So folks the first U.K capital of culture has been choosen............"And the winner is............DERRY/LONDONDERRY!!" What a great and momentous achievement for those involved and especially for the city. Indeed the city has done a fantastic job to beat the likes of Birmingham, Sheffield and Norwich to claim this title, but is there a great hypocrisy involved in all this or will it be the fabled 'silver bullet' which will drag Derry/Londonderry out of the shit?
The latest Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) figures show a total of 4,980 people, or 7.2% of the working age population dont have a job. The Derry City Council area is on the the most deprived in the U.K. Combine this with the current econmical crisis and recent disgusting rioting and it doesnt create a pretty pictute, does it?
But people wait!!!! The saving grace of Derry/Londonderry has arrived!!! Th U.K city of culture 2013 has been awarded to Derry/Londonderry!! All the problems will vanish in clouds of happiness and rays of golden sunshine. People will have to forgive me if i am not riding the wave of the recent victory, but i am just not convinced this is going to solve all of Derry/Londonderry's problems. You will also have to forgive me if i say the whole episode stinks of hypocrisy.
Having grown up in Derry/Londonderry i am well aware of the historical significance of certain words and phrases and to which 'nation' certain people claim to belong to. Many people i went to school with were of the opinion that the 'occupied six counties' (Northern Ireland) belonged to Ireland. Other People i knew would say that 'Norn Iron' was part of Great Britain. Norn Iron is indeed part of Great Britain. Money which pays for schools, roads, hospitials and so forth comes from the Queen's coffers. In the eyes of the international community Norn Iron is part of Great Britain
Picture the scenario: A young Catholic man and a young Protestant man. I ask both of them 'Is Derry/Londonderry in Ireland and are you Irish?' Young Catholic man would probably answer 'Yes it is and yes i am'. Young Protestant man would answer 'No it is not and no i am not' Historically Catholics have seen themselves as Irish. They would sing the "Amhrán na bhFiann" and support the Rep of Ireland in football. Protestants are more likley to follow Northern Ireland and sing 'God save the Queen' when asked to recite their national anthem. So i can say that many people in Derry/Londonderry would see themselves as Irish, who wouldn't dare sing 'God save the Queen' and probably carry an Irish passport. There is nothing wrong with saying you are 'British' or being part of the U.K. We need more tolerance and respect for each other in Northern Ireland.
When Derry/Londerry was announced as the winner of U.K capital city of culture 2013, well didn't everyone forget where they were from and which anthem they sung!! Hypocrites. Certain people involved in the bid don't swear an oath of alleigence to the Queen of England in the British parliment. Why is that? Its ok to take the money with the Queens head on it but its not ok to say you are British. Hypocrites. Other people involved in the bid have blogs which talk the fancy talk about a 'United Ireland'. Hypocrites. Now everyone is dancing in Gulidhall square because Derry/Londonderry is UK capital of culture 2013. A month before the same people were in Gulidhall square to hear the findings of the Bloody Sunday report. I bet they were not British on that day.
People reading this will have to understand i am not trying to 'slag anyone off' or put a downer on the marvellous victory for the city, i am just calling it how i see it.
People seem to think this will solve all of Derry/Londonderrys problems, but it wont. It will only create more i reckon. There is NO government funding for this. Having grown up in Derry/Londonderry i know that Derry City Council would struggle to host a orgy in a whorehouse. The members of local government are always fighting among themselves. Its funny when you hear people say things like 'Derry/Londonderry could hold the Brits'. (Brits being the Brit Music Awards) Didn't certain elements spend most of their adult lives trying to get the Brits out of Derry? Oh the irony!! Numbers and statements being banded about: 'It will create 3000 new jobs in the city'. 'We will build a big arena'. Jobs doing what? Building the big arena? Derry needs 3000 sustainable jobs, not just jobs to build a big arena to host the Brit Awards. Remeber the Kevin Costner Film 'Field of Dreams'. Remember the line 'If you build it they will come'. Yeah right. It will boost tourism and hotel bookings but sadly i reckon that will be all. What then in 2014? I suppose at this current time, any boost is a good boost.
Funny when you see pages on Facebook with the titles: 'Derry being city of culture 2013' or 'Derry City of culture 2013'. Apart from the blatant grammatical errors in both, is there not two letters missing from each title....U.K? Even funnier when you see people on these pages arguing what the name of the city is: 'Derry'...'No! Londonderry'. The fighting has begun already.You need to bear in mind these two groups have a combined following of 1806 people, hardly representative of the city as a whole. The video for the bid was called 'Voices' and can be seen on Youtube. A excellent video with a few errors. The begining of the video shows a girl in Grianan Aileach. This is in the Rep of Ireland not in the U.K. Also were are the references to Irish dancing and G.A.A?? They are an important part of the culture of Derry/Londonderry, but not British enough to appear in the video made to appease the judges. Hypocrites.
I am very proud the city has won such an event, as it is a major coup. A little part of me feels it may have been a poision chalice due to the current economic crisis and the fact there will be no British Government funding. Derry/Londonderry will need to attract investment and sponsorship, but this will be difficult due to television pictures of recent rioting and the current ecomonic climate. I wish them the best of luck. It is fantastic for the city, but i am not buying into the the whole mass hysteria. I might sound like a 'nay-sayer', but im just giving my opinion.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
The two certain things in life, Taxes and Death.
People often say 'There are only two things certain in life, Taxes and Death'. I suppose this is true. We can try our best to escape the Tax Man's money absorbing claws, some do for many years, but when Death comes you cant escape or hide. I suppose the only thing that you require to die is to be born. Even in death you need a bit of luck. People reading this are thinking 'What the hell is he saying...he is mad!!'. Yes, it has been said i am slightly 'touched by the crazy stick' but to die a peaceful and pain free death requires some sort of luck. Maybe a pain free and peaceful death is a blessing bestowed on those deemed worthy by the Big Man upstairs. Many people have died long, drawn out,painful, nasty deaths but that doesnt mean they were loved any less by God.
Many of us have experienced the loss of a loved one. It is a terrible feeling which leaves a hole in your very substance. Time helps patch over this hole, but it never covers it fully. To cover the hole of loss fully, is like forgetting the person you lost. Most people see the grief of loss as a heart wrenching, soul crushing pain. This is without a doubt true, but it also means that you have felt one of the most beautiful human emotions, the emotion of love. People take love for granted. Sadly, there are people who are devoid of love or who may have never known what it is like to be loved by another. Love is something which makes us more similar and closer to God.
When a loved one leaves us, we all grieve in different ways. You feel broken inside and question why it had to happen. The loss of a loved one makes you appreciate those that are still alive. As you grow older you see death in a different light, it is still a bastard but something that has to happen to everyone.
Sadly and recently,on the 17th of July 2010, my Granny left this world and travelled to be with my Granda in the Eternal Kingdom of God. My Granny was an amazing woman who lived 80 years on this Earth. She was as tough as old nails, a real fighter. After two new hips, a new knee and about 69 years of smoking, she was still plodding along in her frame. You will struggle to find a woman who was looked after so well by her children, anywhere on this planet. She gave birth to my Father and my Aunties and Uncles, who in turn, gave birth to some fantastic and talented cousins!! One cousin is a Premier League Footballer who plays for Man Utd and Rep of Ireland, another is a constant fixture in the Irish ladies Hockey squad. All my cousins are amazing, even if they they are not super talented. None of the grandchildren or great grandchildren would be here if it wasnt for the love between my Granny and Granda. My Granny was loved by all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and this love will remain constant like the North Star. Through this love, her life and spirit will remain in all her family.
I never got back to Ireland for her funeral. I recently moved to Spain to take up work as an English Teacher. There were no flights until the day of the funeral, or the cost of maybe getting back just in time for the funeral would have bankrupted me. Sadly another cousin couldnt get back in time from Australia. I would killed to get back and say my goodbye to my Granny, but it was not meant to be. I suppose i missed out the final goodbye but my last memory of my granny is a very happy one. Just before I left for Spain I called in on her. She was sitting in her chair and when I said 'Hello Granny' she turned, gave this half startled half surprised look. When she realised it was me she smiled and said 'Awk hello son'. A smile which was full of love, a smile i will remember forever.
In loving memory of Myra Gibson - Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Many of us have experienced the loss of a loved one. It is a terrible feeling which leaves a hole in your very substance. Time helps patch over this hole, but it never covers it fully. To cover the hole of loss fully, is like forgetting the person you lost. Most people see the grief of loss as a heart wrenching, soul crushing pain. This is without a doubt true, but it also means that you have felt one of the most beautiful human emotions, the emotion of love. People take love for granted. Sadly, there are people who are devoid of love or who may have never known what it is like to be loved by another. Love is something which makes us more similar and closer to God.
When a loved one leaves us, we all grieve in different ways. You feel broken inside and question why it had to happen. The loss of a loved one makes you appreciate those that are still alive. As you grow older you see death in a different light, it is still a bastard but something that has to happen to everyone.
Sadly and recently,on the 17th of July 2010, my Granny left this world and travelled to be with my Granda in the Eternal Kingdom of God. My Granny was an amazing woman who lived 80 years on this Earth. She was as tough as old nails, a real fighter. After two new hips, a new knee and about 69 years of smoking, she was still plodding along in her frame. You will struggle to find a woman who was looked after so well by her children, anywhere on this planet. She gave birth to my Father and my Aunties and Uncles, who in turn, gave birth to some fantastic and talented cousins!! One cousin is a Premier League Footballer who plays for Man Utd and Rep of Ireland, another is a constant fixture in the Irish ladies Hockey squad. All my cousins are amazing, even if they they are not super talented. None of the grandchildren or great grandchildren would be here if it wasnt for the love between my Granny and Granda. My Granny was loved by all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and this love will remain constant like the North Star. Through this love, her life and spirit will remain in all her family.
I never got back to Ireland for her funeral. I recently moved to Spain to take up work as an English Teacher. There were no flights until the day of the funeral, or the cost of maybe getting back just in time for the funeral would have bankrupted me. Sadly another cousin couldnt get back in time from Australia. I would killed to get back and say my goodbye to my Granny, but it was not meant to be. I suppose i missed out the final goodbye but my last memory of my granny is a very happy one. Just before I left for Spain I called in on her. She was sitting in her chair and when I said 'Hello Granny' she turned, gave this half startled half surprised look. When she realised it was me she smiled and said 'Awk hello son'. A smile which was full of love, a smile i will remember forever.
In loving memory of Myra Gibson - Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Irish and embarrased.
I am a proud Irishman. Ireland is an amazing place with amazing people. The hospitality you will find in Ireland is like no place on Earth. The Emerald Isle is a country steeped in tradition and rich in culture. Ok, enough of the sales pitch more on what has embarrased me.
Some people will understand what i am about to talk about, some will agree with me and others will think i am talking shite. Orange Parades.
These things anger me to the point of my skin turning green and my clothes ripping from my body. Every year around this time they try to impose their bigoted pea-brained attitudes on people with their pathetic 'marches' through Catholic areas.
It all goes back to King William of Orange and his victory over the Catholic King James at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. So every year the Orange Order feel the need remember this battle while ramming it down Catholic throats. This link to a blog by Richard Wallace describes the Orange Order perfectly
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=124489600&blogId=476414821
Now to what embarrases me so much. These parades have caused extensive trouble in the North of Ireland for many many years. Last night in Belfast trouble erupted and it was quite ugly. I understand the people are angry and have every right to be. What i dont understand is why do some rioters wear Celtic F.C jerseys and wave Irish flags? For fuck sake lads, the world is watching this and thinking that all rioters are Celtic supporting Irishmen. You are not rioting on behalf of Celtic Football Club or on behalf of the Irish Nation. You are embarrasing every Irishman and Irishwoman around the world. It is time to move away from this ugliness and show the world that you are better than the idiots who march through Catholic areas. These fools live in the past (1690 to be exact).
Is it acceptable for the K.K.K to march Harlem? Would Nazis march through Jerusalem. I dont think so.
Some people will understand what i am about to talk about, some will agree with me and others will think i am talking shite. Orange Parades.
These things anger me to the point of my skin turning green and my clothes ripping from my body. Every year around this time they try to impose their bigoted pea-brained attitudes on people with their pathetic 'marches' through Catholic areas.
It all goes back to King William of Orange and his victory over the Catholic King James at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. So every year the Orange Order feel the need remember this battle while ramming it down Catholic throats. This link to a blog by Richard Wallace describes the Orange Order perfectly
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=124489600&blogId=476414821
Now to what embarrases me so much. These parades have caused extensive trouble in the North of Ireland for many many years. Last night in Belfast trouble erupted and it was quite ugly. I understand the people are angry and have every right to be. What i dont understand is why do some rioters wear Celtic F.C jerseys and wave Irish flags? For fuck sake lads, the world is watching this and thinking that all rioters are Celtic supporting Irishmen. You are not rioting on behalf of Celtic Football Club or on behalf of the Irish Nation. You are embarrasing every Irishman and Irishwoman around the world. It is time to move away from this ugliness and show the world that you are better than the idiots who march through Catholic areas. These fools live in the past (1690 to be exact).
Is it acceptable for the K.K.K to march Harlem? Would Nazis march through Jerusalem. I dont think so.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Dirk Kuyt and his sour grapes
After Hollands defeat at the hands of Spain in the World Cup Finals, Dirk Kuyt, Hollands balaclava model, has laid the blame on English referee Howard Webb.
Does anyone else agree when i say that he is a sore loser and should keep his ugly trap shut?? Howard Webb may not have had the best game but he was extremely generous to the Dutch team. Holland were indeed very lucky to have 11 players on the pitch at half time. It seemed to me that the Dutch footballers thought they were participating in the U.F.C. Van Bommell nearly ended various players careers during this World Cup. Getting stuck in is admirable in a player, but wounding with intent is breaking the law.
I think Howard Webb is a good referee and in years to come he will be the new Colina. Imagine the pressure on him to deliver a good World Cup Final. It is difficult when one team wants to play football and the other team wants to play Karate.
Kuyt stated 'The referee favoured Spain. We had many more yellow cards than we deserved'. I actually laughed out loud (you know, LOL) when i read this. Has anyone seen the Goonies...remeber the villan turned lovable hero, Sloth. Well, i reckon Kuyt was correct. Holland had too many yellow and not enough RED cards. Did you see Robben chase the referee, screaming and waving his hands like a man possessed. Made me LOL.
Spain were the better team, with or without the apparent help of the referee. Being gracious in defeat is an admirable quality. It is a pity that people who young children look up to can not learn that.Did you see the Dutch coach remove his 'losers' medal almost straight away. Disgraceful.
No matter all that has been whinged about by Kuyt and company, Spain are the champions of the world and that cant change for at least another 4 years. Congratulations to Spain they deserved their win....but, if Spain lost what do you think the headlines would have been in the Spainish media? What would the Spanish players and manager said? 'Dutch players try to kill Spainsh players' or 'Howard Webb is a Satanic Torture Specialist who loves the Dutch. Who knows. But one thing is certain; Spain are World Champions. Well done Spain.
Does anyone else agree when i say that he is a sore loser and should keep his ugly trap shut?? Howard Webb may not have had the best game but he was extremely generous to the Dutch team. Holland were indeed very lucky to have 11 players on the pitch at half time. It seemed to me that the Dutch footballers thought they were participating in the U.F.C. Van Bommell nearly ended various players careers during this World Cup. Getting stuck in is admirable in a player, but wounding with intent is breaking the law.
I think Howard Webb is a good referee and in years to come he will be the new Colina. Imagine the pressure on him to deliver a good World Cup Final. It is difficult when one team wants to play football and the other team wants to play Karate.
Kuyt stated 'The referee favoured Spain. We had many more yellow cards than we deserved'. I actually laughed out loud (you know, LOL) when i read this. Has anyone seen the Goonies...remeber the villan turned lovable hero, Sloth. Well, i reckon Kuyt was correct. Holland had too many yellow and not enough RED cards. Did you see Robben chase the referee, screaming and waving his hands like a man possessed. Made me LOL.
Spain were the better team, with or without the apparent help of the referee. Being gracious in defeat is an admirable quality. It is a pity that people who young children look up to can not learn that.Did you see the Dutch coach remove his 'losers' medal almost straight away. Disgraceful.
No matter all that has been whinged about by Kuyt and company, Spain are the champions of the world and that cant change for at least another 4 years. Congratulations to Spain they deserved their win....but, if Spain lost what do you think the headlines would have been in the Spainish media? What would the Spanish players and manager said? 'Dutch players try to kill Spainsh players' or 'Howard Webb is a Satanic Torture Specialist who loves the Dutch. Who knows. But one thing is certain; Spain are World Champions. Well done Spain.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
The Greatest Show on Earth
Well folks it is finally here.....The world cup final!! It has been an interesting World Cup indeed.
Firstly the choice of place. Personally i think it can only benefit Africa and i suppose it was about time Africa got to hold the greatest show on earth. Before the World Cup Finals we were introduced, by the media, to the lawlessness which infects South Africa. Gangs of rapists, murders, robbers and hijackers are the apparent order of the day.
Many people i talked to said 'No fucking way would i go there...you will get raped or robbed'. Truth was they really couldnt afford the astronomical prices for travel and hotel. There hasnt been a single report in the media of anyone getting raped or robbed , except a few football teams getting their hotel rooms burgled. Lets face it, they earn enough so they can afford it.
Something else not reported in the media was the contrast between the extravagance inside the stadia and the dirt poorness in certain parts outside. We live in a strange world.
On the football side of things, oh how the mighties have fallen!!! By certain standards of certain nations, their respective world cup journeys have been a disaster. Italy, a giant of european football, dumped out in the group stages like a greasy turd after a large meal. The disgrace and contempt for the very game of football France showed, only reinforced my opinion that they had no right to be there. Cheated to get there and then act like a gaggle of geese when things are not the way they like. Even if your manager is a dickhead you still have a responsabilty to show him respect. Lets not forget the smash back down to planet Earth for Team England. Breezed through qualification only to shite their pants in Africa. Too much money and not enough balls is one conclusion.
Good displays from Uruguay and Germany, two teams to watch in the future, have helped it to be a good World Cup. The football was at times sexy and at other times rougher than sandpaper. Tonight the final.......Will it be Red or Orange. I hope it is Red. I reckon Spain will do it.
VENGA LA ROJA!!!!
Gibbo.
Firstly the choice of place. Personally i think it can only benefit Africa and i suppose it was about time Africa got to hold the greatest show on earth. Before the World Cup Finals we were introduced, by the media, to the lawlessness which infects South Africa. Gangs of rapists, murders, robbers and hijackers are the apparent order of the day.
Many people i talked to said 'No fucking way would i go there...you will get raped or robbed'. Truth was they really couldnt afford the astronomical prices for travel and hotel. There hasnt been a single report in the media of anyone getting raped or robbed , except a few football teams getting their hotel rooms burgled. Lets face it, they earn enough so they can afford it.
Something else not reported in the media was the contrast between the extravagance inside the stadia and the dirt poorness in certain parts outside. We live in a strange world.
On the football side of things, oh how the mighties have fallen!!! By certain standards of certain nations, their respective world cup journeys have been a disaster. Italy, a giant of european football, dumped out in the group stages like a greasy turd after a large meal. The disgrace and contempt for the very game of football France showed, only reinforced my opinion that they had no right to be there. Cheated to get there and then act like a gaggle of geese when things are not the way they like. Even if your manager is a dickhead you still have a responsabilty to show him respect. Lets not forget the smash back down to planet Earth for Team England. Breezed through qualification only to shite their pants in Africa. Too much money and not enough balls is one conclusion.
Good displays from Uruguay and Germany, two teams to watch in the future, have helped it to be a good World Cup. The football was at times sexy and at other times rougher than sandpaper. Tonight the final.......Will it be Red or Orange. I hope it is Red. I reckon Spain will do it.
VENGA LA ROJA!!!!
Gibbo.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
What to chat about??
I would like to take a moment to welcome the masses and the great unwashed to my blog. I feel there is too much censorship today. You cant say certain things about certain pepole or you will be branded a certain type of person....im sure you understand.
There are infinite numbers of issues that appear in the media. Some are very serious, others funny and some just ridiculous. I want to creat a blog in which everyone can talk about and give their opinion on what ever they see fit.
I dont want this to be one of those pathetic fat free recipie blogs, more a meeting place for people who have an intelligent opinion with a different view of the world.
So now lets get started.......... To those who choose to begin 'A steady diet of stuff' please feel free to get the ball rolling so we can chew the fat. Leave you inhibitions at the door and let it all out. ( I am talking about words, nothinhg else). People, take the chance and decide what we should talk about. Leave you ideas as replies to this opening post and we can get cracking.
Thank you to all who follow my nonsense ramblings.
Gibbo
There are infinite numbers of issues that appear in the media. Some are very serious, others funny and some just ridiculous. I want to creat a blog in which everyone can talk about and give their opinion on what ever they see fit.
I dont want this to be one of those pathetic fat free recipie blogs, more a meeting place for people who have an intelligent opinion with a different view of the world.
So now lets get started.......... To those who choose to begin 'A steady diet of stuff' please feel free to get the ball rolling so we can chew the fat. Leave you inhibitions at the door and let it all out. ( I am talking about words, nothinhg else). People, take the chance and decide what we should talk about. Leave you ideas as replies to this opening post and we can get cracking.
Thank you to all who follow my nonsense ramblings.
Gibbo
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