I watched my first episode of The Hardy Bucks on RTE last night. I had heard limited reviews of The Hardy Bucks but wanted to see it on the National Broadcasting Service for myself. After all, if the National Broadcasting Service, Radio Telifis Eireann, had found/discovered this raw talent and decided to bring it to the National Airwaves, surely it must be good?
My nephews speak well of The Hardy Bucks and my siblings speak negatively of The Hardy Bucks. After seeing some of the "stars" of The Hardy Bucks" interviewed on The Saturday Night Show with Brendan O'Connor I wasn't particularly impressed but I have to admit I did laugh now and again.
The Hardy Bucks is a prime example of appealing to the lowest common denominator. Making fun of everything in a happy-go-lucky way assuming no negative effects on an impressionable audience of teenagers and students. Alcohol and drug abuse is only the start of the downfall/appeal of this YouTube "success" story.
I will watch more...
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Accessing a Notary for US Business in Ireland
This post is for anyone who might have a need to get some US documents notarized by a US Notary of the Public for any reason while living in Ireland. No use to anyone else.
What you need to do:
1. Go online to the US Embassy site and schedule an appointment online and print it.
2. Turn up for the appointment with picture i.d. which is also signed by yourself.
3. Bring credit card or $50 or equivalent in Euros per sheet to be notarized - exact amount in cash, no change given.
What I did:
1. Got the information/docs too late.
2. Scheduled the appointment with a Notary at the Embassy for the next available date which was, at the time, one week later.
3. Established that this date one week later was too late.
4. Called and talked to a person/man on the phone at the Embassy. Accepted the information he gave me as the truth, i.e. that if you need a notarization in a hurry you may go to the Embassy and wait in line - NOT SO.
5. Went to Embassy (4 hours drive) to be greeted with the info. that Notaries are available ONLY by appointment.
7. Explained the previous 5 points to the very nice lady at the Embassy who said that she would do her best for me in the circumstances.
8. waited in the Embassy from 9.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. for a notary to be available.
9. Got the docs notarized in minutes.
10. Walked approximately 100 yards to Post Office and sent the docs through An Post and DHL on a 1 to 2 day delivery arrangement.
What you need to do:
1. Go online to the US Embassy site and schedule an appointment online and print it.
2. Turn up for the appointment with picture i.d. which is also signed by yourself.
3. Bring credit card or $50 or equivalent in Euros per sheet to be notarized - exact amount in cash, no change given.
What I did:
1. Got the information/docs too late.
2. Scheduled the appointment with a Notary at the Embassy for the next available date which was, at the time, one week later.
3. Established that this date one week later was too late.
4. Called and talked to a person/man on the phone at the Embassy. Accepted the information he gave me as the truth, i.e. that if you need a notarization in a hurry you may go to the Embassy and wait in line - NOT SO.
5. Went to Embassy (4 hours drive) to be greeted with the info. that Notaries are available ONLY by appointment.
7. Explained the previous 5 points to the very nice lady at the Embassy who said that she would do her best for me in the circumstances.
8. waited in the Embassy from 9.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. for a notary to be available.
9. Got the docs notarized in minutes.
10. Walked approximately 100 yards to Post Office and sent the docs through An Post and DHL on a 1 to 2 day delivery arrangement.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
What can I do?
My birthday celebrations continue without fail, every year. This year, it is noted moreso as I have the time to reflect. Being (generally) unemployed allows (causes) more thought. The fact is that if I live for 26 more years, which is a lot less than I have already lived, I will have lived for the same lifespan as my dad. It might not seem very important but it is a sobering thought for myself. He, in my eyes, seemed to have achieved a lot in his 68 years. Even though 68 was a young age for him to pass, 68 will arrive on my doorstep too soon.
So my birthday is noted. I am back in Ireland more than a year. No concrete employment opportunities have shown themselves. Interviews have not resulted in job offers. Attending seminars etc. has not fed into real-life opportunities. A lot of talk and brain-storming but nothing real and lasting has happened...
But it just might. Maybe the foundation work or the "spade-work" is already done and I just don't realise it yet? Maybe the cutbacks are really taking their toll and therefore when investment restarts job opportunities will appear...
But I am sure I have no regrets. I am not sorry that I took the opportunity to do some substitute teaching in the area. I am not sorry that I studied for a degree in Media Studies. I am certainly not sorry that I studied for a Masters Degree in Media Broadcast and Electronic Communication. I am not sorry that I lectured in Media Aesthetics in SFSU and that I got to know the people there.
I am not sorry that I and my family moved back to Ireland. I just hope that I live long enough and do something of value so that I can feel like I have done something. What is that something?
So my birthday is noted. I am back in Ireland more than a year. No concrete employment opportunities have shown themselves. Interviews have not resulted in job offers. Attending seminars etc. has not fed into real-life opportunities. A lot of talk and brain-storming but nothing real and lasting has happened...
But it just might. Maybe the foundation work or the "spade-work" is already done and I just don't realise it yet? Maybe the cutbacks are really taking their toll and therefore when investment restarts job opportunities will appear...
But I am sure I have no regrets. I am not sorry that I took the opportunity to do some substitute teaching in the area. I am not sorry that I studied for a degree in Media Studies. I am certainly not sorry that I studied for a Masters Degree in Media Broadcast and Electronic Communication. I am not sorry that I lectured in Media Aesthetics in SFSU and that I got to know the people there.
I am not sorry that I and my family moved back to Ireland. I just hope that I live long enough and do something of value so that I can feel like I have done something. What is that something?
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