Grove Park, Rathmines - Dublin, Ireland © Barbara Snow

© Frank H. Jump

Photoshopped by Frank H. Jump

More Bistokills:

• Bisto Kills Santa – Picture This
• Bisto Kills Grenade

Source Images: Amazon dot com

Ah Bisto

Bisto Gravy

DIRECT FROM DUBLIN, IRELANDwill play with the award-winning short Fortune.www.wcthemovie.com

FILMMAKER PRESENTS WORK AT THE SCREENING ROOM

Liam O Mochain, an independent filmmaker from Dublin, Ireland, will present a collection of his award-winning films at The Screening Room on November 13 through 15. The Screening Room, newest landmark on Congress Street, is located at 127 East Congress in the heart of the downtown entertainment district.

His low-budget road movie, The Book That Wrote Itself, has all the ingredients that first-time film-makers dream about: Hollywood stars, film prizes and a word-of-mouth buzz that has turned it into an independent Irish hit. The Book That Wrote Itself, with cameo roles by George Clooney, Kenneth Branagh, Melanie Griffith and Chazz

Palminteri,

WC

Liam O Mochain trained in theatre with Geasog Theatre Company, The Gaiety School of Acting and The Galway Youth Theatre and has performed in many theatre productions, radio plays and films. In 1996, he wrote and produced Fortunewhich won a best short film award at the Houston Film Festival and in 1999, made his writer/director feature debut on The Book That Wrote Itself. Liam is currently writing a psychological horror Shape ShifterHe is a founding member of the Irish Film and Television Academy and a member of the Irish Screen Writers Guild and the Directors Guild of Ireland..

SCREENING TIMESThe Book That Wrote Itself

with short Fortune (26m)
Admission: $8Saturday, November 14 at 7:30pm

WCWC (78mins), (78mins), (71mins)
Friday, November 13 at 7:30pmWinner Best Foreign film at the 2009 Las Vegas Int. Film FestivalWinner Lodgers Award (Critics Prize) at the 1999 Austin Film Festival.

with short Lifting the Lid: The Making of WC (18mins),
Q+A with Liam O Mochain

Admission: $8

Sunday, November 15 at 3:00pm

with short Lifting the Lid: The Making of WC (18mins)
Q+A with Liam O Mochain

Admission: $6

LIAM O MOCHAIN FILMOGRAPHY

WC2007 Feature 78mins Wri/Dir /Prod

Winner Silver Award best film at the 2009 Mexico Int. Film Festival

Winner Best Feature film at the 2007 Waterford Film Festival (Ireland)

Official Selection 2007 Dublin International Film Festival (World Premiere)

Official Selection 2007 Galway Film Fleadh (Ireland)

Official Selection 2007 Montreal World Film Festival. (Int. Premiere)(Canada)

Official Competition 2007 Waterford Film Festival. (Ireland)

Official Selection, 2008 Zimbabwe Int. Film Festival,

Official Competition 2008 Cairo Int. Film Festival, 2008 Cannes Film Festival

The Book That Wrote Itself1999 Feature 71mins Wri/Dir/Prod

Runner Up Audience Award at the 2000 Seattle Irish Film Festival

Official Competition 1999 Galway Film Fleadh (World Premiere)

Official Selection 1999 Vancouver International Film Festival (Int. Premiere)

Official Selection 20 international film festival

Fortune1996 Short 26mins Writer/Producer Winner best short film award at the 1998 WorldFest Houston international film festival

Winner best short film award at the 1997 Central Florida film festival

Voted no 15 of the best Irish short films in the world on

Official Selection 1996 Manchester Short Film Festival

Official competition 1997 Florida Film festival

Official selection 1998 Dublin Film festival

Official selection 1998 Arizona Int. Film festival

Official selection 2002 Sydney Short Film Festival

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT“Most people are a bit shocked when they see a toilet attendant in a local bar.”

With toilet attendants working in almost every bar in Dublin nowadays – offering soap, towels and fragrances – O Mochain admits that people often take them for granted and almost forget that they’re there. “I don’t think our culture has really adapted to it yet. Dublin is changing because there are so many different nationalities and diverse cultures co-existing there, which is great, but we’re not used to being fussed on.” This film gives you a different perspective in that you get to see it from the toilet attendant’s point of view and you see what they have to deal with. They’re in the background and you don’t really notice them, so to them it’s as if they don’t really exist. In the film, you get to see them as real human beings.”

The Book That Wrote itselfLiam’s first feature film is a world away from WC. “This one is a very different film. You probably couldn’t get two more different films. The last one was a road movie and this is almost a one-situation film.”

Gardaí in Dublin have seized 60 kilos of cannabis, estimated to be worth around €750,000.

Officers from the Garda National Drugs Unit discovered the drugs after they stopped a truck and a car at Business Park in Swords this afternoon.

Two men aged 41 and 44 were arrested at the scene and are being questioned in Swords and Malahide Garda Stations.

This latest seizure is the result of an ongoing investigation by the Garda National drugs into the activities of a man known to them as a significant drug dealer.

I have officially been in Europe for one month, September has just begun and Fall has descended over Dublin. Summer does not linger here…

But, there are also some good things about an early Fall. One being ideal running weather. Well, in Ireland, that is debatable. In August, it never got hot enough to make running miserable, like in New York, and it rains so often (on the news today they said it has rained everyday since June) running conditions tend to be on the less desirable side year round. However, I’ve got to put a positive spin on it. And today’s run was a HUGE success. I pumped out seven beautiful, strong, almost effortless miles in record time. I think I may have found a solution to my low running motivation since I arrived here. As a spoiled New Yorker, I am used to my pick of perfect road running routes. There is, Manhattan’s waterfront parks, where you can do 13 + miles without having to run on the streets; Central Park of course, a perfect 6 miles around, and Brooklyn’s Prospect Park just to name a few of my most loved. But out here in Dundrum, just outside Dublin’s city center where I am currently living, there is not much to choose from. I dreaded running 20 minutes through suburban boredom just to get to Marley Park (A beautiful, but out of the way 300 acre park in South Dublin). For the first time in my running life, today I wore my ipod, and I learned a valuable lesson: I can do anything with a good soundtrack! Well maybe not, but at least it felt that way today. My favorite part was the music that takes me back through the last few years on my life. Music that has gotten me through my roughest times and music that reminds me of my happiest. I had a huge grin on my face for one loop or so, listening to Gentleman, and dreming up how one day I will have a reggae artist at my wedding and how wicked it will be to have everyone skanking on the dance floor!! Or the passionate African music by composser Heitor Pereira, that really focuses me, makes me think of really pushing myself to my ultimate limit. Music can be so powerful at times. And I learn more and more with my running that it’s all about getting your head on the right place. The only thing that matters is how you feel about yourself, everything else will follow.

Now I am sitting in my apartment, trying to get some work done, and the rain pours outside. It’s beautiful and relaxing (especially since I am not running or biking in it). I feel like a million Euros, having completed an important goal for this Wednesday, as the marathon fast approaches, and also lucky that I did so, just in the nik of time. A typical Dublin day.

You’re pregnant and would like to know more about what an ultrasound scan is really all about? Sound waves are used to create the ultrasound image. A machine sends sound waves through the body which are then reflected back and converted into an image that is visible on a screen.Ultrasound has revolutionised the care of women during pregnancy and is currently considered to be a safe, non-invasive, accurate and cost-effective investigation of the foetus. It has progressively developed into an indispensible obstetric tool since its introduction in 1950, playing an important role in the care of pregnant woman. Find more at pregnancy test.

Modern obstetric medicine (for guiding pregnancy and childbirth) relies heavily on ultrasound to provide detailed images of the foetus. As it does not use radiation, being the most beneficial feature of ultrasound, it is safe for both the foetus and the mother. Read more at pregnancy test.

When should I take my ultrasound scan and what they will be looking for?

Between six and fourteen weeks the first ultrasound scan is taken, whose other name is dating scan. Most expectant mothers can’t wait for that first ultrasound appointment. Although it may be difficult for you to distinguish an actual baby on the screen, your sonographer will be able to tell a lot from that first ultrasound and will point out significant parts of the baby. The following are the few things which they will be looking for especially if there has been some bleeding.
• The heartbeat
•.Whether there is a multiple pregnancy (twins or triplets)
• The expected delivery date
• Foetal abnormalities
• Whether the pregnancy is ectopic (occurring in the fallopian tubes instead of the abdomen)

Subsequent Ultrasounds are used to monitor Baby’s development:
• Growth of the baby
• Amniotic fluid
• Baby’s position
• Imaging the limbs
• proper formation by checking spinal column
• Presence of heart, stomach, bladder and kidneys are determined by imaging
• Defects such as cleft palate, spina bifida (a gap in the spine), or malformations of the urinary tract can be ruled out
• Placenta and umbilical cord are checked to determine whether a caesarean delivery is necessary when the placenta is blocking the exit from the uterus

Before choosing a clinic for attending a pregnancy ultrasound scan in Dublin, Ireland or anywhere else, it’s important to keep the following in mind :

• Appointments should not take much time
• Qualified Sonographer
• High diagnostic accuracy
• Response of clinical findings should be fast
• Location of the clinic should be convenient and comfortable
• Safe – No Radiation
• The clinic should be open during evenings and 7 days a week for your flexibility.

Findout more at first pregnancy scan

http://www.staydublin.com/book_sys/booking-template2.php
http://www.ellisapartments.com/book-online

this doesnt’ look too bad in the centre of Dublin

St. Mary’s Abbey is one of Dublin’s best kept secrets. It was once the wealthiest Cistercian Abbey in Ireland. Today only two rooms remain – the Chapter House and the Slype. The Abbey, founded in 1139, played a large role in the affairs of the state until its dissolution by Henry VIII in 1539. It was in the Chapter House that “Silken” Thomas Fitzgerald started his unsuccessful rebellion in 1534 and it is in this context that the Abbey is mentioned in the “Wandering Rocks” chapter of Ulysses by James Joyce.  Today it contains a fascinating exhibition put together by the Office of Public Works along with the Dublin Archaeological Society and the History of Art Department of Trinity College, Dublin.

Location: Centre of Dublin. Off Capel Street. From O’Connell Street follow Luas line down Abbey Street Upper, cross Capel Street to street called Mary’s Abbey, then first turn right into Meetinghouse Lane.

http://www.heritageireland.ie

Ireland’s best known Victorian public park. Re-opened by Lord Ardilaun in 1880 for the citizens of Dublin. This 9 hectare / 22 acre park has been maintained in the original Victorian layout with extensive perimeter tree and shrub planting, spectacular spring and summer Victorian bedding. The herbaceous border also provides colour from early spring to late autumn. Sanctuary from inclement weather can be obtained in the Victorian lakeside shelter or in the Victorian Swiss shelters in the center of the park.

Over 3.5 km of pathways are accessible for all users. The waterfall and Pulham rock work on the western side of the green are worth of a visit likewise the ornamental lake which provides a home for waterfowl and a garden for the visually impaired. A number of sculptures are located throughout the green. A children’s playground is a popular attraction of the park. Lunchtime concerts are performed during the summer months.

Location: Centre of Dublin, at the top of Grafton Street.

http://www.heritageireland.ie

So, it seems that depending on what we are all wanting to do in Dublin, this Dublin pass might be a good idea if we wanted to go to enough of the “attractions” to make it worth the one price. You can also book a sightseeing tour or a  on/off bus pass.

I’ll be going thru more of these soon…or if you can’t wait, visit the site

Free Entry with the Dublin Pass

Those of you familiar with my Belgium stories from this spring will know that I have a fondness for strange European statues. Everywhere has one or two, but Belgium is full of them, and I love them for it. Wandering around Dublin, I hadn’t seen too much of note to add to the collection, until today:

Hoop it up Ireland

This guy’s name is Jim Larkin, and whoever that makes him, and whatever inspiration he’s trying to generate, he’s clearly not immune to a bit of St. Patty’s Week revelry.

Dublin also has a spire. It’s big. And right behind ol’ Jim. But being that Belgium got to me first with their spire (ok, technically it’s a sewing needle), one topped with an impaled fly no less, Dublin loses this round.

With the world tour drawing to a close for 2008, bowing out in style was definitely the right way to go about things – suited & booted in Dublin. So after awaking at 5am after 4 hours sleep (2 more than Li got might I add) I met with Jay & Lamps at we headed for the train. After a hazy train ride to Glasgow we got snacks & headed for the next train to Prestwick & to meet Li. After several phone calls it is established that Li was still at home. Even with this 2 mile dash he wasn’t getting our train. On the plus he was stinking when we met him later.

After a poor breaky Jay got a knock back from securty – something about shit hair they said. On the 2nd go he got through so we celebrated the only way we knew – we got a couple drinks in & got on it. For being a good sport at the security desk Jay got a free hat so things were looking up already.

 Following an hours delay then a 50 minute flight we landed in Dublin, mistook the Spire (tallest thing in Ireland) for Kennedy then for a church a got lost looking for the hostel. After a grabbing food in a Chinese buffet with plenty of hair on the menu we hit the Guinness factory sweating our asses off; don’t know what stupid bastard suggested suits. However we did learn how to drink Guinness properly & discovered it’s not black but in fact very dark ruby plus we got to drink a good bit in the tasting lab so everyone was happy. Although word to the wise; don’t eat the roasted barely.

A photo session outside the brewery was followed by us heading to the hostel with a cargo consisting of the countries shittest wine & the planets shittest warm beer; the absinthe eased our suffering. As we worked our way through the booze we where informed by our Canadian room mates that someone had attempted to rob them in the room the night before, just what we wanted to hear. After a few more cans we headed out for dinner – more Guinness followed by the world’s most overpriced kebab (10 fecking euro!).

Again we opted for more Guinness & some traditional Irish music before Cry by Li called it a night & headed home. Presumably to fire into the Canadians. Our bold attempts to hit every pub in Temple Bar failed in dramatic fashion when I decided to head butt a pint glass lying on the table of one pub. I came off worse but the boys loved it.

 As the night drew to a close we hit a local nightclub & were amazed to find cheap vodka which we took full advantage of. Getting tired I thought putting red bull in my eyes would help somewhat; turns out i was very, very wrong. After staggering home, climbing on walls & nearly falling in the river I made a point to warn the booys to watch their stuff incase our room got robbed & the night was over.

Awaking the next morning I found Jay’s clothes & cash everywhere, his passport in the middle of the room & JK’s cash scattered everywhere along with his phone. We got lucky. Burger King was the first port of call for the day before we discussed tactics & charged at the castle hoping to take it with force.

Apparently they do tours now so that seemed more sensible with a hangover. Worth every penny, ask me anything about Dublin’s history. Go on then. I was hanging on the guides every word. He had the coolest brown shoes & when he donned his leather jacket I almost confused him for Marlon Brando in the Wild One.

The remainder of the day was filled by a walk in the park, some shopping & plenty of pubs before heading for the airport skint & shattered. All in all a good 2 days in Dublin.