Yearly Archives: 2014

Snowdenn

“The shrill brigade of his critics say Mr. Edward Snowden [above] has done profound damage to intelligence operations of the United States, but none has presented the slightest proof that his disclosures really hurt the nation’s security. Many of the mass-collection programs Mr. Snowden exposed would work just as well if they were reduced in scope and brought under strict outside oversight, as the presidential panel recommended.”

“When someone reveals that government officials have routinely and deliberately broken the law, that person should not face life in prison at the hands of the same government. That’s why Rick Ledgett, who leads the N.S.A.’s task force on the Snowden leaks, recently told CBS News that he would consider amnesty if Mr. Snowden would stop any additional leaks. And it’s why President Obama should tell his aides to begin finding a way to end Mr. Snowden’s vilification and give him an incentive to return home.”

Yesterday’s New York Times editorial comes out in defence of Edward Snowden.

Edward Snowden, Whistle-Blower (New York Times)

Pic: Wired

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(White O’Morn – the Irish thatched cottage in Tiernakill, Maam, Co. Galway and centrepiece of John Ford’s The Quiet Man (1952) as it was in the movie, top, and how it is today, above)

Patrick McCormick, from Belfast but living in Toronto, Canada, writes:

“This cottage, located at Tiernakill, Maam, County Galway, will forever be associated with John Ford’s classic 1952 movie ‘The Quiet Man’ starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara.  Sadly, Sean Thornton and Mary Kate’s “wee humble cottage” currently lies in ruin.” 

“But did you know that ‘The Quiet Man’ cottage was – in reality – an actual historic family home dating back to the pre-1820s? The Joyce family were still living in the cottage at the time the movie was being made.”

“Historic records show the cottage existing on the same site as far back as 1820.  Ongoing research is sure to confirm that it existed well before even that early date.”

“In a bid to prevent further deterioration of this internationally recognised (and cherished) Irish cottage, we are respectfully requesting that Galway County Council add this historic location to the Council’s ‘Register of Protected Structures’ (RPS).”

…

“Many thousands of people from all around the world are already crying out to see this cottage restored to it’s former beauty (and are willing to help in any way they can).”

“Please, please, make your voice heard by signing this petition and supporting what would be a major step towards achieving the restoration of ‘White O’Morn’ cottage.”

Sign the petition here

Pic: Irish Echo and White O’Morn Foundation USA

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Soup Norman writes:

I’m currently looking for a new place to live and came across this lovely bachelor pad [Synge Street, Dublin] on Daft.ie. €760-a-month for a kitchen-bedroom combo with en suite toilet. I’m tempted, obviously, but the lack of an adequate crying chair is a bit of a deal-breaker.

35 Synge Street, Dublin (Daft)

Meanwhile:

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Darragh Ryan writes:

“Further to your post today – Bathroom/kitchen combo – I spotted this €750-a-month beauty. It brings a new meaning to the idea of breakfast in bed. Comes with a quality red crying chair too.”

Seville place, North Wall, Dublin 1 (Daft)

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(From top: Limerick City of Culture’s artistic director Karl Wallace, commissioning and legacy programmer Maeve McGrath and international programmer Jo Mangan. All resigned yesterday, on the first day of the year-long event.)

The Irish Independent reports:

“Speaking exclusively to the Irish Independent, [Wallace] has complained of staffing requests being rejected, of his team being “sidelined” in decision-making and of being left out of the preparations for the New Year’s Eve event which kicked off the festival.”

“He also claimed that there has been a breakdown in communication between his team and City of Culture chief executive Patricia Ryan.””Her appointment was criticised by former Mayor of Limerick John Gilligan when he raised questions about the contract not being advertised and no interviews being held.”

“Ms Ryan previously worked for Limerick City of Culture board chairman Pat Cox when he was a member of the European Parliament.“

So, who else is on the board of the Limerick City of Culture?

Pat Cox, Former MEP and Chairman of the Board
Paul O’Connell, Munster Rugby, Ireland and British and Irish Lions Captain
Bill Whelan, Composer, Producer and Arranger
Orlaith McBride, Director of the Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaion
Conn Murray, Manager / CEO Limerick City and County Council
Tim O’Connor, Chairman of the Advisory Board to the Gathering Ireland 2013 and former Secretary General to the President of Ireland
Brian McEnery, Partner on the Corporate Finance & Recovery Team of BDO Ireland
Dave O’Hora, Account Director with Southern Marketing Media and Design
Niall O’Donnchu, Assistant Secretary with the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
Neil Pakey, CEO at Shannon Airport Authority

Rightio.

Chaos for ‘City of Culture’ festival as three quit (Irish Independent)

Limerick city of culture

Pics: Limerick City of Culture, mic.ul.ie

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Along the promenade at Clontarf, Dublin  yesterday.

Meanwhile, this morning the Irish Times reports:

“Dublin city authorities are awaiting high tide anxiously, though buoyed by yesterday’s lower than expected sea surge which failed to cause any major flooding.”
“We dodged a bullet,” said council spokeswoman Angela Walsh, who said there was no flooding in any of the high-risk areas – on the north city coast at Clontarf and the corresponding southside coastal stretch at Sandymount.”

Flood warnings remain in place with heavy rains expected today (Irish Times)

Pics: Remi