::JUSTDonal::

:: WHY DID NO ONE TELL ME ABOUT THE GREEN PARTY!

2007-05-24T01:29:00.000-07:00

So I did exactly what Bosco said and rocked the vote today. To be honest I told my mam that I wasn't going to vote and she marched me down to the polling station to make sure I did it.

When i parked the car the excitement just overwhelmed me. As we glided through the front door we were greeted by a bored looking Garda who was mumbled "in there". Now if you thought I was excited before we got in, that quickly changed to nervousness! Who would I vote for? Where was I? The interior design of this place is all wrong.

Anyway some old women handed me the sheet, with these lovelies on the left and right and I headed to the booth. This was when things went from bad to worse, I had decided to vote for Bertie, he seems like a nice guy, one of the lads, knows Westlife, sure you can't go wrong.

But when I looked at the sheet, he wasn't even on it! Now the only politicians that have approached me were Terrance Flannagan and Brody Sweeney (His mother is lovely) but then I saw that weren't on Bertie's team! What's that about!

AND THEN THE SPANNER WAS THROWN IN THE PROVERBIAL WORKS! THERE IS A GREEN PARTY! I am big on the environment but I assume I have been ignoring this party because they have weird looking candidates, I mean Terrance has his winning smile, and his baby kissing lips, Brody has his comical eyes and goofy mouth, you'd expect him to pull an penny from your ear, but the green party fella looks like he fell out of bed!

Anyway had i known there was a green party previous to when I voted I might have given them mine! Oh well and I didn't like Tommy Broughan's hair parting it's just not working for him.

And now the prizegiving: Best Tie Award goes to Brody for his gorgeous peacock coloured tie. Best Hair cut goes to Terrance Flanagan for having no greys. Best use of make up goes to Keith Redmond for great use of blue eye shadow and also for starring in the Sensodyne ads and finally Best Photo pose goes to the Sinn Fein candidate for his delightful "I need to pee" pose.

:: FULLFILLING MY LIFE GOALS! AN UPDATE!

2007-05-23T03:32:00.000-07:00

Get Married
Well things are going well with Sofie so we'll just take it from there.

Read More
Whe i made the list I did start reding a book but I didn't finish it. But just yesterday I started reading a book i intended to finish a few months ago.

Take More Photo's
I was doing well with this one when I was taking my daily photo's but I just kept ending up with boring ones, I blame my crap camera to be honest.

Make Lots Of Money
I am currently working on this one, and I have two really good idea's, it;s just a case of getting my finger out of my hole and starting them.

Become A Yoga Instructor
Well I looked into this and apparently you need to have been practising yoga for the past 2 years to even start the course. So I rang a yoga class on monday but a 15 euro a pop it's all a bit expensive!

Become a Life Coach
The general vibe I got from people when I mentioned this one seemed to be that I was too young to give people advice!

Improve My Swedish
With a trip to sweden coming up in a couple of weeks I've restarted my Swedish learning, so all going well ill keep it up this time.

Become a TV Presenter
This one went very well, mostly because of where I work, one of our presenters was sick so I had to fill in for her. Conveniently I carry powder and hair gel for occasions just like that!

Go Busking
This one has been put on hold due to the fact that I don't have a guitar strap. I tried to play it standing up without one, but it just doesn't work. Plus I can't give it my all when im bent over trying to hold a guitar.

Gain Weight and Get Buff
This was going well but had a little dip and is now back on track! We went to play Tennis last night.

Enter The Eurovision Song Contest
This is happening... slowly...

Thats just some of the updates... HOORAH!

:: HAVEN'T I SEEN YOU BEFORE?

2007-05-23T02:30:00.000-07:00

At the moment I'm going through a fase of re watching movies I loved as kid, which is a lot of fun I highly recommend it! At the moment Sofie and I are working our way through Uncle Buck, The Birdcage, Father of the Bride, The Princess Bride, and City Slickers.

A reoccurring theme which seems to be throughout all these films are the fact that most of the actor's haven't had great success since. Most Notably John Candy and the guy who plays Curly in City Slickers. But I have been doing my research and with my keen eye spotted that Robin Right Penn (married to Sean Penn) who plays "Buttercup" in The Princess Bride is also the same actor who plays "Jenny" in Forest Gump.

Also while watching City Slickers I noticed that Billy Crytal's wife is also yer wan who plays the president in Prison Break.

Watching back some of these movies also made realise that they are bit crap, but there must be something good about the if I watched them hundreds of times when I was a kid!

Oh and another was Hank Azaria who plays like most of the characters in The Simpsons. He was in The Birdcage with Robin Williams, I really recommend this movie it's frickin hilarious! Hank's best bits are walking with shoes and when he serves dinner!

Hoorah anyway that's my little walk down memory lane for today, i hope you enjoyed it as much as I did and maybe one you will also take the time to go and watch your favourite movies from when you were a kid... Indeed.

:: DAILY PHOTOS 190407

2007-04-20T00:56:00.000-07:00

This is Gillian she doesn't like camera's but she like babies and FiletOFishes.
This is John he teaches me clever things with computer machine.
This was a chef who climbed a wall, you don't see that everyday.
This was me stuck in traffic on the Rathbeale Rd.
Lee and I shall be in this Sunday's Edition of some sort of social personal magazine.
James, do I need to say anymore...
This is where I got my lunch, It was nice.
These two men couldn't decide who got to go on Bob the Builder First.

:: THE DUBLIN SPRING FAIR

2007-04-19T04:09:00.000-07:00

:: DAILY PHOTOS 180407

2007-04-18T23:35:00.000-07:00

:: DAILY PHOTOS 170407

2007-04-17T12:34:00.000-07:00

Breakfast and Lunch

Michael the fantasy feeder- Happy in the afternoons but cranky in the morning. He gave me burger bites today.

Jonathan- Who did not wear appropriate footwear for our mountain trek.Me wearing the appropriate footwear for our mountain trek.

A smoothie is very nice after a long walk.

:: ONE STEP CLOSER TO YOU

2007-04-16T14:00:00.000-07:00

So I am now embarking on a journey which will not doubt challenge my physical and mental being, over the coming months I'm going to try and fullfill as many of the above goals as possible.

As you can see one of those goals is to keep a photo journal, which will work hand in hand at keeping you up to date with just how these goals should hopefully come to fruition. As I can imagine you like I are looking forward to the naked walk in the woods.

Already I have started head first into my goals like a trojan horse in heat. I started reading again, here is a passage from the book I'm reading called "Toast":

"I liked the way Josh would let me sit and talk to him while he took a strip-wash in the outside toilet and changed back into his motorbike leathers. The way he would let me choose a biscuit- a Bourbon, a ginger nut, even a caramel wafer- from his lunch box and the way he never turned his back on me when he was drying himself with his frayed green-and-white-striped towel."

How strange...

Anyway I also looked into how to become a yoga instructor, and apparently you have take classes for like 3 years! So i better do that first. It's all about little steps.

Also my busking dreams were dashed when Ali who was all set to buy my guitar strap rang me and couldn't get through, so she didn't get it for me. Oh well. Next week.

In doing all these things at once, I think I have already accomplished one goal, which was to waste less time. HOORAH.

More tomorrow all the love.

:: FULLFILLING MY LIFE GOALS ONE AT A TIME

2007-04-13T04:03:00.000-07:00

:: THE JUSTDONAL GLORY DAYS

2007-03-28T07:12:00.000-07:00

I was only talking to Strictly Jonathan over the weekend about the times when Viva La Pablo, Basically Brian, Ill Signe, and ourselves captivated the imaginations of so many with a little website called ::JUSTDonal.

In honour of our columnist past and present here are some of the best bits:

BASIALLY BRIAN: The Ms. Lyons Profile
MmmmmmmmmmmmmmmThis was my own personal favorite, and one I personally devised. One of us usually me or PJ would start by making a loud mmmmmmmmmmm sound, when she looked up I'd stop, when she'd look down mmmmmmmm, she'd look up I'd stop. This went on for about 4 rounds, at which time with a degree of confidence as to who the offender was she would send the wink. She would wait and stare confident that she had you, there was no way you could make that irritating sound because she was watching, she had won...then mmmmmmmm PJ, Kate, Daragh, Donal, somebody would take up the baton, the process would begin again, once that person was caught on to the next, that gave us hours of fun.

Noreen?We once managed to coerce out of her her first name, it was Noreen. Doug, always particularly fond of calling teachers by their first name (Peadar, Lisa, Declan, Sean, he stopped short of Ronnie or Raymo though) then started calling her Noreen. This was the one time she lost it, she didn't like it one bit and was so mad we never dared to do it again.

VIVA LA PABLO: From the columist who hopes he remembers how to do this

I asked JustDonal about his bands music, he told me he wanted the music to do the talking, then he told me his first album is called 'This is shit'.

Ever since Basically Brian and Jessika broke up he has but on a lot of weight, were thinking of changing his nickname to 'one ton and no fun.'

Known Nazi Catriona was very moved by Dr. Martin Luther King's anniversary 'I can't believe he grew up to be a doctor and a king!'

Known Nazi Catriona told me why she failed her driving test 'he asked me the difference between left and right, I told him I only know the difference between top and bottom.'

You know how Dog is to puppy

as

Cat is to Kitten

Well,

Alexander the Great is to 'wept when there were no more lands left to conquer'

as

Aoife Roberts is to 'slept when there were no more guys to bonk her'

Sorry Aoife I haven't talked to you in ages so I thought a crass inappropiate joke would be beneficial.

Whilst I was gone I decided it would be cool to send some questions along with my Xmas cards and I was really shocked by everyone who wrote back...

Seeing as your all so political and sharp(sic), George W Bush's nomination of Samuel Alito will be...

Brian said 'more difficult then that of John Roberts'

Daragh Mac said 'a great display of political debate'

Shambo said 'the new Harry Potter film?'

I'll never love anyone as much as I love...

Catriona said 'my dog'

Donal said 'my shit music'

VivaLaPablo said 'my cake'

When I saw Brokeback Mountain...

Aoife Roberts said 'cried'

Jonathan said 'I new I was watching something great'

JustDonal said 'Wondered who stole my diary'

My first crush was...

Keogh said 'Arabella'

Aoife Kinsella said 'VivaLaPablo'

Catriona said 'the male population of Ireland'

'06 is...

JustDonal said 'a vital year for JustDonal'

Katus said 'an opportunity to grow closer with my friends'

Shambo said 'my IQ'

The worst present I got this year was...

Roisin said 'a pair of socks'

JustDonal said 'my latest album'

Stevie Wonder said 'it feels like JustDonal's latest album'

The Greatest Invention of the past 10 years is...

PJ said 'Vodka and RedBull'

Andrea said 'the iPod'

JustDonal said 'the rumour that I'm straight'

I've always tried to...

Jonathan said 'do what I love most'

Jessika said 'be different, it's more interesting'

Doug said 'remain unclean'

I'll become a mother when...

Kate said 'I find my soulmate'

Aoife Nathan said 'I feel responsible enough'

Catriona said 'the condom breaks'

God Donie got a terrible bashing there, so did Cat, o well it's not like anyone would try to sue me for writing a simple column...........

ILL SIGNE: That Sylvia Plath one is a bit of a hero
Ok, ok, i'll tell ya one story from Lithuania.

I'll set the scene- we had just left the hotel on our very first night-time outing in Vilnius. The decision about where we would go was heavily influenced by Paul and (the other) Eoin who were keen on watching a few titties bounce around. So me and Iano begrudgingly allowed them to drag us to a strip club. "Just for one" we said, course we did.
As we entered throught he thick shiny, black, metal door with a NO GUNS sign on the wall beside it Paul felt his Pervy sense kick in and bursted out with "This is no strip club, this is a brothel(and a sham and a fix...and a farce.)"
Right so it cost us over 20 euros each to get in, thats a full night out in Vilnius, and then thems brassers swarmed on us.
There was a menu and everything,great service.
Oh it was horrible, tits and snatches everywhere. You couldn't swing a cat in that place without it ending stuck in something. God it was horrific. So anyway me and Iano left. Jibbed it. Without paying for our drinks might i add.
Now from here on in the exact details of what ahppened next are not quite clear but from what i heard (the other)Eoin ran out of money and foolishly fell for it when one of the Rugs told him she'd follow him to the hotel and do him for free. Al he had to do was leave and she's follow him. He did.She didn't.
Viva La PAblo on the other hand was a totally different kettle of fish...he stayed,oh how he did stay.
He disputes certain points of this story but the way it's told now is that...
He fell asleep in a brothel,while on top.
Even UEFA know about it at this stage.
Ok he wasn't on top but he did fall asleep on his own for close to one whole hour and the brassers just sat there and laughed at him while taking from his pockets. I'll let him tell you all about what he got stuck in on the last night.I could never describe the fear without actually being there.

STRICTLY JONATHAN-

Well You’re A Star is still going strong. The acts left aren’t the best though. I’m backing the McCauls. I don’t even like them but they’re the best of a bad bunch. Linda got it right when she said they have an image problem though.

Heres what I propose for Joseph..He has freckles and is pale so I think some fake tan would do him the world of good. I would propose getting the tan properly but with his pale complexion he would burn and probably look worse.

He could do with a trip to Specsavers. Nerdy glasses and eurovision are two things that don’t go together. There has been no Eurovision winners that wore glasses to my recollection. I propose some tinted contact lenses to give him nice crystal blue eyes.
He needs to dye his hair brown or blond. He might be able to pull off the blond if he was tanned, perhaps some caramel tips ( recently sported by ::JUSTDonal:: ). He could do with a bit of length in his hair too.

All the love!

:: EUROVISION BETTING TIPS PART ONE

2007-03-27T02:34:00.000-07:00

This is part one of two of my betting tips this year. I've decided to do two because I don't really know the songs yet so this won't be so biased plus the odds change closer to the event anyway.

In my opinion the standard of songs this year is not nearly as good as previous years, and after listening to them no one song is really standing out to me as winner. This makes it a lot harder to predict a winner, however it does make things a lot more interesting because a complete outsider now has the chance to win the whole thing!

ONTO THE TIPS!

1. SWEDEN- The Ark- The Worrying Kind

This song obviously has to be considered as a contender as it comes from one of Eurovision's best competing countries. The Ark are huge in Sweden and if all countries sent this calibre of artist the competition would be amazing. This song is quite cool and the performance is really gonna work on the Eurovision Stage.
Odds: 7/1

2. UKRAINE- Verka Serdyuchka- Dancing

This song is truly shit, but unfortunately it is the type of shit that seems to do well in Eurovision, the type of shit the typical eurovision fans hates because all the drunken knackers get behind it and vote. It's sung by a drag queen, the lyrics are crazy, I guess it has as a good a chance as anything else this year!
Odds: 14/1

3. UK- Scooch- Flying The Flag

You may not remember Scooch but back in the heyday of pop they were the bargain basement version of Steps. Well there back and just like Ireland can't stop the srping it seem's the UK can't stop Scooch. Scooch haven't been out of the press since they won the controversial UK final two weeks ago. The song itself is very funny, it includes airline costumes, sexual inuendos, and even those pads that they wave in planes with!
Odds: 18/1

4. IRELAND- Dervish- They Can't Stop The Spring

Lots of people are in complete disagreement about this year's Irish entry, but I truly believe with the right stageing it could be Ireland's return to grace! However I am not encouraged by the sham of a preview the produced which includes what appears to be a children's art class! FOR FUCK SAKE! I'm still hoping they will do something special with the stage performance which is why I'm tipping it to do well in a contest with very low standards. Would it be so hard for Brendan Graham to knock out another "Rock and Roll Kids". Get the finger out.
Odds: 20/1

5. DENMARK- DQ- Drama Queen

This I am tipping for it's comical content. Another drag queen. Funny. Sure Why Not!
Odds: 20/1

:: SWEDISH NEWSPAPERS

2007-03-26T05:08:00.000-07:00

When I moved to Sweden last year I googled "Speaking English in Sweden" because at that stage I couldn't speak a word of it. I got some interesting results the most interesting of them being TheLocal.se. It's a site for english speakers in Sweden covering moving there, working there, living there etc. However the most amusing thing I noticed was the sort of thing that makes the news over in the land of Europop! Here's just some of the latest news stories:

TEACHER WARNED FOR RACIST REMARKS
"Cleaning is not something for nice white girls," according to a teacher from Sandviken in eastern Sweden. On Thursday she received a formal warning.

TEEN REPORTED FOR SEX ATTACK ON DOG
A teenager in western Sweden has been reported for having sex with his friend's dog in his bathroom. The dog owner reported the incident to the police.

MESSAGE IN BOTTLE TRAVELS 500 METRES IN 24 YEARS
Three girls from the south east of Sweden had high hopes or international communication when they launched a message in a bottle in 1983. But they didn't make it much further than the neighbours.

TRANSVESTITE THUMPS POLICEMAN FOR TAKING WIG
A drunken young transvestite has been fined for assaulting a policewoman after she asked him to remove his wig.

TOWN SETTLES ROW OVER PINOCCHIO STATUE
Borås council has approved the erection of a large statue of Pinocchio, after a debate that split the town in two. The 8.5 metre statue is to be made by American pop artist Jim Dine.

AL FRESCO SEX 'WAS EPILEPTIC SEIZURE'
A man in his twenties and 49-year-old woman have each received fines for disorderly behaviour after a court failed to believe their creative excuses when found having sex in public.

For more head over to www.thelocal.se! :)

:: CHILDLINE CONCERT!

2007-02-01T02:43:00.000-08:00

As some of you might know the Annual Cheerios Childline concert was held on Sunday last, and due to my new job as "Creative Producer" at Bubble Hits, I was in attendance as part of the media. We interviewed the following acts:

Matt Willis- Really nice guy, had an army jacket thing going on very cool, as we left Lillies later on he kept stepping on my heels and apologising for it.
Lil Chris- I thought this kid would be really obnoxious what with being a child star and all that but he was a lot more shy than I expected but held his own in the interviews.
Nicky Westloife- Nicky was wearing a spiffing man cardigan, and told us all about his twins which were on the way.
McFly- I had met the guys before but this time they all seemed a lot more subdued- they had just been interviewed by Dustin and hadn't been prepared, I think that was the cause of it.
G4- We only interviewed two of them, which unfortunately were the worse two of the four. Oh well.
Streetwize- Bit strange seeing the exbandmates again but the line up has changed so much that only two of the original members remain- All looked very well not sure bout the leather jackets though ;) (Nasty manager skulked around in the background looking ugly and taking pictures!)
Lady Nada- Three teeny bopper 13 year old's one of whom was Gerry Ryan's daughter, looked like they met their idol when introduced to Glenda Gilson. Was impressed with the performance though!

The show itself was pretty good, enjoyable but the after show party was the highlight with all the stars of the show heading to Lillies for a great night out!

:: THIS A VERY COOL VIDEO INDEED

2007-01-29T06:54:00.000-08:00

TAKE THAT- SHINE!

:: OH MY

2007-01-26T04:16:00.001-08:00

:: BEEP

2007-01-26T03:09:00.001-08:00

This man is responsible for the Irish language not becoming an international language.

:: HOT OR NOT by Donal

2007-01-25T06:21:00.000-08:00

HOT:

GETTING MY OWN CAR!
GWEN STEFANI- NELLY FURTADO- EMMA BUNTON- ALL SAINTS
CORRECT FOOD COMBING DOES WONDERS FOR YOUR SYSTEM I KNOW ONLY WIPE MY ARSE TWICE BEFORE ITS CLEAN!

COLD:

SITTING ON A STEAMED UP BUS BREATHING IN THE DIRTY AIR FROM THE DIRTY PEOPLE.
GETTING MY OWN CAR BUT BURNING OUT THE CLUTCH AFTER THREE RIDES.
TURNING ON MY MP3 PLAYER TO FIND OUT THERE IS NO BATTERY.

AU REVOIR!

:: BONG BONG! IT'S THE NEWS!

2007-01-23T04:22:00.000-08:00

BONG! SAMANTHA MUMBA IS BACK AND IN CONCERT!
BONG! BELARUS CHOSE THEIR EUROVISION ENTRY LAST NIGHT IT'S LOVELY AND SOUNDS LIKE "Touch my fire" IN A JAMES BOND KINDA WAY!
BONG! I AM GETTING MY CAR AT 5.00PM TODAY!
BONG! IT'S SO COLD OUT THAT EVERY TIME I GO OUTSIDE MY NIPPLES GO ALL HARD.
BONG! MIKA (from Grace Kelly fame) HAS WRITTEN WHAT MIGHT JUST BE MY ALBUM OF THE YEAR!

THAT WAS THE NEWS...

GOODBYE.

:: WHAT COKE DOES TO YOUR BODY

2007-01-20T11:49:00.000-08:00

I'm sure most of you know I feel very strongly about the fact that big companies that promote their products, pull the wool over the eyes of the everyday consumer. The biggest and worst offender is The National Dairy Board. How can you promote a product which is not actually created for a human body, but for a body 10 times the size of ours. Anyway thats another story altogether.

Today we visit the Coca Cola company who's campaign's make their deadly product sound appealing. This is the step by step timeline of what happen's when you drink a can of coke.

The following is from an articale posted on this website.

In The First 10 minutes: 10 teaspoons of sugar hit your system. (100% of your recommended daily intake.) You don’t immediately vomit from the overwhelming sweetness because phosphoric acid cuts the flavor allowing you to keep it down.
20 minutes: Your blood sugar spikes, causing an insulin burst. Your liver responds to this by turning any sugar it can get it’s hands on into fat. (There’s plenty of that at this particular moment)
40 minutes: Caffeine absorption is complete. Your pupils dialate, your blood pressure rises, as a response your livers dumps more sugar into your bloodstream. The adenosine receptors in your brain are now blocked preventing drowsiness.
45 minutes: Your body ups your dopamine production stimulating the pleasure centers of your brain. This is physically the same way heroin works, by the way.
>60 minutes: The phosphoric acid binds calcium, magnesium and zinc in your lower intestine, providing a further boost in metabolism. This is compounded by high doses of sugar and artificial sweeteners also increasing the urinary excretion of calcium.
>60 Minutes: The caffeine’s diuretic properties come into play. (It makes you have to pee.) It is now assured that you’ll evacuate the bonded calcium, magnesium and zinc that was headed to your bones as well as sodium, electrolyte and water.
>60 minutes: As the rave inside of you dies down you’ll start to have a sugar crash. You may become irritable and/or sluggish. You’ve also now, literally, pissed away all the water that was in the Coke. But not before infusing it with valuable nutrients your body could have used for things like even having the ability to hydrate your system or build strong bones and teeth.

Think twice before you take another SIP!

Caring for your minds and bodies,

JUSTDonal

:: HI IM DONAL

2007-01-18T03:08:00.000-08:00

It's me and I'm back after an extended break, extremely extended break. What have you missed in Donal's life for over six months? HERE IT COMES:

I left the band- It was going nowhere I wanted to go.
I fell in love! (awww)
I moved to another country to live for 2 and 1/2 months, which was a really fun experience.
I got a job.
I learned to play the guitar.
I started writing songs.
I completed a course in Television Presenting, Direction, and Production.
I met Carola!

Thats the basic lineup of what happened there was of course more detail which I won't go into just now. Things I am looking forward to:

Glenda's Showbiz Gossip!
The Childline Concert!
The Mika Concert!
The Melodifestivalen!
PARIS BABY!
ROME BABY!
MAMMA MIA IN SWEDISH!

:: JAG LJUGER Så BRA

2006-05-25T10:08:00.000-07:00

Looks like were back in business! After a quiet period of time everyone is edging back onto JUSTDonal! While we were away there has been a great collection of youtube video's that you have yet to view! Here is the selection:

This was the result of a very eventful night which ended with this as it's result:

Now if you couldn't get enough of the above video, yes boys and girls there's more! It's the making of the video:

Now after all that madness there's MORE! Check this out!

Now this is probably one of the funniest things I have seen this year:

If You enjoyed the above video, you will certainly enjoy this its gets good halfway through...

Now I know you're thinking "He's fucked us over by just posting video's" and your probably right, but when I think of something mildly amusing I will write it on this very page!

ALL THE LOVE

:: EUROVISION BETTING TIPS!

2006-04-15T07:46:00.001-07:00

Yes boys and girls it's that time of year again when I give your the opportunity to make some easy money! IT'S EUROVISION BETTING SEASON! Here are this years tips!

FINLAND- Lordi- Hard Rock Hallelujah
Now I though I would start with this song because it has a general appeal with a very out there performance. People such as Brian I would imagine to enjoy this. It's a very big step away from the classic Eurovision song and features Finnish rockers Lordi who wear outfits that wouldn't seem out of place on a SLIPKNOT tour. Anyway as we learned from Norway's entry of 2005 this sort of song tends to do well therefore it is one of my tips to win this year!

POTENTIAL EARNINGS: AT 25/1 WITH €5= €130

SWEDEN- Carola- Invincible
Now if there was any justice in Eurovision these days this song would most certainly be the winner as it has all the key elements, a former Eurovision winner singing, a feel good theme, and some stompin choreography. This could very well win it as Carola has a very large following throughout Europe and she has also been doing a lot of promotion for the upcoming contest.

POTENTIAL EARNINGS: AT 7/1 WITH €5= €35

BOSNIA- Hari Varešanović- Lejla
Normally I would write off this sort of entry within hearing 30secs of it however I learned my lesson when Belgium came 2nd in 2003 and Serbia came 2nd in 2004. It seems that Europe still goes for these slow mystical ballads, this one in particular is also written by the guy who wrote the 2nd placer for Serbia in 2004 which is another main reason for me tipping it this year.

POTENTIAL EARNINGS: AT 16/1 WITH €5= €85

ROMANIA- Mihai Trăistariu- Tornero
This is a dance track and an unusually good one for Eurovision standards which I'm sure without a Eurovisions stigma attached would have the potential to be a huge hit. The other unusual thing about this song is that it is riding high in the betting stakes which normally doesn't happen with Eurovision dance tracks. However I am not completely convinced that the performance will be up to scratch which is why i would recommend an each way bet.

POTENTIAL EARNINGS: AT 5/1 WITH €5= €25

GREECE- Anna Vissi- Everything
Finally the host country has a great song and an even better performer although a little melodramatic she damn well does the job! Anna Vissi is no stranger to Eurovision or the music business, she has represented both Greece and Cyprus in the 80's and has also had a hit on the US billboard charts in the 90's. Anna like Carola has been doing a whole lot of promotion for the upcoming contest which should help her in the long run. Not since Ireland's run of consecutive wins between 1992 and 1994 has the host country followed it's previous year's success so perhaps this year Greece could do it!

POTENTIAL EARNINGS: AT 5/2 WITH €5= €17.5

After all that my safe bet would be with an each way on Finland! Have fun!

::IN WEST PHILIDELPHIA BORN AND RAISED ON THE PLAYGROUND IS WHERE I SPENT MOST OF MY DAYS

2006-04-02T19:17:00.000-07:00

HI!

We were in Phili on TV check it out below!

LOVE

:: I´LL BE CONQUERING AMERICA HEADS ARE SPINNING AROUND

2006-03-28T11:33:00.000-08:00

YIPEEEEEE I´M GOING TO AMERICA TOMORROW! BE BACK IN TWO WEEKS! BRIAN LOOK AFTER THE TOWERS! GOODBYE! WISH ME LUCK!

xxx

IL SIGNE

2006-03-23T12:34:00.000-08:00

Check out our newest columnist - IL SIGNE, for now can be found by clicking the IL SIGNE link at the top news ticker like thingymabob. Or simply go to www.ilsigne.blogspot.com

Brian

:: I'M SORRY!

2006-03-11T10:40:00.000-08:00

Ok look I'm Sorry I'm Sorry I'm Sorry! I have completely forgotten all the birthday's! But seriously there about 400 birthday's in March whats that about! I really miss you guys and I'm also sorry I was a bit boring the other weekend, lots of things on my mind.

Aoife R I miss our meals!

Also I had a dream about you Ali, I hope everything is ok with you and I miss seein ya.

Catriona I miss our cinema dates.

Jonathan I miss our piano jamming sessions.

I won't name you all but you guys know who you are, but things are really looking good at the moment and I think the hard work is about to pay off, I know it's been a long wait but things are looking really good!

Love you all!

-Donie

:: HAVE YOU SEEN THE LIFE AQAUTIC? NO? YOU SHOULD.

2006-03-04T15:11:00.000-08:00

PAUL SCORED ROZ. OH MY. ROZ SCORED PAUL. OH MY. ROZ SCORED DARAGH. OH MY. DARAGH SCORED ROZ. OH MY.

Hello and welcome along to another exciting post from me, Donal.

I have a had a great idea, to create a soap opera/sitcom/documentary thing written by you guys acted by us! We can host it on youtube, it will be fantastic! Post your ideas in the comments section!

Thats all for now,

GOODBYE

:: DOUGAL AND TED FOR EUROVISION!

2006-03-02T07:13:00.000-08:00

WHY OH WHY DID WE NOT TAKE THIS TO EUROVISION WHEN WE HAD THE CHANCE!

:: I JUST HAD A PHONE CALL WITH DANA!

2006-02-28T10:07:00.000-08:00

That is my very exciting news for today! We discussed her upcoming album and how she would buy mine if I'd buy hers! Oh how exciting! Only Johnny Logan to go now!

:: WOULD YOU CARE TO JOIN US IN OUR CHAMBRES SÉPARÉES? COME A LITTLE CLOSER, OH YOUR VERY ENCHANTÉS!

2006-02-25T08:44:00.000-08:00

HELLO HELLO! The infamous words of SHARONA AND DANIELA PIK (see below)

Anyway after that I bet your wondering how I am, Fantastic is the answer. After a fleeting visit home and catch up session with as many as I could I am heading back to boybandland with love in heart and something in my eye. After said fleeting visit one person stands out as most entertaining person of the weekend, who I hear you cry with your hearts open wide, why it's none other than Daragh McCarthy, if you need any more proof at Daragh's entertaining abilities check out this picture:

As a team effort we were trying to aid Brian's luck with his new love interest and after little persuasion Daragh was up giving his best seductive face as pictured above. This was of course after "Girls just wanna have fun" to which he said at the top of his voice "I have this as my ringtone!". Excellent work Daragh.

Anyway other stand out people from the weekend were of course the best couple I know Jonathan and Elaine (even though they ruined every song I had), and for those who missed it we got to reprise our fantastic "Alcstar" performance! Great to see Viva La Pablo and the lovely Aoife and Catriona who provided me with this striking picture:

Also Roisin(wearing a fantastic little number black suits you babe) who was lying on my lap at one stage of the night her excuse was she was trying to look easy? I'm not exactly sure why. And who could forget the fantastic Andrea who was workin the grey culottes and black shoes black handbag big boobs look on Friday, unfortunately we didn't exactly agree on Saturday nights choice as it didn't compliment her natural assets even though the shoes and handbag matched!

I also got very excited when I read Nics would be joining us in K2 how disappointing, she could have stayed in Jonathans west wing!

Also a brief meeting with Eoin was held and things are full steam ahead for our new columnist's spot!

Unfortunately I didn't get to see everyone so if I didn't see you, you have only yourselves to blame, the word was out don't you know.

Anyway I'm tomorrow to another busy week, so I best be off to bed!

Night night.

Ps. Paul I want some sort of explaination of this (see below), I don't really know what to think?

::IRELAND'S EUROVISION ENTRANT!

2006-02-17T05:15:00.000-08:00

HERE IS THE WINNER:
http://s55.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=12R6CQXXOEPX71JQ2M34UYLQPE

After dismal attempts in the last 3 years with You're a star things have got interesting, RTÉ have hired Brian Kennedy to do the job! The competition has been surrounded by controversy in the run up as the singer himself has a song entered in the final and one of the songs was disqualified on the grounds that it had been previously released. Regardless of said controversy the comptetion will go ahead tonight at 9.30 on the Late Late Show so YAY! I'm excited I know you are too! I hope we pick a winner!!!

::KERSTIN IS GETTING FRIGHTS::

2006-02-16T02:47:00.000-08:00

:: FINALLY I UNDERSTAND

2006-02-13T17:14:00.000-08:00

You're in a shoe shop, second in the queue for the till. Behind the
shop assistant on the till is a pair of shoes which you have seen and
which you must have.

The female shopper in front of you has seen them also and is eyeing
them with desire.

Both of you have forgotten your purses.

It would be totally rude to push in front of the first woman if you had
no money to pay for the shoes.

The shop assistant remains at the till waiting.

Your friend is trying on another pair of shoes at the back of the shop
and sees your dilemma.

She prepares to throw her purse to you.

If she does so, you can catch the purse, then walk round the other
shopper and buy the shoes.

At a pinch she could throw the purse ahead of the other shopper and,
*whilst it is in flight* you could nip around the other shopper, catch
the purse and buy the shoes.

Always remembering that until the purse has *actually been thrown* it
would be plain wrong to jump forward of the other shopper.

::I WAS ON A ROLL

2006-02-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

OK I was really on a roll the last few posts but im really busy the last few days so I haven't really had a chance to think. After London I have a day off so I can get things together but thats gonna be busy too because I have to do all the things I can't normally do that day, Dentist, Doctor etc. Anyway another quality post is on its way plus a full report on the trip. Thanks for the comments I really appreciate them they mean a lot, it makes my day!

Thanks guys,

Donal

:: MY SPACE!

2006-02-09T08:59:00.000-08:00

Hey kids!

Ok now this is just blatent plugging but check this out and add us!

www.myspace.com/streetwizeofficial

POST COMING TOMORROW!

ALL THE LOVE

:: LIVING IN MY LUGGAGE

2006-02-08T06:34:00.000-08:00

In recent months all my personal belongings have been constantly on the move, and the way things are looking there be no settling in the pipeline for a good while. With trips to London and Florida still to come in the next few months I am now going to countdown my top 10 essential suitcase items for travelling!

10. A BOOK: Always a good break from all the technology and a step back to the most original form's of entertainment, it's a very rare occassion that I will get on a flight without a book. If anyone has any recommendations I'm looking!

9. MOISTURISER: You scream vain, however during a flight your skin dry's out and your body becomes tired this apply a bit of this and it's an instant pick me up! Also essential for maintaining that all important tan.

8. EARPLUG'S AND AIRPLANE EARPHONES: I used to be really freaked out by earplugs until recently when I have had to share a room with someone who likes to make a lot of noise but I have now become accustomed to them and are a handy addition to flight packed with kids. Airplane earphones if I've bought them once I'm not fucking buying them again ok!

7. NUROFEN PLUS, SINUTAB, BENYLIN4FLU:Preferably not all at once, but the nurofen for headaches or period pains, the sinutab to clear mucas good for singing, and of course my old favorite for when I feel a bit of flu coming on and need a good sleep benylin does the job!

6. TOUCHÉ ÉCLAIT: Now I'm not a big fan of the old slap but in the high flying industry of Pop an orange glow is essential for looking bright and chirpy, so this is my compromise as the more manly of make-up's it's a skin lightener thingy that you put on the bags under your eyes and it makes you look like your fresh out of the womb, ideal for that early morning photoshoot!

5. PEN AND PAPER: I always take a pen and paper with me on a flight, I always have, I don't know why, perhaps deep down I hope one flight I'll have a break through and write a book or something, but I generally end up doodling.

4. GREENDAY'S DOOKIE BOY: HAHAHA ASIF! MY LAPTOP: This has become a great travel companion in the last while, especially when the airport has free wireless broadband, but can also double up as a dvd player or a games console! Fantastic!

3. HAIR PRODUCTS: Where would I be without my hair products? I'll tell you, I'd still be eating pies and looking like I did when I was sixteen. It's impossible to
imagine how my life would be without them and at the moment I am favouring a mix of Wella Bed Head and Shockwaves Xtrovert Clay for texture and control.

2. FHM: This magazine is the ultimate traveller's companion, it has it all, wank material in the form of barely clothed women, music and film reviews, barely clothed women, male fashion tip's, barely clothed women and will keep you occupied for a good hour and forty minutes.

1. MY BELOVED RIO KARMA: I would not be able to travel without this, it is home to over 2500 tracks of cheesy tunes and could in theory keep me occupied for up to 180 hours that is just over a week of music 90% of the population have never heard!

:: SWING IT SHAKE IT MOVE IT MAKE IT

2006-02-07T08:43:00.000-08:00

HELLO! It's been a quite a while since a real genuine post from yours truly and with the good news that Viva La Pablo is back in business I thought it only right that I should post in celebration. Apart from Viva La Pablo's return, I have loads more to talk about but I have something very amusing to show you.

Do you all remember Dana International the trans-sexual that won the Eurovision in 1998, the one about whom my dad famously said "Jesus, I'd give her one!". Well apart from her famous Eurovision song "Diva" she released the shocking "Cinque Milla" which featured those famous words, "I have a party in my pants, I sell banana's banana's banana's, potatoes and some CCCCCCCCOCK!" well you will be glad to know that I have found the even more outrageous video to the song which when shown on Channel 4 back in 1999 before the watershed received 211 complaints. So here in all it's glory is "Cinque Milla", I wonder what the symbolism of a transexual riding a giant banana could be interpreted as?

Keeping it Eurovision related (sorry but this will be bearable), the Eurovision season has really and truly begun with just over 100 days to the event itself and Ireland's entry to be chosen next Friday and to celebrate I have one the most classic songs that the old Irish National Final ever produced, yes thats right some of you may remember this as it was a school yard favorite for a while there, yes its "Bon Bon Carr" by group Doona, it was one of the rare Irish language songs in the final of 1999 and features the classic lyric, "Is mise and fear ar an bonn bonn carr", even if you don't remember it have a listen to how crappily catchy it is! LISTEN HERE NOW!

I'm tempted to post about the songs that have already been chosen from Slovenia, Malta, Estonia, and Norway, but I guess I'll save that for another day!

FUCK ME! How good was LOST last night! The new series is back and holy shit it is great! We had a discussion that went on for ages as to what it was all about. My personal theory is the guy who is down the hole is a symbolic version of god in a harder more like less religious realistic way. It would explain a lot I mean he told the doctor to believe in miracles and the paralysed lady was cured, he wakes up and types a code into a program which I see as symbolic to keeping the world ticking over OH MY it's just all to exciting. Leave your own theories below, needless to say I can't wait for next weeks episode!

PETE DOHERTY HATERS WILL BE HAPPY TO READ THIS ARTICALE

Also has anyone heard Pink's new song? She is well on her way back to the top I was merely won over by this picture!:

ALSO IN NEWS THIS WEEK: Smash Hits the magazine which can be partly to blame for my love of pop music, is printing it's last ever issue next week, which means I will never get to live my dream of being featured as an artist to watch... SNIFF oh well in other pop magazine news check out page 23 of TV Hits to see yours truly!

In other Donal news I am going to London on Sunday! LONDON BABY! There's loads more but it has to be kept under wraps for the moment!

Well thats about it for the moment, hope you enjoyed today's post, Leave your comments below I always appreciate them!

::MUCH LOVE::

:: STRICTLY JONATHAN'S FIRST VIDEO

2006-02-02T06:15:00.000-08:00

Strictly Jonathan will be recording his very first music video to promote his new album. For those of you who know his interesting style of music you can only imagine what the video will be like! The remaining question is which song deserves this honour! The choice is yours! VOTE NOW!

SUTTON PARKERS DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE RUSSIA TRIP VIDEO BELOW!

:: MEMORIES

2006-02-01T23:49:00.000-08:00

:: FOR THE CHILDREN OF THE 90'S

2006-02-01T03:22:00.000-08:00

How you know you experienced the 90's:
1) 10p Mr Frosty Ice Pops on long summer days!
2) Gordon the Gopher!
3) You could do or tried to do the Prodigy step. 'You're no good'
4) You owned or longed for an Adidas three stripe tracksuit
5) You owned a compilation tape with TOP TUNES such as "Mr Vain","What is love" and "Rhythm is a dancer" and 'How Bizarre, How Bizarre"
6) Girls thought Blue Mascara was cool!
7) Girls actually fancied Garry Barlow more than Robbie Williams
8) The Racoons! (nuff said)
9) You owned a pair of Nike Air Max, and wore them to death
10) Mr Motivator (What ever happened to him?)
11) Running on the spot dancing!
12) You wore leggings/cycling shorts with long t-shirts
13) You owned a Bennetton, NafNaf, sweater shop jumper or waistcoat
14) Girls owned scrunchies in an array of colours and tacky headbands with their names written on in thick glitter
16) You bought Smash Hits for the song lyrics and the immense amount of stickers that you would stick everywhere!
17) You had a pen pal
18) You could only watch the Simpson's on sky
19) On a Saturday afternoon you watched Catchphrase, Gladiators, Generation Game, Noels House Party and then Casualty
20) You taped the Pepsi Chartshow on radio one and tired in vain to pause the tape before the annoying guy talked and ruined the whole thing.
21) Cans of Coke were 25p
22) 10p Space Raiders Crisps
23) A grey Fruit of the Loom jumper was a must have
24) Sharkie & George were the crimebusters of the sea
25) Puffa jackets
26) You used the line "it's a free country" every day
27) The Sky Sports Blimp!
28) Impulse body spray for girls
29) Hooch Alcoholic Lemonade (where's it gone?!)
30) 'Don't forget your toothbrush', 'TFI' and Big Breakfast with Chris Evans
31) You had at least one troll
32) You know the dance to Macarena and Saturday Night. You also tried to scat like Scatman John! Bi bat ba ba da bo...
33) You watched Baywatch and longed for the day that Eddie & Sharni got together!
34) You watched Byker Grove 'ha ha ha whatcha laughin at!' (the Theme song ending), and saw PJ get shot in the eye with a paintball!
35) PJ and Duncan not Ant and Dec! Dodgy Pop Not Dodgy Presenting!
36) Shellsuits & bumbags!
37) You longed to live in Beverley Hills 90210
38) Home and Away was a prime time ITV programe watched by millions
39) You owned a Spice Girls album
40) Fruit salads and black jacks!
41) Strike it lucky on a sunday night with Michael Barrymore when he was straight & married
42) Chain letters
43) You had fake ID
44) You remember Todd Landers in Neighbours
45) You religiously watched Saved by the Bell on a Saturday morning!
46) You more than likely lost/nearly lost a wobbly tooth on a wham bar!!
47) CK one (probably the fake one from the market)
48) Going Live, then Live and Kicking was the place to be on a Saturday Morning - you know you remember the number 0181 811 8181
49) You knew every word to the theme tune from Fresh Prince of Bel Air
50) You collected Premier League Stickers and did swoops at playtime
51) Girls wore crappy lipstick such as - coffee shimmer, heather shimmer and birthday suit!
52) You wore kickers and wallaby's with the tags hanging from them
53) You thought saying - "I know you are, you said you are but what am I" to every cuss that that came your way!
54) "love got the world in motion" with the John Barnes Rap
55) when you used to run away from some thing and shout ' legiiiiiitt'
56) Had laces that were twirly, so tied themselves; only available is bright florecent colours.
57) You had one of those ethnic striped indie tops - probably in purple.
58) You said lush at least once every hour and everything was cool.
59) Status was achieved and judged by the number of friendship bands you had.
60) Spokey dokeys on bike wheels

:: THIS IS COOL

2006-01-23T09:13:00.000-08:00

:: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN IT'S THE AOIFE ROBERT'S (belated) BIRTHDAY POST!

2006-01-16T07:28:00.000-08:00

Aoife Roberts- A friend, occasional lover and fulltime concubine.

Aoife has remained in the ::JUSTDonal circle of friends for nearly six years now and she has certainly made her presence felt. Aoife and I have had a very turbulent relationship which huge highs and a few low's but over all we have a good one.

It is almost tradition that Aoife's birthdays are almost overshadowed by our relationship, and I wanted to make it up to her this year, but things turned bad when I found out I would be in South Africa!

Now I know this doesn't make it up to you completely, (we can sort that out later Aoife, if you know what I mean.) but her is a post dedicated to the lady herself! Behold Aoife in all her glory! She has a great GROWL(er).

:: I'M IN SOUTH AFRICA!

2006-01-15T09:38:00.000-08:00

For those of you who thought I had just fallen off the face of the earth I am actually in fact in South Africa where the sun is shining and up until two days ago I was severly burned, thankfully that brief yet painful period is over and my skin is turning to tan! YAY!

Anywho I have been filming my wildlife documentary "::JUSTDonal goes Wild!" and have riden an ostrich which was very amusing.

Posting will hopefully resume when I come home on Friday!

See you soon!

Ps. Jonathan I thought you were giving up posting! But I'm very glad you haven't.
Eoin fantastic job, big shoes to fill but your post standards are very high!
Brian sorry to hear about the Paris ordeal in the changing room I had a similar ordeal once unfortunately I was in the girls changing rooms (by mistake the signs are so vague) which severly added to the embarrassment.
Paul hope the incident has blown over, there'll always be a place here for you!
Also to any of you BEBO mail forwarders cut it out!
Ok I have to go now dinner.
Might get a chance to post again while staying where we are.

:: ALIZÉE: SAVIOUR OF LE POP!

2006-01-05T05:55:00.000-08:00

Today is a tribute to the small amount of catchy music that France has contributed to Pop music. In my opinion, Alizee is the saviour of French pop, which is why there is three of her songs posted today. I mean look at her shakin all she's got! Alizee is the protegee of the successful Quebec born, singer/producer, Myleene Farmer. Alizée is currently on a break from her career after just having kid, but is set to make a big comeback in March of this year!

Alizée- Moi Lolita
Alizée had her big break a few years back with this single which unfortunately was shortlived internationally. Her success was largely enjoyed in many parts of Europe and Asia! This is a great pop song and reminds me of teenage disco days!

Alizée- J'en ai Marie
This was the first single from Alizée's second album, I don't really know how well this did but when I was in France it was just released and it seemed to be pretty big! It's a really catchy tune and the video if I remember features a goldfish.

Alizée- J'ai Pas Vignt Ans
This is a bit of a darker pop tune which is in between the two other songs today. This was one of last songs that were successful from Alizée's second album, and is also one of my favorite's! YAY!

:: HIGHLIGHTS AND LOWLIGHTS OF 2005

2006-01-03T08:49:00.000-08:00

Well it was a very interesting which had some big up's and down's but here is a run down of my lowlights and highlights of 2005.

LOWLIGHTS!
11. The responsibility of having a car thats not mine
10. Not getting any advertisement auditions.
9. Not following through with the pieing Catriona threats.
8. Donna and Joe representing Ireland, why?
7. Being Sick, I hate being sick!
6. Alcazar unofficially breaking up.
5. S Club 8 Breaking up.
4. Martin Stenmarck.
3. Losing 80 euro through "clever" gambling on the Eurovision.
2. Failing College Exams
1. Suzanne ruining my birthday

HIGHLIGHTS!
13. Catching Fiona Dean steal a Big Baby Bop
12. Waking people up!
11. Making Aoife and Suzanne's Prague trip behind the scenes pics!
10. Making 20,000 hits!
9. Passing my college Exams!
8. Interviewing various Eurovision 2005 stars!
7. Going to London for Auditions.
6. The Kylie Showgirl Concert
5. Meeting all the Irish Eurovision Stars at the Eurovision for Asia Concert!
4. Music shopping in Sweden in April, a whole world opened up for me!
3. Performing as part as the Alcastars!!!
2. Getting man pecs!
1. Performing to first real fans in my favorite country!

:: SHIRI MAIMON: NEW SONG

2006-01-03T05:01:00.000-08:00

Ok now this took a lot of work to get but I finally managed it! Yes after trawling through hebrew sites I found Shiri's (Hot Israeli singer) new single! And it's pretty good too! Hooray! Shiri beat the lovely Pick sisters, (see below) to become the 2005 KDAM winner.

Ok enough yap listen here!

:: IT'S TIME FOR SOME MUSIC

2006-01-02T12:29:00.000-08:00

H & Claire- Another You, Another Me
H & Claire were the cause of the breakup of one of the biggest selling groups in the UK in the last few years. Even Pete Waterman (Their creator) hasn't outdone himself to this day. H & Claire split from the group and released an album which really didn't have that much success even though Claire had a really great voice! Anywho this is an ABBA track they covered. Really good!

Geri Halliwell- The Heavan and Hell of being Geri Halliwell
This isn't a personal favorite of mine but I thought it would be an interesting one for you all to listen to. Geri of course as many of you already know was a former spice girl and is now relegated to pop's C-list celebrity. Who knows we may even see her have a go at Eurovision!

Raymond o ch Maria- Ingen Vill Veta Vart Du Kopt Din Troja
Now this is actually a really nice wholesome song, it was a one hit wonder in Sweden last year but it definitly deserved the success it got. I always hope someone will write and release an English version of the really meaningful songs , well they sure sound meaningful. It's a really nice song so listen.

The Pick Sisters- Hello Hello!
Ok now this is a very exciting act which unfortunately have just broken up, however this is probably one of their finest songs, it was actually in this years Israeli selection for Eurovision but don't let that put you off! If you download this for any reason download it to hear their fabulous pronounciation of the English language! And also because one of them is hot!

::JUSTDonal:: NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS!

2006-01-02T10:06:00.000-08:00

Hello boys and girls,

Here are my New Years resolution's for 2006!

Treat the Sickness not the symptoms.
Get better at giving compliments, instead of "you like nice too".
Learn how to speak Swedish for when I go and live the rest of my days there.
Stop saying "beep beep beep" when I see large people reversing.
Be more organised.
Take lot's more pictures, everybody loves pictures.
Organise more social events.
Make more effort in keeping in touch with people.
Post alot more.
Continue the struggle to make Swedish music internationally all the while being aware that if I succeed I still won't be happy because it won't be unique anymore. Kinda like the way all the knackers are now wearing H&M.
Start writing music.
Get a record deal!
Make some money.
Buy Christmas presents before November.
Show parents how to use electronic items in house so they can survive.
Try and stick with just chicken and fish, meat is just nasty.
Cook more.
Attend a Eurovision related event!

THE END

:: HOT FOR 2006!

2006-01-01T23:26:00.000-08:00

WHAT'S GONNA BE HOT FOR 2006!

Desperate Houswives Series Two
After being the hottest show of 2005 the housewives are back to kickstart a brand new year with a brand new series which starts on the 5th of January on RTE2. So many questions left to be answered! Does the crazy teenager kill the plumber, what happens at Rex's funeral? Oh god just how does it end!

Celebrity Big Brother
After last year's explosive mix of characters the producers will want to try and outdo themselves! There's already talk of names as big as Anna Nicole Smith explaymate! It could be really good this year or it could flop, but since they are payin the celebs to be in the house there gonna be good.

Preppy Fashion Sense
As seen by hot couple Laura and Simon, preppy fashion sense is on it's way back in, in a big way. So turn up your collars and roll out your trilbies, I want to say monacles and canes but maybe thats pushing it.

OutKast
They have a new movie out which they have written the whole soundtrack so if "Hey Ya" was anything to go by this could be the band to watch in 2006!

Playstation 3
This set to be the hottest gadget of 2006 and features wireless controllers, now thats cool, I've never owned a playstation so maybe I'll invest, especially if the new grand theft auto is out!

The Davinci Code
Well I haven't read the book but it was so big in 2005 I'm guessing the film is gonna be huge too, plotline sounds good "A murder in the Louvre and clues in Da Vinci paintings lead to the discovery of a religious mystery protected by a secret society for two thousand years -- which could shake the foundations of Christianity", it also features my favorite French actress Audrey Tautou! Yeah the one from Amelie.

Miami Vice
This I've heard is gonna be pretty damn cool, it's all about Florida's Drug underworld and star's Colin Farrel and Jamie Foxx as two hard hitting detectives. It's meant to be very dark too.

Pirates Of The Caribean: Dead Man's Chest
This is the film I'm most excited about this year, the first film was one of the those ones that you could watch over and over. The sequel has pretty much the original cast made up of the lovely Keira Knightley, Orlando Bloom and of course Johnny Depp. Jack Sparrow has to avoid becoming one of those undead pirates bla bla bla happy ending.

Jesse McCartney
This guy is set to be huge and already has a highly successful career in states. He's releasing his debut single in Febuary so keep your eyes peeled and remember you heard it here first.

Take That
Since the documentary in late November, or was it early December, anyway the point of this is, interest in Take That has increased and they are now set to do an arena tour in the UK and are also set to release singles! The Sugababes are supporting them so this whole tour must be big, who know Robbie might even join in the fun!

Shakira
After a long break Shakira is back with her new English album, "Oral Fixation volume 2", she already released "Oral Fixation Volume 1" in other regions in 2005 and is now ready to rock the UK! I hope she's successful because she is very very talented and not just in the looks department! Anyway the response to her new stuff seems to be good so keep those fingers crossed!

Michael Jackson
After a very traumatic year for old Jacko he's in the clear and I for one think he's gonna start back at his music career. When I checked the release schedule for the next few months I found this: Michael Jackson - Beat It (March 13th), Michael Jackson - Bad (March 20th), Michael Jackson - The Way You Make Me Feel (March 27th), Michael Jackson - Dirty Diana (April 3rd), so either funds are low or this is the slow crawl back up the pop ladder.

:: CONFESSIONS ON A NEW YEARS EVE

2006-01-01T10:17:00.000-08:00

Me and Hannah!

Suzanne and Seamus! (Isn't Suzanne's hair delightful!)

Me, Roisin and Ellen! (Ellen didn't have her camera so I felt obliged to have a picture of her doing her pose!)

Me and the Lovely Elaine, who I must say was looking very striking this particular night! She wouldn't let me delete this pic because I look retarded!

Jon and Simon keepin it real for the camera!

Aoife and Daragh I have to make mention of the fact that this picture took at least seven takes!

I have to say a special shout out to the ::JUSTDonal:: official best dressed couple Laura Kenny and Simon Carberry who were very co-ordinated and ever so spiffing!

I was also struck by Andrea's now larger than ever boobs and Kate Duffy's lovely little I don't really know what there called really its like a thin cardigan that only goes over the shoulders? Anyway it was lovely! Also Paul Pharell's crown was another daring fashion accessory of the evening!

A good night seemed to have been had by all but why the phunk was there no countdown!

:: HAPPY NEW YEAR MAY WE ALL HAVE OUR HOPES, OUR WILL TO TRY

2005-12-30T10:38:00.000-08:00

I am very sorry for not posting to keep you all informed on what was going on over Christmas, but you know how things get busy and you can't find the time to do everything you want! But I'm here now.

Now for many of you who are already sick of me telling you how fucking brilliant Sweden is, but I do have to tell you about two festive season songs that technically we should know about in Ireland. First of all I thought I knew the majority of ABBA songs however I looked the fool when I had to sing on stage with a school choir one of their songs! The song in question is called "Happy New Year" and it has a lovely feel good anthem although the end of the chorus ends in "If we don't we might as well lay down and die" which I felt was a bit much! The song is great!

The second song was "Feliz Navidad" which I'm informed is Spanish, and its a cracker of a song. I bet you'll recognise it when you hear it!

We got some really great DVD's over christmas, the Des Bishop Work Experience which is feckin brilliant (he has a new show startin next week i think he also has a blog like me www.desbishop.com), Tommy Tiernan, Little Britain 2 which is great!

I have been having a wonderful time the last few days, it's very hard to just fall back into a social scene that you've been out of for so long, so I would like to thank Jonathan, Brian, Catriona, and Elaine, for making things so easy! It was really great to see everyone on Christmas Eve there was so many people there, also sorry for being in the state I was in K2 was just very hot! I Also have to mention hot newcomer Anne Marie where did she come from and isn't she just so nice!

Also You're a star is back on our screens and this year a fellow popstar party worker (well I think we only worked together once!) is in the final. The lovely Jean Anne with her band Nickel and Dime are headin for the top and I'm sure they would appreciate your votes! Good Luck Girls!!! You can do it!

Well I'm heading to the Bloody Stream tomorrow night for New Year's Eve, so hopefully it'll be good craic! Might see ya there!

All the love!

:: JUSTDonal IS COMING HOME!!!!!!

2005-12-23T12:28:00.000-08:00

Boys and girls after my whirlwind tour of Sweden performing on radio and various gigs, I'm coming home for Christmas!

I had the best time in Sweden and I got to see so much Goteberg, Stockholm, and Jonkoping!

So I'll be home very soon! See you in k2 on CHRISTMAS EVE!!!

All the love,

::JUSTDonal::

ps. this is the first official ::JUSTDonal:: christmas!

:: DONAL'S SWEDISH WATERLOO: DAY 9

2005-12-21T14:20:00.000-08:00

Hey Boys and Girls!
I GOT MY VERY FIRST FAN MAIL SCROLL DOWN TO SEE!!!
longer post coming when I get some time for now here's some pics!

:: DONAL'S SWEDISH WATERLOO: DAY ?

2005-12-19T14:47:00.000-08:00

So it's been very fun so far! Unfortunately for me they don't sell adapter's in Sweden so I was without my lovely laptop for a few days there!

Well now I'm back! The last few days I was up in Stockholm having some very interesting meetings, and guess what I got to meet Benny Andersson's (from ABBA) son who as it turns out wasn't that interested in the fact that I was a big fan of his father's work. He looked like him though.

For your information many of Swedish showers are very good compared to our useless selection of Irish ones.

Swedish people don't clap between songs they wait till the end (highly disconcerting).

Swedish people have special wooden things to spread butter.

Anyways I am now longer in Stockholm and have returned to Jonkoping where it is snowing! We just built a snowman, its all just so exciting!

Ok goodbye now, and may all your scredrivers fit your toolbox (Swedish Saying)

Sweden: Stockholm

2005-12-19T14:19:00.000-08:00

2005-12-17T17:03:00.000-08:00

this man had a tin of abba!

:: DONAL'S SWEDISH WATERLOO: DAY TWO

2005-12-14T13:31:00.000-08:00

I'm here hurray! I saw Amy Diamonds House today and waved at every Swedish person I met, the I went into Sophie's school and talked to all the kids and then we went and ate lunch and then went shopping and I saw loads of Swedish music I liked and then the grannd mother
came over and then we watched an old performance and then we went for some shopping and then Ï went into a shop and then we went to a video shop and then we got a video and then we went home and then we walked the Dalmation and then we saw one of Jonathans friend Anna and then we came home and then I had diahorreha or something like that and then we watched a film and then we burned wax out of our ears and then sophie played the piano and then I typed my day here and now its over!

Picture's hopefully tomorrow laptop problems!

All the love

Donal pussy

:: DONAL'S SWEDISH WATERLOO: DAY 1

2005-12-13T07:56:00.000-08:00

16.04: So I didn't have time to tell you all that I was going to Sweden but here's the diary so now you know. Well the day hasn't really been the best. Stressful is the word I would use . Foolishly I thought a €10 ryanair flight from shannon would cause me no hassle, I was wrong. I had a taxi ordered for 9.15 i needed to be at busaras for 10.30, so I had loads of time. 9.15 came and went and the taxi company called to say that they were still looking for someone to take me, I said forget this and ordered a cab from Classic Cabs, this whole situation caused a lot of stress, so I was very flustered by the time the taxi came at 9.45. As we got to the end of my road I got that stupid sinking feeling and couldn't remember had I taken my passport and tickets (for the record normally I am a lot more organised!), I stopped the car hopped out and they were in my bag in boot phew. So we were on our way, by the time we had got to sutton cross I couldn't remember had I put my contact lenses in the bag, so I panicked at hopped out at the cross and ran to Insight opticians to pick up some lenses, which set me back €35. No the clever thing to do would have been to check the boot to see if they were in the bag but I didn't and when I did check the bag it was full of contact lenses. Oh well, got to Busaras on time and was on my bus, now I have had a lot of experience on bus's since my strabangledesh experience over the summer. Time was filled watching "Monster In Law" on my laptop and reading FHM all the while trying to block out the landscape "Which is not Dublin". Limerick is a right old kip it reminds me of Dublin in the early 90's. Had to change bus's at Limerick Rail Station where me and two old ladies got the bus all alone to Shannon. When I arrived in Shannon I got to the check in desk where my bag was pronounced "overweight, 5 Kilos" (In think it was kilo's anyway). €40 straight into ryanair's pockets! Oh well it must have happened for a reason, I'll find out later and when I do you'll be the first to hear about it! Ok a guy in a big US military outfit walked by do you think it was real or did he just think it looked cool. OH MY GOD THIS SO FUNNY I JUST TURNED MY HEAD AND ABOUT 50 HUNDRED OF THEM HAVE JUST COME FROM THIS DOOR! There all heading for the toilet!!! Very funny! Jesus there still coming! This is freaky they are all in the exact same uniforms!!! Ok I'm gonna take a picture coz otherwise you wont believe me! Ok now there is like three of them having this meeting about having the correct unifrom. Ok they have just fallen out as the saying goes. I'm going to check in now hopefully will get a chance to post later!

BYE (Hej Da)

:: HAS ROISIN JOINED THE CONWAY SISTERS?

2005-12-08T12:01:00.000-08:00

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

:: HOORAY!

2005-12-07T13:17:00.000-08:00

IS NOW ACCEPTING SONG SUBMISSIONS!
YOUR ENTRY SHOULD BE 1 MINUTE 50 SECONDS IN LENGTH AND CAN BE AS CRAP AS YOU WANT!
ENTRANTS WILL BE PROFILED ALONG WITH THEIR SONG HERE ON ::JUSTDonal::! SIMPLY RECORD YOUR SONG VIA COMPUTER AND SEND ALONG VIA WWW.YOUSENDIT.COM TO JUSTDONAL@HOTMAIL.COM

SO GET YOUR ENTRIES IN BEFORE THE 23rd OF DECEMBER!

:: IT'S THE WAY YOU MAKE ME FEEL

2005-12-05T13:13:00.000-08:00

Well I was going to write about the JCB song today, and even sent it by you sent it so you guys had the link, foolishly I sent it to Jonathan, who stole my idea (without knowing) and posted it! GRRR! Oh well!

:: A LITTLE NIGHT OUT

2005-12-04T06:12:00.000-08:00

For those of you I saw last night, it was good to see you!

Unfortunately we ended up in K2 i don't recommend this to anyone!

Jonathan's Drunken words of wisdom to Roisin:
"I don't ask you how wide your gee gapes while you masturbate!"

Back tomorrow for more.

:: POST COMING TOMORROW!

2005-12-02T12:41:00.000-08:00

:: HEY THERE HI THERE HO THERE

2005-12-01T08:09:00.000-08:00

Well I thought today since it is the the first of December I would give you my review of this year's potential candidates for that coveted Christmas number spot! I'm using the pants system ie:
It's a number one!

Possible Number one!

Definite Top 10!

Well it's not going to be the christmas number 1!

Hmmm, keep tryin!

Crazy Frog - Jingle Bells/Can’t Touch This
After his successful number one single and album this year, it is no suprise that Crazy Frog has put a single in for the Christmas number one spot. Crazy frog is one of the most annoying one hit wonders of all time, so I hope to hell that it doesn't go anywhere near the No.1 spot!

Chances of Number 1:

Robbie Williams - Advertising Space
Did anyone else see that documentary on Take That a few weeks ago? Well anyway it made Robbie look like he seriously suffering from himself- but he still continues to churn out catchy hits- However Robbie is up against some stiff competition and I'm just not sure he's up to it. But you just never know. Who knows if everything goes down the toilet he could always just rejoin the rest of the lads! Gary Barlow might not be too happy though...

Chances of Number 1:

Westlife & Diana Ross - When You Tell Me That You Love Me
Well, you might laugh at the cheesy aspect of this song but the song is actually is really good and on top of that the video is great, my god Diana Ross looks amazing for 61! Westlife haven't attempted the number one spot at Christmas since they were beaten by none other than Bob The Builder! Well I think this is one of the songs with the strongest chances !

Chances of Number 1:

The Choirboys - Tears In Heaven
I heard about these guys three months ago when Music Week tipped them for success! On paper they seem to have the right formula for a number one, unforunately they chose this song instead of "The Snowman" which would have been the obvious choice! The video for this is hilarious with three pepubescent youngsters trying to be old. All that said they may capture the hearts of granny's the country over!

Chances of Number 1:

Girls Aloud - See The Day
This is one the strongest songs the girls have had out, and the video is even better! They even make the ginger look have decent! Also Nadine is looking great! Anywho the song is probably the best in the running- and the final song from their second successful album! I was watching a programme on the making of the video and Kimberly revealed that the pond featured in the video is actually a mirror! Who have thought a mirror as a pond! HAHAHAHAHA Ok I've run out of things to say about this one.

Chances Of Number 1:

X Factor Winner - TBA
Well this is a strong possibilty although Steve Brookestein didn't manage it last year so you never know. Brenda is my top tip to win it though she'll probably have stiff competition from Shayne! But Brenda deserves it because at the start she was overlooked for being fat and ugly but she turned out to be a bit of a looker with a crackin voice! Shirley Bassey eat your heart out!

Chances of Number 1:

:: BUT DONAL IS IT HOT OR NOT?

2005-11-30T07:50:00.000-08:00

It’s back, yes ladies and gentlemen, THE WHAT’S HOT AND WHAT’S NOT LIST is back with a vengeance! So hold on to your hat’s cause here we go!

5. Scarf’s easily the most easy to match accessory this season!

4. Sweden- Apparently the spirit of Christmas is still alive in Sweden- I will be reporting on this in December.

3. Christmas Songs!- I CAN’T WAIT FOR CHRISTMAS ONLY 25 DAYS! My Christmas wishlist will be available later!

2. The New Website- I even got Catriona’s seal of approval when she rang me last night to tell me how fabulous she thought it was!

1. Steam Rooms- Not only do they clear your chest, they make your skin look baby fresh!

5. Ryan Tubridy- That man just makes me angry to look at him- Des Bishop has a point, nobody can be THAT happy all the time.

4. The Gerry Ryan Show- I have one question why do you never see Gerry Ryan, Twink and Marion Finuacne in the same room.

3. Dark Mornings and Evenings- I think I’m getting SAD?

2. Fighting back germs- Don’t you just hate that niggly nearly sick feeling.

1. MY NEW FUCKING HAIR CUT!- I HATE IT SO MUCH THAT THE NIGHT I GOT IT I WOKE UP AND HIT MY HEAD FOR LETTING THAT STUPID GIRL CUT IT.

That's my hot or not list for the moment. I must get back to rehearsals!

All the love!

:: AND THERE'S MORE!

2005-11-29T06:40:00.000-08:00

Well last night was highly stressfull, the launch was all set for 9.00pm, and all the codes were ready to go, unfortunately when the time came, we had reached our limit on the server that hosts all the pics so when the whole site went live there were no pics! Oh well it all seems to be working now! I hope your all enjoying it. It took ages to get it together and design! And who would have thought we'd have our very own stalker NICS as a regular poster!

Anyway back to business, I was in the gym this morning and while working my man breasts the thought came to me- what if I was to write a Soap Opera! So I've decided to run with the idea and write a Soap Opera! You will get your weekly dose on a Friday, it will be thrilling, exciting and enthralling stealing many idea's from Brookside with a mix of Desperate Housewives. Remember how exciting Brookside was as a kid?

Also I was thinking wouldn't it be fun to have our very own Song Contest! You could record your songs on your computer and make them as crap as you want and then have five finalists! Well post your ideas on the message board!

Doesn't Terri Hatcher look like a skeleton in that photo? I'm kinda thinking maybe it would be better to write a musical but that's partly because I'm listening that great song from Chess- Nobody's Side! That really is a great musical. But if I'm to do that I will have to consult the ::JUSTDonal:: music expert, Strictly Jonathan. Oh you should definitly download his version of "Hung Up" the end is fucking hilarious!

Anywho I'll be back tomorrow with something hopefully slightly more interesting than this post as it will be my whats hot and whats not!

OH YOU HAVE TO HEAR THIS SONG IT'S SO GOOD:
Chess- Nobody's Side
Or in Swedish (even better)
Lämna inga dörrar på glänt

All my love and christmas wishes,

::JUSTDonal::

Also all columnists love comments!
JOIN THE MESSAGEBOARD!

:: IT'S DONAL!

2005-11-28T11:21:00.000-08:00

So here we are you thought it wasn’t coming and then you were like oh yeah it is and then your were like its not really is it and the countdown appeared and you were like yeah its definitly happening and then you were really excited and now it’s finally here after let me tell you, A LOT of hard work.

So many of you have been wondering what ::JUSTDonal:: has been up to, and I'm going to fill you in.

Well since September I have been growing my hair and it went through those really nasty periods where you can't still it and then it finally kinda evened out to be nice albeit a bit long on the sides. But I stupidly decided to get it trimmed. Now when you tell a hairdresser you want your hair trimmed they seem to take this as "scalp the sides and leave some length on top". Here is a before and after shot, my ears are very cold.

Any way next thing on the agenda is next years Eurovision, and guess who is performing for Ireland, none other than Brian Kennedy who has been related to the Eurovision before when he performed as part of the 1995 Eurovision Interval Act. With the right song he could potentially do really well!
He will be up against hot contenders from Sweden where I predict it to be an open competition between these three lovely's.

NOW THATS EXCITING!

Ok well I'm glad we've cleared that up we can now move onto MUSIC! Now I know you love downloading my hot music tips! So here is my top tunes from the last few weeks! You all should not that Madonna's song "Hung Up" is the ::JUSTDonal:: single of the year.

You'll also be all glad to know that we have caught six mice.

Be back soon with more!

2005-10-18T05:01:00.000-07:00

hello