The South East's BIGGEST breakfast show!!

Our birthday cake!

2010-07-01T10:29:00.002+01:00

Beat is 7 years old today!

A huge thanks to Catherine Hartery at Edible Dreams in Waterford for this masterpiece!

Edible Dreams can be contacted at (051) 878925 or info@edibledreams.com

Kylie!

2010-06-01T12:12:00.001+01:00

Kylie released the video for "All The Lovers" online today. My word, there's a lot of stripping and rubbing....

Best Ghost Pictures Ever!

2010-06-01T12:03:00.002+01:00

Today, I mentioned on the show seeing a collection of the best ghostly pictures on the internet.

The collection of photos can be found here. Read the stories that go with each picture. The one on the right, Grandpa's Ghost, is definitely the creepiest.

Beat 102 103's Runaway Bride

2010-05-31T10:27:00.005+01:00

Congratulations to Dave and Anne Marie, who got married at Tullogher Church on Saturday, and had their reception afterwards at the Lismore House Hotel. Anne Marie's dress was supplied by Sabella Bridal

Beat Breakfast Fun Starts Here Tour Video - Wexford

2010-05-18T11:53:00.001+01:00

The Fun Starts Here Tour Video - Tipperary!

2010-05-14T12:30:00.001+01:00

80s for Haiti!

2010-05-14T12:26:00.003+01:00

We're getting ready to dance our socks off next Friday at 80s for Haiti. It's gonna be held at Escape Nightclub in Waterford City - and Niall and Mary will be spinning the 80s classics. See you there!

Waterford Health Day

2010-05-12T11:03:00.002+01:00

Today is Waterford Health Day - where everyone is encouraged to take a walk, or think about healthy eating. We teamed up with 90 students from Newtown Primary School who walked from the Broadcast Centre to their school this morning!

VIDEO - Fun Starts Here Tour in Carlow

2010-05-05T13:57:00.001+01:00

The Fun Starts Here - Kilkenny

2010-04-22T11:17:00.006+01:00

Week three of the 'Fun Starts Here' Tour with Discover Ireland saw the three of us heading to Kilkenny for some leisurely pursuits. First stop was Mount Juliet where Gail and Vinny tried some horse riding. We also did some putting with Estate Host, Eamon Holohan, and rounded it off with a cycle around the estate.

As you can see from the pic above, I take my cycling races very seriously! We then moved onto Nicholas Mosse Pottery in Bennetsbridge, where Nicholas and his wife Susan allowed us to get down and dirty and make some pottery! Mary tried to recreate the famous scene from Ghost with Vinny.

Below are our creations! We plan to revisit Nicholas in a few weeks to finish them off with some decorating!

Jedward!

2010-04-15T18:45:00.004+01:00

Mary got a chance to get up close and personal with Jedward before their gig at the Forum in Waterford. If you missed the interview, listen to it here!

Live from Waterford!

2010-04-14T11:26:00.003+01:00

Today's show was broadcast from the Amber Garage on Paddy Brown's Road in Waterford City. It's all part of the 'Fun Starts Here' Tour with Discover Ireland.

Our special guest was Keith Barry, pictured above with the three of us. Keith had given us a locked box on March 15th, and told us not to open it. Today, he opened the box live on air and revealed what he had written on the cards all that time ago. The results were pretty amazing. He had most of today's front page news stories written down. The card is below...

The Fun Starts Here - Waterford

2010-04-13T22:49:00.008+01:00

Week 2 of the Fun Starts Here Tour with Failte Ireland, and this week, we're in Waterford. The weather was so good today that we all picked up a bit of a tan! Our activities were brilliant fun, so it made today one of the best days in a long time.

We started out at the Dunmore East Adventure Centre where myself and Mary tried out some sailing. I won't lie to you.... I've waited 31 years to find a sport or past-time I could do ok at, and I think I finally may have found my calling. A brilliant experience, made easier by the patience and humour of Gary, our instructor.

Second activity of the day was abseiling and rock climbing with Ardmore Adventures. The location was absolutely breathtaking... Goats Island at Ardmore. It took a bit of strength to put my fear of heights out of my head (I'd already had a mini panic attack in the car on the way down!), but again... a brilliant experience, made better by our instructor Ronan. A more laidback guy you couldn't meet. Check out Beat Breakfast on Wednesday for full reports!

Summer.... summer.... summertime!

2010-04-12T11:33:00.002+01:00

Pictured on the left is Tramore Beach, which is where it seemed half the country ended up yesterday - including Vinny and Mary! Chips and 99s were consumed, and hurdy gurdies were enjoyed too!

Long may the sunshine last. In particular, two more days. The Fun Starts Here Tour moves to Waterford tomorrow - with some sea-faring activity. So, I'm hoping and praying that the sunshine continues (and that I don't fall into the sea. The water is WAY too cold at this time of year!)

We have some wonderful prizes on offer on Beat the Bomb this week. We have teamed up with the Handmade Furniture Company in Waterford to offer a 50 euro voucher for everyone who plays this week, and the highest score will get a 500 euro voucher. You can check out their brand new website here!

Random video of the day is the perfect Summer song!

Some other stuff from today's show....

Which tv car would you most like to own?
Do you have a good excuse to get out of a parking fine?!
Bugsy Malone evidently wasn't very good....

Vinny's Big Hard One
Clue: What is the word that has one syllable, but when you add one letter to the end, it becomes three syllables?
Ans: Are + a = area

Going For A Song
Clue: Chimps personally proclaim to have faith.
The answer is here.

Back on tour tomorrow!
N

Win!

2010-04-08T10:53:00.003+01:00

As part of the Beat Breakfast Fun Starts Here Tour, we want to send you up over the skies of the South East in a hot air balloon!

We're giving you the chance to take a breathtaking trip with a pal over Waterford City this summer with Waterford Ballooning Club.

Beat 102 103's News Editor Gail Conway is travelling to Haiti in the Autumn to help build houses with Haven For Haiti - and we're asking for your support to raise some cash for this worthy cause.

You can enter our competition by text - just answer our simple question....

Which sea surrounds Haiti? Is it....
a) the Mediterranean
b) the Irish
c) the Caribbean

Text Haiti plus your answer (A, B or C) and name to 57199 - Texts cost 1 euro per entry and standard network charges may apply. You must be over 18 and have permission of the bill payer. All profits will go to Haven for Haiti.

For more detailed terms and conditions go to our website.... www.beat102103.com

Good luck!

The Fun Starts Here

2010-04-07T12:14:00.013+01:00

Hi all!
Vinny B here, at the end of the first leg of the Beat Breakfast Fun Starts Here tour! I won't lie to you...I'm a bit sore and stiff after the physicality of our Carlow activities! Paintballing at Rapidfire Paintballing was great craic but after being hit with more paintballs than I could count and ducking, diving and rolling around in the grass and dirt, I'm ready for a day of relaxation!
Also yesterday, we visited Country Quads in Borris for some target practice in their Shooting Cinema! It turns out I'm better than average with a rifle and killed plenty of pheasants, ducks and even a couple of bears! Not real ones, obviously!
Both of this week's activities come with the Beat Breakfast seal of approval, and you can find out more by visiting their websites...
www.rapidfire.ie and www.countryquads.net
You can check out more pics here on the official Beat 102-103 website

We're only getting started! The fun continues next week in Waterford! More details on the way soon!

VB

Oxegen tickets!

2010-03-31T11:37:00.003+01:00

That would be me on the right - pictured with a heap of double passes to Oxegen 2010!

And the good news is... we're giving them all away this weekend! When you hear an Oxegen 2010 artist, text Oxegen plus your name into the station - then listen in to Tuesday's Beat Breakfast - where we will be drawing winners from all the texts!

Good luck!

The Fun Starts Here!

2010-03-31T10:04:00.004+01:00

Each year, the Beat Breakfast team takes off on a tour around the South East to savour what our fabulous region has to offer.

This year, we've teamed up with Failte Ireland to try out many of the exciting summer activities available here in the South East.

Over the next five weeks, we’ll be broadcasting live in each of the five counties PLUS we’ll be raising some vital funds for Haiti. Our news editor Gail Conway will be travelling to Haiti in the autumn to help build houses. We’re helping her fund raise for this charity trip as part of our tour.

The Beat breakfast ‘Fun Starts Here tour’ kicks off next week when we’ll be live from Carlow. On Wednesday April 6^th, we’re broadcasting from Fitzpatrick’s garage on the Dublin Road Carlow so if you’re in or around that area, be sure to pop in and say hello.

The Fun Starts Here Tour…. With Failte Ireland ….and Beat 102-103

Simon Community Fundraiser

2010-03-31T09:54:00.003+01:00

A major fundraising concert is being organised for this summer in the South East - to raise funds for the South East Simon Community. Tramore Racecourse will be the venue - with two stages playing music, Beat djs performing on the decks, and plenty more to keep the family amused.

The event will be held on Saturday June 12th - and the Simon Community have asked Beat Breakfast listeners to come up with a name for the event! Get your thinking caps on, and either text your entry into Beat Breakfast any morning, or email your suggestions to talk@beat102103.com - the winning name will get free tickets and an overnight stay at the Grand Hotel in Tramore!

Scary stuff!

2010-03-30T11:30:00.002+01:00

Today's topic was... things that used to scare you on tv when you were small. Needless to say, I wasn't alone in being absolutely petrified by the Incredible Hulk. In fact, I had a recurring dream every night that he would break into my house, put me in a sack and take me away.

Some of the listener stories were funny. Suggestions included the tongue twisters from Bosco, Worzel Gummidge, ET, Fraggle Rock characters. One listener even told us that her mother was terrified of the owl in the Late Late Show introduction!

We have some great prizes on offer this week. We're giving away Easter chocolate hampers from Lily O'Briens on Beat the Bomb. We also have tickets to the Punchestown festival at the end of April - you just have to name your nag! The winning suggestion today came from Paul in Clonmel who suggested Suir To Beat.

Some of the stuff we were talking about today....

Don't be too disappointed, ladies!
Doesn't "wet leisure attendant" sound very rude?
What's your dinner party dish?

Back tomorrow from ten to seven!
N.

Tuesday!

2010-03-23T12:03:00.003Z

I can feel it's going to be a long week. I am, of course, mobile-phone-less all this week. I told the lads last week that I could live without my phone, so this week, I am putting my money where my mouth is and going without.

It's been absolutely fine so far. I've had no phone calls from work in the afternoon, or annoying text messages from my mobile phone provider offering me services I don't need.

The only problem I faced was setting an alarm for the morning. I had to dig out an old-fashioned alarm clock, which gave me a bit of a fright when it went off this morning.

I haven't really been tested yet, but I have an important appointment tomorrow afternoon, so hopefully there won't be any last minute changes they need to phone me about!

Couple of links to stories we mentioned today.....

How soon after payday are you broke?
Money can make you happy
What do your common dreams mean?

Back tomorrow from ten to seven,
N.

What's Missing From This Picture?

2010-03-22T16:25:00.008Z

My kettle!

VB here. As per the challenge set to me this week, I've just had to make my first mugga tae by alternative means. I went the saucepan route. It tasted the same and there was no mess, spillage and/or burns. I'm also setting myself an extra challenge; to see how little water I can start with to cut down on boiling time without actually burning a whole in the thing. I might also have a go at boiling water in the microwave at some stage!

I wonder how Niall is getting on without his phone and Mary without gmail!

Thursday... or is it Monday

2010-03-18T11:32:00.002Z

You really wouldn't know what day it is. Although I do know that Friday is less than 24 hours away! I could definitely handle a midweek day off every week!

Picture of the day is a cat named Prinny who lives in Australia, and who adores using the swimming pool! Strange. Bad pun alert....... he is a moggy who likes getting soggy!

Today is "Awkward Moments Day" around the world, and so we asked listeners to share their awkward moments. We had a good few people who jumped into the wrong car with a stranger. One poor guy was meeting the inlaws for the first time, and he walked dog poo all over their house. Others mentioned watching raunchy scenes on tv with your parents, and Yvonne said her awkward moments always involve watching ads for sanitary products with her dad!

Random video of the day is a very funny and talented guy, who decided to have some fun on chat roulette.....

Some other stuff from today's show....

Which Irish celelebrity is the coolest?
What lies do you tell to impress the opposite sex?
Youth ends at 35, it seems!

Today's hard one is too long to type out, but the answer was "out of date" and "different"!

Back tomorrow at 6.50am,
N.

Keith Barry's box

2010-03-15T10:52:00.005Z

Above is Keith Barry's mysterious box. Keith was in with us this morning, and he has put some predictions in the box - which won't be opened until a special show on April 14th which will be part of our "Fun Starts Here" Tour... more info on that soon!

Anyway, we had the usual fun and games with Keith. He guessed the initials of the imaginary man in my head, and managed to tell Mary who her first kiss was with. We'll have some video up online in the coming days. In the meantime, check out Keith's website for more details of South East dates on his tour.

Our random video of the day can only be one thing. Whenever you are feeling down, just take a look at this vid....

Some other stuff from today's show....

Us guys just don't like to make a fuss, you know!
Never sleep on an argument!
This is the last place you'd expect this type of thing.

Vinny's Big Hard One
Clue: What 5 chemical elements make chocolate?
Ans: Carbon (C), Holmium (Ho), Cobalt (Co), Lanthanum (La), Tellurium (Te).

Going For A Song
Clue: Tarrantino's Fiction has double Millenium Party
The answer is here.

Talk tomorrow at 6.50am!
N.

Wednesday's Show

2010-03-10T11:13:00.003Z

It was the final week of Job Swap, and Vinny was at Kildalton Agricultural College in Kilkenny this morning.

He took part in many farming tasks, and we'll have a full report on his activities tomorrow morning on the show. He sent me this pic of a very happy sheep. Vinny will be uploading more pics later today.

We also have to thank James who filled Vinny's boots on the show this morning, and did a great job presenting the show with myself and Mary.

One of the other big talking points was Garda checkpoints. A new report from the AA in the Irish Times reveals that a third of drivers on Irish roads have never been stopped for any reason. We were quite taken aback by this, but we heard from many listeners who drive great distances each week, and never meet Garda checkpoints, so it seems the report is true.

Random video of the day is John Terry getting stung!

Some other stuff from today's show....

Woman grows horns out of her head!
Vinny is going to grow up to be this man!
This is just weird

We'll have all the news from Vinny's Job Swap tomorrow from 6.50am!
N.

Tuesday's show

2010-03-09T11:18:00.002Z

Pic of the day is Officer Laverne Hooks from Police Academy. Comedian Alan Carr has announced he wants to play that role in the new Police Academy.

I was thrilled as it offered me a chance to do my Officer Hooks impression... "Freeze.... tough guy".

We have a couple of great competitions this week. Firstly, we're playing Mum's The Word with Lily O'Brien's Chocolate Store. Today's word was minimal - because Neil's mother is only 4ft 11!

We are also giving away some super prizes from the Carlton Abbey Hotel, Leisure Club and C Spa in Athy. All you have to do is play Beat the Bomb!

Vinny is off on job swap duty tomorrow. He will be joining the team at Kildalton Agricultural College in Kilkenny to learn how to be a farmer. Make sure you join us to find out how he gets on. And to celebrate, here's a classic memory in our random video of the day!

Some other stuff from today's show....

You wouldn't want to go near the monkey's enclosure wearing these!
A young boy REALLY wants some coke.
This woman had a close shave with the law

Back tomorrow from ten to seven!
N.

Thursday's Beat Breakfast

2010-03-04T11:19:00.003Z

Today's pic of the day is a harmless enough photo of a couple in love. Not harmless for everyone though!

We had an email in from a female listener who is pissed off that her boyfriend of three months still has loadsa photos up of him snogging the head off his ex-girlfriend. She basically wanted to know if she should ask him to remove the pics, or would that come across as a bit possessive?

Listeners were split down the middle on this one. I think the best advice is not to put any pics up in the first place of you kissing someone.... then there won't be any problems down the road!

We also had all the news on my job swap. Needless to say, the doggy-anal-gland-squeezing incident will stay with me for many years. You can hear a full report of my job swap on the podcast section of the Beat website. Next week, Vinny goes back to nature and works at Kildalton Agricultural College.

Our video of the day is absolute gold. We were talking about tv shows from childhood on Tuesday's show, and somebody mentioned the Fanta Roadshow, which toured the country in the early 90s visiting teen discos. A listener text in to say some of the footage was on youtube, and the result is below. I am thoroughly embarrassed for all involved!

Vinny's Big Hard One:-
Clue: A planet I am, Soaked in red. And shaped of love, as well. I am sprinkled with many, many rocks. I have a core, but hot it is not, and grass covers my top.
Ans: A strawberry!

Going For A Song:-
Clue: First Biblical man with insects gives out post whilst upright
The answer is here.

Back tomorrow for the last one of the week!
N.

More Job Swap Pics!

2010-03-03T19:42:00.003Z

Niall meets a new friend at Uncle Mike's Pet Store

2010-03-03T12:35:00.000Z

Monday morning

2010-03-01T11:04:00.002Z

The start of another week! The picture on the right is the McDonalds crew with the Beat Breakfast crew - from Mary's Job Swap last week.

This week, it's my turn. Over the next couple of days, I'll be helping out at Uncle Mike's Pet Shop in Clonmel in Tipperary. Tune in on Wednesday and Thursday to find out how I get on!

Well done to Suzanne, Poppy, Alison and Cormac - our four winners on this morning's show who have each got themselves weekend tickets to Oxegen 2010. We have another pair to give away on Beat the Bomb this week, so make sure you're listening after eight!

Speaking of Oxegen, today's video is one of the things I am most looking forward to at Oxegen 2010....

Some other stuff from today's show....

Spare a thought for poor Doug Hole
This says a lot about Ashley Cole
How would you even manage to do this?

Back tomorrow from 6.50am!
N.

Mary works at McDonalds!

2010-02-24T11:35:00.001Z

Our big prize winner!

2010-02-18T11:26:00.002Z

Pictured above is Grace Maher, our big prize winner who called into the studios today to collect her prizes. She won vip access to the Meteors, vip access to the Chipmunk and OneRepublic gigs, weekend camping tickets to Oxegen AND the five star holiday to the private villa in Portugal. She will be updating us on how she got on at the Meteors on Monday morning!

Some stuff we talked about today....

Women spend most of their day ogling boobies, it seems!
Kay Burley makes another boo-boo
You're better off failing your test first time!

Back tomorrow from 6.50am!

Happy Pancake Tuesday!

2010-02-16T11:32:00.003Z

The day has finally dawned.... time to stuff yourself with pancakes! If you're lucky, you'll have someone else make them for you. Enjoy either way!

Today's show was mostly about getting people to notice you. We were discussing it because of this controversial article on my favourite website Askmen.com.

We heard lots of loser-ish behaviour... such as walking three miles everyday just to bump into someone you fancy. Also the old "accidental" text deliberately sent.

This developed into an interesting conversation about people who work in bars and nightclubs. Barstaff were onto us, and they claimed that they get lots of phone numbers given to them at work, and once bouncer told us he gets more phone numbers than 11811!

Our video of the day is exactly what is needed today - a musical guide to making pancakes!

Some other stuff from today's show:-

You gotta feel sorry for this guy
People are probably talking about you at work
Ever wondered whether the Pope likes Oasis?

Vinny's Big Hard One
Clue: Even though the Tasmanian tiger is classified as a carnivore, why doesn't it eat meat?
Ans: Because it's extinct!

Going For a Song
Clue: Large Snowy and Barn settlement has burning trouser zip
The answer is here

Back tomorrow from 6.50am!
N.

And we're back!

2010-02-11T11:10:00.003Z

Hello there!

Today's pic of the day is of Vinny's odd socks! More of that in a minute...

Firstly, apologies for the lack of blog updates lately. I've was on my holidays in Tibet finding myself for a couple of weeks, and we also got into trouble with blogspot for some unexplainable reason.

Anyhow, we're back with a bang - and we're back dealing with all of the important issues of the day... such as odd socks!

We were talking about the socks because of a news report from the UK in which paramedics and hospital staff were told they are no longer allowed wear novelty socks. On Beat Breakfast this morning, we learned that this policy exists also in South East hospitals. One nurse told us that she was berated by a senior nurse for wearing novelty socks.

I don't really mind what socks you wear, once they are not those creepy individual toe sock things!

We also spoke to comedian Ardal O'Hanlon this morning. He is playing in Carlow and Waterford this weekend, and he has gigs coming up in Kilkenny and Wexford aswell. Ardal made some pretty scathing comments about George Lee's hissy fit, and if you missed it, you'll get another chance to hear it on the Best of Beat Breakfast this weekend.

Speaking of missing things, I didn't see Barrymore on the Saturday Night Show last weekend, but we had SO many texts about it. Here's a chance to watch it if you missed it....

Some other stuff from this morning's show....

All I will say is... thank God it's not Gail and Eileen!
This story is just nuts!
Definition of disappointment
Keep an eye for a little bird this Valentine's Day

Vinny's Big Hard One
Clue: You can talk to me, I will not answer you.
Someone else will, that's just what I do.
Make plans, or something simple you see.
I will not be hurt when you decide to hang me.
Ans: A telephone.

Going For A Song
Clue: Single state ruled by elected citizen has every correct chess manoeuvre.
The answer is here.

Back tomorrow from 6.50am!
N.

Blue Monday

2010-01-18T11:52:00.002Z

Today was supposedly Blue Monday... the most depressing day of the year! We tried to get through it with some fun with the following stories.....

Askmen.com have revealed the ultimate Crazy Girlfriend Behaviour!
A side effect of the recent Big Freeze.
Blondes are more likely to fight for their right!
The most irritating adverts of 2009.

Speaking of irritating adverts, I'm not normally one to condone violence against children... but am I the only one who wants to cause this child pain?!

Vinny's Big Hard One
Clue: I eat and eat but I'm never full. I catch my prey with my strong pull. I can be great or very small. But no matter what I eat it all. Nothing escapes, not even light. Although things try to put up a fight. I'm not found on earth, I'm very far. To find me, you must look to the stars!
What am I?
Answer: A black hole.

Going For A Song
Clue: Famous arch-duke of Austria; request to bring one to a place or event.
The answer is here.

Back tomorrow from ten to seven!
N.

Keith's note

2010-01-13T11:45:00.001Z

This is the note that Keith had locked inside a box, of which only I had the key.

He asked our caller Amy to think of a word she might see on the front of a newspaper. She thought of the word "Gately".... and when I opened the box, this is the note that was inside!

Keith Barry

2010-01-13T11:19:00.002Z

The druid master, and presenter of Deal or no Deal, Keith Barry joined us in studio this morning for a chat and to show off a few tricks.

Pretty amazing stuff I must say. The tricks with callers Amy and Matthew were good, but I was blown away when Keith revealed Vinny's pin number live on air! If anyone can get their hands on Vinny's card today, they might be pretty wealthy. He still has his communion money in his account!

Keith will be bringing his new show, The Asylum, to the Forum in Waterford this Friday and Saturday, and to the Wexford Opera House for the next two Sundays.

Some other stuff from today's show...

The greatest trio of all time?
Best. Robbery. Ever!
I like big butts and I cannot lie.....

Vinny's Big Hard One
Clue: An Australian man was born around 1850, and he died around 1920. The man was 85 years old when he died. How is that possible?
Ans: 18.50 and 19.20 are the times he was born and died!

Going For A Song
Clue: Young stone lasts from May to September
The answer is here.

Back tomorrow at 6.50am!
N.

Tuesday's show

2010-01-12T11:16:00.002Z

From the big freeze to the big storm! Here are a few bits we covered on this morning's show....

Devastating news for the women of the South East
Teenspeak making teens unemployable
Is Avatar racist?
Mary loved this letter to the editor. Read the Cavan one!

Vinny's Big Hard One
Clue:
I cast light upon darkness,
I help guide you through the night.
The flick of a switch,
helps stop you falling in a ditch.
What am I?

Ans: Headlights

Going For A Song
Clue: Cure tiny wellies
The answer is here.

Back tomorrow from 6.50am.
N.

Oh the weather outside is frightful!

2010-01-07T12:16:00.003Z

So, today's show was pretty much all about the weather and the roads. Most of the schools were off, so at least lots of people got a lie-in.

We did get time to talk about a few items....

Poor Nessie :(

Does this surprise anyone?

Mums get lots of new friends

Snowed in? Well the only thing to do is cheat on your wife!

Vinny's Big Hard One
Clue:Ted is younger than Shelby, who is older than Sebastian. Roy is older than Diego. Ted is older than Roy. Sebastian is younger than Diego.Who is the second youngest?

Ans: Diego!

Back tomorrow from 6.50am!
N.

January......yuck.

2010-01-05T12:11:00.003Z

I'm officially bored of the cold weather. I took this picture outside my house yesterday of two polar bears dancing. Well not really... but given the length of the cold snap, it wouldn't surprise me.

I must be honest... I'm really struggling with this back to work thing. Two days in, and the brain still isn't in gear. Hopefully by the time the schools return, and Mary comes back from her holidays, I'll be in flying form.

In the meantime, the lovely Orla Rapple is deputizing for Mary all this week.

Today on the show, we discussed tattoos, and asked listeners whether any of them regretted getting their tattoos, and if they ever felt they were judged because of them. This follows the news that Mel C has admitted she regrets her tattoos. We had a huge response... most people didn't regret them, but there were some stories... including a listener called Anne who had her ex-boyfriend's name tattooed on her. Unfortunately, Ken has long since gone, and she's stuck with his name. Our best suggestion was that she changes it to "I love Kentucky Fried Chicken"

Video of the day is quite apt given the weather conditions. I had a bad fall on the ice a couple of weeks back, and it wasn't funny. However, there is something funny about watching others slip and slide on the ice.

Some other stuff from today's show....

What were your kids' first words?
Invention of the Year!
The bits you didn't see in Avatar!

Vinny's Big Hard One
Clue: I am a path situated between high natural masses. Remove my first letter & you have a path situated between man-made masses. What am I?
Ans: Valley and alley.

Going For A Song
Clue: Neck wear exclamation's boat based holiday smashes your organ.
The answer is here.

Back tomorrow from 6.50am!
N.

Top 102 of the Noughties

2009-12-31T19:43:00.000Z

Here is the final chart...

102 Spiller Groovejet
101 Avril Lavigne Girlfriend
100 Eric Prydz Call On Me
99 Tinchy Stryder Number One
98 Modjo Lady
97 Usher Yeah
96 All Saints Pure Shores
95 Shapeshifters Lola’s Theme
94 Destiny’s Child Independent Woman
93 Justin Timberlake Like I Love You
92 Britney Spears Gimme More
91 Avril Lavigne Complicated
90 Basshunter Now You’re Gone
89 Girls Aloud Sound Of The Underground
88 Natasha Bedingfield These Words
87 Akon Lonely
86 Dizzee Rascal Holiday
85 Nickelback Rockstar
84 David Guetta Sexy Bitch
83 Robbie Williams Rock DJ
82 Nelly & Kelly Dilemma
81 Pussycat Dolls Don’t Cha
80 Kylie Can’t Get U Outta My Head
79 Christina Aguilera Dirrty
78 Fedde Le Grand Put Your Hands Up For Detroit
77 Franz Ferdinand Take Me Out
76 Darude Sandstorm
75 Timbaland The Way I Are
74 Love Inc You’re A Superstar
73 Shaggy It Wasn’t Me
72 Killers Human
71 Gnarls Barkley Crazy
70 Kanye West Golddigger
69 Daniel Powter Bad Day
68 Mika Grace Kelly
67 Cascada Everytime We Touch
66 Nelly Furtado Maneater
65 Gigi D’Agostino La Passion
64 Nickelback How You Remind Me
63 Justin Timberlake Cry Me A River
62 The Calling Wherever You Will Go
61 Wyclef Jean Perfect Gentleman
60 Damien Rice Cannonball
59 Pink Get The Party Started
58 Roger Sanchez Another Chance
57 Linkin Park/Jay Z Numb/Encore
56 Strokes Last Nite
55 Calvin Harris I’m Not Alone
54 Outkast Hey Ya
53 Paolo Nutini Last Request
52 Daft Punk One More Time
51 Groove Armada Superstylin
50 Will Young Leave Right Now
49 Rihanna Disturbia
48 R Kelly Ignition
47 Britney Spears Toxic
46 2 Pac Ghetto Gospel
45 Mark Ronson/Amy Winehouse Valerie
44 Justin Timberlake Sexyback
43 Katy Perry I Kissed A Girl
42 Shakira & Wyclef Jean Hips Don’t Lie
41 Leona Lewis Bleeding Love
40 Timbaland Apologize
39 Beyonce Single Ladies
38 Streets Dry Your Eyes
37 Black Eyed Peas Where Is The Love?
36 Delerium Silence
35 50 Cent In Da Club
34 Take That Patience
33 Taylor Swift Love Story
32 Shakira Whenever Wherever
31 Mundy July
30 Rui Da Silva Touch Me
29 U2 Beautiful Day
28 The Fray How To Save A Life
27 Vanessa Carlton A Thousand Miles
26 Amy Winehouse Rehab
25 Michael Jackson You Rock My World
24 Take That Rule The World
23 Outkast Ms. Jackson
22 Green Day American Idiot
21 Jay Z Empire State Of Mind
20 Jason Mraz I’m Yours
19 James Blunt You’re Beautiful
18 White Stripes 7 Nation Army
17 Coldplay Viva La Vida
16 Lady Gaga Just Dance
15 Flo Rida Low
14 Uncle Kracker Follow Me
13 Eminem Stan
12 Wheatus Teenage Dirtbag
11 Coldplay Fix You
10 Mundy & Sharon Shannon Galway Girl
9 Rihanna/Jay Z Umbrella
8 Kings Of Leon Sex On Fire
7 Lady Gaga Poker Face
6 Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling
5 Beyonce Crazy In Love
4 Snow Patrol Chasing Cars
3 The Script The Man Who Can’t Be Moved
2 Snow Patrol Run
1 Killers Mr. Brightside

Xmas is almost here!

2009-12-22T11:47:00.001Z

I must apologize for the lack of updates the past week. It's not laziness... we've just been incredibly busy planning and preparing our exciting line-up of Christmas programming. Highlights include our "Best Of The Guests", "Top 102 of the Noughties" and our special Christmas wake-up show. You can read all the details here.

I'm very excited to tell you that we'll be joined by Olly Murs on tomorrow's Beat Breakfast! Olly is making a special appearance in Waterford at the Talk Talk HQ. Tune in around 8.25!

A few links to stories from this morning's show....

The news Vinny has been waiting for.
Be careful of Christmas jumpers and the tree this festive season!
What do you think is the worst thing about Christmas?
Have you voted for your favourite song of the Noughties yet?

Talk tomorrow at 6.50am!
N

Offensive cards, and Michelle Heaton tumbling!

2009-12-15T10:26:00.003Z

On the left is the Xmas card that created much discussion on this morning's show. Tesco has removed this card from branches in the UK after complaints from parents.

We were asking whether it was cruel, or was it just a joke. Many people compared this to jokes or cards about blondes, but others felt it was quite different. We had many texts from redheads who thought it was just a laugh.

I really need your help this week. We are going to countdown the Top 102 songs of the Noughties on New Year's Eve. Our expert panel has shortlisted 102 songs - and we want you to vote for your favourite songs. Please take a couple of minutes to visit the Beat website here and cast your votes.

We also chatted this morning about signs that a fella is whipped by his missus. A new survey on Askmen.com has revealed the top ten signs. We came to the conclusion that it's not really a gender issue - all relationships feature one person in a more dominant role.

And now to the TV Moment of the Week. I know you shouldn't laugh, but there's something about Michelle Heaton's tumble in the Apprentice which is very funny.

Some other stuff from today's show.....

Prince Phillip puts his foot in it.... again!
Does a full moon bring out your inner werewolf?
A welcome return!
Spare a thought for the sad seagull

Vinny's Big Hard One
Clue: If it wasn't for me, that woman would be a man. If it wasn't for me, she would be a he. What am I?
Ans: The letter S.

Going For a Song
Clue: Elf-like creature up for auction asks how female relative would handle it.
The answer is here.

N.

The weekend has landed!

2009-12-11T10:41:00.003Z

To end the week, our picture of the day is one of calmness and serenity. It's the colour Turquiose (a hard word to spell!).

I give you this today because it has been announced as 2010's official colour. Experts have claimed that the colour evokes thoughts of tropical waters and restores our sense of wellbeing, so expect to see a lot it next year.

Well done if you knew (like Mary) that 2009's official colour was yellow. Didn't seem like much of a yellow year to me.

Well done also to our Beat Breakfast Class of the Week.... fourth class in Bree National School in Wexford. They had a delivery of fresh fruit this morning from the 3 Beat Fleet!

An interesting poll on the Guardian website is asking people to suggest things that we lost in the past ten years. They mention personal checks, George W Bush, cassette tapes and smoking in pubs. Listeners suggested Irish punts, Glenroe, Brian from Westlife, and the Corrs and B*Witched!

Random video of the day is possibly my favourite ever Beat Breakfast moment.

Some other stuff from today's show...

Kian from Westlife shows what a modern man he is.
Dogs or cats? Which are better?
This wasn't on the show, but is worth a look!

Vinny's Big Hard One
Clue: How many seconds are there in a year?
Ans: 12... 2nd of January, 2nd of February... etc

Going For A Song
Clue: Another name for a plaster; questioning the awareness of others of the festive season
The answer is here

Back on Monday from 6.50am
N.

Holy cow Batman!

2009-12-10T11:44:00.002Z

May I present to you a holy cow. Now in the Batman sense, but an actual holy cow. This bovine creature was born in Connecticut, and has been christened 'Moses'.... all because of the unusual cross on his forehead.

The calf's owner reckons it's a sign from above, although he's still trying to work out what that sign may be. We'll have to wait and see if they spare Moses his fate of ending up as a burger or sirloin steak.

We were joined on the line this morning by Mark from Westlife, who is incredibly excited at the news that Westlife are back in Croke Park next June. Well done to Amanda Kelly from Kilkenny who won the first two tickets to the gig!

We also talked this morning about crap presents, and in particular, the people who are responsible for giving bad gifts. A new survey has surprisingly revealed that women are worse for giving bad presents - aunts, sisters and mothers. The good news is... we all fake it very well, and pretend we love the gifts.

Video of the day was today's flashback.

Some other stuff from today's show.....

Big changes for next year's X Factor?
Top Christmas song ever?
Have you ever been licked by a cow?!

Vinny's Big Hard One
Clue: A dagger thrust at my own heart, dictates the way I'm swayed. Left I stand, and right I yield, to the twisting of the blade. What am I?
Ans: A padlock

Going For A Song
Clue: Chocolate sweet with hard shell and sometimes containing peanut; the genuine thin one blocked out from the sunlight
The answer is here

N.

Christmas time... Mistletoe and Wine....

2009-12-09T11:33:00.002Z

Happy Christmas! All of the decorations are now up in the office. We have a big green tree, and a small white one - as you can see from the photo. Not sure why I decided to get so close, maybe it's because I love Christmas so much.

The past couple of days, we have been dealing with cruelty in relationships on the show. This started with a new report on Askmen.com all about the cruel things women do to men. After many texts, we came to the conclusion that men and women are equally capable of cruelty within a relationship. We had many horror stories from people in awful situations, but the good news is... these people went on to find love with really decent partners, so don't give up hope!

So what makes you lose the rag completely? According to a new survey, it takes most people eight minutes and 22 seconds to reach breaking point. Reasons for this included waiting for an internet page to load, and being put on hold by a call center.

We're going to continue our festive theme in our random video of the day. This one was the theme tune to Home Alone 2.

Some other stuff from today's show...

Most ridiculous reason for a row EVER!
What's your favourite one hit wonder?
And your song of choice for singing in the shower?

Vinny's Big Hard One
Clue:It's the spelling, not the reading.
It's the letters, not the words.
It's the kitten, not the cat.
It's the puppy, not the dog.
It's small, but not big.
It's the tree, not the branches.
It's the guessing, not the knowing!

What is significant in these statements?
Ans: The first item of each line has double letters.

Going For A Song
Clue: With reference to short Annabel, Stalin's casino game
The answer is here

Back tomorrow from ten to seven,
N.

Timmy's Beat Breakfast Debut!

2009-12-03T17:59:00.003Z

Goodbye Blanche :(

2009-12-03T11:48:00.002Z

Sad news this morning. Actress Maggie Jones, who played Blanche in Corrie, has passed away. She was undoubtedly one of the most popular characters ever in Coronation Street, and provided all the light relief for the past few years. Beat Breakfast listeners were genuinely saddened to hear the news this morning, and we had many texts about it.

We're starting to prepare for our Xmas Eve party - which this year will be held in Wexford Town. We'll be creating a real festive atmosphere and we need your help. If you are in a choir, a band, or have any particular Christmas talent, we want to hear from you. Email your details to talk@beat102103.com

We talked about Christmas Day rows on the show today. A new survey has revealed that the first row happens at 9.58am, and so, we tried to work out what the 9.58am row might be about. Suggestions included wrapping paper being left everywhere, someone still in bed, or being late for mass!

Random video of the day is a Christmas classic.

Some other stuff from today's show....

Scientists discover that all men watch porn!
Your feet can talk
A name for the next decade

Vinny's Big Hard One
Clue: I am too big to comprehend
A certain thing that will never end
I never cease to make a sound
My total number cannot be found
I live on the earth, depend on the sun
I am a race that can never be won
What am I?
Ans: The human race

Going For A Song
Clue: Short Steven stops flour maker from entering with one of two rogue cards in the pack.
The answer is here.

We are joined by Dustin on tomorrow morning's show!
N.

Meet Timmy!

2009-12-02T12:27:00.004Z

Above is the adorable Timmy... the newest member of the Beat Breakfast team! He is very cute, but so tiny!

Today's Big Hard One
Clue: What do you add to 9 to make six?
Ans: Add the letter "S".... the Roman numeral for nine is IX. Add S to the beginning of it to make it SIX!

Going For A Song
Clue: Group make believe there are trumpets and horns in the side opening of their trousers.
The answer is here.

Talk tomorrow morning!
N.

Do they know it's NEARLY Xmas time?

2009-11-26T12:07:00.002Z

I don't know why, but I'm starting to feel very Christmassy. I think it's probably because the Christmas tv guide came free with the Mirror newspaper today. Despite the fact that most of the schedules feature a show called "To Be Confirmed".

Anyhow, it got us talking about the one thing that marks the start of Christmas for you. Many people said the Coca Cola ad, although the Budweiser and Penneys ads got mentions too. Lots of people talked about putting their tree up (including one listener who had theirs up since Halloween!). For me, it was all about hearing that phrase, which I heard for the first time about ten days ago... "if I don't see you, have a lovely Christmas"

We'll be officially launching Christmas on Tuesday morning's show (December 1st - the general consensus on when it should start). I'm getting the Christmas songs ready! We also have our Christmas toy show all next week, and I'll have news of our massive Christmas Eve party - which will be taking place in Wexford this year.

Voting continues for Runaway Bride today. I'm starting to get quite excited by it now. As you may be aware, I will be chaperoning one of the brides, so I don't have a clue where I am going to be this Sunday! Keep voting at the Beat website.

Random Video of the Day is a real gem. This was released by the Henson Group a couple of days back, and already has had over 3.2 million hits on youtube.

Some other stuff from today's show....

The X-Factor winner's song is revealed
Could you live with no cash for a year?
How could voo-doo that to me?!

Vinny's Big Hard One
Clue: You can have me, but you cannot hold me. Gain me and quickly lose me. If treated with care, I can be great, but if not, I will break.
Ans: Trust

Going For A Song
Clue: Serial killer Fred's existence... questions the present.
The answer is here.

We have all the regular Friday stuff tomorrow... TFI Friday, Get It Off Your Chest, Cheese or No Cheese and Free Fruit Friday!
N.

Voting is open!

2009-11-25T11:44:00.003Z

Finally, after all the waiting, you can now have your say on which couples take part in Runaway Bride. You heard all five of them last week, and you can now listen back to their interviews, find out more about them, and cast your vote here!

You are only allowed vote once on the website. We are also allowing text votes. You need to text "Runaway bride" + the couple's first names (four words in total with a space behind each) to 085 1029103. You can only vote once per mobile number, and standard text rates apply.

The voting lines are open until Friday afternoon, and on Friday's Beat Drive, Andy Mac will be revealing the two winning brides. Then on Saturday, the great adventure begins! We have special programming on this weekend, so make sure you tune into Beat to find out how the couples are doing. The big finale is on Sunday afternoon, where Liam Tutty will be broadcasting live from the Lismore House Hotel, and revealing the winner of the dream wedding!

We also had Jenna Toro on today's show. She is an up and coming singer/songwriter from Dublin, and she performed a fantastic version of her new single, Electric City, live on Beat Breakfast. You can check out her website here.

Random video of the day was discovered by VB. This is genuinely one of the funniest things I have seen on youtube in a long time.

Some other stuff from today's show...

Some people really like to put on a show
Death of a Christmas tradition?
Carlow's Saoirse Ronan meets the Prince!

The Big Hard One
Clue: At times you love me, at times you hate me. About what I have to say, girls worry more, but some guys worry too. The lower I read, the happier you are. What am I?
Ans: A weighing scales.

Going For a Song
Clue: Old-fashioned chewy bar relives festive season.
The answer is here.

Talk to you in the morning,
N.

Irrational hatred!

2009-11-24T11:22:00.002Z

Pictured on the right is Hannah Newton-Smith. Hannah was the British winner of Runaway Bride earlier in the year. She managed to get from England to Palma on just a tenner!

Hannah will be joining us on Wednesday's Beat Breakfast to talk about how she did it, and to give some advice to the South East brides taking part in the Irish version of Runaway Bride on Beat 102 103.

We'll be opening the voting lines at 9.30am for you to vote on your favourite couple. You can vote by text or on the Beat 102 103 website - and I'll give you the details tomorrow morning.

Also tomorrow morning, we're going to be joined in studio by singer/songwriter Jenna Toro for a sing song!

On today's show, we talked about irrational hatred... people or things that you dislike, but you can't give a good reason for it. Mine has always been Daithi O'Se. Mary dislikes ugg boots, particularly with tracksuits. Cars were mentioned on the textline, particularly Micras and Puntos!

Random video of the day is a fantastic performance of "Set the fire to the third bar" by Snow Patrol and Cheryl Cole at the Children in Need concert last week.

Some other stuff from today's show....

Dinner parties are stressful
How often do you think about your body?
Fancy dumping an unwanted relative this Christmas?

The Big Hard One
Clue: My first three make up the commonest word. My fourth can start something quite absurd. My fifth, sixth and seventh are one short of a tree. My whole stages something for you to go see. What am I?
Ans: A theatre.

Going For A Song
Clue: First name of a Flintstone, with fifth letter of the alphbet and Quicksilver... I'm existing without any company.
The answer is here.

Back tomorrow morning at 6.50am,
N.

Goodbye Jedward!

2009-11-23T10:56:00.003Z

The dream is over. The one thing that got us through the last few tough months. The one shimmer of Irish pride after the heartache of the World Cup knockout last week.

Jedward are gone from X Factor. You can't really argue with them going when they were up against Olly... but how the hell is Lloyd still there?

Anyhow, I'm pinning my colours to the mask and admitting that I want Joe to win. I know he doesn't have the charisma of Olly, but he has some set of lungs on him.

Vinny is on leave this week, so it's just myself and Mary on the show. The office is slightly calmer and more upbeat aswell. By Thursday, we'll probably miss his grumbling. Probably. Chances to win on the show this week are with the Clonmel Park Hotel on Beat the Bomb, and we have hampers to give away from the new Niall O'Reilly hair and beauty supplies in Waterford.

Random video of the day is the Peter Kay Children in Need charity single. The song is muck, but the video is very impressive. He has managed to get all the major animated characters of the past thirty years to work together on this video, with original voices by Ringo Starr, Neil Morrissey, etc. Take a look....

Some other stuff from today's show...

Piers Morgan has some strong words on Roy Keane...
The Irish public snub Henry the Hoover!
What's your favourite takeaway?

The Big Hard One
Clue: A woman shoots her husband. Then she holds him under water for over 5 minutes. Finally, she hangs him. But 5 minutes later, they both go out and have a wonderful dinner together. How can this be?
Ans: She is taking and developing a photo of her husband.

Going For A Song
Clue: Visually bruised veg wants a 50-50 compromise rendezvous.
The answer is here.

Talk in the morning,
N.

A dark day in every respect.

2009-11-19T10:53:00.002Z

To happier things firstly.... this is Mark Ronan and Denise Roche... our fourth couple on Runaway Bride. They are from New Ross and they joined us on this morning's Beat Breakfast to tell us why they want to win. They also brought lovely scones!

There were two main talking points on today's show... the awful weather, and the awful result in the match. There is not much more can be said about the match. It's just utterly frustrating and depressing. Tony Cascarino has some strong words about it, which you can read here.

Tomorrow, it's your last chance to win prizes from Georges Court on Beat the Bomb... and the last chance to win the pandora bracelet from Summerhill Jewellers. Well done to Rachel this morning who got it in an incredible nine seconds!

Random video of the day is by far the angriest man in Ireland over the match. I must warn you.. there is some serious bad language in this, so proceed with caution....

Some other stuff from today's show....

Kate Moss proves what a complete and utter gobshite she is.... again.
Did you know it's possible to be too ugly to be a criminal?!
Old man goes for paper... ends up 600km away.

Vinny's Big Hard One
Clue: My head and tail both equal are, My middle slender as a bee. Whether I stand on head or heel is quite the same to you or me. But if my head should be cut off, The matter's true, though passing strange. Directly I to nothing change. What am I?
Ans: The figure eight.

Going For A Song
Clue: Craziness with loose fitting lower clothing.
The answer is here.

Extra bonus random video of the day... Beyonce goes crowd surfing. I imagine many men beneath had a feel!

Back tomorrow from ten to seven!
N.

Give it a lash Trap!

2009-11-18T11:53:00.003Z

This is couple number three... Jennifer Delaney and Donal O'Rourke (Duck!) They are from Lismore, and they joined us this morning to chat about their relationship and why they want to win the wedding!

We're wondering if anyone can beat Cathy on our Pandora's Box competition with the new Summerhill Jewellers in Tramore. Cathy worked out what was in the box in 12 seconds, so she is in line to win the 500 euro worth of charms.

We were a bit taken aback this morning by the reaction of listeners when we mentioned the new scary movie Paranormal Activity. We got a flood of texts from people who had seen the movie, and claimed they hadn't slept in over a week. We've never had a reaction like this to a movie before. Mary has decided she definitely wants to go see it, whereas I value the little sleep I get, so I might give it a miss.

You can check out the official trailer - it's our random video of the day!

Some other stuff from today's show...

Jedward are now bigger than the Beatles!
Good grounds for divorce.
What keeps couples together?

Vinny's Big Hard One
Clue: What is one half of one quarter of two ninths of three sevenths of 84?
Ans: 1

Going For A Song
Clue: Fishing pole's meat dish in gallery is going to sea
The answer is here

Back tomorrow from ten to seven, hopefully celebrating a victory tonight!
N.

Tuesday's show

2009-11-17T11:33:00.002Z

Meet Tuesday's couple... Anita Kennedy and Ronan McDonagh. We had a lot of fun with these guys. They had some great stories, and will be looking for your votes next week!

You can read more about them and listen to their interview this morning on the Beat website. We'll be talking to another couple tomorrow morning.

Today, we dealt with weird celebrity crushes. Heat magazine had a survey out today which featured names such as Simon Cowell, The Stig, Louis Walsh and Phillip Schofield. We had some very strange texts including listeners who fancied Mary Harney, Ryan Tubridy and Chewbacca from Star Wars. Whatever floats your boat...

We're also having lots of fun on our Pandora's Box competition with the new Summerhill Jewellers in Tramore. You'll have another chance to win around 9am tomorrow!

Today's random video of the day is Jedward playing a blinder on Sky News!

Some other bits from today's show....

The old "make love to me or I will die" trick is still working
What is the cost of happiness?
A very talented cat

Vinny's Big Hard One
Clue: Can you think of a five letter word of one syllable that becomes a different word of two syllables when the fourth letter is changed from V to U?
Ans: Valve changes to Value

Going For A Song
Clue: Part of corporal capital stock for every single bit of fossil fuel will aggressively defend non scoring tennis point.
The answer is here

Talk in the morning,
N.

2009-11-16T12:22:00.002Z

Things are really hotting up this week on the Beat 102 103 Runaway Bride. We have narrowed it down to our final five couples, and we're introducing a couple to you on the show each day this week!

Pictured on the left is Laura Finnegan & Padraig O'Halloran. They live in Waterford city, although Padraig is originally from Bansha in Tipp. We had some great fun this morning, and they proved that they really do know each other inside out on our Mr. and Mrs. quiz!

You can read more about the couple, and hear their interview on the Beat website. We will be meeting couple number two tomorrow morning at 8.25am!

I should say a big thank you to all of the twenty couples who I met with on Saturday. They were all great, and it was impossible to narrow it down to the final five.

Some other stuff from today's show....

Here is one man who definitely doesn't want to lose the remote control!
Who causes the most rows in your house?
Who'd have thought Beaker would cause such a fuss?

Vinny's Big Hard One
Clue: What force and strength cannot get through, I with a gentle touch can do. And many in the street would stand, were I not a friend at hand.
Ans: The key.

Going For A Song
Clue: Beckham gets old hair colour with Hanging Gardens
The answer is here.

We meet couple number two tomorrow!
N

We're all a bit plain!

2009-11-12T11:04:00.004Z

What a morning. I've never seen such rain and such dark skies. I decided to mark the occasion by taking a lovely pic of Orla and Vinny after the show heading to Tesco for breakfast. How cute :)

There was a lot of serious debate on today's show. A new report from the website Beautiful People has revealed that the Irish are bottom of the list when it comes to attractiveness. Scandanavians and Brazilians were up the top of the list. The only positive was that Irish women were regarded as hotter than Irish men.

This was debated at length, and many foreign listeners told us why the Irish weren't so attractive. Alcohol was a big issue, as was too much make-up on the ladies. But as one listener put it.... "sure what good are foreign men? They can't use a hurley, and they look shite in a pair of hurling togs". So that's that then!!

We also had a bit of a row about the new Ryanair hot cabin crew calendar. Orla agreed with the National Women's Council who thought it lacked imagination. Needless to say, Vinny had no objections.

Random video of the day is a classic clip of the Breffmeister from the Apprentice!

Some other stuff from today's show....

How the Grinch stole Christmas
Watch out for the tsunami!
Ronan wants a Boyzone night on X Factor

Vinny's Big Hard One
Clue: A simple riddle you behold, All that glitters is not gold. My first is second in line, I'll send shivers up your spine. Thought I'm not quite shining bright, I seem to glitter in the light. What am I?
Ans: Ice

Going For A Song
Clue: Tiny walker is top of the charts
The answer is here

Final show with Orla tomorrow from 6.50am.
N.

Brains 2 Burn!

2009-11-11T12:44:00.003Z

We've just had our workout for the day. Not the physical kind though - no pumping iron for me and Power - but the intellectual kind.

It may have taken us over half an hour and more than the necessary amount of Tipp-Ex but we got there. Causing most of the trouble was the clue "Mythological creature - 7 letters" Cyclops? Tipp-Ex. Centaur? Tipp-Ex. Mermaid? Score.

Anyway, I feel a bit more intelligent now. Who needs Nintendo DS when you've a newspaper!

VB

Jedward spotted in Tesco!

2009-11-11T10:47:00.003Z

So, I couldn't believe my eyes when I walked into Tesco and spotted Jedward looking back at me!

Har-de-har. A busy show today. We explored at great length the issue of men's underwear, and in particular, who buys them. A new survey has revealed that men only buy their own pants for 17 years of their lives - relying on their mothers, wives and girlfriends to make the purchases.

This came as news to both Orla and Vinny - who both swore they would never buy for or be bought for!

My favourite text came from a listener whose dad was asked to buy some boxer shorts in town, and he came home claiming that he couldn't find the boxers section in Dunnes Stores. Reminds me of that scene in the Xmas Father Ted where the priests get lost in the lingerie section!

Our other big talking point today was talented pets. We heard about a dog in Poland who revived his owner when he had a heart attack. I spoke about my Fred's ability to open doors. Orla has two of the cutest dogs in the region, but they're pretty talentless. We had some great texts, including the goldfish that dances to Shakira and the parrot that told the hospice worker to "f**k off!"

There is a very talented cat living in Waterford. She's deaf, but has still learned to play the guitar. Check out the video....

Some other stuff from today's show...

What's happening on this week's X Factor?
A surprise visitor at a funeral!
If you're hungry, you're hungry.

Vinny's Big Hard One
Clue: What word is true only for the moment you say it? After that, it is not until you say it again.
Ans: Now.

Going For A Song
Clue: Juvenile death document exits immediately.
The answer is here.

Talk to y'all in the morning!
N.

"Somebody stole my flip flop!"

2009-11-10T10:32:00.003Z

Today's pic of the day is of Jedward as babies! Ok... I'm not sure if it's actually Jedward, but it's funny nonetheless.

Before we talk about today's show, let me remind you of the wonderful prizes on offer this week.

We've teamed up with Orchestra Kids Fashion in George's Street in Waterford to celebrate their 2nd birthday! You can win vouchers by telling us a good story about a kids party. If you have a fun story, email us at talk@beat102103.com

We also have a break away to the Ferrycarrig or Kilkenny Hotel with a fitness consultation and use of the five star Active Club. All you have to do is get the highest score on Beat the Bomb.

Now... today's headline refers to a topic we did today about the weirdest thing that was ever stolen on you. It followed a story in the Sun today about a man who keeps stealing shrubs! Anyhow, there are some strange South East thieves out there. We heard about stolen shoes (always just the one!), stolen family photo albums, and stolen tampons. Eew.

Random video of the day is Pat Kenny getting a right boll**king!

Some other stuff on today's show....

I bet you thought that your neighbours were annoying!
The ultimate blind date
How to get an ex to take you back

Vinny's Big Hard One
Clue: My voice rises about the din, Sometimes catching all unaware. I never ask questions, yet get many answers.
Ans: A doorbell!

Going For A Song
Clue: Short Jason at end of alphabet has New York Art Deco building in head
The answer is here.

Back tomorrow from ten to seven.
N.

Happy Birthday Nell McAndrew!

2009-11-06T13:54:00.008Z

It's Ms McAndrew's birthday...and that, for me, is reason enough to post a picture of her in all her underwear modelling glory. After all, we did the same for Bryan and Ryan Adams the other day so it's only fair!

Let's all take a moment...

Now...IT'S FRIDAY!!! I'm starting to get that weekend feeling so forgive me if I don't hang around...

This morning on the show, Leigh continued his obsession with hot food - getting Mary to eat some of his extra spicy Jamaican chicken! I didn't try it. Video to follow!

We spoke to Snow Patrol keyboard player Tom Simpson ahead of the band's upcoming Best Of.. and tour dates in Ireland. You can here that and all the rest of the week's best bits on the podcast.

Vinny's Big Hard One..."Enter through one, exit through two. Then enter through two, exit through one."
ANS: Pants/Trousers

Going For A Song: "Basic Roar Stone"
You can watch the answer here.

Niall is back Monday. We'll talk to you bright and early then!

Have a good weekend everybody!

VB

Happy Birthday Bryan and Ryan Adams!

2009-11-05T12:08:00.011Z

It's the greatest coincidence in celebrity birthday history! It's both Bryan and Ryan Adams' birthdays! Mary still can't get over the fact revealed on this morning's show. In celebration, today's picture is of the Canadian cheeserockmeister that is Bryan Adams while the random video is a Ryan Adams track called When The Stars Go Blue which you should, in all seriousness, check out if you haven't heard it before. Enjoy.

Also on the show today, we heard your job interview nightmares. Our favourite stories were from the listeners who vomited, walked into a glass door breaking their nose and the woman whose blouse popped open leaving all on display!

Are you looking to make more than friends on facebook? Well in that case you need to know the top 10 tips on how to to take social networking that one step further! Click here to become a facebook flirt extraordinaire!

Vinny's Big Hard One: If a bottle and cork costs €2.10 and the bottle costs €2 more than the cork, then how much is the cork worth?
ANS: €0.05

Going For A Song: "Where the sun sets, question the moment."
You can watch the answer here.

Tomorrow on the show, we'll be speaking to Snow Patrol!

Talk t'y at 6.50!

VB

Posh and Pig

2009-11-04T13:09:00.003Z

These are micro-pigs. They're the new designer pet and the latest trend among celebrities, it would seem. As we found out this morning on Beat Breakfast, Posh has given one to Becks as a present. We're not really sure if he asked for it or if he's even going to have the time to look after it, given he's moving to Italy again in January.

Anyhoo...they are, according to most of the girls in the office the cutest thing on the faceof the earth. I've just spent the last while opening image after image of the things for females each side of me to fawn over them. I find them a bit strange. In my day, pigs were pigs. A cat shouldn't be bigger!

Irish men have the sexiest accent in the world! That's according to a new survey and I'm not going to argue! Italy came 2nd, followed by the Scots, French, Aussies, English, Swedish, Spanish and Welsh with the American accent only 10th sexiest!

This morning's Big Hard One: They are dark and always on the run. Without the sun there would be none.
Answer = Shadow. Easy. Easy. Easy.

Going For A Song: "Elephant with packed trunk turns up thermostat at current location."
You can hear/see the answer here.

Talk t'ya bright and early tomorrow!

VB

2009-11-03T12:05:00.004Z

Howdy.

That there is a traffic cone. Just your plain old simple everyday traffic cone. Much like the many that go missing...because of students! It would seem that you haven't quite done college properly if you haven't brought one home after a night out. When we asked you to tell us about some of the questionable behaviour you got up to in your life, stealing traffic cones was probably the most common story. Our favourite story, though, was that of the group of lads who wanted to bring a bit of Jackass to the south east and so bought thongs and ran around a golf course in Waterford...while a group of players looked on.

I felt the picture of the traffic cone was a better option than lads in thongs...

Also on this morning's show, we found out more about the campaign "Going Green On November 14." If you're going to Ireland's World Cup play-off against France at Croke Park on Saturday week, then do your bit to REALLy get behind the biys in green. You can find out more at the You Boys In Green website.

Vinny' Big Hard One;
"It runs and runs but can never flee.
It is often watched, yet never sees.
When long it brings boredom,
when short it brings fear."
ANS: Time!

Going For A Song; "Divide entire blackbird and suggest new clothes for the better."
You can watch the answer here!

Rightio, until tomorrow at 6.50

Byeeeeee!

VB

I am OUTTA here!

2009-10-30T11:49:00.002Z

This picture is of a bed. It's not MY bed, but it will give you an indication of where I plan to spend my next seven days.

That's right... I'm on leave for a week, so Leigh Doyle will be sitting in with Vinny and Mary on Beat Breakfast next week.

We told you all about Beat's Runaway Bride this morning. We're looking for two brides to take on a fun challenge - they have to get as far as they can in 24 hours with just 50 euro! Whoever gets the furthest wins the wedding of their dreams at the Lismore House Hotel!

We'll be taking online applications from Monday, so if you know anyone who would be up for this challenge, you need to talk to them over the weekend!

Random video of the day is a piece from the excellent BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge. There's a new album out featuring this track....

Other stuff from today's show....

The ultimate example of marrying a younger woman
Who owns all the feet?
Who hasn't eaten the odd spoon or fork?

Vinny's Big Hard One
Clue: What can run at any speed, but never walk?
Ans: Water

Going For a Song
Clue: The bosses of German Emperors with a red gemstone
The answer is here.

Enjoy Halloween!
N.

Thursday's show

2009-10-29T12:28:00.003Z

This picture is of Greenland. Lady GaGa is not from Greenland, as poor old Thomas discovered this morning when he failed to win tickets to her concert. She's from New York of course.

Well done to Lorna and Sarah who got their questions right, and are off to see GaGa in the O2 in February.

We'll be giving away the Pink tickets tomorrow morning - when we play two rounds of Beat the Bomb. We'll be looking for callers from Waterford and Kilkenny!

We also have our Portovino competition tomorrow - so get thinking!

We had a bit of a heated debate on this morning's show over this story. Basically, a guy tragically died after too much alcohol, and the men who served him in a Tipperary bar have been charged in connection with his death. There were strong feelings on this, with people arguing both sides. It will be interesting to see how it ends in court.

Other stuff from today's show....

Would you keep working if you won the Lotto?
What's the scariest movie of all time?
Worst disguise ever.

Vinny's Big Hard One
Clue: My first is in fish, but not in snail, My second is in rabbit, but not in tail. My third is in up, but not in down, My fourth is in tiara but not in crown. My fifth is in tree you plainly see, My whole a food for you and me. What am I?
Ans: I am a fruit!

Going For A Song
Clue: Arab country creates flash of electricity to get attention in emergency
The answer is here

Back tomorrow at 6.50am
N.

Memories of Oxegen 2009

2009-10-27T21:09:00.000Z

The Next Big Thing....

2009-10-27T17:56:00.003Z

The Beat Breakfast had their after school music lessons this week at Flying Fingers Music school. Luckily, Trevor and the team there were ultra patient as Niall tackled the drums, Vinny strummed the guitar and Mary took some singing lessons. You can hear how all three got on in the coming days on Beat Breakfast!

Next Week on Beat Breakfast....

2009-10-24T13:39:00.003+01:00

They're back after a long holiday and Ireland's most successful pop act ever will be talking to us about what they got upto on their break on Tuesday morning's Beat Breakfast!

Also next week, it's the final part of Back to School as the Beat Breakfast Crew head for some after school music lessons with Flying Fingers music school. AND... we have Pink tickets to give away on Beat the Bomb!

Join us Tuesday morning from ten to seven.

P.S. If you missed Alexandra Burke on Friday, you can listen to it again on the Beat Breakfast podcast section of http://www.beat102103.com

On Friday's Beat Breakfast......

2009-10-22T16:37:00.003+01:00

Reigning X Factor champion Alexandra Burke talks to Niall, Vinny and Mary about her new album, what she thinks of John and Edward.... and what Simon and Cheryl are really like!

Stuff

2009-10-22T12:03:00.005+01:00

On the left is an edible plate. Why did nobody think of this earlier?! An Italian man has invented this to save on dishwashing time! It's made of dough and is like those chicken in a basket things. Brilliant!

Vinny was back with us today after his school galavanting and Green Day galavanting. The concert was fantastic he says. If you missed any of the back to school coverage, you can check it out the podcast on the Beat website.

Other stuff from today's show.....

Policeman spots blonde-haired aliens
No singing at work!
Goodbye to the checkout girl

Our random video of the day is a little sing song by Kylie. There has been so much talk of artists miming on X Factor and the likes - it's nice to hear that Kylie can actually sing!

Vinny's Big Hard One
Clue: In a game of chess, how many different choices do you have for your first move?
Ans: 20. There are 16 possible pawn moves, and four possible knight moves.

Going For A Song
Clue: Viral theatrical production will mend sheep
The answer is here

Crazy busy on tomorrow's show... Join us from ten to seven.
N.

Vinny B Goes Back To School! Day 2

2009-10-21T14:33:00.004+01:00

My school days are over! Again!

Day two of my Back To School experience was every bit as enjoyable as the first...if you forget the first class! Can you believe I got sent to the principle's office?! Scary stuff! Here's the deal...

So there I was in Home Economics learning about nutrients (protein, fibre, carbs etc...) when I was caught chewing gum. Ms Sutton, as lovely as she is, had to abide by the rules and so I was sent to the principle to confess. I remember being afraid of getting into trouble with Mr Lillis when he was just my history teacher but as he's now in charge of the entire show, I knew this wouldn't be good. So I got detention for Friday! Haha. You can hear me getting given out to on tomorrow's Beat Breakfast.

After the ill-fated Home Ec class, it was music...this time practical. I got to show off my recorder skills and didn't do badly at all for someone who hasn't played in ten years. If it weren't for those tricky quavers on the second line! Grrrr...

I also had a look at the school gym for the first time. It's situated across the road from the school in Adamstown Hall, and I have to say I was mightily impressed. There's lots of equipment and I had a go on some of it, as you'll see in the photos, even getting to grips with the punchbag with Mr Lillis! I used the opportunity to take out my frustration at having been given detention!

At the end of it all, I must say I thoroughly enjoyed my couple of days back in school. I have to thank all of the staff who were as friendly as I remember. A special thank you to Mr Lillis, the principle, without whose permission this social experiment couldn't have happened, and to the teachers who allowed me and my producer Jennifer (who recorded and edited everything together) to sit in with their classes.

Talk to you soon!

Getting closer to the long weekend!

2009-10-21T11:07:00.003+01:00

This morning, we dealt with annoying workmates. We heard lots of stories of over familiar workmates, bitchy girls done up to the nines, and a workmate who spits at you when they speak.

An official study by careerbuilder.com has revealed that there are four main workmate personalities who are disliked by everyone. They are:-
1) The Suck-Up
2) The Naysayer who is pessimistic about everything
3) The Drama Queen
4) The Star of the Show - who wants to make everything about them.

Vinny was in school for Day 2, and we had the opportunity to hear how he got on in his first classes. He gave some wrong answers in Irish which made everyone laugh. His history teacher did an interesting rap about Christopher Columbus. He won a French quiz meaning he had no homework last night (I call shenanigans!), and his music teacher told us he had never heard Vinny speak until he was on the radio! You can catch a repeat of all this on Saturday morning's show. Tomorrow morning, we'll find out what happened when he was sent to the Principal's office!

Random video of the day is one of those videos you really shouldn't laugh at, but you can't help it. My question is.... why did nobody help this woman?!

The Big Hard One
Clue: A one word answer, Remove all the rest. Three you can keep, Gold kind is best. Match you can too, not one to spare. Nail with a hammer, a pose if you dare.
Ans: Strike

Going For a Song
Clue: Clever humour, a leg joint and NASA's mission control - female rules over dark time of day.
The answer is here.

Back tomorrow from ten to seven!
N.

Vinny B Goes Back To School! Day One

2009-10-20T18:39:00.005+01:00

Dia duit! Bonjour!

These are just some of the languages I spoke today as part of my first day Back To School! It was a strange day, sitting in a classroom environment once again after all these years but, given it was with all of my old teachers, there was something instantly familiar about it. Just a short time sat in one of those chairs is enough to bring back a lot of memories. I was half expecting my chair to get foot-nudged from behind by a mate, or to look down and see my schoolbag being whipped away...all of the things you did as you messed around in the classroom years ago. So, overall, there was a definite air of nostalgia.

I started day one in a classroom of first year students and my old Irish teacher Mr O'Connell. I thought it would be a nice easy start to the whole experience but not so! It turns out I don't remember as many Irish words as I used to! And I learned some new ones...like teach leathscoite, which means semi-detached house, and árasán whch is apartment! As you can see, there was a theme to today's lesson!

After Irish, I sat in history with the school principal, Mr Lillis and we learned about Christopher Columbus and his voyage west! We all know what happened when Columbus went west but if you don't, then you should listen to tomorrow's Beat Breakfast when Mr Lillis explains all in his rap! I kid you not! You'll also get to hear how Vinny B fared in his exams way back as his old history teacher dishes the dirt on yours truly.

Next it was music with Mr Glynn and a class of giddy first years! We listened to, and identified, instruments of the orchestra such as the oboe, clarinet, bassoon and flute. If you tune in to the show tomorrow, you'll also hear proof from my music teacher just how gifted I was on the recorder!

Oh, I won the French lotto! I kick serious derriere in french class! I scored maximum points in the aural exercise but, for some reason, I couldn't name the basic colours! I'll have to brush up on my rouge et noir (I can't believe I couldn't remember the french word for black!) But the highlight of the day was when we played Lotto (which was really bingo) where Ms Wall called out numbers in french and we crossed them off our cards. The promise was the winner would get no homework and guess what! I won! I was the first to cover all my numbers and shout "LOTTO!" in a french accent! Success. So that's the reason I've no homework to do. And I won't hear any complaints from Power or O'Neill! Rules is rules!

I have one more day to go, of course, and I think I'm starting tomorrow with Home Economics! I don't think it's a cookery class, though, so you'll just have to believe men when I tell you I'm as good in the kitchen as I am at speaking French. Also, I may get the chance to justify Mr Glynn's claims that I was a recorder prodigy when I visit the music room again. For now, though I say au revoir agus slán!

VB

P.S. There will be pics uploaded in due course...I forgot to bring the right cable for my camera to Adamstown. That's right...Im back in the big city for the night. Gotta go! Have to spend some quality time! Byeeeeeee!

Tuesday's show

2009-10-20T11:14:00.002+01:00

First things first.... the pic today is supposedly Jesus pictured on a toilet door in the Glasgow branch of Ikea. You can make out the bearded face, and the long flowing hair.

There has been huge debate about whether it is the Son of God, or whether in fact it's Gandalf from Lord of the Rings, or even Benny from Abba! You can decide yourself.

Today was Vinny's first day back at school. We spoke to him as he waited outside for his first class. He was quite surprised that many students were having early morning coffees as they waited for school to start. It's all very Summer Bay.

Vinny will be updating here later on how he got on today in his first school classes since 1999. We will have all the audio from his first day on tomorrow's Beat Breakfast. I'm hoping they still give wedgies in school :P

Today's random video of the day is pretty cool. Make sure you watch it if you haven't seen it. Although I'm getting slightly sick of "I Got A Feeling" from the Black Eyed Peas (who is still buying this record?!), they did a special performance of it for Oprah's first show of the season.

Some other stuff from today's show...

How much would Madonna need to pay you to go out with her?
Expect more balloons this weekend!
Who should present RTE's new Saturday night show?

Our big competition all this week is with Party World in Tramore. We're looking for you to tell us your Halloween horror stories, particularly when it comes to costumes. Deirdre from Kilkenny had a great story this morning. She wins a 50 quid voucher, and at the end of the week, we'll be giving away a Halloween party pack worth 450 euro. It's huge - I took a picture of it in reception this morning.....
Vinny's Big Hard One
Clue: I can jump from the highest to the lowest place, But the bottom is what I chase. Do not fear me, for what I am is yours to take, Just don't jump with me, for your sake. What am I?
Ans: A waterfall!

Back tomorrow at 6.50am!
N.

2009-10-19T18:35:00.002+01:00

Hey it's VB!

So, it's the night before I go back to school which is weird because, as I recall, I usually went back to school on my birthday. I also used to have to plan more than two days ahead. Anyhoo...tomorrow I return to my old secondary school - Coláiste Abbain in Adamstown, Co. Wexford. I'm a little nervous about it but also excited. It will be very strange to sit in a classroom again with my old teachers and have to listen as they talk about stuff that I used to know but feel certain I've completely forgotten. I've just had a look at my timetable and I think it's Irish first with English, Maths, French and Music also on the agenda over the course of my visit. I might even get some metalwork under my belt but maybe it's safer I stay out of the workshop if I'm as bad as I remember with power-tools. Maybe Home Ec would be safer! :)

I'll be talking to Niall and Mary on the show tomorrow so tune in early to hear how I get on as I prepare for my first day back! I'll also be updating here again so check back soon! Now, where's my pencil case?

Talk y'ya!

X Factor Mania

2009-10-19T11:23:00.002+01:00

So much to talk about after the X Factor this week! We'll start with Whitney... poor old Whitney. Aside from the wardrobe malfunction halfway through, she seemed... how can I put it without being sued... exuberant. Poor Dermot didn't know how to handle her.

I'd love to know what's on offer in the X Factor green room, what with Robbie last week, and Whitney this week. Some listeners were angry at the message these displays are sending out to young viewers.

Myself and Mary are still arguing over Danyl. She wants him to win, but I'd happily see him out next week. Me, I'm backing Joe and Stacey who I really enjoy. Most people thought Cheryl did pretty well, but there was one act that shone brightly this week... Jedward! Say what you like about them, but they've got balls.
In case you missed their performance...

We also talked about the internet - and the most annoying things about it. Stuff like buffering, pop up ads.. and those annoying log-ins where you have to enter an indecipherable word. Check out the full Top 50 here.

Some other stuff from today's show....

Liverpool aren't winning because the players aren't kissing!
What's your comfort food?
Long legs are on the way out!

Vinny's Big Hard One
Clue: Soldiers lined up spaced with pride, Two long rows lined side by side. One sole unit can decide, If the rows will unite or divide. Tell me, tell me, scream it out. What's the thing I talk about?
Ans: A zipper.

Going For A Song
Clue: Tender loving care without the clothing to perform surgery.
The answer is here.

Back tomorrow at 6.50am!
N.

The weekend has landed

2009-10-16T12:39:00.003+01:00

We spoke of the ouija board on the show this morning - following on from the news that a theme park in the UK has had problems since the staff used one.

Many Beat Breakfast listeners swear that they have had scary experiences after doing the ouija board. Although, my favourite comment of the morning was the listener who once used a "Luigi Board". It conjures up images of a small Italian man answering yes or no to certain questions. We might explore this topic more near Halloween.

We also announced the winner of our Beautyteam.ie pamper package. It was a really tough decision, but in the end, we chose an email from Anne Marie who nominated her workmate, Pat. Pat has had a tough year following the death of her daughter, and she has taken on the task of raising her little daughter, so everyone is in agreement that she deserves a little pampering!

Other stuff from today's show...

Pointless study of the week
Something for everyone in this story
A sad day for the music industry

Vinny's Big Hard One
Clue: To rich and poor we useful are; And yet for our reward, By both at last we're thrown away, Without the least regard.
Ans: Shoes

Going For a Song
Clue: Plane recording equipment travels upon chronological concept
The answer is here.

Next week on the show, Vinny goes back to school - and we play "My costume is sheeeet"
N.

Back To School - Day 2

2009-10-14T15:30:00.004+01:00

A pretty good day at school today. It began with school mass, held in St. John's Church. This was a chance to get off the school campus for a while. I had good craic with the 1st year lads on the walk down, although I had my singular most depressing moment of the whole back to school experience. One of the lads asked me what year I left Waterpark, and when I told him 1996, he fell around the place laughing and told me that was the year he was born in.

After mass, I spent some time with the careers guidance counsellor, Mr. O'Reilly. We had a chat about all the options available to young people nowadays. I was expecting him to tell me I should be an accountant (I think I was born to be an accountant), but he said that radio was a good career as it was obvious that I loved it, and everyone should strive to find a career they love.

Next up was my geography test based on what I had learned in class yesterday. Miss Walsh gave me the test, which I thought was really easy. However, I hadn't counted on Miss Walsh being such a tough marker, so I didn't get the 100% I was expecting. Instead I got a B which I suppose is decent enough. There is a pic of my test paper above.

Next up was the dreaded P.E. I was told to report to Mr. Byrne at 11.48, but I hadn't brought any P.E. gear so I knew I had to think of some way out of it. I asked some of the lads for good excuses, and unfortunately, the best I could come up with was that I was "allergic to grass". I forged a note (which is pictured above), but it didn't go down too well with Mr. Byrne. You can hear his reaction on tomorrow's Beat Breakfast.

After that, I sat in on the Rugby Development Committee meeting to find out about the work that they do, I explored the catering section, and I had a final review with the Principal, Mr Beecher.

Overall, I really enjoyed my experience at Waterpark. Far from being the terrifying place I thought it would be, it was a pleasure to sit in and work with some of the students. They are a great bunch of lads, and were friendly, helpful and respectful. I have a new found respect for the teachers aswell. Whilst I have been critical of teachers in the past for the wonderful holidays they have, these guys do a tough job and when you see all the extra activities they are involved in outside teaching hours, you understand that they really are trying to get the best out of the young men that attend Waterpark.

Finally, a huge thanks to Mr Beecher and Mr Carberry for their hospitality and hard work. Thanks to Miss Walsh for letting me play an active role in her Geography class, to Florian for the loan of the book, and to Mr. Keegan for making it clear to the South East that I could be an X Factor winner if I just applied myself!

Back in studio with all the reports tomorrow at 6.50am.

Back To School - Day 1

2009-10-13T15:39:00.003+01:00

What a day! I had forgotten how busy school is - you always have to be somewhere, or be going somewhere. I wasn't particularly nervous this morning. I had visited the school twice last week to meet the Principal and the teachers, so I think I got the nerves out of the way then.

First thing today, I met the senior rugby team. They were getting on a bus to go to Bandon to play. I will be honest - I seriously considered hopping on the bus and heading off for a day to watch the rugby. However, the fear of actually being asked to play put me off the idea. What if they didn't have enough subs, and I was asked to tog out? I personally believe that people who look like Josh Hartnett/Keanu Reeves/Kevin Bacon shouldn't be at the bottom of a maul getting their head stood on.

So reluctantly, I hit off to my first class - Geography. Today, we were dealing with metamorphic rocks. My ignorance of rocks was displayed earlier in the morning on the breakfast show when I told the others that I thought igneous rocks was the man who founded the Christian Brothers. Anyway, I sat in silence for the first ten minutes trying desperately to remember anything about marble and quartzite. The teacher told us that quartzite is often found in crucibels - which are things that you would use in a science lab, not what you might see on the wall of the church, as I discovered later. Eventually Miss Walsh asked me to read aloud - which is something I'm good at. It all ended on a sour note though when she revealed there would be a test tomorrow, so I have to study tonight.

I went to first year assembly, where I discovered more about the mentor system, the student council, and the cinema trip next week! I also spent some time with the Special Needs Assistants to find out about the work that they do. This type of support wasn't available when I attended school. And I had a lovely chat with Francis Xavier Keegan who has been in Waterpark for many, many years. He taught me, my brother and my father - and I used to be in his choir. Anyway, there is a school mass in the morning, and I have been asked to rejoin the choir for one last hurrah! And to think people scoff at my singing voice....

So, that's day one. Wish me well with the Geography test tomorrow!
N.

Howya!

2009-10-12T11:36:00.002+01:00

I hope you enjoy today's Pic of the Day. It's one of those separated-at- birth pictures comparing Vinny with Postman Pat. What do you think?!

Today's show featured a lot of discussion on X Factor. Is Danyl too cocky? Is Stacey playing up the gombeen-ness? How crap was Robbie? Should Alexandra have sung live?

The only thing most people agreed on was that Stacey and Joe were very strong based on the first week's performance. Next week, Cheryl and Whitney Houston perform. I can't wait!

Today was also International Moment of Frustration Scream Day! So, we looked at those moments that make you scream with frustration. Mine is waiting - waiting on people and things to happen. I can't stand it. Vinny mentioned slow walkers, particularly those with buggies. And Mary hated trying to get a key on or off a keyring.

Random Video of the Day!
Today's video of the day is an optical illusion to keep you entertained!

Other stuff from today's show....

Want bigger boobs? Meet Dave 'The Mind Persuader" Knight!
Greatest alien movie ever made?
What not to do the night before your wedding.

Vinny's Big Hard One
Clue: What day would tomorrow be if yesterday was five days before the day after Sunday's tomorrow?
Ans: Saturday!

Going For a Song
Clue: Reddish brown quintet with a particular emotion
The answer is here

Talk to you in the morning for Back to School Day!
N.

Life's Modern Mysteries

2009-10-08T11:41:00.004+01:00

It seems there are two types of women - those that think Russell Brand is the absolute bees knees, and those who wouldn't spit on him.

We had fun on this morning's show talking about life's modern mysteries - and number 3 on the list was "what women see in Russell Brand". I don't get it either. Also in the top five was "why Cheryl Cole is still with Ashley" and the top answer was foreign call centres.

My own personal choice would be "why people still watch Lost". A listener suggested "why people leave a used teabag on the sink when there's a bin within five feet".

We also talked about sexy hobbies. A new survey has revealed that if you want a date, you need to get on your bike as many women think cycling is a more romantic hobby than most other sports. I wonder if the girls want you to wear the lycra aswell.

Mary was back with us this morning after her two day spell in St Brendan's National School in Muckalee. Her story is below, and you can hear all the audio from it on the podcasting section of the Beat website.

Some other stuff from today's show....

Who is vainer? Blondes or brunettes?
Malteser.... Hearing Aid....... Mmmm!
If this is all a stunt, they should both be burned at stakes.

Vinny's Big Hard One
Clue: I am a pet that is always found lying flat on the ground. What am I?
Ans: A carpet.

Going For A Song
Clue: Daily restaurant offers, spirit settlement.
The answer is here.

Back tomorrow with all the Friday stuff!
N.

Mary's thoughts after her back-to-school experience

2009-10-07T16:47:00.005+01:00

Well what a fun couple of days I have had. Following on from yesterday's Maths quiz extravaganza, our brains were tested again today, this time on the metric system. I've come to the realisation that my 'spatial awareness' is not the best, as Mr Cummins asked us to gauge various measurements, including the length and width of the classroom, and the distance between Kilkenny and Mayo. My answers were way off to say the least, so I'm glad I didn't opt for a career in Engineering or the likes. We also had our homework corrected, which led to a bit of confusion as I had actually completed the wrong Irish exercise. However I redeemed myself at the last minute and manage to get the actual assignment done before Mr Cummins came round to correct it. The highlight of the school day was definitely when the kids of 5th and 6th class sang 'The Court of King Caractacus' for Gail and me. Tune into Beat Breakfast in the morning to catch a recording of it.

All in all, I had a really lovely experience in Muckalee, and am glad to note that kids today are just like we were and treated Gail and me with the utmost respect and good manners. Thanks again also to Principal and 5th and 6th class teacher Kevin Cummins and all the lovely staff at St Brendans NS.

Holiday flings and skinny jeans

2009-10-07T11:55:00.004+01:00

This is a frog. Mary doesn't like big frogs.. as we discovered on Beat Breakfast this morning.

It seems a frog managed to get into the staff room at St Brendan's in Muckalee, and Mary wasn't much use in getting it out. Instead, some little girls dealt with it.

Mary has been having lots of fun back at school. You can read more about it here, and hear all the bits from this morning's show on our podcast session on the Beat website.

Mary is back with us in studio tomorrow sharing her thoughts on the school experience!

Some other stuff from today's show...

No holiday is complete without a fling!
Strangest request ever.
Good Luck Road leads to awfully bad luck.

Vinny's Big Hard One
Clue: I can be written, I can be spoken, I can be exposed, I can be broken. What am I?
Ans: News

Going For A Song
Clue: Fourth letter and master of ceremonies proceed quickly by steps in a particular style.
The answer is here.

Talk tomorrow,
N.

Mary's first day in school

2009-10-06T15:38:00.006+01:00

Despite feeling like a giant, today went really well out in Muckalee NS. Our first subject of the day was Irish so I was thrown into the thick of things pretty quickly. I was put amongst fifth class at a table with Helena and Denis on either side of me, and we were tested on Irish verbs by adding them into sentences... that was ok but I was glad of the prompter words in the notebook!

Mr Cummins then moved onto English, where we were doing the 'ough' and 'augh' words, like 'enough', 'laugh', 'plough' and 'though', which all, confusingly, have different sounds. Our task was to put as many of the words into a sentence as we could. Our sentence at the table was 'I thought my mother was distraught, as I was naughty and coughed on the cookie dough, just for the laugh' - so that's six of those words altogether when you count them up.

Maths next, we had a tables test, where the girls were pitted against the boys. I got to the final, but was beaten by Maths whizz Sophie who is a pretty keen multiplier. She got 50 points for her table so I missed out there.

We had an incident which involved a wild creature finding his way into the school... some of the girls were heroic in dealing with it - listen to Beat Breakfast tomorrow morning to hear all!

All in all I enjoyed my day, but the highlight for me was history, after the little break, when we learned the story of how the Normans came to Ireland and then we were divided into groups of four to act it out in a play. I played the part of one of the defeated Irish in the army who was slain by a ruthless Norman. Mel Gibson eat your heart out!

Check out the pics from today's classroom, and a big thanks to Mr Cummins and all the pupils and staff at St Brendans NS Muckalee for making us feel so welcome.

Right, I'm off to do my homework....

Mary's thoughts ahead of going back to school

2009-10-05T19:10:00.002+01:00

So tomorrow I will don the closest things I could find in my wardrobe to school uniform attire, pack a lunch, put a copy book and pencil case into my little bag, and as though I were 10 again, head to school for the day. I honestly don't really know what to expect because my memories of the typical day in fifth and sixth class are pretty scant at this stage - as Niall frequently likes to point out, 'tis neither today nor yesterday that I was a primary school child. I'm probably most nervous about sitting amongst a group of school kids and feeling self-conscious as hell. Although it will be good to feel tall for a change! I also hope I don't make a holy show of myself by failing to answer some of the most basic English, Irish and Maths questions. Music and Art should be fun though. Tune into Beat Breakfast tomorrow morning to hear how it's all going, and I'll update again.. If I've survived the school yard that is ;-)

Monday's show

2009-10-05T11:26:00.003+01:00

So, today we had all the details of our Back to School plan! Basically, we often wondered what it would be like to be back in lessons at our old school. And from this week, we're going to find out!

Mary is first - tomorrow and Wednesday she'll be attending St. Brendan's National School in Muckalee - and she'll be finding out what it's like to be in primary school. Mary will be keeping us updated on the show, and also updating here - so keep your eyes peeled!

We'll also be attending after school music lessons in the coming weeks - with the guys at Flying Fingers music school in Waterford. Find out more about them here.

We also had a visit from the Coronas to the Beat Breakfast studio. The lads' new album went to Number Three in the Album Charts this weekend. You can see a pic of the lads with us below. In the meantime, here is their new video....

Some other stuff from today's show:-

The phrase "money can't buy you class" was never truer
The last thing you want in your bunch of bananas!
This would scare you a little at 30,000 feet!

Vinny's Big Hard One
Clue: What has four legs but only one foot?
Ans: A bed!

Going For A Song
Clue: Stone celebrity with reverse of five cent coin
The answer is here.

Back tomorrow at 6.50am
N.

The Coronas pay a visit to Beat Breakfast!

2009-10-05T10:44:00.002+01:00

Beat Breakfast - PPI National Radio Award Winner 2009

2009-10-04T20:25:00.001+01:00

FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-10-02T11:00:00.003+01:00

It's Friday. That is a good thing. Was it just me, or did this week seem like a LOOOONG week?

We had all the usual Friday stuff today. Cheese or No Cheese was won by No Cheese this week... Manic Street Preachers with "Design For Life."

Beat the Bomb was won by Simon from Carlow who got 8 this morning, and won the stack of cds. Next week, we have prizes from Ella's Beauty Salon for everyone who plays Beat the Bomb!

Today was also Name Your Car Day. As we know, Mary currently drives a car called Oskar. Niall from Tipp wanted help from the Beat Breakfast Crew in naming his VW van, and we have christened it Wolfgang!

Other stuff from today's show....

Be wary of dating a Paul or a Catherine!
Celebrity couple of the year?
You'd never know what you might get out of the Minister's Hole!

Back Monday with the Coronas in studio, and all the news on us going back to school!
N.

Things that go bump in the night....

2009-10-01T11:58:00.002+01:00

Somehow today we got onto the topic of ghost stories. With Halloween approaching, it seemed that everybody had a story to tell - and quite frankly, some of the stories were spine chilling.

Today's pic of the day is recognised as one of the best ghost pictures ever taken. There's an amazing story behind this picture and you can read all about it here.

Anyway, we've decided to do some very special shows in the lead up to Halloween this year. There is obviously a lot of interest out there, so we're going to look into spending some time at the haunted Carlow Shopping Centre, and also find out more about the history of the very scary Loftus Hall.

Speaking of Loftus Hall, here's our random video of the day....

Other stuff from today's show....

A girl gets dumped by a telegraph pole
Kevin Webster ain't happy!
Another Top Gear disaster story

Vinny's Big Hard One
Clue: I run a dozen times faster than him. He runs all day, twice around the place.
Ans: The hands of a clock (I am the minute hand, he is the hour hand)

Going For a Song
Clue: Divide every bit of fossil fuel and defend particular emotion
The answer is here.

All the usual Friday stuff tomorrow, with loadsa stuff to be won!
N.

Ask A Stupid Question....

2009-09-28T12:26:00.002+01:00

Today, the world celebrates Ask A Stupid Question Day - and we marked it in style by asking listeners this morning about the stupid questions they asked or were asked. Needless to say, American tourists got quite a few mentions from listeners - especially the ones who went searching the grounds of Kilkenny Castle for leprechauns.

We also learned today that if you're called Chantelle, Stacey or Kelly, chances are that you put out on a first date. This is based on a new survey in the UK. And if you're called Dave, Lee or Steve - you're more likely to try it on on a first date! You can read more about this ridiculous story here.

The Pope was in the news this morning aswell. Newspapers were reporting that he had to battle with a massive spider crawling across his body and face whilst he tried to give a press conference. Now, we thought we'd be talking about a spider the size of one of the creatures in the movie 8 Legged Freaks, so we were somewhat disappointed to see the video below!

Some other stuff from today's show....

Would you sneak a peek?
Is this a good thing?
Ingenious idea to win a soccer match!

Vinny's Big Hard One
Clue: In October you would do this once. In November, you'd do it twice. In December, you'd do it three times. You would never do it in January. What is it?
Ans: Write the letter "e"

Going For A Song
Clue: Water points herb in other direction from which it came
The answer is here.

Til tomorrow!
N.

Nice to see you..... To see you...... NICE!

2009-09-24T11:48:00.004+01:00

As promised, here is a pic of me pulling my best Bruce Forsyth moves in the office.

Brucie came in for a bit of a hammering on the show today. Justin Lee Collins has called for the 82 year old to retire - and many Beat Breakfast listeners agreed. They reckon the cheesy jokes and smarmy talk to Tess is past it's sell by date.

Congratulations to Cliona Kirwan from Waterford who won 400 euro on our "Who's Behind the Door" competition with Vodafone. We have another 200 euro to give away tomorrow if you can identify the celebrity voices!

With Freshers Week on at the moment in colleges across the South East, we discussed students and things you need to do before leaving college. Some of the suggestions included building a tower of cans in your living room, stealing traffic cones, and waking up in a strange place. You can read results of a UK survey on this here.

The Hot Air Balloon Championships are on in Waterford all this week. Vinny and Mary visited them yesterday, and we're hopeful we might get to talk to someone up in the sky on tomorrow's show. So here is our random video of the day....

Some other stuff from today's show....

An unusual way of staying thin... Eat with fat friends!
Facebook.... The Movie
A solution to a problem that I didn't even know existed!

Vinny's Big Hard One
Clue: Four fingers and a thumb... but flesh and blood, I have none
Ans: A glove!

Going For A Song
Clue: Magpie-like bird, The Body and tiger's petrol station without the O have lost once more.
The answer is here

Talk to you tomorrow morning for the last one of the week.
N.

Will someone please take the cash?!!

2009-09-23T11:07:00.002+01:00

On the left is a wad of cash. It looks like there is about 280 euro there. I have 400 euro that I want to give to you, if you can just identify the damned celebrities!!

We had no luck in identifying Davina McCall, Terry Wogan, Russell Brand or Ronan Keating - so the cash rolls over til tomorrow morning when you can win 400 euro by identifying "who is behind the door" at 7.40am!

We'll also have more clues from Murray, who has done a wonderful job at evading you guys in the past few days.

Today's Would You Rather Wednesday was... Would you rather be forgotten about when you die, or hatefully remembered? Interestingly, the opinion was fairly split down the middle. Many people thought it didn't matter how you were remembered as you're dead - others thought that it is nice to leave some form of legacy.

Random video of the day is pretty freaky. It's a dog robot they've made to help troops at war. I find the bit where they try to kick it over particularly chilling.

Some other bits and pieces from the show today....

One of those "amazing but true" stories
Did these girls not learn their lesson the last time?
As Kajagoogoo said.... "too shy shy... hush hush eye to eye"

Today's Big Hard One
I couldn't even bother writing out the clue, but the answer was 324!

Going For A Song
Clue: Land underneath the surface started life covered in oil and grease
The answer is here

Back tomorrow with lots of cash to be won!
N.

Last one of the week!

2009-09-18T16:42:00.005+01:00

Just a quick update for a Friday. Pic of the day is an awful yoke that turned up and attacked kids in Panama. It really is a terrible looking thing. I kinda imagine it's what Geri Halliwell looks like first thing in the morning with no makeup. Anyhow, you can read more about the story here.

Other stuff we talked about today... Mary wasn't a fan of guybrow nights... You can find out what Jennifer Aniston is like as a singer here.... And it seems that Jeremy Clarkson really is full of shit!

Cheese or No Cheese this week was a close call. Around 40% of you wanted to hear No Cheese which was Scorpions with "Wind Of Change". But the rest of you wanted to hear the gem below from N-Trance!

Today's Big Hard One
Clue: I know what my job is, the point has been made. You say I have a big head, and you're right I'm afraid. Put me in my place, and then leave me alone. What I need most is someone to drive me home.
Ans: Despite great guesses like "Brian Cowen", the right answer was a nail!

Going for a Song
Clue: Wish youth would exit immediately
The answer is here.

We have so much happening next week, including......

Lots of cash to give away, thanks to Vodafone
A new ten part documentary series starting Monday, This is my South East - presented by ten young people from across the region.
Beat the Bomb top score will win a romantic break to the Talbot Hotel in Carlow
We're celebrating Positivity Week with the Make A Wish Foundation.
I have exciting news on Monday about a fantastic prize from Ryanair for 1,000 listeners!
And of course, Murray and his mates will continue to cause mayhem across the South East with Meteor Money Mobiles!

Talk to you at 6.50am,

2009-09-18T16:41:00.000+01:00

Awkward!

2009-09-17T12:10:00.003+01:00

Today's picture is an awkward first date. Today's topic was awkward moments, and we got some gems, such as:-

somebody walking in on you when you're on the loo
forgetting people's names
when your pint/pee cycle falls into sync with someone else
making a "your ma" joke to someone whose mum has passed away
Father Ted "good luck with the book" experiences
Saying thank you to the atm, pole you walked into, or other inanimate objects
Jumping into the wrong car, to the bemusement of the driver

We also dealt with the issue of retro foods. A new survey in the UK revealed that Findus crispy pancakes were the top choice. We asked for your suggestions, and they included Chillie Willies, Arctic Circle cakes, Soda Stream, Panda Spread, 5-4-3-2-1 bars and Curly Wurlys.

Speaking of retro stuff, our random video of the day is a classic RTE ad break from 1990!

Poor young Zara King doesn't remember anything in the ad as she was only born in 1988!

Other stuff from today's show....

Attack of the cows!
Top excuses not to play hurling
Lady Gaga does not like questions about her penis

Today's Big Hard One
Clue: I am not a living thing, yet I could not exist without the sun and the rain. What am I?
Ans: A rainbow

Going For A Song
Clue: South Park character with usernames that access a computer; wobbly ankle.
The answer is here!

Talk to you tomorrow at ten to seven!
N.

Guilty pleasures, and little delights...

2009-09-16T11:11:00.002+01:00

Lots of stuff on the show this morning. Pic of the day is an impressive fart.

This is because of our Would You Rather Wednesday - which today asked.... Would you rather vomit everytime somebody you fancied came within 5 feet, or fart loudly everytime a room went silent?

The final result was - 68% of Beat Breakfast listeners would rather fart in the quiet room. We reckon it's easier for boys to laugh off farts than the girls. Another important dilemma will be dissected next Wednesday on Would You Rather Wednesday!

We also dealt with life's guilty pleasures. A new survey has revealed that watching shite daytime tv and wearing pyjamas all day! The best text we got was from Anne whose guilty pleasure was a cup of tea in the bath!

Speaking of guilty pleasures, today's Random Vid of the Day is the song I was trying to remember this morning.

Other stuff from this morning's show....

Snake on a Slane-y
You can't even have a shower now
Wanna get down with teenage lingo?

Today's Big Hard One
Clue: In the grass, I'm clothed in yellow array. Near death, I turn white & fly away. What am I?
Ans: A dandelion

Going For A Song
Clue: Existing condition is moving backwards and forwards in every country
The answer is here.

The 8 o'clock debate tomorrow morning!
N.

Happy Birthday Riceomatic!

2009-09-15T11:39:00.000+01:00