Brother Hubbard Brunch

Having heard nothing but rave reviews about Brother Hubbard and the brunch there for some time now, I finally got the chance to sample the delights for myself.

Located on Capel Street, the outside doesn't look like much but fits perfectly for what it is trying to achieve. The inside is decked out in industrial hipster chic from the condiments to the thrifty looking furniture.

The food on the other hand is pure indulgence. I got the Croque Madame myself. While I knew it was a toastie with an egg on top I didn't know what to expect visually. A rustic sandwich chocked full of ham and smothered in a rich cheese is what I was given. It was luscious and gooey all at once. I could just about finish it, purely because I had no breakfast! I had a mimosa to wash it down. Who doesn't love a mimosa?!

Sean had Eggs Menemen. A Turkish style scrambled egg dish With peppers and olive oil. I didn't have any myself but I'm told it was delicious! He also had a Moroccan Iced-Tea to compliment it.

Simple food but expertly prepared. If you enjoy brunch or just eating out in general, I highly recommend it! Do be warned though, it can get quite busy around lunch time so calling in advance to book a table wouldn't be a bad idea to avoid waiting. The service is quick and friendly however at peak times, don't expect to be left alone to chat over an empty table while the queue of people mounts up.

Check out their site here - http://brotherhubbard.ie/

New Venture - Food Blogging

Happy New Year everybody! While I always say I'm going to do new segments on my blog, I always start one and never follow it through, this is evident with my 4 Play Friday which I only did once. I'm terrible I know. However I really want to stick with something and hopefully this is it.

From now on, I'm going to write about restaurants & establishments I've dined at. I know it's done to death but dining out is something I really really enjoy and love doing. My boyfriend and I love going to new places and try not go back to the same place more than once. I do have exceptions, such as Trocadero and Musashi. The food in both is to die for.  If I'm being honest it was my boyfriend who suggested writing about our dining experiences so thanks Sean!

Since we started going out in 2013 I've kept a list of all the places that we've eaten at, there are currently 34 places on the list. That's not too bad if I do say so myself. And I don't include McDonald's or any fast food joint on the list. I'm talking about proper dining establishment and cafés. It only includes places here in Dublin and not abroad which is something I do regret as we've been to some great restaurants in places such as; New York, Rome, Tel Aviv and Milan, but at the time it completely slipped my mind to keep records. From now on I'll include any place at home or overseas.

Anyway, this is my new venture and I am really looking forward to taking it up. It may be once a week, it may be once every two months, whenever we have the money to go out. I've put up the list of all the places we've gone to so far. If I can remember what we ate where I'll write about it (it's not likely) otherwise the fun starts now.

The VM-OK's

The 31st annual MTV Video Music Awards aired last night and it was alright at best, which begs the question: Do artists & the audience care about it anymore?

The show opened with a bang(bang)! The Ariana/Jessie J/Nicki medley was great but not mouth-hit-the-floor amazing I was anticipating. Not even Nicki's wardrobe malfunction left me startled. They were preceded by other lacklustre performances by Taylor Swift and Maroon 5 to name a few. Sam Smith's voice shone as it always does but his performance wasn't a spectacle to behold. Being honest, I didn't think Beyoncé's was all that great either; recycled choreography and nothing new. I mean she put on a good show but I wasn't left wanting more. Just my opinion.

What I'm noticing though, is that artists just aren't there. Where are the people like; One Direction, Rihanna, Britney, Christina, both Justins, Janet Jackson. I know the show isn't as serious as the GRAMMY's but surely people in the music business should to want to be there, otherwise, what is the point?

Someone I know said something recently, where are the, "people who can go out and wow you and make proper VMA moment". And this is very true. I'm not knocking any performance from last night but they were nothing for the history books.

Is it about time the VMA's got revamped? I most certainly don't want to witness it become a parody of itself after giving us so many great moments in the past. We just need to get it back to the level it once was.

Ariana Grande is My Everything

Ariana Grande has released My Everything, the hotly anticipated follow-up album to her freshman triumph Yours Truly.

My Everything sees Grande flourish during the vocal riffs and high notes that she is oh so good at. It also has a more grown up sound compared to it's predecessor although the thematic much the same.

Teaming up with people such as; Childish Gambino, Big Sean and The Weeknd, My Everything isn't short of muscle, not that Ariana needs it to prove herself. Her vocals are unparalleled in her field right now and she can only continue to get better and better.

Top Tracks: My Everything, Love Me Harder, Be My Baby, One Last Time.

My Everything is released in Germany, Ireland & the UK on August 22nd & Worldwide August 25th.

I've Just Finished Reading Pines by Blake Crouch

After desperately trying to hunt it down, I finally found and finished Pines by Blake Crouch.

The first book of the Wayward Pines series came to my attention when I saw FOX had picked it up for a TV adaptation starring Matt Dillon. And it did not disappoint.

The story centres around Secret Service Agent Ethan Burke, who is sent out on a mission to the town of Wayward Pines to find two agents who had previously gone but mysteriously disappeared. Uncomfortable and peculiar circumstances make Agent Burke draw the conclusion that Wayward Pines is no ordinary town, and that he must get out of there ASAP.

The book is well-written and depicts scenarios and settings beautifully without Crouch appearing pompous in his knowledge of the vernacular. An easy read but an intense one at that that has you rooting for the protagonist as if you were him yourself, suffocating and fighting to get out.

While the story didn't go in the direction I thought it would, I was pleased how everything was explained and it piqued my interest as to where the series will go next. I've already started book two.

I highly recommend it if it sounds like it's up your street.

Tel Aviv - The Small Apple

Strolling along the promenade on a Tuesday evening in 30 degree heat was not the time when I expected to hear a loud bang & an air raid siren. But this is all very normal in Tel Aviv according to our carefree host.

So I have just returned home from an 11 day holiday in Tel Aviv, Israel, and I can honestly say it was one of the best, if not THE best, holiday I have ever been on.

Myself and six friends jetted off on June 30th for 11 days which revolved around alcohol, the beach, good weather and of course, some culture.

We were staying in a private 4th floor apartment on Sderot Nordau, five minutes from Hilton Beach (known as the gay beach) and beside as many restaurants, cafés and shops as you would need. We chose Tel Aviv for many factors which included it's vibrant LGBT culture which the city is very proud of. You can walk any direction and within in five minutes, be greeted with a Pride flag.

The view from our apartment

One taxi driver described Tel Aviv as 'The Small Apple' as it's on the go 24 hours a day, and I couldn't have said it better myself. The cosmopolitan city is buzzing with people night & day. The nightlife is one of the best I've experienced. There are bars where you could enjoy a show or an easy drink with your friends without people significantly more drunk than you bothering you. And on the other hand you have parties & clubs that are open until 6am and blare electro-pop hits, or in one particular case Britney tunes, all night long. The people, the atmosphere and the music are all factors which contribute to a brilliant party scene.

View from Old Jaffa looking at Tel Aviv

It wasn't just about the partying though. We went to see some great places such as; Jaffa, Haifa, The Dead Sea and Masada. Within an hour, you can travel from the cosmopolitan and chic Tel Aviv to the towns saturated in history with ease. Such a contrast and such a treat.

Beautiful Haifa

Masada

One thing none of us were expecting to happen, was to be under attack from rockets from Gaza. To say the experience was surreal would be an understatement. The first time it happened panic set in, in my case anyway, but as the days and sirens went on you just got used to it and carried on with your day. We bonded with our neighbours in the stairwell as the siren went off actually.

Walking along the promenade

I would go back in a heartbeat. The high-rise buildings, hot weather, glamorous restaurants and people all add to a wonderful experience with a really great group of friends.

Watching the sunset on our last night

4 Play - June 26th

I thought a good thing to start doing was to post about 4 songs that I am currently listening to on repeat for whatever reasons. They may be old, new, remixed whatever the case but just 4 tracks I am loving right now. So without further ado, here we go.

Track 1. Omer Adam feat. Arisa - Tel Aviv (Tal Malca Remix)

I'm off to Tel Aviv on Monday and while I was looking into what to do and where to go, I came across this gem and to get me in the mood for the holiday, I've had this on non-stop. The mixture of traditional singing techniques with the heavy club beat is what I live for. The production is most definitely influenced by the West. The Middle Eastern twang is so different from what I usually hear but it has such a universal appeal.

Track 2. Ella Henderson - Ghost (Oliver Nelson Remix)

Having scored her first number 1, Ella is surely on her way to a solid career and with this belter as her debut single, it's no wonder why. While I like the original version, there is something more special about this remix. It's less heavy and more youthful, which fits in with Ella. It oozes summer vibes which is perfect timing for the good weather we've been having here in Dublin. Almost tropical, you can't help but feel good.

Track 3. Icona Pop - Get Lost

Having won the world over with their 2013 smash 'I Don't Care', Icona Pop have done it again with 'Get Lost'. The song is an absolute anthem. It is Icona Pop doing what they do best, churn out pop gems for everyone to sing along to. With catchy lyrics like, 'Let's get lost, leave this whole fucked up world behind' and a guitar riff that will get stuck in your head, you'll be singing this for days.

Track 4.  Sarah Blaine - Never Get to Heaven

In what is the only slow song of the bunch, Sarah Blaine's 'Never Get to Heaven' is the most special. After appearing on Pretty Little Liars a week ago I instantly fell in love with it. It's beautifully, written, arranged and performed. While using slight electronic elements and heavy percussion beats the song captivates you. Probably one of my most favourite songs of the year so far.

True Blood Is Giving Me Life (Or Death)

True Blood returned to our screens this week for what is it's final season. *Blood Tear*

*SPOILERS*

Airing Sundays on HBO, True Blood Season 7 opened with a bang and then some! The slight time jump was done brilliantly and I had to check myself to ensure I hadn't actually skipped an episode. The opening sequence at the newly branded Bellefleur's was IN-TENSE. Deeply saddened that was how we said goodbye to our beloved Tara but it set up up for what is going to, hopefully, be a season of shocks and twists. Love how Andy's fairy daughter, I don't care much for her name, was all like, 'I trust you Jessica!' and saved her. Cute. I hope that man who apparently ran against Sam for Mayor dies pronto, I don't think I could hack him for a full season. And I am living for Pam being all badass and 'My God hates me'.

After what I believe to have been a lacklustre past two seasons, I have high hopes that this could be the stand-out season of the entire series. I like the premise of this one, the good VS bad vampires and how this could be the end etc etc. The cast also appears to be the strongest it's been in a while which adds to my high hopes.

What I'm hoping for this season is; More Jason (less clothed), Sookie to finally rid herself of man troubles, Pam to continue being the fierce bitch we all know she is but become even more fierce & reunite with Eric, Jessica to stop beating herself up and be happy, Mrs. Fortenberry to be killed in a savage attack (I hate that woman) and for some meteorite or something to blow up Bon Temps 'cause the place is a mess, let's be real.

You can catch the ' In the Weeks Ahead' promo for True Blood here here.

La Roux Is Back And Better Than Ever

Elly Jackson of La Roux is back with new music and a new vibe just in time for Summer.

After winning the Grammy for Best Electronic/Dance Album in 2011 and a two year hiatus, La Roux is back on the music scene going it alone without co founder Ben Langmaid and with material better than before.

Buzz single 'Let Me Down Gently' paved the way for the new sound. Darker than previous singles it layers Elly's mellow vocals over syncopated beats with much less electronic instruments than before. It reminds me of Royksopp & Robyn's latest endeavour 'Monument' in ways.

'Uptight Downtown' is the first official single from the new album 'Trouble in Paradise'. A lot less heavy than the buzz single and with a more jaunty vocal and rhythm that wouldn't be out of place in the 80's.

'Tropical Chancer' premiered online on June 9th and is probably my favourite of new La Roux. A distinct summer vibe that is xylophone-esque with a Caribbean chorus that nestles itself into your head.

While I loved 'In For The Kill' and 'Bulletproof' I feel as though this new era of La Roux is what is going to set Elly apart from the rest. I am anxiously awaiting the release of the new album which is scheduled to drop July 7th.

Once Upon A Time's New Witch Is Wickedly Charming

Once Upon A Time kicked off season 3B last week, Sunday 9th, with a feisty new antagonist in tow.

Lost alum and English rose Rebecca Mader made her debut on the show as Storybrooke resident Zelena, also known as, The Wicked Witch of the West. And she is perfect.

Rocking the green skin and enchanting audiences with her English accent, Mader makes it extremely difficult for the audience to dislike her, even though she is wicked. She is almost like a naughty schoolgirl, knowing exactly what she's doing wrong and smirking away behind the teachers' back while entertaining onlookers.

Having just found out in last night's episode (SPOILER) that herself and Regina, the Evil Witch, are half-sisters, it'll be interesting to see how their relationship develops, especially since Zelena's purpose is all out revenge for Regina.

Although Mader is only guest-starring during this Springtime story arc, seeing how much of an impact she has already made after only two episodes makes me believe she could be sticking around for a lot longer and that is fine by me!

Once Upon A Time airs Sundays on ABC at 8|7c

Paloma Faith - 'A Perfect Contradiction' Album Review

Having just finished listening to 'A Perfect Contradiction', the third album from Paloma Faith, I wonder to myself why the Londoner hasn't become bigger because that's what she deserves. A Perfect Contradiction is soulful, melodic & full of funk. Everything you want to hear in a record.

Lead single Can't Rely on You which is produced by current hot property Pharrell Williams, paves the way for the rest of the album with it's use of brass instruments and 1960's era vocals.

The syncopated rhythm of disco-fuelled Mouth to Mouth couldn't keep you down if you tried. With it's catchy vocals and 70's inspired production it wouldn't feel out of place in a roller-disco rink.

However Faith doesn't only do uptempo. Paloma's smooth vocals are layered delectably over the strings of Only Love Can Hurt Like This which brings things back while drawing you in.

To me, the album fits alongside Amy Winehouse's Back to Black yet gives the listener something different. Paloma's talk/singing technique works well & is truly something special.

Top Tracks: Only Love Can Hurt Like This, Other Woman, Impossible Heart. Mouth to Mouth

A Perfect Contradiction is available now on iTunes.

Lady Gaga SXSW 2014

Lady Gaga performed last night at South by Southwest 2014 and boy did she leave her mark all over that stage. Literally.

Long after the 1 hour-ish performance had finished I was still pondering about what I had just witnessed. To me, the whole thing was uncomfortable to watch. I love her don't get me wrong, but something just seemed off about the whole thing.

Opening her show with Aura while mounted upon a rotisserie was nothing out of the ordinary. Swooping over & under she sounded great as she usually does live. Her next 2 numbers, MANiCURE & Jewels N' Drugs, were much of the same but off the spit roast which was probably a relief for her back. Then shit got weird.

For one of her most rave-like songs Swine, Gaga introduced the audience to her friend Millie who she said was going to perform to us all. With Lady G donning an apron I was quite intrigued with what was about to happen. One verse in and nothing was going on. Millie was drinking and stumbling around the stage and I looked on perplexed. Then it happened. Millie finished her drink, put her fingers down her throat and vommed up the neon green liquid she had been drinking all over Gaga. I had no words. I didn't want to watch but I couldn't stop. For verse 2 they both mounted a mechanical swine as Millie downed another drink, a black one this time, and once again spewed it up. Thankfully the song ended shortly after and Millie got the boat both to my joy and to that of the audience as they didn't give her much of a cheer when she left.

Dope followed suit and once again Gaga belted out her emotional lyrics but not before she gave a speech about addiction and life. Unnecessary but sure look, this is it. Gaga loves a good spiel.

To change the pace and blend in a bit more with the Austin aesthetic, a country mix of Bad Romance was up next and to me it was a hot mess. The fiddle, which was performed by an Austin native named Ruby, just did not seem to mesh with the rest of the instruments and the whole thing sounded off; vocally and rhythmically. Gaga moved around the stage wide eyed and mouth churning. She must have popped a few blue ghosts beforehand.

Semi Precious Weapons and Lady Starlight, the 'original bad kids from the Lower East Side' joined herself on stage for an impromptu rendition of Monster for Life and honestly by this stage I didn't have a clue what was going on. Everyone looked awkward, puffing cigarettes and drinking cans. When panning the audience the camera picked up people few and far between who actually looked as though they were enjoying themselves.

Applause closed off the set but only because she was 'told' to sing it apparently. That's a great indication of how things are between herself and her team! The song was half-arsed and almost insulting to the audience with the lack of interest Gaga had in performing it while bumming cigarettes of her friends, a far cry from her MTV VMA performance of the same song only last year.

Surprisingly, Gypsy was the encore but apart from the Little Monsters who were crammed up against the barrier, I don't think the audience cared much.

The whole thing was just odd. There was a fluid grunge theme throughout and that would be good if that's who Lady Gaga was but it isn't. Or at least I didn't think it was. I'm all for artists evolving. I love the new Miley Cyrus and I am 100% behind her evolution. But this seems different. Slowly but surely Gaga's image has gotten darker and darker over the years however her music hasn't. If grunge is who she truly is then why wasn't ARTPOP that kind of record? This would have been the perfect opportunity to re-brand herself especially as she was out of the music scene for a good while. Come back with a bang and a new lease of life.

Throughout her set she blasted record labels, spoke against pop music and people who are living their lives through technology. Perhaps I'm just not artsy enough to appreciate it all. I liked her most during her Fame Monster era. Knowing her audience, dancing high-octane dance routines and singing pop music. I'm not saying I don't like her anymore, I do! I'm going to see her in October for The artRAVE Ball. I just feel as though she's lost. Her image and her musicality are completely disjointed.

I just hope she gets back to her old self again soon. Somewhere she's happy and comfortable to be and somewhere we're comfortable to watch her.

Emotional Stages When Applying For A Job

Applying for a job is no easy thing to do. Whether it be for a part-time position in your local deli or a full-time position with Goldman Sachs, the stages you go through are inevitably the same.

Big Up
You love yourself when initially applying for the job. Bigging yourself up to the best of your ability. Oh I won this award twice, I can do that with my eyes closed, I have this, these & those qualifications too. I have this in the bag. They have to hire me. Look at me, I'm amazing.

Nervousness
You then begin to get nervous as soon as you've clicked 'submit' or once you've handed in your CV. You're second-guessing your qualifications. Wondering if you answered all those questions with full gusto or if you've missed your chance. Should I have said I'm a good dancer? That is a legitimate qualification for a job in IT isn't it?!

Despair
That's it, I'm doomed. I lost it. Not a chance now. I am a mess. I knew I should have included that dancer qualification. WHY ME?! I HATE LIFE.

Logical Thinking
Well now hang on now, I mean, I actually am perfect for this job. I DO have the necessary experience required. The picture I attached is from my good side. Now that I think about this, there is a chance. Just as much of a chance as everyone else.

Pray
DEAR GOD I KNOW WE HAVEN'T SPOKE IN A WHILE BUT PLZ GIVE ME THIS JOB.

Apathetic
I actually don't care anymore. Whatever. Just applied for the job on the off chance, it wasn't all that important. I mean I don't even like the company. Going to go look for a job more suited to me.

And finally,

Ecstatic
I GOT THE JOB. I would like to thank my mother, father, boyfriend, dog, cat groomer, gardener, playschool teacher, window cleaner, bus driver & everyone else who has believed in me over the years. This one's for you.

Katy B - 'Little Red' Album Review

Katy B returns with her highly anticipated sophomore album 'Little Red '.

Following the success of her debut album, On A Mission, Little Red strives to show just how talented the BRIT School graduate truly is. While her debut was piped full of drops & dancefloor thumpers, the follow up shows a more mature side, yet stays true to her roots.

Lead single 5 AM  is pure electro, hands-in-the-air, trademark Katy B layered with smooth vocals. But she is not a one trick pony. The second single from the album, Crying For No Reason, shows off Katy's range while also showing a vulnerable side which is rarely seen. The album is full of luxurious beats, catchy melodies & even features UK hit girl Jessie Ware on the addictive Aaliyah.

While the album is not perfect, with a few incoherent tracks added in, it is impossible to deny that Little Red is a treat for the ears. Loyal fans & new listeners alike will find something to indulge themselves within the 17 numbers.

Top Tracks: Sapphire Blue, Aaliyah, Next Thing, Emotions.

Little Red is available now on iTunes

Looking Needs To Look A Bit Harder.

HBO's latest drama, Looking, had garnered so much hype before it premiered that people had high expectations. However, those expectations have been met with a lackluster performance.

Now comfortably underway, Looking aired it's third episode over the weekend titled, 'Looking at your Browser History'. Having seen the promo prior to the show, I was very excited to welcome Russell Tovey to the fold as I had loved him in the UK version of Being Human. So far, three episodes in, he is the only character who actually seems to have a personality. Main protagonist Patrick is one of the most annoying I have come across. It's hard to feel anything towards him when he comes across so whiny at times.

Unofficially dubbed the gay version of GIRLS, that is about where the comparisons die. Lena Dunham's creation is smart, emotional & witty from the get-go. It is also relatable to everybody regardless of sexual orientation. The high & lows of a 20 something year old are universal. Looking on the other hand, is just dull. The most action, excuse the pun, happened in the very first scene of the very first episode, where protagonist Patrick cruises in a park & ends up getting with a guy in a bush. Seems wild I know.

I was just hoping  for more. I know the creators want to depict a realistic image of gay life but Christ is my life going to be that boring? It's so far been all about work, work, work. Patrick working hard as a level designer, Agustín failing as an artist & Dom the waiter forevermore. Where are the night clubs & bars? This is The Castro after all! A revolutionary place for the gays. I want to see them go on a night out, pop some Molly and end up in an orgy in the basement of a decrepit apartment block. I want to see Dom serving some wealthy businessman & getting off with him in the loo. I want Agustín to paint his fella like one of his French girls.

Of course, I'll continue to watch. After all it's one of the only, if not the only, shows on TV centered around an all gay cast. I just want it to get more exciting. I cry at thinking that's all I have to look forward to in 8 years time. A dull life, living alone & centered around work.

Lost my iPhone. Lost a limb. #PrayForJohn

Well the inevitable has happened. I have lost my iPhone. #PrayForBieberJohn

After 14 months, many, many, MANY drunken nights out, ridiculously low jeans & general carelessness, I have lost it in a stupid fashion; I merely left it on the seat in a taxi. Christ above I am like a junkie going through heroin withdrawals.

After sprinting down my road to try & catch up with the the taxi I failed and was left running in the opposite direction to my humble abode. I grabbed my father's phone and rang the phone twice before it stopped ringing altogether. Now, I'm not sure if the taxi man turned it off OR if the battery died. I am going to give him the benefit of the doubt and say the latter. I hopped onto Find My iPhone but as the phone is off it can't be located. That is such a flaw with the whole system. Surely Apple are aware most iPhones are turned off when lost/stolen so why can't they send out some signal? HELP US ALL PLZ APPLE!! I tried ringing it again for 30 minutes before calling it a night and going to bed crying tears of sorrow & despair. It really is a tough life when you are most upset about losing your phone rather than the wars in the world but alas, this is it.

Upon waking I was met with great news, MY IPHONE HAD BEEN RETURNED. No it had not, that's how it played out in my dream. I am still mourning my loss. #PrayForMe. I Googled all the nifty things you can do when one has lost their iPhone. So therefore I have enabled 'Lost Mode' & got that really annoying sound to play. When whoever has my phone turns it on they'll be met with a sweet message kindly asking them to return the phone & a contact number for which they can call me. They'll hopefully think I am some 23 year old woman & give the phone back hoping for sexual favours or a date or something. 21 year old gay here so close enough like. I'll also receive an email as soon as the phone is online so I am CREEPING on my mailbox let me tell you.

For now, Papa has lent me his phone which is as basic as having a contacts list and messaging. I suppose that's all you actually need in a phone though right? I will update you on my progress however I'm not holding out hope. If I don't hear anything by tomorrow I'll just erase the iPhone via Find My iPhone and try get another one some way. As my mother said, it takes no time to turn on a phone, see the message & call.

If you are reading this taxi man ( the chances of which being like 1000000/1 seeing as though I have about 5 views on this a day) this is for you:

Schoolin' Life

As the clock struck 6 a.m on Monday the 19th of August Irish time, I once more waited on bated breath for the results that would determine my future.

This was the second time I had applied for the CAO, the Central Application's Office, which would determine which course I would go onto study in college. The first time I applied was when I sat my Leaving Certificate in 2010. Once the stress & dread of the Leaving Cert results had come & passed, the CAO offers were all that was on your mind. 

I had applied to do the Bachelor of Arts degree in National University of Maynooth (NUIM) that first time around. When I awoke to the offer I was delighted. The course was my first choice & I was delighted with myself. My father was ecstatic as I was the first member of his family to actually get into college.

Orientation week came & passed and I began to get into the swing of things. I loved college. Well, I loved the social aspect of college, the actual academics were the problem. Only one other girl from my secondary school had come into the college with me, so I had to make new friends & that I did. Friends who I call my best friends now 3 years later.

While I was meeting up with these new friends, heading to the Student's Union bar & participating in the typical college activities, I was unaware that, even though I was having fun with them, I wasn't furthering myself academically. I actually hated my course to put it bluntly.

I got through 1st year anyway, how I did is beyond me as I did zero work. Before I knew it, 2nd year was coming around knocking on the door. Straight off the bat I fell back into the swing of drinking with my college friends. I loved the social aspect of it all. I just love making friends and having a good time. Many of my friends lived on campus where as I lived at home, so it was a bit of freedom that I lapped up and also envied.

Needless to say the whole year continued in this routine & before I knew it the school year had finished & I had failed. Horrendously. The worst part of it all was that, being honest, I didn't care. I think that was a sign that I wasn't happy in my course. If I was disappointed with myself for failing, then surely that would have meant more. I wasn't thinking at the time at all and when the time came to re-register for college I decided to repeat 2nd year. I had a long talk with myself & realised that I actually had to start making something of myself, so I thought it was the best thing to do.

I re-registered, back into 2nd year I went, my college friends all now in final year. Was I jealous? Sure a little bit but I saw it as an opportunity to put my head in the books. That lasted for about two months max. I began to miss college completely. I would rarely go in & I handed up little to no course work. I had to get two buses to the campus and I just wasn't bothered anymore. I was a complete slacker, lying to my parents that college wasn't on these days or saying I was heading in when I would go to town with friends. To say my parents were less than impressed with me when they eventually found out is an understatement.

I don't know what happened but one day I just reassessed my life. Other events had recently happened so I was in a new, yet promising place. I woke up and copped on that what I was doing wasn't entertaining me and I had to sort myself out. I began thinking about what appeals to me. The BA course was one which my teachers & family members had recommended to me. I was 17 years old, an age which I still think is so young too decide what you want to do with the rest of your life, so I took on their advice. I agreed with them, it wasn't all their fault.

So, at 20 years old, when I began to reassess myself, I was thinking of what I wanted to do. I'm interested in; Entertainment, Writing, Celebs, World Affairs, General Knowledge & Babble. I just enjoy learning things about anything & everything & writing my opinions on them. I enjoy making people laugh & also educating others as well as being educated. Therefore I decided to pursue a course in Journalism and yesterday, I was offered a place in that exact course.

When I clicked onto my CAO account to view my offer I was beyond nervous, especially since I had wasted the past 10 months by completely dropping out of college, I was worried I had made the wrong decision. Not only had I wasted the past 10 months, I had also wasted the past 3 years. Seeing that offer for Journalism thrilled me so much. I can't wait to start in 3 weeks time. Sure, I'll be three years older than some of my fellow undergrads but I'm in a much better place in my life in every sense & now doing something I actually want to do, it can only go up from here.

For anyone out there who is unhappy in their current situation, whatever it may be, stop, think about it & do what YOU want to do, not what others want you to do.

T.G.GOODBYE. Friday's.

As my J1 adventure dwindles down into the final weeks, I have said "GOODBYE", to employment at T.G.I Friday's and it is one bout of employment I won't ever forget. The establishment, the employees & the downright peculiar customers have left a lasting impression in my brain for life.

Before I started working, when I was being interviewed for the job, I lied saying I had had previous serving experience. That is one thing that was obviously lacking on my first day of work. I didn't know how to hold a plate, hold multiple drinks at once or even understand the difference between a Caesar Salad & a House Salad. Being honest, if it wasn't for my friend previously working there during her J1 last year, I don't think I would have been kept on. One thing I can say now, however, is that I am a whiz at the 'ol serving. I only dropped glasses twice during my 3 month stint. The first time was fine as it was a plastic cup of water. Take 2 was a bit more dangerous as I dropped 3 glasses on an OAP. In my defence though, he DID take the glasses off my tray which unbalanced it, so I'm going to blame him. Luckily, there was no harm done and not a smashed glass was to be seen anywhere.

The employees, well, I don't even know where to begin. From 20 year olds acting as though they're going through menopause & routinely crying to drug users being suspended for stinking of BO, they are an eclectic (I use that word loosely) bunch of people. There were a lot of people of Spanish origin working there who spoke the language constantly. I was talking to one of them and happened to mention we don't have much Spanish speakers back home in Ireland and their reply was, "Yeah, but isn't that because you are all racist in Ireland?". I just laughed awkwardly at the response as I was dumbfounded that that was something people over in the States must think about us. I wouldn't call it ignorance, I'd put it down to being uneducated about us. I mean after all, another co-worker of mine thought the Irish language was a made up language used purely in tales & fables.
As odd and unconventional as the employees were, they are also some of the nicest people I have met. They appreciated us Irish who were working there so much as we always said "Please" and "Thanks". Words & manners which seem to have been lost somewhere in America over the years. In a country with such a large population & a country with such a large influence on the rest of the world, you would think they would be more courteous. Walking on the sidewalk is one of the most rude experiences you will encounter but that's a conversation for a different day.

Ferris Bueller & Disney Kid are among some of the names I was given by customers over the summer. I'm not going to lie, I took them both as a compliment. FB was a cool guy and I WISH I had been a Disney kid, hanging out with the likes of Selena & Miley and currently twerking away these days in my mansion in LA but ALAS I am on the other end of the spectrum. Patrons trying to guess where my accent was from was always a fun part of the day. Most of the time people would guess European alright but rarely they'd say Irish. I got German, Danish & English a good bit. Even Canadian once or twice. Really, Canadian?! One guy was dumbfounded I was Irish because I didn't speak with a, "Higgledy, Piggledy" accent. I got a laugh out of that to be honest. Americans just say what's on their mind. That's something which was entertaining but was also bad when it came to complaints.
For some reason, complaining about food here in the States & getting free/discounted food is totally the norm. I don't understand it. I mean, if your food is under-cooked, alright that's fine but some people take advantage of it. I had one woman who ordered a spinach flat bread, which is topped with cheese. The woman ate 3/4 of her flat bread, then informed me it was "Too cheesy", and it was then taken off her bill. I mean what?! YOU ATE NEARLY ALL OF IT AND NOW YOU GET IT FOR FREE?! My mind is baffled. I think restaurant owners need to put their foot down in those sort of circumstances but that's their problem.

In a nutshell, after a week chocked with job applications, interviews & Craigslist searching ( The Job Listings not Men Seeking Men section obviously) back when I first arrived here in June, I am delighted I got the opportunity to work at T.G.I's over the summer. Memories, Friends & little money were made and I enjoyed (almost) every second of it.

Blood Donation: A White Lie To Save A Life.

It's something that's only come to my attention recently, but would you hide your sexuality to donate blood?

I've always known that gay people or 'men who have sex with men' as it's called, were unable to donate blood, here in Ireland anyway, so I never thought much more about it. I always thought that was it, end of. That is until however, my friend told me that he hides his sexuality in order to donate blood and it got me thinking. Is this a good idea? Is what he's doing wrong? In my opinion, no, I don't think what he's doing is wrong. Perhaps I'm just biased I don't know. He goes for regular blood & STI testing therefore he knows he's in the clear, so why shouldn't he donate his clean, healthy blood? I mean after all, he could be part of a rare blood group, such as AB- , and his blood may be the much needed type to save a person's life. So how can anyone tell him to stop? Would you tell someone about what he's doing?

I do see the argument. There is a higher risk of HIV & AIDS in homosexual men, however recent statistics show that both the diseases are highly increasing in heterosexuals alike. See the article by Irish Health. What I don't get is, if you're a heterosexual and you go in to donate blood, your blood is tested for these diseases and many other diseases anyway. It's protocol. So why can't gay people donate blood and their blood be tested too? Is it really that much more of a nuisance?

As I said, it's just something that has come to my attention lately and has piqued my own interest in giving blood, especially knowing I don't carry any life-threatening illnesses. What if my white lie about my own sexuality could save someone's mother, father or child? Would you take the risk? Would you decline someone's blood just because they were gay?

Please comment below as I'm interested to hear other people's opinions on the matter.

Cloud Atlas Review

Intense, Emotional & Thought - Provoking. Those are the words that spring to mind after watching Cloud Atlas. Based on the book by David Mitchell, the film tells the story of the lives of 6 main characters played by an all-star cast including Academy Award Winners Tom Hanks & Halle Berry.

The movie shows how these people, even though alive in different countries, centuries and even worlds, how their stories are all intertwined and have a butterfly affect on one another. Without giving too much away, they all possess a certain trait in common which links them and unites them. Each character has a struggle. Something they must must overcome and from their struggle spawns another's. It shows how one person's kindness can save someone and that justice, no matter how long it takes, will always prevail.

An exciting technique used by directors Lana Wachowski, Andy Wachowski & Tom Tykwer, is to have the cast play multiple parts through out the spectacle. So when you see Halle Berry as a normal woman but later on you think you see her as an aged Chinese man, this is because you do. Through the amazing work of prosthesis, the cast are almost unrecognisable. A unique piece of art.

With an estimated budget of $100,000,000, there was no expense spared and this is clear from the pure visuals of the film itself. What surprises me, is that it didn't receive an Oscar nomination for Best Cinematography, Best Hair & Make-Up or Best Costume Design, all of which I was very impressed with in the film.

If you are one to fall asleep easily during your trip to the cinema, I would say wait for it to come out on DVD as with a run-time of almost 3 hours long, this movie is no mean feat. However, if you allow your self to be submerged into the stories and each character's world, you are in for one hell of a ride. If you walk away without questioning your existence and your story, you weren't paying close enough attention.

Cloud Atlas is now showing in screens nationwide.