Author Archives: rayhyland40

Part 3 1999-2004 My ongoing reminiscing of a recently ended journey. Part 1 and Part 2 available here. Note: I have updated Part 2 to include Jack Charlton’s last stand at Anfield in 1995. RIP to the great man. And so into the new millennium. I will try to keep the catharsis to a minimumContinue reading “An Armchair Odyssey”

My life as a longish distance Liverpool fan Part 2: 1994-1999 I hope you enjoyed Part 1. I will keep the introduction to Part 2 a bit shorter this week, perhaps only allowing for some choice scene setting.  I was still madly in love with the game in the summer of 94. And why not?Continue reading “An Armchair Odyssey”

My life as a ‘longish’ distance fan of Liverpool Part 1 (1988-94) Introduction Write about what you know some say. What about what you love? What sometimes seems unrequited love. Until you remember that a football team is under no obligation to love you back. The lessons of not only unrequited love are to beContinue reading “An Armchair Odyssey”

Aye, Corona. Normally I would relish the prospect of extended isolation. I guess when it’s forced upon you it feels a little less liberating. I tried to make the best of it, did some reading, did some writing and watched a lot of old films. Here are some of them. 52 Pick Up ( JohnContinue reading “Some films I have watched recently”

What’s currently available and where… There was a little bit of consternation when this list was released at the beginning of May 2020. Many felt that some films had been unfairly overlooked. Rumours of a Damo and Ivor protest outside 28 Tara Street have yet to be confirmed but there were some controversial omissions. ConspicuousContinue reading “The Irish Times Top 50 Irish Movies”

After my last dalliance with a blogpost on cover artists I decided to show you all just how much of a square I am when it comes to music. I’ve pretty much been listening to the same stuff for 20 years and I’m quite happy in my rut! These are some of my favourites plusContinue reading “My favourite Soundtracks”

Like most things in Irish culture, I guess my interest in cover versions probably can be traced back to a pub. Cover bands have been a staple of the local speakeasy’s entertainment offering for almost as long as rock and roll itself, always with varying levels of quality and/or accuracy. I often recall local bandsContinue reading “Cover Tunes”

I often like to walk along a busy thoroughfare, taking for granted the happy faces, either with friend or lover. What brought them together and will they last? Who can say, we must trust that they actually appreciate each other’s company at least. This well established trusim is somewhat challenged in the Lobster. A filmContinue reading “film of the week: The Lobster”

*Note: I’ve made a deliberate attempt to shorten these reviews. Less than 300 words is now the aim! At first this film shows good promise. The set up is done quickly and the stakes are something we can invest in. Sleeper Russian agents living in America. Unfortunately we’re soon into the Hollywood version of theContinue reading “Telefon”