Monthly Archives: January 2012

Robert Burns …..Jacobite to Jacobin

It is somewhat ironic that in their search to find a culture……Unionists discovered the Ulster-Scots Culture and decided to honour Robert “Rabbie” Burns……..Burns Night being 25th January……..it seems almost churlish to point out that Robert Burns was born in 1759……..just … Continue reading

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The Scotland Question

There is a surprising number of threads about Scottish independence on Norn Irons third best political website. In part this is tribal……Norn Irons unionists will, by default back a “United Kingdom” and oppose Scottish independence. Irish nationalists of course oppose … Continue reading

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In Praise Of The Blogger Circa 1920

The statue celebrates the Speakers who made speeches to the people of Belfast from the steps of Customs House Square . There is nothing “new” about Blogging. The Blogosphere is really just the steps at the Customs House.

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A Fleadh In Their Ear? Culture In “Stroke City”.

Here is some good news. In July 2010, Derry was selected to be the City of Culture in 2013. Now here is some bad news. In July 2010, Londonderry was selected to be the UK City of Culture in 2013. … Continue reading

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Whatever Happened the Leveson Inquiry

Thousands of people…….well ok……..ONE person has been asking why I no longer report on the Leveson Inquiry. Well basically I got tired but now I share reporting duties with two other folks at a dedicated site. Makes sense.

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Colin Duffy

I have no idea whether Colin Duffy, the dissident Republican from Lurgan, County Armagh is responsible for the murder of two British soldiers in 2009. Nor do I know if he is responsible for the murder of an Ulster Defence … Continue reading

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The “Royal Maternity” Babies

For over forty years, I have got used to seeing local TV reporters standing in front of Belfast landmarks such as the City Hall or Courthouse. And too often I have seen familiar faces from BBC London or American news … Continue reading

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Two Clocks Have Stopped…But I Think I Still Have A Pulse

My grandfather’s clock Was too large for the shelf….. So it stood ninety years on the floor; ……It was taller by half Than the old man himself……., Though it weighed not a pennyweight more. ………It was bought on the morn…… … Continue reading

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Newt Gingrich?

So Newt Gingrich won the Republican Prinary in South Carolina. Which means that three of the four remaining candidates in the race for the Presidency has won a “State”. Gingrich has won in South Carolina (he is from neighbouring Georgia) … Continue reading

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Belfast Sectarian Beatings…Redux

A few days ago, I blogged about James Turley, a Catholic Belfast youth, who was savagely beaten up by a gang of Protestant youths while he was working as an extra in a movie being shot in the loyalist Village … Continue reading

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