Kerr's Corner

Are you Kerr-Handed?

2007-01-24T22:53:00.000Z

KERR’S CORNER READERS sometimes surprise me. The last column on the anniversary of the invention of the Biro pen was a case in point. My mention in passing that I found ballpoint pens useful as I am left-handed brought in an email that caused me to take a double-take. At first I thought my email was on the blink! It came from David Kerr of Jordanstown, formerly from the Limestone Road area in Belfast. A double coincidence. I am David Kerr and used to live in the Limestone Road too.

David wrote to say that he too is left-handed and wondered if I had heard about left-handedness being a common trait in people called Kerr. He had heard that castles of the Kerr clan in Scotland had anti-clockwise staircases as a protective measure. These would give left-handed defenders a free sword hand while hampering the progress of right-handed attackers as they tried to fight their way up. David thought this was a bit fanciful, but wondered if I had heard anything about this and if there is any truth in it.

As it happens, there is some truth to this legend. My sister visited Ferniehurst Castle last summer and it does indeed have an anti-clockwise staircase. The legend is even celebrated in poetry. In The Raid of the Kerrs, Ettrick Shepherd summed up the feelings Englishmen had toward this warlike Scottish border clan family. “The Kerrs were aye the deadliest foes that e’er to Englishmen were known, For they were all bred left handed men, and fence [defence] against them there was none”. The Kerrs played a very important role in the Scottish borders. They originally came over to Britain from Normandy with William the Conqueror in 1066. The clan descended from two brothers, Ralph and John, who settled in Jedburgh around 1330. The clan soon prospered, protecting Scottish borderlands from English encounters and occasionally raiding England whenever they felt the need for some prime beef. Cattle raids were a Kerr speciality. The clan had a long-running rivalry with the neighbouring Scott clan.

In another poem The Reprisal, celebrating the storming of Ferniehurst Castle, Walter Laidlaw wrote “So well the Kerrs their left hands ply, the dead and dying round them lie, the castle gained, the battle won, Revenge and slaughter are begun”. The clan chief was Sir John Kerr. After the battle he and his men played handball with the severed heads of their enemies. A game known as “Jedburgh Ba’” based on this ancient and gory victory is played today with leather balls in the place of English heads.

Ralph Kerr’s line became the Marquesses of Lothian, while John’s rose to the Dukedom of Roxburgh. At different times both lines held the title Warden of the Middle March which consisted of the border area between England and Scotland. By the time of the Jacobite uprisings, the Kerrs opposed the rebels. Lord Robert Kerr died at Culloden in 1746.
There is a Kerr Crest and two tartans. The current head of the Kerr Clan is the leading Conservative MP, Michael Ancram. His family name is Kerr. Until his father’s death in 2004 he was the Earl of Ancrum. He succeeded to the hereditary title of 13th Marquess of Lothian on his father’s death but he was able to keep his parliamentary seat without renouncing his title as hereditary peers are no longer entitled to sit in the House of Lords. He doesn’t use his title.

Approximately some 30% of male Kerrs are supposed to be left-handed. My dad was left-handed for everything but handwriting. He hammered in nails and painted with his left hand. As was common early in the last century, he had been forced to use his right hand for writing at school.

Even today, there are many obstacles for left-handed children to overcome in the classroom. Pencil sharpeners, spiral notebooks, scissors, desks, rulers, and sports equipment such as hockey sticks are all designed for right-handed children.

Things are never as bad as during the Medieval period in Europe when the left hand was linked to Satan and those who used their left hand were thought to be possessed by devils, in league with Satan. One of the qualifications to be questioned, or tortured, in the infamous Spanish Inquisition was to be left-handed and often meant death. The Latin word for ‘left’ is ‘sinister’ and has left us with ‘sinistral’ which is the scientific term for ‘left-handed’. Many other words that translate into ‘left’ in English have secondary meanings. In French: gauche: awkward, clumsy; Italian: mancini: crooked, maimed; German: linkisch; awkward.

This is understandable. We lefties are awkward as the world is not designed for us to fit in easily. We have to adapt as best we can. At home and later in the world of work the following common tools all require left-to-right wrist turning movements more comfortable for right-handers: corkscrews, rotary dial phones, analogue clock-setting & winding, screws, Edison screw lightbulbs, door handles, and ice cream scoops.

The following are specifically designed to be used in a right-handed fashion: scissors, can openers, coffee makers, computer keyboards (numeric keypad on right), many computer mice, calculators and pushbutton phones (left-to-right array), golf clubs, wrenches, slot machines, playing cards, lipped saucepans, gravy boats, rulers, bowling balls, vegetable peelers, phone kiosks, violins (and most other stringed instruments), saxophones, and most hand-held power tools. I’ve nearly come to grief a few times myself as the safety button on electric drills is on the wrong side for me and the flex tends to come out to the left side. The emergence of cordless appliances has been a bit of a help to me.

Because of this there are jobs that are more difficult for the left-handed person to do as safely and as fast as the right-handed. Meat slicers, drill presses, band saws, textile machinery, production lines, and heavy equipment are set up for right hand use. Recent research in this subject has proven the greater threat of harm for left-handers in areas such as manufacturing and construction over the threat for the right handed workers.

I’m glad to report that wider use of ballpoint pens, and greater availability of left-handed scissors, rulers and tape measures are helping left-handed children and adults to fit in more easily. Such items tend to be more expensive than mass-produced products for the greater number of right-handed folk but they are a great help.

Double Indemnity

2007-01-18T22:58:00.000Z

This is the third in my occasional looks at all-time classic movies.

DOUBLE INDEMNITY has a reputation as one of the best-loved classic films of all time. This verdict is well-deserved as the movie sets a cracking pace. I had always associated Barbara Stanwyck as the matriarch in the classic television series, The Big Valley. Some older readers may remember this. The screenplay for Double Indemnity was written by Director Billy Wilder in collaboration with the great Raymond Chandler who created the private eye, Philip Marlowe.

The story opens in flashback as dying insurance agent Walter Neff (Fred MacMurray) crashes into his office, picks up a dictaphone and tells his story in flashback to a colleague who investigates insurance scams.

Neff is a mess. How did he get this way? While out selling insurance policies he met an extremely attractive young woman, Phyllis Dietrichson, (Barbara Stanwyck) who feels trapped in her marriage to her boorish husband, (Tom Powers). The ultimate femme fatale, Phyllis asks how she could work an insurance scam to murder her husband and collect the insurance.

Infatuated by Phyllis’s charms, Neff proposes a scheme that makes it look as if the crutch-bound Mr Dietrichson fell or jumped off a moving train. All seems to be going well, but the investigator Barton Keyes (Edward G Robinson) is suspicious. He feels in his bones that something about the grieving widow’s claim is not right. This has to be one of the best roles of Robinson’s career. He is like a terrier who won’t let go. When he sees something that doesn’t seem right, he worries away at it until he gets to the solution. There’s not a lot of action in the modern sense in Double Indemnity yet there are no boring lulls.either. Instead, the tension builds up gradually through the magnificent performances from Stanwyck, MacMurray and Robinson. Will they get away with it? What went wrong? It’s powerful stuff.

This classic is now available to a whole new audience on DVD. It’s a perfect example of the film noir genre.

Kerr's Collector's Corner - Remember Northern Ireland's Famous Victory

2007-01-16T23:01:00.000Z

NORTHERN IRELAND’S next match (in their qualifying Group F for the forthcoming Euro 2008 Championship) is against Liechtenstein on Saturday 24th March. With any luck Lawrie Sanchez’s men should get a good result away from home. This would set the team up nicely for their following match against Sweden a few days later on Wednesday 28th March. This vital game will be at Windsor Park – the scene of two memorable victories against England (on 7th September 2005) and Spain (on 6th September 2006).

And it’s back to September 2005 that we’re going with this issue of Kerr’s Collector’s Corner, because an excellent badge is doing the rounds that celebrates that famous victory. This really is one of the most colourful sporting badges I’ve ever seen. Its centre-piece features a large Union Jack shield. Either side of this shield is a player representing Northern Ireland and England. Both are in their national kits and they are shaking hands. Also featured are the badges of the Irish Football Association and the English Football Association. There’s also an inscription which reads: Northern Ireland v England Windsor Park 7th September 2005. All Northern Ireland fans will recall that this match was won by a thunderbolt of a goal scored by - who else? – David Healy.

This excellent six colour Northern Ireland v England commemorative enamel badge is a must for all genuine Northern Ireland fans. It costs only £2.50 (including p&p) each. To get yours simply send a cheque/Postal Order (made payable to Glenwood Publications) to: Glenwood Publications, First Floor, 316 Shankill Road, Belfast, BT13 3AB. If you get hold of one, why not wear it on the day of any Northern Ireland match – you never know, it might end up as a lucky omen. Happy badge collecting!

Film Review - Apocalypto

2007-01-15T23:07:00.000Z

In association with Counter Culture magazine and www.altculture.co.uk

139 min Language: Maya. Certificate:18

AFTER THE wildly successful The Passion of the Christ I was interested to see if the maverick actor and director Mell Gibson could do it again. Like the Passion, this film is made in an obscure language with English subtitles. Not everyone has the patience to deal with subtitles, so it’s a bit of a gamble. Subtitled foreign language films have more of the flavour of arthouse cinemas like QFT rather than the Movie House at Yorkgate. However, the path was cleared for subtitled films in mainstream cinema theatres by the wild success of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Hero and The House of Flying Daggers.

Gibson has made a terrific tension-filled, rip-roaring chase film. There’s lots of blood and gore set to a high-adrenaline musical score. It starts off quietly enough with a small hunting party out to provide food for their little village in the forest. They catch a tapir and have a lot of fun at the expense of one of their number, Blunted, who seems unable to father children. It’s the typical piss-taking male bonding seen in any gathering of young males the world over. Even Flint Sky, the older leader gets in the act by offering Blunted some herbs to rub on ‘down below’ to help his little problem. They turn out to be chillies.

The party is disturbed by a group of strangers passing through their forest who tell fearul tales of having to flee destruction wrought on them by vicious marauders. They say nothing of this to the villagers when they return with the tapir, but their village becomes the next victim of a sneak night attack.

Jaguar Paw, one of the young hunters, manages to hide his young heavily pregnant wife and son before he is captured and dragged through the jungle with many others to a stone-built town. To his horror, he finds that he and his people are to be sacrificed to bring good harvests back to the Mayan society.

Without revealing plot details, Jaguar Paw, is determined to get back to his village and to rescue his wife and family from her perilous hiding place. Equally, a small band of his captors are determined to stop him. The jungle chase scenes are edge-of-the-seat heart-stoppingly awesome. The audience really roots for Jaguar Paw as he dodges wild animals and tries to even the odds in his wild flight to freedom. Be warned, though, the violence is very brutal. Gibson has trimphed with an unknown cast in an unknown tongue. Don’t miss it!

David Kerr

Film Review - Cars

2007-01-14T23:11:00.000Z

120 minutes. Disney-Pixar, 2006. DVD/VHS to come. Voices of Owen Wilson, Bonnie Hunt, Paul Newmann, Larry the Cable Guy, and Richard Petty. Director: John Lasseter.

IS THIS a film review about a cartoon? Yes it is! The creators of Toy Story and Finding Nemo have given audiences, old and young, another treat with their computer graphics. On the surface cartoons have always been funny stories for the children, but some also carry parabolic messages for adults. When I was a youngster I enjoyed The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle, which was a series of comic tales about a smart squirrel and his dim-witted moose companion. For adults this 1960s cartoon was a satire on the Cold War. This same kind of child/adult appreciation can be found in Cars.

For children, Cars is a fun story about talking automobiles who embody the personalities of their probable owners and drivers. The main character, Lightning McQueen (with the voice of Owen Wilson), is a self-centered hotshot rookie racecar who thinks he can win the championship cup on his own. A wrong turn on the way to the big race lands him in Radiator Springs, a small town in the American southwest bypassed by a major highway (or interstate). During his sojourn off the beaten path Lightning befriends many other cars who teach him about the values of teamwork and looking out for others. He eventually heads to the race a different vehicle than he was when he had arrived.

Cars also has added-value for adults too. It is a comment on how North American society has become obsessed too much with the quick pace of the 24/7 work schedule. In several scenes Sally, a lawyer Porsche 911 who left the fast lane of Los Angeles for the slower pace of Radiator Springs (voice of Bonnie Hunt), tells Lightning about how roads used to be built to bend and move with the contours of the land. Driving was more about “having a good time” instead of “making time.” Instead, the new superhighways have cut into the land to save time, and travelers tend to miss the good view. Realizing that he has learned a lesson, Lightning admits that he too needs to slow down at times.

With a surname like McQueen, one could assume Ulster-Scots roots for the main character. (Did not Belfast once build DeLoreans?!) In telling this modern parable Cars uses the ever popular NASCAR circuit as the backdrop. Of course, auto racing has a following world-wide, yet this unique American style of auto racing originated with, and it continues to be promoted by, the Appalachian Scots-Irish (Ulster-Scots). While these Ulster-descendents are known for being a laid back plain folk, their love of racing may have given even them an addiction to speed in the 24/7 world. Lightning starts off as a cocky individualist concerned about the instant glory, prestige and commercialism of winning the cup. Come the final race, Lightning remembers what he learned in Radiator Springs, and he gives up instant glory in an act of true sportsmanship. By adhering to these older and noble values, he wins the hearts of many.
This cartoon is both entertaining and heart touching. Included are the character voices of NASCAR legend Richard Petty and veteran actor and part-time racer Paul Newmann. Watch Cars with your children, and learn its lessons to slow down at times. Of course, slowing down can be difficult with youngsters!

Alex Greer

Film Review - Casino Royale

2007-01-12T23:14:00.000Z

144 min Colour: Black and White / Colour Certificate:12A

QUITE A CONTROVERSY erupted prior to the release of Casino Royale when it was announced that Daniel Craig was to take over the role of James Bond. It didn’t upset me too much as I had never heard of him!

No matter. The naysayers have been confounded. Daniel Craig is James Bond. His reinvention of the character makes him the best Bond since Sean Connery first dazzled us back in the Sixties. He has brought new life into what was starting to become a tired old format.

There’s a break in continuity from the old films. Bond is a newly qualified 00... status agent. It’s strong plot shows us where Bond came from and how he smoothed away some of his rough edges. I’m quite surprised that this film got away with a 12A certificate as there is a lot of brutal violence in its action scenes and one torture scene. Even the not very likely free running chase is spectacular but believable because you get the idea that this really is kill or be killed stuff.

It’s got a real feel of danger to it that finally breaks away from the irritating cartoonish style of Roger Moore and all the gimmicky Sci-Fi gadgets that used to distract from the storyline. This is a real new beginning for James Bond that deserves the acclaim it has received. More of this please!

One caveat, though. Sony Entertainment made this film and have done their best to see that everyone uses Sony equipment. Everyone uses Sony Vaio computers. Everyone - heroes and villains alike - uses Sony Ericcson mobile phones. Just a bit too much product placement for me.

David Kerr

Film Review – The Chronicles of Narnia

2007-01-10T23:17:00.000Z

THE LION, THE WITCH and THE WARDROBE.

135 minutes. Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media. VHS and DVD. Tilda Swinton, Georgie Henley, Skandor Keynes, Anna Popplewell, and William Moseley. Director: Andrew Adamson. (Based on the story by C.S. Lewis).

PROBABLY AFTER settlers, ships, linen and crystal one of Ulster’s main export industries has been C.S. Lewis. This Belfast-born and bred Oxford/Cambridge literature professor became well-know for his works on the Christian faith, and for his Narnia series for children. Hopefully most readers know the story of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, which is the second volume of the Chronicles of Narnia. Four English WWII evacuee children, two brothers and two sisters, find a wardrobe which is a gateway to the magical world of Narnia. They find that this land is in a state of eternal winter and ruled over by an evil white witch. In realizing a prophecy the four join forces with the Lion, Aslan, to defeat the witch and restore spring to Narnia.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe has been brought to the screen before. (Sesame Workshop made a cartoon version in 1979. Then the BBC made a movie for television in 1988.) Disney has definitely topped the Narnia craze with its special effects, namely the computer graphics which bring the talking animals and mythological creatures to life. This film is definitely not all about effects with no acting. Georgie, Anna, Skandor, and William handled the Pevensies rather well. Ballymeana’s Liam Neeson is the voice of Aslan. Most of all Tilda Swinton’s brilliant portrayal of Jadis, the white witch, has set a new standard. In the BBC production Barbara Kellerman had played a temperamental and stereotypical witch, but Tilda’s witch is cold, calculating, very commanding, and more complex. Given her success as Jadis, the rather aristocratic Ms. Swinton has vowed that she will not show her children the Narnia movie so they will not to see their mother as the epitome of evil. Also to be commended is the filming in the lush mountains of New Zealand. (For the topography of Narnia, Lewis was inspired by the Mournes!)

If you are a C.S. Lewis fan, or even if you enjoy a good heroic story, do see the new Chronicles of Narnia.

Alex Greer

In Praise of the Biro

2006-12-21T15:09:00.000Z

SIXTY YEARS ago last month an item went on sale in Britain for the first time that would conquer the world. It was looked down on by many as cheap and nasty but it nevertheless has overcome most of that prejudice – the Biro pen. The most common version, the BiC Crystal sells some 14 million pens a day worldwide. Check your own pockets, handbag, briefcase or schoolbag. You’ve probably got at least one somewhere about you.

The good thing about this wonderful invention is that they still have a place in this digital age. You don’t have to worry if the batteries are fully charged up. They write for over a mile without stopping and they are cheap to replace when they die or are lost or ‘borrowed’ by someone else. I like using computers. They have revolutionised the task of putting together your favourite magazines or papers like the one you are reading now. But it all starts with the humble biro pen. If I'’ watching a film, a play or if I’m at a gig it would be too distracting to start typing away into a laptop. It’s much more discreet to scribble a few notes into a little notepad and type them up later. The biro is ideal for this task.

There were attempts to patent earlier types of ballpoint pens in the late nineteenth and early part of the twentieth centuries but none of these were reliable. Laszlo Biro, a Hungarian newspaper editor was frustrated by messy nib pens. The sharp nibs tore paper and were very messy. Newspaper ink, he noticed, was quite thick and dried almost immediately, doing away with the need for blotting paper. In co-operation with his brother George, he came up with a way to feed quick-drying ink through a tube tipped with a rotating steel ball bearing in a socket. This rotated as the pen moved across the page letting the ink flow evenly through capillary action. It was the world’s first practical ballpoint pen.

The Biro brothers fled Hungary in the run-up to the Second World War and set up shop in Argentina. The Biro pen was patented in 1943 and taken up by the Royal Air Force. Fountain pens had a tendency to flood at high altitudes in unpressurised aeroplanes. The new invention was adopted by the RAF because it proved to be immune to this problem. By the end of the Forties it became very popular for the military as it could write for up to a year without needing a refill.

The next step in the evolution of the biro came from a Frenchman, Marcel Bich. He brought out the rights to the pen, reformulated the ink and founded the BiC Company to make inexpensive ballpoint pens. He used a shortened form of his name Bich as it would be easy to remember and it would avoid any mispronunciation problems in English. By the early Sixties the Bic Crystal dominated the pen market – a place it still has today.

There have been a few changes in its basic design over the past sixty years. The ventilated cap is less dangerous if accidentally swallowed; the hexagonal barrel prevents it rolling on the floor and the ballpoint of tungsten carbide is harder to dent if you drop it on the floor. It’s no wonder that it has become recognised as a design classic. Here, hear to that decision.
Many traditionalist teachers maintained that the biro ruined good handwriting and banned them from schools but the French government led the way by approving the BiC Crystal for use in the nation’s schools.

They were still forbidden when I attended Abbott’s Cross Primary School in the Sixties. We were forced to use fountain pens or cartridge pens. This was a matter of great annoyance for me as I am left-handed. Right-handed folks pull their pens over their work so their hand is clear of the parts of the page they have just written on. We lefties push our pens over our work, and have a tendency to drag our pen hand over the still wet ink, leaving a mess of smudges behind us on the page. You can’t believe my joy when I moved on to Rathcoole Secondary School in 1969 and discovered that I was allowed to use the biro. It was liberating! To some folk the humble biro may be cheap and nasty. To me it’s revolutionary. I doubt if it can be bettered.

Gig Review – Carrick in (Bohemian) Rhapsody

2006-12-19T15:14:00.000Z

FLASH HARRY – Ulster’s hugely popular Queen tribute band – had a successful return visit to the Clarion Hotel in Carrickfergus last month. In an exclusive interview with the Carrickfergus edition of The Wizard, lead singer Harry Hamilton told me that he and the lads were looking forward to a terrific gig as they had a great bunch of fans in the borough.

This certainly turned out to be true. The Carrick crowd didn’t disappoint him. The eager audience had been waiting for over two hours before the band took to the stage. Every seat in the auditorium was taken. Much to the thirsty crowd’s relief, early problems with the bar were soon overcame when reinforcements arrived from the main hotel. These good folk were kept on the go as the DJ played a good selection of music and the buzz of excitement began to mount.

Suddenly a roar of appreciation went up from the crowd as the first bars from the Flash Gordon theme heralded Flash Harry’s entrance on stage. That was the end of idle chit-chat as the band launched into We Will Rock You. This was more than just an introductory song. It was a promise from the band for the rest of the night; a promise they more than made good! Harry Hamilton was a dead ringer for the late, great, Freddie Mercury – a look-alike and a sound-alike. The superb guitar riffs in the band’s rendition of One Vision were worthy of the great Brian May himself. It’s no wonder that the official Queen Fan Club in the UK invited the band to provide the entertainment at their celebrations for what would been Freddie’s sixtieth birthday.

The Great Pretender and the classic hit Bohemian Rhapsody brought out a large degree of audience participation. All over the hall, people were joining in the choruses. Me too! There were so many seats and tables that there was very little room for dancing, but many determined fans found enough space for their needs. The lead singer went through three changes of costume, played for over two and a half hours and came back for an encore.
The applause was loud and long. Nobody wanted to go home. Everyone had a great time. This was pure entertainment at its best.

If you’re sorry you missed them or want to see them again you can check out the band’s website for future gigs. The next big one is early in the new year in the Waterfront Hall. Don’t miss it!
Reviewed by David Kerr.

Classic Movie for Christmas - It's a Wonderful Life

2006-12-17T15:11:00.000Z

CHRISTMAS is around the corner. It’s a happy time for many folk, but others dread it. Things in their lives are not working out so well. Many are in despair. Some may even try to end it all by taking their own lives. This is the situation facing George Bailey (James Stewart) in the classic Christmas feel-good movie to end them all – Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life! which is sixty years old this year.

George is a pleasant bloke who runs a savings and loan company – something like a credit union in this country – in Bedford Falls, an American small town. He is held responsible for the loss of a large sum of money and is hung out to dry by the evil Henry Potter (brilliantly portrayed by Lionel Barrymore); an unscrupulous local banker who give him a deadline to come up with the cash or go to prison. In depair he decides to drown himself.

Before he can do so, he rescues another drowning man who turns out to be Clarence (Henry Travers), an apprentice angel sent to save him from himself. George wishes he was never born, so Clarence shows him what life in his little town would have been like had his wish come true. The town without him is Pottersville; a miserable, nasty, unpleasant place. George is made to realise that his life had not been futile. He really did make a difference to the lives of every inhabitant.

This film hits the spot in many ways. James Stewart brilliantly brings out George Bailey’s essential decency with strong support from the lovely Donna Reed as mary, his sweetheart and later his wife. It should never go out of fashion. It’s just perfect viewing over the Christmas period. Look out for it in the TV schedules or for the special Sixtieth anniversary DVD edition in your local music and video shop or in some supermarkets.

Film Review – The Prestige

2006-12-10T15:13:00.000Z

ENTERTAINMENT AND FILMS in association with Counter Culture – www.altculture.org

Directed by Christopher NolanCertificate: 12ARunning Time: 128 minutes.

THIS IS Christopher Nolan’s fifth feature film. Young magicians Rupert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) become rivals after an accident during an underwater trick. Robert’s wife, Julia (Piper Perabo), is the magician’s assistant. Julia agrees to be tied with the preferred knot by Alfred. Even though the knot is difficult to untie while she is submerged in a tank, she insists she can handle it. Julia dies.

This then becomes a story about obsession and jealousy. They not only try to one-up each other’s tricks, but they also try to sabotage one another. In trying to ruin one another they ruin virtually everyone around them, including themselves. It is a dark psychology.
There are many twists and surprises and this film keeps you guessing right to the end. Intriguing and very watchable. It is certainly a film that you think about afterward and might want to watch more than once.

Special mention to David Bowie who plays scientist Nikola Tesla in a small but vital role.

Cast:
Robert Angier: Hugh JackmanAlfred Borden: Christian BaleCutter: Michael CaineJulia: Piper PeraboSarah: Rebecca HallOlivia: Scarlett JohanssonMr Alley: Andy SerkisNikola Tesla: David Bowie

Reviewed by Patrick Harrington.

Counter

2006-12-02T22:49:00.000Z

GI Guide to Ulster

2006-11-25T22:44:00.000Z

BROWSING in the Linenhall Library the other day, I came across A Pocket Guide to Northern Ireland published by the United States War and Navy Departments, Washington DC, for American soldiers based in the Province.

The little booklet was intended to give GIs stationed here some idea of what the people here were like: ‘You are going away from home on an important mission - to meet Hitler and beat him on his home ground. For the time being you will be the guest of Northern Ireland. The purpose of this guide is to get you acquainted with the Irish, their country and their ways.’
The opening chapter informs the GI that ‘There are two Irelands'. It offers sage advice for Americans abroad, ‘particularly important in Ireland: (1) Don‘t argue religion. (2) Don't argue politics.'

Some parts of the booklet still come across well. ‘Northern Ireland - usually called Ulster - is a small country, only slightly larger than the State of Connecticut‘ The climate is is ‘damp, chilly, rainy‘; ‘the sun is only an occasional visitor in Ireland; there are about 200 rainy days a year.’ ‘It is the always-present dampness which makes the cool summers and mild winters seen colder than they are.' Optimistically, the guide says that ‘Dampness chills the bones of visitors, but it makes Ireland green and beautiful.’

The underlying politics of the ongoing war against Hitler's Germany are not forgotten. One chapter warns the GI that Eamon DeValera protested against the landing of US troops in Ulster and that Axis legations operate in Eire: 'Axis spies sift back and forth across the border constantly, be on your guard! The Nazis are trying to find out all about the AEF. Watch what you say in public. Enemy ears are listening.’

On social matters, the GI reader is told; ‘the male social center in Ulster is the tavern or public house. While there are temperance advocates and a few prohibitionists in Ireland, you won’t see much of them…. Up in the hills you may be offered an illicit concoction known as “potheen.” This is a moonshine whiskey made out of potato mash. Watch it. It’s dynamite…’ However, the poor American soldier on leave minght find some disappointment; 'There is virtually no night life. Pubs closed early and the floor show and juke joint are nonexistent.'

Ulster's religious divisions are not overlooked. GIs are warned that; 'Religion is a matter of public as well as private concern in Ulster and you’ll be wise not to talk about it. In America we ask where do you come from? In Ulster they ask What church do you belong to? If the question is put to you tell the truth and then change the subject.'

GIs are informed of two historical links with Co Antrim. Beneath a photograph of Carrickfergus castle and harbour a caption reads; 'For centuries, Carrickfergus, near Belfast, was the chief port and town of Northern IRELAND. Ancestors of Andrew Jackson, seventh President of the United States, kept a inn near the north gate of the city (sic). Offshore, in 1778, John Paul Jones fought a victorious naval action in his ship ‘Ranger’. Diplomatically, the booklet omits to mention that the founder of the US Navy captured a British vessel during one of the first naval engagements of the American war of independence.

In a section near the back, soldiers are advised on the use of Pounds, shillings and pence; 'Ulster uses British money' and weights and measures. The difference between tanners, bobs, half-crowns, farthings and guineas is patiently explained. Soldiers are advised not to show off their comparative wealth around poorer Ulsterfolk and allied servicemen and not to brag or put down local ways of life or to provoke resentment against them. These were the days when the US war department saw themselves as helping allies rather than reshaping the world in their own image, Then the US war department thought it necessary to give their soldiers some idea of what lay in wait for them before arriving in the strange surroundings of wartime Ulster. For twenty-first century readers it's an interesting snapshot of Ulster life as it was for our parents or grandparents.

Support Your Local Pipe Band

2006-11-22T22:47:00.000Z

IN Conversation with the Star of Eden Pipe Band

ONE of my regrets about the annual Twelfth demonstration in Belfast is the lack of a good pipe band. You never see one any more, although they are still quite common in parades in parts of Counties Antrim and Down. The only time I ever see a pipe band in Belfast these days is as part of the annual ICTU May Day parade. This year there were two pipe bands. One came over from Scotland for the day. If I recall rightly, the Northern Irish band came from Co Fermanagh.

I was recently invited to see members of the Star of Eden Pipe Band at their weekly band practice in Kilroot Orange Hall. I mentioned this to an acquaintance who plays in the North Belfast Pipe Band. He didn't realise that the Star of Eden was still going. Few people outside the Carrickfergus area seem to have heard of it even though it has been established since 1923.
Certainly numbers have dropped off a fair bit since the band won the All-Ireland Piping competition in 1958. Some members have moved away, some have died and others have been 'poached' by more well-known bands. These setbacks, however, have not dented the enthusiasm of young and old members alike. William McDonnell has been involved with the band since 1944. At 85, John Turner is still blowing away with gusto, while 12 year-old Jade McNeill is regarded as the best learner in the band. I was very impressed by this dedication during my short visit.

Nevertheless, the band's members sense that the current revival of interest in Ulster-Scots heritage and culture is likely to benefit them, if people know they're out there. Their ambition is to get back out on the road as soon as possible. Currently they are down to six pipers, two side drummers, two tenor drummers, a bass drummer and a pipe major, so there's plenty of room for new recruits. Would-be junior learners – on pipes or drums - can turn up at Kilroot Orange Hall between 7:00 and 9:00pm each Wednesday evening. More experienced would-be recruits, perhaps even former members of defunct bands, can go along to the band practise each Monday evening between 8:00 and 10:00pm.

Members of the band participate in the annual Burns Night supper organised by Kilroot True Blues LOL1544. Tickets for the forthcoming Burns Supper on January 26th 2007 are likely to be snapped up very quickly as local people flock to hear the pipers and Willie Macpherson's celebrated Address to the Haggis. Band members are also available for various functions, including weddings and funerals.

The Star of Eden can have a great future ahead of it, given the goodwill of the people of Carrick and the wider East Antrim area. Support your local pipe band!

Kerr's Collector's Corner

2006-11-20T22:49:00.000Z

BRAND NEW ULSTER-SCOTS CULTURAL BADGE.

IN THE last Kerr’s Collectors Corner I described a new Rangers badge which was very unique because it featured two First Union Flags. This flag was introduced in 1606 and just consists of the English St. George’s flag and Scottish St. Andrew’s flag. (The cross of St. Patrick wasn’t added until 1801).

This month I’d like to highlight another very unique badge – this time a brand new Ulster-Scots cultural badge.

This seven-colour Ulster-Scots enamel badge really is fantastic! It features a highly stylised Scottish Thistle (and is reminsant of the work produced by Charles Rennie MacIntosh, the famous Glaswiegan architect and designer).

The head of the Thistle is purple whilst the leaves are bright green. However, what makes this badge stand out is its centre-piece, which takes the form of the Second Ulster National Flag – sometimes referred to as the Ulster-Scots flag. This is all set against a brilliant white backround.

What makes this badge really unique is the writing around an outer black band. At the top it says Put Ulster-Scots First and around the bottom are the words Pit Ulster-Scots Tae The Fore. This is the first time I’ve ever seen a badge written in Ullans! (more commonly known as Uster-Scots).

This Ulster-Scots cultural badge – which actually features Ulster-Scots text – is the first of its kind. This will very quickly make it a collector’s item – so be sure to order yours today! It costs only £2.50 (including p&p) each. To get your Ulster-Scots badge complete with Ullans text, simply send a cheque/Postal Order (made payable to Glenwood Publications) to: Glenwood Publications, First Floor, 316 Shankill Road, Belfast, BT13 3AB.

I’m still hearing rumours that about three new badges – another new Rangers badge, a cultural badge celebrating the 300th Anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne and a 5th Anniversary Drumcree badge. As soon as they’re available I’ll let you know. Happy badge collecting!

Gig Review - Dickie Rocks !

2006-11-13T22:50:00.000Z

SOMETIMES it's a real pleasure to be completely, absolutely and totally wrong. Take the Dickie Rock concert in the Spectrum Centre last month, for example. I was going more out of a sense of duty than anything else. I had hoped that it wouldn't be too bad but I honestly didn't have very high expectations.

I'd heard of Dickie Rock of course. He had been big in the early sixties and represented Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1964. Apart from that, I knew nothing, so I was quite unprepared for the storming show that I saw in the packed Spectrum Centre. When I say 'packed' I mean packed. Every seat in the main hall was taken. According to a local newspaper, this was the largest audience ever for an event in the Spectrum Centre. Quite a few folk were in their seats a good hour or more before the gig began. Whatever else I might have thought of him I soon observed that Dickie Rock certainly has a very keen fan base.

When the show began, Dickie hit the stage running. 'Were you expecting somebody older?', he quipped before launching into Love is in the Air. The crowd loved it. They went wild. As Dickie warmed up the crowd began to get into the swing of things. The opening bars of familiar songs brought out more cheers of approval and rapturous applause from the body of the hall. A party from the Shankill Gateway Club - many with Downs Syndrome - began to dance in front of the stage. These young folk had a real ball.

I was impressed by the effortless way that Dickie switched from one style of singing to another. Every now and then he broke into a medley of songs. Elvis standards like Don't be Cruel, Teddy Bear and The Wonder of You preceded a complete change of rhythm to Try a Little Kindness melded into Gentle on my Mind and Things We Used to Do. I picked up on a medley of Neil Sedaka classics and some powerful renditions of Stevie Wonder's Happy Birthday, It's Now or Never, and I Can't Get No Satisfaction, complete with Mick Jagger-style attitude!

He kept up this constant change of pace throughout the show – all on his own. No backing tracks and no backing singers. The man must have some stamina. I was blown away by it all. The audience was ecstatic; all the more when Dickie left the stage and passed through sections of the audience. The members of the Gateway Club could hardly contain themselves with delight. He shook hands with me too with a good firm grip. Some ladies of a certain age in the audience looked like they might pass out with excitement. Others looked as if they'd smother Dickie to death! He just kept on singing through it all. What a pro!

Before I knew it, the show was over. The crowd bellowed for more, but Dickie had left the building. Knots of happy, smiling people reluctantly began to make their way home. Dickie Rock had given many of them their best night out in years.

DVD Competition - Death of a President

2006-11-10T22:52:00.000Z

DEATH OF A PRESIDENT – WINNER, INTERNATIONAL FILM CRITICS AWARD, TORONTO FILM FESTIVAL

“...packs a punch... knocks the breath out of the spectator... eerily convincing, Death Of A President succeeds in posing important questions about the Bush administration - and equally about the media and its role in the reshaping of society in our time.”The Guardian

“skilful docudrama... shrewdly blending archival footage with staged material... Layering the sense of dread with measured expertise... key personnel... believably impersonated by actors... the demonstration scenes, evidently staged on the streets of Chicago especially for the film, are amazingly realistic... Perhaps the film’s most remarkable... sequence is one in which Cheney is seen to be presiding over his predecessor’s state funeral... ingeniously edited... Technically the film is exceptional...”Variety

Years after the assassination of President George W. Bush in Chicago, an investigative documentary examines that as-yet-unsolved crime...

Using real life archive footage of George W. Bush, Death Of A President is a controversial conspiracy thriller with a unique premise, told in the style of a retrospective documentary, which offers a critique of the contemporary US political landscape.

This DVD features incredible extras that reveal the technical tricks used to make this ground breaking film possible.

Death of a President was shown on both More4 (9th October) and Channel 4 (16th October).
Cert: 12 Feature Running Time: 93 mins Region 2Catalogue No: OPTD0778 RRP: £15.99/DP: £10.89

We have three of these exciting new DVDs to give away in our super free-to-enter competition. Just answer this simple question. George W Bush is the 43rd president of the United States of America. Who was the 41st president? Answers by December 1st 2006 to Death of a President competition, The Wizard, Enterprise House, 55 Adelaide Street, Belfast BT2 8FE. The first three entries picked out of our postbag will be the winner. No cash alternatives.

DVD Review - The Omen Pentology

2006-11-07T22:54:00.000Z

Run Time: 530 minutesCertificate 18

Reviewed by Pat Harrington

A FANTASTIC treat for horror fans was released on 23 October 2006 - an ‘Omen Pentology’ set. Along with the remastered original movie it includes the entertaining first sequel Damien: Omen II (Damien as a troubled teenager); the not so hot The Final Conflict: Omen III (Damien enters the 'Eternal Sea' of politics); the boring made-for-TV Omen IV: The Awakening (the devil reborn as a girl) and the interesting recent remake of the original. It is also jam-packed with documentaries, commentaries and other features.

I started by re-watching the original 1976 film. It was surprising at the time that a mainstream studio put out this film. Not because it is particularly horrific or gory but because of the controversial religious nature of the central theme - the Anti-Christ walking the Earth and (at least in the beginning) triumphing over those who oppose him. The other surprise is the quality of acting and actors in the original, Gregory Peck as Robert Thorn (Damien's 'Father'), Lee Remick as Katherine Thorn (his mother) and Harvey Stevens (as Damien himself) are the central players but it really is an ensemble Billie Whitelaw’s measured, sinister portrayal of the as the boy’s nanny; David Warner as the photographer who sees omens of death in his pictures and the ill-fated priest played by Patrick Troughton.

At heart The Omen is psychological, revolving around the breakdown of the controlled, superficially perfect lives of the central couple, unable to cope with what is happening. This is a point made by the Editor Stuart Baird: "Instead of relying on gore and blood and flashy effects it was psychological". (The Omen Revealed). It's also interesting that the Robert Thorn has lied to his wife about the birth of "their" Son. This lie (which we, the audience, are aware of) has many repercussions. That's not to say that there isn't gore. There are set pieces that really stick in your mind: death by impaling, death by beheading, death by falling, death by hanging - plenty of death! Perhaps best of all the little smile from Damien at the funeral at the end - chilling!

I then moved on to the remake of the original to compare and contrast. It has had its detractors (particularly on the Internet). Viewed as a film in its own right it is well done. John Moore's remake stars Julia Stiles and Liev Schreiber as the couple with the problem child. It links recent political events (electoral corruption, unjust foreign military adventures, oil crises, and Middle Eastern terrorism) with the prophecies involved and a more modern setting (and fashions!) makes it easier to absorb. It stuck closely to the book, without being a straightforward copy of the original film.

By Omen II Damien is now a teenager living with his aunt and uncle (Lee Grant & William Holden) however there are too many sudden deaths around him (bit of a give-away!) and they begin to suspect. Not as effective or shocking as the original, but still pushes your buttons.
In Omen III: The Final Conflict even Sam Neill (who I admire) can't compensate for a poor script and a disappointing ending. By Omen IV: The Awakening the series is really limping in. At least the third film had Sam Neill and attempted to continue the story of Damien - this 1991 made for TV one simply repeats ideas from the original.

There are some great extras included with the Pentology (see list below). Richard Donner gives an informative commentary. Wes Craven gives his take on the movie which focuses on the role played by Gregory Peck. He (over)uses the words "serious" and "dignity": "part of the success of it is that they had this man of such immense dignity, he seems to be almost magisterial." You feel like saying - 'we know, it Gregory Peck!' but you get the point. He also makes interesting comparisons with The Exorcist. The Still Gallery has a picture of a cinema showing The Omen and you can see it running alongside Taxi Driver and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, which really puts it into context.

I really enjoyed Jerry Goldsmith on the Omen Score. The music is integral to the original film. As Jerry explains an: "important function of the music is to help the pace." The feature takes scenes and looks at the music associated with them. Included are the Love theme, Damien's ride to church (apparently influenced by the music from Jaws!), and the haunting theme base on Gregorian Chants. After being nominated ten or eleven times for Academy Awards and losing out Jerry scored with The Omen.

The Curse or Coincidence feature raises intriguing questions. There are some freaky accidents (car crashes, plane crashes, planes struck by lightning and one man eaten by a Lion) which do seem a little unusual! It's quite freaky when the shows religious advisor stares into camera and tells you that this is because the Devil didn't want the film made.

If you enjoyed The Omen you can lock the doors and immerse yourself in set.

ASIN: B000HN31TWSpecial DVD Features
The Omen (1976) 30th Anniversary Special Edition

The Omen Legacy Part 1Wes Craven on The Omen2 audio commentaries form Director Richard Donner and Writer/Director Brian HelgelandDeleted ScenesThe Devil Made Me Do It: The impact Omen had on contemporary horror filmmakersScreenwriter David Seltzer on writing the Omen100 Still GalleryCurse or Coincidence featurette

The Omen 666 [2006]
Making Of FeaturetteCommentary By John Moore, Glen Williamson, and Dan ZimmermanTwo Extended ScenesAlternate EndingTrailersAbbey Road FeaturetteRevelations 666 Featurette

Damien: Omen II
The Omen Legacy Part 2Commentary by Producer Harvey BernhardThe Omen 2006 - Life AfterFilm School Featurette

Omen III: The Final Conflict
The Omen Legacy Part 3Commentary by Director Graham BarkerThe Omen 2006 - Making a Scene Featurette

Omen IV: The Awakening
The Omen Legacy Part 4The Omen 2006 - World Premiere FeaturetteThe Omen 2006 - Casting Session Featurette

We Will Rock You

2006-10-25T14:19:00.000+01:00

IN ADVANCE of the forthcoming Flash Harry gig in the Clarion Hotel on November 18th 2006, David Kerr spoke to the band’s lead singer and front man, Harry Hamilton.

I MUST BE getting old. It seems only yesterday that the news came through that Freddie Mercury, the flamboyant leader singer of Queen, died. As the papers and the VH1 cable music station reminded us, that was sixteen years ago, in 1990!

Harry Hamilton had often been told that he looked a lot like Freddie and he has a powerful singing voice too. So he and a few friends launched Flash Harry a few months after Freddie’s death, performing in clubs around the country. One early highlight was a triumphant sell-out gig in the Ulster Hall in 1992. Today the band can fill halls the length and breadth of the British Isles – even the Royal Albert Hall in London. I first saw them play in an open air concert in Woodvale Park a few years back.

This year, they commenced with a storming January gig in the Waterfront Hall. On what would have been Freddie’s sixtieth birthday, they had the great honour to travel to Birmingham to perform for the official Queen fan club. Later this month they will take part in the prestigious international Cork Jazz Festival alongside such greats Courtney Pine and Mary Couglin. They also play the song ‘Breakthru’ on a new tribute CD, ‘An Unconventional Tribute to Queen’.
Afetr the heady heights of the Cork Jazz Festival some might think it’s a bit of a comedown to play to a Carrick audience. Not a bit of it, says Harry. “We’ve played at the old Quality Hotel quite a few times and have always had a great audience. We were at the Clarion earlier in the year with the Quay Vipers Motorcycle Club and it was a terrific night. We’re really looking forward to going back again. Carrick fans are great”.

Modestly, Harry attributes Flash Harry’s popularity to the very strong material they have to work with. Queen were not the super band they became for no reason. Their songs and the tunes caught the popular imagination because they were well-written and played faultlessly with matchless style. Of course, Harry’s right but saying that, his band don’t just go through the motions of a Queen act. Flash harry carry off their tribute to Queen with a love and enthusiasm sp plain you can almost touch it. No wonder the Queen Fan Club chose the band to perform at Freddie’s birthday celebrations. Get to the Clarion gig on November 18th and see what I’m on about. You won’t be let down, believe me!

I hear that there are still a few tickets left for the Clarion gig, but you’ll have to hurry if you don’t want to be disappointed. You can’t rely on getting tickets at the door for such a popular act. Tickets are available from the hotel reception at 028 9336 4556. Find out about other future gigs on the band’s website: www.flash-harry.co.uk

Flash Harry will be appearing at The Clarion Hotel, Carrickergus, on Saturday 18th November, 2006. Tickets: £12.00. Tel: 028 9336 4556.

New Appointments at the Lyric Theatre

2006-10-20T14:21:00.000+01:00

THE Lyric Theatre in Belfast has announced two new appointments in key roles.

Marcus Cooper has taken on the role of fundraising director. With over ten years’ fundraising experience, including the post of senior fundraiser at the Children’s Hospice, Marcus was responsible for delivering the £5 Million capital appeal to build Northern Ireland’s only Children’s Hospice. He is experienced in working with a range of donors and supporters including statutory agencies, charitable foundations, individuals and community organisations.

The Lyric plans to build a spectacular new theatre on the banks of the River Lagan. Comments Marcus:
“I’m looking forward to raising the funds required to provide another landmark building for Northern Ireland, one which will contribute so much culturally, socially and economically to the community”.

Taking up the reins in the marketing team as manager is Susan Phelan. Susan has seven years’ experience in marketing having worked in various travel and entertainment ticketing companies. She has been involved with marketing a diverse range of productions in the West End and abroad.

“I’m delighted to be here as part of the Lyric team during one of the most exciting and challenging periods of change in its 55 year history. We have a rich and diverse season ahead of us, for example Irish drama with Bernard Shaw’s ‘Arms and the Man’ which is running at the moment, the quality children’s theatre production of ‘Pinocchio’ and our new Christmas comedy with ‘Santa Claus – what the Reindeer saw’. I’m looking forward to helping bring that experience to as wide an audience as possible,” said Susan.

Mark Carruthers, chairman of the Lyric commented:
“These new appointments enhance and strengthen our management team. With the new building project and quality programming the Lyric is looking towards a bright future.”
For donations and booking enquiries, please contact the theatre on 028 9038 1081.

Christmas Country Cracker at Ballyearl

2006-10-18T14:22:00.000+01:00

COUNTRY MUSIC fans are in for a real treat at Ballyearl Courtyard Theatre during the festive season. A spectacular 3-day country jamboree will offer something for everyone – and more!
The action kicks off on Wednesday 28th December with Gary Gamble, recently voted Best Country Newcomer, will be on stage with his multi-talented band. Gary will perform tracks from his new album and will also treat the audience to his popular Daniel O'Donnell tribute - something not to be missed! Gary will be joined on stage by the vivacious Barbara Allen, a supurb country singer who’s stunning voice is complimented by her eye-catching looks.

On Friday 29th December 'The Wee Man From Strabane', Hugo Duncan is back at Ballyearl by popular demand with his special guest for the evening Anne Williamson direct from her sell-out mainland tour. Hugo's lively show and Anne's distinctive voice will make for a truly entertaining show.

Winding up the fun on Saturday 30th December, Hugo Duncan once again takes the stage with one of Ireland’s best loved Country stars, the one and only Susan McCann.
Special guest on all three nights will be local legend and master accordionist Fred Hanna who will afford the opportunity for some hand-clapping and foot stompin as he delights the audience with his amazing musical wizardy.

Your hoe-down hostess will be the delectable Dee Dee McCracken who is as easy on the ears as she is on the eyes.

Music, Fun, Entertainment and Glamour... They're all on the Ballyearl menu this Christmas!
Ballyearl Courtyard Theatre Information and Box Office: 028 9084 8287.

Delightful Meal Brightens Dreadful Day

2006-10-15T14:23:00.000+01:00

Little Sicilly Restauraunt, Glengormley.

ON A WET dismal day in Glengormley, my sister and I sought a nice little spotfor lunch. We decided to go to Little Sicilly, on the Antrim Road at the site of the former Pizza Hut Restaurant.
The sign in the window boasted a two course lunch for £5.50, which was sufficient to tempt us inside!

We were quite surprised to be the only two diners, as the interior is beautifully decorated and spotlessly clean. In the background a CD of classic Italian music was playing. It was hard to believe we were still in Glengormley!

The lunch time menu had a good choice of starters and main course dishes. I chose the Bruschetta to start and my sister chose Chicken Strips with a dip. We both opted for the Pannini as a main course with Mediterranean Vegetables and Goats Cheese.

The meal was beautifully presented and the waiters were friendly and attentive, however as we were the only customers, we would have expected good service!

As my sister was driving, I took the opportunity to enjoy a glass of the house Chardonnay, and we both finished the meal with coffee.

The portion size was just right for lunchtime, and we left feeling a little happier, despite the pouring rain!

I don’t know if this was an off day for Little Sicilly, maybe the weather put people off going out for lunch. I would certainly go back again, and would recommend you give it a try. I hope you enjoy your lunch as much as we did!

Margaret Field

Thank You

2006-09-30T18:59:00.000+01:00

MANY THANKS to all those who wrote, telephoned or spoke to me personally to pass on their sympathy on hearing of the recent death of my dad, Tommy Kerr. Thanks especially to those who were moved by my piece in the last Kerr’s Corner.

Typical is this e-mail from Tommy Thompson from LOL 533. “I had not heard, so when I saw the article in The Wizard it was with great sadness. I have known Tommy for a lot of years, through the Orange and Black. I can say that many a time he put the young ones to shame. Tommy has always carried the greatest respect from all that have known him. I now wish you and the family circle GOD’S BLESSING and peace, love and harmony throughout the rest of your lives. Many thanks for the article.”

Thanks Tommy. I don’t know you, but I’m delighted to hear from you. Thanks also to those who made donations to the Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke Association and the Orange Widows Fund in his memory. This has been a difficult time for my sisters and me and the rest of the wider family circle, so we appreciate all your kind words, thoughts and prayers.

Radicals in Rosemary Street

2006-09-29T18:37:00.000+01:00

A REGULAR FEATURE of early autumn in Northern Ireland is the European Heritage Open Days when we ordinary folk are able to visit private houses, public buildings, churches and gardens that are not generally open to the public.

One building which has always fascinated me, although I had never previously set foot in it is the First Presbyterian Church in Rosemary Street in the centre of Belfast. Presbyterians have met together on this site since 1695 although the congregation was founded in 1644. The present meeting house dates from 1783, which makes it Belfast's oldest surviving place of worship within the old town boundaries. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, preached there in 1789.

At one time there were three Presbyterian churches in Rosemary Street. The Second church stood behind the current building. The congregation moved to Elmwood Avenue in 1896. A multi-storey car park occupies the site today. The Third church had a fine building further down the street. This was destroyed by German aircraft in 1941. The Masonic Hall with its fine John Luke mural of the building of the temple of Solomon now stands on that site. This congregation now meets in a building on the North Circular Road - Rosemary Presbyterian Church. Despite damage from terrorist bombs during our own recent troubles, the First Church still thrives and keeps its building in good order.

The first thing to catch my eye in the vestibule was a magnificent marble 1914-18 war memorial by the sculptor, Rosamund Praeger. The inscription reads, “They whom we gratefully commemorate were, 'numbered among those, at the call of King and Country, left all that was dear to them, endured hardness, faced danger, and finally passé out of the sight of men by the path of duty and self-sacrifice, giving up their own lives that others may live in freedom. II Sam X.12.”

Entering the main meeting area the most unusual feature of the church becomes obvious. The building is oval. Indeed, with its carved wooden pews it resembles a boat. The elevated pulpit gives a commanding view of every part of the building, so the preacher can be seen and heard from every space in the pews.

The sides of the building have a number of carved memorials and plaques to the memory of former members and ministers of the congregation. There appear to have been two William Bruces. A fine stained glass window showing jesus teaching children is in memory of Samuel Martin of Shrigley, Co Down, Founder of the Sick Children's Hospital, Belfast who died in 1872. A carved tablet of a man studying a book commemorates William Tennent 1759-1882 “A consistent advocate of free inquiry and rational liberty.”

This last inscription gives us a clue that the First Church was a major player in the political and religious controversies that engulfed Presbyterianism in the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries.

William Drennan of the United Irishmen was born in the manse of the church where his father was minister. He wrote a number of political pamphlets and became a founding member of the Society of United Irishmen. In 1794 he was tried for sedition, but was acquitted, whereupon he withdrew from the Society but without giving up his interest in radical politics, particularly the question of Catholic emancipation.

He wrote a good deal of poetry, largely forgotten today, but coined the phrase, "the Emerald Isle," his poem When Erin First Rose. He is buried in the Clifton Street graveyard. A blue plaque to his memory can be seen on the Central Hall, the site of the manse where he was born.
A major religious issue was over the subscription to a doctrinal standard known as the Westminster Confession of Faith. The orthodox 'subscribing' party was led by Dr Henry Cooke whose statue -the black man - stands at the top of Wellington Place. The champion of the liberal 'non-subscribing' party was Dr Henry Montgomery. He led seventeen congregations out of the Synod of Ulster to from the Remonstrant Synod in 1830. This merged with another body in 1910 to become the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church which has some 34 congregations, largely in eastern Ulster.

Anyone curious to see what they're all about can attend Sunday services at 10:30am only. I understand that the building is now also open to the public on Wednesday mornings and is well worth a visit. The sedentary can check out www.firstchurchbelfast.com

Here's Looking At You, Kid

2006-09-25T18:40:00.000+01:00

LAST TIME around I bemoaned the fact that my nephew, who is something of a modern movie buff, had never seen any old black and white movies. He was totally unaware of great films like Casaclanca, It’s a Wonderful Life or The Third Man. I went on to recommend a couple of shops in Belfast where it is possible to buy terrific old classics on DVD and video.

Browsing in a car boot sale in Whitehouse Presbyterian Church a few weeks ago, I picked up a brand new VHS tape of Casablanca for a pound. The tape inside the box was still shrink-wrapped. It had never been played. I told my nephew, “I saw this and thought of you” and presented him with it. Next time I see him, I hope to find him in raptures about it. I’ll be very surprised if he doesn’t like it.

Casablanca is one of Humphrey Bogart’s best and it’s arguably one of the best films ever made with its perfect supporting cast. It’s set in an atmosphere of suspense, intregue, excitement and love and black humour centred around Rick’s Café in Vichy-run Casablanca. Lots of phrases have come into the language from this movie. ‘Round up the usual suspects.’ ‘I’m shocked, shocked.’ ‘This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship’ and ‘Play it, Sam’. Watch it for the first time and you’ll be amazed.

Warner Brothers have issued a special double DVD with a new digitally-enhanced print of the film. The second disc has some out-takes and deleted scenes, two documentaries hosted by Bogart’s wife, Lauren Bacall a Buggs Bunny spoof, Carrotblanca and a radio version of the story. All-in-all, terrific value. Warner have also prodeuced a box set of Bogart films. Volume One packages the two-disc Casablanca special edition with the magnificient High Sierra and the action adventure Dark Passage which also stars Bacall. This box set would make a splendid introduction to the best of Bogie for any newcomer. Fans like me couldn't ask for anything more - except for volume two!

Kerr's Collector's Corner

2006-09-23T19:00:00.000+01:00

BADGE COLLECTORS will be delighted to know that two new enamel badges have just hit the market. The first is a brand new seven colour Ulster-Scots cultural badge. It is absolutely fantastic. Its centrepiece is a highly stylised Scottish Thistle. An outer black band reads ‘Put Ulster-Scots First’ around the top and ‘Pit Ulster-Scots Tae The Fore’ around the bottom.
A new Rangers badge features the club crest surmounted by two 1606 Union Flags. This flag combines the English St. George’s flag and Scottish St. Andrew’s flag. (The cross of St. Patrick wasn’t added until 1801).

I also hear that the Sacrifice at the Somme 1916 badge – featured in the June issue of Kerr's Corner – is also available again. These badges cost only £2.50 (including p&p) each. To get your badge(s), simply send a cheque/Postal Order (made payable to Glenwood Publications) to: Glenwood Publications, First Floor, 316 Shankill Road, Belfast, BT13 3AB. Happy badge collecting!

Alan Rickman & Sigourny Weaver Exclusive!

2006-09-22T18:42:00.000+01:00

IN THE last issue of The Wizard we featured an exclusive review of Snow Cake, a fantastic new film featuring Alan Rickman and Sigourney Weaver. (The film is a drama focused on the friendship between a high-functioning autistic woman – Weaver – and a man – Rickman – who is traumatised after a fatal car accident).

Sadly, it looks like the film will not be on general release in Ulster, but there’s a whisper that it may be shown at the Queens Film Theatre (Belfast) in early October. In the meantime, why not take another look at our exclusive review at: www.kerrscorner.blogspot.com Readers of

The Wizard might like to lobby the cinema chains here to ask them to show the film. Why not write to the manager of your local cinema and ask them to show it in their theatres?

Our Snow Cake review was not our first showbiz exclusive. In December last year, we brought the exclusive news that The Elvis Spectacular show was coming to Carrickfergus in March 2006. This turned out to be a brilliant show. (By the way, the word is that The King, aka Jim Brown, will make a comeback special appearance in the borough on March 16th 2007). And in May of this year we brought you exclusive news of Pete Cunnah (formerly of D:Ream) who was promoting his new band – Shane – and his new single, Under the Weight of This. We beat the establishment media by at least a week to bring you all of these exclusives. So don’t forget, if you’re interested in entertainment and showbiz news, you’ll likely to read it in The Wizard first!

The Restaurant Detective – By Alan Thompson

2006-09-18T18:44:00.000+01:00

Bar 75 at The Clarion Hotel
I FOUND myself in Carrick for The Restaurant Detective review this week and I wasn’t to be disappointed.

The prestigious Clarion Hotel was the setting for my gourmet review in the Hotel’s Bar 75. There were no less than nine starters on offer and after much deliberation I plumped for the Peking Duck Spring Rolls. These were served with Asian Salad and Hoi Sin Sauce. What a delight, perfectly crispy and superbly presented.

For the main course I wasn’t too adventurous, choosing a 10-oz Sirloin Steak. The steak was served as I ordered it (medium to well done). I say this because in my last two visits to other establishments in Carrick I’ve had to send my steak back to the kitchen to have it cooked the way I requested. However, there’s no such problems or hassle at the Clarion – the steak was cooked to perfection.

I had a side order of French-Fries, nice and chunky and tasty. Great! Fresh Fruit Pavlova followed (and it was fresh) washed down with a pot of coffee.

The setting was family friendly, excellent menu choice, good service and (I felt given the quality of the food) good value also. Total Bill: £26.25.

Clarion Hotel, Carrickfergus. Tel: 028 9336 4556.

Concert Review - The Elvis Spectacular

2006-09-16T18:46:00.000+01:00

Waterfront Hall 9th September 2006
By Alan Thompson

THE ELVIS SPECTACULAR, starring Jim Brown aka The King once again lived up to all expectations and more.

Belfast singing sensation Jim Brown was on top form and if anything is getting even better as The King. The show simply explodes as The King takes to the stage in his gold flamed jacket taking us back to Elvis’ Rock ‘n’ Roll root, blasting out That’s All Right. Jim, backed by the four member TCB band and the three girl Sweet Sensations simply has to be heard to be believed.
The show takes us through the young Elvis period including immortal hits such as Heartbreak Hotel, Don’t Be Cruel and Teddy Bear. Jim then dons his GI uniform to perform Elvis’ greatest hits from the early sixties and his movies. This part of the show has Jim performing an unbelievable rendition of the classic It’s Now or Never. Jim Brown performing this particular number is simply outstanding.

Jim then changes into the black leather gear to perform The Comeback Special section of the show – the highlight of which is a mind blowing version of If I Can Dream. Jim and the band put their heart and soul into the number, which as the show entered the interval, had the audience shouting for more.

During the changes of costume the show was kept flowing by Sweet Sensations lead singer Diane McCracken. Diane, an accomplished professional in her own right, had a brilliant rapport with the audience and treated us to a few hits including a great performance of the Dusty Springfield classic, You Don’t Have to say You Love Me.

My own personal favourite part of the show, the Las Vegas era, then descended upon us as Jim took to the stage having slid into a magnificent white jumpsuit. The place went mental as The King belted out Burning Love. I thought the roof was going to lift off the auditorium! People rocked – and I’m not just talking about the younger element, pensioners in their Seventies went wild! Crowd favourites I Just Can’t Help Believing and The Wonder of You followed. The King dished out silk scarves to the adoring fans and a woman leapt on stage to collect hers!
Jim slowed things down a bit with the Jim Reeves classic, Welcome To My World (which Elvis performed at the greatest live concert ever – Aloha from Hawaii in 1973) and the Righteous Brothers classic, You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling. A powerful playing of My Way followed before The King once again upped the tempo with a medley of favourites including Blue Suede Shoes and All Shook Up.

A highlight of the performance then followed as Jim performed Can’t Stop Loving You following directly into Hurt. Only Jim Brown’s incredibly powerful and wide ranging voice could have transferred the finale of the former into the explosive opening of the latter. Fantastic stuff!
As if this all wasn’t enough it seemed the whole show had simply been a warm up for the breathtaking finale. As the band briefly left and returned to the stage the incredible encore followed – Suspicious Minds, American Trilogy and the traditional Elvis show ender Can’t Help falling In Love. WOW! I was left breathless, speechless and ecstatic. What an encore, what a show, what a voice!

I first saw The Elvis Spectacular starring Jim a couple of years ago and the show remains as fresh as ever. Jim came ‘out of character’ more on this occasion having great crack with the audience. He emotionally told how he had loved Elvis as a young child and each of those present had a part to play in keeping the memory and music of Elvis Presley, the greatest entertainer of all time, alive.

The show was founded almost ten years ago by The Elvis Spectacular’s musical director and TCB Productions dynamo, Mervyn Boyd. What began as a ‘one off’ tribute to mark the Twentieth anniversary of the tragic passing of The King has evolved to become the world’s premier tribute performance. The show, with Jim’s incredible voice, goes from strength to strength. 2007 will mark the Thirtieth anniversary of the untimely death of Elvis. The Elvis Spectacular promises to be at the forefront both locally and nationally in marking that special milestone.

DVD Review - Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism

2006-09-10T18:48:00.000+01:00

THIS DOCUMENTARY film starts with some thought-provoking questions about the nature of American democracy. It makes it clear that, as citizens, Americans are reliant on the media to provide the information needed to make decisions. Jeff Cohen (a former MSNBC/Fox News Contributor) puts it like this:

"Media is the nervous system of a democracy. If it's not functioning well the democracy can't function. We're heading toward an election where most people are never going to be in a room with Kerry or Bush. What they learn about the candidates is what the media shows them or tells them or decides not to show not to tell."

David Brock (President/CEO of Media Matters for America) backs this up:
"People are faced with critical choices about the future of the country when they go into the voting booth and I go in and I have been in the course of the campaign cycle subject to false, distorted, caricaturing... and I may not even know where it's coming from because often there's an echo of fact off places like cable and like radio. Those wrong pieces of information are repeated and repeated. By the time it reaches me I don't even know what the source was. This is the environment we are living in. It's fundamentally undermining democracy, which is based on knowing some good, and solid information so that I can make some good, informed choice.
Rupert Murdoch is singled out by the documentary because he has so much power and because he is so partisan. The 'Today I own' graphic sets out the scale of Murdoch's media empire:

# 9 Satellite television networks
# 100 cable channels
# 175 newspapers
# 40 television stations
# 1 movie studio

#Murdoch's US television network reaches 280 million
# Asian satellite network reaches 300 million
# Cable channels reach 300 million homes
# Magazines reach 28 million people

Frighteningly the total audience is 4.7 billion people (3/4 of the population).

The documentary provides some witness testimony from contributors and former employees but most damning are cuts from the programmes themselves. The Orwellian slogans 'Fair and balanced' and 'We report you decide' are constantly flashed on Fox screens but the Truth is very different. Executive John Moody (senior VP for news) sends a message of the day, a political device that sets the tone. One internal memo from Moody of 28 April 2004 read "Let's refer to the US marines we seen in the foreground as 'sharpshooters' not snipers, which carries a negative connotation." In another, Moody urges staff not to make the 9/11 Commission report into another Watergate. "This is not 'what did he know and when did he know it' stuff.
Remember the fleeting sense of national unity that emerged from this tragedy. Let's not desecrate that," Moody wrote. He orders reporters to tout Bush's "political courage and tactical cunning" throughout the day in another. While on Sen. Kerry, Moody urges his staff to concentrate on the "flip-flops" and that Kerry's "perceived disrespect for the military could be more damaging to the candidate than questions about his actions in uniform."

Through hundreds of hours of research, Greenwald assembled a good array of clips to prove his point that Fox is anything but fair and balanced. Outfoxed details the propaganda techniques used. Fox stands accused of blurring news and commentary: encouraging off the cuff adlibs of a right wing nature, character assassination of liberal opponents and selection of ineffective or unknown liberals or those who in fact support conservative Republican policies.

Outfoxed also looks at the stories they cover. The 'good news from Iraq' pieces are remarkable in their complete denial of reality.

The O'Reilly Factor is probably the most blatant propaganda. He interviewed Jeremy M Glick whose Father was killed at the World Trade Centre and who Signed a 'Not in my name' advert. O'Reilly was like a Judge at a Stalinist or Nazi show trial. He distorted the views of Glick and sort to aggressively beat him down with emotional abuse.

Outfoxed was made with the help of various grass-roots organizations; one of them being MoveOn.org, and the last ten minutes of the film examines what an outraged viewer can do to take action against this kind of dirty journalism. The documentary is weakest here. I would have liked to see consideration of the need for alliances to build platforms for alternative media such as Internet TV, Podcasts, Vidcasts and Internet Radio. Media monitoring and complaints are certainly worthwhile but essentially reactive.

Inevitably Outfoxed will be compared with other radical films. Unlike Supersize Me and Moore's films, the filmmaker is off-screen. This helps add to the effectiveness of the documentary - a major criticism of Moore's films is that he constantly intervenes with his opinion. Instead here, we have no comment, just the facts - plenty of Fox News footage and interviews with former employees of the channel.

Outfoxed is part of the backlash to Fox News and reactionary dominance of media It's frightening how blindly FNC's viewers buy into the propaganda. Greenwald points to surveys that show 67 percent of FNC viewers believe there's a link between Saddam Hussein and the 9/11 attacks! It should be required viewing for anyone seeking to understand why the US public seems so unaware and alienated from opinion in the rest of the world.

- Patrick Harrington

Movie Review - The Wickerman

2006-09-08T18:53:00.000+01:00

THE WICKER MAN Some Sacrifices Must Be Made

Directed by Neil LaBute. Certificate 12A; 102 minutes

Plot Outline: A cop who investigates the disappearance of a young girl from a small island discovers there's a larger mystery to solve among the island's secretive, neo-pagan community
SOMETIMES film masterpieces are better left as they are. Neil LaBute’s ‘tribute’ to the 1973 British classic is a perfect demonstration of this maxim. It’s a real pity as the cinematography in the aerial shots of the beehive area and the crowd scene prior to the film’s fiery dénouement are superb. Everyone will be impressed by the natural beauty of Summersisle in widescreen. The same is that the film is pretty dreadful.

Nicholas Cage is Edward Malus, a troubled cop who is traumatised by his inability in a pre-title sequence to rescue a child trapped in a burning car. In this vulnerable state he is persuaded in a letter by his old flame Willow Woodward to come to the isolated little island community where she lives to find her missing daughter, Rowan.

Malus bribes a local seaplane owner to take him to the island, where he receives a frosty welcome from the local sisterhood and their strangely silent menfolk. No-one has ever seen or heard of Rowan. His attempts to find out anything about her are frustrated at every turn.
The agrarian island community is run by Sister Summersisle (Ellen Burstyn), where they produce organic honey. Sister Summersisle runs the place like a Queen Bee.

The whole thing seems quite pointless in comparison to the 1973 original. Cage’s character goes on about ‘the law’ but has no real point of difference with the island community – just his frustration that they are hiding something from them. In the end his fiery death as ‘a willing sacrifice’ in the wicker man is pointless. He just dies screaming in agony.

In comparison Sergeant Howie (Edward Woodward) in the original Wickerman came to the island as a representative of the Crown but also as a conservative evangelical Christian. He was repelled by what he regarded as the blasphemous pagan religious practices, he struggled against erotic temptation in the form of Willow, the landlord’s extremely attractive daughter (Britt Ekland). He told Lord Summerisle, (Christopher Lee) ‘I believe in the life eternal, as promised to us by our Lord, Jesus Christ’. Lee’s character replied, ‘That is good, for believing what you do, we confer upon you a rare gift these days – a martyr’s death’.

Howie goes to his death singing the twenty-third psalm as the pagan revelers sing one of their harvest songs. LaBute’s film misses this clash of civilizations entirely.

By all means watch this film in the cinema or hire out the DVD from your local video shop. Save your hard earned cash for the director’s cut double DVD of the original film.

- David Kerr.

British Original is Better !

2006-09-07T18:56:00.000+01:00

SPEAKING OF the double-disc DVD version of the original Wicker Man starring Christorpher Lee, Edward Woodward and Britt Ekland, this is now available at most record shops and even in some supermarkets at a reasonable price. At least the release of the remake has kindled some interest in the superior British product, once voted by Empire magazine as the best British horror film ever. The first disc carries the original theatrical version, an interview with Christopher Lee and a 35 minute documentary as well as some trailers for the film. Disc Two restores some lost footage in a director’s cut together with a full-length commentary from Lee, Woodward and the director, Robin Hardy.

Thanks For The Memories

2006-08-27T21:36:00.000+01:00

KERR’S CORNER this time is a little bit different from the norm. Since the last issue my father, Tommy Kerr has died, so I’m using the column to say something about him.During his ninety-one years a lot has changed in this country.

My dad was born in 1915 in Meigh in South Armagh when Ireland was all one country and part of the UK. This was during the Great War, a year before the Easter Rising and the Battle of the Somme. He lived through it all: the formation of Northern Ireland and the Irish Free State, the early troubles, the hungry thirties, the Blitz, post-war prosperity and the latest troubles.

Despite leaving South Armagh in the early Thirties, he still had a fondness for the place. Earlier this year my sister took him for a nostalgic drive around some parts he hadn’t seen for over half a century. He really enjoyed it. On a trip to Dublin on the train on St Patrick’s Day last year, he eagerly pointed out landmarks around his old stamping ground. One of his earliest memories was seeing all the King’s dead horses lying by Kilnasaggart Bridge when the IRA blew up the line to attack a train carrying soldiers. Apparently King George V was opening the Northern Ireland Parliament in Belfast and the horses and men were intended to take part in the ceremony. Dozens of horses were killed in the explosion. No wonder he never forgot this grisly sight.

He also recalled attending the funeral of Lord Carson in Belfast. This was the biggest funeral ceremony he had ever seen until George Best’s last year.

During the Second World War he worked in Ewart’s mill in Bedford Street which was turned over to producing uniforms and other equipment for the war effort. He spent many evenings on fire watch on the roof of the building. During the big blitz, he had spent an exhausting night putting out incendiary bombs. Just about deadbeat, he went home to Rosapenna Street for a good sleep only to find that his home had become a pile of rubble. Fortunately no other members of the family were injured, I know of no surviving pictures of my dad from any earlier than 1941.

My mum was an ARP warden during the war. She met dad during the war and married him just before Christmas in 1947. At first they lived with her mother off the Shankill Road, but they eventually got a flat in Green End in a new Housing Trust estate called Rathcoole.
My first sister was born in 1954, I came along in 1957 and my second sister in 1962. By that time we had moved a brand new house in Movilla Park. This was our family home for most of my life.

Most of dad’s brothers and sisters – and his mum - moved to Canada just after the war. Another brother, who had served in the RAF, lived in England for a time before returning to Ulster. Tommy remained a home bird, although he did manage to travel to Canada a few times to see his relatives. The last time was only a few years ago. Hew was certainly highly regarded by them. Some of the loveliest tributes and sympathy messages I have received have come from Canada.

My mother never enjoyed good health and died in her mid-fifties in 1980 – five days after Dad retired. This was a terrible knock back but he didn’t let it beat him. He really enjoyed his retirement and remained very active, often walking everywhere. He made great use of his bus pass; often getting on any bus he fancied and walking back to Belfast City centre. Often I would get reports from friends who had spotted him walking in the most unlikely of places! Until the age of 87 he was still walking on the Twelfth with his Orange lodge, Primrose Temperance. He only stopped when he admitted to himself that he couldn’t stick the pace anymore.

On his ninetieth birthday the family organised a terrific party for him in the Spectrum Centre on the Shankill Road. My sister had organised this with military precision and it went very well. Tommy was tickled pink by the large number of friends, relations and well wishers who turned up for the event.

He strongly valued his independence. Until May he was even going into town on the bus to visit the Linenhall Library where he liked to read the Newry Reporter – his old local newspaper – each Saturday. It really upset him that he couldn’t do the things he used to do after he suffered a fall in early June. In the last couple of months he was in and out of hospital and the Cherrytree nursing home in Carrickfergus. He hated it. He was miserable. He found it very difficult to accept that his independence had been lost. All he wanted to do was go home to his own wee flat in Rathcoole Close. Even in his last hours, all he wanted to do was fight to get out of bed, out of hospital and back home. He was a fighter right to the end.

Despite his guts and tenacity he also had a generous spirit. He cared about other people and even cats. One of my cats went missing on June 6th. Right up to a few days before he died, he was still asking if there was any word of my lost cat. They just don’t make them like that anymore. We shall all miss him. Thanks for the memories, Dad!

Thanks to the staff of Cherrytree and Whiteabbey Hospital for all they did for Tommy and to Rev Alice Stewart of the Church of the Ascension for the magnificent way she conducted the funeral service and comforted the family. Thanks also to Primrose Temperance LOL who were kind enough to carry Tommy’s coffin to the graveside. I was deeply touched by he affection he was held in by so many people who came along and by all the messages of sympathy the family received. Thanks to you all.

Classic Movies In Belfast

2006-08-25T21:42:00.000+01:00

After the last issue of Kerr’s Corner I was shocked to hear from my nephew that he had never watched any old black and white films. Although something of a movie buff, he has never seen the likes of Casablanca, Brief Encounter or The Day the Earth Stood Still. This is a great shame as many of these films can be seen or television from time to time and most are available on DVD.

In Belfast, it’s possible to pick up classic movies on DVD and some on VHS in a few places. Energy Records in the High Park Centre in High Street specialises in hard-to -find titles and also carries a range of North American Region 1 imports, but it can be expensive. Gemini Video in the Haymarket at the corner of Royal Avenue and North Street offers a lot of variety, especially for fans of John Wayne and for the range of Fox Studio Classics. These shops are tiny in comparison to the corporate behemoths of HMV and Virgin, but you’re much more likely to pick up a classic film in one. Check them out and don’t forget to say that Kerr’s Corner sent you.

Film Review - Snow Cake – Autism N.I. Premiere – Wednesday 23rd August

2006-08-21T21:45:00.000+01:00

I WAS delighted to have the opportunity to attend the premiere of the film, Snow Cake at the Movie House, Dublin Road, Belfast.

Having never been to a premiere before, I wasn’t sure what to expect, and it certainly seemed strange to be dressed to the nines just to go to the cinema!When we arrived we headed for the champagne and Guinness reception, after collecting our goodie bags. No Rolex watches or Tiffany jewellery, but lovely skin and hair care products as well as perfume samples and other nick nacks. Very acceptable!

After indulging in a glass (or two) of champagne, we headed in to watch the film.

Set in Canada, the film introduces us to Alex Hughes ( Alan Rickman), just arrived from England and heading for Winnipeg.

It starts off slowly with Alex hiring a car and going to a diner for something to eat. There he encounters the wonderfully kooky, Vivienne (Emily Hampshire), who is hoping to hitch a lift to her hometown to see her mother. Despite his initial misgivings he finally agrees to take her along.

As they travel, Alex starts to relax as Vivienne makes him laugh with her questions and observations.

I felt myself really warming to her character and so was very shocked when they are involved in a very serious road accident.

In the aftermath, Alex decides to visit Viviennes’ mother, Linda (Sigourney Weaver), to tell her what happened and to give her a present that her daughter had bought her.

Linda certainly wasn’t what he expected, and he soon discovers she suffers from High Functioning Autism and has a particular obsession with snow.

As the mother of a teenage boy with Autism, I could certainly relate to all her little quirks, her love of order and her seeming indifference to the tragedy that had befallen her family.
This character was wonderfully portrayed by Weaver. She had based the character on Roz Blackburn a British woman with Autism, who advised her.Having seen Miss Blackburn at a conference I could see how Weaver had picked out her mannerisms and had got them perfectly.

The film then follows Alex as he stays with Linda and Viviennes dog Marilyn who lives on a diet of bananas!

He meets the mysterious but beautiful Maggie (Carrie-Anne Moss) and embarks on an affair.

Alex has a secret past and the local Police Officer, Clyde (James Allodi) is anxious for his some time girlfriend, Maggie, to know about it.

This film was beautifully shot, the scenery is fabulous and I was very impressed with the wonderful statue of a Canada Goose on the outskirts of the town. It made me want to go there.
I don’t want to tell you any more about the plot, suffice to say the film is everything I hoped it would be, and more. It gives an insight into the world of Autism, and how it impacts on families and friends. It is funny, heart warming, moving and sad.

Alan Rickman was superb; he has such screen presence and is one of my favourite actors. The film was well cast, and is worthwhile going to see even if you have no interest in Autism.

Much praise should go to Autism NI (PAPA) for hosting this premiere. It was well organised and the prize draw was excellent with some great prizes. Top prize was return tickets to Canada with Zoom Airlines, which sadly I didn’t win! This was drawn by Donna Trainor of BBC Newsline.

All in all a good night at the movies, though next time I’ll settle for popcorn and diet coke instead of champagne and canapés!

Margaret Field

Do You Follow Rangers?

2006-08-15T21:49:00.000+01:00

AFTER THE disappointment of last season, Rangers fans are anxious for new boss Paul Le Guen to turn things around. It’s way too early in the season yet to predict how his French Revolution will affect the Light Blues. However, ‘Le Gaffer’ is known as a hard taskmaster and disciplinarian – and may be just the thing Rangers need to steer them to the next level.
However, in anticipation of a cracking season ahead, I’m able to highly recommend an excellent new 22 mm full colour Rangers Football Club enamel badge.

This beautiful badge features the well-known Rangers crest of a red Scottish Lion Rampant on a blue football. This is set on a light blue shield with the motto Ready underneath the crest. The shield itself has a golden Crown on top of it. Around the shield is a striking red circle and around this is a light blue band bearing the words Rangers Football Club.

This fantastic badge costs only £2.50 (including p&p). To get your Rangers Football Club badge, simply send a cheque/Postal Order (made payable to Glenwood Publications) to: Glenwood Publications, First Floor, 316 Shankill Road, Belfast, BT13 3AB.

The Restaurant Detective – By Alan Thompson

2006-08-13T21:54:00.000+01:00

FANCY A cracking lunch with family, friends or work colleagues? I’ve found the very spot. The recently opened Harmony Chinese & Thai restaurant in Glengormley certainly fits the bill. I called last week to inspect the latest addition to Glengormley’s growing gourmet outlets and was immediately impressed by the no-expenses-spared manner in which the premises have been fitted out. Would the food live up to the surroundings? I was not to be disappointed.

A three-course lunch was on offer at £6.95. What immediately impressed me was the range of starters available, no less than a choice of 26. I plumped for the Chicken Noodle soup and have no complaints, served quickly (always a big plus at lunchtime), the soup was fresh and warm.

My main course then followed, Shanghai beef with fried rice. Again I have to say for a lunch menu special the choice was impressive. No less than 27 dishes were on offer. So often restaurants will limit the choice of menu for lunchtime specials, the reverse is true of the Harmony.

The staff were efficient and attentive, the food was served quickly (again I have to say that this is an important criteria for lunchtime), the quality and taste were A1.

The dessert menu was standard and could do with expansion, but this was a small blip on an otherwise faultless lunch visit.

The Harmony Chinese & Thai Restaurant, Unit 2, 1 Ballyclare Road, Glengormley. Tel: 028 9083 6600.

Film Review - McLibel: Two People who refused to say sorry

2006-08-10T21:51:00.000+01:00

Release Date: February 20, 2006

Classification: Exempt

THIS IS documentary style account of the 314 day 'McLibel' trial which ended on 19 January 1997. In the longest trial in English legal history Helen Steel and Dave Morris represented themselves in a libel action brought by McDonalds. At the very start of the film two quotes are juxtaposed:-

"This is about the publics right to know what the most powerful organisations in the world are really doing" (Dave Morris) and "So far as McDonalds are concerned anybody is free to express his criticism in whatever form he wishes" (Richard Rampton, QC).

The early part of the film deals with the infiltration of London Greenpeace by private detectives working for McDonalds. McDonalds sent in seven different spies from two separate agencies (who were unaware of each other). At times more spies were present at meetings than genuine activists (just as in GK Chesterton's The Man Who Was Thursday!). One female spy was said to have had a six month sexual relationship with one of the activists.

The task of the spies was to identify who was responsible for a leaflet critical of McDonalds. The leaflet attacked McDonalds for an anti-Union policy, contributing to animal cruelty, complicity in environmental damage, adverse health effects of a junk food diet and advertising aimed at children. The spies needed to get names and addresses to serve writs. In the case of Dave Morris this was done by asking another activist on the pretext of sending his son clothes.

On 21 September 1990 five members of London Greenpeace were served with libel writs. Three of the Five apologised to McDonalds but Morris and Steel refused. The documentary illustrates how the odds were rigged against the defendants. Legal Aid is not granted for libel cases in the UK. The McLibel 2 had to defend themselves and seek to show the truth of the allegations. Arrayed against them was a substantial team of qualified lawyers and a company that could easily afford to fly witnesses in from around the world. It was a David and Goliath struggle.

Throughout the film we can see the strain that is placed on the defendants and their family life and relationships by the trial. Dave was bringing his young Son up alone and Helen was working night shifts in a bar to pay the bills. Yet when Helen Steel requested a short break due to this (on medical advice) it was refused. The film raises a number of questions about the UKs harsh libel laws and freedom of expression.

Each section of the leaflet was pored over and tested with each side presenting argument and evidence. The documentary follows this logical structure with a re-enactment (directed by Ken Loach) of a brief opening statement from Richard Rampton QC summarising the issue in question. Key exchanges between Rampton and witnesses and statements or questions to witnesses from Morris and Steel are also vividly brought to life.

McDonalds lost the publicity war to these two determined activists. Helen and Dave were adept at presenting their case through the establishment media. Yet they also realised that it was better to communicate their message directly to avoid distortion or censorship. They launched a website www.mcspotlight.org.

The trial eventually resulted in £60,000 damages awarded to McDonalds (reduced to £40,000 on appeal). McDonalds is estimated to have spent over $19 million on the case. Helen and Dave also challenged the UK government. However, this was not the end of the story. On February 15, 2005, the marathon legal battle finally concluded at the European Court of Human Rights.
Filmed over ten years by no-budget Director Franny Armstrong this is an enthralling and important project.

It's interesting to note that McDonalds is in decline in the UK. 25 UK stores are being closed after five years of falling sales. In the end, it wasn't criticism from activists that led to slump in the UK sales. Rather competition from rival coffee and sandwich chains combined with greater general health awareness is what has hit them hard. The impact of films such as this and Supersize Me in this overall equation is difficult to quantify

Pat Harrington

Conflict - The Irish at War

2006-07-26T21:10:00.000+01:00

THANKS to all those kind folk who expressed interest in my article in the last Kerr’s Corner – Ireland at the Somme. I’d like to direct you up to the Ulster Museum in Stranmillis to see the terrific Conflict – the Irish at War exhibition. Mind you, you’ll have to be quick as the museum is due to close at the end of August for a refurbishment programme that will last for the next two years.

Warfare has been a part of our history from the arrival of the first settlers here some ten thousand years ago right up to the present day. For many it has been the cause of pain and tragedy, but it has also had a huge influence in making our society – for good or ill – what it is today. The Conflict exhibition looks at the history of warfare in Ireland and Irish soldiers abroad from Mesolithic era (7000-4500 BC) to the present day.

Some of the historical snapshots show the military impact of the Vikings and the later Norman invaders, of whom the adventurer, John DeCourcy was typical. Carrickfergus Castle began life as a twelfth century Norman fortification. Later conflicts arose after the plantation of Ulster and the Flight of the Earls in 1607. The 1641 massacres of Protestants and Cromwell’s revenge of 1649, not to mention the great battles of Derry, Aughrim and the Boyne and the abortive United Irishmen’s rebellion of 1798 all receive ample coverage. One prize exhibit is a green uniform coat worn by the hanged rebel leader, Henry Joy McCracken.

Coming into the bloodiest century in history other exhibits chronicle the Home Rule crisis of 1912, the Easter Rising, the Great War, the early troubles and the Irish Civil War. Then comes the Second World War and the presence here of many American GIs, before coming to our own more recent Troubles and the paramilitary armies and peace movements that sprung out of the conflict.

There’s also a fascinating exhibit on the role of Irish soldiers and mercenaries in conflicts all over the globe. Over one third of Wellington’s army at the Battle of Waterloo were said to have been Irish. As late as 2001, RUC officers helped to keep the peace in Nato-occupied Kosovo as part of a UN mission and the RIR and Irish Guards are still serving abroad today in far-flung outposts of Tony Blair’s new empire.

Be sure to get a talking wand when you walk into the exhibition area – it’s like a massive mobile phone. Clamp it to your ear and it’ll talk you through the exhibition and bring you the real life voices of actual participants in the twentieth century conflicts. Just hurry because there’s not much time left to see it. Ring the Ulster Museum at 028 9038 3000 for more

New Ulster-Scots Badge for 2006

2006-07-20T21:12:00.000+01:00

DID ANYONE see a recent BBC2 TV programme called A Dander with Drennan? In it, well-known Ulster-Scots storyteller and musician Willie Drennan looked at the links between Ulster and Scotland. His travels took him to parts of South East Antrim, an area rich in Ulster-Scots history, heritage and culture.

To celebrate these links between Ulster and Scotland, an excellent 18mm full colour enamel badge has been produced.

This beautiful badge features the well-known Ulster-Scots imagery - consisting of the Red Hand of Ulster and green Scottish Thistle. This is set against a brilliant white background. An outer black band reads Ulster-Scots around the top and 2006 around the bottom. This is a very striking badge indeed.

This fantastic badge costs only £2.50 (including p&p). To get your Ulster-Scots 2006 badge, simply send a cheque/Postal Order (made payable to Glenwood Publications) to: Glenwood Publications, First Floor, 316 Shankill Road, Belfast, BT13 3AB.

The Elvis Spectacular - Ballyearl, Newtownabbey, 25th June

2006-07-14T21:14:00.000+01:00

FIRST of all, I have a confession to make - until now I’ve never really been fantastically ‘into’ Elvis. Whilst I’ve always had a passing interest in the man and his music, when I was younger I was into punk, oi and heavy metal. Bands like the Sex Pistols, Skrewdriver and Motorhead formed the backbone of my musical interests. However, since I’ve turned 21 (which wasn’t yesterday!) I’ve found that my musical tastes have both widened and mellowed.

Earlier this year, I was fortunate enough to catch the Elvis Spectacular held in the Clarion Hotel at Carrickfergus. This featured Jim Brown as The King, the TCB Band and the Sweet Sensations (plus a support act and DJ). I was totally blown away by the experience. Jim Brown had the Elvis ‘sound’ off to a tee. The Carrick gig attracted over 300 Elvis fans – and I was interested in how the Elvis Spectacular would translate in the smaller, more intimate setting of the Ballyearl Courtyard Theatre in Newtownabbey.

The evening started with a couple of songs from the TCB Band and Diane, Kelly and Sam who make up the Sweet Sensations. They performed a very tight and explosive version of All of me loves all of you. This was originally a hit for the Bay City Rollers. Diane – from the Sweet Sensations – then launched into the Tina Turner classic, River Deep Mountain High. Diane’s powerful delivery soon got the crowd clapping along.

Jim Brown – The King – then appeared as the ‘young Elvis’ in a gold lame jacket suit. He belted out That’s Alright Moma) and then went seamlessly into Blue Moon of Kentucky. He then launched in Heartbreak Hotel - and pulled off some classic Elvis moves that would put the rest of us in A&E at Whiteabbey Hospital!

By the time he launched into Don’t Be Cruel, the crowd at Ballyearl were really moving. Indeed the seats were starting to bounce by the time he blasted into Jailhouse Rock. These tracks were then followed by a perfect rendition of Teddy Bear and – as a tribute to the late Freddie Mercury - A Crazy Thing Called Love.

A slight technical hitch caused the keyboards to start making a crackling noise – but The King laughed it off: “it sounds like fireworks going off on the 11th night!” As the sound technicians sorted out the problem, he kept up with a stream of jokes and some great banter. At one point The King asked (in a broad Belfast accent) for someone to put 50p into the meter!

I really admired the way the track listing was altered to take account of the problem with the keyboards. The place was soon rocking again with It’s Now or Never, and a powerful rendition of the Chuck Berry classic, Johnny b Goode.

The keyboards were now up and running – and it was full steam ahead into One Night With You and Blue Suede Shoes.

The interval was unusually eventful – vandals had smashed a fire alarm, which meant that the audience had started to evacuate the building!

Nevertheless, the second part of the show soon swung into action. There was a collective gasp of awe as the curtains opened – all of the TCB Band were dressed in gleaming white jumpsuits. This heralded the ‘Las Vegas’ half of the Elvis Spectacular.

ZZ Rider was followed by Burning Love (I’m not too sure if this was on the original set-list but it went down well after he fire alarm incident!). The King then slowed things down a bit “as I’m 71 years old!” with a fantastic version of You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling. I’ve heard a couple of versions of this Righteous Brother classic, but none as powerful as this one.

Later on, My Way and the Wonder of You had the crowd swaying. We were then treated to a fantastic medley of about a dozen Elvis classics like Hound Dog, Teddy Bear and Don’t Be Cruel. These were all delivered without a pause and complete with Elvis ‘moves’.

I didn’t think this could be bettered – but I was wrong. The encore included Suspicious Minds, American Trilogy – which incorporates the fantastic Dixie – and I Cant Help Falling in Love with You.

The gig ended with a well deserved standing ovation for Jim Brown, the TCB Band and the Sweet Sensations. The audience left on a real high and were still buzzing for days afterwards. I’d highly recommend this Elvis Spectacular to anyone – even if they’re not a real die-hard Elvis fan. One can only admire the hard work and sheer professionalism of all involved. Keep an eye out for the next gig – you’ll not be disappointed with what you see and hear.

- John Field

Twenty Five Movies You Need To See

2006-07-13T21:30:00.000+01:00

FILM BUFFS will be delighted to see that Film Four, Channel 4’s digital movie channel is now available on the Freeview platform and it’s now free to view on cable and satellite television too. Happy news indeed! I’m quite a fan of Freeview. A set-top box costs around £30.00, so it’s a good option to follow given that the existing television signal is due to be switched off in 2012.
To mark this, the Radio Times has listed the twenty-five movies you need to see to make you a film buff. The list includes undoubted classics such as Casablanca, Blade Runner, High Noon and Pulp Fiction plus a few less well known films.

I do agree with quite a few on the Radio Times list, but differ on some of the others. Below are both the Radio Times list and the Kerr’s Corner list. This list will prefigure a new feature in coming issues of The Wizard – classic film and DVD reviews alongside today’s latest blockbusters. Our panel of movie lovers will bring to you our recommendations for the best in cinema and home DVD viewing.

Radio Times list

1. Casablanca (1942).Great love story and wartime thriller.
2. The Cabinet of Dr Caligari (919). Silent daddy of all horror films.
3. Blade Runner (1982) Science fiction film-noir. It’s always raining.
4. A Matter of Life and Death (1946) Dead RAF pilot David Niven gets a heavenly reprieve.
5. Build my Gallows High (1947) Robert Mitchum’s shady past catches up with him.
6. La Dolce Vita (1960) Anita Ekberg dances in the Trevi Fountain.
7. High Noon (1952) Gary Cooper has to do what a man’s gotta do and stands alone against the bad guys.
8. Rear Window (1954) Housebound photographer thinks he witnesses a murder.
9. The Hidden Fortress (1958) A warrior escorts a princess across a perilous country side/
10. Bonnie and Clyde (1967) Violent road movie about two ruthless depression-era gangsters.
11. Bringing up Baby (1938) Comedy of a ill-matched couple who have to look after a leopard.
12. The Hills Have Eyes. (1977) Cannibalistic horrors await a family who take a wrong turn.
13. Un Chein Andalou (1928) God only knows what this surreal short film is about.
14. Armageddon (1998) Jerry Bruckheimer’s ultimate blockbuster. Bruce Willis saves the world.
15. Heaven’s Gate (1980). This epice Western was the biggest flop in movie history.
16. Annie Hall (1977) Woodie Allen love story set in New York.
17. Singin’ in the Rain (1952) Wonderful musical set when silent movies were replaced by the ‘talkies’.
18. Paths of Glory (1957) Strong antiwar courtroom classic set during the Great War.
19. Performance (1970) The ultimate British swinging sixties gangster tale.
20. Bride of Frankenstein (1935) Boris Karloff speaks in this gothic horror sequel.
21. Blackboards (2000) Itinerant teachers in Iranian Kurdistan dodge enemy fire in search of pupils.
22. The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) Terrific UFO film.. Alien Klaatu come to warn humanity that our number is up if we don’t shape up soon.
23. Pulp Fiction (1994) Energetic inter-related series of short films about gangsters, lowlife scum and drug abuse.
24. Shoah (1985) 554 minutes documentary based on the memories of WWII survivors, witnesses and perpetrators of actrocities/
25. Winter Light (1962) Swedish film about a priest who loses his faith.

Full reviews of these films can be found on www.radiotimes.com/filmbuff

Kerr’s Corner List
1. The Birth of a Nation (1915)
2. Casablanca
3. Brief Encounter
4. To Have and Have Not (Bogart and Bacall sizzle in this wartime Caribbean romance.
5. Triumph of the Will Impressive documentary of 1936 Nuremberg Rally by Leni Riefenstahl
6. High Noon
7. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre
8. The Usual Suspects
9. Run, Lola Run
10. Elvis, That’s the Way it is
11. Planet of the Apes
12. The Day of the Jackal
13. White Heat
14. High Noon
15. They Died with their Boots on
16. The Birds
17. Twelve Angry Men
18. The House of Flying Daggers
19. All Quiet on the Western Front
20. The King and I
21. Evita
22. Forbidden Planet
23. The Man in the White Suit
24. The Quiet Man
25. Spartacus

Disneyland Park & Walt Disney Studios Park

2006-07-07T21:16:00.000+01:00

John Field visits Disneyland Paris

TOWARDS the end of last year, four of us – two adults and two children – visited Disneyland Paris. We stayed at the three star My Travel’s Explorers Hotel. We travelled in the late afternoon from Aldergrove to Charles de Gaulle airport on the outskirts of Paris. This only took ninety minutes. From CdG airport we jumped onto the modern air-conditioned coach to Disneyland – a 45 minute journey.

After checking in at the Explorers Hotel we spent the evening mostly relaxing in the restaurant/bar area. On the first full day of our holiday we decided to visit the main Disneyland Park. It was absolutely amazing. We had just never come across anything like this before - there’s almost too much to see and do. In the evening we visited the Disney Village. This is a vast area situated in the heart of the Disney resort. It’s full of shops, themed restaurants, bars, a nightclub and a multiscreen cinema. Like all of Disney, there was a fantastic family atmosphere.

The next day we travelled into central Paris itself. Here we spent most of the day visiting the Eiffel Tower and travelling up and down the River Seinne on a tour boat.

We’d decided to set aside the fourth day – Wednesday – to visit he Walt Disney Studios Park. The main idea of the Walt Disney Studios Park is to give a ‘behind the scenes’ account of how films are produced. Sadly our brief five-day trip to Disneyland Paris was now over. Like most great holidays it’d flown in. We were absolutely gutted to be leaving so soon.

We spent our last morning with another visit to the Disney Village as there were some last minute presents to get. We were also interested in how the village would look during the day time – the last time we were there was during the evening Halloween celebrations. As expected it was much quieter and less frantic during the day. Actually this come as a bit of a relief as we were able to take our time and browse through the shops at our leisure.

So what were our overall impressions of Disney? On the plus side we thought that everything went very smoothly. Travelling from Charles de Gaulle airport to our hotel was easy. The Disney pick-up point at the airport is well marked. Checking-in at the Explorers Hotel was also painless. The staff there were very friendly and efficient. They all spoke English very well. At the hotel, everything seemed to run like clockwork - from breakfast time to transport (to and from Disneyland Park, Walt Disney Studios Park and the Disney Village) everything was well catered for. Our only criticism of the hotel was when we visited its swimming pool for an early morning dip. The pool was a bit cooler than we were expecting and we were disappointed in that half of the showers weren’t working – but luckily we were coming out whilst most people were coming in. We also thought that a few mirrors in the changing rooms wouldn’t have gone amiss.

The rides and exhibits in the various Disney parks couldn’t be faulted. However, you’ll need to watch your spending – food and drink tended to be a bit on the expensive side. You’ll need to budget for at least £100 a day. The Disney Park itself could have done with more sign posting and toilets, but apart from that there were no major complaints. Despite the costs incurred at Disney, we found that bargains could be had if you checked out all the shops in the Disney Village. (Those interested in any form of merchandising would do well to study Disney’s methods – about the only thing they don’t sell is a shroud!!)

All in all, it was a fantastic holiday – and we’d like to get back some time in the very near future. For more information check out: www.disneylandparis.com

Ireland At The Somme

2006-06-27T19:08:00.000+01:00

1916 WAS PROBABLY the most important year in Irish Twentieth Century history. The events of that year still reverberate ninety years later. Easter saw insurrection break out on the streets of Dublin as when a hardcore of Irish republican revolutionaries declared an independent Irish Republic. This Easter Rising was soon suppressed and its leaders , Padraig Pearse, Thomas Clarke and James Connolly were shot by the British authorities.

Part of the reason for the harsh treatment of the Dublin insurrectionists was that their rebellion took place while Great Britain was at war with Germany. Tens of thousands of Irishmen were serving overseas in British uniform. It was feared that the Irish rebellion could cause mutiny in the ranks if it wasn’t crushed immediately.

When the Great War broke out in August 1914 it had the effect of forestalling a civil war in Ireland. Since the Home Rule Crisis in 1912, Ireland became an armed camp. Sir Edward Carson had formed a Provisional Government of Ulster to resist the authority of any Dublin-based Home Rule parliament and had raised and armed a militia - the Ulster Volunteer Force - to give teeth to that resistance.

In a parallel move, John Redmond of the Irish Parliamentary Party had raised and armed his own Irish Volunteers. Civil war seemed inevitabl e until events in Europe intervened.

When war broke out, the leaders of both of these militias pledged their support to the British Empire’s war effort and encouraged their respective volunteers to enlist en masse in the British forces. The UVF were incorporated into the 36th (Ulster) Division and the Irish National Volunteers became the nucleus of the 10th and the 16th (Irish) Divisions.

In 1916 the British tried to end the war with a ‘Big Push’ at the Somme in northern France. The idea was that a massive artillery barrage would wipe out the enemy so that the Allied troops could walk across no-man’s land and on to Berlin. It didn’t work out that way as the men of the 36th (Ulster) Divison found to their cost. Four Victoria Crosses were awarded to men from the Ulster Division for their courage on July 1st.

Fighting next to the 36th (Ulster), was the 1st Royal Dublin Fusiliers, behind the 2nd Royal Fusiliers and the Lancashire Fusiliers.They went over the top at 9am but were trapped in the British barbed wire. The 2nd Battalion also attacked in the second wave and were stopped by German fire. Their combined casualties came to 479 with many others missing.

Guillemont was assigned to the 47th Brigade of the 16th (Irish), comprised of the 6th Royal Irish Regiment, 6th Connaught Rangers, 7th Leinsters and 8th Munster Fusiliers. September 1st, 1916, saw Guillemont shelled before an infantry attack. Many shells fell short, killing 200 allied troops. Athy man, Lieutenant John Holland won the 16th's first VC for leading his 7th Leinsters ahead of the barrage, surprising the enemy. 6th Connaught Ranger, Private Thomas Hughes took a machine gun post and three German prisoners, earning a VC. 1,147 of the Brigade's 2,400 soldiers were killed, wounded or missing.

On September 9th, poet Tom Kettle died leading Dublin Fusiliers at the Battle of Ginchy. A month later, close to Ginchy, the 2nd RDF captured their target by hand-to-hand fighting in the trenches. The 10th Dublins, attached to the 2nd Royal Marines, engaged the enemy near Hamel. Fog gave them cover, then a hail storm followed by rain, saw the 10th RDF capture 400 prisoners, with 242 casualties. Four months of fighting at the Somme cost 146,404 Allied dead: the British army, 95,675. The Germans lost 164,055.

Later that winter, the Ulstermen and the 16th Irishmen fought together on the Messines Ridge to take the Belgian village of Wytschaete.

A prominent casualty of the Battle of Messines was Major Willie Redmond, the brother of the Irish Parliamentary Party leader, John Redmond. Despite his age he joined the 6th Royal Irish Regiment at its formation. Although in his fifties he had insisted on being allowed to lead his men forward in the battle at Messines on 7 June 1917 where he wass wounded. By chance the stretcher bearers were from the 36th (Ulster) Division. Private John Meeke from the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, had noticed Redmond falling wounded. Meeke was a former UVF member. At home they would have been on opposing sides but thing were differnt on the battlefield.Whilst looking after Redmond, Meeke was himself hit by shrapnel but managed to get Redmond back to the 36th Division's dressing station but his wounds were so serious that he died from the shock. John Meeke survived the war, although he died quite young in December 1923, aged just 28.

A memorial round tower now stands in Messines to commemorate all the men from this island who died in Flanders and France. A Celtic Cross in memory of the 16th (Irish) Division stands beside the church in Ginchy and a replica of Helen’s Tower stands in Thiepval to commemorate the men of the 36th (Ulster) Division.

It’s only recently that the role of the Irish in the GreatWar has been acknowledged as their sacrifice was regarded as a shameful thing in a republic set up by the heirs of the 1916 insurrectionists. This is a welcome change.

On Saturday September 3rd there will be a Somme day in Dublin to remember Lieut. Tom Kettle MP of the 9th Royal Dublin Fusiliers who was killed on 9 September 1916 during the attack on Ginchy.

The Royal Dublin Fusiliers Association will hold a ceremony at the bust of Tom Kettle in St. Stephen's Green at 11:00 a.m. At 2:00 p.m. there will be a brief lecture on The Battle of the Somme followed by a more detailed lecture and discussion titled, The Somme in Irish Memory. This will be presented by Jane Leonard, who is an expert on Ireland in the Great War. Venue: Dublin City Library and Archive, Gilbert Library, 138-144 Pearse Street, Dublin 2.

Interested readers can contact the Royal Dublin Fusiliers Association,c/o Mr Brian Moroney,11 Ayrfield Court, AyrfieldDublin 13, Ireland.e-mail: rdfa@eircom.net

Somme Sacrifice Recalled

2006-06-20T21:34:00.000+01:00

THIS YEAR represents the 90th Anniversary of the sacrifice at the Somme. On the 1st July 1916 the men of the 36th (Ulster) Division ‘went over the top’. The Ulster Division, which gained a few hundred yards of ground from Thiepval Wood up the hill towards the dauntingly fortified Schwaben Redoubt, suffered some five and a half thousand casualties - out of a total divisional complement of ten or eleven thousand men.

To mark this iconic date, a stunning 22mm enamel badge has been produced. It features imagery of the men of the 36th (Ulster) Division going 'over the top' at the Somme. The background consists of the beautiful and historic Nine County flag of Ulster, which accurately reflects the recruitment area of the 36th (Ulster) Division.

The badge also features a black outer band which reads '1690-2006 - 316th Anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne' and an inner red band which reads 'Sacrifice at the Somme 1916'.
This fantastic badge costs only £2.50 (including p&p). To get your badge, simply send a cheque/Postal Order (made payable to Glenwood Publications) to: Glenwood Publications, First Floor, 316 Shankill Road, Belfast, BT13 3AB.

Hillcroft School Revisited...

2006-06-18T19:10:00.000+01:00

SATURDAY, June 17th was a bright cloudy day. Just ideal weather for Hillcroft School’s first ever garden fete. As mentioned in a previous Kerr’s Corner, this year marks the fortieth anniversary of the school’s formation. The fete was an ideal opportunity for the pupils, their parents and the staff to show the new school premises off to the public and to raise much needed funds for the PTA.

I had the opportunity for a brief tour around the school and its impressive new facilities. It will be a wonderful asset to bring out the best in youngsters whose parents are often at their wits end when they first discover that their child has some kind of learning disability.

All the usual features of a garden fete were present. Two bouncy castles – one for under tens and the other for children over ten – proved very popular as did the hotdog stand, the icecream stall, the face-painters and the tea bar. As for the homemade Rhubarb and Clove jam on one stall, Delicious! Look out for it next year.

I need hardly remind readers that world cup fever is in the air. This must have encouraged quite a few youngsters to pit their penalty kicking skills against the PTA’s star goalie. Although knackered at the end of the proceedings, he didn’t let too many get past him.

It was good to see the involvement of the NI Fire and Rescue Service, the NI Ambulance Service’s community education Paramedi-Kidz and the local police, Youngsters were queuing up to sit in a police car and have a go at working the flashing blue lights. They were shown the ropes by the local community beat officer, Constable Mark McAllister and his colleague, Constable Glenn Pollard. They gave me a rundown on their work in child safety schemes and the Bee Safe initiative and the local police’s interest in educating children of the important role of the emergency services.

Book Review - The English Dragon

2006-06-10T19:12:00.000+01:00

T P Bragg. Athelney, 1 Providence Street, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 5ET. 2001. ISBN 1 903313 02 3. £9.99.

A TODDLER goes missing at a London railway station on a Friday evening. This causes massive disruption to his parents’ lives over that fateful weekend. During this period of frantic searching and waiting, the inner thoughts of Ben’s parents – Oliver and Rowan Holmes – are laid bare in this astute novel.

Oliver, a reasonably well-off songwriter, believes that English society has gone to hell in a handcart. In moments alone and in contemplation of discussions in his university days, he muses on these things and occasionally jots down his thoughts; thoughts for his lost son.

The paradox of modern English society is that all cultures are valued equally, except for the English one. People have to struggle to be English in a quiet way. “Our freedom is being eroded. Those bastards in government are taking it from us stealthily and insidiously. Our culture is being eroded. You can’t be English anymore. They’ll make it illegal.” And the strangest part of this paradox is that the movement against freedom is being brought about by woolly minded ‘nice decent people’. If, please God, he and Rowan get Ben back, what kind of country is he going to grow up in?

A country where the institutionally busy police is paralysed by institutional incompetence. A country where freedom of thought and expression are stifled by a language of impoverished ‘authorised words.’ A country where indigenous English “values [are] overridden and laws amended to suit the needs of newcomers” whereas, in a healthy society, it would be “up to settlers to show respect and awareness of the indigenous people’s homeland.”

Oliver has a place in hell for all those responsible for the parlous state of England. In the lowest circle, he’s place writers, artists and film makers who censor themselves; in the second circle, editors and publishers; in the third circle, self-serving academics; in the fourth circle, cowardly politicians; tin the fifth circle, TV presenters; and in the sixth circle, busybody social workers who tear families apart for dogmatic reasons.

Rowan waits by the telephone at home in a little English village cottage while Oliver goes to London to see if he can find Ben. He tries to gee-up the indifferent police. He hands out leaflets at the railway station in order to jog the memory of commuters who may have seen the child.

Both are frantic with worry – fearing the worst, contemplating the disintegration of society but still daring to hope that they will be re-united with Ben.

This novel looks at the characters in an interesting way as the chapters switch from one to another. We see the innermost thoughts of Oliver and Rowan tumble out as if we are reading their ‘streams of consciousness’. Ben, bizarrely, reports his experiences at the hands of his abductors in the first person! Well, it seems a little offbeat at first, but Ben’s innocent descriptions of modern urban England with all its absurdities, double standards and little hypocrisies really works for the reader.

This compelling page-turner proves the old saw about never judging a book by its cover. Behind the uninspiring plain green cover is an attention-grabbing, thought-provoking quest. The story line is riveting. The reader will really care how this book ends. Will Oliver succeed in getting his son back? What motivates Ben’s abductors? Is Oliver’s opinion of today’s England accurate?

Can anything be done about it? Read it and see!

Reviewed by David Kerr

Film Review - Poseidon

2006-06-08T21:43:00.000+01:00

Certificate: 12A.Running Time: 99 minutes.Directed by: Wolfgang Peterson.

POSEIDON has had a lot of criticism on the Internet. The Poseidon Adventure (1972), starring Gene Hackman has a minor 'cult' following and it was perhaps inevitable that it would be compared to and contrasted with this. Personally I was more influenced by Paul Gallico's novel, published in 1969. I liked the 'camp' earlier film but Poseidon is a movie in its own right and that's how we should judge it.

Poseidon takes 'disaster movies' to a new technical level. It sets a new standard. Stanford University's computer graphics department worked with a 100-member team of software developers to create a new technology - computational fluid dynamics. This simulates how water interacts with objects which creates a realism which is unmatched. Special effects supervisor, Kim Libreri, also looked at reflected light. He said: "The computer needs to understand that when a light source strikes an object, some of that light bounces off and hits another object and so on."

The subtlety of detail is impressive. The underwater shots of the ship were extraordinary. The rendering of debris and parts of the ship breaking away seemed authentic. Visually the movie is great.

Special mention for Stacy Ferguson (Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas). She appears as Gloria, the ship's headline entertainer and performs the traditional Auld Lang Syne as well as two original compositions: the ballad Won't Let You Fall and the Latin-tempo dance number Bailanos (Spanish for 'Let's Dance').

Poseidon also avoids many of the cliches of 'disaster movies'. I used to try to guess who was going to be the next character to die and it was usually obvious. Not with this film. I asked Director Wolfgang Petersen if he had weighed-up whether killing off some of the central characters might shock and alienate sections of the audience. He answered that it "had to be done". I was also struck not just by the selection of victims but the sheer number. Very few survive.

Where I agree with some of the critics of this film concerns the script. I don't have a problem as some do with how sudden the disaster strikes (Poseidon Adventure had quite a long build up). I liked the way the atmosphere on board suddenly switches from folk enjoying an extravagant New Year's Eve Ball to fear and panic as a 'rogue wave' hits. A matter of personal taste I guess! But the critics are right that the script could have been a lot tighter and more psychologically intense. Don't get me wrong, there are intense moments and certainly a sense of suspense. Poseidon plays with our fears of confinement, of fire, of drowning and of relinquishing control and having to rely on the decisions of others. Yet more could have been done.
Wolfgang Petersen said: "disasters are great equalizers. It doesn't matter if you're young or old, if you're the richest person in the world or if you're working in the kitchen; you're all in it together."

Yet the film doesn't follow this logic. The Staff of the Cruiser are passive and deferential. Their survival instict seems to be switched off. I wondered how realistic this was. I would have liked to see at least one of them switch from a deferential job role to a more selfish, assertive character.
The potential for tensions arising within the group were not really explored. Leadership roles switched with very little conflict. Recriminations and accusations were not to the fore. Even when one character causes the death of another little is said.

Go see this movie because despite some of the reservations I've expressed it's well worth the admission price. Forget the original and go with an open mind. It is spectacular, the acting (particularly from Josh Lucas, Richard Dreyfuss and Jimmy Bennett is strong). Poseidon maintains your interest and involvement and does not follow the usual 'disaster movie' formula.
Director Wolfgang Petersen is a man of great depth who makes bold decisions. It is a very good, entertaining film with spectacular effects which with a tighter script might have been a great one.

Reviewed by Pat Harrington

Under the Weight of This - Shane

2006-05-26T18:42:00.000+01:00

Browsing in Terri Hooley's Phoenix Records the other day I ran
into Pete Cunnah, formerly of D:Ream who is now fronting a new
band, Shane.

Shane's new single 'Under the Weight of This' has already had
a bit of airplay on local radio stations. Pete himself has
been on the air with George Jones and Johhny Hero.

It's good to see that local talent is not just confined to the
likes of van Morrison, the Undertones or Snow Patrol. Artists
like Pete who are often written off or forgotten can see their
critics off. This fine single proves it. The CD single - on
the Breakfast lable - is available from Phoenix Records in the
haymarket Arcade in Royal Avenue, the Gramaphone shop facing
the City Hall, or online directly from the band.

Check out the band on their website, www.shaneonline.co.uk for
more details. You read it here first!

Greenisland in the War Years

2006-05-25T13:50:00.000+01:00

In an earlier kerr's Corner, Ian from Greenisland asked some questions about his area during the Second World war. I promised to forward the questions on to Billy - a lifelong Greenisland resident and local historian. Billy's sent me "a copy of a letter that was sent to the People's War and the BBC from a person who lived in Greenisland during the war. As you can see it tells most of what you ask. On the subject of the Scouts I have some log books telling of taking part in training with the Home Guard and of logging shipping in the Lough. I will try and read through them and get back to you."

The fascinating letter from Pat O'Neill is reproduced below.

"As Pat Graham I grew up in Greenisland on the shore of Belfast Lough, 8 miles from Belfast and 3 miles from Carrickfergus. Greenisland lies at the bottom of Knockagh Hill on the top of which stands the County Antrim War Memorial to those who lost their lives in both world wars. I attended Trooperslane Public Elementary School as there was no school in Greenisland until 1938. I lived on the Upper Station Road once known as the Junction Road. My home was almost opposite where the school is now. An early sound from my childhood, that I would love to hear now,is that of the corncrake. This has been lost due to extensive development of both public and private property.

My teenage years were spent during the 1939-1945 war but living in Greenisland the situation didn't have a great impact. Halcyon days were spent on the hill and at the shore, playing tennis on the court at Faunoran (a large private house eventually demolished for the building of a Housing Estate.) Love was young and love was sweet. Those who suffered most were victims of the two great air raids on Belfast in April and May 1941. Many lives were lost and there was much destruction of property.

First indication of the threat of war was being fitted with a gas mask at school. This had to be carried everywhere in its little cardboard box. Some had more sophisticated holders.

On one occasion I had to come home from the country because of having mumps and was surprised to see the windows criss-crossed with sticky tape in case of bomb blast.
From my bedroom window I remember watching the L.D.V. drilling in the school playground. LDV stood for Local Defence Volunteers, sometimes jocularly called Look, Duck and Vanish! They eventually became known as the Home Guard.

Of course, one of the things affecting all was the Blackout. Every home had to have dark curtains or blinds so that light didn't show. A.R.P. Wardens (Air Raid Precaution) went around the district and alerted householders if even a chink of light was showing. Blackout also affected public transport and railway carriages only had the illumination of a very pale blue light and when travelling we were always reminded "watch who you get in with."

There was a First Aid Post in a house on Station Road, now at the bottom corner of Knockfergus Park. Also an A.R.P. bus. Many attended First Aid Classes in the school taken by the late Dr Loughridge. There was an exam at the end of the course. The examiner was the late Dr Dundee. I just recently disposed of the Certificate awarded by the Red Cross on passing the exam.
Iron gates, railings and other forms of metal were taken to help the war effort.

There were Army Camps in the area - one at Ravenhill (now a Nursing Home) and another at Neill's Lane (now Belfast High School Playing Fields.) Some of the soldiers and ATS girls played Table Tennis with us in the Unionist Hall on Station Road. I still correspond with one of these girls who now lives in Canada. Barrage balloons and searchlights were a common sight.
I was at a Business School in Belfast, travelling by train. After one of the air raids trains were unable to run into York Road Station and we had to walk from Whitehouse. When we got to York Road Station the Midland Hotel was still burning and the station complex was wrecked. We were able to walk in over the glass as the area hadn't yet been cordoned off.

There was rationing of food, which went on till well after the war. but I can't remember ever feeling deprived. Two ounces of butter per week wasn't much and many took to shaking the top of the milk to churn a little butter. As the Republic of Ireland was neutral and many things we were short of were available there many people took the occasional trip to Dundalk or Dublin to bring back butter, tea, sugar etc., not to mention material for making clothes. This was really smuggling and one had to take the risk of losing all at either the Southern or Northern Custom Posts.

In 1941 I got a job in the Antrim Electricity Supply Company. People were encouraged to be careful in the use of water and power, so our Electricity Account had a little sticker attached - Switched on switches/And turned on taps/Make Happy Huns and Joyful Japs.
After the blitz as the Air Raids were called it was sad to see so much waste ground in and around Belfast where homes, shops, mills and churches were all destroyed. Very often spaces like this were used for static water tanks. Shop windows were reduced to small squares of glass.
Beaches round the province were strung with barbed wire entanglements supposedly to prevent landings from the sea. Boats used for pleasure, no matter how small,had to be registered. I remember having good fun in a small rowing boat, which didn't have a name but was registered as C130.

Reference has been made to the A.R.P. bus. Together with some of the Wardens this bus was used to give assistance in Belfast after the blitz. After these Air Raids many people left the city and sought refuge in country areas. There were even people evacuated to Greenisland!! Some of the Railway Offices were moved to accommodation at Greenisland Station and the Presbyterian Church Halls on the Upper Road. Local ladies helped in Canteens at the various Army Camps. The Air Raid Siren was located on the home of Mr N V Cooke one of the Head Wardens who would've been one of the first to know of an impending Air Raid.

A relative of mine had army personnel billeted with her from time to time and I got my first love of poetry from one of these young men. The last time I heard from him he was in South East Asia Command. His name was D J Shott and I believe he came from Wales. I don't know if he's alive or dead but if anyone reading this knows anything about him I would be glad of news. Marriage changed my name from Pat Graham to Pat O'Neill. "

'WW2 People's War is an online archive of wartime memories contributed by members of the public and gathered by the BBC. The archive can be found at http://bbc.co.uk/ww2peopleswar'

Great stuff. Thanks to Billy for sharing this with us and if Pat O'Neill is still about I'd be glad to hear from you too.

Hill Croft School Invites You....

2006-05-24T18:44:00.000+01:00

Some time ago you may remember when Kerr's Corner spoke to
Sonya Hall, who was then the Parent Teacher Association
secretary at Hill Croft Special School, Newtownabbey.

Sonya told us that the school was due to move to a brand new
building in New Mossley. The move went ahead last November.
The children and young people have settled in well to their
new surroundings.

After the excitement of the move, the school is now
celebrating its fortieth anniversary this year, so they have
lots of activities planned for the pupils!

The PTA have decided to hold the schools first ever garden
fete. This will take place at the school on Saturday 17th June
2006, from 10am to 2pm.

I'm told that there will be lots of stalls, from grocery,
books, toys, bric a brac etc. They'll also have a barbecue,
teas, coffees and refreshments for the children. Look out for
the bouncy castle, face painting, penalty kick and visits from
the Fire and Police service. There will also be a ballot, with
the chance of winning soe very good prizes.

The current secretary, Joanna Ireland invites anyone to come
along and support the school on the day. She said, "We are
hoping for a good turnout for our first ever fete. Every penny
raised will go directly to the pupils. We hope the weather
will be good, but we have contingency plans in case it isn't!
So don't let a little rain put you off!"

Kerr's Corner wishes the PTA every success with the fete and
we will let you know how they get on.

The Wizard's Entertainment Buzz

2006-05-22T22:45:00.000+01:00

TCB Productions in conjunction with The Wizard confirm a ENTERTAINMENT BONANZA for Belfast, Newtownabbry and Carrickfergus

IT’S OFFICIAL! TCB Productions have teamed up with The Wizard to provide the Belfast, Newtownabbey and Carrick public with an entertainment bonanza which is absolutely mouthwatering.

The bonanza kicks off with CLUBSOUND in the prestigious Clarion Hotel in Carrick on Sunday 28th May. The Clarion Hotel along with the Spectrum Centre in North Belfast will be hosting many of the top shows which have been confirmed. On Thursday 10th June the fabulous Rump Shaker will entertain the ladies, again in the Clarion Hotel venue. On Sunday 2nd July, Country comes to Town in the shape of ‘the wee man from Strabane’ himself, the fabulous Hugo Duncan. Hugo will be bringing along a major country line up yet to be announced. The advice is simple – grab your tickets quick! In between these dates, the extravaganza continues. The now world renowned ELVIS SPECTACULAR starring Jim Brown as The King rolls into Newtownabbey’s Ballyearl Courtyard theatre on Sunday 25th June with tickets priced at just £15.

The feast continues with Irish Showband legend Dickie Rock, who will appear at Belfast’s Spectrum Centre on Thursday 5th October, with tickets costing just £12. It has confirmed that pop legend Les McKeown of Bay City Rollers fame will be coming to Carrick and Belfast in the autumn, with dates to be confirmed.

Magnificent Memorial To Tragic Era

2006-05-20T22:46:00.000+01:00

David Kerr visits the Valle de los Caidos, Spain.

Basilica del Valle de los CaidosCarretera de Guadarrama-El Escorial(Valle de Cuelgamuros)El EscorialSpain 28209
Tel: +34 91 8905611

I REALLY enjoyed Alan Thompson’s excellent – and highly amusing - article in the last issue of Around and About with Travel Buzz. Here, Alan described his New Year sunshine holiday break to Tenerife, where he stayed in an up-market hotel in Santa Cruz. And whilst in late December/early January we endured freezing temperatures and miserable rain, he was sunning himself beside the pool!!

Alan mentioned that the reason for his holiday was twofold. Firstly, it was to relax and recharge the batteries over the holiday period. Secondly, he’s always had a fascination with the rise and fall of the late disgraced publishing tycoon, Robert Maxwell. So this holiday to Tenerife also allowed him to retrace Capt’n Bob’s final steps before he boarded his luxury yacht, the Lady Ghislanine for the last time in November 1991.

Alan’s account of his visit to and from the Hotel Mencey, where Maxwell had his last meal, was both hilarious – but also highly informative. It was part holiday review and part ‘who done it?’
Alan’s reasons for going trip to Tenerife – part holiday, part outside interest - reminded me of a holiday I took a few years ago for similar reasons. Anybody who knows me will know that I have a great interest in history. However, I’m particularly fascinated by the Spanish Civil war. Therefore, I jumped at the chance of visiting Spain for an ‘historical holiday’. Here’s my account of my visit to the impressive Valle de los Caidos (Valley of the Fallen), which is near El Escorial. (To ‘set the scene’ I’ve included some background material to the conflict itself).

ONE OF THE most vicious civil wars to disfigure Europe in the twentieth century took place in Spain between 1936 and 1939. The Spanish Civil War took the lives of nearly three-quarters of a million people as a result of a combination of military campaigns, murderous atrocities and bitter feuds. Many more were injured or made homeless.

For the protagonists, matters were simple. To Spanish nationalists, it was a struggle for God and Spain against the Red Terror. To republicans, democracy in Spain had to defeat an attempted coup by Fascist plotters. Many writers, artists and intellectuals were attracted to the Spanish republic. One, George Orwell, became disillusioned when he witnessed the role of Stalin and the Communist Party in suppressing anarchist and other leftist groups, notably the Catalonian Workers' Party, POUM. This bitter experience prompted his popular work, Animal Farm. The Communist International sponsored ‘International Brigades’ to fight for the Spanish Republic. Ireland, virtually uniquely, sent volunteers to fight for both sides. The so-called ‘Connolly Column’, made up by Communist Party and Irish Republican Congress members, fought for the Republic while a small group of Blueshirt volunteers formed an ‘Irish Brigade’ to fight for nationalist Spain. The Irish Christian Front raised money for Franco at massive public meetings.

General Francisco Franco eventually won control of Spain in 1939 and kept his country out of the Second World War. He remained in power until his death in 1975. In 1940, the decision was taken to erect a monument to all those who lost their lives in the conflict. This magnificent monument, the Valle de los Caidos (Valley of the Fallen) took nineteen years to build.

Republican prisoners, whose sentences were reduced accordingly for every day that they worked on the monument, carried out some of the work. A 150-meter tall cross dominates a mountain range close to the El Escorial monastery where the kings and queens of Spain are buried. Travellers on the motorway to Madrid can see the cross for miles in either direction. Beneath the cross is a vast esplanade and basilica that was dug out of the mountain. A funicular railway can take visitors up to the base of the cross.

The entrance to the basilica is by 15-meter high bronze doors. Once inside, the atmosphere is awe-inspiring. (When I was there, visitors had to undergo searches by police and security officers before proceeding beyond the vestibule. However, at the time, to a visitor from Ulster this was nothing out of the ordinary!)

Two archangels flank the entrance to the nave of the church, standing leaning on their swords with heads bowed like the soldier on the Enniskillen cenotaph. A number of small chapels stand on each side of the nave. Eight enormous tapestries hang on the walls between the chapels. They display St John on Patmos and other images from the Book of Revelation.

Under a mosaic dome, which portrays Christ in majesty and triumph in heaven, lies the transept. In these ornate surroundings, polished marble slabs on each side of the altar mark the simple tombs of two Spanish leaders. General France lies behind the altar. Spain’s lost leader, Jose Antonio Prima de Rivera, lies in front.

(Jose Antonio’s vision for Spain was very different to that of Franco. He did worry about the workers and his solution was a Spanish version of national-syndicalism. However, he was in Alicante prison when the civil war broke out. His enemies murdered him on 20th November 1936. Franco was able to remould Spain in his own image, so he adroitly merged by force Jose
Antonio’s Falangist party with a monarchist group under his own leadership).

Guidebooks are universally scathing of the Valley of the Fallen. They describe it as monstrous and vainglorious. However, I beg to differ. I found it magnificent. Any visitor to Spain should go. When I went, admission cost 650 pesetas but EU citizens could get in free on Wednesdays. (I’m not too sure how much admission would cost in Euros today – or if the special Wednesday offer still exists). Several tour companies in Madrid run all-day and half-day tours.

Walt Disney Studios Park

2006-05-18T22:49:00.000+01:00

John Field visits Disneyland Paris

TOWARDS the end of last year, four of us – two adults and two children – visited Disneyland Paris. We stayed at the three star My Travel’s Explorers Hotel.

On the first full day of our holiday we decided to visit the main Disneyland Park. It was absolutely amazing. We had just never come across anything like this before - there’s almost too much to see and do. In the evening we visited the Disney Village. This is a vast area situated in the heart of the Disney resort. It’s full of shops, themed restaurants, bars, a nightclub and a multiscreen cinema. Like all of Disney, there was a fantastic family atmosphere.

On our second day we travelled into central Paris itself. Here we spent most of the day visiting the Eiffel Tower and travelling up and down the River Seinne on a tour boat.

We’d decided to set aside the third day – Wednesday – to visit he Walt Disney Studios Park. The main idea of the Walt Disney Studios Park is to give a ‘behind the scenes’ account of how films are produced. It was something that I, in particular, was really looking forward to.

The Walt Disney Studios Park is situated right beside the main Disneyland Park. Therefore, it’s just a short ten-minute ride from the Explorers Hotel on the free shuttle bus.

We found that the queues for the Walt Disney Studios Park were only about half the size of those we’d previously encountered at the Disneyland Park. We’re still not too sure if this is always the case - or maybe that we’d visited Disneyland Park whilst the Halloween celebrations were on.

As one of our group was a special needs child, we visited the information office at the Studios Park. Like the Disneyland Park, we had to show our Blue European Disability card and in turn they provided us with a Disneyland disability pass. This pass enabled us to get on the various rides and attractions without having to join the main queue.

Our first port of call was Studio Tram Tour: Behind the Magic. This enabled us to see costumes, props and vehicles from various Disney films. It also included a visit to Catastrophe Canyon, which is a full film set. This gives a fantastic insight into how disaster sequences are planned, produced and filmed. I’ll not give the Catastrophe Canyon plot away, but it features an petrol delivery truck, a fiery inferno and thousands upon thousands of litres of water!! It’s an experience not to be missed. It left our hearts racing – and this was just the first trip of the day!

There are lots of main attractions at the Walt Disney Studios Park, but keep an eye open especially for the Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster, Armageddon Special Effects, Moeteurs … Action! Stunt Show Spectacular and Cinemagique.

Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster is a tribute to Aerosmith. As such it’s very loud and brash: “Buckle up for the ultimate rock ‘n’ rolling adventure, a lightning fast journey through the high-amped world of rock music. You’ll ride the music with 120 onboard speakers and more G-force that an astronaut experiences! As the music rocks you’ll hurtle from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than 3 seconds, into hairpin turns and heart-stopping drops, upside down through a state of the art rock video. Awesome!!”

I can safely testify that this is one of the most hair-raising – yet thrilling – rides I’ve ever been on. And I was mad enough to do it twice!!

We visited Armageddon Special Effects next. This was a space station set from the film Armageddon. Again I’ll not give the too much away, but here’s a tip - just make sure you’re wearing a pair of shoes or trainers with a good grip on them!

For us, the greatest attraction at the Walt Disney Studios Park was Moteurs … Action! Stunt Show Spectacular. Set in the quiet streets of a small Mediterranean village, it shows how various stunts are produced and carried out. The stunts include exciting car chases, people falling from roofs and motorcycles crashing through windows. The professionalism of the stunt men has to be seen to be believed. We particularly liked how the audience was encouraged to participate – some actually become actors in the film! A running commentary is provided and all the action is shown on the big screen. This is an absolutely brilliant show; it really will take your breath away.

After the thrills and spills of Moteurs … Action! unwind for a while at Cinemagique. This is a film journey through time from silent to modern day blockbusters. We’d thought that this’d take the form of a documentary, but it’s actually a love story, which very cleverly uses clips from various films through the years. Keep your eyes out for some wonderful special effects – although you’ll hardly miss one involving a massive sword!

The Walt Disney Studios Park was not ‘full on’ as the main Disneyland Park, and made for a much more relaxed day. We returned tired and weary but totally happy to our hotel.
Are we going back? You bet!

Check out the main Disneyland Paris web-site at:http://www.disneylandparis.com/uk/introduction.htm?c=uk&l=uk

DVD Review - Confetti

2006-05-16T22:51:00.000+01:00

Certificate: 15Running time: 90 Minutes

Written and directed by Debbie Isitt.

CONFETTI magazine decides to run a competition. The couple who have the “Most Original Wedding of the Year.” will win a dream house. We watch as various couples with hopeless ideas are brutally rejected (in the style of shows like the ‘X-Factor’). The couples are whittled down to three. We follow the three selected finalists who are presented in a fly-on-the-wall documentary style. The three themes the finalists choose are tennis, musicals and naturism.

The cast are convincing, Martin Freeman (The Office), Jessica Stevenson (Spaced), Robert Webb and Olivia Colman (Peep Show and also BBC2’s “Look Around You), Stephen Mangan (Green Wing), Meredith MacNeill (Man Stroke Woman), and Jimmy Carr in his first feature performance, make you forget about how they appear on TV and get you to accept their characters. Vincent Franklin and Jason Watkins as top wedding planners Heron and Hough almost steal the show, with subtly played roles that have a real emotional impact.

Filmed in sequence over the course of 2 months and edited down from over 150 hours of footage, Director Debbie Isitt has constructed a touching, funny film.

Reviewed by Pat Harrington

Cast: Martin Freeman, Jessica Stevenson, Olivia Colman, Robert Webb, Jason Watkins & Vincent Franklin

DVD Review - C.R.A.Z.Y

2006-05-14T22:53:00.000+01:00

C.R.A.Z.Y.

Certificate: 15Running time: 127 minutes
Directed by Jean-Marc Vallée

THIS IS great film. Let me tell you why.

It’s a film about love and the relationships between human beings told to convey how contradictory, fascinating and beautiful the human spirit is. Zac Beaulieu is born on the 25th of December 1960. One of five sons, Zac is different from his brothers although he tries to fit in. Much of the film is about the relationship between Zac and his Father.

The film has surreal elements which reminded me somewhat of Billy Liar. Zac fantasises, particularly when he is bored in Church. He resents the fact that he has to go there on his Birthday!

There is a huge amount going on in this film. Zac’s religious upbringing conflicts with his confused and developing sexuality. Will his Father accept him or reject him? But don’t think this is heavy - it is done with humour although the ‘message’ is a serious one.

The relationship between the brothers, between Zac and his girlfriend and between his Mother and Father draw you into caring about them all. It is immensely watchable.

Music is very important to the film. It assists the telling of the story. The music rights cost CND$600 000. Director and producer Jean-Marc Vallée had to cut his own salary to afford it. Zac listens to music representative of the period he grows up in - Pink Floyd, Bowie etc. His Father has more conservative tastes - he loves Patsy Cline and sings Hier encore j’avais 20 ans every Christmas!

This film deserves to be widely seen and I hope that the fact that it is French language doesn’t put too many off. It is worth the effort.

Reviewed by Pat Harrington

Up In Smoke

2006-04-26T22:41:00.000+01:00

A few weeks ago the newspapers and television were full of a 'good news story' - the ambitious redevelopment of Lower North Street and Donegall St. The stories were full of reports of how rundown this part of the city centre has become, full as it is of derelict and abandoned buildings. These reports concentrated on the news that Brown Thomas - the Harrods of Dublin - will be opening a big store on the site of a derelict shopping arcade. It's wonderful they gushed, as all these jobs will be coming to the area, bringing investment and new life to the area.

Regular readers of Kerr's Corner will remember how this area got rundown. On April 18th 2004 the North Street Arcade burned down. North Street Arcade - a listed building - was the home of many of Belfast's small traders and businesses. Among the victims of the fire was Terri Hooley's Cathedral Records, Kozo Paper, the Arcadia Cafe and Rip-off clothing.

This fire was not the result of an electrical fault or an accident of some kind. It was malicious. Arsonists gained entry to the arcade and had the time to place enough incendiary material to destroy the place, all the businesses in it and the livelihoods of many of the traders who kept shops there.

There is no doubt that the wonderful North Street Arcade could still be restored to its original splendour. The blueprints for its construction in the 1930's are still extant. However there's no chance that this will happen. The owners of the arcade, Ewart Properties who have also bought up much of the rest of the property in the area that the press describes as rundown, won't entertain it. Their vision for the future of the area has no place for small traders or for the atmosphere of genuine community that the arcade represented. In fact it's likely that some of the small businesses who managed to relocate elsewhere in North Street, Donegall Street or Haymarket may be forced out all over again to make way for the likes of Brown Thomas and the big multiples. They will be the only ones able to afford the high rents in the new properties. The jobs that are created will hardly offset those that are lost and the businesses that will go to the wall.

No-one has been brought to justice for the arson attack on North Street Arcade although the PSNI are still investigating it. The small businesses that were burnt out have been refused compensation by the Northern Ireland Office as there is no evidence that the attack was carried out bu three or more persons. This is a disgrace and the former traders in the arcade
are not taking it lying down.

Recently Big Lite Films launched a DVD outlining the plight of the arcade traders. Up In Smoke offers a tour of the arcade in good times and the aftermath of the fire. It was launched in the John Hewitt at the same time as Big Time (to be reviewed in the next issue of The Wizard). Professionally mixed by Biggy Bigmore whose recording studio was lost in the fire, it packs
lots into twelve and a half minutes of video footage, before and after still photos and a stylish and witty musical soundtrack. I thought the line 'you don't know what you've got till it's gone' from Big Yellow Taxi was very apt.

Copies of Up In Smoke are available from Gemini DVD & Video, Haymarket Arcade, Royal Avenue for only £5.00 each.

French Capture Carrickfergus

2006-04-24T19:06:00.000+01:00

EIGHTEEN YEARS before John Paul Jones in the American privateer Ranger captured HMS Drake in battle (see our last issue) Carrickfergus was the scene of a minor skirmish with the French. As recounted in Dixon Donaldson’s History of Islandmagee, a French raiding party landed at Kilroot Point and captured the town and garrison of Carrickfergus for a few days. After their departure the town organised a militia to provide a measure of self-defence. A battalion was formed at Bellahill with companies from Glynn, Ballycarry. Islandmagee and Kilroot. This was the beginning of the Volunteer Movement which stepped into the gap left by regular troops who were trying to put down the American colonists’ revolt.

The Volunteer Movement was a citizen army drawn mainly from the Presbyterian community in Ulster. It’s leadership, in return for the security it gave to Ulster from the threat of French and Spanish invasion began to agitate for the removal of civil disabilities that affected Presbyterians and Catholic alike. These Volunteers, who celebrated the victory of the Boyne and the Relief of Derry would occasionally parade to Mass in sympathy with their Catholic brethren who suffered similarly under the Test Act. Many Presbyterian ministers became chaplains or even officers in the Movement.

The Volunteer Movement lost its role after the Peace of Paris and the recognition of independence for the American colonies. The government took this opportunity to disband it, concerned at the revolutionary nature of some of its members. This led to the formation of more openly revolutionary societies culminating in the Ninety Eight rebellion.

Mystery Ballycarry Headstone Translated

2006-04-22T19:08:00.000+01:00

IN OUR last issue we referred to the gravestone of james Burns in the Ballycarry churchyard This bears the inscription:James Burns, born 1775Christ 61s th2 64rd th1t spak2 3tH2 t44k th2 Bre1d 1nd Br1k2 3tAnd 6h1t th1t 64rd d3d m1k2 3tTh1t 62 b2l32v2 t1k2 3t

James Burns was an old croppy who turned out in the Battle of Antrim in June 1798. He died at the age of 92 in the Larne workhouse. The key to the message is to subsitute the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 for the vowels a, e, i, o, and u. The letter w is represented by 6. Well done Norman Steele from Carnmoney who worked out the meaning of the message.

Christ was the word that spake it, He took the bread and brake it, And what that word did make it, That we believe and take it.

Ballyclare May Fair

2006-04-20T19:10:00.000+01:00

Ballyclare May Fair caters for everyone while still keeping up with Tradition.

THE ANNUAL Ballyclare Mayfair kicks off in style on Saturday 20th May 2006, with a range of events and activities to cater for all the family.

Keeping tradition alive, the event which can be traced back some 250 years, started as a horse trading fair where buyers and sellers would meet to barter and finally agree on the most realistic prices.

The local market town will be a hive of activity over the period Saturday 20th to 27th May. The town centre will have traffic diversions in place, as the event will host a horse fair, funfair rides, market stalls and other live performances and shows and demonstartions.

Mr Ted Turkington – Chairman of the local organising committee - commented saying “We certainly hope that the people of Ballyclare and throughout Northern Ireland will visit us during the May Fair period, as we have been fortunate enough to secure ‘live’ performances from X-Factor stars Chico, Philip and Nicholas. This will get is off to a great start on the first Saturday – 20th May”.

He went on to day that “Ballyclare certainly enjoys Country and western music and this will be catered for by our very own Susan McCann and local favourite Hugo Duncan in concert. Many people will already be aware that Calum Best will be making a guest appearance at the close of the May Fair on the evening of Saturday 27th May 2006”.

The Ballyclare May Fair will reach a climax through the hosting of a spectacular fireworks display as a final community celebration on the last Saturday. The event has been well supported by local schools, community and youth groups and the wide range of senior citizens groups from throughout the borough of Newtownabbey.

DVD Review - The Chronicles of Narnia

2006-04-18T19:11:00.000+01:00

Directed by Andrew Adamson.Certificate: PG

I WAS a little worried when I heard that Disney was due to make a film version of C S Lewis’s classic, ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’. Was this going to be a dumbed-down cutesey cartoon? Would too many special effects ruin a terrific story?

As it turned out, I had nothing to worry about. This retelling of the first book in the Chronicles of Narnia series was faithful to Lewis’s wonderful Christian allegory. The special effects didn’t overwhelm the story. They enhanced it!

The story, for those who have never heard it, involves the four Pevensie children who are evacuated from wartime London to a big house in the countryside owned by an enigmatic Professor. On a wet day, they play a game of hide and seek. The youngest child, Lucy, finds a great hiding place in an old wardrobe in an upstairs room. As she backs her way through hanging coats, she finds herself in a snowy forest where she meets a friendly faun. The wardrobe is a door to another world. He tells her that she is in the land of Narnia where it is always Winter but never Christmas. An evil White Witch who calls herself a queen rules the land. Only the mysterious Great Lion Aslan can bring life and freedom to Narnia.

Despite the carping and critism from the usual suspects: Polly Toynbee, Philip Pullman and the other liberal-leftist media types led the charge against its overt muscular Christianity, this was one of the most popular cinema releases in 2005.

Tough luck, Polly! The mass indoctrination continues. The first couple of weeks since the DVD came out suggest that few homes will be without one. And no wonder! Certain supermarkets were selling the single disc version for £9.95 and the double disc version for under £15.00. The picture quality and sound is superb. Liam Neeson provides the voice of Aslan and there are strong performances from the largely unknown cast. For this Son of Adam, Tilda Swinton stole the show with her powerful interpretation of the White Witch. If they do things as well as they’ve done here, Disney could be on to a winner. I am now looking forward to seeing ‘Prince Caspian’, ‘The Horse and his Boy’ anf the ‘Voyage of the Dawntrader’ coming to the big screen and eventually to my local DVD shop. Here’s hoping!

Theatrical Review - I Miss Communism

2006-04-15T19:13:00.000+01:00

"I Miss Communism.It's about a woman coming of age.it's about religion.It's about war.It's about Oliver Twist."

A NATURALISED US citizen since November 2002, Ines Wurth remarked to her boyfriend one day that she missed Communism. Out of that chance remark some four years ago has grown this remarkable one-woman show, co-written with Mark Soper.

From an early age she loved the Lionel Bart musical, Oliver. Oliver Twist (Mark Lester) was her secret boyfriend. Yugoslav State television regularly broadcast Oliver as a lesson on the evils and inequalities of Western capitalism. Young Ines identified with Oliver.

She grew up in Tito's Yugoslavia in a big house with nine other families and her mum and grandma. She loved her grandma but was a bit afraid of her mum. Nana was like Nancy. She liked Nancy. Her mum was a bit like Fagan. When her mum thought she had done wrong she was locked in a damp, dark cellar as a punishment.

When locked in her cellar, Ines comforted herself in the dark with an Oliver made from rags. She would sing Where is love? and other songs from the movie and vow to get out of the house, out of Yugoslavia and find freedom.

This story is at times sad, at times funny and even inspirational as she recalls her life growing up in Tito's Communist paradise, her move to the USA and her run-in with the Los Angeles police over differing approaches to childcare.

After her mother hurt herself in a nasty fall, Ines returned to a changed homeland. Post-Tito Yugoslavia had fallen apart. War had broken out between Serbia and Croatia. Ines, a Croatian, found herself travelling from Greece on a train through Serbian territory.

Ines holds her audience full attention. We laugh, we cry, we're with her all the way. And the songs... There are numbers from Oliver, a song, I'm a Communist based on All that Jazz from Chicago and a rousing jazzy version of the old Red standard The Internationale.

This review was of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival run of I Miss Communism. The one woman show is touring Britain and Ireland during 2006

- Reviewed by David Kerr

Naval Battle in Belfast Lough

2006-03-25T23:02:00.000Z

Naval Battle in Belfast Lough

BRITISH VESSEL DRAKE CAPTURED BY JOHN PAUL JONES

AMERICAN PRIVATEER’S DARING RAID

JIM McFALL from Islandmagee has provided me with a copy of a fascinating history of the peninsula and the surrounding area. Thanks Jim. Local historian Dixon Donaldson originally published this wonderful labour of love in 1927. It appears to be a compilation of separate articles which may have been written for a magazine or newspaper. In 2002 the Islandmagee Community Development Association republished it in facsimile. Anyone with the slightest interest in local history should get hold of a copy. By all means read it right through from the beginning if you like, but you will also be rewarded if you skim through it and pick out the odd highlights here and there. I was particularly interested in the account of one of the first naval battles between the navy of the newly independent United States and the British Royal Navy.

The piece was hard to read, though. The original paste-up meant that some of the sentences and paragraphs are out of sequence and it takes an effort to make sense of everything.

This historic encounter took place in Belfast Lough – then known as Carrickfergus Bay – in 1778.

When the American Continenal Congress formed a ‘Continental Navy’ in 1775, Scots born John Paul Jones was one of the first volunteers to join. He was commissioned as a First Lieutenant and advised Congress on navy regulations before taking command of his own vessel - the Ranger - in 1777. In November 1777 he sailed in the Ranger for France where he struck up a rapport with the American Commissioner in Paris, Benjamin Franklin. At Quiberon he forced the French to salute the Stars and Stripes. This was the first time it had been hoisted in a foreign harbour and recognised abroad by a foreign state as the symbol of the new United States of America.

Operating out of Brest in Normandy, Jones took the American war of independence to the enemy as he harried British targets in their own waters. A hero who was awarded a specially struck Congressional medal by his own grateful country, in Britain he was regarded as little more than a pirate.

After reputedly laying-to overnight in the shadow of the Gobbins on April 20th1778, Jones spotted HMS Drake, a 20 gun sloop, near Carrickfergus, which he attempted to board in a night attack after signalling for a pilot. The crew of a fishing boat from the Scotch Quarter which went alongside the Ranger were taken prisoner. The boarding attempt failed owing to a severe gale and a blinding snowstorm. Thwarted for the moment Jones set sail for Whitehaven. On April 22nd a party of fifty men from the Ranger spiked the towns gun batteries and burned all the boats in the harbour without losing a single man.

Coming back over to Belfast Lough on April 24th, the Ranger captured a scout boat from the Drake in Blackhead Bay. The Drake under Captain Burden came out to meet the American privateer in mid-channel. This encounter suited Jones perfectly. As the Drake drew up she hailed the Ranger. Jones gave the reply through his sailing-master: “The American continental ship Ranger. We are waiting for you. Come on. The sun is little more than an hour high, and it is time to begin!” A broadside engagement commenced, and continued at close quarters for some seventy-five minutes, until the Drake struck her colours in surrender. Captain Burden was killed and his second in command Lieutenant Dobbs was mortally wounded. The Drake surrendered. Her sails and rigging were cut to ribbons and the hull was shattered. The Ranger’s “butcher’s bill” was two killed and six wounded to the Drake’s 42. The Drake had twenty four-pounder guns to the Ranger’s eighteen six-pounders.

This was the first time that an American vessel defeated and took as a prize a British warship in a sea battle. On May 8th, Jones managed to carry his prize back safely into Brest after avoiding any further engagements with British vessels.

Naturally his exploits were greatly celebrated in the rebel colonies but they also captured the imagination of many local people and were immortalised in quite a few ballads. The author quotes one as follows…

The good ship Drake at Carrick lay,To guard our shores from pirates, O!For Yankee bold and French foemanWere cruising in the Channel. O!
One evening after sundownA ship she hailed the pilot, O!She hove-to till the darkness fell,And the she proved the Ranger, O!The dauntless Jones did her command.He quickly called for boarders, O!And steering straight down on the Drake,He whistled Yankee-doodle, O!
A snow storm blotted out the Drake,And darkness fell between them, O!The Privateer then sailed awayAnd disappeared to leeward, O!
At break of day again she cameFrom shelter of the Gobbins, O!He look-out boat in Blackhead BayWas caught without a warning, O!
The British tars slipped anchor chains,And decks were cleared for action, O!The gunners grim stood by their gunsAnd gave three cheers for Geordie, O!
Like two game cocks the vessels fought,The fight was fast and furious, O!And broadsides thundered o’er the bay‘Rose smoke and flames like fury, O!
The Drake soon crippled helpless lay,At mercy of the Ranger, O!But Jones was kind as he was brave,And he forbade to sink her, O!
Brave Burden at his post did fall,He fought in vain for glory, O!Likewise his second in command:They both did die for England, O!
The Yankee ran ‘longside the Drake,And asked her to surrender, O!Out-matched, out-manned, that good ship struckHer colours to the Ranger, O!
Now while we cheer our own brave tarsWe’ll give one for the Yankee, O!In honour bright both ships did fightThat day of Carrickfergus, O!

Jones later went on to serve as a Rear Admiral in the Russian navy. He died in Paris in 1792 at the young age of 45. He lay in a Protestant cemetery until 1905 when his remains were located and returned to America. In 1913 he was re-interred with great ceremony in the crypt of the United States Naval Academy Chapel in Annapolis, Maryland. He lies in a tomb modeled on that of the Emperor Napoleon in Paris.

The crypt is open to the public. There is also a museum dedicated to his memory.

David Kerr

Mystery Headstone In Ballycarry Churchyard

2006-03-15T23:00:00.000Z

ANOTHER fascinating item in Donaldson’s History of Islandmagee refers to a mysterious headstone in the churchyard in Ballycarry. This bears the inscription:

James Burns, born 1775Christ 61s th2 64rd th1t spak2 3tH2 t44k th2 Bre1d 1nd Br1k2 3tAnd 6h1t th1t 64rd d3d m1k2 3tTh1t 62 b2l32v2 t1k2 3t

James Burns was an old croppy who turned out in the Battle of Antrim in June 1798. He died at the age of 92 in the Larne workhouse. The figure writing has puzzled many passers-by who thought that there was something Masonic or esoteric about it. The key to the message is to subsitute the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 for the vowels a, e, i, o, and u. The letter w is represented by 6. See if you can work out the message. Th2 1nsw2r w3ll b2 3n th2 n2xt 3ss52.

Encouragement For Seamen

2006-03-14T23:05:00.000Z

The following article printed in The Freeman’s Journal Portsmouth, New Hampshire, July 26, 1777.

WHEREAS the seamen of these States have for some time past been discouraged from entering into the navy, by thinking they have hitherto been unfairly dealt with in respect of prize money, and the regular payment of wages: Therefore, to remove all cause of future complaint, I will be answerable to every person who may enter to serve under my command, for the punctual and regular payment of wages. And I will also, with the consent and approbation of officers and men, appoint an agent for the prizes, whose duty it shall be to see the captors part sold to the best advantage, and to make punctual, just and regular payments to every person concern’d.

Every seaman in the navy is entitled to eight dollars per month wages, with an advance of forty dollars at entry on board. Every marine or landsman is entitled to six dollars & two thirds per month wages, with an advance of twenty dollars at entry on board. Every private person, who may loose a limb or be disabled in engagement, will receive two hundred dollars smart money; if kill’d, his wife or family will receive it. Every person, who may be disabled in engagement, will receive half pay during life or an allowance proportioned to the injury sustained. The pay is extended to persons in captivity, provided they return to the service as soon as possible. The captors share one half of all merchant ships, and of all effects taken by sea or land, without resistance; they share the whole of all ships of war, & of all privateers authorized by his Britannic Majesty to war against these States. They will also receive a bounty of twenty dollars for every carriage gun then mounted, and of eight dollars per head for every man then on board and belonging to such prizes. There are ten shares set apart for the most deserving, with various Advantages, grounded upon resolves of Congress. Persons of abilities will be promoted in proportion to their diligence and merit;-and no equal encouragement can be given in privateers.

The Continental Ship of war Ranger at Portsmouth under my command is in readiness for sea. Such persons as think proper to enter, are requested to apply on board, or at the Ship’s rendezvous where they will receive further information.

Portsmouth, July 26, 1777. John Paul Jones

It's Chico Time at Ballyclare May Fair

2006-03-13T21:47:00.000Z

MAY FAIR MAYHEM at Ballyclare! A superb line up at this years forthcoming Ballyclare May Fair will be kick-started by the charismatic Chico of X Factor fame. Chico will be opening the fair on 20th May. Also appearing will be local X Factor singing sensation, Philip Magee.
Closing the proceedings on Saturday 27th May will be Celebrity Love Island hearthrob, Calum Best.

All credit to Newtownabbey Borough Council for their drive and ambition with events such as this. More big name line ups are also in the pipeline for the forthcoming August Shoreline Festival. Watch this space for details!

Film Review – V for Vendetta

2006-03-11T23:12:00.000Z

Directed by James McTeigue
Certificate 15
Reviewed by Carly Green

“Remember, remember, the fifth of November, the gunpowder treason and plot. I know of no reason why gunpowder treason should ever be forgot…”

THIS RHYME inspires the new film ‘V for Vendetta’ which chronicles one man’s crusade against an oppressive government.

The film takes place roughly two decades from the present day. In this abysmal future, England has become a totalitarian state led by Adam Sutler (John Hurt) – a ruthless dictator who forces his people (by any means necessary) into submission. Our first glimpse of the film’s hero, known only a V, comes when he saves Evey Hammond (Natalie Portman) from being sexually assaulted by a pair of fascist officers. Outwardly, V (Hugo Weaving) is a combination of Zorro and the Phantom (from ‘Phantom of the Opera’) with matrix-like fighting ability, but beneath the black robes and Guy Fawkes mask, he is a mystery which reveals itself throughout the course of the story. It is November fourth in a world that has forgotten November fifth, but V has planned a potent reminder. At midnight, he and Evey watch as the Old Bailey courtrooms go up in flames. The government does their best to censor this attack, calling it a planned demolition the next day, but there is only so much they can do when V takes control of a television studio and goes on the air live, challenging the public to rise up against their oppressive leadership exactly one year from this day outside the houses of Parliament. “People should not be afraid of their governments, governments should be afraid of their people,” he states.

Fearing for Evey’s safety, V takes her back to his lair where they await the coming of November fifth. Through resistant at first, Evey quickly develops compassion for V. She even offers her assistance after a while because she too carries a vendetta: While a child, the government murdered both of her parents who were prominent, political activists. Evey is strong, but openly admits to being afraid all of the time. Over the next several months she must overcome her fears and V must continue his preparations for the rapidly approaching November fifth when he plans on finishing what Guy Fawkes started in 1605.“Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, ‘twas his intent to blow up the king and Parliament.”

This movie is taking a lot of heat from critics who claim that it advocates terrorism. In many ways the story does revolve around two opposing terrorists. There’s Sutler who exploit’s the bleak condition of his country to install fear within his people and there’s V who uses violence and destruction to get his message across to the world. Seeing historical landmarks fall has become a sensitive issue these days and it occurs more than once throughout this film. However, these instances never result in the needless death of innocent civilians, but rather serve as a powerful cinematic tool. For example, the explosion of the Old Bailey courtrooms serve as a visual reference to the disintegration of that which the courtrooms once stood for, justice. It is important for people to remember that they are watching a movie. This is not a documentary; its purpose is not to promote anything, but rather to entertain. Terrorism has always and probably will always be a real problem in the world. I see no reason why the topic should be avoided in cinema. Common sense should tell the viewer that you should bot go and blow something up. It is no different than watching ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ and knowing not to go on a killing spree with a chainsaw.

Weaving and Portman excel under the direction of James McTeigue, who has been assistant director in films like ‘Star Wars Episode II’ and ‘The Matrix’ trilogy. Hugo Weaving does more as a voice behind a mask than most actors can do free of such restrictions and Natalie Portman, in what is likely her most challenging performance to date, is fascinating. Her facial expressions alone are so powerful, she could tell the entire story without ever uttering a single word. With a screenplay based on an 80’s graphic novel, the Wachowski brothers (writers of ‘the Matrix’) have once again created a unique piece of work on an epic scale. This film has all the elements of a blockbuster without insulting the viewer’s intelligence. It raises questions about government and freedom while offering insights into human nature. ‘V for Vendetta’ is beautiful, gripping, thought provoking and easily the best film Hollywood has delivered to the public so far this year.

Film Review – Syriana

2006-03-10T15:53:00.000Z

Directed by Stephen Gaghan.Certificate 15.
Reviewed by Patrick Harrington.

STEPHEN GAGHAN wrote ‘Traffic’ which was the winner of the Best Screenplay Academy Award. Gaghan has an unusual writing style and ‘Syriana’ reflects this. It is a densely plotted and fast-moving political thriller. It conveys a lot of information and interlocking stories cut back and forth. It requires your attention but it also holds it.

‘Syriana’ deals with big political issues but also moral ones. It illustrates the corruption of the oil industry and of State institutions. The central story of the film involves a questionable merger of two major American oil firms (Connex and Kileen). From there, everything else fans out. The story of Jeffrey Wright, the government official investigating the merger, George Clooney, the CIA operative with missions with no obvious goal, the Arab Emir from an unnamed oil producing country, and his two sons each wanting to take over his reign, the industry analyst (Matt Damon) who will use any situation to advance his company, and the young, poor, angry Arab youth who looks for meaning and purpose in his life.

‘Syriana’ leaves you wondering about political reform in Iran, what motivates a suicide bomber, America's seemingly unquenchable thirst for fuel and exploitation of foreign workers in refinery compounds.

Though this film has a heavy message it also manages to be more than mere agitprop. It has a number of strong performances. No single actor steals the show. Clooney stood out for me, though, as the disenchanted, somewhat seedy CIA man. It was brave of him to get a gut and an unkempt beard and leave behind his sex star status. He conveys a grim realism well and shows that he is an accomplished actor. It was also good to see Chris Cooper, playing a shrewd oilman, and Christopher Plummer, as the head of a corrupt law firm.

The story while complex is not convoluted. That's not to say that it's easy (I would certainly enjoy and profit from watching it again). Another strength of this film is that it does not attempt to answer many of the questions it raises. It leaves 'unfinished business' just as in the real world. We have to make judgements and try to move forward. Syriana's politics will undoubtedly alienate some. That doesn't matter. It is a riveting movie told in bold and imaginative style. No happy ending is supplied but aren't we still waiting for one here too?

The Elvis Spectacular takes Carrickfergus by storm!

2006-03-09T20:21:00.000Z

FOR MONTHS the Elvis fans of County Antrim eagerly awaited the arrival of Jim Brown’s Elvis Spectacular in Carrickfergus. I enjoyed his superb albums, ‘Gravelands’ and ‘Return to Splendour’ and hoped that the live show would be up to the same high standard. Happily, I was not disappointed, nor were any of the other 300+ fans who packed the venue at the plush Clarion Hotel.

Fair play to the organisers who turned up to find that the hotel management had placed the stage in the wrong place entirely. They had to work like Trojans to put everything in the right place before the show began. This caused a slight delay in opening the doors to the general public. None of this seemed to phase the patient Elvis fans from Carrick, though.

An enthusiastic disc jockey got the room into the mood with a lively mix of oldies and more recent hits, before Nick Freeman, the Rathcoole troubadour, took the stage for an excellent solo set. He treated us to energetic covers of Chuck Berry’s hit, ‘Johnny B Goode’, the Don McClean standard ‘American Pie’ and one of my all time favourites, ‘House of the Rising Sun’. Cheekily, he also gave a fine rendition of ‘Blue Suede Shoes’. He wasn’t supposed to do any Elvis songs, but I suppose he could always argue that this is a Carl Perkins song! No matter. He did his job. He got the audience clamouring for more as he set the stage for the main attraction.

A massive cheer went up as The King and his band took the stage. Dressed as ‘Young Elvis’ in a gold lame jacket he set a fast pace with magnificent covers of ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ and ‘Don’t be Cruel’. This brought half a dozen women to their feet to dance in front of the stage. A move up-tempo to ‘Jailhouse Rock’ brought even more women to their feet, helped along by The King’s pelvic vibrations and a funky guitar riff from the promoter and lead guitarist, Mervyn Boyd. Still in character, the singer shared the news to the audience. “On January 8th I turned 71 years old. Not bad, huh?” Not bad at all, the audience agreed.

After ‘Teddy Bear’ and another magnificent guitar piece from Mervyn Boyd, The King came down among the audience to belt out a real tearjerker, before introducing “my biggest record” with 22 million discs sold, ‘It’s now or never’. I swear that if I’d heard this on the radio I’d have taken it for the real Elvis. Still in character, he announced that “I was born with a guitar in my hand” before launching into a rousing version of ‘Devil in Disguise’ and leading a chorus of birthday greetings to Sandra Brown, the winner of The Wizard competition for two tickets to the Elvis Spectacular.

The pace to the interval quickened with a faster and faster version of ‘Hound Dog’ and a request from the audience for ‘Wooden Heart’ and a track from the ‘Gravelands’ CD. Wow!

Fifteen minutes later an older Elvis came on stage in the Las Vegas style white sequinned jump suit. He had the audience eating out of his hand. It was truly incredible. Women in the audience queued up on the dance floor for one of his sweat-soaked silk scarves. A woman fled the dance floor in tears of emotion at his powerful rendition of ‘My Way’. I particularly loved his versions of ‘American Trilogy’, ‘All Shook Up’ and the first record I ever bought in my life, the 1972 Number One hit, ‘The Wonder of You’.

This show could have gone on all night. Some of the audience showed no inclination to go home, but they surely got good value for their twelve quid. I’ve been to gigs where the main attraction stayed on stage for less than an hour. In the Elvis Spectacular, Jim Brown was on stage for more than two exciting hours. I can’t recommend his stage act highly enough. Jim Brown is unsurpassable, and Diane, Kelly and Sam – the Sweet Sensations – compliment the act well.

Full marks are also due to the exciting lead guitarist Mervyn Boyd, bassist Trevor Dyke, drummer Graham Kincaid and Simon Templeton on the keyboard. I was so impressed I wanted to know when and where the next gig is going to be held. I had a quick word with Mervyn Boyd the promoter who let slip the news that the Elvis Spectacular is coming to the Courtyard Theatre in Ballyearl, Newtownabbey on June 25th 2006. This is quite a small venue, so you’ll need to get in quick if you don’t want to miss out on a ticket. Buy one. You won’t regret it.

- David Kerr.

Charlie Hodge, longtime friend of Elvis, dies aged 71.

2006-03-08T22:57:00.000Z

CHARLIE HODGE, longtime friend of Elvis Presley died on Friday March 3rd, 2006, after a bout with cancer. He was 71.

Charlie first met Elvis briefly when a member of The Foggy River Boys band in the 50s and became a firm friend of Elvis when they met again in 1958 after both being drafted into the U.S. Army.

Charlie joined Elvis’ personal staff along with fellow serviceman Joe Esposito upon their returm from Germany in 1960. Charlie appeared in several of Elvis’ movies in the 60s and was part of the set-up for Elvis’ triumphant return to live performance in the 1968 TV Special.

Charlie will probably be remembered apperaing on stage with Elvis throughout the 70s concert era. Charlie sang back up, played guitar and handed Elvis his water and scarfs. After Elvis’ death Charlie continued to perform in shows dedicated to Elvis’ memory. For the past 15 years Charlie performed at Memories Theatre, Tennessee.

Elvis’ bodyguard Sonny West who had a bitter split from the Presley entourage, said in a recent interview that after Elvis’ death he and Mr Hodge went 27 years without seeing each other. Then they met in December at West’s one-man show, ‘Memories of Elvis’. “He walked up, shook my hand, and said ‘It’s been too long, Sonny. I’ll tell you right now, if he (Elvis) was watching us, he’d want us to get together, because where he’s at now, he’s nothing but love” West recalled.

News of Charlie’s death filtered through after the Elvis tribute night on March 3 rd at the Clarion Hotel, leaving local dedicated Elvis fans shocked and stunned. Charlie was buried in the New Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery, Decatur, Alabama.

Perhaps he’s once again passing Elvis his water and scarfs.

Mr. Hodge is survived by his wife Jennifer.

- Alan Thompson

Alan Francisco's Entertainment Buzz

2006-03-07T21:49:00.000Z

CLUBSOUND ARE BACK!

CLUBSOUND were part of the Ulster heartbeat, they played all through the troubles helping people forget their worries until their final split in 1995 when they all agreed to go their separate ways.

Well they are back, with all their old favourite routines, ‘Shankill Airways’, ‘The Ballymour Grousebeaters’, ‘Andy McFadden’ and so many, many more.

George Jones, one of the best loved voices on the iarwaves, Barry Woods, a seasoned producer of television and radio commercials, David McNight, a professional kitchen designer and Alan McCartney, who sings with his wife Janet as the duo De Luxe plus the only new Clubmate, guitar player Jimmy Black of Chapter 5, are looking forward to entertaining you the way they used to.

Clubsound are appearing in the Ramada Hotel at Shaws Bridge on Friday 26th May and at the Clarion Hotel in Carrickfergus on Sunday 28th May. Admission to both venues is a bargain £12.50 and tickets are available from each of the hotel receptions.

BIG COUNTRY NIGHTS WITH HUGO AND FRIENDS

NEWTOWNABBEY Borough Council have again pulled out all the stops to give local country music fans a mouth-watering country feast on Friday 7th April and Saturday 8th April at the Ballyearl Courtyard Theatre.

Radio Ulster’s Hugo Duncan will be appearing on both nights along with Showband Legend Frankie McBride. They will be joined on the Friday night by Ireland’s Country Queen Philomena Begly and on the Saturday night by Susan McCann. Tickets are only £12 and are available from Ballyearl Courtyard Theatre, 585 Doagh Road, Newtownabbey. Ticketline (028) 9084 8287.

Greenisland Home Guard

2006-02-23T22:36:00.000Z

Regular readers may recall that late last year, George from Greenisland asked me how the area got its name. Billy, a lifelong Greenisland resident, replied that Greenisland is named after the small island off the shore at Seapark. You can see it if you are walking along the Shore Road or from the Knockagh Hill.

Now I've another Greenisland query. Ian's heard that there were a number of army camps in the area during the war. He believes that there was one at Ravenhill (now a nursing home) and another at Neill's Lane (now Belfast High School playing fields). He's also heard that the local scouts acted as enemy on occasion for the local Home Guard.

This raises a few questions about these camps and the role of the Scouts and Home Guard during the war. How many army camps were there in Greenisland? Where were they and what were their names? Did they exist before the war or were they built for the war period itself? When did they close? How did the Scouts act as 'the enemy' - launch some form of 'pretend' invasion or 'attacking' different buildings? And does anyone have any information about the Home Guard? Can anyone recall any names - or even even where they were based in Greenisland? I've forwarded both Ian and my own questions on to Billy and will print his answers in future issues of Kerr's Corner.

On the subject of local history, I'm keen to set up a contact list of local historians who could supply information or answer questions about the local area. Kerr's Corner is read from Rathcoole to Carrickfergus, so if you'd like to get in touch just email me at kerrscorner@ulsteronline.org.uk

Newtownabbey Animal Welfare

2006-02-22T22:47:00.000Z

David Kerr talks to Bessie Moffett from the Newtownabbey Animal Welfare Support Group based in the Monkstown Estate. If you are involved in a local charity, community group or project and want to talk to Kerr’s Corner get in touch through kerrscorner@ulsteronline.org.uk or The Wizard office at Enterprise House, 55 Adelaide Street, Belfast, BT2 8FE.

IF YOU’RE ever in the Monkstown Estate in Newtownabbey you may well pass the dreary looking Abbeytown Square shopping centre. Don’t let the brutalist 1960s architecture put you off, though. This centre houses the Newtownabbey Animal Welfare Support Group’s excellent Thrift Shop. When the shop opened four years ago this coming May, the centre was virtually derelict. Newtownabbey Animal Welfare helped bring back some life to the centre. Today, it houses a taxi office, a hairdresser, a community group and a domestic laundry service.

Recently, I talked to Bessie Moffett, a member of Newtownabbey Animal Welfare’s committee. Mrs Moffett talks enthusiastically of the work of the group over the past four or so years since its foundation, initially to support the Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary in Antrim town.

The group still supports the Mid-Antrim shelter, but has extended its assistance to needy animal welfasre groups all over Northern Ireland. Through the Thrift Shop and a number of fundraising functions and sponsored activities, the group has been able to make donations to other abimal shelters – the Millvale shelter in Dromara, the Crosskennan Lane Animal Shelter in Ballynoe, Co Antrim, and the Bright Eyes shelter in Co Fermanagh. The group’s earnest fundraising helped to put a van on the road to get around its sparsely populated rural hinterland. Their contributions still help to keep this van insured and road-worthy. A donation from the group helped the Rally Equestrian Centre to rebuild the fire-damaged accommodation after a blaze hit one of its buildings.

The group also does what it can to help pet owners, especially elderly folk, who find themselves unable to pay for treatment for their much-loved pets. Mrs Moffett emphasises that the group has a strict ‘no kill’ policy. It will pay for neutering and essential vaccinations and treatment for sick animals but it will not pay for any animal to be killed.

Some readers may remember a nine-week-long protest by animal lovers at a Whiteabbey nursing home a few years ago. The then matron at the home banned the feeding of feral cats and called in pest control experts to exterminate them, claiming that they were a health hazard to residents. Newtownabbey Animal Welfare activists spearheaded the campaign to save the cats, with the help of a sympathetic neighbour who allowed them onto her land. The remaining cats in the area are still fed by a volunteer from the group as are other feral colonies in the area.

The Thrift Shop is open from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm on weekdays and from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm on Saturdays. Naturally, donations of cash, good clean clothes and household goods, bric-a-brac, CDs, videos and DVDs are most welcome as are new volunteers to help keep everything going.

There’s not much passing trade, though, in this isolated corner of the Estate, so I recommend that you take a special trip to see the place. If you have nothing to donate, then go and buy something. Every little helps!

WWF-Northern Ireland guide to lobbying your local politicians

2006-02-18T19:54:00.000Z

DO THE ‘write’ thing for the environment. Buying organic produce, recycling paper, plastic and glass, switching to a ‘green’ electricity tariff … everyone has their own way of protecting the environment but have you ever wondered if there was something more you could do?

Well, the most effective way of making a positive change is to have legislation that protects the environment introduced – a daunting task if you aren’t involved in the political process. So rather than getting elected every time you want to make a change, lobbying your local politician is a quicker and easier way to influence the decision makers.

Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly (MLA’s), Members of Parliament (MP’s) and Members of the European Parliament (MEP’s) are the public’s voice in the political arena. You voted for them so they have a responsibility to address any suggestions, issues or concerns that you may have – that is what they are paid for!

By contacting one of these political representatives about an environmental issue, you will convey a powerful message. For every person who highlights an issue, politicians will know that there are many more who share similar views but just haven’t had time to communicate them.

When campaigns are launched by WWF, we always ask our supporters and members to help us communicate important messages to parliament or the assembly. By simply writing a letter you can make a valuable contribution to WWF’s conservation work. What do I need to write? Always identify yourself as a constituent and/or supporter of WWF.

Keep your letter as clear and brief as possible – ideally it should be no longer than one side A4. Do not expect your MLA/MP/MEP to know all about the subject. Always explain it as clearly as possible, and avoid jargon and scientific terms. Say why you are writing – is it a specific concern or a wider issue?

Suggest a course of action for your MLA/MP/MEP to take, giving your reasons. Be positive! A letter proposing a positive course of action is much more likely to be successful than a letter written in a negative manner. Enclose any relevant newspaper articles and give examples where possible to strengthen your case.

If possible, send a typed letter rather than a hand-written one – typed letters look neater and professional. Remember it is better to write individual, personalised letters rather than joint ones.

The more letters that an MLA/MP/MEP receives on a particular subject, the more notice he or she will take.

Make sure you know exactly what you want your MLA to support or object to. (If you are unsure of anything it is best to find out the facts first rather than send out mixed messages. WWF can provide you with fact sheets and information on important environmental issues).

Keep a copy of your letter. (If you are campaigning on behalf of WWF please send us a copy of your letter as well as your MLA’s/MP’s/MEP’s response. We can use this information to support our campaigns and persuade the government to take action.

You can find out who your MLA is by contacting the Northern Ireland Assembly on (028) 9052 1333 or by checking the Northern Ireland Assembly website.

Then send your letter to: (Name of your MLA) Northern Ireland Assembly, Parliament Buildings, Belfast, BT4 3XX.

All Northern Ireland MPs can be contacted at the House of Commons, London, SW1 0AA. If you are unsure who your MP is ring the House of Commons enquiry line on (020) 7219 4272 and give them your postcode. You can also find your local MPs details on the House of Commons website.

For names and addresses of Northern Ireland MEP’s contact the UK Office of the European Parliament on (020) 7227 4300 or visit the European Parliament website.

Thunder Dome Café – A Sunday Afternoon Delight!

2006-02-06T11:16:00.000Z

Restaurant Review – by Alan Thompson

WE STOPPED at the Thunder Dome Café in Glengormley last Sunday not knowing what to expect – what a delightful experience we then encountered.

The first thing that hits you about the place are the unbelievable surroundings. Lots of money has been invested in the modern American style layout. But would the food live up to the
setting – we were not to be disapointed.

For starters I chose the home made soup and my partner chose the cajun crumbed musrooms with garlic dip. Both were exceptional, the best we’ve had in a long time. The soup was home made vegetable, and I mean home made. It was on a par with my own mothers recipe, which I thought would never be equalled until now.

Moving on to the main course we both plumped for prime roast silverside of beef with Yorkshire pudding and roast gravy. The dish was served with vegetables and we had a great selection of potatoes. Each dish was cooked exactly as we had asked, with portions being well above average. A superb Sunday lunch in a superb setting.

As well as the quality of the food, what really sets the Thunder Dome apart from anything else is the standard of the service. Have you, as we have, recently been out for a meal, had a good one only to have the experience ruined by abominable service? Have no worries at the Thunder Dome Café. The staff acted like a polite, well-marshalled army. In fact we were overwhelmed by the attention lauded on us, absolutely excellent! The value was also exceptional, a Sunday two course lunch costimg £9.95 each with a wide choice of menu. Fancy a lazy Sunday afternoon treat? Get down to the Thunder Dome Café and set yourself up for the week ahead.

Thunder Dome Café, Antrim Road, Glengormley. Tel: (028) 9034 2266.

Film Review – Serenity

2006-02-05T22:42:00.000Z

Directed and written by Joss Whedon.Certificate 15.

ONE OF MY top five films of 2005. Darker in overall tone to its TV incarnation ‘Firefly’, it gives some indication, in narrative trems, to the direction that show might have taken, had the Fox network not prematurely pulled th plug in the US. ‘Firefly’ only finished its first run on the SciFi Channel in the UK.

‘Firefly’ fans will love it but viewers encountering Mal Reynolds and his crew for the first time won’t be left in the dark. That said, those expecting an extended episode of the old show will be a little disappointed, as cetain characters key to the show are somewhat sidelined. This, though, works to the overall advantage of the movie as it allows the plot to unfold unburdened by innecessary baggage.

In ‘Firefly’ Whedon reasoned that the far future won’t be that much different to today, and his spacemen – there are no aliens or bug-eyed monsters – are settlers, farmers and thieves. This view is extended here. What conflict exists in the film arises out of a bloody-minded will to oppose a well-intentioned but aggressively authoritarian government determined to impose its idealised view of the universe on its subjects using whatever means available to achieve it’s aims. It’s not a clear-cut attack on the moronic insular world-view of Bush and his cronies and their ‘War on Terror’ but it’s pretty close.

It’s also a film about culpability and responsibility in which the characters actually have characters. Nathan Fillian is in fine form as Mal Reynolds and Chewetal Ejiofor is an interesting villian. The stand-out performance comes, though, from Summer Glau as the disturbed savant, River. Sympathetic yet unsettling, she has a rare grace on screen – perhaps on account of an initial background in ballet – which makes the obligatory fight scenes (as complicated kick-ass gals - a la Buffy the Vampire Slayer - are something of an obsession for Wheldon) quite astonishing to watch.

There’s plenty of lovely extras on the DVD release which any Browncoat will really love.

Cast –
Nathan Fillion – MalGine Torres – ZoeAlan Tudyk – WashMorena Baccarin – InaraAdam Baldwin – JayneJewel Staite – KayleeSean Maher – SimonSummer Glau – RiverRon Glass – Shepherd BookChiwetel Ejiofor – The OperativeDavid Krumholtz – Mr UniverseMichael Hitchcock – Dr MathiasSarah Paulson – Dr Caron

Film Review – Walk the Line

2006-02-04T22:45:00.000Z

Certificate 12A

Directed by James MangoldWritten by Gill Dennis and James Mangold

Plot Outline: A chronicle of country music legend Johnny Cash’s life, from his early days on an Arkansas cotton farm to his rise to fame with Sun Records in Memphis, where he recorded alongside Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins.

WALK THE LINE tells the story of music legend Johnny Cash and his journey to becoming a popular country rock icon. The film stars Joaquin Phoenix as ‘The Man in Black’ and Reese Witherspoon as June Carter.

The film shows Cash as a young boy growing up in a farm in Arkansas listening to the legendary Carter family on the radio. His father Ray (Robert Patrick in a strong role) is tough on him, but seems to favour his brother Jack who seems likely to become a preacher. Jack dies in a sawmill acident. His father unfairly blames the death on him – “God took the wrong son”. Thereafter he can do no right in his daddy’s eyes, even when he serves his country in the Air Force.

After serving in Germany, cash sets up home with Vivian (Ginnifer Goodwin) where they have two kids. He is not a very good door-to-door salesman but his music, especially songs he wrote while serving in Germany, impress the legendary Sam Phillips of Sun Records. He goes on tour and develops a stormy relationship with one of his childhood idols, June Carter.

No biopic can ever cover a man’s life. Mangold doesn’t try. He brings out the strong message that ‘love is a burning thing’ and that the love of a good, determined woman can turn a man around from the paths of self-destruction. The performances are very strong from both leads. They even sing all the songs themselves. This comes across well when Phoenix haltingly starts up Folsom Prison Blues – “a song I wrote when I was in the Air Force” – when he first meets Sam Phillips at the Sun studios, only to become more fluent and accomplished as he really gets into it. Wonderful.

Reese Witherspoon is a fine actress. She was superb in the romantic comedy, Sweet Home Alabama and in the two fluffy Legally Blonde films. She’s not blond in Walk the Line but she has reached the peak of her acting career so far. Joaquin Phoenix IS Johnny Cash in this wonderful biopic, but Reese Witherspoon as June Carter Cash sets this film on fire – a burning ring of fire!

It is one thing to portray a person’s life, with feeling and emotion. Phoenix pulls this off effortlessly. But Witherspoon surpasses even this to make June Carter the central character of this film as the woman who turned Johnny Cash around. After picking up a BAFTA award the other week for this role, she might want to get her acceptance speech ready when the Oscars are handed out.

Cast:
Joaquin Phoenix – John R CashReese Witherspoon – June CarterGinnifer Goodwin – Vivian CashRobert Patrick – Ray CashDallas Roberts – Sam PhillipsDan John Miller – Luther PerkinsLarry Bagby – Marshall GrantShelby Lynne – Carrie CashTyler Hilton – Elvis PresleyWaylon Payne – Jerry Lee LewisShooter Jennings – Waylon JenningsSandra Ellis Lafferty – Maybelle CarterDan Beene – Ezra CarterClay Steakley – W.S. ‘Fluke’ HollandJohnathan Rice – Roy Orbison.

One Day in Paris

2006-02-02T22:57:00.000Z

John Field visits Disneyland Paris

IN LATE October last year, four of us – two adults and two children – visited Disneyland Paris. A ninety-minute flight took us from Aldergrove to Charles de Gaulle airport on the North East outskirts of Paris. A further 45-minute coach journey took us from the airport to our final destination – the three star My Travel’s Explorers Hotel.

On the first full day of our holiday we decided to visit the main Disneyland Park. Getting from the Explorers Hotel to the Park couldn’t be easier as a free shuttle bus took us from our hotel direct and the average journey time was only ten minutes. We found Disneyland Park absolutely amazing. We had just never come across anything like this before - there’s almost too much to see and do.

Later in the evening we visited the Disney Village. This is a vast area situated in the heart of the Disney resort. It’s full of shops, themed restaurants, bars, a nightclub and a multiscreen cinema. Like all of Disney, there was a fantastic family atmosphere. Wearily, we returned to hotel. Our first day had just flown in.

For our second full day at the resort we’d planned an early morning swim and then a visit to Paris itself. (Perhaps the most dominant feature of the Explorers hotel is its swimming pool. It’s certainly the liveliest and noisiest feature! On the first full day of our stay at Disney we were woken early by excited children charging down towards the swimming pool. Whilst booking on-line, we’d seen that the hotel had a pool and had come prepared).

For our pre-breakfast swim we got up just prior to eight and wandered down to the pool. We were half-expecting to join a long queue of children but to our surprise we were among the first there. (Many children were at the previous late-night Halloween festivities and were presumably sleeping-in). However the pool did fill up quickly later on so our advice would be to get in early.

We were slightly disappointed with the pool. Somehow we had visions of it being at the temperature of a hot tub, but it was much cooler than we’d been expecting. However we soon acclimatised and had a great time in the pool (which features a large and small slide and a separate pool for toddlers). The slides in particular proved to be very popular.
After about 30 minutes we left the pool. (We’d planned to travel to Paris this day to see the sights and still needed to get our breakfast). We were disappointed in that half of the showers weren’t working – but luckily we were coming out whilst most people were coming in. We also thought that a few mirrors in the changing rooms wouldn’t have gone amiss.

After our customary huge continental breakfast we took the free shuttle bus from the Explorers Hotel to the main Disney Park. Just beside this is the main train station of Marne-la-Vallée / Chessy. Here we were able to get tickets that not only got us by overland train to Paris but also on the Paris Metro (underground) system itself.

The station at Chessy was bright and airy. All signs and brochures were in both French and English. The staff spoke good English as well. The timetables were printed using 24-hour clock so there were no problems. We boarded our train and were immediately taken aback – as it had an upper and lower deck! We’d never seen this before but for our outward journey chose to sit on the lower deck. The train was reasonably clean and comfortable so we sat back to enjoy the sights as we travelled into Paris. The journey took us about 40 minutes.

We had to change from mainline train to Metro but again there were no problems. We went to an information section and again the staff spoke very good English. They gave us a Metro map and advised us on the best way to get to the main tourist spot on our agenda – the Eiffel Tower. Being very familiar with the London Underground we found the Metro very easy to use.
We soon arrived at the Eiffel Tower – and boy what a sight! One of our groups had visited the tower and had said that it is much bigger and higher than it appears in pictures. However we just weren’t prepared for this. It’s an absolutely staggering piece of engineering.

Although the queues for the Tower were very long, we found that they were moving at a reasonable pace. At first glance we thought that we’d be stuck in the queue for at least a couple of hours. However, after about 20 – 30 minutes we were at the front of the queue. The crowd queuing seemed to be from all over the place – we spent much of our time trying to fathom out different languages and accents! Those queuing were also very good-natured. Perhaps it was the sounds of the traditional French accordion player who put everyone at their ease.

Unfortunately by the time we’d reached the front of the queue only the two lower levels of the Eiffel Tower were open. The third – and highest – level is always the most popular. It’s also the smallest and has a limit on the number of people allowed at any one time. Giant electronic signs – in four or five languages – had already informed us that the top was closed, so we just opted to visit the first and second levels.

After a brief security check we walked into one of the four massive entrances situated at the base of the Eiffel Tower. Here we queued for a lift to take us to the first level. Whilst the first level doesn’t look too far up, it’s a different story once you’re up there! The views were fantastic – and we could only imagine what they were like from the very top.

There was plenty of room to take a leisurely walk around all sides of the tower and admire the views. Wall mounted plaques indicated the buildings and areas that you could view. Even with our basic knowledge of Paris, we could immediately see the River Seine, the Tocadero, Arc de Triomphe and the Sacré-Coeur.

We were amazed to find that the first floor included a restaurant, post office, cinema and souvenir shop. The smell of fresh coffee and food – particularly French pastries – reminded us that we’d brought a packed lunch with us. We went outside to find a place to sit and enjoy our lunch, but all the seats on the sunny side of the Tower were taken. It seemed that every family group had the same idea as us! (If you are thinking of taking a packed lunch, remember to wrap up well. The first floor is about 95 meters above sea level, so even on its sunny side the Eiffel Tower can be a bit chilly. You can imagine what its like tucking into a few salad baps on the cooler side of the Tower!)

After lunch we took the lift up to the second floor. This is 125 meters above the ground and offers an uninterrupted 360° view over Paris. This is the perfect place to make a photographic study of the city. We thought the first floor was breathtaking but this was something else! Whilst on the second floor make sure you view the animated window scenes. They relate the history of Eiffel Tower's construction, and explain the, operation of the old hydraulic elevator that ran to the top until 1983, as well as the lifts now used. Its absolutely fascinating stuff – and it makes you appreciate how much of a technical genius Gustave Eiffel was.

As we’d taken the lifts up to the first and second floors, we decided to take the stairs going down. Big mistake! We’d heard somewhere that using the stairs was an unforgettable experience – and to a degree this was correct. It was unforgettable in that our feet were aching for the rest of the day! There seemed to be thousands of steps and it took forever and a day to get down from the second to the first floor. Luckily we were going down – you should have seen the sight of some of those coming up! We’re still wondering if all of them made it! Unless you’re super fit, our advice would be to take the lift at all times.

After a few hours at the Eiffel Tower we decided to move on. We were particularly interested in seeing some of the other sights that Paris had to offer. To do this we would highly recommend a tour of the River Seine by Batobus. Here several modern tour boats travel up and down the river. A simple ticket allows you unlimited travel and you can hop on and off at any of eight stops. This is a fantastic way of viewing Paris.

We travelled to Notre Dame, but didn’t get into the Cathedral because the queue seemed to be a mile long. Nevertheless, we had a good wander around the area, looking at all the shops, restaurants and souvenirs. There was also a fantastic riverside market selling books, posters and postcards.

After a thoroughly exhausting – but highly enjoyable – day in central Paris we headed back to Disneyland Paris. However we were so enthralled by our day trip, that we resolved to make Paris itself a holiday destination in the not too distant future.
For information on the Eiffel Tower check out their web-site at: http://www.tour-eiffel.fr/teiffel/uk/

For information on Batobus tours check out:http://www.allofrance.co.uk/city-break/paris-tickets/seine-cruise/batobus-ticket.asp

Direct EasyJet link to Paris and the 3 Ducks Hostel

2006-02-01T15:51:00.000Z

by David Kerr

EASYJET sometimes gets a bit of a bad press these days. Occasionally this is deserved, but often it is unfair. Recently I had a mad dash to catch my Belfast bound flight in the new sparkling Luton Airport. I was the fifteenth passenger to check in but the last one to board the aircraft.

When I checked in the clerks told me to watch the departure boards for details of the proper departure gate. I passed through security, bought a newspaper and had a leisurely breakfast of dried fruits, yoghurt and granola with a lovely pot of tea. It was sheer bliss!
After what seemed like a few minutes I checked the departure board. My flight details were flashing, ‘LAST CALL’ at Gate 18.

I galloped down the corridor in double-quick time. I only just made it. As I collapsed gasping into my seat the flight attendant closed the door of the Airbus behind me. I was scarlet with embarrassment as my fellow passengers looked on disapprovingly. Honestly, I never heard a single announcement. If I had missed the flight it would not have been EasyJet’s fault. It’d have been mine alone!

For my flight to Charles De Gaulle airport in Paris I would be more prepared! I would not relax until I found out which gate my flight was leaving from. It worked. After passing through security I checked the departure board every ten minutes. I was the first passenger to notice the ‘Proceed to Gate 21’ sign and made my way there well ahead of everyone else. All went smoothly. I got a great seat with plenty of legroom. The flight even managed to leave a little ahead of time as nobody emulated my Luton experience.

The flight attendants were polite, friendly and efficient which made the time spent in the air pass quite pleasantly. We even got into Paris CDG fifteen minutes early! Transition through Passport Control and the baggage reception carousel went without a hitch.

Once into the main area of Terminal 3, it is a short walk to the RER railway station. Those with lots of luggange can take a shuttle bus. Eight Euros takes you into the gare du Nord where you can take an underground or mainline train to just about anywhere.

Gare du Nord is by far the scariest railway station I have ever been in! It’s a nightmare to find your way around its three levels – every one heaving with thousands of people – when you’ve never set foot in the place before. As I chased around the massive station for the best part of forty-five minutes I nearly took a panic attack. Eventually, more by luck than judgement, I found my way to Metro Line 4, changed to Line 8 further along the network and ended up at my destination, the Commerce Metro station.

Travelling around Paris is very easy if you invest in a Paris Visite card. This entitles you to travel on any SNCF Ile-de-France train, any Metro and RER train and on RATP and SNCF trains and buses around the city and the funicular railway that takes you up to the Sacre Couer basilica. This comes with a booklet of coupons that offer discounts on quite a few of the city’s major attractions. A three-day ticket costs just 18 Euros.

Don’t despair if you fancy a trip to Paris but have little or no money. There are quite a few places where you can stay a fortnight for the price of a night in the fancy five-star hotel down the road.

I stayed three nights in the friendly 3 Ducks Hostel, close to the Commerce Metro station. A night in a four-bed dormitory will set you back 16 Euros a night in the low season. The price includes a continental breakfast of orange juice, tea or coffee and a baguette with jam and butter. Private rooms are also available at a higher rate.

Reception is in a pleasant bar that gives access to a rear courtyard. This must be lovely in the summer. The rooms are arranged around three sides of the courtyard on the ground floor and an overlooking first floor balcony. Other doors on the ground floor of the courtyard conceal three lavatories, two showers and the guests’ kitchen.

Alpha Memories

2006-01-15T00:38:00.000Z

When I was growing up in Rathcoole in the Sixties, I often went to the Saturday afternoon matinees in our local cinema, the Alpha by the Diamond. These were often cowboy pictures.

My mother often told the story of taking me to see a cowboy film when I was around six or seven. The hero kissed his girl, much to my disgust. "He'll be kissing his horse next", I shouted out to my mums's embarassment and the laughs of many in the audience.

Sadly, the Alpha ceased to be a cinema in the Seventies and became a drinking club - The East Way Social Club. That club has moved to new purpose built premises and the old cinema has been demolished. I have no idea what is to happen to the vacant site. I'd be interested in any memories of the old Alpha cinema from older Rathcoole residents.

The Green Green Attitudes of Home

2006-01-14T12:03:00.000Z

People in Northern Ireland want to be more eco-friendley but they need Government help, according to a new report which surveyed over 1000 local people on their environmental opinions.

In the report 'Who Cares? A Survey of Attitudes to the Environment in Northern Ireland', 80% of respondents agreed with the statement 'I'd be willing to make changes to my lifestyle to reduce environmental damage to the planet'. Some of the most popular suggestions were recycling more rubbish, buying more locally-produced food and buying more energy efficient appliances.

The least popular measure was driving your car less. Mary T. Conway, mother of two living outside Omagh explains that the lack of any convenient public transport where she lives makes the family very dependant on a car., "Work, school, shopping, socialising - we've no choice. Our car is a necessity, not a luxury."

The survey, carried out by MORI Ireland, highlights a number of areas where the public believe the government should be taking action.
* Reducing VAT on energy efficient appliances (91%)
* Tax breaks for households that try to reduce their environmental impact (90%)
* More funding for the development of biofuels which are cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels like petrol (84%)

Linda Giles from Dromore says, "It's really up to the government to come up with some answers. I don't think individuals like me can make much of a difference."

Over three quarters of respondents believed that there should be a requirement on business to publish their environmental performance but also that there should be tax breaks for businesses that are eco-friendly.

Martin, a small business owner from Ballynahinch says that there is no provision for recycling bins for businesses in his locality. He pays between £4 - £5 per bin per week therefore tries to keep waste to a minimum. "Finding time to sort out my waste and more importantly the time required to bring the waste products to the council's local recycling area is impossible. They open during business hours and it's not feasible for me to take an hour out of my day simply to deal with rubbish

The data showed that those in the highest social class category and those living in the Belfast City Council area were the most likely to be concerned about environmental issues.

The most unexpected finding from this survey related to the views of the youngest age group (15-24). While most did display anxiety about environmental problems, their level of concern was less than that of other age groups.

"In the environmental movement and in government we are sometimes all to quick to tell the public what lifestyle changes they should be making. With this report, we wanted to take a step back and ask the people of Northern Ireland what they really think about the environment and how easy it is to be eco-friendly today." said Jim Kitchen, head of WWF Northern Ireland. The report can be downloaded from http://www.wwf-uk.org/core/about/nireland.asp

In Conversation with - Griefshare

2006-01-12T15:20:00.000Z

In Conversation with … Griefshare – a Grief Recovery Programme

AS WE grow older, the more likely it is that someone we know or love will die. Few people over thirty have not lost a family member or a close friend, whether through illness, accident or just through old age. Some folk can cope with such loss with few problems, especially if they have a strong family around them, or a deep religious faith. However, not everyone can cope so well as their friends seem to ignore them or treat them strangely, perhaps afraid that they will trigger floods of tears or some other dramatic reaction in the bereaved person. This can be a particularly difficult struggle for beareaved persons at critical times of the yaer like Christmas, significant birthdays and the anniversary of the loved one’s death.

Griefshare is a charity associated with Woodlands Presbyterian Church which aims to help those who are bereaved through its recovery programme. Ruth Lorimer from Griefshare told me more.

As Ruth puts it, “it may be hard for you to feel optimistic about the future right now. If you’ve lost a spouse, child, family member or friend, you’ve probably found that there are not many people who understand the deep hurt you feel. That’s the reason for Griefshare”.

Griefshare is a 13-week programme for people who are grieving the loss of someone close. Each week includes a video seminar featuring Biblical teachings on grief and recovery topics such as ‘Your Family and Grief’ and ‘Growing through Grief’. The vides also feature real-life stories of people who understand through their own loss. These are also aimed at offering comfort and encouragement on the journey from mourning to joy.

Another key element of each evening is the time spent discussing the video in small groups, supporting and learning from each other. It’s during these times that people realise they’re not on their own, but there are others who are also struggling with their grief and they can help and comfort each other.

Each of the sessions are ‘self-contained’ and people can attend at any stage. The facilitators who lead the groups have themselves suffered bereavement and loss and appreciate the difficulties faced by people who are grieving.

Griefshare hold information evenings at Woodlands Presbytarian Church, Burleigh Drive, Carrickfergus. “If you need further information, have questions about Griefshare or just need someone to chat to about your loss, contact Ruth 028 270 274 or Lois 093 378 651. Hurting people matter to God and matter to us to”.

Griefshare has been a real help to many people. A few people who had been helped by Griefshare have allowed us to quote them.

Mary said:
“Griefshare acknowledged the severity of how I felt and made me feel like it was okay. In Griefshare I met people who knew by looking at me, how I was feeling … they felt the same too. It gave me a focus and helped me get by in small steps from one week to the next”.

Deborah said:
“I went to Griefshare a year after my son died and received comfort, understanding and support. Those of us attending Griefshare are suffering the unbearable pain that comes when one we love so much, no longer shares our lives. At Griefshare I am able to share my deepest feelings and know that those around me really care for me.”

And Donald said:
“I made the call. It was a really difficult one to make! Over 12 months have passed, sad times, happy times, but it’s the caring and sharing that makes the difference.”

Griefshare has helped numerous people work through their grieving and encouraged them to rebuild their lives again. So if you're thinking about attending, come along to the information evenings and see for yourself.

David Kerr’s Top Films of 2005

2006-01-11T15:25:00.000Z

MY CHOICE of the top five films of 2005 is purely subjective. It’s ones that tell a good story, are well acted and very entertaining, informative or inspiring.

1. Downfall. The last days of the Third Reich from inside Hitler’s bunker.

2. Harry Potter and the Cauldron of Fire. Harry comes face-to-face with the evil Voldermort in the latest sequel.

3. Chronicles of Narnia: the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. CS Lewis’ wonderful Christian allegory hits the big screen.

4. King Kong. Peter Jackson’s remake of the classic beauty and the beast story.

5. Serenity. From the neglected Firefly – the Browncoats come to the big screen.

Mickybo & Me - Film Review

2006-01-10T12:15:00.000Z

Mickybo & Me (http://www.uip.ie/mickyboandme/#), Certificate 15
Directed by Terry Loane

Reviewed by David Kerr
Starring Adrian Dunbar, Ciaran Hinds, Gina McKee, Susan Lynch, Julie Waters and introducing John Jo McNeill and Niall Wright

Mickybo & Me brings back a lot of memories for me. It's a bittersweet comedy set in a divided Belfast in 1970, just as the troubles were starting to get underway. The opening shots show a shop exploding into the middle of a city street as Johnjo and his mum go to buy a pair of shoes. Part of the fun for me is identifying where in the city the different scenes where shot.

Oblivious to the disintegrating society around them two bright youngsters from each side of the rapidly widening sectarian divide in the city meet and become firm friends in the face of a gang of older boys led by Mickybo's archenemy, a boy he calls 'fartface'. Mickybo (John Jo McNeill) fascinates Johnjo (Niall Wright) who is quite unlike anyone he has ever met. Mickybo is cheeky but loveable - he's definately the leader - brash, self assured and confident.

After blagging their way into a local cinema to watch Butch cassidy and the Sundamce Kid, the boys become obsessed by the lives of Butch and Sundance and decide to run away to Australia, living as outlaws on the way. A scene in which Mickybo 'robs' a small town banks branch while Johnjo waits outside on a getaway bike is priceless. And a later scene where the boys, like their heroes Butch and Sundance are chased by security guards and Gardai (across the border in 'Australia') is terrific.

Sadly the reality of Seventies Belfast hits the boys hard in a shocking twist to the storyline just as they return from life on the run. Powerful stuff!

This film is magnificent, with strong supporting roles from Julie Walters as Mickybo's mum, Adrian Dunbar as Mickybo'stragic alcoholic da and Cairan Hinds as Johnjo's philandering dad.

Great stuff! Get over the occasional bad language and watch this film. The DVD also has a few bonus features including some deleted scenes and a short film showing how the stunts were done.

Film Review - King Kong

2006-01-09T15:27:00.000Z

FILM REVIEW – KING KONG

Certificate – 12ADirected by Peter JacksonStarring – Naomi Watts, Carl Denham, Jack Driscoll, Thomas Kretschmann, Colin Hanks, Andy Serkis.

Reviewed by David Kerr

PETER JACKSON has had the world at his feet since his acclaimed film version of JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy broke all kinds of box office records over the last few years. He could have had any film project he cared to name, so it’s no wonder that he decided to aim for something big – very big!

The dustbins of cinematic history are overflowing with dreadful, pointless remakes and sequels. The worst one of recent years has to be Psycho. King Kong itself was remade once before and set in the late twentieth century. In that one, the great ape met his gruesome end while balanced on the twin towers of the World Trade Centre.

Why bother, the, when the 1933 original was such a masterpiece? Well, I suppose that Jackson thought that he could bring in some modern film making techniques and produce a new classic for a new era. Id so, he has done it and done it well.

Andy Serkis, Gollum in The Lord of the Rings, brought a real sense of believability to the role of Kong. This wasn’t just a bit of fancy computer generated imagery with a man mucking about in a monkey suit. The CGI was impressive with its lovingly recreated images of Thirties New York. Jackson’s choice in keeping his film in the same historical era as the RKO original was the right one.

Jack Denham really shines as the seedy, fast-talking and non-too-scrupulous filmmaker who takes a down-on-her-luck comedy actress into sailing to ‘Singapore’ to make a shipboard movie. He narrowly avoids arrest as the ship slips its moorings and sails to the mysterious Skull Island. No matter what horrors emerge – and there’s plenty of them – he keeps his camera rolling. Naomi Watts plays the hoodwinked actress who is captured by savages to be given to the great ape as a human sacrifice. The scene where she tries to befriend the ape with part of her stage comedy routine is hugely entertaining.

Some have criticised Jackson’s film for its length. I thought that the scenes where King Kong fights dinosaurs didn’t have to be so long and the scenes where the crew of the vessel encounters giant insects and leeches could have been cut. However, I decided against a large Coke before entering the cinema, so my bladder allowed me to sit through the whole thing without any discomfort! Definitely, this is one of the best films of 2005.

Disneyland Paris

2006-01-08T20:22:00.000Z

DAY TWO – DISNEYLAND PARK & THE DISNEY VILLAGE

IN LATE October last year, four of us – two adults and two children – visited Disneyland Paris. A ninety-minute flight took us from Aldergrove to Charles de Gaulle airport on the North East outskirts of Paris. A further 45-minute coach journey took us from the airport to our final destination – the three star My Travel’s Explorers Hotel. It’s just one of around a dozen different hotels that form part of the massive Disneyland Resort Paris complex. We arrived at the hotel in the early evening, so we spent most of our time relaxing with a meal and some drinks in the restaurant/bar area. A further hour was spent exploring our hotel and its grounds. It was then back to our room for a well-deserved first nights sleep.

The Explorers is a very family-orientated hotel and is just perfect for children. Indeed, on our first morning, excited children charging down the corridor woke us up just before 8 am. They were all heading towards the swimming pool! (It’s open from 8am – 9pm every day and is well worth a visit). Despite this, we lay on in our very comfortable beds and ambled down to breakfast around 9am. This seemed to be the most popular time for breakfast as the place was absolutely packed.

A self-service system was in operation. It seemed very chaotic to those of us used to patiently queuing, but we soon got used to this idea. Continental breakfast was included in our holiday package, but for a few Euros more a full English breakfast was available. However, we decided to stick with the Continental breakfast. Here you can lift as much food as you like – look out for the rolls, croissants, pain de chocolate and fruit salad. All were absolutely beautiful. There were also yoghurts, pureed fruit, cereals, tea, coffee and fruit juice available.

On the first full day of our holiday we decided to visit the main Disneyland Park. Getting from the Explorers Hotel to the Park couldn’t be easier as a free shuttle bus took us from our hotel direct. The bus served a couple of hotels but on average the journey was around ten minutes. The bus itself was a massive and reasonably comfortable ‘bendy bus’ – something similar to the City Express that runs between Newtownabbey and Belfast. As well as having a large number and destination information visible, the buses seemed to be colour-coded as to what hotels they served (ours was a yellow No. 54 bus). With the pick up/drop off areas being the same one couldn’t go wrong. On top of this, each bus supplied information via leaflets and TV.

Everything was translated into English, so there’s no problem in understanding announcements or instructions.

When we arrived at Disneyland Park we went through a brief security check and were then met by large queues. There seemed to be thousands of people waiting to get in but at least the queues were moving. We’d pre-booked our tickets for both the Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. This proved to be very fortunate as we were able to join a special pre-booked queue, which only took between five – ten minutes to get in. (We’d pre-booked our passes at the Explorers Hotel – something we’d highly recommend doing).

One of our group was also disabled. Therefore, we were very happy to see that at each entrance a special entry system for wheelchair users and other disabled people had been put in operation.
Disneyland Park itself is divided into various different zones. Main Street USA is “a charming recreation of small-town America at the turn of the last century” and Fantasyland, which “is packed full of attractions based on classic fairytales, such as Peter Pan’s Flight and Pinocchio’s Fantastic Journey”. There’s also Discoveryland – “a world of tomorrow, as imagined by the likes of da Vinci and Jules Verne” and Adventureland “where you’ll experience the Caribbean, Africa and the jungles of Asia in one afternoon”.

We knew that there were special disability passes available and the staff at the entrance told us to obtain them from the ‘City Hall’ which is just inside the main entrance. (The ‘City Hall’ is also the main information centre for the Disneyland Park. All the staff spoke English and all maps and leaflets were translated into English). The ‘City Hall’ staff were very helpful and nothing was too much trouble for them. We had to provide our Blue European Disability card and in turn they provided us with our Disneyland Park disability pass. This pass enabled us to get on the various rides and attractions without having to join the main queue.

They explained that you had to take the pass to the exit of each attraction and staff would get our group on each ride. We were happy that some thought had been given to disabled visitor – however it was a very strange experience to enter each attraction via its exit. We thought this could be potentially dangerous, particularly to wheelchair users. Perhaps a separate entrance for visitors with special needs would have been more appropriate.

We found that our average wait to get on a ride was between five to ten minutes. Unfortunately we had to wait 45 minutes to get on the Thunder Mountain ride. Whilst we realised that this was perhaps the most popular ride at Disney the situation wasn’t good – especially as we had an autistic child with us, they don’t like to wait!

This aside we must say that Disneyland Park itself is absolutely amazing. We had just never come across anything like this before. There was almost too much to see and do. We soon realised that a three-day visit was inadequate for to see the whole of Disneyland – especially as we also wanted to visit the Disney Village and the Walt Disney studios. Our advice would be to go for a week if your budget allows it.

There’s something for everyone at the Disneyland Park. If you’re a thrill-seeker, head for Discoveryland. This is the home of Space Mountain: Mission 2, the newest and perhaps the most exciting ride in the whole Resort. Just reading its description will raise the hairs of your neck:

“The G-force crushes you deep into your seat as you blast off. Hurtling like a high-speed cannonball, the Mission spacecraft hits zero gravity and suddenly you're weightless. Then wham! You’re knocked off course, power-sliding and not knowing which way is up!”
We can testify that Space Mountain lives up to its hype! One trip on it was enough for us. It took us much of the day to get our breath back.

Every zone has its memorable rides and attractions. Also look out for the Enchanted Castle and the daily parades around the park. There’s also a free steam train railway that runs right around the park and you can get on or off the train in any zone you fancy. However, be prepared to queue a while for the train – it’s very, very popular!

All roads and streets were lined with various shops selling every type of Disney product available. These ranged from small enamel badges to clothes and costumes for the kids. There were also a lot of places to eat – but be warned they are extremely busy and can be a bit on the expensive side.

Our first full day at Disney flew in and before long it was getting dark. However instead of going back to our hotel we decided to visit the Disney Village. This is a vast area situated in the heart of the Disney resort. Full of Disney shops, bars, a nightclub and a multiscreen cinema. There also seemed to be every themed restaurant under the sun. Again there was a fantastic family atmosphere.

When we visited Disney it was at Halloween. This seemed to be a big holiday in France – and half the country seemed to be at the Disney Village! We’d never seen anything like this in our lives – men, women and children were all in fancy dress as ghosts, vampires, witches and so on. Some of the makeup they wore was very realistic. We had to look twice at lots of people who appeared to have terrible facial injuries – only to realise that it was elaborate make up.

We stayed reasonably late to enjoy the festivities. There were live bands, an open-air disco and various street acts. All in all there was a great carnival atmosphere. We’d highly recommend visiting Disney during Halloween period.

On 1st November the park was decorated for Christmas, the staff must have worked hard to transform it during the night. All part of “the magic” of Disneyland Paris!

John Field.

Film Review - Lassie

2006-01-08T15:30:00.000Z

FILM REVIEW – LASSIE

Certificate PGDirected by Charles SturridgeStarring: Peter O’Toole, Robert hardy, Nicholas Lyndurst and Edward Fox.

Reviewed by Alan Thompson

I HAVE accompanied my seven year old son to numerous multi-million dollar blockbusters over the last number of months, including batman Begins, the disappointing Legend of Zorro, Star Wars III, and the impressive King Kong. So what a delightful change this modest, fast paced, emotional, lower-budget picture was.

I was apprehensive before seeing the film that Lassie might just be another computer-generated canine King Kong, but not a bit of it. A real life dog with special effects and an absolute barely noticeable minimum.

A superb cast inspires Peter O’Toole as the Duke of Rudling to turn in one of his most impressive on-screen performances in years. The supporting cats includes Edward Fox, the ever reliable Robert Hardy and a surprise screen villain role for Nicolas ‘Rodders’ Lyndhurst, whose dastardly actions caused my son to have to wipe a tear from his eyes.

The story, set on the eve of the Second World War, begins with the local Yorkshire coal pit closing and miner Sam (John Lynch) is forced to sell Lassie to the Duke, much to the dismay of his desperate wife Sarah (Samantha Morton) and his heartbroken son, Joe. Lassie is transported to Scotland, but escapes the clutches of his belt-wielding handler, to make an epic journey back to Yorkshire. This version is the most faithful adaptation of Eric Knight’s original novel since the legendary Lassie Come Home (1943).

Some beautiful scenic photography, mostly shot in Ireland adds to the pleasant fell-good family experience. If you miss it at the cinema, grab the DVD – you won’t be disappointed.

Les McKeown – Seventies pop legend talks to Alan Thompson.

2006-01-07T22:02:00.000Z

FOR THOSE of us who can remember let’s get one thing straight, the bay City Rollers were absolutely massive in the Seventies. With a string of hits including ‘Shang-A-Lang’, ‘Bye Bye Baby’, ‘Remember’, ‘Summer Love Sensation’ and ‘Give a Little Love’. The magic is kept alive today by Les McKeown, the voice on all the original hits.

I caught up with Les as he prepares for his whistle stop Irish tour that includes gigs in Banbridge, Newry, Dublin and Belfast.

Les told me he’s always amazed by the reception he gets this side of the Irish Sea. “It’s brilliant” he daid. “I played here last year with David Cassidy and other stars of the 70s and the years just rolled back. I kind of think of Belfast now as my second home”.

Over the last five years Les’s popularity has again begun to soar and he told me he’ll be playing over fifty venues this year. But there’s another event high on the pop legend’s mind this year, the pending court case he and other former band members are bringing against their former record company. “It’s all been quite stressful but at least now at last it’s going to come to a head in court and hopefully be settled this year”. Les and the other band members are hoping for a negotiated settlement for monies and royalties they claim to have been cheated out of over the years.

Les welcomes the modern management techniques and layers of protection afforded to more recent boy band phenomena such as Take That and Boyzone. “We were thrown to the dogs” he states with understandable bitterness. “WE were exploited fully by ruthless, cruel, nasty people. They couldn’t have cared less about us. The only thing they worried about was lining their own pockets. We weren’t given a thought”.

However, les now looks to the future and his current management are planning a CD later in the year. Les has no contact with the other original members of the band socially but has been in contact as a necessity due to the pending legal proceedings.
Les stated “Sure I regret a lot, especially the management side of things but they were great times as well and I’m happy the way things are going now. I’ve a great team around me now and a big year ahead”.

I’m certainly looking forward to seeing Les in action during his forthcoming tour.

CD Review - Return To Splendor by The King aka Jim Brown.

2006-01-07T20:19:00.000Z

RETURN TO SPLENDOR by The King aka Jim Brown.
15 Tracks. Running Time: 58 minutes 38 seconds.

“PLEASE ALLOW me to introduce myself, I’m a man of wealth and taste” – the first line of the famous Rolling Stones song, ‘Sympathy for the Devil’ – a song about the devil in disguise. I hadn’t expected to find this on an album by Northern Ireland’s foremost Elvis tribute act. Nevertheless, it’s there as the first track of Jim Brown’s second album, ‘Return to Splendor’. I thought that Gravelands was good, but that was just a warm up for this truly splendid CD. Shame about the spelling!

An Elvis fan for many years, I might be expected to welcome any decent tribute to the late King of Rock and Roll. True enough, but until listening to ‘Gravelands’ and this CD, I’d only thought of Elvis tribute acts singing Elvis songs! Who else could get away with adding that special Elvis touch to such a variety of songs and styles? From that opening Stones ballad, through the fast-paced ‘The House is Rockin’’, and country standards like ‘King of the Road’ and a very upbeat cover of ‘Take me Home Country Road’ to apparently outlandish tracks like the Sex Pistols’ classic ‘Pretty Vacant’, ‘The King’ makes them all his own. There’s not a weak track on it!

I particularly liked ‘Sweet Home Chicago’ and ‘Hoochie Coochie Man’ as they gave The King’s Band a chance to excel in some wonderful instrumentals. I also loved the Elvisly-influenced gender-swapped version of Dusty Springfield’s ‘Son of a Preacher Man’. On this ablum she becomes ‘Child of a Preacher man’ with the occasional touch of ‘Elvis That’s the Way it is’ style comments throughout the track! Wow! The album winds down with a pleasant cover of the ever-popular ‘What a Wonderful World’ and a cheerful vesrion of Dean Martin’s tearjerker, ‘Little Ole Wine Drinker, Me’ that quite belies the self-pitying lyrics.

Quite why this talented singer has been so little recognised at home beats me. The man is a musical virtuoso, but his record label is German. He’s bigger there than he is here, so it’s good to see him getting a bit more airplay on Gerry Anderson’s Radio Ulster show in the last few months. I hope that the renewed interest in this talented artist will bring many new faces to his Elvis Spectacular Show in the Clarion Hotel in Carrickfergus on March 3rd.

David Kerr

Maxwell's Last Hours … Alan Thompson visits Santa Cruz, Tenerife.

2006-01-06T22:07:00.000Z

I TOOK a New Year sunshine holiday break to Tenerife to recharge the batteries over the holiday period. I deliberately booked an up-market hotel complex outside the brash resort of Playa de las Americas. If – like me – you detest loud, noisy, lager lout infested neon-lit costa style resorts, Santa Cruz the capital of Tenerife and the Canary Islands, is well worth a visit.

I have for years now been interested in the life of the late disgraced publishing tycoon, Robert Maxwell. Having recently re-read two outstanding books on the subject ‘Maxwell: The Outsider’ and ‘Maxwell: The Final Verdict’ both by author Tom Bower, I decided it would be interesting to retrace his final steps before he boarded his luxury yacht, the Lady Ghislaine for the last time in November 1991. What happened to Maxwell between that and his body being found at sea 24 hours later has remained a mystery ever since, and has been the subject of numerous conspiracy theories.

I decided to stroll to the Hotel Mencey. The beautiful and elegant early twentieth century Hotel is where Maxwell had his last meal. I took the scenic route along the waterfront, the Avenida Jose Antonio Primo De Rivera. As I turned left to ascent I stumbled upon what is now a rarity in Spain; a massive statue of the former Head of State, El Caudillo himself, General Francisco Franco. The statue shows Franco in heroic pose with a massive sword on an angel type figure. The statue has been allowed to fall into a state of disrepair. It is surrounded by weeds and has obviously been uncleaned for years. This is probably a prelude to its eventual removal. It was only last year that the authorities removed the last remaining statue in Madrid. The Franco connection, and probably the reason the statue has survived, is very strong. It was from Tenerife, whilst Governor of the Canary Islands that Franco began the insurgency that would engulf Spain in a bitter and bloody civil war.

I arrived at the Hotel and entered through the huge entrance, being nodded to enthusiastically by the commissonaire on the door. The hotel oozed both class and splendour, a world away from the ugly concrete hotel creations that have been thrown up all over the island during the last forty years. I proceeded to the bar, past the vast reception, by this time gasping for a beer after the long walk up the hill. The hotel bar manager Leonardo duly served me the most expensive bottle of beer of my entire holiday stay. I asked him how long he had worked at the hotel and he replied twenty years. I said that that the hotel was mentioned in the book I was reading about Robert Maxwell. “Ah, Maxwell” Leonardo responded, “I was on duty that night and served Maxwell. He came in and enquired were the restaurant was and I showed him to it while his associate waited at the bar”. Leonardo then took me from the bar along a high marble veranda, though the restaurant door and showed me where Maxwell had sat. “He was served by Sergio Rodriguez. Hake, if I remember correctly” added Leonardo. “He then re-entered the bar ordered himself and his associate another beer and he stood right there” said Leonardo showing me the exact spot at the bar. “Maxwell then bid me farewell and joined the taxi driver who had waited in the reception area, Sergio then came running from the restaurant with Maxwell’s jacket which he had forgotten. He thanked Sergio and then left”. It was from there that Maxwell’s taxi driver took him to The Olimpyo, a coffee house/restaurant where he had one coffee before returning to the Lady Ghislaine. After thanking Leoanardo I jumped in a taxi to return to the city centre for a coffee in the Olimpyo and a spot of shopping.

The taxi, because of the one way system in operation at first headed away from the city centre back down the hill from whence I had came and swung right, past Franco’s statue. As I gazed at it for a second time the taxi driver, who had already asserted that I spoke English pointed at it and said meekly “Franco”, then without warning, he screamed “BASTA …DDDDDDD!” at the top of his voice. He then broke into a frenzied loud laugh as I landed back on my seat after nearly going through the roof. He continued laughing loudly. As I got out of the taxi and paid the driver he was still laughing, a man obviously happy at his work. I gazed at the Olimpyo coffee house, then walked over sat down in the sun and ordered a coffee. The restaurant is in the shade of the massive Civil War Memorial, which stands in the Plaza de Espana. It was unveiled in 1946 to mark the tenth anniversary of the beginning of the Civil war. Again this memorial is in decline, with graffiti scrawled on it. This was the only graffiti to be seen anywhere in an otherwise spotlessly tidy city.

As I finished my coffee I couldn’t help thinking what must have been going through Maxwell’s mind as he finished his. His empire was teetering on financial meltdown, only his sheer force of presence had delayed the inevitable. His plundering of the pension funds would be exposed. He could no longer buy silence. He would be disgraced, possible gaoled. At nearly 70 there would be no way back, not even for Robert Maxwell.

I strolled over to the Calle del Castillo, the main shopping mall and after gathering some bargains I then hailed a taxi to return me to the southern part of the Island. Thankfully, the taxi didn’t pass Franco’s statue.

George Best

2006-01-05T09:24:00.000Z

HAVE YOU ever wondered why so many Ulstermen – and women – of a certain age are fervent Manchester United supporters? The simple answer is George Best. At a time when our Troubles were raging furiously he was the one beacon of hope for many of our folk. He was the Belfast Boy. He was the best versus the rest. He gave a sense of pride to so many folk that younger people find hard to comprehend. That’s why so many tens of thousands paid tribute to him - on Saturday 3rd December 2005 – as his coffin was brought to the Great Hall in Stormont. He didn’t realise it but many people loved him, despite his many self-admitted failings.

Given this atmosphere, it was truly distressing to read columnist Joan Burnie’s piece in the Daily Record. On the day before he was laid to rest, this nasty harpie mocked all those who mourned George Best with the words “We’ve still got the State funeral tomorrow at Stormont where no doubt yet more extravagant praise and plaudits will be rained down on Best’s head. Hundreds of thousands are expected to attend. As the song says, send in the clowns”. Of George, she said, “The only important event which mattered last Friday was that an alcoholic waster finally did the Best thing and died”.

Nasty Miss Burnie has the right to say what she thinks, of course. So too have the people of Northern Ireland for whom she shows nothing but contempt. We can vote with our wallets and stop taking the Daily Record in favour of a proper newspaper.

Major John George Brew

2006-01-04T09:29:00.000Z

THANKS TO THOSE of you who responded to an article in the last Kerr’s Corner on Major John George Brew, who in 1902 as a Second Mate on the SS Tor Head, had been decorated by the Kaiser for bravery. He had taken a leading part in rescuing the crew of the stricken German sailing vessel Helene in very heavy weather.

When war broke out Brew enlisted in Portadown, Co Armagh in September 1914. Although a qualified ship’s master, he was recruited as a Private, No. 13975. He was posted to his local battalion, the 9th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers, in the Ulster Division’s 108th Brigade. However, he was soon recognised as officer material and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant by December.

Much of his military service was undertaken in and around the Somme area.

I’m grateful to the reader who steered me towards a new book from the News Letter journalist, Steven Moore, The Irish on the Somme. Mr Moore has spent the past thirty years researching the history of the Great War and has paid many visits to the battlefields of the Western front.
His tremendously researched book sheds some more light on the tragic death of Major Brew, who died of injuries received as a prisoner of war in April 1918.
‘Major John George Brew, of the 9th (North Irish Horse) Royal Irish Fusiliers suffered a lonely-death. The 41-year-old was commanding his battalion on the retreat when he was taken prisoner along with a General Staff officer and his driver, both of whom were injured, and MJ Furnell, who was in charge of the 1st Battalion of the regiment, as they returned by car from seeing their brigadier’.

In a letter to Major Brew’s widow, Annie, at her Portadown home in April 1921, Fernell described what happened: “After being searched we were being marched back to the German headquarters by an escort, when some Germans who evidently mistook us for British troops opened fire on us: your husband was walking alongside me and was hit”. After the confusion in the darkness subsided it was discovered that Major Brew had been shot through the lung but “it was impossible to move him without help from the Boche which they refused to give and only beat us with the butts of their riffles when we asked them to move your husband. We moved him to the side of the road and made him as comfortable as possible, he couldn’t speak much. The Boche were trying to hurry us on all the time so didn’t have much chance of doing anything and said goodbye to your husband and he was able to shake hands with me”. Major Brew’s body was later recovered and is buried at Roye New British Cemetery, some 28 miles south-east of Amiens”.

This was truly a tragic end for a really brave man who could undoubtedly have survived had he been given the proper medical attention.

Steven Moore’s fine book has many illustrations including those of Major Brew and his final resting-place. Published by Local Press, it is a well-bound large paperback. Look out for it at any good bookshop.

Film Review - The Manchurian Candidate

2006-01-03T23:15:00.000Z

Director: Jonathan DemmeCertificate: 15 (UK)Running Time: 129 minutesReviewed by Betty Wood.

I APPROACHED the viewing of this film already slightly bored by the current trend for the remaking of old films and in a week in which the Alfie remake had gone straight to Number 5 in the Screen charts.

Not convinced that a remake of the 1962 Cold war classic targeting Communism and starring Frank Sinatra and Angela Lansbury had anything relevant to say today, I found that I was slowly, scene by scene, drawn into this complicated, rich tale full of complex and dangerous characters. This is not an action film, although there are scenes of war and assasinations but a hypnotic story of mind control and the political power exerted by large, global firms.
From the opening scenes of soldier’s playing cards before going into action, the story goes back and forward in time and focus, moving between the main protagonists.

As the story, which begins in Kuwait in 1991, unfolds against the current day tensions of elections for the Vice-President, we begin to see US Army Major Bennett Marco (Denzel Washington) begin to doubt the reality of his 1991 Gulf War experience in which his Platoon (apart from two soldiers who died in the desert) was saved by Sergeant Raymond Shaw (Live Schriber).

I’m not going to describe the story in detail except to say that it raises serious questions about the tie-ins between political power and big corporations; the use of mind control techniques on combatants; the use also of personal power in the steely character of Senator Eleanor Prentiss Shaw (Meryl Streep), who is Sergeant Shaw’s mother.

The ending of the film is slightly contrived as the films pace changes and it seems to rush to present a conclusion, which ties up the loose ends.

The acting in this film is of a high calibre particularly Meryl Streep’s character who was so icy and powerful she made me shudder at times. The scenes with Streep, Washington and Schrieber were absolute stunners. The very deliberate camerawork focusing intently on the actors faces, showing every nuance of emotion, added to the impact and contrasted beautifully with other scenically powerful shots of burning oil fields and staggeringly high sky lines.
Smaller but equally significant roles were played by Jon Voight as Senator Thomas Jordan, by Jeffrey Wright as Corporal Al Melvin (a member of the saved platoon who is having strange and disturbing dreams).

Kimberly Elise as Rosie, a Federal Agent assigned to track Marco and learn what he knows is a key character. Previously unknown to me I was impressed by her performance and look forward to seeing her again.

Film Review - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

2006-01-02T23:18:00.000Z

Directed by Mike Newell.Running time: 157 minutes.Certificate: 12A

AFTER OPENING in November worldwide, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is, by now, the best Harry Potter movie in the series. It isn’t much of a surprise, since the movies achieve a higher level of excellence as they pass by. The first one was good, the second was great, and the third one was thrilling. The fourth instalment in the franchise improves some disappointing factors that affected the third movie (confusing ending; shallow performances), and is a winner from the start.

In a matter of action, ‘Goblet’ is much better than ordinary, brainless action flicks. It’s got emotion, tension, and incredible special effects. In fact, in matter of effects the Harry Potter series has been superb all the way. This time, director Mike Newell abuses much of them to create a spectacular and monstrous fire-breathing dragon, and an intense underwater sequence, filled with amazing creatures. Also, ‘Goblet’ is very surprising and unexpectedly unusual, with female giants and suicidal tasks for young wizards to complete. The Triwidard tournament is perhaps the best thing about the movie, for it adds character development, action, and density to the movie. It is also a reunion of the most spectacular, eye-candy sequences of cinema. The story also gets very dark and elaborate. Voldemort is coming back, and the Dark Mark indicates that.

Speaking on Voldemort, let’s not forget the great interpretation of Ralph Fiennes. After a superb interpretation in ‘The Constant Gardner’, Fiennes delivers another great role, his chillier and most dangerous character since Francis Dolarhyde in ‘Red Dragon’. All the actings are great, but also not award deserving. The leading teenage trio works effectively well, especially Rupert Grint as the hilarious Ron Weasley. He mumbles and fumbles, but has a great heart, shown by Rupert really well. Michael Gambon proves once again to be a great actor as Albus Dumbledore. Sirius Black, here being reduced to a few minutes in a scene, is played perfectly by Gary Oldman. All other actors deserve a thumbs-up.

The dark background given in ‘The Prisoner of Azkaban’ fits perfectly in ‘Goblet’, which features Death Eaters and the Dark Mark that appears in an unusual Quidditch Match, which was not presented in ‘Azkaban’. Although the darkness is very well presented here, Newell scores by perfectly showing an unusual teenager problem. Newell shows the wizards’ greatest fear – attraction – so well in some parts, that you can literally feel hormones boiling in the theatre. There is a dance sequence in the movie, and where teenagers from all different wizardry schools show one very particular interest, shown in screen perfectly. ‘Goblet’ is a movie that unites different movie genres exceedingly well, such as drama, action, thriller, adventure and romance. The film itself is really long, running for more than two hours, but all the time was used incredibly well, and this reflects after the credits roll on the screen.
Concluding, ‘Goblet’ is the best in the Harry Potter series by now, because it shows the emotion and fear of the characters with so many memorable scenes. There’s a phrase in the movie that could explain everything going on in Harry’s mind. Difficult times lie ahead, and soon we must choose between what’s right and what’s easy. It might sound cheesy, but it is the perfect definition for all that’s going on in Potter’s mind. This human side of the powerful wizard makes the movie irresistible and one of the years best.

Travel Review - Disneyland Paris, Day One - Arrival

2006-01-01T23:21:00.000Z

My Travels Explorers Hotel, 50 Avenue de la Fosse des Pressoirs, 77700 Magny-Le-Hongre, France.

FOUR OF US - two adults and two children travelled to Disneyland Paris for a brief family holiday towards the end of October/early November. We travelled by easyJet from Aldergrove to Charles de Gaulle airport on the North East outskirts of Paris. A 45 minute door-to-door coach journey took us from the airport to our final destination - My Travels Explorers Hotel.
When we arrived at the Three Star Explorers Hotel, we were directed to the massive Reception area. Here the staff were very efficient, pleasant and friendly. They all spoke excellent English. A minimum of fuss and beaurocracy ensured a very quick check-in procedure. There were plenty of reception staff on duty and they also gave a brief outline of the hotel and details of the quickest route to our room. We were particularly impressed by the way children were catered for in the general reception area - cartoons were being shown on a big TV which kept the kids amused whilst their parents could check in.

Because a relative had travelled from England to join us we had booked a 'Crew Room'. This was really a family room with an adjoining room which could have comfotably slept six people. The Crew Room was a good size with more than adequate storage for of clothes and baggage. It also featured a separate toilet and bathroom. The bathroom also featured one of the hottest and most powerful showers we'd ever came across. If this didn't wake you up in the morning nothing would.

The 16 channel TV featured pay-to-view films, internet access and had a playstation facitily. Most programmes were in French, but you could pick up BBC News 24, MTV and Cartoon Network all of which were in English. The room also had a hair dryer and kettle in room. Our only dissapointment was the lack of the usual complimentary tea, coffee, sugar, milk and biscuits.

After unpacking, all five of us headed towards the main restaurant and bar area. This was located downstairs overlooking the large swimming pool. Although we were quite hungry, we didn't fancy a huge sit down meal. Therefore we visited Marco's Pizza Parlour. Here we chose our evening meal from a menu of around a dozen different types of pizzas, all of which are freshly prepared and baked on the spot. We can particularly reccommend their Vegetarian, Three Cheese, Margarita and Hawiaan pizzas. All were absolutely beautiful - very tasty and filling. The only drawback was the price, around 7.50 Euros each (about £5.00). We thought a Euro or two less would be more appropriate.

(Marco's also employed an ingenious method of serving up their food. Once our pizzas were ready they wrote our hotel door number on a blackboard and rang a ships bell. This ensured that there were no long queues of people waiting for their order).

To get our drinks we didn't have to travel to far, as the Travellers Cafe Bar is situated right next to Marco's. It serves many different types of beers, cocktails (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), wines, spirits and soft drinks. If booze isn't your thing, you can also get hold of a cup of tea or coffee. Unfortunatley when we visted it there was only one member of staff behind the bar. This led to a large queue forming. Nevertheless she was very efficient, calm and pleasant. She made up our order in no time.

After some time relaxing in the restaurant/bar area, we spent the next hour or so exploring the hotel and its grounds - and the hotel next to ours! We then returned to our Crew Room and within minutes we were all snoring our heads off in our very comfortable beds! Day one of our Disneyland Paris adventure was well and truely over.
To find out more about the Explorers Hotel check out their web-site: http://www.benotel.com/france/eurodisney/explorers/

Happy Christmas

2005-12-24T18:03:00.000Z

On behalf of Kerr's Corner, I'd like to wish all our blog readers a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful and Prosperous New Year

Tools For Solidarity – New Life For Your Unused Tools

2005-12-22T14:57:00.000Z

OVER THE next few weeks you may have some reason to drop into the Belfast Central Library in Royal Avenue. If so, you can’t miss an exhibition organised by the Tools for Solidarity charity. TFS, based in Edenderry Mill on the Crumlin Road in North Belfast, seeks to offer practical aid to communities in sub-Saharan Africa.

TFS aims to provide the communities in question with basic tools and machines so that they can practise their skills and improve their quality of life. The partnership groups of artisans and vocational training centres in Tanzania and Uganda produce items for direct sale in the local community.

TFS sends eleven different types of toolkits covering everything from carpentry, blacksmithing, building and construction through to plumbing and horticulture. Their premises are open on the first Sunday of each month to the public so that anyone interested can come along to see what they are all about.

It’s probable that you have some tools lying around the house or your garden shed that you no longer use. Don’t let them rust away to uselessness. Give them to TFS who will refurbish them and give them a new and useful life among people who really need them.

You can also help by supporting the annual Belfast Reggae Society tribute to Bob Marley. The proceedings are hosted by Belfast’s well-known musical impresario, terry Hooley. All proceeds from the tribute go to Tools for Solidarity.

Find out more from www.toolsforsolidarity.org.uk or by ringing 028 90747473.

Elvis Spectacular To Rock Carrickfergus!

2005-12-22T14:56:00.000Z

IT’S OFFICIAL! After the sell out success of the Waterfront Hall, The Elvis Spectacular show is coming to Carrickfergus! After weeks of speculation the news was finally confirmed to Wizard ads by TCB Productions supremo Mervyn Boyd. Mervyn, talking exclusively to Wizard ads stated:

“After the reviews generated by the sell-out performance at the Waterfront, we’ve been inundated for requests to bring the show to East Antrim. It’s our pleasure to do so. The venue is the prestige Clarion Hotel and the date has been set for Friday 3rd March 2006. Interest is already huge and people are buzzing, it’s going to be a fantastic night in the Clarion”.

Tickets have just gone on sale and are available from the Clarion Hotel reception and the amazing thing is – they are priced at just £12! My advice is to grab them quick and be part of a night that is sure to go down in Carrick entertainment flklore.

In case you missed it, check out the review of the Waterfront Hall concert. You can find it posted on this blog on Thursday, December 08, 2005 and is entitled ‘Entertainment - I Just Can't Help Believing’.

Feedback From Fermanagh

2005-12-22T14:50:00.000Z

FOLLOWING our brief article on the Customs House Country Inn, Belcoo, we’ve received a lovely letter from it’s owners, Donal and Clara Martin. Thanking us for “the most beautiful article” they noted that within a fortnight of publication “at least two sets of guests have come down on your recommendation and said the article could not have more aptly described the Customs House”.

These guests were so impressed with the Customs House they took away handfuls of brochures for their family and friends!

Donal and Clara also said that a “small family run business such as ours requires big hours and sleepless nights but comments such as yours make us feel all is worthwhile”.

Around and About

2005-12-22T14:34:00.000Z

A BRAND new feature in Wizard Ads is our Around and About travel feature page. Here we’ll be looking at various hotels, restaurants, theme parks and so on. Our team will visit these establishments and report back. This is sure to be a very popular feature. Therefore, we’ll also tag onto the Kerr’s Corner Blog site.

I’d appreciate any feedback on this travel section. Just e-mail:
kerrscorner@ulsteronline.org.uk

Easyjet To Paris

RECENTLY, I'VE HEARD lots of horror stories about low cost airlines - especially easyJet. To date I've never had any serious problems with them. However, I must admit I had a few concerns about reports from work mates that easyJet fares had rocketed in price and that their service had gone downhill.

However, I found these reports to be completely wong. Booking in good time keeps the prices down and, as usual, I thought that easyJet staff were as friendly and accomodating as ever.

Four of us - two adults and two children - were travelling from Aldergrove to Charles de Gaulle airport on the outskirts of Paris. (Where we were then going to travel on to our final destination - Disneyland Paris). We arrived at Aldergrove with plenty of time to spare (check-in now opens two hours before your flight is due) and joined the easyJet queue. It was quite long - but as soon as they saw this, more staff came on duty to process everyone.

Our flight left bang on time and proved to be pleasent and hassel-free. Ninety minutes later we found ourselves at Charles de Gaulle airport. Here we were really impressed at the speed and efficiency of both the French passport control and baggage handlers. There was a quick check of our passports and by the time we'd reached the carousel it was carrying the first of our flight's luggage out!

Charles de Gaulle airport is modern, light and airy. It boasts four massive terminals. Everything is extremely well signposted in French and English. Once out of the terminal, the special coach to Disneyland is parked less than a minutes walk away. We bought our tickets, for two adults and two children, but wondered why the driver gave us odd looks. It was only some time afterwards that we discovered that in France, children are classed as being up to 11 years old. Our children were 12 and 14 - 'Adults' in France!

As one would expect, the coach from Charles de Gaulle was fairly modern. It had a massive luggage hold and reclining seats, complete with adjustable arms. Messages in French and English were broadcast on a TV and easy to understand printed timetables were readily available. We were glad that the coach had air-conditioning as it was a sweltering 25 degrees inside - 21 degrees outside - and this was on 30th October!

The coach takes some time to get out of Charles de Gualle airport as it picks up from each terminal building. Then it took 45 minutes to reach our final destination, the three star My Travel's Explorers Hotel at Disneyland Paris.

Find out more about Paris flights from their web-site www.easyjet.com