National Botanic Garden

The National Botanic Gardens are a little piece of heaven in the North side of Dublin 

You can also see there a good share of squirrels (grey ones on that side of the Shannon )

There is also an annexe in County Wicklow, which is worth the trip,see National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh

Watching the world cup [2014]

Another world cup is upon us, this time taking place in Brazil, and I have seen myself dragged (on my own will), into watching the opening ceremony and the first game of this competition.
I think the last time, I watched the opening game of a World Cup, was 20 years ago.

1994, the World Cup was held in USA, the opening ceremony was memorable with a Diana Ross singing, then kicking a ball in high heels, a wide shot, missing the goal ... which still opened split.
France was not part of that world cup, due to 2 losses against Israel and Bulgaria... The commentators at the time, before going those games, were adamant France would qualify, since it only needed a draw out of those... a draw not 2 losses - and yes both games were played on home turf. The defeat to Bulgaria was the last time I saw Eric Cantona scoring a goal with the French jersey.
I was still interested in football, still under the influence of my childhood with the Michel Platini era, with its highlights:

• The win over Brazil in quarter final of Mexico 1986. Followed by another defeat to Germany in semis.

• The win in the Euro 1984.

• The epic semi-final against Germany in 1982, a loss... but probably the most dramatic game I have ever seen. 4 goals scored in extra time, and France leading 3-1 after 100 minutes only to lose to penalty shoot-out in the end.

France Team in 1982. Mundial

• First the total disrespect to the referee, every single decision is contested, seeing half a team bullying the man in black, shouting at his face is an awful sight. Worse, we spectator are either engaging in the same behaviour (via the safety of a screen) or just watch impassably the bullying. Every time I see one of those scene, I am reminded of that Jean Pierre Mocky movie: "A mort l'arbitre" , where a set of fanatical supporters go on a manhunt for a referee.

• Then there is the acting, and the fake "diving", which we saw another instance of that first game. Last night dive was a textbook example, as studied  in this paper: 

• It turns out that diving is more common when there’s more to gain by it: in the offensive half of the field – specifically, in or near the penalty box – and when scores between the teams are tied.

• Source: David GK, Condon CH, Bywater CL, Ortiz-Barrientos D, Wilson RS (2011) Receivers Limit the Prevalence of Deception in Humans: Evidence from Diving Behaviour in Soccer Players. PLoS ONE 6(10): e26017. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0026017

• Finally the sport has been turning more and more individualistic, the Real Madrid celebration during the last champions league, were an example of a bunch of splitted egoes celebrating around the field, not of a team.

• respect of the rules and the referees decisions.

• solidarity with your teammates.

I have to admit that as a result, of not so exciting preparation games, I did not follow the 1998 world cup from the start. I should have known better, Aime Jacquet after all was the manager of Bordeaux during what I personally consider France soccer team golden years, with many player under his elm (Giresse, Tigana, Tresor .... ). He certainly learned the lessons from this era, before he took charge of the national team.
Lets' go back to the present and this first game played between Brazil and Croatia.

Brazil was very lucky to win, helped by some dubious referee decisions.

That game make me realize why I somehow lost interest in the football game. I still think this is a brilliant game, the most fantastic you can play, it's basic are easy and simple, any kid in any city can and will play it, sometime without needing a ball, a tin can is a valid substitute. 

You can make a ball out of plastic bag, and then go on to dream you are winning the world cup.

So why don't I watch soccer.... few things are annoying me in todays soccer shows:

I have to make a comparison with Rugby Union here, we often talk about the values of the rugby ( sometime in an ironic way ), though I think Rugby exhibit some venerable values, we sometimes mistake them for what they are.

I am not talking about fair play, Rugby Union is a contact sport, and players want to win, so you will see as many acts of non-fair play on a rugby field than any other sports (eye gauging, high tackle, taunting opponents ... ). Where I think Rugby Union exhibit values is in 2 aspects:

Now those two things do not happen by chance. The respect of referee decision is strictly enforced. When you contest a penalty, you have the risk of seeing that penalty brought forward by 10 meters. Only the captain is allowed to talk to the referee, and arguing with referee can lead to a yellow card. Some of those things could easily be implemented in soccer. Also the rugby referee, constantly talk and warns player about their behaviour, the italian soccer referee Collina used to do that constantly during the game, so this could also be an improvement.

On team solidarity, it is a necessity in Rugby by the nature of the game, you have to rely, have trust in your partner to win the game, you cannot win a rugby game on your own, a solitary exploit will not be enough. Soccer has slowly evolved to the opposite direction with the raise of individualistic star with inflated egoes. I watched recently "Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos" about the rise and fall of this USA soccer franchise, who brought Pelè in the states, this story can be seen as a precursor of what was bound to happen with the influx of money in the soccer world.

Finally on the faking and diving, we could also take the example of Rugby Union, with a discipline committee reviewing action of the payer after the games using videos, and condemning unfair play and simulation acts with match suspension.

I ended up watching that first game with mixed feelings, yes the game can be brilliant, but is at the moment spoiled by other interests - I won't go into the FIFA scandals, John Oliver did a much better job than me explaining it ( by showing his sausage ).

I am happy to see Brazil win, unhappy by the way they did, still hopeful that I will see some fantastic football display... which probably mean I will most certainly watch more games. And yes that also include watching France play....

Looking back at 2013

I have been neglected this blog, since a couple months now, just realise this post was in my draft since the first of January 2014, so with a bit of delay here it is....

Looking back at 2013:

• January: Starting the year with walks in charming company on Dun Laoghaire pier.
• St Patrick in Düsseldorf -  My first steps as a contractor.
• Tea parties.
• H-cup final ASM defeat in Dublin.
• DIY and shelves.
• Bourkes Pub.
One of my favourite in Limerick, excellent provider of gigs.
• Summer in Cambridge.
• Airport, airport and more planes.
Between fortnight trip to Germany, then UK, and France, 2013 have been dominated by airflight to the point of sickness. Not good for my carbon footprint.
• Trip to London: Science Museum
• Electric Picnic 2013
Back to the Electric Picnic, to celebrate a special anniversary <3
• The Dubliners in Whelans.
• Depeche Mode in O2.
• Heatwave in Ireland. Snorkel in Clare.
• Forbidden Fruit
• Jerry Fish.
Somehow I miss his circus in the EP, so now I am in chase mode to catch up on his performances.
• New socks - so popular someone steals them from me.
• Dublin beaches.
Thanks to the heatwave, my transition from the west coast to the east coast beaches was easy :D
• Dublin Zoo.
• Saying goodbye to Limerick.
I finally moved all my stuff out of limerick city, where I first moved to Ireland 8 years ago.
• Starting as a student again - Statistics in UCD
Here it is the big one, back on the student benches for one year. UCD campus:
Back in ampitheatre:
First homeworks:
• Enjoying Dublin.
I am still in discovery mode with this city.
• Cats time.
• Introducing my girlfriend to my beloved Auvergne.

Jung Test

INTJ - "Mastermind". Introverted intellectual with a preference for finding certainty. A builder of systems and the applier of theoretical models. 2.1% of total population.

Take Free Jung Personality Test
Personality Test by SimilarMinds.com

Back to school

 I haven't updated this blog in a while, but here the big news, I am back at school well in college.

I also decided to start a new blog where I will compile, statistics and other randoms thought, you can check it here:

https://tofguerrier.github.io/

Thanks for the memories

Last weekend, i was walking in Pery Square and my heart sunk when i discover that door...
fully repainted in black - how suiting, with a number nailed on it. 

The place is being reconverted into offices, peering though some window i could see the demolition work in progress. Sad day, the closing and reconversion happened months ago, but being away at that time, i did not notice it happening.
This place used to be "The Wicked Chicken", an iconic place of the limerick nightlife for many of us, and also for me a place of many fond memories, where i met many of my past and current friends.
Gone is the red door...

With the sign on the left side...

The little sign ...

The graffitis in the smoking area have been painted over... 

I still remember the first time i step into the place, the atmosphere was hypnotic, the music had my heart stopping, and the crowd looks genuinely friendly and happy, it was a mix of open minded different nationalities.

At one stage the place was the required meeting point for the start of any good night out. 

 
I remember going there on sunday night and monday night for a quiet chat, the barman preparing our drinks before we even ask, and looking surprised every-time we would change from our habitual drink of choice.

I remember the first time i saw people in that place, that i now consider my friends, the 3 sisters at the end of the bar, the ever wearing cap barman, the man from castlegregory ... etc ...

Maybe I should have taken more pictures of the place, as I am searching through my files, and being annoyed not to find a photo of this or this particular feature, like the headless chicken or the pictures on the wall, some picture of friends - some deceased. 

Like this Giger painting, which funnily i also had in my student bedroom, years ago back in France.
I shall not forget the DJ in that place, which made it came alive, when on a friday or saturday night all the bodies would come pouring in the tiny place around 11, for a good old bop.

In the basement

There was also a downstairs, were some gigs were held, from punk-rock, to hip-hop new-york singer. I saw DJ Andy Smith down there, for some of the nothern soul mix i've heard in a club, along with some amazing boppers.

Sadly everything must comes to an end, people moved on, to other countries, to having babies... and slowly there was less and less people. At one stage the place closed down - in 2011 I think, I am happy i was there for the party on that day, it was impressive to see some many of the old figures coming back to say goodbye to a place of so many memories.

Article from the limerick post ... when it closed initially

And after that there was an attempt to reopen it, I spend a memorable new year day in 2012 there, with the barman pouring Jaggermaster at midnight on the customer... on a personal point of view... that night in the wicked chicken, certainly kickstarted the journey i am now embarked upon till this day.


It is all gone in a blur...

And so now number 14 on the 99 reasons to visit Limerick is gone ( http://flipittv.tumblr.com/post/22412708706/99-reasons-to-visit-limerick ).
Anyway thanks for the memories to all the DJ, the barmen, the barmaid, the owner, and all the people who made that place what it was.

The flame is not dead, other venues in Limerick have been taking over, go checkout Bourkes, The Blind Pig, Dr John ... and make your own music memories.

An old roll

Today I collected a the photographs developed of a very old roll - based on some of the pictures I am guessing it was 2006 or 2007.
It was a very good surprise to discover the pictures,

First rediscovering myself from 5 or 6 years ago.

me

   I still remember that road, I took several picture of it with different cameras at the time, i think it was up in the Connemara, not very far from Achill Island.

Follow the road

 Off course there was pictures of the sea....

Or wast it a lake lost in the fog ?

And of sheeps...

Sheeeepppp

    And of me fighting the elements...

Survivor mode

The pictures were all taken by one of these wonderful camera, in that case an Action Sampler.