iMSISS

Comedy
On Wednesday I went to a stand-up comedy event hosted by D.U. Comedy Soc in Edmund Burke Theatre in Trinity. Performing were were Joe Rooney (a.k.a Father Damo) and Ardal O’Hanlon (a.k.a Father Doogle Maguire). Anyone who has watched Father Ted religiously (no pun intended) or who has watched it at all will understand the fanatical revery people have for Ardal. ”Father Damo” was on first and proved very popular with the crowd with some interaction and crude humour - always sure to please a college crowd. “Doogle” got on well with the crowd as well and had some good - if slightly cryptic - jokes but I have still never found him to be one of my favourite comics. Maybe the memory of Father Doogle lingers on and Ardal can’t help slipping into the role at some points. On a scripted show this is fantastic but on stage it ultimately takes from the experience as an audience must feel a comedian is in control and engaged to keep up the momentum.

Digital MoMo at The Four Seasons
Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending the Digital MoMo event in the Four Seasons Hotel, Dublin in Ballsbridge. The Four Seasons is an experience in itself. The quality, grandeur and attention to detail are evident immediately: a doorman opened and held the taxi door for me - as did one for the hotel door. I fear I risk seeming a bit “simple” with my amazement but, surely, anyone with an appreciation for classic design must appreciate the dazzling chandeliers, the intricate wallpaper and detailing, the marble sinks and individually folded hand towels and the rolling carpets leading from grand hall to grand hall.

The story goes that the Digital MoMo event was to be a much smaller event for startups held in a pub but when Microsoft decided to launch BizSpark they decided an upgrade was in order. The Four Seasons is that upgrade, and more. Microsoft’s Cliff Reeves introduced BizSpark and afterwards the Minister for Science and Innovation Jimmy Devins applauded Microsoft’s efforts and called for continued and increased innovation. Shortly after there was a discussion panel focusing on tech innovation, funding and support for startups in Ireland. The consensus seemed to be that the system doesn’t work as well as it possibly could but the views ranged from there being too little support to there being too much support - but from too many sources. There were two demos after the panel by Locle and JustRoutes. Both feature location very centrally, a confirmation of what many have been saying: that location is the next big thing. During the night I got to meet and enjoyed talking to, among others, Patrick Liddy of Activation Energy, Niall Smart of CloudSync.fm, Joseph Johnson, Colm Noonan of GymLockr, Vinny Glennon of JustRoutes, Campbell Scott of IGOpeople, Alan O’Rourke of Spoiltchild and of course Robin Blandford of D4H and Eoghan McCabe and Paul Campbell of Contrast.

Posted on November 7th, 2008 by David
Filed under: Uncategorized