Blog of Blogs

Irish General Election 2011 - The Wexford Candidates

2011-01-28T14:10:00.028Z

With a General Election in Ireland due sometime before the end of February, the exact date should be announced next Tuesday (1st February). I think it's time to have a look at the various candidates who are likely to effect the outcome of the Election. Please note that the opinions expressed in this post are my personal opinions based on observations and meetings I have had with the various candidates.

To be fair, I shall go through them in reverse alphabethical order, in other words, the opposite as how they will appear on the ballot paper. If the candidate has a blog or website you can click on their name to access that page.

Senator Liam Twomey - Fine Gael Party

Elected to the Dáil in 2002 as an indpendent on a campaign mainly releating to issues in the Health Service, the Rosslare based medical doctor joined Fine Gael in 2004 and was quickly made party spokesman on health. He failed to hold on to his seat in 2007 and was appointed to the Senate.

Quiet and thoughtful, if there was a list system on operation he would almost certainly be appointed to the Dail. As things stand, I don't think he has the personality needed for the clientalist, parochial nature of Irish politics. I suspect that Fine Gael would love him to win a seat ahead of Michael D'Arcy, but this is unlikely to happen. It also looks very unliklely that Fine Gael will win three out of the five seats in Wexford so I suspect that Dr. Twomey will lose out again.

Seamus O'Brien - United Left Alliance

SIPTU shop steward who works in Wexford General Hospital, O'Brien made some waves on the Wexford political scene during the campaign to save the A&E department at Wexford General Hospital in 2010. He is a member of the Socialist Worker's Party front group the People Before Profit Alliance and is standing under the United Left Alliance banner. Seamus is a former Labor Militant member of New Ross town council.

Energetic and a sincere socialist, I suspect that this election has come too soon for Seamus who needs more time to develop a profile throughout the county. That said, the United Left Alliance is not without followers in County Wexford and hopefully Seamus can keep his deposit and build for the future.

Senator Lisa McDonald - Fianna Fail

Not yet selected but eager to run, Senator McDonald has the distinction of being the only woman on this list. This is a shame and shows how backward Wexford politics really is. It is also a terrible pity then that I can't think of anything nice to write about Lisa.

She also has the distinction of being only Wexford politician to have an entire post on this blog dedicated to her, the September 28th 2009 post Wexford's own little Sarah Palin.

An arrogant, spoilt child of privilage this solicitor (lawyer not the other thing to our American readers) embodies all the very worst aspects of the current Fianna Fail Party. I hope she runs, it will give a few good opportunities to slag her off and she will doubtless get humiliated yet again. I can't believe she is so fond of herself that she could even contemplate running when she failed twice to get elected when Fainna Fail were on a high.

No chance.

Anthony Kelly - Sinn Fein

If Sinn Fein don't get a TD elected in Wexford this year they may give up. Riding high in the polls nationally and with stability restored after recent upheavels in the party locally that saw several high profile members including three elected councillors leave the party, this could be the year Sinn Fein break through in Wexford.

Anthony is affable and well liked, he is a hard working politican with a good profile, especially in the densely populated districts around Wexford town. If he can get transfers, in particular from John Dwyer and Seamus O'Brien, Kelly stands a good chance of getting elected.

Paul Kehoe T.D - Fine Gael

Fifth on our list and to the first to actually hold a seat in Dáil Éireann, Paul is Fine Gael's star electoral performer in County Wexford. He is hugely popular with Fine Gael's traditional rural support base and well able to take votes from Fianna Fail in rural areas. Kehoe is the current Fine Gael Chief Whip and is certain to comfortably retain his seat.

Brendan Howlin T.D - Labour

What can I say? The wee man who has done it all, born to rule, named after former Labour Party leader Brendan Corish, manages to be in the opposition yet hold the cushy post of Leas-Cheann Comhairle (Deputy Chairman) of Dáil Éireann. I once heard Brendan claim to be a socialist and nearly fell over. If I had a quarter of his future pension to live on I would consider myself embarrasingly wealthy. He has drawn some of the highest levels of expenses in Dáil Éireann.

Inspired a facebook group Brendan Howlin is a Champagne Socialist, a group which studies the bare faced hypocrisy of the Labour Party leadership, who claim to be left wing or socialist even while constantly supporting right wing parties, referenda and legislation.

Howlin is deeply arrogant and utterly insincere, in other words, the perfect politician. Will almost certainly top the poll.

Danny Forde - Green Party

Bring out the Gimp! Forde staggered everyone in the local elections in 2009 when he bucked the national trend and as the Greens were getting wiped out across the country Forde gained a seat on Wexford Borough Council at the expense of the Labour Party who were making gains almost everywhere else. Just goes to show the weird nature of Wexford Town politics where the Labour Party are like Tammeney Hall.

I had one encounter with Forde. I was standing on a lonely protest in Wexford chatting with a young Shell to Sea campainger. Forde the armchair eco-warrior was driving by in a car, he pulled up and proceeded to slag off the young man, asking him, "when is the revolution going to happen?" I turned to face Forde, when he saw me his face turned a shade of pale green and he sped off without saying anything. Why? I don't know.

With the Greens, what you see is what you get. A bunch of clowns. He will probably keep his deposit on the basis that there are a lot of guilty middle class hippys in Wexford, no chance of getting elected. I look forward to seeing where his transfers go since the Monster Raving Looney Party don't usually stand in Irish elections.

John Dwyer - Independent

Former Sinn Fein county councillor and Dáil candidate, John is currently chairman of New Ross Town Council. He is a full time politician who describes himself as a left-wing liberal. He is intelligent and well known in republican and socialist circles, although he does not claim to be a socialist himself.

John could not make the breakthrough to Dáil Éireann when running for Sinn Fein and it is very unlikely that he will do it as an independent, although he will poll well around New Ross and among republicans who are disaffected with Sinn Fein. His transfers could be crucial in deciding who gets the final seat that is probably going to be contested between Labour, Fianna Fail and Sinn Fein.

Michael D’Arcy T.D - Fine Gael

Michael W. D'Arcy is the son of Michael D'Arcy, a former TD and Minister of State. That is the only possible reason I can think of why he is a member of Dáil Éireann. He is utterly charmless and I can't imagine why people vote for him in their thousands. He has an advantage in-so-far as he is the only high profile candidate from the highly populated Gorey Town district. Very right wing.

If he does not dye his hair then he should because it looks like he does. Will more than likely retain his seat.

Lucky us.

Sean Connick T.D - Fianna Fail

Astonishingly, Sean is the first ever native of New Ross town to be elected as a T.D. He is Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food with special responsibility for Fisheries and Forestry.

Except for the fact he is wheelchair bound he is a fairly typical Fianna Fail politician, looks after his own, business friendly, pragmatic. Should retain his seat.

Pat Cody - Labour Party

Nobody I know knows anything about this man, but Labour Party hacks think he can win a seat. All I have to say is, "there's more to being a socialist than wearing a red tie"

John Browne T.D - Fianna Fail

Wexford's longest serving T.D, yet has probably the lowest profile. I really struggled to find a decent picture of Browne online for this post. Like D'Arcy, he seems to owe his seat to the kind of nepotism that is all too common in Irish politics. From wikipedia, "His uncle Seán Browne, was also a TD, who was first elected in 1957. He retired due to ill health. As his nephew, John Browne, effectively 'inherited' his seat."

Like Connick, he looks after his own, well connected in G.A.A circles, conservative. He seemed to fall from favour when Brian Cowen became Taoiseach, lost his position as Minister of State for Fisheries.

Due to the number of strong candidates in the Enniscorthy district (he is competing with Kehoe and Cody in this area), Browne is expecting a tough battle to retain his seat, however he topped the poll last time out and has the advantage of being the first name on the ballot sheet. Should he lose his seat, few apart from his cronies will miss, or even remember him.

So that's it, the main candidates from Wexford. The election should be interesting and we could see a change from the usual two Fainna Fail, two Fine Gael, one Labour result. I hope you found something of interest in this post and if it was in any way offensive, it was probably deliberate and I will consider it a success.

Comments welcome and happy voting!

The MV Kerlogue, Wexford 's Great Unsung Heroine

2011-01-02T18:55:00.014Z

THEY SERVED NEITHER KING NOR FUEHRER BUT HUMANITY

The 29th of December 2010 was the 67th anniversary of a rescue that has gone down in Irish Maritime History, for it was on that date in 1943 that Wexford's little coaster “KERLOGE” hauled 168 injured and shipwrecked German sailors from the icy waters of the Bay of Biscay . It was a choppy, dirty trip, as the “KERLOGE” sailed towards Ireland from Lisbon. Tom O'Neill who was a young A.B. had just turned in after the four to eight watch. He had barely gone asleep when the captain Tom Donohue, a Dungarvan man shouted in the door "Get up boys, it's the Germans". All hands tumbled out of their bunks as fast as they possibly could and ran up on deck to see a German warplane approaching the ship. The swooped towards them but instead of strafing them with cannon fire as was feared the plane signalled them and dropped flares away to the starboard bow of the coaster. They could hear no gunfire but aware of the possibility that they were heading into a war zone the captain changed course, northeast towards the flares. When the coaster reached the area lit up by the flares they were astonished to find the sea all around them covered by men, hundreds of them, clinging desperately to life rafts in very rough seas.
Three days earlier, a German flotilla of ten ships, including three destroyers, had sailed from Brest to meet with a merchant ship from Japan with a cargo of materials vital to the German war effort. As they waited to rendezvous with the blockade-runner two Royal Navy Cruisers, "H.M.S Enterprise" and "H.M.S.Glasgow" who were also out searching for the merchant ship. (Which was sunk on the 27th by a Royal Air force plane) appeared on the horizon.

Commander Joachim Quendenfeldt of the destroyer T26 order his men to open fire, despite knowing that he and the other destroyers were out gunned and would not even reach the British cruisers at that distance. Within minutes the battle was over. Both of T26s engines were out and a shell had hit the bridge, meanwhile the other two German destroyers had been sunk. Quendenfeldt had no choice but to abandon ship. Two boats were lowered, although one of them capsized, and 12 life rafts were thrown overboard. T26 then went down. By now there were upwards of 500 men, burned, shot, or wounded by shellfire, struggling to hold on to whatever was available. The remaining lifeboat picked up as many wounded as she could carry. As darkness fell British planes flew over and dropped life rafts and flares to aid the struggling sailors. (The cruisers had sped away to avoid prowling U-boats.)

That was the sight met by the "KERLOGUE" when she arrived on the scene, except that by the time of her arrival there were just about three hundred German sailors left in the water. The "KERLOGUE" crew immediately began to haul the sailors aboard. They stood in the scuppers from mid-ships to aft and using grappling hooks and their bare hands hauled them in. There was still a heavy sea running and the "KERLOGUE” was rolling heavily. As the ship dipped they grabbed on to a body and hauled them in as she rose. It was long backbreaking and heartbreaking work. Many of the men hauled aboard were found to be dead and had to be slipped back into the sea to be replaced by others. And that's how it went on, for ten hours! The rescued were tended to by Capt. Donohue and Engineer Gary Roche and made as comfortable as possible. They packed the German sailors in wherever they could. Fourteen on the eleven-foot long bridge, giving helmsman Tom Grannell very little space to manoeuvre his ship among the floating bodies. Fifty-seven in the engine room, so many that the engineers were unable to move to tend the engines. They had to make signs to some of the able bodied Germans, who then carried out the procedures. All alleyways, stores etc. were filled to capacity. Then, after ten hours Capt. Donohue had to call out "No More!" The ship was packed tight; it was impossible to get any more aboard her. The "KERLOGUE" turned away to the north, leaving half of the men still in the water, facing certain death. A head count later revealed that there were 168 German sailors onboard the “KERLOGUE”!

The crew of the Wexford ship were all totally soaked to the skin! All their spare clothes had been given to the rescued and in a very short time all the ship's stores had been used up. As luck would have it, she was carrying a cargo of oranges, Capt. Donohue ordered that it be broken open and the crew made hot orange drinks for the Germans. This was all they had to sustain them until they arrived in Cork. To avoid being spotted by passing Allied planes, all of the Germans were kept out of sight, below decks during daylight hours, only coming up for fresh air at night. On the first day one of the badly burned Germans died and after a short service his body was committed to the sea. Two days later, on New Years Day one more died and that night another passed away. By now they were close to Cobh so it was decided to bring the bodies ashore. At Cobh the "KERLOGUE” was met by the emergency services, who treated the injured before they were hospitalised. Once they were declared fit they were transferred to the Curragh Internment Camp for the duration of the war.
And that was how Wexford's little "KERLOGUE” and her crew wrote their own chapter in Irish Maritime History.
At the time rumours sprang up that the Germans had attempted to take over the “KERLOGUE", they could easily have done so with their superior manpower, but this was strongly denied by Captain Donohue. It has also been said that thereafter whenever German warplanes came across the "KERLOGUE” on passage they swooped on her, dipped their wings in thanks and flew off. The crew of the "KERLOGUE" on that famous occasion were, Captain, Tom Donohue, of Dungarvan, Chief Officer Denis Valencie, of Dublin 2nd Officer Patrick Whelan, of Wexford. Chief Engineer Roy Giggins, of London , 2nd Engineer, Joseph Donahue 3rd Engineer Gary Roche, both of Wexford. Bosun, John "Chum" Roche and A.Bs Tom Grannell, Dick Roche and Tom O'Neill, all from Wexford town.
Tom O'Neill is the last surviving member of that crew and lives in Bemadette Place in Wexford Town. He has visited Germany on many occasions as an honoured guest of some of the men rescued by the "KERLOGUE". The last time he was there was to attend the launch of a yacht, owned by one of his hosts. She was named "KERLOGUE"!!

MV KERLOGUE, other WW2 incidents.
The “KERLOGUE” belonged to the Wexford Steamship Company based in the town of Wexford in south east Ireland. At 142 feet long and carrying 335 tons of cargo with a fully laden freeboard of 1 foot, she was the smallest of the company’s three ships. She was built in Holland and launched in September 1939. Throughout WW2 she traded as a costal cargo ship, sailing as a neutral, flying the green-white-orange tricolour of Ireland and EIRE painted large on her sides and deck, out of convoy, with full navigation lights. Some time before her involvement in the rescue in Bay of Biscay the “KERLOGUE” was involved in two other wartime incidents. 2nd April 1941. Following an attack by German bombers on a British convoy, the Wild Rose, a collier out of Liverpool, was damaged and left behind. The “KERLOGUE” en voyage from Wexford to Cardiff under the command of Captain Samuel Owens of Carrickfergus Co. Antrim sighted distress rockets, altered course and went to the aid of the stricken Wild Rose. The 12-man British crew was taken on aboard, the Wild Rose taken in tow and beached on Rosslare strand on the Wexford coast. 23rd October 1943. En voyage from Port Talbot to Lisbon with a cargo of coal, the “KERLOGUE” was attacked, about 130 miles south of Ireland, by two planes, later identified as RAF Mosquitoes from 307 Polish Squadron. The cannon shells that lodged in the coal did not penetrate the hull and were later found to be of British origin.

The “KERLOGUE” was reported wrecked at Tramso Norway in 1960.

Text and photograph are © Maritime Matters Wexford Press 2003 and are reproduced with kind permission.

Thanks to my friend and neighbor Fr. Fritz O'Kelly O.F.M who told me the story of this rescue. He had a German mother and and Irish father and was living in Cork at the time, he was called down to Cobh when the Kerlogue arrived with the rescued German mariners. He said most of them were aged between fifteen and twenty years of age. He said that before the Kerlogue arrived all the men thought they were going to die in the darkness of the Bay of Biscaye.

Because of wartime censorship the crew of the Kerlogue got very little recognition for their great act of kindness. It was only at the time of the 60th anneversary that Dick Roche T.D (Minister for European Arrairs) who's father was a sailor on the Kerlogue, made a speech in the Irish Senate on the subject of the rescue.

Monty Python Communist Quiz sketch

2010-12-31T06:34:00.009Z

Of course, Coventry City did win the F.A. Cup in 1987, beating Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 after extra time.

Reb (snakehunters) there is an interesting comment there at the end , "no one leaves this show empty handed, so we are going to cut off his hands".

Heck, the man does not even look like a muslim.

Maybe they are taking the piss.

Happy New Year to all Blog of Blogs readers!

Francisan Church, Francis Street, Wexford, Ireland

2010-12-24T14:29:00.004Z

Click on any image to enlarge it.

Communist Christmas Song

2010-12-21T09:36:00.002Z

Happy f****** Christmas. I hope you have a roof over your head, some heat, someone to hug and something to eat.

The New Colossus by Emma Lazerus

2010-12-14T07:42:00.003Z

The New Colossus by Emma Lazerus

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

I posted this wonderful poem before but the post seems to have dissappeared. Weird things happen on blogger sometimes.

Kirsty MacColl - Days

2010-12-13T04:33:00.000Z

Rest in peace Kirsty.

Oh dear, this just isn't cricket!

2010-12-11T11:28:00.008Z

Prince of Wales, his ex-mistress and their motor car attacked by students.

Prince Charles, who was in a Rolls-Royce on his way to the theatre with Camilla, said he "totally understood" the difficulties police faced.
The Met Police is to launch a major criminal investigation into student disorder in London over the last month.
MPs pushed through plans to raise the maximum tuition fee level to £9,000.
But 21 Lib Dems voted against the proposals, slashing the government's majority.

Thugs

Thousands of students had gathered in London ahead of the vote before the demonstration turned violent.

Met Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson said the royal route was cleared in advance.
Protesters largely took over Parliament Square and pressed against police lines in front of the Houses of Parliament.

Mounted police were used to control crowds, at one point charging a group of protesters. Hundreds were contained on Westminster Bridge for a time by officers.

Protesters threw flares, sticks, snooker balls and paint balls, according to police. After nightfall, riot police forced back protesters who were smashing windows at the Treasury and the Supreme Court.

Then at 1915 GMT, protesters launched an attack on the royal couple's car as it passed along Regent Street. The Rolls-Royce was kicked, splashed with paint and a window was smashed.

Met Police chief Sir Paul Stephenson called the attack shocking and said the couple should be commended for their fortitude.

He also said the route was thoroughly checked up to the last minute and his officers had shown "commendable restraint".

He said royal protection officers were put in a difficult position by the unpredictability of the "thugs".

Protest organisers from the Education Activist Network said there had been no call to attack the prince's car.

Mr Cameron called it a "very regrettable lapse of security" and said lessons must be learned.

"Let's remember that this was not the fault of the police," he added.

"Responsibility for smashing property, for violence, lies with the people that perpetrate that violence and I want to see them arrested and punished."

Clarence House has refused to comment on reports that the Duchess was poked with a stick, but did say the royal couple were unharmed and attended the Royal Variety Performance at the London Palladium as scheduled.

David Cameron: "There were quite a number of people who clearly were there wanting to pursue violence"
A former head of royal protection, Dai Davies, said he was surprised by the apparent lack of strategy.

"One of the principles of protection is to have alternative routes and I would have expected there to be at least three different routes," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

London Mayor Boris Johnson said it was regrettable the heir to the throne could be surrounded by agitators and that people's first instinct was to blame the police.

Labour leader Ed Miliband joined the condemnation, saying the attack was "totally unacceptable" and the wider vandalism was inexcusable.

Students have criticised police tactics, particularly of holding demonstrators in a small area, known as "kettling".

Simon Hardy, of the National Campaign against Fees and Cuts, said: "The violence we witnessed yesterday from the police, before anything had been done by the protesters, is typical of how the Met has responded to these demonstrations.

"They turned up in riot gear, with horses, batons and shields. They said they wanted people to leave to Victoria Embankment and then 'kettled' them and then started beating people.

"Anyone who tries to resist is then told they are being violent."

But the Met Police Federation said officers acted with professionalism and selflessness and that, if they had not, the consequences would have been "unthinkable".

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating a claim that 20-year-old Middlesex University student Alfie Meadows suffered serious head injuries after being hit on the head with a police truncheon. The Met Police referred the incident to the commission, which is appealing for witnesses, early on Friday.

The IPCC said it received three further complaints about the Met Police at Thursday's protests.

21 Lib Dem MPs voted no
8 Lib Dem MPs either abstained or were absent
6 Conservative MPs voted no
2 Conservative MPs abstained

Scotland Yard updated figures of the injured to 12 officers and 43 protesters and said of the 33 people arrested, most were released on bail and no-one has been charged.
The Met launched an investigation into student disorder seen across London between 10 November and 10 December.

A small but vocal demonstration of about 100 people chanted about tuition fees as the prime minister arrived in the Harehills area of Leeds for a speech.
Don Foster, one Lib Dem MP to vote for the rise, has had a rock thrown through his office window.
Cambridge University student Charlie Gilmour, son of Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour, apologised for climbing the Cenotaph, a memorial to Britain's war dead, calling it a "moment of idiocy".

Business Secretary Vince Cable said the Lib Dems were still "united" despite the rebellion.
Only 28 Lib Dem MPs - fewer than half - voted for the government's plans for tuition fees. Six Conservative MPs voted against. Three ministerial aides resigned.

The package of measures will see fees rising to an upper limit of £9,000 per year - with universities charging more than £6,000 per year told to protect access for poorer students.

Interesting that the prince said nothing about understanding the 'difficulties' faced by the students.

Click here for more on this entertaining little diversion!

The Consolation of Dogs

2010-11-27T12:43:00.002Z

She's gone lads,
daunted by the ardent flame
that burns in me this time of year.
I won't pretend that I don't miss her.

So it's down you you my friends,
to fill the gap that's in me here.

So draw breath, puff out your chests,
the finest pair of harrier dogs that ever
coursed the glens of Leinster.
O ye pluck the heart strings
of everyone who sees yas.

Rejoice, for I deny humanity,
I'd rather a sailor or a tinker be
than ever again to lose ye.
I'd rather be homeless and in poverty,
I'd ransom all my property.

We'll run along the shore
from Cahore to Carnsore to Tramore
my constellation of consolation
flashing black and white,
scattering magic dust,
entertaining children.

Our names will live forever.

by Rory Stafford 2002

Rudeboys in Belfast 1988

2010-11-27T00:34:00.004Z

My photographer neighbor Padraig Grant was wandering around Belfast in 1988 when these three boyos asked him to take their photo.

I saw this in Padraig's exhibition during the 2009 Wexford Opera Festival and fell in love with it.

BOMBER performed by Girlschool

2010-11-18T00:01:00.005Z

I always have to stand up when I hear this song (written by Lemmy of Møtorhead). I don't know why but it reminds me of some friends of mine.

Those girls sure can play !

Hey Fatso,you know where you can stick that cheese!

2010-11-08T09:42:00.016Z

Our unbelievably stupid, lazy and arrogant government led by old blubber faced baby buffalo Brian Cowen is planning massive cutbacks in the forthcoming budget, set for December 7th 2010.

There is an air of deperation about the country now with all kinds of Casandras predicting all kinds of dark and doom laden scenarios, from 10 billion in cuts in the next 12 months to those fascists from the International Monetary Fund coming in and taking over the country to floods and hurricains. Even the X-factor audience seem to think that this year's series (on UK and Irish TV at the moment) is pretty shit, and if the X-Factor audience is not happy then we KNOW things must be getting bad.

To Socail Welfare recipients, most of whom lost between 10% and 20% of their benefits last year and who can expect to be hammered again come December all I can say is DONT PANIC because the government is going to give us all a nice big lump of Cheddar Cheese.

I am not sure if there is a vegetarian alternative cheese subsitute for those vegans and lactose intolerent among the country's poor.

Thank God for Brian Cowen, that's all I can say and God save Ireland!

Here is how the English Daily Telegraph reported the news.

The Beatles, Dear Prudence

2010-11-01T02:49:00.000Z

B a b

2010-08-25T21:42:00.000+01:00

A bee and a fly.. what is the main difference between them?

It's dignity.

Try to make a fly get away of your nose using your and, and do the same with a bee. What would happen?

The fly will fly away and even would return back to annoy you. But the case is completely different with the bee. It will quickly bite you that will cause its immediate death.

It's not so important for a fly if it was stirred by a hand or even chased to be killed. It will just run away. But it's a big insult against a bee's dignity just to be stirred by a hand. It will turn back, defend itself, attack, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz, it will sacrifice its own life to protect its dignity.

So, what is the reason behind this great difference?

It's all about the place where they live in. The ordinary place of a fly is dirt, rubbish and horrible smelling stuff. But the ordinary place of a bee is gardens, flowers and wonderful smelling roses.

People aren't so different from this little comparison between flies and bees.

Be a bee, not a fly.

A story

2010-08-06T19:16:00.000+01:00

I'm not sure if it's a fictional or a true story, however it gives a great lesson for our lives.

"Papa, look! It's a tree. Papa, look! A bird. Papa, look! A car! "

The father looks at his son and smiles, then turns his head to the amazed people around and smiles too.

"Is he lunatic?" A man whispers. Another woman looks with eyes full of sympathy. The rest of the people around the father and the son in the train were just looking amazed of the sentences of the son!!

Any ordinary person would give a hasty judgement and think of this 32 years old man as a lunatic or that he has some disability in the mind.

But when people around know that this man was blind for the 20 past years, and had just performed a successful surgery that brought the light back to his eyes, they will fully understand his great happiness and would even share him his feelings.

Lesson: Don't judge other people only from outer appearance. Slow down. Collect enough information. And finally form your personal perspectives about things around you.

2010-08-02T23:57:00.000+01:00

Urban_Underclass,

Love ya. Love green.

Missing having a computer around...fer sure

Only a game?

2010-06-20T00:14:00.002+01:00

The English take the World Cup seriously. This is a lovely picture of England football manager Fabio Capello during England's 0-0 draw with Algeria the other night. (Click on image to view detail).

On the far right is goalkeeper Rob Green, relegated to the bench after his monumental fuck-up cost England what would have been an undeserved win against the United States. He seems to have the face of a man who knows his life is ruined already, hopefully his loved ones are looking for a good therapist.

The three boys on the right look pretty tense too, unlike Green they are at risk of being asked to go out and play. They look like they would rather be somewhere, anywhere else.

Capello is upset because his players, none more so than star striker and Shrek look-alike Wayne Rooney seem to have forgotten how to play football. Here's a picture of Rooney telling the TV cameras what he thinks of the England supporters after they booed them off the pitch. He has since apologized.

While the team may not be very entertaining, the hysterical media reaction to their lack-lustre performance surely is. They seem to take no comfort from the fact that the French team is playing and behaving even worse than their own.

Daddy, get the pressure washer on this one.

2010-06-13T22:24:00.000+01:00

The official USA Father's Day is 06/20/2010 for the year, 2008 year...2010 year. But, I'm in to Father's Day today, so Happy future Father's Day to you men.

Me? I was too young to remember the actual presence of Dad. I think he was whisked away in a sailing vessel right after my conception...may be. Daddy did give me my name, which has caused many a worrisome note from people, who are certain I'm Jewish. Also, some think I'm Native American from my thick hair. And...some call me comrade or commie, because I naively speak to communists.

Therefore I shall tatter on with wisdom passed on to me from the Irish, my mommy's side.

~here is where I pull from memories~

Momma gave me the famous Irish headshake and the secret society of the Irish rulebook at age 11, while I was incarcerated for being homeless and allowed two visits from her.

~here's some chips. want a bite of my day old sweet roll?~

About being Irish, always smoke properly like a lady, and when your done, place the spent remainder securely in arms reach . She was really cute about that.

One famous Irish told me, that Irish songs and poems belong in bars. So I learned to read sheet music early on.

My Irish high school sweetheart taught me that going to formal dances includes plenty of fasteners connecting your gown to your undergarments. He was a good man. We broke-up on prom night.

Any darker secrets you'll have to get from Rory, the blog administrator.

Give us here at Blog 'O Blogs the story of your father or mother, if you'd like. We'd love to read about it and get to know you better. I know I would.

Happy Father's Day month.
~moonlitetwine~

2nd Sunday in June

2010-06-13T22:06:00.000+01:00

Happy Father's Day Men.

~at least, I think it's Father's Day in the US.~

Peace

Part 1 Tribute to MYST ~ Van Morrison ~ Into the Mystic ~ Enjoy your fli...

2010-06-11T22:38:00.000+01:00

A SONG FOR YOU - Leon Russell & Friends (1971)

2010-06-11T21:14:00.000+01:00

Terrorism In International Waters

2010-05-31T20:12:00.000+01:00

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed regret after at least nine people died when troops stormed ships trying to break the Gaza blockade.

But he said soldiers had been defending themselves after they were "clubbed, beaten andstabbed".

Pro-Palestinian campaigners say the soldiers opened fire unprovoked when they landed on the aid-carrying ships.

The six-ship convoy had set out to carry 10,000 tonnes of aid from Cyprus to Gaza, despite repeated Israeli warnings that it would not be allowed to reach the territory.

In a statement, Mr Netanyahu defended the Israeli operation, saying troops were attacked when they landed on the largest of the six ships in the flotilla.

"They were mobbed. They were clubbed, they were beaten, stabbed," he said.

Organisers of the convoy have strongly denied the Israeli account.

Arafat Shoukri, of the Free Gaza Movement (FGM) which helped organise the convoy, said those on board one ship had told them by telephone that Israeli helicopters had arrived.

"Then we started to hear screams, shouting, shooting everywhere," he said. "We heard some of them shouting 'We are raising the white flag, stop shooting at us'."

He said Israeli claims that activists had pistols and other weapons were "cheap propaganda".

Audrey Bomse, also of the FGM, told the BBC that the activists were "not going to pose any violent resistance".

Israel says it allows about 15,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid into Gaza every week.

But the UN says this is less than a quarter of what is needed.

Source: BBC News

Thinking for a while, I can say nothing but "This Is Terrorism!"

If we followed the story claimed by Israel we'll find out that the following is what happened;

-The 6 ships of "Freedom Convoy" headed to Gaza stripe to deliver 10,000 tonnes of aids to the people of Gaza.

- Before entering the territorial waters of Gaza stripe or these of Israel the Israeli marine and air forces stormed the ships of the convoy.

- As the Israeli commandos landed on the ships of the convoy from helicopters they were "beaten and stabbed."

- Israeli commandos "repelled" the attack by shooting randomly which caused approximately15 persons to die and wounding at least 30 of the members of the "Freedom Convoy", and wounding 10 Israeli commandos.

- Israeli marine forces escorted the 6 ships of the convoy into the port of Ashdod.

This is the story told by Israelis. If we analyzed this story, assuming that it's true, we'll find out the following;

a) The "Freedom Convoy" was delivering aids for Palestinians in Gaza, not weapons.

b) Israeli forces landed on the ships in international waters. This point is so essential. So, I'll focus on this point legally..

According to the 87th and 90th articles of the "United Nations Convention On The Law of The Sea" we can read the following:

"The high seas are open to all States, whether coastal or land-locked. .."

"Every State, whether coastal or land-locked, has the right to sail ships flying its flag on the high seas."

If we read the 89th article we'll find out a very important part..

"NO STATE MAY VALIDLY PURPORT TO SUBJECT ANY PART OF THE HIGH SEAS TO ITS SOVEREIGNTY."

According to these articles of the international convention we can easily realize that Israel has no right to question, investigate, search or stop these ships, as they were sailing in high seas. But what happened is exactly the contrary according to the narration of Israelis..

At the moment when Israeli troops landed on the ships they were out of the Israeli sovereignty. It was an illegal act, and is considered to be an apparent violation of the 89^th article of the interntaional convention. This is called in international law rules as "Piracy". When the Israeli troops attacked the ships of the convoy they were exactly like any pirate who attack a ship in the sea. Israeli soldiers started the hostility just by their landing using their helicopters on the ships when they were in high seas.

What I imply is so clear..

If we assumed that the Israeli story is true, "Israeli combat airdrop over the ships WHEN THEY WERE IN INTERNATIONAL WATER , beating and stabbing by members of the convo, then shooting and killing over 10 members by Israeli soldiers", we will understand that what Israel did was a war crime and actual terrorism, and what was done by the honorable men and women on the ships of "Freedom Convoy" was the actual self-defense.

Now, all free men and women in this world must question all claims of Israeli intentions to make peace. Is that true that Israel really need peace? They are disrespecting all international law rules. They attack ships in high seas, they rig passports of other states to commit an assassination in another safe sountry, they kill children women and children, they attack hospitals and schools, they build settlements over the occupied Palestinian lands. Should we believe their lies anymore?

Listening to the Vibes...Van Morrison, please come home.

2010-05-29T22:18:00.000+01:00

Incredible information! Evidently, Van Morrison's music is being pulled from YouTube. These facists are surely warring. Who?

I'm trying to speak softly, but I'm angry. When trying to find some Van Morrison stuff sung by the artist himself, I opened a website. It explained that Warner Brothers has pressured YouTube into removing Morrison's material. Other recording artists are being removed, too, such as The Rolling Stones.

I found Van Morrison's, "Moondance", original on an FM Radio site. I cannot bring it over here, but here is the http:

http://djallyn.org/archives/3466

2010-05-17T20:49:00.000+01:00

It must be Wabbit Season!!

Opps, Texas Did It Again, singalong

2010-04-23T23:36:00.000+01:00

American Civil Liberties Union:
Stop extremist takeover of textbooks

I agree with anyone saying that textbooks are a tool and not an all encompassing manual for a classroom teacher. But, when textbooks in the USA are riddled like an old coffee can after target practice at your Uncle Nelson's farm, it's time to reload and reposition.

I also agree, that ACLU was pretty lame during the Bush Administration and to an extent, still is. However, very capable men and women are successfully pressing the ACLU to oppose, "new ideologically-tainted standards for Texas' public school textbooks." ACLU.org

Let us be effective in this principled cause, this honorable, ageless cause for the right of children to learn the entire story of history.

As that old 1960's song by Brotherhood of Man says, "For united we stand, divided we fall. And if our backs are ever up against the wall, we'll be together you and I".

Workers Republic - Wexford IRSP Newsletter #2

2010-04-09T09:03:00.000+01:00

(click to enlarge)

Where to Now?

2010-04-07T11:40:00.001+01:00

Opinions wanted on what to do with this blog, I am pretty open-minded as long as it remains progressive and left wing.

any ideas?

Free Aafia Siddiqui - PROTEST 27.3.10

2010-03-24T07:14:00.000Z

The Irish Republican Socialist Party have arranged a protest in solidarity with Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, to be held at the United States embassy in Dublin on the 27th March at 2.30pm. We would encourage all Republican, socialist and anti-war activists to attend this protest and show their opposition to the American imperialist intervention in the Middle-East and to demand a stop to the internment and torture of innocent people like Dr. Aafia Siddiqui.

Dr. Aafia Siddiqui is a citizen of the United States and of Pakistani origin. She is a scientist educated at MIT and Brandeis University.

Dr. Siddiqui was abducted in Pakistan in March 2003 for no known reason and was sent to Afghanistan where she was held secretly for 5 years in Bagram prison. Bagram prison, often described as the ‘forgotten Guantánamo’, is notorious for the brutal treatment and torture of those held there. Her detainment in Bagram is something the US. government denies but her presence there has been verified by former prisoners held at Bagram.

At the time of Dr. Siddiqui’s abduction she was with her 3 young children. She has no idea what has become of her two youngest children, one being just a few months old at the time, while her 7 year old son was interned with her and subjected so similar abuse and torture.

On February 3rd 2010, Dr. Siddiqui was found guilty by a court in New York of attempted murder while she being detained. She was accused of taking an assault rifle off of a US. army officer in an interview room and firing the weapon at members of the US. military and FBI personnel who were all present. Yet Dr. Siddiqui’s finger prints were not found on the weapon in question, no bullets were found, no shell casings, no bullet holes and none of the people present in this meeting room were injured...that is except Aadia Siddiqui who was shot in the stomach and almost died from her injuries.

The conviction of Dr. Siddiqui in her show trial was nothing but an attempt to cover up the abused and horrors that she has suffered. She was never charged with any offence while detained. It is also important to realise that this is all too common place in the Middle-East and Dr. Siddiqui’s story is just one of many similar instances.

We demand her immediate release and for her to be re-united with her children who are still missing. We demand an end to America’s imperialist intervention in the Middle-East which has brought a wave of death, destruction, pain and torture to the people of that region.

http://www.cageprisoners.com/prisoners.php?id=1367

http://www.draafia.org/

End Capitalism! End Imperialism!

Irish Republican Socialist Party

------------------------

ADDENDUM 28/3/2010:

CLICK HERE FOR A REPORT ON THE PROTEST AND PHOTOS FROM THE REPUBLICAN SOCIALIST FORUM

One Milk. One Drink.

2010-03-14T16:05:00.000Z

Remarkable Discovery
Bottled Milk

This little baby cow will soon grow up.
It will be amazing.
Why?

It will be grazing on Iowa grasses,
growing and becoming a major contributor to
natures own way.
www.iptv.org/mtom/
archivedf...m?Fid=374

New Flag

2010-03-08T10:26:00.001Z

Click on image to enlarge

Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words. I made a new flag to hang over Free Wexford. I think it is astonishingly beautiful.

Giving Happiness

2010-02-21T23:05:00.000Z

Two old men, one room, in a hospital. Both of them are seriously ill. The first of them cannot leave his bed or even move, the second was allowed to set on a chair one hour everyday in front of the only window in the room. A friendship arises between them. The second man was describing for his friend everyday the wonderful things he sees through the window .. Kids playing merrily, ducks swimming in the beautiful lake, families in small boats, green trees and blue sky. The man was happy for hearing about these beautiful things that he cannot see.

Weeks passed, and the man who was describing the beautiful scenes died. The other man was sad for that.

Other days passed, and the man asks the nurse to be transfered to the other bed to be close to the window. And it was. He made his best to look from the window. He wanted to see the beautiful scenes and remember the good days he passed with his room mate. Little by little he lifts his body on the bed, he turns his head to the right to look from the window, and ... he was shocked. A high cement wall was standing in front of the window and blocking the sight. The man was amazed. He couldn't understand why his room mate was describing things that do not really exist.

He told the nurse about everything, and the amazement of the nurse was grater. She said: "He was blind!".

---------------------

It's a story I heard in the Friday preach, and I liked it so much.

Do the charity even if you will not take anything for it.

Give happiness to others even if you cannot have it for yourself.

Irish Republican Socialism - My Two Cents

2010-02-14T16:42:00.000Z

The following in a comment I recently made on the blog The Pensive Quill on the post Dis/topia [sic]ness. It pretty much sums up where my head is at politically. In other words, in flux.

Antony,

This blog is very interesting lately. I am currently ploughing my way through 'The Lost Revolution' by Hanley and Millar. Very educational. I am currently at the stage of the Provo/Official split and it has given me an insight that I think is relevant to the comments on this thread.

Sinn Fein/IRA in the 1960s was the true inheritor of the republican tradition of Wolfe Tone, the Fenians and the IRB, and like them in the 1960s were seen by the majority of Irish Nationalists north and south as being somewhat eccentric, not necessarily bad, or even wrong, but dreamers who would be better off turning their attention to bread and butter issues. Except for rare moments of crisis, this is the way republicans always have been seen (and are seen now).

Anyway in the 1960s, the IRA either out of genuine idealism, or political opportunism starts to move to the left, which causes a lot of internal strife, just as this is coming to a boil the whole civil rights thing explodes. IRA membership mushrooms and the split occurs. Here's my point, the Provos were not only not Republican Socialists, the majority of them were not even Republicans. I've put the word majority in bold for good reason, yes a significant minority were republicans, who either did not buy into the socialism or who ended up on the Provo side because of personal or neighborhood loyalty. But the majority ended up in the provos because they wanted civil rights and to defend their homes and loved ones, not because they were committed republican revolutionaries. Now that they've got their civil rights, they are happy to return to being bourgeois nationalists.

I think Larry's FF in the South SF in the North is totally understandable. Both parties pose at being republican (waving tricolours, attending republican commemorations) while at the same time are quite willing to persecute and imprison (and in the case of FF, execute) former republican comrades. In a way SF are worse because they pretend to be socialists something FF tend to avoid doing (although there was Bertie Aherne's bizarre claim to being a socialist some years back).

As for the Officials/Worker's party, well they are a ghost party, bled white by splits and the fall of the Berlin Wall. I have read their newspaper and seen some blogs, I've even talked to ghostly voices down a telephone, but I've never seen or touched a WP member since the Democratic Left split.

Personally, and I expect to be shot down over this, at this stage of my journey though the weird and wonderful world of the Irish Left, I think the remnants of the old Republican Spirit, if they remain anywhere, are in the INLA/IRSP. That said the recent decommissioning is hard to fathom. But if they exist anywhere I hope they have learned that for a revolution to succeed you need the support of the mass of the people, plus a fair measure of the security forces of the state. Perhaps at some times in the 1970s and 1980s such a situation almost existed in Ireland. Maybe the troubles really were a lost opportunity, but I don't believe the majority of the provos were ever really revolutionary and now they are certainly no different from FF, FG and Labour in the south.

Rory

The Canticle of the Creatures

2010-02-10T18:12:00.000Z

Most High, all-powerful, good Lord,
all praise is yours, all glory, all honor,
and all blessing.
To you, alone, Most High, do they belong.
No mortal lips are worthy to pronounce your name.
All praise be yours, my Lord,
through all you have made,
and first my lord Brother Sun, who brings the day;
and through whom you give us light.
How beautiful is he, how radiant in all his splendor;
Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.
All Praise be yours, my Lord, through Sister Moon
and the stars; in the heavens you have made them,
bright, and precious, and fair.
All praise be yours, my Lord,
through Brothers wind and air, and fair and stormy,
all the weather's moods,
by which you cherish all that you have made.
All praise be yours, my Lord, through Sister Water,
so useful, humble, precious and pure.
All praise be yours, my Lord, through Brother Fire,
through whom you brighten up the night.
How beautiful is he, how cheerful!
Boisterous and strong.
All praise be yours, my Lord, through our Sister
Mother Earth, who sustains us and governs us,
and produces various fruits with colored flowers
and herbs.
All praise be yours, my Lord,
through those who grant pardon for love of you;
through those who endure sickness and trial.
Happy are those who endure in peace,
By You, Most High, they will be crowned.
All praise be yours, my Lord, through Sister Death,
From whose embrace no mortal can escape.
Woe to those who die in mortal sin!
Happy those she finds doing your will!
The second death can do them no harm.
Praise and bless my Lord, and give him thanks
And serve him with great humility.

- Saint Francis of Assisi

Another Crazy Idea , Two

2010-01-12T22:40:00.000Z

Basketball Rules in Palestine

Republican Communist Network

18 May 2009

Originally published in Emancipation & Liberation Issue 10, Summer 2005.

1.Israelis have the right to play on both sides of the court, whereas Palestinians can only play on their own side.

2. For security reasons, Palestinians do not have the right to pass the ball between players, the ball could hit an Israeli player.

3. There will be no basket on the Israeli side.

4. Israel is allowed to shoot at any time, even during time-outs.

5. Palestinians are not allowed to have supporters. Only Israelis should be supported.

6. Israel selects the press and what the press reports.

7. Israel encourages Palestinians to shoot into the Palestinian basket. Players who refuse will be nominated as terrorists and will not be allowed to play.

8. Palestinian players are allowed to leave the field but can not return. One exception: A Palestinian can be replaced by an Israeli.

9. Israel selects and instructs the referees, and tells them to look away.

10. Israel selects the captain of the Palestinian team.

11. Israeli faults and Palestinian good plays will not be shown on TV.

12. Israel takes the money sponsors pay to Palestinians.

13.Only Israeli players get refreshments.

14. Palestinians are required to play, when and where designated by Israel.

15. Rules only apply to Palestinians. Israelis may change the rules during the game and are not required to advice the Palestinians of the changes.

Written by Dror Feiler, an ex-Israeli para from kibbutz Yad Hanna, now living in Sweden. He is a member of European Jews for a Just Peace. Published in New Interventions, Volume 12, no.1, Spring 2005.

http://republicancommunist.org/blog/2009/01/11/basketball-rules-in-palestine/

Another Crazy Idea

2010-01-12T05:39:00.000Z

I am so tired of the wringing of hands and the doing of nothing about the continual strife on the subject of the Muslim religion, whether it is a worthy and justifiable way to believe. It's more tiresome the see and read about people being killed, maimed or wounded over territory and calling it religious vestage. It is the undercurrent surrounding the religious battle in the Mid East.

In fact, the hand wringing and toe stomping by the all goodly people has done nothing at all. To this day, one region, that of the Palestine Territory is putting to shame the entire Northwestern Quadrant of the Earth, excluding most of the oceans therein.

There are a few simple solutions that can be taken right away, those that will help Palestinians live more vibrantly.

Don't even worry about a truce at this time.
Accept that the Israeli Government will continue its pace at destroying any hope Palestine and the world has for an independent nation.
Be prepared to do whatever is possible to see to it that Palestine prospers and at a rate that is sound: morally, emotionally, spiritually and financially.

With these three precepts at hand, there are so many opportunities for Palestine to become successful.

I like to keep this simple. I have some fabulous notions. Many are unconventional. So is true of life, it seems.

Please comment if you feel so inclined, guests and blog co-authors or contributors.

US HIV/AIDS Ban Lifted

2010-01-06T19:02:00.000Z

BBC E-mail: US lifts HIV/Aids immigration

** US lifts HIV/Aids immigration ban **The US lifts a 22-year immigration ban that stopped anyone with HIV/Aids from entering the country.
< http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/2/hi/americas/8438865.stm >

What a significant event from the Barak Obama Administration!I know there will be lots of homecoming celebrations during the next few weeks. This is such good news.

Irish Atheists Challenge Blasphemy Law

2010-01-02T06:20:00.000Z

From the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)!

An atheist group in the Irish Republic has defied a new blasphemy law by publishing a series of anti-religious quotations on its website.

Atheist Ireland says it will fight any action taken against it in court.

The quotations include the words of writers such as Mark Twain and Salman Rushdie, but also Jesus Christ, the Prophet Muhammad and Pope Benedict XVI.

The new law makes blasphemy a crime punishable by a fine of up to €25,000 (£22,000; $35,000).

The government says it is needed because the republic's 1937 constitution only gives Christians legal protection of their beliefs.

The new law was passed in July 2009 but came into force on 1 January.

Atheist Ireland responded by publishing 25 quotes it considers anti-religious on its website.

The group said its aim is to have the law repealed and to attain a secular Irish constitution.

Chairman Michael Nugent said it would challenge the blasphemy law through the courts if it were charged, the London-based Guardian newspaper reported.

"This new law is both silly and dangerous," he said. "It is silly because medieval religious laws have no place in a modern secular republic, where the criminal law should protect people and not ideas."

Atheist Ireland says it will hold a series of public meetings around the country to launch its campaign.

********************************************

Considering my recent release from of the song "Gold Plated Jesus" I'm with the Athiests on this one!

Atheist Ireland website click here!

Sayings of Moshe Dayan

2009-12-25T21:57:00.001Z

Yes I know he looks like the villain from a cheesy 1960's James Bond movie, but he's not, he was an all round Zionist hero as well as being Israel's Defence and Foreign minister at various times.

All quotes and their sources can be seen at: www.palistineremembered.com

Here goes...

"[houses were destroyed] not in battle, but as punishment . . . and in order to CHASE AWAY the inhabitants . . . contrary to government policy."

"we must understand the motives and causes of the continued emigration of the [Palestinian] Arabs, from both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, and not to undermine these causes after all, we want to create a new map."

"We want [Palestinian] emigration, we want a normal standard of living, we want to encourage emigration according to a selective program."

"The proposed policy [of raising the level of public service in the occupied territories] may clash with our intention to encourage emigration from both [Gaza] Strip and Judea and Samaria. Anyone who has practical ideas or proposal to encourage emigration----let him speak up. No idea or proposal is to be dismissed out of hand."

"Our American friends offer us money, arms, and advice. We take the money, we take the arms, and we decline the advice."

"There is no more Palestine. Finished . . ."

"a new State of Israel with broad frontiers, strong and solid, with the authority of the Israel Government extending from the Jordan [river] to the Suez Canal."

One thing I like about Dayan is that he told the truth, very unusual for a politician, but I think he was a soldier first.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T13:30:00.000Z

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL IN THE SPIRIT IT IS MEANT!

Fugitive From Justice!

2009-12-16T21:17:00.001Z

After escaping from an arrest warrant granted by a London court for being accused of committing war crimes, Tzipi Livni, the Israeli former Foreign Minister, held a press conference to declare that she is "proud" of all her decisions in the Israeli war against Palestinians during Christmas last year!

It's important to record that the Israeli war was condemned by several states and international organizations. Nothing was out of the attack; hospitals, infrastructure, roads, water stations, schools, mosques and UN centers were all attacked under the claim that leaders of Palestinian resistance exist there! The result was killing 1330 victims including; 418 child killed, 108 woman killed, 88 elderly killed and 14 of medical crews killed, plus 5450 wounded with a percent of 50% children and women, and 90% of the wounds are caused by the internationally banned White Phosphorus. The reasonable description for what happened in 22 days is "Genocide".

The encouraging act of the British court that resurrected a glimmer of hope in achieving international justice is threatened now by the shameful declarations of UK's Prime Minister G. Brown of welcoming Livni in England, and the declarations of British Ministers of looking urgently at reforming the law to avoid future warrant against Israeli officials!

It's a serious threat against human rights and international justice. When policy interferes the work of justice, then all war criminals will escape the just penalty.

British government is put now in an embarrassing situation. It's required to choose one of two choices; the political relations with a government accused of committing war crimes, or chasing war criminals giving them the penalty they deserve. Which will win; Policy or Justice?

Men vs. Women

2009-12-09T22:28:00.000Z

It's amazing what the differences between men and

women would reveal of our natures!

Subh Milis by Séamus Ó Neill

2009-11-25T22:09:00.000Z

Bhí subh milis ar bháscrann an doras
ach mhúch mé an corraí
ionaim a d'éirigh
mar smaoinigh mé ar an lá
a bheadh an bháscrann glan
agus an lámh beag - ar iarraidh

There was sweet Jam on the doorhandle,
but I suppressed the anger that rose up inside me,
for I thought about the day when the doorhandle would be clean,
and the little hand gone.

Translated by Rory.

The only Irish Language Poem I know off by Heart, it still makes me cry after 30 years.

Decaffeinated Coffee

2009-11-24T15:57:00.000Z

OK so if Moonlitewine can be posting about smoking homemade pipes and drinking fruity drinks, here my newest (non)stimulant. Yep, after years of over-stimulation, I bought de-caff.

What's next? you may well ask, herbal tea? tofu? hummus!!!???

Hmm, I doubt it. But I must say my new clear-headed approach to life is paying dividends.

Meanwhile, an associate of mine told me that a certain fascist, convicted drug dealer and known police informer told him that my neighbors were getting together a petition to get me thrown off the street.

Who??? I wonder, I get on well with all of the neighbors I know and am quite good friends with several people on our little street.

Anyway, as luck would have it not two hours after hearing this little nugget of information, I meet the aforementioned fascist/drug dealer/police informer while out walking Yogi. I confronted him and asked "what's this you are saying about a petition to get me thrown off my street?"

He said, "well that's what I heard". So I told him to send whoever told him that around to my place so we could discuss it. I won't hold my breath.

Now it is not beyond the realms of possibility that Sir Antony O'Reilly's henchmen in That Big Theater down the other end of the street don't like me flying red flags out my upstairs window on special occasions (my Lithuanian friends seem to think this must be a crime), but, last I heard, Ireland is still a free country.

I await further developments.

MUSLIMS & NON-MUSLIMS | What Did Prophet Muhammad Tell Muslims To Do?

2009-11-16T15:02:00.000Z

How should Muslims treat non-Muslims? Are they required to deal kindly and justly, or hate them? Are Muslims required to smile in their faces, or stab them in the back?

I believe, many non-Muslims are eager to hear an answer to such questions from the mouth of Islamic resources. Particularly under the big wave of Islamophobia in the Western world, and the number of violent incidents made allegedly in the name of Islam. So, it's important to talk about the basis of Islamic perspective about non-Muslims. Hatred or Love? Marginalizing or Merging? Fighting or Cooperation? Separation or Coexistence?

The best way to understand Islamic perspective about the relation between Muslims and non-Muslims is to follow what Prophet Muhammad said and practiced. This way we can focus on the theoretical principles set for Muslims to treat non-Muslims, and in the same way see a practical application of these principles.

It's important at first to clarify that everything that Prophet Muhammad say or do, is considered to be a legislation for all Muslims. If Qur'an is the first source of Shari'a (Islamic legislation), then sayings and deeds of the Prophet are the second source. Qur'an says; "Ye have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for any one whose hope is in Allah and the Final Day, and who engages much in the Praise of Allah." 33th chapter: 21th verse. Subsequently, when the Prophet do something or say anything, all Muslims are required to do the same as he did and apply what he said. All Muslims consider Prophet Muhammad as the best example for them..

When the message of Islam started to spread in its early beginning, the people of Mecca started to murder new Muslims, torture them, besiege and boycott them, and expropriate their properties. This sufferance lasted for 13 years. The atmosphere in Mecca has not become suitable for Muslims to live, so they had to immigrate to another place away from the reach of Meccans. The choice was Medina, 450 KM away from Mecca. Medina was a place where Jews settled long time before. The first thing Prophet Muhammad did after he migrated to Medina was to sign a treaty, including all tribes of Medina beside Jewish tribes. The main clauses of that treaty were;

*The Jews will profess their religion, and the Muslims theirs.

*If attacked by a third party, each shall come to the assistance of the other.

*Neither shall commit sins to the prejudice of the other.

*The wronged party shall be aided.

*Each shall contribute to defending Madinah, in case of a foreign attack, in its respective area.

*This treaty shall not hinder either party from seeking lawful revenge.

There are major values seen in these clauses such as; Freedom of religion, Merging Jews in community instead of marginalizing them, Setting the basics of justice and equity, Supporting the right regardless of faith. Prophet Muhammad practiced these values 14 centuries ago!

In Qur'an, 60th Chapter, 7th & 8th verse say;"It may be that Allah will grant love (and friendship) between you and those whom ye (now) hold as enemies. For Allah has power (over all things); And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. * Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loveth those who are just." In addition, Prophet Muhammad -God bless him- said about Dhimmis (non-Muslims living under Islamic protection); "He who hurts a Dhimmi hurts me, and he who hurts me annoys Allah." Reported by Al-Tabarani. The two verses and the Hadith (Saying of the Prophet) show very clearly the main frame of how a Muslim should treat non-Muslims.

If we started by the Hadith we can realize that it's a big sin and a forbidden thing to hurt non-Muslims. What is a "hurt"? This include everything that would annoy any human; mistreat, transgression and oppression. We aren't talking here about bombing civilian places and random shooting. If Prophet Muhammad considered hurting, just the hurt at any level, as hurting for himself and subsequently to God (Which devout Muslim would dare to do something that hurt the Prophet and annoy Allah?), then, higher levels of hurt like attacking and killing them is an unforgivable crime.

The two verses maintain the peace that must be achieved between Muslims and non-Muslims who don't aim at fighting and driving Muslims out of their homes. Peace for peace, that's it. These verses include all non-Muslims; Christians, Jews, and even the infidels. "Kindly and Justly", a very clear order. Smiling, Giving a present, Exchanging friendly visits, Sharing the food, Volunteering in social projects, Selling & Buying, Medical treatment, Sharing in social occasions, Helping the needy, Giving the poor, .. there is so much other to say, it's simply; "Dealing Kindly and Justly"!

Another short incident that Prophet Muhammad did, but, I believe, it has much to tell Muslims about treating non-Muslims. One day a funeral procession passed by and the Prophet (PBUH) stoop up. The people objected. "But it is the funeral of a Jews." and he responded, "Is he not a human being?"

I asked myself "What is the message out of that?", "What did Prophet Muhammad want to tell his companions?". I think the message is clear. Prophet Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam is telling Muslims that when we treat non-Muslims kindly, it's not about cheating them, but it's all about respecting them .. just because they are human beings. It's about respecting their souls and their dignity, whatever they believe in.

In another occasion, a delegation of Christian Yemenis arrived to Medina to meet Prophet Muhammad. The Prophet welcomed them in the mosque of Medina. When the time of their prayer came, they prayed at the mosque, and the Prophet allowed them! Prophet Muhammad is not just telling Muslims that we should give non-Muslims the freedom of practicing their faith, but in addition, we might share them our worshiping places, our mosques, to practice their worshiping. So open-minded, so civilized!

When the Prophet was migrating from Mecca to Medina secretly, the people of Mecca was chasing him to assassinate him, they even sent 10 strong young men with sharp swords to his house to kill him, but God saved him (PBUH). The situation was so risky, any mistake would lead to the death of the Prophet, the messenger of God, and the receiver of the revelation. When the Prophet needed a guide to show him the way to Medina through the desert without being seen by the Meccans, he choose Abdullah Ibn Urayket, one of the Meccans, a good guide, and .. a non-Muslim!

Thinking of it, the Prophet of Islam trusted a non-Muslim in that critical situation. He would easily reveal the secret to the Meccans, and win the 100 camels prize that Meccans made for anyone who tell them about the place of the Prophet. But the Prophet didn't looked at him that way, instead he looked at how good he was as a guide who knows the secret roads to Medina and how honest and trusted he was so not to reveal his secret. The Prophet trusted him i.e. trusted a non-Muslim! This tell all Muslims very clearly that working with a non-Muslim, is no thing bad.

One of the most important Hadith (Sayings of the Prophet) about the security of the non-Muslims' lives is the following. The Prophet of Islam said; "Whoever kills a person whom we have a treaty will not even come close enough to Paradise to smell its scent, and its scent can be found at a distance of forty years travel." Reported by Bukhari

No thing would be more clear. All those who bomb themselves in civil places thinking that they are dying as "martyrs" who will go to paradise, all those who kill randomly by the name of Islam thinking that they are practicing the noble Jihad, and all those who terrorize the safe non-Muslims, all of them must hear that saying of the Prophet. The Prophet is telling them that they will not even approach to paradise after their death.

An application of that Hadith was made in the life of the Prophet. It has been recorded in more than one source that one of the Muslims killed a man from the People of the Covenant, and the case was brought before the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), who said; "I am the one most obliged to fulfill his covenant" and ordered the murderer to be executed. A Muslim was executed because he killed one non-Muslim! That's Shari'a!

These were few examples of how Prophet Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam, treated non-Muslims. In fact, that's what are we, Muslims, required to be with non-Muslims, those who live with us in the same place, and share us the same planet. We're required to love them not to hate them, to make peace with them not to terrorize them, to coexist with them not to kill them. That's what my religion, Islam, tell me to do.

Welcome Mohamed

2009-11-14T01:14:00.000Z

Thank you, Mohamed for being willing to contribute to Blog of Blogs.
May our widson improve.
May our art be met with challenges.
May our theories be met.
May our honesty wipe the edge of all we envision.

moonlitetwine

Welcome Mohamed

2009-11-13T22:18:00.000Z

I would like to welcome our newest contributor on board, Mohamed Fadly from Egypt. It makes me proud that we have contributors from three different continents, Europe, America and Africa.

Moonlitewine and I are long time followers and commentators on Mohamed's excellent Understanding Islam blog.

I look forward to Mohamed's first post I think on the subject of The relationship between Musims and non-Muslims.

Rory

A fight that must be won

2009-11-11T23:05:00.000Z

A fight that must be won:
A national stoppage to drive this government out of office
From S.W.P Ireland Website

The Fianna Fail-Green government are planning a new round of attacks on working people to pay for the bail out of the banks.

These will include attacks on child benefit, pay reductions, slashing of public services and the introduction of water charges.

Yet they have already spent €11 billion on bailing out banks and plan to put another €54 billion into NAMA.

They have no mandate for any of these policies and have little public support. Tens of thousands of trade unionists have come out on the streets on November 6th and many have voted for strike action to oppose these policies.

No Sell-Outs

But this mood is not matched by a determination at the top of the ICTU. How could you expect the former FAS chief, Peter McLoone, to lead a real battle!

The ICTU leaders have walked straight into a trap by agreeing to talk about a programme of cuts. The government’s aim is to divide workers by presenting a false choice: you can either have pay cuts – or huge jobs losses.

Far from advising the government on how to cut €1.3 billion from the public sector, the union leaders should be shouting: WE are not the problem – NAMA and the Bank- Bail outs are.

If the government wants to raise more money it should look to the super-rich who gained an extra €75 billion during the Celtic Tiger years. They created the economic mess – and THEY should pay for it.

A National Stoppage

After the huge protest on November 6th and November 11th, the movement MUST escalate or face defeat.

This means that the national stoppage on November 24th should go ahead and strike committees should be formed at grassroots level to organise rotas for picket duty.

Remember: If we show any sign of retreat again, the government will only stick the boot in further

Do It The French Way

A strategy for victory should be based on the great French strike of 1995. When the Juppé government attacked social welfare and public sector pay, the unions engaged in a series of co-ordinated national stoppages. These stoppages were initially led by public sector workers but eventually they drew in private sector workers who had their own grievances.

The one day strikes in November and December 1995 defeated the French government – and we can do exactly the same here, provided there is the will to fight.

Join The Socialists

We need a real alternative to the political establishment. Replacing an Fianna Fail-Green government with Fine Gael-Labour will not bring the change we need.

We need a new politics that is determined to make the wealthy pay for their crisis. If you agree, then join the socialists. Text JOIN to 086 3074060.

Tom Hogan ICTU Rally speech in Waterford nov '09

2009-11-08T09:37:00.000Z

Thanks to Cllr. Joe Ryan for uploading this video.

ICTU Protest March

2009-11-06T23:37:00.000Z

I attended the Irish Congress of Trades Unions march in Waterford today along with an estimated 9,000 other people. Joe Ryan of Cllr Joe Ryan's Blog was also in attendance so check his blog for more photos and a full report written from a trade union perspective.

There were marches in various towns and cities all over Ireland and they were all well attended, but somehow I think it will take more sustained action to scare the fat cats in our government.

Anyway, some photos (click on any image to enlarge)...

Teachers with placards in Irish, fair play!

Wexford Community Development Project protesters, (looking good Pauline)! You can see a little movie, with sound of them protesting on Joe's blog.

Young people from Ballybeg, Waterford waiting to join the march.

Anyway, again we were blessed with good weather and an enjoyable day was had by all.

No Matter How Much you are Tempted, don't Google Yourself.

2009-11-05T14:43:00.000Z

Three months in jail suspended
ABUSIVE BEHAVIOUR

Wednesday September 09 2009

A MAN who suffers from bi-polar disorder was given a suspended sentence of three months in prison at Wexford District Court for a public order offence.

Rory Stafford, 4, High Street, Wexford pleaded guilty to engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace at Rowe Street on May 24.

Inspector Pat McDonald said Garda Gerard Guinan found the defendant causing a disturbance outside a pub. When he approached him, he became very abusive. He said the accused had a number of previous convictions, the most recent being in April when he was placed on Probation for two years.

Aoife Pettitt, solicitor handed in a letter from her client's GP and a local councillor. She said the defendant suffered from bi-polar disorder for which he was taking medication.

Unfortunately, the medication did not mix well with alcohol, she said, adding that he had an appointment with the Cornmarket Project to talk to a counsellor about his alcohol problem.

Judge O Buachalla sentenced him to three months in prison, the warrant not to issue on him entering a bond to be of good behaviour for two years.

He also fined him €300 for a public order offence in December 2008 when he was intoxicated in a public place.

Recognizances were fixed in the event of an appeal.

My Favourite Song - The Beatles Let it Be

2009-11-02T02:33:00.000Z

Happy Halloween - A Song for a Dead Man

2009-10-31T23:36:00.001Z

The Ballad of King Boz

Words, Music and images by Alan, Rory,Yogi

Thanks to Blue Moose, Mary, Ady, St. Senan's, the Cornmarket Project and Dermot F for support.
Copyright Fire Horses (A.Butler, R.Stafford) October 2009

Book Review of World Made By Hand A Novel By James Howard Kunstler, written as an open e-mail to the author.

2009-10-30T02:47:00.000Z

Greetings Mr. Kunstler,

I finally got to read 'World Made by Hand', I had to wait for my library to stock it (I asked them to buy a copy several months ago, I can't afford to buy novels, it's been several years since I've read a novel, (I read a lot of non-fiction).
Getting the library to buy it was good for you, good for me, good for the library and good for the rest of the underclass who can't afford to buy novels).

The long-awaited book finally came and a nice little potboiler it is too. I read it in a day, so it was engaging, entertaining. Not what I'd expected, less 'Little House on the Prairie', more action-adventure. But what a lot of eating and drinking goes on during the book! I kept getting hungry and thirsty, going for snacks and craving glasses of cider! I did not expect 'food pornography' (A term myself and a few colleagues invented to describe the utterances of a talk radio jock over here who's a bit of a gourmet, around Christmas time he starts salivating through the radio over entrees such as'Turkeys stuffed with ducks, stuffed with quail').

I was glad you weren't too hard on Wayne Karp and his tattooed underclass. I was afraid I would find myself throwing the book across the room in disgust before the end. But Mr Earle and Brother Jobe showed some restraint, even a little empathy perhaps?

Anyway I look forward to the sequel and the challenge of persuading my local library to buy it, for the benefit of me, you and the knowledge hungry Wexford Underclass.

B.T.W, I still enjoy your blog but don't bother to comment. The comments section is just too off subject, too many trolls.

Rory Stafford (Urban_Underclass), Wexford, Ireland

Check out our blog :)
Blog of Blogs

Check out Mr.Kunstlers blog:
Clusterfuck nation

Lisbon Treaty - Local Results

2009-10-03T19:43:00.000+01:00

Waterford	YES	68.5	NO	31.5
Wexford	YES	65.2	NO	34.8
Wicklow	YES	70.7	NO	29.3

Results for all constituencies from The Irish Times.

SIPTU Community Sector March - Dublin - 30 September 2009

2009-09-30T21:57:00.001+01:00

I attended the SIPTU Community Sector March against the Governments cutbacks today...

...I was not the only Wexford person there, above is a lovely group of Wexford Town Women proudly wearing the purple and gold.

This is the stage from which a variety of community groups made short speeches.

Sinn Fein were there, so were the Socialist Worker's Party.

This man dressed up in a suit for the event!

This lady had a wonderful homemade placard!

Cork People!

Here is Socialist Party Member of the European Parliament Joe Higgins talking to the media. I was proud to shake his hand.

It was a good day, excellent weather, people were in good humour. Between 12,000 and 15,000 marched, which was good for a Wednesday afternoon.

Wexford's own little Sarah Palin.

2009-09-28T00:16:00.001+01:00

This is South East Radio DJ Alan Corcoran posing with Wexford's greatest soccer player, Kevin Doyle...

...and this is Fianna Fail senator Lisa MacDonald. I was at a 'rally' in White's Hotel, Wexford tonight, in 'opposition' to proposed cuts in services in Wexford General Hospital. It was, to be honest more of a xenophobic love-in between Fainna Fail and the so-called opposition, Fine Geal and Labour.

When a Dublin trade unionist spoke up, he was shouted down viciously by the chairman of the rally, the suave Alan Corcoran from South East radio. Alan seemed very keen to let the poor man know in no uncertain terms that Alan is from WEXFORD and 'we' don't like Dublin smart aleks coming down to our cozy little town where everyone, especially the government and the main opposition parties really loves each other.

Senator MacDonald told us how much she LOVED the maternity unit in Wexford General Hospital where she's been a patient THREE TIMES! Big brave girl. She went on to say how she wouldn't mind if the smaller maternity units in Kilkenny and Tipperary were closed down. I mean fuck them. Who cares about mothers from Kilkenny or Tipperary?

Aw shucks! Go hug a Wexford person today. WE'RE REALLY LOVELY!

Lisbon Treaty - Campaign Against the EU Constitution

2009-09-23T03:06:00.000+01:00

The follow is a list of affiliates of the Campaign Against the EU Constitution (Where a party or organisation has a specially designed website for the No to Lisbon campaign, the links below point to those sites rather than to their main website).

Communist Party of Ireland
Community & Workers Action Group
Éirígí
Irish Anti-War Movement
Irish Friends of Palestine Against Lisbon
Irish Republican Socialist Party
Irish Socialist Network
Peace & Neutrality Alliance
People Before Profit Alliance
People's Movement
Sinn Féin
Socialist Party
Socialist Workers Party
Workers Party

Affiliates from other EU countries:

ATTAC Austria
ATTAC France

Campaign contact details:

Campaign Against the EU Constitution,
c/o UNITE, 55-56 Middle Abbey Street, Dublin 1.
Web: www.sayno.ie
Email: info@sayno.ie
Tel: 01-8727912

2009-09-21T15:43:00.000+01:00

With the Lisbon Treaty vote coming soon to Ireland, I think it's a good time to congratulate the Irish. What better way, than to go up and kiss an Irishman or Irishwoman?

Do it today!

Lisbon Treaty - People Before Profit

2009-09-18T17:49:00.000+01:00

The back of this leaflet gives ten reasons to vote NO, listed below:

1. We voted NO before and not a single word of the Treaty has changed. Make the political establishment RESPECT the will of the people.

2. The Irish are the only people who are allowed to vote. Let's use it on behalf of millions of Europeans denied a vote. EU Commissioner, Charlie McCreevy admitted 95 percent of other countries would vote NO if they had a chance.

3. This referendum is NOT about membership of the EU. If we vote NO, we cannot be thrown out of the EU. So don't be blackmailed.

4. Lisbon gives the EU more powers to control how governments manage their budgets and run their public services (Art 16 and 115). Competition and price stability are the only priorities of the European Central Bank (Art 254a) - not jobs.

5. The Lisbon Treaty copper-fastens the removal of restrictions on the movement of capital between member states and third countries. This allows speculators to move money around at will, wrecking economies and lives in the process.

6. The Lisbon Treaty allows for the privatisation of health and education by giving the EU Commission more power to do deals at the World Trade Organisation. (Art 188c)

7. Lisbon offers no protection for workers rights and offers nothing to millions of unemployed across Europe. In the Laval and Viking cases, the European Court of Justice has undermined the right of trade unionists to take effective action against contractors who import cheap labour to undercut registered agreements.

8. Spend money on welfare on warfare. The Lisbon Treaty demands increases in military spending but the is no such requirement for healthcare or education. (Art 28)

9. Stay out of EU battle groups and EU wars. The Lisbon Treaty demands we supply troops for 'tasks of combat forces in crisis management'. It forces us to come to the aid of other countries who are subject to a terrorist attack. (Art 28)

10. Stop the building of an undemocratic EU super state. Lisbon gives the EU a "legal personality", a president and a foreign minister and changes the voting balance in the EU in favour of larger countries like Germany and France.

The policies enshrined in Lisbon are the very politics that created this crisis. Across Europe governments are robbing people to pay for bank bail-outs. This is our chance to hit back. Use it so that they get the message that NO means NO.

Duffy's Circus Comes to Town

2009-09-09T23:20:00.001+01:00

Out walking this afternoon I noticed that Duffy's Circus had arrived. This is one of the old Irish circuses that I would have gone to as a kid. Yogi and I went for a snoop around...

...we saw ponies and stuff...

...and Yogi imagined what it would be like to be a bear who had escaped from the circus.

Happy Birthday Yogi!

2009-09-04T11:40:00.000+01:00

So the big day has finally arrived, Yogi is two years old, that is 14 doggy years, and he surely is a rowdy teenager. As to can see to celebrate the day he is wearing his festive green bandanna. He got various presents, an old electric toothbrush (if you want to entertain your dog, give him one of these), a bone, a cows ear and an inoculation shot. Also, as a special birthday privilege he is allowed look out the upstairs front window and bark at passers by.

Yogi has had an eventful life, he was born in Clonroche, Co. Wexford, to a patterdale terrier, his father is unknown. His mother had the mange and canker which she passed on to her pups. Yogi was the only one of his litter to survive.

At eight weeks of age he was acquired by a man called Spud. He was on the run from the law at the time and his partner had a new baby so poor Yogi was left on his own in a greyhound trailer for a few weeks. Spud has since gone to prison and is now serving a two year stretch, but I'll always love Spud because he found and rescued Yogi. I think this period in the trailer traumatized Yogi. To this day he hates trailers.

Anyway, my friend Sarah saw Yogi in his sorry state, in a trailer on his own suffering from mange and canker and she took him over and nursed him back to health. She gave him his name. Around this time I first met Yogi. I have seen a few puppies in my time but must say none were as bedraggled or as friendly as Yogi.

So time passed and Sarah taught Yogi the basics, like sit, stay and lie down and she looked after him. But he was very rowdy indeed. So when he was six months old he was neutered. Sarah thought this would quieten him down but it didn't. I realized that a lot of the problem was that he wasn't getting out for many walks. Like me Sarah lives in a house in town with only a very small garden.

I started taking Yogi for walks and minding him when Sarah was away. Eventually on 18th May 2008 Sarah asked me if I wanted to take Yogi. I said I would as long as she never asked for him back. So joy of joys, I got my first ever dog!

I used to spoil him rotten, walking him miles, the best of food. He was still rowdy. In a moment of madness I thought getting another dog would quiet him down. Oh dear, that was a mistake, I got Viola who was a lovely bitch puppy. Thing was instead of one rowdy dog I now had two. My house was getting destroyed and my neighbors complained about their barking (even though Viola was relatively quiet). Viola had to go, but I found her a good home.

Anyway, since then Yogi has calmed down a lot, I read a lot about how to care for and train dogs. I take the responsibility of dog ownership very seriously. Yogi is my best friend and I want him to be happy and healthy.

Happy birthday Yogi.

The Stickiest Situation Since Sticky the Stick Insect Got Stuck on Sticky Bun

2009-08-29T18:27:00.000+01:00

This bitch is called Condoleezza Rice...

...and this is Sean Garland, back in the '60s when he was almost good looking...

...anyway, as one of her last acts as Secretary of State, Ms. Rice signed an extradition warrant against Sean. It seems that Mr. Garland was trying to bring down the US economy by distributing forged $100 bills that come out of North Korea.

Only thing is there is no hard evidence against Sean. Sean is 75 years old and suffers from diabetes and cancer. Sean is ex-president of the Worker's Party of Ireland. He is a true patriot who served several jail sentences for (official) IRA activities when it was neither profitable or popular. He has also been shot and seriously injured twice in the course of his eventful life.

This situation makes my blood boil. It brings out the inner sticky in me. Ms. Rice is a vindictive bitch and only signed the warrant to make life awkward for president Obama in his dealings with both Ireland and North Korea.

There is an on-line petition to the Irish government calling for the withdrawal of the extradition warrant that can be signed here.

Your support would be much appreciated.

(Thanks to Rowan Atkinson and the Black Adder crew for inspiration for the headline).

Ted Kennedy - An email from President Obama

2009-08-27T04:55:00.000+01:00

Rory -- Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy. For nearly five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well-being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts. His ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and reflected in millions of lives -- in seniors who know new dignity; in families that know new opportunity; in children who know education's promise; and in all who can pursue their dream in an America that is more equal and more just, including me. In the United States Senate, I can think of no one who engendered greater respect or affection from members of both sides of the aisle. His seriousness of purpose was perpetually matched by humility, warmth and good cheer. He battled passionately on the Senate floor for the causes that he held dear, and yet still maintained warm friendships across party lines. And that's one reason he became not only one of the greatest senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans ever to serve our democracy. I personally valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I've benefited as President from his encouragement and wisdom. His fight gave us the opportunity we were denied when his brothers John and Robert were taken from us: the blessing of time to say thank you and goodbye. The outpouring of love, gratitude and fond memories to which we've all borne witness is a testament to the way this singular figure in American history touched so many lives. For America, he was a defender of a dream. For his family, he was a guardian. Our hearts and prayers go out to them today -- to his wonderful wife, Vicki, his children Ted Jr., Patrick and Kara, his grandchildren and his extended family. Today, our country mourns. We say goodbye to a friend and a true leader who challenged us all to live out our noblest values. And we give thanks for his memory, which inspires us still. Sincerely, President Barack Obama

Is this the mysterious Amillennialist?

2009-08-22T17:17:00.000+01:00

Is this mysterious Amillennialist? Mr. Hugh Fitzgerald of Chino Hills, Califorinia.

Yes, he who posted such loving, Christian, tolerant comments on my post, Show and Tell #2 Home town. He who threatened to set the FBI on my ass? (Well that WAS funny).

I think so. Hmm, he sure looks mean enough. Then again, he looks old, I expected him to be about 12 years old to be honest.

Futility by Wilfred Owen

2009-08-22T02:49:00.000+01:00

Move him into the sun -
Gently its touch awoke him once,
At home, whispering of fields unsown.
Always it woke him, even in France,
Until this morning and this snow.
If anything might rouse him now
The kind old sun will know.

Think how it wakes the seeds, -
Woke, once, the clays of a cold star.
Are limbs, so dear-achieved, are sides,
Full-nerved -still warm -too hard to stir?
Was it for this the clay grew tall?
- O what made fatuous sunbeams toil
To break earth's sleep at all?

This is my favorite anti-war poem. Wilfred Owen was killed in action on 4 November 1918, a week before the signing of the Armistice. Futile is the word.

Gratuitous Photograph of Yogi

2009-08-20T19:21:00.000+01:00

We'll say it's to celebrate his upcoming second birthday. (I am already planning the festivities, expect a bumper special edition post).

The Clash - Complete Control and Safe European Home

2009-08-17T00:23:00.000+01:00

To end my 1970's music trip, the greatest rock band that ever existed, sorry if it's a bit rough and the language is not so proper, but it is punk rock after all.

Show and Tell #3 - A Wexford Pikeman

2009-08-12T20:09:00.001+01:00

This is the Pikeman in the Bullring in Wexford Town, it commemorates the 1798 rebellion. For the story of this rebellion, listen to the last post!

Luke Kelly - Kelly The Boy From Killane

2009-08-12T03:10:00.000+01:00

Old Graycrow Stuff

2009-08-11T19:33:00.000+01:00

Old Graycrow stuff for the curious.

What is happening to the great Liberal Democracy that was the USA?

2009-08-09T15:40:00.000+01:00

The New Colossus by Emma Lazerus

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless,tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Thanks Moonlitewine for the inspiration!

Show and Tell #2 - Home Town

2009-08-07T19:35:00.000+01:00

These are some pictures of my town, Wexford taken on this sunny August afternoon. Click on any image to enlarge it.

Above is the town from across the harbour. As you can see there are a lot of churches. The two tall ones that kind of book mark the town center are the twin catholic churches, in Rowe Street and Bride Street. They were built in the 1850's in a neo -gothic style. The large dark block in the center is the new Wexford Opera House, completed last year. I live very near this, which is pretty much the middle of the town, which is nice, I can walk everywhere, so I don't own a car.

The other three photos were taken from the balcony of the cafe high up in the Opera House, it gives a nice view of the town and the surrounding countryside.

Above, looking southeast from the opera house, out to sea.

Looking northeast from the opera house, the elegant spire is that of St. Iberius (Church of Ireland). It is the oldest church being used in Wexford and the only one situated on the main street. On the horizon you can see the estuary of the Slaney River which flows to the sea at Wexford.
Looking north from the opera house, my neighborhood. You can see the east gable of Rowe Street church. On the horizon you can see the Blackstairs mountains on the border of County Wexford and County Carlow.

I am not a mad churchgoer to be honest but they are interesting buildings and serve as good landmarks.

So that's our town, I like it.

Dog Days Full Moon 2

2009-08-06T11:48:00.000+01:00

In Irish legend King Sweeney was so enraged by the sound of Saint Ronan's bell that he threw it into a river. Ronan took his revenge on Sweeney by cursing him and driving him mad, Sweeney went to live in a tree like a bird.

Yogi hates bells and today on the dog day full moon the neighborhood church campanologists are putting on a show, driving poor Yogi mad.

That weird moaning sound at the end of the video is Yogi.

To conclude:
1. Yogi is a pagan.
2. He better not touch them bells, because he can't climb trees.
3. Even saints can overreact sometimes.

Dog Days Full Moon

2009-08-06T00:32:00.001+01:00

My dog is acting the gonk for the last 24 hours, I wondered why, then I saw the moon.

The entire blog-o-sphere has been acting the gonk recently too...I think whitey is getting to feel oppressed, some day in the non-existent future that white cop who bravely stood up to that arrogant college professor is going to be feted by the NAAWP (The National Association for the Advancement of White People) much the same way as that woman who sat in the front of the bus is celebrated by the NAACP.

Personally all I can think is that we are DOOMED, DOOMED!!!

Here come the Dog Days!

2009-07-18T20:59:00.000+01:00

Here they come, those sultry, hot, dog days of summer. I write this wearing a wooly sweater and just took yogi out in the drizzle in the back yard to take this picture.

Journalist refer to the dog days as the Silly Season as our poor hard working politicians head off on their long summer holidays and there is little real news. Not much silly about the news in Ireland this morning, apart from another gangster killing the main news was how one property developer has managed to run up debts of €1.2 billion to a group of Irish banks and building societies, and now the poor man can't pay it back. He's not the only one, not by a long shot.

So what? You might ask. Well these same banks and building societies are also close to ruin due to their greedy, reckless lending to greedy, reckless property developers and our hard working Taoiseach (Prime Minister), Brian Cowen has kindly agreed to "write whatever cheques are needed" to keep these financial institutions going. Which was nice, considering it's OUR FUCKING MONEY FATSO!!!

Here's a picture of Cowen that recently and mysteriously ended up hanging in the national gallery...

Yes, he really is that good looking!

Anyway, we have all suffered pay cuts, welfare cuts, tax increases and loss of services and according to a report commissioned by the government there is much worse to come.

Ireland has gone inside a year from being one of the richest happiest countries in the world to being stone broke and miserable. Of course those of us old enough to remember the 1980's have seen it all before and can live with it, but pity the latte sucking, BMW driving children of the 'Celtic Tiger Economy' who have known nothing but good times. There will be much weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth!

Silly season my arse!

I am back

2009-07-16T15:43:00.000+01:00

After months of computer and ISP issues I have returned, like lazerus from the dead. Looking forward to blogging some more.

ISAIAH 10.1-4

2009-03-03T23:41:00.000Z

Woe to those to enact unjust laws and issue oppressive decrees!
Woe to those who rob the poor of their rights and deprive the helpless of justice!
They prey on widows and plunder the orphans.
What will you do on the day of punishment?
Where will you flee for help when disaster suddenly comes?
Where will you save your wealth?
You can do nothing but cringe among the captives and exiles or fall down among he slain.
Yet for all this Yahweh's anger does not subside his hand is poised to strike.

Víve el Muerto! (a paradox)

2009-03-03T21:24:00.000Z

Here's a picture I just drew:

This is my new friend, Death. I was commenting on another blog ( Pourquoi Pas? ), when I realised we are all going to die, and I think sooner rather than later. So we should all get to like death.

How come only Mexicans seem to like him now?

Except these guys!

I saw them live in the early eighties, blew me away!!!

Anyway, it's not like I want to die yet, but surely it's good to get to like death, since he is on his way.

Tee-Shirt Competition

2009-03-02T17:06:00.000Z

To celebrate the arrival of our band's first batch of tee-shirts, I am running a competition! The first person to give the name of our bass guitar player in the comments section wins a tee-shirt. (The answer is in the blog).

Anyway, the back of the tee-shirt has the name of the band on it and a picture of a horse.

On the front it says Fire Horse in chinese. The band is called Fire Horses because two of us are Fire Horses (it's a terrible sign in Chinese Astrology).

Anyway, good luck!

Carnival

2009-02-25T03:41:00.000Z

Shrove Tuesday, A.K.A Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), A.K.A Carnival, in exotic places men dress up as women and everyone has a big street party. In Ireland we eat pancakes, some carnival.

Anyway, I decided this year to celebrate Fat Tuesday properly, so I dressed my dog up in his festive green bandana, slicked back my hair with some Dax Short and Neat and we hit the streets.

At this point aliens seem to have hijacked my brain. Next thing I know is I wake up in bed, it's 1:30A.M on Ash Wednesday, I've got a tube of Winsor & Newton Ultramarine Blue oil paint in my pocket and fifteen missed calls on my phone.

Anyway, Ash Wednesday sucks. All the old people go around looking pious with big black crosses on their foreheads like so many elderly, long haired skinheads. They look at you as if your the anti-christ if you so much as smoke a cigarette.

What's with the oil paint? I gave up painting a year ago and gave all my paints and brushes away.

I do like ultramarine blue though...hmm...think I'll get stoned again today, lent or no lent, fuck the begrudgers.

My Long Emergency Starts Today

2009-02-23T04:35:00.000Z

Re-reading James Howard Kunstler's book The Long Emergency in the light of the current economic meltdown has inspried me to blog on current events. I have been trying to inform people of the dangers of the Global Oil Production Peak for about a year now. When I talk to friends and colleges about it I usually get blank stares.

For those unfamiliar with Kunstler's work, you can check his Weblog at the link below:
http://www.kunstler.com/blog/

I am really let down my how my government in Ireland is dealing with the economic problem. Limited cuts public spending and then splashing out much more taxpayers money than will be saved by the cuts bailing out a few banks(re-capitalising), and nationalizing a complete basket case of a financial institution called Anglo-Irish Bank.

Then there is a lot of waffle about creating a smart, green economy.

There is no effort being made to prepare us for life after the inevitable collapse of our economy. They have actually made cutbacks in public transport to save a few lousy million euro, while throwing billions at the banks.

The Irish economic situation pretty much mirrors the US economy, no credit, banks becoming insolvent, industry hemorrhaging jobs at an alarming rate. Everyone is blaming someone else and scapegoats are being vilified in the media. Nothing imaginative or creative is being tried and the country is borrowing at a rate that is not sustainable for even a few years.

Yogi, The Winter Look

2009-01-27T19:46:00.000Z

Here Yogi in his winter coat.

Least we forget...

2009-01-27T12:46:00.000Z

Youtube kindly recommended this to me...good old Dubya

Gaza

2009-01-04T14:00:00.000Z

I just had a long and interesting conversion on the telephone with a gentleman from The Consul at the Embassy of Israel in Dublin.
Please engage in dialogue anyway you can, it is important to try to bring peace to the world.

Is this the second worst blog in the world?

2009-01-03T15:00:00.001Z

This rotten pink blog Woman Honour Thyself really is horrible. So if you are sensitive, suffer from nervous disorders, a bad heart or epilepsy don't go there! Really, DO NOT GO THERE. You have been warned.

Here's the bitch that runs it:

Of course SNAKEHUNTERS is by far the worst blog I've seen so far!

Show and Tell #1 - Work

2009-01-03T11:17:00.000Z

Anyway, I work from home mostly but sometimes in clubs, bars and quite often where I like it best, on the street.

Here is a photo of me and my dog and the tools of my trade, my guitars and some other sound equipment. Click on image to enlarge.

On the day in question I was working with my business partner Alan, we were writing a song, here is Alan laying down a bass line.

Alan and I have a band, or at least a selection of drummers we work with, Alan plays bass guitar, I play guitar and sing. At the moment, for copyright and other legal reasons, everything about our band, even the name is a secret.

Below is my workhorse guitar, Betsy. She's made in China, a nice strong Ibanez PF with a mahogany neck and body and a built in tuner. I use her for writing, practice and solo performances. She also doubles as a weapon, especially when I am busking at night. Hence the written warning.

I also have a nice mexican sunburst Fender Telecaster electric guitar, and a sunburst Legacy Precision Bass. We work from my house, except for band rehearsals with drums and big amplifiers which go on in large shed in the County Wexford Countryside.

Brixton for Dummies

2008-12-30T18:16:00.001Z

One for the Boys

2008-12-29T06:27:00.000Z

Print this out and study, it's important that you can maintain your gun!

Guns of Brixton

2008-12-26T07:51:00.000Z

LETS START THIS NEW BLOG WITH A SONG!!!