20th September, 2001
Notice
Board
BLUESOLOGY
(From time to time
The Douglas Weekly has published snippets from articles sent to
us by the American Blues artist 'Big Daddy', which we normally
abbreviate under the title 'Bluesology'. This week 'Big Daddy'
and his band 'Red Hot Java' have had this to say):
"Like all Americans, and most people around the globe,
"Big Daddy & Red Hot Java" is struggling to deal
with the horrendous events of Tuesday. Many of us know people
directly affected. A complete sense of disbelief and numbness has
been followed by incredible sadness, and now a tremendous resolve.
For those of us living outside the New York and Washington D.C.
area, we are temporarily limited in ways to immediately respond;
pray, give blood, and support each other through the most
significant moment of our lifetime. We must try to maintain a
level of normalcy as anything less will add to the chaos already
created. It is in this light that "Big Daddy & Red Hot
Java" will perform this weekend at Harry A's on St. George
Island, Florida. This is not to escape the reality of the moment,
but to challenge it. You can be sure that with each second our
community spirit is tempered by this tragedy, with each minute
our conviction is strengthened to unbreakable, with each hour our
focus becomes sharper, and with each day the huge endeavour at
hand will be tackled bit by bit, piece by piece, until complete.
For those responsible for this death and destruction, our unified
response will be decisive. May God bless our efforts. Wishing
each of you the very best in this most trying time. -Big Daddy
MUSIC REVIEW by Aoife Barry
‘The Ecleftic’ Wyclef Jean
An Haitian-born ex-refugee, Wyclef Jean has had a rather
colourful life so far, from his rapping with cult hip-hop outfit
the Fugees through to his remarkably successful solo career and
simultaneous production efforts. With ‘The Ecleftic’,
Wyclef attempts to not only document his life so far, but lay
bare his strong opinions on life as it is today, roping in fellow
musicians such as Earth, Wind and Fire, Youssou N’dour and
Melky Sedeck to help finish off the job. Never one to shy away
from the spotlight and certainly not a character in any way
lacking in self-esteem, the lyrics throughout are, in the least,
opinionated, at times bitter (‘Where Fugees at?’),
angry, lovelorn, occasionally well meaning and humorous.
Lyrically deft he may be, capable of crafting songs that hit
their point home with a swift back spin, but one ultimately ends
up questioning the motives behind some of his more ‘honest’
moments. ‘Where Fugees At?’ is indeed one of these,
with Wyclef asking Pras and Lauren, his former bandmates, to
contact him, in a song which leaves us wondering exactly why he
would want the world to hear about the shaky relations that exist
between the trio that sang ‘Killing Me Softly’ . Former
singles ‘911’, ‘It Doesn’t Matter’ and
‘Perfect Gentleman’ were quite obviously destined to be
Radio Friendly Unit Shifters, but the remaining tunes leave me
quite cold – with very few exceptions. ‘Kenny Rogers
Pharoahe Monch Dub Plate’ and ‘Whitney Houston Dub
Plate’ are too such examples of Wyclefs penchant for
attempting to use other people’s records to score the hits,
but fail dismally at this, instead leaving the listener wondering
exactly why we need to hear a (remarkably husky…) Whitney
Houston singing an acoustic version of ‘My Love Is Your Love’.
Just because Wyclef wrote it, it doesn’t mean we want to
hear it again.
Add to this unstable brew the fact that, while he is a great
musician, he certainly ain’t a great singer, and you have a
variable hotchpotch of reasons why this shouldn’t be a great
album at all. In fact, some of his more questionable or
controversial lyrics (see ‘Perfect Gentleman’ or ‘Red
Light District’) are enough to perplex, or even incense the
toughest of persons. This, in the end, leads me to come to the
conclusion that it would take something spectacular to redeem
‘Clef’ from being bunged in the veritable wastebasket.
So, before you think that I have lost all respect for Wyclef and
his merry musicians, don’t worry – I haven’t.
In fact, I have gained a new respect – believe it or not
– for him, not least because the lyrics to songs such as
‘Runaway’, ‘Low Income’, and ‘Pullin Me
In’ show the sensitive side to ol’ Clef, telling tales
of working in Burger King and struggling away on minimum wage.
And, sure, I will also admit that he has a gift for creating
funky beats well suited to any dancefloor, and that songs such as
‘Guantanamera’ and ‘Gone to November’ (from
the bonus second CD) never lose their charm, no matter how many
listenings later. But, ultimately, I was expecting far more depth
from someone with far more talent than he lets on. If you buy
this album, expect to enjoy it, but don’t expect anything
like what he has created for protegees Destiny’s Child or
Whitney Houston. There’s always the next album, I suppose.
But until then, I’ll just re-listen to CD two.
6/10 – Borrow it!
MUSIC NEWS
Bad news for all Beastie Boys or At The Drive-in fans - both
groups have decided to split, as it was shockingly announced last
week. Interestingly enough, some members of At The Drive-in are
forming a new rock group; with the remaining two starting their
own dance band. For a band that only grabbed the limelight
following the release of their third album, fans are sure to be
mourning their demise but should ultimately look forward to the
new material…Tests have revealed that the airplane carrying
the late singer Aaliyah was only 362kg below maximum weight,
which contributed to it crashing. Due to the fact that there were
nine passengers on a plane licensed to carry eight, one can only
blame human error for the musician’s tragic demise………October
14th. The Olympia, Dublin. The Eels. Need I say more?!………….Garbage’s
new song, ‘Androgyny’, is out soon, and a mighty funky
tune it is too! Following that is the release of their third
album, ‘beautifulgarbage’.
Nora
Herlihy - Patron Saint of the Credit Union?
Part 5 by George Thompson
The membership and constitution of the ‘Credit Union
Extension Sevice’ (C.U.E.S.) Were printed and circulated by
Nora, creating a business like image for the group.
Reports in the press of the new group resulted in members being
invited to speak to various groups on the new movement.
Headquarters for the group was Nora’s home in Phibsboro
where daily deliveries of letters and parcels arrived from around
the world. C.U.N.A., The American movement, were in regular
contact with Nora, advising her on any visiting credit union
enthusiasts to Ireland who were willing to spread the word and
gather publicity for the cause. One such visit was by Terence
Hancock of the Rapid Transit Credit Union Toronto to Dublin. Sean
MacEoin secured an interview with Radio Eireann and the fee
received for the programme was handed over to Nora as a
contribution towards the purchase of a perpetual trophy for a
publicity campaign to promote the Credit Union, this is known as
‘The Credit Union Cup’ which is still competed for
today.
These visitors greatly encouraged the C.U.E.S. which learned a
lot from them. At the time the group had no funds which meant
that travel expenses and presents for these visitors came from
the individual resources of members with Nora making the largest
contributions, such was her dedication. A dedication which also
applied to the hours worked in promoting the fledgling group. The
group met regularly and during the summer months of 1957 met no
fewer than nine times in formal session.
Hard work and commitment finally won through as enquiries flowed
in and the resulting correspondence alerted the public to the
existence of an organisation which suited their needs and the
national needs. The search for a solution had ended.
Nora continued to study various co-operatives which had already
existed in this country from as early as the mid 1800’s but,
these co-op’s involved a particular group such as farmers
and not th public in general however, she was encouraged by her
studies which spurred her on over the next few years. The birth
of two new units of the movement began with the Donore
Parishioners Union founded by the Byrne sisters and registered as
a ‘Friendly Society’ on August 20th 1958. Aswell as the
Donore development the people of Dun Laoghaire were eager to find
a way to tackle the problems in their community. In the late 50’s
Dun Laoghaire like most parts of the country suffered from high
unemployment with many finding it difficult to qualify for
welfare payments and when they did these payments were usually
small. Frustration and anger led to the unemployed becoming
vocal, sometimes leading to violence. A few local people who
recognised the futility of this decided that the way forward was
by self help through the Co-operative Movement. The Dun Laoghaire
Co-operative Society Limited opened its own grocery store in 1956
supplying foodstuffs to members at cost price. The manager of
this store was Eamonn Quinn, father of Fergal of Superquinn.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Question I am a single mother receiving a One-Parent Family
Payment from the Department of Social, Community and Family
Affairs. I am pursuing my child's father for maintenance. How
will the maintenance affect my payment?
Answer Since April 2001 half the weekly maintenance payment is
disregarded in the means test for the One-Parent Family Payment.
Previously, when assessing maintenance payments, only housing
costs i.e. rent or mortgage repayments, up to a maximum of œ75
per week were disregarded. Evidence of the costs, such as rent
receipts, must be provided. Since April, half the remainder of
the maintenance payment after the housing disregard has been
deducted is assessed as means.
For example, the maximum One-Parent Family Payment for a lone
parent with one child is £100.70. If the parent has weekly
housing costs of £80 and is receiving £120 maintenance a week
the payment would be affected as follows:
Maintenance £120.00
Housing disregard £ 75.00 (max)
Balance £45.00
Means (1/2 Balance) £ 22.50
One-Parent Family Payment £ 82.70.
The Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs is
currently reviewing One- Parent Family Payments which had been
reduced by maintenance payments before April 2001. However, they
cannot identify situations where the payment is reduced by both
employment income and maintenance or situations where the
claimant was not entitled to a payment at all because the amount
of maintenance was too high. People in these categories should
contact the Department to ask for a review.
Further information is available from Cobh Citizens Information
Centre, The Parish Centre Roches Row, tel 4814422.
TRAIN FOR A RETURN TO WORK
St John's Central College, occupies buildings
that are a familiar landmark, at the junction directly facing the
Victoria Hospital. Many people do not realise that it is a
Further Education college, teaching everything from Aircraft
Engineering to Video Production and of course, it provides many
opportunities for people from Douglas given that it is
conveniently located on the number 6 & 7 Bus Routes.
The college offers opportunities to people of all ages. In fact
over 300 students of the College are older adults. For these
people, the College makes it as easy as possible to do a training
course. The College pays for Crèche facilities for children,
pays all book and exam fees for those who are unemployed and may
even pay meal and travel allowance to unemployed people on
courses. You really won't get a better offer, if you feel you are
ready for a training course.
In some instances you don't have to be actually unemployed. These
advantages may also apply to spouses of unemployed people, to
single parents, and to Widows and Widowers with dependant
children.
Return to Work Course
One of the most popular choices that adults take is Computers and
Business Applications, Internet, Personal development, Interview
Skills and Special Guidance Sessions to help people decide where
their best options lie.
This year the course includes ECDL (European Computer Driving
Licence) for the first time,
Mornings Only
The Computers and Business Applications / return to Work Course
can be taken Mornings Only, which is very popular option with
adults especially those with school going children. Also, when
the children are on holidays, or mid-term, so are you. The
College is very aware of the difficulties that parents have, and
makes every allowance for the delivery and collection of children
to school or to crèches.
There are great friendships built between people on these
courses, and the social aspect of meeting with a group of people
on the same 'adventure' can be enormous.
College for Douglas!
If you are interested in this course, please contact the college,
but tell us that you read about it in The Douglas Weekly. With
sufficient interest, the College might make things even easier,
end come to Douglas to deliver the course.
Qualifications
All courses are certified by the Further Education and Training
Awards Council (FETAC) and in some instances by other bodies such
as City and Guilds. There are virtually no exams, as the modern
way of assessing work is for people to build up a portfolio of
their work, as they progress on the course and this is the work
that is assessed.
Trampolinists
show their talent at World and
International level
While most people were enjoying a rest-full
summer a group of local Trampolinists were training extremely
hard. A group including members of Douglas Gym Club, Westgate GC
and Chimea'ra Gymnastics were preparing for training camp and
competition in Poole Dorset. For most it was their 1st
International and for some it was even their first time away from
home. The team of 14 competitors overcame their British
counterparts by the narrowest of margins, a mere 0.63.
Mary Coakley, head of delegation for the trip said " The
team were so delighted, I was surprised they needed phones to
tell their parents the news as their cheering was so loud. I am
very proud of their performance and also their behaviour
throughout the trip."
At world level Sonya Coakley - Hanan a director and coach at
Chinea'ra Gymnastics completed in the World Age Group Games in
Denmark. Sonya completed in the 17+ category in both Trampolining
and Double-Mini-Tramp. Where she was placed 38th and 24th
respectively.
" This was an outstanding performance, " said Mary
Coakley Head of Trampolining " Within Irish Gymnastics '
Double-Mini-Tramp' is a very new sport and here at Chimea'ra we
are the only club in Ireland offering it at a competitive level.
To come in the top 25 in her category at this level in what was
only her second ever DMT competition was beyond all our
expectations. The standard was extremely high with countries like
Sweden and Portugal, for whom this is almost a national sport,
taking part."
Holiday Notes from our Resident American
Tralee's Two Jewels - the Rose Festival and
Siamsa Tire
Monday evening, August 27
I was new to caravaning. It took several trips into Tralee to
order the correct parts for the electrical connection to my
caravan. Meanwhile my mobile was deader than an Old battery. So
in I go with my best clothes on ready for the Brandon Hotel if
necessary looking for a socket. I tried the cinema and several
restaurants with menu in hand searching the skirting boards, but
no luck. In the Brandon with the assistance of two housewives who
escaped their husbands and children for a week we found a socket
moved a table and installed the charger.
While my mobile was refilling itself I went to the bar to do the
same. In the lobby I was chatting to an 80-year-old grandmother
from Farranfore when ten 'roses' walked in each with a very large
bouquet of pale pink roses. Kate the grandmother enlightened me.
Did I not know on this night and the next was the Rose of Tralee
Festival? I hadn't time to reply that I hadn't a clue when Gay
Byrne strolled in front of me looking fortyish, fit, slim and
rested.
6.30pm
For the next hour the 'Roses', their escorts, parents, friends,
well wishers and the glitterati - each with their mobiles - and
an endless stream of waiters with trays of coffee, tea and
sandwiches filled and bustled in the Brandon.
7,30 pm
My pint was gone and my mobile charged. On my way out I thought
the whole shebang vas over, when across the street a roar went up
from the crowd. The police had stopped the traffic. The roses on
the arms of their handsome escorts walked two by two into the
entrance of the Dome. The 'Roses' were a lovely sight. They were
pretty, fresh and affable in their 'haute couture' evening gowns
of satin, silk and chiffon. Everyone applauded.
To further refresh the wounded spirit, buy a ticket for £10 to
the charming, not too large Siamsa Tire theatre. Enjoy live Irish
dance, music and stories performed by the resident company.
Suitable for all ages and the stories are so well choreographed
that lack of the Irish language is no problem. This is a
celebration of life from our National Folk Theatre enjoyed by
tourists and Irish alike. On a scale of enjoyment, the shows from
these handsome and talented artists is head and shoulders above
anything else on offer in Tralee.
Dana Forbes (Director Douglas School of Music)
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteers urgently needed for, Douglas Community
Association, Community Park, Church Rd. Douglas. Phone 4362286.
It incorporates meals on wheels, Community Park, Playground,
Oscail, Pre-school Playgroup and various sub committees. Meetings
on third Monday of the month.
Next meeting October 15th. Fresh ideas for future enhancement
welcomed.
ON THE ROUNDABOUT
Cllr. John Minihan recommends people to take the influenza vaccine….. Deirdre Clune T.D. has welcomed the Ministers decision to commission a study on the health implications of an incineration programe… .. our population is growing by a 1000 per week - where will they live ? asks Deputy Clune .
NOTICE BOARD
Marymount Hospice Concert
A Gala Concert at the Rochestown Park Hotel, dedicated to the
memory of the late Maeve Coughlan. Featuring: Renowned Sopranos
Majella Cullagh & Mary Hegarty / Breffni Horgan -Tenor
Eleanor Malone -Accompanist / David Mclnerney -Master of
Ceremonies / The Willocollane Singers & The Garda Male Voice
Choir under the baton of Anne Dunphy and Accompanist Ursula
O'Sullivan. All proceeds to be donated to Marymount Hospice,
Wellington Road. Put the date in your diary - Sunday 14th October.
Tickets from Marymount Hospice, Phone: 021/4501201 and Pro
Musica, 20 Oliver Plunkett St. Phone: 021/4271659
L.D.F / F.C.A Annual Re-Union
The annual Re-union of the 47th /48th/ Midleton, Infantry
battalions will take place this year at Collins Barracks, Cork by
kind permission of the General Officer in Command. This is very
popular event will take place on Friday 12th October, and will
commence with mass in the garrison Chapel @ 7.30pm. A Colour
Party will be present. Medals may be worn. Buffet & Social
Evening at 8.45 Sharp. Bar facilities will be available. Tickets
are available from Finbarr Burns, 123 Lower Glanmire Rd. 021
4508184
Cork Fringe Festival
The Cork Fringe Festival unveils its programme this week. The
fortnight will see 12 companies from the UK and Ireland present
35 performances of 14 shows, featuring world premieres alongside
international award-winners. Performances range from Claire
Dowie's one-person stand-up The Year of the Monkey, to Grid
Iron's Decky Does a Bronco, featuring eight performers on swings
in the open air (an Edinburgh Fringe First winning show played
free to audiences of up to 400 in Midleton and in the historic
surroundings of UCC campus). Cork Fringe Festival 2001- Monday 24th
September - Saturday 6th October For further information please
call Ali Robertson / Maeve Lewis on 021 - 490 4272.
Christ King Girls Secondary School
Annual general meeting. Tuesday 25th September. School hall @ 7.30
pm sharp.
All parents or guardians requested to attend. Please
A PRAYER FOR PEACE
"Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of
truth and peace proceed: kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all
people the true love of peace; and guide with your pure and
peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for Ireland, for the
United States of America and for all nations on earth; that in
tranquillity your kingdom may go forward, till the earth is
filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen."
Compiled by the Right Revd Dr Michael Jackson, Dean of Cork.
The above prayer is suggested for use at a time when world peace
is threatened. Grief, anxiety and fear for all affected by the
horror of what has happened in New York, Washington and
Pennsylvania on Tuesday, September 11th 2001 combine with an
expression of hope for peace, reconciliation and grace.
St Finbarre's Cathedral, Cork, is open most weekday evenings from
8.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. ALL who wish to pray are welcome here. In
praying you may use the silence, your own prayers or those
suggested here. Please respect the need of others here for
silence.
Church of Ireland PRAYERS FOR PEACE, September 2001
RINGASKIDDY LOWER HARBOUR NATIONAL SCHOOL
A Gala 'Style Night' in the Carrigaline Court Hotel will be held on Wednesday 26th September @ 8pm. Hair - Make Up - Colour and Style Analysis with Claire Cullinane of RTE's "Off the Rails". Tickets £8 available at: Post Office / Carrigaline Court / Local Shops and at the School. All Proceeds in aid of Ringaskiddy lower Harbour national School building Fund.
