November Nightmares

November 2009

November Nightmares
by

Don Booker

www.fbooker.blogspot.com

Noel Farrell.

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November Nightmares

November 2009

Contents
INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................... 2 Two Great Quotes....................................................................................................................... 03 The Hit Counter.......................................................................................................................... 04 100 Greatest Sex Symbols.......................................................................................................... 05 A Brief Rehashing.......................................................................................................................07 David Lynch................................................................................................................................08 Ireland v Italy..............................................................................................................................09 Daze of Destiny.......................................................................................................................... 11 Thierry Henry - Cheat.................................................................................................................12 AFTERWARD...........................................................................................................................13

Noel Farrell.

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November Nightmares

November 2009

Introduction
Don Booker is a fictional character created in the Summer of 2009 by Irish writer, Noel Farrell. The character was created to show a side of Irish society under enormous pressure due to the political and economical mess in Ireland. These are month on month musings from that time which feature on the blog The Writing Life & Other Absurdities The blog character deals with social issues relevant to Ireland in real-time as seen through Don Booker's eyes. November 2009

Who's Don Booker?

Noel Farrell.

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November Nightmares

November 2009

Two Great Quotes November 2, 2009 Yesterday I was lucky enough to come across brilliant quotes from two people who in my own humble belief both had brilliant minds. The first is attributed to Ayn Rand. Rand was a novelist, philosopher and playwright throughout her career. She is known for her two best-selling novels and for developing a philosophical system she called Objectivism. How true is this in the present day? "When trading is done, not by consent, but by compulsion - when you see that in order to produce, you need permission from men who produce nothing, when you see money flowing to those who deal, not in goods, but in favors - and your laws dont protect you against them, but protect them against you, when you see corruption being rewarded and honesty becoming a selfsacrifice, you may know that your society is doomed".

Ayn Rand Image Elyce Feliz Creative Commons License The second quote is from an Anonymous source, but equally speaks volumes in such a short span. Here it is It's not enough to have a dream unless I'm willing to pursue it. It's not enough to know what's right unless I'm strong enough to do it. It's not enough to join the crowd, to be acknowledged and accepted. I must be true to my ideals, even if I'm excluded and rejected. It's not enough to learn the truth unless I also learn to live it. It's not enough to reach for love unless I care enough to give it.~Anon Which leads me to this. If you have something to say - it is best to say it. It can sometimes have a profound effect on people and perhaps their way of thinking. And for me, it really doesn't matter if you have had the most glorious of existences of whether no one ever knew who you were. The impact for some can be exactly the same.
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November Nightmares

November 2009

The Hit Counter November 4, 2009 For all the espionage and thriller writers among us, or indeed trainee and would-be assassins, the name for this piece may be used for the title of your next best seller or a chilling pseudonym for the darkness inside the hitman that lies inside you. Most people who write enjoy the process. The time spent alone, writing another world long into the night can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience. Especially for the likes of Stephen King and Johnny Grisham. But for those among us who do write occasionally we do, deep down, wish to win some form of appraisal for our work, even if that be only from some loved one. Well, that rules me out!

Hit Me Image Eric Morse Creative Commons License Blog writing is done from a personal prospective most of the time. Regardless of it's content you can sure that the person who is writing it is passionate about their subject matter. And we don't write things and put them up on the web unless we wish to have it read in some quarter. I put a hit counter on my blog about a month ago just to see if anybody really does bother to read my material or if I'm just writing for the cobwebbed entrails of a Google search engine. I got a counter that only counts unique visitors and it pleased me greatly to pass the 1000th visitor today. That's a thousand people reading portions (probably very small portions) of stuff i can regurgitate from within me. It's definitely enough to keep me motoring along. It passes the night. I enjoy it. It gets me away from the dreariness of life here in wintry old ire, where a full moon is a useless entity because you can't see it for the marauding clouds as they sweep past like an ocean in the night sky.

Noel Farrell.

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November Nightmares

November 2009

100 Greatest Sex Symbols November 7, 2009 When you live in a state of recluse it affords one some luxury. A bed all to yourself is one. Smoking in that bed is another. I retired a little after one last night, and as i lay there flicking through the TV with a remote control that is about as sleek as Dawn French, I wondered if some night i may burn myself to death. I came across a slot on Channel 4 dedicated to the top 100 Sex Symbols Of All Time. Colin Farrell was the top rated Irish person on the list. In at number 19. Pat Shortt didn't make the list. As I stubbed out the ciggie, I said I'd treat myself and watch the last hour. Hell, it is Saturday night! It got me thinking of what it may have been like to work on putting the production together. Researching, hour after hour, old stock footage. It would be something I would like to be paid for. Writing a script to that footage, sure I'd give it a go. Sit in front of the camera and comment? Sorry not for me. It got me thinking further. Should they have bothered making it at all? I can't very well comment on that, after all I'm lying in bed watching the damn thing. Perhaps there were budgetary constraints hence the dismal quality of the commentary. Tim Lovejoy? Tim who? Exactly! Famous for 5 minutes in the past as the co host of Soccer AM . Haven't seen much of him since he left for bigger and better things. Abi Titmuss? I actually think Abi has certain qualities. I mean to be fair to the girl, the only reason I wouldn't sleep with her is the fact that she wouldn't sleep with me. Then there was a gay fashion designer giving his knowledge on the quality of a young Sophia Loren's body. But there was worse than that. Like a comedian, who's name I instantly forget, cracking 'jokes' and laughing at them himself. Now either I am seriously depressed or this guy needs to get himself back to his position as chief trolley pusher at his local Tesco. I can almost hear his Mum say, 'Well at least you gave it a go,' while the leap from his local bridge becomes increasingly inviting.

Abi Titmuss with clothes on Image Astral Media Creative Common License

Noel Farrell.

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November 2009

There was another instant forgettable in the shape of a celebrity magazine editor. The masses lap up celebrity. But there is no celebrity unless either intelligence or tragedy comes into play. The rest doesn't really matter. I mean this guy's whole ambition in life is the hope of getting a stray hump from some drunk reality TV 'star' and then being able to write about it. Pop culture at it's finest. Edwina ,'I slept with John Major' Currie. Who? Exactly. Celebrity crimper Nicky Clarke. I have heard that Nicky does well with his hair dressing and product business. You wouldn't think it looking at his mop, it's a fuckin' disgrace. Maybe I'm just jealous. Then a stray thought then had me wondering if Viggo Mortensen would ever win an Oscar? So I predict he will. Then I realized Alan Rickman was in the top twenty ahead of Uma Thurman. Did you see her in Dangerous Liaisons and Pulp Fiction. That yellow all-in-one in Kill Bill? I realized that at that point the budget for the production must have been poor, and the list was either put together by a posse of unpaid interns or practicing stoners. Probably both. For those still reading, the top 3 were, Angelina Jolie Elvis Presley Marilyn Monroe.

New Conservative

Leon used to say whenever he looked in a mirror to give himself a sly wink, 'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.' I've come across some celebrity musings Leon wrote over time and oddly enough, a transcribed conversation he had with himself in front of a mirror, titled 'Conversation With Self.' Sent a shiver down my spine.

Noel Farrell.

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November 2009

A Brief Rehashing November 8, 2009. I've been asked in the last few days in exchanges with fellow bloggers and writers about the nature of my blog. Briefly, I write a blog from my home. I keep myself to myself mostly, while attempting to assemble a book from the writings of a friend of mine who has left for what is next. My Mum gets mentioned sometimes as I am her chief carer, though i also have three others helping out with her. None of them like me, but there you go. She suffers from dementia. I help out my friend Mattie Johnson with his battle with the booze. If i had a wish right now it would be for a maid of Swedish decent. The Irish republic is in the gutter, with the economy having ground to a halt like a Floyd Mayweather opponent. There is mass unemployment and coupled with the weather there may not be much hope, as classrooms get bigger and the elderly are afforded their very own trolley in some run down hospital hallway as reward for their service to the nation since their birth. Somehow people are plotting a way forward. But they have to do it for themselves. There is no help. The banks don't want to know you and the government have to protect their expense and wage accounts. So, no money for a little start-up then. Their idea of a creative person is someone who buys a jar of Bologna sauce.

My days are spent sleeping, eating, smoking and editing. In an effort to amuse myself I write this. It passes an otherwise desperately obtuse existence where stars shining in a fall night sky are hidden from view by sheets of black cloud. It is great to find out on certain days that my allowing myself to have some fun is amusing to others as well. I got a nice compliment earlier this morning from a reader and through that i got to find out about someone that may have slipped through the net of great lives that have been lived. It makes it all worth while. I have given myself three years to leave these shores for somewhere where the sun shines for at least half the year. Somewhere along a coast line that is not among the most radioactive in the world. I want the company of thespians with one eye on life and mouths equipped to talk vast amounts of shite What's going to fund all this? I haven't a clue. I'm working on it. A man needs a goal in life!

Noel Farrell.

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November Nightmares

November 2009

David Lynch I came across an old maestro via two great YouTube videos, each about 30 seconds. They featured master filmmaker, David Lynch. Lynch, whether you like him or loathe him, speaks pearls of wisdom on consumer ethics, sprinkled with the odd curse word and combines them with his brand of eccentricity. A legend in his own life time. David Lynch on the I-Phone

Modern Maverick

After the video I had a rambling comedic thought. I imagined David appearing in a charity skit. Penned by Ricky Gervais for Comic Relief in which at the end of the video Lynch reaches down, takes a bottle of Bud light from between his legs and drinks from it, before holding it up to the camera and giving the world and Tony Scott - a famous Montanan wink. David Lynch on Product Placement The legend of David Lynch. Well worth The Booker Endorsement.

Noel Farrell.

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November Nightmares

November 2009

Ireland v Italy World Cup Play-off November 14, 2009 Tonight Ireland play France in Dublin in a play-off which will decide which country will go through to next years World Cup in South Africa. It's a big ask for the Irish against the former world champions. My heart will be with my countrymen and it will not be the lack of effort that will be the reason they will not get through. From the beginning of the campaign I have said that Ireland would make it to a play off - but fail to reach the World Cup. I believed all along the players at out disposal were simply not as good as the players we have had in previous years. Managerial decisions not to include players like Lee Carsley and Andy Reid in squads is also baffling along, with Stephen Ireland's decision to turn his back on his country. Very little is put into sporting endeavor in this country. Hardly surprising given the level of incompetence at government level and at state body level. I could go on...

Let the games begin... Image Sean MacEntee Creative Commons License I don't buy into this mentality from the masses who turn against sporting commentators like Eamon Dunphy when he expresses his opinion and then accuse them of being non-nationalist. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I personally don't like the brand of football Ireland play at present but Trapatoni has to use what he has at his disposal and develop a team and tactic around them. I think the French will have just to much quality over the two legs. No one more than me hopes we make it through. There have been memorable moments in the past, beating England and Italy in major tournaments and beating the Dutch to qualify in Dublin. In a year which has been many Irish people's Annus Horribilus, to qualify would give us all something to look forward to. The government won't be providing anything. So with fingers crossed it is but a hope, a great wish, that somehow, someway , we can get there. Prediction: Ireland 1 France 1
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Daze of Destiny November 18, 2009 Last Saturday, Ireland were beaten by a single goal by France in the first leg of the world cup play-off. Tonight in Paris, the Irish play the second leg with not many people backing them to turn the fixture around and reach their fourth world cup finals. The previous three occasions, 1990, 1994, and 2002 were great moments in the history of a small country who have not had to much to shout about in the sporting arena over the years. Our best performance was a quarter-final defeat at the hands of the host nation, Italy in 1990. '94 was a disappointment despite beating Italy in the group phase. The Italians went on to lose the final on penalties. Not many will forget South Korea in 2002. Roy Keane being told to leave the squad after he spoke out at the condition of the training facilities pre-tournament. Then there was the second round game where we outplayed a Spanish team only to be beaten on penalties. If ever a nation needed something to cheer about, the time is now. To qualify would give the people something to look forward to as we find our country close to ruin. So tonight I'm going to let my heart rule my head. I'm calling for the Irish players to give everything they have to get us a result which will send us to South Africa next Summer. Even if that means throwing caution to the wind at times. Never before has the weight of a people rested in the hands of a few. And never before could the result of a match mean so much to those of a decent disposition here in Ireland. Prediction. ~ France 1 Ireland 2.

Miracle needed. Fate may reply... Image fotosiggi Creative Commons License

Noel Farrell.

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November Nightmares

November 2009

It was not to be. A nation hangs its head and it's heavy hearts that we will wake up to in the morning. The Irish team can be proud to a man for their effort tonight. A little sharper in front of goal and Thierry Henry's cheating would not be the issue that will hang over this game in the days to come. Ireland will not be going to next years world cup in beautiful South Africa. It's hard to take. Not only did we play the french off the park tonight, the goal they scored was firstly, offside, and secondly, Henry's deliberate handball, not once, but twice, will forever stain an otherwise great career. This was not just about a match. It was about a nation. Fuck the bankers and the politicians, and all those who threaten peace and harmony in Ireland. But for the decent people, the ones that face into bleak months ahead, now have little to look forward to. What makes it harder to take is the manner it has happened. Something that should not be a part of the game. Cheating. Golf, Rugby, Tennis, American Football, i could go on, all have means for replays on contentious issues. Football, No! There is absolutely no argument not to have it. It will come, but alas to late for us.

Drink or shoot... It's a chance once every four years. I've been lucky enough to share three World Cups with Ireland. Each of them leave memories forever etched in my mind. (Bar Alzheimer's) Great memories, memories of a lifetime. Now we have been denied our place, costing the development of the game in this country a huge cash injection and a chance to put a smile back on faces. I paint a grim picture, but for many that's the reality. All one can hope for is to wake up in the morning, turn on my sports channel to find that France have been ordered to play us again in a one off match, as a matter of integrity. Henry should also be banned for a few games and fined heavily with the proceeds going to third world hunger. Will it happen? Not a chance. Politics. Every damn place you turn. There are 60 million in France. 4 million in Ireland. If those of Christian belief had a little pray today looking for a result, I suspect with population ratio's like that, we were always on a loser. I can't think of any other explanation. Can you?

Noel Farrell.

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November Nightmares

November 2009

Thierry Henry Cheat Days later.... Its been a thoroughly depressing day. Few would understand that football could be the reason for depression. Others will. Bill Shankey, arguably Britain's greatest connoisseur of football once remarked, 'Some people believe football is a matter of life and death, I am very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.' How true those words. To be cheated in such a way last night just has me despondent. If it happened to another country I could sympathize, but to happen to my own country the feelings run deeper. I'm not kidding you, it rained all day today. Half the country is under water and I'm pretty sure tears are mixed in with the rain drops. It's an awful feeling.

When it rains in Ireland it rains There have been many sympathizers around the world. Some calls for a replay. But this is not about football, this is about big business. Integrity will have to step aside. There will be no replay. What makes it worse for me on a personal level is the culprit, Thierry Henry is one of my idols. A grown man should not dance with such folly I know, but this is football. Henry played for the team I've supported since i was 6 years old. He is the clubs top scorer in its entire history. The stuff of legend. A master of his art. Why does one of the all-time greats resort to blatant cheating? I know what people say, sure if it was the other way round we'd be laughing. Can it be denied? It gives no solace. . I guess once again it's a failure on my behalf for placing someone on a pedestal, only to see them let you down. (I hope your listening, Leon) Great sportsmen don't resort to that. I could never see Tiger Woods cheating. It's like the end of a love affair. That moment when you think you'll never have sex again. Trying to say 'it's gonna be alright.' Damn you, Henry. Damn you!

Noel Farrell.

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November Nightmares

November 2009

Afterward
This ebook series is a comment on issues in Ireland, by covering them in real-time against the backdrop of what is really happening in the country at that time. The series covers events as they happen through the eyes of the fictional Don Booker, an unemployed recluse as he attempts to write himself through his personal woes and an Ireland in decline. The novel, Booker's World is separate from this series of ebooks, though both worlds collide at certain juncture as the months go by. An ebook version of the novel will be available in Spring, 2012. All ebooks in this series may be used for reference and may be distributed freely once adhering to this Creative Commons License. ...and by crediting the author.

Why Free?
Subject matter such as suicide, alcoholism, civil liberties, politics, religion, amongst others, are covered throughout the series. Please support Suicide Prevention Services and Depression and Addiction Services whenever possible. Continuing negative statistics in the areas of Suicide, Depression & Addiction at a time of national austerity means that every single donation counts in the fight against all three.

Have You Met Sonny Strange?

JaSE Publications

Noel Farrell.

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November Nightmares

November 2009

A JaSE Publication

Noel Farrell.

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