Yesterday an American visitor going under the pseudonym Eireann posted a comment on another thread asking a few questions about Ireland. Specifically, he/she was having trouble with the concept of why Ireland was divided and why we couldn't all just unit… more »

I've already discussed the rip-off charges imposed on Northern Irish customers trying to order PC components over the internet, but today seems an opportune momoent to highlight an even more reprehensible Northern Ireland consumer extortion - Phoenix Gas… more »

An admittedly rather simplistic (and/or misleading, depending on your viewpoint) University of Ulster study that denounced Northern Ireland as the "bigotry capital of the world" (reported at Slugger on Friday) and reminded me of some of the other rather… more »

Could a healthy dose of violence be good for Belfast? It's obvious really. Too much time and energy in this country is wasted on politics, on sectarianism and on mindless thuggery and petty crime. The solution? I think Belfast needs a healthy dose… more »

When even the shared symbol of the Red Hand upsets at least one bigot, is it any wonder we get divided over terminology? There seems to be some disagreement over what exactly constitutes Ulster and when it is and isn't appropriate to use the term. Ind… more »

It's been a busy day for the DUP. They started the morning by lambasting Sinn Fein for boycotting a debate on law and order (a touch ironic given the desire Sinn Fein can't wait to get their mits on devolved Policing & Justice powers) and finished it… more »

There is a 2007 update to this post containing more recent information. Over the years, I've bought numerous items from online mail order computer/electronics stores, and almost every time have been surprised by the high surcharge on deliveries to Nor… more »

It seems a fitting title in light of the recent hunger striker memorials; tonight I watched a documentary presented by overweight comedian Ricky Grover on BBC Three (part of their Body Image Season) entitled F*** off, I'm fat. Subtle, eh? The documentary… more »

I've been saying from I began blogging just over a year ago that I'd like to see the Conservatives perform better in Northern Ireland elections, so you'd naturally expect that I'd be happy at the prospect of UUP members defecting to the Tories. Well you… more »

Absolutely digusted to read today that lecturers have rejected a 12.6% payrise over 2 years and will continue an "assessment boycott" effectively meaning that some of my 3rd year exams scheduled for next week may be cancelled and my degree classified wit… more »