Day seven of waiting for an answer from Irish Rail is over...linky
Amazing customer service
Monday, December 25, 2006
Merry Christmas
Yes indeed..and thus ends another year.
So I wish each and everyone of you a very Merry Christmas and a very properous and Happy New Year.
To those that get offended by me wishing you a happy occassion that you don't observe, to be honest, I don't give a shite. I celebrate it and those that take my wishes the way they are meant then great. If not, then ignore them....
Have a good one.
Steve.
So I wish each and everyone of you a very Merry Christmas and a very properous and Happy New Year.
To those that get offended by me wishing you a happy occassion that you don't observe, to be honest, I don't give a shite. I celebrate it and those that take my wishes the way they are meant then great. If not, then ignore them....
Have a good one.
Steve.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
I Love Comments
I have to say, I do love comments on my blog for 2 reasons.
1) It means someone read my blog
2) Its always good to get feedback.
So, you can imagine my delight when I received a comment from the aptly named 'Anonymous'. It was in reference to my article about Stephen Cohen.. In fact, here are the comments...
"regarding Cohen's comments: c'mon--act like a man and get over it. He, at least was man enough to apologize. And anyway, what kind of alleged "adult" bases his identity on a conglomeration of overpaid idiots who kick a ball around? Grow up and get a life for chrissakes. "
So, I would like to point out a few things.
Firstly, Cohen made the comments, apologized and then made the same comments again and from reliable sources State side, has made the comments on different occasions. Its not just a one off. The thing about the comments that irritated me is that he is not making fun of the team but rather making fun of the loss of human lives. If you cannot understand this 'anonymous' then I am sorry for you.
Secondly your comment "what kind of alleged "adult" bases his identity on a conglomeration of overpaid idiots who kick a ball around?". Please point out where in my piece I state that I base my identity around my team. I identify with them and I will wholeheartedly state that I do love the club and I love being a fan of the club. However, my identity has been built around my upbringing, event that have happened to me, people I have met and situations I have been in. Again, if you cannot understand this or have not been lucky enough to get an identity then I am sorry for you.
Lastly, the statements about "act like a man" and "get a life" and all that I just love the fact that you are all big and making brash statements and then send this anonymously. Your sooooo tough aren't ya???
Gobshite.
1) It means someone read my blog
2) Its always good to get feedback.
So, you can imagine my delight when I received a comment from the aptly named 'Anonymous'. It was in reference to my article about Stephen Cohen.. In fact, here are the comments...
"regarding Cohen's comments: c'mon--act like a man and get over it. He, at least was man enough to apologize. And anyway, what kind of alleged "adult" bases his identity on a conglomeration of overpaid idiots who kick a ball around? Grow up and get a life for chrissakes. "
So, I would like to point out a few things.
Firstly, Cohen made the comments, apologized and then made the same comments again and from reliable sources State side, has made the comments on different occasions. Its not just a one off. The thing about the comments that irritated me is that he is not making fun of the team but rather making fun of the loss of human lives. If you cannot understand this 'anonymous' then I am sorry for you.
Secondly your comment "what kind of alleged "adult" bases his identity on a conglomeration of overpaid idiots who kick a ball around?". Please point out where in my piece I state that I base my identity around my team. I identify with them and I will wholeheartedly state that I do love the club and I love being a fan of the club. However, my identity has been built around my upbringing, event that have happened to me, people I have met and situations I have been in. Again, if you cannot understand this or have not been lucky enough to get an identity then I am sorry for you.
Lastly, the statements about "act like a man" and "get a life" and all that I just love the fact that you are all big and making brash statements and then send this anonymously. Your sooooo tough aren't ya???
Gobshite.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Irish Rail
Here is an email (well, via their on-line 'complaints' system) I sent yesterday to the Customer Service in Irish Rail (as there is no phone number published for them). Will be interesting to see what happens if anything...
"To whom it concerns,
I wish to raise a complaint regarding the behavior of one of your conductors yesterday, Sunday Dec 17th. It was on the Cork-Cobh train. At present there is no timetable or time displayed in Kent Station in Cork so when I arrived at the station yesterday I went in search of the Cobh train. Myself and three other people were at the gate (for the 16:55 train) and the train was still in the station (as there is no clock we couldn't tell what the actual time was). The conductor on the platform had just closed the gate before we arrived and was on his phone. We called and he did not respond and had no waved the train off yet. We shouted again and still no response. Then the train driver opened the window and called us forward.
As we ran to the train the conductor told us we could not get on the train and told the driver to take off. One the others there, at the same time as me, was carrying a TV and did shout at the conductor and did use fowl language - but what do you expect really? The conductor then proceeded to shout at us all in a very threatening and intimidating behavior. He stated that it was "his decision as to who did and did not get on the train". He then said that he would not take that language (which is fair enough) but then stated that we all would be lucky to get on the next train (18:15 - 1hr 20 mins later) as he would be on the platform and would decide who was get on the train. The man with the TV engaged in a debate with him but as we all walked off the conductor continued to follow us and shout at us all stating that we were "cheeky" and reminded us again that he would be on the platform.
I find this type of intimidation disgusting for a service orientated company. I think that just because one man shouted at him he had no right to talk to the rest of us like that. I did say the words "customer service" to him in a very derogatory tone as it fitted the situation perfectly at which time the conductor veered towards me and was raising his voice again in a manner not befitting his public position.
The conductor was asked his name and refused to give it and instead asked the customer for his name.
In the end, due to the fact that we would have to wait almost 1.5 hour's for the next train and the fact that even if we did we may not be allowed to board the train, I had to get call for a lift and the others had to get taxis. All extra unnecessary expense.
I trust that this matter will be dealt with but no doubts the conductor will have a different story.
Regards,
Steve."
I think I will count the days it takes them to respond if ever. I might, after consultation with my lawyer Damien , instead every week email someone different about this. Minister for Transport, local TD's or other politicians.
I did get the bog standard auto-response from their system:
"Thank you for contacting Iarnrod Eireann.
Your email will be forwarded to the individual best suited to answeryour query.
http://www.irishrail.ie"
"To whom it concerns,
I wish to raise a complaint regarding the behavior of one of your conductors yesterday, Sunday Dec 17th. It was on the Cork-Cobh train. At present there is no timetable or time displayed in Kent Station in Cork so when I arrived at the station yesterday I went in search of the Cobh train. Myself and three other people were at the gate (for the 16:55 train) and the train was still in the station (as there is no clock we couldn't tell what the actual time was). The conductor on the platform had just closed the gate before we arrived and was on his phone. We called and he did not respond and had no waved the train off yet. We shouted again and still no response. Then the train driver opened the window and called us forward.
As we ran to the train the conductor told us we could not get on the train and told the driver to take off. One the others there, at the same time as me, was carrying a TV and did shout at the conductor and did use fowl language - but what do you expect really? The conductor then proceeded to shout at us all in a very threatening and intimidating behavior. He stated that it was "his decision as to who did and did not get on the train". He then said that he would not take that language (which is fair enough) but then stated that we all would be lucky to get on the next train (18:15 - 1hr 20 mins later) as he would be on the platform and would decide who was get on the train. The man with the TV engaged in a debate with him but as we all walked off the conductor continued to follow us and shout at us all stating that we were "cheeky" and reminded us again that he would be on the platform.
I find this type of intimidation disgusting for a service orientated company. I think that just because one man shouted at him he had no right to talk to the rest of us like that. I did say the words "customer service" to him in a very derogatory tone as it fitted the situation perfectly at which time the conductor veered towards me and was raising his voice again in a manner not befitting his public position.
The conductor was asked his name and refused to give it and instead asked the customer for his name.
In the end, due to the fact that we would have to wait almost 1.5 hour's for the next train and the fact that even if we did we may not be allowed to board the train, I had to get call for a lift and the others had to get taxis. All extra unnecessary expense.
I trust that this matter will be dealt with but no doubts the conductor will have a different story.
Regards,
Steve."
I think I will count the days it takes them to respond if ever. I might, after consultation with my lawyer Damien , instead every week email someone different about this. Minister for Transport, local TD's or other politicians.
I did get the bog standard auto-response from their system:
"Thank you for contacting Iarnrod Eireann.
Your email will be forwarded to the individual best suited to answeryour query.
http://www.irishrail.ie"
PC brigade out in force again
This is something that I read yesterday which I find incredibly stupid. Arsenal Football Club have banned country flags of any nature even those English flags with "Arsenal" on them. Have bad is this? Imagine an English club, based in the capital not allowing their fans to display their own countries flag? Imagine if other clubs also enforced this. Imagine no Spanish flags on the Kop at Anfield in support of Rafa? Imagine if this was a few years ago and no Irish flags with "Keano's" mug on it at Old Trafford? Imagine no Tri-color at Parkhead? Stupid really...
Apparently the reason is that some Cypriot fans were outraged at a Cypriot-Turkish flag that was seen at Arsenal and complained. So they had to do a full sweep and ban all national flags.
Jesus...what is the world coming too??? Sometimes I wish some people would get a life and if they wanted to fight for something go and help some decent world causes like hunger and war and not about national flags being displayed in football stadiums.
Apparently the reason is that some Cypriot fans were outraged at a Cypriot-Turkish flag that was seen at Arsenal and complained. So they had to do a full sweep and ban all national flags.
Jesus...what is the world coming too??? Sometimes I wish some people would get a life and if they wanted to fight for something go and help some decent world causes like hunger and war and not about national flags being displayed in football stadiums.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Links
Ron Patrick's Jet powered car.
Skanger me banger
Father Ted...Dougal remembers Sister Assumpta
Alternative Father Ted theme tune
Skanger me banger
Father Ted...Dougal remembers Sister Assumpta
Alternative Father Ted theme tune
Friday, December 15, 2006
Stupid Pricks
Right, I have to say we must have the stupidest, thickest, most idiotic government in the world. People must look at us and laugh their tits off.
In the latest piece of amazing non-brain usage, the Government have succeeded in making BUPA leave Ireland. This means more job loses and more people going to the Government plaything called VHI.
For those that don't know a ruling recently said that BUPA must pay (I think) €160m to VHI as VHI has "older" people. Equalization its called I think. What actaully has happened is that BUPA offered better deals to people, with better policies and a lot less hassle...AND !!! Nice people to answer the phone (rather than the Civil Service gobshites with no personalities who are irritated when they have to answer your calls as they are in the middle of telling Sally what Mary was up to on Saturday night with Tony ("Oh my God, wait till I tell ya.."). What, in my opinion, is happening is as follows:
- All the Government have shares in VHI
- If they close the other companies that will leave only VHI
- Premiums can be spiked up and thus they make money on it.
Well fuckin done you imbeciles. You done this first with the toll bridge on the M50 and made a mint and now this....sweet jesus. And people are leaving poverty to have you fuckers leading us?
Have a look at the latest shite.
Anyway, any country that can have Mary Harney as the minister for health is having a laugh. She is probably the worst roll model for health that could be found. I met her once. Met not really being the right word. At home in Donegal there is a literary festival every year and they try to get some face to open it. In 1993 it was Harney. She was unfriendly, didn't talk to anyone but those in her immediate vicinity, no tip (the change was around £1.20 from a round of 10-odd drinks) and didn't even say thanks. In fact to order she made this hand gesture to show the table and didn't say please or thanks. I made the decision there and then never to vote for anything she was associated with.
Fuck them all...
In the latest piece of amazing non-brain usage, the Government have succeeded in making BUPA leave Ireland. This means more job loses and more people going to the Government plaything called VHI.
For those that don't know a ruling recently said that BUPA must pay (I think) €160m to VHI as VHI has "older" people. Equalization its called I think. What actaully has happened is that BUPA offered better deals to people, with better policies and a lot less hassle...AND !!! Nice people to answer the phone (rather than the Civil Service gobshites with no personalities who are irritated when they have to answer your calls as they are in the middle of telling Sally what Mary was up to on Saturday night with Tony ("Oh my God, wait till I tell ya.."). What, in my opinion, is happening is as follows:
- All the Government have shares in VHI
- If they close the other companies that will leave only VHI
- Premiums can be spiked up and thus they make money on it.
Well fuckin done you imbeciles. You done this first with the toll bridge on the M50 and made a mint and now this....sweet jesus. And people are leaving poverty to have you fuckers leading us?
Have a look at the latest shite.
Anyway, any country that can have Mary Harney as the minister for health is having a laugh. She is probably the worst roll model for health that could be found. I met her once. Met not really being the right word. At home in Donegal there is a literary festival every year and they try to get some face to open it. In 1993 it was Harney. She was unfriendly, didn't talk to anyone but those in her immediate vicinity, no tip (the change was around £1.20 from a round of 10-odd drinks) and didn't even say thanks. In fact to order she made this hand gesture to show the table and didn't say please or thanks. I made the decision there and then never to vote for anything she was associated with.
Fuck them all...
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
21 things to think about...
ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.
THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.
FOUR. When you say, "I love you," mean it.
FIVE. When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye.
SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.
SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight.
EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone's dream. People who don't have dreams don't have much.
NINE. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.
TEN.. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.
ELEVEN. Don't judge people by their relatives.
TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly.
THIRTEEN. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?"
FOURTEEN. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
FIFTEEN. Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.
SIXTEEN. When you lose, don't lose the lesson
SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and responsibility for all your actions.
EIGHTEEN. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
NINETEEN. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.
TWENTY-ONE. Spend some time alone.
TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.
THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.
FOUR. When you say, "I love you," mean it.
FIVE. When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye.
SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.
SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight.
EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone's dream. People who don't have dreams don't have much.
NINE. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.
TEN.. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.
ELEVEN. Don't judge people by their relatives.
TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly.
THIRTEEN. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?"
FOURTEEN. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
FIFTEEN. Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.
SIXTEEN. When you lose, don't lose the lesson
SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and responsibility for all your actions.
EIGHTEEN. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
NINETEEN. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.
TWENTY-ONE. Spend some time alone.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Stephen Cohen - Fox Sports - Wanker
As those of you reading this blog will probably have guessed I am a Liverpool fan and very proud of it. I am proud of our history, our heritage and, on the whole, the way our fans conduct themselves. I see Liverpool fans as very knowledgeable (but there are always those who know nothing) and most players will admit the same. Where else would you find:
1) Home fans staying behind to applaud the other team that has just won the league at their expense (Liv v Arsenal, 1989)
2) Home fans staying behind to applaud the other team that has just battered the home team (Liv v Barcelona, 2001)
That's just 2 examples. I also love the humor and wit that are associated with Liverpool fans. They are one of the very few crowds left in the UK that come up with original and new songs for their players and manager.
However, like most Liverpool fans I am disappointed about one aspect of our history - Heysel. Like most football fans I think what happened there was a disaster. It was terrible. Any loss of life at any stage is terrible but to happen at a sport is really not forgivable. I can understand Juventus fans not forgiving us for what happened and I can only thank the backroom team at Liverpool for trying their best to make it up. This will not be 100% possible as life's cannot be reimbursed.
I also thank those on the Juventus side who are trying to build bridges. I know of one such man whose son died at Heysel. He has worked with Liverpool and there have been numerous matches, mainly at an underage level, between the two teams and also the town where he is from to attempt to build bridges. I also would like to think the gesture made before the Champions League match in 2005 would be taken in the correct manner and on the whole it was. As I said, I don't expect everyone to forgive but if nothing else hopefully it will ensure that a disaster as such will never happen again. And it shouldn't. Stadiums are better, facilities are better and fans are better behaved.
Heysel was an old stadium, crumbling, ready for demolition but if the fans had not charged nothing may have happened. We will never know.
Now you are probably wondering why I said that. Firstly, I think I needed to. Secondly because of the name in the subject of this blog. For those who do not know (and I did not know his name until recently) Stephen Cohen is a co-presenter of a Football show on Fox TV in the US. He is a knob cheese. A bell-end. A bollox. And not because he is a Chelsea fan. Mr. Cohen, on his show, on TV made the most ridiculous statements ever. He allegedly accused (I do not have the full comments so hence the 'a' word) Liverpool fans of “directly causing the worst two disasters in English football history”. He also stated that Liverpool should have 96 coffins above their badge instead of 5 stars (1 for each European Cup)...in reference to the 96 people that died at Hillsborough in 1989. And then proceeded to laugh after that comment. Sick bastard.
The guy is a wanker and tosser of the highest order in my opinion. I hope that Fox sack him like they threaten to do. Please, please, please send your comments to either
fff@foxsoccer.com or Feedback@foxsports.com on this bollox or else complete the petition to get rid of him.
The main reason he says he made the comments was that he was sick of Liverpool fans ramming our success down his throat. What? Thats the reason? Jesus....if that's all it takes. He either needs a bigger backbone (probably a lack of one is why he left the army - soap, shower??) or lock himself away so he can never hear the comments again. I like the second option.
1) Home fans staying behind to applaud the other team that has just won the league at their expense (Liv v Arsenal, 1989)
2) Home fans staying behind to applaud the other team that has just battered the home team (Liv v Barcelona, 2001)
That's just 2 examples. I also love the humor and wit that are associated with Liverpool fans. They are one of the very few crowds left in the UK that come up with original and new songs for their players and manager.
However, like most Liverpool fans I am disappointed about one aspect of our history - Heysel. Like most football fans I think what happened there was a disaster. It was terrible. Any loss of life at any stage is terrible but to happen at a sport is really not forgivable. I can understand Juventus fans not forgiving us for what happened and I can only thank the backroom team at Liverpool for trying their best to make it up. This will not be 100% possible as life's cannot be reimbursed.
I also thank those on the Juventus side who are trying to build bridges. I know of one such man whose son died at Heysel. He has worked with Liverpool and there have been numerous matches, mainly at an underage level, between the two teams and also the town where he is from to attempt to build bridges. I also would like to think the gesture made before the Champions League match in 2005 would be taken in the correct manner and on the whole it was. As I said, I don't expect everyone to forgive but if nothing else hopefully it will ensure that a disaster as such will never happen again. And it shouldn't. Stadiums are better, facilities are better and fans are better behaved.
Heysel was an old stadium, crumbling, ready for demolition but if the fans had not charged nothing may have happened. We will never know.
Now you are probably wondering why I said that. Firstly, I think I needed to. Secondly because of the name in the subject of this blog. For those who do not know (and I did not know his name until recently) Stephen Cohen is a co-presenter of a Football show on Fox TV in the US. He is a knob cheese. A bell-end. A bollox. And not because he is a Chelsea fan. Mr. Cohen, on his show, on TV made the most ridiculous statements ever. He allegedly accused (I do not have the full comments so hence the 'a' word) Liverpool fans of “directly causing the worst two disasters in English football history”. He also stated that Liverpool should have 96 coffins above their badge instead of 5 stars (1 for each European Cup)...in reference to the 96 people that died at Hillsborough in 1989. And then proceeded to laugh after that comment. Sick bastard.
The guy is a wanker and tosser of the highest order in my opinion. I hope that Fox sack him like they threaten to do. Please, please, please send your comments to either
fff@foxsoccer.com or Feedback@foxsports.com on this bollox or else complete the petition to get rid of him.
The main reason he says he made the comments was that he was sick of Liverpool fans ramming our success down his throat. What? Thats the reason? Jesus....if that's all it takes. He either needs a bigger backbone (probably a lack of one is why he left the army - soap, shower??) or lock himself away so he can never hear the comments again. I like the second option.
Borat in Court
Following on from my post some time ago I read last Friday that comic Sasha Baron Cohen was in court last week. The two frat students are suing the producers of the Borat movie after claiming that they were allegedly duped into signing the disclaimer after drinking and being informed that the movie would not be shown in the states.
However, Im glad to see that the third student has a bit of cop on.
More info here.
Also the town of Glod has got the money together to sue.
Watch a movie clip of the people in Glod and what they would do to Borat.
Personally, I think they are all stupid and should just take the movie for what it is...exceedingly funny and shows people's true opinions. And if you haven't seen it yet GO !
However, Im glad to see that the third student has a bit of cop on.
More info here.
Also the town of Glod has got the money together to sue.
Watch a movie clip of the people in Glod and what they would do to Borat.
Personally, I think they are all stupid and should just take the movie for what it is...exceedingly funny and shows people's true opinions. And if you haven't seen it yet GO !
Monday, December 11, 2006
Some stuff
Blade actor Wesley Snipes pleads not guilty to tax fraud.
This is hillarous. Would hate to be an Indian man right now.
Ok. Why is the appeal now? Surely this should have been done ages ago. Everyone has known for years about the Lansdowne Road re-development. If we work of the assumption that the appeal is successful then what happens? A lot of these people annoy me. If it was decided to close Lansdowne an relocate the stadium, all the locals would be giving out as would f***ing Bord Pleanála due to "loss of revenue" to the locals and taking away their heritage or some shite like that. The stadium needs to be redone. Its a disgrace as a national stadium.
This is hillarous. Would hate to be an Indian man right now.
Ok. Why is the appeal now? Surely this should have been done ages ago. Everyone has known for years about the Lansdowne Road re-development. If we work of the assumption that the appeal is successful then what happens? A lot of these people annoy me. If it was decided to close Lansdowne an relocate the stadium, all the locals would be giving out as would f***ing Bord Pleanála due to "loss of revenue" to the locals and taking away their heritage or some shite like that. The stadium needs to be redone. Its a disgrace as a national stadium.
Donegal...its different up there
I strongly suggest that everyone should go to Donegal at least once. It is the loveliest place in the world with the loveliest girls and loveliest lovely things...see for yourself
Donegal Direct
County Homepage
Ireland's Northwest
Donegal Tourist
Go Ireland Donegal Webpage
Donegal Direct
County Homepage
Ireland's Northwest
Donegal Tourist
Go Ireland Donegal Webpage
Top Catchphrases
I heard on the radio last week of a Top catch-phrase list compiled in the US. Top of the pile was Homer Simpson's "D'oh". Here is TV Lands top 100. Lots of this list wont be known by readers this side of the Atlantic but still worth a look.
I would be very interested to hear your Top 10. Send them on and I will compile a list.
I would be very interested to hear your Top 10. Send them on and I will compile a list.
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