Petitioning The Empty Sky

New Engagement Shoot

2009-08-31T00:25:00.000-07:00

The last time I posted asking for feedback on an engagement shoot was that gritty graffiti extravaganza of a shoot I did in April and the consensus was that the photos weren't "engagementy" enough.

Well, I feel that I have rectified that with my newest engagement shoot.

Please go check it out on the front page of my site www.niallmccarthy.net .

You folks are the ones who's opinions I value, so please, leave feedback, and I truly don't think it will be anything the same as last time.

Cheers blogosphere,

NIall

2009-08-19T23:16:00.000-07:00

THE UNITED STATES HAS THE BEST HEALTH CARE IN THE WORLD

The lie: The United States has the best health care in the world.

The liars: A slew of U.S. presidents, politicians, journalists, commentators, and everyday citizens

The debunking: There is one yardstick by which U.S. health care distinguishes itself: cost. The United States spends more -- in total dollars, percentage of GDP, and per capita -- than every other country on Earth.

On virtually every other broad metric, the claim that U.S. health care stands for global excellence is demonstrably false. The United States doesn't take a top spot in either the World Health Organization or nonpartisan Commonwealth Fund rankings. The American health-care system is not best in terms of coverage, access, patient safety, efficiency, or cost-effectiveness. It does not produce the best outcomes for diseases such as cancer, heart disease, or diabetes; for the elderly, the middle-aged, or the young; or in terms of life expectancy, rates of chronic diseases, or obesity.

Which countries do come out on top? Often -- France, Switzerland, Britain, Canada, and Japan. On the World Health Organization's list, the United States comes out 37th

Not saying I think Obama's system is going to work or that socialized is the way to go or anything like that, but I'm just tired of hearing about how great our system is. Phooey.

Sorry

2009-08-16T09:43:00.000-07:00

That it's been so long. Just been super busy with summer. School starts tomorrow and life will return to relative normalcy.

Expect this blog to be more active again, as I hope all of yours will be too.

Also, just took my first set of baby pictures yesterday and am 100% thrilled with the results. They are on my website at www.niallmccarthy.net . Go check em' out!

Jeremy and Kelsey Wedding

2009-07-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

Put up shots from the wedding I did on Saturday. They are over on the site at www.niallmccarthy.net.

Thanks guys. Please leave comments. I think I really upped my game with this last shoot.

2 things

2009-07-07T10:29:00.001-07:00

HUGE thanks to Padfoot for helping me get the site up and running without any bugs. Any and all photo updates will be over there from now on, so if you use it, update your rss feeds.

Also, does anyone have any personal recommendations for the printing of business cards? Any places you've used before? I'm looking for features like rounded corners and matte finishes..

thank you blogosphere. Hopefully you will be less dead soon.

EDIT: Business cards will be done in 3 days. Here they are-- tell me what you think. Looking for VERY simple but bold.

They will be printed on thick cardstock with a matte UV finish with big fat rounded corners. So excited.

new blog up and running

2009-07-05T00:36:00.000-07:00

kind of.

www.niallmccarthy.net/wordpress

ok, now I need some serious help. I don't understand the best way to create a blog post with a lead of picture, and then click to follow galleries. I don't understand how to make the intro slideshow work. I don't understand why www.niallmccarthy.net and www.niallmccarthy.net/wordpress take me to two different sties. Basically, I need help. Can I meet with some of you guys that have a ton of knowledge about all of this? Help? Please?

Already bought the domain and server space and all of that, so I'm not going to not pursue this.

Thanks guys,

Niall

21st birthday

2009-07-04T11:20:00.000-07:00

Had a great birthday that I spent with family, Ben and Nat. Good times were to be had as we hung out at the Yardhouse for my "first" beer. Nat got me the Canon fisheye and I got enough money to go on our road trip. Hot dang!

Professional Opinions Needed

2009-06-24T11:43:00.000-07:00

In my quest to start my own business I am currently designing all of my online options, website, blog.. ya know. This post is about the blog section. I've decided to go with wordpress because I really like what I've seen and the options that are available to me. Since it will be a strictly photo blog that showcases the latest projects and such, I am looking for a wordpress theme that is simple with a huge emphasis on the photos being posted, yet retaining easy navigation. With that criterion set, I have come to these to themes..

http://labs.andreamignolo.com/zack990/

http://labs.andreamignolo.com/ocularprof/

I would like everyone's opinion as to which of the two layouts they like better. Please leave your feedback in the comments.. THANK YOU!

E3

2009-06-02T23:36:00.000-07:00

Went with Samuel today to shoot one of the VIP parties at E3 for Sony Europe and had a really rad time. Learning a lot from this internship for sure.

Check out the pics:

Cheers,

Niall

Quick update

2009-05-29T00:49:00.000-07:00

Got the internship! Here's the site to check out: www.samuellippke.com .

Already a whole lot of fun and I'm learning so much. Will keep everyone posted.

Blogosphere is really down lately huh? Guess it's because everyone is busy.

Anyway, took some pics tonight and thought they came out great. Tell me what you think please. Always helpful.

plus some fun ones:

Good night and good days,

Niall

Also: for those of you who are photographers (or shoot with an SLR) what do you shoot in? JPEG or RAW?

Summer

2009-05-05T00:30:00.000-07:00

This summer is looking to be awesome.

I have an interview with a photographer on Wednesday for an internship position. I would be the only intern.
Here is his website: www.samuellippke.com

I'm very excited and nervous! Please pray that everything goes well!

Goodnight everyone!

Hosanna's Dress

2009-04-30T23:45:00.000-07:00

Hosanna wanted some pictures of her in her dress. I took em'.

Wedding pictures are up!

2009-04-14T01:38:00.001-07:00

All of the pictures that will be put on the internet of the wedding are up!

PLEASE check them out!!!!!

Thanks for looking guys. Really proud of a lot of these.

So many pictures so little time!

2009-04-11T20:54:00.000-07:00

Too some "semi" formal pictures for Panacaea today, to be used in their program for sophomore recital.

Seriously, umbrellas are my absolute best friend. Most consistent lighting ever.

Really enjoyed taking these. Great bunch of dudes that I'll do a band post on soon. Unique post-rock metal featuring (obviously) a violin and cello instead of guitar and bass.

Senior Pictures for Angie

2009-04-10T12:10:00.000-07:00

Posted some senior graduation announcements for my friend Angie.

Comments are more than ever, appreciated.

Went for a cleaner and more classic style. Thoughts?

This weekend

2009-04-05T23:41:00.000-07:00

Went really good. First wedding is over and I'm very happy with the results, missed no shot all day.

Stressed though. So much to do.

Honestly, I'm sick to death of college. It's just a stupid limbo between being a child and getting to the working world. There is no purpose. I'm learning nothing even remotely related to what I intend to do in life and the schools don't care that I use my spare time working on my future career and not spending my time in bars.

I'm stereotyped by a culture that wants to stereotype me and lumps me in with every other college kid who cares more about weed, beer and sex than they do about self improvement and intellectual pursuit. Case in point, this is one of the number one singles in the country and doesn't show any sign of slowing down: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43pkqeamXe8 , Asher Roth's "I Love College". Give me a break. This is what kids my age (Granted, not all, I DO NOT CARE if YOU do not smoke weed or drink beer all day. I know this. I don't befriend people who do, at least not to the point of telling them to comment on my blog, so, I know. Not everyone does. Really. I know. Seriously.) this is cool? Give me a break. This is why so many adults just roll their eyes when they hear about college kids. Ugh.

I'm tired of arguing with silly people about how my life should be led.

I'm tired of frats.

Of kids who act so superior because they go to a private school.

Of kids who have their heads so in the clouds that they can't live in the real world.

Of kids how are the exact opposite, with absolutely no dream to speak of for their life other than a drive to make "a shit ton of money".

I'm over all of this. Of trying to keep groups of friends together. Of balancing a TERRIBLE job with an AMAZING girlfriend. Of listening to gossip. Of pretending to like things that I really don't care about at all to keep people from telling me about what they care about. Of being told that I need to care so much about my body.

I want to grow up and be my own person but I feel like college isn't letting me. Damn it.

First Wedding

2009-04-01T23:16:00.001-07:00

I'm going to San Francisco in the morning to be with friends and to shoot my first wedding. Wish me luck guys. You know I'll post pictures.

Love,
Niall

Pet Peeves

2009-03-29T08:50:00.000-07:00

Number one pet peeve: When people put a giant proverbial period at the end of their sentences. Especially when those sentences are made up entirely of their inferences and not fact, thus shutting down lines of communication and the further spread of knowledge and destruction of ignorance.

Note: It is inevitable that we will all do this from time to time, this complaint goes out to those where EVERY sentence is followed by this period, by this supreme knowledge that somehow the information they have and the conclusion that it is has lead them to has somehow blessed them with understanding of situations far beyond the scope of possibility of understanding of every other mortal caught within earshot of their musings.

This is directed at no one on this board but is a result of years of proverbial period abuse.

Have a great day,
Niall

Kafka on the Shore/ the american dream

2009-03-26T23:50:00.001-07:00

Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami is becoming one of the best books that I will ever have read.

I would love to delve into some Russian literature after this.

I read a great article in Vanity Fair about the American Dream. It really made me see the mutations that the concept of "The American Dream" has gone through since the 50's. The notion was founded on the idea of "freedom from want", that somehow, the fledgling United States of America was going to be able to provide a lifestyle, more specifically the opportunity to attain whatever lifestyle a person wanted, that they may see their family's never go hungry and have all of the amenities that make life good and not really with the intent to focus on excess. That freedom from want principle is a beautiful thing.

But what has it become? Freedom to want everything. No longer is the American dream a comftorable livelihood that a family can exist by itself and how it pleases, but an excessive force that has become an unattainable thing for every American. 50 years ago, a man would walk through a parking lot and say, "I'd love to have a car like that someday." Now, a more common thing to hear would be "I want every man to want my car someday." Status has perverted that idea of American prosperity. And what of all of this? "Why is it so bad that people have more things now than they ever have?" After all, the average american makes 60% more per capita than we did in the 1950's (adjusted for inflation). Does it mean anything though if the rate of unhappiness is skyrocketing? Stress rated illnesses and diseases are at an all time high. Depression is at an all time high. Obesity is at all time highs. Something is wrong. I really feel that something is wrong, and it's not just with this country. But it's with this BS "dream" that the whole world has for itself. Granted not everyone wants to drive a porsche, or wants to be able to pick from 1 of 3 colors of rolls royce every morning, but almost everything we have is outrageously taken advantage of. Our life of material excesses is going to kill us all. If not physically, then mentally or spiritually.

End rant.

Wait..

2009-03-21T13:21:00.001-07:00

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Israeli-Army-T-Shirts-Mock-Killing-Palestinian-Women-And-Children-During-Gaza-Offensive/Article/200903315245946?lpos=World_News_Carousel_Region_2

what?

We mindlessly support these people why?

Oh right. Because the message of Jesus Christ tells us that never ending war is the way, that we shouldn't turn the other cheek, that we should take an eye for an eye. Yah, that's what I remember about the message of Christ. Oh wait. No it isn't.

Finished edits...

2009-03-16T23:27:00.000-07:00

These are the finished edits from some of the pictures I posted the other day. These are what the blurry photos were intended for.

GREAT DAY!

2009-03-15T22:18:00.001-07:00

Did an awesome engagement photo session with my friend Jeremy and Kelsey today.

These are my favorite shots from the day:

What are YOUR favorites of the set and do you have any feedback as to the direction my photography is headed? ANYTHING is helpful to me!

Also! I'm going to sound like a broken record but if you need ANY photography for ANYTHING then PLEASE talk to me! My rates are those that are STARVING COLLEGE STUDENT would charge and I give you WAY more than you pay for!

Love,
Niall

Propaghandi interview

2009-03-14T00:52:00.000-07:00

How do you feel about the current state of the music industry? Are physical copies of albums losing ground to digital releases? Is music better now than it was a few years ago?

The "industry" sickens me. It can be summarized like so: commercial pablum created to make lots of money for a handful old, ugly CEOs who hate music. If physical copies of albums are losing ground to digital downloads, at least there will be slightly less shit sitting in landfills for all eternity.

Are you glad you're a Canadian rather than a United Statesian? Do you think the people in the USA should be called Americans I mean North and South America should be Americans too?

I don't really think like that. To quote Neil Peart, "Better the pride that resides in a citizen of the world than the pride that divides when a colourful rag is unfurled."

Band rules SO hard.

My mom vs. Barbara Boxer

2009-03-06T22:29:00.000-08:00

This is an email I just received from my mom.

I know that EVERYONE in the blogosphere would love to read it.

Diana McCarthy 2012.

The Email:

Got an email tonight from our wonderful Senator Barbara Boxer telling about all the wonderful things coming our way because of this massive stimulus bill. Here's my response:
What about all the pork in the bill? What about the massive amount of money we are borrowing that will have to be paid back by US the TAXPAYERS???

What about the targeting of Americans who make around $250K a year and will now have to be taxed to death do to all the over-spending that you all in congress are doing?

My husband and I are finally making it. We dug ourselves out of a hole and went from barely making it to making a six-figure income. But my dear Senator we are NOT wealthy! How on earth can you put people who make $250,000 a year into the same bracket as multi-millionaires??? We feel every single tax that comes our way. We work hard. We asked for no hand outs. We have 3 kids w/ one in college. We get NO loans for it. My mother lives w/ us and we take care of her also. But w/ all the new taxes coming our way...and they ARE coming... we will start to sink under their weight. Where is our incentive to make more money? It will only go to someone else who didn't work for it.

We sit here w/ a mortgage that is upside down and can not refinance it to a fixed rate loan. We are paying our mortgage so no one wants to deal with us. We aren't looking for a bailout. We are just looking to refinance to a fixed rate. Not sure that will happen because again we are seen as "the rich". Too funny since 4 years after moving in we are just now buying curtains and still have a dirt backyard. You see we are trying to do things the right way. We want to have the money before we do the backyard....that is IF we still have one in the future.

I am tired of hearing about "the richest 2%" in our country. They worked darned hard for what they have and should not be demonized for it. What right do you all in congress have to take it away from those who earn it?

I suggest you all take a massive pay cut. But then again you probably wouldn't feel it. I'm quite sure you aren't making just $250K a year.

Instead of being so quick to spend someone else's hard earned money why don't you look at the real working Americans out there that are just like me. Working working working and the tax bills just keep climbing. It is time for a Boston Tea Party in America so you, our representatives, will realize that we are sick of this and aren't just going to keep taking every thing you want to throw at us. After all...YOU work for ME!

I'm sending this to all the idiots in congress who represent us. No more just talking! Time we let them know what we think too!!

Yah, my mom pretty much kicks ass.

Watchmen

2009-03-06T10:55:00.000-08:00

was AMAZING.

Do NOT listen to the critics on sites like Rotten Tomatoes. Most of them have beef with THE GRAPHIC NOVEL and not with the interpretation of that novel. It is completely unfair to fault a movie based on it's source material, when the ENTIRE point of the film is to adapt the source material.

Also, don't let people tell you it's super complicated, it isn't. Deep, but not overly complicated.

Also, see it on IMAX. Ruled.

NERD OUT!

What do you think?

2009-03-03T00:24:00.000-08:00

Just put up some portraits for my friend Nathan's new book of poems he's putting out. In particular, I want to draw your attention to the headshot.

Do you like the edit of it? I'm in love with it but I would also like a non-artists opinion.

Love you guys,
Niall

Lol

2009-02-28T21:07:00.000-08:00

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16680-porn-in-the-usa-conservatives-are-biggest-consumers.html

New portraits on Flickr

2009-02-27T21:19:00.000-08:00

Did a GREAT portrait session today with one of my good friend's (whom almost all of you know) Matt Bebee.

I would love it if you would check the rest out.

Also: Any of you families out there in the blogosphere want pictures of those families done in a way that doesn't look like the same Olan Mills Jc Penny shot that everyone else gets? Couples? Single bloggers want pictures for family or friends? Pets? Anybody need pictures for ANYTHING? If you do, get in contact with me, and please, refer your friends if you know that someone needs some photography done at a very reasonable price for a personable experience.

Thanks everyone,
Niall

P90x day 30

2009-02-24T22:36:00.001-08:00

So, I'm happy to say that we are 1/3 of the way done with this nightmarish P90x program.

Results at 30 days:
Lost 14 pounds
Lost 7 percent body fat
Feels infinitely more athletic
Has new passion for yoga and stretching

This is amazing and I'm already happy with how I'm looking. :)

Best Game Ever.

2009-02-18T22:50:00.000-08:00

My love has been rekindled. Any old players out there?

8:37 am

2009-02-14T10:23:00.000-08:00

Hope decided that 8:37 am was a GREAT time to resume construction on the inside of our dorms.

On a saturday.

Awesome.

Social Programs

2009-02-10T15:42:00.000-08:00

"One of the many reasons for the bewildering and tragic character of human existence is the fact that social organization is at once necessary and fatal. Men are forever creating such organizations for their own convenience and forever finding themselves the victims of their home-made monsters." - Aldous Huxley

Couldn't possibly agree more.

New job and book list

2009-02-09T15:17:00.000-08:00

Finally found a job! I will now be working at the Souplantation in Fullerton. Hot damn! Come down and visit.

I've recently decided that I need to start reading more. For the sheer sake of organization (and my own lack there of), I will use the rest of this post to create a list of books that I hope to finish by the end of the semester.

In order of which I hope to read them by:
You Shall Know Our Velocity! - Dave Eggers (done)
The Dharma Bums - Jack Kerouac (in progress)
Fear and Trembling - Soren Kierkegaard
The Wind Up Bird Chronicles - Haruki Murakami
Coming Up For Air - George Orwell
The Idiot - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
A New Kind Of Christian - Brian McLaren
Surprised by Joy - CS Lewis
For Whom The Bell Tolls - Ernest Hemingway
The Sound and Fury - William Faulkner
Naked Lunch - William S. Burroughs
Slaughterhouse Five - Kurt Vonnegut

After I read these (should finish out the semester) I hope to finish the rest of the works by most of the writers on here, and me being most notably excited for Murakami, Eggers, Kerouac, Dostoyevsky and Lewis.

Anyone else had their nose in a book lately?

Would You Rather...

2009-01-30T10:01:00.000-08:00

Stolen From The Luna Facebook!

The Rules

1. Put your music playing device on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!

IF SOMEONE SAYS “IS THIS OKAY” YOU SAY?
Glorified Dirt

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Kafari

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
the Saddest Day

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE?
A Thousand Falling Skies

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Surrender

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
On The Line

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
And I Can Hear the Soft Morning Rustling (As If Snow Were Sliding Down The Mountains)

WHAT IS 2+2?
Get a Job

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Total Pandemonium

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Recluse

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Life In a Glass House

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
The Hand That Feeds

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?"
In G and E

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Now and Forever

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Come On! Feel the Illinoise!

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Rhythms

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
There ain't no CAN'T in AmeriCAN

WHAT’S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
Shipwrecked (Flat on Your Back)

HOW WILL YOU DIE?
For All The Cows

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
Outburst

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Second Place

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Mean Eyed Cat

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
Sincere

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
Slip

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
Shoot Our Wounded

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
Three's A Charm

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Sensible

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Would You Rather...

P90x

2009-01-29T16:32:00.001-08:00

So, myself and 13 other people at hope international university are now 5 days into the p90x program, and I can say that without a doubt, it has been the 5 most intense days of my life. We are all adhering to the strict diet and workout routine and every single time we leave the aerobics or weight room I can proudly say that every single person has given their hundred percent.

Today we did yoga, and honestly, it was one of the best things I have ever done. I enjoyed it so much in fact, that I want to look for a yoga/tai chi class after finishing the p90x program.

As for my goals for the program... I can honestly expect (based on typical results) to lose 10 to 12% of my body fat and lose around 30 to 40 pounds over the course of the program.

I'll keep everyone tracked on my progress!

Wish me luck!

Niall

Miyazaki

2009-01-09T23:25:00.000-08:00

I would like to take this blog to announce to the world my love of the animation director Hayao Miyazaki. If you have never seen any of his movies, I highly suggest you check one of them out. The best and most readily available of these movies is the film Spirited Away.

Here's the trailer:

For the love of God, check out this director's movies.

Nerding out,

Niall

This is what is wrong with our world.

2009-01-08T18:26:00.005-08:00

I just thought I'd bring this to the attention of my readership.

http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/theampersand/archive/2009/01/08/226800.aspx

If they get any money, I'm rioting.

Disgusted.

Flickr

2009-01-04T16:13:00.000-08:00

is updated.

Anyone know of any businesses hiring in Orange County? Could Realllllly use a job!

As always, please check out the photos!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T22:57:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone!

Some Christmas photos on the Flickr. Also did a couple portraits for my grandma that turned out nice!

Anyone get anything cool for christmas?

I got a battery grip for my camera, an off camera flash cord, some strobes, some books, and some gift cards... nice!

-Niall

Home

2008-12-20T11:33:00.000-08:00

So in my blinding happiness in returning home I have sorely neglected the blog. While not ready to make a completely new post I would just like to say Merry Christmas to everyone, because I probably won't update before then.

Soon though, look forward to a post about post modern thought and the evolution of christian thought as a whole. Reading some books by Brian McLaren and some of the other "emergent" authors (I hate that term). When I was referring to a changing of the church, it is this that I was talking about. I am SURE the post will receive comments with the words "heretical", "blasphemy" and "dumb"! But hey, everything controversial gets met with that.

In other news, I'm happy to start seeing people again, despite not being to get out of freaking Murrieta.

Life is amazing and love is definitely real.

Niall

5 days

2008-12-02T08:42:00.001-08:00

and then I'm home!

I feel so out of the loop with everyone, but that's a given, so we'll all just have to hang out when we get back!

PLEASE call me next week and we WILL hang out!

I love you all and I'm so excited!

Niall

Updated the flick, again

2008-11-24T05:35:00.001-08:00

Yah, whatever.

I just want to go home.

Florence is Beautiful

2008-11-20T15:39:00.000-08:00

New pictures on the flickr. PLEASE check them out, I put a lot of time into putting these things on the internet for people to enjoy.

Love you all, be home soon.

Niall

anxious

2008-11-19T03:52:00.000-08:00

I'm anxious to go home.
To see my family.
To be with my friends.
To go to the beach.
To take pictures of non-italian things.
To read books that are not about old philosophers.
To speak english to the guy serving me food.
To go back to church.
To not have to deal with 41 of the same people everyday.
To transfer to a university.
To be with Natalie, a lot.
To start doing professional portraits for families, students and kids. (If you would like one, let me know, and we can talk about pricing! :) )
To live.

I feel like my life has been on hiatus for the last two and a half months. I want to go back to being normal.

I miss all of you. If I haven't emailed, life has been hectic. My last two weeks here will be spent doing massive amounts of homework. Ugh.

Love,
Niall

Venice and onward

2008-11-16T23:03:00.000-08:00

Hey guys,

Updated the Flickr with pictures of my last night in Rome, my first pictures in florence, the science museum in florence and of venice. All of them came out awesomely, so please, check them out.

I just want to go home at this point.

See you guys,

Niall

Blarney Castle and the Spanish Steps

2008-11-02T22:56:00.000-08:00

Flickr has been updated with some of what i consider to be some of my best images. Please check them out and comment on what you think!

Love,
Niall

The Ads

2008-10-27T05:46:00.001-07:00

In support of proposition 8 make me absolutely sick to my stomach.

Travel Weary

2008-10-22T14:41:00.000-07:00

Photos from the past week are up.
This one pretty much sums up how I'm feeling.

Check em.

Experience

2008-10-21T13:00:00.000-07:00

In everything I have seen, thought about, felt, and learned since being here in Europe, I have only truly learned one thing. That I know nothing, and that it is impossible to truly know.

I'm just finally ok with that.

Life is beautiful.

Cinque Terre

2008-10-07T00:37:00.000-07:00

This weeks pictures come to you from Pompeii (which really does suck and is horribly boring because I've already seen everything cool because all of it got taken out and put into museums) and Cinque Terre (the 5 cities).

Ok, seriously, Cinque Terre is THE most beautiful place that I have ever been to. All of the "cities" are located on cliff face and you have to hike to get to each one, but the view is FANTASTIC. Oh man! That and the seafood were absolutely to die for... I mean, the calamari.. THERE WAS NO RUBBER, IT WAS PERFECT!

Lol, but anyway, you'll notice that in looking through the pictures there are a higher percentage of people in them... well, as I make friends, I become the camera guy and it's my job to make sure that everyone in the group has at least one great picture of themself, a service that I am perfectly happy performing. Everyone on the trip is wonderful in their own right and that gives me a lot of peace of mind. That was really the only thing I was worried about in coming, was that I would make no friends or that everyone wouldn't like me... stupid right?

Anyway, PLEASE check out these pictures and the others that I have posted if you haven't done so. Have great days everyone, and keep writing emails and messages, because I love getting them!

Love,
Niall

Updated

2008-09-29T11:43:00.001-07:00

Flickr is updated. Went and shot at the River today. Gorgeous.

Love you guys,
Niall

Quick Post

2008-09-26T13:43:00.001-07:00

We went on an outting today and I took pictures. Here are those pictures.

Love you guys and have good days. I'll do another big post soon.

Niall

100th post!

2008-09-25T01:01:00.000-07:00

Well, I wrote a big ol post about great friends and all of this stuff but the browser deleted it. So, thank you for keeping in touch and Ive updated pictures. Lol. Thats pretty much the gist of it.

Love you guys,
Niall

Italy thus far..

2008-09-22T04:09:00.000-07:00

So I have finally found a significant chunk of time in the week with which to attend to my internet needs, because frankly, I refuse to pay arguably rediculous prices for internet (about 7.50 US per hour) with which to answer emails and possibly upload one or two pictures. But alas, the school we are at does have internet and we are allowed to use it as long as we have a class in session. For me that means from 12 to 5 on Mondays when I do not have a class. But anyway, these things are a bore, so lets talk about something else.

First things first, I love it here. This city is so beautiful, every step that one takes can lead you down an ancient street or into a modern shop. I can explain how strange it feels to use the Coloseum as a running track in the mornings, and I can not convey how awe inspiring it is to walk through ancient ruins on my way to school. May it be the random political parades that happen on whatever day that they have chosen to throw one, or the almost magical golden glow over the trevi fountain at night, this place is indescribable.

With all of the things I have seen and with all of the things that I am now needing to familiarize myself with, be it the language barrier, how to cook dinner, or just how to use these freaking computers and cope with the internet, this place is already beginning to change how I think about the world. I am such a small small person. We all are. When one walks by the monument to Vittorio Emanuel, this fact is obvious. There have been billions of people on this earth, all of which thought that their world was the most superior, it was all they ever knew. Well, in seeing the monuments to those people, and the progress that the city has made since then, it becomes very apparent that time does not stop for no man. I know this makes very little sense, but my mind is reeling trying to figure myself out in this grand scheme of things. I have truly realized that for perhaps the first time that I am small. I feel like I could literally write in this strange and far removed manner for the next five hours but for the sake of time I shall not. But I do implore and beg of you to talk to me about life when I get back. I already need the relief and I know that I shall certainly need it then!

Another thing that has become completely apparent to me is that I desperately need to preserve and work on some of my relationships. This realization came through seeing how others in our group are dealing with missing their friends and families. Some people have literally hundreds of emails from friends and families and some people already have extended discourses that were begun only on the course of this trip. This leads me to ask myself, how much have I worked to stay in contact with those I love. I have received emails from friends who did not even know that I would be here! To all of you, every person who reads this, I am sorry. I feel that up to this point in my life, I have been a lousy friend. If you read this, know that I love you and I am sorry for any sense of ignorance you have gotten from me. I severely need to reprioritize my life and my attitude and this is one of the first things I must work on. So if you miss hanging out with me, chances are I miss you to, and would love to do so. If we see each other all of the time, and I have felt removed, chances are I have been. So concerned with my own plans for life and my own zeal to get my own things done that I felt that I have let down a lot of people. So please, just know that I love you, and I really do miss everyone. In fact, I miss everyone much more than I ever thought that I would. But hey, there isnt much that I can do about this now, just wait til I get home and start making phone calls and plans to be with people, to talk about everything and nothing at all.

Back to Italy, pretty much all that you hear about it is true. Gelato is life changing, Italian food in America is a complete joke, and "style" here is something that is far more puzzling than anything else that I have ever encountered. All I can say is, I love it here. I wish you all were with me. And I cant wait to see the rest of the world.

Also: I swear I am going to try to keep this a little more updated, and also work on responding to other blog posts and writing much needed emails.

I would love to hear how you are doing as well, so if you would like to, please email at anangelwillendyou@gmail.com and I would love to talk.

As for pictures, by the end of today, I should have another 60 or so uploaded, including a VERY rough pano of what our apartment looks like, so if you would like to see those, then just head on over to the flickr. Thanks for reading everyone and have great days, you are in my prayers.

Niall

Unfun

2008-09-13T15:36:00.000-07:00

So we finally have access to wi-fi! Not in our apartment mind you (where it would be convenient) but in other people's apartments that let us sit in here and steal it. I have to make this post kind of quick because I'm trying to get off the internet because only three people can be on in this building at the same time. Sucks but eh.

Anyway, I'm part of the group of the unfun because I'm one of ones in the group who isn't drinking. Some of us have found our fun in exploring as much of the city as possible, while others have found their fun in alcohol. Eh, I like my way so much more. Anyway, got post a couple of photos, have SO many more but bandwidth is really limited. Check it out and I'll get on again as soon as I can.

See you guys!
Niall

*Looking through the pictures, I'm kind of bummed at what got uploaded, because they don't represent ANY of the best pictures at all. But eh.

Well...

2008-09-08T08:55:00.001-07:00

In an hour I leave for my semester abroad in Rome.

I can't believe I finally get to leave. I mean, for the last year, everything I've done has been in preparation for this. All of my money, all of my resources have gone into this trip. I'm a little nervous but more excited than anything.

Well, Rome, here I come! (finally)

Also: This page will be updated much more frequently than it has been and my flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/niallmccarthy will be updated multiple times a week with new shots. So please! If you see something cool then let me know!

If everyone could pray for a safe 25 hours of travel... that would be wonderful too.

Bye everyone, see you in three months.

Goodbye Luna

2008-09-01T23:56:00.000-07:00

Put up some pictures of my good friend Richard, for use in promotional shots for his music.

Check them out and leave me some comments! :)

Clash and Bowl

2008-08-24T11:21:00.000-07:00

Took some great pictures at a school event the other day.

Peruse them, if you would.

or... just go here: flick.com/photos/niallmccarthy

Screen name

2008-08-05T16:20:00.001-07:00

My new screen name is noexcusetohate.

Add it!

Clarity

2008-08-04T00:48:00.001-07:00

Clarity on the post from July 28th.

Hope this all makes sense.

nathan118
we rock canada
Niall McCarthy
how so?
Niall McCarthy
preface!
Niall McCarthy
I love this country
Niall McCarthy
and we are a great country
nathan118
our health care is better, lower tax rates, less socialist government
Niall McCarthy
but I have a hard time finding one place "superior" over another
nathan118
our freedom of speech is the best in the world
Niall McCarthy
is it worse in other places?
Niall McCarthy
surely yes
Niall McCarthy
the middle east
nathan118
china
Niall McCarthy
yep
Niall McCarthy
parts of africa
Niall McCarthy
but there's other places getting ther
Niall McCarthy
e
nathan118
obviously the "which country is better' is a very wide continum
Niall McCarthy
I don't think a places value can be measured with rates, or GDPs or values of the dollar
Niall McCarthy
i really don't
nathan118
when you compare a country like the USA and England the differences are much smaller than say USA vs Iran
Niall McCarthy
I would agree
nathan118
so then you can't say discussions of cultural value are insignificant
Niall McCarthy
what do you mean?
nathan118
you said a places value can't be measured....and now that I look at your words, I agree sort of. i wouldn't compare the GDP of the USA and Iran to determine which is better
nathan118
though economic freedom and prosperity is certainly important
Niall McCarthy
i know where you're going with this
Niall McCarthy
yes it is
Niall McCarthy
all i meant by that post, is that I want people to see beauty everywhere they go
Niall McCarthy
I've talked to a lot of people that have never been out of this country that are without a doubt convinced that we are god's gift to the world and that we are the best country on this planet
Niall McCarthy
well that silly
Niall McCarthy
because everyone everywhere else is thinking the same thing
Niall McCarthy
everyone has something to offer
nathan118
see, you're saying it's all relative
Niall McCarthy
I really do think so
nathan118
people in North Korea think they're the best, I think we're the best, so it's all a wash
Niall McCarthy
relativism is a nasty thing though
nathan118
but it's not
Niall McCarthy
I don't think that North Koreans think that they are the best though
nathan118
it's not like musical opinion
Niall McCarthy
because they don't want to be there
Niall McCarthy
adds another dimension to it
nathan118
but you've never been there, so you can't say that
Niall McCarthy
no, I can't
Niall McCarthy

Niall McCarthy
lol
Niall McCarthy
I'm assuming so, based on their level of oppression
Niall McCarthy
but having never spoken to a NK, I can't say
nathan118
just as I assume the USA is better than China because we don't kill people who speak out peacefully against the government. again, i don't have to actually visit the country to say that.
nathan118
and don't get me wrong
nathan118
I don't think China for example is completely bad and the USA is completely good
nathan118
but there are some people who believe all cultures are absolutely equal
nathan118
no matter the atrocities commited by that culture
Niall McCarthy
I will say
Niall McCarthy
to interject
Niall McCarthy
that i think it is probably more important to look at the peoples of an area and not the actions of their governments
Niall McCarthy
people hate america
Niall McCarthy
that's not my fault
Niall McCarthy
but somewhere in switzerland, a swedish Niall and nathan are having this argument
nathan118
it depends on what end you're trying to achieve. I like this discussion because it analyzes the values of different cultures and forces us to decide if the values our society holds are good or not
nathan118
I don't think the people of China are all evil...most are probably good...
Niall McCarthy
*I will say, that I think that countries CAN be ranked in terms of "goodness" based on number and actions of a government
Niall McCarthy
I've been more trying to focus on people
nathan118
i understand now..
nathan118
it's just not as exciting a discussion...not to mention a super hard one. the government of china for example is an entity, but trying to compare ourselves to 1 billion different chinese isn't easy.
Niall McCarthy
nope
Niall McCarthy
lol
Niall McCarthy
the place im trying to argue on really isn't very exciting at all
nathan118
and i'm not sure what that discussion amounts to. "are there good chinese? yes. are there bad iranians? yes." ok...now what
Niall McCarthy
It came from my understanding of the good samaritan
Niall McCarthy
The story makes it a point to show it's readers how silly seperation is based on place of origin
Niall McCarthy
in a roundabout way, I think I was just trying to say the same thing

Jawbreaker

2008-07-30T00:45:00.000-07:00

I absolutely adore this band. Please do yourself a favor and watch this video.

I would do anything to go back to the early 90's and have a chance to watch bands like these. If you could go anywhere in time, where would you go?

Dream

2008-07-28T00:26:00.001-07:00

The american dream is not the only dream.

I'm very excited to start seeing the rest of the world. :)

Love

2008-07-24T01:15:00.001-07:00

I feel that one cannot truly know or realize love until they are left without it. Be it Jesus or a significant other after your own heart.

I hate being melancholy. But I love that word.

Slow

2008-07-17T23:40:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I need to realize that I'm only 20 years old.

I don't need to have created a world renowned masterpiece to be considered a worthwhile human being.

Hangin with Ben and Loaf

2008-07-17T01:37:00.000-07:00

Picked up the canon 50mm 1.4 and took it out for a test run. Check the pics and the others are on the flickr.

Epic win for science!

2008-07-14T11:42:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Rb_rDkwGnU

AMAZING.

Vital Times

2008-07-11T21:31:00.000-07:00

Lusting for power and money and fame, what is it for?
Ignoring the tragedy in front of our face, while looking for more.
Complacent thoughts are ruling our minds
We lack response, all feeling is lost, another sign of the times

WE’VE GOT TO CHANGE
The way we live in this world
WE NEED TO CHANGE
Change it

Obsessed with image, envy and greed, it isn’t true
Placing importance on things we don’t need, it’s running us through
Privilege begins where the mind wants to quit
We’ve started with more than we would like to admit (like to admit)

WE’VE GOT TO CHANGE
The way we live in this world
WE NEED TO CHANGE
Do it

Can you feel it?
Is it any wonder we feel so empty inside?
We need to change the way we live in this world
Whats become acceptable is fucking absurd
Where do our priorities lie?
Well im disgusted
I need to look at how I walk through this life
I need to recognize that im tied to this strife
No more denial

-ON

Great song. Great message. REAL TALK.

Epic

2008-07-04T18:11:00.001-07:00

cupcake.

20 years.

2008-07-03T00:01:00.001-07:00

I has them.

New

2008-06-29T22:59:00.000-07:00

Got a bunch of new records last night.

Couldn't be more stoked on the band ON and on the band Unbroken.

HOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLY crap.

2008-06-20T03:06:00.000-07:00

Copyright

2008-06-19T01:28:00.000-07:00

http://photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00PoGE

If this is true, then I'm not sure I can get much more disgusted with our government.

Really.

Thoughts? I'm sure you'll have some Nathan.

:)

Guilty of Being White

2008-06-18T10:05:00.000-07:00

Ian Mackaye had it right in '81.

I'm sorry
For something I didn't do
Lynched somebody
But I don't know who
You blame me for slavery
A hundred years before I was born

Guilty of being white

I'm a convict
Of a racist crime
I've only served
19 years of my time

Guilty of being white

Delicious.

2008-06-12T19:09:00.000-07:00

VEGAN MACARONI AND CHEESE FOR THE FREAKING WIN.

http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=8295.0

Holy crap. I never wanted to stop eating.

If you have the means, make this for yourself.

India

2008-06-11T21:54:00.000-07:00

My friend Hughie is going to India for a 2 month mission trip and this is his blog that he will be updating.

http://www.hughieindia.blogspot.com/

If you could keep him in your prayers it would be much appreciated.

:)

Big Trucks

2008-06-09T12:48:00.001-07:00

I was cleaning the bathroom today for my mom and listening to my ipod on shuffle when the song "Big Trucks" came up by Pedro The Lion. Not being terribly familiar with Pedro's back catalog I intently listened to the lyrics. Well here are those lyrics:

Dad, dad, why did you let that man push you around like that
you should've beat him down - down to the ground - down to the ground for that
he says, "son, you're still young and you always jump the gun"
there are real people in the big, big trucks
that you flip off when they get in your way
you get so hacked, that you pay no mind to the great big sign that says oversized load
do you really think they can go as fast, as you in your 87 trans am
they know you're in a terrible rush but they're going just as fast, as fast as they can
dad, dad, i really don't understand what driving big trucks has to do with that man
you should've taught him a lesson about being rude about talking to you with such an attitude
son you're still young and you always jump the gun
you get so hacked, that you pay no mind to the great big sign that says oversized load
do you really think they can go as fast, as you in your 87 trans am
they know you're in a terrible rush but they're going just as fast, as fast as they can

Well, needless to say, that song spoke to me really deeply. I have so much to learn about growing up from this simple lesson.

I really do jump the gun with my impatience so often. Every day I find myself getting frustrated with someone because they talk to slowly, or they aren't talking about what I want, or this or that. Or I always catch myself getting ready to fight someone when it just isn't necessary.

Dear God, I would like patience. I know that I've prayed for patience before but I don't think that I did it with the right heart. I would like wisdom and discernment in my everyday life so that I may be an overall calm and patient person, not just someone who doesn't get annoyed when babies cry in the supermarket. Thank you Daddy, for all that you do for me, even though I leave you in the cold, time and time again.

And as for Pedro The Lion: If you like singer/songwriter type music or even a little bit of mellow alt-country then do yourself a HUGE favor and get yourself some Pedro the Lion albums. http://www.myspace.com/pedrothelion - and I'm happy to see that the song "Big Trucks" is on the page so you can hear it if you'd like.

Godspeed You! Black Emporer

2008-06-06T00:09:00.000-07:00

If you have never had the pleasure of listening to this band then you are seriously missing out.

Seriously. This isn't music in the sense of traditional music. It's an experience.

It really bums me out that no one after reading this will listen to it. Oh well. You're missing out.

the car's on fire and there's no driver at the wheel
and the sewers are all muddied with a thousand lonely suicides
and a dark wind blows
the government is corrupt
and we're on so many drugs
with the radio on and the curtains drawn

we're trapped in the belly of this horrible machine
and the machine is bleeding to death

the sun has fallen down
and the billboards are all leering
and the flags are all dead at the top of their poles

it went like this:

the buildings tumbled in on themselves
mothers clutching babies picked through the rubble
and pulled out their hair

the skyline was beautiful on fire
all twisted metal stretching upwards
everything washed in a thin orange haze

i said: "kiss me, you're beautiful -
these are truly the last days"

you grabbed my hand and we fell into it
like a daydream or a fever

we woke up one morning and fell a little further down -
for sure it's the valley of death

i open up my wallet
and it's full of blood

Of Course this won't be the same as getting to listen to it all the way through. Listen with headphones and a very open mind.

San Franflickr

2008-06-03T10:30:00.000-07:00

Check the new pictures from my trip to San Francisco on the flickr. As always, comments are greatly appreciated!

Let's see

2008-06-01T23:13:00.000-07:00

Going to church.
Taking a GREAT nap with the girlfriend.
Hanging out with my family and cooking together.
VEGAN PIZZA. (amazing, if you couldn't tell by the capslock)
Downloading powerviolence albums.

Yep. Good day.

Voting.

2008-06-01T00:07:00.000-07:00

I think I'm going to refuse my vote in the election.

There has to be something that I can do that would be better than voting for one of two candidates that I can't stand or don't agree with.

I'm so mad at our two party system that I could scream.

Vegan (essentially)

2008-05-28T14:02:00.000-07:00

My family has given up all meat and dairy products (with the exception of eggs and fish, which may or may not be removed eventually).

I'm actually really excited about this change and I've learned a lot from reading about milk and it's effect on our bodies.

Let's see what happens.

Winding Down

2008-05-26T23:28:00.000-07:00

Listening to Godspeed on vinyl and editing the weekends pictures is a good way to relax.

Sigh. Now summer begins and I need to get busy.

Tragedy

2008-05-21T21:17:00.000-07:00

"and they won't have to burn the books / when no one reads them anyway."
-- Tragedy, "The Point of No Return"
Great band. Great lyric.

How capable is one person of changing something? Like our concept of government... how do we change it? How much do we actually contribute by voting for a candidate we don't actually support because our candidate didn't have enough money (etc.)?

Ehh. I don't know. Misanthropy pure I guess.

2 hours

2008-05-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

In two hours I take my last final.

I'm just glad that this year is over and a little shocked at how fast it actually passed.

Also: Picked up some vinyl this weekend that I'll post on here later. Got some really good stuff for really cheap thanks to Amoeba music.

Also also: Being at the Burkhardt's house when politics are brought up is a hilarious matter.

Edit:
Mad. In moving my record player around I seem to have tweaked the needle on my record player and it fell off. !#%(%ESJGOJ@#($.

Balls.

Car Paint - HELP!

2008-05-13T15:12:00.000-07:00

http://www.paintscratch.com

Does anyone have any experience with something like this? My car has a number of small scratches and dings and while surfing the web I found this company.

Anyone with experience on repairing your car's paint job to any extent?!

Records Update 1

2008-05-11T23:21:00.000-07:00

I hope to be able to post pictures of records as I get them because I find them to be quite beautiful. This is definitely fun.

Blacklisted - Heavier Than Heaven, Lonelier Than God

Betrayed - Substance

Paint It Black - New Lexicon

New Found Glory - Tip of the Iceburg EP

Sinking Ships - Meridian

Downpresser - Perverted Justice

Restrained.

2008-05-10T03:21:00.000-07:00

Shot the band Restrained tonight at the Hellfish Warehouse in Irvine and had a lot of fun doing so.

Please check out the pictures and as always... TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK!

Collecting

2008-05-06T13:07:00.001-07:00

Does anyone on the blogosphere collect anything? I would like to start collecting vinyl records and was just curious as to what everyone else is into.

Sigh

2008-05-04T11:08:00.001-07:00

I love this band.

Gas

2008-04-29T14:14:00.000-07:00

Seeing gas prices lately has of course been frustrating for all of us.

We can all blame the government or whoever we want about the problems with gas prices right now but just complaining about them will do nothing. So all day I have been thinking about things I can do to at least start to bring a change.

http://businessshrink.biz/psychologyofbusiness/2008/04/26/americas-dirtly-little-oil-secret-plastic-bottles-and-bags/

That article gave me some good ideas. How necessary are plastic bags and bottled water anyway?

Other options to explore: Riding a bike, walking places, buying a canvas tote for light shopping, and choosing paper bags for larger shopping trips, carpooling.... Anyone have any ideas?

Thoughts?

90s.

2008-04-25T02:26:00.001-07:00

Rockin out to a 90s mix.

http://www.mediafire.com/?xxln10aemqs

Download it. You'll be stoked on life for sure.

All For You - Sister Hazel
Counting Blue Cars - Dishwalla
December - Collective Soul
Fall Down - Toad The Wet Sprocket
Good - Better Than Ezra
Hey Jealousy - Gin Blossoms
Hold My Hand - Hootie and the Blowfish
Linger - The Cranberries
Losing my religion - R.E.M.
Misery - Soul Asylum
One Headlight - The Wallflowers
Roll To Me - Del Amitri
Santa Monica - Everclear
Semi-Charmed Life - Third Eye Blind
Stay - Lisa Loeb & Nine Stories
Two Princes - Spin Doctors
The Way - Fastball
You're A God - Vertical Horizon

No seriously. It rules.

Amy at Ruby's

2008-04-23T21:29:00.000-07:00

Pictures for Amy taken at Ruby's.

Comment, and I hope you enjoy them Amy.

Boycott the RIAA.

2008-04-22T23:45:00.001-07:00

http://www.demonbaby.com/blog/2007/10/when-pigs-fly-death-of-oink-birth-of.html

This is a GREAT article that I couldn't agree with more.

Please read it and post your thoughts on it.

I will be boycotting the RIAA from this point on.

Gremlins II

2008-04-20T02:18:00.001-07:00

Is not nearly as good as gremlins 1. For sure.

Craig Senior Pictures

2008-04-18T00:21:00.000-07:00

Shot the other day.
Check it out and tell me what you think.

(Kind of unorthodox, taking portraits at night, I know. We had conflicting schedules; but I think I made it work.)

Music Blogs

2008-04-15T11:42:00.000-07:00

Music blogging at school rules so hard.

Thank God for sendspace, mediafire, rapidshare and all the rest!

Sand

2008-04-14T00:21:00.000-07:00

I got a little bit of sand in my camera and now two buttons are sticking. I have to send it in for repairs and I'll have to pay for it. :(
SADDENED!

Fugazi

2008-04-06T02:36:00.000-07:00

I listen to 13 Songs by Fugazi 4 times through today.

I feel inspired for sure.

Panacea at Vanguard University

2008-04-04T02:18:00.000-07:00

Shot Ben's band tonight and had a lot of fun.

Here's my favorite picture from the shoot:

Feedback? Anyone? Even non-photographers?

Flickr updated!

2008-04-03T18:51:00.000-07:00

Finally got a pro account.

Uploaded like 90 new pictures. All band photography.

Please check it out! :)