UCD Bum..again.

stripedpyjamas

I know the topic of the UCD bum has been covered before, but I have received good information on his past and felt obliged to share with the forum. Whilst researching a paper for my elective in Art History, I somehow stumbled upon a scrapbook which appears to be the beginnings of an abandoned effort to document the lesser-known side of UCD history. The working title of the book was 'Urban Myths and College Legends: UCD's Hidden History', by a woman named Margarent Flanagan. I found this part particularly interesting. Based on an interview with Ann Waters, a former SU employee, Flanagan depicts this harrowing tale of wasted promise.

"A committed student, Benjamin scored very highly in his Leaving Cert, and came to UCD to study Economics and Finance. A bright and intelligent young man, he was well-groomed and generally maintained a sharp and presentable appearance. He was unsuccessful in his attempts to become class rep, but nonetheless endevoured to strengthen the bonds between his classmates, by taking a prominent role in the organization of class parties and trips. Well-liked by his peers, he was widely respected for his ability to juggle the stress of an active social life, outstanding academic record and a spot on the UCD U-21 Gaelic team; a quiet, yet popular, gent.
However, according to college lore, one blustery evening in early December, Ben was entrenched in UCD Library, busily studying for a tough taxation exam less than a fortnight away. Mentally exhausted after a binge of note-taking, he wandered down to the SU shop below the library, eager for a snack and light beverage. While consuming his Capri-Sun and Snickers, a strangely-hypnotic electronic sound drenched his ear-drums in temptation. Intrigued, he turned towards the brightly coloured machine from whence this noise was flowing. 'Pocket Money' it read; surrounding its title, an array of snooker parafonalia. '1 CREDIT - €1' it read. Never one to be sucked in by a fad, Ben dismissed it as folly. But he could not turn away. Its bright lights and unassuming manner transfixed him. 'Why not?', he thought. He rummaged through his jeans pockets, and his hand emerged clutching a €1 coin. He placed it into coin slot and began playing. It was the beginning of the end for poor Benjamin.
The premise of Pocket Money is quite simple. The player takes on the role of a snooker player. He is presented with a gold dial to choose his direction, and a 'shoot' button, to be pressed at precisely the moment at which the on-screen power dial has reached the required level. The player is also presented with a handful of blue balls on the table; the aim is to pot as many of these as possible. The more difficult it is to pot, the more money the shot is worth. One must amass as much money as possible in a minute and a half. Success grants access to level two, where you carry over your previous pot and are offered the oppurtunity to increase it. In addition, one must avoid hitting or potting the dreaded 'skull ball' (doing so empties your kitty or 'purse), and try to pot the covetted yellow 'double' ball (which, as one might expect, doubles your purse). Once your time runs out, you are moved on to the bonus round, where the aim is to land the white ball on de-marcated areas on a snooker table, each one carrying different rewards from €1 to €5, and one area rewards the player with the value of the purse they have hitherto amassed.
One game and Ben was hooked. He would repeatedly insert euro after euro after euro into the machine; occasionally an audience gathered, but in general he lost his money in solitude. Friends began to notice a marked deterioration in Benjamin, from his grades to his social life. 6 months passed and his addiction grew steadily worse. The legend goes that the SU even tried to have the machine removed, but couldn't, due to legal constraints. Ben's parents would frequently go up to 3 days without seeing him; Ben had an arrangement with the janitor that he could stay in the library basement overnight, playing the game. He would return home sporadically, merely to bath and eat, and sometimes change his clothes. He financed the operation through occasional wins and, more importantly, a substantial inheritance from a deceased great aunt. Within 3 years Benjamin was no longer a student; he couldn't remember the faces of his family or friends (who had long since graduated), recognising instead the faces of library regulars, who came and went regularly, but almost always passed a disgusted look or a whispered comment regarding his increasingly dishevelled appearance.
As the situation worsened, he realised he was on his own. He now claims squatters rights in the college, who have tried and failed repeatedly to remove him. It is believed that the authorities have accepteed that he is there for good, and so they leave him to wander the campus, wondering what could have been, his mind warped by the twisted world of Pocket Money. Despite his withered appearance, he is only 28 years of age; his wrinkled brow and greying hair possess a wisdom far beyond his tender years. If you're lucky, you may see him cast a sorrowful glance in the direction of the machine, and the music and sound effects will fill his senses, and he will once more think back on his wasted youth. Spare a thought for old Ben, and use this tale as a lesson in self-control and the importance of moderation in all its forms."

Riamfada

I can hosently say thats that the most interesting piece of crap ive ever read

Red Alert

What else is in that book?

Royale with Cheese

Sounds plausible

stolenwine

I can believe it. I have a close relationship with the coffee machine in the
library basement.

Riamfada

im banned from the library after my evening of passion with the photocopiers. It was a Grimes Sandwich

If my mate could do any machine in the college it would have to be the .... the control room of the AVC. Busty

beanyb

Ah I hope that's not true. It's so sad! I much prefer the story about him saving some girl that was getting attacked.

seraphimvc

lol to this thread

p-nut

haha, no offence, but is that a pisstake? interesting story all the same, must be worth some sorta prize in a short story competition

PennyLane

Aww, it's endearing that anyone doesn't immediately disbelieve the story outright. "Highly doubt"...so cute....

Pythia

Lol.
Complete bs of course.
The UCD bum is as old as time.
Well, he has been there for years as I used to see him on my visits to UCD as a child.

Jonny Arson

stripedpyjamas wrote: »

"A committed student, Benjamin scored very highly in his Leaving Cert, and came to UCD to study Economics and Finance. A bright and intelligent young man, he was well-groomed and generally maintained a sharp and presentable appearance. He was unsuccessful in his attempts to become class rep, but nonetheless endevoured to strengthen the bonds between his classmates, by taking a prominent role in the organization of class parties and trips. Well-liked by his peers, he was widely respected for his ability to juggle the stress of an active social life, outstanding academic record and a spot on the UCD U-21 Gaelic team; a quiet, yet popular, gent.
However, according to college lore, one blustery evening in early December, Ben was entrenched in UCD Library, busily studying for a tough taxation exam less than a fortnight away. Mentally exhausted after a binge of note-taking, he wandered down to the SU shop below the library, eager for a snack and light beverage. While consuming his Capri-Sun and Snickers, a strangely-hypnotic electronic sound drenched his ear-drums in temptation. Intrigued, he turned towards the brightly coloured machine from whence this noise was flowing. 'Pocket Money' it read; surrounding its title, an array of snooker parafonalia. '1 CREDIT - €1' it read. Never one to be sucked in by a fad, Ben dismissed it as folly. But he could not turn away. Its bright lights and unassuming manner transfixed him. 'Why not?', he thought. He rummaged through his jeans pockets, and his hand emerged clutching a €1 coin. He placed it into coin slot and began playing. It was the beginning of the end for poor Benjamin.
The premise of Pocket Money is quite simple. The player takes on the role of a snooker player. He is presented with a gold dial to choose his direction, and a 'shoot' button, to be pressed at precisely the moment at which the on-screen power dial has reached the required level. The player is also presented with a handful of blue balls on the table; the aim is to pot as many of these as possible. The more difficult it is to pot, the more money the shot is worth. One must amass as much money as possible in a minute and a half. Success grants access to level two, where you carry over your previous pot and are offered the oppurtunity to increase it. In addition, one must avoid hitting or potting the dreaded 'skull ball' (doing so empties your kitty or 'purse), and try to pot the covetted yellow 'double' ball (which, as one might expect, doubles your purse). Once your time runs out, you are moved on to the bonus round, where the aim is to land the white ball on de-marcated areas on a snooker table, each one carrying different rewards from €1 to €5, and one area rewards the player with the value of the purse they have hitherto amassed.
One game and Ben was hooked. He would repeatedly insert euro after euro after euro into the machine; occasionally an audience gathered, but in general he lost his money in solitude. Friends began to notice a marked deterioration in Benjamin, from his grades to his social life. 6 months passed and his addiction grew steadily worse. The legend goes that the SU even tried to have the machine removed, but couldn't, due to legal constraints. Ben's parents would frequently go up to 3 days without seeing him; Ben had an arrangement with the janitor that he could stay in the library basement overnight, playing the game. He would return home sporadically, merely to bath and eat, and sometimes change his clothes. He financed the operation through occasional wins and, more importantly, a substantial inheritance from a deceased great aunt. Within 3 years Benjamin was no longer a student; he couldn't remember the faces of his family or friends (who had long since graduated), recognising instead the faces of library regulars, who came and went regularly, but almost always passed a disgusted look or a whispered comment regarding his increasingly dishevelled appearance.
As the situation worsened, he realised he was on his own. He now claims squatters rights in the college, who have tried and failed repeatedly to remove him. It is believed that the authorities have accepteed that he is there for good, and so they leave him to wander the campus, wondering what could have been, his mind warped by the twisted world of Pocket Money. Despite his withered appearance, he is only 28 years of age; his wrinkled brow and greying hair possess a wisdom far beyond his tender years. If you're lucky, you may see him cast a sorrowful glance in the direction of the machine, and the music and sound effects will fill his senses, and he will once more think back on his wasted youth. Spare a thought for old Ben, and use this tale as a lesson in self-control and the importance of moderation in all its forms."

100% true story, fact!

felletor

I have also seen that book, a very interesting story. I have this to say to any doubters, ask the bum himself to tell you his story and you will soon realise that it is infact 100% true. Also stripypjs it could be worth trying to put some other stories from the book up?

annemarie13

that guy is so older than 28 lol.i see him around alot he seems nice.there was a piano along the side of the libary buliding, near the atm, and my friend was going to tramoplining in the evening and he frightned her by playing the piano lol he play din din din-u no the tune i cant spell it. scared the crap out of her though lol

that story is not true!
but emm wats that story about him saving a girl from a attack??

Donald-Duck

I always see him in the physics building, ground floor.

Stokes

Surely 'Snickers' was still known as 'Marathon' bars back in those days!

Chakar

The broad gist of the account is probably true but I think the details have being exaggerated as they would have been over time through second and third hand sources.

stolenwine

Trinity had "a bum" who went to lectures ours plays din-din-din on the piano

beglee

When was the story supposedly written?? It sounds like the book might be a bit old at this stage??

BlackMamba

I've seen him in lectures before. He's a learnt bum!:D
Also seen him around the arts block, the restaurant and Merville. He scared the crap outta me one night when I was in Merville!!:eek:

Pythia

That story can't be too old as Economics and Finance was only brought in as a degree about 10 years ago, which would make him 28 max, which is what is said there. But he's not 28.

It's a made up story folks!

delta_bravo

Pythia wrote: »

That story can't be too old as Economics and Finance was only brought in as a degree about 10 years ago, which would make him 28 max, which is what is said there. But he's not 28.

It's a made up story folks!

Yes and the fact that the story mentions the euro instead of pounds.

Hero Of College

Jonny Arson wrote: »

100% true story, fact!

Yeah right up there with the one about the homeless guy who hangs around the college bumming sandwiches and......hey wait a minute!!!!!:eek::eek::eek:

stripedpyjamas

Just to clarify a few things:

Tis story is based on a secondary account, and therefore it is impossible to verify the various nuances of its detail, but, broudly speaking, the jist of the story is true. Ben's age and course are certainly true, and that rubbish about euro and punt is just splitting hairs. I'm a bit bogged down at the moment, but I am going to try and post some more extracts from this book, including a little bit about a very uncelebrated member of the restaurant staff.

Also, Merville apartments are named after the UCD Bum, his middle name is Merville.

I would also like to clarify that the Bum does NOT have a magnetic tail, á la the beast of craggy island.

AlphaMale 3OO

stripedpyjamas wrote: »

Just to clarify a few things:

Tis story is based on a secondary account, and therefore it is impossible to verify the various nuances of its detail, but, broudly speaking, the jist of the story is true. Ben's age and course are certainly true, and that rubbish about euro and punt is just splitting hairs. I'm a bit bogged down at the moment, but I am going to try and post some more extracts from this book, including a little bit about a very uncelebrated member of the restaurant staff.

Also, Merville apartments are named after the UCD Bum, his middle name is Merville.

I would also like to clarify that the Bum does NOT have a magnetic tail, á la the beast of craggy island.

I dont give a sh1t what you say. That guy is not 28. When I started in UCD 8 years ago he was there and he looked exactly the same then as now. Are you telling me he was 20 back then? Complete and utter horsesh1t. The man is at least 60. At LEAST. The gist may well be true but he IS NOT in his twenties. If you believe he is you've been smoking to much dope down merville way.

PennyLane

Dude, chillax. Clearly they are merely trying to ensnare the gullible and irritate the short-fused. Just sit back and relax, secure in the knowledge that they're full of dog feces.

AlphaMale 3OO

PennyLane wrote: »

Dude, chillax. Clearly they are merely trying to ensnare the gullible and irritate the short-fused. Just sit back and relax, secure in the knowledge that they're full of dog feces.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055235706&highlight=dude

PennyLane

Naw, dude, it's cool: I'm an American.

stripedpyjamas

forbesii wrote: »

I dont give a sh1t what you say. That guy is not 28. When I started in UCD 8 years ago he was there and he looked exactly the same then as now. Are you telling me he was 20 back then? Complete and utter horsesh1t. The man is at least 60. At LEAST. The gist may well be true but he IS NOT in his twenties. If you believe he is you've been smoking to much dope down merville way.

Probably one of the most ridiculous posts I've seen on this site in my short time here. You are defying overhwhelming evidence and historical sources, which are reliable, and you haven't a leg to stand on. You ahve no back-up for anything you have said in that post. And as for his age, don't judge a book by its cover, I know FOR A FACT that he is in his late twenties.

arbeitsscheuer

This entire thread is complete bullsh*t.

But it's very very good bullsh*t...:D

Pertive

forbesii wrote: »

I dont give a sh1t what you say. That guy is not 28. When I started in UCD 8 years ago he was there and he looked exactly the same then as now. Are you telling me he was 20 back then? Complete and utter horsesh1t. The man is at least 60. At LEAST. The gist may well be true but he IS NOT in his twenties. If you believe he is you've been smoking to much dope down merville way.

Dude you have some serious issues, i've your only input is to try and disprove authentic evidance then i'm not sure you should post here anymore. Why don't you direct your anger towards helping define th unclear parts of this story and stop calling it **** which you know its clearly not.

Alanstrainor

I can't help but notice the number of first time posters in this thread, i think we have someone with multiple accounts, and to say that the homeless man is 28 is just fúcking stupid, you talk about us not having facts about this, your made up piece of crap "scrap book" is not evidence, common sense is all the evidence anyone needs. Mods lock this thread, and hand out numerous bans please.
Alan.

Pertive

Alanstrainor wrote: »

I can't help but notice the number of first time posters in this thread, i think we have someone with multiple accounts, and to say that the homeless man is 28 is just fúcking stupid, you talk about us not having facts about this, your made up piece of crap "scrap book" is not evidence, common sense is all the evidence anyone needs. Mods lock this thread, and hand out numerous bans please.
Alan.

this is the kind of bitter negativety that ruins spirited academic debate, why doesn't anyone who has a negative comment just go start a new thread and stop trying to ruin this one, shame on you.

Alanstrainor

Pertive wrote: »

this is the kind of bitter neagtivety that ruins spirited academic debate, why doesn't anyone who has a nagative comment just go start a new thread and stop trying to ruin this one, shame on you.

Spirited academic debate? that's the funniest thing i've ever heard!
Stop trolling, you silly dope

Pertive

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Spirited academic debate? that's the funniest thing i've ever heard!
Stop trolling, you silly dope

No you stop trolling, why don't you just leave it. If you don't like it then let it go, i'm not trying to annoy you I just think everyone would be better off without you posting your negative remarks. Stop being so childish

Alanstrainor

Pertive wrote: »

No you stop trolling, why don't you just leave it. If you don't like it then let it go, i'm not trying to annoy you I just think everyone would be better off without you posting your negative remarks. Stop being so childish

hahahahahaha

The_Minister

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Spirited academic debate? that's the funniest thing i've ever heard!
Stop trolling, you silly dope

Warned and infracted for personal abuse.

stripedpyjamas

There is a certain level of immaturity being brought to this debate, by alanstrainor,pertive and others.

I really didn't want to make a big deal about this at all, I just wanted to share with you that piece of information, on the basis that the Bum seems to be a bit of cult hero around these here parts! I think everyone just needs to calm down a bit. I genuinely amn't trolling.

With regard to the book, I am seriously more than happy to scan a bit of it up onto this site, if people really want, but I'd really rather not, cos its gonna take so long! Why don't we move the conversation along a wee bit. Does anyone have any decent UCD Bum anecdotes? Good stories? Can anyone confirm whether UCD feed him or not?

delta_bravo

stripedpyjamas wrote: »

There is a certain level of immaturity being brought to this debate, by alanstrainor,pertive and others.

I really didn't want to make a big deal about this at all, I just wanted to share with you that piece of information, on the basis that the Bum seems to be a bit of cult hero around these here parts! I think everyone just needs to calm down a bit. I genuinely amn't trolling.

With regard to the book, I am seriously more than happy to scan a bit of it up onto this site, if people really want, but I'd really rather not, cos its gonna take so long! Why don't we move the conversation along a wee bit. Does anyone have any decent UCD Bum anecdotes? Good stories? Can anyone confirm whether UCD feed him or not?

Do, scan it. Where did you find it?

PennyLane

Yeah, and be sure to scan the title & copyright pages, while your at it.

stolenwine

When are we going to see some bums then, this thread promises so much but delivers so little

arsebandity

I had heard something similar before about the talented youth thing squandering all his money, wasn't sure of the details but I'd have to disagree with the age thing unfortunately. Other than that, there is certainly some level of authenticity to this whole business.

AlphaMale 3OO

Pertive, strypedpyjamas. You two are either joking at this point or your intelligence stoops to very very low levels. My money is on the latter. I can dispute all the evidence here because why should I believe some randomer who found a speculative book of urban myths and insists that it be taken as gospel truth? The guy is not 28. The euro only came in in 2002. There was no machine in the library like the one described because I was there. And when I asked people who had been in UCD before I got there in 2000 they told me that guy had been knocking around for years. Grow Up. Honestly just grow up. I'm not the only person here questioning this absolutely ludicrous and laughable story. Your credibility is in tatters. And yes go ahead and post the cr@p you found. It wont make me anymore convinced. Who knows you probably wrote the thing yourself. You're a deluded chap. Go back to bed Margaret. Or "Margarent" as you spelled it.

stripedpyjamas

forbesii wrote: »

Pertive, strypedpyjamas. You two are either joking at this point or your intelligence stoops to very very low levels. My money is on the latter. I can dispute all the evidence here because why should I believe some randomer who found a speculative book of urban myths and insists that it be taken as gospel truth? The guy is not 28. The euro only came in in 2002. There was no machine in the library like the one described because I was there. And when I asked people who had been in UCD before I got there in 2000 they told me that guy had been knocking around for years. Grow Up. Honestly just grow up. I'm not the only person here questioning this absolutely ludicrous and laughable story. Your credibility is in tatters. And yes go ahead and post the cr@p you found. It wont make me anymore convinced. Who knows you probably wrote the thing yourself. You're a deluded chap. Go back to bed Margaret. Or "Margarent" as you spelled it.

A number of points in response:

- I have been nothing but reasonable and fair and honest in my dealings on this thread so far. I believe it totally inappropriate for people to get so angry and petulent about this. After all, in the middle ages, people who claimed the world was round were derided, but they were proved right; I think that anecdote has alot of relevence to this situation. Its so unreasonable to get so staunch when you have no proof I'm lying.

- people have gotten in trouble already for calling people stupid, so I'd stop if I were you. Especially since its taken you 8 years to graduate from college, most poeple are out within 3 or 4. Less time on Boards and more time at the books will stand you in good stead.

- The machine does exist, have a quick look below the library. And if its such an obvious lie, why did you have to go and ask people about the whther the machine was there before your time/ Obviously you arn't too sure about all this.

- I personally don't know Margaret, but at least my spelling error was a kistake, you're the one who put an @ into the word crap. Crap is spelled with an 'a', not an @.

- I dont insist that it be taken as gospel truth, and as Pertive, who unlike you appears to be at least semi-reasonable, pointed out, you dont have to read this if you dont want to.

felletor

forbesii wrote: »

Pertive, strypedpyjamas. You two are either joking at this point or your intelligence stoops to very very low levels. My money is on the latter. I can dispute all the evidence here because why should I believe some randomer who found a speculative book of urban myths and insists that it be taken as gospel truth? The guy is not 28. The euro only came in in 2002. There was no machine in the library like the one described because I was there. And when I asked people who had been in UCD before I got there in 2000 they told me that guy had been knocking around for years. Grow Up. Honestly just grow up. I'm not the only person here questioning this absolutely ludicrous and laughable story. Your credibility is in tatters. And yes go ahead and post the cr@p you found. It wont make me anymore convinced. Who knows you probably wrote the thing yourself. You're a deluded chap. Go back to bed Margaret. Or "Margarent" as you spelled it.

Listen man you have serious issues this started as a fun board and now you and others have turned it into an outlet for your anger and bitterness for life. I have never posted before put felt compelled to upon reading your post. You need serious help, if your still in college from the year 2000 its obvious that things aren't really working. So why not direct your energy towards doing something with yourself as opposed to taking it out on others. PM me if you like I know some people that could help you. :mad:

princess-sprkle

holy...
some dudes on here need to chill out. its a story, no need to get so het up over it!

Pertive

true anger is not welcome in this discussion, chill out or get out

AlphaMale 3OO

stripedpyjamas wrote: »

A number of points in response:

- I have been nothing but reasonable and fair and honest in my dealings on this thread so far. I believe it totally inappropriate for people to get so angry and petulent about this. After all, in the middle ages, people who claimed the world was round were derided, but they were proved right; I think that anecdote has alot of relevence to this situation. Its so unreasonable to get so staunch when you have no proof I'm lying.

- people have gotten in trouble already for calling people stupid, so I'd stop if I were you. Especially since its taken you 8 years to graduate from college, most poeple are out within 3 or 4. Less time on Boards and more time at the books will stand you in good stead.

- The machine does exist, have a quick look below the library. And if its such an obvious lie, why did you have to go and ask people about the whther the machine was there before your time/ Obviously you arn't too sure about all this.

- I personally don't know Margaret, but at least my spelling error was a kistake, you're the one who put an @ into the word crap. Crap is spelled with an 'a', not an @.

- I dont insist that it be taken as gospel truth, and as Pertive, who unlike you appears to be at least semi-reasonable, pointed out, you dont have to read this if you dont want to.

eh it hasn't taken me 8 years to graduate. i graduated in 2004. just because i posted here it means i'm still in college? i saw this ridiculous thread (the minute details, not the story itself) and decided to comment. the machine wasn't there in my time (which is, according to the story, also the bum's time), and read my post again- i've asked people about the bum- not the machine. why would i ask people about a machine? and using @ was done on purpose so as to not have that particular word censored out. dont worry its a common technique on boards and often used by people when swearing. and really what has this turned into a hippy commune where everyone plays nice? you make outlandish claims people are bound to disagree with you. let me say it again, the fabric of your story may well be correct, the small details of it are complete and utter rubbish.

The_Minister

Everyone calm down, or ther'l be wippin's from de ban-stick

seraphimvc

lol stop feeding the troll!

but a troll is what we have been looking for ages in UCD forum play nice!

edit:
just find out that there are multiples trolls here!lol

elgriff

stolenwine wrote: »

When are we going to see some bums then, this thread promises so much but delivers so little

I second that

forbesii wrote: »

Pertive, strypedpyjamas. You two are either joking at this point or your intelligence stoops to very very low levels. My money is on the latter. I can dispute all the evidence here because why should I believe some randomer who found a speculative book of urban myths and insists that it be taken as gospel truth? The guy is not 28. The euro only came in in 2002. There was no machine in the library like the one described because I was there. And when I asked people who had been in UCD before I got there in 2000 they told me that guy had been knocking around for years. Grow Up. Honestly just grow up. I'm not the only person here questioning this absolutely ludicrous and laughable story. Your credibility is in tatters. And yes go ahead and post the cr@p you found. It wont make me anymore convinced. Who knows you probably wrote the thing yourself. You're a deluded chap. Go back to bed Margaret. Or "Margarent" as you spelled it.

If you are going to go the the whole 'you spelled this wrong route', you could at least spell stripedpyjamas name correctly

felletor wrote: »

Listen man you have serious issues this started as a fun board and now you and others have turned it into an outlet for your anger and bitterness for life. I have never posted before put felt compelled to upon reading your post. You need serious help, if your still in college from the year 2000 its obvious that things aren't really working. So why not direct your energy towards doing something with yourself as opposed to taking it out on others. PM me if you like I know some people that could help you. :mad:

+1



Now time for me to wade in on this. First of all I have been a member since 2006 as you can see, so no fake accounts here. This story has been told to me by numerous different people. There is also a rumour that he saved a girl from being raped, which may or may not be true, but that doesn't need to change stripedpyjamas' story. The joke also goes that he is an old arts student who got stuck in stage X, and now wanders the corridors looking for tutorials that exist only in his mind. Back to the point - if you a bitter and looking for a place to release tension forbesii then go buy a stress ball. People wanted to try to find some info on a popular UCD character and you responded with aggression for some reason. Pointing out minute details such as the punt being the currency at the time can be easily explained by careless transcribing of the story. Take a look at this http://www.ufos-aliens.co.uk/cosmicapollo.htm , you would probably really enjoy it. Why has this turned into a big conspiracy theory? That game is known to be addictive and it is no surprise with 20,000 students in UCD per year that one fell by the wayside. You need to open your mind a little. There are people who still work in UCD who can verify this story. There is no reason why you could not have just been skeptical; instead you just decided you knew everything and that everyone else was wrong. You need to take a look at your analytical methods, and until you do, maybe you should ease off posting