Monthly Archives: May 2013
A 21st century ‘swords into ploughshares’ whatsit.
During South Africa’s OppiKoppi festival this August, punters will be able to order beer via their smart phones and have it delivered via parachute from a drone.
The first one is free.
We’re truly living in the future now.
H/T Damian Sullivan
At the rear of welfare office on Kevin Street, Dublin 8.
Anyone?
(Thanks Carlosfandango)
Spin Cycle
at
Conor Keane.
Former Irish Examiner business editor…and yes, John B’s son.
Moving to the Communications’ Department at Irish Water.
Pic: Irish Examiner
You’ll recall the shape-conjouring witchcraft of the 3Doodler pen, released a few months ago.
Well, here’s the industrial scale next generation: Mataerial – a large robot that can ‘draw’ three dimensional sculptures from the ground up, or outwards from a vertical wall, seemingly immune to the force of gravity.
Developed by a team of researchers including Petr Novikov, Saša Jokić from the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) and Joris Laarman Studio, the machine extrudes a fast thermo-setting polymer which solidifies on contact with air in a process they refer to as ‘anti-gravity object modeling.’
And that’s just for starters. The device can also execute precise colour changes in the extruded polymer to create gradients and hue-shifts in real time.
Next: large scale sculptures, world domination and the enslavement of mankind.
In case you missed it: writer/director Stevie Russell’s excellent, atmospheric short about revenge and buried secrets that recently aired on RTE2 as part of the Shortscreen season.
Produced by Michael Donnelly and Rebecca Bourke. Starring: Osin: Conor Delaney; David: Sean Duggan; Father Casey: Des Keogh; Tom: Derek Reid
Tidal/Saturday Shorts (Ain’t It Cool News)
(Hat tip: Lyn)
Medjugorje.
A Catholic theme park/village in the heart of Bosnia Herzegovina.
NO Disneyland for the devil.
“I had gone with an open mind to Medjugorje, Bosnia Herzegovina, where Our Lady has been appearing to six visionaries for the past 32 years. But I wasn’t expecting to meet the devil.”
“The priest was bent over an Italian woman, aged in her 30s, whose face was contorted in rage.”
“Her lips were pulled back as she bared her teeth, hissing, straining, snarling and writhing. The priest had the bible in one hand, reciting scripture.”
“With his other hand, the priest repeatedly made the sign of the cross on the woman’s forehead. Another, younger priest was administering holy water for the woman to drink.”
“Her pupils were so dilated that her eyes were pools of black. Her hands were clawing at the air, the fingers curled and poised to scratch.”
“The scene was so grotesque and disturbing that a number of those praying were crying.”
Irish Examiner journalist Louise Roseingrave recounts witnessing an exorcism recently in ‘miraculous’ Medjugorje.
Further to revelations in today’s Herald (not available online) incoming Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union President Tom Lenihan, son of Brian, writes:
In recent days, there has been some speculation in the print and social media about disciplinary action taken against me by Trinity College authorities. I want to set out the facts of this matter.
Two weeks ago, I took a note into one of my third years law exams. The note was seen by an invigilator and, as a consequence, I was brought before a disciplinary hearing for breach of the College examination rules. The outcome of that hearing, which I fully accept, is that I must repeat the exam in question.
I greatly regret my action and I sincerely apologise to the students and to the College for my behaviour. I have apologised to the Junior Dean and I will fully comply with the sanction imposed on me.
At this remove, it is not clear to me what I hoped to achieve by taking the note into the exam but I fully accept that any observer could only conclude that I was cheating. What I did was wholly wrong and unacceptable. It was also uncharacteristic.
Since my election as President of the Students’ Union last February, I have been experiencing some personal difficulties. I have been diagnosed with depression and, unfortunately, I had neglected my medical treatment which exacerbated my condition. I found myself unable to cope mentally and physically. Getting through the day became a struggle. As the exams loomed closer, I became more stressed. On the morning of the exam in question, I had a panic attack and in a random irrational reaction, I took the note into the exam hall. I had suffered several panic attacks throughout the exam period.
None of this is to excuse my behaviour, for which I take full responsibility, but it does provide context.
Immediately after the incident, I told the current president of the Students’ Union and my fellow sabbatical officers what had happened. They have offered me their full support and confidence, for which I am deeply grateful. I will do all I can in the fulfilment of my role over the next year to reward their trust.”
Statement from Tom Lenihan regarding College disciplinary proceedings (University Times)
(Shauna Watson/University Times)
Thanks Owen Bennett
Queuing to the see The Janoskians.
Some since 5am (!!) outside the Olympia Theatre, Dame Street, Dublin.
Right across the road from all those cross farmers.
Who the hell are the Ja What do you mean you’ve ‘never heard of the Janoskians?’
(Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland)