Déardaoin (Thu), Aibreán (Apr) 28th

Norwegian woman convicted of rape
Yes you read right, a 23 year old Norwegian woman has been sentenced to 9 months in jail for raping a man. Seemingly he fell asleep on the couch in the woman's apartment but woke up a short time later to find the woman giving him oral sex, which constitutes rape in Norway. "The man said the incident left him with insomnia and virtually no interest in sex. He also described it as a breach of trust between friends that crushed his faith in people." Oh FUCK OFF, you were loving it you tosser. more..
maca @ 01:40.

Dé Céadaoin (Wed), Aibreán (Apr) 27th

Click-less lazy shite
You really know you're an absolute lazy basket when it pains you to simply click on a flippin browser tab. I made the switch yesterday from one browser tab extension (tabbrowser preferences) to another (tab mix) which has some pretty cool new functions but I lost the tab-switching-on-mouseover functionality so now I have to actually click each tab I want to view. Is this what I have become, such a lazy shite that I can't even click a shaggin' mouse button? Oi vei! more..
maca @ 12:58.

IE7 support for blah blah
We've been stuck in a time warp with IE6 for yonks, the only updates have been to fix a few of the gazillion fucking security holes in the web browser-slash-windows browser. IE7 will probably be released as part of Longhorn, M$'s latest attempt at a secure stable OS, and as well as better security (security-focused release they claim, the browser is 'divorced' from windows which was one of the biggest security problems with previous IE versions) they have promised what web developers have been crying for, better support for web standards.
In a blog entry last week Chris Wilson promised to address many of the major CSS consistency problems and also to support the alpha channel in PNG images. Better late than never I suppose.
Contrary to what i've heard before IE7 will also work on XP SP2 (there's going to be an SP3 by the way) and it will be released before Longhorn (first Beta will be this summer) although it seems MS can't even make up their mind on that as they previously announced that there would be no standalone version of IE7 before a Longhorn release*. They are not even sure how they will update IE on other systems, whether it will be small add-ons or as part of a service pack release.

*I wonder if MS under estimated the growth of Firefox ... latest firgures indicate over 46 million people have downloaded Firefox! It might be a reason for the earlier release. Either way IE7 will be doing the same thing on my PC as IE6 is doing now, gathering dust ... virtual dust. more..
maca @ 12:40.

Dé Máirt (Tue), Aibreán (Apr) 26th

Setanta Cup latest
Crap, I forgot this was on yesterday! Longford Town did the business again last night with a 1-0 home victory against Glentoran, while Shels took the points in their away game to Portadown. That's revenge so for Longford who lost their opening cup game 2-1 away to Glentoran in March. Next up for Longford is a trip to Linfield on May 10th. more..
maca @ 08:12.

Dé Luain (Mon), Aibreán (Apr) 25th

I'm going to die...
...eventually.
Been on holidays all last week, except Monday when I had to go to Estonia on business. I've also been fucked with the flu for the past week ... which makes my first post of the week somewhat relevant- via Balrog I found this "death test" which tries to estimate when you will die, so February 2056 is when I will meet my maker, at the grand age of 82.9. A bit optimistic I reckon, I don't mind when I go as long as I don't reach the stage of lying in a nursing home having some dirt-ugly bitter middle aged nurse spoon feeding me and giving me a bed bath, i'd prefer to go when everything is still in decent enough working order. I suppose I should add that it's my birthday today, is there a better day to be thinking about death..! more..
maca @ 10:54.

Dé Máirt (Tue), Aibreán (Apr) 19th

Google Maps - Irish coverage
Just noticed that Ireland finally has some coverage in Google Maps. Ok, it's very limited at this stage and there is no satellite coverage but it's still good to see us on the map, so to speak. Hopefully they'll add some more detail, in the mean time i'll have a play with it and see how much of Dublin I can remember, been a while since I trapsed those streets. Just noticed they have Bull Island in Irish, Qileán an Bhulla, yes they have a Q instead of O. I'll have to mail them a heads up. Also just noted that besides ourselves and the UK there are no other countries outside of North America covered there ... nah nah na nah naaa! more..
maca @ 10:41.

Dé Sathairn (Sat), Aibreán (Apr) 16th

Yes for Rule 42 change
Well, as you know, and i've reminded you here, GAA congress were meeting today, the main issue under discussion was of course Rule 42. The members voted 165 to 153 in favour of holding a secret ballot which I would have thought was a bad idea. Anyway the motion was passed 227 to 93, rule 42 will be relaxed on a temporary basis to allow the Irish soccer and rugby teams to compete there while Landsdowne is being redeveloped. Fair dues to the GAA I say for bailing out two professional sports who got them selves in a spot of bother. more..
maca @ 03:14.

Dé hAoine (Fri), Aibreán (Apr) 15th

Add Europe to the YES list
Well, I heard from a little birdy that the European county has voted overwhelmingly in favour of changing Rule 42. The matter will be decided tonight so fingers crossed, it's a very important decision for the GAA, tomorrow they'll either be bigots or heroes. Hopefully the latter. Here's a full breakdown of the votes so far, i'm trying to keep it updated and accurate. more..
maca @ 07:45.

Déardaoin (Thu), Aibreán (Apr) 14th

1.6Ghz P4 Bainne
A man in Kilkenny paid €700 in cash for a new laptop [registration cheat] to a guy who approached him on the street. When he opened the box, after the vendor had scarpered of course, all he found in the box were 4 litres of milk. My first thoughts on reading this was "you absolute dumb fuck!". Nothing else needs to be said. more..
maca @ 04:53.

Dé Céadaoin (Wed), Aibreán (Apr) 13th

Google maps
I've been playing around with Google maps, what a bloody great application, fantastic altogether (cept that it's just for the US, although you can get some satellite pics of the rest of the world). I'll post some pics below (a little later, no FTP access here) to show what it can do. Searching city routes is excellent as you can easily switch between map view and satellite view, and in satellite view, over for cities for example, you can zoom in quite well. Some people are already having fun with it, here's a view from the ground when someone goes a route check. more..
maca @ 01:55.

McMichael settles for silver in title bout
Irelands Michael McMichael had to settle for runner-up position in his title bout with Canadian Scott Yanchuck at The Circle last night. It started bright for McMichael who was 2-11 to 3-67 up after only the second frame, but Yanchuck came back strong winning the second and third by 14 runs to leave him leader overnight. On the second day of play Yanchuck showed why he is World Champion with a masterful display over the first innings, taking maximum points during the mornings session. The final quarter was more evenly matched with McMichael keeping the pressure on Yanchuck matching him stroke for stroke but a double knock down with his final two pitches was all Yanchuck needed to seal victory and take the crown. Despite the loss by McMichael it was a spirited performance who no doubt lives up to his title as Rookie of the Week. more..
maca @ 11:58.

Dé Máirt (Tue), Aibreán (Apr) 12th

No to power sharing
Over to NI politics for a tick, Peter Robinson of the DUP said his party will never share power 'under any system that automatically entitles republicans to ministerial positions'. Quelle surprise! He also said the DUP had 'set a new standard for power-sharing, including complete decommissioning with witnesses and photographs and a testing period to ensure all IRA activity had ended'. These bunch of tossers sicken me to be honest, while I certainly wouldn't be rushing to include SF in any government the situation with these eejits is that they'll never be happy to share power with any nationalists/republicans. And it's not as if the DUP have clean hands themselves, filthy animals! The whole lot of them, DUP and SF would want to be taken out and beaten the length of the Ormeau Road to knock some sense into them. Wankers! more..
maca @ 12:19.

Most Sincerely Folks
Slackjaw of Slugger fame has just started a new blog Most Sincerely Folks, a quick read this morning was enough to warrant a click on "cruthaigh leabharmharc don leathanach seo...".
While on the subject of Irish blogs i've really been enjoying my visits to Gerry O'Sullivans blog, the aptly named "Gerry O'Sullivan's Blog" , it's worth a visit, why not voice your opinion on the Croke Park issue. more..
maca @ 10:51.

Déardaoin (Thu), Aibreán (Apr) 7th

The end in sight for the Provos?
"Unprecedented" they are calling Adams' speech yesterday, where he called on the IRA to end it's armed struggle [registration cheat] and continue their struggle by "purely political and democratic activity". No doubt other Northern parties as well as the British & Irish governments are a bit sceptical over this, still Adams has stuck his neck out further than ever before. We'll await the PIRA response. Of course, it'll make no difference to Paisley who has vowed "never to speak to Sinn Féin under any circumstances". I don't know about you but i'd be delighted to not have to talk to that aul whinging bollox.
Update: Gerry's speech and reaction to said speech on Slugger. more..
maca @ 10:19.

Dé Céadaoin (Wed), Aibreán (Apr) 6th

Ireland's first contact with outer space
Absolutly wonderful comic piece here by Spudnik about Irelands first contact with aliens.
"Imagine this. It’s 4,000BC and it’s the middle of Leitrim in the grips of a fiercely cold winter ..." more..
maca @ 05:00.

Rule 42 in the news again
Yep, April 16th is approaching, the date when GAA's central council will decide whether or not Irish soccer & rugger will have a temporary home in Croker, one of the finest stadia in Europe. As reported today both Kildare and Offaly are backing the motion to change rule 42. And yesterday Donegal and Meath voiced their support. Meath's vote in favour (an important one) means that all 12 Leinster counties back the motion, Ulster is the stubborn province with 6 counties so far opposed.
Update: Down votes No!
Update 2: Votes have been added to the list below with some extra info...
Update 3: Limerick landslide
Update 4: Armagh & Westmeath decisions & Cork no vote more..
maca @ 04:44.

Search for 007 over
Daniel Craig (who?) has been chosen to be the new James Bond. Craig has also starred in Layer Cake, Enduring Love and the small screen adaptation of Robert Harris's Archangel. Can't say I ever heard of those to be honest. He doesn't have the "look" of Bond, in my opinion, but let's see how he fares (not that i'm too bothered mind).
Speaking of Bond, Sean Connery is stepping back into the role of Bond for EA's adaptation of "From Russia With Love", for PS2, XBox & GameCube. more..
maca @ 12:38.

Prince Rainier dies
Prince Rainier III of Monaco, Europe's longest-reigning monarch, died this morning aged 81. Prince Rainier ruled Monaco since 1949 transforming the principality from a faded gambling centre into a haven for the rich. He's probably best known for marrying Hollywood actress Grace Kelly (who died on September 14, 1982 following a car accident). Prince Albert has taken over the royal powers - but not the throne - from his father last Thursday following a royal commission decision that the critically ill Prince Rainier could no longer rule. more..
maca @ 12:30.

Dé Máirt (Tue), Aibreán (Apr) 5th

Thank you Tony!
Ah jaysus I just had to blog this. Via a 'Goooooogle' ad I discovered Thankyoutony.com, "send a thank you note to the British for helping the USA in Iraq" ... and they did ...
"Thanks for uniting with the U.S. in the Iraq conflict. You took a lot of heat for that. We appreciate you. YOU ROCK! - California, USA"
I think it's gas anyway. more..
maca @ 04:12.

Spread the wealth GAA
The GAA earned a whopping €132 million [registration cheat] in 2004, up €10 milllion on their figure for 2003. And this while many clubs and county boards around the country are stuggling to pay their bills. I remember not so long any being involved with a fledgling hurling club, do you think the GAA would help us out by providing a few hurleys or sliotars to get us started? Not on your nelly! Fair enough the GAA have built a fine stadium in Croker, one of the best in Europe and no doubt they have some hefty bills to pay but it's time to start paying more attention to the people who have made the GAA what it is today, the clubs, the members, the volunteers. Spread the wealth GAA! Oh, and open up Croker white ye're at it, Donegal & Meath are the latest counties to get behind it. more..
maca @ 03:33.

Bishop of Rome job application
Outstanding. Dublin blogger Twenty Major is applying for the position of Pope. Excellent piece, save to hard drive for future giggles.

"Dear The Vatican,
in response to your advertisement in the Irish Independent jobs section on April 4th 2005 I would like to apply for the position of Bishop of Rome, better known as The Pope..." more..
maca @ 12:04.

Sony and share
Very interesting piece here from Fergus Cassidy on a very important case in the US which has far-reaching implications: the copyright infringement case against Grokster and Morpheus, two P2P companies. Worth a read. more..
maca @ 11:36.

Longford Town 2 - 1 Linfield
Longford Town finally got some points in the Setanta Cup. After losing their first game 2-1 to Glentoran two weeks ago, tonight they overcame Linfield thanks to two first half goals to give them invaluable points in this inaugural year of the Setanta Cup. The Town's next game is at home against Glentoran on the 25th of April followed by a visit to Linfield on the 10th of May which will complete their Group 1 games. more..
maca @ 01:20.

Dé Luain (Mon), Aibreán (Apr) 4th

Blaganna Gaeilge
Irish language blogs are pretty thin on the ground but they do exist. Via the excellent An t-Imeall (Blag ón Imeall) I discovered An Caomhach le Séamas Poncán, Gaeilgeoir na Fionlainne by a very talented Finn, Muddle-Headed Memes and Musings by the Muddle Headed Wombat (blog titles/authors don't come much cooler than that), Domhan April le April McCabe-Snelling, Blog Shomhairle, blag ón Tuaisceart na hÉireann le Somhairle Marr, Hilary NY le Hilary Mhic Suibhne, and of course we won't forget Mick Fealty who posts occassionally in Irish on Slugger O'Toole. Lots of sites to keep you going if you're a Gaeilgeoir. more..
maca @ 01:05.

Dé Domhnaigh (Sun), Aibreán (Apr) 3rd

My U2 quest
I've been a fan of U2 for many years, since around 1984 although I didn't actually buy any albums until 1987 when I got The Joshua Tree. I started building my collection then and collected all the albums (mostly on tape, I still use tapes believe it or not) until they released The Best of 1990-2000 which I didn't bother buying. Until now that is, just I just bought the 3cd Limited Edition. I've decided to renew my collection (with help from a small bonus I got at work), time to start replacing all the tapes with CD's. Next on the shopping list is their latest work How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb. more..
maca @ 04:02.

Living will is the best revenge
Robert Friedman, Perspective editor for the St. Petersburg Times prepares "a more detailed advance directive dealing with end-of-life issues" following the death of Terri Shiavo. Well worth a read. Hat tip to 'Davros' who posted the link on Slugger. more..
maca @ 03:07.

Pope John Paul II (18th May 1920 - 2nd April 2005)
Pope John Paul II has died in Rome aged 84. According to a statement issued by the Vatican he died at 8.37pm GMT April 2nd. Whatever you think of the man or the Catholic church it cannot be denied that during his 26 years as leader of the Roman Catholic church he was a force for good. He will always have a special place in the hearts of Irelands catholics following his visit, the first visit of a reigning Pope, in September 1979 and his sermon in Phoenix Park to more than 1.25 million people.
RTÉ biography; BBC obituary, world reaction & challenges facing the church; Guardian obituary & special report; Reuters reaction; Times last messages. more..
maca @ 01:53.

Dé Sathairn (Sat), Aibreán (Apr) 2nd

Oops Charles!
Prince Charles appears to have stuck his foot in it yesterday. When giving time for the media while skiing in Switzerland, an annual event, Charles was heard to mutter to his sons "I hate these people," and "Bloody people. I can't bear that man anyway. He's so awful, he really is." Matters not, when he's King he can have them all executed in the Tower of London. more..
maca @ 02:51.

Dé hAoine (Fri), Aibreán (Apr) 1st

Gmail a Growing
Just noticed on my gmail accont my storage capacity is now up to 1550 Mb! A quick check of the New Features page and I see that Googles plan is to extend their service to over the 2Gb mark!!
"To celebrate our one-year birthday, we're giving everyone one more gigabyte. But why stop the party there? Our plan is to continue growing your storage beyond 2GBs by giving you more space as we are able."
Outstanding. And actually as I write this I see that my capacity is slowly creeping up - 1555 Mb at this moment! I have 50 Gmail invites, anyone want one??
Update 1: Just watching BBC World, being the only English language news station I can get here, and they covered this very subject.
Update 2: Gas, just reading my gmail when I notices the advertisment in the bottom "Yahoo elevates e-mail storage". Yahoo has bumped their service up to 1Gb. It seems like Googles move is in response to this. (1672 Mb) more..
maca @ 10:57.

Pontiff checking out
Pope John Paul II has suffered another blow to his health, yesterday afternoon he experienced septic shock and heart failure after developing a urinary tract infection. His condition is being described as "very serious" and last night he was read the last rites. Looks like it's the end for our 84 yr old Pontiff.
Update: It's big in the news now World prays for Pope, Pope "fading serenely", Guardian special report. more..
maca @ 10:20.

New hardy drive
Just got a new external hard drive yesterday. Cash is tight and since I didn't need that much storage space anyway I just went for a simple option, the Lacie P2 80Gb [link shows the firewire version]. It does the job ... for now.
I'm still dreaming of winning a few pound and buying the most kick-ass of kick-ass machines ever....someday.... more..
maca @ 12:32.