Well now, there are quite a few topics in this post. Just look at all the categories it falls under. But the question for me is, where to begin? With my sudden appreciation for an accent? of how work went? No. I think I’ll start with the Brand new category I’m introducing today: Irishify.
First off, maybe I should explain a little?
As the best country in the world (if only we could roof her) Ireland has a lot to offer the world. And in order to help all you poor non-Irish out there I’m going to instruct you in how to appear Irish. And thus, get to wear those wonderful Kiss Me I’m Irish
hats and t-shirts. Also, it’ll give me something to write about when I have no other thoughts.
In this Irishify post I’m going to introduce you to the word Grand. I’m sure you’ve come across this term before.
- Grand
- Large and impressive in size, scope, or extent; magnificent: The bridge that crosses the bay is a grand structure.
-
1. Rich and sumptuous: A grand meal was laid before them.
2. Of a solemn, stately, or splendid nature.
- 1. Dignified or noble in appearance or effect: a grand old face that bespeaks suffering but not defeat.
2. Noble or admirable in conception or intent: a grand purpose.
3. Lofty or sublime in character: a speech delivered in the grand style of the great orators.
- Wonderful or very pleasing: had a grand time.
- Having higher rank than others of the same category: a grand admiral.
- Having more importance than others; principal: the grand ballroom of a hotel.
- Of a haughty or pretentious nature.
- Including or covering all units or aspects: the grand total
Well, none of those are the Irish meaning of grand. Although wonderful or very pleasing comes closest. Here in Ireland everything is grand. You’d have a “grand cup of tea” or enjoy a “grand day”
You could say that grand means okay, but it’d be slightly better than simply okay. If something was doing the job very slightly better than was expected, it’d be doing a grand job. Or a “grand size of a room” would be one that was more than bog enough. But not actually incredibly large.
Grand: slightly better than okay, can be used on every occasion.
And onto my first week at work. All in all, it was grand 
We don’t have a Management system up and running yet, although that should be sorted next week sometime, so hopefully I won’t have too much work to do and we can simply import all the old records.
Everything else went fine, met a few of my minion, but we still need to hire a bit more cover, so posters have gone up in the library. The library itself is a small one, but it is well laid out, apart from the tables and chairs which aren’t ideal, but they do the job.
The old libarian is coming in on Monday. There is a group looking for a tour, so we figured the best thing would be to have her give it. That way I could get all the info, and see how she handles it. Also have my first faculty meeting next week. Think it is a good thing that it is so early, as it means I won’t have to say anything.
And work leads me into my next topic. Was walking home on Friday and, as is to be expected, there were a few people wandering around on the street too. And I found myself listening to the fella walking behind me. Not to what he was saying, but to his accent. He had a lovely soft Kerry accent. Not too strong, but just enough. First time I’ve ever thought the Kerry accent was lovely. I’d link to an example, but searching for a Kerry accent online brings up far too many people giving out about yer man John Kerry. So instead I’ll direct you to visit Gift Grub. These are impression clips on the radio every morning, and the online ones change, but if it is there take a listen to the Radio Roy au Francais one. Roy has a Cork accent, not a Kerry one, but there are similarities. But anyways. Kerry accents = good accents. For now.
Final topic, because I’m getting bored of typing: The X Factor.
This is the shows second year. It is a talent show, kinda like Pop Idol/American Idol, only instead of limiting the competitors to young pop stars The X Factor has three groups. One for solo artists aged between 16-24, one for people 25 and over and the third for groups (last year there were a few bands, but I haven’t seen anyone with an instrument this year). The auditions are my favourite part. They are horrible, but you just can’t switch off, car-crash tv or what.
Anyway, I think today is the last day I’ll be watching. Last day of the auditions, after this the different groups will be split up, and each of the judges (Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh) will be assigned a different group to bring on, and compete against the other judges’ groups.
I do like what last years winner, Steve, has to say though:
“The show gives you a platform but then pulls the rug from under your feet by making you sign to a certain record label and having no say in what happens next. It should be about music and talent but it’s not.
“The X Factor is all one big theatre. It’s about killing music to make light entertainment.
“I’ve now got to break away from The X Factor, which is fundamentally cheese and regarded as so by anyone and everyone in the industry.”
Right, thats all I’ve got to say. Oh, but if you are going to listen to any of those Gift Grub selections don’t forget “Dry your eyes Becks” which was inspired by The Streets’ Dry Your Eyes ( watch the video ) and England’s Group B match against France last year.
Tags:
accents,
Grand,
Ireland,
Kerry,
language,
reality TV,
slang,
The X Factor
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