. They appeared to live a life of pure debauchery. Wine, wine and more wine…..!
World’s most useful invention?
The wheel. The flower festival wouldn’t be happening without it!
Any last words?
Funny you should ask… We need people to take part in the gardening competition at the festival. Anyone interested can ring me at Loreto House.
`
WISDOM OF THE WORLD WEEK - 15 FOCUSING POWER
In ancient China, a teacher, K’ung Fu-tse, and his followers were on their way to the state of Ch’u. As they emerged from a forest, they came upon a hunchback catching cicadas (winged insects) on the end of a stick as they flew by. “How skilful!” exclaimed the master, stopping to watch. “ Sir, what is your method?”
“At first,” the man answered, “I practised balancing pellets on this stick. After five or six months, I could handle two until they never fell down. Then I failed with only a few of the insects. I went on to three pellets. After that, I only missed one cicada in ten. By the time I could manipulate five pellets, I was catching cicadas without effort.
“When I focus my attention, my body becomes no more than a stump, and my arm the branch of a tree. Heaven and earth are great, and the ten thousand things multiply around me – but I pay no attention to them, only to the wings of the cicadas. My mind does not waver; my body maintains its balance. With such an attitude, how can I fail?”
K’ung Fe-tse turned and said to his disciples, “Remember the saying of old: ‘When one’s will is not distracted, one’s power is increased.’ How well this gentleman demonstrated the truth of that today!”
“At first,” the man answered, “I practised balancing pellets on this stick. After five or six months, I could handle two until they never fell down. Then I failed with only a few of the insects. I went on to three pellets. After that, I only missed one cicada in ten. By the time I could manipulate five pellets, I was catching cicadas without effort.
“When I focus my attention, my body becomes no more than a stump, and my arm the branch of a tree. Heaven and earth are great, and the ten thousand things multiply around me – but I pay no attention to them, only to the wings of the cicadas. My mind does not waver; my body maintains its balance. With such an attitude, how can I fail?”
K’ung Fe-tse turned and said to his disciples, “Remember the saying of old: ‘When one’s will is not distracted, one’s power is increased.’ How well this gentleman demonstrated the truth of that today!”
“No horse gets anywhere until he is harnessed. No steam or gas ever drives anything until it is confined. No Niagra is ever turned into light and power until it is tunnelled. No life ever grows great until it is focused, dedicated, disciplined”
Harry Emerson Fosdick (1878-1969) American Theologian
Monday, April 21, 2008
WISDOM OF THE WORLD WEEK 14 - BUILDING HOUSE
There was a skilled master carpenter who built strong, beautifully finished houses for his employer. His work was renowned throughout the land for its quality. He built with love and patience working painstakingly on all details. However he was nearing his retirement and looking forward to putting his working life behind him. His employer came to him one day and said, “I need you to build one more house for me before you retire”.
The master carpenter started the work but somehow he didn’t feel his usual pride in the work. The site for the home was beautiful; near woods and streams and rich land and resentment started to build up in him. All those years he had been building for others, never having the time or money for his own projects. This time he didn’t use such quality wood, he was careless with the building and didn’t bother about the details. When he had finished the house looked OK but the carpenter knew of the cut corners and shabby workmanship and didn’t care.
He handed over the keys to his employer and was surprised to see all his friends and colleagues there. The employer handed the keys back, “This house is for you for your retirement.” The carpenter realised that his resentment and bitterness had only hurt himself.
The master carpenter started the work but somehow he didn’t feel his usual pride in the work. The site for the home was beautiful; near woods and streams and rich land and resentment started to build up in him. All those years he had been building for others, never having the time or money for his own projects. This time he didn’t use such quality wood, he was careless with the building and didn’t bother about the details. When he had finished the house looked OK but the carpenter knew of the cut corners and shabby workmanship and didn’t care.
He handed over the keys to his employer and was surprised to see all his friends and colleagues there. The employer handed the keys back, “This house is for you for your retirement.” The carpenter realised that his resentment and bitterness had only hurt himself.
REDUCING YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT
“One of the big incentives for moving over to Bio-ethanol fuel is a 50 per cent reduction in VRT, saving you up to €5700 euro on a Saab. The other is the price per litre.” Jeremy Carr –Mulroy Motors
“Everyone loves a wood fire; it really turns a house into a home. Modern wood pellet boilers offer the warmth and comfort of wood heating and are highly efficient, clean burning and totally automatic, saving you time and money”. Darren Collins- Evergreen
“Solar panels can save you up to 70% on your domestic hot water and 30% on overall heating costs”. Chris Maasson.
“Everyone loves a wood fire; it really turns a house into a home. Modern wood pellet boilers offer the warmth and comfort of wood heating and are highly efficient, clean burning and totally automatic, saving you time and money”. Darren Collins- Evergreen
“Solar panels can save you up to 70% on your domestic hot water and 30% on overall heating costs”. Chris Maasson.
ECO SUPPLIERS IN THE NORTH WEST (AD FOR THE INISHOWEN INDEPENDENT)
Until recently, finding suppliers of sustainable energy products such as solar panels and wind turbines meant travelling miles or even venturing into Europe. Thankfully now we can find all the eco-products we need in Inishowen and the North West, saving us valuable time and money.
Until recently, finding suppliers of sustainable energy products such as solar panels and wind turbines meant travelling miles or even venturing into Europe. Thankfully now we can find all the eco-products we need in Inishowen and the North West, saving us valuable time and money.
Insulation
Patrick Doherty from Insulation Services has been keeping local homes warm for thirty years and knows a few things about insulation. His company caters for both old and new properties. “New houses benefit from cavity wall insulation,” says Patrick. “Older houses might need damp proofing” As well as individual projects, Insulation Services also work for the Education and Health Authorities and have ten million pound sterling public and product liability, which gives the customer total peace of mind. Patrick and his team also treat timber problems ranging from eradicating dry rot to timber preservation.
Wood pellet boilers
Have you ever thought of installing a wood pellet boiler? Maybe now would be the time to make a decision, as there is still time to avail of the grants that are available for homeowners to save money on eco products.
Wood burning is clean, energy efficient and does not contribute to global warming. The boilers are over 25% more efficient than domestic oil and can cost up to 50% less to operate. EirTherm Ltd based in Carrigans, are agents for HERZ wood pellet and wood chip boilers locally and they can provide the complete range of biomass boilers.
Why choose wood?
Wood is environmentally friendly
The carbon dioxide that is released when pellets are burned is the same as the amount the tree consumed when it was growing so it does not contribute to climate change.
Easy and clean to use
Pellet boilers are lit and run automatically, and the modern pellet boilers are self-cleaning.
Safety
Good quality boilers are equipped with a number of safety features including back-burn protection against the risk of fire.
Buying a boiler
Darren Collins from the company Evergreen, based in Killygordon takes the mystery out of buying bio fuel boilers. “To calculate what type of boiler you need there is a simple mathematical calculation” he says. “Times the square footage of your house by 0.8. This will tell you what size Kilowatt boiler to go for” he says “If you have a house with 2000 feet of space then a 15-20 watt system will be ideal.” Darren tells us about the different types of wood:
What are wood pellets?
“Pellets are clean, dry fuels made from a mixture of sawdust and wood shavings. The pellets are smoke free and high in energy.
What are wood chips?
“These are fragments made up from the whole tree. It is similar to the mulch on a garden but a lot more uniform and totally dry”.
What are heat logs?
“Heat logs are like an oversized wood pellet. They are made from managed oak and mahogany.
Logs
Maassen wood log boilers differ from other solid fuel boilers because it burns normal logs. “We work on the basis that every country has the ability to grow their own fuel. This cuts down on transportation costs,” they advise. “An important fact is that timber can be stored outside on the sheltered side of a building and can be exposed to the elements and even with a 20% moisture content still burns efficiently, so no dry storage is required.”
Solar panels and wind turbines
Maassen Sustainable Energy has 25 years experience in alternative power and also do a comprehensive range of solar panels and wind turbines. “The different wind turbine systems we have can be fitted either in new build domestic, commercial or existing buildings. The domestic turbines are noise free,” says Chris Maassen. Wind turbines will play an important role in sustainable energy in the coming years and Inishowen is ideally located to make the most of the technology. “Solar panels can save you up to 70% on your domestic hot water and 30% on overall heating costs. They do not need constant sunshine to be effective and they can be linked in with the existing heating too.”
E85 Fuel
Callaghan’s Motorway stores supply the North West with the new Bio- fuel E85 made from whey or rapeseed oil. “We are seeing a sharp increase of cars using the fuel,” says Dermott Callaghan from Motorway stores. “Saab, Volvo and Ford are all doing the dual–fuel cars and it is easy to see why. The price of E85 fuel is 95 cent per litre compared to €1.25 for unleaded, this means a saving of 27 cent per litre when you drive a car that runs on Bio- fuel - a big saving over the year for the motorist!”
Bio-ethanol fuel –Saab
One of the big incentives for moving over to Bio-ethanol fuel is a 50 per cent reduction in VRT, saving you up to €5700 euro on a Saab. The other is the price per litre. Bio-ethanol fuel contains only 15% unleaded petrol, which makes the price less prone to sudden increases in the oil market.
Jeremy Carr from Mulroy Motors in Letterkenny is also very aware about the reduction in CO2 emissions “When running the Saab 9-3 or 9-5 on E85 Bio-ethanol, fossil CO2 emissions are reduced by up to 80 per cent,” he states
“There is an impressive 20 % gain in brake horse power and 16% growth in torque when the car runs on E85 compared to when running on regular petrol,” Jeremy tells us. “The car also has the ability to run purely on unleaded fuel as well. So if you are far away from a station where you can refill with E85, you will never be left stranded. Changing from one fuel to another doesn’t require any flicking of switches either, you just put the fuel in the tank and go”.
5 MINUTES WITH - SUSAN LOGUE
Susan works as a producer and heavy metal show presenter with Inishowen Community Radio. She joined the ICR team as a volunteer back in 2003 and became a fully-fledged member of staff in 2005. Susan really enjoys the busy and dynamic atmosphere in ICRfm and is loves working in the media.
Susan is currently making some documentaries for the Broadcasting Commission for Ireland (BCI) through ICR. As well as all this she is still finding time to write music and put together band reviews for an American online magazine called SIN.
Susan is currently making some documentaries for the Broadcasting Commission for Ireland (BCI) through ICR. As well as all this she is still finding time to write music and put together band reviews for an American online magazine called SIN.
What have you been downloading on your iPod?
Getting back into 'Down' at the minute, an American heavy metal supergroup. I interviewed them last month and went to see them in the Ambassador last week. They were fantastic.
What would you never throw away?
I never throw anything away, I’m a complete hoarder.
What book are you reading?
I love cheesy horror books and right now I’m reading Stephen Kings 'Rose Madder', definitely not for the faint hearted.
Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
The most recent movie I’ve seen was the new 'Rambo' and I have to admit it was fantastic!! Stallone still has it….
What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
Celebrity gossip pages every time. I research and present the celebrity gossip section on the ENTI programme here at the station on a Saturday afternoon so its a great excuse to read up on all the juicy stories during work.
What is your idea of a good night out?
A few beers in the house with friends, then out to catch some live music then back to a house party until the early hours.
Most embarrassing moment of your life?
I walked into a pole in the middle of a busy street...yes it does happen!!!
What is your idea of a great meal?
With family and friends and a nice bottle of wine..or two.
Have you a favourite TV programme?
It has to be Sopranos, one of the best television shows I’ve ever watched, my dad bought the whole series and now I’m a complete addict!
How do you relax?
With a glass of wine, or a spot of polercise, but not both at the same time…. trust me!
What job did you want to do when you were a child?
I always wanted to be a vet until I saw a cow give birth…. not pretty, and put me right off.
Where would you like to go for your holidays?
A road trip across American in a soft- top Cadillac with good friends and good tunes.
Your idea of heaven?
Getting paid to do something I love.
Your idea of hell?
Having no mobile phone and no Internet.
What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
They would all probably be my favourite musicians like Jimmy Bower, Iggy pop, Phil Anselmo, Nick Cave, Dez Farfara, Rob Zombie and Josh Todd….now that would be one hell of a dinner party!
Favourite animal?
I’ve always been a dog person.
Biggest fear?
Getting old!
Biggest thrill?
I recently abseiled 135ft for charity and I’d have to say it was a thrill and a half.
Personal philosophy?
Work hard, party harder.
What is your idea of a good night in?
A good night in would be with my boyfriend and good friends having a drink and a laugh or watching a scary movie.
Which period in history would you most like to have lived through?
Well I know what decade I’d like to have lived through and that’s the 60s for definite….I’m a hippy at heart.
World’s most useful invention?
GHD hair straightners. That’s such a girly thing to say.
Any last words?
Always
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