Communication differentiates us from all the other species on the planet. Yes, others can exchange information, and chat, but the development of our ability to use language was central to our development. From the early beginnings of civilisation, humans began working together, in teams, to go from making stone tools to the present day when... Continue Reading →
I am an individual. So are you. We are all individuals. Or so we think. So, I will take a moment to challenge myself on my individuality, my creativity, my freedom to make my own choices, the reason I make my own decisions. And very quickly I realise that the concept of being an individual... Continue Reading →
I got interested in Napoleon when I was around 28, which is now 37 years ago. I was intrigued by looking at what I had achieved by that age (not much) and how a man who wasn't even French had managed to be on the road to ruling Europe. It was the start of an... Continue Reading →
The furore around Stephen Nolan continues. The Irish News has published a story, following a long investigation, and legal appraisal, which has a number of elements that put the man and the BBC under a microscope. Briefly the story involves the sending of pornographic photographs, staff needing counselling, the promotion of divisive stories, called "ra... Continue Reading →
The furore around Stephen Nolan continues. The Irish News has published a story, following a long investigation, and legal appraisal, which has a number of elements that put the man and the BBC under a microscope. Briefly the story involves the sending of pornographic photographs, staff needing counselling, the promotion of divisive stories, called "ra... Continue Reading →
There was a time, no, seriously, there was, when the future looked bright. The economy seemed to be more settled, interest rates would remain low, more people getting better jobs would fund the NHS and public services through acceptable tax rates. The world was calm, with a few hot spots, but the Cold War was... Continue Reading →
In 1922, following Partition, there were real differences in the two parts of Ireland. Ireland had a huge majority that were Roman Catholic, Northern Ireland was predominantly Protestant. Each jurisdiction followed the paths set by their denomination. The North was a Protestant state for Protestant people, the south was a Catholic State for Catholic people.... Continue Reading →
Almost every element of politics in Northern Ireland is infected with a historical virus. Partition. Unionism and Nationalism remain the driving forces in the decision-making of the majority of the people when elections are being decided. It is the accepted status quo, that people will have an opinion, be on a side, take a position,... Continue Reading →
The publication of the Sunday Times Rich list is always a prompt to think about the inequality of life in the 21st century. The top ten families have over £200 billion to spend, fight about dramatise in the battles of inheritance, the dreadful stress that managing the avoidance of tax creates, and the determination to... Continue Reading →
The nature of Northern Ireland is that we have two communities, one looking to the future with growing optimism, the other with only pessimism. There is no argument that Nationalism is on the rise. The evidence is overwhelming, as seen in elections and polls, the past is being left behind and the association of Sinn... Continue Reading →
Thinking about Things... 