Saturday 27th 2006f May 2006
« « Multi-Festivalular| House for Sale » »Flux
Firstly – Happy Birthday Eleanor! Secondly – Happy Bithday Vanessa! It’s very warm here at the moment, and humid. I’m sweating as I type. This week saw the season finales of 24, House and Lost and next weekend we’ll have the last episodes in the current season of The Sopranos and Big Love. What am I going to watch? I guess it must be summer. I’ll continue to illegally download new episodes of Dr. Who as they arrive (yay! Cybermen!) but I doubt that’ll hold me long.
Work is fine, despite the unsettling shock closure of R* Vienna. Table Tennis was released this week to generally favourable reviews. My voice is in that, as an Irish fan cheering on Cassidy. I was able to get Conor and Hilary in as fellow Irish supporters, as well as Young-Min cheering for the Korean character Jung. I hope she wasn’t swearing in Korean or I might get into trouble. I have a copy, but of course I don’t yet have an Xbox 360 to play it on. Someday…
New York is much less stable than Dublin, in a way that you need to be here a little while to appreciate. I don’t mean physically, but in terms of its population. People come and go, all the time. I didn’t notice this for a while. I arrived and of course everything was new to me. Everybody I met was somebody I’d never met before. Some of these people I stayed in contact with, some I didn’t. I assumed, despite the many obvious and not so obvious differences, that socially speaking it wasn’t that different to Dublin. I was approaching it from a different angle, not having grown up here, but I imagined that I was working towards the same kind of stability, that ultimately I’d have the same kind of network.
If I were to return to Dublin I could probably fall in with most of my old friends. I could go to the same bars, or ones just like them, and have the same kind of interactions. Not that nothing there has changed, of course – there are relationships, weddings, children, and people do leave, like me – but people are still there. Or at any rate, not too far away – Ireland isn’t big enough to get that far away. The idea of a “job for life” is dying in Ireland – I was very conscious of that as a teenager – but it hasn’t existed here for a long time.
One of the most common questions I get asked, by people I’ve just met as well as those who know me well, is “Are you planning to stay in New York?” I have a standard answer – “Well, I’m not planning not to stay”. Which is true. I don’t know if I see myself here when I’m sixty, but then I don’t really see myself anywhere else at sixty either.
Mobility and choice are good things, if you can get them. I’m glad that people come and visit. I was happy to see my aunt Stephanie, my cousins Catherine and Claire and Claire’s husband Keith. We had some very pleasant meals at one of which we even saw some celebrities. My friend Hugh was over at around the same time, which was also fun. I’m glad that there are new people to meet, people calling me up because they’ve just arrived and somebody gave them my number just like I had people to call when I arrived. I met my friend Julian largely because we arrived in New York within a week of each other.
People come here all the time, just like me, but people leave all the time too. And when you start listening you realise that even the people who have been here for a while haven’t committed to staying here forever. They talk about trying somewhere else, somewhere quieter, or somewhere warmer, or somewhere closer to home, wherever that might be.
Vanessa is moving out to Portland, Oregon next week. Last night she had a combined leaving/birthday meal (I’ll get her a present eventually; yes, and you, Eleanor). She was my roommate for a year and a half while I lived in Queens. Of course I’ll visit her in Portland (if she gets a nice enough apartment) but it makes me feel that I’m on shifting sands here in New York. Now there will be a Vanessa-shaped hole. What other holes will appear? Do I have to constantly be making new friends? If I don’t, will I wake up one morning to realise I’ve run out? Where is the stability?
One of the greatest and most difficult things about coming here and starting from scratch was having to make friends, but I guess I had reached a stage where I felt I could relax a little. In my first months here I had a rule – accept any and all invitations. Maybe you’ll end up in the kitchen with nobody to talk to, and maybe you’ll have a great time and meet some cool people. But go. Recently I’ve relaxed on this – I was invited to a gathering on Thursday but I blew it off, partly because it was a school night, but also because I just didn’t feel the need. Maybe that’s the only luxury this city doesn’t afford. And it’s a shame, because a Vanessa-shaped hole is only really fillable by Vanessa.
Comment ID: 10040
At 5:14 am on Monday 29th 2006f May 2006, Dirty Bones declaredYes indeed, I get flux too, usually from Red wine and cheese. I love cheese. And I love Red wine, so it’s a pity. Rockstar closed a shop eh? Hope it’s not a trend. Still have’nt played battlefield 2 yet Anthony. Guess its all old at this stage.
Talk later! D!
Comment ID: 10078
At 5:29 pm on Monday 29th 2006f May 2006, jon felt the urge to writeHi Anthony – unrelated post – do not have ur email.
Coming to NY in June. Do you know of a good hotel near the village ?? !!
Hope to hear from u soon.
Jon S. Dublin.
Comment ID: 10135
At 2:03 pm on Tuesday 30th 2006f May 2006, Daragh felt the urge to writeGood post Anthony – I like the little words of wisdom, and you talking about life & expericencesnstuff, figuring it out along the way….growing… pretty cool eh?
Happy Birthday Vanessa!
p.s we know what you mean in the last line of the post Anthony, but the way it comes out, you got to admit, it does put a smile on yer face.
“because a Vanessa-shaped hole is only really fillable by Vanessa.”
........I rest my case
Comment ID: 10136
At 2:08 pm on Tuesday 30th 2006f May 2006, Daragh saidOr What about this one :
“What other holes will appear?”
O.k, o.k I’ll stop here…......Jesus I’m begining to sound like Dean!
Comment ID: 10137
At 2:10 pm on Tuesday 30th 2006f May 2006, Daragh wanted everyone to knowTime Sace Continueim
I need my FLUX capacitor!
Comment ID: 10211
At 3:06 am on Thursday 01st 2006f June 2006, Dirty Bones statedHahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaahaahahahahahahahahah
Damn it Daragh! I just got the whole “Vanessa-shaped hole thing”!
Can’t believe I missed that one. It has a certain ‘ring’ to it alright. And I’m sure some very deep meaning too. I’d like to probe this further but I’m not sure if that’s wise. Afterall, I’d simply be going round and round in circles.
Maybe I should stop writing now, but the temptation to insert something else is overwhelming. On the whole, perhaps it’s all a bit too much. A bit too long. It could be a hairy situation for sure! Then again, things could go much smoother than that.
Ahhhhh, thanks Daragh. I feel much better now.
Comment ID: 10212
At 3:09 am on Thursday 01st 2006f June 2006, Dirty Bones decided it was worth pointing outHope yer well Daragh by the by! Still seeing the bit of ooh-la-la-laah I hope. Knowarrimean! Hope works going good too? But Germany for the World Cup I have to say on account off my bird being a Fritz in all in anyways.
Cheers!
Comment ID: 10219
At 5:54 am on Thursday 01st 2006f June 2006, Daragh discoursedStill waiting for that drink Deano!
P.s Go fuck yourself
Comment ID: 10220
At 6:17 am on Thursday 01st 2006f June 2006, Dirty Bones testifiedNice one Dar. Was waiting for some excuse to finally have a go!
I’ll let you know how I get on.
Up yours strawballs!
Comment ID: 10221
At 6:21 am on Thursday 01st 2006f June 2006, Dirty Bones started typing, with this result:)
Smiley’s eh!
Geebag!
Comment ID: 10223
At 7:41 am on Thursday 01st 2006f June 2006, Daragh started typing, with this resultJust reving it up here, been very quite these days, even wee Jimmy must be busy.
Strawballs?
What a day, sun splitin the stones,
birds are swaying the trees are singing!
Whatcha doing at the weekend Deano?
Kilkenny Cat Laughs is on, or Galway could be a bit of craic.
Comment ID: 10224
At 8:29 am on Thursday 01st 2006f June 2006, Daragh felt the urge to writeQuiet!
Comment ID: 10226
At 10:51 am on Thursday 01st 2006f June 2006, Dirty Bones wanted everyone to knowhaha… yer won’t believe this but I’v got plans. No, not washing my hair; staying at a friends for a house warming night. (Yes, i do have friends, not just imaginaryeraery). Could be interesting to arrange something in Galway this summer tho. Z still lives there doeseny he?
And yeah… Strawballs!
Comment ID: 10228
At 11:35 am on Thursday 01st 2006f June 2006, Anthony proclaimedBloody hell. I try and write something thoughtful and heartfelt and this is what I get?
I give up.
Comment ID: 10229
At 12:17 pm on Thursday 01st 2006f June 2006, sibyl announceddon’t give up, Anthony.
i thought your post was so lovely i was feeling teary by the end. i, too, am acutely aware of the lack of Vanessa. funny how in a city of 8 million people, the loss of one can make you feel suddenly lonely. i was so impressed by your post that i went to immediately write a comment. by the time i was done reading the back and for (ad nauseum) by the same two jackasses i was too dispirited to post my own comment.
i guess i open myself up to all sorts of slagging off if i suggest to the two lager louts that rather than cyber wanking each other and competing to get off (pun intended) the best 8th-grade locker room funny, that instead they may want to belly up to the bar for a big glass of grow-the-fuck-up, but i’ll do so anyway. gentlemen, and i use the term mockingly, please see the foregoing.
Vanessa is such an extraordinary person and the very best NY friend i have ever made. she will be so missed.
i guess tweedle dum and tweedle dummer just don’t get it.
thanks for the great post.
Comment ID: 10267
At 2:56 am on Friday 02nd 2006f June 2006, Daragh felt the urge to writeIs that you again James?
Comment ID: 10268
At 3:26 am on Friday 02nd 2006f June 2006, Dirty Bones discoursedAnthony, the post was interesting. I did’nt quite feel tearful, because hearing you talk about making friends etc.. well…. to be honest, it’s the least I’ve come to expect from you. You’re actually very good at it. Maybe you should even write a book about networking in new environments or summat? So it did’nt come as any surprise to read all that stuff up there and I actually envy your spirit and laid back approach to people in general.
As for the teary-eyed twat two comments above, I say: Bring it on QueerBalls! Sure he’s only pissed he did’nt take a shot at the Vanessa-filled-hole himself in the first place! (And yes, PUN INTENDED! Duhhhhh!)
Well done Daragh, very funny comment. (Your still a geebag though!)
And Anthony…. no need to wallow, we know your brilliant. You work for a games company damnit! Stop rubbing it in. I walk in your shadow. You are my hero. The wind beneath my arse!
Yawn!
Where’s BABS!?
Where’s Mr. D. (A fine man might I add and rumour has it owner of a very trendy Smart Car!)
Comment ID: 10281
At 5:45 am on Friday 02nd 2006f June 2006, Daragh realised it was important that we all should understandSibyl : As regards Vanessa – there was no bad feeling directed at her at all, just a play on words. She, like you, is a friend of mine also. Myself and Dean friends also, so if it offens, sorry. I try not to take things too seriously, just a bit of fun, i’m sure if you lighten up a bit, you could be a bit of fun too! I still think this is James though!
Dean : Zani & James are in Galway you comming?
Anthony : does Hugh O’Connor know Mike Watt from The Minutemen?
Comment ID: 10284
At 6:47 am on Friday 02nd 2006f June 2006, Dirty Bones blurtedDon’t listen to him Sibyl James! I’m not his friend. His real name is Strawballs Geebag!
I’d love to Daragh, but like I said; staying at a mates gaff on Sat’day night, so no can do. Give my regards to Zine-nay and the Wee man though.
Can you believe, we’re sooo close to meeting up for ‘that’ pint!
(Wow, heatwave expected for the weekend! Cell-llent!!!!
Comment ID: 10412
At 11:32 pm on Monday 05th 2006f June 2006, Babs felt the urge to writeHere I am!!
I’m still being held hostage down south.
Wah!!
Comment ID: 10413
At 11:34 pm on Monday 05th 2006f June 2006, Babs postedAnd, you know, this post made me realize that once I get back to the bleedin’ island there’ll be not one bastard to hang out with. They’re all long gone.
The selfish gits.
Comment ID: 10418
At 3:10 am on Tuesday 06th 2006f June 2006, Dirty Bones felt the urge to writeWelcome Back Babs. Just one thing; Re: “I’m still being held hostage down south.” Is this code for something saucey?
Comment ID: 10522
At 8:38 pm on Wednesday 07th 2006f June 2006, Rockfish impartedDaragh,
I assure you Sibyl is not James, whoever James is. She’s a really lovely, incredibly bright and very fun person. But, in this discourse, the pertinent aspect of her personality is that she is an amazingly loyal and loving friend.
She needn’t relax to be fun, Daragh, if relaxing means sitting idly by or, even worse, joining in during a back-and-forth about her close friend which she (among others) finds offensive.
Women don’t need to accept or laugh along with crude sexual innuendo in order to be fun. Many woman (and men) find that sort of thing distasteful, pubescent and sometimes even aggressive. Telling them they need to “lighten up” in order to “be fun” is just a hackneyed way to try to silence them when they rightfully object to behavior that has long made many woman feel uncomfortable and objectified. While it’s cool you at least responded to her in a polite tone, the point still stands that lots of women don’t find that stuff fun or funny at all. And it is really okay for them to say so without risking being told they’re not “fun” or further slagging off from the likes of skeezbags like Dirty Bones.
I think that stuff should be removed before Vanessa sees it. It might upset her. It would upset me.
Comment ID: 10523
At 9:18 pm on Wednesday 07th 2006f June 2006, Rockfish statedDirty Bones
One morning, when you wake up and peel your ugly mug off whatever vomit-encrusted floor you passed out on the night before, and peel your hand off your flaccid prick (which judging by the intellectually stunted, hostile and misogynistic tone of your postings
is clearly of a size that would make filling a mosquito-shaped hole a challenge, forget any other shape), you may have an epiphany. You may say to yourself(because miscreants like you are guaranteed to wake up alone and so there will be no one but yourself), “Look at the state of me! I’m a grown-ass man and all I’ve got to offer to any exchange is dumb-ass comments about beer and genitals. My God, I am still that repulsive, dim-witted kid who nobody liked in school so to get attention during puberty he tried to make everything anyone said somehow a sexual reference. And finally even the other boys got sick of it and nobody would sit near him or ask him to play football. Now that I’m grown it is even more pathetic because now it is less like just being a misfit and more like being an actual perv who other adults find repugnant and kids – and especially young women- find creepy. It’s sad, really.”
Not that the content of your posts suggests you have the brain matter necessary to have such a moment of self-awareness. Or civility of discourse, even with yourself. You would need a substantial increase in intellect to even be considered a “twat” at your current level of functioning.
“Bring it on,” indeed. Aren’t you the tough guy, picking a fight with a woman who objected to your squalid twaddle at her friend’s expense? I’m offended for both of them.
Consider it brought.
Comment ID: 10542
At 3:07 am on Thursday 08th 2006f June 2006, Skeezbag Dirty Bones started typing, with this resultHa-ha!!! My God! What a retort!
Did it take all week to come up with it? Take yer head out of yer arse fer Jazuz sakes, yer all covered in shite, not to mention yer spoutin’ a lot of it too! I did’nt catch yer name by the way… or is “Rockfish” another way of saying “GOBSHITE!”
When was the last time ye had a ride wha’? In all in anyways! (Not that I’m offerring, or anyone else is for that matter!)
Jazuz! Holy God!
Jimi…... c’mon!
Comment ID: 10561
At 6:48 am on Thursday 08th 2006f June 2006, Owen O'Flaherty opinedThis is getting good. More!
pulls up deckchair, opens popcorn
Comment ID: 10562
At 6:49 am on Thursday 08th 2006f June 2006, Skeezbag Dirty Bones felt the urge to writeer.. I’m also guessing yer a bird. Or at least ‘purtaining’ to of tha fair sex!
By the way Daragh. I think there’s a special world cup night in the porter house for all of Germany’s cup games, so I’m gonna bring Steffi in to cheer on Zee Vaterland. Except the opener tomorrow though. But defo against Poland next Weddnesday, or when ever it is.
Anthony, I think Im taking over yer website again. sorry.
Comment ID: 10575
At 10:20 am on Thursday 08th 2006f June 2006, Skeezbag Dirty Bones statedYes, Daragh, that was an invite for “that pint”!
Comment ID: 10576
At 10:26 am on Thursday 08th 2006f June 2006, Daragh realised it was important that we all should understandSibyl / Rockfish
Yea you’re right
What was I thinking?
Comment ID: 10614
At 3:36 am on Friday 09th 2006f June 2006, Skeezbag Dirty Bones typedHuh? Shite, I’m mad confussed now. (And yes, I meant to say ‘Confussed’ nazis!)
Comment ID: 10714
At 1:53 pm on Sunday 11th 2006f June 2006, Nigel wroteOK Anthony, I think it’s time you tried internet dating!
Comment ID: 10745
At 6:33 am on Monday 12th 2006f June 2006, Skeezbag Dirty Bones wroteJesus! don’t pull any punches there lad! Sensitive or wot!
(Although Anthony, go to www.hotornot.com, tiz gas so it is!!!! Great during periods of lack of concentration @ work!)
Comment ID: 10862
At 7:57 am on Wednesday 14th 2006f June 2006, Skeezbag Dirty Bones testifiedUp Yours Anthony!
I’m applying for a P/T thing as a German-English Games tester!!!
HA-HARRRRRR
Comment ID: 10863
At 7:58 am on Wednesday 14th 2006f June 2006, Skeezbag Dirty Bones felt the urge to writeDaragh
Im in the Porterhouse tinight fer scoops if yer around.
Cheerio
Comment ID: 10865
At 8:38 am on Wednesday 14th 2006f June 2006, Daragh saidDean – Going to The National Photographic Archive tonite – Exhibition there starts at 6.30pm – its in meeting house square neat the I.F.C – get Anthony to give you my number – free drink! – always tastes much nicer!
Anthony – sorry don’t mean to use the site as a message board, but I have no other way of contacting Dean.
Cheers,
d.
Comment ID: 10870
At 11:59 am on Wednesday 14th 2006f June 2006, Anthony saidYou might as well. Everybody else has left in disgust!
Comment ID: 10903
At 3:18 am on Thursday 15th 2006f June 2006, Skeezbag Dirty Bones typedDaragh… I said I would post a post here today following “That Beer” we finally had. Unfortunately, I seem to have had some strange and unwanted side effect to the Erdinger Dunkel I drank gesternacht mit die deutche loite fur ze foozball spiel mit Polanska! Und ich bin completeren kaputen! Ich halb ein grosse katte! Und ich halb nearly uberall ge-puked auf den bussa zu arbeit morgan cad a ta se! Und ich bin nicht go maith ma se de holle!
Zo, du kanst der grosse posta machen erste!
Chin Chin!
Comment ID: 10908
At 7:52 am on Thursday 15th 2006f June 2006, Daragh started typing, with this resultya, daz gud ya.
They needed Jean Paul 11 in goal
Comment ID: 10976
At 4:03 am on Friday 16th 2006f June 2006, Skeezbag Dirty Bones announcedYa, Danke Deter mein fruend!
Deter has brought it to my attention that those who ahve previously scolded mine and his attempts are in fact real and are not either he or Jimi or anyone else, simply havin’ a go!
Therefore, I would like to tone down my previous comment regarding said retort on the basis that I thought you were in fact ‘one of the boys’ taking the piss out of me. Please consider this new and revised comment:
CHILL THE FECK OUT!!!!!!!! WE’re ONLY HAVING A LAUGH. THAT’S L-A-U-G-HA-HA-HA-HA!!!!!!!!!
PS Anthony, Daragh drinks like a fish! I met him trying to look trendy at some photo exhibit. He was really only there for the free booze though.
Comment ID: 10983
At 5:34 am on Friday 16th 2006f June 2006, Skeezbag Dirty Bones professedPS Anthony…
Did yuo hea the news about Zaini?