Well our band has finally got a name and there's a story behind it. PT Barnum used to have a sign at his circus/freakshow events saying 'This way to the Great Egress' Most people would follow the signs expecting to see a massive emu type thing only to find themselves heading out the exit. Paul wrote a song about it and now it's the band's name. Well, it's better than some of the band names I've been involved with.

We held a meeting last Thursday to decide on a name, in a gay bar. I'm not sure why, it seemed like a good idea until I was the first time to arrive with visions of a Police Academy style gag involving me slow dancing all night with the leather guy from The Village People. It's a lonely place when you're on you own for a few minutes.

Did I get an offer? About thirty seconds after reaching the bar. Yes, I've still got it. We've got about fifteen songs and we'll be ready to play live in a few weeks I hope. Bands don't generally start playing until about 10 over here and with last orders at 11.30pm, 15 songs should be plenty.

 

My home recording is coming along slowly and steadily. I'm finding that the more I do, the worse the previous stuff sounds so I must be getting somewhere.

 

The end is nigh for the Reverend Green.

That's our car. It's been a (sometimes) faithful companion over the last 10 months but with the NCT ( That's MOT or WOF) drawing near it may be time to say goodbye. The poor little thing is badly rusted underneath and is unlikely to pass. I'm not relishing the hassle of getting rid of it, getting another one and securing the all important parking disc.

 

Spring has Sprung

The trees are green again, the daffies have been and gone. I can wear a T Shirt to work and some days are almost warm.

So for all of you in NZ who gloated about your summer, nya nya!!!

Sadly, no-one here knows what cricket is.

 

Capital of Confusion

There are a lot of people in this city prepared to have a go at this year of all things cultural and who are we to jump on the bandwagon? But a couple things have not escaped our notice.

There's a programme on the telly now, aimed at raising the city's profile and telling everyone about the wonderful events going on. Unfortunately they omit to tell you when, where, how much and where you can find out more. To be fair, there is a lot happening but most people deem it a failure because U2 won't be playing at the Lobby Bar every Friday night and there are nowhere near enough bouncy castles on St Patrick's St.

Cork Airport (or ORK in baggage handler shorthand- why not COR or COK?) is hardly the best introduction to the city. They're building a new terminal which should be ready in time for Liverpools turn as city of Culture in 2008. In the meantime we are informed on landing that 'Cork Airport is Self Marshalling' i.e.: get off the plane, run 200 metres in the pouring rain trying to avoid the big engine. Get close to the door then form an orderly queue, still in the rain while they check everyone's passports.

All of a sudden Palmy Airport and its departure charge doesn't seem so bad.

 

Only in Ireland

They were planning to build a new Crematorium near Cork. The village they chose for the site? Ovens

That one's gone up in smoke.