If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed.
Click here to find out what an RSS feed is. Thanks for visiting, Phil!
The medication I’m on causes me to have dry skin and lips - so plenty of moisturisor has been required. Today, with the advice of a friend, I bought Blistex, as a replacement for my girly pocket-sized Vaseline ‘lip therapy’.
Besides the fact that Blistex looks more like a tube of Super Glue, it also looks like it is going to do a better job than your average tub of vaseline. But better still - it instantly felt much better! This was just an excuse to take a crappy photo, I have nothing more to say on the matter.
Bangor, a small town 12 miles east of Belfast. It is this small town that my parents have always enjoyed taking their two children on day trips. There isnt anything really special to this town, just your average seaside resort, though I couldn’t tell you where the beach is - wait there isnt a beach. The contents of Bangor include a “Pickie Family Fun Park; a seaside oasis for children with Giant Swan pedal boats, paddling pools, adventure playgrounds, cafe and a miniature railway.” All of this next to “one of Ireland’s largest marinas which holds the pestigious 5 Gold Anchor Award.”
It sounds so much more exciting than it is.
This weekend, we went back. Sea Bangor Festival - such a witty name. I’m not sure if it has a purpose other than attracting tourists with a variety of activities, mainly for kids. Though this year saw the return of the As cynical as I may be, do enjoy the sight of lots of people enjoying some culture, they were doing this sunday when I was there with the family.
Before arriving in Belfast next weekend, two tall ships, The Jeanie Johnston and The Matthew, were open to the public. Below is a picture of the front of The Jeanie Johnston.
Phil Warren’s impressive collection of ships made from matchsticks were on display in the ‘Spash Tent’, where scuba diving could also be tried out, remote control boats could be tested, and Koi fish could be touched.
There were also sweet things, including fudge, though I had to pass on this one.
I think I was the only one in the venue who had not heard the band before. Though I will be listening to them again, starting with my free single (even if the case is a bit cracked). The band in question were Leya, a local five-piece, the event; their debut album launch, entry fee £7!
I had heard these guys were good; by the size of the audience, they were apparently popular. Listening to their set I was reminded of Starsailor; they are certainly on the same wavelength. Vocalist and guitarist, Ciaran Gribbin, expressed many times between songs how pleased he was to have gotten this far and to have support from so many people. A genuine character with a towering presence. Leya made quite an impact on me, through their heavier numbers to slow love songs.
Supporting Leya were God Talking Soul. Half the members turned up for an accoustic set. Even without the others Nick still managed to sound as good as ever as he declared his lyrics to an audience of unknown faces who seemed to enjoy every minute.
Every so often something happens that makes me re-evaluate my life. This normally happens after spending some time away from home and my normally routine, in this case it was the time spent at my grandparents house over the weekend. Although they live within walking distance of my own house it made for a great change of scenery. Armed with my wallet, phone and camera I spent much time out of the house partaking in various activities I wouldn’t have done had I stayed at home as usual.
On Friday I took some snaps of a flower my Granny acquired to paint, and her paintings are amazing.
I’m not the most religious of folk, but at the same time I don’t like to disappoint my grandparents and so I went with them on Saturday to church, a special service running for nine days from Friday. I do however enjoy the architecture; such intricate details in every available space. Each time I go to a church service now I cant help but think about the meaning of it all and what it means to all the people present to be praying and listening so intently to the man standing behind the alter proclaiming the teachings as they chant the words they were taught by god in professing their faith. I have much admiration for them, especially my own grandfather; a devout Christian who spends all of his time passing on the message to his children and grandchildren.
Later, we had a close call with some locals, their stall and a tight squeeze. Though I praise my granddad’s damn good driving!
Recently I have been drinking a lot of coffee, and enjoying much of Clements finest. Though when I noticed that the price on the till computer of the Iced Cappuccino and Mochaccino was 10 pence more than that on the menu I was determined not to pay the extra, I know my rights. The first time this happened last wed/thurs there was no fuss, I was able to pay the original price easily. Though when I went to the Clements beside the City Hall on Saturday afternoon the staff were not easy to back down. They had the cheek to say, “its only 10p.” This was not a concern of mine, its the principle. I even made sure I gave the exact coinage so they didnt decide to give me less change. I wasnt happy. I got my (almost completed) card stamped and went back to my seat. Once my drink was finished I didn’t hang around.
Our feet led us in the direction of a brass band playing in the grounds of the City Hall. A great scene for the summer. These two tourists also enjoyed it.
The local kids, however, were otherwise pre-occupied.
Later I saw a cool biker dude
The weekend ended perfectly with coffee accompanied by a fellow coffee lover (thanks!).
So what have I learnt - that its a lot of fun to spend lots of time away from normal routine every once in a while. I just don’t want to use my PC as much anymore. Unfortunately I gotta for editing photos…
Hope your weekend was as good as mine.
A burden has been lifted. I handed in my notice to one of my two current jobs. Surprisingly not the one I’ve been in for the last 4 years, mainly part-time during school, that I was so desperate to get out of six months ago - its now the better of two evils. I’ve also decided I don’t want to work 40 hours a week at the min. This isnt going to be me for life. I’m not getting myself stuck in a deadend job yet. I may as well take advantage of the time I have living with my parents. Im going to work on my passion; photography, and do some courses at the college in the city centre - and enjoy still being young!
The gig last night was good - The Beat Poets rocked out the packed(!) Auntie Annies. All 20 people (including bar staff), appeared to enjoy the show. The first band of the night, Skylight, came all the way from Dublin, and I’m glad they did. The performance was good, and variety of musical talent was excellent. They made many instrument changes during each song; keyboards, apple mac, synth, guitars, bass, drums, it was all there, as was a great sound.
Unfortunately technical difficulties hindered The Tides‘ performance. Though they finished with a nice rock ‘n’ roll drum solo which did it for me.
With many empty seats, John, of The Beat Poets, had plenty of room to stretch his legs during the set, getting up-close and personal with the audience.
I’ve been meaning to update my blog for a while now, but I’ve gotten a little out of touch with the blogging/tech scene over the past few weeks. Yes, that means that I have not read any blogs, listened to any podcasts, or read anything more than the headlines of my daily Slashdot email. I’ve not even kept up to date with my beloved Photoblog.
You see, I have managed to get myself into something that is giving me more pleasure than anything has in a long time. It has in fact been mentioned in one of previous entries, in which I mentioned a rediscovery of my own hometown. At the time of this entry I was only 5 days into this new wave of excitement. Now 44 days (6 weeks, 3 days) on things have changed dramatically.
I have never been one to do anything I am passionate about half-heartedly, this being no exception. Over the last 6 weeks I have been to 3-5 gigs a week, bringing my camera along to each one. It has been a huge confidence boost. Before this I knew absolutely nothing about the Belfast/N.Ireland music scene. Now I feel like I’ve become a part of it, and that it’s become a part of me. One or two local bands are now my favourite bands at the minute, among all other music around.
This past week has definitely been a turning point. Sunday was a great day. Alternative Ulster magazine celebrated its 3rd birthday today and to mark the occasion a big bash was held at The Limelight/Katy Daly’s/Spring & Airbrake venues. Over 25 bands and 8 hours of madness. By the end of it I had a very sore head, and had to go straight to bed - how rock ‘n’ roll.
A few days later I got a nice email from some folks at BBC. Then another. Then there was this.
On Thursday while I had some spare time I decided to head round to the Ormeau Baths Gallery. I read a few days before that the gallery was re-opening and as part of my ‘getting to know Belfast’ thing. I’ve never been one to go to art gallery’s and look at paintings on a wall. Though I have much appreciation for it, I don’t know how to do it. I tried, but all the people there were sipping their wine, making notes and talking about whatever they talk about.
It was only later that I found out it was for invitees only, which could have explained a few things. If anyone asks I’m putting it down to ignorance, next time I will be more prepared. The guy who told me this was was Jett Loe of lettertoamerica.blogs.com. The crazy American, his two pals and myself went for some Iced Coffee in clements on Botanic.
How cool does this guy look!
Like when many people meet someone they have read about/watched/read about/heard of/listened to and looked forward to meeting, my mind went blank. Besides the fact I all too often have too little to say. I could remember little about the show, I haven’t listened in a few weeks, I looked so bad. Jett, you buy me new earphones for my ipod, then I shall listened to the show again.
Besides the fact that its something hip and new happening only spitting distance away, I like Americans, this one’s crazy and he’s talking about culture in Northern Ireland, I wanna know more. I want to walk up to people and say “hey what you doing here”, “hi there, whats your name” etc, I have a camera too, maybe I should get a tape recorder. Unfortunately I dont have much time. But more time is to be set aside. A cynic maybe, but a lover of all forms of art, yes indeed.
Later I went to a gig in The Empire .
Oh yeah - I’ve also still taken plenty of random photos lately too.
