Christmas Day

Christmas greetings to all!

Hope its been a good one. While my Granda was round today the legend fixed my laptop charger and I am now able to share this Christmas treat with you!

I did a radio show for a couple of years and this was one of my all time favorite moments. For our first ever live session we asked these two girls I had seen play in a cafe one time. They came in and were a total blast. It was December and when they played this song it was unbelievable, I just could not stop smiling. Enjoy!

Ruby Bloom - Fairytale of New York

Christmas Eve

I haven't posted for the whole of December for two reasons. The first three weeks were a complete blur of busyness and stress and fun. The last couple of weeks of any semester are always crazy, you have so much work to do and yet there are so many fun things going on! I deliberately didn't write anything because I knew it would just be a depressing rant about how much work I had to do.

The second reason was that for the last week I have been off and have been doing some SERIOUS CHILLING. You have no idea how good it feels. Just sitting round the house playing PlayStation with my brother, watching some chick flicks, playing in the snow, hitting a few shops, eating massive amounts of Chinese food and hanging with my friends.

It is now Christmas Eve and I am sitting wearing my Santa Onesie wrapping presents and putting the finishing touches on my Dad's annual mixtape. CHRISTMAS IS AWESOME!

Movember = Fail

Okay, so Movember was a TOTAL FAIL!!

When I decided to take up the challenge, I was under the impression that hair actually grew on my face. I was mistaken. After 30 days I still looked like a total noob.

Right, it's all in the past now. Hopefully by next year puberty will have kicked in!

Update

Got the man flu. Things are bad.

I went on a road trip to Cork at the weekend and ended up sleeping on a random kitchen floor in the world's coldest house. It didn't really do me any good. Five days later and I still am totally dosed and still in need of some serious sleep.

On the Movember front, things are also bad. I will post a picture in a few days, be prepared!

Thanksgiving

I made friends with some American students that are over here for a couple of months and on Sunday they came over and cooked us Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey, pumpkin pie, green bean casserole and sweet potatoes with marshmallows! (right Susan?) It sounds crazy but was incredible.

It is so cool to meet people from different places and to get to know a bit about them and their cultures back home. Friends really are the best possessions. Guys, welcome to the family.

The Gaslight Anthem

I went to see these guys the other night, such a fantastic band. They are from New Jersey and just sound like the sons of Springsteen. Rock & Roll with a bit of grit, singing songs about Casanovas and girls named Maria. This song is called "Even Cowgirls Get The Blues."

For something really unbelievable check out this old post from a while back.

I Love Weddings

My friends John & Emma got married on Saturday and it was brilliant. I really love weddings, they are such a great thing to be a part of. Everyone is just in such great mood and you are also nearly always guaranteed some unreal dancing!

Movember

"There are two kinds of people in this world that go around beardless—boys and women—and I am neither one."

I decided that this year I was maybe old and manly enough to participate in Movember. I think I might have been wrong.

Movember challenges men to change their appearance and the face of men’s health by growing a moustache. The rules are simple, start Movember 1st clean shaven and then grow a moustache for the entire month. The moustache becomes a talking point, by which awareness and funds are raised for cancers that affect men.

I may post a picture up here of my progress, but I doubt it will be anytime soon! 5 days in and still nothing!

Heroes

This song is one of the all time greats. I just love the way it starts, gives me chills.

Land Pirates

Great times in Dublin last weekend. The Queens Ultimate Frisbee team hit the road with some newbies and headed for Whacking Day at DCU. The Queens pirates ruled the show.

Wallet Found - Crisis Over

Yeah I lost my wallet there for a few days, was not cool at all. I had to scrape up 10ps I found to buy a loaf of bread and then had to drive home to get some money, just hoping that I had enough petrol to get me there!

Don't be like me kids, look after your stuff!

Procrastination Is Key

Pretty much everyone would agree that university would be a lot more fun if you didn't have to do any work. I'm in trouble right now; it's only week three and I am behind already!

After working for a year it's like my brain and closed up and all done with learning. I literally can't absorb anything! Bad times.

Back In The Ring

First week back, here we go again.

David McFeeters Snr.

My Granda died a couple of weeks back. It is the first time that anyone close to me has ever died, so I wasn't really that sure what you are supposed to do in such a situation.

He was a pretty straight up old guy. Nothing too fancy or complicated about him, he just called a spade a spade as some would say.

He had a good run, the old guy was 84. He had typed out this brilliant letter on an old typewriter and put it in an envelope, marked "In the event of my passing". He thanked us for being his family and told us not to be sad because he was a better place. He had another sheet with exactly how he wanted the funeral, it was incredible.

He had a stroke a couple of years ago and the doctors told him he couldn't drive. He had to sell his car, but then kept going back to the doctor to ask if he was well enough to get his licence again. The doc eventually gave in and said yes, and the next day he went out and bought a new car, sport model.

Legend.

Chained To This Electrical Box

September seems to have been spent sitting at this desk plugging away on this computer, only broken up by meal times and social outings. Nothing major really to do, just small things that need done.

I find that if something needs done, the only way I can do it is to sit all up night until it's finished. I like when it's late and you're the only one up, and for such an occasion you need some low-key tunes flowing. Here is what has been keeping me sane:

The XX - XX

Arcade Fire - Funeral

Logh - Every Time A Bell Rings...

Tom Waits - Closing Time

All Ireland Ultimate Frisbee Champs

Some photos from the All Ireland Champs a couple of weeks back. The guy took some incredible pictures, hopefully he won't hunt me down for crimes against copyright.

Friday Night Lights

I first heard about this movie because a band I like did the soundtrack for it. The band is called Explosions In The Sky and they are an instrumental band from Texas. They make quite sweeping, epic rock music and they aren't really the guys you would pick for a movie about American football.

Based on a true story, this really isn't your average sports movie. It tells the story of a small town in Texas in 1988 which totally revolves around the high school football team. The guys walk out on the field every week and it's like the fate of the whole world rests on their shoulders.

This movie paints such an incredible picture of the place and it tells such an unbelievable story about the people. Only the story isn't unbelievable, it is very simple and very real. I got a lot more than I bargained for when I sat down to watch this.

Infinity and Beyond

About 2 weeks ago I was looking at an old CD by a local band. As I read the sleeve notes, I noticed the line "This CD is dedicated to the memory of Christopher Gaston."

I used to know a guy called Chris who was from the same area and about the same age as the guys in the band. I shook it off and got on with the rest of the day, it's a pretty common name. Just today I remembered and did a few searches to find out if it was the same guy. It was.

I met Chris in my first year of secondary school. He was a prefect who used to guard one of the doors into the main corridor during lunch hour on a certain day each week. One day we tried to get past him and starting talking, he was just one of those guys you instantly love. We called him 'Buzz' for some reason and used to go back every week and hang out at the door.

He was a lot older than us and we used to think we were big lads when we saw him in the corridor. I remember starting to wear my schoolbag on both shoulders, (back when it was cool to wear it on just one,) because Buzz did it. He was a special guy, a real individual and a real laugh.

Today I found some of the music he made. My favorite is called "Leave". www.myspace.com/gastonssongs

It speaks volumes, that 10 years later I look at the impression he made on me, and I hardly even knew the guy. I can't imagine what it must be like for those who were close to him.

Ode to the West Wind

I just worked out that this is the first time in 2 years that I have had loads of time and nothing to do, it is unreal. I am now making a list in my head of all the stuff I need to do before I have to go back to university. One of these things is learn how to do a Rubix Cube.

It's so great, I should be a bum more often. Anyway the 'Cube' has been calling my name for a while; I bought one a couple of months ago, but haven't had a chance to crack it until now. We will see how it goes.

The last couple of days had been really good. My friend Patrick was talking about how he loved being outside, and it's so true. I have been enjoying the fresh air very much; three days of fun and I even got some sun on my nose. Viva la Vida!

Saturday: Frisbee Tournament - Each team was named after a Ninja Turtle so we were Leonardo and got some sweet blue headbands. We were robbed of a place in the final and took home third.

Sunday: High Seas - My uncle has got a cool sailing boat and me and my brother went for a spin with him. It really makes you feel like a man, pulling some ropes while the wind blows hard against your face. Good times.

Monday: Donard Forrest - Went for a dander in Newcastle with some friends today, it's such a beautiful spot when you have the weather. You heard it here first folks, fresh air ain't for dorks.

Nótt

It really has been a long time since I was just sitting at my computer wasting time late into the night.

Midnight in a perfect world.

Here it is, another post where I am just about to head off on some crazy trip, totally stressed out, with about a million things running through my head.

I am going to Mayo for 2 weeks in about 6 hours time. I still have to pack my bag and get a good night's sleep; NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.

I was in Italy last week, it was VERY hot. Swam in the lake, ate some Bolognese, played some cards, read a book, you know the drill. Went to Venice, it's pretty crazy. It's that city on water that falls apart in Casino Royale (Yes, it is the best Bond movie). Pretty crazy, no cars; so if you want a bus, it's a boat, if you want a taxi, it's a boat. If you want to cross the river, you give a guy 50p and he will take you over in his gondola, pretty incredible.


I got back 4 days ago and since then have been sitting at my computer sending emails, trying to get things organised before I go away again. I also watched some Lost to keep me sane, it's the final few episodes and getting good. Was out at frisbee training tonight, was good to get the legs pumping again. Need to get the fitness back up for the All Ireland Champs.

Right that's it. My stuff has finished printing so now it is time for another job to do. May your lives be stress free. Peace!

I love this

Tumbleweed....

Wow, it really has been too long.

I finish my job in a week. It would be fair to say that I am pretty excited. Although the year has been great, it will be nice to not have to get up and go to the office every day.

I moved seats a month or two ago and have been trying to cut down on my internet time wasting. When you're sitting at a computer from 9-5, the last thing you want to do when you get home is turn on your computer. Add to that the fact that I have been gone every weekend for the last month and you have a very tired Ben and not too many blog posts.

I am off work today and really needed it; I've become kinda run-down and just not tip-top condition. I was able to just chill all day, watch Lost, clean my room and check this blog still exists. I'm not dead just yet folks.

Stay cool.

Wagon Wheel

This is pretty much the greatest song I have ever heard in my entire life.

Under The Radar

Hi folks. Apologies for the radio silence over the past couple of weeks. The usual story, busy doing lots of stuff in real life, not just on the Internet.

The first one back after a while is always hard. They seem to flow pretty easy after that, but right now it's late and I have nothing much to say.

Donegal

Some things I learnt last weekend; You don't have to go very far to find somewhere magic. Also summer is the best thing ever.

Escape from the bright lights of the office

Today has been a bit of a killer. My head has felt like a lead balloon and the phones haven't stopped ringing all day. I set off at lunchtime with a fiver in my pocket in search of some much needed replenishment for my body and mind.

I took a dander up the street, called in with my friend in the newspaper shop and then my feet just kept walking until I ended up outside Subway.

I went in and ordered myself a sandwich. There was a really nice vibe about the place. The radio was tuned to Magic FM and some Phil Collins was blasting out, which is exactly what you want to hear eating your lunch. The two guys working were a bit of a laugh, I got some banter with my order, a rare thing these days.

Anyway after my sub, I decided to get a box of the awesome looking new nachos for the journey back. My goodness people, they are INCREDIBLE!! Hot tomato and cheese with juicy jalapeños make Ben a very happy chappy. I went back to the office a new man; Yeah pretty much the best lunchtime ever.

Day Off

Today I am off work. It is incredible.

I got up this morning about ten and headed over to play football with some friends I haven't seen in a while. The weather was fantastic and it was a great laugh. It's nice just to be out in the air, running around instead of stuck in an office all day, really clears you head.

I came back and my Dad cooked up a big fry, which was incredible. I then lay on the sofa and watched some TV. Had a shower and then turned on my computer and ordered some new crocs. I listened to some of my Dad's old records and then wrote this post.

Not sure what to do next. Might watch a movie or eat some food. I really should go out and fix the seat in my car, but might just chill.

This rules.

Beyond The Alps

Apologies for the lack of posts recently. I was caught up in one of those vortexes of time right before a big trip where I have 1 million things to do. Anyway I am back in business again and can now relax and post at my leisure.

I was away in France last week, high up in the Alps in a little village covered with snow. Me and some guys did a basic ski proficiency course and while it was pretty tough going at times, I had to total blast. It was just totally crazy looking out over the mountains, the view was incredible and you never really got over it.

Ski lifts also took a while getting used to, but once you realised you weren't going to fall out, the ride was breathtaking. Heading up to the top of a mountain and just cruising back down to the bottom was so much fun. The weather was pretty good too, check out my awesome goggle marks!

Little Miss Sunshine

It's crazy only being able to have a maximum of 1 lie-in a week, one of my least favourite things of having a full-time job. Therefore Saturdays you have free are awesome and you don't want to do ANYTHING except chill out.

After a reasonable sleep last Saturday I got up and stuck on the movie 'Little Miss Sunshine' while I was eating my breakfast. It is basically the story of a dysfunctional family and probably one of my favourite films. Its pretty simple, but just a great story, really moving and really hilarious.

I'm not going to ruin it for you, but just say if you haven't seen it, I would strongly recommend you do some day. There is a scene at the end of the film where the family just all come together and there is something so funny and beautiful about it; It may be my favourite scene ever.

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!

I can't believe some places in America dye their rivers green while I live in Belfast and don't even get the day off work!

Enjoy the day, everyone on is Irish on March 17!

P.s. If you fancy some awesome Irish music, check out these apples

Photo Op

I got a phone for Christmas that has a decent enough camera on it. I haven't really used it very much, but it is nice to know you have it in your pocket in case something amazing pops up.

Audio Beef

Some of you may know that I occasionally try my hand at a bit of radio presenting, Belfast's own Alan Partridge if you will. Last week I went head to head with a friend of mine in the ultimate entertainment show, AUDIO BEEF!

First Track In The Morning

B - Kool & The Gang - Celebration

J - Hall & Oates - You Make My Dreams

Favourite Song of 2009

J - 3OH3! ft. Katy Perry - Starstrukk

B - Florence & The Machine - Rabbit Heart

First CD you bought

B - Quad City Djs - Space Jam Soundtrack

J - S Club 7 - S Club Party

Hot new track you love

B - Chiddy Bang - The Opposite Of Adults

J - DJ Earworm - United States Of Pop

Anger Management Song

B - And So I Watch You From Afar - Set Guitars To Kill

J - Foo Fighters - All My Life

Awesome Cover

B - The Gaslight Anthem - I Do Not Hook Up

J - Eric Cartman - Poker Face

Track To Get You Off Your Chair & Onto The Dancefloor

B - Haddaway - What Is Love?

J - Black Kids - I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You

Ultimate Ballad

B - Cyndi Lauper - True Colours

J - Meatloaf - I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)

Character Outro Song

J - Dashboard Confessional - Stolen

B - Alphaville - Forever Young

Big thanks to Jordan and everyone who tuned in; shouts to Liz, Phil, Chris, DK, Caroline, Helen and Steve for the kind words!

Valentine's Day

Have a card, you beautiful people.

Preparation is key

A wise man called John once said, "All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast." That may well be true.

Yesterday I woke up, looked at the time, threw on some clothes, jumped in the car and sped off to work. It was not a good day. I was hassled and the time just seemed to drag in. I was also hungry and smelling like a tramp, the last thing I wanted to do was answer the phone all day.

Today however is a brilliant day! I woke up one hour before I had to leave the house and ate my breakfast at leisure, even busting some moves whilst getting the milk from the fridge. I got to the office on time and was ready to get stuck in to some work! Some time to clear your head in the mornings is golden!

P.S. for any early morning kitchen dancing, I recommend this track.

Champions Of The World!

Yesterday the Queen's University Ultimate Frisbee team traveled down to Dublin for the outdoor Intervarsities tournament. Eight of us jumped in some cars and went down to show those southern boys what we could do!

We ended up wining every match, wahey! Everyone played hard and kept on running despite having such a small squad. We even picked up the prize for best spirit and so came home with two trophies! Well done chaps!

Never Forget

"The one who does not remember history is bound to live through it again" George Santayana

I pride this blog in being quite light hearted, but today there are much more important things to be talking about.

Today is Holocaust Memorial Day; remembering the victims of the Holocaust and more recent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

I'm sure you all know the terrible stories of Auschwitz and the murder of millions of people just because they were Jewish, or black, or disabled. I visited the camps last year and was totally blown away by the whole thing. You don't realize it actually happened until you are walking past the actual storerooms full to the brim of shoes, glasses or human hair. We just think its all in the past. It's not.

There is still so much hatred in the world. We live in Northern Ireland, we should know. Romanians getting driven out of their homes, Polish people "stealing" our jobs; Protestants and Catholics are still bring up their kids to hate. Sure just this month a guy got his leg blown off just because he was in the Police and a Catholic.

We can't just sit back and do nothing. The Holocaust didn't happen because of one crazy man; it happened because no-one stood up until it was too late. We have to take a stand against hatred.

The purpose of Holocaust Day is to learn lessons from the past and make sure the future is better. Take a minute and think about what has gone on in the world. We have to cut hate right out, leave nothing; casual sectarianism/racism, stupid jokes; they all have to go. We have to teach our children to respect other people, no matter what race or religion. And we have to do it ourselves.

Peace isn't no war. Peace is no hate.