Author Archives: fitzjameshorse

Suicide Is Painless

Apologies for the Headline……”Suicide Is Painless”. It is the theme song from the 1970 movie “M.A.S.H”. And of course I am being ironic because Suicide is extremely painful for those that are left behind. Over forty years ago, my sisters … Continue reading

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“Downfall”….Movie On Hitler’s Last Days In The Bunker

We have all seen movies which tell the story of the last days of Adolf Hitler in his Berlin bunker. RTE recently showed the 2004 movie “Downfall”. I taped it to watch it at my leisure. It is based largely … Continue reading

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Romney, Santorum …….And The Rest.

The depressing thing about listening to (not just American) conservatives….is just how often the word “Freedom” is used, abused and misused in any conversation. It is a simple historica fact that Freedom and Rights are things that have to be … Continue reading

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The City Hall Belfast

In Belfast today. Took these photographs of City Hall. I note the Christmas lights are still there (4th January 2012).   The front of the City Belfast. The “east” door with its controversial (!!) Christmas Greeting in Gaelic.

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“I’m A Stranger Here Myself” (Belfast)

I was in Belfast today. I am almost 60 years old. I lived in Belfast from 1952 to 1979. I have never lived more than 40 miles from my city. I have always worked there. Over the past two years, … Continue reading

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The Iron(?) Lady

It goes without saying that I detested Margaret Thatcher, the former British Prime Minister. Not merely because of her general anti-Irishness and her behavior during the 1981 Hunger Strikes…although History will show that her actions did not have the long … Continue reading

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RTE “Would You Believe?”

Some weeks ago I blogged about Mick Peelo’s RTE documentary on the problems facing the Catholic Church in Ireland. I recorded the second of the two-part series and have only just had a chance to see it. Essentially Peelo was … Continue reading

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Stephen Lawrence (Victim Of Racism)…Resting In Peace…At Last

The conviction of Gary Dobson and David Norris (for the murder of Stephen Lawrence at a London bus stop in 1993) is welcome news. “Justice Delayed” of course but its a comforting thought that tomorrow they are likely to be … Continue reading

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The Olympics And Norn Iron

Norn Iron of course do not have a Team at the London (or indeed any other Olympics) because Norn Iron does not actually exist. The National Olympic Committe for “Great Britain and Norhern Ireland” is made up of several Sports … Continue reading

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New Years Honours Round Up

First of all, I should point out that a few days ago, I was “predicting” Honours unaware that the embargo had already been lifted and BBC News and Sky News were already announcing that Ronnie Corbett (the comedian) had been … Continue reading

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