6th September, 2001
Notice
Board
DONAL
O'SULLIVAN - an appreciation
We are saddened by
the recent unexpected death of a great Corkman, Donal O'Sullivan
of Castletownbere and Douglas.
Big Donal made an impression on everybody who knew him. His
involvement in the Gaelic Athletic Association was immense. Born
on the 1st January 1930, he was educated in the local National
School in Ardgroom, Castletownbere, Presentation College in Cork
and UCC, where he graduated in Arts and Law, he played football
with UCC in the Sigerson Cup Competition, Captained Lees Club to
win a Cork County Championship in 1955. The following year he led
Cork to a National League title but was subsequently beaten by
Galway in the All-Ireland Final. His administration career in the
GAA dated back to the 1950's. He was Chairman of the County Board
in 1976, 1977 and 1978, and also Chairman of the Munster Council
from 1980 to 1983.
Outside the GAA world he was also a prominent figure - a
programme manager with the Southern Health Board. He was Managing
Director of "O'Sullivans Pharmacy's" throughout the
City.
Locally, he was a member of the Douglas Rotary Club was President
of that club in 1977. He was responsible for some major
activities within the Club, which facilitated the Douglas
Community.
Donal is survived by his gentle wife Kathleen, his five daughters
and three sons to whom I extend my sincere sympathies. He will
greatly missed.
Ar Dheis De Go Raibh A Anam
Tom Monaghan
HOPE'S EVENING OF FASHION
Broadcaster, Neil Prendeville from 96FM, has graciously agreed to
compere an 'Evening of Fashion¹ in aid of the EW HOPE Foundation.
The Bohemian in Douglas Village is the venue for what will be a
major style extravaganza which takes place on Monday September 17th.
Martine Gannon, of the Bohemian, is hosting the event which will
feature the best in fashion for both men and women. Tickets are
available from the Bohemian or from the Hope Foundation on 021
4278080.
The fashion has been selected by Clodagh Shorten of Samui on
Drawbridge Street and Eddie Mullins of FitzGerald¹s Menswear.
The Evening of Fashion will also feature Image Consultant, Anita
Hegarty and a make-up demonstration by MAC Cosmetics.
The Edith Wilkins Hope Foundation was established in 1999 and
concentrates on the development of long-term care facilities for
street children and people living in difficult circumstances,
primarily in Calcutta. Earlier this year the charity mobilised
all of its resources to help in the aftermath of the horrific
earthquake which destroyed the city of Gujarat in Eastern India.
So for an evening of fun and fashion, for a very good cause, book
now - as tickets are strictly limited.
NOTICE BOARD
A Swimming club which will be held at 9.30pm.every Thursday from
mid. September in the An Toys Wanted
Used (in good condition) or new for playgroup catering for
autistic children. Toys can be brought to the office of
The Cork Association for Autism 61 Oliver Plunket St. Cork Or
contact Colleen @ 087 9611269 / Liz @ 021 4271808 Hope Project,
St Joseph, Ballinabearna, Ballinhassig, 021 488503
Mini-Marathon
Cork Simon Community are appealing to Cork women to take part in
the ladies Mini-Marathon and raise sponsorship to provide
services to homeless people in Cork. The Mini-Marathon takes
place on Sunday 16th September.
If you would like to help Cork Simon Community by raising
sponsorship pleas call Enda ' 021 4301472 or call into the Cork
Simon Shop on the North Main Street for a sponsorship card.
CLLR. DEIRDRE FORDE
Readers, this week there are two particular issues, which have
caused considerable concern for people. The first: Building
Developments. I have had complaints from Douglas, Passage West
and Carrigaline, regarding the dust, muck, debris and general
disruption in the vicinity of such developments. When the rain
comes the dust problem is solved but the muck is carried out on
roads and sometimes through housing estates.
Generally people understand that we must have development and
progress. Strong sustained economic growth for our area will keep
business / commercial interests thriving with subsequent choice
and availability in the area of jobs; leisure and improvement
infrastructure and environment. However, I would appeal to
Builders / Developers to bear in mind that they have an
obligation to operate to a high standard and to actively try to
minimise disruption to residents in the vicinity. May I also
remind them that generally it is part of their planning condition
to have wheel-washing facilities on site. Council Engineer /
Staff who continually have to call to such developments at the
behest of Residents and Councillors wastes a lot of time,
Cork Airport
Let us be very aware that South Cork has many strategic assets
which are and will be vital to the continued growth of the region
i.e. U.C.C.; C.I.T; Ringaskiddy; and last but not least Cork
Airport. All of these play their part in making our region as
one, which has much to offer Entrepreneur and Visitor alike. I
note that Aer Rianta has decided to go ahead with expansion plans
for Cork and that the planning Application is to go in to Council
this very week.
It is only right to be vigilant in the spending of public money
and the recent Regulator's Report must not be discarded lightly.
However, we can all see the improvements over the last few years
at Cork Airport thanks to sustained commitment by management and
Staff.
In addition the development of the adjacent Airport Business Park
and great Southern Hotel reflect market confidence. We are,
nonetheless, in a very competitive world and efforts must now be
redoubled to ensure that Cork Airport not alone holds its' place
strategically for the Cork Region and for us here it' the wider
Douglas Area but can face the future with confidence and pride. I
was somewhat disappointed that the Draft Final Report of the Cork
Area Strategic Plan merely states under Strategic Guidance;
Airport - Measures to improve the range and quality of air
services at Cork Airport should be supported. Road and Public
transport access to the airport should be improved I believe a
stronger and more definitive statement of the present and
potential value of this asset should have been articulated. We
must be united in protecting and promoting growth for this piece
of 'Cork Silver'
Cllr. Deirdre Forde
HAIR REMOVAL IN A FLASH
Put an end to the slow, messy and painful methods
of hair removal. Shaving, waxing, tweezing, depilation and smelly
hair removal cream have been replaced by hair removal in a flash.
The Ellipse System uses safe visible light emitted from a
flashlamp to remove unwanted hair from all body sites in minutes.
How does the Ellipse Treatment work?
The visible light from the flashlamp is guided via a glass prism
to the hairy area. Hair contain pigment (melanin) that absorbs
the light and converts it into heat. This heat is led through the
hair into the hair follicle which is then destroyed and rendered
unable to produce a new hair. To ensure optimal light
transmission to the hair a thin layer of gel (similar to that
used in ultrasound examinations) is applied to the skin. The hand
held applicator is then slid over the entire treatment area by
moving it exactly one width after each flash of light.
Can all hairs be treated?
As the treatment relies on absorption of light in the hair
pigment, melanin, the most efficient treatment is seen with dark
hair. The lighter the skin the more effective the separation is
between hair and skin colour making treatment easier. However,
the unique software of the Ellipse System has pre-programmed
settings for different hair and skin colours that adjust the
energy output accordingly.
How long does an Ellipse treatment take?
The glass prism of the Ellipse applicator which guides the light
to the skin is 1 cm by 5 cm so a large number of hairs can be
targeted with one flash of light. A facial treatment takes around
20 minutes where as a back or both legs take 60-120 minutes.
Does it hurt?
No anaesthetics are required and most people describe the
sensation as similar to that of a rubber band snapping lightly
onto the skin.
Do I need to take special precautions before and after treatment?
The light is completely safe, visible light so no special
precautions are needed. However, it is important not to remove
hair by epilation or waxing 4 weeks prior to treatment to ensure
that as many hair follicles as possible contain a hair and thus
can be destroyed by the light. Since tanning takes place by the
accumulation of pigment (melanin) in the skin it is important to
avoid tanning before and during the treatment sessions. Otherwise
the skin will also absorb the heat which makes treatment less
effective. Generally no post-treatment is necessary but people
with very sensitive skin may benefit from using a soothing cream
for a few days. It is also recommended to limit sun exposure and
to use sun screen (SPIFF 20) for a few
weeks following treatment.
How many Ellipse treatments do I need?
Hair growth is cyclical as hair follicles go through resting and
growing phases. Only follicles in the growth phase contain hair
and are destroyed by the heat. Resting hair follicles need to
enter the growth phase before they can be destroyed by the
Ellipse treatment. It is therefore necessary to repeat the
treatment at intervals until all hair follicles have been through
the growth phase. The length and timing of the growth cycles are
affected by numerous factors such as body site, hair density,
thickness, ethnic origin, hormonal status and age. Usually 3-6
treatments are needed and the intervals between treatments are
typically 1-3 months.
For your free consultation, phone Laura at Advanced Laser Light
on 021-4961266.
NOTICE BOARD
Douglas Library
" The Rehabilitation of the Tramore River System &
Creation of a Linear Park for Douglas". John O'Keeffe
presents a slide show and talk. He works in the Department of the
Marine and Natural Resources and is a former resident of Douglas.
Douglas Library tonight Thurs 6th Sept.at 7.00pm
Gramophone Circle
"Music of Our Native Land"
Eddie Hogan hosts a journey through our musical heritage
featuring Irish composers, singers and songs. Douglas Library Fri.
7th Sept at 11.00 a.m.
Girls Soccer
Street Leagues. Starting Sunday 16th September
At Douglas Hall grounds, Moneygourney, Maryborough Hill
6 - 8 years 9am to 10am / 9 - 10 years10am to 11am
11 -12 years 11am to 12pm
Nora
Herlihy - Patron Saint of the Credit Union?
Part 3
by George Thompson
While teaching in Dublin, Nora had seen the
devastating effects of unemployment, emigration, malnutrition,
sickness and poor housing.
She became disturbed by the affect moneylenders had on the poor
and that of the ‘gombeen men’ in the deprived areas of
the city. Nora, had seen the same unemployment and emigration
back in her native Ballydesmond and resolved to tackle the matter.
Every day Nora saw in the faces that sat before her, victims of
this poverty and strain, exploitation by moneylenders and
financial institutions alike, which strained marriages and homes
while stripping families of their dignity. While also aware that
these problems weren’t confined to Dublin alone, she
concentrated on identifying a system which would give people
control of their own resources, enabling them to respond to needs
within the community thus eliminating the risk of manipulation by
ruthless sources from outside their neighbourhood.
A new approach was needed, an organisation was needed to help
people gain control of their financial affairs. It wasn’t
just the poor of the time who suffered but, a large cross section
of community who were under the spell of the con-men and money
lenders. Having weighed up the options Nora realised there was a
way, a co-operative way.
Nora continued her studies into the situation, learning many
different approaches to the management of money but, it was the
activities and methods of the co-operative movement that
attracted her attention. As her search continued, her came into
contact with more and more people who were affected by the events
and equally determined to find a solution, these included parents
of her pupils and colleagues. At university she met Tomas O’Hogain
who invited her to a meeting where Seamus MacEoin read a paper on
the ‘Co-operative Movement - Origins and Principles’.
At the meeting Nora was more than surprised to be proposed as
chairperson but after much persuasion she accepted. This meeting
was to pave the way to the setting up of the ‘Dublin Central
Co-operative Society Ltd.’ The first meeting of the
organising committee took place in Moran’s Hotel on Talbot
Street, Dublin on March 6th 1954 and the gathering included Tomas
O’Hogain, Seamus MacEoin and Nora Herlihy. At the meeting
Nora agreed to be secretary and in that position she learned the
routine operations in the setting up of a society.
WATCH OUT FOR INSURANCE COVER!!
By Josephine O’Herlihy Solicitor.
To have adequate Insurance Cover is extremely important for all
no matter what the circumstances but be careful! Firstly make
sure you have disclosed all material facts to your Insurance
Company and Broker and secondly make sure you are insured for
what you think you are insured.
Proposal Forms for Life Policies look quite simple with boxes to
be ticked in answer to various questions. However one has to be
extremely honest in the information one is giving because if
there is any doubt or material matters are not disclosed, the
Insurance Company can refuse to pay out on the Policy in the
event of death. The principle of utmost good faith applies and be
aware of the fact that the Insurance Company is relying on the
information to assess the risk and therefore is quite entitled
not to pay out on the Policy if false information or misleading
information is furnished.
Always check to ensure that what you think is being covered by
your Policy is actually what is being covered. Are the contents
of your home adequately insured? One instance which came to my
attention recently was a person who was of the opinion that she
had insured her property against fire and theft but due to the
fact that a tenant residing in her property had stolen goods from
her property, the Insurance Company refused to pay out on the
grounds that it was not breaking and entering i.e. the person had
a key!
There are numerous Policies in existence concerning health for
example Permanent Health Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance
and others. Again see exactly what is covered by your Policy and
in some instances you may not need as much cover or you might
find your cover is quite inadequate.
So when it comes to Insurance Policies always ensure that you are
absolutely honest in the information you furnish your Insurance
Broker and if in doubt say so, even if this results in queries
being raised by the Insurance Company and a little delay. There
is little point in continuing to pay premiums on Insurance
Policies and then find one is entitled to nothing when disaster
strikes.
Policies of Insurance should be reviewed annually to take into
account both changing personal circumstances and changes in
economic circumstances. There is no point in shutting the stable
door when the horse has bolted.
For further information please phone 021-4966166.
THE DUNDANION SINGERS
A choral group (Ladies) based in Blackrock, have some vaccancies in all lines and will be pleased to hear from anyone interested in singing. Rehearsals are every Wednesday 8pm - 10pm at the Community Centre. Convent Road Blackrock ( near Pier Head Bar). The musical director and conductor is Terry McCarthy. If you're interested in singing or just looking for a social outlet why not contact Mary at 021 4371277.
AN AMERICAN WRITES ...
In buying a caravan I was realising my dream of
living as close to nature us possible without getting wet or cold.
Just enough comforts to keep the body happy. Most people say, but
what do you do those days it rains? Catch up on your reading of
course. In the course of packing I decided on two luxuries - my
teapot and cosy and American bourbon for those stormy days (and
nights;).
Driving my car, I was passing the Cork border into Kerry, when
unexpectedly shot into sight was the little-grey unicorn rearing
up a top the hill, muscular and magnificent. My heart leapt at
the sight of the beautiful animal, recalling ancient days when
they reputedly roamed the mountains and the mists. Are the Irish
the only people to adorn their roads with artistic statues and
stones? If so, it shows just another segment of the Irish genius.
Having arrived and settled into my red, I was awakened in the
middle of the night by loud scratching sounds over my head. I was
a little frightened; it was only the crows walking on the top of
the caravan, come to check out their new neighbour.
'Camp', outside Castlegregory Co. Kerry, has its own rhythm. It's
the rhythm of the mountains, the wind, the sea and the beaches.
At night you can hear the waves rolling in, trying to come into
where you are.
It's a hot Sunday afternoon. The cat is flaked out on my lap with
one front paw extended to fend off any intruders she might see in
her dreams. I've had another cup of tea; the dog has fallen
asleep at my feet. The butterflies are fluttering around the
honeysuckle, which is in bloom at the back of the caravan. Like
the butterfly I need the warmth of the sun on my wings to help
keep me flying.
Ancient are the summer days,
With haze and green,
Sunlight frozen on the leaves
And fragrant dreams.
Dana Forbes
(Director Douglas School of Music)
BELIEVE IT OR NOT
(Last year Ger. O'Regan gave us some
great accounts of world War 11 plane crashes, now he has sent us
two more equally interesting stories. Read both of them - there
is a twist)
World War II produced many heroes. One such man was Lieutenant
Commander Butch O'Hare. He was a fighter pilot assigned to an
aircraft carrier Lexington in the South Pacific. One day his
entire squadron was sent on a mission. After he was airborne, he
looked at his fuel gauge and realised that someone had forgotten
to top off his fuel tank. He would not have enough fuel to
complete his mission and get back to his ship. His flight leader
told him to return to the carrier. Reluctantly he dropped out of
formation and headed back to the fleet.
As he was returning to the mother ship, he saw something that
turned his blood cold. A squadron of Japanese bombers were
speeding their way toward the American fleet. The American
fighters were gone on a sortie and the fleet was all but
defenceless. He couldn't reach his squadron and bring them back
in time to save the fleet. Nor, could he warn the fleet of the
approaching danger. There was only one thing to do. He must
somehow divert them from the fleet. Laying aside all thoughts of
personal safety, he dove into the formation of Japanese planes.
Wing-mounted 50 calibre's blazed as he charged in, attacking one
surprised enemy plane and then another. Butch weaved in and out
of the now broken formation and fired at as many planes as
possible until finally all his ammunition was spent.
Undaunted, he continued the assault. He dove at the planes,
trying to at least clip off a wing or tail, in hopes of damaging
as many enemy planes as possible and rendering them unfit to fly.
He was desperate to do anything he could to keep them from
reaching the American ships.
Finally, the exasperated Japanese squadron took off in another
direction. Deeply relieved, Butch O'Hare and his tattered fighter
limped back to the carrier. Upon arrival he reported in and
related the event surrounding his return. The film from the
camera mounted on his plane told the tale. It showed the extent
of Butch's daring attempt to protect his fleet. He had destroyed
five enemy bombers. That was on February 20, 1942, and for that
action he became the Navy's first Ace of WWII and the first Naval
Aviator to win the Congressional Medal of Honour. A
Year later he was killed in aerial combat at the age of 29. His
hometown would not allow the memory of that heroic action die.
And today, O'Hare Airport in Chicago is named in tribute to the
courage of this great man. So the next time you're in O'Hare,
visit his memorial with
His statue and Medal of Honour. It is located between terminal 1
and 2.
Story number two:
Some years earlier there was a man in Chicago called Easy Eddie.
At that time, Al Capone virtually owned the city. Capone wasn't
famous for anything heroic. His exploits were anything but
praiseworthy. He was, however, notorious for enmeshing the city
of Chicago in everything from bootlegged booze and prostitution
to murder. Easy Eddie was Capone's lawyer and for a good reason.
He was very good! In fact, his skill at legal manoeuvring kept
Big Al out of jail for a long time. To show his appreciation,
Capone paid him very well. Not only was the money big; Eddie got
special dividends. For instance, he and his family occupied a
fenced-in mansion with live-in help and all of the conveniences
of the day. The estate was so large that it filled an entire
Chicago City block. Yes, Eddie lived the high life of the Chicago
mob and gave little consideration to the atrocity that went on
around him. Eddy did have one soft spot, however. He had a son
that he loved dearly. Eddy saw to it that his young son had the
best of everything; clothes, cars, and a good education. Nothing
was withheld. Price was no object.
And, despite his involvement with organised crime, Eddie even
tried to teach him right from wrong. Yes, Eddie tried to teach
his son to rise above his own sordid life. He wanted him to be a
better man than he was. Yet, with all his wealth and influence,
there were two things that Eddie couldn't give his son. Two
things that Eddie sacrificed to the Capone mob that he could not
pass on to his beloved son: a good name and a good example. One
day, Easy Eddie reached a difficult decision. Offering his son a
good name was far more important than all the riches he could
lavish on him. He had to rectify all the wrong that he had done.
He would go to the authorities and tell the truth about Scar-face
Al Capone. He would try to clean up his tarnished name and offer
his son some semblance of integrity. To do this he must testify
against The Mob, and he knew that the cost would be great. But
more than anything, he wanted to be an example to his son. He
wanted to do his best to make restoration and hopefully have a
good name to leave his son. So, he testified. Within the year,
Easy Eddie's life ended in a blaze of gunfire on a lonely Chicago
street. He had given his son the greatest gift he had to offer at
the greatest price he would ever pay. What do these two stories
have to do with one another?
Butch O'Hare was Easy Eddie's son.
DOUGLAS READING CIRCLE
Douglas Reading Circle will hold its first
meeting of the Autumn season on Wednesday September 12th at 11.00
am. in Douglas Library.
If you like reading and discussing books, or simply want to meet
like-minded people, you are very welcome to come along.
Admission is free, and new members are welcome.
NOTICE BOARD
A House & Home Exhibition is being held at
the City Hall this weekend the 7th ,8th and 9th.
Found Bassett Hound Tel; Animal Care Society 4545981
Carrigaline ICA
Thurs 6th Sept. Meeting. Speaker on interior-design- Community
Complex@8.30
Mon. Sept.10th in the Day-Care Centre @ 8pm. Patchwork and mixed
crafts.
Sat. Sept 15th Patchwork Day with Emer Fahy.. In the Day-Care
Centre. 10am-4pm
Mon Sept.24th Work-night 8pm -10pm
DOUGLAS TIDY TOWNS
This weeks test car is the all new Honda Civic
courtesy of Terry Murphy at Rochestown Auto Centre.Dear Michael,
I am glad to report that we have received an Invitation to attend
at Dublin Castle for the unveiling of the Tidy Towns competition
results on Monday next 10th September 2001.
I hope that Douglas Village will get some mention in the first
entrant category, however all will be revealed on Tuesday 8.30pm
at the Rochestown Park Hotel (11th September 2001). Please attend
as everyone is welcome.
I would ask on behalf of our committee that any person who would
like to get involved to let us know on Tuesday next, also you are
most welcome to join us in the Street Sweep every Saturday at the
community centre (10.30 am to 12.30pm)
I would lIke on behalf of the Douglas Tidy Town’s committee
to thank our many sponsors who have contributed financially over
the past number of months.
Hope to meet with you all next Tuesday 11th September 2001.
Is mise le meas
Sean O’Riordan , Chairman,
Douglas Tidy Towns Committee
THE HISTORY OF DOUGLAS by Con Foley
Part 55 - EDUCATION ON THE MOVE
This is, as least, literally true of the schools in Douglas for,
in the space of roughly one hundred years, the boys' school has
been moved four times, the girls' three times, while the Church
of Ireland has moved "next door" as one might say, to
its present new location.
At first, the Catholic Boys' and Girl' Schools were situated ma
two roomed building where Morris House now stands. The Morris
family used to carry on the business of fireplace and headstone
manufacture on this site. Some years ago when the business was
still in operation, Mr. Morris was making some alterations; he
came upon the floor of the school during his excavations. This
floor he has preserved and sealed. The first teachers were
Michael Foley and Mary Anne Hogan as recorded in 1838. The
available school records date from 1856. Some light on the school
situation, as then existed, is given by the Inspector, John E.
Sheridan, during his periodic visits.
From 6 July 1863. "The school is quite too small. I beg to
suggest to the manager to throw the two rooms into one for the
boys' school and to build a new school for the girls."
This building was irrespectfully known to its pupils as "Jackson's
Shed!" It must be made clear however that, to these children
the word "shed" could connote a kind of large room, as
for instance the darning shed in the mill, where many of their
parents worked. A Michael Byrne was in charge of the boys' school
and Mary Anne Hogan in the girls.'
Another site was found for the boys at the foot of Carr's Hill.
While this school was being built, the boys were temporarily
housed in another 'shed' in Ravensdale where the old scutching
mill was. In 1898 the boys moved to their new school. The fourth
and last move was made in 1965 to the modern school at the foot
of Donnybrook Hill.
The girls moved to the school near the church. In latter years
this proved too small to accommodate all the pupils so, the
senior classes occupied the school formerly occupied by the boys
on Carr's Hill. The girls' school is located just behind the
boys' school.
St. Luke's National School, as mentioned in the beginning, was
moved "next door." The original school, a two storey
building, stands at the corner facing St.Columba's Church. The
teacher occupied the lower rooms. A Michael Stewart was the
teacher in charge of 45 pupils. He was succeeded by Samuel Baker
the family who lived in Revensdale, just across from
St. Luke's School.
Continued next week
MOTORING MOMENTS
Richard Noble, world land speed record holder -
633-47 mph. 19893 to 1998 has built a new car to go super sonic
743mph. Recent interview " You're holding the steering wheel
between finger and thumb up to 350mpn the car is sliding so you
have an awful job just trying to keep it straight. About 350 the
large rear fin becomes aerodynamically dominant and I'll just be
making corrections of a few inches either way to keep on the
centre line. After 350 the car becomes more and more stable and
by 600 it's rock steady. Corrections here are very minute, as
there will be just a quarter of a percent dynamic unevenness in
the car. 550 to 600 gets really exciting because you can see
shock waves building up on the front. The driver inside the cone
is the only one who will not hear the sonic boom.
Dan Dempsey's 24 hour rescue & Recovery, Kinsale 086-8217777
MUSIC REVIEW by Aoife Barry
'Break The Cycle' - Staind
While we're swept away by the current wave of nu-metal bands,
it's hard to feel that all is not lost, that soon Fred Durst and
his red-capped comrades will be permeating the very core of our
society as we know it, leaving everyone shouting " Rollin',
rollin', rollin' " and screaming about their 'ge- ge-
generation'. And if all the hype about Staind is to be true, then
we have in our midst a new band to spread the 'Word according to
Durst' to disaffected youths everywhere. But on my first
listening of this album, I got a distinct sense of deja vu, a
feeling that it had all been well and truly done before - from
the Limp Bizkit-like riffs ('Open Your Eyes') to the vocals that
smelled ominously of Creed, ('It's Been Awhile') I wondered
whether I was about to listen to something that was, despite
being the band’s third album, just the same as everything
else doing the rounds on MTV at the moment.
In fact, while I wasn't far off in some of my early assumptions,
I was rather premature in thinking that Staind are like a new
Limp Bizkit - rather, if the truth be told, they are the band
that Limp Bizkit could never be, with Aaron Lewis the frontman
Fred Durst could only dream of being, a talented musician with a
distinct sense of suffering, albeit lacking some of the
'charisma' good ol' Fred has by the bucketload. Papa Roach,
Linkin Park, Silverchair - the comparisons have to be drawn, the
similarities meted out, but Staind are like the elderly
Grandfather, Durst the unruly younger brother to these groups -
what Linkin Park are doing now, Lewis did years ago - Staind have
been there, done that, bought the ubiquitous black t-shirt. Songs
such as 'Pressure' and 'Fade' tell of darker days, broken
relationships and a distinct sense of self and familial loathing,
while 'It's Been Awhile' and 'Epiphany' reveal Aaron Lewis'
tender side, a side that Durst, well, never quite shows.
Staind are like the voice of a jilted generation, with 'Change',
featuring the line 'Keep it all down, bottled inside', and
'Suffer', boldly exclaiming 'the television is feeding you'
conjuring up images of screwed-up, gun-toting kids in American
high schools. But Staind definitely prove their worth with the
lyrics to the song 'Take It', which, while it is a bit too much
like a Papa Roach/silverchair hybrid for my liking, is lyrically
like an Oprah manual for teenagers - ' try to make it through the
daily pain you feel/maybe tomorrow won't be so bad', proving that
unlike some of their peers, Staind write with feeling (man), even
if their producer has coined such witty lines as 'skin your ass
raw with a chainsaw'!
All in all, it is a good effort, with 'Outside' being one of the
standout tracks worthy of further attention. And any band that
can have such honest, caustic and angry lyrics and not sound like
they're whining is worth getting into, by my standards. Original
- perhaps not, but interesting - most definitely. And not a red
New Era cap in sight - now that's a cause for celebration!
7/10 - Buy It! (or borrow it from your kid brother!)
MUSIC NEWS
Marilyn Manson's concert at the Point has been cancelled!
Apparently the company filming the show for DVD pulled out,
causing Manson to pull out also. Ah, well, maybe next year!..................Radiohead
play The Odyssey Arena, Belfast on wednesday 12th Sept - but
there's no sign yet of a concert in Cork or Dublin. Altogether
now - "Please, Thom, we love you!".............Mercury
Rev play the Savoy (yippee!) on October 2nd, they'll be plugging
their 'All is Dream' album..............critics favourites The
Strokes courted publicity recently when their album was banned
from Woolworths in the UK because of the cover of their new
album, 'Is This It?' featuring a leather-gloved hand poised on
the behind of a faceless model. A music store in Rathmines also
had it's windows smashed when it hung giant posters of said album
sleeve up - The Strokes have since offered to pay for any damages!
As they say, any publicity is good publicity, and sales of the
album are soaring.............Uk boyband Blue are hoping to get
to number one in the Uk with their cover of R'n'B band Next's
song 'Too Close'.........and finally, Samantha Mumba insists
she's not a 'horrible diva cow - aprés the sacking of not one
but three of her stylists - now that's showbiz for ya!
GAEL-TACA
Gael-Taca, the Cork based Irish Language
Marketing Organisation, has written to the Ulster Bank to thank
them for giving an honoured place to the Irish Language in the
new branch in Douglas.
Both the Irish and English names are of equal size. Gael-Taca has
always stressed the importance of the visibility of the Irish
Language. It is most important that school children see the Irish
Language in use outside the school that makes it a real language
for them.
It is noted that a considerable number of marks are awarded for
Irish Language signage in the various 'Tidy Towns Competitions'
organised throughout the country.
Fortunately, there are several other premises in Douglas showing
Irish Language signs and that includes three public houses.
Hopefully there will be many more.
It should also be noted that visitors who come to this country do
not wish to find here another England or America. It is the
'Irishness of Ireland' that is our most important asset and the
Irish Language is the most important part of that Irishness.
Hopefully many other businesses in Douglas will follow the
example of Banc Uladh.This weeks test car is the all new Honda
Civic courtesy of Terry Murp
