What a great bit of scientific investigative work. Using relatively simple experimental methods, researchers have discovered that the African dung beetle uses the polarisation of moonlight to navigate - the first animal known to do so.

The Great Canadian Beaver Eating Contest. Charming entertainment for a night I'm sure.

Still Life With Stem Cells.

How Spanish are the inhabitants of Galway? A question considered by a gentleman in an 1854 edition of "Notes and Queries".

Isn't it strange to think that 'Tory' is probably the most used Irish word in British politics?

A guide to the counties of Ireland ..."Most of Fermanagh is deserted; the only urban centre of note is Enniskillen, which is a bit like Ennis, but with more killen". Unsurprisingly, the author has emigrated.

Boys will be boys. Update - just noticed I'm linking to the wrong photo (should be this). The caption still stands though.

Fluxblog has a new Sonic Youth MP3 up - "Mariah Carey and the Arthur Doyle Handcream". And in spite of it initially threatening to be one of those off the shelf Kim Gordon noise-rants, this one actually turns out great - the compelling chorus and menacing bassline might have something to do with that. I like.

There's something weird with the comments here - not all are showing up....hmm...suspicious.

I'm back, newly refreshed from my week in Donegal and Mayo. Unfortunately, I expect the feeling to last for all of a day while I go about trying to chip away at the mountain of work that awaits me this week.

Anyway - here's a fascinating link to the online 'Proceedings of the Old Bailey London 1674 to 1834'. Each case is a snapshot of somebody's personal tragedy - including this one relating to some poor unfortunate who paid the ultimate penalty for doing the unspeakable with a horse; (his defence was he was merely "making water"). Via Incoming Signals (no relation..).

George W like you've never seen him before.

You Can't Wear Nail Polish to a Surgery - a weblog by Music journalist Michaelangelo Matos. Check out his review of the new Cat Power album here.

Well folks, it is with regret that I have to inform you that there will be no further postings here until Monday 30th. I'm off for a week to one of the finest places on this good Earth - the Rosses in Donegal, the land of my mother's people.

Here's a great Dutch website packed to the gills with Realplayer streams (including some video) of concert and radio session recordings. It includes several recordings of sessions by the Portland songwriter M. Ward. Mr. Ward has in 'Transfiguration of Vincent' released one of the truly great records of the year. I know it's a cliche, but since I bought the record a month ago it has rarely left my cd player (unlike the transient attention given to the new White Stripes, Stephen Malkmus and Blur albums). Download the wonderous track 'Undertaker' from the Merge website.

Some people get excited about the strangest things ... here's a page dedicated to some wonderful buses spotted around Galway - yes you heard me right; buses. Note the 'scantily clad girl' in the photo of the blue double decker.

World's luckiest man wins the lottery. Amazing. Anyway, this story has taught me something .... never buy a used Wartburg car.

I mentioned last week that Maricopa County's Sherriff's office in Arizona (home of America's toughest Sherriff) boasts an online jail information system with mugshots of all recently arrested inmates. Well, coincidentally, it appears this same sherriff's office is in the news this week after their high profile arrest of the Catholic Bishop of Phoenix, Thomas J.O'Brien, on charges of leaving the scene of a crime. Unfortunately, his photo doesn't appear on the site yet; they probably need a day or two to update it.

A little animation showing Alexander the Great's path of conquest. Via Incoming Signals.

I know we're a day too late but here's the Ulysses for Dummies website anyway.

Time lapse Quicktime movie of the first 6 months of pregnancy. Pretty cool.

Yesterday evening, I saw a dolphin jump out of the water with a fish in it's mouth. And no, I didn't need to go to Seaworld to see this - It happened in Galway bay 100 yards off Silverstrand beach. The school of two adults and two or three juveniles must have chased a shoal of fish into the shallows off the shore. It was a wonderful sight which put the top hat on a splendid sunshine filled weekend in Galway.

Maricopa County Sheriff's Office has fully functional online jail information system which includes mugshots of everyone booked into it. It even has a 'crime of the week' feature. Of course, it does disclaim that all 'pre-trial inmates are innocent before proven guilty'. (Although there's something about mugshots that makes everyone look guilty). Wouldn't it be great if had of these systems for the Mill Street station in Galway?

Barbra Streisand Sues to Suppress Free Speech Protection for the California Costal Records project website. Perhaps she thinks we're all as nosy as she is.

Indie MP3. A selection of indie tracks from the 80's. Includes classic blasts from the past such as The Weather Prophets 'I almost Prayed' and a demo of The Primitives 'Crash' and also a really shit early song from My Bloody Valentine. It's amazing how innocent it all sounds now.

This year's Galway arts festival programme has just been announced. I must say the music line up is disappointing, with a distinct singer-songwriter theme but not a lot of rock n' roll thrills promised this year . Having said that, Linton Kwesi Johnson should be a highlight while the Waterboys and Ron Sexsmith will certainly deliver value for money. Besides those gigs, I suspect the shows by Karan Casey and Erin McKeown could be something special.

Outside of music, the event which catches my eye is the multimedia presentation by acclaimed US cartoonist and fellow blogger Tom Tomorrow. It sounds like it could be a fun night.

Overall, I'm delighted to see less of an emphasis on the big-spectacle performace theatre which has dominated in previous years and which in my opinion has generally been crap. Indeed, the inclusion this year of a series of new locally produced productions is a very healthy development.

This is simply beautiful.

No social life? No life..period. Well if you live in Dublin you're in luck because there's a really interesting seminar in Trinity college next Friday night. It should provide enough material to keep you talking bollocks for months to come. Finish the night with a juicy burger and curry fries and you'll be sorted.

Good news for Neil Young fans. After years of waiting, his classic album 'On the Beach' is finally to be re-released on CD. Which means that this site will shortly be defunct. Incidentally, the album contains 'Ambulance Blues' which happens to be one of my favourite Neil Young songs and which is also - after 'Cortez the Killer' - one of only two Neil Young songs I can reliably remember the guitar chords for.

As expected the Springsteen gig was great, in spite of it being the first gig I have ever been at that not only started on time but started five minutes early! I missed the first few songs on account of me being across the road outside Paddy Cullens enjoying a pint - fully expecting it not to start until 8:00.

More seriously though, and luckily for the organisers that nobody was injured, for the RDS was filled far beyond what I had ever experienced before for an open-air gig - normally there is plenty room at the back of the concert space - in this case, however the organisers had literally filled the place to capacity allowing each punter what seemed like 2 sq. ft of standing room. It was a very dangerous situation at times, especially with the crush as people rushed to get into the gig after it had started early - and of course, there wasn't a steward to be seen.

Just one last thing. Go and see 25th Hour. It's the best movie I've seen all year.

Seals at Tawin Bay by Jack B. Yeats. I visited Tawin island for the first time a few days ago while driving the backroads outside Oranmore. It's an interesting and charming place of which I was not previously aware. I expect there is some history to the island. This link - concerning the life of Eamon DeValera - makes reference to Dev spending some time at a "Tawin Gaelic College, of the Galway shore". Where is that now? Perhaps it was located at the old national school at the very end of the island or perhaps it somewhere else entirely?

In other news - it's a long weekend here this weekend and I'm off to Dubland to see the Boss do his thing. But I'll try and remember - there's more to life than cars and girls.

Front page story in today's Irish Times:- Committee chairman to speak to senator about her conduct. I didn't realise it was the 'silly season' - the annual slow news doldrums - already.

How to Fake A Hard Day at the Office. Obviously, it goes without saying that I do not need to do this.

Here's a preview of the new kit for the Mayo Ladies Gaelic football team.

The Winners of Nerve's Bad Erotica Contest

Slashdot - Seeking The Source For Ireland's E-Voting System. It appears that the Dept. of the Environment doesn't even have a copy of the source-code for the country's brand spanking new electronic voting system. Not good.

How to make friends by telephone.

I've never heard of her before but according to the BBC one Erin McKeown is playing the Roisin Dubh on July 16th. Evidently, she's a 25 year old singer from Virginia who has already released a few albums. I've listened to the samples of her music on her website and I must say I like like her songs. So, a gig to pencil in my calendar methinks.

We love the Eurovision song contest here at Smoke Signals. This year I'm betting on the Belgian cod techno-folk entry to win (simply because cod techno-folk is alway popular with our Euro brothers and sisters even when, as in this case, it is sung in an imaginary language - never did the Cocteau Twins any harm). Second place will be this piece of shit from Austria. And I forsee null points for Mickey Joe. Of course, there's always the possibility that TATU's teen lesbo antics might win the day. Sure, what do I know anyway?

This is excellent - Are your religious beliefs rationally consistent? Test them with Battleground God. I was awarded the TPM Medal of Distinction - taking no direct hits and biting only two bullets.

A-list web-celeb James Lileks takes a wee dig at Ireland in today's Bleat ; ".. every time I reach for a Guinness I remember that the Irish were neutral in WW2". Well, at least we weren't neutral for Operation Iraqi Freedom eh?

Campaigners for Scot's Gaelic are to lobby Microsoft to develop a MS Office spellchecker for the ancient language. apparently it's not as big a job as it first seems since it can utilise much of the work already done for the Irish spell checker.

The leprechaun watch webcam from Co. Tipperary. They would be better off spending more time at the hurling.

Last Saturday, I purchased the new records by Vic Chesnutt and Arab Strap and also a a double cd compilation of music by the late great Ted Hawkins. The Vic Chesnutt album 'Siver Lake' is a grower - pleasant enough but first listens only reveal a couple of songs that can stand in the company of his best work. Still, one real gem per album is all I ever expect from him (and all I need, for the best Vic songs are worth twenty of a lesser artist's). Regarding the brilliantly titled Arab Strap album, 'Monday at the Hug and Pint' , it's interesting but also requires a few more listens. Not as mellow as 'Elephant Shoe' (an album I keep coming back to) but probably all the better for it. The Pitchfork reviewer enthused over it a few days ago. And finally, as far as Ted Hawkins' music goes - all I can say is he was the genuine article and "Watch your Step" is the best song that never made it to No.1 on the back of a TV ad.

The Soulmate Calculator. It seems I only need to meet 28 single American women before I find my soulmate. Who said I was picky?

A man convicted of dealing drugs from his house in Swinford has been told that he must either sell out and move back to England or serve a nine month prison sentence. Is this constitutional?

From the Jordan Times: Iraq - deconstructed rather than rebuilt.

The Apathetic Online Journal Entry Generator. Via DMMC. And also this story, which should be of great interest to Brendan and his troupe of polyglot monkeys.

A great piece on 'Fear Factor'. The writer is on the money when he states.."the stunt that makes "Fear Factor" great, traditionally the second of the three stunts, is what the Food Network would be like if William S. Burroughs were in charge." Of course, I only ever watch it for that bit.

If like me, you have an interest in local history, you will find this collection of extracts from old Irish newspapers absolutely fascinating. It seems that not a lot has changed in Limerick in 180 years judging by the following story from 1823 :-

LIMERICK, Feb. 5-On Sunday night, a farm house on the lands of Brianstown,
in the North Liberties of this City, was visited by a large party of
ruffians who entered the house, and after removing the care-taker, his wife,
and such furniture as belonged to him, deliberately set the house on fire,
which was shortly consumed. Mr. RUSSELL had lately set the farm to a man
from the neighbourhood of Park, who had not yet taken the possession of it.
Immediately after the fire, a party of Captain DROUGHT's very efficient
Police proceeded to the spot, where they made prisoners of some suspicious
person found straggling on the road.

A good selection of in-studio recordings broadcast on Seattle radio station KEXP.

The history of the pike in Ireland. This magnificent predator is a much maligned fish so it's good to see evidence that it is indeed a species which is indigenous to Ireland.

Blogger forces Irish domain registry into sunlight. Fair plays to him. €69.95 for a 1 year registration is a total rip-off. I would not be surprised to find that somebody is creaming money out of the operation.

'Desktop Texting' comes to Irish Republic. Will it still allow me to send the 500 free messages per month I can currently send on the 02 website?

Into the Clash? Check out this site. His concert bootleg MP3s can be downloaded from here - just register on the message board. Via the link-tastic blog The Ultimate Insult.

Which Country of the World are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Switzerland -
A neutral power for as long as most can remember,
it has avoided war for several centuries.
However, it is still considered highly advanced
and a global power.

News from everybody's favourite Iraqi blogger. It's a fascinating report of life inside Baghdad during it's recent liberation.

That was the shitiest weather for a May bank holiday weekend I can remember. Particularily so since I spent it on a boat on the river Shannon. Between the drenchings and navigating the wild waters of Lough Ree we managed to find time for a drink or two. Big nights were had in Carrick, Athlone and Longford, pool games were played in Tarmonbarry, snooker was watched in Lanesborough and the convivial atmosphere of the Hodson bay hotel, yucky lasagne was feasted on in Roosky, and boats were run aground in Lough Boderg. A great weekend and sod the weather.

Bum Wines. Is there an export version of Wild Irish Rose?

Wouldn't you have trouble bringing this MP3 player onto a plane?

Which Country Is Next? Ireland ranks in 20th place along with the Mugabe's Zimbabwe...

This town is going to pot. Some gurriers tried to steal a car from outside our house a few days ago. They were foiled by a couple of lads from the house across the road who chased them down the street with hurleys. You wouldn't mind but the car isn't much more than a banger - obviously easy to break into and to start and good for 30 minutes of joyriding craic. But without that little car the owner wouldn't be able to work and it's not that she can afford the time or money to be fixing windows. Scumbags.

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the discovery of DNA. So to mark the occasion, here's a link to a guide on how to extract DNA from anything living, using kitchen equipment and materials. Have fun!

Sinead O'Connor announces retirement. This may be fake, but if true it's a shame. Whatever one may think of her, Sinead has consistently been one of the most interesting personalities on the music scene for the last 15 or so years.

Eighteen Haunted Web Cams.

WORLDPROCESSOR.

Bible Sex Stories. All old testament as far as I can tell.

Councillor Frank Durcan (aka. 'The Maggot') has sent a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions alleging 'fraud and collusion' in local authorities in Co. Mayo. Now we all know that, unfortunately dodgy dealings are a fact of life amongst planning authories in Ireland, so it's good to see someone within the system take action to expose it. However, I have to question Cllr. Durcans motives or agenda here. Apparently he indicated that "house prices had risen by 100 per cent during the past twelve months due to overpricing by contractors and a shortfall in land being provided by local authorities to develop property". Assuming he's referring to Castlebar, my understanding is that the housing shortage has arisen because the council is not authorising any new housing developments until the town sewerage scheme which is currently extremely overloaded has been extended. Stating that prices have increased by 100% is a bit of an exageration though - but since Cllr. Durcan's runs one of the larger auctioneering businesses in the town, maybe he knows better than I do.

This guy reckons Swervedriver's 1993 album 'Mezcal Head' is more satisfying than MBV's Loveless. I bought the album on the same day as I bought The Smashing Pumpkin's 'Siamese Dream' and I must say that while it features two or three very good tracks it's hardly worthy of mention in the same breath as MBV's classic. Still, he's entitled to his opinion and he does make a good case for it.

Confessions of a Dangerous Mind - A bit like 'A Beautiful mind' with gameshows instead of mathematics, fantasy instead of insanity and sex instead of sums. Good but not great, it has Clooney in a tash, a script by Charlie 'Adaptation' Kaufman and the horrendous big gob of the insufferable Julia Roberts - what do people see in her?

Behind the scenes of that amazing new Honda Accord ad. Via Plasticcat.

Five Favourite Pop Music Rumours.

Michaelangelo Matos reports on the fun time he had at what sounds like a Music Critics love-in.

Interesting. It appears that Uday Hussein's email address is udaysaddamhussein@yahoo.com. I must add him to my Yahoo messenger 'friends' list.

Here's a PopMatters interview with the Sawdoctors - aka Ireland's answer to Slade.

Chistopher Allbritton's reports in his weblog prove that Iraq is still a very dangerous place for jounalists.

The Cliche Finder.

While taking a stroll on Nimmo's pier last week, I spotted a group of 5 or 6 large fish swimming just off the edge of the pier heading in the direction the docks. Each was about 1.5 m - 2m long and swimming maybe 2 m below the surface. They were quite unlike any fish I had seen around the docks before and while I originally thought that they must be very large Grey Mullet I now suspect that it could have been a school of Harbour Porpoises. What else could they be?

I picked up this album for €10 at the weekend. A bargain if ever there was one.

Getting back to sexy album covers - check out the fantastic album artwork in the catalogue for Naked Music Recordings.

This summer sees the return of the legendary Lisdoonvarna Festival. I think I'll go - I won't get too excited about seeing Crusty Hoor but the line-up also includes the Frames, Bonnie Prince Billy and my favourite contemporary uncategorisable band of the moment - 'The Microphones' (whose last brilliant album seemed as far as I can tell to be based around the concept of climbing a mountain while stoked to the gills on acid. Anyway, I'll go with 4 or 5 friends, we'll take some tents and a supply of beer and it'll be brilliant.

retroCRUSH: The Sexiest Album Covers of All Time.

Well worth reading. Back In Iraq 2.0: Independent journalism from the Northern front.

Flak Magazine: .."world events have ordained Three Kings as the most important American movie of the past decade."

Another side of TV war reportage. Listen to the second clip. The guy is in the middle of a war zone. He's attempting to deliver a report on the death of two journalists yesterday yet his biggest concern seem to be with his hair. Is this show business or what?

Pitchfork gives Evan Dando's new record 3.6 out of 10. Whatever, I like it and it's good to have him back.

I had a few bob on the winner of the Grand National on Saturday so to celebrate here's a steeplechase game.

A brand new meme? "Baghdad Bob" Now Official Term. Seriously, they should spare the guy and give him his own Letterman type show on the Fox network. It'd be huge.

Indymedia report on the antiwar protests at Hillsborough. Sounds like the extensive security around the town rendered the protest a bit of a damp squib.

Casualties of war. BBC producer Stuart Hughes suffered a leg injury last week after stepping on a anti-personal mine while working in Northern Iraq. Tragically, his cameraman Kaveh Golestan was killed in the same incident. Read Stuart's blog here. Surgeons are due to amputate his damaged foot today:-

"The saddest thing is that I have five perfectly perky toes held in place with a meccano set of pins and bolts but, in medical terms, that’s not enough to save my ballrooom dancing career. Like a killer virus, the landmine has done what it’s designed to do with perfect precision. I feel no bitterness but I hope whoever manufactures the things is pleased with their handiwork."

Every home should have one.

See the satellite phone number on this leaflet ? What would happen if you rang it?

I had an anxiety dream last night. I was playing in a rugby match - anxious because I have never played the game before and to tell the truth I cannot even say I know all the rules ...I mean what exactly is a 'knock on'?

While buying stuff on Saturday, my path crossed with one of these guys. They played Pacino's last Friday nite and I'm sorry I missed it. How come I didn't know about the "Things your Missing" tour? Probably because I don't regularly read this or this.

Ahem...Heather Loves Bill.

Is 'Werewolves of London' not the best movie theme song ever? What's better? Maybe the theme from M.A.S.H?

A new blog for me: Hipster Detritus. Check it out - he's just started running a list of his 100 favourite singles of all time.

Trés amusing - The Poetry of D.H. Rumsfeld.

On Saturday I picked up this, this, and this at the secondhand wonderland that is Bell Book and Candle...and today I received this in the post.....so tell me why do I feel unfulfilled?

Not one April Fool joke yesterday. It must be the war I suppose. Ho hum.